Read the full article on Motorious Let's talk about why this modern collectible will always turn my head. As car people, we all have our own preferences and biases about which cars we like, some more general than others, and then we have the cars we're not even sure why we like. When I was a younger adult, I never saw myself driving anything that didn't have 2-doors, unless it was a truck-platform SUV (out of necessity), and now I've taken to driving a 4-door modern muscle car that most people think is a cop car upon approach. So maybe secretly wanting a Mercury Marauder isn't that much of a stretch. It falls in a category of four cars I love, but wouldn't own: GNX, 442, 90's Impala, and the Marauder. Watch Motor Weeks throwback review of the Marauder here. Image Via Speed Digital LLC My grandmother owned a Grand Marquis, a car I technically learned to drive on, so maybe this is where the appreciation comes from. The first time I took that sailboat out for a ride, I almost put it in a ditch in Pensacola, which would not have a good look on my mom for letting a 14-year-old drive her to the beach from my grandma's house. That being said, the Marauder is not your grandmother's Mercury. The Marauder is the coke-addicted version of your grandma's Grand Marquis. Before getting too mad at that assessment, the name "Marauder" literally means one who searches around for something to steal. You might hear stories of someone who goes through neighborhoods and breaks into cars, who travels around looking for things to pilfer, that's what marauder means, so Mercury knew what they were going for when they designed this car. Image Via Speed Digital LLC The sinister looks of the Marauder are the first thing that stands out about this car. Every time I see one, my mind goes back to the movies I grew up on that painted the story that the car you drive told us exactly which character you were in the movie - The bandit? The bad guy? The hero rouge detective who just wants to clear his name? The Marauder is just one of those cars that drums up a judgement (neither good, nor bad) about the driver. Story continues Image Via Speed Digital LLC So besides just seeing one when I was 16 and thinking they looked like they were being driven by a dirty cop or someone fleeing a bank robbery, the car itself is pretty fascinating. The Marauder was premiered at SEMA, of all places, as a concept car in 1998. It sported a blown 4.6-liter, but the version that hit the road in 2003 didn't sport the same 335-horsepower powertrain. Image Via Speed Digital LLC Mercury's land yacht did come out with a fairly potent 302 hp/318 lbs-ft, but that doesn't equate to particularly swift movements, considering the car's considerable girth. In case you're wondering what that equates to in real life, it's a mid-7 second o-60 mph sprint, and a quarter mile ET of 15.6-seconds at a very slow 94 mph - so it's not fast, but in all fairness, it wasn't that slow either. Only 11,000 were sold, and they were only available in Black, Silver Birch, Dark Pearly Blue (2003 only), and Dark Toreador Red (2004 only). Since the car was basically reverse engineered, made in low-production, shared the Mustang Cobra's powertrain, and was only available in limited colors it's an easy choice for this week's modern classic highlight. Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is officially accepting applications from schools interested in reopening campuses to teach transitional kindergarteners through second graders in person. There are some important caveats for those seeking a waiver from the rules that prevent schools from holding in-person classes: only 30 schools will be granted waivers in any week, and the county will try to serve the students with the most needs first. Public health officials are supposed to prioritize applications from schools with more low-income students, measured by the percentage of students who are eligible for free and reduced price meals. Why does this matter? When neighboring Orange County implemented the waiver program in August and September, most of the schools that applied got waivers; with the notable exception of Los Alamitos Unified, only private schools reopened early. Study after study has shown certain groups -- including low-income students -- struggled when schools shifted to distance learning to slow the spread of COVID-19. "We're hoping that if we work in close partnership with the entire school community, we can be successful in reopening schools for our youngest students and our students of highest need without significantly increasing community transmission of COVID-19," Department of Public Health director Barbara Ferrer said. Now let's walk through the application to see how that will work out in practice. (Screenshot of LA Public Health Media Availability) WHAT DOES THE APPLICATION LOOK LIKE? Here is the application process, as shared by the Department of Public Health. While similar to other counties' processes, there are some differences unique to L.A. County. For one thing, schools in L.A. County will have to tell public health officials in their applications what percentage of their students qualify for free and reduced price meals. From there, according to Ferrer, the applicants will be "ranked" to give preference to schools with higher percentages of those low-income students and to ensure waivers are granted as evenly as possible across the county's five supervisorial districts. Another difference: L.A. County waiver applicants will have to provide letters of support from staff and parents. The state's waiver requirements don't necessarily require explicit support from these groups -- just "consultation" with them. Critics of the county's approach have said this requirement might make it harder for district schools with unionized workforces to apply than private schools without them, though Ferrer did say schools with non-unionized staff will have to provide letters of support "signed by the majority of teachers and staff." Schools will also have to complete the department's Reopening Protocols for K-12 checklist and other attestations to, as Ferrer put it, "demonstrate that they're able to be in compliance with all of the infection protocols that we require of schools that bring students back for in-person instruction." Applicants will have to post a completed copy of the checklist on the school's or district's website. It could take two to three weeks to review an application, and schools have to wait for approval from county and state public health officials before welcoming their TK-2 students and staff back to campus, Ferrer said. "If we do this well, even if there's a higher rate of transmission in some of our neighborhoods, we shouldn't see that translate to a lot of spread in our schools," she said. "That's why the students are cohorted to prevent this from becoming a schoolwide outbreak, and that's why infection control and distancing requirements are really stringent in schools." WHO'S MAKING SURE THAT THE SCHOOLS THAT DO REOPEN DO SO SAFELY? Every school that reopens will be visited at least once, according to a County Department of Public Health spokesperson. That's quite different from Orange County. When select O.C. schools were first reopening with waivers in September -- even before all schools got blanket permission later in the month -- the county Health Care Agency did not conduct site visits to ensure compliance. "We're just here for support," then-Deputy Agency Director for Public Health Services Margaret Bredehoft told reporters last month. "It is probably incumbent upon the schools to be able to adhere to that." In neighboring Orange County, @ochealth did not do site visits as some schools started to reopen w/ waivers. "We're just here for support," a deputy agency director said. "It's probably incumbent upon the schools to be able to adhere to that." From 9/7: https://t.co/9J45KGP1Pc Carla Javier (@carlamjavier) September 30, 2020 But in L.A. County, public health officials will be required to provide biweekly updates on applications and compliance to the Board of Supervisors. And L.A. schools that violate the health order protocol -- including mask and distancing requirements -- could be cited, fined, or even closed, according to a Public Health spokesperson. tl;dr: @lapublichealth will start accepting apps for school reopening waivers 10/5. To make sure schools comply w/ their own safety plans, health officials will: conduct 1+ site visit post outbreak info And if schools don't comply, they can be cited, fined, or closed. Carla Javier (@carlamjavier) September 30, 2020 The Department of Public Health also promised to map cases and outbreaks, if they happen, at schools. We mapped schools across the Southern California counties we cover that have applied for and obtained these waivers. You can click on a school below to learn more about its application. READ MORE OF OUR COVERAGE OF THE REOPENING OF SCHOOLS: Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ PetroNet is the defacto industry choice of production accountants in Western Canada, making it a natural fit with Pandells cloud-based financial suite. Pandell Technology Corporation, a pioneer of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions to the energy industry, announced today that PetroNet production accounting software has joined Pandells comprehensive back-office software suite for oil and gas companies. Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed; however, it was described as an asset purchase with the existing PetroNet team joining Pandells Canadian operations. The PetroNet cloud-based solution is used by more than 100 oil & gas petroleum producers in Canada to manage their production accounting operations and government reporting requirements. Combining PetroNet software with the Pandell financial suite reinforces Pandells position as the back-office software leader in the upstream oil & gas sector. PetroNet is the defacto industry choice of production accountants in Western Canada, making it a natural fit with Pandells cloud-based financial suite, says Greg Chudiak, Pandells President & CEO. Were pleased to welcome the PetroNet team and its customers into the Pandell family and were looking forward to integrating the PetroNet software fully into our product line. ABOUT PANDELL Pandell is an industry leader in delivering Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions to 500+ energy companies in Canada, the USA, and abroad. Our customers range from startups to major enterprises across energy sectors including oil & gas, pipelines, utilities, mining, and renewable energy. Our cloud-hosted product suite helps finance, land, and field operations run their business more effectively; while our enterprise division builds and manages large-scale web portal applications that facilitate work across organizations. Combining the strength of our industry experience, Lithium technology, and practical software subscription model, we are Crafting the Future of Energy Software. Is Costco Open Columbus Day? Yes, Costco will be open on Columbus Day. It is always up in the air as to whether or not this retailer will be open. They give employees off for several holidays throughout the year and are one of few retailers to do so, which can make it confusing. However, Costco will be open on Monday. Get a $10 Costco Shop Card Costco Columbus Day Deals There arent any Columbus Day-specific deals. However, the Kirkland October 2020 coupon book is out and all of the offers are valid throughout the entire month. If you plan on heading to Costco on Monday, there are plenty of deals to be had. You can check the Costco website to see if there are any store-specific deals available. If you are a Costco credit cardholder, you can also get cashback on your purchase. What is the Costco Holiday Schedule? As mentioned above, Costco is known to close on holidays many other retailers do not. In the United States, it is closed for the following holidays: New Years Day Easter Sunday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Days surrounding these holidays may have altered hours of operation. For instance, many Costco locations close early on Christmas Eve. If youre wondering about the hours for a Costco near you, you can check the website or give them a call. Costco is always happy to answer any questions you may have. Costco Hours of Operation Outside of the holidays, Costco hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hours above arent guaranteed. Some stores have altered hours of operation as well as some of the store policies during the pandemic. Call and verify the hours before you leave to go shopping. Costco locations may close for other reasons, including inclement weather and store sanitation. It is also important to note Costco Business Centers dont share the same schedule as the store in every instance. Photo: Flickr: Mike Mozart Give the gift of savings! Learn more Read More Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The key condition for peoples freedom and creativity, for welfare, prosperity and development is the market economy. The market economy is the system in which lasting progress can only be achieved by creating value for others. It turns basic human characteristics, such as curiosity, responsibility, ingenuity, and thrift with limited resources, into driving forces for the benefit of all. All countries including Sweden that have succeeded in creating societies that are free and democratic, that enjoy material prosperity, and that enjoy high living standards, are market economies. But for market economies to create all the good they are capable of creating, they need to be nurtured and supported by systems and decisions that politicians and citizens jointly influence. With knowledge, technology, and commitment, Sweden and Swedish companies can lead efforts to meet global climate goals and to achieve the transition to a sustainable world. Employment and entrepreneurship must be financially attractive The tax system must be structured in such a way so that it is always more attractive to be in work than not in work and that people are always rewarded for working more. All Swedish workers, irrespective of whether they work in the private or public sector, are dependent on Sweden being an attractive place to start and run a business. Few countries are as dependent on being able to export and compete on global markets as Sweden. Rules and agreements relating to the labour market should therefore not be complicated and nor should companies costs be prohibitively high to prevent Swedish companies and jobs from competing with other countries. People setting up new companies, as entrepreneurs, investors, or employees, expose themselves to risk. Reasonable rules and taxes on capital, entrepreneurship, and co-ownership make these risks worth taking. This is the essence of a favourable business climate. It should be easy to find work Rules on the labour market must be designed to make it easy to get a job and to employ people. The most important long-term precondition to finding work and making it attractive to employ people is an education system that provides a good grounding for life-long learning and knowledge that business needs. As a small country with knowledge-leading companies, Sweden is also dependent on being able to attract knowledge and recruit workers from other countries. An enabling infrastructure A societys infrastructure is everything that makes economic activity possible. Roads and transport systems make it possible to transport goods and people quickly and efficiently. Digital infrastructure makes it possible to access knowledge and information. Access to electricity and raw materials make it possible to develop and produce goods and services. Infrastructure also includes the financial system, laws, and rules that, correctly structured, makes it possible to run companies and create prosperity. A smaller, more robust public sector The public sector must be robust and efficient in performing its core tasks, such as protecting our borders, crime prevention, and upholding the law. The public sector must also be effective in those areas where it has overall responsibility and where the private sector provides services and solutions, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. But the public sector should not allow its most important roles to be displaced by tasks the private sector does better. If this does happen, not only does the public sector become large and inefficient, but due to high taxes and bureaucracy it also risks suffocating entrepreneurship and thereby its own funding. Without trade with the rest of the world, Sweden stops Swedish companies being able to import, export, and invest across borders are preconditions for growth and jobs in Sweden. Exports account for almost half of Swedish GDP and 1.3 million jobs in Sweden. Free trade has driven the success of Swedish companies in the world and has made Sweden prosperous. At the same time, Swedish innovations contribute to competitive and sustainable goods and services globally. For many companies, the EU and the single market is a home market where people, goods, services, and capital move freely. Sweden should be a strong voice for smooth-functioning trade within the EU, free from unnecessary barriers. Sweden needs to fill the void left by the UKs departure from the EU and robustly argue for an efficient and trade-friendly environment throughout the bloc. Globally, the number of barriers to trade is increasing. With protectionism on the rise, predictable and transparent rules are needed. Access to new markets, ambitious free trade agreements, and common rules through a strengthened WTO are basic requirements for open world trade. Sweden should be a strong voice for free trade. Our EU membership makes Swedens voice stronger, while also enabling us to help build a better Europe. Private contractors hired by moderna Inc for its coronavirus vaccine trial failed to enroll enough minorities, causing a slowdown. The contractors were unable to recruit enough black, Latino and Native American participants to determine how well a jab works in these populations, company executives and researchers told Reuters. To make up for the shortfall, Moderna slowed enrollment of its late-stage trial and instructed research centers to focus on increasing participation among minority volunteers, the company said. The effort is being bolstered by academic researchers who have longstanding relationships with organizations in black and other communities of color. Private contractors hired by Moderna did not hire enough black, Hispanic and Native America volunteers for the company's coronavirus vaccine trial. Pictured: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine phlebotomist Mayra Fernandez prepares to take a blood sample from Julio Li as part of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine trial, September 2 This has slowed down the late-stage trial and research centers have been told to focus on increasing participation among minorities. Pictured: A sign marks the headquarters of Moderna Therapeutics in Cambridge, Massachusetts, May 18 Five investigators working on the Moderna trial said in interviews that commercial site investigators quickly filled a large portion of the 30,000-person study with mostly white volunteers. But COVID-19 infects black Americans at nearly three times the rate of white Americans, and they are twice as likely to die from the virus, according to a report by the National Urban League and other studies. What's more, communities of color count prominently among healthcare workers and populations at high risk of COVID-19 complications, making them among the first likely to be eligible for a new vaccine, experts said. Dr Paul Evans, chief executive of Velocity Clinical Research in Durham, North Carolina, whose company was hired to test the Moderna vaccine at five sites, said efforts to enroll volunteers from diverse backgrounds to provide proper population balance is 'notoriously difficult' in any clinical trial. 'If there's a problem with recruiting minorities, and there is, you can't fix that overnight,' he said. Black Americans made up only about seven percent of the trial as of September 17, but that figure should be closer to 13 percent to reflect the actual US population. During the last two weeks of September, Moderna said it increased the proportion of black enrollment, but declined to provide details. Increased trial participation could help address distrust between communities of color and the medical industry after years of underrepresentation in pharmaceutical research, historical horror stories of medical experimentation without consent, and socioeconomic and health access inequities, vaccine experts and public health officials say. One-fourth of Moderna's 100 trial sites are run by academic centers that are part of the National Institute of Health's (NIH) COVID-19 Prevention Trials Network (CoVPN), while the rest are largely commercial subcontractors. A contract research organization called PPD was hired by Moderna to oversee the trial sites. 'We are essentially making up' for the commercial sites, said one CoVPN investigator not authorized to speak publicly. Dr Larry Corey, co-leader of CoVPN, said the NIH has invested in clinical trial sites with outreach programs staffed by doctors and nurses with ties to minority communities. 'That's not something that is part of the business model of commercial research organizations,' Corey said. Moderna is one of the furthest along in the US race for a vaccine seen as essential to ending a pandemic that has claimed more 210,00 American lives. It received more than $1 billion in government funding to develop and produce its candidate, and another $1.5 billion to supply it to the general public. PPD referred requests for comment to Moderna. But two of the commercial firms said they had received overwhelming trial participation interest from white volunteers. Several researchers said they struggled to overcome the entrenched barriers that traditionally limit minority enrollment. Moderna planned from the start to recruit a racially diverse group of volunteers, CEO Stephane Bancel told Reuters. The results were decidedly mixed, and recruitment at some underperforming sites was halted, he said. On Moderna's website, as many as 17 of the 100 participating trial sites are listed as active but not recruiting, without listing a reason. Bancel said the enrollment slowdown, announced in early September, will not keep the company from seeking emergency use authorization (EUA) for its vaccine in the United States, provided initial results show it to be safe and effective. Moderna could seek an EUA for inoculating high-risk groups such as healthcare workers as early as November. The company said it will provide complete data on the more diverse trial group in its formal application seeking commercial approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) next year. Even with that approval, there are likely to be hurdles to convincing black Americans to take the vaccine. According to a Pew Research Center survey released in September, only 32 percent of black adults said they would definitely or probably get a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 52 percent of white adults, 56 percent of Hispanics and 72 percent of Asian Americans. Some trial investigators attributed the minority recruitment shortfall in part to the demands of testing a coronavirus vaccine at unprecedented speed. 'It essentially was becoming first-come, first-served, and it was skewing towards not getting enough minorities,' said Dr Rambod Rouhbakhsh, a lead researcher at the MediSync Clinical Research Hattiesburg Clinic in Petal, Mississippi, a commercial site hired by PPD for the Moderna trial. Dr Moncef Slaoui, who runs the UD Operation Warp Speed program that has funded Modernas vaccine and others, joined a virtual town hall last week organized by civil rights leader Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Push coalition in Atlanta. He told black leaders that minority enrollment in Moderna's trial had fallen short and appealed for help in encouraging volunteers from the community. 'Developing a vaccine that is not used in a fraction of the population is the same as having no vaccine,' Slaoui said. 'It is absolutely useless.' YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani forces are using banned cluster bombs on Armenians, Daily Mail reported citing western journalists in Artsakh who confirmed the use of the prohibitied munitions by the Azeris. The Daily Telegraph in turn reported that unexploded bomblets from the cluster munitions are seen all over the streets of Stepanakert City, the capital of Artsakh that came under heavy bombardment and air strikes by the Azeri forces. 21 civilians were killed and more than 80 are wounded in Armenia and Artsakh amid the Azerbaijani bombardments, UAV attacks and artillery shelling that began on September 27. Earlier on October 5 the Armenian Defense Ministry had also released photos of unexploded bomblets from Azeri cluster munitions in the streets of Stepanakert and other cities. Editing by Stepan Kocharyan The Baghdad Police Directorate rescued an 18-year-old girl who was trying to commit suicide at Al-Jadriya Bridge in Baghdad on Sept. 26. The directorate has rescued dozens of others in similar situations. On Sept. 23, a young man in the oil-rich Al-Basra province, which suffers from negligence and bad services, committed suicide under vague circumstances. A week earlier, a 16-year-old boy hanged himself in a shop in Baghdad. Suicides in Iraq have not been limited to one region. On Sept. 2, the police in Kirkuk province in northern Iraq saved a young man who tried to jump off of a residential building. Iraqi youths face numerous problems amid systemic political failure that prevents them from reaching their goals. They resort to suicide, and this is becoming a phenomenon rather than a matter of limited cases threatening Iraqi society for the first time. On Sept. 12, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) announced 298 suicides in Iraq between Jan. 1 and Aug. 30, 2020, recording the highest level compared to the same period in 2003. These figures indicate the rising rate of suicide in Iraq. Al-Monitor looked into a governmental statistical study that showed an increase in suicide cases from 319 in 2003, not counting the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, to 519 in 2019. But the figures might be much higher, as some families try to hide suicide as the cause of death due to the negative impression society has about it. In many cases, the cause of death is recorded as sudden death without mentioning the word "suicide." There are other indications that show a possibly higher number of suicides, including the norms and traditions that stigmatize suicide, especially for the families if women and girls are involved. For that reason, some cases are not registered as a suicide. According to the OHCHR, various reasons such as poverty, desperation, unemployment, a person's economic situation and domestic violence lead to suicide. According to a report conducted by UNICEF, "4.5 million (11.7%) Iraqis are pushed below the poverty line as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated socio-economic impacts. Losses of jobs and rising prices are causing the national poverty rate to climb to 31.7% from 20% in 2018." The unemployment rate in Iraq has been on the rise, reaching about 13% in 2019 from 9% in 1999. This shows that the situation now is worse than before 2003. The continuous rise in the unemployment rate in Iraq is one of the main causes of public despair. The UNICEF report indicates that "42% of the population is vulnerable, facing a higher risk as they are deprived in more than one dimension of the following: education, health, living conditions and financial security." The government reported enumerated the various methods of suicide, including hanging, burning, drowning, poisoning, shooting, suffocation and vein-slitting. Young Iraqi males compare their lives to those in neighboring countries and see how others enjoy what they own while living under the rule of law without economic or security threats. Job opportunities available to other youths in neighboring countries are not available to young Iraqi males. Fadel al-Garawi, member of the OHCHR in Iraq, told Al-Monitor, Political desperation is among the causes of suicide among youths. But it is not a direct factor. He added, The political complications, the country circumstances and the ruling authorities that manage the country without achieving citizens well-being or protecting their rights all lead to suicide. Consequently, a political phase capable of dispelling these causes that lead to suicide is needed. Reports by Iraqi state institutions assert that youths are the largest group among suicides, and they indicate the reasons are usually unemployment and no hope of real reform that would improve their situations in the country. Suicide is not limited to certain social groups; it includes everyone. On Sept. 8, the district officer of Sinjar in Ninevah province, Mahma Khalil, announced the suicide of four displaced youths during the first days of the month. Political psychology professor at Salahuddin University in Erbil Fares Kamal Nazmi told Al-Monitor, The available indications show that there is a recent increase in cases, especially among youths in provinces that have witnessed wide-scale protests since October 2019 without achieving any of their radical demands related to political change, recovering a united nation and instilling the rules of social justice. Nazmi added, The situation is generally catastrophic with no light at the end of the tunnel. Change is impossible. Iraqi youths are unable to control their fates and that of their country. They think they have been duped, betrayed and oppressed by the political regime. They have lost the ability and will to persevere and confront. As a result, they are left with deep psychological troubles about the meaning of life itself, thus [turning to] suicide as a solution. He noted that for some, suicide might become a form of political protest that takes a dramatic violent turn against oneself. Figures in Iraqi state institutions indicated that with the onset of the protests on Oct. 1, suicide figures dropped during the last two months of 2019. However, they resurged with the crackdown on protests and the extinguishment of these protests with the failure to reach results that achieve the demands of protesters. In addition to unemployment, lack of job opportunities and youth projects, weapon proliferation and absence of the rule of law, suicide has become a real threat to Iraqi youths who have been struggling for decades with wars and political crises and are often the victims of these circumstances. Suicide will become one of the major challenges for the Iraqi government and will turn into a phenomenon threatening Iraqi society unless governments work on finding solutions and establishing projects to help young people achieve their ambitions and desires. Thousands protest against COVID-19 passports in Sweden Chinese automaker Geely in talks to buy Meizu Kaunas officially becomes European Capital of Culture 2022 Turkish journalist who insulted Erdogan on live TV arrested Ipsos poll predicts Macron's landslide victory in French presidential election Germany elects new CDU leader Media: US on Monday will begin evacuation of families of diplomats in Ukraine UN expresses concern over disappearance of 2 activists in Afghanistan Carnival in Rio de Janeiro postponed due to omicron strain More than 9,300 Afghans claiming protection were taken to Germany Scientists suggest that under surface of one of Saturn moons lies ocean Russian Foreign Ministry: US and NATO launched toxi campaign against Moscow Sergey Nersesyan dismissed from post of Yerevan Deputy Mayor British Foreign Secretary to visit Moscow in February for talks with Lavrov 48-year-old man dies of frostbite in Yerevan 1,822 criminal cases launched in Kazakhstan after January riots Tatoyan: Expired drugs found in mental health centers in Armenia 6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes off coast of Alaska Putin and Pashinyan discuss by phone prospects for further cooperation within CSTO First batch of military aid to Ukraine from US arrived in Kyiv 6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes off Philippine coast Armenia confirms 940 new coronavirus cases, no deaths Armenian rescuers pull out 50 stuck cars and provide necessary aid to 80 citizens Papua New Guinea parliament repeals death penalty law TikTok starts testing paid subscriptions Israeli fighter jets, refueling planes hold massive drills aimed at Tehran France announces gradual lifting of coronavirus restrictions Fountains in Athens' central square illuminated with Armenian tricolor Austria approves Europe's first mandatory COVID-19 vaccination mandate World War II aircraft crashed in India found after 77 years Armenian Parliament Deputy Speaker meets EU delegation Deputy Speaker of Armenian parliament meets Russian Ambassador to Armenia Germany won't pay compensation if Nord Stream 2 doesn't comply with German, EU laws NEWS.am digest: EU special rep. is in Armenia, Roma's Mkhitaryan turns 33 today Child injured in Artsakh car accident taken to Yerevan by Russian peacekeepers' helicopter Taiwanese woman faces death penalty for setting island's deadliest fire Turkey passes law to exempt converted lira deposits from corporate tax Blinken says he discussed Iran nuclear deal with Lavrov Erdogan says Turkey has peaceful relations with Russia like never before New German government wants to attract 400,000 skilled workers from abroad every year Israeli Attorney General orders to investigate police allegations of spyware Blinken: Any Russian invasion of Ukraine will be met with swift response Candidate: Ombudsmans institution is one of few established institutions in Armenia Lavrov summarizes the results of talks with Blinken UN agrees on definition of Holocaust denial Lavrov and Blinken talks kick off in Geneva Australian FM says issue of sending direct military aid to Ukraine is not considered Armenia PM receives EU delegation, need for full operation of Karabakh peace process is stressed Armenia National Assembly debating on new ombudspersons candidacy Katherine Tai: The world can't go back to the 2019 trading system Dollar gains value in Armenia Armenia legislature told hold secret ballot to elect TV and radio commission new members NATO intends to hold largest military exercises beyond Arctic Circle in early March 7 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh 'Zangezur corridor' will unite Turkic world, says Azerbaijan presidential office official Armenia FM highlights need for full resumption of Karabakh peace talks Armenia ex-defense minister: In our time it was shame to immediately turn to CSTO in case of Azerbaijan provocations UN General Assembly head calls for peace during Beijing Olympics Armenia Tourism Committee has new chairperson Russian MFA: Priority today is to start Azerbaijan-Armenia border delimitation, demarcation process Parliament passes, in first reading, bill restricting gambling advertising in Armenia UK considering sending hundreds of additional troops to Ukraine's neighbors Warships of Russia, Iran and China work out counteraction to maritime piracy Armenia first deputy minister of justice dismissed Israeli defense minister tests positive for COVID-19 Karabakh conflict resumption likelihood is moderate, its impact on US interests is low, report says Antonio Guterres thinks Russia will not invade Ukraine Azerbaijan ambassador to Russia hastens to sweeten the sediment of statement by US embassy in Baku IS fighters attack army barracks in mountainous area north of Baghdad, killing 11 soldiers Thomas de Waal: Will Armenia and Turkey be able to normalize relations after 3rd attempt? Armenia Security Council secretary, visiting EU delegation discuss situation on border with Azerbaijan Foreign ministers of Israel and Turkey have talk for 1st time in 13 years Fly Arna shareholders appoint companys Board of Directors 628 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia CSTO chief: Necessary to work on Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation, demarcation FBI search congressman's home in connection with Azerbaijan probe Newspaper: Armenia PM again goes way of black and white Newspaper: Scenario devised after war to be implemented in Artsakh EU Special Representative for South Caucasus arrives in Armenia Quake hits Armenia: 28 km northwest of Jermuk Crete island lighthouse illuminated with colors of Armenian tricolor Aurora Humanitarian Initiative to allocate $500,000 to projects in Artsakh Sajid Javid: Britain must learn to live with COVID-19, it could be with us forever Erdogan suggests Putin and Zelensky meet face to face EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus meets Aliyev US imposes sanctions on Ukrainians related to 'Russian harmful foreign activities' Sabah: Ankara refuses to hold next Armenian-Turkish meeting in a third country US general discusses regional security and bilateral cooperation in Armenia Secret graves of alleged protesters discovered in Almaty Armenian side members to Armenian-American Intergovernmental Commission confirmed WHO advises countries to lift or ease international travel restrictions US sanctions against Vladimir Putin, Ruben Vardanian and members of the Russian government Armenian Foreign Ministry discusses Mirzoyan's participation in Turkey forum Thailand to resume non-quarantine travel scheme from February 1 Instagram introduces paid subscription feature NEWS.am daily digest: 20.01.22 Europe considers new strategy to combat COVID-19 Norwegian prosecutors refuse release Anders Breivik, 2011 mass murderer Erdogan urges Turks to sell foreign currency for liras Azerbaijan not yet returned about 300 sheep of Armenia villager PARIS, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Logistics Network and Next Terra International, two companies specialising in international transport and e-commerce logistics, have joined together in creating a new subsidiary company - Traxis Customs, with the purpose of targeting e-commerce flows entering Europe, on the eve of the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. Historically, e-commerce operators have utilised London Heathrow as a main European gateway for customs clearance, but with the rapid approach of Brexit, international businesses are now seeking alternative solutions in mainland Europe. Aicha Sow, Managing Director of Traxis Customs said: "We believe that Brexit will create some gaps in Europe, and we would like to jump on this opportunity to help transform Paris CDG airport into a European Gateway for incoming e-commerce flows into Europe. We have been supported by the French customs in our mission and we believe that all facilities are now ready for this movement." Launching in October 2020 and strategically located within Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, Traxis offers an intelligent and flexible customs clearance solution, both internationally as well as to those businesses based in the UK seeking European import and exports clearing solutions. A Registered Customs Representative, Traxis Customs is capable of handling all import, export and transit customs formalities in France, for all European countries, therefore aiding the free circulation of merchandise within Europe. Supported by the two mother companies (gl-net.com & next-terra.com), Traxis Customs' primary goal is the optimisation of the flow of imported goods. Specialists in providing express customs clearance for Import, Export or Transit flows, the company have the capability of handling huge e-commerce flows from Asia, USA, or UK using data exchange information and state of the art information technology. Customs Clearance services can be arranged individually by shipment for freight mode or over manifest covering a list of shipments arriving or leaving in express/courier mode. Traxis Customs is a subsidiary company of two major logistic providers on the French market: Next Terra International and Global Logistics Network. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307016/Aicha_Sow_Traxis_Customs.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1306361/Traxis_Customs_Logo.jpg www.traxis-customs.com www.next-terra.com www.gl-net.com Contact: info@traxis-customs.com Today actress Payal Ghosh took to social media to share pictures from her meeting with the head of the National Commission for Women, Rekha Sharma in New Delhi regarding the ongoing investigation against Anurag Kashyap. Actor Payal Ghosh on Tuesday met National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma on Tuesday to discuss speeding up of the investigations in the case filed by her against filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. Speaking to ANI after the meeting, Ghosh said she had received assurances of support from the NCW chief. We held discussions on how the investigations can be speeded up. Rekha maam has always been on my side since day one. She has assured me help, Ghosh said. She further said she had requested Maharashtra Home Minister to provide Y-plus security to ensure she can work and step out from her home without any fear.Further speaking about the defamation suit filed by Richa Chadha, against her and some others, she said she had spoken nothing against the Masaan actor.I have spoken nothing against her. I have nothing personally against her, there is no basis for a defamation case. But we will face that and clarify it now, Ghosh said. The Bombay High Court has deferred the defamation suit filed by actor Richa Chadha against Payal Ghosh and others till October 7.The court deferred the proceedings as the defendants had not been served notices.Chadha had filed the defamation suit against Ghosh, Aamoda Broadcasting Company Pvt Ltd, critic Kamaal R Khan and another respondent named John Doe/Ashok Kumar for allegedly defaming her in the alleged rape case against filmmaker Anurag Kashyap by Ghosh. I thank @sharmarekha maam the @NCWIndia with the bottom of my heart for standing by me. When some women chose to take sides of a vulture, the organisation stood by me.. #DilSeThankYou pic.twitter.com/d2JEqF6nwf Payal Ghosh (@iampayalghosh) October 6, 2020 ALSO READ: Daniel Craig on No Time to Die release delay: This isnt the right time ALSO READ: HC defers Richa Chadhas defamation suit against Payal Ghosh and others till 7th Oct - The European Union has been keeping tabs on the development of the COVID-19 remedy which is being developed by Pfizer PFE.N, a drugmaker based in the US and BioNTech 22UAy.F from Germany - As earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke, nine experimental vaccines were being considered by COVAX global vaccine facility - The latest developments contradict earlier reports by the UN agency spokesperson Margaret Harris who said it would expect widespread immunisation against the virus sometime in mid-2021 - About a month ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his country's scientists had achieved a breakthrough in the global race to find a vaccine for COVID-19 PAY ATTENTION: Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.kes Patreon programme The World Health Organization (WHO) has revived hopes of finding a vaccine for the deadly COVID-19 pandemic much earlier than expected. The body's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has revealed that the vaccine might be available by the end of 2020. Photo: WHO Source: UGC The body's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed the vaccine might be available by the end of 2020. Speaking in the World Health Organisation Executive Board special session on Tuesday, October 7, which was aimed at examining the global response to the pandemic, Tedros affirmed the remedy might be available by the end of this year. We will need vaccines and there is hope that by the end of this year we may have a vaccine. There is hope, he said. The WHO boss implored leaders to show solidarity and political commitment once the vaccine is out to ensure its equal distribution to countries. Vaccine development The European Union has been keeping tabs on the development of the COVID-19 remedy which is being developed by Pfizer PFE.N, a drugmaker based in the United States, and BioNTech 22UAy.F from Germany. As earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke, nine experimental vaccines were being considered by COVAX global vaccine facility. It indicated that is was planning to distribute two billion doses by the end of 2021. As earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke nine experimental vaccines were being considered by COVAX global vaccine facility. Photo: Health Living Source: UGC PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB Feed The latest developments and revelations contradict earlier reports by the UN agency spokesperson Margaret Harris who said it would expect widespread immunisation against the virus sometime in mid-2021. "We know of at least six to nine that have got quite a long way with the research already. In terms of realistic timelines, we are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," Harris stressed. Nine vaccines Tedros said the health body's partner COVAX was supporting nine vaccines that will be made available if successful. Seven of the vaccines are in clinical trials even as the agency expressed confidence there will be four other promising vaccines "The COVAX facility is the agreed international mechanism for ensuring equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines. Its solidarity in action. COVAX guarantees access to the worlds largest portfolio of vaccine candidates,"Tedros stated during media briefing in Geneva on September 4. About a month ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his country's scientists had achieved a breakthrough in the global race to find a vaccine for COVID-19. Putin announced on Tuesday, August 11, the country had become the first to approve an experimental COVID-19 vaccine. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. My father-in-law won't let me bury my wife of 16 years or see my two children- Victor Odonda Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke The coronavirus pandemic has killed over a million people globally and disrupted healthcare and political systems, economies, social bonds and religious practices. What can South Africa's Bill of Rights and international human rights treaties contribute to coronavirus responses and recovery strategies in the country and globally? My central argument is that human rights provide tools to help states build fairer societies and economies. Such societies will be more resilient to future shocks. A human rights-based approach to the pandemic is based on values. It prioritises the most disadvantaged and vulnerable and it is holistic. It also highlights international assistance and cooperation. Value-based approach The values of human dignity, equality and freedom lie at the heart of human rights, and are the founding values of South Africa's constitution . These values require the state and private actors to recognise that every life is equally valuable. Everyone should have the civil and political freedoms and the economic, social and cultural means to develop to their full potential. Governments can promote these values by acknowledging people's agency. People should have meaningful opportunities to participate in response and recovery programmes. For example, a broad range of civil society bodies must get a chance to shape the budgetary decisions underlying economic recovery. The goal of all response measures should be to create an environment in which all can live in dignity without excessive inequalities on grounds of race, gender and socio-economic status . Setting priorities Human rights help governments set priorities in responding to the pandemic. People who are most disadvantaged and vulnerable should be the central focus. The pandemic and lockdowns have had the most severe impact on people living in poverty. In South Africa, that overwhelmingly means black people. Among them are people in overcrowded informal settlements without adequate water or the space to comply with social distance guidelines . Also harshly affected are workers in the informal sector , migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers . Many have not been able to access economic relief. Because traditional gender roles persist, women have had to bear the biggest burden of child care, home schooling and domestic work while trying to keep their jobs. Human rights require states to put the needs of such groups first when it comes to budgets, laws, policies and programmes. Economic reforms and other pandemic responses should be based on a systematic human rights impact assessment . Interdependence and accountability The third contribution of human rights is that they oblige governments to develop a holistic, integrated response to the pandemic. South Africa's constitution and international human rights law recognise that all human rights civil, political, economic, social, cultural and environmental are interdependent and interrelated . This means the right to life and health must be protected through science-based measures. Governments must also protect people's access to socio-economic rights like food, social security and education. Countries without strong public healthcare systems, food distribution networks, access to water, social protection programmes or affordable, equitable internet access have struggled to cope with the pandemic. South Africa must strengthen its investments in socioeconomic rights and in the public service that is responsible for delivering these to people. As the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has stated , economic, social and cultural rights are indispensable to pandemic strategies. Establishing universal healthcare systems and comprehensive social protection programmes will improve the resilience of societies to future shocks. UN Secretary-general Antonio Guterres has appealed for global solidarity to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo / Handout The pandemic has also shown the importance of civil and political rights and freedoms. Many countries, including South Africa, have adopted exceptional measures to curb the virus. These have limited, or even suspended, rights such as freedom of movement, assembly, expression and religion. Lockdown measures have sometimes been enforced with heavy-handed action by security forces. People in informal settlements have borne the brunt of such abuses of power and violations of human rights . While restrictions on civil and political liberties may be necessary to protect lives, human rights law requires that they go no further than what's strictly necessary to achieve this goal. It also requires safeguards to prevent abuses. By respecting people's democratic rights and freedoms, and ensuring that limitations are not excessive, states help preserve trust in the legitimacy of the measures to contain the virus. Thus compliance is likely to be higher. Effective remedies for human rights violations also help promote accountable government. A good example is the recent High Court judgment ordering the South African government to ensure that school meals are provided to all qualifying children, whether they are attending school or not. International assistance and cooperation The final principle that international human rights law, particularly the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights , recognises is that of international assistance and cooperation. This principle acknowledges that the fates of all are intertwined. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has noted : If one country fails in its efforts to control the spread of the virus, all countries are at risk. The world is only as strong as the weakest health system. International assistance and cooperation includes ensuring universal access to the benefits of scientific advances relating to COVID-19 such as in testing, treatments and vaccines. It also includes debt relief and development aid where economies have been devastated. The principle promotes global solidarity, which will be vital in efforts to beat the current and future pandemics. Human rights require states to respond to the pandemic in ways that reduce inequalities and poverty, and promote participation, accountability and international solidarity. They can help South Africa and all countries to emerge better prepared for future crises. Sandra Liebenberg has previously received funding from the National Research Committee and is a member and current Vice-Chair of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. By Sandra Liebenberg, Distinguished Professor and H F Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law, Stellenbosch University A Hong Kong teacher has been disqualified for allegedly promoting the city's independence from China in class and discussing freedom of speech with their pupils. The Education Bureau said the unnamed teacher had been struck off for 'deliberately disseminating pro-independence messages', a move hailed by the authorities as a blow against 'black sheep' working in the education system. The decision is the first time Hong Kong's Education Bureau has removed a teaching licence because of the content of lessons, and comes as a crackdown on democracy supporters in the city gathers pace. A Hong Kong teacher has been disqualified for allegedly promoting the city's independence from China in class and discussing freedom of speech with their pupils. The file photo shows students walking at the Shatin Tsung Tsin Secondary School in Hong Kong on May 27 The decision is the first time Hong Kong's Education Bureau has removed a teaching licence because of the content of lessons, and comes as a crackdown on democracy supporters The teacher had reportedly shown the class a video featuring a pro-independence activist and asked the students questions such as 'what is freedom of speech?' and 'What would Hong Kong turn into without freedom of speech?', according to reports. The Education Bureau accused the teacher of violating Hong Kong's Basic Law, its de facto constitution, by having 'spread a message about Hong Kong independence'. 'To protect students' interest and safeguard teachers' professionalism and general public's trust in the teaching profession, the education bureau decided to cancel the teacher's registration,' it said in a statement. Their disqualification was hailed by the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam as a blow against 'black sheep' working in the education system. 'Our work has to continue to remove the black sheep from the field of education,' she told reporters. 'If there are a very tiny fraction of teachers who are using their teaching responsibilities to convey wrong messages to promote misunderstanding about the nation, to smear the country, and the Hong Kong government, without basis, then that becomes a very serious matter.' The Education Bureau said the unnamed teacher had been struck off for 'deliberately disseminating pro-independence messages'. A group of school students are pictured placing their hands on their chests during a protest at a school in Hong Kong on October 2 Their disqualification was hailed by the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam (pictured on October 1) as a blow against 'black sheep' working in the education system Hundreds of officers in riot gear are seen on Thursday patrolling and heckling pro-democracy activists who were marching against a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing. A police officer displays a warning banner on China's National Day in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 'It can clearly be seen that Hong Kong independence is the theme of the lesson,' deputy secretary Chan Siu Suk-fan told a press conference Tuesday afternoon. Chan said the teacher's lesson plan and materials for Primary Five students who are about 10 years old involved discussion of a banned political party that advocated Hong Kong independence, and also touched upon topics related to Tibet, Xinjiang and Taiwan independence. The Education Bureau's decision was also slammed by human rights organisations as another illustration of freedom of expression being 'increasingly eroded' in Hong Kong since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law. Amnesty International's Joshua Rosenzweig criticised the punishment and said it sent an 'ominous message' to the city's educators on the risks of discussing current affairs, politics and human rights in the classroom. 'The Hong Kong authorities must not use national security as a pretext to unnecessarily censor educational activities, and they should not reprimand teachers for encouraging students to think about legitimate questions related to Hong Kong affairs,' he added. Hundreds of officers in riot gear are seen on Thursday patrolling and heckling pro-democracy activists who were marching against a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing Officers in riot gear conducted stop-and-search operations along an expected marching route linking the prime shopping district of Causeway Bay with the administrative Admiralty district. The picture shows a protester arguing with officers in Hong Kong on October 1 Education has become a key target for Hong Kong's pro-Beijing administration after months of huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy rallies last year. Many young people took part in the protests, which called for police accountability and greater autonomy for the city. China's central government imposed a sweeping security law on Hong Kong in June, outlawing public calls for independence and other allegedly subversive political views, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Education minister Kevin Yeung said he would not transfer the case to the national security bureau because the infraction occurred before the new law came into effect. The news comes after Hong Kong police have arrested at least 60 people on suspicion of unauthorised assembly on Chinas National Day holiday after crowds gathered on the streets of a popular shopping district chanting pro-democracy slogans. On Thursday, riot police flooded the streets of Hong Kong to stamp out anti-government protests during China's National Day celebrations as pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam has cheered the city's 'return to stability'. Hundreds of officers in riot gear were seen patrolling and heckling pro-democracy activists who were attending a banned march against a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing. Last month, locals witnessed large numbers of dead sea creatures including seals, octopuses and sea urchins wash up onto the black-sanded beach. Water pollution in Russia's Kamchatka region that caused sea creatures to wash up dead on beaches prompted fears on Monday that rocket fuel stored in the region's military testing grounds could have leaked out. The water pollution came to light late last month after local surfers reported stinging eyes and said the water had changed colour and developed an odour. Officials later confirmed the surfers had suffered mild burns to their corneas. Then locals witnessed large numbers of dead sea creatures including seals, octopuses and sea urchins washed up onto a black-sanded beach popular with tourists. The regional governor, Vladimir Solodov, said Monday that the sea off the remote Kamchatka peninsula may have been contaminated with toxic chemicals as Greenpeace warned of an "ecological disaster" for marine life. Officials have said tests soon after found above-permitted levels of phenol and petroleum products. Experts were investigating whether this was linked to "spills of some toxic substances," Solodov said in a statement. He added that divers had confirmed the deaths of sea creatures and pollution appeared to be spread over a wide area. Officials are scrambling to come up with the cause after President Vladimir Putin in June reacted angrily to the late reporting of an oil leak in Arctic Siberia that poured thousands of tons of diesel into land and waterways. Ecology Minister Dmitry Kobylkin said in televised comments that Putin had ordered him to get to the bottom of the situation. Military sites The 38-year-old Kamchatka governor, dressed in an "I/We are the Pacific Ocean" T-shirt, vowed on Instagram to lead a "transparent" probe and sack any official who covered up the scale of the pollution. He said there would be checks on Tuesday at two military testing sites, Radygino and Kozelsky, that could be responsible, citing a "yellow film" on a local river. "Early tomorrow morning there will be inspections of two key test sites that are raising everyone's concerns," he said. Some experts have suggested that highly toxic rocket fuel could have leaked into the sea. The first test site, Radygino, is around 10 kilometres (miles) from the sea and was used for drills in August. Vladimir Burkanov, a biologist specialising in seals, in a comment published by Novaya Gazeta opposition newspaper suggested that old stores of rocket fuel kept in Radygino could have rusted and the fuel leaked into streams. The other site, Kozelsky, has been used to bury toxic chemicals and pesticides, according to the governor's website. Greenpeace said its team currently assessing the situation had seen patches of "yellowish foam" and murky water in several areas, with some pollution drifting towards a UNESCO-protected area of volcanoes. The group said it saw dead animals in one area. Ecology Minister Kobylkin said in televised comments that so far tests had only found slightly raised levels of iron and phosphates and suggested that the incident might not be manmade but caused by the stormy conditions and microorganisms altering the oxygen levels. Environmental inspectors and experts from a fisheries and oceanography research centre were set to continue tests. Greenpeace said it had contacted state ecological monitors, the armed forces and the Prosecutor General's Office urging an immediate investigation. Prosecutors and investigators announced they would carry out checks into whether a crime had been committed but have not released any findings. The emergencies ministry said it was using boats and drones to monitor the coastline but added that "no pollution is visible." Governor Solodov said it was a problem that the region had no unified system of environmental monitoring. The pristine peninsula is a popular destination for adventure tourism with its abundance of wildlife and live volcanoes. The incident came as authorities urged tourists not to visit a live volcano on Kamchatka, warning eruption could be imminent. BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French stocks fell in cautious trade Tuesday on concerns that a range of new restrictions coming into force in several European countries could dent economic recovery. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), daily case numbers in the European Union and United Kingdom reached record highs of more than 71,000 infections between September 29 and October 4. One in 10 people around the world may have contracted Covid-19, the World Health Organization said, at a special meeting of WHO leaders. The benchmark CAC 40 slid 12 points, or 0.25 percent, to 4,859 after rising 1 percent on Monday in reaction to positive reports about U.S. President Donald Trump's health. Luxury goods company Kering fell about 1 percent. The company said that it has completed the sale of about 5.9 percent stake in German sportswear group Puma for 655.6 million euros. Waste and water firm Suez soared 4.2 percent after rival Veolia succeeded in buying 29.9 percent of the company owned by power group Engie. Veolia rose half a percent and Engie gained 1 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. The mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh, where deadly new fighting erupted last week between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, has been in a tense limbo since a 1994 truce. The Associated Press explains whats behind the long-unresolved conflict and its most recent flare-up: WHAT AND WHERE IS NAGORNO-KARABAKH? Nagorno-Karabakh is a region within Azerbaijan that has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by the Armenian government for more than a quarter-century. The territory in the southern Caucasus Mountains covers an area of about 4,400 square kilometres (1,700 square miles) about the size of the U.S. state of Delaware. HOW DID THE CONFLICT START? During the Soviet era, the mostly Armenian-populated region had an autonomous status within Azerbaijan. Long-simmering tensions between Christian Armenians and mostly Muslim Azeris, fueled by memories of the 1915 massacre of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks, boiled over as the Soviet Union frayed in its final years. The open conflict broke out in 1988 when the region made a bid to join Armenia, triggering hostilities. They escalated into a full-blown war after the USSR collapsed in 1991, which killed an estimated 30,000 people. and displaced about 1 million. By the time the war ended with a cease-fire in 1994, Armenian forces not only held Nagorno-Karabakh itself but also seized substantial areas outside the territorys borders. WHATS HAPPENED SINCE? International mediation efforts to determine the regions final status have brought little visible progress. Landlocked Armenia has suffered badly from an economic blockade imposed by Azerbaijan and its ally, Turkey. The region has remained tense and fighting periodically broke out. Scores were killed in an outbreak of hostilities in 2016, and then again this July when Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire across their border. Since new fighting started on Sept. 27, the warring sides reported hundreds of deaths, making it the biggest escalation in the conflict since 1994. Nagorno-Karabakh officials said about 220 soldiers and at least 21 civilians have died in the fighting. Azerbaijani authorities havent reported military casualties but said 27 civilians have been killed. Both sides have accused each other of expanding the hostilities onto their territory beyond Nagorno-Karabakh. The fighting involving heavy artillery, drones and warplanes has continued despite calls for a cease-fire from the West and Russia. WHATS THE BROADER IMPACT? In addition to causing casualties and damage, the conflict in the small, hard-to-reach region is also of concern to major regional players. Orthodox Christian Russia is Armenias main ally and sponsor and has a military base there. NATO-member Turkey, which has close ethnic, cultural and historic bonds with Azerbaijan, has vowed its full backing to Baku in the conflict and has declared its readiness to support it militarily, if necessary. Turkey has backed Azerbaijans demand for Armenias withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh as a precondition for any ceasefire. Turkey has trained Azerbaijani officers for decades and the two countries, which often refer to their special relationship as one of two states, one nation, recently conducted military exercises in Azerbaijan. Ankara is known to have sold drones and other weapons to Azerbaijan. Iran neighbours both Armenia and Azerbaijan and is calling for calm. The United States, France and Russia are the official sponsors of the long-stalled peace process under the auspices of the Vienna-based Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The three countries have repeatedly called for cessation of hostilities and peace talks. Link's Redline Performance Series Suspensions include a broader selection of weight capacities for its acclaimed Air Link tandem drive axle suspension and Atlas single drive axle suspension. Link has met the demands of major fire departments and equipment manufacturers with high-performance, heavy-duty vehicle suspensions for more than 20 years. Chris English Link Mfg., Ltd., the leader in specialty-engineered suspensions, announced the introduction of its new Redline Performance Series Suspensions that include a broader selection of weight capacities for its acclaimed Air Link tandem drive axle suspension and Atlas single drive axle suspension. In tribute to fire departments and personnel across North America, the company has created a dedicated charity dubbed Link Cares that will regularly contribute to firefighter-related charitable organizations across North America. Link Cares has made an inaugural contribution of $2,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Link has met the demands of major fire departments and equipment manufacturers with high-performance, heavy-duty vehicle suspensions for more than 20 years, said Chris English, managing director, Link Suspensions of Canada. The development of our Redline Performance Series Suspensions and the establishment of our Link Cares charity represent our companys core values of servanthood and our sincere reverence for the heroic nature of the firefighting culture. Redline Performance Series Suspensions expands Links product range, offering new weight ratings as a response to market demand and the unique combinations of equipment and apparatus used by individual fire departments. The Air Link Redline tandem drive axle suspension will now be available in a carrying capacity of 62K to 85K, while the Atlas Redline single drive axle suspension will now have a carrying capacity range of 31.5K to 35K. The Air Link Redline tandem axle suspension features a unique air spring over walking beam design, patented by Link close to 30 years ago. Originally engineered to handle extreme payloads in harsh, off-highway and military environments, this rugged suspension meets the demands of aerial fire and rescue vehicles and then some. It fully integrates with Dana, Meritor, SSU and Mack axles. The Air Link Redline tandem axle suspension delivers superior emergency vehicle performance, a smoother ride, higher roll stability, maximum articulation, better traction and has lower maintenance requirements. Links time-tested air-over-walking-beam technology uses large, high-volume, low-frequency air springs that enable firefighters to experience a consistently stable and comfortable ride, whether theyre racing to an emergency on a city street, on an unpaved road or without benefit of either. The City of Syracuse has used the Air Link suspension for decades and has benefited from its reliability and ease of service, said Zach Smith, fleet maintenance manager for the City of Syracuse, NY Department of Fire. The department responds to 22,000 calls annually and operates this suspension on its Sutphen tower fleet. Links Atlas Redline single axle air spring suspension was designed from the ground up to meet the demanding life of fire and rescue vehicles. It fully integrates with Dana and Meritor axles, and when introduced, it was the first single axle suspension to have a 35K rating. It is the ideal air suspension solution for aerials and pumpers that need to carry longer ladders and more equipment on a single rear axle chassis. Engineered with extra-wide bearing surfaces, the Atlas Redline provides high yaw stability, resulting in stable and predictable cornering. The robust design of the Atlas Redline provides enhanced ride quality, superior cab protection and significantly reduces departmental maintenance expenses. The Atlas meets all our requirements for a suspension, said Drew Sutphen, president, Sutphen Corporation. We have realized significantly less long-term structural problems, and no jarring to the aerial equipment. The Atlas is rugged and dependable and is a fast installation. Link Redline Performance Series Suspensions deliver everything fire departments demand in a heavy-duty suspension, including better overall handling, maximum ride comfort and enhanced safety for firefighters. Links suspensions also improve the life expectancy of bodies and aerial equipment on the fire trucks they serve, and have been proven to isolate the chassis platform and contingent structures from stress-inducing impacts encountered on-highway and off. All Link Redline Performance Series Suspensions are 100 percent off-highway rated, all can be retrofitted on existing vehicles and all come with a six-month money-back guarantee. Both the Air Link Redline tandem axle suspension and Atlas Redline single axle suspension feature dual height-control valves that help maintain proper ride height and vehicle leveling. Convenient air dump capabilities allow some of todays higher-profile apparatus to kneel under older garage doors with less clearance. All Redline Performance Series Suspensions feature polyurethane bushings and are treated with Links exclusive Link-KOAT migratory self-healing metal treatment. Link-KOAT provides unparalleled corrosion resistance and rust protection, even when surfaces are exposed to excessive cleaning, harsh chemicals and the severe-duty environments commonly encountered. Their polyurethane bushings also resist solvents, require no lubrication or maintenance and are far more durable than rubber. Link is committed to building the safest and best-performing suspensions for fire apparatus, English said. We will never stop improving and innovating and our Redline Performance Series Suspensions and Link Cares charity are testaments to our dedication to firefighting and to the men and women who serve that profession so valiantly. Links Redline Performance Series Suspensions can be ordered through local OEM dealers. For more information on Redline Performance Series Suspensions and the Link Cares charity, please call (800) 222-6283 or visit [http://www.linkmfg.com/redline. To access high-resolution images and video of the Air Link Redline tandem drive axle suspension, please visit https://www.linkmfg.com/products/fire-rescue-chassis-suspensions/air-link-fire To access high-resolution images and video of the Atlas Redline single axle suspension, please visit https://www.linkmfg.com/products/fire-rescue-chassis-suspensions/atlas END - About Link Mfg., Ltd. Link develops and manufactures a variety of suspension systems specially engineered to address the unique needs of commercial vehicles and equipment. Link is driven to outperform as the worldwide leader in heavy-duty truck cab air suspensions marketed under the brand name Cabmate. U.S.-based Link Manufacturing is an IATF 16949 and ISO 14001: 2015 (EMS) certified company whose primary products include cab, chassis and auxiliary suspensions. Canadian-based Link Suspensions of Canada is an ISO 9001 certified company whose primary products include heavy vocational and off-highway chassis suspensions. Link also makes specialty products such as tire pressure equalization systems, ramps and other products designed to enhance the productivity of commercial vehicles. For more information, visit https://www.linkmfg.com. Link and Air Link are registered trademarks of Link Mfg., Ltd. Atlas, Redline and Link Cares are trademarks of Link Mfg., Ltd. Names of original equipment manufacturers and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) may be trademarks of their respective organizations. References to vehicle makes, models and product designations are for reference purposes only. Neither Link Mfg., nor its products are sponsored or endorsed by the referenced original equipment manufacturers or the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), and there is nothing else in the use of these designations that should lead a reader to believe that there is an association between Link Mfg. and these organizations. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins international calls on the government of Indonesia to repeal the Omnibus Law on Job Creation, renegotiate and open constructive dialogue with unions. We are alarmed that the government is seeking to institute vast, deregulatory changes to the economy when priority should be given to addressing the public health crisis that has been exacerbated by deregulated trade and labour laws and the underfunding of public services. The size, complexity and extensive reach of the law, which amends 79 laws and more than 1,200 articles, poses a threat to genuine democratic process, particularly at a time when public meetings must be constrained. We have serious concerns about a range of the provisions and clusters, including the labour cluster, the electricity cluster, the education cluster and the provisions deregulating environmental protection. Overall, the law appears to put the interests and demands of foreign investors ahead of workers, communities and the environment. We are concerned that the procedure and substance of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation are not in keeping with Indonesias human rights obligations under international human rights law. We understand that trade unions have participated in discussions with the legislative body, yet no changes have been made to reflect their range of concerns. Unions strongly believe that the labour cluster of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation will significantly undermine the labour rights and welfare of Indonesian workers and contravenes the existing Employment Act No. 13/2003. We are also concerned that the electricity cluster is designed to liberalise and ultimately privatise electricity in Indonesia and contravenes Constitutional requirements for public energy. The law reduces labour rights in the sector and will lead to higher prices for consumers and reduced capacity of government to plan for a just and equitable transition to renewable energy. Mr President, the House passed the bill into law on 5 October 2020 despite the strong opposition of Indonesian workers and communities. Trade unions have resolved to take various massive actions across the country involving millions of workers. We are aware that mass actions and gatherings in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious health and safety risk. We hope that you will repeal the law to avoid this. We believe that stable and constructive industrial relations are the essential base for the national development, and thus we call on the Indonesian government to rethink its current priorities and the Omnibus Law on Job Creation. The Council of Global Unions (CGU) therefore urges your government to: Repeal the Omnibus Law on Job Creation; Ensure that any future legislation does not diminish existing rights and benefits, which are guaranteed by the Employment Act No.13/2003 as well as international labour standards; Renegotiate and open constructive dialogues with trade unions to reach and discuss any issues which are not covered under Employment Act No.13/2003; Respect the constitutional requirement and Constitutional Court Decision (MK No. 111/PUU-XIII/2015) protecting energy as a public good and state controlled service; and Commence a consultation process involving unions, community representatives and social movements on developing a COVID-19 Recovery Plan designed to stimulate decent work, quality public services and sustainable development. We remain in solidarity with the workers of Indonesia in their fight, and we pledge our continued support for the efforts of Indonesian trade unions and workers to protect and demand their rights. Signed International Federation of Journalists NEW YORK - President Donald Trumps return to the White House to recover from the coronavirus seems certain to raise the already heightened anxiety level of the journalists assigned to follow him. Three reporters have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days while covering a White House described as lax, at best, in following basic safety advice like wearing masks. Discomfort only increased Monday with news that press secretary Kayleigh McEnany had tested positive. Journalists are left to wonder if a still-contagious president will gather them for a public appearance and how their safety will be ensured. After McEnanys announcement Monday, Fox News chief White House correspondent John Roberts spent part of his afternoon waiting outside an urgent care centre for his own test. He had attended McEnanys briefing last Thursday. She didnt wear a mask, and neither did one of her assistants who later tested positive, and Roberts sat near both of them. He tested negative. He called it an inconvenience, but stronger emotions were spreading. American Urban Radio Networks correspondent April Ryan said she found it infuriating that Trump and his team had risked the health of her colleagues. CNNs Kaitlan Collins said it was irresponsible, at best. Its frustrating, said Jonathan Karl, ABC News White House correspondent. Frankly, it makes you angry. Trump takes the health and safety of those who work for and cover him very seriously, spokesman Judd Deere said. The White House works to incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices to limit COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible on the grounds and when the president is travelling, he said. Yet Trump clearly dislikes masks, and it is a message that has filtered down through much of his staff. The White House Correspondents Association has placed signs on the door to the press briefing room saying that masks are required for admittance. The only people who have habitually not followed that rule have been that White House staff, Karl said. When asked why, staffers generally say they dont wear a mask because they tested negative that day, said CBS News correspondent Weijia Jiang. But doctors have made clear that a negative test doesnt mean you dont have COVID-19 or arent contagious, so it seems like covering their face is a simple way to protect people, she said. Michael D. Shear of The New York Times is the only reporter to reveal his positive test. Shear cant say for sure where he contracted the virus, but he covered Trumps rally in Pennsylvania on Sept. 26 and rode back on Air Force One, where the president spoke to reporters without a mask. Whats frustrating is when you know the risks can be mitigated if they took it more seriously, he said Monday. Shear took a coronavirus test late Thursday and found he was positive the next morning; now he fears he has given it to his wife. No one in the White House has criticized him for wearing a mask, but there have been times when people told him I cant hear you. My feeling is you just talk louder at that point, he said. Im not going to take my mask off. Shear said hes surprised that no one at the White House has reached out to him for contact tracing. Following the the positive tests for Shear and two others, the WHCA recommended remote work for all reporters who are not part of the days press pool and who dont have an enclosed work space. The 13-member press pool, with a rotating cast of electronic and print journalists, is responsible for following the president when he leaves the White House; the WHCA objected Sunday when the pool wasnt alerted to Trumps drive-by of supporters outside his hospital. The White House has generally been responsive to the WHCAs safety concerns for the pool, said Zeke Miller, the associations president and an Associated Press reporter. For example, the White House arranged to increase the buffer zone between the audience at Trump rallies and journalists. The AP has its own rotation system so it has only one reporter at the White House while others work at home. If he comes into contact with someone who has tested positive, Miller said hes prepared to go to a hotel and not home to his family, although he hasnt had to do that yet. The atmosphere is markedly different at the Capitol, said Andrew Desiderio, who covers the Senate for Politico. With the exception of Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, virtually all staff and senators wear masks, he said. They follow the lead of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, he said. As a result, Desiderio isnt worried about the seven-minute interview he conducted last week with Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson days before Johnson revealed a positive COVID test. Both men wore masks and kept their distance, he said. But at the White House, Ryan said she is concerned for fellow reporters. With underlying health conditions, shes been doing her job from home since March. My colleagues, I give them all props, she said. But I didnt sign up to die for this, especially for someone whos always saying that were the enemy. GETTYSBURG Joe Biden on Tuesday made an impassioned plea for national unity and bipartisan cooperation, casting the 2020 election as a battle for the soul of the nation with the Civil Wars most famous battlefield as his backdrop. Theres no more fitting place than here today in Gettysburg to talk about the cost of division, about how much it has cost America in the past, about how much it is costing us now, and why I believe in this moment we must come together, Biden said to a small, socially distanced crowd. Today, once again, we are a house divided. But that, my friends, can no longer be. We are facing too many crises. We have too much work to do. We have too bright a future. With a statesmanlike tone layered over his Scranton-bred everyman persona, Biden sought to place himself above the fray, spending more time discussing American values than leveling attacks on President Donald Trump. Earlier in the day, Biden described the speech as one that he worked and worked and worked on. With only a handful of attendees aside from members of the news media, security personnel, and campaign staff, Bidens speech was delivered primarily for a television audience and with the help of a teleprompter. Among the few guests invited were local military veterans and local elected officials, including Republican Matt Fogal, the Franklin County district attorney who was censured by his party after supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. He spoke from a vista overlooking the Civil Wars bloodiest battlefield, where the Union Army won a pivotal victory over Confederate soldiers and President Abraham Lincoln delivered his historic Gettysburg Address affirming that all people are created equal. Bidens bid to be seen as a national unifier was on display in his attempt to toe a narrow line while discussing racial injustice. The former vice president criticized Trumps repeated refusals to denounce racist hate groups which he called the forces of darkness, the forces of division, the forces of yesterday. But he rejected the most aggressive reform proposals pushed by the protest movement that swept the country after the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. I believe in law and order. Ive never supported defunding the police," Biden said. But I also believe injustice is real. Its a product of a history that goes back 400 years, the moment when Black men, women, and children were brought here in chains. I do not believe we have to choose between law and order and racial justice." Biden also referenced new 76ers coach Doc Rivers' remarks on racial justice in August, when Rivers noted that Black Americans continue to love America despite a history of racism that includes lynchings, police brutality, and housing discrimination. Its amazing to me why we keep loving this country, and this country has not loved us back. And its really so sad, Rivers said then. I think about that," Biden said Tuesday. I think about what it takes for a Black person to love America. That is a deep love for this country that for far too long we have never fully recognized. Biden, who has not slowed his pace of campaigning since Trump announced he tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, has made trips to Michigan and Florida over the last few days. He has increasingly traveled to areas where Trump has strong support, as a growing lead in national polls, consistent advantages in swing-state surveys, and increasingly competitive contests even in more conservative states like Texas and Georgia raise the prospect of a large Electoral College win. He visited an area of Miami with a large Cuban population on Monday, to court a constituency that often votes Republican. And last week he went to Johnstown and other parts of Western Pennsylvania, where Trump has deep support among white working-class voters. Gettysburg, in Adams County, voted for Trump by a 2-1 ratio in 2016. Biden has maintained an advantage over Trump in Pennsylvania polls. A Monmouth University survey released Tuesday showed Biden leading by between 8 and 11 percentage points in Pennsylvania, depending on voter turnout. Half of Monmouths poll was conducted before the presidents diagnosis became public. The survey results were almost the same before and after. Earlier Tuesday, Biden attended a virtual fund-raiser from Wilmington with Rep. Jim Clyburn (D., S.C.), who helped resuscitate his campaign during the South Carolina primary. The Gettysburg speech came a day after Trump was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and encouraged Americans not to be afraid of the coronavirus. Dont let it dominate you. Dont be afraid of it, Trump said Monday in a video from the White House. Trump, who is still contagious, tweeted Tuesday that he is looking forward to his second debate with Biden next week. As he prepared to fly out of the airport in Hagerstown, Biden said he was looking forward to being able to debate [Trump], but I just hope all the protocols are followed. Asked if he would feel safe, Biden said: If he still has COVID, we shouldnt have a debate. Biden slammed Trumps handling of the pandemic at a town hall in Miami on Monday night, urging him to institute a national mask mandate. Anybody who contracts the virus by essentially saying masks dont matter, social distancing doesnt matter, I think is responsible for what happens to them, Biden said when asked if Trump is partly responsible for his health situation. On Tuesday in Gettysburg, Biden lamented that Americas response to the pandemic had become a political issue. Lets set the partisanship aside. Lets end the politics. Lets follow the science, he said. Wearing a mask isnt a political statement. Its a scientific recommendation. Social distancing isnt a political statement. Its a scientific recommendation. Rising star Rebecca Humphries is joining the acclaimed cast of Netflix hit The Crown. The actress is to play Carol Thatcher, daughter of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the royal drama, according to The Sun. Gillian Anderson is playing Carol's mother, making her first appearance in the upcoming fourth series, which streams on Netflix next month. Plum role: Rising star Rebecca Humphries is joining the acclaimed cast of Netflix hit The Crown, playing the daughter of PM Margaret Thatcher, Carol (pictured right in 1990) Rebecca is best known for her work in BBC2 drama series Trigonometry, but she also hit the headlines in 2018 after her then-boyfriend, comedian Seann Walsh, was caught kissing his Strictly Come Dance Partner Katya Jones. The affair led Rebecca, 33, to publicly end her relationship with Walsh, and write about the experience. She has gone on to make a name for herself in acting, appearing in Trigonometry as well as Friday Night Dinner. The role of Carol Thatcher will see Rebecca not only play out the dynamic between the late PM and her daughter but also her own personal troubles. Daughter: Thatcher began her career as a journalist in Australia, where she was living when her mother was elected PM in 1979 (pictured with Margaret Thatcher in 1979) Rising star: Rebecca is best known for her work in BBC2 drama series Trigonometry and Channel 4's Friday Night Dinner Drama: She also hit the headlines in 2018 after her then-boyfriend, comedian Seann Walsh was caught kissing his Strictly Come Dance Partner Katya Jones (pictured with Walsh in 2015) Carol was left broken-hearted in the 1970s when dumped by former Tory minister Jonathan Aitken. Thatcher began her career as a journalist in Australia, where she was living when her mother was elected PM in 1979, working on the Sydney Morning Herald from 1977 to 1979. On her return to Britain, she worked as a presenter for LBC, BBC Radio 4, TV-am and wrote travel articles for The Daily Telegraph, while later in life she carved out a new career as a reality TV star, winning the fifth series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here. Historic: Gillian Anderson is playing Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, seen depicting the moment she arrived at Downing Street in 1979 after being elected for the first time, supported by her proud husband Denis (Stephen Boxer) Moment in history: Thatcher became the first woman in UK history to be elected Prime Minister in the late 1970s, and ran the UK's government for over a decade (pictured in 1979) Another newcomer to The Crown will be Angus Imrie as Prince Edward. Best known for appearances in Fleabag and The Archers, Angus is the son of acclaimed actress and comic Celia Imrie. The Crown Series Four will be released on Netflix on Sunday, November 15, and will see dark times for the royals as they face yet more political and social upheaval. Emma Corrin joins the cast as Princess Diana, as the series moves through the 1980s and Prince Charles' (played by Josh O'Connor) courtship and marriage to the Princess of Wales. This series is expected to end sometime in the 1980s, as series five will depict the Royal Family in the early 90s, which the Netflix show set to end is sixth series in 2003. Royal role: Another newcomer to The Crown will be Angus Imrie as Prince Edward (pictured right in 1983). Best known for appearances in Fleabag and The Archers Wow! Last week The Crown released more first look snaps, showcasing the Royal Family thrown into an era of political change, (Emma Corrin and Josh O'Connor portraying Prince Charles and Princess Diana at the Royal Opera House in March 1981) Outing: Diana wore a similar black strapless dress when she and Charles were pictured at the same iconic venue (in March 1981) for a charity recital The British nation is struggling with the impact of the divisive policies introduced by Britain's first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Tensions between the Prime Minister and the Queen are expected to only get worse as Thatcher leads the country into the Falklands War, generating conflict within the Commonwealth. A silver lining comes in the form of Charles' fairytale romance with young Lady Diana, but behind closed doors, the Royal family is becoming increasingly divided. Last week The Crown released more first look images, showcasing the Royal Family thrown into an era of political change ahead of the new series. Guests of honour: The Queen herself (Olivia Colman), and her husband Prince Philip (Tobias Menzies) are pictured attending the Royal Variety performance in 1984 Slight error: The Royal Variety performance that petered slightly in accuracy, as in reality the Queen did not attend in 1984, but was a guest of honour the following year (pictured in 1985) The images show Emma as Diana making a glamorous entrance at the Royal Opera House in 1981, alongside her husband, while another features Anderson as Margaret Thatcher, on the historic moment she enters Downing Street after being elected as Prime Minister in 1979. Helena Bonham Carter can be seen depicting Princess Margaret during a particularly pensive moment, as she adjust to life in Mustique following the end of her marriage to Anthony Armstrong-Jones. Some of the key moments featured have been given artistic licence and do not exactly replicate images taken of the Royal Family. One example of this is a picture of Olivia Colman, playing the Queen at the Royal Variety performance in 1984, alongside Tobias Menzies, who plays her husband Prince Phillip. Sartorial chic: The collection features two images of the so-called 'People's Princess' as another also shows Emma's Diana in a cream ensemble being surrounded by photographers Concerned: Helena Bonham Carter is seen as Princess Margaret during a particularly pensive moment, as she adjusts to life in Mustique following the end of her marriage to Anthony Armstrong-Jones Posed: Princess Margaret seen clutching a bunch of flowers while in her favourite holiday destination Mustique in 1985 Royal entrance: Another image shows Princess Anne (played by Erin Doherty) wearing a striking white and yellow floral ensemble with a matching fascinator, which she famously wore to Diana and Charles' wedding in 1981 Gorgeous: The Royal (pictured arriving for the wedding with Princess Margaret in 1981) famously re-wore her yellow and white floral dress her cousin's wedding 27 years later in 2008 In reality the royal couple did not attend the annual showcase until the following year. Erin Doherty also features in an image of Princess Anne wearing a striking white and yellow floral ensemble with a matching fascinator, which she famously wore to Diana and Charles' wedding in 1981. The Queen and Charles also appear to be in the midst of a dramatic exchange in one image. Despite concerns that the series would be delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis, which brought much of the television industry to a halt, it seems the fourth season will be released as planned. Bosses revealed back in March that filming was wrapped earlier than planned, though a majority of principle photography had already been completed. At odds: Another image shows Olivia's Queen Elizabeth in the midst of a tense exchange with her son Charles, (O'Connor) as the series prepares to document his blossoming relationship with Diana The real family: Prince Charles was pictured with Queen Elizabeth II, in 1969 in similar queen tweed clothing The EU health regulator has launched a real-time review of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by US drugmaker Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech, it said on Tuesday, following a similar announcement for rival AstraZeneca's jab last week. The announcement by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) could speed up the process of approving a successful vaccine in the bloc, by allowing researchers to submit findings in real time, without waiting for studies to conclude. The Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine, along with AstraZeneca's, which is being co-developed by Oxford University, are two ... Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 22:14:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A member of Chinese medical team conducts medical checks on a child at the Juba Orphanage Home in Juba, South Sudan, Oct. 6, 2020. The 8th batch of the Chinese medical team in South Sudan on Tuesday visited a children's home to provide medical care. (Photo by Gale Julius/Xinhua) JUBA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 8th batch of the Chinese medical team in South Sudan on Tuesday visited a children's home to provide medical care. The Chinese medics visited the Juba Orphanage Home, which is hosting over 60 disadvantaged children, where they shared gifts and conducted medical checks on the children. Wu Huaiguo, head of the Chinese medical team in South Sudan said they chose to visit the center to mark the 71st anniversary of China's National Day to express solidarity with the orphaned children. "We hope that they can have the confidence to overcome the difficulties of growing without parents and become better people in the future," Wu said. "We will continue to pay attention to these children and provide help to these children as much as possible," he added. The center's director Angelo Kenyi appreciated the Chinese doctors for their continued support to the children's home since the first batch of the Chinese medical team arrived in the east African country in 2013. "We are grateful to the Chinese medical team because since they arrived in South Sudan, they have been visiting these children to spend time with them," Kenyi said. Enditem Parts of England could face draconian new lockdown measures within days under plans for a local 'Covid alert' system. Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to unveil details of the three-tier set-up as early as Thursday in an attempt to make the existing patchwork of restrictions easier to understand. Government sources said the top tier would include tougher restrictions than those currently applied to millions of people living across the North and Midlands. A planned 'traffic light' system of measures will be redesigned after data from thousands of 'missing' cases revealed that the virus was spreading much faster than previously thought in cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield. Ministers will meet in the coming days to thrash out exactly how far to go. Cities including Sheffield, Oxford and Nottingham seemingly at risk of harsher restrictions as Boris Johnson tries to get a grip on local flare-ups. Options include the closure of pubs, restaurants and cinemas, a ban on social mixing outside household groups, and restrictions on overnight stays. Sources refused to rule out the possibility that some towns and cities could be placed immediately into the top tier, despite the fact that death rates remain low. It came as Nicola Sturgeon announced new restrictions would be announced for Scotland tomorrow, to come into effect from Friday. But the First Minister used her daily press conference to say the measures to be revealed at Holyrood would not amount to another full lockdown. Nicola Sturgeon announced new restrictions would be announced for Scotland tomorrow, to come into effect from Friday, but they would not constitute a new lockdown Cities including Sheffield, Oxford and Nottingham seemingly at risk of harsher restrictions as Boris Johnson (pictured today) tries to get a grip on local flare-ups Coronavirus cases in Scotland have been rising sharply since the beginning of September PM channels Maggie with Tory conference speech Boris Johnson pleaded for Tories to keep faith in his instincts and handling of the coronavirus crisis today, setting out a true blue vision for Britain after the disease is defeated. The PM admitted 2020 'has not been the year we imagined' but insisted the devastating effects of the pandemic would not prevent the government pushing its 'levelling up' agenda after Brexit. In an address to the 'virtual' Tory conference, Mr Johnson - deprived of his usual interaction with a live audience - said he was 'working for the day when life is back to normal', appealing for people not to let the gruelling lockdown 'get us down'. Nodding to rising Conservative anger about infringement of civil liberties and lockdown strangling the economy, he said he 'deeply regretted' the restrictions the government was imposing - but he warned there was 'simply no reasonable alternative'. Scrambling to reassure those questioning his Tory values, he promised to roll back the state as soon as possible, slamming the idea that the taxpayer could be 'Uncle Sugar' and keep funding every part of the economy, and praising entrepreneurs. Mr Johnson also channeled the spirit of Thatcher's 1980s revolution by pledging to save the dream of home ownership for a new generation with 95 per cent mortgages. And he lashed out at those calling for the country to paper over its colonial past, saying he was 'not embarrassed' to sing Rule Britannia. He said returning to the same way of doing things would not be enough, and the government was determined to 'build back better'. It was 'in crises like this' that real change could be made, and he would seize the moment to do so. The premier delivered an angry response to claims that he has 'lost his mojo' and not fully recovered from his own brush with coronavirus, offering to 'arm wrestle or leg wrestle' to prove them wrong. Advertisement She said the new measures will not include travel restrictions on the whole country - though such restrictions may sometimes be necessary in 'hotspot' areas - and the public will not be asked to stay in their own homes. Speaking at the daily briefing in Edinburgh, she said schools will not be closed 'wholly or even partially', and the Scottish Government will not 'shut down the entire economy' or 'halt the remobilisation of the NHS'. 'We are not proposing another lockdown at this stage,' Ms Sturgeon said. 'Not even on a temporary basis.' Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - warned this morning that pubs could have to shut altogether in parts of England to keep schools open. The Westminster government's Covid modelling guru said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. However, the problems the PM would face in pushing through such restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs. Asked if more restrictions are coming for Liverpool and Newcastle, the Prime minister's official spokesman said today: 'We keep the data under constant review by looking at a wide range of data in terms of the number of positive cases per 100,000 people, also the number of hospitalisations, the number of people who are moved into intensive care units and also sadly the number of deaths. 'We have always set out that if there is a need to go further on a local basis then we won't hesitate to do what is required to protect the NHS and protect lives.' An NHS source revealed last night to the The Sun they had been told another Scottish lockdown was coming. They added: 'We've been told to expect it from 7pm on Friday.' Figures published for the first time yesterday show 43 per cent of all cases across Scotland last week were in only two council areas - Glasgow and Edinburgh. It sparked renewed calls for Ms Sturgeon to avoid imposing draconian restrictions on parts of the country with low virus rates. But a recent Government report warned there could be another 100,000 job losses by the end of the year. Tim Allan, of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Talk of a further blanket lockdown is unacceptable to Scottish businesses. 'It would damage consumer and business confidence, which have already taken an unprecedented economic hit throughout this crisis. Testing centres, like this one in Glasgow, have seen a steady stream of traffic going inside Coronavirus social distancing measures seen being observed at a restaurant in Edinburgh Tightened rules in Scotland could be 'final act' for tourism Scots tourism chiefs warned any further restrictions on businesses could be the 'final act' which would see them permanently closed. Industry leaders said 'widespread' mass redundancies are inevitable as the furlough scheme winds down and any further action by Holyrood would exacerbate the problem. The Scottish Tourism Alliance warned many businesses had already started to make decisions on job losses and closing down for the winter. Chief executive Marc Crothall said new rules had already seen self-catering businesses suffer widespread cancellations, while many restaurants had seen their takings nearly cut in half due to the 10pm curfew. Mr Crothall said: 'The direct impact of the recent new restrictions is seeing businesses accelerating decisions on having to let staff go. 'We are hearing stories of increasing numbers of losses coming sooner than many people had hoped. 'A circuit breaker will have a really big bearing on the sector. 'There's no evidence of any kind of targeted and tailored support package for the industry. 'Without that, it could well be the final act for many businesses.' VisitScotland's chief executive, Malcolm Roughead, said it was clear the industry was 'struggling' to withstand the impact of new coronavirus restrictions imposed last month. He said businesses were facing an uncertain future after a ban groups from more than one household from booking self-catering accommodation together. Advertisement 'Returning to national lockdown measures will take our economy back to square one - we simply cannot continue to keep switching the lights of the economy on and off. It risks not just jobs but the wellbeing of entire communities. 'Instead, we should focus on using the evidence we have to target problem areas. The data the Scottish Government now has is sophisticated and detailed and will show in which environments and geographical areas the virus is spreading. 'We know the virus will be with us for a long time. We must learn to manage it so we can carry on with our lives and protect livelihoods while keeping the risk of transmission as low as possible.' New data published by Public Health Scotland puts five councils in the 'red alert' category as they have had more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over the past week: Glasgow, Edinburgh, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire. Out of Scotland's 32 council areas, 43.4 per cent of all cases were in only two, Glasgow and Edinburgh, between September 27 and October 3. In Glasgow, there were 1,224 cases - or 193 per 100,000 people - while in Edinburgh there were 750 cases, or 143 per 100,000. There was not a single positive case in Orkney or Shetland. Moray had only five cases per 100,000, Aberdeenshire 14, Clackmannanshire 15, Perth and Kinross 20 and 26 in Angus. Murdo Fraser, Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: 'I don't believe there needs to be general nationwide restrictions when you see figures like this. 'We saw a local lockdown in Aberdeen when there was a recent spiking of cases there. If, as has been suggested, we see more restrictions introduced in coming days, then I feel it is essential that they are targeted at specific problem areas, instead of right across the country.' Asked yesterday if blanket measures will be introduced, Ms Sturgeon said that would be one of the 'key considerations'. She added: 'If we feel there are further restrictions needed, are they needed nationwide or are they needed on a local or regional basis? We haven't taken a decision on that. 'Although we're seeing in West Central Scotland and in Lothian particularly high numbers of cases and levels of infection, it would be wrong to suggest we're not seeing rising infection in pretty much every part of the country. We are.' Ms Sturgeon said that on most days over the past week there have been cases in every mainland health board area, as well as some islands. She added: 'There is a rising tide of infection across the country, albeit it is higher in some parts than in others. The problems the PM (pictured in Downing Street today) faces in pushing through tougher coronavirus restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs Infections in the UK have rocketed in the past few days due to an embarassing counting error Scotland can be seen to have had increased infections that a lot of certain parts of England 'Part of our consideration about restrictions also requires us to take account of not just reacting to a problem that is there, but also are you wiser to take preventative action in areas where it might not look like there is as big a problem now, but if you act you can stop a problem developing.' Meanwhile, parts of the UK - including a number of university cities - could be plunged into local lockdown within days after 'missed' Test and Trace data belatedly revealed soaring infection figures. Cities including Sheffield and Oxford are among a dozen areas which have seen their coronavirus infection figures soar following the 'computer glitch', which meant 16,000 cases were missed off Public Health England's reporting system. Residents in Nottingham, which has two universities, have reportedly been told to brace for lockdown measures, according to the Telegraph. The city, which is home to Nottingham University and Nottingham Trent University, was previously not on the Government's Covid 'watch list'. But the updated data reveals the city would have been one of the worst areas in the country last week when compared with the pre-adujsted figures. Neil Ferguson (right) - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - said pubs might need to close to keep schools open. Steve Baker (left) is leading a Tory revolt against the existing restrictions The Department for Health insist the new figures do not impact its watch list or alter current restriction in the area, according to the paper. It comes as new figures today revealed that cases are rocketing in some of the North's biggest cities. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham have all seen huge jumps, in some instances to a rate of 500 cases per 100,000 people. That triggered a fresh round of frenzied speculation about tougher local lockdowns yesterday, with the threat of further restrictions later this week. Manchester's weekly rate more than doubled to 2,927 in the week to October 2 equal to almost 530 cases per 100,000 people. Liverpool was not far behind, with cases per 100,000 jumping from 306 to 487 in a week. Cases in Sheffield almost trebled from just over 100 per 100,000 to 286. In Newcastle, the rate leapt from 268 to 435. Professor Lockdown warns pubs might close to save schools as PM faces Tory mutiny The government's Covid modelling guru today warned pubs could have to shut altogether to keep schools open - as Boris Johnson faces a Tory revolt against the 10pm curfew. Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. However, the problems the PM would face in pushing through such restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs. Anger has been growing on the Tory benches over the government's refusal to exempt younger children from the Rule of Six - as happens in Scotland - while many believe that the curfew is causing more harm than good by fueling revelry on the streets and house parties. Advertisement Many of the biggest rises are in cities with large student populations. Mr Hancock said outbreaks on campuses would not necessarily lead to tougher restrictions for the wider community if they could be contained. Meanwhile, Covid contact tracers were last night desperately trying to hunt down tens of thousands of potentially infectious Britons after the full impact of the IT blunder was laid bare. Ministers admitted yesterday that officials had managed to get in touch with only half of the 16,000 left off the Government's daily tally of confirmed virus cases last week. Estimates have suggested these people could have as many as 50,000 potentially infectious contacts needing to be traced and told to isolate. The 697 positive cases confirmed yesterday across Scotland amounted to 12.8 per cent of newly tested patients. The number of people in hospital with the virus increased by eight, to 218, while those in intensive care remained unchanged at 22, and there were no new deaths. Ms Sturgeon said there were more young people testing positive than at the start of the pandemic, but warned more older people had been catching the virus in recent weeks. She said: 'This is a very important point, and actually one of the key points in our consideration of next steps in the days to come.' 'It risks wellbeing of entire communities' In the UK it is predicated that a number of university cities could be put into local lockdown days after a test and trace counting blunder rocked the infection logging system. Cities including Sheffield, Leeds and Oxford are among a dozen areas which have seen their coronavirus infection figures soar following the 'computer glitch', which meant 16,000 cases were missed off Public Health England's reporting system. Residents in Nottingham, which has two universities, have reportedly been told to The Department for Health insist the new figures do not impact its watch list or alter current restriction in the area. It came as it was revealed cases were rocketing in some of the North's biggest cities. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham have all seen huge jumps, in some instances to a rate of 500 cases per 100,000 people. That triggered a fresh round of frenzied speculation about tougher local lockdowns yesterday, with the threat of further restrictions later this week. Manchester's weekly rate more than doubled to 2,927 in the week to October 2 equal to almost 530 cases per 100,000 people. NEW HAVEN Staff members who work in four schools have tested positive for COVID-19, the districts top official said. New Haven Superintendent of Schools Iline Tracey said she learned from the city Health Department late Monday that four staff members at different schools Lincoln-Bassett, Brennan-Rogers, Nathan Hale and Elm City Montessori tested positive for the virus. Tracey said she informed the relevant school communities as soon as possible, but there was no risk to any students. School is not in session, she said Tuesday. Further, in West Haven, students in a classroom at Savin Rock Community School are being quarantined after one of the students tested positive for COVID-19, the fourth positive case in the district since schools reopened Sept. 8, Superintendent of Schools Neil Cavallaro confirmed Tuesday. Since reopening there have been two positive cases at West Haven High School, one at Bailey Middle School and now the student at Savin Rock Community School. In New Haven, Tracey said that in two of the four schools some other staff members who may have come into close contact with staff who tested positive were asked to remain in quarantine. Although instruction has been happening since Sept. 3 when school began, buildings have been closed to students after the Board of Education voted for remote-only instruction for the first marking period, which ends in November. Elm City Montessori, a local charter that is operated independently, has been offering a mix of remote and in-person instruction for students who want it and Lincoln-Bassett and Brennan-Rogers are among a number of district schools that reopened for about three to five special education students per building at a time in self-contained classrooms. Teaching staff have the option of working from their buildings, and other employees such as custodial and cafeteria workers remain on site to do their jobs. Although positive tests of school employees led to a 24-hour closure of buildings over the summer for disinfecting, Tracey said the district is doing a deep disinfecting of only areas touched by those who tested positive. It might be a classroom instead of the entire building, she said. Tracey declined to share the job titles of those who tested positive, and said they might not be teachers when asked whether the positive tests would impact instructional staffing. Cavallaro noted that the cases in the West Haven schools have occurred at different times. He could not give details of the cases, but said this is the first case at the elementary school at 50 Park St, which serves students in pre-K through fifth grade. As is the procedure, students in the class have been quarantined and contact tracing is underway with staff and others, Cavallaro said. Elementary school students stay in one room, he said, so only the classroom is involved. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com Charleston REALTOR William Prendergast He is incredibly personable, driven and knowledgeable about the luxury market in Charleston and will serve as a great asset to our company Accomplished Charleston REALTOR, William Prendergast, has joined The Cassina Group. Will has a strong background in high-end construction and has built a successful real estate career focusing on luxury properties in and around historic Charleston. Will is an outstanding agent and we are thrilled to have him at The Cassina Group, said Owen Tyler, managing broker and partner of the firm. He is incredibly personable, driven and knowledgeable about the luxury market in Charleston and will serve as a great asset to our company. Prendergast has a long history of success in the luxury real estate market during his time in Charleston. Will is originally from Leesburg, Virginia and previously worked for Apex Custom Homes, one of the top 100 custom construction companies in the country. He has a true appreciation for Charlestons rich history, unique architecture, and diverse culture, and he is committed to providing maximum exposure and options for his buyer and seller clients. I am impressed with the direction that Cassina is going and felt it was the best place for me to expand my business and better help my clients, said Prendergast when asked about joining the company. The Cassina Group is known as Charlestons innovation-driven real estate firm, with a proven reputation for delivering stronger results though leading-edge technology and building lasting relationships. The boutique company consistently ranks in the top 10 in the MLS and is the leading luxury boutique firm in Charleston, S.C. For more information on The Cassina Group, please visit http://www.TheCassinaGroup.com. About The Cassina Group The Cassina Group is a boutique real estate brokerage with offices in Mount Pleasant, SC and Charleston, SC. The firm is managed by Owen Tyler, partner and managing broker, and founding partners Jimmy Dye and Robertson Allen. Recent awards include top honors from Charleston Magazine, Inc. 5000 and SC Biz News. For more information, visit http://www.TheCassinaGroup.com or call 843-628-0008 President Donald Trump is back at the White House after a three-night stay at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he was treated for the coronavirus with a cocktail of drugs, including Gilead's remdesivir, Regeneron's antibody cocktail and the steroid dexamethasone. Hours before he was discharged from the hospital, Trump urged Americans not to be afraid of the deadly virus and said he felt "better than I did 20 years ago." Trump has access to world-class medical care and still-under-review treatments and was scheduled to continue treatment back at the White House. Here are some of the biggest developments Tuesday: While waiting to receive the results of a coronavirus test, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani appeared on Fox News Monday night, where he coughed throughout his interview with host Martha MacCallum. Giuliani is President Trump's personal lawyer and one of his most ardent supporters. He helped Trump prepare for last week's debate against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, and several people Giuliani came in close contact with, including Trump, former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, Trump aide Hope Hicks, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) have all tested positive for the coronavirus. Giuliani shared with MacCallum that he recently tested negative for COVID-19, but two hours before his appearance, he took a second test, "one of those all the way in the back of the nose tests," The Daily Beast reports. MacCallum told Giuliani she hopes he receives "a negative on that one," and then asked him about Biden urging people to wear masks and listen to scientists about how the coronavirus works. Biden, Giuliani declared, doesn't "really understand what scientists are," adding that people should listen to their doctors because "they know your personal history. Doctors really aren't scientists. Scientists almost always have competing opinions. That's what science is about." He scoffed that Biden is making "a political statement to scare people, wearing that mask," and mocked him for donning a face covering "when you are standing at a podium," saying the "only thing you can infect is the teleprompter that's near you." Before saying goodbye to her guest, MacCallum told Giuliani, "I hope that cough is not anything bad, you're waiting for your test to come back. We hope you're going to be healthy and well." Giuliani responded, "I hope so, too. I'll let you know tomorrow." Rudy was part of Trump's debate prep team and says he's awaiting the results of a coronavirus test pic.twitter.com/UZI9TN67w6 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 6, 2020 More stories from theweek.com President Superspreader Trump is finally doubling down on COVID skepticism 5 worrying red flags from Trump's doctor When an 80-year-old man at a bar near Buffalo, New York, noticed a fellow customer not wearing a face mask, he confronted him. The customer responded by swiftly pushing him to the ground, the police said. Five days later, the man was dead. On Monday, the customer, Donald Lewinski, 65, of West Seneca, New York, was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide in the death of the 80-year-old, Rocco Sapienza. The case is believed to be one of the first of its kind in New York state. Lewinski was expected to appear in court on Tuesday in Erie County, where he planned to plead not guilty, his lawyer, Barry Covert, said. The charge carries up to four years in prison. The encounter followed months of tension and often vitriolic confrontations across the country over masks. Disputes have escalated to violence: Retail employees have broken up fistfights between customers, and in New York City dozens of transit workers have been attacked after trying to enforce the rules. Some encounters have also turned deadly. In Michigan, prosecutors said a security guard at a Family Dollar store was fatally shot in May after he told a customer that their daughter needed to wear a mask inside the store. John J. Flynn, the Erie County district attorney, said he believed the confrontation between Sapienza and Lewinski who apparently had exchanged terse words before the shove was one of the first in New York state that had led to someones death. He said preliminary autopsy results showed that Sapienza died from blunt force trauma to the head. Its beyond sad, Flynn said. These kinds of situations have continued to escalate, and this should cause everyone to pause and think twice now about how we as a society want to conduct ourselves during this pandemic. Sapienza and Lewinski were regulars at Pamps Red Zone Bar & Grill in West Seneca, and both men had been at the bar for a few hours on Sept. 26 when they clashed over Lewinskis failure to wear a mask, according to Capt. James Unger of the West Seneca Police Department. In New York state, customers at bars and restaurants are required to wear face coverings when they are not seated. Flynn said surveillance video showed the two men sitting alone at different sections of the bar. Lewinski got up a few times, including to bring a round of drinks outside the bar area. Each time, he was not wearing a mask. The bar owner went up to Lewinski and spoke with him for about a minute before Sapienza put his mask on and walked up to them, Flynn said the video showed. Out of the blue, Lewinski two-hand shoves Sapienza, Flynn said. As he fell, Sapienzas left arm knocked over a nearby bar stool and his head hit the floor. He appeared to lose consciousness. At Erie County Medical Center, he underwent brain surgery, but remained unresponsive until he died on Thursday, the police said. Minutes after the incident, Lewinski paid his bill and left. Unger said that Sapienza was very well-liked among customers at the bar and often took on a role of protecting the staff. Lewinski had made lewd comments to other patrons and employees, the police said, which might have fueled the dispute. They had exchanged words prior to the confrontation, Unger said, and then the incident with the masks was the culmination of all those little verbal spats. It was unclear whether the two men knew each other before that day, he said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (21) Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba claims that Ukraine has no dispute with the EU over anti-corruption bodies, so there is no threat to visa-free travel to EU. "There is no dispute over anti-corruption bodies, nothing threatens the visa-free travel [of Ukrainians to the EU]. There is an absolutely clear position of the President, Ukraine as a state that we are interested in the existence of strong and independent anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine. However, there has been not a single easy and calm year of their existence since those bodies were established. Ukraine and the European Union share absolutely identical views on combating corruption," Kuleba said in an interview with the BBC News Ukraine. As reported, Viola Von Cramon, a member of the European Parliaments Committee on Foreign Affairs, said that Ukraine might lose its visa-free regime and financial assistance from the EU due to the situation around the appointment of a new head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office. Later, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated that there was no threat of suspension of EUs visa-free regime for Ukraine as all the necessary criteria were being met. ol October 06 : Shabana Azmi recently reacted to Kangana Ranauts attack on Bollywood. Calling her comments outrageous, Azmi stated that Kangana is worried about the day when she will no longer make headlines. The veteran actress said that Kangana fears that she will fade into oblivion and therefore, makes outrageous statements to stay in the news. Talking to Mumbai Mirror, Shabana also advised the Panga actress to just do what she is best at, which is acting. Of late, Kangana has been in the headlines for attacking the Hindi film industry for nepotism, media mafia, and for their nexus with drugs. She has also referred to Bollywood as a gutter. Her comments drew sharp reactions from many of her industry colleagues including Swara Bhaskar, Taapsee Pannu, and Jaya Bachchan. Although Azmi is happy that Kangana has taught feminism and nationalism to the film industry, she said that the Queen actress has started believing in her myths. Shabana said that Ranaut makes sensational statements to stay in the headlines. Shabana Azmi agrees that the film industry has its issues but she believes it is wrong to paint the entire industry with the same colour. There are many socially committed outspoken people too, does the entire industry get bathed in a halo because of them?, she questioned. She also said that levelling malicious allegations against Bollywood is a systematic campaign to divert attention from real issues that the country is facing. The debt concern is broader than the possibility that a person might knowingly compromise classified information to raise money, wrote Noreen A. Lynch, an administrative judge in the office managers case. Quoting government guidelines, Lynch said that failure to live within one's means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual's reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to protect classified or sensitive information. . . . An individual who is financially overextended is at greater risk of having to engage in illegal or otherwise questionable acts to generate funds. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, said they will lead a regional initiative called Free and Open Indo-Pacific aimed at countering Chinas growing assertiveness, a main issue they will discuss on Tuesday with the top envoys from Australia and India. The first in-person talks among the foreign ministers since the coronavirus pandemic began also brings together Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Motegi, opening his working lunch with Pompeo ahead of the so-called Quad talks, said, I hope Japan and the US will lead the international society to achieve the Free and Open Indo-Pacific. He also said the Japan-US alliance continues to be the cornerstone of peace and stability in the region under new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga who took office on September 16, vowing to carry on his predecessor Shinzo Abes hawkish security and diplomatic stance. Pompeo welcomed Sugas recent description of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific as the foundation of regional peace and stability and that I could not agree him more. On his way to Tokyo, Pompeo told reporters that the four countries hope to have some significant achievements at the meeting, but did not elaborate. Also Read: PM Modi, Xi to come face-to-face at virtual Brics Summit next month Japanese officials say they will discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative for greater security and economic cooperation that Japan and the US have been pushing to bring together like-minded countries that share concerns about Chinas growing assertiveness and influence. The talks come weeks ahead of the US presidential election and amid tensions between the US and China over the virus, trade, technology, Hong Kong, Taiwan and human rights. Pompeo is attending the Quad meeting, though he cancelled subsequent planned visits to South Korea and Mongolia after President Donald Trump was hospitalized with Covid-19. The president was released on Monday and returned to the White House. The talks follow a recent flareup in tensions between China and India over their border issue. Relations between Australia and China have also deteriorated in recent months. Japan, meanwhile, is concerned about Chinas claim to the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands, called Diaoyu in China, in the East China Sea. Japan also considers Chinas growing military activity to be a security threat. Japans annual defence policy paper in July accused China of unilaterally changing the status quo in the South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is assertively pressing its claim to virtually all of the seas key fisheries and waterways. Suga, who had been chief Cabinet secretary under Abe, will make his in-person diplomatic debut as prime minister when he meets the Quad ministers. He will also hold separate talks with Pompeo on deepening the Japan-US alliance and the FOIP. The world is possibly becoming even more unpredictable and uncontrollable due to heightening selfish nationalism and growing tension between the US and China, Suga told Japanese media on Monday. He said he will pursue diplomacy that is based on the Japan-US alliance as a cornerstone and strategically promote the FOIP, while establishing stable relations with neighbours including China and Russia. Also Read: Uncertainty looms large over India-China trade through Nathu La in Sikkim He said he also plans to promote the FOIP during a planned visit to Southeast Asia later this month. Japan sees the FOIP as crucial to have access to sea lanes all the way to Middle East, a key source of oil for the resource-poor island nation. Suga has little experience in diplomacy. Balancing between the US, Japans main security ally, and China, its top trading partner, will be tough, analysts say. Japan hopes to regularize the Quad foreign ministers talks and broaden their cooperation with other countries. But each Quad member has its own political stance toward China and it would be difficult to agree on concrete steps even though they share perception of China as a common threat, analysts say. DUBLIN, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Electric Water Heater Market 2020-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global electric water heater market is estimated to grow significantly during the forecast period. Extreme climatic conditions along with rising industrialization combinedly drive the demand for water heaters across the globe that further ac as a driving factor for the market. Moreover, the replacement of existing water heating systems with compact design and more efficient systems such as heat pump water heaters (HPWH), makes the deployment of water heaters inevitable in the commercial and industrial sector further provide significant opportunity to the market. However, the inclination towards energy efficient water heater such as solar water heater further projected to hinder the market growth during the forecast period. The global market for electric water heater is further classified on the basis of product type and application. Based on the product type, the market is further classified into tankless water heater and storage water heater. The tankless water heater segment is projected to have significant CAGR in the global electric water heater market. Tankless water heaters are compact units that provide hot water as needed, without storing it as conventional tank-type water heaters. These water heaters significantly reduce standby losses, which in turn, makes them an energy-efficient substitute to conventional water heaters. On the basis of application the market is further segregated into residential, commercial, and industrial. Asia-Pacific is projected to have a considerable share in the global electric water heater market. The companies which are contributing to the growth of the global electric water heater market include A.O. Smith Corp., Bajaj Electricals Ltd., Haier Electronics group Co., Ltd., Havells India Ltd., General Electric Co., and others. Product launch, merger, and acquisition, collaborations with government, and technological advancements through which market players are considerably contributing to the market growth to stay competitive in the market. The Report Covers Comprehensive research methodology of the global electric water heater market. This report also includes a detailed and extensive market overview with key analyst insights. An exhaustive analysis of macro and micro factors influencing the market guided by key recommendations. Analysis of regional regulations and other government policies impacting the global electric water heater market. Insights about market determinants which are stimulating the global electric water heater market. Detailed and extensive market segments with regional distribution of forecasted revenues. Extensive profiles and recent developments of market players. Key Topics Covered: 1. Report Summary 1.1. Research Methods and Tools 1.2. Market Breakdown 1.2.1. By Segments 1.2.2. By Geography 2. Market Overview and Insights 2.1. Scope of the Report 2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends 2.2.1. Key Findings 2.2.2. Recommendations 2.2.3. Conclusion 2.3. Rules & Regulations 3. Competitive Landscape 3.1. Company Share Analysis 3.2. Key Strategy Analysis 3.3. Key Company Analysis 3.3.1. A.O. Smith Corp. 3.3.1.1. Overview 3.3.1.2. Financial Analysis 3.3.1.3. SWOT Analysis 3.3.1.4. Recent Developments 3.3.2. Bajaj Electricals Ltd. 3.3.3. Haier electronics group Co., Ltd. 3.3.4. Havells India Ltd. 3.3.5. General Electric Co. 4. Market Determinants 4.1. Motivators 4.2. Restraints 4.3. Opportunities 5. Market Segmentation 5.1. Global Electric Water Heater Market by Product Type 5.1.1. Tankless Water Heater 5.1.2. Storage Water Heater 5.2. Global Electric Water Heater Market by Application 5.2.1. Residential 5.2.2. Commercial 5.2.3. Industrial 6. Regional Analysis 6.1. North America 6.1.1. United States 6.1.2. Canada 6.2. Europe 6.2.1. UK 6.2.2. Germany 6.2.3. Italy 6.2.4. Spain 6.2.5. France 6.2.6. Rest of Europe 6.3. Asia-Pacific 6.3.1. China 6.3.2. India 6.3.3. Japan 6.3.4. Rest of Asia-Pacific 6.4. Rest of the World 7. Company Profiles 7.1. A.O. Smith Corp. 7.2. Ariston Thermo SpA 7.3. ATC Electrical and Mechanical, Ltd. 7.4. Bajaj Electricals Ltd. 7.5. Bandini Scaldabagni SpA 7.6. Bradford White Corp. 7.7. Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. 7.8. General Electric Co. 7.9. Haier electronics group Co., Ltd. 7.10. HTP Comfort Solutions LLC 7.11. Havells India Ltd. 7.12. Hangzhou Kangquan Water Heater Co., Ltd. 7.13. Hubbell Electric Heater Co. 7.14. Marey Heater Corp 7.15. Robert Bosch GmbH 7.16. Rheem Manufacturing Company, Inc. 7.17. Racold Thermo Pvt. Ltd. 7.18. Stiebel Eltron, Inc. 7.19. Transform Holdco LLC (Kenmore) 7.20. Venus Home Appliances (P) Ltd. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tyo57f Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Also present at the meeting were representatives from 85 domestic enterprises and investors from ASEAN member states, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and India who were seeking the governments continued reduction of corporate income and value added taxes, and land rents in 2020 and 2021. They wanted the Vietnamese Government to support them in seizing opportunities from the global manufacturing shift and coming up with proper personnel plans and business strategies. They also expected the Government to tighten intellectual property management and accelerate disbursement of business support packages as new-generation free trade agreements, notably the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), have entered into force in Vietnam. Speaking at the event, Minh highlighted efforts by the Government in fighting the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and helping enterprises weather the crisis. He outlined the non-agricultural land use tax reduction and exemption and corporate income tax waiver in 2020 and the deferral of taxes and land use fees as examples of supports provided by the Government to aid those affected by COVID-19. The Government has also worked hard to accelerate public administrative reforms and create a better business climate, reflected by the cut of over 3,800 business conditions and more than 6,700 goods required specialised inspections, he said. He expected the association and its business members to pay more attention to ASEAN markets. According to him, total trade between Vietnam and ASEAN reached US$57 billion last year, 10 times the figure 25 years ago and 11% of the countrys total foreign trade. By the end of July 2020, FDI flows from investors from ASEAN countries into Vietnam neared nearly US$82 billion, representing 21.6% of the total FDI injection. He also asked enterprises to proactively make the most of opportunities and overcome challenges from the FTAs. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 22:38:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia on Tuesday called for negotiations in Kyrgyzstan to solve the current political crisis in the Central Asian country. "We call on all political forces at this critical moment for the republic to show wisdom and responsibility in order to preserve internal stability and security," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It added that Russia is concerned about political stability in Kyrgyzstan and the well-being of its people as the country remains a strategic partner and ally of Moscow. Parliamentary elections were held in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday with the participation of 16 political parties. Preliminary results showed that four parties crossed the 7 percent threshold to enter the parliament. Some parties which failed to meet the voting threshold organized nationwide protests on Monday demanding the election's annulment, claiming gross violations. Kyrgyzstan's Central Election Commission on Tuesday annulled the results of the elections after clashes between police and protesters caused at least 590 injuries and one death. Enditem Find all of the most important pandemic education news on Educating N.J., a special resource guide created for parents, students and educators. As schools reopen across N.J., we want to know what is and isnt working. Tell us about it here. Three more school districts are the latest to reveal positive coronavirus cases with two shutting a building down and the other keeping its schools open as the academic year reaches the one-month mark. In Hazlet, two unrelated positive cases at Raritan Valley Elementary School have prompted the district to suspend in-person learning at that school for two weeks. The district emphasized that neither person contracted the virus in the building, adding that it reached the decision after consulting with county and state health officials. Students who attend the pre-kindergarten through 8th grade Robert L. Craig School in Moonachie will also be relegated to virtual instruction for two weeks after a staff member tested positive for the virus despite the extreme minimal risk to the building", officials said. The employee, who was not infected in the school, is doing well and feeling good, official said in a letter to parents on Monday. No other students or staff members experienced symptoms or tested positive, the district reported after it concluded contact tracing. The positive test was reported Wednesday. Meanwhile, East Brunswick is keeping schools open after announcing a positive test in each of two schools and presumptive positives in two others. None of the people were infected in a school building, Superintendent Victor Valeski said in a letter posted on the district website. In the first month of the new academic year, about 30 districts have had to halt in-person classes because students and teachers tested positive for the coronavirus. The New Jersey Department of Health issued several matrices to help schools decide if and when they should ask students to quarantine or shut down school buildings if someone tests positive for COVID-19. One student apiece at Robert Frost Elementary School and Hammarskjod Middle School tested positive, while one student at Churchill Junior High School and East Brunswick are presumptive positive, the superintendent said. Fourteen students and 11 staff members identified as close contacts of the student who tested positive at Hammarskjod Middle School will quarantine for 14 days. At Frost, six student and three staff will stay home for two weeks. At Churchill, 14 students and 16 staff are under quarantine, while at the high school 11 students and 8 staff cant return for two weeks, the superintendent said. The state Department of Health issued guidelines for schools on how to handle positive cases, when to ask students to quarantine and when schools need to switch to remote learning. Among the recommendations is to shut down the school if two or more people in multiple classrooms get sick within 14 days and a clear connection between the cases cannot be easily identified. In addition, 17 East Brunswick student athletes will quarantine for 14 days and an 53 more student are members of school sport teams will quarantine for 72 hours because they were contacts of close contacts. Valeski said schools will remain open. Today represents the scope of challenges we must overcome to continue operating our schools, he wrote. I am confident, as we rapidly address positive COVID-19 cases in our schools and quarantine all known close contacts we can continue to maintain the safe environment we have established in East Brunswick public schools." East Brunswick, which was among the only districts in Middlesex County not to start the year entirely remotely, made it though September with three positive cases district-wide, Valeski said. Two weeks ago, several teachers and students at the quarantined themselves after they made with contact with three people outside the school district who tested positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, in Madison a staff member at Central School tested positive and hasnt been in school since Thursday. The person was not infected in the school, the district said. Contact tracing is underway. This staff member and any other affected individuals will not be physically present in school until they meet NJDOH criteria for return, Madison school officials said. State officials said last week there have been 11 school outbreaks that have led to 43 cases statewide. Officials havent updated those numbers since releasing them Sep. 30. There are more than 2,500 schools in New Jersey, according to the state Department of Education. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. CAIRO Relations between Egypt and Ethiopia are still tense over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while the two countries, alongside Sudan, continue to engage in lengthy negotiations that began about a decade ago. The African Union (AU) has recently tried to act as a mediator, but the talks reached a deadlock Aug. 28. Al-Monitor met with the new Ethiopian ambassador to Egypt, Markos Tekle Rike, for his first press interview since he submitted his credentials to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Sept. 23 to succeed Dina Mufti. The Ethiopian diplomat talked about his strategy to bring perspectives closer and expressed Ethiopias take on the GERD negotiations after the United States suspended some aid to his country amid a lack of progress toward reaching an agreement, according to US reports. Ethiopia had recalled Mufti and seven other ambassadors in March, amid escalating tensions between Cairo and Addis Ababa, a few days following the failure of the US mediation to solve the GERD crisis. It took Ethiopia five months to appoint Rike as the new ambassador. Rike told Al-Monitor, The former ambassador was recalled in May 2020 and I was appointed the same month. The appointment process normally takes three to four months. It followed a normal diplomatic procedure. Rike is one of the most prominent diplomats in Ethiopia, although he is only 40 years old. He recently occupied the position of minister of state for foreign affairs, and he was previously the ambassador to Japan and director of the Ethiopian Foreign Service Training Institute. He was appointed ambassador to Cairo at a time when the two countries are facing the biggest challenge in their relations. He said, My focus is to increase the relationship between the two nations to the height that it deserves. Ethiopian and Egyptian relations should be much better than this. I will contribute to bridging the gaps. Rike noted, We have to go back to history. These two peoples, two nations have a very long history of relations. In the past we have [had] good relations; of course; [we had] ups and downs. But we have a lot of opportunities, a lot of optimistic things that could bring us together. The divide between Egypt and Ethiopia widened following the failure to reach an agreement a decade after Addis Ababa began the construction of the GERD on the Blue Nile in 2011. Around 75% of the construction process has been completed so far. Egypt believes the GERD threatens its share of the Nile water, which mostly originates in the Blue Nile, and that this has destructive effects on its economy and water and food resources. Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia were close to signing an agreement following US-mediated talks in February, held in the presence of the World Bank, but Ethiopia did not show up on the day of signing in Washington. Egypt signed the agreement unilaterally. Rike refused to comment on the US role in the negotiations, but he said, The US-sponsored agreement was not in the best interest of the Ethiopian people. Therefore Ethiopia declined [to attend] the last meeting and of course didnt sign the agreement. Tensions escalated between the three countries in the aftermath. Egypt accused Ethiopia of intentionally bailing to obstruct the course of negotiations. Sudan noted that Ethiopia wants guidelines rather than a legal, binding agreement for the operation and filling of the dam. In May and June, Egypt and Sudan gave two separate speeches before the UN Security Council, asking the council to intervene to bring Ethiopia back to the negotiations table and to prevent it from beginning the filling of the dams reservoir without reaching an agreement with the two downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan. "These negotiations [have] been going on based on the DOP [Declaration of Principles signed in Cairo in 2015]. [According to the DOP], the three countries should negotiate, discuss and establish guidelines and rules for the filling and operation of the dam, Rike said. He believes the issue is more about the mechanism of filling and operation, and whether that will happen through guidelines or an agreement. Ethiopias vision is just to establish the guidelines and rules on how to fill and operate the dam. However, Egypt and Sudan are calling for the need to reach a binding agreement that guarantees the rights and interests of the three countries, according to the DOP and the international law principles, provided it delivers an effective and binding mechanism to settle future disputes. In early July, the AU intervened to break the stalemate in negotiations and to play the role of mediator. Amid the African endeavors, Ethiopia announced its completion of the first stage of filling the dam reservoir in July to pave the way for its operation. The move raised the ire of Egypt and Sudan, which they described as a unilateral move. Still, the delegations of the three countries continued to negotiate under the AU umbrella, but they reached a dead end once again Aug. 28 due to wide disputes over several legal and technical issues. Nevertheless, Rike said the negotiations did not fail, adding, The three countries can [still] negotiate and make the deal without the involvement of other parties. The AU is effectively moderating this deal. We still are optimistic that we continue the negotiations and reach an agreement. Regarding the next round of negotiations, he said, Ethiopia is ready any time. We are waiting for the negotiating parties to confirm the date to continue. The due date was Sept. 14, but the meeting has not yet been held. Sudan was [supposed to] chair this round. We are waiting for the new chair to arrange for a meeting soon. Foreign Policy magazine warned in an analysis published Sept. 28 of an Ethiopian attempt to use the GERD as a tool for unrestrained control of the Blue Nile in order to force Egypt and Sudan to divide the water shares according to Ethiopian conditions. For that reason, the United States slashed some of its aid to Ethiopia, according to the magazine. In his speech before the United Nations General Assembly Sept. 25, Sisi warned of the repercussions of failed negotiations over the GERD and called on the international community to assume its constructive role in urging all parties to be flexible in the negotiations to reach a satisfactory agreement for all. This was a sign that Egypts silence would not last long. Ethiopia, meanwhile, is betting on the AU. Rike said his country firmly believes that the AU will succeed and bring the three countries closer. If it does, this experience will stay with the AU in the future, he added. At the same time, Rike said that it is important to regain momentum in relations with Egypt. There are many issues that can strengthen our relations. So once our relationship is strong, it will help even to smoothen our negotiations, he said. Shortly after submitting his credentials, Rike paid a visit to Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II on Sept. 24. It was very successful and very good. His Holiness promised that he [would] pray and wish for peaceful resolution and settlement of the current negotiations. We really also expect that it will be settled soon, Rike concluded. External Affairs Minister on Tuesday held talks with US Secretary of State in Tokyo, focusing on various aspects of bilateral ties and ways to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar and Pompeo are in the Japanese capital to attend a ministerial meeting of the Quad or Quadrilateral coalition comprising India, the US, Australia and Japan. "Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar tweeted. It is learnt that Jaishankar and Pompeo also deliberated on overall ties including evolving security scenario around India. In November 2017, the four countries gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. The first meeting of foreign ministers of the four countries under the 'Quad' framework had taken place in New York in September 2019. The second ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral coalition on Tuesday is expected to collectively affirm the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of growing Chinese assertiveness in the region. During his two-day visit to Tokyo, Jaishankar will also hold talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne India is also expanding bilateral cooperation with Japan, the US and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region. The US has been pushing for a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific which is seen by many countries as an effort to contain China's growing clout 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.) L-R-Rupika Taneja and Shailendra Dhakad Codeyoung, an Indian edtech startup dedicated to introducing coding to K12 students at an early age, secured a seed round of funding of undisclosed amount. The round was led by Guild Capital. The raised funds will be used to scale up in International Markets as well as strengthen Academics Research, Technology and Product teams. Founded by IIT- Delhi alumni Shailendra Dhakad and Rupika Taneja, Codeyoung is a startup that provides live online coding classes to K12 students. The edtech company offers coding courses to K12 students between 5-16 years of age. Codeyoungs curriculum extends beyond the drag & drop environment & equips kids with skills to create industry-standard programs on popular languages like Python and Java, all provided in a collaborative approach. The company has engaged 15000+ students globally in less than a year. FinSMEs 06/10/2020 The Texas General Land Office will take control of Houstons Hurricane Harvey housing recovery program after receiving approval from federal officials, even as a lawsuit challenging the takeover remains pending. The green light from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development officials came late Monday, 45 days after the Texas Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that had blocked Land Commissioner George P. Bushs agency from performing recovery work in Houston. State officials had said the ruling allowed them to move ahead with the takeover by seeking approval from the federal government, even before the court issued a final ruling on the case. It was not immediately clear what would happen if the court were to reject the GLOs takeover attempt. Mayor Sylvester Turner said city officials learned of HUDs decision from the news media and were unable to reach the GLO Tuesday morning. He told residents at an afternoon city council meeting that the status of ongoing home repairs under the citys program remained unclear. We'll have to wait and see what the GLO does, Turner said in response to questions from a Houston resident who recently was approved for a home rebuild under the city program. Deputy Land Commissioner Mark Havens sent Turner a termination notice shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday in which he informed the mayor the city had until Nov. 6 to wrap up its recovery programs, which total $1.3 billion in federal grant funding. Brittany Eck, a spokeswoman for the General Land Office, said the agency would be able to pick up existing city projects without requiring residents to restart the process, as long as the city sends it the necessary paperwork. About an hour after receiving the notice, Turner released an updated statement slamming state and federal officials for arbitrarily eliminating the citys funds, adding that homeowners and renters who have been impacted by Harvey are the ones who will suffer by their capricious action. In this political and partisan environment, the GLO's power grab and HUD's decision are not surprising, Turner said. The move has been in the works at least as far back as April when Bush notified Turner he was moving forward with the takeover. In a letter to the mayor, Bush had offered to let the city negotiate the possible retention of its multifamily rental and home buyer assistance programs, among others. Land office officials mainly are seeking control of the citys $428 million effort to repair or replace single-family homes damaged in the storm. Gov. Greg Abbott last year gave the state agency control over a separate $4.3 billion pot of funds dedicated to flood mitigation projects. Ben Hirsch, an organizer and policy advocate for West Street Recovery, a disaster recovery organization, said the city showed an extreme lack of transparency with residents, many of whom were not informed by city officials about the prospect of the takeover, he said. Hirsch acknowledged the city had legitimate concerns about turning the program over to the GLO, but he argued Turner should have acknowledged months ago that the agency was likely to succeed in its takeover. The most generous thing you can say about what happened is they took a gamble and they lost, Hirsch said. And who were the chips? The chips were these people who (could) lose out on these critical funds. Eck said state officials still intend for the city to retain control over its more successful programs, such as one for multifamily home construction and repairs. In the termination letter, Havens wrote GLO officials are willing to consider drafting a new plan that would allow the city to retain programs under which it has made acceptable progress in the GLOs determination. The state would submit that plan to HUD after Nov. 6, Havens said, leaving federal officials with 45 days to accept it. Turner said the city remained committed to finding an amicable path forward as demonstrated by our multiple offers to the GLO prior to pursuing litigation. The mayor also said, however, that he had contacted members of Houstons congressional delegation about the issue, though he did not elaborate. In a letter outlining the terms of the approval, HUD Acting Assistant Secretary John Gibbs wrote that it is imperative that city and state officials work together to prevent or mitigate disruption to program participants. The Department expects the State of Texas to execute a transition plan with each of the jurisdictions to ensure no negative impact to disaster survivors, Gibbs wrote. Turner said one of the citys multifamily projects is scheduled to be completed Wednesday, and the HUD approval puts that project and all other projects in jeopardy. Unfortunately, we cannot fund and go forward with these projects without GLOs confirmation that we can use the funds that have been already reserved for these projects, Turner said in a statement before he received the termination letter. Bush and GLO officials repeatedly have criticized the slow pace of the citys recovery program, their justification for attempting the takeover. By Tuesday, more than three years after Harvey, the citys single-family home recovery program had repaired or reconstructed 90 homes and sent 94 reimbursement checks to homeowners who performed their own repair work. City officials, including Turner, have accused the land office, which administers disaster recovery funds statewide, of obstructing their progress by changing guidelines and slow-walking its reviews of homeowner applications. Houstons program prioritizes low-income, disabled and senior residents, which city officials also say is causing the recovery to move slower. GLO officials have denied the citys accusations that they are providing inconsistent oversight, and contended that their more efficient recovery program is not coming at the expense of the residents most in need. A Chronicle analysis of GLO records found that 62 percent of applicants approved for home repairs through July under the state program made less than half of the area median income about $38,000 for a four-person household. In Houstons program, 80 percent of accepted repair applicants made less than that amount. If the citys reimbursements to homeowners who funded repairs themselves are removed, making the comparison more akin to the states repair program, the figure rises to 91 percent. The GLO operates its own home repair program in the 48 counties outside Harris that received federal Harvey aid. As of Tuesday, the agency said it had repaired or reconstructed more than 2,000 homes. The GLO earlier this year negotiated a more amicable takeover of Harris Countys home repair program after the county failed to begin construction on a single home. The state is taking control of about $338 million of the countys $1.2 billion allotment. jasper.scherer@chron.com YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Before the beginning of todays session the Armenian Parliament held a moment of silence in memory of servicemen and volunteers killed during the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh. A total of 219 servicemen and volunteers have been killed during the Azerbaijani military operations against Artsakh. Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan If anybody had fantasies that there could be a relationship or correlation between longevity in political activism and, good governance; then that flight of fancy has been betrayed by the terrible leader that Nana Addo has turned out to be! Whoever in their wildest imagination thought that the man who led several violent demonstrations in the name of fighting for the hoi polloi would today be supervising over stinking corruption, State capture, State-sponsored fraud, economic brigandage, and a parlous economy. Today, with the benefit of hindsight, Ghanaians are now acquainted with the knowledge that those campaigns or if you like crusades led by the curmudgeon, Nana Addo, were self-serving and self-seeking. Ghana today is a business, a private Enterprise and the shareholders are Nana Addo's family and friends government. On a daily basis, they keep devising methodologies and conjuring up non-existent companies with which the nation's nectar is being sucked away! Ostensibly, the Nirvana of jobs and opportunities Nana Addo promised Ghanaians was a mere ruse designed to capture power for private gain. Evidently, there is a gulf of difference between kicking up a hell of racket as a pontificating opposition activist or leader and, a president. To a large extent, the two could even be two different kettles of fish as borne out in Nana Addo's case. Governance is neither a walk in the park of the Jubilee House nor reducible to pre - recorded broadcasts to the Nation - and voracious politicians of the ilk of Nana Addo are not just cut out for such a hallowed office - let alone leading the political juggernaut! It has been four long agonizing years of turbulence in every facet of the Ghanaian fabric ever since we put a quack as president. Under this government of the self-acclaimed human rights lawyer, we have witnessed the most egregious human rights abuses and violations ever in the fourth republic - abuses and violations reminiscent of the turmoil under military rule. Needless to say, soon after his investiture as President this country has been marooned in steep indiscipline, insecurity and wanton acts of impunity. For the first time in Ghana's history thugs and hoodlums bankrolled by Nana Addo's NPP could besiege a competent court of Jurisdiction - heckle a Judge - breach the authority of the court and abscond with the accused - only for them to be pampered with paltry fines! Fines that were immediately paid by the presidency itself! One doesn't need to be a clairvoyant to be able to infer political meddling in judiciary decisions! Under President Mahama journalists at least had a field day plying their trade without let or hindrance. The number of journalists who have been physically molested and victimized under Nana Addo's lacklustre leadership is on a record high to the extent that several seasoned journalists have had cause to complain that they do not feel safe doing their job presently in Ghana including of course Mannaseh Azuri. Many others have had to take cover under the canopy of the State's security apparatuses. Regrettably, also, some journalists have been murdered. Is this the Ghana that was the toast of the world under Mahama for media freedom? Today in Ghana, no one can blink the fact that, the whole nation has been held hostage by a general climate of insecurity and lawlessness . Kidnappings and abductions have become commonplace occurrences culminating in the abduction and murder of four young innocent girls whose ghosts are still wailing for justice! Even students and lecturers ( Prof Benneh) are being murdered on their campuses and their homes! Incontrovertibly, a president who claims to be fighting corruption would not dare hound an Auditor general out of office for any reason, not even for an accumulated leave . The solution to all the foregoing is in our thumb! The Ranking Member on Parliament's Roads and Transport Committee, Governs Kwame Agbodza has said the highest cocoa yield in the history of Ghana was under the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Speaking to Citi News, the MP stated that John Mahama was the best thing to happen to the cocoa sector and cocoa roads in Ghana. He argued that the NPP gave excuses for their cocoa yield but the NDC overcame those challenges. The best cocoa yield in our history was under NDC. NPP did 770,000 tonnes, saying that they cut down some trees affected by the disease. Im saying that when Tetteh Quarshie brought cocoa to Ghana, it came with the disease. The disease has been here with us, but we were able to beat it. The MP also questioned the authenticity of claims made by the NPP about cocoa road contracts under the Mahama government being inflated. He added that all the procedures the NDC went through in awarding the projects were lawful. The facts of the project are that, when you say projects were awarded illegitimately, the 233 projects that have reviewed all went through procedures stated in Act 363All the projects were prepared by the various agencies under the road ministry unless you want to say that some engineers inflated it and that is why some of them were too high. citinewsroom As well as harming hospitality, critics argue the curfew increases transmission risks as crowds hit the streets at the same time - PA The Government has been accused of running scared after a vote on the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants - widely expected on Wednesday night - was delayed. Dozens of Tory rebels had been threatening to vote against the order that all pubs, bars and restaurants in England must close amid claims that it is not grounded in scientific evidence. But the 10pm curfew vote, which MPs on all sides of the House had expected on Wednesday evening, will now held early next week. Instead MPs will vote on whether to approve lockdown restrictions in the north of England. A vote on the rule of six - which a handful of Tory MPs are expected to rebel against - went ahead as planned on Tuesday. Fourteen Conservative MPs voted against the Government. Ministers have to ask MPs to approve coronavirus lockdown measures in simple unamendable 'yes/no' votes in the House of Commons within 28 sitting days of them coming into force. Labour, who were also expecting the curfew vote tomorrow evening, had not said if it would vote for the measure, instead calling for ministers to publish the scientific evidence underlying it. Sir Christopher Chope, one of the rebels, told The Telegraph that the Government was running scared. He said: "Although they talk the talk because they want to have Parliament deciding these issues, if it looks as though Parliament is going to decide them in a way they don't like they deny Parliament the chance." Story continues Tory MP Steve Baker, the unofficial rebels' whip, added: "It is not clear what the evidence is to support the 10pm curfew or that it is effective. "With Hospitality UK describing the combined impact of the measures as 'devastating', the Government should think again." The rebel Conservatives MPs, who had been due to meet at lunchtime on Tuesday to plot their next steps, were emboldened by comments from Rishi Sunak questioning the wisdom of the measure yesterday. On Tuesday morning the Chancellor said the curfew was "better than having places closed." Despite the widespread expectation of the vote on Wednesday night, a Government source insisted on Tuesday: "There have never been any plans for the House to debate the 10pm curfew this week." Read the latest updates below. 03:15 PM And that's it for another day... The Conservative party conference draws to a close for another year, with Boris Johnson rubbishing rumours of his lingering ill-health as "seditious nonsense". The PM used the opportunity to try and reposition himself as the good cop, reminding the party faithful why they voted for him last December with his particular brand of glass-half-full optimism and policy-half-written announcements. But while he might be able to convincingly argue that his jaw-dropping 26lb weight loss means he is fitter than he was before, it is proving harder to persuade a certain group of Tory rebels to stick with him on the much-hated curfew and other measures. We will never know if he would have won tomorrow's curfew vote, as the whole thing has been quietly pulled. The Government has until mid-November to get it passed, and the thinking appears to be that by then a 10pm close time for pubs will feel like small beer. The big question remains just how divided the Prime Minister and his Chancellor are on the matter, with Rishi Sunak this morning defending his Eat Out to Help Scheme by questioning the data and location of coronavirus outbreaks. The logical conclusion of that argument is precisely what the rebels argue about curfew. And judging by the result of today's poll, you're backing Rishi: some 87 per cent say the scheme was helpful rather than harmful. That's it for today - I will be back from 8am tomorrow morning to bring you all the news from Westminster and beyond. 02:54 PM Boris Johnson pledges to use Covid as 'trigger' to fix country's problems Boris Johnson has promised to use the pandemic as a "trigger" for change, including turning "Generation Rent into Generation Buy" as he looks to fix the housing crisis with lower thresholds to mortgages. The Prime Minister told the Conservative party conference the country has been "through too much hardship... to go back to how things were before the plague", saying these kind of major events are "a time to learn and improve on the time that went before." In an optimistic and forward-looking speech that ended with a utopian vision of the future, Mr Johnson promised to introduce 95 per cent mortgages with long fixed terms to help young people get on the housing ladder. He also pledged one-to-one teaching for students who have fallen behind or those who show particular talent. As trailed overnight, he also said offshore wind power would be powering every home in the country within 10 years. "That is a Britain we can build - with due respect to everywhere else, the greatest place on Earth," he said. "I know it seems tough now... but I believe it is a measure of the greatness of this country that we will not let it hold us back or slow us down. "Even in the darkest moments we can see a bright future ahead." 02:53 PM US presidential debate to go ahead, signals Trump Donald Trump has indicated that he will be taking part in the next presidential debate with his rival Joe Biden, due to take place in the middle of the month, after he returned to the White House from hospital. The US President tweeted: "I am looking forward to the debate on the evening of Thursday, October 15th in Miami. It will be great!" FEELING GREAT! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 6, 2020 02:46 PM Lib Dems slam Boris Johnson for lack of 'credible plan' The Liberal Democrats have slammed Boris Johnson to failing to use his party conference speech "to deliver a credible plan to beat coronavirus". Leader Ed Davey said people needed reassurance and "concrete measures" to get through the next six months but "they got neigher. "The Prime Minister's speech utterly failed to deliver a credible plan to beat Coronavirus. With the Government's tracing system in meltdown, a quarter of the UK in lockdown and millions set to face unemployment, this speech was nothing more than a pipe dream," he said. Mr Davey claimed the money pledged to deliver the wind power pledge was "just a fraction of what is needed to ensure we achieve a green recovery" while it was "more than ironic" for Mr Johnson to "cast himself as the saviour of the care sector". "It is time Boris Johnson got a grip of the crisis at hand, and committed to an independent public inquiry to begin its work straight away. This is the only way that this Government can learn the necessary lessons as we face a second wave of the pandemic." 02:29 PM Lord Lamont lays into Government for creating 'nation of informers' over Covid rules Lord Lamont claimed that the Government is expecting Britain to "become a nation of informers like the old East Germany" over breaches of coronavirus rules. The Conservative peer and former chancellor accused the Government of failing to consult the public in drawing up the latest regulations, such as the rule of six, noting the "impracticality" of enforcing them "What is the point of the rule anyway when one can go into a carriage on the Tube or into an office or a supermarket and find oneself positively close to a lot more than six people," he said. "It's one thing to report you neighbour if you see that he is building a bomb factory," Lord Lamont added. "If he is holding a barbecue for seven people are you really going to report him? I deplore any suggestion that we should become a nation of informers like the old East Germany." Lord Lamont added: "I am not arguing let the virus rip. We need rules. But I think we have not had satisfactory explanations. This cat's cradle of rules is in danger of collapsing under its own weight. "For rules to have legitimacy, people need to understand the rationale and above all government needs to observe the appropriate limits of laws." Lord Lamont - Joe Newman 02:21 PM Why Scotland isn't faring much better than England despite Nicola Sturgeon's 'zero-Covid' approach Scotland's "zero Covid" strategy appears to be slipping away as new infections continue to grow - driven by the return of students in the cities. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is said to be considering more lockdown restrictions as new cases continue to rise, risking her strategy to eliminate the virus entirely. While England's situation is worse, with high-risk areas seeing rates double after 15,000 new cases were dumped on Sunday - missed from the system after an Excel spreadsheet error - there are now very real warning signs in Scotland. And though Scots endured a much stricter lockdown through the summer, as the country begins to open up the rate of infections is now gathering pace, matching England's. 02:02 PM Scottish Tories to u-turn on free university tuition, says Douglas Ross The Scottish Conservatives will support free tuition for university students, in a striking u-turn from the new leader Douglas Ross. Speaking at a fringe event a the party conference today Mr Ross said: This group of young people have had their education disrupted like no other. Theyre losing out on life-defining experiences and theyre going to be entering the job market at the most difficult time. We cannot burden them any further. So now is the time for the Scottish Conservatives to re-think our policy on introducing tuition fees and a graduate contribution. Our manifesto will support free tuition for university students, while calling for college places to be viewed as equally valuable. 01:58 PM Nearly one in five state secondary schools unable to fully open Nearly one in five state secondary schools were unable to fully open last week - and most were "due to Covid-related reasons", the Department for Education has said. Around 82 per cent of state secondary schools were fully open on October 1 - down from 84 per cent a week earlier, according to DfE statistics. However, pupil attendance increased in secondary schools from approximately 84 per cent to 86 per cent. The DfE suggested that groups of pupils being asked to self-isolate "are becoming smaller". Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: "This is the second week of a downward trend in the number of fully open secondary schools... It reflects the extremely tough circumstances in which schools are operating due to the impact of Covid." He added: "The Government must redouble its efforts to improve the Covid testing system, and ensure that schools are supported by clear and consistent guidance." Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "The vast majority of schools are open, as has been consistently the case since the start of term... Attendance in fully open primary schools is now consistent with what we would have expected before coronavirus. "We will continue to work with schools to ensure all appropriate steps are taken to keep pupils and staff safe." 01:41 PM Benjamin Parker: Rebel MPs need to kill off this foolhardy curfew and bolster UK city breaks As foreign travel options shrink for Britons we now have viable corridors with only eight countries more of us will have to turn to the United Kingdom for a holiday. But with the Governments unjust and foolhardy 10pm edict already stomping hard on an under-pressure hospitality sector the countrys lively hubs are an altogether less tempting prospect for the many people who see diving into the local food scene or visiting lauded bars as pivotal to the fun of a city break. Encouragingly, rebel Tory MPs are due to meet today to plot whether they can get the measure thrown out. This would be welcome news and would reinvigorate the joy of a city break. Benjamin Parker implores the Government to drop the curfew, to save our cities and aid domestic tourism. 01:37 PM Tory rebels hoping to 'persuade' ministers as they admit they can't defeat Government on Covid rules Conservative rebels are hoping to persuade ministers to give some ground on coronavirus restrictions, admitting they cannot defeat the Government without the help of opposition MPs. Sir Keir Starmer said earlier today that Labour would back the Government on the rule of six vote today. Steve Baker, who has organised a meeting with rebel Tory MPs to discuss tactics, said there was a consensus among them that children should be excluded from the rule of six and that the curfew was not justified by the evidence. But he said they were not expecting to "win a vote on either issue". "The reality is we need to persuade the Government on all these matters," he explained. "With Labour and the SNP missing in action we won't be defeating the Government in any rebellions. "The reality is now that we are into a long hard business of negotiating with the Government, trying to keep the Conservative Party together and trying to persuade the Government to have restrictions which don't do more harm than good," he told PA. Steve Baker - Rex 01:25 PM Boris Johnson should be 'frank' about the problems with Test and Trace, says Sir Keir Starmer Boris Johnson should give the country a "frank acknowledgement" that there are problems with Test and Trace, the Labour leader has said. Speaking after the Prime Minister's Conservative party conference speech, Sir Keir Starmer told the media: "I think that what NHS workers on the front line and the country want from the Prime Minister is a frank acknowledgement that there are real problems with the Government's approach. "The testing regime just isn't working. "What people, I think, wanted was a frank acceptance that those problems are there and a road map to get out of where we are now, a road map, if you like, from here through to when we get a vaccination." Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer speaks to the media today - Getty 01:13 PM Labour to vote with Government on rule of six Sir Keir Starmer has said Labour will support the Government in a Commons vote on the rule of six Covid regulations. He told the media: "We will support on the rule of six. "There are, of course, arguments about whether it should be six or a different number, I think clarity and simplicity is really important here and therefore we will support the rule of six tonight." We were not expecting huge fireworks over the rule of six vote, which will happen later today. However the same can't be said for tomorrow's vode on the curfew. 01:04 PM Further 50 Covid deaths recorded in English hospitals A further 50 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospitals in England, the NHS has confirmed, bringing the total number to 30,226. Patients were aged between 42 and 96 years old. All but four patients had known underlying health conditions. Date of death ranges from 1 October to 5 October 2020 with the majority being on or after 3 October. The East of England and South West recorded no Covid-related deaths, with the majority of fatalities registered in the North West (23) and North East & Yorkshire (17). There were five deaths recorded in the Midlands, four in London and one in the South East. 12:51 PM Iain Dale: There's a hole at the heart of the Government Back in the not-so-distant past, the job of Conservative Party Chairman was one that every single Conservative MP hankered after. In the Thatcher government it held the status in Cabinet of being almost on a par with the three great offices of state. Lord Thorneycroft, Cecil Parkinson, Norman Tebbit, Lord Young and Kenneth Baker these were all big beasts of the political jungle. They had two roles first, to ensure the party machine was ready to fight an election, and secondly to act as a lightning rod for the Prime Minister on the media - and many a later luminary held it first. Since Boris Johnson came to power, its seen by most observers as the least important job in Cabinet. Read Iain Dale's latest column here. 12:39 PM Lobby latest: Government keeping coronavirus restrictions under review Downing Street has said that the coronavirus restrictions are being kept under review by the Government, amid warnings from some scientists that tighter controls are needed. The Prime Minister's official spokesman played down suggestions of new national measures but said the Government would not hesitate to act on a "local basis" if it proved necessary. "We keep all of the measures we have under review. But we have recently set out a package of measures with the specific intention of reducing the R rate and limiting the spread of the virus," the spokesman said. "We are looking at a wide range of data in terms of the number of positive cases per 100,000, also the number of hospitalisations and people who are moved into intensive care units and also, sadly, the number of deaths. "We have set out that if there is a need to go further on a local basis then we won't hesitate to do what is required to protect the NHS and protect lives." The rest of the briefing was even less enlightening... Following up policy announcements from Johnson's speech: Care homes: You have the PM's words One-to-one tuition: You have the PM's words Mortgages: We'll update with more details, you have the PM's words. Digital ID: Don't have anything beyond the speech William James (@WJames_Reuters) October 6, 2020 12:36 PM Rishi Sunak says 'I care deeply about arts' after tweet suggested he had hold musicians to retrain Rishi Sunak has intervened after a social media post by ITV suggested he had told musicians and other artists should retrain and find other jobs as a result of the pandemic. ITV has deleted the offending tweet and changed the article "to reflect that the Chancellor's comments were about employment generally and not specifically about the music or arts sectors". He has followed that up, saying: "I care deeply about the arts which is why our 1.57bn culture package is one of the most generous in the world." An earlier @itvnewspolitics tweet falsely suggested I thought people in arts should retrain and find other jobs. I'm grateful they have now deleted that tweet. I care deeply about the arts which is why our 1.57bn culture package is one of the most generous in the world. https://t.co/raEXxXUMqx Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 6, 2020 12:24 PM Treasury Committee chair calls for support for businesses stopped 'dead in their tracks' by restrictions The chairman of the Treasury Select Committee has called for sector-specific support for hospitality businesses who are being stopped "dead in their tracks" by coronavirus restrictions. Mel Stride, a former minister, told the Commons that there were "many thousands of jobs" which were "otherwise entirely viable" which were being put at risk because of the measures. SNP economy spokeswoman Alison Thewliss also asked about sector specific support, saying: "The Chancellor seemed to suggest earlier people should just go and get another job, which is deeply offensive to many in those sectors. Failing to support and sustain businesses right now risks putting those businesses over the edge and risks the chance that they will not be there for a recovery in the future." Steve Barclay, chief secretary to the Treasury, said this was "heard loud and clear" and pointed to existing support on offer for the arts and hospitality, suggesting that the SNP would have support last indefinitely. 12:06 PM Labour demands more economic support for local lockdowns Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds criticised the Government for providing economic support to areas affected by lockdowns long after fresh restrictions have been imposed. She told the Commons: "17 million people, that's one in four of us, are living under additional Covid-19 restrictions. This was not inevitable, experts agree it's linked to the continuing failure to deliver a functioning test, trace and isolate system." Ms Dodds added: "Support for local areas has only ever come after restrictions have been imposed, for example a month later in Leicester's case. Now there are leaked suggestions the Treasury will be involved in decision-making around restrictions potentially to prevent such delays. "So when will this Government finally be in a position to deliver support hand-in-hand with the imposition of restrictions, not trailing them?" Treasury minister Steve Barclay responded by saying the Labour MP "implies that the resurgence of the virus is unique to the United Kingdom, and yet anyone who looks across the Continent will see that many other countries, as we come out of the summer period, are seeing exactly the same trend and are dealing with it in many of the same ways that we are within the United Kingdom". 11:56 AM PM attacking 'lefty lawyers' because he keeps losing in court, claims barrister Boris Johnson's attack on "lefty human rights lawyers" has been prompted by the Prime Minister repeatedly "losing in court when it acts unlawfully", a leading barrister has said. As part of his Conservative party conference speech today, the Prime Minister said: "Were also... stopping the whole criminal justice system from being hamstrung by what the Home Secretary would doubtless and rightly call the lefty human rights lawyers, and other do-gooders. But Adam Wagner, a human rights barrister with Doughty Street Chambers, told the PA news agency: "It is no surprise that the Prime Minister is picking a fight with lawyers as his Government keeps losing in court when it acts unlawfully. "People need to understand that what is really going on is the Government don't like certain laws, such as human rights laws, or feel they should not be bound by them, and is deflecting attention from that basic fact by attacking lawyers who are just doing their job." Meanwhile, Parliament's Human Rights Committee has just tweeted this: Letter from Lord Chancellor @RobertBuckland to @HarrietHarman says that govt plans for an independent review into the operation of the Human Rights Act to be launched in due course. pic.twitter.com/BBrJkHqIkJ UK Parliament Human Rights Committee (@HumanRightsCtte) October 6, 2020 11:31 AM Join the conversation - Telegraph readers on Boris Johnson's wind power proposals Boris Johnson has set his sights on an ambitious aim to have every home in Britain powered by wind within 10 years. As part of a green industrial revolution, Mr Johnson believes that his new plan will create millions of jobs while revolutionising how Britain produces its energy. The policy will be backed by a 160 million investment in ports and factories to manufacture the next generation of turbines. However, is the Prime Ministers latest pledge a realistic one? Mr Johnson has repeatedly faced accusations that he has over-promised on pronouncements about "world-beating" policies. Telegraph readers have had their say on whether the proposal will be successful and, crucially, fulfilled. See what they had to say here. 11:30 AM Nicola Sturgeon: Latest restrictions 'most difficult decision yet' Having ruled out a full-blown lockdown, any future restrictions will focus on areas where people are "most likely to come together", Scotland's First Minister explains. Nicola Sturgeon says she is "mindful" of the harm it can cause people, particularly those living on their own. And the Scottish government is thinking how best to mitigate the economic impacts of whatever restrictions they do impose. "This is actually the most difficult decision yet," she says. The economic and social harms had not begun when the original lockdown was imposed in March. She reminds Scots that "each and every one of us" has the power to reduce the spread of the virus by following the rules. Nicola Sturgeon - AFP 11:27 AM Nicola Sturgeon rules out full-blown lockdown 'even on temporary basis' Nicola Sturgeon praises Scotland's answer to Test and Trace - Test and Protect - which she says is "taking the strain" of the pandemic. She then turns to the "understandable speculation" about what the Scottish Cabinet is proposing "We are not proposing another lockdown at this stage, not even on a temporary basis," she says. Ministers are not proposing that people will have to stay in their own homes again, as was the case in March. Travel restrictions "may be necessary for hot spot areas" but not the entire country. There will be no national economic shut down, she adds. And apart from the October holidays, they are not proposing to close schools, she adds. However, ministers are considering "additional targeted steps" can be taken over the next couple of weeks. 11:23 AM Scottish government receiving 'very strong public health advice' that tougher measures needed Nicola Sturgeon says cases are "particularly pronounced" in the centre of Scotland, but are rising pretty much everywhere. Infection levels are now higher than they are comfortable with across the board, she says. It is also spreading from the younger population to older age groups, and the number of people dying is increasing again. The situation is "not out of control" but it is "a cause of increasing concern", the First Minister says, adding that she is hopeful restrictions imposed on household socialising two weeks ago will slow the spread. But she cannot guarantee it will be sufficient, and the government is receiving "very strong public health advice" that further measures are needed. However it is not "a one-dimensional decision", she says, noting the "different harms" caused by lockdown as well as the pandemic itself. 11:20 AM No decision on Scottish lockdown, Nicola Sturgeon says Scotland's Cabinet has failed to agree which further measures to take in the nation, Nicola Sturgeon has said. The First Minister told her press conference they would meet again today and she would then give a statement to parliament tomorrow with a "more detailed update of current situation and set out any further measures and the reasons for them" then. But noting there was "talk of circuit breakers", Ms Sturgeon said she would tell the country what she was not recommending. "I want to be as frank and open as I can about where we are now," she says. 11:16 AM Chairman of Bar Council hits out at Boris Johnson for 'demonising' lawyers The chairman of the Bar Council has hit out at Boris Johnson's description of lawyers as "lefties", saying this will "demonise the very people helping constituents every day, without agenda, simply because they provide a vital public service". Amanda Pinto QC said: "Lawyers carry out their duty and apply the law, irrespective of political persuasion, in accordance with our professional standards. "Given our duty to the court and our commitment to justice more generally, barristers, as well as solicitors, must do just that. "It is not the job of lawyers to limit Parliament's own laws in a way that the Government of the day finds most favourable to its political agenda. The law, not politics, is what matters to a profession that upholds the rule of law." 11:13 AM While you were speaking... Labour MPs have criticised Boris Johnson for his "shameful" speech attacking lawyers and offering "no plan for the months ahead. Shadow justice secretary David Lammy tweeted: "Boris Johnson repeats Priti Patel's attack line that the justice system is 'hamstrung by lefty-lawyers and do-gooders'. "Utterly shameful on the same day (The Law Society of England and Wales) warned these comments put lawyers at risk of physical and verbal attack." Angela Rayner deputy leader of the Labour Party, added: "The British people needed to hear the Prime Minister set out how he and his government will get a grip of the crisis. Instead we got the usual bluster and no plan for the months ahead. We end this Conservative conference as we started it: with a shambolic testing system, millions of jobs at risk and an incompetent government that has lost control of this virus and is holding Britain back. 11:03 AM Boris Johnson predicts Britain will become 'the greatest place on Earth' Boris Johnson then paints an imaginary picture of the future - one with cleaner air from all the electric vehicles and trees, as well as a stronger union and better tech and animal welfare. In this utopian vision, he says it will be a country that "scrupulously" protects its borders but welcomes people from around the world. It will be a country that is proud of its past but also future-looking. "That is a Britain we can build - with due respect to everywhere else, the greatest place on Earth. "I know it seems tough now... but I believe it is a measure of the greatness of this country that we will not let it hold us back or slow us down. "Even in the darkest moments we can see a bright future ahead," he adds. 10:59 AM Boris Johnson pledges to turn 'Generation Rent into Generation Buy' Boris Johnson then turns to the housing crisis, saying planning reforms will "take time" to make a difference to the cost of housing. As a result, he will take forward a key pledge from the manifesto, he says, confirming the Telegraph's exclusive story from the weekend in which they will remove stress tests on mortgages, meaning banks would be able to offer 95 per cent loans, as was the norm 15 years ago. He tells conference this will turn "Generation Rent into Generation Buy". Mr Johnson says: "That is the difference between us and the Labour opposition. They may have million-pound homes in north London, but they deeply dislike home ownership for anyone else. "We want to level up, they want to level down," he says. You can read the full story here. 10:55 AM 'We deeply regret the erosions of liberty', says Boris Johnson Boris Johnson tells the Conservative party conference "it wasn't the state" that produced the treatments, the vaccine and "the gowns and the masks and the ventilators that we needed at such speed". It was the private sector, he says. "We must not draw the wrong economic conclusion from this crisis," he says. The financial support that Rishi Sunak has put together "goes against our instincts" as Conservatives, and the "erosions of liberty" are ones "that we deeply regret". But they are necessary to fight the virus he says. However are there some on the left who want the state to "keep pre-empting and keep spending", he says. 10:52 AM Mother Nature has savaged us - but we can harness it to boost country, says Boris Johnson Boris Johnson then turns to the "one area where we are progressing with gale force speed" - the green economy. He says this will create "hundreds of thousands if not millions of jobs". Mr Johnson then sets out his offshore wind pledge, to power every home by wind within 10 years, which was trailed overnight. You can read the full details here. "I remember how some people used to sneer about wind power 20 years ago and say it wouldn't pull the skin off rice pudding," he says. But it was "what propelled this country to greatness", he says, listing some of the maritime heroes of old. "Mother Nature has savaged us with Covid, but with the help of basic natural phenomena we will build back better and greener," he adds. 10:48 AM Boris Johnson pledges one-to-one teaching for talented and struggling children Boris Johnson pledges more support for the NHS, to "care for the carers as they care for us" and to boost police officer numbers to help fight crime. These are all pledges made during the election, but he is flagging them again through the prism of the pandemic. "Our agenda is basic social justice," he says. "Not just about the inputs but about the outputs." He says he wants to explore the value of one-to-one teaching, both for those who have fallen behind and those of talent. "It is in crises like this that new approaches are born," he says. Mr Johnson then highlights the lifetime skills guarantee he announced last week. 10:44 AM It is not good enough to simply return to normality, says Boris Johnson Boris Johnson says the only reason the Government has been able to support people through the worst of the pandemic is because of the "sensible" policies made by previous Conservative governments. But it is "not good enough" to simply "return things to normality". Now ministers are "in the teeth of this pandemic resolving not to go back to 2019 but to do better", he says. That will create the conditions for a "dynamic recovery that is led not by the state but by private enterprise". Improving national productivity will ensure we can respond to whatever "cosmic spanner may be hurtling towards us through the dark" in the future, he says. 10:41 AM Boris Johnson: Coronavirus is a trigger for change Boris Johnson says the country has responded "with energy and self-sacrifice", praising frontline workers and even name-checking Captain Tom Moore. But we can't go back to how things were before, he says. "We have been through too much hardship... to go back to how things were before the plague," he adds. These events are often a "trigger" for major change, says Mr Johnson. "They are a time to learn and improve on the time that went before." He then turns to the "nonsense" and "self-evident drivel" about how his brush with coronavirus has left him with long-term healthcare. Mr Johnson offers to wrestle or "sprint off" anyone who doubts him, but notes he had "a very common underlying condition - I was too fat". He says he has lost 26lbs since. 10:38 AM Boris Johnson promises 'cheek by jowl' meeting again soon Boris Johnson has taken to the stage thanking party members for "saving this country from socialism" during last year's election. He quickly moves onto coronavirus, saying he has had "more than enough" of the disease that has stopped so much human interaction, including the conference itself. But he says "we will succeed, just as this country has seen off every alien invader" in the past. With science and technology "we will ensure the next time we meet, it will be face to face and cheek by jowl", he adds. 10:19 AM Margaret Ferrier attended church service day after developing coronavirus symptoms Margaret Ferrier attended a church service and gave a reading to the congregation the day after she developed coronavirus symptoms. The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP developed coronavirus symptoms and took a test on Saturday September 26. She breached rules by travelling to London the following Monday and taking a train back to Scotland on the Tuesday after receiving a positive result. However it has since emerged that Ms Ferrier attended a Mass at St Mungo's Church in Townhead, Glasgow on Sunday September 27. She is said to have given a gospel reading from the altar. The Archdiocese of Glasgow said: "For the good of the whole community, it is important that anyone who is required to self-isolate does so in accordance with the Government's guidance, so anyone in that situation should not attend mass. "It is disappointing if this has not happened but we would like to reassure people that we fulfil all the Government and church guidelines." Ms Ferrier has so far not responded to calls for her to resign as an MP, despite her former boss Nicola Sturgeon calling on her to "do the right thing". 10:05 AM Labour attacks Prime Minister's 'serial incompetence' Labour has attacked Boris Johnson for "serial incompetence" ahead of the Prime Minister's keynote speech at the Conservative party conference today. Angela Rayner, deputy leader of Labour, said: "The testing fiasco over the past 24 hours has again exposed the serial incompetence of Boris Johnson and his Government. The Prime Minister should use his speech to set out how he will get a grip and tackle the crisis at hand. The Ashton under Lyne MP has also done the broadcast round this morning, telling Sky News ministers should "hang their heads in shame". 'They should all hang their heads in shame' Labour Deputy Leader @AngelaRayner says the 16,000 people who tested positive for #COVID19 but were not added to the government's list had a 'significant impact for people in the North West' Read the latest: https://t.co/tJEC6lkvxy pic.twitter.com/nPYs4Tjij0 SkyNews (@SkyNews) October 6, 2020 10:01 AM Hospitality's 'viable jobs' could be endangered by curfew unless further support is given, MPs told Hospitality provides "viable jobs" but they could be endangered by the 10pm curfew unless further support is offered, MPs have been told. Kate Nicholls, the head of UK Hospitaity, warned that if the businesses are shut it could cause long-term scarring to the economy - something Rishi Sunak has said he wants to avoid - asking "Who will employ people further down the line?" "There is a very real danger that we will lose large chunks of the economy - in hospitality we will have insolvent businesses, businesses going into administration and therefore that engine of growth for re-employing people will be lost for good," the head of UKHospitality said. "I think that's what we need to be focusing on to make sure we support viable jobs for the future. "In our sector, those on full-time and part-time furlough are in viable jobs," she added. "There is an issue now only because you have legislative constraints on the hours these businesses can open, the capacity they can open with and instructions to the general public such as working at home." 09:45 AM Have your say on: Did Rishi Sunak's Eat Out scheme spread coronavirus? This morning Rishi Sunak was forced to defend his Eat Out to Help Out scheme, amid accusations the discount dining initiative helped spread coronavirus further. But he did so by questioning the very data that is being used to justify the curfew scheme, arguing that there is a "big difference between correlation and causation", and that other figures suggested "a very small percentage of hospitality" was the cause of transmission. So what do you think? Have your say in the poll below 09:36 AM Rishi Sunak defends Eat Out scheme as Tory rebellion over 10pm curfew looms he Chancellor has given curfew rebels a boost after he defended his Eat Out to Help Out scheme, questioning the extent to which transmission has occurred in hospitality venues. Rishi Sunak defended his discount dining scheme, saying: "The spread of virus this time around is pretty much in sync with other countries around the world. Actually this time around it seems to be more a feature of the virus and the season rather than anything specific." He also argued there was a "big difference between correlation and causation", and pointed to data showing "a very small percentage of hospitality" was the cause of transmission. The South West, where the scheme was very popular, was seeing some of the lowest coronavirus rates, he added. "It is incredibly difficult to pinpoint the cause of transmission - we have to have humility about our ability to do that," he told Sky News. His comments are likely to be seized on by curfew-fighting Conservative rebels, who are meeting today ahead of a vote tomorrow, as they look to force the PM's hand on the much-hated measure. However, when asked specifically about the measure he told BBC Breakfast it was "something we were told could make a difference to the spread of transmission". 09:32 AM Coronavirus vaccine will not offer 'complete and sudden solution' to pandemic A coronavirus vaccine will not offer a "sudden and complete solution" to the pandemic as it is likely to be given to vulnerable and older people first, a Government adviser has said. Professor Adam Finn from the University of Bristol, who is a member of the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI), which advises ministers on vaccines, said the evidence showed that the jab should be first given to older people, carers and those who are vulnerable, before other considerations such as people's occupations were looked at. He told the Today programme it was difficult "to find out whether a vaccine blocks transmission until you implement it", adding that "with most of the programmes in the past, this is something we found after we've started using the vaccine". "So for both of those reasons, I think we're likely to see the vaccine being directed towards people who are seen as being at the highest risk, at least to start with." It follows comments by vaccine taskforce boss Kate Bingham, who said it was "misguided" for people to think the whole population would be vaccinated. 09:29 AM Hospitality needs sector-specific support, MPs told A "large part of the hospitality industry is still in stasis" and more redundancies are expected in October, MPs have been told. Kate Nicholls, the boss of trade body UKHospitality, said: "The Covid second wave and restrictions are not hitting all sectors equally so need to make sure that we have sector-specific support. "We still have 900,000 hospitality workers on full furlough and 400,000 on part-time furlough. "We fear that unless there are amendments for those areas which are particularly hit, you won't avoid the cliff edge in October and we have got large numbers of redundancies that are forecast in October because of how the jobs support scheme is set up." 09:04 AM William Hague: To defeat a resurgent Labour, Boris must show the power of Tory values The huge change in the politics of Yorkshire, and other parts of the North and Midlands, tells us much about the power of values in politics, writes William Hague in today's Telegraph. As Labour learned in December, if your values are out of line with those of key voters, you cant get elected however brilliant and detailed your policies might be. Unfortunately for the Conservatives, Sir Keir Starmer has had this advice from elsewhere or has already been around long enough to know it. So when Boris Johnson steps to the virtual rostrum today, it is his challenge not merely to communicate his policies but to set them in the context of powerful Tory values. 08:48 AM Covid deaths rise for third week in a row The number of deaths involving Covid-19 registered in England and Wales has risen for the third week in a row. A total of 215 deaths registered in the week ending September 25 mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is up from 139 deaths in the week to September 18, 99 deaths in the week to September 11, and 78 deaths in the week to September 4. 08:44 AM Circuit breaker-style lockdown should be considered, Prof Neil Ferguson says The Government should consider extra restrictions "for a concerted period", a health expert has said, raising the prospect of a circuit breaker once again. Professor Neil Ferguson, of Imperial College London, said the most important measures were reducing contacts between households. "We are in a more difficult position, if we want to keep schools open we have to reduce contacts in other areas of society by more," he told the Today programme. "You will have heard measures being discussed across society as a whole such as extended half terms where we try to reduce transmission for a concerted period. I think those measures should be considered." Closing venues should be considered in "hotspot" areas where case numbers are increasing but the risk of transmission from meeting people outside was low, he added. "Of course as the weather gets colder meeting outdoors is less appealing, people obviously do want to meet indoors but that's where transmission happens unfortunately." 08:34 AM Boris Johnson will pledge to make Britain 'the Saudi Arabia of wind' Boris Johnson is due to close the virtual Conservative party conference at 11:30am this morning with a speech that will focus on renewable energy. The Prime Minister will tell the nation: As Saudi Arabia is to oil, the UK is to wind a place of almost limitless resource, but in the case of wind without the carbon emissions and without the damage to the environment. Mr Johnson will higlight the untapped potential of renewable energy, telling party faithful: "Your kettle, your washing machine, your cooker, your heating, your plug-in electric vehicle the whole lot of them will get their juice cleanly and without guilt from the breezes that blow around these islands. Below is a little teaser he has put out on social media. It falls to this generation, and this Government, to take this opportunity now to transform our country and #BuildBackBetter Tune in at 11:30am to watch my speech at Conservative Party conference. #CPC20 pic.twitter.com/nOIm1GonhH Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 6, 2020 08:26 AM Maybe I'm immune: Donald Trump's address on leaving hospital Donald Trump has told Americans not to fear coronavirus and "let it take over your lives" as he left hospital last night. The US President has received a cocktail of treatment including steroids and the anti-virul drug remdesivir before leaving hospital, but claimed he could be "immune" to the disease. "Don't let it dominate you. Don't be afraid of it," Mr Trump said in a recorded video message. "We're going back, we're going back to work. We're going to be out front. ... Don't let it dominate your lives. Get out there, be careful." Read the latest updates here. 08:12 AM Government will 'take stock' of public finances after pandemic, says Rishi Sunak Rishi Sunak has said the current record levels of Government borrowing are not sustainable in the long term. The Chancellor told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It is the right approach in the short term to try and protect as much of the economy's productive capacity as possible so that we can recover strongly. "But you can't sustain that level of borrowing. So once we get through the crisis we need to take stock." Mr Sunak said the Government's general election manifesto promises not to raise income tax, VAT or National Insurance are "very important to us" but refused to be drawn on possible future tax rises. "I can't comment on future tax policy outside fiscal events," he said. 08:06 AM Nicola Sturgeon to announce further lockdown restrictions in Scotland Today is shaping up to be another busy day - and Nicola Sturgeon's regular press conference is shaping up to be a must-watch event amid rumours she could be poised to strengthen Scotland's lockdown. The First Minister was on Monday night preparing to announce a series of new curbs which is likely to include new restrictions on the already struggling hospitality industry, which could include a temporary shutdown of pubs and restaurants. A reintroduction of limits on leisure travel was also under consideration. The new rules are set to be imposed within the coming days, and remain in place on a temporary basis, potentially for a fortnight, to coincide with the October school holidays. As we have seen many times, where Scotland goes England tends to follow. Read the full story here. 08:01 AM Government does not believe in accountaability, says former speaker John Bercow Former Commons speaker John Bercow has condemned the Government over its handling of the pandemic and described the coronavirus Test and Trace system as "shambolic at best and non-existent at worst". He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "This is a Government that doesn't believe in accountability." Asked whether he thought Prime Minister Boris Johnson is the right man for the job, he replied that it is "in a sense a red herring". "If the Prime Minister is not going to demand the resignation of the (Education Secretary) after the exams fiasco over which he presided, if he's not going to ask for the resignation of the Heath Secretary despite the fiasco over Covid which he has presided, manifestly he's not going to resign himself," he said. "My critique of the Government is that they have had months and months and months of mixed and misleading messages and, frankly, doing press conferences offering scripted soundbites and televised addresses to the nation or taking to Twitter are no substitute for accountability." John Bercow - PA 07:29 AM Local lockdowns are working, says Chancellor Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the Government's policy of localised coronavirus lockdowns is working. Mr Sunak said the alternative to localised restrictions was blanket national interventions. "They are working. As we learn more we can adapt our interventions," he told BBC Breakfast. "If you look at places like Leicester or Luton who have had these restrictions and had them lifted, that shows there can be light at the end of the tunnel. "But this is the right approach. The alternative is that we have blanket national interventions. "I think that clearly wouldn't be appropriate and we should try and avoid that if we can given that there are areas of the country which aren't seeing either this level of growth or absolute level of transmission and therefore in those areas we can afford to take a slightly different approach. "That is a better way to go - this more targeted, localised approach." 07:28 AM Rishi Sunak 'fully supports' Boris Johnson's approach Rishi Sunak has said he "fully supports" the approach being taken by Boris Johnson, as he looks to play down suggestions of a rift between the two men on coronavirus measures. The Chancellor told the Today programme that "of course" his focus was on the economy, saying: "If you look around the table it would be off if the Education Secretary wasn't the person talking about the impact on education, if the Health Secretary wasn't the person talking about the impact on the NHS if the Culture Secretary wasn't talking about the impact on theatres and performing arts and sports." The Cabinet "come to collective decisions", he added, saying: "A Cabinet is not a collection of robots, cabinet is a collection of people who come together to debate the issues. "These are really difficult judgements, there is no precise way to come to mathematically correct answer." He praised Boris Johnson for his "calm leadership", saying the Prime Minister was in "the best place to do that" Mr Sunak said, adding: "I fully support the approach he has taken." 07:20 AM Rishi Sunak plays down suggestions of rift in Cabinet Rishi Sunak has tried to play down suggestions of a rift in the Cabinet between the hawks and doves on coronavirus policy. The Chancellor stressed that ministers "debate and discuss things in order to get to the right answer on behalf of the country". He told BBC Breakfast: "People would be shocked otherwise, if they thought we were a bunch of robots sitting around a table who all just agreed on absolutely everything." The pub curfew - which he is thought to have pushed back against - was "a decision we have reached on this on the advice of scientists", Mr Sunak said. "We believe it will make a difference, and it is something many other countries around the world are doing. We are not a massive outlier," he added. 07:15 AM Airport testing 'step in right direction', says Virgin Atlantic boss Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss said an expected Government announcement on coronavirus testing for international travellers was a "step in the right direction". Steve Barclay, the Treasury minister, and Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, have both said an announcement is due imminently. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday the aviation boss said further "swift action" was needed to protect the 500,000 jobs in the UK which relied on aviation. Mr Weiss added: "We are suggesting testing pre-departure as the way to go to free up the need for this quarantine and get passengers moving freely. "We welcome this potential news from the Government but further swift action is required if we are to save the 500,000 jobs which rely on travel and aviation in the United Kingdom. "And of course our economy needs to get going and the only way it can take off is for the free movement of goods and people between countries." 07:12 AM Curfew 'better than having places closed', says Rishi Sunak The 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants is "better than having places closed", Rishi Sunak has said. The Government is under pressure from Toy MPs to abandon the curfew amid claims there is no evidence that it is preventing the spread of coronavirus while it is damaging business. The Chancellor is understood to be one of the ministers fighting against the measure. During an interview with BBC Breakfast this morning he damned it with faint praise. "The curfew was something we were told by our advisers could well make a difference to the spread of the transmission," he said. "In common with many other countries around the world this is thought to be something that can help suppress the spread of the virus. We are not an outlier in having a curfew. "As a tool we have at our disposal to try and suppress the spread of the virus, it is one that is advised across the board can make a difference. "What I would say is it is better than having places closed." 07:10 AM Rishi Sunak defends personal branding against claims it is 'Trumpian' and 'narcissistic' Rishi Sunak has defended the use of branded marketing on social media, after a journalist accused him of being "Trumpian" and "narcissistic". Speaking to Sky News, the Chancellor said: "I am very new to politics in that sense, for someone who has a job like mine most people didn't know who I was before. "My job is to make sure everyone understands what I am doing on their behalf." He added: "We are living in a world where people can communicate in different ways... I am not going to apologise for that. I want people to know what I am up to so they can understand and question it." Mr Sunak was also challenged over he urged the country to "live without fear", telling the same interviewer: "Its important we degree maintain some degree of optimism about our future. "If we have no confidence... that will have a direct impact on people losing their jobs... It is not an abstract concept, it is about protecting jobs." Read more about today's Winter Economy Plan here:https://t.co/wuODJCXwu5 I will be taking questions from journalists live from 3pm. pic.twitter.com/Ii2f9ggP3B Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) September 24, 2020 07:03 AM Protecting jobs is focus for now - but rebalancing books will happen 'over time', says Rishi Sunak The top priority is to protect jobs in the short term, before going onto to rebalance the books, Rishi Sunak has said. In his speech to the Conservative Party's virtual conference yesterday the Chancellor warned the country faced "hard choices" as it rebuilt the public finances. But speaking to Sky News on Tuesday he said that would have to be achieved "over time" and that his immediate focus was on employment. "My overall focus at the moment is trying to protect as many jobs as possible. What is happening in our economy at the moment is significant and severe, many people are losing their jobs," said Mr Sunak. "So the focus of my intention in the short term is doing what we can to support as much employment as possible. "Over time we need to have sustainable public finances. That is important to me, it is important to the Government, but in the short term the best way to have long-term sustainable public finances is to protect as much employment as possible." 06:59 AM Test and Trace is "not perfect", but is working, says Chancellor Rishi Sunak has defended Test and Trace in the wake of the lost 16,000 results because of a technical "glitch". The Chancellor reiterated the comments made by Matt Hancock yesterday, praising the work of the tracers over the weekend in reaching 51 per cent of the individuals whose data had been lost. He told Sky News: "Is it perfect? No. Are we making it better? Yes." He stressed "Progress has been made" since the spring, with capacity growing from 10,000 tests a day to more than 250,000 and a "clear trajectory" to hit the 500,000 target by the end of this month. But he conceded there were "times when the system has been under stress, which is not something we want to see." 06:51 AM End of 10pm curfew in sight as dozens of Tories prepare to rebel Boris Johnson's 10pm coronavirus curfew for pubs, restaurants and bars could be thrown out after it emerged that dozens of Tory MPs are prepared to vote against the measure on Wednesday night. The rebel Conservatives, due to meet at lunchtime on Tuesday to plot their next steps, have been emboldened by comments from the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, questioning the measure. Tory backbenchers have also been encouraged by Labour's refusal to say whether it will support the curfew until it has seen the scientific evidence that underlies it. A Labour decision on how to whip the vote is not expected until Wednesday. There were rumours in Westminster on Monday that Government whips might even pull the curfew vote on Tuesday in order to allow more time to work on bringing the rebels to heel. It came after Matt Hancock, the Secretary, said on Monday that a fiasco which allowed almost 16,000 confirmed coronavirus cases to become lost in Britain's tracking systems "should never have happened". The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) spokesperson on cocoa affairs, Eric Opoku says former President, John Dramani Mahama ought to be singled out for praise for the massive infrastructure and prudent policies that have shaped the countrys cocoa sector. According to him, attempts by political actors to accuse the NDC flagbearer of doing nothing to ameliorate the plights of cocoa farmers during his tenure in office is not based on substantial evidence. Eric Opokus comments follow recent cocoa sector debate by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). Speaking on The Point of View on Citi TV, Mr. Opoku said the contributions of John Mahama in the cocoa sector albeit the construction of cocoa roads are worth commending and must be recognized. In fact, if there is anybody to commend for having contributed significantly towards the development and improvement in the cocoa sector in this country, [Ex] President Mahama should be the one to be mentioned. It is rather unfortunate that as top politicians, as we engage our people, we intend to use some of these abusive words without any evidence to demonstrate that what we are saying is anchored on facts. [Former] President Mahama while in office realized that the cocoa farmers contributed to the countrys development and so it was important for us to fix the cocoa roads from the rural communities to the urban communities. But the [NPP] government has failed to hear the cries of cocoa farmers. We have always asked for cocoa audit reports but it has not been provided, he said. The Akufo-Addo government has suspended work on over 230 cocoa road projects in 2017 for an audit due to corruption concerns. It follows accusations that, the Mahamas administration awarded over 230 road contracts to the tune of GHS3.5 billion under the cocoa road project to the detriment of COCOBOD's finances. The NPP government had claimed that the total budget for the cocoa road projects had ballooned to over GHS5 billion and other corruption-related concerns triggered the need for the audit. Former President John Dramani Mahama has challenged the government to publish the audit report of cocoa roads. He has dared the NPP to produce the said report adding that the government has deliberately started reconstructing the roads few months to the election for political gains. But, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), says the publication of the audit report on cocoa roads can only be made available after approval from the government . Public Affairs Manager of COCOCBOD, Fiifi Boafo said the report was not originally meant for public consumption, adding that, the decision to publish it or otherwise depends on government. Yes there is a report, and unlike the expectation of some people that the report will be published, the essence of the report was to understand issues surrounding the management of cocoa roads. The report was to serve as a guide to management. So if the former President wants the report publicized for political discourse, I am afraid, our approach is different. We have not been instructed to put the report out there yet. It was submitted in 2019. When a decision is made by the board and management, of course in consultation with the government that we publish the report, we will not hesitate, he said. ---citinewsroom by Melani Manel Perera The archbishop of Colombo expresses sadness and dissatisfaction with the release of some defendants. The investigations are not going the way they should " and the relatives of the victims are still "waiting for justice". The presidential commission of inquiry into the massacre says that no one should comment on the decisions taken; it wants to gag the three auxiliaries. Colombo (AsiaNews) Some of the people detained in connection with last years bloody attacks have been released recently. For Archbishop Card Malcolm Ranjith, It is sad and unfortunate that those who are alleged to have been involved in the Easter Sunday attack are released and cleared. In speaking out, the prelate is not heeding a warning issued by the presidential commission of inquiry against the capitals three auxiliary bishops and even former President Maithripala Sirisena not to comment on its decisions. The Easter Sunday attacks left 280 people dead and almost 600 wounded. The relatives of the dead and wounded are waiting for justice to be meted out, the archbishop said. For this reason, it is unfortunate that the investigations are not going the way they should. At the same time, police are making contradictory statements. At a press conference, the cardinal showed a video in which police spokesman Jaliya Senaratne allegedly found "clear evidence" of the involvement of Riyaj Bathiudeen, brother of former minister Rishad, in the attacks. Hence, the prelate wonders whether a political deal is behind the release of a person involved in the attacks linked to leading government officials. The Catholic lawmaker Harin Fernando told the Commission that Card Ranjith had been warned of possible attacks on Easter Sunday. For this reason, he did not celebrate the solemn Mass, which he does every year per tradition. Colombos three auxiliary bishops, Maxwell Silva, Anthony Jayakody and Anton Ranjith rejected the claim as false. Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested 119 individuals in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks whilst the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has arrested 78 suspects. Of these, at least 92 have already been questioned and another 33 suspects are in prison. Speaking on the matter, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that National Security was the first and foremost responsibility of the government. I am not prepared to hand over the power of arresting or arbitrarily releasing people to politicians, as happened in the past. I will also take actions to rectify any omissions or mistakes made by the relevant authorities or officials, he added. APS Fellow Andrea Ghez among 2020 Nobel Laureates who uncovered some of the "darkest secrets of the Universe" COLLEGE PARK, MD -- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics to Roger Penrose "for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity" and to Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez "for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the centre of our galaxy." Ghez is the fourth woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physics. "APS congratulates the 2020 Nobel Laureates for their outstanding contributions to astrophysics, and the understanding of our universe," said APS CEO Kate Kirby. "I sincerely hope that this award will inspire the next generation of physicists, especially young women, whom we are committed to supporting at every level." "I'm pleased to see the Swedish academy recognize a fourth woman Nobel Laureate," said APS President Phil Bucksbaum. "Andrea Ghez joins Donna Strickland, Maria Goeppert Mayer, and Marie Curie as the only women with that distinction." Half of the prize goes to the University of Oxford's Penrose, whose research published in Physical Review Letters during the 1960s is considered the most important contribution to the general theory of relativity since its conception by Albert Einstein more than a century ago. In 1971, APS and the American Institute of Physics honored Penrose with the Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics. The other half of the prize is jointly awarded to Genzel and Ghez, both APS Fellows, who have provided some of the strongest evidence to date that the compact object at the center of the Milky Way known as Sagittarius A* is very likely a supermassive black hole. Genzel gave an invited talk at the 2020 APS April Meeting where he described the culmination of nearly 30 years of observations of the star S2, revealing that it orbits Sagittarius A* just as Einstein predicted, in the shape of a rosette rather than an ellipse. Genzel is co-director of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics and professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley. Glennys Farrar, chair of the APS Division of Astrophysics, said: "I'm thrilled that the Nobel Committee has recognized the critical importance of the work of Genzel and Ghez, which established beyond a doubt the existence of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, and the work of Penrose with Stephen Hawking, predicting the existence of black holes." "Their work has made pioneering use of adaptive optics on the Keck telescope, and it has led to the understanding that supermassive black holes inhabit the centers of many galaxies," said Bucksbaum. APS recognized Ghez, a professor of astrophysics at the University of California, Los Angeles, early in her career with the 1999 Maria Goeppert Mayer Award for outstanding achievement by a woman in physics. She presented an overview of decades of research on the Galactic Center at a plenary session at the 2019 April Meeting in Denver, CO. "As often happens in science, a conceptual breakthrough relies on developing powerful new tools, which then lead to other discoveries," said Farrar. "The precise measurements of the Genzel and Ghez teams have not only verified aspects of General Relativity that had never before been tested, but have also led to much more accurate knowledge of the location of the Solar System in the Galaxy which will be valuable in many other applications." "For science to advance requires unbounded leaps of imagination, but such leaps must be subject to rigorous observational examination," said APS President-Elect said APS President-Elect Sylvester James Gates, Jr. "So we see two dichotomies, both Illustrated in this Nobel Prize, with Penrose's work as an example of the first while the work of Genzel and Ghez illustrate the latter." This is the tenth consecutive year Physical Review Letters, the flagship journal of the American Physical Society, has been cited in the scientific background materials of the physics or chemistry prizes. A recent analysis revealed that, since 1995, 28.5% of Nobel-winning research in physics appeared in Physical Review Letters, outpacing other leading publications such as The Astrophysical Journal (11.2%), Science (5.6%), and Nature (4.7%). "The Physical Review journals are among the most-read and highest-cited peer-reviewed publications in physics and related disciplines, broadly trusted and valued by researchers around the world for more than 127 years," said APS Publisher Matthew Salter. The Nobel Prize, first awarded in 1901, is widely regarded as the highest honor in science, economics, and literature. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 award ceremony at Stockholm City Hall will be streamed online in December. Laureates will receive medals and diplomas in their home countries. The Nobel Foundation has increased the prize amount to 10 million Swedish krona (about 1.1 million US dollars) for the first time since 2011. ### Additional Reading The following articles, cited in the Scientific Background on the Nobel Prize in Physics 2020, have been made free-to-read by APS: Penrose, R., 1963, "Asymptotic properties of fields and space-times", Physical Review Letters, vol. 10, no. 2. pp. 66-68. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.10.66. Penrose, R., 1965, "Gravitational collapse and space-time singularities", Physical Review Letters, vol. 14, no. 3. pp. 57-59, 1965. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.14.57. Genzel, R., Eisenhauer, F., and Gillessen, S., 2010, "The Galactic center massive black hole and nuclear star cluster", Reviews of Modern Physics, vol. 82, no. 4. pp. 3121-3195. doi: 10.1103/RevModPhys.82.3121. A collection of landmark papers on general relativity, curated by the editors of the Physical Review journals, is available at https://journals.aps.org/general-relativity-centennial About APS The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics through its outstanding research journals, scientific meetings, and education, outreach, advocacy, and international activities. APS represents over 55,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and throughout the world. Society offices are located in College Park, Maryland (Headquarters), Ridge, New York, and Washington, DC. A Northern Irish man has died and two others are critically ill after travelling to Turkey for dental treatment. Richard Molloy, 33, from Belfast, died in a tragic incident over the weekend during a trip to the southern city of Marmaris. His friends Aaron Callaghan and Declan Carson are seriously ill in hospital but are said to be responding to treatment. The trio reportedly flew to the country for a teeth whitening procedure, however this has not been confirmed and it is not yet clear what caused the men to become unwell. The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is helping Molloys family to bring his body home. Colin Bell, from the charity, set up in memory of his son who died abroad, said they hoped to repatriate Molloy by the end of the week, as long as no further Covid restrictions were introduced in the meantime. He said he understood Mr Callaghan and Mr Carson were responding to treatment and feeling better. North Belfast MP John Finucane said he had spoken to the families of the young men and that they were making arrangements to bring them home. "It's very difficult but we don't have much clarity at this stage as to what exactly has happened," he told the BBC. The Republic of Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs said it was "aware of the case and providing consular assistance". "The Department of Foreign Affairs has made contact with all three families and will be assisting them throughout the process, a spokesperson said. Additional reporting by PA Islamabad/New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Prime Minister of Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), Farooq Haider Khan, has been booked in Lahore for "conspiring" against Pakistan by listening to his party leader Nawaz Sharif's recent online speech, in which he criticised the Pakistan Army. Sources in Islamabad told IANS that a case was registered on Monday against PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Farooq Haider Khan and other party leaders at the Shahdara police station in Lahore for "conspiring" against Pakistan and the army. The FIR was registered under sections of the Pakistan Penal Code related to cyberterrorism, criminal conspiracy to wage war against Pakistan, condemnation of the creation of Pakistan, advocacy of the abolishment of its sovereignty, sedition and promotion of enmity between different groups. The others who have been booked for participating in the PML-N's central executive committee and central working committee meetings last week include Maryam Nawaz, Rana Sanaullah, Ahsan Iqbal, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Pervez Rashid, Marriyum Aurangzeb and Ataullah Tarar. According to the Dawn, the FIR stated, "Instead of availing medical treatment in London, Nawaz is carrying out a planned conspiracy to defame the country and its institutions by making inflammatory speeches." It alleges that in the speeches made on September 20 and October 1, the former premier supported the policies of neighbouring India so that Pakistan would continue to remain on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) 'grey list', the newspaper said. "The main purpose of Nawaz's speeches is to isolate Pakistan in front of the international community and to declare it a rogue state," the FIR said, adding that Nawaz Sharif was doing this to help his "friend" and Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Imran Khan had said last week that Nawaz Sharif was playing a "dangerous game" by levelling allegations of political interference against the Pakistan Army. He also claimed that India was helping the PML-N leader. In a significant multiparty virtual conference held in Islamabad on September 20, Nawaz Sharif, speaking from London, had hit out at the army, accusing it of installing Imran Khan's incompetent government, wrecking Pakistan's economy and foreign relations, censoring the media and indulging in massive corruption. He had said that it is very important that Pakistan's armed forces stay away from the governmental system according to the country's Constitution and founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah's vision, and not interfere with the people's choice. "We have made this country a joke in our own eyes and internationally as well," Sharif had said. The former Prime Minister, who was deposed and jailed in a corruption case in Pakistan, has been in the UK for medical treatment since November last year. The conference was attended by Pakistan's main opposition parties, including the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) headed by Maulana Fazlur Rehman. A religious hardliner, Rehman had held the opposition parties responsible for allowing the Imran Khan government to survive and urged them to "take concrete decisions". PHILADELPHIA - Picture a future where embedded medical devices not only treat and teach patients, but learn from them. Imagine chronic pain being managed without the negative side effects of opioids. Penn Medicine researchers are working to make those scenarios a reality. These initiatives are among innovative new National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded efforts that are mapping the future of medicine. The NIH has selected two researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania to receive its prestigious Director's Awards, part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program honoring exceptionally creative scientists. Brian Litt, MD, a professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Bioengineering, was honored with a Pioneer Award for $5.6 million, supporting novel neurodevice research. Gregory Corder, PhD, an assistant professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, was selected as a New Innovator Award winner, receiving $2.4 million for research investigating the mechanisms of chronic pain. This NIH initiative, designed to fuel research endeavors that are more opened-ended and have a potentially broader effect on scientific understanding compared to more traditional research, awards these to scientists to support research over a five-year period. The 2020 Penn recipients are among 85 awardees nationally: Pioneer Award - Ghost in the Machine: Melding Brain, Computer and Behavior The Pioneer Award challenges investigators to pursue new research directions and develop groundbreaking, high-impact approaches to a broad area of biomedical or behavioral science. This award supports Litt's work to develop a new generation of autonomous neurodevices--implanted machines that can question, record, and combine learning algorithms based on neurological signals and feedback to act and alter human behavior on the fly. In epilepsy, for example, these devices would predict and prevent seizures; in Parkinson's patients, implants will measure and communicate with patients to improve mobility, reduce tremor and enhance responsiveness. Other implants might improve hearing or psychiatric symptoms by querying patient perceptions, feelings, and altering stimulation patterns algorithmically to improve them. The loop is closed in real time, so the host can change their behavior based upon device feedback to improve their health. "Imagine this: A 30 year-old veteran walks into a bar. None of the patrons are aware of the anti-seizure device in his brain, or the traumatic brain injury that requires it. After he drinks a beer, his phone vibrates with a text from the implantable device asking what he's doing and sharing his probability of a seizure has increased. And with a quick explanation from the veteran, the device stimulates and suggests avoiding a second beverage," Litt explains. "We're working towards this future, with the help of the Pioneer Award." This is a paradigm shift from today's simple devices, which rely on physicians to give device feedback to patients and change simple parameters by hand during occasional office visits. Litt's goal is to build a foundation for responsive implants that can collaborate with hosts, linking human experience and perception to machine algorithms, actions, and therapy, predicting and preventing events before they start. Not only will the patient teach the device, but the device will teach the patient. Grant ID: DP1 NS122038-01. New Innovator Award - Harnessing Cortical Neuromodulation to Disrupt Pain Perception The New Innovator Award supports unusually innovative research from early career investigators who have not yet received a research project grant or equivalent NIH grant. The award will support Corder's efforts to research the mechanisms of chronic pain--a major health crisis in the United States, affecting millions, and a driver of the opioid epidemic. Corder's goal is to identify which parts of the brain are important for pain perception and which circuits impact pain relief from opioids. He hopes to decode how this neural activity evolves during chronic pain. Once the brain circuits and pathways that contribute to the suffering and perception of pain are identified, they can be targeted for potential therapeutics which could be more effective at reducing pain and without the addictive elements of prescription opioids. Corder envisions these next generation pain therapeutics leveraging viral-delivered cell-specific gene therapies to disrupt the pain-processing circuits in the cortex. This would will allow patients to sense pain but without the unpleasant aversion. "We currently have a limited understanding of the neural pathways in the brain that contribute to pain, which has been a significant barrier for treating pain efficiently, without negative side effects. But, if we can identify and understand these circuits, we can then try to rewrite the neural code of pain," Corder said. "Picture being able to specifically target the one desired brain region or circuit that processes pain in order to provide pain relief. This research will help us lay the groundwork for new classes of therapeutics, which could have a profound and broad impact for treating patients with chronic pain, while reducing the burden of the national opioid crisis." Grant ID: DP2 GM140923-01. ### Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $8.6 billion enterprise. The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top medical schools in the United States for more than 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $494 million awarded in the 2019 fiscal year. The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center--which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report--Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Medicine Princeton Health; and Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional facilities and enterprises include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, Penn Medicine at Home, Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, and Princeton House Behavioral Health, among others. Penn Medicine is powered by a talented and dedicated workforce of more than 43,900 people. The organization also has alliances with top community health systems across both Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, creating more options for patients no matter where they live. Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2019, Penn Medicine provided more than $583 million to benefit our community. Mumbai, Oct 6 : A Mumbai Special Court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik till October 20 in a drug related case that came up while investigating the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, officials said here. The siblings were presented before the Special NDPS Court as their judicial custody of 14 days ended. They had applied for bail in the Bombay High Court, on which the final arguments were heard by Justice S.V. Kotwal on September 29, who has reserved the final order on it. Rhea was arrested on September 9 by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) which is probing the drugs angle in the death of Bollywood actor Sushant, who was Rhea's live-in partner. Besides her, 19 others including her brother Showik Chakraborty, drug peddlers, suppliers and persons linked with the film industry have also been arrested so far, and several top actresses have been questioned. Sushant was found dead on June 14 in his Bandra flat. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Kelsey Barnard Clark/Instagram Kelsey Barnard Clark's bun is done! The Top Chef season 16 winner and husband Deavours Clark welcomed their second child, a baby girl, on Monday, Oct. 5, Barnard Clark announced Tuesday morning on Instagram. Joining the couple's 3-year-old son Monroe, daughter Evelyn 'June' Clark arrived at 4:03 p.m., weighing 6 lbs., 11 oz., and measuring 19.5 inches. "She arrived quickly, quietly, and sweet as can be. What a gift her life already is," the new mom of two captioned a gallery of photos on Instagram, showing the proud parents in the hospital with their newborn. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. RELATED: Chef Marcel Vigneron and Lauren Rae Levy Reveal the Sex of Their Rainbow Baby with Ice Cream! Clark announced her baby news in an adorable April Instagram post. With her firstborn, son Monroe, joyfully sitting in the grass and holding a sonogram picture and a Bible, the then-mom-to-be shared a sweet message. "I've always been the type of person who makes decisions swiftly, and with certainty," she began her post. "On the contrary, Deavours is the definition of analytical. When we found out we were pregnant with our first child, a little over 3 years ago, I was sure we'd leave the hospital without being able to decide on a name for him or her. However, to my complete shock, when we started discussing names it was easy." "We immediately agreed that we'd always choose names from family ancestry and that our first girl would carry on our grandmothers' names. When we shared the news of our pregnancy with each of our grandmothers, we told them about our plans to honor them if it was a girl," Clark continued. "Days later, they invited us to lunch and said they had something special to give us." Story continues "With proud, beaming smiles, they handed us a tiny Bible wrapped in lacy pink cloth with a short, sweet note from both of them. There was no hiding their excitement," she went on. "We hate they're missing out on this earthly debut, but we have a feeling they had a hand in the matter someway, somehow." RELATED VIDEO: Chef Katie Lee Whips up a Delicious and Healthy Dish That Anyone Can Make Chef Katie Lee Whips up a Delicious and Healthy Dish That Anyone Can Make! PLUS: Katie Lee's tips for anyone new to the kitchen: "Get everything prepped!" "We are thrilled to welcome a baby girl, due this fall!" Clark concluded the message beside three pink emojis. The Alabama native previously talked to PEOPLE about having to leave her then-9-month old son with her husband for nine weeks to film the Emmy-winning Bravo reality show, missing his first steps in the process. Learning that her baby boy had reached that milestone while she was away nearly caused Clark to quit the show. Calling to check in from Top Chef's set in Kentucky, Clark immediately broke down during one of only three calls she made home. "He was walking, and he was not walking when I left. And I absolutely, honest to God, lost my s on the phone," she admitted to PEOPLE at the time. "I was just like, 'I want to leave. This is horrible. What have I done? My child's walking!' It put me into a spiral for days." COLLINGSWOOD, NJ A Collingswood man in his 80s has died after testing positive for the coronavirus, Camden County officials announced on Tuesday. He is the 17th Collingswood resident who has died after testing positive for the coronavirus, according to the most recent numbers provided by Camden County officials. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family, and we continue to wish full recoveries to everyone fighting this insidious virus, Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said. As we reach a precarious point in this pandemic, we have to redouble our efforts to stop the spread of this virus. We cannot afford to see daily case totals return to where they were in the spring. To keep that from happening, please continue to wear masks, social distance, and work with Camden Countys contact tracing team when they call. New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. He was the only new death reported in Camden County on Tuesday. Countywide, 559 residents have now died after testing positive for the coronavirus. A Collingswood man in his 30s has also tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in Collingswood to 192. Countywide, there are 10,916 cases of the coronavirus. According to the Camden County Department of Health, there are 1,451 confirmed cases among residents at the county's long-term care facilities, with 327 deaths. Another 607 cases were reported among staff members, with three deaths. Residents who are having difficulty coping with the coronavirus crisis can call the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, Inc. at 877-294- HELP (4357) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for emotional support, guidance and mental health referrals as needed. For additional information and services, call Camden County's Office of Mental Health & Addiction at 856-374-6361. See related: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know This article originally appeared on the Collingswood Patch A drag queen has become the second person to sue Laurence Fox for defamation after the actor labelled him and others 'paedophiles' during a bizarre online spat. Crystal - who was a contestant on the first season of hit show Ru Paul's Drag Race UK - said in a Twitter statement on Tuesday that he was suing Fox for defamation. His announcement followed a similar one by deputy chair of LGBT charity Stonewall Simon Blake on Monday who said he too would pursue legal action against the Lewis star. Fox has been embroiled in a heated exchange with a number of Twitter users which included Crystal - whose real name is Colin Munro - and Mr Blake. The Lewis star called them 'paedophiles' after they had claimed he was 'racist'. Drag queen Crystal has become the second person to sue Laurence Fox for defamation after the actor labelled him and others 'paedophiles' during a bizarre online spat His announcement followed a similar one by deputy chair of LGBT charity Stonewall Simon Blake on Monday who said he too would pursue legal action against the Lewis star On Saturday, Fox had accused Sainsbury's of 'promoting racial segregation and discrimination' and promised to boycott the supermarket chain after it promoted Black History Month. As he faced a backlash for his views, he clapped back at people 'falsely accusing him of racism' by retaliating with unsubstantiated slurs calling them 'paedophiles' in Tweets which have since been deleted. Mr Munro released a statement saying Fox 'seriously defamed' him and he has 'instructed Mark Lewis of Patron Law to sue' on his behalf. The statement read: 'In response to my criticism on Sunday, Mr Fox seriously defamed me, and I have instructed Mark Lewis of Patron Law to sue on my behalf. 'I will not stand for racism when I see it, and I will not stand for homophobic defamation when it is directed at me. Crystal - who appeared on the first season of hit show Ru Paul's Drag Race UK - said in a Twitter statement on Tuesday that he was suing Fox for defamation. Mr Munro released a statement saying Fox 'seriously defamed' him and he has 'instructed Mark Lewis of Patron Law to sue' on his behalf Crystal - whose real name is Colin Munro - was a contestant on the first season of hit show Ru Paul's Drag Race UK Laurence Fox calls for a Twitter 'retract button' for people who say controversial things and then change their mind Laurence Fox suggested Twitter introduce a 'retract button' for people who say controversial things but then change their views as he blasted a freedom of speech 'crisis'. The Lewis actor turned political activist attacked a 'totalitarian orthodoxy' which was marshalling people's views as he attended a Conservative Party Conference fringe event. He attacked Twitter because 'everything that everyone ever writes exists in perpetuity', and suggested it should have some changes to make it fairer and stop people being arrested for hate crimes. His attendance at a virtual fringe event on 'the free speech crisis' run by the IEA think tank, came the day after he labelled a fellow actor and social media users 'paedophiles' in a bizarre online spat. The actor is embroiled in a heated exchange with a number of Twitter users including Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp and deputy chair of Stonewall, Simon Blake, whom he called 'paedophiles' after they claimed he was 'racist'. He later deleted the tweets. Discussing the impact of social media on freedom of speech, Mr Fox, 42, said: 'I started mulling to myself this idea of whether Twitter should introduce a 'retract button' where the tweet stays up but it just has a big stamp across the top saying 'this is retracted by the author'. 'So you could watch the development of people's thoughts, understand that their positions change and alter or something that they have made mistakes. 'And that may encourage us to be more free in our views rather than collectivising around any form of victimhood or any form of offence and then you agree we should motivate ourselves to collectivise around things that are really important like how we relate to each other, good manners, mutual respect' He also blasted countries, including Israel, Germany and many others across Europe, which criminalise holocaust denial, saying it was important that the debunked conspiracy theory was openly challenged. He said: 'I personally think it is a dreadful idea that Holocaust denial is a crime in various places because how are you going to give someone an opportunity to air their ridiculous views without evidence, without giving someone else the opportunity to correct them?' While tweets can be deleted, they can easily be captured by other users as pictures, and often also can be found using Google. Mr Fox made headlines at the weekend when he accused Sainsbury's of 'promoting racial segregation and discrimination' and promised to boycott the supermarket chain after it promoted Black History Month. As he faced a backlash for his views, he clapped back at people 'falsely accusing him of racism' by retaliating with unsubstantiated slurs calling them 'paedophiles'. He has since removed the posts, writing: 'I have deleted the tweets posted yesterday, in response to being repeatedly, continuously and falsely smeared as a racist.' Advertisement 'An accusation of paedophilia is one of the oldest homophobic tropes, and it was very shocking to have that levelled at me, not just by Mr fox, but also his many followers who believed him. 'I may have had to endure homophobic bullying as a child, but I will not tolerate it as an adult. Thank you so much to everyone who has voiced their support.' It came one day after Mr Blake released a similar statement announcing his intention to sue. He wrote: 'On Sunday afternoon I saw a tweet from Laurence Fox suggesting that he would stop shopping in Sainsbury's and calling on others to do the same. This was his reaction to Sainsbury's statement that they are an inclusive retailer. 'He suggested that Sainsbury's actively anti-racist stance is promoting racial segregation and discrimination. 'I disagreed strongly with his view and I expressed that in a tweet. Whilst I regret the unnecessary language I used, which is not in line with the way I like to conduct myself, I feel strongly about this issue. 'In response Mr Fox seriously defamed me and I have instructed Mark Lewis from Patron Law to sue for defamation. 'I want to make it absolutely clear that I will always stand against racism and will do my best to be a strong White ally. 'This is particularly important because we know the negative impact that racism and oppression has on the mental health and wellbeing of Black people and People of colour. Fox has since removed his posts, writing on Sunday: 'I have deleted the tweets posted yesterday, in response to being repeatedly, continuously and falsely smeared as a racist.' In response to Mr Blake's announcement of legal action, a spokesman for Fox's newly-formed political party, named Reclaim, told MailOnline: 'We note the stated intention and the judicious wording of the tweet. 'However, unless and until intent becomes reality, we have no further comment.' At the weekend Fox found himself in a fiery debate with former Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp after she said Fox was 'unequivocally, publicly and undeniably a racist'. He hit back: 'Any company giving future employment to Nicola Thorpe or providing her with a platform does so with the complete knowledge that she is unequivocally, publicly and undeniably a paedophile.[sic]' Fox said on Sunday: 'Language is powerful. To accuse someone of racism without any evidence whatsoever to back up that accusation is a deep slander. 'It carries the same stigma and reputation destroying harm as accusing someone of paedophilia. Here endeth the lesson.' The row comes after the actor, who recently announced he was launching his own political party to 'reclaim British values', denounced the supermarket on Twitter. He said: 'Dear Sainsbury's. I won't be shopping in your supermarket ever again whilst you promote racial segregation and discrimination. I sincerely hope others join me. RT' It came in the wake of Sainsbury's announcing they would be marking Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements of the black community, recognising the central role black people have played in history. The supermarket says its aim is to be 'the most inclusive retailer' where 'every single one of our colleagues feels safe and supported at work'. The company said it is actively pushing for change for black people in the UK and want all their customers and colleagues to be themselves and feel celebrated when they shop at Sainsbury's. In a statement, Sainsbury's said: 'We are proud to celebrate Black History Month, together with our Black colleagues, customers and communities and we will not tolerate racism. 'We proudly represent and serve our diverse society and anyone who does not want to shop with an inclusive retailer is welcome to shop elsewhere.' Mr Munro wrote in response to Fox's tweet: 'Imagine being this proud of being a racist! So cringe' Mr Blake said Fox had defamed him and that he was pursuing legal action against him. He also said he regretted the language he used in his criticism of Fox's opposition to Sainsbury's Mr Blake earlier tweeted asking Fox to delete the 'untrue' slur. Fox had written, 'Pretty rich coming from a peadophile' Fox also found himself in a fiery debate with Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp Fox has since removed the posts, writing: 'I have deleted the tweets posted yesterday, in response to being repeatedly, continuously and falsely smeared as a racist.' Fox told his 239,000 Twitter followers that despite it being his closest supermarket, they would not be getting his custom until they 'address their regressive and segregationist policies'. His response sparked debate on Twitter with some backing his views while others said Sainsbury's tweet had had the desired effect. One wrote: 'Beautifully put! I cannot believe how wrong Sainsburys has got this. 'This idiocy has to have come down from Board level. Really feel for their staff - how the hell do they handle this?' Fox, who has been a fierce critic of the BBC, sparked controversy when he said suggestions of 'racism' over how the Duchess of Sussex was treated in some quarters was 'boring'. He also hit out at black and working class actors for complaining about the industry once they have 'five million quid in the bank'. A Westminster source said the new party is a version of UKIP for the culture wars and believes it could attract hundreds of thousands of unhappy Conservative voters. Sources close to Fox said the party does not see itself as strictly left or right wing but will be a broad church. At the weekend Fox found himself in a fiery debate with former Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp (pictured) - after she said Fox was 'unequivocally, publicly and undeniably a racist' Sainsbury's said anyone who is not happy with 'an inclusive retailer' is welcome to shop elsewhere as it says it is proud to celebrate Black History Month with their communities Fox, who sparked controversy when he said suggestions of 'racism' over how the Duchess of Sussex was treated in some quarters was 'boring', says among his new party's aims are reforming the BBC, protecting free speech and celebrating Britain's contribution to the world The actor has received substantial sums from former Tory donors to launch his own political party provisionally called Reclaim and hopes to stand dozens of candidates across the UK, he says Reclaim so far has three objectives, which include protecting free speech, reforming publicly funded institutions, and preserving and celebrating Britain's cultural history. Planning has been underway for the last two months and backers include former Tory donor Jeremy Hosking. Staff are already being recruited for the party after Fox was launched into the political arena after his performance on Question Time in January. Laurence Fox announced last month that he was launching a new political party called the Reclaim Party in a bid to 'reclaim British values'. The actor, 42, has received substantial sums from former Tory donors and hopes to stand dozens of candidates across the UK. The Lewis star says he wants to provide a movement for people who are 'tired of being told that we represent the very thing we have, in history, stood together against'. He hopes to launch the party next month and the name is subject to the Electoral Commission's approval. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is tied 48%-48% with Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison in the South Carolina Senate race, according to a Quinnipiac poll out Wednesday. Why it matters: The race could be pivotal in deciding which party controls the Senate. Harrison was once thought to be a long shot against Graham, who won his last Senate race by a 10-point margin. "There hasn't been a Democrat elected to the Senate from South Carolina since 1998. Outspent and labeled by critics as an apologist for President Trump, Lindsey Graham is facing the fight of his political life," said Quinnipiac University polling analyst Tim Malloy in a news release. By the numbers: Both candidates received 48% support from 1,123 likely South Carolina voters unchanged from a Quinnipiac poll earlier this month. 95% of voters who said they support a candidate said their minds have been made up about their pick, while another 4% said their minds could still be changed. In general, 49% of likely voters said they want Republicans to win control of the U.S. Senate, while 44% said the same for Democrats. Worth noting: President Trump's support in the state has declined since the Quinnipiac poll two weeks ago. The president received 48% support among likely voters (down from 51%), while former Vice President Joe Biden received 47% support (up from 45%) a statistical tie. Methodology: The poll surveyed 1,123 likely South Carolina voters September 2327. It has a margin of error of 2.9 percentage points. The ferocious media campaign against Egypt, led by the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, is falling on deaf ears Muslim Brotherhood television channels broadcasting from Turkey, Qatar and London said this week that they plan to incite Egyptians to organise a new wave of street protests. The Brotherhoods media outlets launched an aggressive media campaign two weeks ago, aiming to exploit the so-called Reconciliation Law, passed by parliament in January 2020 to crack down on building code violations, to encourage citizens to organise anti-government protests. Mohamed Ali, the fugitive building contractor who last year attempted to stir up protests by posting videos online, joined the Brotherhood campaign. Videos posted online show Ali calling on people to protest on 2 October which he called the Friday of Anger in Ataba and Giza squares. It is not enough to use social media or television channels to attack the regime, you should move to organise protests in Giza and Ataba squares, and if large numbers join, you should move to Tahrir to put the capital in a state of paralysis, said Ali. He also recommended that protesters attack police cars with Molotov cocktails. Brotherhood TV channels asked citizens to storm the Egyptian Media Production City in 6 October city. While large numbers did gather in public squares on Friday 2 October, it was not to protest but to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the October 1973 War and declare support for the regime of President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. Leaders of a number of political parties and coalitions addressed the gatherings, asking citizens not to let the propagators of chaos disrupt Egypt again. Abdel-Hadi Al-Qasabi, leader of the Support Egypt parliamentary coalition, said the Brotherhood is trying to destabilise Egypt. At first they tried to exploit the economic reform programme to score political points, said Al-Qasabi. Now they are trying to use the Reconciliation Law to stir up protests. MP Mohamed Abu Hamed said the Brotherhoods media campaigns use fabricated videos and photos. The outlawed group have electronic militias that spread false information to undermine confidence in the government and the state. What is important in the coming stage is to stand up to the Brotherhood campaign and expose its lies. On 25 September, Al-Jazeera aired a video showing what it claimed was a massive street protest at Nazlet Al-Semman village in Giza. It later emerged that the video had been produced by the United Media Company and Al-Jazeera was forced to apologise for misrepresenting the footage. The Nazlet Al-Semman fake demonstration footage showed all Egyptians the fabricated nature of this groups media campaigns and how they are politically motivated, said Abu Hamed. Yehia Al-Kidwani, deputy chairman of parliaments Defence and National Security Committee, claimed Brotherhood-led TV channels receive millions of dollars from Qatar and technical support from Turkish intelligence to target Egypts stability. In response to the Brotherhoods campaigns, local TV channels showed a document on protests in Egypt attributed to Turkish intelligence. The 12-article document asks three Brotherhood TV channels broadcasting from Istanbul Al-Sharq, Mikamelin, and Al-Watan to focus on inciting citizens to attack police on the 47th anniversary of the October War on Tuesday, and step up protests in villages to pave the way for an anti-regime revolution. On Sunday Sada Al-Balad channel showed footage of Brotherhood TV presenters urging the government months ago to demolish buildings which had been constructed illegally. But now, after being instructed by Turkish intelligence, they have changed their tune and are inciting citizens to protest against the Reconciliation Law, said Sada Al-Balad channel. Local television channels also noted that Yasin Aktay, an aide to Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan, appeared on Istanbul channels several times last week. Sada Al-Balad claimed Aktay had promised Turkish nationality to Brotherhood members living in Turkey as long as they stepped up their anti-Egypt campaigns. In an interview with Arabi21 on 12 September, Aktay surprised many by underlining the need for communication between Egypt and Turkey, regardless of existing political differences. The Egyptian army is a great one and we respect it very much because it is the army of our brothers, said Aktay. There is no way this army would wage a war against Turkey. In response to what analysts interpret as Turkish calls for rapprochement with Egypt, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri issued a 13 September statement saying Cairo was interested in actions not words. Shoukri noted that, whatever the rhetoric, Turkish policies in Syrian, Iraqi and Libyan territories are aimed at destabilising the region. Ankara issues statements that recommend rapprochement with Egypt, but at the same time gives orders to the Istanbul channels to spread chaos and instability in Egypt, said Abu Hamed. Egypt has become a major obstacle to Qatari and Turkish schemes to gain a foothold in Libya and the East Mediterranean region, argues Al-Kidwani. Egypts maritime deal with Greece has particularly infuriated Turkey, and led Erdogan and his aides to focus on using the Muslim Brotherhood and its channels in Istanbul to exert pressure in the form of hostile media campaigns against the government here. Minister of Waqf Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa said in a statement on 22 September that the Brotherhoods latest media campaign shows that it will stop at nothing to try and destabilise Egypt. They use lies, rumours and fake news in a bid to disrupt the country but no one will heed their calls. Egyptians will never tolerate the Muslim Brotherhood in power again. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: A doctor is giving a vaccine to a young woman on a white background Like with most vaccines, you can expect to feel a little soreness or tenderness after receiving your flu shot. While the pain can be a bit bothersome, it is temporary and shouldn't prevent you from visiting your doctor's office or local pharmacy to get your shot. If you haven't made a point to get your flu shot yet (here's a friendly reminder!), there are a few minor things you can do before and after to reduce soreness and inflammation. First off, it's key to note that arm soreness is a positive reaction. It means the shot is working! "When your body's immune system is introduced to the influenza vaccine, it responds by mounting an inflammatory response, which is why you might feel a little sore," Kristamarie Collman, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician in Florida, told POPSUGAR. "This indicates that our immune system is making influenza-fighting antibodies to the vaccine." If exposed to the virus, these antibodies will help fight off the bug. Additionally, Patricia Egwuatu, DO, a board-certified family medicine physician in Washington, explained another direct cause for soreness or tenderness is due to the injection location site. "The flu shot is usually injected into a muscle, and if the needle is specifically inserted into the deltoid muscle, this can sometimes cause shoulder bursitis," she said. One of the most effective ways to avoid discomfort is by moving around the injected arm to help circulate blood flow to the area. Soreness and redness for a day or two is normal and can be treated with a cool compress such as an ice pack. To prevent interference with day-to-day activities such as writing, Dr. Collman recommends getting the vaccine in your nondominant arm. If you know you're susceptible to soreness after the vaccine, it may help to take an anti-inflammatory medication one to two hours prior as a preventive, she said. For persisting pain, Dr. Egwuatu advises contacting your primary-care physician immediately. Given how flu season and the COVID-19 pandemic are overlapping with one another, now more than ever, it is crucial for you to get a flu shot. Fighting through a day of being sore is better than being stuck several days in bed with the flu, or worse. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latters residence amid speculations of YSRCP joining the NDA. During the 50-minute-long meeting the two leaders are learnt to have discussed several developmental aspects pertaining to Andhra Pradesh.YS Jagan has represented to the prime minister 17 key issues including the financial assistance to the state from the Centre, pending dues and assurances given by the Centre at the time of the bifurcation of the state. After meeting the PM, YSRCP Parliamentary Party Chief Vijay Sai Reddy tweeted ,Met our honourable PM Narendra Modi ji along with our CM YS Jagan Garu. It was a fruitful meeting. Our Hon. PM promised to extend his support to our state whenever needed. I thank him for his concern towards the development of the state. After this meeting there is no announcement Whether the YSRCP joins the NDA or not. Its a sign of relief for Andhra cine hero turned politician Pawan Kalyan and Chandrababu Naidu who is wooing the BJP. It is learnt that the Chief Minister also discussed with the PM the current political situation and three capital formula in Andhra Pradesh. TDP calls it a selfish trip: On the other hand, the opposition TDP criticised AP CM Jaganmohan Reddys visit to Delhi. Former Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said that AP CM was making frequent visits to Delhi out of fear of his illegal assets cases pending before the CBI Special Court. He said that Jagan was literally scared of the impending prospects of having to appear before the court on a daily basis in the wake of the proposal for speedy disposal of cases against peoples representatives. Ramakrishnudu said that the YCP leaders were terrified of the High Courts order for disposing of the cases against the elected leaders within 9 months. Also Read: YSRCP to join BJP? Days after meeting Shah, Jagan meets PM The secret meetings with Central leaders were only for selfish gains. Jagan Reddy was not able to hold joint press conferences with the Union Ministers. He said The AP CM is not telling the people what he asked and what the Centre has given. Even the YCP MPs are not holding any press conference to tell the people about the CMs Delhi visit outcomes. The secrets behind the news leaks and formality sake press releases should be revealed to the people. They totally forgot about the pending promises in the Reorganisation Act. In just 17 months, Jagan Reddy made 10 trips to Delhi. The AP CM was only bothered about his future but not about the wellbeing of the people of the State. Water war: After the meeting with the prime minister, Jagan Mohan Reddy also participated via videoconferencing in the apex council meeting presided over by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The Union Jal Shakti Ministry has convened this meeting in an initiative to resolve inter-state water disputes between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Act. The Telangana CM KCR expressed his anger on Central Government and Andhra Pradesh in River Krishna Water sharing. While Telangana chief minister strongly argued against the Central governments interference in the execution of projects without making state-wise allocation of water, Jagan said the water allocation should be left to the discretion of the Centre. While KCR demanded that Telangana should be entrusted with the responsibility of operation and control of both Nagarajunasagar and Srisailam projects, Jagan argued that both the operational control of these projects should be handed over to the Krishna River Management Board under the Union ministry. Shekawat said as per the AP Reorganisation Act, the Krishna River Management Board should be shifted to Andhra Pradesh. This was strongly resisted by the Telangana chief minister. Both the chief ministers agreed to submit detailed project reports of the irrigation schemes being constructed or proposed to be constructed on Krishan river to the Centre, which would look into them before granting approval. Also Read: Bihar Polls: Nitish Kumar says no misunderstanding in NDA, will contest polls together A Pakistani court has acquitted a Christian man sentenced to death for blasphemy in a rare judgement that was hailed as "daring." Sawan Masih, a street sweeper from the eastern city of Lahore, was acquitted on October 5 after spending more than six years on death row, Syed Muddasar Hussain, a spokesman for Lahore High Court, told dpa on October 6. "I must say the Lahore High Court has given a daring judgement [in Sawan's case]," Joseph Francis, the head of the center that provides legal assistance to Christians facing blasphemy charges, told dpa. This is the second case in which a Christian has been acquitted, after Asia Bibi, on blasphemy charges in the country. There are at least 12 more Christians whose appeals against death sentences on blasphemy charges are pending, Francis said. Masih would be freed soon but his family faces threats and is in hiding. He was sentenced in a blasphemy case in 2013. The news of the alleged occurrence sparked protests and a mob torched more than 100 Christian homes in the Joseph colony of Lahore. Blasphemy is a sensitive topic in Pakistan, and those accused can become the targets of Muslim vigilante groups. In some cases, they have been gunned down, burned alive, or bludgeoned to death. Hard-line Islamists staged massive protests against the 2018 acquittal of Asia Bibi, who was given a death sentence in 2010 over allegations of blasphemy. The case attracted global attention and led to the killing in 2011 of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, who sought to reform the country's blasphemy laws. The pandemic has revealed shortcomings in global supply chains and forced business to make logistics a bigger strategic priority. Successfully delivering Covid-19 vaccines will test manufacturers and shippers on what lessons have been learned. If 50 million doses were available today, could we distribute them?" asked Glyn Hughes, head of cargo at the International Air Transport Association, a trade group. The answer is almost certainly No, for every jurisdiction." The air-cargo industry is making plans for delivering as many as 20 billion Covid-19 vaccination doses, even before regulators have approved any of the multiple treatments under development. Shippers say they are having to plan without knowing exactly how many vaccine doses theyll have to ship, where they will be manufactured and how cold they have to be kept. Pharmaceutical companies and shippers say they expect the bulk of vaccine supplies to be transported by air. Cargo-airline executives are working on a delivery schedule that assumes initial batches become available during the traditional peak season for shipping that runs from fall through early February. Carriers such as FedEx Corp. and the DHL arm of Deutsche Post AG have started preparations such as introducing new temperature-monitoring systems to track future vaccine shipments. United Parcel Service Inc. and Deutsche Lufthansa AG are building freezer farms" combining multiple refrigerators at their airport hubs to store vaccines in transit. Yet cargo flights are fast filling up through February with bookings for consumer electronics, apparel and industrial parts through the holiday season and new year, said airline executives. This years peak season is expected to include a lift from the delayed iPhone 5G from Apple Inc. and Sony Corp.s PlayStation 5. Were planning for the mother of all peaks," said Don Colleran, president of FedExs express division, on an investor call last month. Airlines said they would make room for essential supplies such as vaccines, just as they have for personal protective equipment throughout the pandemic. Most of the potential vaccines have to be kept at a low constant temperature throughout the journey to prevent spoiling, according to cargo experts. These fall into two temperature rangesaround freezing and about minus 70 degrees Celsiuswith very different transport and storage requirements. Pharma executives said spoilage rates for other vaccines during transport range from 5% to as much as 20% because of poor temperature control. This is going to be one of the biggest challenges for the transportation industry," Michael Steen, chief commercial officer at Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Inc., said. Atlas is one of the largest cargo airlines, flying freight on behalf of customers including Amazon.com Inc. and DHL. Cargo executives said they expect it will take two years for a vaccine to reach all of the worlds population, with particular challenges in some emerging markets where infrastructure is limited. The air-cargo industry isnt starting from scratch. Pharma products have been one of the fastest-growing and most profitable cargo types over the past decade. Shippers have developed increasingly sophisticated supply chains for vaccines in recent years, especially for the flu. Gene therapies, another booming area, already require transport and storage at very low temperatures. Planning flu-season vaccine deliveries typically starts months ahead and includes analyzing which routes and airports carry the highest risk for delays and spoilage, said Larry St. Onge, president of DHLs life sciences and health care unit. DHL is applying that analysis to potential Covid-19 vaccines, which will have more-urgent delivery needs and far larger volume. IATA estimates transporting a single dose to the global population would require the equivalent of 8,000 fully-laden Boeing Co. 747 flights, based on dimensions for vials and packaging provided by pharma companies. A recent study by DHL and McKinsey & Co. pegged demand at 15,000 flights, while including syringes and protective equipment for medical staff would increase the cargo-space requirement. Pharma shipments already account for around 1.9% of global air-cargo volume, said IATA, and adding Covid-19 vaccines could double that share. Not every freighter jet is able to handle very cold cargo because of regulatory restrictions on how much dry ice they can transport to cool them, said executives. Air-cargo capacity is already tight, with flights flying fuller than before the pandemic started. International air-cargo capacity was down 32% in August from a year earlier while demand was only 14% lower. The pandemic-driven travel downturn has removed from service hundreds of passenger jets and the belly space that once carried cargo. More freighters are joining the fleet, with Atlas returning stored 747s from the desert and passenger airlines converting around 100 planes to carry freight in their cabins. Covid-19 vaccine makers such as Pfizer Inc. have already begun manufacturing doses to be ready for shipment should regulators authorize their use. However, the uncertainty over approval timing and shipping requirements has meant they have stopped short of booking space on cargo flights, said airline executives. The U.S. government last month outlined its initial plans for distributing vaccines domestically under its Operation Warp Speed program run by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Pentagon, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. McKesson Corp., one of the worlds largest drug wholesalers, has been contracted by CDC to ship some vaccine types in the U.S. It hasnt detailed how they would be transported, and air-cargo executives said they havent signed any Covid-19 vaccine-related deals yet. McKesson declined to comment. President Trump said during the opening presidential debate last week that the military would support distribution of the vaccine. The Pentagon said it doesnt expect to have to use military transport aircraft, except to very remote areas. Our best military assessment is that there is sufficient U.S. commercial-transportation capacity to fully support vaccine distribution," said a spokesman. Write to Doug Cameron at doug.cameron@wsj.com Corrections & Amplifications Michael Steen is chief commercial officer at Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Inc. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said he was chief operating officer. (Corrected on Oct. 5) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman wrote a seminal article in 1970 stating that there is only one social responsibility of business, and that is to increase profits. In essence, he claimed that the sole purpose of business should be about a long-term increase in shareholder wealth, and nothing else. Yes, that's right, the only reason a business should exist, is to make as much money as possible, rather than being concerned about its impact on people or the planet. Unfortunately, this profits-are-everything philosophy caught on and became conventional wisdom. The consequences of the single bottom line paradigm have been dire - from growing inequality, to the destruction of our natural resources, to climate change and global warming. Mike Middleton, partner, Innate Motion Triple bottom line Its time for a reset In South Africa, pressing social needs have pushed business to become involved in developing society over the years in a complex interaction with government, challenging Friedmans prevailing philosophy of the business of business is business'. Foreign companies that elected to operate in the country during apartheid, particularly American businesses encouraged by the Sullivan Principles to invest in critical societal issues, led the way in showing how a business could serve society. Companies acted as donors to projects offered by a robust civil society, and the term corporate social investment (CSI) was coined. CSI, in turn, gained further momentum from 2003 as part of the requirements of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Codes of Good Practice.The concept of broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) then evolved, capturing the needs of a business to deal responsibly with all impacts on society, and forming part of a social licence to operate. The King Reports on Corporate Governance further focused South African businesses on the triple bottom line (TBL) - a sustainability framework that examines a companys social, environmental, and economic impact.John Elkington, who first developed the TBL concept, now argues it has been captured and diluted by accountants and reporting consultants. Is the bewildering range of reporting frameworks providing businesses with tools to greenwash and alibis for inaction? Are we truly capturing purpose and real-world impact? And is much of social investment still based on enlightened self-interest?The pandemic has been a litmus test for many companies, and a clear indicator of how a business pursues its purpose and chooses to fulfil a broader role to serve and sustain the society and environment it operates within. Success or failure in TBL sustainability goals must surely be measured in terms of the wellbeing of our people and the health of our environment, and indeed how we continue to address these in challenging times.Fundamentally, Elkington says we have a hard-wired cultural problem in business, finance and markets, which arguably rears its head even more during a crisis. He says that while business leadership will move heaven and earth to ensure that profit targets are met, the same is very rarely true of their people and planet targets. Clearly, the triple bottom line has failed to bury the single bottom line paradigm.To truly shift the needle, Elkington says we need a new wave of TBL innovation and deployment. "We must start working toward a triple helix for value creation, a genetic code for tomorrows capitalism, spurring the regeneration of our economies, societies, and biosphere."The B Corp movement, a social movement that is transforming the business world to be a force for good, is gaining momentum and offers a ray of hope. In excess of 3,400 businesses worldwide are now certified as B Corps and are configured around the TBL dedicated to be not just best in the world, but best for the world.Understanding all the forces at play that are going to affect the future trajectory of business - whether two or twenty years from now - has become more important than ever, given the fast pace of change of the world we live in. Developing brand and business strategies that are pro human, pro planet and pro shareholder have become more important than ever for continued business success. Asus ROG Phone 3 is now available in the US for $999.99 Today Asus has finally made the ROG Phone 3 gaming smartphone available in the US. You can pick one up for $999.99 from Amazon, B&H, and the Asus online store. That price nets you the version with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. If you need even more memory, the SKU with 16GB of RAM sells for an extra $100. One thing to note is that despite the company's press release explicitly mentioning availability in stock, neither Amazon nor B&H agree with that at the moment. So it may take a few more days until that's settled. You should also be able to find various ROG Phone 3 accessories for sale in the US soon. The ROG Kunai 3 gamepad will cost $149.99, the ROG Clip is $39.99, the Lighting Armor case is $59.99, the TwinView Dock 3 is $329.99, the antibacterial screen protector is $36.99, the Professional Dock is $89.99, and the Mobile Desktop Dock is $229.99. If you're interested in learning much more about the Asus ROG Phone 3, don't miss our in-depth review of the device. While we had experienced only a few isolated instances since returning to school on August 24, in the past few days the number of reports exceeded what we feel allows us to provide a safe environment for our faculty, staff and students, school President Brian Liedlich said in a statement. By Nvard Hovhannisyan and Nailia Bagirova YEREVAN/BAKU (Reuters) - The Kremlin issued a new appeal for an end to hostilities in and around Nagorno-Karabakh on Tuesday after Moscow's foreign intelligence chief said the mountain enclave could become a launch pad for Islamist militants to enter Russia. Moscow expressed alarm after the deadliest fighting in more than 25 years between ethnic Armenian and Azeri forces entered a 10th day, though the French news agency AFP later said Armenia had offered concessions only if Azerbaijan was ready to do so. AFP gave no details of the offer it said had been made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Azerbaijan has said it will stop fighting only if Armenia sets a timetable to withdraw from Nagorno-Karabakh, which under international law belongs to Azerbaijan but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called for fighting to stop and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov voiced "serious concern about the unprecedented escalation" in a phone call with Iran's foreign minister, Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russia's SVR Foreign Intelligence Service, said the conflict was attracting people he described as mercenaries and terrorists from the Middle East. "We are talking about hundreds and already even thousands of radicals hoping to earn money in a new Karabakh war," Naryshkin said in a statement. He warned that the South Caucasus region could become "a new launch pad for international terrorist organisations" from where militants could enter states including Russia. His comments were released after Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, whose country is a close ally of Azerbaijan, urged Moscow to be more active in peacemaking. NEW FIGHTING Mediation efforts led by Russia, France and the United States have failed to prevent intermittent flare-ups of fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh despite a ceasefire which ended a 1991-94 war that killed about 30,000. Story continues Renewed fighting since Sept. 27 has increased concern that Turkey and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia, could be sucked into the South Caucasus conflict. Iran, which borders Azerbaijan and Armenia, is also worried about the conflict and President Hassan Rouhani underlined the importance of peace in the region in a phone call with Azeri leader Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday. In the latest fighting, Armenia said Azerbaijan launched an attack with tanks and artillery on a southern part of the contact line that divides ethnic Armenian and Azeri forces. Nagorno-Karabakh said four cluster bombs had exploded in the centre of Stepanakert, its main administrative centre. Azerbaijan says Azeri cities outside the conflict zone have been struck, taking the fighting closer to territory from which pipelines carry Azeri gas and oil to Europe. Both sides say the other has hit civilian areas. Each denies targeting civilians. Nagorno-Karabakh said 244 of its servicemen and 19 civilians had been killed since Sept. 27 and many more wounded. The Azeri prosecutor's office said 27 Azeri civilians had been killed in the renewed fighting. Azerbaijan has not disclosed information about its military casualties. In an interview with Russian news agency RIA, Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad said Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was "the main instigator and the initiator of the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia". Reiterating accusations first levelled by French President Emmanuel Macron that Turkey has sent Syrian jihadists to fight in the conflict, Assad said: "Damascus can confirm this." Assad offered no evidence for his allegation against Turkey, which backs rebels trying to oust him in Syria's civil war. Ankara did not immediately respond but has described similar accusations as part of attempts by Armenia to create "dark propaganda" about Turkey. (Additional reporting by Margarita Antidze in Tbilisi, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Jonathan Spicer in Ankara, and Alexander Marrow, and Andrew Osborn and Maxim Rodionov in Moscow; Writing by Timothy Heritage; Editing by Giles Elgood and Gareth Jones/Mark Heinrich) YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Foreign Ministry issued a statement over the situation in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, stating that the new large-scale attack of Azerbaijan launched in the southern direction of the contact line is taking place during the visit of the Foreign Minister of Turkey to Baku and hours after the statement of the Foreign Ministers of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries. According to the information received from the Defense Forces of Artsakh, since this afternoon the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, concentrating reserve forces and a large number of military equipment, including tanks and artillery, launched a large-scale attack towards the southern direction of the line of contact between Artsakh and Azerbaijan. These actions are taking place during the visit of the Foreign Minister of Turkey to Baku and hours after the statement of the Foreign Ministers of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries. The Defense Forces of Artsakh undertake all the necessary measures to repel the attack. The military political leadership of Azerbaijan bears full responsibility for the consequences, the statement says. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 6, 2020 14:53 473 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4965e77 1 National world-habitat-day,Jokowi,Tri-Rismaharini,UN-Habitat,UN,Joko-Widodo,housing,housing-sector,United-Nations,House Free Livable housing is essential for every human being as it serves as a fortress against various risks, including health risks like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, President Joko Jokowi Widodo said on Monday during a commemoration of World Habitat Day. The President expressed his appreciation to the United Nations for promoting the theme Housing for All: A better Urban Future for this years celebration, which falls annually on the first Monday of October. The virtual event brought together stakeholders on sustainable urbanization and settlement development. Indonesias second largest city of Surabaya in East Java received the honor of hosting the Scroll of Honor Award ceremony on Monday. In his speech, Jokowi said that Indonesia had put extra effort into providing livable houses for its poor citizens through various programs, including the so-called one million houses program launched in 2015 during his first term in office, as well as the recently introduced public housing savings program (Tapera). The first housing program aimed to reduce the countrys housing backlog from 7.6 million in 2015 to 5.4 million in 2019, especially for lower income families. In the three years since its launch, the program built 3.45 million housing units. Read also: Additional stimulus needed to boost property industry: Association Tapera, meanwhile, aims to provide funds for first-time homebuyers with monthly salaries equal to or lower than the local minimum wage. We continue to develop financing innovations to increase the poors access to housing, the President said. The Scroll of Honor Award Ceremony in Surabaya was attended by representatives from Mexico and Colombia, who received this years award. Other awardees, namely Uganda, Malaysia and Nepal, chose not to attend the event due to the pandemic. The awards are given to acknowledge initiatives that have made outstanding contributions in the field of human settlements, the provision of housing and improvement of human settlements, among other categories. Surabaya was chosen to host the event in acknowledgement of the accomplishments of its mayor, Tri Rismaharini, who was given the award during the 2018 WHD commemoration in Nairobi. She was honored for implementing people-centered and inclusive city regeneration programs as well as developing initiatives that prioritize low-income residents. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The 'Global Benzaldehyde (CAS 100-52-7) Market Outlook 2019-2024' offers detailed coverage of benzaldehyde industry and presents main market trends. The market research gives historical and forecast market size, demand, end-use details, price trends, and company shares of the leading benzaldehyde producers to provide exhaustive coverage of the market for benzaldehyde. The report segments the market and forecasts its size, by volume and value, on the basis of application, by products, and by geography. The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from key industry participants. The global benzaldehyde market has been segmented into five major regions, namely, North America (U.S., Canada, and others), Europe (U.K., France, Germany, Russia, and others), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, and others), South America (Brazil, Argentina, and others), and Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and others). 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More Info of Impact Covid19@ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/covid-19-analysis/3788 The man who has been Co-operative Bank's fifth boss in seven years has announced he is to step down as soon as a successor is found. Andrew Bester said his job with the troubled bank is done and now it is up to fresh blood to take it forward. He steps down after just two-and-a-half years in the role, though he said he has achieved much of what he set out to do in that time. Chief executive Andrew Bester said he will step down as soon as a successor is found The news comes after Co-Op bank axed 18 branches and slashed 350 jobs in August, blaming the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus. Mr Bester said: 'At this point, I believe the bank is on the right path and it is time for a new CEO to continue the journey to be the digital ethical bank. Mr Bester took over from Liam Coleman (pictured ) in 2018 Niall Booker (right) stepped down from the job in 2016 'In the meantime, I remain focused on working with colleagues to provide the support our customers need. 'My ambition was to complete the major transformation phase of the turnaround and for our franchise to show resilience.' The bank added that he had 'successfully led a complex transformation'. Mr Bester was seen as a pair of hands when he was appointed in 2018, with a mission to steady the ship after five years of turmoil. He took over from Liam Coleman, who had replaced Niall Booker in 2016, who in turn took the job in 2013 from Barry Tootell, appointed in 2011 to succeed Neville Richardson. The Crystal Methodist: Chairman was caught buying drugs in 2013 Co-op bank chairman Paul Flowers, who had been a Methodist minister for over 40 years, was caught on camera buying drugs, just days after he was grilled by MPs over the bank's performance Co-op Bank came close to collapse after running up more than 700million in losses Flowers was seen in his car discussing the cocaine and crystal meth he wants He boasted of using ketamine along with cannabis and club drug GHB Methodist minister Paul Flowers was caught on camera buying drugs Advertisement The five bosses oversaw some of the toughest times in the bank's nearly 150-year history, punctuated by missing cash and a drugs scandal. In 2013 Co-op had been forced to pull out of a deal to to buy hundreds of Lloyds branches from its larger rival. The move almost destroyed Co-op Bank after staff found a 1.5 billion hole in its balance sheet, and the Co-operative Group was forced to slash its stake in the business as part of a rescue deal. A few years later, in 2017, the Co-op sold its last shares in its former banking division. In November 2013, the Mail on Sunday published a video of former Co-op Bank chairman Paul Flowers apparently buying cocaine. Just three days before the recording, the Methodist preacher, who had stepped down as the bank's chairman months earlier, gave evidence to MPs looking into the collapse of the Lloyds deal. Mr Bester said the business is now on the right track and new blood could help 'continue the journey to be the digital ethical bank'. His departure date has not been confirmed and Mr Bester has promised to stay until the board can find a replacement. Mr Bester said: 'It's been a real privilege to lead an organisation with such a distinct brand, clear purpose and values and I'm so proud of the work of all colleagues to both deliver our strategy and to make a difference to the communities around us. 'I'm delighted that, despite the challenging environment we currently all face, we are supporting our customers through these difficult times and seeing positive growth in balances and new customer numbers. 'My ambition was to complete the major transformation phase of the turnaround and for our franchise to show resilience. Barry Tootell (left ) took over Neville Richardson (right) in 2011 'At this point, I believe the bank is on the right path and it is time for a new CEO to continue the journey to be the digital ethical bank. In the meantime I remain focused on working with colleagues to provide the support our customers need.' This is a strange moment for racial politics in America. Many liberals regard the Trump era as a turning point akin to Reconstruction or the civil rights era, in which the country is choosing between the entrenchment of white privilege and the possibility of a truly anti-racist future. Donald Trump himself often seems intent on confirming that analysis. He began his rise to the presidency stoking racial paranoia via birtherism, and hes trying to hold the presidency by stoking racial paranoia about voting, portraying votes cast in Democratic cities as fraudulent and illegitimate, and litigating against the franchise in ways that would hurt minority voters more than most. But at the very same time, the pandemic-era policies of many progressive jurisdictions are sabotaging basic civic goods, with anti-Trump zeal as an accelerant and with effects on minority communities that are likely to far outlast the Trump era. This means that for many African-Americans and Hispanics, a key legacy of 2020 may be a well-intentioned liberal betrayal of their interests, a hollowing-out of the institutions that protect and serve them, and the deepening of Americas racial inequalities even if Trumpism goes down to defeat. The most important part of this sabotage, which is the subject of an essential Alec MacGillis article for The New Yorker and ProPublica, is the failure to reopen public schools in many liberal cities, which is consigning a heavily minority and low-income school-age population to a far-inferior virtual experience or (for many kids) no real education at all. The rising number of coronavirus cases in Spain is accelerating the introduction of new confinements across the country. For now, the restrictions being introduced are not as severe as they were during the first wave, when the central government implemented a state of alarm that saw Spaniards confined to their homes for several months. But perimetral lockdowns are being established where the transmission rate of the virus is on the rise. Currently, more than 5.2 million Spaniards 4.7 million of them in the Madrid region are not allowed to leave their municipalities, apart from going to work, to school or to university, among other reasons. The latest areas to implement such measures are the municipalities of Leon, Palencia and San Andres de Rabanedo, in Castilla y Leon, and La Almunia de Dona Godina in Aragon. Experts warn that while perimetral confinements are necessary when transmission is rising, they are insufficient if not accompanied by social limitations within the zone that has been locked down. Castilla y Leon has a total of nine municipalities with restrictions. While the region has an average cumulative incidence of 374 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over two weeks, the figure for Palencia is 536 and in Leon, it is 510. The mayor of the latter city, Jose Antonio Diez of the Socialist Party (PSOE), on Monday confirmed that residents were aware that these restrictions could be on their way. We accepted them with commitment because the common objective is to overcome the pandemic and reduce the high rate of infections, he said. The Palencia mayor, Mario Simon of Ciudadanos (Citizens), also accepted the measures. With the data that we have from the last few weeks, either the situation changed radically or it was just a question of time, he said. A police checkpoint in Madrid on Saturday. Victor Lerena (EFE) The regional government of Castilla y Leon has used the Health Ministrys new guidelines to apply the most restrictive measures: more than 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over two weeks, a PCR positivity rate above 10%, and more than 35% of intensive care unit (ICU) beds occupied. But other regions have taken action before exceeding these limits, which were agreed on by a majority of Spains regional administrations last week and introduced on a mandatory basis by the central government via the Official State Gazette (BOE). Ahead of the upcoming annual Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza, celebrating the patron saint, the regional government of Aragon has taken the city back to Phase 2 of the countrys deescalation plan, which sees limits on capacity and assembly. It has done so with a cumulative incidence of 300 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last two weeks. It has done the same in Huesca, a city where the cumulative incidence is at 700, as well as in the municipality of La Almunia de Dona Godina, which has a very high rate of 1,000 infections per 100,000 inhabitants. Experts consulted by EL PAIS warn, however, that if an extreme lockdown similar to that of March is not introduced in a bid to flatten the curve, these perimetral confinements will become a regular occurrence. We are facing a constant cycle of shutting down, opening, closing, and opening, explains Joaquin Lopez-Contreras, the head of Infectious Diseases at the Sant Pau Hospital in Barcelona. Coping with a lockdown like the one in March is very difficult. Lets see if lesser measures will see the epidemic squeeze us but not smother us. But, the experts add, a perimetral closure will not be enough. Confining residents to a perimeter is done so that cases are not exported, but you also have to limit where contagion can happen to stop the spread, says Joan Ramon Villalbi, a member of the Spanish Public Health and Health Administration Society. Perhaps we have been relatively lax with social meetings. A worker shuts up Malaje bar in Madrids Plaza de la Paja square, just before 11pm, the new closing time under the restrictions. Olmo Calvo Alberto Infante, an emeritus professor of International Health at the Carlos III Institute, agrees. Interrupting the circulation of the virus to slow down mobility is necessary, but not enough, he says. You need to take action inside these zones. Its about knowing what to do besides confinement, whether we just limit family meetings, or capacity, or whatever else. In the Valencia region, systematic tracking and tracing of cases and contacts have helped. Regions such as Castilla y Leon, La Rioja (which has confined the municipalities of Calahorra, Arnedo and Rincon de Soto), and Navarre (Funes, Peralta, Falces and San Adrian), among others, have accompanied their mobility restrictions with limits on bar opening hours, capacity and social meetings. Even Madrid, which has reluctantly introduced the central governments restrictions in 10 cities, including the capital (albeit having filed an appeal against them in the courts) has incorporated early closing hours and limits on capacity in bars and restaurants. There is, however, no single approach to combat the virus. And even less so while efforts are being made to protect the countrys economy as much as possible. Ourense, for example, in the Galicia region, has opted to ban social meetings between people who do not live together rather than confining the municipality. In theory this is good, says Infante. But it depends on what people want to do. Its difficult to ensure that this is observed. As such, the experts agree that there is a need to improve communication with citizens. People need to understand why they need to do these things, Infante explains. There is scant education, and often it comes wrapped up with political controversy. And that discredits what is being proposed. Whatever happens, Lopez-Contreras adds, the figures from June, when infections were at an all-time low and the state of alarm came to an end, will not be repeated unless there is another radical lockdown or the population of Spain completely changes its behavior. Well be like we are now, he says. With figures that are threatening, but we will be resisting. English version by Simon Hunter. HANCOCK, MI Winter is coming. And in Michigans Upper Peninsula, thats serious. So serious, its road salt arrives by ship. In preparation for the winter months, a freighter dropped 20,000 tons of salt in Hancock last week. Its the first of two deliveries to the forming mining town in the Keweenaw Peninsula, the Daily Mining Gazette reported. The city has been consistently ranked as one of the snowiest cities in the United States by The Weather Channel. David Mattila of Mattila Rock and Dock told the newspaper the salt will be used in five western Upper Peninsula counties. He said salt is bought by the state, dropped at the dock and then delivered by truck. We go all the way to Ironwood, Marinesco, Covington, Mattila said. This year were also going to Republic and Ishpeming. The salt is mined in Goderich, Ontario, Canada. The ship, the Algomah Mariner, first stopped in Sault Ste. Marie before crossing Lake Superior to Hancock, the newspaper reported. Since the beginning of 2020, Ukraines Security Service officers have seized more than 137 kilograms of TNT, plastids and gunpowder, more than 40 firearms and nearly 100,000 munitions from the occupiers' caches in the Joint Forces Operation area in Donbas. In course of special operations, law enforcement officers detained members of three interregional organized groups engaged in the illegal sale of weapons, including to representatives of criminal circles. Thirteen defendants were served with the notice of charges. Two perpetrators were sentenced to different terms of imprisonment, the press center of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reports. In addition, SBU officers exposed three arms caches of a subversive group in Luhansk region. TNT, incendiaries, RGD and F1 grenades, a Kalashnikov assault rifle, a handgun, and a large number of ammunition rounds were seized. In Donetsk region, law enforcement officers seized a TM-62M anti-tank mine, a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher, five grenade launchers, ten F1 and RGD5 grenades, a detonator for mine taming device MVCh-62, nine UZRGM and UZRGM-2 incendiaries, and 600 5.45mm cartridges from a militants cache. ol Job Title: Network Engineer Organization: DFCU Bank Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Reports to: Manager- Infrastructure Services About US: DFCU Bank is a fast growing commercial bank offering a variety of innovative products and services. DFCU Limited was started by the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) of the United Kingdom and the Government of Uganda through the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) under the name of Development Finance Company of Uganda Limited. Later restructuring brought in DEG (of Germany) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) as equal partners with CDC and UDC, each having a 25% stake in the company. Its objective was to support long-term development projects whose financing needs and risk did not appeal to the then existing financial commercial lending institutions. Job Summary: The Network Engineer is charged with managing, planning, designing, implementation, monitoring and maintenance for the Banks Local and Wide Area Networks with the aim of ensuring efficient and effective operational performance, data security, capacity, and network availability. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Networks configurations control and management. Establishes networking environment by designing system configuration; directing system installation; defining, documenting, and enforcing system standards. Responsible for Network Systems High Availability & Disaster recovery readiness. Bank IT Data Networks Security by establishing and enforcing policies; defining and monitoring access. Networks Capacity planning, optimization, and management. Bank IT Networks uptime monitoring and performance assurance. Reporting network operational status by gathering, prioritizing information; managing projects. Leading Network Systems Incident, problem & requests management. Carry out preventive and reactive maintenance on all network and communication equipment. Conduct active penetration tests and discover vulnerabilities in the network to prevent external intrusion into the dfcu network. Contributes to planning the Core Banking Systems annual budget and validating related costs in the BAU environment. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The applicant for the DFCU Bank Network Engineer job must hold a Bachelors Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or their equivalent from a reputable university or college. CISCO certification in networking (CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, ISE, others). Advanced support skills for CISCO Networks and telecommunications technologies. Certification or knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory, Oracle Systems, Virtual Server technologies (e.g. VMWARE), A+. Three to four years of working experience in a busy WAN /LAN environment, which experience must include configuring switches, routers, and firewalls. Good analytical, diagnostic and communication skills. Ability to manage third party contractors. Exceptional oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports and correspondence; speak clearly to third parties and employees. Ability to solve complex analytical challenges and make recommendations based on analysis. Self-motivated team player with the ability to adapt and work cooperatively and effectively in different situations whilst maintaining a positive attitude under stress conditions. Disposition to share knowledge fully and willingly with other employees in the interest of the organization. Analytical Thinking & Complex Problem-solving skills. Planning and Organization skills. Achievement Oriented Set and meet aggressive commitments for self and others. Critical Judgement and Decision-Making Define issues and focus on achieving workable solutions to obstacles. Good Communicator Presents ideas effectively, clearly, and concisely both orally and in writing. Self-Development Pursues positive change in self and organization. Drives own personal development plan. How to Apply: All suitably qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to send applications with detailed CVs including present position and copies of relevant professional/academic certificates (University Transcript, O and A level) to the email address indicated below; Vacanciesbank@dfcugroup.com Deadline: 12th October 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 Three men looted nearly 4 lakh from an Indian Bank branch in Sector Pi 3 of Greater Noida on Tuesday afternoon, while holding the staff at gunpoint, said police. According to police, at around 3pm, two men posed as customers at the bank and surveyed the bank. They were masked, but with Covid-19 health protocols in place, no one found it suspicious. Ten minutes later, their accomplice, entered and quickly held the security guard, Ravindra, at gunpoint. Almost immediately, the earlier two men pulled out guns of their own. Rajesh Kumar Singh, deputy commissioner of police, Greater Noida, said that the suspects injured the guard on his head when he tried to resist. The suspects robbed 2.15 lakh cash from the drawer of a cashier, and on their way out snatched a cash bag of a customer that had 1.75 lakh. They were out of the bank in 10 minutes. Although injured, the guard Ravindra tried to stop the robbers and fired using his service gun, but they managed to escape. The bank branch manager Vipin Kharwal informed the police once he ensured everyone was safe and filed a complaint with the Sector Beta 2 police station. Rajesh Kumar Singh, deputy commissioner of police, Greater Noida, said, The security guard suffered a minor/major? injury and was rushed to hospital for first aid. He is out of danger. The criminals had directed all the bank staff into a room before looting from the cashiers drawer, he said. Police said that the suspects did not reach the banks safe. Sujeet Upadhyaya, SHO Sector Beta 2 police station, said that police have registered a case against unknown suspects under Indian penal code (IPC) section 394 (voluntarily causing hurt for committed robbery). A police team reached the spot after getting the information. The security guard fired at the suspects when they were fleeing, but did not hit them, he said. A forensic team reached the spot to collect evidence in the case. The police team questioned the bank staffs and took the CCTV footage as evidence. Love Kumar, additional Commissioner of Police, said police have formed teams which are conducting searches to arrest the criminals. Bank manager Kharwal could not be reached for comment. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The demolition of a US-funded building at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base has heightened concerns China will use the facility for access to the South China Sea from the Gulf of Thailand. The razing of the building, revealed in new satellite imagery released by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies' Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, is thought to have occurred between September 5-10. Satellite images show part of the base before and after a US-funded building was demolished. Credit:CSIS/AMTI/Maxar The building was the Tactical Headquarters of the National Committee for Maritime Security. It was US-funded and equipped by Australia, according to a speech delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Tea Banh at the facility's opening in August 2012. Speaking to the Agence France-Presse on Sunday, Tea Banh dismissed suggestions the Chinese-funded expansion works at the base meant China would have greater access to the facilities. He said the headquarters would be relocated 30 kilometres away. COMEX gold trades marginally lower near $1,916/oz after a 0.7% gain on October 5. Gold edged up on October 5 building on the gains noted last week. Gold has rebounded sharply after taking support near $1,850/oz level and close above $1,900/oz has led to extended gains, however, the momentum has slowed amid mixed cues. Golds recent rally has largely been on back of weakness in US dollar. The US dollar index slumped to 2-week low yesterday on reduced safe haven buying amid gains in US equity market. Risk sentiment improved as President Trump returned to the White House on Monday after a three-night hospital stay for treatment for COVID-19 and said he felt "real good", as reported by Reuters. Progress on stimulus front as talks continued between US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also revived risk sentiment. Also weighing on US dollar are concerns about health of US economy amid uneven economic recovery and rising virus cases. US non-farm payrolls data last week showed a smaller than expected rise in jobs. Meanwhile, states continue to take measures to limit the virus spread dampening economic outlook. The US dollar however gained some support from upbeat US services PMI data and easing worries about health of President Trump. Rising virus cases in Europe and persisting worries that Brexit transition period may end without a deal has also kept a floor to the US dollar. While gold benefitted from weaker US dollar, improved risk sentiment reduced its safe haven appeal. ETF investors also moved to sidelines after last weeks inflows. Gold holdings with SPDR ETF were unchanged at 1275.604 tonnes. Gold continues to hold above $1900/oz level which shows that the overall momentum is still positive however choppy trade is likely as trend is US dollar will be counterbalanced by general market risk sentiment. With general focus on US economy and persisting challenges, US dollar is likely to remain under pressure hence we maintain a buy on dips view. Base metals on LME trade sideways to higher in early trades today after noting mixed movement yesterday. On positive note, lending support to the prices is improvement in global risk appetite as is evident from gains across equity indices along with continuing weakness in US Dollar Index. This improvement in global risk appetite has led to decline in safe haven demand resulting in further weakness in US Dollar Index. The metals pack may also seek support from hopes of robust demand from top consumer China. The gains may however be capped amid lingering worries due to surging virus cases globally and worries over uneven pace of global recovery. On virus front, global virus cases continue to rise with fears growing over second wave of infections across European nations and worsening trends across US. Meanwhile on growth front, mixed economic data from major economies like US and Euro Zone continue to fan worries over uneven pace of recovery in global health. Furthermore, on fundamental front, Copper prices may seek support from lower stocks at SHFE warehouses, decline in copper production from Chile and threat of strike at mine in Chile. As per Reuters report, Chilean copper output fell 6.2% year-on-year in August to 481,700 tonnes. Also, workers union at the Candelaria copper mine in Chile rejected a contract offer from Canadas Lundin Mining, union officials said on Monday, raising the possibility of a strike (Reuters). The gains may however be capped amid recent huge build up in stocks at LME warehouses last week along with signs of easing tightness as is evident from LME Cash to three-month spread flipping from backwardation to contango and decline in Chinas import premium. Copper stocks at LME jumped 120% last week while Chinese Yangshan copper import premiums have fallen to around $50 a tonne, the lowest since May 2019, signaling easing demand from China. In other metals, Zinc prices may seek support from decline in stocks at SHFE warehouses however higher stocks at LME and reports of widening supply surplus may cap the upside. Lastly in case of Nickel prices may seek support from falling inventories at SHFE warehouses and upbeat demand from Chinas stainless steel sector however higher stocks at LME may cap the upside. For the day, the metals pack may note some gains amid improved risk appetite and weakness in US Dollar however the upside may be capped by caution due to surging virus cases and worries over uneven pace of global recovery. Further cues may come in from economic data from Euro Zone and comments by central bank officials and its impact on US Dollar. The Author is VP- Head Commodity Research at Kotak Securities. : The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Christy DeGallerie noticed a startling trend in her online group for coronavirus survivors: White patients got medications shed never heard of, were offered X-rays, and their doctors listened to their concerns. That wasnt her experience. When the 29-year-old Black woman sought a COVID-19 test at a New York emergency room, a nurse said she didnt have a fever. DeGallerie appealed to a doctor of color, who told the nurse to check again. It registered 101 degrees. We know our pain is questioned and our pain is not real to them, said DeGallerie, who later started a group for Black COVID-19 survivors. Getting medical help shouldnt be discouraging for anyone. It is a discouraging place for Black people. Addressing experiences like DeGalleries has become a priority for a growing number of local governments, many responding to a pandemic thats amplified racial disparities and the call for racial justice after the police killing of George Floyd and other Black Americans. Since last year, about 70 cities, roughly three dozen counties and three states have declared racism a public health crisis, according to the American Public Health Association. Local leaders say formally acknowledging the role racism plays not just in health care but in housing, the environment, policing and food access is a bold step, especially when it wasnt always a common notion among public health experts. But what the declarations do to address systemic inequalities varies widely, with skeptics saying they are merely symbolic. Kansas City, Missouri, and Indianapolis used their declarations to calculate how to dispense public funding. The mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts, a mostly white community of roughly 40,000, used a declaration to make Juneteenth a paid city employee holiday. The Minnesota House passed a resolution vowing to actively participate in the dismantling of racism. Wisconsins governor made a verbal commitment, while governors in Nevada and Michigan signed public documents. It is only after we have fully defined the injustice that we can begin to take steps to replace it with a greater system of justice that enables all Michiganders to pursue their fullest dreams and potential, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said in a statement. Wisconsins Milwaukee County takes credit for being the first with its May 2019 order. It acted because of sobering health disparities in Wisconsins most populous county, where nearly 70% of the states Black residents live. Its the only county with a significantly higher poverty rate than the state average, 17.5% compared with 10.8% statewide, according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison report. County officials developed a racial equity budget tool, requiring departments to explain plans to hire and retain a diverse workforce and how budgets affect disadvantaged communities. The framing helped accelerate the conversation, not only stakeholders could actually grasp and understand, said Jeff Roman, head of the countys Office on African American Affairs. Kansas City was another early adopter in August 2019. Councilwoman Melissa Robinson called it a new decision-making lens. For instance, when the city approved a $2 million pandemic relief plan, more money went to areas with more Black residents, who have been hit disproportionately hard by the virus, instead of being divided equally among ZIP codes. Lets look at where our communities are hurting the most to lift them up, she said. Officials in Indianapolis approved a resolution in June, and departments proposing budgets now must answer questions like: How does compensation and level of authority compare between white and minority employees? We needed to say it and put it out there so all the decisions we make in this realm are not made in a vacuum, said Vop Osili, president of the Indianapolis City-County Council. To some, the efforts fall short. Some clergy called the Indianapolis resolution meaningless. The head of the Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition said Cook Countys 2019 resolution does nothing to help those lacking health insurance, often because of low-paying jobs. Nearly 20% of Hispanic people under 65 are uninsured, compared with 11% of Black people and 8% of white people, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. We cannot take advantage of people to pay low wages and pay no attention to their health care, coalition director Esther Sciammarella said. Efuru Flowers, co-founder of Black Women Rally for Action, called Los Angeles 2019 declaration problematic. The city offers guidelines, including equality training for city employees. While it notes disparities, like Black residents making up 8% of Los Angeles County but 42% of the homeless population, the solutions dont specifically mention Black people. It does not promote the urgency of eliminating racism in all its forms, said Flowers, who started her Los Angeles County organization after a 2019 health report card revealed poor outcomes for Black women. It doesnt promote or enlist citizens to join the effort. Some are trying to change that. A coalition of hospitals and community clinics took up the cause in Chicago, where a city study showed chronic disease and gun violence are top causes for the almost nine-year gap in life expectancy between Black and white residents. The group published an open letter in June calling racism a real threat to the health of our patients, families and communities. Their goals include increasing access to care, even as one of Chicagos oldest hospitals that serves predominantly Black, Hispanic, elderly and low-income patients is set to close. The group aims to have specific commitments by years end. The reality is that we helped create some of these structural barriers, said Brenda Battle, vice president of the University of Chicago Medicines Urban Health Initiative. We are the ones who have the ability to influence access to health care services. We have not effectively ensured that everybody has access. DeGallerie is encouraged by such efforts but says shes never felt racial disparities so strongly. In her Black COVID-19 survivors group, not being taken seriously by medical professionals is a common theme, as is getting substandard care. Shes skeptical of when shell see change. I would only believe it when it comes from the mouths of patients who are Black, she said. Those are the only people who would be able to tell you that something has changed. OAKLAND, Calif. - A Northern California prosecutor announced Monday that she will reopen an investigation into the killing of a Black man at a train station by a transit officer 11 years ago. Oscar Grant, 22, was fatally shot in the back by Bay Area Rapid Transit Officer Johannes Mehserle while on the floor of a train station on New Years Day in 2009. Mehserle was charged with murder, but a Los Angeles County jury found him guilty only of involuntary manslaughter and he served 11 months. Mehserle claimed he mistakenly grabbed his gun instead of his Taser. Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalleys announcement came just hours after Grants family held a news conference at the train station asking her to investigate the role of another officer in Grants death, the Mercury News of San Jose reported. The family wants charges to be filed against former officer Anthony Pirone, who pinned Grant down with a knee to his neck in a manner similar to that used in the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis. We have listened closely to the requests of the family of Oscar Grant, OMalley said in a statement. A 2009 BART police internal investigation report, released last year after a public records request, concluded that Pirone contributed significantly to Grants shooting, the newspaper reported. Pirone was fired for his role and his statements that contradicted video surveillance and other officers and witnesses accounts of that night. The report found that he disregarded his training and rushed through the initial investigation, starting a cascade of events that ultimately led to the shooting of Grant. Justice delayed is justice denied, said Grants mother, Wanda Johnson. We should not have to wait another 11 years. We were told then that it should happen, and it should happen now. The Associated Press could not immediately reach Pirone. A phone listing for him was disconnected. OMalley said she has assigned a team of lawyers to look back into the circumstances that caused the death of Oscar Grant. We will evaluate the evidence and the law, including the applicable law at the time and make a determination. The transit agency later agreed to pay Grants daughter $5.1 million in a settlement. In eulogizing the Restaurant at Meadowood, former employees and local fine dining chefs are exploring a range of emotions regarding its lasting legacy. The transcendent St. Helena restaurant was destroyed in the Glass Fire last week, pushing into focus the devastating toll this years wildfire season is taking on Northern Californias struggling restaurant industry. It earned international acclaim, three Michelin stars and a constant presence on The Chronicles Top 100, and its executive chef, Christopher Kostow, has won a James Beard Award. It was an incredible place, and in losing it, you lose decades of history, said San Francisco chef Traci Des Jardins, who came to know the Meadowood Napa Valley property in the early 1990s. It just rips your heart out. Many describe Meadowood as a place that not only pushed the boundaries of fine dining in Napa Valley but also created a tight-knit family, whose members have gone on to open successful restaurants and wineries around the country. For some former employees, however, the eulogizing reminded them of an intense kitchen environment they said was toxic. Multiple former chefs are alleging that Kostow berated young cooks, threw plates and created a culture of fear; one former pastry chefs Instagram post about it created a stir online. Others say that kind of behavior is common, and justified, in Michelin-starred kitchens. The allegations come at a time when the restaurant industry is looking inward and grappling with the angry chef trope revealing the messy mark that modern fine dining kitchens can leave in the pursuit of greatness. Kelly Puleio Before Kostow took over the Restaurant at Meadowood in 2008, Napa Valleys food scene was best known for Thomas Kellers renowned French Laundry, and other restaurants tended to follow with French-inspired cooking. Kostow gave the region new life. He helped define Napa cuisine. He created a sense of culture, cultivated around what the bounty of the land provided, said Kim Floresca, a former Meadowood chef. He gave it a challenging, beautiful story and created a sense of theory behind the food. The restaurant focused on ingredients such as manzanita and madrone leaf grown on the Meadowood property, as well as its nearby farm. Chefs also foraged for ramps and mushrooms in the surrounding woods something fairly common among fine dining restaurants now but that felt more unusual in the Bay Area when Meadowood started doing it. Everything from the pottery to the art was local. Kim Alter, chef of Michelin-starred Nightbird in San Francisco, has vivid memories of her meal at Meadowood in 2013 the food had a timelessness to it. Chefs in the local industry saw Meadowoods staff as true creators, said Chris Bleidorn of San Franciscos Michelin-starred restaurant Birdsong. It wasnt a cuisine that was easy to define by appearance, he said. It was special because everybody can see everything these days, and sometimes you see people using the same ingredients the same ways when certain seasons come around. Meadowood was not a place that did that. The results were hyper-local, seed-to-stalk dishes like a cerebral sunflower seed risotto strewn with slivered sunflower petals and poached sunflower heart. The dish that was most striking to former Meadowood chef Ryan Harris was a lamb loin simply topped with a dried plum. It didnt look difficult or interesting, but it had a depth of flavor that Im still thinking about, and I ate it six years ago, he said. Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle 2016 The restaurants larger imprint on the Bay Areas dining scene has spread far, and been far more affordable than Meadowoods $360-per-person meals. While plenty of former employees have gone on to open their own businesses, relatively few have opted to open fine dining establishments. Harris, for example, spends his days making biscuits and sandwiches at his casual Napa spot Contimo Provisions. Former bar manager Sam Levy whips up dazzling cocktails at the funky Fern Bar in Sebastopol. Matt Iaconis and Alexis Iaconis a husband-and-wife team who met while working at the Restaurant at Meadowood run a small Napa winery, Brick & Mortar Wines. Christopher and Nathaniel (Dorn, the restaurants director) taught us all fierce independence and conviction about what we believe in, Harris said. They unapologetically execute their vision and, for a young cook, the impact of that confidence is great. I didnt think I had to be in a certain box to do something fantastic. Some former staffers say the restaurant drew people who wanted to be the best of the best while building a workplace culture that Alexis Iaconis, for example, liked so much she worked there twice. Iaconis and other former employees described Kostow as a mentor who often promoted from within his team. Rather than lay off the staff during months-long renovations in 2012 and 2013, the restaurant built TRAM university, using the restaurants acronym. Employees took classes on the history of Napa Valley learning the philosophy driving Kostows food in a new way and stayed on payroll. It went along with management really going to bat for their staff, Alexis Iaconis said. Among all of the former Meadowood chefs, Katianna Hong, who worked both there and at Kostows nearby Charter Oak, has spoken the most publicly about the support Kostow provided his staff. Kostow promoted Hong in 2015 to chef de cuisine at Meadowood, which at the time made her the countrys first and only woman to hold that role at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Hong decided to leave the restaurant world roughly four years later so she could focus on starting a family, a journey and a decision she wrote about in an essay for Bon Appetit that year. In it, she said Kostow was supportive of her working shorter days and finding ways to make the position less physically taxing on her body, throughout her pregnancy. Hong emailed The Chronicle after learning of the fire at Meadowood and said she remembered the restaurant as a magical place; its destruction spurred her to reach out to former colleagues. Its unfortunate that such a devastating tragedy like this has brought us together again but it has been very healing to reminisce and update each other to our current lives, she said. The conversations have been kept as positive as possible by remembering the times when we all lived and breathed this valley, cooked together, created together and were each others family. Nina Riggio / Special to The Chronicle But not all former employees had glowing reviews of their time at Meadowood, saying that the brilliant food came at a human cost. After an Instagram post describing a negative work environment was widely shared, The Chronicle interviewed seven people who worked at Meadwood between 2008 and 2015 and who described a high-pressure environment where Kostow frequently yelled at young employees and threw dishes across the room, although three of them said that was standard behavior for a Michelin-starred kitchen and it didnt bother them. Its kind of like having an abusive boyfriend, said former chef Sherman Chan, who didnt think Kostows behavior was appropriate. Deep down, you know its not right, but you let it happen anyway. Chan said that overall she had a positive experience at Meadowood because of everything she learned there. But she also said Kostow had a temper that resulted in far more demeaning and traumatizing behavior than shes experienced at other Michelin-starred restaurants. She recalled one day when Kostow asked her to meet him in the walk-in she assumed it was to talk about vegetables. Instead, he reprimanded her for getting drunk at a dive bar outside of work, she alleges. Other former employees also said Kostow expected Meadowood staff to represent the restaurant at all hours, making their lives not feel like their own. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Im not a crier. But he screamed in my face and after he walked out, I just stood in the middle of the walk-in crying for I dont remember how long, Chan said. It makes my skin tingle to this day thinking about it. Ricky Odbert quit after eight weeks as a fish cook at Meadowood. He recounted one day the kitchen staff was plating a dish for a party of 10, but one of the diners got up to use the restroom and no one warned him until hed finished cooking the fish. Kostow took the fillets, smashed them into a ball and threw it at Odberts face, calling him a fing loser, Odbert alleges. Ive worked in places where you got yelled at, but Ive never worked at a place where you were afraid to go into work every single day, he said. The first to speak out publicly was former pastry chef Boris Portnoy, whose Instagram post alleges Kostow created a culture of fear at Meadowood. I was complicit, Portnoy said. I think if fine dining cant not be cruel, it doesnt deserve a place at the table. Kostow declined to respond to specific allegations. My focus right now is taking care, as best I can, of the TRAM team during this time of unprecedented devastation, he said in a statement. We have been heartened by the outpouring of support from past team members, our local community, past guests and the food world writ large. This affirmation of the work we have done over these many years has provided some needed solace. When the smoke clears, we will move forward together. Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle 2016 Other former employees acknowledged Kostows behavior but said it was fairly standard for ultra fine dining restaurants and it was always to make the restaurant better. When you think about how important every dish that goes into the dining room is, you have to understand in the end its about keeping the standard and keeping the three stars, said Mark Lieuw, a former Meadowood chef. For Lieuw, the positives easily outweighed any tough days. He remembered Kostow noticing Lieuws knives werent sharp enough and setting up a knife sharpening class for just the two of them. Thats something no one has ever done for me in my career no one has taken one-on-one time to help me truly become better, he said. While Kostow could be intense, he also could be unusually caring, said Josh Gaulin, a former pastry chef. When Gaulins uncle died unexpectedly in 2012, Kostow bought him a round-trip plane ticket to Virginia so he could spend time with family. The owners of the Meadowood resort have vowed to rebuild, so its possible the restaurant will return one day in a new form. Kostow, however, hasnt publicly said whether hed be part of it. Gaulin didnt think the culture at Meadowood was toxic or problematic, but he also acknowledged that what seems normal in such kitchens would not seem OK in other professional circumstances. In the current state of restaurants, were taking a valid inventory of what matters and how people are treated, he said. I think it is long overdue. Janelle Bitker and Justin Phillips are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com, jphillips@sfchronicle.com During my senior year of high school, I went home after school on a Friday in March, excited that we might have two weeks off. Even then I didn't think it was realistic to expect the full break, and I expected to go back to school the following Monday. But that Friday would be my last real day of high school ever. College visits, prom, graduation and so many more great events to seal off my final year of high school were all thrown out the window. All that I had looked forward to in high school was taken away. Even though I was unable to celebrate these exciting milestones with all my friends and family, I was hopeful for college. I was accepted into my dream school, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and was eager for the time in my life when I would make many of my best memories, as everyone had always told me happened during college. Optimistic about the fall semester, I was able to move in a couple days before classes started on Monday, Aug. 10. On the first day of classes, only one of mine was in-person. The 40-person class was held in a 200-person lecture hall and seats were blocked off, so everybody was spaced out appropriately. Later that day is when my symptoms started to develop. Entering quarantine on campus I didnt recognize my dry mouth as a symptom until the following morning when I had a scratchy, sore throat that wouldnt go away no matter how much I hydrated myself. I called campus health about getting tested when I was unable to focus in my online classes from feeling sickly. This was the second day of class. COVID-19 long haulers: I caught coronavirus in March. I still haven't fully recovered. I made the mile walk to campus health the next day. I had been wearing a mask full time, even when I was sleeping. I felt so sickly and exhausted at this point, but we could not figure out how I couldve contracted the virus. No parties, no gatherings how could it be possible? The nurse who performed my COVID-19 test seemed so sure that I did not have the virus that she took off her protective gear while in the room with me. Story continues As a precaution, she was still required to send me to the quarantine dorms at while I waited three to five days for my test results. Campus health gave me a bottle of acetaminophen, the only sort of treatment I ever got. For my transition to quarantine, I walked back to my dorm and gathered enough things for at least a week. You may not think you'll need many things, but when youre moving into a room with basically nothing but a bed and a refrigerator, it piles up. I brought all my bedding, and two containers of essential items. Brianna Hayes after moving into her original dorm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in August 2020. At this point my body was completely exhausted and I had a 100 degree fever. Over the course of a couple trips, I moved everything myself and was not allowed any help. Alone, isolated, locked out I was one of the very first people to move into the quarantine dorms, so the building was practically empty no one to help and nobody working in the building. Whether it was the unstaffed building, moving everything myself while sick, or the complete isolation, those who I share my experience with are most outraged by the lack of support. Besides my test at campus health, every one of my interactions was held over the phone. Students in quarantine were given one bag meal a day, which mostly consisted of snack foods, but we also had three bottles of water and one hot meal. Coronavirus: Some school districts are willing to open up public schools for a price During my first day in quarantine, I got locked out of my room while looking for my first meal which was supposed to be left outside my door. I had forgotten that the doors in this building automatically lock, unlike my normal residence hall. I was frustrated because it was nearly one in the afternoon and I hadnt gotten my food yet, and now, I was locked out of my room without my phone and wearing only a sweatshirt. I wandered every floor of the building until I finally found a janitor on the basement floor who let me in my room. I felt defeated and alone; it was a conflict that couldve been avoided if the buildings werent left completely unstaffed. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is moving to online classes just one week after reopening in-person. Two days later, I got a call from campus health telling me that I had tested positive for COVID-19. This meant I had to move all my stuff, once again, to the isolation dorm. I called a service that UNC provided to drive all my things to the new building but I ended up sitting outside, waiting, for over an hour. I couldnt go back inside to wait because I had already turned in my key. When the service finally arrived, they had me walk all my things down a block before getting in the van, again, with no help. The isolation dorm had no elevator and now had to carry them down a long hallway and up two flights of stairs. By myself. If there was rock bottom, this was it. After settling into my new room, the rest of my week-long stay was uneventful. There isnt much to do when the university doesnt offer anything and the only belongings you have are the necessities. Another semester of uncertainty I was isolated both mentally and physically. Nurses called to check on my symptoms every day to make sure I was okay, but overall, I did not really feel cared for. I felt as though I was pushed away and locked in a room, meant to only keep me away from everyone else. Brianna Hayes after leaving the isolation dorm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in August 2020. During this time and between all the moves, I was expected to keep up with my classes all while having COVID-19. While I was in isolation, UNC announced that all classes would be moved online and that all students had to move off campus, with some exceptions. Everyone, including myself, said that it was just a matter of time until we were sent home. I just didnt think it would happen so fast. Weigh the risks, benefits: Reopen schools and let parents decide how to educate their children in COVID-19 pandemic I got out of isolation on Aug. 21, ready to pick up the rest of my things and go home. This time, I had my dad there to help me. I never had a second COVID-19 test before going back to my original residence hall to get the rest of my things and finish moving. After a week and a half of exhaustedly moving, struggling to keep up in my classes, no human contact, and hardly eating, I was ready to go home. Will I go back to campus in the spring? After reflecting on the two weeks I had in college, I dont feel confident. A disappointing start to my first year turned into something much more disheartening. As I face the immense difficulties of remote learning at home, its hard to imagine the future or comprehend that theres more than whats happening right now. If UNC were to reopen in the spring, I dont know if I would want to go back to a place where my most prominent memories are feeling isolated and unsupported. Brianna Hayes is a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is from Wilmington, North Carolina. You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College student in quarantine: I caught coronavirus at UNC Chapel Hill The scientific case for the range of vaccines recommended by public health officials in the U.S. remains as solid as ever. But anti-vaccine propaganda has found its way into many reaches of American life. Islamabad: The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance comprising 11 of the country`s opposition parties, will formally launch its massive campaign against PM Imran Khan-led PTI government with a public meeting in Gujranwala on October 16, instead of Quetta. The PDM`s steering committee at its meeting on Monday released a schedule of six public meetings in the four provinces as part of the first phase of its movement in line with decisions taken at the September 20 multiparty conference (MPC) in Islamabad, reports Dawn news. The decisions taken by the steering committee were announced by its convener Ahsan Iqbal of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with leaders of other PDM component parties at a media briefing. Live TV According to Iqbal, the PDM would hold its second public meeting in Karachi on October 18, third in Quetta on October 25, fourth in Peshawar on November 22, fifth in Multan on November 30 and the last one in Lahore on December 13. While the alliance has appointed Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman as its first phase President, Iqbal said that members of the steering committee had unanimously elected Raja Pervez Ashraf of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as senior vice-president, whereas PML-N`s Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had been nominated as its secretary-general. The PDM was created last month in an effort to oust the incumbent Imran Khan-led government over its "failures in all sectors". FORMER Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) board chairman Stanley Kazhanjes attempt to outfox the justice system by applying for bail pending appeal against a three-year jail term for corruption while in the comfort of his home, backfired when an alert High Court judge noticed it and ordered his incarceration. Kazhanje had not handed himself in when his appeal against both conviction and sentence last month was struck off by the High Court because it was defective and bad at law. He instead filed a fresh application for bail pending appeal from his home. Kazhanjes submission that he was in custody at the time of filing the bail application was misleading. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda who presided over the application became suspicious and enquired from his lawyers if Kazhanje was in custody. His lawyers told the court that their client was in custody, but dissatisfied with the response, Justice Kwenda requested the lawyers to bring him to court in person. The judge also asked the prosecution counsel in the matter to check with the prisons if indeed Kazhanje had handed himself in after his appeal was struck off. Prison authorities said Kazhanje was out of custody. He was then brought before the judge who wanted an explanation why he was applying for bail when he was not in prison. But Kazhanje argued that the same court had previously released him on bail pending his appeal after finding that he was a suitable candidate for bail. This, he argued, had not changed save for the technicalities alluded to by the court. He said circumstances surrounding his case could not affect his suitability for bail insisting that he remained a proper candidate for bail as already found by the same court. But Justice Kwenda did not agree with his assertion, which he found to be untenable. The judge then told Kazhanje that he could not get bail while he was out of custody and committed Kazhanje to prison saying it was up to him to submit a fresh application for bail pending appeal if he still wanted to pursue his appeal. Kazhanje, who was serving his sentence at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison was granted $1 000 bail by the Harare High Court last year. He was convicted of taking a US$10 000 bribe from Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company which had been awarded a US$172 million tender to build a 100 megawatt solar power plant in Gwanda. The court heard that Kazhanje was paid the money to influence him to stop the ZPC board from cancelling the tender after Intratrek, which is owned by Harare businessman Wicknell Chivayo, was accused of breaching its contract. Kazhanje claimed the money was paid for past engineering consultancy services he had performed for Intratrek. The court also heard he had not declared this information and had concealed the payment from Intratrek. Herald Andrew Harrer/Getty Donald Trumps campaign has put out a new ad warning that former Vice President Joe Biden wants to cancel conspiracy theorists, an unusual defense of a section of the populace that would be shunned by almost any other White House. The ad, which ran on Sept. 29 and 30 online, according to a Google ad database, warns that conspiracy theorists are on the list of Bidens first targets to cancel. Joe Bidens cancel culture is getting out of hand, the ad warns, through messages flickering on an antique TV. Biden and the radical left want to cancel the politically incorrect, the conspiracists, the free thinkers, and after that, the political opposition. The Trump campaign didnt respond to a request for comment. The ad portrays conspiracy theorists as one of Bidens first targets, warning that after that effort is successful, Biden will go on to cancel comedians, before moving to cancelling concepts as broad as jobs, music, and history. As Bidens supposed cancelling scheme heats up, flames flicker over the TV and lightning crackles in the background. The Trump campaign didnt respond to a request for comment. QAnon: Trump Getting COVID Is Good News Its not clear which conspiracy theories the ad is referring to. But the ad defending conspiracists comes after Trump spoke increasingly positively about believers in the QAnon conspiracy theory, and after Biden called QAnon embarrassing and urged its believers to get help for mental illness. In August, Trump praised QAnon believers, calling them people who love our country. The conspiracy theory, which posits that the Democratic Party is run by Satanic cannibal-pedophiles who will soon be swept up in mass arrests ordered by Trump, is considered a potential source of domestic terrorism by the FBI. Liberal super PAC American Bridge 21st Century slammed the ad defending conspiracists in a statement to The Daily Beast. Donald Trump made it crystal clear that he wont disavow the anti-Semitic QAnon delusion, American Bridge 21st Century spokesman Kyle Morse said. Now his campaign is quietly running ads explicitly appealing to conspiracists as the president continues to spread disinformation about coronavirus and the legitimacy of the upcoming election. Story continues The QAnon conspiracy theory has continued to make inroads with the GOP, with at least one QAnon believer likely to win a House seat in November. And the Republican Party has increasingly been less willing to fight back against it. Though House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has said there is no place for QAnon in the Republican Party, the National Republican Congressional Committee ran an ad that falsely accused Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ) of supporting pedophiles. The ad inspired a wave of QAnon-related death threats against Malinowski. The Trump administration has been even more openly amenable to QAnon believers. When Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) said QAnon had no place in Congress, the Trump campaign attacked him. QAnon references have also appeared in the Trump campaign. One Trump campaign ad featuring footage from rallies included QAnon signage. In 2019, a Trump campaign rally warm-up speaker mentioned QAnon slogan Where we go one, we go all from the podium, though he later claimed he didnt mean the phrase to have QAnon connotations. QAnon believers have been tied to multiple criminal incidents, including two murders, a terrorist incident near the Hoover Dam, threats to kill Biden, and three child abduction plots. Last week, a Utah QAnon believer allegedly abducted her son, only to be discovered in Oregon hiding out with another QAnon supporter. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Fugitive Indian businessman and former member of Parliament Vijay Mallyas extradition from the United Kingdom to India has been stalled by secret proceedings that have commenced in the UK, the central government told the Supreme Court on Monday, a development suggesting that the former liquor baron may have sought asylum in the UK. Although the extradition proceedings against the liquor baron concluded in May after the UK high court rejected Mallyas plea to approach the UK Supreme Court against the proposed extradition to India, the fresh proceedings have delayed his departure for India, the apex court was told. After extradition proceedings were complete, another secret proceeding has commenced, but we have not been notified and we are not a party to the proceedings. The extradition is not happening (due to the new proceedings), advocate Rajat Nair, representing the central government, told a bench headed by justice UU Lalit. Mallya flew to the UK in March 2016 as a consortium of Indian banks, which claims that he owes them 9,000 crore in principal and interest on loans extended to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines, closed in on him to recover the money. He was subsequently declared a wilful defaulter in India. Also Read | Bad Boy Billionaires: Sid Mallya says his father is a political pawn who was made an example of In London, speculation arose that most likely issue holding up Mallyas extradition to India was an application for asylum, which is a process on which British authorities do not publicly comment in individual cases as a matter of policy and strict data protection laws. Mallya has lost a series of challenges to his extradition in the Westminster Magistrates Court and the high court since proceedings began after his arrest in April 2017. Under UK rules, until an asylum application is determined, extradition cannot be carried out. Its an asylum claim for sure, an individual associated with past extraditions said. A ministry of home affairs spokesperson did not respond to HTs queries on the matter. A high commission spokesperson had stated on June 5: Vijay Mallya last month lost his appeal against extradition, and was refused leave to appeal further to the UK Supreme Court. However, there is a further legal issue that needs resolving before Mr Mallyas extradition can be arranged. Under United Kingdom law, extradition cannot take place until it is resolved. The issue is confidential and we cannot go into any detail. We cannot estimate how long this issue will take to resolve. We are seeking to deal with this as quickly as possible. The UK home office has a backlog of over 100,000 asylum applications. In the year ending June 2020, the UK offered protection in the form of asylum, humanitarian protection, alternative forms of leave and resettlement to 16,952 people, latest official figures show. Grant rates vary considerably by nationality as the protection requirements of specific nationalities or individuals vary, officials said, adding that of those nationalities that commonly claim asylum in the UK, Libyans (98%) and Syrians (96%) typically have high grant rates, while nationals of India (3%), China (19%) and Bangladesh (16%) typically have low grant rates. On Monday, the Indian Supreme Court asked Mallyas counsel, Ankur Saigal, about the nature of the fresh proceedings cited by the Centre, but the lawyer said that he had not received any instructions from his client on the subject. The bench, which also comprised justice Ashok Bhushan, objected to Saigals response. As his counsel, you must be completely aware. You cannot say you are not aware, the court remarked, and posted the case for the next hearing on November 2. The court also ordered Mallyas lawyer to submit a concrete response on November 2 about the nature of the fresh proceedings in the UK, when those proceedings are likely to conclude and when Mallya will make an appearance before Supreme Court. Also Read | CBI gets letter rogatory to investigate fund flow in Vijay Mallyas bank accounts The court was hearing a contempt petition filed against Mallya by 14 banks including State Bank of India for violation of the Supreme Courts order of April 2016 asking the fugitive businessman to disclose details of all his properties and assets in India and abroad. The contempt plea itself arose from a case filed by the banks before the Debt Recovery Tribunal in Bengaluru against Mallya seeking recovery of more than 6,300 crore owed to them in 2016 by Mallyas companies. The banks had also prayed that Mallyas passport should be frozen and he should be arrested. The DRT failed to hear that prayer by the banks, prompting them to approach the Karnataka high court, seeking appropriate directions to the tribunal for quick disposal of the application moved by banks. The Karnataka high court in March 2016 denied the request, prompting the banks to move the Supreme Court, which in April 2016 sought details from Mallya about his assets. The banks approached the top court in July 2016 alleging that Mallya failed to make such disclosure. The judgment in that contempt case holding Mallya guilty was pronounced only on May 9, 2017 nearly 10 months after the plea was filed. Although there are signs of a recovery in tourism demand thanks to the government's Go To Travel campaign that started in July, chartered bus operators are still facing serious financial difficulties. With the support program mainly centered around quick getaways, the main source of revenue for bus companies - group tours - remains sluggish due to concerns about the novel coronavirus. With as many as 50 companies having discontinued their chartered bus operations because of the virus outbreak, the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has decided to provide them support. Vehicles parked for months "I'm losing my patience," Principle Automobile Co. managing director Chihiro Sekiya lamented recently, looking at the many large buses that have been parked at his charter bus company's headquarters in Machida, Tokyo, since around March. Founded in 2007, Principle Automobile offers transportation services for group trips and school training camps in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture. Its 50 buses were in full operation until around January. Sales dropped substantially in and after March as group tours began to decrease around February, when the outbreak kicked into high gear. Year-on-year sales were less than 10% in some months, and operations at its Kawasaki office, established three years ago in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, have been suspended. According to the transport ministry, tourists are finally returning, especially to accommodation facilities. About 13.39 million people used the Go To Travel program, which started July 22, by the end of August. But this number basically does not include group tourists, who obviously are holding back out of infection concerns. Starting this month, Tokyo was included in Go To Travel, but the program's effects remain unseen as far as group trips are concerned. "We're taking thorough measures to prevent infections, but the situation remains severe for us," Sekiya said. "We have no choice but to do our best by taking various measures, including focusing on transportation services for corporate customers." Promoting safety is essential There were about 4,100 chartered bus operators in the nation as of fiscal 2018, and they were hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. According to a survey conducted by the ministry on these charter services, the number of buses in actual operation was as low as 5.7% to 11.6% during March and June. After the Go To Travel program started, there was a meager rise to 12.1% in July and 11% in August. In total, 50 companies discontinued their bus businesses between February and August because of the outbreak. According to Tokyo Shoko Research Ltd., five bus companies went bankrupt in that period. The Nihon Bus Association and others are promoting the safety of buses, pointing out that the air inside them is fully recirculated about every five minutes. Association director Masahiro Ishizashi said the number of passengers on chartered buses remains sluggish especially because some chartered bus passengers became infected with the virus earlier this year. He also pointed to a general mood of shunning group trips. "Many more bus companies may be obliged to close down unless there is a noticeable recovery during the autumn peak season," Ishizaki said. Innovation plus govt support There are moves by some operators to innovate around the group tour slump. To offer tours for small groups, Tokan Kotsu Co. in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, started van tours that accommodate up to five passengers at a time in June. The company, which usually operates chartered buses mainly for people using Narita Airport, saw an about 90% decline in sales from March to August. But it has provided the van tours to about 10 groups per month. A customer who used the new service for a family trip was quoted as saying, "We were able to enjoy travel without constraint, because it was just for the family." In August, Sakai, Osaka Prefecture-based SS Tour Assist Co. began operating chartered buses under a contract with a local residents' association to help elderly people go to shopping malls and other places. "Since the users often know each other, they can feel at ease. Although it doesn't generate much profit, it's better than doing nothing," company president Katsuo Takagi said. The ministry plans to secure subsidies for group tours conducted under the Go To Travel program as part of its budget. It also decided to provide operation subsidies to chartered bus companies that provide transportation to corporate and other customers, as they help create the so-called Three Cs - closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings - at public transportation facilities. "We will give the operators solid support since they are now at a critical stage," a senior ministry official said. WATERLOO REGION Who should be vaccinated first if supply is limited and the goal is to limit deaths from COVID-19? It depends on when a vaccine arrives, a government-funded study says. If theres a vaccine available by January, policy-makers should prioritize people older than 60 because they are a vulnerable group thats more likely to die from the disease. In this scenario, vaccinating seniors first prevents up to eight per cent more deaths than prioritizing other ages. But if the vaccine is delayed until next July, fewer people will die if the vaccine is given to children first, or distributed to all people regardless of age, or given to younger ages first. In this scenario, vaccinating other ages prevents up to one-third more deaths than vaccinating seniors first. This is because as time passes, more people catch the disease in waves of infection. Immunity spreads. When this happens, inoculating younger, mobile people becomes a more effective way to limit deaths than prioritizing older people. Over time, disrupting transmission becomes a stronger strategy than vaccinating the most vulnerable. You should target the vaccine toward people who would cause more transmission events if they were to get infected, explains coauthor Chris Bauch, a University of Waterloo mathematician who studies the spread of infectious disease. Bauch understands that a first impulse may be to prioritize the elderly regardless of when a vaccine arrives. I see the intuitive appeal, he said. I think the ethical decision is actually to act according to the evidence. He cites as an example a decision made in Japan to limit flu deaths among the elderly by vaccinating schoolchildren first, to disrupt transmission of the disease. The math-driven study out of UW is now to be put out for peer review. Three authors use game theory and mobility data to examine scenarios around when a vaccine arrives, how quickly people can be inoculated, and how people practise wearing masks and keeping their distance. The study contends time and behaviour matter. We all have a hand, or I should say, a mask, in this, coauthor Madhur Anand, a UW math professor, said in a statement. The study puts it this way: Predicting behaviour is fraught with uncertainty, but so is predicting an epidemic curve. The Ontario government helped fund the study. The Ministry of Health would not shed light on how Ontario plans to roll out a vaccine. The province is collaborating with other provinces and the federal government in planning COVID-19 immunization for when a COVID-19 vaccine is available, as spokesperson said. BRIDGEPORT A local man was extradited to Bridgeport Monday after he allegedly stabbed his former girlfriend and fled to Pennsylvania the day after he got out of prison, police said. David Szilagyi, 22, who had a protective order to stay away from the woman, was charged Tuesday with attempted murder, first-degree assault, criminal violation of a protective order and first-degree reckless endangerment. Superior Court Judge Tracy Lee Dayton ordered Szilagyi held in lieu of $1 million bond. Police said on Sept. 2, they received complaints of a blood-covered woman running down Morehouse Street screaming. When officers got to the scene, police said neighbors were attempting to assist the 22-year-old victim who was bleeding heavily from stab wounds in the neck. She was in serious condition in the hospital, police said. Police said witnesses told them a man they identified as Szilagyi had fled after the woman was stabbed; one man told officers he had tried to pursue Szilagyi but lost him in Fairfield. Police put out a broadcast for Szilagyi and a few hours later they were notified he had been spotted in Scranton, Pa., and that officers there had given chase. Police said Szilagyi was eventually captured in central Pennsylvania. They said his clothes were still covered in what appeared to be the victims blood. Szilagyi had gotten out of prison on Sept. 2 after serving 45 days for a domestic violence incident against the same victim, police said. They said he had immediately gone to the womans home. Once inside, police said, he got into a dispute with the woman and allegedly attacked her with a steak knife. Watch: The debut trailer for The 355 has landed Jessica Chastain and Simon Kinberg are putting X-Men: Dark Phoenix firmly in their rear view mirror with The 355, an all-star, female-fronted spy thriller that boasts two Oscar-winners in lead roles. Universal Pictures has dropped the first trailer for the new film, which sees Chastain assembling a crew of international spies to tackle an invisible threat, and the stakes couldnt be higher: they need to prevent WW3. Chastains CIA agent Mason Mace Brown must join forces with German agent Marie (Diane Kruger), former MI6 ally Khadijah (Oscar-winner Lupita Nyongo), and Colombian psychologist Graciela (Oscar-winner Penelope Cruz), and stay ahead of Lin Mi Sheng (Fan Bingbing, X-Men: Days of Future Past), who is hot on their tail. (from left) Graciela (Penelope Cruz), Mason Mace Brown (Jessica Chastain), Marie (Diane Kruger) and Khadijah (Lupita Nyong'o) in The 355, co-written and directed by Simon Kinberg. (Universal Pictures) Sebastian Stan (Avengers: Endgame) and Edgar Ramirez (The Girl on the Train) also star. The film was the subject of a fierce bidding war at Cannes in 2018, with Universal reportedly snapping up the project for $20m. Read more: Who director Simon Kinberg blames for 'Dark Phoenix' bombing Synopsis: A dream team of formidable female stars come together in a hard-driving original approach to the globe-trotting espionage genre in The 355. (from left) Nick (Sebastian Stan) and Mason Mace Brown (Jessica Chastain) in The 355, co-written and directed by Simon Kinberg. (Universal Pictures) When a top-secret weapon falls into mercenary hands, wild card CIA agent Mason Mace Brown (Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain) will need to join forces with rival badass German agent Marie (Diane Kruger, In the Fade), former MI6 ally and cutting-edge computer specialist Khadijah (Oscar winner Lupita Nyongo), and skilled Colombian psychologist Graciela (Oscar winner Penelope Cruz) on a lethal, breakneck mission to retrieve it, while also staying one-step ahead of a mysterious woman, Lin Mi Sheng (Fan Bingbing, X-Men: Days of Future Past), who is tracking their every move. Lupita Nyong'o as Khadijah in The 355, co-written and directed by Simon Kinberg. (Universal Pictures) As the action rockets around the globe from the cafes of Paris to the markets of Morocco to the wealth and glamour of Shanghai, the quartet of women will forge a tenuous loyalty that could protect the worldor get them killed. Story continues Read more: Sebastian Stan posts shirtless selfie, admits to 'years of self-judgment The film also stars Sebastian Stan (Avengers: Endgame) and Edgar Ramirez (The Girl on the Train). Diane Kruger as Marie in The 355, co-written and directed by Simon Kinberg. (Universal Pictures) The 355 is directed by genre-defying filmmaker Simon Kinberg (writer-director-producer of Dark Phoenix, producer of Deadpool and The Martian and writer-producer of the X-Men films), from a script by Theresa Rebeck (NBCs Smash, Trouble) and Kinberg, and is produced by Chastain and Kelly Carmichael for Chastains Freckle Films and by Kinberg for his Genre Films. The film is executive produced by Richard Hewitt (Bohemian Rhapsody). Watch: Jessica Chastian starred in Simon Kinbergs Dark Phoenix The chairman of the Iran-China Chamber of Commerce, Majid Reza Hariri, says Iran's oil revenue this year is "at best $5 billion." Speaking to the state-run Iran Labor News Agency (ILNA) on Monday, October 5, Hariri refused to present further details on Iran's oil exports, but noted that Iran's revenue from selling non-oil exports has also dropped. According to Hariri, the US sanctions and the coronavirus outbreak have contributed to the decrease of Iran's non-oil exports. Meanwhile, he predicted that Iran's non-oil exports will reach $30 billion this year, $10 billion less than the previous year. Hariri also shared that while Iran's total oil and non-oil exports will reach $35 billion, the country's "foreign exchange expenditures" are "above $50 billion in the best economic situation." Iran's crude revenue in 2011, before the US and EU oil sanctions were imposed on the nation, was over $110 billion, but it dropped to $62 billion in 2018. Over the past two years, officials in President Hassan Rouhani's administration have issued contradictory reports on Iran's oil revenues. The Deputy President and the head of the Plan and Budget Organization (PBO), Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, announced last June that Iran's oil export revenues in 2019 were less than $9 billion. Simultaneously, Iran's Vice President, Ishaq Jahangiri, claimed that Iran's oil revenues had dropped from $100 billion a year to about $8 billion in 2019. Three months later, in September, President Rouhani said that the country's oil revenues in 2019 had reached "just over $20 billion." Iranian officials still refuse to announce the amount of Washington-sanctioned Iranian oil exports. According to the latest reports provided by the international oil tanker tracking firms, Iran's oil exports have reached 400,000 barrels per day. An Indian-American woman from California has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for forced labour violations. Sharmistha Barai and her husband Satish Kartan were found guilty of conspiracy to obtain forced labour and two counts of obtaining forced labour by a federal jury on March 14, 2019, after an 11-day trial. Kartan will be sentenced on October 22. The United States abolished slavery and involuntary servitude more than 150 years ago. Yet, inhuman forced labour and deprivations of liberty and dignity persist because human traffickers are modern-day slave masters who endeavour to exploit their fellow human beings for profit and other gruesome purposes, said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. The Indian American couple compelled the victims into servitude for up to 18 hours a day, with minimal pay, through intimidation, threats and violence, he said, adding this is an unconscionable violation of the victims individual rights, freedom and dignity. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between February 2014 and October 2016, Kartan and Barai hired workers from overseas to perform domestic labour in their home in Stockton, California. In advertisements seeking workers on the internet and India-based newspapers, they made false claims about the wages and conditions of employment. Once the workers arrived at their residence, Kartan and Barai compelled them to work up to 18 hours a day with limited rest and nourishment, federal prosecutors alleged. Few of them were paid any wages. The couple kept the domestic workers from leaving and coerced them to continue working by threatening them, by creating an atmosphere of fear, control, and disempowerment, and at times by physically hitting or burning them. When a victim resisted or expressed a desire to leave, the threats and abuse became worse, the Department of Justice added. In January, the combined company will move its headquarters to Schwabs new campus in Westlake, Texas, but it will keep substantial operations in Schwabs current base of San Francisco. It is unclear how many TD Ameritrade jobs will be eliminated as part of the merger. 'The glorious October war was not just a military battle in which Egypt fought and achieved its greatest victory; it was, however, a real test for the Egyptian people's ability to make the dream come true' Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Tuesday in a televised speech commemorating the 47th anniversary of the 6 October War that "the great victory taught us that the Egyptian nation is always able to stand up for its rights and earn considerable respect from others." "The victory for which the Egyptians fought and sacrificed their blood in order to restore a precious and dear part of the homeland. We swore to protect it and preserve its soil and borders, whatever the cost and the sacrifices," El-Sisi said. "I am talking to you today to learn from our historical experiences and lessons. The great October victory taught us that the Egyptian nation - is always able - to stand up for its rights and earn considerable respect from others. We have also known that the truth that is based on strength would prevail ultimately. The Egyptian people would never give up their land; they are able to protect it." "The glorious October war was not just a military battle in which Egypt fought and achieved its greatest victory; it was, however, a real test for the Egyptian people's ability to make the dream come true. Nevertheless, the resulting effects were not limited to the time period of the war; they extended to bring rays of hope in all parts of Egypt and create a new spirit in the souls of all Egyptians, a soul that is characterized by persistence, challenge, and the ability to face difficulties and make achievements," the president added. The president said the victory's anniversary Egypt celebrates "is reminiscent of the people's struggle for thousands of years, adding "Inspired by the sublimity of its past, Egypt has drawn a rightful path to follow in order to achieve its desired goals and the people's broad hopes." "Greetings to the great October generation who achieved victory, raised the flag of the homeland on its sacred soil, and brought the Egyptian army its pride and glory. Greetings to the hero of war and peace, "Hero of the Crossing", the late President "Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat" who bore the consequences of that decision with the courage of knights and determination of men," the president said. "Greetings to every Egyptian mother who instilled in her children a firm belief that the land cannot be relinquished, at any cost, and filled her own heart with great patience and absolute faith. May peace be upon the souls of our righteous martyrs who watered the pure land of Egypt with their noble blood and set a great example of sacrifice and redemption for the generations to come. Greetings to the men of the Egyptian armed forces who are now stationed at every corner of Egypt with their fellow policemen to safeguard Egypt's security, safety and stability," he added. looming ambitions "It is no secret that the ambitions in Egypt are still looming in the horizon and the dangers of threats, different as they might be, are no less. The world at large fell oblivious to the fact that Egypt's relentless efforts to bring about security and stability over the past few years are a great accomplishment. Preserving the security of a nation as great as Egypt in a challenging region and a turbulent world is undoubtedly a matter we must deem a proof of the uniqueness and resilience of this people and the exceptional ability of their armed forces and their state institutions," he stressed. "Egypt, thereby, is moving towards adopting the approach of comprehensive sustainable development as it is the path towards a decent future for the people of Egypt. I assure you that the future of nations is not made by slogans and bombastic words. Peoples' capabilities cannot be left vulnerable to illusions and miscalculated policies. We, in Egypt, renew the pledge to continue working for the sake of preserving the dignity of this country and moving forward on the path of building, development, construction and peace," he explained. "The glorious anniversary of the October victory will always be an occasion to be celebrated for all Egyptians; marking their willpower and strength and the competence and distinguished combat capacity of their armed forces which have written a timeless national epic on preserving the soil of this country and protecting its borders," he added. "The memory of our righteous martyrs, their heroism and their precious sacrifices will always be remembered and will always be an incentive for us to further work and make more progress so as to shape the future that our great people aspire to have," he concluded. Search Keywords: Short link: In response, Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed on Sunday to roll back the reopening in nine ZIP codes and suggested restrictions in 11 others where the rate of positive tests was trending upward. But the proposal needed the approval of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, and on Monday, he failed to give it. The scramble to contain the virus in New York City comes as the number of new daily cases reported across the United States has been slowly rising, and as the status of President Trumps own battle against Covid-19 has remained unclear. Heres what else you should know: Governor Cuomo refused to order nonessential businesses closed in nine virus hot spots in Brooklyn and Queens. Mr. de Blasios plan called for nonessential businesses and schools in the nine hot spot ZIP codes to close on Wednesday. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the Kerala gold smuggling case on Tuesday informed a special court in Kochi that two prime accused in the case, Faisal Fareed and Rabbins Hameed, are under custody of Dubai Police while blue corner notices were issued against four others. Opposing the bail plea of some of the accused, the NIA said the case was in a crucial phase and bail to them, at this juncture, will affect the ongoing investigation. The court had criticised the agency on Monday and sought evidence for terrorism charges against the accused. All 30 accused in the case were charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Faisal Fareed, who reportedly sent 30 kilograms of gold in a consignment to the United Arab Emirates consulate camouflaged as diplomatic baggage, was the third accused in the case filed by the NIA. Two months back, an NIA team had visited the UAE and reportedly questioned them in jail. It said, Hameed also played a key role in smuggling and reiterated its charge that a major portion of proceeds were diverted to fund anti-national activities. Both arrested in Dubai were also active in hawala transactions, it said. During the investigation, the agencies also found that more than 400 kilograms of gold was smuggled into the country using their proximity with some of the former employees of the consulate. P Sarith Kumar and Swapna Suresh, two former employees of the consulate, are first and second accused in the case. Faisal and Hameed reported to have arranged gold that was smuggled through a diplomatic channel. Also read: Affidavit copy-paste job in bid to cover-up Hathras gangrape, says Cong This is the first time when the UAPA was invoked in a smuggling case. Some of the accused contended that it was only an economic offence and the UAPA cant be imposed on them and they were under custody for more than three months. The court will take up their bail plea again on Wednesday after examining the NIAs reply. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has grilled Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, for more than six hours in its Bengaluru office in connection with drug seizure case. He is yet to be given a clean chit and will be summoned again after examining his statements, a senior officer who is part of the probe team said. Trouble began for Kodiyeri after Bengaluru drug racket-accused Anoop Mohammad gave a statement to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) mentioning his name. He said Bineesh Kodiyeri, second son of Balakrishnan, had helped him a lot in his business venture. Later, his name also figured prominently in Mohammads call list. There are reports stating that Rs 30 lakh came in Mohammads account in one year which he allegedly used for drug purchase. During the investigation, agencies also found that smuggling and drug seizure cases were linked. Nearly 200 Travellers passed through Salford today in a cortege on their way to the funeral of a father who was killed with his friend following a high-speed police chase. They flouted coronavirus restrictions preventing gatherings of more than 30 people at funerals to honour Tommy Sharps, 29, who died while being pursued by police. Charities claim that Travellers have been 'disproportionately' affected by Covid-19 as those living in trailers may make it difficult to limit the spread of the virus within camps. They also may not have access to sanitation and healthcare. Eyewitnesses said between 150 and 200 mourners left one Traveller site on Dantzic Street and drove behind Sharp's hearse to a second site on Duchy Road. They called the parade 'heartwarming', adding: 'The amount of people Tommy knew was unbelievable. I guess from the turnout he was a very popular guy.' Last night 100 mourners packed a marquee at a beer-fuelled wake for Sharp and revved the engines of their Lamborghinis and Rolls-Royces in tribute. Sharp and his friend Paddy Connors, 36, were killed when a car they were in crashed into two other cars during a police chase. The police watchdog said that the Mercedes was instructed to stop by an unmarked police car after it was seen speeding through Salford. Nearly 200 Travellers passed through Salford today in a cortege on their way to the funeral of a father who was killed with his friend following a high-speed police chase Eyewitnesses said between 150 and 200 mourners left one Traveller site on Dantzic Street and drove behind Sharp's hearse to a second site on Duchy Road Paddy Connors, left, and Tommy Sharp, right, were killed during a high-speed police chase Following the minute-long pursuit, the Mercedes collided with two Volkswagen Passats, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) added. The collision happened at around 11.40pm last Wednesday. The driver of the first Passat escaped injury, but the driver of the second VW, a taxi, suffered minor injuries. Two women who were passengers in the back were taken to hospital with serious injuries not thought to be life-threatening, the IOPC said. IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe told MailOnline: 'The loss of these two men was a tragic incident and my thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time. Nearly 200 Travellers passed through Salford today in a cortege on their way to the funeral of a father who was killed with his friend following a high-speed police chase 'When someone dies following contact with the police, it is mandatory for forces to refer the matter to the IOPC. 'We will be considering in car footage, CCTV and witness statements to establish the circumstances of this incident and whether the local and national guidelines and procedures were followed. 'We will continue to keep the families of Mr Connors and Mr Sharp updated on our progress, as well as the force and the coroner.' In an earlier statement, Greater Manchester Police said: 'At around 11.40pm on Wednesday, September 23, police observed a vehicle being driven at speed on Frederick Road, Salford. 'Officers initiated a pursuit and the vehicle in question collided with two third party vehicles. Last night 100 mourners packed a marquee at a beer-fuelled wake for Sharp and revved the engines of their Lamborghinis and Rolls-Royces in tribute Scores of mourners flouted coronavirus restrictions to pay tribute to Tommy Sharp, 29, who died in a collision during a high-speed police pursuit Supercars including a Lamborghini and a Rolls-Royce were revved by mourners at the Salford wake, while floral tributes spelled out 'film star' 'Two men from the vehicle in question were sadly pronounced dead a short time later. 'One man and two women from a third party vehicle were taken to hospital with serious injuries. No arrests have been made. 'In line with normal procedure, this incident has been referred to GMP's Professional Standards Branch and the IOPC.' Sharp lived with his wife and young children in Salford. Nicknamed 'Mush', he was described by friends and family as 'the life of the party' and a 'loving and caring dad, husband, brother and uncle'. Connors leaves behind a wife and four children, and lived in Wigan. Around 100 mourners packed a marquee at a beer-fuelled wake last night for a father killed alongside a friend in a horror crash while being chased by police The wake comes as Manchester was branded the UK's coronavirus capital after its infection rate increased more than 15-fold since local lockdown was brought in. Manchester's 529.4 cases per 100,000 people is the highest weekly rate recorded in the pandemic. This is higher than the 20 per 100,000 it experienced at the end of July when local lockdowns were enforced in Manchester and the surrounding areas of Salford, Bury, Trafford, Tameside and Rochdale. But a lack of tests during the spring means it is impossible to accurately compare between now and then. It may have been considerably higher at other points in March and April. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Since President Donald Trump was admitted to Walter Reed hospital on Friday afternoon following his COVID diagnosis, questions have swirled about his health. Reporters, doctors, and public health experts have tried to piece together Trumps condition from the few, sometimes contradictory bits of information revealed by his medical team. At daily press conferences, Trumps physician Sean Conley has repeatedly sowed confusion and evaded questions about Trumps health. On Saturday, Conley laid out a timeline of Trumps diagnosis and treatment that contradicted the White Houses story. He also claimed Trump was doing well, though minutes later, an anonymous source said the presidents condition was actually much more worrying than the press conference portrayed. (The source was later revealed to be Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff.) On Sunday, Conley refused to elaborate on whether X-rays of Trumps chest revealed lung damage or pneumonia. And on Monday, after Trump tweeted that he was leaving the hospital that evening, Walter Reed pulmonologist Sean Dooley said Trump was doing very well, but again, Conley refused to answer questions about the takeaways from Trumps lung imaging, as well as questions about when Trump last tested negative. There are HIPAA rules and regulations that restrict me in sharing certain things for his safety and his own health and reasons, Conley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act does protect patients medical information, through a privacy regulation that went into effect in 2001. But in this case, whats holding Conley back from sharing details about Trumps condition is not HIPAA, but Trump himself. People always say, I cant tell you that because of HIPAA, but the truth is, they can, if the patient gives them permission, says Florida Rep. Donna Shalala, who wrote the privacy recommendations for HIPAA while she served as the U.S. secretary of health and human services. What [Conley] was really saying was: I dont have permission from Donald Trump to tell you that. Under HIPAA, patients can give providers permission to share certain details about their treatment and health. You may have experienced this yourself if youve ever signed paperwork allowing a past physician to share information with a new doctor, and youve seen it in practice if youve ever seen updates on your favorite athletes injuries. You also saw it if youve watched any of the Trump medical teams press conferences; Monday, for instance, they told the public that Trump was to receive new doses of remdesivir and dexamethasone, and gave specific readouts of his blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and oxyhemoglobin. Those details are considered protected health information under HIPAA, and doctors wouldve needed permission from the president to discuss; revealing those facts without Trumps blessing would be HIPAA violations. Advertisement Advertisement The most plausible explanation here is that Trump has given his doctors permission to reveal positive details but not negative ones. The man has always been attentive to appearances; after all, on Sunday, he insisted on a joyride to greet fans. So it would be no surprise that he wishes only to release good news. The president is controlling the information, and its hamstrung the doctors, says Shalala. Advertisement Advertisement But the details are important and have grave implications for the country as a whole. With such carefully cherry-picked information, its impossible to know the whole story, and some of the details from his doctors suggest a more severe illness than Trump is willing to reveal; dexamethasone, one of the medications hes receiving, is typically reserved for COVID-19 patients experiencing severe symptoms. Also concerning are the drugs side effects, which can include irritability from sleep deprivation, delusions of grandeur, mania, and psychosis. Even as concerns around Trumps health swirl, theres little more well learn unless Trump himself is willing to reveal the truth. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - 470 new deaths and 40,442 new infections due to the coronavirus have been reported in the United States in the last 24 hours, taking the national total to 210195 and 7458549 respectively. This is more than one fifth of the global toll, according to Johns Hopkins University. President Donald Trump told his followers that coronavirus was nothing to fear, and don't let the disease control their life. He tweeted that he will be back on Campaign trail soon. In a dramatic move on Monday evening, Trump left the Walter Reed medical center after getting treated there for coronavirus infection for four days, and returned to the White House cutting short his hospital quarantine. The treatment will continue in the presidential residence, Trump's physician said. He posed for a mask-less photo-op from the Truman balcony at the White House. He later posted a recorded video message on Twitter, saying, 'Now I'm better, maybe I'm immune, I don't know'. He also promised that anti-coronavirus vaccines were 'coming momentarily,' contradicting the US Centers for Disease Control's statement that vaccine is not expected to be widely available before 2021. The White House has not responded to reporters' question about how many White House staff have tested positive for Covid, but many of Trump's staff and aides, including senior counselor Hope Hicks, Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, and Campaign advisor Chris Christie have been reportedly infected with the virus in recent days. Less than a week after reopening, some New York City schools will close on Tuesday over Covid-19 concerns, CNN reported. 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. (Natural News) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to give large federal grants to racist, anti-white groups that claim to be fighting a mythical creature known as white supremacy, we have learned. DHS Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention program is reportedly slated to hand over $10 million in tax money to groups like Life After Hate, a viciously anti-Trump organization that was founded by a violent neo-Nazi thug. Tax dollars will also be headed to the School of Communication at American University, where it will be used to vilify white people and promote various left-wing causes. Life After Hate, in case you have never heard of it, uses white supremacy as a proxy to attack President Trump, lumping him and his supporters in with the Ku Klux Klan. Its founder, Christian Picciolini, is also a vocal Trump-hater who pushes left-wing fantasies as truth. Do white supremacists feel affirmed by Donald Trump? Absolutely, 100 percent, Picciolini, a former skinhead, ironically enough, is quoted as saying. Whats coming out of the mouths of our administration now is very similar, if not identical, to the things that we said, Picciolini further stated during an interview with the media. As for American University, the school is deeply devoted to the cause of globalism, with partners like the Pulitzer Center that openly push left-wing ideologies like open borders and federal funding for refugees and asylum-seekers. The School of Communication at American University is among the nations top communication schools, with researchers, students and programs focusing on the intersection of media, technology and society. A leader in emerging and traditional media, SOC has programs ranging from journalism and strategic communication to media entrepreneurship, film and persuasive play, the Pulitzer Center wrote about the school. The federal government hates white people According to the FBI, the biggest threat currently to Americans is not BLM or Antifa. It is white nationalists, which are akin to ISIS, the agency contends and must be dealt with accordingly. Were particularly focused on domestic terrorism, especially racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists, FBI Director Christopher Wray is quoted as saying. Not only is the terror threat diverse, its unrelenting. Wray told the House Judiciary Committee that white nationalists are a national threat priority, even though BLM and Antifa are the ones burning down cities, assaulting people, and creating lawlessness throughout the streets of America. The criteria that the FBI uses to classify white nationalists, by the way, lumps in ordinary Trump supporters and other ethnically white Americans who support a republican form of government, legal immigration and free markets. As for the so-called Proud Boys, they, too, are considered terrorists in the eyes of the federal government, as well as by the New York Police Department (NYPD), which likened them to an anti-Semitic hate group. Most of the Proud Boys are not from New York City, but it presented too attractive a target for them when they decided to engage in violence, declared John Miller, the NYPDs Intelligence & Counterterrorism Deputy Officer. As for DHS, the push is on to funnel as much federal tax money as possible into groups that oppose white nationalism, which is really just a nasty way of describing people with white skin who support maintaining Americas national sovereignty and identity, as opposed to merging it into a New World Order. The deep state is punishing Trumps supporters by giving money to their political enemies who will demonize them as white supremacists after their Russian hoax coup failed, writes Shane Trejo for Big League Politics. More related news about BLM and Antifa terrorism, and the federal governments support for it, can be found at Terrorism.news. Sources for this article include: BigLeaguePolitics.com NaturalNews.com If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here The Irish Car Carbon Reduction Alliance (ICCRA) is calling on the Green Party and the Government to respond to what they describe as "compelling evidence" that Ireland will miss its emission targets for cars and, "because of inaction, decimate the new car and future electric car sector." ICCRA, which represents the majority of Irelands new car dealers, states that it has sought to engage productively to outline its data and evidence. However, it says that the Green Party, in particular, is ignoring expert advice and evidence. We can show how flawed data was used to set the targets in the Governments Climate Action Plan (CAP). Serious concerns have also been raised by the Climate Change Advisory Council. Their annual report, published this week, highlights the need for policy to stimulate accelerated new car turnover, stating that current EV targets are optimistic and unlikely to be achieved without it, says spokesperson, Michael Moore. Mr Moore added: There appears to be a reckless disregard for the facts in favour of populist positions on the environment. Unless immediate action is taken, Ireland will miss the original 3% target in the CAP, which makes a nonsense of the 7% target that the Green Party secured in the Programme for Government. The ICCRA is calling for a number of urgent measures including reform of VRT in the forthcoming budget. We know Covid-19 is hurting every sector but the Government and the Green Party in particular have an ideal opportunity now to encourage consumers to switch to greener cars. To ignore it could have a lasting impact on Irish transport options into the future. Michael Moore added: Its easy to set targets but difficult to achieve them without a clear strategy based on accurate data and expert opinion. There are only two ways to reduce emissions from transport in Ireland in the short term - reduce the number of journeys by car and /or drive more fuel-efficient cars. "In 2008, the Government, which included the Green Party, set a target of having 250,000 electric cars on the Irish roads by 2020. Currently there are 10,290. Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future. The CAPs latest target of 840,000 EVs by 2030 is doomed to fail also as it is based on inaccurate and incomplete data. The figure is likely to be closer to 500,000, which leaves a huge shortfall. "The Green Party is failing to engage with this issue in any meaningful way. We have sought meetings, sent in our evidence and an expert independent report by Colm McCarthy an authoritative economist. Yet, there seems to be no-body home. Being anti-car is not the same as being anti-emission. Who will pay the price if we are right? Manufacturers across Europe are working towards the EUs emission reduction targets - not the Irish targets, which are significantly higher for cars. This means that electric cars will not be available in the quantity required to allow such a transition in Ireland until late in this decade. Ireland cannot control the supply of EVs to this market therefore, it is vital that we address the mitigating factors that are within our ability to control and foremost here is the price of cars. Irelands motorists are being massively penalised. Policy is being set by well-heeled Dublin centric individuals with absolutely no regard to the rural travel patterns, lack of rural alternative transportation and affordability of EVs to the average family or the availability of a proper recharging infrastructure to support EV fleets. We have the second highest rate of car taxation in the EU and the second most expensive cars. Increasing the price of conventional cars through further tax hikes is not going to make EVs more affordable. New cars have moved beyond the affordability of most people consequently motorists are holding onto their existing older cars for longer, increasing rather than solving our emissions problem. The ICCRA is calling for a significant reduction in taxation on new cars. The average new car sold next year will emit 28% less CO2 than the average car currently on Irish roads, so for every car we replace with a newer cleaner car, we can achieve significant reductions. Motorists should be encouraged to purchase newer cars it would be a win-win for everyone, says Mr Moore. We are also calling for a blended approach to reducing emissions, which is advocated by McKinseys, the Government's own experts. In their report, on which the Governments Climate Action Plan is based, they recommended a blended approach to reducing emissions, which would include newer petrol and diesel cars from now through to 2030. This is a more pragmatic and realistic way of achieving the current targets, and an approach that is already being taken by many Governments across Europe. The Climate Action Plan places a disproportionate amount of the emission reduction target on cars. Cars account for between 12% and 13% of the greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland yet they are being targeted for approximately 30% of the reduction. European car manufacturers signed up to the Paris Climate Accord and they will achieve the emissions targets set out in that agreement. However, the problem in Ireland is that cars were deliberately targeted in the Climate Action Plan which, given the evidence, can only be the result of an anti-car agenda and we believe this is fundamental to the refusal to engage. ICCRA represents mostly small family businesses who have being dealing with the fallout from Brexit and the subsequent drop in the value of sterling since 2016. Covid-19 is another significant challenge as we cannot work from home like other sectors of the economy. Now our sector is being dealt a further potentially existential blow through a fundamentally flawed taxation strategy on cars. Increasing taxes on new cars in the Budget will be a step too far for many of our membership and we will be forced to explore all options open to us. We support the Green Partys commitment and that of the wider Government to address climate change and we recognise urgent action is required across all sectors of the Irish economy, including the motor sector, so that everyone plays their part in protecting our planet. However, we are seeking a cooperative approach between Government, industry and policy makers to set realistic goals and a strategy that is scientific, data-driven and pragmatic to ensure real and lasting reductions can be made. Rajesh Kumar Thakur And Manish Anand By Express News Service PATNA: Two days ahead of the close of nominations for the first phase of Bihar assembly polls, the NDA on Tuesday unveiled the seat adjustment plans: the JD-U will contest 122 seats and the BJP, 121. On the alliances chief ministerial candidate, the two lead partners declared there are no ifs and buts about the leadership of the incumbent, Nitish Kumar. As per the seat arrangement, the JD-U will adjust the Jitan Ram Manjhi-led Hindustan Awami Morcha (HAM) from its quota while the BJP will leave seats for the Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) of Mukesh Sahini, who exited the opposition Grand Alliance a few days ago. The BJP may end up contesting more seats since it is reportedly negotiating for three-four seats with the VIP. On the other hand, HAM will get seven seats from the JD-Us share. Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi sought to set at rest all doubts over the post-poll leadership issue, saying the NDA would form the government with Nitish in the saddle. State BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal went so far as to say the party could write to the Election Commission against the use of names and pictures of the party leaders in poll campaigns by anyone outside the NDA a clear hint at the LJP, which has announced to field its candidates against JD-U nominees. Nitish asserted that there is no misunderstanding in the NDA, and that the alliance is firm on projecting its development plans and achievements before the electorate. To the criticism of his leadership by Chirag Paswan, the CM remained guarded. But he sought to remind the LJP that it was his party that had played a role in sending Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan to the Rajya Sabha. In a related development, senior BJP leader Rajendra Singh, who had narrowly lost the last elections, joined the LJP. Singh, who is with the RSS background, is all set to contest on the LJP ticket against the JD-U nominee. There are indications that a few of the defeated BJP candidates in the 2015 Assembly elections may also contest from the LJP. BJP releases first list The BJP named 27 candidates for the three-phase Bihar polls, starting October 28. The list includes international shooter Shreyasi Singh and ex-MP Hari Manjhi, who joined the party on Sunday Being a Black male especially in this board, you have to walk on eggshells. You essentially have to be fake: you have to be a happy guy, you cant have conflicts, its hard to advocate for yourself or anybody, quite frankly, because you are always made to be the villain. I have had weight issues, blood pressure issues, extreme anxiety, stress. Ive been to see specialists and doctors. PDSB teacher In March, when the Ministry of Education published its review of the Peel District School Boards atrocious record of discrimination, it was a relief to families across the region. Investigators, politicians and bureaucrats may have been shocked by the reports damning findings of rampant anti-Black racism and other forms of harmful behaviour against marginalized students, but Brampton and Mississaugas Black communities werent. Rather than surprise over the results issues families had been whistleblowing about for years those directly impacted finally felt acknowledged. In some cases, members of different generations under the same roof had been subjected to the PDSBs racist practices over decades. The publication of the review by the Ontario government meant one thing: we believe you. In the months of turmoil that followed the review (inaction at the board, a second review and the eventual takeover of the PDSB by a provincial supervisor) the narrative focused on children. Streaming and suspensions in particular, two systemic practices that showed the depth of damage done to Black students, came under the spotlight and were at the centre of subsequent discussions. But Black educators in Peel, who make up just seven percent of the boards staff, have suffered similar disciminaliation and marginalization, often in silence. It is clearly documented that Peel District School Board ... is anti-Black, Rohan Thompson, Manager of Workplace Equity at PDSB, told The Pointer. The same racism that students and families are experiencing is the same anti-Blackness that our staff are experiencing. Anybody who would try to [suggest otherwise], Im not sure really has a solid understanding of how anti-Black racism operates. For Black staff at PDSB, years of hostility and anti-Black racism has taken its toll. Three educators now plan to take the board to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario where they will seek damages for the impacts they allege anti-Black racism has had on their mental health. The Pointer spoke to all three complainants about their experience teaching within the board. All alleged a culture where they were undermined, underestimated and held to a different standard than their white peers. They said their attempts to raise complaints or issues about their situation had been met with subtle forms of retaliation. For this reason, The Pointer has agreed not to share their names. Alex Battick, the Peel-based lawyer representing all three educators, said his aim is to draw a legal link between anti-Black racism and poor mental health. When it comes to racism and mental health, we dont necessarily see a legal connection being made to the remedies that are awarded to that, Battick said. We know that you cant discriminate for mental health, but we dont necessarily see legally that discrimination itself creates an impact on mental health and therefore it should be compensated I want to be able to make the legal argument that discrimination and anti-Black racism does manifest in poor mental health. The courts should acknowledge that. Thats the number one goal. While issues of anti-Black racism are under the microscope at PDSB, problems of discrimination extend in society well beyond the regions borders. For Battick, a case successfully drawing a link between discrimination, poor mental health and rightful compensation would be important for people around Ontario. The issue of anti-Black racism on mental health is broader than experiences at PDSB, he added. We hope these individual stories will challenge the case law to emphasize the impact of racism on mental health through the awards provided in the Tribunal. An understanding of mental health and its links with racism is seeping slowly into institutions in Canada. One example is a short statement on the City of Torontos website acknowledging the link. As part of an initiative called Toronto For All the City is creating dialogue around the reality of racism and its broad effects on society. A designated page on the Citys website under the program specifically highlights the links between anti-Black racism and mental health, and the lack of support: [D]espite the resilience of Black Torontonians [they] cannot easily access culturally appropriate mental health supports and services... Addressing barriers means raising awareness, having tough conversations and working together to build strong communities and allyships committed to lasting change. Very little of this has been seen in Peel, despite its incredibly diverse demographics. The precise impact of anti-Black racism on mental health or how widespread the experience is for Black staff within the PDSB is hard to quantify. Thompson said the majority of calls to his equity office from staff are related to experiencing anti-Black racism. When people speak to the anti-Blackness, there is definitely a conversation about the impact that would have on their mental health and well being. We have had a number of staff... attribute leaves or mental health days theyve taken to the trauma created by anti-Black racism, he said. It is not only the anti-Black racism that is happening to them directly, it is also the vicarious trauma related to the culture of anti-Blackness that permeates. The stories The Pointer heard from the three complainants were varied. One described supervising children in learning settings and having other educators and members of staff speaking directly to students, completely ignoring their designated teacher. In some situations, they mentioned students being admonished for taking part in an activity that they had allowed. I think of it like death by a million papercuts, Battick explained. These things, although it happens in very small and subtle ways, they have very large impacts. For someone to have that weighing on them for years and not being acknowledged, its very burdensome. Another teacher was reprimanded for issues around the boards dress code. They described a situation where colleagues making the same decisions were left unbothered, while the harshest interpretation of the rules were reserved for Black staff. Im always micromanaged and since Ive been at that school, Ive always been micromanaged, they told The Pointer. All three felt race was a factor in the different standards and expectations applied to them at PDSB. The disproportionate expectations and need to go above and beyond to prove oneself, while white colleagues are showered with praise and often elevated, can have tangible, destructive impacts on mental health. The effect of constantly being questioned or undermined can shatter self-confidence, Thompson explained. [Multiple] Black staff I have spoken to in the organization ... do not want to make a formal report or complaint about the anti-Blackness they are experiencing or they actively decided to stop applying for jobs in the organization because they feel like they wont be selected or considered as a result of their Blackness, he said, describing how these ingrained, often subconscious, dynamics lead some to give up. One complainant mentioned four separate leaves they had to take for their mental health, while others listed lack of sleep, depression and anxiety among the problems they link directly to their treatment within the board. Being a Black male especially in this board, you have to walk on eggshells, one said. You essentially have to be fake: you have to be a happy guy, you cant have conflicts, its hard to advocate for yourself or anybody quite frankly because you are always made to be the villain. I have had weight issues, blood pressure issues, extreme anxiety, stress. Ive been to see specialists and doctors. In Peel, that burden is worsened as some Black staff feel they should step in and protect Black students experiencing anti-Black racism. It exacerbates the situation infinitely, Thompson said. What I have come to appreciate and hear is that Black staff, at the expense of their own mental wellness and well being, are also needing to be the shield and advocates for children. Sometimes theyre successful in trying to support and protect, but sometimes theyre not. When theyre not successful in trying to protect Black children from anti-Black racism, that then also contributes to a sense of worthlessness. Over the summer, PDSB has tried to turn a corner in its battle against anti-Black racism. Provincial supervisor Bruce Rodrigues, appointed by the Province to take over governance of the board, and Interim Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins have reached out to Black communities in the region. Recently, they extended an apology to parent advocate Idris Orughu after the previous administration barred him from school property. Internally, Thompson has been frank in his analysis of the situation, working within an organization struggling with its past demons. Many of those responsible for the deepest damage are no longer there. He says the solution, moving forward, lies in greater accountability. The board, which has traditionally questioned and sidelined allegations of anti-Black racism, has to change how it punishes perpetrators and protects victims. A Human Rights Tribunal decision in favour of Black staff, offering compensation for harming the mental health of employees, could be a step in the right direction. I think it would be very significant to them, they would hopefully be able to be vindicated in some way, but also know the struggles and weights of what they have been carrying is not for nothing, Battick said. If we can change the law, in this regard, hopefully we can change the way in which people perceive anti-Black racism and its impacts. Email: isaac.callan@thepointer.com Twitter: @isaaccallan Tel: 647 561-4879 COVID-19 is impacting all Canadians. At a time when vital public information is needed by everyone, The Pointer has taken down our paywall on all stories relating to the pandemic and those of public interest to ensure every resident of Brampton and Mississauga has access to the facts. For those who are able, we encourage you to consider a subscription. This will help us report on important public interest issues the community needs to know about now more than ever. You can register for a 30-day free trial HERE. Thereafter, The Pointer will charge $10 a month and you can cancel any time right on the website. Thank you. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 23:58:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANGKOK, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's newly appointed army chief Gen. Narongphan Jitkaewtae said on Tuesday he will continue his predecessor's reform policies and called on unit commanders to abide by the principles of protecting the nation, religion, king and people. He also called on unit chiefs to boost awareness among their subordinates of upholding the country's sovereignty and ensure peace in all 76 provinces. Narongphan urged all army units to help people affected by natural disasters or disease outbreaks without waiting for orders, because the army's duty is to support the people. "We also urge the border defense forces to prevent the smuggling of drugs and illegal migrants," he said. Narongphan last week replaced Gen. Apirat Kongsompong as the new army commander. Enditem Dayton-based SimplyBank has added four new members to the executive and senior management teams. Kevin J. Smith has been named chief lending officer and will be overseeing all lending teams and programs. Mr. Smith brings more than 21 years in banking and financial services to SimplyBank. Immediately prior to joining the SimplyBank team, Mr. Smith served as market senior vice president in Chattanooga at FNB Bank. Prior to FNB Bank, Mr. Smith served as group vice president and Eastern Tennessee commercial team lead at SunTrust. Mr. Smith holds a bachelors degree from Boone, North Carolina-based Appalachian State University. He currently serves the greater-Chattanooga community in a variety of ways, including as treasurer at the Glass House Collective and as a board member at the Mountain Education Foundation. Mr. Smith is also a Leadership Chattanooga alumni. Today there are more banking options than ever before, but community banks are just as perhaps even more so essential to the vibrancy and success of the communities we serve," said Mr. Smith. ."Navigating the financial landscape during this year's pandemic validated just how well community banks differentiate themselves from the competition. We continue to hear from clients how grateful they are for their personal relationships with our bankers, our willingness to remain accessible and our ability to be nimble with decisions and go the extra mile to address their customers needs. Anthony Lastoria has been named senior retail officer, managing the retail line of business and branch banking network. Immediately prior to joining the team at SimplyBank in June 2020, Mr. Lastoria spent four years with First Horizon Bank, most recently as vice president of retail banking in the Chattanooga market. He also spent time at FSG Bank as assistant vice president and Cleveland Retail Market Leader. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Latoria received a bachelors degree in business administration from Lee University. He also holds an MBA with a concentration in organizational leadership from University of Phoenix, and is a member of Delta Mu Delta, International Honor Society in Business. Mr. Lastoria sits on the school board at United Christian Academy, a private school located in Cleveland. He is a member of the finance committee at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga and has served as a TN Achieves Mentor since 2015. "If there is one thing Ive learned this past year, its how important community banking is," said Mr. Lastoria. "Leading the way in local reinvestment, community banking is the foundation that helps small businesses operate while also helping families in our own backyards plan major life events and build financial security. We arent just helping customers; were helping our neighbors. Courtney Jett has been named senior treasury management officer, building and managing SimplyBanks comprehensive suite of commercial treasury banking services. Ms. Jett has more than 15 years in the financial industry. Immediately prior to joining the team at SimplyBank in August 2020, Ms. Jett helped lead treasury services at FSG Bank in Chattanooga. "I love the personal relationships we get to build in community banking, both with our customers and with one another inside the organization," said Ms. Jett. "I think if you love people and love creative problem solving, there arent many other places where you can really make peoples lives easier like you can at a community bank. Angela Patterson has been named community reinvestment act officer, managing all community reinvestment and development functions and provide CRA counsel, expertise and direction. Ms. Patterson brings decades of banking experience to SimplyBank. Immediately prior to joining SimplyBank, she served as CRA officer in the greater-Chattanooga market for Nashville-based FirstBank. She has nearly 10 years of experience specific to community development and reinvestment, having begun as CRA Analyst at Atlantic Capital Bank in 2011. Community banking provides the customer a truly local experience," said Ms. Patterson. "It provides the bank the opportunity to really know their customers and communities, and to develop deeper relationships. He also noticed how busy the park was, just buzzing with people walking or jogging or riding their bicycles on the riverfront trail that cuts through the park, or simply sitting on benches or at one of two of the all-in-one shelters. Especially with COVID-19 restrictions in place, Konda thought about how important outdoor spaces are and how publicly owned outdoor spaces provide equal opportunity for everybody. The park was being used by all ages, colors and incomes, he said. One person might be driving a Lexus while another might be behind the wheel of a beat-up 2001 Nissan with a different-colored door. Konda watched people bring sacks of take-out food and sit in the shelters and eat. Sometimes he sensed sadness, sometimes longing, sometimes it seemed they "were trying to work something out." he said. He noticed the two shelters were almost always occupied and that there was the remnant of a third shelter that probably would be occupied, too, if it were still there. "I got to thinking," Konda said. "I thought, this (rebuilding the shelter) is in my capability." Anne Heche was famously linked to Ellen DeGeneres, 62, from 1997 until their split in 2000. And the 51-year-old actress is opening up about the relationship and the unjust repercussions it had on her career in Hollywood. 'In 1997, I met Ellen DeGeneres at the Vanity Fair party and that was the night that changed my life forever,' said Heche to pro partner Keo Motsepe in a Dancing With The Stars clip obtained by People on Monday. Opening up: Anne Heche is opening up about her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres from 1997 until 2000 and the unjust repercussions it had on her career in Hollywood; Heche pictured in February She recalled the adverse reaction she received after telling those in her professional circle that she planned to take DeGeneres as her date to the premiere of her 1997 action thriller Volcano. 'My movie premiere for Volcano, I had told them that I was taking Ellen as my date and I was told if I took Ellen I would lose my Fox contract,' she claimed. 'At that moment, she took my hand and said, "Do what they say" and I said, '"No thanks."' Heche stood firm on her decision to take DeGeneres to the premiere. Wow: She recalled the adverse reaction she received after telling those in her professional circle that she planned to take DeGeneres as her date to the premiere of her 1997 action thriller Volcano; Anne and Ellen pictured in 1997 at the premiere of Volcano 'I took Ellen to the premiere and I was ushered out before the movie even ended and was told I was not allowed to go to my own after party for fear that they would get pictures of me with a woman.' 'She was warning me, "This is going to happen,"' she explained to Motsepe, who listened intently to Anne's every word. 'I was in a relationship with Ellen DeGeneres for three-and-a-half years and the stigma attached to that relationship was so bad that I was fired from my multi-million dollar picture deal and I did not work in a studio picture for 10 years,' alleged the Donnie Brasco star. Life changing: 'In 1997, I met Ellen DeGeneres at the Vanity Fair party and that was the night that changed my life forever,' said Heche to pro partner Keo Motsepe in a Dancing With The Stars clip obtained by People on Monday; Ellen and Anne pictured in 2000 Stigma: 'I was in a relationship with Ellen DeGeneres for three-and-a-half years and the stigma attached to that relationship was so bad that I was fired from my multi-million dollar picture deal and I did not work in a studio picture for 10 years,' alleged the Donnie Brasco star; Ellen and Anne pictured in 1997 Anne also spoke candidly about her lengthy relationship with the talk show host in an interview with Mr. Warburton magazine, which was published in August. 'Our time was a beautiful part of my life and one that I wear with honor. I was a part of a revolution that created social change, and I could not have done that without falling in love with her,' she explained. Anne emphasized that she continues to be 'proud' that she has been 'part of a revolution that helped move equality forward.' But, despite having prompted some change in the industry and beyond, Anne admitted that there is 'still work to do' in terms of how LGBTQ+ citizens are treated in society. Beautiful part: 'Our time was a beautiful part of my life and one that I wear with honor. I was a part of a revolution that created social change, and I could not have done that without falling in love with her,' she explained in an interview with Mr. Warburton magazine in August; Anne pictured in 2019 'Ive paved this way for myself, and my honesty had every single thing to do with it. I think every interaction we have should begin with whether or not we can look at and talk to other human beings with 100 percent respect. My answer will always be "yes." We have to agree that its a possibility and that we all deserve it,' she concluded. After her relationship with Ellen came to an end, Anne met and married actor Coleman Laffoon, 46. They welcomed son Homer in 2002, but, unfortunately, the couple split in 2007. She later went on to date Men In Trees star James Tupper, 55, from late 2007 until their breakup in 2018. Moving on: After her relationship with Ellen came to an end, Anne met and married actor Coleman Laffoon, 46; Coleman and Anne pictured in 2006 Former flame: She later went on to date Men In Trees star James Tupper, 55, from late 2007 until their breakup in 2018; James and Anne pictured in 2017 During their relationship, James and Anne welcome a son named Atlas, who is now 11-years-old. Anne is currently a contestant on the 29th season of Dancing With The Stars and is set to perform a passionate Paso Doble with Motsepe to Katy Perry's anthem Rise, which prompted her to open up about her experience with sexual discrimination in Hollywood. Last week, Heche and her pro partner Keo Motsepe found themselves in the bottom two, after earning a disappointing 15 points for their quickstep to the song Zero To Hero from the 1999 Disney animated film Hercules. Fortunately for Anne, Tiger King's Carole Baskin became the second star to be eliminated after a weak samba with pro partner Pasha Pashkov, 35, to Circle Of Life from Disney's 1994 animated film The Lion King. Candler School of Theology welcomes M. Shawn Copeland as the 2020-2021 Alonzo L. McDonald Family Chair on the Life and Teachings of Jesus and Their Impact on Culture. Copeland is professor emerita of systematic theology at Boston College. As McDonald Chair, Copeland will present two public lectures and teach a systematic theology course, Suffering, Solidarity and the Cross. Her first lecture will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14, via webinar. The second lecture will take place during the spring semester. The lectures are free and open to the public, but registration is required. In her first lecture, Copeland will discuss "The Political Imagination of Jesus of Nazareth" on Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register here. With acts of healing, images, stories and parables, Jesus of Nazareth advanced a distinctive political vision on behalf of the reign of God a vision at once historical and eschatological, ethical and moral, political and religious, personal and communal. While his preaching aroused suspicion among imperial and religious authorities, it was, in fact, an appropriation of the ancient Jubilee traditions of Israel. This lecture explores Jesus vision in order to discern imperatives for authentic human living in our nations increasingly divisive and polarized social situation. This lecture is addressed not only to Christians, but to all women, men and youth of good will who are concerned for our common home. Copeland earned her PhD in systematic theology from Boston College. Before returning there in 2003 as a faculty member, she taught at St. Norbert College, Yale Divinity School and Marquette University. In addition, she served for 12 years as a summer adjunct-faculty member of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of New Orleans. She retired from Boston College in 2019. A frequent lecturer on college and university campuses, Copeland addresses topics related to theological anthropology, political theology, social suffering, gender and race. She is recognized as one of the most important influences in North America in drawing attention to issues surrounding African American Catholics. Copeland is a prolific author, with more than 100 publications to her credit. She is author of Enfleshing Freedom: Body, Race and Being (Fortress Press, 2010) and The Subversive Power of Love: The Vision of Henriette Delille (Paulist Press, 2009). She is the principal editor of Uncommon Faithfulness: The Black Catholic Experience and co-editor with Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza of Feminist Theologies in Different Contexts and Violence Against Women. Copeland has been the recipient of several awards, including the Yves Congar Award for Excellence in Theology from Barry University, Miami, Florida; the Distinguished Scholar Award from the Black Religious Scholars Group of the American Academy of Religion; and five honorary degrees. She is a member of numerous academic societies including The Catholic Theological Society of America, The American Academy of Religion, The Society for the Study of Black Religion and The Black Catholic Theological Symposium. The October lecture is made possible by the McDonald Agape Foundation, with additional support provided by The Aquinas Center at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. About the McDonald Chair The Alonzo L. McDonald Family Chair on the Life and Teachings of Jesus and Their Impact on Culture is supported by gifts from the McDonald Agape Foundation, founded by Alonzo L. McDonald, a longtime trustee of Emory University. The McDonald Agape Foundation supports lectures and other public presentations that deal creatively and imaginatively with the person and teachings of Jesus as they shape and form culture. Recipients are given a distinguished visiting professorship, in which they speak and teach in the focused area of Jesuss effect on culture and, conversely, cultures shaping of the figure of Jesus. Past McDonald chair lecturers include Judge John T. Noonan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; composer Alice Parker; art historian Herbert Kessler; historian and documentary filmmaker Randall Balmer; author James Carroll; Episcopal priest and bestselling author Barbara Brown Taylor; Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Garry Wills; Jesuit priest and film professor Lloyd Baugh; scholar David H. Kelsey; scholar David F. Ford; scholar Walter Earl Fluker; and scholar Roberto S. Goizueta, among others. View a full list of past chairs. Advertisement After a revered ultra-Orthodox rabbi died this week from COVID-19, Israeli police thought they had worked out an arrangement with his followers to allow a small, dignified funeral that would conform with public health guidelines under the current coronavirus lockdown. Followers of Rabbi Mordechai Leifer, 65, had been given special permission under Israel's lockdown rules to include hundreds of people. The rabbi was the leader of a Hasidic sect founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania about 100 years ago. He had led his followers in Ashdod for several decades. But when it was time to bury the rabbi in the city of Ashdod on Monday, thousands of people showed up - ignoring social distancing rules and clashing with police who tried to disperse the mass gathering. Such violations of lockdown rules by segments of the ultra-Orthodox population have angered a broader Israeli public that is largely complying with the restrictions imposed to halt a raging coronavirus outbreak. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews turned up to the funeral of a revered rabbi in the city of Ashdod on Monday. Followers had been given special permission for hundreds of people to attend Rabbi Mordechai Leifer's funeral but many, many more showed up The defiance shown by some members of Israel's ultra-Orthodox community has confounded public health experts and triggered a new wave of resentment from secular Israelis, causing some to worry about unity in the country once the pandemic is over The defiance on display has confounded public health experts, tested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's longstanding political alliance with religious leaders and triggered a new wave of resentment from secular Israelis who fear for their health and livelihoods. 'We've been asked to go into this lockdown, with its insane economic cost, that is causing people to go insane, because of the increase in coronavirus which is mostly occurring in the ultra-Orthodox sector and in large part because of criminal negligence,' wrote media personality Judy Shalom Nir Mozes on the Ynet news site. 'There are two sets of laws here. One for us and one for them.' The ultra-Orthodox claim they are being unfairly targeted by the authorities. They point to large weekly protests, mainly by secular Israelis, against Netanyahu's handling of the pandemic that have continued throughout the summer. Only last week, the government finally placed limits on the size of the protests, citing violations of public health guidelines. 'We are at the closest point to an explosion in terms of the mistrust,' said Israel Cohen, a commentator with the ultra-Orthodox radio station Kol Barama. The ultra-Orthodox community says it has been unfairly targeted by Israel's second lockdown, pointing out that weeks-long mass protests against the government's handling of the pandemic have been allowed to continue without police intervention until recently, while their own religious and social gatherings have been curtailed A deep chasm has long divided religious and secular Israelis, wrought by years of seemingly preferential treatment for the ultra-Orthodox who are granted government stipends to study full-time. Ultra-Orthodox support is the lifeblood of Netanyahu's coalition and has helped secure his position as Israel's longest-serving leader. The country, which has a population of about 9 million people, is battling one of the world's worst coronavirus outbreaks on a per capita basis. Its ultra-Orthodox community, which makes up roughly 10% of the population, accounts for more than one-third of the country's coronavirus cases. Rabbi Mordechai Leifer, whose body is seen here in an ambulance, was buried in the port city of Ashdod on Monday. He had been the leader of a Hasidic sect founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania about one hundred years ago and led a group of about a dozen families in Ashdod for several decades before his death In the last week, Israel has seen highs of 9,000 new virus cases a day. It has recorded more than 272,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,700 deaths from the coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic earlier this year. The current spike comes during the Jewish High Holidays, a time when the faithful usually pack synagogues and hold large family gatherings - settings that officials feared would ramp up the country's already soaring infection rates. Ultra-Orthodox officials try to enforce social distancing among mourners at the funeral of Rabbi Mordechai Leifer but many in attendance flouted safety measures. Social and religious gatherings are integral to the ultra-Orthodox community's way of life Police clashed with mourners as they tried to control the crowd gathered in Ashdod on Monday to pay their respects to the late rabbi who himself died of coronavirus. Some secular Israeli's have accused the police of turning a blind eye to infractions by the ultra-Orthodox community Couple caught breaking lockdown by having SEX on the beach An Israeli couple have been caught having sex on the beach during their national lockdown. Not only were the pair in violation of the 2m social distancing guidelines, they also lied about being within the permitted 1km distance from their home. The couple were first stopped by police while walking along the shore without masks in Rishon LeZion, according to Channel 12. They received fines over the masks and the distance from their homes, and were later caught having sex by a beach restaurant employee. Officers were called and recognised the couple, handing them further fines. Advertisement Israel imposed a second nationwide lockdown ahead of the Jewish New Year last month, aiming to keep people at home. But parts of the ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, community have defied those limits, holding massive holiday events, moving back and forth between cities and keeping some schools and synagogues open despite orders to close down. Despite appeals by some lawmakers and community leaders for compliance, the current harvest holiday of Sukkot has presented another obstacle to enforcing lockdown measures. After the weeklong holiday began on Friday, Israeli news outlets aired images of packed synagogues. 'It disturbs us,' Israel's coronavirus czar Ronni Gamzu said last week of the high morbidity, after revealing the ultra-Orthodox made up 40% of the country's total cases. The ultra-Orthodox have been at the centre of the outbreak since it began in the spring. They tend to live in poor, crowded neighbourhoods where sickness can quickly spread. Synagogues, the centrepiece of social life, bring men together to pray and socialise in small spaces. Large parts of the community are adhering to rules. But some ultra-Orthodox view the restrictions as a greater threat than the virus, fearing the lockdown restrictions will undermine their way of life. The cloistered community has long been separate from mainstream Israeli life, with children studying scripture but very little maths and English. Men are granted exemptions from military service, which is compulsory for other Jews, and some avoid the workforce while collecting welfare stipends to continue to study full time. Mourners also gathered on balconies to observe the funeral without breaking the lockdown rules in place in Israel, which is facing one of the world's worst coronavirus outbreaks, recording highs of 9,000 cases a day The community's representatives in parliament have acted as kingmakers, granting them disproportionate political power. Netanyahu has been slammed for his handling of the coronavirus crisis, including for having imposed virus restrictions that critics say favour his ultra-Orthodox partners. Gamzu had pushed for targeted lockdowns in early September, focused on areas with worrying outbreaks, including many ultra-Orthodox communities. But after fierce pressure from ultra-Orthodox leaders, Netanyahu decided against such measures and instead imposed a nationwide lockdown weeks later. 'Netanyahu is so afraid of his Haredi partners that he announced he was locking down the whole country without the whole country needing a lockdown,' opposition leader Yair Lapid told The Associated Press. Pointing to continued mass weddings and study sessions among the religious, Lapid said that 'before they harm the general public, they are harming themselves.' Secular Israelis have watched with exasperation as police have ticketed individuals not wearing masks or restaurants opening in defiance of the rules, while seemingly turning a blind eye to the transgressions of the ultra-Orthodox. In recent days, however, police have begun to crack down on religious scofflaws as well. Netanyahu's opponents also accuse him of trying to squash the persistent protests against him, including outside his Jerusalem home, under the guise of the nationwide lockdown. Experts say any gains made in recent years at integrating the ultra-Orthodox into Israeli society - a crucial step to ensure the sustainable growth of Israel's economy - could be wiped out by the renewed bitterness wrought by the virus. 'The coronavirus will disappear at some point,' said Yedidia Stern, an expert on religion and state at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank. 'But what kind of society will we be after it?' Ultra-Orthodox Jews of the Nadvorna Hasidic dynasty celebrate the Jewish feast of 'Tu Bishvat' or 'New Year of the Trees.' as they sit with their rabbis around a long table filled with all kinds of fruits, in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak Maintaining of a well-trained and protected workforce is the lynchpin of a healthy economy and everyone needs to play their part. The comments come after the insurer issued a report with the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford. The study saw two global surveys carried out, alongside interviews with business leaders, and came to the conclusion that no single stakeholder can possibly shoulder the burden of COVID-19 alone. As such, there is a need for shared responsibility between employers, individuals, governments and benefits providers. Some of the key findings of the report included that: there is a growing need for protection, especially among atypical workers like freelancers and those who work part-time; Millennials and Gen Z generations are likely to become more risk-averse as a result of the pandemic, including rethinking self-employment; while new forms of public-private partnerships could be key to easing pressure on governments such as the compulsory adoption of unemployment insurance, income protection and health insurance. Insurance schemes ought to have embedded within them a redistributive capacity as a means of reducing inequality, such as between higher and lower income earners, as well as between different worker generations, the insurer added in a statement. The rise of a new world of big data also calls for protection that is designed with greater inbuilt flexibility and continuity across career choices, which includes a more flexible uptake, payment for, and switching between and within insurance products. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. (Alliance News) - Restaurant Group PLC on Tuesday said it had a good start to the first half of 2020 which was then marred by Covid-19 leading to losses widening, with the outlook uncertain. The London-based restaurant chain posted a pretax loss in the first half to June 30 of GBP207.5 million, widening from GBP78.8 million a year prior. Revenue was down to GBP227.2 million from GBP515.9 million a year before. Restaurant chain Wagamama Group Ltd, part of Restaurant Group, posted a second quarter revenue of GBP8.5 million, plummeting 90% from GBP88.3 million year-on-year. In the first half, Wagamama's revenue dropped 48% to GBP90.8 million from GBP173.9 million a year prior. The company said Wagamama has seen encouraging results into the third quarter, particularly benefitting from the 'Eat Out To Help Out' campaign. Restaurant Group said: "The first half of 2020 began well but was then severely impacted by the effects of Covid-19 and the resulting compulsory closure of all group sites from March 20 to the end of the half year on June 28." The company said that prior to the lockdown, the results for the first eight weeks of trading to the February 23 were very encouraging with the business delivering like-for-like sales growth of 4.5%. "From the start of March, trading began to slow culminating in the full lockdown of the business. Following the closure of the restaurants, the management team took decisive action to reduce cash expenditure. All the restaurant teams and the vast majority of head office were furloughed leaving a small core team managing the business," Restaurant Group said. Restaurant Group managed to reduce cash-burn by GBP3.5 million a month. This however was not enough and the company ended up closing the Chiquito Ltd and Food & Fuel Ltd businesses permanently to protect the rest of the businesses which "were highly likely to require significant cash to support" in the near future. The company did not pay an interim dividend versus 2.1 pence paid a year prior. Going forward, Chief Executive Andy Hornby said: "Whilst the sector outlook is uncertain, and we are mindful of recent restrictions across the UK, we are confident that the actions we have taken provide us with strong foundations to emerge as one of the long-term winners." The company believes it has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next 12 months. Restaurant Group shares were up 4.7% at 57.10 pence each in London on Tuesday morning. By Greg Roxburgh; gregroxburgh@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Later, in a statement released after his address, he denounced Mr. Trump this time by name for abruptly ending the economic stimulus talks with Democrats, saying that the president had never even really tried to get a deal for all of the Americans who were suffering financially. Make no mistake: If you are out of work, if your business is closed, if your childs school is shut down, if you are seeing layoffs in your community, Donald Trump decided today that none of that none of it matters to him, Mr. Biden said. In a tweet, he said bluntly: The President turned his back on you. Though it is perhaps too soon for the address to amount to a closing argument in the 2020 campaign, his remarks suggested that he intends to end his bid for the White House as he began it: by framing the election as a national emergency whose outcome will determine the trajectory and the character of the country for years to come. Nodding to the latest chaos fueled by Mr. Trump this time the presidents cavalier attitude toward the coronavirus despite being sickened by it himself Mr. Biden built on his longstanding arguments about the need for calm and for the possibility of finding common ground. As I look across America today, Im concerned, Mr. Biden said. The country is in a dangerous place. Our trust in each other is ebbing. Hope seems elusive. Too many Americans, he said, are engaged in total, unrelenting, partisan warfare. Instead of treating each others party as the opposition, we treat them as the enemy, he said. This must end. We need to revive the spirit of bipartisanship in this country, the spirit of being able to work with one another. And, echoing a message he delivered in Pittsburgh last month, Mr. Biden sought to strike a balance between empathizing with and encouraging protesters of racial injustice, while condemning any episodes of violence, aiming to nullify a baseless Republican claim that he is radically anti-law enforcement. John Brown Nineteenth century portrait of John Brown (1800-1859) Credit - Universal Images Group via Getty In every generation, citizens of a republic have to decide what to do if their country is on a course they consider unjust or immoral. Today this decision confronts those frustrated and outraged by police brutality and other aspects of a status quo that produces persistent racial and economic inequality. In the 1960s, opponents of the war in Vietnam asked themselves what forms of resistance to government policy were justified and appropriate. In the mid-19th century, John Brown pondered the means by which slavery should be challenged. Connecticut-born, Ohio-bred Brown had never liked slavery, but not until the death of Elijah Lovejoyan abolitionist editor in the free state of Illinois, who was killed by a proslavery mobdid Brown make opposition to slavery his lifes work. He stood up in his church in Hudson, Ohio, and declared, Here, before God, in the presence of these witnesses, from this time I consecrate my life to the destruction of slavery. At first, this consecration took the form of organizing and campaigning. Brown joined forces with abolitionists in New England and New York, including Frederick Douglass. He moved his family to North Elba, N.Y., where wealthy abolitionists had established a colony for free Black people. He urged free Black men and women to make common cause, by arms if necessary, with their brothers and sisters in chains. He organized something he called the League of Gileadites, named for Gilead, the mountainous region east of the Jordan River; his idea was to encourage slaves to escape to the Allegheny Mountains, and from there to Canada. Then came the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which opened Kansas Territory to settlement on the principle of popular sovereignty. The brainchild of Senator Stephen Douglas of Illinois, popular sovereignty encouraged emigration to Kansas by proslavery and antislavery settlers alike; when a sufficient population of residents had been reached, they would vote to make Kansas a slave state or a free state. Story continues The new law turned Kansas into a battleground. Advocates of slavery poured across the border from slave-state Missouri, while opponents of slavery raced to the territory from farther away. John Brown joined the fight, along with several of his adult sons. Brown, like most opponents of slavery, had thought the Missouri Compromise of 1820 had secured the northern part of the Louisiana Purchase, including Kansas, for freedom; he was incensed at what he considered Douglas double-cross. He grew more incensed when proslavery guerrillas in Kansas descended on the antislavery settlement of Lawrence and ravaged the place. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter Brown concluded that violence justified violence. He gathered a small band of antislavery men who in the middle of the night dragged five proslavery settlers from their cabins and hacked them to death. The murders shocked Kansas and the country. Authorities in Kansas linked Brown to the killings and sought his arrest, but he changed his name and appearance and made his escape. He took refuge with other abolitionists, who declined to press him on whether he had actually done what he was being accused of. And he talked them into supporting a larger assault on the slave system, again deflecting questions that might compromise him or them. In October 1859 the world learned the details of Browns scheme. He led his followers to Harpers Ferry, Va., where they seized and occupied a federal arsenal. Their goal was to distribute the arsenals weapons to enslaved men in the vicinity who would rise up against their masters and take their freedom by force. They believed that the example of Harpers Ferry would spread across the South, shaking and ultimately destroying slavery as an institution. Things didnt go as planned. Harpers Ferry was easier to get into than get out of, and Brown and his men were quickly surrounded. More crucially, slaves in the area refused to join what they deemedaccurately, as it turned outa suicide mission. Brown and his surviving followers were captured and imprisoned. On his way to the gallows, following his conviction for treason against Virginia and murder of individuals killed in the raid, Brown passed an ominous note to a guard declaring, The crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood. He was more right than he could have imagined. The raid on Harpers Ferryand the adulation Brown received from Northern abolitionistscaused many slaveholders to think their institution and their very lives were in danger as long as the South remained part of the Union. Southerners were thus primed to react decisively when Abraham Lincoln, the nominee of the antislavery Republican party, was elected president in 1860. Seven Southern states quickly left the Union and formed a new country, the Confederate States of America. Four more states joined them after fighting began at Fort Sumter. Lincoln initially tried to separate the issue of slavery from that of secession. The Southern states could keep slavery as long as they wanted, he said, but they could not leave the Union. Yet when this argument failed, Lincoln concluded that preserving the Union required freeing the slaves, and in the Emancipation Proclamation he embraced freedom for the enslaved as a fundamental Union war aim. By the end of the war, Browns bloody prediction was being treated by many in the North as akin to divine revelation. Even Lincoln, who had condemned the Kansas murders and the Harpers Ferry raid, echoed Brown when, in his second inaugural address, he allowed that it might be Gods will that every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword. Yet one has to take great care in drawing lessons from Brown and Lincoln. Brown demonstrated that a person can be on the right side of history and still go terribly wrong. His Kansas murders were inexcusable, his raid was a failure and the war he helped trigger killed perhaps 700,000 Americansthe population equivalent of more than 7 million today. As the death toll mounted, some opponents of slavery judged the war deaths a necessary atonement for slaverys evil, but no one would have accepted such ghastly arithmetic ahead of time. Surely even Brown would have quailed at the carnage. And so should we, no matter how much we applaud the wars role in emancipation. A more apt lesson follows from something else Lincoln said. Before the war began, he appealed to the better angels of Americans nature to halt the slide toward disaster. The angels werent listening, and the war came. We are not on the brink of war now, and we certainly hope we dont go there. But as tension and violence mount, the sobering memory of the Civil War should encourage us to heed the voice of our own angels when it tells us not to let our good intentions lead us astray. Doubleday H.W. Brands is the author of The Zealot and the Emancipator: John Brown, Abraham Lincoln and the Struggle for American Freedom, available now from Doubleday Books. London: An outdated Excel spreadsheet has been blamed for a new coronavirus fiasco in England, where as many as 50,000 people who should have been self-isolating were not because a batch of positive cases were never passed on to contact tracers. Britain's second wave appeared to be flat-lining last week before it was revealed nearly 16,000 positive tests between September 25 and October 2 were never made public. The blunder meant only 7000 cases were reported on Friday when the true figure was close to 12,000. The missing cases were also never registered with the National Health Service tracing regime, meaning close contacts of the 16,000 infected people did not get notified that they might be at risk and should self-isolate for 14 days. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5) A lawmaker questioned the provision of Bayanihan 2 which exempts mergers and acquisitions worth less than P50 billion from review of the government's anti-trust body. Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said during the plenary deliberations on Monday for the Philippine Competition Commission's 2021 budget that the Bayanihan 2 provision exempting these kinds of transactions from the required compulsory notification under Republic Act 10667, or the Philippine Competition Act, curbs the authority of the PCC. She added that this exemption affects transparency when it comes to disclosing such business deals. This provision under Bayanihan 2 covers transactions entered into within a period of two years from the law's effectivity. Also, these transactions will be exempted from PCC's motu proprio review for one year. Originally, the PCC had to be notified of transactions valued at P2.4 billion. The agency reviews these to ensure that this will not limit competition and negatively affect consumers. Brosas specifically mentioned Dennis Uy, who, she said, was able to build "his empire in the matter of years under this administration." She asked how businesses like his can be monitored since they can benefit from relaxing restrictions. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, the sponsor of PCC budget, explained that this restriction was lifted to allow businesses to have "efficient operations." "In the way the pandemic affected our economy, there is a greater economic logic that we allow these transactions to proceed unhampered," he said. Salceda noted that not doing so will further negatively affect the country's economy, especially in terms of value of production, job, and consumer welfare by way of prices. Guidelines The PCC has issued rules on merger reviews to ensure that market competition is still maintained. It said mergers and acquisitions that are "likely to substantially lessen competition" may be reviewed motu proprio after 1 year from the effectivity of Bayanihan 2. The Section 4 (eee) of the law also exempts transactions with values below P50 billion if entered within 2 years from the effectivity of Bayanihan 2. It also suspended the PCC's exercise of motu proprio review of these transactions for 1 year Under the guidelines released on Monday, it said the following transactions are still subject to compulsory notification: - Transaction value is at least PHP 50 billion - Entered into before the effectivity of Bayanihan 2 and exceed the applicable thresholds when the definitive agreement was signed. A District Judge in Londonderry has said it is "no wonder the Covid figures are as high as they are when 30 to 40 young people sit drinking in the Guildhall Square" A District Judge in Londonderry has said it is "no wonder the Covid figures are as high as they are when 30 to 40 young people sit drinking in the Guildhall Square". Police were called on Saturday night following reports about the group, one of whom, a young woman, was unconscious. As the officers assisted her they were surrounded by the group, mostly female, who became aggressive. One, Martina Curtis (19), from Pennyburn Court, Derry, refused to calm down and was arrested and charged with two offences of disorderly behaviour. Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott told Derry Magistrates Court his client's behaviour was bizarre. She was granted bail until October 19. Curtis was banned from entering Guildhall Square and consuming alcohol or non-prescribed drugs. She was also ordered to observe a 7pm to 7am nightly curfew. President Donald Trump walks out of Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, walking to Marine One on Oct. 5, 2020, to return to the White House after being discharged. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Maryland School Board Member Resigns Over Post Wishing Trump Dies From COVID-19 A Washington County Board of Education member from Maryland has said she will resign after she published a post on her personal Facebook page saying that she wished President Donald Trump would die from COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus. Longtime educator Jacqueline Fischer, who has since retracted her comments, was also criticized for sharing a series of posts that criticized the president and his administration. Since he has tested positive for COVID-19, maybe the country will get lucky and he will die. Wouldnt that be an act of karma! wrote Fischer, who was first elected to the board in 2002. He could care less [sic] how many Americans die from this even if he is the one who exposed them. I hope he dies from it. That would solve a lot of Americas problems. Fischers current term on the board began in 2018, and was due to expire in 2022. She was previously a board member from 2002 to 2006 and during the years 2010 and 2014. The Washington County Board Of Education said in a statement on Sunday that her resignation is set to be accepted on Oct. 6 at the boards Public Business Meeting. Washington County Public Schools is aware of the comments posted on social media by a Washington County Board of Education member, the board said. These comments are from one individual member of the Board of Education and do not reflect the views, positions, or opinions of WCPS or the WCBOE. President Donald Trump removes his mask upon return to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington on Oct. 5, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) The Republican Party of Washington County also released a statement thanking Fischer for her resignation. I would also like to thank the other members of the school board as well who helped make this possible. We look forward to the conclusion of this situation on Tuesday when her resignation is official, the statement reads. Our community can now begin the healing process and work to build a better educational system deserving of our great county. Fischer on Friday afternoon told Herald-Mail Media that she shared the now-deleted post out of frustration. I dont really agree with that, Fischer said. I dont wish anyone to die. It was just out of frustration. I really wish he would lose the race is what I should have said. The Epoch Times contacted Fischer for comment, but didnt immediately hear back. Trump left Marylands Walter Reed hospital on Monday evening, four days after his COVID-19 diagnosis. His doctors told a news conference that his condition had improved enough to allow him to return back to the White House. Three NJ Transit bus riders made the case why they and their 930,350 fellow passengers need a bill of rights, which the Tri-State Transportation Campaign proposed Monday. Why is one needed? Bus rider Victor Gavilanes of Newark talked about being stranded after work at night when the last bus is a no-show. There have been times when I waited at night for last bus only to find out it broke down, Gavilanes said during a virtual press conference. I speak for other riders, it is discouraging when you have an appointment or are tired after work and youre left waiting with no update. The bill of rights began after Tri-State presented a multipoint plan in September 2019 to make NJ Transit buses easier to ride, less confusing and cleaner, to attract more riders. The proposed bill of rights built on that report, based on follow-up interviews with hundreds of bus riders during the last year, said Kevin Garcia, Tri-State New Jerseys Bus Campaign manager. Riders conveyed their frustration about on-time performance, cleanliness, crowding, safety and repairs, he said. Our goal is for the bus riders bill of rights to be codified through the legislative process. Ashley Farias said she switched to a car because the bus was too undependable. As a high school student, she rode the bus to and from class and recalled waiting four hours for a bus during a storm. We looked on any website we could find (for information), finally my brother sent an Uber, she said. I do substitute teaching. I cant afford to be late. If there were clearer communication, Id consider taking the bus. The bill would require better information about bus arrivals and departures. During problems, such as delays or service changes, information would be available at affected on the route, on NJ Transits website, and other forms of electronic communication. Other provisions call for operating a sufficient number of buses, seven days a week, to accommodate all customers. Many people also depend on the bus to go shopping, to doctors appointments and to church, said Kim Wilson, a program specialist with the Union County Council for Young Children. We asked parents if they could change one thing in their neighborhood. Of three issues that came up, transportation was the top issue, Wilson said. The bill of rights is importantif we can provide individuals with the necessary tools, including transportation, the outcome on their lives can be immeasurable. The proposal also calls for NJ Transit to publish accurate ridership data and on-time performance, based on the published schedule of arrival and departure times and when stops are made during the trip. The agency would have to conduct an annual review and adjustment of bus schedules and routes based on ridership metrics. It would require up-to-date bus route maps and schedules available in print, braille, and electronic form, in a variety of languages. They would be displayed on buses, NJ Transits website, mobile app, and maps at bus stops along the route. Communication with riders who speak other languages was mentioned as an issue by Gavilanes. If someone doesnt speak English, how will they find out if theyre delayed? he said. We need more inclusive information. NJ Transit would be required to operate sanitized, safe, well-maintained vehicles that meet CDC and state COVID-19 reopening requirements, that offer priority seating for passengers with disabilities. The agency would be required to provide proper safety equipment and training to protect bus operators and riders. Bus drivers would also have to be regularly trained in COVID-19 safety requirements and operating accessibility equipment, such as lifts or ramps to accommodate passengers with any type of disability. A handicapped rider, who only identified herself as Belinda said she got stuck on a bus wheelchair lift she was using. A supervisor had to be called to help the bus driver get her down, she said. It was not pretty, she said. Finally, fares need to be structured for customers of all ages, socioeconomic status, and disability. Fares should only be raised after all other funding options have been exhausted and after the proper process is followed, under the bill. The report also incorporates some of the recommendations in NJ Transits five year capital and strategic plans that were introduced this year, including a redesign of Newarks bus system, Garcia said. NJ Transit officials said they regularly look for innovative ways to identify service improvements and technological advances systemwide, im Smith, an agency spokesman, said about the bill of rights. We continually review our bus route structure in order to maximize operational efficiency and improve the customer experience, he said. We appreciate Tri-States advocacy and their recognition and support for the robust resources our transit system needs. Tri-State is looking for a legislative sponsor for the bill, Garcia said. Former State Senator Jennifer Beck proposed a rail and bus riders bill of rights in 2012, but a committee chairman never brought it up for a vote. Buses serve more people than trains. Buses need to be seen in a better lens, Gavilanes said. NJ Transit is a leading transportation agency in the nation, it needs to provide a better quality of service. This bill will do that. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. After two years of studying forensic evidence, the deathbed photo that shows U.S. President Lincoln after he was assassinated is said to be 99% real, an investigator claims. The claim is made in a new Discovery Channel documentary, "The Lost Lincoln," which sees specialists aiming to establish the authenticity of the controversial photo. Lincoln's picture The photo has been the subject of debate, with some experts convinced that it shows the body of the 16th president of the U.S., while others have stated that the claim was "rubbish." Abraham Lincoln was killed on April 14, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth, an actor, and spy of the Confederate States. The president had been watching the stage play "Our American Cousin" with his wife, Mary Todd, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., before he was fatally shot in the head. Lincoln was taken to a boardinghouse across the street where doctors battled to save the president's life after he slipped into a coma for eight hours. He died the next morning. Also Read: Amazon Vows to Remove Coronavirus-Themed Face Masks for Halloween The documentary "The Lost Lincoln" aims to determine whether the body seen in the picture was indeed that of Lincoln's. The picture shows a man with a narrow face and a beard laying down and staring lifelessly into the distance. Whitney Braun, an investigator, embarked on a mission for two years to verify whether the man in the picture was in fact the president. She said that in the world of authenticating, it is like finding the Holy Grail. Braun said that she is 99% certain that the man in the picture is the former president. According to her and Archie Grips, the producer of the documentary, all logic points to the authenticity of the photo. Critics' take on the photo Some critics have dismissed the claims insisting that the body in the photo can not be that of the president. According to Harold Holzer, he had seen enough of these types of pictures to know that the man in the photo is not Lincoln. Holzer's book was published in 1984 titled "The Lincoln Image: Abraham Lincoln and the Popular Print," and it examines all the 130 known pictures taken of Lincoln. Those who believe in the validity of the picture said that it was taken by Henry Ulke, a professional photographer, who lived in the boardinghouse where the president was taken after he was shot. It is believed that he secretly took the picture before the president's body was transferred to the White House. Braun admitted that she first doubted the authenticity of the picture, but she was convinced when she consulted a facial recognition expert, a medical expert, and a ballistic expert. According to the facial recognition expert, a slight scar under the lip of the man in the picture was the same as Lincoln's, while the ballistic expert said that there was no possibility of an exit wound from the bullet. However, Hozer said that the man's beard is full, while the beard of the former president had become a goatee as seen in his last pictures, according to The Daily Beast. Jerry Spolar, the dentist who showed Braun the image had asked a judge to block the airing of the documentary because it profits off of his property. He also sued Braun for breaking a non-disclosure agreement. Braun has insisted that the picture does not belong to an individual, and that is should be in a museum because she said that it "belongs to the American people." Related Article: Abraham Lincoln's Handwriting Discovered in Library Book About Racial Segregation @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 22:10:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's state security arrested on Tuesday six Egyptian nationals for attempting to smuggle, through the airport, hundreds of boxes of medicines from Lebanon to Egypt, the National News Agency reported. The arrested people said they bought the medicines from different pharmacies in Lebanon. They were released after submitting their residency documents to relevant judicial bodies in Lebanon. Lebanon has been fighting against the smuggling of medicines amid a shortage in medical products in the country as people have stored big quantities in their houses before the Central Bank of Lebanon lifts subsidies on these products by the end of this month which will cause an increase in their prices. The Central Bank of Lebanon is planning to lift subsidies on medicines due to the shortage in U.S. dollars in the country. Enditem Sometimes it's personal barriers that prevent older adults from participating a disability or lack of transportation may make it difficult for an individual to get to and from the trial site. Other times, the study design itself blocks older adults due to restrictions on age, underlying conditions or the use of certain medications. Either way, inadequate representation in medical research can have serious implications. "When we don't have the clinical trial data or are not involving the relevant populations, then clinicians end up having to guess about what the right dose is for their patient, what the potential side effects might be, what the potential interactions with other drugs that they might be taking can be, Clarke says. Though older adults clearly are needed in clinical trials, it's also important that individuals understand the risks and benefits of participating. If you are thinking about signing up for a clinical trial, here are a few pros and cons to consider. Pro: You could be among the first to receive a new drug or therapy For many conditions whether it's COVID-19 or Alzheimer's disease researchers are still searching for therapies that can help prevent an illness or lessen its severity. And clinical trial participants can have access to really exciting new science that others aren't getting access to yet, Clarke says. Your participating in a trial also allows researchers to study how these cutting-edge drugs, devices or procedures will work across different ages, races and backgrounds. "If a drug has only been tested in younger people, then how do you know it's also going to be good [in someone who is older?], says Raymond Yung, M.D., a professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Michigan and associate director of research at the Department of Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center. Take vaccines, for example: Eric Topol, M.D., a clinical trial expert and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, says there's a very marked difference in immune system response as we age. This is why testing vaccines in older adults is key to understanding how effective the medicine will be once it is made widely available to the public. Con: The treatment may not work, or you could get a placebo On the flip side, just because you enroll in a clinical trial doesn't mean you are guaranteed to receive the treatment that's being tested. The Al Hirschfeld Foundation has regained complete control of the legendary artist's work after a multi-year court case. The not-for-profit organization, established in 2004 by Hirschfeld's will, filed suit against the New York-based Margo Feiden Galleries in 2016, accusing them of flooding the market with unauthorized reproductions of Hirschfeld's work. They had sold his drawings for more than four decades. The United States District Court, Southern District of New York, awarded the Foundation a total of $452,767.62 in damages after finding that the gallery breached its September 2000 agreement. The court found that the galleries made unauthorized copies, failed to account for 27 original drawings, and failed to report or pay the Foundation for a number of sales. In the initial complaint, the Foundation said it never approved for certain reproductions of Hirschfeld's work, as well as accused them of selling print-on-demand giclees. The Foundation's relationship with the Margo Feiden Galleries is now 100% terminated. The gallery was also sanctioned by the court. Hirschfeld, the beloved Broadway caricaturist, died at the age of 99 in 2003. His signature work, defined by a linear calligraphic style, appeared in virtually every major publication of the last nine decades, as well as numerous book and record covers, and 15 postage stamps. Nickie Aiken MP will take part in a Parliamentary debate highlighting the plight of the music industry (Westminster Council/PA) MPs will highlight the plight of the UKs coronavirus-ravaged music industry during a debate in Parliament. Conservative MP Nickie Aiken, whose Cities of London and Westminster constituency includes a host of music venues, has secured the debate on Tuesday. It comes as the industry steps up its calls for the Government to help the crippled sector. Industry body UK Music says the pandemic has wiped out at least 900 million of the 1.1 billion live music was expected to contribute to the economy in 2020. Expand Close The pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on the UKs live music scene, with Londons O2 arena among the venues forced to temporarily close (Ian West/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on the UKs live music scene, with Londons O2 arena among the venues forced to temporarily close (Ian West/PA) MPs are expected to use the debate to outline the perilous state of the music industry as well as the threat of closure hanging over venues. Ms Aiken said: As neighbourhoods and local economies look to recover from the pandemic it is vital to consider the impact that theatres, music venues and other cultural attractions have on their communities, both in terms of supporting finances and other business by providing jobs and footfall, but also more widely in terms of community benefit and well-being. Pre-Covid, the UK music industry contributed 5.2 billion a year to the economy, sustained 190,000 jobs and generated exports of 2.7 billion a year, according to figures compiled by UK Music. The shutdown has been devastating for the industry, including for the 72% in the sector who are self-employed many of whom are not eligible for financial support according to UK Music. The body is calling for more assistance. Many music events cannot break even due to Government restrictions on social distancing. Among the measures UK Music is calling for are an extension of VAT and business rate reliefs, an extension to protection from eviction and for rent breaks for music spaces to be considered. Video of the Day It is also urging ministers to support a Covid-19 insurance vehicle to give live performances cover against cancellation forced by the virus. The Westminster Hall debate, titled The Contribution of Theatres, Live Music Venues and Other Cultural Attractions to the Local Economy, is scheduled to take place between 2.30pm and 4pm on Tuesday. Protesters broke into the offices of Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, smashing official portraits and showering documents from the windows, overnight on October 6. The demonstrators said there were widespread irregularities in parliamentary elections on October 4, in which pro-government parties were declared to have won. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 00:05:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TOKYO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that business travel will resume between Japan and South Korea on Thursday after flights were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Currently, the Japan-South Korea relationship is in an extremely severe situation so exchanges of people from both countries, starting with business people, are important," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told a press briefing. The two countries are at odds over a number of wartime-related law suits brought in South Korea against Japanese firms for forced use of Korean labor during Japan's brutal wartime occupation of the Korean Peninsula. Under the agreement on the resumption of bilateral travel, travelers on short-term business trips will not be required to self-isolate if they test negative for COVID-19 and submit travel itineraries to the appropriate authorities. Expatriates and long-term residents, meanwhile, will have to self-quarantine for 14-days under the agreement. The deal, in essence, is similar to one struck recently between Japan and Singapore. The planned move between Tokyo and Seoul came after Japan eased entry restrictions into the country for foreigners on Oct. 1, although entry is still being refused for tourists. Those such as foreign medical professionals, teachers and others who are qualified for medium or long-term stays for three months or longer will be allowed entry, the government said, with those traveling for business purposes for less than three months also being eligible. Currently, people from 159 countries and regions are denied entry to the country, but Japan has steadily been easing its entry restrictions. Foreigners with Japanese resident status who had been overseas have recently been allowed to re-enter the county, while expatriates and other long-term residents from some Asian countries have also been granted access into the country. These include those from Vietnam, Thailand and seven other economies with which reciprocal agreements have been made. The government has, more recently, made similar reciprocal agreements with Singapore and Brunei. Around 5.58 million South Koreans visited Japan in 2019, the second largest following around 9.59 million from China, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Enditem I did it to support the servers and support the artists, said Firestone. A lot of artists arent getting a lot of work right now, and Im a foodie. I eat out a lot or at least I used to and have a lot of friends in that industry. I set it up so that 40% of the proceeds go to the artists, 40% to the fund, and 20% to curation and costs. Some artists have donated back their proceeds, so in those cases, 80% is going to the fund. Copper Mountain Mining Third Quarter 2020 Results Conference Call Notification Posted by Publisher Internet Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (TSX:CMMC | ASX:C6C)? (?Copper Mountain? or the ?Company? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOOyuqx6yxk&list=PLBpDlKjdv3yrtJgU748Qq7eaRUpid3YYq&index=9&t=2s ?) will be releasing its financial and operating results for the third quarter of 2020 before markets open on Monday, November 2, 2020. The Company will be hosting a conference call on Monday, November 2, 2020 at 7:30 am (Pacific Time) for senior management to discuss the third quarter 2020 results.? Dial-in information: Toronto and international: 647-427-7450 North America (toll-free): 1-888-231-8191 To participate in the webcast live via computer go to: https://produceredition.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1379598&tp_key=9549f68559 Replay Call Information Toronto and international: 416-849-0833, Passcode: 3359433 North America (toll-free): 1-855-859-2056, Passcode: 3359433 The conference call replay will be available until 8:59 pm (Pacific Time) on November 9, 2020. An archive of the audio webcast will also be available on the company?s website at http://www.cumtn.com. About Copper Mountain Mining Corporation: Copper Mountain?s flagship asset is the 75% owned Copper Mountain mine located in southern British Columbia near the town of Princeton. The Copper Mountain mine currently produces on average approximately 90 million pounds of copper equivalent annually.? Copper Mountain also has the permitted, development-stage Eva Copper Project in Queensland, Australia and an extensive 2,443 km2 highly prospective land package in the Mount Isa area. Copper Mountain trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ?CMMC? and Australian Stock Exchange under the symbol ?C6C?. Additional information is available on the Company?s web page at www.CuMtn.com. On behalf of the Board of COPPER MOUNTAIN MINING CORPORATION ?Gil Clausen????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Gil Clausen, P.Eng. Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Letitia Wong, Vice President Corporate Development & Investor Relations 604-682-2992 Email: Letitia.Wong@CuMtn.com? or Dan Gibbons, Investor Relations 604-682-2992 ext. 238 Email: Dan.Gibbons@CuMtn.com In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, ?forward-looking statements?) within the meaning of applicable securities laws.? All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements.? Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as ?plans?, ?expects?, ?estimates?, ?intends?, ?anticipates?, ?believes? or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results ?may?, ?could?, ?would?, ?might?, ?occur? or ?be achieved?.? Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements.? Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the successful exploration of the Company?s properties in Canada and Australia, the reliability of the historical data referenced in this press release and risks set out in Copper Mountain?s public documents, including in each management discussion and analysis, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.? Although Copper Mountain believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all.? Except where required by applicable law, Copper Mountain disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. YEREVAN, 6 OCTOBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 6 October, USD exchange rate up by 1.55 drams to 490.14 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 2.90 drams to 577.29 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.01 drams to 6.25 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 3.04 drams to 635.81 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 198.05 drams to 30092.17 drams. Silver price up by 1.98 drams to 376.86 drams. Platinum price down by 2.87 drams to 13993.43 drams. New York The top U.S. public health agency said Monday that the coronavirus can spread more than 6 feet through the air, especially in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials maintained that such spread is uncommon and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. However, several experts faulted the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. They said the virus can spread more easily than the CDC seems to be indicating, and suggested that the public should wear masks even in prolonged outdoor gatherings when they are more than 6 feet apart. The virus is traveling through the air and there is no bright line. Youre not safe beyond 6 feet. You cant take your mask off at 6 feet, said Dr. Donald Milton of the University of Maryland School of Public Health. For months, the CDC has said that the virus spreads mainly through small airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Most CDC guidance about social distancing is built around that idea, saying that 6 feet is a safe buffer between people who are not wearing masks. In interviews, CDC officials have also acknowledged growing evidence that the virus can sometimes spread on even smaller particles called aerosols that spread over a wider area. In the update posted on its website, the agency again acknowledged recent research showing people with COVID-19 infected others who were more than 6 feet away or shortly after an infected person left an area. CDC officials called those limited, uncommon circumstances. In those cases, spread occurred in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces where people were doing activities that caused heavier breathing, like singing or exercise, CDC officials said. People can protect themselves by staying at least 6 feet away from others, wearing a mask, washing their hands, cleaning touched surfaces and staying home when sick Last month, the CDC ignited controversy among experts when it quietly posted an update that seemed to suggest the agencys position had changed, and then within days took it down again. The short-lived post said the virus can remain suspended in the air and drift more than 6 feet, and officials emphasized the importance of indoor ventilation. It also added singing and breathing to the ways the virus can go airborne. Federal health officials later said the post was a mistake and that it had been released before full editing and clearance was completed. They said there was no major change in the agencys position, but they would finalize a post to clarify the CDCs thinking. Thats what was posted Monday. A small group of researchers including Milton on Monday published a letter in the journal Science that called for clearer public health guidance about how coronavirus spreads in the air. They said health officials need to use clearer language in talking about the size of airborne particles and droplets that can spread the disease, and be more straightforward about the role that viruses in small aerosols can play in infecting people. Masks and good ventilation are crucial indoors. But they can be important outdoors too, said Linsey Marr of Virginia Tech. A new permanent exhibition to help educate tens of thousands of visitors to Canberra about the nation's democratic history and voting system will receive a $6 million boost in Tuesday's federal budget. The funding for an interactive public exhibition, to be based at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Canberra's Old Parliament House, includes an upgrade to the National Electoral Education Centre which hosts more than 90,000 Australia school students each year. The government will provide a $6 million for a new exhibition at the the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The project was a recommendation from a parliamentary inquiry into national institutions last year which urged the centre be better resourced and offer a walk-up experience for impromptu visitors. The Australian Electoral Commission will manage the design, curation and installation of the new public exhibition and the upgrade of the education centre. A woman nicknamed 'Karen' who was twice caught on camera racially abusing Asian people in June will face jail time after accepting a guilty plea for a separate attack in which she pushed a woman to the ground. Retired social worker Lena Hernandez, 54, from Long Beach, was filmed shouting 'go back to whatever Asian country you came from' in one incident. She was arrested July 3 and charged with battery after an earlier attack in which she hit Kayceelyn Salminao on the ground in Del Amo Mall in Torrance, California, in October. Prosecutors will reportedly seek a sentence of 45 days in Los Angeles County Jail for the misdemeanor battery charge. Lena Hernandez, a retired social worker, was arrested on July 3 and charged with battery after she pushed a woman to the ground and hit her in Del Amo Mall in Torrance, California. Pictured: After the alleged attack in October Hernandez is set to appear in Torrance Court at 8am today for a judge to accept the deal, law officials reportedly told TMZ. She failed to show up to an arraignment at the court yesterday and the judge issued a bench warrant. The victims of Hernandez's tirades and their supporters attended the courthouse in protest before she finally arrived later that day. After her appearance today, Hernandez is expected to be on probation for the next three years and will have to complete a year-long anger management class. She will also reportedly be ordered to pay $1,500 and will not be allowed to own a firearm for the next 10 years as part of the plea. The victims of Hernandez's tirades and their supporters attended Torrance Court yesterday in protest, but she failed to turn up to an arraignment at 8.30am. She is expected to attend court today at 8am After her failure to show up at court yesterday, attorney for the victims Sandy Roxas said Hernandez showed a 'lack of respect'. She told the Rafu Shimpo: 'She did not show up, and by 10 oclock the court did order and issue a bench warrant for her arrest for her failure to appear. 'She did not have counsel appear on her behalf. She did not have a reason why she failed to appear. 'This is a clear indication of her lack of respect for the judicial system and her lack of concern for the victim.' Henandez was tracked down by cops after Salminao recognized her alleged attacker in the two separate racist videos posted on social media in June showing her verbally harassing Asian people. In one video Hernandez shouts at a woman who was exercising in Wilson Park and telling her to 'go back to whatever f****** Asian country you came from'. After that video went viral, a 42-year-old father came forward with a second video in which the same woman was seen telling him to 'go home' and that he would be 'f****d to death' while his eleven-year-old son waited nearby. Torrance police took Hernandez into custody at around 1 pm on July 3 and charged her with the battery misdemeanour. She was later released on bail. The charges relate to the 2019 incident where she allegedly physically abused Salminao in the California shopping mall. Salminao said she had come to the aid of a janitor, who Hernandez was allegedly shouting at for no reason. Hernandez was tracked down by cops after victim Kayceelyn Salminao recognized her alleged attacker in two separate racist videos posted on social media last month showing the suspect verbally harassing Asian people Hernandez then became physical with her and pushed her to the ground, she said. 'She came out and physically shoves me to the ground, I physically fell to the ground. She points at me and says you better not get up or else,' Salminao told CBS Los Angeles. 'She grabs my hair; she pulls my head down and then she's starting to hit me on the back of my head. She's saying all those really mean words just like the video.' Salminao's husband rushed to her aid and she was able to take pictures of Hernandez before she left. She filed a police report after the incident but said she did not hear back from the authorities. Salminao said the Hernandez pushed her to the ground after she intervened to stop her shouting at a janitor Salminao came forward last month after spotting Hernandez in the videos on social media. 'Photos of her walking away while I was waiting for the cops,' she wrote on social media, pointing out it was the same woman who had abused her. 'This white lady!' Torrance Police Chief Eve Berg identified the woman in the video and pictures as Hernandez and said they were trying to locate her last month. The city attorney's office said there is 'insufficient' evidence to support criminal charges over the two incidents that occurred at Wilson Park on June 10. Hernandez first came to the public's attention on Wednesday when Sherry Berry filmed her verbally assaulting her and telling her to 'go back to whatever f****** Asian country you belong' The first video showed Hernandez having a racist rant at Sherry Berry when she was working out in the park. The disturbing incident, which was captured on cell phone footage, happened on a set of stairs at Charles H. Wilson Park in Torrance. Berry was working out on the staircase when Hernandez bumped into her. The younger woman responds to the bump by saying 'Jesus' just seconds before Hernandez launches into a racially charged tirade. Friends of the Berry said she often records her workouts and happened to catch the racist moment on Wednesday. Pictured, Sherry Berry exercising before the incident began 'Hey, listen to me! We don't play games here anymore. Next time you ever talk to me like that you're going to get you a** kicked by my family. They're going to f*** you up!' Hernandez says. Berry questions what she did to cause the sudden outburst, but the older woman continues to hurl insults and says, 'because you're an a******.' 'Why don't you go somewhere else?' Hernandez says. 'Get the f*** out of this world, get the f*** out of these stairs, go back to whatever f****** Asian country you belong in! 'This is not your place; this is not your home. We do not want you here!' the woman adds. She then added: 'You put that on Facebook, I hope you do because every f****** person will beat the crap out of you from here on out. 'Don't you ever say, 'oh Jesus' to me when I want to use the stairs you little b****.' The victim points out that there are other stairs located throughout the park, but this does not quell the woman's verbal attack. 'You are a sick, f****** ignorant teenager... Who wears black in California sun? Who the f*** wears black? Are you an idiot? You wear black in California sun? Seriously?' After Berry's video went viral, a 42-year-old father who wished to remain anonymous shared a further video from June 10, the same day of Berry's run-in with Hernandez, which shows her hurling racist abuse at him at the same park. A second video of Hernandez was posted from the same park on the same day His eleven-year-old son was also in the car and witnessed the abuse as Hernandez is heard telling the man to 'go home' on the orders of her government. Hernandez also mocks the man which accents and by calling him 'Chinaman'. 'I am not a racist person. You need to go home,' she says. 'I am from here,' he answers, to which she says, 'I don't care about your Facebook. You know how many people can't stand you being here. I don't play games, you play games, I play games where you get f****d to death.' 'I am not a racist person You need to go home,' Hernandez is heard telling the 42-year-old father in the second video to emerge of her engaging in a racist tirade As the man gets out of his car to take her license plate number, Hernandez continues with her mocking accents and pretending that she can't understand him. 'Do you know who my family is? Do you know who your family is?' Hernandez continues. 'Go home this is from my government. Go home, you are so f****d, you're gonna get f****d, your kids are gonna get f****d. This is my country, and this is my government. Go home.' The shocking videos emerged during protests for racial justice across the United States following the death of George Floyd, an African American man who died after a white officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. DENVER, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Altvia, market-leading provider of cloud-based CRM, deal management, and investor lifecycle systems for private capital markets firms announces multiple key strategic executives joining its management team. Michael Belding, Chief Technology Officer, will lead Product and Technology; Brie Aletto, EVP Operations, will head Customer Success, Professional Services, and Solutions Consulting; and Kjael Skaalerud, SVP Revenue, will drive sales and global go-to-market functions. Altvia These veterans add to the management team led by Kevin Kelly, Altvia Founder and CEO, accelerating Altvia's strategic initiatives and product innovation. "We have been head's down building industry-specific software tools for top-tier clients in private equity, venture capital, real estate, fund of funds and institutional investors for the past 15 years," stated Kevin Kelly. "It's exhilarating to lead Altvia through this next chapter with a team of extraordinary professionals and expert support from Bow River Capital's SaaS team." "Kevin and team have exceeded all expectations in the first 100 days post our investment," said Maitlan Cramer, VP BRC Software Growth Equity and lead Board Director at Altvia. He further states, "the business results Altvia delivered out of the gates along with tripling the company's engineering and operational staff set the table for accelerating momentum in 2H 2020 and the foreseeable future." About Altvia Altvia is a market-leading provider for CRM and investor & deal management systems specifically built for Private Capital Market firms. Founded in 2006, Altvia has hundreds of world-class clients and supports over 40,000 LP investors. The company's mobile-optimized platform (AIM, ShareSecure, Correspond, and Answers) is transforming the way GP's deliver continuous value, real-time decision support, and secure communications to their valued constituents. Marquee firms across multiple verticals including IVP, Livingbridge, Tailwater Capital, and RCP Advisors trust Altvia to optimize operational functions and enable critically important communications. Learn more at www.altvia.com Media Contact: Kristin Piccirillo Martin [email protected] 720.350.1518 Related Images image1.png SOURCE Altvia The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px OTTAWA Newly elected Green party Leader Annamie Paul displays a political acumen that will serve her well in Ottawa, if she can one day win a seat in Parliament. Right now, thats her immediate challenge. But it might not be her biggest. That might be trying to outrun her predecessor, Elizabeth May, the public face of the party for the past 13 years. Paul made Canadian history on Saturday when she became the first Black woman to be elected as a federal party leader. In her debut news conference Monday on Parliament Hill, Paul praised May as a force to be reckoned with, and the person who will continue to be the Green partys main spokesperson in the House of Commons until Paul wins a seat. Yet May, who complained the Greens political rivals wont stand down and let Paul have an unopposed path to Parliament in an Oct. 26 byelection, almost upstaged Paul. May lamented that NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh wont reciprocate the favour the Greens did him when he ran unopposed by a Green candidate in Burnaby South as his partys rookie leader. She said it was a leaders courtesy gesture that Singh told her was a very classy thing to do. I would like Jagmeet Singh to think about it, May scolded. Id like New Democrats to reach out to him and say, How classy is it to try and block the entry to the House of Commons of the first Black woman leader of a federal political party? The Liberals and Conservatives also have no intention of standing down in Toronto Centre, the riding where Paul hopes to replace former Liberal finance minister Bill Morneau in a byelection on Oct. 26. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has hand-picked a popular broadcaster, Marci Ien, also a Black woman, to replace Morneau as his partys candidate in a riding thats been Liberal since 1993. The NDP has nominated Brian Chang, who also ran last year and came second with 22 per cent of the vote, well ahead of Paul who came fourth, and the Conservative candidate who placed third. The Conservative candidate in Toronto Centre is Benjamin Sharma. To her credit, Paul shook off Mays complaints, saying she expects no courtesy breaks from her political opponents and will run elsewhere if she loses in Toronto Centre. Im a first, and as a first youre accustomed to fighting, she said. Youre accustomed to having to overcome every single barrier to get to where youre trying to go to. Paul said her parliamentary priorities are to focus on what Canadians need: better long-term care for seniors, public pharmacare, a guaranteed livable income, free post-secondary education, and a government that honours its commitment to address climate change. She deflected questions about the extent of Greens support for the controversial boycott, divest and sanction movement against Israel, saying the partys members will decide its future platform at an upcoming policy convention, and as long as people embrace the partys core values, a wide range of views will be tolerated. She artfully dodged questions about harassment allegations against a now-resigned party director, and when asked about internal party unity, she insisted that tensions and argument make for better policy. That kind of gumption and ability to parry politically sensitive questions will serve her well. So will the sense of humour that she displayed. Asked what she brings to Parliament Hill thats different, she grinned and used her arms and hands to frame her face. Setting aside the obvious, she said, diverse representation matters. Were going to create better public policy when people like me and more diversity is in the room. Youre far less likely to create a policing policy that targets, for instance, Black Canadians if you have Black Canadians at the table designing that policy. Its clear that the 47-year-old lawyer, a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Ottawa, is keen to get at that table. Once she does, pollster Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute said Paul will need to rebrand and restyle the Green party as not Elizabeth Mays party. She will also have to grow a support base that reflects the population of Canada more broadly, said Kurl. Last month, an Angus Reid survey of 4,687 decided voters had the Greens polling at around four per cent nationally. The Liberals and Conservatives were tied neck in neck around 35 per cent, the NDP at 17 and the Bloc Quebecois at seven per cent. Thats a lot of ground to make up. To do that, shell also need to broaden the Greens appeal as a party that cares not only about climate and the environment. Paul said its OK to be a one-issue party as long as its the right issue, before insisting social concerns go hand in hand with environmental advocacy. She said you cant have climate justice without social justice. That all means, said Kurl, that Paul has a dual hill to climb in putting her own stamp on the leadership. Ms. Paul is going to have to work very hard to overcome the enduring legacy of Elizabeth May because for so many Canadians for so long, the Green party has been Elizabeth May and Elizabeth May has been the Green party, she said. And now its an opportunity to grow beyond that, but the task right now at four per cent in the polls is an arduous one. Read more about: Cahokia, a small town in southern Illinois, has a past that its citizens can be proud of. Its history goes back to 1699, making it the oldest town anywhere in its region, and nearby are priceless Indian mounds and relics that go back a millennium before that. At one time, Cahokia was a territorial capital and one of the most influential communities in the entire state. Its array of venerable buildings includes a 1740 courthouse (still standing in somewhat altered form) that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The mounds are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of just 24 in the United States.It's the present that isn't treating Cahokia so well. Jobs and residents have been slipping away, and it has lost nearly a third of its population in the last 20 years. Its poverty rate is nearly 35 percent. It has one of the highest crime rates in America. Its treasury is badly depleted.How does a town like that climb out of its hole? The mayor and some of the leading citizens have an idea: They want Cahokia to merge with nearby Centreville and Alorton to form the combined city of Cahokia Heights. This isn't an obvious winner. Alorton is an old aluminum-plant town best known for its hazardous materials site, a dilapidated 400-acre eyesore ringed by nearly a mile of barbed wire. Centreville is poorer than either of the others. Its streets are full of potholes.Still, proponents of this merger have placed a referendum to approve it on November's ballot. If the measure passes, Cahokia Heights could be a reality as early as next year.Figuring out just what the merger will accomplish is a bit of a challenge. There have been a fair number of local government merger proposals in the past few decades, most of them presented to voters with a clear premise. In many cases, the idea is to save money by combining services. Those have had a fairly low rate of approval, even when the arguments are plausible. More effective is the pitch that a larger polity will stimulate a new feeling of pride and a sense of local importance. That's how Louisville, Ky., sold its successful merger with surrounding Jefferson County back in 2000.The Cahokia Heights plan doesn't fit any of the usual categories. Basically, all three towns have horrendous infrastructure issues, including a flooding problem in Centreville that threatens to make it a permanent economic basket case. What Centreville needs most of all, in addition to street repair, is new sewers. What the three towns don't seem to need is multiple governments."Right now," Cahokia Mayor Curtis McCall Jr. told a reporter recently, "our communities are dying." His hope, and the hope of the pro-merger forces allied with him, is that a bigger entity would be better able to obtain help from the county, the state and especially the federal government. Why this would be likely, I'm not exactly sure. The merged town of Cahokia Heights would have a population of about 21,000. That doesn't seem big enough to make much difference. But under the circumstances, it may be worth a try.I'm not suggesting that Cahokia, Alorton and Centreville are typical American communities. But they reflect the serious fiscal strains most towns of any size are enduring right now. Their merger effort points toward a debate on local consolidation and retrenchment that we ought to be having at this virus-plagued, cash-poor moment., in a way, that this debate is taking place in Illinois, because Illinois is the national capital of superfluous government. No one is even sure how many different governments it has. The 2010 census placed the number at about 7,000; the state controller has counted 8,466.Many of these are special-purpose entities, but they are governments all the same. Illinois has a profusion of park districts, sanitation districts, forest-preserve districts, even districts for mosquito abatement. They are a primary reason property taxes have often ranked second-highest among the 50 states.But the biggest offender in Illinois is township government. The state has more than 1,400 townships laid over its cities, towns and counties. Some of these townships run school systems, and others have some statutory responsibility for welfare payments or road and bridge maintenance. But mostly they are appendages that serve mainly to provide jobs and compensation for local politicians who, unsurprisingly, want to keep them. Most of the townships have tax assessors, but in many cases they don't assess anything. The county does that.St. Clair County, where Cahokia, Alorton and Centreville are located, has 21 different townships, including one for Centreville, which overlaps with the city government in a community of fewer than 5,000 people.It's pretty clear that an area as poor as greater Cahokia can't afford so much government. Combining the three cities would be a small step in the right direction. But a state-level effort to get rid of unnecessary governments would help the Cahokia region and many other areas as well. A series of commissions and studies have looked at this issue over the past generation, and all have come to that conclusion. But, except for a few isolated cases, very little has been done.The picture is pretty similar in the nine other states that have townships. In some cases they are functioning governments with broad responsibilities, but just as often they are not. Next to Illinois, New Jersey may be the best example of a state with more governments than it needs. New Jersey has 241 townships in a governmental smorgasbord of 565 municipalities that also includes 254 boroughs, 52 cities, 15 towns and three villages. That's far more local government than exists in California, which has nearly five times as many people.have been pointing out for half a century that this clumsy patchwork of authority is one reason New Jersey is an expensive state to live in. Nearly 200 of the municipalities have populations of less than 5,000. One municipality in Camden County had, as of a couple of years ago, three households and an annual property tax bill averaging more than $30,000. A while back, the state Senate president called for a mandate that would force all municipalities under 5,000 to consolidate. That seems unlikely to happen any time soon.The most conspicuous example of consolidation in New Jersey in recent years occurred in 2013, when Princeton Township and Princeton Borough voted to merge . By most accounts, the move has been a money-saving and bureaucratic success, saving as much as $3 million a year in administrative costs. "Consolidation has worked," the last mayor of now-defunct Princeton Township said recently. "We need to stop being afraid of it."But most other localities in the state do seem afraid of it, or at least reluctant to move toward it. A current drive to merge the town of Roxbury with the much smaller Mount Arlington has attracted ferocious local opposition, even though some studies have concluded it would save the towns $12 million a year in administrative costs and would save residents an average of $1,000 a year in property taxes. But Mount Arlington doesn't want to become a section of Roxbury. Its citizens say their community would lose its identity.In general, it's fair to say that fear of lost identity, not documented inefficiency, is the major reason that rationalization of local government has not moved very far in many of the places that appear to need it most.With one exception: the consolidation of schools and school districts in rural and small-town America. In some ways, it's a puzzling phenomenon, because people in these places are far more attached to their schools than they are to their townships or sanitary districts, or even their police and fire establishments. A small town can lose its fire department and keep its sense of community intact. When it loses a high school, however, something precious is gone.And yet it has happened. Let's take Iowa as an example. In 1935, it had 953 high schools. By 2013, it was down to 453. Over that same period, more than 90 percent of its school districts had disappeared. The pain this caused, the feelings of eroded community that it created in much of the state, are more profound than I could possibly express in a few sentences. I have to confess that at this late date, I sometimes wonder myself if it was all worth it. Still, the citizens of Iowa, who ultimately possess the power over these decisions, consented to the obliteration of half of their high schools, along with all the history and tradition and loyalties they carried.There are a couple of reasons. One is that many of these schools were so small that their continuation was hard to justify in fiscal terms. But a more important reason is that the Iowa citizenry was persuaded that consolidation of schools would bring them something tangible: higher-quality education than a tiny underfunded schoolhouse could provide.The numbers suggest that they have gotten what they wanted. Iowa consistently ranks among the top 10 states for school quality. Roughly 90 percent of its students who start high school eventually graduate. This wasn't true in 1935. It would be foolish to argue that the state's educational performance is entirely the result of consolidation, but it would be equally foolish to say that consolidation had nothing to do with it.There's a lesson here for consolidation movements of all sorts, not just those in education. Government can be successfully consolidated made more efficient when it is clear to ordinary citizens that they will be better off. Iowa did that with its school reforms. Most other consolidation efforts, whether they involve townships or special districts, or cash-strapped village governments, haven't been able to make the case. That doesn't mean they can't. This may be the time for it. Perhaps Cahokia, Alorton and Centreville can help us out. In many ways, it's challenging to define international development. What angle would you prioritise when you consider something so broad? Macroeconomics? Structural adjustment programmes? International trade policy? Or is it poverty reduction? All these are valid. But no definition would be complete without considering it from the viewpoint of so called 'developed' and 'underdeveloped' nations. Despite multiple interpretations, the broader understanding of faith and religion in development are barely understood. Especially for African diaspora communities engaged in development work. Religion has often been a key motivation for philanthropy and economic fairness. Sometimes, it's the Quranic requirement of alms-giving (Zakat). It can also take form as the Holy Bible-inspired Jubilee 2000 campaign advocating for the annulment of unjust debt for developing countries. Until recently, faith was dismissed by academia and key international development players. This is due to the belief that the nature of religion comprises intolerant evangelism and regressive visions of the future. This fundamentally makes it opposed to the material nature of economic progress. And that as societies modernise, religion will remain a private affair . However, these doubts around religion have been critiqued and debunked by various academic disciplines . The significance of religion for development is widely recognised. Even though its role is complex and controversial . Right now, religion is enjoying its new-found importance in development agendas. But there's very little consideration given to how African diaspora communities engage in development through a religious filter. For my research , I explored this gap in knowledge. I asked a few questions. Are religious and faith identifications significant? Is there space for new faith-based interpretations of international development? As a case study, I interviewed first and second generation London-based Christian and Muslim Nigerians. In doing that, I discovered that religious identities and 'narratives of faith' all play a role. They are important in understanding how these diaspora communities engage in international development. The African diaspora approach to development can be understood by studying their motivations. Developmental work for them is often grounded in religious and moral assessments and obligations. Their contributions are largely in the form of private cash remittances to the continent. Group non-monetary donations and services to Nigeria are also made via their places of worship. Personal experience My relationship with religion came from my family. I am a product of an interdenominational Christian marriage. My expatriate father was raised in Anglicanism via the Church Of Nigeria. My mother was born in the United Kingdom and partly Nigerian-raised. She was Roman Catholic. Her father was an Oba (traditional ruler), who subscribed to the indigenous spiritualism and practices of Ifa, a Yoruba religion. Her grandfather, in contrast, was conferred Knight of the Papal Order of Sylvester by the Pope. Growing up as a British Nigerian, I spent my formative years attending disproportionately white Anglican and Catholic churches. I later started travelling around numerous UK-based Nigerian and Black Majority Churches during adolescence and young adulthood. Members of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church choir march through Walworth as part of their annual Thanksgiving service on July 28, 2013 in London, England. Dan Kitwood/Getty Within this system, I discovered that getting spiritually closer to God was a currency that was routinely traded. However, I also saw charitable parishioners make personal sacrifices and contributions via the church, allied community and faith-based organisations. These contributions were gathered and used to launch and support philanthropic poverty alleviation missions in Africa. Muslims in Nigeria offer Eid al-Fitr prayers marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at a ground in Ogun State. Olukayode Jaiyeola/NurPhoto/Getty Images I also observed that traditions of transnational 'giving' among predominantly Nigerian congregations were incorporated as part of service. They were also encouraged as symbolic expressions of faith. Engagement came in many ways: community potluck events, sponsored treks, or pay-to-watch talent showcases to raise donations. Other avenues include voluntary church offerings, or shipping of second-hand apparel and toiletries to Nigerian orphanages and young women's refuges. Religion has often played its part. Religious development How did the philanthropic leanings of religion infiltrate the secular walls of international development? For Nigerians, Christian and Muslim identities provide the blueprint through which they engage in international development. Their expressions of development are organised around spiritually romanticised discourses of humanitarianism, stewardship, compassion, reconciliation and justice. Nigerians in the diaspora frame their development activities as consecrated acts. Many others see it as 'outward signs of an inward grace'. These acts are carried out within systems constituted by moral expectations, family and cultural obligations. According to some participants, this also characterises their 'Nigerianness' or 'Africanness'. New frames Within this frame, development is understood by Nigerians in two ways. It's first seen as a practical performance of their faith. And also as actions that represent their religious identities. Certainly, these communities conceive religion and their religious selves as development itself. We need to redraft international development to accommodate faith. The revised version needs to accommodate Afro-religious performances of transnational giving. Edward Ademolu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. By Edward Ademolu, LSE Fellow in Qualitative Research Methodology, London School of Economics and Political Science Naira Marley has cancelled his #ENDSARS protest scheduled to hold today. The musician announced the cancellation via his Twitter handle. &qu... Naira Marley has cancelled his #ENDSARS protest scheduled to hold today. The musician announced the cancellation via his Twitter handle. "We wont be protesting anymore because theres a lot of changes being made right now. "As a Marlian we will give them a week to see the changes and if theres no changes we will start a mass protest. #togetherwecan," he tweeted. The multistate investigation of Google is at risk of splintering further after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is leading the probe, was accused by his senior aides of potential crimes, including bribery. Paxton, a Republican, fired back against the allegations Monday saying that they're false, that they came from "rogue employees" and that he won't step down. The Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) on Sunday called on Paxton to resign, saying the allegations by seven top officials from his office threatened their "joint work," which includes a bipartisan probe into whether Google is violating antitrust laws. "Any allegation that bribes were accepted demands a serious review of Paxton's influence and decisions regarding cases and settlements involving his office," the Democratic group said. The leaders of DAGA, Maura Healey of Massachusetts and Oregon's Ellen Rosenblum, did not respond to requests for comment about how the accusations against Paxton would affect the Google investigation. Splits in the state coalition were surfacing before the allegations against Paxton. With the Justice Department preparing to file its own lawsuit against Google within the next two weeks, some attorneys general are urging their colleagues not to join the federal case and instead work with another group of states led by Colorado and Iowa that are pursuing a separate investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. Some states view the federal case - in which Attorney General William Barr is taking a close interest - as being rushed and they want more time to investigate evidence collected, according to one of the people. Nebraska's Doug Peterson, a Republican, has urged more states to join the effort led by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, both Democrats, the person said. That group is targeting Google's search operations and has started previewing the outlines of a potential case to other states, according to another person familiar with the matter. The effort is leaving Texas, which has been focused on Google's conduct in the digital advertising market, increasingly isolated, the person said. The group could file their own complaint against Google after the election, a different person said. The Justice Department has struggled to attract sign-on from Democrats and at the moment the number of Republicans leaning toward joining the federal case is in the teens, that person said. Representatives for the Justice Department and the Colorado attorney general's office declined to comment, while representatives from the Nebraska and Iowa attorney generals offices did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican, told Bloomberg News on Sept. 25 that Democratic colleagues who would not join the federal case were "hypocritical" and engaging in "pure politics" - comments that upset other states on the investigation team, according to two of the people. Paxton announced the states' Google investigation in 2019 from the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. Their probe came on the heels of the Justice Department's own investigation into the search giant. Together, they represent potentially the most significant monopoly case in the U.S. in two decades. Texas has been expected to sign on to the Justice Department's case, which will target Google's conduct in online search, Bloomberg has reported. Texas also has been investigating Google over the digital advertising market, where the search giant also has a dominant position in the technology used to buy and sell display ads across the Web. Now the accusations against Paxton are throwing Texas's Google inquiries into question. On Oct. 1, seven Paxton aides signed a letter saying they had "a good faith belief that the Attorney General is violating federal and/or state law, including prohibitions relating to improper influence, abuse of office, bribery and other potential criminal offenses." The letter was first reported by the Austin American-Statesman newspaper. Having opposed the farm bills on opening of agricultural sale and marketing outside the APMC mandis for farmers, as well as allowing contract farming last month, the Biju Janata Dal in Odisha may have quietly shelved two of its own farm ordinances with similar provisions from being converted to laws. Though the Naveen Patnaik government had listed Odisha Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming and Services (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020, and Odisha Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020, among the 10 ordinances, in the monsoon session of the Assembly for converting them into bills, it has now quietly shelved the idea. The two ordinances promulgated in May this year aimed at registration farmers with contract farming companies for improving production and productivity and amendment of Odisha Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1957, for geographically restriction-free trade and transaction of agricultural produce including livestock across the state and country. With the monsoon session of the Assembly adjourned today, a day ahead of the schedule, the chance of the twin ordinances becoming law may be a remote possibility now. Also read: NDA seat-sharing pact sealed, Nitish Kumar jabs ex-ally Chirag Paswan Senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said by shelving the twin ordinances, the government may be hoping to get some breathing time as there is anger brewing against the twin farm laws - Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act - passed by the Parliament last month. The Naveen Patnaik government brought two of its farm ordinances in May this year ahead of the central ordinances. There is not much difference between the central ordinances as well as state ordinances. During the all-party meeting last month, I had raised the issue with the parliamentary affairs minister but I did not get a satisfactory reply. Now, it is clear that the BJD government does not want to confront the farming community of the state by converting the ordinances into laws during the pandemic. It would have been better had they been forthcoming about it. But its unfortunate that they are hush about the whole thing, said Mishra. Last month, the BJD had opposed the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, and Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of the Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, alleging that they had little provision for small and marginal farmers as well as sharecroppers. We cant support the bill till we are sure that farmers interest will be protected, said BJD leader and Rajya Sabha member Prasanna Acharya. However, the Odisha cooperation department, which had piloted the twin farm ordinances in a comparative analysis done in July, had admitted that there is not much difference between the central ordinance (now enacted into law) and state ordinances. As per the comparative analysis, the Odisha ordinance allows a farmer to enter into a written farming agreement for any farming produce which is same as per the central Act. The Odisha ordinance has only provisions of state government collecting a facilitation fee of maximum 4 percent from the corporate houses that come for contract farming while there are no such features in the central law. Similarly, the period of agreement for contract farming in the central Act is minimum of one crop season/one production cycle (for livestock) to maximum of 5 years, while in the state ordinance the minimum agreement period is of one crop season. Parliamentary affairs minister Bikram Keshari Arukh said the two ordinances were supposed to have been introduced as bills in the monsoon session but for some reasons, they could not be introduced in the Assembly session. We may introduce the bill in the winter session. But nothing has been decided as yet, he said. Minister and secretary of cooperation department, however, did not respond when asked why the two ordinances were not brought in as bills despite the initial announcement. BJP leader Bhrugu Buxipatra said the BJDs rethinking on the two ordinances may have been a ploy to hoodwink the people of the state. The BJD would have supported the farm bills in the Parliament but for the CBI raids in the chit fund scam. The similarity of state governments ordinances on farming with the central laws speaks much about the BJDs confusion, he said. However, BJD MP Amar Patnaik said Odisha ordinance on farming was different from central laws. Our ordinance takes care of small and marginal farmers which is lacking in the central law. There is still time for the state ordinances to get passed, he said. This disturbing footage shows piles of culled badgers being dumped each week in a barn before being loaded into a van to be incinerated. Hidden cameras set up by campaign group Derbyshire Against the Cull caught badger killers using the barn, located in a sheep farm in Alport, in the Peak District. Every day, 'cull contractors' would arrive to unload their kills, 'casually dumping' the dead animals into buckets which were then loaded into a van. Then, a 'body collector' would arrive every weekday morning to taken the carcasses to be incinerated. Ben Edward, spokesperson for the campaign group, said: 'We are witnessing people who are getting away with murder. 'I'm angry it is happening - I'm angry at the disdain and callousness shown to these animals. Dead badgers tied up and dumped in a barn in Alport, in the Peak District. The carcasses are thrown into buckets Shocking footage showed dozens of badger carcasses being thrown into the buckets at the farm 'They are killing a protected species who are iconic to the area. 'If you watch the video it's incredibly disheartening to see them casually dump these badgers on the ground, in these buckets, and then into the vans.' Culling is a controversial method used in parts of the UK to reduce the number of badgers and thereby reduce the incidence and spread of TB. The culling programme - involving a mix of shooting and trapping - was first trialled in 2013 in the south west then rolled out across other parts of the country. Last month the Government announced it would be extended to Derbyshire. Culled badgers are considered 'hazardous waste' by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Sharing the footage, the campaign groups claim the barn violates European law which doesn't permit for culled badgers to be disposed of in farms as they pose a risk to wildlife. Mr Edward said: 'Badgers killed in the cull are classed as hazardous waste and efforts must be made to ensure any disease will not be spread when carcasses are transported. They are they transferred to a waiting van. A 'body collector' would then arrive every morning to take them to be incinerated Hidden cameras set up by campaign group Derbyshire Against the Cull caught the badger killers using the barn 'DEFRA guidance states that body stores must not be easily accessible to wildlife and 'vermin' and EU regulations state body stores must not be on farmland. 'Consider the large, open window to the barn, which is situated in a sheep field, surely this barn is in breach of both of these regulations? 'Badger bodies, in plastic bags are collected daily, thrown in the back of a van, and taken for incineration. 'This is the brutal reality that DEFRA and the NFU have tried so hard to hide from us, the British public.' He added added: 'Badgers, an iconic, native species, are being killed in their hundreds each day across England. Derbyshire hosts the country's flagship badger vaccination programme, yet this atrocity is still happening.' However Keith Harrop, owner of New Farm and the barn where the video was shot, said he was willing to 'take stick' by allowing his barn to be used because badgers were 'massively out of control'. He added: 'I love wildlife as much as anyone and don't kill anything without a reason We test our cattle for TB every six months but as soon as they're out to graze again in the summer they pick it up from badgers. Keith Harrop, owner of New Farm and the barn where the video was shot, said he was willing to 'take stick' by allowing his barn to be used because badgers were 'massively out of control' 'Ever since they became a protected species it's been a problem - if you have 20 rabbits in a field it's fine but if you have 100 you have myxomatosis. 'I've been affected by this as have most farmers around here and I'm so sick of losing cattle I'm willing to put up with a bit of stick.' The cull in Derbyshire began in September and is expected to continue for at least two more weeks, with many other zones in the country continuing for longer. Why are badgers culled in the UK? Culling is a controversial method used in parts of the UK to reduce the number of badgers and thereby reduce the incidence and spread of TB. It was first trialled in 2013 in the south west then rolled out across other parts of the country. The programme uses a mix of shooting and trapping to cull the badgers. Bovine tuberculosis is a disease of cattle that can also infect badgers, deer, goats, pigs, dogs and cats. The disease is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium bovis. This is related to the microbe that causes tuberculosis in humans. Bovine tuberculosis is typically transmitted aerially through coughs and sneezes. It causes fever, coughing, weight loss, pain, diarrhoea and ultimately death. Badgers are the most significant wildlife reservoir for the bacterium. In the United Kingdom, most bovine tuberculosis outbreaks occur in the South West and the West Midlands. Advertisement There are now over fifty cull zones in England, despite the government announcing they would phase out the policy in March 2020. Dominic Dyer, CEO of the Badger Trust, was appalled by the images which he says 'lift the lid' on the 'brutal reality' of the badger cull. He labelled it the 'biggest destruction of a protected species ever seen in Britain'. He said: 'These images from Derbyshire Against the Cull lift the lid on the brutal reality of the badger cull which is taking place across 11 counties of England stretching from Cornwall to Cumbria, in the biggest destruction of a protected species ever seen in Britain. 'Boris Johnson intervened to stop culling in Derbyshire last year, but as he proudly boasts of protecting more habitats and species in Britain at a global UN summit this week, the reality is his Government are now pushing badgers to the verge of local extinction in areas of England which they have inhabited since the Ice Age. 'Badger cull contractors are not being independently monitored for public safety or animal welfare and these images from Derbyshire show cull contractors clearly breaching important public health rules. 'The barn where badgers are being left has open windows which could easily be accessed by foxes who could get access to the carcasses. 'It is also situated in a sheep field in contravention of hazardous waste rules, which state storage must take place away from livestock. 'Some of the dead badgers being dumped in the barn, could have previously been vaccinated by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, under a publicly funded badger vaccination programme. 'Vast majority of the badgers killed in the cull policy are not being tested for TB and over 90 percent are likely to be free of the disease. 'The government could kill every badger in England, but bovine TB will remain in cattle herds due to unreliable TB cattle testing, bio security and cattle movement controls' By November over 165,000 badgers could have been slaughtered in England as a result of the cull policy since 2013, at an estimated public cost of over 70 million. Secret Service personnel have privately questioned whether additional precautions will be put in place to protect the detail from the man they have pledged to protect For more than a century, Secret Service agents have lived by a straightforward ethos: They will take the president where he wants to go, even if it means putting their bodies in front of a bullet. But that guiding principle has been tested in recent days by President Donald Trumps desire to get back to work, play or campaigning, despite an active coronavirus infection that could pose a serious threat to those around him. The problem came into focus Sunday when a masked Trump climbed into a hermetically sealed, armoured Chevy Suburban with at least two Secret Service agents covered head to toe in the same personal protective equipment used by doctors so the president could wave to a group of supporters outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Medical experts said the move recklessly put agents at risk. Secret Service personnel have privately questioned whether additional precautions will be put in place to protect the detail from the man they have pledged to protect. Its on everybodys mind, said W Ralph Basham, a former director of the Secret Service and the commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection in the George W. Bush administration. The ones no longer there are happy theyre not there. These are tough decisions to have to make. On Monday evening, Trump again appeared intent on endangering the agents around him when he traveled by helicopter back to the White House after being discharged from the hospital. Central to the job of Secret Service agents is a willingness to say yes to the president no matter what he asks. Now, that means subjecting an agents health to Trumps whims. Critics say the president is not repaying his protectors dedication with anything like care or consideration. While agents have volunteered to sacrifice themselves for those they protect, they do so knowing that there is a low chance they will need to step in between a gunman and the president. If theyre on the protection detail, theyll take a bullet for their protectee, said Janet Napolitano, former president Barack Obamas first homeland security secretary. Theres a difference between that and being unnecessarily exposed to risk, she added, one that extends to their families. The drive-by visit to Trumps supporters drove home that point, Napolitano said. There was nothing about his little motorcade yesterday that was required or wise or necessary, she said Monday. It was a superfluous act. Secret Service agents have always needed to make last-minute adjustments based on the political whims of presidents, said Michael Beschloss, a presidential historian. And the relationship between presidents and their protection details has usually allowed for a limited amount of debate. But in the end, presidents have an appetite for making public appearances before their supporters, allies and in some cases, adversaries. And the president has the final say. These are people that have volunteered to give their lives for theirs, and almost every president I can recall uses that privilege carefully and with great respect, Beschloss said. Trump responded to the criticism Monday by blaming the news media. I got into a secure vehicle to say thank you to the many fans and supporters who were standing outside of the hospital for many hours, and even days, to pay their respect to their President, he posted on Twitter. If I didnt do it, Media would say RUDE!!! Rand Beers, a former acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, acknowledged that presidents were obliged to convey to the nation that things are on track. But, he added, youre still putting agents at risk if youre not taking precautions. The day after Trumps ride, Bennie Thompson, Democrat Mississippi, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, demanded a briefing from the Department of Homeland Security to learn more about the safeguards in place for the agencys employees and specifically the protection detail. The height of reckless disregard for others was the presidents joy ride yesterday, where Secret Service agents were required to drive him around in a hermetically sealed vehicle, Thompson said. Exposing Secret Service personnel to the virus does not just put them at risk, it puts their families and the public at risk. As other law enforcement agencies have, the Secret Service has also been forced to overcome a string of daunting obstacles created by the pandemic. Trump and his Democratic opponent in the election, former vice-president Joe Biden, have continued to travel, and the nature of protection does not allow for social distancing. Before Trump held an indoor rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June, at least two members of the Secret Service who were preparing for the event tested positive for the virus. A planned trip by Vice-President Mike Pence to Arizona in July was canceled after several members of his security detail contracted the virus. The New York Times reported on Friday that the agency had sustained an outbreak at its training facility in rural Maryland in August after trainees were believed to have held a graduation dinner inside without social distancing. That outbreak, in which at least 11 people tested positive, occurred despite the agencys decision to shutter the facility to establish procedures to prevent transmissions. Asked about Trumps ride Sunday, Justine Whelan, a spokeswoman for the Secret Service, said in a statement that the agency does not discuss our protectees or the specific means and methods regarding our protective mission. The agency has not released a total number of confirmed coronavirus cases among its workforce. We are sort of in uncharted waters here, Basham said, adding, At the end of the day, the job is what it is. You cant do this on a Zoom call or a remote sort of thing. These agents and officers have to be there with him, and theres no substitute for that. Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Michael S. Schmidt c.2020 The New York Times Company Large pipeline operators in the U.S. shale patch are reducing fees to keep their upstream customers shipping crude from the Texas oilfields to the U.S. Gulf Coast amid a decline in demand in the pandemic. Kinder Morgan, for example, is offering a discount of around 50 percent on its pipeline in the Eagle Ford shale play for some of its current customers, people with knowledge of the issue told Bloomberg. Another pipeline operator, Magellan Midstream Partners, is in talks with customers whose contracts should be renewed later this year about potentially offering lower tariffs on the BridgeTex system in the Permian, Bloombergs sources said. Energy Transfer, for its part, is offering a temporary volume incentive rate for shippers on the Permian Express 2 and Permian Express 3 pipelines. Last month, Reuters reported that Magellan Midstream Partners had even offered to its customers the option to ship crude on its pipeline only when market conditions are favorable. This approach differs from the typical take-or-pay contracts between an upstream and a midstream company for moving oil out of a production center. After the oil price crash in March, pipeline infrastructure companies started to announce deferrals of final investment decisions and start-up dates for planned oil and gas pipelines, especially in the Permian, which suddenly found itself with too much capacity as production and consumption of oil struggled to recover from the pandemic-driven crisis. The latest announcement of a canceled oil pipeline came from Enterprise Products Partners, which said in September that it was scrapping the 450,000 barrels per day Midland-to-ECHO 4 crude oil pipeline project. Current pipeline capacity in the Permian is exceeding production so much that in a year or two, when pipelines currently under construction are completed, Permian producers could find themselves using just half of the available takeaway infrastructure, according to analysts. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A group representing the interests of snowmobilers across New York State is opposed to a proposed change in state hunting regulations that would create an extra week for hunting deer with bows and muzzleloaders during the Christmas holiday week. The state Department of Environmental Conservation recently announce it was considering an extension of the falls deer hunting season to include a Holiday Deer Hunt from Dec. 26 through Jan.1 in the Southern Zone only. DEC is taking public comments on the proposal until Nov. 8. The New York State Snowmobile Association is opposed to the new season for several reasons, saying it would shorten the snowmobile season by a week and would have a direct negative impact on rural areas that depend on revenues from the popular winter sport. Many small businesses depend on snowmobile activity for their livelihood. This proposal will result in a one-week delay in that economic activity starting, said Dominic Jancangelo, executive director of the Snowmobile Association. "We estimate that losing one week of snowmobiling in New Yorks Southern Zone may cause a loss of up to $13 million in direct spending by snowmobilers and a potential $1 million dollar loss in sales tax revenue. The snowmobile industry has been hurt by the last few years of low snow and frequent winter rain. The businesses associated with our activities are feeling this impact and many are just hanging on. In addition, adding an extra week of hunting could have negative impacts on the relationships snowmobilers have with private property owners for access and interfere with snowmobile clubs' efforts to prepare and put up signs for safe snowmobiling on trails, Jancangelo said. He recommended the DEC delay its decision, conduct public hearings on the proposal and as an alternative try it out a pilot program in the lower Hudson Valley/Catskills area. The Snowmobile Association advocates on behalf of the more than 220 snowmobile clubs who maintain over 10,400 miles of trails (mostly on private property) on which over 100,000 snowmobilers ride each year. The snowmobile season in the state traditionally starts at the end of the big game hunting seasons each year as a courtesy to landowners and/or the landowners requests. This year, the late muzzleloading/bowhunting seasons in the Southern Zone span nine days from Dec. 14 to Dec. 22. The special seasons follows the regular firearms season, which is from Nov. 21 to Dec. 13. According to DEC, the proposal is not being considered in the Northern Zone, as deer may already be moving to wintering areas by late December. Hunting seasons that occur when deer are migrating or are already concentrated in wintering areas could result in localized over-harvest. The following are excerpts from a letter consisting of talking points that Jacangelo sent out to snowmobile clubs, encouraging them to voice opposition to the DECs proposal. 1. The proposal will have a direct negative impact on the snowmobile season. The DEC maintains the proposal will not impact when snowmobile trails will open. Snowmobile trails are opened following the end of the regular big game hunting season subject to adequate snow cover and local agreements," the agency said in a news release announcing the proposal. The Snowmobile Association disagrees. "Each year snowmobile clubs work with thousands of landowners to gain their permission to operate a snowmobile trail on their land. These landowners generously give permission to the clubs and require certain conditions. The most common conditions are to do trail work before Oct. 1 and to not open trails to snowmobilers until deer hunting is over. Therefore, while it is not the direct objective of this proposed regulation, this proposal will in effect shorten the snowmobiling season in the southern zone by one week. "We, as an organization, have worked diligently to educate riders to not use trails until after Dec. 20. The proposal as presented would require our organization to reeducate riders. Many riders will ignore the wishes of the club and the landowner and jeopardize the use of the private property. It only takes the action of one landowner to permanently shut miles of trail. More than 80 percent of all trails statewide are on private land. 2. The proposal is not timely. The proposed rulemaking expressly states that a deer management plan will be released in the latter part of 2020. As the Department will be releasing a complete deer management plan later this year, this proposal should be held until comments are received on the entire proposed plan so that the impacts of all the departments actions can be collectively analyzed. According to recent DEC press releases, New York has experienced a significant increase in the sale of hunting licenses. The department should take no action on increasing opportunity to take deer until the impacts of increased hunting activities from this years high sales of licenses are assessed and publicly released. 3. The proposal will interfere with clubs' efforts to properly prepare trails for safe snowmobiling and could result in less than optimum trail signing. Snowmobile clubs utilize late September to ready their trails for the coming season. They attempt to sign their trails and remove blowdown during this period. Generally, clubs must be out of the trails by Oct. 1, due to the start of hunting season. Clubs then return to their trails in late December when deer hunting season ends to remove new blowdown and to install the remaining signage. If deer hunting season extends into January, many clubs will find it difficult -- if not impossible- to install trail signposts and work through what could be significant snow and frozen ground. 4. The snowmobiling season is restricted from beginning during hunting season. The snowmobiling season in New York begins when snowmobile clubs and private landowners agree that the trails are suitable for snowmobile operations. This typically occurs when local areas have a sufficient amount of snowfall. Traditionally, snowmobile clubs, which vary in the geographical areas of trail coverage, do not open their trails until hunting season is over as a courtesy to landowners and at the landowners' request. Many landowners perceive that giving permission for both activities to occur will expose them to litigation should one user injure the other. Given the distance that snowmobilers cover in a riding day, it has become a necessity to keep all trails in an area either open or closed but they are not required to do so. Since not all clubs and private landowners in the Southern Zone are prohibited from operating in the hunting season, this proposed regulation may create unnecessary risks for snowmobilers and hunters in certain parts of the Southern Zone. For safety, all clubs choose to not open their trails until hunting is concluded. "During our discussions with the Department on this topic it has been brought up several times why is this conflict not an issue during small game season. For the most part small game do not exhibit the same sensitivity to human scent that deer exhibit nor is their flee zone as large as a deer. Landowners who hunt have experienced deer being driven away by uninvited snowmobile use. Hence the interest of both the landowner and the club to keep active snowmobiling away until hunting has concluded. 5. The proposal will have negative impacts on local government. "Some local governments have adopted local laws establishing a snowmobile season (Oneida County). These local laws were developed in consultation with landowners and the snowmobile community. Most of these local laws refer to the snowmobile season as starting when big game season is over. These local laws do not refer to regular big game season. This proposed state regulation would require local governments to amend their local laws reflect this new additional week of hunting and would therefore create additional expenses for cash-strapped local governments, who are already facing significant cost reductions due to the pandemic. In addition, some local governments cannot predict if an extended season would change their approach to seasonal roads. They may receive demands to keep roads open and maintained so that individuals can participate in this longbow and muzzle loading season, further exacerbating cost concerns. 6. NYSSA would like to work with the Department on viable alternatives to this regulatory proposal. "First, we would recommend that the DEC delay this proposal while it conducts public hearings to address the concerns of stakeholders regarding this proposal. We would (also) recommend that as an alternative, the Department narrow this proposal to those counties in the lower Hudson Valley and Catskill Area (Green, Columbia, Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties). This would allow the state to provide a meaningful test of the proposal, while not impacting the majority of the States snowmobiling industry and the economic impact that snowmobiling attracts. **Comments on the DECs proposed 'Holiday Deer Hunt can be submitted by email (WildlifeRegs@dec.ny.gov and be sure and put Holiday Deer Hunt Proposal in the subject box), or by writing to: Jeremy Hurst, NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife, 625 Broadway, 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4754. MORE: Finally time for limiting hikers, adding more Forest Rangers in Adirondack High Peaks? The Run: Its finally starting to look like salmon season on Lake Ontario tributaries Newburgh woman, 23, dies after truck hits deer, it flies through car windshield in opposite land OWOSSO, MI -- The owner of an Owosso barber shop who become a figurehead for those opposed to executive orders issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer amid the COVID-19 pandemic is calling for all charges against him to be dropped after the state high courts ruling. The Michigan Supreme Court decision on Friday, Oct. 2, ruled the governor does not have authority to extend emergency orders under two emergency acts -- the Emergency Management Act from 1976 and the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act from 1945. Neither act, the court ruled, gave Gov. Gretchen Whitmer the authority to continue declaring states of emergency or issuing unilateral orders under them past April 30, when her initial declaration would have expired. Related: Gov. has no authority to continue state of emergency, Michigan Supreme Court rules Karl Manke had fought those executive orders, reopening May 4 despite Whitmers executive order that shut down salons and barbershops since March 17 in the state. Those businesses were allowed to reopen June 15. I appreciate the Supreme Court stepping in and recognizing that I do not lose constitutional protections just because of speculation and innuendo. I am not a health threat to anyone, and I have a right to continue to cut hair and earn a living, said Manke in a prepared statement. The Courts have consistently upheld my constitutional rights affirming that the Governors attempts to shut me down were out of line. It has been the argument by Manke and his attorney David A. Kallman that the governors orders were unconstitutional and hurt businesses. His license had been suspended amid the legal wrangling with the state. Related: Owosso barber says shop will stay open until Jesus walks in or until they arrest me Attorney General Dana Nessel previously said Mankes decision to continue cutting hair was in violation of the governors executive orders as well as other health orders (that) put the public at risk for contracting COVID-19. I am pleased that our Supreme Court upheld our constitutional rights, and that cooler heads have prevailed. Our clients are not a threat to the publics health, safety, and welfare, said Kallman. This is a great day for upholding the rule of law and restoring good governance. I trust Governor Whitmer will comply with the Courts ruling now. Manke still faces two misdemeanor charges for violation of the executive order and a health department violation, per court records. In regard to the courts ruling, Whitmer told reporters Monday, Oct. 5 she was seeking clarity from the court on if those orders would remain in place until Oct. 30 or if the ruling would immediately go into effect. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an emergency public health order Monday afternoon requiring masks and limiting gatherings after the courts ruling. More on MLive: Michigan Supreme Court sides with Owosso barber, sends case back to lower court And the hot topics on WeChat are often divisive ones, like issues that tend to pit Chinese people against other minority groups, including Black and Latino people or even other Asian-Americans. How do people who use WeChat in the United States navigate the Chinese governments censorship? Active WeChat users know to tiptoe around certain taboo topics like Tibet so their accounts dont get disabled or blocked. And the propaganda creates an environment in which people dont know what to believe and mistrust one another. I interviewed someone who said he was alarmed that his mother believed the one-sided propaganda she read on WeChat about the democracy movement in Hong Kong. How did those you spoke to feel about the app possibly being banned in the United States? It varied. People who had large numbers of family members in China said that despite the apps flaws, there was no other way to communicate with relatives. For the elderly in America who struggle with English, WeChat can be a tremendous source of comfort and emotional support during retirement. Others were more focused on the propaganda and political arguments that they saw on the app. Some said they switched from WeChat to Telegram after the ban was announced and were actually relieved because they didnt have to fear talking openly about Chinas leader, Xi Jinping. If you dont already get this newsletter in your inbox, please sign up here. Dont blame Facebook (for this one thing) A new analysis of misperceptions about voter fraud suggests that online hot spots like Facebook and Twitter dont deserve as much blame for being a source of false information as they typically get. Rather the researchers found that misinformation about voting originates primarily from President Trump and other powerful people who spread a false narrative of rampant election fraud, and news outlets that amplify those messages. (Voter fraud is extremely rare in all forms, including mail-in voting. Here is a guide.) Appointment 6 October 2020 The hotel operator Core Hospitality has appointed Monica Selvik as General Manager of upcoming hotel Moxy Bergen. The international brand opens in the Norwegian city in six months. Monica Selvik takes on the role as "Captain" (General Manager in Moxy speak) at Moxy Bergen, a 199-room hotel that opens in March 2021 on the Norwegian west coast. Monica has more than 30 years' experience from the hotel industry in a plurality of positions from receptionist and revenue manager to hotel manager and sales director. Her experience is mainly from Bergen where she has worked for Nordic Choice Hotels, First Hotels, Thon Hotels and Magic Hotels. "Monica has a strong background with both operational and commercial experience. Having her lead the hotel, we will hit the ground running. The hotel's international profile offers many benefits to travelers, but it is through Monica's leadership and her future team's performance that we make sure everyone has a great experience. We are very happy that we now have a colleague locally in Bergen so that we can really begin planning the opening of Moxy Bergen," says Per Denker Srensen, CEO of Core Hospitality. Jennifer Garner was in need of a caffeine fix during a casual outing on Tuesday. The actress, 48, was spotted making a pit-stop at celebrity favorite, Alfred, in the upscale neighborhood of Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles. Dressed down for her morning errand, the Catch And Release actress showed off her toned physique in a turquoise outfit. This sighting comes just before the ex of Ben Affleck is scheduled to talk to Joe Biden's doctor wife Jill on social media. Coffee run: Jennifer Garner, 48, dipped out Tuesday morning to grab coffee in the Palisades. The actress was wearing a turquoise workout outfit as she ran a few errands ahead of her IG live conversation with Jill Biden For her outing, Jennifer wore a monochrome workout outfit as she walked to her car. Wearing turquoise leggings that revealed every inch of her frame, the Alias actress threw on a matching sweatshirt that she layered over a dark t-shirt. Not too concerned with her appearance, she wore her hair in a messy ponytail as she carried a taupe bag, throwing on a blue face mask and a pair of sunglasses. She matched her look with a pair of grey and blue running shoes as she did her thing on the gloomy Los Angeles morning. Casual: Not too concerned with her appearance, she wore her hair in a messy ponytail as she carried a taupe bag, throwing on a blue face mask and a pair of sunglasses The outing comes just a few hours ahead of her chat with Dr Jill Biden, the wife of Democratic Presidential nominee, Joe Biden. Teasing the chat - which will be occurring on Instagram Live - Jennifer asked her 9.8M followers to tune in for the conversation. The mother of three to Violet, 14, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, eight, talked family and faith with Maria Shriver's brother Mark on Monday evening, in support of the Biden/Harris campaign. Virtual warrior: The Alias actress has been having a lot of open dialogue with important people ahead of the November election Good company: This sighting comes just before the ex of Ben Affleck is scheduled to talk to Joe Biden's doctor wife Jill on social media. Seen in September Though currently stationed with her family in Los Angeles, the Once Upon A Farm founder, goes back to her family farm in Locust Grove, Oklahoma often, to check in on the growing crops. The produce grown on her farm, are just some of the many ingredients that go into her line of nutritious children's food. The actress has been hunkered down with her family during the pandemic, sharing her quarantine antics on social media. She is frequently seen going on walks with her kids or treating herself to a beach day on the weekends. Foam dance: Jennifer shared a funny video of her dancing in foam to Lady Gaga on her Instagram, as she has tried to use her social media for uplifting content during the pandemic When it comes to romance, she was most recently romantically linked to CEO John Miller who she dated for two years, following her split from husband and father to her kids, Ben Affleck. Though private with their relationship, the pair were linked in October 2018 and seemed to be heading towards marriage. The two called it quits this past August, though there is no news of where their relationship stands now. Though Affleck moved on with actress Ana de Armas during quarantine, Jennifer and Ben have a hands-on relationship when it comes to co-parenting, only living a short drive from each other. Her upcoming comedy film, Yes Day, starring Garner as well as Edgar Ramirez will stream on Netflix on November 12th. Samik Bhattacharya, a former legislator of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attacked, allegedly by workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), in the Falta area of Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district on Tuesday afternoon. The windshield of Bhattacharyas car was completely shattered by bricks thrown by the attackers. Bhattacharya was allegedly kicked and thrashed and his mobile phone and gold chain were snatched. The BJP alleged that his driver was thrashed too and left with bleeding injuries. Bhattacharya is one of the oldest and most known faces of the present leadership. Known for his oratory skill, Bhattacharya regularly takes part in debates on prime television channels on behalf of the party. The BJP leader was on his way to attend an agitation led by party state president Dilip Ghosh when the car was stopped by more than 100 people, the party alleged. Ghosh, too, was shown black flags by TMC workers at Diamond Habour. Our party leaders are being selectively targeted, said BJP state vice-president Ritesh Tiwari and referred to the murder of BJP leader Manish Shukla at Titagarh in North 24 Parganas district on Sunday night. Bhattacharya was unwell and could not be contacted. Officers of Falta police station refused to divulge details of the alleged attack. Chief minister Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhishek Banerjee is the Lok Sabha member from Diamond Harbour. Urban development minister Firhad Hakim said, We have to find out the details and see if TMC men were involved or whether it was a fallout of intra-party rivalry in the BJP. Saukat Mollah, TMCs youth wing president in South 24 Parganas, told the local media that Bhattacharya witnessed the outburst of peoples anger against the BJP following the murder of a Dalit woman at Hathras in Uttar Pradesh. People have broken the car now. Next time they may break bones, said Mollah. MEXICO CITY, Oct. 6, 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 September 2020 decreased 58.6% when compared to September 2019. Passenger traffic decreased 48.7% in Mexico, 47.9% in Puerto Rico and 86.2% in Colombia, impacted by severe downturns in business and leisure travel stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement reflects comparisons between September 1 through September 30, 2020 and from September 1 through September 30, 2019. Transit and general aviation passengers are excluded for Mexico and Colombia. Passenger Traffic Summary September % Chg Year to date % Chg 2019 2020 2019 2020 Mexico 2,219,687 1,139,377 (48.7) 25,783,861 11,548,726 (55.2) Domestic Traffic 1,288,816 820,718 (36.3) 12,367,374 6,133,129 (50.4) International Traffic 930,871 318,659 (65.8) 13,416,487 5,415,597 (59.6) San Juan, Puerto Rico 571,010 297,505 (47.9) 7,072,180 3,505,793 (50.4) Domestic Traffic 513,775 288,157 (43.9) 6,315,138 3,265,711 (48.3) International Traffic 57,235 9,348 (83.7) 757,042 240,082 (68.3) Colombia 1,013,803 140,005 (86.2) 8,807,551 2,821,728 (68.0) Domestic Traffic 866,614 132,278 (84.7) 7,457,666 2,411,973 (67.7) International Traffic 147,189 7,727 (94.8) 1,349,885 409,755 (69.6) Total Traffic 3,804,500 1,576,887 (58.6) 41,663,592 17,876,247 (57.1) Domestic Traffic 2,669,205 1,241,153 (53.5) 26,140,178 11,810,813 (54.8) International Traffic 1,135,295 335,734 (70.4) 15,523,414 6,065,434 (60.9) 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. In addition, Carepa and Quibdo airports resumed operations on September 21, while Corozal airport restarted operations on October 2, 2020. Mexico Passenger Traffic September % Chg Year to date % Chg 2019 2020 2019 2020 Domestic Traffic 1,288,816 820,718 (36.3) 12,367,374 6,133,129 (50.4) CUN Cancun 701,857 549,834 (21.7) 6,703,534 3,500,852 (47.8) CZM Cozumel 11,395 1,779 (84.4) 147,802 46,371 (68.6) HUX Huatulco 52,827 25,199 (52.3) 575,881 213,884 (62.9) MID Merida 199,913 85,701 (57.1) 1,883,658 856,952 (54.5) MTT Minatitlan 10,436 4,034 (61.3) 105,315 44,532 (57.7) OAX Oaxaca 79,363 31,498 (60.3) 740,248 372,158 (49.7) TAP Tapachula 27,768 24,100 (13.2) 269,869 184,322 (31.7) VER Veracruz 110,206 50,236 (54.4) 1,035,408 481,159 (53.5) VSA Villahermosa 95,051 48,337 (49.1) 905,659 432,899 (52.2) International Traffic 930,871 318,659 (65.8) 13,416,487 5,415,597 (59.6) CUN Cancun 889,419 304,003 (65.8) 12,671,074 5,032,366 (60.3) CZM Cozumel 9,085 6,746 (25.7) 286,592 154,203 (46.2) HUX Huatulco 974 342 (64.9) 107,659 78,361 (27.2) MID Merida 13,588 912 (93.3) 157,264 66,319 (57.8) MTT Minatitlan 507 116 (77.1) 5,987 2,267 (62.1) OAX Oaxaca 8,804 3,576 (59.4) 109,149 46,641 (57.3) TAP Tapachula 827 496 (40.0) 10,295 5,343 (48.1) VER Veracruz 5,797 987 (83.0) 52,349 18,282 (65.1) VSA Villahermosa 1,870 1,481 (20.8) 16,118 11,815 (26.7) Mexico Total Traffic 2,219,687 1,139,377 (48.7) 25,783,861 11,548,726 (55.2) CUN Cancun 1,591,276 853,837 (46.3) 19,374,608 8,533,218 (56.0) CZM Cozumel 20,480 8,525 (58.4) 434,394 200,574 (53.8) HUX Huatulco 53,801 25,541 (52.5) 683,540 292,245 (57.2) MID Merida 213,501 86,613 (59.4) 2,040,922 923,271 (54.8) MTT Minatitlan 10,943 4,150 (62.1) 111,302 46,799 (58.0) OAX Oaxaca 88,167 35,074 (60.2) 849,397 418,799 (50.7) TAP Tapachula 28,595 24,596 (14.0) 280,164 189,665 (32.3) VER Veracruz 116,003 51,223 (55.8) 1,087,757 499,441 (54.1) VSA Villahermosa 96,921 49,818 (48.6) 921,777 444,714 (51.8) US Passenger Traffic, San Juan Airport (LMM) September % Chg Year to date % Chg 2019 2020 2019 2020 SJU Total 571,010 297,505 (47.9) 7,072,180 3,505,793 (50.4) Domestic Traffic 513,775 288,157 (43.9) 6,315,138 3,265,711 (48.3) International Traffic 57,235 9,348 (83.7) 757,042 240,082 (68.3) Colombia Passenger Traffic Airplan September % Chg Year to date % Chg 2019 2020 2019 2020 Domestic Traffic 866,614 132,278 (84.7) 7,457,666 2,411,973 (67.7) MDE Rionegro 626,731 82,497 (86.8) 5,409,532 1,707,765 (68.4) EOH Medellin 93,303 29,045 (68.9) 801,648 274,932 (65.7) MTR Monteria 86,707 14,842 (82.9) 734,571 274,719 (62.6) APO Carepa 20,026 1,817 (90.9) 163,387 52,454 (67.9) UIB Quibdo 32,479 4,063 (87.5) 279,172 88,757 (68.2) CZU Corozal 7,368 14 (99.8) 69,356 13,346 (80.8) International Traffic 147,189 7,727 (94.8) 1,349,885 409,755 (69.6) MDE Rionegro 147,189 7,727 (94.8) 1,349,885 409,755 (69.6) EOH Medellin MTR Monteria - - - - APO Carepa - - - - UIB Quibdo - - - - CZU Corozal - - - - Total Traffic Colombia 1,013,803 140,005 (86.2) 8,807,551 2,821,728 (68.0) MDE Rionegro 773,920 90,224 (88.3) 6,759,417 2,117,520 (68.7) EOH Medellin 93,303 29,045 (68.9) 801,648 274,932 (65.7) MTR Monteria 86,707 14,842 (82.9) 734,571 274,719 (62.6) APO Carepa 20,026 1,817 (90.9) 163,387 52,454 (67.9) UIB Quibdo 32,479 4,063 (87.5) 279,172 88,757 (68.2) CZU Corozal 7,368 14 (99.8) 69,356 13,346 (80.8) 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 InspIR Group Lic. Adolfo Castro Susan Borinelli +52-55-5284-0408 +1-646-330-5907 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurvada on Yoga, calling it "commendable". "Commendable effort, which places emphasis on building immunity, remaining healthy and making the fight against COVID-19 stronger," he tweeted. Amid rising COVID-19 cases, Ayurveda and Yoga are being tried for immunity purposes. The National Clinical Management Protocol based was released jointly by Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and Ayush Ministry Shripad Naik on Tuesday, virtually. Earlier, Harsh Vardhan said that experts and other national research organisations have prepared the Protocol for management of Covid-19 as per the Report & Recommendations of the Interdisciplinary Committee which will further strengthen our fight against Covid-19. Naik said AYUSH Ministry had set up an Interdisciplinary AYUSH Research and Development Task Force with a group of senior experts to formulate and develop strategies for this initiative. He said that the Ministry of AYUSH has undertaken many clinical, observational studies to understand the role of AYUSH intervention in mitigation and management of Covid-19. This brings in uniformity and consistency in the Ayush-based responses to the pandemic across the country. It also helps State and UT governments to plan and incorporate these solutions into the Covid-19 management activities being deployed on the ground. India on Tuesday reported 61,267 fresh infections of the novel coronavirus, taking the case tally to 66,85,082, health officials said. This is the lowest daily spike since August. Though the cases are increasing, the recovery rate is 84.34 per cent in India which is less than Chile that has over 92 per cent cure rate, while the US that tops the Covid-19 cases in the world has around 33 per cent recovery rate. The fatality rate has come down to 1.55 per cent, the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) This year, China aims to eliminate absolute poverty and build a moderately prosperous society in all respects. In order to achieve these ambitious tasks, development-oriented poverty alleviation plans have been made to ensure "no single poor area or individual shall be left behind." With three months remaining, the 1.4 billion Chinese people under the guidance of the Communist Party of China (CPC) are confidently moving closer to the target concerning poverty alleviation to become an affluent society despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the size and complexity of China, lifting such a huge population out of poverty and allowing them to lead prosperous and happy lives is no easy feat. However, China has shown its sincere political will over the years in trying to achieve this goal. As an old Chinese saying goes: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Ever since China entered its era of reform and opening-up in 1978, the country has waged a heroic war against poverty by prioritizing people's livelihoods material, cultural and otherwise. China's achievements in combating poverty are evident in its reductions of impoverished people from 770 million to 5.51 million and its poverty rate from 97.5% to 0.6%, between 1978 and 2019. Indeed, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty in such a short period of time bears the stamp of the Chinese government's solemn promise to ensure that all poor people live in a moderately well-off society and enjoy essential social services by 2020. While growing to become the world's second largest economy, China has successfully lifted more than 850 million people out of poverty, representing over 70% of global poverty reduction over the past four decades. Even more gratifying is that the 1.4 billion Chinese are no longer threatened by food or clothing shortages. China's remarkable track record in fighting poverty over the past four decades has been applauded by the United Nations, the World Bank and the international community. While praising China's "decisive progress" in reducing poverty, Jim Yong Kim, former president of the World Bank, hailed China's poverty alleviation as "one of the greatest stories in human history." As early as 2003, China became the first developing country to realize poverty reduction as part of the U.N. Millennium Development Goal to halve extreme poverty worldwide. China has shown the world its genuine commitment to wiping out poverty, concentrating on its development and achieving national rejuvenation. It is gratifying to see that the Chinese government has given utmost priority to poverty eradication, economic, social, cultural and environmental development, as well as human rights promotion and protection in a coordinated manner. Since the 18th CPC National Congress held in 2012, China has made great headway in upgrading infrastructure within poverty-stricken areas and delivering public services in health, sanitation, education, culture and job creation, in order to help impoverished people enhance their capacity for self-development. Will China be able to achieve its goal of eliminating poverty by the end of 2020? The answer is yes. Since November 2013, its targeted poverty alleviation campaign has advanced towards the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects. The data from the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics shows that the country's number of poverty-stricken counties fell from 832 to 52 as of May 2020. Meanwhile, China's central and provincial governments have invested 30.8 billion yuan in its poverty relief plans in the remaining 52 counties mostly located in western parts of the country. In addition to fiscal support and preferential policies for local populations from the central and provincial governments, many Chinese enterprises and social organizations are playing an important role in helping raise the incomes of rural people in the country's poorest regions. China's down-to-earth strategy to eradicating poverty and improving people's living standards has important practical significance for other developing countries in poverty reduction. Manisha Chakraborty is the cultural secretary at New Horizon Radio Listeners' Club, based in West Bengal, India. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. We have to be realistic: the Governments Test and Trace policy isnt working and is very unlikely ever to. The debacle at the weekend of more than 16,000 missed cases of Covid-19 simply underlines that. Why last weeks figures were so badly wrong is almost irrelevant. (It was apparently due to a glitch in the spreadsheet software). Blaming that, however, masks a much bigger issue: Test and Trace is worse than useless. Rigorous tracing has been effective, we are told, in countries such as New Zealand. But that is an underpopulated island nation at the edge of the world, with strictly controlled immigration. In Britain, a crowded international hub, we can neither sensibly close our borders nor impose such stringent controls on the population. This effectively renders Test and Trace unworkable. It can only be worthwhile if it identifies a high proportion of those who have come into contact with an infected person and right now the figure is very low. Inaccurate One reason for this is that when the authorities phone to inquire whom we have met in the past seven days, many Britons feel uncomfortable about naming colleagues, neighbours or loved ones. We are not a nation of snitches. In fact, it appears that 40 per cent of those asked to name their recent contacts were unable to remember anyone. The debacle at the weekend of more than 16,000 missed cases of Covid-19 simply underlines the Governments Test and Trace policy isnt working Are they being medically irresponsible, or are they reasonably shielding friends who, even if they catch it, are overwhelmingly likely to have asymptomatic Covid and can ill afford to endure two weeks in quarantine and perhaps lose their jobs? The question is muddied even further because the tests on which Test and Trace is based are highly unreliable. Covid-19 is not an easy infection to spot. Unlike measles or smallpox, which present highly recognisable symptoms, it cannot be diagnosed clinically. Covid is a coronavirus and its symptoms are vague: a cough, a raised temperature, the loss of taste and smell all of which overlap with the symptoms for flu and the common cold. Diagnosing Covid-19 reliably involves a complex process of repeatedly heating and cooling samples of DNA while adding enzymes. It can only be done in a laboratory, it takes time and the results are highly sensitive to variations in the process. In other words, its very easy to muck the test up. Added to this, the test has been developed in a rush. Consequently, we dont fully understand how to interpret the results. What we do know is that when the procedure goes wrong, it generates a false positive result: it indicates an infection where none exists. Even with long-established tests, wed expect to see false positives in perhaps one per cent of cases. With this one, it could quite conceivably be 5 per cent or higher. This means that if 300,000 tests are processed in a day, perhaps 15,000 or more will generate inaccurate reports of Covid-19 infection. With the vastly increased testing done in recent weeks, this could go a long way to explaining the sudden spike of infections. People gather near an information board in the town centre in Bolton following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease It gets worse, because even the genuine cases of Covid are not all alike. A patient who picks up the disease in hospital, where an airborne virus might circulate for hours in wards, could contract a heavy dose and we know this is likely to result in a more serious illness. But someone who comes into contact with the virus outdoors might have only a miniscule dose, yet will still show up as a positive case. One positive is not necessarily the same as another, but the Government numbers dont differentiate. This plausibly explains why the sharp rise in reported infections has not been reflected in a corresponding increase in hospitalisations, ventilator use in intensive care units or deaths. Last week, it was reported that just 1,800 out of 110,000 occupied beds in hospitals were taken up by Covid-19 patients (though it is worth pointing out that hospitalisation rates lag several days behind positive test cases, and deaths several weeks behind). Yet it is precisely this rise in reported infections that is hobbling the country, preventing the vital economic recovery, throwing vast areas into fear and chaos, and threatening another national lockdown as Christmas approaches. Vulnerable To call the Governments response mistaken is a colossal understatement. There is no doubt, of course, that Covid-19 is a nasty disease for a vulnerable subset of people. Yesterday, 33 more deaths were reported in the UK. But that figure tells us little thats useful because it says nothing about the patients who died. It is likely that they were elderly and suffering from co-morbidities such as heart disease and diabetes. But it is also possible that they died from something else entirely such as flu. Certainly, flu and pneumonia cases will be sharply on the rise. At this time of year, doctors expect to see an increase in admissions for all respiratory conditions, and that will include Covid-19. But the difference with Covid is that it is a notifiable disease. Doctors have to report every case, or face trouble. This is not true of flu, for example. In fact, there is no need for every bout of flu to be recorded, which is why annual figures on outbreaks are so vague. If a patient is admitted to hospital with a life-threatening influenza infection, then contracts Covid-19 on the ward, he or she might die from the flu, but its Covid that will be reported and recorded. An already inaccurate set of statistics is distorted further. Trying to extract any sense from these figures is almost pointless, but knowing why they are so unreliable does at least help to explain why Oldham, for example, has seen the alleged infection rate double despite being in lockdown for six weeks. We are told by Boris Johnson that we face a bumpy winter. By this, presumably he means countless jobs at risk and terrible consequences for the mental health of millions Hardship Theres no way of saying why Wolverhampton, with 56 weekly cases of Covid per 100,000 of the population, should be in lockdown, when the town of Barrow-in-Furness has twice that rate and is not. Its muddle-headed and ridiculous, but you could say that matches the rest of the Governments coronavirus policy. We are told by Boris Johnson that we face a bumpy winter. By this, presumably he means countless jobs at risk and terrible consequences for the mental health of millions. Have his scientific advisers warned him, I wonder, that historically the national suicide rate rises and falls with GDP, worsening at times of economic decline? Right now, were looking at the worst economic decline in living memory. The official justification for this policy of enforced hardship is that, in the near future, a vaccine will be available that eradicates the disease. I fear that idea is likely to be as unworkable as Test and Trace. Coronaviruses are as old as humanity. They spread among us when the worlds population was a tiny fraction of todays billions, when we lived in far-flung villages instead of densely packed conurbations. Theyve resisted every attempt at a vaccine or a cure. One project to wipe out the common cold was funded for more than 40 years and got nowhere. Todays flu vaccines are less than 50 per cent effective, and there is no chance whatever that a hurriedly developed Covid-19 vaccine could be anything like as good as that. Its a bad situation. Relying on meaningless statistics, and employing this hopeless system of Test and Trace, can only make it worse still. Parramore neighborhood resident Francina Fountain registers to vote during the National Voter Registration Day event, hosted by the Orlando Magic, at Amway Center in downtown Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis extended the state's voter registration deadline Tuesday after unexpected and unexplained heavy traffic crashed the state's online system and potentially prevented thousands of people from enrolling to cast ballots in next month's presidential election. DeSantis extended the deadline that expired Monday until 7 p.m. EDT Tuesday. In addition to online registration, DeSantis ordered elections, motor vehicle and tax collectors offices to stay open until 7 p.m. local time for anyone who wants to register in person. Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee, who oversees the voting system, said the online registration system "was accessed by an unprecedented 1.1 million requests per hour" during the last few hours of Monday. Lee said in a statement Tuesday that the state "will work with our state and federal law-enforcement partners to ensure this was not a deliberate act against the voting process." The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned elections officials nationwide last week that cyberattacks could disrupt their systems during the run-up to the election. They particularly noted "distributed denial-of-service" attacks, which inundate a computer system with requests, potentially clogging up servers until the system becomes inaccessible to legitimate users. The potential for outside meddling is an especially sensitive issue in Florida, a key battleground state in November's election between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden. The state has lingering questions about Russian hacking during the election four years ago. Last year, state officials confirmed that election-related servers of at least two Florida counties were breached by Russian meddlers. No votes or records were tampered with. Whatever caused the disruption, it threw up a roadblock for those trying to register. Sarah Dinkins, a Florida State University student, tried to help her younger sister register Monday night. They began trying about 9 p.m. and by 10:30 p.m. had not been successful. "I feel very frustrated," she said. "If the voting website doesn't work, fewer people potentially Democratic voters will be able to vote." This is not the first major computer shutdown to affect the state government this year. For weeks in the spring, tens of thousands of Floridians who lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic couldn't file for unemployment benefits because of repeated crashes by that overwhelmed computer system, delaying their payments. DeSantis replaced the director overseeing that system but blamed the problems on his predecessor, fellow Republican Rick Scott, who is now a U.S. senator. Democrats jumped on the latest issue, saying it and the unemployment fiasco show that the DeSantis administration is inept and accused it of trying to stop people from voting. A civil rights group had threatened to sue if the governor did not extend the deadline. The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law said the breakdown would unjustly deprive thousands of casting ballots for president and other offices. Kristen Clarke, the group's president, said the group sued Virginia in 2016 after its computer system crashed just before the deadline, winning an extension that allowed thousands of additional voters to register. Since February this year, the national minimum wage has been 10.10 euro per hour (Niall Carson/PA) OVER 122,000 workers are set for a 10 cent increase in the national minimum wage. Cabinet today rubberstamped the increase proposed by an advisory body on low pay that will bring the statutory wage rate to 10.20 an hour. It will come into force from January 1 next year. Since 2016, the national minimum wage has increased from 8.65 per hour to its current rate of 10.10, said Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphries. Today, government approved a further increase to 10.20 which will come into effect on January 1 2021. This will benefit 122,000 low-paid workers. I also want to ensure that the increase in the minimum wage does not result in employers having to pay a higher level of PRSI charge solely due to this increase. She said she will make regulations to increase the employer PRSI threshold from 395 currently to 398 from January 1 2021. The minister said the Low Pay Commission plays an important role in improving data collection on low paid and minimum wage workers. Officials from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions officials walked out of the commission last month in protest at the proposed increase. General secretary Patricia King said it became clear to her and Mandate general secretary, Gerry Light, that other members would not propose an increase for 2021 beyond 1pc, or 10 cent. We could not in conscience be party to any recommendation that did not afford the lowest-paid workers in the Republic of Ireland an increase in excess of 2pc similar to other sectors in our economy, she said. Credit: CC0 Public Domain British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Californian laboratory Vir Biotechnology on Tuesday announced final stage testing of their potential coronavirus treatment. The phase-three trials will evaluate the effectiveness of their "fully human anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody" VIR-7831 in the early treatment of patients at high risk of hospitalisation. If successful, the companies believe it could increase the number of people who have tested positive for the virus being treated as outpatients. GSK and Vir said in a joint statement the trials would take place in North America, South America and Europe after a "positive assessment of unblinded safety data". They will involve some 1,300 people, half of whom will receive a placebo, and the other half VIR-7831, with preliminary results available as early as the end of this year. Final results are likely in January next year. VIR-7831 is described as having "the potential to neutralise the virus, kill infected cells, provide a high barrier to resistance, and achieve high concentrations in the lungs". GSK announced in April that it is investing 350 million in the US laboratory and would work together to fight COVID-19 and any future possible outbreaks. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP Today is German-American Day, which is observed every Oct. 6. In Illinois, there is plenty of reason to celebrate. German ancestry remains prevalent in Illinois, as it has for a century and a half. The strength of German-Americans helped shape Illinois history through a Civil War and two world wars against the Old Country. Of the nearly 1.8 million Illinois residents in 1860, nearly 325,000 were of foreign birth. Germans were the largest ethnic group with 130,000, nearly 8% of the states total population. Some 20% of the Chicago population was German. Many had arrived following the failed German revolution of 1848. A heavy concentration of Germans also was found in St. Clair County, near Belleville. Others settled in cities including Quincy, Alton, Peoria, Springfield and Galena. In the northern Illinois community of Peru, Germans made up 1,000 of the total population of 3,500 in 1854. The names of a number of towns and villages across the state honor German heritage, including New Berlin, New Baden, New Minden, Germantown, Darmstadt and Meppen. New Berlin was founded in 1865 by a group of German immigrants. Many Germans were farmers, while others were laborers, merchants and skilled tradesmen. Some followed the popular crafts of their homeland and worked as butchers, bakers, shoemakers, furniture and wagon builders, and cigar makers. Architecture of traditionally German-American buildings, often in brick, still is visible across the state. [Source: U.S. Census Bureau] German-language newspapers were found across the state, even in the smallest cities. In 1859, future presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln bought the press and type to establish a German-language Republican paper. In Peoria, future Illinois Secretary of State Edward Rummel, a native of Baden, Germany, ran a German paper and print shop, which produced goods in both German and English. John Wood, who founded the city of Quincy and served as Illinois governor for 10 months in 1860-61, was born to a German mother. In 1892, John Altgeld, a Prussian native, won election for one term as Illinois governor and best is known for his pardon of three of the accused in the infamous Haymarket Riot. More Information German ancestry accounts for 14.4% of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Here is a county-by-county look at the percentage of people in west-central Illinois who report German heritage: Morgan, 25.3 Brown, 23.7 Cass, 25.2 Greene, 29.4 Jersey, 36.4 Macoupin, 35 Pike, 22.2 Sangamon, 25.6 Scott, 26.8 - Source: Statistical Atlas of the US See More Collapse Politically, German support was crucial, and their weight was felt at the first Illinois Republican state convention in 1856. The German influence also was a key factor in the 1860 presidential race and, at the Republican National Convention in Chicago, German resolutions were even incorporated into the national platform. Germans were perceived to be staunch abolitionists, though some scholars dispute that claim. Nearly 6,000 Illinois Germans enlisted during the first six months of the Civil War, comprising practically three whole regiments. One top German commander was Friedrich Hecker, a renowned 1848 revolutionary who was a gentleman farmer near Belleville, in the heart of heavily German settlements. Another German regimental commander from St. Clair County was Gustave Koerner, who served as lieutenant governor of Illinois from 1852 to 1856 and was a pallbearer at Lincolns funeral in Springfield. By 1910, more than 319,000 German immigrants were in Illinois, and more than 1 million people of German descent a tenth of the national total called the state home. With nearly 400,000 first- and second-generation German immigrants, Chicago was the sixth-largest German city on the globe in 1914. The high concentration of Germans caused some protest at the outbreak of World War I, as many of German descent decried their adopted countrys stance against their homeland. Music by German composers such as Mozart and Beethoven was banned in some public places, and some German-Americans were under surveillance by state and federal officials. Other German-Americans were forced to recite loyalty oaths in public spectacles. Within a few years, use of the German language, once prominent, faded from schools and churches. As a result, many Germans in Illinois distanced themselves from their heritage. From 1914 to 1920, the number of Illinois residents who identified themselves as German on the census dropped by more than 41%, to 112,000. But many Germans remained loyal to the American cause and took active roles in the war effort both at home and abroad. A quarter-century later, dislike of German residents was a minor issue in World War II, as many chose to focus their disgust on Adolph Hitler, rather than their German neighbors. Today, German heritage in Illinois is celebrated in festivals and carnivals statewide, while some communities in Chicagoland, as well as Moline, Peoria, Gibson City, Mascoutah, Waterloo and Millstadt, feature popular German restaurants. Museums and research centers on German-American history and heritage are found in several large metro areas, such as Chicago, Frankfort and the Quad Cities. U.S. Army researchers have selected the University of Wisconsin to lead a research effort to develop hybrid-electric engines for the service's future aircraft and ground vehicles. The Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory, or ARL, at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, awarded an $11.5 million contract to the university for the research effort, which will begin this fall. Part of the effort will focus on novel oil-less bearing technology that could result in new, lightweight compact electric generators using exhaust waste energy, according to an ARL news release. Read Next: Military Leaders in Quarantine After Coast Guard's No. 2 Admiral Tests Positive for COVID-19 "The university has unique capabilities and research strengths in these areas as a result of the faculty, staff, and facilities of the Engine Research Center and Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium," said David Rothamer, principal investigator for the project team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "We look forward to working with the Army Research Laboratory and other project partners to address critical Army needs." This year, Army modernization officials expressed interest in electric-powered vehicles and directed ground maneuver officials at Fort Benning, Georgia, to develop requirements for equipping the service's tactical and combat vehicles with electric engines. Lt. Gen. Eric Wesley, deputy commander of Army Futures Command and director of the Futures and Concepts Center, said in April that vehicle designers at Tesla Inc. in Palo Alto, California, have already proven that electric motor technology can be scaled up to run vehicles the size of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Benning officials are planning a virtual Electrification Industry Day on Oct. 20 to share preliminary plans for the effort. The Army has also partnered with CALSTART, a nonprofit organization that works with businesses and governments to develop clean, efficient transportation. As part of the research effort, University of Wisconsin researchers will develop, validate and apply tools that will be integrated into a comprehensive modular Hybrid-Electric Optimization and Integration Tool, which will then be used to configure future Army hybrid-electric air and ground vehicles, said Mike Kweon, program manager for ARL's Versatile Tactical Power and Propulsion Essential Research Program. The research effort will also help identify new technologies that could allow the service to use multiple fuel types for manned and unmanned aircraft. "Right now, the Army's unmanned aircraft are powered by engines built for ground transportation systems; these engines were developed to work with commercially available fuels, such as gasoline and diesel," Kweon said in the release. ARL recently announced the development of a new, advanced scientific model to allow vehicle maintenance specialists to turn to bio-derived fuels in austere locations, along with efforts to convert a home-based generator into a power source for autonomous ground and air vehicles, according to the release. In addition to the University of Wisconsin research effort, the Army has also entered into similar partnerships this year with other institutions, such as the University of Minnesota, University of Michigan, University of Illinois at Chicago, Iowa State University and Texas A&M University. "By expanding the team to include experts in academia, small businesses and industry, together we can take concepts and ideas and transform them into future capabilities for the Army," Mark Tschopp, regional lead for ARL Central in Illinois, said in the release. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related: Army Takes First Step Toward Equipping Tactical, Combat Vehicles with Electric Engines Women in Houston face more mental health impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic than men, according to a new study from the University of Houston, which found that woman disproportionately reported increased anxiety levels. The study, released Tuesday by the Hobby School of Public Affairs, analyzed survey results from 1,063 participants who live in the Houston-area. Among them, nearly 34 percent of women and 25 percent of men said they felt anxious nearly every day or more than half of each week. About 26 percent of women reported feeling no anxiety at all, compared to 43 percent of men. Overall, the study showed that most Houston-area residents feel some form of COVIDs impact on economic, physical and mental health. Job loss, furloughs and salary reductions cut across all layers of society, although workers who are Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino felt the greatest impact, said Sunny M.C. Wong, an economist and professor at the Hobby School. While 20.6 percent of respondents overall reported losing a job, that rose to 24 percent for Hispanic/Latino residents and 26 percent for Black/African American residents, according to a news release about the study. Researchers said two out of three people living in the greater Houston area report feeling anxious since the pandemic began, and more than four out of five people told researchers they are worried about the post-COVID economy. More than 10 percent said a friend or family member had died of the virus, while almost 30 percent said they had contracted the virus themselves or personally know someone who had. Additionally, most said they are unimpressed with how state and federal government leaders are handling the pandemic response. Researchers drew the statistics from a Hobby School survey conducted earlier this year, along with an analysis of the U.S. Household Pulse survey conducted in late summer by the U.S. Census Bureau, the news release said. Among other findings, nearly half of participants report spending more than eight hours per week helping children with online schooling. Four percent of Black and Asian/Pacific Islander respondents said they spent more than 40 hours a week on that task. julian.gill@chron.com julian.gill@chron.com Reading, PA (19601) Today Not as cold with limited sunshine. A flurry or snow shower late in the day can't entirely be ruled out, mainly north and west of the Lehigh Valley.. Tonight A passing snow shower or flurry possible early; otherwise, clouds initially will give way to clearing late. My pessimistic prediction is that the college and university reopening strategies under consideration will work for a few weeks before their effectiveness fizzles out. By then, many students will have become cavalier about wearing masks and sanitizing their hands. They will ignore social distancing guidelines when they want to hug old friends they run into on the way to class. They will venture out and begin partying in their hallways with classmates from other clusters, and soon after, with those who live on other floors, in other dorms, or off campus. They will get drunk and hang out and hook up with people they dont know well. And infections on campus not only among students, but among the adults who come into contact with them will begin to increase. The Internal Revenue Service is investigating National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre for possible criminal tax fraud, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. New York attorney general Letitia James filed suit against the NRA in August, seeking to dissolve the organization and accusing LaPierre and other senior members of repeated fraud stretching back decades. When asked at a press conference whether she believed LaPierre evaded reporting personal taxes, James said she had contacted the IRS regarding the issue. LaPierres attorney did not immediately respond to the Journals request for comment. An outside lawyer for the NRA said that the organization was willing to cooperate with the investigation. The NRA is not aware of any IRS inquiry but, of course, will fully cooperate with any appropriate requests for assistance, said attorney William A. Brewer III. In August, James alleged that the NRA wasfraught with fraud and abuse and that the organization went unchecked for decades while top executives funneled millions into their own pockets. The NRA vowed to fight the lawsuit. This was a baseless, premeditated attack on our organization and the Second Amendment freedoms it fights to defend, NRA president Carolyn Meadows said at the time. Its a transparent attempt to score political points and attack the leading voice in opposition to the leftist agenda. President Trump commented on the lawsuit, I think the NRA should just move to Texas and live a great and beautiful life. More from National Review Farmers with 'Boer Lives Matter' banners have stormed a South African court and fired shots as they tried to force their way into cells holding two murder suspects. Thousands of protesters thronged outside the Senekal Magistrate's Court in the Free State today as Sekwetje Isaiah Mahlamba, 32, and Sekola Piet Matlaletsa, 44, appeared before a judge. The men are accused of torturing 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner, whose lifeless body was found covered in blood and tied to a post on remote farmland outside the town of Paul Roux on Friday. Following the latest in a string of attacks on white farmers, up to 3,000 descended on Senekal, with one group turning violent and forcing their way into the holding cells. A police van outside the court was overturned and set alight and the court building itself was also damaged. Scroll down for video. Demonstrators hold 'Boer Lives Matter' banners in front of an overturned police van outside the court in Senekal, Free State, on Tuesday Footage purportedly taken inside the holding cells of the court show guards attempting to restrain furious protesters The police truck after it was set alight by the demonstrators on Tuesday afternoon 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner who was murdered on a farm near the town of Paul Roux in Free State on Friday Demonstrators are seen flooding through the main entrance of the court on Tuesday during chaotic scenes where the guards struggled to maintain order More than 3,000 have descended on Senekal, a small town in eastern Free State which is around 20 miles from Paul Roux where Horner was found dead on Saturday morning Police spokesperson Brig Motantsi Makhele told TimesLive: 'Two shots were fired from this group but no-one was injured.' He added: 'Thus far the situation is tense but under control.' Hundreds of cars and tractors are lining the streets of the little town with farmers travelling from across the country to demand justice for Horner. Videos outside the court show police officers firing stun grenades to disperse the furious demonstrators. Mahlamba and Matlaletsa's court matter was postponed until October 16. Horner's girlfriend Lenize Taljaard raised the alarm on Friday evening after the young farm worker failed to return home. His blood-soaked corpse was found by his father Robbie and a colleague Jaco Kleingeld at 6am the following day. He had been cut multiple times and a knife was found not far from the pole to which his torturers had strung him to. Gilly Scheepers who owns the farm where Horner was murdered told TimesLive: 'He was so excited that day, that he was working a year for us, and on that special day he died. His family is taking his death extremely hard.' Agricultural strategist Dr Jaco De Villiers has described the latest murder as part of a 'war against food production' in the country and said that his murder was 'slaughter'. Hundreds of demonstrators packed the streets of Senekal today to demand justice for Horner The burning police van outside the court (left) and a demonstrator stands on the overturned vehicle (right) Hundreds of cars line the streets of the little town of Senekal in the Free State on Tuesday to demonstrate outside the court holding the suspected murderers of Brendin Horner Following the latest in a string of attacks on white farmers, up to 3,000 descended on Senekal today, with a small number turning violent and forcing their way into the holding cells Brendin Horner's girlfriend Lenize Taljaard raised the alarm on Friday night after Horner failed to return home He told the paper: 'How do you murder someone and hang him on a pole for everyone to see? This was a clear message to all farmers. Farm killings have to stop right now.' THIS YEAR'S BRUTAL MURDERS OF WHITE PEOPLE IN S. AFRICA WOMAN AND HER ELDERLY PARENTS ARE KIDNAPPED AND MURDERED Daniel Brand, 82, his wife Hybrecht, 73, and their daughter Elizabeth, 53, were kidnapped and driven away in their own cars from their rural home near Hartswater in the Northern Province on July 26. Their bodies were found two days later. The home was ransacked, with some cash and jewellery stolen. BRITISH FALKLANDS HERO SHOT DEAD WHILE PROTECTING PARTNER British Falklands War hero was shot dead while protecting his partner during an armed raid on their farm near Lanseria. Former Royal Navy sailor Julian Stobbs, 59, was shot in the head and chest after four robbers broke into his home as he slept on July 3. RESTAURANT OWNER HACKED TO PIECES WITH MACHETE Eduard Neumeister, 67, who was born in Austria, was hit with 'dozens of blows' from a bush knife at his property in Balgowan, 70 miles outside Durban in June. The frenzied attack happened as Eduard - known locally as Edi - went to feed his dogs and prepare for breakfast at the Bratwurst Sausage Restaurant and B&B that he ran with partner Margit Riebler, 62. Advertisement Horner's death came just two days after another ruthless murder of a white farmer just 180 miles away in Delmas east of Johannesburg. Divorcee Chantel Kershaw, 44, was ambushed by two armed black men while helping to a load a lawnmower onto a truck on Wednesday. Kershaw's underwear was ripped off and stuffed into her mouth and she was strangled to death inside her garage. Her distraught mother Greta Spiers, 65, was bludgeoned over the head with a pistol and she, along with a maid, was restrained as the farm was looted. The two men fled in the family's white Chevrolet station wagon but were chased down by neighbourhood watch farmers who forced the stolen vehicle off the road. The neighbourhood watch, who had been alerted by Kershaw's mother, captured the suspects and handed them over to police. A farm hand who was stripped and tied up by the raiders was later arrested after the cell phone numbers of the two suspects were found in his phone. The three men appeared before Delmas Magistrates Court charged with armed robbery, theft and murder and were refused bail and have been remanded in custody. Dr Jane Buys, safety and risk analyst of Free State Agriculture, told TimesLIVE: 'The senseless killings cannot be allowed with the brutality in which they are executed. 'It is not clear what the motive for this murder is. There cannot be any justification for killing a person who provides food security. Something has to be done to stop it'. Pressure group Agri SA said that on average a farm where a farmer is violently attacked will be abandoned for up to five years until someone takes it on and restarts production. They said that means dozens of workers and dependants losing their livelihoods. AfriForum spokesman Marius Muller who speaks for the civil rights group protecting minority groups in South Africa said that the farmers need better police protection. The two horrific attacks were 180 miles apart on remote farmland Divorcee Chantel Kershaw, 44, (left and right) was ambushed by two armed black men while working her land in Delmas east of Johannesburg on Wednesday The two attackers fled Kershaw's home in the family's white Chevrolet station wagon but were chased down by neighbourhood watch farmers who forced the stolen vehicle off the road in a high speed chase One of the Kershaw murder suspects is escorted away by police He said: 'This is yet another dark day in the history of South Africa for farmers and those with small holdings and the murder of these two farmers was totally unnecessary. 'These were both premeditated and horrific attacks on innocent farmers who look after and care for their workers and whose jobs may now be put in jeopardy by these murders'. Each day in South Africa an average of 60 people are murdered but although the number of farmers killed averages 75 a year their deaths are horrific and brutal. Their killers often use hot irons, power tools and boiling water to torture their victims and rape the female members in the house before finally murdering their victims. Militants attacked a BJP leader in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, leaving his personal security guard dead, while an ultra was also killed in the retaliatory action, police said. The militants shot at on Ghulam Qadir, a district vice president of the BJP, near his residence at Nunner in Ganderbal, a police official said. The injured security guard was rushed to SKIMS hospital at Soura for treatment, but he succumbed to injuries, the official said, adding the BJP leader was safe. In the retaliatory action by the security personnel, one militant was also killed, the official said. SAN FRANCISCO The staggering scale of Californias wildfires reached another milestone Monday: A single fire surpassed 1 million acres. The new mark for the August Complex in the Coast Range between San Francisco and the Oregon border came a day after the total area of land burned by California wildfires this year passed 4 million acres, more than double the previous record. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the amount of land scorched by the August Complex is larger than all of the recorded fires in California between 1932 and 1999. If thats not proof point, testament, to climate change, then I dont know what is, Newsom said. The August Complex began as dozens of fires ignited by lightning in the Mendocino National Forest in mid-August and became Californias largest fire on record in September. As of Monday, it covered nearly 1,566 square miles. Since the beginning of the year, more than 8,200 California wildfires have scorched well over 4 million acres or 6,250 square miles, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Sunday in a statement. There have been 31 deaths and nearly 8,700 buildings have been destroyed, the governor said. Numerous studies have linked bigger wildfires in America to climate change from the burning of coal, oil and gas. Scientists say climate change has made California much drier, meaning trees and other plants are more flammable. Mike Flannigan, who directs the Canadian Partnership for Wildland Fire Science at Canadas University of Alberta, says the escalation of fires in California and the U.S. West is largely, not solely, due to human-caused climate change. The August Complex has destroyed 242 structures and damaged a half dozen. One firefighter has died and one has been injured. Containment was estimated at 54% on Monday. A fire burning in Northern California wine country has burned more than 102 square miles and destroyed more than 1,200 buildings since it started Sept. 27. California remains largely warm and dry but fierce winds that fanned infernos a week ago were gone. Cooling at the coast was expected to expand into the interior and a Pacific storm system remained in the forecast for Northern California by next weekend. But authorities in wine country said there it likely would not be enough rain to halt additional fires. Cal Fire meteorologist Tom Bird said the North Bay has just around a 25% chance of a quarter-inch of rain, the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reported. Whereas we may see some rain on the fire this weekend, I do not believe it will be significant enough to be a season-ending event, he said. Authorities on Monday made public more information about the Sept. 17 death of Charles Morton, 39, a squad boss for the Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Crew battling the El Dorado Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest east of Los Angeles. The U.S. Forest Services two-paragraph report released by the interagency Wildland Fire Lesson Learned Center states that it appears he was burned over by the fire and passed away. The report dated Sept. 24 said a review team was conducting interviews with personnel to learn from this tragic event. It did not elaborate on the circumstances that claimed the life of the 14-year veteran. The El Dorado Fire was ignited Sept. 5 by a pyrotechnic device a couple used for an event revealing the gender of their baby, authorities have said. CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban Skin Rx announces its retail expansion into 776 brick-and-mortar Walmart stores this fall. The brand, known for its affordable clinical solutions for melanated skin tones, will launch seven of their best-selling products in Walmart stores nationwide. The brand is currently available on Walmart.com. The initial assortment sold at Walmart includes seven of the brand's most-loved products that can be used together as a complete skincare regimen, all of which have benefits for those concerned with dark spots and uneven skin tone. The selection includes the best-selling Even Tone Cleansing Bar, Even Tone Super Glow Serum, Retinol Rapid Repair & Dark Spot Treatment, Clear Skin Cleansing Bar, Clear & Even Tone Clarifying Glycolic Pads, Pumpkin Pore Detox Mask and Scrub, and the Complexion Protection Moisturizer SPF 30. "We are thrilled to further broaden our reach with Walmart as a partner, expanding the distribution and accessibility of Urban Skin Rx," commented Rachel Roff, CEO/Founder. "When we first extended our Urban Skin Rx retail presence outside our direct-to-consumer model, the brand's goal was to bring inclusivity to the skincare industry by providing clinical-strength products catering to the needs of melanin-rich skin. That goal remains the same today." Urban Skin Rx was founded in 2010 to cater to specific concerns common for women and men with melanin-rich skin tones. Though the company has achieved great success through their direct-to-consumer model, they first expanded into brick-and-mortar retail with Target in January 2018. Since then, the brand has expanded into retailers such as Ulta, CVS, Dermstore.com, HSN.com, and QVC.com. Today, the brand is sold at over 5,000 retail locations in the U.S. Earlier this year, the brand began international distribution with its launch in Nigeria. From its inception, Urban Skin Rx has aimed to better serve and support the BIPOC community. Through this partnership with Walmart, the brand looks forward to providing its professional-grade skincare products to a wider audience. About Urban Skin Rx Urban Skin Rx was founded in Charlotte, NC in 2010 to develop clinical skincare products that address the needs of consumers with melanin-rich skin tones. Urban Skin Rx products deliver blends of high-strength ingredients formulated to address the most common skincare concerns of women of color, including improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. For more information on Urban Skin Rx, please visit www.urbanskinrx.com . For press inquiries, please contact Rebecca Leiby, mml PR, at [email protected]. SOURCE Urban Skin Rx Related Links https://urbanskinrx.com/ Linkoping University chooses Atos to build Sweden's largest supercomputer for AI Linkoping, Sweden, Paris, France, October 6 2020 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, today announced a new contract with Linkoping University to build Sweden's fastest supercomputer for machine learning and artificial intelligence. It will deliver 300 petaflops of AI performance and will be based on the NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD computing infrastructure. It will be named BerzeLiUs, named after renowned Swedish scientist Jacob Berzelius. Construction and installation will begin at the start of 2021. BerzeLiUs will be a powerful resource to advance AI research and boost collaboration between academia and Swedish industry. This will primarily be within research programmes financed by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, such as the Wallenberg Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems and Software Program and initiatives in the life sciences and quantum technology. "I am extremely happy and proud that Linkoping University will, through the National Supercomputer Centre, be host for this infrastructure", says Jan-Ingvar Jonsson, vice-chancellor of Linkoping University. "This gives us confidence that Sweden is not simply maintaining its international position, but also strengthening it." BerzeLiUs will consist of 60 NVIDIA DGX A100 systems combined with NVIDIA Mellanox InfiniBand networking and 1.5 petabytes of storage from DDN. It will be supported by Atos Codex AI Suite, to enable researchers speed-up processing times on their complex data, empowering them to gain insights faster, using the power of deep learning and analytics. "We are proud to be working with Linkoping University on the delivery of their new supercomputer BerzeLiUs, which will provide researchers with the computing power to enable new scientific breakthroughs and innovation. This high-performance system, coupled with our expertise, will help Sweden to address key AI and machine learning challenges."said Damien Declat, Group VP, Head of HPC, AI & Quantum Business Operations at Atos. "The new supercomputer will bring AI research in Sweden into a whole new era. It will be the center for an investment that not only raises Sweden's position as leader in AI research but also gives Swedish industry great competitive advantages in areas such as telecommunication, pharmaceuticals and vehicles", says Jaap Zuiderveld, vice president EMEA at NVIDIA. The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation has donated SEK 300 million to Linkoping University and the National Supercomputer Centre (NSC) to build this supercomputer. ### About Atos Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 110,000 employees in 73 countries and annual revenue of 12 billion. European number one in Cloud, Cybersecurity and High-Performance Computing, the Group provides end-to-end Orchestrated Hybrid Cloud, Big Data, Business Applications and Digital Workplace solutions. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos|Syntel, and Unify. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index. The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. Press contact: Laura Fau | laura.fau@atos.net| +33 6 73 64 04 18 | @laurajanefau Attachment HOUSTON - (Oct. 6, 2020) - Fat bacteria? Skinny bacteria? From our perspective on high, they all seem to be about the same size. In fact, they are. Precisely why has been an open question, according to Rice University chemist Anatoly Kolomeisky, who now has a theory. A primal mechanism in bacteria that keeps them in their personal Goldilocks zones -- that is, just right -- appears to depend on two random means of regulation, growth and division, that cancel each other out. The same mechanism may give researchers a new perspective on disease, including cancer. The "minimal model" by Kolomeisky, Rice postdoctoral researcher and lead author Hamid Teimouri and Rupsha Mukherjee, a former research assistant at Rice now at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, appears in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. "Everywhere we see bacteria, they more or less have the same sizes and shapes," Kolomeisky said. "It's the same for the cells in our tissues. This is a signature of homeostasis, where a system tries to have physiological parameters that are almost the same, like body temperature or our blood pressure or the sugar level in our blood. "Nature likes to have these parameters in a very narrow range so that living systems can work the most efficiently," he said. "Deviations from these parameters are a signature of disease." Bacteria are models of homeostasis, sticking to a narrow distribution of sizes and shape. "But the explanations we have so far are not good," Kolomeisky said. "As we know, science does not like magic. But something like magic -- thresholds -- is proposed to explain it." For bacteria, he said, there is no threshold. "Essentially, there's no need for one," he said. "There are a lot of underlying biochemical processes, but they can be roughly divided into two stochastic chemical processes: growth and division. Both are random, so our problem was to explain why these random phenomenon lead to a very deterministic outcome." The Rice lab specializes in theoretical modeling that explains biological phenomena including genome editing, antibiotic resistance and cancer proliferation. Teimouri said the highly efficient chemical coupling between growth and division in bacteria was far easier to model. "We assumed that, at typical proliferation conditions, the number of division and growth protein precursors are always proportional to the cell size," he said. T he model predicts when bacteria will divide, allowing them to optimize their function. The researchers said it agrees nicely with experimental observations and noted manipulating the formula to knock bacteria out of homeostasis proved their point. Increasing the theoretical length of post-division bacteria, they said, simply leads to faster rates of division, keeping their sizes in check. "For short lengths, growth dominates, again keeping the bacteria to the right size," Kolomeisky said. The same theory doesn't necessarily apply to larger organisms, he said. "We know that in humans, there are many other biochemical pathways that might regulate homeostasis, so the problem is more complex." However, the work may give researchers new perspective on the proliferation of diseased cells and the mechanism that forces, for instance, cancer cells to take on different shapes and sizes. "One of the ways to determine cancer is to see a deviation from the norm," Kolomeisky said. "Is there a mutation that leads to faster growth or faster division of cells? This mechanism that helps maintain the sizes and shapes of bacteria may help us understand what's happening there as well." ### Kolomeisky is a professor of chemistry and of chemical and biomolecular engineering. The Welch Foundation, the National Science Foundation and Rice's Center for Theoretical Biological Physics supported the research. Read the abstract at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c02627. This news release can be found online at https://news.rice.edu/2020/10/06/theres-a-reason-bacteria-stay-in-shape/ Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews. Related materials: Kolomeisky Research Group: http://python.rice.edu/~kolomeisky/ Department of Chemistry: https://chemistry.rice.edu Wiess School of Natural Sciences: https://naturalsciences.rice.edu/ Images for download: https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/10/1012_BACTERIA-1-WEB.jpg A simple theoretical model by Rice University scientists seeks to explain why bacteria remain roughly the same size and shape. The model shows the random processes of growth and division are linked, essentially canceling each other out. (Credit: Kolomeisky Research Group/Rice University) https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/10/1012_BACTERIA-2-WEB.jpg CAPTION: Anatoly Kolomeisky. (Credit: Rice University) https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/10/1012_BACTERIA-3-WEB.jpg CAPTION: Hamid Teimouri. (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 3,978 undergraduates and 3,192 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. This series features an impressive collection of experts who will be sharing their expertise on a broad range of landscape and ag topics. There is truly something of interest to every irrigation professional. -- Mike Temple, IA technical program director The Irrigation Association is excited to announce the start of its Industry Insights webinar series beginning in October and extending through April 2021. Industry Insights will feature two different webinar series: one focused on agriculture irrigation and the other focused on landscape irrigation and lighting. Normally offered on-site during the Irrigation Show and Education Week, Industry Insights is where attendees go to learn about todays relevant topics. This new virtual Industry Insights is part of the IAs Education Week+ and will feature 60-minute sessions (presentation and Q&A), with landscape webinars held on Tuesdays and agriculture webinars on Thursdays. The 2020-2021 webinar series invites knowledgeable industry experts to present information about the latest trends and research, a best practice or a how-to. We are excited to offer this rich content to irrigation professionals in a creative new venue, said Mike Temple, LEED AP, CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA, CLWM, IA technical program director. This series features an impressive collection of experts who will be sharing their expertise on a broad range of landscape and ag topics. There is truly something of interest to every irrigation professional from irrigating hemp to landscape irrigation design to avoiding lighting mistakes. The full schedule and webinar descriptions of both the Industry Insights for Agriculture and Industry Insights for Landscape are provided at http://www.irrigation.org/industryinsights. Webpages providing information about all of the ag and landscape presenters are also included on the site. Anyone can register for a webinar by selecting it from the online schedule. With the cancellation of the in-person 2020 Irrigation Show and Education Week in San Antonio, our desire is to continue to provide some of the important elements offered during the show, said Deborah Hamlin, CAE, FASAE, IA CEO. Through Industry Insights we are able to give those in our industry the opportunity to keep up with the latest topics and trends through a safe and cost-efficient way. The Industry Insights for Landscape is sponsored by Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply, and the Industry Insights for Agriculture is sponsored by Netafim and Valley Irrigation. For more information about this and other programs offered during Education Week+, go to http://www.irrigationshow.org. About the Irrigation Association The Irrigation Association is the leading membership organization for irrigation companies and professionals. The IA is committed to promoting efficient irrigation and to long-term sustainability of water resources for future generations. The IA works to improve industry proficiency, advocate sound water management and grow demand for water-efficient products and services. For more information, visit http://www.irrigation.org. The college explained its move on the basis that restrictions will be now in place until at least week five in the semester NUI Galway has announced that classes will be online until Christmas. The only exceptions will be lab-based and practical tuition, which will remain on campus. The announcement comes on the heels of the Governments move to implement Level 3 public health restrictions countrywide for three weeks, from midnight tonight. The college explained its move on the basis that restrictions will be now in place until, at least, week five in the semester and stated that it sensed the need for as much certainty as possible. Read More As well as lab-based and practical tuition, other essential activities will continue on campus including research and library access. Campus accommodation will remain open but students who wish to return home and continue their studies online remotely they will be refunded the cost. NUI Galway has urged students and staff to prioritise Covid-19 testing over any study or work obligations and students will be excused from missing lectures for this purpose. If you are advised to be tested by your doctor or by a contact tracer, please do so as quickly as possible. The statement added that this virus knows no borders of grief and we should be kind to each other, take care of each other and follow public health advice at all times. At this critical stage in the fight against Covid-19 in Galway, we ask every member of our University to take personal action and responsibility to adhere to public health advice and Level 3 restrictions in order to stop the spread of this virus in our community. The Bombay high court (HC) on Tuesday posted a petition filed by Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh, sisters of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, for further hearing on October 13. Priyanka and Meetu Singh have sought to quash the first information report (FIR) registered against them by Bandra police, following a complaint by actor Rhea Chakraborty. The bench of justices SS Shinde and MS Karnik adjourned the hearing as neither Chakrabortys legal counsel nor any one for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) appeared to respond to the petition. In her complaint, Chakraborty has alleged Priyanka got Dr Tarun Kumar of New Delhis Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi to prescribe to Rajput medication that is prohibited under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Chakraborty has alleged that the medication may have caused chronic anxiety and contributed to Rajput taking his own life. Rajputs sisters have responded in a petition filed through advocate Madhav Thorat that not all the prescribed medication is banned and guidelines issued by the Medical Council of India in April this year allow medication to be prescribed to patients even at the first consultation. The petition also questions the timing of Chakrabortys complaint, pointing out that she lodged it on September 7 while the medication was prescribed on June 8 (which is the date that Chakraborty and Rajput parted ways). Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14. Chakraborty was arrested on September 8 by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) as part of its probe into allegations of drug abuse in the case of Rajputs death. Chakrabortys lawyer Satish Maneshinde issued a statement on Tuesday, alleging Rajputs family and their legal team are are interfering and tampering with the investigations. Advocate Satish Maneshindes statement, issued on Tuesday: The SC on 19th Aug 2020, to ensure public confidence in the investigation and to do complete justice in the matter (of Sushant Singh Rajput (SSR) death case) considered it appropriate to accord approval for the ongoing CBI investigation into the case registered at Patna and directed transfer of any case registered on the death of SSR into the circumstances of his unnatural death to CBI. The Bandra Police registered a case on the allegations of Rhea Chakraborty against the sisters of SSR in relation to illegal administration of medicines on the basis of forged prescription which could be the cause of SSR death and transferred it on 9th Sept 2020 to the CBI as per the orders of the SC. Therefore the family also stand to face investigations in the case. The CBI is independently and impartially investigating both the cases. The CBI is supposed to be an insulated and free from any interference. It is disturbing to learn that the family of SSR and its lawyers are interfering and tampering with the investigations by bringing pressure on the AIIMS team of doctors by speaking to them during investigations and releasing purported audio recorded conversations and information to the media in order to bring pressure and tamper with potential witnesses. The SSR family lawyer is supposed to have said that he is going to meet the CBI director to get the familys pre-determined path of investigations in SSR death. It is very disturbing to read such information in the media as attempts are being made to get a pre-determined result in the case. Any further attempts to interfere and tampering in the investigations would be brought to the notice of the appropriate courts. Every day for nearly seven months, many San Franciscans have made excruciating sacrifices to keep themselves and those around them safe from the coronavirus. Luisa Mockler and her husband must visit their premature daughter in shifts because just one visitor is allowed in the hospital ICU at a time. Stuart Schuffman canceled his Saturday wedding. Suzy Loftus hasnt seen her mother since March 7 except for teary visits through her nursing home window. These are the kinds of painful actions San Franciscans are taking because theyre the right thing to do in a pandemic. Theyre whats keeping the citys coronavirus caseload low and our death rate the lowest of any major American city. Thats why its so infuriating that this notion of making the hard choice for the common good is so readily dismissed at the White House. Every hour seems to bring some horrifying new development in the saga of President Trump, his coronavirus diagnosis and the ever-increasing numbers of positive results in his inner circle. Masks? Nope. Social distancing? Nope. Following normal doctors orders? Well, the bizarre ride around Walter Reed Hospital in an SUV which put his own Secret Service agents at risk answered that question. Learning from ones own illness? Not even that. Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life, Trump tweeted Monday before leaving the hospital. I feel better than I did 20 years ago! Trump arrived back at the White House and stunningly removed his mask near staff and journalists to pose for photos. Here in San Francisco, many of us wear masks on walks without another soul in sight. To be sure, San Franciscans have never been wild about Trump. Hes been the butt of jokes and the cause of distress for years. Hes angered us again and again. But this time seems worse. All these months into our collective effort to contain the virus so far with remarkable success our so-called leader appears unwilling to change his life at all. Or to take any responsibility for so many coronavirus cases cropping up among his staff and associates, White House journalists and even his housekeepers. Or to take science seriously, dismissing the masks and social distancing, which have worked so well in San Francisco, as a joke. Or to encourage full contact tracing, an effort San Franciscos librarians and other city workers have been assigned to for months. Its all so contrary to the way so many San Franciscans are living that it feels like the White House might as well be on another planet. When Mayor London Breed learned shed come into contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus in July, she canceled her public appearances for 10 days rather than proceed as some Trump associates have done. Her spokesman, Jeff Cretan, said Breed was annoyed with the unidentified person who put her at risk, but told her staff at the time it was important for her to stay home and set the right example. To see the president and all the leadership in Washington just completely abdicate this responsibility is tragic, Cretan said. The most tragic part is that while our little region dominated by science believers is doing well, our country will never set itself on the proper course without good leadership. And until then, painful sacrifices will continue. Mockler and her husband must rotate their visits to their daughter, Emilia, who was born five weeks early on Sept. 26 and is learning how to breathe and eat on her own in intensive care. Her daughter is allowed just one visitor at a time to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, so Mockler and her husband switch off every 12 hours rather than spending their time together as a new family. Mockler herself was in and out of the UCSF hospital in Mission Bay over the summer with heavy bleeding. Only her husband could visit. She had to get permission to walk in the hallway depending on how crowded it was. She had to wear a mask any time hospital staff entered her room and while giving birth. (By the way, all of that makes her far tougher than our strongman president.) Mockler said she wishes the birth of her first child hadnt coincided with a pandemic and all these difficult health orders, but shes proud of San Francisco. One of the reasons Im OK with it is it seems to be working, she said. Courtesy Suzy Loftus Suzy Loftus, a former San Francisco prosecutor, hasnt seen her beloved mother, Maureen, 75, other than through a window since March 7. Her mom lives in a nursing home, and visitors havent been allowed during the pandemic, though outdoor visits are likely coming soon. Instead, Loftus drops off a vanilla milkshake for her mom at the security kiosk once a week. They chat on Zoom every Friday. And shes taken her three daughters to her mothers window, pressing their hands against the glass. Theres nothing I want more than to hug my mother, but I cant, Loftus said. I dont want to harm her or god forbid somebody elses grandmother. She said shes been astounded by Trumps recklessness and prefers to think hes just not aware of safety guidelines rather than that he knows about them and doesnt care. That seems like a very charitable viewpoint. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle 2019 Its not one shared by Stuart Schuffman better known as Broke-Ass Stuart who was supposed to get married on the Embarcadero in front of the Cupids Bow art piece on Saturday. There was a big party planned afterward at El Rio, and friends were set to fly in from around the world. Schuffman canceled the whole affair back in April. Because thats what you do in a pandemic. You place safety above ceremony. Well, most people do anyway. It appears the ceremony to introduce Amy Coney Barrett as Trumps pick for the Supreme Court on Sept. 26 was a superspreader event with few masks and no social distancing. These f bastards, said Schuffman, a writer, entertainer and bartender whos not known for biting his tongue. Theyre so cavalier and so arrogant. Me not getting married is a bummer, but thats not the real issue. Its the 210,000 dead Americans. Its the decimation of our economy. Because of these people. Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle Kristin Urquiza has the right to feel personally slighted by the presidents nonchalance. She became an advocate for taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously after her dad, Mark Urquiza, died in Arizona after likely contracting the virus at a karaoke bar. Urquizas outspokenness scored her an invitation from Joe Biden to last weeks presidential debate where she sat in the front row, about 15 feet from Trump and first lady Melania Trump both of whom would soon test positive for the coronavirus. Debate moderator Chris Wallace said the Trumps arrived too late to be tested for the coronavirus and were allowed inside on the honor system. Trumps children, also in the front row, didnt wear masks during the debate despite rules requiring them. Urquiza said she was irate and terrified after learning the Trumps had tested positive and called their casual behavior during a pandemic a complete middle finger to anybody else whos taken this seriously since day one. She got tested herself and, thankfully, received negative results. But shes vigilantly staying home for 14 days to ensure she doesnt develop symptoms and expose anybody. I take this seriously, she said. If only our president did too. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Sundays and Tuesdays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf Instagram: @heatherknightsf Dubai-based British businessman and founder of Solo Capital Partners LLP, Sanjay Shah is in the news again. He is reported to have amassed nearly $700 million in exile, and boasts a property portfolio stretching from Regents Park in his native London to Dubai. Shah has been accused of dividend tax fraud in Denmark in 2015, which caused the country a loss of 12.7 billion krone ($2 billion), or close to 1 percent of its gross domestic product. Shah fueled his ascent via Cum-Ex trades, which exploited legal loopholes across Europe and allowed traders to repeatedly reap dividend tax refunds on a single stock. Though the deals proved lucrative for those involved, it was the governments who paid for it in billions. Some German lawmakers have even termed the alleged tax fraud, that took place between 2012 and 2015, as the 'greatest tax heist in history'. So, heres a look at the key details of Sanjay Shah's profile history: Family and initial career: Born in 1970 in Marylebone in London, Shah attended King's College London for a degree in medicine, but dropped out. Later, he qualified as a chartered accountant. Prior to setting up his own firm, Shah worked in London as a banker with Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and Rabobank for more than 20 years. Later, he founded his own hedge firm employing over 100 financial experts across London and Dubai. The firm closed in 2016 following allegations of tax fraud. Properties: Shah has reportedly funnelled $700 million into his account since 2014 and his property portfolio is spread across London, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Dubai. Apart from this, he also commands a 62-foot yacht. The banker-turned-entrepreneur still reaps about 200,000 pounds ($250,000) a year from renting out his properties. Meanwhile, Danish tax agency Skat has stated that they have frozen as much as 3.5 billion Danish krone of Shahs assets which also includes a $20-million London mansion. Fraud allegations: Shah is accused of alleged fraud of 12.7 billion krone (1.65 billion euros) by the Danish government, which was exposed in the CumEx-Files. He is also allegedly the prime suspect in similar alleged tax fraud cases involving more than 200 million euros and 65,000 euros in Belgium and Norway respectively. Apart from this, Shah is being probed by Germany and the UK via Eurojust, and by the US Treasury Department since 2016 as the agency suspected that some of the money was funnelled through US pension funds. Till December 2016, Danish police managed to seize about 300 million euros in cooperation with foreign police forces. As per the last update, Denmark had not brought any criminal charges against Shah. Loyalsock Canyon in Sullivan County ranks among Pennsylvanias most scenic wild spots in any season of the year. But now the deep gorge has taken on the full glory of a brilliant fall foliage season. Like many other waters in northern Pennsylvania Loyalsock Creek, which flows about 64 miles through Sullivan and then Lycoming counties, is extremely low this fall because of the same drought conditions that contributed to a spectacular show of fall colors. The creek is well-known among kayakers for its abundant whitewater, particularly in spring. Later in the year, tubers take to the waters of the wild stream. Rapids are greatly diminished by mid-summer, but the stream offers an array of smooth-sided, fast-sliding chutes. Loyalsock Creek is also popular with trout anglers for its many wide, deep holes and large, pocket-creating boulders. It is stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission each spring and is home to a population of wild, reproducing brown trout. Among campers, Loyalsock Creek is known as the home of Worlds End State Park, one of the most beautiful of Pennsylvanias state parks. Fans of the park specially appreciate the swimming area, which hugs the base of the mountain at a wide bend in the creek, and for its mountain overlook above the Loyalsock Canyon. The creek flows through the popular destination state park of 780 acres, 70 tent and trailer campsites, 19 rustic cabins and 3 organized group camping sites. The name of the park has swirled with controversy. A map from 1872 called the area Worlds End, but there were other versions. From a July 20, 1935, article by W.S. Swingler, assistant district forester of Wyoming State Forest, now Loyalsock State Forest: There was even a dispute as to the proper name of the area. Some people called it Worlds End, others Whirls Glen, and still others Whirls End. The first name arose from the topography of the place. Seven mountain ranges converge on the point and one does receive the sensation of being at the ultimate ends of the earth. The proponents of the second name base their claim upon the whirlpool in the Loyalsock Creek and the third name was probably a contraction of the other two. Since the whirlpool had largely disappeared, it was decided that the name Worlds End would be the most appropriate. Hence, the name Worlds End State Forest Park. During 1936, a letter campaign caused the park name to be changed to Whirls End. Another letter campaign forced the matter to be brought to the former State Geographic Board, who supervised the official naming of places. The name was changed back to Worlds End during 1943. The Loyalsock Trail, a challenging, 59-mile trail, both intersects with Loyalsock Creek and provides the best overview of the creek flowing through Loyalsock Canyon. For the non-hiker, Canyon Vista is easily accessed from a hardpack dirt road that ascends the mountain from Worlds End State Park. If youre looking to go leaf-peeping this fall, you can find places to stay in Pennsylvania on VRBO Previous spots covered in our series of Todays Top Fall Foliage Spot in Pennsylvania: Share your suggestions for Todays Top Fall Foliage Spot in Pennsylvania throughout the 2020 fall foliage season by sending your thoughts, and a current photo of your pick for top spot if you have it, to Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com. The United States is in political turmoil today, facing not only a furiously contested presidential election but also confrontations over its core values and purpose. People pledge one nation under God, but is this still one nation with a coherent sense of itself? Is it still under God or even aware of what that may mean? Three new and upcoming books raise provocative questions about the meaning of nationalism and its relationship to biblical ideas. And all three authors approach the ancient text as if tells the stories we live now. Founding Gods Nation: Reading Exodus (Yale University Press, Jan. 5) by Leon Kass, a scholar of social thought and professor emeritus at University of Chicago, is a comprehensive commentary on the book that takes the Hebrews from a world defined by family and tribe, as told in Genesis. In the course of Exodus, they become a nation a coherent people, freed from enslavement, charged with a set of laws for all aspects of life and aspiring to know God. Its a timeless story, says Yale Press executive editor William Frucht, who edited the book. It addresses the essentials for what constitutes a nation a sense of self-determination, a system of justice, and a higher purpose. It turns out the essential aspect of nationhood as conceived by the Hebrews in Exodus has a very strong resemblance to the Enlightenment ideal of nationhood as it exists today. The Jefferson Bible (Princeton University Press, released Sept. 15) by Peter Manseau, religion curator for the Smithsonian Museum of American History, shows Thomas Jeffersonwho wrote creator into the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document of the nation in his retirement years methodically stripping the miraculous out the Gospels to create his personal cut-and-paste rationalist "study guide" to Jesus teachings. Princeton editor Fred Appel asked Manseau to write the book for the publishers Lives of Great Religious Books series. Appel says, The Jefferson Bible speaks to how religion and Christianity have been understood and received in American culture and in the beliefs of the founders. Is the U.S. a Christian nation or is it a resolutely secular nation? We are in the middle of an intense struggle over what kind of country this is and the place of religion in American life is a never-ending question. Here are Your Gods! Faithful Discipleship in Idolatrous Times, (IVP Academic, published Sept. 29) by Old Testament scholar and Anglican priest Christopher J.H. Wright is the one author in this trio who makes direct links between the Bible condemnation of idolatry and the 21st century idealization of false gods. The dubious pantheon of contemporary idols in Wrights book includes world leaders, particularly President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. This is the first time he has gone squarely at politics, in a book that is still firmly rooted in Scripture, says IVP associate editor Anna Moseley Gissing, who edited earlier scholarly works with Wright. But he pulls together expertise and discipleship in a way that is timely for our current political context. Many conservative Christians see themselves as people of the book and he is a trusted voice who can reach people in ways that others who have written more on politics may not be so able to do. A Consequential Future Kass never mentions Trump or any modern politician in Founding Gods Nation. As a humanist (his preferred description), a scientist, physician, and philosopher, Kass approaches Exodus without an ideological or theological stance. Instead, he moves line by line through the biblical book to reveal its very modern message that Exodus is the foundational political, moral and spiritual text of the Western World. It introduces the principles of human dignity and human equality; the demand for justice, tempered by mercy; the injunctions to honor ones father and mother, to care for the vulnerable, and to respect the stranger; the summons to righteousness and holiness, he writes. In an age of contested national story, frayed public morality, and absent national purpose, Exodus offers thoughtful readers rich material for thinking about nation building and people formation, slavery and freedom, morality and law, man and God. Theres a reason this national story is retold by the Jewish people at every Passover Seder, Kass tells PW. To renew themselves annually as a people, they remind themselves that they are here not solely by their own merit and they remember what they owe to whom. But in doing so, they also accept the personal responsibility to continue the national vocation. Every nation needs a founding narrative, especially if part of your mission is to transmit not only your gold or silver but also an elevated way of life from generation to generation. When the people are gathered at Sinai, God lets them know, I have known you for this purpose. There is a promise of greatness, of a consequential future. Now, the reader has a stake in the outcome, Kass says. The Creator The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth the original title Thomas Jefferson gave 200 years ago to his project, known now as The Jefferson Bible has been given new meanings with each generation, new arguments and understandings of what Jefferson did and why, Manseau writes in a "biography" of the historic book. In remaking a version of the Gospels, was he defiling something sacred or creating something impelled and guided only by reason and curiosity? Although the singular little book was written years after the Declaration of Independence, it reveals the mindset of the man who wrote: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness Who is this Creator? Manseau tells PW Jefferson was a rationalist who wanted to reconcile Christian tradition with the ideals of the Enlightenment, who identified a creator God without necessarily looking to the Bible for the revelation of the nature of that God. Indeed, he is saying nature is another way to learn about God. So its clear in his Bible he is not affirming the divinity of Jesus but affirming Jesus as the worlds greatest moral teacher. So Jefferson would be quite surprised to see himself hailed by Christian nationalists today as a founder of a Christian Nation, says Manseau. Jefferson thought a nation a people coming together for a common good has great benefits in holding various beliefs that challenge and correct each other. It leads to national success and thriving. Dont You Get the Point Yet? What leads to the opposite of success and thriving? Disastrous choices, says Wright in Here are your Gods! Its a title drawn from Genesis and 1Kings where the people turned their back on God to worship a golden calf. (Note: It did not go well for them.) He tells PW that the book was triggered by two startling events the passage of BREXIT in Britain, his home, and the election of Donald Trump in the U.S. The book, releasing the same day in both nations, has symbols like dollar signs on the cover in the U.S. edition, but glowering images of Trump and Johnson among others on the British edition. They stand for leaders and the people who chose them who turn their back on the principles set out for nations by a sovereign God, who glorify their nation, who create idols that embody their own pride, greed and aggression. says Wright. In his book, he cited Trumps inaugural speech: I am your voice, said Trump. I alone can fix it, He did not appeal to prayer or to God. He did not ask Americans to measure him against their values, or to hold him responsible for living up to them. He did not ask for their help. He asked them to place their faith in him. His book has a grim list of ways nationalism has gone awry: Increasing poverty and inequality; sexual confusion and family breakdown, ecological devastation; the rise of extreme forms of populism and nationalism visible in the alarming resurgence of white-supremacist movements; isolationism and a war on truth. All that is in opposition to Gods must fundamental demand Justice, according to Wright. Wright tells PW, The whole biblical narrative takes place in the midst of the rise and fall of empires, the ebb and flow of nations and governments and whole civilizations We watch empires rise and fall, come and go, and God seems to be saying, Dont you get the point yet? Peter Fish Case is a man with an opinion. He offers up a weekly podcast discussion that can be heard at www.theearspoon.com. Questions, compliments and complaints can be sent to him at fish@theearspoon.com. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Brattleboro Reformer. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 22:20:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Zorana Mihajlovic (front R) and Zhang Xiaoyuan (front L), director of China Road and Bridge Corporation Serbia, sign the agreenment on the construction of "Fruska Gora Corridor" in presence of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (rear R) and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo, in Belgrade, Serbia, Oct. 6, 2020. The Serbian government and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) concluded on Tuesday a commercial agreement for the design and construction of a new fast road in the northern part of the country. (Xinhua/Shi Zhongyu) BELGRADE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Serbian government and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) concluded on Tuesday a commercial agreement for the design and construction of a new fast road in the northern part of the country. The agreement on the construction of the so-called "Fruska Gora Corridor" was signed by the Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Zorana Mihajlovic and Zhang Xiaoyuan, director of CRBC Serbia in presence of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo. The project, worth 606 million euros (714.94 million U.S. dollars), envisages the construction of a 47.7-km multi-lane road between the city of Novi Sad (capital of Serbia's northern autonomous province of Vojvodina, and the country's second-biggest city) and the municipality of Ruma. The section will include a 3.5-km tunnel, as well as a 1.8-km-long bridge across the Danube River. After the agreement was signed, President Vucic stressed the importance of the road. "What we are doing with CRBC...and what makes this day important is -- that we can today discuss an overall accelerated development and modernization of Serbia." The president recalled many projects which are already in realization or in plan with CRBC, stressing their importance for the country's five-year development project titled "Serbia 2020-2025." Recalling the more than one and half years of preparation for the project by a team of Chinese and Serbian experts, Zhang pledged completion on time. "CRBC will strive, as always, to finish this project within the agreed deadline," he said. Ambassador Chen said that the cooperation between China and Serbia keeps developing despite the outbreak of the COVID-19, and has delivered a significant contribution to the economic recovery of both countries. Enditem ROCKWOOD A townhouse complex planned for north Rockwood isnt fully welcomed by the nearby community. On Monday the Township of Guelph/Eramosa held a public teleconference meeting regarding a 51-unit two-storey townhouse development on a private cul-de-sac next to Sacred Heart Catholic School off Wellington Rd. 27. Included in the plan are sidewalks, a common amenity area and 17 visitor parking spaces. The 1.5-hectare lot needs to be rezoned to allow for the townhouses to face onto a private road, which will be built just south of Edgar Bonner Avenue. A resident of the nearby Fernbrook subdivision made it clear that they arent impressed with this plan. A delegation letter from Suzanne Watson said she and her husband recently moved here and were under the impression that a church would be built in the vacant lot. Watson was particularly concerned about the noise level for children who have returned to class and her plan for a quiet retirement life. How did we go from a quiet field looking out to the new school and a future church and church parking lot to these elaborate plans? Watson asked in her letter. Has our dream of living in a beautiful little Ontario town in retirement going to be turned into a nightmare? Mayor Chris White clarified at the meeting that this lot has been slated for residential development for years and was never specifically meant for a church. Watson said that she and her husband are not the only ones on Edgar Bonner Avenue who arent in favour of this. The majority of the people who have just moved in on Edgar Bonner in those little bungalows are retired and very sad that so called progress is going to be spoiling our retirement dreams, Watson said. However, nobody spoke in opposition to this development at the meeting. Councillor Corey Woods said he found that hard to believe. We have received some comments emailed to the township opposed to the application which is to be expected, Woods said to council. Im surprised there was nobody there waiting to speak. The mayor said that he wasnt able to open the phone line back up due to legislative reasons but said comments can still be submitted to the clerk if they were unable to make it through to the teleconference. Woods also said he doesnt agree with the proposed density but will hold his comments until a future meeting where a decision will be made on the zoning. A high-level Indian delegation is in Myanmar to review and consolidate security and developmental partnership issues ahead of national elections in November. Indian Army chief General M.M. Naravane and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday finalized India's coastal shipping agreement with Myanmar in a meeting with its State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The visit by the two-member delegation comes against the backdrop of India's five-month border standoff with China in which it has been working steadily to boost ties with all countries in the neighborhood and also help them overcome the economic impact of Covid-19. The delegation also called on the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing. As part of India's efforts to help Myanmar fight the pandemic, Shringla and Naravane handed over a consignment of 3,000 vials of the drug Remdesivir to Suu Kyi, officials said. Foreign ministry officials told RFI that the two sides also discussed security related issues and initiatives to block the India-Myanmar border to China-backed Indian insurgents and drug traffickers in the north-eastern states of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. In recent years, India has provided military training and conducted joint military exercises with the Myanmar Army like the India-Myanmar bilateral military exercise to be able to participate in UN Peacekeeping Operations. The operationalisation of Myanmar's Sittwe port as part of the Kaladan transit transport project to boost connectivity with India's northeastern states and enhanced security cooperation to counter activities of militant groups, especially along the borders in Manipur and Nagaland are among the key issues on the agenda of the Indian delegation. 20 years in the making The coastal shipping agreement will allow Indian ships to reach Mizoram through Sittwe Port on the Bay of Bengal and through the Kaladan river multi-modal link. The project had been pending for the past 20 years. As a part of its 'Act East' policy, India and Myanmar have shared a cordial relationship and India has been extending developmental assistance to Myanmar over these years. Both countries share a common land border of 1640 kms and a long maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. Strategic importance States of Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland adjoin Myanmar and cordial relations with Myanmar are critical for India's security and safety. Myanmar has been helpful in dealing with extremist and insurgent elements in North-East India. With its vast reserves of oil, gas and other hydrocarbons, Myanmar is expected to play a significant role in ensuring India's energy security. "Myanmar is a key plank in India's 'Act East' policy and it has assumed even more importance in the wake of the China-Indian confrontation on the Line of Actual Control and the fissures in India's neighborhood policy," international relations expert Happymon Jacob told RFI. "The visit to Myanmar shows the strategic importance New Delhi accords to relations with Naypyidaw." With an investment of over US$1.2 billion, Myanmar has the highest Indian investment from a South Asian country. Recently, India approved an investment of over $ 120 million in the Shwe Oil and Gas project. The Indian visit comes ahead of general elections in Myanmar, scheduled for the 8 November. NSW Health had been working with Sydney Water to test wastewater since July NSW Health called on Hawkesbury and southwest Sydney residents to get tested It was detected during analysis of in North Richmond and in West Camden Fragments of COVID-19 were found at two Sydney wastewater treatment plants Millions of Sydneysiders from dozens of suburbs have been told to look out for COVID-19 symptoms after the virus was detected in two sewerage plants. The discovery was made during an analysis of wastewater this week, sparking warnings from health authorities that there are undetected cases in the community. The most recent cases in the West Camden catchment area were reported last month, but no one living in the North Richmond catchment had recently tested positive. NSW Health is calling on people in the Hawkesbury and Sydney's southwest to get tested immediately if they develop COVID-19 symptoms. The alarming discovery was made during an analysis of wastewater, sparking fears from health authorities that there is undetected cases in the community. Pictured: West Camden wastewater plant Coronavirus was found at wastewater treatment plants in North Richmond (pictured) and in West Camden NSW Health is now calling on people in the Hawkesbury and Sydney's southwest to get tested immediately if they develop COVID-19 symptoms Executive Director of Health Protection NSW Dr Richard Broome said NSW Health had been working with Sydney Water to analyse wastewater samples since July to detect any low levels of virus in the community. 'Fragments of the SARS CoV-2 virus have been found at sewage treatment plants at North Richmond in the Hawkesbury, and West Camden in South Western Sydney,' Dr Broome said. 'We're calling on people in these catchments to come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat.' Southwest Sydney suburbs that should remain on high alert include Narellan, Minto, Camden, Glenmore, Mount Annan, Gregory Hills, Harrington Park, Nattai and The Oaks. Areas in the Hawkesbury include Agnes Banks, Bowen Mountain, Grose Vale, Grose Wold, Hobartville, Londonderry, North Richmond, Richmond, Richmond Lowlands, Tennyson, The Slopes and Yarramundi. There have been no new locally-acquired cases of COVID-19 in NSW for the 11th straight day but the virus has been detected in two sewage plants Dr Broome said finding traces of the virus in sewage samples could mean there were active cases nearby. 'It can also mean there are recently recovered cases, as people who have previously been infected can continue to "shed" virus fragments into the sewage system for up to four weeks after they have recovered,' he said. 'There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through wastewater, with studies showing the virus is deactivated by the treatment process.' Dr Broome said the most recent cases in the West Camden catchment were reported in September. 'We have now gone 11 days without detecting a locally transmitted case of COVID-19 in NSW, but this is not the time to become complacent. Suburbs ordered to be on high alert Southwest Sydney Belimba Park, Bickley Vale, Bow Bowing, Brownlow Hill, Camden, Camden Park, Camden South, Carrington Park, Catherine Field, Cawdor, Cobbitty, Currans Hill, Elderslie, Ellis Lane, Gledswood Hills, Glenmore, Grasmere, Gregory Hills, Harrington Park, Kirkham, Mount Annan, Mount Hunter, Minto, Minto DC, Minto Heights, Narellan, Narellan DC, Narellan Vale, Nattai, Orangeville, Oran Park, Raby, Rossmore, Spring Farm, St Andrews, Smeaton Grange, The Oaks and Varroville. Hawkesbury Agnes Banks, Bowen Mountain, Grose Vale, Grose Wold, Hobartville, Londonderry, North Richmond, Richmond, Richmond Lowlands, Tennyson, The Slopes and Yarramundi. Advertisement 'It's vital that we all continue to maintain social distancing and keep up good hand hygiene, and that anyone who is feeling unwell isolates and gets tested without delay.' There have been no new locally-acquired cases of COVID-19 in NSW for the 11th straight day. NSW Health's Christine Selvey on Tuesday urged people with symptoms to get tested. 'Virus fragments in sewage can mean active cases but people can continue to 'shed' virus genetic material for some weeks after recovery,' Dr Selvey said Tuesday. Health officials say 11 cases were recorded in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4057. There were 5385 tests conducted in NSW in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 4789 the previous 24 hours. NSW Health remains concerned about the recent drop in testing, saying at least 8000 people should be tested in NSW each day. NSW Health is treating 50 COVID-19 cases, including three in intensive care, none of whom are being ventilated. Eighty per cent of cases being treated are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. Dr Abdullah Abdullah, the head of Afghanistans peace council, has arrived in New Delhi on October 6 to muster regional support for the Afghan peace process. Dr Abdullah is slated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his official visit to India. He will also deliver a keynote speech at the Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses (IDSA) in New Delhi. Arrived in #NewDelhi #India to begin my official visit. During my stay in #NewDelhi I will meet the leadership of #Indai, & exchange views on #AfghanPeaceProcess, & bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/Lzkc4XBwKd Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) October 6, 2020 Before leaving for New Delhi, Dr Abdullah said that India is a strategic partner of Afghanistan and has continuously supported its government and people. He stressed that Afghanistans historical relations with India is very important to the country and the role of India in establishing lasting peace in the region is vital. The visit holds significance because the attempt of the Afghan government and the Taliban to achieve a peace deal ended in a stalemate. Dr Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, will exchange views with Indias top leadership on the Afghan peace process, peace talks in Doha, regional support and overall bilateral relations between the two countries. Read: Abdullah Abdullah To Visit India Amid Stalled Afghan Peace Talks With Taliban Read: Afghan President Ghani Travels To Qatar For Bilateral Meeting Amid Peace Talks Intra-Afghan negotiations The intra-Afghan negotiations kicked off in Doha under the chairmanship of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the opening ceremony, Abdullah thanked the Taliban for showing willingness to negotiate to end 19 years of war. The spotlight from the peace talks has faded after the lavish opening ceremony on September 12 as the Afghan government and the Taliban continue to disagree on even basic issues. On September 15, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held extensive talks about the Afghan peace process with the special envoy in the presence of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. Khalilzad stated that the US greatly appreciates India's contributions to the Afghan peace process and shared the American perspective on the ongoing peace talks Read: Indian Embassy In Afghanistan Celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's 151st Birth Anniversary Read: Afghanistan-Taliban Peace In-charge Abdullah Abdullah To Visit Troublemaker Pakistan (Image: Twitter / DrabdullahCE) It's not unusual for a prodigious footballer to make their debut and be the youngest person on the field by five years but what about a gap of 50 years? That was 10-year-old Tom Sutherland's experience when he walked into a poultry show in Maitland in 2018. Tom, whose first pets were baby ducks, geese and chickens, wasn't fazed. Tom holding one of his prized chickens. Credit:Jessica Hromas "They all wanted to take him under their wing, so to speak," said Tom's mother Adriana Mansueto, who runs Coquon Farm in the Hunter Valley. "All the top competitors were probably from 60 to 80. They're really lovely. You feel like you're among the Country Women's Association, where there's always a cup of tea and a kind word." Surgeons are calling for hospital beds to be 'ring-fenced' for planned operations, to avoid a 'tsunami of cancellations' due to rising Covid-19 cases. A survey for the Royal College of Surgeons of England found most surgeons thought the NHS could not meet its targets to get surgery back to pre-pandemic levels. Sir Simon Stevens, the head of the NHS in England, wrote to NHS trusts in July saying that, in September, they should hit at least 80% of their last year's activity for both overnight planned procedures and for outpatient or day case procedures. In October, this figure should rise to 90%, the letter said. But the Royal College of Surgeons said its analysis showed trusts were not hitting the target, with issues including surgeons being forced to wait for coronavirus test results and a lack of access to operating theatre space. Most surgeons think the NHS will not meet its targets during the second wave of Covid-19 if hospital beds aren't ring-fenced for planned operations which would otherwise be cancelled In a survey of nearly 1,000 surgeons, the college found that only 14% could treat the same number of patients in a session as they did pre-Covid. Almost half (48%) of surgeons said they needed access to more theatres and facilities to avoid surgical 'down time' during deep cleaning, with many citing the need for more ring-fenced surgical beds. The poll found particular problems in trauma and orthopaedics - such as hip or knee replacements and repair - with 58% of these specialist surgeons saying activity had fallen below half of that seen in normal times. And testing continues to be a key issue, with a quarter of surgeons saying members of their team are waiting more than 48 hours for a Covid-19 test result, meaning they have to stay off work and self-isolate until they heard back. Surgeons also reported issues accessing 'Covid-light' hubs, which keep surgical patients separate from Covid patients. Of all those surveyed, 39% of surgeons in England said planned surgery levels were running at less than 50% of those achieved last year, and nearly half (48%) said they were between 50% and 80% of those seen in 2019. Two-thirds (65%) did not think it was realistic for their trust to meet the 80% target, and just 26% thought it could be achieved. It comes as all patients on the NHS waiting list for treatment are set to be contacted with a view to prioritising those in most urgent need. It could mean those with the least-pressing problems are forced to wait longer as more urgent cases take priority. More than two million people in England are currently waiting longer than 18 weeks for treatment, with 83,000 waiting more than a year. A further 33 deaths announced, as a new system to manage lockdown restrictions unveiled As infections continue to rise, tighter measures could be introduced in worst-affected areas Professor Neil Mortensen, president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: 'Patients waiting for operations cannot be left behind indefinitely by the Covid crisis. 'Many are in serious pain, with their conditions deteriorating while they are on the list. 'As the virus becomes more prevalent again, there is a real risk of a tsunami of cancelled operations unless surgical beds are funded and protected. 'That means building up theatre capacity and designating beds exclusively for those who need an operation. 'These facilities must be kept 'Covid-light' with a rigorous regime of testing for patients and staff.' Prof Mortensen also said the independent sector needed to be used more to help clear the backlog. An NHS spokesman said: 'The NHS has flexed its hospital capacity and community services as needed throughout the pandemic, treating over 110,000 severely ill people for Covid-19, and doubling the number of non-urgent operations since April. 'More people are also set to benefit from the deal struck with independent hospitals to make use of their bed capacity. Survey revealed worst affected by Covid specialisms include trauma and orthopaedic surgery 'Covid inpatient numbers are rising and much depends on keeping the virus under control through continued public action on hands-face-space, Test and Trace service, and rapid action to control local outbreaks.' It comes as parts of the UK - including a number of university cities - could be plunged into local lockdown within days after 'missed' Test and Trace data belatedly revealed soaring infection figures - putting the areas over the threshold for a new three-tier alert system. Cities including Sheffield, Leeds and Oxford are among a dozen areas which have seen their coronavirus infection figures soar following the 'computer glitch', which meant 16,000 cases were missed off Public Health England's reporting system. New figures revealed that cases are rocketing in some of the Norths biggest cities. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham have all seen huge jumps, in some instances to a rate of 500 cases per 100,000 people. That triggered a fresh round of frenzied speculation about tougher local lockdowns yesterday, with the threat of further restrictions later this week. Manchesters weekly rate more than doubled to 2,927 in the week to October 2 equal to almost 530 cases per 100,000 people. Chennai, Oct 6 : The Indian space agency is working towards launching its new rocket 'Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)' before December 2020, said a senior official. He also said necessary tests to check its biggest motor -- booster motor fired by solid fuel -- will be done in November. "The SSLV launch will be from the first launch pad at Sriharikota rocket port after the flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C49 (PSLV C49). Post PSLV C49's flight, the launch pad set up has to be reconfigured to suit SSLV," S. Somanath, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) part of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told IANS. Sometime next month PSLV C49 will fly with about 10 satellites. The rocket will be carrying India's RISAT-2BR2 and other commercial satellites. It will be followed by PSLV C50 with the GSAT-12R satellite in December. The rocket is being assembled at Sriharikota with various systems coming from different centres. It will fly from the second launch pad, Somanath said. "From the drawing board to launch pad the time taken is only about two-and-half years. The SSLV is a three stage/engine rocket all powered by solid fuel," Somanath added. The 34-metre rocket will have a liftoff mass of 120 tons. The rocket has the capability for multiple satellite launches at different orbits. The SSLV can carry a 500 kg payload for low earth orbit (LEO) and 300 kg for sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). According to Somanath, the development cost of the rocket is about Rs 120 crore. "The major development for SSLV is its brand new electronic systems with local components. All the qualifications of the systems have been done. The rocket also has a simple pyrotechnic system," Somanath said. The new miniaturised telemetry system developed for SSLV has achieved 70 per cent mass reduction in the telemetry package. According to Somanath, in order to develop the rocket at a lower cost, ISRO with a simplified manufacturing process -- for instance, cutting down the machining time wherever possible -- went to the next level of vendors with the necessary capabilities. Somanath said the developmental cost of SSLV is low and only the third stage of the PSLV rocket has been adopted for the new rocket. The per kg cost of launching a satellite will be similar to that of ISRO's other rocket PSLV. He said the first payload for SSLV has already been booked and some more payloads are being looked at as the rocket has a capacity to carry up to 500 kg. According to ISRO, the first satellite to be carried by SSLV will be 142 kg Mircrosat-2A to demonstrate launch on demand capability. The satellite is expected to meet the ever-increasing user demands for cartographic applications at cadastral level, urban and rural management, coastal land use and regulation, utilities mapping, development and various other geographic information system (GIS) applications. Queried about a different name for the rocket as new private players have named their rockets as 'Vikram' and 'Agnibaan', Somanath said it is for the government to decide on that. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The feather looks like any feather you might find on the ground. But its not. Its about 150 million years old, and it fluttered to the ground back when the dinosaurs roamed what is today called Bavaria. Its entombed in limestone, and, when paleontologists unearthed it in 1861, it became the first fossil feather ever discovered. Many paleontologists think the feather came from archaeopteryx lithographica, a creature that, with its feathered wings and sharp-toothed mouth, bears features of both dinosaurs and birds, making it a herald of the evolutionary transition between the two groups. But that first-known fossil feather isnt attached to an archaeopteryx skeleton, and so for more than a century, not all scientists have agreed on the identity of the feathers owner. Theres been this debate, even when the feather was found: Does this isolated feather belong to the same animal as these skeletal specimens of archaeopteryx? said Ryan Carney, a paleontologist and epidemiologist at the University of South Florida who has a tattoo of the feather on his arm. In a study published last month in the journal Scientific Reports, Carney and a team of colleagues compared the feather with the fossil remains of other feathers found with archaeopteryx fossils more recently, and they claim that the debate is now settled: The feather belongs to archaeopteryx. Although the debate about whether the feather belonged to archaeopteryx has persisted, it came into greater focus in 2019 when other scientists argued in a paper that the feather might have belonged to another winged dinosaur species. Many scientists have been critical of this hypothesis, and Carney and his team set out to counter it by studying the shape of the feather. They hoped to see whether it matched the anatomy of feathers that were still connected to other fossilized Archaeopteryx specimens. They report that the feathers, for instance, have similar widths, lengths and curvatures. After overlaying an outline of the 1861 feather atop a fossil archaeopteryx wing, the team also found that the feather fits onto the wing perfectly. They additionally point out that the feather comes from the same fossil site as four archaeopteryx specimens later unearthed near Solnhofen, Germany. Using a high-powered scanning electron microscope, the team also captured images of the feather with enough detail to reveal the presence of thousands of molecules called melanosomes organelles responsible for the feathers coloration that preserve the feathers original pigments. The pigments suggest that the feather was matte black in color. What color the rest of archaeopteryx was remains an open question. Peter Wellnhofer, a paleontologist at the Paleontological Museum in Munich who wrote a book about archaeopteryx and was not involved in the new research, said he was impressed by the study. They did not exclude different interpretations but put forward their own view, well-founded with new and convincing arguments, he said. Michael Pittman, a vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Hong Kong and a co-author of the 2019 study, still thinks that the feather doesnt fit, like a jigsaw puzzle piece in the wrong box. Although the feather could fit somewhere on archaeopteryx, it doesnt mean that feather didnt come from another dinosaur, he said. We cant rule out that another bird or other species didnt drop the feather. Whether this paper settles the argument, Stephen Brusatte, a vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, said studying the feather continues to offer useful insights. To me, ultimately, the important thing is that this feather belonged to a small-winged Jurassic animal that could fly pretty well, regardless of whether it was shed from the wing of archaeopteryx or another bird, he said. No doubt the warm, sunny lagoons of Jurassic Germany were aflutter with lots of flying dinosaurs. Whatever doubts anyone may still have, Carney is so certain about his conclusion that he got a new tattoo right under his feather tattoo. It reads Feder von Archaeopteryx lithographica, which is German for Feather of Archaeopteryx lithographica, and is the text written on the slab of rock that bears the feather. Case closed on this question, Carney said. It is unclear whether Maryland and Virginia would support such agreements. However, some of the potential penalties, such as the suspension of driving documents, are unlikely to be part of any deal. A law went into effect in Maryland this month that bars the states Motor Vehicle Administration from suspending a drivers license because of nonpayment of a traffic citation or judgment. A Virginia official said the state also does not suspend drivers licenses solely because of outstanding traffic fines. Features Myanmar Migrants Flock to Bangkok to Vote Migrants from Myanmar queue to cast advance ballots at Myanmars embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, on Oct. 4, 2020. / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy BANGKOK Leaving his home at 3 am, it took U Zay Yar Lin about six hours to reach Myanmars embassy in Bangkok from Nakhon Sawan in central Thailand to vote ahead of Myanmars November election. Although he has been in Thailand for 16 years, U Zay Yar Lin, originally from Yay Nan Chaung Township, Magwe Region, did not vote in the 2015 general election as he was too far from Bangkok. But he said he made time this year, to support the party we love, which needs every single vote it can get. Sharing his joy after casting his ballots on Saturday, he said he could not sleep the night before because of his excitement. Early on Saturday morning, the first day of the 16-day advance-voting period in Bangkok to participate in the Nov. 8 election, a crowd gathered in front of the embassy. They have waited in lines to go into the polling stations at 8 am with some traveling large distances from central and southern Thailand. For many migrants, casting an early vote is not just to exercise their rights, it is to show support for the parties they support. The masked voters gave off a palpable air of excitement about playing a small part in Myanmars developing democratic process. Nearly 2,000 of the more than 35,700 registered voters who have applied for early voting at the embassy in Thailand have cast advance ballots since Saturday. A total of 101,526 overseas citizens have been approved by the Union Election Commission (UEC), with the community in Thailand representing 35 percent of the total foreign voters. For many, it was their first election and for some voting involved considerable disruption, expense and COVID-19 precautions. U Zay Yar Lin added: In 2015, I did not get to vote. This is my first vote, so I was afraid as well as excited. But everything was smooth. I feel satisfied and really appreciate the support [of the embassy]. He urged others to do the same during the 16-day voting window. If we could vote at any time that was convenient, it would be much better because migrant laborers cannot take time off when we please. And we have to deal with COVID-19, he added. His family members and friends have to vote on Oct. 8, so they could not come together on Saturday. Last week, the embassy advised voters to visit on specific days set by the embassy. It plans to receive 1,800 people per day at its three polling stations. Voters from Magwe, Bago, Tanintharyi and Yangon regions and Karen, Mon and Kachin states have been invited so far. U Myo Myint Than, Myanmars ambassador to Thailand, told The Irrawaddy on Saturday that anyone who comes to the embassy from 8 am to 6 pm between Oct. 3-18 would not lose their right to vote. The embassy received more than 39,000 applications for early voting, but more than 1,000 forms were incomplete and not sent to the UEC for approval. Of those sent, some 1,500 were rejected as they were not on the voter lists, according to the UEC. Many migrants in and around Bangkok voted on Sunday, their only day off. The Irrawaddy met others who had traveled from Ranong, Surat Thani and Phuket in southern Thailand to vote. Ko Tin Moe and six others from Surat Thani cast their ballots on Monday but he said around 40 of his colleagues could not make it. Our names were on the list for Monday, so we came last night. It took at least two days so many people cannot come even though they want to vote, said Ko Tin Moe from Waw Township in Bago Region. U Yu Win and six others from Phuket voted on Sunday for candidates in Tanintharyi Region. Many voters cannot travel to Bangkok, due to time, the costs and COVID-19. Travel from Phuket to Bangkok costs around 2,000 baht (83,000 kyats). We arranged to come to Bangkok hours after we saw our names on the list, U Yu Win said. They arrived at 8 am on Saturday and went straight to the polling stations. We want to be dutiful citizens for future generations, said U Yu Win, a fishery worker and first-time voter in his 40s. But nearly 70 voters told The Irrawaddy they had low expectations from the candidates they supported while calling on the new government to strive to help the people. After early-voting applications could be submitted in July, word spread that any migrant holding legal documents, including a certificate of identity and job passport which are obtained after verification of citizenship are allowed to vote. They helped each other to submit applications, sharing information on the election and how to cast ballots. More than 20 volunteers have assisted with voting at the embassy, which also communicating with voters on social media. However, the embassys mismanagement has caused difficulties and misunderstandings among voters, particularly the publishing of voter lists on Facebook. Names were hard to find as many migrants could only use mobile phones to access the information. For many migrants, they are at the workplace from dawn to dusk and they dont know how to use Facebook properly. The embassys posts for the voter list are confusing, even for the volunteers. It is really hard to find names among more than 100 photos which contain the voter list, said Ma Moe Khaing, a volunteer at the embassy in Bangkok. The announcement also came too late for many migrants to take leave, she said. Apart from the Facebook list confusion, the voting process has so far run smoothly, she added. The volunteers have also played an unofficial observer role outside the embassy, as the process does not have independent observers to monitor the electoral process. Many migrants told The Irrawaddy that they were worried as they only had to put their ballots papers in one box, which was not specifically for the lower and upper house, state or regional and ethnic affairs ministerial contests. The ambassador pledged that there would be no fraud as the embassy was following the UECs procedures and the ballots papers will not be opened until voting ended in Myanmar on Nov. 8. The early voting for the Nov. 8 election began in Singapore on Oct. 1, Russia, South Korea and Brunei on Oct. 2 and Japan and Thailand on Oct. 3. Unlike for the 2015 general election, when only one day for early voting was allowed, this year voters have been given between three and 18 days, depending on the numbers of voters, at 45 embassies and consulates. In Singapore, some 32,000 nationals or 32 percent of overseas voters, can cast their ballots for 18 days compared to 16 days in Thailand. You may also like these stories: Election 2020: The Week in Review Thousands Excluded as Overseas Voting in Myanmar Election Starts in Singapore Rival Candidates Spell Out Goals, Dreams as Myanmar Election Nears Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga (R) and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (L) bump fists as they meet at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Oct. 6, 2020. (Charly Triballeau/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Pompeo Praises Japan PM Suga as Force for Good During Visit to Discuss China U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Oct. 6 praised Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as a force for good during talks in Tokyo between foreign ministers from four Indo-Pacific nations, aimed at countering the Chinese regimes growing aggression. Speaking with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi Tuesday, Pompeo said he believes Suga, who replaced Shinzo Abe last month as the countrys prime minister, will work to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. Prime Minister Suga was a powerful force for good, and for this relationship, too, when he was the chief cabinet secretary, Pompeo said, of Sugas stint in former Prime Minister Abes cabinet. The United States has every reason to believe he will strengthen our enduring alliance in his new role. Pompeos visit to Tokyo from Oct. 4 to 6 includes meetings with his foreign ministry counterparts from the other Quad countriesAustralia, India, and Japanto discuss issues such as Chinas dealings with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, trade issues, Beijings new national security legislation in Hong Kong, tensions in the South China Sea, and the Chinese regimes brutal repression of religious and ethnic minorities. The U.S. State Department said in a statement Monday that Pompeos visit to the country aims to promote the U.S.-Japan alliance as a force for transparency, accountability, openness, prosperity, and peace in the Indo-Pacific and around the world. At tomorrows Quad meetings, Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Ministers from , , and will discuss the challenges posed by COVID-19, security and economic issues in the Indo-Pacific region, and the importance of upholding a rules-based international system. pic.twitter.com/xSPRIMjXKy (@usembassytokyo) October 5, 2020 The Quad was revived in 2017 to deepen security cooperation and coordinate alternatives for regional infrastructure financing offered by the communist regime in Beijing. The CCP has denounced the group as an attempt to contain its development. Great to be back in Tokyo. I look forward to meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Suga and Foreign Minister @moteging, and with Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar and Foreign Minister @MarisePayne on our common vision of a free and open #IndoPacific. pic.twitter.com/VYd3ZqVSX9 Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 5, 2020 Pompeo made the remarks before he was scheduled to meet the newly installed Suga, who assumed his position following Abes resignation last month due to ill health. He told reporters on his way to Tokyo that the four countries hope to have some significant achievements at the meeting, without elaborating. Great to be back in Tokyo. I look forward to meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Suga and Foreign Minister @moteging, and with Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar and Foreign Minister @MarisePayne on our common vision of a free and open #IndoPacific, Pompeo posted on Twitter. The world is possibly becoming even more unpredictable and uncontrollable due to heightening selfish nationalism and growing tension between the U.S. and China, Suga told Japanese media Monday. He said he will pursue diplomacy that is based on the Japan-U.S. alliance as a cornerstone and strategically promote the FOIP [Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative], while establishing stable relations with neighbors including China and Russia. Pompeo is scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday evening. Batmunh Toya and The Associated Press contributed to this report. While classrooms in the Castle Rock Elementary school were far emptier than usual, K-3 students were back in their seats for hybrid classes Monday. Kalama plans to follow suit in mid-October in some fashion, even if Cowlitz County remains in the high risk category of COVID-19 cases. We felt like this was the right time, Castle Rock Superintendent Ryan Greene said, adding that the case numbers are projected to drop this week. He said he was confident about the safety nets the district and health department have in place. The largest class size in Castle Rock today was nine students, Greene said. There are about 100 students per grade level, and he said about seven per level K-2 and 14 students in third grade decided to stay fully remote. The district had to hire an extra teacher to handle the fully remote students, as there were more than they anticipated, he said. Greene said Monday went well, with few hiccups in the procedures to get students off the socially distanced buses and into their seats, wearing masks and behind plastic partitions. He said it was weird to see buses pull up with only four or five students on them, but its so nice to have kids back in the building. Changes to the school day include lunch and breakfast served from carts in the classroom to keep cohorts separated, no before-school recess time in the gym and recesses on only part of the playground, which has been sectioned off into zones. Each week, a class get assigned a different zone, Greene said, and all PE classes are held outside for now. While under the districts plan, fourth- and fifth-graders would return in two weeks, and middle schoolers two weeks after that, Greene said he thinks that timeline might shift. He said he agreed to give teachers two weeks notice before moving from remote to hybrid, and isnt sure if hes ready to call more students back into the building until he sees this weeks COVID-19 numbers. The Kalama School District once again delayed its plans to start a hybrid model for younger grades, who were supposed to start attending school a few days per week Oct. 12, but Superintendent Eric Nerison decided to use department of health guidance allowing the district to bring back high needs students in small groups of five or less. He said in a Saturday letter to parents that quite frankly, all of our kids are in a high-need environment right now. Nerison told TDN that the small group option was the only thing we can do at this point. We simply dont know how long our county will remain in the high level or how high rates will go, and we dont want to put our students, families and staff members through another round of on-again, off-again reopening plans, Nerison said in the letter. Rather than risk additional delays, weve developed a plan that allows for in-person learning to begin this month even if the county is in the high category. The health guidelines in the school-reopening decision tree say that at a high level of COVID-19 risk, with more than 75 cases per 100,000 cases over two weeks, distance learning is stronglyi recommended. The guidelines also allow an option for limited in-person learning in small groups of five or fewer of the highest need students, such as students with disabilities, students living homeless, those farthest from educational justice and younger learners. In the parent letter, Nerison said that guidance means that if we reduce the number of students on campus at any given time, beyond what we had originally planned with the A/B hybrid model, we can start welcoming back all grades for small group in-person instruction. That small group rotation will begin Oct. 19, the letter said, unless public health officials deem it unsafe. If the county drops back into a moderate or low level of risk, then kindergarteners and first graders will return to four-days-a-week in-person instruction and grades 2-12 will continue with small group in-person instruction. In 2019, Kalama had just over 1,000 students enrolled. Nerison told TDN that while all elementary students could technically fit in the school buildings with the proper social distancing, the district doesnt have enough teachers to oversee so many smaller groups. While the district is still working out details and talking with the health department, Nerison told TDN that the small, in-person groups would simply augment remote learning, because students would pretty much be in remote learning environment with small in-person groups to support them. Logistically speaking, theres still a lot of work to be done in order to safely and successfully bring this re-tooled plan to fruition, especially if we remain at the high COVID activity level for the foreseeable future, Nerison said in the letter. For example, in order to accommodate numerous small groups we may need to have students on campus for fewer days of the week or have their school days be shorter. These are some of the details were hammering out now. He said elementary school parents will get an update with scheduling information Friday, and secondary school parents will get an update next week. We know this approach doesnt get us to where we ultimately want to be right away, but its something we can build from, Nerison said in the letter. At the same time, we hope it provides a bit more certainty during this uncertain time. He said he understood parents were frustrated, but he was trying to solutions just like other local districts. Its really tough. I feel bad for parents that are having to balance that work and young ones and trying to figure out school. Its just a tough place for people to be right now. Were trying to be as creative as we can to figure out methods to keep the process of school from adding stress to the already stressful situation, Nerison said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 20:09:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A large amount of cocaine hidden inside fertilizers are displayed at the Ambarli Port in Istanbul, Turkey, Oct. 6, 2020. Turkish police seized 228 kilograms cocaine at a port in Turkey's most populated city Istanbul and detained nine suspects, the Istanbul Governorship Provincial Police Department announced on Tuesday. (Photo by Osman Orsal/Xinhua) ISTANBUL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police seized 228 kilograms cocaine at a port in Turkey's most populated city Istanbul and detained nine suspects, the Istanbul Governorship Provincial Police Department announced on Tuesday. The department said in a written statement that police officers have recently received a tip-off, which said a large amount of cocaine would be brought in a vessel from a South American country to Istanbul's Ambarli Port. With an international cooperation, Istanbul anti-narcotic teams and customs officials launched a comprehensive search in six containers inside the ship, according to the statement. "Following a detailed examination of the containers, the units found 228 kg cocaine hidden inside 119 tons of fertilizers," it said. So far, nine suspects were detained, the statement added. Enditem AMA President Susan R. Bailey, MD, said: "The flu vaccine is a safe, effective step that physicians and public health experts recommend to protect patients and their loved ones from getting sick with influenza. The potential impact of a bad flu season during the COVID-19 pandemic could place added burden on medical resources, which is why we are teaming up to urge all people to get a flu vaccine this fall and thereby help prevent seasonal influenza infections." CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, MD, said: "As Americans spend more time indoors in the fall and winter, the risk of flu and COVID-19 will rise. We can help take flu out of that equation by getting people vaccinated. We are focusing our efforts especially on communities of color, which bear a disproportionate burden in terms of serious flu illness, and which continue to experience disparities in flu vaccination coverage. I urge the American public to embrace flu vaccination to help protect themselves, their families and their communities. Simply put, flu vaccine can save lives." The No One Has Time for Flu will run nationwide throughout the 2020-2021 flu season, with a particular emphasis on engaging with Black and Latinx/Hispanic communities. Longstanding inequities that put undue burden and barriers on these communities have resulted in flu vaccine coverage disparities and disproportionate impacts of flu. According to CDC data, in the 2019-20 flu season, Latinx/Hispanic adults had the lowest flu vaccination coverage (38.3%), with non-Hispanic Black adults next lowest (41.2%). Non-Hispanic white adults had the highest flu vaccination coverage (52.8%). A new CDC analysis of 10 flu seasons from 2009-2019, when adjusted for age, showed that Black persons had the highest flu hospitalization rates (68 per 100,000) compared to Latinx/Hispanic persons (44 per 100,000) and white persons (38 per 100,000). Additionally, a July 2020 survey by the Ad Council revealed that 40% of Black respondents and 39% of Latinx/Hispanic respondents were undecided about getting a flu vaccine this season, compared to only 24% of non-Hispanic white respondents. Ad Council President and CEO Lisa Sherman said: "Although there are many factors that can contribute to hesitation about getting a flu vaccine, our research revealed that a key barrier is that many people don't see a need for it. Our campaign will challenge that mindset by showing how getting a flu shot is one simple way we can protect ourselves and our familiesa goal that has taken on new urgency amid the pandemic." The No One Has Time for Flu ads were created pro bono by advertising agency fluent360 and will appear in print, TV, radio, social media, out-of-home and digital formats nationwide in time and space donated by the media. Inspired by the insight that people are motivated by caring for their loved ones, and that many are juggling more responsibilities than ever this year, the campaign illustrates how getting sick with flu doesn't just mean feeling illit could significantly disrupt the lives of individuals and their families. fluent360 Executive Creative Director Jose Suaste said: "I'm extremely pleased that we not only created something that benefits the multicultural community, but that we were also able to approach this subject with a fresh perspective and hone in on what people truly value: time and their loved ones." The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older (with rare exceptions) get a flu vaccine each yearideally before the end of October, when flu isn't yet spreading in most parts of the country. Each year, the CDC and AMA undertake a range of efforts to increase the number of people who receive a flu vaccine, and this season that includes working with doctor's offices and pharmacies to take steps to ensure vaccines can be provided safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign ads direct audiences to GetMyFluShot.org for more information, including where to get a flu vaccine in their area. About the AMA The American Medical Association is the physicians' powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care. About the Ad Council The Ad Council is where creativity and causes converge. The non-profit organization brings together the most creative minds in advertising, media, technology and marketing to address many of the nation's most important causes. The Ad Council has created many of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history. Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. Smokey Bear. Love Has No Labels. The Ad Council's innovative social good campaigns raise awareness, inspire action and save lives. To learn more, visit AdCouncil.org , follow the Ad Council's communities on Facebook and Twitter , and view the creative on YouTube . About fluent360 fluent360 unfolds the power of cultural influence for leading brands. We deliver outstanding creative solutions with a truly diverse team of specialists, wide cultural competency, and a work portfolio representing the major segments in the multicultural marketplace. Equal parts integrated marketing and cultural hub, we are the foremost experts in culture, and connecting brands to it. A multi-talented, multicultural agency, we offer a full spectrum of communication services from our Chicago, Nashville and NYC offices. Learn more at fluent360.com . SOURCE The Ad Council Related Links http://www.adcouncil.org A federal judge in Washington has ruled that Iran must pay $1.45 billion in damages to the family of a retired FBI agent who vanished 13 years ago in Iran. Robert Levinson, the longest held hostage in American history, disappeared on Irans Kish Island in March 2007 in what the US government initially claimed was a private business trip. In 2013, The Associated Press revealed that CIA analysts had recruited Levinson and sent him on a mission inside Iran. Unknown captors sent the family proof-of-life videos and photos in 2010 and 2011, showing a haggard Levinson wearing a Guantanamo Bay-like orange jumpsuit. Last year, the US State Department offered a reward of up to $20 million for information on the whereabouts of the father of seven. In March, Levinsons family said the US government had confirmed his death in Iranian custody. Its unclear how or when he died, the family said, only that it was at some point before the coronavirus outbreak in Iran. Last week, US District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered that Tehran pay Levinsons family $1.35 billion in punitive damages and $107 million in compensatory damages. The money is set to come from a US government fund created for victims of state-sponsored terrorism; experts indicated that the fund might only be able to pay a fraction of the award. The punitive damages, Kelly wrote, are meant to "punish outrageous behavior and deter such outrageous conduct in the future." The judge described Levinson's kidnapping as "barbaric conduct that has caused him and his family immeasurable suffering." In a statement, the Levinson family described the ruling as "the first step in the pursuit of justice." Until now, Iran has faced no consequences for its actions. Judge Kellys decision wont bring Bob home, but we hope that it will serve as a warning against further hostage taking by Iran, they said. We intend to find any and every avenue, and pursue all options, to seek justice for Robert Levinson. The Iranian government did not immediately respond today, but has long denied responsibility for his disappearance. The Trump administration, which has pursued a maximum pressure campaign of sanctions against Iran, has called on Iranian officials to provide a full accounting of what happened to Levinson. US citizens, including Morad Tahbaz and Siamak and Baquer Namazi, are among the many Western political prisoners currently detained in Iran. Navy veteran Michael White was freed from Iranian custody in June. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday reviewed efforts by the two countries to combat the COVID-19 pandemic while stressing on the need to work together to advance security in the Indo-Pacific region, according to State Department Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown. Meeting on the sidelines of the India-US-Japan-Australia Quadrilateral Consultations in Tokyo, "They reaffirmed the strength of the United States-India relationship, reviewed our efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and asserted the need to work together to advance peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe," Brown said in a statement. They discussed bilateral and multilateral cooperation on topics of international concern at the meeting, he said. Jaishankar tweeted, "Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific." Pompeo said that they were combatting the coronavirus pandemic together. He tweeted, "Productive meeting today with Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar. Together we are advancing U.S.-India relations, combatting COVID-19, and ensuring a secure and prosperous #IndoPacific for all." There was no mention in Brown's statement of China and the border confrontation in Ladakh but speaking at the opening of the Quad ministerial meeting, Pompeo mentioned the Chinese Communist Party's "coercion" in the Himalayas. Pompeo said, "As partners in this Quad, it is more critical now than ever that we collaborate to protect our people and partners from the CCP's exploitation, corruption, and coercion. We've seen it in the south, in the East China Sea, the Mekong, the Himalayas, the Taiwan Straits." When "India assumes membership of the UN Security Council next year," he said, "we look forward to seeking collective solutions to global challenges, including global recovery from the pandemic and reform of multilateral institutions." WILSONVILLE, Ore., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- LeadVenture welcomes Dealer Car Search to its market-leading portfolio of digital storefront and digital retail services. This acquisition provides a platform for LeadVenture's growth strategy in the pre-owned auto market. Dealer Car Search has spent more than a decade refining its proven suite of technology services to help more than 6,000 pre-owned auto dealers grow their revenue. The company's digital storefront tools and superior customer service levels have won the Dealer Satisfaction Award for six years running. Dealer Car Search will continue to operate as a premier auto retail website and marketing provider under the umbrella of LeadVenture's brand. Portico Capital Securities served as exclusive financial advisor to Dealer Car Search with respect to this transaction. "We believe Dealer Car Search is the most full-featured platform with the greatest value proposition for pre-owned auto dealerships. We are thrilled to collaborate with this team of experts and innovators to accelerate our growth," says Tim MacDonald, CEO of LeadVenture. "As the #1 provider of digital services for dealers in our core verticals, Dealer Car Search is the obvious platform to extend LeadVenture's strategy and position into used auto." LeadVenture and Dealer Car Search are well-aligned in both services and strategies to help local dealers grow their businesses. Both companies are leading providers for digital storefront, retailing and marketing services in their respective vertical segments. LeadVenture's complete digital toolkit includes lead-boosting services such as live chat and text, e-commerce and inventory management solutions, 360-degree virtual walkaround, ongoing ADA website compliance and digital marketing solutions for dealers across multiple verticals. "It is an honor to be recognized by LeadVenture as the best of the best in the pre-owned auto retail industry, and we are excited to reach more dealers," says Chris Wyndham, General Manager of Dealer Car Search. "We would like to thank the founder, Rick Wilson, and his wife, Stephanie Wilson, for their 14 years of dedicated service and stewardship of Dealer Car Search. We are excited to continue building the business upon the foundation they have laid. Dealer Car Search operates on the premise of continuous innovation and superior customer service. It is a pleasure to now join a company who does the same." ABOUT LEADVENTURE LeadVenture serves over 35,000 dealership rooftops across 13 vertical markets. The company anticipates dealerships' digital needs and provides industry-leading solutions to keep the online presence of our clients at the optimal level for driving leads. With over 1,000 employees, the LeadVenture team is here to serve dealers. ABOUT DEALER CAR SEARCH Dealer Car Search was founded in 2006 and leverages more than 30 years of combined experience as a leading provider of website and software solutions for independent automotive dealerships across the nation. Based in Louisville, KY, the company pairs industry experts with best-in-class technology to equip dealers with a full suite of digital services. Media Contact: Kristen Speed 1.503.765.5247 SOURCE LeadVenture Williamstown Police Union Calls on Select Board to Have Officers' Backs WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The local police union Monday accused the Select Board of not supporting law enforcement against "unfair and false allegations." In a letter to Town Manager Jason Hoch, Officer Brad Sacco, the president of Massachusetts Coalition of Police Local 424, accused the Select Board and the Diversity Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee it appointed this summer of fostering an "environment of hostility" toward law enforcement. "May I point out that there are no less than 16 other individuals who come to work every day and night 24/7 to protect and to serve the people of this great community," Sacco wrote. "Yet while continuing to do this, the department has received ZERO support publicly from the Select Board. In fact, the Select Board has sat idly by and watched while a very small, one sided group has continued to tear away at every practice in our agency. For police officers, other public safety personnel, or any municipal employee such a lack of support and blanket disregard by the executive body of this town is unacceptable." In a 900-word letter with the subject line, "Hostile Environment Toward Williamstown Police and Responsibility of Select Board and Dire Committee," Sacco wrote that morale on the force is low and its members and their children are facing "backlash" from community members. Sacco declined to respond to an email from iBerkshires.com asking information about the genesis of the letter, specifics of the negative treatment received by officers and their families and whether the local is filing a formal grievance against the town. In the first line of the union's letter, it cites the creation of the DIRE Committee as having worsened the "environment of hostility" against the local police department. Sacco's letter does acknowledge the national conversation about race and policing that has intensified since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May. But the police union representative writes that in Williamstown, the conversation has been too one-sided. "There is an important public conversation happening in communities across the U.S. about the state of racial equality, social justice and the role of policing in being part of solutions to improve those conditions for people of color and all citizens," Sacco wrote. "We value that conversation, have meaningful input to add and wish to be a part of it here in Williamstown. "But the work of the DIRE Committee to date, and the lack of leadership by the Select Board, suggests there is no place for us at the table." To date, the DIRE Committee has not had a formal presentation from a member of the Williamstown Police Department at one of its weekly meetings. It has held a dialogue with Hoch, who, like the Police Chief Kyle Johnson and the town itself, is named as a defendant in a federal lawsuit by a Williamstown sergeant alleging racism and sexual misconduct in the Police Department. The DIRE Committee has an open-door policy for public participation at its meetings, and while much of the public comment at the meetings has been critical of the police, several of the committee's members repeatedly have called for voices representing different points of view. And at DIRE's Sept. 21 meeting , committee member Bilal Ansari told the story of a positive dialogue he had with a local officer. On Monday, resident Ralph Hammann addressed the DIRE Committee from the "floor" of its virtual meeting to ask why the panel does not advocate to have a representative from the Police Department appointed to the committee. Hammann, who said the local police force is being "victimized," thought it was obvious a member of the department should be included. "All that has been happening in the past few weeks with the demonization of the Police Department, whether real or a mere perception, that needs to be addressed," he said. "This seems to me a perfect time for a member of law enforcement Certainly out of the 16 or so members of the Police Department, there must be one who would at least be willing to come to your meetings." DIRE Committee member Aruna D'Souza said members of the department are constrained from answering some of the questions that the committee wants to ask, and she noted that community members, like Hammann, who want to speak on behalf of the police are welcome to address the committee. And D'Souza pushed back on the notion that the DIRE Committee needs to make gathering input from the police a priority at this stage of the committee's process. "This work starts -- and we have decided as a group that the work starts -- with the people who are most vulnerable and who have experienced harm," D'Souza said. "If you're worried that we're never going to talk to the police, then all I can say is you have to sit with the process. We cannot do anything without talking to the police eventually. But we feel the need, this is how this committee works, to start not with the people who are allegedly perpetrating the harm or in the positions of power in which this harm occurs. "We are starting with people who feel like they have been harmed." The police union's letter indicated that it does not believe any harm has been done. Twice in Sacco's letter, he denies that the actions of Police Department personnel play a role in the current criticism the department is receiving. "Morale in the department is the lowest it has ever been, by no fault of our members," he wrote. "Much of this has been created, encouraged, and perpetuated by the hands of the town-appointed DIRE Committee with absolutely no evidence or data to support the committee's hostility toward law enforcement." At another point, Sacco wrote, "Public distrust of our agency is the highest it's ever been, by no fault of our department members." The claim of "no fault" likely will raise some eyebrows around town. Many of the allegations made in support of a federal discrimination suit against the town are repeated from a filing last year with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. The town's response to the MCAD filing refutes some but not all of those allegations. The town, for example, does not explicitly deny an officer had a photo of Adolph Hitler in his locker; it only denies Chief Johnson was aware of the photo prior to the filing. The town does not deny an officer allegedly exposed himself to a local resident in her home and later lied about the incident to the State Police; it acknowledges that Johnson referred the incident to the State Police, which chose not to press charges, and that the officer involved was "appropriately disciplined." The town does not deny that white dispatcher yelled the "N word" in the presence of a Black Williams College student who was receiving a tour of the station in 2014. The town again says the employee involved was appropriately disciplined. iBerkshires.com asked Sacco whether, in light of those undisputed incidents, it was fair to say the Police Department was receiving criticism "by no fault" of its members. The union president declined to respond. "At this time, we are not at will to discuss this any further," Sacco wrote. Hoch said he would let the Select Board comment on the letter. Select Board Chair Jane Patton, who also serves on the DIRE Committee, declined to comment on Monday afternoon. The next open session of the Select Board is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14 (rescheduled from its regular Monday meeting night because of the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday). On Thursday, the Select Board has scheduled its ninth executive session since the Aug. 12 release of the lawsuit filed by Sgt. Scott McGowan. The Congress leader, on the last day of his tractor rally in Punjab, claimed that the prime minister does not understand these farm laws Patiala/Kurukshetra: Capping three days of protests against the new farm laws, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said his party will not allow the Centre to imperil India's food security as he attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a host of issues, including the Hathras case and the Ladakh stand-off. Claiming that several institutions, including the media, that protect the voice of the people have been "captured" by the BJP-led Centre, he said, "Give me free press and institutions which are free, this government will not last for long." A combative Rahul also targeted the prime minister on demonetisation and GST, besides the farm laws, and asked why he was "scared" of answering queries from media. The prime minister does not understand these farm laws, the Congress leader alleged on the final day of his tractor rally in Punjab and dared Modi to come to the state and stand with farmers if these new legislations were in the interest of the farming community. He had begun his Kheti Bachao yatra from Moga district on Sunday to protest against the laws. Striking an emotional chord, he said he owed a debt to Punjab and Punjabis and was standing with them against the farm laws. "I remember in 1977, my grandmother (Indira Gandhi) lost an election. There was nobody in the house, but there were Sikhs in my house. She was protected by Sikhs in 1977. I will never forget that," he said. Rahul also said he feels he gets "beaten up so much in politics" because he instinctively stands with the weak. Calling the existing food security system a fortress for farmers, Rahul said it needed improvement and reforms, which the Congress manifesto had also promised, but the new laws will destroy it. "Why does not Modi ji hold a press conference like this and say these (laws) are in farmers' interest. Why does he not come to Punjab and stand with farmers and say this?" he asked. After winding up his last rally at Sanaur in Patiala, Rahul drove a tractor to reach the Haryana border where, after high-drama, Haryana authorities allowed the former Congress chief and a few party leaders to enter the BJP-ruled state to continue his rally against farm laws. Scores of Congress workers along with its Punjab unit president Sunil Jakhar and senior party leader Harish Rawat were accompanying Rahul, but the rally was stopped on the highway near Teokar village on Pehowa border for an hour. The BJP-led Haryana government had on Monday said the Congress leader can bring a few people in the state but it will not permit a big crowd from Punjab which can "disturb" the atmosphere. Addressing a rally in Pehowa, Kurukshetra, Rahul asserted that his party will not back down an inch on its stand. He said mandis give employment to so many people, and if these are finished with these laws lakhs will be rendered jobless. Referring to the Ladakh stand-off, he said had the UPA been in power, the neighbouring nation would not have dared to look at our country with an evil eye. He also alleged that China had "entered" India and killed our soldiers as Modi has "weakened" the country. Had the UPA been in power, "we would have evicted and thrown out China and it would not have taken 15 minutes to do so", he said. Earlier, Rahul alleged that Prime Minister Modi is "not bothered" about what is happening in the country and he only "protects his image". "They talk of ''Bharat Mata'', but Narendra Modi gave 1,200 square km of ''Bharat Mata'' to China to protect his image. It is the reality," he alleged. Rahul said that if farmers are hit with the implementation of the new laws, then India's food security will be finished. "And if that happens, the entire country will once again become a slave," he said. "This fight is not just a fight of farmers and labourers, but this is India's fight," he said addressing a public rally at Francewala village near Sanaur in Punjab's Patiala district on the concluding day of his ''Kheti Bachao Yatra''. Rahul suggested that the media should call the prime minister to a press conference and talk to him openly. "Why is he scared of you Modi ji is only interested in his image. He will go to (Atal) tunnel alone and then wave. The media, on which there is full monopoly, will show it. So, he has an obsession with his image only. What is happening in India, he is not bothered about it," he told reporters. Rahul also said that Prime Minister Modi has not spoken "a word" on the Hathras incident, where a 19-year-old Dalit woman was gang-raped and brutalised on September 14. She died a fortnight later. Rahul said that "a child is raped and murdered, but the whole administration attacks the family and country's prime minister does not utter a word". Rahul and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had recently travelled to Hathras in Uttar Pradesh to meet the family members of the victim. The Congress leader said that with the new farm laws, not only farmers but consumers would also be affected. The Congress is opposing the Farmers'' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, the Farmers'' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and the Farm Services Bill; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, which were passed by Parliament last month. The government has maintained that the laws will help the farmers get a better price for their produce. It has accused the Opposition of misleading farmers and protecting "middlemen". To a question on a weak Opposition in the country, Rahul said that the Opposition functions within a framework that includes the media, the judicial system and institutions that protect the voice of the people. "In India, this entire framework that protects the voice of the people has been captured. The entire architecture has been captured and then to say that the Opposition is weak is not a correct statement, he told reporters. Rahul said he was committed to fighting against the Modi government's attack on farmers. The government had earlier targeted SMEs and small traders with demonetisation and GST, he alleged "I will fight them and stop them," Rahul said, pointing out that without minimum support price, Punjab, Haryana, and other agricultural states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan will have no future. Taking a dig at the BJP for criticising him for sitting on a ''gaddi'' (cushion) on a tractor, Rahul quipped that the prime minister's ''Air India One'' did not just have a cushion but a whole lot of luxury beds for his comfort. "Why don't you question them about this?" Rahul asked. He accused the prime minister of "wasting" thousands of crores of rupees on the plane just because "his friend Donald Trump (US president) has one (Air Force One)". On why he was not present in Parliament during voting on the new farm laws, Rahul said he had a son's duty too and accompanied his mother for a medical check-up abroad. "My mother (Sonia Gandhi) had gone for a medical check-up and my sister couldn't go with her because some of her staff members had COVID. So, that is why I was with my mother, I am her son also and I have to look after her," he said. Islamabad: A mutually beneficial relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is critical to promote peace and stability in South Asia and the broader region, Pakistans advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz said on Wednesday. Despite various challenges, the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has continued to grow through people to people contacts and trade for decades. A partnership cultivated on the basis of socio economic development is the way forward, he said, addressing a ceremony here, organised to award scholarships to Afghan students. He said Islamabad is fully committed to take necessary steps to ensure that Afghanistan comes out of the challenges and emerge on international stage as a progressive and peaceful nation. That is why we are looking forward to an all-encompassing relationship, from people-to-people contacts to government-to -government relations, he said. ALSO READ | Dossier on alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav did not have any conclusive evidence, says Sartaj Aziz He said the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the field of education date back to late 1970s when Pakistan whole heartedly welcomed millions of Afghan refugees. He said in the past four decades, hundreds of thousands of these refugee students have been receiving their education in Pakistani schools and Universities. Aziz said that Pakistan hosts the largest number of Afghan students studying abroad and more than 48,000 Afghan graduates from Pakistani educational institutions are serving in various Afghan institutions in the public and private sectors. We are proud of this contribution to Afghanistans progress. These Afghans are an asset for Pakistan and our ambassadors in their home country, he said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. With investment guru Warren Buffett taking a stake in its biggest companies, Japan is back in the spotlight. Home to the likes of Sony and Toyota, Japan's stock market is worth a whopping five trillion dollars - making it the largest outside America. Despite that, the country isn't particularly popular with Western investors - with Japanese stocks making up just 2 per cent of the typical British equities portfolio. Land of the rising funds? Home to the likes of Sony and Toyota, Japan's stock market is worth a whopping five trillion dollars - making it the largest outside America Many worry about the infamous 'three Ds' of the Japanese economy: debt, deflation and demographics. And with over-65s set to make up one-third of the country's population by 2050, you can see why investors might be wary. Older investors may also remember the infamous asset bubble of the 1980s, where Japanese stocks reached dizzying valuations before crashing hard. But given Buffett's reputation for shrewd bets, could Japanese shares emerge as this year's surprise winner? We explain what you need to know. A shrewd bet? Even before Warren Buffett's surprise move, investors were starting to take a closer look at Japan. Turning Japanese: Veteran investor Warren Buffett has a reputation for shrewd bets Though the country's wider economy is set to shrink by more than a quarter this year, its leading share index - the Nikkei - is rising. Japanese stocks took just three months to recover their coronavirus losses. By contrast, our flagging FTSE 100 remains 22 per cent weaker than it did on January 1. Japan itself has been spared the worst of the pandemic, with just over 1,500 deaths to date from its 126 million population. Having experienced typhoons and earthquakes in the recent past, Japanese companies have got into the habit of sitting on large cash reserves to deal with unexpected events. While this meant lower payouts to shareholders than the U.S. and Europe, it has allowed companies to maintain dividends during difficult times. This year Japanese stocks are expected to maintain last year's shareholder payouts - avoiding the dramatic cuts we've seen elsewhere. Any pitfalls? Even if they've had a good run recently, it's worth remembering that Japanese stocks have historically been more volatile than other major markets. The Nikkei has taken 25 years to recover from the crash of the late 1980s - and still trades 40 per cent below its record high. Investors should also be careful about interpreting Warren Buffett's moves as a vote of confidence in Japan's future. The American billionaire has invested $6 billion in five of Japan's biggest companies - known to Westerners as 'trading houses'. These huge conglomerates - which include household names such as Mitsui and Mitsubishi - are notoriously complex, and often have business interests in multiple sectors, from energy to chemicals. They're also big exporters - meaning their success depends on a wider Asian recovery, rather than what happens in Japan. Some analysts say Buffet's decision could be less about making money, and more about protecting his portfolio. By taking a stake in Japanese companies, the tycoon's $80 billion fortune will be less exposed to any sudden shocks to the U.S. dollar. Home to the likes of Sony and Toyota, Japan's stock-market is worth a whopping five trillion dollars - making it the largest outside of America How to invest? Though most retail investment platforms allow you to buy foreign shares, this can be complicated. As well as additional fees for currency exchange, brokers may also set minimum limits on how many shares you have to buy. An easier option would likely be for savers to buy into one of the many Japan-focused funds run by UK investment companies. As with most funds, these have the additional advantage of spreading your money across different companies and sectors. Over the past five years, Japan-focused funds have performed strongly - delivering an average cumulative return of 74 per cent (before fees). That's better than the average UK equities fund - although it's still some way behind China. Who did best? Ryan Hughes, head of active portfolios for investment managers AJ Bell, says that would-be investors should look to the Japan team at Baillie Gifford. A 10,000 sum in its Japanese fund five years ago would now be worth around 20,000 before fees - thanks to its large holdings in video game pioneers Nintendo (creators of the Super Mario game, above) and tech investors SoftBank. Meanwhile their Shin Nippon - or 'New Japan'- investment trust takes a stake in younger companies eating into the market share of their established rivals. The trust has impressed, tripling in value since 2015, meaning that 10,000 invested five years ago would now be worth more than 30,000. Savers who don't want to bet solely on Japan can buy Asia-Pacific funds, which combine Tokyo stocks with options from Hong Kong and Australasia. A 10,000 sum invested five years ago in the Allianz Global Investors Fund (Allianz Oriental Income) would now be worth around 18,000. Whether these investments can keep up this kind of pace after Covid is yet to be seen. But with European shares dipping again, active investors may find the Nikkei a more tempting prospect. Most Ukrainians think life in Ukraine worsens with each new president Survey KYIV. Oct 6 (Interfax-Ukraine) Olha Balakireva, the head of the Center for Social Monitoring has summed up the results of a survey, titled "Monitoring the public opinion of the population of Ukraine: assessments and moods on the eve of local elections." "Public awareness of the crisis of power today practically unites Ukraine," Balakireva said at a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Tuesday during the presentation of the opinion poll. According to the poll, in September 64.8% of respondents were unconditionally or rather agree that life in Ukraine gets worse with each successive president, 27.0% of respondents were more likely and unconditionally disagree with this statement, while 8.2% found it difficult to answer. "For me, these results rather indicate a crisis of power as such, and a crisis of the presidency, the role of the president in society as such, because ... you see, in total, almost 65%, that is, two-thirds agreed with the statement that life gets worse with each successive president. This is a fairly common opinion, regardless of the region, although there are certain differences. But, nevertheless, more than half even in the western region (55.8%) agreed with this opinion," she said. Some 31.7% of those polled in the western region do not agree with the statement that life becomes worse with each successive president, while 12.5% found it difficult to answer. In the central region this opinion was supported by 66.3% of the respondents, 28.1% disagreed with it, while 5.6% found it difficult to answer. The proposition in eastern regions of Ukraine was supported by 64.1%, while 27.8% did not support it and 8.1% found it difficult to answer. In southern regions of Ukraine, 78.3% of respondents believe that life gets worse with each successive president, while 16% disagree and 5.7% found it difficult to answer. On the territory of Donbas controlled by Ukraine, opinions were divided as follows: 65.9% agree with this statement, 22.5% disagree and 11.6% found it difficult to answer. According to Balakireva, the question "do you agree that life gets worse with each new president" was included in the sociological study for the first time. During the field stage of the study, on September 20-29, 3,014 people were interviewed by the method of personal interview at the respondent's place of residence. The standard sampling error is 1.1-1.9%. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo began meetings with counterparts from three other democratic countries in Tokyo, in a bid to keep up the pressure on China amid the coronavirus crisis rocking Washington. The so-called Quad -- also including Australia, India and Japan -- is slated to hold its second ministerial-level meeting later Tuesday, an event expected to help firm up New Delhis participation in the group. The first international gathering of ministers in Japan in almost a year demonstrates solidarity at a time when China is feuding with at least three of its members: Australia, US and India. For the host, newly installed Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the meeting signals a willingness to continue some of his predecessor Shinzo Abes more hawkish security projects. China has expressed concerns that the Quadrilateral Initiative, which Abe first helped promote more than a decade ago, is an attempt to form exclusive cliques and stoke a new Cold War. What theyre doing is sending a message to the Chinese side that engagement is more important than assertiveness, said Kunihiko Miyake, a former diplomat and visiting professor at Japans Ritsumeikan University. It doesnt mean that this is something to contain China. Nobody can contain China. Pompeos Visit The Quad has gained momentum as President Donald Trump pursues a more confrontational approach to Beijing, while India grows increasingly wary of Chinese economic and military influence in South Asia. The U.S. has since 2017 sought to draw India, which has traditionally protected its non-aligned status, into the fold with a re-branded Indo-Pacific Strategy. That the meeting is happening at all, as Trump battles a Covid-19 infection in Washington, illustrates its importance to the US Pompeo -- one of the Trump administrations most vocal critics of the Chinese Communist Party -- canceled subsequent stops in Mongolia and South Korea initially planned for later this week. Pompeo was set to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts Marise Payne of Australia and Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar of India as well as with Suga ahead of the four-way discussions. Australia and China have been locked in an diplomatic tit-for-tat over Canberras support for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus while Indian and Chinese troops are staring each other down after the deadliest clashes in more than four decades on their disputed Himalayan border. The meeting will also be the first big diplomatic event for Suga, after coming to the premiers job less than three weeks ago with little foreign policy experience. Suga must strike a balance between Japans biggest trading partner, China, and its only military ally, the US. He also agreed to work closely with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent phone call. Pompeo praised Suga as a powerful force for good in his previous role as chief cabinet secretary, adding that: The United States has every reason to believe he will strengthen our enduring alliance in his new role. United Front The four ministers are expected to discuss the pandemic and the regional situation, as well as the importance of cooperation with other countries in realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific. With no joint statement expected from the meeting, its value could be more symbolic than concrete, although Japan is seeking to make it an annual event. We hope the relevant countries can think more of the regional countries common interests and contribute to regional peace, stability and development rather than doing the opposite, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. India is also expected to invite Australia to take part in an annual naval drill, expanding what has been a trilateral event with the US and Japan, Bloomberg News reported in July. The Quad held its first formal ministerial-level gathering about a year ago in New York, which was seen as a sign of growing unease over Xis more assertive foreign policy. Wang Huiyao, an adviser to Chinas cabinet and founder of the Center for China and Globalization, said he doesnt think a strategic alliance aimed at Beijing is useful or productive. China is a large trading partner for those nations and has regular collaboration with those nations, Wang said. The elevation last year of the discussion from official-level talks suggests the previously informal framework was being strengthened to improve intelligence-gathering and present a united front on regional security issues. Tuesdays meeting comes after the trade ministers of Australia, India and Japan agreed last month to work toward achieving supply-chain resilience in the region, following reports that the three nations were looking to work together to counter the trade dominance of the Peoples Republic. The Quad seeks to establish, promote, and secure Indo-Pacific principles, especially as PRC tactics, aggression, and coercion increase in the region, Assistant Secretary of State David Stilwell, of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, told reporters Friday. Dubai, Oct 6 : Two Dubai-based Indian teachers were conducting online classes from their respective quarantine centres after they were tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the media reported on Tuesday. The teachers, Mohammed Mohsin and Jose Kumar from Gulf Model School, made sure their students did not miss any lesson even when they tested positive for the virus, the Khaleej Times reported. Lodged at a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) quarantine facility, Mohsin, a Math teacher originally from Karnataka, said: "I tested positive for Covid-19 when we were asked to return to schools after the summer break and undergo screenings. "The mandatory coronavirus test revealed I was infected. I was immediately taken to an isolation centre, but thankfully, I carried my laptop with me." He tested positive soon after returning to Dubai from India. "I don't know where I contracted the disease... I called up my school and informed them of my situation. The school authorities advised me to take leave and rest for some time. But I insisted on teaching. I didn't tell any of my students because I didn't want them to be worried. "I had enough strength to teach so I thought I should continue teaching instead of wasting time," Mohsin added. Meanwhile, Kumar, a Kerala native, contracted the disease after his roommate, who works at the airport, tested positive, reports the Khaleej Times. "As examinations were fast-approaching, I was worried about my students. I decided to continue teaching virtually. I took all my English classes with the three senior classes I teach. "While Covid-19 may have posed a challenge but with willpower and determination I overcame the situation. My school also supported me during this period and persuaded me to take time off to recuperate. But I thought learning should continue whatever be the medium." CAIRO Excavators are working hard in the ancient southern city of Luxor to trace the remaining part of the city's, and probably ancient Egypt's, most important route, namely the Grand Avenue of Sphinxes. The almost 3,000-year-old road connects Karnak Temple with Luxor Temple, passing by the domain of Mut. The avenue is 2,700 meters (1.7 miles) long and about 7 meters (23 feet) wide. It contains hundreds of sphinxes, most of them with ram heads, instead of the traditional human heads, on both sides. The sphinxes sit on raised bases made of sandstone, opposite one another with the avenue itself in the middle. They look as if they guard those using the avenue between the two temples. When fully excavated, the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes will be a great cultural achievement for Egypt and an exquisite addition to the study of the ancient Egyptian civilization, specialists said. The excavation of the whole avenue will help researchers discover more about the ancient Egyptian civilization, Mustafa al-Saghier, director of Karnak Temple and general supervisor of the Grand Avenue of Sphinxes Revival Project, told Al-Monitor. We have already unearthed other objects within the project, including a wall dating back to the Roman period." The excavation of the avenue is 97% complete. Constructed during the New Kingdom and completed during the 30th Dynasty rule of Nectanebo I (380-362 B.C.), the avenue was buried under layers of silt and sand over the centuries. Urban development in Luxor then put an end to all traces of it. This development included the construction of hundreds of houses and other buildings. In the 1940s, archaeologists rediscover the avenue when they unearthed some of its sphinxes. Between 1958 and 1960, Mohamed Abdel Kadir, a leading Egyptian archaeologist who discovered the components of the statue of King Ramses II, discovered the first part of the avenue near Luxor Temple. Other parts of the avenue were discovered later, but the project had to stop for years until 2005. Excavators returned to the site in 2008, but they had to stop in 2011 due to a lack of funding and also because of the turmoil that followed the anti-Hosni Mubarak uprising. They returned in 2017, with hopes to bring this aspiring project to an end. "The project was suspended for a long time in the past," Saghier said. "It is finally coming close to its end." The authorities have allocated 600 million Egyptian pounds ($38 million) for the restoration of the Grand Avenue of Sphinxes. Apart from being spent on actual digging, this money also went for the compensation of the owners of the buildings that had been removed to clear the way for tracing the avenue. The authorities had to remove hundreds of homes, mosques and churches constructed on the avenue over the centuries. This pitted the authorities against the locals on some occasions, despite the importance of the project. In mid-September, the authorities demolished a 115-year-old Evangelical church to open the door for completing avenue excavations. Five mosques constructed on the avenue, including a 350-year-old one, were also brought down. The authorities also had to erase residential areas containing hundreds of homes and compensate their residents in order to complete the project. It will take excavators the remaining part of 2020 and probably the first quarter of 2021 to complete the excavation of the Grand Avenue of Sphinxes. The avenue will be opened in 2021, according to Waad Abulela, head of the Projects Section at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Tracing the sphinxes and the avenue was far from easy or speedy. Near-surface magnetic and shallow seismic refraction methods were used in finding some of the sphinxes of the avenue. A gradiometer survey was made in the area to assess its physical quantity, using modern equipment that illustrates the physical characteristics of its layers. The sphinxes found in the avenue show little of their former semblance. Most of the heads of the sphinxes are not in place. This underscores the challenges antiquities specialists are facing to bring the avenue and its sphinxes back to or near their former condition. "The restoration of the sphinxes is far from easy like some people believe," Abulela told Al-Monitor. "These statues were buried in the ground for a long time and were negatively affected by underground water." Each of the sphinxes has a standing figure of King Amenophis III between its forelegs. The portal of Euergetes I (247-222 B.C.), which makes the entrance to Karnak, stands at the end of the avenue. A high wall adjoins the portal on both sides and forms the road to the temple courtyard. The same walls encircle Karnak Temple complex. The Grand Avenue of Sphinxes keeps on stretching behind the portal to a small temple within the complex. This small temple is associated with Khons, the ancient Egyptian god of the moon. Antiquities officials say the revival of the avenue includes the reconstruction of the wall around it and the restoration of the floor of the avenue itself to turn the area into an open-air museum. "When turned into an open-air museum, the avenue will be the world's largest ancient site," Abulela said. "This will have positive effects on the tourism sector in Luxor." This open-air museum will be a great addition to Luxor's attractions and a boon for the Egyptian tourism sector, which has been negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The sector is very important for the economy, accounting for 9.7% of all employment and accounting for 9.3% of the national gross domestic product. "The revival of the avenue will increase the attractions of Luxor that has no shortage of these attractions," said Mohamed Osman, head of the Tourism Promotion Section at the Luxor Tour Operators Chamber, an independent union of tour operators in the ancient city. "Tourists will surely be interested in visiting this unparalleled site, which will make tourism thrive in the city." The Italian government will extend the state of COVID-19 emergency until January 31 next year, Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Tuesday. The country initially introduced the emergency on January 31, after first COVID-19 cases among foreign tourists were detected. Under the emergency, the cabinet is not bound to seek parliamentary approval to make key decisions on COVID-19 response, triggering dismay from the opposition. "Our course should be prudence and caution. Therefore, I believe that the government's choice to extend the emergency situation until January 31 is right. I believe that this fully corresponds to the epidemiological period that we are experiencing," Speranza told the upper house. Earlier in the day, Speranza also addressed the lower house to present a government decree on COVID-19 measures, which is set to be approved on Wednesday. The minister, in particular, offered to make wearing face masks outdoors obligatory. has so far confirmed more than 327,000 COVID-19 cases, including over 233,000 recoveries and 36,002 deaths, according to a tally by 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.) The number of people injured in clashes in Kyrgyzstan increased to 590 and one person has died, the countrys Health Ministry told Sputnik. According to the data at 8:00 a.m., after the riots, 590 people sought medical assistance, a ministry spokesman said. According to him, 439 people after first aid were sent to outpatient treatment, 150 were hospitalized. Of these, 13 injured are in intensive care. Also, one injured person has died, the spokesman said. On Monday, about 2,000 supporters of parties that did not make it to the republics Parliament in Bishkek gathered on the central Ala-Too square. They demanded that election results be canceled and a repeat vote be held. In the evening, clashes between protesters and security officials began. Overnight to Tuesday, protesters broke into the White House building, which hosts the parliament and presidential office. Then they moved towards the State Committee for National Security, where the former leader of the country, Almazbek Atambayev, was in custody, and freed him. Elections to the Kyrgyz parliament were held on October 4. The turnout was 56.5 percent. According to the preliminary voting results, after processing ballots from 98 percent of polling stations, four parties make it to the parliament: Birimdik (Unity, pro-government party) with 24.52% of the vote, Mekenim Kyrgyzstan (Native Kyrgyzstan, pro-government party) with 23.89%, Kyrgyzstan (centrist party) with 8.73% and Butun Kyrgyzstan (United Kyrgyzstan, centrist party) with 7.11%. The remaining parties did not overcome the 7 percent threshold. (ANI/Sputnik) Taliban and Afghan government-backed negotiators have agreed on a broad code of conduct to advance the intra-Afghan peace talks in Qatar, even as key differences between the two warring sides remain, three official sources told Reuters on Tuesday. Efforts to resolve disagreements over Islamic jurisprudence and whether a U.S.-Taliban accord reached in February on a U.S. troop withdrawal would serve as the basis of the peace talks will continue on the sidelines of the main negotiations, two sources said. The progress was achieved with the help of U.S. officials, as the two sides drew up 19 ground rules that their negotiators should observe during talks, the sources said. "Firming up code of conduct was extremely crucial as it proves that both sides are willing to continue talks even as we see that violence has not reduced on the ground," said one senior Western diplomat on conditions of anonymity. Nader Nadery, a senior government negotiator, told Reuters that issues still need to be ironed out. "The discussion over the rules and procedures is not yet completed and there are issues that need to be further finalised and therefore more work needs to be done," said Nadery. After Reuters reported that the parties had set ground rules, the Afghan government negotiating team tweeted that the Reuters report was "incorrect", without elaborating. When asked about the tweet, a senior official involved in the talks on the government side said officials objected to any implication that a formal agreement had been reached, but did not deny some ground rules had been set. The sources involved in the peace process said the latest progress came during a trip on Monday by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to Qatar`s capital Doha. Ghani held talks there with Qatari leaders as well as U.S. Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and the commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, General Austin Miller. The intra-Afghan talks follow-up on a landmark deal signed between the United States and the Taliban in February. Under the deal, foreign forces will leave Afghanistan by May 2021 in exchange for counter-terrorism guarantees from the Taliban, which agreed to negotiate a permanent cease-fire and a power-sharing formula with the Afghan government. Diplomats had told Reuters that the talks got off to a difficult start, with disagreements over how the Hanafi Islamic code could be used to guide negotiations and on whether the deal signed between the United States and the Taliban in February should be the basis for the talks, as demanded by the Taliban. The three sources said the delegations were putting those differences to one side to move forward and agree on an agenda, but would work on resolving these issues during negotiations. "The ground rules will serve as a foundation as both sides are making an effort to prevent a collapse," said a second senior official in Doha overseeing the talks. A ceasefire is a top priority for the Afghan officials and the western diplomats who are facilitating these talks. While the talks have been taking place in Qatar`s capital Doha, scores of Afghan soldiers and Taliban fighters have been killed in clashes. Dozens of civilians have also died in recent weeks. Some analysts say the Taliban is unlikely to agree a comprehensive ceasefire yet, since violence and clashes with Afghan forces give insurgents leverage at the negotiation table. By Jon Dunbar There's no shortage of artistic and cultural activities available for foreigners in Seoul, even during this pandemic. The problem is finding out about them or getting the word out to people who will benefit. Blossom and Eric Perriard aim to bridge that gap, with their new website seoulnotes.com which gives information on art shows, screenings of independent films and subtitled Korean films, exhibitions and other miscellaneous events. "This year, it's become pretty key to make the most of the city you live in, so we decided to go to more shows and take the opportunity to explore more of Seoul," Blossom, an Australian citizen, said in an online introduction. "But we realized there's no English-friendly website that tells you what art shows, exhibitions, movies or events are on at a given time or day." Her husband Eric, who is from France, told her of , which lists upcoming or ongoing cultural events. Now a website, it was a printed magazine published weekly before 2016, and used to be a book. In their eight years living in Seoul, the closest things they've found to Pariscope are and , but Blossom says these sites are not always reliable and don't cover her tastes perfectly. Her solution has been to follow the individual social media accounts of every art gallery or check their websites to find out what's going on, a process she describes as "kind of inconvenient." "I have a spreadsheet of as many venues as I've been able to list and I periodically check their websites for current and upcoming shows," she explained. "A slightly laborious process, but we're looking for ways to automate it with artificial intelligence (natural language processing)," she added, mentioning her husband works as an AI developer. They also welcome outside suggestions about events. "Just as long as there is an associated website with images and text preferably in both English and Korean," she added. A contact email address for seoulnotes.com is listed at the bottom of every page. So far, the site focuses on art shows, movies and exhibitions based on Blossom's own interests. "The reason for these categories is that they were mostly what I was trying to track down for myself personally," she said. "Honestly, this project is as much for us to learn about venues and events as it is for visitors to the site!" Currently, the page lists 20 art shows, two exhibitions, nine films and six other miscellaneous events. The advantage of art shows and exhibitions is they run for longer periods of time, unlike independent films which have limited screenings. "I wanted to feature independent films because mainstream cinemas and movies get so much play here, whereas independent and art house cinema does not get much attention. In a city of 10 million plus people there are only a handful of cinemas showing independent films," she said. "I really wanted to include the Korean films with English subtitles as there are only a few cinemas that provide this service making Korean cinema accessible to foreign/non-Korean-speaking audiences. I'm not sure if many people are aware that these screenings exist, but for those who are interested in Korean cinema, it is something we should all be taking advantage of." She added that in the future she hopes to include music and food & drink events on the site. "We haven't touched these yet, as gathering the content for the listings will be a different kind of beast, I imagine. But it is definitely in our sights," she said. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the city's cultural and artistic offerings are looking a little leaner than usual. But that just means all the more attention is needed for everything that is still running, as art galleries and small cinema venues struggle for survival. "I think we've been really lucky in Korea that our daily lives have not been too disturbed by the pandemic, but not being able to travel should have prompted us to find ways to amuse ourselves in our own cities," Blossom said. "We only started the project a month ago. At this particular time given the situation with the pandemic and venues having temporary closures and events being canceled, there are perhaps slightly fewer events that we've been able to feature than normal. I imagine as social distancing measures decrease and events become more numerous, our task may become a bit more time consuming. For now, it is not too taxing." Visit for more information. If you typically don't file tax returns and haven't yet received a $1,200 stimulus check, you now have five more weeks to submit your information to the IRS in order to get your money. The IRS announced on Monday that it has extended the deadline for non-filers to Saturday, Nov. 21, from the previous Oct. 15 cut-off date. The deadline applies specifically to people who do not typically file tax returns, usually because they have little to no income, and therefore do not have their information on file with the IRS. Those who are eligible to use the non-filer tool include individuals with incomes below $12,200 who were not claimed as dependents by someone else, and married couples who earn less than $24,400. Homeless individuals and families also qualify. More from Your Money Mindset: What to know before investing stimulus money Consider these factors before accepting an early retirement package Many forced to raid retirement money amid pandemic Those who use the IRS non-filer tool can request their stimulus check payment either by direct deposit or paper check. They can also keep tabs on the status of their payment using the agency's Get My Payment site. Remember, this deadline not apply to tax filers who still need to file their federal returns by Oct. 15. "Time is running out for those who don't normally file a tax return to get their payments," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement. "Registration is quick and easy, and we urge everyone to share this information to reach as many people before the deadline." The deadline extension comes as the IRS has also sent letters to 9 million Americans who may have missed out on their stimulus payments. The agreement reflects the current and future priorities of Egypts development plan, focusing on six priority sectors Egypts Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat met on Tuesday with Ambassador of France to Egypt Stefan Romettier to push forward the Strategic Partnership Agreement in Social and Economic Development, worth 1 billion, which was signed in 2019 and lasts through 2023. The meeting was attended by Fabio Grazi, Director of the Office of the French Development Agency (AFD), and Michel Olenberg, Director of Business France Agency. The agreement reflects the current and future priorities of Egypts development plan, focusing on the six priority sectors of transport, energy, agriculture, small and medium enterprises, health and antiquities. Falling under the ministrys new Global Partnerships Narrative, all projects will be defined according to the three PPPs: people at the core, projects in action and purpose as the driver to not derail efforts in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the ministry said in a statement. Putting people at the core, the two countries emphasised on pushing for a human-centred economy and making sure that all projects put investment in people as a key pillar in achieving sustainability. The projects that are under the agreement include the upgrading of the first line of the Cairo Metro with a value of 50 million, the Abu Qir Railway conversion into an electric metro worth 250 million, and the Mansoura Damietta Railway worth 90 million, which will help provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for Egyptians, as well as to finance priority sectors in the field of energy worth 150 million, in addition to a grant of 1 million. In health and education, the two sides discussed an agreement to support a comprehensive health insurance program with a value of 150 million, as well as a project to re-establish the French National University in Egypt worth 12 million. It is expected to promote technical expertise and exchange of experiences to support the Ministry of Health and Population in its efforts to develop social health insurance worth 1 million euros. It also includes a cooperation project to support the teaching of French as a foreign language in public schools through a grant worth 1.5 million. The agreement also aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all through sanitation projects in Helwan in cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union (EU) worth 155 million. For his part, Ambassador Romatier expressed Frances readiness to enhance cooperation in Egypts health sector through exchanging experts and training programs, noting that the AFD has allocated about 15 million to support Egypts Ministry of Health to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Al-Mashat highlighted that all projects are mapped according to the SDGs, adding that these projects will achieve Goal 3 for good health and well-being, Goal 4 for quality education, Goal 7 for affordable and clean energy, Goal 8 for decent work, Goal 6 for clean water and sanitation, Goal 11 for sustainable cities and communities and Goal 17 for partnerships to achieve the development goals. Search Keywords: Short link: Previously, the OPPO A93 was revealed as a rebranded F17 Pro in overseas and it is now officially launched in Malaysia. We do not know the reason why they have renamed it but anyway, the price tag is RM1299 and the pre-order has begun today until 9 October 2020 with gifts worth RM199. Available in Matte Black and Metallic White, the gifts that we reported before are an exclusive umbrella and an OPPO Bluetooth speaker. If you prefer to wait for the official sale launch, the A93 will be available at every OPPO Brand Stores, official online store and selected authorized dealers from 10 October 2020 onwards. By the way, My OPPO App users can stand to redeem a RM100 discount voucher (redeemable until 18 October 2020) exclusively on the A93. And for new A93 users, they can receive a free 10% discount voucher (until 31 October) on OPPO accessories from the said app. To refresh your memory, the A93 features a MediaTek Helio P95 chipset, 8GB of RAM, 128GB UFS 2.1 storage, 6.43-inch Dual Punch-hole FHD+ AMOLED display (60Hz refresh rate), 4000mAh battery (18W fast charge), and ColorOS 7.2 based on Android 10 out of the box. As for the cameras, the quad rear camera consists of a 48MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (mono) + 2MP (depth) module, whereas the 16MP + 2MP (depth) dual selfie camera are on the front. Before we end, OPPO Malaysia is also launching a TikTok Challenge called Ace Your Style for every Malaysian. The participants stand a chance to win prizes worth more than RM10,000 and get an opportunity to be in Ayda Jebat's upcoming music video. More details can be found on OPPO Malaysia's Facebook page and stay tuned for more trending gadget news at TechNave.com. Ukraine interested in joint implementation of infrastructure projects with South Africa Kryklii 11:55, 06.10.20 214 The countries are working on two draft agreements: on merchant shipping and on recognition of seafarers' diplomas/certificates. Daraa has witnessed a number of assassinations recently, which have targeted military figures in the region reports SY 24. The assassinations that threaten the lives of civilians and military personnel in Daraa Governorate have returned, after several days of calm. SY 24s correspondent reported that Amer al-Rifai, known as Abu Bakr, was killed on Monday. He was shot outside his house in the town of Umm Walad in the eastern countryside of Daraa, by unknown persons. A young man, Ammar Abu Sweid, was wounded in the city of Nawa, in the western countryside of Daraa, after he was shot by unknown assailants. He was subsequently transferred to the hospital in Daraa city. Last Wednesday, Radi al-Masalama, a former Islamic State (ISIS) fighter, was killed after his attempt to assassinate someone called Zumot al-Karad, in the city of Daraa. According to local sources, Masalama was a former Islamic State member who has been accused of committing many assassinations in Daraa since the settlement agreement in July 2018. It is worth noting that the Syrian regime has recently made settlements with military leaders who were affiliated with the ISIS, including former leaders Moaz al-Zoubi, Abu Muhammad al-Shaghuri, Iyad Jaara Abu Jaber, Khaldoun al-Zuabi, and Muhammad Jadallah al-Zuabi, according to SY 24s correspondent. The correspondent confirmed that, the settlement process took place in the presence of a representative of Brig. Gen. Ghayath Dallah and some officers of the Fourth Divisions security office and the forces supporting it, in the presence of a southern Security Committee representative. According to private sources, the persons who took part in settlement agreements demanded that detainees affiliated with them be released from the security branches of the regime, to which the regimes representatives responded, We will release a prisoner who matters to you for every assassination you carry out and security chaos you create in the south, especially in the city of Tafas and the western countryside. The correspondent explained that, the leaders who agreed to settlement deals have already carried out many operations, most notably the assassination of seven former field and military leaders, targeting a convoy of the Central Committee and killing five of them, including military leaders, and the assassination of about 10 of the best former opposition fighters, in addition to killing all the officers affiliated with the Syrian regime at the al-Muzayrib police station. 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. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (File image: Reuters) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on October 6 launched 'MSME Prerana', an online business mentoring programme for MSMEs by state-run Indian Bank. The programme, to be made available in local languages, is aimed at empowering entrepreneurs through skill development and capacity building workshops, the bank said in a release. "Indian Bank has taken an out-of-the-box initiative in launching MSME Prerana which will handhold the entrepreneurs through a mentoring program. This novel initiative shall further inspire others in the banking sector to adopt similar measures," Sitharaman said. The initiative was launched by the finance minister at the bank's corporate centre in Chennai. Financial Services Secretary Debashish Panda, who also participated in the launch event through video conferencing, delved on the various initiatives taken by the government to support MSMEs. The initiative is in collaboration with Poornatha & Co, a firm that designs entrepreneurial development programs in vernacular languages using online web-based interactive sessions and case studies, the bank said. The lender's Managing Director and CEO Padmaja Chunduru said during its outreach programs, webinars and interaction with the bank's MSME units, one main takeaway was that there is still a lot of dependence on chartered accountants or agents to access bank loans. The barriers these MSMEs face include language, confusion about what the bank looks for when they approach for loans, how to manage cash flows, which government schemes are available and suitable for them and how to register themselves for these schemes, she said. "MSME Prerana is our effort to bridge this gap in the skill sets. It is a business mentoring program that gives inputs in simple terms (no jargon) and in the local vernacular," Chunduru said. The first two programs will be in Tamil for the Coimbatore clusters of Indian Bank. It will then be scaled up across the country in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali and Gujarati, the statement said. The first two programs will be in Tamil for the Coimbatore clusters of Indian Bank. Spread over 12 sessions, the program enables MSME entrepreneurs to acquire expertise in handling finance and managerial skills, capacity to handle crises in business, understand the dynamics of credit rating and risk management, the bank said. While the sessions on managerial and financial skills will be conducted by Poornatha & Co, the banking related topics will be handled by Indian Bank. On successful completion, all participants would get a certificate, issued jointly by Indian Bank, Poornatha & Co and MADE (Michigan Academy for Developing Entrepreneurs), USA, the release said. EAST NORRITON The controversy surrounding a proposed group home at 2921 Stoney Creek Road that would provide housing for residents with mental disabilities continues. Administrators of Horizon House Residential Services, which began in 1952 as a support group for former mental health patients, have won the latest round when the Court of Common Pleas recently ruled in their favor in the case of a longstanding East Norriton ordinance. They ruled against the township and were in the process now of appealing that decision, noted East Norriton Township Manager Bob Hart. Judge Rothstein made a decision but gave no reason why, so we dont know any of their reasoning. Unless you appeal it we dont get a written decision. So with the appeal Judge Rothstein will put together a written opinion on why she decided the way she did, and then we will appeal it. We dont agree with the decision, obviously, but we cant even tell you the basis of that decision yet. Although the explanation may not be forthcoming for 30 days, township administrators feel they have a strong case, Hart said, We have an ordinance in place that makes them follow certain requirements, Hart said. We have these requirements because we think theyre absolutely necessary for the health, safety and welfare for the inhabitants of this home. If youre putting two or three residents in there who are wheelchair bound and bedbound, and there arent sprinklers, and weve had many discussions on this, we cant in good conscience agree to that. Thats why were looking forward to reading the actual opinion from the judge and then moving forward with our arguments. Horizon House is aware of the ordinance, Hart said. Weve had conversations with them about these sprinklers. Weve said this directly to them, that we find this to be one of the most important aspects to take care of these residents. It would cost them maybe $3,000 to sprinkler the house and they refused to do even consider it. We find that perplexing, disturbing and unacceptable. According to realtor.com, the property was sold four times in the last 27 years, most recently in February 2019 for $233,600. The current value is estimated at $261,900. Issues with the nonprofit moving into the house at 2129 Stoney Creek Road began surfacing in February 2019 when residents in the area voiced their concerns at a township meeting, as reported in The Times Herald. At the time Hart assured residents that the township had been monitoring the situation closely and was doing its own internal research. He empathized with the concerns, noting, theres a lot of unknowns. He allowed that Horizon had not come forward to present its plans to the zoning board and that the only contact with the township had been with their attorney in the form of an email three months earlier. The attorney reportedly seemed to disagree strongly with the townships recommendations. Township Solicitor Sean Kilkenny had pointed out that any use of group home requires an exception from the Zoning Hearing Board. At the East Norriton Board of Supervisors meeting the following month, Hart remarked on Horizon House, Inc.s lawsuit against the township in regard to the property. The lawsuit had been filed after the township denied Horizon House a Use and Occupancy permit. The decision, Hart said, was based on the grounds that group homes are only allowed under conditional use in the township. Horizon House, which provides housing for residents with mental disabilities, alleges that East Norriton Township was discriminating against it and filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Last fall, Hart noted that Horizon House Residential Services would be going before the zoning board for its application for a group home exception. As you know there have been more rumors than anything else circulating about the property at 2921 Stoney Creek Road, and Horizon House has refused to tell us anything about the use of its property, Hart said, adding that rumors about the property attracting sexual predators had been circulating for months. So, with that unknown about what the property will be used for, and their refusal to cooperate in any way, our recommendation to the board is to authorize our solicitor, Mr. Kilkenny to attend that zoning hearing board application to oppose the application as is. Horizon House did not return a request for comment. Consolidated Machine & Tool Holdings (CMTH), a portfolio company of White Wolf Capital (White Wolf), is pleased to announce the acquisition of Delva Tool & Machine Corp (DTM), owned by Stephen Voellinger. This acquisition brings leading blue-chip customers in the defense industry, state of the art manufacturing capabilities through the use of advanced robotics, and adds further capacity to CMTHs existing nine locations. The acquisition benefits DTM by providing access to capital, supporting their continued growth, and future growth opportunities. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. Sean Lafferty, CFO of CMTH, noted, We are pleased to welcome Delva Tool and Machine to the CMTH family. Their expertise in automation and complex defense components is an excellent addition to our current capabilities. We look forward to working with the Delva team. Elie Azar, a Managing Director and CEO of White Wolf, noted, We are very excited to welcome Delva into the CMTH family and look forward to a great future together. The DAK Group, Ltd. served as exclusive financial advisors to DTM. About CMTH CMTH, started by White Wolf Capital, LLC in early 2017, is a platform holding company comprised of industry leading manufacturers specializing in precision machining, fabrication, assembly, and design of highly engineered components. CMTH locations are AS9100, ISO:9001, and ITAR certified. CMTH has a seasoned management team with experience serving various blue chip customers across multiple industries. For further information, please visit: https://www.cmth.com. About DTM DTM, founded by Stephen Voellinger Sr. in 1962, and run by Stephen Voellinger Jr. since 1994, provides contract machining, fabrication, engineering and complex assembly services for top aerospace & defense customers nationally. DTM boasts an experienced team of engineers, machinists, and programmers with experience in advanced robotics, milling, and lathe machining across various types of metals. DTM is located in Cinnaminson, NJ. https://www.delvatool.com About White Wolf White Wolf is a private investment firm that began operations in late 2011 and is focused on management buyouts, recapitalizations and investments in leading middle market companies. In general, White Wolf seeks both private equity and private credit investment opportunities in companies that are headquartered in North America with $10 million to $100 million in revenues and up to $10 million in EBITDA. Preferred industries include: manufacturing, business services, information technology, security, aerospace and defense. For further information, please visit: https://www.whitewolfcapital.com. CMTH Acquisition Criteria CMTH is actively seeking add-on acquisition opportunities that meet the following criteria: Revenue of $5 million to $50 million Specializing in contract precision machining, fabrication, assembly, and design of highly engineered components Serving the aerospace, defense, medical, heavy industrial, power, agricultural as well as other end markets Certified by: AS9100, ISO:9001, and/or ITAR Tier-1 or Tier-2 supplier status Please contact info@whitewolfcapital.com to discuss potential acquisition candidates. Researcher BHPian Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: OD02/JH05/WB02 Posts: 226 Thanked: 1,181 Times Re: Scam calls after purchasing new cars is yet to deal with it since 3 years', made me promise myself not to get into the Hyundai ecosystem ever. The entities involved are a Maruti showroom and a Hyundai showroom which is around 50 metres from the Maruti showroom but on the opposite side of the road. For people familiar with Bhubaneswar, I am referring to Jyote Motors and Aditya Hyundai on Lewis Road. Incident 1: Back in 2015-16, we were scouting for an automatic car to replace our ageing manual Alto so that my old parents could drive a bit easier. To check the size of the cars, I landed up at the Maruti showroom as it was a 10 minute ride from my home then. Everything was attended to very well and I gave my details unaware of the consequences that I am about to face. By the time I reach my home, I get a couple of texts from Aditya Hyundai, stating that I registered interest in a vehicle and some offer they were giving. Furious, I called the number mentioned in the text and gave them a piece of my mind, assuming it to be over. However I keep receiving those texts. I storm into the Hyundai showroom, warn them sternly for action but they sheepishly tell me to take it up with Hyundai by mail and they will do as instructed. Next, I go to the Maruti showroom to repeat this. But they were very cordial, took all details and assured me of action within a few days. True to their words, I never received any text from Maruti again. Wish I could say the same about Hyundai. Incident 2: In 2018, I decided to gift myself a new car to replace my SX4. I was smitten by the Gypsy. I contacted for a test drive through the toll free and was again assigned to the same Maruti showroom as it was the nearest showroom then. I was about to finalise the deal when the dealer confirmed that they will not be able to install an AC no matter what and warranty will be voided if I do it outside. This was a deal-breaker as this was supposed to be my daily driver in Jamshedpur and needed an AC for those trips to Bhubaneswar. I did not finalise then but thanked them and left for home. The same story repeated again. I started getting texts from Aditya Hyundai. The same action but this time I (with my newfound corporate knowledge and experience ) complained Maruti that someone is deliberately leaking the data so that is how you (Maruti) are losing market share to Hyundai and you will lose sales further. This worked them up and they promised some action. But Hyundai? Same attitude and story as if they are doing me some favour. I was considering the Creta but dropped it after this incident reminded me of the old wounds. I mailed Maruti and Hyundai regarding this, but I still receive texts from Hyundai. In fact in the upcoming festive season, I am sort of expecting that! The way this entire episode was royally ignored by Hyundai made me totally ignore the brand for any subsequent purchase. I was very paranoid and angry about these spam messages and calls, but some apps and even enhancements to default dialling apps have made my life easier, but slightly. Slightly off topic, but the same happened with a colleague who was checking a Creta and got texts from Kia. By the time he had forgotten this, we went to the Kia showroom a few weeks later. The guy there, bombarded him with information like his mail, phone number, when he visited, etc. He was shocked and angry. We simply left the place immediately. Brands should understand that dealerships are the place where people get the idea of a brand in-person. Dealerships can easily change the logos from one brand to another (the same Aditya Hyundai was a Bajaj showroom in my college days if I recall correctly), but the beating that a brand takes will not be easy to reverse. Such issues with points of contacts have marred Tata's reputation so badly that they are yet to recover completely no matter what their efforts are. I have faced this twice, with two different numbers and with the same entities involved! I even had to discard one number due to this reason. With no intentions to offend any Hyundai fan or owner, the way the Hyundai side dealt with the issue, or may I say '', made me promise myself not to get into the Hyundai ecosystem ever.The entities involved are a Maruti showroom and a Hyundai showroom which is around 50 metres from the Maruti showroom but on the opposite side of the road. For people familiar with Bhubaneswar, I am referring to Jyote Motors and Aditya Hyundai on Lewis Road.Back in 2015-16, we were scouting for an automatic car to replace our ageing manual Alto so that my old parents could drive a bit easier. To check the size of the cars, I landed up at the Maruti showroom as it was a 10 minute ride from my home then. Everything was attended to very well and I gave my details unaware of the consequences that I am about to face.By the time I reach my home, I get a couple of texts from Aditya Hyundai, stating that I registered interest in a vehicle and some offer they were giving. Furious, I called the number mentioned in the text and gave them a piece of my mind, assuming it to be over. However I keep receiving those texts. I storm into the Hyundai showroom, warn them sternly for action but they sheepishly tell me to take it up with Hyundai by mail and they will do as instructed. Next, I go to the Maruti showroom to repeat this. But they were very cordial, took all details and assured me of action within a few days. True to their words, I never received any text from Maruti again. Wish I could say the same about Hyundai.In 2018, I decided to gift myself a new car to replace my SX4. I was smitten by the Gypsy. I contacted for a test drive through the toll free and was again assigned to the same Maruti showroom as it was the nearest showroom then. I was about to finalise the deal when the dealer confirmed that they will not be able to install an AC no matter what and warranty will be voided if I do it outside. This was a deal-breaker as this was supposed to be my daily driver in Jamshedpur and needed an AC for those trips to Bhubaneswar. I did not finalise then but thanked them and left for home.The same story repeated again. I started getting texts from Aditya Hyundai. The same action but this time I (with my newfound corporate knowledge and experience) complained Maruti that someone is deliberately leaking the data so that is how you (Maruti) are losing market share to Hyundai and you will lose sales further. This worked them up and they promised some action. But Hyundai? Same attitude and story as if they are doing me some favour. I was considering the Creta but dropped it after this incident reminded me of the old wounds. I mailed Maruti and Hyundai regarding this, but I still receive texts from Hyundai. In fact in the upcoming festive season, I am sort of expecting that! The way this entire episode was royally ignored by Hyundai made me totally ignore the brand for any subsequent purchase.I was very paranoid and angry about these spam messages and calls, but some apps and even enhancements to default dialling apps have made my life easier, but slightly.Slightly off topic, but the same happened with a colleague who was checking a Creta and got texts from Kia. By the time he had forgotten this, we went to the Kia showroom a few weeks later. The guy there, bombarded him with information like his mail, phone number, when he visited, etc. He was shocked and angry. We simply left the place immediately.Brands should understand that dealerships are the place where people get the idea of a brand in-person. Dealerships can easily change the logos from one brand to another (the same Aditya Hyundai was a Bajaj showroom in my college days if I recall correctly), but the beating that a brand takes will not be easy to reverse. Such issues with points of contacts have marred Tata's reputation so badly that they are yet to recover completely no matter what their efforts are. Last edited by Researcher : 3rd October 2020 at 18:05 . Reason: Added details ARISS to celebrate 20 Years of Ham Radio on the ISS The ARRL report Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) will soon celebrate 20 years of continuous amateur radio operations on the International Space Station (ISS) NASA is commemorating the milestone with a newly produced infographic highlighting the educational contacts via amateur radio between astronaut crew members aboard the ISS and students. Over its 20 years, ARISS has supported nearly 1,400 scheduled ham radio contacts with schools, student groups, and other organizations. Planning for ARISS began in 1996 as a cooperative venture among national amateur radio and amateur satellite societies, with support from their respective space agencies. The ARISS ham radio gear actually arrived on the station before the Expedition 1 crew, headed by Commander Bill Shepherd, KD5GSL. The FCC issued ham radio call sign NA1SS for ISS operations. After Expedition 1 arrived on station, some initial tests with ARISS ham radio ground stations and individual hams confirmed the ham gear was working properly. The first ARISS school contact was made with students at Luther Burbank Elementary School in Illinois on December 21, 2000, with Shepherd at the helm of NA1SS on the ISS, and ARISS operations team mentor Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, guiding the operation on the ground. Read the full ARRL story at http://www.arrl.org/news/view/ariss-to-celebrate-20-years-of-ham-radio-on-the-international-space-station NASA 20 years: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/iss-20-years-ham-radio-infographic NASA video of students talking with astronaut Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR in May 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1clACXLdDhs ARISS SSTV transmissions are taking place from the ISS on 145.800 MHz, they are expected to continue until Thursday, October 8 https://amsat-uk.org/2020/10/03/iss-sstv-october-4-8-on-145-800-mhz-fm/ Article L. 238-8-II of the French commercial Code and article 223-16 of the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) general regulation Regulatory News: Veolia Environnement (Paris:VIE): Corporate name of the issuer: Veolia Environnement 21, rue La Boetie 75008 PARIS FRANCE (ISIN code: FR0000124141-VIE) Information closing date Total number of shares forming the share capital Total number of voting rights September 30, 2020 567,266,539 Total number of theoretical voting rights (1): 602,730,405 Total number of voting rights that may be exercised (2): 589,752,732 Inclusion in the Veolia Environnement Articles of Association of a clause requiring a reporting obligation of the declaration of crossing a shareholding threshold, complementary to the one relating to the thresholds provided by the French law and the regulations in force (article 8). (1) Number of theoretical voting rights after taking into account the number of shares with double voting rights as of September 30, 2020 (35,463,866 shares) and the number of treasury shares held as of September 30, 2020 (12,977,673 shares). (2) Number of voting rights that may be exercised number of theoretical voting rights (or total number of voting rights attached to shares) shares without voting rights (number of treasury shares held as of September 30, 2020). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005930/en/ Contacts: Veolia Environnement Former first lady Michelle Obama is making her closing argument for Joe Biden this morning, arguing that President Trump has mismanaged the pandemic while "stoking fears about Black and brown Americans." The big picture: In a video message, the former first lady, who remains wildly popular in the Democratic party, testifies to Biden's personal qualities while sharply criticizing Trump's handling of the racial unrest that has been roiling the country. Trump is "lying about how minorities will destroy the suburbs ... whipping up violence and intimidation," Obama said. "So what the president is doing is, once again, patently false ... its morally wrong ... and yes, it is racist. But that doesn't mean it won't work." Why it matters: Michelle Obama motivates voters across the Democratic party and was a cut above other speakers at the Democratic convention in August, generating five times as much social interaction than any other speaker, including former President Barack Obama, according to Axios' Neal Rothschild. Flashback: In late August when she addressed the racial unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Obama said there was "systemic racism" coming from both the White House and elsewhere in the country. What she's saying: "It didn't have to be like this," Obama said about the pandemic. "So many other countries arent experiencing this level of extended suffering and uncertainty." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) A total of 99.6-billion worth of assets representing the alleged ill-gotten wealth by the Marcos family are still under litigation, a lawmaker bared Tuesday. Citing data from the Department of Justice during the plenary debate, Bulacan Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado said there are also 88 pending cases before the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) involving Marcos wealth cases. "Ang total value of assets under litigation ay kulang 100 billion o 99.6 billion po. Mayroon pa pong 88 cases ang PCGG kasama na ang Marcos jewelry collection," said the solon. [Translation: The total value of assets under litigation is more or less P100 billion or P99.6 billion. PCGG still has 88 cases, including the Marcos jewelry collection.] Sy-Alvarado, who stood as sponsor of the proposed budget of the agency, added that the Marcoses' jewelry collection amounting to 1.8 billion is part of the assets in question. "Masasabing totoo ang hangarin ng PCGG bagamat nais ng bawat isa na pabilisin ang prosesong ito para maging patas sa taumbayan, ganun din po sa pamilyang Marcos," he said. [Translation: We can say that the PCGG has genuine intentions but it's everyone's wish for the process to speed up for the sake of fairness to the people, and to the Marcos family.] "Sakali namang mapatunayan na ito ay parte ng ill-gotten wealth, sana maibigay o mapadala agad sa gobyerno upang ang kulang na 100 billion ay magamit ng pamahalaan lalo na sa programang pangmahihirap upang maitaas ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan," the lawmaker added. [Translation: Once it is proven that the amount is part of the ill-gotten wealth, we hope that it would immediately be given to the government so that the 100-billion worth of assets can be used for programs that will help uplift the welfare of our countrymen.] Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, who did the interpellation on the issue, called for a more active collaboration on the pursuit of the unexplained wealth by the Marcoses. He earlier lamented the lack of progress and assurance that the wealth accumulated during the two-decade regime of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos will be returned to government coffers. Ombudsman Samuel Martires himself previously said in a House hearing that he has not met with the PCGG to discuss concrete plans on recovering the Marcos family's seized assets. He, however, noted that all cases involving the Marcoses and their cronies are now at the Sandiganbayan for resolution. Allianz CEO Oliver Baete said on Tuesday that European governments needed to be careful about spending record amounts on the COVID-19 crisis as many ordinary people would be angry when they were handed such a vast bill. The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a debt-fueled spending splurge by governments across the world as lockdowns batter economies, shred millions of jobs and push whole sectors towards collapse. The boss of Allianz, which has 2.3 trillion euros under management, said that there were a lot of zombie companies being kept afloat with government money though many private households were more resilient than some thought. Many ordinary people, Baete said, were clearly smarter than the political classes who were spending record amounts of money an issue that he said could one day hurt social cohesion. Our people are apparently much smarter than the political class and I say that with all due respect because somebody will have to pay the bill, Baete told The Wall Street Journal CEO Council. How does a society work where one part of the society keeps on spending beyond their own means and others are supposed to pay for that? Polarization is a very important issue, he said. So we need to be very careful. I dont believe that this issue is just an economic question: it is actually a question of social cohesion. Baete said many financial markets looked irrational at the moment, partly due to excess liquidity and market structure. Allianz, he said, was keeping away from risk in its equity portfolios. Santander chairwoman Ana Botin said that there were tough times ahead as the world entered in the second wave of the novel coronavirus crisis and that there could even be a third wave. My worry is what happens from here on, my worry is that were going into a second wave, potentially even a third at some point, where things could get much tougher, Botin, also speaking the Wall Street Journal event, said. And that is where we have to be very careful not to withdraw stimulus or support too early, at the same time I think its very important that we support companies that deserve to be alive and were not just giving the same to everybody, she said. She said medium-sized companies also needed support. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge, Kate Holton and Paul Sandle. Editing by Jane Merriman) Topics COVID-19 Europe Allianz BREAKING: CUOMO TO SHUT NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES IN COVID HOT SPOTS. Catholic schools enrollment increases; stimulus plan looks dead for now; S.I. school bus mess, and latest coronavirus numbers. (Hot Zone) Posted by Staten Island Advance on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside-down. We need information like we never have before. How many new cases were there on Staten Island today? How many deaths? How many people have been released from the hospital? What did President Donald Trump say about the pandemic? What about Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio? More importantly, when is this pandemic going to be over? When are we going to get back to normal, whatever normal is? Its almost too much to keep up with. So every day around 4 p.m., Mark Stein and I take to Facebook Live to give you all the Island information you need. You can then look for this written wrap-up on SILive.com at the end of the day. Well give you the numbers and all the latest news. Well answer your questions. Well follow up on your news tips. Well share the good news too, the way that the Staten Island community is coming together in this time of crisis. Or well just share this strange and unique pandemic moment with you, as fellow Staten Islanders. On Tuesday, we talked about Cuomos order shutting schools and non-essential businesses, including restaurants, in nine ZIP codes in Brooklyn and Queens where infection rates have spiked. Cuomo also unveiled a new color-coded system for classifying COVID risk neighborhoods. We also discussed how Trump had broken off negotiations with House Democrats over a new stimulus bill, including second stimulus checks to American households, until after the election. Trump told Senate Republicans that he wants them to focus on the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett instead. We also mentioned how the office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom had advised state residents to keep their masks on in between bites when dining out. Were all in this together. Well all get through this together. For the first time in nearly a month, I am not the bearer of bad news: factory quotes remained static yesterday. However, I had thought there just might be some positive movement, as opposed to the prices sticking like a lamb in mud. Kildare Chilling continue to be the market leader for lamb and culls on our table with their base offering of 5.10+10c/kg quality assurance and 2.50+10c/kg QA respectively. Kepak Athleague yet again failed to offer a quote. I did get the feeling yesterday that there was a certain anxiousness among factories to get a handle on what sheep were about. Sean Dennehy of the IFA said supplies of fit lambs had tightened and despite lambs selling from 5.20-5.30/kg, the prospect of more was reflected in producer groups operating comfortably above these prices. The want for sheep, Sean said, had also seen factories lift their weight limit to 22kg. Sean McNamara of ICSA said sheep farmers were angry that the factories only lifted the weight limit to native producers after they had previously done so for their Northern customers. He claimed that heavy lamb coming from the North is seeing nothing like penalties that are being applied to southern farmers for the same weights here. On the mart side, sales across the country yesterday generally had stronger numbers but reported prices as being up by 2-4/hd. Granted, a good share of this improvement is down to farmers paying better prices for both stores and breeding sheep, but the underlying trend appears to be for a general improvement in prices across the board. Having contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs with a series of questions on how the practicalities of any Brexit tariff system might operate after December 31, I received a detailed reply with the following extract pertinent to cross-border trade: Worth noting also is that regardless of the outcome of the ongoing EU-UK negotiations, the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland will apply from January 1, ensuring that many of the changes arising in our trade with Great Britain will not apply to trade with Northern Ireland. Looking at the figures on throughput, Bord Bia are reporting that as of the week ending September 26, the overall lamb kill in the Republic for the year to that date was up 8pc or 136,115 on 2019, to 1,834,133, while the cast ewe and ram kill was back 4.6pc to 277,599. North of the border the total sheep kill is reported as being 9.3pc stronger at 329,010. All of which would lead you to believe that market demand has remained consistently strong this year. Around the marts Expand Close Jimmy Coyle, left and his cousin, James Coyle, from Belmullet, Co Mayo examine cheviot rams at the Wicklow Cheviot Sheep Breeders' show and sale at Blessington mart. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jimmy Coyle, left and his cousin, James Coyle, from Belmullet, Co Mayo examine cheviot rams at the Wicklow Cheviot Sheep Breeders' show and sale at Blessington mart. Dowra At 1,800 Patsy Smith reckons numbers are becoming less and those selling are into their second and third draws, meaning quality has also eased. That said, factory lambs were still fit to make 98-115.50/hd, which was broadly in line with the previous week. Trade for stores was strong, with farmers bidding the better types into 80-95/hd. The best of the ewe lambs sold from 95-120/hd, with lighter lots averaging 70-90/hd. The better ewe hoggets were 140-180/hd, with lighter hoggets 100-140/hd. Raphoe At 1,000, numbers here yesterday were less than the previous weeks, but prices were 2-4/hd better. Batches in the 41kg bracket made 91-94/hd, while early samples in the 46-50kg ranged from 111-115/hd. Among the lighter offerings were 29kgs at 76/hd, 30kgs at 70/hd and 27kgs at 68/hd. Hoggets sold from 142-168/hd, while fat ewes ranged from 60-120/hd. Kilkenny Yesterdays turnout was also reduced here but as in Raphoe prices averaged 2-4/hd higher. Butcher-type lambs sold from 110-117/hd, with factory lambs making 97-112/hd, while stores ranged from 75-93/hd. Breeding hoggets sold from 155-180/hd, while a small turnout of cull ewes averaged 70-120/hd. Carnew There was no fall-off in numbers down Wicklow way with a full yard of over 4,000d sheep meeting an improving trade, with averages 2-3/hd stronger across the board. Lambs over 49kg sold from 110-118/hd, with those in the 44-48kg bracket making 100-114/hd, while 40-43kg lambs averaged 91-103/hd. Stores over 35kg sold from 84-96/hd, with lighter lots making 72-88/hd. Ewe lambs averaged 90-121/hd, with hogget ewes making 140-190/hd, while older breeding ewes sold from 110-168/hd. Cull ewes made 65-131/hd. Blessington Trade for breeding stock was described as lively, with Cheviot hogget ewes selling from 150-197/hd and older Cheviot ewes averaging 120-175/hd. On the Suffolk side, hogget ewes made from 170-210/hd with older types making 120-160/hd. Heavy lambs averaged 110-114/hd with factory types making 98-110/hd. Stores over 40kgs sold from 83-96/hd, with those in the 35-40kg range making from 75-90/hd while lighter stores made from 65-83/hd. Fat ewes sold from 110-132/hd, with feeder types making from 69-108/hd. Standout sale Kilkenny: Ten 51kg lambs average 117/hd. Dowra: Ewe hoggets sell to 180/hd Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, Imricor Medical Systems (ASX:IMR) shareholders have done very well over the last year, with the share price soaring by 114%. But the harsh reality is that very many loss making companies burn through all their cash and go bankrupt. Given its strong share price performance, we think it's worthwhile for Imricor Medical Systems shareholders to consider whether its cash burn is concerning. For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). We'll start by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves in order to calculate its cash runway. View our latest analysis for Imricor Medical Systems When Might Imricor Medical Systems Run Out Of Money? You can calculate a company's cash runway by dividing the amount of cash it has by the rate at which it is spending that cash. As at June 2020, Imricor Medical Systems had cash of US$11m and no debt. In the last year, its cash burn was US$10m. So it had a cash runway of approximately 14 months from June 2020. While that cash runway isn't too concerning, sensible holders would be peering into the distance, and considering what happens if the company runs out of cash. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years. How Is Imricor Medical Systems' Cash Burn Changing Over Time? In our view, Imricor Medical Systems doesn't yet produce significant amounts of operating revenue, since it reported just US$863k in the last twelve months. Therefore, for the purposes of this analysis we'll focus on how the cash burn is tracking. During the last twelve months, its cash burn actually ramped up 80%. Oftentimes, increased cash burn simply means a company is accelerating its business development, but one should always be mindful that this causes the cash runway to shrink. While the past is always worth studying, it is the future that matters most of all. So you might want to take a peek at how much the company is expected to grow in the next few years. Story continues Can Imricor Medical Systems Raise More Cash Easily? Given its cash burn trajectory, Imricor Medical Systems shareholders may wish to consider how easily it could raise more cash, despite its solid cash runway. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate). Since it has a market capitalisation of US$210m, Imricor Medical Systems' US$10m in cash burn equates to about 4.8% of its market value. Given that is a rather small percentage, it would probably be really easy for the company to fund another year's growth by issuing some new shares to investors, or even by taking out a loan. How Risky Is Imricor Medical Systems' Cash Burn Situation? On this analysis of Imricor Medical Systems' cash burn, we think its cash burn relative to its market cap was reassuring, while its increasing cash burn has us a bit worried. While we're the kind of investors who are always a bit concerned about the risks involved with cash burning companies, the metrics we have discussed in this article leave us relatively comfortable about Imricor Medical Systems' situation. On another note, Imricor Medical Systems has 5 warning signs (and 2 which can't be ignored) we think you should know about. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts) 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 Member of Parliament (MP) for Prestea Huni-valley constituency, who doubles as Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, on Sunday, October 4, 2020, celebrated her birthday with settler farmers within her area. The minister begun her day at the Ebenezer Society Methodist Church in Prestea where she joined congregants to worship and offer praises to the Almighty for his protection and guidance. Addressing the congregation, the MP recounted the unprecedented performance of the NPP government such as the effective management of the Coronavirus pandemic which has ensured utmost safety of residents. She urges them to continually offer prayers for the president as he leads the fight against the pandemic. As usual of her, the legislator donated Gh2,000 to aid in the construction of a classroom block by the church. Very Rev. Kwame Ghartey, the superintendent minister for Prestea circuit, on behalf of the church expressed gratitude to the MP for the kind gesture and offered prayers for President Akufo-Addo, the MP and her entourage. Later in the day, the MP accompanied by constituency executives of the NPP interacted with the over 500 settler farmers who joined her to cut the birthday cake at her 56th birthday party held at her residence in Huni-valley. The farmers were served with lots of food and drinks amid merry making. Each farmer was provided with a half piece of cloth. The MP used the occasion to call on them to give the New Patriotic Party (NPP) four more years in office saying, president Akufo-Addo and her good self have performed better in all sectors of the economy and needed four more years to do more to improve the lives of constituents. She reiterated the president is determined to do more and the NPP government is committed to building an inclusive society hence the introduction of policies and interventions such as the free senior high school (SHS) programme, the development of Zongos and Planting for Food and Jobs, which has yielded great results. She added that, these are evidence of governments commitment to ensuring growth and development at the Zongo and Muslim communities. She assured that the government would continue to support and focus on improving the well-being of farmers. The legislator therefore appealed to them to vote for the NPP in the December 7 polls to enable her and the president proceed with their developmental agenda. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the MP. The officials discussed the continued Egyptian efforts to solve the Libyan crisis, including the meetings held in Hurghada last month under the aegis of the United Nations The head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service (GIS) Abbas Kamel met on Tuesday with both the US ambassadors to Libya and Egypt to discuss the latest developments in Libya. The meeting discussed how to support the Libyan factions in order to end the current crisis in the war-torn country, speed up a political solution, unify the Libyan institutions, and resume the exports of oil and distributing its revenues in a fair manner. The officials also touched upon the continued Egyptian efforts to solve the Libyan crisis, including the meetings held in Hurghada last month under the aegis of the United Nations. The Red Sea resort city of Hurghada hosted two days of talks last week between delegations representing the Government of the National Accord (GNA) and Libyan National Army (LNA) facilitated by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSML). According to the UNSML's statement, the talks focused on the military and security aspects as well as the resumption of oil production and export. The negotiations saw an agreement between the Libyan parties to work on the release of all prisoners and the protection of the North African countrys oil and gas facilities to completely resume production and export activities. Tuesday's meeting comes one day after the UN and Germany co-hosted a virtual ministerial meeting to discuss supporting peace efforts in the oil-rich country. Libya has been divided between two authorities in Tripoli and Tobruk for six years. While the GNA is based in Tripoli, the capital, Khalifa Haftar's LNA controls the east and is allied to the Tobruk-based House of Representatives. The LNA is backed by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, France, and Russia; while the GNA is backed by Turkey, Qatar, and thousands of Syrian mercenaries. On 22 August, both parties to the conflict declared a ceasefire that ended fears about possible GNA aggression against the port city of Sirte, 370 kilometres east of the capital Tripoli and Jufra, which has a major military airbase. Search Keywords: Short link: Engineering professor's NSF-funded work could have use in robotics, smart devices Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020 MANHATTAN The National Science Foundation has awarded Raj Kumar Pal, assistant professor in the Alan Levin Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Kansas State University, more than $300,000 for his work, "Toward mechanical resonators with zero leakage using elastic meta-structures." The three-year grant will support research to generate new knowledge related to mechanical resonators structures that vibrate at specific frequencies and find widespread application across multiple-length scales. Examples include communication devices, vibration isolators and energy harvesting. "Existing resonators suffer from intrinsic limitations due to leakage of energy into the surrounding structure, thus offering limited or no means to release energy at will," Pal said. "This research will introduce and investigate a class of artificially engineered structures or meta-structures to overcome these limitations." Results of Pal's work will open avenues for elastic wave-based signal processing with potential applications in robotics and Internet of Things devices. "It will also allow us to train graduate students at K-State on cutting-edge research in meta-structures," Pal said. "The accompanying summer research and outreach activities for undergraduates will increase awareness of this emerging area of study among both current and prospective K-State students." Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Following a fatal car crash, a registered organ donor could save the lives of many patients awaiting heart, kidney, liver, lung or pancreas transplantation. Once doctors successfully remove vital organs, they are carefully placed in what are essentially beverage coolers in an attempt to synchronize temperature with the ice cubes also packed within. Yet these simple organ storage and transportation systems have seen little change since organ transplants started in the late 1960s. There has to be a better, safer and more effective way to transport something so valuable to saving someone's life. And now there is. A team of researchers from Western University has designed, developed and constructed a new portable temperature regulating device, which can be used to transport a wide array of temperature-sensitive items including organs, vaccines and pharmaceuticals. This scalable device could also prove invaluable for the restaurant and retail grocery industries with a capacity to effectively deliver items from businesses-to-consumerat target temperaturesfor the entire food supply chain. According to project lead Kamran Siddiqui, a Western Engineering professor, devices currently available in the market (with improper temperature-regulating technologies) can cause deterioration or loss of items, and may have a significant negative impact on human health. "It is 2020 and yet we are still transporting vaccines and organs in devices using primitive cooling methods like ice packs or ice cubes, with no control," says Kamran Siddiqui, Western engineering. Traditional devices are built without controls and have difficulty sustaining a fixed temperature (hot or cold). The new device developed by Siddiqui and Steven Jevnikar, his former graduate student and now a research associate at Lawson Research Institute, can be controlled and maintained at a constant-set point temperature independent of the surrounding temperatures for an extended period of time. The device also has the capability to vary the temperature to different set points for different time durations during transportation. There is also no need for an external electrical source, and it can also be controlled and monitored remotely. Credit: University of Western Ontario Dr. Alp Sener, a collaborator on the project, is chair/chief of urology at Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and also serves as director of the Kidney Transplant Fellowship Program. "Every day, we think about how to improve the lives of our patients," said Dr. Sener. "Sometimes the answers to our challenges comes from thinking outside of the box, and in this case, a box is exactly what we needed for success." An expert in mechanical engineering, Siddiqui explains the new device uses "phase change materials" to release and absorb sufficient energy during transport to provide appropriate levels of heating and cooling to the stored items to maintain the required temperature. "The need for safe transportation has never been more evident than today as the global COVID-19 pandemic affects all of our lives. Our technology is very promising and has already attracted international interest," Siddiqui said. Temperature requirements for safe and effective vaccine transport are quite narrow, especially for COVID-19 vaccines currently under development around the world. "Our device may be one of the only options available to meet the strict criteria for worldwide vaccine transport," said Steven Jevnikar. "It is truly exciting to participate in a project that has this much potential to finally change the current problems facing organ and vaccine transportation, using technology developed right here in London, that will help patients in Canada and globally," said Dr. Anthony Jevnikar, Professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, co-director of the Multi-Organ Transplant Program at London Health Sciences Center (LHSC) and director of the Matthew Mailing Center for Translational Transplantation Research. "During these difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to invest in innovative intellectual properties like this device that play such a significant role in protecting people's health," said Tamer Mohamed, Business Development Manager, WORLDiscoveries, a technology transfer and business development partnership of Western, Robarts Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute. Explore further Novel organ preservation device to reduce transplant waiting list NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Peritus Capital is a newly established boutique investment firm catering to both early stage and established corporates that integrate Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) principles into their business models. Peritus is led by Chief Executive Officer Howard Tang, with four additional partners forming his Executive Team. Most recently, Tang was a Managing Partner and investor in an aquaculture-focused asset finance firm based in Norway. In this position, Howard and his North America-based colleagues structured and executed USD 100m in aquaculture-based asset loans, rebranded the business, and expanded its presence to Continental Europe and the Americas. Peritus' investment mandate will include sustainable aquaculture but broaden its focus to cover other ESG-oriented industries such as renewable energy and alternative proteins; the Team already has an extensive network of international investors with cross-border financing capability across the full capital structure. Accordingly, the Executive Team will be adding staff with the knowledge and expertise to integrate ESG policies into financial structures. Commenting on the firm's debut, Tang said, "Finance is evolving. Companies can't ignore the seismic changes that ESG is having on business models and investment strategies. And our Team will be on the forefront of this evolution as an investor, partner, and financier." Peritus is headquartered in New York City. For more information please visit www.perituscap.com . Media Contact Courtney Bosh [email protected] Business Dev/Investor Contact Ching Ryan [email protected] SOURCE Peritus Capital Related Links http://perituscapital.com Nearly 7,300 new business jet deliveries worth $235 billion will be made from 2021 to 2030, down 4% in deliveries compared to the same 10-year forecast a year ago, according to a survey by global automation giant Honeywell. Despite the dip, 4 of 5 business jet operators in the Honeywells 29th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook survey indicate that purchase plans have not been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Short-term reductions in both deliveries and expenditures due to the pandemic arent expected to have a lasting impact on the business jet industry, it stated. Business jet usage is expected to rebound to 80% to 85% of 2019 levels in the 4th quarter of 2020 and fully rebound by the middle of 2021, indicating demand for business jet travel is returning after the global pandemic caused a slowdown in the industry earlier this year, said Heath Patrick, president, Americas Aftermarket, Honeywell Aerospace. The information we gleaned from operators shows a less than 1% decline in five-year purchase plans, so despite the short-term effects of the pandemic, we dont expect long-term changes to purchase plans or to the overall health of the business jet market, he noted. Key findings in the 2020 Honeywell Global Business Aviation Outlook include: Five-year purchase plans for new business jets are down less than one percentage point compared with last years survey. Among those purchase plans of new business jets over the next five years, 30% are expected to occur in the next two years. This is 5 percentage points lower than last years survey, due mainly to near-term uncertainty. Business jet deliveries in 2021 are expected to be up 13% from a COVID-impacted 2020. Operators plan to make new jet purchases equivalent to about 16% of their fleets over the next five years as replacements or additions to their current fleet, in line with 2019 survey results. Operators continue to focus on larger-cabin aircraft classes, from large cabin through ultralong- range aircraft, which are expected to account for more than 70% of all expenditures of new business jets in the next five years. Honeywell said the longer-range forecast through 2030 projects a 4% to 5% average annual growth rate of deliveries in line with expected worldwide economic recovery. This figure is higher than in 2019 due in part to Covid-related declines in 2020. Purchase plans for used jets show a moderate decline in this years survey. Operators worldwide indicated that 25% of their fleet is expected to be replaced or expanded by used jets over the next five years, down 6 percentage points compared with survey results from 2019, it stated. According to the survey, 4 of 5 operators said their buying plans have not been affected by Covid-19. Most of the operators who indicated their buying plans have been affected say they now plan to hold onto their current aircraft longer. Nearly 82% of respondents in North America expect to operate their business jets less frequently in 2020 versus 2019. Other regions are seeing similar declines. Global business jet usage is expected to recover to 2019 levels by the second half. Survey respondents did not signal sales of late-model aircraft due to Covid-19. Specifically, only 10% of all respondents in the survey are planning to sell one or more aircraft without replacement in the next five years compared with 8% in last years survey. Survey responses do not support the hypothesis that a decline in commercial travel has led to an increase in purchases of business jets. More than 95% of operators expect no change to fleet size due to a decrease in commercial travel, said the report. In the sixth week of California's new color-coded reopening structure, Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly announced Tuesday that several more counties made the jump to less restrictive tiers, paving the way for more businesses to welcome back customers and activities to resume. Merced, Ventura and Yuba counties advanced from purple to red; Inyo from red to orange; and Humboldt, Plumas, Siskyou and Trinity from orange to yellow. With increasing spread of the virus, two counties fell back to more strict tiers Tehama from red to purple and Shasta from orange to red requiring some business sectors to close. There was no movement among any of the nine Bay Area counties: San Francisco remains in the orange, and all other counties are in the red, except for Sonoma, which is purple. Ghaly said weve reached a point where we can celebrate our successes but we also need to maintaining our vigilance by wearing masks, washing our hands and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others. Watch the full press briefing here. RELATED: Newsom warns second COVID-19 wave in other countries could hit California https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ Gov. Gavin Newsom's system sorts counties into four tiers "purple" (widespread), "red" (substantial), "orange" (moderate) or "yellow" (minimal) that measure the spread of COVID-19 and dictate what types of businesses and activities are allowed to open. The structure allows counties to be more restrictive and move more slowly than the state in its reopening if they wish. The county tier status is based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents and the adjusted positivity rate. On Tuesday, the state announced it's now also taking into account an equity metric to address the fact that low-income, Latino, Black and Pacific Islander communities have been disproportionately impacted. For a county to move into the red tier, it must report fewer than seven daily cases per 100,000 residents and a test positivity under 8% for 14 consecutive days. The orange tier requires fewer than 3.9 cases per 100,000 and a test positivity under 4.9% and the yellow less than 1 case per 100,000 and lower than 2% positivity. Counties with low racial and economic disparities between who gets COVID-19 and who doesn't will "move quicker through color tiers," said Dr. Erica Pan. Counties with large disparities will advance more slowly. Each county is assigned its tier every Tuesday, and a county must remain in a tier for 21 consecutive days before moving to the next one. To move forward, a county must meet the next tier's criteria for 14 consecutive days. On each day of assessment, the case counts are calculated by taking a seven-day average of daily cases per capita lagged an additional seven days to account for reporting delays. A county can move backward by failing to meet the criteria for two consecutive weeks, or if state officials see a rapid rise in hospitalizations. Gustavo, a little boy of about ten years old, approaches the improvised stage to sign a document. It is a symbolic signature, in the name of his grandfather Lucio Bellentani, a former communist activist denounced to the authorities by his employer, Volkswagen, before spending 19 months in jail. At the beginning of the 1970s, Brazil was living through the most repressive phase of the military regime. Now it is time for reparations. An out-of-court settlement has just been reached, under the auspices of the Attorney Generals Office, between the German car manufacturer and the victims of the collaboration between Volkswagen and the repressive bodies of the time. It is this agreement on which little Gustavo has just affixed his signature. His grandfather Bellentani died a year before the agreement was reached. At the end of September this year, the 50 or so people gathered at the metalworkers union in the Sao Paulo suburbs, including Gustavo, were there both to celebrate the agreement and to pay tribute to him. There was a festive atmosphere mixed with strong emotion. People embraced each other as if the pandemic no longer existed. Some had red carnations in their hands, others were crying, says Tarcisio Tadeu Garcia, who was Bellentanis apprentice before taking over as head of the association of Volkswagen worker victims of the dictatorship, which is known as the Heinrich Hagge Association. For the first time in the history of capitalism, a multinational corporation has been found responsible for crimes committed 40 years ago. Thats how important this agreement is, says Tarcisio Tadeu Garcia, who was also prosecuted for his political opinions and detained at the Department of Political and Social Order (DOPS), the dictatorships intelligence service. He was fired by Volkswagen and claims that he was put on file and never managed to find a job afterwards. Volkswagen recruited former Nazi Former Nazi Franz Stangl was recruited by the Brazilian subsidiary of the German car maker in the 1950s. At the legal level, Volkswagen and the victims association have concluded a so-called compliance agreement (TAC, according to the Brazilian acronym), under the aegis of the Attorney Generals Office. Three investigations were conducted simultaneously by the Federal Attorney Generals Office, the Sao Paulo State Attorney Generals Office, and the Labour rights Attorneys Office, following a complaint filed in 2015. It took two years before negotiations opened between the victims association and their employer at the time. In Brazilian legislation, the TAC is a conciliation mechanism that saves long legal proceedings. The role of the Attorney Generals office has been important. The prosecutors helped to get the Volkswagen deposition and get our side of the story heard. Volkswagens plant security officer, Colonel Rudge, also testified. He denied the whole thing, but at that point it was no longer possible to deny the evidence, says Tadeu Garcia. Records showed that the security and intelligence apparatus at the Volkswagen plant was set up by a former Nazi, Franz Stangl, who was recruited by the German manufacturers Brazilian subsidiary in the 1950s. The car makers regrets Volkswagen has never denied the facts, even if it has sometimes been suspected of trying to duck and run away from its responsibilities. In a report commissioned by the company itself, historian Christopher Kopper says that the company demonstrated complete loyalty to the military government and adherence to its economic and domestic policy objectives. Following the agreement reached under the auspices of the Attorney Generals Office, Hiltrud Werner, member of the Volkswagen AG board of directors responsible for legal affairs, expressed in a communique the companys regret for the violations committed in the past. We are aware of the collective responsibility of all economic and social actors to respect human rights and to enforce them. For Volkswagen AG, it is important to deal responsibly with this negative chapter in Brazils history and to promote transparency, he says. Volkswagen is due to issue a public statement on this subject in the Brazilian press in the near future. Recommended reading The Ford Trial in Argentina, a workers victory Promoting transitional justice in Brazil After three years of negotiations, the Heinrich Plagge Association obtained reparations of 36.3 million reais (about 5.5 million euros), about half of which will be paid to the association itself and another part will be used to build a monument in memory of the victims. This compliance agreement () is unprecedented in Brazilian history and is of enormous importance for the promotion of transitional justice in Brazil and around the world, said prosecutors at the Attorney Generals Office. The victims association agrees, although it notes that the agreement is late in coming. The negotiations were sometimes bitter. They stalled on several occasions and reached an impasse at least twice. The steelworkers union then mobilized to put pressure on Volkswagen. We threatened to organize demonstrations during the launch of new cars, or to enter the factory with coffins as a sign of mourning, recalls Tadeu Garcia. It was also the presence of the metalworkers union in the companys international bodies, especially in the Volkswagen World Workers Committee in Germany, that weighed in the balance. This is what led the company to review its initial positions, says Wagner Santana, the unions current president. Some 50 companies collaborated But the story certainly doesnt end there. As part of the reparations agreement, the Federal University of Sao Paulo State (Unifesp) will receive 4.5 million reais (approximately 700,000 euros) to help identify victims buried in mass graves, and for research to clarify the role of other companies in such human rights violations during this period. These reparations are necessary so that () other comrades in other companies can achieve the same victory. This agreement is a reference point. Its not just about Volks, because the coup of 1964 was carried out with the consent of employers, says Wagner Santana, president of the metalworkers union of the Sao Paulo suburbs. According to the National Truth Commission (CNV), which investigated the crimes of the dictatorship in Brazil, around 50 companies collaborated with the military regime, including Johnson & Johnson, Esso, Pirelli, Texaco, Pfizer and British American Tobacco, according to its final report published in 2014. Autonomous Attorney General in Bolsonaros Brazil Paradoxically, this victory of the Volkswagen workers comes under the extreme right-wing presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, who has himself denied the existence of the dictatorship and defended the use of torture. Brazil is very divided today, says Raimundo Simao, a lawyer for the victims association. There are still many people who support the ideologies from the top [that of Bolsonaro] and deny the existence of the dictatorship during the military regime. Today, human rights are rated rather low. It is very difficult to defend human and social rights in Brazil today. We are going through a dark period, says Tadeu Garcia. However, the independence of the Attorney Generals Office from the executive (and even the judiciary), guaranteed by the Constitution, has made this possible. Its prosecutors have full autonomy. The Attorney Generals Office is not subordinate to the government, says Simao. Meanwhile, the government has not reacted to the announcement of this agreement between Volkswagen and the victims association. Still, if you were ever in your 20s and facing a presidential election, you have known the hard sell. In the mid-'50s, Eisenhower ran ads to encourage college students. Rock the Vote, founded in 1990, remains arguably the most prominent player for youth registration. In fact, if you use one of Chicagos cool new registration booths, registration is handled by Rock the Vote in partnership with When We All Vote, a like-minded nonprofit created by Michelle Obama in 2018, with help from Tom Hanks, Janelle Monae, Lin-Manuel Miranda and others. Not to mention, When We All Vote is responsible for the digital mural being projected on the side of the United Center through Nov. 3; it was created by Chicago artist Kayla Mahaffey to encourage youth voting. But if you cant make it to the West Side, according to the New York Times, the artist Jenny Holzer, commissioned by the University of Chicago, plans to have trucks festooned in LED lights driving through the city near the end of the month, urging and reminding you to vote. The 36 states and the federal capital territory generated 612.87 as internally generated revenue (IGR) between January and June 2020, the nations statistics bureau has said. This figure dipped by 11.7 per cent from the 693.9 billion generated by the states during the same period in 2019. The NBS said this in its internally generated revenue at state-level report for the first half of 2020 published Tuesday afternoon. The bureau said Lagos raked in the highest IGR with 204.51 billion within January and June. Rivers placed far second with 64.59 billion, followed by FCT with 35.2 billion, Delta with 30.8 billion, and Ogun State 23.7 billion. At the foot of the log are Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Ekiti, and Jigawa States which respectively earned 3.9 billion, 3.8 billion, 3.75 billion 3.2 billion, 3 billion. The report also said in the second quarter of the year, the states and the FCT made 259.73 billion, a dip from 353.14 billion recorded in the first quarter. This indicates a negative growth of -26.5% quarter on quarter, NBS wrote. Meanwhile, in the whole of 2019, all the states made a combined revenue of 1.33 trillion. The quartet of Lagos, Rivers, the FCT and Delta had a combined internally generated revenue more than all other 34 states of the federation, PREMIUM TIMES reported in May, quoting data from the NBS. The quartet made a combined revenue of 685 billion, an equivalent of about 51.02 per cent. Others made a total of about 650 billion. According to that report, Lagos alone accounted for about N400 billion of this figure. almost one-third of the total internal revenue of all the states and Abuja. The largest chunk of this was generated from taxes, especially those of formal sector employees, with only about 10 per cent generated by the states MDAs. Sitting in far second is oil-rich Rivers which earned N140 billion, about half the amount generated by each of the Federal Capital Territory and Ogun State. As for Rivers and the FCT, taxes from the formal sector account for largest earning for the year; in Ogun, it is funds made from MDAs. Behind these are Delta which made N64 billion; Kaduna, N44 billion, Kano N40 billion, Akwa Ibom N32 billion; and Enugu N31 billion. By Mark Leonard BERLIN COVID-19 has made a mockery of the world's great powers. U.S. President Donald Trump promised to "make America great again," but his administration's handling of the pandemic has been anything but great. Chinese President Xi Jinping has often spoken of a "Chinese dream," yet his own response to the crisis has relied on algorithmic authoritarianism. And Europeans who often pay lip service to multilateralism have met the pandemic with closed borders and national solutions, rather than leading a global response. In fact, in Europe's case, COVID-19 is forcing a deeper reckoning. The post-Cold War dream of a rules-based international order with Europe at the center is in tatters, and the European Union is now being buffeted by both philosophical and geographical shocks. Philosophically, Europeans are confronting the fact that raw power, not rules, is the main factor determining today's global dynamics. Over the past three years, Europeans have watched their two biggest trading partners transform from champions of globalization into the leading exponents of "decoupling." Because neither America nor China wants a conventional war, both have taken to weaponizing regional and global institutions. While the United States has politicized what were once seen as public goods including the financial system, interbank transfers, the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, and the Internet the Chinese are increasingly using state aid and strategic investments to manipulate markets and undercut the West in key areas. The geographic shock is that global politics is now centered around Asia rather than Europe. During and immediately following the Cold War, Europe's regional order and the Western-led global order seemed to reinforce one another. There was a genuine sense of transatlantic community and shared values, with Europe serving as the front line in the U.S.-Soviet competition. Europe mattered and successive U.S. presidents were highly attentive to European concerns. Sino-American rivalry But the Sino-American rivalry has shifted attention away from European issues, and American disengagement in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans has created a vacuum that Turkey and Russia are rushing to fill. In the 1990s, Europeans assumed that these other powers could be accommodated within the European regional security order, with NATO and the EU serving as the main pillars. But, particularly during the last decade, the dream of European unipolarity has given way to the realities of multipolarity. These twin shocks the abrupt shift from rules to power, and from Europe to Asia have shaken Europe's conception of order. No longer are European plans for regional and global arrangements mutually reinforcing. Instead of the European legal order being nested within a broader Western security framework, the two domains are now increasingly in conflict with each other. Europeans thus find themselves in a double bind. On the one hand, they still depend on the U.S. to uphold the global security order, and sustaining this arrangement seems to require that Europeans assume more responsibility for their regional defense, as well as align closely with America in its confrontation with China. In the short term, China may well be the glue that holds the transatlantic partnership together, given that Americans and Europeans share many of the same concerns about that country's state-led economic model and human-rights violations. But, on the other hand, the global competition between China and the U.S. puts pressure on Europe's regional order. The U.S. is increasingly absent from the geopolitical theaters that pose the greatest threat to Europe. And, under Trump, America no longer bothers to consult European governments on its foreign policy, even concerning countries like Iraq where Europe has deployed troops. Worse, the U.S. has come to regard many of the institutions and rules that were developed for a Europe-centric world as impediments in its confrontation with China. For example, the Trump administration has essentially made a bonfire out of longstanding multilateral arms-control treaties, on the grounds that these constrain the U.S. while allowing China to do what it wants. In the coming months, European leaders may be forced to choose between upholding such arrangements and preserving the relationship with the U.S. on security (arms control), the economy (trade rules), technology (5G, semiconductors, etc.), and climate negotiations. US election game changer The U.S. presidential election on Nov. 3 could be a game changer in the transatlantic relationship. A Trump victory would leave Europe even more on its own. But even if Trump loses to Joe Biden, allowing for a restored transatlantic bargain, the arrival of a new administration would not alter the long-term shift in U.S. priorities, nor would it loosen the American public's attachment to national sovereignty. Last year, when French President Emmanuel Macron issued his controversial warning about NATO's "brain death," he was channeling a fear that many European leaders privately hold: that the unipolar, Eurocentric, rules-based order is being replaced by a quadrangle of chaos comprising China, Russia, Turkey, and Trump's America. In preparing for this possibility, European leaders will have to abandon the notion that geopolitics is a realm of permanent alliances and institutions. To defend EU values and interests, they will have to assume more diplomatic responsibility for regional security, pursuing a mix of deterrence and dialogue vis-a-vis Russia and Turkey. In developing a new strategy, the EU will need to make room for a robust military component, even though its foreign-policy strength will continue to depend largely on weaponizing assets such as trade, technology, and regulation. Instead of asking Germany to increase its defense spending to two percent of GDP, for example, the EU should be asking Germans to use the remaining 98 percent of their economy as a means of securing European interests in trade and other issues of concern. Mark Leonard is director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. This article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org). Bangladesh rocked by fresh protests over sexual assaults A student holds a black flag to protest against sexual violence in Dhaka Hundreds of Bangladeshis staged protests and scuffled with police for a second day Tuesday as anger mounted over the latest instance of sexual violence towards women. The protests in Dhaka and elsewhere erupted after video emerged showing several men stripping and attacking a woman from a disadvantaged community in the southern district of Noakhali. Before being taken down the clip was shared tens of thousands of times on Facebook, sparking outrage online in a country where activists say only a tiny percentage of sexual assault victims see justice. The protests come after a week of growing outrage in neighbouring India against the alleged gang rape of an "untouchable" Dalit teenager by four higher-caste fellow villagers. Amnesty International in Bangladesh said the new "disturbing footage demonstrates the shocking violence that Bangladeshi women are routinely being subjected to", and called for a thorough and impartial investigation. Even before the video footage emerged, anger had been brewing since several members of the ruling party's student wing were arrested last week and charged with gang-raping a woman in northern Sylhet. In Dhaka Tuesday, demonstrators scuffled with police while marching on the office of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leaving several people injured. Dhaka University students and some left-wing protesters chanted "shame Hasina" and called on her to resign, in a rare show of defiance in a country where open criticism of the government is rare. According to the local human rights organisation Ain-o-Salish Kendra (ASK), between January and September 2020 nearly 1,000 rape cases were reported, including 208 gang rapes. sa/stu/fox/leg Intuitive Machines has relocated to a larger office with a mission control center as it plans for its upcoming lunar mission, according to real estate services firm Savills. The private space systems development company tapped Savills for tenant representation and project management services for its new 22,300-square-foot headquarters. The company relocated from the first floor of the Boeing building at 3700 Bay Area Blvd. in the Clear Lake area to half a floor on the sixth level. The company needed more space to support an expanded staff and host a mission control center, according to Savills. The anticipated launch date is October 2021. Derrell Curry represented Intuitive Machines with the lease, which began in November 2019, while David Finklea led project management service in collaboration with architecture firm CDI Douglass Pye and Byrd Construction. The Boeing Co. is the landlord. RELATED: Houston-based Intuitive Machines to be among first private U.S. companies to land on the moon The mission control center is configured in a circular design to enable team members to gather without having to relocate from their desks. The center connects with the landlords generator for emergency back-up power. The team was able to reuse lighting, structural walls and partitions from its previous office. The countertops and other surfaces used materials that evoked the neutral colors of the lunar landscape to give the space "a modern and planetary feel." Workplace Solutions supplied the furniture. Finklea described the design as "bright and contemporary, with a relaxing and airy feel that imitates the illusion of being in space. Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic and delays caused as a result, we were able to complete the space within six months through close coordination with Intuitive Machines, CDI Douglass Pye, and the landlord, Finklea said in an announcement. Everyone came together to ensure the new headquarters was delivered promptly for Intuitive Machines to prepare for its historic mission that further solidifies the future of privatized space travel. Fifty Western Massachusetts communities, from its largest cities to its smallest towns, have accepted an offer from a Massachusetts furniture company to provide facemasks to protect poll workers from exposure to COVID-19 during the upcoming election. AIS, a Leominster-based manufacture of office furniture, announced on Tuesday that it is working with the Secretary of the Commonwealths office to supply protective face masks to poll workers across the state. So far, more than 200 cities and towns, including many in Western Massachusetts have signed up. In Western Massachusetts, Springfield, the largest city in the region and third-largest in the state, has asked for 500 masks. Hawley, a Franklin County town of around 330 some 20 miles west of Greenfield, has requested and received 25 masks. Hawley Town Clerk Pamela Shrimpton said she received her masks one day after she requested them although she almost didnt request any at all. She said she had never heard of AIS before and was initially suspicious about accepting something that seemed too good to be true. We get so many callers who are offering to give you something, and it turns out they only want your email, she said. She said she called the Elections Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth to check whether the offer of masks was some sort of a scam. It was only after Elections officials assured her it was a legit offer from a legit company that she placed an order. When they said it was real and go ahead, so I ordered 25 and they came the next day. She said she still does not know what AIS is or what they ordinarily do, but she said their masks seem nice, well-made and sturdy. AIS, which makes commercial office furniture and seating products, began making masks in April when the pandemic gripped the nation. In May, it established a national Sew the Masks initiative and the company and its corporate sponsor partners have donated and distributed nearly 150,000 masks nationwide to date. Bruce Platzman, CEO of AIS, said in a prepared statement that democracy relies on the ability of citizens to be free to cast their ballots safely. These dedicated poll workers in each municipality many of whom have served their communities for years are in every way the frontline essential personnel that make the democratic process function, he said. Through Monday, the clerks and elections officials in 235 cities and towns in Massachusetts have requested a total of 22,000 masks, AIS official said Thats a lot of masks, said Nancy Talbot, town clerk of Ware and president of the Town Clerks' Association. She said she and many other town clerks appreciated the offer for the masks. The Secretary of the Commonwealth has previously offered to provide protective equipment, such as masks and disinfectant wipes, to towns, but many towns have gone out and purchased additional supplies for election day. She said many communities find themselves cash-strapped heading into the November election, so local elections officials across the state appreciate the AIS offer. This is a wonderful gesture on their part, she said. It will help alleviate some of the financial burden on communities. She asked for and received 300 masks, she said. She has around 25 poll workers, many of whom are older and retired. And many of them are uneasy about being exposed to the coronavirus by working the polls. She said some of her regular poll workers have opted not to work this election. They are leery of exposure to people and opted to bow out. I appreciate their honesty. She is now looking to find replacements. Gladys Oyola, Elections Commissioner for Springfield, said she has requested 500 but has not yet received them. IOn election day, Springfield employs more than 380 poll workers at more than 40 polling places covering a total of 64 precincts. There are also additional staff who shuttle ballots and supplies between City Hall and the polling locations. Oylola said the masks will be used for those who work election day, but also those working during Early Voting periods. The poll workers have been very grateful to receiving the masks and the PPE provided by the Secretary of State, she said. For the most part, our veteran poll worker do want to work the election, (but) with the understanding that we will be providing PPE to keep them safe. Shrimpton said the AIS masks make a nide addition to the upcoming election, but her election workers were in good shape in terms of protection before that. She said there is a solid supply of paper masks made available from the towns emergency services department. Also people in town have been donating homemade cloth masks. A lot of people in Hawley are sewing masks, she said. We have masks coming out of our ears. Western Massachusetts Communities that have requested masks under the program: Should President Donald Trump have left Walter Reed National Military Medical Center while he has COVID-19? Doctors have varying opinions on whether it was a good idea given he's spent three days in the hospital, required oxygen and is on at least two medications that require IV drugs. "Feeling really good! Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life," Trump tweeted Monday afternoon before returning to the White House. "We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!" But leaving the hospital now could be problematic, according to some doctors who treat COVID-19 patients. Although the White House has an excellent medical unit, its known that people with severe COVID-19 can deteriorate quickly within 30 minutes to an hour, said Bob Wachter, chair of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. You want to be 50 feet from an ICU, not a helicopter ride away, he said. How sick is the president? Donald Trump latest commander-in-chief to downplay medical troubles Sean Conley, the president's doctor, acknowledged in a news conference Monday afternoon that the next week will be crucial to Trump's recovery. Though he may not entirely be out of the woods yet, the team and I agree that all our evaluations, and most importantly, his clinical status, support the presidents safe return home, where hell be surrounded by world-class medical care 24/7," Conley said. Conley added the president had not had a fever in 72 hours, his oxygen levels were good, he's was walking around and his breathing was normal. President Donald Trump salutes from the Blue Room Balcony as he returns to the White House Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Washington, after leaving Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md. Trump announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 2. "Today it got to the point, hes holding court with those of us around him, the whole team, going over all specifics, the testing, what the future is," he said. "Weve been back and forth on whats safe and whats reasonable, and he has never once pushed us to do anything that was beyond safe and reasonable practice that we all first wanted." Story continues As the president will have access to high-quality care at his residence, it's not unreasonable to send him home, said Dr. J. Randall Curtis, a professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. 'All of us pay the price': White House rebuffed CDC offer to lead contact tracing investigation of Trump outbreak "If he really is getting better, the chance that he will need more intensive care or a ventilator is low. It's not zero, but it's low," he said. Curtis said he has had patients in their 70s and even 80s who have done well with mild COVID-19 and been able to return home. That's reasonable "as long as they have someone to keep an eye on them," he said. The decision really depends on the clinical judgment of the treating physicians, said Dr. Otto Yang, a professor of infectious disease at the University of California, Los Angeles. If somebody has clearly turned a corner and is doing very well and is not requiring oxygen, then its not unreasonable to send them home, especially if they have reliable follow up care, he said. Curtis emphasized the president's course of illness can't be extrapolated to everyone else who gets the disease. "This in no way diminishes the importance of masks and social distancing," he said. "Over 200,000 people have died in the United States. It is irresponsible to not take the pandemic seriously simply because one person's medical course was not that bad." Others are less convinced. Wachter noted the president still has two to three days during which he is at highest risk for a sharp downturn in his condition. "If the president is demanding to return to the White House, its a sign of poor decision-making," he said. Wachter said he wasn't privy to the president's full medical history and it's impossible to know if he is being affected by the illness, which can cause fuzzy thinking called "COVID fog." He's also taking a steroid, dexamethasone, which can cause mania. But Wachter was adamant that no one who's hospitalized with COVID-19 should be allowed to make a medical determination of their ability to leave. White House COVID-19 outbreak shows the limits of testing. Even the most accurate ones can miss the coronavirus early "The same things that will make you altered in your thinking will also make you unable to make good judgments as to whether youre altered," he said. If he had a patient wanting to leave the hospital three days into a stay for severe COVID-19, who was on multiple medicines and needing oxygen, his strong medical advice would be for them not to do it. "If they insisted," Wachter said, "I would have them sign a form saying they were leaving against medical advice, so they could not sue us later for malpractice." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump has left the hospital with COVID-19. Was it a good idea? Two-time independent presidential candidate Jacob Osei Yeboah (JOY) has ceded his slot to become the running mate to Mr Alfred Kwame Asiedu Walker, another independent flagbearer. Mr Osei Yeboah, who contested in both the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections, said he took the decision in the interest of Ghana. Speaking to journalists after filing their nominations at the head office of the Electoral Commission on Tuesday, 6 October 2020, JOY, as he is affectionately called, said: This year, for the love of our country, a lot of people will be shocked. Despite the fact that a lot of people think that Ill be running as the presidential candidate, I have actually taken the position of a running mate and then weve just decided that Mr Alfred Kwame Walker will be taking the presidential slot and Ill be his running mate. That is what we presented to the Electoral Commission today, he said. We just want to demonstrate to Ghanaians that leadership is about influence, leadership is not about struggle, leadership is about serving the people, leadership is about recognising the fact that others, too, have the potential and, so, I have run twice as presidential candidate, and we came together and I said: Lets make Alfred Kwame Walker, who was also an independent presidential aspirant in 2016 but unfortunately he couldnt qualify, [the flagbearer]. And, so we all teamed up and hes going to be the presidential candidate, he added. Who is Alfred Kwame Asiedu Walker? Mr Walker is the lead consultant/collaborator for a Dublin Ireland and Infrastructure Development Group operations in West Africa. He spearheaded and championed the redevelopment, expansion and beautification of the Accra-Tema motorway. He also advocated Ghanaian majority ownership of the National Telecom system during the Kufuor government. In 2016, he set out to contest in Ghanas presidential race as an independent candidate, but was not shortlisted by the Electoral Commission (EC). He later took legal action against the EC to reinstate his candidacy in the 2016 elections, but that did not yield positive results. ---classfm As Wisconsin continues to be a COVID-19 hotspot, a St. Croix County judge is weighing whether to strike down Gov. Tony Evers statewide mask mandate in response to a lawsuit brought by a conservative legal group. St. Croix County Judge R. Michael Waterman heard arguments Monday afternoon but declined to rule immediately from the bench. He could grant an immediate injunction anytime to temporarily halt enforcement of the mask mandate while the case proceeds in circuit court. Waterman issued few hints as to how he will rule, asking pointed questions of both the attorneys for several taxpayers, the plaintiffs in the case, and a lawyer representing Evers, the defendant. Waterman or the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, however, could issue a stay on the injunction keeping the mask mandate in place while the case works its way potentially all the way up to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Waterman said he expects to rule on the immediate injunction very very quickly. You have both given me a lot to think about, Waterman said. This isnt an easy issue, this is a very complicated legal issue involving statutory interpretation, constitutional implications and other things. The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty filed the lawsuit in August in Polk County Circuit Court. It seeks to halt enforcement of both the public health emergency declaration Evers made on July 30 and extended on Sept. 22 as well as the statewide mask mandate. WILL amended its lawsuit Sept. 28 and also sought an immediate, temporary injunction. Waterman is hearing the case after both Polk County judges recused themselves. The Republican-controlled Legislature has the power to revoke Evers mask order but has not done so. That was a point Waterman focused on heavily during Mondays hearing. Attorney Colin Hector, representing Evers, said its the Legislatures job to revoke the mask order if it wants to, and that the case shouldnt be dealt with in the courts. Anthony LoCoco, a WILL attorney representing the plaintiffs, said the fact the Legislature has not revoked the mask mandate doesnt matter because Evers in such an instance could swiftly re-issue the order by tweaking its language. Evers has used the public health emergency as a basis to order mask wearing. The original mask mandate ran from Aug. 1 through Monday. Evers emergency declaration lies at the heart of the case, with WILL contending Wisconsin law doesnt allow Evers to seize emergency powers more than once to address the same crisis. Evers for a third time declared a COVID-19 emergency on Sept. 22 and extended the mask mandate until Nov. 21. In the days since the extension, Wisconsin has continued to battle some of the highest per capita rates of new COVID-19 cases in the nation. A record 714 people were hospitalized for COVID-19 in Wisconsin as of Sunday, with the tally growing more than 2.5 times in the last month and coming closer to what a hospital official said could be crisis stage. Dane County had a record 47 patients in the hospital with the coronavirus on Sunday, up from its previous peak of 46 in early April. Evers first declared a public health emergency in March due to COVID-19, and it ran until May 11, with Republicans in the Legislature declining to extend it. In July, Evers declared a second COVID-19 public health emergency and issued his first statewide mask mandate along with it. The lawsuit was filed by WILL on behalf of two residents of Polk County and one resident of St. Croix County, one of the latest legal battles over the governors attempts to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus. Both Polk County judges recused themselves from the case. The lawsuit alleges that state law forbids a governor from unilaterally extending a public health emergency beyond 60 days or by declaring multiple emergencies in response to the same crisis. The group did not originally file for an immediate injunction to stop enforcement of the governors mask mandate. The Evers administration has countered that the lawsuit represented the latest challenge by Republicans against the governors efforts to follow science and public health in order to protect Wisconsinites during the ongoing pandemic. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 A joint delegation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Tuesday met the family members of the Dalit woman who was allegedly gangraped and killed in Hathras, and demanded an independent judicial enquiry into the matter. The delegation consisted of general secretary Sitaram Yechury, general secretary D Raja, politburo member Brinda Karat, secretary Amarjeet Kaur, UP state committee secretary Hiralal Yadav and UP state secretary Girish Sharma. "We have been told about the brutal gangrape... and that her cremation was done in the middle of the night without informing the family. These sort of things are unheard of in the 21st century and are a blatant violation of the Indian Constitution and the guarantees it gives to our people. We expressed our solidarity with her family," Yechury said. He said it was not sympathy, and told the family that they would fight for justice for "our daughter, justice to our Constitution". "We demand an independent judicial enquiry and identify the culprit and punish the perpetrators. Let all the new arguments saying that it is a caste conflict or some conspiracy please examine them. There are laws to deal with them. However, none of this can be used as an excuse to delay or deny justice," he said. The leaders highlighted that at this point the priority was to ensure justice for the victim and the issue was not confined to Hathras and but was a concern. "It's an issue which concerns everybody in India. It is an all India issue. We have to make sure that we create an atmosphere where such things don't recur. "If all the distractions and diversions being created by the UP CM are to delay or deny justice then it is not acceptable," Yechury said. Karat said the family told her that they were feeling unsafe in the current situation and they are unhappy with the case being referred to the CBI. "We demand a court monitored probe. The family should be protected. What is shocking is that the UP CM is yet to say one word stating that a crime has been committed, or what happened to her was wrong. There is nothing more shameful that that," she said. The 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly raped in a Hathras village by four men on September 14. After her condition deteriorated, she was referred to Delhi's Safdarjung hospital where she succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday. She was cremated in the early hours of Wednesday, with her family alleging the local police forced them to conduct the last rites in the dead of the night. Local police officers, however, had said the cremation was carried out "as per the wishes of the family". (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.) ST. LOUIS - A grand jury on Tuesday indicted the St. Louis couple who displayed guns while hundreds of racial injustice protesters marched on their private street. Al Watkins, an attorney for the couple, confirmed to The Associated Press the indictments against Mark McCloskey, 63, and Patricia McCloskey, 61. A spokeswoman for Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner declined comment. The McCloskeys, who are both attorneys, have become folk heroes among some conservatives. They argue that they were simply exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms, and were protected by Missouris castle doctrine law that allows the use of deadly force against intruders. The case has caught the attention of President Donald Trump, and Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has said he will pardon the couple if they are convicted. The McCloskeys also were featured speakers on the first night of the Republican National Convention. Theyve accused the leftist Democratic St. Louis leadership for their plight. Gardner, a Democrat, charged the couple with felony unlawful use of a weapon. She said the display of guns risked bloodshed at what she called an otherwise peaceful protest. Watkins said that in addition to the weapons charge, the grand jury indictment includes a tampering with evidence charge. It wasnt clear what led to that additional count, he said. The McCloskeys contend the protest was hardly peaceful. They say protesters came onto the private street after knocking over an iron gate and ignoring a No Trespassing sign, and said they felt threatened. Watkins said accusations against the McCloskeys are effectively demonstrating the highest degree of ineptitude and inappropriate behaviour from Gardners office. The incident happened June 28 as protesters were walking toward the home of Mayor Lyda Krewson, a few blocks away. They suddenly decided to veer onto the McCloskeys street, prompting the confrontation that was caught on cellphone video. It showed Mark McCloskey in front of the $1.15 million home armed with an AR-15 rifle and Patricia McCloskey with a semiautomatic handgun. A police probable cause statement said protesters feared being injured due to Patricia McCloskeys finger being on the trigger, coupled with her excited demeanour. Nine people involved in the protest were charged with misdemeanour trespassing, but the city counsellors office later dropped the charges. The city counsellors office handles lesser crimes and is not affiliated with the circuit attorneys office. Mark McCloskey, after a brief court hearing earlier Tuesday, expressed anger that he and his wife faced criminal charges while those who trespassed onto his property did not. Every single human being that was in front of my house was a criminal trespasser, McCloskey said. They broke down our gate. They trespassed on our property. Not a single one of those people is now charged with anything. Were charged with felonies that could cost us four years of our lives and our law licenses. The June protest in St. Louis was among hundreds nationwide in the aftermath of George Floyds death in Minneapolis. WATERBURY A 21-year-old local man sought by police in connection with a fatal shooting this summer turned himself in Monday. Justin Cabrera was arrested at police headquarters. Authorities allege he shot and killed 22-year-old Kayson Langhorn on July 18. Police responded to a parking lot on Chase Avenue around 7:15 p.m. that day after a report of gunfire and someone shot. The suspect was reported to have fled the scene in a dark SUV. Langhorn was later identified as the victim killed. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide from gunshot wounds to the torso and upper extremities. Late last month, police named Cabrera as a suspect in the killing and said they had obtained a warrant for his arrest. The warrant, a copy of which was not immediately available, charges Cabrera with murder, criminal use of weapon, illegal discharge of firearm and first-degree reckless endangerment, police said. He was also charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of weapon in a motor vehicle and illegal transfer of a pistol or revolver. Cabrera was held on $2 million bond pending his arraignment. Cabrera is also facing drug possession and motor vehicle charges from arrests in 2017 and 2018, court records show. He is due back in Waterbury court on those charges Nov. 13. Trumps determination to appear in control in the waning weeks of the presidential race left unclear whether he or his doctors were calling the shots, especially because members of his medical team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center continued to cherry-pick what they shared with the public. They said his oxygen levels were normal and he had no fever, but refused to answer questions about results from lung scans, his last negative test for the coronavirus or why he is receiving the steroid dexamethasone, typically reserved for patients with severe illness. Getty Images Attorney General Kwame Raoul is joining a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a court decision the coalition believes would restrict family planning options. The group is asking the Supreme Court to review a 9th District U.S. Court of Appeals decision to uphold a Department of Health and Human Services rule from 2019. The rule restricts what family planning information can be discussed with patients at facilities funded by the Title X family grant program. WASHINGTONRising temperatures are widening the racial achievement gap in U.S. schools, new research suggests, offering the latest evidence that the burdens of climate change fall disproportionately on people of colour. In a paper published Monday in the journal Nature Human Behavior, researchers found that students performed worse on standardized tests for every additional day of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, even after controlling for other factors. Those effects held across 58 countries, suggesting a fundamental link between heat exposure and reduced learning. But when the researchers looked specifically at the United States, using more granular data to break down the effect on test scores by race, they found something surprising: The detrimental impact of heat seemed to affect only Black and Hispanic students. R. Jisung Park, the papers lead author and an assistant professor of public policy at the University of California, Los Angeles, said the gap seemed to reflect the fact that minority students are less likely to have air-conditioning at school and at home. Being exposed to higher temperatures throughout the school year appears to take a gradual and cumulative toll on those students ability to absorb their lessons, he said. Its like a thousand little cuts to your ability to focus and concentrate and learn, Park said. The findings are the newest addition to a growing body of research showing that climate change in general, and rising temperatures in particular, have a greater effect on minorities. A study published in January found that a history of redlining the long-discredited policy of marking minority neighbourhoods as risky places for banks to lend money and the underinvestment that goes along with it has left many Black neighbourhoods today with more paved areas and fewer trees. As a result, those neighbourhoods were hotter than their white counterparts, leading to more cases of heat-related illnesses. In June, research published in JAMA Network Open showed that pregnant women exposed to high temperatures or air pollution are more likely to have children who are premature, underweight or stillborn, and African American mothers and babies are harmed at a much higher rate than the population at large. The link between heat and education has become an important part of that story. In an earlier paper, published in May, Park and his co-authors, including Joshua Goodman of Boston University, looked at the effects of heat on U.S. high school students. They examined 10 million students who took the PSATs twice, and found that students did worse on the test that followed a year of higher temperatures. They calculated that those effects were greater for minority students, and estimated that heat exposure explained roughly five per cent of the racial achievement gap. But high school students who take the PSATs are not representative of the entire American student population. So in their new paper, Park and Goodman, along with A. Patrick Behrer of Stanford University, examined more than 270 million state-administered test scores for third to eighth graders between 2009 and 2015. They found that students who experienced more school days of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, about 27 Celsius, or hotter in the year before their tests fared worse than their counterparts in the same school districts who took the tests in years with fewer hot days. But that connection was true only for Black and Hispanic students, and for students with lower family income. For white students as a group, there was no statistically significant effect. (The data did not allow the researchers to look at race and income together, preventing them from determining the effect of heat exposure on test scores for more specific groups such as low-income white students.) The findings could reflect differences outside the school, including less access for minority students to tutoring to augment classroom lessons, said Goodman, an associate professor of education and economics. So the researchers separated hotter school days from hotter weekend or summer days. They found that the strongest effect on test scores were linked to higher temperatures on days when students were at school. The same amount of outdoor heat makes certain classrooms hotter, just because their buildings are lower quality, Goodman said. Low-income students are in school buildings that have worse HVAC and ventilation systems. Unequal access to well-funded schools belongs to a long list of racial inequities that magnify the effects of climate change, according to Heather McTeer Toney, a senior official at the Environmental Protection Agency under President Barack Obama. That list includes the fact that minorities are more likely to live near toxic waste sites, exposing them to hazardous chemicals during floods, she said, as well as public housing developments that hold heat. We could go on and on, talking about different social dynamics that disproportionately impact communities of colour, said McTeer Toney, who is now national field director for Moms Clean Air Force, an advocacy group. For every single one of them, we can make a link to climate. The growing body of research showing those disproportionate effects has changed the public conversation around climate change, directing more attention to racial equity, said Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, executive director for the Childrens Environmental Health Network, an advocacy group for protecting children from environmental hazards. But it is not yet clear whether that increased focus will translate into fixing the policies that cause those disparities to persist, she said, such as less funding for schools in minority areas. Weve been discussing a lot of this for a very long time, Obot Witherspoon said. She was last seen raising temperatures as part of Rihanna's Savage X Fenty lingerie show for Amazon Prime on Friday. And Irina Shayk again looked sensational on Monday afternoon, rocking a leggy and chic grey-black ensemble while out running errands in New York City. The Russian supermodel, 34, looked ready for fall in a calf-length knit duster jacket, nonetheless showing a little skin thanks to the matching high-waisted shorts she wore underneath. Spectacular: Irina Shayk looked sensational on Monday afternoon, rocking a leggy and chic grey-black ensemble while out running errands in New York Her jacket billowed out behind her as Irina made her way on the street, hot coffee in hand, wearing calf-high black stiletto boots. The mother-of-one also donned a scoop neck top, made from the same material as her jacket and shorts. The ex-girlfriend of Bradley Cooper also sported rectangular black sunglasses, and a black face mask which hung from one ear as she brought her coffee to her lips. Her dark hair was parted and fastened in the back into a low bun. Leggy display: The Russian supermodel looked ready for fall in a calf-length knit duster jacket, nonetheless showing a little skin thanks to the matching high-waisted shorts she wore Shayk wore silver earrings and a single pendant necklace, and carried a small white patterned purse under her arm. The 5ft10in catwalker is clearly a fan of all-black outfits, as she was seen rocking several in recent days as part of the Savage X Fenty show as well as publicity events surrounding it. She had a starring role in Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2, which premiered on Amazon on October 2nd. For the event, Irina stormed the runway alongside Demi Moore, Bella Hadid, Cara Delevingne and Lizzo, with performances by Travis Scott, Rosalia, Miguel, Mustard, Roddy Rich and Ella Mai. Lady of the hour: The 5ft10in catwalker is clearly a fan of all-black outfits, as she was seen rocking several in recent days as part of the Savage X Fenty show For the show, the Vogue cover girl paraded her amazing physique in a sheer black lace bra and sequined shorts, teamed with a long silk robe. Off the runway, Shayk shares her two-year-old daughter Lea de Seine with her ex Bradley Cooper, who she split from in June 2019 after nearly four years of dating. She and the 45-year-old BAFTA winner have a 50/50 joint legal and physical custody arrangement. For the event: Irina stormed the runway alongside Demi Moore, Bella Hadid, Cara Delevingne and Lizzo Gov. Gretchen Whitmers emergency orders are being quickly replaced by an agglomeration of orders from state departments and local health departments, something attorneys predict will spark another surge of legal wrangling. I think a lot of this is probably going to be challenged, Michael Huff, an attorney with Mika Meyers in Grand Rapids, said in an interview Monday. The Salvation Armys Chattanooga Area Command has opened registration for the Angel Tree program, which makes Christmas possible for thousands of children and senior citizens throughout our region. Angel Tree is one of many Salvation Army programs that support neighbors in need during the holiday season. This year has been tremendously difficult for so many; particularly our most vulnerable neighbors, said Major Mark Smith of the Chattanooga Area Command. The Angel Tree program allows the spirit of Christmas to live on for children and senior citizens despite the financial hardships so many families are facing throughout our area. The Angel Tree program is part of The Salvation Armys holiday fundraising campaign, Rescue Christmas. Angels receive clothing, toys and necessities, as well as holiday food boxes provided by generous community supporters. In 2019, the Chattanooga Area Command had 4,693 Angels that received Christmas gifts and necessities. More than 10,000 individuals were provided holiday meals. The Salvation Army anticipates an even greater need this year. This is an opportunity to significantly brighten what has been a challenging year for many, said Major Smith. As we prepare for what will likely be our busiest holiday season yet, we are driven by the absolute joy the Angel Tree program will bring to families on Christmas morning and beyond. This year, The Salvation Army has adjusted the registration process to prevent the spread of illness. Registration is available online for families in Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, Rhea and Sequatchie Counties in Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker Counties in Georgia. Residents in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs or Polk Counties may call (423) 308-3467 to schedule an in-person appointment to apply. Applicants must provide identification, income verification and proof of guardianship before receiving gifts. Additional application and adoption information may be found at www.csarmy.org/angeltree. The Angel Tree Hotline is 423-305-6937 (English) and 423-305-6933 (Spanish). To reach The Salvation Army Chattanooga Area Command, call 423-756-1023. Two local churches have joined in the cause of overcoming the worsening digital divide that is growing in distance learning education. Support of students, space to learn, and access to stable high-speed wifi are three factors that can cause different outcomes among students doing distance online learning. Seeing that these inequalities exist for online learners, these two United Methodist Churches have found ways to provide support for students in their community. Both The Journey Church and Linglestown Life at Rockville Campus have decided to make a change by partnering with the newly formed Community Classrooms initiative, Harrisburg School District and the Susquehanna Township School District to offer direct student support for up to twenty-five students (grades 1-5). Educational success is already dependent on numerous factors and often education systems face a number of inequalities that affect students. Unfortunately, since the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the world to online learning, students have been more likely to face inequality in this digital divide. According to Anna North, a reporter at Vox, From lacking computers to physical space, low-income students are at a disadvantage in online learning. In reality, so many students in the Harrisburg area who are doing online distance learning are facing unequal access to wifi, supervision and support. The Rockville campus is trying to help STSD complete their mission, the success of every learner, by providing space, supervision and wifi. The Rockville Campus of Linglestown Life (one church with two campuses - one in Linglestown and one in Harrisburg) has already upgraded its facilities, created a clean and socially distant classroom space, and implemented high-speed wifi to accommodate up to twenty five students in the STSD as an official Community Classrooms site. As a Community Classrooms site, the Rockville classroom will help students attend and engage online classes, provide technical support, and give parents a break from the heavy supervision required with distance learning. The current student supervision times are Mondays to Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Journey Church launched their classroom in early September supporting students of the Harrisburg School District to provide Community Classrooms for elementary school students starting school fully online. At the end of August, the Journey staff and volunteers decorated and repurposed the fellowship hall of our building with 15 working spaces so students enrolled in the program have a consistent space to learn every weekday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each morning, our volunteers greet students and parents at the door with a pair of brightly colored headphones to use and a name tag for their space. Volunteers are ready to assist students with logging in, getting connected with their teachers, and any other help they need as they learn remotely. Parents are able to drop off their students and trust that they will get the help and assistance they need for their schoolwork that day. Community Classrooms was developed this summer through the leadership of Chad Frey (Partnership Planners LLC) and Representative Patty Kim. Community Classrooms believes, Education happens within the context of a larger connected community. We are proud to work alongside many community based organizations to extend these important opportunities for students to continue their 21st Century education during difficult times. We are incredibly excited to open our doors and use our buildings to love our families and students in a tangible way. The pandemic has affected so many and we are thankful to be churches that can say yes! to our community! We hope you and other community groups, institutions, and individuals, will join us in seeking student success in distance learning and in our school district. Inequality in the digital divide of online distance learning will only persist if we ignore it; help us be community members committed to solving these problems. For more information regarding the Rockville classroom, contact Pastor Taylor Pfaff at tpfaff@linglestownlife.org. For more information regarding The Journeys classroom, contact Rev. Kris Sledge at ksledge@thejourneyhbg.org. For more information regarding community classrooms, check out the website at communityclassrooms.org. The Rev. Taylor Pfaff is pastor of Linglestown Life, Rockville Campus; and the Rev. Kris Sledge is pastor of The Journey Church. Melbourne art lovers should brace for a surge of outdoor and digital entertainment, with the state government funding more than 75 projects designed to keep the wolf from the door of Victoria's struggling creative sector. The Victorian government announced on Tuesday the recipients of the remaining $8 million of its $13m Strategic Investment Fund. The list reveals two main ways arts organisations hope to survive coronavirus-related restrictions: by presenting work outside theatres or galleries in unconventional venues, and by going online. A scene from Chunky Move artistic director Antony Hamilton's Universal Estate in 2019. Credit:Pippa Samaya, courtesy of Arts House Heide Museum of Modern Art is to turn its outdoor spaces into a "COVIDSafe summer venue for performances, talks and workshops" and The Australian Ballet will stage a series of Melbourne-only works "in a non-traditional performance space to bring back the joy of live performance and build audience confidence in returning to live events". Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 04:12:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Defense Minister Amir Hatami praised on Tuesday the progress of the country's industrial self-sufficiency. "The activity of this factory fulfills the needs of the country for quality products in the fields of defense, marine, aerospace and missile industries," Hatami said at the inauguration of a new factory in northeastern Mashhad city producing military and non-military teflon wires and cables. Apart from the military uses, the output of the factory will also satisfy part of the needs of Iranian civilian industries such as petrochemicals, automobiles and home appliances, he added. General Hatami stressed the importance for Iran of developing industrial self-sufficiency vis-a-vis growing "hostile foreign efforts" to impose embargoes on the country. Iran is currently consuming 20,000 km of teflon cable, with a cost of 10 million U.S. dollars in foreign currency, he elaborated. With the new factory, he continued, the need for some wiring products will be met totally, while in the case of others it will be satisfied by 40 percent, saving Iran 70 percent of its foreign currency spending in the field. The quality of Mashhad factory's production, he went on to say, meets European standards and is higher than that of cables and wires produced in other countries for the current world market. Enditem Mississauga is growing fast. Its rapid growth is transforming how the city looks, with towers sprouting from parking lots and cars spilling off driveways on formerly quiet cul-de-sacs. Rents in the city are monstrous, with rates staying constant year-on-year, at $1,929 for a one-bedroom, the third highest in Canada, for September, while house prices have ballooned even during the pandemic; the average sale price for detached houses in Mississauga was $1,307,832 in August, the highest figure ever recorded. Many of the citys new residents are immigrants and most dont have that kind of money. Students too at Mississaugas U of T campus or Sheridan College cannot afford the increasingly out-of-reach cost of housing. The dynamics have given rise to a form of guerrilla housing, not uncommon in cities with large segments of residents being squeezed out by booming real estate markets. Its a problem councillors are partly responsible for. At the Regional Council table, they have for years ignored the glaring lack of affordable housing throughout much of Peel, failing to adequately fund the very plan they approved, the Home for All strategy, that was supposed to create 75,000 affordable housing units from 2018 to 2028. It is now effectively dead, because councillors refused to fund it when budget season arrived, choosing to instead devote large amounts of property tax revenues to other priorities, such as policing. Catering to an emerging niche and creating a growing illicit market, landlords have started slicing suburban single-family dwellings into multi-unit apartment buildings. The move is creating much-needed housing supply in areas dominated by inefficient land use, but is a contravention of City rules and, councillors say, is endangering tenants. Last week, Mississauga City Council wrote to the Province asking for more tools to deal with the practice and the ability to proactively inspect properties to catch bad-actors putting tenants at risk. A motion describing a prevalence in illegal construction that potentially puts occupants at risk due to poor construction or contravention of the fire code asked Housing Minister Steve Clark to open the Ontario Building Code Act, which is currently designed to protect the privacy of tenants. Moved by Ward 2 Councillor Karen Ras, it asks for the Code to be amended so City staff can enter homes where the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that construction is taking place without a building permit. Under current rules, if a landlord refuses entry, the City has to apply to the courts to obtain a search warrant to enter a building. Its a very cumbersome process .. its an unbelievable waste of resources, Ras told The Pointer, explaining there was equal frustration among her residents and staff. In many cases, the rule-breaking is obvious, she says, but red tape means the Citys hands are essentially tied. She described homes where walls were being built through the middle of bay windows, multiple washers, dryers and ovens were crammed into one building and doors that were cut into exterior walls at random. The councillor provided photographs of some contraventions. Ras and Ward 8 Councillor Matt Mahoney, who seconded the motion, see the issue as a minority of bad investors exploiting Mississaugas desperate housing market. There are people who buy these properties, maybe theyre financially overextended, and decide to take a single family home and put three or four units in it. This isnt about the odd basement apartment being done without a permit, which is a different issue, Ras said. She added that ignoring zoning and original design of buildings would throw up issues with City services, electrical problems and potential fire concerns. Mahoney, whose ward includes U of Ts Mississauga campus, fears for the safety of students in converted houses. We are essentially handcuffed, he said of the current system. Converting single family homes into apartments may present difficulties for inspections by the City and throw up safety concerns, but at a broader level it also plays into Mississaugas housing crisis. Changing large family homes into multiple smaller dwellings offers the opportunity to bring more density and desperately needed supply in a relatively simple way. But when done illegally, a whole host of problems arise, from safety risks to the lack of revenue being collected to pay for all the infrastructure and services being used by tenants housed illegally. As The Pointer has previously reported, the landscape of housing in Mississauga is changing. Executive homes, built across sprawling lots and designed as a refuge from Toronto in the 70s and 80s, are beginning to fade. A red-hot market, changing tastes among newer buyers and the dawn of a more climate conscious generation have reduced the demand for enormous family homes. Applications to cut lots up in the city and build two or more houses where one once stood have increased in recent years. In 2015, 65 applications were filed with the City of Mississauga to sever a lot into smaller parcels. In 2016 that number rose to 87 applications, with 91 received in 2017. Consolidated numbers for 2018 and 2019 are not yet available. Struggling to offer more affordable housing to residents, Mississauga has worked on a Missing Middle strategy. It aims to build housing somewhere between single family homes and towering condo towers. The classic example is the creation of more townhouses, but legally converting single family homes into multi-unit buildings chimes with this strategy too. It hasnt been easy, with NIMBYism rampant, and councillors like Dipika Damerla more interested in appeasing older voters than ensuring proper housing stock is created. She recently refused to support an application that would have led to badly needed missing middle units being constructed, because many of the more senior residents in the area didnt want them nearby. The Pointer asked Ras and Mahoney if they felt the City had a role to play in streamlining the process to create more infill housing by making it easier for homeowners to legally and safely convert their properties into tenement buildings. Both said they thought Mississaugas process worked well, referencing its simplified second unit registration system. While the two are linked, converting a family home into three or four apartments is not the same process as adding a second unit, something that can be done without a zoning change. I think we have a very simple process for people to register when they want to put a basement apartment in and a lot of people dont [use it], Mahoney said. Somebody comes in and they just want to do it without legally registering it with the City, which is what they should do and weve tried to simplify that process. Changes to encourage responsible renovations to add housing stock without putting residents at danger could be an important step within the Citys own toolkit if Queens Park refuses to help. This is a matter of being able to deal efficiently and quickly with those bad actors who are trying to maximize their investments at the expense of residents, Ras added. Her motion resonates with a similar crusade by Brampton Ward 3 and 4 Councillor Jeff Bowman, who has attempted to control a proliferation of illegal second units in his city. In 2019, he wrote to Doug Ford asking for increased rights to enter unregistered second units to inspect them and ensure tenant safety wasnt at risk. To Bowmans frustration, Minister Clark said the City already had all the tools it needed: namely, the ability to apply for a search warrant. If weve got 20,000 units and we need to go and clog the courts with 20,000 applications for search warrants... What an absolutely dumb thing to put forward to a councillor, Bowman told The Pointer. He was delighted to hear about Rass motion, convinced the more cities pressure the Province, the more likely they are to see a change. The Mississauga councillor shares the view, optimistic her motion will be met with more engagement and consideration than the dismissed request by Brampton 15 months ago. This isnt a Mississauga issue, this spans the GTA, she said. The more municipalities that call for action in the same vein [the more it] will gather momentum and the Province can take a look at that. A spokesperson for the Government of Ontario told The Pointer that Clark considers all proposals to update and revise the legislation, but placed a strong emphasis on the privacy issues raised in response to Mississaugas request. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognizes that everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure. Any powers of entry must be consistent with this right, the spokesperson said. Although Queens Park offered a lukewarm response to the request, momentum around councils is growing to improve their ability to inspect homes. In Brampton Bowman has led the charge on second units, but without broad support he wasnt given much consideration. Mississauga, facing its own affordable housing crisis, is the latest municipality calling on Clark to protect tenants in a desperate situation that elected leaders continue to neglect. Email: isaac.callan@thepointer.com Twitter: @isaaccallan Tel: 647 561-4879 COVID-19 is impacting all Canadians. At a time when vital public information is needed by everyone, The Pointer has taken down our paywall on all stories relating to the pandemic and those of public interest to ensure every resident of Brampton and Mississauga has access to the facts. For those who are able, we encourage you to consider a subscription. This will help us report on important public interest issues the community needs to know about now more than ever. You can register for a 30-day free trial HERE. Thereafter, The Pointer will charge $10 a month and you can cancel any time right on the website. Thank you. GLEN CARBON In honor of National Womens Small Business Month, state Sen. Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, is encouraging residents to nominate local female business owners to recognize for their leadership and service to residents. To celebrate our local female entrepreneurs, I hope to highlight their achievements during the month of October, Crowe said. These amazing women enrich our communities by not only offering high-quality products and services, but also expanding employment opportunities throughout the Metro East. In showbiz parlance the show must go on. Bollywood alone is staring at Rs 2000 losses and it could feel the Covid-19 impact for another two years. Several delegations of Indian film industry have been meeting the Information and broadcasting minister Mr Prakash Javedekar to find away to open up the cinema halls. The fact is Indian film industry has huge employment and many of them had to be laid off as production houses could not bear the costs of salaries. Adding to this is the immense growth in OTT platforms which have eaten into the revenues and the worry remains that viewers may change their viewing habits and may still prefer to watch movies at homes. It is these factors which made the government agree to opening of cinema theatres a move welcomed by producers and actors. Abhishek Bachchan for instance was the first to react with a tweet with a dancing emoji. Shoots have begun with many restrictions and now government has released SOPs to cinema halls to ensure precautions in Covid times. The SOPs are stringent . First no cinema theatres will be allowed to be opened in containment zones. Face covers and mass mandatory. Six feet distance mandatory in all public areas and hand sanitisers and washes are to be allowed at all places . The occupancy of the cinemas will not be more than 50% and a map has been made to show the seating arrangement which would ensure empty seats and sufficient gaps between viewers. Also show timings are to be staggered with sufficient time for sanitising the theatres. Apart from this advance online booking will be encouraged and extra booking counters to be set up to ensure there are no long queues for availing tickets. No delivery of food will be allowed inside the cinema halls. Instead only packaged pre-ordered meals and beverages will be allowed. A word with the producers and members of the film fraternity got cautious response. While all welcome the move they say they are aware that people may still be reluctant to come to movies halls. And with these restrictions and only 50% filling up allowed inside theaters, the costs may not add up and the film industry is bracing for a loss. But then show must go on and the industry feels something is better than nothing. It only adds pressure on the producers to cut costs, restrict infrastructure and ensure that profit margin are increased. By PTI NEW DELHI: Ikea is steadily increasing its local sourcing footprint in India and has achieved 20 per cent localised sourcing within the first two years of store operations, said a top company official. The rise in local sourcing would not only make products more affordable, but also help in creating more job opportunities and enhance skills, according to the company. "In our business in Ikea in India, we have been steadily increasing our local sourcing footprint and have achieved close to 20 per cent local sourcing within the first two years of store operations. "Our ambition is to increase sourcing from India in our aim to make a positive impact on the economy and society not just in retail, but also in all allied sectors and services," Ikea India CEO Peter Betzel told PTI. Ikea is working on new categories like furniture, mattress, sofas etc, besides building textiles category, which is traditionally strong in India. ALSO READ | IKEA sets up its global office in Bengaluru "However, to back our ambitions and plans, we need the collaboration of different stakeholders to create the right preconditions to build up local ecosystem and the manufacturing sector in India," Betzel said. It is in ongoing dialogue with the government and other industry players to work together on building the furniture sector together, sharing global best practices, working on availability of certified raw materials such as wood and exploring to source sustainable raw materials like bamboo. Under the FDI policy for single-brand retailers, a local sourcing requirement of 30 per cent of the value of goods is mandatory. This can be met as an average during the first five years, and then annually towards its Indian operations. However, in August last year, the government has also provided that all procurements from India by a single-brand retailer for that brand shall be counted towards local sourcing, irrespective of whether the goods procured are sold in India or exported. Ikea has been sourcing from India for its global operations for close to 35 years. It is working with around 60 suppliers and 4,00,000 people in the supply chain, Betzel said. "We are also working with social entrepreneurs and engaging close to 1,200 local artisans who are making special collections for our global stores," he added. Ingka, which handles the global retail operation for Ikea, is adopting an omnichannel approach which will be a combination of Ikea stores, smaller city-centre stores, and online platform as a selling channel. Ikea has a target to reach 100 million people in India by 2022 through its omnichannel approach. It plans to open stores in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi/NCR. It is looking to have an omnichannel approach by integrating brick & mortar format stores with online stores. The company, which received the government approval in 2013 for its Rs 10,500-crore proposal to open retail stores under 100 per cent FDI, has earlier signed MoUs with Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to open retail stores. Ingka Group is a strategic partner in the Ikea franchise system, operating 380 stores in 31 countries. The Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International yesterday sent a joint letter to the president of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, expressing concern over a restrictive amended media law and asking the president to take concrete steps to safeguard press freedom and journalist safety during upcoming elections. The amended Somali media law, which the president approved in August 2020, recognizes media freedom but includes criminal penalties that are vaguely worded and could give law enforcement authorities wide scope for misinterpretation and abuse, according to the three organizations letter. Among other aspects, the amended law requires journalists to be licensed with the government and gives the countrys minister of information significant power over the Media Council, an independent committee set up to provide oversight of the implementation of media policy. CPJ, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International also urged the president to review other laws that pose a threat to press freedom, including the penal code. Ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections slated for late 2020 and early 2021, the three organizations asked the president to call on judicial and security authorities to stop further arrests and prosecutions of journalists; order security agencies to respect the rights of journalists; and ensure that a new proposed prosecutor for crimes against journalists promptly and impartially investigates credible allegations of harassment, threats or violence. In 2019, for the fifth year in a row, CPJ named Somalia as the country with the worst record for prosecuting murderers of journalists in its Global Impunity Index. A copy of the letter is available here. Los Angeles: James Bond star Daniel Craig has said the decision to push the release of his upcoming film No Time to Die from November to spring 2021 was taken to ensure that fans get to enjoy the movie at the same time around the world. In an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon", Craig, who is returning as Agent 007 for the fifth and final time, addressed the delay in the release of the much-awaited film. This thing is just bigger than all of us," Craig told Fallon. We want to release the movie at the same time all around the world and this isnt the right time. So fingers crossed, April 2 is going to be our date, he added. The 25th Bond movie, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, was originally set to open on November 12 in the UK and on November 20 in the US. But the producers decided to postpone the release, considering the coronavirus pandemic. Craig said he was happy to have returned for No Time to Die. Im so glad I came back and did this last one. The story, it just didnt feel complete and I needed a break. Once I had and we started talking about storylines and things we could do I was like, Im in." The actor, who made his debut as Bond with Casino Royale, recalled how he celebrated the news about bagging the part years ago. Craig succeeded Hollywood star Pierce Brosnan in the role of the iconic fictitious spy in the 2006 film, directed by Martin Campbell. I was in Whole Foods supermarket I bought myself a bottle of vodka and a glass," he said. Asked what advice he would give should someone take on the Bond role in the future, Craig simply said: Dont f*** it up. Its a beautiful amazing thing." . The total value of awarded construction contracts across Saudi Arabia during the second quarter fell to SR11 billion ($2.9 billion) as the widespread negative effects of Covid-19 delayed projects across many sectors, according to the US Saudi Business Council (USSBC). The total value of awarded contracts through the first half of 2020 reached SR56.2 billion ($15 billion), stated USSBC in its Contract Awards Index (CAI), which fell to 150.81 points by the end of the second quarter. The index steadily declined each month on the back of increased volatility thus far in 2020. This reflects a decrease of 65.79 points compared to the first quarter as the value of awarded contracts precipitously declined during the second quarter. The CAI ended at 197.51 in April, 174.63 in May, and 150.81 in June. The CAIs performance compared to H1 last year reflected an 89.63 point decrease, highlighting the pace of awarded contracts that were witnessed in 2019.The strong showing during the first quarter lifted the CAI above the 100 point mark but will be tested in the coming quarters as contracts are still expected to be suspended or cancelled. Prior to fall out from the pandemic, the CAI was returning to the form it witnessed during the construction boom period prior to 2016 whereby index values of 200 or more were common. The rebound in 2019 and into Q120 reflected the resurgence the construction sector was witnessing, which would likely have had continued into 2020, said the report. The resolve of the construction sector, led by government infrastructure and housing projects will assist in the resurgence of the sector as the negative effects of the pandemic subside, it added. Value-wise, the contracts were dominated by the water sector, which accounted for SR4.3 billion ($1.2 billion) or 39 per cent of all the deals. There were two awarded contracts in the water sector and both pertained to the construction of desalination plants in the Eastern Province on behalf of the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) and the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC). The water sector has garnered approximately SR7.1 billion ($1.9 billion) through H1, accounting for 13 percent of all awarded contracts by value. The oil and gas sector came second with SR1.8 billion ($475 million) contracts, accounting for 16 percent of all contracts. Saudi Aramco awarded two contracts during the second quarter that included transmission line work and installation in the Eastern Province. Oil and gas led all other sectors through the first six months with approximately SR13 billion ($3.5 billion), accounting for 23 per cent of all awarded contracts by value followed by the real estate sector at a close third place. With SR1.7 billion ($440 million) deals, it accounted for 15 per cent of all awarded contracts by value. Within the real estate sector, the hospitality and mixed-use categories awarded contracts across the kingdom. The real estate sector has generated SR4.4 billion ($1.2 billion) or 8 per cent of all awarded contracts by value. Other supporting sectors included healthcare, transportation, industrial and power, it added. According to USSBC, the value of awarded contracts decreased during the second quarter to SR11 billion ($2.9 billion) after a strong showing in the previous quarter. The promising start to the year fizzled during Q2 as numerous project awards were suspended due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, many of the projects that were in initial phases of execution were halted as stay at home orders, redirecting some of the governments budget, and significant declines in the revenues of construction companies paused spending plans and initiated reorganization strategies to accommodate these drastic market changes, stated the report by USSBC. The brunt of the impact was expected to occur during the second quarter as the initial challenges surfaced in March, which led the government to spend approximately SR270 billion to accommodate the private sector. Consequently, the value of awarded contracts declined by SR54 billon ($14.4 billion) during Q2 compared to last year, and declined by SR34 billion ($9.1 billion) compared to last quarter. Through H1, the total value of awarded contract reached SR56.2 billion ($11 billion), down SR57.8 billion ($15.4 billion) compared to last year. Construction activities are expected to recover in the coming months after a tough second quarter. The remainder of 2020 will still be challenging but construction activity has already picked up slightly as the number of coronavirus cases in the kingdom decline and the recovery of oil prices continues. A number of positive developments are under way that include the continued development of the Kingdoms residential real estate sector. In order to achieve one of Vision 2030s most important objectives of a 70 per cent homeownership rate, the Ministry of Housing continues to construct housing units at an historic pace. The Sakani programme plans to construct 100,000 housing units in 2020 and this will drive the growth of the construction sector. The Public Investment Funds recent establishment of Roshn is expected to attract more private sector involvement while lessening the burden on government resources to allocate housing to citizens. Another positive sign is the resurgence of cement sales. Total cement sales of the 17 local producers jumped by 38 per cent in August compared to the same period last year. Domestic sales increased by 41 percent. Furthermore, the National Cement Committee expects the cement sales to be buoyed by the residential real estate sector and witness steady demand for the remainder of 2020. Looking ahead, there are a number of projects on the horizon that should drive construction activities for the remainder of 2020, said the USSBC. These projects include the construction of the public facilities phase of the Qiddiya Project, the Red Sea Tourism airport packages, and Saudi Aramco oil and gas related projects, it added.-TradeArabia News Service STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Artsakh reported on October 6 an additional 21 servicemen who were killed in action amid the Azeri attacks. The total death toll among servicemen in Artsakh has reached 240. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan A travel expert has come to the defence of Ryanair, saying that some airlines may come to regret not matching its not-so-generous pandemic fee-waiving policies. Millions of passengers have seen their holiday plans collapse as a result of the government closing travel corridors to fight the pandemic and in response, airlines have introduced policies to prevent them being penalised financially for rebooking flights. Ryanair is one of them, but some have criticised the parameters of its policy. One passenger, Michelle Tougher, told MailOnline Travel she had to pay 330 euros (300) to rebook a family Ryanair flight to Tenerife that she couldn't take because of the travel advice changing the fee would have been waived if she'd booked the flight just five days later on June 10 this year. A travel expert has come to the defence of Ryanair, saying that some airlines may come to regret not matching its not-so-generous pandemic fee-waiving policies MAILONLINE TRAVEL EDITOR'S RYANAIR REBOOKING HASSLES I've had my own Ryanair rebooking-fee frustrations. On August 5 I spent over 370 euros buying a Ryanair flight from Bordeaux to Stansted for later in the month for me and my family, but swapped it for a flight in April 2021 (outside the fee-waiving zone) following government advice not to travel to France for leisure. The rebooking fee? I was charged 174 euros (158) for the privilege (some of that was an increase in the ticket price). That's now a very expensive no-frills flight (if it goes ahead). It doesn't feel fair, but on the other hand, I understand that Ryanair needs to make money. The answer? My travel insurance firm may be able to help. And even if it can't, the joy of flying again will hopefully diminish the pain of the cost. Ted Thornhill Advertisement And until recently rebooking fees with Ryanair were waived only on flights booked for dates up to December 31, 2020. This has now changed to March 21, 2021. But still, the policy doesn't look that generous compared to those of other airlines. With Qatar Airways, for instance, all passengers who booked tickets before December 31, 2020, can change the date of travel an unlimited number of times for free and hold their ticket value for two years. EasyJet, meanwhile, is allowing passengers to rearrange flights for free until the end of September 2021, and for now, keep on rearranging them at no extra cost. And Virgin Atlantic says that customers with an original travel date between March 1, 2020, and November 30, 2020, may rebook with the date-change fee waived up until September 20, 2022. However, Rob Burgess, editor of frequent flyer website Head for Points, said that he could understand Ryanair's terms and conditions. He told MailOnline Travel: 'I have some sympathy for Ryanair, to be honest. Many airlines have let passengers move flights without penalty when their flight is still departing. By doing this, they leave themselves with fewer seats to sell next year, which means they will struggle to generate cash in 2021. 'More redundancies will automatically follow. In the long run, other airlines may regret not taking a stronger line, saying "which bit of non-refundable don't you understand?" and telling passengers to claim refunds from their travel insurance when their flight is still operating.' Rob Burgess, editor of frequent flyer website Head for Points, said: 'I have some sympathy for Ryanair. Many airlines have let passengers move flights without penalty when their flight is still departing. By doing this, they leave themselves with fewer seats to sell next year' His remarks may anger some who feel they're now out of pocket for having to rearrange a flight, but as he said travel insurance may be an option. InsureandGo, for example, said that it would certainly take a look at a claim for a rebooking fee, under certain circumstances. It said: 'We understand that many travellers have had to pay a rebooking fee in order to change a flight which has been disrupted due to Covid-19 and FCDO advice changes. In this scenario, it's worth talking to your travel insurance provider to see if they can help with reimbursing these fees. Factors such as when the policy was bought and when flights were booked will determine whether or not you have cover in place.' Martyn James, from complaint-resolving firm Resolver, said that travel insurance firms could 'easily introduce a clause into their contracts where they covered such fees up to a certain amount - otherwise, there's little incentive to get a travel insurance policy'. With consumer confidence at an all-time low, can airlines really afford to continue sticking it to customers with policies which sound friendly, but overlook huge fees, like fare difference, which still will be charged? Travel expert Gilbert Ott He also called for an industry standard for fees and 'an end to this pick-a-number approach'. Travel expert and frequent flier Gilbert Ott, meanwhile, who runs the flight tips site God Save The Points, is also keen for airlines to simplify the process. He said: 'Consumers should be presented with things they can understand and easily digest to make informed decisions.' He added: 'With consumer confidence at an all-time low, can airlines really afford to continue sticking it to customers with policies which sound friendly, but overlook huge fees, like fare difference, which still will be charged? Anyone holding a ticket should be allowed an even swap for travel into 2021. All customers are good customers at this point.' Mike Kane, Shadow Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, also called for more clarity. He said: 'The Government and Civil Aviation Authority must clarify guidance to airlines on issuing refunds and fees for changing flights affected by changing quarantine rules. 'Airlines are facing huge volumes of enquiries and are working hard in unprecedented circumstances. But for thousands of customers, many who have seen their own incomes hit during the pandemic, it's vital that fair refunds are issued and that passengers don't lose out. 'Labour has consistently called for a sectoral deal that supports the whole aviation industry and ensures passengers get fair refunds. Tory ministers have failed to act and ordinary people are paying the price.' A government source said that if there is evidence of airlines taking advantage of the crisis, it would expect the regulator to act. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has asserted that only the alliance partners in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will be allowed to refer to the Central schemes and policies of the Narendra Modi-led government for campaigning during the upcoming three-phase Bihar assembly polls, said persons aware of the details. This is a clear snub to the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) that has opted to break away from the NDA and contest the Bihar elections on its own. The LJP has attacked the Janata Dal (United) leadership, in general, and chief minister Nitish Kumar, in particular. The LJP has been iterating that it wants to strengthen the Modi government and is not at odds with the BJP. The party has also said it continues to remain a part of the NDA at the Centre. However, Vikas Mishra, spokesperson, LJP, said his partys poll campaign would be centred on the Bihar first, Bihari first vision document. Our campaign will be a positive one, we will not make any personal comments against anyone, he said. Also Read: Bihar Assembly Election 2020: Shiv Sena may contest 30-40 seats, says Sanjay Raut The BJPs directive of not relying on PM Modis face or his achievements during the campaign can be seen as a move to placate the JD (U), which is smarting under the attacks from the LJP. The JD (U) is pressuring the BJP to clarify that the LJP cannot be allowed to piggyback on the NDAs achievements. A JD (U) functionary said that the party is sore with the speculations that the LJP has been encouraged to break away from the NDA in a bid to upset its apple cart, especially in the rural areas. It is being alleged that the move could allow the BJP to emerge as the single-largest party, when the poll results are declared on November 10. There is doublespeak. On one hand, the LJP is saying that it is against the JD (U) and will contest alone, but on the other hand, it also wants to be part of the state government when it is formed, the JD (U) functionary said. The BJP, too, has clarified that the party workers would canvas only for NDA allies. The BJP has also dismissed the speculation that the LJPs move is aimed at allowing it to stake claim for the CMs post, if it emerges as the single-largest party in the upcoming assembly polls. The elections for the 243-member Bihar legislative assembly will be held on October 28, November 3 and 7. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Govt needs to do more to prevent K-shaped recovery of economy: Raghuram Rajan to PTI. Two years after a flawed ballot design in Broward County led to more than 30,000 under-votes in a tight U.S. Senate race, once again thrusting Floridas election system into the national spotlight, there are no obvious problems with the Nov. 3 ballot designs in Broward or in the states most populous counties, according to a ballot-design expert. At the request of the Miami Herald, Whitney Quesenbery, the co-director for the Center for Civic Design, a nonprofit that researches best practices for ballot design, reviewed sample ballots for Floridas 10 most populous counties to spot any issues with the display of the presidential race. The ballots differ slightly, but each one features the presidential race clearly and prominently. None of the ballots follow recommendations for illustrated instructions, which would reduce the need for lengthy directions, but Quesenbery said most supervisor of elections offices did a good job shading each race to help the voter easily navigate the ballot. These counties were part of the review: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Orange, Polk, Lee, Duval and Brevard. The general election sample ballots for Broward County (left) and Miami-Dade County. In 2018, thousands of Broward voters skipped the Senate race between incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican Rick Scott, who was then the governor, a debacle largely blamed on the placement of the race below the instructions. Unlike two years ago, when the senate race and the contests for governor and agriculture commissioner went to recounts, there are no statewide races this November other than president. The only other item on the ballot that crosses county lines is whether to retain Florida Supreme Court Justice Oscar Muniz. Ballot design has gotten better over the years, but even in the small sample of ballots, you can see that there is enough variation to possibly make a difference, Quesenbery said in an email. I reviewed only a small sample of ballots. And I dont know all the circumstances which ones are tight races, for example. But I dont see any obvious problems besides the issues I flagged. Story continues In Broward, which now has a governor-appointed elections chief, Supervisor of Elections Peter Antonacci shared the ballot design for this years presidential election with candidates and political parties to prevent a repeat performance in November. Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections Wendy Link, who was also appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis following machine malfunctions in 2018, shared the design with the local parties as well. We did it voluntarily, Broward elections spokesman Steve Vancore said in an email. We did it because in past elections, as you are likely aware, there were issues with ballot design. We felt it was best to get as many eyes on the ballots as is reasonably possible. Faulty ballot design in the 2018 U.S. Senate race likely led thousands of Broward County voters to skip the race between incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson and then-Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican. They are the only two elections offices that said they had voluntarily shared the ballot design with political parties. Some elections offices, like in Orange County, did share the designs pursuant to public records requests. The elections office in Miami-Dade County, which has been praised for its elections work, said it did not consult with any parties prior to publishing the sample ballots. Quesenbery said it would foster more faith in the election process if every elections office shared their ballots prior to publication. Such a review would help avoid design mistakes and give the public a better understanding of the constraints under which this work is done, she said. Havent we all had the experience of sharing something we have written and having fresh eyes catch a typo? she said. A transparent review would foster more faith in the election process. Election Day in Florida, which often sees races decided by narrow margins, is always tense. And this year, with more than 5 million voters requesting mail-in ballots amid COVID-19 fears, there is a chance the presidential election results may not be known until days later if elections offices face a flood of 11th-hour ballots. To avoid a repeat of the Broward under-vote fiasco, the Florida Legislature passed a law in 2019 requiring ballot instructions be placed across the top of the ballot or in the leftmost column if there are no races below the instructions. Despite their best efforts, however, neither elections supervisors nor lawmakers can predict if a ballot design will be free from errors or complications. The close proximity of the holes and the numbering system on the butterfly ballot for the candidates caused some confusion for voters in Palm Beach County in the November 2000 presidential election. Even the infamous butterfly ballots in Palm Beach County, which confused voters deciding the 2000 presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush, looked fine before voters put them in their holders and discovered the alignment problem with candidates on both sides of the spine, Quesenbery said. The big problems we have seen in recent years all include a combination of: a close election, where small mistakes have an out-sized impact on the results, a problem with the design that may only be evident in use, and a visual design or layout problem [that] is exacerbated by the unique contents of the ballot, Quesenbery said. The last line of defense against a bad ballot design is a perceptive voter, she said. Each voter should take the opportunity to check their ballot carefully, looking for any contests they may have skipped, she said. The ballot scanners are programmed to notify voters if they marked too many selections in one contest, but not if they skipped a contest. So that careful final check is the best defense against a ballot design problem causing voters to mark their ballot in a way that does not reflect their intent. The nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic will put the federal budget deep into deficit, and rack up almost a trillion dollars in debt. And while most of the big-ticket items for Western Australia, including $1.1 billion in infrastructure spending, have already been announced, the state can expect to benefit from a range of other measures. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack head to the House of Representatives to deliver the budget on Tuesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Not only will $1.3 billion attempt to kickstart a modern manufacturing industry, including resources technology and critical minerals processing and defence industries, but more money will be sunk into WA's health response to COVID-19. Budget papers have also revealed treasury forecasters are assuming WA's borders will stay closed until after the state election in March, while border lockdowns in the rest of the country are expected to lift by Christmas. David Haviland, member of the Nobel Committee for Physics and Secretary General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Goran K. Hansson announce the winners of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics presented on the screen: Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez during a news conference at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday. Reuters-Yonhap Roger Penrose of Britain, Reinhard Genzel of Germany and Andrea Ghez of the US won the Nobel Physics Prize on Tuesday for their research into black holes, the Nobel jury said. The physicists were selected "for their discoveries about one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe, the black hole," the Nobel Committee said. Penrose, 89, was honoured for showing "that the general theory of relativity leads to the formation of black holes", while Genzel, 68, and Ghez, 55, were jointly awarded for discovering "that an invisible and extremely heavy object governs the orbits of stars at the centre of our galaxy," the jury said. Andrea Ghez is just the fourth woman to receive the physics prize since 1901 when the first Nobel prizes were handed out. Penrose used mathematical modelling to prove back in 1965 that black holes can form, becoming an entity from which nothing, not even light, may escape. Genzel and Ghez have led research since the early 1990s focusing on a region called Sagittarius A* at the centre of the Milky Way. Using the world's largest telescopes, they discovered an extremely heavy, invisible object around 4 million times greater than the mass of our Sun that pulls on surrounding stars, giving our galaxy its characteristic swirl. In-person ceremony cancelled The trio will share the Nobel prize sum of 10 million Swedish kronor (about $1.1 million, 950,000 euros), with half going to Penrose and the other half jointly to Genzel and Ghez. They would normally receive their prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf at a formal ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of scientist Alfred Nobel who created the prizes in his last will and testament. But the in-person ceremony has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, replaced with a televised ceremony showing the laureates receiving their awards in their home countries. Last year the honour went to Canadian-American cosmologist James Peebles and Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz for research that increased the understanding of our place in the universe. Peebles won for showing that most of the universe is made up of an "unknown dark matter and dark energy," while Mayor and Queloz won for the first discovery, of an exoplanet outside our solar system. This year's Nobels season kicked off Monday when the medicine prize was awarded to Americans Harvey Alter and Charles Rice together with Briton Michael Houghton for the discovery of the Hepatitis C virus, paving the way for a cure. (AFP) 9-1. In India, Congress, with the support of the Stalinist CPI, played the central role in aborting the mass anti-imperialist movement that emerged immediately after the war and in restabilising capitalist rule across South Asia. Terrified that a renewed Quit India movement would slip out of their control and increasingly apprehensive before a rising tide of working class and peasant struggles and growing unrest in the princely states, the Congress leadership moved as quickly as possible to reach a settlement with Britain, which had already recognised the unviability of clinging on to its Indian empire. In doing so, Congress jettisoned key aspects of its own program and sought a deal not only with the British but also with the communal partiesthe Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabhaand with the zamindari landlords and the princes, who formed the conservative base of the colonial state. 9-2. The Muslim League, which represented the interests of the Muslim landlords and capitalists in India had put forward its demand for a separate Pakistan comprising the Muslim majority provinces in 1940. The Muslim elites, whom the British had organised and cultivated as a separate political force through the use of communal categories as a key instrument of their imperial rule, feared both their marginalisation within a unified Indian state and growing social unrest. The demand for a separate Muslim state was the means for the Muslim elite to stake its claim to a substantial share of political power in the anticipated post-war reorganisation of South Asia and to whip up communalism so as to divert and divide the increasingly restless masses. The Hindu Mahasabha, based among sections of the Hindu princes, landlords and big business, justified their own collaboration with the British in communal terms as the means of resisting Muslim domination. The Hindu Mahasabhites railed against the Congress for appeasing the Muslims and argued that Muslims were alien to the Hindu nation and should be denied full citizenship rights. The only means of politically combating communalism was through the mobilisation of the workers and rural masses around their common social needs. Organically hostile to such a strategy, as it threatened the fundamental interests of the Indian bourgeoisie as a whole, Congress increasingly adapted to communalism while containing and suppressing social struggles in which the masses implicitly challenged the communal divide. In the 194546 elections, the Congress flirted with an electoral pact with the Hindu Mahasabha in Bengal and elsewhere welcomed Hindu Mahasabhites into its ranks. 9-3. The post-war anti-imperialist upsurge initially took the form of opposition to the brutal repression of the Quit India movement and the trials of leaders of the Indian National Army (INA). INA leader Subhas Chandra Bose, a militant Congress leader, had opposed Gandhi, but sought to fight British rule not by turning to the working class, but to a rival imperialist power. He agreed to head the INA, formed from Indian soldiers who had been captured by the Japanese army, and to fight against the British under Japanese leadership. Despite their misguided aims, the INA leaders were widely regarded as heroes and patriots, and protests calling for clemency began to mushroom across India, in the process unifying Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. In November 1945 and again in February 1946, the BLPI was closely involved with student organisations in leading mass demonstrations in Calcutta against the INA trials. The protests were violently suppressed by police and troops, while the CPI joined hands with the Congress to disperse the crowds in the name of the struggle against indiscipline and disorder. 9-4. In February 1946, sections of the Indian navy in Bombay and Karachi mutinied over pay and conditions, while raising a series of radical political demands, including the release of all political prisoners, the withdrawal of British Indian troops from Indonesia and the slogan of Quit India. Their action triggered displays of solidarity and mutinies in other Indian military units and ultimately gave rise to mass worker actions and street fighting in Bombay. The Congress and Muslim League fully supported the British use of force in putting down the rebellion. Gandhi was especially virulent in his denunciations of the Royal Indian Navy mutineers and the cross-communal unity that characterised their struggle, saying he would rather perish in the flames than see the triumph of the rabble and declaring that a combination between Hindus and Muslims and others for the purpose of violent action is unholy. While the BLPI spearheaded calls for protests and a general strike in support of the mutineers, the Stalinist CPI denounced the mass hysteria, and sought to break up popular support for the mutiny. As on every other occasion that Congress reined in the mass movement, communalism erupted in the wake of the mutinys defeat. A Muslim League call for direct action in support of its Pakistan demand in August 1946 resulted in violent clashes with Hindus in Calcutta that left 6,000 dead and triggered Hindu communal atrocities on Muslims in return. 9-5. The post-war upsurge also produced a wave of industrial action into which the BLPI intervened aggressively and made significant inroads. In June 1946 and again in MarchJune 1947, the BLPI, which had won the leadership of the Madras Labour Union (MLU), led major strikes involving the Buckingham and Carnatic Mills in Madras, one of the largest factories in India. The 1947 strike was a bitter three-month struggle during which mass rallies and a hartal involving more than 100,000 workers and small businesses took place. In June, the union was declared illegal, its funds seized and leaders arrested, but government attempts to reopen the B & C Mills failed. The MLU eventually called off the strike but forced management to grant significant concessions. 9-6. The BLPI took a principled stand against communal politics and the call for a separate Muslim Pakistan. A resolution at the 1944 BLPI conference declared: The [Pakistan] slogan is politically reactionary and theoretically false. It is politically reactionary in that it constitutes an effort through an appeal to communal sentiments to divert rising discontent of the Moslem masses away from its true enemy, namely, British imperialism and its native allies, against the Hindus. It is theoretically false in that it proceeds from the indefensible contention that the Moslems in India constitute a Nation, which is declared to be oppressed (equally false) by a Hindu nation. There is no basis, whether of common historical tradition, language, culture, or race, or in respect of geographical and economic factors, for the arising of a distinct Moslem nationality. Religion (together, of course, with any common element of culture which that may entail) is the only unifying factor, and is clearly insufficient, on the basis of all historical experience, to produce any sentiment which can constitute a national consciousness.[ 1 ] 9-7. Congress, however, was rapidly moving to a settlement with Britain and its princely and landlord allies. While the Congress leadership exploited its association with the Quit India upheaval to rally support, the radical turn that the Quit India movement had taken following the arrest of Gandhi and the other Congress leaders and the growth of post-war social struggles made it loathe to lead any popular challenge to British rule and determined to get its hands on the colonial state so as to stabilise bourgeois rule as quickly as possible. Consequently, the Congress leaders abandoned their demand for complete independence and accepted Dominion status with continuing ties to Britain. They also gave up their call for a Constituent Assembly based on universal suffrage and sought to prevent a radical challenge to the rule of the princes and landlordism. Most fundamentally, Congress abandoned its program for a unified, secular India and accepted and implemented the communal partition of the subcontinent. While the Muslim League pressed for the full inclusion of Bengal and Punjab in Pakistan, Congress advocated the communal division of these two provinces and had no compunction about working with rabid communalist elements, including S.P. Mookerjee, an ex-Hindu Mahasabha president and future founder of the Jana Sangh (later the Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP]). The Congress campaign to save the Hindus and Sikhs of the Punjab and Bengal from Muslim domination was a key factor in the unleashing of communal violence during the 1947 partition in which up to two million people perished and another 1214 million were rendered refugees. 9-8. This betrayal was aided and abetted by the Stalinist CPI which subordinated the anti-colonial movement to the Indian bourgeoisiefirstly in the form of Congress, then, adapting to the rise of communalism in the final years of British rule, also to the Muslim League. The CPI lent political credibility to the Pakistan slogan, calling it the legitimate expression of Muslim self-determination, and sent its members into the Muslim League to help it build a social base among the Muslim masses. Between 1945 and 1947, as the Congress and the Muslim League stoked a communal conflagration, the CPI issued futile calls for the rival bourgeois parties to come together and lead the national revolution. 9.9. Partition defined and defines the freedom and independence incarnated in bourgeois India and Pakistan. The communal pogroms that accompanied the birth of India and Pakistan, were only the most bloody and immediately apparent consequence of the abortion of the democratic revolution. The new states defended the wealth and property of the zamindars, princes and big business and retained the key institutions and laws of the British colonial state, adopting at most a handful of meagre, piecemeal reforms aimed at facilitating capitalist development. Six decades on, none of the burning democratic and social problems of the masses have been resolved. On the contrary they have grown ever more malignant as landlordism, caste oppression and other feudal vestiges have become ever more intertwined with capitalist exploitation. 9-10. Far from resolving the communal problem, partition has greatly compounded it by enshrining communal divisions in the state structure of South Asia. Addressing students in Calcutta following Gandhis murder in January 1948 by a follower of Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar, BLPI leader Colvin R. de Silva explained: The tragedy of the partition flows particularly from the declared objects of its architects. This gruesome cutting up of the living body of India on the one hand and of two living nationalities (the Punjabi and the Bengali nationalities) on the other was put forward as a solution of the communal problem on the one side and as a means of opening up the road to freedom on the other. Both pleas have proved false. Partition has proved in the one respect only a means for reforging chains for the imperialist enslavement of the masses ... In the other respect, it has proved but a means of beguiling two states to thoughts of mutual war as the only means of canalising internal communal feelings away from civil convulsions. The war by the way may yet come (if indeed, it has not already come in Kashmir and Junagadh). But the civil convulsions have come meanwhile in catastrophic fashion. 9.11. De Silvas warnings proved prophetic. Partition has given rise to a reactionary geo-political struggle between India and Pakistan that has resulted in three declared wars and countless war crises, squandered vital economic resources, and today threatens the people of South Asia with a nuclear conflagration. The first Indo-Pak war of 194748 resulted in a divided Kashmir that has cruelly split the Kashmiri people and has proven to be an intractable political problem within the framework of the communally-divided subcontinent. Incapable of resolving any of the myriad social tensions, the ruling elites in both countries have routinely resorted to communal demagogy to deflect opposition at home. Partition has facilitated imperialist dominance of South Asia by frustrating rational economic development, including the use of water resources, and by providing a political mechanism for the US and other great powers to play one state and ruling elite against the other. Today South Asia is home to the worlds greatest concentration of poor and is the least economically integrated region in the world. A teenager drowned when a Bank Holiday outing on a pleasure cruiser with her family turned to tragedy after they were hit by a freak wave, an inquest heard. Gillian Davey, 17, was trapped in the cabin of the boat when it capsized off the north Cornwall coast after being struck by a 6ft (2m) 'wall of water' - while her father desperately tried to save her. The inquest in Cornwall heard that the girl and her parents were returning to Padstow after cruising around the coast when the incident occurred in the Camel Estuary at around midday on May 25 this year. Gillian's father, Stefan, was navigating the notoriously tricky Doom Bar sandbank at the mouth of the estuary at the time. Gillian Davey (above), 17, drowned when a Bank Holiday outing on a pleasure cruiser with her family off the coast of Cornwall turned to tragedy after they were hit by a freak wave on May 25, an inquest heard The teenager (pictured) was trapped in the cabin of the boat when it capsized after being struck by a 6ft (2m) 'wall of water' - while her father, Stefan, desperately tried to save her The court heard that Mr Davey was thrown into the water, while his wife, Caroline, and daughter were trapped in the cabin. A passing patrol boat driven by Leon Burt, from Padstow Harbour Commissioners, saw the aftermath and went to help. Mrs Davey was able to free herself and was rescued by Mr Burt, while her husband swam to the capsized vessel and could hear his daughter tapping on the side of the hull. An attending RNLI crew were able to use a rope to pull the boat horizontal but, by the time Mr Davey was able to free his daughter, she had lost consciousness. She was pronounced dead in hospital and a post-mortem examination found she died of drowning. The inquest heard that the family had bought the Norma G leisure cabin cruiser and carefully renovated it, equipping it with a radio and life jackets. Giving evidence, Mr Davey, an experienced sailor, said the conditions were calm. 'As we made a turn, I remember looking back over my shoulder to see a massive wall of water straight behind the back of the boat,' he told the court. 'I had time to shout "Look out", and with that it turned us straight over. I would say the water was two metres high.' The inquest in Cornwall heard that Gillian and her parents were returning to Padstow after cruising around the coast when the incident occurred in the Camel Estuary (file image) After being thrown into the water, Mr Davey, a company director from Wadebridge, tried to rescue his daughter. 'Every time I dived down, I just couldn't get enough air to get to where Gillian was,' he said. 'I was banging on the side of the boat and I could hear Gillian banging back and talking and shouting.' After the RNLI arrived and pulled the boat horizontal, Mr Davey was able to get inside and pull Gillian free. Mr Davey, who found his daughter 'lying motionless', said: 'I got her in my arms and held her out of the water.' 'Every time I dived down, I just couldn't get enough air to get to where Gillian was Gillian's father, Stefan Davey Giving evidence, Mr Burt said the Doom Bar is 'very dangerous' and should only be navigated by someone with local knowledge. 'The Bar can become very dangerous with wind, tide and swell, and if there are any signs of breaking waves it is best to set the anchor,' he added. Detective Constable Simon Hill, of Devon and Cornwall Police, who investigated the incident, said Mr Davey was an experienced sailor who had navigated the Doom Bar previously. 'The police sent a drone up on a similar day and the footage does show a very calm channel and then suddenly the waves can be very different over the Bar. 'Everybody I spoke to said one minute it can be benign and the next minute quite treacherous.' Andrew Cox, acting senior coroner for Cornwall, praised the efforts of everyone who helped the Davey family that day. Recording a conclusion of accidental death, he said: 'If Mr Burt and others had not been there, this incident could have been far worse. 'I have been struck at just how this could happen to a family who have obviously paid such close attention to detail in making the sure the vessel was seaworthy and ready to go to sea, both in the sense of the physical construction of the boat and in the safety steps taken of those on board. 'This is as far from the reckless, ill-considered incident that I have to deal with from time to time that it is possible to imagine. 'What has happened here is that a family who have taken every reasonable step have still been caught out by the weather and sea conditions on the day. I am desperately sorry that is the case.' Gillian was described as a 'sweet girl from a lovely family' at the time by friends. The tragedy at Porthilly Rock near Wadebridge was described as a 'freak accident' and there is an ongoing investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. Gardai will return to the roads around the country tonight as Ireland enters Level 3 of Covid-19 restrictions, confining citizens to their own counties except for essential reasons. In a statement today, gardai said fixed that following the Governments decision for the country to move to Level 3 of the National Framework for Living with Covid-19, An Garda Siochana will re-commence Operation Fanacht from midnight tonight, October 6, 2020, as a nationwide policing operation focused on supporting public compliance with current public health measures. In support of this announcement, Gardai say there will be high visibility patrolling by Garda members across the country with the focus of this activity continuing to be encouraging people to adhere to national public health measures. It will involve 132 large-scale checkpoints a day on main arterial routes around the country in addition to thousands of mobile checkpoints on secondary routes in towns and villages a week. A cornerstone of level three is the restriction on people leaving their own counties other than for work and essential reasons. During the first lockdown, gardai diverted motorists off the motorways to ensure they did not leave their own counties. More below picture of the M7 after gardai in Laois diverted traffic off the motorway during the lockdown earlier this year. Speaking today, Commissioner Drew Harris announced the measures. "An Garda Siochanas priority is keeping people safe. This will be a major policing operation across the country with high visibility of Garda members to support public health measures. "An Garda Siochana is encouraging people not to travel out of their county unless it is for essential purposes. "We want to advise people that will be conducting major checkpoints on main routes and travelling by road from tomorrow will be different from travelling today. People using the roads are likely to face delays. "Since the start of the pandemic, An Garda Siochana has adopted a graduated policing approach based on its tradition of consent. We have seen compliance by the vast majority of the public with this approach. Independent surveys have also found significant public support for it. We will continue to police in this way. "We have also had a strong focus on protecting and supporting the vulnerable. That will continue as well. If you need our help, please contact your local Garda station. "As an organisation rooted in the community, An Garda Siochana understands the difficulties these measures place on everybody. More than ever, we all need to work together and adhere to public health guidelines and regulations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, said Commissioner Harris. A statement said that An Garda Siochana remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable in our society, particularly our elderly and those at risk. We have always worked closely with our communities and we continue to do so in these extraordinary times. Deputy Commissioner John Twomey, oversees Policing and Security. "An Garda Siochana will continue to play our part to assist and support people, particularly those who are vulnerable and feeling isolated. Your local Gardai are here to help whether that is delivering medical prescriptions, collecting your pension or other supports you may need. "Any person with these concerns for themselves or for a neighbour please contact your local Garda station," he said. President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to Dominican Sister Margaret Mac Curtain, who died this morning aged 91. In a statement, President Higgins said: I am among the many, in so many parts of Irish society, who will have heard with great sadness of the death of Sr Margaret Mac Curtain, Dominican sister, historian, educator, human rights advocate, feminist and writer. "There were so many aspects of Irish life, past and present, to which she made a unique and valuable contribution. "There were so many aspects of Irish life, past and present, to which she made a unique and valuable contribution." Statement from President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Sr. Margaret Mac Curtain: https://t.co/LGk1N8xFjC President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) October 6, 2020 President Higgins said Sr Mac Curtain was "dedicated to her religious vocation" and "displayed her tremendous talent in so many areas." He said that Sr Margaret would be remembered not only for her academic achievements but also for her "tireless campaigning for social justice." We owe her a profound debt of gratitude for her advocacy on the abolition of corporal punishment in schools and for the rights of children with special educational needs, and indeed for her academic work in which she highlighted the oft-neglected role of women in Irish history. The President said she "not only great determination and energy to all her work" but also "great humour, compassion, and humanity." Read More 8.7m funding boost for UCC and CIT announced President Higgins and wife have expressed their deepest condolences to all those whose lives were touched by Sister Margaret. Margaret Mac Curtain, a native of County Cork, studied at UCC prior to joining the Dominican Order in 1950. She earned a Ph.D. in history in 1964, before taking a position as a history lecturer at University College, Dublin (UCD) where she worked until she retired in 1994. Dr Margaret MacCurtain's life spanned 9 decades, 1000s of lives were enriched @UCC @DominicanSrsCab @UCDHistory @burnslibrary @ArlenHouse An intellectual powerhouse, her vocation 'Justice and Education' led her to a lifetime of activism in equality, social justice & human rights pic.twitter.com/Njp08F0Y5b Dr. Sinead McCoole (@sinead_mccoole) October 6, 2020 Sr Margaret campaigned for various causes throughout her life and career including the abolition of corporal punishment in schools, domestic violence, and apartheid. From 1997 to 2002, she chaired the National Archives Advisory Council. She was also a longstanding member of the editorial board of Field Day IV and V, a group that highlighted the literary contribution of Irish women writers and poets. RTE broadcaster Cathal Mac Coille and staff at UCD have also been paying tribute to Sr Margaret this morning. Mr Mac Coille, a former student of Sr Margaret, said he "always looked up to" her. He said: "Lectured by her at UCD, read her books, looked up to her, interviewed her on radio, and listened to her great honest intelligence any chance I got. "And above all liked her, as anyone did who had the privilege of knowing Margaret Mac Curtain. RIP. Leader of Opposition and DMK chief M K Stalin on Tuesday urged Chief Minister K Palaniswami to convene the Assembly and pass resolutions against the Centre's farm laws and file a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the legislations. These laws have triggered a wave of opposition among the farmers and people, Stalin said, adding only the state governments had powers under the Constitution to enact laws on agriculture and related aspects like land and land tenure as they fell under the state list. Tamil Nadu cannot be a mere spectator or accept Centre "entering" the field assigned to states by the Constitution on agriculture matters, the leader of opposition said in a letter to Palaniswami. Pointing out that his party has already gone to the apex court against these Central laws, he wanted the Tamil Nadu government also to challenge it in the Supreme Court. The DMK president urged the Chief Minister to recommend convening the Assembly immediately to debate and adopt resolutions against the farm legislations. Such initiatives were "necessary and urgent" so as to "avoid blame" from farmers against the state government, he said. DMK, an ally of the Congress, had both inside and outside Parliament vehemently opposed the legislations. The party staged state-wide protests including a candle light march to Raj Bhavan led by party MP Kanimozhi on Monday. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Tuesday in Abuja, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA) for the second phase of BASICS-II project to improve seeds of cassava varieties. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Building of Economically Sustainable and Integrated Cassava Seed System (BASICS-II) was awarded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to IITA in May to transform the cassava seed sector. During the signing of the MoU, the Director-General, IITA, Nteranya Sanginga, said that the project will midwife a new role for cassava seed producers and root farmers in Nigeria. Represented by Gbassey Tarawali, officer in charge of IITA Abuja, Mr Sanginga said that the project will provide another opportunity to develop a commercially sustainable model for cassava seed system in the country. According to him, the project gives another opportunity to address one of the major problems that has limited the power of cassava in Africa in terms of poverty reduction and livelihood improvement among growers. We are sealing an alliance by all actors to ensure facilitation and supply of quality certified and disease-free seeds to farmers to help Nigerian smallholders improve their productivity and family income. Our vision is to see that at the end of this project, we have a commercially sustainable model for cassava seed system that can be replicated in other parts of Africa. Therefore, our model must increase not only farmers income but also roots for processors and the industry who will in turn contribute to the socio-economic development of our communities, Mr Sanginga said. On his part, the President of NCGA, Segun Adewumi, said the MoU will enable the regeneration of various varieties of cassava and ensure more yields and better quality of products. We are really excited as we look forward to the cassava revolution that will enable our cassava industrial derivatives compete favourably in the domestic and international market. With this development, many of the utility industrial items like ethanol, industrial starch, sweetener and others for which we spend hundreds of billions of Naira to import can be produced in Nigeria. Incidentally these products are raw materials to other essential utility items with limitless market potential; this is to say cassava can trigger industrial revolution in Nigeria, Mr Adewumi said. The Head of Cassava Team, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chinedu Ogbonnaya, reiterated the apex banks commitment to support farmers access to certified seeds. Mr Ogbonnaya said the bank supported cassava production in Nigeria with N25 billion in 2020. He promised that the bank will strengthen partnership with other stakeholders to create a community of seed entrepreneurs across the cassava value chain. Francis Chia of Benue State Seed Producers Cooperative Union said that the MoU will enable increased production of certified seeds for sale to cassava growers The BASIC-II project consists of six components mainly, ensuring integration of breeding and seed system activities, development of early generation seed enterprises and development of commercial seed entrepreneurs. Others are, development of the processor-associated seed system model, quality control and disease management and catalyzing scaling and replication through partners. (NAN) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A surge in car thefts over the past year across Staten Island is raising concerns within the Richmond County District Attorneys Office. We continue to be alarmed by the number of vehicles being stolen in all parts of our Island, wrote District Attorney Michael E. McMahon in a tweet posted Tuesday morning. We know it is easy to forget the keys in the cupholder, but it can cost you your car. Grand larceny autos were up 35% borough-wide and 62% citywide, as of Sept. 27, according to the NYPDs CompStat figures. McMahon went on to offer tips for residents on safeguarding their vehicles. We continue to be alarmed by the number of vehicles being stolen in all parts of our Island. We know it is easy to forget the keys in the cupholder, but it can cost you your car. Think twice before heading inside, and follow these great tips from @NYPDstatenIslnd pic.twitter.com/bXazo3cvIg Michael E. McMahon (@StatenIslandDA) October 5, 2020 Police in the 120th Precinct which encompasses the northeast section of the borough have so far responded to 49 reports of car theft, while officers with the 122nd Precinct on the East Shore have seen 51 incidents, data shows. Those figures represent 14% and 89% increases, respectively, from a year prior. The 123rd Precinct on the boroughs South Shore has seen 33 vehicle thefts, which represents a 74% increase. The 121st Precinct in the northwest is reporting 36 incidents, which is identical to the year prior. The most recent data doesnt include two recent car thefts and a burglary on Todt Hill thats raised concerns among residents. While law enforcement sources say that specifically high-end vehicles on the East and South shores have been targeted by a more professional crew from across the state line, several other vehicles also have been targeted for petty theft and grand larceny auto by teenagers and young adults traveling from other parts of New York City, including Brooklyn and the Bronx. In August, a Newark man was arraigned on murder charges in a hit-and-run involving a stolen Lexus that killed a 32-year-old mother in Annadale. The first Samsung smartphone featuring an under-display camera (UDC) may not arrive until the second half of next year. The Galaxy S21 series, which should launch sometime in February 2021, was previously expected to debut this unprecedented UDC technology. However, the company reportedly isnt yet ready with the new tech to begin mass production in time for its next flagships. According to a new report out of South Korea, Samsung now expects to introduce its version of UDC with the Galaxy Z Fold 3. This marks the second time the company has delayed the launch of UDC tech after previously failing to commercialize it with the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which launched last month. Its successor should arrive in Q3 2021. Samsung not yet ready with under-display camera tech Samsung Display, the Korean giants display manufacturing arm, has been developing the UDC tech for smartphones for years. The company is reportedly using the Hole In Active Area (HIAA) display drilling technique for the technology. This technique was first implemented to drill the camera holes in the Galaxy 10 series last year. Advertisement Samsung tried two different variations of the HIAA technique to achieve the desired result for its UDC tech. The HIAA 1 method drills a hole in the display panel in a single shot while the HIAA 2 method does it with multiple micro-holes. The company eventually decided to go ahead with the second method but is reportedly facing low production yield-rates. It is also exploring methods thatd allow the implementation of the UDC tech without drilling any holes. However, these techniques are for the future. Samsung has seemingly settled with the HIAA 2 method for its first-generation UDC tech. In addition to this, Samsung also has yet to decide on the camera module for its first under-display camera phone. The thickness of the sensor is among the things the company needs to consider. The yellowish nature of the polyimide (PI) substrates used in flexible OLEDs may also cause color distortion in the area above the sensor when light passes through the holes. Software calibration is required to eliminate this. Advertisement Samsung is yet to perfect all this and hence isnt rushing to launch an under-display camera phone. The Galaxy S21 series will feature the same punch hole camera system as its predecessors with a cutout at the top center of the display. The ZTE Axon 20 5G launched last month as the worlds first under-display camera phone. Several other smartphone makers, including Oppo, Xiaomi, and Vivo, are also working on their own versions of this technology. Could you help me retrieve more than 100,000 of my brother's money from a dormant account with Barclays? The money was in a joint account held with his wife, who died last October. Barclays initially said it had located it. He sent the documentation requested but then received a letter saying the account could not be found after all. It is now 12 weeks since he sent the documents, including an official copy of his wife's death certificate and he has heard nothing. I am 73 and my brother is 82. This is causing us huge anxiety and stress. M. T., Powys. Barclays had been very slow to help a widower track down over 100,000 in a joint account held with his wife, who died last October Your brother lived in the Czech Republic for some years and the account became dormant while he was caring for his sick wife. He has since returned to Wales and is currently living with you. When he first wrote to his bank manager in April, the initial response was promising. Barclays replied on April 17, saying that the account had been found and asked for supporting identity documents. He wrote back explaining that his wife had died last year. He then received a second letter on June 9. This was identical to the first, except his wife's name was now included, which is a requirement on joint accounts. The following day he sent the required documents, including a copy of his wife's death certificate, which was in Czech, but was translated and notarised. On June 12, Barclays wrote again - this time saying it had been unable to locate the account. And then silence. When I made contact, Barclays leapt into action, admitting the letter saying the money could not be found was sent as a result of human error. 'Feedback' has now been passed to the relevant area. Your brother's money, 103,683.03, has been paid to him. Barclays has also added 8 per cent interest for the time he did not have access to the money, an extra 890.82. It has also made a 300 goodwill payment. That's a total of 104,873.85. Barclays passes on its sincere condolences for your brother's loss. A spokesman says: 'It is evident that, on this occasion, we have failed to provide the high levels of service that our customers can expect to receive, and we offer our apologies for this.' You have YOUR say Every week, Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters and emails about our stories. Here are some about last week's story on the big firms still blaming delays on coronavirus. I'm glad I am not the only person finding this. It takes me hours on the phone to complete the simplest task at the moment. I was so frustrated with my mobile phone provider that I switched to a rival company. J.C., Nottingham. I just won't do business with companies that whine 'coronavirus' at me as a pitiful excuse for poor service. I accidentally ordered the wrong fridge and the firm I bought it from delivered a correct one within a week. That's service. C.A., Newcastle. My local bank branch is still operating at reduced hours Monday to Friday and doesn't open at weekends. Saturday mornings would normally be its busiest time, as we can't all get to the bank in the week. O.G., Andover, Hants. Covid is a valid excuse. All the tradesmen I know have a backlog of work they were unable to complete during lockdown. Now everyone wants their jobs done and we have to scour parts from all over the world including countries in lockdown. J.Y., Exeter. My 80-year-old mother is downsizing, so I'm contacting all her utility companies with her change of address. She doesn't have email, so I've had to ring them all. The time I've spent on hold is disgraceful. I.A., email. A lot of big businesses had lousy customer service prior to Covid-19. You are always directed to a website and, even if you do get through to a human, they have no authority. D.L., Gloucester. I received an email that I thought was from a fellow parish councillor asking me to purchase three 100 iTunes vouchers for her, as she was tied up all day in conference with the district council. But 20 minutes after doing so online at Currys PC World, another councillor told me this was a scam. I called Currys to cancel the order, but it went unanswered and the line dropped out after an hour. I tried twice more that day and also emailed. The email remains unanswered. I emailed again to state that I would refuse to accept the parcel when it was delivered on May 21, which I did, and DPD returned it to Currys. On June 1, I received three separate emails from Currys, each detailing a refund of 110, the additional 10 being the delivery charge. This was odd, as the order had been for three 100 vouchers plus 10. A couple of days later, two credit transactions appeared on my credit card statement, each for 110. So, to date, I am still waiting for 90. There is still no response from Currys by telephone. M. S., Norwich. I am baffled by this scam. If someone had asked you to buy the vouchers online and email them to that person, then I could understand it. But as you took physical delivery, it is difficult to see how they could complete the heist without actually knocking on your door. Perhaps your choice of physical delivery unwittingly foiled their plans. Currys says a technical error prevented it from making the full refund. It has now returned the remaining 90 and generously offered a 40 goodwill gesture for the inconvenience you suffered when the phones were not answered. Straight to the point My employer has covered my mobile phone bill for almost six years. I have now been made redundant and my company is allowing me to take over the contract so I can keep my mobile number. However, EE won't offer me a deal for less than 50 a month, which I cannot afford. D.M., via email. EE says it needed permission from your previous employer to transfer ownership of the contract. It now has this and offered you a consumer tariff that costs 35 a month which it says you are happy with. *** My son told me that I'd been paying for a TV licence for six years since I turned 75. I spoke to TV Licensing who said this overpayment would be refunded. I rang ten days later and was told that I may have to wait four weeks for it to be processed. This week I was told it could be ten weeks. S. K., Darlington. TV Licensing says it has to verify proof of age before accepting a claim. It apologises and says it is now processing the refund. *** At the start of lockdown, my 21-year-old son ordered a set of dumbbells costing 268 from an online company called Platinum Supps. When they failed to arrive, my son contacted the firm, which said they were out of stock. He was offered a replacement and then a refund yet, five months later, he's had nothing. I. A., via email. The firm says it has struggled with staff shortages so closed its website to fix 'all issues'. It has now refunded your son and offered a 40 per cent lifetime discount. *** I am ready to exchange contracts on a flat, but my solicitor insists I insert a 'Covid clause' so I can delay completion, if someone has to self-isolate, for example. The four others in my chain refuse to accept the clause. Is it essential? E. H., Putney, South-West London. It's not considered essential by The Law Society and many deals have been completed without it. It protects you from financial penalties if you are unable to complete due to coronavirus. But if someone else pulls out due to the pandemic, you will not be owed compensation. In January, my gas smart meter went loony, galloping away with fictitious usage numbers. This happened several times. British Gas agreed it was faulty and replaced it in April. However, British Gas is still billing me using data generated by the faulty meter, resulting in an alleged usage which is twice as much as normal. P. B., Burnley. Ah. Yet another daft smart meter. I receive so many complaints about these that I wouldn't consider having one installed. British Gas confirms that your bill was based on incorrect figures and that it had not been updated correctly even though you had informed it of the problem. The errors have now been corrected. In light of what it admits is poor service and overcharging, it has cleared all usage costs associated with the old meter for the disputed period from January 27 to April 18, when the meter was exchanged. It has refunded 195.10, lowered your payments to 74 per month and credited 100 to go towards your winter usage. A spokesman says: 'We're very sorry for the inconvenience and concern that this situation has caused. Mr B is happy with the outcome and has closed the complaint.' PlayBox Neo Announces Latest Refinements to AirBox Neo and IP-Based Cloud2TV Playout New features provide easier and more flexible management for varying scales of broadcast television playout. west palm beach, Florida( ) PlayBox Neo marks the 21st anniversary of the AirBox broadcast playout system with the latest enhancements to its 1U and 3U Neo servers and IP-based Cloud2TV. These bring additional operating features and increased connectivity. New to AirBox Neo is SRT output support. Designed for fast file transmission, SRT provides reliable transmission at the application layer with UDP (User Datagram Protocol) as an underlying transport layer. It enables reliable and secure streaming of high quality content via the public internet. Latency parameter control allows adjustments to be made to counteract slow links. New Caller, Listener and Rendezvous modes support connection to the AirBox Neo playout server from more than one location, typically from main and back up locations. 128/256 bit AES encryption can be activated for content protection. An operator may also now generate and send a dedicated password which can only be decoded at the receiver. PlayBox Neo is also introducing new integrated in/output architecture which can be shared between AirBox Neo servers and the recently introduced Capture Suite. Connectivity features include an NDI output, AJA output plug-in and AJA input plug-ins plus an HLS input. Simultaneous outputs can be delivered in a choice of video standards and frame rates. On the fly interactive control over any input/output plug-in is also provided. A new web-based multiviewer is now available for AirBox Neo. This accepts UHD/HD/SD sources and provides support for AJA, BMD and NDI protocols. The multiviewer includes a dashboard with a built-in resource monitor. Additional improvements and enhancements to the AirBox Neo series include an NDI input plug-in, internal clock handling and a new device manager for handling live feeds. PlayBox Neo's Cloud2TV is based on the concept of virtual channel playout. Totally software-centric, it allows TV channel managers to perform video production and content delivery efficiently on any desired scale. Seven new Cloud2TV enhancements are announced: * Auto import function updated with the ability to recognize files which are still under upload. * Auto import function automatically recognizes each media file and places it in related container. * Purge task implementation automatically clears all deleted assets and media files from 'default storage'. * Improvements to transcoding of files all newly created media files become 'default' automatically. * Clear labeling of playlists that contain media files which have not been QC checked. * Audio normalization after QC check is now implemented for AirBox Neo playout. * Password history implementation prevents prolonged use of one password. "Following on from our recent announcement of Capture Suite, these refinements demonstrate our ongoing commitment to holding our position as the logical product source for any scale of broadcast media playout," comments PlayBox Neo CEO Pavlin Rahnev. "With 21 years of experience, our product development and customer support teams co-operate fully to ensure we meet the industry's present needs and stay alert to its aspirations." Federal Circuit Court Judge Guy Andrew last seen leaving his home in Brisbane's north early on Sunday morning heading toward Mt Coot-tha, where he regularly takes morning walks A high-profile judge who mysteriously vanished in a case that has baffled police left his phone, wallet and shoes at home, detectives have revealed. Federal Circuit Court Judge Guy Andrew was last seen leaving his home in Brisbane's north early on Sunday morning heading toward Mt Coot-tha, where he regularly goes on morning walks. His car was found at 2pm on Monday next to bushland at Dillon Rd, The Gap, but he has not been seen since. Police , SES crews and community volunteers will search for a fourth day on Wednesday. They will focus their search around bushland between Dillon Road in The Gap, where Judge Andrew's car was found at 2pm on Monday, west to South Boundary Road. Police on Tuesday used drones, boats and all-terrain vehicles to search for Judge Andrew, who went missing amid concerns about his conduct. Authorities said the same resources would be used to comb the area of the Enoggera Dam on Wednesday, the Brisbane Times reports. Judge Andrew is described as white, 176cm tall with grey hair and brown eyes. Police and family hold grave concerns for his welfare. Judge Andrew dealt with six family court matters in the Brisbane Federal Circuit Court on Friday, two days before he went missing. Last month two lawyers complained about Judge Andrew's behaviour, prompting counselling and mentoring for him. In September's judgement, the full bench found Judge Andrew had shown apprehended bias and abused his power when presiding over a family law case. In September's judgement, the full bench found Judge Andrew had shown apprehended bias and abused his power when presiding over a family law case His car was found at 2pm on Monday next to a bush at Dillon Rd, The Gap, but he has not been seen since A three-judge bench ruled there was 'no basis' for Judge Andrew's 'cruel, insulting, humiliating and rude' comments. Lawyers representing the father in the case said Judge Andrew's conduct denied him a fair trial. Judge Andrew was appointed as the sole Federal Circuit Court judge in Townsville in March last year. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police. B.C. First Nations and conservation groups want answers from the federal government for excluding sea lice from its risk assessments of salmon farms on wild stocks. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced Sept. 28 that assessments on nine pathogens showed a minimal risks to wild salmon, effectively ending the remote possibility of closing farms in the Discovery Islands by Sept. 30, as recommended in the 2012 Cohen Commission report if the operations exceeded minimal risk to Fraser River Sockeye. Adding to highly critical statements from many B.C. conservation groups, including the David Suzuki Foundation and Watershed Watch Salmon Society, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations are also questioning DFOs rationale for not looking at the cumulative impacts of the nine pathogens on wild salmon, nor the more contentious subject of impacts from sea lice. The bottom line is that the ministers decision is contrary to evidence submitted by biologists that sea lice from fish farms threaten the survival of wild salmon, and is contrary to the concerns of First Nations over the chemicals used to treat sea lice in fish farms and the turbulent waters in the Discovery Islands area that could spread sea lice for miles, UBCIC president, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. How can the failure to implement the Cohen Commissions recommendation be justified when the DFO did not even test for sea lice in its assessments of various pathogens and diseases found on fish farms? How can the DFO justify its actions when the livelihoods, cultures, and rights of Indigenous peoples are a stake? The David Suzuki Foundation is calling on DFO to embrace the precautionary principle and shut the farms down. Considering we saw the lowest returns of Fraser sockeye on record this year, it is unacceptable and irresponsible to ignore the proven risks sea lice from salmon farms pose to wild salmon, David Suzuki Foundation director general for western Canada Jay Ritchlin said. Science has established that fish farms can raise sea lice levels, and that these parasites can kill young salmon. If you want to protect struggling salmon populations, you should start by getting these fish farms out of the water. DFO told the press Sept. 28 it would have been redundant to include sea lice in their risk assessment, as an extensive body of peer-reviewed science into the spread and treatment of sea lice is already being used to inform management decisions on all B.C. farms. Ongoing research will guide future policy as needed, but current treatment protocols satisfy DFOs risk concerns with sea lice. Sea lice are a naturally occurring parasite that can flourish in pens with closely-contained salmon. They are rarely harmful to adults, but high loads on out-migrating juveniles can be lethal, or potentially impact their growth and ability to compete for food. Conservationists point to salmon farms as a major cause of B.C.s precipitous decline in wild salmon populations, in addition to other factors including global warming, over fishing and increased predation. The BC Salmon Farmers Association maintains high sea lice levels have been reported in areas both with and without salmon farms, but a modern, integrated approach to controlling the parasite on farms has been highly effective. The association issued a statement welcoming DFOs findings on pathogen risk assessment. This work clearly shows that ocean-based salmon farms pose no more than a minimal risk of serious harm to wild salmon populations in the Discovery Islands. Sound science will support the stability and shared values our industry is bringing to the coast today and into the future. The industry has agreements in place with 20 First Nations where the bulk of B.C. farmed salmon is produced, but DFO is now launching consultations with seven first nations in the Discovery Islands to inform government decisions on whether to renew aquaculture licenses in the area. Read more about: KEY FACTS 2 p.m.: Canadians urged to hold virtual Thanksgiving gatherings 12:18 p.m.: New cases in public schools across Ontario jumps by 74 10:17 a.m.: Ontario reporting 548 cases of COVID-19 and 7 new deaths The latest coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Tuesday. This file is no longer updating. Click here to read the latest coverage. Web links to longer stories if available. 10:12 p.m. Just weeks into a school term already marked by disruption, the Toronto District School Board is about to usher in some more. In a letter sent to families Tuesday evening, the TDSB announced that up to 324 elementary schools will lose some in-person teachers as they will be moved into virtual classrooms. The board said it announced the reorganization to help support the significant number of students more than 66,000 who are currently enrolled in online school. Out of the 324 schools, some will lose up to four or more teachers, while others will lose one or two. As a result of the loss of teachers, some students attending in-person classes may have to move into different and/or larger classrooms with different teachers, just three weeks after starting school. For example, two smaller classes may be combined to create one larger class, the letter from the TDSB stated. However, the board was clear in assuring that classroom sizes will remain within public health measures. Since school began, there has been a number of shortages for teachers in virtual classrooms. In the letter, the board acknowledged the lack of resources, saying, The reorganization of schools and classes will increase the availability of permanent TDSB teachers for the Virtual School and enhance stability. The board said it anticipates all students to have an assigned teacher once the reorganization is complete by Oct 13. Read more here: Hundreds of teachers to be switched from in-person to virtual school as TDSB announces huge reorganization 10:00 p.m. Hamilton public health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at SpinCo Hamilton after three positive cases were linked to the downtown fitness studio. The outbreak was declared Oct. 5 after three cases of the virus two patrons and one staff member were found among members of the spin studios community. Members are asked to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and keep an eye out for further communications, a Hamilton public health spokesperson said in an email to The Spectator Tuesday. Anyone who attended the fitness studio and has developed COVID-like symptoms should isolate and ... contact Hamilton public health services. Public health is working with the studio to identify contacts, as well as conducting case and contact tracing with any impacted customers and advising on testing, the spokesperson said. In an email sent Tuesday afternoon to clients, the James Street North spin studio said it was working with public health to identify potential exposure to the virus. With continued support from Hamilton public health we have defined a specific time period that the individuals may have been exposed, the letter reads. We will send out correspondence to that specific group of people with regards to next steps and self-monitoring. SpinCo says those who may have been exposed will be notified within the next 24 hours. The letter was also posted on the studios Instagram story. Read more here: COVID outbreak declared at Hamilton spin studio 8:34 p.m. The U.S. surgeon general was cited for being in a closed Hawaii park in August while in the islands helping with surge testing amid a spike in coronavirus cases, according to a criminal complaint filed in court. A Honolulu police officer cited Jerome Adams after seeing him with two men looking at the view taking pictures at Kualoa Regional Park on Oahus northeastern coast, the citation said. The park in a rural area offers a picturesque view of Mokolii island, known as Chinamans Hat for its cone shape. Adams told the officer he was visiting Hawaii to work with the governor for COVID-19 and didnt know parks were closed. At the time, Oahu parks were closed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell in an attempt to prevent crowds from gathering. A phone number Adams gave the officer is the same number Adams listed on an email to state officials seeking an exemption for Hawaiis quarantine on arriving travellers. Read more here: US surgeon general cited for being in closed Hawaii park 7:01 p.m. The Canadian Armed Forces is lifting the veil of secrecy over the number of troops with COVID-19, as the military gets ready for fresh calls to help out during the second wave of the pandemic. In its first full update since mid-March, the military revealed Tuesday that a total of 222 Canadian service members have contracted COVID-19 since the pandemic began. That includes 24 active cases. The others have been resolved. Defence Department spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier said no military members had died from the illness. This is the first time the public has known the scope of infections in the Canadian Armed Forces since March 20, when officials said they would stop sharing such details. There were three cases at that time. The military did later reveal that 55 of the more than 1,600 soldiers deployed into long-term care facilities in Ontario and Quebec in the spring had become infected with the novel coronavirus. But it refused to provide overall figures for the nearly 100,000-strong force, with officials expressing concern the information could be used by foreign adversaries hoping to take advantage of the pandemic. "Leadership is closely monitoring the extent of COVID-19 in the defence team," the Department of National Defence said on its website Tuesday after publishing the new figures. It went on to credit "the rigorous application of public health measures" and other risk-mitigation strategies for "effectively containing the spread of the virus amongst our personnel." The release of the figures came as senior defence officials told the Armed Forces to be ready for new orders as the number of cases of COVID-19 across Canada continues to rise. In a message to the troops, chief of defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance and Jody Thomas, deputy minister at the Defence Department, warned the situation "is different and more complex than we faced in March." As a result, they said, new orders are coming soon to to refocus our efforts, and position National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces for success this fall. In the meantime, we must accept that we now live in an environment that will remain altered by COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. To succeed in this environment, we must reject complacency. Read the story here: Military reports more than 220 Canadian troops caught COVID-19 5:48 p.m.: The second wave of COVID-19 infections in Quebec is already looking "very different" from the first, Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube said Tuesday. The provincial government reported 1,364 new confirmed cases on Tuesday morning the highest daily total since the beginning of the pandemic. There have now been 81,014 cases of the novel coronavirus confirmed in Quebec, more than half of all cases in Canada. While the first wave was marked by serious outbreaks in long-term care centres, there was limited community transmission outside of those facilities, Dube told reporters at an afternoon press conference. "This time, this is totally different," Dube said, noting there are currently more than 500 active outbreaks across the province. But Dube said the government doesn't know how the virus is spreading through the community. "It's really hard to say, when you have a student being diagnosed at school, where he got it. Did he get it from his parent? Did he get it from his friend? From an uncle who got it at work? It is very difficult to know exactly where you got it," he said. "That's the reason we are saying right now, we are shutting down all those places where we can get together, because we don't know exactly." Schools remain open in the province, but on Monday the government announced high school students in maximum-alert regions will be required to wear masks in class and those in Grades 10 and 11 will spend one day out of every two at home. 4:20 p.m.: The Atlantic bubble wont reopen to the rest of Canada any time soon given the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, says Nova Scotias premier. Stephen McNeil wouldnt be specific about a timeline during a briefing Tuesday, but said no reopening was in the offing. I can tell you it wont be in the short term, McNeil told reporters. Im certainly concerned with what Im seeing in parts of the country with a large outbreak. Well be watching it, but it (reopening) wont be any time soon for sure. McNeil thanked the public for helping the province to keep its case numbers low. Nova Scotia currently has three active cases of COVID-19. Strict isolation orders implemented across the four Atlantic provinces have been credited by health experts for the regions success in largely eliminating community transmission of the novel coronavirus. 2:45 p.m.: Toronto police say they have charged two people with failing to comply with federal quarantine rules after the pair showed up at a rally shortly after returning to Canada. Police say Christopher (Chris Sky) Saccoccia, 37, and Jennifer Saccoccia, 34, of King City, Ont., landed at Pearson airport on Sept. 20 after travelling abroad. Police allege that despite being ordered to quarantine for 14 days, Christopher Saccoccia was seen in the Yonge-Dundas area of downtown Toronto on Sept. 26 and was issued a provincial offence ticket. Authorities also allege both Christopher and Jennifer Saccoccia went to a rally attended by roughly 500 unmasked participants at Yonge-Dundas Square on Saturday. Police say both were served Monday with a notice to appear for a virtual court hearing on Nov. 12. Public health guidelines require everyone coming from outside the country to quarantine for at least 14 days. Saturdays rally saw demonstrators protest against public health measures meant to help curb the spread of COVID-19. 2:25 p.m.: Mayor Kennedy Stewart wants councillors to support a multimillion-dollar proposal to help those who are homeless in Vancouver during the pandemic. Stewart has released a recommendation to council seeking as much as $30 million to buy or lease land in the city and pay for other services to provide emergency relief for people without homes. A statement from the mayors office says the recommendation builds on the findings of a staff report, which concluded that the lease or purchase of vacant apartment complexes, commercial hotels and other buildings is the only viable way to quickly address the needs of the homeless. Stewarts recommendation also says he will continue to seek provincial and federal funds to support his plan. Its expected council will consider the recommendation at a special meeting on Thursday. Stewart says councillors must have the courage and conviction to act quickly to help hundreds who are living on the street or in tents in city parks. To date, I have worked with the provincial and federal governments to secure millions in housing investments for Vancouver, but COVID-19 has presented an unprecedented challenge and we must rise to the occasion, he says in the statement. 2 p.m. (corrected to say outdoors): Health Minister Patty Hajdu is telling Canadians to celebrate Thanksgiving virtually this weekend to avoid spreading COVID-19. She says it is an act of love to celebrate over video links instead of in person because of the rising number COVID-19 cases. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canadas chief public health officer, says meeting outdoors can create a false sense of security, and increase the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus. Too close is too close even if you are outdoors, Tam added. Federal officials said earlier Tuesday that 3.4 million Canadians have downloaded the COVID Alert App. A total of 160,000 of those uploads occurred in the last 24 hours, officials said in a briefing Tuesday. They could not say which provinces saw the highest uptick in usage. Quebec became the latest province to adopt the application on Monday. 1:55 p.m.: Balancing the fight against COVID-19 with efforts to jump-start the economy in Ontario has highlighted communications problems that have sown confusion and could erode trust in public health advice, experts say. Steven Hoffman, a professor of global health, law and political science at York University, said much of the fault falls at the feet of the provincial government. The rules are complex and they havent been communicated as clearly as needed, he said. And some of them just dont make sense. In Ontario, social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors. But the indoor capacity for businesses such as casinos, bars and restaurants is 100 people, as long as they follow all public health guidelines. If its in our homes, then were allowed to do one thing but if we all go to a casino then more of us can hang out together, Hoffman said. He pointed to Thanksgiving as a perfect example that highlights the unclear and conflicting messages authorities are giving to the public. 1:50 p.m. The Cincinnati Bengals will be allowed to double their home crowd to 12,000 for the remaining six games at Paul Brown Stadium. The state of Ohio on Tuesday cleared the team to increase the limit after most fans in last Sundays crowd of more than 6,000 demonstrated safe and healthy behaviour. Social distancing and face coverings will still be required. The Bengals host the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 25. The first home game at the stadium on Sept. 13 was played without fans. 1:28 p.m. The Canadian Opera Company is cancelling the remainder of its 2020/21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this summer, our team made a promise to ourselves and to our audiences to explore every possible option for going ahead with our season, COC general director Alexander Neef said in a news release. Since then, however, the changing local health situation has made it clear that cancelling our original winter and spring programming is the only safe decision for our staff, artists and audience members. The cancelled productions include Carmen, Katya Kabanova, La Traviata and Orfeo ed Euridice, as well as the world premiere of an opera for young audiences commissioned by the COC, Fantasma. The company has also cancelled all special events, including its Operanation and Fine Wine Auction fundraisers. 1:21 p.m. The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and other top military leaders are under quarantine after a senior Coast Guard official tested positive for the coronavirus, two U.S. officials said. Gen. Mark Milley and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force have tested negative for the virus, but remain under quarantine as a precaution, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss information not yet made public. The head of U.S. Cyber Command, Gen. Paul Nakasone, was also among those quarantined. The officials said the military leaders were working from home and this has not affected military readiness. Up to 14 officials are believed to have been potentially exposed to the virus after meetings last week with the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Charles W. Wray, who has tested positive. The officials were informed about the positive test on Monday. 1:15 p.m. Canadas two most populous provinces remain COVID-19 hot spots, with Quebec setting a record for new daily case counts. Cases are surging in several parts of the country but Quebec and Ontario account for about 80 per cent of the countrys total. Quebec reported 1,364 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in that province to 81,014. It was Quebecs fifth consecutive day of more than 1,000 new diagnoses, eclipsing Mondays record of 1,191. 1:14 p.m. Procurement Minister Anita Anand says Canada is buying more than 20 million of the rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 approved by Health Canada Tuesday. Abbott Rapid Diagnostics in Germany got the green light from Health Canada to sell its Panbio antigen rapid test in Canada this morning. Canada has also signed a contract with Abbott that will see the company ship 20.5 million of the ruler-sized test devices to Canada. This approval comes a week after Health Canada authorized the use of another rapid test from Abbott Diagnostics in the United States. That test, the ID Now kit, can provide results in as little as 13 minutes on the spot where the patient is tested. The ID Now test looks for the genetic material of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The Panbio test uses antigen technology, and can produce results in less than 15 minutes. Antigens are unique molecules found on the outside of a particular virus. 12:18 p.m. The number of new COVID-19 cases in public schools across the province has jumped by 74 from the previous day, to a total of 470 in the last two weeks. In its latest data released Tuesday morning, the province reported 41 more students were infected for a total of 275 in the last two weeks; since school began there have been overall total of 333. The data shows there are 10 more staff members for a total of 66 in the last two weeks and an overall total of 102. The latest report also shows 23 more individuals who werent identified for a total of 129 in that category and an overall total of 176. There are 347 schools with a reported case, which the province notes is about 7.2 per cent of the 4,828 public schools in Ontario. Read the full story from the Stars Irelyne Lavery 11:10 a.m. Appliance stores are grappling with a double whammy of surging demand and supply chain problems, resulting in mounting backorders ahead of the busiest shopping season of the year. Retailers say a combination of home renovations, new construction, discounts for energy-efficient appliances and pent-up demand following store closures last spring has led to record sales. Meanwhile, manufacturers have run into problems obtaining parts and have been forced to scale-back production to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols. Consumers are now facing a limited selection of in-stock appliances, or record wait times for special orders and some popular appliances. Experts say the situation could worsen if the second wave of the pandemic intensifies as the busy holiday spending period gets underway. Jason Goemans, president of Goemans Appliances, said demand has been so high the retailer is concerned about keeping up with Black Friday sales next month, an increasingly popular shopping event in Canada. Weve never had more backorders in our history, he said in an interview. Weve got thousands of backorders now because of surging demand. Compounding the spike in orders is sluggish supply, with manufacturers operating either below capacity or paring down inventory to focus on more popular models. 11:09 a.m. President Donald Trumps coronavirus diagnosis proved that testing alone wasnt enough to protect him. Mask wearing and social distancing are other key ingredients for preventing the spread of COVID-19, and both have often been in short supply at the White House. Trumps press secretary once called the president the most tested man in America when it came to COVID-19. The White House has not required masks, only testing. Anyone near the president or vice-president is tested prior to the days events. Testing alone doesnt prevent disease spread, said Dr. Cyrus Shahpar, a former CDC scientist. The main benefit of testing is to identify people with infections and isolate them before they can spread the disease to others, he says. Health experts also advise social distancing, a recommendation ignored at several recent White House events. 10:17 a.m. (will be updated) Ontario is reporting 548 cases of COVID-19 and 7 new deaths. Locally, there are 201 new cases in Toronto, 90 in Peel, 62 in Ottawa and 56 in York Region. Sixty-one per cent of Tuesdays cases are in people under the age of 40. More than 42,000 tests were completed. 10:11 a.m. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to take part in next weeks scheduled presidential debate with his Democratic rival Joe Biden despite his coronavirus diagnosis last week, a spokesman told Fox News late Monday. The president intends to debate, Tim Murtaugh told the broadcaster less than an hour after Trump left the Walter Reed medical center, where he had been receiving treatment for COVID-19. The second debate, during which the candidates are to answer questions from voters, is set to take place on Oct. 15 in Miami. There have been concerns that Trump may have been infectious at his first debate with Biden last week, when the pair stood six feet apart. Both men are in their 70s and in the high-risk category of those who become infected with coronavirus because of their age. 9:52 a.m. Toronto home prices and sales continued to hit records in September as pent-up demand and historic low borrowing costs pushed prices up 14 per cent to $960,772 across all housing types, including condos. The number of transactions also soared 42.3 per cent year over year, said the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) on Tuesday. It reported the biggest gains in the 905 areas surrounding the city, with single-family homes leading the growth. Detached houses were the regions hottest selling properties, going for 12.9 per cent more compared to last September at an average of nearly $1.2 million. Read the full story from the Stars Tess Kalinowski 9:50 a.m. A reportedly ill defendant in a murder case didnt show up for the first day of his trial this past week in front of a jury in a downtown Toronto courtroom. A COVID-19 test was ordered. But rather than keep jurors on an indefinite hold, the trial judge, after obvious careful reflection, cut them loose and declared a mistrial. For the second time in a week, the wheels had fallen off a case in Superior Court, highlighting the challenges faced by the justice system as it tries to restart jury trials after their pandemic-induced suspension in March. In the case of the ill defendant, theyll try again in a few weeks, after an elaborate and expensive off-site jury selection process at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, which is where the first juries were picked a week ago. Read the full story from the Stars Betsy Powell and Alyshah Hasham 9:37 a.m. The NDP and the B.C. Liberals are promising to make the COVID-19 vaccine available for free to anyone who wants it in British Columbia. John Horgan, who is scheduled to release his partys platform Tuesday, announced the plan to make the vaccine available once it is approved and available at an online town hall meeting on Monday evening with other NDP candidates. Shortly after, Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson said on Twitter a life-saving vaccine should be made available to everyone for free in matching the NDP promise. Earlier, Wilkinson resurrected a previous party plan to build a 10-lane bridge over the Fraser River to replace the aging Massey Tunnel if the Liberals are elected on Oct. 24. 9:16 a.m. Michelle Obama is going after President Donald Trump in a scathing new video that accuses him of wilful mismanagement of the coronavirus crisis and of racism. She calls on Black and all young voters not to waste their votes. In the video, released Tuesday by Joe Bidens campaign, Mrs. Obama notes that more Americans have died from COVID-19 than died in the Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Korean wars combined. She charges that with respect to the virus, our commander in chief, sadly, has been missing in action. Mrs. Obama accuses Trump of being racist when he and other Republicans are lying about how minorities will destroy the suburbs, which she says is meant to distract from his breathtaking failures. She also calls on undecided voters to think about all those folks like me and my ancestors and have some empathy for what its like to walk around your own country scared that someones unjustified fear of you could put you in harms way. And to Black and brown voters, and all young voters, who are considering sitting out the election, Mrs. Obama urges them to make a plan to vote, because we dont have the luxury to assume that things are going to turn out okay. 8:39 a.m. President Donald Trumps return to the White House to recover from the coronavirus seems certain to raise the already heightened anxiety level of the journalists assigned to follow him. Three reporters have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days while covering a White House described as lax, at best, in following basic safety advice like wearing masks. Discomfort only increased Monday with news that press secretary Kayleigh McEnany had tested positive. Journalists are left to wonder if a still-contagious president will gather them for a public appearance and how their safety will be ensured. After McEnanys announcement Monday, Fox News chief White House correspondent John Roberts spent part of his afternoon waiting outside an urgent care centre for his own test. He had attended McEnanys briefing last Thursday. She didnt wear a mask, and neither did one of her assistants who later tested positive, and Roberts sat near both of them. He tested negative. He called it an inconvenience, but stronger emotions were spreading. American Urban Radio Networks correspondent April Ryan said she found it infuriating that Trump and his team had risked the health of her colleagues. CNNs Kaitlan Collins said it was irresponsible, at best. 8:21 a.m. Stocks mostly rose on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House to complete his recovery from the coronavirus, though uncertainty remained over prospects for fresh economic stimulus. Trump left the hospital after spending less than three days there, returning from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to finish his treatment at home. His doctor, Navy Cmdr. Sean Conley, said the president remained contagious and would not be fully out of the woods for another week. Signs of Trumps improved condition boosted markets in Asia and Europe following an overnight rally on Wall Street. The future contract for the S&P 500 rose 0.1 per cent and that for the Dow industrials edged 0.3 per cent higher. Germanys DAX rose 0.6 per cent to 12,903 and the CAC 40 in Paris gained 0.7 per cent to 4,905. Britains FTSE 100 rose 0.2 per cent to 5,957. In Asian trading, Japans Nikkei 225 climbed 0.5 per cent to 23,433.73 and the Hang Seng in Hong Kong jumped 0.9 per cent to 23,980.65. South Koreas Kospi added 0.3 per cent to 2,365.90. 8:19 a.m. More than 10 per cent of COVID-19 tests are coming back positive in some pockets of Toronto, a metric that shows the citys second wave surging even more alarmingly than previously known and lends urgency to calls for local restrictions. According to provincial data provided to the Star that has not been publicly released, approximately two-thirds of the city has a test-positivity rate of higher than 3 per cent, considered a critical threshold by public health authorities in Toronto and beyond. Test positivity is an important statistic because it helps indicate how widespread transmission is, especially as testing or lab capacity fails to match demand as Ontario is experiencing right now. When people who need to be tested are turned off by long lineups or cant find an available appointment at assessment centres, daily case counts may flatten or drop. But rising test positivity suggests surging transmission levels, independent of how many tests are completed. Read the full story from the Stars Jennifer Yang and Kate Allen 7:49 a.m. Canadians are divided about whether to let the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt their plans for upcoming holidays and seasonal events, a new poll suggests. The poll, conducted by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies, comes as COVID-19 cases are surging and public health authorities are pleading with Canadians in places with rising case counts to avoid contact with anyone outside their immediate families or at least to stick to small social circles. The results suggest that message is only partially getting through. Respondents with children who went door to door for Halloween last year were closely divided on whether to let them go trick-or-treating again this year, with 52 per cent saying they wont and 48 per cent saying they will. The poll found sharp regional variations, however. About two-thirds of respondents in Atlantic Canada, which has been relatively untouched by COVID-19s resurgence, said they will let their kids go out. In harder-hit Ontario and Quebec, two-thirds said they wont. 7:43 a.m. Desrine Peters, 43, moved to Canada 10 years ago from Jamaica and had been working in security, but found there wasnt much room for progress in the field. I was finding myself not accomplishing my goals, she said. Peters is now a first-year student at Seneca College in the chemical lab technician program, and has plans to continue studying biochemistry. She credits her adult day school teachers with motivating her and encouraging her to continue her studies. Two years ago she began taking classes at the TDSBs Emery Adult Learning Centre to complete high school credits needed for her college program. When the COVID-19 pandemic created hiccups in education and moved things online in the spring, she finished that semester and took summer school so she would be able to continue to college this fall. Read the full story by the Stars Angelyn Francis 7:32 a.m. With COVID-19 infections on the rise, Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca wants Premier Doug Ford to open the purse strings and close many businesses in the hard-hit regions of Toronto, Peel, and Ottawa. Doug Ford has lost control. Ontario is now in a full-fledged Wave II and still this premier and his cabinet refuse to invest in the safety of Ontarians, even as they sit on billions of dollars in unspent federal funding, Del Duca said Tuesday. The Liberal chief said the Progressive Conservative premier should follow the advice of Toronto public health, the Ontario Hospital Association, and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. Immediately suspend indoor dining at restaurants and bars and close gyms for 28 days in COVID-19 hotspots and ... provide immediate support to businesses affected by the closures, he said. Read the full story from the Stars Robert Benzie 6:07 a.m.: Italys health minister says the government is examining a proposal to make masks mandatory outdoors as the country enters a difficult phase of living alongside COVID-19, with the number of infections growing steadily for the last nine weeks. Roberto Speranza told the lower house of parliament on Tuesday that as infections spread, it is necessary to return to restrictions that were gradually loosened over the spring and summer months after Italys strict nearly three-month lockdown. We must raise our guard with the awareness that our county is better off than others, Speranza said. The government is expected to pass new measures by Wednesday making it necessary to wear masks outdoors and limit gatherings. The government also wants to extend the state of emergency put into place on Jan. 31, while the epidemic was still believed confined to China, until the end of January 2022, making it easier to enforce new measures on a national level. 5:45 a.m.: Even with all the safety protocols in place in court including courtrooms fitted with Plexiglas barriers between all participants, masking and, where possible, physical distancing, as well as courtrooms repurposed to be jury rooms the rapid rise in Toronto cases and testing backlog means it will only get harder to keep trials going. Courthouse screening rules prohibit anyone from witnesses to judges showing COVID-19 symptoms from entering the courthouse. Are the courts ready to weather the second wave? Legal insiders predict there will be lots of COVID-interruptus, but say theres no going back, not when the criminal case backlog continues to get bigger and bigger. The court system cant withstand another shutdown, observed Sid Freeman, a long-time criminal defence lawyer. Read the full story from the Stars Betsy Powell and Alyshah Hasham. 5:21 a.m.: About 25 residents from remote Easter Island who have been stranded far from their loved ones for more than six months because of the coronavirus will finally be able to return home this week on a French military plane. The group has been stranded on Tahiti in French Polynesia. Many arrived in March planning to stay for just a few weeks, but they got stuck when the virus swept across the globe and their flights back home on LATAM airlines were cancelled. A second group of about 15 Tahitians have also been stranded on Easter Island because of the flight cancellations. French authorities announced Tuesday they would use an Airbus A400M Atlas turboprop to repatriate both groups in a flight that would take about six hours in each direction. 5:19 a.m.: The White House has blocked new Food and Drug Administration guidelines on bringing potential vaccines for COVID-19 to market that would almost certainly have prevented their introduction before the Nov. 3 election. At issue was the FDAs planned instruction that vaccine developers follow patients enrolled in their trials for at least two months to rule out safety issues before seeking emergency approval from the agency. A senior administration confirmed the move Monday evening, saying the White House believed there was no clinical or medical reason for the additional requirement. The White House action was first reported by The New York Times. The intervention by Trump officials is the latest example of the administration undercutting its own medical experts working to combat the pandemic that has killed more than 210,000 Americans. FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn has been attempting to shore up public confidence in the FDAs vaccine review for weeks, vowing that career scientists, not politicians, will decide if the shots are safe and effective for mass vaccination. 5:15 a.m.: After a revered ultra-Orthodox rabbi died this week, Israeli police thought they had worked out an arrangement with his followers to allow a small, dignified funeral that would conform with public health guidelines under the current coronavirus lockdown. But when it was time to bury the rabbi on Monday, thousands of people showed up ignoring social distancing rules and clashing with police who tried to disperse the mass gathering. Such violations of lockdown rules by segments of the ultra-Orthodox population have angered a broader Israeli public that is largely complying with the restrictions imposed to halt a raging coronavirus outbreak. The defiance on display has confounded public health experts, tested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus long-standing political alliance with religious leaders and triggered a new wave of resentment from secular Israelis who fear for their health and livelihoods. The ultra-Orthodox claim they are being unfairly targeted by the authorities. They point to large weekly protests, mainly by secular Israelis, against Netanyahus handling of the pandemic that have continued throughout the summer. Only last week, the government finally placed limits on the size of the protests, citing violations of public health guidelines. 5:11 a.m.: South Korea has reported 75 new cases of the coronavirus as infections steadily rise in the greater capital area. The figures released Tuesday by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency brought the national caseload to 24,239, including 422 deaths. At least 36 troops have tested positive at an army unit in Pocheon, north of Seoul, while 14 other infections were tied to a hospital in nearby Euijeongbu. Theres concern that infections will grow in the coming weeks due to increased travel during the five-day Chuseok harvest holiday that ended Sunday. 5:08 a.m.: Philippine Airlines has called on its employees to apply for voluntary separation as part of a retrenchment plan that may affect up to 35% of its 7,000 workers. PAL said it resorted to furloughs and flexible working arrangements at the height of the pandemic to preserve jobs. But it is operating 15% of its normal flights and said collapsing demand and ongoing travel restrictions made retrenchment inevitable. The retrenchments would involve voluntary and mandatory steps to be carried out in the remaining months of the year, PAL said and assured employees of fair treatment. 5:05 a.m.: India has registered 61,267 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, marking the lowest daily infections since Aug 25 and driving the countrys total virus caseload to nearly 6.7 million. The Health Ministry on Tuesday also reported 884 deaths in the past 24 hours. The death toll now stands at 103,569. India, the worlds second most-affected country, has been reporting the highest single-day caseload in the world for nearly 45 days. The last three weeks have seen a gradual decline in its daily reported infections. 5 a.m.: China and 25 other nations on Monday called for the immediate lifting of sanctions by the United States and Western countries to ensure an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking on behalf of the 26 countries at a meeting of the U.N. General Assemblys Human Rights Committee, Chinas U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun said unilateral coercive measures violate the U.N. Charter, multilateralism, and impede human rights by hindering the well-being of the population in the affected countries and undermining the right to health. Global solidarity and international co-operation are the most powerful weapons in fighting and overcoming COVID-19, the joint statement said. We seize this opportunity to call for the complete and immediate lifting of unilateral coercive measures, in order to ensure the full, effective and efficient response of all members of the international community to COVID-19. Among the countries that backed the statement were half a dozen that face sanctions by the United States, European Union or other Western nations including Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Russia, Syria and Venezuela. The statement notes that both U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet have called for the waiving of sanctions that undermine a countrys capacity to respond to the pandemic. 4 a.m.: Ontario begins COVID-19 testing by appointment only this morning. Premier Doug Ford has said the shift to the new system was done to prepare the provinces 155 assessment centres for winter. The government has faced criticism over the long lines at assessment centres where people have had to wait for hours for a COVID-19 test. The province has also changed its screening guidance, now saying that only symptomatic people or those in high-risk groups should seek out a test. Testing centres began to close Sunday to prepare for the new model that is being launched today. The province is facing a testing backlog of approximately 68,000 tests. Monday 10:26 p.m. Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement posted on the teams Twitter account Monday night. Earlier today, Oilers Captain Connor McDavid underwent medical testing that revealed a positive result for the COVID-19 virus, the statement says. Since that time, he has been in voluntary self-quarantine at his home. He will continue to be monitored and will follow all associated health protocols. The statement says McDavid is feeling well and is experiencing mild symptoms. Monday 9:30 p.m.: Nunavut has confirmed nine positive cases of COVID-19 at the Hope Bay gold mine in the western part of the territory. The Nunavut government announced the positive cases Monday evening. Another four presumptive positive cases have also been identified and are pending testing at a lab in southern Canada. Last week, the territory declared eight presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 at the mine, which is located 125 kilometres southwest of Cambridge Bay. The government said it is still working to determine whether the positive cases at the mine will count as the first in the territory. Cases that were announced earlier werent counted because the people came from outside Nunavut. Click here for more of Mondays coverage. CAIRO Egyptian authorities continue to crack down on terrorist elements in the Sinai Peninsula, but more recently these operations seem to have moved out of Sinai and closer to the capital city of Cairo. On Sept. 28, Egypts security forces killed two suspected militants in Qalyubia governorate, in the Greater Cairo area. The Egyptian Ministry of Interior said in a statement that a shootout erupted when police raided a hideout in al-Qalg used by suspects planning terrorist attacks. The statement said Hossam Abd Rabbo, 47, and Ahmed al-Sayyid al-Biyoumi Ibrahim, 37, were killed and found in possession of a machine gun, a pistol and various types of ammunition of different calibers. According to the statement, the suspects belonged to an extremist and terrorist cell that had been targeted in April before carrying out a terrorist attack ahead of the Coptic holidays. The ministry had said April 14 that Muhammad al-Hofi, a counterterrorism officer at the ministry, was killed during clashes with terrorists in Cairo's Amiriyah district. Seven terrorist operatives were also killed. The Egyptian armed forces announced Aug. 30 that seven officers and soldiers were killed and wounded during raids conducted at terrorist groups hideouts in the northern Sinai Peninsula, which indicates that the confrontation has moved to the capital and nearby governorates, according to observers. Ali Raggal, an expert on security affairs at Mominoun Without Borders, a Moroccan-based research institution that encourages religious reform in Arab and Muslim societies, believes that it is certainly a good thing that the police pursue terrorist operatives and take preemptive actions. But he sees that these elements are moving closer to the capital and nearby governorates and shifting their terrorist activities from Sinai to the capital and its suburbs, which points at a security defect in the police strategy when dealing with them. Raggal told Al-Monitor via phone that the raids and killings of some gunmen by the police are what provokes the terrorist groups, prompting them to resort to violence, seek revenge, and expand their activities toward the capital and its suburbs. He said the targeting of gunmen and outlaws is successful, but the killing of these elements without trials is what increases confrontations with the police and subsequent losses incurred by the two sides. It is always better to deal with them in a professional way; namely, to arrest them, bring them to justice and not kill them on the spot, he stated. Speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity by phone, a security source explained that the police and armed forces are decisive in countering terrorists in the various parts of Egypt. The source said security forces have successfully targeted a number of terrorist strongholds in the past, most notably when the armed forces destroyed 317 hideouts and warehouses holding explosive devices in the northern Sinai Peninsula and 19 four-wheel-drive vehicles used by terrorists, killing 73 terrorists July 22 and Aug. 30. The source indicated that the northern Sinai Peninsula is the main terrorist hotspot not Cairo or other governorates save the very rare attacks against the Copts, armed forces and police. He said these elements have been almost completely eliminated so far, thanks to the preemptive strikes that counterterrorism forces conduct. He said the repeated preemptive strikes against terrorists, especially the raid at a hideout in Cairo's Amiriyah district in April, confirm that police have succeeded in eliminating those elements before they are able to carry out terrorist operations or target Copts or Christian places of worship. The source said the last security operation on Sept. 28 is linked to Aprils operation, as all suspects belong to the same terrorist cell. He said the operation aimed to fully eliminate this cell and avenge the killing of Hofi. The limited and failed terrorist operations in Sinai recently point to the success of the military's preemptive strikes in the northern Sinai Peninsula and other areas in Egypt, and it has thus become clear that terrorist activities have decreased across Egypt recently compared to previous years, according to the source. In February 2018, the Egyptian armed forces launched Comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018 in Sinai, the Nile Delta, and desert areas west of the Nile Valley in a bid to eliminate armed and terrorist groups. Samir Ghattas, a member of the Egyptian parliament and head of the Middle East Forum for Strategic Studies, told Al-Monitor via phone that Egyptian security forces have successfully led the battles against terrorism through preemptive strikes to eradicate terrorist elements before they are able to conduct armed operations. Ghattas said cooperation between police forces and the army has significantly curbed terrorist operations which shows their success in thwarting terrorist groups' plans by weakening their manpower and logistic strength and has subsequently created despair and frustration within terrorist ranks. He noted that the significant and noticeable decline in terrorists' and armed groups capabilities since 2018 is due to the polices preemptive blows and security raids carried out occasionally, which resulted in the recent decline in the terrorist groups' activity. This is the second of two essays, but, before we begin to consider Thomas Franks new book, I want to exhort you to support Naked Capitalism. To support it because its a rare reliable source of truth in a very dark time in history, a time in which truth is surrounded, is suffocated, really, by a disloyal bodyguard of propaganda, theory, narrative, lies, damn lies, and bullshit. You can fight the lies and donate here. And let me share my own experience with you. As I look back through my saved screen shots, I see that December 26, 2016 was a very important day in my life, because on it I stumbled across a post by Lambert entitled The Narrative, Neoliberalism, and Identity Politics. Read it. Its so good. Adolph Reeds observations especially. It is through this post that I discovered Naked Capitalism. And as I read it again and again I found myself beginning to look to Naked Capitalism for more pieces like it, for more brilliant insight. For more truth. And there was truth to be found. Coffee and Naked Capitalism became my two main morning priorities, though not necessarily in that order. And soon enough, as a Concerned Citizen in a Small Town, I felt compelled to do my Patriotic Duty and Volunteer to serve, somehow, some way, in this Noble Endeavor. So I bought a bus ticket to New York City, where, as I had read, I could find Yves and Michael Hudson in an Irish pub somewhere in the East Village. And there they were, glad to meet me! Yves had wonderful tales of Harvard and Goldman, and Michael told me how, when he was an infant in Mexico City in 1939, his aunt was tricked into supplying the murder weapon (an ice axe) to the assassin Stalin had sent for Trotsky. Now this was fun! But what could I do to help such illustrious personages? I told Yves that Chris Hedges and Thomas Frank, two of Americas most important and coolest authors, had new books coming out this was in 2018 and that Id be glad to track them down and review their books and interview them. Have at it! she told me. And so I did and so I continue to do. And so also does Naked Capitalism continue to publish what is most important and most insightful and, above all, most truthful. So please do donate you can do so via the Tip Jar, which tells you how to give by debit card, credit card, or check. And now, two years later, here again is Thomas Frank, who, once again, has published a book full of revelatory insight into why we Americans must rediscover the lost promise of democracy. By John Siman, a classicist In his new history of anti-populism, Thomas Franks most stunning insight is this: In the 1890s, in the states of the Old Confederacy, the threat of a political union between poor black Republicans and poor white Populists so panicked the ruling post-Reconstruction Bourbon Democrats that their official, narcotizing lie ofwhite solidarity was weaponized into the inhumanly degrading dogma of white supremacy. The South in the 1890s, Frank writes, was filled with poor farmers both white and black, and keeping these two groups at each others throats was virtually the entire point of the regions traditional politics (p. 42). Hence the usefulness of the lie of white solidarity: For a generation or more after the Civil War poor whites were propagandized to believe that their true interests lay with those of their wealthy Lost Cause betters. But the advent of the Populist movement shattered this lie. In 1892, Frank continues, the Populist leader Tom Watson of Georgia declared in a national magazine that the Peoples Party will settle the race question by addressing the common economic interests [italics mine] of black and white farmers (p. 43). Frank proceeds to quote Watson: You are kept apart, with remarkable eloquence did Watson address the poor farmers of the South, that you may be separately fleeced of your earnings. You are made to hate each other because upon that hatred rested the keystone of the arch of financial despotism which enslaves you both. You are deceived and blinded that you may not see how this race antagonism perpetuates a monetary system which beggars both (p. 43). And poor whites and poor blacks, as Populist leaders like Watson exhorted them, did indeed begin to make viable political alliances to the horror of the Bourbon Democrats. This is all very exciting to learn, but Frank cautioned me not to get too excited. Its important to understand that the Populists were not racial liberals by modern standards, he told me. Even though the Farmers Alliance had a black wing, the two units were formally segregated. Their leaders often said blacks and whites should come together politically, but not necessarily in other ways. That qualification having been duly noted, it is still amazing to read of the explosion of progressive energy unleashed during those few years in the early 1890s when blacks and whites could and did come together politically, and, in turn, of the viciousness of the Bourbon suppression of it. Frank was particularly enthusiastic when he told me to read W.E.B. Du Boiss summary of Tom Watsons career (in Du Boiss 1924 essay on the state of Georgia in the anthology These United States: Suppose a man of the people, that is, of the white people, Du Bois wrote, arose in Georgia and said, We are being exploited, tremendously and shamelessly. It is worth while to arouse the workers and get them to vote in better industrial conditions. What would happen? Du Bois proceeds to answer his own question: There was once such a man in Georgia, Tom Watson. He tried to unite labor. He organized the Populist Party in Georgia and invited the blacks to help. It was a critical situation that developed in the early nineties when it was increasingly difficult to keep the Negro disenfranchised illegally and yet not possible to disenfranchise him legally. [T]he captains of industry mobilized. Internal dissension in the labor ranks followed. The whole movement swung into intense Negro hatred; and the net result was that the white labor vote was swung into a movement to finally and completely disenfranchise the Negro labor. The mob shot down Watsons Negro leaders in their tracks (Du Bois, Georgia, pp. 339-340). And Franks own account of the dramatic success of the Populist + Republican Fusionist coalition in North Carolina provides for us an especially vivid encapsulation of both the potential political power of such transracial coalitions and the barbaric violence of the white supremacist response. For in North Carolina the new Populist Party, in fusion with the local Republican Party, Frank explains, actually captured the government in 1894 and 96 and then made reforms that allowed blacks to sometimes gain political power in places where they were in the majority (pp. 79-80). Interestingly, in the 1896 presidential election, the (non-Bourbon) Democratic + Populist Fusionist candidate William Jennings Bryan won North Carolinas eleven electoral votes, which were also, quite remarkably, split between his two running mates: the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, Arthur Sewall of Maine, won six of North Carolinas electoral votes, while the eloquent Georgian Watson, as the Populist vice-presidential candidate, won the other five. Such Populist and Fusionist shows of strength constituted a Democracy Scare(to use Franks term) to end all Democracy Scares, and the ensuing blowback was savage, even murderous. And so in 1898, as Frank writes, the Bourbon Democrats mounted a white supremacy campaign of anti-black hysteria to defeat forever their political rivals. The supremacist leaders played in particular upon the nightmarish threat black empowerment supposedly posed to white women (p. 80). Frank continues: Amply funded by the states business class[italics mine], they issued an amazing assortment of racist cartoons, newspapers, and pamphlets. Then they used paramilitary gangs of so-called redshirts to intimidate Populist and Republican voters (p. 80). The bloody culmination of this white supremacist campaign occurred in Wilmington, at that time the largest city in North Carolina, on Thursday, November 10, two days after the 1898 election. A tightly-organized gang of Bourbon Democrats, calling themselves the White Mans Party, led a mob of about 2,000 vigilantes through the black neighborhoods of Wilmington, where they destroyed black businesses and attacked black citizens with the expressed intent of killing every damn n r in sight. At least sixty were murdered, perhaps many more. The massacre then became an actual coup detat: The leaders of the mob forced, at gunpoint, Wilmingtons Fusionist-Republican mayor to resign, as well as the police chief and the board of aldermen. The mob then installed a new, unelected, white-supremacist government. Both the violence and the coup in Wilmington were lauded throughout North Carolina and throughout the South. The resurgent Bourbon Democrats proceeded to unconstitutionally disenfranchise black voters (and to a lesser extent their poor white potential allies), and by 1904 black men had been entirely eliminated from the voting rolls in North Carolina. A similar mania for disenfranchisement, Frank continues, swept other southern states at about the same time a movement that historians have attributed, in part, to elite fears aroused by the Populist threat to white solidarity (pp. 81-82). I do not want to oversimplify Franks case by saying that the Populist Party was the direct cause of the Democracy Scare that was in turn the direct cause of the white supremacy campaign; indeed Frank explained to me that [in] some states disenfranchisement happened before Populism, in some as a direct response to Populism, and in others as a delayed response to Populism. Nevertheless, we can fairly observe, I think, that, throughout the Old Confederacy, the demolition of the transracial Populist movement ca. 1898 segues into a seven-decades-long nightmare of American apartheid and one-party rule. Here originated the utter disenfranchisement of all black citizens in the South; here originated the Jim Crow laws which enforced their brutal segregation, their universal ostracism and constant degradation. And as if all this were not tragic enough, Frank tops it off with asickeningand demoralizing detail. Quoting the great Southern historian C. Vann Woodward (1908-1999), who had written his 1937 University of North Carolina doctoral dissertation on Tom Watson, Frank describes how, after white supremacy had conquered the South, Watson reinvented himself as a vicious racist, an enthusiastic advocate of flogging and lynching, whose tirades against his onetime allies of the Negro race were matchless in their malevolence (p. 45). Reading Woodwards dissertation eight decades later, one would more likely describe Watsons malevolence as not merely matchless, but as dumbfounding, as truly incomprehensible to our current sensibilities. Woodward quotes Watson thus: Negroes, [Watson] observed, simply have no comprehension of virtue, honesty, truth, gratitude and principle. In the South we have to lynch him [the Negro] occasionally, and flog him, now and then, to keep him from blaspheming the Almighty by his conduct, on account of his smell and his color. [Watson] defended lynching both in principle and in specific instances. [Watson] wrote, Lynch law is a good sign: it shows that a sense of justice yet lives among the people. As for himself, he would no more hesitate to lynch a Negro rapist than to shoot a mad dog (C. Vann Woodward, Tom Watson: Agrarian Rebel, p. 374). Has there been a betrayal more vile since the time of Judas? A friend betrayed, Woodward concluded, is the enemy most despised (p. 374). Yet here Frank exhorted me not to stop at Woodward but to reread the stunningly beautiful concluding paragraph of Du Boiss essay on Tom Watsons Georgia and I feel obliged now to quote in full: I am in the hot, crowded, and dirty Jim Crow car, Du Bois writes, where I belong. A black woman with endless babies is faring forth from Georgia, North. Two of the babies are sitting on parts of me. I am not comfortable. Then I look out the window and somehow it seems to me that here in the Jim Crow car and there in the mountain cabin lies the future of Georgia in the intelligence and union of these laborers, white and black, on this soil wet with their blood and tears. They hate and despise each other today. They lynch and murder body and soul. They are separated by the width of a world. And yet and yet, stranger things have happened under the sun than understanding between those who are born blind (Du Bois, Georgia, p. 345). Perhaps Du Bois had in mind Watsons words: You are deceived and blinded that you may not see how this race antagonism perpetuates a monetary system which beggars both [you poor white laborers and you poor black laborers]. * * * Woodwards youthful study of the tragedy of Tom Watson provided the foundation for his most important book, The Strange Career of Jim Crow, which he published in 1955, a year after the Supreme Court had unanimously decided in Brown v. Board of Educationthat segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Woodwards book appeared, that is, at the beginning of the formal national legal assault on the unconstitutional edifice which had been built upon white supremacy. Woodwards essential insight in the book was this: The universal Southern policy of disenfranchisement and brutal segregation of American apartheid was notput into place decisively until the early years of the twentieth century. In other words, since segregation was an evil done in the recent past, one could envision its undoing in the near future. Segregation had to be understood as an ugly, freakish but temporary anomaly, not an enduring expression of our deeper human nature. Woodwards insight here was so great that Martin Luther King called TheStrange Career of Jim Crow the historical Bible of the civil rights movement. Racism, argued Woodward, the biographer of Tom Watson, was an historical aberration that had to be opposed and corrected, not an undying, ineradicable demon in the souls of white people! So now let us reconsider Franks essential insight in the context of Woodwards. Both Woodward and Frank place the origins of the Jim Crow segregation laws in the years following the Wilmington Massacre of 1898. For both of them, I think, make it clear that, as the Populists began to advance their program of class solidarity (which was of necessity transracial, as Frank repeatedly emphasizes), the Bourbon Democrats,recognizing only too well the existential threat that Populist-inspired class solidarity posed to them, crushed it with their campaign of white supremacy and then kept it down with their Jim Crow segregation laws. Laws which, however brutal, could be undone. Betrayals which, however Judas-like, could be forgiven. Woodwards great insight enabled Martin Luther King to articulate with great clarity the feasibility of ending the Jim Crow segregationist regime. Franks great insight enables any or all of us to hear, as with new ears, the transracial, that is, the populist, source of Kings liberating words. Thus Frank quotes, at great length and to great effect, from Kings Address at the Conclusion of the Selma to Montgomery March of March 25, 1965. These are, I think, the most revelatory pages in his book, for in them all of Franks analysis comes together, and one can therefore hear Kings words with a fresh understanding of their historical context: The leaders of [the Populist] movement, King said in Montgomery, began awakening the poor white masses and the former Negro slaves to the fact that they were being fleeced by the emerging Bourbon interests. Not only that, but they began uniting the Negro and white masses into a voting bloc that threatened to drive the Bourbon interests from the command posts of political power in the South. Hence the Bourbon Democrats campaign of white supremacy. King: Then they directed the placement on the books of the South laws that made it a crime for Negroes and whites to come together at any level. And that did it. They crippled and eventually destroyed the Populist movement of the nineteenth century. And thus arose the nightmarish regime of segregation. King: They segregated southern money from the poor whites; they segregated southern mores from the rich whites; they segregated southern churches from Christianity; they segregated southern minds from honest thinking; and the segregated the Negro from everything. Thats what happened when the Negro and white masses of the South threatened to unite and build a great society [italics mine]: a society of justice where none would prey upon the weakness of others; a society of plenty where greed and poverty would be done away; a society of brotherhood where every man would respect the dignity and worth of human personality (pp. 169-171). Frank makes clear that the populist exhortation implicit in Kings words is as compelling in 2020 as it was in 1965 and as it was in 1895. It is for us to do now what they were prevented from doing then: It is for us to unite and build a great society of justice and plenty and brotherhood. This populist exhortation to join together for a greater good represents, I believe, the very finest hopes of the American people. Frank told me that he believes that populism must be transracial and every true populist and labor leader knows it but historically speaking that has turned out to be difficult to achieve. It is the great virtue of Franks book to provide the historical context to make this so evident. Thomas Frank recommending more reading. Even if everything you know about black holes comes from Hollywood flicks remember Matthew McConaughey journeying into the collapsed star Gargauntua in Interstellar? the 2020 Nobel Prize for Physics announced on Tuesday should give you some reason to cheer. The $1.1 million prize was shared by three scientists credited with unraveling some of the trickiest mysteries of black holes, a point in space with a force of gravity so strong that even light cannot escape. Britains Roger Penrose whose popular science books on the physics of the universe inspired a generation of young stargazers won one half of the prize for proving that black holes are a direct consequence of Albert Einsteins general theory of relativity, one of the major building blocks of modern physics that connects law of gravity to space-time geometry. Reinhard Genzel of Germany and Andrea Ghez of the US won the other half of the prize for discovering that an invisible and extremely heavy object a supermassive black hole governs the orbits of stars at the centre of our galaxy. It was an extreme honour and great pleasure to hear the news this morning in a slightly unusual way I had to get out of my shower to hear it, said Penrose, paying tribute to his late colleague Stephen Hawking, who he said deserved a share of the prize. Ghez only the fourth woman to be awarded the Nobel physics prize said she hoped it would inspire others to enter the field. Genzel was on a Zoom call with colleagues when the phone rang. Just like in the movies, a voice said: This is Stockholm, the 68-year-old astrophysicist told Reuters. I cried a little bit. Indias scientific community rejoiced at the news. Padma Bhushan SM Chitre, mathematician and astrophysicist, Penroses schoolmate at Cambridge and longtime friend, said the accolade came at long last and capped many awards Penrose picked over his almost 70-year career. Hes now 89 and still working just as hard, said Chitre. His work is on the most obtuse of subjects, and as with the singularity theorems he developed with Stephen Hawking, he has found unexpected ways to work out the mathematical details. Black holes have fascinated scientists for decades because understanding them is crucial to exploring the origin of matter and galaxies. In 1915, Einstein predicted that space and time could be warped by the force of gravity. Yet he did not actually believe in black holes, and finding a way to prove their existence baffled scientists for another 50 years. It was not until a seminal paper in 1965 that Penrose proved that black holes can really form describing them in detail and stating that, at their centre, there is a singularity where time and space cease to exist. Because they suck in light, black holes often formed when a star is dying where a large amount of matter is squeezed into a tiny space are invisible, except with special telescopes. Genzel and Ghez have been looking through those special telescopes for decades, said Varun Bhalerao, assistant professor at IIT-Bombays department of physics. Theyve studied images of star positions in the Milky Way year after year and eventually realised those stars were orbiting something in the centre of our galaxy, he said. By space standards, that orbit is small, but still has a mass many million times the sun. The only available explanation is that it is a black hole. Its not close enough to suck us in, assured GC Anupama, president of the Astronomical Society of India. Penroses work, on the other hand, is hard for anyone to see as boring. His theories have influenced the fields as varied as quantum cosmology, the science of consciousness and artificial intelligence. His interests in geometry, the way non-overlapping flat shapes form finite and infinite symmetries, have resulted in mathematical experiments named after him: Penrose tiling. Most famous, perhaps, is his Penrose stairs with four landings that loop into each other so the steps rise higher but the staircase appears to stay on the same level. Hes one of our greatest mathematicians, said Chitre. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rachel Lopez Rachel Lopez is a a writer and editor with the Hindustan Times. She has worked with the Times Group, Time Out and Vogue and has a special interest in city history, culture, etymology and internet and society. ...view detail Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a State of Emergency based on Hurricane Deltas potential to make landfall in or near Mobile and Baldwin counties, and followed it with an order for coastal vacationers and tourists to clear out. Additionally, Attorney General Steve Marshall has announced that the states price gouging law, already in effect for COVID-19 and Hurricane Sally, has been extended to apply to Hurricane Delta as well. Cases of suspected price gouging can be reported at https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumercomplaint, or by calling toll-free 1-800-392-5658. The announcement said the attorney generals office has received 52 complaints of alleged price gouging and fraud related to Hurricane Sally, which are under review. The State of Emergency took effect at 11 a.m. Tuesday. It directs that the states Emergency Operations Plan and the Alabama Emergency Management Agencys state Emergency Operations Center be activated, and that the Alabama National Guard prepare to be activated. The follow-up proclamation applies at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at which time all covered persons in the covered areas shall immediately evacuate themselves from the covered areas until this order is rescinded or modified in writing. Covered areas are the town of Dauphin Island and all of Baldwin County south of the Intracoastal Waterway. Covered people means anyone who doesnt have a hurricane pass or decal issued by a municipal government in the area, or a business license issued by a municipal government in the area.. In a statement distributed along with the initial State of Emergency order, Ivey said that she had signed the order to begin Alabamas preparation process and position us to be able to declare a pre-landfall disaster declaration with FEMA. As residents along the Gulf Coast know all too well, these storms are unpredictable, and I strongly encourage everyone to take Hurricane Delta seriously. We are keeping a close eye on this approaching storm and we will continue providing all necessary updates. As our coastal areas are still recovering from #HurricaneSally, another system, #HurricaneDelta, is making its way toward the Gulf Coast and could potentially have a significant impact on AL. I signed a State of Emergency to begin Alabamas preparation process. #alwx #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/JS5aiQXCom Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) October 6, 2020 Hurricane Delta was still in the western Caribbean as of late Tuesday morning and had grown to Category 4 strength, though it was expected to weaken as it crosses the Gulf. Landfall on the northern Gulf Coast is expected late Friday or early Saturday. The projected possible landfall zone is centered on the middle of the Louisiana coast but ranges from eastern Texas to the tip of the Florida Panhandle. Most projections show it proceeding to the northeast after making landfall, meaning it will bring rain and wind to large portions of Mississippi and Alabama. For updates on the storm, visit www.AL.com/hurricane. 12 Hurricane Delta Prior to the declaration, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson told the Mobile City Council that Ivey had held a conference call with himself, other coastal mayors, and Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl earlier Tuesday morning. He said the governor had made clear that the state was readying itself to provide local support as needed. Stimpson also told the council that while Mobile was about 50% done cleaning up debris left from Hurricane Sally, there was no way that job could be completed before Delta arrived. In other developments related to Deltas approach, FEMA has announced plans to shut down mobile registration centers it had opened to assist people seeking federal aid due to damage from Sally. The centers are tentatively set to reopen Monday. Out of all of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggars 19 kids, Jana Duggar fascinates many fans. The 30-year-old still lives at home with her parents, and she posts what shes up to on Instagram. In October 2020, she posted a link to a video showing her younger brother, James Duggar, creating a grand political display in the Duggar family yard and it seems shes losing a ton of followers over it. The Duggar family has very conservative political beliefs (L-R) Jessa Duggar, Jinger Duggar, Jill Duggar, and Jana Duggar visit Extra at their New York studios | D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Extra RELATED: Counting On: Fans Are Outraged By Jana Duggars Support for Jedidiah Duggars Political Career Its no surprise the Duggars are on the conservative end of the political spectrum. Jim Bob served as a Republican in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002, and when he later ran for the senate, his platform centered on conservative views and a pro-life platform. Jedidiah Duggar is now following right in Jim Bobs footsteps as well. He was running for a position as an Arkansas State Representative and posted all about it to Instagram. Im a Conservative. Pro-Life. Pro Second Amendment. Pro Religious Liberty. Combat the Opioid Crisis. Lower Taxes. More Jobs & Growth. Strong Economy, he captioned an Instagram post back in November 2019. Janas made it known she supports Jeds stance and endeavors as well. It was an honor to go to the Arkansas State Capitol today to watch my brother @jed_duggar file as a candidate for House District 89, she wrote to Instagram on Nov. 4, 2019. Im so proud of the man he is and the heart he has for serving the community of Springdale! Jana Duggar linked to a video showing James Duggar creating a political display in the family yard With Election Day coming up, it looks like the Duggars are preparing in their own ways. On Oct. 5, Jana posted a short clip to her Instagram showing James out in the Duggar family yard working on the lawn. James is so creative and is always surprising us with the things he comes up with! she captioned the post, though it was tough to tell from the clip what exactly James was up to. Check out the new yard artwork he did with just a weedeater! Jana then linked to a YouTube video that showed James utilizing a weed trimmer to write TRUMP 2020 in large letters in front of the home. A family that speaks of Christian values and love supports a man that spreads so much hate, one fan commented on Janas Instagram post. Disappointing. I like you a lot Jana and I think youre really smart but that man doesnt have an ounce of goodness in his heart, another wrote. Cant believe Im disappointed right now over things I already knew. Duggar family critics think Janas losing a ton of followers over it See Jana Duggar in an all new #CountingOn tomorrow at 9/8c! https://t.co/l3QyP3Bv4d pic.twitter.com/pH7IW7HgR6 TLC Network (@TLC) March 21, 2016 It looks like Janas losing some followers and its likely due to her post of James yard work. Duggar family critics from Reddit noted Jana lost over 100 followers. As of 1:30 p.m. PST, Janas Instagram is in the red for followers! the original poster noted. It may only be 100ish people, but its a contrast to her past trends better than nothing! Genuinely confused why she would do this I imagined she had a touch more social media savvy than that, one Reddit user wrote. Especially as shes trying to launch a business and make money as an influencer. Lots of comments expressing disappointment on the Trump lawn post wonder if she reads the comments, another added. Despite the backlash, it seems Jana is keeping the Instagram post and YouTube video up for all of her fans and haters to see. Check out Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Facebook! The war between Armenia and Azerbaijan continued for the ninth day on Monday even as both countries have rejected the international community's appeal to end the war. The fighting over the region began on September 27 and has escalated to its deadliest level since the 1990s. Meanwhile, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has put forward some conditions to end the war saying that if Armenia accepts these conditions, then Azerbaijan will stop the war. Aliyev said that the Armenian army has occupied the territory which it had lost in the 1990s and is deliberately inciting war. If the Armenian army immediately withdraws from the territory, fully describes the withdrawal deadline and apologizes for what they have done, then Azerbaijan is ready to end the war. This is the only way: Aliyev said that Armenia must accept the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, this is the only way to end the war. He further said that the international community has failed to implement the UN resolutions and to pressurize the withdrawal of the Armenian army from Azerbaijan's areas of influence. Intent: It is clear from Aliyev's stance that he has no intention of accepting Russia, US and EU's ceasefire request. At the same time, immediately after Aliyev's speech, the Armenian Defence Ministry has also issued a statement. The Ministry said that there is no threat to us, but still, we are ready to deal with every situation. Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had also made it clear that he is not ready for talks with Azerbaijan. This is the biggest danger: Both Armenia and Azerbaijan are accusing each other of inciting war. Civilians have also been targeted from both sides. Seeing the danger of the involvement of superpowers like Russia in this war, both the nations are being appealed to settle the dispute with peace. Several countries including the US have appealed to Armenia and Azerbaijan to stop the war. The danger of Russia, Turkey, France, Iran and Israel joining the war has also increased. This is the root of the dispute: The major reason for the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which was part of the former Soviet Union, is the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Azerbaijan calls the mountainous region of this region as its own, while Armenia has occupied this region. The area has been under Armenia's occupation since the fighting ended in 1994. In 2016 too, there was a bloody war between the two countries over this area, in which 200 people were killed. Now both countries are face to face once again. Aliyev on Monday said that Turkey must be involved in the peace process for the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Reuters reported quoting the RIA news agency. The fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces over the separatist territory of Nagorno-Karabakh resumed Monday morning, with both sides accusing each other of launching attacks. Armenian military officials on Monday reported missile strikes hitting Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh. The region lies in Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994. Firefights of varying intensity continue to rage" in the conflict zone, Armenian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanian said on Facebook. The Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, in turn, accused Armenian forces of shelling the towns of Tartar, Barda and Beylagan. Ganja, Azerbaijan's second-largest city far outside of the conflict zone, is also under fire, officials said. Armenia's Foreign Ministry in a statement dismissed allegations of the attacks being launched from Armenia's territory as a disinformation campaign waged by Azerbaijan. Vahram Poghosyan, spokesman for Nagorno-Karabakh's leader, on Monday warned in a Facebook post that the territory's forces would target military facilities in Azerbaijani cities in response to strikes on Stepanakert and Shushi, a town in Nagorno-Karabakh. The fighting erupted September 27 and has killed dozens, marking the biggest escalation in the decades-old conflict over the region. Both sides have accused each other of expanding the hostilities beyond the conflict zone in Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh officials have said nearly 200 servicemen on their side have died in the clashes so far. Eighteen civilians have been killed and more than 90 others wounded. Azerbaijani authorities haven't given details about their military casualties but said 24 civilians were killed and 121 others were wounded. Nagorno-Karabakh was a designated autonomous region within Azerbaijan during the Soviet era. It claimed independence from Azerbaijan in 1991, about three months before the Soviet Union's collapse. A full-scale war that broke out in 1992 killed an estimated 30,000 people. By the time the war ended in 1994, Armenian forces not only held Nagorno-Karabakh itself but substantial areas outside the territory's formal borders. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly said that Armenia's withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh is the sole condition to end the fighting. Armenian officials allege that Turkey is involved in the conflict on the side of Azerbaijan and is sending fighters from Syria to the region. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said that a cease-fire can be established only if Turkey is removed from the South Caucasus. Turkey's government has denied sending arms or foreign fighters, while publicly siding with Azerbaijan in the dispute. South Sudan's government forces and other armed groups have deliberately starved civilians, UN investigators said Tuesday, adding there should be enough evidence to try Juba's forces for "crimes against humanity". In a fresh report, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan found that both South Sudan government forces and opposition fighters intentionally starved civilians during the country's civil war "as a method of warfare." The report, covering the period from when war erupted in December 2013 until last April, faulted both sides for their brutal tactics in the civil war that left around 380,000 people dead. "It is quite clear that both government and opposition forces have deliberately used the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare... sometimes as an instrument to punish non-aligning communities," commission chair Yasmin Sooka said in a statement. War erupted in 2013 after a falling out between President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar. They resisted multiple peace efforts until a peace deal was inked in September 2018, giving rise to a power-sharing government in Juba which took control in February 2020, formally ending the war. Killings, rapes, destruction The three-member UN team, which was first set up in 2016, said Tuesday it believed there was sufficient evidence to hold to account both government forces and members of Machar's opposition SPLA-IO for deliberately starving civilians. It also said government forces appeared to have "systematically attacked, pillaged, destroyed, and rendered useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population" in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, where killings, rapes, destruction, arson and looting was also rampant. This had resulted in physical and food insecurity that left civilians no alternative but to flee, the report said, adding that these violations "may amount to "the crime against humanity of deportation or forcible transfer." The report also suggested that individual government commanders could be held accountable under international law for "failing to prevent or punish the international crime of starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare" in Jonglei State. Pope Francis even kissed the feet of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit and rebel leader Riek Machar in a bid to stop the fighting. By Handout (VATICAN MEDIA/AFP/File) There should be sufficient evidence to hold opposition forces accountable over starvation tactics in Central Equatoria State, where they had arbitrarily denied humanitarian aid to populations in need, including "objects indispensable to their survival." It meanwhile appears unlikely for now that perpetrators will be held to account in South Sudan. In a separate report on the transitional justice process in the country, the commission lamented Tuesday that two years after the peace deal was signed "there has been no concrete progress in realising any accountability, national healing, or reconciliation." "The on-going failure to address underlying causes of the conflict has fuelled the political competition for South Sudan's resources and corruption between political elites driving ethnic divisions and violence, and deepening impunity in the country," commissioner Barney Afako said. The young country, born in 2011 from an independence struggle with Sudan, is still fragile, wracked by armed violence at a local level and crisis levels of food security. It has also been hard-hit by the worst flooding in the country in decades, with some 800,000 people currently affected, the UN said. The way of love is how we stay decent during indecent times, said Episcopal Bishop Michael B. Curry in his new book, Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times. Its for all of us who are sitting, looking around at the world, at our leaders, saying, Something has gone very wrong. Its for those who are fighting hard for a better world, and feeling lonely and defeated and very, very tired. Some people are putting love into action to make a difference in Burke County. The phrase 2020 with Love came to Lake James resident Catherine Turner in the middle of a summer night in 2019. It was an answer to prayer. Armed with the gift of a sewing machine, a new passion for quilting and resurgence of creative energy, she wondered if there was something she could make to help with the needs of our community. My heart was heavy for those who are food insecure, for the children in our community, for those who are desperate for help, she said. We sum up the next day of the war unleashed by Azerbaijan with a lasting success on the frontline. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President Arayik Haroutyunyan wrote about this on his Facebook page Monday night. "The [Artsakh] Defense Army has fulfilled its task brilliantly, and even now it successfully resists all the encroachments of the enemy, both in the air and on the ground, causing it considerable losses of military equipment and manpower. Probably this was the reason why the Azerbaijani terrorist army fired more than a hundred missiles from the Smerch launcher in the direction of the capital Stepanakert, but, fortunately, there were no major losses. I was also reported today that the donation of Diaspora Armenians in these few days has already amounted to 50 million euros. Thank you all for your support, and I urge you to continue the fundraising because after the war and, most importantly, the forthcoming victory expected, we must quickly rebuild the ruins and continue to flourish the Artsakh world, which embodies the pride of all Armenians. And that should be all of our collective response to the world. Our national unity proves once again that Azerbaijan has already lost this war. The victory is ours and let no one doubt it," Haroutyunyan added. There is a line from Hannah Arendts 1951 book The Origins of Totalitarianism that Ive thought about constantly during the past four years. Totalitarianism will not be satisfied to assert, in the face of contrary facts, that unemployment does not exist; it will abolish unemployment benefits as part of its propaganda, Arendt wrote. A regime dedicated to creating its own reality doesnt just use language to lie. To truly animate lies, those in power must behave as if theyre true, no matter who gets hurt. For the past seven months, Donald Trumps big lie has been that the coronavirus isnt as dangerous as scientists say and that his administration has the virus under control. To sustain this lie, Trumps circle has had to reject the mitigation and containment strategies that many other countries have used to get a handle on the pandemic, because those strategies are tangible reminders of the threat the virus poses. The face mask is the ultimate symbol of the frightening abnormality of this moment, and so the Trump administration treated masking as a sign of disloyalty. Its not just that Trump himself frequently declined to wear masks. He mocked Joe Biden for wearing them and discouraged their use in his presence. Everyone knew that Mr. Trump viewed masks as a sign of weakness, Annie Karni and Maggie Haberman of the New York Times reported this weekend, citing White House officials. They quoted Olivia Troye, formerly one of Mike Pences top aides on the coronavirus task force: You were looked down upon when you would walk by with a mask. So its not surprising that the White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, the very face of administration propaganda, didnt wear a mask when briefing reporters Sunday, even though shed been exposed to the virus. On Monday news broke that shed tested positive, making it clear that shed put those reporters in danger. Or, I should say, further danger: Three journalists covering the administration had already tested positive on Friday, underlining what a perilously infectious environment this White House has become. Two of McEnanys deputies in the press shop also tested positive thats in addition, as of this writing, to Trump, his wife, his campaign manager, his personal assistant, his informal advisers Kellyanne Conway and Chris Christie, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee and three senators. In June, when the coronavirus tore through senior political and military ranks in Iran, it was seen as a sign that the countrys sclerotic leadership might be teetering. They have not been completely straightforward with their people, Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, was quoted saying at a think tank event. And as a result of that, the distrust you begin to see within Iran of their leadership is perhaps magnified. Irans government, he said, was struggling. Now ours is too. The problem is not that a sickened Trump cant perform the duties of the president. After his diagnosis, a strange political fiction took hold that American national security would be threatened if Trump were incapacitated, as if Trump ordinarily does work that protects the nations interests. In truth, while its scary that Trump is making decisions while on a steroid with documented psychological side effects, when it comes to the stability of our government, its hard to see how it matters whether the president watches Fox News and tweets from the White House or from a suite at Walter Reed. Whats alarming, rather, is that each new diagnosis in the White House demonstrates how thoroughly this administration has been infected by its own disinformation. The refusal to take basic precautions against the pandemic is the starkest evidence yet of how our government has morphed into a personality cult. What matters now is whether the COVID-19 cluster at the pinnacle of Republican politics acts how the Chernobyl disaster did in the Soviet Union, further exposing a regime rotten with mendacity. Thats far from guaranteed. In the hospital, Trump and his enablers worked to minimize the perception that he was really sick. His doctor misled the public about the presidents condition. Trump staged photo shoots of faux work sessions and risked the health of Secret Service agents to drive by a gathering of fans. Announcing his discharge Monday, Trump tweeted that he felt better than he had in 20 years, saying: Dont be afraid of COVID. Dont let it dominate your life. But Americans should fear COVID. And if coronavirus dominates our lives, its because an administration charged with protecting us is so subservient to the presidents lies that it cant even protect itself. The UK, and England in particular, was badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the numbers of patients requiring hospitalization and/or intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality zoomed during the first wave of the infection. Image Credit: Andrii Vodolazhskyi/Shutterstock.com A recent study reports the findings of the REal-time Assessment of Community Transmission-1 (REACT-1) study in terms of community prevalence. Rising Prevalence The REACT-1 study began in May 2020, at the end of the lockdown phase, and longitudinal surveys were administered to track the trends. The researchers found a steep decline in the number of cases in May, lasting until the beginning of August 2020. In the middle of the latter month, the case number began to rise again with the reproduction number (R) value at 1.7. The latest data collection round took place from September 18 to September 26, 2020. The current report describes recent trends and prevalence when compared with earlier results from the last four rounds. In these nine days, there were over 84,800 swabs of which 363 swabs were positive, for a prevalence of 0.55%, indicating that the prevalence continues to rise. This is the highest point in the study so far and is more than four times as high as that observed in the previous round. The researchers estimated a doubling time of 10.6 days in the period between 20th August to 26th September 2020, with a reproduction number R of 1.47. But if only the last round of data is used, the slope is seen to become gentler as R slowly drops to 1.06. Greatest Prevalence Among Young Adults While the prevalence increased across all ages and all regions, the highest prevalence was in the group aged 18-24 years, at almost 1%. With high infection rates among young adults, transmission in colleges is very likely to shoot up, and in fact, local clusters of infection amounting to outbreaks are already being seen on such campuses. Highest Rate of Increase Among Elderly However, the relative increase in prevalence was greatest in those above 65%, from 0.04% to 0.29%, from the last round to the current one, indicating a more than seven-fold increase. This group is at the highest risk for severe disease and death related to COVID-19, and an increase in prevalence in this subset will push up the number of hospitalizations and mortality. Variations by Race and Region Asian and Black individuals were at a two-fold higher risk of infection than white participants. Across regions, the highest prevalence was in the North West at 0.86%, and there was a fivefold increase in London from 0.10% to 0.49%. R was found to be between 1.32 to 1.63 in various regions of England. Many widely scattered clusters were found in the Northwest, Midlands, and the region in and around London. New clusters were seen in the South West, North East and East of England. Over 400,000 Swab-Positives on Any Day The study reports that swab positivity has now gone up to more than 1 in 200 over the whole population in England. From a low point in the period between May and September 2020, the prevalence has gone up such that there are now, on the estimate of researchers, about 410,000 people in England who test positive for the virus on any day if just three-quarters of positive nasal and throat swabs taken at home are correctly detected. Slowing Rate of Increase in Prevalence However, the rising rate of prevalence seems to have slowed at present. The reduction in the rate of increase of prevalence follows stronger campaigning by the government for the population to follow strict social distancing, in all kinds of social interactions, including pub curfews at the early hour of 10 pm, and the implementation of local lockdowns in quick succession in areas and groups at high transmission risk. Such measures not only produce physical protection from viral spread but can enhance the public awareness of the scale of the epidemic in England, which will help to reinforce and continue public cooperation with containment measures. Implications The REACT-1 study is different from those in which symptomatic individuals are tested, and is independent of testing capacity, being based on a random sampling of the population at large. This enables the investigators to provide reliable and timely data on trends in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2. To prevent outbreaks, increased public health efforts must build trust and cooperation with social distancing, hand hygiene, face mask use, and related measures, at the national level and not just within affected communities. This shift is being implemented by the government at present. A second implication is that the current epidemic in England is no longer arising in hospitals and care homes but within the community. Minorities like Blacks and Asians are still being disproportionately affected. The most recent data shows a higher percentage of symptomatic people compared to the previous rounds. The availability of testing may have played a role in the apparent increase in prevalence, but it is also likely that this is due to a higher viral load and therefore of symptomatic infection among individuals in the population. This is suggested, moreover, by a higher cycle threshold in the recent data. Rates of increase in prevalence are comparable among symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. The researchers point out that since the middle of August, there has been a resurgence of the virus in the community, with rates higher now than at any time since we started measuring prevalence in May 2020. This signals the necessity of stepping up efforts to stem community transmission, to limit the number of hospitalizations and deaths from this disease. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. The former first lady Michelle Obama, one of the Democratic Partys most respected figures, delivered what the Biden campaign called her closing argument for Joseph R. Biden Jr.s candidacy on Tuesday, speaking in deeply personal terms to Americans disillusioned by politics about the need to vote. In a 24-minute video, Mrs. Obama appealed to parents and young people, white working-class Americans and people of color, lashing President Trumps mismanagement of the coronavirus he continues to gaslight the American people by acting like this pandemic is not a real threat, she said and warning that Mr. Trumps habit of stoking division could be an effective political tool. She urged voting as the best remedy. We can expect that this election will be won by the slimmest of margins, just like it was four years ago, Mrs. Obama said. A handful of votes per precinct in Pennsylvania, or Arizona, or Wisconsin, or Florida, or anywhere else will make all the difference. As she released the video on her own social media platforms, Mrs. Obama acknowledged Mr. Trumps Covid-19 diagnosis. She alluded to his decision to return to the White House while still receiving treatment for the virus, and the choice to take a drive outside of the hospital on Sunday, a move that some medical experts saw as dangerous for the Secret Service agents around the president. The actor who accused filmmaker Anurag Kashyap of rape last month met the chairperson of National Womens Commission, Rekha Sharma, in New Delhi on Tuesday. Speaking to ANI, the actor said that Rekha assured her full support of the NCW in her case against Anurag. We discussed how the investigation could be sped up. NCW and Rekha maam has been by my side since day one. Thats what I had come here to discuss with her. She also said that all the love and strength to you and from our side whatever needs to be done, we will do, she said. The actor has also demanded Y plus security for her protection against the film mafia. Yes I have demanded the security because I am unable to get out of my house in Bombay. If I have to step out, I need to install my own security or go out only with a group of people. It would make work difficult for me as I cannot stay dependent on people forever. So it is a request HMO Maharashtra Anil Deshmukh to prove me with security, she said. It is said that they harass women and have a mafia type of an image. Whoever knows the industry from inside, knows this very well. So people are telling me that I have to be very careful and take all the precautions because your life is at stake. I am quite brave enough that I have come out and spoken about it but I have my family, my father, who are all tense. The actor had alleged that Anurag told her other actors such as Richa Chadha and Huma Qureshi have also got work from him in exchange for sexual favours. Richa then filed a defamation suit against her. Responding to it, the actor said, Richa Chadha se mera kuch lena dena nahi hai (I have nothing to do with Richa Chadha). I did not defame her so I dont understand what her case is about. I have said only what Mr Kashyap has told me. I did not give my own opinion. So this defamation case is not valid. Anyway, if she has said that then we will face that and we will clarify. Also read | Shabana Azmi on why Kangana Ranaut makes outrageous statements: She fears the day when she will no longer be in headlines Richa is seeking Rs 1.10 crores in damages collectively from the defendants. She has alleged that the acts have resulted in tarninshing her reputation and subjected her to immense humiliation, ridicule, unwanted speculation, harassment, harsh public scrutiny and loss of business opportunities and goodwill thereby causing tremendous stress and mental agony. Meanwhile, Kashyap has vehemently denied all accusations by the actor and sought severe action against her for misusing the criminal justice system, his lawyer said on Friday. He has said that he was in Sri Lanka for a shoot at the time of the said incident and has given all proofs to the Mumbai Police. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON BAKU, Azerbaijan - Turkeys top diplomat travelled to Baku on Tuesday in a show of solidarity with Azerbaijan in its decades-old conflict with Armenia over the separatist territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Heavy fighting between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces in the region since Sept. 27 has killed scores of both servicemen and civilians. Nagorno-Karabakh lies inside Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994. The clashes have continued despite numerous international calls for a cease-fire. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu criticized calls for a truce and urged the international community to stand by Azerbaijan, saying that previous cease-fires had failed to end what he called Armenias occupation of the Azerbaijani territory. Lets have a cease-fire, OK, but what will happen after that? Will you be able to tell Armenia to immediately withdraw from Azerbaijans territory? Or are you able to draw up a solution for it to withdraw? No, Cavusoglu said after a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov. We have supported efforts for a peaceful resolution, but Armenia has enjoyed the fruits of the occupation for 30 years. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who also met with Cavusoglu, thanked Turkey for its support. This support inspires us, gives us additional strength and at the same time plays an important role in ensuring stability and prosperity in the region, Aliyev said. Azerbaijan said that Armenias withdrawal from the separatist region was the sole condition to end the fighting. Armenian officials alleged that Turkey was involved in the conflict and sent fighters from Syria to Azerbaijan. Turkey has publicly backed Azerbaijan in the recent flareup of violence but denied sending arms or foreign fighters to the conflict zone. Nagorno-Karabakh was a designated autonomous region within Azerbaijan during the Soviet era. It claimed independence from Azerbaijan in 1991, about three months before the Soviet Unions collapse. A full-scale war that broke out in 1992 killed an estimated 30,000 people. By the time the war ended in 1994, Armenian forces not only held Nagorno-Karabakh itself but also substantial areas outside the territory borders. The recent fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh marks the biggest escalation in the conflict. According to Nagorno-Karabakh officials, about 220 servicemen on their side have died in the clashes. The state-run Armenian Unified Infocenter said 21 civilians have been killed in the region and 82 others wounded. Azerbaijani authorities havent given details about military casualties, but said 27 civilians were killed and 141 wounded. In Tuesdays fighting, Azerbaijan accused Armenia of attacking several of its regions in the evening. Armenian officials said Azerbaijani forces once again targeted Nagorno-Karabakhs capital of Stepanakert, with missile strikes. - Fraser reported from Ankara. Associated Press writer Daria Litvinova in Moscow contributed. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Each day were taking a look at the 1920 World Series between the Cleveland Indians and Brooklyn Robins. Heres a recap of Game 2: Game 2: Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1920 Outcome: Brooklyn 3, Cleveland 0. Series: 1-1. How it played out: Burleigh Grimes shut out Cleveland as Jim Bagby allowed seven hits over six innings for the loss in Brooklyn. No Cleveland runner advanced past second until the eighth inning. Tris Speaker and Charlie Jamieson nearly collided in the fourth inning racing after a fly ball from Pete Kilduff, but player-manager Speaker made a spectacular grab. Speaker and third baseman Larry Gardner each went 2-3 with a walk in a losing effort. George Uhle pitched two innings in relief for Cleveland and had three strikeouts, but Cleveland could not put a run across. Meanwhile, back at E. 66th Street and Lexington Avenue, final touches were put on new stands at League Park and the ticket gates opened for the Indians' upcoming host games. Pitchers: Burleigh Grimes (W), Jim Bagby (L). Did you know? Of 10 umpires in the Hall of Fame, three worked this series - Tommy Connolly, Hank ODay and Bill Klem. Bill Dinneen also umpired. Connolly and Klem were the first two umps enshrined. Language of the day: The ruffled Brooklyn Robins thrust adversity behind them at Ebbets field this afternoon, leaped out of the realm of despair by trouncing the Cleveland Indians in the second game of the world series, 3-0. - Harry Cross, The Plain Dealer. On this date: A deputy sheriff and several people are injured when a United Mine Workers meeting turns violent in West Virginia. Women in Akron, it is said, will take up an anti-smoking platform in the first year they can vote. Cleveland city officials say they will enforce a ban on aggressive freak dances brought on by vulgar, noisy jazz music. Related coverage 1920 World Series: Cleveland vs. Brooklyn Game 1 recap What else happened in 1920 - news, entertainment, milestones, more? What else happened in 1920 - sports? I am on cleveland.coms life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. If you want to see my stories, heres a directory on cleveland.com. On the air: Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning. And tune in at 8:05 a.m. Fridays for Beer with Bona and Much, Much More with Munch Bishop on 1350-AM The Gambler. WASHINGTON - The White House's handling of an event for the family members of deceased U.S. troops was thrust into a new light on Tuesday amid the disclosure that a Coast Guard admiral who attended has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, forcing some of the military's top generals and admirals into quarantine. The Sept. 27 ceremony, held on Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day with dozens of people in attendance, recognized the families of 20 deceased service members, according to a copy of the event program obtained by The Washington Post. President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and some of the military's top generals and admirals were also at the event, which was held in the East Room. Most attendees did not wear masks or maintain social distancing, White House photographs of the event show. Adm. Charles Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday, the service said in a statement on Tuesday. He had begun experiencing mild symptoms over the weekend, a week after attending the Gold Star event, but "is in good spirits," Rear Adm. Jon Hickey, a senior Coast Guard spokesman, said in the statement. "In accordance with established Coast Guard COVID policies, he will be quarantining from home for the required 14-day time frame, where he will continue to perform his duties as Vice Commandant," Hickey said. Other senior defense officials who attended the White House event include Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. Charles Brown, the chief of staff of the Air Force; Gen. David Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps; Gen. James McConville, chief of staff of the Army; and Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy. Ray's positive test forced several members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff into quarantine, including Milley. But in a statement, the Pentagon attributed the move to Ray's participation Friday in a meeting at the Pentagon with Milley and several service chiefs. No other senior military official had tested positive as of Tuesday, said Jonathan Rath Hoffman, the chief Pentagon spokesman. Brian Morgenstern, a White House spokesman, cited the testing of attendees before the gathering as evidence that precautions were taken. "It's critically important that we reopen the country, and it's critically important that we honor these families," Morgenstern said. "Had anyone tested positive, they would not have been continuing to attend." Attendees received a coronavirus test the same afternoon of the 5 p.m. event, said Ann Lewis Hampton, whose daughter, Army Capt. Kimberly Hampton, was killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq in 2004 and was among those recognized at the White House. Families members wearing masks waited in an auditorium for results, toured the White House, met with the president and took pictures with him before they were seated in the East Room, Hampton said. "It was a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime event," she said. "I feel like our heroes, our fallen, were honored very respectfully, and it was just a beautiful event." The ceremony was held one day after the president welcomed Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the White House as his next Supreme Court nominee. Numerous senior administration officials who attended that event, including Trump, have since tested positive for the virus. Trump's positive test was announced early Friday. Hampton said that White House officials did not inform her of the outbreak. Two other people familiar with planning for the event, who like several others spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the White House did not contact most of the families, if any. Hampton, who lives in a South Carolina retirement community, said she has voluntarily quarantined herself since returning home. Another Gold Star mother who attended the event reached out to the White House afterward and received an email that confirmed that everyone at the military event had tested negative for the coronavirus on Sunday. The email also stated that Trump had "several negative tests" between Sunday evening and his positive test on Thursday, Hampton said. "We're talking from Sunday to Thursday, and we were told that he had negative tests in between Sunday and Thursday," she said. "I have not been concerned at all because I felt very comfortable at the event. I'll be honest with you: I was a lot more uncomfortable with the plane, the hotel and the restaurant than going to the White House." Morgenstern said the White House did not contact the families because all attendees tested negative Sunday and no positive tests were recorded in the first 48 hours afterward. The White House event included the lighting of a candle to recognize the deceased service member from each family attending, performances by military musicians and a 10-minute speech by Steven Xiarhos, a retired deputy police chief from Barnstable, Mass., who is running for state representative as a Republican. Xiarhos, whose son Nicholas was killed in Afghanistan in 2009, said in a Facebook post on Friday afternoon, after the disclosure of Trump's diagnosis, that he had tested negative and told his daughters, who accompanied him, to also get tested. "I will be following all the remaining recommendations regarding COVID and quarantine guidelines," wrote Xiarhos, who did not respond to interview requests. "My thoughts and prayers are with the President, First Lady, the White House staff, and all the Gold Star Families. It's all surreal." The possibility that the coronavirus could have been in the room with senior defense officials drew attention to some of their recent travel. Esper was tested the following day ahead of a trip last week to Northern Africa and the Middle East, and again last Wednesday and Friday, said a senior defense official said. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said the quarantine of service chiefs and Ray's diagnosis on Tuesday was proof that Trump has mishandled the coronavirus crisis. "While our military can still operate while leadership is quarantined, the national security implications of the President's recklessness cannot be overstated," Smith said. "Our adversaries are always looking for any weakness to exploit. President Trump's pathetic attempts to exude strength aren't fooling anyone - Americans know he is weak and so do those who wish us harm." Those quarantined after the Pentagon meeting include Milley; Brown; McConville; Gen. John Hyten, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs; Adm. Michael Gilday, the chief of naval operations; Gen. John Raymond, the Space Force chief of staff; Gen. Daniel Hokanson, the chief of the National Guard Bureau; and Gen. Paul Nakasone, the head of U.S. Cyber Command, a defense official said. - - - The Washington Post's Paul Sonne contributed to this report. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Commerce Ministry has lifted the restriction on export of N95 masks. Post the decision, masks of all categories can be exported from India. "The export policy of N-95/FFP-2 masks or its equivalent is amended from 'restricted' to 'free' category making all types of masks freely exportable," a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade said. In August, the government had allowed the export of N95 masks, up to a limit of 50 lakh units per month. Earlier, exports were totally barred to cater to the domestic demand amid the coronavirus pandemic. The domestic production of masks and PPE overalls have significantly increased in the past six months, and sector players have been asking the government to lift the curb on exports. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The Philippine segment of this years YouTube fan festival is set to honor vloggers Lloyd Cadena and Emman Nimedez, who both passed away earlier this year. Folk-pop band Ben&Ben and boy group SB19 are among the local artists and creators expected to share tribute video messages for Cadena and Nimedez, in a bid to celebrate their legacy in the digital community. This is to celebrate their legacy and look back at the ways they touched the lives of so many netizens and communities, YouTube said in a statement on Tuesday. The death of the two content creators came only weeks apart. Nimedez passed away in August after a battle with cancer, while Cadena died in early September. Cadenas family later revealed that he had tested positive for COVID-19. The YouTube FanFest will be streamed live on October 11 through the events official channel. ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Elizabethtown College welcomed 451 newly enrolled students this fall, its largest incoming class in the past four years. Under the leadership and strategic vision of Elizabethtown College President Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D., enrollment is up 10.3 percent over the previous year. "We are excited for our new students to experience the exceptional value of an Elizabethtown College education and student life environment," President McCormick said. "This positive momentum in addition to our new offerings and excellent student outcomes are all helping to drive our recruitment efforts." With new majors that align with high-demand careers, along with the College's 120+ tradition of thinking critically, analyzing deeply, and communicating effectively, Etown students develop the foundational skills they will need to pursue their life's work and purpose. Within the last year, Elizabethtown College has added new majors including Exercise Science, Robotics, Physician Assistant, Social Media and Media Analytics, and Public Health. This year, the College will launch a RN to BSN program in addition to its already heavily recognized majors like Occupational Therapy, Engineering, Biology, Business, Education, and Political Science. Over the past academic year, Elizabethtown College also achieved the following: The incoming Engineering class was up 41% over the prior year. 65 students or 16% of the incoming class will make-up the largest entering group of students entering the College's premier Business program. Etown has added six 4+1 accelerated degree programs that will make graduates highly desirable in today's modern workforce. New $25 million state-of-the-art facility, the Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness & Well-Being to promote the vibrant health and wellness-focused campus community. Etown is holding on-campus tours for prospective students or join us for our next virtual Open House on Saturday, Oct. 17 at etown.edu. About Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown College, located in southcentral Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a private coed institution offering more than 50 health, science, engineering, political science business, communications, fine art and music, and education degrees. Discover more: etown.edu. Contact: Keri Straub Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Elizabethtown College (717) 725-6907 [email protected] SOURCE Elizabethtown College Related Links http://www.etown.edu STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan has praised the troops for brilliantly professionally defending the country and said that the Artsakhi governmental bodies are working effectively in wartime. Dear compatriots, Last night, the situation in the frontline on the whole was relatively stable . The Defense Army continues to fulfill its combat tasks brilliantly professionally. All state administrative bodies are effective in the conditions inherent to the war situation. Both in the rear and on the front everyone is well aware of what to do. Everything is under my immediate and full control and coordination. Rest assured, we will be on the winning side, he said on social media. The Azerbaijani military, strongly backed by Turkey, launched a massive attack on Artsakh on September 27. Stepanakert City and other civilian towns were heavily bombarded with missile, artillery and air strikes, leading to destruction and civilian casualties. The Azeri forces used internationally prohibited cluster munitions in the attacks. Editing by Stepan Kocharyan Zoe Saldana shared an empowering message with her 7.3 million Instagram followers on Monday. The 42-year-old actress shared a close-up selfie - in which she appeared to shed a tear - captioning the shot, 'Don't let your mind bully your body,' with the hashtag, #loveyourself. In the black-and-white clip on Instagram Stories, the A-list actress had her dark locks pulled back in a neat ponytail as she wore an Adidas activewear top. The latest: Zoe Saldana, 42, shared an empowering message with her 7.3 million Instagram followers on Monday Saldana has often used her platform for causes including social change and gender issues, having blazed a Hollywood trail with her appearances in blockbusters like Avatar and the Star Trek and Guardians of the Galaxy films. The New Jersey-born beauty and husband Marco Perego, 41, who exchanged vows in 2013, are parents to three sons: twins Bowie and Cy, five, and Zen, three. She said last year during a speaking engagement at in Amsterdam that she sought to play 'a whole woman' in her roles, according to Thomson Reuters Foundation. 'I'm not actively playing a strong woman,' she said, 'I'm just playing a whole woman versus something that is just there to be objectified and fill in all the boring spaces in a movie that come from a weak storyline.' The Avatar actress shared a close-up selfie - in which she appeared to shed a tear - captioning the shot, 'Don't let your mind bully your body' Saldana has often used her platform for causes including social change and gender issues, having blazed a Hollywood trail with her appearances in blockbusters like Avatar and the Star Trek and Guardians of the Galaxy films Family: The New Jersey-born beauty and husband Marco Perego, 41, who exchanged vows in 2013, are parents to three sons: twins Bowie and Cy, five, and Zen, three She added, 'When I go for a job, or I start a business or I make a decision, it has never been because I'm a woman or because I'm a person of color. It is because I'm a human, I'm a voter, I'm a taxpayer, I'm a human being and because I matter.' She said that studios were moving in the right direction in adding breadth and depth to female roles both on screen and in the writers' room. 'Women are so relevant in life, and in all places, that the logical thing to do is to capture them accurately and build them accurately,' she said. Commuters as business leaders sound the alarm over jobs. Photo: Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images Business groups have warned UK employers face a cliff edge as government support is cut back this winter, risking a fresh wave of job losses after Christmas. Three leading business figures sounded the alarm over chancellor Rishi Sunaks new job support scheme on Tuesday, with fears employers will still not be able to prevent lay-offs. Sunak has resisted pressure to extend the job protection scheme, which saw millions of staff furloughed across the economy when the coronavirus and lockdown first hit. Last month he instead announced a new wage subsidy scheme from November, on top of a job retention bonus for firms keeping furloughed staff. Employers contributions are significantly higher under the new initiative, with organisations expected to pay more than half workers typical wages for only a third of their hours. Watch: What are the new job support schemes and grants for the self-employed? Several business and union representatives were asked by a committee of MPs on Tuesday about the generosity of the scheme and the risk of job cuts once the bonus had been paid in January. READ MORE: UK chancellor deflects talk of tax hikes, saying jobs the overwhelming focus Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said the leading business group was concerned there was a bit of cliff edge looming after firms received the bonus. She said the chancellor should keep the scheme under review, and consider footing more of the bill for the employer if it is not supporting enough jobs. But Newton-Smith said she still expected the scheme to help support hundreds of thousands of jobs, and had been welcomed by some the CBIs manufacturing and small- and medium-sized business members. Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors (IoD), issued a starker warning. A lot of businesses are going to have to make a lot of difficult decisions with this transition from the job protection scheme to a job support scheme particularly with cashflow still weak. Story continues Demand hasnt fully recovered, and obviously its very difficult to plan at the moment with restrictions and potential changes in restriction going ahead. 80% of the IoDs members said even the job retention bonus didnt really impact the incentives to retain workers, suggesting the cliff edge may come even sooner. READ MORE: Wagamama owner loses 62.2m but plans 54 more restaurants Several business and union figures called for more support for specific hard-hit sectors in the hearing before MPs on the Treasury select committee. UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls, representing one of the sectors hit hardest by the crisis, said without such measures for hospitality, the sector faced many more immediate job losses as the furlough scheme ends this month. This scheme unfortunately doesnt provide enough support for those sectors of the economy that are subject to legislative restrictions, and have an inability to earn revenue at a normal level, she warned. We fear that as a result...you wont avoid the cliff edge in October, and we have got large numbers of redundancies forecast in October. Job losses will be far higher even than the 560,000 the trade body anticipated this year in a survey carried out before new restrictions were announced, including a 10pm shutdown. UKHospitality figures suggest employment in the sector has already plummeted by around 500,000 since the start of the crisis. She said the question was now not just whether jobs were at risk, but whether businesses would survive that could employ such workers when Britain returns to a degree of normality. Theres a very real danger we will lose large chunks of the economy; in hospitality you will have insolvent businesses, businesses going into administration, and therefore that engine of growth for re-employing people will be lost for good. Watch: Chancellor Rishi Sunak defends the Eat Out to Help Out scheme ONS figures suggest one in four firms in the sector feel at high risk of insolvency in the next six months, she added. Asked about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, she told MPs: 13 days of good trading, and they were good trading, doesnt offset 60% losses on the year to date. She said it had helped firms back to breaking even but not not to solvency, and firms had now gone further backwards. The trade bodys analysis suggests trading is now at levels last seen at the start of July, at around 40-50% of normal revenue, and as little as 20-30% in city centres. When The History of Mary Prince, the first account of a black woman's life in Britain, was published in 1831 it scandalised the British public, galvanised the anti-slavery movement and contributed to the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833 When The History of Mary Prince, the first account of a black woman's life in Britain, was published in 1831 it scandalised the British public, galvanised the anti-slavery movement and contributed to the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833. But who was Mary Prince, slavery's everywoman whose revelations about the reality of life as a female slave spoke for millions of silent women? And how did she get the British public not just to listen to her story but to care? A new book titled Protestant Empires: Globalizing the Reformations edited by Professor Ulinka Rublack, Fellow of St John's College, University of Cambridge, explores the relationship between religion and slavery. The book brings together leading scholars to discuss global Protestant experiences created by the Reformation in the early modern world. In a chapter dedicated to Prince, Professor Jon Sensbach, a historian at the University of Florida, determines that at the heart of The History of Mary Prince is a passion story rooted in sacrifice and redemption. He examines the role of spirituality in the life of Prince, who was born a slave in Bermuda and was sold from one brutal owner to another before arriving in London in 1828 where she was suddenly a free woman because The Act of Parliament to abolish the British slave trade had passed in 1807. After months of working as a servant for John Wood, a sadistic white man from London who bought her in Antigua and brought her to England, Mary Prince ran away to a missionary group which directed her to the Anti-Slavery Society. Abolitionists quickly spotted the public relations value of her story and the poet Susanna Strickland was used as a ghostwriter for The History of Mary Prince. Although Prince could read it is not clear whether she could write. Professor Sensbach said: "Mary Prince brought a distinctly female voice to the abolition debate at a time when women's voices were completely obscured. Readers did not meet a helpless female victim, they met a woman who protested mistreatment, disobeyed orders, defended herself and ultimately emancipated herself. "This highly scripted account was the first time that enslaved women were at the forefront of the anti-slavery campaign and when The History of Mary Prince was published, British slaveholders and their defenders vehemently attacked her character and attempted to discredit her." It is widely accepted that The History of Mary Prince was heavily edited to suit the abolitionist cause - a campaign was still being waged in an attempt to outlaw slavery throughout the British Colonies. Prince soon realised that although she was free by law in London, if she managed to return to her beloved husband in Antigua she would be enslaved again. The History tells how Prince's life was a merry-go-round of being exchanged 'from one butcher to another' across the Caribbean Islands. Her graphic account of being sold at a market by her devastated mother included a description of how she was 'soon surrounded by strange men, who examined and handled me in the same manner that a butcher would a calf or a lamb he was about to purchase'. She met Daniel James, a free carpenter, through the Moravian Church in Antigua and married him without permission. She was whipped for her lack of obedience, beaten and imprisoned. The History tells the shocked British people about what went on in the British Colonies in their name and even carefully alludes to the sexual abuse of slaves. Professor Sensbach, who travelled to the Caribbean to comb through the archives of the Moravian Church and the missionaries, said: "Mary Prince detailed the violence against women - the scarring of their bodies, the scarring of their souls - and she played on the emotions of the British reading public to make slaves, and specifically female slaves, be seen as human beings who felt and suffered just like they did. "Prince explained, in very graphic terms, what it was like to be beaten to a pulp and referred obliquely to the rape of women. She said the worst thing about being a slave was not being whipped or the pain of the boils caused by standing in saltwater for days on end, but being exposed to the 'indecency' of masters. 'Worse to me than all the licks' was being forced to see one of these men naked while she bathed them. The metaphoric violence of immodesty stands for the violence of rape." He says Prince knew that explicitly detailing the sexual violence meted out to her would negatively influence public opinion of her - female slaves were considered to be ungrateful promiscuous jezebels who brought sexual attention on themselves. Professor Sensbach said that instead Prince was a 'savvy narrator' who carefully positioned herself as a 'suffering servant of God' and portrayed her conversion to Christianity as an essential milestone on the path to physical and spiritual freedom. He explained: "The fusion of religion and anti-slavery in The History is so important because it gives us a firsthand account of women's spiritual lives. Religion was used to control slaves around the world and enslaved women were often very powerful leaders who spread the messages of Christianity. Mary Prince herself uses religion as a crucial weapon in the fight for freedom by taking the moral authority and showing the battle between not just slavery and freedom but between belief in God and disbelief." Professor Sensbach details Prince's adoption of Christianity and her membership of the Moravian Church - which was very pro-slavery - in Antigua and how it intersects with her African roots and influences. He said: "Prince describes how God intervenes to save her from death after her friend is beaten to death by her master and says 'the hand of God mercifully preserved me for better things'. She makes religious slaves appear as the righteous and the slave-owners as blasphemous tyrants. The depiction of Mary Prince as a suffering servant not only of God but of slave-owners, is the ethical bedrock of her story." Professor Rublack, a Reformation Historian, added: "This chapter in the book is particularly poignant as it tells us how Mary Prince had to silence her indigenous Afro-Caribbean spirituality to conform to the narrative that would 'play' best with the British public. It means we have lost the mixture of different traditions and what they could bring to faith and to the spiritual lives of enslaved people. Our book examines how Moravians dished out constant discipline to slaves in the colonies to keep them compliant and how enslaved women gained leadership roles in the Church. But the price to pay was that female slaves also became part of a system that oppressed and punished slaves." It is not known exactly when or how Mary Prince died and no images of her exist, but Professor Sensbach reveals in the book that towards the end of her life she was rejected by her church in London and was not allowed to worship there because she was considered to be a 'sexually promiscuous sinner'. He said: "The Moravian Church in London turns its back on Mary Prince and renounces her and she dies in very mysterious circumstances. We don't even know if she lived to see slavery abolished in the colonies so her whole life was a narrative of martyrdom and sacrifice on behalf of a bigger cause." Protestant Empires: Globalizing the Reformations edited by Professor Ulinka Rublack, Fellow of St John's College, University of Cambridge, and published by Cambridge University Press, is out now. ### Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. At farmer rally, Rahul Gandhi takes a jibe at PM Modi over Air India One Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of wasting taxpayers money while addressing a farmer rally in Haryanas Sirsa. Read more Bihar assembly election 2020: BJP tells LJP not to use PMs photo in poll campaign The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has objected to the Lok Janshakti Partys (LJP) bid to use Prime Minister Narendra Modis pictures during the campaigning for the upcoming three-phase Bihar assembly election. Read more Quad: India committed to a rules-based world order, says MEA Jaishankar Against the backdrop of the India-China border standoff, external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said New Delhi remains committed to a rules-based world order, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes. Read more Niti Taylor looks stunning in a pink lehenga at her secret Covid wedding to Parikshit Bawa. See pics TV actor Niti Taylor has dropped some shocking news on her fans, she is married! The actor is one of the many people to have had a lockdown wedding, she married her fiance Pariskshit Bawa in a small ceremony on August 13. Read more Mercedes to launch EQC: What does luxury electric power mean for India The electric landscape for mobility in India is at the cusp of a massive change with the central and state governments increasingly looking at ways to popularize both manufacturing as well as buying electric vehicles here. Read more Remember the viral Chaiwala from Pakistan? He now owns a cafe in Islamabad In 2016 a blue-eyed tea seller from Pakistan went viral after a photographer named Jiah Ali shared a picture of him on social media. Now, the popular chaiwala (tea seller), named Arshad Khan, is making headlines again for a new and awesome reason. Read more PM Modi gave 1200 sq km land to China to protect his image: Rahul Gandhi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lashed out at PM Narendra Modi over Chinese aggression at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. Watch vc 12: This question for 25 lakh stumped Pradeep Kumar Sood. Can you answer it? The 12th season off Kaun Banega Crorepati kicked off last week and it has already stumped contestants and the viewers with many difficult question. Read more WASHINGTON - American University will cancel classes and close university offices on Election Day to give students and employees time to vote, the school's president announced Monday. The announcement comes after students pushed to have Election Day declared an institutional holiday. The campus typically closes every four years for Inauguration Day. Now, it will do the same for general presidential elections. "Civic engagement and pursuit of American democratic ideals is part of AU's DNA," Sylvia Burwell, AU's president, said in an email. The message was sent to a community that includes about 14,000 students, many of whom are taking their classes online and living off campus because of the pandemic. "This is a big election," Tamir Harper, an AU junior, said in September when he called on the university to cancel classes on Nov. 3. Harper and other young people cited the future of health care, the threats posed by climate change and the student-debt crisis as reasons this election will be so consequential. The coronavirus pandemic adds another layer of urgency, students said. States are expanding access to mail-in voting as a safer alternative to in-person voting, but the U.S. Postal Service has experienced delivery delays since June. Many students, now living closer to home, asked to have Election Day off so they could vote in person. Others wanted free time to work at polls amid a national shortage of volunteers. Similar movements to cancel Election Day classes have taken hold at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Nearly 200 Ohio University students are urging the school to cancel classes and have signed a petition that says the campus has an "obligation to promote the fulfillment of our civic duties." Burwell, who served as a top Obama administration official before she was hired to lead AU, said students "fostered a broad and constructive dialogue" about the value of canceling classes. "This Election Day will certainly be different given the impacts of covid-19, and Americans everywhere will participate in this year's election in a variety of ways and times," Burwell said in the email. "No matter your activity, exercising the right to vote is something we cherish, and we are proud to stand with our community." ATLANTA, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Verde Leaf is pleased to announce: the Georgia Department of Agriculture has issued Verde Processing & Storage, a subsidiary of Verde Leaf, a Georgia State Hemp Processing Permit. The hemp processing permit allows Verde Processing & Storage to establish an industrial hemp facility with production capabilities that will focus on hemp extraction and product manufacturing with the United States. The company will also conduct research into the cultivation, propagation, and selective breeding of industrial hemp and will operate laboratories for the testing and certification of industrial hemp and its products. "Building a state-of-the-art processing facility gives us a competitive advantage in this emerging market," says Dr. Jackson Garth, President & CEO of Verde Leaf "We are proud to call Georgia home, and we are excited to bring jobs to the area." Operations are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2020. This seamless effort alongside with several partners intersect biotechnology, agribusiness, and manufacturing Verde Processing & Storage is sure to bring added value to our region's growing economy. "We were founded to drive innovation within the hemp industries. We have the opportunity to create products that improve people's well-being," said Dr. Garth. "In the process, we will be able to create jobs in an exciting, innovative, and highly profitable new industry." Verde Leaf will source hemp exclusively from farmers in the Verde Leaf Farming Network and believes vertical integration will allow the company to create a thriving new industry with American farmers as the heart. About Verde Leaf Verde Leaf is one of the hemp industry's first vertically integrated hemp companies that created solutions for the farmer, business owners, and consumers. We solve some of the critical challenges in the emerging hemp industry by assisting farmers with license acquisition, hemp cultivation and processing, and filling the knowledge gap with our network of seasoned hemp farmers and specialists across the Southeast. Moreover, by securing exclusive contracts with farmers, Verde Leaf ensures that hemp products sold to consumers have unprecedented clarity, consistency, and data available for products they are purchasing. By controlling our supply chain seed-to-sell, Verde Leaf gives customers assurance and confidence in the superior quality of our consumable and non-consumable product lines. SOURCE Verde Leaf Related Links http://www.verdeleafgroup.com Indiana marked Manufacturing Day on Friday, but without the factory tours for students and the public that normally take place because of the coronavirus pandemic. The state still recognized that manufacturing, so central to Northwest Indiana with its steel mills, oil refineries and many factories, is the largest sector of the Hoosier economy and the biggest employer in the state. "Manufacturers are inventing and employing the technologies of the future to make our lives better and strengthen our economy," Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a proclamation. "Manufacturers are looking to hire talented individuals of diverse backgrounds to bolster this innovation and fill thousands of open jobs in Indiana. And government, industry and communities are united to encourage more young people to explore the possibilities of modern manufacturing and learn about the opportunities in the industry." Manufacturing Day is a nationwide event that aims to improve the public perception of manufacturing careers, stressing that it's not the same back-breaking work in grimy, dangerous conditions it often once was. A Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, police officer was killed and another was injured after responding to a domestic call over the weekend, authorities said. (Serve & Protect) Myrtle Beach Police Officer Shot and Killed Responding to Domestic Call: Officials A Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, police officer was killed and another was injured after responding to a domestic call over the weekend, authorities said. Today we are mourning the loss of one of our officers, PFC Jacob Hancher was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call for service, said Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock in a news conference. Officer Hancher has been with the Myrtle Beach Police Department for four years as a community service officer and just under one year as a police officer. He was a dedicated public servant who upheld his oath to protect this community and made the ultimate sacrifice. Please keep Jacob, his family, and his fellow officers in your prayers. The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) said the suspect was also found dead, reported WMBF-TV. Following the exchange of gunfire, the suspect was discovered deceased. No other injuries were reported, the agency said, adding that officers were responding to a domestic disturbance when shots were fired. Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune also asked the community to join me in lifting up our MBPD family. May God bless everyone affected by this senseless tragedy, Bethune wrote on Facebook. The South Carolina not-for-profit organization Serve & Protect said it is organizing a fundraiser for Hanchers family. 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2020) - BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (formerly Lions Bay Mining Corp.) ("BioVaxys" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of its formerly announced acquisition of all of the securities BioVaxys Inc. (the "Transaction"). The Transaction was determined to be a "fundamental change" pursuant to the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") and the Company has re-classified itself from being a resource issuer to an industrial issuer operating in the life sciences industry. Pursuant to the Transaction, the Company issued 31,100,000 common shares to former shareholders of the BioVaxys Inc. and certain advisors involved with the Transaction. It is anticipated that the Company's common shares will commence trading on the CSE under the stock symbol "BIOV" at the open of market on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Full details of the Transaction can be found in the Company's Listing Statement which is available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. The Company has disposed of its interest in the Fish Lake lithium property and is now focused on developing antiviral and anticancer vaccine platforms to treat SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections, as well as ovarian cancer and other solid tumor types. BioVaxys Inc.'s founders have joined the Company's management team and have extensive backgrounds in clinical research, commercial biopharmaceuticals development, and corporate finance. The directors of the Company are Jeremy Poirier, William Timothy Heenan, Ben Asuncion and James Passin, and the senior executive officers of the Company are James Passin (Chief Executive Officer), Kenneth Kovan (President and Chief Operating Officer), David Berd (Chief Medical Officer) and Lachlan McLeod (Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary). Below is a description of the Company's management team. Management Team James Passin, Chief Executive Officer and Director Mr. Passin is a former hedge fund and private equity fund manager at FGS Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of New York-based Firebird Management LLC. He has 20 years of experience as a professional investor, a deep experience of financing and developing venture-stage companies, and directed and managed over $150 million of equity and debt investment into biotech companies including the former Avax Technologies, Inc., one of the world's first cellular immunotherapeutic vaccine companies. Mr. Passin is a director of several public companies, including acting as Chair of TraceSafe Inc. (formerly Blockchain Holdings, Ltd.) and BDSec JSC, and is a Chartered Market Technician and member of the CMT Association. Mr. Passin attended St. John's College (Annapolis, Maryland) and has a B.A. in Philosophy and Classical Literature. He is a Graduate of the Listed Company Director Program from the Singapore Institute of Directors. Kenneth Kovan, President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Kovan has over 30 years of experience in biopharmaceuticals commercial development. He previously was Corporate Development Partner with Horizon Discovery plc in the United Kingdom, which is involved in gene editing and gene modulation, and is Managing Principal & Owner of Bingham Hill Ventures, a life sciences advisory practice he founded in 2012 that specializes in corporate development, technology licensing, and business planning. He is an experienced biotech CEO and board member, and founder of biotechnology companies including the former Avax Technologies, Inc. Mr. Kovan's professional background includes several years in technology transfer with Thomas Jefferson University, Strategic Marketing with GlaxoSmithKline, and Global New Product Development with Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals. His therapeutic experience includes infectious disease, antivirals, oncology, vaccines, cell/gene therapy, and gene editing. Mr. Kovan has a broad international business background, having launched pharma brands in Latin American and Asia/Pacific markets, and has worked in Europe for several years. Mr. Kovan holds a U.S. Patent for a synergistic drug combination. Mr. Kovan attended the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) and has a Bachelors of Science. David Berd, MD, Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Berd is a medical oncologist with a lifelong record of clinical research in medical oncology and cancer immunotherapy. He co-founded cancer immunotherapy company Avax Technologies, Inc. is the inventor of the cancer vaccines MVax and OVax and served as Chief Medical Officer from 2005-2008. As National Director for Immunotherapy at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Dr. Berd investigated the application of haptenized autologous vaccines for ovarian cancer. Previously, Dr. Berd was Professor of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, where for 20 years he conducted clinical research on melanoma immunotherapy. He also spent nine years as a research physician at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Over the course of his career, Dr. Berd has published more than 85 original papers in numerous medical journals alongside dozens of editorials, reviews and abstracts. He has ten issued patents dealing with cancer vaccines. Dr. Berd received his BS from Pennsylvania State University and his MD from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Berd attended Pennsylvania State University (State College, PA) for a 5-year combined medical program and received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College (Philadelphia, PA). Dr. Berd did his Medical Residency at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, and a Medical Oncology Fellowship with the Yale University School of Medicine (New Haven, CT). Lachlan McLeod, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary Mr. McLeod, a Chartered Professional Accountant, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Science with an Economics major and a Business minor from the University of Victoria. Mr. McLeod has 6 years of experience focusing on financial reporting under IFRS, governance for public companies, and technical accounting issues, including work as an auditor at KPMG. Mr. McLeod currently works as a Senior Consultant at Fehr & Associates CPA, which provides external consulting and accounting services. Name Change In connection with the closing of the Transaction that the Company has filed a Notice of Alteration to change its name from "Lions Bay Mining Corp." to "BioVaxys Technology Corp." The change of name was effective September 30, 2020. The Company's new CUSIP for its common shares is 09076M101 and its new ISIN CA09076M1014. Early Warning Reporting Pursuant to the Transaction, on September 30, 2020, James Passin acquired ownership and control over 12,417,333 common shares, representing approximately 17.44% of the outstanding common shares. The common shares were issued at a deemed price of C$0.28 per common share. Prior to the issuance of the 12,417,333 common shares, Mr. Passin held 50,000 common shares and 25,000 common share purchase warrants ("Warrants"). Accordingly, now Passin now holds 12,467,333 common shares and 25,000 Warrants or 17.51% of the outstanding common shares on an undiluted basis and 17.54% of the outstanding common shares on a partially diluted basis (assuming exercise of the Warrants). An aggregate of 12,417,333 of Mr. Passin's common shares are subject to an escrow agreement (the "Escrow Agreement") as required pursuant to the policies of the CSE. A copy of the Escrow Agreement is available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Depending on market conditions, general economic and industry conditions and subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement, Mr. Passin may increase or decrease his beneficial ownership of securities of the Company through market transactions, private agreements or otherwise, in the future. The Company is located at 905 West Pender Street, Suite 503, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 1L6. Mr. Passin's address is c/o BioVaxys Inc., 1177 Avenue of the Americas, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10036 USA. A copy of the Early Warning Report is available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and may also be obtained by contacting James Passin at 1-646-452-7054. Signed "James Passin" Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: James Passin, Chief Executive Officer - Telephone: 1-646-452-7054 ABOUT BIOVAXYS TECHNOLOGY CORP. The Company is an early stage clinical biotechnology company developing antiviral and anticancer vaccines and therapeutic platforms. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the preclinical study and development of BioVaxys' vaccines, including any haptenized SARS-Cov-2 protein vaccine. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies including, primarily but without limitation, the risk that BioVayxs' vaccines will not prove to be effective and/ or will not receive the required regulatory approvals. With regards to BioVaxys' business, there are a number of risks that could affect the development of its biotechnology products, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital to fund clinical trials, its lack of operating history, uncertainty about whether its products will complete the long, complex and expensive clinical trial and regulatory approval process for approval of new drugs necessary for marketing approval, uncertainty about whether its autologous cell vaccine immunotherapy can be developed to produce safe and effective products and, if so, whether its vaccine products will be commercially accepted and profitable, the expenses, delays and uncertainties and complications typically encountered by development stage biopharmaceutical businesses, financial and development obligations under license arrangements in order to protect its rights to its products and technologies, obtaining and protecting new intellectual property rights and avoiding infringement to third parties and their dependence on manufacturing by third parties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/65307 In less than 48 hours, Kyrgyzstan has gone through major political events -- from holding parliamentary elections on October 4 to a full-blown uprising as angry protests erupted over the disputed election results. President Sooronbai Jeenbekov says he is still in charge, though it's unclear where he is and his office was taken over by protesters. An abruptly established Coordination Council -- made up of the heads of many opposition political parties -- has announced steps to replace the government and ordered parliament to convene. With the situation still volatile, let's take a look at four key questions about the fast-moving events in the Central Asian country. Who Is In Charge Of Kyrgyzstan Today? Kyrgyzstan appears to be in a de facto power vacuum since anti-government protesters -- angry with the disputed results of the parliamentary elections -- seized the headquarters of the president and the parliament, the State Committee For National Security (UKMK), and the public television and radio company (KTRK). The Kyrgyz government said early on October 6 that it was working under a special arrangement, without giving details, but several of its ministers had tendered their resignations. The Central Election Commission also announced that the results of the controversial elections had been annulled, with new ones presumably to be scheduled. Bishkek Mayor Aziz Surakmatov and governors of several regions and districts have also resigned amid the upheaval. The parliament then met -- in a Bishkek hotel because the parliament chambers had been occupied and damaged by protesters -- in an emergency meeting on October 6, after first saying it could not find a quorum. Meanwhile, the Mekenchil opposition party announced it was nominating newly freed nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov to the post of prime minister. Some of Japarov's supporters called for him to be made president. RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported that Omurbek Suvanaliev, a leading member of the opposition Butun (United) Kyrgyzstan party, had been appointed the interim chief of the UKMK, replacing Orozbek Opumbaev, whose location is unknown. The Finance Ministry announced that it was suspending all financial transactions "until further notice from the legitimate authorities," adding that it had "acknowledged the power of the people." The ministry said in a statement that the staff had unanimously voted to appoint Kyyalbek Mukashev as acting finance minister. What Is The Coordination Council? In an apparent attempt to fill the power vacuum, major opposition parties announced the creation of a so-called Coordination Council on October 6 and named Adakhan Madumarov, the leader of the Butun Kyrgyzstan party, to be the chairman of the abruptly established body. The council currently brings together eight parties: Ata-Meken (Fatherland), Butun Kyrgyzstan, Zamandash (Contemporary), the Social Democrats, Bir Bol (Stay United) Ordo (The Horde) , Respublika (Republic), and Reforma (Reform). It has invited others to join. The council announced it had called on the outgoing parliament to convene an emergency meeting and appoint a new speaker, which it seemingly did late on October 6, electing Myktybek Abdyldaev to replace Dastan Jumabekov, who had resigned. The announcement is important because the parliament speaker is first in the line of succession should the president resign or otherwise be unable to serve. But several deputies said at a gathering in Bishkek that they had not heard about the parliament meeting held at the hotel, which was reportedly attended by 20 of the body's 120 lawmakers. It was announced at the hotel that 67 of the deputies had also taken part in the meeting by giving power of attorney to someone or participating by video. The discrepancy about the claimed parliament meeting puts the results of its vote for a new speaker into question. How Do The Latest Events Affect President Jeenbekov's Status? Jeenbekov's office insists the president "controls the situation," saying in a statement that he "is doing everything to restore law and order" in the country. Legally, Jeenbekov remains in power. However, his whereabouts is currently unknown amid speculation the president fled to his native Osh Province in the south But a spokesperson said he remained in Bishkek. In an interview with the BBC, he said that "as a legitimate president" he had "a big role" in trying to unite all sides and that he was willing to hold talks with the leaders of the various political parties in order to resolve the situation. "I must unite them, and I must be ready to negotiate with each of them. This is my duty and I'm ready," he said when asked if he was willing to sit down for negotiations. In a video shared early on October 6, Jeenbekov described the protests as an attempt by some political forces to seize power illegally. But he expressed his readiness for the contested election results to be annulled, which occurred shortly afterward. Opposition representatives say they have been unsuccessful in trying to contact the president in order to hold a meeting. Meanwhile, videos shared on social media showed protesters walking in the president's offices in Bishkek's White House, damaging furniture and destroying portraits of the president. No police or official security guards were in sight and protesters were guarding the exits of the building. Fire also broke out early on October 6 on some floors of the White House, causing firefighters to rush to the scene and put out the fires. Where Does Kyrgyzstan Go From Here? The Coordination Council seems to be taking steps to try to move the country forward, saying that "now it is time to end the street democracy" and handle the state affairs by political means. Janar Akaev, a leader of Ata-Meken (and a former RFE/RL journalist), said the parliament will hold another session on October 7 to formalize the next steps decided by the Coordination Council. "We will elect a...people-supported, new government," Akaev said on October 6. It's widely expected that by electing a new parliament speaker, the council may try to force Jeenbekov to resign. In that scenario, the parliament speaker would become acting president in accordance with the constitution. However, in Kyrgyzstan -- which is undergoing its third major upheaval in the past 15 years -- political events are quite often very hard to predict. LAS CRUCES, N.M. As President Donald Trump spent last weekend at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C., being treated for COVID-19 disease, his physician entered the spotlight as he presented daily updates about the president's condition. Some of the attention on Navy Cmdr. Sean Conley arose from contradictory information he provided over the weekend and when he acknowledged Sunday that despite his cheerful presentation on the president's health Saturday he had not disclosed the president had received supplemental oxygen and was taking a steroid medication generally prescribed in severe cases of coronavirus infection. Explaining the lack of disclosure, Conley told reporters he had been "trying to reflect the upbeat attitude that the team, the president, over his course of illness, has had." The man overseeing and explaining the president's treatment is also reportedly the first physician to a sitting president to hold a doctorate of osteopathy rather than being an MD, or Doctor of Medicine. How sick is the president? Trump latest commander-in-chief to downplay medical troubles From COVID-19 to voting: Trump is nation's single largest spreader of disinformation, studies say Like MDs, osteopathic doctors are state-licensed physicians who can prescribe medication and treat patients through the United States. They receive similar training but with a different viewpoint on the body's health and healing capacities. To review the distinctions between a DO and an MD, the Las Cruces Sun-News, part of the USA TODAY Network, spoke with physician Bill Pieratt, dean and chief academic officer at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, N.M. This conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. What is the distinction between a DO and an MD? Physician William Pieratt is the dean and chief academic officer of the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, N.M. Bill Pieratt: It really is a different philosophy of healing. Osteopathic medicine focuses on wellness and the body's ability to kind of self-regulate, self-heal and achieve that equilibrium. It does that through osteopathic manipulation techniques (OMT) to identify any sort of dysfunction and restore function, alignment, balance and so forth. Story continues Those techniques may be different types of musculoskeletal manipulations or adjustments. There are also muscular stretches and counter-stretches. There are soft-tissue techniques that augment lymphatic flow. We use the same techniques as allopathic medicine and then add these osteopathic principles and techniques. On the allopathic side, there has been a more contemporary approach to come alongside the osteopathic philosophy of taking a more holistic approach and facilitating wellness, not simply limiting practice to the treatment of disease. What is 'allopathic' medicine? Pieratt: Allopathic medicine is just the term used for what is considered the more traditional Western medical training (leading to an MD degree). Is there a tension between these approaches? Pieratt: If you go back probably to the early 20th century, even into the mid-20th century, there was probably more tension. The osteopathic training and profession was probably less well-known and less well understood. Today, an undergraduate student who wants to become a physician is going to take the same foundational science courses and the same Medical College Admission Test. In fact, many students apply to both MD and DO-granting medical schools. Both of those schools are four years in duration and when you graduate you have a medical degree that then permits you to enter a residency training program, which is the next step in becoming a practicing, licensed physician. The residency programs accept both MD and DO graduates. Upon completion of a residency, a physician then is "board eligible" to sit for a board certification exam. There are DO physicians in every sub-specialty of medicine and surgery, just as there are traditional MD physicians. DOs aren't really limited to practicing a specific discipline of medicine. They are licensed and trained in the same disciplines that MD physicians are. We follow the same licensing the same board certification and maintain the same license requirements, the rights and privileges and responsibilities, and that's all governed at the state medical board level. The additional curriculum that applies to the osteopathic principles and techniques accounts for about 200 extra hours within the medical curriculum. What is osteopathic manipulation? Pieratt: It's a hand-on approach. There are techniques intended to both diagnose and treat some of the imbalances and dysfunctions that may impede the body's physiology and its ability to regulate and heal. Some of it may be musculoskeletal, some of it may be related to physiology and the balance of not just the musculoskeletal system but the lymphatic system, the immune system and so forth. Physician William Pieratt is the dean and chief academic officer of the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, N.M. Have there been changes of practice in osteopathy and/or allopathic practice that have changed the relationship between them? Pieratt: It used to be the emphasis in osteopathic medicine was more on primary care than specialties. Historically, you had more DOs going into things like family medicine and internal medicine and pediatrics, but today you have DOs practicing in all specialties and sub-specialties of medicine. You have DOs who are neurosurgeons and dermatologists and heart surgeons. There is not an area of medicine where a DO does not or cannot practice. Where things have changed the most have been in the residency trainings. There used to be separate osteopathic residency programs, and now you have MD graduates and DO graduates training alongside each other in common programs that accept both. In doing that, I think it improves the working relationship between the two and it sort of demystifies the differences. MD and DO physicians train alongside each other in residency, they practice alongside each other, and they often participate in the care of a given patient together. It's like any other working relationship where you assess someone for their competency, not based on what you think you understand about their background or their training. Follow Algernon D'Ammassa on Twitter: @AlgernonWrites This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Trump's doctor Sean Conley is a DO: What is osteopathic medicine? ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Professor of Political Science, E. Fletcher McClellan, was honored the Lifetime Achievement Award from the national Political Science Education section of the American Political Science Association (APSA). McClellan has been a member of APSA since the early 2000s and a governing board member of the section from 2010 to 2014. "I was quite surprised," McClellan said. "I'm motivated even more to help students navigate our current times. Though much of what is happening in 2020 is unprecedented, we have experienced perilous times before and overcome them by determined citizen action." In addition to McClellan's membership with APSA, the Political Science professor also helps the association by presenting his research papers at various teaching and learning conferences. McClellan also serves as the co-principal investigator of a project to reform the undergraduate political science curriculum which first began in 2018. McClellan has been a faculty member at Etown for more than 35 years and has served in many leadership roles at the College, including Dean of Faculty from 2010 to 2016, Interim Provost on two occasions, and department chair. Currently, McClellan teaches the senior capstone in political science and legal studies, as well as courses in American government, the presidency and presidential elections, public policy, and public administration. He is the recipient of the 2018 Craig L. Brians Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Mentorship, awarded by the Political Science Education Section of the American Political Science Association. In 2020, Elizabethtown College awarded him the Kreider Prize for Teaching Excellence. However, McClellan's most important honor may be the profound impact he continues to make on countless students and graduates who are able to learn from his courses, papers, and experiences who then go on to share their knowledge and talents with the world. "Helping students cultivate their critical and analytical skills, dedicate themselves to finding truth and strengthening democracy, and become active citizens is my mission for as long as I continue to teach," McClellan said. *E. Fletcher McClellan is a regular contributor to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. He also offers commentary on current politics for regional media outlets. Elizabethtown College, located in historic Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a private institution offering more than 50 majors including health sciences, data analytics, public policy, technology, engineering, fine and performing arts, business, communications, education degrees and more. Discover etown.edu. Contact: Keri Straub Executive Director of Marketing & Communications Elizabethtown College (717) 725-6907 [email protected] SOURCE Elizabethtown College Related Links http://www.etown.edu Cumberland House Cree Nation has begun construction of a new band office nearly a year after the old one burned down in an alleged arson. The First Nation announced construction of the building last Thursday. Planning for the 15,458 square foot office is to be completed by the end February. Chief Rene Chaboyer said he promised to build what the community needs after the original building burned down last December. The completed project will include daycare services, a band news release said. Since January, staff have been based out of a former band office; Chaboyer said he informally worked out of his truck. He said the search for the alleged arsonist continues and he has considered increasing the reward for information to $20,000 from $10,000. Somebody knows whos out there, he said. Last December, Chaboyer called on the federal government to support rebuilding efforts through Indigenous Services Canada. That help never arrived, aside from assistance with converting band-owned, single-wide trailers into a temporary office, Chaboyer said. The band opted against that route because it would take too much time and effort for a short-term solution, he said. A band news release said the First Nation financed the new building through its own resources and an insurance claim on the old building. Saskatoon company 3twenty Modular will develop the new building with the First Nation. It boasts an energy efficient design that will include a wood-pellet furnace and an air source heat pump, a band news release said. When the new building opens next year, Chaboyer hopes its central location along the Saskatchewan River will be more accessible. Previously, some residents had to walk for up to 40 minutes in winter weather to access the office, he said. The new location will make it easier for them to reach band services, despite the difficulties of the last few months, he added. What I tell my members is good things take time to develop. Rolled back in Libya and Syria, and facing censure in the East Mediterranean, Turkey has turned to the Caucasus to stage a regional show of power Turkey has intervened so far in Syria, Iraq and Libya, while in the past it also meddled in the interior of other countries supporting terrorist groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates. Turkey occupies the northern part of Cyprus and has exerted military pressure against Greece, a fellow NATO member, although to no avail. Now Turkey turns its attention to its eastern backyard, in the Caucasus region, where over the last week a frozen conflict has resurfaced. Since 27 September there is an ongoing military confrontation between Azerbaijan and the self-proclaimed Armenian-speaking Republic of Artsakh. This is the latest dramatic episode in the still unresolved historic Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that entails long-term cultural memories, historical enmities, regional geopolitics and energy concerns. The conflict shows the primacy of state interest over religious affiliations, although patterns of ethnic affiliation and the strategic use of foreign fighters in proxy wars are also visible. Nagorno-Karabakh is a land-locked breakaway state historically populated by Armenians in the South Caucasus, and internationally recognised as a part of Azerbaijan. This region was claimed in 1918 by the newly founded Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the First Republic of Armenia after the dissolution of the Russian Empire in 1917. The Soviet Union regained control in the Caucasus and established the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast within the territorial limits of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic in 1923. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 the region became the focus of heated dispute and armed violent clashes between Armenians and Azeris. The 1991-1994 hostilities ended with a ceasefire along roughly the current borders, as the better-equipped Armenians gained total control of the enclave and of the surrounding territory linking Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. The Republic of Artsakh has not been recognised by other states, including Armenia. Turkey has declared its unequivocal support for Azerbaijan offering all means to reclaim the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh territory. President Erdogan rushed to declare: I condemn Armenia once again for attacking Azerbaijani lands. Turkey continues to stand with the friendly and brotherly Azerbaijan with all its facilities and heart. Turkey supplies Azerbaijan with military intelligence, weapons and training, while Turkish military personnel are present in the territory of Azerbaijan. The Turkish policy of using Islamist fighters in proxy wars, as manifested in Syria and in Libya, repeats itself. There are increasing credible reports that Turkey has been transferring Islamist fighters from the parts of Syria it controls to the Nagorno-Karabakh front. These include both experienced fighters and untrained personnel. The reports have appeared in multiple respected newspapers, media networks and have also been verified by independent researchers and journalists. French President Emmanuel Macron attacked Turkey over its interference in the Caucasus: We now have information which indicates that Syrian fighters from jihadist groups have transitted through Gaziantep (Southeast Turkey) to reach the Nagorno-Karabakh theatre of operations. It is a very serious new fact, which changes the situation. I urge all NATO partners to face up to the behaviour of a NATO member. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged third parties to stay out of the conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region and said he hoped reports of Syrian fighters arriving in Azerbaijan via Turkey were not accurate. The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that Syrian and Libyan fighters from illegal armed groups were being sent to the region and called on the countries involved to prevent the use of foreign terrorists and mercenaries in the conflict. So far, Russias stance vis-a-vis the conflict has been rather slow; Russia shares ties with Armenia in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), the Russian-led Eurasian security network that also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Belarus, while in the past it had also included Azerbaijan for a period. Armenia has declared that Russia should intervene militarily according to the provisions of the CSTO; still, so far, Russia has avoided any participation thus allowing Turkey to forward its ambitions. Iran is supporting Armenia, as it does not want to see an overextension of Turkish influence in the Caucasus. An upset of the existing equilibrium would create a new front: Turkey and Azerbaijan projecting influence at the expense of Iran using the demographic card, as Iran includes large Azeri populations in its western provinces. Turkish interference on multiple fronts is receding rapidly both in Libya and in Syria, while in the seas of the Eastern Mediterranean Turkey faced the diplomatic network of Egypt and Greece. Now Turkey attempts to regain some of its lost credibility by meddling in another conflict, this time in the Caucasus, as the countrys economy has entered a downward spiral. Strategic overextension has failed in the recent past and now Turkey sees the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a prospect for a regional demonstration of power. *The writer is a lecturer in geopolitics at the University of Athens. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: The Azerbaijani side continues to spread false information that allegedly the Armenian Armed Forces are shelling civilian settlements in the territory of Azerbaijan. Shushan Stepanyan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, wrote this on Facebook Tuesday. The military-political leadership of Azerbaijan continues to exercise its practice of misleading the international community and its own people. We announce that no fire was opened from any weapon in the direction of Azerbaijan. At the same time, it is obvious that this disinformation of official Baku is aimed at preparing propaganda ground for the resumption of hostilities, ignoring the statements of the international community, in particular, those of the co-chair states, for unconditional cessation of hostilities, Stepanyan added. "When we discovered Tidalstar Vineyard in 2016, we knew that its ideal terroir combined with the highest standards in sustainable farming would produce exceptional and unique Willamette Valley wines," said Rudy Marchesi, Head Viticulturist for Landlines Estates and Chairman of Demeter USA. "This first release of Landlines is a superb expression of what this very special vineyard can provide." Ackley Beverage Group brought together a team of expert viticulturists, growers, and winemakers to show the full range of what this unique micro-site can produce. The thoughtful collaboration of wine producers offers decades of experience in biodynamic and organic viticulture and artful winemaking. The inaugural Landlines Estates release is from the 2017 vintage and will be made available for the first time in December of this year. Each of the four wines reflect various expressions of the vineyard and are produced in extremely limited quantities. With the purchase of 12 bottles, three of each wine, individuals will join Landlines Estates' Founders Club and be guaranteed allocation of future vintages, along with other benefits. Due to the limited quantities produced, this initial allocation will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The launch of Landlines Estates adds to Ackley Beverage Group's growing portfolio of wine brands. With professional and financial capital, they have helped Montinore Estate build upon their national notoriety and last year purchased 177 acres in Yamhill-Carlton to build a new state-of-the-art production facility, 100-acre vineyard, and multiple tasting rooms. The investment group is actively seeking acquisition opportunities to expand their winery partners in Washington and Oregon. About Ackley Beverage Group Ackley Beverage Group, a Seattle-based family investment company dedicated to supporting premium wine brands throughout the Northwest, brings financial and professional resources to partners in the wine industry. They are committed to the continuity and stewardship of a winery's unique legacy, while providing the necessary resources for partners to reach their greatest potential. In addition to capital, the company provides professional support in management, operations, sales, and marketing. To learn more, visit www.ackleybeverage.com. About Landlines Estates Landlines Estates crafts small, distinct lots of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from Tidalstar Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton. A select team of grape growers, viticulturists, and winemakers were brought together to show the full range of expression from this very special vineyard. To learn more, visit www.landlinesestates.com SOURCE Ackley Beverage Group Yongqi Liang (pictured), 25, from Shanghai, launched into a vicious attack with fellow Chinese student Xiangyu Li after the pair spent the night drinking together A student who killed his friend in a booze-fuelled attack and then tried to flee to China has been jailed for five years after pleading guilty to manslaughter. Yongqi Liang, 25, from Shanghai, launched into a vicious attack with fellow Chinese student Xiangyu Li after the pair spent the night drinking together. Liang set on Xiangyu and caused significant bruises to his head, neck and chest in the violent attack in Sheffield city centre on March 24 this year. CCTV footage showed Liang instigate a fight before dragging his victim to the floor and then repeatedly punch him. As the attack continued, Liang delivered a blow to Xiangyu's head which caused him to fall to the floor. Liang then spent around eight minutes attempting chest compressions and mouth to mouth resuscitation before fleeing the scene. Tragically, Xiangyu never regained consciousness and he was later found dead in Union Street in the city. Liang tried to return to China the morning after the fight and had boarded a flight to Frankfurt in Germany. But he was met by cops when he landed and arrested on suspicion of murder. Today Liang pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Sheffield Crown Court. Xiangyu, originally from Ji Lin City, was a former student at The University of Sheffield and had most recently been studying at The University of Kent. CCTV footage showed Liang dragging his victim to the floor and then repeatedly punch him, including once in the head. He then spent around eight minutes attempting to resuscitate Mr Li (pictured) before fleeing the scene In the early hours of Tuesday, March 24, CCTV officers at Sheffield Town Hall were alerted to a person laid out on the pavement on Union Street. A security guard was sent to the location, with two police officers arriving at the same time. There they found Xiangyu with significant bruises to his head, neck and chest, consistent with a violent attack. Despite the best efforts of officers and paramedics, he was pronounced dead a short time later. Officers retrieved extensive CCTV footage, which captured the attack in its entirety. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oughton, from South Yorkshire Police, said: 'The footage showed Liang instigate a fight, which escalated dramatically. Following the attack on Union St, Liang tried to flee to China but was caught in Germany and arrested by police. He later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was jailed for five years 'Liang dragged his fellow student to the floor, punching him violently. 'As the assault continued, Liang delivered a blow to Xiangyu's head, he fell to the floor and never regained consciousness. 'The defendant could be seen spending around eight minutes attempting chest compressions, and mouth to mouth resuscitation, before leaving the scene.' Statements from friends of the pair claimed that they had all been drinking heavily in the hours leading up to the fight. DCI Oughton added: 'The morning after the incident, Liang made plans to leave the country. 'He got a taxi to Terminal One at Manchester Airport and in an effort to flee to China, booked and boarded a flight to Frankfurt. 'Unfortunately for Liang, officers were waiting for him in Germany and he was arrested under a European Arrest Warrant. 'He was later returned to Doncaster where he was charged with murder. 'I cannot put into words how difficult this has been for Xiangyu's family to come to terms with. 'Their son came to study in the UK, full of hope and excitement, he'd made friends here and had a life here. 'Receiving contact from our officers was incredibly tough for them. My thoughts remain with them today. 'This is an extremely sad loss of a young life. Xiangyu was a fit, healthy young man who loved sport and music. His life was taken away in a violent incident, by someone he thought was his friend.' In his sentencing remarks, The Recorder of Sheffield Judge Jeremy Richardson QC described the case as a tragedy in 'every dimension'. DCI Oughton added: 'I would have to agree with these comments, there is a great deal of sadness at the heart of this case. 'It was an attack fuelled by alcohol and was a wholly unnecessary and tragic end to a young man's life.' It was reported that White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tested positive for the coronavirus 5 October, 2020 (Getty Images) Since President Trump was diagnosed with coronavirus on Thursday, it has been tough at times to know quite what is going on inside the White House, who has the virus, and what precautions are being taken. One moment on Saturday the presidents physicians told the public things were going very well, then minutes later his chief of staff told reporters the presidents vitals were very concerning. Now, the president has returned to the White House. At least theres one fact we can quickly debunk about whats happening in the Oval Office: no one is doing cocaine. That we know of. Pat Kiernan, a host on the New York City news channel NY1, had a big gaffe on Monday when he said White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany was another member of Donald Trumps inner circle testing positive for cocaine. @patkiernan Of course they are on cocaine My favorite news anchor pic.twitter.com/U8GxUaCLx0 Zendelle Adriel (@ZendelleP) October 5, 2020 He quickly apologised on Twitter for the mistake, writing, There's enough going on without adding another dimension. Apologies for the error. He did also joke, however, about 2020. When anything can happen. Yes. COVID. There's enough going on without adding another dimension. Apologies for the error. Pat Kiernan (@patkiernan) October 5, 2020 2020. When anything can happen. Pat Kiernan (@patkiernan) October 5, 2020 Meanwhile, 15 members of Trumps inner circle have tested positive for coronavirus. On Tuesday morning, Romain Schmit, the general secretary of the Federation of Artisans, was a guest on RTL Radio. According to Schmit, what could already be expected will be confirmed at the end of the year. When companies are going to make their balance sheet, there will be many that will pull the emergency brake, the general secretary of the Federation of Artisans explained. Artisans continue to suffer from the health crisis. The severity of the impact of the pandemic varies from one company to another. Companies linked to the events industry are particularly affected: caterers, pastry chefs, printers, photographers, etc. The cleaning sector has also suffered a lot, but here too, it has varied greatly from one company to another. More targeted public aids Consumer behaviour has changed. Municipalities also have less income, which in turn is felt by companies as they receive less orders. Short-time work had helped to avoid the worst, as had leave for family reasons, explained Schmit. But as far as direct aid to companies is concerned, the results are mixed. According to Schmit, aids were distributed in a very restrictive manner. Companies with more than 20 employees were not able to benefit from it. In total, 90 million was distributed as direct aid, i.e. non-refundable. While public aids were indispensable, according to Schmit, they must now be more targeted, towards those for whom it is really necessary. Companies should also be able to make use of short-time work beyond 31 December. Luxembourg's industrial policy is a "prevention policy" As far as Luxembourg's industrial policy is concerned, Schmit stated that Fage was only the tip of the iceberg. In the end, they had a solid case, but they were kept waiting for years. Schmit explained that Fage was actually a perfect example because many companies experienced the same treatment every day, even if not to this extent. He continued that it was also for this reason that many craft businesses had gone abroad, because here, their case was not moving forward. The general secretary then called for the responsible administrations to acknowledge the current situation, and come forward with clear instructions and constraints, which they would then respect. As of right now, companies have the impression that everything is being done to keep them out. A "prevention policy", according to Schmit. A "right" to telework could have undesired effects Schmit is also critical of teleworking, stating that it would not really work in all companies. In addition, it would sometimes require complex restructuring processes. Schmit also pointed out that it was detrimental to the Horesca sector because when making use of telework, employees stay at home and do not go out for lunch in restaurants. Negotiations of collective agreements After the Covid crisis, several collective agreements will be renegotiated. Schmit pleads for the search for new solutions, rather than constantly talking about acquired rights. The industries should have the possibility to develop as the times allow, in the interest of the company and the employees. According to Schmit, social policy was not a one-way street. Leading client-aligned asset management firm, True Beacon, wealth manager for HNIs and UHNIs the world over, today announced their partnership with integrated marketing business impact consultancy, One Source. Involving reputation management counsel across stakeholder groups, the mandate will cover content marketing, corporate communication, investor relations, and digital platform management & marketing across PESO platforms for True Beacon. Launched a year ago to create wealth and value for those who believe in Indias Growth Future, True Beacon has received accolades for beating markets by more than 25% for all of Year One, showing double-digit returns for global and Indian investors. The wealth management firm is backed by Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder & Chief Investment Officer, True Beacon & Zerodha, and counts among senior management veterans such as its CEO, Richard Pattle, erstwhile Vice Chairman of the Standard Chartered Bank in the UK. For One Source, this mandate will be spearheaded by Lead Counsel on the account, Chhavi Sharma, supported by the national team. Speaking of the partnership, Richard Pattle, CEO, True Beacon opined, At True Beacon, we wanted to change the way ultra-high net worth individuals interact with the Indian growth story. We built the firm on the values of client alignment, technology-enabled transparency and strategic value creation. This is where we found One Source exceptional in their digital-first approach, their focus on positively impacting partner bottom lines, and being forthright about the fact that on their growth depended on ours. That particular brand of consultants is rare globally, as we have found over decades of experience. Kishor Barua, Country Lead Corporate Communication, One Source added, We have always taken pride in the fact that we dont deal in platitudes. We deal in transparency and business impact people, principles, partners, ethos. We loved the harmony in values that of being forthright with clientele in saying when you grow we grow, so we put our all into growing you, thereby finding a spot by your side as your consultants. We know we will honour the promise we have made True Beacon making marketing a revenue centre. One Source has offices across Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore which service Indian and global market leaders across BFSI, construction, manufacturing, packaging, business consulting, ICT, the start-up space and more. In the last year, the firm has signed on more than two dozen clients across Branding & Films, Content Marketing, Digital Marketing and Corporate Communication. Of note is the fact that even amidst COVID-driven turmoil, One Source has continued to sign on partners & people, avoiding retrenchments and ensuring that their people see appraisals north of an average of 25%. CJI led Bench to hear Hathras case seeking CBI/SIT probe today India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Oct 06: The Supreme Court will today hear a PIL seeking a CBI probe or an SIT investigation into the Hathras case in which a 19 year old woman was allegedly gang raped and murdered. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, S A Bobde will hear the PIL filed by social activist, Satyama Dubey and advocates Vishal Thakre and Rudra Pratap Yadav. The petitioners have sought for the passing of appropriate orders for a CBI probe or an SIT investigation under a retired or sitting judge of either the High Court or Supreme Court. Hathras: UP Police files 19 cases including sedition, 'international conspiracy The petitioners have said that the Uttar Pradesh government has failed to take appropriate action in the case. The petitioners said that the victim was first gang-raped and then brutally assaulted. She died in a hospital in Safdarjung. The police had hurriedly cremated the body and had maintained that the cremation was being carried out as per the wishes of the family. This is not true, the petitioners said. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News The police have not performed their duties towards the victim, and were, instead, trying to shield the accused persons. "Because no arrest was made in this matter, the accused persons are moving freely and they have no fear at all," the petitioners also said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 8:16 [IST] General-Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia has described Mr John-Peter Amewu, Minister of Energy and Parliamentary Candidate as a good man who was in the wrong political party. I know Amewu very well and he is from this town, but whatever good he has done as an individual can never change policies of the Akufo-Addo's government. He will go to Heaven because of his good deeds. He will not go to Parliament. Mr Asiedu Nketia addressing party members in Wli and Hohoe Zongo, all in the Hohoe Constituency at the weekend, thanked them for being with the NDC party since 1992 till date and urged them to vote for the parliamentary candidate and also the party's flagbearer to win back the Presidential seat. He is my friend so, don't insult him. What we want is to convince him to come and join the NDC, his government believes in prosperity for few family and friends, so, even if you are in his government, you could be helped to become rich, but not same as helping your community to also become rich. He said changing political parties had never encouraged the development of communities in the country. I don't think that changing political parties has ever helped any community in Ghana. You are better off staying with your party by voting for the Presidential and Parliamentary candidates in the elections. You all know we have been under this government for close to four years or so, and you don't need anybody to tell you how the New Patriotic Party (NPP) governs. You may have a very good person, who is your brother in NPP but he alone cannot change the NPP policies. The General Secretary noted that the NDC party stood for prosperity for all because it was better for a government to create conditions for everybody in the community to earn a living rather than making individual rich. NDC would create conditions to make the youth to be able to make their own living hence the party's two major policies including; free technical and vocational education to empower the youth. He noted that the party would make sure that people who do not have the chance to go to school, were also empowered to earn a living under the party's free national apprenticeship programme. When we come to power, we will recruit at least 500,000 youth nationwide and also select master apprentices and craftsmen, register them and assign these recruits to them under various vocations, while government pays for their services. Mr Asiedu Nketia said the NDC government would provide sets of tools and initial capital for apprentices who completed their trainings under the programme. The General Secretary who revealed that the next NDC government would continue the works of all past governments, urged the members of the party to conduct their campaigns devoid of insults and fights in the Constituency. We heard Amewu is building classroom blocks for schools as an individual, but that should be the work of the government. Let him know that we will complete the blocks when we win power. However, Mr Anthony Kondobrey, Hohoe Constituency Chairman of NPP, briefing the media later, said the statements by the General-Secretary of the NDC made in relation to Mr. John Peter Amewu, should be regarded as tacit endorsement of the NPP candidate as against the NDC candidate. He said the level of development activities being carried out in the Constituency, championed by Mr. Amewu is legendary and that electorates of the Hohoe Constituency have noticed that beyond party colours, there must be commensurate development projects to acknowledge loyalty, saying "Asiedu Nketia and the NDC should be ashamed of themselves for using the people for their parochial interests." He said the electorates in Hohoe have seen the fruits a single man and decided who their next member of Parliament should be and that Mr. Asiedu Nketia's description of Amewu as a friend and a good man is long known to the people, who have decided to vote for him. Mr. Kondobrey disagreed with the NDC General-Secretary that even though Mr Amewu is a good man, his good deeds would only cushion him to enter heaven, but not Parliament insisting that a candidate for heaven is a better candidate for Parliament than the NDC candidate. He said politics had changed from colonising the minds of the people to only following political colours without bringing the needed development to them, a preserve of the NDC, which it continued to demonstrate since 1992 saying "modern politics bridges the under-development gap, which the NPP is doing and Mr Amewu is serving as the pillar between government and the people, utilising the skills of lobbying for the relevant development of the Hohoe Constituency." The Hohoe NPP Chairman said the changing trend of politics is what the NDC and Asiedu Nketia failed to understand and were still thinking that the people are still supporting parties that fail to honour loyalty, would be chasing the wind. He continued that Mr Amewu is an integral part of NPP government and whatever he did should be seen as part of government's support to the people in the area adding "how can Amewu use his personal resources to do government work, these monumental development projects cannot be funded by Amewu, that Asiedu Nketia should know better." ---GNA Unfavourable views of China soared this year among people in some of the worlds largest economies, a new 14-country Pew Research Center survey has found. Last year, survey results were much more varied, but this year, a clear majority in each country expressed a negative opinion of China. Most believe Beijing has done a bad job dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. In Canada, Australia, the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States, South Korea and Spain, negative views reached their highest points since the non-partisan U.S.-based centre began polling on this topic more than a decade ago. Seventy-three per cent of Canadians now hold an unfavourable view of China, exceeding the previous record set last year by 6 percentage points. Its quite startling to see how far China has fallen. It really tracks back to when President Xi Jinping took office and is consistent across countries, commented Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a former assistant deputy minister at Canadas Department of Finance, who spent decades helping to build relations between Canada and China. McCuaig-Johnston is among those whose view of Beijing has turned much more negative in the wake of Chinese authorities human rights abuses against Muslim people in Xinjiang and the detentions of Canadians in China. One would think that Xi would get the hint with this survey that his aggressive (foreign policy) actions arent working, she told the Star. Pew researchers did not ask respondents to differentiate between their views of Chinas leadership and Chinese institutions, such as the countrys medical community. However, across the 14 countries surveyed, a median of 78 per cent said they have no confidence in President Xi to do the right thing when it comes to international affairs. Only the U.S. received more negative evaluations from the public, with a median of 84 per cent saying the U.S. handled the outbreak poorly. Only global confidence in the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump was lower than confidence in Xi. It is notable that public opinions of the worlds two largest economic powers plummeted this year, said Laura Silver, the lead author of the report. We definitely see that views of how these countries have handled COVID-19 is colouring peoples attitudes of both the U.S. and China, Silver told the Star in a telephone interview. To McCuaig-Johnston, the takeaway is that countries shouldnt rely on either power to play a leadership role in containing the virus. Its also dangerous and destabilizing for how international relations are going to play out over coming years to have both countries in such poor standing, she said. The telephone survey of 14,276 adults was conducted between June 10 and August 3, 2020. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.2 percentage points. In a separate Pew survey, meanwhile, most respondents rated their own countrys handling of the pandemic much more positively. In Canada, only 11 per cent thought Canadian officials handled the outbreak poorly. COVID-19 has killed more than 209,000 people in the U.S., and while the reported death toll in mainland China, according to Johns Hopkins University, is much lower at 4,739 deaths, Beijing continues to face global anger for reports that it suppressed information about the outbreak. The United States, Australia and some European Union members have called for an international investigation into allegations the Communist Party of China covered up early data and warnings that may have saved lives in other countries. But unlike closely allied governments, Ottawa is stopping short of singling out China as bearing special responsibility for its deadly spread, and is instead calling for a postcrisis review into the COVID-19 pandemic. As long as Beijing withholds information about its handling of the early days of the outbreak, ordinary people of Asian descent will pay the price, said Fenella Sung of the organization Canadian Friends of Hong Kong. She was referring to a surge in hate crimes around the world targeting people of Asian appearance since the pandemic started. In March in Vancouver, a man pushed a 92-year-old man with dementia to the ground outside a convenience store while yelling racist insults about COVID-19. In another incident, a man punched a woman of Asian descent near a bus stop downtown and walked away. Of the 516 Chinese Canadians who responded to a poll from the Angus Reid Institute and the University of Alberta on incidents of hate and harassment during the pandemic, 43 per cent reported being threatened or intimidated. Every day, I pray that you people die, was one of the threats and name-calling instances respondents reported. Sung said that its worth studying why it is that when we talk about Canadians, Americans or the British, very few would equate the governments of those countries with the people in general. But why is it that many seem to identify people of Chinese heritage with the sitting regime in Beijing? she said. That kind of framing continues, and I think we havent been really refuting it strongly enough as societies. Correction Oct. 6, 2020: This article was updated to correct the percentage point difference between results in 2020 and 2019 for the proportion of Canadians with unfavourable attitudes towards China. Seventy-three per cent of Canadians now hold an unfavourable view of China, exceeding the previous record set last year by 6 percentage points, not 13 percentage points as previously stated. With files from Alex Boutillier Joanna Chiu is a Vancouver-based reporter covering both Canada-China relations and current affairs on the West Coast for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @joannachiu Read more about: RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC), in partnership with the G20 Saudi Secretariat, is organizing the "International Conference on Education and Training Evaluation: Improving Learning Outcomes and Supporting Economic Growth," which will be held virtually on October 14-15, 2020, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Alessa, Chairman of the ETEC Board of Directors. The two-day conference will include keynote speeches and thematic sessions. The conference will be preceded by 21 specialized professional development workshops, conducted over 4 days. More than 50 local, regional, and international pioneering experts, specialists, and academics will present in the conference and workshops. This conference will take place as part of the G20 International Conferences Program honoring the G20 Saudi Presidency Year, 2020. The conference includes thematic sessions and specialized professional development workshops presented by over 50 local, regional, and international scholars and experts. His Excellency Dr. Husam Zaman, ETEC President, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a new reality on all education and training institutions, pushing them to react differently and tackle new challenges at local and international levels alike. H.E. Dr. Zaman stated that "The linkage to the G20 Summit is certainly to add value and significance to the conference. It is an indication that education and training are important pillars for economic development in Saudi Arabia and worldwide." The ETEC has collaborated with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to plan for the conference program. It covers important themes such as implementing school performance inspection and evaluation, evaluating and accrediting technical and vocational education and training programs, evaluating higher education learning outcomes, and utilizing the data collected by the aforementioned processes for reporting and further research. A number of influential international experts and specialists will be presenting at the conference, including representatives from: the OECD, The World Bank, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), UNESCO, the New Zealand Ministry of Education, the Scottish Education Department and evaluation authority, the evaluation authority in the Netherlands, Stanford University in the US, the University of Porto in Portugal, and Zayed University in the UAE, as well as experts from relevant ministries and authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The conference will be preceded by 21 professional development workshops on evaluation and assessment tools, standards, and advanced data analysis, to be presented by local and international specialists through ETEC-affiliated centers and directorates like The National Center for Assessment (Qiyas), The National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA), The National Center for School Evaluation and Excellence (NCSEE), The National Center for Training Evaluation and Accreditation (MASAR) and The ETEC General Directorate of Research and Innovation It is worth mentioning that Saudi Arabia leads the G20 this year under the theme of "Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All," as the G20 will focus on three major aims: empowering people, safeguarding the planet and shaping new frontiers in which international cooperation is vital to face ongoing and emerging challenges. For more information feel free to contact: Mansur Jabarty 0500834496 [email protected] SOURCE ETEC San Francisco: President Donald Trumps controversial immigration order on Wednesday faced intense scrutiny as a court of appeals grilled the Trump Administration whether the travel ban unconstitutionally discriminates against Muslims and questioned the arguments that curbs were motivated by national security concerns. Asserting that President Trump was within his constitutional rights and obligations to sign the executive order that temporarily bans immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries, the Justice Department urged court of appeals to reinstate the travel banput on hold by the courts last week. During the hour-long hearing, conducted by phone, before a three-judge panel of the Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals here, the Justice Department lawyer August Flentje said in signing the executive order Trump struck the balance between national security and the practice of allowing people from entering the country. The President struck that balance, and the district courts order has upset that balance. This is a traditional national security judgement that is assigned to the political branches and the president and the courts order immediately altered that, Flentje said in his hearing which was telecast live by a number of television news channels. The lawyer urged the San Francisco court to remove the halt on the executive order by a court in Seattle. The district courts decision overrides the Presidents national security judgment about the level of risk and weve been talking about the level of risk thats acceptable, he said. Flentjes assertion led to a series of rapid fire exchanges with all three judges pressing him to explain the limits of his position. Has the government pointed to any evidence connecting these countries with terrorism, asked Judge Michelle Friedland. The Court of Appeals is expected to give its verdict soon. The case is likely to hit the Supreme Court in coming days. The three-judge panel asked the government lawyer whether the Trump administrations national security argument was backed by evidence that people from the seven countries posed a danger. Has the government pointed to any evidence connecting these countries with terrorism, asked Judge Friedland. Are you arguing then that the Presidents decision in that regard is unreviewable (by a court)? he asked another time. Another judge Willian Canby asked if the President could simply say the US will not admit Muslims into the countries. Could he do that? Would anyone be able to challenge that? he asked. Thats not the order. This is a far cry from that situation, Flentje replied. But said that a US citizen with a connection to someone seeking entry might be able to challenge the executive order if that were the case. President Trumps controversial executive order barred entry to all refugees for 120 days, and to travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, triggering chaos at US airports and worldwide condemnation. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kal Penn Approves This Message (Freeform at 10:30) Penn discusses the power of both federal and state judges and why the most important positions at stake in the 2020 election may not physically appear on the ballot. A group calling itself the Concerned Tertiary Students of GIJ (CTSG), has kicked against increment of fees by some tertiary institutions in the country. The group insists that a number of students are likely to drop out of school due to the increment of the fees for the 2020/2021 academic year. A statement from the group noted that, The Ghana Institute of Journalism and the University of Ghana are facing a 5% and 12% respective fee increment for the upcoming 2020/2021 academic year with hints of the increment from other tertiary institutions. A larger number of students are on the verge of dropping out of school because of such an inconsiderate decision, the group added. CTSG thus demanded governments intervention citing monetary challenges brought on students and their parents by the coronavirus pandemic. With regard to the Ghana Institute of Journalism, the group said: there has not been any official communique from the management to students about the increase in fees. This increment, termed as proposed, has however been circulated on student platforms and equally stated on every student's academic portal. The group claimed that the students of GIJ have been given up to October 9, 2020, to pay the fees. The group insisted that such action is a form of exploitation, and should be treated as such by all sundry. CTSG in its statement urged the authorities rescind the decision to increase the fees, communicate officially to the student body and extend the deadline for the anticipated decreased fees. We equally call on the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Education to listen to the plea of tertiary students and respond affirmatively to the fee decrement call from tertiary students, the group noted in the statement. citinewsroom The medical doctor who issued an excuse duty form for politician Kennedy Agyapong has denied any claim it was aimed at delaying the contempt hearing against the Member of Parliament for Assin Central. He made this known when he appeared before the Accra High Court to answer questions concerning the excuse duty. Dr. Ken Addo was earlier summoned on October 1, 2020, to answer questions surrounding the medical excuse form he issued to the MP on September 26, 2020. But the directive was varied and adjourned to October 6 by the judge presiding over the case. Upon the doctors appearance on Tuesday, his lawyer CA Chambers pleaded with the court to hear proceedings in camera as the questioning could lead to a breach of the confidentiality between the doctor and Kennedy Agyapong. Though the judge ruled otherwise, lawyer for Kennedy Agyapong, Alexander Afenyo Markin also prayed for the case to be heard in the chambers of the judge as he expressed concern about the political commentary on the case and some media reportage he described as gallery interpretations. While reassuring the counsels of staying within the terms of the invitation, Justice Amos Wuntah Awuni queried Dr. Ken Addo on why the excuse duty was granted for 14 days without periodic reviews and why the form did not include any OPD number as well as the exact age of the MP. Dr. Ken Addo in his responses indicated that the special case of Mr. Agyapong required that he was given those number of days to cater for the complications he suffered from his medications. The judge after getting an assurance from the doctor that the excuse duty was not issued to delay the contempt hearing, adjourned the case. Background Mr. Agyapong is in court for allegedly making a statement deemed contemptuous in the case in which Susan Bandoh and Christopher Akuetteh Kotei had sued him, one Ibrahim Jaja, Nana Yaw Duodu and the Inspector General of Police in a land dispute. He failed to turn up for his contempt hearings in court on September 28, 2020, with the excuse that he was suffering from complication from a post-COVID-19 condition. The judge thus summoned Agyapongs doctor. ---citinewsroom Wilson Hardness Testing Days November 4-5, 2020 Buehler presents Wilson Hardness Days, an opportunity to learn all about hardness testing by the expert team that not only designs and manufactures the leading Wilson line of hardness equipment but also the full line of Buehler metallographic equipment for material sample preparation and analysis. Buehler, An ITW Company is sponsoring Wilson Hardness Days November 4-5, 2020, two days jam-packed with online topics ranging from hardness testing, fundamentals to best practices, equipment calibration and more. This virtual educational program includes two half days of an immersion into Hardness Testing, Calibration, the Latest on Hardness Testers and DiaMet Software. Hardness Days is part of the centennial anniversary celebration of Buehlers Wilson hardness tester product line and is offered complimentary to all. Dr. Mike Keeble, US Labs and Technology Manager and Dr. Evans Mogire, EU Labs and Technology Manager have planned educational programs for both beginners and experienced lab technicians. Along with other Buehler experts they will share their knowledge on key hardness testing topics that will be of interest to Materials Labs at Universities, Research & Development Centers, Metallurgical Testers and Production Quality Control laboratories in many industries including automotive, aerospace, defense, and metals. Dr. Keeble states, As we celebrate Wilson, the hardness brand within Buehler, we want to mark this year with something special. Many customers cant travel to trade shows or our Solutions Centers to see the machines in action, so along with many other activities we decided to bring the lab to them with technical and educational webinars and now the Hardness Days event. Dr. Mogire adds, Since we wanted to make this available to as many customers as possible, we decided to offer the program during the morning hours in the United States, which will allow our European customers to join us as well. We are delighted to put this on and hope that this becomes a valuable resource for all industries that include hardness testing in their quality control programs. Attendees are invited to register once and obtain access to any or all of the online events. Both days open at 9am CST and end at approximately 12:30pm CST. The specific topic times are available on the web registration page; there will be 15 minute intermissions between topics for transition. So participants can jump on or jump off as they like during the program. The Wilson Hardness Days virtual event includes: Welcome to Buehler and Wilson Hardness Wilson Hardness Equipment Overview New Products Introduction Rockwell RH2150 and Universal UH4000 Plant Tours of Wilson Hardness Manufacturing in Illinois, USA and Shanghai, China Tour of the Hardness Test Block Calibration Laboratory in Binghamton, New York Fundamentals of Hardness Testing Webinar This webinar will provide a background to hardness testing, including its development and common uses. It will outline the principles of hardness testing techniques, how they work and core requirements for using them. Troubleshooting & Best Practice for Hardness Testing Webinar The commonly used hardness testing techniques will be discussed. Best practice guidelines for hardness testing will be provided, as well as an outline of common problems, how to recognize them and how to avoid them. Live Demonstrations of DiaMet Software Webinar Automated Hardness Testing is driving a revolution in efficient quality control evaluation. This session will include the following demonstrations of how software allows us to improve speed and reproducibility, creating confidence in testing and efficiency in your hardness testing process. The demonstrations will cover: Case Hardened Depth: Gear with Multi-locations and Multi-Sample Testing Hardness Mapping: Additive Manufactured (Medical) and Welds Coating Testing: All about the Indents Weld Testing: DiaMet Tools to Make It Easier Best Practices of Test Blocks with Daily & Indirect Verification This session discusses the challenges related to the manufacturing and calibration of hardness test blocks and their use in daily verification. In particular, details concerning accreditation, metrological traceability, and hardness standards will be reviewed. In addition to Dr. Keeble and Dr. Mogire, presenters include Julien Noel, Buehler General Manager and ITW Vice President; Benjamin Mangrich, Americas Commercial Director; Sarah Beranek, Global Director of Innovations; Doug Ngai, Hardness Applications Engineer; Matthias Pascher, Hardness Product Manager; Mike Connors, Senior Service Technician; Sandra Brosious, Metallurgic & Quality Control Supervisor for Test Block Lab; and Ryan Wise, Hardness Production Manager. For Hardness Days registration visit http://www.buehler.com/buehler-webinar-registration.php and select the programs of interest. If you cannot attend all the programs, simply register and you will receive access after the event. Questions and answers will be handled by our team at the end of each presentation and may be submitted in advance on the webinar registration page. The entire day will be available for replay at https://www.hardnesstestingdays.com one week after the event. ABOUT BUEHLER Buehler, An ITW Company, is a global industrial manufacturer of value-added consumables, materials sample preparation equipment, and the Wilson line of hardness testers along with related service businesses. Buehler is celebrating the 100 years of Wilson excellence in hardness testing in 2020. Buehler innovates solutions and offers expert service and support throughout the materials preparation and analysis market. For additional information on the Buehler product offering please visit http://www.buehler.com or contact Buehler at marketing@buehler.com or call 1-847-295-6500. If you would like to be added to Buehlers eNews list for updates, please sign up here https://www.buehler.com/newsletter-signup.php In 2006, Buehler was acquired by ITW, a developer and processor of engineered components, industrial systems and consumables. ITW is a global, Fortune 200 company with 51,000 employees across 56 countries. For additional information on ITW please visit http://www.itw.com . As a result of numerous efforts in the International Relations, Hue University has recently been funded by the European Committee for the Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) Project before the National Independence Day. The budget is from the Erasmus+ KA2. Notably, Hue University is the only university in Vietnam that have been granted international projects in two successive years (2019 and 2020). Hue University representative leader talking to the partner at the launching ceremony of the Curriculum Design in Agro ecology (CDAE) Hosting and coordinating international projects Those who are interested in the International Cooperation activities have been impressed by the fact that Hue University was authorized to host the CDAE project (at the meeting in Belgium) in 2019 and it made the spotlight on the e-map of Erasmus+ projects in January 2020. EC Agency of Education, Vision and Culture has announced another 2020 grant for Curricula Development on Climate Change Policy and Law (CCP-Law), which is part of the Erasmus+ fund. The success goes beyond expectation. Among 100 Higher Education institutions in the world that were granted the 2020 projects, Hue University is the only university to be granted to host the CBHE project. In particular, with the budget of approximately 1 million euros, Hue University will coordinate the whole project, directing 3 higher education institutions in Europe and 6 in Asia to design and implement training programs leading to the degrees of Master of Law within 3 years, from 2020 to 2023. Starting the CDAE project at Hue University Dr. Do Thi Xuan Dung, Vice-President of Hue University, said that the role of coordinating CBHE project sponsored by Erasmus+ has long been undertaken by European institutions. Other institutions in Asia, especially in Vietnam, have participated as members. Non-European institutions, including Asian ones, have recently undertaken the coordination of about 15-30% of the projects. It is hard for an institution to be considered for the project coordination because it must meet various criteria for evaluation. For example, Vietnam only had two institutions, namely, Hue University and Hanoi University in 2019. In 2020, only Hue University has been the only one to be granted the Erasmus+ fund to host CBHE project, Dr. Do Thi Xuan Dung added. Vietnam has become internationally integrated in many fields, including education. Whereas the International Cooperation activities in higher education institutions once mainly involved teacher training, conferences and seminars, there are many changes now. According to Dr. Do Thi Xuan Dung, participating in international cooperation projects brings many benefits, among which is the opportunity to develop the institution as well as elevate its reputation. Once the university proves its potentials, there will be cooperation in many other fields. At Hue University, there will be more projects in research, technology transfer, co-training programs and lecturer and students exchange programs. Hue University launched the Center of Capacity for Sustainable Tourism Development of the TOURIST project Hue Universitys ability to host and coordinate international projects has been appreciated by international partners and organizations. Claudia Linditsch (University of Joanneum, Austria), manager of TOURIST project, of which Hue University is a member, said: In TOURIST project, Hue University plays the role of a national coordinator. The project has gained outstanding achievements thanks to Hue Universitys proactivity, pioneering and project operating capacity. It is recognized by the international partners and, undoubtedly, Hue University is a competent candidate to play an important part in hosting and operating major international cooperation projects. Towards extensive goals The project operating role is considered as parameters for capacity evaluation as well as challenges to Hue University on its way to identify itself and elevate its reputation at the international level. As the project host working closely with international partners, Hue University has good chance for exchanging experience and knowledge with partners from developed countries. It not only helps to implement project for the sake of the community, but also creates favorable conditions for Hue University to raise the capacity in training students, developing staff and improving facilities. A Hue University leader said that, from the experience and opportunity gained via the authorized projects, Hue University would continue to extend the cooperation and share the project operating experience with its affiliate constitutions. This will allow Hue University to have more windows for international integration, turning Hue University into a research-oriented national university. Story and photos: Huu Phuc ANNAPOLIS, Md., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Significance Inc. an Economically-Disadvantaged, Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), head-quartered in Annapolis, MD, has received a contract worth over $7M to support the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD (A&S)) Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics Equipment Management Support. The 5-year prime contract award will provide Program Management support for Logistic and Fleet Management operations to OUSD (A&S). Significance will assist the Department of Defense to improve Government Personal Property and Equipment accountability and Non-Tactical Vehicle Fleet Management. Significance, with teaming partner AOC Solutions from Fairfax, VA, combined to bring best of breed capabilities to this effort. Significance is a professional services firm providing innovative management consulting solutions and best practices to the federal government, primarily in the Department of Defense. Significance's expertise includes financial management, audit readiness, asset management, and business system implementation. Significance excels at enabling clients to realize operational efficiencies, implement and sustain process improvements, improve overall performance, and reduce costs. Mary Ahern-Snyder, Significance founder and President stated, "Using a combination of emerging technology coupled with great people might sound like a simple solution but it makes a difference" She further explained that all Significance employees are invaluable and she "loves watching everyone work together as a team." With this new contract, Significance has (7) new positions and seeking to expand their already impressive subject matter expertise in both Fleet Management and Government Equipment. SOURCE Significance Inc Related Links http://www.significanceinc.com/ Hong Kong: Govt staff circular explained The Civil Service Bureau today said that issuing advance copies of circulars to the staff sides of the central consultative councils was in accordance and in line with the established procedure. In its response to media enquiries, the bureau stated that it reported to the Legislative Council Panel on Public Service on July 10 the progress of the study on introducing an oath-taking requirement for civil servants and put forward a proposal on the directions for implementation. Late last month, it met with the staff side representatives of four civil service central consultative councils and four major service-wide staff unions to listen to their views on the proposals. At the meetings, the Secretary for the Civil Service gave the staff side representatives a clear explanation about various recommendations, including that the bureau would issue a circular concerning the signing of a declaration by civil service new recruits as soon as possible and the content of the circular. The bureau also refuted reports which quoted a union representative's claim that the secretary had personally promised in the meeting that an advance copy of the relevant bureau circular would be given to the four major service-wide staff unions, saying the claim was unfounded. This story has been published on: 2020-10-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Lee Rae-jin, center, the elder brother of the South Korean official who was shot dead by North Korean troops after floating into the North's territorial waters late last month, holds a letter requesting the United Nations investigate the case, before delivering it to the United Nations Human Rights Office in Seoul, Tuesday. Rep. Ha Tae-keung, right, and Rep. Tae Yong-ho of the main opposition People Power Party accompanied Lee. Yonhap By Jung Da-min The family of a South Korean official who was shot dead by North Korean troops last month has asked the United Nations to look into the controversial incident. Lee Rae-jin, the elder brother of the slain maritime official, delivered a written request for the probe to Tomas Ojea Quintana, a U.N. special rapporteur on the human rights situation in North Korea, at the U.N. Human Rights Office in Seoul Tuesday. Lawmakers of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) Reps. Tae Yong-ho and Ha Tae-keung accompanied Lee. The request comes as the South and the North gave different accounts detailing why the official floated into the North's waters and the circumstances of his killing. The family has also claimed the South Korean government was attempting to distort the truth by claiming the victim was trying to defect to the North, saying there was no reason for him to defect and leave his family, including his young children. "I, Lee Rae-jin, would like to inform the international community about the brutal murder of my younger brother Lee Dae-jun, an unarmed civilian, by North Korean troops," read the request, according to the elder brother. "I would like to request a fair and objective investigation." Quintana, representing the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), received the letter. Late last month, Quintana called on the North Korean authorities to reveal all relevant information and to compensate the family of the victim. Camper fire claims the life of two people in Marshall County Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was accused by seven of his most senior aides of bribery and abuse of office last week, will not resign his post as the states top lawyer, he said Monday. Despite the effort by rogue employees and their false allegations I will continue to seek justice in Texas and will not be resigning, Paxton said in a statement. The statement comes less than two days after top aides with the agency called for a criminal investigation of Paxton, writing we have a good faith belief that the attorney general is violating federal and/or state law including prohibitions related to improper influence, abuse of office, bribery and other potential criminal offenses. Media reports have tied the allegations to Paxtons relationship with Nate Paul, an Austin real estate developer and Paxton donor. According to the Houston Chronicle and Austin American-Statesman, former First Assistant Attorney General Jeff Mateer and the other officials felt compelled to act after Paxton allegedly appointed a special prosecutor to target adversaries of Paul. In his limited public statements on the allegations, Paxton has pointed the finger back at the top deputies accusing him of wrongdoing. But Paxton claimed Monday that he was merely investigating a case that had been sent to the agency, as is his responsibility. The Texas attorney generals office was referred a case from Travis county regarding allegations of crimes relating to the FBI, other government agencies and individuals. My obligation as attorney general is to conduct an investigation upon such referral, Paxton said. Because employees from my office impeded the investigation and because I knew Nate Paul I ultimately decided to hire an outside independent prosecutor to make his own independent determination. Paul is a controversial real estate investor whose net worth Forbes estimated at around $800 million in 2017. His assets include some of Austins most prime downtown properties and a smattering of self-storage facilities. But his real estate empire has shown signs of decline, with at least 18 of Pauls companies declaring bankruptcy in the past year, according to the Austin Business Journal. And in 2019, his home and business office were the targets of an FBI raid, according to local news reports. Even after top Republicans called the allegations concerning and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Paxtons former chief deputy, called for his resignation, Paxton signaled he will charge ahead through the allegations. Paxton announced Monday that he would appoint Brent Webster, a former criminal district attorney in Williamson County, as his new first assistant attorney general, replacing Mateer, who resigned Friday and was one of the seven top aides leveling accusations at Paxton. Without commenting on the circumstances of Mateers departure, Paxton praised Websters substantial real-world experience. Webster has also worked as a civil litigator and criminal defense attorney in private practice, according to a news release from the Texas attorney generals office. I am confident that he will diligently and faithfully serve the office and the people of Texas, Paxton said in a statement. Webster ran an unsuccessful campaign in 2016 for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, losing in a Republican primary on a conservative platform despite endorsements from Tea Party groups. Williamson County stood to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars officials should have been able to collect in asset forfeitures after Webster failed to serve the proper citations, the Austin American-Statesman reported in 2017. We were short staffed, Webster told the newspaper at the time, saying he had focused his attention on criminal cases. Roy called on his former boss to resign from his post Monday, becoming the most high-profile Republican yet to do so. For the good of the people of Texas and the extraordinary public servants who serve at the Office of the Attorney General, Attorney General Ken Paxton must resign, Roy said in a statement. The allegations of bribery, abuse of office, and other charges levied against him by at least 7 senior leaders of the Office of the Attorney General are more than troubling on the merits. But, any grace for him to resolve differences and demonstrate if the allegations are false was eliminated by his choice instead to attack the very people entrusted, by him, to lead the office some of whom I know well and whose character are beyond reproach. Roy called the office of the attorney general too critical to the state and her people to leave in chaos. The Attorney General deserves his days in court, but the people of Texas deserve a fully functioning AGs office, he added. Roy served as Paxtons initial first assistant attorney general during Paxtons first term but resigned upon Paxtons request in a major shake-up of senior staff in 2015. He was elected to Congress as a Republican in 2018. By Monday afternoon, Roy said he would return campaign donations from Paul, the real estate investor tied up in the allegations against Paxton. Upon learning of the recent news about Nate Paul and the Attorney General, we combed our financial records & found $2700 from a Nate Paul in the 2018 cycle. I do not recall meeting Mr. Paul and it shows as an online contribution, Roy tweeted. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told the American-Statesman he planned to make a donation to charity in the same amount as a one-time $10,000 contribution he received from Paul in 2018. Late Monday evening, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar told The Dallas Morning News he also planned to donate $5,000, which is equal to a contribution he received from Paul. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The Education Department on Tuesday acknowledged that technical challenges hounded the opening of basic education classes, but maintained the first day of school generally went well. In a big picture, it went very well yesterday, Education Undersecretary and Spokesperson Annalyn Sevilla told CNN Philippines The Source.There are problems of course, we have a command center, we have some calls Overall, we can say it went well." Education Secretary Leonor Briones backed the sentiment, touting the school opening as a success despite the hurdles. On the whole, maraming challenges, marami din efforts na titigilan ang pag-umpisa ng klase, pero sa tulong ng buong bayan, sa tulong ng pamahalaan, ng civil society napagpatuloy natin ito, Briones said in a briefing in Malacanang later in the day. [Translation: On the whole, there are a lot of challenges, even efforts to stop school opening. But with the help of the nation, the government, the civil society we were able to push through with this.] The agency officially opened the new academic year on Monday, with over 22 million students from around 47,000 public schools going back to class amid the COVID-19 pandemic. READ: DepEd claims victory over COVID-19 as classes start Sevilla recognized the challenges for teachers and students including poor internet connectivity and lack of gadgets for online learning but stressed the government is working to resolve these problems. She noted that majority or about 85 percent of the enrolled learners chose the modular approach, wherein printed modules will be used for alternative learning. We do acknowledge that it (internet) is a problem, but for education, we have to continue. Theres something that we can do, and that is the modular approach, the Education spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Briones also revealed the department has received around 96 inquiries or concerns on the first day of school through its command center. Opposite of victory A teachers group meanwhile countered DepEds latest pronouncements, labeling the controversial victory against COVID-19 claim as an outright denial of problems on the ground. The mere opening of classes is not by itself a victory against COVID-19 and its disruptive impacts on the peoples lives, especially not a claim the government can make. It was teachers hard work and sacrifices that enabled us to open schools, costing us personal resources and to the detriment of our own well-being, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers said in its statement. ACT reported that some teachers were relegated to performing non-teaching tasks on the first day, as parties had to adjust to the new academic set-up. Online class meetings were also hampered by weak signal and low internet data credit. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered a six-week-long postponement of the school opening, as the government sought to iron out the logistical limitations for the conduct of the blended and distance learning classes. Under the law, the school year should start not later than the last day of August, but a measure signed by Duterte in July allowed him to set a different start date when theres a state of emergency or calamity. The New York state tax department denied STAR property tax breaks this year to more than 10,000 homeowners who didnt pay their property taxes. Thats the impact of a new law prompted by an investigation last year by The Post-Standard | syracuse.com. The law blocked $5.35 million in tax breaks that would have gone to people who were tax delinquent, according to the state tax department. Nearly 1,500 of those tax delinquents would have received their tax relief from the state through a direct check, intended to help the homeowners pay their property taxes. Thats $821,700 in taxpayers' money that tax delinquents could have pocketed without penalty. The others will no longer see the STAR reduction as a discount on their school property taxes at the local level. The benefit will return once they pay their taxes. More than 500 of the homeowners denied tax breaks live in Onondaga County. The number shows for the first time how many people have likely been abusing the program for years. The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com exposed in a November 2019 report that the state tax department was sending STAR checks to people who didnt pay their local property taxes. Gov. Andrew Cuomo responded quickly. The governor proposed in his January budget that the state come up with a system to stop giving money to people who dont deserve it. Top tax officials testified at a hearing in Albany that they had no way to stop it. Until the new law was passed, the state tax department did not check county real property records to make sure people actually paid their taxes. For STAR recipients who take the benefit as a credit on their income taxes, the state tax department sends tax relief checks to homeowners just before their school taxes are due. If the homeowners did not use the money to pay their taxes, the state would not have known. Long-time homeowners who make less than $250,000 can still take the STAR credit as a discount on their school tax bill. STAR reduces the taxable value of their homes. Under that system, people who dont pay the taxes would, by default, not see a STAR benefit. The new law will stop more undeserved checks in the future as more homeowners switch to the states system. The state is encouraging homeowners to use the states system by limiting benefits at the local level. The tougher scrutiny also prevents fraud in future state programs that might offer special rebates to STAR recipients. Last year, even more tax delinquents benefited from this loophole. In 2019, the state sent a second STAR-related check through a temporary program that rewarded homeowners who lived in school districts that stayed within a 2% spending cap. That program has expired. Now, homeowners will be denied the basic STAR exemption or credit if their property taxes are delinquent for one year past their due date. The new system relies on county government officials to notify the state when homeowners are delinquent in paying school property taxes. The state tax department then notifies the delinquent taxpayers that they have 30 days to pay up or lose their STAR benefits. If they miss the deadline, the benefits are denied. If the delinquent taxes are paid after the deadline, the lost STAR benefits for the current year will be added to the next years STAR credit. More than 2 million homes qualified for the basic STAR exemption this year. The new law does not apply to people who qualify for Enhanced STAR, a program for seniors that has an income limit. Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, D-Ossining, chairwoman of the Assembly Committee on Real Property Taxation, said Enhanced STAR recipients are vulnerable seniors who are unlikely to be abusing the system. Im very much in favor of it, Galef said. It was clear that some people just take advantage of government programs, which means theyre not paying their taxes and everyone has to cover for them. Galef also said she gently suggested the state not implement the new policy during the pandemic, when people are struggling to pay their taxes. James Gazzale, a tax department spokesman, stressed that the tax delinquencies are from previous years, not from tax bills that were not paid in the last few months. Read more about taxes: Stop waiting for a 2nd STAR property tax break from NY in 2020; the check isnt coming Did Onondaga County residents win or lose in first year of U.S. income tax reform? First stats are in How Bruce Kenan sued for a tax bargain on his Skaneateles Lake homes; a slap in everybody elses face Contact Michelle Breidenbach | mbreidenbach@syracuse.com | 315-470-3186. Mr. Wullschlager brings more than 18 years of commercial construction and real estate development experience. Over the course of his career, Mr. Wullschlager has been involved in the planning and/or building of over 3,000 dwelling units, multiple retail centers, as well as several municipal, hospitality, and office buildings. Prior to joining Hunt, Ben served as Vice President of Shea Properties, a nationally recognized and privately held commercial real estate development company. In this role, he was responsible for strategic planning, design, and execution of new multifamily and retail developments within Colorado. These projects included eight market-rate multifamily projects, two mixed-use developments and two 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit communities. Ben's career at Shea Properties was proceeded by his work as a Project Manager at Swinerton Builders and WE O'Neil Construction, where he lead the construction of commercial projects in both California and Colorado, including municipal bond work organized through a public-private partnership. "We couldn't be happier to add Ben to our team," said Guy Arnold, Co-Chief Operating Officer at Hunt. "Ben's extensive experience and leadership in the commercial construction and real estate development industry will be a value-add to Hunt's portfolio." Mr. Wullschlager earned his Bachelor of Science degree Business Administration from Becknell University and holds a LEED AP designation from the United States Green Building Council. Mr. Wullschlager serves as a board member of Valor Bridge, a Colorado-based veterans nonprofit founded to assist our service members in transitioning from military service to civilian careers. About Hunt Companies, Inc. Hunt is a diversified, family-owned holding company that invests in operating businesses, real estate assets and infrastructure assets. Since its founding in 1947, Hunt's size and scope have grown substantially while gaining considerable expertise across multiple real asset sectors. Hunt's reputation is built on integrity and performance. Hunt is committed to a culture of transparency for employees, clients, investors, and the communities it serves. Hunt and its affiliates employ over 3,000 employees across the United States and Europe. Learn more at www.huntcompanies.com. SOURCE Hunt Development Group LP Related Links http://www.huntcompanies.com Dr. Sean Conley, President Trump's physician, briefs reporters at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He attended an osteopathic medical school, not a more traditional allopathic one. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) What is the difference between a doctor of medicine (an M.D.) and a doctor of osteopathic medicine (a D.O.)? Its a question many Americans may be asking after learning that Dr. Sean Conley, who is managing President Trumps COVID-19 care, is a D.O. and not an M.D. The first thing to know is that just like M.D.s, D.O.s are fully licensed doctors who practice medicine, prescribe drugs and perform surgeries in all 50 states, according to the American Osteopathic Assn. They also practice in 44 other countries around the world, the American Assn. of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine says. And just like M.D.s, D.O.s attend four years of postgraduate school, followed by a year of internship, and do at least two additional years of residency before they begin practicing medicine. Although M.D.s are educated in allopathic medical schools and D.O.s go to osteopathic medical schools, they apply to the same residency programs and can pursue careers in any field, including radiology, surgery, pediatrics or oncology. Today, roughly 25% of medical students across the country are enrolled in colleges of osteopathic medicine, and more than 100,000 D.O.s are in practice. The main difference between M.D.s and D.O.s is philosophical, said Dr. Kevin Klauer, a former emergency room physician who now serves as chief executive of the American Osteopathic Assn. In osteopathic medical schools, future D.O.s are taught to take a holistic approach to their patient's care rather than just treating an ailment. Infused into the osteopathic curriculum is a focus on treating the whole person, including the mind, body and spirit, Klauer said. That might mean considering how a medicine or therapy will affect the bodys other systems, or asking about depression even when a patient's primary concern is a complication with something like diabetes, he said. M.D.s who attend allopathic medical schools may also take this same approach, but it is not built into their education in the same way, Klauer said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - Japan will on Wednesday see preliminary August results for its leading and coincident indexes, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In July, the leading index had a score of 86.7 and the coincident was at 78.3. Taiwan will release September figures for imports, exports and trade balance. Imports are expected to rise 3.0 percent on year after gaining 8.5 percent in August. Exports are called higher by an annual 6.6 percent, slowing from 8.3 percent in the previous month. The trade surplus is pegged at $5.2 billion, down from $6.47 billion a month earlier. Hong Kong will see September results for its private sector PMI from IHS Markit; in August, the index score was 44.0. Finally, the markets in China remain closed for the National Day holiday and will return to action on Friday. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan: Turkeys top diplomat traveled to Baku on Tuesday in a show of solidarity with Azerbaijan in its decades-old conflict with Armenia over the separatist territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Heavy fighting between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces in the region since Sept. 27 has killed scores of both servicemen and civilians. Nagorno-Karabakh lies inside Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994. The clashes have continued despite numerous international calls for a cease-fire. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu criticized calls for a truce and urged the international community to stand by Azerbaijan, saying that previous cease-fires had failed to end what he called Armenias occupation of the Azerbaijani territory. Lets have a cease-fire, OK, but what will happen after that? Will you be able to tell Armenia to immediately withdraw from Azerbaijans territory? Or are you able to draw up a solution for it to withdraw? No, Cavusoglu said after a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov. We have supported efforts for a peaceful resolution, but Armenia has enjoyed the fruits of the occupation for 30 years. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who also met with Cavusoglu, thanked Turkey for its support. This support inspires us, gives us additional strength and at the same time plays an important role in ensuring stability and prosperity in the region, Aliyev said. Azerbaijan said that Armenias withdrawal from the separatist region was the sole condition to end the fighting. Armenian officials alleged that Turkey was involved in the conflict and supplying Azerbaijan with weapons and fighters from Syria. Turkey has publicly backed Azerbaijan in the recent flareup of violence but denied sending arms or foreign fighters. Nagorno-Karabakh was a designated autonomous region within Azerbaijan during the Soviet era. It claimed independence from Azerbaijan in 1991, about three months before the Soviet Unions collapse. A full-scale war that broke out in 1992 killed an estimated 30,000 people. By the time the war ended in 1994, Armenian forces not only held Nagorno-Karabakh itself but also substantial areas outside the territory borders. The recent fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh marks the biggest escalation in the conflict. According to Nagorno-Karabakh officials, about 220 servicemen on their side have died in the clashes. The state-run Armenian Unified Infocenter said 21 civilians have been killed in the region and 82 others wounded. Azerbaijani authorities havent given details about military casualties, but said 27 civilians were killed and 141 wounded. - Fraser reported from Ankara. Associated Press writer Daria Litvinova in Moscow contributed. 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 Ghaziabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday tore into Akhilesh Yadav government, alleging it was sheltering and nursing crime and corruption and asserted that this UP election was about ending the 14-year exile of growth in the state. Addressing Parivartan Sankalp Rally here on the penultimate day of campaigning for the first phase of polls, Modi said Akhilesh has disappointed those who had high hopes of him and has destroyed the state in last five years. He also took a dig at SP-Congress alliance, saying, Samajwadi Party had stepped in a sinking boat. Is this poll about choosing a new government, or about electing a new CM? This election is about ending 14 years of exile of growth (vikas ka vanvas) in UP and replacing it with growth and prosperity, he said alluding to Ramayana. In his nearly 45-minute address, Modi, who represents Varanasi in Lok Sabha, attacked the Akhilesh-led government on several fronts, including law and order, even as he made promises of rectifying the wrongs committed by the state government. When Akhilesh came, we felt he is young and educated and will try to do some good. Par nirash kar dia, paanch saalo ke andar UP ka vinash kar diya (But he has disappointed us, destroyed UP in five years. They keep attacking me, and accuse that I have not kept promises. I tell you, I will give answer to the public in 2019, but Akhilesh government must answer to the people as it had ruled it for the last five years. If you do no answer in Uttar Pradesh, who will you make it Uttam Pradesh, Modi said. The Prime Minister also accused the SP government of sheltering crime and nursing goondas and sitting blindfold over corruption in the state. Today, women fear to venture out after dark in the state. Young girls are scared of going to schools. This evil has been sheltered by the ruling party leaders in the state. It is nursing the criminals. The law and order has failed as powerful people with protection of the ruling party are controlling police in their areas, Modi alleged. There is corruption in jobs, poor farmers and middle-class peoples lands have been snatched away. There are 40,000 complaints registered under the Arms Act, he said. ALSO READ | PM Modi in Ghaziabad: 'Akhilesh Yadav has kept his feet on a drowning boat by joining hands with Congress' If BJP forms government in UP, Modi said, I promise you we will form a special task force to ensure that lands looted from farmers and middle-class people would be restored. We have also been asking for CAG audit of irregularities in GDA but the UP governance has not agreed. Once we form a government in UP, we will ensure that GDA and other development authorities are audited, he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Deputy Chief Minister on Tuesday said he has tested positive for coronavirus, adding that he was asymptomatic and feeling alright. Chautala, a JJP leader, urged people who had met him during the past week to get themselves tested. "My COVID-19 test report has returned positive. There are no symptoms of COVID-19 like fever etc, but as the report is positive, I am self-isolating," he said in a message on Twitter. Earlier, Chief Minister M L Khattar, some ministers, Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta and a few legislators and MPs from the state had also contracted the infection and later recovered. (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.) EVRYTHNG, a London, UK-based product cloud managing digital identities for the worlds consumer products, closed a $10m funding round. The round, which brought total capital raised to date to $60m, was led by IDC Ventures and private investor and EVRYTHNG chairman Simon Eyers, with participation from Sway Ventures, Generation Ventures, Fernbrook Capital and You & Mr Jones, London-based Bloc Ventures, the UK Future Fund and other private investors. The company will use the new funds to accelerate its global growth, expand its product capabilities that provide end-to-end supply chain traceability and visibility and machine-learning applications for brand integrity, and add to its team. Led by Niall Murphy, CEO and Co-founder, EVRYTHNG provides EVRYTHNG Product Cloud, which helps consumer product brands to run their businesses with data-driven intelligence through the digitization of products at scale and the use of data generated by those products. With the platform, global consumer brands in sectors ranging from apparel, beauty and personal care to home goods, food and beverages can know what their products know. The company works with global consumer brands that include Ralph Lauren, PUMA, P&G, Moet Hennessy and Anheuser-Busch InBev, among many others. They recently launched strategic partnerships with Minet Technologies (Israel), The Results Group (Australia), Practical Methods (South Korea) and Hive (South Africa). FinSMEs 06/10/2020 Investigations editor Larry Parnass joined The Eagle in 2016 from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he was editor in chief. His freelance work has appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, CommonWealth Magazine and with the Reuters news service. It was an eerie, surreal experience when I first walked into Terminal E of George Bush Intercontinental Airport to see what resembled a deserted ghost town. I braved my first pandemic-era flight out of Houston in mid-September to see my sister and niece in Denver, Colorado. Never before have I experienced IAH so freakishly quiet. Savor the moment, I thought. You'll never see this desolate tumbleweed scenario at Houston's massive international airfield again. It felt like a strange scene out of a post-apocalyptic movie. As I dropped my bag and checked in for my United flight, I spotted only a few other humans around. If youre accustomed to desk agents greeting you at a counter, forget about all of that. The agents are now hovering close to kiosks to make sure that your check-in is contactless. COMFORT FOOD CRAVINGS: An ode to Dinner Bell Cafeteria, among the last of a dying breed The next step was boarding. If you've always been one of the first passengers to board, you might be in for a surprise. United is now boarding from the back of the plane to the front to promote social distancing. Once we were aboard the aircraft, flight attendants handed out disinfectant wipes so everyone could clean their space. Word to the wise: Right before you head out, you'll be asked to fill out a health declaration stating that passengers will wear a face mask throughout the flight and that they have not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms. If you forgot your mask, don't worry. The airline will provide disposable face coverings for all customers who need them. Alison Medley One question I've heard a lot is, "Are the snacks different? What about cocktails onboard? Yes, cocktails are still a thing for air travelers, so take heart if youre up for onboard libations. What was peculiar this time was receiving a little sealed plastic bag filled with bottled water, pretzels and a stale Stroopwafel cracker. If we brave flying in the pandemic, cant we get a cooler snack maybe some warm chocolate chip cookies for comfort? As we cruised into Denver, the flight attendants asked us to stay seated until the row in front had gathered their luggage and exited safely, to ensure that passengers stayed 6 feet apart. That was all well and good, but some passengers were ready to bolt out like wild mustangs on an open prairie. I survived the pandemic, and now I met my fear of flying during COVID-19 head-on. Wheres the freakin T-shirt for that one? a fellow passenger to Denver asked. Was it worth it? Yes. I got to see, love and laugh with my sister and niece who I hadnt seen in more than eight months, and it was incredibly refreshing to soak up the goodness of Colorado. If youre ready to fly, load up on the N95 masks and prepare for a surreal experience, especially if you head out on a morning flight. This brief interlude of quiet in the skies wont last too long before the silence fades into crowded aisles and packed planes once again. Imagine you have tickets for a show tonight featuring Lionel Richie at the Encore Theater in the Wynn Las Vegas Resort. COVID-19 isnt over, but that wont stop you from seeing the pop star live, with hundreds of other concert goers. Most important, imagine you can do so safely. Thats Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddoxs vision. And he wants to act on it in the weeks ahead, before theres a vaccine on the market. Maddox wants to open an in-house COVID-19 testing lab by Thanksgiving. He said concert goers could take a rapid coronavirus test the afternoon of the concert and receive the results on a mobile phone app before the performance starts. The plan, however, would need the blessing of Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak. Most gatherings in the state are currently limited to 250 people. On ExpressNews.com: . Wary Traveler: Paris and Tokyo are off limits to most U.S. travelers. Las Vegas hotel owners believe taking aggressive action can save the areas tourism industry and tens of thousands of jobs. If it works, I would not be surprised to see hotels, theaters and meeting venues in other cities follow suit with their own testing programs. Hotels in Las Vegas reopened June 4, but only a fraction of the visitors returned, leaving numerous hotel rooms empty. Thats partly because, while the casinos are open, Las Vegas famed shows remain shut down. The conventions that drove a good chunk of the tourism business stopped after COVID-19, helping turn this desert city into a shadow of its former self. Wynn Resorts, which operates the Wynn and Encore hotels, isnt the only player attempting to put the COVID-19 odds in its favor. The largest operator on the Las Vegas strip MGM Resorts International with 13 hotels is developing its own rapid testing program to encourage conventioneers to come back to its many hotel meeting rooms. But rapid COVID-19 tests arent always as accurate as tests that take longer to process. Hotel operators clearly want to get out the message that Las Vegas is safe to visit. But statistics arent helping their cause. From June 1 to Aug. 31, casino hotels represented five of the six largest possible coronavirus exposure sites in Clark County, Nev., home of the Las Vegas Strip, according to contact tracing statistics. The largest site, the Cosmopolitan Hotel, had 304 cases in that time period. The Cosmopolitan was followed by the Bellagio Las Vegas with 153 cases, MGM Grand with 133, the Venetian Resort with 89, and Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino with 86. The only nonhotel among the top six potential exposure sites was the Clark County Detention Center with 93 cases. Those hotels were among the first to reopen after the governor allowed casino resorts to begin operating again. State officials caution the statistics reflect only where people first reported symptoms, not necessarily where they contracted the virus. The data was first reported in late September by the two largest newspapers in the state of Nevada, the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the Reno Gazette-Journal. I received the data from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, but without an answer to my question on why its not posted on its website. I am reminded of the clever branding for Las Vegas: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. A Cosmopolitan spokesperson said that the exposure data merely reflects what locations the (infected) individuals recall visiting during a certain period of time. The resorts website says the hotel casino has implemented numerous measures to protect the health and safety of guests, including social distancing rules, 500 hand-sanitizer stations in public areas and complementary personal protective equipment. On ExpressNews.com: Wary Traveler: What its like to catch a flight in the age of coronavirus Even without the testing programs, it still could be safe to go to Las Vegas, said Jennifer Horney, professor and director of the epidemiology program at the University of Delaware. She said that staying in a hotel in Las Vegas or a hotel anywhere, for that matter may not be inherently dangerous. Whats important is that the facility is taking appropriate guest-protection measures, including requiring masks, limiting the use of shared public spaces and following appropriate cleaning protocols. But Horney also expressed concern that Nevadas overall rate of coronavirus infections is more than 11 percent, double the World Health Organizations goal of no more than 5 percent. She said visitors potentially could contract the disease through a super spreader event. Emerging data are providing additional support for the idea that a large proportion of COVID-19 cases are the result of so-called super spreading events, which are subsequently associated with large clusters or outbreaks of disease, she said. Unlike Wynn Resorts, which wont have its COVID lab ready till late November, MGM Resorts is offering rapid testing for convention goers right now. One of its hotels, the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, has 2 million square feet of meeting space alone, bigger than most convention centers in the U.S. Meetings are a critical part of our business and overall success in Las Vegas, particularly midweek, MGM spokeswoman Stacy Hamilton said. We are looking forward to welcoming back groups and believe we have created a program that puts health and safety at the forefront, while also creating an experience that is still very much Las Vegas. MGM calls its program Health Pass. The rapid testing portion, MGM says, provides results within about 20 minutes. It says those tested will download an app, and if results are negative, theyll be cleared to enter the convention or meeting. A temperature check also will be taken. Maddox, the Wynn Resorts CEO, insists that rapid testing programs are essential. I do hope a vaccine will be available and widely adopted soon, but we cant wait, he said. He said local residents lives and futures depend on Las Vegas attracting millions of tourists and getting back to the business of fun. Randy Diamond covers tourism and the travel industry. To read more from Randy, become a subscriber. randy.diamond@express-news.net Youll have to watch retail websites like a hawk and be ready to refresh like mad if you want to get an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or 3090 before the year ends. According to Toms Hardware, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has admitted that demand for the graphics cards will outstrip the companys supply throughout the year. Demand for both cards have already been through the roof, but NVIDIA expects it to balloon even more now that its the holiday shopping season. Huang said during a press conference for NVIDIAs GTC conference announcements: I believe that demand will outstrip all of our supply through the year. Remember, we're also going into the double-whammy. The double-whammy is the holiday season. Even before the holiday season, we were doing incredibly well, and then you add on top of it the Ampere factor, and then you add on top of that the Ampere holiday factor, and we're going to have a really really big Q4 season. By Ampere, the CEO was of course talking about NVIDIAs Ampere architecture. If youll recall, the RTX 3080 is the brands first Ampere GPU, promising significant performance improvements around real-time ray tracing. The $699 cards launch caused quite a huge excitement, so much so that the companys website crashed and the 3080 sold out almost as soon as it became available. NVIDIA had to apologize for not being prepared to deal with the unprecedented demand. The company apologized again before pre-orders for the RTX 3090 even started, knowing that it couldnt keep up with the demand due to the limited supply it had on launch day. NVIDIA also delayed the $499 RTX 3070s launch so it could stock up on the card before selling it and to prevent a repeat of the 3080 and 3090 ordering chaos. During the press conference, Huang clarified that the cards are having a demand issue, not a supply issue. The company promised in the past to work with its manufacturing partners to increase its supply in the coming weeks. He said: President Trump gives a thumbs up Monday after returning to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was hospitalized for three days for COVID-19. (Getty Images) President Trump claimed he was "FEELING GREAT" in a tweet on Tuesday, his first full day back at the White House after three nights in a hospital for COVID-19, and the president's doctor said the president showed "no symptoms" of the disease. But Trump's reelection campaign struggled to stanch the political bleeding with just four weeks until election day. Still contagious, Trump is unable to hold rallies or attend fundraisers, and his cash-strapped campaign is cutting back on television ads and polling as his race against former Vice President Joe Biden moves into the final stretch. Some advisors believed Trump had an opportunity to turn his personal health scare into a political winner to show a softer, more personal side, a greater understanding of the virus and more empathy for Americans who have contracted the disease or seen their lives upended by it. Instead, the president reverted to the dismissive stance he adopted early in the pandemic, belittling the coronavirus as "less lethal" than the flu and offering his own survival as proof, effectively minimizing the more than 210,000 Americans dead from COVID-19. "Don't be afraid of it," Trump said in a video posted Monday night from the White House, which has become a hot zone for the contagion. "Don't let it dominate. Don't let it take over your lives." "I just can't imagine how Trump could be doing more to hurt himself than he is right now," said Rory Cooper, a Republican operative who worked in the George W. Bush administration and as an aide to then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. Trump dismissed the coronavirus danger even as the top U.S. general, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark A. Milley, and several members of the Pentagon's senior leadership went into quarantine Tuesday after Adm. Charles W. Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, tested positive for the coronavirus. Senior policy advisor and speechwriter Stephen Miller also tested positive Tuesday, one of three new cases reported in the West Wing. Story continues Trump then stepped into another political trap, tweeting that he was abandoning talks with congressional Democrats about crafting a deal to provide additional stimulus funds accepting responsibility for walking away and ensuring that Americans, who support additional economic relief by a 3-to-1 margin, won't get any before the election. The stock market plummeted in response. Restless after his isolation in the hospital and White House residence, Trump is eager to return to the Oval Office and the campaign trail, according to aides. But with campaign manager Bill Stepien quarantined since a positive coronavirus test, the reelection operation is relying on surrogates, including the president's adult children and Vice President Mike Pence. The president wants to deliver a formal address to the country and tweeted that he is "looking forward" to his second debate with Biden, scheduled for Oct. 15, even though his doctors said he is not yet fully recovered. Polls show Trump's management of the crisis to be his greatest vulnerability in the election. And because polls give Biden a 2-to-1 edge over Trump in terms of which the public trusts to handle the pandemic, the president's determination to project his own vitality, not compassion, appears politically self-defeating. New polling shows Trump, who already trailed Biden nationally and in key swing states, dropping since last week's chaotic debate with Biden. Trump gained no measurable sympathy support after he was rushed to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center last Friday. In Pennsylvania, which Trump won in 2016, Biden now leads Trump by a 54%-42% margin, a five-point swing from last month, according to a Monmouth survey. The president also trails Biden by a 48%-39% margin in Michigan, which Trump also won last time, according to a Detroit News poll. A USA Today poll showed Trump and Biden tied at 45% in Florida, a critical state for Trump, however. But multiple surveys taken over the weekend, as Trump convalesced at Walter Reed, showed a solid majority of Americans held the president responsible for his illness, blaming his cavalier attitude toward wearing masks and meeting groups indoors. In a CNN survey released Monday, 60% said they disapproved of his overall handling of the pandemic, a new high on that question. And Biden extended his national lead with likely voters over Trump to a 57%-41% margin, according to another CNN poll Tuesday. "They have four weeks to redefine or reset the narrative and theyve got to decide: Do they reset the narrative on the virus or just change the subject to public safety or the economy," said Pat McCrory, the former Republican governor of North Carolina, another swing state where polls show a tight race. McCrory, now a radio host, noted that the vast majority of people diagnosed with the virus have survived. But he acknowledged it's a losing message politically, given the 210,000 American dead. "Theyve lost the narrative on statistics," he said. "Theyve lost that from the very beginning, [when critics pointed out that] 'More people died of COVID than the Vietnam war.'" About 58,000 Americans died in that 11-year conflict. After his surprising 2016 win over Hillary Clinton, Trump was credited with having a better grasp of the electorate than his opponent. But as the incumbent, he has struggled this year, unable to make a positive case for a second term while the country is gripped by a pandemic and a recession. "We tend to overlook how much the 2016 campaign was really about Hillary Clinton and not about Donald Trump," said Alex Conant, a GOP consultant in Washington. "The closing weeks of the 2016 election were very much focused on Clinton's scandals, and it was probably the most disciplined time of Trump's political career. "I don't want to underestimate his political potential," he continued. "But he hasn't won anything in nearly four years." Although Trump has relied on similar scare tactics this time, warning that a Biden administration would impose socialist policies and defund police, the angry rhetoric mostly hasn't stuck. As usual when an incumbent runs, the election becomes a referendum on his or her record which in this case means Trump's handling of the worst public health crisis in a century. His relentless self-focus, making everything about him, has worsened the challenge. Ben Shapiro, a conservative radio host and staunch Trump defender, vented frustration with the president's political approach, tweeting that a Trump loss to Biden would be "on him." "The campaign against Biden isn't difficult," Shapiro wrote. "It just requires Trump to take himself out of the spotlight and put Biden in it. And Trump refuses to do it." Sarah Longwell, the founder of Republican Voters Against Trump, has conducted dozens of focus groups with college-educated women who voted for Trump in 2016 and are now moving away. They pay more attention to political news than before, especially regarding the pandemic, which has direct impact on their families, she said. "Hes downplayed it while their lives have been upended by it," Longwell said. "The fact that he contracted the virus and had to be hospitalized and continues to say 'Hey, everythings fine,' they see through the straw man act." On Capitol Hill, several Republicans have adopted Trump's messaging. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), whose state has the fifth-highest per capita death toll, said Monday that COVID-19 is "not nearly as lethal as the experts told us it would be." But parroting Trump's talking points, which resonate with the president's base, may alienate the swing voters and ultimately cost the GOP its Senate majority. Sen. John Cornyn, (R-Texas), who is running for reelection, seemed to recognize as much in an interview this week, lightly criticizing Trump, who he said "got out over his skis" in wanting to convince the public the worst of the pandemic was over. "What he needs to do is focus on is his record," said Phil Berger, a Republican who leads the majority in the North Carolina Senate. "I think his campaign needs to focus on their ground game and I think it would be helpful if his debate performance was more clearly focused on his record and focused on what he has done." But like other Republicans, Berger is not holding his breath for a messaging reboot. Trump, he said, "is a package and the things that people really like about him dont come without the things that tend to be frustrating to folks." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. That release could not be found. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Do you remember the first time in your life that someone you looked up to as a spiritual leader had a moral failure? I do. I was a freshman in college at Liberty University studying for the pastorate. I had gone to chapel to hear a great preacher/teacher expound upon the Word of God. The speaker was such a passionate speaker who knew the Word of God so well, that it inspired me to memorize Scripture and to seek to know God like him. As soon as chapel was over, I rushed to the library to pray, read my bible, and begin to memorize Scripture so I could know Scripture like he did. Before that day was over, I had read over 50 chapters in my Bible and had memorized over 60 verses. Not long after that, I learned as did many others, that the man who had inspired me was a fake. He had made up the childhood story of his life to sensationalize his life. He was a fraud and later was found out to not only have had one moral failure but many in his lifetime. I wish I could say that this only happened to me once in my 49 years of life and 25 years in the ministry, but sadly, I have had close pastor friends and spiritual heroes, that I have looked up to, over the years who have let me down and caused me great pain and confusion. I am sure you have, too. It seems like in these days there are so many pastors having moral failures that we cant even keep up with it. Decades of deception and repeat moral failure. Sometimes it comes out while they are in the middle of it and other times it comes out decades later. If you are anything like me, when these sorts of things happen to you, it shakes your faith, causes you to wonder, and plummets you into a combination of hurt, questions, doubt, and anger. It arouses questions in the depth of your being likewas their influence and inspiration just a lie? Was that not God who used him or her to inspire me to become who He has created me to be? I have heard some say that when their pastor fell morally that it was like their own wife or husband failing morally. It hurt them that deeply and wounded them in their faith that deeply. We live in a world today where it is difficult to find people we can trust and depend on as an example to follow. Yeah, we all have clay feet and we all have weak moments and make poor choices, but it seems like moral failure in leaders is on the rise. When one of our leaders fall it creates a deep sense of distrust, sorrow, confusion, and questions that can lead to anger, or even worse. It can cause us to wonder, if what and who we believe in, Jesus, is even real and worth it. How could we be so duped by someone so close to us? How could we look up to someone for so many years only to find out they were a fraud? Or were they? How could we be so naive? Or were we? Maybe they werent fake. Maybe we werent naive. Maybe sin is just that powerful. Maybe they underestimated the power of sin. And maybe we overestimated their power apart from Christ. Unfortunately, the New Testament does not give us an example of a spiritual leader who had a sexual moral failure, but the Old Testament does. The Bible says that King David was a man after Gods own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14) Would you like God and the Bible to say that about you? I would. What does it mean to be a man after Gods own heart? Being a person after God's own heart means that your life is in harmony with God. A woman (or man) after God's own heart is someone who has given their heart to Him completely. David had done just that. But David eventually found himself drifting in a direction that was the opposite of God. The Bible says that at the time when kings go to war, David stayed home. (2 Samuel 11:1) Was he burned out? Was he prideful? Was he tired of fighting Gods battles and wanted to enjoy himself a little? We dont know. The Bible doesnt say. But what we do know is it happened and the Bible tells us that in 1 Samuel 11:2. David went out on his balcony, saw a very beautiful woman bathing, called for her, slept with her, and she became pregnant. (1 Samuel 11:2-5) What was he to do now as the King of Israel? He had a reputation to uphold. He called for her husband, but he turned out to be a better man than David and wouldnt be with his own wife while his comrades were at war. David became desperate and sent him back with instructions that would eventually be fatal for Uriah. And if this wasnt bad enough, he hid it and lived with the secret until Nathan the prophet confronted him. We know from the story that David suffered greatly for the rest of his life due to his indiscretion. The Bible tells us so. 2 Samuel 12:11 Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun. We know David suffered for his sin, but we also know others did as well. Why? Because we who have been in close relationship with pastors who have fallen have felt a residual brokenness in us as well. A brokenness that lingers and even haunts us and hunts us years after our heroes have fallen. It is a residual that can be down-right paralyzing to your faith and your willingness to trust someone again like you once trusted them. So, how do we deal with the hurt and pain that fallen pastors and spiritual leaders have caused us? First, realize that any man or woman of God can fall if they drift far enough. This is not just true of some; it is true of all. No one in Davids day loved God more than him. But he drifted. Sin presented him an opportunity. He took it. And like sin does, it took David further than he wanted to go; kept him longer than he wanted to stay; and cost him more than he wanted to pay. No matter how strong our relationship is with God, it will never make us foolproof against sin. We still have to choose God over sin regardless of how godly we become. David proved this. Second, realize that what they believe and taught you about faith in Jesus is still true even if they stopped living it. The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is always death in some way. (Romans 6:23) Remember that the devastation of their sins impact on you is proof that what they taught you is true. Third, at some point, you have to forgive them. If you dont forgive them for their sin and what it did to you, they will eventually become your excuse for falling back in your own faith. If this happens, you will grow lukewarm in your faith and eventually engage in a life of sin yourself. I know it is hard to believe, but I have felt the temptation in my own life due to others I looked up to falling. And yes, I have watched it play out in others lives as well. Regardless of how consistently our leaders live their faith, if they fall, we have to forgive them or otherwise we will in some way eventually join them. Fourth, seek to restore them to the faith if possible. This wont be easy, and they may not let you or have any interest in you helping them since they were once your mentor or influencer. But you should at least try. If nothing else, let them know through maybe a handwritten note or spoken word to them that you are praying for them and for their restoration. And last, dont stop looking for role models in the faith (regardless of your age), even though some have disappointed you or let you down. As we age it is easy to fall into the trap, I dont want to have someone to influence me or look to because they will just disappoint me, again. Yeah, they may, but in the meantime, God will use them to influence you for Him as well. I dont pretend to understand how God has used scores of now fallen leaders to make me the man of God I am today, but it is true. And I live each day knowing, because of their example, that I will not reach an age or a maturity in the faith where my faith eliminates my desire to sin. It is a day by day, sometimes minute by minute journey of making the next right decision in the face of great temptation. I pray that you and I can forgive those who have wounded us, pray for their healing and restoration, and keep looking for people of the faith to inspire us to become the men and women He has created us to be. What they taught you and I about Jesus is still worth it. Lets ask Jesus to heal us from the hurt they caused us, so He can stop the cycle of hurt with us and use us to influence others for His glory and their good. Jesus said, Youre worth it. Can you say the same of Jesus? Jesus, youre worth it. I will forgive them, let go of the hurt they have caused me, and hang on to the good they taught me about you for your glory and others good to continue through me in Jesus name. Thats the most important thing! Dont let the sin of your fallen heroes kill your desire to keep living for Jesus. Take the good and let go of the bad, so you can keep living for Jesus, the one you were created to live for in the first place. And rest assured, there is one who will never let you down, and his name isJESUS! Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Government Buildings in Dublin during his address to the nation (Julien Behal/PA) Moving to level five coronavirus restrictions would have been an enormous shock to people and jobs, the Taoiseach has said. Micheal Martin defended his Governments decision to forego public health advice to introduce a new lockdown in the battle against Covid-19. He told the Dail: To move on Sunday to level five would have been an enormous shock to people and to jobs. Government has to take wider issues into consideration. Youre looking at hundreds of thousands of people being made unemployed once you go to level five. So, its not unreasonable for Government to take stock before deciding to go to that level in one fell swoop, knowing the implications it would have on economic stability. Expand Close Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Government Buildings in Dublin during his address to the nation (Julien Behal/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Government Buildings in Dublin during his address to the nation (Julien Behal/PA) It followed a dramatic day on Monday, when the Government swerved the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team and its chief medical officer Tony Holohan to introduce strict level five measures across the country. Instead it was decided to move all 26 counties to level three restrictions from midnight on Tuesday. But Nphet fears this will not be sufficient to curb the spread. The Taoiseach said: Its not something I recommended to Cabinet lightly. The impact of moving to level five would have been very, very severe on the lives on many, many people. We know from our analysis of the pandemic to date that lockdowns affect lower paid people more, lower income groups more, the marginalised more. When schools close down its disadvantaged students that miss out. "By any yardstick in such a short space of time that is significant progress" An Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD clarifies that there: Has been a 25% increase in ICU beds since March Will be 1400 additional general beds for Winter and that the HSE says it has the capacity. pic.twitter.com/nx5iBW14Z5 Fianna Fail (@fiannafailparty) October 6, 2020 A further 432 cases of Covid-19 were announced on Tuesday. There was one further coronavirus-linked death, taking the toll since the pandemic began to 1,811. Speaking during Tuesdays Leaders Questions, the Taoiseach also insisted the country has the capacity to provide enough intensive care beds amid the second wave of coronavirus. He was responding to questions from Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, who said ICU capacity was crucial to prevent very severe lockdowns. She said: In 2009 we had 289 intensive care beds. Now, more than a decade on we have 280. We have less intensive care beds now than we had more than a decade ago. This represents a decade of failure from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Along with testing and tracing capacity in our hospitals is among the strongest measures to protect us from going into very severe lockdowns. Its how we ensure non-Covid care isnt suspended again, with the terrible impact that has. Its how we will keep our schools open. Its how well keep our economy and our society open in this pandemic. She added: It seems to me that Government does not have its eye on the ball and does not have a grasp on what is needed to ensure people can live safely alongside the virus. Mr Martin responded that there had been a 25% increase in ICU beds since March and that he had been assured by the chief executive of the health service that there is sufficient supply. He also noted that the cost of the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) will have increased from 3.6 billion euro currently to 5.6 billion euro in April 2021, when it is due to expire. He said the country had to plan ahead as he now believed the country will be living with the pandemic beyond that point. Earlier, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly had insisted that not returning to lockdown was the best decision for the country. Currently 243 out of 281 intensive care beds are occupied, leaving just 38 available. However, Mr Donnelly has insisted that hospital services can cope. Expand Close Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly arrives for a Cabinet meeting at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly arrives for a Cabinet meeting at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) He told RTEs Morning Ireland: The surge capacity that the HSE can bring online quickly is north of 300 ICU beds. Over a two-year period, were looking for a very substantial increase. But lets remember that at the very height of this, when there were many more people in hospital, and many times more ICU admissions, we didnt come close to needing the kind of ICU capacity that the HSE had put in place. Of the tragically many men and women that have lost their lives to this virus in Ireland, a very small percentage of them ever go anywhere near intensive care. Asked if he would take responsibility if the decision to depart from public health advice proved to be wrong, Mr Donnelly replied: Its not about whos right and whos wrong. Its about trying to make the best decision we can given the evidence we have. This graphic gives a quick and handy overview of Level 3. For more info, see https://t.co/O1sRmN9X4b pic.twitter.com/IVbeNfGQsm Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) October 5, 2020 Meanwhile, Ms McDonald has criticised the Tanaiste over comments he made about Nphet. She accused the Government of answering back to Nphet and said Leo Varadkar had squared up to the chief medical officer in his comments on Monday night. Mr Varakdar had said that Nphets recommendation to move to level five had not been thought through. Ms McDonald said the advice was given in good faith. Expand Close Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Niall Carson/PA) I dont think the Government should be bounced into anything, but I dont think its fair that a body that is specifically charged to provide you with best medical and scientific advice to then accuse those people of attempting to bounce you, she added. Under level three restrictions people will be asked to remain in their county and can have up to six visitors from just one other household. Indoor gatherings will be banned, but pubs and restaurants will be allowed to remain open but with additional restrictions. Myleene Klass has hit out at wealthy middle class families for the way they talk about their Filipino members of staff. The star, who has a Filipino mother and Austrian father, admitted she is 'shocked' when she hears acquaintances talking in 'derogatory' terms about their South East Asian nannies. The 42-year-old said she has confronted friends in the past about their language and they have admitted they had no idea they were being offensive. Criticism: Myleene Klass has hit out at wealthy middle class families for the way they talk about their Filipino members of staff Speaking to Charlotte Hawkins on the Last, Past and Blast podcast the mother of three said she was shocked at how people in her social circles treat their Filipino staff like their property. 'I'm shocked,' she admitted. 'People do it so easily. I live in North London and I've seen it a lot, you hear it a lot. And it's not seen as something that's even seen as offensive. 'You don't own someone, you can't say I'm going on holiday and say my Filipino girl is around for the summer, I've heard that so many times in some North London circles here. 'My jaw's just hit the floor. When I do say something it's questioned why I feel I can say something because (they say) 'You're not like that' but I am like that, I have Filipino heritage and you don't own anybody and that kind of language is not appropriate any time. Shocked: The star, who has a Filipino mother and Austrian father, admitted she is 'shocked' when she hears friends talking in 'derogatory' terms about their South East Asian nannies 'If you put another word in, if I said 'My English cleaner' you'd look at me like 'Why's she put English in there?' But its ok to say 'My Filipino cleaner'. Why would you say that, she's not your anything? It's derogatory. 'I've got friends who have said 'My goodness, I have said those words and meant nothing by it but I won't say them again.' ' Myleene suggested that this attitude goes unchallenged because Filipinos don't challenge it, for fear of getting sacked. 'People say 'You never hear them say anything'. The Filipino community will lose their jobs if they speak up, if they say anything,' she said. 'What do you want them to say?' The former HearSay star also hit out at people who don't come from a mixed ethnic minority background telling her how to refer to herself. Family: Myleene is mother to Ava, 12, Hero, nine, from her relationship with her ex Graham Quinn and Apollo, 10 months, with her current partner Simon Motson 'I was talking to someone the other day and they said "You shouldn't call yourself mixed race, you should call yourself dual heritage, its offensive"'. 'I said "Hang on, you're not mixed race, and you're telling me what I should call myself". And its these rules and regulations, that everybody feels in a position to say. 'I don't know what it's like to be a black man living in America, I don't know what it's like to be a blonde woman living in the UK. But I do know what it's like to have a Filipino mother and an Austrian father and to have the experiences that I have had.' In June Myleene detailed the horrific racial abuse she experienced in her childhood and the prevalent prejudice she still witnesses. The songstress, who was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, took to Instagram to reveal she was struggling to explain racism to her children amid the Black Lives Matter movement. In her impassioned post, Myleene listed some of the horrendous slurs she has faced over the years, with a shocking list reading: 'Chink. Slit eye. Number 69, Fried rice. Mongrel. Ping pong. Slut. All Tai girls are sluts. Banana'. Discussing her own experiences - yet conceding she cannot understand the struggles in the US - Myleene shared the lengthy caption beneath a childhood snap. Myleene opened the post with explaining what she is working to do by revealing the struggles she has faced in her past. She wrote: 'Im trying so hard to explain the complexities of racism to my children. How it happens... Shocking: In June Myleene detailed the horrific racial abuse she experienced in her childhood and the prevalent prejudice she still witnesses 'How whilst I dont understand the struggles a black person living in America might be experiencing, how I do understand and know my own experience of being a mixed race Filipino girl growing up in Norfolk... 'I had those words thrown at me. On other occasions, it wasnt just words, it was rock filled snowballs by a group of boys as I walked home, I had my hair cut in the school cloakrooms by some girls, later they threatened a lighter... 'There was spitting. Why does your mum speak like that? Why dont you have an accent? I was born here. Yeah, but you dont belong here... 'I also remember the pride and relief I felt when a bus of school children, aged 10 pulled up next to my own bus and the children opposite all started making Chinese eyes and buck teeth to then have my own bus retaliate with fist signs and fingers... Heartfelt: The songstress, who was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk took to Instagram to reveal she was struggling to explain racism to her children amid the BLM movement 'It was small victory, I felt embarrassed, hot, shamed but I remember it so well because for the first time, I didnt feel alone, I had a small token of solidarity that gave me courage'. Speaking about her experiences at college, she went on: 'At college, I walked into the canteen only to have a group of students hand me their trays loaded up with dirty plates. Youre Filipino, youre all cleaners right? Then the laughter.' Speaking about how she is now living with and addressing the issues, she went on: 'The world looks different now. I am mixed race and I am so proud of that... 'Growing up in Norfolk, there wasnt much visibility as to what a girl like me could aspire to be. I was surrounded by incredible, selfless nurses and those in service (the same who are tending our covid patients and dropping like flies' The world is attempting to recover from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Industries are streamlining operations, developing new strategies, and evaluating risks, to get a headstart in the post-COVID era. The pharmaceutical industry is on a similar path to recovery. However, pharmaceutical companies have a series of challenges to face before they can establish normalcy again. What's next for the pharmaceutical industry? According to Infiniti's market intelligence experts, the pharmaceutical value chain has been disrupted from development and raw materials to distribution and logistics. However, with Infiniti's market intelligence solutions, pharma companies can make the necessary changes to their value chain to ensure it can recover from the implications of the COVID-19 crisis and stay prepared for future challenges and risks. To leverage Infiniti's market intelligence solutions and successfully restore normalcy in the pharmaceutical value chain, request a free proposal This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005907/en/ Three Major Pharmaceutical Value Chain Segments Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic (Graphic: Business Wire) The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has been highly challenging for economies and industries worldwide. The pharmaceutical industry was similarly impacted, and the most significant challenge has been the considerable disruption of the pharmaceutical value chain. Nationwide lockdowns, new hygiene protocols, the need for social distancing, and the limitations on transportation are factors that have impacted the pharmaceutical value chain. Industry players are working hard to ensure a speedy and effective recovery and prepare for the post-COVID era. The first step to recovery is understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pharmaceutical value chain. Therefore, Infiniti's market intelligence experts have detailed the major segments impacted by the virus and explained how companies could efficiently strategize their recovery in their recent article. Unsure of the next step in the journey to recovery? Learn how Infiniti's market intelligence solutions can help pharmaceutical companies evaluate the pandemic's impact and prepare for the post-COVID era and request more information "The spread of the virus has led to a range of issues that impact the foundation and functioning of business operations, GDPs', and supply chains. All industries are now working towards recovery, and the pharmaceutical industry is attempting to regain control and functionality across the pharmaceutical value chain," says a pharmaceutical industry expert at Infiniti Research. Infiniti's market intelligence experts identified three significant pharmaceutical value chain segments most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The three segments are as follows: Pharmaceutical companies source crucial raw materials from various APAC countries but lost suppliers due to the severe impact of the pandemic on China and India The logistical challenges caused by the halting of domestic and international travel across the world and a lack of alternative transportation options has been a major challenge Clinical trials worldwide have been delayed or stopped due to new hygiene requirements and other factors, which has delayed the development of therapies Speak to our industry experts, to learn how Infiniti's market intelligence solutions can enables companies to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and develop strategies to streamline the pharmaceutical value chain. About Infiniti Research Established in 2003, Infiniti Research is a leading market intelligence company providing smart solutions to address your business challenges. Infiniti Research studies markets in more than 100 countries to analyze competitive activity, see beyond market disruptions and develop intelligent business strategies. To know more, visit: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/about-us View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005907/en/ Contacts: Infiniti Research Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 844 778 0600 UK: +44 203 893 3400 https://www.infinitiresearch.com/contact-us President Trump stands on the Blue Room balcony as the presidential helicopter, Marine One, takes off from the South Lawn of the White House on Monday in Washington. Trump had been treated for COVID-19 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center since Friday evening. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) President Trump was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday night, three days after he was hospitalized for COVID-19 and hours after his doctors warned that they wont know for a week whether he has fully recovered. Despite receiving experimental drugs and setbacks over the weekend that suggested medical complications, Trump insisted he was feeling better than I did 20 years ago, even as his doctor warned that the president may not entirely be out of the woods" yet. President Trump walks out of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after being discharged Monday before boarding Marine One to return to the White House. (Saul Loeb / AFP) Supporters cheer President Trump as he leaves Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., on Marine One on Monday. ( Olivier Douliery / AFP) The presidential helicopter Marine One flies over a crowd of President Trump's supporters on Monday outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. (Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images) Marine One carrying President Trump returns to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday. (Win McNamee / Getty Images) President Trump talks to helicopter pilots on Marine One, which transported him to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday. (Win McNamee / Getty Images) President Trump removes his mask upon returning to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday. (Win McNamee / Getty Images) President Trump gives a thumbs-up from a White House balcony after returning from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday. (Win McNamee / Getty Images) President Trump returns to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday after being treated for COVID-19. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) A member of the cleaning staff dressed in a protective suit, sprays the James Brady Briefing Room of the White House, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press) White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany prepares to do a television interview outside the West Wing of the White House on October 2, 2020 in Washington, DC. McEnany tested positive for Covid-19. (Getty Images) Dr. Sean Conley, physician to President Trump, talks to reporters in front of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday in Bethesda, Md. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Supporters cheer President Trump outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., on Monday. Trump was admitted to the hospital after contracting COVID-19. (Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press ) This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. I am proud that in AAAA and in most of AAAA your gender identity does not define you as a person and is a non-issue. I hope that my appointment as Minister and deputy PM can trigger the debate in countries where this is not yet the case. #fighttransphobia pic.twitter.com/WdgHu2gyy6 Petra De Sutter (@pdsutter) October 4, 2020 Image: Brusselstimes Petra De Sutter made history last week with her appointment as Belgium's new deputy prime minister. This makes her the highest-ranking transgender politician in Europe.De Sutter was also the first Belgian transgender woman on a parliamentary list of a political party in the 2014 European Parliament election. She later also became the first openly transgender Belgian MP and ultimately won a seat as an MEP last year.Katrin Hugendubel, the advocacy director of LGBTQ rights group ILGA-Europe, welcomed the news saying, We'll miss one of our strongest partners in the European Parliament, but are heartened to know such committed equality and social justice champion will have a key role in the Belgium government".De Sutter, a gynaecologist and fertility expert, has advocated improving access to medically-assisted reproduction and has spoken about how being transgender is only part of who she is. I dont want to be reduced to my transgender past, its [only] one part of my identity. I have many others. I want people to talk about me because of my work because of my political actions" she said last year while campaigning in the European election.Before De Sutter, Germany's Christian Schenk was Europe's first transgender member of parliament. However, he was not publicly out as transgender (he made the official legal transition only in 2006 after he had left parliament). The European Parliament's first openly transgender member was Nikki Sinclaire. The July 3 ambush of a raiding police team in Bikru village of Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh, was well planned, says the 1,700-page police charge sheet. Filed by the Kanput police in Kanpur Dehat court, the charge sheet also says that information about the raid on gangster Vikas Dubeys house was leaked by local police and women helped in the ambush, allowing the assailants to kill police personnel and escape. Eight policemen, including a deputy SP and three sub-inspectors, were killed in the ambush. The police have charged 36 persons in the case. Six of the assailants, including gangster Vikas Dubey, were killed in encounters and two others are yet to be arrested. Among the accused are also four females-- Kshama Agnihotri, Rekha Agnihotri, Shanti Dubey, and a minor. Their husbands are also accused in the case. Also read: Supreme Court rejects plea to reconstitute Vikas Dubey probe panel SP rural Brijesh Shrivastava said police have enough evidences against the accused women. They even provided bullets to the men firing at the police team from three sides, he said. We will prove all this in the court, he said. The police, however, did not charge Manu Pandey, whose purported audio clips talked about the role these women may have played in the ambush. Also it did not make Vikass elusive brother Deepu Dubey or his wife Richa accused in the case. According to police, Vikas Dubey planned the ambush after he was tipped off by local police about the raid. He instructed them that they would also have to loot police weapons. The meeting took place at his house, which the police later razed to the ground. Sub-inspector KK Sharma of the local police spoke to Dubey and his men 13 times that night. The last conversation was with one of accused, Ram Singh, at 11.44 pm 11 minutes before the police left for the raid. Sharma spoke about the raid to Ram Singh, who passed on the information to Hiru Dubey who then shared it with Vikas Dubey. The women named in the charge sheet were part of plan, police said, including the minor who was married just three days before the ambush. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie revealed Saturday he tested positive for the coronavirus and checked into a hospital near his home citing concerns about his history with asthma, which previously led to him being briefly hospitalized during his term as governor. Christie, 58, was hospitalized in 2011 - less than two years into his first term as governor - at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville after suffering an asthma attack. Dozens of camera crews congregated at the hospital as he underwent tests for a day because he was a potential Republican presidential candidate at the time. He later ran for the GOP nomination for president in 2016, before bowing out to President Donald Trump. Gov. Chris Christie speaks to the media after being released from Somerset Medical Center. The governor was taken to Somerset Medical Center after suffering shortness of breath related to his asthma. SOMERVILLE, NJ 7/28/11(Tim Farrell/The Star-Ledger) Christies asthma and weight, which hes struggled with over the years, could put him at an elevated risk of developing complications from the coronavirus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says those with moderate to severe asthma or a body mass index above 30 may have an increased risk of COVID-19 complications. Those between 50 and 64-years-old are the fourth-highest age group hospitalized for the virus, the CDC says. Christie uses an inhaler. But almost a decade ago, it didnt work while he was on his way to a bill signing event. It didnt give me the kind of release I normally get, he told reporters outside the hospital at the time. State troopers who were driving him to the event decided to skip it and take him to the hospital instead after Christie spoke with them. Tests were conducted and other health ailments, including cardiac problems, were ruled out. A transfer of power to the lieutenant governor was not considered then since he did not become incapacitated. He had remained in touch with his office after he arrived at the hospital. Christie has had asthma since he was a teen and was hospitalized at least once before in law school because of breathing problems. He was back at work the day after the attack in 2011. Christie said at the time he doubted that his weight had anything to do with the attack and blamed the heat and humidity. The governor would later go on to get lap band surgery in 2013, but hasnt revealed his weight. The former governor helped Trump, who has also tested positive for the coronavirus, prepare for a debate against Joe Biden last week inside without a mask. Christie, a Mendham resident who also owns a Jersey Shore home in Bay Head, noted his history with asthma when he checked into Morristown Medical Center on Saturday. While I am feeling good and only have mild symptoms, due to my history of asthma we decided this is an important precautionary measure, Christie tweeted Saturday evening. He has not provided any updates since. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called off negotiations with Democratic lawmakers on coronavirus relief legislation until after the election, even as cases of the virus are on the rise across much of the country before flu season. "I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business," Trump wrote on Twitter a day after emerging from a hospital stay for COVID-19 treatment. Trump's surprise move came after US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday said during an interview with NBC's "Face the Nation" that progress was being made in her negotiations with the Trump administration on a bill to build on the more than $3 trillion in coronavirus aid enacted into law earlier this year. Earlier on Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told a business conference the US economic expansion was "far from complete" following the deep contraction stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. A failure by the United States to provide further relief, Powell warned, "would lead to a weak recovery, creating unnecessary hardship for households and businesses." Following Trump's announcement breaking off negotiations, US stocks were down more than 2 percent in late afternoon trading. In recent days, financial markets were hopeful progress toward a COVID-19 vaccine and another round of economic stimulus from Congress would boost the U.S. economy, which has been showing signs of renewed weakness. Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had been talking regularly over the past week or so as they attempted to narrow the gap between a recent Democratic call for around $2.2 trillion in new spending to battle the pandemic and bolster the economy, versus around $1.6 trillion sought by the administration. It was not clear whether enough Senate Republicans would have gotten behind any deal, however. "Our search committee had an impressive pool of candidates from all over the world," said Christopher DiGiorgio, The Tech's board chair and interim CEO. "Katrina stood out for her understanding of The Tech as the Silicon Valley treasure that it is, coupled with her deep knowledge of the larger education ecosystem. As a results-oriented, empathetic leader, Katrina is the ideal person to lead our efforts to deepen our local impact and bring our programs to the world." Stevens will be the first female leader of The Tech, which was founded in the early 1980s; The Tech Museum of Innovation opened in 1998 and was renamed The Tech Interactive in 2019. She replaces Tim Ritchie, who became president of the Museum of Science, Boston, earlier this year. "The spark that ignites a young person's passion often happens in informal learning spaces like The Tech Interactive," Stevens said. "I've always cared deeply about bringing that joy into more structured education." Stevens' career in education has been focused on two key areas: equity and outcomes. She believes The Tech can help diversify the STEM workforce and ensure people from all backgrounds are able to play a role in the development of technology. At the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, some of the 67 project grants Stevens oversaw included: The development of infrastructure enabling PBS Kids to better measure the impact of its educational programming. Support for the EF+Math program that uses an inclusive R&D approach to co-designing practical solutions that prioritize the voices and lived experiences of the teachers and students the program aims to serve. The creation of 100 open-source physical science assessments aligned to Next Generation Science Standards. Before joining Chan Zuckerberg, Stevens was deputy director and senior adviser in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology in the Obama administration. There, among other projects, she led the Future Ready Schools movement to help district leaders implement best practices in digital learning, part of the ConnectED initiative to connect schools, teachers and students to high-speed internet. Previously, Stevens co-founded an educational technology company; served as a strategy consultant to educational nonprofits; worked as an ed-tech journalist and co-founded the #EdTechChat on Twitter; and was a classroom teacher, department chair, program director and interdisciplinary curriculum leader. She is writing a book on the barriers to motivation, and how educators can help students overcome them, to be published in Spring 2021. When The Tech Interactive closed its doors in March due to the pandemic, its staff pivoted quickly to provide resources to educators and students learning from home, reaching millions of people through its Tech Interactive at Home website for educators and families; new virtual formats for The Tech Challenge engineering design competition and Tech Academies professional development program for educators; a partnership with Discovery Education; community outreach; virtual events; and social media. "One of The Tech's most relevant attributes right now is offering high-quality resources to learn about science and engineering in a meaningful way at home," said Stevens, who will be the first educator to lead the organization. "Teachers are in need of not just lesson plans, but a way of teaching they can trust to meet standards and inspire their students in a socially distant world. I'm looking forward to helping bring these resources to more corners of education." Stevens lives in San Carlos with her partner, Chip, and their COVID rescue dog, Clover. She will join The Tech in November. About The Tech Interactive The Tech Interactive is a family-friendly science and technology center in the heart of downtown San Jose. Our hands-on activities, experimental labs and design challenge experiences empower people to innovate with creativity, curiosity and compassion. The Tech is a world leader in the creation of immersive STEAM education resources to develop the next generation of problem-solvers locally, nationally and globally. We believe that everyone is born an innovator who can change the world for the better. Inspiring the innovator in everyone. | thetech.org SOURCE The Tech Interactive Related Links https://www.thetech.org PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- VironAire (https://VironAire.com) announced that it is supplying portable medical-grade air purification systems to Episcopal Collegiate School of Little Rock, Arkansas. The VironAire purifiers will assist in keeping the school's campus a healthy and safe environment. COVID-19 and other pathogen related indoor air quality issues are of serious concern as schools begin to reopen. Air sterilization and purification are strategies Episcopal Collegiate School will employ to protect their campus during the coronavirus pandemic. Air Safety on School Campuses Experts, including Dr. Joseph Allen of Harvard University, strongly recommend schools immediately deploy HEPA air purifiers to lessen the threat of COVID-19 and other transmissible airborne diseases on campuses. In addition to HEPA, VironAire air purification systems utilize multiple cutting-edge technologies that will help ensure the health and safety of Episcopal Collegiate School's indoor air quality. In-Person School Learning Scott Crystal, VironAire's CRO, said, "We are proud Episcopal Collegiate School selected VironAire. Our systems use sterilizing UV light and antibacterial photocatalysis, as well as HEPA-H13, to sanitize and purify. As schools across the nation begin to ramp-up in-person learning, it is critical that aggressive high-tech air purification tactics be employed on campuses to protect the wellbeing of students, teachers, and staff." About Episcopal Collegiate School Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Episcopal Collegiate is a PK-3 through 12th grade school that offers a unique opportunity for students and families of all walks of life to experience the difference an Episcopal Collegiate education can make. The school has state-of-the-art facilities including three libraries, three gymnasiums, nine science labs, four visual art studios, four music rooms, two cafeterias, two playgrounds, two design labs, an early childhood discovery center, and a communications studio. About VironAire VironAire is a medical equipment manufacturer based in Palm Springs, CA. The company recently developed the first and only self-contained, portable HEPA (H13), UV, and Charged-Ion air purifier that also incorporates photocatalysis, molecular sieve and other cutting-edge technologies. The company's Next-Gen purifiers are affordable, simple to install and easy to use. VironAire's systems are used in a vast array of applications, from homes, schools, and businesses, and is the number one preferred choice of knowledgeable consumers. SOURCE VironAire Related Links www.VironAire.com A total of 1,049 companies from around 52 countries across the globe (including 168 solar companies) will be taking part in the Water, Energy Technology, and Environment Exhibition (Wetex) and Dubai Solar Show being hosted by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority from October 26 to 28. These 3D virtual expos will be using the latest technologies to provide a unique experience for international exhibitors and visitors, said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Dewa Managing Director and CEO and founder and chairman of Wetex and Dubai Solar Show at a virtual press conference held today (October 6). "We are organising Wetex and Dubai Solar Show annually as part of our efforts to enhance the sustainable development of the UAE, which resulted in pioneering policies and strategies. These include the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Carbon Abatement Strategy 2021, which have raised Dubais position as a global hub for green economy, said Al Tayer in his speech at the conference. Al Tayer pointed out that the innovative virtual platform would make it easier for visitors to access the exhibition. Dewa expects around 40,000 visitors from all over the world. "This innovative carbon-neutral exhibition is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. It will provide an exceptional experience for exhibitors and visitors from around the world to learn about the latest technologies and developments in water, energy, sustainability, and innovation," he stated. The event also features seminars and sessions by experts and specialists in green economy, smart cities, innovation, and sustainable development, he added. Al Tayer noted that over 21 years, Wetex has established itself as one of the largest and most important international specialised exhibitions, and the largest of its kind in the region. Dubai Solar Show has also achieved an important success over the past four years, especially with the fast-paced growth in solar power and clean energy in the UAE and across the region. "The exhibition provides an ideal platform for public and private sectors to sign deals, build partnerships and meet with industry leaders, experts, manufacturers, and investors. It also provides the means to learn about market needs and opportunities to take part in new projects. The innovative virtual platform will make it easier for visitors to access the exhibition from around the world," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Ashley Willis FischTank PR hires Ashley Willis as its first vice president. Willis comes to the agency from Resound Marketing, where had been since 2011, most recently serving as senior account director. She has overseen campaigns that include product launches, funding and corporate announcements and executive elevation for clients in both corporate and consumer industries. In addition, she has secured media recognition for businesses and executives across platforms that include Bloomberg, Fast Company, FOX Business, Wired and TechCrunch, and has garnered buzz for consumer brands with such outlets as The Today Show, Refinery 29, Oprah Magazine, and Real Simple. Alasdair Lennox Global brand and design consultancy LANDOR & FITCH names Alasdair Lennox group executive creative director of experience, Americas. Lennox will be the first group creative director across both Landor & Fitch studios in any region. Landor & Fitch, part of WPP, encompasses the formerly separate consultancies Landor and Fitch. Lennox joined Fitch London in 1998, and most recently served as executive creative director at Fitch. In his new post, based in New York City, he will oversee more than 70 employees across North America, comprised of creative directors and designers. As the Experience and Brand worlds continue to collide, Im looking forward to Alasdair inspiring our creative, strategy, and technology teams to collaborate across disciplines and affecting major change in our industry, said Landor & Fitch president, Americas, Gabriel Miller. Erin Yamauchi Sacramento, CA-based eStreet.co appoints Erin Yamauchi as director of public relations. Yamauchi comes to the agency from Wagstaff Media & Marketing, where she served as manager. She was previously a PR specialist at Viking Cruises. In her new role, she oversees eStreet.cos public relations arm and is responsible for building internal and external communications campaigns, optimizing the agencys growing suite of client services, and driving innovation across teams. Her expertise will be pivotal as we continue to diversify and enhance the scope of services our agency provides, said estreet.co partner Will Hailer. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] SALT LAKE CITY - A man who refused to wear a face mask on a Utah-bound flight was escorted off the plane in Arizona after he and another man who asked him to follow the rules got into a physical altercation, police said Monday. Rylie Lansford of Lehigh, Utah, boarded the Allegiant flight in Mesa, Arizona, on Saturday and was sitting near both passengers. As soon as the two men started fighting on the Provo-bound flight, Lansford said, she ran to the front of the plane and started recording video. I just knew that something was going to go down and so really all I was thinking about was getting out of the way, she said Monday. Lansford said the fight began when a man sitting behind her started arguing with a flight attendant after she asked him to wear a mask. He was wearing a face shield, but face shields must be worn in addition to a face covering, but not as an alternative, according to Allegiants policy. Another passenger sitting in Lansfords row then turned around, started yelling at the man to wear a mask and began shouting obscenities and other threats, she said. Police said the first man told him to mind his own business. A gate supervisor came to remove the man wearing a face shield who then elbowed the man in front of him and said he was the reason why he had to leave, Mesa police said in a statement. Lansfords video shows the man in front choking the passenger who refused to wear a mask, pulling his hair and hitting him in the back. An off-duty police officer stopped the fight and escorted the man who wouldnt wear a mask off the flight, police said. The second man was allowed to stay on the plane, Lansford said. I was just annoyed that it was just one simple thing that one person had to do, she said. If you buy a plane ticket, wear a mask. Allegiant Air said in a statement that passengers are required to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times when travelling. Authorities identified the man who was removed from the flight as 52-year-old Rio Honaker. An officer cited Honaker with one count of disorderly conduct. It was not clear if Honaker had an attorney, and no listed phone number could be found. An ethnic Armenian soldier fires an artillery piece during a military conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, in this handout picture released on Oct. 5, 2020. (Press office of Armenian Defense Ministry/PAN Photo/Handout via Reuters) Assad Blames Turkey for Nagorno-Karabakh Fighting as Battles Rage On YEREVAN/BAKUSyrian President Bashar al-Assad accused Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan of being the main instigator in the deadliest fighting between Armenian and Azeri forces for more than 25 years. In an interview published on Tuesday that is likely to exacerbate international frictions over the clashes in the South Caucasus, Assad also said militants from Syria were being deployed to the conflict area. Turkey has denied involvement in the fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain enclave that belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but is governed by ethnic Armenians, and has dismissed accusations that it sent mercenaries to the area. A picture of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is seen on a door of a butcher shop, during a lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Damascus, Syria, on April 22, 2020. (Yamam Al Shaar/Reuters) But Assad told Russian news agency RIA: He (Erdogan) was the main instigator and the initiator of the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Reiterating accusations first leveled by French President Emmanuel Macron that Turkey has sent Syrian jihadists to fight in the conflict, Assad said: Damascus can confirm this. Assad appeared to offer no evidence for his allegation. Ankara, which backs rebels trying to oust him, did not respond immediately but has described similar accusations as part of attempts by Armenia to create dark propaganda about Turkey. The fighting that broke out on Sept. 27 has increased concern that a wider conflict could be triggered, dragging in Turkey, which has expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defense pact with Armenia. Smoke rises above the city during a military conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, in Stepanakert, on Oct. 4, 2020.(Bars Media Documentary Film Studio via Reuters) The head of Russias SVR Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, underlined Moscows concerns by warning that Nagorno-Karabakh could become a launch pad for international terrorist organizations to enter Russia and other countries. But Russian news agency TASS also quoted him as saying in a statement that he expected Armenia and Azerbaijan to return to the negotiating table. Long-Running Conflict The fighting is the latest in a decades-old conflict that is closely watched abroad, partly because of Nagorno-Karabakhs proximity to pipelines that carry Azeri gas and oil to Europe. Nearly 300 people have been reported killedand many more are feared deadin the worst fighting since a 1991-94 war that killed about 30,000. Azerbaijan says Azeri cities outside Nagorno-Karabakh have been struck, and both sides say the other has hit civilian areas. Each denies targeting civilians. Armenias defense ministry said the situation was now relatively calm, but it remained tense. The Azeri defense ministry told the army to be ready to launch large-scale strikes on military infrastructure if Armenia fired short-range Russian-made Iskander missiles. A man walks past a building damaged by recent shelling during a military conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, in the city of Ganja, Azerbaijan, on Oct. 6, 2020. (Aziz Karimov/Reuters) Nagorno-Karabakh said 244 of its servicemen and 19 civilians had been killed since Sept. 27 and many more have been wounded. The Azeri prosecutors office said 27 Azeri civilians had been killed in the renewed fighting. Azerbaijan has not provided details of its military casualties. Ceasefire appeals led by the United States, Russia, and France, which have for years led mediation efforts, have failed to halt the fighting. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said during a visit to Azerbaijans capital, Baku, on Tuesday that international peace efforts had achieved no concrete results in decades and a ceasefire alone would not end the fighting. The whole world now needs to understand this cannot go on like this, Cavusoglu said after talks with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, who hailed Turkeys support and Ankaras stabilizing role in the region. Armenia has said it will engage with Washington, Paris, and Moscow on peace moves. Azerbaijan says Armenia must set a timetable to withdraw from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding Azeri territories, and wants Turkey involved in peace efforts. By Nvard Hovhannisyan and Nailia Bagirova Teachers want payment of arrears and pension contributions. Beijing orders local authorities in Dafang to pay up. Protests break out in Anhui, Liaoning, Guangdong and Jiangxi. For China Labour Bulletin, nothing has changed since 2016 reports. Teachers also educate the children of migrant workers. Hong Kong (AsiaNews) Protests by teachers in Chinas rural areas are growing over low pay, wage delays, benefits in arrears and pension contributions, this according to a report recently published by the Hong Kong-based China Labour Bulletin (CLB). Dafang County (Guizhou) is a case in point. Last month, after five years of wage delays, teachers turned on local authorities and petitioned the central government, which ordered local authorities to pay teachers the 470 million yuan (US$ 70 million) they are owed. An investigation is also pending for possible misappropriation of funds by local officials. The latter forced teachers to invest into a highly suspicious credit cooperative scheme. The case received wide coverage in the national media, and triggered a wave of protests by teachers in farming areas in provinces like Liaoning, Anhui, Jiangxi and Guangdong. In a 2016 study, the CLB had already noted that Chinese teachers, especially in rural areas, were often not paid or only receive part of their salary. In the past four years, little has changed according to the Hong Kong-based labour rights organisation. In 2018, for example, police broke up a mass protest staged by the teaching staff in Luhan (Anhui). The incident provoked public outrage and even criticism by the Peoples Daily, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party. Staff in rural school are under extreme pressure in China and work in difficult conditions. In addition to local pupils, they have to take care of the children of migrant workers who, according to official statistics, number more than 290 million. COLUMBIA After Yesterdays historic run of four decades in the heart of Five Points, the building it occupied is being taken further back into Columbia's history, according to newly released plans. The building's owner intends to restore the building's exterior to its appearance in the 1950s and 1960s, when it was the Gibson's drugstore in the center of Five Points, according to plans filed with the city's Design/Development Review Commission. The project at 2030 Devine St. would include the partition of the two-story building into space for four different tenants, which have not yet been identified. A kitchen is included in part of the plans. The building's owner, Dominic Como, said that he cannot identify tenants for the building yet because of confidentiality agreements and continuing negotiations. The ground floor space again will house a restaurant, Como said. The commission will consider the plan at its Thursday meeting. If the plans win approval, Como hopes to complete renovation by next summer. The submitted plans call for the restoration of the site's main door to close to its 1950s appearance, with current paneling and windows removed. Bricked-in windows would cleared and restored with materials that are close to the original. Signage closer to that shown in photos from the 1950s would be restored to the building's Devine Street facing. Paneling, shutters and window boxes that were added in the decades since would be removed under the plan. Interior refits to support four tenants on the two floors of the flatiron building would come later, according to the application. The application notes that the building, wedged between Devine and Santee streets, originally was built in 1935 as a one-story structure, with the second story added during a mid-century renovation. During its long run as Yesterdays, the entire downstairs served as a restaurant and bar, with the top floor off-limits to visitors. The restaurant closed in April amid the coronavirus shutdown after 43 years in business. The renovation plans include a request that the building be certified for historic redevelopment tax credits. Cook Out heads east A new Cook Out restaurant location is under construction near the intersection of Garners Ferry and Atlas roads in east Columbia. Building permits for the project at 7440 Garners Ferry Road were issued last month. The intersection already features Waffle House and Chick-fil-A restaurants, along with a Lowe's home improvement store. Cook Out started out with one store in Greensboro, N.C., and now has more than 250 restaurants across the South and mid-Atlantic states. Regal closes its doors Regal theaters has re-shuttered the doors to its movie theaters nationwide, including the Midlands, because it has no newly released Hollywood movies to show. Movie blockbusters keep getting delayed because of the coronavirus, with the new installment of the James Bond franchise, "No Time to Die," being the latest. The Bond thriller recently pushed back its release yet again, moving to April 2021, a year after its original premiere date. Other movies have either had their premiere dates moved back or become straight-to-digital releases. Regal operates four theaters in the Midlands, in Lexington, Harbison, Village at Sandhill and on Forest Drive. New apartment projects NAI Columbia has closed deals on two sites in Richland County for large apartment projects. The two sites are near the Trenholm Road Extension in the Windsor Lake area, according to Patrick Palmer, director of retail services for the commercial real estate company. One site has 11 acres of space while the other has 33 acres, meaning that each site likely will be the location of at least 250 units of multi-family housing, Palmer said. No dates to break ground have been set yet. Openings Peebles BBQ & Wings, which operates a restaurant in the Rosewood neighborhood, is working to revamp a site in the Vista at 902 Gervais, formerly home to The Wild Hare sports bar, for its second location. An opening, beginning with curbside and carryout service, is expected this fall, but no date has been set. ... Ross Dress for Less is opening a store in Sumter at Gateway Plaza on Oct. 24, giving the chain 26 locations in South Carolina. Have any Midlands business news to share in the column? Reach Mike Fitts at mfitts@postandcourier.com. Photo: Flickr/BC Gov UPDATED: 3:30 p.m. There are 25 active cases in the Interior Health region, and two people in hospital. Seven cases are linked to the Calvary Chapel Kelowna outbreak declared Sept. 25. The total number of cases in IH since the beginning of the pandemic now stands at 556. ORIGINAL: 3:15 p.m. There have been 102 new cases of COVID-19 identified in British Columbia in the past 24 hours, including eight in the Interior Health region. Active cases have risen by 31 to 1,384. There are 71 people hospitalized with the virus, including 16 in ICU. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in B.C. since the beginning of the pandemic to 9,841. After testing positive, 8,184 people have fully recovered. Across the province, 3,089 are under active public health monitoring following exposure with a known positive case. Two new COVID-19 related deaths were reported Tuesday, for a total of 244 deaths in B.C. There have been no new healthcare or community outbreaks declared in the past 24 hours, leaving 19 active healthcare outbreaks (16 long-term facilities, 3 acute-care facilities) in the province. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and deputy Minister of Health Stephen Brown issued a joint statement encouraging British Columbians to continue following guidelines as we head into fall. "People are doing the right thing and, as evidenced by the latest modelling data, individual actions are making a difference for all of us to stay safe and strong in the face of COVID-19. "Public health measures are a part of our 'new normal.' As a result, we are starting to flatten our curve once again ... there is no question that what we do today directly influences the well-being of our communities tomorrow, so let's continue to do our part to protect ourselves and each other - each day and every day." A Tennessee man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of brutally murdering him parents over Thanksgiving weekend in 2016 and dismembering their remains. Joel Guy Jr, 32, sat with a blank expression on his face when a Knox County jury found him guilty on Friday of two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, three counts of felony murder and two counts of abuse of a corpse. Prosecutors alleged he fatally stabbed his parents, Joel Guy Sr., 61, and Lisa Guy, 55, dozens of times, attempted to dissolve some of their remains in chemicals and boiled his mother's severed head in a stockpot. Guilty: Joel Guy Jr, 32, showed no emotion when a Tennessee jury on October 2 found him guilty of murdering his parents and dismembering their bodies for financial gain Guy Jr was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, just days after the gruesome killings in November 2016. Prosecutor said he killed his parents because they wanted to cut off his financial support The grisly double homicide was part of a plot to cash in on $500,000 in life insurance benefits, which the prosecution said Guy Jr masterminded after learning his parents were planning to retire and cut him off financially. Knox County Criminal Court Judge Steve Sword imposed an automatic life sentence with possibility of parole after 51 years for each of the murder counts. A sentencing hearing will be held on November 19 to determine if the defendant's life terms should run consecutively, which would mean that Guy Jr will spend the rest of his days behind bars. The jury returned the guilty verdicts after nearly three hours of deliberations spread over two days. Guy Jr, dressed in a dark suit and silver tie, with a plastic shield over his face against the spread of the coronavirus, showed no emotion when the foreperson read the verdicts. Afterwards, the court heard victim impact statements from Joel and Lisa Guy's loved ones. Guy Jr's half-sisters Chandise Fink (left) and Michelle Tyler (right) delivered emotional victim impact statements after hearing the verdicts 'They were larger than life,' Chandise Fink, the couple's daughter, said of her parents. 'They loved him. They loved him so much. They loved us all, reported Knoxville News Sentinel. Fisk thanked law enforcement officials, court officers and jurors for their work, and apologized that they had to see the horrific scenes from inside her parents' home. 'I am very sorry that this evil had to come into their life, too,' she said through sobs. Michelle Tyler, the Guys' other daughter, said the horror of the murders has impacted her own children, 'and for that I will never be able to forgive,' she said, according to WBIR. During Guy Jr's four-day trial, the defense presented no evidence and did not call him to the witness stand to testify. In his closing statement, Guy Jr's attorney John Halstead argued that not enough DNA testing had been done. He also pointed out that during the Thanksgiving celebration preceding the murders, his client was described as seeming 'outgoing, friendly and happy.' Halstead added: 'That was not a man about to commit a homicide.' Prosecutor Leslie Nassios countered by arguing that Guy Jr's unusually cheerful disposition that weekend was all part of the plan. 'Outgoing, friendly and happy? I bet he was,' she said. 'Michelle Tyler told you that was unusual. He was usually distant, keeping to himself. He was getting ready to get what he wanted. He wanted to deflect attention from himself. If he had acted angry how would that look when their bodies turned up later?' The prosecution called a string of witnesses and presented extremely graphic evidence against the defendant, including photos of Guy Sr and Lisa's partially dissolved torsos floating in what has been described as a 'diabolical stew of human remains.' Other images and videos documenting the crime scene showed blood splattered all over the victims' home, Guy Sr's severed hands, and a large metal stockpot containing his wife's head boiling on the stove in the kitchen. The jury heard forensic testimony that revealed Guy Sr was stabbed at least 42 times and his wife at least 31 times, both stabbed in the chest and back. They suffered deep stab wounds to organs including the kidneys, liver, their lungs and their heart. Guy Sr had his arms severed at the shoulder, legs at the him and his right foot cut off. Lisa Guy's legs were cut off below the knee and her arms, at the shoulder and nine of her ribs were severed. Dr. Amy Hawes, who performed autopsies on both of them, testified they likely died within a few seconds to a few minutes, according to WBIR. Once they were dead their arms and legs were cut off and Lisa Guys head decapitated. Those body parts were then placed in two blue tote tubs found on plastic sheeting on the floor of the master bathroom in the upstairs of the familys Goldenview Lane home in Knoxville. It appeared that the body parts were immersed in corrosive chemicals such as sewer line cleaner to dissolve their flesh. One of the knives used in the double homicide is seen in a master bathroom sink in this screenshot from a police walk-through video The male victim's clothes are pictured resting next to a pair of knives in the room A stockpot containing Lisa Guy's severed head is seen boiling on the stove after her murder Two plastic containers are pictured inside the home of Joel Guy Sr and Lisa Guy in Tennessee containing the couple's partially liquifed remains Hawes revealed that Joel Guy Srs head had been reduced to a skeleton due to the chemicals and flesh and melted off his and his wifes front torsos. Guy Srs cut off hands were discovered on the floor of his exercise room and his wifes head in a pot of liquid found boiled on the kitchen stove. Earlier in the trial, jurors heard how Guy Jr had allegedly made meticulous notes about how he would slaughter and dispose of his victims. 'Douse killing rooms (kitchen?) with bleach,' one of the bullet points discovered in the notebook reads. 'Flush chunks down toilet, not garbage disposal dont have to get rid of body if no forensic evidence.' Aligning with the polices theory that Guy Sr died first, the notes read 'kill him with the knife clean up mess from him before she get home.' The corresponding bullet point reads 'kill her with a knife', before instructions to place 'her' to which the police interpret to be Lisa Guy in the shower and 'turn on hot water and point at her to get rid of forensics'. The notebook was reportedly found in a backpack in the guest bedroom where Guy Jr. had Prosecutors reiterated in closing arguments Thursday the notebook scrawled with instructions on how to murder the Guys and evidence showed Guy Jr followed those instructions in the murders, as per WVLT. The notes said 'turn heater as high as it goes to speed decomposition,' and prosecutors noted that the thermostat in the house was turned to 90 degrees. Deputies performed a welfare check entered the Guys' home in West Knox County, Tennessee, on November 28, 2016, and discovered body parts strewn throughout On Tuesday jurors heard how Guy Jr had allegedly made meticulous notes about how he would slaughter and dispose of his victims. This page in the notebook said: 'Get Knives - quite - multiple. Get carving knives to make small pieces. Get sledgehammer - crush bones' Another page shows details of the assets belonging to Lisa Guy including a $500,000 life insurance policy that lists Guy Jr as a beneficiary However, the defense argued that no DNA or fingerprints were found on the pages of the notebook and suggested that it may not belong to Guy Jr. Prosecutors said that the writing contained information only Guy Jr would know, such as details of his mothers life insurance policy. One page shows details of the 'assets' belonging to Lisa Guy including a $500,000 life insurance policy that lists Guy Jr as a beneficiary. '$500,000 would be all mine,' the page read. 'With him missing/dead, I get the whole thing.' According to the prosecution, Guy Jr's motive for the savage double homicide was financial because his parents had been planning to stop giving him money. Guy was reportedly studying to be a plastic surgeon in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and had been in college for nine years while his parents supported him. The couple, who both worked as engineers, were ready to retire and stop providing him with assistance. Joel Guy Jr. is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of felony murder, and two counts of abuse of a corpse. Over the course of the four-day trial 27 witnesses were called to testify in the case and hundreds of exhibits were shown to the jury. In the state of Tennessee, a conviction on first-degree murder charges triggers automatic sentencing of life in prison for each count. At the start of the trial guy Jr said he didnt want a lawyer and wanted the death penalty. The state, however, is not seeking the death penalty. Who will walk away into the sunset at the end? The reigning superstar who has given three mega blockbusters in 2005, 2010 and 2015? Or the fresh faced son of a former star trying to make a mark for himself, asks Asmita Bihari. IMAGE: Lok Janshakti Party President Chirag Paswan along with LJP leaders after a meeting in New Delhi, Sunday, October, 4, 2020, ahead of the Bihar assembly election. Photograph: PTI Photo The hard bound script is the first element that is finalised in Bollywood. Taking the practice forward from his brief time spent in the cinema industry, Chirag Paswan, the actor turned politician, has read the script well and is now creating the storyboard without the help or hindrance of a co-producer. The president of the Lok Janshakti Party has decided to fly solo and position candidates in 143 seats out of the 243 going to the polls in the Bihar assembly election. The decision to part ways with the Janata Dal-United, the senior partner in the National Democratic Alliance, with whom the Lok Sabha election was contested last year startled many political pundits. The reason behind Chirag's decision is assigned to ideological differences with the JD-U. What are these differences in ideology is a mystery to all. Moreover, the LJP is not particularly known for any non-fluid ideology. Its ideology conveniently aligns itself to the winning party's ideology post election results. LJP murmurs of dissent against its coalition partner started soon after the Lok Sabha election and reached a crescendo during the lockdown. Chirag was displeased with Bihar Chief Minister and JD-U supreme leader Nitish Kumar's handling of the migration movement and his physical absence during the crisis. But the story line of this drama may have been conceived and written much earlier. The LJP has nothing to lose. The result on the 10th of November cannot be worse than the 2 seats that the LJP won in the 2015 assembly election. By severing ties with Nitish Kumar, Chirag has dealt with any anti-incumbency shadow that may fall on his party being part of the alliance in power. At the same time, by remaining in association with the Bharatiya Janata Party, he and his party bask in the advantage of being an ally of the central government and, most importantly, using the Modi brand to enhance its ground appeal. That may also broaden its base and expand its boundaries, which for now is limited to the Dalit and backward classes. The BJP appeasement policy is likely the reason for the LJP to resist diving into the Hathras case, against the BJP's government in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. Being a mute spectator on this burning issue, where every other party seems to be vying for a piece of public attention, could cost the LJP heavily amongst its core Dalit vote base. Now that the LJP is out of the NDA, which party gets its seats? The JD-U is laying claim to more seats, as the party which won more seats than the BJP in the 2015 election. The draft of the Chirag script was possibly built on achieving one main objective. To ensure that the BJP comes out trumps as the single largest party. In which case, the BJP has the luxury of making changes during the climax so as to have multiple story ends to the film. We will have to wait till the end credits roll to see who walks away in the distance in this pot boiler of a movie. Whether it is the reigning superstar who has given three mega blockbusters in 2005, 2010 and 2015 or is it the fresh faced son of a former star making a mark for himself. Releasing Worldwide - 10th November 2020. Tax Free in Bihar. Asmita Bihari is a non resident Bihari. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com New South Wales has reported its 11th day with no new community transmission of COVID-19, bolstering hopes of holidays to Queensland this summer. The welcome figures come despite fears that thousands flocking to the beach over the long weekend could be a source of coronavirus transmission. The state recorded 11 new cases of the deadly respiratory infection on Tuesday, but all new cases were found in returned travellers completing their mandatory hotel quarantine. NSW Health conducted 5,385 tests in the 24-hour reporting period to Tuesday. There are just 50 active cases in New South Wales, including three in intensive care, and none of the patients require ventilation. Temperatures in Bondi (pictured on Monday) reached 30C, prompting thousands to flock to the beach - with many fearing a lack of social distancing could lead to new infections New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) has openly criticised the Queensland's border restrictions and 28-day policy as a 'pretty tall order' The massive crowds led to NSW Police patrolling the beaches in the early afternoon (pictured, left and right, Bondi on Monday) Authorities are calling on people from the Hawkesbury region and south west Sydney to seek testing after fragments of the virus were detected in the region's sewage system. 'Virus fragments in sewage can mean that there are active cases in the catchment area, but people can continue to 'shed' virus genetic material for some weeks after recovery,' NSW Health said in a statement. The latest update strengthen's NSW's case of reopening the Queensland border on November 1 as promised. While Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last Friday announced she would reopen her border to all of NSW on November 1, it was later revealed that this still relied on the state completing 28 days without any cases of community transmissions. There was hardly room to move on Coogee Beach (pictured on Monday) as thousands flocked to the water on the 31C public holiday Bondi Beach heats up as crowds descend on the famous beach during New South Wales' public holiday Monday (pictured) With 11 days already under the state's belt, there are just 17 more days standing between NSW residents and Sunshine State getaways. But if there is just one 'unlinked' community transmission case recorded in NSW, the border reopening could be pushed back. Across the long weekend, there was concerns packed crowds at the beach could have derailed the state's success. North Cronulla beach was shut off to new visitors on Monday afternoon because the capacity under current COVID-19 restrictions had been reached. Similar threats were made at Bondi and Coogee beaches in Sydney's east, were tens of thousands of people lined the sand as the mercury soared to 31C. Lifesavers at Coogee warned beachgoers of the needed to keep 1.5 metres between them and others, both in the water and on the sand. Electronic signs at the beach warned visitors that the allowed capacity was close to being reached (pictured, at Bondi on Monday) One cheeky youngster was eager to have a real life look at the inside of a police car near Bondi Beach (pictured on Monday) The massive crowds led to NSW Police patrolling the beaches in the early afternoon. Epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws described the scenes as 'concerning'. 'The risk in part is that we'll change our attitude and implement pre-COVID behaviours,' she said. 'Enjoying ourselves and not thinking 'am I a safe distance away. How long have I been chatting to this person?' is a recipe for disaster.' Queensland has already reopened the border for more than 120,000 residents in New South Wales border towns, including Byron Bay and Ballina. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has openly criticised the 28-day policy as a 'pretty tall order'. To add insult to injury, the state premier said she only learned of the November reopening date through a press conference. Communication between Ms Berejiklian and Ms Palaszczuk has deteriorated as the two premiers clash over the closure of the state border. Ms Berejiklian has constantly insisted Queensland lift its border closure while Ms Palaszczuk has remained firm on her policy to keep it shut. Ms Berejiklian said she held back her excitement when she learned the November reopen date was based on a 28-day-free community transmission policy (pictured, officers patrol the Queensland and New South Wales border on October 1) House Judiciary Democrats will brief Joe Biden's team today on their findings from a year-long tech antitrust investigation, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to Axios. Why it matters: Democrats and Republicans both agree that big tech giants need to be reeled in, but often disagree on the means to do so. Looping the Biden team in signals House Democrats want the policy recommendations in their report to get plenty of attention in a potential Biden administration. Context: The House Judiciary Committee's antitrust report is expected to come out this week, but has been beset by partisan disagreements and complicated by information the committee received from Facebook late last week. One Hill source told Axios the process is still bipartisan. Still, one GOP source characterized the rollout, with its eleventh-hour snags, as a disaster for Democrats. Republicans have said they agree with many conclusions the majority has drawn about the conduct and size of big tech companies like Google, Apple, Amazon and Facebook, but take issue with some of the remedies Democrats are suggesting. Republicans are also hoping to see in the committee's report something about tech being biased against conservatives a long-shot request, as Democrats dispute the premise. The bottom line: House Judiciary Democrats are forging ahead with their report, but it is yet to be seen how the last-minute partisan jockeying will affect the finished product. A Washington County School Board member who wrote she hoped President Donald Trump would die after his positive coronavirus test has resigned. Jacqueline Fischer, from Clear Spring, Maryland, shared multiple posts criticising the President on her social media last week. The board said it would be accepting her resignation during its public business meeting today, after the educator said the president's death from coronavirus would be an 'act of karma'. President Trump tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday evening and received treatment at the Walter Reed Medical Center before returning to the White House yesterday. In one post, Fischer said the president's death would 'take care of a lot of America's problems' and hoped the country would 'get lucky and he will die'. Washington County School Board member Jacqueline Fischer wrote she hoped President Donald Trump would die after his positive coronavirus test and has now resigned Fischer was elected to the board in 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018 and taught English and journalism at several Washington County Schools. She wrote: 'Since he has tested positive for COVID19, maybe the country will get lucky and he will die. Wouldnt that be an act of karma!' In a separate post, she said: 'Of course Trump wouldnt wear a mask and kept posing people. He does not give a fig about anyone but himself. 'He could care less how many Americans die from this virus even if he is the one who exposed them. 'I hope he dies from it. That would take care of a lot of Americas problems.' In one post, she said the president's death would 'take care of a lot of America's problems' After the posts, Fischer told local media she regretted the posts and her comments were not reflective of the Washington County School Board. On Sunday, the Washington County School Board released a statement saying her views do not reflect the opinions of the organisation. It said: 'Washington County Public Schools is aware of the comments posted on social media by a Washington County Board of Education member. 'These comments are from one individual member of the Board of Education and do not reflect the views, positions, or opinions of WCPS or the WCBOE.' The board will release a further statement later today. Before her resignation, the Washington County Republican Central Committee called for Ms Fischer's immediate suspension for the Facebook posts. It said: 'Ms. Fisher stated that President Trump deserved to be infected, and that the country would be lucky if he dies. 'Such conduct from a Washington County public official is inexcusable and offends the shared values of our community. 'The Central Committee supports and hereby calls for the immediate suspension and removal of Ms Fischer from the Board of Education. 'Her immoral and completely unprofessional conduct demonstrates a complete lack of personal integrity and she has no business influencing the education of our countys youth.' President Donald Trump walked up the steps of the White House then paused to take his face mask off before entering after leaving Walter Reed Medical Center on Monday Today, the Republican Central Committee praised the board for accepting Fischer's resignation. A spokesperson said: 'Thank you Ms Fischer for your resignation. 'I would also like to thank the other members of the school board as well who helped make this possible. 'We look forward to the conclusion of this situation on Tuesday when her resignation is official. 'Our community can now begin the healing process and work to build a better educational system deserving of our great county.' Donald Trump will continue taking a cocktail of drugs to combat COVID-19 while he fights the virus after returning to the White House on Monday night. The president received oxygen on Friday in the White House, and medics will be ready in case he needs it again. He also, on Friday, begun a course of remdesivir - an antiviral drug administered intravenously, which was first developed as a treatment for Ebola. He had his fourth dose on Monday night at Walter Reed, and will have his fifth and final dose at the White House. Lincoln looked at the walls of his office. In the past few years he had been able to see beyond them. He had managed to push back the melancholy as he returned to political life. Now this. The walls closed in. The melancholy settled upon him once more. Lincolns mother had taught him not to swear, but in his heart he was tempted to curse John Brown. Chapter 2 Lincoln lacked Browns unquestioning religious faith. Yet he confronted the same question Brown did: What was the moral mans obligation when faced with an immoral institution like slavery? Lincoln knew slavery from his earliest days, as Brown did not. Lincoln was born in the slave state of Kentucky; his neighbors in Hardin County included hundreds of slaves. The Lincoln family owned no slaves, not least because Thomas Lincoln couldnt well afford them. Lincoln in later years spoke little about his father; what he said did the older man justice but no kindness. Recounting his ancestry, Lincoln arrived at his grandparents and their children. Thomas, the youngest son, and father of the present subject, by the early death of his father, and very narrow circumstances of his mother, even in childhood was a wandering laboring boy, and grew up literally without education, Lincoln said. He never did more in the way of writing than to bunglingly sign his own name. [ Return to the review of The Zealot and the Emancipator. ] Thomas Lincoln opposed slavery, partly for what it did to the slaves but also for what it cost non-slaveholding whites like himself. As visitors to the South often remarked, slavery demeaned manual labor, discouraging poor whites from improving their lot through their own toil. Thomas and Nancy Lincoln joined a sect that shared their antipathy toward slavery; when Lincoln was seven, his father moved the family across the Ohio River to free-state Indiana. This removal was partly on account of slavery, but chiefly on account of the difficulty in land titles in Kentucky, Lincoln explained. The region of Indiana Thomas selected was a wilderness. He set tled in an unbroken forest, and the clearing away of surplus wood was the great task ahead, Lincoln said. A.Lincoln himselfthough very young, was large of his age, and had an axe put into his hands at once; and from that till within his twenty-third year, he was almost constantly handling that most useful instrumentless, of course, in plowing and harvesting seasons. The family were hunters and gatherers, as well as farmers. The son was no Daniel Boone. A. took an early start as a hunter, which was never much improved afterwards. A few days before the completion of his eighth year, in the absence of his father, a flock of wild turkeys approached the new log-cabin, and A., with a rifle gun, standing inside, shot through a crack, and killed one of them. He has never since pulled a trigger on any larger game. Lincoln didnt like his father, though they shared certain traits. Neighbors commented that Lincoln acquired his storytelling skills from the older man. Lincolns mother died when he was nine; Thomas remarried. A story recalled from his father had his second wife asking him whether he liked her or his first wife better. Oh, now, Sarah, Thomas responded, in a style and tone any of Lincolns adult acquaintances would have recognized. That reminds me of old John Hardin down in Kentucky who had a fine looking pair of horses, and a neighbor coming in one day and looking at them said, John, which horse do you like best? John replied, I cant tell. One of them kicks and the other bites and I dont know which is worst. But Thomas detected energy and ambition in his son that reflected unfavorably on his own. He ridiculed Lincolns efforts to improve himself; illiterate, he denied his son the chance at an education. A. now thinks that the aggregate of all his schooling did not amount to one year, Lincoln recalled. He was never in a college or academy as a student; and never inside of a college or academy building till since he had a law-license. What he has in the way of education, he has picked up. After he was twenty-three, and had separated from his father, he studied English grammar, imperfectly of course, but so as to speak and write as well as he now does. He studied and nearly mastered the six books of Euclid, since he was a member of Congress. He regrets his want of education, and does what he can to supply the want. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 20:12:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's passenger trips on trains have exceeded 10 million for six consecutive days amid the extended National Day holiday travel rush, official data showed. On Tuesday, a total of 11.3 million railway passenger trips are expected to be made, and 803 additional trains have been put into operation to handle the spike in trips involving tourism and family visits, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. On Monday, 11.7 million railway passenger trips were made. The railway operator estimated that the railway passenger trips during the holiday would reach 108 million. China celebrates its National Day on Oct. 1, which coincided with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival this year, thus extending the National Day holiday to eight days until Oct. 8. Enditem Democratic US vice presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event in Raleigh, North Carolina (REUTERS) One quarter of the coverage following the announcement of Kamala Harris as Joe Bidens running mate included racist or sexist tropes, according to a new report. The report published by Times Up Now analysed three weeks of coverage surrounding Sen Kamalas Vice President nomination. Sen Harris made history in becoming the first black woman and woman of South Asian descent on a major party's presidential ticket. Notably, the report claimed that approximately a quarter of the coverage surrounding Sen Harris included racist and sexist tropes fueling the angry black woman stereotype and racist birther conspiracy theories. In comparing her coverage to that of the 2016 vice-presidential candidates, the report showed that 61 per cent of the coverage surrounding Sen Harris mentioned her gender and race in contrast to five per cent in the reports of Mike Pence and Tim Kaine. When women, and especially women of color, run for office, they are subjected to a double standard that has nothing to do with their qualifications and everything to do with this countrys history of sexism and racism, said Tina Tchen, president and CEO of Times Up Now. Its time for women to be judged on their merits and for the media to take a critical look at their biased coverage. The report showed that discussion of Sen Harris ancestry dominated 36 per cent of the coverage surrounding her nomination, overshadowing her professional background and achievements at 31 per cent. In contrast, under five percent of media reporting about then-Gov Pence and Sen Kaine related to the candidates ancestry or personal lives, the report said. This report demonstrates how our broken political discourse can derail the political ambitions of women, and particularly black women, said Valerie Jarrett, former senior advisor to President Barack Obama and a member of the board of directors of Times Up Now. These harmful words and actions matter, and were holding the media accountable. Story continues Sen Kamala Harris is set to take the debate stage on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City, with experts saying that Sen Harris will face sexism and racism at the debate. "Can you imagine a woman on a debate stage behaving like Trump or Biden on Tuesday?, Dr Lori Cox Han, professor of political science at Chapman University said in an interview with The Independent. "There would have been a totally different reaction because there's a totally different standard. Even though when women see Harris get angry they say 'yeah we've always wanted to say that too,' some people will view her aggression as not being feminine." The Times Up Now movement aims to create a society free of gender-based discrimination in the workplace and other professional environments. The organisation commissioned the study from Edelman Data and Intelligence to analyse the media coverage, which included US top tier coverage from one week prior and two weeks following Sen Kamalas nomination. Read more Theres a totally different standard: Why Kamala Harris faces an impossible task at VP debate, according to experts VP debate: How to watch and when is the Kamala Harris and Mike Pence showdown Kamala Harris and Mike Pence will debate with plexiglass shield between them Kamala Harris warns Amy Coney Barrett threatens abortion rights and healthcare How to pronounce Kamala Harris MUMBAI: Maharashtras ruling party Shiv Sena on Tuesday attacked the NDA government at the Centre over its alleged double standards and treatment to people belonging to the different sections of the society. Uddhav Thackerays party attacked the Centre for providing 'Y-plus' security to an actress from Mumbai, while apparently referring to Kangana Ranaut, but providing no help to the family of Hathras gang-rape victim. In an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', the party asked the Centre if ignoring a poor family from Hathras was in line with Dr B R Ambedkar's Constitution? The family of the Hathras woman who died after being allegedly gang-raped has been "receiving threats to life and is living under terror", the Saamana editorial said and asked what is wrong if a Y-plus security cover is being demanded for the kin. It may be recalled that Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut was given Y-plus category security following controversy over her comments that she feared Mumbai Police. "The Centre gave Y-plus security cover to an actress from Mumbai, but the family of the Hathras gang-rape victim does not get any. This is not the principle of equal justice. This justice is not in line with Dr Ambedkars Constitution," the party said in the Saamana editorial. The Hathras episode has "exposed masks of many pretentious people", it said. Live TV It also raised questions over the Uttar Pradesh governments decision to recommend a CBI probe into the Hathras case at a time when the victims family has sought a judicial enquiry into the matter, the party said. Wondering what the CBI will do in the Hathras case, the editorial alleged that the UP government "destroyed evidence" by cremating the victim. "Did the Hathras Police do this without asking the higher ups? All this happened in consensus, it alleged. It also said those who tried to "defame" Maharashtra in connection with actor Sushant Singh Rajputs death case have fallen into a pit themselves due to the Hathras episode. The Marathi publication said the entire Uttar Pradesh ministerial council should visit the Hathras victims family. "The situation would not have exacerbated this much had the government not engaged in hiding things. What is the use of speaking now!" it said. Earlier on Tuesday, the Uttar Pradesh government told the Supreme Court (SC) that Hathras victim was cremated in the middle of the night "to avoid large-scale violence". The UP government added in its affidavit to the SC that "extraordinary circumstances forced district administration to take the extraordinary step of cremating the victim at night in presence of and with the consent of family members." "The district administration at Hathras had been receiving several intelligence inputs since the morning of September 29 on the manner in which the dharna had taken place at Safdarjung hospital and the whole issue was being exploited and a caste/communal colour was being given," said UP government. Uttar Pradesh government said it had received specific inputs that lakhs of protesters "of both communities/castes" along with leaders and workers of different political parties and the media would assemble the next morning at the village, "which is likely to turn violent and will lead to major law and order problems." The Trump administration will block the approval of stricter coronavirus vaccine approval guidelines proposed two weeks ago by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to the New York Times. Regulators had hoped to raise the standards for vaccine makers as the number of Americans who said they would trust the safety of a shot developed under the White House's vaccine initiative, Operation Warp Speed. President Trump, who is now battling coronavirus himself, has continually hinted that a vaccine could be available by Election Day, on November 3, raising concern that the FDA and vaccine makers might bow to political pressure rather than prioritize shot safety. After the Washington Post reported the possible rule change last month, President Trump said that his administration could block proposed changes to standards. Since being submitted for approval by the Office of Management, sources told the Times that the proposed changes have been 'stalled' by White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. The proposed guidelines would require vaccine makers to follow trial participants for at least two months after their second does of a candidate shot before submitting data for FDA approval. Scroll down for video The Trump administration will reportedly block the FDA's proposed, stricter guidelines for getting a coronavirus vaccine approved. Trump's desire to get emergency approval for a shot ahead of Election Day has put him at odds with his appointed FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn (right; file image) Because Pfizer's and Moderna's late stage trials began in July, this would make it nearly impossible to meet this requirement before November 3. Operation Warp Speed itself already has recommended the vaccine candidates it is supporting observe 'a two-months follow-up after completion of the immunization process before the company will consider filing for an emergency use authorization,' vaccine czar Moncef Slaoui said last month. But the White House does not agree with the more protracted timeline, and at this point, the guidelines are unlikely to get approved, clearing a potential path for a shot to get approved by Election Day. 'The vaccines are coming momentarily,' Trump said Monday night in a video posted to his Twitter, upon his return to the White House from Walter Reed National Medical Center. An advisory committee set to meet soon to agree upon standards for a vaccine could choose enact the proposed guidelines - but it would escalate already high tensions between regulators and the White House. Concern is rising among public health experts and citizens that a vaccine could be rushed without proper safety checks, especially as the November presidential election nears. Dr Leon McDougle, president of the National Medical Association, on the call raised concern that the White House might block new, stricter FDA recommendations. President Donald Trump said last month he may or may not approve any new, more stringent FDA standards for an EUA of a COVID-19 vaccine. Trump has repeatedly said a vaccine for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, could be ready for distribution ahead of the election. 'We completely agree with it,' Dr Slaoui said, referring to the stricter FDA regulations during a virtual Town Hall event on last month organized by the Rainbow Push Coalition in Atlanta. According to a Pew Research Center survey earlier this month, only 32 percent of Black adults said they would definitely or probably get a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 52 percent of White adults, 56 percent of Hispanics and 72 percent of Asian Americans. CORONAVIRUS VACCINE APPROVED IN A MOVE THAT COULD BLOCK TRUMP'S PLAN TO HAVE A SHOT BY ELECTION DAY The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to issue new, tougher requirements for its approval of a coronavirus vaccine, a move that could obliterate the chances of a shot getting emergency use authorization before Election Day, according to the Washington Post. Regulators could publish the new approval standards as early as this week, and will do so publicly in an effort to bolster Americans' eroded trust in the US to ensure the safety a COVID-19 vaccine. President Trump and his Operation Warp Speed initiative have been pushing for months to have a coronavirus vaccine approved ahead of the November 3 election. But according to a new Axios poll, less than 40 percent of Americans now say they would get a coronavirus vaccine, with most citing fears over its safety, driven by the Trump administration's concerted effort to expedite the development process. Shoring up the standards for emergency use authorization (EUA) that allowed hydroxychloroquine to slip through to the market, the FDA will now require that companies making vaccines continue to follow trial participants for at least two months after they get a second dose of a shot (if one is required), an anonymous source told the Post. That stipulation alone could easily push the timeline for submitting data for EUA back until after the election for both Pfizer and Moderna, which only began enrolling participants in their late-stage trials in late July. FDA regulators are expected to shore up approval requirements for a COVID-19 vaccine, which could make it impossible to get emergency use authorization before Election Day A source close to the matter, but who asked to remain anonymous, said that the FDA plans to add a requirement that a vaccine trial's data will only be sufficiently complete for the agency to consider approval if at least five participants in the placebo group develop severe COVID-19. That will be a key metric for the the efficacy of a vaccine against a virus that has not only spread like wildfire to nearly seven million people in the US and more than 31 million worldwide, but has killed more than 200,000 Americans. And the death toll weight heaviest upon older people. The sources also told the Post that the FDA's updated guidance will require trials to include cases of coronavirus in older Americans. Previously, the FDA's primary requirement to consider emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine was that it be at least 50 percent more effective at preventing infection than a placebo. In the simplest sense, that means that there should be at least 50 percent fewer infections in the group that got the vaccine, compared to those who were given a placebo shot. Vaccine trials require that participants go about their normal lives while scientists track how many catch the disease the shot is meant to protect them against - in this case, coronavirus. Late-stage trials being run by Moderna and Pfizer initially aimed to recruit 30,000 participants each. Both companies decided earlier this month to expand their trials by about 50 percent, to 44,000 participants. The two companies launched phase 3 testing on the same day, July 27. Pfizer currently has 29,481 participants enrolled while Moderna announced Friday that it has enrolled nearly 26,000 participants, of whom 11,879 have received both doses of vaccine. It's not clear whether the FDA's new guidance will require the companies to have followed every participant for two months after vaccination in order to get emergency use authorization, or just a portion of the participants. Moderna and Pfizer each reached the halfway mark for enrollment of their respective studies around the end of August. Still just under half of the participants in it is stud have received the second dose of Moderna's shot. At that rate, it seems nearly impossible either company's shot could get approval before the election, although Moderna anticipates it will know whether its shot works by November, and Pfizer plans to announce its results in late-October. FDA Commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn, has not addressed the possibility of new vaccine approval standards. Trump himself handpicked Dr Hahn to ascend to the head of the FDA, over-stepping presumptive commissioner Ned Sharpless. Dr Hahn, plucked from his position as an executive at Texas's renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center, has since found himself caught between politicians and scientists with regularity. He's been in Trump's crosshairs after refusing to endorse the president's claims that most coronavirus case are 'harmless,' while drawing the ire of scientists after his agency gave emergency approval to the use of coronavirus survivors' plasma to treat those who were still sick, against the National Institutes of Health's advice. After that controversial approval, Dr Hahn inaccurately pulled the statistic that plasma saved more than a third of people treated with it from an unpublished, poorly-designed study and had to apologize. TORONTO - Balancing the fight against COVID-19 with efforts to jump-start the economy in Ontario has highlighted communications problems that have sown confusion and could erode trust in public health advice, experts say. Steven Hoffman, a professor of global health, law and political science at York University, said much of the fault falls at the feet of the provincial government. The rules are complex and they havent been communicated as clearly as needed, he said. And some of them just dont make sense. In Ontario, social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors. But the indoor capacity for businesses such as casinos, bars and restaurants is 100 people, as long as they follow all public health guidelines. If its in our homes, then were allowed to do one thing but if we all go to a casino then more of us can hang out together, Hoffman said. He pointed to Thanksgiving as a perfect example that highlights the unclear and conflicting messages authorities are giving to the public. On Monday, Dr. Barbara Yaffe, the provinces associate chief medical officer of health, advised Ontarians against celebrating the holiday with people outside of their immediate household. But on Tuesday, Premier Doug Ford told reporters he had told is wife they would not have more than 10 people over for Thanksgiving. He backtracked moments later, tweeting that they would stick to their immediate household on the holiday. Ontario has been experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases recently and brought in tighter restrictions to deal with the second wave of the pandemic, including asking people to pause their social bubbles. So the public is left with rules and guidelines that arent congruent, Hoffman said. Maybe I shouldnt have Thanksgiving at home, but maybe we go have it at a casino, he said. Hoffman said the messaging in Ontario shifted in June when the politicians began talking about easing restrictions and the province came up with a numeric stage system. I was quite concerned in June when the rhetoric around the reopening of society was framed as getting back to business, Hoffman said. Stage 1, Stage 2 , Stage 3 implies that it only goes in one direction. The public has not been properly prepared through communications to expect a rollback of restrictions, thereby making behaviours difficult to change. It is going to be hard to reimpose those layers of protection, and indeed, unfortunately, were seeing that right now and its been really confusing, Hoffman said. Maya Goldenberg, a philosophy professor at the University of Guelph who examines communications and has a book coming out about vaccine apprehension, said the public needs clear directions from the government. People want consistency and to know that this is part of a plan and not a random smattering of directives, she said. Without being able to find that common thread, we get suspicious this is not being directed very well. Ford defended his teams communications on Monday when asked if the public was tuning him out. I totally disagree with that because Im out there and talking to the people, he said. Goldenberg said the provinces messaging had been strong and clear through much of the pandemic until about a month ago when schools reopened and mixed messaging led to confusion about what symptoms required tests for students. That in turn led to massive lineups at assessment centres and overwhelmed laboratories where the tests are processed. The province said it never directed school boards to demand COVID-19 tests, but recently changed its testing protocols. Boards have since handed out decision trees that parents are supposed to follow, which is different from the rules sent out last month. The overwhelming demand for COVID-19 tests in the province over the past month also led to changes at assessment centres. People seeking a test must now make an appointment rather than simply show up. Public health officials and epidemiologists across the country have long espoused the need for massive testing in order to stop the spread of the virus. But when the government comes out and says our testing centres are overwhelmed and were going to change the criteria for children being tested, it sounds like a resource problem and not a public health directive, Goldenberg said. Were at this point where science was upheld on how to get out of this problem and when its not followed, it creates a lot of mistrust and even confusion from the public about whos directing our pandemic response right now. She said decisions are being made on resources and cost concerns, which is not wrong, but is different than what much of the public wants at the moment. Right now people want to put health as the first priority, not spending, she said. Goldenberg said politicians deferring to public health officials to justify certain rules in the first few months of the pandemic led to a great amount of trust with the public. The way to do it well is to have consistent messaging and clear justification for actions being made, she said, but thats not happening right now. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 14:50:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump still plans to participate in the next presidential debate with 2020 Democratic nominee Joe Biden in Miami, Florida later this month, a campaign spokesman said on Monday. "It is the president's intention to debate," Trump 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh told local media after Trump tweeted he was checking out of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where he stayed for three days to treat COVID-19 infection. The president has returned to the White House, where he continues receiving around-the-clock medical care and monitoring from his physician and a team of doctors and nurses. In a tweet posted earlier in the day, Trump said he will return to campaign trail soon and lashed out at media outlets reporting polls showed him trailing Biden. The former U.S. vice president told reporters on Monday that he'll listen to what experts say to determine whether it is safe for him to have the next face-off with Trump. "I'll do whatever the experts say is appropriate for me to do," Biden said before boarding a flight to campaign in Florida. "Listen to the science. If scientists say that it's safe... then I think that's fine." The two candidates met in Cleveland, Ohio on Sept. 29 for the first 2020 presidential debate. The next encounter is scheduled for Oct. 15 at Miami's Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, will host the third matchup on Oct. 22. There will also be a vice presidential debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Biden's running mate, Senator from California Kamala Harris, at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah on Wednesday. Enditem (TNS) A publicly financed fiber network spanning Multnomah County, Ore., would cost $1 billion, according to a new study, a price tag that could make it prohibitively expensive even if its technically possible.The county-sponsored study sought to quantify gaps in broadband service across the county and identify possible ways to close those divides. It concluded a countywide network could pay for itself if enough customers sign up, but warned of considerable financial risk if subscriber numbers dont meet targets.The $250,000 study found that smaller, more targeted networks would be far less expensive but would be less efficient and likely would require significant government subsidies.County leaders who floated the possibility of building the nations largest public internet service two years ago showed little enthusiasm for the project when discussing the new study Monday.It has delineated just how complicated just how complicated and expensive the idea would be, said county Commissioner Sharon Meieran.Commissioner Lori Stegmann suggested the county should look in other directions.There are less expensive options we could implement more quickly, she said.Residential internet systems are very expensive to build because they require running wires to each home. That means markets are typically dominated by one or two providers, and less competition often produces higher prices.That can leave poorer households with substandard service or none at all. The effects of that disparity are especially acute during the pandemic, when households across Oregon are dependent on fast internet service for work and school.Publicly owned networks provide a tantalizing alternative, but local governments may lack the technical expertise to build or oversee their own projects. And any finished network must win customers away from established providers, like Comcast, which may lock subscribers into long-term service contracts that prevent them from switching.Multnomah County commissioned its study last year, splitting the cost with Gresham, Portland, Wood Village, Troutdale and Fairview. Its findings were no surprise: Portland once contemplated a citywide fiber network but abandoned the notion when its own 2007 study pegged the total cost at $500 million.The new study issued Monday, from consultant CTC Technology & Energy, found internet service is nearly universal throughout Multnomah County. Ninety-six percent of homes have some form of home internet access.But low-income households are much less likely to have connections, and the costs represent a disproportionate burden on those families.There is a digital equity gap in Multnomah County, Meieran said. Internet service has proven indispensable during the pandemic, she said, so it behooves Multnomah County to find a viable path to expand access.One possibility: the countys consultants found Multnomah County could set up free public Wi-Fi connections in 600 public locations for about $3 million.However, there is some evidence that public networks can be viable in smaller communities that require lower capital outlays.Hillsboro is currently building Oregons largest municipal fiber network, wiring up schools and homes in hopes of creating an affordable alternative for residents. It plans to launch service in some areas next month.The city has committed $28 million its HiLight service. It has already wired local schools and plans to begin serving homes in the Shute Park neighborhood and the new South Hillsboro development in November.The city says there are 1,700 residential and commercial addresses within the initial service area, which will come online more than two years behind Hillsboros initial schedule. The city has a 10-year buildout plan to serve every home in its jurisdiction.HiLight will charge $55 a month for superfast 1 gigabit service, a third less than what Comcast advertises for similar speeds. (Comcasts price is a short-term, promotional discount.) Hillsboro also plans to offer discounts to low-income households, at $10 a month for gigabit service.Thats the same as what Comcast charges for its low-income plan, but its speeds are limited to 25 megabits per second, 98% slower than Hillsboros corresponding plan. The government is running artificial intelligence (AI)-based pilot projects in six Union territories in the field of health care, and such projects in education, agriculture, social justice, criminal justice as well as investigation are also being worked out, Electronics and IT Secretary Ajay Sawhney said on Tuesday. McKinsey Head (Global Analytics) Noshir Kaka said the development in the field of AI in India can add around USD 500 billion to the economy over the next four-and-a-half years based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aspiration to make the country a USD 5-trillion economy. Speaking at the RAISE 2020 summit, Sawhney said AI is moving towards being an ecosystem that includes the database, authorised service provider, authorised service agency and authorised registrar, among others. "We are trying to move forward to make this happen in all the important domains in the economy, starting with health care. It's not just announced but being rolled out in pilot phase in six Union territories," Sawhney said. He added that data resources that are created to deliver a project can be shared across several projects in a structured manner to create new solutions on top of the projects. Kaka said that going by the vision of the prime minister to make India a USD 5-trillion economy, AI can contribute around 10 per cent to it in the next four-and-a-half years. "If you look at our prime minister's aspiration of reaching a USD 5-trillion economy by 2025, we think that a combination of AI plus data can deliver up to 10 per cent of that. "Ten per cent or USD 500 billion in 4.5 years is larger than what our tax services industry has created in 30 years," Kaka said. He said India is the most unique country where you can see opportunities from AI in agriculture as large as it is in banking. "There is no other country possibly in the world that you can see. Banking and agriculture sectors could be between USD 60 billion and 80 billion each." He added that the energy sector is another area that offers huge potential for the use of AI. The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence has highlighted the potential of AI in boosting India's annual growth rate by 1.3 percentage points by 2035 and identified priority sectors for the deployment of AI with the government's support. A mother of two who was cruelly named the Batman character Two-Face due to a large facial birthmark thought she would never find lovebut got her dream husband and kids. Chelsey Peat, 34, from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, was born with a rare condition called Sturge-Weber syndrome, a neurological disorder that left her with a large birthmark on the left side of her face, along with glaucoma in her left eye. Chelsey Peat, 34, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. (Caters News) It is a complete genetic mutation. There is nobody in my family who has the condition, Chelsey told Caters News Agency. Chelsey didnt have the easiest start in life. She had to undergo brain surgery at just 18 months to stop life-threatening seizures that were caused by her condition. Doctors had told her parents that she had a 50 percent chance of surviving the procedureand even if she lived, Chelsey would have a 50 percent chance of living with serious mental disabilities. But she defied the odds stacked against her and was left with only a little amount of field vision loss in both eyes and infrequent headaches. I beat all the statistics, Chelsey told Truly. However, growing up, things didnt seem easy, as Chelsey was constantly targeted for her physical differences. As a young child, when Chelsey went out with her mother, people at the shopping center would ask how she was burned or if she was beaten. Chelsey Peat as a baby. (Caters News) There was once even a time when her mom told her that a man wrapped his hands around the mother-daughter duo and said he could help with the abusive situation. School was equally hard for Chelsey, as cruel bullies throughout the years made her life a living hell. She was taunted daily and called cruel names such as monster and freak. Chelsey told Caters News Agency that her tormentors also nicknamed her two-face after the infamous Batman character who is horrifically scarred on the left side of his face following a chemical attack. I didnt have many friends growing up, it could be a very lonely time, Chelsey added. You get to the age where you want boys to notice you but they didnt want a thing to do with me because I looked different. As a teen, Chelsey longed to be a normal girl and thus would put on thick layers of foundation to hide her birthmark. Once, during a high school graduation dance, Chelsey wished that someone would ask her to go to a dance with them; however, no one ever did. Chelsey admits that these situations plummeted her self esteem, and she always sided with the poor defenseless characters in the movies such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the beast in Beauty and the Beast, and the Phantom of the Opera. Those guys helped me growing up because school was really hard, she said. However, things took a major turn for Chelsey when she met her husband, Matt, 34, an IT worker, through mutual friends at a party in 2004. The pair hit it off and began chatting more on MSN messenger and quickly grew close. Chelsey on her wedding day with her husband, Matt. (Caters News) Chelsey, who currently works part-time at a hospital, said she felt the experience of being able to talk online made it easier for her to open up and have Matt get to know her true self beyond her birthmark. The next thing I know he asked me on a date, we went to the park, and then on another date to the mall, Chelsey recalled. It was a big deal for anyone to be interested in me at the time, I never thought that was even possible. The couple tied the knot in 2008 and gradually welcomed their daughters, Athena, 13, and Zelda, 3. With this, Chelsey got the family she never dreamed she could have. Chelsey Peat with her family. (Caters News) Now, the mother, who is an ambassador at Vascular Birthmarks Foundation, is helping create awareness about her condition and giving hope to those who may be bullied for their facial differences. I wish people knew we are not contagious, which is one of the biggest misconceptions, Chelsey said. Accept us and love us for who we are, birthmarks and all. Chelsey has also found peace within herself to deal with the situation. She says now when people stare or make comments on her, she uses the opportunity to educate them. Chelsey Peat, 34, with her girls Athena, 13, and Zelda, 3. (Caters News) We are incredible people, but we dont get to use our full potential because the outside world is not comfortable with us because we are such oddities, she concluded. I want to be treated like any other woman in 2020. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Restaurant365, the leading all-in-one restaurant management platform, today announced the release of a study examining the impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry. The research, based on sales, labor and closure data throughout the U.S., as well as survey results from restaurant operators, is published in the report State of the Restaurant Industry: Operator and Data Insights . Data was collected from March 1, 2020, to Sept. 20, 2020. Key findings: 25.9% of restaurant operators say that generating enough revenue to break even is their greatest concern. Takeout accounted for only 18% of total sales on March 1, 2020 , and by March 23, 2020 , that number jumped to 70%. On April 12, 2020 , sales bottomed out for the entire industry, including restaurants temporarily or permanently closed, at -81.5% year over year (YoY). On Sept. 7, 2020 , restaurants experienced the highest YoY sales since the beginning of the pandemic and were above zero for the only day in the tracking period at 14.9%. The study polled data from approximately half of Restaurant365's 12,000 restaurant customers, representing a cross-section of the industry, including independent restaurants, multi-unit restaurant groups, franchise brands and franchisee groups. The study includes a graphic representation of COVID-19 milestones, illustrating the devastating effects of forced restaurant closures, as well as how the industry pivoted to off-premise channels to generate revenue. In addition to restaurant sales, closure and labor data, the study surveyed restaurant operators (Restaurant365 customers and non-customers) to gain their insights on how they've handled challenges during the pandemic. Operator feedback illuminates both the struggles and the resilience of the industry, with comments on such topics as the impact of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), staffing challenges, government response to COVID-19 and their future outlook for the restaurant industry. Download the study. About Restaurant365 Restaurant365 is the industry's leading all-in-one, cloud-based accounting, inventory, and scheduling, payroll and HR solution developed specifically for restaurants. The R365 platform simplifies day-to-day management for restaurant operators, allowing them to control food costs and optimize labor costs. Integrations and open APIs enable Restaurant365 to connect with other systems including POS providers, vendors and banks. The result is accurate, timely reporting that provides a clear and complete view of their businesses. Restaurant365 allows operators to focus on what matters their guests. Backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, ICONIQ and Tiger Global Management. Restaurant365 is based in Irvine, California with an office in Austin, Texas. Additional information is available at Restaurant365.com. Media Contact: Patti-Lynn Walker [email protected] Related Images image1.png SOURCE Restaurant365 Doctors were left dumbstruck after they found three-inch-long iron nails, sewing machine needles and a screwdriver inside the stomach of a teenager in Uttar Pradesh. It all happened after Karan, a 18-year old resident of the Bhatwa village in Unnao, complained about severe pain in his stomach on Sunday. Soon after, he was taken to a hospital located on the Lucknow-Kanpur highway. The team of doctors found some foreign objects inside the stomach of the boy. Thereafter a 3-hour long survey was conducted on the boy. The doctors found sharp-edged iron tools, 30 three-inch iron nails, a rough-edged tool, a four-inch-long iron rod, four sewing machine needle threaders and a screwdriver in his stomach, news agency IANS reported. The patient's father later said that the boy was mentally disturbed. The doctors said that the operation was successful. "The patient appears to be mentally ill, but is recuperating. He did not respond to our queries on how iron tools entered his stomach. There is a chance of him contracting sepsis, so the next seven days would be crucial. We are monitoring his condition round-the-clock," the agency reported Radha Raman Awasthi, a senior doctor, as saying. Earlier there were reports that doctors in France had to surgically remove masses of metal from the stomach of a 52-year-old man who was suffering from a psychiatric disease. It was found that he was eating sharp objects such as needles and broken spoons for years. OTTAWA - Combating systemic racism experienced by Indigenous women and girls requires better training and education starting in childhood, says former Opposition leader and ongoing advocate for girls rights Rona Ambrose. Ambrose, the author of a new book celebrating the International Day of the Girl, says teaching kids early about equality equips them to speak up when they witness or experience discrimination later in life. Having these conversations with boys and girls at a really young age is, I think, absolutely essential to really make sure that they absorb what it is to be equal, she said. And make that part of their identity of that a very, very young age. That a dying Quebec Indigenous woman, Joyce Echaquan, was taunted with racist slurs while in hospital last month by professional adults is unconscionable, said Ambrose, and there must be accountability for those involved. Two people have been fired, and a coroners inquest will be held into the incident. On Tuesday, Quebec Premier Francois Legault apologized to her family. But too often stories like Echaquans are met with a collective gasp of shock and then nothing really changes, Ambrose said. While interim Conservative leader in 2017, Ambrose introduced a bill that would mandate training for judges to ensure they werent being influenced by stereotypes when rendering decisions in sexual assault cases. Thats why we put forward things like this bill, so that people in the highest positions of our system get training, she said. But frankly, that kind of training should exist for a lot of people that are interfacing with the public. The bill languished in the Senate, despite a cross-partisan show of support in the House of Commons, and died when an election was called last fall. It was reintroduced last week by the Liberals, and Ambrose said the fact it has the backing of the countrys justice minister gives her confidence it will pass. While the bill is important, efforts to educate must go beyond legislation, she said, and thats why shes written the book, along with co-author Jessica Dee Humphreys. International Day of the Girl: Celebrating Girls Around The World is a project that Ambrose has long had in the works, linked to an achievement during her days in politics to get the UN to agree to setting aside Oct. 11 as the international day of the girl. In writing the book, she said it was important to not skip over the fact that there are girls in Canada who also struggle with inequality. Included is a story based on that of Shannen Koostachin, whose advocacy for a school in the First Nation community of Attawapiskat drew international attention. She died in a car accident at the age of 15 in 2010, and Ambrose said her family is aware that a version of her story appears in the book, using a different name. The story is one of nine featuring girls from around the world who have overcome obstacles often deliberately placed in their way. Ambroses share of the proceeds from the book will go to charity. For me, its about teaching kids to be better and great global citizens, she said. But then its also to raise awareness that theres a lot of work to be done around gender equality. And then what it looks like to overcome those challenges. A key challenge facing governments now, Ambrose said, is how to respond to the gender inequality created by the COVID-19 pandemic. During past economic recessions, pouring money into infrastructure projects was a tried-and-true way to spur growth, and it does work, Ambrose said. Except the jobs those projects create are more likely to go to men, and in the context of the pandemic, womens livelihoods are under attack. Jobs in retail or hospitality are dominated by women, and those sectors are in crisis. Meanwhile, women are also seeing all the formal and informal supports they had for childcare become far less reliable, she said. The question, Ambrose said, is what the policy response can or should be. Can you fix this with money? Or is it fixed with a better testing regime to make sure that we keep daycares and schools open?, she said. And then corporations, companies are going to have to figure out how to stop this backslide and accommodate a lot of issues that women are dealing with in the workforce. The Liberals have staked their political credibility on being a feminist government that will address the so-called she-cession but Ambrose said her party, under the new leadership of Erin OToole, must also stake out turf on that front. Women are pretty good judges of slogans versus action, and they are pretty tough on who they vote for, she said. They know whats good for their families and their communities and their economy. So, you know, itll be up to our party to make the case. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020. Read more about: Egypt's Foreign Minister has highlighted the need for a political solution in Syria and the need for the independence of its national decision making to be retain writes SANA. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reaffirmed the necessity of reaching a political solution to the crisis in Syria and confronting terrorist organizations and their backers. The Egyptian website Al-Youm Al-Sabea, quoted the Egyptian Foreign Ministrys Spokesman, Ahmad Hafez, as saying that Shoukry, in phone call with UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen, stressed Egypts support for finding a solution to the crisis in Syria in a way that preserves its unity and the independence of its national decision making. Shoukry also reiterated Egypts emphasis on the necessity of decisively confronting terrorist and extremist organizations and their regional supporters. Pedersen, for his part, underlined the necessity of supporting the efforts that aim to push the political process forwards. 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. Sorry! 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Delta has exploded from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane in the last two days, and the latest predictions show it could be nearly a Cat 5 by the time it crashes into the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday and remain a powerful Cat 3 by the time it reaches the northern Gulf Coast later this week. Despite the prediction of slightly weaker winds for its Gulf Coast landfall, the National Hurricane Center warned that the big and powerful storm will bring life-threatening storm surge and hurricane winds, as well as up to a foot of rain in some spots. The powerful storm could bring up to 13 feet of storm surge and 10 inches of rain to parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, where at least six died over the weekend in Tropical Storm Gamma. The hurricane center said the storm, which had 130 mph sustained winds as of the 11 p.m Tuesday update, could cross the peninsula with 155 mph winds, just 2 mph away from Cat 5 status. Forecasters expect Delta to continue to strengthen as it reaches the Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba early Wednesday, but even landfall isnt expected to slow it down for long. Although some weakening is likely when Delta moves over the Yucatan Peninsula, re-strengthening is forecast when the hurricane moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico Wednesday night and Thursday, forecasters wrote in the 11 p.m. advisory. Delta could strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane briefly in the open waters as it continues on track toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, possibly Louisiana. The storm is expected to weaken to a Cat 3 hurricane in the slightly cooler waters before making landfall somewhere along the northern U.S. Gulf Coast. But forecasters warn there is still a large uncertainty in its track and forecast. What forecasters say they do know is that Delta could bring a dangerous storm surge, wind and hazardous rainfall anywhere from Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle beginning Thursday night or Friday. The potential for heavy rain and flash flooding will also increase across portions of the central Gulf Coast, Tennessee Valley, and southeastern United States as Delta moves inland later this week. Story continues Residents in these areas should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place and monitor updates to the forecast of Delta. Where is Hurricane Delta now? Delta was quickly moving toward the west-northwest at 16 mph and was about 135 miles east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, late Tuesday, according to the hurricane center. The northern Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and extreme western Cuba will likely see a dangerous storm surge and hurricane conditions beginning Tuesday night. Deltas rapid intensification from 40 mph winds to 110 mph in 24 hours is the most an October Atlantic named storm has intensified since Hurricane Wilma in 2005, Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach tweeted. Research has shown that climate change may have an effect on how fast hurricanes intensify. On average, Atlantic hurricanes are intensifying from a storm to Cat 3 now 20 hours faster than 25 years ago, tweeted Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist with Texas Tech Universitys Climate Center. She was referencing a 2012 study published in the American Geophysical Union. One name is left on the hurricane list, and its only September. Why so many storms? Hurricane Delta Watches/Warnings The government of Mexico has extended the hurricane warning westward along the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula to Dzilam. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio, the Cuban island Isle of Youth, and in Mexico, Punta Herrero to Tulum, Dzilam to Progreso. A mother who regularly flouted the importance of good parenting on social media admitted to standing and watching as her boyfriend called her two-year-old son a r**ard and then beat him to death for struggling with potty training, a court heard last week. Mother-of-two Candice Jones, 32, struck a deal with prosecutors last Thursday which saw her plead guilty to child neglect in exchange for a prison sentence of between three and 15 years. Jones told investigators that she was too scared of her lover John Powers, 47, to prevent him from viciously battering her young son Joseph JoJo Gaborsky III at her home in Princeton, West Virginia, in August 2018. The court heard how Jones watched on as Powers savagely beat JoJo with a belt and body-slammed him into a bathtub after the toddler suffered a mishap during potty training. Reportedly further incensed by the boys squirming, Powers then slammed the two-year-old face-first onto the floor, before shaking him violently with both hands by the throat and back of his head for between three and five minutes. JoJo wouldnt receive medical attention for another two weeks. Jones claims she didnt call an ambulance or summon police because Powers repeatedly threatened to kill her and she was afraid of him. The little boy tragically died two days after arriving at hospital, having suffered numerous broken bones, retinal hemorrhages, brain bleeds and blood clots. Mother-of-two Candice Jones, 32, struck a plea deal with prosecutors last Thursday which saw her plead guilty to child neglect in exchange for a prison sentence of between three and 15 years Jones told investigators that was too scared of her lover John Powers (left), 47, to prevent him from viciously battering her young son Joseph JoJo Gaborsky III (right) at her home in Princeton, West Virginia, in August 2018. On her Facebook page, Jones had reportedly posted numerous photos of JoJo, and her daughter, whose age is not known, and preached the importance of good parenting. In the About section of her profile, she also wrote: i have two wonderful kids a son and daughter. I am separated. the best things in my life are these kids. there (sic) my whole world, according to the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. In a post under her Favourite Quotes, she wrote: Any one can say there (sic) a parent but a real parent is there no matter what and is there loveing (sic) unconditionally you can not be a partime (sic) parent its a 24 7 job. Jones' father David Hart, whom she lived with before moving in with Powers, voiced disappointment at his daughters sentencing, insisting she should be jailed for longer as she has so far failed to show remorse for her actions. Were not happy with it. I dont think Candice really realizes the severity of whats happened, Hart told the Telegraph. You know, we lost a grandson, and still today she has not shown any remorse when we talk to her or anything on any of this. And I just dont think the sentencing is right. I think she needs more time. She needs to know the severity of the crime shes done. I dont know what else to say about that, I really dont, he continued. Speaking about Powers, Hart added: Were not happy with either one of them. I think they ought to release him to me. That would be taken care of. During a separate hearing last Thursday, Powers - who was previously jailed for 13 months in 1995 for battering the two-year-old son of a former girlfriend - entered a best interest plea into death of a child by parent or guardian. The plea is not an admission of guilt, rather a concession that the defendant acknowledges there's sufficient evidence to convict them. He now faces a sentence of between 15 years and life in jail. Youre saying you dont know what happened, wont admit what happened, the judge Mark Wills said to Powers about best-interest pleas, adding, Is that why you are entering this plea, to avoid being sentenced to more time in the penitentiary than you would under this plea agreement? Yes, sir, Powers responded. Little JoJo died on August 10, 2018, having suffered several everal broken bones, retinal hemorrhages, brain bleeds and blood clots Powers was the live-in boyfriend of Jones at the time of JoJos death. The pair had met online just months earlier, before moving in with one another into a mobile home in Mercer County. The couple were both indicted by a Mercer County Grand Jury in October 2018 on charges including death of a child by parent or guardian by abuse, child neglect resulting in death, child neglect creating a substantial risk of bodily injury or death, child abuse resulting in injury and child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury. Powers was also indicted on additional charges of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury. The 47-year-old claimed he cannot remember how he battered JoJo to death. Court documents say that Powers reportedly slammed JoJo into a bathtub, inflicted a third-degree burn on his arm and engaged in heinous abuse that resulted in several broken bones, retinal hemorrhages, brain bleeds and blood clots. The third degree burn was inflicted on JoJo when powers held a ready meal heat pack against his arm, prosecutors said. The case against the couple began on August 8, 2018 when they brought JoJo into the Bluefield Regional Medical Center for treatment two weeks after the attack took place. Little JoJo was later transferred to a hospital in Charleston due to his extensive injuries. He died two days later on August 10. Child Protective Services were then notified and a criminal investigation ensued. Now-retired Sgt. M.D. Clemons, who was with the West Virginia State Police Crimes Against Children Unit, testified that Jones admitted to witnessing Powers abuse her child while attempting to potty-train the toddler. Ms. Jones stated that she observed Mr. Powers strike (the child) approximately three to four times on his bottom with a belt and put him in the bathtub, a complaint authored by Clemons states. Powers then became angry because the toddler was squirming, the complaint continues, before slamming the boy face-first onto the floor, striking him in the face with an open hand, and calling him a r*tard for not being able to use the potty. Jones then reportedly described how Powers then shook her son violently for as much as five minutes, with his hands clasped tightly around JoJos neck. Jones father David Hart, whom she lived with before moving in with Powers, voiced disappointment at his daughters sentencing, insisting she should be jailed for longer as she has so far failed to show remorse for her actions As reported by the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, this isnt the first time Powers has been charged with the abuse of a child. He was charged in October 1995 for abusing another two-year-old boy in Raleigh County. In that case, the child victim suffered burns and abrasions to the forehead, both hands, buttocks, back area and the top of his head, in addition to, bruising to the neck and chin area, chest area, penis area and various locations on his legs. Powers told investigators at the time the injuries occurred when the child fell onto a furnace and some acorns. However, it was determined the injuries could not have occurred as the defendant advised and coincided with child abuse. The mother of the victim, who asked not to be identified, told the outlet shed met Powers at church. She said she had left Powers to babysit her son and returned home to find the childs hands had been burned to the bone, after Powers held him against a floor furnace. Powers tried to keep the mother from taking her son to a doctor, but she drove to a physician with him riding in the cars passenger seat after he jumped into the vehicle. Police were called when they arrived at a doctors office, and Powers was arrested in the parking lot. The burns that were on his hands were so deep, [physicians] said there was no way they said if he had fallen he would have gotten up quickly, she told the Telegraph. They could tell there was pressure put on his hands. Prosecutors offered Powers a plea deal in the case and he ultimately served 13 months behind bars for child neglect. The mother said had the state have kept Powers locked up for longer as shed urged, then maybe JoJo would still be alive today. Separate sentencing hearings have been scheduled for Jones and Powers later this month, so members of JoJos family can address the court. Kim Hye Soo, who is going to be leading the upcoming film The Day I Die, looks determined with a steely resolve in new still released from the movie. It's a story of a girl who disappeared from the edge of a cliff with only one note left, a detective tracking a case at the edge of life, and a silent witness who reached out to them. Detective Hyun Soo (played by Kim Hye Soo), who is about to be reinstated into duty after a long hiatus, was adopted as a major witness in a criminal case and was isolated and protected in a remote island village. Hyun Soo, who was tracking the girl's journey, met the owner of the place where the girl stayed and the last witness to the girl while inquiring about her from the people of the island village. She is increasingly immersed in Se Jin, a girl who looks like her. Se Jin, a girl standing alone against a rough typhoon, and Hyun Soo, who barely grabs the steering wheel of an accidental vehicle, and a friend who looks at Hyun Soo with anxious eyes are strangely overlapped in the released stills. Min Jung (played by the incredible Kim Sun Young) raises curiosity about the changes that have happened to Hyun Soo in the movie. Here, although she lost her voice in an accident, a strange sense of tension is conveyed from the appearance of the "Suncheondaek" who seriously answers the question of detective Hyun Soo and holds her with her eyes as if she knows something. The Day I Die conveys a message of sympathy and consolation through an interesting unfolding of the story behind the incident and a special solidarity between the characters. In this film, South Korea's representative top Hallyu actress Kim Hye Soo, popular star Lee Jung Eun, and rising star Noh Jung Eui, as well as Kim Sun Young, Lee Sang Yeop, and Moon Jung Hee, are raising expectations for the film sky high. The film will be released in theaters nationwide in November and fans of thee actors can't wait to figure out the story behind the film. We wish all the cast huge success with this project! President Nana Akufo-Addo has directly told the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa, that she is not the one to determine the winner of the 2020 polls but the people of Ghana. The President, thus, urged Mrs Mensa and her other colleagues at the EC to ensure fairness in the elections. While filing his nomination on Tuesday, 6 October 2020, the President said: Ill like also to make a few remarks: First of all, I want to thank you very much for the expeditious process that Ive been subjected to today. My running mate and I represent a party that, from its very inception in 1947, has been committed to democratic governance. Weve been unwavering in our attachment to democratic values and principles. So, for us, the Ghana of today, the multiparty, open democratic system is a matter that responds to our deepest convictions and values, he said. The step that is being taken today is a necessary incident in democratic governance, the President noted. He told Mrs Mensa that: We are counting on you to be the arbiter and to hold the scales evenly to all contestants. What the Ghanaian people are expecting is that the election of the 7th of December will be an election that is conducted in peace, in freedom, in security, and in transparency so that the results of the election will reflect the will of the Ghanaian people, he noted. The President told Mrs Mensa emphatically that: Elections are not meant to be decided by you or the officials that work for you. You are the referees of the contest. The election is supposed to be decided by the people of Ghana and we are hoping that the arrangements that you have put in place will enable the Ghanaian people to manifest their will on the 7th of December and choose the next government of the fourth republic, he noted. The President also observed that the EC has done a good job so far. So far, the work that you have done has given considerable confidence to the majority of people in our country that in you and in the leadership of the Electoral Commission, we have people who are committed to a free, fair, credible and transparent process. We hope that that will mark the conduct of the elections of 7th December, he added. The President further mentioned that: I am not in interested in any crooked results. I do not want to be a president elected by deceit. I look forward to a contest that will be fairly conducted, so that if, indeed, by the will of the Almighty, I am, again, the choice of the Ghanaian people, it will be one that has been freely and openly demonstrated. I want to thank you very much for the opportunity this morning and what we all pray for is that may the best man win, the President added. --Classfm Rihanna has apologized for the "careless mistake" of using a song that samples a sacred Islamic text at a recent virtual runway show for her lingerie collection. The pop star posted an apology on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday after being criticized for using the song "Doom" in the show for her Savage X Fenty collection. The track by Coucou Chloe sampled a hadith, which are sayings or texts attributed to the Prophet Muhammad and held sacred by Muslims. Celebrity Sightings in New York City - February 7, 2020 (James Devaney / GC Images) Watch TODAY All Day! Get the best news, information and inspiration from TODAY, all day long. "I'd like to thank the Muslim community for pointing out a huge oversight that was unintentionally offensive in our savage x fenty show," Rihanna wrote. "I would more importantly like to apologize to you for this honest, yet careless mistake. Rihanna / Instagram "We understand that we have hurt many of our Muslim brothers and sisters, and I'm incredibly disheartened by this! I do not play with any kind of disrespect toward God or any religion and therefore the use of the song in our project was completely irresponsible! Moving forward we will make sure nothing like this ever happens again. Thank you for your forgiveness and understanding, Rih." Rihanna's statement follows one by Coucou Chloe, who issued her own apology on Monday and said she is working to have the song removed from streaming platforms. I want to deeply apologize for the offence caused by the vocal samples used in my song DOOM'. The song was created using samples from Baile Funk tracks I found online. At the time, I was not aware that these samples used text from an Islamic Hadith. 1/2 COUCOU CHLOE (@coucou_chloe) October 5, 2020 "I want to deeply apologize for the offence caused by the vocal samples used in my song DOOM,'" the French-born DJ and producer tweeted. "The song was created using samples from Baile Funk tracks I found online. At the time, I was not aware that these samples used text from an Islamic Hadith. Story continues "I take full responsibility for the fact I did not research these words properly and want to thank those of you who have taken the time to explain this to me. We have been in the process of having the song urgently removed from all streaming platforms." The apologies came after some sharp criticism from the Muslim community popped up on social media. i cant let Rihanna have a pass w appropriating Islam like for her first show the models wore a scarf around their heads and it looked like HIJAB and her second show she used a track that remixed a HADITH....why is no one talking about this, my religion is not yalls aesthetic . (@reversecocunut) October 4, 2020 "I cant let Rihanna have a pass w appropriating Islam like for her first show the models wore a scarf around their heads and it looked like HIJAB and her second show she used a track that remixed a HADITH....why is no one talking about this, my religion is not yalls aesthetic," one person tweeted. if you guys dont know much about islam(that is completely fine!!), a hadith is the words/ advice that our Prophet Mohammad(SAV) spoke and gave to people to educate them. it is very disrespectful to use it in a video of people dancing and even more in a lingerie show. afra (@emmasroadrage) October 5, 2020 "If you guys dont know much about islam(that is completely fine!!), a hadith is the words/ advice that our Prophet Mohammad(SAV) spoke and gave to people to educate them. it is very disrespectful to use it in a video of people dancing and even more in a lingerie show," another person tweeted. The incident with the song runs counter to Rihanna's work toward inclusivity in her fashion shows, which have included models of all body types, races and religions, including model Halima Aden, who wore a hijab on the runway. TODAY has reached out to Coucou Chloe for further comment and not yet heard back. File image The global economy is in "less dire" shape than it was in June but risks crashing again if governments end fiscal and monetary support too soon, fail to control the coronavirus and ignore emerging market debt problems, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Tuesday. Georgieva told an online London School of Economics event that the IMF will make a small upward revision to its global economic output forecasts next week, adding: "My key message is this: The global economy is coming back from the depths of this crisis." "But this calamity is far from over. All countries are now facing what I would call 'the long ascent' - a difficult climb that will be long, uneven, and uncertain. And prone to setbacks," she added in a speech billed as her "curtainraiser" for next week's IMF and World Bank annual meetings. The Fund in June forecast that coronavirus-related shutdowns would shrink global gross domestic product by 4.9 percent, marking the sharpest contraction since the Great Depression of the 1930s, and called for more policy support from governments and central banks. The IMF will publish its revised forecasts next week as member countries participate in the meetings, which will be held largely in an online format. 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 Georgieva said the IMF was continuing to project a "partial and uneven" recovery in 2021. In June, it forecast 2021 global growth of 5.4 percent. But $12 trillion in fiscal support, coupled with unprecedented monetary easing, has allowed many advanced economies, including the United States and the euro zone, to escape the worst damage of the pandemic, and some business sectors proved more able to operate amid it, Georgieva said. China also has recovered faster than expected. This provided some positive spillovers for emerging markets, but Georgieva urged countries to keep up support for their economies, warning that global growth would stay subdued for the medium term and the risk of "severe economic scarring" was high. "We are very clear in the message we are communicating to not withdraw support prematurely," Georgieva said. "If we do so, then we risk massive bankruptcies and massive unemployment." 'LOST GENERATION' Emerging markets and low-income countries face a precarious situation with weak health systems, high external debt and dependency on sectors most exposed to the pandemic such as tourism and commodities, she said. "In low-income countries, the shocks are so profound that we face the risk of a 'lost generation,'" Georgieva said, signaling that the IMF and World Bank will press hard for more debt relief for low-income countries next week. She called for more debt help quickly for low-income countries beyond a moratorium on official bilateral debt payment until the end of 2020. She said development gains could be reversed without access to more grants, concessional credit and debt relief. "In some cases, global coordination to restructure sovereign debt will be necessary, with full participation of public and private creditors," Georgieva added. Georgieva also urged highly indebted countries not to wait to seek debt restructurings and said tax reform was necessary to collect needed revenues. The IMF's board on Monday approved a relief from debt payments to the Fund for 28 countries for another six months, until April 13, 2021. The move shifts those payments to a special catastrophe relief fund provided by wealthier member countries. Follow our full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here. Botanica Day Spa is celebrating their own Anna Jurado, LMT for her "Best Massage Therapist" award in the Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Awards 2020. Being a massage therapist has and continues to be one of the greatest gifts of my life. I just feel really grateful. -Anna Jurado, Massage Therapist at Botanica Day Spa and winner of Creative Loafing's "Best Massage Therapist" award Botanica Day Spa has received two awards in the Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Awards 2020. The 30-year-old tradition recognizes over 400 of Tampa Bays finest establishments each year in categories ranging from local politicians and musicians to healthcare providers and restaurants. Botanica received recognition this year in the category of Best Spa as runner up, while one of the spas newer massage therapists Anna Jurado took home Best Massage Therapist. This award came as a complete surprise to mea welcome surprise, but a complete surprise! says Jurado. Being a massage therapist has and continues to be one of the greatest gifts of my life. I just feel really grateful. To see Anna win this is such a thrill for the entire Botanica Day Spa family, says Gen Obolensky, who has led the spa for the last 17 years. Anna is known for her passionate and holistic approach to massage, wellness and self-care. Were so lucky to have her on our team, and all of our staff are so proud! On the heels of Botanicas 25th anniversary, the Downtown Clearwater day spa is celebrating local recognition all around. Earlier this year the spa received accolades in the Tampa Bay Times 2020 Best of the Best Peoples Choice Awards, winning: Best Spa (Silver Award) Best Nail Salon (Bronze Award) To visit this local gem for a special occasion or a day of relaxation, contact 727-441-1711 or visit them online. ABOUT BOTANICA DAY SPA Botanica has been recognized as Clearwaters leading day spa for more than 25 years, specializing in natural treatments for the body, skin and nails. The award-winning spa has been honored by Creative Loafing, CitySearch, Tampa Bay Times and others for exceptional standards in body treatments and therapeutic massage as well as manicures, pedicures and eyebrow shaping. Botanicas menu of services features cutting edge beauty and wellness treatments with an emphasis on the use of organic and natural product lines. The stunning 4,500 square-foot facility is an oasis of relaxation and tranquility located in downtown Clearwater, Florida, accessible from the Pinellas Trail and just minutes from Clearwater Beach. For more information, please visit http://www.BotanicaDaySpa.com or on social media at @BotanicaDaySpa. MEDIA CONTACT Corina Froese corina@dandelioncreativeco.com 727-441-1711 The Ontario government saw a problem: people were lining up for hours to get a COVID-19 test. So it abolished the lines. Toronto Public Health saw another problem: its contact tracers couldnt keep up with demand as the number of cases mounted. So over the weekend it suspended contact tracing for most people. Problems solved? Hardly. The hours-long lineups were a sign that the provinces testing system couldnt meet the demand in the long-predicted second wave of COVID-19 and its message about who should get tested was plain wrong. And the inability of contact tracers to keep up in badly hit Toronto showed that the system put in place to do that job wasnt up to the task when the wave hit. Test and trace, test and trace: that was the mantra for months from health officials. Once wed flattened the curve by shutting down virtually everything, wed put in place a sophisticated system to test and trace so public health could jump on fresh outbreaks. This was sold as the surgical approach to dealing with a second wave, and hundreds of millions of dollars, no, billions of dollars were announced to fund this vital effort. Yet here we are and instead of wielding the proverbial scalpel of testing and tracing were back talking about bringing out the sledgehammer of further lockdowns. In Ontario, where on Tuesday the number of new cases actually dipped slightly in a sign that the upward trend might possibly be stemmed, the City of Toronto is pressing for stricter measures including banning indoor dining. And public health officials are urging everyone to stay at home as much as possible, a voluntary lockdown of a sort just as Thanksgiving approaches, with its temptation to gather with family and friends. In Quebec, its worse. The pandemic there appears to be raging out of control, with 1,364 new cases on Tuesday alone. The number of hospitalizations and deaths is also starting to rise, indicating that complacency about the second wave being more benign than the first could well be very much mistaken. Amid all this, the Ontario government boasts about having the most robust, most comprehensive testing strategy in the entire country, in the words of Premier Doug Ford. More than 40,000 tests are being done every day, he says, with a cumulative total of four million since the pandemic struck more than all other provinces combined. Impressive numbers, but the hard reality is that many people still cant get a test. Those embarrassing lineups are gone, but many cant get through on the phones or online under the new system of appointment-only testing. Some 77 pharmacies are offering tests now, too, but that was set up only days ago. Its no surprise, then, that some are turning to private clinics, which are reportedly charging as much as $250 for a test. Its tempting to say they should be shut down; no one likes the idea of people paying to jump the queue. But the reality is theyre just a symptom of the failure to provide an adequate public testing system, not the real problem. If tests were quickly available on the public dime, demand for private ones would evaporate. No doubt public health officials are working flat out and are overwhelmed by the rise in new COVID cases. No one questions how hard theyre trying and how much they care. And there are real problems, such as a shortage of lab technicians to process test results. But this isnt at all how it was supposed to be. The federal government pledged billions over the summer to help provinces through its Safe Restart Agreement, including $4.28 billion for testing and contact tracing. Of that, $1.16 billion was billion was earmarked for Ontario alone. Thats a lot of money, even in these days when government deficits are measured in the hundreds of billions. But it hasnt bought the results that Ottawa, indeed all of us, were looking for. And were repeatedly promised. Governments are back to urging us to do our part by going back to the basics: washing hands, wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, downloading the COVID Alert app. Certainly we should do all those things. But governments, for their part, need to do a lot better at the basics they pledged to do: test and trace. Flipkart announced the launch of Nokia Smart TVs new Android 9.0 range powered by Sound by Onkyo, ahead of The Big Billion Days 2020. This range will mark Nokias entry into the mainstream screen sizes with variants of 32 (priced at Rs.12,999*) and 43 (priced at Rs.22,999) in HD ready and Full HD respectively, along with 43 (priced at Rs.28,999), 50 (priced at Rs.33,999), 55 (priced at 39,999) and 65 (priced at Rs.59,999) in Ultra HD range. Designed and made in India, the Nokia Smart TV range will be available from October 15, 2020 during Flipkarts annual festive sale event as part of The Big Billion Days Specials a unique line of special products curated in partnership with leading brands across various categories. Flipkart has partnered with Onkyo, a leading Japanese brand with superior audio expertise to power the new range of Nokia Smart TVs. Sound by Onkyo will bring expertise through their Onkyo soundbar, certified by the Onkyo home theater system and 6D sound experience. The new range of TVs will have minimal distortion (and dynamic amplification technology for lossless sound, in turn, elevating the impeccable sound performance for consumers, from the comfort of their homes. The Nokia Smart TV range also comes with a diamond-cut bezel design, micro dimming, MaxBrite display and advanced contrast ratio to ensure superior and life-like viewing quality and display. It is additionally equipped with Pronto Focal AI Engine which enables a full AI experience in pictures, sound, and interaction for a seamless TV-viewing experience. Mr. Vipul Mehrotra, Vice President, Nokia Brand Partnerships, said We have been delighted with the response to Nokia branded Smart TVs since they first debuted in India last year. Extending the Nokia brand with Flipkart to a full new Smart TV range is a testament to the success of our ongoing relationship and also ensures there will be a Nokia Smart TV to suit every taste and budget. Commenting on the launch, Dev Iyer, Vice President Private Brands at Flipkart, said, This festive season, Smart TVs are dominating the market like never before. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of smarter and more digitally-savvy lifestyle, prompting consumers to adopt Smart TVs in an affordable manner equally from metros and non-metro cities of India. As consumers plan their festive season shopping, we want to ensure that they have a wide range of choices across specifications, variants, and design. Towards this endeavor, we are excited to strengthen our collaboration with Nokia to bring a wider suite of Nokia Smart TVs to India to address the much-needed market gap of value-for-money Smart TV range. Further, Yukio Miyata, President Onkyo Sound Corporation, added, Onkyo is proud to partner with Flipkart on their lineup of Nokia Smart TVs to offer our audio solution as part of our Sound by Onkyo program. Our engineers worked meticulously to create a sound profile equivalent to one in our own products. We hope many will enjoy the sound quality in the Nokia Smart TV lineup. According to the TV and smartphone consumption report by BARC India and Nielsen, Indians have been spending more time watching television with every passing week as they continue to stay indoors. As consumers increasingly rely on their television sets to entertain themselves ( through sports, gaming, and movies) and inform themselves (through news) amidst restrictions and curbs, Smart TVs can be pegged as the one-stop-shop for their needs. To bring additional cheer to consumers this festive season, the Nokia Smart TV range will also have exciting offers from Spotify a leading global audio streaming service with over 4 billion curated, algorithmic, and user created music playlists across languages, moods, and moments, as well as over 1.5 million podcasts. Some of the key features of the new Nokia Smart TV include: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was pushed to the ground while marching towards the Hathras gangrape victims house in Uttar Pradesh last week, has said that his fall was not a big deal as the "whole country is being pushed to a corner" by the government. Taking a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre, the former president of the Congress party said on October 6, "The whole country is being pushed to a corner and being beaten up. What is the big deal if I was pushed? It is our job to protect the country; we must stand with the farmers. The government is such that if we stand up against them, we will be pushed. Dhakka kha lenge, lathi kha lenge (we will bear with the attacks)." An NDTV report quoted Rahul Gandhi as saying: Jo unimaginable dhakka laga, wo us parivar ko laga (The actual jolt was felt by the Hathras victims family)." Rahul Gandhi further told reporters that only people who have daughters will understand what the Dalit family in Hathras is going through. He added, "I went to meet the victims family so they dont feel alone" and said that he will stand by and help all women who have been victims of sexual violence. Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had visited the Hathras victims family on October 3, four days after she succumbed to her injuries at Delhis Safdarjung Hospital. The two Congress leaders were finally allowed to meet the victims family two days after they were stopped short during their march towards the village of Boolgarhi. A day after the visuals of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being pushed to the ground had gone viral, Trinamool leader Derek OBrien was also manhandled on his way to the victims family in a similar way. ClearBlade, an industry-leading Industrial IoT Platform and Edge Computing software company, announced a technology collaboration with Google Cloud for edge data integration into the Google Cloud Pub/Sub service. The ClearBlade Edge Data Pub/Sub feature allows for critical edge information coming from connected devices and machines to rapidly be flowed into consuming cloud services and other enterprise business processes. The feature is available out of the box for users of ClearBlade and Google Cloud to move high speed edge data into a decoupled message service for processing as desired. Pub/Sub is a HIPAA-compliant service, offering fine-grained access controls and end-to-end encryption. Google Cloud-native integrations take advantage of integrations with multiple services, such as Cloud Storage and Gmail update events and Cloud Functions for serverless event-driven computing. Developers using Pub/Sub are able to rapidly implement stream analytics that allow for data enrichment and Artificial Intelligence (AI) training. With a service level agreement (SLA) of 99.99% customers can rely on Google Cloud to provide them insights when and where their customers and users need them. With the ClearBlade Edge Data Pub/Sub feature customers now have the ability to connect all types of devices, process the hot data with leading edge compute, and easily make it available for anyone in the cloud said Eric Simone Founder and CEO, ClearBlade. The serverless design makes management simple along with integration to top AI and data lake capabilities available for enterprises to understand what is happening in their business. The offering is a major value to companies that are attempting to digitize their businesses by having a better understanding of what is happening in the field. This partnership brings the widely adopted Google Cloud Pub/Sub streaming capability together with ClearBlades Edge Data platform to enable rapid deployment of highly configurable, enterprise grade IoT solutions that create and stream many Terabytes of data. The result is a rapidly scaled IIoT solution, with all the tools necessary to manage an unbounded and growing dataset. Google Pub/Sub with ClearBlades software platform lets enterprises scale IoT solutions to millions of devices and distribute that information without complexity or risk. About ClearBlade ClearBlade is the industry-leading Edge Computing software company that enables enterprises to rapidly engineer and run secure, real-time, scalable IoT applications. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, ClearBlade is an award-winning, fully scalable, secure, flexible and autonomous IoT edge platform that enables companies to ingest, analyze, adapt and act on any data in real-time and at extreme scale. ClearBlade provides a consistent platform across edge, cloud and on-premise environments. For more information, please visit https://www.clearblade.com. Media Contacts: ClearBlade Michelle Davis marketing@clearblade.com +1(866)999-3343 "First and foremost, I would like to extend an apology on behalf of the District and the Board of School Directors to the student who was involved and to his family. They did not ask for this incident to occur, nor do they deserve the negative attention that it has brought." - school board President Tina Stoll The Capital Region Greek Festivals drive-thru in September was such a success, church members are bringing it back. The next one will be held 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 16-17 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Wormleysburg with an expanded menu of Greek specialties. Masks and social distancing will be required. They saw it wasnt as stressful. You dont know how things are going to go. People were having fun and it worked. The kitchen and outside sales were coordinated pretty well," said Dimitri Zozos, one of the organizers. Traditionally, the churchs festivals are held in May over three days and draw thousands of visitors. Church members invest months preparing traditional Greek food, ranging from leg of lamb dinners to Greek fries, flaming cheese and pastries. Organizers announced earlier this year the event was indefinitely postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. But Zozos said they developed the idea for a drive-thru after much discussion. The festival raises money for the church and also promotes Greek culture. The reason the festival became so popular is the quality of the food and pastries, Zozos said. At the first drive-thru, the menu was limited to gyros, assorted pastries and baklava. This time they are selling gyros and baklava along with Greek salads, Greek meatballs, spanakopita (large cheese pies) and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves). READ MORE: They will make about 8,000 pieces of baklava for Octobers event, Zozos said, adding the phyllo used to make the pastry is purchased fresh from a factory in New Jersey. Church members are considering selling assorted pastry boxes in November and December, an undertaking that involves 30 to 40 church volunteers, he said. Prices at the October drive-thru include $5 for six meatballs, grape leaves and spanakopita to $7 for a large Greek salad and $15 for six-piece baklava. Credit cards and cash will be accepted. Food will not be unlimited and will be available until it is sold out. Flash The United States and Russia held negotiations on strategic stability and nuclear arms control in the Finnish capital Helsinki on Monday. According to the Office of President of Finland, the discussions are the continuation of the latest round of talks on strategic stability and nuclear arms control between the two countries that started in Vienna earlier this year. The Russian delegation is led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, while the U.S. delegation is headed by Marshall Billingslea, Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control. In a press release issued by the Office of President of Finland on Monday evening, no details of the negotiations between the two sides were disclosed. The press release said that Finnish President Sauli Niinisto met separately with both Ryabkov and Billingslea after the discussions. Niinisto welcomed the continued dialogue between the U.S. and Russia, saying in the press release that he had interesting talks with the two guests and hoped for further progress in agreeing on arms control. "In the current world situation, all dialogue is important, and I welcome its continuation between the United States and Russia," the president added. The two countries' bilateral nuclear arms control treaty, the so-called New Start Treaty, or the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, is due to expire in February 2021. While the two have been discussing a new agreement, previous talks have ended with no results, reported Finnish national broadcaster Yle. Armenia PM Pashinyan says Turkey behind 'war' in Karabakh Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tells AFP that Turkey is behind renewed conflict over the disputed Karabakh region Turkey's "full support" motivated its ally Azerbaijan to reignite fighting in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Tuesday in an interview with AFP, calling the escalating conflict a "war against terrorism". "While it is true that the leadership of Azerbaijan has been actively promoting bellicose rhetoric for the last 15 years, now the decision to unleash a war was motivated by Turkey's full support," the 45-year-old premier said. "Without Turkey's active engagement this war would have not begun," he added, speaking to AFP in a sumptuous room of the Government House in the heart of Armenian capital Yerevan. The prime minister arrived in a motorcade with wailing sirens, while armed soldiers in combat gear manned the entrance to the imposing building, built in the era of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Pashinyan nevertheless projected an air of calm, speaking slowly and weighing every word as he condemned Azerbaijan for waging a "terrorist war against a people struggling for their freedom." Pashinyan, a former newspaper editor, became prime minister in 2018 after leading tens of thousands in protests against the ruling party, channelling a widespread desire for change and calling for good relations with both Russia and the West. He stressed that the latest fighting is "not simply a new escalation of the Karabakh conflict," a territorial decades-old dispute over the majority ethnic Armenian mountainous region between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a mainly Muslim Turkic country that is a close ally of Turkey. The current conflict has seen the "active engagement of terrorist groups from the Middle East in the conflict zone," Pashinyan said, describing the role of Armenian forces as a "counter-terrorism operation." Turkey has been accused of deploying fighters from Syria to support Azerbaijan in Karabakh. French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that "jihadists" had arrived in the region, accusing Turkey of crossing a "red line". Story continues Armenia also accuses Turkish forces of fighting directly in the region, and Pashinyan said Turkey's F-16 fighter jets were "actively engaged" in the conflict. Turkey has denied this and no firm evidence has been presented. - 'Policy of Armenian genocide' - Pashinyan accused Turkey of involving itself in Nagorno-Karabakh as part of its "policy of Armenian genocide." "Turkey has returned to the South Caucasus to continue the Armenian genocide," he said. Armenians say that up to 1.5 million people were killed by Ottoman Turks during World War I in what amounted to genocide, a claim supported by some 30 countries. Turkey rejects the genocide label and says that Turks also died in civil strife. Armenia has become "the last obstacle" to Turkish expansion, Pashinyan said. He warned that if "Europe fails to properly call this situation by its name," it could see Turkish forces outside Vienna, referring to the Ottoman Empire laying siege to the city in the 17th century. Yet if the current conflict deteriorates so far that Armenia experiences a direct attack on its territory, Pashinyan said he is sure that his nation's key ally Russia would come to its aid due to the two countries' membership in a military alliance. "In case of a security threat to Armenia, Russia's engagement will be subject to our treaty framework. I am confident that as per the situation... Russia will uphold its treaty obligations," the prime minister said. As for the international community and the European leaders with whom Pashinyan has been exchanging multiple phone calls in recent days, he said that "the best response ... to this terrorist operation would be to recognise the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh." The region is not currently recognised by any UN member state -- not even Armenia. Fierce fighting reignited in Karabakh 10 days ago and has caused at least 286 deaths according to confirmed tolls that are likely short of the real total. Neither side appears to have taken a decisive lead on the ground. pop-am/dl Mumbai, Oct 6 : The Reserve Bank of India will announce the monetary policy on October 9 as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet during October 7-9. The announcement by the Central bank comes after the government filled the vacancies of three external members in the committee. "The next meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is scheduled during October 7 to October 9, 2020," RBI said in a statement on Tuesday. The government on Monday appointed Ashima Goyal, Jayanth R. Varma and Shashanka Bhide as members of the Monetary Policy Committee of the RBI. Ashima Goyal is a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's economic advisory council. Jayanth Varma is a finance and accounting professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. Shashanka Bhide is a senior advisor at the National Council for Applied Economic Research. The appointments have come after a significant delay as the MPC which was supposed to have met from September 29 to October 1 had to be deferred due to the vacancies. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The parrots know it. They screech. The music knows it, becoming ever more strident and full of foreboding. Only the landlady, sweet old Mrs Wilberforce (Katie Johnson), doesnt realise what is already apparent to the audience, namely that her prospective new lodger, Professor Marcus (Alec Guinness), is a consummate creep and a thief to boot. It isnt just his protuberant, rat-like teeth. Its his unctuous, shifty manner. The filmmakers first show him on the streets near St Pancras in dark silhouette, as if he is a vampire. These are the opening scenes of Alexander Mackendricks classic Ealing comedy, The Ladykillers (1955), shortly to be re-released in a 4K restoration. Guinness gives one of his most memorable performances as the "professor, hiding out with his thuggish accomplices in Mrs Wilberforces rickety, bomb-damaged house while plotting a robbery in nearby King's Cross. For some audiences, Guinness (1914-2000) is most fondly remembered as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, a noble Jedi master known for his courage, decency, and devotion to justice and humanity. Erick Contreras, managing director of BASF Vietnam The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has allowed the trade relationship between the two to further develop. What is BASFs plan to tap into this? As a global leading chemical company headquartered in Germany and active in Vietnam since 1994, we are thrilled to see the trade relationship between EU and Vietnam now brought to the next level with this milestone. With this trade pact, both markets will enjoy preferential import duties, of which many are with immediate effect. We are confident that local consumers will have a greater access to safe and quality goods made in Europe and the EU consumers can now enjoy more Vietnamese clothing, electronic, and agricultural products, among others now increasingly popular for its quality and affordability. In addition, both sides have agreed to streamline customs procedures, facilitate new investments, and protect labour rights and the environment. All in all, this will certainly help boost the trade between the two markets and support in economic recovery for both the EU and Vietnam. At BASF, we supply high-quality chemical ingredients and cutting-edge technologies to export-oriented companies, many of them to the EU market, to help them meet the EUs stringent standards in terms of quality, safety, and other technical barriers. At the same time, we contribute to the success of those serving the domestic market, which increasingly requires higher quality of food and environmental standards. Which positive impacts does the EVFTA bring to BASFs sustainability commitments in Vietnam? The agreement goes beyond just tariff elimination. It also covers protecting human rights and the environment, among other measures, which creates a lot of opportunities for us to further contribute to Vietnams sustainable development. In fact, we have been helping our customers and communities for more than two decades to address numerous challenges, including air pollution, food safety, and energy efficiency. For example, our agriculture solutions help crops tolerate droughts and lack of irrigation water, while maximising nutrition absorption and stress tolerance, therefore improving crop yields and quality. Our micronutrients for staple food fortification help provide better nutrition to children and adults. We also offer comprehensive automotive solutions of coatings, polyurethane, and fuel additives that improve not just comfort, quality, and appearance but also emissions control and fuel efficiency. With our focus on sustainability, BASF also works with our partners across the value chain to offer training and capability building in chemical safety, health, and the environment, helping our suppliers and customers enhance the safety and competitiveness of their products and businesses. Last but not least, we also play a crucial role in educational development with our signature programme BASF Kids Lab along with other initiatives, nurturing the next generation of scientists and young leaders. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is facing a new normal with many changes as a result. How does this years events impact BASF and BASF Vietnam in particular? We highly value the health and safety of people. We have rapidly adapted ourselves with the new normal in many aspects to protect our business continuity and wellbeing of our employees, business partners, and customers. We have introduced a wide range of hygiene and safety measures in all our offices and plants, including handwashing, mask wearing, social distancing, and conducting virtual meetings. Shortly after the outbreak began, we also introduced remote working options for our employees, allowing our teams to maintain their daily work at home while taking care of their children. Amidst the prolonged pandemic, what I miss the most is the daily interaction with our teams and our customers. However, thanks to new technologies, we can still organise virtual discussions on a regular basis from the comfort of our home or offices, seamlessly. I am proud to see how our colleagues have demonstrated their great sense of teamwork and commitment despite the challenging backdrop of the pandemic. What contributions has BASF made to fight against COVID-19 globally and in Vietnam? BASF has contributed considerably in the fight against the coronavirus. We conducted a global campaign called Helping Hands to donate 100 million protective masks to Germany, and another one million masks to the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, where our headquarters is located. BASF has committed to fighting the pandemic worldwide with a total donation of approximately 100 million ($117 million). Another focus is the production of hand sanitisers. Around one million litres of disinfectants have been delivered free of charge to hospitals and medical facilities in many countries. Nevertheless, our teams around the world have also initiated diverse activities to support those who need it the most in this critical time. In Vietnam, we conducted a matching funds campaign between the company and employees to support frontline workers at quarantine centres through the Red Cross and around 150 elderly people at Lam Quang Pagoda, a nursing home for senior citizens. We are very proud to see even the smallest contributions can help to flatten the curve and build community resilience amidst the coronavirus. Singh's close aide and councillor Shukla was shot dead late on Sunday evening. Kolkata: A day after Barrackpore BJP MP Arjun Singh's close aide and councillor Manish Shukla was killed by unknown assailants in Titagarh, the West Bengal CID on Monday arrested two persons in connection with the case. The two were picked up from their residences in the district, a senior police officer said. "We have arrested two persons in connection with the case. There are more people involved in the killing. The probe is on," the CID official said. Meanwhile, high drama unfolded on Monday evening after Shukla's body underwent post-mortem at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital (NRSMCH) in Kolkata. The post-mortem report revealed 14 bullet injuries on the body showing how mercilessly the councillor was killed in absence of his security personnel who were apparently on leave on Sunday. Infuriated, the BJP leadership headed for Raj Bhavan with the body in a convoy of cars from NRSMCH. They were however stopped by a large contingent of police personnel who put up barricades near New Market area of the city to block the rally of the cars with the body. Failing to move ahead, the BJP leaders had a heated altercation with the cops. Later, it was decided that only a BJP delegation would be allowed to go to Raj Bhavan. Accompanied by senior party leaders, Shukla's father Chandra Mani met the Governor at Raj Bhavan. The body was taken to Titagarh at night for last rites. Singh's close aide and councillor Shukla was shot dead late on Sunday evening. At around 9 pm on Sunday, a gang of four miscreants on two motorcycles came and fired at him in Purani Bazar area of Titagarh where he was talking to some BJP workers outside the party office. With bullet injuries, he was rushed to BN Bose Hospital which referred him to a private hospital in Kolkata only to be declared brought dead there. Shukla's murder took place hours after Singh threatened the Mamata Banerjee government of a "guerrilla" style rally by the BJP which will "shake" its state secretariat, Nabanna. Accusing the ruling Trinamul Congress of the murder, the BJP had called for a 12-hour Barrackpore bandh in protest on Monday. An agitation backed by the BJP strongman, however, turned violent as protesters allegedly hurled bombs and pelted stones while clashing with the police. The police also lobbed teargas shells to disperse the protesters. Shukla, a resident of Khardah, was a strongman of Titagarh with multiple criminal cases against him. Switching to the TMC from the CPI(M), he earlier contested the Municipal Election in 2015 as an Independent candidate and became a councillor of the Titagarh Municipality. Last year, Shukla, following Singh's footsteps, joined the BJP. Singh said, "He was like my brother who used to protect me always. Barrackpore and Bengal will not forget his sacrifice. He was killed when he returned to the party office. The TMC and police will have to suffer for their misdeeds." Many senior BJP leaders, including Kailash Vijayvargiya and Mukul Roy visited Shukla's family and slammed the TMC and police. Taking over the probe in the BJP leader's murder, the CID initiated an FIR against seven persons on murder charge and also arrested one accused: Mohammad Khurram from Titagarh. Khurram was earlier detained by the police alongwith with other suspects. Preliminary investigation revealed that Shukla reportedly had links with the murder of an aide of Khurram recently. Claiming of contract killing, Vijayvargiya demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe to look into the role of Barrackpore Police Commissioner Manoj Verma and joint commissioner Ajay Kumar Thakur in the murder. The West Bengal police however stated, "A person was shot dead last evening in Titagarh area of Barrackpore. Police is investigating the crime and looking into all possible reasons, including personal enmity because the victim was accused in some cases of murder and attempt of murder. Please do not jump on conclusion without proper investigation. Irresponsible comments on social media are tantamount to interference in the investigation. Please refrain from this." Alleging Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's ignorance to his message for an "urgent" talk, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar summoned state home secretary HK Dwiwedi and director general of police Virendra to Raj Bhavan on Monday morning. But none of them turned up. Later state chief secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay met Dhankhar. The governor tweeted, "Conveyed my concern of the present alarming scenario @MamataOfficial to the new Chief Secretary. Am sure Chief Minister would be indicated all these critical aspects that run down democratic governance and lawlessness. Political violence and targeted killings must stop." Susan Page, the Washington bureau chief for USA Today, appears on "Meet the Press" in 2019. (William B. Plowman / NBC) Susan Page, the longtime Washington bureau chief for USA Today, will be in charge of keeping the candidates in line at the vice presidential debate Wednesday in Salt Lake City, where Vice President Mike Pence will face off against Sen. Kamala Harris of California. The sole showdown between running mates is typically the secondary act in the four events sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates in an election year. But the age of Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who will be 78 on inauguration day in 2021, and the health of 74-year-old Republican incumbent President Trump, released from the hospital Monday after contracting the coronavirus, has heightened the significance of the No. 2 spot on the ticket in the 2020 campaign. Page, 69, is a veteran White House reporter, who has covered six administrations and 11 national campaigns. She is the first print reporter to handle a televised presidential or vice presidential debate since 1976, when James Hoge, then-editor of the Chicago Sun-Times, moderated the matchup of VP contenders Walter Mondale and Robert Dole. Here is what you need to know about Page. Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) speaks at Shaw University during a campaign visit in Raleigh, N.C., on Sept. 28. Right, Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a Faith and Freedom Coalition policy conference on Sept. 30 in Atlanta. (Gerry Broome; Brynn Anderson/Associated Press) Journalism has been a family affair. Page, a native of Kansas, is married to Carl Leubsdorf, a columnist and former Washington bureau chief for the Dallas Morning News. One of their two sons, Ben, was a reporter at the Washington bureau of the Wall Street Journal and is now a librarian at the Congressional Research Service. She took heat over a party she threw for a Trump administration official in 2018. After Page's debate assignment was announced, a House committee report surfaced that said she held a celebration at her home two years ago for Seema Verma, head of Medicare and Medicaid Services. While such social occasions are part of the Washington beat, Page came under criticism when it was revealed the cost for the PR consultant that arranged the event was paid for by taxpayers. A representative for USA Today said Page was unaware of the charge and had covered the $4,000 for catering and other costs for the party out of her own pocket. Story continues She is a former president of the Gridiron Club. Page has long been involved in the exclusive 135-year-old Washington club where top journalists write and perform a musical review that spoofs the politicians they cover. (The event was canceled this year for the first time since World War II due to the pandemic.) Former Gridiron Club historian Cheryl Arvidson noted that Page has capably sung and danced in the shows. Arvidson chuckled when asked about Page's vocal range. "What they look for is someone who can carry a tune and has requisite timing," she said. "If you can do both of those things, you're a star." Page has never met a Washington public affairs program she didn't like. While Page does not have a regular TV job, she is often booked as a panelist on the Beltway-based roundtable shows such as NBC's "Meet the Press." In 2020, she has appeared seven times on PBS' "Washington Week," twice on "Fox News Sunday" and twice on "Face the Nation." She recently became a bestselling author. After being a Washington fixture for decades, Page is putting her institutional knowledge of the town to use as a biographer. "The Matriarch," her 2019 biography of former First Lady Barbara Bush, was a well reviewed bestseller. Her next book, set for publication in spring 2021, looks at the life and career of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. She almost chose music over journalism. Page started playing the oboe in the third grade, and considered a career as a musician. "I was very serious about becoming a professional oboist," she told Twitter in an interview. "And you would go to very different schools for those two careers, so this was something I really anguished over. I chose journalism, and since I made that decision in high school I've never actually wanted to do anything else." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The father of slain toddler Tyrell Cobb has launched an extraordinary courtroom outburst aimed at the child's killer mum, calling her a 'lying f***ing b****h' as she contests her sentence. Tyrell died on the Gold Coast in May 2009 after Heidi Strbak failed to seek timely medical treatment for the sick boy following a fatal blow to the stomach which punctured his small intestine. As Strbak tried to have her sentence for manslaughter slashed in Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday, the child's father Jason Cobb grew frustrated under cross examination and lashed out at the mother of his dead son. Tyrell Cobb died on the Gold Coast in May 2009 after Heidi Strbak (both pictured) failed to seek timely medical treatment Tyrell's father Jason Cobb (pictured) grew frustrated under cross examination and lashed out at the mother of his dead son 'It was f***ing ten years ago come on guys,' he told the barrister, according to The Courier Mail. He also told the court 'Heidi plays f***ing games' and is a 'f***ing lying b***h' and snapped at Justice David Boddice when he was pulled up for using profane language. 'Do you think this is easy mate?' he barked at the judge. As Cobb left the court room, he provoked his ex partner in the dock and said she deserved what was happening and called her a degrading name. The explosive scene took place during Strbak's re-sentencing hearing after she successfully appealed her original nine-year jail term, delivered in 2017, in the High Court. Tyrell Cobb (pictured), four, suffered two separate blows to his abdomen that caused internal bleeding and the leaking of his stomach contents which led to his death on May 24, 2009 Strbak (pictured right) sobbed as confronting images of her son's tiny body (left) covered by some 70 bruises and abrasions She sobbed as confronting images of her son's tiny body covered by some 70 bruises and abrasions, and a cigarette lighter burn on his ankle were shown on Tuesday. Audio of the distressing triple-0 call made on the evening of the boy's death was also played to the court in front of a gallery packed with friends and family. Strbak and her then partner Matthew Scown could be heard screaming and saying he was vomiting, as the operating tried multiple times to ask whether he was breathing. He had been vomiting bile for two days following a blow to his abdomen, which tore open his small intestine. By the time paramedics arrived, Tyrell was unresponsive and never regained consciousness. Strbak's then-partner, Matthew Scown, also 34, was sentenced to four years' jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter. He is pictured smiling after getting a reduced sentence for testifying against his ex Scown was convicted of Tyrell's manslaughter and received a four-year sentence after the court found while he also failed to seek medical help, he was not responsible for the injuries. He previously testified to seeing Strbak abuse the boy, particularly when she was unable to obtain marijuana. Scown is again expected to testify to allege his former partner delivered the fatal blows. In opening submissions on Tuesday, the Crown said there were only three people who had the opportunity to hurt Tyrell - Strbak, Scown and the boy's uncle who has been cleared. It is expected to call a number of witnesses who will give evidence of seeing Strbak previously physically and verbally abusing Tyrell. 'It is the Crown's contention that it was Ms Strbak who applied the blunt force trauma to her son causing abdominal injuries resulting in his death,' Philip McCarthy QC told the court. Heidi Strbak (pictured), 36, was originally sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in 2017 Defence barrister Saul Holt said there was no dispute that the injuries to Tyrell were unlawful and intentional, but Strbak was not responsible. 'The evidence will demonstrate that there was no evidence of any unexplained injuries to Tyrell Cobb prior to the bruises that began to emerge over that weekend,' Mr Holt said. 'Bad things were happening to Tyrell Cobb, in the vast majority at least, they occurred in the period of time that Mr Scown moved in. That was the significant change that had occurred in their lives at that point. 'The evidence is that prior to the time that Mr Scown had come to live in the unit, there were in fact no unexplained injuries prior to that time at all.' The hearing is expected to last at least four days. As of Tuesday morning, some 4,348 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease were recorded in Ukraine per day, some 2,149 patients recovered, some 90 patients died, according to data published on the website of the system of monitoring the spread of the coronavirus pandemic by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). The day before, on October 5, some 3,774 cases were reported, on October 4, there were 4,140 new infected people, on October 3, the maximum rate of COVID-19 disease was 4,661 cases, on October 2, some 4,633 cases were reported. The number of infected people since the beginning of the pandemic was 234,584 people on Tuesday morning, while 4,520 people died from COVID-19, some 103,401 people recovered. Now in Ukraine, some 126,663 people are sick with COVID-19 disease, which is 2,109 people more than the day before. The largest number of detected COVID-19 cases over the past day was recorded in Kharkiv region (487), Kyiv (355), Poltava region (305). The number of suspected COVID-19 cases over the past day was 4,665 ones. The Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists gave its highest honors to University of Louisiana Monroe Director of Radiologic Technology Brett Bennett and former student and recent graduate Lauren Brumley. PHOTO: University of Louisiana Monroe Director of Radiologic Technology Brett Bennett, left, was named 2020 Technologist of the Year, and recent graduate Lauren Brumley received the Student Award of Excellence for 2020 from the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists. Bennett was named LSRT 2020 Technologist of the Year, and Brumley received the LSRT 2020 Student Technologist of the Year. Bennett has led the Radiologic Technology Program in the ULM College of Health Sciences since 2007. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners. A longtime member of LSRT, Bennett is the executive secretary of finance. He has held every office in the society and served on several committees. The LSRT presented Bennett the award for his exemplary service to the organization and the radiologic technology field. In May, Brumley was a top graduate in Radiologic Technology. Her award is given to the student technologist who receives the most votes from program peers, clinical educators, and faculty members. Brumley served as president of the Student Radiologic Technology Association, participated in many LSRT competitions, and served as a voting member for the LSRT Student Advisory Council. She is studying radiation therapy at CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock, Ark. Violent Extremists Are Greatest Terror Threat Inside US: Department of Homeland Security The primary terrorist threat inside the United States stems from violent extremists, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in its first-ever Homeland Threat Assessment. DHS officials said part of the primary threat are domestic violent extremists, or people operating primarily within the U.S. without direction or inspiration from foreign terrorist groups or other foreign powers, and homegrown violent extremists, or a person of any citizenship who has lived and/or operated primarily in the United States and who advocates, is engaged in, or is preparing to engage in ideologically-motivated terrorist activities. Among the former category, racially and ethnically motivated violent extremists, specifically white supremacist extremists, will remain the most persistent and lethal threat in the Homeland, the report states. No specific white supremacist groups were identified. These extremists have demonstrated over time the intent to target both racial and religious minorities, lawmakers, and people they think promote multi-culturalism and globalization at the expense of their identity, according to DHS officials. White supremacist extremists were responsible for more terrorist attacks, nearly 40, posing a greater threat to life inside the United States from 2018 to 2019 than any other group, DHS said. Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in the reports introduction that he is particularly concerned about white supremacist violent extremists who have been exceptionally lethal in their abhorrent targeted attacks in recent years. I am proud of our work to prevent terrorizing tactics by domestic terrorists and violent extremists who seek to force ideological change in the United States through violence, death, and destruction, he added. The Department of Homeland Security flag flies outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters in Washington, on July 17, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images) Kyle Shideler, director and senior analyst for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism at the Center for Security Policy, told The Epoch Times via email that he disagrees with the approach used by DHS officials in determining the biggest threat inside the country. I disagree fundamentally with an approach that says that deaths in a given range of years represents the best way to determine which threat is the largest, particularly over a short time frame. Fortunately, lethal terror attacks in the United States remain (statistically) rare. That means figures are highly susceptible to being distorted by any single mass-casualty incident, as appears to be the case in this assessment, he said. As you can see the three categories DHS includes in their chart reflect nearly the same number of attempts. Without specific case studies, we have no way of determining why white supremacist attacks had higher lethality than other violent extremists in these cases. It may be simply a matter of dumb luck that one attack killed more than another and not be reflective of either intent or capability. Terrorism databases have historically attributed, in some cases, non-terrorist violence such as domestic violence to white supremacists, he added, but with no case studies included in the report, its not clear if that was the case with the DHS report. Shideler, whose center last month published a report on white supremacist attitudes (pdf), also said the descriptor of white supremacists is reasonable, but no other groups were clearly identified, such as jihadists or black supremacists. The descriptor of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists is almost completely opaque. We can only presume from context that this refers to black separatist or black supremacist extremists such as those acting in support of Black Lives Matter, Shideler wrote. It is also somewhat disconcerting that the DHS report attributes their motives to social injustice, which seems wholly inappropriate. Can it be any wonder that white supremacists are identified as the highest-ranking threat, when it appears to be the only threat that is permitted to be identified by name? DHS didnt respond to a request for more information on the report methodology. Besides white supremacy, another motivating force behind domestic terrorism is anti-government and anti-authority sentiment, according to the DHS report. The violent extremists, sometimes influenced by anarchist ideology, have been linked to multiple plots and attacks, including attacks against law enforcement and government buildings. The ideology is exploited by hostile nation-states, which seek to promote it through disinformation campaigns. In this still image from video, a sign is emblazoned with Black Lives Matter and Antifa symbology outside Pearl District Dental, in Portland, Ore., on Sept. 2, 2020. (Roman Balmakov/The Epoch Times) These extremists have targeted otherwise peaceful protests and hijacked them for violent means, taking advantage of the large crowds to attack government officials, facilities, and counter-protesters, DHS officials said. In the case of ongoing rioting in Portland, federal officers suffered over 300 injuries. Members of the far-left, anarcho-communist group Antifa, as well as people who are part of the Black Lives Matter movement, have been involved in the unrest in Oregons largest city. Other examples include rioting in the Brooklyn borough of New York City and Kenosha, Wisconsin. These increasingly pervasive incidents highlight the threat of anarchist violence that has accelerated in our cities in recent months, the report states. If you are only looking at deaths, and you are not looking at property damage, insurance claims and all the other societal factors, and only looking at deaths, then yes, white supremacist extremists sort of lead that category, Wolf told CBS. But as we have witnessed over the last several months, the movements and the civil unrest we have seen here inside the U.S., while maybe not lethal, certainly have lasting implications to the homeland and do serve as a threat to the homeland. Foreign threats identified by the report include China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The assessment was developed at the direction of former acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan. In a strategic framework announcement in September 2019, McAleenan said the department, with the help of the FBI, would produce an annual product that evaluates the strategic threat environment within the Homeland related to terrorism and targeted violence, and anticipates future or emerging threats. SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Nextdoor, Inc. (nextdoor.com) announced the appointment of John Hope Bryant and Andrea Wishom to its Board of Directors. Mr. Bryant is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc., Chairman and CEO of Bryant Group Ventures and The Promise Homes Company. Ms. Wishom is the president of Skywalker Holdings LLC, a former Executive Vice President at Harpo Productions and serves on the Boards of Pinterest and Tory Burch. Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar said, "It is an honor to welcome John and Andrea to Nextdoor. The challenge in this search was selecting from the broad group of incredibly talented and inspiring people that I spoke to. John shares our passion for building community, spending much of his life's work focused on financial literacy and housing to empower people particularly those who are underserved with the opportunity to contribute to and effect change in their communities. And Andrea has spent the last two decades finding creative ways to share powerful stories, bringing people together around the globe." Mr. Bryant said, "Neighborhoods are the mechanism of change, and it is critical that we get out of our echo chambers, meet the person who lives next door, and begin recreating the connections that are the foundation of strong, thriving communities. I am thrilled to join the Board to build on Nextdoor's momentum and continue to bring neighbors around the world together." Ms. Wishom said, "In these unprecedented times, Nextdoor has been an extraordinary lifeline for so many people to make real connections with their real neighbors to share critical information, spread acts of kindness and generosity, and provide a forum to share ideas and thoughts. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join this organization at a time when inclusivity and equality are relevant for all, in every neighborhood." Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar concluded, "Our desire to bring leaders like John and Andrea to our Board underscores the importance of making diverse perspectives a business imperative. As we grow and tell the story of communities around the world, John and Andrea will help us accelerate the power of local, strengthening and lifting neighborhoods everywhere." John Hope Bryant is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist who has built more than 40 organizations, entities and companies, including Operation HOPE, the largest non-profit provider of financial literacy and economic empowerment services in the U.S. for youth and adults. Mr. Bryant is also the Chairman and CEO of Bryant Group Ventures and The Promise Homes Company, the largest for-profit minority-controlled owners of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S. Mr. Bryant has sat on the Boards of three publicly traded companies, including taking Aeris Commercial Real Estate (Ticker: ACRE) public. Mr. Bryant believes that people who come from underserved communities, such as the ones he grew up in Compton and South Central Los Angeles, California, have unlimited potential to contribute and positively change this world. Andrea Wishom is the President, Skywalker Holdings LLC and has spent her career telling powerful stories, leading diverse teams and creating successful, high profile projects. Currently she oversees day-to-day operations for various business, philanthropic and creative entities. Her largest project to date is as Vice President of The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a $1 billion first of its kind institution with a focus on visual storytelling, art and film, where she is a key strategic planning and development lead. Prior, as an award-winning media executive, Ms. Wishom joined Skywalker Holdings LLC from Harpo Productions where she spent over two decades launching and developing some of the most successful programming in television history, first for The Oprah Winfrey Show, and later for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. During this time, she produced some of Oprah's most memorable and highest-rated programs, including "Oprah's Farewell at The United Center," "President Barack and Michelle Obama" and "Oprah Winfrey Presents: Legends who Paved the Way." When the Oprah Winfrey Show ended in 2011, Ms. Wishom helped transition the company from the daytime juggernaut into a start-up production company that would develop, create and program for OWN, a new cable network. In addition to her leadership roles at OWN, Ms. Wishom was also Executive Producer of Oprah's Next Chapter and Super Soul Sunday. Nextdoor's Board of Directors also includes Sarah Friar, Bill Gurley, Leslie Kilgore, Mary Meeker, Jason Pressman, Nirav Tolia, David Sze and Christopher Varelas. About Nextdoor, Inc. Nextdoor is where neighbors come together for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information, goods and services. We believe by bringing neighbors together, we can cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on. Building connections in the real world is a universal human need. That truth, and the reality that neighborhoods are among the most important communities in our lives, have been guiding principles for Nextdoor since the beginning. Today, neighbors rely on Nextdoor to tap into over 268,000 neighborhoods around the world, including the United States where 1 in 4 U.S. households have been verified on the platform, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Australia and Canada, with many more to come. We recognize that thriving communities are more than just residents. They're also made up of the local businesses, nonprofits and public agencies that keep our neighborhoods strong and connected. With more than 50 million local business recommendations from neighbors to date on Nextdoor, it's easier than ever to take advantage of the possibilities nearby. Nextdoor is a privately-held company based in San Francisco with backing from prominent investors including Benchmark, Shasta Ventures, Greylock Partners, Kleiner Perkins, Riverwood Capital, Bond, Axel Springer, Comcast Ventures and others. For additional information and images: nextdoor.com/newsroom SOURCE Nextdoor, Inc. AGI AGI - Il faccia a faccia a Ginevra tra il segretario di Stato Usa, Antony Blinken, e il ministro degli Esteri russo, Sergei Lavrov, come atteso non ha portato a nessuna svolta sull'Ucraina ma e stato un incontro "franco" che ha permesso di capire meglio le reciproche posizioni e di ribadire le richieste avanzate da entrambi, confermando la strada della diplomazia. E la fotografia scattata dal rappresentante americano al termine della riunione durata un'ora e mezza, confermando che il dialogo pro Press Release Nokia and Finland's Tampere University join forces to develop 5G chipsets Joint venture creates foundation for long-term development of silicon-based processors 6 October, 2020 Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced that it has joined forces with Tampere University to establish a 'Center of Excellence' to enhance the development of System-on-Chip (SoC) custom processors for its ReefShark chipset portfolio. The partnership, which will be based at the University campus, aims to accelerate the introduction of the technology into Nokia's ReefShark chipset portfolio. It will also enhance Nokia's silicon capabilities and development of proprietary SoCs. The Center of Excellence is expected to open in November this year. The purpose of the partnership is to accelerate the development of proprietary SoC chipsets, including their design and manufacture, to improve time-to-market and to build a long-term SoC development competence and a foundation for technology leadership. The joint venture will also target an annual chip cadence with ecosystem partners, and see Nokia contribute to module and physical implementation. Nokia will also explore areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and security hardware development as well as open source hardware based SoCs. Nokia's global reach will support Tampere University with future research projects as well as guide them in their approach to educating the engineers of the future. The project is supported by Business Finland through Nokia's Veturi initiative that drives industrial 5G and ecosystem development with industry partners and leading universities. Nokia has maintained a close partnership with Tampere University since its 'Nokia Innovation Center' was co-located with the University in the 2000s. Jyrki Vuorinen, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University: "We are excited to partner with Nokia to develop custom silicon System-on-Chip solutions for 5G infrastructure. This is an exciting joint project that accelerates silicon innovation and ultimately enables operators to realize the benefits of 5G. We have recruited a professor of practice and started the recruitment process of two international professorships." Ari Kynaslahti, Head of Product Management at Nokia said: "This important collaboration highlights our continued commitment to developing our ReefShark chipset portfolio and ensures that Nokia 5G solutions deliver a best-in-class performance to our customers. We look forward to working closely and collaboratively with Tampere University on this exciting venture." Nokia is a global leader in 5G with the industry's only end-to-end portfolio that is available globally. With more than 150 commercial engagements underway, our 5G solutions, software and services allow our customers to take advantage of the promise of this next generation of network technology. Learn more about Nokia 5G . Resources: Web page: Nokia ReefShark (https://www.nokia.com/networks/technologies/reefshark/) About Nokia We create the technology to connect the world. Only Nokia offers a comprehensive portfolio of network equipment, software, services and licensing opportunities across the globe. With our commitment to innovation, driven by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, we are a leader in the development and deployment of 5G networks. Our communications service provider customers support more than 6.4 billion subscriptions with our radio networks, and our enterprise customers have deployed over 1,300 industrial networks worldwide. Adhering to the highest ethical standards, we transform how people live, work and communicate. For our latest updates, please visit us online www.nokia.com and follow us on Twitter @nokia. The Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has sent a strong signal to his contenders that he will pull an overwhelming 98 percent of votes in the upcoming December, 7th Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The MP who filled his nomination at the North Tongu district office of the Electoral Commission on Monday, noted that his achievements in the past eight years is his biggest weapon going into the 2020 polls. He said, We are determined to secure at least 98 percent for ourselves; 98 percent for John Mahama and our parliamentary candidate, my good self, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa because we have the track record. If you look at how we even responded to this pandemic, there are very few places that can compare; we are one of the very few constituencies who paid our private school teachers, we provided textbooks to all our students who were at home, we have purchased PPEs and other machines for carrying out the Covid-19 test, we have built an isolation center at the Battor Catholic hospital and many other interventions we have done. In the area of development, the MP says he is unmatched. In the area of development, even though MPs are not necessarily development agents, I have been able to lobby to bring in so many development projects; the Volo secondary school, the Juapong Adidome road, Mepe Dove road, the various CHPS compounds we have completed. I have used my own resources to complete a number of CHPS compounds including that of Nyatikpo and so many things we have done. So we would continue with our track record, because we are working hard and responding to the felt needs of our people, bringing them development, improving their lives and making them feel Ghanaian, he added. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa who is seeking a third term bid having been in Parliament since 2012 would be the first person to have been given such an opportunity to represent the people of North Tongu for three consecutive tenures. The young budding politician bust onto the political scene when he was first appointed as the Deputy Minister of Information in 2009 under late Prof. Evans Atta Mills administration -having played a key role leading up to the partys victory in the 2008 polls. He was subsequently appointed the Deputy Minister of Education in charge of tertiary education under former President John Dramani Mahama until the NDC lost power in 2016. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is currently the Ranking Member of Parliament on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Source: kasapafmonline.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 From Elon Musk, to the family ice cream shop on the corner by your house, all businesses start with a dream. Keeping that dream going through the long hours, disappointments, naysayers and logistical challenges, however, is the tough part. Knowing that 20 percent of small businesses close up shop in their first year and that the majority (65 percent) dont make it past a decade, how in the world can you stay energized and positive for the long haul? After going through the startup process five times, Im convinced it takes these three pillars. Related: The 3-Step Startup Journey 1. Do it right the first time Does this mean you have to do everything perfectly? Not even close. (Nobody can do that!) It just means that you cant afford to futz around thats like throwing sand in your company operating system, and its totally for amateurs. You have to be professional and do your homework so you keep mistakes to a minimum. Time is your most valuable resource, and when you leverage it well, you maximize the investment youre putting into everything else and keep the work from being harder than it has to be. Think for a minute here about how you interact with your employees and set them up for success. Their most valuable resource is time, too. If you respect that and give them the space and tools they need to work efficiently and authentically, theyre ultimately going to be way more productive and have a better relationship with you than if you micromanaged, were unclear or buried them in useless processes. Set high expectations, be very clear and then get out of their way. 2. Do it fast Now, obviously, to do point No. 1 well, you might have to slot off a decent chunk of your calendar, depending on what youre working on. And you want to have enough time to really consider your options, get feedback and look into all relevant details. Haste makes waste, as the old saying goes. But todays market is an ever-changing kaleidoscope. Blink, and its changed on you. So in that sense, you cant hang around forever. You have to go on the offense wherever you can, take a go-for-blood approach and commit to doing whatever it takes quickly. The more you can cross an objective off your list, the more you can use your accomplishments to stay motivated about your big business picture and the more competitive youll be. Aim for as much speed as you can reasonably muster, and use the quality of your work to pace yourself. The goal is to arrive at high excellence, a fantastic service or product people really want, and a great price, all at the same time. 3. Have fun Yes, business has plenty of seriousness to it. Theres a lot on the line in terms of money, reputation and your wellness. But in the grand scheme of things, business is just a game where the score is measured in dollars. Youll quickly discover this once youre independently wealthy, or if you talk to people who already are. Once youre in that position, work isnt about the money. Its about the people and the joy of bringing something interesting and good into the market. Its about challenging yourself every day to see what you can do. So, work hard. But work in the spirit of play: Smile. Joke around a little. Explore. Be a good sport with your competitors. If customers are satisfied, and both you and your team can wake up every morning genuinely excited about all the things that need to be done, optimistic about having a great day, then everybody wins. Theres no beating around the bush holding onto a business dream is no easy feat. It takes intention, strategy and a killer support network. However, this three-pronged approach can help keep you out of the weeds. Commit to making your work professional, fast and fun, and youll easily cross whatever finish line you set for yourself and your business. Related: 8 Tips for Running a Startup Like a True Leader Related: Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Robotic surgery plays a major role in modern management of prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and other conditions treated by urologists. But it also poses some special challenges as hospitals resume elective surgery amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Problems and solutions facing urologic robotic surgery in the era of COVID-19 are reviewed in Urology Practice, an Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer. Medical student Brandee Branche - along with Lance Hampton, MD, Urology Chair and Director of Robotic Surgery, and Riccardo Autorino, MD, PhD, Director of Urologic Oncology at VCU Health in Richmond, Va. - outline practical steps to performing robotic urologic surgery safely and effectively during the pandemic. They write: "At the crux of the matter is the protection of surgical staff and patients, and preservation of optimal surgical technique while adapting to new infectious disease protocols." Screening, Prevention, and Perioperative Steps for Robotic Surgery During COVID Robotic surgery now accounts for most minimally invasive surgical procedures performed by urologists and urologic oncologists, and will be an important priority as healthcare facilities resume non-emergency surgeries. Dr. Autorino and coauthors target key issues and recommended actions for resuming these critical procedures: Patient Screening. Preoperative screening is recommended for all patients during the pandemic, but screening practices and resources vary widely. Because patients with COVID-19 are asymptomatic at first, simply checking for fever isn't enough - some type of diagnostic test is needed. "Priority tiering" of robotic surgery should be performed, based on the urgency of the procedure. For example, patients with high-risk cancers or active bleeding will be prioritized over those with less-advanced cancers, or those scheduled for reconstructive procedures. Preoperative screening is recommended for all patients during the pandemic, but screening practices and resources vary widely. Because patients with COVID-19 are asymptomatic at first, simply checking for fever isn't enough - some type of diagnostic test is needed. "Priority tiering" of robotic surgery should be performed, based on the urgency of the procedure. For example, patients with high-risk cancers or active bleeding will be prioritized over those with less-advanced cancers, or those scheduled for reconstructive procedures. Risk of Virus Transmission. Unanswered questions as to how the Coronavirus spreads pose challenges in preventing transmission during surgery. In addition to respiratory droplets and aerosols, previous research suggests that the virus could potentially be carried in smoke due to the use of electrocautery instruments in robotic surgery. "The anesthesia method should minimize aerosolization of the virus, and negative pressure rooms [isolation rooms] are strongly preferred for COVID-19 positive patients," Dr. Autorino and colleagues write. Unanswered questions as to how the Coronavirus spreads pose challenges in preventing transmission during surgery. In addition to respiratory droplets and aerosols, previous research suggests that the virus could potentially be carried in smoke due to the use of electrocautery instruments in robotic surgery. "The anesthesia method should minimize aerosolization of the virus, and negative pressure rooms [isolation rooms] are strongly preferred for COVID-19 positive patients," Dr. Autorino and colleagues write. Perioperative Practices. The authors address issues related to preparation before entering the operating room, patient positioning, equipment to reduce the risk of gas leakage, and guidelines for operating room filtration systems. Even in patients who have tested negative for COVID-19, "adequate personal protective equipment for the surgical team is essential to protect patients and health care workers." The authors address issues related to preparation before entering the operating room, patient positioning, equipment to reduce the risk of gas leakage, and guidelines for operating room filtration systems. Even in patients who have tested negative for COVID-19, "adequate personal protective equipment for the surgical team is essential to protect patients and health care workers." Surgical Time and Trainee Learning. Guidelines for surgery during the pandemic recommend the number of staff members in the operating room be kept to a minimum - although there is some concern this and other infection control measures might lead to longer operating times. As elective procedures are canceled or postponed, innovative approaches will be needed to replace lost training opportunities for urology residents. The pandemic also brings changes related to informed consent procedures, procedure costs and accessibility, and possible COVID risks during the postoperative period. Priorities for further research include strategies for prioritizing surgical procedures and the potential for viral transmission in surgical smoke. Future considerations should include whether robotic surgery consoles should be positioned outside the OR, as this could potentially decrease transmission to the operating surgeon. Dr. Autorino and colleagues emphasize studies will also be needed to confirm any steps to reduce Coronavirus transmission are effective: "While we suggest altering the operating room environment to err on the side of safety, there must be evidence to sustain such changes in the long run." ### Click here to read "Robotic Urological Surgery in the Time of COVID-19: Challenges and Solutions." DOI: 10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000163 About Urology Practice An Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA), Urology Practice focuses on clinical trends, challenges and practice applications in the four areas of Business, Health Policy, the Specialty and Patient Care. Information that can be used in everyday practice will be provided to the urology community via peer-reviewed clinical practice articles (including best practices, reviews, clinical guidelines, select clinical trials, editorials and white papers), "research letters" (brief original studies with an important clinical message), the business of the practice of urology, urology health policy issues, urology education and training, as well as content for urology care team members. About the American Urological Association Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 23,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health care policy. To learn more about the AUA visit: http://www.auanet.org. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2019 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students with advanced clinical decision support, learning and research and clinical intelligence. For more information about our solutions, visit https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/health and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @WKHealth. For more information, visit http://www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. During the 1896 plague outbreak in Bombay, the British government tried to introduce western medicine to the Indian populace in an effort to control the number of deaths. They also enforced other methods to impede the spread of the disease, such as forcibly admitting people to hospitals and making vaccines mandatory. However, such attempts were viewed by many locals as means of imperialistic subjugation, especially because the implemented restrictions not only hampered businesses and trade, but also religious and social freedom. As a consequence, these restrictions, which were put in place to save lives (albeit in horrendous ways), resulted in sparking demonstrations, protests, and even riots. Circa 2020, as India battles another disease, namely COVID-19, a new set of rules and restrictions have been put in place by the states and central government to curb the virus which has already claimed 10,3000 lives. The most important one among these rules, of course, is to wear masks mandatorily in public spaces to avoid contracting the virus. Anyone violating this rule will be committing a punishable offense, according to section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act. While there has been a sense of compliance with this rule in general so far, especially with the government as well as civil society constantly explaining the need to keep the mask on, there are a few who think that this rule has no efficacy because masks are of no use in the fight against COVID-19. They are Indias anti-masks and anti-vaccines protesters. Although a much smaller group than their American counterpart who have made their concerns about precautionary measures against COVID-19 an important poll agenda ahead of voting- in India too, the anti-masks and anti-vaccine movements are gathering steam with protests being organized in several cities. Most recently, on October 2, a group of protesters demonstrated on Mumbais Marine drive against the mandatory use of mask , and a mandatory vaccine (although no such rule has been announced by the government so far). One of the protestors at the venue was Yohan Tengra, an Accounts and Finance graduate, who is currently a research consultant at a Pune-based Functional Nutrition Clinic. Tengra explained that the reason he, along with several others, is against the usage of masks is because masks lack efficacy. We are against masks because they are not effective. They have downstream health consequences for many. However, if someone wants to exercise their free will and wear masks, it is their choice," said Tengra. He further added, There is no policy grade evidence, which is to say that no studies have been done using randomized control trials to show that masks are effective. The only evidence that we have been shown so far is also weak. People are mostly saying, we mandated masks in this country, and cases went down. But, these are only circumstantial evidence, and we cannot make out causation from it, because we cannot possibly say that masks caused the rate to get lower." While these are interesting arguments, it does not necessarily mean other health experts will throw their masks right away, and stop waiting for a vaccine. Anant Bhan, a researcher of Bioethics and Health Policy at Global Health explained, One cannot run randomised trials for things where there is a clear element of risk involved. If you want to do a randomised control for understanding the efficacy of masks, then you need to have a no mask control group, which will inevitable put the lives of the people in that group at risk. It is a classic example, like whether parachutes work or not no one has ever conducted an RCT for verifying that." Bhan further added, The point is there is a lot of evidence to demonstrate that masks protect you, they are not 100 percent efficient. But then, what is when it comes to COVID-19?while wearing a mask may seem like a cumbersome exercise for many, it has to be worn because of the protection it offers. Just like wearing a helmet while driving isnt particularly convenient for instance, but people wear it, for safety reasons. ] Tengra has his concerns about vaccines too. Health ministry came out and said last week that they want to use vaccination as a way to let people travel, like some kind of an immunity passport. So, what they are essentially saying is that if you have a vaccine you are allowed to go everywhere and implicitly making it obvious that if you do not have the vaccine, your travel would be limited." It is not an ill-placed concern concedes Bhan, albeit he adds that it is a little too early to worry about what might or might not happen in the future. Of course, there are some valid concerns about vaccines, but those concerns should be about safety, efficacy, and whether enough time is being given for science to give us the right data and that is a question that all of us should ask when the time comes. But, conspiracy theories dont help. We have to ask the right kind of questions when it comes to vaccines, " said Bhan. Delhi-based doctor, Tarun Kothari, director at Indo-American health care, and the author of self-published book, Corona Pandemic Scandal: The biggest Scam In The History of Mankind who is also a part of the anti-masks and anti-vaccine movement explained why he thinks masks are redundant. There are pores in masks through which air circulates. For an N95 mask, the pore size is somewhere between 300 to 800 nanometres, while for common masks (like cloth masks) the pore size is above 1000 nanometre. However, the size of the coronavirus is 100 nanometres. So, how do you think with those big pores, the masks will be able to obstruct the entry of the infection?" asked Kothari. He further stated that while wearing masks the oxygen inside the mask decreases and on the other hand the carbon dioxide increases, which further damages our whole system from our nervous to our respiratory system, and disturbs our bodys PH level. The chances of COVID-19 tests giving false results is somewhere between 2 to 40 percent too, be it the PCR test or the antibody test." said Kothari adding that Corona is a simple flu, it is not pathological." Also, in India itself, we have seen recovery rates as high as 80 percent. So, where the recovery rates are as high as 80 percent, are vaccines necessary? And that too vaccine for all?" asked Kothari. While it is true that recovery rates have been high in India, in the past few weeks, the death toll is also an astounding number, which clearly indicates that many lives have been already lost to the disease, even though we want to strain our eyes and only focus on the positive. Feroze Mithiborwala, National Convener of Bharat Bachao Andolan and a researcher on International affairs is also a supporter of the anti-masks and anti-vaccine movement. Mithiborwala pointed out that among the deaths that have happed so far those caused by COVID-19 is far less on the charts compared to heart attack, cancer, TB, Hepatitis etcetera. He also claimed that most of the deaths happening from COVID-19 are co-morbidity cases, among the older population. Mithiborwala explained why taking a law-and-order approach and going for a lockdown has not helped in getting rid of COVID-19. A total lockdown is no way to fight a pandemic, it should have been targeted lockdown. You dont shut down the entire economy. There was no need to shut down the entire country, and the rural economy. This lockdown has shown a massive transfer of wealth to the upper section of the society on one hand, and growing unemployment, and joblessness on the other. The working people are all suffering," he added. Christina Anstead is currently vacationing in Nashville, Tennessee with two of her three children, daughter Taylor Reese, 10, and son Brayden James, five. 'Smooth As Tennessee Whiskey,' wrote the 37-year-old HGTV star, who shared photos from the trip with her Instagram followers on Sunday. Meanwhile, Christina's estranged husband Ant Anstead, 41, hung back and enjoyed some one-on-one time with their only child, one-year-old son Hudson London. Getaway: Christina Anstead is currently vacationing in Nashville, Tennessee with two of her three children, daughter Taylor Reese, 10, and son Brayden James, five; Christina pictured with Taylor and Brayden on Sunday Country life: 'Smooth As Tennessee Whiskey,' wrote the 37-year-old HGTV star, who shared photos from the trip with her Instagram followers on Sunday Christina, who shares Taylor and Brayden with ex Tarek El Moussa, 39, has been partaking in a slew of wholesome outdoor activities with her two eldest children during their Nashville stay. The 10 photos posted to Instagram showed the trio enjoying a horseback riding session, hanging out with various animals at a picturesque farm, and posing in front of a lakeside town. Christina appeared to be loving all of the extra time with Taylor and Brayden as they beamed next to one another for a slew of photos. The Christina on the Coast host was also in the company of good pal Cara Clark and Clark's four daughters. Bonding: Meanwhile, Christina's estranged husband Ant Anstead, 41, hung back and enjoyed some one-on-one time with their only child, one-year-old son Hudson London; Ant and Hudson pictured on Sunday The friendly pair actually collaborated on Christina's best selling book titled The Wellness Remodel, which was released earlier this year. With four more children added to the mix, Christina and Clara orchestrated a sunset s'more making session, as well as frequent visits to nearby horse ranches and farm animal sanctuaries. As Christina and her two older kids continued to enjoy themselves in Tennessee, Ant documented his bonding time with baby Hudson on his Instagram Story. Fun-filled: Christina, who shares Taylor and Brayden with ex Tarek El Moussa, 39, has been partaking in a slew of wholesome outdoor activities with her two eldest children during their Nashville stay Capturing memories: The 10 photos posted to Instagram showed the trio enjoying a horseback riding session, hanging out with various animals at a picturesque farm, and posing in front of a lakeside town 'Fish & Chips by the sea,' captioned the English television presenter, who shared a sweet shot of himself and Hudson chowing down on the delectable dish outdoors. Since posting her vacation snapshots to Instagram, Christina has disabled her comment section - a frequent course of action since announcing the end of her marriage to Ant. The Flip Or Flop host revealed the pair's plans to divorce via an emotional post uploaded to the platform on September 18. Jovial: Christina appeared to be loving all of the extra time with Taylor and Brayden as they beamed next to one another for a slew of photos Good company: The Christina on the Coast host was also in the company of good pal Cara Clark and Clark's four daughters Collaborator: The friendly pair actually collaborated on Christina's best selling book titled The Wellness Remodel, which was released earlier this year 'Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority,' began Christina in her post. 'We appreciate your support and ask for privacy for us and our family as we navigate the future.' She also included a photo of herself and Ant strolling along the shore at sunset. Kid takeover: With four more children added to the mix, Christina and Clara orchestrated a sunset s'more making session, as well as frequent visits to nearby horse ranches and farm animal sanctuaries No comment: Since posting her vacation snapshots to Instagram, Christina has disabled her comment section - a frequent course of action since announcing the end of her marriage to Ant Ant did not speak publicly on the shocking split until September 26, where he suggested that the separation was Christina's decision. He wrote: 'Anyone who really knows me knows that I dont like to share private matters publicly. I have remained silent while holding on to hope. I never gave up on us. I pray Christinas decision brings her happiness.' He accompanied the message with a black and white snap of the couple looking happy together. Christina, in her own post, opened up to her 1.4 million Instagram followers addressing her life post-separation and talking about a new direction for her. Split: The Flip Or Flop host revealed the pair's plans to divorce via an emotional post uploaded to the platform on September 18 Priorities: 'Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority,' began Christina in her post; Christina and Ant pictured She acknowledged her broken marriages as she said 'I never thought I would have one divorce let alone two. I never thought I would have 2 baby daddies.' Christina and Ant, who wed in 2018, welcomed son Hudson, one, in September of last year. Christina has since deleted photos of her wedding to Ant from her Instagram page, though she kept other photos of the two, including the birth announcement for their one-year-old son Hudson. Her choice: Ant did not speak publicly on the shocking split until September 26, where he suggested that the separation was Christina's decision So far, the TV presenter has left his own wedding photos up, and his most recent post involving Christina was a birthday post for Hudson from two weeks before they went public with their separation. Christina recently unveiled the ninth season of her HGTV real estate show Flip Or Flop with ex and baby daddy Tarek El Moussa, to whom she was married from 2009 until 2018. Ant, for his part, also has children from a previous marriage, to Louise Anstead: daughter Amelie, 19, and son Archie, 14. A citizens group on Monday released a list of reforms it wants the West Linn Police Department to adopt in the wake of the citys $600,000 payout to Michael Fesser, a Black man from Portland who filed a wrongful arrest and racial discrimination suit against West Linn police. Law enforcement must be fair and just for all, Concerned Citizens of West Linn said in a statement. The group, formed in February after the citys settlement with Fesser was publicized, has more than 300 followers on its Facebook page, according to co-founder Abby Farber. It presented a list of demands to the city that members say are aimed at ensuring that the community is served by professional and competent law enforcement providers who are capable of serving as guardians of our community, protecting victims of crime, treating all people fairly, and subject to civilian oversight of accusations of misconduct. The group is calling for an independent police oversight system with the power to subpoena officers, documents and witnesses; outside investigators to conduct inquiries into complaints against police; the firing of Police Chief Terry Kruger, who remains on paid leave as an outside review continues of the citys handling of the Fesser lawsuit; and social support teams instead of school resource officers in the citys schools. The group will host a panel discussion at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 via Zoom called Police Accountability and Reform in West Linn: A Community Discussion, drawing elected officials, BIPOC community leaders and former and current law enforcement officers. Litigation from Fessers civil suit uncovered that West Linn police investigated and arrested him on a theft accusation as a favor to a fishing buddy of then-Police Chief Terry Timeus. Timeus' buddy was Fessers boss, Eric Benson, owner of A&B Towing in Southeast Portland. Fesser said the arrest was retaliation for his complaints about a racially hostile work environment at the towing company. Theft charges against Fesser ultimately were dropped. The Oregonian/OregonLive revealed in February that the city paid $600,000 to Fesser to settle the suit, and Benson and his company paid out $415,000 to settle a separate discrimination and retaliation suit. In April, the City Council voted to hire an outside firm, the California-based OIR Group, to investigate how the city handled Fessers wrongful arrest and discrimination allegations against police. That month, the city placed Kruger, who also had a personal relationship with Fessers ex-boss, Benson, on paid leave, pending the outside investigation. Transcripts released from West Linn City Council executive sessions also revealed Kruger had vigorously defended his departments arrest of Fesser in two closed-door sessions with the West Linn mayor and council. Kruger and his lawyer have urged the city to return him to work to carry out needed changes. He wasnt chief when Fesser was arrested in 2017. In a July letter to city officials, Kruger said he was asked to speak at the council executive sessions by the city manager at the time, though he had recused himself from the departments internal investigation of the Fesser arrest because of his casual acquaintance with Benson. He said his comments in the sessions were based on what his captain and acting lieutenant had told him. I have always been committed to doing the right thing with the information that I have," Kruger wrote. I have not and will not tolerate any type of bias in policing. The city has established an 11-member Police Oversight and Accountability Task Force tasked with analyzing West Linn police policies and procedure and proposing an oversight system for police. It met for the first time late last month. The city also plans to hire an outside firm to do an equity audit of its city programs and policies and employee training. Concerned Citizens of West Linn asks people interested in dialing into the Zoom meeting to RSVP through Eventbrite. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian Subscribe to Facebook page In a joint statement issued on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Foreign Ministers Sergei Lavrov of Russia and Jean-Yves Le Drian of France condemned in the strongest terms the escalation of violence and, in particular, disproportionate shelling of civilian areas. The Armenian Foreign Ministry hailed the statement, saying that the strong condemnation applies to Azerbaijans unprecedented massive targeting of the civilian population and infrastructure in Karabakh. We once again stress that there is no alternative to the peaceful settlement and the peace process, and any attempt to resolve the conflict by military means will be resolutely averted, said the ministry. As of Tuesday morning, the Azerbaijani government did not react to the joint appeal by the top U.S., Russian and French diplomats. Baku has until now made the end of the hostilities conditional on Armenian withdrawal from Karabakh. Meanwhile, fighting on the Karabakh frontlines appeared to have eased late on Monday. Shushan Stepanian, an Armenian Defense Ministry spokeswoman, said the following morning that the situation there was relatively calm on the night from Monday to Tuesday. In case of further escalations, the entire responsibility will be borne by the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan, Stepanian wrote on Facebook. Karabakhs Armenian-backed army likewise described the situation as relatively stable but tense. It said its troops are ready for any development of events. The Azerbaijani military also did not report major fighting overnight. The hostilities reportedly resumed, however, in the afternoon. Azerbaijans Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov said he has ordered his troops to continue their counteroffensive. The Armenian side said Azerbaijani forces launched a large-scale attack at the southernmost section of the line of contact bordering Iran. Stepanian said that Karabakh Armenian forces are methodically destroying enemy capabilities. Stepanian reported about an hour later that the Azerbaijani army resumed rocket strikes on the Karabakh capital Stepanakert. Earlier in the day she strongly denied Bakus claims that the Armenians are again shelling civilian areas of Azerbaijan. It also emerged that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian visited Karabakh on Monday for the first time since the start of the war. A short video released by the Armenian government showed Pashinian meeting with Karabakhs top political and military leaders and discussing the situation on the frontlines. "We created PartnerLens in collaboration with our advisors not only to provide a transparent view of key retirement plan metrics that assist them in easily analyzing participant behavior, but also to visually expose potential revenue opportunities," said Burke Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of LT Trust. "Our goal is to provide one of the industry's most intuitive self-service platforms, virtually eliminating the need of our advisors to contact us with report requests." All the PartnerLens charts are connected, allowing easy comparisons between plans and one-click drill down into individual plans. While the default display of the site is all plans with key metrics, clicking one or more plans in any of the charts will dynamically render a display showing the data points for only those plans. As filters are selected, participant or plan data tables refresh immediately based on the criteria. ? PartnerLens is also available as a mobile app through both the Apple and Android app stores. The app even allows advisors to receive push notifications when important events occur, such as when a participant with a vested balance above a certain threshold terminates employment. ? Monette Lawrence of Archford Capital Strategies commented, "PartnerLens provides a modern, user-friendly interface on par with many of the largest recordkeepers in the country. It provides information pertinent to advisors, including a great combination of holistic views of our block of business with LT Trust, complemented by simple drill down capabilities to see important granular detail. LT Trust has significantly closed the technology gap most independent recordkeepers face when compared to their name brand competitors." PartnerLens, which can be previewed in this short video, is the latest release in LT Trust's mission of becoming the premier technology solution in the small plan market. Earlier this year, it added a robust retirement income solution to its participant website. In continuing with its aggressive digital roadmap, LT Trust is already developing a completely revamped participant website experience leveraging the same cutting-edge technology that powers PartnerLens. About LT Trust A drink driver who told police his van had been stolen after killing a father in a hit and run has been jailed for over eight years. William Stallard was driving a white van at 50mph on a 30mph road when he collided with Michael Waistell, who was riding his mountain bike. Teesside Crown Court heard how he drove away and left the 58-year-old lying injured on Mowbray Road in Hartlepool. Richard Bennett, prosecuting, told the court: 'No attempt was made by the driver to stop and check on the casualty. 'The collision would have been obvious, yet the driver continued to drive off. 'Having fatally injured Mr Waistell, the defendant then drove his van for a further 0.8 miles through residential streets.' William Stallard who told police his van was stolen after killing a father in a hit and run in Hartlepool has been jailed for more than eight years and banned from driving for 10 years Mr Bennett told the court in Middlesbrough how Stallard pulled over and asked a woman to borrow her phone. He said Stallard contacted 101 and told officers that his van had been stolen prior to the incident. Mr Bennett said: 'Shortly afterwards, police officers arrived outside of her property to speak to the defendant. 'He had called the police and lied to them about his van, claiming it had been stolen. 'It is inconceivable that he did not know he had been involved in a serious and life-threatening collision with a cyclist. 'The lie he told the operator on 101 and his attempt to evade justice for the death of Mr Waistell would persist throughout his interviews that day.' Mr Bennett told the court how a witness saw Mr Waistell veer slightly to the right to try and avoid a collision with the van, but was unable to do so. He said the witness thought that Stallard was also going to hit him and his dog, after mounting the curb, but he returned to the road. Mr Bennett said: 'The noise of the collision and the sound of the van had roused a number of people and very shortly thereafter, a number of people gathered to see if they could provide assistance. 'It was clear that Mr Waistell had suffered catastrophic and unsurvivable injury and that the collision had killed him instantly.' Michael Waistell was riding his mountain bike when he was hit by Stallard and died on scene The court heard how Stallard provided an alcohol reading of 52 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms. He also tested positive for the use of cocaine. The court heard how Mr Waistell was a carer for his wife, who suffers from a number of health problems. He was due to become a grandfather for the first time but did not get the opportunity to meet his grandson. Stallard, who appeared in court via videolink to Durham prison, sobbed as Mr Waistell's daughter Laura read out her victim impact statement. She told the court: 'Now my mum sits at night and asks me how are we going to live without him? And I really don't have the answers that will give her much comfort. 'Even though I'm their daughter, I can't replace my mum's life partner. 'We, as a family, will never get over what has happened to my dad although we have been shown so much love and support. 'What hurts the most is the fact that he was just left alone to die. 'When the police told us what the driver did, we couldn't quite comprehend that someone could do that to another human being. 'He selfishly tried to blame someone else so he could get away with it. This shows he has little respect, not only for my dad, but for all others around him.' She told Stallard: 'You are a coward who was full of alcohol and drugs. You knew you seriously hurt my dad but you left him to die and you will have to live with that for the rest of your life. 'I hope to God your children will never have to go through what we have experienced. This will stay with us for the rest of our lives. 'Your selfish actions since being reprimanded by denying what you've done initially, dragging your heels and not admitting to it for so long has not only wasted a lot of people's time but also prolonged justice for our father's death. 'My dad deserves justice and we pray that he is able to get it so he can rest in peace and we as a family can try and move forward.' Stallard, of Moffatt Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, perverting the course of public justice and driving a motor vehicle while above the prescribed limit. Stephen Constantine, defending, told the court: 'He made a very wrong and bad decision - he left the scene.' Mr Constantine told he could that there was nothing which Laura Waistell said about Stallard's cowardly actions which he could disagree with. He told the court that Stallard had come to terms with his actions while in prison. Mr Constantine added: 'Your honour knows he has written a letter to the family. 'He too has a partner and two young children so he's cost two families.' Judge Howard Crowson told Stallard that his only concern was for himself. Stallard was drunk and high on cocaine when driving and was jailed at Teeside Crown Court He said: 'The selfishness of your driving was only matched by the selfishness of your behaviour after the event. 'You caused the collision. Your driving put yourself in a position where neither of you could avoid the collision. 'He was blameless and you were entirely to blame.' Judge Crowson sentenced Stallard to eight years and four months behind bars. He also banned him from driving for 10 years and five months. Stallard must take an extended driving test before he gets behind the wheel again. Nissans scandal-ridden former CEO Carlos Ghosn made a daring escape from Japan to his home country of Lebanon to escape prosecution. Lucky for him, Lebanon doesnt have an extradition treaty with Japan, and he has managed to live there freely ever since. But it looks like the notorious corporate villain isnt the dastardly all-evil man that we think him to be, as he has reportedly launched a business training program in his native land which, according to CNN, is designed to help the country recover from its latest spate of unfortunate events that have rocked the country recently, starting with the explosion in Beirut in early August. The program, CNN reports, has three goals, mainly, the provision of training, coaching, funding and management advice to local businesses and startups, along with their staff and senior managers. The training center for Ghosns program will be housed at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK). Ghosn hosted a news conference for the programs launch, stating that he hopes the program would be a catalyst for "the reconstruction of the country." carlos ghosn "If there's one specific thing that Lebanon needs, it is [to] create jobs," Ghosn was quoted as saying in a press release from the university. "I am ready to put my experience, my knowledge, anything I have in order to support any institution, any team with a purpose." During the news conference, Ghosn said that Lebanons economic uncertainties are not because of a lack of funding, but because of a lack of confidence. On paper, the assets are here, he said. Ghosn and his representatives declined to comment any further beyond what was said in the press release and at the news conference. Lebanons economy has been in a freefall as of late. Even prior to the explosion in August, 45 percent of the countrys population was already well below the poverty line. Photo/s from Nissan Also read: Nissan to Highlight Omotenashi, Future of Mobility at CES 2020 Nissan all set to wow at Auto China 2020 New deal for 3 payloads announced Follows successful launch of GHGSat's second satellite, "Iris" on September 2 nd 2020 and $30m Series B financing MONTREAL, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - GHGSat has signed an agreement with the leading global technology company, ABB to deliver the payloads for GHGSat's next 3 methane detecting satellites a significant milestone in the firm's plan to have a constellation of 10 spacecraft in orbit by the end of 2022. GHGSat is unique in operating satellites able to detect greenhouse gases (GHG) in high-resolution, a technology the company has demonstrated in space since 2016. While government GHG sensors in orbit provide regional scale measurements and global trends, GHGSat's satellites are specifically designed to detect and quantify methane emissions from individual facilities. GHGSat's sensor technology enables unprecedented leak monitoring capability as detection of sources 100 times smaller is possible with a resolution that is 100 times higher. Accurate, cost-effective monitoring is vital as methane has a global warming potential c.84 times greater than that of carbon dioxide over 20 years. GHGSat's space-based data and analytics enable regulators and operators in sectors such as oil and gas, waste management, mining, energy, and agriculture to properly assess and track methane emissions, and take prompt action to address leaks. This capability will be further enhanced as GHGSat's fleet expands in the coming years. "Iris" (GHGSat-C1), the company's second satellite, launched successfully on 2nd September 2020, joining technology demonstrator "Claire", in orbit since 2016. ABB delivered the payload for "Hugo" (GHGSat-C2), GHGSat's third satellite, which is scheduled to launch by the end of the year. Announcing the new agreement, Stephane Germain, CEO, GHGSat said: "With GHGSat-C2, ABB has proven that they have the technical expertise and manufacturing capacity to support GHGSat's growth. We are looking forward to this next phase of our partnership with ABB to rapidly expand our constellation." Marc Corriveau, General Manager ABB Measurement & Analytics Canada, commented: "We are currently seeing extensive innovation brought about by private initiatives in the space industry. At ABB we have built up a unique heritage in this sector over the decades helping scientists better understand the composition and evolution of our atmosphere. Our expertise in space optics and sensor development for industrial applications means that we are exceptionally well positioned to play a key role in GHGSat-C2. We are looking forward to collaborating on this exciting new project." Notes to Editors GHGSat uses its own satellites and aircraft sensors to measure greenhouse gas emissions directly from industrial sites; providing actionable insights to businesses, governments, and regulators. With proprietary remote-sensing and patented technology, GHGSat enables strategic decision making through monitoring and analytics services, with better accuracy, more frequently and at a fraction of the cost of other technologies. www.ghgsat.com ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB's success is driven by about 110,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com SOURCE GHGSAT INC Related Links www.ghgsat.com General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, is self-quarantining after contact with an infected Coast Guard officer, a military source said Tuesday. The Pentagon said that several senior US military officers were self-quarantining after attending meetings last week with the Coast Guards vice commandant, Admiral Charles Ray, who has tested positive for Covid-19. We are aware that Vice Commandant Ray has tested positive for COVID-19 and that he was at the Pentagon last week for meetings with other senior military leaders," Hoffman said. Some meeting attendees included other Service Chiefs." Hoffman did not specifically identify Milley as being among them, but a military source said it was a pretty fair assessment" to conclude he was one of the officers. Out of an abundance of caution, all potential close contacts from these meetings are self-quarantining and have been tested this morning," Hoffman said in a statement. No Pentagon contacts have exhibited symptoms and we have no additional positive tests to report at this time." The Coast Guard said Ray had tested positive on Monday after experiencing mild symptoms and was quarantining at home. Hoffman stressed that there has been no change to the operational readiness or mission capability of the US Armed Forces." Senior military leaders are able to remain fully mission capable and perform their duties from an alternative work location," he said. Telekom Slovenije has begun rolling out 5G technology for mobile phone users, Slovenia's biggest telecom operator said earlier this week. In implementing 5G services, Telekom Slovenije is operating jointly with Sweden's Ericsson. Rather confusingly, the two companies signed a commercial contract last July and announced earlier this year that a 5G rollout had commenced within a week of the July 16th contract signing. Built on existing infrastructure, the network does not cover the entire country; Telekom Slovenije expects to provide coverage to 33 percent of the population by the end of this year. The new 5G services were switched on through a software installation to existing Ericsson radio system and packet core equipment, which will enable spectrum sharing between 4G and 5G on the 2600MHz FDD spectrum traditionally used for 4G only. Under the terms of the 5G deal, Ericsson is supplying Telekom Slovenije with RAN and packet core solutions. This would appear to be another example of 5G rollout using available resources well before an official auction of 5G spectrum. As for future spectrum needs, Slovenia had been planning an auction of 5G spectrum as early as June but has reportedly put back its target date to the end of 2020 due to delays in adopting the countrys revised Radio Frequency Spectrum Management Strategy. A special court in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Tuesday convicted and awarded rigorous to four men for the of a woman in 2019. The court also awarded five years imprisonment to the fifth culprit under the IT act for circulating a video clip of the incident. The rigorous until natural death was awarded to Hansraj Gurjar, Ashok Gujar, Chhotelal Gurjar and Indraj Gurjar for by the special court that deals with cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. All of them were charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the SC/ST Act and IT Act, said public prosecutor Kuldeep Jain. He said Hansraj was convicted under an additional section of the IPC for repeated rape. The court sentenced them to rigorous imprisonment till the time of natural death, Jain said. The incident took place on April 26 last year when the four men raped the woman in front of her husband at an isolated place on the Thanagazi-Alwar bypass in The four had gangraped the woman, extorted money and filmed the video of the incident. The FIR in the case was registered on May 2. The case had triggered widespread protest and was condemned across the country. Fifth culprit Mukesh Gurjar, who had circulated the video clip, was convicted under sections of IT and was awarded a maximum of five years imprisonment, Jain said. He said there is one more accused, who is minor, and his trial is going on in a juvenile court. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot welcomed the judgement saying it sets an example of how swift inquiry can lead to justice being delivered in a short span of time. All investigating officers, police and administrative officials in this case deserve appreciation. State government is committed to ensure no crime goes unpunished and all cases get a fair, thorough and speedy trial, Gehlot tweeted. (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.) Its exactly what Ive been aiming for 20 years. Yeah, no, I sure didnt. But Im glad it worked out. This guy is erratic and difficult and irascible, and all of that is fun to play. Whats it like carrying a series? In your Mad Men days, you said in interviews you were relieved that the show didnt rest on your well-tailored shoulders. I hope it does well. I dont really feel the pressure of it succeeding, I feel like Ive done my part. You work as hard as you can, and then you hope for the best. So whats your relationship to personal tech? I see youve got your little wireless earbuds. I finally figured out how to use them so Im not yelling at the screen. Im not a Luddite. I have a 21-year-old son who looks at me with disdain and motivates me to figure some stuff out. I have a phone and I have a laptop. I have an iPad that I read on, sometimes, if Im traveling. I had an Apple Watch. But like, who needs to be in contact that much? I certainly dont. Do you remember when you realized that your tech was spying on you? It was just something I bought and then got 50 ads for the next day. I realized, Oh, thats what everybodys talking about. Maybe it should upset me more, but Im not doing anything that interesting or illicit that I could give a [expletive] whether its watching. Its weird, its intrusive and I find it objectionable. But I dont do anything about it. Has this show made you more paranoid? No, Im not more paranoid. Probably not as much as I should be. You listen to somebody like [the philosopher and neuroscientist] Sam Harris, he talks about an artificial intelligence that can process information a million times faster than the average human. His example was, if you give this thing a job on Friday and then over the weekend, it learns [the entirety] of human history, then you come back on Monday, do you think it might have a problem with you being its boss? UP: Set on fire after failed gangrape attempt, says college student who was found naked with severe burns Hathras gangrape case: 4 men with PFI links arrested in Mathura for plotting to create unrest India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Oct 06: Uttar Pradesh police on Monday arrested four people, said to have links with alleged radical group Popular Front of India (PFI) and an associate outfit, were arrested in Mathura on Monday while they were on their way to Hathras from Delhi for their alleged involvement in stoking violence in Hathras. The four accused were arrested at Mathura's toll plaza when the police was checking vehicles after receiving a tip off that some suspicious people were moving towardds Hathras from Delhi. Alwar's special court likely to pronounce verdict in 2019 gang-rape case today The four were identified as Atiq-ur Rehman of Muzaffarnagar, Siddique of Malappuram, Masood Ahmed of Bahraich and Alam of Rampur. Police claimed that they have seized their mobile phones, laptops and some literature, which could disturb peace and stability in Uttar Pradesh. According to Uttar Pradesh police, the four accused had links with the PFI and its associate organisation Campus Front of India (CFI). The Yogi Adityanath government blames the PFI for protests in the state against the citizen law - Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) - that began last year and wants it banned. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News Meanwhile, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Kanimozhi and members of the party's women's wing were on Monday detained for holding a protest against the Hathras case without permission in Chennai. The victim, a 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gang raped and brutalized by four upper caste men on September 14 and breathed her last on September 29 at Delhi's Safdurjung hospital. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Ramco Systems share price touched a 52-week high of Rs 493.10 and was locked in the upper circuit after the company's arm bagged an order from Toll Logistics. Toll Logistics has chosen Ramco Logistics ERP to transform the supply-chain operations of its chemicals division in Australia and New Zealand. Ramco Logistics will also be rolled out as a unified out-of-the-box ERP across its new businesses in Asia. At 1454 hours, Ramco System was quoting at Rs 493.10, up Rs 23.45, or 4.99 percent on the BSE. There were pending buy orders of 52,132 shares, with no sellers available. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- When economic historian Charles Kindleberger charted the rise of financial centers around the world in 1973, he doubted London could take the top spot in Europes growing union of states: Sterling is too weak, and British savings too little. Instead, after assessing various cities economies of scale and corporate pulling power, he plumped for Brussels. He was clearly betting on the wrong horse, but Kindlebergers treatise should still be top of European regulators reading list on the eve of a potentially messy end to decades of unfettered free trade with Britain. His insights into the forces that make or break a financial center resonate in post-Brexit Europe. Over-centralization carries big risks, bringing what he called diseconomies of scale, such as information bottlenecks, spiraling overheads and interference by politicians. His work is a challenge to those who scoff at the idea that London could ever face any serious competition. The U.K. financial capital arguably became too concentrated for its own good. The 2016 Brexit vote showed euro-zone officials were right to warn that it was risky to have a third of all EU capital markets activity and 90% of euro-denominated derivatives clearing in one place. Back in the 1970s when Kindleberger was writing, the City looked more like a speculative bubble than a real contender, with U.S. banks using London as a revolving door for U.S. dollar-denominated deposits held overseas called eurodollars. Nobody was waxing lyrical about the Citys talent pool, or superior legal system, as so many do today. Its attraction as a conduit for European cash only really took off after the 1980s, helped by light-touch regulation, political stability and its membership in the EU single market. Those advantages are more vulnerable today than theyve ever been. With the post-Brexit transition period set to end on Dec. 31, bringing an end to the U.K.s frictionless market access to the EU, euro-area hubs are dangling the carrot of tax breaks and regulators are waving the stick of forced relocations. Financial firms operating in the U.K. have already shifted about 7,500 staff and more than 1.2 trillion pounds ($1.6 trillion) of assets to the EU. Story continues This isnt an exodus, and nobodys saying that Paris or Frankfurt will suddenly replace London. But were in a decentralizing phase where many centers can happily coexist. Dublin and Luxembourgs fund-management hubs have wooed insurers. Amsterdam has attracted trading firms with its fast fiber network. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is moving $230 billion in assets to Germany. And Europlace, an agency promoting Paris as a financial center, estimates 4,000 direct jobs have already been announced in the French capital. Like the movie Field of Dreams, Europeans are also talking up deeper capital markets integration as a way to unlock trillions in household wealth: If the EU builds it, banks will come. Yet this is the part where Kindlebergers analysis should send a chill down the spine of continental officials. The pressure to decentralize also has big downsides: It tends to trigger resistance. Were seeing banks drag their feet on relocations, with Covid-19 a handy excuse to call for more time as they balk at the cost of creating new cross-border entities. Obstacles are also apparent in the $74 trillion fight over euro clearing, with Paris and Frankfurt initially at the vanguard of efforts to force the likes of London Stock Exchange Group Plcs LCH to repatriate activities to the continent. The effort has faced persistent pushback from banks that fear it would mean paying more for a high-volume, low-margin business. It has exposed confusion within Europe, too. The European Central Bank wants more relocation, markets watchdog ESMA wants more power to oversee clearinghouses based outside the EU, and national supervisors want to avoid losing more power to EU bodies. These tensions, combined with a shift in priorities since Covid-19, have convinced Brussels to let continental firms access Londons dominant clearing-houses as they currently do until mid-2022. While a genuine continental rival to the City would be a good thing, its emergence is hindered by infighting and sclerosis impeding deeper market integration potential problems spotted by Kindleberger decades ago. Regulatory turf wars and embarrassing financial scandals point to the scale of the task ahead. A capital markets union has been all talk and no action for many years. If Europe wont get serious about integration, wrote Kindleberger, there will be no single European financial center. The EU should heed these warnings from the past. It needs to decide the new terms of trade with a still-dominant London. Some kind of regulatory equivalence would be ideal, allowing for time to develop home-grown hubs while avoiding more market disruption than is necessary. The bloc then needs to overhaul and strengthen EU financial regulation. Given the dire health of a lot of European banks State Streets Marija Veitmane described them as uninvestable this week a future capital markets union should go hand in hand with a full banking union and cross-border bank mergers. The bottom line is that the best-laid plans can go awry. Governments cant simply will a financial center into being. Accidents and crises can happen. If the EU miscalculates, it wont only be London that wins, but far-flung rivals in the U.S. and Asia. Brussels may have to wait a little longer. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Lionel Laurent is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering the European Union and France. He worked previously at Reuters and Forbes. 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. Turkey on Tuesday accused Canada of double standards after Ottawa suspended arms exports to Turkey as it investigates the use of Canadian technology in the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne announced Monday that he has suspended export permits to Turkey, which is backing Azerbaijan in the conflict, in line with Canadas export control regime. He said he had instructed his ministry to investigate claims that Canadian drone technology is being used in the fighting. Turkey, which has military cooperation agreements with Azerbaijan, accused NATO ally Canada of creating obstacles concerning the export of military equipment to Turkey in a way that does not comply with the spirit of alliance. A Turkish Foreign Ministry statement also insisted that Turkey rigorously implements obligations stemming from the export control regime. The ministry statement noted that a U.N. report has named Canada as one of the countries helping fuel the war in Yemen. The statement also accused Canada of being influenced by Armenian diaspora groups. Our expectation from Canada is to lead a policy that stays away from double standards, to act without falling under the influence of anti-Turkish groups in the country and without being trapped by narrow political interests, the ministry said. This story has not been edited by www.republicworld.com and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed. CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- More than a dozen states1 now allow recreational marijuana use, and millions of adults use e-cigarettes regularly2, but surgeons warn that even as these products become more widely available, they can be harmful if used before an operation. At panel discussions during the virtual American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2020, experts underscored the importance of helping patients stop tobacco, vaping and marijuana use before having an operation. "If you are inhaling anything at all, it increases the risk of respiratory complications," said Thomas Varghese, Jr., MD, MS, FACS, thoracic surgeon, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, and director of the ACS Strong for Surgery program, which focuses on strategies to help patients improve their health and reduce risk factors in preparation for an operation. "Studies show smoking and vaping before an elective operation doubles the risk of postoperative pneumonia and increases the risk of a heart attack by 70 percent," said Jonah Stulberg, MD, PhD, MPH, FACS, general surgeon and health services researcher at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago. "Smoking remains a large public health problem," Dr. Stulberg said. "Evidence shows all patients should quit before their procedure." Even in the case of routine procedures, stop-smoking programs can reduce the risk of complications, experts said. For example, a 2018 analysis of patients undergoing elective hernia repair found that non-smokers had a significantly lower risk of complications than smokers.3 John M. Daly, MD, FACS, FRCSI (Hon), FRCSG (Hon), interim dean, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, outlined data showing 10 percent of the general population uses marijuana, including 43 percent of cancer patients. He also cited a study of trauma patients in Colorado that showed 21 percent of trauma patients reported using marijuana, and among users, 30 percent say they are chronic users. "More patients are using marijuana, so surgeons need to understand how to manage patients who chronically use it, and patients need to understand the potential risks and benefits of its use," he said. Deciding to quit smoking before an operation can have lasting effects, the surgeons said. A variety of studies show long-term quit rates are higher in patients who quit in anticipation of an operation. One study found that 15 percent of smokers who participated in a quit-smoking program before surgery quit by the day of their operation, compared to four percent in the control group. One month later, 28 percent had stopped smoking, and after a year, a quarter continued to avoid smoking.4 While patients should ideally quit smoking as far as possible before an operation, experts said, quitting any amount of time before surgery is more beneficial than not quitting. "The time before an operation is a great time to empower patients to take action, improve their health and reduce their risks," said John DeLancey, MD, MPH, urologist, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus. Malcom DeCamp, MD, FACS, chair, division of cardiothoracic surgery and professor of surgery and medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, agrees. "Two to three weeks of sustained effort getting the cigarettes out of your life helps deal with the physical part of the addiction," said Dr. DeCamp. "Then you have the operation and the immediate recovery where we can reinforce that and work on the psychological aspects." To support patients who want to quit smoking, the ACS Strong for Surgery and Surgical Patient Education programs have created toolkits and resources for patients, surgeons and hospitals. The goal is to help more surgeons intervene before an operation. Currently, more than 330 hospitals around the country participate in the Strong for Surgeon program. As vaping and marijuana use becomes more widespread, these tools can help surgeons educate their patients on the potential harmful effects. "The biggest motivation a patient has is that they want their operation to go well," said Dr. Varghese. "Many patients will do whatever is needed to make sure their surgery is a success. Surgeons can provide their patients with resources to be able to stop smoking and help create the environment that leads to success." "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Citation: When and How to Quit Cigarettes, Vaping, and Marijuana Use Prior to Surgery, panel session, American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2020, October 6, 2020. The Impact of Marijuana Use in the Surgical Patient, panel session, American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2020, October 5, 2020. 1. "State Medical Marijuana Laws." National Conference of State Legislatures. March 10, 2020. https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx 2. Dai H et al. Prevalence of e-cigarette Use Among Adults in the United States, 2014-2018. JAMA. 2019;322(18):1824-1827. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.15331 3. DeLancey et al. The effect of smoking on 30-day outcomes in elective hernia repair. Am J Surg. 2018 Sep;216(3):471-474.doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2018.03.004. 4. Lee et al. Long-term quit rates after a perioperative smoking cessation randomized controlled trial. Anesth Analg. 2015 Mar;120(3):582-7. About the American College of Surgeons The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 82,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit www.facs.org (.) SOURCE American College of Surgeons Related Links https://www.facs.org The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah has demanded direct involvement of Prime Minister Narenda Modi in the talks to resolve the festering insurgency in the northeastern state and insisted that the negotiations be held in a 'third country'. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah at the signing ceremony of the historic peace accord between the Government of India and the group in New Delhi, in 2015. Photograph: Press Information Bureau of India In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi written on February 25, but kept secret so far, Thuingaleng Muivah, the general secretary of the group and chief Naga negotiator in the talks with the government, also spoke about the framework agreement (FA) signed in 2015 and its proposal that the state should be allowed to have a Constitution and national flag. In the letter released to the media on Monday, the outfit said it was making public the letter for 'lack of response' from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Muivah, who is the Ato Kilonser (prime minister) of the self-styled Naga government, referred to the circumstances in which he and the then chairman of the outfit Isak Chishi Swu first arrived in India in 2002 and 'patiently' stayed here since 2010 to conclude an 'acceptable and honourable political settlement'. He said the NSCN-IM started political negotiation with the government only after it recognised the Naga problem as a 'political issue' and stopped calling it India's internal law and order issue. Referring to the framework agreement, Muivah said, 'We mentioned in our proposal that Nagaland shall use its National Flag, Anthem, Emblem and Insignia' and have a Constitution called 'Yehzabo'. Though Muivah said it was not a 'demand', his letter spoke about how 'sovereignty lies with the people' and the 'peaceful co-existence' of 'two entities' through 'sharing of sovereign power'. Talking about the delay in implementing the framework agreement, Muivah said, 'In the given circumstances and in order to save the political dialogue, the talks should resume at the highest i.e. prime minister level, without precondition, and outside India in a third country.' Muivah also wrote about the 'obnoxious' conduct of the Ministry of Home Affairs while dealing with the Naga question. 'We are totally shocked and surprised that even after more than two decades of political negotiation, the MHA and its agencies have become obnoxious. 'It has come as a total shock and surprise that the Gol has started branding and accusing the members of the NSCN who are in political negotiation as terrorist and with impunity they are arresting the members of the organisation,' he wrote. He dubbed as 'serious provocation' the conduct of the home ministry, and said it went against the spirit of political negotiation and the framework agreement. Muivah was also bitter about the role of Nagaland Governor R N Ravi who, before taking up the new assignment, was the government of India's chief negotiator for the Naga talks. He alleged that Ravi was interfering with the law and order issues in 'deliberate deviation' from his appointment as the Centre's representative for the peace talks. 'The activities of the Representative of the Gol is polarising the Naga society instead of uniting the Nagas for an honourable political solution,' Muivah wrote. He alleged Ravi was meeting only a 'certain section' of the Naga society that is not committed to a 'genuine political solution and who do not represent the genuine aspiration of the Naga people'. Despite Muivah's fulmination, several rounds of talks to restore peace in Nagaland have been held in New Delhi. The Indian side was largely represented by officers of the Intelligence Bureau (IB). We have come to India on the invitation of the Gol and we are in Nagaland to meet our own Naga people vis-a-vis the peace process. If the MHA is trying to stop us from meeting our own people, then their negative intent against the peace process has become very clear, he said. Muivah also wrote that the Indian government should allow him to leave the country if our stay in India is no more welcome. All necessary arrangements must be made for us to leave India and the political talks be resumed in a third country. The NSCN-IM leader said the letter was released belatedly as he expected the PMO to respond 'positively'. Philcement responds to CeMAP statement 06 October 2020 Philcement Corp (Phinma Group) has released a statement folllowing yesterday's revelation that the Cement Manufacturer's Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) had requested that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) investigate a possible case of non-compliance regarding a cement brand sold by Philcement. "Philcement asserts firmly that the company is compliant with the provisions of DTI AO 17-06, since the company was granted the required certifications by the DTI (Philippine Standard Quality Certification Mark issued on 9 January 2020 and Philippine Standard Quality Certification Mark issued on 10 December 2019)," stated the company. "Upon the conduct of its own independent investigation on this issue raised by CeMAP, the DTI granted a favourable decision to Philcement last 6 April 2020, affirming that the markings and labels of Philcement are in compliance with the guidance and instruction of the Bureau of Philippine Standards, and the same standards have been applied to cement terminals operated by CeMAP member companies." "As the complainant in the DTI Case, CeMAP, represented by its Executive Director, Cirilo Pestano, should have knowledge of the DTIs resolution of this issue in favor of Philcement. As such, Mr. Pestanos recent statements to the media involving Philcement and its brand, Union Cement Super, which are contrary to the clear ruling of the DTI, are thus malicious and irresponsible. Such claims are patently false and provide the public with erroneous and inaccurate information as they do not take into account the fact that the DTI had already concluded that Philcement has complied with the law." The company also noted that, by relaunching its Union Cement brands, it is addressing the need for high-quality cement required for the governments Build, Build, Build programme. Philcement Corp operates a 2Mta coastal grinding plant at Mariveles in the Freeport Area of Bataan, Philippines. The plant, which was inaugurated in January 2020, produces cement using imported clinker from Vietnams Song Lam Cement JSC, in which Phinma Corp holds a PHP2.6bn (US$50m) stake. Song Lams main shareholder is Vissai Group (Vietnam). Published under New Delhi/Tokyo, Oct 6 : Amidst the Chinese aggression, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the 'Quad' consultations in Tokyo on Tuesday reiterated that India was committed to the shared vision of the US, Japan and Australia for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The foreign ministerial-level meeting of the Quad, an informal strategic group of the four countries is being held at Tokyo, in the wake of the growing belligerence shown by China since the beginning of this year. The meeting is being attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and S. Jaishankar. In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said, "As vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values, our nations have collectively affirmed the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific." He said India remains "committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes." India's objective, he said, "remains advancing the security and the economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region." He expressed satisfaction that the "Indo-Pacific concept has gained increasingly wider acceptance" while recalling the Indo-Pacific Ocean's Initiative that India tabled at the East Asia Summit last year. This, he said, "is a development with considerable promise in that context." This is the second Australia-India-Japan-United States consultations on regional and global issues of common interest. "The fact that we are meeting here today, in person, despite the global coronavirus pandemic, is a testimony to the importance that these consultations have gained, particularly in recent times," Jaishankar said. The events of this year, he said, have clearly demonstrated how imperative it is for like-minded countries to coordinate responses to the various challenges that the pandemic has brought to the fore. "As we collectively navigate these uncharted waters, we seek to emerge from the pandemic more resilient than ever before," the minister said. The Quad discussions will be held on important issues such as connectivity and infrastructure development, security including counter-terrorism; cyber and maritime security; and the stability and prosperity in the region, an official statement of the Ministry of External Affairs said. Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Tokyo, also called on the newly-appointed Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihide Suga, before the Quad meeting began. K Rathna By Express News Service MYSURU: Residents of Mysuru are demanding that the government scale down the world-famous Dasara festivities on the lines of the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri in June and go ahead only with the traditional rituals. It may be recalled that the Supreme Court in its order related to conducting the Rath Yatra in Puri had ordered 500 persons to participate in it including officials and police personnel. Thousands of people usually throng Mysuru during Navaratri to have darshan of Goddess Chamundeshwari and also be part of Naada Habba which has been celebrated for more than 400 years. This has become a cause of concern for residents who want strict restrictions on public attendance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Mysuru district is recording the highest number of COVID-19 cases and the district stands second in the mortality rate after Bengaluru. Social worker Dr Suman K Murthy said entry of tourists to Mysuru should be restricted so that further spread of COVID-19 cases can be curtailed. "In spite of the restrictions, the city will still have visitors as Mysoreans who are working outside will generally come to Mysuru during Dasara. I understand the need to restart the hospitality industry, but it should not be at the cost of the health of the people. It's better to be cautious than regret later," warns Suman. Shalini, a resident of Kuvempunagar, reiterated the need to tone down the celebrations this year. "Let the government celebrate the festival in a simple manner and observe only the religious practices. The allocation of Rs 10 crore for the celebrations is high during this pandemic outbreak. Though it has been decided to illuminate only prominent streets in the city, it will also attract people," she said. Vinay Prasad, a businessman, said, "People from surrounding districts start coming to the city to participate in Dasara and have fun. With increasing COVID-19 cases in Mysuru, this is not the right time to celebrate the festival. Already for the past six months, we are suffering due to the pandemic and celebrating the festival would also be a burden on Pourakarmikas and health workers who are working hard putting their lives at risk." A vaccine against Covid-19 may be ready by the end of 2020, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said. There is hope, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a meeting of WHO executives gathered to examine the global response to the pandemic. We will need vaccines and there is hope that by the end of this year we may have a vaccine. There are currently nine experimental vaccines in the pipeline of the WHO-led Covax global vaccine facility, which aims to distribute two billion doses by the end of 2021. Some 168 countries have so far joined the Covax programme, but China, the United States and Russia are not among them. Mr Tedros urged countries to work together to fight the disease, saying the most important factor in finding a vaccine was political commitment from our leaders especially in the equitable distribution of the vaccines. He said: We need each other, we need solidarity and we need to use all the energy we have to fight the virus. Drug makers and public health bodies around the world are racing to develop a vaccine, seen as crucial to bringing the pandemic under control. Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Show all 15 1 /15 Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK The usually busy Royal Mile in Edinburgh is empty as people stay away from public areas amid the coronavirus outbreak on 13 March Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Ho bart's Amusement Arcade in Westward Ho!, Devon is offering toilet roll and soap as prizes in grabber machines Rob Braddick/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK An empty platform at Farringdon Station in London the morning after the Prime Minister said that Covid-19 "is the worst public health crisis for a generation" PA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Shopkeepers Asiyah Javed and husband Jawad from Day Today Express, in Stenhousemuir, Falkirk are giving away facemasks, antibacterial hand wash and cleaning wipes to the elderly in a bid to stop the spread of Coronavirus Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A usually busy street in Cambridge is empty as people stay away from public areas amid the coronavirus outbreak on 2 March James Linsell-Clark/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A hand sanitiser dispenser is seen inside the stadium during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on 8 March Getty Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Maaya Indian Kitchen in Milton Keynes is offerig customers a free roll of toilet paper with every takeaway order SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Oliver Cooper[L], was sent home from school for selling spurts of handsanitiser to fellow pupils at 50p a time. He poses with mum Jenny Tompkins by their home in Leeds Ashley Pemberton/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Empty toilet paper shelves at a supermarket in London on 12 March EPA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A member of the public is swabbed at a drive through Coronavirus testing site set up in a car park in Wolverhampton Getty Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A passenger wears a protective face mask as she travels on a bus in the City of London AFP/Getty Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A Southampton fan wears a face mask before the match against Newcastle United on 7 March Reuters Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A loudspeaker placed in grounds of St Mary's Catholic Church in Broughattin, Dundalk, County Louth ahead of funeral mass later this morning. The loudspeaker has been placed in the grounds after the Catholic Archdiocese said that funerals and weddings should not exceed 100 attendees within the church building PA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A hand sanitising station set up outside Cheltenham Racecourse during day four of the Cheltenham Festival on 13 March PA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK People wearing protective face masks walk across London Bridge on 11 March AFP/Getty China is in talks with the WHO to have its locally-produced Covid-19 vaccines assessed by the global health body, as a step toward making them available for international use, a WHO official said. Meanwhile, the EU health regulator has launched a real-time review of a vaccine developed by US drugmaker Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech, which it is hoped could speed up the approval process by allowing researchers to submit findings without waiting for studies to conclude. Both companies entered final stage talks with Europe last month to supply the bloc with up to 300 million doses of their potential coronavirus vaccine. That follows a similar announcement last week that approval for rival AstraZeneca's jab could also be sped up. AstraZeneca has already signed a deal for up to 400 million doses of its vaccine. In Africa, there are currently 15 clinical vaccine trials underway. Five trials are taking place in South Africa, four in Egypt, plus a single trial each in Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe. African nations have teamed up to combat the pandemic, with painful memories of millions of Africans dying in the decade it took for affordable HIV drugs to become available on the continent. On Tuesday, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Vir Biotechnology also announced that the trial of their potential coronavirus treatment will move on to phase three. The Comet-Ice study is evaluating Vir-7831 for the early treatment of Covid-19 in patients who are at high risk of being taken to hospital. The treatment is an antibody that was selected based on its ability to neutralise the virus. It is also thought to kill infected cells, provide a high barrier to resistance, and achieve high concentrations in the lungs. Following encouraging results from earlier stages of the trial, the study will now expand globally to additional sites in North America, South America and Europe. Additional reporting by agencies. Accra, October 2nd 2020 - MTN, Ghanas leading Telecommunications Company is set to host the 29th edition of MTN Business World Executive Breakfast Meeting on October 8, 2020, under the theme, The Changing Face of Retail in Ghana: Scaling Successfully With Innovation And E-commerce. The breakfast meeting which will stream live on MTN Ghanas Facebook page (mtnghana) and on YouTube (@mtnghana) from 10:0am is designed to give startups a unique opportunity to interact with distinguished speakers who are making great strides in their businesses through e-commerce and innovative services. Speakers to join the discussion are Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey- Executive Director, National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), Emi-beth Aku Quantson, CEO of Kawa Moka Coffee, Alex Bram, CEO of Hubtel, Gwen Gyimah Addo- CEO The Hair Senta/Business Strategist and Violet Amoabeng- CEO of Skin Gourmet Ltd. According to Industry Intelligence Experts, E-commerce in Ghana is growing and changing in terms of innovation and dynamism. Even as it continues to grow exponentially around the world, its adoption in Ghana is also on the rise. There are myriad of things that a growing retail business needs to do in order to keep up with changing trends. Commenting on the focus of the discussion ahead of the event, Mr. Samuel Addo, General Manager for MTN Business said, Trying to scale ones business can prove a daunting task in this fast paced world. We are aware that a plethora of factors influence the extent to which online businesses are successful in a country. Some of these are internet speeds and penetration, payment platforms and solutions, e-commerce software, delivery and logistics management, addressing systems, favorable regulatory frameworks, among others. The aim of MTN Ghanas 29th Business Breakfast Series is to bring together industry experts to share insights on how to optimize e-commerce and technologically driven innovations to support the growth of businesses. He encouraged all business owners as well as persons who are looking for opportunities to optimize innovation for business growth to be a part of the 29th Edition of The MTN Business World Executive Breakfast Meeting. About MTN Ghana MTN Ghana is the market leader in the increasingly competitive mobile telecommunications industry in Ghana, offering subscribers a range of exciting options under Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go Services and Mobile Financial Services. The company has committed itself to delivering reliable and innovative services that provide value for subscribers in Ghanas telecommunications market. Since its entry into Ghana in 2006, MTN has continuously invested in expanding and modernizing its network in order to offer superior services to a broad expanse of the nation. About MTN Business World Executive Breakfast Meeting The MTN Business Executive Breakfast series running in its seventh year, is the leading thought leadership and networking platform for Ghanaian business executives and entrepreneurs attracting over 800 executives annually. It has hosted a number of international, motivational and business leaders including: Mac Attram, Robin Banks, Brian Tracy, Siya Xuza, Elikem Nutifafa Kuenyehia, Jason Njoku, Sharon Lechter, Mr Yaw Nsarkoh, Rosa Whitaker and quite recently Ian Russel. Widows and vulnerable persons at the Kubaremateng community near Lassie in the Wa West District have appealed to the Wa West District Assembly to enroll them onto the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) programme. They said for several years now, no vulnerable person in the community had benefitted from the programme and alleged that abled persons in other communities were benefiting from the programme. There are a lot of widows here (Kubaremateng) but we do not get the money that government gives to the vulnerable people. There are people with husbands who are still taking it, but we widows here dont get, said Madam Naabar Sanchaa, a widow in the community. She made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Kubaremateng at the weekend during a visit to the community. She said she had been a single mother for about ten years now since her husband died leaving her with five children, and added that, life has not been easy for her. Madam Sanchaa noted that, all efforts for her as well as other widows at the community to get enrolled onto the LEAP programme had not yielded any positive results. She appealed to the Wa West District Assembly to have pity on them and to enroll them unto the leap programme to help alleviate their plight. Mr Micheal Arah Sei-uu, the Assembly Member for the Lassie Electoral Area, told the GNA that he would assist the vulnerable persons in his electoral area, including the Kubaremateng community to be enrolled onto the LEAP programme, when the assembly starts to enroll new beneficiaries. He said for some time now the Assembly had not given opportunity for new beneficiaries to be enrolled and assured the people that they would be enrolled whenever there was the opportunity to do so. On developmental issues, Mr Paul Daa, a resident of the Kuubaremateng community, indicated that the poor state of the road network linking the community to Lassie and other adjourning communities was negatively affecting their access to quality and timely health care services. According to him, neither a car nor tricycle could get access to community, especially, during the rainy season to covey sick persons, including pregnant women and children to the nearest health facility at Lassia. Mr Daa, therefore, appealed to the government and the Wa West District Assembly to fix their roads. 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 LEWISVILLE, Texas, Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Mortgage Contracting Services, MCS, a leading provider of specialized services to financial institutions, is pleased to announce that it has completed a recapitalization of the company. The company's new ownership comprises an investor group led by Littlejohn & Co., LLC, Lynstone SSF Holdings Sarl, funds advised by Neuberger Berman Alternatives Advisers, and Crescent Capital Group. "We remain 100% focused on delivering the best customer experience while providing the market with a comprehensive service offering," said MCS Chief Executive Officer Caroline Reaves. "MCS is a strong business because of our employees, our customer relationships, our sound business model, and strong leadership team. We are excited to partner with our new owners to further strengthen our operations and remain the industry's provider of choice." Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel, and Houlihan Lokey and Portage Point Partners served as financial advisors to the company in connection with the transaction. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as legal counsel and MAEVA Group served as financial advisors to an ad hoc group of its existing lenders. About MCS MCS provides critical specialized services to mortgage servicers and other financial institutions. The company provides field services such as inspections and property preservation for mortgages in default and real estate owned (REO). MCS utilizes an asset-light model, delivering its services through a network of independent vendors by leveraging its proprietary technology platform to efficiently automate workflow and ensure regulatory compliant solutions. MCS is headquartered in Lewisville, Texas. Contact: Mark Annick 800-559-4534 [email protected] SOURCE Mortgage Contracting Services, LLC She shot to fame on the first-ever series of Winter Love Island earlier this year. And Demi Jones looked casually chic as she arrived at a photoshoot in Manchester on Tuesday. The reality star, 22, wrapped up in a taupe fluffy coat and comfy grey joggers as she made a smiling entrance to the shoot. Casual cool: Demi Jones looked casually chic as she arrived at a photoshoot in Manchester on Tuesday Demi showed off her slim frame in a nude bodysuit and completed the ensemble with black trainers. Her flame-red tresses were pulled into a sleek ponytail while fluttery false lashes, bronzer and rose gloss accentuated her pretty features. Demi looked in good spirits as she wheeled her suitcase long and braved the city's downpour. The auburn-haired beauty has been happily single since splitting with Luke Mabbott. Chic: The reality star, 22, wrapped up in a taupe fluffy coat and comfy grey joggers as she made a smiling entrance to the shoot Back in June, the TV star broke her silence on her split from Luke, 25, four months after they finished in third place on the first-ever winter edition of Love Island. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Demi confirmed the pair officially called it quits in May, a decision she claims was encouraged by the heating engineer. She admitted that while 'there's no bad blood' between the former couple, she doesn't believe they'll rekindle their romance in the future. Luke is now dating Love Island 2019 star Lucie Donlan, 22. In January, the auburn beauty entered the Cape Town villa as a bombshell, initially embarking on a romance with Nas Majeed. But once the hopefuls were put to the test with a trip to Casa Amor, Demi was left heartbroken when she discovered her love interest returned with Eva Zapico. Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed profound appreciation to members of his press corps for their thoughtfulness for his birthday. Receiving a portrait from the group ahead of his 57th birthday on Wednesday, October 7, Dr Bawumia said, "This is the mosttouchy gift I have received on my birthday, it's beautiful, it's fantastic, I will keep it in my office". Mr Charles Takyi Boadu, Dean of the Vice President's Press Corps, made the presentation on behalf of the group and expressed gratitude to the Vice President for his cordial relations with them. "We thought it wise as a group of journalists who have been following and providing coverage for the Vice President's public engagements for almost four years that on his birthday, we should give him a surprise. "So knowing his love for people who suffer leprosy or lepers, we decided to present a portrait of the Vice President depicting his sense of humanity and love for the vulnerable," Mr Boadu said. "And you could see from his face and comments that he was very happy with the gift we presented to him," he added. Vice President Bawumia will turn 57 years on, Wednesday, October 7,2020. He is a patron of the Lepers Aid Ghana and an advocate of cured lepers and has been supporting them with donations over the years. Dr Bawumia sponsored the construction of a two bedroom house for an 82-year old cured leper, Madam Daari Pogo, who was abandoned by her family and was sheltering in a mud house in Motori in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region. Dr Bawumia was born on October 7, 1957 to Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia and Hajia Mariana Bawumia in Tamale. He was born into a large family and is 12th of his father's 18 children and the second of his mother's five children. He is married to Samira Ramadan Bawumia and the union is blessed with four Children. ---GNA Wexford Arts Centre is presenting A Further Enquiry - Love and Independence, an exhibition of new and recent work by Margaret Corcoran, one of Ireland's most respected painters which will run from Saturday, October 17 to Tuesday, November 24. The exhibition presents three strands of work which reflect areas of focus in Corcoran's art practice over the past two decades,. It includes The Enquiry Series, in which her two daughters are the subjects as she explores her relationship to art and history through the Collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. A second series uses a magazine as source material exploring Bhutan, specifically since the 1970s when Bhutan began compiling an index of happiness as a way of measuring social contentment. The third collection is based on photographs a friend of Corcoran's took in Rwanda which inspired the artist to explore aspects of a country emerging from a long history of colonisation and conflict. In her essay Painting in a Pandemic, Corcoran says of the first series: 'I have painted the Enquiry II series through Brexit unfurling and now a pandemic. The piece that I painted for this show, A Further Enquiry - The Taking, depicts the bottom foreground of Daniel Maclise's The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife, a layer of colonialism which describes the horrors of human greed in terms of the lives lost. 'I found myself tackling the wrung postures of the dead as we entered the pandemic. Facing the canvas daily with these dying figures was surreal - as our own death count rose nationally and globally'. Commissioned by the Highlanes Gallery, the exhibition received an Arts Council Touring and Dissemination Award and is presented in partnership with Custom House Gallery and Studios, Westport, where it will travel next spring. A full colour catalogue accompanies the exhibition with texts by the artist and Sean Rainbird, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland; art historians Yvonne Scott and Zaena Sheehan and Sean Hoy, Ambassador of Ireland to Brazil. It is designed by Neil Gordon and Ismael Kepp of 256Media. Margaret Corcoran has exhibited widely at home and abroad. She has a Masters in Fine Art Painting from NCAD. Her work is in the collections of the OPW, Trinity College and the Arts Council of Ireland. She is represented by the Kevin Kavanagh Gallery in Dublin. Discovery of diamonds in small rock sample hints at possibility of new deposits in area similar to world's richest gold mine in South Africa The presence of diamonds in an outcrop atop an unrealized gold deposit in Canada's Far North mirrors the association found above the world's richest gold mine, according to University of Alberta research that fills in blanks about the thermal conditions of Earth's crust three billion years ago. "The diamonds we have found so far are small and not economic, but they occur in ancient sediments that are an exact analog of the world's biggest gold deposit--the Witwatersrand Goldfields of South Africa, which has produced more than 40 per cent of the gold ever mined on Earth," said Graham Pearson, researcher in the Faculty of Science and Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate in Arctic Resources. "Diamonds and gold are very strange bedfellows. They hardly ever appear in the same rock, so this new find may help to sweeten the attractiveness of the original gold discovery if we can find more diamonds." Pearson explained that ex-N.W.T. Geological Survey scientist Val Jackson alerted his group to an unusual outcropping on the Arctic coast that has close similarities to the Witwatersrand gold deposits. Pearson said this outcrop of rocks, known as conglomerates, are basically the erosion product of old mountain chains that get deposited in braided river channels. "They're high-energy deposits that are good at carrying gold, and they're good at carrying diamonds," he said. "Our feeling was if the analogies are that close, then maybe there are diamonds in the Nunavut conglomerate also." Pearson said finding new diamond deposits in Canada's North is critical in Canada continuing to host a $2.5-billion-per-year diamond mining industry. So, on a hunch, Pearson used the last of his Canada Excellence Research Chair funding that brought him to the U of A, along with funding from the Metal Earth Project and the National Science Foundation, and--accompanied by post-doctoral diamond researcher Adrien Vizinet and former U of A grad student Jesse Reimink, now a professor at Penn State University--travelled to Nunavut. Once at the site, the group--with the assistance of Silver Range Resources, whose CEO Mike Power is also a U of A alumnus--bashed off a modest 15 kilograms of the conglomerate and dated these rocks using the state-of-the-art mass spectrometry equipment at the U of A, which established their deposition to be about three billion years ago. The group promptly delivered their samples to the Saskatchewan Research Council, the world leader in quantifying how many diamonds are in a rock. Pearson remembers the precise moment about a year later, when the council's Cristiana Mircea, who visits Edmonton to teach Diamond Exploration Research Training School (DERTS) students about diamond indicator mineral identification, matter-of-factly told him the sample produced three diamonds. "My jaw hit the floor," said Pearson. "Normally people would take hundreds of kilograms, if not tons of samples, to try and find that many diamonds. We managed to find diamonds in 15 kilos of rock that we sampled with a sledgehammer on a surface outcrop." Though the diamonds found are quite small--less than a millimetre in diameter--he said the geologic implications are immense. First, Pearson said there must have been kimberlite or rock like kimberlite present to carry diamonds to the Earth's surface in the ancient Earth--a notion many people have doubted. Kimberlite pipes are the passageways that allow magma to erupt diamonds and other rocks and minerals from the mantle through the crust and onto the Earth's surface. It also helps us understand under what conditions these peculiar kimberlite rocks can form. Pearson said an Italian collaborator, Fabrizio Nestola from the University of Padua, managed to find an inclusion--a non-diamond mineral--in one of the diamond samples. From that, Suzette Timmerman, a researcher in the Canadian Centre for Isotopic Microanalysis and a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship recipient, began building a theory that the diamonds had to be derived from a small, deep but cool lithospheric root, which is the thickest part of the continental plate. "This is something completely unexpected from what we think conditions were like three billion years ago on Earth," said Pearson. He explained that stable diamonds exist only in cool parts of the mantle, so it suggests there must have been very deep, perhaps 200-kilometre-thick cold roots beneath parts of the continent very early in Earth's history. Pearson said despite the U of A's expertise in dating diamonds around the world, there's always an argument about the relationship between the inclusion and the diamond deposit. "Here, there's no argument because we know when those rocks were eroded onto the Earth's surface," he said. "It tells us there's an older source, a primary source of diamonds that must have been eroded to form this diamond-plus-gold deposit," he said. This also means mining diamonds in the area would not necessarily require very deep mines, if more economic outcrops of these rocks can be found. "We went up there on a float plane, bashed a piece of rock off with a sledgehammer and found three diamonds," he said. "That's actually one of the most astounding parts of this discovery." He added that the provincial government, through Alberta Innovates, clearly realized universities can help a lot in expanding and diversifying Alberta's economy into the mining sector. "The government's investment enables us to chase hunches that might otherwise be difficult for industry to go and look at." Pearson pointed to the Collaborative Research and Training Experience grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, which almost instantly turned the U of A into the world's leading diamond research institution thanks to the formation of DERTS. "Alberta has several potential diamond deposits and areas ripe for further exploration," he said. "I believe the University of Alberta can play a key role in helping to find and establish diamond and other mineral mines in Alberta." Pearson said more research is continuing on similar nearby outcrops being developed by Silver Range Resources in collaboration with the Metal Earth Project, the Nunavut government and Penn State University, to establish the extent of the diamonds and gold in these rocks, and the possible primary sources of these minerals. ### The studies, "Mesoarchean Deposition Age for Diamond-Bearing Metasediment of the Northwestern Slave Craton, Nunavut Territory (Canada)" and "Diamond-Bearing Metasediments Point to Thick, Cool Lithospheric Root Established by the Mesoarchean Beneath Parts of the Slave Craton (Canada)," will be presented at the virtual fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union this December. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Tuesday of Beijings malign activity in the region as he met with key Asia-Pacific allies in Tokyo, presenting a united front against an increasingly assertive China. The top US diplomat is meeting his Japanese, Australian and Indian counterparts on a trip that was scaled back after President Donald Trump and a raft of staff and advisors contracted coronavirus. His first meeting was with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, in which they discussed their shared concerns regarding the Peoples Republic of Chinas malign activity in the region, a US State Department official said. The talks in Tokyo come with the United States, Australia and India all at loggerheads with Beijing -- leaving Japan in the delicate position of standing alongside its allies while attempting to preserve gradually improving ties with China. Pompeo is the first senior US official to visit Japan since Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took office last month, and he said he was confident Tokyo and Washington were on the same page. In his first statement after assuming office, Prime Minister Suga described the free and open Indo-Pacific as the foundation of regional peace and stability. I could not agree more, he said at the start of talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi. Speaking later, Suga said the spread of the coronavirus had shown exactly why right now is the time that we must further deepen coordination with as many countries as possible that share our vision and build our efforts to enhance cooperation. Pompeo is a vociferous critic of China on issues from security to human rights to the coronavirus pandemic, which Trumps administration has sought to blame squarely on Beijing ahead of the US election on November 3. He has led an international campaign for other nations to shun China, including its technology. Closed, exclusive cliques But Japan has insisted the talks are not directed at any one country, and the foreign ministry offered a broad summary of bilateral talks, saying they touched on the situation in the East China Sea, the South China Sea and North Korea. Despite Pompeos promise of significant announcements, no joint statement or press conference is expected after the four-way talks later Tuesday. The Quad grouping was heavily promoted by Japans former prime minister Shinzo Abe as a way for the regions major democracies to step up cooperation in the face of military and other threats posed by China. Suga told reporters on Monday he would seek to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific but also build stable relations with neighbouring countries including China and Russia. Beijing has made no secret of its view on the Quad grouping, with the foreign ministry last week urging countries to avoid closed and exclusive cliques. We hope the relevant countries can proceed from the common interests of countries in the region, and do more things that are conducive to regional peace, stability and development, not the other way around, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. The first Quad meeting took place in New York last year, and there are moves to make the gathering an annual event. Pompeo heads back to Washington in the late evening. Planned stops in South Korea and Mongolia have been scrapped. MIAMI, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Monte Nido & Affiliates, one of the nation's premier eating disorder treatment providers, today announces the completion of its acquisition of Rosewood Center for Eating Disorders ("Rosewood"). This marks Monte Nido & Affiliates entrance into the Southwest, bringing the company to twenty-nine programs in eleven states. The acquisition of Rosewood offers Monte Nido & Affiliates the opportunity to provide a comprehensive continuum of care, as Rosewood's inpatient beds adds to existing residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programming at Monte Nido & Affiliates. Additionally, Rosewood's ability to treat diabulimia expands the company's offerings to treat a broader range of eating disorders. "It is estimated that approximately 28 million Americans will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives, and we believe that everyone in need of treatment deserves access to quality care," said Candy Henderson, MS, Chief Executive Officer of Monte Nido & Affiliates. "For decades, Monte Nido & Affiliates has offered unique treatment plans that provide each individual with holistic, person-centric care, and we are pleased to add Rosewood to our family of trusted treatment programs." Founded in 1998 and based in Arizona, Rosewood is an industry pioneer, offering curated treatment modalities for both adolescent and adult patient populations. "Rosewood has been trusted by families and professionals for over two decades," said Dean Cabrera, Psy.D., CEDS, Vice President of Clinical Services at Rosewood. "We are proud to be a part of Monte Nido & Affiliates, an established, national eating disorder treatment provider with values and people dedicated to excellent patient care as well as staff support and growth." For more information please go to www.montenido.com or www.rosewoodranch.com. About Monte Nido & Affiliates: Monte Nido & Affiliates is one of the country's leading eating disorder treatment providers, offering a full continuum of care: inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. Founded in 1996, Monte Nido & Affiliates operates twenty-nine programs in eleven states under the program brands of Monte Nido, Clementine, Oliver-Pyatt Centers, and Rosewood. Media Contact: Jack Kay Makovsky (212) 508-9629 [email protected] SOURCE Monte Nido & Affiliates SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AFWERX, the catalyst for fostering innovation within the U.S. Air Force, announced NXM Labs as one of the top 26 winning teams from a field of over 800 participants from around the world competing in the EngageSpace Challenge that aims to revolutionize the space ecosystem and redefine what's possible in space. The EngageSpace Challenge is centered around four key topics Department of Defense Commercial Space Partnerships, Global Space Transport and Delivery, Persistent ISR and Space Asset Resiliency. NXM competed in the Space Asset Resiliency Challenge against teams from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Brazil and other allied countries; comprised of entrepreneurial startups, small businesses, global enterprises, as well as leading academic research labs. The Challenge provides a rapid funding vehicle for government buyers to pursue new solutions for today's most pressing space related issues. "The AFWERX EngageSpace challenge is critical to our future of industrial development in space," stated Mark Rowland, Innovation Actualizer of AFWERX. "On behalf of AFWERX and the Department of Defense, we congratulate the teams advancing to the next phase. Their contributions are invaluable and have the potential to create game-changing results across the Air Force enterprise." The Space Asset Resiliency Challenge focuses on ensuring America's space assets can thrive in space in the face of growing dangers, including cyberattacks. NXM's winning proposal focused on increasing the security and longevity of critical space, air, land and sea assets. NXM's Autonomous Security platform enables devices to automatically defend themselves and recover from rapidly evolving cyberattacks, eliminating the risk of a fleet-wide attack. NXM's scalable blockchain-based approach to security and command and control overcomes critical network interoperability challenges facing today's military and commercial SATCOM operations, making it a universal solution for next generation space ecosystems. "We're thrilled to have been selected as one of the winning teams at this prestigious event," said Scott Rankine, NXM CEO. "AFWERX provided us with a unique opportunity to showcase our solution to government buyers and potential aerospace partners from around the world." The AFWERX EngageSpace Challenge attracted 809 solutions and brought together over 50 space subject matter experts from the U.S. government to review the submissions. Throughout the event teams showcased their technology using virtual booth's complete with video links and digital collaterals. The top 171 teams were invited to pitch their solutions to a panel of subject matter experts, followed by a Q&A session with the evaluation team. The top 31 solutions from a total of 26 teams were announced and invited to engage with the Air Force to secure commercial contracts. For a complete list of participating teams visit Engage.Space/exhibitors. ABOUT NXM Labs Inc. NXM is the leader in Autonomous Security software technology that enables connected devices to automatically defend themselves and recover from cyberattacks. NXM partners with global leaders in communications, semiconductors, insurance, manufacturing, transportation, aerospace and government to develop next generation security and edge computing solutions. NXM is headquartered in San Jose, CA. For more information visit www.nxmlabs.com ABOUT AFWERX Established in 2017, AFWERX is a product of the U.S. Air Force, directly envisioned by former Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson. Her vision of AFWERX to solve some of the toughest challenges that the Air Force faces through innovation and collaboration amongst our nation's top subject matter experts. AFWERX serves as a catalyst to unleash new approaches for the warfighter through a growing ecosystem of innovators. AFWERX and the U.S. Air Force are committed to exploring viable solutions and partnerships to further strengthen the Air Force, which could lead to additional prototyping, R&D, and follow-on production contracts. Media Contacts: Bill Sharpe / Simmons Sharpe [email protected] AFWERX: [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE NXM Labs, Inc. Related Links https://nxmlabs.com/ The foreign ministers of India, US, Australia and Japan will sit down to discuss a free and open Indo-Pacific in Tokyo on Tuesday despite a raging pandemic amid Chinas contentious moves in the region. The meeting of the Quad countries was proposed by India in August-end at the height of tension with China over the military standoff at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. This is only the second time that the Quad meeting is being held at the ministerial level. The first ministerial meeting of the Quad was in held last year in September in New York. The elevation of the talks to the ministerial level happened two years after the idea of Quad being revived. In November 2017, on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit and East Asia Summit in Manila, diplomats of the four countries revived the decade -old idea of a quadrilateral, largely to take on China. The growing aggression of China in the region and more specifically in the Indo-Pacific got India, Japan, Australia and US together, though the grouping did not issue any joint statement and continued to stress that it is not an exercise at targeting China. China has reacted sharply to the idea and the Chinese foreign ministry warned that the Quad should not target a third party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the Shangri La dialogue in June 2018 and tried to allay concerns about China. He said, India does not see the Indo-Pacific Region as a strategy or as a club of limited members. Nor as a grouping that seeks to dominate. And by no means do we consider it as directed against any country. A geographical definition, as such, cannot be. Indias vision for the Indo-Pacific Region is, therefore, a positive one. However, he also added that, We believe that our common prosperity and security require us to evolve, through dialogue, a common rules-based order for the region. And, it must equally apply to all individually as well as to the global commons. Such an order must believe in sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as equality of all nations, irrespective of size and strength. These rules and norms should be based on the consent of all, not on the power of the few. Two years later, much has changed with the current friction between India and China at the LAC. The crisis has been on for over five months now. Despite six rounds of corps commander level talks, five rounds of diplomatic talks under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs, a meeting between the Foreign and Defence Ministers with their counterparts in Moscow and a call between the Special Representatives for Boundary Talks, the disengagement at several friction points in Eastern Ladakh remains stalled. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the already brewing tension over trade between US and China has only escalated further into a full-blown diplomatic tussle. Australia and China are also engaged in a battle related to trade issues since the former moved a resolution in the World Health Assembly seeking to probe the origin of the coronavirus. Japan has been engaged in a fight over the Senkaku Islands for long. Meanwhile, it is now also looking at decreasing its dependence on manufacturing in China in a post-COVID world. As these countries come together this evening, they will collectively affirm the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, as per the press release issued by the Indian side regarding the meeting. Ahead of the Quad meeting, EAM S Jaishankar will be hold a bilateral meeting with his American counterpart, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in Tokyo as well. It is expected that the issue of China will feature in the talks as the two discuss regional issues. A senior US official told News18.com that US is keeping a close watch on the situation as both sides make contesting claims. Leader and Founder of Alive Chapel International, Archbishop Elisha Salifu Amoako has described all politicians as "thieves." According to him, it will be a big mistake for anyone to assume politicians are incorruptible. Speaking with Fiifi Pratt on Kingdom Plus 101.9FM Bishop Salifu Amoako said its shocking how politicians these days become rich overnight. "Most Ghanaian politicians are thieves and that they are in politics to just enrich themselves. Every Ghanaian politician is a potential thief, put the Ghanaian in a position of trust or political leadership and the next thing he or she will start thinking of is how to steal to enrich themselves," he revealed. ---KingdomfmOnline - Larry Madowo shared a video presenting on BBC and could not hide the joy of being watched in the whole world - Captioning the video, the former NTV news anchor revealed they did not have a TV while growing up - Taking to social media, his fans, colleagues and friends congratulated the child of Siaya for his exploits abroad PAY ATTENTION: Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.kes Patreon programme- https://www.patreon.com/tuko BBC's Larry Madowo is one man who has continued to raise Kenya's flag high in his journalistic work. Larry Madowo is proud of his success and does not shy away from his past. Photo: Larry Madowo. Source: Instagram Madowo took to his social media pages to celebrate his success and shared a video presenting news. In his caption, the former NTV news anchor who hails from Siaya county in Kenya said they did not have a TV while growing and was happy to be viewed on one globally. "Siaya to the world! We did not even have a TV growing up so it is surreal that I get to present a BBC newscast watched in every corner of the world," he captioned the video. The news anchor urged people to never say dreams do not come true. He is a perfect example of where determination can take someone. "Do not say dreams do not come true!" he said. Taking to his social media pages comment sections, Kenyans and other netizens joined Madowo in celebrating his win and growth. PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB feed Lady Marieme Jamme commented: "I am proud of you. You remained humble, listened to advice and are grateful to the people who paved the way. I hope young people watching will learn from your journey. It was not easy." BBC's Kasia Mandera wrote: "How smooth is @LarryMadowo wishing me a happy birthday then seamlessly linking into the only story in town! #PresidentTrump #Trump #TrumpCovid live on @BBCWorld." HomeBoyz Radio's @GMONEYizME wrote: "But you still don't have a TV - Well done my friend. Keep winning." TUKO.co.ke recently reported Madowo is for sure living large after relocating to Washington DC in the US. The journalist who is known for living a private life decided to give his fans something to admire after showing off his house while working from home. The former NTV journalist has a well organised and massive living room which for sure can be converted for various uses. Madowo rocked sandals to show how coronavirus has made dress code easy. "My living room has become a studio, which means I now wear sandals to work," he said. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. Heroine ruined my life and put my children at risk - Whitney Wanjiku | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg added his voice to calls for an immediate end to the clashes over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain enclave that belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians. But prospects for a ceasefire appeared remote after fighting intensified at the weekend, with hundreds killed in clashes involving artillery, tanks and fighter planes since Sept. 27. Azerbaijan said Azeri cities outside Nagorno-Karabakh had been struck, taking the fighting closer to territory from which pipelines carry Azeri gas and oil to Europe. The New York Times Well, that was some clash of the heavyweights. Astronomers reported last week that they had detected the loudest, most massive and most violent collision yet between a pair of black holes. Two Goliaths of darkness crashed into each other 7 billion years ago, vibrating space-time and producing a loud, sharp chirp almost a bang, one astronomer said lasting just one-tenth of a second in the antennas of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory and the Virgo interferometer observatory. That short signal from a galaxy far, far away has left astrophysicists with new questions about how black holes form and grow. Daniel Holz, a theorist at the University of Chicago and a member of the LIGO team, called the new discovery the first LIGO/Virgo detection thats truly surprising. All the other binary systems that weve detected fit reasonably well within expectations. But the black holes in this event arent supposed to exist! One and perhaps both of the colliding holes were too massive to have been produced by the collapse of a star, according to conventional theories. Moreover, the merger created an even larger black hole, 142 times as massive as the sun, belonging to a whole new category of intermediate-mass, or missing link, black holes never reliably seen before. Another discovery from the worldwide gravitational-wave detector network that rewrites what we know about our universe, Zsuzsanna Marka, an astrophysicist at Columbia University who works on LIGO, wrote in an email. Janna Levin, a cosmologist at Barnard College who is not part of the LIGO group, added: Yes! Ive been waiting for something like this since I first became interested in gravitational waves. The event unfolded at an almost unimaginable distance from Earth 17 billion light-years away according to standard cosmological calculations that describe an expanding universe. One black hole with 85 times the mass of the sun, and a second with 66 solar masses, collided, creating a black hole 142 times as massive as the sun. Another eight or so suns worth of mass and energy disappeared into gravitational waves, ripples of the space-time fabric, in a split second of frenzy, ringing the universe like a bell on the morning of May 21, 2019. An international team of scientists who compose the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the Virgo Collaboration reported their findings in two papers published Wednesday in Physical Review Letters and The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Their papers largely affirm a preliminary analysis of the event, known as GW190521 (after the date when it was recorded), made by a group outside the collaborations. In June, a team led by Matthew Graham of the California Institute of Technology, going on publicly available data, ran a preliminary analysis, hoping to beat the LIGO and Virgo groups to the answer. Using a telescope in California called the Zwicky Transient Facility, or ZTF, Grahams team detected a flash of light that could have been caused by the newly formed black hole racing through a disk of dense gas surrounding the center of a faraway galaxy. They predicted that a final analysis would show that the combined masses of the colliding black holes would exceed 100 solar masses, and that the resulting black hole would spin wildly and have a large recoil velocity. This is exactly what LIGO is now reporting, Graham wrote in an email. This is a great discovery from LIGO and provides strong evidence in support of the merger model and environment that we have been promoting. The discovery is another triumph for the infant branch of gravitational-wave astronomy, and for Virgo in Italy and the twin LIGO facilities in Washington state and Louisiana. Thirty years and $1 billion in the planning and making, the three laboratories use laser light, bouncing between mirrors in L-shaped arms, to detect submicroscopic stretching and compressing of space-time as gravitational waves pass by. Only confrontations between the most massive denizens of the universe can shake space-time enough to be noticed by these antennas. Black holes are objects predicted by Albert Einstein to be so dense that not even light can escape them. In September 2015, right after the LIGO antennas went into operation, a pair of colliding black holes was detected, proving both the existence of gravitational waves and of black holes. The discovery earned LIGOs founders the Nobel Prize in physics. Since then, a taxonomy of black holes has emerged from the discovery of things banging together out there in the dark. Most known black holes are the corpses of massive stars that have died and collapsed catastrophically into nothing: dark things a few times as massive as the sun. But galaxies harbor black holes millions or billions of times more massive than that. How these objects can grow so big is an abiding mystery of astronomy. Until recently there had been scant evidence of black holes of intermediate sizes, with 100 to 100,000 solar masses. The black hole created in the GW190521 merger is the first solid example of this missing link. I was searching for heavy black holes for 15 years and here it is! Sergey Klimenko, a physicist at the University of Florida, wrote in an email. This discovery is a milestone in gravitational wave astronomy. As a result, he said, astronomers may have glimpsed the process by which the universe builds black holes, transforming pipsqueaks into leviathans like the one in the galaxy M87 that was the first ever imaged. This is the first and only firm/secure mass measurement of an intermediate mass black hole at the time of its birth, Vicky Kalogera, an astrophysicist at Northwestern University, wrote in an email. Now we know reliably at least one way these objects can form, through the merger of other black holes. This merger process could be an important clue to the origin of the heavier of the two black holes that collided in June. That black hole had a mass of 85 suns, and it should not have been existed, according to standard astrophysical logic. Black holes with masses between about 50 and 120 suns cannot be formed, at least from a dying star, so the story and the calculations go. In stars massive enough to make such a beastly hole, the interior grows so hot when collapsing that light spontaneously creates pairs of electrons and positrons. This makes the star even hotter, which produces more particles, in a runaway reaction that results in a particularly violent explosion called a pair-instability supernova. Such a conflagration leaves nothing behind. No neutron star, Holz said. No black hole. Nothing. He mentioned the black hole in GW190521 with 85 solar masses: The bigger black hole is right smack in the middle of the region where black holes dont belong. Nature seems to have ignored all of our careful theoretical calculations arguing that black holes of this mass dont exist. He added: A discovery like this is simultaneously disheartening and exhilarating. 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. An engaging possibility, Holz and others say, is that the too-heavy hole was made of two smaller black holes that had collided and merged. In that case, the merger seen in June would have been a second- or even third-generation event, one in a hierarchical series of black hole mergers that eventually results in supermassive black holes. Some astrophysicists think that such mergers are most likely to occur near the centers of galaxies, where supermassive black holes create swirling mosh pits of gas and other objects, and in which thousands of smaller black holes might congregate and breed. That is what Grahams team had suggested. But the flare that Grahams group saw came from a galaxy about 8 billion light-years away, about half as far as the gravitational wave event GW190521, casting their identification of the source in doubt. Nevertheless, many of the LIGO collaborators, including Kalogera, expressed sympathy with the idea that it is in such giant supermassive black hole mosh pits that bigger black holes are built. These arenas are known as active galactic nuclei, or AGNs. I would love the ZTF flash to be true, Marka of Columbia said. It is just more exciting. K.E. Saavik Ford, an astronomer at the American Museum for Natural History and a member of Grahams team, called the new LIGO results very exciting. Were super-grateful to them for all of their hard work, and gratified that they do address the AGN scenario extensively in the ApJ paper, she wrote in an email. It is the full employment act for AGN modelers! Dennis Overbye. c.2020 The New York Times Company Joe Biden, who's been bunkered up out of presumably protecting himself from COVID, is back on the campaign trail, this time attempting to win votes in Florida. He was out and about, speaking impromptu, and it didn't take long for the talk to get gross. Transcript: [T]he good news is, for me, I'm here. The bad news, for you, is, I'm comin' back. I'm comin' back. And I wanna see these beautiful young ladies (points to elementary-school aged girls sitting in the back), I wanna see them dancin' when they're four years older, too. So. It's great to see you. So thank you. It sounds like the kind of thing a pedophile, focused closely on what's of legal, and barely legal, age, might say, focusing on that four-year mark to get to "barely legal." The other thing that's cringe-inducing is the pasha-like fascination with dancing girls, even though the elementary schoolaged girls he was pointing to most certainly were not dancing. Why didn't he point to some boys, or some random old people, or a happy-looking couple? Somehow, wandering around without staying in the social-distancing circle his team made everyone else stand in, Biden effectively pointed to the girls and told them to "dance" for him, a creepy Roman emperor or King Herod thing, something one orders of one's slaves. And speaking of that, most of the audience in attendance was Haitian black people. What's even creepier than a pervy pedophile pointing to young girls and commanding them to dance for him is the spectacle of an old white colonialist perv calling on black girls to dance for him. If I were those kids' mother, I'd yank them from that event immediately. Context is important, though, and maybe Biden's remark could be dismissed, right? We know that his team will do that. But he's got a long history of these kinds of "Creepy Joe" remarks. He makes them when he's relaxed and expansive, and given the poll numbers now showing him comfortably ahead and the good news for him that his rival was sick with COVID, he was out feeling his oats. Biden has a long history of pervy acts when he thinks no one's looking or expects that no one cares. CBS's 60 Minutes aired an expose of Biden's alleged sexual assault by a former aide named Tara Reade...in Australia just this past Sunday. There was also Lucy Flores, a Nevada candidate for political office who said Biden engaged in "unwanted touching," something the press has failed to follow up on as Biden conveniently claims he can't remember. There's been other acts, repeatedly other acts, with him pretty much always going for the comely young women or the very young girls: Australia has one of the highest rates in the world of deaths in residential aged care as a proportion of total COVID-19 deaths. So far, 663 residents in aged care homes have died; they are partners, siblings, parents, grandparents and friends. At a Senate Select Committee on COVID hearing on September 29, secretary of the Department of Health Dr Brendan Murphy claimed the federal government was "not in a position to act earlier" to prevent the deaths in Victorian aged care homes. Seventeen residents died from the coronavirus at Newmarch House in western Sydney. Credit:James Alcock However, the heart-breaking tragedy in Victoria could have been prevented if the federal Health Minister Greg Hunt and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck had listened to complaints from residents, relatives and staff, read the research evidence or acted on some of the recommendations made by coroners. Eight years ago, for example, a coroner recommended aged-care homes appoint a designated infection control manager and that all aged-care homes develop a document outlining what must be done in the event of an outbreak. Sir Roger Penrose during interview with Austria Presse Agentur at Institute of Science and Technology, Klosterneuburg, Austria. Sir Roger Penrose Interview at Institute of Science and Technology, Viena, Austria - 21 May 2015 Sir Roger Penrose OM FRS is an English mathematical physicist, mathematician and philosopher of science. He is the Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics at the Mathematical Institute of the University of Oxford - APA Picturedesk Gmbh/Shutterstock/APA Picturedesk Gmbh/Shutterstock An earlier universe existed before the Big Bang and can still be observed today, Sir Roger Penrose has said, as he received the Nobel Prize for Physics. Sir Roger, 89, who won the honour for his seminal work proving that black holes exist, said he had found six warm points in the sky (dubbed Hawking Points) which are around eight times the diameter of the Moon. They are named after Prof Stephen Hawking, who theorised that black holes leak radiation and eventually evaporate away entirely. The timescale for the complete evaporation of a black hole is huge, possibly longer than the age of our current universe, making them impossible to detect. However, Sir Roger believes that dead black holes from earlier universes or aeons are observable now. If true, it would prove Hawkings theories were correct. Sir Roger shared the World Prize in physics with Prof Hawking in 1988 for their work on black holes. Speaking from his home in Oxford, Sir Roger said: I claim that there is observation of Hawking radiation. The Big Bang was not the beginning. There was something before the Big Bang and that something is what we will have in our future. We have a universe that expands and expands, and all mass decays away, and in this crazy theory of mine, that remote future becomes the Big Bang of another aeon. So our Big Bang began with something which was the remote future of a previous aeon and there would have been similar black holes evaporating away, via Hawking evaporation, and they would produce these points in the sky, that I call Hawking Points. We are seeing them. These points are about eight times the diameter of the Moon and are slightly warmed up regions. There is pretty good evidence for at least six of these points. Sir Roger has recently published his theory of Hawking Points in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Roger Penrose (born 1931), British mathematician, with the Penrose tiling system named after him. Penrose, renowned for his work in mathematical physics, studied this tiling system in the 1970s. Using only two tiles of a particular shape, complex, non-repeating patterns can be generated. Penrose has also worked on black holes, cosmology, quantum mechanics and human consciousness. His awards include the Eddington Medal, the Royal Medal, the Wolf Prize, and the Albert Einstein Medal. Penrose was knighted in 1994. Photographed in 1989 - CORBIN O'GRADY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY The idea is controversial, although many scientists do believe that the universe operates in a perpetual cycle in which it expands, before contracting back in a Big Crunch followed by a new Big Bang. Story continues Sir Roger said that black holes had also once been controversial. They were first theorised by English country parson John Mitchell in 1783, who speculated that if an object became so dense, its massive gravitational pull would stop even light escaping. But even Albert Einstein dismissed them as mathematical curiosity, rather than a physical reality. It was not until 1964, nine years after Einsteins death, that Sir Roger proposed that black holes are an inevitable consequence of general relativity. Sir Roger proved that when objects become too dense they suffer gravitational collapse to a point of infinite mass where all known laws of nature cease, called the singularity. His groundbreaking article is still regarded as the most important contribution to the theory of relativity since Einstein, and increased evidence for the Big Bang. Sir Roger was in his mid-thirties when he first stumbled upon the idea when walking to a tube station in London on his way to Birkbeck College. Now, 56 years later, he has finally been recognised for his work by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. I think its a bad thing to get a Nobel prize too early. I know scientists who got their prize too early and it spoiled their science. If youre going to get a Nobel prize for science its good to get in when youre good and old, before youre absolutely clapped out, when there is still something to do, thats my advice. This dates back to 1964, but the significance of black holes took a long long time to realise, so its not surprising, and I think Im just about old enough now. Sir Roger was awarded the honour alongside Professors Reinhard Gerzel, of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, and Andrea Ghez of the University of California, who proved there is a supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, by studying its impact on the stars around it. Commenting on the prize, Prof Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and Fellow of Trinity College, University of Cambridge, said it was sad that Prof Hawking had not been alive to share the prize. Penrose is amazingly original and inventive, and has contributed creative insights for more than 60 years. There would, I think, be a consensus that Penrose and Hawking are the two individuals who have done more than anyone else since Einstein to deepen our knowledge of gravity. Sadly, this award was too much delayed to allow Hawking to share the credit with Penrose." Prof Hawking answered some of the biggest questions facing mankind back in 2018, below: Announcing the prize, Prof Goran Hansson, secretary general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, said this years award was about the darkest secrets in the universe. Prof Toby Wiseman, Professor of Theoretical Physics at Imperial College London, said: Penrose showed that if you believe Einstein, then black holes form under very general conditions, such as when certain stars die. They must be a physical reality. Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit was behind Monday's deadly attack on a road-opening party in the Nowgam area on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Jammu and Kashmir, in which two personnel were killed and three were injured, a senior police official said on Tuesday. "We have identified the militants behind the attack. They are from the Lashkar, led by a Pakistani terrorist named Saifullah. We are on the job and they will be neutralised soon," Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar said. He was speaking to reporters after the wreath-laying ceremony for the two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans, who were killed in the attack. "Two militants came on a scooter, most probably from the Pampore side, and opened indiscriminate firing from an AK rifle," the IGP said. He admitted that the Lashkar module had carried out an attack earlier in the Chadoora area of Budgam district as well, in which an assistant sub-inspector of the was killed. "We are conducting operations and soon, they will be neutralised," the officer said. Responding to a question on militants using two-wheelers to carry out attacks, Kumar said it is easy for the ultras to move around on motorbikes on roads where the vehicle movement is heavy. "We cannot check every vehicle, vehicles are checked based on information mostly. Checking every vehicle will cause traffic jams," he said. The IGP sought to assure people, saying there is no need to panic and "the situation is under control". On the use of virtual phone numbers by militants, he said this technology is a cause of concern but it has been used for subversive activities for years now. "Virtual numbers have remained challenging since the beginning. It is challenging across the world. We are trying to find technological answers," Kumar 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.) Two persons allegedly involved in the murder of the Nana Ndoli Panin III, Baamuhene of Enchi Kramokrom and Finance Manager of Hotfm, have been remanded into Police custody by a Kaneshie District Court. Kwame Ofori aka Ogyaba, a 29 year old pastor of Divine Prayer Camp at Saapeman and Nana Kwame Kwakye, a 64 year old spiritualist of Asuboi in the Eastern Region, have been charged with conspiracy to commit to murder and murder. The court presided over by Mrs. Ama Adomako Kwakye preserved their pleas and remanded them into reappear on October 21. This was after the Prosecuting Inspector John Baidoo, opposed to the bail, saying the grant of bail by the court was premature. According to Inspector Baidoo, the accused persons were only arrested on October 3, this year by the Police and because the Police did not want to breach the 48 hour constitutional rule, arraigned them. This, prosecution said, was to enable the Police do proper investigations. According to Inspector Baidoo, accused persons were being held for murder and that, murder constituted a first degree felony and when found culpable, they could be imprisoned for life. Inspector Baidoo informed the court that Kwakye on the day of arrest, took to his heels and he was given a hot and apprehended. Accused persons respective lawyers took turns to argue for bail for their clients. Mr. Samuel Quanah Ansah, who represented Ofori, prayed the court to admit his client to bail because prosecution had not told the court about the presence of Ofori at the crime scene and that prosecution had also not told the court how the deceased lost his life. Mr. Ansah noted that there would be sufficient connection if the facts suggested that on the day of the incident, Ofori participated in the said purification and in the presence of the accused person, Nana Ndoli lost his life. We are being invited to into the realm of spirituality and this court has no jurisdiction in the spiritual realm. This is clear that the Police are on a wild goose chase, counsel added. According to defense counsel, it was surprising that the complainant who found the deceased in a pool of blood did not indicate that the accused persons allegedly booked Room 16 of the hotel room to participate in the purification ritual. Counsel contended that Ofori is a Panelist with Hot Fm, and was married with four kids, had a fixed place of abode and he would not abscond from the jurisdiction. Counsel further held that the facts did not in any way support the charges. In the case of Kwakyes lawyer, Mr. J.K. Yeboah recounted that prosecution had failed to inform the court that it was the accused persons who booked the hotel room. According to Mr. Yeboah, Kwakye apart from being a spiritualist was also a musician and on the day of the incident, he was with his sound engineer in a studio working on a song. Counsel said Kwakye left the studio at 10:00pm to his home at Asuboi. Mr. Yeboah said the charges preferred against his client was scandalous to his status. The case of prosecution is that the complainant Daniel Abeka is the assistant manager of Bobson Hotel, Kaneshie, Accra. Prosecution said the deceased is a 45 year old finance manager at Hotfm in Accra and also chief of Enchi. On October 1, this year, prosecution said at about 1300hours, the deceased who is known in private life at Peter Kwabena Antwi allegedly received a phone call from his spiritual father to meet him at Bobson Hotel at Kaneshie. Prosecution said as a result, deceased drove his Toyota Rav 4 with registration number GE 1730-09 from the office to Takoradi Lorry station. Prosecution said he parked the vehicle and walked to the hotel Room 16 to meet his spiritual father. According to prosecution, on October 2, this year, at 1905 hours, the complainant found the body of the deceased lying in a pool of blood on a bed in Room 16 which was already booked down for Antwi to undertake some purification rituals. Following the discovery of the body, Prosecution said Police investigations led to the arrest of the accused persons, who for some time now, had been preparing purification rituals for the deceased. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Two young women were filmed disrupting a three-year-old girl's birthday party, flipping tables tothe ground and tossing chairs outside a Houston apartment complex. The disturbing incident unfolded after one of the women contacted the Houston Police Department to report a noise complaint Saturday approximately at 9:15pm. One of the women can be seen in the video placing one of the tables on the apartment complex pavement before returning to another table to berate Soany Varela, the child's mother, who is six months pregnant. Two women were filmed flipping tables and chairs at a birthday party for a three-year-old girl at an apartment complex in Houston on Saturday. The Harris Country District Attorney's Office declined to charge the women because of a lack evidence and not enough property damage to issue a Class D misdemeanor Angely, who turned three years old Saturday, had her birthday party shut down by neighbors who were upset that the tables had been set up too close to their patio The woman subsequently stood in front of the table and ordered everyone to 'move your stuff' and said 'I don't care about ya'll recording' as a man and a woman looked on while they remained seated. She twice asked the partygoers 'are ya'll going to move ya'll s***' before she grabbed the table and carried it across the patio before tossing it to the ground. The second woman in the video picked up two chairs, flinging one of them towards a tree. The original video of the incident, uploaded by Adrianna Moreno on her Instagram account, nani0723, drew over 135,000 views. One of the two suspects lifts a table before she carried it to the other side of the apartment complex after requesting the table to be moved away because it was placed too close to her patio Houston Police Westside will be looking into the case to determine if it will be issuing a citation to the women involved in the incident Houston Police Department Public Affairs spokesman John Cannon told DailyMail.com on Tuesday that Houston Police Westside will be looking into the case to determine if it will be issuing a citation to the women who were involved in the incident. Cannon explained that the Harris County District Attorney's Office refused to press charges 'due to lack of evidence and not enough property damage to issue a Class B misdemeanor.' In an interview with Univision 45, Varela, who is Hispanic, accused authorities of racism due to the lack of response that was given to her complaint after the women trashed the celebration for her daughter, Angely. 'It did hurt because it was something that I did for her with a lot of effort and what they did to me is fair,' Varela said. 'It's a form of racism on the part of the police. I also think that what she did was vandalism.' New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to stay the suspension of Ashok Arora from the post of Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). "No prima facie case is made out," said a single-judge bench of the high court presided by Justice Mukta Gupta while pronouncing the order. The court was hearing a suit filed by Arora seeking to stay the resolution passed by the Executive Committee of the SCBA. In May this year, the Executive Committee (EC) of the Supreme Court Bar Association suspended its Secretary Arora with immediate effect in a meeting held through an online conference. The decision to suspend him was taken by the EC a day after Arora had called an emergent general meeting (EGM) of the lawyers' body on May 11 to deliberate on the removal of senior advocate Dushyant Dave from the post of SCBA President. The EGM was cancelled by the EC and a three-member panel has been set up to examine the allegations leveled against Arora, said a senior official of the SCBA. The decision of the EC to suspend Arora was taken by the majority, and Dave abstained from voting. The friction emerged among the top office-bearers in the SCBA over the statement made by Supreme Court judge Justice Arun Mishra on February 22, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the International Judicial Conference 2020. On February 25, Dave had issued a "resolution", allegedly signed by several members of the SCBA expressing anguish over Justice Mishra's statements. Arora had claimed that no resolution was passed, as he did not sign the statement released to the media. "The SCBA believes that the independence of the judiciary is the basic structure under the Constitution of India and that such independence be preserved in letter and spirit," said the resolution. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text We chose to expand our services to Boston because its a great city to live in and we think Nexme customers will be excited about it. Its a vibrant walkable city with good schools, tech innovation, cultural diversity, and more. Seattle area real estate startup Nexme, today announces the expansion of its home buying and selling platform to the greater Boston area. Home buyers and sellers in Boston Massachusetts now have instant access to homes for sale through Nexmes Tour Now feature, which offers virtual and live home tours. Nexmes Make an Offer features let home buyers make an offer on demand. The launch also includes a Boston-wide partnership with Total Mortgage Services LLC. We chose to expand our services to Boston because its a great city to live in and we think Nexme customers will be excited about it, says Arian Abdulkader, Nexmes Founder and CEO. Its a vibrant walkable city with good schools, tech innovation, cultural diversity, and more. Eighty percent of Massachusetts residents live there. From a market perspective, theres a bit of a buying frenzy with no buyer slow down so far, even despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Buyers will want to see homes virtually right away and be able to make an offer instantly, which Nexme can help them do. What Is Nexme Bringing to Boston? Nexme simplifies and streamlines the home buying and selling process. Nexme gives homebuyers instant access to homes and full-service real estate agents. Unlike other real estate services that require buyers to commit to an agent right away, Nexme requires no commitment until buyers are ready to make an offer. Nexme also saves buyers and sellers money. Unlike other real estate companies which have a 3% listing fee, Nexme agents agree to a 1.5% listing fee. Other real estate companys agents also charge a 3% buyers agent commission fee. Nexme agents agree to a 1.5% commission, so home buyers get 50% of that commission back to themselves. This can be used for all the prepaid items that go into closing a sale, such as home insurances, taxes, and more. Nexmes partnership with Total Mortgage in Boston will help buyers get the best possible mortgage rates. In the past few months, weve seen companies across all industries move towards digitization," says Andrew Penner, Chief Marketing Officer, Total Mortgage Services, LLC. "Nexme has managed to take the complexity of a real estate transaction and distill it down to an intuitive digital process that empowers buyers to request a pre-approval and make an offer right away. In competitive markets like Boston, this can be a huge advantage. Boston Real Estate At A Glance Boston is popular: 80% of Massachusetts residents live in Boston. Its at an all-time high: Median single family home prices rose 5.3% in July 2020. Boston home market: Home inventory is low with no slowdown in buyer traction. Schools: Universities such as Boston University, Harvard, and MIT attract an international community looking to buy a home during their stay. Tech hub: In addition to the tech giants Amazon, Microsoft and Google having large campuses in the greater Boston area, its also home to startups such as Wayfair, Hubspot and TripAdvisor. Reinventing Real Estate Compared to other industries, real estate is a dinosaur; it hasnt truly innovated and put customers at the center of the process. Nexme is changing that, says Abdulkader. Innovation lets people buy groceries, shoes, and cars and start enjoying those items same-day. We believe real estate should be more like eCommerce; simple, transparent, and even fun. Its an investment you get to live in and one of the most important transactions of a persons life. Real estate is a one trillion dollar plus market. We believe its time to change the dynamics and put control back in the hands of the home buyers and sellers, and thats exactly what Nexme is doing. About Nexme Nexme is the Seattle area-based startup thats rethinking real estate by putting people at the center of the home buying and selling experience. Nexmes on-demand full-service agents are available to show homes and help buyers make an offer with the click of a button, and theres no commitment to stay with an agent until a buyer is ready to make an offer. Our agents agree to a 1.5% commission (half the industry standard), saving both the buyer and the seller a great deal of money. Through its partners, Nexme also connects home buyers with mortgage lenders. Nexme is currently available in Washington state and the greater Boston area in Massachusetts. For more, visit http://www.nexme.com City of Midland The Midland Health Department reported Monday that there were 44 coronavirus cases from tests reported this weekend. That number is down from last Monday and continues the trend of lower week-over-week numbers a trend that began Wednesday. Attacked with sharp-edged weapons, three youths landed in hospital after they objected to some revellers throwing empty liquor bottles down from the first floor in Khuda Lahora in wee hours of Tuesday. Kesh Kamal, who belongs to Fazilka, told police that one Sanju and his friends were celebrating a birthday on the first floor of the residential building on Monday night. After the party, someone threw an empty bottle that crashed on to the ground floor area. When Kamal objected to it, the other group allegedly attacked him and his friends Pardeep and Harjinder after a heated argument. Police got a call about the group clash around 1:15am. The injured were rushed to Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector 16. Police have arrested Sanju and another youth, identified as Ravi, while search is on for the remaining ones. A case has been registered under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Sarangpur police station. Located on 65 acres of land in Ulster County, theres a legendary haunted attraction that often makes guests jump out of their skin. The popular Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses in Ulster Park has won many awards as the best haunted attraction in the country. Oprah Magazine included Headless Horseman in this years list of 10 of the Scariest Haunted Houses in America. A scene from the Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses at 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park, N.Y.Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses Owners Michael Jubie and his wife Nancy are known for their one-mile themed wagon hayrides. Instead of staffers screaming or jumping at guests, the format is more theatrical. It involves a storyteller who interacts with costumed actors along a trail full of special effects, illusions, and pyrotechnics as guests witness 13 scary movie-quality sets. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Headless Horsemans 28th season includes socially-distance fright. The hayride has been replaced with a drive-thru Dare to Ride the Horsemans Trail. Guests will need to use the radio and download an app for some erie music and narration. With safety as a priority, all customers are required to wear face masks. Other precautions include reduced capacity, groups maintaining 6 feet distance apart from others, hand pump sanitizing stations available throughout the property, and required online ticket purchase. As for the staff, everyone will be wearing face masks and will get their temperature check and screened for symptoms before entering the property. Yes, even the zombies, creepy clowns, and evil witches will be wearing face masks. It is going to be a little bit challenging but everybody is excited to do it, said Jubie. People want to get back to something thats somewhat normal even if its for a few hours. A scene from the Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses at 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park, N.Y.Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses It takes about a year for Jubie and his team of professional set designers, carvers, painters, make-up artists, and actors to plan for their annual fall fright. He went through a roller coaster of emotions in August unsure whether his business could open because New York states guidelines for Halloween attractions kept fluctuating. Jubie brought his safety plan to Deputy Ulster County Executive John Milgrim and Lisa Burger, director of Ulster County Department of Economic Development. They pushed hard for us and were very helpful and instrumental in getting us open, Jubie said. Our show will be done safely and will be as good or better than our normal show. Owner Michael Jubie in the cornfields with the Headless Horseman in the backround in Ulster Park, N.Y.Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses Jubie, a former detective for the Kingston Police Department, worked undercover and often wore disguise with wigs and mustaches. He and his wife Nancy, a former nurse, both shared a love for Halloween. They also operated a horse and carriage business. In 1992, during dinner with friends, the couple talked having horse drawn hayrides for Halloween. The more beer I drank, the better it sounded, said Jubie. Next thing you know, I did it. I started out with 35 employees. During a normal season, we have over 375 employees. I love it. I really do. The hayride entrance at the Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses at 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park, N.Y.Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses The Headless Horseman has a one-mile themed drive-thru, corn maze, a total of 10 attractions, plus a midway with food concessions and gift shops. Its open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. Childrens Day is Oct. 10 and 24. Cost ranges from $39.95 to $47.95 and Childrens Day is $11.95. Prices do not reflect service charge and tax. Online ticket reservations are required. Children's Day from the Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses at 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park, N.Y.Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses More NYup Haunted dining in Upstate NY: Here are 17 creepy date night spots Abandoned in Upstate NY: 19 creepy, forgotten places facing great decay Cider donut season is here: 12 places in Upstate NY to get this fall favorite Daniel Craig has given a memorable and succinct piece of advice for the next actor who takes on the role of James Bond. Speaking on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon on James Bond Day (5 October), he said his guidance for the next star to play 007 is: Dont f*** it up. It is a beautiful, amazing thing. Craig also talked about his decision to move on from the franchise after No Time to Die, the 25th Bond film. Ive given it everything I can, he said. Im so glad that I came back and did this last one. We had lots of loose threads we hadnt tied up. The story just didnt feel complete I needed a break, I truly admit it. He added: I just needed to get my head away from it for a while and once I had, we started talking about storylines and things that we could do, and where we could take it. The release date of No Time to Die has been moved back for the second time due to the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was swiftly followed by the news that cinema giant Cineworld is closing its 128 cinemas in the UK and Ireland, as well as its US theatres, putting thousands of jobs at risk. Craig defended the decision to delay the film, saying now is not the right time to release it. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano State has confirmed nine persons killed and three others injured in a ghastly motor accident on Kano-Zaria Road. The Corps commander, Zubairu Mato, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Kano on Tuesday. Mr Mato disclosed that the accident occurred when two vehicles collided at Imawa village in Kura Local Government Area of the state. He said that the accident occurred at about 9 a.m. on Monday involving an articulated vehicle, a car and a tricycle. The commandant said the accident involved a trailer with registration number KMC158XW; a car with registration number AE 884 GZW and a tricycle without registration number. Mr Mato attributed the accident to reckless driving, adding that the trailer and the car collided while trying to dodge the tricycle coming from the other side of the road. We received a call at about 9:12 a.m. on October 6 and we dispatched rescue team to the scene of the accident to rescue the victims, he said. The commander listed the deceased to include two male, six female and a child while three others sustained injuries. Mr Mato added that the victims were referred to Kura General Hospital for treatment. He urged motorists to observe traffic regulations to control road accidents. (NAN) Last October, as the U.S. Supreme Court prepared to hear a pivotal new abortion case, a survey quietly was emailed to abortion providers across the country, with an urgent goal. It had been put together by a broad coalition of abortion advocates, funders and clinics, and it was looking for anyone who may be willing and able to travel, relocate or provide medication abortion via telehealth in case of tightening state or federal restrictions. While no one can predict the future, the group wrote, we can plan for it. The future they feared now looks more certain than ever. With the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal icon, the high court is poised to solidify its conservative majority, opening the door to further roll back abortion rights in Republican battlegrounds such as Texas. IN-DEPTH: This researcher interviewed 600 women at Texas abortion clinics. Heres what she saw. It is a watershed moment for activists on both sides of the abortion fight, and it comes at an especially precarious political crossroads in Texas, where Democrats have their first viable shot in nearly two decades to reclaim control of the state House next month. For Texas abortion providers, the battle is no longer about simply surviving in a state where access already is greatly limited, but about building a network to help women legally access the procedure if and when it is no longer available here. They know they wont be able to reach everyone. They also dont see many other options. If we can provide care within our communities where they live, thats best for our patients, said Dr. Bhavik Kumar, an abortion provider at Planned Parenthood in Texas. But if thats not possible, for whatever reason, then well do what we can for them. Should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade, its 1973 decision that extended federal protections to abortion, the issue would return to state governments, creating a patchwork of access. The procedure likely would be banned across much of the South and Midwest, and states such as Illinois, California and New Mexico would become destinations for those who can afford to get there. Haven states reach out to Texas Even with Roe left in place, conservatives on the court have signaled an openness to new restrictions from states, and there are several dozen cases in the federal appeals pipeline for them to choose from, including one over a Texas law that criminalizes a later-stage abortion procedure known as dilation and evacuation. Abortion rights opponents said they see the most immediate opening for restrictions that center on the rights of a fetus, such as a discrimination law that would prohibit abortions that are based on a genetic abnormality or because of the sex of the fetus. Instead of looking at opportunities to regulate the industry that we want to be out of business, we think a wiser approach is to always keep focused on the unborn child, said Elizabeth Graham, director of Texas Right to Life. TEXAS GOP LAWMAKERS STEER FUNDING: Texas gave anti-abortion group millions for womens health, despite warnings The state caught a glimpse of what life after Roe could look like last spring when Gov. Greg Abbott temporarily banned the procedure amid the coronavirus pandemic. Providers said they saw second trimester abortions rise as a result of the ban and that it appeared to most harm low-income women and women of color, many of whom lack private insurance or the resources or time to travel out of state. Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the country, and lawmakers have declined to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which would provide health care to more mothers after they give birth. Were going to see people leaving to get that care in haven states, and people who cannot, which will disproportionately be Black people, indigenous people, communities of color, those with limited financial needs and those with disabilities, said Dr. Ghazaleh Moayedi, a Texas abortion provider. Those are going to be the people most impacted. Dr. Lauren Thaxton, an abortion provider and a researcher for the Texas Policy Evaluation Projects, was in her medical residency in New Mexico in 2013 when Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 2, at the time one of the most aggressive anti-abortion laws in the country. The law forced about half the states 40 abortion clinics to close and led to a drop in statewide abortions. Thaxton remembers treating women who had driven more than a dozen hours from Texas, some of them sleeping in their cars. To travel that kind of distance and then have a five-minute procedure, and then travel back was just crazy, she said, And thats of the people who were able to get to the clinic. Kamyon Conner, who runs an abortion fund in North Texas, said her organization gets about 6,000 calls every year from women requesting help to pay for abortions. The group usually can help about 1,000 of them. All abortions funds are under-resourced, Conner said. Stakes rise in Texas House elections Clinics in some states are preparing for an influx of women from Republican-controlled states if they impose new restrictions. Planned Parenthood recently opened an expanded abortion clinic in Illinois. Amy Hagstrom Miller, who runs Whole Womans Health, said she is increasing capacity at her clinics outside Texas, as well as looking at ways to legally mail women the medications they need to perform home-based abortions a method that is allowed and growing more popular in some states. Even if they have to travel into the other state in order to get the medication abortion, could it be less time, closer? she said. Moayedi began applying for out-of-state licensure earlier this year and now is authorized to perform abortions in Oklahoma. Others still are weighing what to do if they no longer are able to legally provide the procedure in Texas. Theres value in having people who know how to safely and respectfully care for people who have had abortions, even in places where abortion is inaccessible, Thaxton said. In the meantime, it is far from clear how the states abortion fight will play out, especially if Democrats retake control of the House this year. If Republicans hang on, abortion rights opponents see the coming legislative session as perhaps their best chance to enact lasting new restrictions, including a provisional ban on the procedure that would be triggered if Roe is overturned. They also want to boost funding to Alternatives to Abortion, a state-run program that promotes childbirth and offers financial counseling and referals to social services. I think were delusional if we dont continue increasing our outreach to pregnant women so that they have options, and they have real life-saving help, and they have people to walk with them, and give them resources through unplanned pregnancy and after the child is born, Graham said. Abortion is broadly supported in Texas much like the country as a whole although some surveys have found more mixed feelings on specific restrictions. In a 2018 Quinnipiac poll, 60 percent of respondents said abortion should be legal in all or most cases. A more recent poll from the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin found that nearly half of respondents supported a ban on abortions after six weeks. The question now is whether there is enough political will among conservatives to take the kind of aggressive measures that may prompt blowback in future elections. As Texas got a little more competitive and the signs of competition were in some of these House races, you saw a sort of return to the abortion politics of the Laney years, where it got harder for people to see it in their interest to spend a lot of time arguing over these things, Politics Project director Jim Henson said, referring to Pete Laney, a Democrat who served as Texas House speaker through 2003. Newly emboldened, abortion rights advocates are now pushing to flip the script on opponents, who they see as having controlled the conversation about abortion for too long. The statistic that always amazes me is that the anti-abortion side uses the word abortion 4-to-1 more times than our side does, said Aimee Arrambide, the director of NARAL Pro-Choice Texas. She said to succeed, the movement has to destigmatize the issue more and better humanize it through firsthand accounts. What the antis do is they introduce these ridiculous bills year after year, and finally they become normalized, Arambide said. And were trying to do the same thing. We introduce proactive bills that will probably not pass under the current makeup of the Texas Legislature, but at least well have an opportunity to talk. 'Voters from the forward castes voted for the JD-U because they feared Laloo Yadav's return, but since that fear is no longer there they may not see the need to vote for Nitish Kumar anymore.' IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 151st birth anniversary in Patna, October 2, 2020. Photograph: PTI Photo "If Nitish Kumar doesn't fare well next month, his political capital will be further depleted resulting in a void." "The BJP will be the most natural occupant of that void." "The BJP will become stronger by default, not by fighting it out, but due to the absence of any other strong party in the state," Professor Prabhat Ghosh, director of the Patna-based Asian Development Research Institute tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih in part two of the interview. This is the first election for the RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) without Laloo Yadav in the campaign. How will RJD fare without Laloo's active presence? The Yadavs and Muslims still remain the core vote base of the RJD. Even in the worst of times, the RJD has got 20 per cent of the vote. If they have to win, they need votes of the non RJD backward castes, extremely backward caste and scheduled castes. They would also need some forward caste votes with the Congress's help. If they manage to do that then they will be able to convert 20%-25% vote to 30%-35% or even 40%. But it will be very difficult for them to get a majority. The RJD may get more votes than the Lok Sabha election in 2019. There is one more factor: Nitish has won support from 2005 onwards because many voters who may not have liked him continued to vote for him because they feel if they don't, Laloo will come back. Voters from the forward castes vote for the JD-U because they fear Laloo's return, but since that fear is no longer there they may not see the need to vote for Nitish anymore. They might shift their vote to the RJD or Congress also. Can the BJP bring in Giriraj Singh or Ravishankar Prasad as chief minister if BJP gets more seats than the JD-U? No. In Bihar one cannot expect to have a chief minister from the forward castes for the next 20-25 years. Brahmins, Bhumihars, Kayasthas or Rajputs will remain on the backbench. One of Laloo Prasad's foremost contributions in Bihar politics is the displacement of the forward castes from power. That is why Laloo remains popular even when in jail. Many who don't vote for Laloo still acknowledge his contribution in making enough space for backward castes in politics. This is his big achievement and this has happened in only two states of India -- Bihar and UP. If you take a state like Maharashtra -- the social base of the Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) is the same. Similarly in West Bengal, but this is not the case in Bihar or UP. The social base of the SP (Samajwadi Party), BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) or RJD is totally different from other parties. It is a sort of achievement in these states that backwards have won the battle for political power. Some backwards may still vote for the BJP, but will not abstain completely from voting for RJD or BSP or SP. What have been Tejashwi Yadav's mistakes as leader of the RJD? He has been in the Opposition most of the time and was deputy CM only for one-and-a-half year. As deputy CM, he was neither exceptionally good or exceptionally bad. I don't think he has made mistakes, his problem is that he is too young and inexperienced. He also had to deal with the negative points that his father had earned. If you are a son of a jailed leader, it carries some negative baggage. Will BJP dominate Bihar politics in the post Laloo-Nitish era? Nitish Kumar is almost 70 and his political capital is much depleted. If he doesn't fare well next month, his political capital will be further depleted resulting in a void. The JD-U without Nitish Kumar is nothing. The BJP is the most likely player that will fill that void. It is not as if the BJP has to fight to win that spot. The void will be filled up either by the BJP or Congress or LJP (Lok Janshakti Party), but the BJP will be the most natural occupant of that void. They will become stronger by default, not by fighting it out, but due to the absence of any other strong party in the state. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Stockholm, Oct 6 : The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Tuesday decided to award the Nobel Prize in physics to Oxford University professor Roger Penrose, German scientist Reinhard Genzel and American physicist Andrea Ghez for their discoveries about black hole. The prize amount is 10 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.12 million), with one half going to Penrose and the other half jointly to Genzel and Ghez. "The discoveries of this year's Laureates have broken new ground in the study of compact and supermassive objects. But these exotic objects still pose many questions that beg for answers and motivate future research," David Haviland, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said in a statement. "Not only questions about their inner structure, but also questions about how to test our theory of gravity under the extreme conditions in the immediate vicinity of a black hole." UK-born Penrose showed that Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity leads to the formation of black holes. Born in Germany, Genzel is a Director at Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching, Germany and Professor at University of California, Berkeley, US. Ghez, who was born in New York, is a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, US. Genzel and Ghez discovered that an invisible and extremely heavy object governs the orbits of stars at the centre of our galaxy. A supermassive black hole is the only currently known explanation. Penrose used ingenious mathematical methods in his proof that black holes are a direct consequence of Einstein's general theory of relativity. Einstein did not himself believe that black holes really exist, these super-heavyweight monsters that capture everything that enters them. In January 1965, ten years after Einstein's death, Penrose proved that black holes really can form and described them in detail. His "groundbreaking" article is still regarded as the most important contribution to the general theory of relativity since Einstein, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said. A man has successfully had a red-light camera fine cancelled by arguing the system had not been properly tested when cars were driving through the intersection. David Woolmer, from Adelaide, originally contested the penalty in the Magistrates Court but when the fine was found to be valid, he fought on by launching an appeal. South Australia's Supreme Court has now found in favour of Mr Woolmer, with Justice Greg Parker saying regulations requiring the cameras to be tested by cars going through red lights every month had not been followed, according to the ABC. In New South Wales, such an offence could cost drivers up to $433 and three demerit points, while in South Australia the fine is up to $514. A man has successfully had a red-light camera fine cancelled by arguing the system was not properly tested when cars were driving through the intersection on a red light (stock image) The court found that the police radar's daily calibration did not meet Australian standards (stock image) The case could open the door for hundreds of similar fines being overturned, which has previously happened in South Australia when a speeding fine was successfully challenged in 2016. In that case, a driver who was recorded by police radar at 102km/h in a 50km/h zone also brought his case to the Supreme Court. The court found that the police radar's daily calibration did not meet Australian standards. 'What we were able to do was look at the daily testing that was done on device which is really very basic testing that's recommended by the manufacturer of the device and point out to the court that that testing doesn't comply with the Australian standards testing,' lawyer Karen Stanley previously said. 'And it's the Australian standards testing that gives the accuracy within a margin of error.' The legislation around the testing of police speed radars when later changed to re-allow their use. The case could open the door for hundreds of similar fines being overturned (file image) Ms Stanley also handled Mr Woolmer's successful appeal. In this case she argued the red-light camera on the corner of Portrush and Magill Roads, one of Adelaide's busiest freight intersections, had not been tested properly. In the magistrate's court it was ruled that it was 'not surprising' that testing of 'exposures of a vehicle turning right contrary to a red arrow' was not conducted every 28 days considering the danger posed and the cost of having to shut-down the intersection. Justice Parker disagreed with the lower court findings saying that the failure to test the system rendered the fines void. 'I uphold the appeal and quash the finding of the magistrate that the charge against the appellant of breaching Rule 60 of the Australian Road Rules on March 14, 2018, had been proven beyond reasonable doubt,' Justice Parker said. 'I quash the appellant's conviction.' A South Australia Police spokesperson said the department was currently reviewing the Supreme Court's decision and would not comment further. October 06, 2020 Every big scientific discovery and technological leap is accompanied by a convenient price tag (News - Alert). From green energy to artificial intelligence, to augmented and virtual reality (AG/VR) today, its all a pricey investment Whether you need to train the right professionals for it or are struggling to capitalize on consumer penetration, there are always challenges to address. In the case of casinos, though, augmented and virtual reality can truly do wonders. The question is, is an early push in AG and VR truly justifiable from a financial standpoint? Most casinos have been hesitant to become early adopters, but many are tentatively beginning to experiment. Shifting and Diversifying Casino Project in the 21st Century There is no doubt that casinos will seek to break the mold and try to attract a more tech-savvy crowd to their establishments. The push towards iGaming, or Internet casinos as they are more popularly known, is just the beginning. Much will have to change in the 21st century for casinos to attract a younger generations of players who are not entirely fascinated with the idea of gambling as a recreational activity. Whatever innovation is introduced to attract new players, though, it will cost money and therefore, it should help businesses leap into the future rather than take a tumble into the past. So, with this being said, there is no doubt that casino innovation is on the table. There have been several proposals to achieve this, but they are mostly outside the comfort zone of many brands. They include: Adoption of cashless payments Introducing skill-based games Adding VR and AG solutions All three are just the tip of the iceberg. Cashless payments are already a hot topic in Nevada, one of the worlds gambling capitals, and Las Vegas in particular is seeing a big uptake when it comes to alternative payment methods. The introduction of skill-based games has been another contentious point, which is slowly shifting in favor of the industry. However, making these products appealing to players has proven quite difficult. Last but hardly least, traditional players are invited to experiment with virtual reality and augmented reality. All three points are very important to move casinos into the future, but the rate of adoption hasnt been too quick. Drop New Technology (News - Alert) Where Its Needed Some casino experts have justly pointed out that innovation must be adopted where it is needed. Therefore, cashless payments are a great example of how technology can bring benefits for the casino industry. Another important aspect is realism or improving the current state of affairs. Some top online poker rooms have already introduced a virtual reality solution, however, briefly. PokerStars experimented with a VR room and the feedback was mostly positive. The virtual world could prove a little too distracting or even restricting when it comes to online poker and specifically players who want to grind. However, adding a VR gameplay option would most likely have a fantastic and positive impact on the poker community, replenishing its numbers in the process. Introducing technology at the right time and the right place is therefore important. For example, casinos in Las Vegas use facial recognition to boost security and safety on the gaming floor. Overall, technology has a significant impact on business and the economy. Adapting it smartly though is a prerequisite to be able to bank on technologys huge potential in the first place. Should All Push for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality? Any investment is inherently linked with how the public receives it. If you take virtual reality as a phenomenon, its a quickly growing one. Yet, the average consumer still doesnt own their own VR set. In fact, casino players do not have VR sets at home, and they are less likely to have one than traditional gamers, for example. Therefore, any investment in the segment should come at a point when there is enough demand and supply for VR in casinos. In other words, building a vast portfolio of VR products would not come with a soaring interest in the technology. Casinos will have to balance between the down payment cost, what their players actually expect and what to see and whether the product in demand is actually available. Of course, teasing VR and AG solutions, though, is important. If casinos baulk at the idea and do not start pushing in the direction of adopting such solutions, consumers would not know they exist. Combining this segment with something that strikes closer to home is important. Video games will lead the way in VR development. Therefore, having casinos compete with professional video studios would be a little counter-intuitive and definitely not make any financial sense. One possible alternative is to have casinos invest in a solution that brings their table games closer to the players, just like PokerStars did. Macau and Las Vegas had to be on a shutdown for six months in 2020, and there is no telling when the next lockdown is coming. Being able to materialize in some form the gaming floor to high-value baccarat and blackjack customers does seem like a good idea. Would there be demand for that though? That remains to be seen. The Time to Innovate Is Now Innovation is an important part of the casino industry. Even the most reluctant companies in the world are cognizant of the simple fact that the average casino player is getting older. While most traditional gamblers are still willing to spend quite a bit, in the long term, casinos can quickly find themselves out of new customers, which is what guarantees their long-term survival anyway. The cost of augmented reality and virtual reality will certainly appear pricey to some establishments. However, the cost of not innovating could cost a company its demise, if not immediately, than surely at some point in the future, brought on not by some big economic upset, but rather ones own rigidity when it comes to new technologies. Casino players are willing to take up any worthwhile product. Casino should be those leading the way, however. Yono or You Only Need One App is the lender's integrated banking platform. "There is very serious thinking going on and we are in discussions with all our partners to hive it (Yono) off as a separate subsidiary," Kumar said at a banking and finance conference, Sibos 2020, organised by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT). He said once Yono becomes an ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor I am writing to you in connection with a recent story regarding budget cuts in our state court system that have resulted in the loss of two jurists from our Island courts. Sadly, the Office of Court Administration has decided to not certify Judge Orlando Marrazzo and Appellate Division Justice Joseph Maltese to continue serving on the bench due to age restrictions. These cuts shall effectively create a huge void in our judicial system and will impact the rights of our clients to obtain justice. Judge Maltese, whose reputation of jurisprudential excellence is universal, has served as one of only two Island justices on the Appellate Division, 2nd Department. Judge Marrazzo, an excellent jurist renowned for his fairness, hardworking nature, and having the gift of judiciousness, has honorably served the people of Richmond County. The COVID pandemic has damaged the community in so many ways - many of us have personally lost loved ones or have become ill due to the disease. Our local economy has been eviscerated and New York City and state governments anticipate deep budget cuts. However, it is unconscionable that the citizens of Richmond County (with a population of nearly 500,000 people) will lose two key judges in a court system that has already been damaged by limited access and delays for jury trials that could go on for years. As president of the Staten Island Trial Lawyers Association, I urge all Staten Islanders to stand up and express our dismay over these cuts, which will cause delays in justice and impact the rights of those who seek redress in our courts. The loss of these two judges will affect the rights of children, disabled persons, seniors, students, workers, survivors of COVID and so many others We cannot and should not compromise justice, nor should we allow our government to water down the rights of our citizens. If we allow the Rule of Law to erode with limited access to courts, the very core of our lives will be negatively impacted for many years. (Charles DeStefano is the president of the Staten Island Trial Lawyers Association.) MISSOULA - University of Montana scientist Monica Serban is on a research roll. In recent months the UM associate professor and her team have earned three awards totaling $3.9 million in funding to study preventing hearing loss among U.S. troops, combating ear infections and creating a synthetic skin product. For her first award, Dr. Serban earned a $2.4 million grant from the Office of Naval Research to explore new engineered systems to prevent hearing loss among U.S. sailors and Marines. The award potentially is renewable for two additional years to provide nearly $7.5 million in funding. "In collaboration with a strategic commercial partner, we seek to enable the development of a noise-level-triggered drug dosing and delivery system to prevent cochlear damage," Serban said. "This system is intended to respond in real-time to harmful sound levels, noninvasively deploy hearing protective agents and prevent subsequent ear trauma. "To our knowledge, this would be the first-of-its-kind system," she said, "and it has the potential to revolutionize the noise-induced hearing loss protection field." The Serban group will develop some of the key components to help prototype this innovative drug delivery system through the following three objectives: Develop a physiologically representative tympanic and round-window-membrane tissue models for ear-on-a-chip devices to enable rapid screening of therapeutics. Develop and identify novel hearing-loss protective therapeutic agents. Validate therapeutics in ear-on-a-chip devices and develop noninvasive drug-delivery systems. "My wife's brother served in the Navy on aircraft carriers, so I saw the effects of noise damage to hearing firsthand" said Dr. Bruce Bowler, director of UM's Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics. "This work will have huge benefits for improving the long-term quality of life for those who serve our country in the military." For the second grant award, Serban and Promiliad BioPharma Inc. received a $1.4 million National Institutes of Health Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer award. The funding will be used to continue the development of single-application antibiotic delivery systems for outer ear infections. Outer ear infections (otitis externa or OE) affect an estimated 10% of people in their lifetime, with associated health care costs amounting to over $500 million annually. Currently, these infections are treated with topical antibiotic regimes and can be supplemented in severe cases with oral medication. However, incorrect application or noncompliance with the administration schedule of antibiotics leads to infection persistence, recurrence and, potentially, development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. In diabetic or elderly patients, the infection can be life threatening if it progresses into necrotizing or malignant otitis externa (MOE), with severe health consequences. In recent years, the incidence rate of MOE has significantly increased and has been associated with antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop safe and effective therapies for the treatment of OE and prevention of MOE. Serban's approach to this problem is the development of ThixOtic, a proprietary drug delivery system that would enable the one-time, point-of-care application of drugs to effectively treat the infection and diminish treatment non-compliance-related risk of antibiotic resistance development, infection recurrence and complications. "Dr. Serban has developed a truly ingenious approach for slow release of antibiotics that will increase the efficacy and ease with which outer ear infections are cured." Bowler said. "The simple one-time application of antibiotics will be a real boon for both doctors and patients." The third award Serban received is from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust for $60,000 to advance the commercialization of a bioengineered system for skin reconstruction. There are now no critical-emergency, large-surface skin-wound-management products available for first responders. Large-area skin defects typically are managed with the patient's own skin or cadaveric donor skin grafts, as well as semi-synthetic products that involve a two-step surgical procedure and still require a human superficial skin layer graft. Serban will use the Murdock award to ready a versatile, bioengineered, large-skin-wound management system for technology transfer to the marketplace and subsequent commercialization via strategic field-of-use licensing. Her product is formulated from natural biomaterials to feel and look like skin and enhanced with additional design features to promote wound healing and suture-free fixation, as well as enable localized drug delivery. "This grant is important because it will allow us to move a technology developed in our laboratory into the commercialization space and subsequently to the patients who need and could benefit from this product," Serban said. "I am excited to see our research have a societal impact and to be positioned to make a positive difference on someone's quality of life. I am grateful for the University's support for translational research and thank the Murdock Charitable Trust for their invaluable support. This award is the result of a team effort, and it shows that together we can make a difference." "Dr. Serban's research is representative of the high impact work going on in our research center at UM," Bowler said. "This particular project has real potential to both improve the lives of Montanans and spur economic development within the state. We are very grateful to the Murdock Charitable Trust for their support." ### Labours deputy leader has suggested Matt Hancock should resign in the wake of a testing blunder that resulted in more than 15,000 positive coronavirus being omitted from official data. In her strongest criticism yet of the health secretary, Angela Rayner said he had presided over a string of failures during the pandemic and also described Boris Johnsons cabinet as a complete shambles. Her remarks came after Mr Hancock told the Commons that almost half of the people who may have been exposed to the 15,941 individuals with the virus not originally included in government figures had not yet been contacted and instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. Asked on ITVs Good Morning Britain whether the cabinet minister should resign, Ms Rayner replied: Yeah, absolutely. I think he should hang his head in shame. She added: But I dont think hes the only problem. I think the whole of the frontbench are a problem and theyve not been truthful with the British people and they owe them a massive big apology for the thousands of excess deaths they are a disgrace. Pressed on Mr Hancocks role again on Sky News, Labours deputy leader added: Well, he should be considering his position. Hes had multiple of failures ever since he took on the role. But its not just a failure of the health secretary. Its been a failure of the chancellor in terms of the support hes given to businesses. Hes winding up the furlough scheme this month but actually I would say we need it more targeted to support those businesses as we do see these local restrictions because otherwise these businesses are going to go to the wall. The prime minister couldnt even tell us what his own communications and his own restrictions were that he put in place. So its not one failure by one minister, its a constant by the frontbench of this government. They are a complete shambles and incompetent. "If I was him [Mr Hancock] Id be completely embarrassed by the failures Id overseen. But its not just the failures of these 15-16,000 tests that dropped off an Excel spreadsheet, we were told that we have world beating system in place thats not been in the case. Its not just one failure, its catastrophic. Answering questions from MPs on Monday, Mr Hancock refused to discuss details of the error that emerged over the weekend, but appeared to pin the blame on Public Health England, referring to its legacy system. He said the weakness had been recognised in the summer, with an upgrade ordered in August, but did not explain why the problem had continued through to October. While arguing delayed contact tracing had begun first thing Saturday, he admitted only 51 per cent of the cases have now been contacted a second time for contract tracing purposes. "I want to reassure the house that outbreak control in care homes, schools and hospitals has not been directly affected because dealing with outbreaks in these settings does not primarily rely on this PHE system, the health secretary added. Da Nang has caught the attention of Japanese ICT firms thanks to its favorable investment environment. Japan is the second largest foreign direct investor in Vietnam with total registered capital of $60 billion. Japanese investors have invested in 4,200 projects, including 700 ICT ones. Da Nang City Speaking at an online ceremony on promoting ICT investments from Japan held in late September, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications (MIC) Pham Anh Tuan said Vietnam is ready to receive new Japanese investments by technology firms which will come in the expected investment relocation wave. The government of Vietnam has been perfecting policies to create favorable conditions for the breakthrough development of IT industrial parks and hi-tech zones at key economic centers of the country, especially Da Nang. Considered a Southeast Asian Silicon Valley, Da Nang, in cooperation with central agencies, is building a digital ecosystem and prioritizing foreign invested projects using high technologies. It aims to become an environmental city and an attractive destination for global technology groups in the future. According to Da Nangs Vice Mayor Tran Van Mien, Japan is one of the key markets from which the city is seeking investment from, especially in ICT. Japan is leading foreign direct investors in number of investment projects (214) and registered investment capital ($816 million), which account for 25 percent of total FDI projects and 23 percent of total registered capital. Japan is leading foreign direct investors in number of investment projects (214) and registered investment capital ($816 million), which account for 25 percent of total FDI projects and 23 percent of total registered capital. Mien said the local authorities are looking forward to receiving Japanese enterprises who want to choose Da Nang to be the place for their production and business bases. Onose Takahisa, chair of the Japan Business Association in Da Nang, said there are many favorable conditions for businesses to develop in Da Nang, including urban area development, favorable connections with the airport and little traffic congestion. He also mentioned the transport infrastructure which has improved considerably over the last 10 years. The stable electricity and water supply, the high-quality labor force, and the close cooperation between training establishments and businesses have also been cited as plus points. The Da Nang authorities have decided that ICT industry needs to make up 15 percent of GRDP (gross regional domestic product) of the city. In order to reach that goal, according to deputy director of the Da Nang Information and Communication Department, the city has been attracting investment in six hi-tech zones, and ICT and software parks. Vietnam has released a national digital transformation program which states it will become a digital country by 2030. It is expected that the program will cover many fields, including healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, and forwarding and transportation. A large cooperation space for foreign technology firms to come and do business will be created. One of the hot issues the participants at the conference raised was how to create a high-quality workforce with Japanese skills to be provided to Japanese firms. Onose Takahisa suggested that in order to turn Da Nang into a Silicon Valley of Southeast Asia, MIC and Da Nang need to promote media campaigns to convey the message about Da Nang to other cities of Vietnam (Hanoi and HCM City) and overseas. This will help attract investors and resources to Da Nang in the time to come. Luong Bang Cashless parking payments offered in Da Nang Da Nang Citys transport department is piloting the smart parking fee collection application myparking.vn for two downtown streets Tran Phu and Bach Dang for two months before expanding to other car parks. KYODO NEWS - Oct 7, 2020 - 00:55 | All, Coronavirus, Japan Popular Japanese actress Suzu Hirose has been infected with the novel coronavirus without experiencing any symptoms so far, her agency said Tuesday. Hirose, 22, tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday after taking a PCR test along with fellow actors who have been involved in recent filming, the agency said on its official website. She has not complained of any abnormalities in her health, it added. "We feel sorry to have caused anxiety among relevant workers, costars and fans," the agency said in a statement, adding that it will follow instructions from health authorities and take preventive measures to ensure safety for the agency's other clients as well as its staff members. A native of Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, Hirose has appeared in a number of movies and TV dramas, including the two-part film "Chihayafuru" based on a comic book featuring a girl who aims to become the queen of a traditional Japanese card game. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Allahabad High Court has dismissed the writ petition filed by Skoda Auto Volkswagen India for quashing of a FIR registered against it in Noida for installing "cheat devices" in its vehicles. In an order, Justice B. Amit Sthalekar and Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav said: "We have considered the submissions of the learned counsel for the parties and we are of the opinion that the question as to whether a 'cheat device' was installed in the vehicles purchased by the respondent no.3 and whether they satisfy the BS-IV norms or not, is a matter of investigation and the investigation cannot be interfered with by this Court on an erroneous interpretation of the interim order of the Supreme Court. "The prayer for quashing the FIR is refused. The writ petition lacks merit and is accordingly, dismissed." The petitioners had sought quashing of the FIR dated July 10, 2020 registered as Case Crime no. 0613 of 2020 under various sections of the IPC at Police Station Noida Sector 20 with a further prayer to stay the entire proceeding of the aforesaid case. The respondent was the state of Uttar Pradesh and two others. The court also said: "However, in the facts and circumstances of the case and the submissions advanced on behalf of the petitioner, it is directed that the petitioner shall not be arrested in the aforesaid case till the submission of police report under Section 173 (2) Cr.P.C., subject to the restraint that he shall co-operate with the investigation and shall appear as and when called upon to assist in the investigation." Additional Government Advocate A.N. Mulla, opposing the writ petition, submitted that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had left it open for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to initiate prosecution as per the prescribed statutory regime and therefore, the order of the Supreme Court directing no coercive action would be confined to any action which may be contemplated by the CPCB which was a party before the Tribunal. It would not operate as a blanket embargo against private individual/individuals who may have lodged an FIR on allegation that they felt cheated by the faulty emission standards declared by the company which may later on have come to his/their knowledge that the same did not satisfy the BS-IV norms, he added. Senior counsel Naveen Sinha, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the NGT had passed an order on March 7, 2019, imposing damages and enhanced amount of compensation amounting to Rs 500 crore against company on a finding that a 'cheat device' had been installed by it during laboratory tests in its vehicles which showed lower emissions. He also submitted that the Tribunal had also left it open to the CPCB to consider initiation of prosecution in light of the applicable statutory regime, and in "view of this interim protection granted by the Supreme Court, the FIR which is impugned in the present writ petition is nothing but malicious prosecution and could not have been lodged at all and the same is liable to be quashed". The complainant came to know from the NGT order that a certain cheat device had been installed by the company during laboratory tests to show lower emission norms and, therefore, he felt cheated and hence, filed the FIR. The allegation in the FIR is that the complainant had purchased seven Audi brand cars worth several crores of rupees, from the petitioners through their authorised dealer and he was assured that emission norms in India were not as strict as in other countries and India being a growing market for Audi brand vehicles, the company has not installed any cheat device in its vehicles meant to be sold in India. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Two polls released Tuesday show Donald Trump trailing his Democratic rival Joe Biden both nationally and in six must-win battleground states as the president returned to the White House from Walter Reed Medical Center Monday night. Among likely voters, 57 per cent said they back Biden, according to a CNN poll taken October 1-4 and in that time span the president tested positive for coronavirus and was transferred to the hospital for treatment. The poll showed 41 per cent of likely voters plan to cast their ballot for Trump, creating a margin of 16 per cent between the two candidates just four weeks, or 28 days, before Election Day. While Biden holds a national lead, the race for the White House will ultimately come down to a handful of swing states. A separate poll from CNBC/Change research taken Friday through Sunday reveals Biden's stable hold in six battleground swing states essential in driving the outcome of the Electoral College and defeating President Trump in November. A new poll from CNN Tuesday shows Biden with a whopping 16 per cent lead on Donald Trump A second poll shows Trump trailing Biden, who participated in a town hall Monday (pictured left), by a 5 per cent average in six swing states as the president returned to the White House (pictured right) to complete coronavirus treatment there after three nights at Walter Reed Medical Center The poll, which, like the CNN survey, was taken after the first presidential debate and in the midst of Trump's coronavirus diagnosis and treatment, shows the president trailing his Democratic rival by a margin of 50 per cent to 45 per cent. The 5 per cent lead is averaged among 2,688 likely voters surveyed from Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Biden's largest lead among those six states is in Michigan, where he has an 8 per cent advantage over Trump's 43 per cent support in the swing state. In 2016, Michigan swung red by only .3 per cent with Trump earning 47.3 per cent of the vote to Hillary Clinton's 47 per cent. The state Biden has the least advantage over Trump among the six battleground states is in North Carolina, where the candidates are at 49 per cent to 47 per cent which still falls outside the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 1.89 percentage points. North Carolina was the first state to open early mail-in voting last month as voters began sending in their ballots there and in many other states even before the first presidential debate commenced. Biden also holds a considerable 7 per cent lead in Wisconsin, which Trump won by only .7 per cent in 2016. If all six states went blue in November, Trump would lose a whopping 101 Electoral College votes. The polls were conducted after the first presidential debate last week where neither candidate was deemed to come out on top after 90 minutes of cross-talk and personal attacks Florida, where Trump changed his residency to last year, has the most votes with 29. In the last election, the peninsula state went red with 47.4 per cent voting for Clinton and 48.6 per cent casting their ballot for Trump a margin of 1.2 per cent. Both the national and battleground state polls came after the first debate where a general consensus revealed neither Trump nor Biden came out looking good after a chaotic night of cross-talking and personal attacks. The CNN poll shows Biden's favorability ratings have improved since the debate and Trump's diagnosis. Fifty-two per cent of Americans have a positive impression of the former vice president and 39 per cent who have a positive view of Trump. I raised my children in a liberal enclave and was sure that their teachers were using the classrooms to proselytize for their leftist faith. I never had proof, though. The surprise benefit of the Wuhan virus lockdowns, with the resulting insistence on distance learning for children, is that parents finally get to see what their children's classrooms are like. That's how, in Tacoma, Washington, a mother witnessed a teacher bring cancel culture to bear on her 10-year-old son. During an online "chat session" with his students, Brendan Stanton, who teaches at P.G. Keithley Middle School, gave his students a question: "Who is the person you admire and why?" Rather than speaking aloud, the children wrote their answers in the chat room. Elsy Kusander's 10-year-old son admires President Donald Trump, and he explained why: I admire Donald J. Trump because he is making America great again. And because he is the best president the United States of America could ever, ever have. And he built the wall so terrorists couldn't come into in the U.S. Trump is the best person in the world. And that's why I admire him. A teacher who does not like the president, but who still has a sense of professional responsibility and understands that public education cannot be partisan, would have let that pass. However, when he heard Trump's name and saw the boy praise a policy with which he disagrees, Brendan Stanton was not that teacher. He became an ideologue who used his classroom to indoctrinate his students into his political views. According to Jason Rantz, who has a radio show on AM 770 KTTH, Stanton instantly kicked the boy off the chat (because you're never too young to experience "cancel culture" for impure thinking), deleted what the boy had written, and told the classroom why it's wrong to support "that individual," as he called Trump. The boy called for his mother (Kusander), who came in with her camera ready to capture what happened. The video picks up with Stanton telling the entire classroom: The example that was shared in the chat, which I went ahead and erased for us, was not appropriate right? Especially as that individual has created so much division and hatred between people and specifically spoken hatred to many different individuals, OK? Again, that individual has spoken hate to many individuals and I don't think is an appropriate example for a role model that we should be admiring. Significantly, Stanton cannot make himself speak Trump's name. For leftists, Trump has morphed into Voldemort, the character so evil that, in Harry Potter's fictional wizarding world, he is "He Who Cannot Be Named." As you contemplate that thought, consider that Trump has governed as a completely mainstream political candidate circa 1960 to 2008, when Democrats made such a hard left turn that they entirely abandoned all prior American political norms. To get back to the story, Stanton did not realize that Kusander had recorded him. When she challenged him about what happened, Stanton prevaricated. He first tried to say Donald Trump was not a responsive answer to the question. He then claimed that another student's comment made Stanton feel that it was appropriate to delete any praise for Trump. Then, boldly, Stanton stated, "I try to keep politics out of the classroom." He explained that the problem wasn't Trump's name or his office; it was the mention of Trump's securing the border that was the problem. "[W]e know that our neighbors at the southern border are not all terrorists, right?" Despite my profound disrespect for Stanton as a teacher (because I've dealt with so many Stantons over the years), he should still get credit where credit is due: when Stanton spoke with Kusander, a call that she recorded, he was polite and respectful throughout the phone call. He listened quietly and without argument as Kusander quite rationally explained why a country has borders and why she loves America. Many leftists in 2020 have abandoned even that kind of basic civility. Additionally, at the end of the call, Stanton apologized to Kusander and asked if he could apologize to her son. Good for him. One of the silver linings in the cloud that is America's insanity is that it has exposed to non-politicized Americans the fact that colleges and universities are hyper-political institutions scamming parents and taxpayers out of money far in excess of what's being taught, and that America's K12 schools often trap students in classrooms presided over by leftist political divas who can't resist the bully pulpit their classrooms represent. Image: Boys at computers. CC0 Public Domain. Justin Paget/Getty Images Women report higher stress levels than men on average, according to the American Psychological Association, so it's no surprise that COVID-19 has heightened those worries. The University of Houston recently surveyed 1,063 Houston-area residents in a new study, as reported by the Houston Chronicle's Julian Gill, and found that nearly 34 percent of women felt anxious almost every day, or more than half of each week, compared to 25 percent of men. A few hundred demonstrators marched through central Athens Tuesday, as NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg held meetings with Greek officials. Holding banners with such messages as "NATO killers go home", the demonstrators marched past parliament before ending their protest peacefully. Stoltenberg was in Athens on a one-day visit. He met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The two discussed recent tensions in the eastern Mediterranean in which Greece and Turkey dispute maritime boundaries. Stoltenberg was visiting Athens a day after he held meetings in Ankara with Turkish government officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. He voiced hope that the two sides would be able to hold diplomatic negotiations to settle their differences - a hope he reiterated in Athens on Tuesday. Jaipur: A local court in Alwar on Tuesday (October 6, 2020) ordered rigorous life imprisonment to to four of the five men involved in 2019 gang-rape case in the district. To the fifth convict who circulated the video of the crime on social media was awarded five years imprisonment under the IT Act. The rigorous life imprisonment was awarded to Hansraj Gurjar, Ashok Gujar, Chhotelal Gurjar and Indraj Gurjar. Out of the four, Hansraj Gurjar will serve the sentence till the time of his death as he had repeated the offense, as reported by PTI. Live TV The court also imposed fine on the convicts under various sections and the amount will be given to the victim. The verdict in the gang-rape case was pronounced by a special court for hearing cases under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. On May 18, 2019, the Rajasthan Police filed a charge sheet against all accused in the Alwar gang-rape case at a local court. The case pertains to the incident where a Dalit woman was allegedly gang-raped by five men while her husband was beaten up in Thanagaji area on April 26. Police had filed the charge sheet against the accused-- 16 days after the FIR. As per the FIR, four men and a juvenile raped the woman while another man filmed the entire incident. They were then asking for Rs 10,000 from the woman for not putting the video on social media. Former royal Tessy Antony de Nassau has given a nod to her previous princess title as she unveiled her new fashion brand Human Highness for 'warrior women' at Luxembourg Fashion Week. The ex-royal, 34, who lives in London and spent much of lockdown with her two sons Prince Gabriel of Nassau, 14, and Prince Noah of Nassau, 12, launched her label at the Fashion Week on Monday. She posted photographs as she prepared models and strutted along the catwalk on Instagram, saying the collection had been taken 'years of preparation'. Sharing snaps of her label online, Tessy commented: 'That is a wrap for today...Beautiful show, warrior women, years of preparation. Stay tuned for the shop.' Former royal Tessy Antony de Nassau, 34, who lives in London, has unveiled her new fashion brand Human Highness for 'warrior women' at Luxembourg Fashion Week In snaps taken in rehearsals ahead of the show, the former royal could be seen wearing a mask as directed models into position The mother-of-two went on to share several pictures of her show online as she adjusted clothing on the models, revealing she has been working on the line for years In photographs taken ahead of the fashion show, Tessy could be seen fixing model's clothing and directing the group on where to stand. The former royal appeared in high spirits as she corrected collars and buttoned coats up ahead of the show. In another post, Tessy wrote: 'A super long and exciting first day at Luxembourg Fashion Week came to an end.' She continued: 'Milli and I are grateful for all the love and support towards our first collection and dream...Human Highness is all about empowerment, more collaboration, more love towards one another, more happiness in a chaotic world. The mother-of-two could be seen fixing model's clothing and directing the group on where to stand Tessy posed for snaps alongside her models as she thanked her Instagram followers for their 'beautiful messages of support' 'Thank you all for your beautiful messages of support!' Born a commoner, Tessy joined the Luxembourg Army in 2002 at the age of 18, rising to the rank of corporal. Two years later, when she was one of a handful of female UN peacekeepers in Kosovo, she met Prince Louis, who was visiting the army. His family only became aware of their love affair when Tessy fell pregnant and gave birth aged 19, and unmarried, in September 2005, providing Grand Duke Henri with his first grandson. The royal, who said she has been working on the line for years, said the focus of the collection would be 'empowerment' It infuriated the royal family, and Prince Louis renounced any claim to the title of Grand Duke due to the constitutional crisis they had created by having a child out of wedlock. When Tessy married Prince Louis in September 2006, six months after giving birth in a modest country church wedding, the Grand Duke stripped her of any claim to his title. The couple's fairytale marriage broke down in 2016, and they were granted a decree nisi in February last year. The mother-of-two stepped out onto the runway at the end of her fashion show as the audience applauded her collection Tessy, who in 2017 was named Woman of the Decade by the Women Economic Forum for her work in women's empowerment, now lives in London with Gabriel and Noah, while Louis lives in Paris - though she appears to be in isolation somewhere more rural. The philanthropist is the co-founder of social enterprise Professors Without Borders which aims to improve access to higher education across the globe. She also works as a consultant, public speaker and is a UN Association patron. D onald Trump has suggested that he may now be "immune" to Covid-19 after leaving hospital following three days of treatment for the disease. The US leader travelled back to the White House on the presidential helicopter Marine One, after being discharged on Monday evening. Following the short helicopter ride Mr Trump ascended to the Truman Balcony, where he was pictured removing his face covering and giving a thumbs-up and military-style salute. He also recorded a video message, in which he speculated that he may now be immune to the virus. Donald Trump walks out of hospital after receiving treatment for Covid-19 / AP "You're going to beat it [coronavirus]," he in an address to the American people. "We have the best medical equipment, we have the best medicines, all developed recently." He added: "We're going to be out front. As your leader, I had to do that. I knew there's danger to it, but I had to do it. I stood out front, and led." Donald Trump stands on the Truman Balcony after returning to the White House from hospital / Getty Images The president also speculated: "Now I'm better, maybe I'm immune, I don't know". Earlier, Mr Trump pumped his fist as he walked out of Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre towards a waiting SUV. He is expected to continue his recovery at the White House, where he will be cared for around-the-clock by a team of doctors and nurses. Mr Trump boards Marine One to return to the White House after receiving treatment for coronavirus / AP The US presidential election is just four weeks away and the president's diagnosis threatened to throw the campaign into chaos. Even before he walked out of the doors of the hospital, he tweeted that he would be back on the campaign trail soon. The president said that despite his illness the nation should not be afraid of the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans. "Feeling really good!" Mr Trump tweeted. "Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life." Questions remain over the seriousness of the president's illness after a weekend of conflicting statements, and over when he contracted the virus. His discharge also raises new questions about how the administration will protect other officials. Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany announced she had tested positive for the virus on Monday morning and was entering quarantine. The president arrives at the White House on board Marine One following his discharge from hospital / REUTERS Mr Trump's doctor, Navy Commander Sean Conley, said the president would not be fully out of the woods for another week, but added that he had "met or exceeded all standard hospital discharge criteria". Dr Conley said the president could resume his normal schedule once "there is no evidence of live virus still present". Trump: Don't be afraid of Covid According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19 should isolate for at least 10 days. Dr Conley repeatedly declined to share results of medical scans of Mr Trump's lungs, saying he was not at liberty to discuss the information because the president did not waive doctor-patient confidentiality on the subject. Covid-19 has been known to cause significant damage to the lungs of some patients. The physician also declined to share the date of Mr Trump's most recent negative test for the virus - a critical point for contact tracing and understanding where he was in the course of the disease. Mr Trump's nonchalant message about not fearing the virus comes as his own administration has encouraged Americans to be careful and take precautions to avoid contracting and spreading the disease as cases continue to spike across the country. For more than eight months, his efforts to play down the threat of the virus in hopes of propping up the economy ahead of the election have drawn bipartisan criticism. Loading.... Only a day earlier, he suggested he had finally grasped the true nature of the virus, saying in a video: "I get it." RENO, Nev., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hello Real Estate Center has opened a landmark and innovative new office Reno, Nevada. The brainchild of popular Reno-area real estate broker Jay-Dee Brehm, Hello Real Estate Center is a 5,000 square foot office at 8060 Double R Boulevard, Suite 400. The space will serve as the company's main business center training and events facility. The building hosts two private offices, multiple work and lounge spaces, a 1,000 square foot indoor patio courtyard, showroom and staff kitchens, and open areas for drop-in workspaces and guests. Brehm, a recognizable force in Reno's unique housing market, is well known for her personable presence, negotiating abilities and successful business transactions. Hello Real Estate Center is built on the belief that buyers want good design, high quality, customization and exceptional customer service. The company plans to host a variety of lifestyle events and serve as a resource for a growing number of home-seekers around the world. "The real estate industry has really been changing over the last decade, and Hello Real Estate Center is leading the way by sharing the art of fine living with our clients" Brehm said. "Hello Real Estate Center is not just in the business of selling homes; we are in the business of truly facilitating a lifestyle. It's crucial to understand what's new in terms of luxury, lifestyle, restaurants, travel, food, and well-being. All of these elements make up how we live in our home today." Over the past 12 years, Jay-Dee Brehm has sold more than $100 million worth of real estate in Nevada for her clients, helping nearly 500 families with their real estate goals. She has served the community's needs in residential, luxury, commercial, hospitality and new construction investments. For more information about Hello Real Estate Center or Jay-Dee Brehm call 775-622-6688 or visit WelcomeToHello.com. HREC representatives are available for interviews and guest posting. Media contact: Jan Scarborough 702-253-0967 [email protected] SOURCE Hello Real Estate Center A business tycoon has brought his rags-to-riches career full circle by buying the bank which denied him a loan two decades ago for being too inexperienced. Adam Deering, 39, was 'penniless' when refused a 10,000 sum by the sceptical manager of his local RBS branch in Urmston, Greater Manchester, in 2002. But toiling from the floor of a small office - he could not afford a desk and chairs - the determined entrepreneur grew his debt management company from scratch and in 2014 sold it for 5million. Now heading up five multi-million companies, he has made the ultimate statement by purchasing the bank's building for 450,000. Recalling feeling crushed after being denied the loan, Mr Deering said: 'I quit my job as a salesman aged 21 because I knew I had it in me to create a successful business, but I didn't have a penny to my name so I needed a bank loan. 'I presented them with a comprehensive business plan and asked for 10,000 but the bank manager didn't seem to take me seriously at all. Adam Deering, 39, has crystallized his rags-to-riches success story by buying the Urmston branch RBS bank which denied him a loan two decades ago for being too inexperienced He was 'penniless' when refused a 10,000 sum by the sceptical manager of his local RBS branch in Urmston, Greater Manchester, in 2002 (pictured around the time) 'I'd put my heart and soul into the business plan and I remember having my fingers crossed under the table as I nervously waited for the manager to go through it. 'I was devastated when she told me I was too young and inexperienced and there was no way they could take a risk on me. 'Without the money I spent four months cold calling people from the floor of a small office because I couldn't even afford a desk and a chair. 'Those early months were so difficult, not knowing if I was going to be able to make it work and not knowing if I'd be able to pay my bills. 'There were lots of times where I thought it was the end, but I refused to give up and it paid off.' Mr Deering spent the last scrapings of his sales salary on renting a small office in Stretford. His hard work and determination paid off and he watched the business flourish over the next decade, before cashing in six years ago. Aged 16, Mr Deering was expelled from his all-boys school for vandalising a car. He enlisted in the RAF, but soon started drinking too much and dropped out Adam Deering, pictured right, aged 19 in an early job as a doorman before he started his entrepreneurial career Drawing on his own experiences, Mr Deering inspires others as a motivational speaker. He was an unruly teenager, and aged 14 he was expelled from his all-boys school for vandalising a car. He enlisted in the RAF, but soon started drinking too much and dropped out - finding himself back in Urmston and in a constant cycle of getting fired from jobs. He was finally put on the straight and narrow by a Good Samaritan neighbour, Chris, who helped flesh out his CV and motivated him to apply for jobs. Mr Deering secured a role in a debt management company, before quitting to launch his own venture. His current portfolio includes debt management firm Hanover Insolvency and funeral company Pride Planning. Mr Deering also tries to inspire others as a motivational speaker, as well as holding a property portfolio worth millions of pounds. He will now oversee a 500,000 renovation of the former bank to convert it into eight apartments and a retail unit. The businessman said: 'Building a business from scratch certainly isn't easy and there are always times when you wonder if it is going to work out. 'The key is to stay true to your vision and keep going, there will always be hurdles to overcome. 'When I was turned down for the loan, it was tough but because I had a dream and I was so focussed on achieving it, I made it happen anyway. Mr Deering said: 'To me, buying the bank building brings things back full circle and it shows that I was right to keep believing in myself.' PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Union will lead a live virtual event - the company's first - on Oct. 15 that aims to capture the impact of COVID-19 on people with chronic health conditions and glean insights into how biopharma companies can address changing needs (registration here ). Titled "The COVID-19 Effect: How Pharma Can Adapt to the Evolving Patient Experience," the free event will feature real-time conversations with patient advocates from across Health Union's chronic condition-specific online health communities. Each of the five conversations will focus on how the patient advocates are navigating health-related topics that have taken center stage throughout the coronavirus pandemic, such as telehealth, social distancing and isolation. These personal conversations between patient advocates and a Health Union team member will be partnered with the company's patient-reported survey data to give attendees an understanding of how these topics will continue to shape the health landscape. Each of these sessions will include advice and "food for thought" on how pharma companies can better address patients' unmet needs related to these topics. Each conversation will be followed by a brief question-and-answer session; attendees can submit questions within the chat function following the session. The schedule for the virtual event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET, is as follows: 10 a.m. ET - MS & Social Distancing: Devin's Resilience - MS & Social Distancing: Devin's Resilience 11 a.m. ET - Psoriasis Used to Isolate Reena, Now It Connects Her - Psoriasis Used to Isolate Reena, Now It Connects Her Noon ET - Telehealth Perspectives: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - Telehealth Perspectives: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly 1 p.m. ET - Healthcare + Self-Care: Kerrie's Migraine Journey Healthcare + Self-Care: Kerrie's Migraine Journey 2 p.m. ET - Listen & Learn from People with Lung Cancer, Like Lisa "The coronavirus pandemic has impacted everybody in some shape or form, but people living with chronic health conditions have been affected in unique ways that might not be obvious to many," said Tim Armand, co-founder and president of Health Union. "By illuminating these stories during this virtual event - via conversations with our amazing, thoughtful patient advocates - Health Union hopes to inform people who can make a true impact, such as biopharma companies, how they can make a difference." Interested participants can attend any or all of the sessions throughout the one-day event, and can access the event homepage via web browser or the Cadence app. Register, for free, at eventcadence.com/e/health-union-COVID-effect . More Information About the Sessions "MS & Social Distancing: Devin's Resilience" (10-10:30 a.m. ET) will dive into the ups and downs of MultipleSclerosis.net patient advocate Devin Garlit's 20-year journey with multiple sclerosis, including what's changed or stayed the same throughout the pandemic. The conversation will be led by Health Union's Emily Downward, senior director, consumer strategy and storytelling, and Courtney Robertson, executive research director. During "Psoriasis Used to Isolate Reena, Now it Connects Her" (11-11:30 a.m. ET), PlaquePsoriasis.com patient advocate Reena Ruparelia will discuss her unique experience living with psoriasis, focusing on her relationship with healthcare professionals (HCP) and the positive impact of online connections. The session will be led by Health Union's Lauren Lawhon, chief operating officer, and Katie MacTurk, senior research director. "Telehealth Perspectives: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (noon-12:45 p.m. ET) will feature a roundtable on telehealth experiences, focusing on challenges, opportunities and impact on the HCP-patient relationship. Participants will include ParkinsonsDisease.net advocates Angela Robb and Karl Robb and InflammatoryBowelDisease.net advocate Amanda Osowski . Health Union's Rebecca Braglio, executive director for community development, will lead the conversation. Migraine.com patient advocate Kerrie Smyres will share what she wishes she knew at the start of her migraine journey, detail her shift to self-care and experiences with telehealth during "Healthcare + Self-Care: Kerrie's Migraine Journey" (1-1:30 p.m. ET). The session will be led by Downward and Robertson. During "Listen & Learn From People with Lung Cancer, Like Lisa" (2-2:30 p.m. ET), LungCancer.net advocate Lisa Moran will discuss her personal experience living with late-stage lung cancer, focusing on changing treatment during the pandemic and how she copes with isolation and tips for pharma. The conversation will be led by Lawhon and MacTurk. 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 Related Links https://health-union.com Authorities on Monday identified a second Revere man in his 20s who was killed in a crash last week in Norwood. Adam J. Rodriguez was one of two men who died after leading law enforcement on a chase on Interstate 95 early Saturday morning and crashing their car, Massachusetts State Police said. The other Revere man killed in the crash was identified over the weekend as 22-year-old Wildan Tmusic. He was driving the car at the time of the crash, while Rodriguez was riding passenger, according to state police. Both men were in a 2020 Toyota RAV4 shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Saturday when a trooper tried to stop them for speeding on I-95 northbound in Sharon, authorities said. The car refused to stop and drove away from state police at an extremely high rate of speed, officials noted. The trooper chased after the fleeing vehicle, and moments later, the Toyota crashed near Exit 11 in Norwood. The trooper immediately requested medical help from EMS and the Norwood Fire Department for the two suspects, according to state police. Officers performed emergency aid on both both men. Tmusic was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival, authorities said. Rodriguez was taken to Boston Medical Center with life-threatening injuries and later died, according to officials. No other cars were involved in the crash, state police said. The university has not named the professor whom it said was being investigated But The Daily Beast reports Craig Chapman used the account to make racist and sexist comments and attack users who supported racial justice 'We are deeply troubled by what we've learned so far,' the university said Several people who have reviewed the account said it routinely posted racist, sexist and transphobic comments and images over the past year The person behind the account also detailed how they had fought efforts to speak out on racial injustice following the death of George Floyd They also routinely brought up their fake background to criticize users who were pushing for greater diversity in STEM fields The Daily Beast names Craig Chapman, pictured, as the white, male University of New Hampshire chemistry professor accused of posing as an immigrant woman of color on Twitter A white, male University of New Hampshire chemistry professor has been accused of posing as an immigrant woman of color on Twitter. ADVERTISEMENT Craig Chapman used the account to make racist and sexist comments and attack users who supported racial justice and other progressive causes, The Daily Beast reports. Several people who have reviewed The Science Femme, who tweeted from the handle @piney_the, before it was taken down last week said it routinely posted racist, sexist and transphobic comments and images over the past year. It claimed in a viral thread reported by conservative publication RedState to have been 'successful in killing my dept's woke statement on recent social unrest'. The June 30 post called it 'a toxic ideology that cannot be given an inch'. The account, which had 13,000 followers, also used explicit anatomical terms to describe a female opponent and blamed another for the suicide of a North Carolina professor, who had recently retired after a backlash over comments he made on social media. It also claimed to have removed 'all woke terminology from the statement including anti-racism, white supremacy, white privilege, and claims of systemic racism.' They added: 'Being on these committees is the best way to steer larger policy further down the line You have to endure all manner of nonsense, but do it.' When The Science Femme was accused of racism, the account holder, believed to be Chapman, replied: 'You know I'm a woman of color, right? Racist.' In other posts the account holder also said they were 'an immigrant woman of color who grew up in poverty, sleeping on a dirt floor'. Chapman is accused of repeatedly saying he was a 'WOC,' woman of color, and a 'POC,' person of color. ADVERTISEMENT @piney_the also shared a meme of Elizabeth Warren after she claimed Native American ancestry. It had the caption: 'Growing up Chinese in South Detroit I struggled as an African American Jewish Boy.' Details about the account holder's brother owning a brewery and matching pictures posted to Chapman's public account are said to have linked the two. Several people who have reviewed the account before it was taken down last week said it routinely posted racist, sexist and transphobic comments and images over the past year When The Science Femme was accused of racism, the account holder, believed to be Chapman, replied: 'You know I'm a woman of color, right? Racist' In other posts the account holder also said they were 'an immigrant woman of color who grew up in poverty, sleeping on a dirt floor' Chapman is accused of repeatedly saying he was a 'WOC,' woman of color, and a 'POC,' person of color Several people who have reviewed The Science Femme, who tweeted from the handle @piney_the, before it was taken down last week said it routinely posted racist, sexist and transphobic comments and images over the past year Susanna Harris, a microbiology Ph.D. holder, told The Daily Beast: 'They put out this huge long thread about how they, as a woman of color in science, a professor, made a big change in their university by shutting down diversity, equity, and inclusion work.' Toby Santamaria, a graduate student studying plant biology at Michigan State who identifies with the gender-neutral term Latinx, was attacked online by followers of the Twitter account. 'I'm disgusted but not really surprised,' Santamaria said. Click here to resize this module The person behind the account also detailed how they had fought efforts from their unnamed department to speak out on racial injustice following the death of George Floyd. They also routinely brought up their fake background to criticize users who were pushing for greater diversity in science, mathematics, engineering and technology or STEM fields. 'It just wanted to silent dissent,' said Santamaria, recalling how the user would often suggest trans people did not exist and that sexism and racism in STEM was not an issue. 'Every time people would criticize the account and say that we do know racism exists in STEM and we do know sexism is a problem, it would say I am a woman of color so there, its not an issue.' The person behind the account also detailed how they had fought efforts from their unnamed department to speak out on racial injustice following the death of George Floyd They also routinely brought up their fake background to criticize users who were pushing for greater diversity in science, mathematics, engineering and technology or STEM fields The university has not named the professor whom it said was being investigated. A spokesperson said that the person 'is on leave and not in the classroom' In an email to the department Miller acknowledged the professor had set up a fake Twitter account and posted tweets that ranged from 'unfortunate to hurtful to deeply offensive' Harris, who runs a company that supports graduate students and clashed with the person behind the account, agreed the goal of posting as a person of color was to discredit diversity efforts. ADVERTISEMENT 'It gives validity to the thoughts of people, in my opinion, that are pushing this racist narrative that these efforts aren't needed,' she said. More troubling, Santamaria and Harris said, was the account user's habit of attacking mostly women of color who disagreed with him and encouraging his followers to do the same. Both women came under attack after calling for the account to be ignored or coming to the defense of those who had been attacked. The person behind the account used this image as their profile picture The account accused Harris of trying to prevent debate because she was white. In the days that followed, the person also blamed Harris for the suicide of a North Carolina professor, who had recently retired after a backlash over comments he made on social media. 'It was scary,' Harris said of the exchange. 'Sometimes, the internet crosses into real life. A lot of work I do is through social media and science communication. 'Defaming my character online affects my ability to do those things but also there is the very real threat that people could find my personal location.' The university has not named the professor whom it said was being investigated. A spokesperson said that the person 'is on leave and not in the classroom.' 'We are deeply troubled by what we've learned so far and immediately launched an investigation,' University spokeswoman Erika Mantz said. The chair of the university's Chemistry Department, Glen Miller, refused to discuss the case. But in an email to the department that was shared with The Associated Press by a department source who did not want to be identified for fear of retaliation, Miller acknowledged the professor had set up a fake Twitter account and posted tweets that ranged from 'unfortunate to hurtful to deeply offensive.' The email is said to have named Chapman as the academic being investigated. It read: 'Everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course, but when those opinions are dismissive or hurtful or harmful to others, it is not ok with me.' It described Craig as 'embarrassed and overwhelmed and shell shocked'. The case comes at a sensitive time for the university. It has been working for several years to address racism on campus and diversify the student body. Last week, it held a virtual town hall on racism, diversity, equity and inclusion The case comes at a sensitive time for the university. It has been working for several years to address racism on campus and diversify the student body. Last week, it held a virtual town hall on racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. For that reason, many familiar with the case argue the university has to take a tough line against the professor. Some have called for him to be removed while others argued he should be put on extended leave and be required to take extensive racial sensitivity training. Miller, in his email, said that he was 'deeply offended' by the professor's 'words and tactics, but I am not giving up on' him. 'I wish to give him an opportunity to repair the damage and move forward, difficult as that may be,' he added. Jessica Krug, 38, a white professor of African American studies confessed in a Medium post last month that she had been faking being black for years. The professor at George Washington University admitted she had deceived colleagues and students for years. Krug grew up as a white Jewish child in Kansas City but assumed a series of different black identities throughout her career, she confessed in a Medium blog post on September 3. She resigned from her role at the university last week following a backlash over the deception. ADVERTISEMENT One of the most notorious examples of race faking was Rachel Dolezal, a former NAACP leader from Washington state who was exposed as a white woman pretending to be black in 2015. "Our new, industrial water treatment plant reduces the load on the town treatment works, while also supporting future growth at our Jaffrey facility," said Chris Ross, interim CEO, MilliporeSigma. "This investment reflects MilliporeSigma's commitment to environmental sustainability, to the town of Jaffrey and to the surrounding communities in New Hampshire." MilliporeSigma in Jaffrey produces technologies and tools for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and supplies products that are used in the research and development of vaccines for Covid-19. Water from the company's onsite treatment plant feeds into the town's wastewater facility, where it receives final treatment. MilliporeSigma's pre-treated water measures well below Industrial Discharge Permit limits, thereby assisting the town in its discharge compliance. The company is evaluating the possibility of re-using the treated process water in its Jaffrey production operations, which would be a first in New Hampshire. The advances incorporated into the new system are the latest in a long list of improvements the company has made at its 480 Turnpike Rd. facility. MilliporeSigma has completed some 30 energy-saving projects since 2012, including compressor and motor upgrades, high-efficiency HVAC units, lighting controls and window replacements. Additionally, MilliporeSigma's Jaffrey plant recycles plastic and corrugated packaging, recovers and re-uses solvents and uses double-sided printing and compostable cutlery in all, achieving a recycle rate of 40 percent. The facility also boasts an impressive water re-use program. Water entering the facility is used two to three times before being sent to the onsite water treatment plant. In 2019, the Jaffrey site avoided consuming nearly 44 million gallons of fresh water from the local river basin. MilliporeSigma is committed to sustainability and to reducing environmental impact. In 2015, its $10 million biomass central heating plant came online, offsetting 400,000 gallons of oil per year using renewable feedstock eliminating the need for fossil fuels. Additionally, MilliporeSigma in Jaffrey has been recognized as a leader in environmental stewardship and as a champion for energy efficiency by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships. MilliporeSigma is Jaffrey's largest employer with approximately 1,000 employees. The company is recruiting candidates for 95 jobs in Jaffrey (60 permanent and 35 contract positions) and plans to add at least 100 more jobs in the town over the next several years to support anticipated future growth. Follow MilliporeSigma on Twitter @MilliporeSigma, on Facebook @MilliporeSigma and on LinkedIn. All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service. About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has some 22,000 employees and 59 manufacturing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany completed its $17 billion acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich in November 2015, creating a leader in the $125 billion global life science industry. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 57,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene-editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices the company is everywhere. In 2019, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany generated sales of 16.2 billion in 66 countries. The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials. Since its founding 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. For more information about Merck, KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, visit www.emdgroup.com. SOURCE MilliporeSigma As new COVID-19 cases have continued to surge in Ontario, so has the provinces backlog in testing a problem experts say is hindering our ability to assess the true spread of the virus. As of Monday, Ontarios testing backlog sat at about 68,000, down from more than 90,000 a few days ago. The province says it is aiming to be able to process 50,000 tests per day within the next few weeks. A backlog in the testing lab has the knock-on effect of delaying other virus indicators downstream: numbers become unreliable, people cant get their tests in a timely way and effective contact tracing cant be done, said Dr. Sumontra Chakrabarti, an infectious disease expert with Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga. You now no longer have a good sense of what is happening on the ground with COVID transmission, he said. When you cant see whats happening on the ground, you can no longer do precision interventions to keep small outbreaks in check, and you risk things getting out of control and having to do blanket closures of public places, like restaurants and gyms, again. Speaking to reporters Monday, Premier Doug Ford urged people to be considerate if they think they need a test but dont show any symptoms. If youre out there and youre concerned, get tested. But we always emphasize if you dont show any symptoms at all, please, dont get tested, he said. Let the people that are showing symptoms get in front of you. Let the emergency service folks get in front of you, the long-term care, the front-line health-care workers. But its not like testing surges werent predictable, Chakarabarti said, noting that todays backlog can be traced back to the summer when everyone who wanted a COVID-19 test was encouraged to go to an assessment centre and get one. Many of us in this field knew this was not a good idea. Many people were using this, for example, prior to going to a cottage to clear themselves. The test was not designed to answer this question, he said. Also, we anticipated that once the school surge started, we would rapidly overwhelm the centres, and then the lab. Ontarios testing backlog is just one indicator we look at in this weekly stock-taking of how our battle with COVID-19 is faring, which features analysis from three infectious disease experts. What are the implications of a testing backlog? There is a danger that comes with delayed test results, and that is individuals awaiting results may not fully isolate themselves, said Todd Coleman, an epidemiologist at Wilfrid Laurier University. The uncertainty around not having a timely test result could mean that some people could potentially take the attitude that no news is good news, he said. Weve seen examples of that happening and that could potentially lead to further spread, Coleman said. The false sense of security, in my opinion, stems more from the messaging thats been perpetuated about COVID-19, especially when it comes to individuals who end up with severe, mild, or asymptomatic manifestations. Asymptomatic spread is a real opportunity, and the long-term outcomes of COVID-19 are still not fully known. Testing delays are harming us a lot, said Colin Furness, an infection control epidemiologist and assistant professor at U of Ts faculty of information, echoing Colemans concerns that much of COVID transmission can occur because people are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. So a delay of a day is brutal. A delay of a few days is even worse, Furness said. Some people, if they think theyve been exposed, will go ahead and isolate themselves completely, but a lot of people wont. And so thats serious. Ontario and Quebec compared Together, Canadas two most populous provinces account for about 80 per cent of Canadas 168,024 COVID-19 cases to date. On Monday, Ontario reported 615 new infections marking the eighth straight day the province has recorded more than 500 new cases, while Quebec reported a record-high 1,191 new cases in the past 24 hours. To date, Ontario has recorded 58,814 cases since the start of the pandemic, while Quebec has recorded 79,650 cases. In Ontario, there are a number of factors driving the increase in cases, depending on where you live, said Chakrabarti, noting that while transmissions have been related to indoor dining and bars, those are not the main drivers. Rather, he said indoor gatherings in private dwellings, such as parties, weddings, card games, people getting together to watch sports, and even in-home religious services. The point is, its people gathering in groups indoors for a prolonged period of time, he said. I want to dispel the myth that its just parties. Next, Chakrabarti said many cases are travel-related that occur when people have found themselves trapped abroad only to contract the virus when they are finally able to re-enter Canada. There have also been cases of people contracting COVID-19 in the U.S. while travelling there for work and play, he added. Another source of infections is workplaces, particularly crowded settings like factories and restaurants. In these cases, he said, workers can bring the infection home, often to large households of as many as eight people. This household amplification was happening all over the GTA, including my own region of Peel, he said. What parts of the province are leading in cases? Locally, as of Monday, there were 289 new COVID-19 cases in Toronto, 88 in Peel and 81 in Ottawa. Fifty-eight per cent of the cases are in people under the age of 40. Toronto, Ottawa, Peel and York continue to lead the province in daily new cases. Why are more people getting infected? From a simple biological standpoint, theyre getting exposed to the virus more. Why are they getting exposed to the virus more? Theyre coming into contact with more people, said Coleman. You dont get this in isolation from sitting in your house. There are two scenarios that could play out in Ontario, said Furness. In one, the virus continues to spread through the provinces young people, but does not penetrate into other demographics, he said. In that case, while young adults continue to get sick, were going to see lower hospitalizations and lower deaths, he said, though the number of positive cases will look alarming. In a more likely and dire situation, COVID manages to leak away from the 20-something population to the other groups. And so then what we will see is a lot of outbreaks in long-term-care homes. Were going to see grandparents getting sick, people who live with the 20-somethings getting sick, Furness said. And then finally its going to make its way into families with young kids, and then itll make its way into schools. Women are leading in nationwide cases Across Canada, across all age brackets (Under 19, 20-29, 30-39, etc.), more women have tested positive for COVID-19 than men, with the exception of the 60-69 bracket. Both Coleman and Furness agreed that occupational risk could be an explanation as to why women become infected. Caring professionals such as nurses, teachers and personal support workers tend to be careers held by more women. In terms of health care if were talking about nurses in hospitals, we know that a significant chunk of the cases are actually people who are working in health care, Coleman explained. Since women tend to pay close attention to their health, theyre also more likely to get tested if theyre feeling ill, Furness said. Women are far more likely to get tested. Therefore, were detecting cases among women, he said, adding that women can have more positive health behaviours, along with better health outcomes than men. Kenyon Wallace is a Toronto-based investigative reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @KenyonWallace or reach him via email: kwallace@thestar.ca Jenna Moon is a breaking news reporter for the Star and is based in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @_jennamoon Read more about: President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen says he is working to free a whistleblower imprisoned by the White House for leaking classified documents on Russian efforts to hack the US election. Former National Security Agency contractor Reality Winner, 28, was sentenced to five years in prison in 2018 for supplying documents detailing the hack on US election infrastructure to a news website. Cohen, who the same year pleaded guilty to lying about Trump's business dealings in Russia, told Business Insider he is meeting with an attorney this week to take a 'deep dive' into Winner's case in the hopes of securing her compassionate release. He added that he felt undertaking Winner's case was in part to 'make amends' for his previous life as the president's attorney. Scroll down for video Michael Cohen, the former lawyer for US President Donald Trump, has said he is working to secure compassionate release for a whistleblower imprisoned by the White House for leaking classified documents on Russian efforts to hack the US election to a news website Reality Winner, 28, was sentenced to five years and three months in 2018 after leaking the documents detailing the hack on US election infrastructure to The Intercept. She has been repeatedly been denied compassionate release despite a coronavirus outbreak in her prison 'I would like to pay it forward and see if I can help another innocent person who's been railroaded by the system,' Cohen told Business Insider. 'It's only a small part of my need to make amends. 'I know what it's like for a family to be torn apart and the sadness it brings,' he added. 'If I can help to alleviate that, I'd feel slightly better about myself.' Cohen has also spoken to Winner's mother Billie Winner-Davis, who has been outspoken in her defense of her daughter and argued that she is 'a loving, caring, compassionate person'. 'We had this amazing conversation,' Winner-Davis told Business Insider. 'He talked with me about different ways that he could maybe help my daughter you know, to get a good attorney involved with her team to try to get compassionate release for her. 'This is a good guy who got wrapped up into a bad world,' she added of Cohen. Winner pleaded guilty in 2018 to a single count of transmitting national security information for printing out a classified report at a NSA office in Augusta, Georgia, where she worked as a contractor and tucking it into her pantyhose. The document, a description of Russian attempts to hack into US voting software, was leaked to The Intercept. She was charged under the US Espionage Act and received the longest sentence ever handed out to a whistleblower. Winner (pictured right with her mother Billie Winnerr-Davis) in 2018 pleaded guilty to a single count of transmitting national security information for printing out a classified report at a NSA office in Augusta, Georgia, where she worked as a contractor and tucking it into her pantyhose Federal Medical Center-Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas, where Winner is serving her sentence. She was among more than 500 inmates to contract coronavirus in the prison in July Winner, an Air Force veteran, was employed by NSA contractor Pluribus International Corporation in Georgia when she took the classified material. Prior to her conviction, Winner referred to Trump as an 'orange fascist' in a tweet, and wrote in a diary 'I want to burn the White House down', according to prosecutors. She also expressed admiration for the Taliban in the diary, prosecutors said. Her mother told CNN last year that her daughter was painted as an 'evil person, who hates her country', as she lamented the lack of activist support for Winner. 'They don't want the world to be exposed to the real Reality Winner,' the mother told the cable news station in defense of her daughter. Reality Leigh Winner, 28, is hoping Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen can now secure her compassionate release Winner-Davis also expressed resentment earlier this year when Winner was denied compassionate release due to the coronavirus pandemic. She was among more than 500 inmates at the Federal Medical Center-Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas, who tested positive for coronavirus in July. Cohen was among those freed from prison as a result the national outbreak and was to serve the rest of his sentence in home confinement. He was returned to custody in July when he refused to sign an agreement not to publish a tell-all book on Trump but was freed again two weeks later. 'As each chapter of this unfolds, I see just how corrupt our system really is, and I see just how powerless the average American is,' Winner-Davis said of the refusal to release her daughter when those who worked for Trump like Cohen could walk free. She says that Winner is now feeling better but is tired of the prison's 'torturous' lockdown and hopes Cohen can secure her compassionate release. Although due to be free on November 23, 2021, Winner believes her asthma and eating disorder make her more susceptible to being infected with COVID-19. Winner has also cited 'depression' as a reason to leave. Reality Winner, pictured, has cited her asthma and eating disorder, as well as depression, as the reasons why she should be let out of prison early on compassionate release Winner, pictured, was charged under the US Espionage Act in 2018 Winner's mother, Billie Winner-Davis, pictured, has said that her daughter is a 'a loving, caring, compassionate person' but has been painted as an 'evil person, who hates her country' US Attorney Bobby L. Christine acknowledged in a statement in 2019 that Winner's sentence was the longest received by a defendant for an unauthorized disclosure of national defense information to the media, saying the sentence was merited by the crime. 'She knowingly and intentionally betrayed the trust of her colleagues and her country,' Christine said. 'This was not a victimless crime,' he added. 'The document Winner compromised did, in fact, contain TOP SECRET information about the sources and methods used to acquire the intelligence described in the report. 'That means it revealed how U.S. Intelligence Agencies obtained information,' Christine said, adding that the leak impaired the ability of the U.S. to gather similar information in the future. Cohen, who once said he would 'take a bullet' for Trump, was sentenced to three years in prison in 2018 for directing hush payments to pornographic film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claimed they had affairs with Trump. Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen stands behind the president in September 2016. Cohen has since called Trump 'a cheat, a liar, a fraud, a bully, a racist, a predator, a con man' in his tell-all memoir published earlier this year Copies of Michael Cohen's book 'Disloyal, a Memoir: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump' in which accused Trump of racism and sexism Trump has denied having the encounters. Since his release, Cohen has published his memoir 'Disloyal: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump', in which he details his time working for the president. The book includes a number of salacious anecdotes, casting Trump as racist, sexist and pro-Russian. Cohen wrote that he was 'one of Trump's bad guys,' while calling Trump 'a cheat, a liar, a fraud, a bully, a racist, a predator, a con man'. He wrote that during the 2016 campaign, Trump allegedly said that minorities were 'not my people' and that the president also supposedly claimed he would 'never get the Hispanic vote,' because, 'Like the blacks, they're too stupid to vote for Trump.' The White House has called the memoir 'sad' and 'fan fiction'. Ten companies have launched their IPOs since July and many more are in the pipeline. September has been particularly busy with eight companies opening their public issues during the month. Happiest Minds Technologies, Route Mobile, Chemcon Speciality Chemicals, Computer Age Management Services, Angel Broking, UTI Asset Management Company, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Likhitha Infrastructure launched their initial public offers during September 2020. The last time eight companies hit the Street with IPOs was in March 2018. In March 2018, eight companies - Bharat Dynamics, Bandhan Bank, Hindustan Aeronautics, Sandhar Technologies, Karda Construction, Mishra Dhatu Nigam, ICICI Securities and Lemon Tree Hotels - had come out with initial public offerings. In September 2020, eight companies raised more than Rs 7,100 crore, much less than the Rs 15,711 crore garnered by eight firms in March 2018. "Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) witnessed renewed interest from retail as well as other investors owing to a variety of reasons. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and vicious stock market correction in March 2020, volatility has trended down and attracted many new investors," Gopal Kavalireddi, Head of Research at FYERS told Moneycontrol. Close to 6 million demat accounts were opened in the last 9 months, taking the retail tally to 44.6 million accounts. "During this phase, strong leadership and niche businesses, whose peers continue to enjoy good valuations, decided to take advantage of the prevailing environment and tap into primary markets," Kavalireddi said. In September 2020, there was one government company, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, which launched its IPO, while in March 2018, there were three government companies that raised money via an IPO. But there is one area where September 2020 IPOs overtake March 2018 IPOs. It is the subscription numbers. Majority of IPOs' subscription figures in 2018 were in single digits, barring Bandhan Bank (14.56 times). In September 2020, Happiest Minds Technologies witnessed subscription of 151 times, Chemcon Speciality Chemicals 149.3 times, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders 157.4 times (though it closed on October 1 but opened on September 29), Route Mobile 73.3 times, CAMS 47 times, Likhitha Infrastructure 8.4 times, Angel Broking 3.94 times and UTI AMC 2.3 times. Experts expect the momentum in the primary market to continue, as they feel LIC is also planning to launch its IPO by year-end, which is expected to be the biggest in the history of India. "With the buoyancy in equity markets we have seen a number of companies lining up for IPOs (including some large upcoming IPOs), and we could continue to see more, if market conditions remain favourable. We have also seen some existing large companies going in for equity capital raising to strengthen their balance sheets and provide liquidity buffer to help deal with the COVID pandemic and growth slowdown," Sampath Reddy, Chief Investment Officer at Bajaj Allianz Life told Moneycontrol. The government has also stepped up its PSU strategic disinvestment drive, which had been announced last year to help deal with the sharp fall in revenue collections (as a result of the slowdown), he said. DUBLIN, Oct. 6, 2020 T/PRNewswire/ -- he "United States Alfalfa Hay Market - Growth and Trends, Forecast (2020-2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The US alfalfa hay market is expected to register a CAGR of 8.7% over the forecast period (2020-2025). Increasing Export Opportunities Some of the alfalfa hay producing states in the United States, as of 2017, were California, Idaho, Montana, and Minnesota. These states account for nearly 27% of the alfalfa hay production in the country. China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are the top export destinations of the United States, and China is expected to remain as the key market for the US alfalfa hay exports in the near future. Furthermore, almost half of the country's exports of alfalfa hay is to China. The domestic production of alfalfa hay in Saudi Arabia declined. As the country needs to satisfy the demand for alfalfa hay from the dairy market, it mainly relies on imports. Furthermore, it is expected to remain as one of the key buyers from the US alfalfa hay market. Increasing Demand for Dairy and Meat Products The US livestock sector is projected to increase production over the next decade, an expansion that reflects several factors. The United States and Spain are major exporters of alfalfa hay livestock, globally. The use of alfalfa hay is considered essential, particularly for poultry feed, followed by animal feed, due to its crude protein content. Dependence on alfalfa hay for animal feed may continue to drive the alfalfa hay market, globally, over the forecast period. Annual growth of meat production and milk production in developing countries is expected to drive the market's growth. Alfalfa, which is a good source of nutrition, is the main feed for cattle and poultry. The dairy sector is essentially boosting the demand for alfalfa hay in China. Competitive Landscape The alfalfa hay market is fragmented. In the United States, alfalfa hay supply is concentrated in California, Idaho, Montana, and Minnesota and consumption is concentrated in China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Some of the key players in the market are Al Dahra ACX Global Inc., Alfalfa Monegros SL, Border Valley, Bailey Farms, and Anderson Hay & Grain Inc. Key Topics Covered: 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition 1.2 Scope of the Study 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 MARKET DYNAMICS 4.1 Market Overview 4.2 Market Drivers 4.3 Market Restraints 4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5 MARKET SEGMENTATION 5.1 By Product type 5.1.1 Bales 5.1.2 Pellets 5.1.3 Cubes 5.2 By Application 5.2.1 Meat/Dairy Animal Feed 5.2.2 Poultry Feed 5.2.3 Horse feed 5.2.4 Other Applications 6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 6.1 Most Adopted Strategies 6.2 Market Share Analysis 6.3 Company Profiles 6.3.1 Al Dahra ACX Global Inc. 6.3.2 Alfalfa Monegros SL 6.3.3 Border Valley 6.3.4 Bailey Farms 6.3.5 Anderson Hay & Grain Inc. 6.3.6 Cubeit Hay Company 6.3.7 Aldahra Glenvar Hay 6.3.8 Green Prairie International 6.3.9 Hay USA Inc. 6.3.10 Haykingdom Inc. 7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9tdjvd Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com After a lengthy discussion and several public comments Monday evening, Midland City Council approved a zoning text amendment that will give Midland Planning Commission final approval authority on city site plans. During the Monday night council meeting, which was held virtually, council voted 3-2 in favor of the ordinance change, with Councilmembers Pam Hall and Steve Arnosky voting against it. Prior to this approval, council had final authority on site plans larger than 7,500-square-feet, which required public hearings at both the planning commission and council level. Site plans smaller than 7,500-square-feet have always, and will continue, to be approved by administrative staff. This change, known formally as Zoning Text Amendment No. 161, will only affect site plans. Site plans are supposed to be approved based on an objective set of criteria as defined in the city's code of ordinances. If a site plan, such as for a new dentist office, meets all the citys requirements, it is permitted by right and must be approved. Otherwise, the city could face legal action for denying a site plan based on subjective reasoning. Conditional use permits, such as for drive-thru restaurants, and zoning changes are subjective processes, and those decisions will still come to council for approval, allowing for public input. In addition, notices of the commission's public hearings will still be sent to surrounding property owners, within 300 feet, as defined by the state. The change was directed by council earlier this year and it will help align the City of Midland with best practices as outlined in the Michigan Economic Development Corp.s Redevelopment Ready Communities program. It will make the development process more concise and efficient. Prior to council's decision, the change was vocally opposed by multiple residents. Many of them were concerned that council, which is made of elected officials, would willingly give up their power, subsequently diminishing the idea of democracy and balance of power. They were also concerned about fewer opportunities for their input to be heard and compromises on site plans to be made. Our system works, said resident Nancy Janoch. Residents working with developers equals success. You already have been doing the very best for Midland. The public is a little slow in being able to understand and get that information, resident Stephanie Baiyasi said. I think the council needs to slow the process down for public to be able to catch up, not speed it up. By speeding it up, youre not allowing public input. During councils discussion, Arnosky and Hall also voiced their concerns about less opportunity for the public to participate in site plan reviews. Arnosky wasnt satisfied with the notices, or lack thereof, that residents receive about site plan public hearings. On the flip side of the argument, Councilwoman Diane Brown Wilhelm, who previously served on the planning commission, said she was comfortable with making this change, since subjective reviews, such as conditional use permits and zoning petitions, would still come to council. Mayor Maureen Donker was also in favor of the change. She said the planning commission is made of members, appointed by council and trained, who are picked based on their knowledge of city planning and representative backgrounds. Whereas the council is made of elected officials who might not have as much expertise in the field of planning. In addition, commissioners report to the council and can be removed mid-term if necessary. It is very complicated (process), she said. Thats why I think having a planning commission that makes this decision is very important. The public will still have an opportunity to provide input on site plans that come to the planning commission, which meets twice a month on Tuesday nights. The commission is made of members appointed by council. Residents who are interested in following the planning commissions agendas can do so on the citys website or can sign up for email notifications and/or sign up to receive the citys weekly newsletter. The city also broadcasts and archives all city meetings for residents to watch live or afterwards. Visit https://cityofmidlandmi.gov/emeetings to learn more. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, ministers have had extraordinary powers to bypass Parliament and implement emergency national measures aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus. As cases of infections have surged again in recent weeks resulting in the reintroduction of stringent restrictions that were eased over the summer backbench Conservatives and opposition MPs have grown increasingly frustrated at the last-minute, unilateral introduction of nationwide rules. Channeling MPs' anger at the government's approach in an extraordinary intervention last week, the Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle accused Boris Johnsons administration of treating Parliament with contempt for pushing through sweeping restrictions in a totally unsatisfactory manner. In a concession to disgruntled MPs, who were threatening to rebel over renewing the powers under the Coronavirus Act granted in March, the health secretary Matt Hancock promised the Commons a say on coronavirus restrictions of national significance and votes wherever possible. The first retrospective vote will come to a head in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening when MPs are asked to approve the rule of six regulation introduced in September that limits social gatherings across England to just six individuals. Despite opposition from a handful of Tory MPs who believe the measure is too intrusive and would like to see exemptions for children under 12 as is the case in Scotland it is expected to clear the Commons, given the prime ministers considerable majority. Sir Keir Starmer also revealed the policy would receive Labours support, telling Sky News: There are of course arguments about whether it should be six or a different number, I think clarity and simplicity is really important here, and therefore we will support the rule of six tonight. Ahead of the vote, the prime ministers official spokesperson added: The PM and chief whip have regular engagement with MPs. The rule of six is a measure designed to provide clarity to the public and halt the spread of the virus. The PM would urge MPs to support the measure. However, the concession outlined by Mr Hancock last week could result in a bigger headache for the government when the contentious 10pm national curfew on restaurants, bars and other social venues is retrospectively voted on. The measure has drawn widespread criticism after videos of people crowding on to city centre streets and queuing for public transport as bars closed, circulated across social media. The owner of nightclub and bar chain G-A-Y has also revealed he is launching legal action against the government over the restriction, insisting it makes no sense and does the opposite of protecting people. Sir Keir is yet to decide how to whip his MPs on the issue, but Labour has demanded ministers publish the scientific evidence behind the curfew after one member of the governments Scientific Advisory Body for Emergencies (Sage) described the policy as trivial while another claimed the body had not discussed the curfew before its implementation. However, the vote is also expected to attract a more significant rebellion among Conservatives than the rule of six. One Conservative MP who intends to vote with the government on the latter on Tuesday told The Independent of the 10pm curfew: Thats a different matter no decision yet!. In a clear message to would-be Tory rebels on Tuesday, the chancellor Rishi Sunak defended the controversial policy, telling the BBC: "The curfew was something we were told by our advisers could well make a difference to the spread of the transmission. In common with many other countries around the world this is thought to be something that can help suppress the spread of the virus. "We are not an outlier in having a curfew. As a tool we have at our disposal to try and suppress the spread of the virus, it is one that is advised across the board can make a difference. What I would say is it is better than having places closed." A division had been expected on the issue on Wednesday, but MPs are instead expected to debate the extension of local lockdown measures to parts of the north of England. The government has not yet decided when to hold a retrospective vote on the curfew. Most of the Indian population would want to claim the bragging rights to having a ward who is an IIT or IIM graduate. Now as overbearing as that might seem, it so appears that this ambitious project that parents are invested in since their kids set foot in prep school, is equally rubbing off on their children. That being said, for half of Indias high school students with a science background, its a dream of a lifetime to crack the JEE that would help them get into some of Indias top engineering colleges and for most, that would be the IITs. Twitter ChitChatBuzz It had been the same for all India JEE-Advanced 2020 topper Chirag Falor, who also wished to get into the premiere institute with a top score in JEE. Sure enough, Chirag beat over 1.6 lakh students to claim the top spot and a gained direct entry to IIT Delhi with an outstanding scorecard of 352 out of 396. Chirag received a direct early morning call from the IIT Delhi Director who was calling to congratulate him on his stellar performance and welcome him to join the campus in the capital. Twitter the_metis For his part, Chirag was caught mid-nap by the call but that didnt stop him from receiving the good wishes of Director Rao with thanks, although he went on to turn down the once-in-a-lifetime offer. Why? Because Chirag is already a student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has been attending his classes online for over a month now as he awaits his Visa to travel to the US to attend college. A native of Wadgaonsheri in Pune, Chirag had moved to Delhi two years ago to prepare for the JEE entrance exams without any distractions. He got himself enrolled at a public school in Dwarka and stayed in a hostel. It was there that Chirag ended up switching gears and applying to MIT. Speaking to The Indian Express Chirag said, While in Delhi, I met someone who inspired me to apply to MIT, considered the best engineering college in the world. They take only five to six students from India every year and I was lucky that I cracked the exam. Twitter DainikBhaskar Chirag, who wants to major in Physics and study space settlements at MIT said that he still sat for his JEE-Advanced test because the JEE-Advanced test happens to be one of the toughest exams globally. I studied for JEE for four years, and I didnt want to waste all this hard work by just not giving the exam. Also, this would be an achievement that sticks to me throughout my life. So, I thought I shouldnt miss this golden chance to appear for this one last exam in India before I move to the US, Chirag told India Today. Adding that his latest achievement would also help him with his post graduation, Chirag said, Every year, only one student gets this distinction and this exam is an internationally reputed one so, even though I wont study at IIT, this means a lot to me. Twitter narendramodi Chirag, who had previously won American Mathematics Competition (AMC-10) 2019, represented India at the International Olympiads Award on Astronomy and Astrophysics, and was also awarded the Bal Shakti Puraskar 2020 in the field of Scholastic by PM Modi. He wants to continue at MIT because he wants to study Physics and Mathematics, and feels that MIT offers a much distinguished faculty for these subjects than IITs. With a strong passion for astrophysics and astronomy, Chirag confessed that although he is yet to take a deep dive into the field, he would like to study it in the future and perhaps also become an astronaut and travel to Mars. Despite the ongoing pandemic, TAMIU stated that enrollment did not suffer as a result and showed a small rise from the 8,448 students of Fall 2019 to 8,467 this year, and approximately 4,978 are taking online classes. However, the numbers are still unofficial as they are pending submissions to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. According to the university, this fall, women outnumbered men 62% to 38%. Full-time students also made up 65% of the overall student population, and while 97% of the total number of students were from Texas, 3% were from 30 other countries. Additionally, 64% of the population identify as first-generation meaning they are the first in their family to pursue a higher education, and they are part of a generation that started school during a pandemic. TAMIU provided more details about its students stating that the average undergraduates age is 21, 32 for average graduate and 38 for average doctoral students. Among those students, a 13-year-old and 68-year-old join the rank as the youngest and oldest students. Nationally, the trend has been an average 2.5% decrease. While we always want to see a high enrollment every semester, semesters leading up to the start of the session are crucial to formula funding, TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said. What this Fall 2020 enrollment affirms is that despite extraordinary challenges never before seen in our lifetimes, our administration, faculty, staff and students have responded. That response has been a robust affirmation of and commitment to delivering our higher education mission. The legislature will face certain challenges to funding the states needs, but this enrollment affirms that in this part of South Texas, we believe in the importance of our hometown university. Despite these challenging times, thats a message everyone should be able to get behind. Arenaz believes the current enrollment total is a result of three factors including campus commitment, student resilience and the universitys growth. Regarding the commitment, he said that was achieved by providing four instruction models for students that adhere to the health authorities through the city, state and federal level. Second, student resilience and faculty innovation. Our students have a laser-focused desire to realize their educational goal. Through their innovation in teaching, outreach and research, our faculty have supported students goals and made them attainable despite internal and external challenges, Arenaz said. Finally, he explained that adding new degree programs helped generate strong student interest during the year. The university added that while Nursing, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Biology and Psychology were the top five undergraduate majors of the year, the College of Nursing and Health saw a 21% increase to enrollment. Compounding the growing number of enrollments, graduate school student enrollment also increased by 12% with the masters in Business Administration growing by 138 students and the International Business Program doctorate program by 17. In the summer, enrollment also saw an increase of 9.78% in students where all courses were delivered through an online platform. Christian Ocampo may be reached at cocampo@lmtonline.com Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Luigi Di Maio in Rome on October 5. "The interlocutors discussed the situation in Donbas and the resumption of a peace process," the press service of the Presidents Office reported. The Italian foreign minister noted support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He commended the overall observance of the ceasefire in Donbas and expressed hope for progress in negotiations on the implementation of the Minsk agreements. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Italy, including economic and trade cooperation. The interlocutors touched upon the issue of preparation of a meeting of the Ukrainian-Italian Council for Economic, Industrial and Financial Cooperation. ish Rochester, N.Y., Mayor Lovely Warren, who has ignored calls to resign over her city's handling of the suffocation death of Daniel Prude at the hands of police, pleaded not guilty Monday to campaign finance charges dating back to her 2017 reelection campaign. A lawyer for the second-term mayor, a Democrat, entered the plea on her behalf. Warren had been indicted Friday by a grand jury on charges of scheming to defraud and violating election laws. Warren's lawyer says she did not intentionally break any law and is ready to fight the charges. 'She welcomes the opportunity for the public to see whether the district attorney's charges hold water,' attorney Joseph Damelio said outside court after the proceeding. Warren left the court without speaking to reporters. She stopped briefly to hug a couple of the few dozen supporters outside the building who chanted, 'We still believe.' Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren walks out of court after her arraignment in Rochester, N.Y., Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, on felony charges of scheming to defraud and violating election laws Mayor Warren, center, pleaded not guilty. If convicted she faces up to four years in prison and losing her elected office as well has her law license Warren is greeted by supporters. Supporters who gathered Monday outside court said they still have faith in Warren Warren, leader of the Lake Ontario city of more than 200,000 people, was arraigned in Monroe County Court. Sitting in the front row and wearing a face mask, Warren said she had no questions when asked by the judge. If convicted, she could be sentenced to up to four years in prison, lose her law license and be removed from office, according to the district attorney, Sandra Doorley. Warren is not planning to resign, Damelio said, and 'her ability to govern has not been impaired.' Warren's campaign treasurer, Albert Jones Jr., and Rosalind Brooks-Harris, the treasurer of a political action committee that backed Warren, also pleaded not guilty in Monroe County Court. All are accused of taking steps to evade contribution limits between November 6, 2013, and November 7, 2017. Prosecutors have declined to say how much money was involved, though Doorley said Friday that 'it could be substantial.' Motions will be argued January 12. Doorley had said Friday that election officials began fielding complaints about Warren's campaign finances in 2017, when the incumbent defeated two challengers in a Democratic primary prior to her reelection. Doorley said the state Board of Elections presented a 35-page report in March 'that found considerable evidence' that Warren, Jones and Brooks-Harris may have broken the law. The grand jury was seated in September. Warren's campaign treasurer, Albert Jones Jr., was arraigned Monday along with Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren Jones, right, leaves court with his attorney John DeMarco, left, and is greeted by supporters after his arraignment in Rochester Rosalind Brooks-Harris, the treasurer of a political action committee that backed Warren, center, and her lawyer Michael Schiano, right, leave court after her arraignment Monday Warren, the first female and second black mayor of Rochester, previously blamed any errors on sloppy bookkeeping and called the lengthy investigation a 'political witch hunt.' Doorley, a Republican, says politics did not play a role in the investigation. Prude, who was black, died in March after police pinned him naked to a street and put a spit hood over his head following his brother's call for help over Prude's irrational behavior in the early morning of March 23. His death became public only last month, when the family released police body camera video they obtained through an open records request. The Monroe County medical examiner listed the death as a homicide caused by 'complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint' and cited phencyclidine, or PCP, as a contributing factor. Daniel Prude was left brain dead after the incident and later died on March 30 after he was taken off of life support seven days after the encounter with police in Rochester Critics accused police and city officials of covering up Prude's killing, though Warren said she had no idea the medical examiner ruled his death a homicide until August 4, when she saw the video. The video's release to the public in early September sparked a month of protests in Rochester. Protesters and the Rochester City Council have complained of heavy-handed tactics by police over their use of tear gas and pepper balls on peaceful crowds. Police have accused protesters of throwing bottles and fireworks at uniformed officers and have arrested dozens. Supporters who gathered Monday outside court said they still have faith in Warren. 'She loves Rochester. She loves the community,' said Joyce Pettway. 'She would never intentionally do anything to harm the people of Rochester or embarrass them.' Warren faces felony charges that she illegally diverted money through a political action committee in order to avoid contribution limits during her 2007 mayoral reelection campaign Warren's felony charges stem from her 2017 reelection campaign. She is accused of diverting funds through a political action campaign in order to skirt contribution limits If Warren continues to refuse to resign, the Rochester City Council could hold a hearing and vote to remove her from office. The council would need to present charges, and three-fourths of the nine-member body would have to vote to remove her. Alternatively, New York law allows Governor Andrew Cuomo to hold a hearing and remove 'the chief executive officer of every city.' Neither track for removal has been tried, and the details of both processes are not entirely clear. The City Council has made no indication it will move to oust Warren. If she resigns or is removed, Warren would be succeeded by her deputy mayor, James Smith, a Republican-turned-Democrat who was acquitted in 2010 after facing misdemeanor charges that he engaged in official misconduct as a deputy county executive. Since then, he has flown to Texas to speak before a Baptist megachurch on Keeping Faith in the Public Square and to Wisconsin to address the state legislature. Last weekend, he canceled an in-person visit to Florida and appeared by video, telling a conservative Christian group that abortion is not an international human right and urging it to fight against the pro-abortion groups that are lobbying for the practice to be legal internationally, just as they do here at home. Some residents of Kuala Lumpur were on Tuesday increasingly dissatisfied with their government's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, as the number of confirmed cases continue to rise. Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is self-quarantining after a Cabinet minister he was in contact with tested positive for the coronavirus, as new cases in the country hit a record high. Muhyiddin had chaired an Oct. 3 meeting attended by Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, who confirmed Monday he has been hospitalized for treatment. The health ministry has warned that Malaysia is facing a new wave of virus cases as the outbreak has widened in recent days. New clusters have sprung up in many states amid increased travel to eastern Sabah state, a hotspot zone, for a state election last month. New virus cases hit a record daily high of 432 on Monday, bringing Malaysia's tally to 12,813 with 137 deaths. Nearly half were from a prison in a northern state, and 130 were in Sabah. Muhyiddin, who took power in March after a political coup, said in a statement that he underwent virus testing every two weeks since April. But since returning from campaigning in Sabah, he had tested three times since Sept. 22 and all were negative. This story has not been edited by www.republicworld.com and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut, whose Party is an ally of the Congress and NCP in Maharashtra, has alleged that state Congress minister Amit Deshmukh is trying to divert a central project meant for Konkan to his Assembly constituency Latur. Raut, the MP from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, said the Ayush Ministry has finalised setting up the National Institute of Medicinal Plants at Sindhudurg in Konkan, but Deshmukh "on his own" wrote to the Centre seeking to locate the project at Latur in the Marathwada region. Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Amit Deshmukh, the son of former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, is an MLA from Latur and is also the district's guardian minister. Live TV The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress came together last year to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in the state after the Uddhav Thackeray-led party and the BJP severed ties. Speaking to a TV channel, Raut on Tuesday said the Centre has finalised Adali village at Dodamarg in Sindhudurg as the location for setting up the institute and sought the state government's feedback on the same. "While all preparations have been made at the local level, suddenly, a letter with the (state) ministers sign on it was sent to the Centre for locating the project to Latur instead, Raut alleged. The Lok Sabha member said he had tried to meet Amit Deshmukh several times to discuss the issue and also sent a letter in this regard. The minister, however, did not respond, Raut claimed. "Our (Ratnagiri) guardian minister Uday Samant also took efforts. But, he (Amit Deshmukh) did not meet us even once. It does not suit him to run away with the project thus," the Sena MP alleged. The parliamentarian further said he had witnessed how "big-hearted" Vilasrao Deshmukh was even to his opponents. "He would pat on the back of even his opponents. It is impossible to fill in his shoes. He (Amit Deshmukh) needs to follow in his fathers footsteps," the MP remarked. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, October 7 2020 The General Elections Commission (KPU) has announced that three candidates running for the upcoming simultaneous regional elections in December have died of COVID-19. KPU commissioner Evi Novilda Ginting Manik said the first candidate who died was Muharram, the incumbent regent of Berau regency in East Kalimantan. "Muharram passed away on Sept. 22, a day prior to the announcement of eligible candidates [in the regency]," Evi said on Sunday as reported by kompas.com. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login An Army soldier who is finishing his assignment abroad may be blocked from reentering the United States, government officials said, in a dispute over his legal status stemming from his birth in New York while his father was a foreign diplomat there. Army Pfc. Fadel Tankoano, 22, said he thought he was a dual citizen of Niger and the United States, pointing to the U.S. passport he was issued as a toddler and a birth certificate from a Manhattan hospital. But officials said Tankoano misrepresented his status when he enlisted in 2018 and on passport applications. Tankoano's Nigerien father enjoyed full diplomatic immunity as a counselor at the United Nations when his son was born, State Department officials said. That means that he was not subject to domestic law - and that Tankoano was exempt from birthright citizenship. Tankoano is being forced out of the military on the grounds of fraudulent entry, Army officials said, and will be sent back to the United States this month. But an official with Customs and Border Protection said he might be turned away when he arrives. The soldier's trouble began when he applied for a new passport in July 2019 and a State Department official told him that he was an alien with no claim to U.S. citizenship. "I was truly shocked," he told The Washington Post in a telephone interview from Camp Humphreys, an Army post in South Korea, where he serves as a logistical support soldier. Soldiers on overseas assignments who are leaving the military typically return to the United States to complete their paperwork. But Tankoano said his commanders ordered him to take passport photos so the State Department could furnish travel documents and fly him to Niger. Margaret Stock, Tankoano's attorney and a retired Army officer, said the government's strategy was to deprive Tankoano of the U.S. court system by sending him to Africa. Government officials said the plan was intended as a solution because they believed Tankoano's military ID, which is a travel document, was no longer valid. His military ID, however, is still valid as long as he is on active duty, the Army said. Tankoano field a grievance with his commanders on the decision to send him to Niger. The Army reversed course, saying in a Sept. 29 letter that he would be allowed to return to his home in Houston later this month, via a commercial flight arriving in Seattle. But a CBP attache in Seoul has already recommended to the Army and State Department that Tankoano not be allowed to reenter the United States based on the assessment of his case, officials said. That could create a scenario where the Army sends him home but immigration officials bar his entry and either refer him to immigration court or remove him from the country. Tankoano applied for a U.S. passport while living in Niger in 2015 and again in Texas in 2018. State Department and CBP officials said he should have known that he wasn't citizen after both were denied. They also said he made a false claim when he filed for benefits for his immigrant wife that are available to families of service members. But his mother, Emily Tankoano, said the situation had not been clear. No officials from the State Department or United Nations counseled her about her son's citizenship status after he was born, she said, and he was a minor when his 2015 passport application was rejected. He received a visa but didn't understand the difference, she said. "Fadel thought he was still an American. I had not spoken to him about his citizenship," she said in a phone interview from Niamey, Niger's capital. The State Department acknowledged that the U.S. passport he received as a toddler was "issued in error," an official said. Theresa Brown, a former CBP official who has worked as an attache in Ottawa, said Tankoano's case is likely included in a system used by the CBP to scan airplane manifests, and he may be flagged for additional scrutiny in Seattle before he lands. That is where his circumstances about his case will be evaluated, said Brown, now the director of immigration and cross-border policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington think tank. From there, Tankoano faces four possibilities. He could be allowed into the country, declared inadmissible and turned away from the United States, referred to an immigration judge to decide if he can enter, or paroled with a set time for his departure, Brown said. After his passport application was rejected, Tankoano filed paperwork to naturalize through his service in May. Nearly 180,000 immigrants naturalized in the military from October 2001 to 2018, according to government data. One requirement to naturalize, a validation of honorable service from a senior officer, was signed by Tankoano's former brigade commander, Col. Joseph Pishock on May 18, according to records obtained by The Post. Stock has handled dozens of cases involving service members who willfully or unknowingly misrepresented their immigration status at enlistment. Most remained in the service and were allowed to naturalize because commanders wanted to keep them, she said, though a few were forced out of the military. They, too, were naturalized, she said. Veterans can naturalize even with infractions on their record, according to immigration law. Luis Lopez, a Mexican national, knowingly provided a false birth certificate to an Army recruiter. His discharge documents say he served honorably but enlisted fraudulently, according to the Wall Street Journal. He naturalized in 2011. Another soldier, South Korea native Yea Ji Sea, lied under oath to Army investigators about her immigration status and later recanted, said Stock, who helped represent her. She left the Army and naturalized in 2018. - - - The Washington Post's Borso Tall and Danielle Paquette in Senegal contributed to this report. Within 100 years, or maybe much less, President Jimmy Carter will be celebrated as the equivalent of a Protestant/evangelical saint. History will recognize his genuine accomplishment of delicately balancing the imperatives of faith with public policy. In time, we will realize that the tenor of our present partisan comments is simply a symptom of a passing affliction of hyperpolarized acrimony. Events will surely arise that will cause many more of us to behave like adults. In time, many more of us also will honor real human progress rather than ingrained biases and cherished political ideologies. GARY CARTER West Wesley Street Walhalla Wear masks for others My husband and I just returned from a road trip to New Mexico where we kept extending our stay mostly due to COVID numbers in Charleston. Everyone there respected the governors orders and wore masks and maintained a 6-foot distance, at least. The measures are respectful and effective, not political. Walking in Charleston recently, one would not have realized a pandemic exists. By my mask wearing, I am respecting the health of others. I would appreciate the same consideration. It is not a hardship to simply wear a mask. SUSAN BASS State Street Charleston Trump vs. Biden The Obama-Biden administration, according to Factcheck.org, delivered billions of dollars to Iran, a terrorist state, and negotiated a treaty, not ratified by the Senate, which allowed Iran to develop nuclear arms over 10 years. President Donald Trump ditched the treaty; killed an Iranian general, who was a terrorist responsible for the deaths of numerous American soldiers; and moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Subsequently, several Arab states have normalized relations with Israel. Serbia and Kosovo had been warring for decades, but Trump forged a peace deal while Obama-Biden could not. At first, Biden attacked Trumps Jan. 31 decision to shut down travel from China by accusing the president of a record of hysteria, xenophobia and fear mongering. But on April 4, Biden agreed with the decision. Biden accused Trump of COVID-19 failures, but the policies Biden recommended had already been accomplished by Trump. He provided hospital ships to New York and California, as well as ventilators. Trump signed a COVID-19 bill providing a trillion dollars to help Americans. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that Trump had delivered for New York. He did the same for California. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified on March 13 that Trumps travel bans had saved lives. A 1994 criminal law authored by Biden resulted in the mass incarceration of African Americans and Hispanics. Trump signed the First Step Act into law to ameliorate Bidens law. More examples could be given, but please, do not only listen to what Biden and his sycophant media say, but see what President Trump has actually done. ED SHAFER South Moss Oak Lane Charleston Visit contradicts values I am a proud 1967 graduate of The Citadel. The values I learned were integrity, honesty, morality, fairness and respect for others. These values guided me throughout my career and life. Cadet training now includes a strong emphasis on principled leadership. This is critical given the current lack of ethics among leaders. Does The Citadel really believe that these principles should be followed after graduation? Some recent events have indicated otherwise. Recently, Vice President Mike Pence spoke at The Citadel. He represents an administration that violates every Citadel value. This administration denigrates anyone who shares a different opinion, including those who have died in battle for our country. A venerable veteran, John McCain, was not given the respect he deserved by Trump. Other military leaders are often embarrassed and humiliated. Another issue with the Pence event was Nancy Maces presence. She was recognized by him, which was clearly a political endorsement. This was wrong because The Citadel should be apolitical. Apparently, the administration and Board of Visitors disagree because implied political support was evident later when Sen. Lindsey Graham spoke. I tried to express my concerns to the board and the administration. Most ignored my questions. My point isnt partisan. It is that Citadel values must be used as criteria when choosing speakers, regardless of their political party, especially since cadets are required to attend these programs. JOE CLARKE Twining Terrace Spartanburg Criminal Background Records Whenever broad legal actions occur like laws regarding expungement of criminal records hiring managers should take note and ensure compliance with all pre-employment background screening. Legislators in Michigan and Minnesota are working toward changing and/or updating expungement laws in order to allow greater access to gainful employment for a larger percentage of the working age population. Additionally any change in law affecting pre-employment background screening should immediately alert all hiring managers and HR departments. Adam Almeida, President and CEO of CriminalBackgroundRecords.com opines: Any potential change in law governing the use of criminal history records should force employers to ensure their policies are fully compliant with law, and a best practice remains to work with a well-qualified third-party background agency, such as CriminalBackgroundRecords.com. Michigan legislators are seeking to make expungement of certain criminal records an automatic process, as a means to allow greater opportunity for employment. From the Alpena News on October 1, 2020: For many Michiganders, a criminal record stands between them and the ability to earn a good living. Michigan is on track to become the first state to automatically expunge criminal records of certain misdemeanor and low-level felony convictions, if Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs bills approved by the Legislature last week. The bill package would greatly expand the number of people who can have their record expunged made invisible to the public while still accessible to courts and police. For many, that expungement would happen automatically, without the need for a lengthy court process or mountain of paperwork. (1) Almeida adds: It is key to note that this type of automatic expungement in Michigan will only occur with certain criminal background records, primarily non-violent crimes. Specifically, in Michigan, the expungement law is related to marijuana convictions. From Fox2Detroit.com on September 25, 2020: people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions to clear the offenses sooner if they would not have been considered crimes after voters' legalization of marijuana in 2018. They could start applying 180 days after the law is enacted-- late March or early April. Judges would be required to assume that past marijuana convictions would not have been violations unless a prosecutor responds within 60 days of the expungement application being filed. The evidentiary burden would rest on the prosecutor. (2) Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is seeking to ease expungement as well. From KFGO.com on October 2, 2020: Attorney General Keith Ellison is launching a new program that will allow prosecutors to assist Minnesotans in expunging their criminal records at no costHe says without an expungement, people who have satisfied all the terms of their sentence for a crime can have trouble getting good jobs, education or housing. (3) Almeida concludes: Whenever broad legal actions occur, such as those regarding expungement of criminal records in Minnesota and Michigan, hiring managers should take note and ensure compliance with all pre-employment background screening, and a best practice remains to work with a well-qualified third-party background screening agency. CriminalBackgroundRecords.com is a third-party employment screening company, an advocate of SHRM, a member in good standing with the PBSA (Professional Background Screening Association) and for over 17 years has maintained an A+ Rating with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). The company has highly trained operators well versed in the needs and requirements of companies and organizations large and small utilizing public records, such as criminal background records, as part of a hiring process. Assisting companies in maintaining full compliance under the law is a central tenet of all client relationships with CriminalBackgroundRecords.com. Notes: (1) thealpenanews.com/news/local-news/2020/10/criminal-records-expungement-could-be-automatic-under-bills/ (2) fox2detroit.com/news/michigan-lawmakers-approve-bill-that-expunges-marijuana-offenses-from-criminal-records (3) kfgo.com/2020/10/02/ellison-launches-program-to-help-clear-criminal-records/ Madikeri, Oct 6 : Karnataka Medical Education minister K. Sudhakar on Tuesday asserted that the state government was contemplating to come out with new guidelines like compulsory Covid test and physical checking of tourists using police, health and revenue department staff at all tourist places. Speaking to reporters after a high-level meeting of elected representatives and Kodagu district officials here, Sudhakar said that the state government was coming out with these new guidelines only to prevent the pandemic spreading from tourists. The minister added that the state government was not in favour of reopening schools or colleges at present even though the central government had issued (Unlock 5.0) instructions for starting schools and colleges in the state. "As both experts and parents are opposing it since there is an upsurge in infections in our state, hence it is not appropriate to start the classes in our state," Sudhakar said. We look forward to producing Lift & Co. Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the premiere cannabis event in the Canadian marketplace. MCI is pleased to announce that Lift & Co. Expo Toronto is currently set to take place May 27 30, 2021 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Though Lift & Co. Corp (Lift) filed for bankruptcy earlier this month to manage its balance sheet liabilities, Lifts key financial stakeholders have reaffirmed their current commitment and support to move forward with the 2021 event. Pursuant to an existing agreement, the Lift & Co. Expos will be managed by MCI, a global leader in event management with North American offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington DC. We look forward to producing Lift & Co. Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the premiere cannabis event in the Canadian marketplace, said Shawn Pierce, President, Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives, MCI USA. MCI will leverage our event strategy and execution expertise to ensure that Canadas cannabis organizations will drive the industry conversation, showcase exhibitor brands, and bring attendees new and expanded content. The Lift & Co. Expo Toronto 2021 will engage buyers, sellers and consumers within the Canadian cannabis industry to forge new branding, networking and educational opportunities. Building on the core elements that have made Lift & Co. Expo Canadas largest cannabis event, MCI will introduce significant enhancements, including expanded education programming with a sharp focus on the emerging trends of the cannabis industry and its impacts on stakeholders. -------------------- ABOUT MCI MCI is the global leader in engaging and activating audiences. Our business is founded on a simple human insight: When people come together, magic happens. Since 1987, we have been bringing people together through inspiring meetings, events, congresses and association or community management. MCI helps organizations harness the power of community by applying our strategic engagement and activation solutions to build unforgettable online and offline experiences that foster change, inspire, educate and enhance business performance. MCI is an independently owned company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and boasts a global presence with 2,500+ professionals in 61 offices and 31 countries, who work with clients across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, India, and the Middle East. Visit us at http://www.mci-group.com or Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook. ABOUT MCI USA MCI USA helps companies and associations strategically engage and activate their target audiences, building community and boosting client performance through face-to-face, hybrid and digital experiences that support client business objectives. With US headquarters in the Washington, DC area and offices in New York, Miami, Baltimore, Dallas, and Chicago, MCI USA is rapidly expanding its platform to deliver a robust set of services in its Association and Corporate Solutions portfolios. Find out more at http://www.mci-group.com/usa. Former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump in six swing states after the first 2020 presidential debate and following the president's diagnosis with Covid-19, according to a new CNBC/Change Research poll. Across the key states of Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the Democratic nominee garners 50% of support, compared with 45% for the Republican incumbent, the survey released Tuesday found. In a poll taken two weeks ago, Biden had a 49% to 45% edge over Trump across the six states. Biden has an advantage in every one of the six states, though he holds his smallest lead in North Carolina. Here is where the race stands in each state, including the change in Biden's lead from two weeks ago: Arizona: Biden 51%, Trump 45% (no change in lead) Biden 51%, Trump 45% (no change in lead) Florida: Biden 50%, Trump 46% (+1) Biden 50%, Trump 46% (+1) Michigan: Biden 51%, Trump 43% (no change in lead) Biden 51%, Trump 43% (no change in lead) North Carolina: Biden 49%, Trump 47% (no change in lead) Biden 49%, Trump 47% (no change in lead) Pennsylvania: Biden 50%, Trump 46% (no change in lead) Biden 50%, Trump 46% (no change in lead) Wisconsin: Biden 51%, Trump 44% (-2) The poll surveyed 2,688 likely voters in the six states from Friday to Sunday and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.89 percentage points. U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden boards his campaign plane for travel to Miami at New Castle Airport in New Castle, Delaware, U.S., October 5, 2020. Brendan McDermid | Reuters The survey finds a stable race with less than a month to go until Election Day on Nov. 3. Biden has run ahead of Trump in the election's most critical states, though by margins that the president could feasibly overcome. The findings in the CNBC/Change Research poll follow the first presidential debate, a free-for-all that took place a week ago. Voters were surveyed after Trump's coronavirus diagnosis, which he announced early Friday. Regarding the president's health, 52% of likely swing-state voters said they have serious concerns, while 48% answered that they did not. Trump returned to the White House on Monday night after getting treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, though his doctor cautioned he "may not entirely be out of the woods yet." Only 39% of respondents said they think Trump took the appropriate precautions to prevent himself from getting exposed to the virus, while 55% said he failed to do so. Seventy-five percent answered that they believe Biden has taken the right steps to avoid exposure. Worries about the virus outbreak ticked higher in the last two weeks. Across the six states, 72% said they had serious concerns about Covid-19, up from 65% in the previous survey. On Wednesday, October 7, at 15.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "Current Sentiments of Dnipro Residents, Electoral Prospects of Local Elections." Participants include Head of the Institute of Public Policy and Consulting (INPOLIT) Serhiy Bykov; Head of the Third Sector analytical center, political strategist Andriy Zolotariov; member of the INPOLIT analytical center Denys Horokhovsky (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast of the press conference will be available on the Youtube channel of the Interfax-Ukraine agency. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Vietnam is facing a brain drain: elite intellectuals trained abroad do not return, while some in Vietnam seek opportunities to work abroad. A forum on the solutions to develop the contingent of intellectuals in 2021-2030 was organized by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) on September 25. According to Nguyen Huy Hoang from the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Vietnam still doesnt have sufficient policies to develop a contingent of intellectuals. The policies are not attractive enough to attract overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to contribute to solving national problems, and domestic intellectuals to work with scientific and cultural centers in the world. Hoang also pointed out that there are many problems in financial policies for science and technology, culture and art activities. Scientists therefore have to use some tricks to get disbursement for their scientific research projects. This affects the quality of creative work, wastes time, effort and money, and affects the prestige and reputation of intellectuals. Because of the unreasonable policies, Vietnam is facing a brain drain. Vo Dai Luoc from the Asia-Pacific Economic Center, commented that the elite contingent remains modest, limited in number, and weak in quality. Meanwhile, among intellectuals and the elite, the people working in state agencies play the decisive role, because the policies used to regulate the country and facilitate intellectuals work are created by them. Citing the reasons behind the brain drain, Luoc emphasized the unreasonable remuneration for the elite. Intellectuals move freely all over the world and it is necessary to apply reasonable policies to attract them. Vietnam needs to compete with other countries, not only to attract Vietnamese talents, but also talent from the rest of the world. In fact, Vietnam reserves a large proportion of budget for training, but it cannot retain intellectuals. According to Pham Ngoc Linh from the Central Propaganda and Training Commission, Vietnam has been implementing Resolution 27 on building a contingent of intellectuals for 10 years, but many problems still exist. Ministries and local authorities have been applying many policies to attract intellectuals, but the efficiency of the policies is not high. One of the biggest problems is the placement of intellectuals with good professional knowledge in the posts of managerial officers. This is a big waste, because talented people are not used for the right work and they cannot advance or promote their abilities. State agencies and local authorities spend a lot of money to fund training courses for talented people, but they dont place them in the right posts. Le Huyen Intellectuals respond for Southern Liberation The 1970s was a time of huge significance in Vietnamese history, not least for the generation who responded to the movement 'Putting away pens to go to the battle'. A teen surfer has urged people to 'tell your family you love them' after having a close brush with death when he was dragged underwater by a shark. Year 12 student Sav Marafioti, 17, was attacked by a 1.5 metre bronze whaler shark at Toms Surf Break at Perth's North Beach at 10:45am on Sunday. Mr Marafioti was paddling on his board 25 metres from shore when he felt a tug on his leg rope, which he initially thought was seaweed. But after moving his leg, he felt something grabbing his leg rope and pulling him underwater, which is when he realised it was a shark attack. Year 12 student Sav Marafioti (pictured), 17, was attacked by a 1.5 metre bronze whaler shark at Toms Surf Break in Perth's North Beach at 10:45am on Sunday Speaking to Nine News, Mr Marafioti said he had initially mistaken the shark brushing against his leg as a piece of seaweed. 'It (the shark has) grabbed my leg rope and started pulling down and my leg rope's just started to stretch. I thought I was just going to die,' he said. 'I didn't know what to do, I was stressing and screaming at everyone and everyone was paddling away from me. In the moment, you just think I'm not going to come out of it alive unless I do something.' Thinking quickly, Mr Marafioti managed to unstrap his leash and ditch his board before swimming to a friend who paddled him back to the shore. Mr Marafioti (pictured) waxes his surfboard. He was paddling on his board 25 metres from shore when a whaler shark dragged him underwater by yanking his leg rope Mr Marafioti was not injured in the attack but his leg rope was damaged after being bitten and pulled by the bronze whaler shark. Shark monitoring program Sharksmart has closed North Beach and issued a warning for Toms Surf Break and Hamersley Pool. Bronze whaler sharks are 'potentially dangerous due to their large size and occurrence very close to shore', according to Sharksmart. After his brush with death, the 17-year-old urged people to tell family and friends they love them in case they die. Thinking quickly, Mr Marafioti (pictured) managed to unstrap his leash and ditch his board before swimming to a friend who paddled him back to the shore Toms Reef Break at North Beach in Perth. North Beach is currently closed to the public under advice from shark monitoring program Sharksmart 'Everyone needs to just message your loved ones, message your friends, your family, tell everyone you love them. Just to make sure everything is okay if something does happen,' Mr Marafioti said. Mr Marafioti also urged people to report shark sightings, especially since the nearby Scarborough beach has a partial outage of its Shark Monitoring Network. Two out of three monitors at Scarborough beach have been offline since September 24, according to Sharksmart. Further south at Cottlesoe Beach, up to three different great white sharks have been detected in the last week. When you need to warm up, what's your favorite winter comfort food? The link tease is enough to scare locals about a future where employment is decided by a doctor's note. Check the debate ahead in 2021 . . . More info for subscribers here: Ladakh Lt Governor R K Mathur on Tuesday set a timeline of two months to frame guidelines for rationalisation of boundaries and final notification of protected areas in the union territory. He also said any decision related to the region must balance developmental requirements, national security and biodiversity conservation. Mathur directed officials concerned to get clarity from the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change over the applicability of various environmental laws like the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for Ladakh. "Ladakh is a crucial region with respect to national security, rights of indigenous communities, as well as critical biodiversity," Mathur said, chairing a meeting on the rationalisation of boundaries and final notification of protected areas of Ladakh at Raj Niwas here. The meeting was attended by Advisor to LG Umang Narula, Secretary Law and Justice and Chief Conservator of Forests Preetpal Singh, Commissioner Secretary Forest, Ecology and Environment Rigzin Samphel and Chief Wildlife warden Sajid Sultan through video conferencing, an official spokesperson said. In order to ascertain the requirements of land for protected areas, the Lt Governor instructed to take scientific and technical opinion from the Wildlife Institute of India. He also directed officials to convene a meeting of the Wildlife Board to get inputs for the rationalisation of boundaries, settling of rights, the inclusion of critical habitats and exclusion of towns and villages from protected areas. Mathur also emphasised on following the process of rationalisation of boundaries and settlement of rights as per due legal procedure that would entail inviting claims from all the stakeholders. On the contrary, Trump loyalists echoed misinformation that the president has spread for much of the year, as he has sought to minimize the threat of the virus to aid his re-election. Voters who support the president falsely claimed that data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on deaths and cases were wrong, that getting the virus was no worse than getting the flu, and that it was introduced and kept in the spotlight only by Mr. Trumps Democratic opponents. Who do you think brought this into the country? said Mr. Girvin, who has shared posts on Facebook that independent fact checkers have labeled misinformation. Joe Biden has enough nerve to say Donald Trumps killing people? No. The far-left liberals are causing this. The Pelosis, the Soroses and all these people, thats who caused it. And I wish them all the worst. As interviews with Mr. Girvin and others make clear, Mr. Trump has managed to politicize science during a public health crisis, something that historians will likely look back on as a defining aspect of the coronavirus pandemic. Scoffing at masks, social distancing and crowd avoidance all measures recommended by health experts, including in the Trump administration has become a test of loyalty for fervent supporters of the president, who mocked Mr. Bidens masks during their debate last week and, on returning to the White House on Monday from the hospital, ripped his off, despite being highly contagious. NEW YORK: Theres little evidence of Americans passion for fitness at the tens of thousands of small and independent gyms around the country. Gyms, health clubs and workout studios began reopening in late spring following government-ordered shutdowns aimed at halting the coronavirus spread. But most are only allowed to have a fraction of their regular clientele onsite at one time. And some clients are staying away for fear of catching the virus. The International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association, an industry group, estimates that gyms, health and fitness clubs lost an aggregate $13.9 billion during shutdowns as of Aug. 31. The group warns that without government help, at least a quarter could close by Dec. 31 as limits on indoor workouts continue. Michael Hanover is lucky if he gets 45 client hours a week in his Northbrook, Illinois gym, Fitness Hero Wellness Center, down from his usual 60. He sometimes opens at 5 a.m. or stays late at night to get those hours; many clients are too uneasy to come in when other people are there. We dont have people pounding on the door trying to get in, Hanover says. In Illinois, gyms currently can operate at 50% of capacity, leaving Hanover with no more than 10 people onsite at any time. He feels small gyms have been lumped in unfairly with big fitness chains where there might be hundreds of people exercising at once and coming into contact with one another. Hed like to be able to bring in more clients. Hanovers big worry: A surge in cases that might prompt officials to force gyms to go back to holding only outdoor classes and one-on-one training sessions indoors. It will be devastating and most likely, the end of Fitness Hero Wellness Center, Hanover says. Over 80% of the 40,000 to 50,000 health and fitness clubs in the U.S. are small businesses, according to the IHRSA. Whether yoga studios or fully equipped gyms, these businesses provide a livelihood to their owners. Last year, the overall industry employed 3 million trainers, instructors and other workers. In a thriving fitness center or small gym, people run on treadmills or pedal stationary bikes nearly side by side, exercise classes are crowded and trainers work with clients just inches or a few feet apart. After a good exercise, people tend to breathe more frequently and harder. When it comes to the coronavirus, all those scenarios concern health officials because they can increase the spread of the respiratory droplets that carry the virus. To allay those fears, owners follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines calling for bikes and treadmills to be spaced further apart or unplugged so some cant be used. Equipment is disinfected after each use. Masks are required. Owners are also installing ventilation equipment to lessen the chances of breathing in concentrated amounts of coronavirus germs. But these procedures dont reassure many people who used to work out several times a week. Vincent Miceli, owner of Body Blueprint Gym, sees another problem: People have found they can stay in shape without a gym by running, buying their own equipment or taking online workout classes. When we reopened, we assumed that about 30% of our members would never come back to a gym because they found something else, and that was pretty accurate, says Miceli, whose gym is in Pelham, New York. The state of New York is limiting the number of people in a gym to 33% of normal capacity. Before the pandemic, Miceli was running 140 classes a week; now its 25. His revenue is down 70%. Jeanne Carter and Julie Bokat also held online classes while their Fuel Training Studio in Newburyport, Massachusetts, was forced to shut. Outdoor classes began in June and were well-attended; but when indoor classes were permitted in July, few clients wanted to be inside. So, Carter and Bokat keep dragging bikes and other equipment in and out of the gym each day. We do a lot of schlepping. You do what you have to do, Carter says. The owners now plan a greenhouse-like structure that has heaters but no walls that Fuel Training Studio can use into the winter months. Clients have already shown on 40-degree mornings that theyre fine with working out in chill air. They started with a coat and hat on and within five minutes they were in tank tops, Carter says. Gyms in California have been particularly hard-hit. Theyve closed and reopened twice as the number of cases rose and fell and repeated that pattern. Many gyms, including those in Los Angeles and San Francisco, are operating under severe restrictions for indoor workouts. And smoke from nearby wildfires hampered outdoor workouts or forced their cancellation. MX3 Fitnesss two small San Francisco studios can operate at only 10% of capacity after being allowed to reopen for indoor workouts Sept. 14. That means instead of the usual 12 clients and 12 trainers working at a time, they gyms are down to two and two in each. Owners Dave Karraker and Glenn Shope have run online and outdoor classes, which are fully booked, but revenue is still only 20% of normal. The two owners are fortunate to have some help in their fight to survive. Their landlords have reduced their rents and are allowing MX3 Fitness to put off some of 2020s rent until next year. And the real saving grace is an Airbnb property they own in nearby Sonoma County. We couldnt have fed ourselves were it not for the Airbnb, Karraker says. 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 LONDON: A tug-of-war over $1 billion (770.4 million) worth of Venezuelan gold stored at the Bank of England took a new turn on Monday as the English Court of Appeal overturned an earlier High Court ruling on who the UK recognised as Venezuelas president. The Court of Appeal granted the Nicolas Maduro-backed Banco Central de Venezuelas (BCV) appeal and set aside Julys High Court judgement, which had found that Britains recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaido as constitutional interim president of Venezuela" was conclusive. The BCV sued the Bank of England in May to recover control of the gold, which it says it will sell to finance Venezuelas response to the coronavirus pandemic. The BoE has refused to release the gold, however, after the British government in early 2019 joined dozens of nations in backing Guaido on the basis that Maduros election win the previous year had been rigged. Mondays decision means the case now goes back to the High Court for it to determine more definitively which of the two rival leaders is in charge. Mondays judgment said it was necessary to determine whether (1) the UK government recognises Mr Guaido as President of Venezuela for all purposes and therefore does not recognise Mr Maduro as President for any purpose. Or (2) HMG (the UK government) recognises Mr Guaido as entitled to be the President of Venezuela and thus entitled to exercise all the powers of the President but also recognises Mr Maduro as the person who does in fact exercise some or all of the powers of the President of Venezuela." Vanessa Neumann, the ambassador designated by Guaido for Britain and Ireland, told reporters that the court could issue a new pronouncement within a week or two, but added that the process could be delayed by other appeals. The BCV has said the proceeds from the sale of the gold would be transferred directly to the United Nations Development Programme to procure humanitarian aid, medicine and equipment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The Central Bank of Venezuela reaffirms that it will continue carrying out all actions necessary to protect its sovereign international reserves and the sacred patrimony of the Republic," it wrote in a statement in response to the decision. Venezuelas opposition has alleged that Maduro wants to use the money to pay off his foreign allies, which his lawyers deny. Over the past two years, Maduros government has taken some 30 tonnes from its local gold reserves to sell abroad for much-needed hard currency, according to people familiar with the operations and the banks own data. 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 This is not a rivalry between the United States and China, he told Japans public broadcaster NHK. This is for the soul of the world. This is about whether this will be a world that operates on a rules-based international order system, or one thats dominated by a coercive totalitarian regime like the one in China. MIDDLE TOWNSHIP The New Jersey Sierra Club has raised concerns about an upcoming property sale in the Whitesboro section of the township, saying it would threaten open space and the historical significance of the land. A property tax sale scheduled for Oct. 28 includes 15 land parcels, 10 of which are in Whitesboro, which was founded in 1901 as a planned community for Black settlers. Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said the potential land sale would promote overdevelopment while also "threatening the history of the town." "This area has a rich history. Selling these properties in a tax sale for a little bit of money will mean paving over open space and paving over history," Tittel said in a news release. "Overdevelopment will mean taxes going up to build more schools, roads, traffic lights and other infrastructure. Preserving the history and open space of Whitesboro means saving people money." Tittel said Middle Township should cancel the land sale, calling it "a giveaway to developers at the expense of the environment and the character of Whitesboro." New York, Oct 6 : In a major study, researchers have found that posts about refugees on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter may have contributed to hate crimes against them. The study, published in the European Economic Association, investigated how negative rhetoric about refugees on social media may have contributed to hate crimes against refugees in Germany between 2015 and 2017. "We think our paper can only be a starting point for understanding how social media causes changes in our lives. Our findings on hate crime suggest that the stakes are high," said study author Karsten MAller from Princeton University in the US. In Germany, social media is among the main news sources of 18 to 25-year-olds. In the US, around half of all adults use social media to get news and two-thirds of Facebook users use it as a news source. In contrast to traditional media, social media platforms allow users to easily self-select into niche topics and extreme viewpoints. This may limit the range of information people absorb and create online communities that reinforce similar ideas and viewpoints. The researchers measured anti-refugee sentiment on social media based on the Facebook page of the Alternative fAr Deutschland, a relatively new right-wing party that positions itself as anti-refugee and anti-immigration. The party is by far the most popular far-right political movement in Germany and with more than 300,000 followers, 175,000 posts, 290,000 comments, and 500,000 likes (as of early 2017), its Facebook page has a broader reach than that of any other German party. As the researchers show, the rhetoric about refugees on the Alternative fAr Deutschland Facebook page differs markedly from traditional news sources and in many cases contains language that prominent German non-governmental organisations have classified as hate speech. The researchers established that spikes in posts about refugees on social media are tightly linked to anti-refugee hate crimes, particularly in municipalities where people were more exposed to the Alternative fAr Deutschland page. This correlation was especially pronounced for violent incidents such as assault. Municipalities with Alternative fAr Deutschland users were three times more likely to experience an attack during the observation period. Out of the total 3,335 attacks on refugees in the same sample, 3,171 occurred in municipalities with Alternative fAr Deutschland Facebook page users. The authors found that, while anti-refugee attacks increased with anti-refugee posts, this relationship disappeared during the internet or Facebook outages. The researchers do not claim that social media itself causes crimes against refugees. Rather, the results suggest that social media can help propagate violent crimes by enabling people to spread extreme viewpoints. NEW ORLEANS At a time of intense scrutiny in America over who is commemorated in public parks or in front of courthouses, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation announced Monday it is spending $250 million over five years to build new monuments or memorials, add context to already existing ones and relocate others. The money comes at a time when the U.S. has been grappling with what to do with monuments such as the vast array of Confederate memorials located mostly in the South that many people find offensive, or statues of explorer Christopher Columbus who has been denounced for his atrocities against indigenous people. The effort to remove offensive monuments has gained new strength this year amid widespread protests focusing on racial injustice. But while the project is timely, Elizabeth Alexander, who heads the Mellon Foundation, said its actually the culmination of years of work. Alexander has headed the foundation for the last two years and comes to the position with a background in African American studies and poetry. While at a previous position at the Ford Foundation she helped create an art initiative to address the problem of mass incarceration, and she recited a poem shed written titled Praise Song for the Day at Barack Obamas 2009 presidential inauguration. She said the primary focus of the project isnt the relocating of monuments but instead on helping ensure greater representation of historically forgotten or underrepresented communities. For example, she said less than 2% of the historic sites on the National Historic Register are about African Americans and the numbers are even fewer for Latinx, Asian American or Native American people. There are so many stories of who we are that need to be told, she said. We dont have our actual, true history represented in our landscape. The money will build on grants the organization has already approved in recent years since Alexanders arrival at Mellon such as a $5 million donation in 2018 to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery that memorializes enslaved people and the history of lynching in America. The first grant coming from the $250 million Monuments Project will be $4 million going to a Philadelphia-based group called Monument Lab, a public art and history studio that seeks to spark dialogue around who or what has historically been commemorated in public spaces and what future monuments should be erected and what they should look like. In 2017 the group helped put on an exhibition that put up prototype monuments in Philadelphias public squares and parks and also collected thousands of ideas from passersby for future monuments. The group was founded in 2012 by Paul Farber and Ken Lum. Farber said they were both interested in the monuments that existed but also in what was not there. We also were interested in the monuments that were missing and the ways that stories that didnt make their way to the top of the pedestal were still meaningfully present in cities, he said. Farber said the money will be profoundly transformative for the organization thats less than a decade old. This is a way to make generational change in public art and history, he said. When you impact public art, youre impacting democracy... And I think an investment in a new way of building and gathering around monuments is an investment in democracy. One of the first things the money will allow the Monument Lab to do is to conduct a national audit of all the monuments in America over the next six months. Those findings will be released in 2021. They also plan to use about $1 million to open up Monument Lab field research offices in ten locations across the country. Theyll be an open call for locations next spring. And lastly, he said the group will be able to hire some full-time staff. Alexander said Mellon was drawn to Monument Lab in part because they share a similar perspective about the lack of balance when it comes to who is commemorated in public spaces. They also have a broad interpretation of what a monument can be. What were so excited about and why we wanted to work with them is that they, too, have ... a very, very creative and interpretive and broadminded idea of what a memorial, what a monument can be, what different forms it can take, she said. __ Rebecca Santana of The Associated Press wrote this story. Follow Santana on Twitter @ruskygal. TDT | Manama Despite growing concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19) problem, Bahrain has to take advantage of e-learning to sustain progress in the education sector. This was emphasised by Education Minister Dr Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi yesterday as the Kingdom celebrated the World Teachers Day, which is observed worldwide every fifth day of October. More than 12,000 public school teachers, undersecretaries, assistant undersecretaries, school principals and specialists took part in the virtual induction meeting held by the Ministry marking the new school year. The meeting focused on ways to activate online learning tools, especially the Educational Portal (EduNet) and virtual classes. Dr Al Nuaimi stressed that e-learning has been put in place in Bahrain since 2005 as a result of the King Hamad Schools of the Future Project, in addition to the Digital Empowerment Project. He pointed out that learning had continued during the previous term, using the educational portal, the digital content and televised lessons, in addition to other effective teaching means. The Ministry will continue using the distance learning mechanism and develop it in order to serve the educational process. At the same time, the minister urged concerted efforts to face challenges and ensure the continuity of the educational process in light of the COVID-19 crisis. On the occasion, the Education Minister also congratulated teachers, and extended profound thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for their unlimited support to the educational march in the kingdom. He also paid tribute to Deputy Prime Minister HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the president of Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training, praising his implementation of the initiatives of the National Project to Develop Education and Training, which, he said, has contributed to attaining numerous landmark achievements. Dr Al Nuaimi congratulated the teachers on the new academic year, wishing them every success. The Minister added that students whose parents are in favour of in-person studying will be allowed to study at schools while putting in place the appropriate health precautionary measures. He underlined the Education Ministrys constant keenness to support the teaching profession and provide favourable opportunities for teachers to achieve self-development and creativity Slate's Who Counts? series is made possible by the support of Slate Plus members and readers like you. The Supreme Court reinstated South Carolinas witness signature requirement for mail-in ballots on Monday night, a predictable blow to voting rights in a state with a close Senate race. Mondays order certainly was bad news; it means that South Carolinians, including those infected with COVID-19, will once again need witnesses to sign their ballot envelopes. This administrative burden is potentially dangerous and totally pointless, and it will likely lead the state to nullify thousands of otherwise valid ballots. Advertisement But considering the courts current composition, that decision was probably the best-case scenario. Whats frightening is how close the court came to triggering an election meltdown. Three conservative justices wouldnt have just reinstated the witness signature rule but allowed South Carolina to apply it retroactively, nullifying tens of thousands of ballots already cast. Donald Trump has repeatedly said that he wants the Supreme Court to throw out mail-in ballots, which could overturn election results. It appears that three justices are ready to do just that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six states require absentee voters to procure a witness signature before sending back their ballot. A few other states jettisoned the requirement this year due to the pandemic, but not South Carolina. U.S. District Judge J. Michelle Childs nonetheless blocked the states witness rule for the June primary, finding that it unconstitutionally burdened the right to vote in light of COVID-19. South Carolina declined to appeal that decision, so the state held its primary with no witness requirement. On Sept. 18, Childs blocked this requirement for the November election as well. This time, South Carolina appealed. A panel of judges for the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the state, but the full court promptly vacated the panels decision and kept the requirement on hold. South Carolina then asked the Supreme Court to intervene on its behalf. Advertisement Advertisement SCOTUS has become the place where voting rights go to die, so it was no surprise when the justices gave South Carolina most of what it wanted on Monday. With no noted dissents, the court let the state reimpose the witness rulealthough, as usual for a shadow docket case, it didnt explain its decision. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote a concurring opinion citing the notorious Purcell principle, which holds that courts should not alter voting laws in the runup to an election. But the lower courts did not actually alter the voting procedures currently in place; they simply preserved the status quo, since the witness requirement has been suspended since May. It was the Supreme Court that changed the status quo on Monday by imposing the witness requirement less than one month from Election Day, violating the principle that Kavanaugh claimed to vindicate. Advertisement The dissenters position is shockingly extreme. Notably, however, the court did hand voters a significant concession: Its order stated that any ballots cast before Oct. 5 and received by Oct. 7 may not be rejected for failing to comply with the witness requirement. In other words, South Carolina must count ballots that were mailed back without a witness signature in accordance with a federal court order. This grace period might seem like an obvious concession to basic fairness, but three justices noted their disagreement: Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch dissented, stating that they would leave these voters in the lurch. Advertisement Advertisement The dissenters position is shockingly extreme. South Carolina law declares unequivocally that a ballot may not be counted unless it is properly witnessed. When absentee voting started, Childs prohibited election officials from applying that rule. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch would sweep away her order, effectively forcing election officials to reject all mail-in ballots that lack witness signaturesincluding those cast before this reversal of the status quo. As of Monday morning, nearly 15,000 South Carolina residents had mailed back their absentee ballots. (This figure excludes military and overseas voters, to whom different rules apply.) By Tuesday morning, that number jumped to nearly 38,000. At this rate, more than 60,000 South Carolinians may have sent in their ballots by Wednesday evening, the end of the courts grace period. A large number of those ballots will lack witness signatures, which were not required when they were mailed back. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch would throw them all away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scrapping these ballots could have a material impact on South Carolinas Senate race between Democrat Jaime Harrison and Republican incumbent Lindsey Graham. The candidates are in a dead heat, and the election could determine which party controls the Senate next year. And Black voters, who make up a majority of South Carolinas Democratic electorate, are disproportionately affected by the witness requirement. In North Carolina, for instance, Black voters are four times more likely than white voters to have their ballots rejected due to a missing witness signature. Given that this racial disparity seems to exist in every diverse state, its safe to assume South Carolinas witness requirement also disproportionately affects Black voters. Had the dissenters prevailed, then, tens of thousands more voters wouldve been disenfranchised, a disproportionate number of them Black. Some might have overlooked the witness signature section or failed to find a willing witness in the midst of a pandemic. Others surely ignored the witness requirement in reliance on Childs order. Making matters worse, South Carolina has no ballot cure procedure: Voters arent notified when their ballots are tossed, and they dont get an opportunity to fix any defects. So victims of this bait and switch would be out of luck. And in a tight race between Harrison and Graham, their votes could make the difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over and over again, Trump has said that he wants federal courts to nullify mail-in ballots, which he (falsely) describes as a disaster. On Monday, Thomas, Gorsuch, and Alito sought to invalidate tens of thousands of ballots that, on the whole, probably favor Democrats. It is comforting that neither Kavanaugh nor Chief Justice John Roberts joined them. But if Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed before Nov. 3, she may join this far-right bloc, as she was hand-picked to do. At that point, either Kavanaugh or Roberts could cross over for a 2020 reprise of Bush v. Gore, but this time throwing out far more votes after the fact. Its not yet time to panic. But it should not instill confidence that multiple justices are already willing to sabotage the election. The decision by four major art museums in the UK and US to postpone for four years Philip Guston Now, a long-planned retrospective of one of postwar Americas most significant artists, is a cowardly act of censorship. The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., Tate Modern in London, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and Museum of Fine Arts, Houston claimed in a September 21 statement that Gustons obviously hostile and darkly satirical images of Ku Klux Klansmen and others could not be exhibited until a time at which we think that the powerful message of social and racial justice that is at the center of Philip Gustons work can be more clearly interpreted. Philip Guston. (American, born Canada. 1913-1980). City Limits. 1969. (Photo credit: James K./Flickr.com) The museums directors said they needed more time to properly prepare the public to understand Gustons message through outreach and programming. This is evasive and duplicitous. No honest opponent of racism and anti-Semitism would object to Gustons attack on the KKK and other reactionary features of American society. Those who object to the artists supposed appropriation of African American suffering are cultural-nationalist elements who insist that race is the category that defines human beings. The directors may share this foul view or simply feel the need to accommodate themselves to the current atmosphere. In either case, they have helped deliver a blow to artistic freedom. In the face of a deluge of criticism, the directors of the National Gallery and the Tate have tried to defend themselves. National Gallery Director Kaywin Feldman told Hyperallergic this week that in todays Americabecause Guston appropriated images of Black traumathe show needs to be about more than Guston. She went on, Also, related, an exhibition with such strong commentary on race cannot be done by all-white curators. Everybody involved in this project is white. ... We definitely need some curators of color working on the project with us. I think all four museums agree with that statement. This is simply disgusting, a craven giving in to racialist thinking of the most sinister type, which historically has been associated with the far right. Along those lines, those who object or might object to the Guston exhibition are now generally vociferous in their calls for censorship. These are the same political forces who in 2017 protested against the exhibitionat the Whitney Museum in New Yorkof Dana Shutzs Open Casket, a painting based on a photograph of 15-year-old Emmett Till, a black youth murdered and mutilated in 1955. Some of the protesters, in fact, went so far as to demand the painting be burned! To paraphrase what we said in 2017, the subject matter, the activities of the Klan, does not belong to African American artists or anyone else. It is the common property and responsibility of those who oppose, in Lenins phrase, all cases of tyranny, oppression, violence, and abuse. These petty-bourgeois nationalist elements are not genuinely concerned with the history of African American suffering or anyone elses. If they were, they would want it to be exposed and denounced as widely as possible. They are objecting to anyone else, as they see it, gaining some advantage from the franchise. These are selfish, careerist elements who want to monopolize a field for their own prestige and profit. At the same time, the extreme racialism serves the political purpose, pursued by the New York Times and the Democratic Party milieu, of attempting to confuse the population and divide it along racial and ethnic lines, diverting from the struggle against social inequality, war and the threat of dictatorship. In the past three years, the situation has only become more noxious and the racialists activities more provocative. Philip Guston, Untitled, The Nixon Series, 1971, ink on paper.(Hauser & Wirth) The museum directors announcement of the postponement was met with dismay by art critics who objected to the overt act of censorship, especially against an artist deeply committed to the struggle against racism, although most seemed resigned to the delay. The artists daughter, Musa Mayer, commented, Its sad. This should be a time of reckoning, of dialogue. These paintings meet the moment we are in today. The danger is not in looking at Philip Gustons work but in looking away. A forceful demand that the show be reinstated was issued in an open letter signed by 100 artists, curators, art dealers and writers published last Wednesday in the Brooklyn Rail, which has since garnered hundreds more signatures. Signed by Matthew Barney, Nicole Eisenman, Joan Jonas, Martin Puryear, Lorna Simpson and Henry Taylor among others, the list reads like a whos who of todays most prominent artists, black and white. The open letter begins by noting that the undersigned artists were shocked and disappointed by the four-year postponement. The letter cites the comment by Musa Mayer that Guston had dared to unveil [the] racist terror that he had witnessed since boyhood, when the Klan marched openly by the thousands in the streets of Los Angeles. As poor Jewish immigrants, his family fled extermination in the Ukraine. He understood what hatred was. It was the subject of his earliest works. The open letter and the principled opposition of many artists to the museums censorship are welcome and objectively significant, although the signatories weaken their own position by giving in too much to the notion of white culpability and other nostrums of identity politics. The open letter is strongest in denouncing the notion that hiding Gustons art will somehow improve matters. The people who run our great institutions do not want trouble, it argues. They fear controversy. They lack faith in the intelligence of their audience. If museum officials feel that the current social eruptions will blow over in four years, the letter asserts, they are mistaken. The tremors shaking us all will never end until justice and equity are installed. Hiding away images of the KKK will not serve that end. Quite the opposite. And Gustons paintings insist that justice has never yet been achieved. The artists letter demands the exhibition be restored to the museums schedules, and that their staffs prepare themselves to engage with a public that might well be curious about why a painterever self-critical and a standard-bearer for freedomwas compelled to use such imagery. Guston (1913-1980) was born in Montreal to Ukrainian-Jewish parents but grew up in California and attended high school in Los Angeles with fellow future painter Jackson Pollock. Moving to New York, according to ArtNet, Guston was enrolled in the Works Progress Administration during the 1930s [like Pollock], where he produced works inspired by the Mexican Muralists and Italian Renaissance paintings. Philip Guston, Painting, Smoking, Eating, 1973 Guston became associated with Abstract Expressionism, the loose gestural painting style also known as the New York School that was the dominant artistic school of the Cold War period of the 1950s. Other Abstract Expressionists were Arshile Gorky, Willem de Kooning and, of course, Pollock. After playing a leading role in the development of abstract art, however, Guston came to reject its approach as too rarefied and confining as a means of responding artistically and politically to the upheavals of the civil rights and antiwar movements of the 1960s. What kind of man am I, he once asked, sitting at home, reading magazines, going into a frustrated fury about everythingand then going into my studio to adjust a red to a blue? Guston became widely known for his blunt, almost cartoonish images suggesting the thuggish brutality and political corruption of official American society. He developed a distinctive figurative style populated with oversized heads, hands, bricks, shoes and other bizarre objects. The artists highly personal iconography also included hooded Klansmen, who began appearing in his work as early as the 1930s. These buffoonish figures often appear crammed into cars like the Three Stooges, if anything more menacing because they seem so omnipresent and ordinary. Attracted as a teenager to left-wing politics, Guston (then Goldstein) had joined one of the John Reed clubs sponsored by the Communist Party. While the role of the Stalinists was already a negative one, these clubs still attracted artists seeking to fight poverty and inequality. He and his friend Reuben Kadish painted a mural and joined a rally in Los Angeles to raise money for the defense of the Scottsboro Boys, the nine African American teenagers falsely accused of raping two white women in Alabama. After the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) backed off the case over fears of repercussions, the youths defense was taken up by the Communist Party. This won the CP broad support among radicalized white and black workers, as well as artists and young people like Guston. The painter, like many artists of his generation, eventually left the Stalinist orbit of the CP in favor of left-liberal politics. However, his commitment to fighting racism and anti-Semitism retained a genuine, democratic character at odds with the current racialist trends. Often cloaked in left-sounding rhetoric by groups of political activist/artistic collectives who call for increasing the number of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) on museum staffs, boards and among the artists whose work is acquired and promoted, the identity politics campaigns against the systemic racism of cultural institutions have nothing progressive about them. In response, the various institutions have endlessly adapted themselves to and retreated before their racialist critics. In mid-September, the Brooklyn Museumno doubt in straitened circumstances because of the pandemic-induced closureannounced it would auction 12 works from its collection to raise funds for the care of its collection. While culling work by 16th-19th century European painters Cranach the Elder, Gustave Courbet and Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, the Brooklyn Museum has said that it would not sell any of its work by living, presumably more ethnically diverse artists. The Baltimore Museum of Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art for their part recently made a point of selling work to acquire more art by women and artists of color. In another manifestation of the logic of segregation to which this sort of outlook leads, the blue-chip Chelsea gallery and art dealer David Zwirner recently announced it was hiring Ebony L. Haynes as a new gallery director to realize her vision for a kunsthalle with an all-Black staff, which would offer exhibits of and internships to exclusively Black youth. There arent enough places of accessespecially in commercial galleriesfor Black staff and for people of color to gain experience, she said. But what would access on this backward, racially exclusive basis amount to? What sort of art will come out of such a process? The rotten character of this resurgence of racial-ethnic thinking finds expression in the censorship of the Guston exhibition itself. A show dedicated to the work of an artist who fiercely pursued equality and an end to oppression of all types has run afoul of a privileged, upper middle class crowd whose outlook and activity operate in a very different direction: toward racial-ethnic exclusivism, selfishness and the striving for privilege. Sushants death should have turned the spotlight on the fragility that lies beneath the glamorous facade of showbiz. There is a desperate need to address the mental health crisis in the industry along with a conversation about the lack of economic viability in the arts. Its been over a 100 days since the untimely death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Celebrity deaths are like metaphorical supernovas a star dies but the art he or she leaves behind takes on a more powerful glow. In these three months, Sushants death has morphed into a spectacle propelled by our societys deep-seated misogyny, a complete lack of understanding of mental health issues, and a media witch-hunt. Stories of police leaks, drugs, money, Bollywood feuds, nepotism, and the impending state elections in Bihar, have completely tarnished Sushants life and legacy. We, now, know about the actors drug habit, his struggles with mental illness, his insecurities, and his far-from-ideal relationship with his father. Theres been little or no conversation about Sushants electrifying screen presence or the diligence and hard work he put into his work. Is this the kind of #JusticeforSSR the online warriors wanted? It all started on 14 June, when the 34-year-old actor was found dead in his apartment in Mumbai. In the hours that followed, there was equal parts shock and grief among family, friends, fans, and his movie fraternity colleagues. Young, talented, and boundless, Sushant had so much yet to offer. A star in the twinkling firmament of Bollywood was snuffed out. The police, initially, had ruled that there were no suspicious circumstances and that Sushant had died by suicide. However, public speculation about Sushants death continued to grow and it was fuelled largely by Kangana Ranauts claims that nepotism in Bollywood and the industry elites had driven the actor to his death. The narrative being built at the time was that cliques within the industry had ostracised and sabotaged his career; and this was all because he was an outsider. A criminal complaint was filed against eight Bollywood personalities including Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra, and Ekta Kapoor, accusing them of conspiring to not let Sushants films release. They were also accused of replacing him in their films under Section you cant make this sh*t up of the Indian Penal Code. Expectedly, the eight denied these charges, and this was soon forgotten. Then came the police complaint from Rajputs father against Sushants former girlfriend and fellow actor Rhea Chakraborty and her family. They were accused of abetment of suicide, mental harassment, wrongful confinement, and stealing crores from Sushant. Even as details emerged about Sushants struggles with mental illness multiple doctors who had treated him spoke about his diagnosis and the medication he was on his family, especially his father, maintained the actor didnt suffer from any mental illness. A turf war broke out between Mumbai Police and Bihar Police, the media frenzy continued unabated and the focus quickly shifted from nepotism and Bollywoods elite to the evil woman because someone had to be blamed, right? Rhea was painted as the archetypical gold-digger who was controlling her boyfriends every move. A headline on Aaj Tak screamed Sushant Par Rhea Ka Kala Jaadoo while CNN Network 18 had the headline Love Sex Dhoka: Sushant Death Probe. Even as the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate were investigating the case, Rhea was being vilified, slut-shamed, and accused of drugging Sushant and stealing his money. TV reporters had parked themselves outside her Mumbai home 24/7 and even harassed a food delivery boy. In what can only be described as a complete erasure of common sense and basic decency, news channels picked clean every aspect of Sushant and Rheas life together. Her personal chats ended up as exclusive screenshots in the hands of hyperventilating news anchors who were desperately looking to distract viewers from a raging pandemic and a plummeting economy; the looming threat of China in the north and the rising authoritarianism of the central government. Even as none of the investigating agencies were able to uncover any clinching proof of her role in Sushants death, the young actress and her brother Showvik were arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau for allegedly procuring drugs for Sushant. Its hard not to wonder how Sushants marijuana habit would have held up in the face of an investigation of this kind. Considering his fans and the news channels have already dismissed suicide and any mental health issues, why are they letting decency get in the way of branding him as a drug kingpin and charsi? Or, are these terms only to be used for the young girl who tried to help the man she loved through his darkest phase? Does the nation only want to know what it takes to put down strong and independent women who refuse to conform to our misogynistic ideas of how a woman should be? Do dead men get a free pass? For almost a month now Rhea, who in the past has talked about her own anxiety issues, has been in jail. Forget about having the time and space to grieve the unexpected loss of a loved one, she is now fighting for her own freedom. Even after they had found a scapegoat, this most grotesque and prurient parody was far from over. What started as a witch-hunt against one actress soon engulfed several other famous women including Deepika Padukone, Sara Ali Khan, and Shraddha Kapoor and its showing no signings of abating any time soon. If you didnt know any better, youd think that only the women in Bollywood did drugs in this country. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 related lockdown that started in March of this year almost a dozen actors from film and television have died by suicide. Many, like TV actor Manmeet Grewal or Chennai-based brother-sister duo Sridhar and Jaya Kalyanai took the extreme step because they were struggling to pay their bills. Laal Ishq actor Preksha Mehta left behind a suicide note in May where she wrote that its difficult to live with this negativity. The cherry on this dystopian cake is that top doctors at AIIMS have ruled out murder and confirmed suicide as the cause of the actor's death. Sushants death should have turned the spotlight on the fragility that lies beneath the glamorous facade of showbiz. There is a desperate need to address the mental health crisis in the industry along with a conversation about the lack of economic viability in the arts. Instead, the shrill cabal of media, along with law enforcement agencies, fed the voyeuristic tendencies of the aam junta with a ringside view as they demolished the lives of the rich and famous. Not for a minute has anyone asked how this frenzied attack has mentally affected those who unwittingly have been dragged into this mire, or what the last three months have done to the dignity, privacy, and legacy of the deceased. Iran's Deputy Minister of Industry, Mines, and Trade (MIMT) Hamid Zadboom called the reconstruction of countries such as Syria a "religious duty," adding that "Iranian building materials needed to renovate the war-torn country are underway." Zadboom, who also chairs the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, told the Islamic Republic Arabic-speaking TV, Al-Alam, on Monday, October 5, that Tehran currently has only one foreign free trade agreement, which is with Damascus. Reducing and eliminating tariffs and other common trade restrictions is a crucial feature of all free trade agreements. Zadboom stated that Iran's most important exports in terms of value are petrochemicals and petroleum products, steel industries, colored and non-colored metals, and building materials, "especially materials used in reconstructing the countries like Lebanon and Syria." According to Zadboom, Iranian technical engineering service companies are currently active in Iraq and Syria, and that "Iran is sending the building materials needed for the reconstruction." Tehran and Damascus signed a memorandum of understanding in 2018, according to which Iran will build 200,000 houses in Syria. In a series of controversial comments last May, a member of the 10th Majlis parliament, Heshmatullah Falahatpisheh, disclosed that Iran had spent about $30 billion in Syria over the past decade, calling for Tehran to take the money back from Damascus. Falahatpisheh did not elaborate, however, on how Iran planned to reclaim the money spent in Syria. Over the past few years, in every anti-Islamic establishment demonstration across Iran, one of the protesters' main demands has consistently been recovering Iranian assets spent in foreign lands, including Syria. Furthermore, the dominant anti-regime slogan had been, "No to Gaza, no to Lebanon; I'll sacrifice my life for Iran." Two years ago, the U.S. State Department's Iran Task Force released a report announcing that Iran had spent $16 billion since 2012 to support Bashar al-Assad and its proxy groups in Yemen and Iraq. Syria's eight-year civil war had severely damaged its infrastructure and housing facilities, killing hundreds of thousands, and Iran and Russia were significant supporters of Bashar al-Assad in the government's fight against the Damascus opposition. Former Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Yahya Rahim Safavi, who also serves as a current senior military aide to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said previously that Syria's reconstruction "would take several years and require at least $300 billion to $400 billion." "The Islamic Republic must recoup the costs it has incurred in Syria, and the Syrians are ready to repay their debts from Syria's oil, gas and phosphate mines," Safavi added. Furthermore, in an interview on state television last September, the Deputy Chief Commander of the IRGC, Ali Fadavi, disclosed that Iran had spent nearly 20 billion pushing its controversial foreign policy objectives in the region. Speaking to state TV channel Ofogh, Fadavi maintained that Iran had spent $19.6 billion on its 1980-1988 war with Iraq. However, he argued, the cost for Iran's regional policies -- such as supporting proxy armies and military aid in countries like Syria, Iraq, and Yemen -- was less than that. He added he could not remember the precise amount, adding that those billions were insignificant compared to what Iran had gained in the region. Currently, it's not possible to verify such figures due to most IRGC expenditures' secrecy, as Iran has never revealed the cost of its support for regional proxies aimed at expanding its influence in the region and countering its rival, Saudi Arabia. AppLovin Corp, the U.S. mobile app and gaming company backed by private equity firm KKR & Co Inc , has hired Morgan Stanley to lead preparations for an initial public offering (IPO) which could come early in 2021, according to people familiar with the matter. The company has flirted with the idea of an IPO for years, but had never taken a concrete preparatory step. It is the latest mobile gaming startup to eye a stock market listing, as demand for video games surges among consumers staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sources requested anonymity because the IPO preparations are confidential and cautioned that the plans are subject to market conditions. Today gaming is a fractured, fragmented market. I think the market will consolidate, and I think AppLovin will be one of those consolidators," Ted Oberwager, a managing director in KKRs technology, media and telecommunications team and an AppLovin board member, said in an interview. He declined to comment on the IPO plans. AppLovin and Morgan Stanley declined to comment. AppLovin has been profitable since it was founded in 2012 as a mobile games advertising platform. It expects to generate roughly $1.5 billion in revenue for 2020, according to one of the sources, who is familiar with the companys finances. In 2018, KKR acquired a minority stake in AppLovin for $400 million, valuing the company at $2 billion. AppLovin now expects to command a substantially higher valuation, the sources said. In 2018, AppLovin also began a media division, Lion Studios, to work with developers to promote and publish apps. It has expanded further into gaming through a string of acquisitions and investments, including Machine Zone, Belarusian game studio Belka Games, PeopleFun and Firecraft Studios. In the last 12 months, AppLovin has also hired Herald Chen as chief financial officer. He joined from KKR, where he was head of technology, media and telecom in the Americas and led the firms investment in AppLovin. U.S. consumer spending on video gaming hit a record $11.6 billion in the second quarter, up 30% on the year-ago period, according to research firm NPD Group. Gaming giant Roblox Corporation is also working with investment banks to prepare for a U.S. stock market listing that could come early next year and which the online gaming platform expects could double its recent $4 billion valuation, Reuters reported last week. A sod-cutting ceremony and customary rites have been performed for the redevelopment of the La Wireless Civil Aviation lands following therefore signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government and the traditional authorities. The land in question was leased to the British Colonial Administration in 1948 by the La Traditional Council for a period of 99 years. As part of the new lease agreement, the Government of Ghana signed the MoU with the La Traditional Council to cede portions of the land to it for developmental purposes. In addition, portion of the land was ceded to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority since it had permanent structures on that particular land while the Lands Commission would oversee the rest of land belonging to the state. Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, La Shikitele (Kingmaker) and Supreme Head of Nmati Abonase, speaking in a media interview at the official handing-over ceremony held at La Wireless in the La Dadekotopon Municipality, on Monday, said, Under the arrangement, the Government of Ghana ceded a portion of the land to the La Stool / Traditional council in lieu of consideration. The La Stool / Traditional council intends to use the land for developmental projects that will benefit the citizens of La. He indicated that the traditional authorities would engage in transparent transactions which would take the interest of the people into consideration. "We're going to use parts of the land for developmental works in the town.There are rumours that the chiefs have entered into various arrangements and we have sold all the land and shared the money. "We want to assure the people that we're not going to do anything untoward and any arrangements we enter into will be very transparent and the people will benefit... And so the chiefs are not going to hijack the land and use it for their own personal gains," Nii Koofeh emphasised. The ceremony was witnessed by the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Lands Commission, Mr Alex Quaynor and other government officials Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In an incident that stirred a major row, Dalit MLA A Prabhu of Tamil Nadu's ruling party AIADMK married his 19-year-old Brahmin girlfriend. During this, there was a lot of uproars and the father of the girl, also a priest tried to commit suicide by pouring petrol on himself. However, he was stopped by the police. What is the whole matter? The ruling AIADMK MLA from Kallakuruchi constituency, A Prabhu married college student S Soundarya on October 9 despite stiff resistance from the girl`s side. The wedding was held at Prabhu`s residence after Soundarya is said to have walked out of her parent`s home. Prabhu`s parents are also with the AIADMK. Family charges: The priest alleged that the Dalit MLA had trapped her daughter for the four years when she was a minor. The enraged girl`s father S Swaminathan, a local temple priest alleged that his daughter was abducted. He threatened to immolate himself and the district police registered a case against him for attempted suicide. MLA clarified: Prabhu denied the rumours that he had kidnapped Soundarya and forcibly married her. He also denied threatening her parents. Prabhu said that for the past few months he and Soundarya were in love. According to him, his family had formally asked Swaminathan`s consent for the wedding. However, Swaminathan refused the proposal. Prabha said he married to Soundarya with the blessings from his own parents. What did the police say? The district police registered a case against him for attempted suicide. with inputs from IANS (Newser) Three physicists have won this years Nobel Prize in physics for black hole discoveries and will split the $1.1 million award. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said Tuesday that Briton Roger Penrose will receive half of this year's prize "for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity," per the AP. Goran K. Hansson, the academys secretary general, said German Reinhard Genzel and American Andrea Ghez will receive the second half of the prize, with a release detailing that it's being bestowed for their discovery of "an invisible and extremely heavy object [that] governs the orbits of stars at the center of our galaxy." The only thing that object could be, based on what we know now: "a supermassive black hole." story continues below Physics icon Albert Einstein himself didn't believe in black holes, but in early 1965, about a decade after Einstein died, Penrose proved him wrongand that "at their heart, black holes hide a singularity in which all the known laws of nature cease." Meanwhile, Ghez and Genzel each lead a group of scientists that, for 30 or so years, have focused on a region in the center of our galaxy called Sagittarius A*. Using large telescopes, the two groups discovered that there's a massive object "[pulling] on the jumble of stars" around it, "causing them to rush around at dizzying speeds." Set to be announced Wednesday: the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. (Read more Nobel Prize in Physics stories.) Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, local time, that he has instructed aides to stop negotiating on another round of COVID-19 relief until after the election. Trump tweeted that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was "not negotiating in good faith" and said he's asked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to direct all his focus before the election into confirming his US Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. "I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business," Trump tweeted. Saskatoon The Saskatchewan New Democratic Party is promising to hire 700 homecare staff to improve the lives of Saskatchewan seniors, at a cost of $50 million, according the NDP Leader Ryan Meili. He made the announcement on Oct. 6 in Saskatoon. Meili said that twice in the past two weeks while door knocking he encountered homecare workers who are dealing with frustrations in their work. He said, They know they want to be able to provide support but, what theyre able to offer is so little. They have so little time in each home. But its incredibly frustrating and theyre constantly having staff turnover, as people who want to do the work are feeling like they cant really help people. I think of my own time as a family doctor, visiting my patients at a hospital and seeing entire wards full of patients who didnt need to be in the hospital. But they couldnt be home, because there wasnt enough home care, and there wasnt space in long term care. I think the families weve spoken to are stretched and stressed, unable to afford the expensive private options and feeling overwhelmed, and guilty, knowing that their parents and grandparents would be better off at home, but theyre just unable to make it work. Meili said the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed problems in long-term care in Saskatchewan and across Canada. He added the Saskatchewan Party government has cut disability supports for seniors, hearing aid programs, the elimination of the STC bus services and made drugs less affordable under the drug plan. He said the NDP would implement the best homecare in Canada by expanding what homecare offers, expanding those medical supports, but also supports like maintenance and meals, respite for families, so we can relieve pressure are overcrowded emergency rooms, and our overburdened long term care. And most importantly, that we can allow seniors to stay home longer, have the supports they need to thrive, to live independently and with dignity. Thats why were here committing today to invest $50 million to bring in 700 homecare staff. Were talking about nursing staff, caretakers, cooks; good jobs that we need right now, and that will help seniors, to greatly expand the supports that are available and bring in the best home care in Canada. Give the seniors of Saskatchewan the support they need to age, at home, in dignity, and independently, and give families the confidence that their loved ones will have the care they need and deserve. Meili said the Saskatchewan Party under Leader Scott Moe would bring in austerity and more cuts, while the NDP would invest to put people first, with the best home care in Canada. Health care isnt the only issue, he noted, saying, other things that make a difference in people staying home, whether theyre able to maintain the home whether they able to have access to meals having that that mix of workers will allow us to, to really offer those supports in a much greater way than we see anywhere else. Meili committed $50 million to the initiative, which would allow for the hiring of approximately 200 certified care aides, 100 licenced practical nurses, 70 registered nurses, 100 caretakers, 40 carpenters, 50 cooks, 80 groundskeepers, and 60 occupational therapists. Addressing staff turnover levels he called out of this world, Meili said, Theyre losing people all the time, by bringing in a wider range of supports, and investing in the workers that are there already. That way, were able to keep people around longer, because theyll actually enjoy the work. Theyll know that theyre going into those homes. And when they leave, theyve made a difference in somebodys life, made it more possible for them to stay at home. The money would come from the General Revenue fund, he said. Meili added, When you put this amount of money in homecare, you save much more in our hospitals. And in our long-term care, its much less expensive to keep people at home. And at the same time, you improve the quality of care. There are people our of work, right now, who are able to do a lot of these jobs, he said. Saskatoon Eastview NDP candidate Matt Love pointed to the recent replacement of the Saskatchewan Party candidate in that riding. He said, Theyve taken the many, many seniors in this constituency for granted through repeated cuts to seniors care. Ive been on the doorstep for a year and a half, and seniors are telling me at the doors that they feel let down by the Sask. Party. All that they have to offer is more of the same. But we dont have to accept more of the same. Its time for change. The announcement was held in the Saskatoon Eastview constituency as it has one of the highest concentrations of seniors in the province. Seven of 10 adults with appendicitis can safely avoid surgical removal of their appendix (appendectomy) for at least several months by receiving a course of antibiotics, according to early results of a U.S. study that is the largest to compare the use of these drugs alone versus an operation for appendicitis treatment. The three-month findings of the ongoing Comparison of the Outcomes of antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) Trial are presented today at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2020, simultaneous with online publication on the website of the New England Journal of Medicine. Led by the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine in Seattle, CODA is a randomized clinical trial being conducted at 25 U.S. medical centers in 1,552 adults with appendicitis to discover if antibiotic treatment is as good as appendectomy. In results released early because of physicians' interest, the researchers found that overall, the health of patients receiving antibiotic therapy was no worse a month later than that of patients who had their appendix removed. "For the first time, these results will inform the typical appendicitis patients in the U.S. practice what the options are and what the expected results are for patients like them," said study co-principal investigator David R. Flum, MD, MPH, FACS, professor and associate chair of surgery at UW School of Medicine. David Talan, MD, emergency medicine physician, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, is also co-principal investigator. Dr. Flum said he expects the CODA results to greatly change appendicitis treatment in the United States. "Antibiotic treatment will be good for many people but not for all," he explained. Appendectomy has been the standard treatment of appendicitis for more than 120 years and is the most common emergency abdominal procedure performed in the United States. Despite evidence from European studies over the past 25 years that antibiotics successfully treat most patients with appendicitis, a recent study finds less than 5 percent of all U.S. patients with appendicitis receive nonoperative treatment.4 How CODA was unique Dr. Flum said some U.S. doctors believed the European studies had shortcomings, which CODA, with the input of patient advisors, was designed to address. The new trial is answering patient-centered questions that, according to Dr. Flum, went unanswered in the European studies. These include whether initial treatment with antibiotics affects time away from work and in the hospital. Also, he said the CODA patient population better represents typical U.S. surgical practices. The study includes patients with a broad range of appendicitis severity and those with an appendicolith, a small stone at the base of the appendix. Of CODA participants, 27 percent had an appendicolith on imaging, but the European studies excluded such patients because an appendicolith may indicate more complicated appendicitis, Dr. Flum said. The CODA investigators studied patients who had an appendicolith together and separately from other patients. The researchers randomly assigned 776 patients each to undergo appendectomy or receive a 10-day course of antibiotics administered intravenously for the first 24 hours and then as pills the remaining days. Trade-offs with each treatment The main outcome was the patients' health status 30 days after treatment using a measure of general health, the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). Both treatment groups had similarly improved health on the EQ-5D, the investigators found, but each treatment had advantages and disadvantages. Results for the antibiotics-alone group were as follows: The chance of needing an appendectomy by three months after the initial treatment was three in 10. The 90-day appendectomy rate was higher for patients with an appendicolith than those without: 41 percent versus 25 percent. Complications, although infrequent, appeared to be more common in those receiving antibiotics but was attributable to the appendicolith group. On average, patients missed 3.4 fewer days of work than those undergoing appendectomy (5.3 versus 8.7 days) but were likelier to need another hospitalization, including for an appendectomy (24 percent versus 5 percent). Forty-seven percent of patients received their initial care in the emergency department only and avoided hospitalization for initial treatment. Without an appendectomy, there is a chance of missing a cancer of the appendix, but this type of cancer is rare, said Giana H. Davidson, MD, MPH, FACS, a study investigator and an associate professor of surgery at UW School of Medicine. Patients with appendicitis need individualized treatment that meets their goals and needs, Dr. Davidson said. Surgeons, she noted, may be concerned with a 30 percent appendectomy rate within three months of antibiotic treatment. This rate exceeded the 16 percent rate at 90 days reported privately by the lead investigator of the most recent and largest European trial, the Appendicitis Acuta (APPAC) trial.3 However, she said many study participants view the statistic differently. "When you talk to some patients, depending on their personal priorities, health, and concerns, a 7 out of 10 chance that they won't have to have an operation may be reasonable to them as long as it's safe," Dr. Davidson said. A nonoperative treatment option may be especially relevant during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. When COVID hit, there were recommendations, including from the American College of Surgeons, to restrict time in the operating room to minimize exposure to the virus and reserve personal protective equipment for health care providers. We were getting calls from all over the country asking for our CODA data." Giana H. Davidson, MD, MPH, FACS, Study Investigator, Associate Professor of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington Therefore, the researchers announced the 90-day findings ahead of the one- to three- year follow-up results expected in a year. "This study is the largest randomized surgical trial of its kind in America. These initial results will be informative for surgeons and beneficial for patients as they discuss the most recent data-driven recommendations about treatment options for appendicitis," said ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, a member of the CODA National Advisory Board. (Natural News) The Wuhan coronavirus has forced many businesses to shut down. While some industries like bars and restaurants have managed to survive, even with restrictions in place, the hospitality industry isnt as fortunate, with hotels suffering greatly because of the pandemic. A painful example of how the industry has struggled amid the pandemic is the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. The historic hotel, after seeing its valuation plummet, was hit last month with a foreclosure suit over unpaid mortgage payments. A grand hotel with an illustrious history For over a century, the Palmer House Hilton was one of the grandest hotels in Chicago. Some of its most famous historic guests include jazz musician Louis Armstrong, screen legend Frank Sinatra and even acclaimed playwright Oscar Wilde. The hotel was built in 1871 by local mogul Potter Palmer, but it burned down in the Great Chicago Fire just 13 days after its opening date. In the next few years, the hotel served many wealthy and famous guests. Conrad Hilton then purchased the hotel in 1945 and he made it a flagship of his empire. For the last 15 years, Thor Equities, the hotels owner and real-estate investor, spent $173 million to restore the hotel and modernized most of its 1,641 rooms. Lenders are getting tougher because of the pandemic In court papers sent last August, Wells Fargo Bank reported that Thor Equities was in default on its $333.2 million first mortgage. This makes Palmer House Hilton one of the first major foreclosure actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to appraisers, the Palmer House was worth $305.5 million before Wells Fargo filed its action. A Thor spokeswoman declined to comment. In its early stages, most property owners and lenders hoped that damage from the pandemic would only affect a propertys cash flow, leaving long-term values unscathed. Creditors granted landlords forbearance or restructured loans in the hopes that they can survive until business returned. However, some believe that the foreclosure action against Palmer House hints at lenders becoming stricter and more willing to start the process of seizing control of hotels after defaults. Additionally, market participants report that creditors are worried because more properties are caught in a downward spiral from which they wont recover. Manus Clancy, senior managing director of Trepp LLC, a company that tracks the real-estate debt market, explained that because of the pandemic more owners are willing to throw in the towel. Trepp reports that investors hold at least $87 billion of debt backed by hotels that have been turned into commercial-mortgage-backed securities. About a quarter of all lodging loans that were converted into securities were in default as of September, compared with only two percent back in February. The Palmer House has been closed since March, and its current state proves how quickly hotel values deteriorated during the pandemic. Appraisers noted that the property, which was valued at $560 million in 2018, has been steadily plummeting by 45 percent since then. The Palmer House Hilton has been dealing with problems even before the pandemic struck Hotels are one of the hardest-hit businesses because the coronavirus pandemic postponed or canceled a lot of business travel and vacation plans. However, the Palmer House is unique in the struggling industry. The hotel is located in the heart of a large city where visitors dont have a lot of reasons to visit. At the same time, restaurants, museums and other public attractions are closed or operating at limited capacity. Even smaller hotels in more remote areas are more successful because most travelers are eager to avoid large crowds during the pandemic. Chicago has fared worse compared to other states. It experienced a slew of looting in August along its upscale Magnificent Mile avenue. STR, a data firm, also found that Chicagos hotel-occupancy rate was 35 percent for the week ended Sept. 12. That compares with the national average of 48.5 percent and the large metro market average of 43.2 percent, added STR. Before the pandemic hit America, Chicago hotels were already under pressure from a glut of new supply. STR reported that over 8,000 rooms were added in Chicago between 2016 and 2019. Russel DSouza, a senior analyst with DBRS Morningstar, a financial services company, revealed that the company had been looking at Palmer House, a property that already had problems before the pandemic began. The hotel also relied heavily on conference business, which analysts warned may stay frozen for the months ahead because it involves large indoor gatherings. Joseph Baksic, associate managing director at Moodys Investors Service, said that participants are wary of scheduling a conference amid the pandemic. Moodys downgraded the debt backing Palmer House after the foreclosure action. (Related: The economic depression of 2020 is becoming an endless nightmare for millions of Americans.) Palmer House also struggled after Thor Equities loaded it up with debt in recent years to give the property a chance of competing in the 21st century. Thor Equities paid $230 million in 2005 to acquire the hotel, along with office and retail space. In a 2007 interview with The Wall Street Journal, the firms chairman and founder, Joseph Sitt, said that the property was gold. Sitt renovated the facade and restored the lobbys ornate ceiling, which was decorated with 21 paintings from Greek mythology. Some say Thor Equities tried to sell the hotel but couldnt get its price. Thor Equities forged on, refinancing the hotel $420 million including the $333.2 million first mortgage from JPMorgan Chase & Co. The first mortgage was converted into bond securities, with $94.3 million in mezzanine debt. Wells Fargo filed the foreclosure action as the trustee representing bondholders. A Wells Fargo motion in the foreclosure action showed that Thor Equities failed to make monthly debt-service payments since April of this year. The motion states that the hotel owner was also unable to fund critical operating expenses, such as utilities and real-estate taxes. Before the action was filed, Thor Equities spokeswoman said that the entire hospitality industry has been devastated by the pandemic. She also urged the government to offer financial relief to historic lodgings like the Palmer House Hilton. Sources include: WSJ.com HistoricHotels.org The global internet protocol camera market size is poised to grow by USD 8.47 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 14% throughout the forecast period, according to the latest report by Technavio. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Download a Free Sample of REPORT with COVID-19 Crisis and Recovery Analysis. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201005005618/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Internet Protocol (IP) Camera Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) The growing adoption of smart homes will be a significant factor in driving the growth of the IP camera market. The increasing number of thefts and burglaries in various countries has boosted the demand for security solutions, such as IP cameras, especially in the residential sector. The installation of IP cameras and smart motion sensors in residential properties will allow homeowners to monitor their homes remotely. Also, smart homes use internet-connected devices for remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems through a smart home application on their smartphone or networked device. The rising adoption of smart homes will further increase the demand for IP cameras as video surveillance and security form an integral part of these homes. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Report Highlights: The major internet protocol camera market growth came from centralized IP camera arrangement segment. Media recordings in centralized IP camera arrangement is either stored on a network video recorder (NVR) or digital video recorder. This arrangement is ideal for applications where recording devices need to be hidden or located off-site from cameras. The higher storage capacity of centralized IP cameras is expected to boost the demand for centralized IP camera arrangement among end-users. North America was the largest market for IP camera in 2019, and the region will continue to offer the maximum growth opportunities to market vendors during the forecast period. The increasing focus of governments towards security and surveillance will be one of the significant factors contributing to the IP camera market growth in this region. The global internet protocol camera market is concentrated. Axis Communications AB, Guangzhou Juan Intelligent Joint Stock Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd., Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Co. Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH, Shenzhen Apexis Electronic Co. ltd., ShenZhen Foscam Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd., Sony Corp., Z3 Technology LLC, and Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd. are some of the major market participants. To help clients improve their market position, this internet protocol camera market forecast report provides a detailed analysis of the market leaders. As the business impact of COVID-19 spreads, the Global internet protocol camera market 2020-2024 is expected to have Positive and Superior. As the pandemic spreads in some regions and plateaus in other regions, we revaluate the impact on businesses and update our report forecasts. Read the full report here: https://www.technavio.com/report/report/ip-camera-market-industry-analysis Emergence of H.265 IP Cameras will be a Key Market Trend The emergence of H.265 IP cameras will be one of the critical IP camera market trends contributing to market growth. The demand for H.265 IP cameras is increasing because of its ability to capture high-resolution images and videos, with less bandwidth usage, better quality, and high storage consumption. These cameras help in minimizing bandwidth utilization and storage consumption and increasing the data compression ratio without compromising the video quality. H.265 IP cameras also provide higher encoding efficiency and support up to 8192x4320 pixels of images and videos. Moreover, these cameras have 4K/8MP high resolution and allow longer recording time length than H.264. These benefits of H.265 IP cameras have boosted its popularity among end-users and encouraged several market vendors to develop such cameras. 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 Internet protocol camera market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist internet protocol camera market growth during the next five years Estimation of the internet protocol camera market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the internet protocol camera market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of internet protocol camera market vendors Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT 2.1 Preface 2.2 Preface 2.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ PART 03: MARKET LANDSCAPE Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis Value chain analysis PART 04: MARKET SIZING Market definition Market size Market sizing 2019 Market outlook Market size and forecast 2019-2024 PART 05: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition PART 06: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY CONNECTIVITY Market segmentation by connectivity Comparison by connectivity Centralized IP camera arrangement Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Decentralized IP camera arrangement Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by connectivity PART 07: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE PART 08: GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity PART 09: DECISION FRAMEWORK PART 10: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES Market drivers Market challenges PART 11: MARKET TRENDS Use of IP cameras in aerial surveillance and monitoring Emergence of H.265 IP cameras Strategic alliances between vendors for developing products with new technologies PART 12: VENDOR LANDSCAPE Overview Landscape disruption Competitive scenario PART 13: VENDOR ANALYSIS Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Axis Communications AB Guangzhou Juan Intelligent Joint Stock Co. Ltd. Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd. Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Co. Ltd. Robert Bosch GmbH Shenzhen Apexis Electronic Co. Ltd. ShenZhen Foscam Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd. Sony Corp. Z3 Technology LLC Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd. PART 14: APPENDIX Research methodology List of abbreviations Definition of market positioning of vendors PART 15: EXPLORE TECHNAVIO About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201005005618/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ He said that the attackers have been identified as Saifullah, a Pakistani militant and another one is a local Srinagar: Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed and three others wounded in a sneak attack of separatist militants in Pampore area on the outskirts of Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar on Monday. The spot where two motorcycle-borne militants targeted a Road Opening Party (ROP) of CRPF with automatic weapons is hardly four kilometres short of Lethapora where, at least, forty security personnel were killed and several others injured in an attack carried by a sole Jaish-e-Muhammad suicide bomber at a bus which was part of a CRPF convoy on February 14, 2019. The police said the latest terror attack was carried out by Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and that both the assailants have been identified and a manhunt launched for them. The slain jawans have been identified as Constables Dhirendra and Shailendra Kumar, both from 110 Battalion of the CRPF. The injured are being treated in Srinagar's 92 Base Army Hospital. The police and CRPF officials said that the militant attack took place near Kandizal bridge at Tangan in Pulwama district along the bypass road connecting Srinagar with J&K's winter capital Jammu, injuring five jawans. "Two of the grievously injured boys succumbed at the 92 Base Hospital immediately after they and three others were admitted there," a CRPF spokesman said. The officials said that soon after the attack whole area was cordoned off to nab the attackers but no arrests could be made. The search operation was called off by sunset as militants had managed to escape from the area, they added Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, said that the attack was carried out by two-bike borne LeT militants who have been identified and hunt to neutralize them has been started. Two militants from Lashkar-e-Tayyaba came on a motor bike and fired indiscriminately at the CRFP Road Opening Party here at Kandizal near Pampore. Two CRPF men died in the incident and three others sustained injuries who are stable, the IGP told reporters at the site of the attack. He said that the attackers have been identified as Saifullah, a Pakistani militant and another one is a local. Hunt is on to track them down and I am hopeful they will be neutralized soon, he said. He added that militants find it easy to target security forces on the highway "as it is a busy place where hundreds of civilian vehicles pass through every day". He asserted, 'If we retaliate and fire indiscriminately too there will be civilian casualties. After targeting CRPF party today the attackers managed to flee from the spot. About another exchange of fire between militants and security forces at Parinad area of Awantipore (also in Pulwama district), he said: There was an initial exchange of fire but then no contact was established with militants thereafter. J&K's Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, condemned the "despicable terrorist attack" and said that the sacrifice of the security personnel will not go in vain. He said, The sacrifices of our CRPF personnel will not go in vain. The government is determined and committed to foil the design of those who want to disrupt peace and derail the development of Jammu and Kashmir through such a terror attack. I assure the people of J&K and family members of our brave security personnel that we will punish the perpetrators of such terror attacks." A lot has been said about the unconstitutionality of blasphemy laws and their incompatibility with human rights norms and principles. But very little attention has been paid to the ethnoreligious implications especially in Northern Nigeria. The link between blasphemy allegations, including imputations of desecrating the Quran and ethnoreligious feud and vengeance, has largely been ignored. It has yet to be highlighted how blasphemy allegations have undermined the project of nation-building, Nigerian citizenship and mutual co-existence of persons from different ethnoreligious backgrounds in the northern part of the country. Prosecutions for blasphemy are few and far apart, but blasphemy related attacks and killings often take place. In this piece, I argue that blasphemy allegations provide a pretext for Muslim fanatics in Northern Nigeria to vent their hatred and anger on persons from other ethnoreligious backgrounds. Blasphemy accusations serve as a weapon to settle ethnoreligious scores. Nigeria is a country with a volatile ethnoreligious mix. Politics and social interactions are largely driven by primordial instincts and sentiments. The volatility is predicated on the way that religion and ethnicity intersect. In Nigeria, religion is professed along ethnic lines. The Hausas and Fulanis are predominantly Muslim, while ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria are mainly Christian. Tension, hostility, and mistrust feature amongst the ethnic and religious groups in Northern Nigeria. Conflicts between members of the various religions, especially between Christians and Muslims, often erupt. Ethnoreligious bloodletting is rampant in Muslim dominated sections of Northern Nigeria. Persecution and oppression underlie the relationship between Muslims and ethnoreligious minorities in the region. The pervasive hostile situation has created an atmosphere where Muslim extremists in northern Nigeria are often looking for opportunities to revenge and attack other ethnic and religious/non religious persons. Unfortunately, allegations of insulting Prophet Muhammad, or desecration of the Quran provide avenues to tackle non-Muslims. A critical look at blasphemy killings in Islamic Northern Nigeria reveals a worrisome pattern. Victims are mainly non-Muslims from the south; Christian/traditionalist Igbos, Yorubas, etc. Let us take a look at some instances of blasphemy related killings in Northern Nigeria. In the 90s Muslims beheaded Gideon Akaluka in Kano. Akaluka was a Christian trader from Southern Nigeria. They accused him of desecrating the Quran. The police arrested and detained him. But Muslim fanatics invaded the police station and abducted Mr. Akaluka. They beheaded him and later paraded his head on the streets of Kano. In 2007, some Muslims lynched a Christian teacher, Mrs. Christianah Oluwasesin, in Gombe. Her students accused her of desecrating the Quran. Muslim fanatics beat her to death and burnt her corpse. In 2016, Muslims attacked and killed Methodus Emmanuel for making blasphemous posts on Facebook. Whilst on June 2, the same year, Muslims killed Mrs. Bridget Agbahime, a Christian female trader from southern Nigeria at a local market in Kano. These killings did not take place in private rooms and corners, but in public places, on the streets, in the market etc. They were not executed by an individual but by mobs. Thus, allegations of blasphemy have served the interests of Muslim bloodletters who perpetrate these atrocities with impunity, sometimes with the tacit support of the sharia governments in the region. Under Nigerian law, jungle justice and extrajudicial killing are prohibited. That means those who indulge in such criminal behaviors ought to be prosecuted and punished. Sadly, this has not been the case with killings linked to blasphemy. There has not been a single instance where perpetrators of blasphemy related killing were brought to justice. Rather blasphemy killers are treated as defenders of Islamic faith, not criminals. They are celebrated and honored, not condemned or sanctioned. In most cases, no arrests are made, and in situations where arrests are made, the suspects are later set free. In Northern Nigeria, blasphemy laws and norms have created a situation of lawlessness. Murder is not a crime if it is carried out in the name of Islam. Killing a human being is not morally reprehensible or against the law, if the person killed is believed to have insulted the prophet of Islam. Politicians and clerics openly and publicly incite violence; they call for the murder of any real or imagined blasphemer. Simply put there is no justice for victims of blasphemy related murder and attack. This unfortunate situation is illustrated in the case of Mrs. Agbahime. In 2016, those suspected to have murdered Bridget Agbahime were charged to court in Kano. But months later, they were acquitted. The state prosecutor stated that the suspects had no case to answer. In fact, no one who kills a blasphemer has any case to answer in Muslim dominated Northern Nigeria. This situation must change. Perpetrators of blasphemy related killings are murderers and should be brought to justice. Nigerian government should take urgent measures to stop blasphemy killings and ethnoreligious vendetta in Northern Nigeria. No Arrests Made During Violent Protest in Los Angeles No arrests were made during a riot in Los Angeles on Monday, police said. There were no arrests and no officers injured. Minimal property damage only, Drake Madison, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman, told The Epoch Times via email. Video footage captured by independent reporters showed a group during a protest smashing windows in downtown Los Angeles. Police officers were trailing the group but didnt intervene, Tomas Morales and Kalen DAlmeida, the reporters, said. Officers were blocking intersections behind the crowd. According to CBS LA, demonstrators marched to the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters. Along the way, they smashed windows and damaged ATMs. At least one smoke bomb or pyrotechnic device was set off. Police officers in riot gear stood outside the headquarters. Antifa / BLM radicals have begun destroying property here in LA. pic.twitter.com/WPtAPP981X Kalen From Scriberr (@FromKalen) October 6, 2020 The group dispersed by 11 p.m. Members of the group were dressed in the style favored by the far-left, anarcho-communist Antifa network. Some held signs that said Black Lives Matter. At one point, a man stood in front of a police vehicle and shouted at the driver, [Expletive] it. Do it. I [expletive] dare you. Kill me. Graffiti sprayed by the group included an anarchist slogan and the name Jonathan Price. Price, 31, was fatally shot by police officers in Texas over the weekend. The police spokesman didnt respond when asked why no arrests were made. Genpact announced the expansion of its experience business, Rightpoint, with the acquisition of Something Digital. The addition of Something Digitals deep commerce expertise to Rightpoints customer experience leadership, will further enable the companys ability to drive experience-led transformation at scale for clients across industries. Todays announcement furthers Genpacts strategy to fuse experience and process innovation to help clients drive end-to-end digital transformation and win in the growing experience economy. Genpacts acquisition of Rightpoint in 2019, which consolidated its TandemSeven experience business into the Rightpoint brand, created an industry-leading experience firm. The addition of Something Digital expands on that expertise, enabling true end-to-end digital commerce that puts customer experience at the center. With consumer commerce spending increasing 44.5% year over year*, digital commerce has quickly and radically shifted from being one element of a multi-channel strategy to a primary business for many across retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and manufacturing. In this environment, having an agile, experience-centered digital commerce business has become table stakes for survival for clients around the world. The shift from offline to online is impacting companies across every industry in a variety of ways, large and small, said Katie Stein, chief strategy officer and global business leader, enterprise services, at Genpact. Bringing together Rightpoints tremendous experience expertise, with Something Digitals commerce resources creates a step change in our ability to help clients connect their enterprise front to back to finally be able to solve for experience-led, end-to-end digital commerce. As part of Rightpoint, Something Digitals capabilities will prove critical to future business success as its strategists, engineers, designers, and leaders continue to focus on and provide B2B and B2C companies with experience-driven creative and digital commerce solutions. The experience economy rewards organizations that can connect people, process, and technology effectively to deliver the right experience at the right time, and it leaves behind those that cannot. Only by connecting front-end commerce to back-end processes, can organizations create the customer experience that consumers increasingly demand, said Ross Freedman, chief executive officer of Rightpoint. This acquisition reinforces our ability to help our clients create competitive advantage, with an end-to-end digital commerce offering that puts customer experience front and center. Something Digital and Rightpoint share a commitment to creating the best commerce experiences possible. Bringing our teams together will increase our collective ability to design winning solutions that drive revenue growth for our clients, said Greg Steinberg, principal and founder of Something Digital. We look forward to bringing clients the benefits of our expanded capabilities. Through this acquisition, Rightpoint will join several of the largest companies in the world in leveraging the broad feature set of Magento Commerce, which powers Adobe Commerce Cloud. Something Digital will bring its extensive Adobe capabilities to Rightpoints existing commerce team, making Rightpoint a Gold-level Adobe Solution Partner. Gold partners are a select group of regional companies that have earned a higher designation in a particular Adobe geographic area. Gold partners develop specialized Adobe practices across multiple Adobe Experience Cloud solutions. As an Adobe Solution Partner, Something Digital has a strong track record in helping businesses design holistic commerce solutions that fit the needs of their customers, said Tony Sanders, senior director, Americas Partner Sales at Adobe. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Something Digital and congratulate Rightpoint on their growth within the Adobe partner family. Something Digital is located in New York and has more than 20 years of experience in successfully driving commerce, digital marketing, user experience, and design solutions for clients. Office giant Dexus is leading the charge on the next wave of commercial tower sales as it reviews its entire portfolio to free up funds for an expected tilt at AMP Capital. However, the ASX-listed $10 billion landlord's hopes to raise capital face significant headwinds as industry insiders predict far fewer deals over the next 12 months with the pandemic playing havoc on investors. Netwealth has taken 2700 sq m in Dexus' historic Ball & Welch building at 180 Flinders Street. Credit: Potential buyers ran the ruler over Dexus' Melbourne office towers at 8 Nicholson Street and 360 Collins Street during the early stages of the pandemic, making offers which the fund manager declined to take, industry sources with knowledge of the matter said. Others contacted by the Herald and The Age said they had been "quietly" approached by Dexus with the intent of selling any asset at book value "or greater." You could almost hear the collective sigh Monday from the worlds public health officials, epidemiologists and front-line health-care workers. U.S. President Donald Trump, upon announcing his release from the Walter Reed Medical Center, having improved in his condition with COVID-19, could have taken the occasion to repeat his previous thanks to the medical staff who treated him. He might have warned the American people to wear masks and social distance in order to slow the spread of the illness that made it necessary for him to be given oxygen. He could have simply said nothing. Instead, he did the other thing. Feeling really good! Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life, he tweeted Monday evening, hours before leaving the hospital. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago! News that the president was well enough to leave the hospital despite his diagnosis of COVID-19 was met with gratitude and support from American public figures of all political stripes. Less universal was an appreciation for the presidents insistence on downplaying the seriousness of the virus, apparently using his own experience as evidence Americans neednt be afraid. Not panicking has always been among the recommendations of the most lauded public health officials during the COVID-19 crisis. But, for the same reason potential vaccines go through multiple trials with hundreds of participants before they can be approved, the experience of one person is not enough to tell us whether the coronavirus is something to fear. Heres some of whats actually going on around COVID-19 right now reasons to be concerned, and, yes, even some to be hopeful. People continue to die of COVID-19 The fact that Donald Trump appears to be on the mend is not unexpected. In fact, his recovery is the most likely outcome of getting COVID-19, even with his age and weight putting him at higher risk for a serious form of the disease compared to other parts of the population. Nevertheless, people are still dying of COVID-19 in the United States, Canada and around the world. As of Monday, more than one million people have died of the disease worldwide, including about 210,000 in the United States. America continues to count 1,000 deaths from the disease every day. The Star continues to track coronavirus death statistics here. Stories of some of the Canadians who have died from the disease can be found here. Many places including some that had the virus under control are in a second wave Including, but not limited to, Ontario. A second wave of COVID-19 cases had been predicted by public health officials since the height of the first wave, when experts said the summer might provide a temporary respite from rapid spread of the disease, only for it to pick up again in the fall. What we are calling a second wave in Canada, with cases rising in the four most populous provinces, is more like a continual rise in cases in the United States. Transmission of COVID-19 continued throughout the summer while the U.S. economy remained largely open. Jurisdictions outside of North America are also facing a second wave. That includes France, the U.K., the Netherlands, Malaysia and Myanmar. Some lessons are being learned One feature of the COVID-19 crisis common to all jurisdictions is that public health officials know more about COVID-19 now than they did when it was still commonly called the novel coronavirus. More information about the protective value of masks, and the fact that the virus is more likely to transmit through the air than through surfaces, is helping countries focus their containment efforts on the strategies that work. Winter is coming, and flu season along with it Colder weather brings people indoors, and thats where COVID-19 likes to spread. But the reasons to take COVID-19 even more seriously in the winter go beyond the likelihood of transmission. Now that more than half a year has passed since the coronavirus pandemic began, the effects of self-isolating are being felt around this country and the world. Mental health experts have pointed out that as winter descends, so may a new sense of gloom, as options to socialize outdoors disappear. With the lack of sunlight, and less social connections from not being able to spend as much time outdoors, thats a triple whammy, Steve Joordens, professor of psychology at University of Toronto, told the Star. Winter is also flu season, and that means the possibility of more people entering hospitals to be treated for that illness, putting a greater strain on the health-care system. Experts and health-care workers have urged the public to get flu shots to prevent that from happening. B.C.s Dr. Bonnie Henry has called the need to protect people against the flu paramount. Contact tracing is struggling to keep up Contact tracing, the process through which public health workers find people who have likely been exposed to the virus and ask them to isolate or monitor for symptoms, is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Weve seen contact tracing work really well in some settings, like New Zealand, where they eliminated transmission for 101 days, said Jean-Paul Soucy, a University of Toronto researcher who has been tracking the spread of the coronavirus in Canada. But, Soucy explained, contact tracing begins to fall apart when there are just too many people to contact who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Then, public health organizations, such as Toronto Public Health, may have to make a decision to suspend contact tracing and prioritize contacting only the people they know to be sick. Contact tracing really is critical in that phase when youre trying to stamp out the sparks before they become wildfires, he said. What weve seen in Toronto is that they recently made the decision to suspend contact tracing which is indicative that the second wave has reached a new level. Vaccine trials are making progress but theres no guarantee One thing is for sure about a COVID-19 vaccine: Even in the best case scenario, it is not right around the corner. That said, there are reasons to be hopeful that vaccines effective at preventing COVID-19 could be the next great tool in fighting the pandemic. Canada is doing its first review of a potential COVID-19 vaccine, which could become available to Canadians if it passes rigorous clinical trials. But that will take several months. In an interview with the CBC last month, B.C.s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said shes monitoring about 50 different potential vaccine studies, and shes cautiously optimistic that one could be available by next summer. There are several Canadians should probably be watching for news. Still, once a vaccine is approved and available for the public, it must clear the hurdle of vaccine hesitancy those who, for a variety of reasons, wont enthusiastically volunteer for the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as its available. There are, unfortunately, still plenty of things to worry about. With files from Alex Boyd and Joanna Chiu Read more about: Donald Trump was reluctant to name Mike Pence his running mate in 2016 because he thought the then-governor of Indiana was a loser who didnt stand a chance to be re-elected in his own state, according to a former campaign official. Former campaign manager Paul Manafort had suggested Mr Pence as the vice presidential candidate on the ticket, but then-candidate Trump wanted someone in his mind who was a winner, according to Mr Manaforts deputy Rick Gates, whose book Wicked Game: An Insiders Story on How Trump Won, Mueller Failed and America Lost is set to be published this month. Mr Gates, in an interview with the Yahoo News podcast Skullduggery, said that Mr Trump had initially suggested his daughter Ivanka Trump as his running mate. The important assets to him are family, trust and loyalty, Mr Gates told Yahoo News. His children become more engaged with the campaign and attended nearly "every meeting as the campaign progressed, he said. Other running-mate suggestions came from within the presidents inner circle and familiar GOP figures who aligned with the president. Mr Trump, who was provided a list of potential candidates, soured at the idea of tapping Governor Pence, as polling data from the 2016 gubernatorial race revealed that the incumbent was down by 10 points. Then-candidate Trump didnt think he had a chance to win the governors race, Mr Gates told Yahoo News, "which is why he used the term loser,' which he has used with many people, as we know. Instead he wanted someone in his mind who was a winner, he said. Why would I want a guy like that to be my VP? Mr Trump said, according to Mr Gates book. Following White House turbulence after several positive coronavirus diagnoses among Republican officials, including the president and First Lady Melania Trump, Mr Pence second in line for the presidency if Mr Trump is not able to serve has emerged from the presidents shadow into highly scrutinised spotlight of his own. Should the president win re-election, Mr Pence could face the prospect of a White House run by 74-year-old Trump recovering from the disease and its longer-term impacts. Mr Pence is set to debate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Bidens running mate Kamala Harris on 7 October. The campaign had struggled to convince Mr Trump to choose the Indiana governor, made more difficult with Mr Pence endorsing Texas Senator Ted Cruz in the Republican primaries. Trump did not want anything to do with Pence at that moment, Mr Gates said. Mr Gates and Mr Manafort argued that Mr Pences candidacy would anchor Mr Trumps support in the Midwest and avoid the limelight, unlike two other potential running mates under consideration New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Mr Manafort had tried to convince the candidate that his running mate should be someone different from him, Mr Gates said. When we told him the role of a vice president and what theyre really supposed to do we told him the vice president is the pitbull, said Mr Gates, adding that the VP should serve as a hatchet candidate to argue with opponents to insulate the president from criticism. But Mr Trump is that individual," Mr Gates said. According to Mr Gates, Mr Manafort told Mr Trump: "Why would you want someone like you as your VP? You are the hatchet guy." It resonated, Mr Gates said. Mr Gates also worked under Mr Manafort while he served as a consultant for the Party of Regions in Ukraine. Both men were indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller for campaign finance crimes and failure to register as foreign agents during 2016 elections, to which Mr Gates pleaded guilty and served as a cooperating states witness in Roger Stones trial. Mr Manafort pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the US and witness tampering as part of a plea deal and was released from prison in May 2020 to serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement. Thai protest leaders, massacre survivors mark sombre anniversary Students walk past US photojournalist Neal Ulevichs image of a lynched protester during the Thammasat University massacre in October 1976 at an exhibition commemorating the event at Thammasat University in Bangkok Thai politicians and protest leaders laid floral wreaths Tuesday at a monument commemorating the anniversary of a student massacre more than 40 years ago, as survivors reflected on the younger generation's latest democracy push. The October 6, 1976 killings, carried out by security forces and royalist militias, stand out for their brutality. At least 46 student protesters were shot, beaten to death or hanged from trees as they rallied at Bangkok's Thammasat University against the return of a military dictator who was ousted from power just three years earlier. Nobody has ever been held accountable for the bloodshed, which critics say is a reflection of an ongoing culture of impunity for the country's military. Thailand is in the throes of a nascent pro-democracy movement, with massive demonstrations across the country demanding an overhaul of its military-aligned government and reforms to the monarchy. "It's like history repeating itself... they were students who came out to protest demanding change in our society," said lawyer Anon Numpa, one of the most prominent faces of the movement, at the memorial Tuesday. Opposition MP Rangsiman Rome pointed to sedition charges targeting Anon, as well as dozens of activists, as proof of the need for reform. Representatives from the pro-establishment Democrat Party also attended. "If every side understands the history, then we can solve our country's problems," former MP Tankhun Jittitsara said. The current crop of activists have studied Thailand's history and are unafraid to discuss "the root cause" of the kingdom's problems, said Pheu Thai MP Sutham Saengpratoom, who was a student leader during the 1976 crackdown. "My generation didn't dare to talk about the entire truth but these students are bold," he told AFP. Survivor Jin Kammachon -- who saw his parents and girlfriend killed that day -- is heartened that today's students have been using a ballad he composed as a protest song. And he has written a new song with the lyrics: "If we don't surrender, we will not be defeated." dhc/lpm/oho Counting On star Joy Anna Duggar is being slammed as 'reckless and stupid' for taking her six-week-old daughter to church in Arkansas, where COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Joy, 22, and her husband Austin Forsyth, 26, just welcomed their daughter Evelyn Mae on August 21 but while many parents try to limit their newborns' exposure to germs even in the best of times, Joy and Austin already took little Evy to church on Sunday in the midst of a pandemic. Commenters were quick to slam the couple for 'taking their chances' with their baby's health, calling them out for being 'irresponsible,' 'risky,' and 'disgusting.' Praying in person: Counting On star Joy Anna Duggar is being slammed as 'reckless and stupid' for taking her six-week-old daughter to church in Arkansas Who needs science? Joy Anna and Austin took their newborn daughter, Evelyn Mae, and their son, Gideon, to in-person church services Many people have taken to attending church online through virtual services, but Joy, Austin, Evy Mae, and two-year-old Gideon got dressed up to attend services in person this weekend. Joy shared photos of the outing on Instagram, showing her holding Gideon by the hand and cradling Evy in a pink blanket. 'Church this morning!' she wrote with a heart emoji. Most of the comments from fans were positive, but a few gentle criticisms popped up on her page from people who asked where their masks were. 'We are still doing church livestream. Too many people who arent wearing masks,' wrote one. 'I hope it's a small group and you all are wearing masks,' said another. Over on Reddit, the criticism has been a bit more harsh, calling Joy and Austin 'incredibly irresponsible, 'risky and reckless,' and 'a Darwin award waiting to happen.' Dangerous: Redditors have called the couple 'incredibly irresponsible, 'risky and reckless,' and 'a Darwin award waiting to happen' Brand new: Joy only just gave birth to their youngest on August 21 Que sera sera! Commenters have expressed disbelief that they wouldn't be more protective of her health 'One would think or hope she would want to protect her newborn in every way possible,' wrote one. 'I mean, c'mon, if a newborn catches covid that could be really, really tragic. I am appalled that they would do something so risky, it's disgusting.' 'I wouldnt take a newborn that young around that many people in normal times - let alone in the middle of a pandemic,' said another. 'I don't get it. There's plenty of church being streamed online. They also have a large family cohort that they can hang out with, so there's little risk of being bored, lonely, isolated, etc. For me, the risk wouldn't be worth it,' said a third. Arkansas, where the Forsyths live, had 488 confirmed new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. Just three days before, on October 1, it recorded its third-highest number of cases in a single day: 1,125. Overall, September saw the most new cases for the state. But the couple's lax attitude about virus precautions doesn't come as a surprise to followers. In early July, Joy Anna celebrated her impending arrival with a large baby shower that was indoors and mask-free. She's done it before: Joy Anna celebrated her impending arrival with a baby shower in July which was indoors with at least 21 people and no masks The whole fam (almost): Pictured at the festivities is Joy Anna's mom Michelle, as well as her sisters Jana, Jill, Jessa, Johanna, Jennifer, Jordyn, and Josie More girls: Her sisters-in-law Lauren and Anna (who is married to sex pest Josh) also came with their daughters Look who got an invite! Her big sister Jill was also notably in attendance. Jill has been absent from quite a few family gatherings, due to some dubious rulings from her dad, Jim Bob BFF: Her best friend Carlin Bates came to visit, too, and helped her open presents The party appears to have included a rather large group given that the country is in the middle of a pandemic, with everyone gathered together indoors without masks or social distancing. In fact, at least 21 people were present, and masks weren't pictured in posed or candid shots. Photographed at the festivities is Joy Anna's mom Michelle, as well as her sisters Jana, Jessa, Johanna, Jennifer, Jordyn, and Josie. Her big sister Jill was also notably in attendance, as were sisters-in-law Lauren and Anna. Anna bringing along daughters Meredith, Mackynzie, and baby Maryella, and Lauren toting her baby, Bella. Also there was Joy Anna's longtime friend and fellow reality star Carlin Bates, who had her own first child earlier this year. Joy Anna didn't respond to criticism over a lack of social distancing at the time, nor has she addressed concerns over her recent church outing. 'To say my heart is full is an understatement,' Joy wrote on Instagram after Evy's birth 'She has the best personality, is easy going, and loves to be held!' Joy Anna wrote 'She has her nights and days mixed up, but honestly, I love it! Getting to spend that quiet, quality time with her through the night has been SO special!' Joy said Birth details: She arrived at 2:12pm weighing 8lbs 5oz and is 19.5 long 'We had a hard time deciding but after a few days finally settled on Evy Mae and we think it fits her perfectly!' she added Little Evelyn May only just came into the world on August 21. 'To say my heart is full is an understatement,' Joy wrote on Instagram after Evy's birth. 'We have been dreaming of this day and are so happy to announce that our baby girl arrived August 21st at 2:12pm weighing 8lbs 5oz and is 19.5 long!' 'She has the best personality, is easy going, and loves to be held!' Joy Anna wrote. 'She has her nights and days mixed up, but honestly, I love it! Getting to spend that quiet, quality time with her through the night has been SO special!' 'I wanted her name to be perfect and elegant!' she added a few days later. 'We had a hard time deciding but after a few days finally settled on Evy Mae and we think it fits her perfectly!' The new baby's arrival comes almost 14 months after Joy miscarried at 20 weeks in July of 2019. 'We only had her for 20 weeks, Life is fragile and precious,' the couple wrote on Instagram at the time. 'So thankful the Lord gave her to us for that short time! She will be in our hearts forever!' Devastating moment: Joy Anna and Austin were excitedly expecting a daughter last year when she tragically suffered a miscarriage Tribute: 'We only had her for 20 weeks, Life is fragile and precious,' the couple wrote on Instagram at the time Family ties: They posed several candid shots taken in the hospital after Joy Anna delivered 'Although we dont understand why, God has given us unexplainable peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Yes, it still hurts and we have cried countless tears, but we know that we can trust the Lord. 'We dont grieve as those who have no hope because we trust that we will see this little one again,' they wrote. 'Please pray for continued healing, not only physically but for our hearts as well.' The young parents named the baby Annabelle, and went on to bury her at Austin's family's camp in Combs, Arkansas. Four months later, they conceived again, but waited until March to announce it to the public. While they appeared on the latest season of TLC's Counting On, the couple has documented most of their milestones this year on their own YouTube channel. In one of the videos from Evy Mae's birth, Joy Anna expresses relief over getting an epidural. Recorded: Joy Anna shared video from the hospital from when she gave birth to her daughter Family affair: Austin's sister, Rachel, is a doula and came along to help with the process Ouch! It was bad enough that she joked to Austin, 'Babe, we're not having another kid' She's here! After over an hour of pushing and with a final moan from Joy, the baby was born 'I'm so happy I got the epidural... I don't see how people do this without epidurals.' she told her sister-in-law, who was there as a doula. 'You did it with the last one!' her sister-in-law replied. 'I know... stupid,' Joy Anna replied. 'I don't know how I did it with Gideon. It hurts so bad.' It was bad enough that she joked to Austin, 'Babe, we're not having another kid.' After over an hour of pushing and with a final moan from Joy, the baby was born. 'The baby was posterior (sunny side up), so that explains why Joy had such terrible back labor and why she had to push so long!' reads the video caption. 'So thankful that Mom and Baby are doing good!!!' While their 'birth plan didn't go as expected,' Joy said that she 'loved it.' 'I only have one regret... I was so stressed about going into the hospital and how the birth was going to go, that I lost site of the excitement of meeting our baby girl!' she said. Bombay Cambridge School recently conducted two online programmes as part of its career awareness initiative. The first programme was a local one for the students of Bombay Cambridge International School, Andheri (West) while the other was a central programme which included all class 10 students from all five branches of the Bombay Cambridge School. For the local programme, five panellists were invited. The panellists were former students of the school who are now pursuing professional fields including a doctor, a chartered accountant, a digital marketer, a sportsperson and an engineer. They discussed various topics such as career, internships, peer pressure, college life etc. After the local programme, the students were instructed to join the central programme which had a total of 21 professionals as part of the panel. Panellists included media strategist, psychologist, research biologist, entrepreneur, banker, career counsellor for studying abroad, journalist, architect, pilot and many more. All the sessions were interactive where the students and parents had a chance to directly ask the panellists about any doubts or clarifications that they required. Andheri students mark Hindi Divas Every year, students of Guru Nanak Mission High School (GNMHS) in Andheri celebrate Hindi Divas on September 14 with great enthusiasm. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, this year the school decided to celebrate virtually. Teachers participated in a quiz contest while students took part in poem recitation and poster making. Parents also got involved in the celebrations by being part of the online audience. Grandparents Day celebrated virtually St Marys High School (ICSE), Mazagaon, celebrated Grandparents Day like every other year, but this year the event was held virtually due to restrictions. The tiny tots expressed their love and affection for their grandparents who were also invited to join the students physically or virtually for the event. The programme began with the narration of a story about the importance and influence of grandparents, the immense value that they add to our lives and the unconditional love they shower on us. This was followed by a slideshow and a song about the special bond that children share with their grandparents. The students made photo frames and cards for their grandparents. It was delightful to see a grandparents join their grandchildren, assisting them with their crafts. The photo frames and cards were then presented to the grandparents as a token of love. The session ended with a song dedicated to the evergreen and ever youthful grandparents. Schools celebrates Grandparents Day This year, Bombay Cambridge International School, Andheri (West), held an event to mark National Grandparents Day to celebrate the contributions and strength of grandparents as well as the love and bond between grandchildren and grandparents. In view of the ongoing pandemic, the event was held online. Principal Poonam Arora addressed the grandparents and shared words of wisdom. Grandparents of students participated in the virtual fun activities with great zeal which included singing old melodies while remembering actors from yesteryears. The students enthralled everyone by exhibiting their performances through videos which showcased their creativity in singing, dancing, recitation and colourful art and craft activities, all done during online classes. Teachers, too, took part in the event and exhibited their talents such as magic show, dancing to retro songs, impersonating and hosting virtual games. (Natural News) Archbishop Carlo Mari Vigano, the Vaticans former Apostolic Nuncio to the USA, is bringing together ethical scientists and lawyers from around the world to combat the growing medical police state. Viganos Italian non profit association is developing a worldwide campaign to challenge medical tyranny and to Save the Church and the World. Vigano has previously held the clergy to account, exposing sexual abuse cover-ups and money laundering schemes within the church. He has devoted himself to preserving the moral integrity of the church and challenged the Second Vatican Councils liberalization experiment, which has weakened the morality of the church through tolerance of ungodly ideas. Network of scientists and lawyers taking on WHO and medical crimes Vigano is joined by a team of lawyers; Fabio Franchi, infectious disease specialist; Peirfrancesco Belli, Clinical Risk and Health Management specialist; and Stefano Scoglio, who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine. On numerous occasions, Belli has challenged the authority of Veronas Mother and Child Hospital, who works subserviently for the World Health Organization, covering up crimes of the medical elite. For example, the hospital refused to report the presence of Citrobacter in their facilities. The cover-up caused ninety-six children to become infected nine suffering brain damage and four passing away to the hospital-borne infection. The groups lawyer team, led by Carlos Gomez and Beatriz Mejia, is taking on the WHO and the Peruvian government, as their crimes of medical coercion and manslaughter are brought to light. The group of scientists and lawyers are currently focusing their legal activity on barbaric health care professionals in the Italian town of Rovigo. Practitioners in this town continue to use a dangerous childbirth practice known as the Kristeller manoevre. There is ample evidence that the practice is injuring mothers and babies. Practitioners who use this violent technique are now facing criminal prosecution for putting mothers and babies lives at risk. Italian government challenged for not properly isolating SARS-CoV-2, as questionable testing kits and vaccines are inadequately produced In Italy, the group is holding the makers of covid-19 testing kits and upcoming vaccines accountable by questioning whether SARS-CoV-2 has actually been isolated, characterized or quantified to properly detect for the virus or use it in biological vaccine formulations. The Italian governments Technical Scientific Committee has yet to produce legitimate scientific evidence showing that SARS-CoV-2 has been properly isolated according to Kochs postulates the international standard for identifying a virus and determining if the micro-organism causes disease. Having this evidence is crucial if vaccines are being made using the correct genomic material. The virus must be properly identified and characterized in order to conduct legitimate vaccine research. (Related: Covid-19 testing kits were distributed years before the pandemic began.) As public health policies force invasive nasal probes repeatedly past the mucous membranes and into the sinus cavities of individuals, what damage is being done to the innate immune system of humans? What genetic markers are these testing kits trying to find? Why are so many testing kits made to be oversensitive, detecting non-infectious viral debris that is used as false evidence to declare covid-19 infection, isolate individuals and disrupt the world economy? Why are these testing kits producing false positives on people who arent sick, as the genetic markers of other RNA respiratory viruses interfere with the results of the test? Why are some tests contaminated from the start? Are laboratories properly isolating the virus? What about false negatives? Why are serious cases of respiratory illness not detected by the testing kits, leading to inadvertent spread of infectious disease? How will these issues impact millions of people worldwide as the vaccine makers prepare to unleash their experimental products onto the world population? Keep up with all the latest on the plandemic at Pandemic.news. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) will win the December 7 elections, Fitch Solutions, a research arm of an American rating agency Fitch Solutions has said. It however says the elections will be closely fought as anticipated. In its Macroeconomic Update of Sub Saharan Africa countries, it said the supervision of a prudent economy in the last couple of years will benefit the ruling party in power. Senior Country Risk Analyst in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) team where he specializes in West African markets, William Atwell, said the elections, of course, is a key component of the outlook for the rest of 2020; former President John Mahama is going to be taking on the incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo. There isnt too much to differentiate between the two in terms of the broad policy-tax reforms- and we arent expecting a big shift either way in terms of the regulatory outlook for Ghana next year. But in terms of who we expect to win the elections, really the incumbent [NPP] is expected to benefit from the fact the economy has been fairly well managed for the past several years. And our base case scenario suggests that he will remain in the office for another term. The nation has barely 62 days more to go for the December 7 elections. But Political analyst Michael Ebo Amoah has stated that dynamics in this years polls are different from that of 2016, hence, no political party especially the NDC and NPP should take the election for granted or be complacent. Is a do or die affair because both the current president and former president have defeated each other before, he explained on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm. He was reacting to recent comments made by Sammi Awuku the National Organizer of the NPP who has admitted the 2020 polls and victory for the NPP will not come on a silver platter whereas the president and his vice have both stated the polls would be easy for the NPP considering their achievements. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video PENNSYLVANIA Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday relaxed coronavirus-related occupancy restrictions on indoor and outdoor venues beginning Friday. The move allows indoor venues to operate at 20 percent capacity and outdoor venues at 25 percent. That means as many as 7,500 fans can begin attending Philadelphia Eagles games at Lincoln Financial Field and Pittsburgh Steelers games at Heinz Field. The Steelers announced on Tuesday they will admit 5,000 people into Heinz Field for Sunday's game with the Eagles. "We know everyone has sacrificed in many ways and todays announcement reflects a gradual adjustment to our lives as we learn how we can do things safely until we have a cure, or an effective vaccine is widely available," Wolf said in a news release. Here are the new capacity limits: Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the state will closely monitor cases and outbreaks when the new capacity guidelines go into effect. "If our case investigation and contact tracing efforts determine that events or gatherings are the source of an outbreak, we can and will dial back these new limits, Levine said. Public health and safety are our first concern and will always remain as such. The move will allow limited capacity at events such as fairs, festivals, concerts, or shows and shows or performances at amusement parks, movie theaters, business meetings and conferences or parties and receptions at multi-room venues. Businesses are still required to conduct their operations remotely through individual teleworking of their employees in the jurisdiction or jurisdictions in which they do business unless that is not possible. This article originally appeared on the Pittsburgh Patch By Online Desk NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to apprise it by October 8 on the steps taken to protect witnesses in the Hathras case in which a Dalit girl was allegedly brutally raped and died due to injuries. The apex court's observation came while hearing a PIL during which the Uttar Pradesh government expressed willingness to refer the investigation to the CBI as fake narratives were being spread about the case with political motives. Terming the incident as horrible and extraordinary, a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said it will ensure that investigation is smooth in the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the UP government, said, "Narratives after narratives are being spread in the Hathras case, this needs to be stopped." The CBI probe in the Hathras case will ensure no vested interests will be able to create fake, false narrative with oblique motives, Mehta told the court. The state government told the top court that the probe in the Hathras case may be conducted by the CBI under supervision of the apex court. The Uttar Pradesh government in the Supreme Court on Tuesday sought a CBI probe into the alleged gang-rape and death of a Dalit woman in Hathras, saying it will ensure that no vested interest is able to create a fake and false narrative with "oblique motives". ALSO READ | UP govt orders round-the-clock security outside Hathras rape victim's house In an affidavit filed in response to a PIL, which has been listed for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, the UP government said it is important that the investigation is carried out by an independent central agency. It said the state has already requested the Centre that the CBI take over the investigation as it would obviate hindrance being created by certain vested interests in the fair and impartial investigation. The Dalit teen died of grievous injuries in a Delhi hospital on September 29, a fortnight after she was allegedly raped at her village by four upper caste men. Besides the alleged gang-rape case, the state government has also sought a CBI probe into the FIR related to the alleged criminal conspiracy to spread caste conflict, instigating violence, incidents of vicious propaganda by sections of media and political interests. "The state government humbly seeks the indulgence of this court to direct the CBI to investigate into the incident dated September 14, 2020 in the respect of the victim in FIR number. as well as FIR number related to criminal conspiracy to spread caste conflict, instigating violence, incidents of vicious propaganda by sections of media and political interests," it said. The government said that it prays to the top court to keep the PIL filed by social activist Satyama Dubey pending allowing the investigation by CBI to be conducted under the supervision of this court in a time bound manner. "This will ensure free and fair investigation and will also ensure that false narratives do no interfere in the course of such an investigation," it said. It said there have been "orchestrated efforts to malign the image of government on social media by attributing baseless comments and building up a distorted narrative on the Hathras case". Citing examples, it said that despite the entire investigation being underway, some sections of the social, electronic print media and some sections of the political parties are seeking to deliberately interfere in the process and not permitting the truth to be unveiled and guilty to be punished. ALSO READ | Hathras case: ED may file money laundering case to probe use of 'illegal funds' to trigger caste-based protests "The diverse examples from all across the country from fake and verified handles from people of different political spectrums clearly points towards a conspiracy fomented by rival political parties to defame and discredit the government of UP through its members," it said. The proxy war of political parties fought by their members directly and through several fake handles by propagating fake news through sheer copy paste of content is an obvious attempt to tarnish the image of dignitaries of the UP government through sheer propaganda, it added. "Such vicious propaganda is also leading to a law and order situation in various districts where the district units of rival political parties are instigating and mobilising the people to come on streets to hold protests based on such doctored images and baseless allegations," it said. The PIL filed by Dubey has sought directions for handing over to the CBI or a Special Investigation Team the investigation of the Hathras case. The victim was admitted to Aligarh Muslim University's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital before being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi with spinal injuries, paralysis and cuts in her tongue. She died around 3 am last Tuesday. The accused, who had allegedly tried to strangle her to death as she resisted their rape attempt, have been arrested. The PIL has also sought transfer of the case from UP to Delhi for trial, alleging that the state authorities had failed to take any action against the accused persons who first raped an innocent woman belonging to the Dalit community and thereafter brutally assaulted her. ALSO READ | Hathras gang rape: Day after uncovering 'conspiracy' against Yogi government, UP Police arrests four people with suspected PFI links The state government affidavit further said that as per the provisional medical report submitted by JN Medical Hospital, Aligarh on September 22, "no abrasions, contusions, lacerations or swelling were found and there were no prima facie findings of rape". It said that thereafter the samples were then sent to the forensic science laboratory in Agra for further examination and the hospital has also given its final opinion on the issue and specifically stated in its report that there is "no sign suggestive of rape". The state government said that cremation of the victim was performed with full rites and customs and "it is humbly submitted that the cremation had taken place at night only to maintain law and order." It said that due to intelligence inputs of large scale caste violence and protests, "the district administration had taken a decision to convince the parents of the deceased to cremate her with all religious rites at night to avoid large scale violence in the morning." (With PTI Inputs) A rural community has been rocked by the deaths of four pets from suspected 1080 poisoning on the same road within 150 metres of each other. Pet owners in the rural community Sugarloaf near Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays are on high alert after two family dogs and two goats recently died in a five day period from the deadly poison used to bait wild dogs and other predators. It comes after nine other pets were killed from confirmed or suspected 1080 baiting in other parts of Queensland in recent weeks. Sugarloaf resident Darren Foster and his family are still grieving the devastating loss of their beloved red cattle dog cross Kobi in late August. Nine other pets were killed from suspected 1080 baiting in other parts of Queensland in recent week, including Tippy (pictured), a two-year-old Border collie kelpie near Bundaberg They rushed Kobi to the vet after being woken in the middle of the night to the sound of much-loved pooch in distress and having seizures. Sadly, it was too late to save Kobi, who died in his owner's arms shortly after they arrived at the vet clinic. Mr Foster claims another dog and two goats from nearby properties died in the same five-day period and that two vets were '95 per cent positive' they were caused by 1080 poisoning. 'My wife is absolutely distraught I would never wish it on anybody and to be honest I don't think I would even wish it on pest animals after watching the way Kobi died,' Mr Foster told the Courier Mail. 'Spend the time and money and go and shoot (pest animals) if you need to remove them, don't use poison. This is no way for an animal to die.' Vets were also unable to save Mitzy, a neighbour's bull terrier greyhound cross. 'I grabbed her and she started fitting again in my arms. I took her in and as soon as I laid down on the table she just went stiff as a board,' Mitzy's shattered owner told the publication. The rural community Sugarloaf near Airlie Beach (pictured) in the Whitsundays has been rocked by the recent deaths of four pets from suspected 1080 poisoning Mr Foster also claimed three other dogs in the area also died of suspected poisoning in the past 18 months. Health officials have collected samples of frozen vomit from the two dogs in Sugarloaf who recently died from suspected 1080 poisoning. WHAT IS 1080? 1080 is used for poisoning wild dogs and other predators It comes in the form of a white powder It's added to fresh or dry animal baits It's only available in Australia to those who are authorised to use it After digestion of 1080, most dogs and foxes will die in up to two hours The central nervous system becomes effected which leads to unconsciousness. Advertisement Whitsunday Regional Council has been in discussions with Biosecurity Queensland and the Queensland Public Health unit but said it doesn't have any jurisdiction in investigating these reports. 'Council understands that the Queensland Public Health unit in Mackay are conducting the investigation,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. 'Whitsunday Regional Council has not conducted any coordinated baiting in the Sugarloaf area.' The Queensland Department of Health said strict requirements exist for the use and placement of 1080 baits to ensure community safety and reduce the risk of accidental poisoning of non-target animals. The department didn't directly respond to Daily Mail Australia's query regarding the recent deaths in Sugarloaf. 'The manufacture, supply and use of 1080 in Queensland is strictly regulated under the Health Regulation 1996. 1080 baits may only be purchased from licensed schedule 7 poison retailers and cannot be purchased by members of the public,' its statement to Daily Mail Australia read. 'Offences for misuse of 1080 are prescribed in the Regulations, which are administered by Queensland Health and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.' 'Complaints regarding misuse including death of non-target animals are investigated collaboratively by local governments, DAF and QH. Deliberate misuse of any poison must be referred to the Queensland Police Service for investigation.' The chemical 1080 is a highly toxic pesticide used to kill pests, including feral dogs, foxes, cats, rabbits, pigs, and in some cases, native wildlife. However, it is easily ingested as it is odourless, tasteless and colourless. Nine other pets died from confirmed or suspected 1080 baiting in other parts of Queensland in recent weeks. Farmer Greg Jackson captured the heartbreaking moment his puppy Ted refused to leave the grave sites of Tippy and Fay after their sudden death from suspected 1080 poisoning Farmer Greg Jackson was forced to bury two of his beloved dogs after they died from eating poisoned bait has captured the heartbreaking moment his loyal puppy Ted lay on top of the grave site and refused to move. Ted, a nine-week-old Maremma puppy, lived on the Green Acres Hobby Farm in near Gin Gin, in Queensland's Bundaberg region with fellow dogs Tippy and Fay. Ted was left devastated when his two mates died suddenly of suspected 1080 poisoning on August 31. Heartbroken owners Greg and Pat Jackson suspect their beloved dogs died after eating sodium fluoroacetate, commonly known by its brand name of 1080. 'Greg had to literally pick him up and put him into the car to take him home,' Mrs Jackson recently told Daily Mail Australia. 'The pup, we got him so he could be mentored by Fay because she was getting on in years, Fay was not in a playful mood, but him and Tippy just played together all the time. They were great buddies.' A petition launched calling for an investigation into the dogs' deaths amassed more than 2,000 signatures in less than two days. Across Australia, people must have a permit to place baits, and there must be notification in the areas where they can be found. KASSEL (dpa-AFX) - K+S Group (SDFG) said that it has signed an agreement to sell its Americas salt business bundled together as the Americas Operating Unit to Stone Canyon Industries Holdings LLC, Mark Demetree and affiliates. The sales price amounts to $3.2 billion enterprise value. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur in summer 2021. The purchase price will be paid in cash at that time. The Americas operating unit mainly comprises K+S Chile, formerly known as the Chilean company SPL, acquired in 2006, as well as Morton Salt (USA) and K+S Windsor Salt (Canada), acquired in 2009. 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. Members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) picketing the office of a multinational oil company on Tuesday in Lagos. Oil workers, under the aegis of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), on Tuesday picketed the office of Baker Hughes, a multinational oil company, over the sack of 64 workers. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the picketing took place at the Mansard House, Victoria Island area of Lagos State. NAN reports that some aggrieved members were seen chanting solidarity songs, while holding placards of various inscriptions, to drive home their demands. Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: We say no to bad labour practices; BakerHughes stop denying us our rights. The Industrial Relations Officer, PENGASSAN, Lagos Zone, Leroy Musa, said that in spite of the pleas and meetings held with the companys management, it still locked out the employees. The management was with PENGASSAN discussing conditions for separating members which usually is supposed to be a voluntary separation, agreed by law and signed, before implemented. Our members got to the office only to be locked outside the office on the ground that they have been sacked. No pre-notice, no meetings and nothing to prepare the workers minds; we are here to say no to the injustice. PENGASSAN is against this, and we will fight against it, Musa said. Also, the Industrial Relations Officer, PENGASSAN, Baker Hughes Branch, Olisa Igwebike, said the companys management had breached the agreements made earlier by both parties. According to him, due process should have been followed before the management locked out the workers. Typically, once negotiation has been done, we now agreed on the numbers of people that will be laid off and decided that we will be having a meeting afterward to complete all other modalities. When the meeting was to take place, the management locked out all the workers including union members; the management has already broken the process chain. It just means that as an entity, PENGASSAN, the management has no respect for authority, laws of the land and flouted the Department of Petroleum Resources and Ministry of Labour rules, Mr Igwebike said. Responding, Olusegun Obagbemi, the Communications Director, Baker Hughes, confirmed the development. Mr Obagbemi, in a text message to NAN, said he would get necessary details on the issue and respond later. (NAN) Actor Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik and 18 others were remanded in judicial custody till October 20 on Tuesday. The Bombay high court (HC) is expected to deliver its order on their bail pleas today. Chakraborty, Showik and 18 others have been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) as part of its probe into allegations of drug abuse in the case of actor Sushant Singh Rajputs death. The term of their judicial custody ended on Tuesday and the arrested accused were produced before a magistrate court via video conferencing. The court extended their judicial custody till October 20. The arrested accused have been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A special court turned down Chakraborty and Showiks bail pleas on September 11, after which the two moved HC for bail. According to NCB, Chakraborty and Showik financed the deceased actors drug habit. Advocate Maneshinde, who is representing both Chakraborty and Showik, has maintained section 27 A (financing illicit trafficking of drugs or harbouring offenders) of the NDPS Act are not applicable to his clients. He has argued that Rajput was known to have consumed drugs before making Chakrabortys acquaintance in April 2019. Also, according to Maneshinde, NCBs allegations are on the basis of a solitary incident from March 17, when Chakraborty gave Miranda her credit card and the latter withdrew Rs 10,000, allegedly to purchase some contraband material for Rajput. Maneshinde has said Chakrabortys card was not directly used to pay any alleged drug peddlers and therefore she cannot be considered associated with a drug syndicate. Advocate Taraq Sayed, who represents arrested accused Abdel Basit Parihar, has submitted that Parihar is a student of architecture who had to miss an examination, due to being in judicial custody, and cannot be termed drug peddlers or suppliers. Since the alleged transactions involve small quantities of drugs, Sayed has also argued that Parihar, Chakraborty, Showik and Miranda are entitled to bail along with arrested accused Dipesh Sawant, who was part of Rajputs household staff. Additional solicitor general Anil Singh, who opposed the bail applications on behalf of NCB, had submitted that the NDPS Act does not state that offences are bailable based on the quantity of drugs involved. Justice Sarang Kotwal had agreed with his submission on September 29. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON By PTI PRATAPGARH: A Dalit girl was allegedly raped by a man in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh following which the accused was arrested, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place on Sunday when the 17-year-old girl was sleeping in her house and the accused, identified as Chandrakesh verma, entered her room through the terrace and raped her, they said. According to police, the girl was alone in the house at the time of the incident. An FIR was registered under relevant sections of the IPC on the basis of a complaint lodged by the girl's mother on Monday and Verma was arrested, they said. Meanwhile, a 19-year-old woman was allegedly abducted and raped by two youths from her village in Kaushambi, police said on Monday. The woman was abducted on September 13 by the duo who are cousins. They took her to their relatives' place in Pashchim Sarira Police Station area and raped her, the victim's father alleged. She somehow managed to escape and returned home about a week ago and told her family about the incident, her father said, adding that the local police refused to lodge an FIR. The family then approached Kaushambi Superintendent of Police and after he intervened, an FIR was registered on Monday, the father said. According to the SP, an FIR was lodged against the accused and the woman will undergo a medical examination while her statement will be recorded soon. Another rape in Bhadohi Yet another Dalit woman was allegedly gang-raped in Uttar Pradesh. The latest incident occurred in Gyanpur area of the Bhadohi city on Saturday when a 44-year-old married Dalit woman was allegedly raped by four men, police said on Monday. All four accused, however, have been arrested, said Bhadohi Superintendent of Police Ram Badan Singh. While two of the accused were picked up on Sunday, the two others were nabbed on Monday, he said. The accused were produced before a Bhadohi court which remanded them in judicial custody for 14 days, he added. Singh said a case of gang-rape was registered on the complaint of the victim woman's husband. Citing the complaint, Singh said, "On Saturday, the woman was returning from a bank after withdrawing money, when her husband's two friends told her that they would drop her home. "But, they allegedly raped her. The husband accused four men of raping his wife," he said. "A case was registered at Gyanpur police station on Sunday against the four men. Two of them were arrested on Sunday and two others on Monday," he said, adding the woman was sent for medical examination. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 20:43:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COLOMBO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Sri Lankan state minister said that the China-funded Colombo Port City project is a good example of a public-private partnership (PPP) which benefits the country, local state-owned newspaper Daily News reported here on Tuesday. Nalaka Godahewa, state minister of urban development, coast conservation, waste disposal and community cleanliness, was quoted by Daily News as saying that "The Colombo International Financial City or the more commonly known Port City development is a very good example of PPP project." "In this project, the government did not have to spend on capital but attracted private investments to the tune of 15 billion U.S. dollars," Godahewa said. Speaking at the inauguration of the Build Sri Lanka Housing and Construction Exhibition organized by the Chamber of Construction Industry, Godahewa said that the government was seeking PPPs to fund vital infrastructure development. Godahewa said that the government is working to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and investment in construction projects would be key to overcoming a recession. Enditem Take a look at some of the biggest movers in the premarket: Southwest Airlines (LUV) Southwest is asking its employee unions to agree to pay cuts, in return for not furloughing or laying off employees through 2021. Non-union salaries will be cut by 10% until the beginning of 2022. Cisco Systems (CSCO) Cisco was ordered to pay $1.9 billion to Virginia-based cybersecurity company Centripetal, which had accused Cisco of copying its patents. Cisco was ruled to have infringed 4 of 5 patents, but said it was disappointed with the decision and plans to appeal. Dollar Tree (DLTR) Dollar Tree plans to hire more than 25,000 holiday season workers. Many of those jobs will be at the discount retailer's distribution centers, as online shopping surges due to the pandemic. Sonos (SONO), Logitech (LOGI) Apple (AAPL) has stopped selling wireless speakers and headphones from other companies ahead of its own product launches, according to a Bloomberg report. Products from Bose, Sonos and Logitech are now absent from Apple's online store. Alphabet (GOOGL) Alphabet's Google unit has rebranded its "G Suite" of business tools as "Google Workspace," and also announced new pricing tiers and features in its ongoing competition with Microsoft's (MSFT) Office products. Amgen (AMGN) The biotech giant announced positive results in a phase 2 study of an experimental treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. Pfizer (PFE), BioNTech (BNTX) European Union regulators have begun a rolling review of the Covid-19 vaccine candidate being developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. It had launched a similar review of AstraZeneca's (AZN) vaccine candidate last week. Alteryx (AYX) The data analytics software company announced that board member Mark Anderson will succeed company co-founder Dean Stoecker as CEO, effective immediately, with Stoecker remaining as chairman. Alteryx also increased its third-quarter revenue outlook. Spartan Energy Acquisition Corp. (SPAQ) The special purpose acquisition company announced an Oct. 28 special shareholder meeting to approve the combination of Spartan and electric vehicle maker Fisker. Costco (COST) The warehouse retailer's stock was upgraded to "overweight" from "equal weight" at Barclays, based on healthy customer traffic levels, "not particularly tough" comps, and sustainable profit margin expansion. Northrop Grumman (NOC) RBC upgraded the defense contractor's stock to "outperform" from "sector perform," noting a recent ballistic missile contract award as well as third-quarter underperformance by the stock. RBC said this sets up a compelling risk/reward profile for Northrop Grumman shares. Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) The drugmaker said it would raise its full-year revenue guidance by more than $200 million when it reports quarterly earnings on Oct. 22. It also said it expects to return at least $3 billion to shareholders through a multi-year stock buyback program. Alexion revealed those updates in a news release prior to its virtual Investor Day today. Social Capital Hedosophia (IPOC) The special purpose acquisition company is taking Medicare Advantage insurance provider Clover Health public through a merger deal valuing Clover at $3.7 billion. The UP government on Tuesday urged the to direct a CBI probe into the alleged gang-rape and death of a Dalit woman in Hathras, saying it will ensure that no vested interests is able to create a fake and false narrative with "oblique motives". In an affidavit filed in response to a PIL, which has been listed for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, the state government said it is important that the investigation is carried out by an independent central agency. The Dalit teen had died of grievous injuries in a Delhi hospital on September 29, a fortnight after she was allegedly raped at her village by four upper caste men. The state government said investigation by the central agency would obviate hindrance being created by certain vested interests in the fair and impartial investigation. A CBI probe will ensure that no vested interests will be able to create a fake and false narrative with oblique motives, the UP government said. The affidavit said the state government has already requested the Central government to take over the investigation through CBI. Besides the alleged gang-rape case, the state government has also sought CBI probe into the FIR related to the alleged criminal conspiracy to spread caste conflict, instigating violence, incidents of vicious propaganda by sections of media and political interests. (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.) EDWARDSVILLE Former state Sen. Frank Watson, R-Greenville, is endorsing Kurt Prenzler for Madison County Board Chairman. Kurt Prenzler has carried on my fight for lower taxes, holding government employees responsible and stopping the spread of Chicagos radical policies at the local level, Watson said. I believe he has earned a second term through all his strong administrative actions. A retired Indian Police Service officer from Assam was detained on Tuesday a month after he was named as the prime accused in a job recruitment scam. P K Dutta was on the run since the Assam government cancelled a written exam to recruit police sub-inspectors after its question paper was leaked on social media last month. Dutta has been detained at Indo-Nepal international border on the strength of a lookout circular issued by criminal investigation department (CID) of Assam, the Assam police said in the statement. He has now been handed over to West Bengal police. Assam Police would take him in custody in due course and bring him to Assam. Dutta was detained from Kakarbhitta on the Nepalese side of the India-Nepal border while he was on his way to Assam by road. His son-in-law, a Nepali citizen, was accompanying him. Also Read: Indefinite strike by Assam transport body from today An Assam police team was expected to seek Duttas transit remand to bring him to Assam. An associate is believed to have helped Dutta and his son on September 23 to reach Siliguri in West Bengal, where they spent a night at a hotel. Duttas son-in-law is believed to have helped the two enter into Nepal the next day. Dutta and ruling Bharatiya Janata Party leader Diban Deka are suspected to have assured jobs to many candidates in lieu of cash. Deka is alleged to have procured the question paper ahead of the written test. A police investigation has revealed that a day ahead of the test on September 20, many candidates had taken a mock exam in a Guwahati hotel. Nearly 70 of these candidates were staying at one of the five hotels Dutta owns in Guwahati. Police had issued lookout circulars for both Dutta and Deka and alerted the income tax department, Enforcement Directorate and the department of revenue intelligence after unearthing many properties belonging to the police officer. On September 30, Deka, who unsuccessfully contested as a BJP candidate in 2011, was arrested. He was later expelled from the party. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Shattered glass in a bomb-damaged store front in Stepanakert - Julian Simmonds Azerbaijan has been dropping cluster munitions in civilian areas during its war with Armenian forces in the breakaway republic of Nagorno Karabakh. The munitions, which scatter tiny bomblets over a wide area, are banned under a global treaty because of the risk they pose to civilians, especially children. But the Daily Telegraph saw them being used during heavy shelling this weekend in the city of Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno Karabakh. On a downtown street full of shops and housing blocks, large quantities of the bomblets - small cylindrical tubes about the size of a film can - were left scattered on the concrete. Several had failed to explode, posing an ongoing risk to passers-by. The bomblets are considered a particular hazard to children, who often mistake them for toys and pick them up. The munitions were dropped during an escalating bombing campaign across Nagorno Karabakh, which broke away from Azerbaijan after a bloody civil war in the early 1990s that saw 30,000 people killed. An unexploded cluster bomb in the street of central Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh - Julian Simmonds Neither Azerbaijan nor Armenia has signed the international Convention on Cluster Munitions, which came into force in 2010 and already has 109 signatories, including Britain. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia have accused each other of using the weapons in the past. Tim Ripley, a defence analyst and writer for Jane's Defence Weekly magazine, told The Telegraph that the cluster bombs appeared to be M85 sub-munitions. Based on a US design, they are produced in both Israel and Turkey, which supply Azerbaijan with weapons. The weapons are sometimes deployed against tank formations, the bomblets being used to target weak points in tanks' armour. We can't be certain why these were in use or what exactly they were being aimed at, but any kind of cluster munition being used in an urban area opens the possibility of civilians being inadvertently killed or injured, he said. The conflict, which is now in eighth day, intensified over the last two days, with both sides claiming that the other is deliberately shelling civilian areas. Azerbaijan said on Monday that Armenian forces were hitting the city of Ganja, with a population over 330,000, and Agjabedi, home to some 38,000, as several other towns. Story continues Shelling also continued in Nagorno Karabakh on Monday in Stepanakert and the nearby town of Shushi, where The Telegraph saw bodies of policemen being removed from a missile-hit city centre building. In Stepanakert, shopkeeper Aramayis Gasparyan, 56, said he was lucky to be alive after a missile that struck a house next to his premises on Sunday left a 20 foot crater in the ground. I missed it by about two minutes, he said, surveying the wreckage. I was out buying supplies at the market and stopped to have a quick glass of vodka with one of the traders - if I hadn't done I would have got home just as it landed. The two sides have reported 266 deaths since the fighting erupted, including more than 40 civilians, but the real total is expected to be much higher as both sides are claiming to have inflicted heavy military casualties. Most of the confirmed deaths are from Karabakh's separatist forces, who have reported more than 220 fatalities including 21 more on Monday. Azerbaijan has not released any figures for military losses. Diplomat efforts to resolve the conflict have so far failed, with the Azerbaijani president, Ilham Aliev, insisting that Armenia must pull its troops out of Nagorno Karabakh before any talks can start. The territory is still recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan, which claims its people were ethnically cleansed from the area during the 1988-94 war. Nato member Turkey, which has been openly supporting Azerbaijan's efforts to reclaim Nagorno Karabakh, was warned by the organisation on Monday to take a more constructive approach. The Nato Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, called on Ankara to use its considerable influence with Azerbaijan to calm the conflict. However, the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, said Nato should concentrate pressure on Armenia to withdraw its forces. Everyone, and especially NATO, must make a call for Armenia to withdraw from these territories, in line with international laws, U.N. Security Council resolutions and Azerbaijan's territorial and border integrity, he said. An extra $1.6 billion will be spent on a further 23,000 home care packages in the federal budget as part of health measures that defer large-scale reform while responding to urgent needs highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of Medicare subsidised psychology sessions that patients can access in a year has been doubled to 20 for all Australians, extending the measure created to support Melburnians hit by COVID-19 isolation and economic impacts. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in his budget speech that "there is still more to be done" to address the crisis in aged care and that the government would provide "a comprehensive response" to the Aged Care Royal Commission's final report after receiving it next year. "We are committed to delivering quality residential care with a further $11.3 million for training and support for aged care providers and carers of people experiencing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia," Mr Frydenberg said. Against the backdrop of the India-China border standoff, external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said New Delhi remains committed to a rules-based world order, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes. Jaishankar made the remarks in his opening speech at the second ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad in Tokyo without naming China. The meeting focused on the issue of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific in the face of Chinas increasingly aggressive behaviour across the region. He also said the events of this year have demonstrated how imperative it is for like-minded countries to coordinate responses to the various challenges that the pandemic has brought to the fore. As vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values, our nations have collectively affirmed the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar told the meeting, which was also attended by Australian foreign minister Marise Payne, Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US secretary of state Mike Pompeo. Also Read: Mike Pompeo seeks to show united front on China despite Covid-19 pandemic We remain committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes, he added. With India set to begin a two-year stint as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council next year, Jaishankar said the country looks forward to seeking collective solutions to global challenges, including global recovery from the pandemic and reform of multilateral institutions. Since May, tens of thousands of Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a tense standoff in Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed on June 15 in a brutal clash at Galwan Valley, which also resulted in unspecified Chinese casualties. All four members of the Quad have serious differences with China the Australian government has pledged to halt projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Japan is worried about Chinese intrusions near the Senkaku Islands, and the US is engaged in a trade war and has opposed Chinas aggressive activities in South China Sea. Jaishankar noted that the fact that the four foreign ministers were meeting in person, despite the global pandemic, is testimony to the importance that these consultations have gained, particularly in recent times. He added, Our world is significantly different today than what it was when we last met in New York in September 2019. Indias objective remains advancing the security and economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region, he said. It is a matter of satisfaction that the Indo-Pacific concept has gained increasingly wider acceptance, he said. Also Read: Eye on China, Canada formulates new Indo-Pacific policy Jaishankar and his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the US were expected to discuss issues such as plans for manufacturing and distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine, connectivity, development of 5G technology, maritime cooperation, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and development of critical infrastructure and supply chains, people familiar with developments said on condition of anonymity. The issue of Australias inclusion in the Malabar naval exercise to be conducted by India, Japan and the US at the end of this year is also expected to figure in the discussions of the Quad, which was upgraded to the ministerial level in September last year. Ahead of the Quad meeting, Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Tokyo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific, he tweeted after the meeting. The Quad foreign ministers also called on Japans new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Jaishankar is set to hold separate meetings with Australian foreign minister Marise Payne and Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The external affairs ministry said last week that the foreign ministers of the Quad will discuss the post-Covid-19 international order and the need for a coordinated response to the various challenges emerging from the pandemic. They will also discuss regional issues and collectively affirm the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, it said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Photo: The Canadian Press Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund The head of the International Monetary Fund says that the global economy has started on a long climb to stronger growth with prospects looking a little better than four months ago. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said Tuesday that global economic activity suffered an unprecedented fall in the spring when 85% of the global economy was in lockdown for several weeks. The situation currently is less dire with many countries experiencing a better-than-expected rebound in recent weeks. We continue to project a partial and uneven recovery in 2021, Georgieva said in a speech previewing next weeks fall meetings of the 189-nation IMF and its sister lending agency the World Bank where the IMF will release its updated economic outlook. While there has been some improvement, downside risks remain high, Georgieva said in a video-conference speech to the London School of Economics. The global economy is coming back from the depths of the crisis. But this calamity is far from over, Georgieva said. All countries are now facing what I would call The Long Ascent a difficult climb that will be long, uneven and uncertain. And prone to setbacks. The global economy has stabilized because of extraordinary policy measures that established a floor, with governments providing around $12 trillion in support of households, Georgieva said. She also noted that central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, helped millions of firms stay in business by taking unprecedented monetary actions to provide emergency loans. The support prevented an even deeper downturn, but also widened the gap between wealthy and poorer countries, Georgieva said. The IMF has done what it can to provide support to 81 poor nations by making more than $280 billion in lending commitments, Georgieva. And the agency is prepared to do more with more than $1 trillion in total lending capacity. New IMF research suggests that increasing public investments by just 1% of GDP across advanced and emerging nations can create up to 33 million new jobs, Georgieva said. One of the key topics to be debated at next weeks meetings will be how to deal with the debt of low-income countries. Georgieva said rich nations should make more support available to poor nations in the form of grants, rather than loans. Some countries will need to have their debt burdens restructured, with support for that effort from rich countries as well as private creditors, Georgieva said. 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. After a more than a six month delay due to COVID-19, a family of Syrian refugees has finally arrived on Haida Gwaii. "When they landed, all they said was, 'Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We're very happy. We're very happy. We're very happy,'" said Beng Favreau, who sponsored the family's settlement alongside her group, Operations Refugee Haida Gwaii. "They kept repeating and repeating and repeating. They were just in tears." Favreau said Esraa Alissa, her husband Moustafa Ali and their three young children, Sandy, Hasan and Talia, had expected to fly to Canada from Lebanon in March. But travel restrictions put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 disrupted their plan. At the time, Favreau who started the family's sponsorship process two years ago was unsure if they would ever make it to Canada. "We have been waiting for too long," she told Carolina de Ryk, host of CBC's Daybreak North, on Monday. Beirut blast When the family learned their trip had been cancelled in the spring, Favreau said they were "disheartened" but had a safe place to stay near Lebanon's capital, Beirut. The family had migrated to Lebanon from Aleppo a few years earlier. Then came the massive explosion at Beirut's port on Aug. 4, which killed nearly 200 people and was reportedly felt on the neighbouring island of Cyprus, roughly 240 kilometres away. Haze and commotion surrounded the building where the family was staying, according to Favreau, forcing them to stay indoors. "That's all they could do," she said. Later in August, the federal government told Operations Refugee Haida Gwaii to begin arranging new travel plans for the family. But now they had another hurdle to jump. Operation Refugees Haida Gwaii In late July, the British Columbia government banned all non-essential travel to Haida Gwaii, following an outbreak of COVID-19 cases. A local state of emergency remains in effect. To assure the Council of the Haida Nation that the family would pose no threat, Favreau said the organization devised a detailed travel and quarantine plan, including ensuring the parents would wear masks during their journey and meals would be delivered to their hotel room to prevent public exposure to the virus. Story continues A growing community On Sunday, the family arrived in a float plane, greeted by a few members of the small Syrian community that has taken root on Haida Gwaii in recent years. The newcomers join three other families who have fled Syria's ongoing civil war, including one previously sponsored by Favreau's organization. Operation Refugees Haida Gwaii "We don't have big bucks. But I feel strongly that we need to help because we are human beings," she told CBC News. "If we can help one family at a time, that is something that we can do." After completing her mandatory isolation, the family's oldest daughter will start first grade in two weeks. Meanwhile, Moustafa hopes to work again as a mechanic like he did in Syria. There's much paperwork and details to work through, explained Favreau. But food isn't an issue. She says the local Syrian community has been preparing meals all week and the fridge has been stocked full. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. 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... Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have identified a single-measure biomarker in sperm mitochondrial DNA that may predict male reproductive health and pregnancy success. The discovery applies not just to couples seeking care for infertility but also for the general population. This biomarker could become a more accurate predictor of male infertility than semen parameters, on which health care organizations and clinicians have long relied. "Clinically, the diagnosis of male infertility really hasn't changed in decades," says UMass Amherst environmental epigeneticist Richard Pilsner, corresponding author of the study published today, Oct. 6, in the journal Human Reproduction. "In the last 10 to 20 years, there have been major advances in the understanding of the molecular and cellular functions of sperm, but the clinical diagnosis hasn't changed or caught up." In addition to Pilsner, the team of UMass researchers included lead author Allyson Rosati, who wrote the paper as part of her undergraduate honors thesis and recently completed a master's in molecular and cellular biology; Brian Whitcomb, associate professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. They collaborated with reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist Germaine Buck Louis, dean of the College of Health and Human Services at George Mason University, and Sunni Mumford and Enrique Schisterman at the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. "This project is a really nice example of interdisciplinary work and team science," Whitcomb says. "This research required measurement of biomarkers in the laboratory combined with statistical modeling. Answering scientific questions like this one benefits from a broad range of expertise." Mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited, and sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) typically decreases eight-to-10 fold during spermatogenesis to ensure that it is low upon fertilization. In previous research by Pilsner, Whitcomb and others, increased mtDNAcn and mitochondrial DNA deletions (mtDNAdel) were associated with decreased semen quality and lower odds of fertilization in men seeking fertility treatment. "The logical next step was to determine if the associations between sperm mitochondrial biomarkers and fertilization among couples seeking infertility treatment could be extended to couples from the general population," Pilsner says. The researchers accessed sperm samples from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) study, which recruited 501 couples from Michigan and Texas from 2005 to 2009 to examine the relationships between lifestyle, including environmental chemicals, and human fertility. They assessed sperm mtDNAcn and mtDNAdel from 384 semen samples and analyzed their association with the probability of pregnancy within one year. They found that men with higher sperm mtDNAcn had as much as 50% lower odds of cycle-specific pregnancy and 18% lower probability of pregnancy within 12 months. "Remarkably, we saw a strong inverse association between sperm mitochondrial biomarkers and couples' time-to-pregnancy," Pilsner says. Adds Whitcomb, "Mitochondrial DNA in sperm seems to reflect some underlying physiological phenomenon that affects sperm function." More research is needed to further examine the impact of changes in mtDNAcn and mtDNAdel, which may result from defective mitochondria or damaged mtDNA. "We need to take advantage of our understanding of the molecular toolkit that we have to develop a better predictor of male fertility, as well as fecundability," Pilsner says. A next step is to examine the factors mediating the changes in sperm mitochondrial DNA. They could include environmental toxins or other causes of inflammation and oxidative stress, the scientists hypothesize. "Understanding what is causing the retention of mitochondrial copy number during spermatogenesis will help us come up with better platforms to intervene and to promote better reproductive success," Pilsner says. ### LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking (www.viking.com) has again been voted the Best River Cruise Line by Conde Nast Traveler in the publication's 2020 Readers' Choice Awards. With the #1 winning score, Conde Nast Traveler readers voted Viking higher than any other river cruise line. Also, after five years of operating ocean cruises, Viking was again named one of the Best Ocean Cruise Lines. More than 715,000 readers submitted ratings and tens of thousands of comments as part of the 33rd annual Readers' Choice Awards survey. Viking will also be featured in the November issue of Conde Nast Traveler US and UK print editions; the full results of the awards can be found at www.cntraveler.com/rca. "We are honored to be voted the #1 river cruise line and one of the best ocean cruise lines again this year," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "During this unusual time when many of us are staying at home, we are pleased that our guests continue to fondly recall their Viking voyages and have cast their votes for us. Thank you to our guests and the readers of Conde Nast Traveler for this honor; we look forward to welcoming you back to the familiar comfort of Viking." Today's announcement from Conde Nast Traveler builds on the impressive list of recent accolades for Viking. Just recently, Viking's enrichment channel, Viking.TV (www.viking.tv) which launched at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to build community, stay connected and share positive experiences won the "Breakthrough Award for Product Innovation" in the 2020 Silver Travel Awards. And over the summer, Viking was named the #1 ocean cruise line for the fifth consecutive year in Travel + Leisure's 2020 World's Best Awards. Viking continues to expand its award-winning fleet of river and ocean vessels. In 2021, the company will welcome new 168-guest Seine Ships and new 190-guest Viking Longships on its popular European river itineraries, as well as the new 80-guest Viking Saigon which is scheduled to debut on the popular Magnificent Mekong cruisetour. Also next year, Viking's seventh 930-guest ocean ship, Viking Venus is scheduled for debut and will join the award-winning ocean fleet of small ships which include Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter. Earlier this year, the company also announced Viking Expeditions, with two purpose-built 378-guest vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, debuting in 2022 to sail voyages in the Arctic, Antarctica and North America's Great Lakes. Additionally in 2022, Viking will launch its highly anticipated U.S. river cruiseswith the 386-guest Viking Mississippi sailing between New Orleans and St. Paul. Media Assets For more information, images and b-roll for Viking, contact [email protected]. About Viking Viking was founded in 1997 and now offers scenic cruising on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for discerning travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests "the thinking person's cruise" in contrast to mainstream cruises. In its first five years of operation, Viking has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure's 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 "World's Best" Awards. In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been honored multiple times on Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" as well as recognized by Cruise Critic as "Best Overall" Small-Mid size ship in the 2018 Cruisers' Choice Awards, "Best River Cruise Line" and "Best River Itineraries," with the entire Viking Longships fleet being named "Best New River Ships" in the website's Editors' Picks Awards. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking's experience channel, visit www.viking.tv. SOURCE Viking Related Links www.viking.com Sydney's temperature has plummeted more than 10 degrees overnight after residents made the most of the October long weekend by hitting the beach. The Harbour City reached 33.7C in the CBD and 34.3C in the western suburb of Penrith by 2.30pm on Monday. But the sweltering, above average weather came to an abrupt end late on Monday night as a gusty southerly change blew across the city. The unseasonably warm conditions also dropped in Melbourne after groups gathered in mass at St Kilda Beach. Crowds flock to Bondi Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Monday as the city enjoys its hottest day since March The harbour city reached 33.7C in the CBD and 34.3C in the western suburb of Penrith by 2.30pm on Monday. Pictured: Beachgoers at Bondi Beach Sydney is expected to reach a maximum of 21C on Tuesday, with light showers forecast. The Bureau of Meteorology said the conditions will be cloudy, with south to southeasterly winds at 15 to 25km/h. Weatherzone meteorologist Craig McIntosh said Monday was Sydney's hottest day since March. The cool change came through late on Monday night. 'The winds really ramped up from the south after 10pm. It was the strongest around 11pm around last night,' he said. 'That southerly change is what dramatically brought the changes today and brought with it cloud cover. Sydney is expected to reach a maximum of 21C on Tuesday, with light showers forecast. Pictured: Sunrise on Tuesday Electronic signs at the beach warned visitors that the allowed capacity was close to being reached on Monday 'Despite that, the 21C forecast is average for this time of year.' Sydney could also be in for a drenching over the coming days. 'A brief shower this evening, less than a millimetre,' Mr McIntosh said. Mr McIntosh said between one and five millimetres could fall in Sydney on Wednesday and Thursday. There is also a chance of a thunderstorm from early afternoon on Thursday. Brisbane will be partly cloudy throughout the week, with a maximum of 27C forecast for both Tuesday and Wednesday and 28C on Thursday. Queensland's capital city will end the week with sunshine on Friday, with highs of 31C. Locals in face masks sunbathe at St Kilda on Saturday as Melbourne sweltered through unseasonably warm weather. The city suffered a cool change on Sunday night Melburnians have started the week with rain and a dip in temperature after flocking to the beach over the weekend. The city reached 29.5C on Sunday before a cool change hit in the evening. The bureau has forecast a maximum of 14C on Tuesday, with a shower or two. The rain will continue through the week, with the temperature unlikely to scale past 19C. Adelaide will experience a shower or two and the temperature will linger around the high teens throughout the week, while Perth will hover between 20C and 25C. Thunderstorms are likely in Darwin with the mercury to hit 30C most days. Rainy conditions are forecast for Canberra with highs of 19C. Police patrol St Kilda Beach in Melbourne amid fears residents would breach coronavirus restrictions Sydneysiders made the of the warm weather over the long weekend, packing out Bondi Beach and other popular spots. Cronulla beaches were being closed on Monday afternoon after reaching capacity, Surf Life Saving Sydney said. 'Please do not head down to the beach today,' it said in a Facebook post. Waverley Council earlier advised Bondi Beach was nearing capacity and access to the sand and water would soon be restricted to allow for social distancing. 'We do not like having to restrict access to the beach so as a reminder to everyone if beach access is closed or the sand looks busy, please come back another time or use that time to visit our wonderful cafes and other local businesses,' a spokesperson said. Locals soaked in the rays at Bondi Beach as New South Wales had its tenth day in a row without any COVID-19 community transmission on Monday Randwick City Council also said many of its beaches were approaching capacity. Northerly winds were responsible for Sydney's long weekend hot weather. 'The final day of the long weekend will be the warmest with temperatures reaching 29C in Sydney and 33C in Blacktown and Penrith, about seven degrees above average,' Weatherzone's Felix Levesque said. The bureau said: 'Northerly winds ahead of a low pressure trough bringing another warm and mostly sunny day to Sydney, ahead of a gusty southerly change along the coast late this evening, and a cooler, cloudy though mostly dry Tuesday'. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Advertisement The scale of devastation wrought upon a French town that was hit by torrential flooding caused by Storm Alex has been laid bare in new aerial images. Saint-Martin-Vestubie, 25 miles north of Nice and near the border with Italy, was at the centre of a downpour at the weekend that saw three months' worth of rain fall in just a few hours. Images from Saint-Martin-Vestubie, where two people have been confirmed dead, show how one house was ripped in half by torrents of water, with its foundations completely washed away. Meanwhile satellite images revealed how much of the outskirts of the town have been washed away, along with fields, trees, bridges and roads, leaving little more than rubble behind. The combined death toll in France and Italy now stands at eight, with a further eight missing feared dead in France, and 13 more whose whereabouts are unknown. The scale of devastation caused by a freak storm that dumped three months' worth of rain on the Maritime Alps has been revealed in images from the French town of Saint-Martin-Vestubie, which bore the brunt of the onslaught Roads were turned into raging torrents as floodwaters flowed down the mountains, sweeping away everything in their path - including half of this house in Saint-Martin-Vestubie, and the road outside Slide me Before and after images of Saint-Martin-Vestubie reveal how much of the outskirts of the town were washed away by the floodwaters, with buildings, fields and roads swept down the mountainside Slide me Before and after images of Saint-Martin-Vestubie reveal the paths that the torrents took downhill, sweeping away everything in their paths and leaving at least two people in this town dead Pack of wolves on the loose after flooding As rescuers sift the rubble of Saint-Martin-Vestubie for the missing and survivors try to rebuild, the town is also facing an unusual threat - from escaped wolves. Thirteen of the animals were kept at the nearby Alpha Animal Park before the storm, which washed away part of their enclosure and allowed them to escape. One resident reported seeing 'several' of the animals along a road near the village after the storm had passed, saying they appeared 'completely distraught'. At least two of the wolves are thought to have died in the storm, but it is not clear how many survived, or where exactly they are now. A foundation established by actress Brigette Bardot has put forward funding to rescue and house the escaped animals, saying they should not be killed. Packs of wolves are known to live wild in the Maritime Alps, though they are typically seen on the Italian side. Sightings on the French side are rarer, though packs are thought to have established themselves in the Hautes Alpes, around 50 miles to the north. Advertisement The toll was revised down from 12 after it emerged that six bodies which washed up on the Italian coast were likely corpses that had been swept out of cemeteries in France by the floods. Bernard Gonzalez, the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, revealed the shocking news late Monday, as he told French media that the bodies are in a state of 'great decomposition', meaning they are almost certainly not flood victims. Four of the deaths have occurred in France - with two bodies found in Saint-Martin-Vestubie, one in Lantosque, and another in Colomars. Four more deaths occurred on the Italian side, with two workers perishing on Monday after a bulldozer they were using to clear a flood-damaged road overturned, crushing them. A 47-year-old worker and another man who is still being identified, were killed near Bajardo, a short distance across the border from Santi-Martin-Vestubie, Repubblica reported. Meanwhile a 53-year-old volunteer firefighter was reported dead in Piedmont, further to the north, and another man died in Val D'Aosta after his car fell into a swollen river, French site Sud Ouest reported. French rescue teams have advised against all-but-essential travel to the Maritime Alps region for the next 15 days while search operations are carried out. Firefighters told local media that they are looking for eight people who were known to have been caught up in the floods, and have not been seen since. They are also trying to make contact with another 13 people who typically frequent the area, but whose current whereabouts are unknown. Among those caught up in the floods were Leopold and Josette Borello, aged 88 and 84, whose house in Roquebilliere was pictured surrounded by floodwaters shortly before it collapsed. At least two people were killed in Saint-Martin-Vestubie amid the flooding (pictured), while two others died in villages further down the mountains. Four people have also been confirmed dead on the Italian side of the border Rescue workers are still searching for eight people who are known to have been caught up in the floods, and are trying to make contact with another 13 locals whose whereabouts are unknown (pictured, damage in Saint-Martin-Vestubie) The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes region, where the town of Saint-Martin-Vestubie is located, has described the flooding as the 'worst in a century' and asked people to avoid non-essential travel to the area for 15 days Firefighters and rescue workers search an area which used to be a road but has been left as little more than a rocky crater following Storm Alex, which dumped three months' of rain in just a few hours at the weekend Firefighters and rescue workers examine an area to the east of Saint-Martin-Vestubie, where roads and fields were swept away by a torrent of floodwater as it raced downhill Their son, Eric, told French media that his parents are almost certainly dead - saying he spoke to firefighters shortly before the house came down, and was told the couple were trapped. Saint-Martin-Vestubie is located in the south of France, 25 miles north of Nice and close to the Italian border He said: 'A firefighter explained to me that the only solution was to hoist them out, but he told me that the helicopters couldn't fly [because of the weather]. When I hung up, I realized that it was all over. 'Some people say my parents didn't want to leave the house. That's wrong. They weren't suicidal. They just took too long to assess the situation and prepare their business... This time was fatal to them.' Over the weekend Storm Alex caused widespread damage in several villages around Nice on the French Riviera in what the city's mayor Christian Estrosi called the worst flooding disaster in the area for more than a century. Meteo France registered rainfall of 19.69 inches over 24 hours in Saint-Martin-Vesubie on Saturday and close to 15.74 inches in several other towns - the equivalent of more than three months of rain at this time of the year. Authorities have struggled to give a precise estimate for the death toll from the flooding as emergency services struggle to reach flood-hit villages as many roads have been washed away or are still blocked by debris. The on Tuesday accused the of trying to "cover up" the Hathras incident through an affidavit in the Supreme Court and demanded immediate dismissal of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Addressing a joint press conference, leaders Sushmita Dev, Rajani Patil and Supriya Shrinate also demanded that all officers including the Hathras district magistrate be dismissed, alleging they are part of a conspiracy for a cover-up of the case. The cited portions of the affidavit saying these had been drawn from the American 'Black Lives Matter movement' and had been fabricated by the to discredit those seeking justice in the The annexures in the affidavit before the Supreme Court feature statements like, "If you see black people running run with them", "for protection use goggles, ski masks or swimming ones" and "boil water with laurel leaves, the kind you use to cook until water turns brown and apply on nose for protection". Dev said the entire country has seen the manner in which the has handled the Hathras incident. The Uttar Pradesh government has again and again done injustice to the victim, she alleged. "Every step taken by the Uttar Pradesh government was to cover up the entire Hathras episode. Today this has been exposed in the form of the affidavit filed by Uttar Pradesh government. The purpose of this affidavit is not for a court-monitored CBI probe but to cover up the incident," she told reporters. Dev alleged that this affidavit is nothing but a culmination of a cover up that started on September 14. "Stop the cover up. Congress party stands by its demand that Chief minister should be dismissed with immediate effect. The district magistrate and every officer who is part of this conspiracy to hush up such a brutal case of rape should be dismissed and not given any other responsibility pending investigation," she said. Former MP Rajani Patil said the Uttar Pradesh government's act of a cover-up of the incident is shameful and asked people to not allow more atrocities against women and pack up the BJP government in the state. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate lamented that there is no official notification of the CBI inquiry into the Hathras incident as announced by the government and the SIT probe is going on. "The manner in which victim-shaming is being done as part of a conspiracy and she is being trolled by the BJP and the government and the police, there should be a probe into this," she said. She also cited the change in rape laws done by the UPA government that presence of semen or penetration is not necessary now and even an attempt is considered as rape. Shrinate also alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government is trying to make it a case of international conspiracy "through fabricated evidence" and perpetrate caste violence in the state. She read out certain parts of the affidavit submitted by the Uttar Pradesh government before the court which mentions about black people and cities like San Diego and Phoenix, which are in the US. She said a mention of the New York police department is also made out in the affidavit. Shrinate said the same evidence attached as annexures in the affidavit has been "fabricated" by the Uttar Pradesh government and has been copied from the 'Black Lives movement in US'. "It is happening as the entire media and opposition are asking questions and the government is talking of a cover up and international conspiracy. Stop those FIRs based on these concoctions," she said. Dev asked the Uttar Pradesh government to prove to the victim's family that the body cremated in a hurry by the police at 2.30 am actually is of their daughter's. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi should dismiss as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh," she demanded. The Mahila Congress chief alleged that it is "shameful" that the Uttar Pradesh government is claiming that no rape took place and that her last rites were done in front of the family with proper rituals, and condemned it. "This is a case for contempt. There should be a case of contempt of court," she said. Dev said while the government has cited reports saying there is no sign suggesting rape of the victim, the teenager in her dying declaration said she was gang-raped. (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| 2020-10-06 16:28:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SEOUL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The governments of South Korea and Japan agreed to launch a fast-track entry system on Thursday to allow businessmen to do business activity without isolation when going through the proper quarantine process, South Korean ministries said Tuesday. The special entry procedure for businessmen, composed of business and residence tracks, will be launched between South Korea and Japan from Oct. 8, according to a joint statement from South Korea's foreign, justice, trade ministries and other relevant ministries. Under the business track, South Korean businessmen who want to visit Japan will be exempted from being isolated in Japan if they follow special quarantine procedures. The special procedures include the health monitoring for 14 days before leaving for Japan, testing negative for the COVID-19 at the test conducted 72 hours before departure and buying travelers' insurance. After arriving in Japan, the businessmen will be required to take the test again and check physical condition for 14 days through smartphone apps. For the 14 days, they will be allowed to visit only dwelling and office via one private vehicle. Under the residence track, South Koreans who want to stay in Japan for long will be required to be isolated for 14 days after arrival. Among the long-term stayers, those who receive special visas for business management and resident employees will be exempted from being quarantined after arriving in Japan. The exchange of people between Seoul and Tokyo will be resumed in about seven months with the fast-track entry scheme. In March, Japan banned the entry of South Koreans in a bid to prevent the COVID-19 spread, causing South Korea to ban the entry of Japanese people. South Korea already established the fast-track entry system with China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia and Singapore. Enditem Rihanna has apologized for using a song that disrepected Islam in her Savage X Fenty Vol. 2 fashion show. (Joel C. Ryan / Invision/Associated Press) Rihanna issued an apology to the Muslim community on Tuesday after being criticized for using a song that sampled a recitation from Islam's sacred hadith for her 2020 Savage X Fenty fashion show last week. The artist-turned-designer, whose lingerie show was initially praised for its inclusivity, was called out by several Muslim fans for disrespecting the religion a mistake she characterized as "honest, yet careless." "Id like to thank the Muslim community for pointing out a huge oversight that was unintentionally offensive in our savage x fenty show, Rihanna wrote in her Instagram Stories. I would more importantly like to apologize to you for this honest, yet careless mistake. The apology was issued on Savage X Fenty's official Instagram account one of the hitmaker's many business ventures that have made strides to be inclusive and have historically included hijabi women in their marketing. theres really no way we can let this slide like a straight up HADITH???? rihanna baby you screwed up HARD pic.twitter.com/gxUOvtHGn5 N s yami / exams (@TAEHYUNGGOODBOI) October 4, 2020 Models clad in Rihanna's colorful lingerie walked the catwalk and danced to "Doom," a 2017 EDM song by London-based producer Coucou Chloe, during a segment of the Savage X Fenty Vol. 2 show. The remix was called out in the past and reignited backlash for being sexualized in the fashion show, which got a splashy release on Amazon Prime Video last week. In Islam, it is considered haram, or forbidden, to use Allah's name, the words of the Quran or the prophet Muhammad impolitely. The hadith is a record of Muhammad's words and actions. Rihanna's followers on Instagram flooded her comments to point that out, urging her to educate herself and issue an apology. Story continues "I love u and ure the queen, but using a Islamic hadith as a track in ur show is rude and disrespectful to all of ur Muslim fans across the globe. I love u but that was just not it. Especially [because] u stand for diversity," one fan wrote. "Um can we talk about the blasphemous song that was played during the Savage X runaway?" a follower added. "A mix of Quran verses with an atrocious song? Not your fault however kinda disappointing for whoever was in charge of that awful playlist." "Religion is not an aesthetic," another said. "for a brand that claim to be diverse and accepting, it is really disrespectful for you not educated yourself about what youre using during your fashion show. You have hurt a community and i hope you take accountability for your action," another wrote. And that's what she did. "We understand that we have hurt many of our Muslim brothers and sisters, and Im incredibly disheartened by this!" her Tuesday apology said. "I do not play with any kind of disrespect toward God or any religion and therefore the use of the song in our show was completely irresponsible! Moving forward we will make sure nothing like this ever happens again. Thank you for your forgiveness and understanding, Rih." (This from the same woman who dressed up as a fashion pontiff when she chaired the 2018 Met Gala.) Producer Chloe also took to her Twitter account to address the backlash and said she would be removing the song from streaming services. "I want to deeply apologise for the offence caused by the vocal samples used in my song 'Doom,'" she wrote. "The song was created using samples from Baile Funk tracks I found online. At the time, I was not aware that these samples used text from an Islamic Hadith. "I take full responsibility for the fact I did not research these words properly and want to thank those of you who have taken the time to explain this to me. We have been in the process of having the song urgently removed from all streaming platforms." Reactions to the producer's post were mixed, with followers telling her it was unforgivable, while fans claimed that she didn't have to pander to the haters. I take full responsibility for the fact I did not research these words properly and want to thank those of you who have taken the time to explain this to me. We have been in the process of having the song urgently removed from all streaming platforms. 2/2 COUCOU CHLOE (@coucou_chloe) October 5, 2020 This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. CROWN POINT A judge on Tuesday set a January trial for a 25-year-old father, who has been in jail for more than three years on charges alleging he killed his 1-year-old daughter in March 2017. Khabaugh Musgrave, 25, is facing two counts of felony battery alleging he abused 15-month-old Najae Musgrave on March 6, 2017, at the family's residence in the 4400 block of Sixth Avenue in Gary. It wasn't the first time Musgrave had been accused of abusing his daughter, according to records obtained by The Times. In March 2016, Najae was removed from her parents' custody after her mother brought her to a hospital for blisters on her feet and lesions on her knees, Indiana Department of Child Services records showed. A skeletal exam revealed Najae had suffered multiple bucket handle fractures an injury caused by yanking or pulling on the bone and a red flag for physical abuse. Records showed the girl was returned to her parents' custody before her death March 8, 2017, at Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago, where she was treated for head and eye injuries associated with shaken baby syndrome. She's the former beauty queen who is known for her trim and taut figure. And Laura Dundovic didn't disappoint when she flaunted her enviable physique for an impromptu photo shoot on Hyams Beach, located on the New South Wales south coast, on Sunday. The 33-year-old stripped down to a white two-piece, trimmed with blue edges, from Oh Polly, that matched the picturesque sky and sea. Bikini babe! Laura Dundovic flaunted her sensational figure in a skimpy two piece as she posed for an impromptu photo shoot on Hyams Beach on Sunday She completed her racy ensemble with a pair of gold hoop earrings. The blonde beauty appeared confident and carefree as she strolled barefoot along the sand and struck candid poses. She kept her caption simple, calling her idyllic seaside getaway: 'PARADISE'. During the trip, Laura also shared a photo of herself during a hike, dressed in a white linen jumpsuit and wrote in the caption: 'ADVENTURE MODE ON.' Blue beauty: The 33-year-old stripped down to a white two-piece, trimmed with blue edges, from Oh Polly, that matched the sky and sea Easy, breezy: The blonde beauty appeared confident and carefree as she strolled barefoot along the sand and struck candid poses She also turned up the heat in another bikini photo dressed in a red two piece that clung to her svelte figure. Laura's sensational bikini photos come after she talked to 9Honey in December about her healthy attitude towards working out. 'Because I always enjoyed sport and I see exercise as something exciting, it keeps me motivated,' the model explained. Into the wild: During the trip, Laura also shared a photo herself during a hike, dressed in a white linen jumpsuit and wrote in the caption: 'ADVENTURE MODE ON' 'If I am exhausted and don't feel like training I don't push myself, but if I do want to push myself, I'll do a double session, but I try not to be too regimented.' 'Sometimes I'll train hard for three months but then I might take three months off.' Laura first rose to fame representing Australia in Miss Universe 2008. She has gone on to participate on Channel 10's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Visitors to the worlds tallest building, a tapering cylinder of aluminum and glass that has become emblematic of modern Dubai, may encounter an unlikely sight this week: a small, tent-like structure made of sticks, leaves and twine. The significance is likely lost on most passersby, but for Dubais long-secret Jewish community, the public presence of a sukkah the temporary shelter where Jews gather to celebrate the weeklong harvest festival of Sukkot at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa marks a new achievement. The sukkah sprouted up last week outside the first kosher restaurant in the United Arab Emirates, following a U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between the UAE and Israel. Rabbi Mendel Duchman, who supervises the restaurants kosher standards, told The Associated Press on Monday that Dubais Jewish community, which has worshipped for years at an unmarked villa in the city-state, is being heard more than ever after the deal. The agreement, signed at a White House ceremony last month, reflects the changing politics of the Middle East, in which shared concerns about archenemy Iran have largely overtaken traditional Arab support for the Palestinians, who reject the deal as a betrayal. The accord touched off a flurry of commercial activity. Companies in both countries are striking trade deals. Emirati hotels are launching kosher catering services to feed an expected influx of Israeli tourists and businessmen. On Monday, Dubais government announced the UAE and Israel are teaming up to host large-scale Israeli exhibitions and conferences in the emirates by the years end. The statement touted plans to develop business partnerships valued at $500 million a year. The recently opened kosher restaurant at Burj Khalifa, Armani/Kaf, features upscale Mediterranean fare, sleek Asian decor, a wine list and view of Dubais dancing fountains. That may not evoke Jewish kitchens or old-fashioned delis, but the cooking is overseen by a rabbi to comply with the myriad kosher rules, complete with ritual slaughters. The outreach could have limits the sukkah remains sequestered in a courtyard at the back of the hotel. But Duchman, the rabbi, said the congregation is receiving lots more positive attention. We just have more people telling us shalom instead of hi, he said. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter In an about-face, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is instructing its case investigators to advise those who lack symptoms of COVID-19 but test positive in an antigen test to isolate and quarantine. Thats a shift from last month, when case investigators were told to inform such patients that they were not a case. Those were Metro Healths instructions despite the high accuracy of antigen positive test results, even in those without symptoms. The policy had raised red flags for members of a Metro Health contact tracing work group. Mayor Ron Nirenberg called last week for antigen positive cases without symptoms to be counted as probable and investigated; Metro Health then tweaked the instructions to case investigators. But the health authority still is not counting such patients as probable cases or opening public health investigations into their close contacts, as other major Texas cities including Houston, Austin and Dallas already do. In San Antonio, case investigators are instructed to close each case and categorize it as not a case, a policy that some public health experts fear is downplaying the extent of COVID-19 in the community and hampering the citys ability to tamp down the spread of the disease. Change Closure Reason tab to Not a Case, the new instructions read. Do not inform the person that they are Not a Case, this is for reporting purposes only. The individual may still be infectious, so please advise according to CDC guidelines. After meeting on Friday, the contact tracing work group made up of public health experts who are advising Metro Health voted to recommend that the health authority follow CDC guidelines in the way it treats antigen positive patients without symptoms. That would mean counting all antigen positive lab reports as probable cases; fully investigating them, regardless of whether the patient has symptoms; and informing the patient that they are a probable case, collecting their contacts and telling them to isolate for the rest of the contagious period. In addition, the work group said contact tracing should be conducted for those close contacts. Metro Health does open investigations into antigen positive patients if they have symptoms. The district includes those cases in its total COVID-19 case count, classifying them as probable. The steering committee of the COVID-19 Community Response Coalition now must approve the work groups recommendations before Metro Health can adopt them. Formed in May, the coalition is led by Metro Health Director Colleen Bridger and Dr. Barbara Taylor, associate professor of infectious diseases at UT Health San Antonio. Taylor was not available to speak Monday. In a previous interview, Bridger dismissed the concerns of the work group as a whole lot of ado about nothing, arguing that the Food and Drug Administration has authorized the use of antigen tests only in people who have symptoms of COVID-19. Last month, FDA spokesman Jim KcKinney said the reason for those limitations is the risk of potentially missing cases not the risk of falsely detecting positive cases. Positive antigen tests correctly identify the virus more than 99 percent of the time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They can identify infections within minutes by detecting proteins from the virus in secretions from the nose and throat. Antigen tests are not as sensitive as PCR tests, so a negative result from an antigen test does not rule out an infection. Negative results from an antigen test may need to be confirmed with a PCR test, which looks for pieces of the virus in the nose or throat. A positive antigen test, however, means the person likely has an active COVID-19 infection even if they have no symptoms. Experts say nearly half of those who get infected have no symptoms but are able to transmit the virus as so-called silent spreaders. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has said that 40 to 45 percent of people infected by the virus have no symptoms. Investigating positive cases and tracing their close contacts are critical to slowing the spread of the virus in a community, although case investigators have struggled to reach many COVID-19 patients. For each new COVID-19 case, a case investigator is assigned to call the patient and collect information on any close contacts. The investigators share that information with contact tracers, who warn the close contacts that they've been exposed to the virus and encourage them to get tested and to self-quarantine. Last month, Dr. Joseph Petrosino, chairman of the Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said that anyone who tested positive in an antigen test should be counted and traced as if they tested positive in a PCR test. Counting is important enough because your disease prevalence in the community is what dictates public policy on reopenings, Petrosino said then. If they're not even following up on positive antigen cases, then what's the point? Transparency in political funding remains a paper tiger because ground realities reveal the rampant use of black money during elections in the country. The total donations above 20,000 declared by 11 political parties in their contribution reports analysed by the Association for Democratic Rights (ADR), a not-for-profit organisation that works for electoral and political reforms, between 2014-15 and 2018-19 was 2777.97-crore. The lack of transparency in political funding assumes significance ahead of the three-phase Bihar elections, which start on October 28. Also read: Outgoing Bihar assembly has 136 MLAs facing criminal charges, says report The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accounted for 80.12% of the total donations by collecting 2225.66 crore, followed by its rival Congress at 13.64%, or 379.02 crore, of the gross contributions. The latest ADR report cited that only three of the 11 mainstream parties analysed had submitted their reports of donations to the Election Commission of India (ECI) within the stipulated time frame. There were donations worth 325.23 crore that were deposited without any Permanent Account Number (PAN), which is issued by the Income Tax (I-T) Department. The BJP accounted for the lions share of unaccounted source of donations at 237.22 crore, or 72.94%, followed by the Congress ( 81.87 crore) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) ( 5.04-crore). Besides, 15.75 crore was donated to the parties via incorrect PAN numbers. The maximum number of instances of donations without or incorrect PAN numbers was reported in the assessment year of 2014-15, when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister for the first time. There were also instances of undeclared donor names and addresses, missing mode of payment details etc. The Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are the only three political outfits that have submitted their contribution reports to the ECI within the stipulated time frame. Eight parties were found to have delayed their submission at least once during the five-year period. The BJP delayed the submission each year between 17 and 30 days, the ADR report pointed out. The Rashtriya Lok Samata Partys (RLSP) contributions are not available on the ECI website, and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) submitted its report after the due date four times during the past five years, the ADR stated. The ADR report published in January 2017, which analysed sources of funding of national and regional parties in the country between 2004-05 to 2014-15, had also underlined that the sources of income of big parties was largely unknown. It had found that the lack of transparency was more acute with national parties, as compared to regional outfits. At least 71% of the income of national parties during the analysed period was from unknown sources, while the corresponding figure for regional parties was 58%, the ADR data showed. The income for all political parties for the 11-year period was estimated at 11,367.34 crore, including national and regional outfits at 9,278.30 crore and 2,089.04 crore, respectively. The ADR report showed that Rs.1405.19 crore was declared by six national parties through known sources of donation worth above 20,000. The ADR cited a Supreme Court (SC) order of September 13, 2013, which had stated that no part of a candidates affidavit and political parties disclosure of donations above 20,000 should be left blank. The not-for-profit organisation has proposed that ECI should upload the detailed status of the donations on its website and take action against the defaulting parties. Under section 29(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all political parties are required to report on contributions in excess of 20,000 in a financial year and submit it to the ECI by September 30 in a bid to avail 100% tax exemption. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Arun Kumar Arun Kumar is Senior Assistant Editor with Hindustan Times. He has spent two-and-half decades covering Bihar, including politics, educational and social issues. ...view detail Envista Forensics Hires New President Envista Forensics, a global provider of forensic consulting services for insurance claims, has appointed Christina Lucas as president. Lucas will replace Robert Wedoff, who has held the role of president since 2014. Wedoff is transitioning to an executive role with Envistas parent company, Cor Partners, the Atlanta-based company said in a press release. Prior to joining Envista, Lucas was the site leader and general manager of American International Group in Bulgaria. She held key leadership roles within the organizations Global Claims Performance team, Latin American and Caribbean operations, and Asia Pacific operations, Envista said in a press release. Lucas was a manager for Deloitte before joining AIG as a general manager before AIG as a general manager in 2017, according to her Linkedin profile. She was an associate for Booz Allen Hamilton before then. Lucas has a masters degree in information technology from American InterContinental University and bachelors degree in economics from Georgetown University, according to Linkedin. Allianz Appoints North America Claims Head Alliance Global Corporate & Specialty has appointed Frank Sapio as head of claims in North America. Sapio replaces Terry Campbell, who will continue as an advisor to AGCS until July 2021, the New York City-based carrier said in a press release. Sapio was previously the regional head of liability and aviation claims in North America, which he will continue to oversee on an interim basis. Based in OFallon, Missouri, Sapio joined AGCS in 2014 and was with Firemans Fund since 2003 in various claims management roles. Sapio earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Masters degree in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix. Florida Peninsula Appoints SIU Director The Florida Peninsula Insurance Co. has promoted Virginia Austin to director of special investigations. Austin began her career with Florida Peninsula in 2009 as a claims examiner. She has managed the carriers Special Investigations Unit team for the last seven years. In her new role as director, Austin, she will represent Florida Peninsula regarding claims suspected of fraud in conjunction with the Department of Financial Services and law enforcement agencies, the Boca Raton-based carrier said. Austin will report to Florida Peninsulas chief legal officer, Stacey Giulianti. Florida Peninsula said it insures approximately 150,000 homes, condominium and apartment units located throughout Florida. Beazley Expands Executive Team Beazley says it has expanded its U.S. executive risk team with the appointment of claims and underwriting professionals in New York, Boston and San Francisco. Melanie Saponara joins Beazleys New York claims team. She will primarily handle public company directors and officers claims. Saponara most recently served as a claims consultant at CNA responsible for D&O liability, employment practices liability, and representations and warranties. A member of the New York bar, Melanie previously worked at law firm Mendes & Mount LLP, specializing in insurance and reinsurance law. Beazley also appointed: Elizabeth Cassarino and Jeffrey Carney as underwriters in Boston. Allison Keenan as an underwriter in San Francisco. Mia Hennessey and Greg Staron as underwriters in New York. Beazley said the appointments further strengthen the US Executive Risk team, led by Jeremie Saada and a newly formed leadership team which has brought added focus to each US region. CaseGlide Appoints Chief Technology Officer CaseGlide LLC, which provides claims litigation management software for claims organizations, has appointed Russ Smith as the companys first-ever chief technology officer. Smith joins the St. Petersburg, Florida-based technology company from Global Safety Management, where he served as that organizations senior vice president of technology. Smith will lead CaseGlides engineering team. He will play an instrumental part in guiding research and development, prioritizing opportunities that solve customers needs, and managing the long-term product roadmap, the company said. Smith spent nearly 20 years as a director of custom software development for Tribridge, and later DXC Technology, after the company acquired Tribridge. KYODO NEWS - Oct 6, 2020 - 19:10 | All, World Questioning the effectiveness of a U.N.-adopted nuclear ban treaty, which involves no nuclear powers, the president-designate of an upcoming nonproliferation conference has stressed that the pact should not be allowed to undermine the legitimacy of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. "You can't have nuclear disarmament without the nuclear weapon states in that system. And that's why, for the time being, the only treaty that has been accepted by at least five nuclear weapon states, that includes obligations on nuclear disarmament, is the NPT," Gustavo Zlauvinen said in a recent exclusive interview with Kyodo News. There is a "huge difference" between the NPT and the pact, Zlauvinen said, adding that it is necessary to make distinctions between the two treaties and "try not to erode the validity and the legitimacy of the NPT." He also noted that some members of the NPT are opposed to any reference to the nuclear ban pact at the review conference to be convened early next year and indicated that a wide gap between nuclear power states and those pushing for the nuclear ban treaty could be an "issue of contention" at the NPT gathering. "It's going to be another issue of contention and we have to see how they're going to handle that." But Zlauvinen nevertheless acknowledged the importance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, or TPNW, saying, "Obviously it's a new reality we have to take into account." "I believe that once the TPNW reaches numbers similar to the NPT, and obviously includes the signature and ratifications of nuclear weapon states, then probably we can talk about that new treaty being another pillar of the regime." While 191 countries have signed the NPT, only 46 countries and regions have agreed to the nuclear ban treaty, adopted in 2017, still four short of the number needed for it to go into force. The nuclear ban pact does not include any of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council -- all nuclear powers. Nor does it include Japan, the only country that has suffered atomic bombings, or Germany as they rely on the nuclear umbrella of the United States for deterrence against potential adversaries. The NPT, which took effect in 1970, is aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and related technology, promoting cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and achieving nuclear disarmament. The momentum for nuclear disarmament between the United States and Russia, the two nuclear superpowers, has slowed down of late. After the scrapping of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty last year, the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty or new START is the only remaining treaty capping the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals. The treaty is set to expire in February 2021. Calling the development "an unraveling of the regression of the arms control framework," Zlauvinen said during the online interview that if the new START is also terminated, "then obviously the perspective of a new nuclear arms race is very worrisome." Noting that the current international security environment "is not very positive," he said a lack of progress on nuclear disarmament will likely "play a big role, unfortunately" at the forthcoming NPT review conference. The next chairman of the NPT review conference expressed hope for Japan's role in promoting nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation because of its important ties with both the United States and China, saying, "Japan can play (a role) alone or with other groups of countries as a bridge builder." Zlauvinen, a former deputy Argentine foreign minister, said he hopes to travel to Hiroshima and Nagasaki once the coronavirus conditions allow. The NPT review conference is slated to begin on Jan. 4 in New York, having been postponed from April due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. As to whether it will be held in person, Zlauvinen indicated much depends on the pandemic, saying, "There are different views and opinions, but I think it's too soon for the time being to foresee what's going to happen." PITTSBURGH, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2003, Military Friendly has set the standard for companies nationwide, this year's Military Spouse Friendly Employers list can be found at www.MilitaryFriendly.com/2021Spouse and will be officially published in the January 2021 issue of Military Spouse Magazine. Combined Insurance earned the #1 Military Spouse Friendly Employer ranking. "It is an honor to be recognized for our military spouse hiring efforts again this year. Our sales positions allow for flexibility and portability that fits well with the lifestyle that often accompanies being a military spouse. We are proud to support our military, veterans, and their family members by providing meaningful employment," said Combined Insurance's Chief Agency Officer, Doug Abercrombie. Zeiders Enterprises, PenFed, Windstream, Amentum, Adecco Group, UnitedHealth, Prudential, Boldly and Merck rounded out the top ten. "Amentum is extremely proud to be recognized for our commitment to military spouses," said John Vollmer, Amentum CEO. "Ranking fifth among companies our size is truly an honor, we understand the value and contribution our military spouses make to the broader community and our company. We celebrate their service and commitment to our shared values of teamwork and dedication to our customers' missions." Geographically, Military Spouse Friendly Employers identified Texas as their top hiring region for military spouses with Virginia, Florida, California, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, Arizona and Maryland rounding out the Top 10. Financial, banking and business services concerns led the way with 28% of Military Spouse Friendly designated employers, defense firms comprised 13% while health and pharmaceuticals came in third at 12%. For further information on the Military Spouse Friendly Employers list, contact Kayla Lopez at [email protected]. About Military Friendly Military Friendly is the standard that measures an organization's commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community. Only about 15 organizations competed for Military Friendly designation upon its founding in 2003. Today, that number is over 1,500. Military Friendly ratings are owned and produced by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business founded in 2001. They are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. The data-driven Military Friendly lists and methodology can be found at www.MilitaryFriendly.com. Data calculations are evaluated for completeness and accuracy by Ernst & Young. SOURCE Military Friendly Related Links http://www.militaryfriendly.com FebriDx is an innovative viral/bacterial testing solution for front-line healthcare settings Lumos Diagnostics, a rapid point-of-care diagnostics company, has closed an oversubscribed AU$25 million pre-IPO capital raise, ahead of an anticipated 2021 Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) listing. The funding will enable Lumos, headquartered in Melbourne, to continue to build its high-growth rapid diagnostics business in the U.S., including expanding manufacturing operations in California and Florida and continuing commercial growth of its FebriDx product, a world-first finger prick blood test that can indicate if a person has a bacterial or viral infection within 10 minutes. The capital was raised from a combination of institutional funds, including Perennial Value and Ellerston Capital, and sophisticated investors, many of whom have backed Lumos through previous capital raises. It follows on from a successful Series A raise in early 2020, led by Planet Innovation, a Melbourne-based healthcare innovation company. "Lumos has built a strong foundation over the past few years, and this funding will enable us to accelerate our growth plan," said Sam Lanyon, executive chair of Lumos Diagnostics. "We're delighted that investors recognize how unique Lumos is with its suite of rapid diagnostic digital solutions coupled with high-impact and globally relevant proprietary products such as FebriDx." David Keelan, Portfolio Manager at Ellerston Capital and a first-time Lumos investor, said: "I'm really excited by Lumos's potential. Rapid diagnostics is a developing sector internationally, and to have a really strong and growing service business, complemented by a product business with huge potential it was too good an investment to pass up." Ryan Sohn, Deputy Portfolio Manager at Perennial Value, was introduced to Lumos Diagnostics through Planet Innovation (PI), where he is also an investor. "Through PI, I've been able to track Lumos's substantial growth over the past few years. It's a company with great ambition and a great team behind it, and I'm excited to be a part of this next phase of growth as it prepares for an IPO next year," Ryan said. While many businesses have been negatively impacted by the devastating global impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, Lumos was well positioned to quickly respond and has subsequently experienced growth across both its service and product businesses. On the service side, Lumos has secured several contracts to develop and manufacture next generation rapid SARS-CoV-2 tests. On the product side, the UK's National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) has demonstrated real-world use of the FebriDx test as a frontline triage tool to help healthcare workers manage suspected COVID-19 infected patients. The FebriDx test was featured in a UK Medtech Innovation Briefing (MIB), addressing the impact that the FebriDx test can have on the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic and antimicrobial resistance global health crises. Also, FebriDx may be used as an important risk assessment tool for safe workplaces and is currently being piloted in aged care and other professional use settings continuing to operate during the pandemic. Robert Sambursky, MD, president and chief executive officer for Lumos Diagnostics, said the capital raise would enable Lumos to expand its commercial operations dedicated to both the continued development of rapid point-of-care diagnostics and meet the need for innovative testing solutions to help address the global COVID-19 pandemic. "The unique ability of the FebriDx test to identify patients as viral or bacterial within 10 minutes helps guide clinical decision making whether that is isolation for those identified as having a virus, antibiotic prescriptions for bacterial infections, or simply reassurance that an infection is not present. These actionable results make FebriDx the ideal front-line triage test for patients presenting with acute respiratory illness symptoms (sore throat, cough, shortness of breath) consistent with COVID-19 and an ideal tool for rapid deployment in any future pandemics," Sambursky said. While FebriDx is not yet commercially available in the U.S., Lumos Diagnostics has both ongoing and historic prospective, multicenter U.S. clinical trials and anticipates U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance. Blackpeak Capital acted as Financial Advisor to Lumos and Joint Lead Manager for the raising alongside Canaccord Genuity. About Lumos Diagnostics Lumos Diagnostics specializes in rapid, cost-effective and complete point-of-care (POC) diagnostic test solutions to help healthcare professionals more accurately diagnose and manage medical conditions. Lumos offers customized assay development and manufacturing services for POC tests and proprietary digital reader platforms. Lumos also directly develops, manufactures and commercializes proprietary, Lumos-branded POC tests that target infectious and inflammatory diseases with unmet diagnostic needs. Lumos's current portfolio of tests includes: FebriDx, an all-in-one, disposable, 10-minute, fingerstick blood test that differentiates viral from bacterial acute respiratory infections (ARI). COV-ID; the Diagnostic Kit (Colloidal Gold) for IgG/IgM Antibody to SARS-CoV-2, a rapid and easy-to-use serology test for the qualitative detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 virus in patients suspected of a history of COVID-19 infection. Both the FebriDx and COV-ID tests are CE marked for sale in Europe. FebriDx is also registered or licensed with the following other health authorities: Health Canada, Australia TGA, Saudi Arabia FDA, Pakistan DRAP, Singapore HSA, and Malaysia MoH. COV-ID is available in specific global markets in compliance with country requirements.The FebriDx test has not received U.S. FDA clearance and is not commercially available in the United States. For more information on Lumos Diagnostics, visit lumosdiagnostics.com, and for more information on FebriDx, visit febridx.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006006109/en/ Contacts: Laura Lovejoy Sambursky communications@lumosdiagnostics.com +1.941.928.9025 The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin who doubles as the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs has condemned the actions of Western Togoland secessionist groups indicating Ghana is one and that the country would not support any breakaway. According to the Okyenhene, ''Ghana has remained as a united nation since time immemorial and would not succumb to pressure from some few individuals advocating to break away from Ghana''. Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin speaking at the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs meeting with President Akufo-Addo over the weekend said Ghana cannot allow such separatists to dent the good image of being a peaceful nation across Africa with their parochial interests. So far, over 60 members of the group, have been arrested in separate operations with the leader of the group, Kormi Kudzordzi, popularly known as Papavi, still on the run. Volta Chiefs Concerns Last week, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs dissociated itself from the Western Togoland separatist Movement. According to the House of Chiefs, its members recognize and owe their loyalty only to the sovereign state of Ghana. Last month, some persons in Ho declared the Volta Region, Oti Region, and parts of northern Ghana as a sovereign state with the name Western Togoland. The President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and paramount chief of Lipe, Nana Sojlo Alloh IV, indicated that persons associated with the movement should be made to face the law. He explained that on numerous occasions, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs have made it clear to the separatist group that they are not in support of their decision to secede. On both occasions, we made it very clear that we are not in support of what they are doing. So we are having our last meeting of the house and we decided to release a press statementWe are not in support of what this group is doing, he said. Mahama Attacks But former President John Dramani Mahama speaking at one of his campaign tour said President Akufo-Addo and his government's response on the matter has been poor. According to him, It's clear that this President hasn't taken this matter seriously. I mean the whole government, the security services, it's like they have a very lackadaisical attitude towards the issue of Western Togoland''. They've started [acting] already and we've seen results. If I panic, the country panics and that's not the purpose of leadership, the former President added. Mr Mahama continued that Our Constitution makes it clear that we must protect the territorial integrity of Ghana; it's one of the most serious things that the Constitution deals with. And that's why when I was President, I did not sleep over that Maritime boundary issue,. Despite the government efforts, the former President claimed that I think that the president must sit up and make sure that the national security apparatus is working properly and pick intelligence and act before those people do anything else'' ---Daily Guide World War II Army veteran Vincent J. Speranza, who spent 144 days in combat including the Battle of the Bulge that began in Bastogne, Belgium jumped out of a plane at Skydive Perris last week with members of the US Golden Knights. You know in your advanced age you start reminiscing, and I wanted to make one more jump, said Speranza, 95. And of course, I received official clearance from my doctor before the jump. Vermonts top public health official said Tuesday the outbreak of COVID-19 among apple pickers in Addison County has been contained and there is no threat to the public. Speaking at the states regular virus briefing, Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said the total number of people infected in the outbreak is now 27, up one case from Monday. But the latest case came from the same batch of tests that detected the first 26 and does not represent an increase in the size of the outbreak. Contact tracing has been completed and at this time the outbreak has been contained to the site, Levine said. He emphasized there is no known risk to the public. There is also no risk of eating apples or any other products that were grown or produced from the orchards, he said. The migrant apple pickers at Champlain Orchards in Shoreham arrived in Vermont on Sept. 14 and were at the end of a 14-day quarantine when one of them tested positive. We dont believe this was acquired in Vermont, he said. It came with the person. Officials have not said where the workers are from, but state Deputy Agriculture Secretary Alyson Eastman had previously noted that that many foreign apple pickers in Vermont are from Jamaica. Levine said one of the farm workers was hospitalized, although he did not know Tuesday if that person was still in the hospital. He said the state and the orchard are working to ensure the farm workers have everything they need. On Tuesday, the Champlain Orchards released a statement saying the pickers who tested positive are staying in one of their buildings where they are being cared for. We are thankful the men who have tested positive are feeling well, the statement said. The orchards pick your own and farm market operations will be closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday. Our primary goal remains keeping our team, customers and communities safe, the statement said. Thank you for all of the support and kind words we have received. ___ UNEMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION CHANGE A change in a federal classification of the states unemployment rate could end up hurting needy Vermonters, Vermont Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington said. Harrington made the comments Monday after the U.S. Department of Labor ruled Vermont will be removed from the High Extended Benefits Program, which provides benefits for 20 weeks. Now, certain Vermonters are eligible for only 13 weeks of benefits. The program will end Oct. 10. In August the states unemployment rate dropped to 4.8% from 8.3% in July. This change in benefit eligibility comes at a very difficult time for many Vermonters, Harrington said in a statement. The data used to determine the unemployment rate is a compilation of a household survey administered by the U.S. Census Bureau. Harrington said it does not take into consideration the flexibility in unemployment eligibility or actions taken by Vermonters to protect themselves and their loved ones. There are more people receiving unemployment benefits than what is reported, highlighting the disconnect between the federal government and what is happening on the ground in Vermont, he said. Because of this calculation method, critical benefits will be cut short for many Vermonters, Harrington said. ___ NUMBERS The Vermont Department of Health on Tuesday reported four new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19, none were part of the Addison County outbreak involving apple pickers. Of the four cases, two were in Windsor County with one each in Chittenden and Windham counties. The number of deaths from COVID-19 remains at 58. Vermont has not seen a COVID-19 fatality in over two months. The travel data updated weekly by Vermont Commissioner of Financial Regulation Michael Pieciak showed the smallest number of people who can travel to Vermont without quarantining since a system was set up in June to determine who can safely visit. Now about 2.9 million people from counties across the Northeast whose counties have rates of COVID-19 of 400 active cases per million or less are eligible to visit the state without quarantining. When the system was set up in June about 11.5 million people were eligible to visit the state. BERLIN: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny called on the European Union on Wednesday to take tough action against oligarchs close to the Kremlin as he continues his recovery in Germany after being poisoned by a nerve agent in the banned Novichok family. Germany said on Tuesday it was discussing with its partners what action to take after the global chemicals watchdog confirmed Navalny had been poisoned with a new and undeclared variant in the Novichok family. Several Western governments have said Russia, which has denied accusations by Navalny that it was involved in the poisoning, must help in investigations or face consequences. Sanctions against the whole country dont work. The most important thing is to impose entry bans on profiteers of the regime and freeze their assets," Navalny told top-selling German daily Bild. They embezzle money, steal billions and at the weekend they fly to Berlin or London, buy expensive apartments and sit in cafes," he said. He singled out Valery Gergiev, chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic as a target for sanctions, saying he was a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Options for action include targeted asset freezes or travel bans on Russians deemed to be involved in the Navalny case, economic sanctions and halting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that is being built to carry gas directly from Russia to Germany. Navalny was airlifted to Berlin for treatment after taking ill on a flight in Siberia on Aug. 20 and has since been discharged. He has said he wants to return to Russia. He was scathing about what he said was Russias failure to help in the investigation. There is not even an attempt to make it look like they are investigating," Navalny told Bild, reiterating his view that his poisoning was a direct order from Putin. Navalny also criticised former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, a friend of Putin and lobbyist for Russian energy firms, calling him an errand boy for Putin who protects murderers". 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 Tea & Talk Event at Clubhouse Gibraltar Clubhouse Gibraltar will be holding a Tea & Talk event on Friday 9th October in celebration of World Mental Health Day at their premises at 304A Main Street from 10am to 1pm. Tea & Talk is about encouraging conversation about mental health and increasing openness on the topic. Any enquiries This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel 200 68423 (Natural News) Considering how relentless they are in trying to convince the world that they are compassionate and generous and try to find the goodness in others, leftists sure are spewing a whole lot of hate in response to President Trump announcing that he tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus (covid-19). Following Trumps announcement, former Hillary Clinton campaign spokeswoman Zara Rahim cut right to the chase in publicly stating, I hope he dies. Former Elizabeth Warren campaign staffer Max Berger said much the same, suggesting that Trump did this to himself and inflicted this same misfortune upon millions of others. Documentary filmmaker and notorious has-been Michael Moore joked that his thought and prayers are with Covid-19, implying that he hopes the Wuhan coronavirus (covid-19) will take Trumps life. That poor virus got sucked into his body and is now trapped there, Moore wrote on Twitter, trying to be funny. How can it escape? He wants to use it as a prop. See this China Flu? I BEAT IT! Just like Ill beat Biden! Theyre both a hoax!' Kathy Griffin, who infamously held up a bloodied Trump head during a publicity stunt following the 2016 election, wrote that she wished for Trump to get medically treated at one of [his] ICE detention centers, whatever that is supposed to mean. Ok fine. Ill pray for him and the wife on one condition, she later added, presumably in response to supporters who called her out for being callous and hateful in response to Trumps positive test result. NOT mild symptoms, she further wrote, hoping that Trump and Melania each go on a ventilator, for at least 5 days. Thats my best and final, she concluded. Leftists instantly become covid deniers after Trump tests positive Another common theme among leftists has been open denial that Trump even tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus (covid-19) at all, the suggestion being that he made it all up to help his poll numbers in anticipation of election day. MSNBCs Joy Reid, for instance, expressed covid denial when she tweeted that because she has a cellphone full of texts from people who arent sure whether to believe Trump actually has covid, this is somehow proof of how wrecked Trumps credibility is at this point. Im not saying I think Trump is lying, added MSNBC Hardball host Matt Negrin, also expressing covid denial. Im not saying I think hes not lying. Im just saying he lies all the time about everything, especially coronavirus, and it probably makes sense to say Trump SAYS HE tested positive instead of taking this liar at his word like this, Negrin added. Celebrity has-been Mia Farrow likewise suggested that Trump could be making this up because hes faced with losing & this is a way of bailing out while saving face. One of the only celebrities and media pundits to say anything even remotely positive or loving towards the president was Rainn Wilson, who played Dwight on The Office. Wilson tweeted simply: I wish the President and the 1st Family the very best and a speedy recovery! The fact that Wilsons tweet was something of an anomaly rather than the norm says a whole lot about the fractured state of America, thanks to the endless Trump hate coming from the media and Hollywood. Had leftists simply accepted Trumps win and tried to support him over the past four years, maybe, just maybe, things could have been better than this. The tremendous outpouring of hatred for Trump that we have witnessed over the past several days makes it clear that there will be no healing for America any time soon, writes Michael Snyder for End of the American Dream. More of the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (covid-19) can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com EndOfTheAmericanDream.com NaturalNews.com John Slattery Calls 'neXt' a "Really Great Ride" Watch our interview from Comic-Con. Prior to his pivotal, Emmy-nominated portrayal of Roger Sterling on Mad Men, John Slattery was a classic "Hey, it's that guy!" actor, having amassed dozens of well-received roles on film, TV, and stage. From memorable arcs on shows including Sex and the City, Will & Grace, and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp to award-winning movies Spotlight and The Station Agent, Slattery has made his silver fox mark. It's been a particularly active year for the 58-year-old Boston native who starred as Fred Schlafly opposite Cate Blanchett in the Emmy-nominated FX series Mrs. America and now stars in the Fox thriller Next (debuts Tuesday, Oct. 6) as a troubled tech genius. We recently took a trip down memory lane with the always wry and thoughtful Slattery to discuss some of the entries on his resume. Homefront (1991) Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Many first discovered Slattery on this gem of an ABC period drama and one of his fondest memories was working with Wendy Phillips as his love interest. "I was such a fan of hers. I think I had seen Midnight Run about 25 times before getting that part, so that was great because a lot of our stuff was together. I'm still close friends with Dave Newsom. It was a great cast of actors. Harry O'Reilly and Jessica Steen and, of course, Kyle Chandler." Its good dramatically to be someone with whom basically everybody has a conflict, he says of his character, union organizer Al Kahn. He stuck his nose in everybodys business, and as an actor, it gives you something to go at, which reduces your level of self-consciousness. "It was on for a couple seasons," he recalls. "It should have been on longer, but I think it was more about the showrunners not getting along with the network than it was about the ratings. Ratings today are so different. It had one of those audiences that was very fervent about it. I remember Bob Iger, who I believe was the head of the network at the time, told me that his mother was a fan of the show, and that's why he didn't cancel it." Story continues Sex and the City (2000) Craig Blankenhorn/HBO Aspiring city treasurer Bill Kelley had a specific bedroom request Carrie could not abide, so she flushed him. Theres a parade of sexual deviance on that show that I luckily am not at the top of, he says with a laugh. Im just somewhere buried in the middle." "[Star] Sarah Jessica [Parker] was and is a friend. So that was good because that makes any kind of situation like that easy when you can laugh about it," says Slattery of their bedroom scene. "And [executive producer] Michael Patrick King, who I became friends with after doing that, is really one of the funniest people ever. But he told me that I was supposed to get out of bed naked in that show, and I had, I guess, unwittingly signed the contract without looking at it, which I usually do. The first thing I think, get the f out of here. I'm not getting out naked and walking across the room. And he's laughing, but he's like, 'No, but that's what it says.' I'm like, 'Well, I don't care what it says. I'm not doing that. It's enough saying whatever you want me to say, but I'm not getting out of bed bare ass to walk across the room.' I didn't, and he didn't really care." The reactions to that role definitely left an impression on the actor and he laughs when he says, "Thank God that some other things have come along that kind of pushed that to the periphery because believe me I had a friend who asked if my parents were alive. She said, 'Yeah, I think so.' Her mother said, 'No, they couldn't be. He would have never done that if his parents were still alive.' That's the variety of reactions to that thing." Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004) Miramax I'm glad you brought that one up," he says with a laugh of the role in the Cuba-centered sequel in which he played fleet-footed Bert Miller. That was really fun to be a part of. I took dancing lessons and I got into it. I mean, Im Irish, so even trying to identify with anything below your belly button is impossible." He adds with another laugh, "Just hips is all Im talking about. So just to get to do the merengue and the rumba, all those dances were pretty foreign to me, and we had really good teachers. Sela Ward who is really fun. Romola Garai was awesome. Diego Luna of course. We had a really good time. That's a good memory." Iron Man 2 (2004) Zade Rosenthal/ 2015 Marvel Playing Tony Starks father, Howard, across four MCU movies (Iron Man 2, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Endgame) has definitely upped Slatterys recognizability factor. But, he says with a laugh, there are people that have no idea of me being in anything else. I mean, the Howard Stark camp and the Mad Men camp, there's probably not a lot of crossover. I don't know, maybe there is. But, he did it for the children. Or, specifically his son. "When that first came up, I had no idea about it and all I remember was how great [Robert Downey Jr.] was. But I wasn't a big Marvel fan or anything and I thought, 'Well, nah, I don't think so.' And [director] Jon Favreau called and said, 'Do you have children?' And I said, 'Yeah.' I think he was like five years old or something at the time. He said, 'Well, you have to do this, then. Are you crazy? I mean, your kid's five years old. You can't say at some point you had a chance to do this and you didn't do it to your son.' So I said, 'Oh yeah, probably a good idea.'" Slattery laughs recalling how secretive the films are and trying to wrangle script pages saying, "'You do realize I'm in the movie?'" But overall he loved being part of the universe. "Every time I've done that with those guys, it's been exhilarating and really fun. And satisfying, because you don't stop until you get what you need." Mad Men (2007) Frank Ockenfels/AMC The part that transformed his career. It was the best," he says with evident affection in his voice. "Its hard to top that one as far as everything about it. The writing, the cast. It was the experience of a lifetime." And he isn't looking to top it. "Nothing else has to actually measure up," he says. "If you talk about a script or take issue with some scene and say, 'Let's get this thing in better shape,' they go, 'Well, it's not Mad Men.' I've heard that so many times. I'm like, 'No, it doesn't have to be Mad Men.' I'm not looking to recreate that experience or moaning that anything isn't that. I had that. I feel lucky for having had it and I'm totally fine doing other things. We're all still friends. Yeah, it was the time of my life." The Cleveland Show (2011) FOX Hes played a number of politicians in his 30-plus-year career, but none as hilariously profane as Mayor Larry Box. [Co-creator Mike Henry] was my next-door neighbor in L.A. I bumped into him on the street and he just said, Hey, I do this show. You want to do it? I was like, Sure. And then I did a couple of them. I never saw it. Spotlight (2015) Everett Collection For this Oscar-winning film, Slattery got to know his real-life counterpart, former Boston Globe editor Ben Bradlee Jr. Soon after he was cast in the role he emailed Bradlee to pick his brain. Ben said, "What are you doing tomorrow for lunch?' Got on the Amtrak and went to Boston, had lunch with him, went to his office, and that started this communication that went all the way through the movie. He came to the set, was in the film. Couldnt have been more generous with any and every aspect of his history, family life, anything that I found helpful to know or ask about. Nothing off-limits. That was really helpful in building [the character]. I thought I'd be nervous when he showed up on the set, but it was kind of the opposite. I really felt that he was this guy I could look off to and kind of get an indication as to whether I was in the right ballpark. Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (2015) That was just me sort of listening to Amy Poehler say stuff and nodding and kind of just hanging on to her shirttail...that was so much fun. It was so goofy and hilarious, he says of his time thespian-ing as Broadway vet Claude Dumet. Slattery loved working with the improv-minded gang and just trying to keep up." Although his costar Michaela Watkins did give him pause one day. "I remember doing something that [co-writer and co-star] Michael Showalter asked me to do and he sort of describes it, and then I did what he asked. I said, 'That was really, really cringey.' But in a good way, I guess? That's what sometimes those guys like the more awkward the better. So I did this really awkward sort of half-scream growl thing after describing something I wanted in the performance of the play. I came off stage and, I think it was Michaela Watkins maybe, and she goes like, 'Have you ever had a moment in a thing where you do it and then they yell, 'Cut,' and then you go, 'I think that my career might be over if anybody sees that?' I go, 'Yeah.' And she goes, 'Yeah, that might have been it right there.'" [Laughs] "She so funny." Mrs. America (2020) Sabrina Lantos/FX As Fred Schlafly, husband of the famously polarizing Phyllis, Slattery was in heaven playing opposite Cate Blanchett and reteaming with showrunner Dahvi Waller, who had written several Mad Men episodes that Slattery directed. The costume designer made these clothes with this little dumpy T-shirt with front fat and back fat. Everything about it was so much fun. I had some fake teeth and Cate had her fake choppers and we'd have to kiss occasionally. So wed be laughing, bumping our grills. Shes hilariously funny. He would joke with her on set that they should do a 30-minute comedy spin-off called The Schlaflys a la Three's Company's the Ropers. "Yeah. It's going to be good. We're going to do it. I'm not sure Cate's going to sign on. I'm going to do it without her if she won't do it." Next (2020) FOX Its pretty timely, he says of his new Fox series about AI gone rogue. The part is someone who is, again, an agitator. Hes created this computer company and then figures out this AI. Then it goes haywire. He gets kicked out because he recognizes how dangerous its going to be. And then it finds its way back to him through the FBI and then he realizes that someone has gotten hold of his code and let it out. Now it's God knows where doing God knows what to potentially everybody on the planet. But he also has this brain disease so hes slowly going crazy while telling the world a really crazy story. No one knows whether to believe the guy or whether hes just a crazy ahole. Related content: DUBLIN, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Telecommunications Network Operators: 2Q20 Market Review" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This market review provides a comprehensive assessment of the global telecommunications industry based on financial results through June 2020 (2Q20). The report tracks revenue, capex and employee for 138 individual telecommunications network operators (TNOs). For a sub-group of 50 large TNOs, the report also assesses labor cost, opex and operating profit trends. The report also covers annual data for other financial metrics such as debt, cash & short term investments, M&A spend and cash flow from operations for the TNO-50. The coverage timeframe spans 1Q11-2Q20 (38 quarters). The report's format is Excel. The global telecom market saw YoY declines in both revenue and capex in 2Q20, for the second consecutive quarter. Lower revenues from roaming, advertising, and equipment sales contributed to a 5.4% YoY reduction, bringing overall market revenue to $427B in 2Q20. Exchange rate volatility also contributed to the decline. The pressure was felt more for telcos with exposure to Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Chile. Revenue in USD fell on average by 28% YoY in 2Q20 for these LATAM markets. Telco capex also mirrored the declining revenue trend, as it slid 6.2% YoY and touched $65.5B in 2Q20. Annualized capital intensity remained at 16.0%, the same level as 4Q19 and 1Q20; no 5G spending splurge is in sight. Barriers to capex spending include macroeconomic strain, a need to conserve cash, Chinese vendor risk, and uncertainties around how telcos will monetize 5G. Telcos also held back on discretionary spending due to future enterprise spend worries. Looking ahead, TNOs are likely to revisit their capex budgets and slash spending on 5G. Key Topics Covered: 1. Abstract 2. Market snapshot 3. Analysis 4. Key stats through 2Q20 5. Operator rankings 6. Company Drilldown & Benchmarking 7. Country breakouts 8. Regional breakouts 9. Raw Data 10. Subs & traffic 11. Exchange rates 12. Methodology & Scope 13. About Companies Mentioned A1 Telekom Austria Airtel Altice Europe Altice USA America Movil AT&T Axiata Axtel Batelco BCE Bezeq Israel Bouygues Telecom BSNL BT Cable ONE, Inc. Cablevision Cell C Cellcom Israel CenturyLink Cequel Communications China Broadcasting Network China Mobile China Telecom China Unicom Chunghwa Telecom Cincinatti Bell CK Hutchison Clearwire Cogeco Com Hem Holding AB Comcast Consolidated Communications Cyfrowy Polsat DEN Networks Limited Deutsche Telekom Digi Communications DirecTV Dish Network Dish TV India Limited Entel Etisalat Frontier Communications Globe Telecom Grupo Clarin Grupo Televisa Hathway Cable & Datacom Limited Idea Cellular Limited Iliad SA KDDI KPN KT Leap Wireless LG Uplus Liberty Global M1 Manitoba Telecom Services Maroc Telecom Maxis Berhad Megafon MetroPCS Communications Millicom Mobile Telesystems MTN Group MTNL NTT Orange PCCW PLDT Proximus Quebecor Telecommunications Rakuten Reliance Communications Limited Reliance Jio Rogers Rostelecom Safaricom Limited Sasktel Shaw Singtel SITI Networks Limited SK Telecom Sky plc SmarTone SoftBank Spark New Zealand Limited Sprint StarHub STC (Saudi Telecom) SureWest Communications Swisscom Taiwan Mobile Tata Communications Tata Teleservices TDC TDS Tele2 AB Telecom Argentina Telecom Egypt Telecom Italia Telefonica Telenor Telia Telkom Indonesia Telkom SA Telstra Telus Thaicom Time Warner Time Warner Cable TPG Telecom Limited True Corp Turk Telekom Turkcell Veon Verizon Virgin Media Vivendi Vodafone Wind Tre Windstream Zain Zain KSA Ziggo For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1do335 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Turkey called Tuesday for the world to back Azerbaijan in the conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region and downplayed the need for a ceasefire as fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces raged for a tenth day. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made the comments during a visit to Azerbaijan, after Russia, the United States and France on Monday called for an unconditional halt to the fighting. Fierce clashes that erupted on September 27 between Armenian-backed separatists and Azerbaijani forces over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region have claimed nearly 300 lives and show no sign of letting up, with both sides vowing to continue the fight. Western powers are urging Turkey, a longstanding ally of Azerbaijan, to use its influence with Baku to restore calm, but Cavusoglu instead said world leaders should throw their weight behind Azerbaijan. To put these two countries on equal footing means rewarding the occupier, the Turkish foreign minister said. The world must be on the side of those who are right, namely on the side of Azerbaijan. The territorial dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh dates back to the 1990s when the ethnic-Armenian enclave broke away from Azerbaijan, sparking a brutal conflict that has never been fully resolved. Neither side has shown any inclination to slow the recent hostilities despite mounting civilian deaths. Cavusoglu dismissed international calls for a ceasefire, saying: They have been making the same call for nearly 30 years. Fighting until the end Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told journalists after a meeting with Cavusoglu that there was no hope of a ceasefire until Armenian troops withdraw from Karabakh. Armenian armed forces must leave Azerbaijans occupied territories, he said. We will be fighting until the end. Azerbaijans defence ministry and Karabakhs foreign ministry both said fighting was continuing on several fronts on Tuesday morning. Both sides continued to claim to have inflicted heavy losses in manpower and equipment, and to accuse each of other of targeting civilian areas. The conflict has expanded in the last few days with shelling on big cities, including the regional capital Stepanakert and Azerbaijans second-largest city, Ganja. Following a lull early Tuesday, there was renewed shelling in Stepanakert, an AFP journalist in the city reported. Air-raid sirens rang out and the city was littered with glass and debris from previous shelling. Armenian Health Minister Arsen Torosyan told reporters that he had seen a rocket landing very close to Stepanakerts main hospital. Im not ruling out they are deliberately targeting medical facilities, which is a war crime, he said. Azerbaijans defence ministry claimed separatists had incurred major losses and were forced to retreat. It said its forces had destroyed an ammunition depot near Stepanakert as well as rocket launchers and artillery. Rising deaths The two sides have reported a total of 286 deaths since the fighting erupted, including 46 civilians, but the real total is expected to be much higher. Most of the confirmed deaths are from the Armenian side, which has reported 240 fatalities among separatist fighters. Azerbaijan is not releasing any figures on its military deaths. Christian-majority Armenia is in a military alliance of former Soviet states led by Russia, which has a permanent base in the country but Moscow has shown no appetite for military escalation. Turkey is a loyal ally of Azerbaijan, a fellow Muslim and Turkic country, and has been accused of dispatching mercenaries from Syria and Libya to join the fighting. Moscow and leaders in several Western capitals have condemned the deployment of foreign fighters via Turkey and instead urged Ankara to work towards a political settlement to the fighting. The director of Russias Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, said Tuesday that fighters from terror groups including Al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra were fighting in Karabakh. These are hundreds or even thousands of radicals hoping to make money from a new Karabakh war, Naryshkin said in a statement. Karabakhs declaration of independence from Azerbaijan during the collapse of the Soviet Union sparked a war in the early 1990s that claimed 30,000 lives. Talks to resolve the conflict mediated by Russia, the United States and France have made little progress since a 1994 ceasefire agreement. The State has indicated that it wants MDC Alliance MP Joanah Mamombe to spend four to six more weeks at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison while waiting for the release of the results of her mental examination. Mamombe yesterday appeared before magistrate Bianca Makwande together with five other accused persons that include MDC Alliance youth leader Obey Sithole on charges of participating in an unsanctioned protest during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The MDC Alliance legislator was committed to prison by magistrate Makwande for two weeks and she will be back in court on October 8, when the results are expected to be available. But the State said Mamombe would not be out of prison on October 8 as was ordered by the court because results of the tests conducted on her would only be released after four to six weeks. Prosecutor Michael Reza told the court that the accused were in court for trial, but it could not start because the government doctors had not availed the mental examination results for Mamombe. Reza said the State was expecting the mental examination results in four to six weeks time and that is when they would provide a trial date. The legislators lawyers Obey Shava and Gift Mtisi of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, however, put the State on notice that if they failed to resume trial by October 30, they would file for refusal of further remand. But Reza said the trial would be guided by the availability of the results. Mamombe was remanded in custody for mental examination after her lawyer submitted in court that she was not mentally fit to stand trial. She was supposed to stand trial in a matter she is accused of faking abduction together with MDC Alliance members Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova. The trio was reportedly abducted in May and found dumped in rural Bindura after being sexually abused and tortured by suspected State security agents. Makwande, however, postponed the matter to October 13 for a possible trial date. Newsday A new research report reveals that 94 individuals with rare inherited immune disorders, otherwise known as primary immunodeficiency (PID), who were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus had similar disease outcomes to the general population. However, admission rates to intensive care tended to be higher in PID patients and the average age of affected patients was lower than in the general population. The study, led by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and KU Leuven, provides information for individuals affected by PIDs, their families and clinicians. The findings also contribute to an understanding of the components of the immune system that underpin an effective coronavirus immune response. "We wanted to find out the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on those individuals with rare immune disorders, a group of patients assumed to be at-risk of severe COVID-19 disease if infected with SARS-CoV-2. As PID patients are so rare, this study was only possible through a large global research collaboration across 50 centres," says Prof Stuart Tangye, Leader of the Immunity and Inflammation Research Theme at Garvan and senior author of the study. "The findings show that pre-existing immune deficiencies were generally not found to be a significant risk factor as the rate of fatality from COVID-19 was no higher in this group than the general population. Some immune defects even appeared to be protective against the dramatic immune pathology that is frequently seen in severe disease. However, our study suggests younger male patients with PIDs are more likely to endure severe COVID-19 and require ICU admission," says Isabelle Meyts, Professor at KU Leuven, and Clinical lead of the primary immunodeficiency care program at University Hospitals Leuven. The researchers publish the findings in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Inborn errors of immunity The consequences of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus are vastly different across individuals. Some infected people are more at risk than others, including older individuals and those with underlying health conditions. However, little is known about those with pre-existing rare inherited immune disorders. "There has been substantial anxiety within the PID community that their immune condition would result in a more severe clinical outcome should they contract SARS-CoV-2 and develop COVID-19," says Prof Meyts. The researchers invited clinical immunologists from around the world who manage patients with inborn errors of immunity to complete a questionnaire, if their patients had contracted the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Data was collected from patients in the USA, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Latin America. Of the 94 reported patients, 25 had mild disease and were treated as outpatients, while 59 (63%) required hospitalisation. Of those hospitalised, 13 required non-invasive breathing assistance, and 15 were admitted to intensive care for invasive ventilation. Sadly, nine of the 94 patients passed away from COVID-19 (9.6%), which is within the range of global data of COVID-19 mortality (1-20%). However, admission rates to ICU were higher and the average age was lower in PID-affected patients than in the general population. "Our findings warrant a recommendation for further stringent personal protective measures for patients affected by PIDs," says Prof Meyts. Similar to the general population, adult patients in the study cohort who succumbed to SARS-CoV-2 infection had existing comorbidities, such as heart failure, chronic kidney or lung disease, and diabetes. Searching for genes essential for COVID-19 defence The study further revealed insights for the components of the immune system that may be involved in SARS-CoV-2 immune defence. "More than half the patients we surveyed (56%) had a deficiency in their ability to produce antibodies. Surprisingly, these patients had similar outcomes to the rest of the cohort. And patients who were completely unable to produce antibodies all recovered following infection," says Prof Meyts. The findings also revealed that patients with gene defects that resulted in the body being unable to respond to the pro-inflammatory effects of interleukin 6 (IL-6) developed little or no disease when infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. IL-6 is a signalling molecule released by the body in response to infections, and helps regulate the human immune response. "Our findings suggest that certain forms of immune suppression, which reduce the function of IL-6, are protective against the pathological effects of the cytokine storm frequently observed in patients," says Prof Tangye. The researchers say further studies are needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of which components of the immune system are crucial to a successful coronavirus defence. "We hope such studies will contribute to a greater understanding of COVID-19 disease progression and new therapeutic approaches," says Prof Tangye. ### This study was supported by a Leadership 3 Investigator Grant awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, and a COVID19 Rapid Response Grant awarded by UNSW Sydney. Isabelle Meyts is a senior clinical researcher at FWO Vlaanderen and is supported by FWO Vlaanderen and VIB-Grand Challenge. Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussexs desire to get out of the royal spotlight and escape the media scrutiny became a reality earlier this year. One royal expert claims the couple could have taken Queen Elizabeth up on an offer to avoid the negative press much earlier, however. Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wanted to escape the royal spotlight Prince Harry and Meghan had voiced their concerns about their lives in the spotlight during the 2019 documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey. When they announced their plan in January 2020 to take a step back from their royal duties, the news was not all that surprising. Queen Elizabeth respected their need to have a more normal life, but ultimately couldnt allow the half-in/half-out arrangement the Sussexes hoped for, which would have them splitting their time between the UK and North America. RELATED: Prince Harry and Meghan Markles Increased Tension With Royal Family Is Putting a Strain on Them; Meghans Family Is Worried Queen Elizabeth reportedly had a secret plan for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle In his book about Prince Harry and Prince Williams relationship, titled Battle of Brothers, author Robert Lacey discusses the Sussexes and reveals how the queen had a secret plan for them that would have allowed a break from the spotlight. Queen Elizabeth, according to Lacey, wanted to extend an offer for the Sussexes to move to Africa for a year or two. Lacey shares the story with the Daily Mail, noting, The big idea was to get Harry and Meghan out of the country for a decent spell. It would give everyone a breather. The queen wanted to offer both honor and responsibility to the couple by handing them some role in her beloved British Commonwealth of Nations a highly personal token of trust, the author continues. Lacey shares that the plan of giving the Sussexes this semi-regal role gave Prince Harry, a spare in the royal family, self-sufficient status that truly matched, but did not threaten, that of the heir. Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth II | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth added a personal touch, expert shares The queen supported Prince Harry and Meghans desire to escape the negativity, with Lacey sharing how Queen Elizabeth added a personal touch, based on her own experience. She had heard and read much of Harry and Meghans wish to live an ordinary existence, Lacey shared. Well, she could recall such a period in her own life her Malta Moments between 1949 and 1951, when Philip was serving as a naval officer on the Mediterranean island and she would fly out to stay with him. The time in Malta, the expert notes, allowed the queen to have a normal life, rather than being viewed as part of the royal family. Modern South Africa, with its black-majority rule, could be just the spot and the couple themselves seemed interested by the notion, the author writes. Their relationship had taken flower in Africa after all, so maybe it, or somewhere else in the Commonwealth, might provide their next step. Johannesburg could be their Malta. ATHENS, Ga., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- FormFree today announced enhancements to the integration between its AccountChek verification service and Encompass Consumer Connect. Now, borrower data collected by AccountChek in Consumer Connect will automatically map to the Form 1003 (the Universal Residential Loan Application) in the Ellie Mae Digital Lending Platform, saving lenders time and relieving them of the frustration and risk associated with manual data entry. The upgrade also fully embeds AccountChek within the Consumer Connect user experience (UX) for easier borrower navigation and reduced application fall-out. Ellie Mae, now a part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., is the leading cloud-based platform provider for the mortgage finance industry. The company's Consumer Connect is a mortgage point-of-sale platform that provides a scalable, intuitive experience for homebuyers while helping lenders close loans faster and convert more applications to closed loans. FormFree's patented AccountChek and AccountChek Plus provide lenders actionable intelligence on borrowers' ability to repay loans by consolidating, analyzing and verifying asset account balances and details, employment data and income data obtained directly from financial institutions and other authoritative sources. "FormFree expedites pre-approvals and increases loan pull-through by paperlessly verifying borrower asset, employment and income information in a single report at the point of sale," said FormFree Chief Technology Officer Brian Francis. "The latest enhancements to our Consumer Connect integration will make it easier and faster than ever for lenders to make informed credit decisions." "As an Ellie Mae Consumer Connect user, we are excited about the recent enhancement to the AccountChek process. The enhanced integration means an easier application process, which supports our objective to continuously improve the member experience," said Dawana Manning, AVP of Loan Fulfillment, Residential Lending for Atlanta-based Delta Community Credit Union. "The increased efficiency gained by the automated addition of VOA [verification of asset] data to the loan application is a huge benefit to our lending team." About FormFree: FormFree is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek and Passport are changing the credit decisioning landscape and encouraging lenders nationwide to incorporate a more holistic view of each borrower's financial DNA. To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing over a trillion dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, reduces origination timelines by up to 20 days and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey. For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn. Twitter: @RealFormFree @EllieMaeInc @DeltaCommunity #ConsumerConnect #mortgageindustry #VOA *LOGO link for Media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0926s2p-formfree-300dpi.jpg This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com SOURCE FormFree Related Links https://www.formfree.com BELLINGHAM, Wash., Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apana, which provides Water Efficiency as a Service, has launched the first-ever, online dataset of commercial water incentives, programs and rebates. For enterprises that consume large volumes of water, this free resource is designed to help lower the upfront cost of water efficiency technologies that streamline and reduce water use as well as comply with regulations. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, as the U.S. population has doubled over the past 50 years, water consumption has tripled and an estimated 40 states now anticipate water shortages by 2024. Industrial and commercial water use is the second largest consumer (after agriculture) of fresh water resources in the country. Most large consumers of water want water efficiency not only for sustainability goals, but because smart water use helps the bottom line, said Matt Rose, CEO of Apana. With Apana, companies track, measure and analyze water use to help increase efficiencies as well as mitigate or prevent catastrophic failures, leading to significant cost savings. By canvassing the water districts of the top 300 municipalities in the United States, Apana researchers compiled a comprehensive list of policies, incentives, rebates and programs available to commercial enterprises. Depending on the state and the approach, some rebates can completely offset the upfront cost of a water efficiency system. In most cases, the rebates significantly reduce the time needed to achieve a 100 percent return on the initial investment. We've seen success from the companies that have taken advantage of our commercial incentives, said Andrew Pirrone with the Town of Gilbert, Arizona. Collectively, we estimate that we've reduced water usage by 12.4 million gallons through business conservation incentives and collaborations. Apanas secure IoT solution connects meters and sensors using Apana-designed devices that leverage industry leading Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies. With high resolution data and cloud analytics, the platform monitors the water infrastructure to identify anomalous use in real time. Insights and actionable, step-by-step guidance to fix problems are sent to the right person at the right time. Apanas clients have demonstrated water use reductions of 20 percent or more. Yet the real benefits go beyond simple water savings. With Apana, organizations can optimize everything that uses water, which prevents equipment failure and avoids the hidden costs of reactive maintenance and inconsistent operational practices. Apana has successfully deployed its platform with customers across more than 600 cities globally. In the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors, the company focuses on grocery, hospitality, food and beverage, as well as cities and other public institutions. The Water Incentive Database is debuting as part of Apanas recently updated website, which was redesigned to better articulate and show the power of the companys Water Efficiency as a Service platform, including customer case studies, industry and use case-specific examples and service information. About Apana Apana offers businesses Water Efficiency as a Service a secure solution that leverages connected sensors and meters to provide simple, actionable insights that help reduce the total cost of water across the enterprise. Customers include Fortune 500 companies, public institutions and cities. Apana is dedicated to providing practical solutions for smart water management, so facility operators and property managers can increase efficiency, boost the bottom line, and help the environment by preserving Earth's most precious resource water. More information is available at www.apana.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b0d7824-9dbc-4976-bfa9-a83d1191edbd Convicted in fodder scam cases, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad has been under treatment at Jharkhands premier Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for more than two years, longest time for any patient to be in this hospital, prompting the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party to demand that Prasad be sent back to jail. The BJP has accused the RJD chief of breaking all records of staying in hospital as a patient and demanded his immediate shifting to the jail hospital. On the other hand, the RJD said the BJP was suffering from Lalu phobia in wake of Bihar elections. The former Bihar chief minister, who was shifted to RIMS at the end of August 2018, had been under treatment at the paying ward of the RIMS till August 5, when he was shifted to RIMS directors bungalow, also known as Kellys Bungalow, in wake of rising Covid-19 cases and shortage of beds at RIMS, hospital authorities said. RIMS deputy superintendent, Dr Sanjay Kumar, when asked about the longest stay of a patient for treatment in the hospital, said, As per my information, Lalu Prasad has been undergoing treatment for more than two years, which is the longest time for any patient. Though Prasad has been suffering from many diseases, the primary concern is his Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. He is a chronic kidney patient. On Prasads current health status, senior doctor Umesh Prasad, who is treating the RJD chief, said, His condition is stable right now. However, his sugar level did fluctuate on Tuesday, he said. Before Prasad, states former water resource minister Kamlesh Singh, facing a disproportionate asset case lodged by the CBI, had undergone a prolonged treatment in custody for more than a year in RIMS. The former Bihar chief minister has been in jail since December 23, 2017, after his conviction in the fodder scam cases. After two months, he developed health complications and was shifted to RIMS and then to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. He was referred back to RIMS after AIIMS declared him fit in May, 2018. After his return to RIMS, Prasad got parole for three days on May 10 to attend his elder sons wedding. Thereafter, he was then enlarged on provisional bail granted by the Jharkhand High Court for advance treatment at a Mumbai-based hospital in June 2018. He returned to RIMS at the end of August, 2018. Since then, he is under treatment at RIMS. Lalu has spent only two of the 35 months since his conviction in Ranchis Birsa Munda Jail. Prasad has paid more than Rs 7 lakh to RIMS administration as charge of paying ward. The RIMS administration will soon fix the rate for Kellys Bungalow, where he is currently undergoing treatment. The RIMS deputy superintendent said, Even though the rate has not yet been finalised, we are working on a proposal seeking rent of Rs 5,000 per day for the bungalow. The committee will soon hold a meeting to finalise the rate and the fixed charge would be realised from Prasad. Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said, Prasad has broken all records of staying in a hospital for the longest time. If he can be treated at RIMS directors bungalow, what is the problem to treat him in jail hospital? Overall, RIMS is not a super-specialty hospital. Actually, he was shifted to the bungalow by the Hemant Soren government in view of Bihar election. The accommodation has now turned as RJD headquarter for the Bihar election. RJDs Jharkhand president Abhay Singh said, BJP is suffering from Lalu phobia. RJD chief has respect for jail manuals and court in true spirit. Actually, BJPs position has turned weak in Bihar. So, they are making illogical statements in frustration. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi : After a spark of revolt erupted in the political arena of Tamil Nadu, AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala in a press conference has said that she had got wind of O. Panneerselvams moves a few days ago itself. She has asserted that the party remains united and will not be cowed down by such threats. She also said that betrayal will never win in the AIADMK and blamed arch rival DMK for trying to destabilise her party. Here are key highlights from the series of events took place on Wednesday: # Paneerselvam writes to bank, says he is the Treasurer of AIADMK, asks not to allow any transactions in party account without his consent. # AIADMK leader M Thambidurai, who has been in forefront of pro-Sasikala chorus, along with 9 MPs left for Delhi. # The party by-law has no provision for such an interim appointment of anybody as Gen Secy: KC Palanisamy, AIADMK # People have taken money to vote and thats what you get: Kamal Haasan # There can only be Presidents rule in states not at the Centre: GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP # The perception is that the Tamil Nadu Governor is acting on the behest of his master: Tehseen Poonawalla # I think this is unwarranted criticism of the Governor C Vidya Sagar Rao: GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP # Governor of TN happens to be holding additional charge of Maharashtra. Therefore he is not cooling his heels: Nalin Kohli, BJP # Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao is responsible for the crisis in Tamil Nadu: Subramanian Swamy, senior BJP leader # TamilNadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao to arrive in Chennai tomorrow afternoon. # Election commission questions Sasikala's elevation as AIADMK General Secratary, asks to furnish more details. # AIADMK spokesperson claims 131 MLAs attended today's meeting chaired by party General Secretary VK Sasikala # There is no such thing as called as in-charge CM or caretaker CM. Panneerselvam is the CM of TN as on date: V Maitreyan # AIADMK MLAs are taken to 5 different hotels in Jaipur, Delhi & other cities: sources # What is important is the head counting inside the Assembly when the vote of confidence is taking place: V Maitreyan # There is a groundswell of support for O. Panneerselvam, our Chief Minister: V. Maitreyan, Rajya Sabha MP # President is considering the request of Thambidurai for a meeting, will consult top constitutional authorities: sources # 130 AIADMK MLAs being taken to an undisclosed location until the time Governor returns, if President agrees, AIADMK MLAs will be flown to Delhi. # Senior AIADMK Leader Thambidurai seeks an appointment with the President # VVR Raj Sathyan appointed AIADMKs new I-T wing Secretary # Sasikala all set to parade MLAs before President if Governor refuses to invite her to form new govt in Tamil Nadu # Action should be taken against those who threatened former TN CM OPS to resign, says DMK leader Stalin # DMK never supported Panneerselvam, extended support to only certain issues of govt, says DMK leader Stalin # Governor Vidyasagar Rao bides time in Mumbai as he takes legal advice on recent political events in Tamil Nadu Earlier in the day, O, Paneerselvam addressed the media where he said that he would recommend an inquiry commission under a sitting Supreme Court judge to probe the doubts surrounding the health condition and demise of the late leader. In his first public comments on Jayalalithaas hospitalisation, Panneerselvam said he could not meet her even once during her 75 days of hospitalisation. He also said that no political leader could meet her in the Apollo Hospitals where she died on December 5. Also read: As it happened | Sasikala Natarajan hits out at Panneerselvam, says will give a big blow to the act of betrayal and disloyalty On whether Jayalalithaa wanted to meet him since he was a loyalist or he took any effort to visit her, the senior AIADMK leader said he tried several times. But thought may be I was unfortunate and a sinner not to have seen her in the hospital. To a question on recent resignation of some key state officials in the Chief Ministers office, he said there was no compulsion from him and it was a decision taken by them on their own. Know more: Panel will be set up to probe Jayalalithaas death; wasnt allowed to meet her in hospital, says Panneerselvam Highlights from AIADMK crisis in last 24 hours: As it happened: Panneerselvam says he is ready to take back his resignation as CM; Sasikala faction slams him Tamil Nadu acting CM Panneerselvam turns rebellious, says he was forced to resign and felt insulted Panneerselvam-Sasikala battle brings back the memories of Jayalalithaa-Janki split after MGR demise Know more about VK Sasikala: Sasikala's political journey from being Jayalalithaa's confidante to Tamil Nadu's political stalwart Know more about O. Paneerselvam's political journey: AIADMK's O Paneerselvam's journey from tea seller to Tamil Nadu CM For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The U.S. Capitol stands in Washington, D.C., U.S. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. Talks Thursday between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin brought no immediate breakthrough on a deal for a new pandemic relief package, while the House prepared to vote on a Democrat-only plan. Stefani Reynolds | Bloomberg | Getty Images Democrats and Republicans still seem unable to find common ground on enhanced unemployment benefits, more than two months after the expiration of a prior, $600 weekly subsidy that had buoyed household income for millions. White House officials and senior congressional Democrats were still trying to hammer out details of a fifth financial relief package through Tuesday afternoon to help counter the negative economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. President Donald Trump upended those talks around 3 pm E.T. on Tuesday, tweeting that he was instructing White House representatives to cease negotiations until after election day in early November. It wasn't immediately clear whether that was a hard line or a negotiating tactic. Unemployment benefits appeared to be a key sticking point in the negotiations, despite consensus in other areas like stimulus checks and aid for small businesses. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 1. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images News | Getty Images It's unclear whether congressional Republicans would support a $400-a-week policy or a bill with an overall price tag as high as the White House proposal. "Negotiations are ongoing," according to a White House spokesman said Monday. "The White House continues to reach out to Democrats in good faith to try and reach a deal on delivering relief to American workers." Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin during a Senate hearing on Sept. 24. Toni L. Sandys-Pool/Getty Images Some experts remain hopeful lawmakers can still come to an agreement, especially as unemployment remains high seven months into the economic crisis and the presidential election looms in a month's time. "I think there's tremendous pressure on both sides to pass something," said Michele Evermore, a senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project. "Nobody wants to go home and campaign on, 'We didn't give you anything.'" $600 unemployment Republicans have criticized the supplement as a disincentive to return to work since it paid many people more than they'd earned on the job. While anecdotal evidence suggests this may have been the case for some businesses, numerous economic studies found that, in aggregate, the $600 enhancement didn't discourage people from looking for work or accepting job offers. "Expanded UI benefits from the CARES Act appeared to be an important source of aggregate stimulus rather than an impediment to labor market improvement," according to a paper published last month by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Democrats want to extend the $600 weekly payments, which come on top of state-allotted aid, to help bolster consumer spending and the U.S. economy as signs have emerged that the recovery is sputtering. "We still have a massive gap in the labor market, and job growth is slowing," said Heidi Shierholz, director of policy at the Economic Policy Institute and a former chief economist at the Department of Labor during the Obama administration. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards The unemployment rate fell to 7.9% in September after businesses added 661,000 jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday. That rate is down from a 14.7% peak in April, the highest recorded since the Great Depression. There are 10.7 million fewer jobs now than in February before the pandemic-induced recession, according to the bureau. The true figure likely exceeds 12 million jobs when factoring in prevailing monthly job growth trends that had been occurring pre-pandemic, Shierholz said. Lost Wages Assistance The AAP government has informed the that the process to start a Narco analysis test facility here is underway and it will commence after the COVID-19 pandemic situation comes under control. The told the high court that the facility has been set up at Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in Rohini and it could not commence operations due to the pandemic. According to lawyers, this would be the first such facility to be established in Delhi. So far as the setting up of the Narco Analysis Test facility at Delhi is concerned, the status report discloses that the process to start the Narco Analysis examination is underway and the examination shall be conducted at Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Rohini, as soon as the Covid-19 pandemic situation comes under control. "Sanjay Lao (additional standing counsel of Delhi government) states that the said facility has been set up but cannot be put to use in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, a bench of justices Vipin Sanghi and Rajnish Bhatnagar said. The high court had earlier asked the to file a status report disclosing as to whether any steps have been taken to set up the facility in Delhi, considering the fact that a large number of such tests are required to be conducted in respect of the cases registered here. The issue cropped up while the court was hearing a plea by a father who has been running around in search of his 19-year-old son who is missing since September 17, 2018. Advocate Siddharth Yadav, appearing for petitioner Tejbir Singh, said the man has been facing the tyranny of the authorities as he has been made to run from pillar to post but to no avail. The petition said the missing boy wanted to become a wrestler and his father had told the police that he suspected the owner of the gymnasium and four others behind the disappearance of his son but the officials have not taken any action after which he approached the court. All of these persons have not even been put to Narco tests. It seems that the concerned police officials are trying to protect the persons accused by the petitioner regarding the missing of his son, it said. The police have told the high court that the test has been done on two suspects and the remaining three suspects are yet to be subjected to Narco analysis test as the process could not be completed at Ahmedabad on account of the pandemic. The high court directed that let the Narco Analysis Test of the three remaining persons, namely Rohit, Naresh Dahiya and Vishal Malik be conducted either at Ahmedabad or at Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Rohini as soon as the said facility becomes operational. The court listed the matter for November 25 to await for further development in the case and asked the authorities to file a status report. Narco analysis involves injection of a drug, sodium pentothal, which induces a hypnotic or sedated state in which the person's imagination is neutralised and he or she is expected to divulge true information. During the test, questions are asked and responses are recorded on camera. The Supreme Court in 2010 has held that involuntary administration of narco or lie detection test is an intrusion into a person's mental privacy and the law disapproves of involuntary testimony. (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 4-year-old child was shot Saturday, according to the Limestone County Sheriffs Office. The incident happened on Browns Ferry Road. A sheriffs office spokesman told WHNT the child was taken to Athens-Limestone Hospital after the incident, which happened about 6:40 p.m. The child might be moved to another hospital, depending on the severity of the injury, WAFF reported. Investigators were trying to determine what led to the childs shooting, WHNT reported. Additional information was not immediately available. Weaver, the jury commissioner, said he has been sensitive to such barriers as juror prospects have called his office. And he also has followed a long list of recommended guidance for possible medical excuses from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among citizens in this category: Those 65 or older or living in nursing homes, and those with weakened immune systems, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions. HAYWARD, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Approaching four years of continuous operation, the Microvi MNE system for nitrate removal at Sunny Slope Water Company in Pasadena, CA has outperformed initial projections for performance and cost savings. While initial estimates predicted a 50% savings for operational costs compared to alternative treatment technologies, a recent data analysis found that a 75% cost savings has been demonstrated. Microvi Nitrate Treatment System at Sunny Slope Water Company in Pasadena, CA. A portion of the cost saving comes from reduced chemical needs and a decrease in operational requirements due to controls, remote access and automation allowing for minimal operator intervention. The system has also proven a key advantage of Microvi's sustainable biology approach where little or no biological waste has been produced over more than 40 months of operation. "The year-after-year operation of Microvi's full-scale nitrate treatment system has proven the unprecedented benefits offered by Microvi's approach for sustainable biology," said Dr. Fatemeh Shirazi, CEO and CTO of Microvi. "Microvi MNE is changing the paradigm for biological processes and driving Microvi's rapidly growing commercial footprint and offerings across many industries." "Sunny Slope remains confident, supportive, and proud to have partnered with Microvi in implementing the State's first Microvi MNE Nitrate system for potable water use. The system operates as designed with no known anomalies. We are extremely happy with the Design, Build, and Operate agreement with Microvi. It allows us to lessen the need to purchase expensive replenishment water," said Ken Tcheng, General Manager of Sunny Slope Water Company. The Microvi MNE technology uses novel biocatalytic composites (MNE biocatalysts) that intensify and extend the capability of biological processes, while maintaining a controlled population of microorganisms at a much higher density than existing technologies. Over the lifetime of use at the facility at Sunny Slope Water Company, no MNE biocatalysts have required replacement and consistent performance has been shown by independent testing reports submitted to California Division of Drinking Water (DDW). The Microvi MNE system converts nitrate into harmless nitrogen gas and has consistently reduced nitrate levels to less than 3 mg/L, far below California's regulated maximum contaminant level of 10mg/L. It also does this without producing a secondary waste stream, a 99% reduction in sludge compared to using alternative solutions, alleviating disposal costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Microvi MNE has been successfully applied in applications across the water, wastewater and biochemicals sectors. Microvi MNE was also selected for the first full scale sidestream treatment project in the San Francisco Bay and for drinking water projects including Cucamonga Valley Water District. About Microvi Microvi is a transformative biology company based in the San Francisco Bay Area that delivers next-generation biotechnologies for the water, wastewater, bio-based chemicals, biofuels and biopharma industries. Microvi offers commercial technologies around the world to reduce waste, increase productivity and provide disruptive economics across the value chain. Learn more at www.microvi.com. Contact: Karin Kidder VP Marketing, Microvi +1 (510) 344-0668 [email protected] SOURCE Microvi Related Links http://www.microvi.com A 70-year-old Covid-19 patient allegedly died by suicide on Monday in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, police said. The deceased was quarantined at home from September 20 after he tested positive for Covid-19 that day, said Rajesh Tiwari, Garha police station-in-charge. The man used to live with his son. On Sunday, his quarantine period was over and the doctor concerned asked his son to get him tested again to see if he tested negative for the virus. On Monday morning, his grandson went to his room to give him juice but he found his grandfather hanging from the ceiling, Tiwari said. The deceaseds son said his father was depressed after testing positive for Covid-19. My father was in a state of depression for the past 10 days. He was also tense when he came to know about the re-test for coronavirus but we didnt know that he would take such a drastic step, he said. Police said the cremation took place as per Covid-19 protocol after a post-mortem. The Government has given the go-ahead for a competition to recruit two deputy commissioners for An Garda Siochana. One of the positions became vacant several years ago and at the moment is being filled on a temporary basis. The second post will be vacated in December with the early retirement of the current head of policing and security, John Twomey. Justice Minister Helen McEntee brought details of the proposed recruitment process before yesterdays meeting of the Cabinet and was granted approval for a competition to begin immediately. The Irish Independent revealed last month that Mr Twomey (58) had decided to hand in his papers early. He was due to resign on age grounds at the end of next year. Read More A competition to fill the other position was held towards the end of last year but ended in a fiasco when the Policing Authority rejected all of the candidates on the short list. That decision was a major blow to the confidence of the upper ranks of the Garda organisation and resulted in a key role being left open in a force undergoing a huge transformation after the traumas and controversies of the past few years. The successful candidate had been due to take charge of that transformation and future strategies. The post had been vacated when the then deputy, Donall O Cualain, agreed to become Acting Garda Commissioner after the resignation of Noirin OSullivan. The candidates rejected by the Policing Authority included at least one assistant garda commissioner and a senior officer from the PSNI. Several of the other assistant commissioners were ruled out of applying for the job at the time because of restrictions on age. A ban on allowing chief superintendents to apply for the job as deputy was introduced in 2018 on the recommendation of the Garda Inspectorate and resulted in the bizarre situation where chiefs could apply for the post of commissioner but not for a deputy rank. Criteria for candidates to become eligible have now been changed by the Department of Justice after a review. The post has been filled on a temporary by Acting Deputy Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon since March. Under global warming, the frequent occurrence of summer heatwaves has exerted an increasing impact on human health and public infrastructure. For example, Europe experienced a severe heatwave in 2003 with more than 70 000 heat-related casualties. Western Russia was struck by its hottest summer on record in 2010, leading to the deaths of around 55 000 people. Record-breaking heatwaves have also been frequently reported in populous countries of East Asia, such as the Northeast Asian heatwave in 2018 and the heatwave in Japan this summer. In China, the Yangtze River basin is one of the most densely populated and economically important regions in China, and a region where heatwaves have a high probability to occur. Summertime heatwaves in this region have caused tremendous economic losses in recent years. Therefore, extending the forecast lead times and increasing the prediction skill for heatwaves over the Yangtze River basin is key for disaster prevention and mitigation. In a recently published study in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, Prof. Pang-Chi Hsu and her team from Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology evaluate the subseasonal prediction skill of heatwaves in the Yangtze River basin and identify the crucial processes influencing the prediction skill using the long-term hindcast data from three operational models. "We compare three models developed respectively by the China Meteorological Administration, the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts," explains Prof. Hsu. "These models all participated in the Subseasonal to Seasonal Prediction project." Her team found that the superior skill of these operational models in predicting the occurrence, intensity and duration of heatwaves can be attributed to their fidelity in capturing the phase evolution and amplitude of high-pressure anomalies associated with the intraseasonal oscillation and the dryness of soil moisture induced by less precipitation via the land-atmosphere coupling. Furthermore, the team found that the capability of the models in predicting heatwave occurrence at a longer lead time (15-20 days in advance) is closely related to their fidelity in capturing the evolution and amplitude of 30-90-day intraseasonal circulation rather than the 10-30-day intraseasonal circulation. The biases of intraseasonal circulation anomalies further affect precipitation anomalies and thus soil moisture conditions, affecting the prediction skill for heatwave intensity and duration. "In the future, we will further diagnose the key factors influencing the activity of intraseasonal oscillation and related land-air interactions to gain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the potential sources of subseasonal predictability," says Prof Hsu. She and her team will continue to work toward improving the subseasonal prediction skill of high-impact weather events. ### Residents of Ondo State will on Saturday, October 10, visit their various polling units to elect who will oversee the affairs of the state for the next four years. Even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that 17 political parties will take part in the election, the race to the Alagbaka Government House is without a doubt between three major contenders. The contenders are candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Rotimi Akeredolu; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede; and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Agboola Ajayi. The three are the major candidates with the requisite structure in place across the 18 local government areas of the state. While the race would be a tight contest, political pundits have explained to PREMIUM TIMES why the elites in the state may go for Mr Akeredolu and why the governor may be rejected by the commoners. Yes or No? For elites in the state, Mr Akeredolus performance in his first term in office is good enough to return him to office following infrastructural projects carried out in various communities. Some of the elites and political analysts who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES said that many have benefited immensely from his infrastructure and industrialisation projects, such as roads, school buildings, industrial projects, among others across the three senatorial districts of the state. Basically when it comes to infrastructure in Ondo State, Akeredolu popularly referred to as Aketi has tried. The governor also came up with a few ideas like the Ore Industrial Hub where Ondo now has the opportunity to be producing thread. Aside from this, there are various roads that he completed in various senatorial districts of the state. So, for elites he will have their pass mark, Steven Ajayi a lecturer and political analyst told PREMIUM TIMES in an interview. Many white-collar workers in the state, such as bankers and top officials of ministry parastatals, also spoke with PREMIUM TIMES correspondent in the state last week. Bimbo Fashoyin, a resident, described Mr Akeredolus first term in office as development for the state. Arguably, Akeredolu will largely have the nod of the elites but not of the commoners. While he has tried in the aspect of infrastructure, such as roads linking many districts, he has only done little directly for the masses, which may really hurt him severely. The only reason that will make commoners go for a candidate is when they understand that they can benefit directly from his governance. For instance, Ondo residents are seriously wailing as far as healthcare system is concerned. PREMIUM TIMES in an earlier analysis explained how opposition parties have continued to draw the attention of the people to the failure of Mr Akeredolu to allow residents enjoy free healthcare, which was one of the major achievements of his predecessor, Olusegun Mimiko. Speaking on how this may shape the election, Mr Fashoyin, a community leader in Akungba-Akoko, told our correspondent that the grassroots see Mr Akeredolu as an anti-people governor. Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko Mimiko gave Ondo people the Mother and Child Maternity Initiative, where delivery was free and the aged paid nothing when need be for them to visit hospitals for treatment. There used to be a time when pregnant women had free access to hospitals without any payment and thats no longer in place. Except you have your delivery materials, you wont be attended to. This is indeed anti-masses. An elite will not consider the payment as anything because he or shes rich enough to pay. Rather, elites will focus on the structures and facilities of the healthcare centre. Thats not the case with the poor at the grassroots. It is good that there are good roads and industrialisation is fast-growing but only the elites know the essence of all these. In addition to Mr Fashoyins position on what the outcome of the election may look like, another political analyst, Raphael Williams, said the hike in school fees will also affect the governors chances. The major strategy the opposition will use against him is the hike in school fees, especially that of the Adekunle Ajasin University. Parents and students paying over N250,000 will see no reason why they should vote for him for the second time. What about the cases of shuttle buses for school children all of these will may make Akeredolus chances slim on the part of the masses. Although Mr Akeredolu in a television programme recently said the hike was due paucity of funds accruable to the state government and something similar was happening in other state-owned tertiary institutions, he recently announced that the hike will be reduced. However, that announcement was seen as a campaign strategy by many. Advertisements Commoners will overpower elites A public affairs analyst and political commentator, Jide Ojo, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, said the masses have the power to re-elect or reject Mr Akeredolu. The masses will have the day. From latest developments, the election may be inconclusive because the masses are the voters, not the elites and the state may not want to accept defeat. The commoners will determine the outcome of the vote because elites often keep themselves and families at home during election period. If we go by history, it is only Mimiko from Central that has won re-election in the political history of Ondo State. From Ajasin to Adefarati to Agagu and all. Mr Ojo also said political zones will have roles to play. He decried the failure of Mr Akeredolu to look into the total blackout in Ondo South. The governor should not expect anything from places like Ondo South when he never considered them during his term. They have been in blackout. The masses, also known as commoners, are very key to anybodys victory. Inconclusive poll? Speaking on why the election may be inconclusive, Mr Ojo stressed that, unlike Edo, Ondo State is a three-horse race. While Eyitayo Jegede may have difficulties when zoning comes to place because he is from the same place with Mimiko, the North, South and the Central have equal numbers of local governments areas. It is also about 25 per cent in two-thirds. If the South-South pitch their tent to Agboola Ajayi, he will also have the support of Mimiko in Central and the former governor remains influential in Ondo town where there are two local governments Ondo East and Ondo West. Other places like Ifedore/Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, also in the Central have the impact of Mimiko. So Akeredolu is likely out of the race except for power of incumbency. Ondo PDP Governorship aspirants: Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi The APC should be comfortable if they are certain that all will be well and not be involved in attacks of other opposition parties. Ajayi and Jegede have good pedigree. We should not be surprised to see a repeat of the magic Mimiko was able to perform under the Labour Party. He could do the same with ZLP. It is more of a straight fight between Jegede and Ajayi. Unless federal might is used, we may have an inconclusive election and Ondo people have a history of resistance. Lets not also forget that APC lost the general election in the state. PDP is also controlling two out of the three senatorial districts and it then means the influence of the ruling party in the state is weak, he said. With the election coming up in less than a week, a lot can change overnight. Especially where the majority of the masses decide to go is likely where the pendulum will swing. It is better to be in the good books of the commoners than the elites, Mr Ojo concluded. About 11% of the teachers in East Baton Rouge Parish public schools opted to take Monday off, protesting what they view as the substandard sanitation of schools amid the coronavirus outbreak. The work shortage, part of a day of action called by a local teacher union, fell short of its goal of closing the entire school system. It did lead to the closure of five schools Monday Belaire High, Brookstown Middle, Glen Oaks Park Elementary, Park Forest Elementary and Park Forest Middle schools. The other 66 traditional and 10 district-sponsored charter schools in the parish remained open. The schools that closed will have to make up the day at some still-to-be-determined date. Monday was the first day of daily, in-person instruction for public elementary schools in East Baton Rouge Parish; middle and high schools are to follow them on Oct. 19. Nevertheless, a few schools that stayed open struggled to have a normal school day. Central Office staff rushed out to a handful of schools early Monday to cover classes for absent teachers, acknowledged Taylor Gast, a spokeswoman for the school system. Overall, she said that 361 out about 3,300 teachers in the school district reported absent Monday, or about 80 more than had put in for leave by Sunday afternoon. Union wants Baton Rouge teachers to stay home next Monday to prompt deeper cleaning at schools A teacher union wants East Baton Rouge Parish public school employees to take a day off next Monday in an effort to close down schools and com Leaders of the union that called for the job action, the East Baton Rouge Parish Association of Educators, held a short press conference Monday afternoon to say they continue to hear concerns from members about the cleanliness of the buildings. They say they want a meeting with all the players, including officials with Philadelphia-based Aramark, the private company that since 2004 has maintained school facilities, to strive for more improvements. Were going to continue to fight until this gets resolved, said Anita Augustus, president of the union. School Board member Dawn Collins on Monday stood in solidarity with the union. She said that some of the information shared with her by union members suggest that the special sanitary protocols instituted because of the coronavirus arent always being followed. Others concerns, like trash cans not being emptied, are less COVID-19-related and in line with issues that have existed for a while, she said. Prior to COVID, people had concerns that schools were being cleaned, Collins said. Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up School system leaders maintain that after a rocky start when twice-a-week in-person instruction resumed in Baton Rouge on Sept. 14, Aramark has stepped up its performance. Aramark day staff are working longer hours, and Aramark managers work 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. shifts to inspect schools. The company is also now meeting daily with the subcontractors it hires to clean building after hours. Aramark also recently switched out a key leadership spot on its team. At Thursdays School Board meeting, the company introduced Demetrius Wells, the new director of operations. Wells most recently worked for Aramark at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. He said he plans to tweak the program already in place in the schools. I think we have some strong bones," he said. The other big union in the parish, the East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers, opted against joining the Association of Educators in Monday's job action. Angela Reams-Brown, president of the Federation of Teachers, said she received calls early on about the cleanliness of school buildings, but now shes also getting calls complimenting janitors on their work. Some of the members reported that their schools were cleaner than ever before, Reams-Brown said. One said their school was so clean that they were buying lunch for their janitor." Five Baton Rouge public schools to close Monday due to work stoppage to prompt deeper cleaning Five Baton Rouge public schools will close Monday due to too many staff members planning to take the day off, but the rest of the East Baton R Rosalind Wright, principal of Park Forest Elementary, one of the schools that closed Monday, even took the trouble Monday to write an email to the janitor of her school, assuring him that her school is not one of the ones with problems. I am not saying that we have not had a few isolated issues with the night cleaning crew because we have, however when I call and bring these issues to your attention, it is immediately corrected, Wright wrote. On a scale of 1-10, I believe that our school cleanliness is at a 9. Out-of-favor Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil wants to save Gunnersaurus from extinction. Ozil expressed sadness on Tuesday after discovering that Jerry Quy the man who fills the Arsenal dinosaur mascot was made redundant by the London club after 27 years. With fans not allowed into games since March, Gunnersaurus has been absent from the Emirates Stadium for matches. Even if the giant fluffy green mascot returns when spectators are allowed back, someone else could be inside. I was so sad that Jerry Quy aka our famous & loyal mascot @gunnersaurus and integral part of our club was being made redundant after 27 years," Ozil tweeted. Im offering to reimburse @Arsenal with the full salary of our big green guy as long as I will be an Arsenal player so Jerry can continue his job that he loves so much. Ozil, who used the hashtag that read out Justice for Gunnersaurus," is one of Arsenal's top-earning players on more than $20 million a year. But the German has not played since March, with Arsenal unable to offload him while trying to make cuts due to the financial impact of the pandemic including 55 redundancies. ___ More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Switzerland might be known as the centre of world watchmaking, but the Swiss watch industry very nearly died. Quick history lesson: after enjoying a virtually unchallenged monopoly for most of the 20th century, the Swiss watch industry which was and remains a crucial part of the Swiss national identity became unseated by the rise of quartz watches. In 1969, Seiko released the Astron, the worlds first quartz watch, which kickstarted the quartz revolution, better known as the quartz crisis. That moniker was particularly true for the Swiss watch industry. Quartz watches are significantly cheaper to produce than mechanical watches and are generally speaking much more accurate. The watch industry almost overnight went from being dominated by analog and mechanical watches to digital and quartz pieces. It was a paradigm shift that Switzerland was slow to react to conversely, American and Japanese brands took keen advantage of the new technologies. Hundreds of Swiss brands went out of business, and things looked dire. Eventually, the Swiss government and a group of investors led by Lebanese entrepreneur Nicolas Hayek formed what eventually became known as the Swatch Group, consolidating many Swiss brands under one roof. The Swatch brand itself was a masterstroke of Swiss ingenuity and marketing know-how: with only 51 moving parts, a plastic case and a wide variety of colours, the original Swatch was an immediate success thanks to its minimalist look and affordable price point. Millions were sold, saving the Swiss watch industry and creating a bonafide icon of 80s design. Today, Swatch is as strong as ever, their timepieces loved for their typically Swiss reliability as well as playful designs. In 2013, Swatch released another significant innovation: the SISTEM51: a genuine automatic Swiss watch for less than $250. Now in 2020, Swatch has improved the value proposition of the SISTEM51 even further. Their latest release, a new pair of SISTEM51 Bio-Reloaded models, not only provide Swiss horological excellence for a cracker price but are also made out of bio-sourced materials meaning theyre easy on the planet as well as your wallet. Like the original Swatch, the SISTEM51 only has 51 moving parts anchored to a single, central screw. Unlike the original Swatch, which featured a battery-powered quartz movement and a 34mm case size, the SISTEM51 is a fully automatic watch, 41mm in size with an exceptional 90-hour power reserve. Its hard to overstate what a triumph this is: there are few automatic watches of this quality at this price point. The SISTEM51 is also the perfect platform to emphasis Swatchs new bio-sourced material technologies: these SISTEM51s feature cases made out of a material extracted from the seeds of the castor plant, the first time such a material has been used in a mechanical watch. RELATED: Welcome Arrival Of Eco-Friendly Watches Could Be A Window Into The Future Of Luxury Available in either a dark blue or black, both SISTEM51 Bio-Reloaded models feature colourful casebacks featuring multiple repetitions of the phrases DONT BE TOO LATE and TIME IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT respectively. Its a playful little pop of colour that serves to further highlight the innovative automatic movement, as well as to harken back to Swatchs halcyon 80s debut. On wrist, the SISTEM51 Bio-Reloaded is incredibly comfortable and attractive. The bio-sourced case and strap feel substantial despite weighing next to nothing, and the minimalist dial design makes both colours eminently wearable. Despite lacking lume, the watch is easily legible in even low-light conditions. Its basically the perfect everyday watch: fun and un-ostentatious for casual wear, as well as being subtle enough to suit more formal occasions. Its a spectacular watch and a worth addition to anyones collection. The new Swatch SISTEM51 Bio-Reloaded pair of watches might just be the most exciting watch release of 2020. Not only do they give watch fans an affordable entry point into the world of automatic timepieces, but they also represent a distinctly fun, unique offering in a sea of bland timepieces. On top of that, Swatch reaffirms their place as an innovator within the industry through their use of bio-sourced materials another timely choice. Both colours of the Swatch SISTEM51 Bio-Reloaded are available online now for $225. Read Next Of the 243 seats in Bihar Assembly, the JD(U) has got 122 seats of which it will give seven seats to HAM, whereas the BJP will contest in 121 seats, and is in discussion with VIP for a seat-sharing arrangement within its quota The NDA will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly election with JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar at its chief ministerial face, the alliance partners said at a press conference on Tuesday. While the JD(U) will contest in 122 seats, the BJP will contest in 121 seats, Kumar announced on Tuesday. There are total 243 seats in Bihar Assembly, elections to which will take place in three phases. "We have agreed to a formula under which the JD(U) has got 122 seats and the remaining 121 have gone to the BJP. The JD(U) will part with seven from its quota to accommodate HAM. The BJP will accommodate Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), the new entrant in the NDA," Kumar said. While announcing the seat-sharing formula, the BJP backed to the hilt Nitish Kumar as its leader in the state and rebuffed a rebellious Chirag Paswan, while acknowledging his LJP as an ally "at the Centre". The BJP on Tuesday also released its first list of 27 candidates, which included international shooter Shreyasi Singh from Jamui constituency and former MP Hari Manjhi from Bodhgaya. BJP rebuffs Chirag Paswan's LJP The crowded press conference was held nearly two hours after a marathon meeting held at the Chief Minister's official residence which was attended by top leaders of the BJP, including its national general secretary in-charge for the state Bhupendra Yadav, election in-charge Devendra Fadnavis and state president Sanjay Jaiswal. After the meeting was over, Jaiswal appeared at a media centre set up by the party at a city hotel to give a soundbite, less than a minute long, wherein he reaffirmed the NDAs full support to Nitish Kumar. The two parties also dispelled the misgivings about the BJP changing its mind post-polls in the event of a better strike rate than the JD(U) and rebuffed Chirag Paswan's LJP, which has taken a dissenting stand against Bihar chief minsiter and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar. "The BJP is completely behind Nitish Kumar to contest the election under his leadership. It's clear that the two parties with the BJP and JD(U) will win the election with two-third majority," said Bhupender Yadav, BJP national general secretary and in-charge of Bihar and Gujarat. He added that the alliance win the election with two-third majority. The BJP and LJP had contested the election together in the previous election. The JD(U), which had contested the polls as part of the Bihar Mahagathbandhan alliance with the RJD and Congress, later broke out of it and joined the NDA. On Tuesday, the NDA announced no seats for the LJP, putting an end to suspicions in the JD(U) camp over the LJP. According to PTI, the BJP is said to have grown uncomfortable with Chirag's talk of helping formation of a government headed by the saffron party besides his insistence on using the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and slogans seeking to drive a wedge between BJP and JD(U). The saffron party is also said to have been riled by a development earlier on Tuesday as well when Rajendra Singh, a senior BJP leader from Bihar with deep roots in the Sangh Parivar, was inducted by Chirag into the LJP at New Delhi. Expressing rejoice over the development, Chirag had announced that Singh will be fielded from Dinara constituency in Rohtas district, from where the JD(U) has fielded sitting MLA and minister Jai Kumar Singh. Journalists present at the press conference also posed a question about whether the BJP will insist on having its own chief minister if it performed better than the JD(U) in the October-November polls. Speculations in this regard have grown strong since the Lok Sabha polls of last year wherein both BJP and JD(U) contested 17 seats each and the former won all but the latter settled with all but one. "Please be rest assured. Nitish Kumar will be our chief minister irrespective of which party gets how many seats", Sushil Kumar Modi said in reply to the question. Asked whether the LJP would cease to be a part of the NDA following the developments in Bihar, Sushil Modi replied cryptically "as Sanjay Jaiswal has already said, LJP is our ally at the Centre". He also said: "If Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan was well then the issue would have been different. Ram Vilas Paswan was sent to Rajya Sabha with JD(U) support. There is no confusion over Nitish Kumar's leadership as he will be next chief minister," said Modi at NDA Press Conference. Modi along with Kumar and Jaiswal expressed their fondness for Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, but sought to make light of his son's antics. "We respect LJP and Ram Vilas Paswan ji but want to clear that Nitish Kumar is the leader of NDA in Bihar elections. We hope, Ram Vilas gets better sooon. Bihar's leader in NDA is Nitish Kumar. Only those who respect Kumar's leadership will remain in the NDA," said Jaiswal. Ram Vilas Paswan is currently recuperating after undergoing a heart surgery at a Delhi hospital. Even though the BJP acknowledged the LJP as an ally "at the Centre", the party's backing of Paswan seems to have placed a question mark over the LJP's future in Bihar as an NDA ally under the leadership of Chirag Paswan. LJP founder and Rajya Sabha MP Ram Vilas Paswan is part of the NDA alliance at the Centre and holds the portfolio of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in the Modi cabinet. Chirag has taken a dissenting stand against Nitish KUmar since he launched a "Bihar First Bihari First" campaign in March. Though he aborted the campaign mid-way because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he continued to take potshots at the government of the state pointing out that his party supported it without being its part, and questioned Kumar's handling of the migrant crisis. On Monday, the JD(U) and LJP, had sparred over an open letter from Chirag who had asserted that votes cast in favour of the party headed by Nitish Kumar will facilitate "forced migration" of future generations. In his evocative open letter, Paswan whose father and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan had floated the party nearly two decades ago said evocatively "we do not have much time to waste. It is a question of life and death for 120 million Biharis. "Every vote cast in favour of a JD(U) candidate will condemn your children to forced migration". The JD(U), which has been taken aback by the LJPs brinkmanship, reacted with indignation and issued a statement that is likely to cut close to the bone. "He has undertaken his political journey under the shadow of his father. He has no standing of his own. He has no understanding of the issues that matter on the ground. "It is a fact that in dynasty politics, people end up harbouring huge ambitions without making much contributions," JD(U) spokesman Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said. Prasad said Paswan junior will be facing "his real test in the Bihar elections. The mandate will make him realise how much support he enjoys at the grassroots level. The people of Bihar are not going to be swayed by his tall talk". Just doing my job: Nitish Kumar At the press conference on Tuesday, Kumar did not mention Chirag by name but remarked sarcastically, "I believe in doing my job. If some people derive pleasure out of saying something inconsequential, they are most welcome to do so. It does not bother me". However, he sought to rebuff Chirag's allegation that the JD(U) has not treated its alliance partners in the state well and asked "did Ram Vilas Paswan get elected to the Rajya Sabha without JD(U)s support?" The 37-year-old LJP president has sought to pit his agenda against "saat nishchay" (seven resolves) programme of the Bihar Chief Minister. On Tuesday, Chirag, according to News18 announced that "as soon as the next government is formed, all accused guilty of corruption in the seven government schemes will be sent to jail after probe". He also said the pending amount will be paid immediately so that the incomplete work can be completed, he added. BJP names 27 candidates, shooter Shreyasi Singh to contest from Jamui The BJP on Tuesday released its first list of 27 candidates. The names include international shooter Shreyasi Singh from Jamui constituency and former MP Hari Manjhi from Bodhgaya. Singh, daughter of former union minister Digvijay Singh, had joined the saffron party on Sunday. All the candidates are for the election's first phase in which 71 seats of the 243-member Assembly will go to polls. The party released the list after the ruling NDA announced its seat-sharing formula for the Bihar assembly polls under which JD(U) will contest on 122 seats and BJP 121. The list of candidates include three ministers in the Nitish Kumar's cabinet: Prem Kumar, Ram Narayan Mandal and Vijay Kumar Sinha. The BJP has named Munni Devi from Shahpur assembly seat in the Buxar district. There was speculation in the media that former Bihar director general of police Gupteshwar Pandey, who took VRS and later joined the JD(U), will enter into fray from this seat. Former state minister and the RJD's old-timer Raghvendra Pratap Singh finds place in the BJP's list from his traditional Barhara constituency in the Bhojpur district. Singh was denied ticket by Lalu Prasad's party in 2015 elections despite being a sitting member of the Assembly. RJD had given ticket to Saroj Yadav, who won the seat in the previous election. WASHINGTON MJ Hegar, the former Air Force pilot running as a Democrat against U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, voted for Republican presidential nominees John McCain and Mitt Romney in 2008 and 2012, she told Hearst Newspapers on Tuesday. The revelation that she twice voted against former President Barack Obama who has endorsed her in the senate race comes after she was accused of being a Democrat In Name Only during a bitter primary runoff with longtime state Sen. Royce West, a Dallas Democrat. Hegar, who grew up in conservative Williamson County and served in the military until 2012, said that year was a turning point in her political evolution and she has been a Democrat since. A spokeswoman for Hegar said she could not remember whether she voted for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2012, though she voted against him in 2018. OVER HIS SKIS: Sen. John Cornyn says Trump 'let his guard down' on COVID While I have been a Democrat for nearly a decade, like many of my fellow Texans, I've voted for candidates from both parties in the past, including voting Republican as late as 2012, Hegar said. In 2012, Hegar was a lead plaintiff in a suit filed with the American Civil Liberties Union against the Pentagon challenging a rule known as the combat exclusion policy, which imposed restrictions on women in aviation units. A year later, those restrictions were canceled by the Obama administration. My vote in 2012 served as a turning point for me, having just left the military and partnering with a coalition of female combat veterans that successfully opened up hundreds of thousands of jobs for women in the military, I realized the values I had always held were, in fact, more in line with Democratic priorities, Hegar said. Hegar has said before that she voted for Cornyn in 2002 and for Carly Fiorina in the 2016 Republican primary, though she described the Fiorina vote as a protest against Trump. Hegar said she voted for Democrats Hillary Clinton in 2016, Beto ORourke in 2018 and Elizabeth Warren in the 2020 primary. Despite voting against Obama, she later referred to his presidency as a golden age and was criticized for supporting the former president during her 2018 run against U.S. Rep. John Carter, a Williamson County Republican. In her Senate campaign, she has the backing of the Democratic establishment, including former Vice President Joe Biden and the campaign arm of Senate Democrats. My experience understanding both sides allowed me to put the politics and partisanship aside and successfully build a broad coalition to get an outdated policy overturned, she said. That is the type of experience we need more of in Washington, not more go along, get along career politicians like Senator Cornyn. RAISING MONEY: Hegar brings in $13.5 million in bid to unseat Cornyn Hegar is aiming to be the first Democrat to win a statewide race in decades. She raised $13.5 million after emerging in July as the Democratic nominee, though she has consistently trailed Cornyn in polling. Democrats hope the decorated combat veteran and self-described motorcycle-riding badass will appeal to crossover voters, especially in the suburbs. She described herself in her interview with the editorial board on Tuesday as more moderate than some other Democrats, saying I disagree with wiping away all student loan debt and Medicare For All and the Green New Deal. In the Democratic party you have so many people who disagree with each other that its hard to say what do you disagree with the party about. I disagree with certain elements of the party, Hegar said. In the Republican Party, its more, Get in lock step, you better do as youre told or youre not welcome here. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Hegar said she voted for McCain during a meeting with the Houston Chronicle editorial board on Tuesday. She detailed her voting record, including voting Republican in 2012, for Hearst Newspapers afterward. When asked by the editorial board, Hegar offered McCain as one example of a senator she would seek to emulate. I greatly respected John McCain and his ability to bring people together and his ability to stand up to his own party, Hegar said. I believe I stand up to my own party and I believe he was a servant leader. Asked how she would work with Cruz, if elected, Hegar said she is really excited about working with Ted Cruz, because I keep hearing about how even Republicans dont like him. He has a standing lunch date with me. Ill have lunch with him every day, Hegar said. I can work with people who I think I just disagree with, but who have the best interest of our citizens at heart. Editors note: An earlier version of this story misstated the year Hegar voted for Cornyn. ben.wermund@chron.com The U.S. flag flies at half-staff outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in Washington on Sept. 19, 2020. (Jose Luis Magana/AFP via Getty Images) Democrat Lawmakers: Supreme Court Nominee Barrett Will Help to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Democrat lawmakers took to Twitter in reaction to the Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomass petition criticizing the Obergefell ruling on gay marriage, and to oppose the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett for what Democrats called the Republican agenda to end same-sex marriage. Obergefell v. Hodges was decided in June 2015 and established same-sex marriage throughout the United States. The ruling required all states to recognize same-sex marriage as valid and to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Justice Clarence Thomas joined by Justice Alito wrote a petition Monday taking aim at Obergefell and suggesting that SCOTUS must overturn same-sex marriage in order to protect First Amendment rights. By choosing to privilege a novel constitutional right over the religious liberty interests explicitly protected in the First Amendment, and by doing so undemocratically, the Court has created a problem that only it can fix. Until then, Obergefell will continue to have ruinous consequences for religious liberty, Thomas wrote (pdf). Since Ruth Bader Ginsburgs passing and President Trumps nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to fill the Supreme Court seat, Democrats have objected to Republicans push to confirm Barrett before the election. They have called her nomination illegitimate and a power grab. In the latest attack on Barrett, they are telling their base that Barrett will join conservatives like Thomas to end same-sex marriage. The first term of the Supreme Court has just begun and already, conservative justices are threatening to overturn Obergefell. Marriage equality at risk, as are all LGBTQ+ rights if Trumps nominee is confirmed. No confirmation until the inauguration, wrote Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.). Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) wrote: Alito and Thomas are already threatening to end marriage equality and limit LGBTQ+ rights. This is whats at stake if extremist justices get a majority on the Supreme Court. Theyre ready to overturn precedents and put an end to our constitutional rights. Democrats have also told voters that Barrett will allow conservatives on the bench to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and take away health coverage for those living with preexisting conditions. The Trump administration lawsuit to have the ACA repealed will be deliberated by the Supreme Court in November, but Trump has said he has no intention of taking away healthcare for those with preexisting conditions. Other Democrats have voiced an objection to Barrett because of her potential ruling against Roe vs Wade, and a womans ability to choose to terminate her pregnancy. One of Trumps strongest opponents in the House of Representatives called out Thomas criticism of gay marriage and accused the president of stacking the court with Barretts nomination. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) wrote, This is chilling. Two Supreme Court Justices made clear that they want to overturn marriage equality. America wont go backwards. Trumps effort to stack the court couldnt be more insidious and the stakes couldnt be higher. No confirmation before the inauguration. Reps. Alan Lowenthal (D-N.Y.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) both warned their constituents that no precedent is safe if Barrett is confirmed. Make no mistakeempowering the far-right on the Supreme Court is profoundly dangerous. No precedent is safe, from marriage equality to reproductive freedom to healthcare. Equality must remain the law of the land, wrote Lowenthal. Its really a who decides questionAmy Coney Barrett on Obergefell v. Hodges. This is whats at stake. No precedent is safe, wrote Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, told his followers that they must vote, writing: The @GOP is coming for marriage equality and Amy Coney Barrett gives them that opportunity. More than four years after a scathing report cited neglected provincial officer training as a factor in fatal shootings, the Ontario ombudsman is blasting the glacial pace of police reform as the province has still not fixed central problems he identified. Now, as yet another request has been made to change Ontarios outdated use-of-force tool a training method critics say increases the likelihood of deaths involving police ombudsman Paul Dube is calling out a discouraging pattern where policy makers repeatedly study known problems instead of taking action. I am dissatisfied, and I am not alone, Dube, author of the damning 2016 report A Matter of Life and Death, said in a statement to the Star. Despite some progress, decades have passed and people continue to die in police interactions in circumstances that investigations and recommendations have addressed and might have prevented, he said. Calls to defund or even abolish police happening now show a lack of confidence that can come from a failure to act on demands, he said. If you persistently fail to respond to calls for reforms that are evolutionary, you eventually get demands for changes that are revolutionary, Dube said. The comments come after a groundswell of outrage over fatal police interactions locally and in the U.S. recently prompted the Toronto police board to ask the province to replace Ontarios highly criticized use of force model four years after Dube made the same recommendation, which itself echoes similar calls made at coroners inquests into fatal police shootings. A decision-making tool taught to every Ontario officer for potentially volatile confrontations, the 2004 model has been denounced for emphasizing the role of weapons guiding officers through options such as physical restraints to Tasers to a gun while failing to promote peaceful resolution options, such as de-escalation. Recently, the coroner at the inquest into the 2015 death of Andrew Loku, a Black mentally ill man shot dead by Toronto police, called for a new model that emphasized communication and stressed lethal force as a last resort. Changing the model was a key recommendation in Dubes report, commissioned after the 2013 fatal Toronto police shooting of Sammy Yatim. The tools focus on exerting authority and control makes it inappropriate for use with people in crisis, Dube said. Given the urgency, Dube called for the use-of-force model to be replaced as quickly as possible and no later than June 2017. Researchers from the University of Toronto Mississauga later received a provincial government grant to act directly on that recommendation. After a thorough scientific review including seeking international best practices and surveying hundreds of use-of-force experts across Canada the team submitted a new model in 2018 that prioritizes peaceful resolution and de-emphasizes weapons. But theres been no demonstration any of that research has been applied, said lead author Judith Andersen, an associate professor at the University of Torontos department of psychology who has extensively researched police training. The province has now had scientific evidence on how to improve these outcomes for years, and yet they continue to not be adopted, Andersen said. Now, the Toronto police boards motion requests the province review the 2004 model and redo the work she and her team just painstakingly completed, Andersen said. It is disturbing that yet another report has been commissioned when this exact review has already been done, she said. Ignoring the existing reports can only then be interpreted as a stall tactic to avoid putting the recommendations in place or an attempt to have a police insider redesign a model according to their wishes, she said. Brent Ross, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General, said the ministry provides regular updates to the ombudsman on addressing his reports recommendations. Ross said the ministry has been focused on the development of a revised de-escalation and use-of-force curriculum for the basic constable training given to recruits province-wide and specialized training for instructors. This training will establish a standardized and consistent approach to de-escalation and use of force training across the province, Ross said. Developing a new use-of-force model will be one component of this wholistic training approach. The ministry is examining the research conducted by Dr. Andersens team and is engaging subject matter experts and other stakeholders to determine the most appropriate model to support the modernized training, he said. He added the ministry is working with a group of experts led by Ryerson University to develop tools and training curriculum for police to better respond during interactions with people with mental health and addictions issues. No timeline was provided. The province is also working to implement new policing legislation, he said. Through engagement with stakeholders, the ministry is taking the necessary time to develop these regulatory matters in order to establish a modern and robust framework that appropriately addresses the evolving nature of crime and community safety expectations of Ontarians, he said. The Toronto police boards recommendation that the use-of-force model be reviewed is one of 81 recommendations passed in August in response to unparalleled public pressure for change after recent deaths involving police, both internationally and locally. Jim Hart, chair of the Toronto police board, said the recommendation is aimed at changing a training tool that is closing in on two decades. The board believes that a modern approach to use-of-force decision-making that is focused on de-escalation and minimizes use of force, especially with people in crisis, is necessary at this time, Hart said. Asked if he is aware that a team led by Andersen had recently completed an extensive review of the use-of-force model, Hart said the board believes the province should build on all of the important work that has recently been done in this area, including Andersens evidence-based and data-driven review. However, in addition, as the boards recommendation notes, it is imperative that such a review also hear directly from community voices and those with lived experience, Hart said. Andersens report drew upon the ombudsmans report, the result of a three-year investigation that involved consultation with the families of 13 people who died in interactions with police. She and her team then interviewed international experts from all over the world, reviewing scientific literature and retaining graphic designers to create a new model that makes clear safety is the overriding priority. The primary responsibility of an officer is to preserve and protect life, Andersens team wrote in their 2018 report, summarizing the new models principles, which prize a peaceful resolution, with force being rare and only as the last resort. Steve Summerville, a former Toronto police officer and a use-of-force instructor who was not involved in Andersens report, agreed changes to the provinces use of training are sorely needed but doesnt lay blame on the model itself. The issue, Summerville said, is a broader problem within police culture that sees more attention focused on learning weapons skills than communication skills. If officers can be trained to be empathetic, they will not gravitate towards the application of force. Im not saying the model needs to be changed, but the emphasis in training needs to be changed, he said in an interview. A previous study by Andersen and her team uncovered a patchwork of de-escalation training across the province, with the instruction quality and amount dependent upon resources, which are lacking within many police services. Dube recommended de-escalation training to be standardized in Ontario, but said he is still waiting. In an update on his reports recommendations, the ombudsmans office notes the province has begun developing eight new training scenarios for new non-escalation, de-escalation and use-of-force courses. Dubes report also criticized the duration of the provinces mandatory basic training at the Ontario Police College, which, at 12 weeks, is far less than those elsewhere in Canada, he wrote in 2016. Ross confirmed the basic training program is still 12 weeks. To meet the evolving training needs for police officers, the curriculum and senior and specialized training is continually being updated to ensure consistency, reflect academic research outcomes, including best practices, decision making, and address training related recommendations from relevant inquiries and inquests, Ross said. Dube noted there are many leaders in policing committed to reform and modernization, and tremendous work is being done by dedicated officers. But police institutions generally like to do things their way and at their own pace, he said. Unless government drives the change, it will move slowly and be difficult to achieve, he said. Following the release of Dubes report, Bill Yatim, Sammys father, expressed hope that changes to police training would avoid the tragic outcome that had taken his sons life. The grieving father had agreed to sit down with Dube for emotional meetings, believing in the importance of the review and not wanting Sammys blood to have spilled in vain, Ed Upenieks, Bill Yatims lawyer, said in an interview last week. Years later, its clear the message still isnt getting through, Upenieks said. Police training doesnt seem to be in sync with our demands, he said. Theres been an erosion in societal trust and confidence in police. Wendy Gillis is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and policing for the Star. Reach her by email at wgillis@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @wendygillis Sleuths of the Criminal Investigation Department arrested two persons on Tuesday in connection with the murder of a BJP leader who was shot dead near Kolkata, police said. The two have been identified as Md Khurram and Gulab Sheikh. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the BJP leader may have been killed because of some personal enmity and not because of any political reasons, a police officer said. Manish Shukla, an outgoing civic body councillor in North 24 Parganas was shot dead on Sunday by four motorcycle-borne masked assailants at Titagarh around 20 km from Kolkata. The probe was later handed over to the CID even though state BJP leaders have been demanding a CBI investigation. Police had found on Monday that several criminal cases were pending against Shukla. A few years ago, Khurrams father was killed and the name of Shukla had cropped up in that case. A person was shot dead last evening in Titagarh area of Barrackpore. Police is investigating the crime and looking into all possible reasons including personal enmity because the victim was accused in some cases of murder and attempt of murder, West Bengal Police had tweeted on Monday. Shukla used to carry a pistol for personal safety till early this year but his arms licence was cancelled earlier this year. While BJP leaders had alleged that TMC-backed goons had killed Shukla and they were hand-in-glove with the local police, TMC leaders refuted the allegations and hinted that BJP leaders could be behind the crime. West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday stirred up a controversy by accusing the state police of trying to cover up the murder and called for an independent probe. The TMC described Dhankhars statement as irresponsible and alleged that Shukla was involved in extortion and murders and was propped up by a BJP MP. An article in The Lancet stresses the vulnerability of these health workers, whose readiness to counter fake news with trustworthy information, and to monitor COVID-19 patients in home isolation, has been neglected. Credit: Gabriela Lotta / CEM Brazil has more than 286,000 community health workers integrated into the national primary healthcare program. These professionals form a broad network serving 75% of the population, especially low-income families who lack medical insurance and are the most adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Back in March, researchers at Imperial College London noted Brazil's network of community health workers as a valuable asset that could assure an effective response to the pandemic. According to the article, the service they provide sets an example to be followed by other countries. But the response was not effective, there was no national plan, and the service provided by community health workers wasn't considered essential to control the disease until July. They weren't even considered health professionals and so weren't given personal protective equipment [PPE], just to take one example," said Gabriela Lotta, a professor at Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV). Lotta is affiliated with the Center for Metropolitan Studies (CEM) , one of the Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers (RIDCs) funded by Sao Paulo Research FoundationFAPESP. In collaboration with researchers at Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz, a leading public health research institution linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Health), the University of York (UK) and the London School of Economics, Lotta authored an article published in the Comment section of The Lancet warning that community health workers in Brazil were being treated with neglect during the pandemic. "Several countries have community health workers, but the researchers at Imperial College London focused on Brazil's advantage in this respect because it was one of the first countries to create such a network as an integral part of primary care and the national health system [in Brazil, Sistema Unico de Saude, SUS]. In most countries community health workers aren't part of the official health system but belong to NGOs or civic associations," Lotta told. Thanks to this structural feature, she added, Brazil's community health workers would have been able to perform important functions during the pandemic, "provided they had PPE, training, the backing of governmental policy, support, and recognition of their significance". Three tiers of government For Lotta, neglect of community health workers exemplifies the effect on cities of the lack of a national plan to combat the pandemic: although the service they provide is run by local authorities, the federal government is responsible for funding and other support mechanisms. "There are huge disparities among Brazilian cities," Lotta said. "Municipalities find their hands are tied if they lack the funding and other resources to determine a strategy on their own. There has to be a national plan, with substantial transfers from the federal government to fund community health workers. It's up to local government to execute. Of course, if a city has resources it can use them, but the federal government should shoulder most of the burden and set the policy. That includes defining whether community health workers are health professionals or not and whether they should get hazard pay. All these decisions have to apply to the entire national health service." During the first four months of the pandemic, Lotta continued, community health workers received neither training nor PPE. They were at last classed as key workers only on July 21, 2020, when President Bolsonaro signed Law 14,023/2020. "Because there was no national plan and they weren't even classed as health professionals, only 9% received infection control training and PPE. Their union says some 100 have died from COVID-19, but the actual number may be three times higher," Lotta said. Brazil has one of the world's highest death tolls of nurses, nursing assistants, and nurse technicians affected by COVID-19, according to the International Council of Nurses (ICN). In its last update, Brazil's Federal Nursing Council (COFEN) pointed to 441 deaths. The number of physicians who died from the disease had reached 244 by September, according to the Sao Paulo Physicians Union. "The law is positive, although it has yet to be implemented," Lotta said. "Better late than never. At least there's a legal measure that says community health workers are entitled not to go out to work if they aren't given PPE. They had no such right before. They were very vulnerable." Nevertheless, she added, the law does not automatically solve the problems of community health workers or ensure they play an effective role in combating the pandemic. "It's an important contribution, but it won't necessarily translate into better policy," she said. "Even with this law in place, local governments lack the means to prioritize community health workers in fighting the pandemic until a strategic plan and a funding scheme are established." Key functions, key workers Among the functions that could be performed by community health workers during the pandemic, Lotta highlighted key activities such as tracing contacts of infected people, combating fake news by disseminating trustworthy information, and monitoring social isolation in confirmed cases. "They already act as health educators. They live in the communities where they work and are seen as trustworthy and legitimate," she said. "Keeping their neighbors well-informed about personal hygiene, and the importance of face covering and social isolation is an effective way to neutralize fake news. A few cities have community health workers circulating in cars with loudspeakers to give out this kind of information." Contact tracing would not be a problem for them, Lotta argued. "They already did something very similar to contact tracing when they monitored people's healthcare requirements. In the few Brazilian cities that have had contact tracing it's been done by community health workers," she said. They could staff telephone banks to call patients with the disease who are isolated at home and assess their need for hospitalization if local authorities supplied thermometers and pulse oximeters, she added. They could also man the roadblocks set up at the entrances to many cities. "The disease was transmitted to many small and medium towns by visitors who were infected but had no symptoms, especially if the locality was a tourist attraction," Lotta said. "Some local authorities installed roadblocks manned by community health workers, who took people's temperature as they arrived by car and told them about the measures in place to deal with the pandemic. Of course, in this case, they will have had to supply PPE and support of other kinds. We have the structure, and if such apparently simple but crucial measures were universally applied they would have a positive impact in terms of containing transmission of the virus." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: Gabriela Lotta et al, Community health workers reveal COVID-19 disaster in Brazil, The Lancet (2020). Journal information: The Lancet Gabriela Lotta et al, Community health workers reveal COVID-19 disaster in Brazil,(2020). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31521-X Dr. Trent Talbot never gives up until his patients find the help they need. After seventeen years of pain that kept him from working, that nearly kept him from leaving his house, Mallick has now returned to his job as a contractor, and he feels like a new man. The MediSearch Institute, a new medical practice in Houston, Texas claims theyve reinvented health care as we know it, and this year, they took on their first patient, Hugh Mallick, to test their case. Now, the results are in. For almost twenty years, Hugh Mallick had suffered excruciating pain in his neck and across his body and had endured repeated misdiagnoses and failed treatments. Since his initial faulty diagnosis he underwent three neck surgeries which only exacerbated the problem. When the doctors said a fourth neck surgery was in order, Mallick turned to The MediSearch Institute across the country in Houston. In December, 2019, The MediSearch Institute had opened with a soft launch and started working with several pilot patients. After those patients reported excellent results, MediSearch officially accepted Hugh Mallick as their first full patient in June 2020. According to founder and visionary Dr. Trent Talbot, most doctors want to help complex patients, but they lack the time and the resources to fully understand them and treat them. Mallicks doctors never intended to mislead him or subject him to unnecessary surgeries. However, they could not afford the time to read nearly two decades of medical history, and research his case specifically. Instead, they offered the standard treatment for shoulder pain and moved him through the system. Dr. Talbot says he built MediSearch to be the exact opposite of a typical practice specifically to save complex patients from that fate. Instead of one doctor seeing dozens of patients, Dr. Talbot assigned Mallick to a full team of doctors and medical researchers. Instead of a quick, fifteen minute appointment gathering a single opinion, Mallicks MediSearch team spent over five hundred MD Hours on his case, scouring the world in their research and consulting with fifteen world-renowned experts before presenting their findings to Mallick and his family at their office in Houston. While Mallicks other doctors had been focusing on his neck, MediSearch research indicated the pain originated from his right shoulder. Directly following his Houston visit, in August 2020, MediSearch connected Mallick with a respected shoulder surgeon. After seventeen years of pain that kept him from working, that nearly kept him from leaving his house, Mallick has now returned to his job as a contractor and he feels like a new man. When I first called MediSearch I didn't know what to think. Mallick says, I hoped they might do something, but I never dreamed they would help me like this. Im so glad I reached out; that call changed my life, and I am incredibly grateful. Celebration for Mallicks recovery is not limited to his family. Dr. Talbot says: In the beginning, when MediSearch was just an idea, I dreamed of patients from all over the world flying to Houston to find the best medical advice on the planet. I wanted to give them a level of care never before imagined. Now, Im ecstatic that my dream is coming to fruition . . . . And this is just the beginning. Though Mallick is the first patient to complete the MediSearch process, several other complex patients have begun their own MediSearch journeys. Because MediSearch invests so many resources per client, Dr. Talbot anticipates serving only ten to fifteen patients this next year. That's why Dr. Talbot created a written guide to help all complex patients navigate the healthcare system. This free report can be found at http://www.MediSearchReport.com. Dr. Talbot is available for media requests concerning healthcare, medicine, complex and life-threatening conditions, and more. For a full media kit, visit http://www.TrentTalbot.com/press-kit. Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has shown his shaking hands as he demonstrated the effects of his novichok poisoning in August. Meanwhile, the global chemical weapons watchdog has today confirmed blood samples taken Navalny confirmed the presence of a nerve agent in the banned Novichok family. Navalny held his trembling hand up to the camera during his first video appearance since being discharged from a Berlin hospital, recorded just six days after he was released. 'My hands shake. If I were to drink water from a bottle it would be quite a sight right now,' he said in the video. 'I'm getting better with each day. I'm working with a physiotherapist. Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny speaks during an interview with prominent Russian YouTube blogger Yury Dud in Berlin, and says how his hands still shake after he was poisoned with novichok. He again reiterated his belief that Putin was behind the poisoning 'Today, he started to teach me to juggle. You'll see my juggle, ride a unicycle and pull a rabbit from a hat,' he joked, but also recalled the darker moments of his recovery. 'There was a really unpleasant period when I just started to get out of bed, a chair was dragged to the sink, I sat down on a chair to wash. It took me three minutes,' he recalled. 'Then I started eating and began to recover pretty quickly. I work as a guinea pig now - there are not so many survivors of chemical warfare weapons, and they just keep track of how quickly I recover and how to help such people.' Speaking on how long he will stay in Germany to work on his recovery, he said: 'It could very well be three weeks or two months. Definitely not a year,' adding that doctors have admitted they have little experience of such a case. Today, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said in a statement that the biomarkers in his blood and urine had 'similar structural characteristics as the toxic chemicals belonging' to the Novichok group. The findings confirm results released by Germany, where Navalny was treated after falling ill on a flight in Siberia on August 20. Berlin asked the OPCW to take samples from Navalny and test them after German doctors concluded he had been poisoned with Novichok. 'No doubt Novichok nerve agent used to poison Alexey #Navalny,' Britain's delegation at the OPCW said on Twitter. 'Any use of a banned chemical weapon is a matter of great concern.' Navalny also recalled the moment he collapsed on a plane knowing he had been poisoned. 'The whole body is telling you, Alexey, it's time to say goodbye,' he said In the video, Navalny also reiterated his belief that Russia's intelligence services poisoned him with novichok nerve agent, saying authorities saw him as a threat ahead of next year's parliamentary elections. 'They understood that there were big, big problems threatening them ahead of elections for the State Duma,' Navalny said in a YouTube interview with a Russian blogger vDud. He stood by his belief that Putin was behind his poisoning, saying 'My version is that it was done by officers of either the FSB or the SVR at the direction, of course, of course, of Putin.' The use of Novichok is 'circumstantial evidence that this was of course a Kremlin order,' he said, suggesting that only a handful of people had access to the nerve agent. 'It's maybe five people in the SVR (Russian foreign intelligence) and five people in the FSB (security service),' he said, ruling out a wealthy oligarch or someone involved in high-level corruption. The Kremlin has rejected any suggestion that President Vladimir Putin or the Russian authorities were responsible for Navalny's condition. Navalny said he did not know how a Novichok nerve agent had got into his system, but that he could have touched something. Navalny's allies initially speculated that he was poisoned at a Siberian airport shortly before he fell ill. Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia pose for a picture after the Russian opposition leader was released from his German hospital after his Novichok poisoning Navalny being taken to an ambulance in Omsk (left) after falling ill on a plane following a trip to an airport cafe (right) in August, although his friends now suspect he was poisoned with a water bottle in his hotel room rather than at the airport However, his aides later said that Novichok was found on a water bottle in his Tomsk hotel room. The 44-year-old opposition leader emerged from a coma early last month after collapsing on a flight from Serbia to Russia on August 20. Russia's parliamentary elections are due to be held next September, but some reports suggest they could be brought forward to next spring. During the interview Navalny also recalled the moment on the plane he realised he had been poisoned. 'Unexpectedly for myself, I turn to the flight attendant and say: "I was poisoned, I will die now," And I just lay down at his feet. 'And the flight attendant looks at me with a slight grin, because he thinks, "Well, some crazy person." Probably, he thought that I was poisoned with tomato juice or pasta.' Navalny's allies have pointed the finger at Russian president Vladimir Putin (pictured) after the opposition leader fell ill, but the Kremlin has dismissed the claims He says after that, he does not remember much other than feeling like he would soon die. 'The whole body is telling you, Alexey, it's time to say goodbye,' he said. Navalny pointed the finger directly at Putin for the first time in an interview with German magazine Der Spiegel, saying that 'Putin is behind the crime and I don't have any other versions of what happened'. He previously described the moment that the nerve agent Novichok began to take effect, saying that 'you don't feel any pain but you know you're dying'. Navalny was released from a German hospital last month after 32 days of treatment but medics say it is too early to tell if he will suffer long-term health problems. The West has demanded an explanation from the Kremlin, which has denied any involvement in the incident and said it has yet to see evidence of a poison plot. In response to Navalny's accusation, Russia last week accused Alexei Navalny of working with the CIA. Navalny poses with his wife Yulia (right) and their children at the German hospital where he was being treated after being poisoned with Novichok Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Navalny's allegations as 'groundless and unacceptable' and claimed that 'specialists' from US intelligence were working with Navalny 'these days' and giving him instructions. Peskov echoed the speaker of Russia's parliament who earlier called Navalny 'shameless' and 'dishonorable' and accused the politician of working with 'security services of Western countries.' Navalny told the German magazine that he would return to Russia, adding: 'Not returning would mean that Putin has achieved his aim. And my job now is to stay the guy who's not afraid.' A political activist who helped bring Navalny to Germany said it would take him at least another month to regain fitness, adding it was clear he planned to return to Russia and resume political activity. For now, he is staying in Berlin with his wife and son as he undergoes the long process of rehabilitation. Doctors at the Charite hospital said that based on the patient's progress and current condition, the treating physicians believe that complete recovery is possible'. However, they added that 'it remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning'. By PTI GUWAHATI: Martin Guite, the self- styled 'chairman' of militant outfit United People's Revolutionary Front (UPRF), has been killed in a night-long encounter in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, police said on Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off, a police team launched a search operation in the forests of Singhasan Hill on Monday night, a senior police officer from Karbi Anglong said. The UPRF militants opened fire on the police team, to which the personnel retaliated, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted till early in the morning, he said. "When we searched the area after sunrise, we found Guite lying there," the officer said. Confirming the development, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Gyanendra Pratap Singh tweeted: "Late last evening, Martin Guite, SS Chairman of UPRF, an insurgent group active in Karbi Anglong, was wounded and later declared dead in exchange of fire with team of @assampolice in Manja PS area of Karbi Anglong." The police team also seized a 7.65 mm pistol and four cartridges from the spot, the district police officer said. A search operation is underway to nab more militants of the outfit, he added. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Orthopedic Braces and Support Market: Global Industry Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 A recent market study published by Future Market Insights on the Orthopedic Braces and Support market includes global industry analysis for 2015-2019 & opportunity assessment for 2020-2030, and delivers a comprehensive assessment of the most important market dynamics and Covid-19 crisis impact analysis. After conducting a thorough research on the historical as well as current growth parameters of the market, the growth prospects of the market are obtained with maximum precision. Orthopedic Braces and Support Market: Segmentation The global Orthopedic Braces and Support market is segmented in detail to cover every aspect of the market and present a complete market intelligence approach to the reader. Product Upper Extremity Shoulder Braces and Support Neck Braces and Support Elbow Braces and Support Wrist Braces and Support Spinal Braces and Support Lower Extremity Knee Braces and Support Ankle Braces and Support Hip Braces and Support Distribution Channel Institutional Sales Hospitals Orthopedic Clinics Nursing Facilities Retail Sales Online Sales Retail Pharmacies Drug Stores Region North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania Middle East & Africa (MEA) For more insights into the Market, request a sample of this report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-12207 Report Chapters Chapter 01 Executive Summary The report initiates with the executive summary of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market, which includes a summary of key findings and statistics of the market. It also includes supply-side and demand-side trends pertaining to the Orthopedic Braces and Support market. Chapter 02 Market Overview Readers can find the definition and a detailed segmentation of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market in this chapter, which will help them understand the basic information about the Orthopedic Braces and Support market. Along with this, comprehensive information pertaining to product type of Orthopedic Braces and Support products and their features are provided in this section. This section also highlights the inclusions and exclusions, which helps the reader understand the scope of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market report. Chapter 03 Key Market Trends Orthopedic Braces and Support market report provides the key market trends that are expected to significantly impact market growth during the forecast period. Detailed industry trends are provided in this section. Chapter 04 Key Success Factor This section includes the key success factors such as product adoption analysis, and key regulations. Chapter 05 5. COVID19 Crisis Analysis This chapter gives information about COVID-19 crisis impact analysis which comprises of current COVID-19 statistics and probable future impact, impact on GDP of individual key countries, segment wise impact, quarter-wise forecast and projected recovery quarter. Chapter 06 Global Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Volume Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This section explains the global market volulme analysis and forecast for the Orthopedic Braces and Support market during the forecast period. This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the historical Orthopedic Braces and Support market. Chapter 07 Global Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Pricing Analysis This section explains the global Orthopedic Braces and Support market pricing analysis. Chapter 08 Global Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Value Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This section explains the global market value analysis and forecast for the Orthopedic Braces and Support market during the forecast period. This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the historical Orthopedic Braces and Support market, along with an opportunity analysis of the future. Readers can also find the absolute $ opportunity for the current year (2020), and an incremental $ opportunity for the forecast period (20202030). Chapter 09 Market Background This chapter includes drivers and restraints of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market. This section also includes macroeconomic factors and various opportunities of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market. Chapter 10 Global Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030, by Product Type Based on product type, Orthopedic Braces and Support market is segmented into upper extremity and lower extremity. The upper extremity segment is further segmented into shoulder, neck, elbow, wrist and spinal braces and support devices. Similarly, the lower extremity segment is further categorized into knee, ankle and hip braces and supports. In this chapter, readers can find information about Y-o-Y growth and market attractiveness analysis based on product type. Chapter 11 Global Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030, by Distribution Channel Based on distribution channel, Orthopedic Braces and Support market is segmented into institutional sales and retail sales. Institutional sales segment is further segmented into hospitals, orthopedic clinics and nursing facilities. Retail sales is categorized into online sales, retail pharmacies and drug stores. In this chapter, readers can understand the Y-o-Y growth and market attractiveness analysis based on distribution channel. Chapter 12 Global Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030, by Region This chapter explains how the Orthopedic Braces and Support market will grow across various geographic regions such as North America, Latin America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Chapter 13 North America Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This chapter includes a detailed analysis of growth of the North America Orthopedic Braces and Support market, along with a country-wise assessment that includes the U.S. and Canada. Readers can also find the regional trends, and market growth based on the product type, distribution channels, and countries in North America. Chapter 14 Latin America Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This chapter provides the growth scenario of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market in Latin American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and the Rest of Latin America. Along with this, assessment of the market across target segments has been provided. Chapter 15 Europe Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 Important growth prospects of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market based on its segments in several countries such as the U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Russia and the Rest of Europe are included in this chapter. Chapter 16 South Asia Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 Important growth prospects of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market based on its segments in several countries such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the rest of South Asia are included in this chapter. Chapter 17 East Asia Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 In this chapter, China, Japan and South Korea are the prominent countries in East Asia that are the prime subjects of assessment to obtain the growth prospects of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market. Readers can find detailed information about the growth parameters of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market during the forecast period of 2020-2030. Chapter 18 Oceania Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This section highlights the growth prospects of the Orthopedic Braces and Support market for Australia and New Zealand, during the forecast period of 2020-2030. Chapter 19 Middle East & Africa (MEA) Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This chapter provides information about how the Orthopedic Braces and Support market will grow in major countries in the MEA region such as GCC Countries, South Africa, and the Rest of MEA, during the forecast period of 2020-2030. Chapter 20 - Key and Emerging Countries Orthopedic Braces and Support Market Analysis This chapter provides information about how the Orthopedic Braces and Support market will grow in major countries, during the forecast period of 2020-2030. Chapter 21 Market Structure Analysis This chapter highlights the tier structure analysis, market concentration analysis and company share analysis along with sales footprint analysis of key player operating in Orthopedic Braces and Support market. For Information On The Research Approach Used In The Report, Request Methodology@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-12207 Chapter 22 Competition Analysis In this chapter, readers can find a comprehensive list of all the prominent stakeholders in the Orthopedic Braces and Support market, along with a detailed information about each company, which includes company overview, revenue shares, strategic overview, and recent company developments. Some of the market players featured are BSN Medical, De Royal Industries, 3M, Zimmer Biomet, among others Chapter 23 Assumptions and Acronyms This chapter includes a list of acronyms and assumptions that provides a base to the information and statistics included in the Orthopedic Braces and Support market report. Chapter 24 Research Methodology This chapter help readers understand the research methodology followed to obtain various conclusions as well as important qualitative and quantitative information about the Orthopedic Braces and Support market. Getty Images When wildfires strike in Northern California, you can bet Guy Fieri will be there. The celebrity chef, who lives in Sonoma County, has shown up to feed firefighters and fire evacuees during the 2017 Tubbs Fire, the 2018 Camp Fire and Carr Fire, the 2019 Kincade Fire and the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex fires. On Saturday, Fieri returned to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds to hand out 2,000 meals of penne pasta, salad and garlic bread to Cal Fire personnel fighting the Glass Fire, according to The Press Democrat. Were making 3,800 meatballs, Fieri told the Press Democrat at the scene. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Tokyo, focusing on various aspects of bilateral ties and ways to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in the wake of China's growing assertiveness in the region. IMAGE: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihide Suga along with other Quad Foreign Ministers, in Tokyo on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Photo Jaishankar and Pompeo are in Tokyo to attend a ministerial meeting of the Quad or Quadrilateral coalition comprising India, the US, Australia and Japan. The external affairs minister also called on Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga along with his counterparts from the US, Japan and Australia. "Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar tweeted. About the meeting with Suga, the external affairs minister said he mentioned the bilateral and global dimensions of special partnership between the two countries. "Called on PM @sugawitter along with other Quad Foreign Ministers. Spoke about the bilateral and global dimensions of our special partnership," he said. The meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo comes at a time both India and the US are at loggerheads with China. While India's ties with China have come under severe strain over the five-month border standoff in eastern Ladakh, the relationship between Beijing and Washington nosedived over trade dispute, the coronavirus pandemic and China's military offensive in South China Sea. It is learnt that Jaishankar and Pompeo also deliberated on overall ties including evolving security scenario around India. In November 2017, the four countries gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. The first meeting of foreign ministers of the four countries under the 'Quad' framework had taken place in New York in September 2019. The second ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral coalition on Tuesday is expected to collectively affirm the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of growing Chinese assertiveness in the region. Last week, the ministry of external affairs said the meeting of the foreign ministers of the four countries is expected to collectively affirm the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. During his two-day visit to Tokyo, Jaishankar will also hold talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian foreign minister Marise Payne India is also expanding bilateral cooperation with Japan, the US and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region. The US has been pushing for a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific which is seen by many countries as an effort to contain China's growing clout in the region. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna flaunted substantial cleavage on Monday while clad in swimwear for a photo shoot promoting her lip kit company Rinna Beauty, which launches on November 1. The four-time Daytime Emmy nominee easily defied her 57 years as she showcased her fit 5ft7in figure while straddled upon a fainting couch. In her quest for eternal youth, Lisa has acknowledged having plastic surgery procedures as well as silicone, botox, and Juvederm injections. Launches on November 1! The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna flaunted substantial cleavage on Monday while clad in swimwear for a photo shoot promoting her lip kit company Rinna Beauty 'BTS': The four-time Daytime Emmy nominee easily defied her 57 years as she showcased her fit 5ft7in figure while straddled upon a fainting couch Photographer Greg Swales captured Rinna in action and her glam squad on the set included make-up artist Steven Tabimba, hairstylist Scott King, and stylist Marie-Lou Bartoli. The OC-born, Oregon-raised stunner's BTS post received glowing comments from her castmate Erika Jayne, Oscar nominee Jennifer Tilly, RHONY's Luann de Lesseps, and nineties supermodel Cindy Crawford. Lisa officially announced her collaboration with SEL Beauty on September 24, which entails $45 lip kits, $22 lipsticks, and $19 lip glosses. 'It's been a [decade] in the making,' Rinna told WWD on September 24. 'I'm kind of the lip pioneer from back in the day.' Evergreen: In her quest for eternal youth, Lisa has acknowledged having plastic surgery procedures as well as silicone, botox, and Juvederm injections Takes a village: Photographer Greg Swales (L) captured Rinna in action and her glam squad on the set included make-up artist Steven Tabimba, hairstylist Scott King, and stylist Marie-Lou Bartoli 'Wow! Looking good!' The OC-born, Oregon-raised stunner's BTS post received glowing comments from her castmate Erika Jayne, Oscar nominee Jennifer Tilly, RHONY's Luann de Lesseps, and nineties supermodel Cindy Crawford 'It's been a [decade] in the making': Lisa officially announced her collaboration with SEL Beauty on September 24, which entails $45 lip kits, $22 lipsticks, and $19 lip glosses Rinna told WWD on September 24. 'I'm kind of the lip pioneer from back in the day...I'm very hands-on when I make something. I don't just put my name on something. And I knew that this just had to be something that I would love, and I would wear' (pictured last Tuesday) The QVC designer stressed that Rinna Beauty is 'for everyone' regardless of gender or age: 'However, you need to feel okay and whatever you need to do. That's the message that I grew up with and certainly what I hope I have shared with my girls' (pictured September 27) The QVC designer continued: 'I'm very hands-on when I make something. I don't just put my name on something. And I knew that this just had to be something that I would love, and I would wear.' Lisa stressed that Rinna Beauty is 'for everyone' regardless of gender or age: 'However, you need to feel okay and whatever you need to do. That's the message that I grew up with and certainly what I hope I have shared with my girls.' Rinna's 19-year-old daughter Amelia Gray and 22-year-old daughter Delilah Belle are both models, having shot a campaign for SKIMS Cotton Jersey collection last month with photographer Donna Trope. The Bravo-lebrity is also stepmother to 40-year-old Dimitri Alexander, whom her husband of 23 years - Golden Globe nominee Harry Hamlin - fathered with Swiss sex symbol Ursula Andress. Not camera shy: Lisa's 19-year-old daughter Amelia Gray (L) and 22-year-old daughter Delilah Belle (R) are both models, having shot a campaign for SKIMS Cotton Jersey collection last month with photographer Donna Trope Still going strong! Rinna is also stepmother to 40-year-old Dimitri Alexander, whom her husband of 23 years - Golden Globe nominee Harry Hamlin (pictured July 26) - fathered with Swiss sex symbol Ursula Andress Lisa will next compete for the reality star of 2020 trophy at the fan-voted People's Choice Awards, which air November 15 on E! Rinna faces heavy competition against Queer Eye duo Antoni Porowski & Jonathan Van Ness, RHOA duo Kandi Burruss & Porsha Williams, KUWTK duo Kim & Khloe Kardashian, as well as Darcey and Stacey Silva. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' 10th season - which concluded September 23 - also scored a nomination for the reality show of 2020 trophy. 'You can VOTE for me now!' The Bravo-lebrity will next compete for the reality star of 2020 trophy at the fan-voted People's Choice Awards, which air November 15 on E! Cats shed the virus and infect other cats while infected dogs in the new study didnt produce the virus in their upper respiratory tracts and didnt shed it at all. A new scientific report confirms that cats and dogs can be infected by the novel coronavirus and that neither animal is likely to get sick. Cats, however, do develop a strong, protective immune response, which may make them worth studying when it comes to human vaccines. There is still no evidence to suggest that pets have passed the virus to humans, although cats do shed the virus and infect other cats. Infected dogs in the new study didnt produce the virus in their upper respiratory tracts and didnt shed it at all, although some other studies have found different results. Neither the cats nor the dogs in the study showed any illness. The authors of the report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published Tuesday point to real-world transmission to emphasize why pets are not a significant concern for human infection. Angela M. Bosco-Lauth, Airn E. Hartwig, Stephanie M. Porter and other researchers at Colorado State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences note that while millions of humans have been infected with the virus worldwide and 1 million have died, there are only a handful of reports of pets that have become infected naturally. If cats can shed the virus, why arent they infecting people, which is a theoretical possibility? One reason is that the number of humans who have contracted the virus is so large, and they are the ones giving it to cats. Another possible reason is that infection in everyday life is very different from an infection in the lab. In the new experimental work, scientists inserted pipettes in the nasal cavities of cats and dogs to give them the virus. The animals received anaesthesia before the procedure, but the point is that this doesnt happen in most homes. Later, other cats were put into close contact with the infected cats, who were shedding virus. Does this happen in the real world? There is some evidence of street cats in Wuhan, China, having been exposed to the virus. But it may be that in the United States because many cats are kept indoors, transmission is minimal. Or, Bosco-Lauth said, cat infection with the virus could be relatively common without humans noticing, because of a lack of symptoms. Those cats that were infected in the experiment? she said. You would never have known. Cats might also pass the virus on to wildlife. Bosco-Lauth said that an as yet unpublished work shows that deer mice may become infected with the novel coronavirus. Also, outside a lab, infection depends mainly on breathing in viral particles from an infected person and normal contact doesnt necessarily translate into infection for animals. Ferrets have been shown in the laboratory to be susceptible to infection with the virus, and to spread it to other ferrets. But scientists at Tufts reported, in a paper that has yet to be peer-reviewed, that in one house with 29 pet ferrets and two humans with COVID not one ferret became infected with the virus. The 29 ferrets roamed freely in the house, and both human adults were ill enough with COVID to show symptoms, so there was ample opportunity for infection. Kaitlin Sawatzki, a virologist at Tufts University and one of the authors of the ferret paper, said, Isnt that incredible? It was a beautiful natural experiment. The researchers concluded that there could be genetic barriers to infection that are overcome in a lab with concentrated doses of virus. Minks, which are in the same family as ferrets, appear to be very easily infected, and to get sick from the disease. Researchers have also reported transmission from animals to humans at mink farms in the Netherlands in a paper not yet peer-reviewed. Sawatzki said the paper showed, very strong evidence of multiple, independent mink-to-human transmission events. The Colorado State researchers advise keeping cats indoors, particularly if a human in a household has become infected, because they could spread it to other cats. Also, if a person with COVID needs to be admitted to a hospital and has pet cats, Porter suggested, the cats caretakers should know to observe social distancing as they would with a person. The infected cats that showed immunity, Bosco-Lauth said, were animals that were infected by contact with other cats, not by pipette. And, she said the immune response was stronger than in some other laboratory animals, although how long that protection might last is completely unknown. James Gorman c.2020 The New York Times Company Mumbai, Oct 6 : Sanjay Mishra turned 57 on Tuesday, and among those who wished the actor on his special day was Chandan Roy Sanyal. Chandan and Mishra are co-actors in the film, "Woh 3 Din", and the former shared some fond memories of their shoot along with his wishes. Sharing a photo of the two, Chandan posted on Instagram: "Met you at the height of pandemic in an empty Banaras, you call your town for a film. Best part, you suggested I play the part. And we did make a pure art of a film. We never looked at the script at once and jumped into it every time." "You liked my jhorna ghee bhaat so much that you ordered me to leave the rest, you made food, your masala stories, you wanted to show Banaras to me, when i reminded your area is called DIZ Area, Gole Market, Delhi. You couldn't stop feeling nostalgic about it since you hadn't heard the name in years. Happy Birthday atta boy @imsanjaimishra. Listen to your favourite song today 'Tum apna ranjo gham by Jagjit Kaur' another one how you jumped when i played that song. Love you bhaijee. See you soon on another one," he concluded. "Woh 3 Din" is about a journey that a rickshaw puller and his passenger undertake in a small town in Uttar Pradesh. To TV fanatics, Sanjay is best known for his role in the sitcom "Office Office". He has also impressed Bollywood buffs with his acting in films like "Ankhon Dekhi", "Kadvi Hawa" and "Golmaal". 34-1. The end of the Cold War geopolitical framework led to an intensification of imperialist rivalries and the eruption of militarism. US imperialism, as the sole remaining superpower, sought to offset its economic decline through the aggressive use of its residual military might. Using the pretext of Iraqs invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the US put into operation longstanding plans to establish its dominance of the energy-rich Middle East. The 199091 Gulf War was backed by every imperialist power as the means of legitimising its own future predatory ambitions, as well as by the Soviet and Chinese regimes and the labour bureaucracies in every country. In its 1991 manifesto entitled Oppose Imperialist War and Colonialism, the ICFI concluded that a new period of neo-colonialism had opened up. This ongoing and de facto partition of Iraq signals the start of a new division of the world by the imperialists. The conquests and annexations which, according to the opportunist apologists of imperialism, belonged to a bygone era are once again on the order of the day.[ 1 ] 34-2. While the first Gulf War was conducted under the United Nations banner, the US-led military intervention against Serbia in 1999 had no such fig leaf. The excuse for NATOs war in the Balkansto prevent the genocide of Kosovarswas generalised to a humanitarian pretext to justify further neo-colonial operations. In reality, the Balkans war was part of a broader US strategy to exploit opportunities opening up following the collapse of the Soviet Union, particularly in the newly-established, resource-rich republics of Central Asia. The Bush administration seized on the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks as the justification for the invasions of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 in furtherance of US ambitions to subjugate the Middle East and Central Asia. Bushs new doctrine of pre-emptive war was identical to the principal crime for which Nazi leaders were tried after World War IIwaging a war of aggression. The limited opposition to the Iraq war in the UN Security Council led by France was based solely on fears that the US was cutting across the vested interests of other powers in the Middle East. The unprecedented emergence of mass internationally-coordinated protests against the invasion of Iraq underlined both the objective, revolutionary potential of the antiwar movement and its political weaknessthe fatal illusion, cultivated by every pseudo-radical organisation, that the war could be halted through pressure on governments or through the UN. The failure of the protests underscored the basic lesson of Marxismthat war can only be averted through the independent mobilisation of the working class to abolish the underlying cause, the profit system and the outmoded division of the world into capitalist nation states. 34-3. The explosion of American militarism over the past two decades has had a profoundly destabilising impact around the world, especially in South Asia. Tensions between Pakistan and India have intensified as each has attempted to deflect acute social tensions at home by stirring up chauvinist sentiment against its rival. The two countries each tested nuclear weapons in 1998 and almost came to blows in 1999 when Pakistani troops and Islamic militants infiltrated and occupied the Kargil region of Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir. After the US compelled Pakistan to withdraw support for the militants, the military headed by General Pervez Musharraf seized power. The US further destabilised Pakistan in 2001 by forcing Musharraf to end support for the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and assist the US-led military intervention. Taking advantage of Washingtons bogus war on terrorism, New Delhi took an increasingly belligerent approach to Islamabad. After Islamic militants attacked the parliament building in New Delhi in December 2001, India marshalled well over half a million troops along the border with Pakistan. The two nuclear armed powers were poised on the brink of all-out war for months before backing off. The decade-long neo-colonial occupation of Afghanistan has spilled over the border into Pakistan and, under President Obama, has become the AfPak war. Escalating CIA drone attacks and devastating US-backed Pakistani army operations in tribal areas inside Pakistan have compounded the deep political crisis in Islamabad. Nothing testifies to the political bankruptcy of the bourgeoisie and its agencies in the working class throughout the Indian subcontinent so much as the lack of any oppositionother than that of reactionary Islamist groupsto the AfPak war, the first direct imperialist intervention in South Asia since 1947. Indias 9,19,023 active cases of COVID-19 constitute merely 13.75 per cent of the total caseload as on date and the country continues to report a steadily declining trend of percentage of active cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. So far 56,62,490 people have recovered from the disease in the country and exceed active cases of coronavirus infection by 47,43,467 as on date, it stated. The declining trend of the percentage of active cases is commensurately supported by the rising percentage of recovered cases, the ministry underlined. Higher number of recoveries has aided the national recovery rate to further improve to 84.70 per cent, the ministry said. A total of 75,787 people have recovered from COVID-19 and discharged in a span of 24 hours whereas 61,267 new infections were reported during the same period, according to the data updated at 8 am. The new recoveries have exceeded the new confirmed cases in 25 states and UTs, the ministry highlighted. Seventy-four per cent of the new recovered cases are concentrated in 10 states and UTs Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, the ministry said. Maharashtra alone has contributed the maximum with nearly 13,000 single-day recoveries. The ministry said that 75 per cent of the61,267 new confirmed cases recorded in a span of 24 hours are from 10 states and UTs. Maharashtra continues to be the State reporting a very high number of new cases with more than 10,000 cases followed by Karnataka with more than 7,000 cases. Also, 884 fatalities due to COVID-19 have been reported in a day, of these nearly 80 per centare concentrated in ten states andUTs of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, the ministry said. More than 29 per cent of new fatalities reported are from Maharashtra (263 deaths). A California college professor has been forced to apologize to a student after telling her not to breastfeed her 10-month-old daughter during his online classes. Marcella Mares, 23, made a complaint to Fresno City College after her statistics instructor took issue with her turning off her camera and microphone to breastfeed and told her to wait until after class. The request violated California law which requires schools to accommodate those who need to breastfeed without any academic penalty. He has since apologized after being made aware of the state code but Mares hopes further action will be taken, accusing him of asking her to 'let my baby be hungry' in an angry Facebook post. Marcella Mares, 23, made a complaint to Fresno City College after her statistics instructor told her not to breastfeed her daughter during online classes. She posted the picture above to Facebook saying it proved that she could still concentrate in class while she breastfed Mares also complained in a Facebook post, accusing the instructor of asking her to let her 10-month-old daughter, pictured with Mares, go hungry during the four-hour long class The issue began on September 23 when the instructor issued an email to the class in which he outlined a new rule that would require all students to turn on their cameras and microphones throughout the class. He said that it was mandatory during the nearly four-hour class as participation was lacking. Mares, a criminology major, replied to explain that she would oblige but may turn them off when she needed to breastfeed her daughter. The student was shocked when the educator responded to tell her not to breastfeed during the class. 'I am glad to hear that you can have your camera and microphone on, but please do not breastfeed your daughter during class time because it is not what you should be doing,' he replied. 'Just do that after class.' Later that day, the instructor announced to the class that he had received a 'weird email' from a student who wanted to do some 'inappropriate' things during the online classes, Mares said. 'He publicly outed me in front of the class,' she told CNN. 'I was upset about it. I didn't like the feeling of him telling me what I can and can't do with my baby, especially in my own home because school is online right now.' Fresno City College, pictured, apologized to Mares and confirmed that it was her right under California state law to take the time she needed to breastfeed during class without penalty After she was allegedly called out in class, Mares shared the email she received from him to Facebook, accusing him of wanting her to 'let my baby be hungry' and to 'ignore my baby crying for 4 hours of class'. 'Im mad. Im in class right now & he said I got a weird email from a student about her having to take care of some things that have nothing to do with my class. You guys need to put those distractions aside and give your full attention to this course",' she wrote. 'He said more but thats too much to write. He literally said wants me to ignore my crying baby for the 4 hours of class just so I can copy notes that are available to me indefinitely. He wants me to let my baby be hungry or even just crying because she wont even be hungry & shell just want me for comfort. 'This guy had the audacity to say that it is very weird to be doing those kinds of things during class,' she added. Marcella Mares, pictured, says that she hopes the school will take further action against the instructor despite his apology 'While he was talking about this to the whole class I was holding back so much I was so red. I wanted to tell him off so bad lol I cant believe this is happening to me because I only read about all the stories I never thought Id have it happen to me!' In a later post, Mares shared a picture of herself breastfeeding during an online class saying: 'I just wanted to show that I CAN focus in class WHILE breastfeeding my child'. 'I felt so unmotivated during class I was so hurt that an actual human said these things about me & my breastfed baby in public to other students. I was humiliated,' she wrote. 'Then I realized, he should be humiliated. He discriminated against me and many others when he said put those distractions aside or be creative when your child needs you like what the f**k?! This is a child we are talking about not our phones or TVs or any other THING. 'I hope this man thinks before he decides to continue with his career, if he even has one anymore. Breastfeeding mamas & any mama that is trying to juggle school, work, & a child should be praised not put down & humiliated. I love my baby & would choose her health over anything or anyone, any day of any week!' she concluded. Mares also made a complaint to the school's Title IX coordinator, Lorraine Smith, and a few days later received an apology from the instructor. 'I am sorry for the inconvenience in regard to your intention of breastfeeding your baby,' the September 26 email read. 'From now on, you have the right to breastfeed your baby at any given time during class, which includes doing group worksheet, listening to the lecture, and taking the quiz or exam. You may turn off your camera at any given time as needed.' Mares has since dropped the class for unrelated reasons. She said, however, that she expected the school to take further action. She added that she had no issues about breastfeeding in other classes and that instructors had supported her as she urged parents to stand their ground. The 23-year-old student complained about the incident on Facebook after claiming that the instructor called her out during the next class and accused her of an 'inappropriate' request 'Just stand your ground. Dont let anybody tell you when and where you can feed your baby, even if it is somebody that is higher (up) than you,' she told the Fresno Bee. 'I dont think that he realized what he was doing at the time,' Mares added. 'But I do believe that other students did get offended because somebody also said, "What are we supposed to do with our babies when theyre crying and what if our children need to come in?"' Fresno City College confirmed it received a complaint from Mares but that it has worked with the instructor to explain that she was allowed to breastfed during class under Californian state law. 'Dean Lorraine Smith communicated with her, confirming her rights according to California law and we worked with the instructor to make sure that her rights weren't being violated,' the school's Public Information Officer Kathy Bonilla told CNN. 'The instructor also reached out to her to correct his directive.' She added that the instructor was 'not aware of the law pertaining to breastfeeding and now understands that his directive was not correct'. 'California law requires that schools accommodate students for conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth including lactation,' Bonilla continued. 'The accommodation includes providing the time away from class to breastfeed without academic penalty.' The long history of relations between Europe and the Middle East is a marvelous topic for the historian. Not only is the Arab world and broader Middle East Europes nearest neighbour, but the two regions also have much history in common. Both the Middle East and Europe are the heirs of classical civilisation, with the Arabs and the Ottomans taking over much of the eastern Roman Empire in the same way as the Germanic peoples did the western. And at least after the 16th-century Ottoman conquest of the Middle East, and probably for centuries before, the states of the region were essential stakeholders sometimes rivals, sometimes allies in the European system. Probably the latest historian to investigate these relations in detail is UK historian Noel Malcolm, who in his recent book Useful Enemies has reconstructed the history of European attitudes towards Islam and the former Ottoman Empire. The latter once stretched across Anatolia, the Arab world, and into eastern Europe before breaking up at the end of the First World War. While in the 19th century the Empire entered into the long decline that saw it dubbed the sick man of Europe, in earlier centuries it was both a formidable rival and an intriguing example for many Europeans. Useful Enemies focuses on the period between 1450 and 1750, beginning with the aftermath of the conquest of Constantinople, last redoubt of the former Byzantine Empire, by the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II in 1453 and ending in the mid-18th century with the analysis of Ottoman institutions by writers of the European Enlightenment. In the interval, Malcolm has much to say about the ways in which the Ottoman Empire was a useful enemy for many European thinkers. It allowed them to rethink their own societies, sometimes using praise or criticism of the Empire for quite other purposes. On the morning of 29 June 1453 a ship arrived at Venice, bearing the news that Constantinople had been conquered by the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II, Malcom writes. Letters describing the fall of the city written by officials in some of the Venetian possessions on the coast of Greece were read out to a shocked Senate in the Doges Palace. On the following day the Venetian government sent a messenger to Rome to implore the help of the Papacy In Florence, Cosimo de Medici described the loss of Constantinople as the most tragic event the world had seen for centuries. The immediate task was to identify whether the Ottoman conquest represented a military threat to neighbouring European states and whether to respond to it by military or other means. There was then the question of how to understand the new power that had arisen in the east and whether it could be either invited in or shut out of the European system. Initial reactions were fearful, with the European humanist writers of the 15th and 16th centuries, themselves rediscovering the civilisations of Greece and Rome, seeing the Ottomans as latter-day conquerors on the model of Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great. Many western thinkers, for whom classical history was a significant part of their mental world, found it easy to ascribe such motives [territorial conquest] to the Ottomans, as they believed the sultans were almost as deeply interested as they were in the history of ancient Greece and Rome, Malcolm says. However, others wanted to see Ottoman virtues imported into Europe, thinking that there was much in the Empire that could be emulated. Malcolm quotes from the mediaeval English writer Sir John Mandeville, who in his famous Travels had imagined a conversation with the Mameluke sultan in Egypt in which the latter makes telling criticisms of the corruption and hypocrisy of Christian Europe. This was the beginning of a tradition of praise of first Mameluke and then Ottoman societies that saw them as being in some respects superior to Europe. The mediaeval philosopher St Thomas Aquinass suggestion in his Summa theologiae, a summary version of Roman Catholic faith, that non-Christian religions should be tolerated also left the door ajar for some pragmatic [European] policy-making in later years, Malcom says, when various European powers sought to make alliances with the Ottoman Empire at the expense of their rivals. Even if the Ottomans were not seen as being entirely part of the European system, they could be useful allies, perhaps something in the way the Russian tsars could be roped in from time to time to confirm or disrupt the balance of power in Europe. The 16th-century religious Reformation in Europe saw a reshuffling of the cards with respect to the Ottoman Empire. The Dutch scholar Erasmus was against Austrian Hapsburg attempts to drum up European support for their campaigns against the Ottomans, seeing these as veiled attempts to bolster Hapsburg prestige. The German reformer Martin Luther, neither a friend of the Hapsburgs nor of the rest of Catholic Europe, was suspicious of military campaigns against the Ottomans, seeing them as ways of raising troops for use against European Protestants. One of the noteworthy things about Luthers whole approach to Islam and to the Ottoman Empire is his appetite for detailed knowledge about them, Malcolm comments. Catholic polemicists such as the early French orientalist Guillaume Postel claimed that the Ottomans were actually disguised European Protestants. Protestant polemicists such as the German reformer Philip Melanchthon argued that at least [Ottoman] Muslims were not as badly corrupted in their beliefs and practices as [European] Catholics. It was against the background of European power-political discord that the Austrian Hapsburgs proposed an alliance with the Ottomans (against Venice), followed by the French (against the Austrians), the Dutch (against the Spanish), and finally the English (against the Spanish), all of them seeking Ottoman support against their enemies in Europe. The balance of forces in Europe made England a natural ally of the Ottoman Empire in the final decades of the sixteenth century, Malcolm comments, when the government of queen Elizabeth I was looking around for allies against Philip II of Spain. Malcolms book explores the views, positive and negative, of European writers about the Ottoman Empire and its political and religious systems, taking in ideas associated with such influential writers as Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Montesquieu. Some of the ideas these expressed became commonplaces of the European response to the Ottomans, including the tradition of so-called oriental despotism developed by Montesquieu. Like many of the other figures Malcolm considers, Montesquieu wrote in the absence of first-hand knowledge of the Ottoman system and perhaps relied on half-garbled reports that the Ottoman system, like the Mameluke one in Egypt, relied upon slave soldiers to replenish its elites. But there were also other European writers, as Malcolm notes, who were not convinced by Montesquieus scheme of government limited by law in the West and arbitrary despotism in the East. Some contemporary commentators considered the rule of the Ottoman sultans to be less despotic than the rule of king Louis XIV in France. Malcolm ends his survey in the 18th century, when there was a new and more open-minded approach to both Islam and the Ottoman Empire associated with Enlightenment thinkers. Windows were thrown open and fresh air came in, with the crabbed controversies of previous centuries being hauled up before the tribunal of reason. While Spinoza in the 17th century was still worried about what he saw as the absence of freedom of thought in the Ottoman Empire, Voltaires main enemy in his critical writings in the 18th was what he considered to be the fanaticism and hypocrisy of the society of his day in France. In his final pages, Malcolm considers other influential accounts of the historical relationship between Europe and the Middle East, including by Palestinian scholar Edward Said in his 1978 book Orientalism. The temporal sweep of Saids book is less than Malcolms, being confined mostly to the 19th and early 20th centuries, and so is its geographical range, since it mostly considers only certain English and French authors. Said tends to lump the authors he considers together as illustrating a common tendency towards orientalism, whereas in fact there was always a range of different views. There were debates about the positive and negative sides of the Ottoman system, Malcolm writes, with these often reflecting debates about European societies at home. The reality here is altogether too multiform, too various and dynamic, to be confined by Saids own narrow and prescriptive disciplinary order, he comments. What they [the writings examined in Malcolms book] show is active even creative engagement with their Islamic or Ottoman subject matter as part of a larger pursuit of religious and political arguments within their own culture. The Eastern material was not there to be beaten down, as Said imagined, into conformity with complacent Western attitudes; often it was used to shake things up, to provoke, to shame, to galvanize. Noel Malcolm, Useful Enemies, Islam and the Ottoman Empire in Western Political Thought, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019, pp487 *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: President Donald Trumps ongoing bout with the coronavirus made no difference to Pennsylvania voters as yet another poll gave Joe Biden a substantial lead in this key battleground state. Biden led Trump, 54% to 43%, among likely voters with a high level of turnout, and 53% to 45% assuming low turnout, according to a Monmouth University Poll released Tuesday. That was in line with Bidens 49%-42% advantage among likely voters a post-debate New York Times/Siena College poll, and his 54%-45% lead over Trump in a pre-debate ABC News/Washington Post survey. Weve grown accustomed to big news not having any effect on the needle," said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. This is not good news for Trump, who really needs to see that needle move. If anything, the presidents health crisis may be reminding voters about their own vulnerability." More ominous for Trump was Bidens 53% to 42% advantage in the 10 counties, including Northampton and Lehigh, that were the closest in 2016. Those counties, which accounted for 26% of the vote four years ago, slightly preferred Clinton over Trump, 48.6% to 47.4%. Pennsylvania, along with Michigan and Wisconsin, was part of the so-called blue wall, states that hadnt support a Republican presidential candidate for decades before Trump narrowly carried them en route to defeating Hillary Clinton in 2016. Biden, a native of Scranton, leads Trump in all three states, according to the Real Clear Politics poll average. The challenger had a 20-point lead among Pennsylvania registered voters in which candidate would better handle the pandemic, which has killed more than 200,000 Americans. Biden led, 52% to 32%. With Trump asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Affordable Care Act and its protections for pre-existing conditions, voters gave Biden a 48%-34% advantage on which candidate would better keep health care affordable and accessible. Voters listed law and order as their top concern, but trusted Biden over Trump to handle the issue by 45% to 41%. And while Trump led on the economy, 44% to 39%, that was down on the list of voters worries. If any recent event moved the needle, it was more likely last weeks debate than the presidents COVID diagnosis, Murray said. What seems to be more important than either event, though, is voters' focus on which candidate they trust more on the issues that keep them up at night. The poll of 500 registered voters was conducted Sept. 30-Oct. 4 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. 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 After the Irish government rejected expert recommendations to return to another full lockdown, the governor of the country's central bank said the economy's recovery has been uneven with Brexit still on the horizon. The Central of Bank of Ireland published its quarterly bulletin Tuesday morning where it substantially adjusted its full-year forecast for GDP. The economy is now projected to contract by just 0.4% in 2020 if another full lockdown can be avoided, a significant upgrade from July's prediction for a 9% fall. "We've seen a rebound from the low points we reached in April but the recovery that we have seen is also uneven, it's incomplete and it's certainly uncertain," Governor Gabriel Makhlouf told CNBC. Strong exports, buoyed by the country's pharmaceutical sector, helped mitigate some of the pandemic's hit. "It's proved resilient through the hardest bit of the lockdown so we're certainly optimistic that it can continue, but actually one of the things that's characterized all economic analysis over the last six months is the word uncertainty," Makhlouf said. Ireland may end 2020 with one of the lowest falls in GDP in the euro area but on the flipside the country has seen one of the largest drops in consumption in Europe. He added that any projections and forecasts still need to be cautious and will "depend on the path of the virus, it will depend on the decisions that governments make." On Monday, the Irish government announced that the entire country would move up to level three of its coronavirus plan at midnight on Tuesday. This is in disagreement with Covid-19 health advisors that said the country needed to move to the highest level of five, which would mean a strict lockdown in place with most businesses closing. Prime Minister Micheal Martin said moving to the strictest level would cause massive economic damage but the chief medical officer, Tony Holohan, said this was the "only opportunity to get this disease back under control." This is the first time the government has eschewed its experts' advice. "We're certainly all still learning how to manage a pandemic in a way that's sustainable, not just in health terms but in economic terms," Makhlouf said. "At the end of the day, a healthy economy requires healthy consumers and a healthy workforce so the two are interrelated." Brexit (Newser) President Trump staged a dramatic return to the White House on Monday evening after leaving the military hospital where he has been receiving an unprecedented level of care for COVID-19. He ignited a new controversy by declaring that despite his illness, the nation should not fear the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americansand then entered the White House without a protective mask. Landing at the White House on Marine One after leaving Walter Reed Medical Center, the AP reports, Trump gingerly climbed the South Portico steps, removed his mask, and declared, "I feel good." He gave a double thumbs-up to the departing helicopter from the portico terrace, where aides had arranged American flags for the sunset occasion. The president, who remains contagious, entered the White House, where aides were visible in the Blue Room, without wearing a face covering. story continues below Medical experts disagreed Monday with the president's assessment of the pandemic. "We have to be realistic in this: COVID is a complete threat to the American population, said Dr. David Nace of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "It's an unconscionable message," agreed Dr. Sadiya Khan of Northwestern University. "I would go so far as to say that it may precipitate or worsen spread." There was political pushback to Trump's attitude toward the virus, as well. Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas told the Houston Chronicle that Trump had "let his guard down" in his effort to show that the country was moving beyond the virus and had created confusion about how to stay safe. In addition to first lady Melania Trump, various White House aides have contracted the virus. (The president's press secretary has tested positive.) I'm a Republican. This year, I'm going to cast my vote for Kate Bolz. Heres why: Bipartisanship is very important to me, and I believe in putting the right person in the right position of influence. Kate shares my belief in compassionate leadership and has a deep respect for the fact she is accountable to her constituents. For this, I choose to be one. She has served Nebraskans well in her time as a state senator, and it is now time to put her in a position of greater influence. It's time to send a leader to Washington to work for Nebraskans. Kate has a record of working across the aisle to get things done in the Nebraska Legislature, including balancing the state's budget and delivering property tax relief. I know that Kate will take that experience and have a different approach in Washington than what has been. She'll work with anyone if it means doing what's right for Nebraska families and putting her community's interests first. But, heres the simple truth of why she has my vote: Not only do I believe in her, I believe her. I believe in her ability to represent us, and I know she will allow herself to be guided by the moral compass instilled in her as a Nebraskan. Erin Rodell, Lincoln Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 When Tova Parker of Spring was 36, her then gynecologist in Maryland recommended she get her first mammogram. She has been getting them and doing self-exams since. She usually schedules them in October because it coincides with her birthday and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it reminds her to do it, she said. On HoustonChronicle.com: Q&A: Kelsey-Seybold pediatricians offer tips for trick or treating Last year before Parker turned 41, she got a routine mammogram and said it came back clear and scheduled a visit for the following year. However, even though there were no virtual signs of breast cancer, she felt like something was wrong. Three weeks later, she found a lump on her breast. In December of 2019 before Christmas, Parker was diagnosed at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma triple negative breast cancer at age 41. She said the type of breast cancer is one of the most aggressive, with only one proven treatment so far. Parker was an engineer and project manager at ExxonMobil, but realized the journey she was about to go through was the biggest project of her life, eventually creating a blog online called pretty(sic) at www.prettysic.com to share her story. She said the best possible outcome was a life where breast cancer had no power over her. On HoustonChronicle.com: Memorial Hermann rolls out breast cancer prevention program as screening rates plummet What Im choosing to do is manage this journey like a project instead of a battle, Parker said. I found something that I could relate to that could empower me through it, instead of attaching myself to battle. That works for a lot of people, but I needed to find what would work for me. Parker was declared cancer free on Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating African American freedom. Thats when I got my own personal freedom, Ill always remember it, Parker said. After finding the lump, she went to a gynecologist at Houston Methodist and was urged to visit the systems breast clinic at the Tomball area location for a diagnostic mammogram. She agreed and got a mammogram, ultrasound and had to come back the next day for a biopsy, and ultimately received the news. Her treatment started this past January with five months of chemotherapy which continued until May 18. Parker said there was also a clinical trial at Houston Methodist in which she participated with the purpose of reaching a pathological complete response, which means that the cancer is gone before surgery. Thats what actually happened, Parker said. At the end of my chemotherapy in June, my scans showed that I had a complete pathological response. The tumor was gone. Real stories Parker then had the opportunity to have a lumpectomy but chose to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in June to remove both breasts. Right now, she is recovering from the mastectomy so she can have reconstructive surgery, which is scheduled for October. Parker said everybody has their own way of dealing with circumstances but that for her, the first thing that helped with breast cancer was not calling it a battle. She said the word battle has a negative connotation associated with it in that theres a winner and a loser. Ive always been a positive person, so I wanted to hold on to that for myself, Parker said. So, every lab report, doctors report, every status change is measured during the fight. I felt like that wasnt an emotionally healthy way to look at it for me so instead I decided to connect to the journey in a different way. Thats what I had to do for me because a positive attitude is the best thing that you can have when youre going through it. I found something that I could relate to more. Parker said she followed certain behaviors like focusing on the present, keeping an optimistic attitude and using her network. She said whats truly important in building breast cancer awareness is the power to share real stories. When I started my journey, I was hard-pressed to find anybody that looked like me on the internet, blogs, stories, Parker said. There were no Black women. I couldnt find anybody that looked like me but what I could find about Black women were the statistics. She found statistics about certain topics, such as the rate of breast cancer deaths among Black women. According to data on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, the rate of female breast cancer deaths from 2013 to 2017 were highest among Black women compared to other races or ethnicities. I didnt need statistics because two of my friends have succumbed to breast cancer that were under the age of 40, so I know real life, Parker said. What I needed was a light. Stories allow a connection, I needed something that would give me hope. She decided to be the light that she sought and created the blog to share her journey publicly. To date, the website has been accessed in more than 50 countries around the world, she said. It wasnt just me that was saying I dont see people that look like me, Parker said. Its not just Black women, Ive connected with people in Singapore, Germany. People all over because people want to see a story or a way of connecting to something that could be pretty traumatic in a way that they can do. I did it my way Parker therefore tried to be as transparent and authentic as she could be on the blog about how she was feeling and empowering herself to go through the treatments. People can go look up medical terms, I wanted to give someone a place that says, thats simple enough, if she can do that, maybe I can train myself to look at it like that, Parker said. My blog is basically an open book as to how I went through my journey with confidence, strength, style and humor. In addition to still actively blogging, Parker also registered prettysic.com in the state of Texas and plans to use it to continue empowering individuals affected by breast cancer. I do have a full-time job as an engineer, but this is a passion, Parker said. When you think about your purpose and what are you here to do and why, you go through certain things. I cant dismiss this journey as not as part of my purpose. So, Im going to use my experience to help other people. Parker said breast cancer has the ability to take away peoples sense of control, if they allow it. You can do everything right in your life and still get dealt with a huge blow like breast cancer, Parker said. You still have a choice, even when you feel you dont have any control. Between your diagnosis and the start of your journey, your choice that you still have is the way that youre going to respond to your diagnosis. I can honestly and confidently say that I did it my way. I realized that through all of my journey Ive been equipped with all of the challenges Ive had during my life; theyve prepared me for this battle. I use and leverage all of those challenges and life lessons to prepare me and I just encourage others to draw on their own journeys and to do it their way. In order to get through it, you have to own your journey. alvaro.montano@chron.com WASHINGTON, D.C. - Warrensville Heights Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge on Tuesday accused President Donald Trump and others of trying to suppress the votes of those with whom they disagree. She accused them of waging an insidious campaign to sow distrust in our electoral process by spreading false claims that vote-by-mail is rife with fraud," making unsubstantiated claims the 2020 election will be rigged, as well as encouraging people to vote twice, which is illegal. During a hearing of the House Administration elections subcommittee, which she chairs, Fudge declared that Americans deserve an election free from the real fraud of false information and voter suppression. The truth is, millions of Americans, including the President and members of his administration, cast a ballot by mail every election cycle with exceedingly rare instances of fraud, said Fudge. The truth is, as significantly more Americans prepare to cast their ballot from home this year than ever before, the American people must be prepared that we may not know the winner of the election on the night of November 3. And that this does not mean anything is wrong with the election. Election night results are never final results. Many states take days, if not weeks, to formally certify their election results. Trump has repeatedly made claims about mail-in voting that fact-checking organizations have deemed false, and suggested without evidence that Democrats plan to steal the election. Fact-check.org says his statements echo "what intelligence officials have said is a Russian strategy to undermine public trust in the election. Those statements include false claims that foreign countries are printing millions of mail-in ballots, which would result in a rigged election, and that Democrats are mailing out 80 million unsolicited ballots so they can harvest votes to elect Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in November. The subcommittees sole Republican member, Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois, did not participate in the online hearing. He submitted a statement that said he couldnt attend because of previously scheduled constituent meetings. His statement criticized Democrats on the subcommittee for failing to work with Republicans on issues they could agree upon "to protect the integrity of our elections. Unfortunately, this committee has politicized election policy from the day Democrats took back the House and have done everything they can to nationalize our elections, Davis' statement said. Cleveland attorney Inajo Davis Chappell told Fudges subcommittee that she has never witnessed the kinds of falsehoods being disseminated about the integrity of our elections process that Ive seen in this presidential cycle during her 13 years of service on the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, and said it is a bona fide election fact that voters in Cuyahoga County, Ohio have been voting by mail successfully since 2006. She said the elections officials in Cuyahoga County are encouraging voting by mail to maximize safety during the coronavirus pandemic, and have rolled out voting mythbusters messages to debunk misinformation that Trump and other bad actors have disseminated to unfairly demonize the vote by mail process and undermine public confidence in an effort at exploiting grievances, building distrust and cynicism and ultimately discouraging voter participation. She urged Congress to provide local election boards with extra money to fight misinformation and allow for more robust community outreach and voter education programs. George Washington Law School professor Spencer Overton, who heads the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, said fake social media accounts, targeted digital advertising, and election disinformation used by both foreign and domestic actors particularly aim to suppress Black votes. He said that while African Americans were just 12.7 percent of the United States population in 2016, Black audiences accounted for over 38 percent of U.S.-focused Facebook ads purchased by the Russian Internet Research Agency during that years presidential election and almost half of the user clicks. He said the fake account holders typically pretended to be African Americans urging other African Americans to boycott the election. He noted that British investigative journalists have reported that the 2016 Trump campaign micro-targeted 3.5 million African American voters with ads that encouraged them not to vote, and said social media disinformation targeted at Black voters has continued during the 2020 cycle. During the Democratic presidential primary, the Russian Internet Agency targeted African American users with an attack on Senator Kamala Harris, said Overton. In March 2020, Facebook and Twitter acknowledged that they removed a network of Russian-backed accounts that originated in Ghana and Nigeria that targeted Black communities in the U.S. In September 2020, the Department of Homeland Security indicated that Russia is attempting to undermine public trust in the electoral process by promoting false statements online that mail in ballots are riddled with fraud and susceptible to manipulation and voters would not receive their mail ballot in time to cast their vote. Fudge ended the hearing by predicting that the American people are so discouraged by the attacks on our democracy, that theyre going to vote in bigger numbers than anyone can imagine" because they have a sense of fundamental fairness and believe that elections matter. Were going to show our colleagues and the President of the United States, there is nothing you can do to kill this democracy, said Fudge." It is bigger than you. It is stronger than you, it is more resilient than you are. And were going to win this election, because were going to exercise our right to vote no matter what obstacle you put in our way." Read more: Rep. Jim Jordan and Sen. Rob Portman test negative for coronavirus after recent exposure to President Trump Ohios Rep. Jim Jordan to get coronavirus test after traveling with President Trump on Air Force One; Sen. Rob Portman will also be tested Human trafficking remains a problem in Ohio, Cleveland FBI agent tells congressional task force Sen. Rob Portman urges President Donald Trump to condemn white supremacy unequivocally Ohio coal magnate Robert Murray has filed for black lung benefits, report says Trump shows off Lordstown Motors pickup truck at White House on the eve of Cleveland presidential debate Ohio Republicans pleased with President Donald Trumps Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, states Democrats are not Sen. Sherrod Brown expects Democrats will fight like hell against Trump Supreme Court nominee Sen. Rob Portman continues to defend his switch on Supreme Court Justice votes in an election year John Boehner memoir to hit bookstores in April U.S. House passes bill backed by Rep. Marcia Fudge to ban hairstyle discrimination Too many Hagans? Rep. Tim Ryan claims confusion between his opponent Christina Hagan and State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan Ohio GOP Rep. Jim Jordan urges swift Senate vote on successor for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Sen. Rob Portman says the Senate should consider President Donald Trumps Supreme Court nominee Ohio members of Congress react to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs death House of Representatives condemns coronavirus-related discrimination against Asians over objections from Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio - The growing pipeline of biologics that can be produced in microbial systems, such as antibody fragments and plasmid-based therapies, is anticipated to offer lucrative opportunities to service providers serving this niche, but growing market segment LONDON, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Roots Analysis has announced the addition of the "Microbial Contract Biomanufacturing Market, 2020-2030" report to its list of offerings. Despite mammalian cell cultures being the preferred manufacturing approach for biologics, recent advances in microbial fermentation have enabled the development of versatile biomanufacturing systems, which are both robust and cost friendly. Presently, a number of service provider companies claim to offer end-to-end solutions, ranging from product development to commercial production, for microbial biologics. Given the obvious advantages of outsourcing, drug developers are likely to continue relying on contract service providers for various aspects of their respective microbial biologic development programs. To order this 320+ page report, which features 150+ figures and 150+ tables, please visit this link Key Market Insights Over 115 CMOs claim to offer manufacturing services for microbial biologics The microbial contract biomanufacturing market is highly fragmented, featuring a mix of small, mid-sized, large and very large players. It is worth mentioning that more than 50% of CMOs mentioned in the report, have the necessary capabilities to manufacture biologics across all scales of operation (preclinical, clinical and commercial). Presently, more than 70% of service providers use bacterial expression systems Recently, a number of microbial biologics manufacturers are shifting to yeast-based production systems. It is also worth highlighting that close to 30% of CMOs, identified in this research, claim to have the required capabilities to manufacture biologics using both bacterial and yeast-based systems. Europe is currently regarded as a key manufacturing hub for microbial biologics There are more than 150 manufacturing facilities, with microbial fermentation capabilities, worldwide; of these, 43% are in Europe, followed by North America (31%). On the other hand, prominent regions in the Asia Pacific and Middle East, where microbial biologics are manufactured, include (in decreasing order of number of resident manufacturing facilities) China, India, Japan, Australia and Israel. Several partnerships were established in this domain, during the period 2016-2020 Majority of the deals recorded in the report, were established in 2019. Further, a large number (~25%) of the partnerships were observed to be focused on the production of microbial biologics; this is followed by process development and manufacturing agreements (20%). Multiple expansion initiatives have been undertaken by CMOs, since 2016 More than 30% of expansion projects over the last few years were focused on the establishment of new facilities, followed by those involving the expansion of existing manufacturing facilities (28%). Further, 50% of the expansion initiatives mentioned were undertaken by stakeholder companies in Europe, followed North America (39%). Big pharma players have also been active in this upcoming field Around 60% of the initiatives undertaken by big pharma were reported in the period 2016-2020. Of these, 57% involved the establishment of strategic partnerships with other industry stakeholders. It is worth highlighting that, in terms of type of biologic, close to 49% of these initiatives were focused on recombinant proteins. North America and Europe are anticipated to capture over 80% share (in terms of service revenues) of the market, by 2030 At present, more than 60% of the total revenues are generated from commercialized microbial biologics, and this trend is unlikely to change significantly in short to mid-term. Further, it is worth mentioning that the contract biomanufacturing market for microbial biologics in the Middle East and North Africa is anticipated to grow at a relatively faster rate (10.3%), followed by Asia Pacific (9%). To request a sample copy / brochure of this report, please visit this link Key Questions Answered Who are the leading CMOs engaged in the production of microbial biologics? What are the preferred microbial systems for the development and manufacturing of biologics? Which are the key microbial fermentation technology platforms currently available in the market? What kind of partnership models are commonly adopted by stakeholders in this industry? What are the various initiatives undertaken by the big pharma players engaged in this domain? What are the key factors influencing the make (manufacture in-house) versus buy (outsource) decision related to the production of microbial biologics? What are the key trends within the microbial contract biomanufacturing market? How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments? The USD 9.3 billion (by 2030) financial opportunity within the microbial contract biomanufacturing market has been analyzed across the following segments: Type of Product API FD Type of Biologic Proteins Enzymes Growth Hormones Antibody based Drugs Others ( plasmid DNA, probiotics, microbiome-based biologics ) ) Type of Microbial Expression System Bacteria Yeast Others ( Algae and fungi ) ) Scale of Operation Commercial Preclinical / Clinical Type of End User Small Companies Mid-sized Companies Large / Very Large Companies Key Geographical Regions North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East and North Africa and Latin America The report features inputs from eminent industry stakeholders, according to whom, currently, over 50% operations related to both API and FDF manufacturing of microbial biologics are outsourced to third party service providers. The report includes detailed transcripts of discussions held with the following experts: Gaurav Kaushik (Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Meteoric Biopharmaceuticals) (Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Meteoric Biopharmaceuticals) Debbie Pinkston (Vice President, Sales and Business Development, List Biological Laboratories) (Vice President, Sales and Business Development, List Biological Laboratories) Andrea Conforto (Sales and Marketing, Bioservices Director, Olon) (Sales and Marketing, Bioservices Director, Olon) Max Rossetto (General Manager, Business Development, Luina Bio ) (General Manager, Business Development, ) Rob van Dijk (Business Development Manager, WACKER Biotech ) The research covers profiles of key players (listed below); each profile features an overview of the company, information related to its microbial manufacturing focused service portfolio, production facilities and capabilities, and an informed future outlook. AGC Biologics Aldevron BioVectra EirGenix Etinpro Eurogentec Northway Biotechpharma Ology Bioservices Porton Biopharma Stelis Biopharma For additional details, please visit: https://www.rootsanalysis.com/reports/microbial-contract-biomanufacturing-market.html or email sales@rootsanalysis.com You may also be interested in the following titles: Drug Repurposing Service Providers Market, 2020 - 2030 Antibody Discovery Services and Platforms Market (3rd Edition), 2020-2030 Live Biotherapeutic Products and Microbiome Contract Manufacturing Market: Focus on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Finished Dosage Forms, 2020 - 2030 China Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market, 2020-2030 Biopharma Contract Manufacturing Market (3rd Edition), 2019-2030 Contact: Gaurav Chaudhary +1 (415) 800 3415 +44 (122) 391 1091 Gaurav.Chaudhary@rootsanalysis.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/742223/Roots_Analysis_Logo.jpg Potential to cut screening time by half, CU Anschutz first academic institution in Mountain West to have this technology The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus announced a new robotic screening and imaging technology today marking a major breakthrough in the detection and treatment of disease. The technology, made possible by a gift to the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, could cut the screening time for new drug therapies by half. That means therapies and pharmaceuticals could be ready for patients faster than ever before. "This technology does not exist at any academic institution in the Mountain West and is limited between the two coasts, placing the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in a unique position to advance drug discovery in Colorado and beyond," said David Ross, PhD, associate dean for research at the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. "We envision this new screening and imaging technology will be applied to both small molecule and biologic drug development and will position the CU Anschutz Medical Campus for the next generation of translational discovery where speed and efficiency are essential." Faculty at the school worked with Perkin Elmer, a global health innovation leader, to customize the technology, called the Explorer G3 Integrated Workstation. The instrument is the only one of its kind. It will enable rapid and cost-effective screening of hundreds of thousands of potential therapies, including treatments for cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The technology is expected on campus early next year. "The custom-made instrumentation will harness unique cell-phenotypic and biochemical models of human disease to identify new therapeutic targets and translate those discoveries to therapies at a faster rate," said Daniel LaBarbera, PhD, director of the high throughput drug discovery and chemical biology core facility at CU Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy. LaBarbera helped customize the technology. "Currently, it would take weeks to screen a library of effective therapies," he said. "With this new automation, the same screening process is reduced to days." This new technology will allow the printing of patient samples, cells and organoids of different types into uniform arrays for screening or imaging purposes. It also uses four specialized cameras known as sCMOS cameras that generate fast, high resolution images simultaneously. "One of the major strengths of the CU Anschutz Medical Campus is the overall vision of melding basic and clinical sciences to bring creative therapeutic approaches to patients," Ross said. "The focus on translational therapeutics has been assisted by the presence of drug discovery technologies on campus, particularly in the school of pharmacy." A new Center for Drug Discovery will be created at CU Anschutz focused on speeding up research into new drugs and therapies. The center will work with the University of Colorado Cancer Center and the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute to facilitate new drug discovery and development. ### The robotic screening and imaging technology was funded by the ALSAM Foundation, a generous long-time benefactor to the pharmacy school, the CU Anschutz Chancellor's Office and the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. About the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education, and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, together we deliver life-changing treatments, patient care, professional training, and conduct world-renowned research. For more information, visit http://www.cuanschutz.edu UPDATE: Police identify early morning homicide victim on Saginaws East Side SAGINAW, MI - Police are investigating an apparent homicide on Saginaws East Side. Police early on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 6, had the area near the intersection of South Fourth and East Holland avenues cordoned off with crime scene tape. Detective Sgt. Matthew Gerow confirmed a man in his 20s had suffered at least one fatal gunshot wound overnight. Additional details were not immediately available. The homicide is the citys 17th of 2020. Read more: Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Isabella County Michigan man charged by AG with numerous sex offenses in two counties Man arrested after 4-hour standoff with police arraigned on charges At the Kharkhari Nahar village in the South Delhi district, agricultural extension officers of the Delhi government under the guidance of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) scientists are hard at work in a makeshift tent, methodically preparing a mixture that, when sprayed over crop residue, will decompose the stalks and stubble, etc, in approximately twenty days and also leave the fields more fertile than before. The setup looks very much like the provisional kitchens that spring up during weddings large flat-bottomed pots and containers, large ladles, cardboard boxes containing ingredients, many smaller stoves, many cooks and the bustle of utensils and people. What is cooking here is a possible solution to the stubble burning that has plagued farmers for decades and compounded the challenge of air pollution across the national capital and northern India. At the heart of this promising breakthrough in the search of a cheap and viable alternative to stubble burning is the Pusa bio-decomposer capsule. The department of biotechnology in the IARI has been carrying out experiments over the past five years. The head of the microbiology division, Dr K Annapurna, credits her team but particularly Dr Loveleen Shukla for the breakthrough. It is the research experimental result of the scientists of my division. Dr Loveleen Shukla who is the inventor of the capsule decomposer technology, and we have been working on this particular aspect for the past five years, and for the past one and a half to two years, we have come up with this decomposer capsule technology which we have validated for the past two years in different farmers fields in Punjab and Haryana," says Dr Annapurna. The technology has been validated only after field trials in Punjab and these would continue, she says. The science behind this is that this decomposer capsule is a microbial consortium of fungi; all these fungi are capable of producing enzymes which will be hydrolysing the various components in the plant cells like the lignins, celluloses and hemicelluloses," she explains. Farmers are compelled to burn their crop residue primarily to clear their fields on time for the next sowing season. Dr Annapurna points out that this bio-decomposer would reduce the time for the crop residue to decompose. I would say that by and large the decomposition process is very slow if you do not use this kind of a microbial consortium. With this consortium, we have seen that the decomposition process takes place in about 25 days in in situ in the field conditions and the good points I would highlight is, it is able to release the nutrients trapped in the plant cell and thereby the soil is improved in its nutrient status and also it will be helpful in reducing the air pollution," she says. Dinesh Kumar, an agricultural extension officer, who is behind one of the large flat-bottom cooking pots, says that 20,000 litres of the bio-decomposer solution would be prepared. Each pot has twenty five litres of water to which 750 grams of jaggery is added and boiled. After removing the film of waste formed at the top and when the temperature of the jaggery-water is normal, 250 grams of besan and twenty capsules of the Pusa bio-decomposer is added. This mixture is covered with a cloth and left for four days for the fungi to be formed. This is then mixed with another twenty five litres of jaggery water and left for three days after which it is ready to be used in the fields. Ten litres of this bio-decomposer mix that has been prepared will be added to 200 litres of water and then sprayed in the fields. Dinesh Kumar says that in the South West district alone, 404 farmers have expressed an interest in this already. Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai says, Our officials are going from door to door, speaking to people, getting forms filledSo far the response has been good. Hope that this will be successfulIn the past days when we met union environment minister and environment ministers of neighbouring states, we had appealed to themthat if other states adopt this, one can get freedom from problems that arise due to stubble burning." Rai also points out that this is a far cheaper alternative to the subsidy that was given by the central government to wean away farmers from setting their crop residue on fire. In Delhi, only 40 farmers had come forward to avail the approximately 3 crore rupees subsidy that was provided by the central government. Cheap, multiple benefits, viability and the additional attraction of turning the decomposed stubble into manure: the Pusa decomposer capsule comes with huge expectations. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is taking the technology to the fields and is certainly banking on this to succeed precisely because of these factors. And though stubble burning within the capital is insignificant, the government hopes to provide a solution that works. At the Kharkhari Nahar village, Kejriwal said, From the 11th onwards, we will begin spraying this solution in the fieldsIn Delhi, in 700 hectares, the entire cost including that of preparing the solution, spraying it in the fields and transportation is just 20 lakh rupees. If this is successful, this will provide a solution to farmers in neighbouring states alsoIf it is successful we will do it every year." Adweek today ranked ANIMAL no. 15 in its annual Adweek 100: Fastest Growing feature. Fastest Growing honors the 100 top agencies and 10 top solution providers large and small, from all over the world whose industry presence is on the rise. Accepting entries from every agency and solution provider category, this distinction is awarded to those organizations that have achieved exceptional growth over the past three years. This is the first year that solution providers have appeared on the list. Im beyond honored to have Animal on this list. Its been a whirlwind of a journey getting here and an equally exciting ride with the people who have worked with us - on our team, or as a client. We owe it to them!, says Kunel Gaur, founder and creative director of Animal. Complete results of Adweek 100: Fastest Growing, including company profiles, can be found at this link and in the October 5th issue of the award-winning Adweek magazine. Featured organizations include holding companies, independent agencies, both global and regional focused, as well as organizations providing industry services across the spectrum from mobile to lead-gen. 2020 has been a challenging year, but these agencies and solution providers have shown how innovation breeds success, says Jeffrey Litvack, Adweeks chief executive officer. Everyone in the advertising community can learn something from their examples. The only constant in advertising is change, added Lisa Granatstein, Adweeks editor, svp, programming. The best way to see where the industry is headed is to see whos leading the pack, and Adweek 100: Fastest Growing always has a few surprises. On Thursday, October 15, 2020, Adweek will celebrate these companies at the Adweek 100: Fastest Growing virtual event. Animal is an independent creative agency based in New Delhi, India. What they bring to the table is a combination of the deep cultural mining of an advertising agency, with the aesthetic sense of a design agency. To do work that comes from human insights, while keeping great design at the center of everything they do. A philosophy that they have applied in a wide range of projects from traditional advertising and content to identity design, from taking out a line of streetwear to building their own marketplace app. Taliban and Afghan peace negotiators have agreed on a code of conduct to safeguard against the risk of any breakdown in talks that began last month in Qatar to bring an end to decades of war, three official sources said on October 6. The breakthrough was achieved with the help of U.S. officials as the two sides drew up 19 ground rules that their negotiators should observe during talks, the sources said. While the talks have been taking place in Qatar's capital, Doha, scores of Afghan soldiers and Taliban fighters have been killed in clashes and suicide attacks in which dozens of civilians have also died in recent weeks. "Firming up a code of conduct was extremely crucial as it proves that both sides are willing to continue talks even as we see that violence has not reduced on the ground," said one senior Western diplomat on conditions of anonymity. The breakthrough came as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held bilateral discussions in Doha with U.S. Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and General Austin Miller, the top commander for U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan. The intra-Afghan talks are part of a landmark deal signed between the United States and the Taliban in February. Under the deal, foreign forces will leave Afghanistan by May 2021 in exchange for counter terrorism guarantees from the Taliban, which agreed to negotiate a permanent cease-fire and a power-sharing formula with the Afghan government. Diplomats say the talks had got off to a difficult start, with disagreements over how the Hanafi Islamic code could be used to guide negotiations and on whether the deal signed between the United States and the Taliban in February should be the basis for the talks, as demanded by the Taliban. The three sources said the delegations were putting those differences to one side to move forward and agree on an agenda, but would work on resolving these issues during negotiations. "The ground rules will serve as a foundation as both sides are making an effort to prevent a collapse," said a second senior official in Doha overseeing the talks. A cease-fire is a top priority for the Afghan officials and Western diplomats who are facilitating the talks. However, analysts say the Taliban would not agree to a comprehensive cease-fire since clashes with Afghan forces and violence gives it leverage at the negotiation table. Keith Korman is a literary agent and novelist. Author Winston Groom was one of his clients. When Groom died on September 17, we briefly posted the New York Times obituary in our Picks. Mr. Korman wrote us to recommend the obituary by Mark Hughes Cobb in the Tuscaloosa News as being truer to the man. I asked Mr. Korman if he would write up his own remembrance of Groom for Power Line readers. He calls this Footnotes to a Life. Mr. Korman writes: I know what its like to have a dream. Its a good thing. Ruth Groom, Winstons mother, from a partial memoir That was Winston Grooms mom. As a young lady, she went to New York to become an actress in the late 1920s and got a part in a play on Broadwaythat was a big chance to take for a woman from the deep South. Hell, its a big chance today. A lot can go wrong in the big city. But her family supported her dream all the same. As things turned out Ruth Groom acted well and received good reviews and then the Stock Market Crash came in early September and by the end of October all the theaters shut down. And Ruth Groom went home to Alabama. So if dreams come true, its worth noting. When Winston told her his plans to quit working as a journalist and turn his hand to writing a novel about his experiences in Vietnam, how could she help but see herself in him? She knew the risks better than most. And the risks of pursuing artistic creation are always the same. You succeed, you fail, you fall somewhere in between. The only difference was that shed lived her life and she was dying, while Winston in his 30s was beginning his. Our children are a continuation of ourselves, yet from generation to generation our struggles remain the same. We succeed. We fail. We fall somewhere in between. But its a good thing to have a dream. Over the course of decades in the book and movie world its easy to run across both success and failure, larger than life characters, big egos, manipulative snakes, noble saints, and noble sinnersand not just those on screen or pagethe ones youre in business with. So all the better when you represent a man with old fashioned honor that still uses a handshake to seal a compact. My familys agency, Raines & Raines, doesnt use agency contracts, just an agency clause if we make a deal for an authorand we represented Winston Groom for his entire publishing career. On the basis of a handshake. The year 1978 seems far away now when I met Winston for the first time at his book party for Better Times than These, his Vietnam war story and first novel. There we were, getting off the train in the Hamptons and piling into the station car, somebodys old Valiant or Rambler, Theron Raines, agent/stepfather, Jim Silberman of Summit Books, and me, as wet behind the ears as any 22-year-old could be. I seem to remember Winston coming to pick up us on this blistering hot summer day in June and we piled into the old clunker like Keystone Kops me, my stepfather Theron, and the slim and elegant Jim Silberman packed into the back of that car sitting on each others laps laughing at our temporary discomfort over every Hampton bump while Winstons sometime roommate Adam Shaw sat up front along with the tall, powerful young man driving who I seem to recall was Winston himself. After a short Hamptons drive, we spilled out of the conveyance at Gloria Joness house in the Hamptons, still clutching our sides over God knows what. Everyone was happy because a great book was being published. Author, agent, publisher, and good friend all in the same tiny car with our knees clamped under our chins we all knew it doesnt get better than this. At some point during the party, Adam Shaw made a toast to Winston, with a story of their roommate life as the two shared an apartment recently. The refrigerator warswhere one or the other would eat all the Sara Lee Cheesecake in the fridge in the middle of the night, then carefully put back the top over the tin, enclosing a handwritten note, that said, Sorry, Were Out of Cheesecake. (Adam, if I got this story wrong or conflated it with another event, chalk it up to gauzy memory.) One review of the war novel compared it to James Joness From Here to Eternity. I recall Theron Raines looking over the magazine at me, quoting, Like that other great novel of combat in the Pacific, From Here to Eternity. Scowling over his half-glasses, he said, This reviewer is an idiot. From Here to Eternity isnt about combat, its about soldiers and their women. Back then, in 1978 the WWII generation was still alive and in their prime. Theyd seen Korea and Vietnam and these distinctions mattered. Yet in the late 1970s we were only beginning to appreciate the sacrifices our men and women in Vietnam made for us. At the time Better Times was published, showing a human portrait of Americans at war was both new and very risky considering the recent turmoil that roiled the country. Cancel culture wasnt a thing back then, but the tide of feeling about the Vietnam war was just beginning to change from baby killers to tragic sacrifice. Among other extremely popular authors, Jim Silberman published Ira Levin (The Stepford Wives, Rosemarys Baby, The Boys from Brazil), and now he was throwing his weight and reputation behind Winston Groom for a first novel about the men who fought and died in Vietnam, a story of pathos and action and a dozen characters. A big book in every sense of the word. Apocalypse Now was yet to appear a year later in 1979 and First Blood with John Rambo was another three years off. So in many ways the publisher was taking a big risk. But not as many risks as a soldier in combat in Vietnam, and I think many were beginning to appreciate that. Certainly, as a young combat officer, Winston did. When asked about returning to southeast Asia for another project many years later, he told me, I never want to go back to Vietnam. What he meant was there were just too many ghosts there. What you saw in Forrest Gump for all its spectacular effects didnt bring the horror to life. But the length and breadth and human cost of the conflict for the men and women who fought and lost their lives there as captured in Better Times Than These came a lot closer. A lifetime later, you could still hear the sorrow in Winstons voice for anyone and everyone touched by our war in Vietnam. Other books and 16 years passed when the world found Winston again with the theatrical release of Forrest Gump. It won him a kind of admiration and recognition that comes to very few. Yes, the movie was different from the book, but that didnt matter to the throngs of Simon & Schuster employees who lined the halls waiting to meet the author and have a book signed. The line snaked down the office hall and spread to every corner of the floor. An endless line of people waited patiently for a turn as Winston sat at a small card table. Unopened boxes and stacks of books surrounded the table courtesy of Simon & Schuster while every other person in the long line clutched the movie tie-in Pocket Edition of Forrest Gump with Tom Hanks on the cover. It was stunning how many had already bought a copy. We were there for hours. There were so many people blocking the floor the President of Simon & Schuster, Jack Romanos, came down to see for himself. I remember him looking at the crowd lining the hallways of his company and quietly shaking his head. Ive never seen this before, he said. We could all see Winston was pleased, but he was pleased in a quiet Oh my oh my . . . kind of way. He displayed a sort of humility you see in the South, innate politeness overpowering everything else, like the heat. After Forrest Gump, everybody in the world ran at him, offering something or otherwhat I call showbiz promisesand still that handshake with Raines & Raines held, never broken. There were even some movie people who wanted to build a studio around him somewhere in Alabamabut the South is a place where tall tales take on mythic statusso maybe there werent. But maybe there were! It didnt matter. Massive success didnt change the man. He loved the work. He liked to tell stories. And he was good at it. A really good writer only has three or four really good books in him. Many who know him heard him say this. Any writing career has its ups and downs. For nearly two decades he worked on El Paso, a bold Western showing desperate men, cowboys, vaqueros at their best and worst, no punches pulled. El Paso everybody turned it down, and for over a decade too. The agency kept a submission card on paper of the places we went to. This was the old fashioned way. No Word docs. First, in Therons chicken-scratch handwriting and then, when he passed, I began to add to it. It became several grimy pages of submissions, dates, people no longer in the business, with coffee stains and torn edges, telling an undecipherable but clear story, a palimpsest of failed effort. Rewritten half a dozen times El Paso was finally published by Liveright, WW Nortonit went on to earn out its advance and may even wind up on the screen big or small. Yet those ink-stained, half readable dingy submission pages were still on my desk. So I took them to a fine arts framer and put them in a sturdy frame with backing and a double cut mat. The testament to all our effort, patience, and resolve. Winston put it in in his wood paneled office, on the floor, near a couple of shotguns. At the time, I was with the director of Forrest Gump, the Musicaland we were in Mobile, Alabama to see Winston and his wife, Susan, so they could hear the proposed music. And so that director Joe Tantalo could give them a feel of what the show was going to be, telling them the stage story and speaking with his hands as he often does. After Joes curtain came down and the sounds from the final number faded, there was just silence in the room. I saw Winston and Susan smile and I knew we were on our way. When he passed, Winston was working on a memoir of his life. He had completed the first third. Like anything Winston wrote, it wasnt so much about him as about the world around him. The lost South of the late 1940s, 50s, and 60s not nostalgic, not the one portrayed as evil, but a place where both the good and bad happened, as it still does today everywhere you look. A place where a black day laborer in a construction company could teach a teenager from another part of town how to build sidewalks and curbs in the early 1960s, as southern towns grew into suburbs and the wild rural places began to be tamed. Dirty, hard work in the summer sun. Then a long road, though military school, college, and finally the Army. He never got to write about Vietnam again. But we still have Better Times, a book that in the wild 1980s brought him to the salons of Manhattan, where the literary life was crazier than Studio 54. Some days before he passed, he said to me with a faint tone of doubt in his voice, I think I left a mark. Yet what humble man is truly certain? Even in the latter part of his career where he moved on to historical biographies he gave us strong historical portraits of men who changed our world, who won our wars, who set the standard of accomplishment, resolve, decency, and visionbut above all with Forrest Gump, Winston made the importance of good character and compassion the final measure of what it means to be human. Character as fate. And as his mom, Ruth Groom said, Its a good thing. When all is said and done, a darn good gift to the world. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan has again started to carry out missile strikes against Stepanakert, the correspondent of ARMENPRESS informs that three explosions were heard and part of the city is out of electricity. Representative of MoD Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan informed that Shushi is also under fire. Azerbaijan, directly backed by Turkey, unleashed war against Artsakh on September 27. Turkey, in addition to various types of assistance to Azerbaijan, including using its own air force against Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, deployed thousands of mercenaries and terrorists in Azerbaijan to fight against Artsakh. In the last few days Azerbaijan has been massively and deliberately striking cities of Artsakh, particularly capital Stepanakert. Editing and Translating by Tigran Sirekanyan The River Walk is paddling in new opportunities in 2020. For the first time in 30 years, kayaking will be allowed through the River Walk's scenic business district, where countless postcards and San Antonio snapshots have taken place. Kayaking on other extensions of the San Antonio River, like the King William District and Mission Reach, has been a popular activity, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. You were, however, not allowed access to the world-famous business district, where the hotels and restaurants are located. RELATED: I kayaked on the San Antonio River in the King William Historic District, here's what you need to know "This is a whole new route, a whole new ball game," said San Antonio River Walk Association Executive Director Maggie Thompson. The River Walk barges have total rights to the area, but the Go Rio Cruises are now starting boat tours at noon, giving kayakers a rare chance to paddle what's been called "America's Venice," Thompson said. Through the Mission Adventure Tours, kayakers will launch from the Tobin Center at 8 a.m. Friday through Sunday in October and costs $50 per person for the kayak, paddles and life jacket. The tour lasts two hours. Thompson said adventurers can bring their own kayak and life vest for a launch fee of $15. Thompson says this month is a trial run, adding the first weekend went "really well." The association, which works to promote, protect and preserve San Antonio's emerald jewel, relies on events for funding, Thompson said. Much of the River Walk's programming has been canceled due to the pandemic. Thompson said the city suggested the idea of kayaking on River Walk proper as a way to generate revenue. The 4-mile route is unguided, so kayakers can adventure at their own pace. The association says the trip is perfect for beginners and families. She says the Tobin Center offers parking for a charge, but the Central Library, which is a short walk away, also has some spots for $5. Mission Kayak is staggering groups to ensure social distancing at the launch point. The company is accommodating kayaking groups between 6 to 10 people. As for the water, Thompson says most of the route, which is referred to as the "Horsehoe" is 3- to 4-feet deep. However the area near the launch point can be 25- to 30-feet deep. Kayakers must remain seated at all times. Thompson says the rental company has more than 30 kayaks available daily. Those interested in taking advantage of the rare opportunity can book their tour on The San Antonio River Walk Association website. Time slots are available through the end of the month, according to the calendar. Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye Katherine Langford has paid a touching tribute to her late drama teacher Fern R. Nicholson who tragically passed away following her health battle. In a heartfelt post shared to her Instagram on Tuesday, the 13 Reasons Why star wrote: 'This morning I woke up to the news that my acting mentor, Fern Nicholson passed away last night in Perth' Alongside a picture of Fern, the 24-year-old continued: 'Fern mentored me in some of the my most fundamental moments, and on top of everything that's happened this year, it hurts that much more to be away from home and hear this news.' 'You gave me hope': Katherine Langford has paid a touching tribute to her late drama teacher Fern R. Nicholson who tragically passed away following her health battle Katherine was a student at Fern's prestigious Perth acting school, Nicholson's Academy of Screen Acting, in 2015. The following year, she headed to America after winning the coveted role of Hannah Baker in Netflix's hit series, 13 Reasons Why. Katherine went on to praise Fern in her tribute for 'seeing something special in her before others'. 'Selfless and radiant': In a heartfelt post shared to her Instagram on Tuesday, the 13 Reasons Why star wrote: 'This morning I woke up to the news that my acting mentor, Fern Nicholson [pictured] passed away last night in Perth' 'I remember spending every Wednesday night in your classes - they were the highlight of my week, and gave me hope that maybe one day I'd be able to pursue this dream that I'm lucky to be living now. 'For those who met or had the privilege to be taught by her, you understand what a selfless and radiant soul she had, and the enormous light she leaves behind. RIP Fern ,' the actress concluded. Fern launched Nicholson's Academy of Screen Acting [NASA] in Perth with her brother Wayne in 2011. The 24-year-old continued: 'Fern mentored me in some of the my most fundamental moments, and on top of everything that's happened this year, it hurts that much more to be away from home and hear this news' On her website, Fern wrote: 'I am a hard trainer with a tremendous amount of passion! I love ALL who I work with and trust that all students who have the same drive and passion will allow me to assist them in making this journey an exciting one! 'It's my mission to share and explore with as many of you that are just as passionate about this craft as I. 'It's not just about the techniques and skills that are required to be a great actor, it's about you, about you're personal journey and gathering 'life skills' on the way. I love what I do and do what I love!!' DUBLIN, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Form Type; Distribution Channel, and Geography" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The home diagnostics for urinary tract infection market was valued at US$ 847.85 million in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 1,354.02 million by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during 2020-2027. Factors driving the growth of the home diagnostics for urinary tract infection market are growing prevalence of urinary tract infections and aging population. However, the lack of product awareness in emerging nations and reluctance of population to utilize the products hinders the growth of the market. The urinary tract infection (UTI) is more common among women than in men. The UTI is easy to cure; however, the untreated UTI may lead to a severe health condition. Therefore, there are various diagnostics kits available in the market for UTI. Several diagnostics kits are sold over the counter. The UTI diagnostics works similar to the pregnancy kits; they have a strip, which is held in urine stream for a few seconds or dipping into a sample in a clean cup. The rising cases of UTI among the population are increasing the demand for the home diagnostics kits. Additionally, the awareness regarding kits is likely to influence market growth in the emerging regions. The global home diagnostic for urinary tract infection market is segmented on the basis of form type, and distribution channel. Based on form type, the market is segmented into dipsticks, cup, dipslide, cassette, and others. The dipsticks segment held a largest share of the market, and it is projected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Based on distribution channel, the home diagnostics for urinary tract infection market is segmented into retail pharmacies & drug store, online pharmacies, and supermarket/hypermarket. A few of the essential primary and secondary sources referred to while preparing this report include, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Reasons to Buy Save and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players and segments in the home diagnostics for urinary tract infection market. Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies. The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the global home diagnostics for urinary tract infection market, thereby allowing players across the value chain to develop effective long-term strategies. Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets. Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it. Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin security interest with respect to client products, segmentation, pricing and distribution. Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 1.1 Scope of the Study 1.2 Report Guidance 1.3 Market Segmentation 1.3.1 Global Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - By Form Type 1.3.2 Global Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - By Distribution Channel 1.3.3 Global Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - By Geography 2. Home Diagnostic for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Key Takeaways 3. Research Methodology 3.1 Coverage 3.2 Secondary Research 3.3 Primary Research 4. Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Market Landscape 4.1 Overview 4.2 PEST Analysis 4.2.1 North America- PEST Analysis 4.2.2 Europe- PEST Analysis 4.2.3 Asia Pacific- PEST Analysis 4.2.4 Middle East & Africa 4.2.5 South & Central America 4.3 Expert Opinion 4.4 Average Selling Price (US$) by Region, 2019 5. Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Key Market Dynamics 5.1 Market Drivers 5.1.1 Growing Urinary Tract Infections 5.1.2 Aging Population 5.2 Market Restraints 5.2.1 Lack of Product Awareness in Emerging Countries 5.3 Market Opportunities 5.3.1 Encouragement for Home Diagnostics 5.4 Future Trends 5.4.1 Utilization of Advanced Computing Technologies for Urine Diagnostics 5.5 Impact Analysis 6. Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Global Analysis 6.1 Global Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market Revenue Forecast And Analysis 6.2 Global Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market, By Geography - Forecast And Analysis 6.3 Market Positioning of Key Players 7. Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market Analysis - By Form Type 7.1 Overview 7.2 Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market Revenue Share, by Form Type (2019 and 2027) 7.3 Dipsticks 7.3.1 Overview 7.3.2 Dipsticks: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2027 (US$ Million) 7.3.3 Dipsticks: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Volume and Forecast to 2027 (Units Million) 7.4 Cup 7.4.1 Overview 7.4.2 Cup: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2027 (US$ Million) 7.4.3 Cup: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Volume and Forecast to 2027 (Units Million) 7.5 Dip Slide 7.5.1 Overview 7.5.2 Dip Slide: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2027 (US$ Million) 7.5.3 Dip Slide: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Volume and Forecast to 2027 (Units Million) 7.6 Cassette 7.6.1 Overview 7.6.2 Cassette: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2027 (US$ Million) 7.6.3 Cassette: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Volume and Forecast to 2027 (Units Million) 7.7 Other Form Types 7.7.1 Overview 7.7.2 Other Form Types: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2027 (US$ Million) 8. Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market Analysis - By Distribution Channel 8.1 Overview 8.2 Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market Revenue Share, by Distribution Channel (2019 and 2027) 8.3 Retail Pharmacies & Drug Store 8.3.1 Overview 8.3.2 Retail Pharmacies: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2027 (US$ Million) 8.4 Supermarket/ Hypermarket 8.4.1 Overview 8.4.2 Supermarket/ Hypermarket: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2027 (US$ Million) 8.5 Online Pharmacies 8.5.1 Overview 8.5.2 Online Pharmacies: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2027 (US$ Million) 9. Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market - Geographic Analysis 9.1 North America: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market 9.2 Europe: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market 9.3 Asia Pacific: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market 9.4 Middle East & Africa: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market 9.5 South and Central America: Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market 10. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market 10.1 North America: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic 10.2 Europe: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic 10.3 Asia-Pacific: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic 10.4 Rest of the World: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic 11. Home Diagnostics for Urinary Tract Infection Market -Industry Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.1 Growth Strategies Done by the Companies in the Market, (%) 11.2 Organic Growth Strategies 12. Company Profiles 12.1 BTNX Inc. 12.1.1 Key Facts 12.1.2 Business Description 12.1.3 Products and Services 12.1.4 Financial Overview 12.1.5 SWOT Analysis 12.2 i-Health, Inc. 12.3 F. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE LTD 12.4 ACON Laboratories, Inc. 12.5 ARKRAY 12.6 BD 12.7 ABBOTT 12.8 Aytu BioScience, Inc.( Innovus Pharmaceuticals, Inc) 12.9 Teco Diagnostics 12.10 Atlas Medical 13. Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wk5ea7 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal Following in the footsteps of communities like Denver and Santa Fe, Albuquerque is now poised to begin regulating Airbnbs and other short-term rentals. After a wide-ranging discussion that touched on family size and partying, the Albuquerque City Council on Monday night unanimously approved a bill that would require short-term rentals to obtain a city license, heed occupancy limits and provide the city with the name and phone number of a representative available 24/7 to respond to complaints. The bill emerged from a task force established nearly two years ago by Councilor Diane Gibson. She said it reflects only matters on which the participants reached consensus and avoided more controversial elements, like limits on how many short-term rental units could operate in any one area. Its going to protect the (short-term lodging) industry. Its going to protect the image that the city puts out there for visiting tourists who come and do stay at short-term rentals, and hopefully it will give some reassurance to neighbors that there is some place to call, Gibson said. The ordinance now heads to Mayor Tim Keller, who said in a statement late Monday that he will review it before taking action. Well take a close look when it gets to my desk for signature, with an eye toward aligning our rules with other cities and reining in the house parties that too often lead to gun violence, Keller said. As passed by the council, the ordinance creates new licenses for short-term rentals that cost $120 initially and $90 for annual renewal. Operators must also agree in writing to follow applicable city ordinances and they must post good neighbor agreements alerting their guests to occupancy limits and other related regulations. Gibsons bill originally restricted overnight occupancy to two adults per bedroom, but Klarissa Pena introduced a successful amendment to boost it by two additional people, meaning a four-bedroom could have up to 10 adults, for example. Brook Bassan supported the change, saying it would help with others like her who have large families. This is going to make it to where its not necessarily a party (situation), but just for those families that have gone a little bit above and beyond in their child-rearing, said the mother of four. Councilors discussed parties at length; the ordinance restricts on-site gatherings of people in excess of the guests to double the overnight occupancy or 20 people, whichever is less. The parties must conclude by 10 p.m. Isaac Benton who noted that he personally has parties with the best of them tried to amend the gathering maximum to 16 due to his concerns about disruptions in residential neighborhoods, but his proposal failed. Barry Schaudt has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Dartmouth College. Before arriving at Boston College, he taught Computer Science at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and was at the forefront of building the University of Minnesota Supercomputing Institute. At the University of Minnesota, he led the transition from a small Institute that leased time on supercomputers and purchased research support to an Institute that purchased and managed its own computer systems, and provided user support to a broad range of researchers. In addition, Barry has a background in Scientific Visualization, and has expertise in C/C++, MySQL, web technologies, as well as a wide range of software tools. Areas of Interest: Building a group at Boston College to support research High Performance Computing Desktop computing Scientific and data visualization Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science (Computational Geometry), Dartmouth College M.S. in Mathematics, University of Michigan B.S. in Mathematics, University of Michigan Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has accused Inspector-General (IG) of Police Hillary Mutyambai of playing politics after the IG issued arrest orders against him and Kandara MP Alice Wahome. Speaking on Monday, Ndindi told reporters that Mutyambai ordered his arrest because he mentioned powerful State Officers, Interior CS Fred Matiangi and PS Karanja Kibicho. The lawmaker denied involvement in the deadly clashes at Kenol, Muranga county on Sunday. In their hearts, they know exactly who planned the violence in Muranga. They are just playing politics and diversionary tactics by purporting to summon Alice and I. We were hosting the deputy president, how would we have disrupted our own meeting? Ndindi posed. He added: Id like to specifically tell IG Mutymbai that I know he issued orders for my arrest specifically because I mentioned Matiangi and Kibicho in my speech, and I know that is where the arrest orders came from. Ndindi also denied receiving any official summons from police. As you can see, the entrance to my home is not blockedsince morning I have been waiting for them (DCI) to come and pick me and now Ive seen on social media that we have allegedly been told to go to Nyeri. Let me categorically state that no one has reached out to me with any summons and in fact, when I spoke to the Nyeri Regional Commander of police, he told me that he had gone to Muranga on the assumption that his colleagues there would have better details, Nyoro said from his residence in Nairobi. The lawmaker further accused Muranga Woman Representative Sabina Chege of hosting a meeting where she allegedly planned the chaos. As early as Friday we knew that people were meeting at a hotel in Muranga and honourable Sabina Chege also held a meeting at Thika Greens Hotel. If the establishment would be as kind as to supply CCTV footage we have proof of the meeting. We have very clear information on the deliberations because they contacted some of our people. Luckily, I have SMS proof that I informed the regional commander about all this, he said. Google parent Alphabet announced on Tuesday that its G Suite group of productivity apps, including Gmail, will be rebranded as Google Workspace and get more pricing tiers. The new name better reflects the way various applications, such as the Google Meet video-calling service, are available from other applications, such as Google Docs. The changes might help Google increase revenue and become a more formidable challenger to Microsoft, whose Office 365 applications are more popular for business use. Any growth could lift Google's cloud business, which reduces Alphabet's dependence on Google's advertising business, an operation that faltered in the second quarter under the pressure of a pandemic and a recession. Consumer services from Google such as Gmail and Google Drive are widely used, and the company has for years sought to replicate that success inside companies, schools and nonprofits. But Microsoft remains dominant in the email and document authoring software market, with 87.6% share in 2019, according to research company Gartner. Google had 11.5% share, up from 10.5% in 2018. The Basic and Business versions of G Suite, which had cost $6 and $12 per user per month, will remain available as Business Starter and Business Standard plans for customers with 300 or fewer seats. A new Business Plus option with greater security features will cost $18 per user per month. There is also a new Essentials tier for teams and departments, which will be available for $8 per user per month. Large businesses can contact Google's salespeople, as was the case before. The new offerings "should translate into much more value to customers, for sure," said Javier Soltero, vice president and general manager of Google Workspace. In addition to the name and pricing changes, Google is rebranding the logos of several services to use all four colors in the main Google logo, and is introducing a handful of new features. For instance, when a user mentions a colleague by name in a document, other users will be able to hover over the name to find contact information. In addition, the team communication app Google Chat will allow users to create documents from inside their text conversations. Google previously tried branding changes to boost its business products. In 2014, Google rebranded Google Enterprise, which encompassed many of its products for businesses, as Google for Work. In 2016, Google's cloud chief at the time, Diane Greene, introduced the G Suite brand to encompass Google Docs, Google Sheets and other productivity apps. Previously, those online services were known as Google Apps, a name first used in 2006. Around the same time, the company rebranded other Google for Work services as Google Cloud. Former Oracle executive Thomas Kurian replaced Greene as Google's cloud leader in January 2019, and Google raised prices for G Suite around that time. In October 2019, Soltero joined Google from Microsoft, where he had been a corporate vice president working on Office and the Cortana virtual assistant. In February, Alphabet began disclosing quarterly cloud revenue. It booked $3 billion in Q2, up 43% from the year-ago quarter. WATCH: Google's work-from-home order extended to June 2021 Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Superior Plus Corp. (TSE:SPB) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. View our latest analysis for Superior Plus What's the estimated valuation? We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Levered FCF (CA$, Millions) CA$123.2m CA$207.0m CA$185.7m CA$173.3m CA$166.1m CA$162.0m CA$160.1m CA$159.5m CA$159.9m CA$161.0m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Est @ -10.27% Est @ -6.69% Est @ -4.19% Est @ -2.43% Est @ -1.2% Est @ -0.35% Est @ 0.26% Est @ 0.68% Present Value (CA$, Millions) Discounted @ 6.5% CA$116 CA$183 CA$154 CA$135 CA$121 CA$111 CA$103 CA$96.6 CA$91.0 CA$86.0 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = CA$1.2b 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 6.5%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2030 (1 + g) (r g) = CA$161m (1 + 1.7%) (6.5% 1.7%) = CA$3.4b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= CA$3.4b ( 1 + 6.5%)10= CA$1.8b 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$3.0b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of CA$12.0, the company appears quite undervalued at a 30% 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 Important assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the 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 Superior Plus 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 6.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. 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 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?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Superior Plus, we've compiled three relevant items you should explore: Risks: Be aware that Superior Plus is showing 3 warning signs in our investment analysis , and 1 of those doesn't sit too well with us... Future Earnings: How does SPB'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. WASHINGTON - Widespread Republican recalcitrance about federal health guidelines showed few signs of waning Monday as the party faces growing turmoil following President Donald Trump's hospitalization and as more White House aides test positive for the coronavirus. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and at least two of her deputies have contracted the virus, further derailing the functioning of a West Wing plunged into crisis and adding to a long list of top Republicans who have been infected. But many Republicans continue to dismiss calls for alarm - and for changes to the party's message on the virus and its operations. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who tested positive last week, said in an interview with a conservative talk-show host that there is "a level of unjustifiable hysteria" about a virus that has killed nearly 210,000 Americans. He asked, "Why do we think we actually can stop the progression of a contagious disease?" Johnson added that "from Day 1, we never should have gone through the shutdowns" and said, "We've got to carry on with our lives." Johnson's remarks came as Trump's doctors asserted that he could be discharged from the hospital as early as Monday, baffling infectious-disease experts, and then he later left Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Trump played down the threat of the disease on Monday, tweeting: "Feeling really good! Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life." Meanwhile, the Trump campaign plowed ahead with planning for rallies with large crowds, with Vice President Mike Pence scheduled to campaign Thursday in Arizona. Thousands of attendees at similar events this year have frequently flouted federal guidelines on masks and social distancing. "This begins at the top," said William Galston, a senior fellow in governance at the Brookings Institution. "Unless the president announces and underscores a change of course, I don't believe the administration or rank-and-file members of his party are going to change more than marginally." Galston said Trump has made the pandemic a "culture and identity issue, and culture and identity are much harder to shift than policy." Some GOP strategists said many Republicans are deeply shaped by the skepticism about the guidelines and the danger of the virus that is promulgated daily by conservative media stars and echoed by the president's core voters, creating a culture in the party where loyalty to Trump's approach is the rule. "They have to replace the party's elephant logo with a cowering politician who's afraid of Trump," said Mike Murphy, a veteran GOP consultant and Trump critic. "Whatever the Fox News, Trump line is about covid-19 being some snowflake thing is what they end up saying. The grip is still there." The political cost of the GOP's seemingly unflinching posture on the pandemic is unclear. The latest diagnoses inside the White House and the party have thrust its response to the pandemic back to the fore of this year's campaign after months of Republicans seeking to pull the spotlight toward other issues. In the House, three Minnesota Republicans who flew commercially on Friday - Reps. Pete Stauber, Tom Emmer and Jim Hagedorn - have been criticized for doing so one day after Trump tested positive and after flying on Air Force One with the president last Wednesday. And from Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who was seen on a flight Friday without a mask after being in Capitol meetings with infected senators, to Johnson - who attended a GOP-hosted Oktoberfest event in Wisconsin last week after being tested for the virus but before he was informed of his positive result - Republicans' conduct is now under increasing scrutiny. Wisconsin has experienced a record number of new virus cases as temperatures have dropped. Wicker's spokesman said he "lowered his face mask to eat a snack and forgot to put it back up." When he was reminded by a flight attendant, he put the mask back up and has not been in contact with people who have tested positive. Democrats see a party consumed by Trump and in lockstep with his view of the virus and share his distaste for face coverings and social distancing. "For the future and safety of our fellow citizens, I implore my Republican colleagues to join Democrats in taking this seriously. Wear a mask. Social distance. Follow the science, CDC guidance and listen to experts," said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. "Your actions now can still set an example, and it may very well save the lives of some of your supporters, colleagues and leaders, too." Yet there was muted acknowledgment on Monday by one prominent Republican running for reelection that Trump's handling of the pandemic has had missteps, reflecting the way embattled candidates are uneasily navigating a party that is dominated by Trump and sliding in the polls. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told the Houston Chronicle editorial board that Trump "let his guard down" on the pandemic. "I think in his desire to try to demonstrate that we are somehow coming out of this and that the danger is not still with us - I think he got out over his skis and frankly, I think it's a lesson to all of us that we need to exercise self discipline," Cornyn said. The GOP-controlled Senate is confronting its own challenges as Johnson, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., isolate after positive tests for the coronavirus. Some senators, such as Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, age 87 and third in the line of succession as the Senate's president pro tempore, have declined to be tested despite being in the same vicinity as Lee. "Sen. Grassley's doctors have not recommended he be tested as he has not come into close contact with anyone suspected of having or confirmed to have coronavirus," Grassley spokesman Michael Zona said in a statement to the Des Moines Register. On Monday, Tillis's office said the senator, who is facing a tough reelection race and has fallen behind his Democratic challenger in recent polls, is "no longer exhibiting any symptoms." Despite the three positive tests in his ranks, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Monday that the Senate was "going ahead with the full, thorough and timely confirmation process" to install Judge Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court before Election Day - an effort that days ago was seen by Republicans as a crowning achievement in an otherwise difficult year. The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to begin hearings Oct. 12. Johnson, speaking Monday in the interview with host Ross Kaminsky of Denver-based radio station 630 KHOW, said he is prepared to wear a "moon suit" if necessary to cast a vote to confirm Barrett. "I've already told leadership, I'll go in a moon suit," Johnson said. "We think this is pretty important. I think people can be fairly confident that Mitch McConnell is dedicated to holding this vote." In the interview, Johnson also said he is feeling "perfectly fine," but is "in total isolation" since testing positive for the coronavirus. The Republican from Wisconsin repeatedly said he is "not downplaying covid," while at the same time arguing that "the press has done such a good job in ingraining in almost everybody's brain that if you get covid, it's a death sentence. It's not." Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who is in a tight special-election race, tweeted a video that showed Trump, at a wrestling match, pummeling an individual with a digitally edited and spiky covid-19 particle for a head. "Covid stood no chance against @realDonald Trump," she tweeted. In his remarks Monday, McConnell, who had polio as a child, offered a more somber assessment of the virus and its devastating toll than Trump's message not to be afraid. "The standard cliche would say these past few days have provided a stark reminder of the danger of this terrible virus. But the truth is that our nation did not need any such reminder," McConnell said on the Senate floor. "More than 209,000 of our fellow citizens have lost their lives. Millions have battled illness or had their lives disrupted by positive tests. . . . We all need to remain vigilant. We all need to remain careful." Elsewhere, key Republicans isolating on Monday after recently testing positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the illness covid-19, included Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien and Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee. Other Trump advisers - such as former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie - have also tested positive. Russian sailors captured by pirates off Equatorial Guinea coast released RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 15:22 06/10/2020 MOSCOW, October 6 (RAPSI) Russian sailors Alexey Perfilyev, Valentin Nechai, and Vyacheslav Sechin, captured in May by pirates on hijacked vessels Djibloho and Rio Mitong off the coast of Equatorial Guinea and held in the territory of Nigeria since then, were freed, according to Russias Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova. The Ombudsman welcomed their release and wished they returned home as soon as possible. In late September, she turned to UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet and Head of Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission Anthony Ojukwu seeking their help in protection of Russian sailors kidnapped by pirates. According to the information available to the Ombudsman, Russian citizens were held in unacceptable conditions in a tent camp; their lives are in grave danger. Piracy, abduction, extrajudicial restraints are unacceptable in the modern world as such unlawful actions condemned by the progressive humankind undermine the principles enshrined in universal international acts on human rights and liberties, Moskalkovas stated. The Ombudsman urged to undertake all necessary measures as to respect of rights and liberties of Russian nationals. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 03:55:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya, Yacoub El Hillo, on Tuesday met with the UN-backed government's Interior Minister, Fathi Bashagha, discussing joint cooperation on humanitarian issues. "Both parties agreed to resolve challenges, particularly those facing the internally displaced, migrants and people in need of international protection. Facilitation of entry visas to staff members of international humanitarian NGOs in Libya was also discussed and agreed," the UN Support Mission in Libya said in a statement. The two officials also stressed the need to urgently resume flights for the voluntary return of migrants from Libya to their home countries and to expedite departures for refugees resettling in third countries and those departing on humanitarian evacuation. Libya has become a preferred point of departure for thousands of immigrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea towards European shores, due to the insecurity and chaos that have plagued Libya since the fall and death of its former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Enditem Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine Oleksandr Tkachenko and Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Ukraine Darkhan Kaletaev discussed cooperation in the field of culture and tourism. "Among the requests voiced by the delegation are the renewal of the Kazakh hall at the Taras Shevchenko Museum in Kaniv, the possibility of a tour of the Astana Ballet Theater in Ukraine in October-November 2020, issues of cooperation between the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan (AKP) and the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine," Tkachenko wrote on his Facebook page. He noted that he had told the interlocutors about the results of the ministry's work over the past four months. "We agreed that we will develop tourism cooperation. Kazakhstan is interested in flight on the Astana-Lviv route. We will look for options for launching the flight, because this is the best way to attract Kazakhs to the tourism routes of Ukraine," the minister said. Photo credit: Oleksandr Tkachenko's Facebook page ish As uncertainty continues over the health of US President Donald Trump, his positive test for Covid-19 has further divided Republicans and Democrats less than 30 days to go before the 3 November presidential election, with each side trying to spin Trump's illness to fit their own version of reality. With less than a month to go before polling day, Americans remain in the dark about the real state of their president's health. Donald Trump, who tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, was seen at the weekend taking a drive to wave at cheering supporters outside the Walter Reed military hospital near Washington where he is being treated. The move, criticised by experts, followed conflicting medical reports, varying from the president having made "unbelievable progress" to needing extra oxygen. Trump, who posted a video on Twitter just before his surprise drive-past, said he had "learned a lot about Covid". For Randy Yaloz, the president of Republicans Abroad in France, Trump's experience with the virus could help him narrow the gap with Democrat rival Joe Biden in the polls. Covid hero "I think that people are going to appreciate that he went out and met the American people," he told RFI by phone hours after Trump tested positive for Covid-19. "He went out on the Covid-19 battlefield. I think he's like a military hero. He's on the Covid battlefield and he's out there." Trump has repeatedly been rebuked for flouting public health advice, while at the same time mocking the "frailty" of his Democrat challenger Joe Biden for wearing a protective mask. "Democrats have been sending me jokes saying, 'do they think it is a communication scam that he's got the Covid,' because they know it's gonna improve his ratings if he comes out ahead," continues Yaloz. For the Republican camp, Trump "took some risk, a calculated risk," but it paid off. Not everyone sees it that way however. A majority of Americans think Trump could have avoided infection if he had taken the virus a little more seriously, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Sunday. For Zachary Miller, the former vice chair of Democrats Abroad in France, Biden has cut a figure of calm amid the chaos of Trump's presidency. White House cluster "Not only because Biden took a cautious response toward himself but because Biden has emphasised that 'it's not about you, it's about the people around you: your mother, your brother, your sister, your kids, the people that you have to make contact with: the bus driver, the people sitting next to you,'" he told RFI by phone on Monday. Biden's strong performance during last week's presidential debate, where he spoke to the camera, directly to the American people, has given him a ten point lead with his Republican challenger. "I think people are seeing now that the preferred response was to be overprotective, than to be so loose with it (Covid), Miller added. Controversy has been mounting after reports that Trump attended a fundraising event in Bedminster, New Jersey, even after learning that his personal aide Hope Hicks had the virus -- and just hours before he announced his own positive test. The 30 donors are now said to be panicked after being around the commander in chief hours before he announced that he was infected. Fears of a White House cluster were also confirmed on Monday after Trump's press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tested positive, joining his wife Melania and a growing list of Republicans. From day one, "there has been no kind of national coordination," reckons Miller. "This administration has always been sending mixed signals: 'You should do this, but I'm not going to do this'. It was a cowardly way of leading because he didn't want to be wrong." Under scrutiny Whether Trump's health will have a bearing on his quest for reelection remains uncertain. But doctors not involved in treating him for Covid-19 have said the fact that the 74-year-old has been taking dexamethasone - a generic steroid widely used in other diseases to reduce inflammation - is evidence his case is more severe than his doctors are willing to let on. For Scott Lucas, a professor of American studies at the University of Birmingham in the UK, Trump's illness has further polarised Republicans and Democrats in one of the most turbulent and unpredictable US election for decades. It has also cast a harsh spotlight on his handling of the pandemic: "The Trump camp did not want the last month of this campaign to be about coronavirus, that's why they tried to push it to the side with the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett," he tells RFI of the conservative judge whom critics say was chosen for her religious views. "So what the Trump camp will do is to try and make it a personal story. Assuming that he will recover they will try to make it about this valiant man who defeated coronavirus almost on his own, that the country has turned a corner." Personality politics However, with the US reporting 42,600 new cases and 700 deaths on average each day, compared with 35,000 cases and 800 deaths in mid-September, this narrow view may be difficult to sustain. "The Democrats will make this a wider focus. Let's remember that even if Trump survives coronavirus, 210,000 Americans did not. So we hope he recovers. But this is about the American people and about the fact that Trump's case highlights his denial and his mismanagement of the crisis for nine months," he said. Trump's condition has further sharpened the focus of this presidential election on his personality, with the US leader eager to show he's in charge, despite his sickness. Shortly after his drive-past photo operation triggered a backlash, Trump fired 15 block capital tweets in 30 minutes, reminding voters of his tax cuts, stock market highs and protection of gun rights and religious liberties. Whether it will be enough to convince voters on 3 November that he is the man for the job is almost as unpredictable as his health. The Tory party's online conference descended into shambles as it suffered technical glitches. As Rishi Sunak addressed the Conservative conference for the first time as Chancellor yesterday, the transmission went dead and he was left speaking into an empty vacuum. Just two days earlier, exhibitors were temporarily unable to log into the virtual conference as Michael Gove participated in a 'fireside chat'. This is yet another embarrassing episode for the beleaguered PM, who has been dogged by technological issues in recent days. It comes in the wake of the test and trace shambles, with the news that 16,000 people who tested Covid-positive last week went unreported because of a 'computer glitch'. Business leaders waiting for a virtual question and answer with Boris Johnson and Mr Sunak. Pictured, the PM chairing his weekly Cabinet meeting remotely from the Cabinet room of No10 Downing Street during the coronavirus As Rishi Sunak addressed the Conservative conference for the first time as Chancellor yesterday, the transmission went dead and he was left speaking into an empty vacuum Business leaders waiting for a virtual question and answer with Boris Johnson and Mr Sunak faced a buffering screen for almost an hour. The session was delayed by around 50 minutes, according to the Times, with one business owner telling the paper: 'It's been a complete shambles to be honest.' Yesterday, a staggering rise in coronavirus cases was recorded in Britain as the Department of Health announced 12,594 more positive tests more than triple the 4,368 that were recorded a fortnight ago. Last Monday's data, which would usually be a good point of reference, is now unreliable because of a catastrophic counting error at Public Health England, meaning September 21 is the most recent Monday with an accurate number. Officials confirmed that the huge number was a clean count that did not include any cases left over from the weekend's data blunder at Public Health England that saw 16,000 test results from the past week tacked onto Sunday night's update. Instead, the more than 12,000 new infections emerged after the fog had cleared from the counting catastrophe believed to have been caused by an Excel problem in outdated software at PHE and marked one of the biggest one-day rises so far for Britain. The extraordinary meltdown was caused by an Excel spreadsheet containing lab results reaching its maximum size, and failing to update. Some 15,841 cases between September 25 and October 2 were not uploaded to the government dashboard. As well as underestimating the scale of the outbreak in the UK, critically the details were not passed to contact tracers, meaning people exposed to the virus were not tracked down. The technical issue has now been resolved by splitting the Excel files into batches. Health Secretary Matt Hancock faced the House of Commons to explain the extraordinary episode, which he said 'should never have happened'. He told MPs an investigation was being carried out into how thousands of cases had dropped out of the system. Labour slammed the government for 'failing on the basics', while Tory MPs weighed in to warn public confidence is being 'undermined' and demand the military is brought in to help. Mr Hancock revealed that he was told on Friday night that the cases had gone missing, and urgent contact tracing had started on Saturday morning. However, only 51 per cent of the cases had been contact traced as of this morning. Mr Hancock laid the blame squarely on 'legacy' software system at Public Health England, amid a bitter spat over who was responsible for the shambles. He said he had already ordered it to be replaced. Calling for free, open and inclusive India-Pacific, Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said the country is committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency and freedom of navigation in the international seas.During his opening remarks at 2nd Quad Ministerial Meeting here, Jaishankar asserted that the events of this year have clearly demonstrated how imperative it is for like-minded countries to coordinate responses to the various challenges that the pandemic has brought to the force. As vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values, our nations have collectively affirmed the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. We remain committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes, he said. The ministers expressed satisfaction that the India-Pacific concept has gained increasingly wider acceptance around the world.Our objective remains to advance the security and the economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region. It is a matter of satisfaction that the Indo-Pacific concept has gained increasingly wider acceptance. The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative that we tabled at the East Asia Summit last year is a development with considerable promise in that context, he added. The second foreign ministers meeting of the Quadrilateral grouping began today. Speaking after, US Secretary Mike Pompeo, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Jaishankar said he looks forward to the discussions on important issues such as connectivity and infrastructure development, security including counter-terrorism.I look forward to our discussions today on important issues such as connectivity and infrastructure development, security including counter-terrorism; cyber and maritime security; and the stability and prosperity in the region, Jaishankar said. ALSO READ: Quad foreign ministers talk about special partnership in meeting with Japanese PM As India assumes membership of the UN Security Council next year, Jaishankar said he looks forward to seeking collective solutions to global challenges, including global recovery from the pandemic and reform of multilateral institutions.Acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a profound transformation globally, the minister said: The fact that we are meeting here today, in person, despite the global pandemic, is a testimony to the importance that these consultations have gained, particularly in recent times. Our world is significantly different today than what it was when we last met in New York in September 2019. The events of this year have clearly demonstrated how imperative it is for like-minded countries to coordinate responses to the various challenges that the pandemic has brought to the fore. As we collectively navigate these uncharted waters, we seek to emerge from the pandemic more resilient than ever before, he added. ALSO READ: Jaishankar meets Pompeo: India and US to work together for Indian Pacific stability, prosperity Benton County deserves leadership that seeks to understand issues from all perspectives, is capable of making tough decisions, and works diligently on behalf of all. Thats why I am supporting Nancy Wyse for Benton County Commissioner. In Nancys terms as Corvallis city councilor, she has proven her commitment to good government. She does her homework, asks the hard questions, listens to all sides, and makes decisions based on both the facts and principle. She has worked hard to develop a keen understanding of the issues that face Corvallis and Benton County, serving in roles focused on budget and economic development for both the city and county, as well as statewide experience through the League of Oregon Cities. Benton Countys rich mix of rural and urban areas is part of what makes this a great place to live. It is critical that our county leadership seeks ways to ensure the economic vitality of our area is restored and preserved in the wake of the pandemic, and that we respect the diversity of our both our landscapes and all who live here. Nancy Wyse is the right choice for County Commissioner. Shawn Collins Corvallis Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Lauren Goodger was clinging onto the last of summer on Monday when she headed out in a pretty striped dress for an al fresco pub outing in Manchester. The former TOWIE star, 34, looked incredible in the elegant blue and white number, which suited her perfectly and had a split going up the front. She teamed it with a pair of nude flat mules as she joined a pal for a drink after attending the aesthetics clinic nearby. Looking good: Lauren Goodger showed off her curves in a pretty striped dress as she hit the pub in Manchester on Monday after it was revealed she's dating Katie Price's ex Charles Drury The leg split allowed for a flash of Lauren's toned legs as she caught up with her pal for a gossip session. The outing comes after it was revealed Lauren is dating Katie Price's ex, Charles Drury. Over the weekend, Lauren shared pictures of herself cuddling Charles, 23, who's 11 years her junior, in bed, before cheekily insinuating the pair had made love together. Flashing her pins: The former TOWIE star, 34, looked incredible in the elegant blue and white number, which suited her perfectly and had a split going up the front Charles, who had a brief fling with Katie, 42, in 2019, and branded her 'lazy in bed,' also shared an image he had taken in Lauren's bedroom. In one social media post, Lauren disguised Charles' face with a love heart emoji, captioning the picture, 'Cuddles?' Another image showed Charles in grey boxers and a T-shirt with Lauren covering his face using a cat love heart emoji. It became clear Lauren's mystery man is Charles after he shared a picture from her bedroom and the two used the same song in their posts. Lauren also called Charles 'the cutest' after he tended to the star while she was unwell the weekend by giving her some products to freshen up. A spokesman for Lauren told MailOnline: 'Lauren and Charles are friends. 'Charles came to see Lauren as she hasn't been well over the weekend and brought her supplies.' Lauren, who rose to fame on TOWIE while in a relationship with ex-boyfriend Mark Wright, 33, has previously dated jailbirds Joey Morrison and Jake McLean. 'Cuddles?': Lauren has been boasted about Katie's ex Charles Drury being her 'morning workout' Into him: The TOWIE star, 34, shared pictures of her cuddling Charles, 23, who's 11 years her junior, in bed, before cheekily insinuating the pair had made love together This doesnt necessarily mean that all 13-year-olds can cause outbreaks like this, said William Hanage, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health who was not involved with the research. But it does mean that some 13-year-olds can. The potential for children to transmit the disease is now pretty much established, Dr. Hanage said. In the new case report, the girl was exposed to the coronavirus away from home in June, the authors reported. However, four days after the exposure, a rapid antigen test reported a negative result. Antigen tests for the coronavirus, however, often produce erroneous results. Two days later, she experienced nasal congestion, her only Covid-19 symptom. The same day, she, her parents and two brothers traveled to a get-together of 20 relatives over the next three and a half weeks. Fourteen of them stayed in the five-bedroom, two-bathroom house at varying lengths of time ranging from 8 to 25 days; they did not wear face masks or stay at least six feet apart from each other. Six other relatives came by during two days once for 10 hours, the other time for three hours but maintained physical distance and remained outdoors, although they too did not wear face masks. Of the 14 staying at the house, 12 of them, including the girl, came down with Covid-19, with the onset of symptoms appearing up to 18 days after the start of the gathering. Their ages ranged from 9 to 72. Not all of them were likely to have been directly infected by the girl; the virus may have been spread by several people in the house. Now that he has contracted Covid-19, President Donald Trump says he does get it. That revelation, seven months into the pandemic and after almost 210,000 American deaths, is not the first time he has relied on personal experience to shape his views. He said he now understands the virus. But because of his own experience, as a patient at one of the nations finest medical facilities with treatment options available to very few, the president also reinforced that he has struggled to relate with everyday Americans, millions of whom have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus. Instead, as he has in relationships with other countries, he has prioritized his own personal experience over that of experts. He has been reluctant, for instance, to call out Russian President Vladimir Putin over interference in American elections in the face of clear evidence from the US intelligence community that it has occurred. Also Read: Donald Trump returns to White House after 4-day stay at hospital He has also drawn frequently on his experience with the business world or his own family to set the White House agenda. He cited his business acumen as helping him land a deal for the US Embassy in Jerusalem, and he said he understands the airline industry because of his time running the failed Trump Shuttle. Despite months of briefings from the nations leading infectious disease experts, it was the onset of his own symptoms, as he was brought low by a lethal virus, that he said gave him a greater understanding. That understanding, however, seemed very much in conflict with expert public health guidance about how the virus behaves and the precautions that people infected, particularly those in a higher risk group like the president, need to take. Its been a very interesting journey, Trump said in a video released Sunday night. I learned a lot about Covid. I learned it by really going to school. This is the real school. And I get it, and I understand it, and its a very interesting thing, and Im going to be letting you know about it. Also Read| Donald Trump intends to participate in next US presidential debate: Official But it soon became clear that he did not, in fact, get it. Trump took a surprise ride in a motorcade to pay tribute to his supporters, potentially exposing the Secret Service agents who rode in the vehicle with him. The next day, when announcing that he would be returning to the White House, he took a tone that suggested he was out of touch with suffering Americans who could not receive the same level of presidential care. Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life, Trump tweeted. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago! At no point since he tested positive for the virus has Trump acknowledged others afflicted with the deadly disease. His general election foe, Democrat Joe Biden, on Monday urged him to fundamentally change how he manages the pandemic. I was glad to see the president speaking and recording videos over the weekend, Biden said in Miami. Now that hes busy tweeting campaign messages, I would ask him to do this: Listen to the scientists, support masks. Even when the virus struck longtime friends, like Stanley Chera, a New Jersey developer who died of the disease in April, Trump did not change his approach and continued to talk about the virus as though it would soon be a thing of the past. Weve always said that he has no capacity for empathy. His sense of self-regard is so overwhelming, he views everything that passes through the world through the lens of what it does for him, said Eddie Glaude, chair of the department of African American Studies at Princeton University. Even though more than 200,000 Americans are dead, the nature of the crisis doesnt come home unless it actually touches him, Glaude said. Could he ever represent anyone other than himself? Trump has said he could deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un because he had established a personal rapport with the authoritarian figure in ways that his predecessors could not. Click here for complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic I was being really tough and so was he. And then we would go back and forth, Trump said at a 2018 rally. And then we fell in love. No really. He wrote me beautiful letters. Since Trump has in effect declared his battle with the disease successful an assessment that available medical evidence suggests is premature it remains doubtful that Trump would take his personal experience battling Covid-19 and rethink his administrations policies or attitudes toward the pandemic, especially given the competing imperative of continuing his presidential campaign. Trump often has had difficulty embracing a central role of the American presidency: consoling people dealing with intense grief, regardless of their political affiliation or support for the White Houses agenda. Its a quality rarely debated or analyzed during a campaign, yet one that can shape the way people view the success of their president. But in 2020, it has become a central issue. The president has rarely mentioned the toll of the virus on the nation, instead focusing on an economic recovery or a rise in the stock market. He has largely eschewed wearing a mask and mocked those who have. And he has ignored his own federal governments guidelines when holding rallies and large-scale White House events. Trump may draw lessons from his own experiences but will rarely ever acknowledge a misstep, said former campaign adviser Sam Nunberg. He once said, It is what it is about the impact of Covid. His video (Sunday night) was better than that, it was probably the closest he is going to get to an apology, said Nunberg. Thats not who he is. The White House sees it differently. He has experience now fighting the coronavirus as an individual, said Erin Perrine, a campaign spokeswoman. Joe Biden doesnt have that. From the Indian perspective, the key event during the month was Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksas first-ever virtual summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi held on September 26. by Col R Hariharan The month of September 2020 was a crucial one for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who has been impatiently waiting to gain two-thirds majority support in the parliament in the parliamentary poll, to go ahead with his agenda. Gaining it with the reaffirmation of Sinhala majority has given him confidence to handle the nation, facing unprecedented economic woes due to global Covid pandemic. In what appeared to be a hasty move, the government presented the 20th Amendment (20A) to the constitution bill to replace the 19th Amendment (19A) brought by the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government, to make the president more accountable to parliament and clipped some of his powers in key appointments of governance. This move provided a bone to pick for the opposition, demoralised after their dismal performance in the parliamentary election. There were chaotic scenes when the bill was introduced, with the Opposition staging loud protests inside the House, countered by equally loud counter protests by the ruling party members. The 19A decentralised the appointments to the nine commissions including the Elections Commission, the National Police Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the Finance Commission, the Public Service Commission, among others to a Constitutional Council. It rolled back the 18th Amendment, earlier brought in by the outgoing President Mahinda Rajapaksa that removed the two-term bar on incumbent president from contesting a third time. Under the 19A, the President also lost his power to sack the Prime Minister. It also placed a ceiling on the number of ministers and deputy ministers. Evidently, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa through the 20A has tried to not only undo 19A, but out do even the 18A. Apparently, even within the government parliamentary group, there was some criticism of the 20A when it met before the bill was fielded. According to the local media at least three ministers wanted the 20A to retain some of the provisions of 19A, which debarred dual citizens from contesting elections. There was also criticism of reducing the age of eligibility to contest the election from 35 to 30. Another change proposed in 20A was to allow the President to dissolve the parliament after four years of its five-year term, instead of the earlier four and half years under the 19A. The Centre for Policy Alternatives expressing its concerns in the 20A bill, said It seeks to remove the checks and balances on the executive presidency. In particular, it abolishes the binding limitations on presidential powers in relation to key appointments to independent institutions through the pluralistic and deliberative process of the Constitutional Council. This appears to be the essence of the problem. Eighteen political parties led by Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) led by Sajith Premadasa have filed their objections to the bill at the Supreme Court, which is expected to dispose it off by first week October, 2020 Surprisingly, the President seem to have prioritised strengthening his constitutional position through the 20A fulfilling his election promise, rather than implementing than more down to earth issues affecting the common man, particularly after the Covid pandemic has severely affected the economy and livelihood sources of the people. India-Sri Lanka Summit From the Indian perspective, the key event during the month was Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksas first-ever virtual summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi held on September 26. Both the leaders are trying to manage in their own ways China - the elephant in the room. The two countries are affected by four criticalities impacting their multilateral relations, in which they can help each other. These are: economic recovery after the havoc created by the Covid pandemic, strategic security compulsions of worsening India China relations, threat of terrorism and insurgency from third country and managing the 4-nation Quadrilateral linkages to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. Of course, there are two perennial areas of suspicion, distrust and dissension: Tamil Nadu fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters and the implementation of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord 1987 in letter and spirit to meet the aspirations of Tamil minority in Sri Lanka (and as a corollary implementation of 13th amendment to Sri Lanka constitution providing limited provincial autonomy). At the meeting, PM Modi said, We are giving special and high priority to our relationship with Sri Lanka in accordance with my governments neighbourhood first policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine. Apparently, it was a reiteration of India agreeing to continue and further strengthen their mutual cooperation on personnel exchange and training and maritime security, made during PM Rajapaksas visit in February when he was interim prime minister. The current situation in India-China standoff in Ladakh also came up during the discussion. However, India is probably more comfortable with Sri Lanka on Chinas presence in the country, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made it clear that Sri Lanka was adopting an India first approach as its regional foreign policy plank. As Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Admiral Colombage said in August, that meant Sri Lanka will not do anything harmful to Indias strategic security interests. According to official media briefing, the leaders also acknowledged the progress made in information sharing and cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, as well as, in dealing with regional drug trafficking. They also discussed working to strengthen bilateral financial cooperation. India has already provided a $400 million currency swap facility to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in order to assist with economic recovery and to tackle Covid related disruptions. This was perhaps the most urgent issue to bale out the cash strapped Sri Lankan economy. After the talks, MEA Joint Secretary (Indian Ocean Region) Amit Narang said An additional request for a bilateral currency swap arrangement worth around $1 billion by the Sri Lankan side remains under discussion. Technical discussions on Sri Lankas request for debt deferment are going on. He was referring to Sri Lankas request for a three-year moratorium for $960-million debt owed to India, which had been pending since last February. PM Modi in his opening remarks touched upon the issue and said that Sri Lankas additional request for a currency swap arrangement worth around $ 1 billion was still under discussion. According to Narang, the two leaders also exchanged views on reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Modi called on the new government in Sri Lanka to work towards realising the expectations of Tamils for equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka by achieving reconciliation nurtured by implementation of the Constitutional provisions. He emphasized that implementation of the 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution is essential for carrying forward the process of peace and reconciliation. PM Modis reference to the 13th amendment was widely welcomed by Sri Lanka Tamil leaders, who had been uneasy after President Rajapaksa had come out against devolution and Admiral Sarath Weerasekara, minister for provincial councils, had called the 13th Amendment and provincial councils burdensome and useless and suggested abolishing them. However, in the joint statement, PM Rajapaksa expressed confidence that Sri Lanka would work towards realising the expectations of all ethnic groups, including Tamils, by achieving reconciliation nurtured as per the mandate of the people and implementation of the constitutional provisions. PM Modis reference to the peace process and reconciliation was equally welcomed by Tamils, particularly after President Rajapaksa disowned Sri Lankas sponsorship of the UN Human Rights council resolution in 2018. The two leaders exchanged views on fishermen-related issues. They agreed to continue and strengthen the ongoing constructive and humanitarian approach to address this issue through existing bilateral mechanisms and instructed relevant officials on both sides to this effect, rather a vague commitment. It was interesting to see there was considerable focus on the soft aspects of diplomacy in their interactions. These included exploring opportunities in common heritage such as Buddhism, Ayurveda and Yoga. In this connection, PM Modi announced that a delegation of Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka will be aboard the inaugural of the international flight to the sacred city of Kushinagar. He also announced a grant $ 15 million for promoting Buddhist ties between the two countries. The two leaders also agreed to facilitate tourism by enhancing connectivity and by early establishment of an air bubble. Overall, the summit was an exercise in building better understanding between the two leaders, when their countries are going through troubled times. They seem to have focused on do-ables, deferring the gritty issues, to be taken up as and when they come. [Col R Hariharan, a retire MI specialist on South Asia and terrorism, served as the head of intelligence of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka 1987-90. E-mail: haridirect@gmail.com ] As a Premium Partner of the Book Fair, CCC Continues to Spotlight Innovation in Global Publishing Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (CCC), a leader in advancing copyright, accelerating knowledge, and powering innovation, has once again partnered with The Frankfurt Book Fair to spotlight innovation in global publishing. "As the Frankfurt Book Fair is virtual this year, we are adapting our programming to resonate with audiences worldwide, celebrating the innovative solutions being developed by the publishing industry," said Michael Healy, Executive Director, International Relations, CCC. "We look forward to engaging in valuable discussions on key issues and fully supporting the Book Fair's 2020 motto Signals of Hope: New Perspectives for a Stronger Future." As part of its partnership with the Book Fair, CCC will host interactive panel discussions and presentations by industry experts, including: COVID-19, Copyright and the Creative Economy Tuesday, 13 October, 11:00am 11:30am, EDT, 17:00 CEST The global pandemic has dramatically accelerated the shift to digital media across the globe. In the virtual environment where distance is now immaterial, humanity has both converged and been scattered. The essential work of publishing sharing knowledge and enabling expressions has never been more important. Bodour Al Qasimi, Vice President, International Publisher Association; Founder and CEO, Kalimat Publishing Group Tracey Armstrong, President and CEO, CCC Fathima Dada, Managing Director of Oxford Education, OUP Michael Healy, Executive Director, International Relations, CCC Where Publishing and the Pandemic Meet Thursday, 15 October, 11:00am 12:00pm EDT; 17:00 18:00 CEST When CCC invited senior policy makers, scholarly and society publishers, funders, institutions and researchers to meet in London last year, participants explored how best to advance scholarly research and improve the scientific publishing ecosystem. And while market disruptions, expected and unexpected, are always a factor in scientific publishing, the COVID-19 pandemic quickly became the catalyst to accelerate the industry's pursuit of open science, business model evolution, and digital transformation. Panelists will share data about the coronavirus disruption to STEM publishing across key points in the ecosystem how it drives their investments, influences their Transformative Agreement deals, and shapes the innovations they hope to bring to market. Attendees will learn how stakeholders have stepped up to meet the rigorous expectations of researchers worldwide in 2020. Tony Alves, Director, Product Management, Aries Systems Rachel Burley, President, Research Square Tatiana Khayrullina, Director, Lead Analyst, Scientific and Technical Solutions, Outsell, Inc. Andrew Popper, Global Products Marketing, IEEE Jennifer Goodrich, Director, Product Management, Publisher Solutions, CCC Christopher Kenneally, Director, Content, CCC From interactive panel discussions to presentations by industry experts, CCC facilitates the most current conversations and industry content. Last week, CCC produced a virtual Town Hall featuring publishing leaders and education solutions providers who shared their lesson plans for digital transformation in a COVID-19 world. CCC also recently hosted virtual Town Halls on 'Thinking Beyond the Crisis: Building Digital Resiliency' and 'Transformative Agreements: How Innovation is Answering the Open Access Challenge.' ABOUT COPYRIGHT CLEARANCE CENTER Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) builds unique solutions that connect content and rights in contextually relevant ways through software and professional services. CCC helps people navigate vast amounts of data to discover actionable insights, enabling them to innovate and make informed decisions. CCC, with its subsidiary RightsDirect, collaborates with customers to advance how data and information is integrated, accessed, and shared while setting the standard for effective copyright solutions that accelerate knowledge and power innovation. CCC is headquartered in Danvers, Mass. with offices across North America, Europe and Asia. To learn more about CCC, visit www.copyright.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005150/en/ Contacts: Craig Sender Senior Director, Public Analyst Relations csender@copyright.com 917-626-7152 GREENWICH A new residential facility in a highly visible section of central Greenwich is nearing final completion. The Modern on Field Point, which is just a block from Town Hall on Field Point Road, has already sold nine of its 12 units, according to the developers. Its modern design, created by the local architectural firm of Granoff Architects, is also transforming the look of central Greenwich, as teardowns and new construction continue to move the visual feel of neighborhood away from its roots as a traditional New England town. The development team of Reichenbaum Group and Silver Properties began work on the project in March 2018, with demolition of older homes at the Field Point Road site. The roughly 1.3-acre parcel of land at 125 Field Point Road sold for some $8 million to the developers. Two new buildings were constructed on the site. Prices for condominium units were in the multimillion-dollar range, according to company representatives when the construction began. According to the website, the prices started at $3.15 million. The new units boast high-end luxury amenities, and the upper floors offer views of Long Island Sound. Large new residential complexes have been built in central Greenwich in recent years, including on Milbank Avenue and Havemeyer Place. Real-estate experts say central Greenwich has become particularly attractive to homebuyers who want to live near transportation hubs such as the Greenwich train station, and to enjoy restaurants and stores within easy walking distance. The new condos are also appealing to older residents, and young ones, who like the convenience of that lifestyle. Axelle Paquer will oversee France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Africa region and Eric Conway will take over the GROW region for the independent consultancy Management and technology consultancy BearingPoint announced today that it would appoint two new regional leaders as part of a structured succession plan. Axelle Paquer will succeed Eric Falque as regional head for France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Africa, and Eric Conway will take over the GROW region from James Rodger. The Partner-led consultancy said the leadership changes would become effective January 1, 2021. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005577/en/ Kiumars Hamidian, Managing Partner BearingPoint (Photo: Business Wire) "We at BearingPoint are all truly grateful for the work Eric Falque and James Rodger have done in making BearingPoint into the people-centered consultancy it is today. Both were with the firm even before the management buyout in 2009," said Kiumars Hamidian, Managing Partner BearingPoint. "I thank Eric and James for their work ethic and passion for making our clients successful global players. Both have played a key role in developing our Firm in the last decade and the huge success of our Firm would not have been possible without Eric and James," Kiu Hamidian continues. "I wish Axelle Paquer and Eric Conway great success in helping us continue on our growth path and keeping us innovative, focused, and people-powered as we pursue our Strategy 2025." Axelle Paquer will take over the regional lead for France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Africa from Eric Falque. Axelle has been with BearingPoint since 2001 and has vast experience in developing clients and delivering complex projects in the health care industry. She has been acting as the Head of all Public Service offerings in FBLA and member of the regional Management. Axelle will work closely with Eric Falque and the French Leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. Eric Falque, who is also acting as the Chairman of the Federation of the European Management Consultancies Association, joined BearingPoint in 2001 and has worked with many clients in the consumer business and luxury industry with a focus on strategy, transformation and digitalization. Over the last years Eric has led the practices to become one of the leading players in the consulting sector in this region. The other change as part of the succession planning is in GROW's (Finland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom) regional leadership, where Eric Conway will succeed James Rodger. Eric has been with the Firm since 1998 and has been leading the Irish Practice since 2017. James joined the Firm in 2005, then led the Global Automotive segment until 2013, ran the UK&Ireland region for six years until 2019 and then set up the new GROW region (Finland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom). Throughout this time James has worked closely with a wide range of clients within the automotive industry, specializing in strategy, operational excellence and transformation. As a consequence of GROW's regional leadership change, Gillian O'Sullivan will assume full responsibility for the Irish Practice on January 1, 2021. Gillian has been with BearingPoint since 2004 and is currently working on IT Strategy and Transformation projects at both the country and international levels. About BearingPoint BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach. The company operates in three business units: The first unit covers the advisory business with a clear focus on five key areas to drive growth across all regions. The second unit provides IP-driven managed services beyond SaaS and offers business critical services to its clients supporting their business success. The third unit provides the software for successful digital transformation and regulatory requirements. It is also designed to explore innovative business models with clients and partners by driving the financing and development of start-ups and leveraging ecosystems. BearingPoint's clients include many of the world's leading companies and organizations. The firm has a global consulting network with more than 10,000 people and supports clients in over 70 countries, engaging with them to achieve measurable and sustainable success. For more information, please visit: Homepage: www.bearingpoint.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bearingpoint Twitter: @BearingPoint View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005577/en/ Contacts: Press contact Alexander Bock Global Manager Communications Telephone: +49 89 540338029 E-Mail: alexander.bock@bearingpoint.com (Alliance News) - Volga Gas PLC on Tuesday announced a potentially significant discovery of a new oil field in its ongoing exploration drilling programme in the Volga region of Russia. The oil and gas exploration group said drilling on the Novo Kurilovskiy prospect reached a depth of 1,200 metres, during which the the company saw signs of a "potentially significant" oil discovery. Volga Gas said: "While the initial target interval, the cretaceous Aptian formation at a depth of 900-1,000 metres, had no shows of hydrocarbons, in the deeper Jurassic interval between 1,144 and 1,218 metres a total of 60 metres of oil bearing pay was identified with cores taken during drilling. "Since the potential pay thickness is in excess of the calculated depth of the structural closure from seismic mapping, this indicates a potential stratigraphic element to the prospect, with implications of significant upside in terms of gross oil in place." The commercial significance of this discovery has yet to be determined, the company noted, however. Volga Gas additionally said one of its wells in the North Uzen structure will be subject to flow testing after undertaking a fracture stimulation operation which the company considers necessary as the oil pay is inferred to be of low permeability. Volga Gas shares were up 16% at 27.75 pence each in London on Tuesday morning. By Greg Roxburgh; gregroxburgh@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. The Agona Swedru Magistrate's Court has thrown out a case filed to challenge the eligibility of Mrs Cynthia Mamle Morrison, Minister of Gender over her voter's Identification card (ID). She used a house at Wawase, a suburb of Agona Swedru to register in the recent EC's mass voter registration exercise. Mr Eric Yankey, Wawase Ward Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and polling agent for recent EC voter's Registration exercise filed the case against the MP. He claimed the MP breached the Constitutional Instrument (CI) 91, passed by Parliament this year which required that a person stayed in a community for at least four years or more before she or he could register to cast his or her ballot there. According to the statement of claim made by the NDC Ward Chairman among others, the house of the MP was too bushy for habitation and alleged that it had been sold by the MP. He also stated that the MP did not participate in communal labour in the area. The four Defense Counsels of the MP led by Mr Alexander Kojo Kom Abban who is also the Deputy of Minister Communication and MP for Gomoa West argued that the case filed against MP had no merit and prayed the court to throw it. The Defense counsel further argued that the statement made by the applicant that the house owned by the MP was too bushy had no justification. Mr Abban told the court that the argument raised by the NDC Ward Chairman that the MP used a different house to register in 2016 registration was untenable and should not be accepted by the Court. The Defense Counsel also put up a strong argument, saying the MP had about two houses at Agona Swedru and could choose to sleep in any of them for security reasons. Mr Abban further stated that the claim by the applicant that the house had been sold by the MP was not supported by any documents. He said Mrs Morrison did a lot of work in the community and prayed the Court to dismiss the claim that she dif not participate in communal labour. The NDC Ward Chairman's Counsels led by Mr Patrick Asamoah earlier argued among others that the house did not belong to the MP because she was not staying there. The Court presided over by Mr Isaac Appiatu, said the applicant could not prove any strong case against Mrs Morrison who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Agona West, that the house used to register her name was not hers as claimed. The Court ruled that the counsels for the applicant could not provide documents which showed that the house was sold by the MP and threw out the case. It therefore urged the EC to allow Mrs Morrison, to go ahead and use her voters' ID card to vote on December7, 2020. Speaking to the Media after the Court ruling, Mrs Morrison said she bought the house more than five years ago and wondered why the NDC was spreading lies about her to the people. ---GNA The rush for industrial property has led to Centuria Industrial REIT increasing its exposure in Queensland while LOGOS Property has entered into exclusive due diligence on Qube Holdings $2 billion Moorebank logistics park. In the long-running pitch for the south-west Sydney asset, Qube and LOGOS are in discussions to agree the level of ownership and assets which would be subject to the deal as well as the operating structure and arrangements for the Interstate and IMEX terminals. Qube says it will only proceed with a transaction if it is able to realise appropriate value from its investment in the MLP "that supports the strategic objectives of, and continued growth in, this high-quality asset". Centuria Industrial REIT has acquired a 9,554 sq m cold facility in Ormeau, Queensland Any transaction would be subject to a range of third-party approvals, including from the Moorebank Intermodal Company. International students going to certain institutions with COVID-19 readiness plans may be able to come to Canada. Canada opening border to international students going to coronavirus-ready institutions International students going to certain institutions with COVID-19 readiness plans may be able to come to Canada. Canada opening border to international students going to coronavirus-ready institutions International students going to certain institutions with COVID-19 readiness plans may be able to come to Canada. Canada opening border to international students going to coronavirus-ready institutions International students going to certain institutions with COVID-19 readiness plans may be able to come to Canada. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A International students will be allowed to travel to Canada starting October 20, if their study institution has a coronavirus-readiness plan that has been approved by its provincial or territorial health authority. Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are expected to send the specifics of their readiness plan to the provincial or territorial government, since this is the level of government that handles education in Canada. Plans should include details on how the institutions will inform international students on health and travel requirements before arrival, help with quarantine plans, and provide guidance or assistance in acquiring necessities like groceries and medicine during quarantine. The plans also must establish health and safety protocols in case students do come down with coronavirus. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will release the list of approved DLIs as they come available on their webpage. Discover your options to study in Canada The new measure applies to all international students regardless of when their study permit was approved, or where they are from, IRCC says. However, the immigration department also advises travellers to not make any travel plans until they have met all the requirements and all necessary authorizations. In order to travel to Canada once the new measure goes into place, eligible international students will have to be asymptomatic, and they will need the appropriate documents to enter Canada. Once at the border, they will be considered to be travelling for an essential reason, unless there is evidence that they are clearly coming to Canada for a discretionary or optional purpose, such as tourism. The immediate family members of students my also be able to come with them to Canada, as long as their reason for travel is essential, such as getting established in Canada to support the students study program. In this case, immediate family includes spouses and common-law partners, dependents, or if the student is under the age 18, a parent or legal guardian. International students and accompanying family members will need to comply with all public health measures once they arrive in Canada, including the mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Earlier this year, immigration minister Marco Mendicino and health minister Patty Hajdu began collaborating with provincial and territorial governments, as well as DLIs on how to safely welcome more international students to Canada. The ministers gave the announcement of the new measures on Friday, October 2nd. International students have been calling on the federal government to allow exemptions for students. Many of whom live in countries with limited access to internet, and time differences make for impractical class times. Get help with your study or work permit 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved We asked for an explanation, but so far we arent getting one, Laura Washington, a Sun-Times columnist and former editor and publisher of the Reporter, said in a news release from the group. "We know its not fiduciary because the funding remains solid. Mumbai, Oct 6 : Accusing the family of Sushant Singh Rajput and their legal advisors of "interfering and tampering with the investigations", Team Rhea Chakraborty's lawyers have warned that they will bring it to the notice of the appropriate courts. Advocate Satish Maneshinde, who represents Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik, said that the kin and lawyers of the late actor are raising doubts on the probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and also the conclusions of the AIIMS forensic team. "The CBI is independently and impartially investigating both the cases and the agency is supposed to be insulated and free from any interference," Maneshinde said, referring to the probe into the actor's death and the offshoot drugs cases. However, he said it is disturbing to learn that Sushant's family and their lawyers "are interfering and tampering with the investigations", putting pressure on the AIIMS team by speaking to them during investigations and releasing purported audio conversations and information to the media in order to pressurise and tamper with the potential witnesses. "Sushant's family lawyer (Vikas Singh) is supposed to have said that he is going to meet the CBI Director to get the family's pre-determined path of investigations into SSR's death. It is very disturbing to read such information in the media as attempts are being made to get a pre-determined result in the case," Maneshinde pointed out. He made it clear that if "any further attempts" are made in this direction, it would be brought to the notice of the appropriate courts. Maneshinde's statement came shortly after a Mumbai Special Court extended the judicial custody of Rhea and Showik by another fortnight till October 20. Meanwhile, in a related development, Sushant's sisters -- Priyanka Singh (New Delhi) and Meetu Singh (Mumbai) -- recently moved the Bombay High Court to get the FIR lodged against them by Rhea, accusing them of administering medicines based on a bogus prescription, quashed. "A bare perusal of the complaint and the FIR shows that it does not make out any cognisable offence. The drugs that have sought to be allegedly given by Tarun Kumar are not banned drugs," the petition said. Maneshinde said both the FIRs registered in a Patna police station by Sushant's father Krishna Kishore Singh and the complaint by Rhea against the late actor's sisters in the Bandra police station have been forwarded to the CBI. Rhea, 28, and Showik, 24, are among the 20 people, including several drug peddlers, suppliers and Bollywood-linked personalities, who have been arrested in connection with the NCB's probe into the narcotics angle in Sushant's case. Rhea and Showik had applied for bail in the Bombay High Court, on which the final arguments were heard on September 29 by Justice S.V. Kotwal, who had reserved the final order on it. 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 Egypt's public prosecution said on Tuesday that Egyptian citizen Ewis El-Rawi was killed while resisting arrest at his home in a Luxor village. In the first official statement concerning the killing, which took place on 30 September and has since sparked controversy on social media, the prosecution said that it is still conducting its investigation into the incident. "The public prosecution had authorised the arrest of [El-Rawi] and [some of his] relatives to question them on terrorism related charges, which were based on investigations by the National Security Department," the statement said. The prosecution said that is was notified that El-Rawi was killed while attempting to resist the taskforce, that was dispatched to his home to execute the arrest warrant, with an automatic firearm that found next to his body. The prosecution added that it has questioned three people over the incident: the officer leading the taskforce, the deceased's brother, who was arrested during the operation, and his father. The three parties gave conflicting statements, the prosecution said, adding that it is not providing details about the statements in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation until its conclusion, and to ensure that the truth is revealed." The prosecution also said that El-Rawi's father has denied rumours that his son died defending him from an attack by a policeman. The prosecutions statement warned of fake news that harms public peace and affects the integrity of investigations. Search Keywords: Short link: Michigan officials expect record-breaking turnout for the Nov. 3 election and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a few last-minute bills into law to speed the process and ensure every ballot is counted. On Tuesday, Whitmer signed Senate Bill 757, passed by the House and Senate in September, to allow clerks in cities and townships with at least 25,000 people to start processing absentee ballots Nov. 2. The ballots cant be tabulated until 7 a.m. on election day, however. While the move is a step in the right direction per Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, its not enough, she said. States like Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina and Florida allow more time for processing sometime weeks more, Benson said. The change wont significantly alter when the results will be ready, Benson said. We still expect that it will be the Friday of election week that we expect every ballot will be tabulated, Benson said, noting it could be sooner. This is the first presidential election in Michigan since voters passed a proposal allowing absentee voting without needing a specific reason. The law also requires clerks to notify absentee voters if their ballot wont be counted within 48 hours of receiving it like for a missing signature, for example. This helps make sure every vote is counted, Whitmer said. Senate Bill 117 was also supposed to be signed Tuesday, but Whitmer said Republican leadership didnt send her the bill yet despite it passing through both chambers of the Legislature. The bill allows military members and their spouses to return ballots electronically through a secure portal if they cant be returned in person. Bensons husband served with the military in Afghanistan in 2004 and attempted to vote, she said, but couldnt because a law like this wasnt on the books. For some reason, the Republican leaders in the Legislature chose not to send me this bill yet, Whitmer said. Im not sure whats going on there, but this is crucial for our brave folks and their families who serve in the military. Elections are no time to play partisan games. More than 2.7 million ballots have been requested in Michigan so far, and 2.6 million of them have been issued to voters. Nearly 400,000 have been filled out and received back. Heres a look at which cities have the most requests for ballots, along with how many have been issued and how many have been submitted: Detroit: 124,400 (108,065 issued, 12,426 received) Grand Rapids: 51,711 (51,124 issued, 11,633 received) Ann Arbor: 47,645 (43,827 issued, 3,108 received) Livonia: 35,722 (35,457 issued, 8,071 received) Sterling Heights: 34,815 (33,670 issued, 3,836 received) More than 450 communities have had at least 1,000 people request an absentee ballot so far. Michigan residents can check their voter registration, register to vote and track the status of their absentee ballot at Michigan.gov/vote. The state is also launching an advertising effort this week to put ads on social media, the internet, TV and the back of ATM receipts to inform residents about the ways they can vote. Absentee ballot applications are also being inserted in dozens of newspapers and available at all Michigan Kroger stores. RELATED STORIES Be prepared for Election Week, not Election Day, says Michigan Secretary of State Bill letting Michigan clerks process absentee ballots a day early headed to governor 8 mistakes for Michigan residents to avoid when voting by absentee ballot Why it takes so long to count absentee ballots DOJ backs Capitol Hill Baptist over DC mayors worship restrictions Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Department of Justice is backing Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., in its lawsuit against Mayor Murriel Bowser for unfairly applying a ban on outdoor church services of more than 100 people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department said it has filed a statement of interest in support of the 850-member church, which filed a complaint in federal court last week, arguing that the city had violated the First and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The DOJ has argued that the Constitution and federal law require the District of Columbia to accommodate Capitol Hill Baptist Churchs effort to hold worship services outdoors, at least to the same extent the District of Columbia allows other forms of outdoor First Amendment activity, such as peaceful protests. The right to free exercise of religion and the right to protest are both enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution, Eric Dreiband, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, said in the DOJ statement. We are a nation dedicated to freedom of conscience and freedom of expression. The District of Columbia has, unfortunately, neglected these rights. The Justice Department is committed to defending both of these fundamental freedoms and in supporting all Americans rights to worship as they choose. Represented by attorneys at the First Liberty Institute and WilmerHale, LLP, the church, led by 9Marks co-founder Mark Dever, filed a complaint in federal court Tuesday. For CHBC, a weekly in-person worship gathering of the entire congregation is a religious conviction for which there is no substitute, the church stated in its complaint. The Church does not offer virtual worship services, it does not utilize a multi-site model, and it does not offer multiple Sunday morning worship services. In March, Mayor Bowser issued an executive order that, among other things, barred CHBC and other churches from gathering for indoor and outdoor in-person worship. According to the churchs lawsuit, the city is prohibiting worship gatherings of over 100 people or 50% of building capacity (whichever is fewer) even if held outdoors and even if worshippers wear masks and practice appropriate social distancing. Under the districts four-phase re-opening plan, the churchs in-person worship gatherings will be prohibited until a widely-available vaccine or an effective therapy for COVID-19 is available, the lawsuit explains. The city has been in phase 2 for over three months. Justin Sok, a pastor at CHBC, stressed earlier, A church is not a building that can be opened and closed. A church is not an event to be watched. A church is a community that gathers regularly and that community should be treated fairly by the District government. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin for the District of Columbia stated, One of the most foundational rights protected by the Bill of Rights is the free exercise of religion. The Justice Department is committed to upholding all the civil rights protected under the first amendment, be it peaceable assembly in protest or practicing faith. The DOJ pointed out its statement of interest is part of Attorney General William P. Barrs initiative, announced April 27, directing Dreiband and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Matthew Schneider to review governmental policies around the country to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the new coronavirus pandemic. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 18:21:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Tuesday extended social distancing restrictions for another week till Oct. 15, while expressing concerns about the probable worsening of local COVID-19 infections. The curbs include no more than four people at public gatherings and mandatory mask-wearing in public transport and places. But Team ice-skating involving more than four people will be allowed starting from Oct. 9. Hong Kong reported eight new infections, including five local cases on Tuesday. Over the past seven days, 10 local cases, including seven with unknown infection sources, were seen across Hong Kong. The Secretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan, said the recent spike in cases could lead to another wave of the epidemic sooner than expected if anti-virus measures were not observed strictly. HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Tuesday also urged the public to remain vigilant and the HKSAR government will continue to be prepared. She also mentioned that the government is studying to exempt some Hong Kong residents in the mainland from the 14-day compulsory quarantine after returning to Hong Kong, so as to facilitate them to carry out work, medical visits, family visits and other activities. According to Hong Kong's Hospital Authority, 117 patients are still hospitalized, including 10 in critical condition. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong has totaled 5,132. Enditem Relatives of actor Efremov car crash victim sue for nearly $40K in damages RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 10:58 06/10/2020 MOSCOW, October 6 (RAPSI) Family of Sergey Zakharov, who had been killed in a road traffic accident with Mikhail Efremov, demanded jointly 3 million rubles (about $40,000) in compensation for moral harm from the actor, their attorney Alexander Dobrovinsky told RAPSI on Tuesday. During the trial Zakharovs brother, widow and youngest son sought for 1-ruble compensation. According to Dobrovinsky, the family lodged an objection to Efremovs appeal with new demands against the actor. Earlier, Efremov paid out compensation for moral harm in the amount of 800,000 rubles to the eldest son of Zakharov. Moreover, during the court proceedings he stated he had transferred another 200,000 rubles to the injured party. On September 8, the actor received 8 years in penal colony for and was banned Efremov from driving for three years. The court returned him his broken Jeep. 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. 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. Brace yourselves, Winnipeggers, a trillion-dollar retail giant is coming to town. Amazon couldnt be prouder to make ourselves a part of Winnipegs talented workforce, said Tushar Kumar, regional director of logistics at the multinational e-commerce company, joining Manitobas Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler at the legislative building Monday. Were excited to open our doors to this community and for Manitoba to welcome us as we continue expanding across Canada. With plans to open a delivery station as early as next year, Amazon has already acquired a 113,000-square-foot warehouse in the Inkster Industrial Park in close proximity to Winnipegs Richardson International Airport. Government sources told the Free Press Monday the precise location for Amazons new site is 11 Plymouth Street, which previously housed global polymer processing company REHAU North America. A real estate listing for the property on Cushman & Wakefield Winnipeg suggests it is valued at $12,890,000 and was built in 1974. Government officials said Amazon plans to refurbish the site, which currently has seven loading docks and annual property taxes around $117,103. This new delivery station will allow us to provide fast and efficient delivery for customers, said Kumar. Well be able to provide hundreds of job opportunities that are direct and indirect full-time and part-time jobs. Without specifying exact figures for how many jobs the new site will bring or how much they will pay, he added Amazon will primarily hire workers for parcel sorting, management and third-party delivery services that will power our last-mile capabilities to speed up deliveries. That means the delivery station will ensure a customers package arrives at their door after the facility has received it from other distribution centres. In cities like Toronto, such Amazon sites have been able to provide customers with large deliveries as fast as in the same day theyve been ordered. Jobs from the site, Minister Eichler noted, are more than welcome during this crucial time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Were restarting our economy, said Eichler. And any job right now is a good job for the province, especially if theyre coming from global leaders like Amazon. When asked whether Amazons Winnipeg site the first of its kind in the Canadian Prairies will also serve areas outside the citys municipalities, Kumar told the Free Press the station will only serve Winnipeg metro area customers for now. I cant share a lot of the details per se, he added, but I can certainly say that we pick our last-mile centres on customer demand within those regions. Moments after Mondays announcement, reaction from Winnipegs business community and Manitobas official opposition leaders was mixed. Were certainly very happy to have more jobs here, said Jamie Moses, economic development and training critic for the NDP. But what were wary about is that Amazon must pay its workers liveable wages and creates safe jobs. Moses said hes also worried about the impact Amazon will have on the citys small businesses. I think itll likely drive competition having them here, said Loren Remillard, CEO and president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. To me, however, any competition is good competition for our industry. He said its also a big vote of confidence for Winnipeg, in general, having the worlds biggest online shopping site in our own city. But I would be a little cautiously mindful, added Remillard. Because certainly this will cause a big disruption for our markets especially those business that have already been struggling. Kumar said local entrepreneurs could also build their businesses by partnering with Amazon and exclusively delivering packages with the company exclusively. We dont have those kind of connections in the city right now, he said. But I certainly hope the community will welcome us and we can build those partnerships moving forward. Read more about: New Delhi, Oct 7 : The Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested a man accused of killing a 30-year-old accountant in a moving car in East Delhi's Preet Vihar in June this year in a suspected case of road rage. The accused has been identified as Vinod (24), a resident of Ambedkar Nagar. The police said that the incident took place on the intervening night of June 24-25 this year, when Somesh Chhabra, his cousin Shivam (24) and their friend Rahul Sharma (24) were returning home from Laxmi Nagar. "Vinod and his friends were driving rashly so Somesh honked twice to caution them. Vinod got irritated and opened fired at the victim," DCP Special Cell, P.S. Kushwaha, said. Based on an input received on Monday, the Special Cell team laid a trap near Kondli and nabbed the accused. One .32 bore pistol, four live cartridges and a Scooty were recovered from his possession. Zeke Puig, a 6-year-old boy with a rare combination of life-threatening cancers, has spent more than 150 days in the hospital since last October. For the past nearly eight months, Zeke, who was diagnosed last year with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), has fought much of his battle with just one of his parents by his side due to the coronavirus pandemic. He has also undergone two bone marrow transplants during the global pandemic, with the donated bone marrow coming from two complete strangers. "I have really been able to mostly keep my emotions at bay for this because I try to just live in the day, but when I stop and think [about the donors] or someone asks me, that's when the emotions come," Zeke's mom, Danielle Puig, told "Good Morning America." "Both of those donors had to take time from their lives, give up whatever they were doing and in the middle of a pandemic walk into a hospital." "I want them to just know how much they both really saved Zeke's life," she said. "They just got a call and said yes, probably not even knowing what exactly that meant." Zeke underwent his first bone marrow transplant in July, after undergoing intense chemotherapy to prepare for the physically taxing procedure that replaced his cells with those of a stranger's. PHOTO: Zeke Puig, who turns 7 in October, had his life saved by two bone marrow transplants during the coronavirus pandemic. (Danielle Puig) Earlier in the year, he and his family -- including his parents and three siblings -- uprooted themselves from their small town in Virginia, to the Philadelphia area, so that Zeke could receive world-class treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). MORE: 3-year-old cancer survivor is flower girl at her bone marrow donor's wedding: 'She saved our daughter's life' With hospital-adjacent housing closed due to the pandemic, the Puigs have had to live for several months in Airbnbs paid in part by the generosity of the members of the church where Zeke's dad, John, serves as pastor. The family moved so that Zeke could be close to his siblings during his treatment, only to be shut off from him due to the pandemic, according to Puig. Story continues PHOTO: Zeke Puig, who turns 7 in October, had his life saved by two bone marrow transplants during the coronavirus pandemic. (Danielle Puig) "We had told the kids, 'Zeke will be in the hospital but you'll be able to visit and there's a playroom there you can play in,'" she said. "The day Zeke was admitted to the hospital was the day hospitals started shutting down." "Elijah [Zeke's 10-year-old brother] was able to make the walk with us to Zeke's unit in the hospital and then they had to hug and say goodbye," Puig recalled. "That was the hardest day because we knew we were walking into complete separation for Zeke and we didn't know for how long." Just days after Zeke's first bone marrow transplant, his body began to reject the cells and it was determined he would need a second life-saving treatment. With the pool for donors smaller due to the pandemic, the Puigs waited and prayed for a miracle, which they got with a stranger who signed up with Be the Match's bone marrow registry and was a perfect match. "Zeke needed a transplant as fast as possible because the risk of infection was so high," said Puig. "The second donor was a 10/10 match and declined the first time to donate and they went back to him or her and told them about Zeke and they agreed." "We had two donors in 30 days willing to give up time in their lives and whatever else for Zeke's life," she added. "People are afraid to go to the hospital and these two donors both had to go to the hospital and be around doctors and nurses to help a stranger." "You can't help but see these people and be thankful and see the good in humanity through this pandemic," Puig said. In early September -- after 75 straight days in the hospital with being only able to see one parent at a time for the most part -- Zeke, who has also had to undergo several COVID-19 tests, was able to return to the family's Airbnb, where he surprised his three siblings in an emotional reunion. "It is very difficult to go through two transplants, not only because of the need to spend a lot of time in the hospital but also because of the cumulative effect of chemotherapy on the body and the complications that can arise, particularly infection complications that can arise from being immunosuppressed for that long," Dr. Timothy Olson, one of Zeke's primary doctors at CHOP, said of his young patient. "Zeke's family and his parents have been incredible advocates for him, moving states to be able to seek the best care for him." "And Zeke himself has been a real fountain of strength, being able to overcome a lot of bumps in the road and still be able to smile and be able to be a great kid to his siblings and his parents," he said. There is still a long road ahead for Zeke, who will celebrate his seventh birthday on Oct. 18. PHOTO: Zeke Puig, who turns 7 in October, had his life saved by two bone marrow transplants during the coronavirus pandemic. (Danielle Puig) He has been in and out of the hospital since his second bone marrow transplant, fighting multiple infections and some setbacks in his recovery, according to Puig. The family points to their faith and the generosity of friends and strangers alike for giving them strength to push through, including Airbnb hosts who provided meals to them and people from around the world who sent in photos and prayers that covered the walls of Zeke's hospital room. "I feel like our family and our kids won't look back at this as a horrible time because there has been so much good," said Puig. "We've had good memories too." Puig, who homeschools her four children, said they are all inspired everyday by Zeke, who "pushes so hard every day." PHOTO: Zeke Puig, who turns 7 in October, had his life saved by two bone marrow transplants during the coronavirus pandemic. (Danielle Puig) Once Zeke is ultimately discharged from CHOP, he and his family, who are following strict quarantine protocols to ensure Zeke's safety, will have to relocate to Charlottesville, Virginia, to be near a major hospital, before they can ultimately return home to Phenix, Virginia. Friends of the Puig family have set up a GoFundMe to help with the mounting medical and living expenses while they are away from home. "We don't know what the future holds, but we just thank God for each day," said Puig. "For now, Zeke is healthier." 6-year-old boy's life saved by 2 bone marrow donors during coronavirus pandemic originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com New recruits practice at a military training center in northern Taiwan. Recruitment is proving difficult in a prosperous society that offers young people alternatives and doesn't glorify military service. (Chiang Ying-ying / Associated Press ) If Taiwan is to fend off a Chinese invasion, it will need reluctant recruits like Roger Lin to summon the patriotism that inspired older generations but these days doesn't burn as passionately in the young. The 21-year-old French-language major regards his upcoming mandatory four-month military service as an unnecessary burden, even as complaints persist that such stints are too short to protect the island compared with the two to three years that previous generations served. Weeks of flaring tensions between China and Taiwan, which has been buzzed by dozens of Chinese warplanes in a disquieting show of force, have not persuaded Lin to change his mind. If China and its much larger military decides to invade, the islands devastation would be a fait accompli, he said, even with the outside chance the United States would come to Taiwans defense. The faster those four months pass, the better. It's a waste of time, Lin, swiping at his phone at a cafe on the campus of National Chengchi University in Taipei, said of his military service. I dont think the U.S. government will help us anyway. Whether they do or not, for us ordinary people, the outcome will be the same. Lins fatalism and indifference are somewhat expected among the young. But they come at a perilous moment. Fraught relations between Washington and Beijing are, more so than at any other volatile point, raising the possibility of war in Taiwan, a self-governed democratic island of 24 million that is roughly the size of Maryland. China has regarded Taiwan as a breakaway province since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. The stakes for Washington are high. Losing a democratic Taiwan to China would probably signal the end of American power in the Pacific, freeing Chinas military to project its strength in the region and beyond to the detriment of U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea. Led by an increasingly nationalistic Xi Jinping, China has in recent weeks flown military sorties deeper into Taiwanese airspace and beefed-up military exercises aimed at invading the disputed territory. The best hope for preventing a conflict that would probably draw in the U.S. is Taiwan's willingness and ability to deter China's aggression, experts said. Story continues Protesters gather Thursday near the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles during a global day of action called by "Resist China." (Frederic J. Brown / AFP/Getty Images) But the Taiwanese government has struggled to instill the same sense of urgency found in countries with national service requirements such as South Korea, Israel and even Singapore, which faces no immediate threats. A recent poll suggested the Taiwanese public was split on their willingness to repel an invasion even as the island remains overwhelmingly in favor of keeping free of China. Taiwan's active-duty military has shrunk to 165,000 from 275,000 three years ago. The Chinese People's Liberation Army numbers 2 million. Under public pressure to move to an all-volunteer army, Taiwan began phasing-out conscription in 2013. Better pay, housing and college scholarships offered by the armed services haven't been enough to attract Taiwans youth, a shrinking population on a progressive island where negative attitudes toward the military have been shaped by its past under martial law. Taiwanese soldiers pause during a Jan. 15 military exercise in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The island's active-duty military has shrunk to 165,000 from 275,000 three years ago. The Chinese People's Liberation Army numbers 2 million. (Chiang Ying-ying / Associated Press) Taiwan doesnt have that culture where you can go out in the street wearing your fatigues with pride, said Huang Chung-ting, an assistant research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei, the capital. Soldiers leave as soon as theyve completed national service. Thats a big problem. A lot of people think a good man doesnt become a soldier. Lin Chen-feng, a 30-year-old salesman at an education start-up in Taipei, said he discounted the prospect of a military career after his national service. My friends and I didnt consider the army a good choice because we felt like we would lose ambition and not be able to fit into the real world, he said. Its shameful now, but we laughed at people who signed a deal to continue. Thats enraged some of the territorys veterans who accuse the young generation of blissful ignorance in a time of existential threat. The young only like to criticize China with their keyboards, but wont join the army to show their determination, said respected analyst James Huang, 47, a retired lieutenant colonel who served in the infantry. After a missile attack or bombing by the PLA, do they think they can still use the internet? "People in Taiwan today are not prepared for war, he added. Demonstrators gather in downtown Taipei to protest against China's actions in Hong Kong. (Alberto Buzzola / LightRocket) Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who opposes unification with the mainland, has been working to promote military service. In August, she proposed raising Taiwans defense budget to record levels and supported reequipping the military with sea mines, drones and antiship missiles to stop an invading army. She is also trying to reform the island's reserve forces to better act as an insurgency. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, center left, has been working to promote military service. (Johnson Lai / Associated Press) Tsai's moves coincide with a debate within U.S. foreign policy circles over whether to revise America's stance on defending Taiwan. The current policy, known as strategic ambiguity, leaves China and Taiwan guessing as to whether the American military will respond to an attack on the island. The approach is credited with maintaining the peaceful status quo since 1979, when Washington cut official ties with Taipei to launch diplomatic relations with communist China. Now, leading voices including the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, Richard N. Haass are arguing that a more powerful and hawkish China must be countered with strategic clarity, an explicit warning of U.S. force if Beijing were to move against Taiwan. Such a policy would lower the chances of Chinese miscalculation, which is the likeliest catalyst for war in the Taiwan Strait, Haass co-wrote last month in an article for Foreign Affairs. Some experts fear that could undermine Taiwan's efforts to rebuild its military: "I worry [it] would potentially confuse this work that Tsai is trying to do and allow people in Taiwan to say: We dont need to do this military spending. We dont need to beef up our military because the U.S. is coming to our aid, said Shelley Rigger, a Taiwan expert and political scientist at Davidson College in North Carolina. The chances of conflict appear to be increasing. China has stoked nationalism to deflect attention from its slower economy. It has clashed with Indian forces along its border, muscled its way across the South China Sea and brushed off international condemnation for dismantling Hong Kongs autonomy all while training its quickly modernizing military to invade Taiwan. Washington has responded by strengthening ties with Taipei. The Trump administration dispatched high-level Cabinet secretaries to the island, approved another massive arms sale and built momentum toward a free trade agreement with Taiwan, which is usually excluded from such deals because of its diplomatic isolation. But pressure from Beijing is growing. "China is trying to change the status quo, said Yisuo Tzeng, director of the Division of Cyber Warfare and Information Security at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research. Whether we can maintain the status quo, Im not sure. Its also unclear whether the U.S. could successfully defend Taiwan given American forces' deficiencies in the region and Chinese weapons designed to thwart the U.S. Navys aircraft carriers. We do not have sufficient capability to come to Taiwans defense without putting our forces at great risk, said Bonnie Glaser, director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. In fact, [strategic clarity] may lead the Chinese to conclude that they should strike Taiwan while they still have an advantage to do so. Such scenarios have not changed the minds of many young Taiwanese about joining the military. Lai Yen-cheng, a 21-year-old international relations major at National Taiwan University in Taipei, admits that the Chinese military drills and flybys are starting to unnerve him. A career in the military is out of the question, though. "Soldiers get more respect in places such as America, but we still dont have that climate in Taiwan," said Lai, who has yet to complete his four-month required service. "Military camp culture isnt that strong, and our sense of patriotism isnt as keen. His reluctance is partly due to the fact he and many other young Taiwanese don't believe China would ever strike; they've spent their entire lives in peace. Only if the island were invaded would Lai volunteer to fight with or without the U.S. If the United States takes more substantive action to help Taiwan, people would feel safer, but we cant just rely on another country," Lai said. "America is a sovereign nation and has its own considerations. Times staff writer Pierson reported from Singapore and special correspondent Jennings from Taipei. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Infielder Gavin Lux was added to the Dodgers roster for the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press) The Dodgers added second baseman Gavin Lux and reliever Dylan Floro to their best-of-five National League Division Series roster Tuesday and dropped infielder Edwin Rios and rookie catcher Keibert Ruiz from the roster they used to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers in the best-of-three wild-card series. On the other side, the San Diego Padres included Mike Clevinger, but not Dinelson Lamet, on their roster. The two right-handers San Diegos best starting pitchers missed the wild card series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Clevinger was dealing with an elbow injury. Lamet had a biceps problem. Lamet was deemed not ready to return, but Clevinger will start Game 1 opposite the Dodgers' Walker Buehler. Rios was excluded from the roster after suffering an unspecified injury during the Dodgers workout Sunday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. He wont be available at all in the NLDS. The injury comes after the slugger started Game 1 against the Brewers as the clubs designated hitter. Rios, 26, clubbed eight home runs and six doubles in 83 plate appearances during the regular season. He started the majority of games at third base for nearly a month when Justin Turner was dealing with a hamstring strain. Without Ruiz, the Dodgers will have to take a risk if they start Will Smith at designated hitter when Austin Barnes starts at catcher for Clayton Kershaw. Having a third catcher wouldve given the team a safety net if Barnes was injured in a game or if manager Dave Roberts wanted to pinch-hit for him. Now, the chances of Smith being a DH in Game 2 with Kershaw on the mound seemingly drop. Hell likely start at catcher or come off the bench. Although the third catcher was ditched, Los Angeles kept Terrance Gore, a pinch-running specialist, on the roster. Gore didnt appear in a game against Milwaukee. Lux, the organizations top prospect, is on the roster after a disappointing regular season. The 22-year-old joined the team in late August and batted .175 with a .596 OPS in 19 games. The club had planned to start him against right-handed pitchers, but his production prompted Roberts to reduce his role. Chris Taylor is now essentially the everyday second baseman. Story continues Floro was surprisingly left off the wild-card series roster. Roberts described it as a difficult decision and indicated Floro would join the roster in the NLDS if the Dodgers advanced. Floro, 29, had a 2.59 ERA in 24 1/3 innings this season. Floros addition gives the Dodgers 14 pitchers and 14 position players one more pitcher than against the Brewers. More pitching options will presumably be needed in a five-game series without scheduled off-days. DODGERS NLDS ROSTER PITCHERS (14) RHP Pedro Baez RHP Walker Buehler RHP Dylan Floro RHP Tony Gonsolin RHP Brusdar Graterol RHP Kenley Jansen RHP Joe Kelly RHP Dustin May LHP Jake McGee RHP Blake Treinen LHP Victor Gonzalez LHP Clayton Kershaw LHP Adam Kolarek LHP Julio Urias POSITION PLAYERS (14) C Austin Barnes C Will Smith IF Matt Beaty IF Max Muncy 2B Gavin Lux SS Corey Seager 3B Justin Turner IF/OF Kike Hernandez IF/OF Chris Taylor OF Cody Bellinger OF Mookie Betts OF Terrance Gore OF Joc Pederson OF AJ Pollock This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. RSS affiliated trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has called for nationwide protests against PM Narendra Modi-led government's recent amendments to the labour laws. The three newly legislated labour codes subsume over two dozen different Central labour laws and introduce several social security measures, terms of employment etc. While BMS has been welcoming the labour codes in general, it is against some of the provisions, which it believes are 'anti-workers'. Withdrawal of right to strike, flexibilities in job contracts etc are some of the provisions opposed by the trade union. "The 19th National conference of BMS held virtually decided to hold continuous all India agitation against the anti-worker provisions in the new labour codes," Binay Kumar Sinha, natinoal general secretary, BMS said. A key resolution adopted by the conference was to demand the government to 'immediately withdraw the anti-worker provisions in the new Labour Codes'. The organisation also wanted a consultation meeting to be called with BMS and other trade unions to make the Labour Codes beneficial to both workers and industry. BMS will organise country wide "warning week" programs from October 10 to October 16. Post that, it has decided to hold nationwide protests on October 28. "If the government is not ready to hear the voice of workers, we will resort to continuous agitation including national level strikes to protect right to strike and other labour rights," Sinha said. Welcoming the Supreme Court decision to scrap Gujarat government's labour reforms, BMS said the central and state governments should "stop the brutal way of amending labour laws, desist from indulging in 'ordinance raj' in labour sector and respect the views expressed by social organisations." It called for a round table of stakeholders to formulate a National Employment Policy. "The imported predatory economic and labour reforms and defective policies of the capitalist paradigm are responsible for landing our job generation in a sorry state of affairs," the organisation said. The other resolutions adopted by BMS at its national conference include a demand for review of all pension schemes in favour of employees, effective changes in the law on migrant workers, national level registration, social security and other facilities and changes in the methodology of calculating the country's economic growth (GDP) by developing a "Bharatiya" model. The national conference was inaugurated by RSS supremo Mohan Bhagawat. Also read: Rebooting Economy 34: Temporary jobs hurt both workers and economy Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Tue, October 6, 2020 14:23 473 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4962ed3 1 National fishing-boat,aceh,shooting,shooting-incident,North-Sumatra Free Two North Sumatran fishermen were killed while another one was critically injured after being shot by unidentified assailants in the Sumeulue waters of Aceh last week. Sibolga water police unit head Adj. Comr. M. Sihombing said the shooters attacked two fishing boats identified as KM Tiur and KM Kasih Sayang, which belonged to the fishermen from North Sumatra's Central Tapanuli regency, at around 3 a.m. on Friday. The shooting happened when the two fishing boats heaved the anchors in Simeulue waters of Aceh. All of a sudden, the two fishing boats were shot by unidentified persons, Sihombing told The Jakarta Post on Monday. KM Tiur crew member Putra, 30, and KM Kasih Sayang captain Aspuri, 33, died in the incident. Meanwhile, another victim identified as Irfan Nasution is receiving treatment at Adam Malik Hospital in Medan, North Sumatra. The other crew members of the boats escaped the shootings, Sihombing said, without detailing the number of survivors. We will help the Aceh police investigate this shooting case. We have taken pictures of the shooting marks on the boats [as evidence], he said, adding that the two fishing boats have docked at Sibolga Harbor in North Sumatra. The head of the Penjaring Salam fishermen community in Sibolga, Asrul Tanjung, demanded that security forces immediately arrest the perpetrators to find out the motives behind the fatal shootings. According to information Asrul obtained from several survivors and witnesses, the shooters came to attack on a large boat. The shooters reportedly used a big boat with fish bomb gear on it. This kind of boat is now pervasively used by many [fishermen] and usually operate in Sinabang waters, Aceh, he added. (trn) President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on the people of Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region to retain their Member of Parliament in the upcoming polls because he has performed as Deputy Minister in his administration. According to the President, the lawmaker, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum continues to play critical roles in the implementation of the governments flagship free SHS policy. God has blessed the people of Bosomtwe, in 2016 you had a different person coming to represent you. And since you elected him, and he came into government, because of vast knowledge and experience, I made him a Deputy Education Minister, and he has not disappointed. He has worked hard to support the Education Minister on the implementation of free SHS and everything associated with it, he has done well, the President told a crowd of NPP supporters during his campaign tour at Bosomtwe. He continued: This year, he has been elected again to represent this constituency. I appeal to the chiefs and people of Bosomtwi to double the support you gave him in 2016. Vote massively for him because we need him to continue the work he is doing. In September 2020, veteran journalist, Kwaku Baako Junior also heaped praises on the Deputy Minister for his delivery at the Education Ministry. According to the Editor-in-Chief of the Crusading Guide Newspaper, Dr Adutwum's clarity and in-depth responses when engaging the public and the media over the policy is admirable. The Deputy of NAPO, Dr. Adutwum, very sharp brain, he's one of those I admire in this administration, clear mind, the clarity with which that man speaks, the depth is something else, he's a fantastic gentleman, Mr Baako noted on Peace FM. If you really want to honour him, implement his inclusive ideology: SC Bose's grandnephew Development trajectory: PM to interact with DMs of various districts today At DMs meets, PM calls for direct, emotional connect between administration and public for good governance VVIP plane acquisition process began under UPA, Modi govt brought it to conclusion: Report India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Oct 06: The process for procuring two VVIP aircraft, over whose acquisition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Modi government on Tuesday, had begun under the UPA government, and the current dispensation has only brought it to a logical conclusion, government sources said. They noted that the exercise had begun in 2011 and an Inter-Ministerial Group submitted its recommendations in 2012 after meeting for 10 times. Taking a swipe at Gandhi, they said like most other initiatives of the Congress-led UPA government, he perhaps wants to "disown" this procurement too. During his campaign in Punjab against the farm reform laws, the Congress leader accused the prime minister of "wasting" thousands of crores of rupees on the aircraft. When he was asked about the BJP''s criticism of him for using a cushion to sit in a tractor, he said the prime minister''s ''Air India One'' did not just have a cushion but a whole lot of luxury beds for his comfort. "Why don''t you question them about this," Gandhi asked the media. In a swipe at the Congress leader, the government sources said he is entitled to his "disregard" for the UPA government but not entitled to his own facts. After being briefly stopped at border, Rahul Gandhi allowed to enter Haryana They added the two aircraft are not the prime minister''s aircraft as Gandhi dubbed them and but they will be used for other VVIPs. These aircraft belong to the Indian Air Force and not the prime minister, the sources said. Sharing the chronology of the process of their acquisition, a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) which met on the direction of Group of Ministers (GOM) in 2011, had decided that an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) would examine the available options for long term arrangement of VVIP aircraft. The IMG recommended two options: convert an existing B777 ER, or use one of the new ones that were ordered by Air India but yet to be delivered, the sources said. The Cabinet Secretariat also recommended transfer of the aircraft to the Indian Air Force in August, 2013. The Modi government has only brought that process to its logical conclusion, they added. They noted that the aircraft used for the VVIP travel till now, the famed Air India jumbo jets, are more than 25 years old. Not only are they incapable of long, trans-Atlantic flights, forcing halt enroute for refuelling and replenishment purposes, they are also fuel guzzlers of "epic proportions", they said. Bihar Polls 2020: NDA seat sharing announced, JDU gets 122 while BJP gets 121|Oneindia News A custom-made B777 aircraft, which will be used to fly the president, vice president and prime minister, arrived in Delhi from the US on last week. Another custom-made B777 plane for the travel of VVIPs is likely to be received from Boeing during a later date. Officials said the total cost of purchase and retrofitting the two planes has been estimated to be around Rs 8,400 crore. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 21:32:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GUIYANG, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Due to the impact of the coronavirus epidemic, Wang Xuya was unable to leave her hometown for work after the Spring Festival in late January this year. As Wang, who lived in a remote village in southwest China's Guizhou Province, was worried about her income, the provincial power grid corporation came to her aid, providing her with training sessions on electricity-related knowledge. After months of training, Wang passed an electrician's test and became one of the over 700 new employees of the company. As China is in the homestretch to realize its goal of eradicating absolute poverty by the end of 2020, enterprises and social groups have played a big part in providing assistance to people in need, effectively supplementing government-led efforts. Since late 2015, Evergrande Group, a leading real estate developer in China, has donated about 11 billion yuan (about 1.61 billion U.S. dollars) in poverty-alleviation funding to the city of Bijie, one of the most impoverished areas in Guizhou. Evergrande has focused its anti-poverty efforts in Bijie in establishing a fruit and vegetable production base and a livestock breeding base, aiming to build them into major food producers in southwest China, said Yao Dong, a vice president of Evergrande. Since the Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group began to provide one-on-one assistance to Danzhai in 2015, an impoverished county in Guizhou, the company has donated or invested a total of 2.3 billion yuan, helping some 58,800 poor people increase their incomes. The county has turned into a popular tourist destination thanks to this enterprise-led anti-poverty effort. On the question of how to lift Danzhai out of poverty, it took Wanda nearly a year's research to finally decide on tourism, after scrapping the options of pig farming and tea planting, said Wanda Chairman Wang Jianlin. Wanda's poverty alleviation project in Danzhai not only directly created jobs but also helped inherit ethnic minority cultures and uplift the spirits of local people, said Deng Guosheng, a professor with the School of Public Policy and Management of Tsinghua University. According to the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), a total of 109,500 privately-owned enterprises had joined in a poverty alleviation program targeting poverty-stricken villages in China by June this year. These private businesses have helped 127,100 villages, including 68,900 registered poverty-stricken villages, Fan Youshan, ACFIC vice chairman, told a forum held in Danzhai in September. The firms have helped create 799,000 jobs and trained 1.16 million people, benefiting a registered poverty-stricken population of 15.64 million. Enditem GREENSBORO When the 46th season of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" premiered last weekend, the UNCG community had its eyes on Lauren Holt, who is one of three new cast members. The Charlotte native graduated from UNCG in 2013 majoring in studio art, with a concentration in photography. At least one professor in the School of Art remembers Holt as being quite the comic. "She was always incredibly sharp and witty and kept us laughing," said Leah Sobsey, who taught Holt in photography classes. "We all felt like she was sort of destined for it having a life in comedy." Sobsey remembers Holt joining her and others on a study abroad trip to Iceland. During long bus rides, Holt "nailed it with impersonations of faculty, in the best way ... It kept us laughing on the bus the whole time." When she heard about Holt making it to "SNL," Sobsey said: "I was thrilled for her and also not surprised. It felt like she was on her way there." After college, Holt moved to Los Angeles and pursued that comedic career path. GETTYSBURG, Pa.: Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden traveled to the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the U.S. Civil War on Tuesday, promising to put politics aside and try to heal the countrys widening racial, political and economic divisions. Biden did not invoke the name of President Donald Trump, his rival in the November election, but said the country was experiencing total unrelenting partisan warfare" that had made it hard to tackle the coronavirus that has killed 210,000 people in the United States and cost millions more their jobs. Lets set the partisanship aside. Lets end the politics. Lets follow the science. Wearing a mask isnt a political statement. Its a scientific recommendation," Biden said, alluding to Trumps repeated refusal to wear a mask for safety even after he contracted the virus. What we need in America is leadership that seeks to deescalate tensions, to open lines of communication, and to bring us together," he said. As president, that is precisely what I will do." Biden picked a dramatic spot for the speech, delivering it near the Gettysburg battlefield where the Union army pushed back advancing Confederate soldiers in 1863, a turning point in the Civil War. It was also where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his historic Gettysburg Address, citing the U.S. Declaration of Independence that proclaimed all people are created equal, a speech Biden made reference to repeatedly. He also referenced Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave and abolitionist leader who once told Lincoln that his second inaugural address decrying slavery and calling for national unity in the late stages of the Civil War had been a sacred effort." We have to be dedicated to our own sacred effort," Biden said. Let us conduct ourselves as Americans who love each other who love our country and who will not destroy, but will build." National opinion polls show Biden with a consistent lead on Trump ahead of the Nov. 3 Election Day, although the lead has been narrower in some crucial battleground states. In Pennsylvania, which Trump narrowly won over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken Sept. 29-Oct. 5 showed Biden with a 5 percentage point lead on Trump, matching the polls credibility interval. Earlier, Biden participated in a virtual fundraiser from Delaware that included U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the influential Black lawmaker who helped revive his flagging presidential campaign with an endorsement in the states primary. (Writing by John Whitesides; Editing by Howard Goller) 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 Tucker Carlson raged at New York governor Andrew Cuomo last night for threatening to shut down religious gatherings, asking him: 'Who do you think you are, God?'. The Fox News host derided Cuomo as the 'stupid governor of a declining state' after the Democrat warned that churches and synagogues would be shut down if they did not enforce social distancing rules. At a Monday press conference, Cuomo displayed pictures of large gatherings among Orthodox Jews, in communities which overlap with some of the worst-hit ZIP codes in a recent uptick in coronavirus cases in New York City. Cuomo has signed an order shutting down 300 schools in some areas with large Orthodox populations, as New York tries to stop a second wave of infections months after beating back an outbreak that killed more than 24,000 people. Tucker Carlson (left) raged at New York governor Andrew Cuomo (right) on his Fox News show last night for threatening to shut down religious gatherings On his show last night, Carlson played a clip of Cuomo threatening to 'close the religious institutions, period' if they do not agree to enforce virus rules. 'In the country we lived in in January, we had a First Amendment that said government will not get in the way of your exercise of your religion,' Carlson said. 'People would have laughed at that. We will close the religious institutions, period? Who do you think you are, God? 'You're not, you're some stupid governor of a declining state. 'Putting aside whether any of that is legal, what's the science behind it, the purported science behind it? Protests fine, religious services not.' Cuomo signed an order on Monday closing schools in nine Brooklyn and Queens ZIP codes, and is considering a proposal by city mayor Bill de Blasio to shut down non-essential businesses there as well. Those areas represent seven per cent of the city's population but have been responsible for about 1,850 new cases in the past four weeks more than 20 per cent of all new infections in the city during that span. The governor, 62, showed pictures of large Orthodox Jewish gatherings which he said had taken place in recent weeks. 'The city's proposal does not close religious institutions. We know religious institutions have been a problem,' Cuomo said. At a Monday press conference, Cuomo displayed pictures of large gatherings in Orthodox Jewish communities which overlap with some of the worst-hit ZIP codes in a recent uptick in cases in New York 'We know there have been mass gatherings going on in concert with religious institutions in these communities for weeks,' Cuomo said. 'I don't mean little violations, you're only supposed to have 50, they had 55. I'm talking about, you're only supposed to have 50 outdoors, they had 1,000. 'These have been going on for weeks. You don't see masks, and you see clear violation of social distancing.' Cuomo said religious institutions could only stay open if they agreed to the rules and were prepared to enforce them. 'One, the community must agree - whether it's the Jewish community, whether we're talking about black churches, whether we're talking about Roman Catholic churches - the religious community has to agree to the rules,' Cuomo said. 'Second, after we receive the agreement, an agreement is only as good as the enforcement. We have to have real enforcement. 'If you do not agree to enforce the rules, then we'll close the institutions down. I am prepared to do that. Some Orthodox Jews have complained of being singled out for enforcement and criticized de Blasio for proposing the shutdown during a Jewish holiday. Orthodox Jews would not be using telephones or computers during the Sukkot holiday, and would not have heard the news until sundown. Cases in New York City have risen from fewer than 350 per day in the middle of September to more than 550 per day now, according to CDC figures 'Announcing this in the middle of a Jewish holiday shows City Hall's incompetence and lack of sensitivity towards the Jewish Community,' said Daniel Rosenthal, a state Assembly member from Queens. De Blasio said he was aware of the holiday but felt obligated to announce the plan as soon as it was developed. Many religious leaders say they are already straining to balance rituals and traditions centered on communal gatherings with health rules. The Jewish Voice, a newspaper, is urging compliance with health guidelines such as mask-wearing and social distancing. But its publisher David Ben Hooren said many Orthodox Jews believe they have been unfairly targeted with stringent restrictions that are not being enforced elsewhere. 'The Jewish community feels they're being singled out and there's some element of anti-Semitism,' he said Monday. 'Not that I agree with it, but that's the sentiment in the street. Tensions are running high.' Cases in New York City have risen from fewer than 350 per day in the middle of September to more than 550 per day now, according to CDC figures, although the numbers are still negligible compared to the height of the crisis in the spring. The average daily figure was more than 10 times higher in mid April, when more than 1,000 people were dying in the city every day. Cuomo ordered the school closures to take effect from Tuesday, a day ahead of when de Blasio wanted. 'These clusters have to be attacked,' Cuomo said, likening the state to a field of dry grass ready to ignite if burning embers are not extinguished fast. LEOMINSTER, Mass., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AIS, a leading national manufacturer of commercial office furniture and seating, announced today that the company will provide a high-quality facemask to every Massachusetts poll worker that needs one for use on Election Day ensuring that thousands of election workers in 351 cities and towns will be protected. The company is working directly with Secretary of State William F. Galvin's office and city and town clerks to ensure that the donated masks are delivered to municipalities and distributed to poll workers well in advance of the Presidential Election on Tuesday, November 3. As of Monday, October 5 more than 200 city and town clerks across the Commonwealth had requested mask donations from AIS in quantities ranging from 10 to 1,500. Over three million voters are expected to cast ballots in person around Massachusetts. "Our democracy relies on the ability of all citizens to be able to freely and safely cast their votes in person on Election Day," said Bruce Platzman, CEO of AIS. "These dedicated poll workers in each municipality many of whom have served their communities for years are in every way the frontline essential personnel that make the democratic process function." Platzman said AIS expects to deliver more than 20,000 facemasks to city and town clerks for use by municipal employees, poll workers and Election Day volunteers. Those shipments began going out from the company's Leominster headquarters last week. The COVID-19 pandemic has made high-quality protective masks and other personal protective equipment a necessity to keep poll workers and the public safe during in-person voting. "AIS's generous donation of masks to each community who chooses to participate ensures that poll workers, volunteers and voters will be safe during this election season," said Nancy Talbot, Clerk for the Town of Ware and President of the Massachusetts Town Clerk's Association. "We are so thankful that AIS stepped forward to be of help when so many communities are strapped financially." AIS began making high-quality facemasks using antimicrobial fabrics and other premium materials when the COVID-19 pandemic intensified in April. Then in May, the company established the nationwide Sew the Masks initiative activating internal production lines and close to 1,000 volunteer 'Rosies' in 45 states to create masks at their home sewing machines for donation and distribution to first responders, frontline workers and other people in need. To date, AIS and its corporate sponsor partners have donated and distributed almost 150,000 facemasks to people across the United States. Through coordination with the Secretary of State's office, AIS began working with city and town clerks on September 30 to arrange for delivery of Election Day mask supplies. Within 48 hours nearly 200 municipalities had already signed up for the free mask deliveries -with dozens more making requests by Monday, October 5. AIS will also provide a small quantity of disposable masks to each community for voters who arrive without a mask on Election Day. The effort was first initiated following an appeal to AIS from Leominster City Clerk Katelyn Huffman, who noted that financial hardships the city has experienced as a result of COVID-19 made the acquisition of adequate PPE especially difficult. "Due to the limitations of our budget, and the rules and restraints for new monetary acquisitions, we have been struggling to find ways to acquire the equipment in a timely manner," Huffman said in an August 27 letter to AIS CEO Bruce Platzman. Recruiting and retaining poll workers is especially challenging for the 2020 Presidential Election as the COVID-19 pandemic creates significant public health and safety concerns. In 2017, the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) reported that nearly 60 percent of poll workers nationwide are at least 61 years of ageand roughly one-quarter of all poll workers are 71 years or older. "We saw an opportunity to support cities and towns in Massachusetts on Election Day, at a time when that support is badly needed, by leveraging our inventory of masks and our distribution capacity," said Platzman. "Perhaps companies and organizations with similar capacity in other states will follow suit to help ensure that Americans feel safe coming out to vote on November 3." ABOUT AIS AIS, headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, is a leading manufacturer of commercial office furniture and boasts one of the most impressive stories of growth and success in the furniture industry. Founded in 1989, the company is known for offering market-relevant, feature-rich product lines that entice designers and support the diverse needs of end-users while offering exceptional value. AIS is an innovator that leads the industry in sustainable, lean manufacturing, lead-time performance and manufacturing flexibility. The Boston Business Journal has twice recognized AIS in 2019 and 2020 - with its Corporate Citizenship Award. AIS has permanent showrooms at its Leominster headquarters and also in Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C. With locations across the U.S., AIS has more than 800 employees and over 1 million square feet of office, showroom and factory space. Sales for 2019 were $225 million. For more information, visit www.ais-inc.com . SOURCE AIS Related Links http://www.ais-inc.com The St. Louis, Mo., couple who aimed guns at protesters marching through their gated community this summer have been indicted on both weapons and evidence-tampering charges,according to a court official. A clerk for the St. Louis Circuit Court said a grand jury filed charges of exhibiting a weapon and tampering with evidence against Mark McCloskey, 61, and Patricia McCloskey, 63. The details of the indictment were not immediately available. The McCloskeys, both lawyers, maintain that they were merely defending their gated community against trespassers when they confronted racial justice protesters in June. Video shows Mark McCloskey wielding a rifle and Patricia McCloskey pointing a pistol at the crowd as they streamed by the couple's house toward Mayor Lyda Krewson's nearby home. The incident led to both a speaking slot at the Republican National Convention for the McCloskeys and felony charges of unlawful use of weapons. Charges against the protesters for misdemeanor trespassing were dropped last month; prosecutors said trustees of the private community did not want to pursue the case. Mark McCloskey, appearing on video on local media sites, told reporters outside court earlier Tuesday that the protesters are the ones who should have been charged, calling them all criminals. "What you're witnessing here in this case is just an opportunity for the government, the leftist Democrat government of St. Louis, to persecute us for doing no more than exercising our Second Amendment rights," he said. The office of City Attorney Kim Gardner declined to comment Tuesday evening. Defense attorney Joel Schwartz said he had not seen the indictment yet but thinks the evidence-tampering count is related to Patricia McCloskey's pistol. "The gun didn't function when Mrs. McCloskey had it," he said, so "the only way to support charges against McCloskey is to say that [she and her husband] altered the firearm before it went to the police." But he said his clients did no such thing: "It didn't happen." President Donald Trump and other Republicans have lambasted Gardner for pursuing the case against the McCloskeys, leading to death threats against St. Louis' first Black chief prosecutor. A police officer was filmed tackling a barefoot teenager to the ground before pinning her down in front of stunned shoppers. A bystander recorded the incident, filmed at the Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City in Perth, according to locals, before posting it to TikTok on September 4. The teenager appeared to struggle with the officer while he held her against a shop window and handcuffed her. The dramatic detainment of a Perth teenager (pictured) was captured on video as the police officer tackled the young girl to the ground before pinning her down During the scuffle the cop spun the teenager around and tackled her to the ground before getting on her back and pinning her down. The girl's hands were already handcuffed when she was tackled to the ground. The man filming the incident was heard laughing before the officer looked at him. Other bystanders seemed to ignore the scene and continued with their shopping. The video ended with the police officer on the teenager's back. After taking the teenager down the officer (pictured) remained on her back as bystanders continued with their shopping A Western Australia Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the girl had been detained due to concerns for her safety and wellbeing. The spokesman said police could not give any further details about the incident. The video has been viewed more than 26,000 on social media and had 1,200 comments after it was posted online. Daily Mail Australia also contacted the Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City for comment. President Donald Trump staged a dramatic return to the White House Monday night after leaving the military hospital where he was receiving an unprecedented level of care for COVID-19. He immediately ignited a new controversy by declaring that despite his illness the nation should not fear the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans and then he entered the White House without a protective mask. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) A resident of Patikul, Sulu was killed after suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf fired at a group of civilians on Monday, authorities said. The attack is seen as a response to Patikul residents declaration of the Abu Sayyaf group as persona non grata in their town, which has been a known lair of the local terrorists. Lt. Col. Alaric Delos Santos, spokesperson of the militarys Western Mindanao Command, told CNN Philippines on Tuesday that the Abu Sayyaf shot at a group of civilians harvesting their farm products in Barangay Igasan in Patikul. Tali Lakibul, a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, was killed while the others were unharmed, Delos Santos said. It was a desperate move by the local terrorists because they don't have food to eat because they already lost the support of the local populace, and basically, they were demoralized, Delos Santos said in a text message. In August, Patikul residents led by Mayor Kabir Hayudini signed a Peoples Peace Covenant denouncing the Abu Sayyaf. The extremist group, which has pledged allegiance to ISIS, is notorious for kidnap-for-ransom activities and the beheading some of its hostages. Government troops are currently conducting hot pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf. JoSAA counselling 2020 begins today: Check all details India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Oct 06: The online registration process for the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) will begin today. Candidates who qualified the JEE Advanced will have to register for JoSAA counselling online. Admissions to IITs, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) and other government-funded technology institutes (GFTIs) are conducted by JoSAA. There will be only six rounds of seat allotment conducted in 2020 as opposed to seven rounds conducted earlier. This has been done to ensure that the admission process is over before Diwali and the new academic session starts immediately, as per the official statement issued by JoSAA. JEE Advanced 2020 result declared: How to check "Candidate whose seat has been confirmed by JoSAA can Withdraw from the seat allocation process starting from the 2nd round and up to the 5th round of seat allocation before the last round of seat allocation (i.e., no Withdrawal will be allowed after 6th November 2020)," the official notice said. This year JoSAA has decided to do away with physical reporting owing to the pandemic. Candidates will have to confirm their admission by submitting the documents online. Candidates will have to register on josaa.nic.in. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 11:02 [IST] Rose wines were once seen as a seasonal summer specialty and pink bottles like this one became harder to find on store shelves after Labor Day. Much has changed, though. Nowadays, people shop for roses all year round, and October, in particular, has become a second season of sorts for drinking pink wines thanks to their natural synergy with breast cancer awareness month. All month long, youll find an array of mouthwatering roses on sale, some of which will feature fundraising angles. In this case, a local wholesaler behind eight pink wine and spirits brands, including this one, has organized a campaign to support Pennsylvania-based breast cancer research, patient care and outreach. Together the producers and their vendor partner are donating a portion of the proceeds on October sales of these products to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Where things get tricky for red wine drinkers, though, is in figuring out which pink wines are dry and which are sweet because labels can be quite coy. Luckily, there is always a clue in the fine print alcohol content is always declared, and while there are exceptions, the higher it is, the drier the wine is likely to be. For example, the sweetest roses often contain less than 12% alcohol. This rose made with 100% malbec from Argentina is an example of the drier style. Loaded with snappy fresh flavors of strawberries and raspberries, it clocks in at 14% alcohol, meaning that almost all of its natural grape sugars have been converted to alcohol. Crios Malbec Rose Mendoza, Argentina $8.99 14% alcohol PLCB Item #3007 Sale price through Nov. 1 regularly $12.99 Also available at: Kreston Wine & Spirits in Wilmington, - $11.99 As the pyre was lit for the Dalit victim a little after midnight on September 30, just outside her village Boolgadhi in Hathras district, under the watchful eye of 300 policemen, her family lay grieving at home. The police claim that the law and order situation warranted the cremation at night. With its unprofessional conduct and apathy in the last two weeks on brazen display, the police could not muster enough courage to face the law and order situation and give the victim her right to dignity even in death, by letting the family perform the last rites as per custom in daylight. Her right to dignity was denied even when she was brought to the police station on September 14, barely alive. Instead of rushing her to the hospital to save her life, the police left the family to take the victim on their own. Such insensitivity and crass behaviour in a case of Dalit atrocity went unheeded in the village and higher echelons of the police and bureaucracy. This, despite several standing orders and guidelines by the state government and laws for stringent action to be taken in such cases. The FIR was registered five days later, and her statement recorded by the magistrate only on the 22nd. The callousness was compounded when a senior police official held a press conference ruling out rape, knowing fully well that semen does not survive beyond 90 hours and that the dying declaration is sacrosanct. The assertion spoke volumes of police credibility and its investigation. What was more important was, instead, an inquiry into police inaction, availability of investigative officers at that time, forensic back up and also the effectiveness of the UP 100 line, launched by the police with great fanfare for responding to distress calls and monitoring them. The collector of Hathras escaped suspension while the district police chief and two others did not. As the law and order head, the collector should have been the first to go. Why was the cremation done at night? Why was the family quarantined earlier? Did he check whether ambulance on call was available that day? Did he ever enquire about the status of the victim from the hospital? The investigation by the local police was handed over to the Special Investigation Team and is now recommended for takeover by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The family wants an investigation monitored by a retired judge of the Supreme Court. Such drastic erosion of faith in institutions is a serious issue, and it will take elaborate corrective efforts to restore their lost credibility. The Hathras incident reveals a broken system in our countryside a rural police station lacking basic amenities, human resources and sensitivity; a health care system with glaring gaps; a rudderless panchayat; and social fault lines running deep in a caste-ridden patriarchal society, corroding every institution. The opposition leaders are baying for the blood of the UP chief minister (CM). Several leaders have visited the family of the victim, under the glare of the media, and hurled accusations against the state government, exhorting the CM to resign knowing fully well that things do not change at the grassroots with change of CMs. These speeches did not ask for reforming the broken rural administration. No one cared to look at police infrastructure and functioning even as a Bureau of Police Research and Development report on the issue gathers dust. No one spoke about improving the call for ambulance scheme or inadequate hospitals routinely transferring cases to Delhi. No one referred to the mere 35% utilisation of the fund, set up in the wake of the December 2012 Delhi gang rape incident, by various states so far. The Hathras shame is a gaping wound in the conscience of a nation aspiring to be a major global power. Even as women scale tremendous heights, much to our pride, other women from remote corners are still subjected to medieval depravity. When will our conscience stir? It is imperative for state governments and the Opposition to come together now to restore our institutions, committed to womens security and empowerment. Yashovardhan Azad is former IPS officer and Central Information Commissioner The views expressed are personal OTTAWAThe federal government expects to start receiving newly approved rapid tests for COVID-19 next week, but still needs to hammer out a distribution deal with the provinces and territories before they are available across the country. The promise of rapid testing relief comes as Ontario continues to struggle with a second-wave testing backlog amid rising infections of the deadly virus. On Tuesday, federal Public Services and Procurement Minister Anita Anand announced Ottawa inked a deal for 8.5 million rapid COVID-19 tests from Germany-based Abbott Rapid Diagnostics. These tests, which Anand said could provide a diagnosis on the spot within 20 minutes, are expected to arrive in Canada by the end of the year, and the government has the option to receive another 12 million tests after that. Anands office also confirmed to the Star that another rapid test order from Abbotts operations in the United States the ID NOW test, which was approved and ordered Oct. 1 is on track to start arriving next week. The federal government expects to get 2.5 million of these tests by years end, with the option to get another 5.4 million in 2021. We know that cases are on the rise, making testing and tracing more important than ever, Anand told reporters at the daily federal health briefing Tuesday. These point-of-care tests are crucial to expanding testing capacity, she said, adding that her department is engaged with a number of suppliers to quickly execute secure future orders if they are approved for use by Health Canada. The government now has procurement deals with three of the four rapid, point-of-care tests for COVID-19 that have been approved for public use by Health Canada since the start of the pandemic. Critics like Conservative Leader Erin OToole have charged that Ottawa has been too slow to approve such tests, pointing to massive lineups at testing centres as the second wave of infections grew in recent weeks. The World Health Organization says rapid tests are those that can return a diagnosis within between 10 minutes and two hours. Canada approved its first rapid test, the Cepheid Xpert Xpress, on March 24. Anands office said Tuesday that the government has ordered 1.2 million of these tests and has been receiving them regularly for use in northern and Indigenous communities. The government also approved a rapid test by Ottawa-based Spartan Bioscience, but approval was revoked over concerns about accuracy and the test is now allowed for research use only, according to Health Canada. Last week, the federal government announced its deal to purchase millions of ID NOW tests, one day after it was approved by Health Canada. Then Tuesday, Anand and other federal ministers announced it approved and ordered millions of Panbio rapid tests. These latest antigen tests are less accurate than the ID NOW tests, but the government believes they will be useful in settings like certain workplaces, where people without symptoms need to be tested more regularly to screen for COVID, said Dr. Howard Njoo, Canadas Deputy Chief Public Health Officer. Health Minister Patty Hajdu said the arrival of rapid tests will also alleviate stress on the main system of lab testing, which is experiencing sustained backlogs in Ontario, as well as on contact tracing efforts. The Star reported the provinces backlog samples that havent been tested yet stood at 68,000 on Monday, down from more than 90,000 a few days earlier. We expedite reviews of tests that look like they have promise, Hajdu told reporters Tuesday, pointing to a 40-day standard for rapid tests identified as good candidates. Obviously, speed is of the essence here, in terms of getting product out into Canada and into communities, she said. Hajdu said the federal government also needs to strike a deal to distribute the new rapid tests to the provinces and territories, similar to what happened with personal protective equipment purchased by the federal government. That agreement is being worked out right now and will ensure tests ordered by Ottawa will be distributed to provinces and territories free of charge, Hajdu said. Premier Doug Fords office told the Star the province expects the tests to be doled out according to population. We are working with the federal government to determine what Ontarios allotment might be, said Fords spokesperson, Ivana Yelich, by email Tuesday. We expect that Ontario will get a proportional share that will amount to millions of tests and increase our ability to screen the population for COVID-19, she said. Officials noted Tuesday that almost 169,000 Canadians have contracted COVID-19 so far, and more than 9,500 have died. An average of 1,951 people have been infected every day over the past week across Canada. The government reported a seven day national average of 1,058 new cases on Sept. 22 and 380 in mid-August. Read more about: You are clearly a super-user of NUVO.net. Thats a good thing. It means you depend on independent and local news sources to keep you informed. You are a smart person. Coincidentally, independent and local news sources depend on you too. Youve read 25 articles this month and now, wed like you to be join our mission and become a NUVO Supporter. For as little as $4 a month, you can keep us alive and fighting -- and can have unlimited access to the independent news that cant be found anywhere else. It is learned that Jaishankar and Pompeo also deliberated on overall ties including the evolving security scenarios around India New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Tokyo, focusing on various aspects of bilateral ties and ways to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in the wake of China's growing assertiveness in the region. Jaishankar and Pompeo are in Tokyo to attend a ministerial meeting of the Quad or Quadrilateral coalition comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan. The external affairs minister also called on Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga along with his counterparts from the US, Japan, and Australia. "Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar tweeted. Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific. pic.twitter.com/isZMTNlHXe Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 6, 2020 About the meeting with Suga, the external affairs minister said he mentioned the bilateral and global dimensions of special partnership between the two countries. "Called on PM @sugawitter along with other Quad Foreign Ministers. Spoke about the bilateral and global dimensions of our special partnership," he said. Delighted to join my QUAD colleagues at our Ministerial consultations in Tokyo. Thank FM @moteging for his gracious hospitality.https://t.co/hFSZRPu7Rf pic.twitter.com/1gfxiHdHXs Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 6, 2020 The meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo comes at a time both India and the US are at loggerheads with China. While India's ties with China have come under severe strain over the five-month border standoff in eastern Ladakh, the relationship between Beijing and Washington nosedived over a trade dispute, the coronavirus pandemic, and China's military offensive in the South China Sea. It is learned that Jaishankar and Pompeo also deliberated on overall ties including the evolving security scenarios around India. In November 2017, the four countries gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. The first meeting of foreign ministers of the four countries under the 'Quad' framework had taken place in New York in September 2019. The second ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral coalition on Tuesday is expected to collectively affirm the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of growing Chinese assertiveness in the region. Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs said the meeting of the foreign ministers of the four countries is expected to collectively affirm the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. During his two-day visit to Tokyo, Jaishankar will also hold talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian foreign minister Marise Payne India is also expanding bilateral cooperation with Japan, the US, and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region. The US has been pushing for a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific which is seen by many countries as an effort to contain China's growing clout in the region. In contradiction of the previous Brandon City Council meeting, a citizen took the podium in defence of Thomas Lafayette Rosser and the downtown street named after him. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us In contradiction of the previous Brandon City Council meeting, a citizen took the podium in defence of Thomas Lafayette Rosser and the downtown street named after him. Wearing a white T-shirt with a vintage photo of downtown Brandon and the words "Our History Matters," Violet Joss defended the Confederate general and Canadian Pacific Railway worker as well as Rosser Avenue, which is named in his honour. The presenter stood in stark contrast to John Simpson, who wore a black T-shirt emblazoned with the words "Black Lives Matter" at the Sept. 21 council meeting to argue why the streets name should be changed. She decried "media-induced" misconceptions being thrown around about Rosser that she was there to dispel. Joss also criticized the attempts to have the street renamed as an effort to erase history. After doing research since the presentation done by Simpson in opposition to the name, Joss said she found no evidence that Rosser personally owned slaves, no evidence that he fought for the Confederacy to defend slavery and that he acted appropriately for a man of his time. As for the famous duel that Rosser challenged his former railway boss to after being fired from the railway for aiding land speculators, Joss argued that was an acceptable way for a man of his era to reclaim his honour after being aggrieved. She also argued those in favour of changing the name have not come close to fulfilling the requirements laid out in the citys bylaws for a street name to be changed. Going further, she argued that the city should give heritage designations to all of its streets in order to protect them from further attempts to have their names changed. In closing, Joss answered a question Coun. Kris Desjarlais (Rosser) had at the last council meeting: is there another Rosser the city could say the street is named after? According to her research, there was a columnist at The Brandon Sun many years ago who wrote under the pen name F.A. Rosser, which is a reference to the Suns location at Fifth and Rosser. A secret, parallel history of the United States stretches back at least 70 years, according to director James Fox and writer Marc Barasch. In their new documentary The Phenomenon, released on streaming services today, they aim to reveal that history, step by step, and build the case that it is time for that history to be known and taken seriously. The secret? Years of government cover-ups of the UFO phenomenon, its implications for national security and for our understanding of our place in the universe. The Phenomenon contains a great deal that the public has not heard and seen before. Major figures go on the record, sometimes for the first time, testifying to the importance and anomalous nature of the UFO phenomenon and the extraordinary recovered materials associated with it. They include former Nevada Sen. Harry Reid; Christopher Mellon, former deputy assistant secretary of defense; Leslie Kean, an investigative journalist who has written about UFOs and the military; and, in a rare media appearance, Jacques Vallee, one the worlds most respected researchers into the UFO phenomenon, It took me years to get some of those interviews, Fox said. But from my earlier documentary, 50 Years of Denial, I was known as someone who is serious and trustworthy. The film also includes archival footage of the late Lt. Col. Hector Quintanilla, the former head of Project Blue Book, the Air Force program that investigated UFOs from 1947 to 1969. Quintanilla grew up on the West Side of San Antonio and retired here. Taken together, the people interviewed in the documentary make a case for greater scientific study of the UFO phenomenon, for greater public understanding of it, and for an end to official secrecy. Reid goes so far as to say that the years of secrecy have been bad for the American people. As The Phenomenon shows, though, there are now some people in high places interested in challenging that secrecy by supplying evidence. Mellon, for instance, reveals that he was the one who received video from an anonymous government employee of Navy pilots pursuing an unidentified aerial phenomenon on their jet radars and gave it to The New York Times. The video accompanied the publication of a December story in the Times detailing the history of the Defense Departments secret Advance Aerospace Threat Identification Program, which, the paper said, investigated reports of UFOs for years. The story, and the video, went viral . Fox has similar hopes for the The Phenomenons impact. Our intention in making this documentary was to create the seminal feature that would treat this subject in the manner it deserves with great intellectual integrity, and in doing so transcend the UFO community and reach a much broader audience, he said. The movie, narrated by actor Peter Coyote, starts out with a review of the history of the UFO phenomenon in modern times using hard-to-find archival footage, including a series of sightings in Washington, D.C., in July 1952. We recognize a lot of people dont know how extensive this parallel history really is, and we need to know about that, Barasch said. The film also features footage of children at the Ariel School, an elementary school outside Harare, Zimbabwe, taken during a visit to the school by the late Dr. John Mack of Harvard University. They testified to seeing a small, ovoid craft land in 1994 near their playground. In the footage, the children describe a small, manlike being who emerged from the craft and stood before them for quite some time after which some of them said they saw images in their minds of a dying Earth and felt the being was trying to give them a warning. Fox took his own camera crew to the school to interview the students, now adults, about how their experiences had affected them. As we were working, I was surprised that the headmistress, who had given us clear permission to work on the campus, came out of her office and said she wanted to go on camera, Fox said. She apologized to the students for not believing their stories when they were children and for forcing them to stop talking about them. When I asked her what happened, she said simply, We were visited by aliens. Barasch said he hopes The Phenomenon will spark a new Copernican revolution. We have been using, at best, siege engines against the fortress of todays geocentric worldview, he said. Maybe The Phenomenon can be the battering ram. Ed Conroy, a freelance writer in San Antonio, is author of Report on Communion. While many of us are doing our part during this pandemic by staying at home, doctors and other healthcare workers are working tirelessly to take care of the COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals. Since this novel coronavirus does not have a definite cure yet, doctors have been trying every possible treatment that can help in relieving the symptoms of COVID-19. Other than repurposing drugs already available in the market, such as hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir, doctors have also been using plasma therapy to treat patients with severe symptoms and complications of COVID-19. When a virus or any microorganism enters the body, the immune system gets activated and makes antibodies against it. These antibodies fight the microorganism and the resulting infection and can stay in the blood for months or even years. Plasma therapy, also known as convalescent plasma treatment, is a treatment where doctors separate antibody-rich serum from the blood donated by a recovered COVID-19 patient and then transfuse it to the body of a severely infected patient. Though the efficiency of using convalescent plasma against COVID-19 is still being researched, scientists have found that COVID-19 antibodies may vanish rapidly in the donated blood. Antibodies in the body of recovered COVID-19 patients For the study conducted by the scientists of the Hema-Quebec blood centre, Canada, the scientists took plasma samples of 282 COVID-19 patients, however, only 15 of them were considered in the study. Of these 15 patients, 11 were males and 4 were females. None of the patients were admitted to the hospital but they presented with mild to severe symptoms. The study was published in the journal Blood on 2nd October 2020. All 15 participants donated their plasma between four and nine times. The first donation of the plasma was done between 33 and 77 days after the first symptoms were experienced. The last donation of plasma was done between 66 and 114 days after the first symptoms were experienced. Results of the study As per Dr Renee Bazin, the author, this is the first longitudinal study (study where the data is collected multiple times) that showed people who once had antibodies in their blood (seropositive) can present with no antibodies (seronegative) after a certain period. The results of the study showed that all 15 donors had a high number of antibodies in the beginning but started showing a decrease at around 88 days and within the next 21 days, the antibodies reduced to half. Dr Bazin further added that out of the 282 donors examined at the beginning of the study, around seven percent did not have detectable antibodies even at the time of their first donation. Furthermore, this proportion of people doubled when the donors waited for more than 11 to 12 weeks, since they first experienced COVID-19 symptoms, before donating the plasma. Conclusion The scientists concluded that since the antibodies in the donated plasma wane off within 2 to 4 months, the plasma donors must not wait for too long and donate their plasma as soon as they become eligible. A person recovered from COVID-19 disease can donate plasma around 30 to 40 days after they first tested positive, as it is believed that they would have formed enough antibodies in their blood by that time. For more information, read our article on Convalescent plasma therapy (passive antibody treatment). Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health. Brazil's economy is projected to shrink by 5.8 per cent in 2020, the International Monetary Fund said Monday, revising a more pessimistic forecast of a 9.1 per cent contraction made mid-year. "The economy is projected to shrink by 5.8 per cent in 2020, followed by a partial recovery to 2.8 per cent in 2021," the IMF said in its annual report on Latin America's largest economy. In the report released Monday the IMF praised the right-wing government of President Jair Bolsonaro for its response to the economic crisis prompted by the coronavirus. "The strong policy response averted a deeper economic downturn, stabilized financial markets, and cushioned the effects of the pandemic on the poor and vulnerable." However, given a sharp rise in primary fiscal deficit, gross public debt is projected to jump to around 100 per cent of GDP in 2020, the IMF said, remaining high over the medium term. "Risks are exceptionally high and multifaceted," the Fund warned, "including a second wave of the pandemic, long-term scarring from a protracted recession, and vulnerability to confidence shocks given Brazil's high level of public debt." Brazil has the world's second highest number of deaths from Covid-19 after the United States, with more than 145,000 fatalities from the disease. Almost 12 million jobs were lost due to the crisis between February and July, of which over seven million were in the informal sector, and the unemployment rate rose to 13.8 per cent. A California judge has ruled that Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva acted unlawfully when he rehired a deputy who was fired over domestic violence allegations involving a fellow officer. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloffs ruling last week is the latest in the drawn-out legal fight between Villanueva and the countys board of supervisors over the controversial reinstatement of the deputy, Caren Carl Mandoyan. The supervisors sued Villanueva in March 2019. Mandoyan had been fired in 2016 by then-Sheriff Jim McConnell after officials believed he had lied during an investigation into claims that he grabbed his ex-girlfriend, who is also an officer, by the neck, made repeated attempts to break into the woman's home, and sent her harassing text messages. A California judge has ruled that LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva's (left) decision to rehire fired deputy Caren Mandoyan (right) was 'unlawful' Villanueva rehired the deputy, who acted as his driver during his campaign, immediately after being elected sheriff in 2018 One of Mandoyan's alleged break-in attempts was caught on security video. Greg Smith, Mandoyans attorney, said his client lived with the woman and was trying to get back inside after he was locked out without his car keys, gun and badge. Smith said Mandoyan never assaulted the woman. The deputy was never criminally charged in this case. The ousted Mandoyan volunteered on Villanuevas campaign for sheriff in 2018 by acting as his driver, and the newly elected sheriff later rehired him. The move sparked a conflict between Villanueva and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, which filed a petition seeking to have Mandoyan's rehiring declared void. In August 2019, the judge granted a preliminary injunction, ordering Mandoyan to surrender all county property in his possession, including uniforms, badges and weapons, and barring him from presenting himself as a deputy. 'I am not going to be homeless, I have to provide for my family,' Mandoyan told Eyewitness News last year. 'I haven't done anything wrong - I am not a problem child.' Mandoyan's attorney filed a motion asking to dissolve or modify the injunction, but the judge denied it this past June. Mandoyan was fired in 2016 after allegedly grabbing his ex-girlfriend by the neck and trying to break into her home. Security video caught his attempts to enter the residence (pictured) In his 17-page opinion issued last week, Beckloff sided with the board of supervisors, ruling that Villanueva exceeded his authority when he rehired Mandoyan and offered him full back pay and benefits worth $200,000 as part of a settlement, which he declared void, reported Los Angeles Times. Mandoyan plans to appeal the judge's decision, and he has another lawsuit pending in a bid to get his job back 'No statute grants the Sheriff the authority to control litigation or enter into settlement agreements on behalf of the County,' Beckloff wrote. The judge also stated that the rehiring decision was 'unlawful' because Mandoyan's name did not appear on a certified eligibility list in December 2018. Louis 'Skip' Miller, an attorney representing the county, praised the ruling. 'We think this is the right ruling, that this individual does not belong in the LASD and are pleased that justice has prevailed,' Miller said. Smith, Mandoyan's attorney, said they plan to appeal the decision and are hopeful about the ultimate outcome of the case. Mandoyan has another lawsuit pending, seeking a new investigation into the domestic violence allegations. His complaint cited a 100-page sheriff's department report stating that Mandoyan was denied due process, and that the internal investigation left out new exculpatory information that could have prevented his firing. Sheriff Villanueva has publicly defended the deputy and questions the veracity of his accuser's allegations. About 48 per cent of the COVID-19 deaths in the country have been reported from 25 districts in eight states, of which 15 districts are in Maharashtra alone, the Health ministry said on Tuesday. Addressing a press briefing, Secretary in the ministry Rajesh Bhushan said the country has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 recoveries in the world at over 56 lakh and conducted the second-highest number of tests at 8.10 crore. New recoveries have been more than the new cases over the last two weeks. New cases being reported in the last 14 days are below the previous high of 90,000 per day," he said. Bhushan further said the average daily COVID-19 positivity rate has declined from the 9.21 per cent recorded between September 16 and 22 to 6.82 per cent between September 30 and October 6. Average daily new cases of COVID-19 have declined from 84,179 registered from September 2 to September 8 to 77,113 recorded between September 30 and October 6," he said. Giving figures on the COVID-19 deaths, Bhushan said about 48 per cent of the fatalities in the country have been reported from 25 districts in eight states. Of these 25 districts, 15 are in Maharashtra alone, two each in Karnataka, West Bengal and Gujarat and one each in Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh," he said, adding that the ministry is working with these states to bring down the COVID-19 case fatality rate there. Ten states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, account for 77 per cent of the active coronavirus cases in the country, Bhushan said. Asked if the country has crossed the peak, he said it is perhaps not right from the perspective of public health to predict peaks or declines based on mathematical models and that public health activities such as aggressive testing, contact-tracing, surveillance, implementing containment plans, along with non-pharmacological interventions like wearing masks, not spitting in public, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene, will have to be continued. We have found at the national and the international level that when we start saying there is a decline, people become negligent and less cautious and we see a rise in the number of cases again. As we approach the festival season and winter, which is conducive for the spread of diseases such as influenza, we need to be extra cautious. We have told all the states to ensure an effective implementation of public health strategies in the fight against COVID-19," Bhushan said. Replying to a query, he said the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has an agreement with an Indian commercial entity, which has approached the Indian regulator for clinical trials of its Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, and the latter has given some suggestions that need to be incorporated by it. Analysing the trend of COVID-19 cases in different states, the official said in Maharashtra, 2.37 lakh cases were recorded on September 8, the number rose to 2.91 lakh on September 15 and then declined to 2.75 lakh on September 22, 2.65 lakh on September 29 and 2.52 lakh on October 6. It is too early to take a call on the trend of active COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, whether the number is stabilising or not, we need to observe for more time," he said. In Karnataka, the number of cases has gone up (from 97,020 on September 8 to 1.15 lakh on October 6), while in Andhra Pradesh, a trend of definite decline can be seen (from 97,932 on September 8 to 51,060 on October 6). The most significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases has been witnessed in Kerala (from 22,133 on September 8 to 84,958 on October 6), Bhushan said, adding that a surge was seen during Onam. In Uttar Pradesh, the number of cases was 62,144 on September 8, which declined to 45,000 on October 6. In Tamil Nadu, the number of cases was 51,215 on September 8 and it declined to 45,881 on October 6. The ministry is concentrating on these states and has come up with a special strategy on how to control the rising numbers of coronavirus cases as its target is to bring the case fatality rate below one per cent, Bhushan said. Replying to another query regarding insurance claims for the frontline healthcare workers, he said an amount of Rs 50 lakh each has been paid to the families of 95 such workers, who lost their lives to COVID-19. He added that 176 claims are being processed and in addition, there are 79 claims, which are yet to be received from various states.. More Americans are finding benefits to stocking up on long-shelf life items in a recent survey nearly 4 in 10 said that they were buying more shelf-stable foods than pre-COVID 19. 1 College Inn's Savory Infusions is a new pantry must-have for convenient home cooking that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. These flavor boosters are perfect for adding seasonings to easy, delectable dishes or creating appetizing broth by simply stirring into water. "This year in particular, families across America are looking forward to sitting down and celebrating the holidays together. In fact, families are so excited they are planning out their meals now," said Liam Farrell, VP of Brand Marketing for Del Monte Foods. "However with all of these plans, making a meal during the week can add a bit more stress than usual. We understand this stress and with Savory Infusions we've created a pantry must-have which can turn the bland into wow any night of the week." New Savory Infusions can help create delicious dishes that the whole family can enjoy. Great in entrees, soups and marinades, Savory Infusions uses no artificial flavors, preservatives or MSG. Available options include Herb Roasted Chicken Base, Beef & Caramelized Onion Base and Roasted Chili & Garlic Base. All products are carefully crafted with a blend of sauteed vegetable purees made from carrots, celery, onions, tomato paste and various herbs and seasonings like cumin, oregano and parsley. College Inn's Savory Infusions can also be used to make broth by stirring any of the flavors into water. College Inn Savory Infusions continues to expand on the brand's existing line of shelf stable offerings. Available nationwide at Costco, Target, Safeway and more, Savory Infusions joins College Inn Simple Starter meal enhancers and a full range of broths and stocks. About College Inn For nearly 100 years, College Inn products have been enjoyed for their rich, savory flavor, allowing consumers to easily prepare delicious meals. Known for its carefully crafted broths and stocks using only the finest ingredients, College Inn products are perfect for creating both classic and modern, on-trend meals. Lending dishes a homemade quality, College Inn products enhance the flavor of soups, stews, braises and much more. About Del Monte Foods For more than 130 years, Del Monte Foods, Inc. has been driven by our mission to nourish families with earth's goodness. As one of the original plant-based food companies, we're always innovating to make nutritious and delicious foods more accessible to consumers across our portfolio of beloved brands, including Del Monte, Contadina, College Inn, and S&W. Del Monte Foods, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited (Bloomberg: DELM SP, DELM PM) and is not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Del Monte Canada, or Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd. For more information about Del Monte Foods and our products, please visit www.delmontefoods.com or https://www.delmonte.com/ . 1 Food Insight SOURCE College Inn For the insurance industry, the financial cost of the bushfires was immense. According to the aptly-named PERILS an independent catastrophe firm the industry suffered peak losses of approximately $1.861 billion per week, with 70% of these losses being incurred in New South Wales. According to Peter Cheesman (pictured above), head of APAC analytics at Aon, the bushfires acted as a kind of wake-up call for any insurers that had ignored the severe effects that climate change can and will have. Insurers should already understand the implications of this recent fire activity on their portfolios and have some knowledge of what causes these conditions to occur and how exposed they are, Cheesman told Insurance Business. Looking ahead over the short-term, i.e., the next 10 years, property damage from wildfires is likely to continue to be driven by natural variability in the climate system. Insurers may look to better understand the impacts of these climate drivers on their portfolio. The now active La Nina phase of ENSO [El NinoSouthern Oscillation] in Australia is a good example. Looking longer-term, anthropogenic warming is projected to become a key promoter of severe fire weather conditions and subsequent insurance losses, he added. Ben Crowther, head of risk management services for NSW and Queensland at Marsh, echoed Cheesmans emphasis on the importance of understanding changing weather patterns for the long-term planning of both insurers and their clients. Looking forward, communication and our reliance on technology to inform us and to keep us connected is pivotal, said Crowther. The scale of the impact isolated so many communities and that heightened the emotion and fear for everyone affected and of those who could not reach them. It also highlighted the need to know our capabilities and vulnerabilities well ahead of the event. While the scale could not have been predicted, it did shine a light on the importance of equipment and supplies, so as not to be caught short. Crowther drew attention to the aforementioned royal commission, which showed that many bushfire risk management plans were out of date, and highlighted that while companies need to have current response plans, company personnel need to be familiar with the adopted strategies. Regarding business interruption coverage, there needs to be an understanding of revenue streams; understanding how these revenue streams may be impacted directly and indirectly; and the need to explore how an insurance programme can be aligned with these risks, he added. Michael Olofinsky (pictured immediately above), managing director at Brookvale Insurance Brokers, told Insurance Business that local governmental bodies should bear the greatest burden when it comes to protecting Australians against bushfires. While brokers play a major role in the placement of insurance, it is up to local councils and state governments to keep us safe, Olofinsky said. I live in an area where we have four different authorities owning different parts of the land surrounding us. From where I stand, all authorities should be made to maintain their land holdings and clear any undergrowth, and more fire breaks need to be implemented which, in turn, will create more recreation areas for exercise. We are powerless to prevent fires but, as owners, we should lobby our state and council representatives on a regular basis if we see fire loads mounting while they sit on their hands, he concluded. Children are more likely to introduce violent themes into their pretend play, such as imaginary fighting or killing, if they are with playmates whom peers consider bad-tempered, new research suggests. Academics from the University of Cambridge believe that the tendency for children to introduce aggressive themes in these situations - which seems to happen whether or not they are personally easy to anger - may be because they are 'rehearsing' strategies to cope with hot-headed friends. The finding comes from an observational study of more than 100 children at a school in China, who were asked to play with toys in pairs. Children whose play partners were considered bad-tempered by their peers were 45% more likely to introduce aggressive themes into their pretend play than those whose partners were reckoned to be better at controlling their temper. Importantly, however, a child's own temperament did not predict the level of make-believe aggression. Instead, children often appeared to introduce these themes specifically in response to having an irritable playmate. This may mean that in certain cases aggressive make-believe play actually helps children's social and emotional development. The paper's authors stress, however, that further research will be needed before they can provide definitive guidance for parents or practitioners. Dr Zhen Rao, from the Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development and Learning (PEDAL), at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, said: "If children have a friend who is easily angered, and particularly if they haven't coped well with that behaviour, it's possible that they will look for ways to explore it through pretend play. This gives them a safe context in which to try out different ways of handling difficult situations next time they crop up in real life." Aggressive pretend play has been the subject of considerable wider research, much of which aims to understand whether it predicts similarly aggressive real-life behaviours. Most of these studies, however, tend to focus on whether these associations are linked to the child's own temperament, rather than that of the children they are playing with. The Cambridge study aimed to understand how far aggressive pretend play is associated with a play partner's anger expression. It also distinguished between aggressive pretend play and its 'non-aggressive, negative' variant: for example, pretend play that involves imagining someone who is sick or unhappy. The research was carried out with 104 children, aged seven to 10, at a school in Guangzhou in China, as part of a wider project that the team were undertaking in that region. Participants were asked to organise themselves into pairs - many of them therefore picking friends - and were then filmed playing for 20 minutes. The toys they were given was deliberately neutral in character (for example, there were no toy weapons), and the children could play however they wanted. The researchers then coded 10-minute samples of each pair in 120 five-second segments, earmarking instances of pretend play, aggressive themes, and non-aggressive negative themes. Separately, they also asked peers to rate the children's tendency to become angry. Each of the 104 children in the study was rated by, on average, 10 others, who were asked to decide whether they were good at keeping their temper, easily angered, or 'somewhere in between'. The researchers then analysed the data using a statistical model called an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, which is a means of measuring and testing the influence that two individuals have on one another. This allowed them to work out how far children were playing a certain way of their own volition, and how far they were being influenced by their partner. On average, the children spent only about a fifth of their recorded session participating in pretend play, of which around 10% involved aggressive themes and 8% involved non-aggressive negative themes. Pretend play was observed in all children. More than half (53.5%) showed at least one instance of aggressive pretend play, and 43% of the children showed at least one instance of negative pretend play. The children's own ability to control their temper, as reported by their peers, did not significantly predict how much their pretend play involved aggressive themes. If they had a play partner who was considered quick to anger, however, they were 45% more likely to create pretend situations that involved some sort of aggressive element. This percentage is to some extent shaped by how the data was segmented, but nonetheless indicates a greater likelihood that children will do this if they are playing with someone peers regard as easy to anger. There was no evidence to suggest that either child's temperament influenced the frequency of non-aggressive, negative pretend play. The researchers also found that boys were 6.11 times likelier to engage in aggressive pretend play than girls. The theory that children may introduce these themes to rehearse ways of handling bad-tempered peers is only one possible explanation. For example, it may also represent an attempt to stop playmates becoming angry by giving them a pretend situation in which to 'let off steam', or simply to keep them playing by appealing to their nature. "Our study highlights the importance of taking into account a social partner's emotional expression when understanding aggressive pretend play," Rao added. "Further research is clearly needed to help us better understand this in different social contexts. The possibility that children might be working out how to handle tricky situations through pretend play suggests that for some children, this could actually be a way of developing their social and emotional skills." ### The research is published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology. Dr Rao's research is funded by an ESRC postdoctoral Fellowship. Here is a list of stocks in the news today. Infibeam Avenues | Company entered into a definitive agreement with Jio Platforms and its affiliates. Disclaimer: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. which publishes moneycontrol.com (Image: ia.ooo) Dhampur Sugar Mills | CARE reaffirmed credit rating of the company for long term credit facilities from banks and fixed deposits as 'A'/Stable. (Image: dhampur.com) Escorts | Company completed the acquisition of 2 crore equity shares of KAI from KBT, constituting 40 percent of the share capital of KAI at Rs 45 per share for an aggregate value of Rs 90 crore. (Image: escortsgroup.com) Tata Motors | JLR retail sales rose 50 percent to 1,13,569 vehicles in Q2FY21, against 74,067 vehicles in Q1FY21, but down 11.9 percent YoY. (Image: Reuters) Majesco | Company to consider proposal for buyback of fully paid-up equity shares on October 8. Sanofi India | Company approved appointment of Vaibhav Karandikar as Chief Financial Officer. (Image: Facebook) PVR | Company approved issue and offer for subscription, on a private placement basis, NCDs of Rs 50 crore. (Image: PTI) Sterlite Technologies | Company approved appointment of Mihir Modi as Chief Financial Officer. Sobha | In Q2FY21, company achieved a total sales volume of 8,91,700 square feet valued at Rs 690 crore, with a total average realization of Rs 7,737 per square feet. (Image: sobha.com) Kemistar Corporation | Subsidiary K P International has commenced its operation in new plant at Dahej, Ahmedabad. Mafatlal Industries | Promoter entity Sumil Holdings created a pledge on 3.03 lakh equity shares. Angel Broking | BNP Paribas Arbitrage sold 5,24,649 equity shares in company at Rs 280.13 per share on the NSE. (Image: Justdial) Deepak Fertilizers | Robust Marketing Services acquired 1,29,474 rights entitlement shares of company at Rs 13.91 per share, whereas Aequitas Investment Consultancy - PMS sold 1,02,735 shares at Rs 13.99 per share on the NSE. (Image: dfpcl.com) Orchid Pharma | CARE assigned BB+ rating with stable outlook for company's long term bank facilities. (Image: Twitter) IndusInd Bank | The banks advances as on September 30, 2020, rose 2 percent to Rs 2 lakh crore from Rs 1.97 lakh crore while deposits increased 10 percent to Rs 2.28 lakh crore, YoY. CASA Ratio was at 41.4 percent versus 40.4 percent, YoY. Britannia Industries | Company's board has approved the issue of one debenture of face value of Rs 29 each to the members of the company for every one equity share by utilizing the General Reserve of the company and payment of a dividend of Rs 12.50. SBI | The Bank Board Bureau has recommended S Janakiraman and Ashwini Kumar Tewari's names for the position of the banks Managing Director. HDFC Bank | Banks advances as on September 30, 2020, rose 16 percent to Rs 10.4 lakh crore while deposits increased 20 percent to Rs 12.3 lakh crore, YoY. CASA Ratio was at 42 percent versus 39.3 percent, YoY. CreditAccess Grameen | The company has launched QIP issue at Rs 707.69 per share. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump left an elite medical center Monday evening as his doctors acknowledged that they were entering "uncharted territory" and - citing privacy laws - continued to withhold information that could illuminate the president's prognosis for recovering from covid-19. Trump's determination to appear in control in the waning weeks of the presidential race left unclear whether he or his doctors were calling the shots, especially because members of his medical team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center continued to cherry-pick what they shared with the public. They said that his oxygen levels were normal and that he had no fever, but they refused to answer questions about results from lung scans, his last negative test for the coronavirus or why he is receiving the steroid dexamethasone, typically reserved for patients with severe illness. The president returns to the White House at a fraught moment in his recovery - before he has seemingly escaped a period when some patients are known to crash. "The problem with covid-19 is that people's condition can deteriorate rapidly, even after days of stability," said Harlan Krumholz, a cardiologist and health-care researcher at Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital. "And so we are more accustomed to be cautious with people with high risk." The president has received care accessible to few other Americans. He was given a brew of laboratory-made antibodies that fewer than 10 other patients have received outside of clinical trials. And for him, returning home means arriving at a place that can be adapted to cater to his needs, Krumholz and others said. Jonathan Reiner, a George Washington University Hospital cardiologist, said that in an emergency, the White House medical unit "can do what an emergency room can do in the first 15 minutes" - someone could be resuscitated and stabilized during a heart attack, for example, and then transferred to a hospital. For ongoing treatment, he said, it would be wise for Trump to remain hospitalized. "It makes zero sense to move him from Walter Reed," Reiner said. At a Monday news conference, White House physician Sean Conley said doctors were "cautiously optimistic and on guard" about Trump's discharge. But he said the benefits of returning to the White House outweighed the risks. "Every day a patient stays in the hospital unnecessarily is a risk to themselves," Conley said. "And right now there's nothing that's being done upstairs here that we can't safely conduct down home." But Conley acknowledged that the medical team is in "uncharted territory" with the mix of medications the president has been given and that the dangerous period for the infection is not over. He's "looking to this weekend" for assurance that Trump has cleared rough waters. "If we can get through to Monday" of next week, he said, doctors will "take that final deep sigh of relief." Conley declined for the third briefing in a row to answer additional questions about X-rays and other images taken of Trump's lungs, and about other key data, such as when he last received a negative coronavirus test before falling ill. Instead, Conley emphasized symptoms the president was not experiencing: A "slight cough" was gone. There were never complaints of muscle aches. And fever-reducing drugs had not been deployed for at least 72 hours. "He's up and back to his old self, predominantly," Conley said. In the White House, Trump's doctors will be vigilant for sudden changes, specialists predicted. "You would want to be prepared to take care of any sudden unanticipated or very concerning event," said Jeanne Marrazzo, an infectious-diseases expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The biggest risk, she said, would be the sudden onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome, which sometimes occurs with covid-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Patients' lungs fill with fluid, and they cannot breathe on their own. While Trump could get supplemental oxygen at the White House, "if I were that sick, I would want to be at Walter Reed," she said. Marrazzo said she would also be on the lookout for cardiac abnormalities, especially given Trump's age and lack of exercise. She said covid-19 causes heart problems including myocarditis, heart failure and clotting. While Trump could be whisked back to Walter Reed in the Maryland suburbs if problems developed, she said, "lots of things can happen in 20 minutes, lots of things can happen in five minutes." Daniel Kaul, an infectious-diseases expert at the University of Michigan, said people of Trump's age and with similar severity of illness - to the extent that is known - "usually have a pretty slow recovery, with weeks and sometimes months of cognitive difficulties, shortness of breath, severe fatigue." Like other experts, Kaul said it is highly probable that Trump had pneumonia. At the briefing, Conley selectively invoked health privacy laws known as HIPAA - the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - when questions arose about the president's respiratory-system scans or whether he remained infectious. Asked when Trump last tested negative for the coronavirus, Conley replied, "HIPAA precludes me from going into too much depth." When asked about imaging tests of the president's lungs, Conley responded, "So there are HIPAA rules and regulations that restrict me in sharing certain things for his safety and his own health." The president's doctors showed no such hesitancy in disclosing details about his temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen level - all of which they said were normal. Trump minimized in a tweet Monday the dangers presented by the virus that has felled at least 209,000 people in the United States. "Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life," he tweeted. "We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!" Trump returns to a White House complex with two medical clinics, according to people familiar with the facilities: a small one on the ground floor available to the first family and others working in the building, and a larger one in the Executive Office Building. The latter unit is equipped to stabilize patients needing urgent care after incidents ranging from an accident to a heart attack or stroke. The goal is to stabilize patients before transferring them to a hospital. For a scheduled procedure, presidents typically go to Walter Reed; for trauma, they go to George Washington University Hospital, where Ronald Reagan was treated after being shot almost four decades ago. Health officials from current and past administrations agreed that the White House medical unit can bulk up on staffing and equipment to ensure that it can care for and at least stabilize a patient who takes a turn for the worse. "But it's really inefficient and risky compared to being on site in a hospital" with Walter Reed's capability, said a health official from a previous administration who spoke on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss the topic. Greg Martin, a pulmonary critical-care specialist at Emory University, said Trump's blood oxygen levels could be tracked constantly through a finger monitor available at drugstores. The president would be watched for changes in mental status as a side effect of medications, especially the steroid dexamethasone, which might include difficulty with attention, depression or mania. His blood would probably be tested several times a day for changes in coagulation or inflammation - those might indicate a higher risk of clotting or that his body may be heading into a dangerous "cytokine storm," which would require more serious interventions. Doctors may run an echocardiogram on his heart once a day to look for signs of a hardening of the walls, which is a known and relatively common issue with covid-19. But Martin cautioned that there are complications of covid-19 for which there is often no warning or advance notice: strokes or heart failure due to microclots, or a pulmonary embolism from a clot in the legs or other part of the body suddenly moving to the lungs. "These are things you wouldn't know are going to happen until they do," Martin said. The White House did not respond to questions Monday afternoon about whether new equipment or personnel had been brought in to treat Trump. The degree of monitoring available from a staff of physicians, nurses and physician assistants could be important for a patient such as Trump, whose risk factors include his age and weight, and who may be contagious for days to come. "I think he has to be assumed to be infectious," said William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University's medical school. "We need to know some details - how closely is he going to be monitored?" Schaffner said. "That's very important. The concern is, though he's feeling rather chipper, he could still crash." In particular, he said, the president faces a potential hazard of developing cardiac problems that could disrupt his heart rhythm or breathing difficulty that could damage his lungs. Schaffner said one of the metrics of improving health highlighted by the president's physician Monday - Trump's lack of a fever for more than 72 hours - could be a byproduct of the fever-suppressing qualities of dexamethasone. One significant question Trump's doctors have not addressed is how long they plan to continue giving him the steroid and a combination of disease-fighting antibodies, said John Mellors, chief of the division of infectious diseases at the University of Pittsburgh school of medicine. Mellors said some patients with symptoms similar to those described by the president's doctors achieve a full recovery. Others feel unwell for weeks or months, with symptoms that can include fatigue, body aches, shortness of breath, low-grade fever and mental fogginess. In other cases, the virus can be suppressed temporarily but come back to cause major damage in the lungs or the heart, or by developing blood clots. Which trajectory any given patient takes "is all emerging" in terms of medical research findings. The president probably is still contagious, experts said. Conley said doctors were using "advanced diagnostics" to determine "when it's safe to get around and be around people." The real question, Marrazzo said, is why Trump returned. "Is it a continued theatrical effort to assure us he is well enough to be discharged, or is it that they think he truly improved that quickly and can recover in the comfort of his own home?" MALE, Maldives: The former vice president of the Maldives has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to money laundering and embezzlement under orders from the former president. The Criminal Court on Monday night also fined Ahmed Adeeb $129,800. The prison sentence, which will be shortened by one year because he served time after a previous conviction on the same charges, also covered charges of corruption and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Adeeb was a protege to former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom during the early years of his presidency between 2013 and 2018. He had been sentenced to 33 years in prison in 2016 for several counts including masterminding a blast in a presidential speedboat in which Yameens wife was wounded. He was freed from all charges after Yameen lost reelection in 2018. Under the new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, many cases perceived to be politically motivated were revisited. After his release, Adeeb testified against Yameen in court saying he was party to his former boss corrupt dealings and did not worry about being sent to jail again. Charges were refiled, and Adeeb pleaded guilty to all charges, including money laundering, embezzlement and using his prominent position to gain undue advantage. Yameen is serving a five-year prison term for having facilitated Adeeb to launder $1 million obtained through corrupt deals. Maldives is a tiny archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean known for its luxury tourist resorts. 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 EMERYVILLE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BRG announced today that Director Elizabeth Arnold and Associate Director Chester Hanvey, Ph.D. have released findings from their original research regarding remote workers' wage and hour compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the study was to assess the degree of hourly employees' compliance with specific time-clock practices while working remotely; and the organizational and individual employee attributes that contribute to wage and hour compliance. "We are pleased to share our findings, which provide detail regarding a range of work characteristics and organizational practices during COVID that previously may not have been available to external parties, such as the positive nature of communication among remote employees and their supervisors," Arnold said. "Most organizations are aware of the importance of remote timekeeping policies and are working to communicate them to employees." Hanvey added, "The study also helps identify some of the factors, like company policy clarity and personality traits, that contribute to remote employee timekeeping compliance." The sample included nearly 800 nonexempt (hourly) employees across the U.S. who have worked remotely at some point since March 2020. The participants of this online survey represented a cross-section of employees from a range of industries, jobs, departments, tenures and locations. Highlights from the Study by Topic Awareness of Timekeeping Policies Approximately 70% of respondents reported that they have been provided remote timekeeping policies in verbal and written form. More than 75% of respondents feel that their company's communications regarding remote-work timekeeping policies have been clear. Approximately 80% of respondents indicated that they know their company's remote timekeeping policies, understand the policies, and know their timekeeping responsibilities. Work Time Reporting More than 75% of participants indicated that their company's timekeeping system is easy to use and that they feel confident using it. Approximately half of respondents reported they "never" or "sometimes" report computer bootup and shutdown time as part of their work hours. More than 35% of respondents reported they "never" or "sometimes" record time spent on text messages with coworkers before or after the workdays. More than 25% of respondents reported they "never" or "sometimes" report time spent on work-related instant messages and reading and responding to work-related emails as work time. Factors That Contribute to Timekeeping Compliance for a Remote Workforce Clarity of company policies is related to timekeeping compliance. In particular, clarity of company policy had the strongest impact on whether employees report certain activities as compensable. Effectiveness of supervisor communication is not related to compliance with remote timekeeping policy compliance. Employee self-discipline was one of the strongest factors in our study found to be influencing compliance. We found that employees with high self-discipline appear to be more likely to underreport hours worked. Read more about the Wage and Hour Compliance for Remote Workers during COVID study. About BRG Berkeley Research Group, LLC (BRG) is a global consulting firm that helps leading organizations advance in three key areas: disputes and investigations, corporate finance, and performance improvement and advisory. Headquartered in California with offices around the world, we are an integrated group of experts, industry leaders, academics, data scientists and professionals working beyond borders and disciplines. We harness our collective expertise to deliver the inspired insights and practical strategies our clients need to stay ahead of what's next. Visit thinkbrg.com to learn more. SOURCE Berkeley Research Group, LLC Related Links http://www.thinkbrg.com The Telangana government on Tuesday threatened to construct a new project across the Krishna river on the foreshore of Srisailam reservoir if Andhra Pradesh goes ahead with the construction of Rayalaseema lift irrigation project on the river. Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao made it clear at the apex council meeting convened by Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekawat through video conference in which Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy participated. KCR accused the Andhra Pradesh government of unilaterally deciding to construct Rayalaseema lift irrigation project on Srisailam reservoir to draw an additional three tmc (thousand million cubic feet) of water from Krishna river. If Andhra Pradesh does not stop the Rayalaseema lift scheme, we, too, will be compelled to construct a new barrage between Alampur-Pedda Marur in Jogulamba Gadwal district to lift three tmc of water from Krishna river, KCR told the Union minister at the meeting. He said during the combined Andhra Pradesh regime, great injustice was done to Telangana in river water sharing. Even after bifurcation, if Andhra Pradesh behaves irresponsibly and tries to loot Krishna waters according to its whims and fancies, we will not tolerate. We can also go to any extent to protect the interests of our state, KCR said. He said the Telangana government had written to the Centre in 2014 itself seeking constitution of a fresh tribunal to decide water sharing between Telangana and Andhra in the wake of bifurcation. Since there was no response from the Centre, we had to approach the Supreme Court seeking legitimate share to the state in Krishna waters, he pointed out. While agreeing to the demand of Telangana for a fresh tribunal, Shekawat, however, said no decision could be taken as the issue was before the Supreme Court. KCR said if the Centre agreed to constitute the tribunal, his government would withdraw the petition in the SC. The Telangana chief minister demanded that the Centre allocate river water to the two states project-wise and opposed Andhra Pradesh governments move to divert Krishna water to Pennar basin. Even the Krishna river management board also agreed to this principle, he said. Meanwhile, Shekawat told the reporters in New Delhi that both the Telugu states had agreed to submit to the union government the detailed project reports (DPRs) of all the new irrigation projects they had taken up in the last six years after bifurcation of states. He said the two states had also agreed to shift the Krishna River Management Boards office to Vijayawada from Hyderabad. The Centre will soon decide the purview of the two river boards, he said. Ends// SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Labor Minister Violeta Alexandru asked the president of the National Pension Office (CNPP) to replace the management of the poorly performing local offices such as those in the counties of Alba, Bihor, Ilfov, Valcea, Neamt, Hunedoara (Petrosani), Giurgiu and Gorj, as well as in all the sectors of Bucharest, according to Agerpres. "I asked the president of the National Pension Office to replace the management of the poorly performing pension offices as soon as possible. Specifically, these are the Alba County office (there is an ugly record here, but I cannot let the pensioners wait 5 years for the backlog work inherited from the former management to be recovered), the Bucharest Sector 1 office, the Bihor County office (the workplace of the former CNPP head, proposed by me and then replaced when I saw that he didn't deliver), the Ilfov County office (a director who simply defied me despite evidence), the offices of Bucharest Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 4, Sector 5 and Sector 6, Valcea, Neamt, Hunedoara - Petrosani, Giurgiu, Gorj. All the terms of reprieve for the current directors have run to end. Whoever cannot perform in the service of the citizen should better step down. Whoever is impolite with the retirees, whoever is bored with the job at the pension office (I have people writing me about such situations) should know that I will make some decisions. They should not think that they can hide behind the administration code and that they are protected. No, I take responsibility for this. (...) I expect performance! Empathy for the needs of the retirees! Respect for every dime earned from the money of those who contribute or have contributed throughout their lives!," the Minister wrote on Facebook. Violeta Alexandru announced that her decisions regarding the directors of the pension offices where the issues have not been dealt with, 8 months after she asked that they be sorted out, will come by the end of this week. "I want performance at the Labor Ministry. I'm not interested in being liked by the employees. I am not on terms of friendship with them. I want performance. If half of the pension offices in the country manage to organize (perhaps with insufficient staff, and many of these well performing organizations didn't even consider presenting their difficulties to me, but simply did their job) and are not running behind with solving the pension files, this means that it can be done. Out of respect for the effort of the directors/colleagues from the well performing offices, who put in hard work and, especially since I am not as interested in the position but in having the retirees respected, later this week I will make my decision on the directors of the offices who are still running behind with their tasks. Eight months have passed since I asked that the issues be settled. During this period, I requested that CNPP staff be seconded, for directors from the central offices to go to help them out. If you ask them, they find dozens of explanations, but the time for explanations is over. I supported and encouraged them to solve some of the problems they were facing in order to get the pension files up to date. Today, despite these efforts, the results are not visible. We are drawing the line now," the Labor Minister said. An appeal hearing got underway today to oppose a decision on how to bring about pay equity for long-term-care workers, despite health-care unions calling on Ontario to end its 14-year fight. Sometimes I think weve all spent so much money fighting the pay equity issue that we could have paid these women the pay equity, they feel deserved, said Sharleen Stewart, president of Service Employees International Union Healthcare, which represents Ontario front-line workers, in an interview with the Star. Stewart says this legal back and forth first started in 2006 between unions, long-term-care homes and the provincial government. The Ontario government and representatives for long-term-care homes are appealing a 2019 decision that was made by Ontarios Divisional Court to allow pay equity to be achieved for long-term-care workers by using the proxy method. The court was reviewing the Pay Equity Tribunals 2016 decision which did not require achieving pay equity through proxy calculations. The proxy method, which means that in cases where there are few male workers to compare womens wages with mens, employers should compare a male workers wage in other industries, for example, policing or fire fighting which share life-saving goals and involve personal risk, to broaden the scope. In todays hearing, counsel with the Attorney General of Ontario said that the issue the court is challenging is not pay equity itself, but the method of determining pay equity, whether they use internal wages or use the proxy method. But the SEIU and Ontario Nurses Association who have been advocating for the issue for over a dozen years say the proxy method is necessary and what strengthened pay equity rights. Nurses in long-term-care homes are predominantly women 90 per cent ONA President Vicki McKenna said in a press conference last week, which would mean there are often fewer male staff to compare with internally, and what male staff exist, arent in care-providing roles, but maintenance, for example, which necessitates the proxy method. But Ontario is arguing to instead uphold the Tribunal decision which did not require achieving pay equity through proxy calculations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, long-term-care homes have been a vulnerable battle site for outbreaks in the province. McKenna said part of the staffing shortage issue is the working conditions and the benefits and the compensation of employees that work there. The COVID story has really shone a light on the problems inside health care, and particularly in these nursing homes, Stewart said. These women make barely over minimum wage. The long-term-care sector is largely staffed by racialized women, so the pay equity issue involves structural racism as well as sexism, Stewart said. And over the years, the nature of the job has changed, she points out. The elderly are living longer, and can require more mobility assistance, meaning long-term-care jobs have become more physically taxing. Maintenance also means that you evaluate the work that theyre doing today compared to what they were doing, you know, five years ago. None of that has been done, Stewart said. The 2019 Divisional Court decision that the Ontario government is now appealing also noted that pay equity must be maintained over the years and would not be achieved through a one-time intervention. Without maintenance, Stewart says, things can diverge and put pay equity back at square one. Without maintaining that for, really, a lifetime, then you continually are struggling to maintain the pay equity that you achieve, Stewart said. She also notes that wages have only fallen further behind in all the years spent in talks with employers and in court. At the end of the day, it is about fair and equitable treatment of health-care workers, and nurses and personal support workers, McKenna said. The appeals hearing continues Wednesday. CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Christian Brothers Investment Services, Inc. (CBIS) today announced that David Vandergriff is joining CBIS as a Managing Director, Investor & Consultant Relations, reporting to Jeffrey McCroy, President and CEO. David will be responsible for growing CBIS' relationships with a diverse array of Catholic institutional investors and will join the Midwest Investor Services team. Additionally, he will work closely with CBIS' Catholic Responsible InvestmentsSM team, as well as external investment consultants, investment committee chairs, finance officers and church leadership, to deliver best-in-class single and multi-strategy solutions to Catholic institutional investors. David joins CBIS with 20+ years of investment industry experience, having worked at Oak Brook Investments, Allegiant Asset Management and Banc One Investment Advisors. He has a proven track record of successfully building investor relationships. He holds a BA from Wabash College. Jeffrey McCroy, President and CEO, is delighted that CBIS is able to invest in a talented professional with David's experience. More specifically, he commented, "With the addition of David, our sales team is complete. Having hired Jay Boothby for the East team and Chela Mitchell for the West team earlier in the year, I believe we are now strongly positioned to fulfill our vision of continued long-term growth for CBIS and our investors." For further information regarding David Vandergriff's appointment, contact: Karen Byrnes Chief Marketing Officer [email protected] 312-803-4737 About CBIS Christian Brothers Investment Services, Inc. (CBIS) is a Catholic, socially responsible investment management firm and Registered Investment Advisor. CBIS is a manager of managers, engaging third-party institutional investment firms to actively sub-advise the assets within its portfolios. Founded in 1981 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, CBIS works exclusively with Catholic institutions and their advisors around the world. SOURCE CBIS Related Links http://cbisonline.com ISTANBUL Turkish internet rights activist Yaman Akdeniz got a call from Facebooks London office Monday in which the companys human rights team said it would not comply with a controversial social media law passed in Ankara this summer. The bill requires social media companies with more than 1 million daily users in Turkey to appoint representatives in the country, store user data locally and comply with state content removal requests, among other measures, by Oct. 1 or face steep fines and domestic access blocks on their platforms. Akdeniz, who had campaigned for social media companies to reject the states attempt to gain greater control over the platforms operations, said he was surprised by Facebooks decision, which includes Instagram as a subsidiary of the company. There were no negotiations, Akdeniz, a law professor at Istanbul Bilgi University and a founder of the Freedom of Expression Association (IFOD), told Al-Monitor. They basically decided they are not going to appoint a legal representative in Turkey. He continued, The governments plan has really backfired. This is not just a business-oriented decision. Facebook took into account civil liberties, human rights considerations while making this decision. In Turkey, where 90 to 95% of traditional media outlets are run by the government or government-friendly entities, social media platforms remain one of the few mediums for free expression in the country. Since the passing of a new social media law in late July, the future of free speech on such platforms has been in limbo as social media giants consider their options to continue operating in the country. Twitter and Google have yet to respond to the legislation, passing an Oct. 1 deadline to open an office in Turkey and appoint a representative that would be subject to local tax codes and content removal requests from the Turkish justice system. The states telecommunications authority will now issue warnings to noncompliant companies before issuing a growing scale of punishments, ranging from fines of $1.3 million in November to $3.8 million in December, before local advertisement bans are imposed in January, followed by bandwidth throttling in April and May that would eventually render the platforms unusable in Turkey. Facebook did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday, but civil society members supported its refusal to comply and expressed hope other social media companies would follow the same path. Still, what comes next remains to be seen, as the access blockages outlined in the legislation could prove unpopular among Turkeys 83 million citizens and pose new obstacles for government officials who also use social media to reach their supporters. We hope that rather than turning it into a conflict between social media platforms and the government, that it will actually lead to a revision of the law, that the government will realize what they were trying to do isnt going to work, Scott Griffen, deputy director at the International Press Institute, told Al-Monitor. After initial proposals earlier this year, Turkish lawmakers moved to create legislation that would allow for greater control over social media content following an incident in June in which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans daughter, Esra Albayrak, became the subject of crude online attacks following the announcement of the birth of her fourth child. Do you see why we oppose social media like YouTube, Twitter, Netflix, et cetera? Erdogan asked at the time. It is imperative that these channels are brought under control. Within two weeks, the Turkish parliament passed the social media law via a majority vote held by Erdogans Justice and Development Party and its allied Nationalist Movement Party members. On July 29, Engin Ozkoc, a member of Turkeys main opposition Republican Peoples Party, filed a legal challenge against the legislation with the nations Constitutional Court, and the case is expected to be heard in the coming months. With many variables in the air regarding the future of social media platforms in Turkey, Akdeniz said uncertainty permeates in the technical requirements established by the law. How the government will ban local advertising on international platforms is unclear, and he said little has been published regarding the impact on digital tax regimes. To be honest, the government loses here because the government earns tax through advertisements used on the Facebook and Instagram platforms, Akdeniz said. The Turkish social media bill is loosely based on Germanys 2018 NetzDG law, which was introduced to address online hate speech, but critics say its application in Turkey could be disproportionately used to silence criticism of the government and state officials. In recent years, Turkey has filed the highest number of content removal requests on Twitter, according to the companys data. The online encyclopedia Wikipedia was also blocked for nearly three years in Turkey, between April 2017 and January 2020, over articles found to be controversial by state authorities. A report by IFOD found nearly 410,000 websites were blocked in Turkey at the end of 2019. In the coming weeks, Griffen said his organization will await the governments response to Facebooks decision and monitor actions from other social media platforms. In a way, the move by Facebook is calling the governments bluff to see whether the Turkish government will really move ahead with bandwidth restrictions, with advertising bans, Griffen told Al-Monitor. The problem is these are extremely popular platforms. Is the government really willing to reduce service for platforms that they themselves use? Griffen asked. Ukraine does not interfere in any country's elections, the president stressed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine has not been meddling in the U.S. presidential elections. "It is very important for us that Ukraine does not interfere in the elections of any country," he said in an interview with POLITICO, adding that this includes Ukraine's strategic partners. "By the way, we have bipartisan support from the Republicans and the Democrats [in the U.S.] They support the sanctions policy over the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas," the Ukrainian president recalled, according to the President's Office. "With all due respect to the United States with all due respect to their main political decision, the presidential election for me personally, it is more important to resolve the issue of war than elections in another country," said Zelensky. "You must understand me, I'm a president of Ukraine, not of another country. We will not interfere in the elections or do anything that could then be exploited as interference," the president said. U.S. presidential election The U.S. presidential election will be held on Tuesday, November 3. According to a Reuters/Poll Ipsos survey released in early October, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is 10% ahead of his Republican rival, incumbent President Donald Trump. Read also Lukashenko accuses Ukraine of interfering in Belarus' internal affairs Derkach tapes: Background On May 19, 2020, Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, released heavily edited audio recordings he said he had received from "investigative journalists" of what he claims are phone conversations between former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, former State Department head John Kerry, and former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko made at the time the said politicians held the said offices. The conversations, in Derkach's opinion, testify to "international corruption" and Ukraine being "governed" from beyond. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked that his country be left out of November's U.S. presidential election after Derkach published tapes presumably intended to affect Joe Biden, the rival of incumbent President Donald Trump. U.S. sanctions on Andriy Derkach On September 10, U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach, referring to him as a Russian agent. It said Derkach had "directly or indirectly engaged in, sponsored, concealed, or otherwise been complicit in foreign interference in an attempt to undermine the upcoming 2020 U.S. presidential election." The move to introduce sanctions, U.S. officials say, is focused on "exposing Russian malign influence campaigns and protecting our upcoming elections from foreign interference. Derkachs "election influence efforts," as per U.S. Treasury The U.S. officials say Derkach waged a "covert influence campaign" from at least late 2019 through mid-2020 centered on cultivating "false and unsubstantiated narratives" concerning U.S. officials in the upcoming 2020 presidential election. His efforts aimed to spur corruption investigations in both Ukraine and the United States "designed to culminate prior to election day." The narratives were pushed in Western media through coverage of press conferences and other news events, including interviews and statements, the statement adds. Between May and July 2020, Derkach released "edited audio tapes and other unsupported information with the intent to discredit U.S. officials." Also, the U.S. Treasury says, he "levied unsubstantiated allegations against U.S. and international political figures." Derkach "almost certainly targeted" the U.S. voting populace, prominent U.S. citizens, including members of the U.S. government, "based on his reliance on U.S. platforms, English-language documents and videos, and pro-Russian lobbyists in the United States used to propagate his claims." WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, MI A 38-year-old southeast Michigan man is accused of murdering his wife while their 13-year-old daughter was home. William Michell Kuchon, of Waterford Township, is charged with premeditated murder in the death of his wife who died after she was stabbed in the chest early Monday morning, Oct. 5, WXYZ Detroit reports. Police officers responded to a domestic disturbance around 3 a.m. Monday. Upon arrival, they were approached by the suspect, the TV station reports. His 39-year-old wife was found with a stab wound to her chest. The knife used in the alleged murder was found at the scene. She later died at a hospital. The couples 13-year-old daughter was found inside the home and uninjured, the report said. READ MORE: 5 charged with felonies after fight with machete, baseball bat Police identify early morning homicide victim on Saginaws East Side Argument at RiverTown Crossings led to drivers fatal shooting, police say Police identify married couple found dead in Ottawa County Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 23:20:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese foreign ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday firmly opposed and condemned the false accusations the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong made against China's legitimate and reasonable countermeasures applied to the U.S. embassy and consulates in China, including the Consulate General in Hong Kong. The spokesperson of the commissioner's office said that both the United States and China shall accord full facilities for the performance of the functions of diplomatic and consular personnel of each other on their territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the China-U.S. Consular Convention. China has duly facilitated normal activities of the U.S. embassy, consulates and their personnel in China, the spokesperson said. The U.S. side has nevertheless imposed rounds of restrictions on the normal performance of duties by the Chinese embassy, consulates and their personnel in the United States since October 2019 regardless of China's firm opposition and representations, requiring senior Chinese diplomats in the United States to receive Department of State approval to visit U.S. university campuses and meet with local government officials. The Chinese embassy and consular posts have also to seek approval for hosting cultural events with an audience larger than 50 people outside of mission properties, the spokesperson said. Such unreasonable practice has severely violated international law and norms governing international relations, disrupted the relations and normal people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and run counter to the values of openness and freedom the U.S. side claims to champion, the spokesperson added. The spokesperson pointed out that the measures taken towards the U.S. embassy and consulates in China are China's reciprocal, necessary and legitimate response to the groundless restrictions and barriers imposed by the United States on the Chinese embassy, consulates and their personnel there. According to the Basic Law of the HKSAR, the Central People's Government shall be responsible for the foreign affairs relating to the HKSAR. Accordingly, the agreement regarding the maintenance of the U.S. Consulate General in the HKSAR was signed between the government of the People's Republic of China and the government of the United States, which confers no special treatment on the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, said the spokesperson. Therefore, the introduction and application of the relevant countermeasures to the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong are completely just and legitimate, and have fully embodied instead of violating the "one country, two systems" principle, said the spokesperson. The spokesperson said that China's legitimate countermeasures against the erroneous U.S. moves are aimed to urge the United States to stop impeding bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and do not affect the lawful rights and freedoms enjoyed by the Hong Kong residents at all. China will continue to support normal exchanges and cooperation between the communities of China and the United States, and between Hong Kong and the rest of the world, said the spokesperson. "At the same time, we are firmly against any attempt by external forces to undermine China's sovereignty and security and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability on the pretext of human rights and freedoms." The spokesperson urged the U.S. side to examine itself, immediately correct its mistakes, stop the clumsy performance of distorting the truth and blaming the victim, stop discrediting "one country, two systems" and meddling with Hong Kong affairs, and withdraw its unjustified restrictions on the activities of the Chinese embassy, consulates and their personnel in the United States. Enditem Collegiate Competition Unveils Class of 2021 Competitors DOE Solar District Cup Collegiate Design Competition Announces 2021 List of Participating Schools Oct. 6, 2020 In the second year of the Solar District Cup, students from across the country will compete in a fully virtual competition where they will design and model optimized distributed energy systems for an assigned campus or urban district. On Oct. 6, 2020, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and U.S. Department of Energy announced the schools participating in the Energy Departments Solar District Cup Collegiate Design Competition Class of 2021. In the second year of the program, 59 student-led teams from 57 collegiate institutions will compete over the 2020-2021 academic year. The Solar District Cup gives students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a critical and cutting-edge energy area, Energy Department Solar Energy Technologies Office Director Becca Jones-Albertus said. I look forward to seeing their innovative ideas for how to optimize distributed solar energy. The Solar District Cup challenges multidisciplinary student teams to design and model optimized distributed energy systems for a campus or urban district. These systems integrate solar, storage, and other technologies across mixed-use districts. The goal is to design, model, and present the most innovative and cost-effective system possible. Teams compete in one of three divisions, each of which is structured around a specific district. A winner is selected for each division based on the quality of their solar energy system design. The strongest designs provide the highest offset of annual energy and greatest financial savings, which is determined by a techno-economic analysis that the students conduct and judges evaluate. This years competition will be fully virtual, including the final event in April, where students will pitch their projects to a panel of industry judges. Each team is assigned to a district use case around which they will base their energy system designs. Data on each district is provided to teams, allowing students to reimagine how energy is generated, managed, and used within that district. The three district use cases for the 2021 program are the City of Denver/Auraria Higher Education Center, the University of Central Florida, and the University of NebraskaLincoln. The collegiate institutions participating in the Solar District Cup Class of 2021 include: Alamo Colleges District Alfred University Appalachian State University Arizona State University Boise State University California Polytechnic State University Chandler-Gilbert Community College Clark Atlanta University Columbia University Cornell University East Tennessee State University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Georgia Institute of Technology Illinois Institute of Technology Illinois State University Indiana University--Purdue University Indianapolis Joliet Junior College Marquette University Miami University Navajo Technical University NC State University Prairie View A&M University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Santa Clara University South Dakota State University Stevens Institute of Technology Tennessee Tech University Texas A&M University Texas A&M University-Kingsville Texas Tech University The George Washington University The Ohio State University The Pennsylvania State University The University of Alabama The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign The University of Massachusetts Lowell The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of Texas at Austin The University of Toledo The University of Virginia Triton College Tulane University University at Buffalo, The State University of New York University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego University of Colorado Boulder University of Kentucky - Paducah Campus University of Maryland University of Michigan University of North Texas University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus University of Southern California University of the Virgin Islands University of Wisconsin-Madison Utah State University Yale University We're so excited to see so many new and returning teams from such a broad set of geographic and institutional backgrounds, Joe Simon, one of the Solar District Cup organizers, said. The Solar District Cup is designed to inspire students to consider new career opportunities, learn industry-relevant skills, engage with the professional marketplace, and prepare to become leaders in distributed solar energy. As such, the program encourages collaboration between academia and industry. Throughout the competition, students are supported by partnering organizations, including Aurora Solar Inc., HeatSpring LLC, and Solar Power Events. These partners provide benefits including access to design software, online educational courses, and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Their support is critical to student success in the competition as well as continuing their education and entering the renewable energy workforce. Between October and November, teams will work on their designs before reaching their first milestone, the submission of their Progress Deliverable Packages. Finalist teams will be announced in December. If you are interested in getting involved with the Solar District Cup as a partner or industry mentor, contact the Solar District Cup organizers. You can also follow the Class of 2021 as they advance through the competition. Learn more about the Solar District Cup. SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Nam Tai Property Inc. ("Nam Tai" or the "Company") (NYSE Symbol: NTP) today announced that its Board requested additional information from IsZo Capital Management LP (together with its affiliates, "IsZo") to complete the Board's previously announced evaluation of IsZo's request calling for the Company to hold a special meeting of shareholders. The Board, in consultation with its advisors and legal counsel, continues to review the purported request from IsZo. Based on the information provided to date, the Board has not yet determined whether the request from IsZo is valid and in accordance with the Company's governing documents and relevant British Virgin Island laws. In line with its fiduciary duties, the Board has requested additional information from IsZo to help it determine the validity of the request. The Company noted that shareholders are not required to take any action at this time. The Company also noted that there has been no special meeting convened at this time, and no record date has been set by the Nam Tai Board of Directors. The Board and management team are committed to acting in the best interests of the Company and all Nam Tai shareholders, and are receptive to ideas that advance the Company's goal of enhancing shareholder value. Forward-looking Statement and Factors that Could Cause our Share Price to Decline Certain statements included in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "might", "can", "could", "will", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "seek", or "timetable". These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business and the industry in which we operate. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations about future events. There are several factors, many beyond our control, which could cause results to differ materially from our expectation. These risk factors are described in our Annual Report on Form 20-F and in our Current Reports filed on Form 6-K from time to time and are incorporated herein by reference. Any of these factors could, by itself, or together with one or more other factors, adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. There may also be other factors currently unknown to us, or have not been described by us, that could cause our results to differ from our expectations. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this announcement; as such, they should not be unduly relied upon as circumstances change. Except as required by law, we are not obligated, and we undertake no obligation, to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstance occurring after the date of this press release or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. ABOUT NAM TAI PROPERTY INC. We are a real estate developer and operator, mainly conducting business in Mainland China. Our main land resources are located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ("Greater Bay Area") and Wuxi, China, of which the three plots in Shenzhen will be developed into Nam Tai Inno Park, Nam Tai Technology Center and Nam Tai Inno Valley. We plan to build these technology parks into landmark parks in the region and provide high-quality industrial offices, industrial service spaces and supporting dormitories to the tenants. Based on the experience of developing and operating technology parks and an industrial relationship network accumulated over the past 40 years, we have also exported the operation model of technology parks to other industrial properties. Through an asset-light model, we have leased industrial properties for repositioning and business invitation. We will also expand the commercial and residential property business in China as an auxiliary development strategy of the Company. As the growth prospects of China maintain, we shall seize development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and other first- and second-tier cities in China, and continue to strengthen and expand the business of industrial real estate, and commercial and residential properties. Nam Tai Property Inc. is a corporation registered in the British Virgin Islands and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: "NTP"). Please refer to our corporate website (https://www.namtai.com/) or the SEC website (www.sec.gov) for our press releases and financial statements. Contacts Ed Trissel / Amy Feng / Mahmoud Siddig Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449 [email protected] Investor Relations Department Nam Tai Property Inc. E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Nam Tai Property Inc. COLUMBUS, Ohio - A federal judge in Cleveland on Tuesday broadly interpreted a new Ohio directive allowing ballot drop boxes at locations outside boards of elections as permitting them at multiple locations within a county, a finding that runs directly counter to the intention of the state elections chief. It was not immediately clear what impact U.S. District Judge Dan Polsters decision would have on the number of drop boxes available across the presidential battleground state ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The judge said the court fervently hopes the ruling ends the issue for now. Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRoses latest order, issued Monday, was painted as a clarification to the earlier one-box-per-county order that repeatedly had been found unreasonable by the courts. When pressed by an Associated Press reporter Monday, LaRoses staff said that when he allowed drop boxes outside a board of elections, he meant located on board property and specifically not at other off-site locations, such as libraries. Spokesperson Jon Keeling said the language mirrored a law passed in the spring that established one drop box per county amid the coronavirus pandemic. Polster was so confident in his interpretation of the directive, however, that he dismissed as moot a complaint brought by the A. Philip Randolph Institute, a voting rights group, seeking additional drop boxes in Cuyahoga County, which is home to the Democratic Party bastion of Cleveland. In his latest directive, the Secretary authorized any board to deploy its staff to receive ballots at sites other than the board office, Polster wrote. This means that Cuyahoga County may implement its intended plan to receive ballots at six public libraries, and that any other board in Ohio that votes to do so may deploy its staff to receive ballots off-site. The state cannot appeal, because technically LaRose won the case and his directive stands as written. Besides, spokesperson Maggie Sheehan said in a statement, from robust early voting and record-setting absentee ballot requests, Its clear that Ohioans are ready to move past lawsuits and start taking advantage of the elections system that has made Ohio a national leader in early voting and a model for election administration. The wording of LaRoses new directive was potentially problematic virtually as soon as it was issued. An extra drop box that LaRose had approved in Cleveland was located outside and across the street from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, but not on its property. Another election board, in Athens County, told the AP that, under his original order, it needed special permission to set up a second drop box at its back entrance, though it was inside the building. Polsters ruling came as absentee voting in the state was shaping up to be record-breaking. LaRoses office said nearly 2.2 million absentee ballot applications have been received by Ohios 88 county election boards. Thats nearly twice the number of requests received at this same point in the 2016 election. Curbside drop boxes have been sought around the country as an alternative to in-person voting complicated by the coronavirus, and mail-in voting has been a subject of concern, particularly after unfounded allegations by Republican President Donald Trump that it is unreliable as a voting method. Do you like scary movies? If so, there may be no better time to scream at the cinema. With big-budget Hollywood movies in retreat again after Tenets weak showing (the movie has made just over $45 million in the U.S. since it opened a month ago), the theaters that are open are filling some screens with previously released catalog titles. As Halloween approaches, more of these will be horror movies and other spooky fare, such as the Bette Midler movie Hocus Pocus, which performed well last weekend. Drive-in theaters and pop-ups will only add to the macabre madness. Here are 13 horror movies worth your time that will be playing in San Antonio theaters this month. McClatchy-Tribune News Service The Babadook: The frustration, anxiety and anger of being the single mother of a difficult child take on a life of their own in this contemporary horror classic from Australia. 10:15 p.m. Thursday, The Drive-in at Fiesta Texas, 17000 W. Interstate 10, rooftopcinemaclub.com. Coco: Pixars Dia de los Muertos-inspired tale of a boys journey into the land of the dead quickly became a fan favorite. Opening Friday for a least a week, Santikos Embassy, 13707 Embassy Road, santikos.com. Lost Boys: In this very 80s vampire tale, a newcomer to a California beach town is recruited by a gang of bloodsuckers with rock-star hair. Opening Friday for at least a week, several showings at Palladium, Casa Blanca, Mayan Palace and Cibolo, Santikos theaters. Scream: Wes Craven launched a franchise with this meta-horror movie about teens who know all about slasher films but keep getting picked off anyway. 9:35 p.m. Saturday, Alamo Drafthouse Stone Oak, 22806 U.S. 281 N., drafthouse.com. 20th Century Fox 28 Days Later: Zombies come in fast and slow varieties. This British horror movie written by Alex Garland and starring Naomie Harris is a prime example of the former. 10:15 p.m. Oct. 16, The Drive-in at Fiesta Texas, 17000 W. Interstate 10, rooftopcinemaclub.com. Shaun of the Dead: Theres a good ratio of laughs to scares in this deadpan British zom-com, which asserts that if the world is ending, one might as well go down to the pub. 6:45 p.m. Oct. 18, Alamo Drafthouse Stone Oak, 22806 U.S. 281 N., drafthouse.com. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Tobe Hoopers horror landmark about a family of cannibals preying on a group of young friends wrote many of the rules scary movies still follow. 11:59 p.m. Oct. 17, The Mission Outdoor Theater at Brooks, 8069 Challenger Boulevard, missiondrivein.com. Planet Terror: Robert Rodriguezs half of the Grindhouse double-feature with Quentin Tarantino pits a go-go dancer against a zombie horde in a small Texas town. 10 p.m. Oct. 18, Drive-in at Fiesta Texas, 17000 W. Interstate 10, rooftopcinemaclub.com. The Terror: A young Jack Nicholson stars with Boris Karloff in this Roger Corman movie about a 19th century French soldier who falls in love with a ghost. 7 p.m. Oct. 21, St. Paul Square, 1160 E. Commerce St., slabcinema.com. A Nightmare on Elm Street: Wes Cravens original Freddy Krueger nightmare gave birth to eight more movies and a lot of sleepless nights. 6:45 p.m. Oct. 23, Alamo Drafthouse Stone Oak, 22806 U.S. 281 N., drafthouse.com. Associated Press The Exorcist: This monster 1973 hit about the fight to save a girl (Linda Blair) from demonic possession is one of the few horror movies to be nominated for a best picture Oscar. 11:59 p.m. Oct. 24, The Mission Outdoor Theater at Brooks, 8069 Challenger Boulevard, missiondrivein.com. Night of the Living Dead: Survivors of a zombie outbreak hole up in a remote farmhouse in George A. Romeros immensely influential first feature from 1968. 7 p.m. Oct. 28, St. Paul Square, 1160 E. Commerce St., slabcinema.com. Halloween: After 40 years, Jamie Lee Curtis returned to the role that made her a scream queen to confront Michael Myers one last time. 11:59 p.m. Oct. 31, The Mission Outdoor Theater at Brooks, 8069 Challenger Boulevard, missiondrivein.com. Jim Kiest is the arts and entertainment editor for the San Antonio Express-News. To read more from Jim, become a subscriber. jkiest@express-news.net | Twitter: @WeekenderSA The Turkish army has kept the 'ghost town' of Varosha fenced off since 1974, but the area is set to be opened sparking anger and controversy Authorities in breakaway northern Cyprus are to open the coastal section of the long-fenced-off disputed town of Varosha, a Turkish Cypriot leader announced Tuesday ahead of elections at the weekend. The internationally-recognised government of the divided Mediterranean island swiftly condemned the decision as a "pre-election stunt" and said it would lodge protests to the UN Security Council and European Union. Speaking after a meeting in Ankara with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Cypriot premier Ersin Tatar told reporters that "the coast will open to the public from Thursday morning". EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc was "very concerned" about the announcement concerning Varosha -- part of the wider Famagusta area -- and stressed the "urgency of restoring confidence and not of creating greater divisions." The Turkish army has kept Varosha fenced off since its Greek Cypriot residents fled when it invaded northern Cyprus in 1974 in response to an Athens-engineered coup attempting to unite the island with Greece. Backed by Ankara, right-winger Tatar is running in Sunday's presidential election in northern Cyprus against the incumbent, Mustafa Akinci, seen as a pro-reunification moderate. Turkey, the only country that recognises the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), has long planned to open Varosha. Erdogan on Tuesday welcomed Tatar's announcement as a "courageous decision". "We hope Varosha will entirely open. We are ready to give any support to TRNC officials on this issue," Erdogan said. "It is an undisputed fact that Varosha is a Turkish Cypriot territory. The decision about it rests with the Turkish Cypriot authorities," he added. In northern Nicosia, an angry Akinci said the Varosha announcement made in Ankara amounted to "interference in our elections" and a "disgrace for our democracy". Story continues Cyprus government spokesman Kyriakos Kousios said it "strongly condemns the decision of occupier Turkey and its applauder Ersin Tatar to extend entry to the Varosha coast". It was "a pre-election stunt created in Ankara, on the eve of an election for a new Turkish Cypriot leader", he said. "This provocative and illegal action by Turkey will be denounced to the UN Security Council, EU and all international forums." The Security Council has passed several resolutions calling for UN administration of Varosha and for its original Greek Cypriot residents to return. In Brussels, EU enlargement commissioner Oliver Varhelyi warned Tuesday that the Varosha announcement "does not help de-escalation in the region". Borrell said that the "events will cause increased tensions and risk complicating the efforts to resume talks on the settlement of the Cyprus issue." fo/hc/pjm/dv Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Iran Sergey Lavrov and Mohammad Javad Zarif have discussed the escalation of hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that Moscow and Tehran expressed serious concern over the unprecedented escalation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, underscored the risk of involvement of radical militants of illegal armed groups from Syria and Libya and stated that there is no alternative to a diplomatic settlement, which must begin with ceasefire without preconditions. Lavrov pinpointed Russias intensive efforts within the framework of the national capacity and the trio of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group for speedy establishment of peace in the region. Once again, the ministers highlighted the major role that the neighboring countries of Azerbaijan and Armenia can play. The war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh continued for the tenth day on Tuesday. The fighting over the region began on September 27 and has escalated to its deadliest level since the 1990s. Fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, which belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians. Ethnic Armenian officials in the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh said on Tuesday that 21 more servicemen had been killed in fighting with Azerbaijan, bringing its total military death toll to 244 since war broke out. The fighting has surged to its worst level since the 1990s when some 30,000 people were killed. Syria blames Turkey: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accused Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan of being the main instigator in the deadliest fighting between Armenian and Azeri forces for more than 25 years. In an interview published on Tuesday that is likely to exacerbate international frictions over the clashes in the South Caucasus region, Assad also said militants from Syria were being deployed to the conflict area. Turkey has denied involvement in the fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain enclave that belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but is governed by ethnic Armenians, and has dismissed accusations that it sent mercenaries to the area. But Assad told Russian news agency RIA: "He (Erdogan) ... was the main instigator and the initiator of the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia." Reiterating accusations first levelled by French President Emmanuel Macron that Turkey has sent Syrian jihadists to fight in the conflict, Assad said: "Damascus can confirm this." Assad appeared, however, to provide no evidence for his allegation. Ankara did not immediately respond but has described similar accusations as part of attempts by Armenia to create "dark propaganda" about Turkey. The fighting that broke out on Sept. 27 has increased concern that a wider conflict could be triggered, dragging in Turkey, which has expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia. Azerbaijan and Armenia have accused each other of starting the fighting - the latest in a long-running conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh that is closely watched abroad partly because of its proximity to pipelines that carry Azeri gas and oil to Europe. More than 250 people have been reported killed - and many more are feared dead - in clashes that have been fought with artillery, drones and tanks. The sides have also posted footage of devastated and burning buildings, and people taking cover during heavy bombardments. Azerbaijan says Azeri cities outside Nagorno-Karabakh have been struck, and Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of targeting densely populated areas. Both deny targeting civilians. Turkey criticises ceasefire efforts to end conflict: Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday criticised international efforts to tackle the Azeri-Armenian conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, saying they had achieved nothing in nearly 30 years. Turkey has condemned what it calls Armenian occupation of Azeri lands and vowed full solidarity with its ethnic Turkic kin in Azerbaijan. Ankara has repeatedly called on Yerevan to withdraw its troops from Nagorno-Karabakh. Speaking during a visit to the Azeri capital Baku on Tuesday, Cavusoglu said a ceasefire alone would not be sufficient to end the fighting. "We look at the calls coming from around the world, and it`s `immediate ceasefire`. What then? There was a ceasefire until now, but what happened?" Cavusoglu said in comments broadcast on Turkish television. "There can be a ceasefire, but what will be the result?" he added. "Can you tell Armenia to immediately withdraw from Azeri lands? Can you come up with a solution for it to withdraw? No, it`s the same calls for 30 years." Last week, France - a co-chair of the Minsk group mediating the conflict along with Russia and the United States - proposed a new initiative to restart talks between Baku and Yerevan. But those were hampered when Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said Baku needed guarantees to consider a truce. Cavusoglu also dismissed the efforts, saying they could not treat Armenia and Azerbaijan as equals, as that would amount to "rewarding the occupier". "The whole world now needs to understand this cannot go on like this," he said. Russia says Nagorno-Karabakh risks becoming a launch pad for terrorists: The head of Russia`s SVR Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, has warned that Nagorno-Karabakh risks becoming a launchpad for terrorists who could enter Russian territory, the Interfax news agency cited him as saying on Tuesday. Naryshkin said he expected Armenia and Azerbaijan to return to the negotiating table over the region. Ceasefire appeals: Ceasefire appeals by the United States, Russia and France have failed to halt the fighting. The three countries have for years led mediation efforts in a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed and has killed about 30,000 people. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun spoke separately to the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia on Monday and urged the sides to agree to a ceasefire immediately and resume negotiations. The United States, Russia and France issued a new condemnation of the violence on Monday. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was due to hold talks with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Tuesday. Officials in Nagorno-Karabakh said on Monday 223 of its servicemen and 19 civilians had been killed since the latest fighting began. Many more people have been wounded. The Azeri prosecutor`s office said on Monday 25 Azeri civilians had been killed since fighting began. Azerbaijan has not provided details of military casualties. Azerbaijan did not immediately issue an update on fighting on Tuesday. But its foreign ministry accused Canada of "double standards" over a decision to suspend exports of some military technology over allegations the equipment was used by Azeri forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. (with inputs from agencies) John McAfee, the founder of cybersecurity software McAfee, has been arrested on tax evasion charges in Spain. As per the US Justice Department in Washington, John McAfee failed to pay income tax for four years from 2014 to 2018. Apart from that, he's also accused of hiding real estate assets, vehicles and a yacht in the name of others. The US authorities will now extradite him from Spain to the US. As per the prosecution, even though McAfee earned millions of dollars, he did not file tax returns through these years. The authorities have charged him of not revealing his income earned through promotions of digital assets, speaking engagements and consulting jobs. The US Securities and Exchange Commission has also accused him of hiding information that he was being paid for promoting cryptocurrencies, Bloomberg reported. The money he earned through these engagements was allegedly paid in others' accounts. Now the cybersecurity pioneer is facing around 1-5 years of jail term if he's found guilty of the charges. Notably, the software mogul's name is synonymous with controversies. He was previously dragged in a murder case in Belize, a Caribbean country. In 2018, he was accused of carrying huge cache of arms and ammunition in Dominican Republic. If that's not enough, he announced his candidacy for US Presidential polls 2020 this year, only to drop from the race in March. As per the US SEC, he promoted at least seven initial coin offerings on Twitter and received over $23 million as commission. The income was not revealed to the tax authorities. He had time and again expressed his confidence in cryptocurrencies despite the downward trend shown by even the popular ones - Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin - on the back of regulatory restrictions. Towards the end of 2017, McAfee predicted that Bitcoin will attain the value of $1 million per coin by 2020. He has reportedly spoken in favour of several cryptocurreny firms with dubious backgrounds. John McAfee founded the software company McAfee Associates in 1987. The company's first commercial antivirus software McAfee was a huge success, and the business now produces a range of enterprise security software. McAfee quit the company in 1994. It was purchased by Intel in 2011 and further by TPG Capital in 2017, which owns a majority stake in the company. Also read: John McAfee urges crypto community to boycott financial institutions dealing with RBI The Supreme Court will pronounce its judgment on Wednesday regarding the scope of right to protest in public places and whether or not there can be limitations to such right. The verdict will be delivered by a 3-judge bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul in a batch of petitions concerning road blockade at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi by protestors who were opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). While the issue concerning Shaheen Bagh itself was rendered infructuous (pointless) since the protests ended after the Covid-19 pandemic broke out and lockdown was imposed, the court heard the parties on the larger issue of right to protest in public places and to what extent it can be regulated and balanced with the right of general public to move without hindrance. The right to protest should be balanced with the right to movement of public. In a parliamentary democracy, there is a right to protest. But can a public road be blocked for a long time? When and where can protests be held? We will think about how it can be balanced, the bench which also comprised Justices Aniruddha Bose and Krishna Murari had remarked during the hearing of the case on September 21. The petition before the Supreme Court was filed by advocate Amit Sahni in February seeking the lifting of the road blockade in the Shaheen BaghKalindi Kunj stretch. The protestors at Shaheen Bagh were opposing the CAA, which was passed on December 12, 2019. The CAA amended Section 2 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 in a manner which made any person belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan eligible to apply for Indian citizenship by naturalization even if they were illegal migrants. However, the Muslim community did not find a place in the amendment thereby excluding Muslim illegal migrants from availing the opportunity to apply for Indian citizenship, a benefit which was extended to illegal migrants from the other six communities by this amendment. The exclusion of Muslim triggered widespread protests across the country, as did the linking of citizenship with religion. Shaheen Bagh was the epicenter of such protests in the national capital. The protests at Shaheen Bagh started on December 15, 2019 and continued for more than 3 months. The Supreme Court had tasked senior advocate Sanjay Hegde and advocate Sadhana Ramachandran, on February 17, to mediate with the protestors and come to a constructive solution to resolve the issue but no solution could be arrived at. Most of the protestors, however, left the site by March 23 due to the lockdown imposed in Delhi due to the Coronavirus threat. But the stage and other structures which had been put in place during the protests were retained and a few men and women remained at the site as a symbolic continuation of the protests. Later, the police had dismantled the same. Sahni stated that while people have the right to protest, the same is subject to reasonable restrictions and protestors cannot be allowed to occupy public roads indefinitely. He contended that the right to protest should not inconvenience the public at large. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta representing the Central government also concurred with the petitioner stating that the right to protest cannot be absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions. Every right is qualified, Mehta had argued. We are all very fortunate to have one of the most amazing freshwater resources in the Midwest right in our back yard. Geneva Lake is the undisputed distinguishing feature of our area. And our quality of life and local economy depend on it. Many of us are drawn to the lake, and intrigued by it. It is easy to get caught up in the natural beauty of the lake itself. And equally easy to overlook threats facing the lake that originate on land, sometimes miles away. The Water Alliance for Preserving Geneva Lake was formed to raise awareness of the issues facing the lake. And promote collaboration among alliance members to create and execute strategies to address them. One of these strategies is land protection. Whether a lakefront property, or a forest, wetland, business, home site or farm upstream, the lands in the watershed directly impact the lakes health. Lands in the watershed often create threats to the lake itself. These threats include inappropriate or too dense development, poor land stewardship practices, or storm-water runoff that does not filter pollutants before it enters the lake. The preservation of open space benefits the watershed and lake tremendously. Open lands, particularly those remaining in a natural state, provide pervious surfaces to filter storm water and often buffer strips of plants that slow runoff containing pollution and filter excessive nutrients. Native prairie, savanna, and forest vegetation also hold soil in place and prevent erosion and sediment deposition in our waterways and the lake. These open spaces serve as vital wildlife habitat, and protect biodiversity, as well. Conversely, the loss of open space, due to development, strains and stresses the watershed. More runoff moving at higher velocities, containing higher levels of pollutants, nutrients, and sediment typically result. There are measures landowners can take to mitigate these issues. A visit by a volunteer from the Geneva Lake Conservancy as part of the Conservation@Home Program can provide solutions as well as Healthy Lakes funding to mitigate many of these storm water problems. A land protection method that has been particularly impactful is conservation easements. Over 2,500 acres in Walworth County are currently protected by over 30 easements held and monitored by the Geneva Lake Conservancy, a nationally accredited land trust. On a national scale, conservation easements protect more than 47 million acres, or twice the land area of all of our national parks combined. But what exactly is a conservation easement? It is essentially a legally binding agreement between a landowner and a qualified land trust that limits certain land uses or prevents certain kinds of development in perpetuity. Conservation easements protect land for future generations while allowing the owners to retain many property rights and continue to live on and use it. Restrictions created by the easement are chosen to protect specific conservation features (such as a streambank, or an oak savanna) associated with the property. When a landowner enters into a conservation easement agreement, he or she decides the future permitted uses of the land and prohibits other uses that would be harmful to the conservation values of the property. Each easement is individually tailored to meet the conservation goals and needs of the landowner. A qualified land trust (such as the Geneva Lake Conservancy), then takes the responsibility of enforcing the easement in perpetuity. So the land gains a great deal of permanent protection, but remains in private ownership. The landowner may also qualify for significant income, estate, or property tax deductions. Even though easements are placed on private land (typically not accessible to the public), there are significant benefits to the public. They are often designed to protect watersheds, natural areas, or scenic beauty. Or they may buffer areas adjacent to public lands or primary environmental corridors. There have been some easements coordinated in conjunction with land donations/purchases, by municipal organizations as parks that are protected with conservation easements, such as Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy and Town of Linn Park. This ensures that the municipality cannot subdivide or sell the land for development in the future. Wherever you own land, what you do to that property will impact the watershed. If you subdivide it, use pesticides, pave driveways, apply fertilizers, wash pets boats or cars, or reduce pervious surfaces by building additional structures, this will negatively impact the lake. On the other hand, conservation easements, good land stewardship practices such as eliminating fertilizers and pesticides, and limiting the density of buildings on your property can all help keep Geneva Lakes watershed or any other watershed healthy. Keeping It Blue is written by Water Alliance for Preserving Geneva Lake members to inform and educate the public about water quality and other issues impacting Geneva Lake and how the public can help to address them. Comments and questions can be sent to glc@genevalakeconservancy.org. Chris Todd is a member of the Water Alliance for Preserving Geneva Lake. He is also advocacy chair for the Geneva Lake Conservancys board of directors. A group of Indians living in Germany have objected to the presence of BJP MP Tejasvi Surya at an event saying he is a communally divisive speaker and a highly polarizing figure. New Delhi: A group of Indians living in Germany have objected to the presence of BJP MP Tejasvi Surya at an event -- "India Startup conference 2020 saying the man is a communally divisive speaker and a highly polarizing figure. The event, to be held in virtual mode, on October 7 is being organized by Consulate General of India-Hamburg in association with GloMan Consulting GmbH-Hamburg to provide momentum to promote startups and support the economic relations between India and Germany. Several Indians living in Europe, particularly a group of Indian community in Germany, while calling to stop giving platforms to communal figures in Europe want Surya to be out as a speaker. The group under the banner `India Solidarity Germany has said that the Consulate General of India has invited a `highly polarising figure from Indian politics -- Tejasvi Surya -- to an event that appears to be inclusive in nature for Indians of all faiths. The event has only one politician -- Tejaswi Surya while other speakers are Madan L. Raigar, CGI Hamburg; Julian Zix, Project Lead, German Indian Startup Exchange Program; Subash Thakrar, advisor to Department of International Development, Govt of UK; Seema Bharadwaj, Director, Germany Trade and Invest; Nagaraja S., Research Fellow, Fraunhofer IMW; K Rajagopal, Chairman, GloMan academy; Nikhil Agrawal CEO, IIT Kanpur; Gunjan Bharadwaj CEO Innoplexus AG; and Gopi V. Prasad, MD GloMan group. On October 7, the Indian Consulate, Hamburg is hosting an event for Startups, which by the looks of it is progressive. But it's disheartening to see its speaker list include Tejasvi Surya, a highly provocative and communal politician from Bangalore, seasoned by the RSS. This person is famous for publicly stating that anyone who is against Modi is an anti-national. It's shameful for a Parliamentarian to even make such statements, the group said. It brings into question the spirit with which the event is conducted whether it is for all Indians or only for those who endorse or are fine with the polarising, abhorrent and dehumanizing views held by Tejasvi Surya, which goes against the diverse community of Indians in Germany. It is extremely concerning to see an official platform is being given for such a controversial figure which will achieve nothing but further division and right-wing radicalisation on the German soil, the group said in its letter to the Indian Consulate General. They have also started a signature campaign against invitation to Surya asking people to oppose the event. The group in its letter posted alleged inflammatory tweets by Surya and asked the Indian Consulate if it also endorses his views where he openly plays communal-politics. Tejasvi Surya clearly has a divisive agenda against the communities that are not Hindu. This agenda is in contravention of the European ethos of equality, diversity and inclusivity. It is also in contravention of the European responsibility under international Law, most notably, UDHR, ICRD, ICCPR, EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, Directive 2000/78/EC and COM(2008)462. By giving a platform to Mr. Surya, we fear that the EU will be closing the doors of equal opportunity for the non-Hindu communities within and outside of India, the Indian group said. It added that by hosting him, the Consulate will be complicit in promoting the communal ideology of Mr. Surya and would allow Germany to be a host of radicalised Indian diaspora who already marvel in hate speech, oppression of dissent and populism on social media and beyond. The group intends to raise its concerns with other European bodies and human rights institutions to limit platforms to people who are out rightly bigoted, misogynistic and take shelter behind freedom of speech to spew hatred against particular communities. We will really appreciate your actions toward holding and promoting the idea of progressive and pluralistic India by not hosting a polarizing figure. We are hopeful that the Consulate will find several non-controversial political and social leaders who are inclusive, respectful of diversity and strongly believe in democracy and human rights of all within and outside India, the group said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 22:26:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIYADH, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Saudi-led coalition involved in a war in Yemen said it intercepted on Tuesday afternoon a bomb-laden drone launched by Houthis towards Najran city, southwest of Saudi. The coalition spokesperson, Col. Turki Al Maliki, said in a statement on the Saudi Press Agency that the attack targeted "civilian sites." The Houthis have been targeting Saudi cities, mainly the border areas, in which most of the drone and missile attacks are foiled before reaching their targets. The civil war in Yemen started in late 2014, while the coalition intervened in 2015 to support Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Enditem "I didnt want to be a problem, so I just stayed in the bed and continued to sweat and wondered if it was possible to sweat out urine. I kept waiting for them to call for a bathroom break or something, but it never came. Finally, Halle saw me shaking my leg under the blanket and she asked if I had to pee, like you would a toddler. I admitted Id had to pee for the last three hours. And she was kind enough to pipe up and ask for a bathroom break, so I climbed out of the bed and scampered off to the bathroom. India, which scored 63.88 out of 100, is ranked fourth in a global survey to assess public perception of government responses to the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. China scored 80.48, followed by South Korea (74.54) and South Africa (64.62) -- the only nations that are ranked ahead of India. Around 13,400 people were surveyed across 19 countries in June, whose findings have come out in PLOS ONE, a peer-reviewed open access scientific journal published by the Public Library of Science since 2006. The average score varied considerably between countries from 35.76 for Ecuador to 80.48 for China, where the public response was found to be the most positive. Also Read: India likely to join Canada-led multilateral group tackling Covid-19 pandemic The United States of America (USA) is ranked 17 among the 19 countries surveyed regarding the government cooperation with other nations and international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). The average score for a country was strongly linked to the level of trust in its government. The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the la Caixa Foundation in coordination with the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health (CUNY SPH) and other international institutions, developed an easy and reliable tool to evaluate the public perception of governmental response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The response has varied considerably among countries. Although most governments have implemented a series of common measures such as mobility restrictions, closure of businesses, places of worship and schools, their timing and approach have been varied, the researchers said. Also Read: Covid-19 could spread by airborne transmission: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention We need basic tools to help us assess the public perception of government responses in key aspects such as communication, or access to healthcare services and social welfare, said Jeffrey V Lazarus, a researcher at ISGlobal. Countries in Asia reported higher scores, unlike Latin American and European nations. Some of the questions that were asked to the public included whether the government communicated clearly to ensure that everyone had the information they needed to protect themselves and others from Covid-19, irrespective of their socio-economic conditions, migrant status, ethnicity or language. The questions also focused on whether the government had a strong pandemic preparedness team, including public health and medical experts, to manage national response to the Covid-19 epidemic, and if it made sure there was access to the healthcare services. The researchers hoped that the survey would help public health officials and other decision-makers identify and rectify weaknesses in key aspects of a countrys response, and track trends as the Covid-19 pandemic evolves. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 16-year-old boy in Florida was arrested at school after he refused to wear a mask because he suffers from panic attacks and claimed that he couldn't breathe. The Winter Springs High School sophomore, whose name was redacted in police records due to his age, was taken into custody on September 17 because he violated a probation order that required him to maintain good behavior in school by declining to put on his mask and adhere to other rules. Jose Rivas, an attorney for the teen's family, expressed outrage over the incident in a statement on Monday, arguing that his prior record didn't justify what the lawyer called 'government abuse'. 'Should they be arresting a 16-year-old child knowing he already has a medical condition?' Rivas said in reference to the teen's alleged anxiety disorder. 'We will be seeking just and fair compensation for the illegal arrest ... and the harm that this action caused him, the attorney added. A 16-year-old boy at Winter Springs High School (pictured) was arrested last month after he refused to wear a mask because he claimed he was panicking and couldn't breathe The boy's mother, Alexis Rodriguez, spoke to the Orlando Sentinel and said her son, whom she referred to only as 'A.P.' was arrested after going to the school office to ask for water because he was feeling panicky and was having trouble breathing in the mask. 'I couldn't grasp it at first. Because of a mask?' Rodriguez said. 'I was just in a disbelief.' Alexis Rodriguez (pictured) said her son suffers from an anxiety disorder A report from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office states that A.P. had been instructed to obey school rules as a condition of his probation. It did not say what he was on probation for, and his mother also declined to reveal the reason. The report said that starting on September 1 the teen repeatedly flouted school rules regarding masks and social distancing. He was also caught vaping in the cafeteria. School Resource Deputy Adrian Richardson warned the teen that getting in trouble at school was a violation of his probation, the report said. But A.P. allegedly ignored the warning, and on September 17 he was seen again not wearing a mask and refused to put one on. A deputy then arrested him and brought him to a juvenile detention center. The sheriff's office told the Sentinel the arrest was for probation violations, not violations of the school district's mask rules. By not wearing a mask, however, he was in violation of school rules. Masks are a requirement for students and staff on all Seminole County public school campuses during the coronavirus pandemic. The sheriff's office said the teen's arrest was for probation violations, not violations of the school district's mask rules. Pictured: A sign at a Seminole County school reminds students to wear masks and maintain six feet of social distance on campus Rodriguez said she met with school administrators on September 4 and asked that her son be exempted from the mask rule because of his anxiety attacks. Her request was denied because she did not have the necessary medical documentation proving his anxiety disorder. A spokesman for the Seminole school district, Michael Lawrence, said that staff told Rodriguez that they would reconsider the request if she provided more information. 'She was given another opportunity to produce and provide further information according to the school, however, they have yet to receive any further documentation,' Lawrence said. Rodriguez claimed she was working to get needed paperwork from a psychiatrist when her son was arrested. She said that her son appeared in court over the arrest on October 1, and the prosecutor declined to pursue the case. A.P. has not returned to the Winter Springs campus since the incident and his mother said he intends to complete his schooling via an online education program. 'He just feels like they will target him again,' she said. 'It's really taken a toll on him.' Stocks to watch today: Here is a list of top stocks that are likely to be in focus in Tuesday's trading session based on latest developments. Investors are also awaiting April-June quarter earnings that are scheduled to be released today. Share Market News Live: Sensex rises 350 points, Nifty at 11,610; HDFC twins, Bajaj Finance top gainers Adani Ports and SEZ: The company said it has acquired 75% in Krishnapatnam Port Company for Rs 3,375 crore. Marico: The company said it has witnessed a partial revival in the consumer sentiment in the second quarter of the current fiscal after being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. PVR: Company approved issue and offer for subscription, on a private placement basis, NCDs of Rs 50 crore. Yes Bank: The lender released provisional numbers yesterday and reported 15.7% sequential growth in liabilities, taking its total deposit base to Rs 1.35 lakh crore Infibeam Avenues: The parent of payment gateway company CC Avenue said it has signed a deal to license its ecommerce and payment software to Jio Platforms. Sobha: The Bengaluru-based developer's sales fell by nearly 14% over a year ago to 8.91 lakh square feet. In terms of value, sales dropped by 5.4% to Rs 530.9 crore. Britannia: The company board approved issue of a NCDs of the face value of Rs 29 by way of "bonus to the members of the company" for one paid-up equity share of face value of Re 1 (rupee one) each, by utilising its general reserve, Britannia Industries said in a regulatory filing. Tata Motors: Company-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) reported 11.9 per cent dip in sales in the second quarter this fiscal to 1,13,569 units as compared to the same period previous year. JLR retail sales rose 50 percent to 1,13,569 vehicles in Q2FY21, against 74,067 vehicles in Q1FY21. Marico: The company said it has witnessed a partial revival in the consumer sentiment in the second quarter of the current fiscal after being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanofi India: Company approved appointment of Vaibhav Karandikar as Chief Financial Officer. Dhampur Sugar Mills: Company said CARE reaffirmed credit rating of the company for long term credit facilities from banks and fixed deposits as 'A'/Stable. Majesco: Company to consider proposal for buyback of fully paid-up equity shares on October 8. Covid-19 has waylaid not just President Trump and several members of his inner circle, but also numerous Senate Republicans determined to give Trump his third Supreme Court confirmation in as many years. As of Monday, three Republican senators Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) have tested positive and are in quarantine. When combining this sudden development with possible avenues for procedural warfare, the fight to confirm Amy Coney Barrett as the late justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs replacement on the US Supreme Court will be a bitter one. Senators Lee and Tillis are also members of the Judiciary Committee, meaning that their votes are needed not just to confirm Barrett on the Senate floor, but also to pass her nomination out of committee an unavoidable first hurdle on the way to a confirmation vote. If neither has recovered by the time the Senate returns on October 19, the committee would be theoretically deadlocked with 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans. However, Senate Judiciary Committee rules do allow members to vote by proxy, so Lee and Tillis could call into session to vote by phone, or send in a yea vote in writing. The 10 Democratic members of the Judiciary Committee could feasibly try to deny a quorum for the committee to meet, but under Senate Rule XXVI, paragraph 7, subparagraph 3, reporting something out of committee to get onto the Senate calendar only requires a concurrence of a majority of the members of the committee who are present. While Judiciary Committee quorum rules do stipulate that at least two members of the minority have to be present for there to be a quorum, theres nothing stopping committee chairman Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) from changing those rules with a majority vote. And Senate rules are set up to allow committees to dictate their own way of conducting business. This means that barring extraordinary unseen circumstances, Amy Coney Barretts nomination will move to the Senate floor for an up-or-down vote. This is where Democrats could employ a number of strategies in an attempt to stall the confirmation vote until Election Day. Consideration of a Supreme Court nomination is considered executive business, according to a Capitol Hill source intimately familiar with Senate procedure. This means Senate Democrats would first have to motion to have the Senate adjourn executive business and proceed instead with legislative business. Because Democrats are outnumbered 53-47, this motion could be easily defeated. Even if Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) who are both on the record opposing the confirmation process until after the election sit out the process, Democrats will still fall short of a majority. However, the wild-card of multiple, ongoing Covid diagnoses may prevent Senate Republicans like Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, and Thom Tillis from being on the floor, meaning Democrats could still feasibly succeed with a motion to move forward with legislative business. One legislative strategy detailed by The Intercepts Ryan Grim is to utilize Rule XIV. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently invoked this rule to bypass the committee process and put a healthcare-related measure on the Senate calendar for consideration. My recollection is that under rule XIV, any senator can bring a bill to the calendar, former Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Arizona) told The Independent in a phone interview. There are some requirements, but I dont recall any restrictions on any senator being able to do that. The requirements Kyl alluded to are that a measure must be on the Senate calendar for at least two legislative days before a motion to consider the matter can be introduced. Grim broke down the strategy for how Rule XIV could be utilized to gum up the works after obtaining a memo that was circulating among Democrats on Capitol Hill: Any Senator can have any legislative measure placed on the calendar in two legislative days under Rule XIV. Leader Schumer could ask every Democratic Senator to introduce bills on their favorite subjects en masse and seek to put them on the calendar via rule XIV. Once they were on the calendar two legislative days later, if Schumer could get the floor, he could move to proceed to each in turn, file cloture, withdraw his motion to proceed, move to another, file cloture, withdraw his motion to proceed, and continue to repeat, stacking up an almost endless series of votes on motions to invoke cloture on motions to proceed to Democratic priorities, until the Majority Leader shut the Senate down. All of that is possible with Mitch McConnells tacit agreement to adjourn, Alan Frumin, who served as the Senates Chief Parliamentarian for nearly two decades, said. The rules of the Senate are largely set by the majority, and the majority typically acts through its leader. A legislative day in the Senate changes only when the Senate adjourns from one day to the next. The Senate doesnt always adjourn from one day to the next, Frumin added. The Senate can recess. And when the Senate recesses, the legislative day does not change... If the Senate stayed in session around the clock for 10 days, the legislative day would not change. The decision as to whether the Senate will recess or adjourn at the end of the day is the Majority Leaders decision. So if Mitch McConnell didnt want Chuck Schumer to bypass the committee, McConnell could delay adjourning and prevent the process of Rule XIV from working to the limited extent that it does work. Senate Democrats may instead seek to deny McConnell a quorum, given that two of the Senates 53 Republicans are opposed to taking action before Election Day, three more are currently in the throes of coronavirus, and 51 Senators need to be present for there to be a quorum. As Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell has the power to dispatch the Senates Sergeant at Arms to track down absent senators, arrest them, and physically force them onto the floor to have a quorum. This hasnt happened since 1988, when Senator Robert Packwood (R-Oregon) was carried feet-first to the Senate floor by then-Sergeant at Arms Henry Guigni. Packwood who served from 1969 to 1995, when he resigned following the emergence of multiple sexual harassment and assault allegations recalled the incident in a phone interview with The Independent. Im in my office, very secretly, with the lights low. The Sergeant at Arms is walking around, looking for any senators, Packwood said. I wouldve been all right, except he came into my reception office, the cleaning woman was there, and he said, Do you know where Senator Packwood is? She said, Oh yes, hes down there in his office. I tried to hold the door, but they broke my finger. I said, Alright Henry, Ill go with you. But when we get there, I insist that you carry me onto the Senate floor. I got more publicity on that than I ever got on anything else in my life, he added. When asked about whether or not a quorum strike would stall Amy Coney Barretts confirmation, Packwood was doubtful. However, he did admit that it would be challenging to get enough votes to confirm Barrett if multiple Republican senators were still in quarantine. They can get it out of committee with proxy votes, but they cant get it through the Senate with proxy votes, Packwood said. The prospect of impeaching President Trump for the second time this year is also a possibility. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi notably refused to rule out impeachment following Justice Ginsburgs death in late September. However, Frumin stated that impeachment as a delay tactic may not be as effective as some pundits may imagine. When the Senate is notified that the House has adopted articles of impeachment, the Senates impeachment rules say that the Secretary of the Senate who is the chief administrative officer of the Senate shall immediately notify the House of Representatives that the Senate will receive the managers of the House in order for them to exhibit the articles of impeachment, Frumin said. So the mandate is to notify immediately, but the rules dont specify when the Senate would receive the House managers. It would seem to me that the majority could end that [impeachment] trial as quickly as it wants, Frumin added. The ground rules of the impeachment trial rest with the Senate majority. McConnell has signaled the Senate would gavel back in on October 19, a mere 15 days before the general election. Hes expected to move forward immediately with Amy Coney Barretts confirmation process, despite a recent Hill-HarrisX poll showing that 74 percent of Americans (including 55 percent of Republicans) want the Senate to first consider another coronavirus stimulus bill instead. Carl Gibson is a freelance journalist whose work has been published in CNN, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Barrons, and NPR, among others. Follow him on Twitter @crgibs EVRYTHNG is changing the Consumer Goods Industry by helping brands, retailers and the consumers who purchase their products -- know what their products know. COVID-19 has made supply chain transparency and visibility absolutely crucial, not only in retail categories such as apparel, pharma and consumer goods, but in healthcare, government and other sectors as well, said Niall Murphy, CEO and Co-founder of EVRYTHNG. EVRYTHNG, the Product Cloud managing digital identities for the worlds consumer products, today announced it has closed a $10 million further funding round, bringing its total capital raised to $60 million. EVRYTHNG will use the new investment to accelerate its global growth, expand its product capabilities that provide end-to-end supply chain traceability and visibility and machine-learning applications for brand integrity, and add to its team. A pioneer of the internet of things for consumer products and a World Economic Forum Global Innovator, EVRYTHNG works with global consumer brands that include Ralph Lauren, PUMA, P&G, Moet Hennessy and Anheuser-Busch InBev, among many others. The EVRYTHNG Product Cloud links every product item to its Active Digital Identity on the webjoining up item-level data at every point in a products journey from manufacture to the consumer. Digitized products provide visibility, validation and real-time intelligence as well as connect directly with consumers. Led by Copenhagen-based IDC Ventures and private investor and EVRYTHNG chairman Simon Eyers, other investors in the companys latest round include San Franciscobased Sway Ventures, Toronto-based Generation Ventures, New Yorkbased Fernbrook Capital and You & Mr Jones, London-based Bloc Ventures, the UK Future Fund and other private investors. COVID-19 has made supply chain transparency and visibility absolutely crucial, not only in retail categories such as apparel, pharma and consumer goods, but in healthcare, government and other sectors as well, said Niall Murphy, CEO and Co-founder of EVRYTHNG. With this new funding, well broaden our global reach to accelerate digitization for more consumer brands and companies in other segments as they strive to create more agile, resilient and sustainable supply chains while gathering data intelligence and scaling their consumer relationships. EVRYTHNG has experienced rapid growth in 2020 as global brands and manufacturers have embraced product digitization for visibility across their supply chains and to scale their direct-to-consumer business models. EVRYTHNG has recently launched strategic partnerships with Minet Technologies (Israel), The Results Group (Australia), Practical Methods (South Korea) and Hive (South Africa). In addition, in April, EVRYTHNG announced a long-term global partnership with HP Inc. that will enable consumer goods and publishing customers to use HPs industrial digital printers to print born digital packaging with cloud-connected digital identities. The EVRYTHNG Product Cloud SaaS provides global product data management with coverage across the EMEA, Americas, China and APAC regions and ISO certification. Murphy added, Were seeing significant digital acceleration as global brands apply data intelligence and real-time learning from the billions of data points their products generate throughout their supply chain journeyfrom factory to consumer to resale and recycleand were accelerating our own growth to meet these companies needs. About EVRYTHNG The EVRYTHNG Product Cloud helps the worlds consumer product brands run their businesses with data-driven intelligence through the digitization of products at scale and the use of data generated by those products. With EVRYTHNG, global consumer brands in sectors ranging from apparel, beauty and personal care to home goods, food and beverages can now know what their products know. EVRYTHNGs customers see and learn from each products journey from factory to consumer. EVRYTHNG helps businesses use this information to operate with more agility and integrity, and gather and apply real-time data intelligence. EVRYTHNG is a World Economic Forum Global Innovator, originated the technology driving the GS1 Digital Link global barcode upgrade and the Web of Things adopted by W3C, and won Fast Companys 2020 World Changing Ideas Award for most impactful change driver for the consumer products category. Learn more at EVRYTHNG.com and @EVRYTHNG. UPDATED Another 220 employees at a garment factory in Minuwangoda have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, Army Commander Shavendra Silva told the media. The number of infected persons identified by the factory yesterday (05) was 101. In the morning the total number of corona infections detected by the factory during these two days is 321. However, with the latest PCR results came out in this afternoon and in the evening added over two hundred more positive cases and now the total number of infected patients rose to 832. Madikeri : , Oct 7 (IANS) Karnataka Medical Education Minister K. Sudhakar announced on Tuesday that the state government is seriously mulling over imposing restrictions on people's participation in the 'Theerthodbhava' (gushing of water), which occurs on the 'Tula Sankramana' day. Speaking to reporters after a high-level meeting of Kodagu district officials and elected representatives to evolve strategies to tackle the pandemic here, Sudhakar said that there is no other option left for the government but to impose restrictions on the participation of devotees in the annual religious event. It can be recalled that every year, at a pre-determined time in mid-October, water gushes out (Theerthodbhava) from the pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery, which is considered the holiest place for the Kodavas. The annual ritual to mark the gushing of water from a spring at Talacauvery draws a large number of devotees from not only Kodagu, but also from different parts of Karnataka and the neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Talacauvery is also a pilgrimage centre for the people of south India, especially those living on the banks of Cauvery. The Kodavas being nature worshippers venerated the river, which they originally called 'Thayoor Pole' (motherland river). It is believed that Theerthodbhava occurs around the time when the sun enters the zodiacal sign of Libra. The devotees believe that Goddess Cauvery appears at that moment and absolves the sins of all those who bathe in her holy waters. Talacauvery, the birthplace of the sacred river, is situated on the slopes of Brahmagiri hills in the Western Ghats in Kodagu district. The Brahmagiri hills house some old temples and holy ponds. Located in the forests, Talacauvery turns auspicious for hundreds of people coming from both Kodagu and neighbouring districts to witness the spectacle. At the appointed hour, the river rises from a small pond and flows down the slopes. Hundreds of pilgrims jump into the big tank in front of the small pond and take a holy dip. The minister added that the district was in the green zone earlier, but the mortality rate has increased after the unlock relaxations. "We had to take decisions like imposing restrictions on Theerthodbhava, in order to ensure that the Dasara celebrations don't lead to widespread transmission," he said. Sudhakar said that of every 100 people tested for Covid-19, 20 return positive. "Of the positive cases, nearly 70 per cent are under home isolation but only 30 per cent out of them are being contacted by the health staff. This is something we need rectify," he said. "Primary and secondary contacts must be traced and tested to control the spread of the virus. Besides this, a death audit should also be conducted every day," Sudhakar said. A Mumbai court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of actress Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik Chakraborty till October 20. The duo was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau in connection with a drugs probe related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case last month. A special Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of the actress, her brother and other accused arrested by the NCB till October 20, special public prosecutor Atul Sarpande said. The special court had earlier rejected the bail pleas of the actress and her brother. They then moved the Bombay high court to seek bail. The HC has reserved its order on their pleas. The NCB began its investigation after the Enforcement Directorate, which was probing money laundering charges linked to the case, shared some social media chats retrieved from Rhea Chakraborty's mobile phone, hinting at the alleged use of banned drugs. Rajput, 34, was found hanging at his residence in suburban Bandra on June 14. The Central Bureau of Investigation is separately probing a case against Rhea Chakraborty and others for allegedly abetting the actor's suicide. Indigenous land defenders blocked Argyle Street in Caledonia after police tried unsuccessfully to arrest one of them outside an Ancaster grocery store Monday morning. Argyle Street between 6th Line and Highway 6 will be blocked for 24 hours following the recent attempted arrest of an unarmed Land Defender who was out getting groceries, read a statement posted to the Twitter account of the 1492 Land Back Lane group just before 6 p.m. on Monday. Spokesperson Skyler Williams told The Spectator that the barricades went up after officers allegedly drew their guns on the land defender and his girlfriend, an action Williams called an escalation in tactics by the OPP. According to Haldimand OPP spokesperson Const. Rod LeClair, the incident happened on Garner Road West. LeClair said as officers approached the suspect, he jumped in his car and sped away, hitting a police cruiser and another vehicle. No injuries were reported. Williams said the attempted arrest of the land defender one of the original group that occupied the McKenzie Meadows construction site in Caledonia on July 19 is the latest example of police stepping up enforcement of a pair of court injunctions ahead of a court date on Friday. I think this is almost typical. Last time we had to go to court, the same thing happened. We were preparing all our material to be able to respond to the injunction and the threats of OPP violence ramped up in a huge way, Williams said. They want to make sure that they can make as many arrests and put as much violence on these peaceful people that have chosen to take back our land. Williams is the only person named in the injunction, which bars anyone not connected with Foxgate Developments from being on the site of the planned subdivision. A second injunction prevents protests and barricades on any county roadway. Both injunctions will be reviewed Friday morning at the courthouse in Cayuga. At the same time, supporters are expected to demonstrate against what the Land Back group calls illegitimate development on unceded Haudenosaunee territory. Weve asked for a national day of action, Williams said. Hoping to see a similar stand across the country. The group is calling for an end to the criminalization of land defenders and for governments to respect Indigenous peoples sovereignty over their lands and waters. On social media, supporters are urged to reclaim colonized spaces and disrupt colonial infrastructure. Williams drew a parallel between the land reclamation in Caledonia and nationwide protests earlier this year in support of the Wetsuweten First Nation, which saw roads, highways and rail lines shut down in solidarity. Canada put us on these little reserves across the country, hoping to divide us. But we settled next to major highways and railways, he said. And when they put these massive infrastructure pieces through our communities, I dont think they clearly understood that this makes them very vulnerable. Rallies in support of the Land Back group are planned for Friday at Queens Park in Toronto as well as Ottawa and Syracuse, N.Y. LeClair said the injunctions remain in force and that anyone who visits the McKenzie Meadows site or puts up a road blockade is risking arrest. He didnt comment on whether the OPP would be deploying additional officers to Caledonia on Friday in anticipation of street protests. I am not able to provide any operational information in terms of resources, LeClair said. Our provincial liaison team continues to have open dialogue with the demonstrators and continues to work toward a peaceful resolution. Williams countered that his group has remained peaceful in the wake of escalating tension with police, pointing to continuing arrests of land defenders and their allies away from the site, and a police cruiser parked across the street from the entrance to the McKenzie Road site over the weekend. LeClair said 25 people have been arrested for flouting the injunction by visiting the site. The latest arrest took place on Thursday, when a 29-year-old Toronto woman was charged with mischief and disobeying a court order. The police presence around the site is a threat to our communitys safety and a specific tactic meant to disrupt my defence, said Williams, who has a warrant out for his arrest. We will not be intimidated. We will continue to stand for our lands. After the barricades went up on Monday, Williams said police officers were asked very nicely to back up to Braemar Avenue, and they did so. Roger Penrose of Britain, Reinhard Genzel of Germany and Andrea Ghez of the US won the Nobel Physics Prize on Tuesday for their research into black holes, the Nobel jury said. The physicists were selected for their discoveries about one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe, the black hole," the Nobel Committee said. BREAKING NEWS: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2020 #NobelPrize in Physics with one half to Roger Penrose and the other half jointly to Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez. pic.twitter.com/MipWwFtMjz The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 6, 2020 Penrose, 89, was honoured for showing that the general theory of relativity leads to the formation of black holes", while Genzel, 68, and Ghez, 55, were jointly awarded for discovering that an invisible and extremely heavy object governs the orbits of stars at the centre of our galaxy," the jury said. RELATED NEWS A Rare Species of Dormant Black Holes May be Behind Strange Gas Movements in Our Galaxy Andrea Ghez is just the fourth woman to receive the physics prize since 1901 when the first Nobel prizes were handed out. Penrose used mathematical modelling to prove back in 1965 that black holes can form, becoming an entity from which nothing, not even light, may escape. Genzel and Ghez have led research since the early 1990s focusing on a region called Sagittarius A* at the centre of the Milky Way. Using the worlds largest telescopes, they discovered an extremely heavy, invisible object around 4 million times greater than the mass of our Sun that pulls on surrounding stars, giving our galaxy its characteristic swirl. In-person ceremony cancelled The trio will share the Nobel prize sum of 10 million Swedish kronor (about $1.1 million, 950,000 euros), with half going to Penrose and the other half jointly to Genzel and Ghez. They would normally receive their prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf at a formal ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of scientist Alfred Nobel who created the prizes in his last will and testament. But the in-person ceremony has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, replaced with a televised ceremony showing the laureates receiving their awards in their home countries. Last year the honour went to Canadian-American cosmologist James Peebles and Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz for research that increased the understanding of our place in the universe. Peebles won for showing that most of the universe is made up of an unknown dark matter and dark energy," while Mayor and Queloz won for the first discovery, of an exoplanet outside our solar system. This years Nobels season kicked off Monday when the medicine prize was awarded to Americans Harvey Alter and Charles Rice together with Briton Michael Houghton for the discovery of the Hepatitis C virus, paving the way for a cure. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the main instigator of the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Assad, during an interview with Russian news agency Sputnik, accused Erdogan of supporting terrorists in Syria and Libya, adding that he is the main instigator of the military stand-off in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Read: Canada Suspends Export Of Drone Tech To Turkey Amid Claims Of Use By Azerbaijani Side Allegations against Turkey Allegations of Turkey meddling in the conflict have been leveled by Armenia as well. Yerevan has accused Turkey of sending thousands of mercenaries from Syria, a claim swiftly rejected by Ankara. Assad also reiterated the allegation without providing any solid evidence, saying that Turkey used the method of sending terrorists to Syria and Lybia and it won't be a surprise if they are doing the same in the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict. Read: Armenia-Azerbaijan Clash: NATO Chief Calls For Ceasefire Amid Surging Fatalities Turkey, meanwhile, dismissed all allegations and has announced its support for Azerbaijan. The skirmishes between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been going on since July this year with both sides reporting casualties. But on September 27 it turned into a major escalation and have been continuing ever since. On October 5, Canada suspended its drone technology export to Turkey over allegations that Ankara is supplying them to Azerbaijan, which in turn is being used in the conflict in the South Caucasus region. Read: Iran Warns Armenia, Azerbaijan After Villages Hit The United Nations and the international community has urged both Azerbaijan and Armenia to resolve the issue peacefully. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has requested Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to immediately take steps to establish a ceasefire and start negotiations in order to prevent a major conflict from breaking out in the region. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been fighting over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region since 1988. In 1994 a Russia-brokered ceasefire agreement was signed between both the countries but numerous violations have occurred since then. Read: Chile Armenians Protest Outside Azerbaijan Embassy Spains self-employed workers are one step closer to paying contributions based on their real income, rather than a fixed monthly amount regardless of how much they make. This has been a longstanding demand by some leading freelancer associations, though not everyone agrees with the plans. According to the Cadena SER radio network, the Social Security Ministry and the Tax Agency are sharing data to come up with a new system based on income brackets, similar to what is already done with Spanish income tax (IRPF). Under the current system, freelancers can choose the contribution base that they want to pay a rate on keeping in mind that the lower the base, the smaller the monthly fee but this also means fewer benefits down the line. Right now, 85% of Spains self-employed have opted for the lowest available contribution base, which is 944. This amounts to a monthly payment of 250 or more for most freelancers. By comparison, the lowest base for salaried employees is 1,108, although the employer covers much of the contribution. Sources at the Social Security Ministry said that nothing specific has been decided yet, but confirmed that there are plans for a change that aims to be simple. These sources insisted on the need for simplicity, because an administratively complex system would make the paperwork difficult for freelancers and could lead to failure, they said. A longstanding demand The need to adjust freelancers Social Security contributions to their actual earnings has been a subject of debate for years, both in Congress and among self-employed associations. A couple of years ago, when the minimum wage in Spain was increased by 22.3% (affecting the minimum Social Security contribution base for employees), self-employed associations rejected a similar increase. Freelancers ended up paying a higher monthly fee anyway, although the increase was far lower. In the meantime, work got underway to develop a system that would find a better balance between what freelancers make and what they pay into the system. But new elections came around, followed by prolonged political gridlock, and the plans were relegated to the back burner. The coronavirus pandemic has also delayed talks that Social Security Minister Jose Luis Escriva had meant to hold weeks ago with self-employed groups. Lorenzo Amor, the president of the self-employed workers association ATA, warned on Monday that now is not a good time to introduce new income brackets that might in fact mean higher monthly payments for some freelancers who are now paying in the lowest possible amount. We will not support any change in the contribution system for the self-employed that means a raise in their contributions. This is not the right time, and the self-employed are really struggling, he said, alluding to the impact of the coronavirus on thousands of small businesses, especially in the hospitality and retail sectors. The ATA, which is the largest freelancer association in Spain, has never been a strong supporter of this kind of contribution system. Amor on Monday noted that there is no way to determine the real income of freelancers. But other self-employed associations such as UATAE and UPTA welcomed the executives plans. We celebrate the fact that a government is doing something about one of the sectors longstanding demands, which is a protection system based on solidarity. It is important to come out of our state of precariousness and firmly join the welfare state, and this is a fundamental step toward that, said Maria Jose Landaburu, secretary general of UATAE. The current system is unfair, since those with lower incomes are harmed, as they have to make a contributive effort that is above their possibilities, said Eduardo Abad, president of UPTA, mirroring complaints by freelancers who are forced to keep making their fixed payments even on months when they have had little or no income. English version by Susana Urra. Patna, Oct 6 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday announced the seat-sharing plan among the constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the Bihar Assembly election. The BJP will contest 121 seats while Nitish's JD-U has 122 seats. In a joint NDA press conference here, the Chief Minister said that the BJP has been given 121 seats, while the JD-U has got 122 seats. He said that JD-U has given 7 seats to Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) from its quota, while BJP will give seats to Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) from its quota. He said that talks between BJP and VIP are in the final stages. Nitish said, "We are not concerned with what someone speculates. We are working together and will do so." Several leaders including Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP Bihar in-charge Bhupendra Yadav, BJP's Bihar poll in-charge Devendra Fadnavis, JD-U state chief Vashisht Narayan Singh and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi were present at the joint press meet. Lashing out at the opposition RJD, Nitish Kumar said that NDA will fight the election on development works done in the last 15 years. "What was the development in Bihar during 15 years tenure of RJD? There were no roads, no power supply, law and order situation was pathetic with so many massacres across the state. How many jobs have they given to youth of Bihar during their tenure. Now they question us on jobs," Nitish said. Reacting on the alliance with BJP, he said that there is no confusion over seat sharing and selection of candidates. "We are contesting under the umbrella of NDA and we have no confusion on it," he said. He also lashed out on LJP chief Chirag Paswan and said: "LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan is ill at the moment and I want him to recover as soon as possible. At the same time I want to clarify that LJP has no strength to send Ram Vilas Paswan to Rajya Sabha. LJP has just 2 MLAs and it was JD-U and BJP who supported him in order to confirm his seat in Rajya Sabha," Nitish said. While referring to Chirag Paswan and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, he said that some people have it in their nature to object to work done by the ruling party. "I have nothing to do with it. They are free to say whatever they want," Nitish said. Earlier, Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal reiterated that the NDA is contesting the Bihar polls under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "We are contesting this election under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and we have no confusion over it. He is the leader of NDA and he will remain our CM face post election. Numbers do not matter to us," Jaiswal said. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi said that NDA has four alliance partners - JDU, BJP, HAM and VIP. "These parties are entitled to use photographs of PM Narendra Modi and CM Nitish Kumar. Misuse of photos will be liable for legal action. Our party is ready to write to the Election Commission to take action against those parties or individual candidates if they are involved in it," Sushil Modi said. His statement comes after Chirag Paswan said that his party will use photos of Prime Minister Modi in the election campaign. Mali's interim president Bah Ndaw appointed a 25-strong government on Monday in which members of the military occupy key posts, according to a decree broadcast live on state television. At least four central cabinet posts -- defence, security, territorial administration and national reconciliation -- go to colonels in the army, said the decree read by the president's secretary-general Sekou Traore. After the military assumed control of the country following a coup on August 18, a key point of contention between the ruling junta and Mali's West African neighbours has been whether the transition back to civilian rule will be led by soldiers. But while many plumb posts in the transition government went to soldiers, civilians were also given some key positions. For while one of the junta's leaders, Colonel Sadio Camara, becomes defence minister, former prosecutor Mohamed Sidda Dicko gets the justice portfolio. Junta spokesman Colonel Ismael Wague, who broke the news of the coup in a dramatic night-time television broadcast, will become national reconciliation minister. The West African bloc ECOWAS has heaped pressure on Mali's junta to swiftly restore civilian rule since the army toppled president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. After long negotiations, the junta finally agreed to complete that transition within 18 months at most. Last week the junta abandoned a contentious measure that would have enabled its leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, to potentially replace Ndaw -- himself a retired colonel -- if ever he was incapacitated. Goita officially holds the post of interim vice-president. Mali's interim prime minister is former foreign minister Moctar Ouane. Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) -- President Donald Trump is on the mend after spending nearly three days at Walter Reed Medical Center fighting COVID-19. The president left the hospital on Monday and, shortly after returning to the White House, issued a statement where he appeared to dismiss the severity of the virus. "Don't be afraid of Covid," President Trump remarked on Twitter. "Don't let it dominate your life." The president also touted the advances in American medicine when it comes to treating the virus, claiming he feels "better than I did 20 years ago!" President Trump's remarks didn't sit well with Amanda Kloots, who is still grieving the death of husband Nick Cordero. Cordero, 41, lost his extensive battle with the virus in July. "To all the over 208,000 Americans who lost loved ones to this virus - I stand by you, with you, holding your hand," Kloots penned in an emotional letter on Instagram early Tuesday. "Unfortunately it did dominate our lives didnt it? It dominated Nicks familys lives and my familys lives. I guess we 'let it' - like it was our choice??" Kloots' anger was evident as she continued criticizing the president's seemingly callous remarks, adding that "Unfortunately not everyone is lucky enough to spend two days in the hospital" while she "cried next to my husband for 95 days watching what COVID did to the person I love." "It IS something to be afraid of," the fitness trainer maintained. "After you see the person you love the most die from this disease you would never say what this tweet says. There is no empathy to all the lives lost. He is bragging instead." Kloots concluded by calling President Trump's remarks "disgraceful." Cordero, who was 41, wed Kloots in 2017. They shared a son, one-year-old Elvis. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. The third edition of Ghana's first ever modeling awards scheme the Ghana Models Awards, has been announced by the organizers 'Shades and Powder' for the 14th of November 2020 at the Swiss Spirit Alisa Hotel at 7pm in Accra. The Founder of the event Jerry Wonder, today stated that the event is back after a 3 year hiatus and will be consistent henceforth. He said the new partnership with the Models Association of Ghana as an organizing partner, will enhance the event and increase its credibility. He added that this year's edition would, as usual, celebrate modelling talents both of Ghanaian and non - Ghanaian descent who have excelled in the modelling industry in Ghana and abroad including legends of the profession. The theme for this year's event is 'The Future of Modelling as a Profession In Ghana'. According to the Founder of the Ghana Models Awards Jerry Wonder, a partnership between the franchise holders of the event and the Models Association of Ghana (MAG), will ensure that the Ghana Models Awards becomes consistent annually. "We have done our best the count trying to put the show together twice; one of which made history as the first ever modelling awards scheme in the country. And now, it is time for the event to grow into the future, hence our decision to partner the Models Association of Ghana (M.A.G)", he explained. A pioneer model in Ghana and a founding member of the Models Association of Ghana (M.A.G) Lord Ameyao Gidiglo on behalf of M.A.G expressed his excitement about the partnership. "This partnership will catapult the modelling industry in Ghana to a greater height and increase professional standards in the industry. It will also lay the foundation for upcoming modelling talents to explore career opportunities", he said. The organizers have stated that this year's edition will celebrate models, as well as stakeholders, who have excelled in the profession and have contributed to the positive growth of the industry. Special awards will also be given to models who have devoted their time, effort and resources to the development of their immediate society through community service and leadership initiatives. Earlier, international Top Model Grace Quaye was announced as the face of the Ghana Models Awards 2020. According to the organizers, she was chosen based on her fast rising international career after emerging as a homegrown Ghanaian model and her leadership drive. She was further described as the future of modelling in Ghana. The Ghana Models Awards is the only annual event in Ghana that celebrates models working in Ghana; as well as Ghanaian models working abroad. This year's event will employ very strict Covid - 19 safety precautionary measures as part of the fight against the deadly disease. The organizers have therefore, limited the seating capacity to a reduced number of half the event hall size. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Playwright Larissa FastHorse, Sicangu Lakota Nation, has been named a 2020 MacArthur Foundation Fellow. The MacArthur fellowship is a $625,000, no-strings-attached award to extraordinarily talented and creative individuals as an investment in their potential. FastHorse's work is described by the organization as "Creating space for Indigenous artists, stories, and experiences in mainstream theater and countering misrepresentation of Native American perspectives in broader society." Her comedy The Thanksgiving Play is one of the top-ten most produced plays in America this season, marking the first time in history that a Native American playwright is on that list. FastHorse is also the the co-founder of Indigenous Direction, which advises on theater and film projects that address Native issues. She is working with Cornerstone Theatre Company on a trilogy of plays in collaboration with indigenous people across the country. These works include Urban Rez, about Native people of and/or living in the Los Angels Basin, and Native Nation, a collaboration with tribes in Phoenix. The third in the trilogy is the forthcoming The D/N/Lakota Project. A firefighter monitors a controlled burn during the Glass Fire near Calistoga, California - Bloomberg Californias unprecedented wildfires are now spanning such distances they have been classified as a gigafire. The August Complex, a group of fires burning in and around the Mendocino National Forest in northern California, has torched more than one million acres and counting, making it the states first "gigafire," a term coined by academics to describe the growing presence and scope of massive wildfires in the US West. The 2020 wildfire season has shattered records, with scientists and state officials putting much of the blame on global warming. "If that's not proof-point testament to climate change, I don't know what is," Gavin Newsom, California Governor, said. In Napa Valley's wine-growing region, diminishing gusts late on Sunday and early on Monday helped crews gain some ground over the Glass Fire. Despite its colossal size, the August Complex fire has burned in remote, sparsely populated areas, keeping property losses relatively low - about 160 buildings destroyed - though a contract firefighter was killed by the blaze. It is still only 50 per cent under control. By comparison, no serious injuries have been reported in the much smaller Glass Fire, but nearly 1,500 homes and other buildings have been reduced to ruins in Napa and neighboring Sonoma County, including at least two wineries. The fire broke out in the midst of the region's grape harvest after a spate of other large blazes during the summer, putting some of Napa-Sonoma's 2020 vintage into question. Since January, wildfires across California have burned well over four million acres, or 6,250 square miles, nearly the combined land mass of Connecticut and Delaware, and more than twice California's previous annual record from 2018. The wildfires have claimed a total of 31 lives and destroyed nearly 8,700 structures since the start of the year. Scientists have pointed to the region's incendiary weather, along with supercharged fuel beds overgrown with tinder dry grass and scrub, as consequences of climate change. Story continues Donald Trump, however, has blamed poor forest management, saying the forest floors needed to be cleaned. The president, a climate change denier, claimed dry, dead trees were exploding and igniting fires. There is no evidence to support the theory. GULFPORT, Mississippi -- The 24th annual Cruisin' the Coast opened Sunday along the Mississippi coast, with nearly 6,500 registered Cruisers flocking to the area. Cruisin' officials, while happy to have the event underway, are keeping a watchful eye on Hurricane Delta, which could impact the event come Thursday and Friday. With a few individual events kicking off Cruisin' week Sunday, including Gautiers event, Cruisin' kicked into high gear Monday, with preregistered Cruisers arriving at Cruise Central at Gulfports Centennial Plaza to pick up their packets, with most then parking their classic vehicles on the large plaza grounds. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Cruisin' officials opted to have preregistered Cruisers arrive at Cruise Central in groups based on their last names, in alphabetical order, to alleviate the normal congestion under the registration tent. Longtime Cruisin' executive director Woody Bailey said Tuesday alphabetical check-in has gone so well, it may continue in the future. Its working really," Bailey said. Its something we may continue to do in the future, because it eases the workload for our volunteers, which is a good thing. What is not a good thing, however, is Hurricane Delta, already a Category 4 hurricane, although forecasts call for it to drop to a Category 2 storm. Forecasts continue to have Delta tracking west, but theres still a strong possibility the Mississippi coast could feel tropical storm effects come Thursday and Friday. Were definitely monitoring the storm, Bailey said. Ive been watching it since before the event started. Ive been hoping itd go away, naturally, but we definitely have Delta to deal with. Were watching it. Ive talked with our emergency management officials and Ill be talking with them again (Tuesday) afternoon about where we are. At this point, Bailey said, they are continuing as normal with Cruisin' week, but mindful that adjustments may have to be made as the week progresses. In 2017, Cruisin' had to shut down a day early -- at 5 p.m. that Friday -- when Tropical Storm Nate approached the coast. Fortunately, the storm seems to be easing a little more to the west, so thats a good thing, Bailey said. Were just looking to continue on with the event, while keeping in mind that if we have to shut down, we have to be mindful of the people leaving the area and trying to be respectful of that and not put anyone in a dangerous situation. We want everything to continue to be safe. The current Mississippi coast forecast of at least heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms associated with Delta arriving Thursday or Friday coincides with the kickoff of Cruisin' in the events official 3-day venues, which includes Ocean Springs and Pascagoula. The Tuesday forecast, however, notes conditions should improve by Saturday and Sunday. Bailey acknowledged there has been discussion of potentially shutting down Cruisin' events on Thursday and/or Friday, but then restarting and running through the weekend. Thats certainly something weve thought about and is a possibility, he said. "As you know, were in 2020 so Ive decided anything is possible at this point. I think it might be hard to restart the event if we have to shut it down for a day or two, but its not out of the realm of possibility. Were just looking at all this and trying to make the best decisions we can for everybody involved in the event. These storms -- weve been fortunate that Laura and Sally left us alone for the most part -- but well have to see what this one is going to do. I think it bears a little more watching before we make any firm decisions. At 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors declared a local state of emergency for Hurricane Delta. Once the County makes its declaration, the four county municipalities generally follow suit. Chic Cody, Ocean Springs' longtime Cruisin' coordinator, said the loss of two or all three days of Cruisin' in the city would be a severe blow to a downtown business community already reeling from the events of 2020. It would be disastrous to the businesses, because they plan all year for this, for Cruisin' the Coast, as well as the Peter Anderson Festival, Cody said. Those are the two major events which really sustain them, so we have to do everything we can to ensure that when we make a call, its the right call. Cody noted the difficulty with a situation is like this is the unpredictable nature of severe storms. The big thing is you really dont know where its going until the last few moments, he said. Indications are its drifting west. If it maintains that drift, well have hopefully a lighter version of it, but were still in the northeast quadrant of it, which is the worst and is what has everyone concerned. We dont want to hold people here and then have them have a hard time getting home, so were trying to be really honest and upfront with people, but its a guessing game. Weve got to rely on the weather people to tell us. But right now were going forward. Cody said he would be meeting with Ocean Springs aldermen later Tuesday to discuss the possibility of moving many of the citys Cruisin' events scheduled for Friday to Thursday, including the Sock Hop & Street Party. Were going to try to do whatever we can to try and capitalize on whatever time we have before the heavy weather hits us," he said. If the board approves, well move the Sock Hop, including The Molly Ringwalds and Chics Picks (car contest) to Thursday night. At least we can have that part of it completed. Cody, who said he is in constant contact with Bailey and local emergency and weather officials, also said he did not envy Baileys position at times like this. Its not easy when youre sitting in the drivers seat like he is," Cody said. "You have to think about a lot of things, but you want to do whats best for the people and for the merchants as well, because theyre the ones who sponsor all of this and they need it bad. Pune: Officials from departments of police and excise among others will monitor whether restaurants and bars in Maharashtras Pune district are following the guidelines issued by the state government while granting them permission to reopen with restricted capacity from October 5. Pune Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao told reporters that flying squads will be formed to inspect eateries, restaurants and bars. These flying squads will comprise officials from departments of the police, excise, district administration and also office bearers of hotel associations in the district," he said, adding that violators will be fined. Restaurants, bars and eateries resumed their operations in the state with the 50 per cent capacity, after remaining shut for over six months. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor There is one television network that all major news networks are sourcing for any worthwhile footage on the world's most wanted man - Osama Bin Laden. Need actual footage from inside the heart of the Taliban's Afghanistan's and it is Al-Jazeera that is providing it. It is the first 24-hour satellite news network in the Arab world. It is also the first Arab news outlet that offers uncensored information and free interpretation of political events. Qatar may be one of the smallest states in the world, with a population of only 690,000, but its state-funded Al-Jazeera satellite television network is certainly big on the news front. Algerian anchor Khadija Ben Guenna on Al-Jazeera. (Courtesy Time) Consider what it has had to contend with over the last few months: In April, Libya abruptly withdraw its ambassador after Al-Jazeera broadcast an interview with a Libyan opposition figure. Shortly thereafter, the Iraqi government lodged a complaint with Qatari officials when Al-Jazeera reported the enormous expenses of Saddam Hussein's lavish April 28 birthday celebration. On May 2, Tunisia's ambassador complained to Qatar's foreign ministry about a programme on Al-Jazeera that accused his government of human rights violations. A week later, the Iranian daily Jomhuri-ye Eslami, a conservative newspaper aligned with Ayatollah Khamenei, accused the station of "attributing false news to the esteemed leader of the revolution" after it reported that Khamenei favoured the annulment of Iran's February parliamentary elections. Post-11 September, it is the Bush administration that has been seeing red. It is pressuring Qatar to restrain Al-Jazeera saying it is unbalanced and encourages anti-American sentiment in the Middle East. The issue was raised by Secretary of State Colin Powell on 3 October at a meeting in Washington with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. By far the most popular satellite news channel in the Middle East, it is programmes such as "The Opposite Direction" and "The Other Opinion," modeled on CNN's Crossfire, featuring debates on controversial issues, pitting Islamist militants against secular liberals, supporters of the peace process with Israel against its opponents, etc., that have earned it such enormous cachet with its viewers. The station frequently interviews political dissidents of every imaginable persuasion. The first interview that Bin Laden gave after the 1998 bomb attacks on US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed 224 people, and which he has been implicated of masterminding, was to Al-Jazeera in June 1999. During Israel's elections last year, the station sent its star correspondent, Muhammad Kreishan, to interview representatives of all major political parties, including an David Bar-Illan, an adviser to former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Since it was started in 1996 by Sheik Hamad, Al-Jazeera has revolutionized the media scene in the Arab world with its vibrant and lively debates. Although Al-Jazeera, which means "the Peninsula" in Arabic, receives a $30-million annual subsidy, the Qatari government does not exercise direct control over the channel's policies. The station is also supported by advertising and subscriptions. Technical Specifications: Satellite : Arabsat IIA Ku Band at 26 East Downlink Polarisation : Horizontal Frequency : 12521 MHz Satellite : Eutelsat II F3 Ku Band at 16 East Downlink Polarisation : Horizontal Frequency : 11808 MHz Islamabad/New Delhi, Oct 6 : A presidential ordinance by the Imran Khan government to take control of the Sindh islands has kicked up a political storm in Pakistan, with the opposition calling it "illegal annexation" by China. Sindh, the third largest province in Pakistan by area, borders the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan to the east, and Arabian Sea to the south. In the Sindh coastal belt, there are around 300 small and big islands. Pakistan President Arif Alvi had on September 1 promulgated the ordinance for establishing "Pakistan Islands Development Authority" for "development and management of islands in internal and territorial waters of Pakistan". The ordinance, which cannot be challenged in any Pakistani court, has been brought for the development of cities on the islands, as per a copy circulated by Pakistani opposition parties on social media. Sindh based political parties, civil society organisations as well as the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led Sindh government has condemned the move, calling it an attempt to encroach on Sindh's land. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a post on Facebook said, the PPP "will oppose the illegal annexation of Sindh's islands through presidential ordinance by the PTI government. I ask how is this act any different to Modi's actions in occupied Kashmir. Move will be opposed in national, provincial assembly and the senate". Many Sindhi activists on social media claimed that Pakistan was selling the Bhundar-Dingi twin islands (over 12,000 acres of land) to China. The federal government has no authority to control or build anything on Sindh's islands without the permission of the Sindh government, Sindhi activist Zafar Sahito wrote in an article. He claimed that Prime Minister Imran Khan during his visit to China in 2019 had committed the Diamer Bhasha Dam, now part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the Sindh twin islands. China is likely to invest in these twin islands to build mega cities like Hong Kong. There are many Chinese companies already working in Sindh, mostly in Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Stock Exchange and in the energy sector. China is also looking to buy Karachi steel mills, he claimed. Former PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto had announced a movement against the decision to take over the islands during General Pervez Musharraf's regime in 2007. After protests by the PPP, the national parties and the civil society organisations, the government had to take back the decision, Sindhi activists noted. Derry City and Strabane District Council today approved funding of 20,000 towards the creation of a skateboarding park in the local area. The funding was approved by councillors at a meeting of the council's Governance and Strategic Planning committee. The money will go towards the 'design development costs' of a new skate park within the council area. The new funding will be welcomed by those behind a campaign for a local facility for skateboarders. Over the summer, a petition was launched calling for a skate park to be created in Derry. Ronan McElroy, a spokesperson for the organisers of the petition, said the city needs such a facility. "We have been left out for years while other sporting facilities have been built to accommodate other local sports," he said. "This has left us, the local skaters, to take to the streets and local spots to skate and this isn't always welcomed by the local people, police etc. But we have no choice. "If you look at every other major city, you can see they they make use of unused spaces by building skate parks. Belfast has several. "We would be grateful if you could take this matter seriously. We would love to skate in a safer environment for everyone without having to travel outside of our city to do so." President Volodymyr Zelensky will be heading Ukraine's delegation. The 22nd summit between the European Union and Ukraine will take place in Brussels on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. This is the first bilateral summit held in Brussels since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported in a press release by the Council of the European Union. It is also the first bilateral EU-Ukraine summit with the participation of President of the European Council Charles Michel and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, who will represent the European Commission. Read alsoMEPs say certain Ukraine officials, oligarchs could be deprived of visa-free travelPresident Volodymyr Zelensky will be heading Ukraine's delegation. Leaders will review bilateral relations, including: The socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and EU support to Ukraine, The next steps in the implementation of the Association Agreement, including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and The state of reforms in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine's Donbas will also be discussed, as well as the implementation of the Minsk agreements, the consequences of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia, recent developments in Belarus, and other regional and foreign policy issues. EU summit with Ukraine: Background The previous EU-Ukraine summit took place in Kyiv on July 8, 2019. The EU was represented at the summit by the then presidents of the European Council Donald Tusk and the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, and Ukraine by President Zelensky. Earlier, the 22nd Ukraine-EU summit was scheduled to be held in Brussels on October 1, but was slated over a delay in EU leaders' meeting. On September 22, Zelensky said that representatives of Ukraine and the European Union would discuss the creation of a negotiating platform for the de-occupation of Crimea. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen was self-isolating the day before the annual Ukraine-EU summit was to begin. Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden has said that he shouldn't have called US President Donald Trump a clown during the first debate between the two rivals on September 29. "I should have said this was a clownish undertaking instead of calling him a clown," The Hill news website quoted Biden as saying in an NBC News town hall on Monday. The former Vice President said it was hard to engage respectfully with Trump during the 90-minute debate, which took a chaotic turn with insults such as "liar", "just shush for a minute" and "keep yapping". "It was just very difficult. I didn't want to further demean the process of the debate by getting in a shouting match with him. "I'll be very honest with you. I think it was embarrassing for the nation to see the president hectoring like he did," Biden added. During the debate, insults and interruptions took centre-stage as the two rivals tore into each other in the presence Fox News anchor and moderator Chris Wallace. The President frequently interrupted and heckled Biden, ignoring repeated pleas from Wallace, for Trump to stick to his allotted time, CNN reported. Following the heckling, at one point, told the President: "Will you shut up, man?" Even after Trump's October 2 announcement that he had tested positive for Covid-19, Biden has continued with his campaign, which has halted negative ads against the President due to the development. The rivals are slated to appear in two more debates, one on October 15 and another on October 22. But it remained unclear if they would proceed in the wake of Trump's health condition. Press Release October 6, 2020 Responses of Senate Ways and Means Chair Pia S. Cayetano To the questions of Sen. Richard Gordon on the CREATE bill Sen. Pia: In previous discussions, I am aware, I was told that they are in touch with companies leaving China and they are ready to make our offer but all of these companies they have met with are in a wait and see mode, basically awaiting the passage of CREATE for certainty. And this is consistent with what I was told with industry leaders when I met them just before lockdown on COVID, that they said at this point, what they want is certainty so they can crunch their numbers and they can make their commitments. --- Sen. Pia: Regarding the Samsung case in Vietnam, I recall that I was also briefed on this, we also tried to invite or woo Samsung to the Philippines but we lost out because they were able to offer land and our Constitution prohibits foreign ownership of land. And of course, their package was also attractive, and as I said, we were still in the period of transition. We have been in that period of discussion, not even in the period of transition, for the past years. --- Sen. Pia: Those are two major companies - Samsung and LG. And what I wanted to add is through my studies of different factors, one factor I believe is we may not have been aggressive enough also in pursuing trade agreements. So Vietnam, next to Singapore in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is the country that already has the most foreign trade agreements with other countries, and that includes Korea. All these little things add to the ability of these other Southeast Asian countries to attract foreign investors because these FTAs lay the basis. It's just one of the things we need to do. And I agree with his honor about the wooing, that is important. Because you honor them, show them how important they are to you, and when you are able to woo them, [inaudible] I agree with everything his honor says. --- Sen. Pia: I couldn't agree more. Marketing is very, very important. In fact, I have seen the success of marketing for even bad products. So considering, as his honor says, we do have marketable skills, expertise that we can be proud of, I feel that we can do much more to market ourselves better. --- Sen. Pia: If I can share a short anecdote... It was around 2005 and the Philippines hosted the Inter-Parliamentary Union. And there was a security issue with one delegate. I think he was from an African country. I think he went out very late in the night, rode the tricycle and he was mugged. And his honor fast tracked the prosecution of that case because he said it's a matter of honor, a matter of being able to show these countries that justice is important in our country. I remember that. I was a new senator then. And I know that the point we wanted to make is this is a safe country, but if something happens, we will ensure that justice is done. --- Sen. Pia: "Freeport zones refers to an isolated and policed area adjacent to a port of entry, which shall be operated and managed as a separate customs territory to ensure free flow or movement of goods, except those expressly prohibited by law, within, into, and exported out of the freeport zone where imported goods may be unloaded for immediate transshipment or stored, repacked, sorted, mixed, or otherwise manipulated without being subject to import duties. However, movement of these imported goods from the free-trade area to a non-free trade area in the country shall be subject to all applicable internal revenue taxes and duties: provided, that for the freeport to qualify as a separate customs territory, a freeport shall have a permanent customs control or customs office at its perimeter." --- Sen. Pia: May I interject, just to say that CREATE does not change the treatment of taxes in the freeport? Customs duties and VAT will continue to be the same. No exemption from custom duties and VAT. --- Sen. Pia: Definitely, his honor is very knowledgeable in this subject matter and I fail in comparison to the experience he's had in bringing in investors and understanding their concerns. The only thing that I would like to bring to the discussion is the fact that we are the only country in the world that currently offers a GIE of 5 percent, which is basically considered as "forever." There is no other country that offers this GIE forever in lieu of all other taxes. So my understanding is that what we would like to do is rationalize this. We do not intend to do it in a rash manner. This matter has been discussed for a number of years, way before I became chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means. In fact, I repeatedly mentioned that after many hearings and individual dialogues that I've had with leaders of various sectors, eventually, they said that they just want certainty. And in fact, I have a list from DTI of major companies that are very interested in coming in. Perhaps they can give you the names because I am told they are bound by confidentiality. So even I don't know their names. But they are waiting for the finalization of CREATE. So I must emphasize that I agree with his honor that these freeports are vibrant, are a source of much economic growth for our country and we must protect it and really continue to make it a place where we invite economic activities. But I will simply add to that discussion the need to consider a rate that would be acceptable that is not rash, not pabigla-bigla, or as mentioned by some groups, done whimsically and capriciously, because those who are currently receiving those kinds of incentives have a transition period of 4-9 years. And then after that, they can still avail. They can still apply. So I believe that it is a difficult decision to be made. I understand the concerns of all our colleagues. However, similar to the analogy I gave on our requiring beneficiaries of the 4Ps to be accountable, that is also what we want for these companies, that we have a way of accounting for the benefit we give them, which is basically foregone revenues, and what they bring into the country. That is what CREATE hopes to achieve. I just also like to clarify that it's not really a reduction for many companies because for example, currently, BOI only offers income tax holiday. They don't offer the GIE of 5 percent, similar to PEZA and other zones. So basically, when we rationalize and give that array of incentives, which can be offered to any company depending on what their business is, those who will be applying will actually have an added benefit that is currently not available with BOI. So it's not just a negative as many people understand it to be. It's rationalizing, which means in some cases that have been given generously and it's time to determine, have we gained anything from this? It's rationalizing and they would be given a transition period. And for others, they would be given more. --- Sen. Pia: But, those areas that his honor mentioned do not have the forever GIEs. And these forever GIEs have been around for decades. And like his honor said, where has this gotten us? So his honor mentioned earlier other factors that companies look at when they want to invest. This is good governance, competency, policy and stability. All of these factors matter. Like I said, I don't pretend to be an expert here. But I think, logically, we should also be able to review and say, wait. These GIEs that were offered without a term, it actually didn't say you will enjoy it until 2020, 2050, 2090. It's just silent. Having said that, it's been available for decades. And it doesn't really show that that in itself has made a difference. So I think it is incumbent upon us to also have an open mind and see if we can rationalize it in such a way, like his honor has said now that tama naman na magka-sunset [period] naman yung ibang ano diyan, yun lang naman po ang gusto natin mangyari. And when his honor mentioned that let's not do anything rash especially during this time of COVID, if we pass this bill this month, the sonnet effect this would have on any company is 4 years from now. So, I believe that that is fairly reasonable, because there would be no immediate effect. And like I said, many companies have been waiting for the final outcome of CREATE so that they can make their commitments. --- Sen. Pia: First of all, to clarify, we are not removing the incentives. We are rationalizing it. So yes, there will be changes. But as I mentioned earlier, it's not meant to be whimsical and capricious. These are changes that will be eased in so that those who are currently enjoying them have 4-9 years to transition. His honor himself has said he doesn't believe nga naman na may forever. So I thank his honor for that. And we'd be very interested to hear some thoughts he has on the transition. Because what we have right now are 4-9 years to transition. And then they can reapply and they could now apply for the income tax holiday and a new GIE of 10 percent. That's the special corporate income tax. I also agree with his honor that lack of enforcement is a problem. And this is one of the things that CREATE seeks to address. Because the FIRB will now have the power to demand that the data is submitted to them by the registered companies. That is the problem we have right now. We know there are companies that are non-performing. We know there are companies that, based on a cost-benefit analysis, would not make the mark. And therefore, like his honor himself said, they should be the ones who should not gain from these kinds of incentives. Because let us remember, these incentives are foregone revenue that could be used somewhere else. I know his honor knows that. I am just spreading it into the record. So we give these incentives in exchange for something else. These would be jobs, capital investment they put in, the technology they bring. Well and good, and I feel that we should be generous with what we offer so that we can attract them. But why be generous for a company that is non-performing? And that is what the FIRB seeks to do to be able to make accurate assessments on their performance, because they will now be required, and their registrations can be cancelled and suspended. This is something that is not really being done by IPAs. In fact, I have asked to see what companies have been suspended, cancelled because of non-performance. And I am not really aware. I don't have a list with me. I don't know if there even is... I believe this is also the information that our team has been trying to get. I do believe that his honor and I agree on most points, if not on all points. It's really just a question of how to roll out these changes that we need to make to make our offer to potential investors very attractive and to also continue to be a welcome investment hub for those who are already here and who are performing. --- Sen. Pia: I would just like to express my appreciation for the vision for Subic. As his honor knows, I love to go to Subic, I love to bike there, I've joined races there many times. I've biked, I swam in different developments all over Subic. Actually, when his honor mentioned Hong Kong, I think very few people will realize the similarity, as his honor pointed out. And I am one of them because I actually hiked in Hong Kong. And you're right, the forests in Subic remind me of the forest in Hong Kong. And what I love about my hiking there is, I take a taxi for 10 minutes, I hike for 2-5 hours, and then I am back in the city. And that is exactly how I feel when I am in Subic. Check into a hotel, bike for hours, get lost in the forest, and then you're back and have a nice meal and relax in your hotel. So you're right there is so much similarity. And truly what we lack is that vision to see it come true. So thank you for spreading that into the record, and I am your supporter when it comes to this. I appreciate all the other comments. Like I said, I believe that we agree on everything and really it's a question of how to transition, the best way to transition. Because his honor mentioned the building of a railway and everything that needs to be done. And I just want to point out that for thousands of companies that have been receiving incentives that are not being analyzed, they are not accountable for the incentives that they have [received] then they really are foregone revenues for the Philippines. And what these revenues could be used for these purposes that his honor mentioned: building railways, airports, etc. So that's really the reason for this rationalization. And I'd like to point out that in 2017, which is the latest data I have, the foregone revenues for these companies - we do not know how many of them are actually giving back, are they really training, is there really transfer of technology, are they really employing the number of people they said they would employ... The loss for us is P441 billion in 2017. That's an average actually of P300-plus billion. It changes, and again, we do not have the complete data. I do not see any difference between my views and his honor's views. His honor obviously just has more experience than I do and has the experience to really help us craft something that could really be stronger. I'd be very happy to receive his honor's further comments or amendments to the CREATE bill. --- Sen. Pia: That is really our objective, that the number of corporations that we have, the bulk of them are MSMEs and we do want this to trickle down to them, not just for the large corporations. Both contribute to our economy. So for the MSMEs, I'd also like to put on record that the goal also is to encourage them to also apply for incentives. There is no capital requirement. I would suppose it would depend on the industry. But definitely, in the industries without much capital requirement, they would already be qualified and they are encouraged so that they can benefit because the bulk of those that benefit are the large companies. The figure I saw was there were three. Such a small number of MSMEs that registered. A really low number. So we want to also encourage them so that it's not tilted only on the side of larger companies that benefit from the incentives. Because the scenario that we have now is that the bulk of the companies which are MSMEs do not receive any incentives and are paying the full 30 percent CIT. Of course, we are aware that under the TRAIN Law, for those not registered, there are other schemes to allow them to pay lower taxes. But over and above, the goal is to make these incentives under the CREATE Law available to MSMEs. And I think his honor again would be in the best position to understand and appreciate that because in his experience not just in Subic but in Central Luzon, he mentioned how almost like the whole of society interacts to make it a vibrant freeport. And that's where the MSMEs can come in. --- Sen. Pia: Thank you. I always appreciate his honor's wisdom, experience that he shares very generously with all of us. And I do hope that he can continue to guide us and give his comments so that when we finalize this, it can be a much, much better version. Thank you, Mr. President. This is the third crash in Northwest Indiana that has involved ejection of an occupant of a motor vehicle in the past week, Indiana State Polices Lowell District Public Information Officer Sgt. Glen Fifield said in a release. The Indiana State Police would remind both drivers and passengers to always wear a seatbelt. Woodland Hills resident Christy Gargalis was one of about 2,100 registered voters in her area who received or will be receiving faulty mail-in ballots. (Courtesy of Christy Gargalis) More than 2,000 Los Angeles County voters got mail-in ballots with a very egregious flaw: no way to vote for U.S. president. The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerks office confirmed late Monday that about 2,100 faulty ballots were mailed earlier that day to residents in the Woodland Hills area. The botched effort was part of a campaign to mail 21 million ballots to registered California voters. About 5.6 million of those voters are in L.A. County. State law mandates that absentee ballots be mailed 29 days ahead of the Nov. 3 election. While this has impacted a very small number of Los Angeles County voters we nevertheless apologize to those affected by the mistake, said Michael Sanchez, a spokesman for the county clerks office. Attorney Christy Gargalis, a Woodland Hills resident, did a double take Monday afternoon when she received her ballot in the mail, along with that of her husband, Jason Scupine, also a lawyer. Ive always been an in-person voter, so I wasnt even planning on looking at the ballot until the day I was going to vote, Gargalis said. After failing to see a presidential ticket on her ballot, Gargalis checked her copy against those of her husband and sister, who lives at the same residence. All three ballots had a list of state propositions printed twice, on pages four and five. But no way to vote for Joe Biden or President Trump ... or Kanye West or anyone else looking to be POTUS for the next four years. Something told me that this was a different election, a different year, and I just had to check my ballot, and Im glad I did, said Gargalis. She said she reached out to state and county officials; the latter informed her that they would be sending new ballots soon. She also turned to Facebook and other social media. "My neighbors on Nextdoor all have the same problem," she said. Even though Gargalis filed a complaint, only her husband has received an emailed update from the county clerk that a new ballot would be sent out Tuesday morning. Story continues We are now in the process of alerting all affected voters in this precinct of the error by robocall and email, and tomorrow morning we will be mailing out new, corrected ballots with a letter describing the error, Sanchez said. Sanchez has advised voters to discard the faulty ballots and mail in only the accurate ones. If they have already filled out and mailed their original ballot, Sanchez said, we will cancel their original ballot once their new ballot is received. Times staff writer John Myers contributed to this story. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Brazil's economy is set to shrink by 5.8 percent in 2020, the International Monetary Fund said Monday, revising up an earlier forecast but warning the country faced "excpetionally high" risks. "The economy is projected to shrink by 5.8 percent in 2020, followed by a partial recovery to 2.8 percent in 2021," the IMF said in its annual report on Latin America's largest economy. The report released Monday revised upwards the more pessimistic forecast of a 9.1 percent contraction in June. It praised the right-wing government of President Jair Bolsonaro for its "swift and substantial" response to the economic crisis prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. The government increased health spending, boosted financial support for state governments, extended state-backed credit lines and introduced employment retention schemes, which helped protect formal jobs during lockdown. "The strong policy response averted a deeper economic downturn, stabilized financial markets, and cushioned the effects of the pandemic on the poor and vulnerable." However, it warned that given a sharp rise in primary fiscal deficit, gross public debt is projected to jump to around 100 percent of GDP in 2020, remaining high over the medium term. - 'Exceptionally high' risks - "Risks are exceptionally high and multifaceted," the Fund warned, "including a second wave of the pandemic, long-term scarring from a protracted recession, and vulnerability to confidence shocks given Brazil's high level of public debt." The South American giant of 212 million people has been hit hard by the new coronavirus, with more than 145,000 people killed, the second-highest death toll worldwide after the United States. The Washington-based Fund recommended the government "be prepared to provide additional fiscal support" if health, economic and social conditions were to worsen. Almost 12 million jobs were lost due to the crisis between February and July, of which over seven million were in the informal sector. Story continues The unemployment rate is still rising and reached 13.8 percent in the quarter between May and July, though other indicators such as industrial production showed imporvements in August from the previous month, it said. Consumer spending is also on the rebound -- though that is largely thanks to emergency stimulus checks of 600 reais ($110) a month the government has been paying to around 60 million Brazilians, about a third of the population. The payments were halved this month, and are set to expire at the end of the year. "While some recent indicators are encouraging and the authorities expect a strong rebound next year, it may take time for employment, incomes and poverty to return to pre-Covid levels," the IMF report said. It urged the government to move ahead with structural reforms, "to create jobs and lift the poor above the poverty line, to make the Brazilian economy more competitive, open to business and trade, and attractive to investment." Despite the risks, the Fund stressed that the country has "considerable" international reserves, "a resilient banking system" and a low proportion of public debt in foreign currency. an/db/jm The community was very, very close, and they looked out for each other, she said. They really cared for each other. That caring extends to the societys annual homecoming each August, called The Turnout, which continues to this day, though this years event was canceled because of the pandemic. The Beneficial Benevolent Society social hall is one of a dozen new sites along the trail, which was established in 2004 with 41 sites, including places such as the Robert Russa Moton Museum, housed in the former Robert Russa Moton High School, a National Historical Landmark in Farmville, where the 1951 strike by students sparked the modern civil rights movement. Some of the sites, such as the Moton Museum, are open for visiting, while others are merely interpretive signs that tell the stories of those locations. *** The expansion of the trail (and the updating of signage at the original sites) has been in the works for years, but the timing of its completion proved serendipitous, considering the news of recent months involving civil rights. DALLAS, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobs (NYSE:J) was awarded a place on Affinity Water's River Restoration Framework, providing management, appraisal, modelling and design input for river restoration schemes across Affinity Water's catchments in England. A multidisciplinary team from Jacobs, including fluvial geomorphologists, aquatic ecologists, hydrologists, hydraulic modelers, engineers, stakeholder engagement and environmental assessment professionals, will collaborate with the client and other framework partners with a goal to revitalize chalk rivers in the south of England. Through the framework we will be supporting Affinity Water to meet its obligations under environmental regulations and the recent drive towards sustainable water use by offsetting artificial changes to the water environment through river restoration and improvements. By integrating the stakeholder engagement team from Jacobs into the heart of the framework delivery, the benefits will be realized not just by the environment but the wider communities as well. Affinity Water estimates the contract value at $4 million (GBP 3 million), delivering river restoration across 14 river catchments from 2020 to 2025. "Our diverse team brings significant experience around river and wetland restoration and will help Affinity Water drive forward sustainable design," said Jacobs People & Places Solutions Senior Vice President and General Manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Donald Morrison. "The program of restoration works will help to improve water quality, geomorphological processes, numbers and diversity of fish and other aquatic species, and will improve community access and connectivity with the rivers and riparian habitat." At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $13 billion in revenue and a talent force of more than 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector. Visit jacobs.com and connect with Jacobs on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the same. Statements made in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on management's current estimates and expectations as well as currently available competitive, financial and economic data. Forward-looking statements, however, are inherently uncertain. There are a variety of factors that could cause business results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related reaction of governments on global and regional market conditions and the company's business. For a description of some additional factors that may occur that could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 27, 2019, and in particular the discussions contained under Item 1 - Business; Item 1A - Risk Factors; Item 3 - Legal Proceedings; and Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 26, 2020, and in particular the discussions contained under Part I, Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Part II, Item 1 - Legal Proceedings; and Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors, as well as the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company is not under any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results, except as required by applicable law. For press/media inquiries: Kerrie Sparks 214.583.8433 SOURCE Jacobs Related Links http://www.jacobs.com RUMSON, N.J., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning bourbon whiskey brand Penelope Bourbon announced today the limited release of its newest bourbon, Rose Cask Finish, one of the first bourbons to be finished in French rose wine casks. The 94-proof spirit boasts a unique alliance between straight bourbon whiskey and 100% Grenache Rose, which combine to offer an unforgettable flavor profile with notes of candied fruit, caramel, and vanilla. The bottle can be served at room temperature like traditional bourbon, though Penelope suggests trying it chilled, as one would a bottle of rose. PENELOPE BOURBON ANNOUNCES LIMITED RELEASE OF ROSE CASK FINISH. Penelopes Rose Cask Finish is one of the first bourbons to be finished in French rose wine casks. For more information about Penelope Bourbon, and its new Rose Cask Finish, please visit www.penelopebourbon.com. Penelope's Rose Cask Finish began shipping to U.S. retailers today and will be available in mid-October 2020 at online retailers, including Seelbach's, Mash&Grape, and Flaviar, and at select liquor stores nationwide (MSRP $65+). The limited release production run is capped at 2,400 bottles. "Bourbon is having its moment this year, and to celebrate, we wanted to create something that was completely new to the aisle - something that would pique customer curiosity and allow fans to experience bourbon in an entirely new way," said Mike Paladini, Penelope Bourbon founder. "We hand-selected French Grenache rose wine casks from the Southern Rhone region because we felt the sweetness of the Grenache really complemented Penelope's signature four grain blend. The finishing process brings forward a distinct rose flavor that elevates the tasting notes of our namesake bourbon. This is just the first of many limited-run bourbon releases we're planning to bring to market." Rose Cask Finish is Penelope's third expression, joining the brand's portfolio alongside its 80-proof Penelope Bourbon, and 116-proof Barrel Strength. This has been an exciting year of growth for Penelope, the brand greatly expanded its distribution and its portfolio of bourbons has accumulated several prestigious accolades. In 2020, its namesake Penelope Bourbon received a Double Gold Medal at the SIP Awards and was awarded the program's Consumer Choice Award. Penelope's Barrel Strength expression was awarded Platinum at this year's SIP Awards and Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For more information about Penelope Bourbon, and its new Rose Cask Finish, please visit www.penelopebourbon.com . ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon (Penelope) is one of the country's fastest-growing bourbon whiskey brands. Named after the founder's daughter, Penelope boasts a series of four grain straight bourbon whiskey expressions that are all uniquely blended from three different mash bills. Remarkably smooth and flavorful, Penelope is perfect whether sipping neat or mixing in a cocktail. Penelope's two cornerstone expressions, Penelope Bourbon and Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength, have been awarded fourteen combined accolades including a Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 2020 Platinum SIP Award. In 2020, Penelope announced a limited release series that promises to introduce new innovations to the bourbon aisle through the exploration of unique blends and cask finishes. Penelope's first limited release, Penelope Rose Cask Finish, will be available October 2020. For more information about Penelope, please visit www.penelopebourbon.com , and follow @penelopebourbon (Instagram/Facebook). SOURCE Penelope Bourbon Related Links http://www.penelopebourbon.com/ External affairs minister and US counterpart are in Japan to attend the second Quad ministerial that also involves Australia and the host nation Washington: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Tokyo on Tuesday, the State Department said. Pompeo and Jaishankar are in Tokyo to attend the second Quad ministerial involving their counterparts from Australia and Japan. While Pompeo and Jaishankar talk over the phone at frequent intervals, this is their first meeting after the recent border incursions by China in India. According to the State Department, Pompeo is scheduled to meet new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi. In an interaction with reporters travelling with him, Pompeo hoped to have significant announcements and significant achievements during the QUAD ministerial. Its going to be a wonderful trip. Its supporting something weve been working on for a long time to put together. To meet with our Quad partners is a project weve been preparing for. Were hoping to have some significant announcements, significant achievements, Pompeo said. Before leaving for Tokyo, Trump spoke with President Donald Trump over the phone. I did get a chance to talk with the president at some length today, and I think he spoke with his entire national security team today, he said. This is a team that is mature and capable. Were fully prepared for all possibilities that may take place. We had a good conversation. Im not going to say what it was about. But we made sure that the president was fully up to speed on all the things happening around the world. Got a little bit of additional guidance for this trip, now Im looking forward to executing it, Pompeo said. The US Embassy in Tokyo said the foreign ministers from the four countries will discuss the challenges posed by COVID-19, security and economic issues in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of upholding a rules-based international system. A public health worker has reported Stansted and Ryanair to the police after mask-free security staff let passengers board without covering up. Rebecca McDonald, 36, claimed ground personnel from the airline were allowing people without a face covering on the flight from London. After raising the issue, staff allegedly accused her of being rude and 'threatened not to let her board' the plane to Frankfurt. The King's College London researcher also said a security worker was wearing a 'loose' visor and no mask, with people in the duty free area not wearing face coverings while 'sat on their laptops with no food or drink nearby'. It comes as the airport is hit by a wave of Covid-19 complaints, over a lack of social distancing and passengers not wearing face masks or not using them properly. Rebecca McDonald (pictured above), 36, claimed ground personnel from Ryanair were allowing people without a face covering to board at the terminal in London Ms McDonald told MailOnline: 'I was quite horrified yesterday morning when walking into Stansted - on multiple occasions I saw people not wearing masks. It started with the security check. 'One staffer was wearing a visor but it sat quite loosely and only covered half of his face, so I recommended him to wear a mask but he dismissed it and said it was fine. 'Then walking from Stansted security through the duty free area towards the gate, many more people were not wearing masks. 'Some were eating to be fair but then there were lots of people just on their laptops without any food or drink nearby not wearing masks and nobody seemed to care.' Referring to boarding the Ryanair flight, she said: 'There was no social distancing or indicated markers on the ground and no provisions, nothing in that regard, but also Ryanair staff were not asking people to stand apart. 'People lining up for boarding weren't wearing masks or they were hanging loosely under their chin, barely covering their mouths and certainly not their nose. Twitter users have complained to Stansted airport, with one passenger posting a photo, above, captioning: 'Good effort at social distancing measures' A Ryanair customer shared the above photo to Twitter, posting: 'Ryanair staff don't enforce any mask wearing on my flight today and here is the result' A tweet from the public health worker to Stansted airport, adding that one staffer 'only wore a loose-fitting visor' and, after raising issue with the visor, was told to 'mind her own business' 'There were two staffers who were in charge of boarding and one male staffer who was handling priority, then a female staffer on the non-priority lane. 'She was in charge of handling my ticket and when it was my turn for boarding I said "I hope you don't mind but I am concerned about people not wearing masks while boarding here." My understanding is wearing a mask is a pre-condition of boarding a plane and I work in public health so I feel it's my job to tell people this. 'She dismissed this and started telling me my bag was too big and I had to pay for it, so I said yes that's fine but this is not about the bag. 'At that point her colleague intervened and said I was being rude, and threatened me from being able to board altogether. I told them I was just reporting what the guidelines are and then they let me board.' It follows Stansted airport and Ryanair being hit by a wave of Covid-19 complaints, above, over a lack of social distancing and passengers not wearing face masks or not using them properly In a tweet, the health worker posted: 'Yesterday Oct 5 I took flight FR1687 STN [Stansted] to FRA [Frankfurt]. 'Ground personnel were allowing people without mask to board. I urged staff to remind people to wear mask. Staff claimed I was rude, threatened not to let me board.' On its website, Ryanair states that face coverings are 'mandatory in the airport and on board flights', with some countries, such as Italy, requiring passengers to wear surgical face masks. London Stansted started asking passengers to wear face masks and gloves in new guidance introduced on May 7, and said staff will wear protective equipment. London Stansted Chief Operating Officer, Steve Griffiths, previously said: 'Its clear that social distancing will not work on any form of public transport. But were confident that when the time is right, people will be able to travel safely. 'Here at London Stansted, weve been working hard with our two sister airports and the rest of the industry on a new safety framework for travel. We now need to work urgently with Government to agree how we operate in the future. 'This has to be a top priority so that people can be confident about flying, and to get tourism and travel going again. 'We have taken expert medical advice on how people can travel safely, and were pleased to be piloting these new measures at our airports for those passengers who do still need to travel.' A spokesperson for Ryanair said: 'In line with Ryanairs new health measures, no passengers were allowed on board this flight from London Stansted-Frankfurt (5 Oct) without a face mask. 'To ensure passengers comply with the mandatory use of face masks cabin crew make a number of reminders - through the public address system - throughout our flights. 'By failing to comply with Ryanairs new health measures, customers can be denied boarding.' Stansted airport told Rebecca that they will 'look into' the incident at security, and also pointed out that some people are exempt from wearing a face covering. Opinion Article 6 October 2020 When hoteliers of the future look back on the year 2020, it will be largely a study of the battle for virus prevention in hotels. COVID-19 aka the "Novel Coronavirus" has decimated the American economy and by association the hospitality industry. Debasish Mridha is credited with saying "Fear comes from the lack of knowledge and a state of ignorance. The best remedy for fear is to gain knowledge". Sun Tzu famously said "Know your enemy". So what exactly are hotels fighting against? The Virus Coronaviruses are a large group of common viruses that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. The coronavirus gets its name from what appears to be a crown or halo on the virus when it's viewed under the electron microscope. "Corona" means crown in Latin. Other coronaviruses include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The 2019 coronavirus is NOT the same virus as MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV. The 2019 Coronavirus that was first found in Wuhan, China has never been seen before. The World Health Organization (WHO) named this virus the 2019-nCov, (n for novel) but it is also referred to as SARS-CoV-2 and Novel Coronavirus. The medical term for "new" is "novel." COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the COVID-19 virus. Droplets from coughs and sneezes spread the COVID-19 virus. You also can be exposed to the virus by touching a surface or object that has been contaminated from the virus. CDC Guidelines For Hotels The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) have issued specific guidelines for hotels to prevent the spread of the virus. Those guidelines are: Stay home if you are having symptoms of COVID-19. Stay at least 6 feet away from customers and coworkers, when possible. Wear a cloth mask in public and at work, even when social distancing. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces routinely and often. The Battle Defined Hoteliers need to fight a battle on multiple fronts to survive in 2020: keeping guests safe, keeping staff safe and staying in business while doing it. Findings from the Manhattan Lodging Index: Q2 2020 show approximately 58% or 61,450 hotel rooms in Manhattan had not reopened as of early September. Of these, nearly 2,700 are expected to be shuttered permanently. Other major cities nationwide face a similar unimaginable impact on their markets due to the lack of travel and overwhelming concern about v irus transmission. Most hotels are still operating with half the staff they had in 2019. While 239,000 accommodation-specific jobs came back in June, unemployment in the sector is still over 43% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Winning The War Only through vigilance and universal compliance will the hospitality industry - and country as a whole - make it through this pandemic and onto a brighter future. Hotel staff need to be trained to interact with guests in a new and different way to protect both parties. Compliance with mask wearing and social distancing on property will determine whether travelers feel safe while onsite or concerned they might unwittingly become a carrier of the coronavirus. In the midst of all this change we're seeing solutions emerge that improve both guest safety and confidence and the stay experience overall. Contactless technology such as mobile check-in, mobile keys and mobile check-out have been around for years but have now become an integral part of our expectations. Air cleaning technology has also advanced to the degree that certain purifiers can now destroy airborne pathogens smaller than the Covid-19 virus. Paired with a routine surface cleaning protocol, hotels and resorts can now provide an environment far cleaner than ever before. Perhaps if there is any 'silver lining' to be found in the chaos caused by the novel coronavirus, it might be a legacy of an improved guest experience through necessary technology that delivers more freedom and cleaner air. Residents in the Azerbaijani town of Tartar have been forced to flee their homes as fighting in the neighbouring region of Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian separatist enclave, has escalated in recent weeks. FRANCE 24 reports. The streets of Tartar have been deserted ever since Azerbaijans army staked out a position in the town, making it a major target in the conflict. [The Armenians are] bombing the town, you can see it for yourself. The residents have all had to flee. They have destroyed this town, Mehman Nasivov, the deputy mayor of Tartar, told FRANCE 24 as an explosion resounded nearby. Azerbaijani authorities have said that Tartar, which has a population of 70,000, has emptied in recent days as residents seek shelter from the relentless exchange of artillery fire. Many have gone to the nearby town of Barda, just 20 kilometres (12 miles) to the east. Although farther from the front line, the town has also been hit by missile fire. Even though we are afraid, were safer here, one resident told FRANCE 24. But we want to go back to our land. Click on the video above to view the full report. TRAVERSE CITY, MI People are fleeing coastal pandemic epicenters in favor of Northern Michigan living, U.S. Postal Service records show. The number of people moving to Traverse City from the east and west coasts has been on an upswing since July as the COVID-19 pandemic pushed people to work from home, often in cramped, overpriced studio apartments, The Associated Press reports. USPS mail forwarding requests show more people are moving out of populous coastal cities in favor of the lower population density and cheaper cost of living in Northern Michigan, the report said. There was a 50% increase in out-of-state migration during July and August, according to USPS records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. Its not clear how much of that is temporary versus permanent. Mail forwarding requests this summer increased most from states with some of the countrys largest cities, including California, Illinois and New York, the report said. Requests from New York households went up from 50 requests last summer to 225 this summer, Illinois increased from 335 to 502 and California rose from 309 to 502. Former San Francisco resident Morgan Engle recently moved to Traverse City with her fiance. The couple doubled their living space and cut $1,000 from their monthly expenses, the report said. Mitchell Harrison, a Northern Michigan native, returned to his home state from New York City as the it became the countrys virus epicenter in March, the report said. He had lived in NYC for 10 years and probably would have stayed for another five or so; the decision to move back home was fast tracked by the pandemic, he said. READ MORE: Michigan health department issues order requiring masks, limiting gathering sizes statewide Read the full order that DHHS is using to replace 40+ Whitmer rules New Michigan coronavirus orders expected to prompt wave of lawsuits after govs are knocked out Unemployment could become a mess in Michigan without executive orders Tuesday, Oct. 6, coronavirus data by Michigan county: 3 counties climb to orange, 7 remain red Son Jong-woo, who operated "Welcome to Video," one of the world's largest child porn sites, leaves the Seoul Detention Center at Uiwang in Gyeonggi Province, Monday, after the Seoul High Court rejected a extradition request for him. Yonhap The operator of "Digital Prison" has revealed the identities of Son and the judges who released him among other criminals and suspects in some of Korea's most notorious cases. Screengrab of "Digital Prison" By Jung Min-ho The White House has blocked new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines on bringing potential vaccines for Covid-19 to market. News agency Associated Press quoted a senior Trump administration official as saying that the White House believed there was no clinical or medical reason for the additional requirement. What the move means? The intervention by Trump officials is the latest example of the administration undercutting its own medical experts working to combat the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 210,000 Americans. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that a vaccine could be authorised before election day, even though top government scientists working on the administrations vaccine effort have stated that the timeline is very unlikely. Last week, seven former FDA commissioners blasted the administration for undermining the credibility of the FDA in a Washington Post op-ed and called for the release of the pending vaccine guidelines. The former FDA chiefs warned that public perceptions that a vaccine was rushed out for political reasons could derail efforts to vaccinate millions of Americans. Drugmaker Pfizer has suggested it could have data on the safety and effectiveness of its vaccine before Election Day and a number of variables would still have to align for the company to submit, and the FDA to review and approve, a vaccine application before November 3. Additionally, FDA scientists have been discussing the contents of the guidelines publicly for weeks and have made clear that the recommendations have already been shared with each of the vaccine developers. The FDA released its initial expectations for Covid-19 vaccines in June. Among other metrics, the agency said any vaccine would have to be at least 50% protective against the virus. But the guidelines didnt spell out the conditions under which the FDA would use its emergency authorization powers to speed up the availability of a vaccine. Under emergency review, medical products face a lower standard that merely requires that their expected benefits outweigh their risks for use during a public health crisis. The lack of specifics around using the emergency authorisation for a vaccine became a flashpoint for outside experts, physicians and even politicians. FDA officials then began drafting a second guidance document with additional details. The FDA has faced criticism for allowing emergency use of some Covid-19 treatments backed by little evidence, but FDA officials have made clear that vaccines would face additional standards. But Donald Trump made clear last month that he was skeptical of any regulatory changes that might delay a vaccines authorisation, even if those changes are aimed at increasing public trust. I think that was a political move more than anything else, he said then, arguing that that the companies testing the vaccines, such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna, are capable of determining whether they work. I have tremendous trust in these massive companies, he said. (With inputs from agencies) BRIDGEPORT A veteran city police officer pleaded not guilty Tuesday to raping an 11-year-old girl. Police Sgt. Ivan Delgado pleaded not guilty before Superior Court Judge Kevin Russo to three counts of first-degree sexual assault and three counts of risk of injury to a minor. He asked for a jury trial. The judge continued the case to Nov. 4. Delgado and his lawyer, John R. Gulash, declined comment as they left the Fairfield County Courthouse. Delgado, a 13-year member of the Bridgeport Police Department, has been placed on administrative leave without pay. On Aug. 29, police received notice from the state Department of Children and Families that the mother of an 11-year-old girl was reporting her daughter had been raped by Delgado, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. During a forensic interview, according to affidavit, the girl told them Delgado, who is acquainted with the girls family, touched her inappropriately a number of times earlier and the severity of the assaults had increased recently. The affidavit states the girl told investigators that a few days before the assaults were reported, she had been at Delgados home when he pulled her into his bedroom and raped her. The affidavit states the girl demonstrated for investigators what Delgado did to her on an anatomically accurate doll. When his fellow officers confronted him with the allegations, the affidavit states that Delgado denied sexually assaulting the girl and told police he had never been alone with her. CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Productivity software allows individuals to be more productive and successful in certain everyday activities. This application is gaining popularity in jobs and is in high demand. Productivity Software simplifies the development process, and several applications, such as editing a script or creating brochures, which are customized to industry-specific activities. Productivity suites incorporate several applications that address diverse development areas and also offer the collaboration functionality, making it easier to easily access a community project for individual users. 360Quadrants has found and evaluated many companies offering the best productivity software that helps organizations make wise strategic decisions. Following an in-depth assessment of the vendors, quadrants are developed which involve a complete variety of capabilities such as and go-to-business strategy. These quadrants are updated every 90 days, mainly in the productivity software domain, and trained experts undertake a high degree review of the strategies and performance of suppliers. A comprehensive SWOT evaluation is carried out by 360Quadrants and the vendors selected for placement are specifically evaluated. In order to acquire the best products for company expansion and business development, this evaluation enables companies to gain insights into potential demand patterns and development. A full list of large corporate organizations that promote the vendor selection process is provided by 360Quadrants. Quadrant Categorization for Productivity Software 360Quadrants analyzes 70 vendors in the productivity software space and 19 vendors are positioned as Visionary Leaders, Innovators, Dynamic Differentiators, and Emerging Companies and placed in the 360quadrant. Google Docs, Office 365, Workplace by Facebook, Coda, Todoist, LibreOffice, and Zoho Projects are identified as Visionary Leaders and placed on quadrant in the productivity software space. Bitrix24, Apache OpenOffice, Ticktick, and ProWritingAid have been described as Innovators in the productivity software space. Dynalist, Samepage, Onlyoffice, and TextExpander are identified as Emerging companies in the productivity software space. WPS Office, MeisterTask, Backlog, and To-Do have been categorized as Dynamic Differentiators in the productivity software space. 360Quadrants Assessment Method As a result of extensive studies undertaken on specific vendor products, the top productivity software companies are listed and are positioned in 360quadrants. For the assessment of the selected vendors, approximately 87 key parameters have been identified. Two key areas decide the vendor assessments: reliability of product portfolio and excellence in corporate strategies. The factors evaluated, which are a part of the quality of the product portfolio include breadth and depth of the product offering, the product's features and benefits, the product's popularity and the effects on the brand value. The defining factors acknowledged by corporate strategy excellence are geographical reach, variety of products produced, delivery channel mix, viability, and organic growth plan performance. To extract the aggregate ranking from the criteria determined by researchers and industry experts, weightage is provided. The placement of the software provider will be determined by these generated rankings and they will be positioned on the quadrant as per their ranking. If there are any internal or technological enhancements in the software companies, then the quadrant will be modified as per the enhancements. 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 Data Mining Software, Big Data Software , and Statistical Analysis Software. Contact: Mr. Agney Sugla [email protected] 630 Dundee Road, Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 SOURCE 360Quadrants President Donald Trump late Tuesday again called for billions more in federal support for airline payrolls, hours after he halted talks with Democrats for a national stimulus package until after the election, sending stocks down sharply. "The House & Senate should IMMEDIATELY Approve 25 Billion Dollars for Airline Payroll Support," Trump tweeted. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday vowed more support for airlines but an attempt by a key House Democrat to get aid passed failed. Last week American Airlines, United Airlines and other U.S. carriers began furloughing more than 32,000 workers. Airlines, struggling from weak demand during the pandemic and bleeding cash, agreed to not cut any jobs until Oct. 1 under the terms of $25 billion in federal payroll support passed in March. But with demand hovering at one-third of last year's levels, airline executives and labor unions spent the last few weeks pleading for more aid in Washington that would preserve jobs through March 2021. Their proposal won bipartisan support but has remained stuck, as Democrats in Congress and the Trump administration repeatedly failed to reach agreement on a national coronavirus package that could have included the airline aid. There are already standalone bills for airlines in each the House or the Senate but it wasn't immediately clear if they would advance instead of a broader aid package. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who introduced a bill last month with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, that calls for $28 billion in additional aid for airlines and contractors, is trying to find a way to move it forward, according to a person familiar with the matter. Airlines that started furloughing their workers said they would reverse course if more aid was approved and the continued uncertainty leaves thousands of sector workers in limbo. "Time already ran out for U.S. airlines and many of our employees, yet there is a glimmer of hope that our leaders in Washington will act and save these jobs before it's too late to turn back the clock," Airlines for America, a lobbying group that represents major U.S. airlines, said in a statement. "Some U.S. airlines may be able to reinstate employees if they receive direct payroll assistance from the federal government soon, but that becomes increasingly challenging with each passing day." Airline shares fell more than the broader market after Trump's comments Tuesday afternoon that he was calling off talks for a coronavirus relief package until after the Nov. 3 vote, a move that would close off the main route to more aid airlines were pursuing. American's shares fell 4.5% to $12.53, while United's closed at $34.88, down 3.7% on the day. Shares of Southwest Airlines, which asked its unionized employees on Monday to take pay cuts in order to avoid furloughs through the end of next year, fell 2.4% to $37.58. Delta Air Lines ended the day down nearly 3% at $31.06. Boeing shares, already down on the day after the company issued a downbeat aircraft demand forecast, fell 6.8% on Tuesday to $159.54 after Trump's announcement pausing stimulus talks. The mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh, where deadly new fighting erupted last week between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, has been in a tense limbo since a 1994 truce. The Associated Press explains whats behind the long-unresolved conflict and its most recent flare-up: WHAT AND WHERE IS NAGORNO-KARABAKH? Nagorno-Karabakh is a region within Azerbaijan that has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by the Armenian government for more than a quarter-century. The territory in the southern Caucasus Mountains covers an area of about 4,400 square kilometers (1,700 square miles) about the size of the U.S. state of Delaware. HOW DID THE CONFLICT START? During the Soviet era, the mostly Armenian-populated region had an autonomous status within Azerbaijan. Long-simmering tensions between Christian Armenians and mostly Muslim Azeris began boiling over as the Soviet Union frayed in its final years The open conflict broke out in 1988 when the region made a bid to join Armenia, triggering hostilities. They escalated into a full-blown war after the USSR collapsed in 1991, which killed an estimated 30,000 people. and displaced about 1 million. By the time the war ended with a cease-fire in 1994, Armenian forces not only held Nagorno-Karabakh itself but also seized substantial areas outside the territorys borders. WHATS HAPPENED SINCE? International mediation efforts to determine the regions final status have brought little visible progress. Landlocked Armenia has suffered badly from an economic blockade imposed by Azerbaijan and its ally, Turkey. The region has remained tense and fighting periodically broke out. Scores were killed in an outbreak of hostilities in 2016, and then again this July when Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire across their border. Since new fighting started on Sept. 27, the warring sides reported hundreds of deaths, making it the biggest escalation in the conflict since 1994. Nagorno-Karabakh officials said about 220 soldiers and at least 21 civilians have died in the fighting. Azerbaijani authorities havent reported military casualties but said 27 civilians have been killed. Both sides have accused each other of expanding the hostilities onto their territory beyond Nagorno-Karabakh. The fighting involving heavy artillery, drones and warplanes has continued despite calls for a cease-fire from the West and Russia. WHATS THE BROADER IMPACT? In addition to causing casualties and damage, the conflict in the small, hard-to-reach region is also of concern to major regional players. Orthodox Christian Russia is Armenias main ally and sponsor and has a military base there. NATO-member Turkey, which has close ethnic, cultural and historic bonds with Azerbaijan, has vowed its full backing to Baku in the conflict and has declared its readiness to support it militarily, if necessary. Turkey has backed Azerbaijans demand for Armenias withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh as a precondition for any ceasefire. Turkey has trained Azerbaijani officers for decades and the two countries, which often refer to their special relationship as one of two states, one nation, recently conducted military exercises in Azerbaijan. Ankara is known to have sold drones and other weapons to Azerbaijan. Iran neighbors both Armenia and Azerbaijan and is calling for calm. The United States, France and Russia are the official sponsors of the long-stalled peace process under the auspices of the Vienna-based Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The three countries have repeatedly called for cessation of hostilities and peace talks. 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 Nedrow, N.Y. Two Syracuse men were arrested over the weekend on charges that they robbed a Nedrow gas station and attempted to rob a second gas station, as well as a hotel. Syracuse police said in court documents that Najawon Blackmon and Chad Walker, both 21, robbed the Speedway gas station at 6020 S. Salina St. in Nedrow around 3:50 a.m. Saturday. In a statement to police, Blackmon said he and Walker had been drinking and decided to do something that wasnt very smart. Blackmon told police he drove with Walker to the Speedway and parked on a side street. He told police that Walker went inside the gas station, while he waited by a side door. He said he wanted to avoid the chance of an employee locking him inside the store. Blackmon told police that Walker went behind the counter, pointed a BB gun at the clerk and demanded money. Walker made out with around $100, of which Blackmon received $40. The two then drove to Syracuses North Side, where they attempted to find another gas station to target. They drove to one gas station, but it was closed. Blackmon told police that for some dumb reason, they then went to a hotel across the street. They went inside one door, but came across a second door that was locked. Blackmon told police that Walker pointed the BB gun at the clerk inside the hotel and said something about giving him something. They fled from the hotel empty-handed. Both were arrested later that day. They were each charged with first-degree robbery and criminal use of a firearm, both felonies. They were both arraigned in Syracuse City Court and are being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center on $50,000 bond. I am very sorry for doing these stupid things and I will never do anything like this again, Blackmon told police in his statement. Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci. Several of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, including Chairman Mark Milley, have moved to quarantine after learning that they were likely exposed to the coronavirus in recent days. Admiral Charles Ray, vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, tested positive for coronavirus on Monday. Ray experienced symptoms over the weekend, and attended multiple meetings with members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in recent days, CNN reported. Out of an abundance of caution, all potential close contacts from these meetings are self-quarantining and have been tested this morning, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. No Pentagon contacts have exhibited symptoms and we have no additional positive tests to report at this time. Milley, who has so far tested negative, will be working from home during the upcoming days. Chief of Staff Charles Brown, head of the U.S. Air Force, will also quarantine at home. The Coast Guard is following established policies for COVID, per CDC guidelines, to include quarantine and contact tracing, the Coast Guard said in a statement on Tuesday. According to CDC guidelines, any Coast Guard personnel that were in close contact will also quarantine. The news comes after multiple top Republican officials have contracted coronavirus, including President Trump and Senators Mike Lee (R., Utah), Ron Johnson (R., Wis.) and Thom Tillis (R., N.C.). More from National Review Fox News Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who is currently awaiting coronavirus test results, coughed through a Fox News interview on Monday night in which he attacked Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for consistently wearing a mask, claiming it was a political statement meant to scare people. Moments after President Donald Trump returned to the White House despite still battling COVID-19a homecoming that included a photo-op moment featuring the gasping president removing his face maskGiuliani appeared on Fox News The Story With Martha MacCallum to discuss Trumps COVID-19 diagnosis and how the virus is raging through Trumpworld. After the former New York City mayor gushed over the presidents remarkable turnaround, even though the White House doctor acknowledged the president is not out of the woods yet, anchor Martha MacCallum asked Giuliani if he has recently received another coronavirus test. Giuliani traveled with the president to last weeks presidential debate and took part in Trumps debate preparation. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who also was in the debate prep room, noted that no one was wearing masks during the session. Christie and several others in the room have since tested positive for COVID-19. I did. I actually got one about two hours ago, the ex-mayor, whose first test result was negative, said. I havent gotten the results yet. I went to NYU. I got one of those all the way in the back of the nose tests. MacCallum replied that she hopes Giuliani gets a negative on that one before pivoting to Biden, noting that the former vice presidentwho has been vigilant with mask-wearing and social distancingrecently said he wants people to follow the science and experts. Well, I would say to Joe that you dont really understand what scientists are, Giuliani huffed. First of all, listen to your doctors. They know your personal history. Doctors really arent scientists. Scientists almost always have competing opinions. Thats what science is about. Story continues He then took issue with Biden regularly wearing face coverings in public, claiming Biden is using the mask as a fear tactic and to attack his opponents. It isnt science to be wearing that mask, Joe, when you are giving a speech and people are 30-40 feet away from you, Giuliani exclaimed. The only thing you can infect is the teleprompter thats near you. So, I see through you. Thats a political statement to scare people, wearing that mask. You do not need that mask when you are standing at a podium. MacCallum, playing devils advocate, said Biden would likely note that his mask-wearing has helped keep him COVID-free while Trumpa loud mask skeptichas been infected. Giuliani responded that he personally hasnt gotten sick and that he doesnt wear masks as much as he probably should. As the interview drew to a close, Giuliani began loudly coughing and hacking, prompting MacCallum to express a bit of concern as she wrapped up the conversation. Mayor Giuliani, thank you so much for your time, and we look forward to having you back. And I hope that cough is not anything bad while you are waiting for your test to come back, she said. We hope you will be healthy and well. I hope so, too, Giuliani reacted with a laugh. I will let you know tomorrow. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. This week's vice presidential debate has taken on an outsized and perhaps unprecedented significance, with questions about President Donald Trump's health now looming over the US election less than a month away. Vice President Mike Pence's sole face-off against Senator Kamala Harris, Democrat Joe Bidens running mate, on Wednesday in Salt Lake City comes as the Trump campaign reels from a COVID-19 outbreak that has infected not only the Republican president but several in his inner circle. The pressure on Pence, who often toils in Trumps deep shadow, is great. Trump trails Biden by 10 percentage points nationally, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, with voters faulting what they viewed as the president's carelessness about the pandemic. Pence needs to show the public he is ready to step in as president if the situation requires, while also defending the Trump administrations handling of a 7-month-old health crisis that has killed nearly 210,000 Americans. For her part, Harris, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent weeks as Biden ramped up campaign travel, must demonstrate to voters that she, too, could assume the presidency if needed at some point in the 77-year-old Bidens tenure should he win the election. Traditionally, the vice presidential debate is considered an afterthought to the three presidential debates, watched by fewer voters and viewed as almost irrelevant in terms of shifting public opinion. Read More "This debate is different," said Christopher Devine, an expert on the vice presidency at the University of Dayton. "Some people may be worrying about Mike Pence and how he may perform if called upon. And there are questions about Joe Bidens ability to stay healthy. Trump, 74, returned to the White House on Monday following a three-day stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he was treated for his illness. While doctors say he is recovering, it remains uncertain when he will be able to resume campaign activities. Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said on Monday the president intended to participate in the next scheduled debate with Biden on October 15 in Miami. Expand Close Mike Pence (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mike Pence (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Pence will also be charged with trying to slow the Biden-Harris momentum, something Trump was unable to do in his unruly debate with Biden last week. Trump struggled to make a case for his re-election and often resorted to insults to try to rattle Biden. Pence, a talented and even-tempered communicator who once hosted a radio show while a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, can be more effective on a debate stage than the undisciplined Trump, said Michael Steel, who worked with Pence in the House when Steel was an aide to then-Speaker John Boehner. The vice president can make a more cogent and thoughtful case for the Trump administrations record than almost anyone else, Steel said. Hes in a position to have a much stronger debate than the president. But, Steel added: I dont know how much that matters. Attack lines Reuters/Ipsos polling has shown the presidential race to be relatively stable, with Biden consistently holding a lead nationally and a small set of undecided voters who have yet to make up their minds. More than 3.8 million Americans already have voted ahead of the November 3 Election Day, according to the University of Florida, which tracks the early vote. A Biden campaign official told Reuters the campaign was prepared for Pence to launch attacks on Harris suggesting she is to the left of the mainstream of the Democratic Party, along with other allegations that Biden's campaign says are untrue about his son Hunter Biden and Biden's stance on China. The official conceded that Pence was a strong debater, but just because Mike Pence can deliver a line doesn't make it true." Harris, a former Democratic presidential contender, cemented her reputation as a skilled questioner at the 2018 hearings for now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. She will "make a very forceful case" that Biden is the right leader for the moment, the Biden official said. Harris has panned the administrations coronavirus response headed by Pence. On Wednesday, she will have to thread the needle between renewing those criticisms without attacking the recovering Trump personally, Devine said. Its a delicate balance, Devine said. Harris is probably better prepared than most, having been on the national stage before. During a series of primary debates last year, Harris had to navigate how to take shots at Biden, a beloved party statesman, without alienating swaths of Democratic voters. Her criticism of Bidens past record on forced school busing earned her media attention but may have backfired with the electorate. She ended her campaign in December before voting began. Coronavirus protocols at the debate on Wednesday will be strengthened following Trump's diagnosis. Pence and Harris will be seated more than 12 feet (3.7 m) apart on the stage, farther than the 7 feet (2 m) that separated the lecterns at the Sept. 29 debate between Trump and Biden. The candidates will also be separated by a plexiglass barrier during the debate, as requested by the Biden campaign. All debate attendees, including members of the media, will be required to get tested for COVID-19. The debates commission said anyone not wearing a mask would be "escorted out." Masks were mandatory at the Cleveland presidential debate venue, but some people, including members of Trump's family, could be seen removing them. Four small blasts were heard on Monday morning outside the capital of the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh (Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh), a Sputnik correspondent reported. Local residents in Stepanakert hid in the basements. It is unclear where the shells landed exactly. On Sunday, four civilians were killed and 10 were wounded after Stepanakert and the settlement of Susa were shelled, ombudsman Artak Beglaryan told Sputnik. An electrical substation in Stepanakert caught on fire on Sunday amid ongoing shelling of the city, a Sputnik correspondent reported. Residential buildings were also damaged. A fresh spark in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region started at the end of last month. Yerevan and Baku have both accused each other of violating the 1994 ceasefire and causing civilian casualties. Amid continued fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, several countries, including Russia, the United States, and France, have urged parties to exercise restraint and to resume negotiations without pre-conditions. (ANI/Sputnik) Suspects who appeared at the Circuit Court 3, presided over by Susan Eduful after rioting in some parts of the Volta Region, have claimed that the removal of their names from the Electoral Commissions voters register is what triggered their activities of rioting. They claimed their rioting was to let the world know that they were been being marginalized in the Volta Region by the government. A suspect even said in court in Accra on Friday that it was a 'NEC decision to engage in rioting to show the world they are being marginalized but could not say if the NEC was the same as the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NDC Daily Guide reported. On September, 25, 2020, some members of the Volta separatists, the Homeland Study Group Foundation, (HSGF) blocked some major roads in the Volta Region of Ghana. This according to them was part of their agitations for independence from Ghana after they declared independence for the territory they call 'Western Togoland' on November 16, 2019. The police in a message on social media urged commuters to and from Accra to Ho, Aveyime, Adidome, Mepe, Akuse, Sogakope and Aflao, to exercise caution as they were likely to experience traffic due to security operations within those areas. Following this agitation, some persons have been arrested in connection with recent disturbances. Two batches of four and 13, made up of a chief and a reverend minister respectively, appeared in different circuit courts in Accra, and were taken into the custody of the BNI. Some of the 13 accused persons that appeared before the Circuit Court 3 were the ones that claimed that the EC had deliberately removed their names from the register without giving any proof. They also made allegations of marginalization. They were charged with three counts of attending a meeting of a prohibited organization (Western Togoland) contrary to Section 2 (1) (b) of Prohibited Organization Act 1976 (SMCD 20), participating in a campaign of a prohibited organization (Western Togoland) contrary to Section 2 (1) (d) of Prohibited Organization Act 1976 (SMCD 20), and rioting with weapons contrary to Section 199 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act 1960 (Act 29). 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 Every day for nearly seven months, many San Franciscans have made excruciating sacrifices to keep themselves and those around them safe from the coronavirus. Luisa Mockler and her husband must visit their premature daughter in shifts because just one visitor is allowed in the hospital ICU at a time. Stuart Schuffman canceled his Saturday wedding. Suzy Loftus hasnt seen her mother since March 7 except for teary visits through her nursing home window. These are the kinds of painful actions San Franciscans are taking because theyre the right thing to do in a pandemic. Theyre whats keeping the citys coronavirus caseload low and our death rate the lowest of any major American city. Thats why its so infuriating that this notion of making the hard choice for the common good is so readily dismissed at the White House. Every hour seems to bring some horrifying new development in the saga of President Trump, his coronavirus diagnosis and the ever-increasing numbers of positive results in his inner circle. Masks? Nope. Social distancing? Nope. Following normal doctors orders? Well, the bizarre ride around Walter Reed Hospital in an SUV which put his own Secret Service agents at risk answered that question. Learning from ones own illness? Not even that. Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life, Trump tweeted Monday before leaving the hospital. I feel better than I did 20 years ago! Trump arrived back at the White House and stunningly removed his mask near staff and journalists to pose for photos. Here in San Francisco, many of us wear masks on walks without another soul in sight. To be sure, San Franciscans have never been wild about Trump. Hes been the butt of jokes and the cause of distress for years. Hes angered us again and again. But this time seems worse. All these months into our collective effort to contain the virus so far with remarkable success our so-called leader appears unwilling to change his life at all. Or to take any responsibility for so many coronavirus cases cropping up among his staff and associates, White House journalists and even his housekeepers. Or to take science seriously, dismissing the masks and social distancing, which have worked so well in San Francisco, as a joke. Or to encourage full contact tracing, an effort San Franciscos librarians and other city workers have been assigned to for months. Its all so contrary to the way so many San Franciscans are living that it feels like the White House might as well be on another planet. When Mayor London Breed learned shed come into contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus in July, she canceled her public appearances for 10 days rather than proceed as some Trump associates have done. Her spokesman, Jeff Cretan, said Breed was annoyed with the unidentified person who put her at risk, but told her staff at the time it was important for her to stay home and set the right example. To see the president and all the leadership in Washington just completely abdicate this responsibility is tragic, Cretan said. The most tragic part is that while our little region dominated by science believers is doing well, our country will never set itself on the proper course without good leadership. And until then, painful sacrifices will continue. Mockler and her husband must rotate their visits to their daughter, Emilia, who was born five weeks early on Sept. 26 and is learning how to breathe and eat on her own in intensive care. Her daughter is allowed just one visitor at a time to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, so Mockler and her husband switch off every 12 hours rather than spending their time together as a new family. Mockler herself was in and out of the UCSF hospital in Mission Bay over the summer with heavy bleeding. Only her husband could visit. She had to get permission to walk in the hallway depending on how crowded it was. She had to wear a mask any time hospital staff entered her room and while giving birth. (By the way, all of that makes her far tougher than our strongman president.) Mockler said she wishes the birth of her first child hadnt coincided with a pandemic and all these difficult health orders, but shes proud of San Francisco. One of the reasons Im OK with it is it seems to be working, she said. Courtesy Suzy Loftus Suzy Loftus, a former San Francisco prosecutor, hasnt seen her beloved mother, Maureen, 75, other than through a window since March 7. Her mom lives in a nursing home, and visitors havent been allowed during the pandemic, though outdoor visits are likely coming soon. Instead, Loftus drops off a vanilla milkshake for her mom at the security kiosk once a week. They chat on Zoom every Friday. And shes taken her three daughters to her mothers window, pressing their hands against the glass. Theres nothing I want more than to hug my mother, but I cant, Loftus said. I dont want to harm her or god forbid somebody elses grandmother. She said shes been astounded by Trumps recklessness and prefers to think hes just not aware of safety guidelines rather than that he knows about them and doesnt care. That seems like a very charitable viewpoint. 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. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle 2019 Its not one shared by Stuart Schuffman better known as Broke-Ass Stuart who was supposed to get married on the Embarcadero in front of the Cupids Bow art piece on Saturday. There was a big party planned afterward at El Rio, and friends were set to fly in from around the world. Schuffman canceled the whole affair back in April. Because thats what you do in a pandemic. You place safety above ceremony. Well, most people do anyway. It appears the ceremony to introduce Amy Coney Barrett as Trumps pick for the Supreme Court on Sept. 26 was a superspreader event with few masks and no social distancing. These f bastards, said Schuffman, a writer, entertainer and bartender whos not known for biting his tongue. Theyre so cavalier and so arrogant. Me not getting married is a bummer, but thats not the real issue. Its the 210,000 dead Americans. Its the decimation of our economy. Because of these people. Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle Kristin Urquiza has the right to feel personally slighted by the presidents nonchalance. She became an advocate for taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously after her dad, Mark Urquiza, died in Arizona after likely contracting the virus at a karaoke bar. Urquizas outspokenness scored her an invitation from Joe Biden to last weeks presidential debate where she sat in the front row, about 15 feet from Trump and first lady Melania Trump both of whom would soon test positive for the coronavirus. Debate moderator Chris Wallace said the Trumps arrived too late to be tested for the coronavirus and were allowed inside on the honor system. Trumps children, also in the front row, didnt wear masks during the debate despite rules requiring them. Urquiza said she was irate and terrified after learning the Trumps had tested positive and called their casual behavior during a pandemic a complete middle finger to anybody else whos taken this seriously since day one. She got tested herself and, thankfully, received negative results. But shes vigilantly staying home for 14 days to ensure she doesnt develop symptoms and expose anybody. I take this seriously, she said. If only our president did too. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Sundays and Tuesdays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf Instagram: @heatherknightsf Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, run by Indias richest man Mukesh Ambani, on Monday raised Rs 5,512.50 crore from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), taking the total fundraise to Rs 37,710 crore in less than four weeks. ADIAs investment will translate into a 1.20 per cent equity stake," the Indian firm said in a statement. The investment values RRVL, the retail arm of Reliance Industries Ltd, at a pre-money equity value of Rs 4.285 lakh crore. With this investment, RRVL has raised Rs 37,710 crore from leading global investors including Silver Lake, KKR, General Atlantic, Mubadala, GIC, TPG and ADIA in less than four weeks," the statement said. The investments equip Reliance Retail with funds to compete in both offline and online formats. The investments come as the countrys retail sector prepares for the upcoming festival season and would help Reliance to launch an assault on rivals such as Walmart-owned e-commerce company Flipkart and Amazon. Reliance Retail Ltd, a subsidiary of RRVL, operates Indias largest, fastest-growing and most profitable retail business spanning supermarkets, consumer electronics chain stores, cash and carry wholesale business, fast-fashion outlets and online grocery store JioMart. It operates about 12,000 stores in nearly 7,000 towns, with 640 million footfalls across core categories of grocery, consumer electronics and apparel. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, said, The investment by ADIA is a further endorsement of Reliance Retails performance and potential and the inclusive and transformational new commerce business model that it is rolling out". Reliance, he said, hopes to benefit from ADIAs strong track record of over four decades of value creation globally. Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, said, Reliance Retail has rapidly established itself as one of the leading retail businesses in India and, by leveraging both its physical and digital supply chains, is strongly positioned for further growth". This investment is consistent with our strategy of investing in market-leading businesses in Asia linked to the regions consumption-driven growth and rapid technological advancement," he said. The transaction is subject to regulatory and other customary approvals. Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Reliance Retail, and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Davis Polk & Wardwell acted as legal counsels. The new funding comes weeks after Reliance acquired the retail, wholesale, logistics and warehouse business of Future Group for an enterprise value of Rs 24,173 crore to consolidate its dominant market positioning in offline retail. This also follows Reliance raising an unprecedented Rs 1.52 lakh crore for Jio Platforms, the groups telecom and digital services company, from investors such as Facebook, Intel and Google. The oil-to-telecom-to-retail conglomerate intends to divest minority stakes in its digital and retail businesses, and hold initial public offerings for each within five years. Retailers are expecting to pick up in sales during Navratri and Diwali festivals. Reliance Retail in May this year launched JioMart, an e-commerce venture, to connect mom-and-pop stores, called Kirana, with consumers. In July, JioMart was serving 4,00,000 orders a day and is currently operational in 200 cities. With these, Reliance Industries has sold an 8.48 per cent stake in the retail unit since September 9 for a total of Rs 37,710 crore. With this, Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail account for over Rs 9 lakh crore of Reliance Industries Ltds valuation. Disclaimer: News18.com is part of Network18 Media & Investment Limited which is owned by Reliance Industries Limited Geneva (United Nations), 14 September 2020 (SPS) - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said Monday, in Geneva, that she "look forward to discussing" the parameters of a new technical mission to Western Sahara in order to "identify critical human rights issues" in the territory. "Such missions are vital to identify critical human rights issues," and contribute to "preventing the escalation of grievances," in occupied Western Sahara, said the UN Human Rights Chief at the opening of the 45th session of the HRC in Geneva. "I look forward to discussing the parameters of a new visit with all parties in the near future," she said, referring to the critical human rights situation in the occupied territories. "We also continue remote monitoring the situation in Western Sahara, where we last conducted technical missions five years ago," said Michelle Bachelet. The technical missions of the UN Human Rights Council are "vital" to occupied Western Sahara, she added. Algeria, like the support group in Geneva, has recently stepped up calls to the human rights agency for a technical mission to Western Sahara. In July, the Algerian delegation to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva requested the resumption of these visits, recalling that no technical mission had been undertaken there since 2015. (SPS) 062/SPS/APS By PTI LAHORE: A Pakistani court on Tuesday acquitted a Christian man who was sentenced to death on blasphemy charges six years ago. Sawan Masih was sentenced to death by a trial court in Lahore for allegedly insulting the Prophet during a conversation with a Muslim friend in Joseph Christian colony in March 2014. He had filed an appeal against his death sentence. "A Lahore High Court division bench headed by Justice Syed Shehbaz Ali Rizvi acquitted Sawan Masih," a court official told PTI on Tuesday. He said the LHC admitted the application of Masih and ordered his release. More than 3,000 people rampaged through Joseph Colony, torching some 100 Christian homes in Pakistan's second-largest city, after the allegations against Masih emerged. The Christian families had to flee the area to save their lives. Masih had filed an appeal in LHC against the death sentence raising objections on police investigation and prosecution. He pleaded that the blasphemy charges were fabricated by the elements who wanted to occupy the property of the Joseph Colony. "The trial had ignored the basic principles of criminal justice in general and principles of Islamic Justice in this case. It committed material irregularity in non-reading and misreading of the evidence on record that has caused serious miscarriage of justice. "The trial court completely ignored a serious lapse in the prosecution case of 33 hours of un-explained ordinate delay in recording the FIR over such a sensitive issue by the complainant and also ignored, the case law of the superior courts cited at the Bar by the defence counsel," Masih said in his appeal. His lawyer told the court that the businessmen in the area had exploited the blasphemy allegations for seizing the land. He said there were contradictions in the story of the FIR and the one narrated by the complainant before the trial court as the FIR had been registered with malafide intention. After hearing arguments from both sides, the LHC observed the prosecution has failed to establish involvement of the convict in blasphemy. Pakistan has extremely strict laws against defaming Islam, including the death penalty, and rights campaigners say they are often used to settle personal disputes in the Muslim-majority country. A US government advisory panel report says Pakistan used blasphemy laws more than any other country in the world. Mere allegations of blasphemy have triggered violence against minorities like Christians. Several persons accused of committing blasphemy have been lynched in recent years. Christians constitute around 2 per cent of the population in Pakistan. Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad have a large Christian population. There are many Christian villages in the Punjab heartland, while there is also a sizable population in the deeply conservative north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, particularly in Peshawar city. Area animal shelters showered with funds in memory of Betty White The online fundraiser challenged fans of actress Betty White to donate to a local animal rescue or shelter in honor of her Jan. 17 birthday. Debates on nepotism in the Hindi film industry have been reignited after the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. While many hold that it is important to discuss this issue to work towards making the industry a fairer place for all, some have observed that discussions on nepotism are becoming less and less constructive and more about blame game. Actor Shikha Talsania, who is the daughter of veteran actor Tiku Talsania, shared her views on nepotism in a recent interview. She talked about her decision to walk her own journey in the industry without taking her father's help, and shared where the advantage of being an actor's daughter benefited her. "When it comes to nepotism and my journey, yes my father is an insider given that he has worked for 40 years in the industry. But 2009 (Wake Up Sid) was my first film and 2018 was my seventh film (Veere Di Wedding) where I played my first ever lead role. People didn't know I was my father's daughter. He didn't make any phone calls for me," said Shikha, in an interview with Hindustan Times. On carving her own niche by going through screen tests and auditions, she said, "It's a hypothetical way of thinking if this had happened then that would have followed. This is the path that my parents and I chose, and have no regrets. I don't judge people making different choices." She also talked about how nepotism worked differently in her case. "Nepotism benefitted me in the sense that I didn't have to move cities to come to Mumbai, or rent a place. I had that security. There were no reservations, fears and doubts as regarding work shifts. No explanation required even when I travelled back from Madh Island at 4.30 am. Theoretically, I knew about an actor's journey, par jab aap practical karte ho toh woh experience alag hota hai and your journey is yours," she said. ALSO READ: Dino Morea On Nepotism In Film Industry: You Have To Slog Whether You Are An Insider Or Outsider ALSO READ: Abhishek Bachchan Blasts Troll For Calling Him A Product Of Nepotism! Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) The African Union (AU) has warned countries in Africa to guard against misuse by foreign multinationals hunting for profits and immediately implement a digital strategy, which aims to narrow the gap caused by the lack of universal access to the internet, a tool for trade Mikhail Solunin/Getty NIZHNY NOVGORODA funeral was held Tuesday for Irina Slavina, a celebrated local journalist, who set herself on fire outside the police headquarters in Nizhny Novgorod and died. But this is not a story about a reporter committing suicide. Hundreds of thousands read Slavinas website, Koza.Press, the bravest media outlet in the city. Her readers knew exactly what she meant in her final Facebook post: Blame the Russian Federation for my death, it said. The authorities have been persecuting, investigating, and interrogating this sensible and dignified woman for years. On October 1, local law enforcement broke down the door to her apartment and confiscated her computer. It was the last straw, opposition politician Alexey Sadomovsky told Kholod. Hundreds of citizens who cherish free, independent media came to say goodbye at the House of Scientists. They were here to listen, and to understand what has happened not only to this reporter but to freedom of speech in Russia. Images of a happy, blonde woman were projected onto a screen in the hall. The auditorium filled up with sobbing men and women, their faces hidden beneath medical masks. People came up to the stage and placed flowers around a white coffin that contained Slavinas burnt remains. The funeral soon turned into a something morea significant event in a country where political rallies, even one-man protests, have been banned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kremlin critics, Slavinas friends, civil society leaders, and ordinary readers of Koza.Press took turns at the microphone. They spoke out. Some demanded the city rename Gorky Street after 47-year-old martyr Slavina, others thanked their favorite journalist for her bravery, for demonstrating dignity, for waking us up. A prominent human rights defender, Stanislav Dmitriyevsky, came up to the microphone: Stop being afraid, stop being silent! We should not just sit and grieve, she challenged all of us, he bellowed. Story continues A voice from the hushed crowd, rang out: Thats right! The crowd in the auditorium burst into applause as Dmitriyevsky continued: We cannot accept Irinas horrible act but if even her burning herself to ashes is not going to wake us up, we are just dust in our own emptiness. Lets face the truth: The power has killed her, the symbol of that KGB power is hanging on that wall. A woman in an elegant suit approached the portrait of Vladimir Putin on the wall by the staircase. She tried to hang a teddy bears mask over it, but she was stopped by the buildings security. A young man followed suit, trying to cover Putins image with a stop sign on a piece of paper. Several people asked the security guard to allow them cover the face of the power that killed Irina but the guard stood firm. Slavinas daughter Margorita Nekrasova, watched the ceremony stoically. The day before she stood with a sign on the citys central street: While my mother was burning, you were silent. Then she posted on Slavinas Facebook: I will bring them to justice, mama. The funeral turned into a demonstration; people stopped being afraid to say what they really thought. Well-respected journalist Svetlana Kukina stood at the microphone: When the time comes and all the bots who write disgusting things about Slavina get paid and shut up, I hope we turn Slavina into a symbol of all the right, just, light things that will help my city and my country become a better place. She was struggling to hold back tears, she was a close friend of Slavina. They had both been reporters in 1990s, solid democrats, who remembered the time when this city full of secret military factories was closed to foreigners. Boris Nemtsov, the citys first democratic governor, opened it up in 1991 and changed its name from Gorky back to its historical name, Nizhny Novgorod. Next year, this beautiful city on Russias main river, the Volga, will celebrate its 800th anniversary. Social medias been blowing up, thousands of Slavinas supporters want the street, where she died, to be named after her, young journalist, Iyulianna Guseva, told The Daily Beast. To understand what Slavinas generation of journalists were made of, one needs to think back to the tumultuous time of Perestroika, Viktoria Azarova, a local tourist guide and culture expert, told The Daily Beast. I remember Slavina working day and night without weekends, even when she was taking care of her seriously ill husband, she used to say, A real reporter burns in her soul, Azarova said. The day before her self-immolation, Slavina posted a list of four names with a comment: Here is a full of list of those serving the investigation and trying to shut everybodys mouth on the case of Mikhail Iosilevich. The authorities were investigating Iosilevich for his alleged cooperation with exiled Putin critic, Mikhail Khodorkovsky. He is a businessman but also the leader of a parody cult, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Investigators raided Slavinas apartment last Thursday. Slavina described what happened on social media: I was still naked at 6 a.m., had to dress up, while a woman, a stranger was watching me. Officials took away all Slavinas equipment, including an expensive video camera, her husbands and her daughters laptops. Our journalists have very low incomes, can hardly afford buying a new camera. Irinas Koza.Press existed on crowdfunding, Azarova said. Koza.Press could not afford to pay freelancers, so Slavina wrote most of the articles herself. Court decisions strangled her, Dmitriyevsky told The Daily Beast. Once last year the reporter had to pay an approximately $1,000 dollar fine for disrespecting authorities after she published a piece mocking a new memorial to Joseph Stalin in the region. Next time she had to pay almost as much for reporting on the first COVID-19 patient in the small town of Kstovo. I read that article, every word in it was true, Konstantin Yefimov, a taxi driver in the town of Kstovo, told The Daily Beast. She was the first journalist to talk about the epidemic in our town, so they immediately tried to squash her. A crowd of about 300 people marched from the House of Scientists to the police headquarters on Gorky Street on Tuesday afternoon. At the ceremony, journalist Valentina Buzmakova remembered the Soviet times: I sometimes think it was easier even in Stalins times. Today the state machine is lying to us systematically, it is impossible to breathe, to scream, so Slavina chose to do what she did, Buzmakova said. Buzmakova, as well as dozens of Russian professionals and independent journalists, condemned the authorities for pushing Slavina to her last, terrifying protest. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. A High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has sentenced a popular pastor and founder of Sotitobire Praising Chapel, Babatunde Alfa, to life imprisonment over the missing of a one-year-old boy, Gold Kolawole. Mr Alfa was sentenced alongside five others, having been found guilty of the mysterious disappearance of the toddler from his church in November last year. The cleric, whose church is at Oshinle quarters area of Akure, was accused by the missing childs parents of kidnap and the boy has not been seen till date. Mr Alfa had earlier told the court that he prayed and enbarked on a vigil to find the child, but the State Security Service provided two video clips as evidence against prophet. In the video, he admitted knowing the whereabouts of the boy and confirmed that he told the parents of the missing boy to come through the right channel to beg so he could pray for the recovery of the boy. The accused were tried on three counts, including conspiracy to commit felony to wit: aiding and abetting kidnapping, aiding and abetting to kidnap and destroying evidence. They were found guilty of all charges. The presiding judge, Olusegun Odusola, in his judgement said the circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution proved beyond doubt that the cleric and others were guilty. He therefore sentenced the cleric to life imprisonment. The judge also accused the police of complicity in the entire episode. The new season of The Bachelorette came under fire recently, as fans slammed the decision to cast two white women in a series already lacking ethic diversity. But on Tuesday, the show's executive producer Hilary Innes defended having Elly and Becky Miles as the franchise's first 'sister Bachelorettes'. Speaking to B&T, Ms Innes said: 'It was more about the strength of the bond with family and friendship that pushed it through for us.' Lack of diversity: On Tuesday, the executive producer of The Bachelorette defended casting two white women, Elly (left) and Becky Miles (right), for the new season She added that diversity is the 'first thing' producers look for during casting, but said it's difficult to find a lead because there's so many boxes that need ticking. 'We've gone through returners, we've gone to people with profile, we've gone for people who have that "X-factor". But this year, Elly bringing her sister along was a winning combination,' Ms Innes said. Former Bachelorettes include Sam Frost, Ali Oetjen, Sophie Monk, Georgia Love and Angie Kent - all of whom are white women. Lack of diversity: Former Bachelorettes include Sam Frost, Ali Oetjen, Sophie Monk, Georgia Love and Angie Kent (pictured), all of whom are white women Ms Innes continued: 'Looking to the future, it's definitely something that's an incredible priority for us to make sure that we do look and try to be representative.' She added that while The Bachelorette tries to be diverse with its male contestants, producers can only work with the 'people that apply'. Back in July, Bachelor in Paradise star Mary Viturino was one of many who called out the lack of diversity in the Australian version of the dating franchise. The 32-year-old reality star shared photos to Instagram of the former and current Bachelorettes, and claimed that Channel 10 had missed an opportunity to cast someone racially diverse by choosing Elly and Becky. Frustrated: Back in July, Bachelor in Paradise star Mary Viturino (pictured) was one of many who called out the lack of diversity in the Australian version of the dating franchise 'While every single one of these women are beautiful, inspiring and deserving to find love, I was hoping Bachelorette would listened to the Australian public - who have been asking for more diversity,' Mary wrote. 'Especially when there are some boss indigenous past contestants like Brooke Blurton and Renee Barrett to choose from,' she added. Furious fans were also quick to lash out after the first official picture of the men vying for Elly and Becky's hearts was released last week. 'Listen to the Australian public!' The 32-year-old reality star shared photos to Instagram of the former and current Bachelorettes, and claimed that Channel 10 had missed an opportunity to cast someone racially diverse by choosing Elly and Becky 'The diversity is astounding on this season,' one viewer raged. 'Well done for taking peoples concerns seriously.' 'Another season of white dudes who all look the same and have the personality of wonder bread! Yay!' a second added. The Bachelorette premieres Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel 10 IRVING, Texas, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Caris Life Sciences, a leading innovator in molecular science focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine, announced today that Brian Lamon, Ph.D., has been appointed Chief Business Officer, Head of BioPharma Business Development. In this role, Lamon will be responsible for developing the partnering and business development strategy for the company and translating that strategy into actionable and achievable goals for the broader Caris organization. "We are very excited to welcome Brian to Caris," said Brian J. Brille, Vice Chairman of Caris Life Sciences. "His expertise in oncology clinical development, business development, translational medicine and medical affairs, and track record of maximizing value from external relationships will further advance our business development strategies to position the company for continued growth." Lamon brings over 15 years of experience from large pharma and academia to Caris. He previously worked for Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) as Vice President, Development Lead, Genitourinary (GU) Malignancies, Oncology Development. Prior to that, Lamon held several leadership roles in clinical development and business development, including Head, Clinical Collaborations & External Evaluations, Chair of the joint development of immuno-oncology collaboration assets in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, and leadership of the Search & Evaluation team responsible for the identification and assessment of external clinical stage assets for clinical collaborations, licensing and M&A. Prior to joining industry, Lamon was Assistant Dean of Research Development and Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York, and he remains active on the faculty as Assistant Professor (courtesy appointment). "I am thrilled to join Caris, an industry leader in precision medicine with an exceptionally bright future," said Lamon. "I look forward to building a high performing team and expanding on the companies' fantastic growth trajectory by engaging and partnering with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to deliver value to the business." About Caris Life Sciences Caris Life Sciences is a leading innovator in molecular science focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine through quality and innovation. The company's suite of market-leading molecular profiling offerings assesses DNA, RNA and proteins to reveal a molecular blueprint that helps physicians and cancer patients make more precise and personalized treatment decisions. MI Exome whole exome sequencing with 22,000 DNA genes, and MI Transcriptome whole transcriptome sequencing with 22,000 RNA genes along with cancer-related pathogens, bacteria, viruses and fungi analysis run on every patient provides the most comprehensive and clinically relevant DNA and RNA profiling available on the market. Caris is also advancing precision medicine with Caris MAI (Molecular Artificial Intelligence) that combines its innovative service offerings, Caris Molecular Intelligence with its proprietary artificial intelligence analytics engine, DEAN, to analyze the whole exome, whole transcriptome and complete cancer proteome. This information, coupled with mature clinical outcomes on thousands of patients, provides unmatched molecular solutions for patients, physicians, payers and biopharmaceutical organizations. Caris Pharmatech is changing the paradigm and streamlines the clinical trial process by assisting biopharma companies with accessing research-ready oncology sites for clinical trials. With over 200 research sites within the Caris Pharmatech Just-In-Time (JIT) Oncology Network, biopharma companies can identify and enroll more patients, faster. Caris Pharmatech Just-In-Time Clinical Trial Solutions focus on rapid site activation and patient enrollment to streamline the drug development process. By implementing Caris' Just-In-Time Trial-Matching System, Caris will automatically match patients to clinical trials and sites can be activated and eligible to enroll patients within one week. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris Life Sciences has offices in Phoenix, Denver, New York, and Basel, Switzerland. Caris provides services throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and other international markets. To learn more, please visit www.CarisLifeSciences.com or follow us on Twitter (@CarisLS). Caris Life Sciences Media Contact: Lindsey Bailys GCI Health [email protected] 212-798-9884 SOURCE Caris Life Sciences Related Links http://www.carislifesciences.com The long-drawn-out copyright suit over Led Zeppelins 1971 rock sensation Stairway to Heaven finally came to an end on Monday, according to a story by The New York Times. The U.S. Supreme Court will leave in place an appeals court ruling that Led Zeppelin did not plagiarize part of a 1968 song by Spirit and the high court will not hear the case. Stairway to Heaven was written by guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. The copyright infringement case was initially filed in 2014. This latest decision means that the ruling in March by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit will stand. That ruling agreed with the decision of a 2016 trial over a challenge led by a trustee representing Taurus, a 1968 song by the psychedelic/progressive rock band Spirit. Taurus was written by the late Randy Wolfe, whose stage name was Randy California. He was one of the original members of Spirit. Taurus, recorded by Spirit in 1967, and the idyllic opening portion of Stairway to Heaven, recorded in 1970, have often been compared. The two songs have similar chord progressions and a bass line that descends along a 12-tone scale. Since the case was first filed, it came to personify some of the most debated questions in music law, including what is covered by the registration documents of old songs and can a copyright be claimed for common chord progressions or short sequences of notes. The Ninth Circuit (in San Francisco) ruling caught the attention of lawyers and judges. The court decided that when it comes to works involving generic or common elements, only a minimal level of copyright applies to them. A plaintiff must show that another work is virtually identical to theirs in order to win their case. The appellate judges also said that only the material on the sheet music submitted to the Copyright Office could be legally protected for musical compositions before 1978 (when a new law took effect). Only a basic sketch was submitted for Taurus, meaning that many of the notes heard on the recording were not covered by copyright, so it couldnt be infringed upon. The Ninth Circuits ruling has had an immediate impact and seems to give an advantage to defendants in music copyright cases. Judge for yourself: Read more: Trump will try to steal votes Approximately 80 million voters will submit mail-in ballots this fall, double the number from 2016. But will all those votes be counted, or will Donald Trump steal our election by crippling the U.S. Postal Service? Look what has happened since Trump named a new Postmaster General in May. Mailboxes have disappeared from city streets. Executives in the Postal Service have been reassigned or displaced. Sorting machines in local post offices have been dismantled and removed. The Postal Service is now warning that mail-in ballots may not arrive in time to be counted, due to delays orchestrated by the Trump Administration. In June, Joe Biden claimed Trump wants to cut off money for the post office so they cannot deliver mail-in ballots Biden was right. During a recent interview, Trump said he opposes additional funding for the Postal Service so it will be more difficult to deliver mail-in ballots. Trump can read the polls as well as anyone and appears to be getting desperate. Unable to win the election fairly, he is resorting to a different, devious strategy doing whatever he can to weaken the Postal Service and ensure that millions of votes this fall will not be counted. Voting is an integral part of our Constitution, as is the Postal Service. But as Trump has demonstrated time and again, when his personal objectives and re-election are involved, he will not let the Constitution stand in his way. Michael Wild Macomb Twp. Pandemic settles her vote The past few months have been really challenging. Our countrys response to the COVID-19 pandemic has put a lot of strain and pressure on families like mine. I am immunocompromised my family has had to take drastic steps to protect ourselves from transmission. My husband, an essential worker, is alone at home, while my two children and I are three hours away from him to protect ourselves from the disease. I fear leaving the house. People are still not wearing masks and as someone with a 50-50 chance of survival if I catch the disease, I and so many other Michigan families need more from the government. The past few months have solidified in my mind that we need new leadership in Washington. Because I trust Joe to lead a well thought out pandemic response, ensure that our kids get the best education they can safely during the pandemic, and to protect people with health conditions like myself, I will be voting for Joe Biden in November. Crystel Reid St. Clair Shores Publishing information quickly and accurately is a central part of the Chicago Tribunes news responsibility and a value shared in all our publications. Our editorial code of principles governs professional behavior and journalism standards. Everyone in our newsroom must agree to live up to this code of conduct. Download the file. TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On Oct. 28 - Nov. 8, 2020, for the first time in its 21 years, the fair will showcase virtual and in-person installations and programming across the country. Traditionally occupying a single location, Art Toronto will take place online and nationwide in art galleries across Canada. This unique model is the first of its kind in North America for international art fairs that have quickly adapted to online exhibitions. Another North American first, the fair commissions an Augmented Reality artwork named Eros' Kiss, which will be available for download to the public through Instagram and Facebook, launching on Oct. 15, 2020. Represented by ELLEPHANT (Montreal), Canadian artist Jenn E Norton was commissioned to create the social filter using time-based media that is immersive and experiential, reframing familiar objects, landscapes, and activities as dreamlike occurrences. Norton's work explores the blurring boundaries of virtual and physical realms, akin to the format the fair is taking this year. As Canada's largest art fair, Art Toronto continues to focus on showcasing indigenous talent, such as provocateur Cree artist, Kent Monkman, on the importance of artist publications with Art Institute. Also virtually, The Abadakone catalogue launch will include a conversation with Sasha Suda (Director) and Greg Hill (Senior Curator, Indigenous Art), presented by the National Gallery of Canada. Metis artist Christi Belcourt and Anishinaabe/Ojibwe artist Bonnie Divine will be in conversation with Curator Sarah Milroy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Lastly, for the curious eye, do not miss a virtual studio visit of Kinngait Studios in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, where some of the most iconic Inuit imagery has been produced. "It's exciting to collaborate with so many exhibitors presenting the work of Metis, First Nations and Inuit artists in all media an essential part of Canadian culture. Art Toronto embraces the opportunity to showcase indigenous art and use the fair as a vehicle to support our collective change, healing and growth through sharing these artists' imagery and stories," says Mia Nielsen, Director of Art Toronto. "With this new model, we will be expanding our audience access, reach and knowledge of the work of First Nations artists, across the country through exhibiting galleries and internationally through the virtual fair platform " For those looking for a break from the digital experience, activations will take place in major cities across the country. For Toronto, a mini popup at Stephen Bulger Gallery in Toronto will house multiple galleries from across Canada in one space. Exhibitors include Pierre-Francois Ouellette Art Contemporain (Montreal), Michael Gibson Gallery (London, ON), TrepanierBaer Gallery (Calgary), and WAAP (Vancouver), all showcasing exhibitions for a limited time during the fair. Across the country, Montreal's Galerie Hugues Charbonneau will host a conversation between artist Manuel Mathieu and Musee des Beaux Arts Contemporary Art Curator Sylvie Lacerte. Inquisitive observers can tune into a talk and tattooing session with Calgary gallerist Jarvis Hall and artist Marigold Santos. In Vancouver, Equinox Gallery will be leading in-person tours of their solo show with Shawn Hunt. To celebrate the launch of the fair, Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) will be hosting their first-ever Virtual Preview event on October 28 from noon to midnight. Tickets are available for $30.00 and provide a first look at the fair as well as exclusive interviews, thought-provoking talks, and studio visits featuring Brendan Fernandes, Francoise Sullivan, Shary Boyle, and Rajni Perera as well as a DJ set by Toronto artist and Club Quarantine co-founder Casey MQ. Also, Art Toronto Virtual Preview attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase limited edition prints by Alexa Hatanaka and Jah Grey. These events will be live online and only available to those who attend the event; tickets can be purchased here. Art Toronto supporters include: Principal Sponsor: RBC Lead Partners: Canadian Art, AGO, Canada Goose, JDJ Jewellery ABOUT ART TORONTO Founded in 2000, Art Toronto is Canada's international fair for modern and contemporary art. Attracting esteemed galleries, artists and art-lovers from across the globe, the fair is the most important annual art event in Canada. Now in its 21st year, Art Toronto evolves with the times to create virtual and physical installations nationwide to represent important artwork from leading Canadian galleries. For more information, visit arttoronto.ca. Please find the full 2020 exhibitor list here. Visit arttoronto.ca or follow Art Toronto on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For further information and interview opportunities, please contact: Art Toronto Mark Savoia Marketing and Communications Manager [email protected] 416 960 4513 Burstyn Inc. Hana Price Account Manager [email protected] 416 903 9763 Related Images art-toronto.gif Art Toronto Related Links Art Toronto SOURCE Art Toronto The Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill has said further restrictions should be expected in Northern Ireland, with the Executive due to discuss the timing at this Thursdays Executive meeting. Ms ONeill made the comments as one more death from Covid-19 has been announced, bringing the total to 585. A further 669 positive test cases were also confirmed after 4,571 tests were carried out in 24 hours. "I come from the school of thought that everything should be on the table and the Executive should collectively decide on these things," the Sinn Fein vice-President said. "I want to avoid a circuit breaker, we want to avoid additional restrictions but, unfortunately, it appears that they are going to be necessary and as for the timing of when, that will be discussed on Thursday and we'll hopefully be able to say a lot more about it after that." Ms O'Neill said the Executive was "in the space of discussing all these things, the circuit-breaker notion, we're looking at everything that can possibly be done in the time ahead". "Whatever we need to do, we need to do, but we have to take decisions based in the round. I certainly believe that if you move towards a circuit breaker as a way to deal with the pandemic, let's inform people that that's where we are going, let people have the chance to prepare," she said. Read More The total number of cases confirmed since the outbreak is now 15,359. Some 4,005 individuals have tested positive in the last seven days alone. The fatality was a man aged between 60 and 79 who died in a hospital in the Mid Ulster area on Monday. There are currently 85 Covid patients in hospitals across Northern Ireland, with 13 patients in intensive care. A total of 31 care homes are dealing with outbreaks of the virus. Read More The news comes after Robin Swann outlined a new Covid-19 surge plan for Northern Ireland for the coming months, to prepare the health service that has already been "badly bruised and scarred" by the pandemic. In a statement to the Stormont Assembly, the Health Minister said he is still committed to rebuilding services affected by the first wave of Covid-19, however plans to publish the next phase of Trust rebuilding work has been paused in light of the "deeply concerning" rise in cases. The new surge plans include: The establishment of a regional cancer reset cell to oversee the resumption of screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients Monitoring the continued availability of NI's first Nightingale facility at Belfast City Hospital Additional step down capacity at second Nightingale facility at Whiteabbey Hospital The establishment of dedicated centres for day case and orthopaedic procedures Read More Here's how Tuesday unfolded: Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anjali Sen and Jamshed M. Kazi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, October 7 2020 AF was raped by a stranger who broke into her house in Bintaro, Tangerang, last year (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 9). Although she filed a report immediately afterwards, providing significant evidence, her case has just been processed by the police only after her posts on Instagram went viral in early August. In the end, the perpetrator was charged under Articles 285 and 365 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) for rape and theft, even though he also allegedly threatened the victim through social media. The definitions of gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women (VAW), which encompass different types of violence from domestic violence and forced marriage, to online violence, to emotional violence have become more diversified. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login STERLING HEIGHTS, MI A man is still alive thanks to the quick actions of Sterling Heights police officer. Officer Shawn Birch is credited with finding and saving a man who was using Facebook Live to stream his attempted suicide, FOX 2 Detroit reports. Police were alerted to the situation when the victims brother called 911 around 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3. The live video showed the victim was in a wooded area. Police used the mans phone GPS to identify a general location, which was in Birchs patrol area. Birch was the first officer on scene and was met by witnesses before finding and saving the victim. The man regained consciousness and taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides information on warning signs and risk factors here. READ MORE: Michigan man accused of stabbing wife to death while their 13-year-old daughter was home 5 charged with felonies after fight with machete, baseball bat Police identify early morning homicide victim on Saginaws East Side Argument at RiverTown Crossings led to drivers fatal shooting, police say Police identify married couple found dead in Ottawa County SOMERSET, N.J., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 1Kosmos, the next-generation contact-free authentication solution, today announced it has been certified by the FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance for the FIDO2 server protocol. FIDO2 combines the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) Web Authentication specification (WebAuthn) and FIDO Alliance's corresponding Client-to-Authenticator Protocol (CTAP), to accelerate the industry's shift away from passwords by allowing common devices to securely and easily authenticate in both mobile and desktop environments. The BlockID Platform FIDO2 Certified The FIDO2 standard lacks details about how a user can be identified when the authentication process takes place. BlockID fills that gap by verifying a user's identity, prior to providing passwordless authentication powered by advanced biometrics. "Now, with our platform being FIDO2 certified, BlockID adds tremendous value to the passwordless world by adding the immutable identity layer on top of authenticating tokens. This certification allows us to provide our customers safer, phishing-resistant methods and a better user experience enterprise wide," said Rohan Pinto, 1Kosmos's Chief Technology Officer. BlockID creates a paradigm shift by bringing identity-based authentication to FIDO by proofing a user identity and reaching IAL3 per the NIST 800-63-3 guidelines, making impersonation impossible and giving away or sharing purposely credentials a worthless enterprise. The costs of deploying 2FA and MFA solutions that require hardware is eliminated. BlockID is an app installed on the user's smartphone that gives physical and logical access to whoever authenticates successfully. Finally distributed ledger technology is immune to hacking. Therefore, the potentiality of a data breach is eliminated. This is why BlockID leverages this technology to securely store users' identity information encrypted, with access controlled by the user (GDPR compliant). About 1Kosmos 1Kosmos is a leader in the passwordless authentication industry. The company's flagship product, BlockID, is the next generation contact-free authentication solution, powered by advanced biometrics and Blockchain technology. BlockID offers the highest levels of identity and authentication assurance in the market for the workforce and customers. The company is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, with development offices in Mumbai, India. About the FIDO Alliance The FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance, www.fidoalliance.org, was formed in July 2012 to address the lack of interoperability among strong authentication technologies and remedy the problems users face with creating and remembering multiple usernames and passwords. The FIDO Alliance is changing the nature of authentication with standards for simpler, stronger authentication that define an open, scalable, interoperable set of mechanisms that reduce reliance on passwords. FIDO authentication is stronger, private, and easier to use when authenticating to online services. For more information, visit https://www.1kosmos.com/ or follow @1KosmosBlockID on Twitter. For Media Inquiries: Nick Roquefort-Villeneuve Marketing Director 1Kosmos [email protected] SOURCE 1Kosmos Related Links http://www.1kosmos.com Three-and-a-half centuries after Hudson's Bay Co. received its first charter giving Prince Rupert and his "Company of Adventurers of England" an exclusive trading monopoly over the entire Hudson Bay drainage basin its biggest symbol of colonization is coming to an end. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/10/2020 (474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Three-and-a-half centuries after Hudson's Bay Co. received its first charter giving Prince Rupert and his "Company of Adventurers of England" an exclusive trading monopoly over the entire Hudson Bay drainage basin its biggest symbol of colonization is coming to an end. In February, the company plans to close its six-storey flagship store at Portage Avenue and Memorial Boulevard, literally Canadas gateway to the West. When it opened in 1926, its palatial architecture was an homage to proper and profitable English civilization. As a testament to the Empire, the Union Jack once flew high on its rooftop, towering over a burgeoning city, pronouncing progress and evolution. Inside were goods manufactured from Canadas settling of the plains: furs, blankets, and, eventually, Guess cologne (thats what I bought there, anyways). Everything Canada, including Olympic gear, came from HBC. At one time, the building was "a testament to the wealth being amassed in this colonized land," as my Free Press colleague Melissa Martin wrote, but eventually became, "an impossible building. Too big, too costly, too proud." So, this is how colonization ends. The people who profit the most take all they can from the land and people within it, and then quietly leave when theres nothing left to take. Soon, all that will be left is an empty, lifeless pile of plaster and metal that will cost millions to repair or remove for those who actually live here. Really, though, this is how colonization continues. HBC is not a retail empire never really was but a massive real estate company. Just as King Charles II gave Prince Rupert lands that were not his to give, HBC holds deeds to billions of dollars of global property (much within former Rupertsland itself) and will march on. As proof, I will be able to buy my cologne at Bay locations at St. Vital or Polo Park. HBCs legacy of exploitation, violence and theft is permanent, though. HBC began with profits from the slave trade and cheap goods from the British colonies. It was instrumental in manufacturing goods for the Commonwealth, the worlds oldest economic superpower. Alongside were billions built off Indigenous lands and resources. Indigenous peoples benefited from the fur trade, of course, but they paid far more than profited. On its website, HBC admits it "relied on Indigenous expertise for general survival, surveying, trapping, translating, kinship and much more" to build the company, but when it came to sharing profits and the land (particularly when transferring Rupertsland to Canada in 1870), everything was done "without consulting First Nations or Metis inhabitants." Canada may have instituted poverty via the Indian Act and residential schools, but HBC opened the door. As National Indian Brotherhood Chief George Manuel said at the company's 300th anniversary: "The company was responsible for the misery, deprivation and exploitation of Canadas Indigenous peoples." HBC began with profits from the slave trade and cheap goods from the British colonies. It was instrumental in manufacturing goods for the Commonwealth, the worlds oldest economic superpower. Alongside were billions built off Indigenous lands and resources. So, yes, the HBC building means a lot to Winnipeg beyond warm memories of the Paddlewheel restaurant, although I have those too. The building is the face of British occupation, theft and the first steps of genocide. Its a conspicuous site. Therefore, recovering it requires an conspicuous solution. Lets make Winnipegs most non-Indigenous space Indigenous space. Lets make it a place where our community can renew, change, and enter the next 350 years of our lives together. There are tons of arguments for this. Indigenous peoples are Manitobas fastest-growing population and most live downtown. Nowhere are investments needed more for Manitobas future than in Indigenous young people, who will become Winnipegs middle class. You can already see this in Winnipegs art, music and political scene, but soon it will be doctors, lawyers and business owners, too. Im invested in seeing an Indigenous-run university such as the First Nations University of Canada in Regina, but a mixed-use commercial space might be more sustaining. Also, is everyone aware that the seven First Nations in Treaty One are still owed hundreds of acres of land and urban reserves are the most financially sound idea in western Canadian cities today? Want more great journalism? Get our best news and features delivered in your inbox every weekday evening. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. I envision a building with students, elders and, perhaps, a new Winnipeg Friendship Centre. How about inviting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation downtown? The Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre? The Manito Ahbee Festival? The Manitoba Indigenous Music Hall of Fame? Add in organizations that need space and support and would benefit from closer ties with the Indigenous community, such as the Hudson's Bay Company Archives or the Womens Health Clinic, and the space fills up fast. We could give it a name, a spirit and new life. We could even call it a site of reconciliation. This February, we have an incredible opportunity to step into our future and we will have the HBC to thank. Imagine that. niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca The cannabis industry has received rapid global growth in recent years, due in part, to the increasing recognition of the plants possible medicinal and therapeutic benefits. As cannabis legalization continues to gain momentum, weve begun to see an increased production of what is regarded as one of the oldest cultivated plants. Flora Growth, a vertically integrated cannabis company, entered the industry intending to become the worlds largest producer of low-cost, naturally grown medicinal-grade cannabis oils and extracts in the world. In Floras quest to produce low-cost and high-quality cannabis, the company employed Cosechemos as its flagship cultivation facility. Located in Bucaramanga, Colombia, Cosechamos was chosen for its ideal growing conditions. The cultivation facility receives approximately 12.8 hours of natural daylight every day. In turn, the facility can have 3+ crop cycles per year as opposed to the typical 1-2 cycles in other geographical locations. Colombia is a large country with various climates depending on where you are. We settled on Bucaramanga in the Department of Santander and we chose this area because it has all the ideal conditions for growing cannabis outdoors ideal climate, sunlight, and access to water, said CEO of Flora Growth Damian Lopez. And one of the benefits of the country, and particularly the region, is it has a booming cut flower industry so the labor force is quite skilled and familiar with the agricultural industry. Brand Portfolio Floras core product is its organic CBD oils. CBD, which stands for Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, which is the active ingredient that causes the feeling of a high among users, CBD does not produce a sensation of being high. Research on the benefits of CBD is still ongoing, but studies have shown that CBD is effective in stopping or lessening the number of seizures among patients. The strongest evidence however has been for its effectiveness in treating some childhood epilepsy syndromes such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. CBD has also been found to help treat anxiety, insomnia, and various types of chronic pain. Story continues In working to maintain the quality of the crop, Floras cultivation facility produces a cannabis crop that is 100% organic. The companys completely organic crop allows them to expand their portfolio to serve the food and beverage, cosmetics, and wellness markets all of which are expected to represent over 60% of the total cannabis market share by 2024. In the cosmetic market, Flora recently launched its beauty brand Flora Beauty. The brand was founded by former Miss Universe Paulina Vega. This beauty division currently has two lifestyle brands: Mind Naturals and AWE. Mind Naturals is an all-natural beauty and skincare brand that was born out of the recognition that time is our most precious commodity. Their products, which currently include a cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream, and hydrating mask will all be infused with Floras organic CBD oils. Mind Naturals only sources green and clean ingredients. Mind is also working to extend its vision for the sustainability of their packaging, with its current sugarcane packaging already actively demonstrating that vision. It is fully recyclable, reduces environmental impact, and doesnt contaminate existing streams. The idea behind the name Mind comes from the notion of creating a happy place in a moment of self-care finding the time to connect with yourself in a moment of clarity and serenity. We've spent a ton of time developing Flora Beauty with the right people and with the right ingredients. We're focused on creating a product from high-quality organic ingredients products that have been derived from the Colombian Amazon and Colombian Jungle. We're also really focused on sustainability, said Lopez. The Effects Of COVID COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on almost every industry, including cannabis. Many have had to shift their business models and those who sell directly to retail have suffered from widespread closures. Flora only just launched their retail business. The CEO told Benzinga that their strategy from the beginning was to launch their products electronically, developing the brand, acquiring market share, and then transitioning to brick-and-mortar stores when the time is right. We weren't hurt by COVID as much as others, but I think generally all companies are going to feel the effects of it especially if they're selling products to consumers. There's going to be a trend to moving to e-commerce so I think companies that do that well will succeed. The CEO continued to say he has a positive outlook for the future of the cannabis market. As we step into the upcoming election in the U.S., many cannabis CEOs and leaders await the effects that the results will have on the industry in regards to federal legalization. I think regardless of who wins there will be a movement to legalizing cannabis which I think will be a rising tide that lifts all ships and for companies that are very nimble, that are agile and can move quickly, I think they'll benefit from that, said Lopez. What Sets Them Apart According to Lopez, being shrewd has allowed Flora to grow at double the speed. Acquiring a company with a license was the first step the business took and since then has made strategic moves along the way from choosing the right cultivation facility to focusing on producing organic, high-quality, and low-cost products. We tried to focus on growing the business whether organically like Flora Beauty or through acquisitions like Cosechemos but not making acquisitions for the sake of buying companies or for a press release. We only close deals that we believe will generate revenue & sales and result in income and value for shareholders, said Lopez. In the cannabis bear market, many cannabis companies have had a difficult time raising capital and receiving support. The CEO noted how fortunate Flora has been in obtaining support and interest from shareholders. I think people are starting to appreciate and understand our story and are really getting behind us. Photo by Matteo Paganelli on Unsplash See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. WASHINGTON - Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google engaged in anticompetitive, monopoly-style tactics to evolve into four of the world's most powerful corporate behemoths, according to congressional investigators who called in a wide-ranging report released Tuesday for sweeping changes to federal laws so that government regulators can bring Silicon Valley back in check. The roughly 450-page document, capping a roughly 16-month investigation by the House's top antitrust committee, found that the four tech giants relied on dubious, harmful means to solidify their dominance in Web search, smartphones, social networking and shopping - and in the process evaded the very federal regulators whose primary task is to ensure that companies do not grow into such unmatched corporate titans. Congressional investigators faulted Facebook for gobbling up potential competitors with impunity, and they concluded Google improperly scraped rivals' websites and forced its technology on others to reach its pole position in search and advertising. The lawmakers' report labeled both of those firms as monopolies while faulting the federal government for failing to crack down on them sooner. Amazon and Apple, meanwhile, exerted their own form of "monopoly power" to protect and grow their corporate footprints. As operators of two major online marketplaces - a world-leading shopping site for Amazon, and a powerful App Store for Apple - the two tech giants for years set rules that essentially put smaller, competing sellers and software developers at a disadvantage, the report found. The House investigation stopped short of calling on the Trump administration to break up any of the companies. Instead, it proposed the most sweeping overhaul of U.S. antitrust law in decades, a series of legislative proposals that could empower the government to battle bigness in the tech industry and prevent future problematic mergers. Any such retooling would require approval from Congress, and they would affect not only Silicon Valley but the entire economy - essentially turning the House's efforts into a broader assault against corporate consolidation. "You look at farms and agriculture; you look at big banks, of course; you look at the housing market; you look at retail," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., one of the committee's members. "Our focus is on tech, but there's no question this would help strengthen competition and rein in anti-monopoly behavior across industries, which would benefit consumers." In the meantime, the House's findings threaten to carry considerable legal weight, lending fresh evidence to state and federal officials as they actively investigate Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google for potential violations of antitrust rules. The Justice Department is expected to file an antitrust lawsuit against Google in a matter of days, as state attorneys general mount their own, nearly finished probe of the search-and-advertising giant. "To put it simply, companies that once were scrappy, underdog startups that challenged the status quo have become the kinds of monopolies we last saw in the era of oil barons and railroad tycoons," the House panel concluded in its report. "Although these firms have delivered clear benefits to society, the dominance of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google has come at a price." "These firms typically run the marketplace while also competing in it," the report continues, enabling tech giants "to write one set of rules for others, while they play by another, or to engage in a form of their own private quasi regulation that is unaccountable to anyone but themselves." Apple did not respond to a request for comment, Facebook and Google defended their business practices in statements that touted their popular appeal. Amazon responded with a blistering, unsigned blog post, calling House investigators' proposed antitrust overhaul "flawed" and "fringe" in nature and scope. The company also defended its business practices, arguing its relationship with third-party sellers is "mutually beneficial." (Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.) "All large organizations attract the attention of regulators, and we welcome that scrutiny. But large companies are not dominant by definition, and the presumption that success can only be the result of anti-competitive behavior is simply wrong," the blog said. House lawmakers embarked on their wide-ranging probe of the tech industry last June, responding to a flurry of complaints that Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google had become too big and powerful. Investigators working on behalf of Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., the chairman of the House's antitrust panel, soon amassed a trove of 1.3 million documents and hundreds of hours candorof testimony in public and private, including a high-profile, public grilling of the four tech giants' chief executives: Amazon's Bezos, Apple's Tim Cook, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Google's Sundar Pichai. Initially, Cicilline predicted that the probe would find that the Internet had become "broken" - overcome with ills, including privacy scandals, resulting from years of neglect in Washington. About 16 months later, he said in a statement Tuesday that the vast body of evidence lawmakers obtained had confirmed his fears, leaving "no doubt that there is a clear and compelling need for Congress and the antitrust enforcement agencies to take action that restores competition, improves innovation, and safeguards our democracy." The House report also serves as an indictment of the federal agencies that are supposed to keep watch over the country's largest companies. The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have the power to probe potential wrongdoing, review and approve large mergers before they occur and tap decades-old laws - put to use more than a century ago against railroad, steel and oil magnates - to ensure companies don't become too politically and economically dominant. With the tech industry, though, investigators concluded the government had "failed, at key occasions, to stop monopolists from rolling up their competitors and failed to protect the American people from abuses of monopoly power." The report recommends a significant overhaul of the federal government's antitrust powers, including making it illegal for a company like Amazon or Google to give greater weight to their own products in their online marketplaces. Other suggested retooling would empower consumers to bring lawsuits and give new legal tools to the Justice Department or FTC to block future tech mergers. Some of the most ambitious ideas drew sharp rebukes from congressional Republicans, raising doubts about the extent to which lawmakers may be able to translate the report into a robust federal overhaul. Some House Republicans even issued their own findings Tuesday, focusing not on antitrust but "bias and censorship" targeting conservatives online. Top GOP lawmakers have joined President Donald Trump in airing such claims of censorship, offering specious evidence amid a flurry of denials from major social-media sites. With Facebook, the House investigation trained its attention on the tech giant's prior purchases of Instagram, a photo-sharing app, and WhatsApp, a messaging service. Facebook long has maintained that those acquisitions - blessed in the past by federal regulators - helped both of those apps grow from nascent startups into widely popular global services. But more than 41,000 pages of emails, memos and other once-secret company records tell a different story, showing Facebook sought to acquire "its competitive threats to maintain and expand its dominance." Earlier this summer, Democratic lawmakers unearthed a slew of private communications, showing Facebook officials discussing a "land grab" to buy up its rivals before they could pose significant threats. On Tuesday, congressional investigators added to that damning trove: A 2018 memo, prepared for Zuckerberg, that appears to show Facebook had grown more concerned with competition from its own subsidiary than other outside services. A former senior Instagram employee told lawmakers the memo guided Facebook's strategy, seeking to ensure Instagram could never become bigger and more popular than the tech giant's original social-networking app, according to the report. To investigators, it also proved the Instagram purchase essentially "tipped the social networking market toward a monopoly, and now considers competition within its own family of products to be more considerable than competition from any other firm." "Acquisitions are part of every industry, and just one way we innovate new technologies to deliver more value to people," Facebook spokesman Chris Sgro said in a statement. "Instagram and WhatsApp have reached new heights of success because Facebook has invested billions in those businesses." Taking aim at Google, the House probe determined the tech giant had tapped vast swaths of user data to become "an ecosystem of interlocking monopolies" in search, advertising, mapping, mobile and more. Lawmakers homed in on the ways that Google gives its own products a boost in search results, even when they are inferior to competitors', marking the latest government entity to take issue with the company's business practices after Europeans fined it billions for unfairly manipulating search results. "Americans simply don't want Congress to break Google's products or harm the free services they use every day," Google spokeswoman Julie Tarallo McAlister said in a statement. "The goal of antitrust law is to protect consumers, not help commercial rivals." Lawmakers also took aim at Amazon's relationship with third-party merchants. The e-commerce giant publicly calls these smaller providers its "partners," but Amazon competes with them as the seller of many products itself. House lawmakers said that the relationship "incentivizes Amazon to exploit its access to competing sellers' data and information, among other anticompetitive conduct." Investigators said they heard from companies that Amazon used "strong-arm" tactics in negotiations. Book publishers, for example, said the company retaliated by removing the "buy" button on their products or showed their books as out of stock. Some of the tales stand in stark contrast to the very remarks Amazon made to the subcommittee at an early hearing in the investigation, when Amazon associate general counsel told Congress it does not use "individual seller data directly to compete." Months later, media reports contradicted that claim, revealing the company had used rivals' data to develop competing products. The committee said in its report that Amazon "displayed a lack of candor" in its responses, and it cited a letter in which members from both parties on the committee accused the company of being "misleading, and possibly criminally false or perjurious." The subcommittee staff said it views the company's claims "with a degree of skepticism" in instances where it conflicted with other information they gathered. With Apple, congressional investigators focused on its App Store, the only official way to get apps on the company's iPhones and iPads. Apple long has faced criticism for the rules it applies to apps that appear in this portal - and the fees it sometimes extracts from those that offer subscriptions. Epic Games, the maker of the popular video game Fortnite, has sued Apple over such policies. The House report repeatedly faults Apple for amassing anticompetitive "gatekeeper power" over the software that appears on mobile devices. It pointed to evidence showing the iPhone giant at times had copied features from popular or innovative rival services. In one example, Phillip Shoemaker, a former App Store review director, told House aides about an instance in which Apple rejected an app for wireless charging even though it did not violate company guidelines - then later "appropriated the rejected app's feature for its own offerings," the report says. "Apple has struggled with using the App Store as a weapon against competitors," Shoemaker has written, according to the report. Apple previously said has said it does not steal other companies' app data to create its own products. "We do not retaliate or bully people," Apple CEO Tim Cook said at a congressional hearing in July. "It is strongly against our company culture." Versiti Blood Center of Michigan is encouraging Michigan residents to make an appointment to donate life-saving blood in October. All blood types are needed, especially O-negative blood, which is the universal blood type given to patients in emergency situations and those undergoing surgery The bill to establish a task force to study reparations comes after District residents demanded racial justice and equity during protests over the summer after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Announced Monday by Council member Kenyan R. McDuffie (D-Ward 5), the legislation would instruct the nine-member task force to scrutinize the economic impact of slavery as well as racist policies that continued after it was abolished to recommend a plan for economic atonement to help African Americans in the District. I am a shareholder in IAG, or British Airways. I received a prospectus from Computershare for the IAG offer of buying new shares for holders of original shares. I have read the prospectus and decided on my course of action. Reading the prospectus it informs me that I should phone Computershare on the number it lists in the prospectus which I have done. On getting through you have a choice and I picked the one for IAG, waited on hold for 20 minutes and eventually spoke to a lady. I explained to her my choice of options and she informed me that I need to go online to register and do my business there. Customer choice: I want to sell my shares over the phone because I don't trust the internet (Stock image) I informed her what the prospectus said, whereby she said she would not discuss this matter and she would terminate the call, which she did. I find this a strange way for a company to do business. I am concerned as this attitude could prevent me from obtaining the monies I could receive from selling my allotment. As a pensioner this money would be beneficial to me. I was wondering if you would look into this matter, as there must be a lot of pensioners like me who invested in British Airways and are entitled to this new offer, and like me would rather sell their options. By the way I am not confident enough in this IT thing to do any monetary transactions on the internet as it is so unsafe these days and there are plenty others my age who feel the same. Tanya Jefferies, of This is Money, replies: Many shareholders still prefer to trade over the telephone, and it is possible to do this though more expensive. We asked Computershare to comment on your case and it appears it was keeping both communications and transactions during the IAG capital raising digital as far as possible, for reasons it outlines below. The firm tells me that if you contact it direct about your customer service experience, it will investigate your complaint thoroughly. If you still want to sell your IAG shares over the phone, we asked a stockbroker offering traditional services to explain the process and likely cost. It sounds like you have paper share certificates, and the pros and cons of holding stocks this way and the newer ways of doing so are also explained below. A spokesperson for Computershare replies: We're always sorry to hear when a shareholder isn't happy with our services. Our contact centre staff members are currently working from home and, while we've managed to keep our services running throughout the pandemic, some callers have experienced longer wait times. On top of this, as a capital raising under Spanish market requirements with a limited window of opportunity for UK shareholders to take part and make their election, this was a complex transaction, which resulted in high call volumes. Nevertheless, whenever a shareholder lets us know directly that they are unhappy, our complaints team investigates thoroughly. As a result of the pandemic we are currently working with our clients to communicate with their shareholders digitally whenever possible. Shareholders wanting to take up the offer to buy or sell new shares as part of this transaction needed to do so via our website rather than use physical mail. Mark Feely: Increasingly investors are converting their paper shares into digital format This safeguarded everyone in the process, and meant that the offer could go ahead regardless of any local, pandemic-related restrictions that may have been put in place. As public heath restrictions begin to lift, we will of course review the way in which we can provide services and discuss with our clients the best options. Mark Feely, head of Charles Stanley Investment Choices, replies: Dealing in shares electronically is now the preferred method of trading shares for many investors with large volumes now being transacted via investment platforms which allow purchases and sales for a nominal fee. However, there is still a large section of the investor community that prefer to trade via telephone and by speaking directly to a dealer or investment professional particularly where paper share certificates are held. How do you sell your shares over the phone? Since you don't want to trade online, it sounds like you still hold paper certificates for your IAG shares. Holding shares in paper form is the oldest method of doing so. Trading in this format is often expensive and slow and trading is not available online, but an investor will benefit from their name being held on the company's register. This will mean qualification for shareholder perks and a having a vote at shareholder meetings, and there is no restriction on which stockbroker is used to sell them although not all offer certified dealing. Taking up options on paper held shares can be time consuming and will often require contact directly with registrars with whom the share is registered. An increasing number of them will require online notification of acceptance or rejection of the offer. If selling the shares held in paper form is the aim, this can be accomplished online, by phone or by post by taking the following steps: I hold one single certificate for lots of Diageo shares I only want to sell them slowly to avoid a big tax bill. How can I do this? Read more here. 1. Contact the stockbroker or dealing service you wish to use. This could be the registrar for your shares or a company through which a dealing account already exists for example. 2. Notify the dealer how many shares you wish to sell. It is worth noting that if multiple shares are held on one certificate that it is not necessary to sell all of them if capital gains tax is a concern. 3. A pre-filled CREST (Certificateless Registry for Electronic Share Transfer) transfer form will be issued for completion and return. This is a legal document required to transfer ownership to the purchaser of the shares. 4. Upon receipt the sale will be completed with the proceeds sent via cheque or BACS (Bankers' Automated Clearing System) payment, normally within two to three weeks. By way of example, Charles Stanley would charge a minimum of 75 to sell shares held in paper form. Investors that hold CREST accounts are able to trade online and also retain the registration of the shares in their own name. Any notification of a corporate action, such as a new issue of the shares, will be received directly with the investor communicating their intentions directly with the company. However, due to the high overheads generated in running a CREST account with the consequence that a high admin fee is charged to the client, they are declining in popularity. What are the benefits of holding digital shares? Increasingly investors are converting their paper shares into digital format to simplify and reduce the time taken to administer them. There is an initial cost in doing this. For example, at Charles Stanley the cost is 50 per transaction. Once completed the share is held in nominee account on behalf of the client. Online valuations are generally available with charges for trading dependent upon the service that is offered. For example, where the service is a digital only platform, overheads are reduced with trading costs lower compared to a telephone-based service requiring human interaction. Holding shares digitally reduces the administrative burden for the companies that hold the shares on the client's behalf. Interaction with the client is quick with the client placing an order online to buy or sell with the trade normally completed within a matter of seconds and the share being listed on the online account straight away. Any corporate actions relating to individual shares, such as the offer to purchase additional shares at a discount during a fundraising exercise, will also be dealt with digitally. Confirmation of the investor's wishes would normally be accepted either via email/secure message or verbally. Election 2020: How is Trump doing in the polls after the first debate? Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In November, Republican President Donald Trump will try to fend off a challenge from Democratic presidential hopeful and former Vice President Joe Biden. Both nominees have promised a better future for a United States dealing with a pandemic, economic uncertainty, and widespread inner city protests. Last week, the first presidential debate was held, moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News. The debate was widely denounced for its incivility and frequent interruptions, most of which were caused by Trump. Soon after, it was widely reported that Trump had tested positive for COVID-19, with the commander-in-chief undergoing treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The Christian Post looked at multiple election polling websites on Monday, looking to see what impact, if any, the first debate and the COVID-19 diagnosis had on the opinions of voters. 1 2 3 4 5 Next OTTAWA - Former Green leader Elizabeth May slammed the New Democrats this morning for refusing stand down their candidate in a coming byelection so the first Black woman elected to lead a federal party in Canada can win a seat. Annamie Paul is the new leader of the Green party after winning on the eighth ballot of the contest Saturday. Paul says she is not surprised none of the other parties will offer whats sometimes called leaders courtesy in the upcoming byelection in Toronto Centre but that she is used to overcoming obstacles. But May says in 2019, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said it was classy for the Greens to stand down so he could win a byelection in suburban Vancouver when a victory for him was not a sure thing. May says Singh should think about that and asks other New Democrats to ask themselves how classy they think it is for their party to try and block Paul. NDP National Director Anne McGrath says the NDP candidate in Toronto Centre was chosen democratically by the party membership and will be on the ballot. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 5, 2020. Read more about: In deciding to forgo any more immediate relief, the president could be setting the economy up for the type of painful outcome that Mr. Powell warned of on Tuesday. The Fed chair, who has increasingly called for more government help, said policymakers should err on the side of injecting too much money into the economy rather than too little given how much work remains. Too little support would lead to a weak recovery, creating unnecessary hardship for households and businesses, Mr. Powell said in remarks before the National Association for Business Economics. Over time, household insolvencies and business bankruptcies would rise, harming the productive capacity of the economy and holding back wage growth, he said. By contrast, the risks of overdoing it seem, for now, to be smaller. In multiple tweets later Tuesday night, Mr. Trump appeared to backtrack his assertion that an agreement would wait until after Nov. 3, at one point urging both chambers to IMMEDIATELY Approve reviving a lapsed loan program for small businesses, funds to prevent airlines from furloughing or laying off workers and another round of stimulus checks. It remained unclear if his tweets, which came after stocks plummeted, reflected a willingness to restart negotiations with Ms. Pelosi. Both provisions have bipartisan support, but several lawmakers have pushed for them to be included in a broader package. Nearly seven months into the pandemic, millions of Americans remain unemployed as the coronavirus keeps many service industries operating below capacity. The unemployment rate has fallen more rapidly than many economists expected, dropping to 7.9 percent in September, and consumer spending is holding up. But the economys resilience owes substantially to strong government assistance that has been provided to households and businesses. That included direct payments to families, forgivable loans to small businesses and an extra $600 per week in unemployment benefits, which Mr. Powell said had muted the normal recessionary dynamics that occur in a downturn, like lower consumer spending that leads to additional layoffs. But that assistance has since run dry, putting what Mr. Powell called an incomplete recovery at risk at a time when he said additional help was likely to be needed. There is still a long way to go, he said regarding the labor market, adding that many will undergo extended periods of unemployment. President Donald Trump is receiving extraordinary treatment for a COVID-19 patient, including a combination of drugs available to the public only in rare circumstances. But the unusual concoction raises serious questions about him leaving the hospital, Bay Area medical scientists said Monday. The president left Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Monday evening after tweeting that he was feeling really good and advising people not to be afraid of Covid. The announcement created a furor among medical professionals, who worry he may be sicker than he is letting on and probably highly contagious and might further spread the disease around the White House. Dont be afraid of Covid. Are you kidding me? tweeted Bob Wachter, the chairman of the Department of Medicine at UCSF, in response to Trumps tweet. After 210,000 deaths in the U.S. & 1 million deaths worldwide? This either shows a breathtakingly callous, inhumane & counterproductive attitude, or he has altered mental status. Trump has been treated with remdesivir, monoclonal antibodies and the steroid dexamethasone, all experimental treatments that have shown success in knocking down the disease. But the drugs are still largely untested, particularly in combination, and monoclonal antibodies are not available to the general public except in clinical studies. Dexamethasone can have serious side effects, including mood swings, sleep deprivation, high blood sugars, euphoria and impaired thinking, physicians say. Not only that, but it has also been shown in some studies to make viral infections worse if used too early. Dexamethasone is a potent anti-inflammatory used to tone down (an over-reactive) immune response, said Warner Greene, a senior virologist at the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco. Using it very early might suppress the bodys immune response of making antibodies and T cells. But the other two drugs are clearly the best treatments for the coronavirus that anybody knows about. Remdesivir, made by Gilead Sciences of Foster City, interferes with the production of viral RNA when the coronavirus is already inside human cells. The monoclonal antibodies, made by the pharmaceutical firm Regeneron, are lab-made clones of the antibodies produced naturally in people who have recovered from COVID-19. The antibodies, which Trump gets through a compassionate use program for patients who have no other alternative, have been shown in early studies to prevent the spike proteins on the virus from binding with human cells. Greene said there is every reason to believe the two therapies would work well together early on in an infection because they attack different elements of the disease, but their safety and effectiveness has not been proven. Although remdesivir is now being used on regular patients, the supply is very limited. Monoclonal antibodies arent available to anybody unless they are in a clinical trial. There have been instances in the past of monoclonal antibodies enhancing coronavirus infections in cats, Greene said. Its not surprising that his physicians and medical team would like to get him the most effective therapies, but this therapy is not proven yet, Greene said. Doctors throughout the country have questioned whether the president should leave the hospital. Thats especially true considering he was put on oxygen at one point and given dexamethasone, which is generally used to treat people with severe lung problems caused by an overzealous immune system response to the disease. Steroids get a little trickier because the preponderance of data indicate they work best in very severe cases, said Annie Luetkemeyer, an infectious disease specialist and professor at UCSF, who is involved in several drug trials involving both remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Thats because it tamps down the immune reaction, known as a cytokine storm, that is responsible for much of the severe breathing problems and deaths caused by the coronavirus. Luetkemeyer said studies of this steroid have indicated that coronavirus patients who do not need oxygen actually have worse outcomes, and the worse outcome was death. So there was a trend toward people dying more. Thats why many physicians think Trump may be hiding a more severe illness. It suggests to me he is sicker than they are saying, Greene said. Its possible they are seeing signs of cytokine storm or changes in his chest x-ray or other evidence of increased inflammation. It would be unusual for a coronavirus patient who had breathing problems and needed oxygen and steroids to be sent home this soon. The most severe problems associated with the coronavirus usually show up without warning six to eight days after the initial infection. It is possible Trump, feeling euphoric from steroids, made the controversial decision Sunday to drive around in a SUV and wave to his supporters, a move Greene called outrageous and irresponsible. He might have demanded his release without understanding the severity of his illness or the swiftness with which it can take a turn for the worse, local scientists said. This is a time when youve really got to watch patients very carefully, Greene said. If I was his physician I wouldnt advise him to be leaving. I would be asking him to be staying, but this seems to be more politically driven, not medically driven, just like the ride-around. Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @pfimrite China has accused the United States of breaking World Trade Organization (WTO) rules by ordering a ban on new downloads of Chinese apps TikTok and WeChat. The Beijing officials made the allegations at a closed-door WTO meeting last week. A representative for China said that the actions of the Trump administration are clearly inconsistent with WTO rules, restrict cross-border trading services and violate the basic principles and objectives of the multilateral trading system, Reuters reports citing an anonymous trade official familiar with the matter. The Chinese delegate said that the US has no evidence to support their claims of the apps being a threat to national security. The American governments actions are a clear abuse of the rules, the delegate added. Advertisement In the same meeting, however, a representative for the US defended the Trump administrations actions reiterating that they are intended to mitigate national security risks. The US has time and again claimed that apps like WeChat and TikTok may have backdoors for the Chinese government. This compromises the privacy of American users and poses a threat to national security. However, the US government hasnt been able to support those claims with concrete evidence. China complains WTO of the US ban on Chinese apps The ever-growing trade war between China and the US, the worlds two most powerful economies, entered a new dimension after the Trump administration issued executive orders in July to ban TikTok in the nation. ByteDance, the Chinese parent of the popular video-sharing app, was asked to divest its US operations to an American company or face a nationwide ban. While TikTok has promised a structural change in partnership with Oracle, the Trump administration has yet to approve that arrangement. In the meantime, the US asked mobile app stores in the nation to remove both WeChat and TikTok. Advertisement However, US judges have questioned those decisions and put a hold on the ban. The United States Department of Justice has now filed a notice of appeal against this preliminary injunction. The DOJ has asked the court to reinstate the governments restrictions. Amidst all this, China has now taken to WTO to voice against these measures. The statement made by the Chinese delegate at the meeting will not have any consequences on its own. However, China could always file an official legal complaint about this to the global body. Not just the US, but China also accused India of the same for banning TikTok and several other Chinese apps. The Indian government has banned more than 180 Chinese-origin apps over the past few months citing security reasons. Itll be interesting to see if China files an official complaint against either of India and the US. Chinese representatives to the WTO did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. French lawmakers are to vote Tuesday on returning prized artefacts to Benin and Senegal more than a century after they were looted by colonial forces and hauled back to Paris to be displayed in museums. The pieces include a royal throne and statues taken by the French army during a war in Benin -- then the wealthy African kingdom of Dahomey -- as well a sabre once wielded by a 19th-century Muslim sheik in what is today Senegal. "It is not an act of repentance or reparation, nor a condemnation of the French cultural model," Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot insisted ahead of the vote in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament. Instead, returning the artefacts should open "a new chapter of cultural ties between France and Africa," she said. If approved, France would officially restore to Benin 26 items from the so-called Treasure of Behanzin, looted during the 1892 pillaging of the palace of Abomey in Dahomey. They include the throne of King Glele -- a centrepiece of the 70,000-odd African objects held at the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac museum in Paris. Senegal will get back a sword and scabbard said to have belonged to Omar Saidou Tall, an important military and religious figure in West Africa in the 19th century who lived from 1797 to 1864. The pieces are officially held by the Army Museum in Paris, but are on long-term loan to Dakar, where they have been exhibited since last November. Senegal has also sought the return of a prayer rug, a baton and a copy of the Koran that belonged to Omar Tall, who fought French troops from 1857-59 before signing a peace treaty in 1860. 'Small steps' President Emmanuel Macron pledged shortly after his election in May 2017 to look into the restitution of African cultural treasures. But the project has its detractors, including some who fear diplomatic incidents and warn that France could end up losing its rich collection of artefacts from around the world. Others say the bill does not go far enough. They include Benin's President Patrice Talon, who told the magazine Jeune Afrique (Young Africa) that he was "not satisfied" even while welcoming "small steps" being taken by France. "To approve a specific law to hand back 26 artefacts is strictly the minimum. What we want is a general law" that would allow for "global restitution based on a precise inventory", he told the magazine. Bachelot, the culture minister, said France has already returned artefacts as part of "a growing international movement" and a new "reflection on the role of museums in the world". These include items returned to Laos; a stolen statue to Egypt; 21 Maori heads to New Zealand; and 32 gold plates to China. But last month, five activists went on trial in Paris for trying to seize an African funeral staff from the Quai Branly, France's pre-eminent indigenous art museum, in a bid to put new pressure on Macron to return more items. An expert report commissioned by Macron in 2018 counted some 90,000 African works in French museums, most of them at the Quai Branly. The report had suggested a "circulation" of some works among museums rather than an outright return, saying not all were pillaged or stolen. Britain has also faced calls to return artefacts, notably the Elgin Marbles to Greece and the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, while museums in Belgium and Austria house tens of thousands of African pieces. Funding for 2 months starting on September 15, for the Slant Stubble Razor with blades slanted 10 degrees Appealing to the self-grooming crowd providing campaign participants with 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm cartridges Global razor manufacturing company DORCO has commenced a crowdfunding campaign for the Slant Stubble Razor on INDIEGOGO, the No. 1 U.S. crowdfunding platform. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005543/en/ Global razor manufacturing company DORCO is running a crowdfunding campaign for the Slant Stubble Razor on INDIEGOGO to November 15. The Slant Stubble Razor blades are slanted at a 10-degree angle allowing a smooth and clean shave. The slanted blades of the Slant Stubble Razor greatly enhance shaving power. It allows convenient shaving with water, without requiring shaving cream, and is designed with a grip optimal for an upper stroke. It comes with 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm cartridges for effective trimming of facial hair depending on the user's preferred style. (Photo: Business Wire) The funding campaign, which commenced on September 15, will proceed for two months. At the conclusion of the campaign on November 15, participants will be sent DORCO's Slant Stubble Razor. Deliveries will be processed to the United States, EU countries, the United Kingdom, and South Korea. The Slant Stubble Razor maintains the same mechanism as a normal wet razor, but the blades are slanted at a 10-degree angle, allowing a smooth and clean shave. While it is difficult to achieve a precise shave with traditional clippers, due to the thickness of the trimmer guard, the slanted blades of the DORCO 'Slant Stubble Razor' greatly enhance shaving power. The DORCO Slant Stubble Razor is a marvel of technology and shaving advancement as it allows convenient shaving with water, without requiring shaving cream, and is designed with a grip optimal for an upper stroke (a method of shaving in the opposite direction of hair growth). The Slant Stubble Razor also comes with 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm cartridges for effective trimming of facial hair depending on the user's preferred style. In the future, DORCO plans to offer different types of cartridges based on the feedback from crowdfunding participants. According to global trend reports and this year's 'Shaving U&A (Usage Attitude)' survey of about 2,000 consumers in Germany, France, and the United States, the demand for frequent facial shaving and the shaving of all facial hair has been on the decline while the need for products that trim and manage facial hair is continuing to grow. Reflecting this trend, DORCO has developed the Slant Stubble Razor to lead razors for self-grooming. The retail price for the Slant Stubble Razor is USD 18. INDIEGOGO Early Bird participants of the crowdfunding campaign will receive the product at a 50% discount, for USD 9. DORCO R&D Center Team, Manager Young Jin Lee stated, "It gives us great pleasure to commence our crowdfunding campaign as a global razor manufacturing company. Unlike normal stubble razors, the Slant Stubble Razor is equipped with an innovative slant to the blades which has created new consumer demand." DORCO R&D Center Team, Manager Jae Joon Lee added, "We greatly appreciate all the support from the participants of the crowdfunding campaign and are committed to mass producing products that satisfy consumer needs by applying the valued feedback and opinions of the campaign participants." Since its establishment in 1955, DORCO has been providing consumers with innovative shaving solutions. Known as a pioneer in the shaving industry, DORCO has been responsible for the development of a series of world firsts, including the curved blade, the six-blade razor, and the seven-blade razor. Through this level of innovation, DORCO has become one of the most recognized razor companies in the world, with customers in over 130 countries. To support the launch and learn more about the Slant Stubble Razor, visitSlant Stubble Razor INDIEGOGO page (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/slant-stubble-razor--2#/). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005543/en/ Contacts: DORCO CO., LTD. Jenny Park Marketing Manager +82 2 3475 5624 psh@dorco.co.kr To ensure the safety of those working at polling places on Election Day, a Leominster furniture manufacturer plans to donate enough high quality face masks to protect every poll worker who needs one in Massachusetts on Tuesday, Nov. 3. AIS plans to announce Tuesday that it is working with state and local officials to make sure the masks are delivered ahead of Election Day. Already, more than 235 city and town clerks have requested mask donations from AIS, with some asking for as few as 10 and others seeking as many as 1,500 masks. AISs generous donation of masks to each community who chooses to participate ensures that poll workers, volunteers and voters will be safe during this election season, Nancy Talbot, clerk for the town of Ware and president of the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association, said in a statement released to the News Service by AIS. We are so thankful that AIS stepped forward to be of help when so many communities are strapped financially. The effort got started after Leominster City Clerk Katelyn Huffman appealed to AIS, saying fiscal challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult to acquire equipment to protect people from the highly contagious and potentially deadly virus. Company CEO Bruce Platzman said AIS expects to deliver more than 22,000 facemasks to city and town clerks for use by municipal employees, poll workers and volunteers. The first shipments left the companys Leominster headquarters last week. AIS, which makes commercial office furniture and seating products, began making masks in April when the pandemic gripped the nation. In May, it established a national Sew the Masks initiative and the company and its corporate sponsor partners have donated and distributed nearly 150,000 masks nationwide to date. Our democracy relies on the ability of all citizens to be able to freely and safely cast their votes in person on Election Day, Platzman said. These dedicated poll workers in each municipality - many of whom have served their communities for years - are in every way the frontline essential personnel that make the democratic process function." Mail-in voting and an early voting period that begins Oct. 17 are both expected to help alleviate crowds at polling places on Nov. 3, but in-person voting on election day is still likely to be brisk at some polling places due to the high turnout associated with presidential elections. AIS said that it coordinated its efforts with Secretary of State William Galvin, who oversees elections, and began working with municipal clerks Sept. 30 to arrange deliveries of donated masks. Dozens more communities requested masks by Monday after 200 cities and towns sought free masks deliveries last week. On Monday, Galvin predicted turnout in this years election will eclipse the 3,375,801 ballots cast in 2016, and projected that more than one million people will turn up at local polling locations on Nov. 3. He said hes encouraging local officials to find polling locations large enough to accommodate a surge in voters while enabling social distancing and preventing long lines. Related Content: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Romania announced tighter measures against the spread of the coronavirus Tuesday, as the country's intensive care units struggled with an influx of patients. After a recent spike in cases, staff in the intensive care units are struggling, with more than 600 patients being treated for the virus across the country. And in the last two days, two patients in a serious condition had to be transferred by helicopter to hospitals in different cities because some ICU units were full. "There are some empty beds now, but we could reach maximum capacity," Health Minister Nelu Tataru told reporters Tuesday, referring to the situation in Bucharest. In recent months, officials have admitted that only about 1,500 ICU beds are properly equipped, but say that an unspecified number have been added over the last few weeks. Officials said plainclothes units would patrol crowded public spaces to enforce rules such as mask-wearing. In Bucharest meanwhile, theatres and indoor pubs will have to close again. "We noticed that some people only wear a mask when they see the law enforcement (...) Our goal is not to hand out fines, but we won't tolerate situation where the law is not respected", police spokesman Georgian Dragan told reporters. The authorities will also toughen controls in places such as open markets, in a fresh attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19. Masks are already mandatory in enclosed public spaces and in crowded outdoor spaces. Romania reported over 2,100 new cases on Tuesday bringing the total to 139,000 since the pandemic started. To date, 5,121 people have died, the worst death rate in the eastern part of the European Union. In the capital Bucharest, because the rate of infections surpassed 1.5 cases per one thousand inhabitants, cinemas, theatres and indoor pubs will close from Wednesday. Private events such as weddings and baptisms will be allowed only outdoors. Local authorities in other counties across the country have taken similar decisions. In a country known for its poor healthcare system, officials are afraid that hospitals soon will not be able to cope if the spread of the virus is not contained. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP By PTI TOKYO: India, the US, Japan and Australia on Tuesday agreed to step up coordination in creating a free and open Indo-Pacific, amidst China's growing assertiveness in the strategically vital region. Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne affirmed strengthening of a free, open and rules-based international order, the Japanese government said in a statement issued after a meeting in Tokyo. The four major Indo-Pacific democracies, collectively known as the Quad, vowed to coordinate in ensuring peace and stability of the region, Kyodo news agency quoted the statement as saying. The in-person meeting of the foreign ministers of the 'Quad' hosted by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi took place in the backdrop of China's aggressive military behaviour in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Addressing the 2nd Quad ministerial meeting, Prime Minister Suga said a free and open Indo-Pacific is "widely recognised by the international community as a vision of peace and prosperity of this region", and that his government's basic policy is to "further continue advancing our members to this end". ALSO READ| Advancing key security and economic interests in Indo-Pacific a priority: S Jaishankar Suga, who assumed the premiership last month, underscored the need to deepen quadrilateral ties, particularly as the novel coronavirus has spread globally. "The international community is facing multiple and various challenges. This is exactly why right now is the time that we must further deepen our coordination with as many countries as possible that share our vision," he said. In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said that as vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values, the four nations have collectively affirmed the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. "We remain committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said, amidst growing global concern over China's expansionist behaviour. "Our objective remains advancing the security and the economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region," Jaishankar said. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years. Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan. The South China Sea and the East China Sea are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources. They are also vital to global trade. Although the US lays no claims to the disputed waters, it has challenged China's growing territorial claims in the South China Sea by deploying warships and fighter jets to assert freedom of navigation and overflight patrols in the strategically vital region. Meanwhile, Japan has lodged a protest against China's creation of a digital museum laying out its claims to a group of Japan-controlled islets in the East China Sea, the government's top spokesman said on Monday. "The Senkaku Islands have been recognised historically and under international law as an inherent part of Japan's territory and we maintain effective control over them," Kyodo news agency quoted Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato as saying at a press conference. China is "not in a position" to create such a website regarding the islets, Kato said, adding that Japan has demanded through diplomatic channels that it be taken down. The dispute over ownership of the uninhabited islets, which China calls Diaoyu, has often strained Japan-China relations. China frequently sends coast guard or government ships to nearby waters in a bid to push its claims to them, the report said. (Natural News) China has experienced 21 large-scale floods so far this year 1.6 times more than previous years. This number hit a previous historical flooding record since 1998, with most occurring in the six main Chinese river basins including the Yangtze and Yellow River. A statement released by Chinas Ministry of Water Resources on Sept. 22 mentioned that 833 rivers in China have gone above flood warning levels, 80 percent more than the 1998 record. Among that total, 267 rivers went over the safety level and 77 reached record highs. Meanwhile, the national average rainfall in China for 2020 reached 616 mm the second-highest since 1961. This was 13 percent more than the 2019 national average. Water levels in some major northeast China rivers are still over the warning limit, and emergency response to floods in the country still remains at level-IV. Two working groups from the Ministry of Water Resources are still in the Heilongjiang province to guide work on local flood defenses. Despite this, the ministry and other authorities vowed to continue flood control efforts as the country has now entered the late-stage flood season. (Related: China floods reach new high as officials issue grim warnings.) China has been experiencing flooding in the past few months Three days of moderate to heavy rainfall is still expected in some parts of Chinas western and southern areas. Some cities in the provinces of Guizhou, Yunnan and Sichuan, and Guangxi in the south, will experience torrential rain. This weather projection follows an earlier report in September by The Epoch Times: Three typhoons hit the Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces in the northeast, causing heavy rain and exacerbating floods. The resulting flood inundated a number of farms and destroyed crops that were ready for harvesting. Heilongjiang province is one of the countrys main producers of corn, Japonica rice and soybean. Its soybean yield comprises almost half of Chinese production, while Japonica rice from the province makes up 40 percent of Chinese production. A month earlier, the Epoch Times reported that typhoons also worsened flooding in the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu and the megacity of Chongqing. Chinese state media also reported that floodwater covered the toes of the 71-meter tall Leshan Giant Buddha statue in Sichuan. Even the Three Gorges Dam proved insufficient in addressing Chinas flooding problem The Beijing built the Three Gorges Dam at the upper reaches of the Yangtze River as a way to control the yearly flooding, dubbed as Chinas sorrow due to the number of lives and property lost. The recent flooding, however, questioned the dams role in addressing the problem, Reuters reported. Chinese vice-minister of water resources Ye Jianchin said in July that 2.9 billion cubic meters of floodwater has been stored at the Three Gorges Dam. However, geologist Fan Xiao countered the claim and said the dams storage capacity only amounted to less than nine percent of average flood water. Fan added that the dam was powerless to address flooding caused by heavy rains in the Yangtzes middle and lower reaches. The geologists comments are not the only concerns about the Three Gorges Dam. Satellite images have shown that the dam is showing signs of damage specifically, part of its frame is buckling. The Chinese government dismissed these claims. In August, U.S.-based think tank Heritage Foundation warned about the dangers that lie ahead in case the dam collapses. The resulting deluge of water would claim millions of lives, inundate cities and farms, and worsen Chinas pre-existing coronavirus problem. If the Chinese government continues to turn a blind eye at the displacement, seepage and deformation in the structure of the Three Gorges Dam, it will literally be a matter of time before the dam finally gives way. Sources include: StrangeSounds.org TheEpochTimes.com 1 TheEpochTimes.com 2 Reuters.com Heritage.org President Donald Trump stands on the balcony outside the Blue Room after returning to the White House in Washington on Oct. 5, 2020. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo) Trump Returns to White House, Focuses on Reassuring America President Donald Trump returned to the White House after a four-day hospital stay with a message of optimism and grit for a nation fatigued by months of uncertainty and unprecedented shutdowns related to the spread of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Dont let it dominate you. Dont be afraid of it, the president said in a video message filmed Oct. 5 on the balcony of the White House, after his arrival from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland. Youre going to beat it. We have the best medical equipment, we have the best medicines, all developed recently, and youre going to beat it. Since testing positive for the CCP virus on Oct. 1, the president issued several video messages to the nation, all spoken from the perspective of someone dealing with the illness first hand. Upon his return home, he highlighted his own rapid improvement as a source of inspiration for people who fear becoming infected as the virus continues to spread. The president delivered the remarks as some locales in the United States saw spikes in new cases, while others reimposed stifling lockdowns. In New York City, the former epicenter of the breakout in the United States, the mayor appeared set to return nine neighborhoods to a lockdown on Oct. 7. Trump, who has repeatedly suggested that Democratic-run states are exploiting the lockdowns to hurt his reelection chances by suffocating the economy, struck a defiant tone, suggesting the country needs to get back to work in the face of risks. The president also appeared to address his critics who have criticized his resistance to wearing a mask and decision to hold large-scale outdoor rallies. Dont let it dominate, dont let it take over your lives. Dont let that happen, we have the greatest country in the world. Were going back to work. Were going to be out front, the president said. As your leader, I had to do that. I knew theres danger to it, but I had to do it. I stood out front, I led. Nobody thats a leader would not do what I did. And I know theres a risk, theres a danger, but thats OK. And now Im better and maybe Im immune. The presidents physician, Dr. Sean Conley, said in a statement on Oct. 6 that the president has continued to do extremely well. He had a restful first night at home, and today he reports no symptoms, Conley said. In an interview with The Epoch Times on Oct. 6, the presidents attorney, Rudy Giuliani, said he has been in touch with the president every day since Oct. 3. Giuliani said the president is fully engaged, totally involved in whats going on, adding that the only thing thats restricted are his physical movements out of the White House. When asked whether the experience changed Trump, Giuliani said he didnt believe it changed Trump but may have given him some insights he didnt have before. It certainly gave him great confidence that the new medicines that his Operation Warp Speed created are effective. Asked about comments by Trump earlier this year that China will pay a very substantial price for the virus outbreak, Giuliani said: Theres no reason to telegraph to the Chinese what we are thinking about or what were going to do. All I can tell you is that he has been very tough on China. K.T. McFarland, President Donald Trumps former deputy national security adviser, told The Epoch Times she believes that testing positive for the virus will enable Trump to speak to the American people from the perspective of having lived through the infection himself. Its not something he has read in the book. Hes been to the school of coronavirus, she said. Itll allow him to really speak with much more authority on what the country is going through. Hes been briefed on all of the experimental treatments and protocols as well as the upcoming vaccines, McFarland added. It will actually make him a far more powerful leader. The president continued to set the tone on Oct. 6, writing on Twitter that he is FEELING GREAT! and intends to participate in the debate against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Oct. 15. Later, he ordered White House negotiators to halt their efforts to make a deal with the Democrats on a stimulus package and wait until after the election. He also asked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to focus on confirming Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett. The Stock Market is at record levels, JOBS and unemployment also coming back in record numbers, the president wrote on Twitter. We are leading the World in Economic Recovery, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Some 1,300 law students have passed this years entrance examination paving the way for their admission to the Ghana School of Law, ClassFMonline.com has gathered. This is out of a total number of 2,701 candidates that sat the exam. The results of this years exam was of public interest due to the mass failure that was recorded last year and previous years. In September 2019, only 128 of 1,820 passed the exam. There was a similar magnitude of failure the previous year (2018). Unhappy with the outcome, the law students demonstrated on Monday, 7 October 2019 to demand reforms in legal education in the country. Members of the Law Students Association said back then that the mass failure was a deliberate attempt by the General Legal Council (GCL) to deny people access to legal education and make it a preserve of a few. The immediate past Chief Justice, Justice Sophia Akuffo, at the time, stated that the mass production of lawyers will not happen under her watch. She stated: "Those of you lawyers and those of you lecturers who are busy advocating free scale, mass admissions into the professional law course, and mass production of lawyers, be careful what you wish for." "So long as I have anything to do with it, it wont happen. "Just like you cant mass-produce doctors and surgeons, Ghanaians must not have mass-produced lawyers imposed on them, the Chief Justice said when she addressed the Bench, Bar and Faculty Conference at the Labadi Beach Hotel on the theme: The Changing Landscape in the Law the Judge, the Lawyer and the Academic. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video (Newser) The six-year legal back-and-forth over "Stairway to Heaven" has ended, with Led Zeppelin holding on to ownership of the song. The US Supreme Court announced Monday that it won't take up the case, leaving intact a March ruling by an appeals court that favored the band, the BBC reports. Spirit, an American psychedelic band, filed a copyright suit in 2014 claiming that Robert Plant and Jimmy Page copied the song's opening riff from "Taurus," which Spirit released in 1968. The judge didn't let the original jury listen to "Taurus," but the Ninth Circuit decided the error didn't call for a new trial. Some estimates put earnings from "Stairway to Heaven" at more than $500 million since it was released in 1971, per the New York Times. story continues below The two bands shared a bill in Birmingham, England, in 1970, but Page said he'd never heard "Taurus" until online posts compared the songs in the early 2010s. "I knew I had never heard that before," Page testified. The jury didn't buy that contention but still decided the songs were "not intrinsically similar." Experts testified that the descending pattern isn't unique to those two songs, giving a 1964 Mary Poppins song, "Chim Chim Cher-ee," as one example. The music industry monitored the case for decisions on whether, for example, copyright can be claimed over a brief sequence of notes or chord progression. (Read more Stairway to Heaven stories.) Prince William's new ITV conservation documentary has been hailed by viewers as 'outstanding', with royal fans insisting Princess Diana 'would be so proud' of her son. The Duke of Cambridge, 38, was praised by Twitter users for being 'passionate' but 'not preachy' in his programme Prince William: A Planet For Us All, which aired last night. Prince William was followed by cameras for two years travelling around the UK and to Pakistan and Tanzania as he embarked on a global mission to mobilise action for the natural world. Explaining how having children Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, two, spurred him into taking action to help save the wildlife, the duke also shared three unseen photographs of his youngsters during the documentary. Scroll down for video Prince William's new ITV conservation documentary (above) has been hailed by viewers as 'outstanding', with royal fans insisting Princess Diana 'would be so proud' of her son Princess Diana with Prince William in the Royal Box on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 1991. The Duke of Cambridge, 38, was praised by Twitter users for being 'passionate' but 'not preachy' in his programme Prince William: A Planet For Us All, which aired last night Prince William was followed by cameras for two years travelling around the UK and to Pakistan and Tanzania as he embarked on a global mission to mobilise action for the natural world. Pictured, viewers say Princess Diana would be proud of her son's work Following the programme, viewers were quick to suggest how proud the late Princess Diana would be of her son Prince William. 'William is just like Diana. He is so diplomatic in this documentary, only showing the good work all can do without lectures or preachers,' one person wrote. Another said: 'The beautiful Princess Diana would be incredibly proud of her son William and also Harry. She is greatly missed.' A third added: 'Prince William brings a sense of wonderment and joy to the natural beauty we all take for granted... Diana would be so proud.' Others praised the duke for appearing 'incredibly passionate', with one person adding: 'Prince William coming across as... kind and informed.' Following the programme, viewers (above) were quick to suggest how proud the late Princess Diana would be of her son Prince William 'Prince William makes me so proud! He is going to make an amazing King one day, and it makes me so happy to see him so passionate about helping make a difference in this world,' another wrote. Elsewhere, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis appeared during the documentary via three new pictures, which showed them enjoying the outdoors. In the candid images, Prince Louis could be seen playing in the sand with a bright blue bucket, while Prince George held a spade, and Princess Charlotte helped to plant a flower. After being quizzed by children at All Saints Catholic Primary School in Liverpool about his youngsters, Prince William admitted that Prince George and Princess Charlotte were both 'very cheeky' and 'as cheeky as each other.' The school children were seen in the process of building a huge hotel to home bugs, which they named Bugingham Palace. Other social media users praised the duke for appearing 'incredibly passionate' (pictured) Prince William shared three new photographs (pictured) of his children in his new ITV conservation documentary After discussing the importance of the insects on the environment, the children were keen to quiz the duke about whether his two eldest children were cheeky and whether he was able to do the floss dance. 'They're about as cheeky as each other, they are very cheeky. Charlotte can floss, she can already floss at four,' he said. 'You don't want to see me floss, Catherine can floss, but I can't - it's like a really horrible film to watch.' Flossing is a dance move which involves swinging your hips and arms in different directions as if there is a piece of invisible dental floss between your legs. At the same time the hips must move to the beat while your arms are held in two fists. The prince was filmed observing rhinos in their natural habitat and fed a carrot to one female named Deborah, pictured During one visit to Tanzania's Mkomazi National Park, Prince William (pictured) explained how having children spurred him into taking action to help save the rhinos Prince William also revealed how becoming a father 'changed his outlook' on saving endangered species in the programme. During one visit to Tanzania's Mkomazi National Park, the father-of-three explained how having children spurred him into taking action to help save the rhinos. He said: 'Now I've got George, Charlotte, and now Louis. Your outlook does change and that's why I had to do something because I really felt like by the time my children were 20, at the rate poaching was at, there may not have been another rhino in the world.' The prince was filmed observing rhinos in their natural habitat and fed a carrot to one female named Deborah. 'I like Deborah a lot,' he said. 'I've never known a rhino to be called Deborah before.' Elsewhere, in stirring scenes filmed at a heavily guarded ivory facility in Tanzania in 2018, where 43,000 tusks with a street value of 50million were impounded, the father-of-three became visibly upset over fears for the future of elephants and rhinos He continued: 'They are a prehistoric, odd-looking creature but when you get to see their characters and you get to see the family bond they have with their mum, it does make you feel like you're watching a close family unit. 'The fact that they're under so much threat is really quite sad. People might think of them as a big tank, a big hulk of an animal with a big horn but they are incredibly vulnerable. 'They don't have brilliant eyesight and people will take advantage of that. And they want this horn, which is effectively nail. That's all it is, it's fingernail.' Getting close to one rhino, he added: 'This is where the horn belongs, on a live rhino, and that's where it should stay.' Elsewhere, in stirring scenes filmed at a heavily guarded ivory facility in Tanzania in 2018, where 43,000 tusks with a street value of 50million were impounded, the father-of-three became visibly upset over fears for the future of elephants and rhinos. In Pakistan's Hindu Kush mountains, the duke and his wife the Duchess of Cambridge (above) saw first hand the effects of climate change on glaciers which are melting at record speeds In other scenes, the Duke (pictured) said he feels it is his 'duty' to leave the planet in a stronger position for future generations The royal said: 'It's a mind-blowing number of tusks, it really is. You can't get your head around it.' He also showed anguish over the rhino, which is facing extinction after being hunted for their horns which are used in some cultures for medicine. In other scenes, the Duke said he feels it is his 'duty' to leave the planet in a stronger position for future generations. William said he wants to follow in the footsteps of Prince Charles and the Duke of Edinburgh who he said were 'ahead of their time' so he didn't let his children down. He added: 'My grandfather, my father have been in environmental work for many years. The documentary charted Prince William's (pictured) journey from passionate conservationist to wanting to play a greater global leadership role on the environment 'My grandfather's well ahead of his time. My father, ahead of his time. And I really want to make sure that, in 20 years, George doesn't turn round and say, 'are you ahead of your time?' Because if he does, we're too late.' The duke also said the coronavirus crisis had given everyone a greater appreciation of the natural world. He added: 'If there's any ray of light from this, it is that it allows us to take stock and to refocus our priorities.' The duke called on humanity to 'speed the pace up' and tackle the growing environmental threat to the planet. Speaking in the new documentary, William suggested he expects to be criticised for his views, saying: 'Someone has to put their head above the parapet and say, "I care about this."' And he highlighted how the younger generation - who are typified by the teenage climate change activist Greta Thunberg - are pushing for change and action on the issue. The ITV documentary followed the father-of-three (pictured) around the world as he embarked on a mission to help stop climate change 'What Greta's done is really quite interesting,' William said. 'People were desperate for someone to come along. Thank goodness there's somebody there with a young voice being active. 'That generational gap has to be breached somehow so that the older political leaders understand that the younger generation mean business - they want their futures protected.' William was filmed over the past two years in the UK and countries such as Pakistan and Tanzania for the ITV documentary. In Pakistan's Hindu Kush mountains, the duke and his wife the Duchess of Cambridge saw first hand the effects of climate change on glaciers which are melting at record speeds. During the official tour last October, William told the documentary: 'It's a huge environmental and humanitarian disaster. And yet, we still don't seem to be picking up the pace and understanding it quick enough. And I think the young are really getting it. 'And the younger generation are really wanting more and more people to do stuff and want more action. And we've got to speed the pace up. We've got to get on top of it and we need to be more vocal and more educational about what's going on.' The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) says the number of people suffering acute food crisis in Kano State has increased from 568,000 before the coronavirus pandemic to 1.5 million in October. The degeneracy, which is put at 158 per cent, according to the global humanitarian organisation, is part of the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. The organisation disclosed this in Kano on Monday evening during the formal launch of its food and cash assistance to the urban poor in the state. Justifying the choice of Kano State for the aid distribution, WFP in its statement which was shared with the media at the event, explained that the citys regional centrality and commercial importance accounted for the significant figure. The global body said the initiative will be extended to Lagos, the countrys commercial centre, and Abuja, the federal capital territory. It added that the biting consequences of the pandemic compelled it to, for the first time, expand its programme in Nigeria to reach people in towns and cities, where it noted that; millions of people are threatened with hunger and malnutrition due to the socio-economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Towards achieving the programme, WFP said it has budgeted $3 million, amounting to about N1.1 billion, and that the Nigerian government has supported the programme with 2,000 metric tonnes of food from its Strategic Grain Reserve which is valued at $1 million or about N380 million. It said more than 200,000 individuals have been identified to benefit from the food or cash assistance with 67,000 beneficiaries in each of the nations three cities of Kano, Lagos and Abuja. Across Nigeria Africas biggest economy and most populous country people who earn the least have lost the most as a result of the pandemic. Approximately 90 per cent of the population depend on a daily wage to survive, and many of these people live in urban areas. These informal workers have lost up to 80 per cent of their earnings. With a lack of income and increasing food prices, more and more people are finding it extremely difficult to meet their food needs. The prices of basic cereals have risen by 15 per cent in the last month alone, and the national price of millet Nigerias staple food has doubled over the past year. To cope with hunger, families are being forced to borrow money and food, or sell their remaining assets plunging them deeper into poverty. Speaking at the launch, the Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje, commended the global organisation for the support, saying collaboration among world leaders and authorities is the best way to tackle the pandemic and its spiraling consequences. He said; This partnership has enabled us to save the lives of thousands of people in Kano State during these difficult times. Speaking on the development, Paul Howe, WFPs country director in Nigeria, said the cash and food distribution is to complement the governments ongoing efforts to cushion the impact of the pandemic. In the coming weeks and months, WFP will continue to work with the governments of Abuja and Lagos to support the most vulnerable families. Mr Howe further said; The Government of Nigeria has shown great commitment and leadership in responding to this crisis. This is exactly what we need during this time of pandemic and beyond to achieve zero hunger in Nigeria. To minimise the risk of exposure to the virus, WFP has arranged for home deliveries of cash and food. In Kano, food will be delivered using the local ke-ke rickshaw service. In Lagos, WFP is partnering with the State Government to deliver food using boats to reach families living in the riverine community of Makoko. Meanwhile, in all three urban areas, cash will be transferred through prepaid debit cards or online bank transfers. All the carriers are lobbying Congress and the White House for another $25 billion in taxpayer money to pay workers for the next six months. Thats on top of up to $50 billion in cash and loans that Congress approved in March. Kelly said pay cuts would be rescinded if Congress approves more money. Fox News anchor Chris Wallace has tested negative for coronavirus six days after he moderated the Presidential debate with Donald Trump and Joe Biden. The President tested positive for coronavirus just two days after the controversial 90-minute debate in Cleveland, Ohio, last Tuesday. Wallace has now tested negative for Covid-19, along with Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Fox News chief White House correspondent John Roberts, who will return to the White House today. President Donald Trump was admitted to Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday and returned to the White House yesterday. Fox News anchor Chris Wallace (pictured speaking on stage before the start of the first presidential debate) has tested negative for coronavirus six days after he moderated the controversial debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday US President Donald Trump gives the thumbs-up as he leaves Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on Monday. He was admitted to the hospital on Friday after testing positive for coronavirus On Sunday, Wallace slammed the Trump campaign for flouting the debate rules by not wearing coronavirus face masks. Everyone in the crowd at the debate wore masks with the notable exceptions of Trump's guests and the First Family. Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Wallace said: 'The rules from the Cleveland Clinic could not have been more clear. 'Everyone, everyone in the audience was to wear a mask. After the first family came in, they all took off their masks. Donald Trump's family and supporters rejected requests on Tuesday night to wear masks 'So did the White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Do they think that the health and safety rules for everybody else do not apply to them? 'Everyone in that room was tested. The Cleveland Clinic regulation was, it didnt matter. Everyone except for the three of us onstage was to wear a mask.' Several members of Trump's inner circle have since tested positive for coronavirus, including top White House aide Hope Hicks, Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien and RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. Former Governor Chris Christie checked into the hospital over the weekend after participating in the President's debate preparation. President Donald Trump walked up the steps of the White House then paused to take his face mask off before entering White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany also revealed that she tested positive for the killer virus on Monday after several days of testing negative. Donald Trump will continue taking a cocktail of drugs to combat Covid-19 while he fights the virus from the comfort of the White House. The president received oxygen on Friday in the White House, and medics will be ready in case he needs it again. He also, on Friday, begun a course of remdesivir - an antiviral drug administered intravenously, which was first developed as a treatment for Ebola. He had his fourth dose on Monday night at Walter Reed, and will have his fifth and final dose at the White House. Press Release October 6, 2020 De Lima decries online abuses vs women Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has expressed alarm over the rising incidence of online violence against women though sexist remarks, vulgar language and rape jokes amid the unregulated nature of social media platforms and other online spaces. De Lima, a staunch women's rights champion, said it is high time to ensure the proper implementation of laws punishing gender-based sexual harassment online and offline, particularly the Republic Act (RA) No. 11313, or the "Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act" which she co-authored. "Recently, we learned of news about women being on the receiving end of lewd comments, sexual jokes and misogynistic and sexist slurs in digital platforms, which should not be tolerated, much less ignored, especially during this time when COVID-19 has driven life online," she said. "Nakalulungkot at nakababahala na imbes na kilalanin at irespeto ng lahat ang karapatan ng kababaihan, nagagamit pa ang online platforms para gawing normal ang pambabastos, at lalong maabuso ang mga babae," she added. Of late, issues about rape culture and victim blaming became hot topics on social media platforms after several celebrities received derogatory remarks and offensive comments for their personal stance or self-presentation. While some netizens were quick to condemn sexist remarks and rape jokes against women, other online users took to social media to blame women and tolerate the abusive acts. It may be recalled that Frankie Pangilinan made headlines when she made a firm stand against rape culture and victim shaming in the Philippines and called out TV host Ben Tulfo who claimed that the way women dressed invited the "beast" or rapists. Popularly referred to as "Bawal Bastos" Act, RA No. 11313 places cursing, catcalling, wolf-whistling, leering, taunting, misogynistic and sexist slurs, persistent telling of sexual jokes, and use of sexual names, among others, as gender-based streets and public spaces sexual harassment. The specified acts may be punishable from community service of 12 hours up to arresto menor or 11 to 30 days imprisonment for the third offense while other unlawful acts, such as making offensive body gestures at someone, exposing private parts for the sexual gratification of the perpetrator, and stalking, to name some, may receive a graver punishment of imprisonment of up to a month and one day and up to six months under the law. "Now, more than ever, the law should be strictly and properly implemented, and not exempt anyone, especially powerful people, from compliance," she said. "Sa panahon na mismong ang nasa pinakamataas na katungkulan sa gobyerno ay walang galang sa kababaihan, mas lalo pa dapat nating palakasin ang ating boses at paigtingin ang pagpapatupad ng batas para matigil na ang pambabastos at kawalang respeto sa ating dignidad at pagkababae," she added. If said incidents will be left unaddressed, the lady Senator from Bicol said these could embolden others to blame women for the sexual violence, harassment or rape inflicted upon them, while the perpetrators of these crimes walk away scot-free. "We should not allow that to happen. Regardless of gender, everyone should be able to live full and secure lives free from fear, intimidation, harassment, and discrimination. Let's not allow women to become more vulnerable to abuses," she said. In the 17th and 18th Congress, De Lima authored and co-authored several bills and resolutions advocating women's rights, including Senate Resolution No. 670, seeking to strengthen compliance in the execution of gender-responsive programs by GAD to bridge the gap between men and women, Senate Bill (SB) No. 378 focusing on the protection of women in state custody, and S.B. No. 627, amending Sec. 40 of RA No. 9710, also known as the Magna Carta of Women. She will be welcoming her very first child. And Emma Roberts was one cool mom-to-be on Monday. The expectant star, 29, was spotted grabbing an iced beverage in Los Angeles wearing a tiered plaid dress with ruffled sleeves. Checks out! Emma Roberts was spotted grabbing an iced beverage in Los Angeles on Monday wearing a tiered plaid dress with ruffled sleeves The pretty dress cascaded down her body while accentuating her growing baby bump. Emma carefully made her way downstairs wearing a bohemian chic pair of leather ankle boots, giving her 5ft2in stature a slight boost. She carried her belongings inside a tote bag while staying energized with an iced beverage, contained within an eco-friendly glass jar. The American Horror Story star took precautions against the coronavirus in style, arming herself with a pretty lilac face mask. Here she comes! Emma carefully made her way downstairs wearing a bohemian chic pair of leather ankle boots, giving her 5ft2in stature a slight boost Keeping cool: Roberts beat the heat with a hydrating iced beverage, contained within an eco-friendly glass jar She shielded her hazel eyes behind a pair of trendy, gold-rim Ray Ban sunglasses. In addition to her iced beverage, Emma kept her cool working a head full of wet hair. Emma was spotted carefully climbing down a Spanish style staircase, before arriving at the sidewalk and in the sunshine. Emma is expecting her first child - a baby boy - with her boyfriend of over one year, actor Garrett Hedlund, 36. Oh baby! The Scream Queens actress recently celebrated her baby shower with friends and family The actress confirmed her pregnancy in August with snaps of her and Garrett sitting side by side as she placed her hands around her waist. 'Me... and my two favorite guys,' she captioned the post, along with two blue heart emojis. Emma was recently lavished with love and attention at her baby shower, which only had around 15 guests in attendance, was socially distanced, and held outdoors, according to E!. The Scream Queens actress shared several snaps of her big day onto her Instagram account, where she expressed her gratitude for her family and 'pod'. 'So grateful to my family and pod for making my pregnancy feel so celebrated during such wild times. I love you guys' she wrote. Loved-up: The star is expecting her first child with boyfriend Garrett Hedlund The public debate demanding a halt to 5G preparations in Luxembourg will take place at 2pm on Tuesday in the Chamber of Deputies. The petition gathered more than 7,300 signatures, significantly passing the 4,500 threshold required for public debate. The petitioners argued in favour of halting the development of 5G in the Grand Duchy, citing the need to protect the population and future generations from untested new technology. In doing so, they joined a global movement against the rollout of 5G. The Chamber debate will be streamed from 2pm on RTL.lu. A man has been arrested at gunpoint in North Carolina this afternoon in connection to a drive-by shooting outside a courthouse in downtown Raleigh. The Wake County Sheriffs Office said that eight to 12 shots were fired from an SUV at the Wake County Justice Center in the 300 block of South Salisbury Street at 3pm. No injuries were reported stemming from the shooting, which took place outside the Public Safety Center housed in the imposing courthouse complex. Scroll down for video A shooting outside Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday afternoon sparked a manhunt Officers blocked traffic along Salisbury Street as they looked for the shooter's white Dodge Durango A man suspected of opening fire outside the courthouse was arrested at gunpoint after 4pm in Cary, North Carolina 'We went through the shock of having our Public Safety center shot up from the street. We had citizens out front standing by to go through the process to obtain pistol permits,' Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker told WTVD. 'We had officers out there assisting them. I thank God not a single person got hit. All were in the line of fire.' Photos from the scene that were posted on the sheriff's office's Facebook page showed bullet holes in glass doors at the courthouse complex and debris scattered outside the entrance. 'A search is underway for the shooter,' the sheriff's office tweeted earlier. Officers blocked traffic on Salisbury Street between Davie and Martin streets as they search for the gunman, who was said to be driving a white Dodge Durango. The Wake County Sheriff's Office shared a series of photos taken at the scene of the shooting A bullet hole is seen in a glass door on the left. The photo on the right shows glass and debris on the ground outside the entrance Some 8-12 rounds were fired at the complex but no injuries were reported About an hour later, dozens of patrol vehicles converged on a home on Rose Street in the Raleigh suburb of Cary. WRAL reported that officers held a man in a white T-shirt at gunpoint and put him in handcuffs. Sheriff Baker was on the scene in Cary and confirmed that the detained man was suspected of carrying out the shooting in Raleigh. 'We do believe that he is the shooter,' the sheriff told reporters. Baker said the unnamed suspect was taken into custody without incident. No motive has been determined so far. VANCOUVER - Mayor Kennedy Stewart wants councillors to support a multimillion-dollar proposal to help those who are homeless in Vancouver during the pandemic. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart speaks during a press conference in Vancouver on July 4, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck VANCOUVER - Mayor Kennedy Stewart wants councillors to support a multimillion-dollar proposal to help those who are homeless in Vancouver during the pandemic. Stewart has released a recommendation to council seeking as much as $30 million to buy or lease land in the city and pay for other services to provide emergency relief for people without homes. A statement from the mayor's office says the recommendation builds on the findings of a staff report, which concluded that the lease or purchase of vacant apartment complexes, commercial hotels and other buildings is the only viable way to quickly address the needs of the homeless. Stewart's recommendation also says he will continue to seek provincial and federal funds to support his plan. It's expected council will consider the recommendation at a special meeting on Thursday. Stewart says councillors must have the "courage and conviction" to act quickly to help hundreds who are living on the street or in tents in city parks. "To date, I have worked with the provincial and federal governments to secure millions in housing investments for Vancouver, but COVID-19 has presented an unprecedented challenge and we must rise to the occasion," he says in the statement. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020. TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Maxonrow hosted the closing ceremony of its first-ever Hackathon, MAXathon, on October 3, 2020. People from over 30 countries participated and seventeen pre-selected teams pitched their blockchain for healthcare solutions to a jury of seven people, and five teams won from a 15,000 euro prize pool. The Winners There was one winner per each of the five challenges Maxonrow set participants to solve for MAXathon. For the first track, Physical Distancing, the winner was team "Move-Safe." They created an algorithm that determines a safety score and creates a live map that will allow people to avoid crowded places. The winners of the second track, Credential, and Certificate Issuance, were team "VeCura ' who came up with a solution using Maxonrow's Blockchain to store test results on the blockchain. The winners of the third track, Welfare, were team "Well and Fair", an application where anyone can directly apply for a grant or stimulus package that best suits their needs. The winners of the fourth track, Virtualizing the New Norm, were team 010. The project uses zero-knowledge cryptography to form cryptographic commitments and proofs of identity. The prize for the final track UI/UX was awarded to team "Med-Chain" a machine learning-powered platform that will provide the best supply chain solutions for medical organizations World-Class Judges and Mentors Seven judges were responsible for choosing the winners from a pool of over 40+ submitted projects. The judges were: Holger Schmidt , partner at Strategy&, part of the PwC network. , partner at Strategy&, part of the PwC network. Nisa Amoils, VC , Investor, Securities Lawyer, Blockchain + AI + IoT, Grasshopper Capital , Investor, Securities Lawyer, Blockchain + AI + IoT, Grasshopper Capital Malte Schoenfeld , Venture Development Manager, Audi , Venture Development Manager, Audi Robert Wiecko , COO, Dash.org , COO, Dash.org Carlo Chung , CTO, Maxonrow , CTO, Maxonrow Sebastian Diaconou , CEO, Avantas Tech , CEO, Avantas Tech Muhammad Salman Anjum , Managing Director, Avantas Tech Nineteen mentors accompanied participants during the month-long hackathon by having 1-1 sessions to discuss their projects: Amber Urquhart , Head of Business Development,TDX Strategies , Head of Business Development,TDX Strategies Gabriel Dymowski , CEO, Doxychain , CEO, Doxychain Steven Boylan , Entrepreneur, Consultant, Start-up Mentor , Entrepreneur, Consultant, Start-up Mentor Joshua Glenn , Serial Entrepreneur & Creative Director , Serial Entrepreneur & Creative Director Rasikh Morani, Co-Founder & CEO, The Arcadia Group Rafael Schultz , CEO of Blockchainpunklabs , CEO of Blockchainpunklabs Massimo Buonomo , UN Global expert in blockchain , UN Global expert in blockchain Alex Puig , CTO, Caelum Labs , CTO, Caelum Labs Scott McKenzie , Blockchain Legal expert, Ph.D. Candidate at the University of British Columbia , Blockchain Legal expert, Ph.D. Candidate at the Dr. Amin Oroji (Ph.D.), Senior Data Scientist, Maxonrow Sik Jean Soon , Head of Engineering, Maxonrow , Head of Engineering, Maxonrow Chiew Mey Lee , Project Manager, Maxonrow , Project Manager, Maxonrow Louis Tan , Senior UI/UX Designer, Maxonrow , Senior UI/UX Designer, Maxonrow Riccardo Lamanna , Co-founder CryptoWalletCheck , Co-founder CryptoWalletCheck Mostafa Sedaghat Joo , Blockchain Architect, Maxonrow , Blockchain Architect, Maxonrow Nagaraj Manjunath , Senior Blockchain Developer, Maxonrow , Senior Blockchain Developer, Maxonrow Phua Ging Sheng , Head of DevOps, Maxonrow , Head of DevOps, Maxonrow Benjamin Lee , VP of Engineering, Maxonrow , VP of Engineering, Maxonrow YenKhoon Tan, Blockchain Developer, Maxonrow What's Next? MAXathon was a great success at leading blockchain enthusiasts to create solutions for pandemics. Maxonrow will continue planning events that cater to its growing developer community and have a real social impact. Four people, said to have links with alleged radical group Popular Front of India (PFI) and an associate outfit, were arrested at Mathura on Monday while they were on their way to Hathras from Delhi, police said. However, one of them is said to be a journalist. They said the four were taken into custody at Mathuras Math toll plaza where the police were checking vehicles after receiving a tip off that some suspicious people were on their way to Hathras from Delhi. The four were in a car and identified themselves as Atiq-ur Rehman of Muzaffarnagar, Siddique of Malappuram, Masood Ahmed of Bahraich and Alam of Rampur, the police said, adding their mobile phones, laptop and some literature, which could have an impact on peace and order, were seized. During interrogation, it came to light that they had links with the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its associate organisation Campus Front of India (CFI), the police said, adding further their interrogation is underway. The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), however, claimed that Siddique is their member and the secretary of the union. The members are now mulling to move the Supreme Court against UP polices action. The Popular Front of India (PFI), an alleged radical group, has been accused of funding certain protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that took place across the country earlier this year. The Uttar Pradesh police had earlier sought a ban on the organization. Hathras has been in news after a 19-year-old woman was allegedly raped on September 14 in a village in the district and she succumbed to her injuries a fortnight later at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Her hurried cremation in the dead of the night, allegedly without the parents consent, created further outrage. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath referred to recent incidents and said anarchist elements are trying to trigger communal and caste violence in the state. Belize's Chaa Creek offers a wide range of rainforest accommodations, from cottage rooms to luxurious villas being safe doesnt mean you need to sacrifice quality or enjoyment With Belize reopening for international travel on 1 October, 2020, The Lodge at Chaa Creek is offering tips that help make arriving easy, and visiting carefree. Bryony Fleming Bradley, Chaa Creeks managing director, said that Belizes new entry requirements are designed to safeguard everyones health and safety, and help make visiting here a breeze. These simple new requirements were put in place to protect travelers, hospitality workers and local communities, but they were also designed to be easy to follow, and help visitors enjoy the same exciting experiences and relaxed vacations Belize has always offered, she said The new health and safety measures facilitate hassle-free entry into Belize and help ensure safe, enjoyable vacations, Ms Bradley explained. The first step is to prepare for your visit by speaking with your travel agent or just becoming familiar with Belizes new entry requirements, which can be found on the Belize Tourism Board, Chaa Creek, or other websites. People can also contact Chaa Creek directly to speak with our vacation planners, who are happy to answer questions, explain the new requirements and help plan all aspects of a Belize vacation, she explained. Within three days before arriving to Belize, visitors need to download and complete the new Belize Health App, available at the Apple App Store, or via Android apps. A self-reporting form is also available at the Belize Ministry of Healths website. Visitors should also take a Covid-19 PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival, as they must provide proof of a negative result, or be tested upon arrival at the airport. After filling in information on the Belize Health App, travellers will receive a unique ID number to present at Belizes Philip Goldson International Airport and use during their stay. Arrival will then be quick and easy, Ms Bradley said. After disembarking, passengers can proceed to the airports health check-in where their temperatures will be digitally taken and shoes sanitised. Their Belize Health App will be checked, along with proof of having passed the Covid-19 PCR test. Those passengers who havent taken a test within 72 hours will be tested on the spot. Anyone testing positive will be placed in a 14-day hotel quarantine at their own expense. Thats why it makes so much sense to get tested beforehand, Ms Bradley said. After claiming their baggage, passengers can proceed to customs and immigration. Once their luggage is scanned and cleared, visitors are free to take domestic flights or Gold Standard approved ground transportation to their accommodations. The Belize Tourism Board instituted the Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program, which includes a rigorous nine-point checklist that resorts and hotels, as well as tour and transportation providers, must meet in order to be certified, Ms Bradley explained. The Lodge at Chaa Creek, and our tours and transport division, Chaa Creek Inland Expeditions, were some of the very first to be Tourism Gold Standard certified, she added. In addition to rigorous cleaning and hygiene protocols for rooms, common areas, and vehicles, as well as procedures for staff members, drivers and guides, the Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program requires certified properties to have a dedicated health and safety officer on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The health and safety officer ensures that all Gold Standard requirements are being met, liaises with guests to assist and answer questions, checks that masks are being worn and social distancing maintained in required areas, that the Health Apps are up to date, and is generally responsible for maintaining a healthy environment. Brion Young, Chaa Creeks Health and Safety officer, said his work began months ago. With such a wide range of accommodations, amenities and grounds to look after, working with our large housekeeping and other staff to keep everything in a constant state of readiness has been a big job, he explained. Fortunately, Chaa Creek is naturally healthy. Situated along the banks of a free-flowing river and surrounded by 400 acres of private nature reserve, with plenty of green space between buildings, Chaa Creek was built to harmonise with the natural surroundings, meaning everything, including the restaurant, lounge, and spa area, is open and airy. We also have a very cooperative team spirit. Many of us have worked at Chaa Creek for years and come from local villages. This makes maintaining a healthy environment everybodys business, Mr Young said. Ms Bradley encourages travellers to visit the Belize Tourism Board, Chaa Creek, and Caribbean Lifestyle websites for updates, to learn more about Belizes Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program, and for general information on Belize. Once people learn how easy travel to Belize is, and then how safe and enjoyable a rainforest vacation is once theyre here, they can relax and just enjoy the outdoor activities, amenities and exquisite farm-to-table dining weve always offered. We want to prove that being safe doesnt mean you need to sacrifice quality or enjoyment, Ms Bradley said. The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a multi-award winning eco resort set within a 400-acre private nature reserve along the banks of the Macal River in Belize. Its commitment to sustainable tourism was recognised by National Geographic with first place honours at the 2017 World Legacy Awards held in Berlin. Unseeded American Danielle Collins advanced to the quarter-final of the French Open for the first time with a three set win over the 30th seed Ons Jabeur. Collins, the world number 57, took the first set 6-4 on Court Philippe Chatrier and was 3-0 up in the second before the Tunisian hit back to claim the second by the same score. I felt I was in the driver's seat, Collins told on-court interviewer Marion Bartoli after the match. But she's tricky and she started to serve really well and hit drop shots when I wasn't expecting them. I lost my way and my rhythm. Collins was all at sea to such an extent that Jabeur got the early break to lead 2-1 in the decider but then she hit back to level at 2-2. She then saved three break points on her way to taking a 3-2 lead. And then pocketed Jabeur's serve to gain a 4-2 advantage. Fight Collins, who beat the 2016 champion Garbine Muguruza in the third round, failed to extend the advantage allowing Jabeur to return to 4-3. She lapped up the favour and it was all square at 4-4 after one hour and 52 minutes. Collins regathered her composure to hold for 5-4 forcing Jabeur to serve to stay in the match. She failed to rise to the challenge and it was all over in just under two hours. I needed to stay positive, added Collins. And that's what I did. The 26-year-old who reached the semi-finals at the 2019 Australian Open, will play the fourth seed Sofia Kenin for a place in the semi-finals. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and music director Andris Nelsons have agreed to a three-year contract extension, ensuring he will lead the symphony through the 2024-25 season and possibly beyond: An evergreen clause allows his commitment to stretch well beyond the new term. Nelsons has signed a similar contract extension with the BSOs sister orchestra, the Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig. The Boston Globe Little more than an hour earlier, about 1:20 p.m., a man in his 20s suffered a gunshot wound to his head in the 11800 block of South Union Avenue about 11 miles away from where the apparent suicide eventually occurred and was taken to Roseland Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Terming as "horrible" the Hathras incident, the Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to inform it by October 8 about the steps taken to protect witnesses in the case in which a Dalit girl was allegedly brutally raped and died due to injuries. The apex court directed the Yogi Adityanath government to file an affidavit in this regard and also ascertain whether the victims family has chosen a lawyer. The apex court observation came while hearing a PIL during which the state government expressed willingness to refer the investigation to the CBI on the ground that fake narratives were being spread about the case with political motives. A bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian said it will ensure that the investigation is smooth in the case. The top court also asked all parties appearing before it to give suggestions on the scope of proceedings before the Allahabad high court and how the apex court can make it more relevant. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the UP government, said, "Narratives after narratives being spread in Hathras case, this this needs to be stopped." The CBI probe in Hathras case will ensure no vested interests will be able to create fake, false narrative with oblique motives, Mehta told the court. The state government told the top court that probe in Hathras case may be conducted by the CBI under the apex courts supervision. Mehta said the state government is not opposing the plea for a fair probe by the CBI or a Special Investigation Team and said a young innocent girl has lost her life, but nobody should sensationalise it. Investigation should be fair, appear fair. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for few intervenors, asked the top court to provide protection to the victims family. Jaising said the family has expressed that they are not satisfied with the CBI taking up the case and said an SIT, monitored by the apex court, should probe the case. At this point, the bench asked Jaising what her locus standi was in the case. "You dont have any locus in this matter. But we are hearing you because the case is such and of huge importance. We are hearing your because this a shocking incident, but we are still pondering over your locus in this case, said the bench. Advocate Kirti Singh, appearing for few woman lawyers, said the probe should be under the supervision of the court. The apex court said this is a horrible incident but it does not want repetitive arguments in court. "It is horrible incident but the question is how many similar arguments should we hear? Please understand that there is no need to duplicate concerns in the court of law, the bench said. Court of law need not hear the same argument by every party. This is not a comment on the incident but please understand our point of view, it added. The Uttar Pradesh government earlier in the day sought a CBI probe into the alleged gang-rape and death of the Dalit woman, saying it will ensure that no vested interest is able to create a fake and false narrative with "oblique motives". In an affidavit filed in response to a PIL, which has been listed for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, the UP government said it is important that the investigation is carried out by an independent central agency. It said the state has already requested the Centre that the CBI take over the investigation as it would obviate hindrance being created by certain vested interests in the fair and impartial investigation. The CBI probe will also ensure that no vested interests will be able to create a fake and false narrative with oblique motives, it said. Quoting FSL reports, it has however denied the charge that rape was committed. The government said that it itself prays to the top court to keep PIL filed by social activist Satyama Dubey pending allowing the investigation by CBI to be conducted under the supervision of this court in a time bound manner. The 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly raped by four upper-caste men in Hathras on September 14. She died on September 29 at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital during treatment. The victim was cremated in the dead of the night near her home on September 30. Her family alleged they were forced by the local police to hurriedly conduct her last rites. Local police officers, however, said the cremation was carried out "as per the wishes of the family. Niantic has launched its Niantic Local Business Recovery Initiative, a community aid project that aims to help local businesses impacted by the ongoing pandemic by leveraging Pokemon Gos sizable playerbase. The studio has selected 1,000 small businesses from a list of over 38,000 player submissions that came in from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., and Japan, businesses that range from family-owned bakeries and hair salons to small apparel stores and hobby shops. Each of those businesses, which themselves must operate five or less storefronts and follow local health and safety regulations, will be added to Pokemon Go as sponsored locations for the next year. Niantic says the goal here is to help drive awareness and commerce to smaller local businesses that could benefit from a bit of both during these trying times by adding them into the location-based game both as player-attracting PokeStops or Gyms and enabling them to run promotional campaigns in the app. More information on the program and Niantics future plans for the initiative (including a launch for its other games) can be found here. U.S. Border Patrol agents seized nearly $67,000 worth of methamphetamine from this Nissan on Friday near the Salton Sea. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) U.S. Border Patrol agents confiscated more than $800,000 worth of drugs from a checkpoint near the Salton Sea in the last two weeks, the agency announced. The El Centro Sector of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said multiple drug busts at the Highway 86 checkpoint between Salton City and Westmoreland found methamphetamine, heroine, cocaine and fentanyl. Three incidents were logged over the weekend, according to a release from Border Patrol. In one, agents said a 21-year-old man was found with roughly $88,000 worth of cocaine and fentanyl. Two other seizures involved a 35-year-old man found with roughly $58,000 worth of heroin and a 53-year-old man found with nearly $360,000 worth of cocaine and methamphetamine, the agency said. Its a pretty high amount of drugs in such a short period of time," Border Patrol spokesman Macario Mora said. K-9 units were involved in several of the searches, and in many instances, narcotics were hidden inside vehicles, including compartments in engines, dashboards, consoles and oil pans, officials said. In total, the weekends seizures were estimated to have a street value of more than half a million dollars, Customs and Border Protection said. The busts followed three other smuggling attempts that were logged Friday, including one involving roughly 30 pounds of methamphetamine. The seizures, from three separate vehicles, included a small amount of fentanyl and were valued at more than $120,000. In the prior week, agents discovered nearly $200,000 worth of methamphetamine in four smuggling incidents. While most drivers were U.S. citizens who were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Border Crimes Suppression Team, officials said that one was a Mexican national. The Salton Sea has long been an area of interest for Californians drawn to its isolated locale and high-salinity sea, which has been the subject of an Imperial Valley water war for decades. The once-popular tourist destination is now home to a shrinking lakebed known to emit toxic pollution, and few local residents remain. Mora said the nearby El Centro Border Patrol sector is an active drug-trafficking area. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Paul Nice retires after more than half century of working for Franconia WCF Insurance has promoted Laura Stireman to Utah regional vice president. Stireman and her team Kevin McGee, Randah Urbina, and Tovik Olsen, will now focus on assisting Utah agencies with WCFs staged growth into multi-peril products. She will continue to lead and coordinate aspects of sales operations, including core functions as processes, procedures, incentive trips, and feedback councils. Stireman has been with WCF for 23 years and has held a variety of positions from claims to sales. WCF Insurance is a large writer of workers compensation insurance. WCF Insurance is the common brand mark and brand name for both WCF Mutual Insurance Company and WCF National Insurance Co. Shaun Lucas, a police officer in Wolfe City, Texas, was arrested Monday and charged with the murder of Jonathan Price, a 31-year-old Black man, CNN reports. The Texas Department of Public Safety said Lucas responded to a call about a possible fight Saturday evening and attempted to detain Price, who civil rights attorney Lee Merritt said was attempting to break up a domestic dispute in which another man was being "aggressive toward a woman." When Price "resisted in a non-threatening posture and began walking away" Lucas used his taser and then fired his gun, the department said. Price later died at a hospital. A preliminary investigation has since determined Lucas' "actions were not (objectively) reasonable," the Texas DPS said in a statement. Subsequently, Texas Rangers booked Lucas into the Hunt County Jail. Price's death comes on the heels of other high-profile incidents in which police officers killed Black Americans, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks. Their deaths have sparked protests against police brutality across the country. Read more at CNN. More stories from theweek.com The myth of Mike Pence's appeal Trump is shockingly bad at this Is Joe Biden the Konrad Adenauer of the U.S.? Kevin OLeary aka Mr. Wonderful from ABCs hit TV series, Shark Tank has picked a Pennsylvania man as the winner of a competition created by StartEngine. What started with nearly 1500 startups LifeBrand was the last one standing winning a $10,000.00 grant from Mr. OLeary. Well be using that money to hire additional employees and create new jobs said LifeBrands Founder and CEO. Thomas J. Colaiezzi of Springfield, PA started his professional career as a janitor at a Philadelphia area LA Fitness, and worked his way up as top salesman , general manager, and then District Vice President. It was at L.A. Fitness that he learned his passion for business and sales. Now, he is helping many businesses and individuals clean up, and monitor their social media reputation. Whether youre one person or an entire company, Colaiezzi says LifeBrand takes 100% control of your social media. StartEngine, who hosted the pitch competition, enables everyday people to become angel investors and venture capitalists by giving them access to startup investment opportunities. LifeBrand utilizes continual machine learning to locate and remove harmful content off of your social media accounts. It scans social media accounts for inappropriate or controversial material, then removes it. Nearly everyone in their younger years has posted something that doesnt reflect well on them as an adult and doesnt reflect well for the company that they work for. LifeBrand helps protect both the individual and company reputations. LifeBrand has also developed a FCRA compliant way for companies to run social media background checks, similar to criminal background checks or credit checks. Social Media is far too important for employers to ignore, but employers needed a compliant way to check social media. Thats where LifeBrand comes in. They not only protect the employer but also the potential employees rights in being notified ahead of time that their social media content could affect the hiring decision. It gives the employee the ability to review their content and essentially brings the process of social media snooping or recruiting above table. This is a strong entrepreneur with every question answered. He nailed itI totally see the opportunity for what this could be, and how important it is, and how I want to use it in my businesses, said Kevin OLeary. Click here to watch a video of O'Leary awarding LifeBrand the prize! Im blown away he picked us as a winner, thank you Kevin OLeary and StartEngine for one of the best days of my life. This is just the beginning, said Thomas Colaiezzi. Check out your social media reputation today, and test it LIVE here: https://cleanbrand.lifebrand.life/ You can read more about StartEngine's First Pitch Competition on its website. ### LifeBrand: LifeBrand is the world leader in social media detection and prevention. With our patent pending FCRA compliant social media background check we have built a safer, more compliant way to perform social media background checks while also protecting the privacy and rights of employees. Our reputation management for consumers allows individuals the opportunity to scan, locate, and remove any potentially damaging posts from their social media that could damage their personal brand or corporate brand of their employer. Our proprietary Social Impact Score also allows individuals and businesses to predict future behavior and analyze past behavior. Currently working with some of the largest corporations in the world LifeBrand is here to stay. The British government has launched an investigation into how nearly 16,000 new infections went unreported as a result of a technical glitch, a failing that could have given fresh impetus to an outbreak that critics say could easily get out of control. Health Secretary Matt Hancock told lawmakers Monday that the problem related to the automated transfer of files." The problem is widely thought to be connected to the file size limitations on Excel spreadsheets used in the test-and-trace program. This is a serious issue which is being investigated fully, Hancock said. Now it is critical we work together to put it right and make sure it doesn't happen again. Hancock's appearance at the House of Commons came after the weekend disclosure that 15,841 virus cases weren't tabulated from Sept 25 to Oct 2. Though those testing positive had been told of their status, their contacts potentially around 50,000 people weren't traced, a failing that could have allowed the virus to flourish. He said 51% of those testing positive were contacted again and that their contacts were reached immediately after that. Despite the addition of so many new cases, he said the government's chief medical officer has not substantially changed" his opinion about the epidemic's path in the UK, which like other countries in Europe is witnessing a second spike of the virus. Jonathan Ashworth, Hancock's counterpart in the main opposition Labour Party, said the failing showed how shambolic the Conservative government's plan to fight the pandemic was and that the latest problem afflicting the country's testing regime was putting lives at risk. Lawmakers from all parties have criticized Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government for a shortage of testing capacity that's meant some people have been asked to travel hundreds of miles for a test, and delays in notifying people of their test results. The latest problem appears to have been caused by an Excel file maxing out during an automated process. Though the software is a staple in consumer settings, experts say it has a number of limitations for use in much grander projects. If this was Excel as is being reported, the limitations of Excel, which is generally a very decent piece of software, in terms of Big Data are well known," said Jon Crowcroft, a professor of communications systems at the University of Cambridge. For the test-and-trace program to work well, contacts should be notified as soon as possible, within hours preferably. So authorities' failure to inform people potentially exposed to the virus could lead to many more positive cases and the subsequent need for the government to impose further unwanted restrictions on everyday life. Ashworth slammed the government for its latest failing at one of the most crucial points in the pandemic, adding that the contacts of those unreported new cases may have been blissfully unaware they've been exposed to COVID, potentially spreading this deadly virus at a time when hospital admissions are increasing and we are in the second wave. This isn't just a shambles it's so much worse than this and it gives me no comfort to say this, but it's putting lives at risk, Ashworth added. The unreported cases were added to the government's daily new infections total over the weekend, boosting Saturday's number to 12,872 cases and Sunday's to 22,961. That compared to an average of 7,000 new cases a day the four days before. The number of new cases reported Monday fell to 12,594, but given the adjustments related to the missing cases, it was impossible to figure out a trend. Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, called the glitch very disappointing. For the test, track and trace system to have a real impact on reducing transmission of COVID-19, it is essential that test results are communicated rapidly, he said. Like other countries in Europe, the UK has seen rising infections over the past few weeks, which has prompted the government to announce a series of restrictions, both nationally and locally, to keep a lid on infections. The new rules limit the number of people allowed to gather together and put a curfew on pubs. The UK has Europe's highest virus-related death toll at around 42,400. The government's chief scientific advisers warned two weeks ago that if more restrictions were not taken, the country could end up with 50,000 new cases a day by mid-October, leading to hundreds of daily deaths a month later. The confusion over the daily testing numbers only adds to the uncertainty over whether the restrictions are working in suppressing the virus. (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.) Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. Desrine Peters, 43, moved to Canada 10 years ago from Jamaica and had been working in security, but found there wasnt much room for progress in the field. I was finding myself not accomplishing my goals, she said. Peters is now a first-year student at Seneca College in the chemical lab technician program, and has plans to continue studying biochemistry. She credits her adult day school teachers with motivating her and encouraging her to continue her studies. Two years ago she began taking classes at the TDSBs Emery Adult Learning Centre to complete high school credits needed for her college program. When the COVID-19 pandemic created hiccups in education and moved things online in the spring, she finished that semester and took summer school so she would be able to continue to college this fall. But for students who were looking to return to adult day school this quadmester, the chaotic planning and unequal online class offering is threatening to halt their education, as well as putting teachers and students at risk, and exacerbating problems with adult education in Ontario that have been overlooked since 1997. The issues have prompted Ontario Education Workers United to plan a rally Tuesday evening calling for the TDSB to stop discriminating against ADS students and teachers, said a press release. Since before the school year started, teachers and students have been asking the board to simply move all adult learning classes online and to supply laptops to make it possible. Ryan Bird, a spokesperson for the TDSB, says that there are two adult schools that began offering online learning just after the quadmester began, Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies and City Adult Learning Centre, which he said was based on a registration survey conducted in August. But students and teachers say the communication has been challenging to keep straight, and not all students know whats available, or feel able to transfer to another school to take virtual classes. Peters says she has friends who had more courses to complete, but because the school they were attending didnt offer an option for online learning, like elementary and secondary students were offered, they decided to either pursue other options, like private college, or drop out entirely. My heart is broken to see that those students [wont] get the opportunity that I got from those teachers to put them to the next level they deserve, she said. Kimlyn Christopher, 34, has plans to become a nurse, and says she was only given the option to attend in-class at Emery, the learning centre she attended in previous years. Though the decision was difficult as a single mom, she is still continuing with classes in-person while her children attend school virtually and her youngest daughter is in daycare. I have plans, I want to apply for college next September, Christopher said. But she says when she looks around her in-person classes these last few weeks, its usually a party of four the teacher, two other students, and herself. Christopher says it feels like, We dont have any say. In-class learning features a rotation of one in-class lesson and three online lessons per cohort in scheduled time slots. The combination of the schedule interfering with jobs the students may have and health concerns is resulting in students not attending. Many adult students are caregivers or front-line workers. Many are also parents, lower-income, racialized and/or newcomers to Canada, according to a 2015 TDSB census, and often living in areas of the city hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers, students and education advocates who spoke to the Star say that this increases their concerns about spread of the COVID-19 virus and influences their decision to attend when virtual school is not an option. Jamie Smith, an adult educator who used to teach at City Adult Learning Centre, said he finds it very strange that survey results suggested that there was only appetite for online learning at two schools. He said prior to the pandemic students were very interested in distance learning and thrived with direct guidance from a teacher, so the online learning model should have been favoured. I think that adults deserve a high-quality education that is at least the same quality as young people, said Smith. If we are serious about making Canada a just society, and destination for newcomers, and a place that includes everyone, we need to have pathways. And its not just students affected, but also teachers. For the adult day teachers that are still working through the pandemic, like Mercy Yulien, these first weeks of school have been exhausting, she said. Between prepping for in-class and online courses across multiple cohorts, speaking in class with a mask on and trying to minimize the talking among her students for safety reasons, she said, Its a balancing act that I could have never imagined when I became a teacher who could have predicted this? Yulien is also worried about huge gaps in learning as she has noticed students attending in-class sessions less consistently than their online sessions. There needs to be equitable access for learning, regardless of where you are on the board, she said. Leslie Wolfe, the current president of Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF), appreciates that TDSB had its share of stress when it came to pandemic planning for the year, but said: In the midst of all of that, adult learning centres wound up where they usually do: not even on the back burner, but not even on the stove. Issues with adult day school education date back to 1997, when former premier Mike Harriss government opted to make a wide range of cuts to education, which prompted the largest North American teacher strike at the time and had a lasting impact on adult education. Wolfe was a full-time adult education teacher for seven years up until the 1997 provincial changes. She said that in the late 90s, the funding for students 21 years of age and over was moved from the regular high school funding lines, and into the continuing education lines, which includes night school and summer school. The Harris government also upped the number of hours required that an adult student needs to be in class for schools to receive even that funding in full. As a result, adult day school learners receive only about a third of the funding per student compared to younger day school students, Wolfe says. It is a division of funds that has remained the same through four subsequent premiers and one the OSSTF has been trying to draw attention to for years. There is an arbitrary cut-off point at age 21. And if you are 20, you get to go to school and have full access to special education, guidance, et cetera. If youre 21, you are simply cut off, Wolfe said. A 2015 report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says that the difference between secondary and adult day program funding in Ontario was approximately $20 million. The funding cuts meant that adult learning centres would have less money for teachers and supplies, and many boards reduced the number of schools offering classes. In the TDSB, there are just five schools offering adult day school. For teachers, these positions went from being permanent full-time contracts with benefits, to hourly, to model summer school and night school. The problem is, adult day schools operate more like typical secondary schools, running fall to spring. Rather than night and summer school which is usually staffed by teachers picking up extra, temporary work and have benefits through their regular jobs during the year. To this day, adult school teachers are treated differently than secondary school teachers, despite the fact that they teach the same curriculum. They do not receive the same benefits, are paid by the hour and in the summer many have to take EI when they do not have a class to teach. Their jobs are also at risk if classes are cancelled, which some worry will happen due the COVID-19 complications and lack of online offerings at most TDSB schools. Smith, who had to make the decision not to return to teach at an adult school and instead teach at colleges this school year, said This job, because of the pay and benefits, it functions as a sort of second choice for a lot of people. And thats unjust. It should be the first choice for excellent adult educators. He said he wishes governments would see that, This is an opportunity for us to really improve our society by investing in the adult students. Angelyn Francis is a Toronto-based reporter for the Star covering inequity and inequality. Her reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. Reach her via email: afrancis@thestar.ca The Kampong Lorong Buangkok village is the last fully-preserved village - a type of slum settlement typical of Singapore over the past century. With the development of the city, most of them disappeared and were replaced by high-rise buildings and modern architecture. However, with the closure of state borders and Singaporeans not being able to travel to their usual tourist destinations, Lorong Buangkok experienced a real boom. Many residents of the city still remember life in similar settlements or the memories shared by their parents, so they are full of nostalgia when visiting the village. Here are some pictures: New Delhi : Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his raincoat jibe at former prime minister Manmohan Singh saying the event was saddening and shameful. When a Prime Minister reduces himself to ridiculing his predecessor-years his senior, he hurts the dignity of the parliament & the nation. He demeans his position and himself more than anyone else. Todays events were saddening and frankly; they were shameful, Gandhi tweeted. Also read: PM takes dig at Manmohan: 'No one knows art of bathing inside bathroom wearing raincoat better than him'; Cong furious, ex-PM says 'no comments' Gandhis remark came after Modi took a jibe at Singh in his reply to a debate in Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks on Presidents Address, prompting the Congress to stage a walkout. When a Prime Minister reduces himself to ridiculing his predecessor-years his senior,he hurts the dignity of the parliament &the nation Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 8, 2017 He demeans his position and himself more than anyone else. Today's events were saddening and frankly; they were shameful Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 8, 2017 Modi had said, So many scams occurred... We politicians have a lot to learn from Dr (Manmohan Singh) Sahab. So much happened, there is not a single blot on him. Dr Sahab is the only person who knows the art of bathing in a bathroom with a raincoat on. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Stuck at home for months on end, seniors might find a smart speaker or display makes for the perfect lockdown companion. While going back into lockdown was tough on all Melburnians, it's been especially difficult for seniors who've had to be extra cautious; like my parents who are in their 70s and have basically been stuck at home since Easter. Around that time we got the exciting news that my sister was having another baby, so mum and dad have spent the last six months knowing that when their new granddaughter arrived they probably wouldn't get to visit her in the hospital. I thought they might appreciate a digital photo frame so the first baby photos could take pride of place; the digital equivalent of sending them "straight to the pool room". Penetron is permanent: Because of the proximity to Biscayne Bay, 929 Alton needed a robust waterproofing solution to ensure durability of the below-grade concrete elements and exposed parking decks. By opting for a Penetron solution, Open Sight Construction was able to fast-track the project schedule and save costs because the waterproofing was done at the same time as the concrete placement two in one! 929 Alton, a retail/office building in Miami Beach, was inaugurated in September 2020. Located on Miami Beach Island and looking out on to Biscayne Bay, Penetron provided the technology for a durable waterproofing solution for the below-grade concrete elements and exposed parking decks. With 10,375 square feet of office space, a 3-level parking garage, 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space with high ceilings and 80 feet of store frontage, 929 Alton features a bright, modernist design that looks out on the busy Alton Road artery of South Beach. The close proximity of the construction site to Biscayne Bay demanded a robust waterproofing solution to ensure resistance to chloride attack and resulting corrosion for the buildings below-grade concrete elements and exposed parking decks. A membrane solution was originally specified for 929 Alton, explains Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. However, with the construction site sandwiched between two existing buildings, space was limited. There was almost no room behind the walls needed to install the membranes as waterproofing protection. Waterproofing Prevents Corrosion Instead, Penetron collaborated with Paramount, the projects waterproofing consultant, and Supermix, the ready-mix supplier, to provide a comprehensive waterproofing solution with corrosion protection. The project engineers at Sabal Development were convinced by the simplicity of working with Penetrons crystalline products and the prospect of minimizing any future repair and maintenance costs. PENETRON ADMIX was added to the concrete mix for the elevator pits, pile caps, and the post tension roof parking slab. PENEBAR SW waterstop strips were applied to seal all resulting construction joints, and a combination of PENETRON topical material and PENECRETE MORTAR were applied to plug the tie-holes. Permanent Self-Healing Concrete Easily mixed in during batching and unaffected by climatic conditions, PENETRON ADMIX quickly becomes an integral part of the concrete and lasts for the life of the concrete. Topically applied to concrete, PENETRON and PENECRETE MORTAR also provide the same self-healing capabilities as PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete. All hairline cracks that form throughout the service life of the concrete will now self-heal in the presence of water. Christopher Chen adds: By opting for a Penetron solution, Open Sight Construction was able to fast-track the project schedule and save costs because the waterproofing was done at the same time as the concrete placement two in one! The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs, and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels. For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700. BOISE Sen. Fred Martin, R-Boise, hired an attorney to file a cease and desist letter against the ultra-conservative blog Freedom Man for making claims on a website and flyer that the senator adamantly disputes. A former Republican primary challenger to Martin, who is running for re-election to the Legislature next month, sent out a campaign mailer to voters in Boises District 15. Diego Rodriguez, who ran against Martin in 2014 and lost, wrote a blog post about Martin on Sept. 30 on a website called Freedom Man. The blog post brings up incidents involving Martin from 2012 and 2014 at a Boise-area high school. Martin was never charged with anything after being at the school after hours. The mailers sent to voters come from the Freedom Man PAC, according to copies found online. The Idaho Statesman obtained a copy of one mailer sent to a voter calling Martin Creepy and claiming to quote from a police report. David Leroy, the attorney representing Martin, sent the Statesman a copy of the cease and desist letter. The letter says that Freedom Man misused and misrepresented police reports and claims defamation. It demands that Freedom Man remove the content from its website and asks that the PAC send out a second mailer in which it apologizes and retracts its statements about Martin. Leroy noted in the letter that the mailer Freedom Man sent out did not include the last line of the police report, where the detective wrote, I have not identified any criminal activity that is prosecutable. According to its website, Freedom Man PAC states, The purpose of the FREEDOM MAN PAC is to advance the cause of Freedom, Liberty, and the founding principles of the United States of America. To accomplish this, it is our priority to eliminate the scourge of voter ignorance and apathy through mass information, education, and activism. On Saturday, Rodriguez posted a new blog post referencing the letter Leroy sent. The blog attached what Rodriguez said was his response: Your letter, which you wrote on behalf of your client, Fred Martin, has been received, and I am very happy to have the opportunity to settle this matter in a court of law. Therefore, in response to your obvious attempt to intimidate me and the Freedom Man PAC, and likewise in response to the demands you have placed in your letter, I simply respond by saying, NO! The Idaho Statesman emailed Freedom Mans website seeking comment about the flyers and did not receive a response. On Friday, Martin told the Statesman that he could not comment on the allegations. Idaho Public Televisions Idaho Reports wrote an article about the allegations in 2019 and posted a copy of the police report on its website. Martin is chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and has served four terms in the Idaho Legislature. In 2018, Martin won his seat in the Senate by only 11 votes against Jim Bratnober. The margin was deemed official after a recount of the vote that had Martin initially winning by six votes. Boise Democrat Rick Just is running against Martin in the general election this year. Martin easily won his May primary election against Sarah Clendenon, garnering 75 percent of the vote. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 A Liberal councillor has denied allegations she failed to declare an indirect link to a party colleague when she voted against referring claims involving him to the corruption watchdog. Georges River councillor Christina Wu has been investigated over an accused indirect link through family members to fellow Liberal Con Hindi, who last year excused himself from a foreshadowed council vote regarding alleged conflicts of interest concerning him and another councillor. Georges River councillor Christina Wu has denied breaching conflict of interest provisions. According to Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents, Cr Wu - who has denied any wrongdoing - is the director of a company that shares the same registered and contact addresses as her father-in-law, Xiaomin Shen, 63, who is the co-director of a company with Cr Hindi's 26-year-old son, Malcolm. The council recently voted to censure Cr Wu accusing her of breaching code of conduct provisions by failing to declare the indirect connection. The council resolved that Cr Wu failed to declare an interest in an agenda item, which "related, in part, to matters involving Councillor Con Hindi". A smartphone app that could alert its users if theyd been exposed to the novel coronavirus appeared to be a boon for staving off infections and giving Virginians some peace of mind as they intermingled. Eight weeks since its launch, however, uptake among Virginians remains low, hamstringing the benefits for the apps users and casting doubt on the anticipated return on the states $1.53 million investment. As of Oct. 1, just over 576,000 Virginians had downloaded the states COVIDWISE app about 7 percent of the states population, or 13 percent of the estimated number of users with a smartphone. So far, 238 people have logged positive results within the app, a small fraction of the 50,377 people that have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state since the app launched Aug. 5. Under the slogan, add your phone to the COVID-19 fight, state officials continue to encourage Virginians to participate in the states mitigation efforts, while emphasizing the apps privacy features. At the same time, they argue that there are COVID-19 prevention benefits to be had even at current buy-in levels, and that with Virginia being the first state in the U.S. to fully launch an application, the state has been left to experiment with how to sway people to participate. It remains unclear why so few Virginians have heeded the call. Ben Himmelfarb, 31, said he downloaded the app a few weeks after its release, reasoning that any privacy concerns he had for his personal data outweighed the potential benefit of knowing if he had been exposed to COVID-19. I didnt download it right when it came out. I had a knee-jerk reaction about security and privacy, the Richmond resident said in an interview. He went ahead a few weeks later, thinking about the potential for exposure at his job at a public library or while doing campaign work ahead of the November elections. Im following social distancing guidelines, and all Phase 3 restrictions, but I wanted to know within that see what would happen. Himmelfarb hasnt been notified of any exposures so far, and said hes not surprised: He understands the chances to be low, given how few people are using it. I know of no one else who has downloaded the app. Im the exception among the people I know, Himmelfarb said. I know some of my friends who I have spoken to about it also have security concerns. Unique to Virginia The app, COVIDWISE, is the result of a collaborative project between Google and Apple, which had been in talks with Virginia and other states to develop and roll out the app since April. The Virginia Department of Health, using the platform created by the tech giants, contracted with the technology firm SpringML Inc. to develop an app unique to Virginia. The state paid the firm $229,000 in federal emergency funding to develop the app, and expects to pay an additional $29,000 over the next year for technical support. State officials have emphasized that no patient data in the hands of VDH will ever be shared with SpringML, Apple or Google. And because the app uses Bluetooth technology, it does not track peoples locations. When a user tests positive for COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health will validate that result and offer app users a pin number one they can enter into the app. Once they do, any device that has been within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes over the past 14 days will be notified of a potential exposure. Public health officials hope that the information will prompt people to evaluate their symptoms, avoid the potential for spread and seek testing. Northam's case Such was the case for Gov. Ralph Northam, who received a pin within a day of his positive result and logged it into the app, prompting alerts for other administration staffers who had likely been exposed. (Other than the governors wife, Pam, the state has not publicized related infections. Both remain in quarantine, but are doing well, Northam said on Twitter.) On social media, onlookers commented that the worrisome public health episode could have helped raise COVIDWISEs profile with more peddling. Jeff Stover, a high-ranking official at the Virginia Department of Health who has been working on the apps rollout, said the app may soon get a boost. iPhone boost New technology Apple is developing will build COVIDWISE into the operating systems of all iPhones and send push notifications to users, alerting them that they can switch it on. Stover could not say when that would take place. Once VDH and Apple are ready, iPhone users that do not already have COVIDWISE on their phones will receive a push notification to inform them of this option, Stover said. Asked about the uptake rate so far, Stover said the state hasnt set specific download targets, but is pleased with the rate at which people have bought in. We didnt have any set expectations this was the first app in the U.S. to release using the Google/Apple framework. For us it was difficult to figure out, what was success going to look like? Stover said. He pointed to a study sponsored by Google and Oxford University that found that at 15% adoption, digital exposure notification systems could reduce infections and deaths by about 7%, effectively complementing traditional contact tracing, the study read. 'Growing pains' Over the past 10 days, Stover said, an average of 189 Virginians have been notified of a potential exposure, triggered by someone reporting a positive result. One of those Virginians was Jon Haley, 37, who tested positive last month, received a pin for the state, and logged it into COVIDWISE. It was very easy, very intuitive, said Haley, who lives in Henrico. The experience was different for his wife, who tested positive but was never issued a pin by VDH to log her result. She has the app, and asked them for the pin, and just never received one, Haley said. Stover said hes heard of other instances of never-issued pins, and chalked it up to growing pains within the states contact tracing workforce, which has ballooned in just a few months as leaders work to train staff. Haley said he was hesitant to download the app at first, and worried about his privacy. Both Haley and Himmelfarb heard about the app from the governors news conferences. When they explained the process the tokens, and the Bluetooth connectivity that eased my concerns, he said. I wanted to download it because I wanted to help, however I could. Marketing campaign Its the kind of motivation state officials want to tap as they market the app through a $1.5 million campaign that launched in August. The campaign is being led by the Richmond-based firm Madison and Main, which had sought to rally Virginians to join the fight against COVID-19 with the first iteration of its public campaign. The firm is advertising in English and Spanish, through web and social media ads, partnerships with companies and nonprofits, TV and radio ads, and now even billboards and bus wraps. We know the African American and Hispanic communities are being hit hard, so a lot of the ads are being targeted at ZIP codes where those communities are heavily represented, President and CEO Molly Whitfield said in an interview. They are also working with an analytics firm called AlphaVu, which scans social media for mentions of COVIDWISE, allowing the ad agency to target ads to places where misinformation about the app is spreading. Whitfield said that in coming weeks, the campaign will include a new slogan: Statewide get COVIDWISE. It makes it a little bit more actionable. Simply by downloading a free app you can potentially save lives, she said. Within her own team, the app has already proved effective. A few weeks ago, the owner of the agency received an exposure notification and went on to isolate for a few days. Asked about the rate at which people are opting to participate, Whitfield said: I wish I could say, we should be here, we should be there, but reality is, were paving the way, figuring it out, Whitfield said. Ive worked in the advertising industry for 15 years, but this one is like no other campaign. This has to do with saving lives, and our team is working nonstop. Twix has split opinion with its new Winter Spice version with fans calling it a 'game changer' and the perfect Christmas treat, while critics argue its a 'freak of nature'. Available from this week, the festive snack is filled with cinnamon and nutmeg - but the combination has left some social media users branding it 'vile'. However, others already love the limited edition chocolate bar, with one person writing: 'Had a Twix Winter Spice earlier. It's a game changer.' Twix has split opinion with its new Winter Spice version (pictured) with fans calling it a 'game changer' and the perfect Christmas treat, while critics argue its a 'freak of nature' Available from this week, the festive snack is filled with cinnamon and nutmeg - but the combination has left some social media users branding it 'vile' and a 'freak of nature' (above) However, others already love the limited edition chocolate bar (above), with one person writing: 'Had a Twix Winter Spice earlier. It's a game changer.' Another said: 'About to try something called a Winter Spice Twix. Very excited', while a third added: 'Limited Edition Twix Winter Spice... have one and thank me later.' But some were less than impressed with the idea, with one person adding: 'Twix Winter Spice is a freak of nature. Would not recommend.' A second wrote: 'Why would you mess with a Twix? Winter Spice Twix sounds vile,' and another said: 'Do not - and I can't stress this enough - do not even think about purchasing the new Twix Winter Spice.' Twix Winter Spice will be sold in a host of convenience stores including Co-op, WHSmith and Spar. However, those seeking a festive fix will have to be quick because they're only available for a limited time of 12-weeks. Reaction: Social media users go wild for the new Twix Winter Spice limited edition festive treat Twix Winter Spice will be available in two formats - a single bar priced at 61p and an Xtra costing 76p. Kerry Cavanaugh, Marketing Director at Mars Wrigley UK said: 'Leaves are falling and the nights are getting longer which can mean only one thing Christmas is coming! 'Twix Winter Spice is packed full of festive flavour and it's the perfect treat to tuck into as you sit in front of the fire and get ready for Santa's arrival.' This isn't the first new Twix flavour to be released by the company. In February Co-op started selling salted caramel versions of the bar and there's also white chocolate editions available. Tata Consultancy Services and Damen Shipyards have won the CIO Magazine Innovation Award in the 'Most Innovative B2B Project or Program' category. The companies were recognized for Triton, Damen's connected vessel platform, designed and built by TCS. The integrated, collaborative IoT platform collects data using 10,000 - 15,000 sensors on each ship, transforming them into connected vessels. It has helped Damen make ships smarter, offer new services to customers and develop new business models. Using insights from Triton, Damen can provide improved customer service covering the entire lifecycle of a vessel, from sales leads to decommissioning. The connected vessel platform allows Damen to share data with its partners in the maritime ecosystem as well as combine that information with its ERP system and engineering platform, to enable predictive maintenance, access to remote services, and ensue up to 12 percent savings in fuel, increased safety and improved operational efficiency. The CIO Magazine Innovation Awards, previously TIM Awards, promote and reward innovative projects among both IT suppliers and customers. The jury is made up of leaders in the Dutch industry and business who judge the awards on three core criteria: the project has never been nominated before, is purposeful, and is tech driven. This year the award had a total of four categories with six entrants to the 'Most Innovative B2B Project or Program' category. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Catherine Zeta-Jones, pictured here in January 2020, has shared her trick for perfecting eyeliner. (Getty Images) Catherine Zeta-Jones has revealed her secret for the applying the perfect eyeliner, after launching her own make-up line. Earlier this summer, the actor announced she had created a cruelty-free make-up line and now the Welsh star has explained exactly how to get her trademark sultry eye look. I hate harsh lines, the 51-year-old explained in an interview with The Times. I draw and blend around the eyes with my pencil, extending out a little to elongate just past the lash line. I call this my everyday look. Read more: Amanda Holden shares beauty treatment she credits for looking 'five years younger' The Oscar-winning actor, who is married to Hollywood star Michael Douglas, went on to outline some other beauty tricks she swears by. I use an eyelash curler for my eyelashes, which is as essential to me as the vast amounts of water I consume daily, she said before adding that her eyelash curler would be one of her desert island must-haves. Watch: Catherine Zeta-Jones launches cruelty-free cosmetics line Sharing a couple more tricks to recreate her signature smokey eyes, Zeta-Jones went on to explain that the next step is to apply lashings and lashings of mascara. After the lashes, I take my eye pencil and go back for an extra smudge, she added. Read more: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Gwyneth Paltrow and more stars over 40 who wowed at the Emmys Catherine Zeta-Jones has revealed her make-up tricks, pictured in November 2019. (Getty Images) Back in July, Zeta-Jones announced the launch of her make-up line, which forms part of her new Casa Zeta-Jones lifestyle brand. I have been searching for the best, cruelty-free products to launch a make-up line that makes you feel confident, she explained on Instagram. Starting with my new mascara and eyeliners, my mission for #CasaZetaJones is to create a universe of products that exude the feeling of effortless elegance that surprises by being both practical and indulgent. I hope you all love them as much as I do, she added. In the accompanying image the actor modelled the make-up shed created in partnership with Wunder2. Story continues Read more: Catherine Zeta-Jones reveals her favourite reads to pass the time Last September, Zeta-Jones and her 17-year-old daughter, Carys, appeared on cover of Vanity Fair Spain and fans couldnt help but point out the family resemblance. It was the second magazine cover the teenager has starred on with her mother. In August 2018, when Carys was just 15, the pair featured on the front cover of the Town & Country September 2018 issue. Casa Zeta-Jones, The Makeup Line by Catherine Zeta-Jones, is available at wunder2.co.uk Watch: Catherine Zeta-Jones on life in the spotlight Petoskey High School band directors, assistant principal remain on administrative leave Superintendent Chris Parker addressed the situation regarding three band instructors and an assistant principal who are all currently on paid leave during Thursday's board of education meeting. Dutta was absconding along with another accused, expelled BJP leader Diban Deka who was arrested on 1 October. So far, 32 persons have been apprehended. Guwahati: Retired Assam DIG PK Dutta, who is wanted in connection with the police recruitment examination paper leak scam, has been detained at the India - Nepal Border, a police spokesman said on Tuesday. Dutta was detained by security personnel following the 'look out circular' (LOC) issued by the Assam CID, the spokesman said. He has now been handed over to West Bengal Police and a team of Assam Police is on the way to the place to bring him back to the state, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) GP Singh told PTI. Further details are awaited. Dutta was absconding along with another accused, expelled BJP leader Diban Deka who was arrested on 1 October. The state police had announced a reward of Rs one lakh each for information which would lead to their arrest. So far, 32 people have been apprehended in connection with the paper leak scam. When Dutta is arrested, it will increase to 33. Oil and gas supermajor ExxonMobil will be cutting 1,600 jobs in Europe as part of efforts to rein in costs, the company said this week. Proposed changes are subject to local information and consultation processes as applicable in each country and result from insight gained through reorganizations and work-process changes made over the past several years to improve efficiency and reduce costs, Exxon said in a statement, adding, The impact of COVID-19 on the demand for ExxonMobils products has increased the urgency of the ongoing efficiency work. The most valuable energy company in the U.S. and one of the most valuable in the world has been hard hit by the oil price collapse brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. The company swung into a loss in the first quarter of the year and then booked another loss for the second quarter. It now expects to post a negative net result for the third quarter as well. This has weighed both on its share price and on investor sentiment, prompting the company to hurry up with cost cuts. As part of these efforts, the supermajor has been seriously reducing its presence in Europes oil and gas sector. After exiting Norway, Exxon has put up for sale North Sea assets that last year were estimated to be worth up to $2 billion but now, with the oil price collapse and the pandemic, may have become cheaper. The company last year sold its Norwegian operations to local Var Energi for $4.5 billion. Exxon would be selling stakes in 15 fields, which would this year contribute a combined 37,000 bpd to the companys total output. Two exploration blocks and Exxons stakes in pipeline networks in the region are also on the table. So far, about half a dozen companies have expressed interest in the assets. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Wolfe City police officer Shaun Lucas, who is charged with the murder of Jonathan Price (Texas Rangers) A police officer in Texas who shot and killed a black man has been arrested and charged with murder. On Saturday, Wolfe City police officer Shaun Lucas shot and killed Jonathan Price, who was attempting to break up a fight at a gas station. Mr Lucas' bond was set at $1m. According to Lee Merritt, the attorney for Mr Lucas' family, Mr Lucas allegedly shot Mr Price first with a stun gun and, after Mr Price was convulsing from the electricity, shot him to death. "When police arrived, I'm told, he raised his hands and attempted to explain what was going on," Mr Merritt said Sunday in an Instagram post. "Police fired tasers at him and when his body convulsed from the electrical current, they 'perceived a threat' and shot him to death." The Texas Department of Public Safety described its version of events on Monday. A spokesman explained that Mr Lucas "attempted to detain Price, who resisted in a non-threatening posture and began walking away," and Mr Lucas responded by shooting Mr Price with the taser. Then, when Mr Price convulsed on the ground due to the electrical shock, Mr Lucas allegedly shot him with his pistol. The Texas Rangers investigated the incident and determined Mr Lucas' actions were not justified. "The preliminary investigation indicates that the actions of Officer Lucas were not objectionably reasonable," the Texas Rangers said in a statement. Mr Lucas has been placed on administrative leave pending the Texas Rangers' investigation. Mr Merrit said he spoke with Steven McCraw, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, who said he had watched a video of the shooting incident and "was not happy with what he saw." Surveillance video at the gas station captured the incident. Authorities are working with the owners of the gas station to obtain the video. Mr Merrit has demanded a copy of the video. The attorney vowed to continue fighting to see Mr Price's killer punished. Story continues "This is step one," he wrote on his Instagram page. "Let's see it through to justice." Read more Jonathan Price shooting: Texas Police Officer Shaun Lucas charged with murder Lawsuit says Omaha Police used excessive force at protests Three scientists who unravelled some of the deep mysteries of black holes, the awe-inspiring pockets of the universe where space and time cease to exist, have won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics. Britain's Roger Penrose, professor at the University of Oxford, won half the prize of 10 million Swedish crowns (953,000) for his proof that black holes are a direct consequence of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. "It was an extreme honour and great pleasure to hear the news this morning in a slightly unusual way - I had to get out of my shower to hear it," Penrose told reporters from his home in Oxford on Tuesday. Read More German Reinhard Genzel, of the Max Planck Institute and University of California, Berkeley, and Andrea Ghez, at the University of California, Los Angeles, shared the other half for discovering that an invisible and extremely heavy object governs the orbits of stars at the centre of our galaxy. Ghez - only the fourth woman to be awarded the Physics prize after Marie Curie in 1903, Maria Goeppert-Mayer in 1963 and Donna Strickland in 2018 - said she hoped it would inspire others to enter the field. Asked about the moment of discovery, Ghez said: "The first thing is doubt." "You have to prove to yourself that what you are really seeing is what you think you are seeing. So, both doubt and excitement," the 55-year-old American said in a call with the committee after receiving the award. Genzel was on a Zoom call with colleagues when the phone rang. "Just like in the movies, a voice said: 'This is Stockholm'," the 68-year-old astrophysicist told Reuters Television in his cluttered office on the outskirts of Munich. He was flabbergasted by the news: "I cried a little bit." Scientists have wondered since the 18th century whether any object existed in the universe that would exert a gravitational pull so strong that light may not be able to escape. Einstein predicted in 1915, in his general theory of relativity, that space and time could be warped by the force of gravity. Yet he did not actually believe in black holes, and finding a way to prove their existence baffled scientists for another 50 years. It was not until a seminal paper in 1965 that Penrose proved that black holes can really form - describing them in detail and stating that, at their centre, there is a singularity where time and space cease to exist. Illustrating Penrose's insight at the awards presentation in Stockholm, Ulf Danielsson of the Nobel Committee held a black ball the size of a grapefruit in one hand and pointed at it with the finger of his other hand. At the ball's edge, time stands still, Danielsson said, and as his finger pushed into it, its tip moves into the future. It would be impossible to withdraw one's finger without tearing it apart. Instead it would be "carried all the way into the centre of the black hole, where time ends and the known laws of physics cease to apply". Asked by Reuters what was the biggest riddle about black holes, Penrose said: "The greatest puzzle is the singularities, because we don't know what to do with them: You see the black holes shield us from the singularities." Penrose, 89, had no complaints about being recognised late in life: "It's a good thing to get it good and old, before you're absolutely clapped out," he said. "Don't get it too early - that's my advice." He also paid tribute to celebrated British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who died in 2018, saying he deserved to win a Nobel prize for his own work on black holes. Subsequent efforts to find a black hole focused on the clouds of dust in a region of the Milky Way called Sagittarius A*. Using the world's largest telescopes to observe how stars orbited, separate teams led by Genzel and Ghez concluded that around four million solar masses are packed into a region the size of our solar system. "Penrose, Genzel and Ghez together showed us that black holes are awe-inspiring, mathematically sublime, and actually exist," said Tom McLeish, professor of natural philosophy at Britain's University of York. Physics is the second of this year's crop of Nobels to be awarded, after three scientists won the medicine prize on Monday for their discovery of Hepatitis C. The Nobel prizes were created in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel and have been awarded since 1901. This year's awards are taking place under the long shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic that has curtailed much of the usual festivities surrounding the prizes. The province announced 51 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, although none of those cases originated from the Prairie Mountain Health region. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us The province announced 51 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, although none of those cases originated from the Prairie Mountain Health region. Instead, the bulk of this recent update concentrated on the Winnipeg health region, with 35 new cases being added to the list. The Southern and Interlake-Eastern health regions filled out the rest of Mondays update with three and 12 cases, respectively. The Northern health region also registered a single new case yesterday, with the City of Thompson now having to grapple with its first positive coronavirus case since early April. Even though PMH was spared from this latest COVID update and with only three new cases over the weekend Manitobas chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, urged southwestern Manitoba residents to remain vigilant throughout the next couple months. Roussin reminded everyone during Mondays news conference that major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are on the horizon, which means that Manitobans will be tempted to travel and gather in large numbers more than ever. Because of this, Roussin said PMH could easily fall back into threat-level orange (restricted) on the provinces Pandemic Response System if residents dont stick to the fundamentals of COVID-19 avoidance. "So that (means) physical distancing, hand hygiene, staying home when youre ill," he said. "Limiting our contacts has to apply everywhere, and thats what makes this virus so challenging. We cant let our guard down, or well just see those numbers climb again." Following Mondays update, there are now 739 active coronavirus cases in Manitoba, 15 of which are in PMH. Because of this recent spike in cases in the Winnipeg area, the province also established new rules for that regions bars and restaurants that will come into effect on Wednesday. Not only will the sale or service of liquor in these businesses be prohibited between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m., but local operators must ensure that all members of the public vacate their licensed premises by 11 p.m. "Its certainly a challenge for the sector, but I think most people wanted to be part of the solution," Roussin said. The provinces COVID-death rate remains at 23, with two Winnipeg residents having died over the weekend. The current five-day test positivity rate is 2.4 per cent after public health officials conducted 3,305 coronavirus tests throughout Saturday and Sunday. In response to the increased demand for testing, Health Minister Cameron Friesen also announced on Monday that the province is doubling the number of COVID-19 testing sites in Winnipeg, with plans to increase testing capacity province-wide. PMH has contended with a total of 527 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began ramping up in March. The Brandon Sun Bruce Springsteen fans rejoice not only will The Boss drop his highly anticipated new album Oct. 23, but he will also release an accompanying documentary that catalogs the records making. Springsteen announced Monday the new doc called Bruce Springsteens Letter To You will premiere on the streaming service Apple+, detailing the writing and recording of the Jersey icons first album recorded live and with the full E Street Band since Born in the U.S.A. in 1984. The doc will also include final take performances of ten originals from the new record, according to a release. The album Letter To You has fans buzzing after two strong single releases in recent weeks: the poignant title track and rousing arena-rocker Ghosts. Springsteens 20th studio album includes new tracks as well as some previously unreleased cuts from the 1970s just when we thought wed heard every B side in Bruces prolific catalog. The album follows 2019s solo country-pop effort Western Stars, which was followed by an eponymous concert film released to theaters last fall. Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac, select Samsung and LG smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices, as well as at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A British university charging students who are in self-isolation 252 for a two-week catering package has been called 'exploitative'. The food deal being offered to undergraduates at the University of East Anglia (UEA) has been criticised over its 18-a-day charge - because it only includes one hot meal daily. Shared on Twitter by the account '@Universityw***ings (forthcoming)', the catering package, which delivers food directly to the flats of self-isolating students, has been slammed for 'profiteering' from those who are unable to go out and shop for themselves while in quarantine. In 2019, the average individual spend in the UK on food for a whole month was around 166. A spokesperson for UEA, which is based in Norwich, told MailOnline that it would be reducing the charge to 12-a-day from today. Scroll down for video After criticism on social media about the price of a two-week catered package for self-isolating students - which costs 252 - a University of East Anglia spokesperson said it would be reducing the price from 18-a-day to 12-a-day The price points shared by @UW***kings on Twitter, which have sparked criticism that the 252 cost of a two-week catering package is too much for students to pay The Twitter user who shared the price points for a two-week catering package wrote: 'Just in case you wanted to see what HE disaster capitalism looks like: 252 for a fortnight of cereal, a sandwich, one hot meal. 'Come to campus, pay our mortgage, catch Covid, pay through the nose for food. MH support is gratis. But oversubscribed.' #AcademicTwitter #COVID19' The tweet sparked plenty of outrage and some debate over whether the package could be justified when delivery and preparation costs were taken into account. @thea987 wrote: 'Gouging possibly ill students for basically an airline meal. Wow.' @kara999000 added: 'Two weeks of food should never cost that much even catered.. they could just buy a bunch of groceries for under 50 that will last each students for over two weeks of isolation.' @GerardThornley wrote: 'Exploitation of students as a captive market really angers me. @mynnoj wrote: 'If you're going to insist that students are confined to their room and not able to fully use any of the university services then the meals should be free. 18 a day for at most 8 of food is not good value, and delivering it at scale doesn't justify the markup.' A UEA spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Students are being given assistance to self-isolate and we will continue to review our support to those students, and that includes the cost of the on-campus food delivery service. 'From today we have changed the charge to 12 a day for the delivery of three meals breakfast, lunch and dinner, which equates to 84 a week or 168 for a fortnight. 'Meals are provided, with free delivery, direct to the student household, rather than the block and the typical menu would include breakfast, lunch and dinner. 'In addition to the emergency meal delivery package Student Services, working with Norfolk Assistance Scheme, are able to offer students priority supermarket delivery slots which they can select themselves, and this is alongside commercial online food delivery services for self-isolating students and the campus shop which is offering food deliveries free of charge.' The university said it would be 'refunding the students who have already paid.' This week, it was revealed that students in Lincoln can access luxury accommodation for the handsome sum of 1,950 a month. New multi-million student flats have opened in the Cathedral city that boast a slide, meditation space and a private cinema. The first students have been welcomed into the accommodation and some of them are paying almost 2,000 per month for a plush suite in the block. In addition to the private cinema, there is a wellness zone including a yoga and meditation space and beauty treatment room, dedicated study pods, iMac zones and a communal shared kitchen and lounges, as well as a gym, sauna and steam room. In addition, students can also pay for extras services including personal training from 120 and professional cleaning from 20. SANTA FE, N.M. - Candidates in an open U.S. Senate race outlined clashing visions for the future of health care, policing strategies and civil rights struggles in the first public debate of the campaign, aired live on local network television Monday. Retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Udall has endorsed as his successor allied six-term U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, while Republican former television meteorologist Mark Ronchetti is promising to chart a more conservative political course and endorsed federal intervention to bolster law enforcement. Candidates picked their own locations for the debate, amid the coronavirus outbreak at the White House and a recent positive test among staff at the governors mansion in Santa Fe. Ronchetti participated from the television studio, Lujan chose his campaign office in Albuquerque and Libertarian Bob Walsh spoke from his home in Santa Fe. Ronchetti described his ambitions as a newcomer to politics, eager to broker compromises in Washington, D.C. He made little or no mention of Republican President Donald Trump, while admonishing Lujan for climbing the congressional career ladder without advancing economic and educational opportunities in New Mexico. Whats happening in Washington isnt working for New Mexico, said Ronchetti. And if we keep sending the same people back, theyre going to get the same results. Lujan touted his support in Congress for the Affordable Care Act that has expanded health insurance coverage in New Mexico and his track record in securing federal funding for defence installations and water infrastructure projects on the Navajo Nation. I was leading to protect people with preexisting conditions because a cancer diagnosis should not lead to bankruptcy or losing your home, he said. Confronted with his past praise of Trumps pandemic response, Ronchetti said knowing what we knew, that we moved ahead as well as we could. He commended U.S. travel restrictions on China and early efforts to manufacture more ventilator breathing machines. On efforts to craft a new pandemic relief package, Lujan suggested another round of $1,200 direct payments to taxpayers is needed, along with an infusion of federal resources to public schools aimed at reopening classrooms safely. Ronchetti said businesses should have liability protections in coronavirus-related lawsuits. They shouldnt have to fear frivolous lawsuits, he said. Ronchetti repeatedly said a House economic relief bill would let violent criminals out of prison. Lujan dismissed the statements as lies. Amid questions about the future of civil rights guarantees and racial equality, Ronchetti said policing reforms on the use of force are being derailed by partisanship, citing languishing proposals from Black GOP Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina. Bipartisan policing reforms are within reach, Lujan said. The Democratic House and Republican-led Senate are at a stalemate on reforms to police procedures and accountability, under a fresh focus since the May death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in Minnesota after a white officer held a knee against his neck. A House-approved bill would ban choke holds and no-knock warrants in drug cases with new standards to pursue penalties for police misconduct. No-knock warrants are under criticism since the death of Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, fatally shot in March by police who broke down her door. Lujan accused Republicans of standing in the way of legislation to end pay discrimination against women, and noted his support for legislation to defend LGBTQ rights. We need to bring that moral compass again and be leaders like we were before President Trump, Lujan said. A moderator pressed the candidates on whether they support overturning Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Courts 1973 decision that established abortion rights nationwide. Ronchetti said its a very difficult question to answer only because you dont know what the case will be. Lujan said the Roe v. Wade decision is the law of the land and should not be overturned. He warned that consumer health care protections are at stake in the Supreme Court confirmation process for a successor to deceased liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Walsh said the Roe v. Wade decision is based on absolute right of privacy and is likely to be upheld in the future. He urged voters who seek fundamental changes to vote Libertarian. We are in danger of losing it here the people have the right, the duty to replace the government or to alter it if its not meeting their needs, he said. Absentee balloting begins Tuesday across the state that has an all-Democratic delegation to Washington, D.C. New Mexico hasnt backed a Republican for Senate since 2002, and Trump lost New Mexico in 2016 to Hillary Clinton by 8 percentage points. Scott Hogenson served as deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs from 2005 to 2007 and is a Navy veteran. The American military has a long relationship with bad language. George Washington observed in his general order of Aug. 3, 1776, that the "foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing, a vice hitherto little known in our American Army, is growing into fashion." My introduction to military swearing was at 0330 hours on the first day of Navy boot camp. A chief strolled through the barracks whacking a galvanized garbage can with a bat and loudly demanding that we grab our socks after dropping a thing that rhymes with "socks." Over the next six years, I learned very many bad words and phrases in the fleet. Academics have theorized that cursing helps one endure pain, so swearing may be something of a refuge for military personnel. Others believe military swearing communicates a sense of urgency in combat or other critical situations. Gen. George Patton took it a step further, declaring, "You can't run an army without profanity." The panoply of profanity includes hundreds of vulgarisms and curses, among them the word "bastard." It's one of the lesser invectives in military parlance and over time has become a badge of honor. The men who defended the Philippine Islands in the early days of World War II became known as the "Battling Bastards of Bataan." In the European theater, members of the 101st Airborne were called the "Battered Bastards of Bastogne" during the Battle of the Bulge. Members of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, proudly call themselves "The Magnificent Bastards." So what's the problem with calling service personnel "stupid bastards?" Joe Biden did this while serving as vice president during a 2016 visit to an air base in the United Arab Emirates. The remarks were not made in private or alleged by nameless persons but spoken directly to American troops and captured on videotape. To the extent the media have noticed this event, much coverage has focused on how his quip is "missing context." I concur. There is a fellowship within the military, often born of hardship, which creates the strongest of human bonds. This gives license to communicate in ways that are not necessarily appropriate outside that fellowship. Language is occasionally coarse and often spoken in jest. As to the word bastard, its primary function is to emphasize a higher level of privation and is most often modified in a complimentary manner. Hence, a battling or battered or magnificent bastard is one whose perseverance is admired, even outside the strict bonds of military camaraderie. Stupid, on the other hand, is not something anyone wants to be called. There is no circumstance in which calling someone stupid is anything other than an insult. There is no nuance to the word, no compliment or admiration attached to it. Once video of the vice president's comment surfaced, Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates informed The Daily Beast that the candidate made the remark, "jokingly." I am not convinced of that. During the Sept. 30 presidential debate, President Donald Trump raised the issue of Biden's remark, and the vice president replied, "I did not say that." This response is telling. He could have echoed his spokesman and said, "I was joking," but he didn't. Instead, he chose to flatly deny it. It suggests that Biden knows, in retrospect, that what he said was wrong, that it was not a joke at all but something demeaning. It's reminiscent of when John Kerry told a group of college students in 2006, "You make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq." Kerry didn't deny saying it; he characterized his remark as a "verbal slip," and soon after apologized. Of course, Biden has said good things about the military. So has Trump. So has pretty much every mainstream politician of the 21st century. But an unscripted moment in which people putting their lives on the line are belittled to their face by a sitting vice president simply isn't acceptable. Kerry apologized, Biden should too. The men and women in uniform may be battling and battered and magnificent, but stupid they are not. -- The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration. Governor Bello Matawalle has said that the state government has so far saved 31 kilograms of refined gold as a reserve for the state government. A statement by Zailani Bappa, the Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications to the governor, said the move was meant to boost the financial base of the state. Already, we have an offer of N5 billion from some interested partners to be supplying them with gold bars over a period of time, Mr Matawalle revealed. The Gold was wholly mined and refined by our local miners. It is a measure we are taking to ensure that the mineral resources in Zamfara benefit the people. Mr Matawalle said the government will continue to save gold for the state in designated banks, and ensure that the state gets the respect it deserves by having the security needed for any business transaction. He said the gold was purchased by the state government and the idea is also meant to boost the trade in the state. The situation today is that a few people mine the gold, take it abroad and trade it out there without a single benefit for the people in the state. This is what we want to change, the governor said. Mr Matawalle recently took some of the gold bars to President Muhammadu Buhari where the president said it was the first time anyone physically showed him the Zamfara gold. A NEW play area costing almost 17,000 has been unveiled at Valley Road Primary School in Henley. It includes a tunnel, slide and giant coloured pencils made from timber reclaimed from the schools old equipment. There are also tyres for the children to play with and tree trunks to balance on. Bark chippings have been scattered in an area that previously became muddy after heavy rain and a path leads to the new equipment. New trees and shrubs have also been planted. Money was raised by the schools parent-teacher association and match-funded by a company, with the Henley Municipal Charities contributing another 2,500. The work was carried out over the summer. Rachel Herbert, year five class teacher and head of key stage two, led the project with her colleague Laura Burton, head of key stage one. Mrs Herbert said: We had some equipment that was failing and the whole area was just a bit tired and needed a revamp. Were quite a green school so rather than plonking another set of play equipment here, we thought we would develop the whole area. Were delighted with it. Its lovely to see the children happy and running about using their imaginations. Headteacher Tim Coulson said: We wanted to do something different that would stimulate the imagination of the children. If they are happy, they will learn and thats central to our ethos. They have been thinking of a million games with the things that are there. Mr Coulson said the school could have four classes outside at once while adhering to covid guidelines, adding: We have a semblance of it still being a school. Charlotte Miles-Kingston, a trustee of the Henley Municipal Charities, said: The idea is to support things they cant get funding from the Government for. The wonderful thing about an outdoor area is it supports the mental health and physical and emotional wellbeing of the children, which this year has turned out to be more vital than ever. Pupil Frances Sadler, nine, said: Its amazing. I like the tyres and we can do lots of things with them like roll them down the hill. Classmate Zac Marett said he liked the new tunnel, adding: Its a really cool new feature to the playground and its really fun. Jack Clements said: Its better than brilliant! NICOSIA, Cyprus - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern Tuesday over Turkeys decision to open to the public a beach in Cyprus that has been closed since war divided the island 46 years ago. He warned against unilateral actions that could heighten tensions and undermine chances for a resumption of peace talks. Guterres spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement that the U.N. chief urged all sides to enter into talks to resolve differences and repeated his readiness to arrange such a meeting. European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell echoed Guterres, saying the 27-member bloc is deeply concerned about the development that will cause greater tensions and may complicate efforts to restart negotiations. What is urgent now is to rebuild trust and not to create greater divisions, Borrell said in a statement, adding that the EU is in contact with the U.N. and is keeping a close eye on the situation. The statements came after the Cypriot government said it would lodge formal protests at the U.N., the European Union and other international organization over the move to allow access to the sand in front of fenced-off Varosha, a suburb of Famagusta that has been abandoned for 46 years. Cyprus government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos said the move contravenes international law and U.N. Security Council resolutions on Varosha. Greeces Foreign Ministry also condemned the decision as a flagrant violation of U.N. decisions and said Athens would back the Cypriot governments efforts. Turkey said it is just the beach being opened Thursday, and the ghost town itself will be left alone for now. The Cypriot government fears the move could be the opening salvo to a full grab of the suburb that was the countrys premier tourist resort before Turkey invaded in 1974, in the wake of a coup by supporters of union with Greece. The suburbs Greek Cypriot residents fled as Turkish troops advanced during the war that split Cyprus along ethnic lines. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot state in the north and keeps more than 35,000 troops there. In a 1984 resolution, the U.N. Security Council said it considers attempts to settle any part of Varosha Maras in Turkish by anyone other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the area to be transferred under U.N. administration. Dujarric said in the statement that the U.N.s position remains unchanged on Varosha. The beachfronts opening was jointly announced during a news conference in Ankara on Tuesday by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ersin Tatar, the head of the Turkish Cypriot government. We hope that Maras will be fully opened for use, Erdogan said. We are ready to provide every support to the (Turkish Cypriot) authorities in this regard, Erdogan said because its only beachfront that belongs to the Turkish Cypriot state, the rights of Varoshas Greek Cypriot property owners arent being violated. The announcement came five days before Turkish Cypriots vote for a new leader to represent them in planned peace talks. Guterres said he would call a meeting of the two sides in Cyprus as well as officials from the islands guarantors Greece, Turkey and Britain after the election to scope out chances for resuming negotiations that had remained frozen since 2017. Tatar, who is also leader of the right-wing UBP party, is challenging incumbent leftist leader Mustafa Akinci who called out Turkey for meddling in the campaign to boost Tatars support ahead of the vote. Akinci said Varoshas opening should be in line with U.N. decisions and international law. ___ Associated Press writer Suzan Frazer in Ankara contributed to this report. Bernard Looney (CEO, BP), Ahmad A. Al Sa'adi (SVP of Technical Services, Saudi Aramco) and yvind Eriksen (President and CEO, Aker ASA) will open virtual event with session on "What's Next for the Global Energy Transition." Cognite, a leader in industrial innovation, will host its third annual global conference "Ignite Talks: Industrial Intelligence Augmented: Reimagining How Minds and Machines Work Together" from Oct. 27-29, 2020. The free virtual event will feature global leaders and innovators who are driving industries and supply chains toward a more innovative, data-driven, sustainable future. "The world is at a technological, economic, and environmental crossroads like never before, and we are looking forward to discussing pressing issues among some of the industry's best," said John Markus Lervik, Cognite CEO. The full agenda for this free online conference can be found here and at www.cogniteignite.com. Day-by-day overviews and panel highlights are listed below: October 27: Igniting Industrial Transformation: Europe Norway's Leading Role Opening day spotlights how leaders in Europe are melding minds and machines, and inspiring a transformation of heavy-asset industries and supply chains. Panel highlights: What's Next for the Global Energy Transition : The energy transition is here. Can the oil and gas industry adapt, or is it the end of the industry as we know it? Speakers: Bernard Looney, CEO, BP; Ahmad A. Al-Sa'adi, SVP of Technical Services, Saudi Aramco; yvind Eriksen, President and CEO, Aker ASA : The energy transition is here. Can the oil and gas industry adapt, or is it the end of the industry as we know it? Reinventing Industrial Supply Chains Post-COVID Through Digital Innovation: 2020 has presented the world with a chance to rethink global supply chains. How do we seize the opportunity? Speakers: Sameer Kalra, President Marine Division, Alfa Laval; Victoria Van Camp, CTO, SKF 2020 has presented the world with a chance to rethink global supply chains. How do we seize the opportunity? October 28: America's Industrial Transformation The technology prowess of the United States and raw innovative capacity is unmatched, and its heavy-asset industries are taking steps to leverage technology at scale in order to jump-start digital transformations. What will it take to succeed, what role does technology play? Panel highlights: America's Energy Transition in partnership with Axios: A live, virtual event, featuring in-depth 1:1 discussions with industry leaders and policymakers on the development of renewable energy in the US, how the coronavirus pandemic has affected energy patterns, and what's next for the US oil gas industry. This panel will be hosted by Axios energy and climate change reporter Amy Harder. Industry Under Siege: A New Era of Industrial Cybersecurity: Sophisticated cybercriminals are setting their sights on industry. How can industrial companies digitalize operations while minimizing risk? Speakers: Ron Brash, Director of Cyber Security Insights, Verve Industrial Protection; Tomomi Aoyama, Head of Business Development UK, Nihon Cyber Defence Sophisticated cybercriminals are setting their sights on industry. How can industrial companies digitalize operations while minimizing risk? Navigating the Digital Transition to Renewable Energy Speakers: Ashtad Engineer, VP Digital Transformation, Adani; Astrid Skarheim Onsum, CEO, Aker Offshore Wind October 29: Driving a Global Transformation from the Bottom Up The domains and technologies behind the scenes are the real drivers of industrial transformation. The final day gives an insider's view into technology adoption, empowering users with data and domain-specific insights into subsurface and exploration, detection and warning, ocean data, sustainability, and more. Panel highlights: Operationalize and Scale Models and Applications with Trusted Industrial Data: Data issues are still holding back digitalization initiatives. Experts from Forrester and Wintershall Dea explain how to break down barriers and generate meaningful ROI. Speakers: Patrick von Pattay, VP of Intelligent Operations, Wintershall DEA; Paul Miller, Principal Analyst, Forrester Data issues are still holding back digitalization initiatives. Experts from Forrester and Wintershall Dea explain how to break down barriers and generate meaningful ROI. Cleaning Up Our Act: Data-Driven Sustainability in Upstream Oil Gas: Reducing emissions has become the responsibility of every oil and gas company. BP explains how digitalization is powering its sustainable transformation. Speaker: Rob Kelly, Head of Upstream Digital, BP Reducing emissions has become the responsibility of every oil and gas company. BP explains how digitalization is powering its sustainable transformation. Waves of Change: Using Data to Advance Ocean Sustainability: The oceans are under siege. In this session, leading ocean experts explain how industry can use data to turn the tide. Speakers: Craig McLean, Assistant Administrator of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Bjrn Tore Markussen, CEO at Center for the 4th Industrial Revolution for the Ocean The oceans are under siege. In this session, leading ocean experts explain how industry can use data to turn the tide. About Cognite Cognite is a global industrial software-as-a-service (SaaS) company supporting the full-scale digital transformation of heavy-asset industries around the world. Their key product, Cognite Data Fusion (CDF), empowers companies with contextualized OT/IT data to drive industrial applications that increase safety, sustainability, and efficiency, and drive revenue. Visit us at www.cognite.com and follow us on Twitter @CogniteData or at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cognitedata View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005623/en/ Contacts: Michelle Holford Global PR Lead Cognite +15127443420 (US) +4748290454 (Norway) michelle.holford@cognite.com (CNN) The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to scientists Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez for their discoveries about black holes. Goran K. Hansson, secretary for the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, said at Tuesday's ceremony in Stockholm that this year's prize was about "the darkest secrets of universe." Penrose, a professor at the University of Oxford who worked with Stephen Hawking, was awarded half of the prize "for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity." The other half was awarded jointly to Genzel and Ghez "for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the center of our galaxy." "Penrose, Genzel and Ghez together showed us that black holes are awe-inspiring, mathematically sublime, and actually exist," Tom McLeish, professor of natural philosophy at the University of York, told the Science Media Centre in London. Ghez, born in New York City and a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, is only the fourth woman to win a Nobel physics prize. It was awarded to a woman for the first time in 55 years in 2018, when Donna Strickland won for groundbreaking inventions in the field of laser physics. "I think today I feel more passionate about the teaching side of my job than I have ever," Ghez said after the announcement. "Because it's so important to convince the younger generation that their ability to question, and their ability to think, is just crucial to the future of the world." "I'm thrilled to receive the prize and I take very seriously the responsibility associated with being, as you said the fourth woman to win the Nobel Prize. I hope I can inspire other young women in the field," Ghez added. "It's a field that has so many pleasures, and if you are passionate about the science, there's so much that can be done." Marie Curie, the only woman to have been honored twice by the Nobel committee, won the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics and the 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Maria Goeppert Mayer was the only other woman to win the physics prize, in 1963 for discoveries concerning nuclear shell structure. Penrose, born in Colchester in England, worked with fellow physicist Hawking to merge Einstein's theory of relativity with quantum theory to suggest that space and time would begin with the Big Bang and end in black holes. "The Nobel legacy stipends that the committee cannot award posthumously. Professor Hawking's contributions are mentioned in the Nobel's scientific backgrounder in both the Penrose and Genzel-Ghez sections, giving a 'nod' to the British physicist," said David Pendlebury, analyst at Clarivate, which compiles an annual list of Nobel prize contenders based on research citations. "I can't tell you how delighted I am that Roger Penrose has been recognized with a Nobel Prize. For many outside of physics he has been seen as being in the shadow of his long-time collaborator, the late Stephen Hawking," added Jim Al-Khalili, a professor of physics at the University of Surrey. "But while Einstein's general theory of relativity predicts the existence of black holes, Einstein didn't himself believe they really existed. Penrose was the first to prove mathematically, in 1965, that they are a natural consequence of relativity theory and not just science fiction," he told the SMC. Genzel, born in Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, Germany, is director at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany and a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. The three Laureates share this year's prize -- 10 million Swedish kronor ($1.1 million) -- for their discoveries about "one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe," according to the news release from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Penrose showed that the general theory of relativity leads to the formation of black holes. Genzel and Ghez discovered that an invisible and extremely heavy object governs the orbits of stars at the center of our galaxy. A supermassive black hole is the only currently known explanation. This year's Nobel Prize in Medicine was jointly awarded to the US-UK trio of Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice on Monday for the discovery of hepatitis C virus, which led to the development of tests and treatments. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry will be announced on Wednesday, followed by the Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday, the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday and the Prize in Economic Sciences next Monday. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for black hole discoveries to Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez." A statue depicting London's first black mayor is being planned in the wake of the global Black Lives Matter movement. John Archer was elected mayor of Battersea, south London, in 1913 and has been described as a pioneer for his role in local politics and for helping bring in a minimum wage for council workers. Wandsworth Council today announced a 10,000 fund towards the cost of erecting the statue following the launch of a campaign to honour the former leader. The campaign was started by council leader Ravi Govindia in June in response to calls from local community group Love Battersea for a fitting tribute to Mr Archer. The council's 10,000 pledge represents the first batch of money that will go to fund the commemoration. A statue depicting John Archer (pictured) - London's first black mayor - is being planned in the wake of the global Black Lives Matter movement It comes after statues and their role in public life were thrown into the spotlight amid the global Black Lives Matter movement (protests in London in June, pictured) Who is 'true pioneer' John Archer? John Richard Archer was born in Liverpool in 1863 to a black Barbadian father and a white-Irish catholic mother. He traveled the world in his youth but in the 1890s he and his black-Canadian wife Bertha returned to the UK - settling in Battersea in South London. He initially served as a councillor in Latchmere ward, where he campaigned to bring about a minimum wage of 32 shillings a week for council workers. He became the mayor of Battersea in 1913 and in his rousing victor speech said: 'You have made history tonight. For the first time in the history of the English nation a man of colour has been elected as mayor of an English borough. 'That will go forth to the coloured nations of the world and they will look to Battersea and say Battersea has done many things in the past, but the greatest thing it has done has been to show that it has no racial prejudice and that it recognises a man for the work he has done.' Mr Archer's election faced racist criticism at the time, including from the South Western Star newspaper which wrote: It is not meet that the white man should be governed and controlled by a man of colour. In 1918, Mr Archer became the first president of the African Progress Union and chaired the Pan-African Congress in London in 1921. He left the council in 1922 to act as an agent for one of the first MPs of Indian heritage - Shapurji Saklatvala, in North Battersea, but returned to the council in 1931 when elected once again to represent the Nine Elms ward. He served as the deputy leader of Battersea Council until his death a year later at the age of 69. Mr Archer was thought to have been the first black man elected as mayor in Britain, but Dr Allen Glaser Minns was mayor of Thetford, Norfolk, in 1904. Advertisement At this stage it is not known how much the final project will cost and will depend on where the statue is built and which artist is commissioned to carry out the work. It is hoped the remaining costs will be raised by public subscription - or crowdfunding - with the aim to unveil the statue in a high-profile spot in Battersea in 2022. It comes after statues and their role in public life were thrown into the spotlight following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis in May. His death sparked worldwide protests that saw statues of slave owners and colonial figures torn down and replaced. Reviews into statues such as Cecil Rhodes at Oxford University's Oriel College and Thomas Guy - the founder of Guy's Hospital in Southwark, south London - are also being carried out. In June the statue of 17th century slave trader Edward Colston was thrown in the harbour in Bristol. Another depicting Scottish merchant, Robert Milligan, was removed from its position in West India Quay docks, east London, by the Canal and River Trust. Mr Archer - who had both Irish and Barbadian heritage - moved to Battersea in the 1890s with his wife Bertha and initially served as a councillor in Latchmere ward, where he campaigned to bring about a minimum wage of 32 shillings a week for council workers. His rousing victory speech upon being elected mayor included these words: 'You have made history tonight. For the first time in the history of the English nation a man of colour has been elected as mayor of an English borough. 'That will go forth to the coloured nations of the world and they will look to Battersea and say Battersea has done many things in the past, but the greatest thing it has done has been to show that it has no racial prejudice and that it recognises a man for the work he has done.' Other dedications to Mr Archer's achievements are already dotted around the south London borough. These include an English Heritage Blue Plaque was placed on his home in Brynmaer Road, Battersea, and a primary school in the area also bears his name. He was given wider national prominence in 2013 - the centenary of his election as mayor - when the Royal Mail chose to feature him on a stamp commemorating 10 Great Britons. In 2017 a ceremony was held at the town hall, attended by the High Commissioner of Barbados, as part of a campaign to recognise the significant contribution of Barbadians to the UK. A report considered by councillors who approved the 10,000 grant for his statue stated: 'Erecting a statue as a new installation in Battersea in honour of John Archer would recognise his achievements, allow us as a borough to celebrate him, and inspire our communities. Reviews into statues such as Cecil Rhodes at Oxford University's Oriel College (pictured) and Thomas Guy - the founder of Guy's Hospital in Southwark, south London - are also being carried out 'As well as creating a focal point and celebrative piece of permanent public sculpture, this project aims to engage our community in a positive way during and after the journey. 'The local community will be at the heart of this project, with extensive engagement with grass-roots organisations, arts and community groups, places of worship, employers, schools and colleges. 'John Archer can be used as a learning focus for young people, around aspiration, democracy and inclusion, so school leaders will be among the first to be consulted on the direction of the project. This project will also acknowledge and include Love Battersea, who initiated the idea for the statue. 'Local and wider art specialists will be drawn into the project, including representatives from the Royal College of Art. 'A suggested legacy of the project could be to support the Royal College of Art to bring more artists of an African Caribbean or African heritage into sculpture work.' In June, protesters in Bristol pulled down a statue of slave trader Edward Colston (pictured) Council leader Ravi Govindia, who led the council campaign, described Mr Archer as 'a true pioneer' and 'one of the earliest black role models' in the capital. He said: 'We are immensely proud that he represented our borough and our hope now is to ensure that his legacy lives on. 'His priority was improving the lives of many in the community, the poor and disabled, and he was a passionate campaigner for what he believed was right. He fought hard against social and racial injustice. 'With racial equality and justice still at the forefront of people's minds, my view is that a high profile statue celebrating his achievements and honouring a man who paved the way for future generations of politicians from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, is one way we can show our support for what he stood for. 'We sincerely hope that the public will support this endeavour so that we can raise a permanent memorial to this famous son of Battersea and mark his achievements forever.' John Glynn, a 39-year-old actor, passed away on September 11 following a bicycle accident by the canal in Camden, London. It came as a particularly blow to our family as John was our son Arans best friend. Johns parents are well-known in the London Irish community. His father John Glynn Sr is one of two founding members of the Aisling Project, a charity which was started in 1994 and supports vulnerable Irish people in the UK who are isolated and in need. The Aisling Return to Ireland initiative enables many to visit Ireland who wouldnt normally have the means to do so and reconnect with families and friends who they may not have seen in decades. It also helps long-term emigrants resettle in Ireland. Johns mother Kay Glynn is a human rights lawyer helping victims of the Hillsborough and Grenfell Tower tragedies, as well as institutional child abuse victims. Johns parents have only ever given to others. They have only known what it is to help the dispossessed and those without a voice. For anyone to lose a child is impossible to contemplate, to do so when someone spent their entire life being utterly selfless, is unfathomable. Johns first love was acting and he appeared on childrens BBC programmes The Biz and The Wild House in his youth. In adulthood he had supporting roles in BBCs Casualty and ITVs The Bill and played leading roles in independent movies based in north London, such as The Ballad of Johnny Windows and Breaking Britain directed by Adriel Leff. He played a role in Hollywood film The Justice League and more recently played lead roles in numerous Bollywood films. When John wasnt acting he occasionally volunteered at the Aisling Project, dealing with people desperately in need of help, whether as a result of homelessness, drink or drugs or all three. He was immensely proud of what his parents stood for and their lifes work. His brother Darren, who also worked with the homeless said: In between acting roles John spent many years working with the most marginalised in society; working with the homeless and rough sleepers with St Mungos and also as a substance misuse worker for Turning Point in central London. John loved to travel and the natural world: I suppose it was the perfect antidote to the heavy struggles of the vulnerable people he encountered in Camden. He journeyed to Peru and Papua New Guinea, sailed the Indian Ocean, trekked over mountains in Morocco, looked after jaguars in the jungle in Bolivia, and a few years ago completed the G20 long distance mountain walk with Aran in Corsica. The period just prior to the accident was a particularly difficult time for John as his dad was diagnosed with leukaemia. John wanted to spend as much time with him as possible, and Covid only added to the vulnerability and fragility of a difficult situation. The funeral will be held on Wednesday at the Sacred Heart Church in Kilburn, London at 2.30pm. It is being live-streamed for those unable to attend. Darren, Johns brother, has launched a fundraiser for a commemorative bench to be installed in Regents Park. He said John loved London parks like Primrose Hill and Regents Park. It would be a fitting tribute to have a place we could sit and chat and imagine he is still with us. The Glynn family, who are originally from Co Mayo and Co Down, will plant a tree in Connemara and bury Johns ashes there, post Covid. If you are able to donate please click on this link. Rest in peace John Glynn, an exceptional friend to everyone who knew him, with a beautiful spirit. You did your parents and your brother proud. David Kennedy is a motorsport columnist for the Sunday Independent. In defending himself against the many legal actions he is facing, President Trump has long made a habit of altering his legal persona to suit his needs. Sometimes, when sued as the president, he fought the complaints in his capacity as an ordinary citizen; at other times, sued as an individual, he tried to fight in his professional capacity as president. Lawyers for the writer E. Jean Carroll on Monday night accused Mr. Trump of once again using this shape-shifting tactic when he had the Department of Justice abruptly step in and replace his private lawyers in her defamation lawsuit against him. Ms. Carroll has accused Mr. Trump of raping her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s and then falsely denying it in public statements. In a highly unusual legal maneuver, Mr. Trumps attorney general, William P. Barr, argued last month that when the president denied Ms. Carrolls allegations, he was acting in his official role as the leader of the government. Given that, he said, the Justice Department should be allowed to substitute the government for Mr. Trump as the defendant in the case a move that, under the law, would shield Mr. Trump from being sued for defamation. Mr. Barr later said that the Justice Departments action came at the request of the White House. DULLES, Va., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a Raytheon Technologies business (NYSE: RTX), is launching a new hardware emulation and software analysis tool called DejaVM that provides a virtualized environment to evaluate and reduce cyber threats against mission-critical systems in a modern networked space. DejaVM enables system-level cyber testing without requiring access to the limited number of highly specialized physical hardware assets. The tool creates an emulation environment that virtualizes complex systems to support automated cyber testing. DejaVM focuses on improving software development, testing and security via its advanced analysis features. "The complexity of cyber threats that organizations face continues to escalate, demanding more sophisticated solutions to evaluate and reduce threats to those missions," said John DeSimone, vice president of Cybersecurity, Training and Services at RI&S. "This robust virtual environment helps our customers do exactly that." DejaVM provides an infrastructure that can be used to virtualize any system, supplying advanced debugging capabilities not possible on the actual platform. Any code within the system can be debugged, memory can be modified, and vulnerabilities can be detected wherever they occur. "Our team of experts has worked tirelessly to launch DejaVM to enable customers to emulate critical network systems to identify and mitigate cyber vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by our adversaries," said Teresa Shea, vice president of Cyber Offense and Defense Experts (CODEX) at RI&S. "Now more than ever, virtual cyber threat reduction environments are critical to protecting the systems our work and lives rely upon." About Raytheon Intelligence & Space Raytheon Intelligence & Space delivers the disruptive technologies our customers need to succeed in any domain, against any challenge. A developer of advanced sensors, training, and cyber and software solutions, Raytheon Intelligence & Space provides a decisive advantage to civil, military and commercial customers in more than 40 countries around the world. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the business generated $14 billion in pro forma annual revenue in 2019 and has 35,700 employees worldwide. Raytheon Intelligence & Space is one of four businesses that form Raytheon Technologies Corporation. About Raytheon Technologies Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises four industry-leading businesses Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Media Contact Michelle Lammers O: 720. 858. 5777 C: 720. 480. 5967 SOURCE Raytheon Technologies The government on Tuesday removed restrictions on export of N-95 masks with an aim to boost outbound shipments of the product. "The export policy of N-95 or FFP-2 masks or its equivalent is amended from restricted to free category, making all types of masks freely exportable," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification. In August, a monthly export quota of 50 lakh units was fixed for N-95 or FFP2 masks or its equivalent for issuance of export licences to eligible applicants. In the past six months, domestic production of masks and PPE overalls has significantly increased and sector players were asking the government to lift the curb on exports. The All India Mask Manufacturers Association had recently urged the government to remove restrictions on the exports of N-95 masks, saying the country currently possesses a production capacity of 20 crore pieces a month as against the monthly export quota of 50 lakh units. Recently, the government relaxed curbs on exporting masks and medical coveralls which are used to control the spread of COVID-19. "We would request the government to please open up the export of N-95 masks without any restrictions. Currently, there is a limit of 50 lakh per month on its exports which has been imposed by the government," All India Mask Manufacturers Association Vice-President Anshumali Jain had said at a virtual conference to announce the Nonwoven Tech Expo. Also read: Meet the man who invented N95 masks External affairs minister S Jaishankar and his US counterpart Mike Pompeo reviewed bilateral relations, including efforts to counter the Covid-19 pandemic, and planning for the upcoming 2+2 ministerial dialogue during their meeting in Tokyo. This was the first face-to-face meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo since the Covid-19 outbreak snapped foreign travel by world leaders, though they have spoken on several occasions and participated in virtual multilateral meetings in the past few months. During their meeting on the margins of the consultations of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad, Pompeo and Jaishankar discussed ongoing bilateral and multilateral cooperation on topics of international concern, said US state department spokesperson Cale Brown. They reaffirmed the strength of the US-India relationship, reviewed our efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, and asserted the need to work together to advance peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe, Brown said. Jaishankar and Pompeo also agreed to continue close cooperation on a range of regional and international issues and looked forward to the 2+2 dialogue of the foreign and defence ministers of the two sides later this year, he added. Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific, Jaishankar tweeted after the meeting. Jaishankar is also set to hold bilateral meetings with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi. Pompeo, Payne and Jaishankar also met Japans Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga before the Quad consultations. Suga outlined the challenges facing the world community following the Covid-19 outbreak and said it was all the more necessary to further deepen ties with many more countries which share the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and build concrete cooperation with them, according to Japans foreign ministry. The visiting foreign ministers agreed on the importance of reinforcing a rules-based, free and open international order through cooperation among Japan, Australia, India and the US. They also confirmed further collaboration among the four countries for the peace and stability of the region. Craig A. Spencer doesn't usually dwell on the time in October 2014 when Donald Trump lashed out at the New York doctor, who had just returned from treating Ebola patients in Guinea, for patronizing businesses and riding the subway before feeling symptomatic and being diagnosed with the illness. "I consider that doctor extremely selfish," the real estate mogul said to "Fox & Friends" at the time. "I think he's a very selfish person, frankly." But on a day in which President Trump returned to the White House and removed his mask in public despite still being contagious with the novel coronavirus, Spencer couldn't let Monday pass without referencing an old Trump tweet directed at him. "I followed all public health guidance and infected no one," Spencer, who recuperated from Ebola without spreading it, tweeted late Monday. "You've unnecessarily exposed numerous people over the last few days, your administration is refusing to do contact tracing, and there's an outbreak in the White House because of your dangerous disregard of public health." At a time when the president has said that people should not be afraid of an illness that has already killed more than 209,000 Americans, critics on Monday pointed to his 2014 critique of Spencer in questioning Trump's public health practices. While Trump said he had recovered from the coronavirus, his doctor, Sean Conley, stressed that the president was "not out of the woods yet," and remained contagious. The president returns to a White House that has seen more than a dozen officials test positive for the coronavirus in recent days. "It's hypocrisy. That's all it is," CNN's Chris Cuomo said on his Monday show, as he played audio of Trump's 2014 attacks on Spencer. Cuomo added that the president continuing to downplay the virus was equivalent to "a drunk driver who tells other people to drive drunk." "He's the president now. That very selfish person he was talking about? It's you." Among those critics is Spencer, the director of global health in emergency medicine at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Since the start of the pandemic in the U.S., Spencer, 39, has become one of the president's most vocal opponents in the medical world, frequently calling out Trump for doubting public health professionals and science. In Monday evening interview with The Washington Post, Spencer reiterated a question he had posed on the NBC streaming service Peacock earlier in the evening: "If the President cannot keep the White House safe, how can he keep the country safe?" "I think someone said to me, 'Oh, this must feel really weird kind of reflecting on this and what he said in 2014.' But that's not the weird part," Spencer said to The Post. "What feels weird for me is fighting against as opposed to with the president to end the deadliest pandemic in the last century." Before he caught Trump's attention, Spencer had traveled to Guinea in the fall of 2014 to help treat Ebola patients as a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders. Months had passed since the start of Ebola epidemic in West Africa in early 2014, the most widespread outbreak of its kind in history, and Spencer had treated scores of sick patients, including many children, during his five weeks in the region. Spencer exhibited no symptoms upon returning to New York on Oct. 17, 2014, and proceeded to resume his everyday life with his then-fiancee at their Harlem apartment. Although he felt some exhaustion, he chalked it up to a long trip home and the depression he felt from the suffering he had seen in Guinea, he later wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine. Some of his activities during that first week back included walking along the High Line, eating in Greenwich Village and bowling in Williamsburg. Then, on the morning of Oct. 23, 2014, Spencer reported having a fever of 100.3 to Doctors Without Borders and the New York City Health Department, and was transferred to Bellevue Hospital Center. Shortly thereafter, he had tested positive for Ebola, the city's first case. He'd soon become too weak to move, losing 20 pounds and struggling to make it to the bathroom up to a dozen times each day. As his liver was failing and his fiancee was quarantined in their apartment, New York tabloids speculated whether Ebola could be spread by touching a bowling ball, prompting the hashtag #Ebowla. Eric Bolling, then a host with Fox News, tweeted how he had "ABSOLUTELY NO SYMPATHY" for Spencer. Public officials like New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) and then-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) vilified Spencer, suggesting that the doctor had been careless by being in public so often when he felt exhausted. Doctors Without Borders pushed back against those criticisms, saying that Spencer had followed all the recommended protocols when he had returned. That mattered little to the host of "The Apprentice," who had made banning flights from Africa a regular talking point on Twitter and in appearances stumping for Republican candidates. Trump grew so enraged over Spencer's case that he demanded that President Barack Obama apologize and resign. "They were supposed to be home, self-quarantine, except they decided to go out and, you know, have a good time," he told Fox News that week. It wasn't until after Spencer was Ebola-free following 19 days of treatment that he became aware of the attention he had received from the reality TV star. Years later, Spencer stressed that he "wouldn't take any risk that would impact anyone in public." "I knew that in 2014 and I was still dragged under the bus," he said. In recent months, Spencer has treated hundreds of coronavirus patients in New York, documenting life as an emergency room doctor during the pandemic as a guest opinions contributor for The Post. He has not shied away from his disdain for Trump or his handling of the public health crisis. Spencer pointed to the president's video statement on Sunday about how he had "learned a lot" during his diagnosis, with Trump adding that his treatment was "the real school" for understanding the virus. All Spencer could do around midnight was reflect on what the president's sentiments regarding covid-19 means right now. "For some reason, this now has made him more of an authoritative voice on covid, unlike the doctors treating patients who've died and having to tell their families over grainy video connections that their loved ones are dead. It's just not equivalent," Spencer said. "The fact that he can't understand that eight months into a pandemic is so f------ maddening." The Yamuna Expressway industrial development authority on Tuesday said it had started the process to hire a developer to build a township to rehabilitate farmers who had been displaced from their homes to pave way for the Noida International Greenfield airport project at Jewar along 165km Yamuna Expressway. We have started the process to select a developer. We are likely to issue a tender on Wednesday to finalise the agency that will develop the housing facilities to farmers. We will develop housing facilities for farmers in six to eight months, paving way for the shifting of inhabitants of villages coming in the way of the airport, said Arun Vir Singh chief executive officer of the YEIDA. The township is set to have parks, community centre, school, health care facilities and other basic requirements so that the farmers do not face any problem once they shift there. Forty-eight hectares of land identified for the township at Jewar Bangar village have been handed over by the Gautam Budh Nagar administration to the Yamuna Expressway industrial development authority. We acquired 48 hectares for farmers use as per rules and gave possession to the Yamuna authority. We will continue to support the authority. The Jewar airport is a very important project and a collective effort, Suhas LY district magistrate Gautam Budh Nagar said. The administration has acquired 1,334 hectares of land for six villages -- Rohi, Parohi, Ranhera, Kishorpur, Banwaribas and Dayanatpur. A total of 8,971 farmers families have been affected as they have given their agricultural land and houses for the airport. Of this, 3,627 families will be displaced completely. Concessionaire agreement The signing of the concessionaire agreement for the airport is expected to take place on Wednesday. The agreement will be signed between developer Zurich Airport International AG and the Yamuna International Airport Private Limited and the Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), officials said on Tuesday. The signing of the agreement was postponed twice due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Box: Farmer families affected by airport: 8971 Families whose houses will be demolished: 3627 Township for farmers: 48 hectares Each farmer to get minimum 50 square metre and maximum 500 square metre for housing facility Each farmer to get a house 50% of total size of his existing house SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In 2019, Scottish politician Michael Ancram, Marquess of Lothian, requested of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) the information they held on the installation plans of Russian military bases in Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe. There was concern that Moscows influence might collide with Londons. Another major actor in Africa, Paris, became alarmed in 2018 as Russian Wagner and GRU security consultants started to appear in political circles in countries such as the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Libya alongside Khalifa Haftars troops. In Libya, Russian security forces reportedly suffered heavy losses in the battle for Tripoli. Security expertise as a diplomatic tool Part of Russias engagement with Africa is military. The Russian army and Russian private military contractors linked to the Kremlin have expanded their global military footprint in Africa, seeking basing rights in a half dozen countries and inking military cooperation agreements with 28 African governments, according to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War. U.S. officials estimate that around 400 Russian mercenaries operating in the Central African Republic (CAR), and Moscow recently delivered military equipment to support counterinsurgency operations in northern Mozambique. Russia is the largest arms exporter to Africa, accounting for 39 percent of arms transfers to the region in 2013-2017. Moscows influence in Bamako? The fact that the Russian ambassador to Mali, Igor Gromyko, was one of the first officials to be received by the Junta is thus unsurprising. Local media source aBamako.com reports that the military leaders of the coup had just spent a year training in Russia. While this kind of activity is not extraordinary, with countries such as the U.S. training armies from more than 20 African countries and shaping its military leaders, it indicates that Russia considers its security presence in Africa necessary. The coup is a blow to French diplomacy, as Paris had heavily invested in Mali security through a tight alliance with former Mali President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. Keitas time in office, which began in 2013 after a coup in 2012 ousted Amadou Toumani Toure, coincided with a French peacekeeping mission, and the Kremlin may seek to supplant France in West African countries where Paris has a stronghold and influence. Russia could also leverage the Mali coup to secure economic deals while bolstering its geopolitical standing in West Africa. Related: Natural Gas Industry Sees Support From U.S. Voters According to FPRI, Russian nuclear energy giant Rosatom, which directly competes with its French counterpart for contracts in the Sahel, could benefit from favorable relations with Malis new political authorities. Nordgold, a Russian gold company that has investments in Guinea and Burkina Faso, could also expand its extraction initiatives in Malis gold reserves. However, Professor Irina Filatova, Research Professor at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, who specializes in Russian Foreign Policy, insists on caution about assuming Russian interference in Malian politics: Its difficult for me to judge how reliable this information is because Moscow has said nothing about it. Indeed, even though Russia has been a long term partner with Mali since Malis independence from France in the 1960s, no significant diplomatic agreement has recently been passed, outside of weapons trade. Moreover, the shift in the Juntas alliance from France to Russia might also be related to distrust of its more traditional allies, with France unable to stabilize Mali so far. To take further advantage of the coup in Mali, Russia has positioned itself as a counterinsurgency partner for countries in the region. In a September 9 interview with Sputnik, Cote dIvoires Ambassador to Russia Roger Gnango called for increased military cooperation with Russia, due to instability resulting from the Mali coup. The next step in Putins African Policy Russias growing involvement in Africa can also be explained by its vital need to establish new commercial roads and diplomatic alliances after the Crimea-related Western sanctions imposed on Moscow in 2014. According to CSIS, an American think tank, Moscow recently tripled its trade with Africa, from $6.6 billion in 2010 to $18.9 billion in 2018. Russia also broadened its economic strengths beyond arms sales, adding investment in oil, gas, and enhancing nuclear power across the continent, while also importing extractives, such as diamonds in CAR, bauxite in Guinea, and platinum in Zimbabwe. Related: Libyas Oil Production Jumps To 300,000 Bpd As Exports Rise Politically, Russia has been aiming to build new alliances and make new friends, both to rebuild its image as a world power and decreasing Western influence in a region where socialism has often been part of the political culture of independence leaders. This policy has already borne fruit, with Russia persuading in 2014 more than half of the African governments to oppose or abstain from a UN General Assembly Resolution condemning the annexation of Crimea. Russia signed deals with regional bodies, such as the Southern African Development Community, and fortified its multilateral relationship with African leaders through the organization of Russian-African Summits. Central African Republic officials have summed up the core of these new alliances: We presented our problem and Russia offered to help us. Destabilisation of traditional order? Most African leaders have taken into account the advantages of aligning with Moscow to pursue political, security, and economic objectives. It allows them to have a more considerable margin of maneuver against international rules, by playing U.S. and Russia against each other; if Washington presses too hard on democracy and human rights-related topics, African nations can threaten to increase their relationship with Moscow and favor more east-centered commercial relations. However, the influence of Russia, which relies on its security expertise and the use of the Wagner contractors group in conflicts, presents a risk to the stability of Africa as a whole. Moscow may try to rely on the toppling of reluctant governments to advance its diplomatic agenda, which may have been the case in Mali. By Theo Locherer via Global Risk Insights More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: China: Schoolchildren taught to 'hate God,' Christianity an 'evil cult' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Christian parents in China have shared how their schoolchildren are being taught that Christianity is an evil cult and encouraged to hate God as the officially atheist country continues to tighten its grip on religion. According to Chinese persecution watchdog Bitter Winter, since the Regulations on Religious Affairs legislation was implemented last year, schools around China have adopted unprecedented measures to keep students away from Christianity. Schools in China are government-controlled, and therefore Communist in ideology. The policy has resulted in difficult situations for families as children are encouraged to question the beliefs of family members and report those closest to them to authorities. Several Christian parents shared their stories with Bitter Winter, revealing the magnitude of Chinas animosity toward Christianity. My teacher says that Christianity is an evil cult, one boy explained to his mother. [That] if you believe in it, you will leave home and not take care of me. You might set yourself on fire, too. Another mother shared how, after discovering an anti-Christian school textbook in her sons backpack, she hid many of the items that identified her as a believer to help her son with his anxiety. A month later, when her son found another religious leaflet in his mothers bag by chance, he angrily took a fruit knife from the kitchen and fiercely poked several holes in it, according to the outlet. He then threatened his mother to give up her faith because Christianity is an evil cult and she mustnt believe in it. Before starting school, I told my child about Gods creation, and he believed it, the woman explained. But after being taught at school, my child is like a different person. In atheistic China, these pure and innocent children have been taught to hate God. Kindergarten and primary schools are also teaching children how to oppose religion. In late April, a primary school in Xinzheng city in the central province of Henan encouraged young children to refrain from believing in any deity. If your mom goes to church and believes in God, she doesnt want you as her child anymore, one teacher said. Another school screened a propaganda video in which Jesus followers were depicted as big scary monsters. After the presentation was complete, a teacher warned that Christian relatives might cast spells on the youngsters. One of the parents at the school said that as a result, her son actively opposed her reading religious books in the family home. Another student was terrified that his mom was going to be led away by police. Others students were advised to supervise their parents to ensure that they dont practice their faith. It leads to a dead-end, one young student said of his father's Christian faith. If you attend gatherings, you will be arrested. China introduced revised regulations on religion in February, which included banning under-18s from attending church or receiving any religious education. The new regulations have also forced primary schools in Henan to warn parents that they are not allowed to breach the country's laws on the practice of religion. "No one may use religions to disrupt social order, harm citizens or impede the national education system," read a letter by the Ninth Primary School of Linzhou city of Anyang and the First Primary School of Chengguan town of Xingyang city of Chengzhou. "It is an offense for any organizations or individuals to guide, support, permit and condone minors to believe in religions or participate in religious activities," it warned. Officials have also reportedly claimed schools are places "for the state to foster students to build up socialist society," with parents told they have an obligation "to nurture children in accordance with national laws and social requirements." China ranks as the 27th worst nation in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs World Watch List. Open Doors has expressed concern that the religious affairs in China now lies with the Communist Party. Police remain at the scene of an overnight shooting in Coleraine, a woman is in a critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to the back of the head.Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia A heavy police presence remains at the scene where a 61-year-old woman was shot in her home in Coleraine. The woman, who has been named locally as Sally Cummings, was in the terraced house with her son Russell, who is also believed to have been injured in the attack. Up to six shots were fired into the property on the Bushmills Road shortly before midnight on Monday. Paramedics at the scene said she had been shot in the back of the head. She remains in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where her condition is described as critical. It is understood police are investigating the CCTV images recorded by the nearby Spar as the gunman is believed to have escaped on foot towards the rear of the property. Officers searched the streets frantically in the aftermath of the attack in the hunt for the brazen shooter. Expand Close Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Bushmills Road area of Coleraine on October 6th 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Bushmills Road area of Coleraine on October 6th 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Special firearms officers in high powered unmarked cars, who scrambled to the scene, patrolled the surrounding streets just off the Bushmills Road in anticipation of a lead that would require their assistance. Two police dog units joined the search, concentrating on the back streets and entry ways as a lone forensic officer investigated outside the property. Local residents were in shock as one said: I just heard a few bangs but they didn't sound like normal bangs. My sister lives along the terrace and she heard the same. You just dont think when you hear something like that that it was a shooting. Another resident stated that she heard four shots in quick succession before a pause, followed by two further shots. Forensic officers were carrying out searches inside the property at 11.30am as the road into Coleraine town centre remained closed to the public. Expand Close Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Bushmills Road area of Coleraine on October 6th 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Bushmills Road area of Coleraine on October 6th 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) The front downstairs window of the house was smashed, along with the glass front door, and bullets also damaged the two upstairs windows. Speaking at the scene, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Councils Mayor, Mark Fielding, said the shooters aim was to maim or do serious harm. It is very concerning, stated the DUP councillor. It happened around half 11 and as you can see, three windows have been shot through. On behalf of all the community I unreservedly condemn this. This is not the sort of activity and news you want to hear around Coleraine. I would appeal to anyone to contact police and my thoughts are with the victim. I hope she makes a full recovery. Bushmills Road was reopened to the public at 12.20pm. Detectives in Coleraine are currently working to establish a motive for the attack and to identify those responsible. Anyone who was in the area last night and who noticed anything that could assist the investigation, or anyone with any other information is asked to contact CID in Coleraine by calling 101, quoting reference 2174 05/10/20. Here are the APs latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. For up-to-the minute information on APs coverage, visit Coverage Plan at https://newsroom ap.org. ----------------- ONLY ON AP ----------------- ELECTION 2020-AMERICA DISRUPTED-SUBURBS Once firmly in Republican control, suburbs are increasingly politically divided a rare common ground shared by Republicans and Democrats. As such, they are poised to decide not just who wins the White House this year but also who controls the Senate and the contours of the debate over guns, immigration, work, schools, housing and health care. By Angeliki Kastanis, Josh Boak and Dario Lopez-Mills. SENT: 1,790 words, photos With ELECTION 2020-AMERICA DISRUPTED-SUBURBS-PHOTO ESSAY Scenes from Arizonas growing, pivotal suburbs. US ATTORNEYS DEMOGRAPHICS The nations top federal prosecutors have become less diverse under President Donald Trump than under his three predecessors. White men are overwhelmingly in charge of federal law enforcement amid a national paroxysm over racial inequality and criminal justice. By Jake Bleiberg, Aaron Morrison and Jim Mustian. UPCOMING: 1,670 words, photos by 6 a.m. ----------------- TOP STORIES ----------------- VIRUS OUTBREAK Trump stages a dramatic return to the White House after leaving the military hospital where he has been receiving an unprecedented level of care for COVID-19 He declares that the nation should not fear the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans and then he enters the White House without a protective mask. By Zeke Miller, Jill Colvin and Aamer Madhani. SENT: 1,360 words, photos, video. With VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP-WHAT WE KNOW. VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP-HE GETS IT Now that he has contracted COVID-19, Trump says he does get it. That revelation, seven months into the pandemic and after almost 210,000 American deaths, is not the first time he has relied on personal experience to shape his views. But his declaration that the disease should not dominate lives reinforces that the president has struggled to relate with everyday Americans. By Jonathan Lemire. SENT: 960 words, photos. VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP TWEET REACTION Some survivors of COVID-19 and people who have lost loved ones to the pandemic are angry over Trumps advice not to fear the disease. The worlds most prominent coronavirus patient tweeted that hes feeling great and that people shouldnt let COVID-19 dominate them. By Gene Johnson and Peter Prengaman. SENT: 840 words, photos. Find more coverage of Trump virus in AP Newsroom. ELECTION 2020-HARRIS Kamala Harris pitches the Democratic presidential tickets message directly to Black voters in states like North Carolina and Michigan in the closing weeks of the campaign. By Kathleen Ronayne and Kat Stafford. SENT: 1,100 words, photos. With ELECTION 2020-BIDEN Biden aims to expand map as Trump recovers from coronavirus. VIRUS OUTBREAK-ISRAEL-ULTRA-ORTHODOX Israels ultra-Orthodox Jews make up roughly 10% of the population, yet account for over one-third of the countrys coronavirus patients. Segments of the community refuse to comply with safety regulations and insist on maintaining a tight-knit way of life. By Tia Goldenberg. SENT: 980 words, photos. EASTER-ISLAND-SIX-MONTHS-STRANDED About 25 residents from remote Easter Island who have been stranded far from their loved ones for more than six months because of the coronavirus will finally be able to return home this week on a French military plane. By Nick Perry. SENT: 480 words, photo. ------------------------------------------------ MORE ON THE VIRUS OUTBREAK ------------------------------------------------ VIRUS-OUTBREAK-VACCINE-WHITE-HOUSE The White House has blocked new Food and Drug Administration guidelines on bringing potential vaccines for COVID-19 to market that would almost certainly have prevented their approval before the Nov. 3 election. SENT: 980 words, photo. VIRUS-OUTBREAK-CDC-AEROSOL The top U.S. public health agency says that the coronavirus can spread more than 6 feet through the air, especially in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, but agency officials maintained that such spread is uncommon and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. SENT: 530 words, photo. VIRUS OUTBREAK-WHITE HOUSE The West Wing is a ghost town, and staffers are scared of exposure and pointing fingers. SENT: 1,840 words, photos. VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP-TESTING Trumps press secretary once called the president the most tested man in America when it came to COVID-19, but that vaunted testing operation proved woefully insufficient in protecting the president and those who work for him. SENT: 870 words, photos. VIRUS-OUTBREAK-ASIA Sri Lanka says more than 300 garment factory workers are infected with the coronavirus, days after reporting the Indian Ocean nations first community infection in two months. SENT: 460 words, photos. With VIRUS-OUTBREAK-THE-LATEST. VIRUS-OUTBREAK-VIRAL-QUESTIONS-MASK-ETIQUETTE How do I politely ask someone to wear a mask? SENT: 240 words, graphic. VIRUS-OUTBREAK-MEDIA Trumps return to the White House to recover from the coronavirus seems certain to raise the already heightened anxiety level of the journalists assigned to follow him. By Media Writer David Bauder. SENT: 870 words, photos. VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP-MINNESOTA Thirteen staff members from a Minneapolis steakhouse were quarantining after the restaurant catered a fundraiser attended by Trump during his visit to Minnesota last week. SENT: 620 words, photos. VIRUS-OUTBREAK-SANCTIONS China and 25 other nations call for the immediate lifting of sanctions by the United States and Western countries to ensure an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. SENT: 350 words. VIRUS-OUTBREAK-NATIONS-CAPITAL Officials with the Washington, D.C., Department of Health have been unsuccessful in trying to connect with the White House to assist with contact tracing and other protocols regarding the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. SENT: 930 words, photos. Find more coverage on the Virus Outbreak on the featured topic page in AP Newsroom. A separate wire advisory has moved outlining our complete coronavirus coverage. ------------------------------------------- WHAT WERE TALKING ABOUT VIRUS-OUTBREAK-CHRIS-CHRISTIE Report: Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie knocked back" by coronavirus. SENT: 230 words, photo. OILERS-MCDAVID-COVID-19 Oilers McDavid tests positive for COVID-19. SENT: 230 words, photo. SUPREME COURT-BARRETT Infected senator vows moon suit to vote Trumps court pick. SENT: 930 words, photos. TRUMP-COLUMNIST LAWSUIT Lawyers: Trump cant use job as a shield in defamation suit. SENT: 400 words. ----------------------------- INTERNATIONAL ----------------------------- THAILAND-HISTORY LESSONS A growing number of anti-government protesters in Thailand are also exploring a massacre of students 44 years ago that mainstream Thai history books ignore. SENT: 780 words, photos. TROPICAL WEATHER A strengthening Hurricane Delta was on a course to pass by the Cayman Islands before hitting Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula potentially as a major storm and continuing on to strike the U.S. Gulf coast later in the week. SENT: 340 words, photo. JAPAN-QUAD-MEETING U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Japanese counterpart say they will lead a regional initiative called Free and Open Indo-Pacific aimed at countering Chinas growing assertiveness, a main issue they will discuss with the top envoys from Australia and India. SENT: 700 words, photos. GERMANY-SYRIA-WAR CRIMES Human rights groups say they have filed a criminal complaint in Germany asking prosecutors to investigate two chemical weapons attacks in Syria that stand out as among the worst atrocities in the countrys long-running conflict. SENT: 440 words. UNITED NATIONS-HAITI The U.N. envoy for Haiti warns that Latin Americas poorest country has seen increasing violence in recent months, with gangs challenging the authority of the state and political divisions blocking movement toward legislative elections. SENT: 520 words, photo. IRAN-US A U.S. judge orders Iran to pay $1.45 billion to the family of a former FBI agent believed to have been kidnapped by the Islamic Republic while on an unauthorized CIA mission to an Iranian island in 2007. SENT: 510 words, photo. PHILIPPINES-DUTERTE-DRUG KILLINGS Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says that like his fierce critics, he has also suspected that extrajudicial killings may have happened under his drug crackdown that has killed thousands of people. SENT: 490 words, photo. - NATIONAL - CALIFORNIA-WILDFIRES With months still to go in Californias fire season, the state has already shattered records for the amount of land scorched in a single year more than 4 million acres to date, with one blaze alone surpassing the 1 million acre mark. SENT: 750 words, photos. HEALTH/SCIENCE NOBEL-PHYSICS The Nobel Prize for physics is an award that has in the past honored discoveries about the tiniest of particles and the vast mysteries of outer space. SENT: 200 words, photo. UPCOMING: Announcement at 5:45 a.m. - BUSINESS/ECONOMY FINANCIAL-MARKETS Shares advanced in Asia after hopes for fresh economic stimulus helped Wall Street recover its losses from the initial shock of learning Trump had tested positive for the coronavirus. By Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach. SENT: 660 words, photos. -------------------------- HOW TO REACH US -------------------------- At the Nerve Center, Jerome Minerva can be reached at 800-845-8450 (ext. 1600). For photos, Wally Santana (ext. 1900). For graphics and interactives, Dien Magno (ext. 7636) Expanded AP content can be obtained from http://newsroom.ap.org. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport(at)ap.org or call 877-836-9477. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - At 8:30 am ET Tuesday, Statistics Canada will release Canada trade data for August. Ahead of the data, the loonie held steady against its major counterparts. The loonie was worth 79.71 against the yen, 0.9491 against the aussie, 1.5632 against the euro and 1.3251 against the greenback as of 8:25 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. President Moon Jae-in speaks with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Monday, at Cheong Wa Dae to discuss Korea's bid for the WTO director-general. Moon has stressed in his phone conversations and letters to his counterparts that his trade minister Yoo Myung-hee is the most capable candidate to implement WTO reform and restore multilateral trading system. Yonhap By Do Je-hae President Moon Jae-in has been making every effort to convince the international community that Korea's first female Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee is the right person to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO). To that end, Moon has engaged in active diplomacy through phone conversations with and letters to his counterparts around the world. Even during the Chuseok holidays last week, he spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to seek the European nation's support for Yoo's bid to become the next WTO director-general. Right after the holiday, Moon talked on the phone with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Monday, with regard to Yoo's bid for the WTO election, which is expected to conclude in early November. In the talks, Moon stressed Yoo was the best equipped to realize the goals of expanding free trade, advancing the WTO and restoring the multilateral trading system, according to Cheong Wa Dae. The President also sent letters seeking support for Yoo to leaders of 35 countries. Yoo and four other candidates from Nigeria, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Britain have advanced into the second round of the voting process. The WTO is expected to announce the two finalists later this week. Analysts say that the Korean trade minister's advancement into the select group is a recognition of her competitiveness as a candidate for the headship of the global trade body. "Generally, two factors play into the selection of director-general of the WTO (and indeed most multilateral organizations like it)," Rohinton P. Medhora, president of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, based in Ontario, Canada, told The Korea Times. "First is the 'constituency' the candidate represents, be it a country, a region, or something thematic like subject-area expertise and background. The second is the qualifications and capability of the candidate herself/himself. The fact that Minister Yoo has held senior political positions in South Korea is a plus. It shows she is a smart, capable leader who understands power and political processes, which is key to navigate the WTO through this current period of turbulence. Her nationality is also significant because South Korea is widely seen as a country that used globalization and industrial policy strategically, as part of its successful development model." "There is no question the WTO needs reform because the trade world in which it operates has changed so much. Designing and implementing this reform will require patience, experience and innovative thinking in equal parts. In principle, a strong female candidate from a dynamic part of the world is perfectly positioned to take on this role," Medhora added. Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee leaves for Europe at the Incheon International Airport, Sept. 27, as part of her campaign for the WTO chief race. Yoo is looking to become the first Korean and first female WTO director-general. Yonhap Manatees usually call the warm coastal waters of Mexico, Belize, Florida and the Caribbean home. But new fossil evidence puts these gentle, slow-moving sea cows in Texas during the most recent ice age. The discovery has researchers wondering if an ancient population of manatees once called the Lone Star State home between 11,000 and 240,000 years ago. Or perhaps the gentle marine mammal merely swam by the Gulf Coast for a visit, much as it does in the modern era. 'This was an unexpected thing for me because I don't think about manatees being on the Texas coast today,' said Christopher Bell, a professor at UT's Jackson School of Geosciences. 'But they're here. They're just not well known.' Manatee fossils from the Pleistocene donated to the Sam Houston State University Natural History Collections. Conventional wisdom among scientists is that during the last ice age, Texas' coastal waters were too cold for manatees The eight fossils described in a paper published in Palaeontologia Electronica include manatee jawbones and rib fragments from the Pleistocene. Most came from McFaddin Beach near Port Arthur and Caplen Beach near Galveston and were donated to the Sam Houston State University Natural History Collections by amateur fossil collectors over the last 50 years. 'We have them from one decade to another, so we know it's not from some old manatee that washed up, and we have them from different places,' said SHSU curator William Godwin. 'All these lines of evidence support that manatee bones were coming up in a constant way.' Manatees have been spotted off the Texas coastline as far back as 1853, but reports have been 'sporadic and poorly documented until relatively recently.' Manatees are typically found in the warm coastal waters of Mexico, Belize, Florida and the Caribbean home. They have been known to take 'summer vacation' in Texas, though reports have been 'sporadic and poorly documented' The eight fossils, including manatee jawbones and rib fragments, came from McFaddin Beach near Port Arthur and Caplen Beach near Galveston. They were donated to the Sam Houston State University Natural History Collections by amateur collectors over the last 50 years. Conventional wisdom among scientists has been been that, during the Pleistocene, the coastal waters were too cold for them. But the age of the donated fossils match better-known ice age fossils and paleo-Indian artifacts discovered on the same beaches. One upper jawbone belong to an extinct form of the manatee, Trichechus manatus bakerorum, while other bones belonged to Trichechus manatus, the same species that summers in Texas today. Research led by the University of Texas at Austin has found fossil evidence for manatees along the Texas coast dating back to the most recent ice age, between 11,000 and 240,000 years ago Their discovery has led scientists to believe that either the coastal climate during the Ice Age was much warmer than assumed, or Pleistocene manatees were more resilient to cold than their descendants. Fossil remains of manatee ancestors date back to at least 50 million years. Christopher Columbus wrote of encountering three manatees in a 1493 journal entry, referring to the trio as 'mermaids. Humans pose the biggest threat to these docile creatures, from water pollution, boat collision and habitat loss. In the 1970s, Florida's manatee population reached an all-time low of just a few hundred individuals. Manatees can also fall victim to a 'red tide' of toxic microscopic algae known as Karenia brevis. In 1996, a red tide was responsible for 151 manatee deaths, approximately 15 percent of the population along South Florida's western coast. Front view of Florida Manatee swimming near the surface with its mouth open in a yawn. A half-century ago, the marine mammal was down to a few hundred individuals, but conservation efforts have increased its number significantly By 2017, a concerned conservation effort bolstered their numbers to 6,250 and the manatee's status was downgraded from endangered to threatened. Last summer, a manatee nicknamed 'Molly' was spotted several times off the Texas coast, including in Galveston Bay. 'They're not common in Texas, but sometimes make their way here from Florida in the summer,' the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department tweeted in August 2019. 'Our winters are too cold for them.' Park official Mark Fisher told the Houston Chronicle he was almost positive it was the same sea cow spotted in Corpus Christi Bay on July 11 and near the jetties at South Padre Island six days later. There hadn't been reports of a manatee signing in the area since 2014. In 1995, an eight-foot-long manatee named 'Selena' was rescued from Houston's Buffalo Bayou. QuickPivot Customer Data Platform This powerful partnership between the QuickPivot and Direct Mail Manager brands enables marketers to incorporate highly personalized direct-mail programs into their cross-channel marketing strategies. QuickPivot, the premier customer data platform for multichannel brands, and Direct Mail Manager, a software platform that automates the creation and delivery of personalized postcards, today announced a new integration that enables marketers to send on-demand, personalized print postcards to customers directly from the QuickPivot customer data platform (CDP). The two organizations have worked closely to leverage assets within the Vericast portfolio to deliver this unique solution to clients. This powerful partnership between the QuickPivot and Direct Mail Manager brands enables marketers to incorporate highly personalized direct-mail programs into their cross-channel marketing strategies, says Paul Mandeville, chief product officer at QuickPivot. Many of our clients use QuickPivot to power their catalog programs, but there has been a desire for a more agile direct-mail option. This collaboration within the Vericast businesses answers the call. QuickPivot is the only customer data platform with a native integration with Direct Mail Manager. Unlike a CRM or marketing automation technology platform, the QuickPivot CDP securely stores all of a brands relevant first-party demographic, behavioral and transactional data. This enables marketers to make more strategic decisions when it comes to segmentation and personalization. Now, QuickPivot users can build multi-touch marketing campaigns that seamlessly move between e-mail and direct mail, making it ideal for re-targeting and re-engagement campaigns. Additional benefits of the solution include: Personalized creative: Clients can pull information from any data attribute within a QuickPivot instance and insert directly onto the postcard creative. Timely Outreach: Each postcard is custom printed and mailed in 48 hours or less. Automated programs: Build a multi-touch marketing campaign directly in the QuickPivot CDP, choose an audience, and push it live. The campaign will autonomously queue, personalize and send the postcards. Ultimate data confidence: All customer data that is stored in the QuickPivot platform is passed through QuickPivots proprietary data refinery to enable the highest level of data quality. Contacts that are selected to receive a post card through the Direct Mail Manger integration are address-verified again to ensure the highest levels of deliverability. Direct Mail Manager enables marketers to target, send, and track direct mail the same way they manage e-mail campaigns, says Liam Oliver, General Manager of Direct Mail Manager. With the QuickPivot CDP, brands can aggregate and securely store a significant amount of their customers demographic, behavioral and purchase data, which allows nearly limitless options for campaign segmentation and personalization. QuickPivots CDP has top-tier data management, campaign orchestration and message activation capabilities, making it seamless and straightforward to setup and run a multi-channel marketing campaign. Unlike other customer data platforms, not only does QuickPivot provide the highest level of data quality, it offers native messaging capabilities across e-mail, mobile and print channels enabling marketers to maximize engagement with their customers. Learn more about the QuickPivot Customer Data Platform. About QuickPivot QuickPivot, a Vericast business, is the premier customer data platform for brands looking to know, target and engage their customers. Our technology empowers marketers to rapidly make data-driven decisions and develop advanced cross-channel campaigns that drive timely, relevant customer experiences. QuickPivot allows brands to consolidate, cleanse, match and enrich all of their first party data and activate it to any endpoint to support strategic marketing campaigns. The QuickPivot platform is backed up by a services team laser-focused on client success. The team works side-by-side with clients to get them up-and-running and continuously helps them optimize and scale. Learn more about the QuickPivot CDP at http://www.quickpivot.com. San Miguel County Sheriff Blue after her rescue A 25-year-old woman was injured after she fell 30 feet off a cliff while trying to rescue her friends puppy on a hike in Colorado, authorities said. The Denver woman was hiking with friends at Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride on Saturday when Blue, her pals 3-month-old dog, slipped and fell, the San Miguel Sheriffs Office said. Blue lost her footing and was stuck on a ledge after tumbling about 15 feet down. To help, a male member of the group headed down to try and catch the dog in case she fell, while the woman went in for the rescue from above, the sheriffs office said. Though she came close, the woman lost her footing and fell at least 30 feet below onto her friend, who broke her fall. Together, they both slid about 20 more feet. Medical teams arrived on the scene around 11:30 a.m., and successfully rescued the woman, who was hospitalized with non life-threatening traumatic injuries, authorities said. RELATED: Twin Girls, 2, Rescued by 'Heroic' Officer After Their Father Drives Them Off Cliff San Miguel County Sheriff Blue after her rescue The friend who broke her fall sustained minor injuries, and was treated and released from the hospital. Very, very lucky, Susan Lilly, public information officer for the sheriffs office and an EMT who responded to the scene, told KCNC. This certainly could have had a different outcome, really a life-altering outcome, from the kind of fall she took. San Miguel County Sheriff Blue during her rescue Blue, meanwhile, was rescued with a rope and placed in a harness, at which point she was returned to her owner unharmed. Lilly said the person who rescued Blue was an 18 year old on his very first search and rescue mission. For me, it was the perfect scenario to get thrown into as my first time because I could get it done, I knew how it was supposed to go, rescuer Wiley Holbrooke told KCNC. Madigan currently oversees a 74-44 Democratic majority in the House and has been able to build a powerful Democratic machine in which he controls the purse strings and thus the policies and politics in this state. Kifowits own campaign fund has received nearly $729,000 in contributions from 2011-2019 from three campaign funds controlled by Madigan, and as we surely know by now, he regards loyalty above all else. Debate moderator and Fox News anchor Chris Wallace moderates the first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 29, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/Pool/Getty Images) Presidential Debate Moderator Chris Wallace Tests Negative for COVID-19 Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, who moderated last weeks presidential debate, has tested negative for COVID-19, the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Wallace tested negative on Oct. 5, according to Fox News, six days after he served as moderator in the Sept. 29 debate in Cleveland, Ohio, between Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, who last Friday announced he and the first lady had contracted the virus. The Fox News anchor sat in relatively close proximity to Trump at the debate, during which neither Wallace nor the participants wore masks. Biden, according to campaign officials, last tested negative for COVID-19 on Sunday, with two negative tests on Friday. Health officials recommend waiting around 5 to 7 days from a potential exposure to get a COVID-19 test in order to prevent false positives. Trump, after undergoing treatment at the Walter Reed medical facility in Maryland, returned to the White House on Monday after a three-day stay. Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago! Trump wrote in a tweet as he was preparing to leave the hospital. In a video Monday night, Trump doubled down on the message that the illness, while serious, can be beaten, saying, Be careful, but dont let it dominate you. Youre going to beat it, he said. We have the best medical equipment, we have the best medicines. President Donald Trump takes off his mask as he arrives at the White House upon his return from Walter Reed Medical Center, where he underwent treatment for the CCP virus, in Washington on Oct. 5, 2020. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images) A number of the presidents close associates have recently tested positive for the CCP virus, including White House aide Hope Hicks, Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. While the White House has not insisted on wearing facial coverings as a safety measure against the virus, it has in place a rigorous testing regimen. The president is tested regularly, as are his most senior aides, and anyone in close proximity to Trump or Vice President Mike Pence is tested prior to the days events, including reporters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in its guidance, recommends social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and disinfection of touched surfaces, as well as covering the mouth and nose with a mask when in proximity to others. Who needs James Bond when you have The 355? Monday night saw the drop of the action-packed first trailer for the spy caper The 355, which stars Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong'o, Diane Kruger, Penelope Cruz and Bingbing Fan as a group of international spies who band together to prevent World War III. Set to an ambient mix of Jay-Z and Rihanna's Run This Town, the clip starts with Oscar nominee Chastain faced with the task of defeating an 'invisible' enemy. Watch out: Monday night saw the drop of the action-packed first trailer for the spy caper The 355, which stars Jessica Chastain as the leader of a group of international female spies 'They can destabilize entire countries from a simple reach of their keyboards,' she's heard saying, as images of Paris and other locations flash on screen, before the click of a mouse leads to a huge explosion. Her superior tells her, 'Officially, I can't put you on this, but if you were to go out on your own...' '...I would need help,' Jessica says, before the action switches to London, where she meets up with Lupita. Tech wiz: The trailer then follows Chastain as she recruits Lupita Nyong'o The trailer then follows Chastain as she recruits Nyong'o, followed by Kruger, Cruz and Fan, to help her vanquish the unseen enemy. 'I'm putting together a team,' she tells Lupita, 'And you're the best at what you do.' An array of cell phones and gadgets is briefly seen laid out on a bed, suggesting that the 12 Years A Slave star here plays a tech mastermind of some sort. Master of disguise: An array of cell phones and gadgets is briefly seen laid out on a bed, suggesting that the 12 Years A Slave star here plays a tech mastermind of some sort In a different city, Jessica busts open a door and is immediately engaged in an intense hold-up with Diane, as the pair aim guns at each other with a terrified Penelope watching. Then Lupita explains it: 'We all work for different intelligence agencies American, British, German, Colombian and Chinese.' Each of the actress is briefly seen in closeup. Fast paced: Diane Kruger costars as a German intelligence agent At one point: Jessica busts open a door and is immediately engaged in an intense hold-up with Diane, as the pair aim guns at each other... ...with a terrified Penelope Cruz watching 'We all have a common enemy,' Nyong'o continues. 'And if we don't stop them,' Chastain adds. 'They'll start World War III.' More explosions ensue, including one leading to a menacing plume of smoke at the Eiffel Tower. Then Lupita explains it: 'We all work for different intelligence agencies American, British, German, Colombian and Chinese' Lady in red: Bingbing Fan rounds out the cast of femme fatales from around the globe Scenes featuring hand-to-hand combat whiz by, along with a fair share of guns blazing. There's also a healthy amount of espionage, with the actresses looking fabulous in exquisite evening gowns. 'You have cameras in your jewelry, comms in your earrings,' Lupita informs her partners. There's a healthy amount of espionage: The actresses look fabulous in exquisite evening gowns 'You have cameras in your jewelry, comms in your earrings,' Lupita informs her partners The action slows down when Cruz is on her phone, video-chatting in Spanish with her children. 'I have two children, I am a normal person,' she says. 'I cannot do this anymore.' Just then, she cowers from an explosion behind her. Wham, pow: Scenes featuring hand-to-hand combat whiz by... ...along with a fair share of guns blazing and more explosions The action slows down when Cruz is on her phone, video-chatting in Spanish with her children: 'I have two children, I am a normal person,' she says Later, Jessica is heard saying, 'We put ourselves in danger, so others aren't.' Also starring in the movie are Edgar Ramirez and Sebastian Stan, the latter of whom was seen filming with Chastain in Paris this past spring. The 355 is scheduled to hit theaters January 15th, 2021. Also starring in the movie are: Edgar Ramirez and Sebastian Stan, the latter of whom was seen filming with Chastain in Paris this past spring Members of the Ewe Muslim Community Forum on Monday paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu at his residence in Accra. The visit was to officially introduce the Community to the Chief Imam and also inform him about the activities of the Organisation. A statement issued in Accra by the Community and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said Sheikh Ahmed Zormelo, one of the Imams, speaking on behalf of the Organisation, said the Community's mission was to render support to the needy and identify special projects in deprived communities for assistance. He said the Community intended to build secular and Islamic schools, assist needy students with scholarship opportunities and support orphans. The team was led by Torgbui Mawuko Abdul-Razak, the Chief of Ewe Muslims in Greater Accra and Mr Mawuli Braimah, Coordinator of the Organisation. The National Chief Imam, through his spokesperson, Sheikh Admit Shaibu, commended the group for coming together for a common purpose, saying, that was the way to promote national development. ---GNA A state prison inmate was reportedly stabbed to death last week. The Alabama Department of Corrections on Tuesday confirmed the Sept. 29 death of Demarcus Fernando Harris. The 46-year-old inmate was serving a life sentence under the states Habitual Felony Offender Act for a 2011 robbery conviction out of Lauderdale County. Few details were released but ADOC spokeswoman Samantha Rose said the deadly inmate-on-inmate assault happened at Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore. The exact cause of death is pending a full autopsy, she said, and more information will be released once the investigation is complete. "The ADOC condemns all violence in its facilities,'' Rose said, and the fatal actions taken against Harrison by another inmate are being thoroughly investigated. Jacinda Ardern has outfoxed opposition leader Judith Collins with a stirring performance in the third leaders debate of the New Zealand election campaign. After lacklustre efforts in previous outings, the Labour leader showed both her stately and relatable sides on stage at James Hay Theatre in Christchurch on Tuesday night. On topics as varied as climate change and electric vehicles, youth dental care and the COVID-19 lockdown, Ms Ardern had Ms Collins' measure. Jacinda Ardern was able to name the exact cost of a Netflix plan during an election debate And in a 'The Price Is Right' round designed to test how in touch the two leaders are with everyday costs, Ms Ardern was able to name the cost of a Netflix plan. 'I believe it's about $11.99,' she said, naming the monthly price to the cent. Ms Ardern blundered on the price of a 2kg leg of lamb - offering $20 to Ms Collins' $28 - when the actual price is $42. However, it didn't dent a strong night for Ms Ardern, who is heavily favoured to win a second term as PM in the October 17 election. The popular 40-year-old looked more comfortable in a raucous town hall setting, with a crowd tilted in her favour, after two debates in a TV studio. On COVID-19, Ms Ardern hit out at National's run of three leaders since May, saying 'every leader we've have from National has had a different position and it's been wrong'. Ms Ardern outfoxed opposition leader Judith Collins (pictured) with a stirring performance in the third leaders debate Ms Collins erred by offering Samoa as a better example of a country which locked down 'hard and early', to use Ms Ardern's commonly uttered phrase. The 61-year-old said the island nation, which has not recorded any cases of the virus, locked down a month earlier than New Zealand - in fact it locked down a day later. Ms Ardern's best moment came while discussing poor dental outcomes for Kiwi kids. Rather than attack her opponent, she accepted Ms Collins' point and then spelled out a specific policy prescription, leaving the otherwise-noisy opposition leader silent. 'We have to dig deeper about what is happening,' she said. 'Our children aren't accessing free dental care and instead are having to go under anaesthetic to have them removed ... we need extra dental buses (and) we want an extra 20 to get into those communities and make that difference.' After the debate, Ms Ardern declined to declare victory, but said her showing was reflective of her government. 'What we're offering is a stable government with a plan and I think that was on display tonight,' she said. The fourth and final debate will be hosted by TVNZ on Thursday, October 15, two days before the election. Organised by the Singapore Coffee Association (SCA) in partnership with Food&HotelAsia (FHA), the virtual auction saw bidders from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, UAE and USA vying for 49 lots of specialty coffee. The auction was closely watched on socials, garnering up to 5,200 views. Santa Elena Estate's Geisha beans received the second highest bid of US$56 from CoHee Limited, Hong Kong. Finally, Yellow Catucai from Guariroba Farm, Brazil was sold at US$25 to a bidder from Japan. Other lots that received intense interest from bidders include: CAT-129 variety from Ngoli Estate, Zambia (highest jump from US$7 to close bid at US$16 ) (highest jump from to close bid at ) F1 Centroamericano, Hy-04 Natural varieties from La Margarita, Costa Rica Caturra / Catuai varieties from Finca Santa Teresa, Panama Arabica Catuai variety from Finca La Valentina, Panama Intense discussion on climate change and coffee production The webinar "Effects of Climate Change on Coffee Production in ASEAN", held on the same day prior to the auction, saw 133 attendees from 22 countries and regions and over 2,400 social views. Discussion centred on the impact of climate change on coffee farming in the region and how farmers can mitigate the damage caused to the industry in Southeast Asia. Industry professionals from Starbucks, a coffee industry expert based in Vietnam, and BSR deep dived into the issue and shared their views on how farmers and businesses can help reduce climate impact. From understanding business risks to analysing the different factors such as energy use and mono crop culture that affect coffee farming communities around the world, the experts agreed that the impact of climate change can be resolved through openness and collaboration among all the stakeholders. #SGCoffeeAuction2020 #singaporecoffee #FHA Photos from webinar and auction available for download here. Notes: Participating producers hail from 12 countries - Brazil , Colombia , Costa Rica , Guatemala , Indonesia , Kenya , Myanmar , Panama , Peru , Timor Leste, Venezuela and Zambia . , , , , , , , , , Timor Leste, and . Bidders are from 17 countries and regions - Australia , Bangladesh , Cambodia , China , Hong Kong , India , Indonesia , Japan , Malaysia , Myanmar , Nepal , Philippines , South Korea , Singapore , UAE, USA and Vietnam . About Singapore Coffee Association The Singapore Coffee Association (SCA) was established in the late 1950's by a group of pioneering coffee traders. During the ensuing years, coffee trade developed rapidly due to the enterprise and hard work of the traders. Singapore gained recognition as one of the coffee centres of the world. Today, as a result of the transformation, Singapore Coffee Association's membership represents all sectors of the coffee industry, from green coffee supply chain providers, international and national roasters to well-known coffee retailers. About FHA-Food & Beverage The platform of choice for industry professionals, including distributors, importers, manufacturers and retailers from Asia to see and source for high quality, new-to-market food ingredients, drinks, fresh produce, services and equipment across three key profiles Food & Beverage, FoodTech and Restaurant, Bar & Cafe. More than 80 per cent of the 2,000 exhibitors participating in FHA-Food & Beverage are renowned manufacturers and brands hailing from 100 countries and regions. ProWine Asia (Singapore), a satellite event of the highly successful ProWein in Dusseldorf, Germany, will return for its third edition alongside FHA-Food & Beverage. For more information, please visit www.fhafnb.com. About FHA-HoReCa Where world's leading hotels, restaurants and cafe suppliers will gather to showcase the latest foodservice & hospitality equipment, products and services across five main segments Bakery, Pastry & Gelato; Foodservice & Hospitality Equipment; Hospitality Style; Hospitality Technology; Speciality Coffee & Tea serving discerning distributors, importers, manufacturers and retailers from Asia, all under one roof. For more information, please visit www.fhahoreca.com. Appendix - Quotes "This first time ever virtual micro lot specialty coffee auction has once again placed Singapore on the world coffee map as a premier coffee trading hub. We are pleased with the healthy participation rates for both the auction and webinar, and how the event has brought the global coffee community even closer. It has been a great partnership with FHA and we are looking forward to the next collaboration," said Mr Victor Mah, President, Singapore Coffee Association. Mr Martyn Cox, Event Director of FHA-HoReCa and FHA-Food & Beverage said, "The partnership with SCA has been fruitful and we are pleased to see the community gathering to support the coffee producers. It is in these challenging times that we see how innovation and technology can help to sustain and spur the industry." "We are delighted with the results of the auction. This certainly proves that there is a market for the Panamanian Geisha beans in Asia. The virtual auction has also enabled us to reach out to buyers all over the world and market our coffee to even more consumers. We are grateful for the opportunity and would like to thank the Singapore Coffee Association and FHA for organising this well-run event,"," said His Excellency Luis Alberto Melo, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama. Ms Pacita Juan, Vice President, ASEAN Coffee Federation and webinar moderator commented, "The webinar ran smoothly and I enjoyed the session tremendously. It was a wonderful forum for sharing the industry's insights into climate change from the perspective of coffee growers. The topic has brought this issue to the forefront, especially among the young. Kudos go to the organisers for bringing this discussion to the table." SOURCE Food&HotelAsia Related Links https://www.foodnhotelasia.com Commenting on videos of him being manhandled by the police, Rahul Gandhi 'The entire country is being assaulted right now, and so, if I got pushed around a bit, it is not a big deal' Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a press conference on Tuesday, launched a scathing attack on the Centre over the recently-passed farm laws and also slammed the Uttar Pradesh government over the Hathras gangrape case. Speaking on why he went to Hathras to meet the gangrape victim's family, Rahul said, "I wanted that family to know that they are not alone. I told the family that I did not come to meet them only for their sake, but for the lakhs of women who face abuse. (In the Hathras case), the entire administrative machinery of Uttar Pradesh targeted the victim's family, but the prime minister did not say a word." Rahul also commented on videos of him being manhandled by the Uttar Pradesh Police and said, "The entire country is being assaulted right now, and so, if I got pushed around a bit, it is not a big deal... the most unimaginable assault was on the victim's family." On the farm laws that have recently received the assent of the president, the Wayanad MP said, "The introduction of the farm laws by the [Narendra] Modi government is a way to destroy the existing structure of food security and it is going to affect the state of Punjab the most. It is an attack on our farmers and we will fight it." He further said, "If the laws were meant to benefit farmers, why did Modiji not debate them in Parliament? Why were the Bills passed in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic? Why did the prime minister not hold a press conference on them, or speak to Punjab farmers about them?" Rahul Gandhi also commented on the ongoing border standoff between India and China, and said, "Narendra Modi said nobody has taken Indian land. He told this to Opposition leaders. China has taken 1,200 square kilometres of our land, how could they do so? China did so because it knows that the person sitting at the top only protects his image. For saving his image, he will hand over 1,200 sq kms of land to us." Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trial of Ramon Abbas, the Nigerian Instagram celebrity facing wire fraud charges in the U.S., has been moved to 2021. According to the chambers orders of Judge Otis Wright released September 23, the jury trial will continue by 9:00 a.m. on May 4, 2021. Across the globe, the respiratory disease has been contracted by over 35 million people and has killed more than 1 million persons. Apart from the economic challenges the pandemic has posed as a result of lockdown and some restrictions, it has affected judicial processes globally. In June, the 37-year-old Mr Abbas, also known as Hushpuppi, who is known for flaunting his opulent lifestyle on social media, was arrested in Dubai by some special operatives including the Emerati police officers and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) operatives. The FBIs investigation, according to the affidavit obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, revealed that Mr Abbas finances this extravagant lifestyle through crime. He is alleged to be the leader of a mafia that facilitates computer intrusion, Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud and money laundering. His targeted victims, majorly in the U.S, have been duped of hundreds of millions of dollars, the FBI says. In July, Mr Abbas alongside Olalekan Ponle, popularly known as Woodberry, was extradited to Chicago in the United States where he was first arraigned. However, because the U.S. Court in Illinois does not have jurisdiction over the case, he was transferred to Los Angeles, a city in California, where his trial will commence. At the pre-trial services, he pleaded not guilty to the four-count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracies, international money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. READ ALSO: Also, the suspected fraudster has pleaded that he should be prosecuted with complaint and not indictment. This he did by filing a waiver of indictment accepted by the court. A complaint is the statement of the law enforcement agents containing essential facts of the offenses. On the other hand, to obtain an indictment, a prosecutor must present proposed charges to a grand jury a body of jurors that investigates crimes and decides whether charges should be filed. If convicted, the one-time Instagram sensation might spend the next 20 years in the U.S federal prison. ST. JOHNS, N.L. - The Innu Nation of Labrador has filed a lawsuit against Hydro-Quebec seeking $4 billion in compensation for the ecological and cultural damage caused by the damming of the upper Churchill River in the early 1970s. Senior Innu leaders said Tuesday the provincially owned utility illegally took land from the Indigenous group without consultation in the late 1960s as construction started on the Churchill Falls hydroelectric project in central Labrador. Hydro-Quebec has made billions of dollars from that contract, (but) it has not paid us a single penny for the damage to our land or damage to our lives, and to our people, Grand Chief Etienne Rich told a news conference in St. Johns. We are extremely disappointed in Hydro-Quebecs refusal to take responsibility for what they have done to our people and our land .... They should have agreed long ago to compensate us for the damage they have caused. It is time for Hydro-Quebec to do the right thing. It has been 50 years. My God, it is 50 years past due! The massive hydroelectric project led to the creation of the Smallwood Reservoir, which flooded 6,500 square kilometres of traditional Innu territory, destroying fishing and hunting grounds, caribou habitat and ancestral graves, Rich said. The reservoir is 1,000 square kilometres larger than Prince Edward Island. The lawsuit, which also names the Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation Ltd., has been filed with the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. Hydro-Quebec spokesman Serge Abergel said utility officials were surprised by the statement of claim. We are going to take time to study it, he said. There is a complicated historical context. It is not Hydro-Quebec that operates the power station, but we buy the energy. The statement of claim says the project would never have been built without Hydro-Quebecs completion guarantee, which secured financing for the project. The Innu Nation represents about 3,200 Indigenous people, most of whom live in the First Nation communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish. Before the federal government moved them to the communities in the 1950s and 1960s, the Innu were a largely nomadic people who often travelled to the interior of Labrador to hunt, fish and trade. They call the Churchill Rivers large watershed Nitassinan. The river itself is called Mishtashipu. The deal to build the Churchill Falls hydroelectric project was signed between Newfoundland and Quebec in 1969, and the project was completed in 1974. At the time, it was one of North Americas largest construction projects. Its 11 turbines are part of Canadas second-largest hydroelectric generating station. We are and remain hunters, with a deep connection to the land, Rich said. The area was once rich in fish and wildlife .... Our elders experienced terrible losses after the Churchill Falls generating station was built .... They lost so much, and we feel that loss today. Lawyer Nancy Kleer, who has worked with the Innu for 30 years, said the Innu Nation is willing to negotiate a compensation agreement with the utility. But she said the lawsuit will move ahead unless a settlement is reached. Their traditional way of life was destroyed, she said. Under Canadian law, no one is allowed to steal someones land from someone else. But, thats exactly what Hydro-Quebec has gotten away with for the past 50 years by flooding and using Innu land without their permission. The Innu never ceded their land to European settlers and no treaties were signed, Kleer said. They have Aboriginal title to this land, she said, noting that a formal land claim process started in the 1990s. As well, Kleer said officials from Hydro-Quebec have for decades refused to negotiate any kind of settlement with the Innu. She said the $4 billion claim is based on calculations suggesting Hydro-Quebec has earned $80 billion in profit from the project, with another $70 billion expected by the time the power contract with Newfoundland and Labrador expires in 2041. In November 2011, the Newfoundland and Labrador government and its Crown-owned utility, Nalcor Energy, signed a deal with the Innu that granted the group hunting rights within 34,000 square kilometres of land, plus $2 million annually in compensation until 2041 for flooding caused by construction of the dam. That redress agreement helped secure the Innu Nations support for construction of the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric dam, about 200 kilometres downstream from the original project. After 2041, the agreement will provide the Innu with a share of the profits that Nalcor Energy earns from the original Churchill Falls project. By Michael MacDonald in Halifax. With files from Julien Arsenault in Montreal. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020. Hathras Live Updates: 'Vicious campaign' to defame state govt, UP govt before SC The entire family was targetted by Uttar Pradesh administration, says Rahul Gandhi Narratives after narratives being spread in case: UP govt to Supreme Court Supreme Court asks S-G Tushar Mehta to inform how witnesses are being protected NCW sends notices to Amit Malviya, Digvijay Singh and Swara Bhasker for revealing identity of victim 4 with PFI links held on way to Hathras: UP Police It has been over three weeks since India witnessed the gang-rape and murder of a 19-year-old girl in the Bul gargi village of Uttar Pradeshs Hathras. The victim was initially admitted to a hospital in Aligarh and was moved to the Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi where she breathed her last on September 29. What followed after this incident was the cremation of the victim by the UP Police without the familys consent, visits to the victims family in the Hathras village by Opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and many others. Anger against the establishment in Uttar Pradesh-which is headed by the BJP was seen in the form of protests and justice marches across the country. Meanwhile, in a major development, The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court seeking directions for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Hathras case. The apex court Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who is appearing for the state government, to inform how the witnesses in the case are being protected. Follow live updates here: The image depicts a molecular cloud, where stars are born. (Rice University) A photograph from a 25-foot telescope has captured the majesty of a molecular cloud in the Carina Nebula, 7,500 light years from Earth. Molecular clouds are birthplaces for new stars, with our own sun thought to have formed within one. The image was captured by the Gemini South telescope in Chile and scientists hope it shows off what Nasas upcoming James Webb space telescope will be able to do. The James Webb space telescope is the successor to Hubble, and will launch next year. Researchers hope the Webb space telescope will help us understand more about how stars are born. Read more: Astronomers find better planets for life than Earth The research was published in Astrophysical Journal Letters. Unlike traditional infrared cameras, Gemini Souths imager uses a mirror that changes its shape to correct for shimmering in our atmosphere, said researcher Patrick Hartigan of Rice University. Hartigan says that means Gemini South can offer photos with roughly 10 times the resolution of images from ground-based telescopes and similar to what will be possible with the James Webb telescope. The images show a cloud of dust and gas in the Carina Nebula known as the Western Wall. The clouds surface is slowly evaporating in the intense glow of radiation from a nearby cluster of massive young stars. The results are stunning, Hartigan said. We see a wealth of detail never observed before along the edge of the cloud, including a long series of parallel ridges that may be produced by a magnetic field, a remarkable almost perfectly smooth sine wave and fragments at the top that appear to be in the process of being sheared off the cloud by a strong wind. Read more: Exoplanet twice the size of Earth could be habitable Hartigan said: The new images of it are so much sharper than anything weve previously seen. They provide the clearest view to date of how massive young stars affect their surroundings and influence star and planet formation. Story continues The radiation causes hydrogen to glow with near-infrared light, and specially designed filters allowed the astronomers to capture separate images of hydrogen at the clouds surface and hydrogen that was evaporating. Because near-infrared light penetrates the outer layers of dust in molecular clouds, cameras like the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager can see what lies beneath. Read more: What are fast radio bursts, and why do they look like aliens? One of the Hubble Space Telescopes most iconic photographs, 1995s Pillars Of Creation, captured the grandeur of dust columns in a star-forming region. But the beauty of the image belied Hubbles weakness when it came to studying molecular clouds. Hubble operates at optical and ultraviolet wavelengths that are blocked by dust in star-forming regions like these, Hartigan said. Many near-infrared wavelengths will only be visible from a space telescope like the Webb. But for near-infrared wavelengths that reach Earths surface, adaptive optics can produce images as sharp as those acquired from space. Structures like the Western Wall are going to be rich hunting grounds for both Webb and ground-based telescopes with adaptive optics like Gemini South. Each will pierce the dust shrouds and reveal new information about the birth of stars. Watch: Stellar winds finally reveal how nebulae are shaped Just when Id decided that slipping away quietly and coming back another night was the only humane response, the employee in charge of setting up furniture counted everybody who was waiting, apologized very kindly and promised to seat all of us quickly. Amazingly, he did. And then it started to pour, a real lock-the-windows monsoon. He looked straight at the sky, spread out his arms and started to laugh. Somebody started to clap, and soon everybody on the sidewalk and street was applauding. Forget the rain. The celebration was underway. Every night is a celebration at Kokomo, which may be the pandemics best scene restaurant a social magnet for the age of social distancing. In a summer without nightclubs, it inspires people to dress up as if they were going to one. Forced to operate without its intimate, velvet-upholstered dining room, it simply moved the speakers and D.J. table outside, and made a good stretch of North 10th Street into an outdoor lounge. (Kokomo is in one of the neighborhoods where Mayor Bill de Blasio wanted to rescind indoor dining, a notion that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo eighty-sixed on Monday.) In some ways, Kokomo had a head start on the pool-party approach that restaurants across the city have adopted since outdoor dining began. It opened with a cocktail menu that was already full of tall, colorful drinks, some of them drawn from the tiki canon (like the nutmeg-dusted Painkiller) and all of them appropriate for sipping through a straw with a beach towel draped around your neck. And, of course, it has a menu that looks to the Caribbean. This may put you in mind of Negril, or it may make you think of central Brooklyn and southeast Queens. Neither of these reference points would be wrong; Kokomos owners, Ria and Kevol Graham, come from West Indian families, were married in Grand Cayman and live in Canarsie. California state Sen. Toni Atkins was going to ask Kamala Harris about her debate with Vice President Mike Pence when Harris animatedly interrupted. Let me just say something: Hes a good debater, Harris said during a virtual fundraiser last month. So Im so concerned, like I can only disappoint. Harris assessment of Pence is echoed by Democrats and Republicans alike who know the vice president and understand the skills he brings as a former radio talk show host and the Trump administrations most disciplined messenger. Harris can rely on her prosecutorial skills which have made more than one Republican squirm at congressional hearings and her wattage as a rising star in the Democratic Party and first woman of color on a major partys presidential ticket. Her gender brings an extra element of interest because of the Trump campaigns struggles with female voters and because of the criticism Pence has received from the left for his practice of avoiding being alone with a woman other than his wife. Watch the vice presidential debate with live fact-checking by USA TODAY's team of experts Pence vs. Harris: How vice presidential candidates stack up against each other Even before President Donald Trump's hospitalization for COVID-19 increased the stakes in the vice presidential debate, it was expected to draw more attention than Pences 2016 contest against Sen. Tim Kaine a match that Republican strategist Michael Steel dubbed Mayonnaise versus Miracle Whip. I think that the debates that are most interesting are the ones where you have a pretty striking contrast between the candidates, said Alan Schroeder, a presidential debate historian and author of the book Presidential Debates: Risky Business on the Campaign Trail. Older candidates can put more of a spotlight on younger running mates. Trumps illness, and the pandemic in general, increase the possibility that Trump, 74, or Joe Biden, 77, might not be able to finish a term. (Pence is 61, and Harris is 55.) Story continues There's a greater than normal possibility that one of the candidates in the VP debate will be president of the United States, said Steel, who helped Paul Ryan prepare for the 2012 vice presidential debate. Plexiglass and 12 feet apart: Mike Pence, Kamala Harris have new rules for vice presidential debate What to watch for: Pence, Harris likely to clash over SCOTUS, abortion, climate issues Trump's diagnosis adds to the questions about whether there will be additional presidential debates. After the first debate devolved into a slugfest, the Commission on Presidential Debates said it's considering changes to ensure "a more orderly discussion of the issues." Trump has not said whether he will participate if the rules are changed. If he doesn't, Wednesday could be the final faceoff between the campaigns. Vice President Mike Pence will face Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., at the vice presidential debate. 'Temperature-lowering debate' Voters may view the vice presidential contest as a better chance to understand the issues. Mike Pence is as smooth as Trump is crude, Democratic strategist David Axelrod said on his podcast. Hell probably give the performance that Trumps handlers wished that he had given something like. A Republican close to Pence and the debate prep process said he expects the 90 minutes to be a "temperature-lowering debate" in which both candidates will want to talk about policy and what the next four years would look like. Donald Trump congratulates vice presidential candidate Mike Pence at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Its not unusual that a vice presidential candidate has the task of cleaning up after a presidential debate. After President Barack Obamas weak first debate against Mitt Romney in 2012, one of Bidens missions was to put the campaign on a course correction, Schroeder said. Pence, he said, has got a very tough job to do here. In an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll taken after the presidential debate, 49% of registered voters said Biden did better than Trump, and 24% said Trump was the winner. The poll showed Bidens lead over Trump had grown to 14 percentage points. It puts a little bit of pressure on Pence to try and sort of breathe some life back into a campaign that was behind beforehand, said Joel Goldstein, an emeritus professor of St. Louis University. High expectations for Harris Harris faces her own pressures. Though Pence has been through a vice presidential debate, this is a first for Harris. She hasnt debated a Republican since her 2010 race for California attorney general. The tough questioning shes known for at Senate hearings and jabs she delivered during the 2019 Democratic presidential primary debates came under different dynamics than what she will face Wednesday. I cant stress how strongly I would say that doing a one-on-one debate in a general election is a much higher challenge than participating in primary debates with multiple candidates, said Robert Barnett, a Washington lawyer who has prepared many Democrats for presidential and vice presidential debates, including by portraying Pence in Kaines 2016 debate prep. The stakes are higher. The audience is bigger. The breadth of the issues is unlimited. And the cost of failure is enormous. Joe Biden says Kamala Harris is "smart, tough and ready to lead." Harris faces high expectations. After Biden announced her as his running mate, a common reaction especially on social media was predictions of a slaughter. I will take EXTREME pleasure watching Kamala Harris eat Mike Pence alive in a debate, tweeted Adam Rippon, a figure skater who objected to Pence leading the 2018 Olympic delegation because of Pences record on LGBTQ issues. 'No vaccine for racism': Kamala Harris delivers message of inclusion in historic acceptance speech Harris has repeatedly pushed back on such comments. When Doug Hickey, a Silicon Valley executive, told Harris during a fundraiser, "I sincerely feel sorry for Mike on this one." "Mike Pence debates really well, so lower the expectations," Harris retorted. Don't underestimate Pence John Gregg, an Indiana Democrat who went to law school with Pence and squared off against him in the states 2012 gubernatorial race, said people underrate the vice presidents skills. You know, he's easy to poke fun at. A lot of people do because he's conservative or different things hes said, Gregg said. But they underestimate Mike. He's a very good debater. The years Pence spent as a radio talk show host helped make him the king of sound bites, which he combines with a message focus that Gregg said makes him the most disciplined candidate Ive ever run into. That allowed Pence to defy expectations in 2016. I think you'd have to admit, Mike Pence got the best in that debate, Gregg said of the Pence-Kaine debate. Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine and Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence debate at Longwood University on Oct. 4, 2016, in Farmville, Va. Though that contest was not as fractious as last month's presidential debate, Pence and Kaine frequently interrupted each other. The moderator, who lost control at times, admonished the candidates that the viewers couldnt understand either one when they talked over each other. Pence won points for appearing more even-tempered and in control as well as deftly deflecting Kaines attacks on Trump as he employed the Reaganesque mannerisms of a little smile followed by a tilt and shake of his head in response to Kaines criticisms. The biggest takeaway I had from that debate four years ago was the skill with which Pence could just kind of shake off almost anything that Donald Trump had done or said, Steel, the Republican strategist, said. Convention pitch: Vice President Mike Pence calls election a choice on whether 'America remains America' Prosecuting the case This time, Kaine said, Harris can use her prosecutorial background to try to indict the Trump administration for the deaths from COVID-19, millions of lost jobs, social unrest and sky-high deficits. A prosecutor will have evidence to argue in this debate, and thats kind of different than 2016 when it was more about promises about what well do rather than in fact what has the record been of the administration, Kaine wrote in an emailed response to USA TODAY. Harris said her biggest challenge will be handling what is very likely to be a series of untruths. I don't necessarily want to be the fact checker, Harris told Hillary Clinton during an episode of Clintons podcast. At the same time, you know, depending on how far he goes with whatever he does, hes going to be accountable for what he said. Clinton said Harris should be prepared for the slights, the efforts to diminish you personally, you as a woman who's about to be our next vice president. Gender dynamics Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman in a vice presidential debate, rebuked George H.W. Bush in 1984 for what she called his patronizing attitude that you have to teach me about foreign policy. That moment was unrehearsed, said Barnett, who played Bush in Ferraros debate prep. It was a very important moment in the history of women in politics, even though Bush won the election, he said. She stood for every woman who'd ever been patronized, Barnett said. Vice President George Bush shakes hands with Geraldine Ferraro on Oct.11,c1984, at the end of their debate in Philadelphia. Though female candidates can still face a higher bar, Barnett said, male-female faceoffs are also fraught with peril for the male candidate. Pence has the added dynamic of the notoriety hes gotten for saying he took steps to build a zone around his marriage, including not dining alone with a woman who is not his wife. How can you not watch that debate and kind of think about that? Schroeder said. When The Washington Post reported that former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was essentially roleplaying Harris during debate prep, the news sparked social media snickers about whether the "Pence rule" was at play. Walker portrayed Kaine in Pences 2016 debate prep, and the two have a good history, said the Republican close to Pence and the debate process who requested anonymity to speak candidly. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and other women have also been involved. In 2016, Pences older daughter, Charlotte, worked with him on how to address womens issues in anticipation of being asked about his anti-abortion views. Shes helping out again, according to the Republican close to Pence. Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden and Republican candidate Sarah Palin shake hands after a vice presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis on Oct. 2, 2008. Getting the right tone Biden was deliberately restrained when he debated GOP presidential nominee Sarah Palin in 2008, according to Goldstein, the vice presidential scholar. The concern was that Palin was a lightweight, and he didnt want to appear to be a bully, he said. But I think that given the challenges theyve had with women voters and the way that Trump has treated women politicians on occasions, Goldstein said, I think Pence has to be careful not to appear condescending or patronizing or engaged in any behavior that would appropriately be viewed as sexist. Pence: VP ramps up public appearances while Trump remains hospitalized, concerning experts Ralph Reed, a longtime friend of Pence and chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, said Pence will be walking a tightrope on tone. Still, he said, Its important to respect ones opponent enough to challenge them. And showing respect doesnt mean taking a dive especially, Reed said, because Harris is not at all afraid to throw a punch. I think the vice president will be a perfect gentleman and he'll be tough as nails, Reed said. Gregg, Pences 2012 gubernatorial opponent, has no doubt Pence will be kind, courteous and gracious to Harris. I think the biggest challenge for Sen. Harris will be to try to force him to give substantive answers, Gregg said. Id just tell her to hold his feet to the fire. More: Watch the vice presidential debate with live fact-checking by USA TODAY's team of experts This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Pence, Kamala Harris debate: Prosecutor vs. king of sound bites The body of a young model and mother has been found in a mass grave after a gang of men snatched her away from family while shopping at a Mexican street market. Yessenia Estefania Alvarado, 24, was reported to be among the remains found in the shallow grave in the town of Cajeme, Sonora, on 20 September. Ms Alvarado had been shopping with her mother and cousin in Ciudad Obregon when the group of men stopped the women and forced the model into a van on 19 August. It was one of a number of kidnappings that led to several street marches in Sonora demanding justice. The Sonora prosecutor's office discovered the grave more than two weeks ago but only this week confirmed Ms Alvarado's identity after DNA and forensic testing, according to the local reports. Yessenia Estefania Alvarado (Facebook) Her brother, Juan Carlos Alvarado Rivera, said on Tuesday he was going to miss his sister and that the family would take care of the young son she left behind. "Were going to take care of your son, just like you were doing," he said in a Facebook post. "With so much love. Hes going to miss you so much, but we will always remind him of what a wonderful mother you were. The Sonora prosecutor's office said investigators from the state unit to combat kidnapping found the bones of six bodies in the mass grave in the southern part of Cajeme; three female, two male and one whose gender wasnt determined. "Its worth mentioning that based on this investigation, the Sonora FGJE (the state's prosecutor's office) has been able to find, apprehend and get a court order to temporarily remand three presumed perpetrators," prosecutors said in a statement. A supporter of same-sex marriage waves a flag outside the U.S. Supreme Court. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) The Constitution protects religious beliefs. It does not protect a persons right to discriminate based on religious belief. But on Monday, two Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito indicated they see things quite differently. They would allow discrimination against gays and lesbians by those who have a religious objection to same-sex marriage. The justices position is extremely worrisome, and it could be an indication that the Supreme Court will soon create a broad exception to anti-discrimination laws. Alito and Thomas made their views known on Monday when the court denied review in what should have been an easy case involving Kim Davis, a court clerk in Kentucky who refused to issue wedding licenses to same-sex couples. The lower federal courts rightly ruled against Davis claim that she could refuse to issue the licenses based on her religious beliefs. If Davis had prevailed, then clerks with a religious objection to interracial or interfaith marriages could likewise refuse to issue marriage licenses. The right of couples to marry, which the Supreme Court has deemed a fundamental liberty, cannot be made to depend on the religious beliefs of those who issue marriage licenses. But, while agreeing that the court should not hear the Davis case, Justice Thomas, joined by Justice Alito, took the opportunity to lambaste the Supreme Courts 2015 ruling that establishes a constitutional right of marriage equality for gays and lesbians. He accused the court of choosing to privilege a novel constitutional right over the religious liberty interests explicitly protected in the 1st Amendment. Until reading Thomas on Monday, I had naively assumed that the issue of marriage equality between gays and lesbians had been firmly settled by the court. Some 300,000 same-sex couples have gotten married thanks to the courts 2015 decision in Obergefell vs. Hodges. But Justices Thomas and Alito have now made it clear they are eager to overrule that decision, and they could well have support from the other conservatives on the court. Story continues Chief Justice John Roberts wrote a vehement dissent in Obergefell when it was decided, and Justice Neil Gorsuch, who was not on the Supreme Court in 2015, made clear in a 2017 decision that he thought the marriage case was wrongly decided. President Trumps nominee for the court, Judge Amy Coney Barrett has said that Justice Antonin Scalias judicial philosophy is mine too, and he wrote a very angry, sarcastic dissent to the courts finding a right of gay and lesbian couples to marry. Even if the court does not overrule Obergefell, the conservative justices are likely to find a right of people based on their religious beliefs to refuse to serve same-sex couples. Two years ago, the court decided a case involving a Colorado baker who had refused to design and make a cake for a same-sex couple in violation of the states civil rights law. Although the court did not decide the religious freedom claim in the case, there are similar cases around the country involving florists and photographers and stationery stores that claim a right to discriminate against gay and lesbian couples. In June, the court held that federal law prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The court left open whether an employer with a religious objection can refuse to employ gay, lesbian and transgender individuals. Under current constitutional law, the answer is clear that religious beliefs are not an excuse for discriminating. In 1990, the court, in an opinion by Justice Scalia, said that people are not entitled to exceptions from general laws on account of their religious beliefs. Besides, in the language of constitutional law, there is a compelling government interest in stopping discrimination, and this justifies limiting the ability of people to discriminate. But this law may change very soon. On Nov. 4, the court will hear oral arguments in Fulton vs. City of Philadelphia, where it is being asked to overrule the 1990 case and allow religions to ignore anti-discrimination requirements. Philadelphia contracts with private social service agencies to place children in foster homes. To contract with the city, an agency must agree not to discriminate based on race, sex, religion or sexual orientation. Catholic Social Services refuses to place foster children with gay and lesbian couples, and the group has challenged its exclusion from the program. The lower federal courts, following Supreme Court precedent, ruled in favor of Philadelphia. My sense is that the five conservative justices will be very sympathetic to Catholic Social Services, and that Judge Barrett, if confirmed, would be a sixth vote to protect the right to discriminate. If so, this will create a huge exception to anti-discrimination laws. An employer who, based on religious beliefs, thinks that men and women should not be in the same workplace would be able to discriminate based on sex. Employers would be allowed, based on their religious convictions, to deny employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. For more than half a century, our society has made the choice that stopping discrimination is more important than protecting a right to discriminate. But now the conservatives on the Supreme Court are moving strongly in the other direction to create a right of people to exercise their religious freedom to discriminate against others. If that happens, then could Kim Davis or another clerk somewhere refuse to issue a marriage license for an interracial couple? Or could the owner of Masterpiece Cake shop claim that a religious belief kept him from serving African Americans? There should be no right, based on religion or anything else, to discriminate against gays and lesbians. Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law and author (with Howard Gillman) of "The Religion Clauses: The Case for Separating Church and State." He is a contributing writer to Opinion. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. SHREIT is selling hotel properties in Vietnam and around the world IBIS Saigon South Hotel has 140 rooms with the fair value of $14.7 million while Capri by Frasers hotel has 175 hotel rooms valued at $23.7 million. SHREIT is also selling 5-star Pullman Jakarta Central Park hotel in the Indonesian capital Jakarta for $94.3 million. Most recently, SHREIT has approved the disposition of 100 per cent share of its member companies Strategic Hospitality Holding Ltd. (SHH) and Strategic Hospitality Holding Ltd. 2 (SHH2), following the revised offer from LT Rubicon Ltd. in the UK to acquire all issued and subscribed share capital with the offering price of $105 million. According to the minutes of the first extraordinary general shareholders' meeting in 2020, Deepong Sahachartsiri, CFO of SHREIT said that the COVDI-19 pandemic had seriously affected the revenue, financial situation, and the business performance of SHREIT. The hotels which SHREIT has invested in are trading at significant operating losses and continue to accrue expenses and liabilities at an unsustainable rate. The hotels are operating with limited working capital reserves and may not be able to fund operations in the near term. In addition, the hospitality market in Indonesia and Vietnam has materially deteriorated. Indonesia has consistently recorded over 2-3,000 COVID-19 cases per day, leads ASEAN in COVID-19 fatalities, and has banned all international flights into the country until 2021. As of September 14, 2020, Jakarta entered a second social distancing lockdown, which would further devastate local businesses, including hospitality. Vietnam recently encountered another outbreak, with international flights also prohibited and locking out foreign visitors. The sale of hotels may help SHREIT to solve its financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company will use the proceeds to pay off all outstanding debts and expenses. Ukraine is open to the development and implementation of digital innovations and IT projects of companies such as Microsoft, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. He said this at a meeting with Country Manager of Microsoft Ukraine Jan Peter de Jong, the presidential press service reported. "We are open. We are not a bureaucratic machine. We want to be seen as a startup among the countries of the world, which has moved away from the bureaucracy as much as possible," Zelensky said. He thanked the company for giving priority to Ukraine in the project to develop data centers and support digital initiatives that are being implemented in the country. In this context, Zelensky also noted the importance of a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Microsoft, which was signed as part of the presidential project "A State in a Smartphone" on October 2. "We are grateful to Microsoft not only for signing this important Memorandum, but also for the fact that the company pays its important attention to Ukraine and sees that digitalization is not just words for Ukraine. This is both economic development and the fight against corruption," he said. De Jong said that his company seeks to achieve a common result with Ukraine. "[We should] use all our efforts and all our capabilities to make sure that the projects that were presented today are implemented very quickly," de Jong said. He noted that Microsoft was ready to help develop technologies in Ukraine. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, in turn, thanked Microsoft for its readiness to be a partner of Ukraine. According to him, concrete steps for cooperation will be outlined in the action plan for the implementation of the memorandum. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov noted that Ukraine's cooperation with Microsoft will promote the development of the country's brand and its recognition in the world. In particular, the memorandum provides training for 113,000 students to work with Microsoft Azure cloud services. "As of today, we are already considering the transition of the 'Diia 2.0' app to this system. We are also actively working to store important data in Ukraine, not abroad," he said. Fedorov also added that the introduction and use of new programs and services will help save budget funds. Earlier, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and Microsoft signed a memorandum on the implementation of the Azure Expansion Program that provides for the creation and localization of Microsoft cloud services in Ukraine. Microsoft Azure is a cloud platform and infrastructure designed for developers of cloud computing applications that simplifies the process of creating online applications. op Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google had roles as gatekeepers in common and controlled prices and the distribution of goods and services, the report said. That made third-party businesses like app developers on Apples App Store and sellers on Amazons marketplace beholden to the companies demands, the report said. The word monopoly appeared in the report nearly 120 times. With no restrictions of tech companies to own and compete on their own platforms, which are the only options for so many small businesses, it takes away any real sense of competition, said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat of Washington, who has been a vocal critic of Amazon. Even without full bipartisan support, the report sets important groundwork, said Gene Kimmelman, a former senior antitrust official at the Justice Department. He said the breakup of AT&T in the 1980s was supported by policies set forth by Congress. Tuesdays report, he said, was the foundation for legislation and regulation that enables antitrust cases against Google, Facebook and others to actually break markets open to more competition. Google disputed the findings and said its free service had been a boon to consumers. Googles free products like Search, Maps and Gmail help millions of Americans, the company said in a statement, and weve invested billions of dollars in research and development to build and improve them. We compete fairly in a fast-moving and highly competitive industry. Amazon said the committees recommendations could end up harming small businesses and consumers. The flawed thinking would have the primary effect of forcing millions of independent retailers out of online stores, thereby depriving these small businesses of one of the fastest and most profitable ways available to reach customers, Amazon said in a blog post. Far from enhancing competition, these uninformed notions would instead reduce it. Apple vehemently disagrees with the conclusions in this staff report, the company said in a statement. The App Store has enabled new markets, new services and new products that were unimaginable a dozen years ago, and developers have been primary beneficiaries of this ecosystem, the company said. Facebook disagreed that its mergers with Instagram and WhatsApp were anticompetitive. We compete with a wide variety of services with millions, even billions, of people using them, the company said in a statement. Acquisitions are part of every industry, and just one way we innovate new technologies to deliver more value to people. CAIRO: The United Arab Emirates foreign minister said on Tuesday, in a joint statement with Israeli and German counterparts, that the most important thing that must be emphasized today is the return of hope to Palestinians and Israelis to work for a two-state solution, UAE state news agency (WAM) reported. Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan said he also discussed with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi in Berlin cooperation in the energy field, WAM said. The foreign ministers met in Germany on Tuesday to discuss further steps in normalizing relations after signing an agreement last month in Washington to normalise diplomatic ties and forge a broad new relationship. 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 LONDON The top court in the European Union has delivered another blow to governments seeking to keep tabs on citizens through controversial spying techniques. The European Court of Justice (ECJ), the EU's highest legal authority, ruled Tuesday that member states cannot collect mass mobile and internet data on citizens. Forcing internet and phone operators to carry out the "general and indiscriminate transmission or retention of traffic data and location data" is against EU law, the court explained in its ruling. "However, in situations where a member state is facing a serious threat to national security that proves to be genuine and present or foreseeable, that member state may derogate from the obligation to ensure the confidentiality of data relating to electronic communications," it continues. Even in these emergency scenarios, there are rules that must be adhered to. "Such an interference with fundamental rights must be accompanied by effective safeguards and be reviewed by a court or by an independent administrative authority," the court said. The ruling, which has been eagerly anticipated by civil rights campaigners, is in response to several cases brought about by Privacy International and La Quadrature du Net. The campaign groups argued that surveillance practices in the U.K., France and Belgium go too far and violate fundamental human rights. The groups specifically took issue with the U.K.'s Investigatory Powers Act, a 2015 French decree related to specialized intelligence services, and a Belgian law on collection and retention of communications data that was introduced in 2016. "Today's judgment reinforces the rule of law in the EU," said Caroline Wilson Palow, legal director of Privacy International, in a statement. "In these turbulent times, it serves as a reminder that no government should be above the law. Democratic societies must place limits and controls on the surveillance powers of our police and intelligence agencies." Palow added: "While the Police and intelligence agencies play a very important role in keeping us safe, they must do so in line with certain safeguards to prevent abuses of their very considerable power. They should focus on providing us with effective, targeted surveillance systems that protect both our security and our fundamental rights." This is the shocking moment a man in his pants confronts police in the street with a two-foot-long machete. Footage shows a man dressed in black underwear, socks and shoes walking along the pavement in Palmers Green, Enfield, North London, while holding the bladed weapon. The person recording the clip can be heard saying 'only in Palmers Green' before sirens are heard in the background and two police officers approach the man. The Metropolitan Police has confirmed a 68-year-old man was arrested and remains in custody, and there were no injuries. The man dressed in black underwear, socks and shoes seen being restrained by two police officers, left, and the bladed weapon which he was holding earlier in the footage, right One cop says 'drop the knife', which the man obliges to, before he is restrained and pushed to the floor by the pair, who are aided by a passerby. He is then seen being handcuffed and held down, before turning his head to say 'I will get you' to the female police officer. While being held down, the man can be seen turning his head and saying 'I will get you' to the female police officer. One of the constables is filmed gesturing towards the weapon and telling a bystander: 'Leave it there, it's fine.' The man seen walking along the pavement while holding the bladed weapon, above, at the start of the footage, which was posted to Twitter this morning Two police officers and a passerby seen holding down the man in the video clip, while he is handcuffed before being led away into a police van Three people stand watching the scene unfold behind the man, as he says 'stop hurting me' while the two officers order him to stand up. He is then led into a nearby police van, while the cameraman comments: 'That's enough excitement for one day.' The clip was posted to Twitter at around 11am today, captioned: 'Just now in Palmers Green'. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told the MailOnline: 'Police were called at 10:48hrs on Tuesday, 6 October to reports of a man acting aggressively in Lyndhurst Road, N22. 'Officers attended and were made aware of a man reportedly seen with a machete. No injuries were reported. Taser was deployed but not discharged. 'A 68-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon. He remains in custody. 'A machete was recovered.' Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba does not exclude the transfer of the venue for negotiations within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group from Minsk due to the deterioration of relations between Belarus and Ukraine and the strengthening of Russia's positions in the country. The diplomat said this in an interview with BBC News Ukrainian. The attitude of Belarus towards Ukraine is deteriorating. We have never ruled out the possibility of changing the venue for Minsk negotiations. We understand that the more unfriendly actions or statements Belarus has in relation to Ukraine, the stronger Russias positions in Belarus become, the more unacceptable Minsk becomes as a place for physical meetings, Kuleba said. According to the diplomat, the issue of visiting Minsk to hold TCG meetings there is not on the agenda at all. The negotiations are held through video conferencing, everyone is used to it, the minister noted. As reported, protests are going on in Belarus against the rigging of the August 9 presidential election. According to official data, Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the country since 1994, won 80.1% of the vote, while opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.1%. After that, Tikhanovskaya was forced to leave for Vilnius. In recent days, she has been visiting European capitals and meeting with EU politicians. ish D-Link begins to build partner network and expand Nuclias functionalities with third-party integrations TAIPEI, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Link today announced some significant enhancements to its Nuclias Cloud Platform. The portfolio expands further with the introduction of four new Access Points (APs) whilst the cloud platform has some significant improvements including TRUSTe Privacy certification as well as the release of APIs to enable third-party integration with the Nuclias Cloud. Starting with Purple, Stampede and Fydelia, D-Link plans to expand and augment the functionality of Nuclias Cloud by building a complete ecosystem around its Nuclias Cloud platform. Partnering with innovative companies capable of providing the latest technologies and customer requirements, D-Link hopes to broaden the appeal of its solution. "As D-Link's flagship solution, long-term improvements to Nuclias are essential to help businesses take full control of their digital transformation. Working with new and dynamic organizations ensures we can react quickly to market needs." declared John Lee, Chairman, D-Link. "We're happy to announce integrations with a few selected partners that enhance the value proposition of our platform for all business users. With solutions and tools addressing the requirements for Guest Wi-Fi and Hospitality needs, these partnerships provide opportunities for success and bigger business wins." Other Improvements to the Nuclias cloud platform include: Single Sign-On (SSO) brings our Nuclias Cloud and Nuclias Connect platforms together by providing a single portal for Cloud and non-Cloud customers to manage their networks. Nuclias Connect customers can easily connect to their on-premise network without complicated network configuration and without charge. The Integrated Captive Portal gets enhanced Social login capabilities with the integration of Twitter and Weibo authentication. Guest access is further improved with SMS Integration using Twillio to provide One Time Password (OTP) capabilities and optimize Guest Wi-Fi experience. New External Captive Portal (ECP) configuration that hospitality and retail stores may leverage to retain customer loyalty and redirect to dedicated Captive Portal for discount vouchers, user authentication and user management. By obtaining TRUSTe Privacy certification, D-Link demonstrates its compliance with recognized laws and regulatory standards. Designed for enterprise environments, four new Access Points further expand the capabilities of the Nuclias Cloud platform. The DBA-3620P and DBA-3621P Access Points provide seamless wireless connectivity whilst the DBA-1520P and DBA-2720P complete the Nuclias Cloud portfolio. All of these access points feature 802.11ac Wave 2 technology with MU-MIMO for reliable multi-device high-speed connectivity. PoE support allows for quick, simple deployment, and support for WPA3 ensures secure connectivity. Nuclias zero-touch provisioning and deployment ensure configuration and management is consistent across the site. DBA-3621P IP67-rated rugged industrial design AC1300 Wave 2 dual-band speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps 2 x 2 antenna 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PoE port DBA-3620P IP55-rated dust and water-resistant AC1300 Wave 2 dual-band speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps 2 x 2 antenna 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PoE port DBA-2720P AC2100 Wave 2 Tri-Band transfer speeds of up to 400 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and two 867 Mbps 5 GHz band 2 x 2 antenna 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PoE port DBA-1520P AC1750 Wave 2 dual-band transfer speeds of up to 450 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps in the 5 GHz band 3 x 3 antenna for efficient handling of simultaneous connections 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PoE port About D-Link D-Link is a global leader in connecting people, businesses, and cities with our computer networking solutions and technology. Our innovative products and services meet the needs of digital home consumers, small to medium-sized businesses, enterprise environments, and service providers. D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, IP surveillance, and cloud-based network management. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer for over 30 years, D-Link has grown from a group of friends in Taiwan into a global brand with more than 2,000 workers in 60 countries. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images/Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images/Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images/Business Insider House Democrats said Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google have monopoly power that gives them unfair market advantages and proposed sweeping changes in a sprawling 449-page report published Tuesday. The report came on the heels of a yearslong antitrust investigation that culminated with testimony from the CEOs of the four companies before Congress in July. It criticized the CEOs, saying they were "evasive and non-responsive" during the testimony. The report singled out Facebook's collection of popular social-media apps, Google's dominance in search, Amazon's control of its marketplace, and Apple's authority over its iOS App Store as potentially monopolistic functions that should be more heavily regulated or perhaps separated from the companies. Republicans issued a response that endorsed some aspects of the report but disagreed with the recommendation to separate parts of the companies or block acquisitions. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Facebook, Apple, Google, and Amazon are monopolies that need to be more heavily regulated and potentially broken up House Democrats said in a sweeping report published Tuesday. The report said each of the four companies "serves as a gatekeeper over a key channel of distribution" and "can pick winners or losers" throughout the US economy. The report singled out Facebook's collection of popular social-media apps, Google's dominance in search, Amazon's control of its marketplace, and Apple's authority over its iOS App Store as potentially monopolistic functions that should be more heavily regulated or perhaps separated from the companies. It also said regulators should turn more scrutiny toward future acquisitions by the tech companies. "Companies that once were scrappy, underdog startups that challenged the status quo have become the kinds of monopolies we last saw in the era of oil barons and railroad tycoons," lawmakers wrote in the report. Story continues The 449-page report is the result of a yearslong investigation into the four companies led by the House antitrust subcommittee that culminated with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, and Apple CEO Tim Cook testifying before Congress in July. In the report, Democrats criticized the CEOs, saying they dodged questions during the hearing. They also said the companies were slow and uncooperative in providing relevant documents requested outside the hearings. "Their answers were often evasive and non-responsive, raising fresh questions about whether they believe they are beyond the reach of democratic oversight," lawmakers wrote. The report stopped short of making specific recommendations as to how the companies should be separated but said new laws should be introduced to prevent the companies from operating in adjacent markets. Rep. David Cicilline, the subcommittee's chairman, has previously called for a "Glass-Steagall" law for the internet, referencing the 1933 law that separated commercial and investment banking. Democrats said new laws should be passed to ban companies from giving their own products an advantage on platforms that they control, citing listings on Google's search engine and Amazon's marketplace as examples of anticompetitive behavior. House Democrats added that regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission have been severely underfunded and unable to adequately monitor the tech giants, calling for their budgets to be increased. "These firms have too much power, and that power must be reined in and subject to appropriate oversight and enforcement. Our economy and democracy are at stake," they said in the report. Republicans on the subcommittee didn't agree with all of the majority's conclusions. Rep. Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican, published a response to the report that objected to Democrats' calls for separating the companies. But Buck stressed that he supported the drive of the investigation and viewed the tech companies' behavior as anticompetitive. "It is fundamentally anticompetitive to simultaneously serve as the only substantial marketplace operator, including setting terms, policies, and fees; host third-party sellers; and use marketplace data to launch and sell competitive products," Buck wrote. Read the full report below: Read the original article on Business Insider International Space City, the worlds first virtual commercial city dedicated to advancing the business of space, has launched Spacehackers, an initiative to create 1 million Arab women space entrepreneurs. Under the campaign Inspire Generations, the initiative intends to provide online training and guidance to support 1 million Arab women launch their own space-related and responsible business in three key areas: law & ethics, social impact and trade & business. Spacehackers is an online, six-week leadership and mini-MBA training programme that will provide participants with the tools, entrepreneurial mindset, and community support needed to turn an idea into a business idea and become one of the future leaders of the global space industry. The name Spacehackers is a term created by Space City to describe someone who uses creative, low-cost strategies to accelerate the commercialisation of the space industry. The next intake starts November 17, 2020. According to a 2020 research report, Morgan Stanley estimates the global space economy to be worth $350 billion and is expected to generate $1 trillion revenue by 2040. Space City believe the future of the space industry requires accelerated commercialisation of space with a strong emphasis on responsible business. Space 4.0 is an emerging industry, if we encourage responsible business from the start we wont have to try and fix it later, said Helen Rankin, Executive Director at International Space City. There are many similarities between the Internet boom of the 90s and the current state of the space industry, we can repeat our mistakes or learn from them. We need entrepreneurs to lead the way, to set the agenda now on outer space law & ethics, off-planet social impact, and interplanetary trade & business. Anyone can apply for the Spacehackers programme, although applications are encouraged from adult women, non-graduates and graduates of all ages and backgrounds in the GCC. This is due to the high percentage of female STEM graduates, government support for entrepreneurism and the presence of two national space agencies - Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. In Fifty Million Rising, Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, provides research-based context to the current generation of women transforming business in the Arab world, where the percentage of female STEM graduates far exceeds the United States and Europe and women represent 50% of the talent pool. When combined with government economic innovations to enable and support entrepreneurism, this makes the region well-placed to accelerate the commercialisation of the space industry. Spacehackers are the new generation of space entrepreneurs, said Rankin. Many of todays mainstream jobs didnt exist 10 years ago, they were created by commercialisation of the Internet and this is where the space industry is today. Affordable technology and increased entrepreneurship globally has decentralised and accelerated commercialisation of the space industry now is the time for creativity, innovation and responsible business. Led by International Space City, brands and government agencies can support the creation of 1 million Arab women space entrepreneurs by sponsoring potential candidates and registering their own employees onto the programme. Group packages from 10 to 100,000 Spacehackers are available. The initiative was originally scheduled to launch in March 2020. The decision was taken to reschedule to enable individuals, business and government agencies an opportunity to prioritise their attention towards Covid-19 and the implications of the pandemic. -- Tradearabia News Service Renovation work on a former Northwest Territories hotel complex more commonly known as the Zoo is almost complete. It will become an exhibit at a heritage centre in the territory next year. The original building opened in the town of Hay River in the 1950s and spent time as a hotel, bar, restaurant, post office, drug store and bank according to Tom Lakusta, chair of the Hay River Heritage Centre. The Zoo was slated for demolition last year. However, the contractor carrying out the work realized a section could be saved, detached it from the decaying portion, and offered it to the museum. Lakusta said staff and some residents were pleasantly surprised that they could keep a portion of the towns history alive. A piece of their community was just basically going to be bulldozed, Lakusta said. When a part of it got saved, I think people were pretty excited about it. They didnt just demolish the whole thing, they recognized that there were pieces of this [building] that were historically important to the community. Sections of the Zoo being restored by the heritage centre include the former drug store, bank and post office. The exact form the finished exhibit will take is to be determined. Lakusta speculated it may involve filling the space with mementoes from the buildings former incarnations or rotating art exhibits. A grant of approximately $95,000 from the N.W.T.s Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment allowed the heritage centre to breathe new life into the building. Over the summer the group stabilized the foundation, cleaned up the side of the building that was detached from the hotel, patched the roof, replaced the windows, floors and doors, and fixed the electrical systems. Lakusta said a safety inspection of the electrical wiring is still awaited, after which the major renovations will be complete. The original building was made of cedar logs brought up from British Columbia, and assembled into a hotel that the community came to love, Lakusta said. How the building got its nickname is not entirely clear to him. Back in the 60s and 70s, in many small towns, many of the more active bars got nicknames, he said. I think it was just a name the patrons gave it, a fun name for the bar part of the hotel. But the hotel really embraced it. The museum has acquired the original Zoo sign that once hung outside the building and plans to restore it to its former location. Lakusta says a flood in 1963 began the buildings demise. Houses and schools moved over to the main side of town and out of the flood plain, leaving the Zoo struggling for customers. The building sat empty for the past 15 to 20 years according to Lakusta. As NNSL reported last year, the Department of Infrastructure deemed the structure a health and safety hazard. Lakusta says the museum will ask owners of former business in the Zoo for old relics they may be willing to donate. The new exhibit is expected to open in late spring or early summer 2021. If you have items to donate, contact the heritage centre. I dont know whats around and, of the stuff that is still around, I dont know what people might be willing to donate to the heritage centre, Lakusta said. There certainly are people in this town that are going to want to remember it in as close a shape to what they last saw it in. Read more about: Used to be, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton could blame his legal troubles on outsiders: political opponents, spin doctors, liberal reporters and, of course, those who just didnt like him because hes a Christian conservative man of faith. In a 2016 YouTube video, Paxton said he learned a long time ago that if your opponents are screaming at you, you are probably doing something right. Only now, the screamers are Paxtons allies indeed, his own staff. In allegations that appear deeper and uglier than what partisan foes had alleged previously, Paxton is being accused of improper influence, abuse of office, bribery and other possible criminal acts by high-ranking officials in his administration. Add the fact that Paxton was already facing felony charges in a securities fraud case that has been entangled in legal maneuvering for the past five years, and the alarm bells are clanging at red-alert levels. Not one, not two, but seven of Paxtons top staffers, including the first assistant attorney general, Jeffrey C. Mateer, all signed a letter last week claiming a good faith belief that the attorney general is violating federal and/or state law, including prohibitions related to improper influence, abuse of office, bribery, and other potential offenses. They are calling for an investigation. Mateer has resigned. A spokeswoman for the attorney generals office said in a statement that the complaint against Paxton was filed to impede an ongoing investigation into criminal wrongdoing by public officials including employees of this office, suggesting that his own hand-picked aides are disloyal or dishonest. Again, Paxton is blaming others. This time, its much harder to believe. Even Gov. Greg Abbott has said the allegations raise serious concerns. While judgment on the truth of these stunning claims and counter-claims would be premature, clearly something is very, very wrong inside the attorney generals office. We say enough. Enough excuses. Enough distractions. Enough taint at what should be a respected Texas institution trusted to uphold, and practice, the rule of law. Paxton should resign as attorney general. It is the only way to restore honor and confidence in the state office tasked with protecting Texans against consumer fraud, enforcing open government laws, providing legal advice to state officials, and representing the state of Texas in court. There are too many questions, troubling circumstances and legal clouds swirling around Paxton for him to serve as the states top law enforcement officer. As we said when we first called for his resignation back in January 2016, Texans deserve an attorney general who can focus on his duties without fear of prison. We noted at the time that it was hard to see how his staff can enjoy going to work every morning when their boss is accused of violating the very laws they have sworn to uphold. That line is especially prescient given that allegations are now coming from staff members, including those who have helped Paxton fight to overturn the Affordable Care Act and to defend legislation restricting abortion rights. This is not about partisan politics or ideology; it is about respect for the rule of law. That point is driven home by the fact that U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, who served from 2014 to 2016 as Paxtons first assistant attorney general, is the first prominent Texas Republican to urge Paxton to resign. The Attorney General deserves his days in court, but the people of Texas deserve a fully functioning AGs office, Roy said in a statement released Monday. Any grace for him to resolve differences and demonstrate if the allegations are false was eliminated by his choice instead to attack the very people entrusted, by him, to lead the office some of whom I know well and whose characters are beyond reproach, Roy said. Other top Republicans, including Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, have so far said they would hold off drawing any conclusions until an investigation is complete. Just who should do that probe isnt yet clear. Regardless of that outcome, the attorney generals situation has become untenable. With Paxton at the helm, how can Texans have confidence his office is enforcing the laws without undue influence or corruption? The Houston Chronicle reported Sunday that the case involves Paxtons relationship with Austin real estate investor Nate Paul. Paul gave $25,000 to Paxton ahead of his 2018 re-election campaign. Pauls World Class Holdings offices were raided Aug. 14, 2019, by the FBI. It will take a serious investigation to get to the bottom of all this. In the meantime, Paxton needs to step down for the good of the Attorney Generals Office and for the good of Texas. A county judge overstepped his bounds when he dismissed a lawsuit by a customer who claimed a car dealer had sold him a Ford Mustang that had been wrecked and rebuilt, a state appeals court panel has ruled. Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor tossed out the case Lawrence Pinno Jr. filed after finding Pinno had named the wrong defendants in the case. Thats not so, the Superior Court found, so it reinstated the suit against the Blaise Alexander auto dealership chain and the Alexander employee who sold Pinno the car. Pinno filed his suit in 2013, a year after buying the used 2005 Mustang from Alexander Buick Cadillac GMC Truck Inc. in Sunbury, Judge Mary Murray noted in the state courts opinion. Pinno, who has since died, contended he was told by the salesman that he didnt want a car that had been previously damaged in any way. He said the salesman assured him the Mustang had never been in an accident and was in tip-top condition. Murray noted that Pinno became suspicious after buying the car. He said he took it to several body shops where he was told the Mustang had in fact been wrecked and reconstructed at least once, had frame damage and was not in safe condition. A mechanic for the dealership also inspected the Mustang and came to the opposite conclusion, Murray wrote. Saylor dismissed the case this past January, finding Pinno had incorrectly identified the company he was suing as Blaise Alexander Family Dealership or Alexander Buick Cadillac GMC. Pinno should have sued Alexander Pontiac-Buick-Cadillac-GMC Truck, Inc., the county judge found. It was Saylor who got it wrong, Murray found, because the defendant names in the suit are the same corporate names on the bill of sale Pinno received when he bought the Mustang. Murray concluded that Saylors decision was even more inappropriate because the defendants in the case hadnt even sought dismissal of Pinnos suit over the name issue. She sent the case back to the county court for further action. Campaign signs in support of former Vice President Joe Biden and California Senator Kamala Harris were stolen from the yards of several homes in Bethlehem Township in Hunterdon County. New Jersey State Police confirmed that troopers responded on Sept. 22 to a report of a missing campaign sign at a residence on Valley Road. Homeowner Alan Hunt said the sign, placed on the lawn, was stolen the previous evening. Hunt said signs supporting both candidates were also removed from the lawns of three of his neighbors, as well as one nearby resident of Hampton Borough. Delaware police has announced that 'persons of interest' have been arrested out of the state linked to the discovery of a young girls remains in a softball field last year. On September 4, 2019 a dog walker found the remains of a young girl at the Little Lass softball field on Duck Creek Parkway in Smyrna. The department announced Tuesday investigators have 'reached a breakthrough' in the year-long investigation. 'If/when the persons are transferred to our custody, identities and crimes will be released,' Smyrna Police said in a press release. Police have not said if the girl whose remains were found has been identified. Delaware police have announced 'persons of interest' have been arrested out of the state linked to the discovery of a young girls remains at a softball field last year. Police have not said if the girl whose remains were found has been identified. In November 2019 police released these facial recognition sketches with the hopes that a tipster would identify her Smyrna Police spokesman Cpl. Brian Donner said the case 'remains very active', to Delaware Online. The detectives in the case are being helped by the FBI and they are still executing search warrants, processing evidence and conducting interviews. DailyMail.com has reached out to Smyrna Police for more details. The childs remains were found last year at the park that serves as softball fields for Little League girls in the area. The fields are located across the road from Smyrna Middle school. Police said there was evidence of a fire at the scene. On September 4, 2019 a dog walker found the remains of a young girl at the Little Lass softball field on Duck Creek Parkway in Smyrna. The scene pictured taped off by police The childs remains were found last year at the park that includes softball fields for Little League girls in the area Weeks later police enlisted the help of police departments across the region and in other states to try to find a match for the girl to identify her. In November 2019 police released a sketch asking for the public to help identify her. She is described as likely Caucasian or Hispanic and was two to five years old. She had slightly wavy brown hair and an analysis of her remains suggested she suffered from 'chronic illness(es)'. Investigators believe she was dead for 'several weeks or possibly longer' when she was found. Police have also worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Delaware Division of Forensic Science to try and identify her. The West Rock tunnel, known as Heroes Tunnel, will have lane closures for two weeks as workers assess the condition of the 71-year-old passageway through West Rock Ridge. The inspection is conducted once a year, and provides transportation planners with information on the structural, safety and geometric deficiencies of the Wilbur Cross Parkway tunnel. The inspections will help determine alternatives for rehabilitation or replacement of the tunnel. the state Department of Transportation says. The alternatives advanced by the DOT will consider such options as rehabilitating the existing tunnel, replacing the tunnel, enlarging the existing tunnel, and construction of a third barrel. The most significant option consists of a new northbound barrel along the eastern side of the tunnel with new access roadways on the approach and departure from the tunnel portals. Between Oct. 26 and Nov. 11, nighttime work will be performed on the Route 15 tunnel with lane closures in each direction. Work hours will be Sunday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; Friday from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. The tunnel carries approximately 77,300 vehicles daily. It is the only highway tunnel to pass beneath a natural land feature in Connecticut. Past inspections have given the tunnel a poor rating. The poor rating is not an indication of an imminent safety issue. Past inspections have identified issues with the tunnel including: - significant deterioration in the interior of the tunnel caused by groundwater infiltration - frequent maintenance, causing lane closures - does not meet current standards for electrical, mechanical or fire protection systems - substandard shoulder widths creating emergency response constraints - inadequate width of lanes Lane closure information Northbound and southbound Route 15 motorists will be shifted to one barrel while work is performed in the adjacent barrel with a crossover traffic pattern using traffic control personnel, state police, and signing patterns to guide motorists through the work zone. Delays can be expected along Route 15 (Wilbur Cross Parkway) between Exit 57 (Route 34, Derby Avenue) and Exit 60 (Route 10, Dixwell Avenue). There are no detours anticipated with this work, however motorists may wish to seek alternate routes. For more information on the project, click here. Trump has continued to use his favored social media platform throughout his bout with COVID-19. His severe case of the virus landed him in Walter Reed military hospital for three nights, but he returned to the White House on Monday. Update (Oct. 9): The symbolic Ghazanchetsots (Holy Savior) Cathedral has been damaged by shelling. CTs complete coverage of Armenian Christians is here. Fierce fighting has broken out in the Caucasus Mountains between the Caspian and Black Seas, pitting Christian Armenians versus Muslim Azeris. But is it right to employ their religious labels? Early Sunday morning [Sept. 27], I received a phone call from our representative in the capital city [Stepanakert], said Harout Nercessian, the Armenia representative for the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA). He said they are bombing Stepanakert. It is a war. One week later, the fighting continues. At stake is control over the Armenian-majority enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, home to 170,000 people in a Delaware-sized mountainous region within Azerbaijan. More than 200 people have reportedly died, though Azerbaijan has not released its number of casualties. Administered by ethnic Armenians ever since a ceasefire was declared in 1994, locals call the region the Republic of Artsakh. Military skirmishes have not been unusual. There have been more than 300 incidents since 2015, according to the International Crisis Group. This escalation is the most serious since 2016, with Azerbaijani forces attacking multiple positions along the 120-mile line of contact. But the shelling of civilian cities represents a worrisome development. As does the role of Turkeyand the Syrian militants it allegedly recruitedwhich has pledged full support for Azerbaijan. Russia, France, and the United Statespartners in the Minsk Group that has overseen negotiations between the two nations since 1992have called for an immediate ceasefire. But Turkey has encouraged Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyevs refusal, making a ceasefire conditional on a total withdrawal of all Armenian forces in order to restore the Caspian nations territorial integrity. Complicating matters further has been the disputed deployment of Syrian militants. Denied by Azerbaijan and Turkey, several media outlets have reported their recruitment from Turkish-held areas, and their deploymenteven deathsalong the line of contact. This legitimizes Armenian efforts to cleanse Azerbaijan of terrorists, said a Nagorno-Karabakh official, even outside the disputed region. Turkeys involvement has awakened the worst fearsor perhaps rhetoricamong Armenians. The Turkish state, which continues to deny the past, said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is once again venturing down a genocidal path. The rhetoric of Turkish President Recep Erdogan does not help. He labeled Armenia the biggest threat to peace in the region. In the past, he has called Armenians and other Christians in Turkey leftovers of the sword, referring to those who survived the genocidea term he rejects. Azerbaijanis, though majority Shiite Muslim by religion, are the worlds second-largest Turkic ethnic group after the majority Sunni Turks in Turkey. The groups characterize their relationship as two states, one nation. The latest escalation has Armenians on edge. We understand this is an existential issue, not just a war, said Hovhannes Hovsepian, pastor of the Evangelical Church of Armenia in Yerevan, Armenias capital. We never do anything to escalate the situation, or take the land of our neighbors. We are for peacebut sometimes you have to fight for it. The conflict goes back over 30 yearsor maybe 100. According to international consensus, Nagorno-Karabakh is Azerbaijani territory. UN resolutions have called on all occupying forces to withdraw. In 1987, Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh petitioned the USSR to add the region to the Armenian Soviet Republic. While consolidating the Caucasus in the 1920s, Stalin placed it under Azerbaijani control, placating Turkey. Both before and after independence in 1991, Armenians and Azeris engaged in demographic battles. Over 30,000 people were killed, and a million displaced. The two nations swapped about 250,000 people as minority groups were expelled or fled to their ethnic- and religious-majority nations. Thousands of minority Azeris left Nagorno-Karabakh. Its Armenian population declared independence in 1992, while Armenia occupies the land in between to connect with its own territory. All wars have an evil side, said Paul Haidostian, president of the evangelical Armenian Haigazian University in Beirut, Lebanon. But spiritually, as important as legal boundaries are for the world order, they are only one standard. Self-determination, dignity, and the 1,700-year Christian testimony of a land are also very important. In formerly Armenian-held land, Azerbaijan has destroyed sixth-century khachkars, ornately carved headstones from a Christian graveyard, according to reports. Muslim cultural heritage was also destroyed in the conflict, though some mosques were controversially rebuilt by Armenians. Though Azerbaijan denies the khachkar destruction, Haidostian fears also for the heritage of ancient churches and monasteries in Nagorno-Karabakhand even a massacre, if Azeris regain control. Meanwhile, he said the Armenian diaspora in the Levant is united in supportand concern. Armenians feel this is a continuation of the annihilating policies of pan-Turkism, Haidostian said. Every inch is to be protected. But the overlap of religion, ethnicity, and politics makes some uncomfortable. The Armenians have learned they get Western support by making this conflict about Christians and Muslims, said Johnnie Moore, a member of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom who has personally traveled frequently to Azerbaijan with a Jewish rabbi. Armenia is allied with Russia and Iran. This is not as simple as people are making it. Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, said he has stressed with his local contacts the need for an immediate ceasefire and negotiated settlement before the situation spirals out of control. But he also praised Azerbaijan as a model for peaceful coexistence between religions. Its minority Sunni Muslims, who compose 15 percent of the population of 10 million, cooperate with the majority Shiites, while Christians number 3 percent of the population. Meanwhile 12,000 Jews continue their communitys long presence there. And politically, Azerbaijan represents the essential link for trade and energy between Europe and Asia, Moore said, bypassing Russia and Iran. A brief military flare-up this summer took place not along the line of contact, but 190 miles away in Armenias north, nearest the oil and gas pipelines. Some analysts say that Russiawhich sells weapons to both sidesis allowing this escalation to linger in order to pressure Armenias liberalizing government. Others say Turkey is playing in Russias backyard, as a message to Moscow to yield in Syria. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, has seen its regional power grow since acquiescing to the 1994 Minsk Group settlement that left Armenians in control over Nagorno-Karabakh. Its oil and gas revenues led to a 20-fold increase in military spending between 2004 and 2014, which is two times Armenias entire state budget. Many of the Shiite nations weapons are imported from Israel, including the kamikaze drones that have brought high-tech warfare to the conflict. Armenia has withdrawn its ambassador from Tel Aviv in protest. Amid the complicated geopolitical realities, should evangelicals simply support the Christians? Absolutely, said Nercessian. The pipeline is a minor issue, he said. Armenia must be allied with Russia as it is the regional power broker. And in the early 1990s, with borders closed by Christian Georgia and Sunni Turkey, it was Shiite Iran that supplied Armenia with needed fuel. Politics is about national interests and calculations, not moral or spiritual principles, he said. But if the church in America will not support the Christian nation, however nominal, who will they support? No one, said Moore. As this is a conflict over landnot religionit is best to stay neutral and urge both sides to negotiate. Azerbaijan is willing, he believes. Christians shouldnt instinctually support Armenia just because it is a majority-Christian country, he said. Doing so could strengthen Iran, while Azerbaijan is allied with Israel. This conflict needs to be turned down, and not given oxygen by religious passions. There is much of that in Lebanon, with its sizable Armenian minority, said Martin Accad, chief academic officer at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut. His social media has been flooded with statements of support. Accad said he has not studied the issue sufficiently to weigh between the two nations, though he notes with concern the Syrian militants reportedly developed by Turkey. But he advises a different measure of judgment. We are called to support the just cause, not a common religious or cultural belonging, he said. Otherwise it is just tribal sectarianism. Still, I can only imagine the psychological impact upon Armenians, given their history [of genocide] a century ago. Armenia was the first nation to accept Christianity, in A.D. 301. While only 1 percent evangelical today, 93 percent of its population of 3 million belong to the Armenian Orthodox Church. The AMAA, established in 1918 to assist genocide survivors in the Ottoman Empire, today operates in 24 countries. Its largest missionary outreach is in Armenia, where it began work following a 1988 earthquake that killed 60,000 people. But the evangelical movement began far earlier, when an 1860s revival spread through Anatolia to reach even into the Nagorno-Karabakh mountains. Today the region has one Armenian Evangelical church and three Christian education centers, with 22 churches in Armenia proper. Our main mission is to reach the people and spread the gospel, Hovsepian said. His church in Yerevan serves over 200 families. Relations of late are good with the Orthodox mother church, with whom they cooperate in the Bible Society. But while the nation has experienced some revival along with a renewed focus on Christian education, there is still a lack of emphasis on the Scriptures. So while the younger Hovsepian waits for a phone call drafting him into the army, Nercessian scrambles to answer the phone calls reaching out for assistance. Whether a political or a religious conflict, it is hitting a Christian nation. We are a small enclave of spiritual light in a dark region, said the AMAA missionary. We were there, we are there, and we will be there still. Correction: An Anatolian revival began in the 1860s, not the 1920s as this article initially stated. [ This article is also available in Francais. ] OTTAWA - Shortly after Health Canada approved the first rapid antigen test for COVID-19, the federal government said more than 8.5 million of them would arrive by the end of the year. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A health-care worker gets a swab ready at a temporary COVID-19 test clinic in Montreal, on Friday, May 15, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson OTTAWA - Shortly after Health Canada approved the first rapid antigen test for COVID-19, the federal government said more than 8.5 million of them would arrive by the end of the year. Abbott Rapid Diagnostics in Germany got the greenlight from Health Canada Tuesday to sell its Panbio antigen rapid test in Canada the first antigen-based COVID-19 tool to get such approval. "Antigen tests are expected to have a few advantages, including being easier to perform with limited training, and being able to be done at the point of care with generally more rapid results," federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu said Tuesday at a briefing in Ottawa. Antigens are molecules specific to a certain virus that sit outside the virus and trigger an immune response when the body detects them. The Panbio test looks for the COVID-19 specific antigen in samples taken of the back of the nose or throat. Procurement Minister Anita Anand said Canada signed a contract with Abbott to get 8.5 million Panbio tests by the end of the year, and has an option for 12 million more in 2021. She said buying the second allotment will happen only if the government finds the tests have proven to be helpful in Canada. All of the tests previously approved by Health Canada are polymerase chain reaction tests, or PCR, which search for the presence of the virus's genetic material. Most of those tests have to be completed in a laboratory, after a sample is taken from a patient. Canada has approved three rapid versions that can be analyzed on site and don't need a laboratory. That includes the ID Now test from Abbott Diagnostics in the United States, which Health Canada approved last week. The federal government has a contract to buy 7.9 million of them. The first shipment is set to arrive next week and 2.5 million are expected by the end of December. Health Canada will distribute the tests to the provinces and territories, based on an agreement to ensure equitable distribution that takes into account what provinces need. Health Canada approved Cepheid's GeneXpert last spring. It produces results in less than an hour and has been deployed in small numbers to remote northern communities in Manitoba, Quebec and Nunavut. The BCube from Hyris was approved in September, and the company reports being in talks with Canadian buyers in both the public and private sectors. It produces a result in about 90 minutes. Deputy chief public health officer Dr. Howard Njoo said the public health guidance for how antigen tests can be used in Canada is coming soon, but that in general, they are used to complement the existing lab tests, not replace them. A work camp or a meat-packing plant where workers need to be regularly tested to prevent a massive outbreak, would be examples of where they could be used, said Njoo. Schools, long-term care facilities, and hospitals are other locations mentioned as potential locations for rapid tests to be deployed. Those suggestions mimic the recommendations made by the World Health Organization for antigen tests in September. Early in the pandemic, the WHO warned antigen tests should not be used outside of research settings, but in September issued guidance for clinical use as well. The WHO is also buying and distributing 120 million antigen rapid tests to low and middle-income countries, with the Panbio test among those it intends to buy. Conservative health critic Michelle Rempel said Tuesday the Canadian government lacks a strategy to use the rapid tests to help ease the long waits for testing and disruptions to people's lives. It is not clear when the rapid tests will be put to use in Canada, only that the first ID Now tests are to arrive at a Canadian warehouse from the United States next week. 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 ID Now tests came under some scrutiny in the United States over the weekend when it was revealed they were used at the White House to test staff almost daily, whether they had symptoms or not. The White House is now the site of an outbreak of COVID-19 that has affected President Donald Trump, his wife Melania, and multiple members of his staff. Dr. Supriya Sharma, the senior medical adviser to the deputy minister of health, said that in Canada, the tests are approved only for use on patients who are showing symptoms of COVID-19, and only within the first seven days after symptoms appear. She said Health Canada is confident in the studies that show ID Now tests accurately diagnose a positive case 92.9 per cent of the time, and that negative results are accurate more than 98 per cent of the time. Abbott's website says the Panbio test is accurate with positive results 93 per cent of the time, and negative results 99 per cent of the time. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020. A former prostitute struck up a conversation with an elderly man at a McDonald's restaurant then stole his identity to scam Centrelink out of $175,000. Melissa Wallis, 46, from Melbourne, siphoned the cash from the government agency for almost eight years while simultaneously receiving a disability pension. The mother-of-two met a man at the fast food restaurant and learned he was moving to the UK in September 2010. The following month she lodged a fraudulent application listing herself as a nominee to collect the Age Pension on his behalf. Melissa Wallis, 46, from Melbourne, stole the identity of an elderly man she met at McDonalds to fraudulently collect Age Pension payments (stock) The scam was discovered in 2018 after Centrelink grew suspicious of the numerous updates Wallis had made to payment details and pay arrangements. She pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception from a Commonwealth entity in County Court of Victoria on Monday, the Herald Sun reports. The court heard Wallis had unfortunate life experiences, including becoming addicted to drugs as a teenage runaway, losing her sister and suffering mental health issues. Her lawyer said she spent more than ten years as a prostitute to fuel her drug dependency and is a single parent to her children who have two different fathers. '[They are] life circumstances that you really wouldnt wish on your worst enemy', Judge Martine Marich said. Wallis' defence lawyer argued she should be handed a community corrections order, while the prosecution pushed for a jail term. She will remain on bail until next she faces court on October 15. New Delhi: Chirag Falor, the boy who topped the Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) 2020 has decided not to take admission in any of the Indian Institutes of Technology. The Pune boy scored 352 out of 396 marks in the JEE Advanced and secured rank 1 out of the 1.5 lakh students who reportedly took the test. But now, he has revealed that he's going to skip IIT and has already taken admission at the United States' Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). "I have secured admission in MIT and I will go ahead with it. The classes have already begun and I am attending them online. I had prepared for four years for these exams so I didn't want to skip appearing for the exam," Falor was quoted as saying by PTI news agency. He also stated that he used to attend MIT classes online during the night and then prepare for IIT exams in the day. He added, "The JEE was tougher than the exam at MIT. The exam has given me different confidence altogether." ALSO READ | JEE Advanced 2020 results declared; seat allocation process to begin on this date Check out the top 10 rank holders in JEE Advanced 2020: Rank 1: Chirag Falor Rank 2: Gangula Bhuvan Reddy Rank 3: Vaibhav Raj Rank 4: R Muhender Raj Rank 5: Keshav Agarwal Rank 6: Hardik Rajpal Rank 7: Vedang Dhirendra Asgaonkar Rank 8: Swayam Shashank Chube Rank 9: Harshavarshan Agarwal Rank 10: Dhvanit Beniwal Among girls, Kanishka Mittal from IIT Roorkee performed the best and secured rank 17. Earlier on Monday, IIT Delhi declared the JEE (Advanced) 2020 result and Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank tweeted to congratulate the students who cleared the exan. Pokhriyal said that several opportunities are available for students who couldnt get their desired rank. Students should remember that an exam cannot define them, he added. JEE Advanced 2020 was held successfully across the nation on September 27 by IIT Delhi. Nearly, one lakh candidates appeared for the JEE Advanced 2020 exam amid the COVID-19 pandemic. IIT Delhi also released the All India Rankings (AIR) along with the scorecards. Live TV Binu Jacob, managing director of Nestle Vietnam, receives Certificate of Merit from Vietnamese Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung The company was also listed among Vietnams 30 biggest taxpayers who were honoured at a ceremony yesterday (October 5) together with the launch of an electronic one-stop tax procedure support system. The ceremony was hosted by the ministry (MoF) in tandem with the Vietnam General Department of Taxation under witness of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Vietnam Tax Consultants Association. Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung congratulated these 30 top performers for their active contributions to state coffers in the past three decades. They are eminent examples among hundreds of thousands of businesses nationwide in fulfilling their financial obligations to the state, Dung said. According to the MoF, the scale of the state budget has increased constantly, from VND69.800 trillion ($3 billion) back in 2000 to be touching VND446.210 trillion ($19.4 billion) in 2020, growing more than seven-fold. In 2019, the figure nearly tripled to VND1.277 quadrillion ($55.5 billion) over 2010, and grew more than 18-fold compared to 2000. This July, Nestle Vietnam was praised by Hung Yen Peoples Committee with a Certificate of Merit for its outstanding state budget contribution in 2019. This July, Nestle Vietnam was praised by Hung Yen Peoples Committee with a Certificate of Merit for its outstanding state budget contributions in 2019. According to the Vietnam General Department of Taxation, the honoured businesses have made remarkable contributions to the countrys socioeconomic development through more job creation, bringing high added value to the economy through growing production and business revenue, big annual export value, promoting Vietnamese brands in the world market, and showing good tax obedience. According to Binu Jacob, CEO of Nestle Vietnam, a global brand with clear understanding of the local culture, the company has placed top importance on transparency and adherence to Vietnamese law, particularly its tax payment obligations. This attests to the spirit and responsibility of this foreign-invested business with the commitment for long-term investment and sustainable development in Vietnam. Founded in 1995 in Vietnam, Nestle Vietnam has been continually expanding investment and diversifying its product portfolio to serve the ever-increasing requirements of customers. In its 25-year development journey in Vietnam, the company has always been an active contributor to Vietnams inclusive and sustainable development efforts. Through several rounds of capital injections, Nestle Vietnams investment value has now surpassed $600 million. Russia is beginning to train operators of vehicles on Armata platform. Two military schools will be engaged. The first cadets will be enrolled in 2021 and will graduate as T-14 tank platoon commanders. Senior cadets will be able to acquaint themselves with the modern vehicles in 2020 already. Experts believe the time is sufficient to avoid major errors that can break down the vehicles, the Izvestia daily writes. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link T-14 Armata displayed at Army-2018 defense forum (Picture source: Army Recognition) Sources in the Defense Ministry said it had been decided to enroll cadets into tank schools for training to operate Armata vehicles. The first enrolment is scheduled in 2021, however the time may change. Two schools will train would-be officers. Kazan High Tank School will train tank platoon commanders. Omsk Armor Engineering Institute will train experts in the overhaul and operation of Armata family. The training will take four years and the first graduates will come to operate Armata in the army in 2025-2026. Cadets will initially study on simulators. They will be soon supplied to the school in Kazan. In particular, it will get T-14 tank simulator TVK-Armata and fire support simulator TOPK-Armata BM-S. The school will then get simulators to train tank commanders and tank platoon commanders. Omsk school will get sectional tanks, their units and mechanisms and other training means for would-be engineers and overhaul experts. Senior cadets will be able to acquaint themselves with the vehicles in 2020. Classes will be held for students who will get lieutenant chevrons in a year or two. Officers have to know how to operate the hardware themselves and teach soldiers, expert Viktor Murakhovsky said. Senior students have at least a year to do it. They cannot fully master the vehicles in such a brief time, but will be able to avoid errors that can break down the hardware, he said. T-14 is the most sophisticated armored vehicle in the Russian army, the expert said. The tank has a lot of electronics. The weapons are controlled by the so-called technical vision. There is no direct monitoring through optical sights. The vehicle is integrated into the single tactical control. It carries the latest communication and navigation means. Major education is necessary for officers to know how it works and to correctly operate the hardware, he said. T-14 tank on Armata platform was for the first time demonstrated at May 9, 2015 Victory parade. It underwent preliminary trials in 2019. Armata differs from all operational tanks. The unmanned turret is the main innovation. The crew stay in an isolated armored capsule and remotely control the weapons. It decreases the risk to life in combat. Armata is a heavy tracked universal platform to carry various hardware: T-14 tanks, T-15 infantry fighting vehicles, T-16 overhaul and evacuation armored vehicles, etc. T-16 is ready. It evacuates damaged vehicles and overhauls them in field conditions. It has a bulldozer blade and differs from existing BREM-1M vehicle by a more powerful manipulator crane and a power winch. T-15 is undergoing trials. The vehicle weighs 55 tons and is heavier than most Russian tanks. The size helps combine proper protection, powerful arms and a spacious compartment for the assault force. The engine is located in the front to offer additional protection for the crew and soldiers. Besides, front armor of the vehicle is the same as modern tanks have. Dynamic armor also protects T-15 and intercepts missiles and projectiles. It all provides unprecedented protection to the prospective infantry fighting vehicle, the Izvestia said. T-15 Armata displayed at Army-2018 defense forum (Picture source: Army Recognition) Copyright 2020 TASS / Army Recognition Group SPRL. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Donald Trump has been criticised for sharing misinformation. The world has watched as he has fronted press conferences, telling Americans an ever-growing list of fallacies. He told the nation things including that everyone should take disproven medication hydroxychloroquine, even that injecting bleach is a viable treatment. Despite scientific evidence that masks stop COVID-19 from spreading, Trump has mocked his opponents for wearing face coverings in public. His advice has been far from benign. The world has watched in horror as mass crowds protest across the United States ignoring actions such as masks, social distancing and lockdowns. Calls to poisons information lines have increased with some taking the Presidents advice to inject bleach. Now, the President himself has fallen victim to his anti-science rhetoric confirming last week that he and the first lady contracted the virus. Possibly linked to a White House event where social distancing and masking were ignored, the tally of those infected rises daily. Stand back and stand by. Democracy is on fire. If Democratic politicians, anti-Trumpers and progressive activists have been sounding the alarm for years, the threat is now imminent, the danger close: American democracy faces its gravest constitutional challenge since the Civil War. President Donald J. Trump has trounced so many democratic traditions, flouted so many of its customs and thwarted so many constitutional imperatives that the civic fabric is now torn to shreds, perhaps irreparably so. He wholly owns the Republican Party, whose pols have become nothing more than a cynical claque, reflexively bowing before the emperor, defending his deranged excesses. His attorney general, William Barr, serves as the presidents consigliere recasting the Department of Justice, designed to ensure full equality under the law to all Americans, as the enforcement arm for Trumps corrupt schemes and petty reprisals. Now the president is loudly and repeatedly suggesting that he may not adhere to a bedrock principle of this republic, a founding pillar of Western democracy: the peaceful transfer of power in the event of his electoral loss. While his rival, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, insists that Trump would not dare defy that principle, I am less sure. He has defied every other without consequence. Why would he suddenly respect the U.S. Constitution in November? Days after the disgraceful shout-fest that billed itself as a debate, Trump has still not had the decency to clearly and firmly rebuke violent white supremacist groups, including the Proud Boys. Instead of condemning them, he issued what many white domestic terrorists heard as a clarion call, a command: Stand back and stand by. According to several published reports, white supremacist groups celebrated Trumps command online; the Proud Boys, whom the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated a hate group, immediately incorporated the presidents call to "stand by" into their logo. And what is the moment for which they should be ready? The president has spent months trying to undermine the integrity of elections, insisting that mail-in ballots result in overwhelming fraud and threatening to send "sheriffs" to monitor polling places. But he hadnt made those outlandish claims in as significant a forum as a presidential debate until last Tuesday. Moderator Chris Wallace asked the president whether he would urge his supporters to avoid "civil unrest" while waiting for the election to be independently certified. Instead, Trump said, "Im urging supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully. If its a fair election, I am 100% on board. But if I see tens of thousands of ballots being manipulated, I cant go along with that." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. In other words, he will go along with the expressed intent of the electorate only if he is the presumed winner. If Biden wins ... stand by. In an alarming article in The Atlantic, writer Mike Giglio revealed the existence of several nationalist militias ready to take up arms if things dont go their way. Their concerns are eerily similar to the plans that Trump claims the "radical left" and its Antifa allies will inflict on the country if Biden is elected: confiscation of firearms, anti-Americanism in public schools, a Green New Deal that will destroy single-family housing. Giglios report reinforced testimony from FBI Director Christopher Wray, who testified last month that "racially motivated violent extremism" has made up the majority of domestic terrorist threats. While militias are gathering their AK-47s and bandoliers, other Trumpists are gathering their cellphone cameras to barge into election offices and polling stations to intimidate voters, as the president commanded. In mid-September, Trump supporters disrupted early voting at a polling station in Virginia, waving flags, blocking easy access and yelling, "Four more years!" Some voters and county election staffers reported that they were intimidated by the crowd. Trumpists wave American flags, denounce those who take a knee during the playing of the national anthem and bray loudly about patriotism. But they dont respect the nations values. Neither does the president. So stand back and stand by. They want to burn our democracy down if they dont get their way. The Missoula City Council had a busy meeting Monday night: Council members set a public hearing to bolster prohibitions on animal traps on city lands, held public hearings on the Remington Flats Subdivision and on zoning code updates, and briefly discussed a proposal to ban flavored tobacco products. The council did not approve the ordinance adding stronger penalties and banning animal traps in city parks, trails and conservation lands. Rather, the council voted to open a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 19. The amended ordinance would allow for restitution for injury or death of a pet, and authorizes the Parks and Recreation Department to spring, release or confiscate animal traps or snares it finds on city lands. "On behalf of wildlife, pets and humans who live in, love and use the forests, trails and waterways around Missoula, I appreciate and applaud your efforts," Peg Brownlee wrote to the City Council in an email. Council also unanimously approved a contract for the first phase of construction of the Westside Park for about $137,500. The first phase of construction will include the removal and replacement of the existing restroom and picnic pavilion with a portable toilet enclosure, hand wash and changing station, and picnic shade shelter, as well as infrastructure for a new preschool-aged playground. In the same motion, the council approved a Stop School Violence Grant agreement for about $44,000 with Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to purchase upgrades to a 3D scanner used in schools. The city will match about $14,500. The council also held public hearings for items it plans to vote on in coming weeks, including updates to the city's zoning code that include changes to standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), as well as a public hearing on the Remington Flats Subdivision. The proposed changes to the city's Title 20 zoning code include changes to standards and restrictions on ADUs, which are separate backyard "cottages" or small interior apartments that share a parcel of land with a single-family residence even if the density limit through zoning would otherwise not allow another housing unit on that property, according to the city's definition. Montana James, of Housing and Community Development, said her office supported the changes pertaining to ADUs. The proposed changes would remove the requirement for owner occupancy of the ADU, remove any required parking for the units (which previously required at least one off-street parking space), allow existing ADUs to expand along existing building lines, and raise the maximum height of an ADU from 22 to 25 feet. "Accessory dwelling units play an important role in our strategy as a city to improve housing affordability," James said. "They provide a diverse and flexible home type that can meet some really unique needs of our residents. They allow folks to age in place and stay in the neighborhoods that they know and love." Matts Larson was the only member of the public to comment on the proposed changes, and said he would like to see regulations pertaining to Airbnb vacation rentals addressed in the Title 20 code. "We're just going to be creating essentially non-owner occupied units," Larson said. There was no public comment on the hearing regarding the Remington Flats Subdivision, which will create 152 residential lots on 20 acres north of the 44 Ranch Subdivision. As part of the proposal, the land would be annexed into the city and zoned to allow for detached houses, two-unit townhouses, and three-unit townhouses. Developers propose building the subdivision in seven phases over 12 years. Despite the council's clarifications that they were not holding a public hearing on the proposal to ban flavored tobacco products in the city, several members of the public called in to voice their opposition, adding to at least a dozen emails in opposition the council has received in the past few days. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. South Korean multinational conglomerate LG has announced the establishment of a center for the research and development (R&D) of vehicle components in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang. The Da Nang Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) and the Vehicle Component Solutions Development Center (LG VS) of LG Electronics Vietnam Hai Phong Co. Ltd. on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the centers foundation. According to the MoU, the IPA will coordinate with relevant agencies to give LG instructions on procedures for setting up the center, as well as supporting the conglomerates member companies, research and development centers, satellite manufacturers, and subsidiary manufacturers to survey and invest in Da Nang. On the other way around, the LG VS will admit IT students from the Vietnamese city to work at its premises and give a priority to the coastal city when it comes to the South Korean corporations business expansion. The LG VS specializes in the manufacturing of components and software solutions related to infotainment systems, operations, and 3G and 4G connectivity for cars. According to LGs development strategy in Vietnam, it will turn Da Nang into a base for setting up the information technology research and development center of the whole corporation. Speaking at Tuesdays signing event, LG VS director Jung Seung Min pledged to successfully carry out the project. Entering the Vietnamese market in 1995, LG has established three companies, two factories, and 80 warranty centers, employing nearly 2,000 workers, accoridng to the corporation's website. It is already running an R&D center focused on vehicle component solutions in Hanoi. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! As opposition parties in Pakistan form a united front for a "political revolution" to "bring law and order" in the country, the Imran Khan-led government has launched multiple crackdowns against opposition leaders using sedition law. The latest case under the sedition law was filed against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir "premier" Raja Mohammad Farooq Ahmed Khan on October 1.A First Information Report (FIR) was registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by a local resident in Shahdra police station against the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader on the charges of criminal conspiracy for the "provocative speeches" he made in London to "defame Pakistan's institutions". Sharif's daughter, Khan and three retired generals among 40 PML(N) leaders have also been named in the FIR. As many as 11 Pakistani opposition parties, prominent among which are the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), PML(N), Awami National Party, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), at the conclusion of an All Parties Conference (APC) on September 20 announced the formation of a joint platform, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).A 26-point resolution adopted by the APC pledged to ensure that all organs of the state are run strictly as mandated under the law. It called for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission to probe abuses against the people since Pakistan's independence in 1947. Such an investigation can reveal a long, sordid history of military abuses, it said. It also demanded that Prime Minister Khan and his ruling Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf party step down and announce fresh nationwide elections.Soon after the APC, PML(N) president and Sharif's brother Shahbaz was arrested in a money laundering case from the Lahore High Court, according to Gulf News. Shahbaz is currently on a 14-day physical remand.The PML(N) on Sunday slammed the government saying that "political revolution" in the country would be possible only through the newly formed alliance, adding that the opposition leaders are being "silenced" for speaking against a "corrupt" government.Besides the PML(N) president, the country's anti-corruption body -- National Accountability Bureau -- has also issued a notice to JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman.According to Dawn, the notice against Rehman and others pertains to "corruption and corrupt practices/accumulation of assets beyond means".Meanwhile, an accountability court indicted former president Asif Ali Zardari of PPP and others in Park Lane and Thatta water supply scheme references.Lashing out at the government for continuous appearances of Zardari in the accountability court, PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the regime's response to their APC has come in the shape of increase in the frequency of court appearances by the former president.Accusing the government of using the law to silence the protests by the united opposition front, the opposition parties are planning to launch a mass campaign, comprising public gatherings, political rallies, no-confidence motions, en masse resignations from Assemblies and a long march in January that would culminate in a sit-in in capital Islamabad. (ANI) Also Read: Islamabad High Court dismisses petition to ban Nawaz Sharif's speeches has agreed to withdraw the case it filed in the Supreme Court about the sharing of waters of Krishna and Godavari rivers, enabling the Centre to go ahead with referring the issue to a tribunal, said Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Tuesday. After the second Apex Council meeting with the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Shekhawat told reporters that it was also agreed to shift the Kaveri River Management Board (KRMB) to Andhra Pradesh. Under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, an apex council was formed with the Union Jal Shakti minister as the chairman and the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and as its members. The first apex council meeting was held in 2016. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Reddy came to Delhi to attend the meeting, while his counterpart K Chandrashekhar Rao was present virtually. Shekhawat said the meeting turned out to be "very productive". "With regards to sharing of water of Godavari and Krishna between the two states, the chief minister of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh agreed to withdraw the case the state has filed in the Supreme Court to enable the Centre to move forward on referring the water sharing issues to the tribunal under the Inter-state River Water Dispute Act 1956 after taking due legal opinion," Shekhawat said. Deliberation on deciding the jurisdiction of both Godavari and Krishna Management Boards was on the agenda of Tuesday's meeting. Even after six years after the bifurcation of the state, their jurisdiction is still notified. "The Centre will go ahead with notifying the jurisdiction of both KRMB and GRMB. The Telangana chief minister dissented on this but as the per the APRA-2014, no consensus is needed and hence the Centre will notify it," Shekhawat said. The agenda also deliberated upon the submissions of Detailed Project Report (DPR) of new projects taken by both the states on Krishna and Godavari. As per the Act, both the KRMB and GRMB should technically appraise and clear them. Shekhawat said both the chief ministers agreed to submit the DPRs of all the projects taken up by their respective states. He also assured them that the technical appraisal of the all the projects will be done at the shortest possible time. The apex council is mandated to approve new projects planned by both the states on Godavari and Krishna rivers, supervise the functioning of the Godavari and Krishna Management Boards and to resolve any dispute arising out of sharing of river waters between both the states. (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.) COLUMBUS, Ohio - Democrat Joe Biden is expanding his ad buys into every corner of Ohio as early voting begins Tuesday, signalling his campaigns growing hopes that a state Donald Trump won easily four years ago may be within the former vice-presidents grasp. The new spots will air on radio in rural, traditionally Republican areas of the state, the campaign told The Associated Press, as well as on TV in Dayton. That adds to television advertising already announced in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati and on Black radio stations. The campaign declined to give specifics on how much the Ohio ad blitz is costing. Its part of Bidens $280 million general election ad reservation. Toni Webb, his Ohio state director, said Biden will use the ads to speak directly with hardworking families across the Buckeye State about his positive vision for unifying the country, including his plans to strengthen health care, build our economy back better, and deliver for working families. Trump carried Ohio over Democrat Hillary Clinton by a comfortable 8 percentage points in 2016. He now finds himself locked in a competitive battle for the Midwestern battleground and its 18 electoral votes. A Quinnipiac University poll released Sept. 24 showed Biden and Trump statistically tied in the state, with 48% of likely voters favouring Biden and 47% favouring Trump. A whopping 97% indicated that their minds were made up, leaving the deciding vote to a tiny sliver of the electorate. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. Part of the more-competitive-than-expected Ohio landscape is owed to Trumps decline in support across the states suburbs, surrounding its largest cities Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland but also its midsize and smaller metros, such as Akron, Dayton and Toledo. Some Republicans have argued that Trump can win by turning out more supporters in the rural and small-town regions that carried him in 2016. However, some Republicans say Trump likely cannot recoup his suburban losses given how he set 40-year Republican vote percentage records, or near-records, in two-thirds of Ohios 88 counties four years ago. Whats more, Trump pulled back on his Ohio advertising this week, according to a review of advertising data by Kantar/CMAG for The Associated Press. As of Monday, Trumps campaign had cancelled $2.5 million in Ohio television advertising this week, though his campaign maintained $7.8 million in reserved TV time through the election. The Biden ads will reach 56 of Ohios 88 counties as well as four counties in neighbouring West Virginia with the positively toned spots, the campaign said. Theyll air across southeast Ohios Appalachian region, western Ohios farm fields and in blue-collar Mahoning County, home to Youngstown, a formerly loyal Democratic area that Trump swung into the Republican column in 2016. ___ Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. C O-OP Bank, the embattled lender, is searching for fresh leadership today with the abrupt departure of chief executive Andrew Bester. The bank, once an arm of the wider Co-op group but now owned by US hedge funds, today said Bester would leave and that it was looking for a successor. Bester said in a statement: My ambition was to complete the major transformation phase of the turnaround and for our franchise to show resilience. At this point, I believe the Bank is on the right path and it is time for a new CEO to continue the journey to be the digital ethical bank. In the meantime I remain focused on working with colleagues to provide the support our customers need. The bank was famously plunged into chaos back in 2013 when a 1.5 billion hole in the banks accounts emerged. Chairman Paul Flowers, dubbed the Crystal Methodist, was caught in a tabloid sting buying drugs. The banks financial troubles began after a merger with Britannia Building Society. Flowers later resigned Co-operative chairman Bob Dench said: "Over recent months Andrew has worked tirelessly to navigate through the national crisis we all face and to support our customers through the pandemic. I thank him for the support he has provided during this unprecedented period and we wish him all the best for the future." Bester is a former Lloyds Bank executive who had pledged to uphold the Co-op Banks "ethical values". The company said the decision to move on was Bester's. He is said to have been linked with other roles. Ukrainian tourists will be able to travel to EU countries as soon as the "epidemic situation allows." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says his European partners have assured him that there are no threats to the visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU, and Ukraine fulfills all the necessary criteria. He announced this at a joint press conference with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell in the wake of the 22nd Ukraine-EU summit in Brussels on October 6, according to an UNIAN correspondent. Read alsoZelensky, Johnson to sign new large Ukraine-UK strategic partnership deal envoy "Partners from the European Union assured that nothing threatens the visa-free regime, and Ukraine strictly fulfills all the necessary criteria. And as soon as the difficult epidemic situation allows, Ukrainians will be able to plan trips to Europe again," Zelensky said. "It is worth emphasizing that the European Union takes note of Ukraine's significant progress in implementing key reforms over the past year. This is the introduction of the land market, the adoption of a banking law, the development of decentralization, the start of the work of the High Anti-Corruption Court," he said. The president noted that the authorities were not going to stop on the path to positive changes in Ukraine, and further reform priorities, including strengthening the rule of law in Ukraine, had been discussed during the summit. Developments seen as threat to EU visa-free travel In a remarkable split screen moment that will serve as an eerie reminder of America's chaotic response to the coronavirus pandemic, the country's top infectious diseases doctor Anthony Fauci issued yet another urgent plea for Americans to mask up, at precisely the same time Monday when US president Donald Trump, now a COVID-19 patient, climbed up the steps to the White House South Portico balcony, ripped off his mask, stuffed it in his pocket and struck a double thumbs-up pose for the photographers assembled below. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor The West Bengal government would provide jobs to the next of kin of victims killed by elephants in the state, chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Tuesday. A villager killed by an elephant used to get a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh from the state government. We have taken a policy decision that a family member of a victim will get a job in the Home Guard department, said Banerjee. Also read: West Bengal proposes to set up rail fences to rein in elephants At least 433 people have been killed across West Bengal between April 2014 and September 2019. Similarly, in Odisha, elephants claimed 447 human lives, followed by Jharkhand (391), and Chhattisgarh (329) during the corresponding period. There are around 200 and 500 elephants in south and north Bengal, respectively. Man-elephant animal conflict is common in both parts of West Bengal, said a state forest department official. Chief minister Banerjee, who chaired an administrative meeting of West Midnapore district in south Bengal on Tuesday, also promised a job for a family member of any person, who was abducted by the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) over a decade ago and is yet to be traced. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In the third grade Malaihka Siemens met the first and only classroom teacher she would ever have who looked like her. At the time, Frances Smith was approximately 5-4 with short black hair, glasses and a teaching style that incorporated sharing circles into the classroom, recalls Siemens, now in her final year in Manitobas public school system. Up until then, I hadnt seen anybody Indigenous in a teachers position, says the 17-year-old, who is Oji-Cree and Kenyan. From there, I had this vision of me being in her position and I kind of vicariously lived through her in her classroom because I was so fascinated with the way she incorporated our culture into her lessons so eloquently. Had Siemens not been in Smiths class at Sister MacNamara School, she may never have put becoming a teacher on her bucket list. Thats the premise behind a new report card on the state of equity in Manitobas K-12 education system. Authored by the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle, the report outlines the underrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as teachers in classrooms of all grade levels, in post-secondary faculties of education and on public school boards across the province. In order to improve academic outcomes for Indigenous students, they need to see themselves better reflected in the curriculum and teaching staff working in their schools, states the 31-page-document, which is to be made public today. While the authors acknowledge the traumas of the residential school system and related issues of poverty and mental health care must be taken into account when working to improve Indigenous graduation rates, they argue representation plays an important role in boosting outcomes. A teacher is really important to the lives of the kids, as we all know, and having more Indigenous educators in those positions and giving (students) different viewpoints, the class as a whole, I think is a great goal, said Trevor LaForte, co-chairman of the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle. LaForte added that achieving such a goal requires both data collection and targets to improve the status quo at training and division levels which are among the 10 calls to action listed in the report. Other calls to action range from an ask all divisions create an employment equity policy to a call for universities to release annual Indigenous enrolment and graduation reports to the creation of a designated Indigenous seat on school boards. The report draws on survey response data collected from the six Winnipeg-area school divisions and the faculties of education at the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, University of Saint-Boniface and Brandon University in the spring of 2019. The data indicate that in 2017-18, Indigenous students accounted for 27.2 per cent of the student population in the Winnipeg School Division. That same year, according to the report, 8.4 per cent of the divisions permanent teaching staff identified as Indigenous, while Indigenous support staff made up 13.3 per cent of its educational assistant roster. The River East Transcona, Louis Riel, Pembina Trails, St. James-Assiniboia and Seven Oaks divisions did not provide detailed Indigenous self-identification figures more often than not, citing the fact they do not collect such data. As for a breakdown of teachers-in-training, figures in the report show Indigenous students accounted for 6.6 per cent of the total Bachelor of Education graduates at the U of W, on average, between 2011 and 2015. During that same period, the mean annual percentage at the U of M was 5.2 per cent. Also in the report is a breakdown of the number of Indigenous trustees 2 of 54 across the citys six divisions serving on school boards in Winnipeg. Both Metis trustees currently serve on the provinces largest board in central Winnipeg. A co-author of the equity report and former trustee, Sonia Prevost-Derbecker knows firsthand the importance of having Indigenous representation on school boards, and how exhausting it can be to be the only Indigenous voice at a decision-making table. If you have Indigenous people at the table, youll have a greater chance of ensuring that Indigenous issues get a place of priority and outcomes will change as a result, she said. Prevost-Derbecker founded the Building From Within program, whose aim in partnership with the Winnipeg School Division, U of W and Indspire Canada is to mentor and train Indigenous high school students to help them develop a path to become teachers. Shes also an advocate for the creation of an Indigenous education program at the post-secondary level, which is another one of the collectives calls to action. Currently a Grade 12 student in the Building From Within program, Siemens said she often thinks back to how she felt in Smiths classroom in Grade 3. Between Smith and the elders in her life, she said she has had a number of educational role models that have influenced her confidence as a learner. She plans to graduate in June and study to become either a teacher or professor in the future. I hope to represent all the people who havent felt that they have been represented and seen and heard and valued in education and in their learning experiences, Siemens added. Read more about: Title of Security CUSIP/ISIN Principal Amount Issued Outstanding Principal Amount Tender Consideration(1) 6.125% notes due 2025 03938LAZ7/US03938LAZ76 U.S.$500,000,000 U.S.$500,000,000 U.S.$1,170 (1) Per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn. Does not include Accrued Interest (as defined below) which will be payable to holders who tender Notes that are accepted for purchase by the Company. October 5, 2020- 16:00 CET - ArcelorMittal (the "Company" or "ArcelorMittal") announces the launch of its tender offer (the "Offer") to purchase for cash, any and all of its outstanding 6.125% notes due 2025 (CUSIP 03938LAZ7/ISIN US03938LAZ76) (the "Notes"). This announcement does not contain the full terms and conditions of the Offer, which are contained in the offer to purchase dated October 5, 2020 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase") and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, and is subject to the offer restrictions set out below and more fully described in the Offer to Purchase. Notes may be validly tendered at any time on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 13, 2020, unless extended or earlier terminated (as may be extended or earlier terminated, the "Expiration Time"). Notes must be tendered in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Subject to certain conditions, holders may tender Notes in the Offer pursuant to guaranteed delivery procedures by transmitting a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to the Tender Agent prior to the Expiration Time, as described in more detail in the section "The Offer- Procedures for Tendering Notes-Guaranteed Delivery Procedure for Notes" in the Offer to Purchase. With respect to the Notes validly tendered prior to the Expiration Date and not validly withdrawn and accepted for purchase by the Company, other than Notes tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures, the Company expects to pay the notes tender consideration (the "Tender Consideration"), which is the U.S. dollar amount payable per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of the Notes set forth in the table above, together with any Accrued Interest (as defined below), to the holders thereof on the second Business Day after the Expiration Time (the "Any and All Settlement Date"). With respect to Notes tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures and accepted for purchase by the Company, if any, the Company expects to pay the Tender Consideration, together with any Accrued Interest, to the holders thereof on the third Business Day after the Expiration Time. For the avoidance of doubt, interest will cease to accrue on the Any and All Settlement Date for all Notes accepted in the Offer, including any Notes tendered by the guaranteed delivery procedures. The Tender Consideration will be payable in cash. In addition to the Tender Consideration, holders who tender Notes that are accepted for purchase by the Company pursuant to the Offer will also be paid accrued and unpaid interest from, and including, the immediately preceding interest payment date for the Notes to, but excluding, the Any and All Settlement Date (the "Accrued Interest"). Accrued Interest for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of such Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted for purchase will be rounded to the nearest U.S.$0.01, with U.S.$0.005 being rounded upwards. Notes tendered may only be withdrawn at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 13, 2020 (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the "Withdrawal Deadline") but, except as otherwise provided, not thereafter. The relevant deadline set by the relevant clearing system or any intermediary for the submission of tender instructions may be earlier than the deadlines set out herein. Concurrently with the Offer, ArcelorMittal is also announcing the commencement of an invitation (the "Invitation for Offers" and the "Concurrent European Offer") to non-U.S. holders outside of the United States to tender for cash certain EUR denominated bonds issued by ArcelorMittal. Invitations to the Concurrent European Offer are not open to any holder of such notes that is in the United States or a U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) or a U.S. resident. If you are in the United States, a U.S. Person or a U.S. resident that holds any such notes, you may not offer to sell them pursuant to such invitation. You may not tender any notes in the Offer other than the Notes specified on the cover page of the Offer to Purchase. The Concurrent European Offer is not being made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. ArcelorMittal will fund the Offer and the Concurrent European Offer with existing cash resources. The Offer is being made to reduce the Company's gross debt through the early repayment and cancelation of the Notes that are accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer. Similarly, the Concurrent European Offer (as described and defined above, and on which this Offer is not conditional) is being made to reduce the Company's gross debt through the early repayment and cancellation of the Euro Notes that are accepted for purchase pursuant to the Concurrent European Offer. BBVA Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank plc, Mizuho Securities USA LLC and Natixis have been appointed to serve as dealer managers for the Offer (the "Dealer Managers"). D.F. King has been retained to serve as the information agent and tender agent in connection with the Offer. For additional information regarding the terms of the Offer, please contact BBVA Securities Inc. by email at liabilitymanagement@bbva.com or by telephone at +44 20 7397 6061or telephone: New York: +1 877 536-1561 (toll free within U.S.) or at + 1 212 269 5550 (collect) and +44 20 7920 9700 (London). The Offer to Purchase is expected to be distributed to holders of Notes beginning today. A copy of the Offer to Purchase is available at https://sites.dfkingltd.com/arcelormittal and may also be obtained at no charge from D.F. King. The times and dates above are subject, where applicable, to the right of the Company to extend, re-open, amend, limit, terminate or withdraw the Offer, subject to applicable law. Accordingly, the actual timetable may differ significantly from the expected timetable set out above. Holders should confirm with the bank, securities broker or any other intermediary through which they hold their Notes whether such intermediary needs to receive instructions from a holder before the deadlines specified above in order for that holder to be able to participate in, or withdraw their instruction to participate in, the Offer. None of ArcelorMittal, the Dealer Managers or the information and tender agent makes any recommendation as to whether any holder of the Notes should tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of the principal amount of the Notes. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Offer to Purchase. Important Information This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation to buy any Notes nor is it a solicitation for acceptance of the Offer. It is also not an invitation to any holder of the bonds which are subject of the Concurrent European Offer to offer to sell such bonds to the Company, which is being made by a separate Invitation for Offers. The Company is making the Offer only by, and pursuant to the terms of, the Offer to Purchase. The Offer is not being made to (nor will tenders of Notes be accepted from or on behalf of) 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. This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Offer to Purchase. This announcement and the Offer to Purchase (including the documents incorporated by reference therein) contain important information which should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Offer. If you are in any doubt as to the contents of this announcement or the Offer to Purchase or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own financial and legal advice, including as to any tax consequences, immediately from your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee or intermediary must contact such entity if it wishes to participate in the Offer. ### United Kingdom. This announcement and the Offer to Purchase are for distribution only to persons who (i) are outside the United Kingdom; (ii) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"); (iii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Order; (iv) are members or creditors of certain bodies corporate as defined by or within Article 43(2) of the Order; or (v) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This announcement and the Offer to Purchase are directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. European Economic Area and the United Kingdom. In any European Economic Area ("EEA") member state and the United Kingdom (each, a "Relevant State"), this announcement and the Offer to Purchase is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded) (the "Prospectus Regulation"), in that Relevant State. Each person in a Relevant State who receives any communication in respect of the Offer contemplated in the Offer to Purchase will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with the Dealer Managers and the Company that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation. France. The Offer to Purchase nor any other documents or offering materials relating to the Offer have been distributed or caused to be distributed and will not be distributed or caused to be distributed in France, other than to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies), as defined in Article L. 411-2 1 of the French Code monetaire et financier and in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation. Neither the Offer to Purchase, nor any other such offering material has been submitted for clearance to the Autorite des marches financiers. By participating in the Offer, an investor resident and/or located in France will be deemed to represent and warrant to the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent that it is a qualified investor. Italy. None of the Offer, the Offer to Purchase or any other documents or materials relating to the Offer have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ("CONSOB"), pursuant to applicable Italian laws and regulations. The Offer is being carried out in the Republic of Italy ("Italy") as an exempted offer pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of Legislative Decree No. 58 of February 24, 1998, as amended (the "ConsolidatedFinancial Act") and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of May 14, 1999, as amended (the "Issuer's Regulation"). The Offer is also being carried out in compliance with article 35-bis, paragraph 7 of the Issuers' Regulation. Holders or beneficial owners of the Notes located in Italy may tender the Notes in the Offer through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with the Consolidated Financial Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of February 15, 2018, as amended, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of September 1, 1993, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of September 1, 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority. Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-a-vis its clients in connection with the Notes or the Offer. Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-a-vis its clients in connection with the Notes or the Offer. This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014. About ArcelorMittal ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking facilities in 18 countries. In 2019, ArcelorMittal had revenues of U.S.$70.6 billion and crude steel production of 89.8 million metric tonnes, while iron ore production reached 57.1 million metric tonnes. Our goal is to help build a better world with smarter steels. Steels made using innovative processes which use less energy, emit significantly less carbon and reduce costs. Steels that are cleaner, stronger and reusable. Steels for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure that will support societies as they transform through this century. With steel at our core, our inventive people and an entrepreneurial culture at heart, we will support the world in making that change. This is what we believe it takes to be the steel company of the future. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/06/2020 -- The new report titled 'Global Inorganic Pigments Market' by Reports and Data estimates the overall size of the Inorganic Pigments market and the market share accrued by the regional segments of the market throughout the historical assessment period of 2017-2018. As per the extensive research conducted by our analysts, the global Inorganic Pigments market is projected to record steady growth over the forecast period of 2020-2027 to reach a staggering valuation of 31.94 Billion in 2027 from USD 22.04 Billion in 2019, at a CAGR of 5.0% The report provides the readers with a granular study of the fundamental development elements, potential business avenues, and a clear image of the vendor landscape of the Inorganic Pigments market. It further lays emphasis on the deep understanding of the potential market growth opportunities and trends across various regional segments of the market. Get a sample of the report @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/sample-enquiry-form/3329 The latest study offers an accurate evaluation of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the worldwide Inorganic Pigments industry. The industry vertical has been drastically impacted by the pandemic over recent months, impeding the progress of the overall business landscape in a major blow to manufacturers and buyers. The document covers the fluctuating market trends and dynamic changes taking place in the industry with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused severe disruptions to supply chains and volatility in prices and demands. The key market segments have experienced a negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the market is foreseen to regain traction in the post-COVID era. Top market players profiled in the report are as follows: Tasnee, Tata Pigments, China Hongqiao Group Limited, Matapel Chemicals INEOS Pigments, Jiangsu Yuxing Industry & Trade Co., Ltd., Tronox Limited, Dominion Colour Corporation, Alabama Pigments Company, and Ferro Corporation among others. The latest market research report examines the macroeconomic and microeconomic factors operating in the global Inorganic Pigments market development. The report draws attention to the regulatory framework that influences the future of the Inorganic Pigments market and further takes note of the new and existing pricing structures, emerging application areas, and several potential investment opportunities in the global market. The report carries out a detailed analysis of the factors propelling market growth over the forecast timeframe, and, in addition to that, offers actionable insights into the key development trends of the current market scenario. In the later part of the report, an exhaustive examination of the overall vendor landscape has been included that helps comprehend the chief marketing and promotional strategies employed by the leading contenders in the global Inorganic Pigments market. The report further takes into account the existing development trends, as well as past events, to illustrate the future of the competitive scenario of the market. Moreover, the report lists various other business strategies deployed by these players, such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, takeovers, and strategic alliances. The report closely examines the entry barriers, coupled with the intensity of the competition among the leading market rivals. Request a discount on the report @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/discount-enquiry-form/3329 Segments covered in the Report: Pigment Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2017-2027) Nanoparticles Titanium Dioxide Iron Oxide Carbon Black Others Application Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2017-2027) Paints & coatings Plastics Inks Ceramics Glass Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2017-2027) Online Offline To know more about the report, visit @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/inorganic-pigments-market Key regions dominating the global Inorganic Pigments market are as follows: North America (U.S., Canada) Asia Pacific (India, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, Rest of APAC) Europe (U.K., Italy, Germany, France, Rest of EU) Latin America (Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., South Africa, Rest of MEA) Browse Related Reports Antifouling Coatings Market Size, Shares, Growth rate and Industry Analysis to 2027 Industrial Floor Coating Market Analysis, Top Companies, Growth, Global trends and Forecasts to 2027 Thank you for reading our report. For further information about the report, please get in touch with us. Our team will ensure your report is well-suited to your requirements. Contact Us John W Head of Business Development 40 Wall St. 28th floor New York City NY 10005 United States Direct Line: +1-212-710-1370 New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday initiated a petition on its own motion with regard to the pending criminal cases against lawmakers and asked the Centre and the Delhi government to file their replies in the matter. A division bench of Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan, while taking suo motu cognisance, also asked its own registry to respond to the plea. The bench has issued notices to the Centre and the Delhi government, asking them to file affidavits mentioning the works done in view of a direction from the top court. Recently, a report filed by senior advocate Vijay Hansaria in the Supreme Court said that the total number of cases against sitting and former lawmakers is 4,859, a jump of 400 cases since March, when the figures were 4,442. "Some of the high courts have sought directions for conducting trials through video conferencing, where the accused/witnesses are in another district/state, without the requirement of physical presence of the accused/witnesses," said the report, which has been submitted in a petition by BJP leader and advocate Ashwini Upadhyay. The petition before the top court had cited the inordinate delay in disposal of criminal cases against lawmakers. The report also gave a detailed break-up of cases pending against sitting and former lawmakers in all the states. As many as 1,374 cases are pending in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar (557). The report said that all the high courts have favoured the establishment of a safe and secure "witness examination room" with video conference facility, but cited lack of infrastructure and non-availability of funds for the same. "Video conferencing rules have been framed by most of the high courts and others are in the process of finalising the same... The high courts have recommended the appointment of a nodal prosecution officer and a special public prosecutor for each of the courts and have written to the state governments in this regard," the report added. The report also mentioned that the number of cases pending against the lawmakers has increased in the last two years, despite monitoring for expeditious disposal in the ongoing proceedings. "It is, therefore, submitted that strict monitoring, at a micro-level, by the high courts is necessary to ensure expeditious disposal of the cases against the legislators," Hansaria said in the report. The report informed the Supreme Court that no status report has been filed by the Centre "with respect to initiation and current stage of cases against the legislators pending before the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate and other central agencies, grant of sanction and expected time for completion." The report said some of the high courts favoured the constitution of special courts in each district, both at the Sessions and Magisterial level. "Many other high courts have favoured trial by the respective jurisdictional courts with a mandate to take these cases on priority basis. In some of the states, the high courts have recommended the constitution of zone-wise special courts," said the report. Citing issues in Kerala, the report said: "The Kerala High Court has stated that police personnel are reluctant to arrest the legislators. It may be directed that the superintendent of police of the concerned district will be personally responsible for execution of warrants and service of summons to the legislators and any breach thereof will be treated as contempt of the orders of this court." German Ambassador in Cairo Cyrill Jean Nunn will bestow the Commanders Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany upon Abdel-Aty in an honouring ceremony The Embassy of Germany in Cairo will hold a reception this evening to honour Ambassador Badr Abdel-Aty, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs and Egypt's former ambassador to Germany. German Ambassador in Cairo Cyrill Jean Nunn will bestow the Commanders Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany upon Abdel-Aty during the ceremony. Ambassador Abdel-Aty will be awarded the highest Medal of Merit with the rank of Commander, which the German Federal President gives every year to a select group of German citizens who have made efforts to serve German interests. The honour is also bestowed upon foreigners who have a footprint in the field of developing relations between their countries and the Republic of Germany. Ambassador Abdel-Aty has been given the award due to the boom in Egyptian-German relations during his tenure in the position, which witnessed remarkable activities and exchanges of visits between officials from the two countries on all levels. On the economic level, during Abdel-Aty's tenure, relations developed greatly and the largest deal in the history of the German company Siemens was concluded with the Egyptian electricity sector to establish three stations to generate 14.4 gigawatts, which are considered the largest stations established in the world. Abdel-Aty's tenure also saw the return of Mercedes-Benz to manufacturing in Egypt after its exit from the Egyptian market in 2012. An agreement was also reached with the Bosch Corporation, one of the largest companies in the world that produce household electrical appliances, to establish a factory in 10th of Ramadan City. This is in addition to increasing cooperation in the field of tourism, and the number of German tourists by the end of 2019 reached 2 million, the highest number in the history of relations between the two countries. The German medal was previously awarded to Mohamed El-Orabi, a former foreign minister of Egypt and ambassador to Germany, who served for seven years in the country. Search Keywords: Short link: University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is in the process of sending letters to over 600 patients following an alleged major data breach concerning patient data, including details of 95 children, which was then posted on social media. Gardai have also been informed of the alleged breach by a non-HSE employee. Its alleged the patient data, including the patients name, date of birth, as well as medicines dispensed, was extracted from a computer system relating to patients who attended at the Emergency Department at UHL last April. We are writing to 630 patients concerning a breach of patient data at University Hospital Limerick. This relates to patients who attended the Emergency Department at UHL between April 18th and April 22nd last, said a UHL spokesman. There are 48 patients on trolleys at the hospital today, including 38 in the hospitals ED. The data in question was extracted from an automated system used in the ED to dispense medication safely. It was extracted, without HSE knowledge or approval, by an employee of a company which was then supporting this system; and not by any employee of the HSE. This information was published online in the form of a file linked from a Twitter account. This file contained personal data which included patients names, date of birth and the names of medications dispensed while they were in the ED. The spokesman added the medications were for the most part those you would expect to be dispensed in an emergency department (i.e painkillers and antibiotics). The hospital became aware of the alleged breach on May 29th. Immediate actions were taken by the HSE and by UL Hospitals Group to protect patient data. Twitter blocked the link to the data and disabled the account in question, the spokesman explained. Gardai and the Data Protection Commission were also immediately notified and the HSE obtained a High Court Order on 5th June last restraining the individual concerned from communicating confidential information. The UHL spokesman said the hospital was only now writing to patients as it has taken some time for UL Hospitals Group and the HSE to understand the nature and extent of the breach. We believe that the data has not been widely shared and that the manner in which it was published online (an .SQL file)* would have taken a degree of technical knowledge to rebuild and make sense of. The spokesman said that while the hospital have to date received no inquiries from any party who has accessed patient details online they were in the process of advising the 630 patients that there remains a residual risk of future unauthorised disclosure, in spite of the High Court injunction that remains in place to restrain the individual from further sharing data. Where the patients concerned are children, we are writing to their parents or guardians. Of the 630 patients involved, 95 are children, the spokesman confirmed. UHL has apologised to patients involved for any distress this will cause and is including details of a helpline in the letters sent to the patients. Patients who have not received a letter from us are unaffected by this data breach and are kindly requested not to phone the helpline, the spokesman said. The UL Hospitals Group has convened a Serious Incident Management team (SIMT) to investigate this incident, and take any necessary actions to further secure patient data. According to a report in the Limerick Leader the data breach involved a rogue non-HSE employee. UL Hospitals Group explained that it had all the necessary data processing arrangements in place with the third party processor to protect the security of the data which was being processed. A data processing agreement and a data sharing agreement was in place between the HSE and the company as well as a confidentiality agreement, the Group said. Unfortunately this event was caused by an intentional act by one individual. It added that in order to protect patient data the HSE Chief Information Officer worked closely with the third party company and reported the breach to An Garda Siochana. A High Court order was put in place restraining the defendant and any person to whom the defendant has communicated or may communicate the Confidential Information from disseminating, publishing, communicating by any means whatsoever or otherwise making any use of the Confidential Information or any part thereof for any purpose whether through the use of the specific Twitter handles, email addresses or otherwise. The High Court order directed the defendant to return all documents, records and devices containing the Confidential Information and/or to submit such devices for forensic analysis records. All property was returned on 5th June. All passwords were changed immediately, and the company is no longer managing the automated system in question. A new company have taken over sales and service of the system in Ireland. New Delhi: India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo have met in Tokyo. While they have been in touch with each other for past few months, amid the covid crisis--this is the first in-person meeting between the two. This is also the first meeting Jaishankar and Pompeo amid India-China tensions since May of this year. Both countries have seen increased convergencies on several issues, from security to Indo Pacific. Later today in Tokyo, foreign minister of all 4 Quad countries-- India, US, Japan and Austrialia will meet. US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo, Indian External Affairs minister S Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will be present in the meet for the face to face meeting, a first amid the pandemic. This is the 2nd such Quad FMs meet. Last year, all FMs of Quad countries met on the sidelines of United Nations General assembly. This will be first such major diplomatic engagement of the new Japanese Prime minister Yoshihide Suga. The grouping, whose focus is on "free and open" Indo Pacific is viewed suspiciously by China. (PHOTO: Google Street View) SINGAPORE A teacher accused of misappropriating some $40,000 in funds belonging to students claimed in court that she had not kept records of or counted the funds she had collected. Maslinda Zainal, the suspended Head of Department (HOD) for English at Woodgrove Secondary School, said that she had trusted the teachers to count the monies before handing them to her for the purpose of buying learning materials for students. Taking the stand on Tuesday (6 October), Maslinda, 46, who had been at Woodgrove Secondary School for more than 10 years, told the court about the scope of her duties at the school as a HOD, under examination by her lawyer Singa Retnam. She is contesting two charges of criminal breach of trust as a public servant, allegedly committed between January 2016 and April 2017. The amount in the charge sheets totaled $40,636.70. Too busy to count money: Maslinda The court heard that apart from teaching duties and walkabouts to ensure classes were being taught effectively, Maslinda was in charge of seven committees such as a publication committee, marketing, a relief teaching team and a committee in charge of organising a concert at Republic Polytechnic. At the national level, the HOD also had supervisory and logistical duties related to examinations. Asked if she was suggesting she was overloaded with work, Maslinda replied that she had many many things to do. Despite her duties, in 2007, Maslinda was involved with other teachers in reviewing the students textbooks and later came up with new teaching materials known as the Excel package for their students. While the package was printed in-house initially, it was outsourced from 2013, with the cost borne by students. The person in charge of printing the package would put the prices in the booklist, according to Maslinda. Teachers would then collect funds from their students and hand them over to Maslinda to collate. Maslinda testified that there were no guidelines on how money was collected from students or handed to her. Story continues Teachers would keep the funds in envelopes, ziplock bags or plastic sheets and place them in various spots within Maslindas cubicle, such as her cabinet or laptop drawer. Asked by Singa why she had not counted the money handed to her, Maslinda said that she trusted the teachers and believed they would do their due diligence to count monies. And I am overwhelmed with a lot of things and counting monies for one class would take a lot of my time (about 15 minutes) so I thought the teachers had counted the money so I just kept money when they were given to me, she said. She added that she had not kept any records of the monies she received because nobody had told her to do so and there were no guidelines on the process. There were no issues of surplus monies until April 2016 after Maslinda paid for invoices presented to her at the end of the month. She then realised there were extra funds in a white-coloured box where she kept the students money. Maslinda said she initially had no idea what to do with the money, as she did not know who had paid or how much she had collected. Given that before 2016, teachers would use their own money to pay for stationery, Maslinda then decided to use the excess money to buy stationery. Said Maslinda, Since I had extra money and these are students money I thought if I bought stationery (and) teaching resources its actually going back to the students, which is why I used money to buy stationery and teaching, learning materialbecause I really didnt know what to do with the money. Maslinda was arrested in April 2017 and her workstation checked by Ministry of Education investigators, who found various amounts of money in a black ring file, the white box, and an assessment book. The investigators also found $11,000 in Maslindas handbag. I told them that these monies belong to me these are my salaries and the money my husband has given me, they told me okay I would not take this cause it is yours, said Maslinda. At this point, Maslinda broke down in tears, recalling how she showed the investigators the stationery she had bought. However, as she had no invoices or receipts for the equipment, investigators told her that these were considered personal expenses, said the teacher. After counting the money that was found, investigators allegedly told Maslinda that there was a discrepancy of around $34,000 and asked if Maslinda was able to compensate the amount. I told her I would make good the $34,000 because it was my mistake for not counting the money and keeping record or keeping receipt for invoices or receipts for stationery material, so I told her I will pay it back so the school will not be responsible for any loss of money (and) so my students will not suffer because of my negligence, said Maslinda. Maslinda paid the amount on 17 May 2017, after she was allegedly told by investigators that she would be treated leniently if she cooperated with investigations. On this matter, Maslinda said, I was informed that if I paid back the money I would not be charged. I paid back the money in May but I was charged in October. If convicted on criminal breach of trust as a public servant, a person may be jailed for life or up to 10 years, and may also be fined. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Other Singapore stories: MOM to review punishment framework for employers who illegally deploy foreign maids One-off additional support for newborns to come: Heng Swee Keat Parliament: Bill to help smaller firms undergoing insolvency via faster and cheaper way to be tabled Valencia Hotel Groups luxury hotels were named in the magazines 2020 Readers Choice Awards list. During a year of extraordinary strife in the hospitality industry, these awards confirm our commitment to providing luxurious accommodations while also going above and beyond to prioritize the health and safety of our guests and employees, said Doyle A. Graham, Jr., President, and CEO. Conde Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers Choice Awards. Valencia Hotel Groups luxury hotels were named in the magazines 2020 Readers Choice Awards list. Hotel Valencia Santana Row was #1 in San Jose and #8 among top hotels in Northern California. The Texas luxury brand hotels in the Valencia Hotel Group collection that made the top 20 list for Texas are Hotel Valencia Riverwalk claiming the #1 spot in San Antonio and #4 in Texas and Hotel Alessandra coming in at #5 in Houston and #17 in Texas. The Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as the best of the best of travel. The full list of winners can be found here. We are honored to see hotels in the Valencia Hotel Group collection recognized by discerning travelers for their remarkable guest experiences, said Doyle A. Graham, Jr., President and CEO. During a year of extraordinary strife in the hospitality industry, these awards confirm our commitment to providing luxurious accommodations while also going above and beyond to prioritize the health and safety of our guests and employees. Graham is the visionary and thought-leader behind building the Valencia Hotel Group collection and attributes much of the companys success to its unique management approach and efficient cost structure; these have made the Valencia Hotel Group a leading market performer with consistent customer satisfaction ratings above the 90th percentile. The 2020 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Conde Nast Traveler's website, http://www.cntravelerom/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Conde Nast Traveler US and UK print editions. About Valencia Hotel Group Houston-based Valencia Hotel Group is a fully integrated hospitality company that provides management, development, branding and repositioning services for independent, full-service hotels owned by the company, in addition to third parties. Exceptional service, style and location have become brand trademarks. Earning both national and international recognition for their distinctive designs, amenities and settings, Valencia Hotel Group properties are destinations and gathering places within their respective communities, some further benefitting from and enriching their space within the cultural heart of a city. The company continues to forge a niche with hotels that anchor and add value to urban, mixed-use environments, which further support or enhance the guest experience with superior residential, restaurant, retail and office components. The Valencia Hotel Group portfolio currently includes : Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose, CA, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX, The George in College Station, TX and Hotel Alessandra in Houston, TX. The Court concept brands include Lone Star Court in Austin, TX, Cavalry Court in College Station, TX, Texican Court in Irving, TX and the newly opened Cotton Court in Lubbock, TX. For more information, please visit http://www.valenciahotelgroup.com. About Conde Nast Traveler Conde Nast Traveler is the worlds most distinguished travel title providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers. Authoritative and influential, Conde Nast Traveler is a multi-platform, transatlantic brand. Publishing US and UK print editions under Editor-in-Chief Melinda Stevens, Conde Nast Traveler offers award-winning expertise in luxury travel from around the world. For more, visit http://www.cntraveler.com. For press inquiries, please contact: awards@condenasttraveler.com. Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries on Tuesday said that a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will invest Rs 5,512.50 crore into retail arm, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL). This investment values Reliance Retail at a pre-money equity value of Rs 4.285 lakh crore. "ADIA's investment will translate into a 1.20 per cent equity stake in RRVL on a fully diluted basis," RIL said in a regulatory filing. With this investment, RRVL has raised Rs 37,710 crore from leading global investors including Silver Lake, KKR, General Atlantic, Mubadala, GIC, TPG and ADIA in less than four weeks. Commenting on the development, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of RIL, said, "We are delighted with ADIA's current investment and continued support and hope to benefit from its strong track record of over four decades of value creation globally." "The investment by ADIA is a further endorsement of Reliance Retail's performance and potential and the inclusive and transformational New Commerce business model that it is rolling out," he added. Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, said, "Reliance Retail has rapidly established itself as one of the leading retail businesses in India and, by leveraging both its physical and digital supply chains, is strongly positioned for further growth. This investment is consistent with our strategy of investing in market leading businesses in Asia linked to the region's consumption-driven growth and rapid technological advancement." The transaction is subject to regulatory and other customary approvals. Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Reliance Retail and Cyril Amarch and Mangaldas and Davis Polk & Wardwell acted as legal counsels. On October 1, Abu Dhabi's sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company had announced an investment of Rs 6,247.5 crore in Reliance Retail Ventures to acquire 1.40 per cent equity stake in the company. This came a day after California-based Silver Lake committed an additional investment of Rs 1,875 crore in Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), taking its total investment in the company to Rs 9,375 crore, equivalent to 2.13 per cent stake in the company. Reliance Retail has also signed a deal with General Atlantic for an investment of Rs 3,675 crore for 0.84 per cent stake. Private equity firm KKR has also said that it would invest Rs 5,550 crore in RRVL for 1.28 per cent stake. Reliance Retail, a subsidiary of RRVL, operates India's largest and most profitable retail business serving close to 640 million footfalls across its 12,000 stores nationwide. Reliance Retail's vision is to galvanise the Indian retail sector through an inclusive strategy serving millions of customers by empowering millions of farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and working closely with global and domestic companies as a preferred partner, to protect and generate employment for millions of Indians. Reliance Retail, through its new commerce strategy, has started a transformational digitalisation of small and unorganised merchants and aimed to expand the network to over 20 million of these merchants. This will enable the merchants to use technology tools and an efficient supply chain infrastructure to deliver a superior value proposition to their own customers. By Chitranjan Kumar Also Read: Mubadala to invest Rs 6,247 crore in Reliance Retail Also Read: Silver Lake to invest additional Rs 1,875 crore in Reliance Retail This is not a decision we made lightly," Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger said in a news release, "and we did everything in our power to support a safe and sustainable reopening in the U.S. from putting in place robust health and safety measures at our theaters to joining our industry in making a collective commitment to the CineSafe protocols to reaching out to state and local officials to educate them on these initiatives. ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY Fighting coronavirus clusters in Orange and Rockland counties, as well as in Nassau County, New York City and Binghamton, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday the state will use a three-zone approach to keep the infection from spreading. At the center of the outbreaks in the Hudson Valley, the red zones, the new rules close all schools, shut down all but essential businesses, allow only takeout from restaurants and limit houses of worship to a maximum of 10 people for gatherings. In the immediate area surrounding each hot spot, houses of worship are limited to 33 percent capacity or a maximum of 25 people. High-risk nonessential businesses such as gyms and personal care must be closed. Restaurants may be open for outdoor dining, with a maximum of four people per table. In an outer buffer zone, houses of worship are limited to 50 percent capacity and mass gatherings are limited to a maximum of 25 people. Also, schools in that zone must do weekly coronavirus testing. The state has raised fines for sponsors of mass gatherings to $15,000. The red zones are about a mile in diameter; the orange and yellow zones go out about another mile. The rules could go into effect as soon as Wednesday and no later than Friday. Local governments may need that time to notify local businesses inside the cluster, Cuomo said. Testing for schools in the yellow zone starts next week. Basically, these clusters are due to mass gatherings, Cuomo said, not businesses and schools. "Many of these communities have a large Orthodox population," he said. "I understand the imposition this is going to place on them. I thank them for their help and cooperation." The state has created maps of the clusters and the zones which it is sharing with local governments: Source: New York Governor's Office "We know where the cases are and we know what we have to do," Cuomo said. "We're all citizens and it's not government's job to catch you. It's the citizen's obligation to do the right thing." Story continues The announcement comes on the heels of the order by Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman, issued late Monday, which closed all public, private and religious schools and educational facilities in the village of Kiryas Joel and the town of Palm Tree. It followed news that the positivity rate for coronavirus testing in Palm Tree had topped 27 percent on Friday. Source: New York Governor's Office Cuomo said state officials would consult with local governments on the maps on Tuesday. "I want the locals to give us the personnel so the state can do the enforcement," he said. Rockland County Executive Ed Day said afterward they expected to receive the map by the end of Tuesday and send notifications to businesses, schools and houses of worship in the zones by the end of Wednesday. "I applaud the announcement of the Cluster Action Initiative by the Governor this afternoon; he clearly heard the concerns expressed by myself and other County Executives during our daily Control Room calls," Day said in a statement. "We in Rockland County government stand ready to support these actions as we are able. The restrictions he announced are measured and clearly focused on the areas where this disease is spreading. These areas will be minimal in size but logical in scope. I have already reached out to local municipalities, police departments and the Sheriffs Office to ask for their support of these efforts." In Rockland, the number of active cases of the coronavirus jumped to 1,409 on Monday, up from 1,072 on Friday. According to the state's dashboards, there were 90 people hospitalized in the Hudson Valley with COVID-19 on Monday, up from only 39 a month ago. Still, across the Hudson Valley, Monday's test results were not as dramatic as those posted over the weekend: Source: New York Governor's Office This article originally appeared on the New City Patch The claim: While Sen. Cornyn is for secure borders, he strongly supports legalization for Dreamers. ad for Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. The 30-second ad began airing in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and the Rio Grande Valley on Sept 12. In it, a voice-over describes the senators position on Dreamers. PolitiFact ruling: Half True. Its true that Cornyns voting history has supported the legalization of Dreamers, but there are also examples of his opposition to bills that package Dreamer protections with other items. Discussion Cornyn released a Spanish-language campaign advertisement in September that says the senator fights for all Texans, including immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, known as Dreamers. Theres no doubt that Cornyn has voiced his support over the years for protecting young Dreamers from deportation. In America, we dont hold children responsible for the mistakes their parents made, Cornyn has said. And his aides point to numerous occasions when he has cast votes on bills designed to provide Dreamers a path to citizenship. SENATE RACE: Sen. John Cornyn says Trump let his guard down on COVID Nonetheless, immigrant advocates and Cornyns Democratic detractors are quick to highlight other occasions when legislation with Dreamer protections was scuttled or opposed by the senator. A clear picture of Cornyns voting record on Dreamers, however, is tangled in the messy politics of immigration reform. The most popular form of legislation aimed at granting conditional permanent resident status to young immigrants was introduced in 2001 and is known as the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act. In 2003, during his first year in the Senate, Cornyn and a majority of the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a version of the act. But the bill went no further. At that point, Cornyns voting record on the DREAM Act and Dreamers becomes more mixed. In 2007, another version of the act was derailed after Cornyn and a majority of senators supported a procedural move that defeated it. In 2013, Cornyn opposed a broad-based immigration reform bill crafted by a bipartisan group of senators that would have provided a pathway to citizenship for 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally, including Dreamers. Cornyn said at the time he opposed the bill because it lacked border security components. In 2018, during the latest congressional showdown over funding for President Donald Trumps border wall, Cornyn co-sponsored the Trump-backed Secure and Succeed Act while opposing a bill backed by a bipartisan group of senators known as the Common Sense Coalition. Both efforts would have offered a path to citizenship for 1.8 million Dreamers and allocated $25 billion for a southern border wall, but the bills differed in other ways. About PolitiFact PolitiFact is a fact-checking project to help you sort out fact from fiction in politics. Truth-O-Meter ratings are determined by a panel of three editors. The burden of proof is on the speaker, and PolitiFact rates statements based on the information known at the time the statement is made. See More Collapse The Secure and Succeed Act would have canceled the Diversity Visa Program, which awards green cards via a lottery, and limited family-based immigration to spouses and unmarried children under 18. According to the libertarian Cato Institute, these moves would have reduced legal immigration by 44 percent. The bipartisan Common Sense plan would have prohibited parents from using their Dreamer childrens newly granted citizenship to apply for citizenship themselves, according to a bill description on the website of Sen. Susan Collins of Maine. Neither bill was successful. Cornyns voting record on the DREAM Act, however, is not the only metric by which his support for Dreamers should be measured, said Cornyn spokesman Drew Brandewie. And Brandewie pointed to numerous occasions when the senator has expressed his support for Dreamers. I am sympathetic to their plight, Cornyn said last year, and I want to work to find a solution that would allow them to become American citizens. The language used in the advertisement that the senator strongly supports legalization for Dreamers should be interpreted narrowly so as not to include his position on the DREAM Act itself, Brandewie said. For example, in 2017 Cornyn was part of a bipartisan working group that sought a solution for Dreamers after the Trump administration signaled its intent to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals a move that has been held up in the courts. In 2018, Cornyn criticized a lawsuit that Texas and six other states filed to end DACA. Cornyn said the suit provided no solution and that the state needs the pool of very productive, good young people being protected by DACA from deportation. One can support legalization without supporting or voting for the DREAM act, Brandewie said. But to Frank Sharry, executive director of the progressive immigrant advocacy group Americas Voice, making a distinction between supporting the DREAM Act and supporting Dreamers is splitting hairs. He technically can say hes voted for the DREAM Act, but its his opposition thats the major feature of his career, Sharry said. Cornyns ad is hoodwinking Latino voters into thinking hes for a priority in that community when he spent the last 15 years undermining it, Sharry said. Cornyn said during an interview last week with the Austin American-Statesmans editorial board that the stalemate on Dreamers and the tendency for bills to get packaged with other items is probably my single greatest frustration and disappointment. Its sort of like a Christmas tree. People keep adding different things to it, and it almost always seems to collapse under its own weight, Cornyn said. The version of the DREAM Act currently before Congress could provide a pathway to citizenship for more than 2 million Dreamers. Cornyn opposes the legislation because it would give Dreamers access to federal student financial aid thats not available to citizens a provision that Brandewie said is wholly unrelated to the legalization of Dreamers. Bhubaneswar, Oct 6 : The family of former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) lawmaker turned BJP Vice President Jay Panda, who owns a powerful media empire, seems to be at the centre of a row that Panda's wife and OTV's Managing Director Jagi Panda alleges is "vindictive harassment by the Naveen Patnaik government" for their news channel's reportage on "Covid corruption in Odisha". A case has been filed against the Jagi Panda, her father and brother under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. But Odisha TV has alleged that local news channels that carried the news of the FIR are "affiliated with the Naveen Patnaik government" . However, Ms Panda has pleaded innocence while claiming, "These allegations are totally baseless and we vehemently deny them." She further alleged, "Ever since OTV covered stories about Covid corruption in Odisha, various state government authorities have been targeting OTV and its employees, as well as me and my family members." Ms Panda has sought an investigation by a "credible and neutral agencies". This is not the first time that OTV has seen its owner get into trouble with the state government. Jagi Panda says the High Court has given them interim protection in two such cases earlier. "This vindictive harassment by the Naveen Patnaik government, based on false allegations, has been there for everyone to see, and we fully expect more such false cases against us in future. We had earlier approached the courts and have received interim relief in the two such matters from the Honourable High Court," Ms Panda said in a statement. Last March Jay Panda had joined the BJP in New Delhi, giving the party a strong leader in the state where it lacked any prominent national faces apart from Dharmendra Pradhan. After a long run with Odisha's ruling party, Panda fell out with CM Patnaik. Panda was suspended for "anti-party" activities in 2018 for his perceived proximity with the BJP, following which he had resigned from the party and his Lok Sabha seat. However, ever since Panda's induction into the BJP, friction between the Pandas and Odisha authorities seems to have increased. Panda was a Vice President in the BJP during Amit Shah's tenure. He retained his post even in Team Nadda, indicating the importance that BJP accords to him. The drive-by visit to Mr. Trumps supporters drove home that point, Ms. Napolitano said. There was nothing about his little motorcade yesterday that was required or wise or necessary, she said on Monday. It was a superfluous act. Secret Service agents have always needed to make last-minute adjustments based on the political whims of presidents, said Michael Beschloss, a presidential historian. And the relationship between presidents and their protection details has usually allowed for a limited amount of debate. But in the end, presidents have an appetite for making public appearances before their supporters, allies and in some cases, adversaries. And the president has final say. These are people that have volunteered to give their lives for theirs, and almost every president I can recall uses that privilege carefully and with great respect, Mr. Beschloss said. Mr. Trump responded to the criticism on Monday by blaming the news media. I got into a secure vehicle to say thank you to the many fans and supporters who were standing outside of the hospital for many hours, and even days, to pay their respect to their President, he posted on Twitter. If I didnt do it, Media would say RUDE!!! Rand Beers, a former acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, acknowledged that presidents were obliged to convey to the nation that things are on track. But, he added, youre still putting agents at risk if youre not taking precautions. The day after Mr. Trumps ride, Representative Bennie Thompson, Democrat of Mississippi and the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, demanded a briefing from the Department of Homeland Security to learn more about the safeguards in place for the agencys employees and specifically the protection detail. The height of reckless disregard for others was the presidents joy ride yesterday, where Secret Service agents were required to drive him around in a hermetically sealed vehicle, Mr. Thompson said. Exposing Secret Service personnel to the virus does not just put them at risk, it puts their families and the public at risk. Market rallied for the fourth straight sessions on October 6 supported by positive global cues. Indices finished the day at 7-month high. The Sensex rose 600.87 points, or 1.54%, to close at 39,574.57, and Nifty was up 159 points, or 1.38%, to end at 11,662.40. Here are 10 stocks that moved the most: Tata Motors | CMP: Rs 144.85 | Share price spiked 8 percent after CLSA reiterated "buy" on the stock. The research firm said Tata Motors can head to Rs 220. It is of the view that JLR has turned FCF positive in Q2 as retail volumes improved with Q2 retail sales broadly in-line with expectations, according to a CNBC-TV18 report. JLR, a subsidiary of Tata Motors, registered retail sales at 1,13,569 vehicles in the quarter ended September 2020, a 50 percent growth over the previous quarter but fell 11.9 percent compared to a year-ago period. Majesco | CMP: Rs 858.95 | Share price ended at 52-week high of Rs 858.95 as a meeting of the board of directors of the company is scheduled to be held on October 8, 2020, to consider proposal for buyback of fully paid-up equity shares of the company. HDFC | CMP: Rs 319.75| Share price gained over 5 percent after global research firm CLSA retained its outperform call on the stock, with the target at Rs 2,100 per share. It is of the view that pick-up in growth is stronger than expected, adding that an increase in mortgage spreads is a positive for NII and PPoP growth. However, it feels that the Rs 40,000 crore in builder loan moratorium remains a key overhang, according to a CNBC-TV18 report. JSPL | CMP: Rs 193 | Share price fell 2 percent despite company reported a record 30 percent growth in its consolidated steel sales at 2.41 million tons in Q2FY21 as compared to 1.85 million tons in Q2 FY 20. The company also reported 18 percent year-on-year growth in consolidated steel production with 2.35 million tons in Q2FY21 as compared to 1.99 million tons in Q2FY20. On a standalone basis, the company recorded 29 percent YoY growth in steel sales with 1.93 million tons in Q2FY21 as compared to 1.49 million tons in Q2FY20. Sobha | CMP: Rs 262.15 | Share price jumped over 9 percent after global research firm CLSA retained the outperform rating and raised the target to Rs 270 from Rs 252 per share. The company reported a sharp recovery in its pre-sales to 0.9 million square feet. Industry sales in Bengaluru are still 50 percent below pre-COVID level. CLSA sees a marginal increase in debt due to its dividend payment in Q2 and has increased its presales estimates for FY21-23, according to a report by CNBC-TV18. Adani Ports | CMP: Rs 363 | Share price rose 3.5 percent a day after the company announced the completion of the acquisition of the Krishnapatnam Port Company (KPCL) for an enterprise value of Rs 12,000 crore. APSEZ now has a controlling stake of 75 percent in KPCL, a multi-cargo port in southern Andhra Pradesh. CLSA has upgraded to buy from outperform and raised target to Rs 425 from Rs 386. The acquisition will solidify the companys hold over the east coast. The company aims to double KPCLs EBITDA in three years and volumes in five years. Lupin | CMP: Rs 1025.40| The company share ended 1 percent lower despite it received approval for its Dimethyl Fumarate Delayed-Release Capsules, 120 mg and 240 mg, from the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA), to market a generic equivalent of Tecfidera Delayed-Release Capsules, 120 mg and 240 mg, of Biogen, Inc. The product is expected to be launched shortly. Infibeam Avenues | CMP: Rs 82.55 | The company share price added 5 percent after company has entered into a definitive agreement with Jio Platforms Limited and its affiliates, to license , customise, maintain and access our Enterprise E-commerce Software and Payments Platform for their business use. Ramco Systems | CMP: Rs 493 | Share price touched 52-week high of Rs 493.10 after Toll Logistics has chosen Ramco Logistics ERP to transform the complete supply chain operations of its Chemicals business division in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, Ramco Logistics will also be rolled out as a unified out-of-the-box ERP across its new businesses in Asia. Cookie Preferences Cookie List Cookie List A cookie is a small piece of data (text file) that a website when visited by a user asks your browser to store on your device in order to remember information about you, such as your language preference or login information. Those cookies are set by us and called first-party cookies. We also use third-party cookies which are cookies from a domain different than the domain of the website you are visiting for our advertising and marketing efforts. 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New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has told the Supreme Court that the UK Home Office has intimated that there is a further legal issue which needs to be resolved before Vijay Mallya's extradition takes place and this issue is "outside and apart from" the extradition process. In an affidavit, the MHA said following the refusal for leave to appeal to Mallya, his surrender to India should, in principle, have been completed within 28 days. However, the UK Home Office intimated that there is further legal issue which needs to be resolved before the extradition takes place. "The UK side further said that this issue is outside and apart from the extradition process, but it has the effect that under the United Kingdom law, extradition cannot take place until it is resolved," said the affidavit. The MHA said the UK has informed it that this separate legal issue is judicial and confidential in nature. On May 14, in a major setback, Mallya lost his application seeking leave to appeal in the UK Supreme Court, after the High Court declined to entertain his appeal challenging the extradition order to India on charges of fraud and money laundering in connection with unrecovered loans to his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. "The UK side emphasised that neither they can provide any more details nor intervene in the process. They have also indicated that through the designated channel, the UK Home Office has received a request to serve summons on Vijay Mallya for his hearing before the Supreme Court (India)," said the MHA. The Home Office has forwarded the Supreme Court order, through the Hertfordshire police on September 17, for serving it to Mallya. "It is also submitted that during the course of processing of request of service of notice upon Vijay Mallya, an interim report from UK authorities has been received through the High Commission of India, London," the affidavit said. The Supreme Court on Monday had asked Mallya's lawyer to inform the court when would his client appear before it so that hearing on sentencing could be done in his presence for contempt of court, for which he has already been found guilty. The top court asked Mallya's counsel to provide answers to these queries by November 2. On August 31, the Supreme Court had dismissed Mallya's plea seeking review of a 2017 judgment which held him guilty for contempt of court. It also sought Mallya's presence before the court on October 5. The top court had held him guilty of contempt in May 2017, as Mallya did not truthfully disclose the full account of his assets, and transferred $40 million to his children. It ordered him to appear on July 10, 2017 to argue on the quantum of punishment. The apex court passed the order on a contempt petition against Mallya by a consortium of banks led by the SBI, which claimed Mallya transferred the $40 million from Diageo to his children's accounts, and did not use this money to clear his debt. Banks cited this as a violation of judicial orders. The bench said let the explanation be furnished within two weeks. "The Review Petition shall, thereafter, be considered on merits," it added. Attending the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)s video teleconference meeting on October 5, Quy voiced his concern over challenges and instability in Haiti, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic has clobbered the nation. He called on all parties to agree on the electoral process and framework, including the calendar and the composition of the Electoral Council. Touching on gang violence, he laid stress on the significance of protecting vulnerable groups like women and children. The international community should enhance technical assistance and protective measures for Haiti in this tough time, he added. The Vietnamese diplomat hailed the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) for its support for Haiti, and expressed support for the renewal of BINUHs mandate. He also committed support to the UN General Secretarys call to handle Haitis challenges towards the sustainable development goals in the UNs 2030 Agenda. At the event, members of the UNSC strongly condemned violence and attacks targeted at women and children, and asked competent sides to promote dialogue for the upcoming election. They spoke highly of the BINUHs support for the political transformation, highlighting Haiti needs to step up constitutional reform while the international community should continue supports for the country to settle current difficulties. Kyrgyzstan, which borders China, is also reliant on trade with Beijing and owes Chinas Export-Import Bank around $1.8 billion, or close to half of Kyrgyzstans external debt. At a meeting last month, Jeenbekov asked Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi about delaying repayment due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Kyrgyzstans official summary of the discussions. By Rupam Jain Oct 6 (Reuters) - Taliban and Afghan government-backed negotiators have agreed on a broad code of conduct to advance the intra-Afghan peace talks in Qatar, even as key differences between the two warring sides remain, three official sources told Reuters on Tuesday. Efforts to resolve disagreements over Islamic jurisprudence and whether a U.S.-Taliban accord reached in February on a U.S. troop withdrawal would serve as the basis of the peace talks will continue on the sidelines of the main negotiations, two sources said. The progress was achieved with the help of U.S. officials, as the two sides drew up 19 ground rules that their negotiators should observe during talks, the sources said. "Firming up code of conduct was extremely crucial as it proves that both sides are willing to continue talks even as we see that violence has not reduced on the ground," said one senior Western diplomat on conditions of anonymity. Nader Nadery, a senior government negotiator, told Reuters that issues still need to be ironed out. "The discussion over the rules and procedures is not yet completed and there are issues that need to be further finalized and therefore more work needs to be done," said Nadery. After Reuters reported that the parties had set ground rules, the Afghan government negotiating team tweeted that the Reuters report was "incorrect," without elaborating. When asked about the tweet, a senior official involved in the talks on the government side said officials objected to any implication that a formal agreement had been reached, but did not deny some ground rules had been set. The sources involved in the peace process said the latest progress came during a trip on Monday by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to Qatar's capital Doha. Ghani held talks there with Qatari leaders as well as U.S. Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and the commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, General Austin Miller. The intra-Afghan talks follow-up on a landmark deal signed between the United States and the Taliban in February. Under the deal, foreign forces will leave Afghanistan by May 2021 in exchange for counter-terrorism guarantees from the Taliban, which agreed to negotiate a permanent cease-fire and a power-sharing formula with the Afghan government. Diplomats had told Reuters that the talks got off to a difficult start, with disagreements over how the Hanafi Islamic code could be used to guide negotiations and on whether the deal signed between the United States and the Taliban in February should be the basis for the talks, as demanded by the Taliban. The three sources said the delegations were putting those differences to one side to move forward and agree on an agenda, but would work on resolving these issues during negotiations. "The ground rules will serve as a foundation as both sides are making an effort to prevent a collapse," said a second senior official in Doha overseeing the talks. A ceasefire is a top priority for the Afghan officials and the western diplomats who are facilitating these talks. While the talks have been taking place in Qatar's capital Doha, scores of Afghan soldiers and Taliban fighters have been killed in clashes. Dozens of civilians have also died in recent weeks. Some analysts say the Taliban is unlikely to agree a comprehensive ceasefire yet, since violence and clashes with Afghan forces give insurgents leverage at the negotiation table. (Reporting by Rupam Jain in Mumbai, Hamid Shalizi, Abdul Qadir Sediqi in Kabul, Jonathan Landay in Washington DC Editing by Charlotte Greenfield, Simon Cameron-Moore and Peter Graff) Credit: CC0 Public Domain New curfews for bars and cafes, and tighter rules on social gatherings, were announced for Berlin, Frankfurt and across Belgium on Tuesday as authorities tackled virus spikes. From Friday, Belgians will be restricted to unmasked contact with just three people in their personal "bubble", down from five, and an 11:00 pm curfew on bars and cafes in Brussels will be extended to the rest of the country. Belgium has recorded more than 30,000 new cases since September 20, and 500 hospitalisations in the first week of October. In Berlin, the restrictions on meeting others will be tighter at night, when they are limited to five. During the day, groups of up to 50 will still be permitted, although indoors the cap is 10. An 11:00 pm curfew on bars and restaurants was also introduced after the capital saw the virus's reproduction rate hit 1.26, meaning each infected person is passing it to more than one other person. Frankfurt announced a 10:00 pm curfew for restaurants, banned alcohol consumption in public places and made masks obligatory in busy shopping areas. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP Tetiana Kuzmych had been spying for Russia, gathering intel on Ukrainian government agencies. The court in Kherson on Monday, October 5, released from custody a Ukrainian woman, Tetiana Kuzmych, whom counterintelligence operatives this summer detained on high treason charges for spying in favor of the aggressor state Russia. The suspect was released after UAH 500,000 bail was posted, TSN correspondent Andriy Tsaplienko reports. The investigation says back in 2015, Kuzmych, chief of the Rusich NGO who also taught students at the Kherson Academy of Continuing Education, was recruited during her visit to the occupied Crimea by a Russian intelligence operative who went by a pseudonym Alexander Prestolov, the report reads. Kuzmych has been assigned a codename: Tsvetayeva. Read alsoWhy Russia is afraid of Ukraine's Neptune missilesIt was established that the woman had been gathering intelligence on Ukrainian government agencies and transferring sensitive data to the invaders via e-mail and in private meetings in Crimea and Moscow. During the raid at Kuzmych's home, a computer was retrieved before the security service obtained formal access to her e-mail account used to transmit intelligence to the Russians, as well as software that deleted the sent files). In August, the court ruled to remand the suspect in custody until October 9, setting bail at UAH 529,500. After that, several pro-Russian politicians and lawyers visited Kuzmych, while Russia's Rossotrudnichestvo agency intended to post bail. Also, MP with the pro-Russian Opposition Bloc, Vadym Novinsky, also expressed readiness to bail the Russian spy out. It remains unclear, who exactly posted the required sum to have Kuzmych released from custody. More on Russian spies exposed in Ukraine The loss of flowering plants and the widespread use of pesticides could be a double punch to wild bee populations. In a new study, researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that the combined threats reduced blue orchard bee reproduction by 57 percent and resulted in fewer female offspring. The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. "Just like humans, bees don't face one single stress or threat," said lead author Clara Stuligross, a Ph.D. candidate in ecology at UC Davis. "Understanding how multiple stressors interplay is really important, especially for bee populations in agricultural systems, where wild bees are commonly exposed to pesticides and food can be scarce." The study found that pesticide exposure had the greatest impact on nesting activity and the number of offspring the bees produced. Pesticide exposure reduced bee reproduction 1.75 times more than limiting their food. IN FIELD EXPERIMENT The team conducted their research by exposing the blue orchard bee to the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid, the most widely used neonicotinoid in the United States. It's also among the most frequently applied insecticides in California. Nesting female bees were set up in large flight cages containing wildflowers at high or low densities treated with and without the insecticide. The insecticide was applied based on label instructions. Bees can be exposed to insecticides by consuming pollen and nectar from the treated flowers. Similar research has been conducted on honeybees in labs, but there has been no comparable research on wild bees in field or semi-field conditions. FEWER FEMALES, FEWER BEES IN THE FUTURE The two main factors that affect bee reproduction are the probability that females will nest and the total number of offspring they have. The research found that pesticide-exposed and resource-deprived female bees delayed the onset of nesting by 3.6 days and spent five fewer days nesting than unexposed bees. Co-author Neal Williams, a pollination ecologist and professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at UC Davis, said that's a substantial delay considering bees only nest for a few weeks. The production of female bees is also crucial to determining the health of future bee populations. "In the bee world, males don't matter so much," said Williams. "Male numbers rarely limit population growth, but fewer females will reduce the reproductive potential of subsequent generations." The study found pesticide exposure dramatically reduced the probability that a bee produced even a single daughter. Of all nesting females, only 62 percent of pesticide-exposed bees produced at least one daughter compared to 92 percent of bees not exposed to pesticides. Study authors said the research can help farmers make decisions about how they manage the environment around orchards. It reinforces the need for growers to carefully think about the location where they plant flowers for bee forage, to prevent flowers from becoming traps that expose bees to pesticides. ### The study was supported by a UC Davis Jastro Research Award, a UC Davis Ecology Graduate Research Fellowship, a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, and the UC Bee Biology Facility. Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, reminds us that Hispanics specifically of Tejano or Mexican origin are, and have always been, an integral part of Texas. With a Hispanic population of 40 percent and growing, its impossible to imagine the future of Texas without Hispanics in it. But this living legacy and vibrant culture are made up of much more than just margaritas, tacos and lively conjunto music. It is the people their lives, dreams and struggles who add richness to the Texas story and are part of the American experience. There are stories of valor like those of Simon de Arocha, who led Tejano vaqueros on the first cattle drives through 600 to 700 miles of hostile territory to feed hungry American patriots fighting for independence during the American Revolution. There are more stories from the War for Texas Independence, when Tejanos joined with Texians to fight for freedom. Tejano heroes such as Lorenzo de Zavala, Jose Antonio Navarro and Jose Francisco Ruiz signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Fighting alongside Texians, often reconnoitering and fighting rear-guard actions, were Col. Juan Seguin and the valiant Tejano Volunteer Company which included the Fighting Flores brothers, Trinidad Coy and night rider Blas Herrera, one of the Paul Reveres of the Texas Revolution. Likewise, we should not forget the brave Tejanos who died at the Alamo: Juan Abamillo, Juan Badillo, Carlos Espalier, Gregorio Esparza, Antonio Fuentes, Jose Maria Guerrero, Damacio Jimenez, Jose Toribio Losoya and Andres Nava. So influential were Tejanos at this time that de Zavala went on to help draft the Constitution of the Republic of Texas and became its first vice president. Navarro helped draft the Texas Constitution of 1845. As the American Civil War raged in the 1860s, Tejanos, too, were divided and served on both sides brother fighting brother. In Confederate gray was Col. Santos Benavides, who commanded the 33rd Texas Cavalry. In Union blue were the Enganchados, Tejano Union guerrillas such as Octaviano Zapata and Cecilio Balerio. Texas Take: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday Hispanic valor has been shown on many battlefields. There are 15 Latino Medal of Honor winners from Texas, including Jose M. Lopez, a sergeant with the 2nd Infantry Division, from Brownsville, who in Belgium in 1944 single-handedly killed more than 100 German soldiers and prevented his company from being enveloped by the enemy. And Cuero native Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez of the 5th Special Forces, whose heroic exploits in Vietnam could put even the fictional Rambo to shame. Richard E. Cavazos of Kingsville became the first Hispanic four-star general in the U.S. Army in 1982. Some of these stories are unpleasant like that of the 1918 Porvenir Massacre in Presidio, where 15 men and boys of Mexican American background were killed by members of Company B of the Texas Rangers. Some stories are of resilience, like that of the formation in 1929 of the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, the largest and oldest U.S. Hispanic organization. Ben Garza, Alonso Perales and others organized proud Hispanics, mostly World War I veterans, to oppose ethnic discrimination. Some stories are of law and order, like that of Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman and Alberto Gonzales, a former Texas Supreme Court justice who become the first Hispanic U.S. attorney general. Some stories are of entrepreneurship, such as that of Mama Ninfa Laurenzo, a Houston restaurateur credited with popularizing fajitas. Other stories are of entertainers. We all cried when Freddy Fender sang, until the last teardrop falls. We all dance to the conjunto sounds of the worlds greatest accordionist, Flaco Jimenez. And we all fell in love when Selena sang, I could fall in love. But the real stories are those of ordinary people who live their lives, raise their children, build our economy, protect our streets and serve in uniform. We are not Hispanic Americans as much as we are Americans of Hispanic descent. Hispanic heritage matters because it is part of the Texas DNA it is literally in our blood. Rafa Bejar of San Antonio is the director of outreach at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Facebook on Tuesday removed a post by Donald Trump and Twitter flagged it for violating rules after the president falsely claimed flu is more lethal than COVID-19. The statement, posted just hours after Trump was released from hospital, read: 'Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu. 'Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!!' Trump reacted to the removal, tweeting: 'REPEAL SECTION 230!!!' Under the U.S. law, internet companies are generally exempt from liability for the material users post on their networks. Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act - itself part of a broader telecom law - provides a legal 'safe harbor' for internet companies. The coronavirus has killed 210,195 Americans; more than 7.4 million have been infected. The death from the flu has ranged from 12,000 and 61,000 annually since 2010, according to the CDC. The president tested positive for coronavirus last week and was hospitalized Friday. He staged a dramatic return to the White House Monday night after leaving Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was receiving care. The president tested positive for coronavirus last week and was hospitalized Friday. He staged a dramatic return to the White House Monday night after leaving Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was receiving care Facebook on Tuesday removed this post by Donald Trump and Twitter flagged it for violating rules after the president falsely claimed flu is more lethal than COVID-19 Tuesday's post was flagged by Twitter, with the statement: 'This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about spreading misleading and potentially harmful information related to COVID-19. 'However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public's interest for the Tweet to remain accessible' A spokesman for Facebook told CNN the post was removed for breaking its rules on COVID-19 misinformation. Tuesday's post was flagged by Twitter, with the statement: 'This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about spreading misleading and potentially harmful information related to COVID-19. 'However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public's interest for the Tweet to remain accessible.' Under the U.S. law, internet companies are generally exempt from liability for the material users post on their networks. Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act - itself part of a broader telecom law - provides a legal 'safe harbor' for internet companies In August Facebook deleted a post by President Trump which featured a link to a Fox News video in which Trump says children are 'virtually immune' to the virus. Facebook said that the 'video includes false claims that a group of people is immune from COVID-19 which is a violation of our policies around harmful COVID misinformation.' Twitter has generally been quicker than Facebook in recent months to label posts from the president that violate its policies against misinformation and abuse. Trump gives two thumbs up from the Truman Balcony upon his return to the White House from Walter Reed Medical Center, where he underwent treatment for Covid-19, in Washington, DC, on October 5 CEO Mark Zuckerberg had previously refused to take action against Trump posts suggesting that mail-in ballots will lead to voter fraud, saying that people deserved to hear unfiltered statements from political leaders. Twitter, by contrast, slapped a 'get the facts' label on them. Until June, Trump's posts with identical wording to those labeled on Twitter remained untouched on Facebook, sparking criticism from Trump's opponents as well as current and former Facebook employees. Announcing the changes Zuckerberg wrote: 'The policies we're implementing today are designed to address the reality of the challenges our country is facing and how they're showing up across our community.' Navy Cmdr. Sean Conley, said earlier Monday that the president remains contagious and would not be fully 'out of the woods' for another week but that Trump had met or exceeded standards for discharge from the hospital. He called on the US and France to contribute to the solution. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The military operation in the disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh is in stark contradiction with the UN Charter, said Slovak Foreign Affairs Minister Ivan Korcok. Diplomatic attempts have failed to implement a political solution. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement There is no other solution than to put an end to the fighting and return to the negotiation table, he said, as quoted by the TASR. Slovakia emphasises the necessity for multilateral solutions, as we are a small country and multilateralism is the key principle of Slovak foreign policy, Korcok added. Potential for serious regional crisis The minister is concerned that innocent civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Both sides of the conflict are apparently turning to their strong neighbours for support, creating a potential for a serious regional crisis. The alleged operator of the controversial "Digital Prison" website arrives at Incheon International Airport, Tuesday, after being repatriated from Vietnam. Yonhap An alleged operator of the controversial Digital Prison internet site was repatriated to South Korea on Tuesday, after being captured in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, last month. The man, in his 30s, is suspected of violating privacy law by releasing personal information of alleged pedophiles, child abusers and murderers on the website that claimed to socially punish alleged perpetrators of horrendous crimes. Escorted by police, the suspect did not respond to questions by reporters and was hurriedly taken to a police vehicle outside the terminal at Incheon International Airport. The website was created earlier this year to protest against what the public sees as an unfair criminal justice system, but it carries a perennial risk of punishing falsely accused people. The site has come under intense scrutiny after a 20-year-old university student, whose private details were made public on the site, was found dead in an apparent suicide last month. In another case, a psychiatrist in Seoul was proved innocent by police after being wrongly accused in June of trying to buy sexual exploitation content online. In this handout provided by The White House, President Donald J. Trump works in his conference room at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after testing positive for COVID-19 on October 3, 2020 in Bethesda, Maryland - The White House/Getty Images North America A British professor who led the trial of the new drug that Donald Trump is taking has said it only works best on serious cases of Covid-19, adding to fears over the seriousness of the President's illness. Mr Trump will remain on dexamethasone "for the time being" after first taking the steroid on Saturday, his medical team said on Sunday night. The drug, which has been described as "groundbreaking", is widely used to reduce inflammation and has been found to reduce a patient's risk of death from Covid-19 by around a third. Martin Landray, professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Oxford who oversaw the Recovery trial which took place in the UK and successfully concluded in June, said that dexamethasone is "available in pretty much every hospital in the world". "The Recovery trial reported that dexamethasone reduces mortality or improves survival particularly for patients with severe Covid," he said. "Its a drug which we know well, its quite clear where the benefits are and its now recommended in the UK, its recommended by the World Health Organisation, its recommended by the NIH in the United States. "Its a very good drug in the right patients. But its not effective in patients who do not require oxygen, ventilatory support and so on." Professor Landray said that for coronavirus patients on a ventilator, dexamethasone reduces the risk of dying by one-third, while for patients who are not on ventilators it reduces the risk of death by about one-fifth, but there is no benefit to dexamethasone in mild patients. Mr Trump's oxygen levels dropped to 93 per cent at one point, his doctors confirmed on Sunday, at which point it is understood that a patient in the UK would be given oxygen and a dose of dexamethasone. A close-up of a box of Dexamethasone tablets in a pharmacy on June 16, 2020 in Cardiff, United Kingdom - Matthew Horwood/Getty Images Europe Jonathan Sterne, professor of epidemiology at the University of Bristol, contributed to a separate study on dexamethasone in critically ill patients which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) . Story continues The study I was involved with - the metaanalysis in the Journal of the American Medical Association - they were all patients admitted to intensive care and on substantial amounts of oxygen," he said. "The benefit of dexamethasone appears to be greatest in the sickest patients. The Recovery trial randomised patients and in the least sick patients - the ones who werent on oxygen when they started treatment - mortality was somewhat higher in the patients who had dexamethasone compared to normal care. So the WHO recommends against treating with steroids unless you are sufficiently sick. We were only focusing on the critically ill patients and it was clear that a course of steroids reduced mortality. From the Recovery trial, among the patients who were not on oxygen when they started treatment, you can say there was no benefit. The UK government approved dexamethasone to be available on the NHS in June, following clinical trials proving its efficacy at reducing the risk of death for Covid-19 patients. It was described by Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, as the first "chink of light" in the ongoing global effort against the pandemic. The drug can either be taken orally or as an injection, and scientists said that up to 5,000 lives could have been saved in the UK if they had known about the effectiveness of the drug at the start of the pandemic. Sign up for our US election WhatsApp group for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes access to the 2020 campaign trail. After months of offering drive-thru service for prescriptions, Sean Simpson saw a benefit to customers getting influenza vaccinations in the same way. The Niagara-on-the-Lake businessman is one only a handful of pharmacists across the country who will be offering people flu shots from the comfort and safety of their vehicles in the days to come, once the vaccination becomes available in the region. Theres a wide range of perceptions out there about whether people want to be venturing out into the public, but a lot of people who are on the extra careful side are also wanting to protect themselves anyway they can, and getting the flu shot is one of those ways, he said. Simpson said the drive-thru will be set up in the gravel parking lot behind his pharmacy at 1882 Niagara Stone Rd. in Virgil. Well have some cones and tape out there and four dedicated (parking) spaces that people can pull into. Well station them there and, hopefully, theyll come with short sleeves on and we can make sure all the waivers and consents are taken care of and do our COVID screening, he said. And then we provide the vaccine and have them wait 10 to 15 minutes to make sure theres no ill effects and then we can send them on their way. He said the pharmacy will be asking people to make an appointment before arriving. Pharmasave told him Simpsons Pharmacy is its only affiliate in Niagara to offer drive-thru flu shots and one of only a handful of drug stores countrywide running similar initiatives. CTV reported on Sunday a pharmacy in Moncton, N.B., provided 500 vaccinations per day in its first two days of operating a drive-thru service. Simpson said there are still a few wrinkles to iron out before he can offer the service here. The vaccine has been late to arrive and now were getting word that rather than getting a large shipment, were going to be getting a series of smaller shipments, which is going to make it more difficult to predict our supply, he said. Were struggling a little bit with that but were going to figure it out as we go along. Although the province has promised to ramp up distribution of influenza vaccinations, Simpson said supplies might fall short of expectations. Our understanding is were getting somewhere around 10 per cent above what we gave in flu shots last year, which was approximately 1,000 doses. So were anticipating 1,100. RELATED STORIES Niagara Region Niagara pharmacists ready for role in major effort to control flu spread He said the pharmacy will provide flu shots if more doses become available, but last year we were cut off basically in December and we werent able to get a supply beyond that. If we had access to more vaccine right up front, I think we could inoculate a whole lot more people, he said, adding interest in flu shots is a positive sign. We certainly hope there will be enough vaccine around for people to get it. New Indonesia investment bill angers labour, green groups Workers block a road during a strike in Bandung, Indonesia Thousands of Indonesian workers protested Tuesday against a controversial new law which critics fear will favour investors at the expense of labour rights and the environment. Labour activists and environmentalists have formed an unlikely alliance against the legislation, which was passed in parliament late Monday after being promoted by the government as key to attracting investment. Human rights group Amnesty International called it "catastrophic" for workers, saying it would harm livelihoods and job security. Phelim Kine, an official with the Mighty Earth environmental group, said it would legitimise "uncontrolled deforestation". The government hopes the bill -- which aims to cut red tape by amending dozens of existing laws covering taxation, labour and environment regulations -- will attract foreign investment. Although enforcement is sometimes patchy, Indonesia has tough labour laws -- particularly involving foreign companies. Protesters rallied in the capital and several other major centres across the archipelago. "I will be (among) the last batch in my company that could have permanent-worker status," said protester Basiranat a rally in Tangerang, just outside the capital . Government minister Airlangga Hartarto rejected the criticism. "We needed a simplification, synchronization and to cut red tape," he said. Indonesia is facing a looming recession, with the economy shrinking 5.32 percent in the second quarter this year due to the coronavirus. More than 11,000 people have died so far, with at least 300,000 infected. agn-dsa/rbu/fox I am sad and angry about the tragic loss of lives, both civilian and military, caused by the new outbreak of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan. These hostilities are escalating rapidly into an all-out war which seriously threatens the stability of the region, said the Chair of PACEs Monitoring Committee, Michael Aastrup Jensen (Denmark, ALDE). At a meeting yesterday, the Monitoring Committee - which I chair - discussed these deeply worrying developments in the presence of Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians, and urged both countries to fully honour their obligations to the Council of Europe and to respect the European Convention on Human Rights. It called on both states to agree on an immediate ceasefire without preconditions and to return to the negotiating table under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Conference. There is no alternative to a peaceful resolution of this conflict, added Mr Jensen. I again recall that when becoming members of the Council of Europe, both countries committed themselves to resolve their disputes in a peaceful manner. That obligation, which is incumbent upon all member States, also means that all member States should refrain from any actions or discourse which encourage belligerent states to resolve their disputes by force. In that respect the members of the committee deplored inflammatory rhetoric by Turkey, as well as reported direct involvement in the conflict, and called upon it to cease doing so immediately, he concluded. A bird flies by in the foreground as a Southwest Airlines jet comes in for a landing at McCarran International Airport on May 25, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The coronavirus pandemic's toll on air travel demand is testing a point of pride at Southwest Airlines: It has never furloughed or cut worker pay in its nearly 50 years of flying. The Dallas-based airline late Monday announced it's asking labor unions that represent some 80% of its workers to accept pay cuts to avoid involuntary furloughs through the end of 2021. Southwest will reduce nonunion workers' pay by 10%. "It's a shared sacrifice and this is the kind of company that I think is up for that task," Southwest CEO Gary Kelly told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Tuesday. Kelly said he is forgoing his base salary until the end of next year. Airlines are racing to stem cash burn with air travel demand stuck at about a third of last year's levels as the pandemic keeps many potential customers from flying. In September, the Transportation Security Administration screened an average of about 716,000 people a day at U.S. airports, down from 2.2 million per day a year earlier. Last week, United Airlines and American Airlines started furloughing more than 32,000 employees, a move they say they will reverse if carriers receive more federal aid. U.S. airlines agreed not to cut any jobs until Oct. 1 under the terms of $25 billion in federal aid. Southwest has committed not to lay off or reduce worker pay through the end of this year, in part thanks to thousands of employees who accepted buyouts or volunteered for time off. But with a slow recovery ahead, Southwest, its U.S. rivals and labor unions are urging Congress and the Trump administration to approve $25 billion in additional federal aid to support payrolls, generally carriers' largest expense. The proposal has won bipartisan support, but Congress and the White House have been deadlocked for weeks on a new, national coronavirus stimulus package, which could include the airline support. An attempt in the House to advance a stand-alone bill for more airline aid failed Friday. "Obviously, any reasonable person realizes this is a huge crisis not just for the airlines but for the country," Kelly told CNBC. Kelly told employees late Monday that he wants to have cost-saving agreements with unions in place by Jan. 1 and if there's a failure to reach deals furloughs will be a "last resort." If Congress passes additional airline payroll support the pay cuts at Southwest would be reversed, Kelly said. Deals may not come easy. The union that represents Southwest's flight attendants rejected the pay cut proposal. "TWU Local 556, the union of Southwest Airlines flight attendants, has made it clear to the company in previous conversations that our members are not interested in making concessions to a contract that took decades to obtain," said Lyn Montgomery, the union's president, in a statement. The union urged the public to support additional federal airline aid. WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday reinstated a requirement that South Carolina residents voting by mail in Novembers election get a witness to sign their ballots. Democrats had sought to have the requirement put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Republicans had defended it as deterring fraud. While the high court reinstated the requirement as a lawsuit over it proceeds, voters have already started returning ballots. More than 200,000 absentee ballots have been mailed and 18,000 returned, according to the states election commission. The court said that any ballots cast before the courts action Monday evening and received within two days of this order may not be rejected for failing to comply with the witness requirement. State Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick cheered the decision. Despite the Democrats efforts to hijack a pandemic and use it to meddle with our election laws, theyve lost, he said in a statement. Were pleased the Supreme Court reinstated the witness signature requirement and recognized its importance in helping to prevent election fraud. State Democratic Party Chairman Trav Robertson expressed disappointment with the decision. Our hope is that no one gets COVID-19 trying to find a witness. We are disappointed but elections have consequences, he said in a statement. South Carolina has had a witness requirement for absentee voters since 1953. Under the current law, voters returning mail-in ballots swear an oath printed on the return envelope that confirms they are eligible to vote and that the ballot inside is theirs, among other things. The oath has to be witnessed by one other person who has to sign below the voters signature and write their address. Pointing to the coronavirus pandemic, state and national Democratic Party organizations and several individual voters challenged the requirement and other parts of state election law. And a judge blocked the witness requirement before the states primary in June. After the primary and response to the pandemic, state lawmakers made changes to the states election law, including allowing all residents to vote absentee in November. But they left the witness requirement in place. U.S. District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs, an appointee of President Barack Obama, late last month put the witness requirement on hold for the presidential election. She wrote that it could increase the risk of some voters of contracting the virus and require other voters already infected with the virus to risk exposing witnesses. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit reinstated the requirement before the full appeals court reversed course and put it on hold again. As is typical when the Supreme Court acts on an emergency basis, the justices did not explain their decision. But Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing only for himself, said he agreed with it for two reasons. He said it wasnt for a court to second-guess the lawmakers decision to retain the witness requirement during the pandemic. And he said that for many years the Supreme Court has emphasized that federal courts ordinarily should not alter state election rules in the period close to an election. Three other justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch would have required ballots that have already been returned to have a witness signature to count. The Supreme Court has recently dealt with other cases involving ballot witness requirements for Novembers election. In Rhode Island, the court left in place an agreement by state officials to allow residents to vote by mail without getting signatures from two witnesses or a notary. But in Alabama, where a court had put on hold in three large counties a requirement that voters get their absentee ballot notarized or witnessed by two adults, the justices reinstated it. Approximately a dozen states that require mail-in ballot envelopes to be signed by one or more witnesses or a notary. ___ Associated Press writer Michelle Liu in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report. We were one of the small businesses that were shut off from the first PPP offering, he said. We applied. They ran out of money. We also applied to a state of Illinois emergency loan fund. We applied pretty shortly after it was announced, and then I got an email that was out of money. We did get the second round of PPP. It was an extremely stressful time because we didnt know if we were going to get any kind of relief. Two former Oklahoma jail employees and their supervisor are facing misdemeanor cruelty charges after investigators found they forced inmates to listen to popular children's song 'Baby Shark' on repeat as punishment. At least four prisoners at the Oklahoma County jail were secured to a wall with their hands cuffed behind them while the song played on a loop at a loud volume for hours, prosecutors said on Monday. The separate incidents occurred in an attorney visitation room of the facility last November and December, The Oklahoman reported. At least four prisoners at the Oklahoma County jail (pictured) were secured to a wall with their hands cuffed behind them while the song played on a loop at a loud volume for hours, prosecutors said Gregory Cornell Butler Jr. and Christian Charles Miles, both 21, and their supervisor, Christopher Raymond Hendershott, 50, on Monday were charged with misdemeanor counts of cruelty to a prisoner and conspiracy. Butler and Miles are accused of imposing the discipline and Hendershott is accused of knowing about it but not stopping it, the newspaper reported. 'It was unfortunate that I could not find a felony statute to fit this fact scenario,' Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said. 'I would have preferred filing a felony on this behavior.' Court records do not list an attorney for any of them. According to an affidavit filed in the case, Miles admitted to working with Butler to 'teach [the inmates] a lesson because they felt that disciplinary action within the Detention Center was not working in correcting' their behavior. The song was reported to be a joke between the two and Butler confirmed he had used the room 'as a means of punishment'. Two former jail employees and their supervisors are now facing cruelty charges over the incident. The 'Baby Shark' song gained huge popularity two years ago after the company Pinkfong released its first video online Investigators said the prisoners suffered 'inhuman' discipline as well as 'undue emotional stress' from the unconventional punishment. Hendershott allegedly first learned of the practice on November 23, but failed to take any immediate action against the officers, the paper reported. 'This appeared to have led to the Officers continuing to mistreat inmates,' investigators said. Sheriff P.D. Taylor said Monday that Butler and Miles resigned during an internal investigation and that Hendershott retired. 'We don't tolerate it,' Taylor said of the mistreatment. 'We always did an excellent job policing ourselves.' The 'Baby Shark' song gained huge popularity two years ago after the company Pinkfong released its first video online. The video has since been viewed more than 6.5billion times. A group of people wearing face masks wait for a bus in Southend on Sea, Essex. (Getty) A coronavirus vaccine is likely to be given to elderly people first when it arrives, a government advisor has said. Professor Adam Finn, from the University of Bristol, who is a member of the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI), said age should determine those given priority rather than occupation. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that evidence collected by the JCVI, which advises the government on vaccines, showed carers and those who are vulnerable should also receive the jab ahead of the rest of the population. "People should not imagine that there's going to be a sudden and complete solution, he said on Tuesday. "These early vaccines I hope will work to some extent, but there are lots of different vaccines, and they will not all work equally effectively. An elderly woman wearing a face mask shelters from the rain in London. (Getty) "So it's going to be a long drawn-out process getting this right." Prof Finn said the "obvious people to target for the vaccines, at least at the outset, will be the people that who are at highest risk of getting sick and dying, and that's really the elderly and alongside them those that care for them". But he warned it was difficult "to find out whether a vaccine blocks transmission until you implement it", adding that "with most of the programmes in the past, this is something we found after we've started using the vaccine". "There are ways that you can try and get at that during the course of doing trials, but it is more difficult to do, he added. "And of course you would need to have a lot of vaccine to immunise enough people to start to have that effect anyway. "So for both of those reasons, I think we're likely to see the vaccine being directed towards people who are seen as being at the highest risk, at least to start with." It comes as Labours shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth asked Matt Hancock in the Commons if the whole population would get access to a COVID vaccine. Story continues He said: There has been an expectation that the whole of the population would be vaccinated, not least because he said at the Downing Street press conference that I would hope given the scale of the crisis that we would have vaccine and everybody would have the vaccine. Responding, the health secretary said: Decisions on the distribution of any vaccine have not been taken. The Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisations are the body that advises the government on the appropriate clinical prioritisation of vaccines. They published an interim guide and that sets out the order of priority as an interim but we await the data from the clinical trials of the vaccine before we come to a clinically validated full rollout plan. Watch: How does the data blunder affect the battle against COVID-19? Coronavirus: what happened today Click here to sign up to the latest news and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter When Gov. Ned Lamont announced that live theater production would be part of Connecticuts Phase 3 plan for reopening businesses and other activities, the management team of the Shubert Theatre in New Haven was caught a little bit by surprise. We expected there to be much more restrictive (requirements), said John Fisher, the theaters executive director. So it was a little surprising when we heard it was going to 50 percent (capacity). Even with Lamonts blessing, there are a variety of factors that mean the Schubert wont hold any live productions until at least June, according to Fisher. One is a lack of plays touring the country, he said. They would have to have a couple more cities than New Haven in order to make it worth their while, he said of theater touring companies. And nobody, no artist wants to go out if they might have to shutdown because of an occurrence. Fisher said he doesnt expect to see a lot of live theater activity anywhere this spring. Our first Broadway show is scheduled for June and thats if everything goes all right, he said. But weve been following whats happening on Broadway and they are at least a year away from returning. Even when the Shubert does offer its first play next year, Fisher said he will have a few anxious moments to see how many theatergoers return. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media We recognize that there will be a reluctance people have, particularly because some of our audience skews older, he said. Daniel Fitzmaurice, executive director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, said consumer readiness is getting talked about a lot in the creative sector. Your core fans are going to come, but you really cant run a theater on hardcore supporters, Fitzmaurice said. You need support from more of a general audience, as well. Some visual arts galleries reopened awhile ago, he said, depending upon the size of their space and how easy it was to configure for social distancing and other pandemic guidelines. But some of the art education centers are not able to reopen, Fitzmaurice said. One that has reopened is the Guilford Arts Center, which he said has some in-person classes as well as online classes. That gives them a real boost of confidence, Fitzmaurice said. Among the changes Phase 3 will bring about for businesses and other public gatherings: Restaurants, personal services, hair salons, barber shops and libraries can increase their indoor capacity from 50 percent to 75 percent. Outdoor event venues, such as amphitheaters and racetracks, will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements. Indoor performing arts venues will be able to open at 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements. Bars and nightclubs will continue to remain closed. During his regularly scheduled COVID-19 update, Lamont said he is still committed to moving to Phase 3 Thursday. However, If we see infection rates rise, we wont be afraid to change course quickly, he said. Lamont said the states restaurants deserve some flexibility, which is why the capacity of indoor dining will be allowed to increase. Restaurants opened for outdoor dining in May and then later indoor dining at the current level of 25 percent of total capacity. Theyve managed the protocols pretty well, he said. We dont see restaurants as a big accelerant of the contagion. The Viron Rondo Osteria restaurant in Cheshire is coming off a summer that owner Viron Rondos described as pretty busy. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media So busy, in fact, that Rondos now is before the towns Planning and Zoning Commission seeking to add another level to the restaurants rear parking lot. Staffing has returned to 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels, he said. He also is investing heavily to bring clear, plastic shields for between tables and, later this week, Rondos is bringing in special filters and air cleaners to be added to the restaurants heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. Additionally, he is looking to temporarily enclose the restaurants veranda, which overlooks the outdoor bar, and heat a portion of the outdoor dining area so it can be used during winter, as conditions permit. Rondos said his restaurant will definitely stay in business. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media We will survive COVID-19 and we owe that to the community, which has been tremendous, as well as to the hard work of our staff, he said. In downtown New Haven, two neighboring businesses have formed a unique joint venture as they fight to stay afloat. Firehouse 12 and Cafe Nine began their joint venture last weekend, according to Paul Mayer, owner of Cafe 9, a well-known live music venue in the citys Ninth Square neighborhood. Mayer said Firehouse 12 staff cooks food, which then is brought a short distance down Crown Street where it is served in tents set up on the Crown Street side of Cafe Nine, which provide diners with drinks from its bar brought tableside by its severs. We did have some support and were hoping to build on it, he said. Were both in the same boat: Their bar remains closed, but their kitchen has been open for takeout and our bar is closed and we dont normally serve food. Were just trying to move forward for as long as we can and bring in a little bit of income for both businesses while keeping some kind of presence in the neighborhood. The joint venture will continue on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-10 p.m. for as long as the weather allows, Mayer said. are also are about 30 seats inside Cafe Nine that can be used for dining, but that number is significantly less than the venue would draw if it were able to offer live music. I wont say that it is sustainable, but right now it will allow us to pay some bills, Mayer said of his business venture with Firehouse 12. Mayer has brought medical air purifiers into Cafe Nine to help raise diners comfort levels if they are eating inside. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com Local municipalities and school districts have continued to report new coronavirus cases this week. Here's the latest: Shenendehowa district sees its sixth case this week The Shenendehowa school district said Thursday that two Orenda Elementary school students and a middle school staff member have tested positive for COVID-19 marking the district's fourth, fifth and sixth cases so far this week. The Orenda cases are "directly related" to a Chango Elementary teacher who tested positive earlier this week and were they were contracted through outside activities, not by attending school, the district said in a notice posted to its website. Later in the evening, the district announced that a middle school staff member has also tested positive, though it did not identify to which of its three middle schools the person is connected. The district says it's working with the Saratoga County Public Health Department to assist with any follow-up needed through contact tracing. Anyone identified as having prolonged, direct exposure to the students was to be contacted by the end of the day Thursday, the district said. Officials are urging area residents to add the number for the county health department 518-885-2276 to their contacts as it may otherwise come up as spam on some phones. If you do not receive a call, then you have not been identified as having direct, prolonged contact with the person, the district said. "We cannot emphasize enough that parents, students and staff members need to be just as vigilant following guidelines outside of school, this includes limiting group gatherings, practicing good hygiene, wearing masks and following social distance guidelines," the district said in a notice posted to its website. Two students from Shenedehowa's High School East also tested positive for the virus this week. The first one was announced Sunday and the second on Tuesday. The district said the latter case was related to a previous case "stemming from a point of exposure in a recreational contact outside of school." The district said all students and staff are required to complete a daily health assessment, wear masks and socially distance while in school or on the bus. In addition, classrooms are cleaned regularly throughout the school day, and deep cleaned and sanitized at the end of each school day. "Safety is everyone's responsibility," the district said. "We need to work together to keep everyone safe. Please do not send your child to school sick. If you suspect that you, your child, or someone in your family has been potentially exposed to COVID-19, please contact your personal medical provider." 14 more people added to Albany County caseload Albany County reported 14 new coronavirus cases Thursday. County Executive Dan McCoy said that brings the total number of cases to 2,876 since the pandemic began. There are 93 active cases in the county and 2,783 people have recovered from the virus. Of the new cases, eight are associated with the University at Albany, two are health care workers or live in congregate settings and three did not have a clear source of transmission. Eight people remain hospitalized, with no patients in intensive care. UAlbany has had 73 positive cases since Sept. 11. It would have to hit more than 100 cases by a static two-week window deadline Friday to impact student in-person learning. The university has had 114 cases since classes began this fall semester, with 49 of those students who tested positive doing remote only learning. Low transmission risk seen at Queensbury High A person who was in Queensbury High School earlier this week has tested positive for COVID-19, Warren County officials said Thursday. The exact days and times the person was in school were not disclosed, but district officials said the person was not there Wednesday and described their case as asymptomatic. State and local health authorities additionally determined that any risk of transmission would have been low, the district said, since the person followed safety protocols at all times in accordance with the district's safety plan. "At this time, the district remains open for in-person instruction," Superintendent Kyle Gannon wrote in a letter to families Wednesday. The district was notified of the case Wednesday, he said. Only one person was ordered to quarantine as a result of the case, he said. County Health Services announced the case Thursday, and said an investigation was conducted by their staff, as well as school district administration and the state Department of Health. A joint determination was made not to quarantine students who were in the presence of the infected person based on precautions taken within the school by students and staff, the county said. The source of the person's infection remains under investigation. The district previously had two members of its elementary school test positive for coronavirus. Those cases, confirmed Sept. 10, were members of the same household and risk to others would have been similarly low due to safety precautions that were taken, officials said. "As is being seen around the country, the return to school has been accompanied by a spike in COVID-19 cases locally," the county warned in a COVID-19 update issued Thursday. "Until Wednesday, Warren County has not had 20 or more active COVID-19 infections among residents since May 28-29." The county was monitoring 22 active cases of coronavirus Thursday, one of whom was in the hospital. The county was monitoring just six cases at the start of the month. County Health Services Director Ginelle Jones urged anyone who feels "any symptom of illness" to stay home until they consult with a medical provider about a COVID-19 test. Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group. Dear Care and Feeding, My daughter is a junior in high school, and we have been gradually ramping up the college discussion with her over the past year or so. We have been able to save up a s**t ton of money (and so have her grandparents) so that financial aid will not be a big factor in her deciding where to go. The problem is that she has her heart set on the university that her father and I both attendeda university that no longer considers legacy status. And while she is definitely qualified, I definitely do not think it is likely she will be admitted, based on my past experience working in admissions at this university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My husband and I have talked to her repeatedly about not having her heart set on a single school, but she replies nonchalantly, as she does have standardized test scores at or above the average for the school (her extracurriculars are good but not great). What we have not pointed out to her is that she is an Asian American female who wants to major in applied mathematics. We have not discussed affirmative action with her, and I feel like it will affect her extremely negatively. At the same time, though, I feel like I should let her develop her own opinions and not try to break her heart. Additionally, I have to try to tell her that her standardized test scores might not mean squat with the possibility of schools making standardized test scores optional (or not considering them at all). How should I approach this? Advertisement Advertisement Apprehensive Affirmative Action Mom Dear Apprehensive, I dont think Im in a great position to offer you advice about whether or not to talk to your daughter about affirmative action and its possible effect on her application. My instinct, Ill confess, is that such a conversation isnt necessary. But thats neither here nor there, since Im not a POC and my instincts in this area probably arent worth much. Yes, shell be heartbroken when (if?) she is rejected from her dream school. But she will get over it. What is worth something, and what I feel very confident about advising you on, is the overall picture of college admissions. Here, my instinctsand experience (both professional and personal) and knowledgeare rock solid. There is absolutely no certainty about getting into ones first-choice college. And if that college is an Ivy, or one of the elite so-called Little Ivies like Williams or Swarthmore, the factors that go into gaining admissionwhen a straight-A student even with perfect or near-perfect test scores and extracurricular leadership positions is being evaluated in a sea of such studentsare so complicated (I would go so far as to say arcane), nobody should go into this process assuming it will work out exactly the way one hopes. Tell this to your daughter frankly, and tell it to her again and again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wouldnt waste your energy trying to convince her not to have her heart set on your alma materbut I would spend a lot of energy, time, travel (if possible), and words on helping her to find other schools that would be a good fit for her. You cant protect her from feeling crushed if, as you suspect, she doesnt get into her first-choice schoolbut you can help her a great deal, both in advance and later on, to see that her first-choice school isnt the only place shes going to be happy. Yes, shell be heartbroken when (if?) she is rejected from her dream school. But she will get over it. And what I know from experience is that very often (actually, in every single case in which I have experience) that second- or third- or fourth-choice college turns out not only to be precisely the right place for the once-upon-a-time brokenhearted student, but in fact a much better place for them to be. I cannot tell you why that isits a mystery to me. But if indeed the time comes that your daughter has to make peace with a school she liked but didnt love, feel free to tell her what Ive just told you. Shell be fine (better than fine). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhilefor nowfocus on helping her make a strong list based on her interests and temperament. And heres a piece of bonus advice from someone who has not only gone through this with her own daughter, and is herself a college professor, but has also been doing this kind of college advising professionally for the last decade: Its OK if she strikes schools off her list for what seem to you trivial, irrelevant reasons. There are a lot of schools out there. If she wants to eliminate all colleges south of the Mason-Dixon line, or all colleges with a student body of fewer than 3,000, or one with a mascot she thinks is stupid or where the student tour guide was annoying when you took her for a visitdont argue with her. Let her make a robust list that pleases her. And if you think of it, down the line, let me know what happens! Advertisement Advertisement Help! How can I support Slate so I can keep reading all the advice from Dear Prudence, Care and Feeding, Ask a Teacher, and How to Do It? Answer: Join Slate Plus. Dear Care and Feeding, I have a wonderful, mischievous, happy 10-month-old daughter named Hannah. Every time we video chat with my mother, she points out how much my daughter resembles my husband. Every. Single. Time. She says things like You know, if I hadnt seen you pregnant, Id think she wasnt yours, and Wow, you know, she really doesnt look like you at all. Its true that Hannah takes more after her dad, but she also has my hair color and my own fathers eyes. When I look at her, I see a marvelous blend of our families. But my mother seems to see only my husband. Its weird. And, as we get close to Hannahs first birthday, its starting to piss me off. Why does she keep doing this? And how do I get her to stop? Ive tried responding with things like Hannahs the perfect mix of both of us, and I think Hannah looks like Hannah, but nothing changes. Am I overreacting? Advertisement Advertisement Happy Not to Have a Clone Dear HNtHaC, This is so obvious that perhaps youve already done it and got nowhere, but have you tried saying very calmly and firmly, Mom. It really upsets me that you keep harping on this. Could you please stop? If youve already tried this and it had no effect, I would stop engaging with her at all on this subject. What difference does it make why shes doing this? And while I dont think youre overreactingyoure just reacting, and your irritation is absolutely understandableif asking her to stop hasnt changed (or doesnt change) anything, you are going to have to stop taking the bait. As I say in almost every column: We cant make other people change their behavior. We are in control only of ourselves. So do what you can to redirect her attention. Next time she says something of this sort, just murmur a bored-sounding uh-huh and then talk about something elseto wit: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mom: Hannah looks even more like her dad than ever today! You: Uh-huh. Hey, waitll you hear about this adorable thing she did this morning Advertisement Advertisement Mom: Seriously, just look at her! Shes the spitting image of her father. Its amazing, isnt it? You: Uh-huh. So, she put a pot on her head and she shouted, Mama, lookhat! And if this doesnt workif you cant get your mom to think or talk about anything else (in which case there may be an even bigger problem than you think)tell her youve got to go and hang up (Sorrytalk soon!). If this happens often enough, maybe shell get the message and cut it out. If she doesnt, and if you have no luck redirecting her, keep cutting her off and hanging up in a hurry. Just remember: Your task is not to fix her; its to protect yourself. Advertisement If you missed Mondays Care and Feeding column, read it here. Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group! Dear Care and Feeding, My parents are at extremely high risk for COVID. With their age and other medical conditions, their doctors have been frank with us that my father especially would not survive if he were to be infected. We are expecting a new baby girl soon, and I am not only protective of her but want her grandparents to have the opportunity to meet her. My dad especially is very ill and will likely not have the chance to see her grow up and is understandably eager to spend as much time with his granddaughter as possible. Weve done our best to see my parents safely this summer outdoors, but that will change as the weather soon gets too cold and snowy. The way we have managed seeing them indoors (rarely) is by strictly quarantining for 14 days beforehand. I am hoping to do this during my maternity leave so they will have the opportunity to be a part of my daughters life before we need to start putting her in child care of some sort, which will make that harder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My in-laws, however, want to see her too. But they have taken a somewhat more freewheeling approach to risk. Even absent that, a few members of my husbands family continue to be required to go into an office for work every day, which is not something they can control. I am tempted to say that anyone seeing the baby needs to quarantine strictly, not just for her protection, but so we can see my parents. That said, this conversation is likely to devolve because my parents are fortunate enough to be retired while my in-laws are not, and Ive been accused of playing favorites with my parents versus my partners in the past. Is there a way to make peace? I love my own parents too much to be objective about whats fair, and being this pregnant I tend to get emotional. I really pushed this out of my mind until now because I never thought in a million years we would still be dealing with this pandemic at this point, but my OB is indicating he thinks things may get worse and even be peaking around the time she is born. Advertisement November Baby Advertisement Advertisement Dear November, I think its perfectly reasonable to tell (or remind) your in-laws that as much as you wish everyone could be together after the babys birth, we are in the midst of a pandemic. And thus, until its absolutely safe for people to freely visit anyone not a part of their household, no one can visit with the baby who hasnt been able to strictly quarantine for 14 days. Period. You dont have to bring up your parents (who presumably are strictly quarantining all the time). If you are asked if your parents are going to be allowed access, you can say, Like anyone else in the family who has strictly quarantined for 14 days. Were not making any exceptions. Im really sorry. We cant. Leave all the rest out of itwho has to go to work, who doesnt, whos being freewheeling about risk and your own desire to make sure your parents, particularly your father, get to spend time with the baby while they can. When your maternity leave ends and you begin to use child care, you will have to recalibrate, of course. But first things first. This has nothing to do (or at any rate it doesnt have to) with fairness, or with being emotional because youre eight months pregnant. Your primary task, once this baby is born, is to do right by her, and that includes protecting her from any possible exposure to the virus. Repeat this as often as necessary to anyone who asks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Care and Feeding, Im a mother to two girls, a 2-year-old and a 2-day-old. Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday, and I love doing all the Christmas thingsdecorating the house, making cookies every other day, going overboard with presents, etc. However, I feel torn about the whole Santa thing. Would I be ruining their Christmas or depriving them of their childhood if I tell them upfront that Santa is make-believe? I really dont want to lie to them, and the idea of a strange man being in our homebut its OK because hes bringing gifts!creeps me out. Plus, I would rather not deal with their disappointment when they learn the truth one day. However, I wouldnt want them ruining it for other kidswhich no matter how I explain it I think is still a possibility and how do I explain it, anyway? Ive read some variations of Santa is more of the idea of giving and doing nice things for people and now that you know the secret, you can be a Santa too! But even that I feel is a lot for a young child to comprehend. And what about next year when my oldest starts getting excited because she hears Santa is coming? Just go along with it? I know in the grand scheme of things, its really not that big a deal, but I would feel better if I had a plan on how to approach the topic. Any advice? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santa Circumvent Dear Santa, Oh, dear, I didnt think Id have to answer this question until December (I guess, like Christmas decorations in stores, it happens earlier every year). Ive talked about this beforeI consider myself the go-to advice columnist for telling-the-truth-about-Santaso Ill give you (and everyone else, prophylactically) the gist of my thinking here: I dont believe any parent who doesnt feel comfortable with it should feel obliged to do the Santa thing. I didnt do it. Im not good at lyingand I mean any kind of lying, even the kind (like this) that almost no one thinks of as lyingand I knew I couldnt pull it off (or if I did, Id be miserable). And I assure you my daughters childhood wasnt ruined by it. I told my daughter, the first time she asked, that Santa was a fun idea, something people have made up in order to make Christmas even more fun than it already is, and we could pretend that Santa was real like other people did. And then I cautioned her that there were lots of children who believed that Santa was real, and that that was extra fun for them, so she would need to be very careful not to ruin that fun for them. Advertisement Advertisement And I swear to you: This was no big deal. She didnt agonize over knowing the secret; she came running downstairs on Christmas morning to see what Santa had brought her; she was careful not to ruin anyone elses Christmas by telling them that it was all a game of lets-pretend. I think the bottom line here is that if you enjoy doing this sort of thing with your kids, you do it; if you dont, you dont do it. Your children will be fine. But I also think that you dont have to worry about this quite yet. At 2, the difference between whats real and whats not is pretty blurry. Youre getting ahead of yourself. (Plus: With a newborn at home, I think you might be looking for things to worry about? You have way more pressing concerns right now. This sounds like a case of displacement activityif I am remembering my long-ago Psych 101 class.) Try to relax about Christmas. For one thing, even your older daughter is too young to make sense of it yet. For anotherwell, you know, its still months away. Michelle More Advice From Slate Recently a friend of a friends brother died of cancer. Lately, in preparation for the soon-approaching death of grandmas beloved dog and with a desire to not let her live in a bubble, I have been teaching my daughter Kaitlin, who is 6, about death. Is it inappropriate of me to take my daughter to this friend of a friends brothers funeral as a learning experience? Cozumel residents protest new construction development Cozumel, Q.R. Launching slogans such as Cozumel is not for sale, it is loved and defended, hundreds of locals marched to demand the Lakam-Ha project, whose goal is to develop the southern part of the island, be stopped. Led by the President of the environmental group Conservacion, Investigacion y Manejo Ambiental de Cozumel (CIMAC), Guadalupe Martin Cab, the protesters marched from the flagpole to the Municipal Palace where they hoped to talk with mayor Joaquin Delbouis. Protestors place closed seals on city hall doors When they reached city hall, however, they found it closed so they proceeded to place the symbolic closing seals on the Municipal Palace. Locals were protesting, rejecting a project Lakam-Ha, which would see a development at Palancar at kilometer 18.5 of the southern part of the island. The project, which is being promoted by the company Jaguar Servicios Inmobiliarios, was approved by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) at the end of last August. CANBERRA, AUSTRALIAThe Australian government on Tuesday announced plans to cut income taxes, create jobs for young people and stimulate business investment with a raft of pandemic measures that would create a record 214 billion Australian dollar ($203 billion) deficit in the current fiscal year. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced his annual budget plans for the year that started on July 1, with economic forecasts based on an assumption that a COVID-19 vaccine will be available next year. But the Treasury Department has warned that economic realities could be substantially different from its forecasts without a vaccine. Net debt will increase to 703 billion Australian dollars, or 36 per cent of gross domestic product, at the end of the current fiscal year and peak at 44 per cent of GDP in mid-2024 when debt will exceed 966 billion Australian dollars. This is a heavy burden, but a necessary one to responsibly deal with the greatest challenge of our time, Frydenberg told Parliament. At its peak, net debt as a share of the Australian economy would be half the current proportion in Britain, a third of the share in the United States and a quarter of the Japanese proportion, Frydenberg said. More than 11.5 million taxpayers among the Australian population of 26 million people would gain an income-tax cut backdated to July 1, according to plan. It needs Parliaments endorsement. More than 7 million would receive a tax cut of more than 2,000 Australian dollars a year. The tax cuts would cost Australias coffers more than 50 billion Australian dollars over four years. The government is also offering a JobMaker hiring credit to encourage businesses to hire younger Australians. Young people have suffered most from job losses created by the pandemic. Businesses that provide a job to an unemployed person under 30 years old would be given 200 Australian dollars a week for up to a year. The payment would be half that if the employee is aged between 30 and 35. The employees must be given at least 20 hours of work a week. The government expects JobMaker would support 450,000 young employees. To boost business investment, the vast majority of companies would be allowed to write off the full value of eligible assets against their tax debt. It will dramatically expand the productive capacity of the nation and create tens of thousands of jobs, Frydenberg said. Loss-making businesses would also be able to claim pandemic losses against profits they made as far back as 2018-2019, generating tax refunds for many. Frydenberg said he will introduce into Parliament on Wednesday a bill that would make his proposed income tax cuts and business tax breaks law. I want these measures to be implemented as fast as possible, he said. The government expects the Australian economy will shrink by 1.5 per cent in the current fiscal year before expanding by 4.75 per cent in 2021-22. Unemployment is expected to peak at 8 per cent in the December quarter before receding to 5.5 per cent in 2023-24. In August, the official unemployment rate was 6.8 per cent. The government estimates it would already be 12 per cent if the government had not paid employers 101 billion Australian dollars to keep 3.5 million people in jobs during the pandemic. Around 10 per cent of Australian workers have lost their jobs or remain employed through the government subsidy despite working no hours. The government forecasts that the annual deficit would shrink to 112 billion Australian dollars in 2021-22 and continue downward to 2024. The budget forecasts assume that a COVID-19 vaccination program was fully in place by late 2021 in Australia and pandemic restrictions continue to ease. But the outcomes could be much different if that is not the case, the budget documents said. The range of possible outcomes for GDP and unemployment in particular is substantially wider than normal, the Treasury department said. This translates into a higher than usual degree of uncertainty for the estimates. Early in 2019, the government forecast a 7 billion Australian dollar surplus in the year that ended on June 30, 2020. That would have been Australias first surplus in 12 years. But the pandemic turned that result into a 85 billion Australian dollar deficit. The pandemic has caused shortages of in supply chains and highlighted the decline in Australias manufacturing industries that have failed to compete against Chinese imports. The government plans to invest 1.3 billion Australian dollars in areas of national manufacturing priority, including medical products, defence and the space industry. DALLAS, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson has earned rare back-to-back honors for courtroom successes. The firm is named among the Top 3 in Dallas for personal injury litigation by Texas Lawyer magazine, while two recent verdicts have been inducted in the VerdictSearch Texas Verdicts Hall of Fame. The rare accomplishment of having two verdicts inducted in the Hall of Fame underscores the Dallas firm's reputation for taking challenging cases to trial and prevailing. In addition, the Hall of Fame honors recognize two very different types of litigation a $242 million product liability verdict against Toyota in 2018 and a $43 million business litigation verdict in 2015. The Toyota verdict stems from a product defect lawsuit filed on behalf of a Dallas family whose two young children suffered traumatic injuries when a defective seat in a Lexus ES 300 sedan collapsed during a rear-end collision. It was the largest product liability verdict in Texas and the third-largest in the nation in 2018. As a result of that case, the Branson trial team was named "2018 Trial Team of the Year" by the National Trial Lawyers organization, and firm founder Frank L. Branson was named among the 50 Most Influential Lawyers in America. The $43 million jury verdict stemmed from a partnership dispute between investors over large amounts of mineral rights acreage in Fisher County. The Dallas-based trial litigation firm earned Texas Lawyer's "Best of 2020" honor based on votes by peer lawyers across Texas. Since 2012, the firm has earned five of the state's top 100 verdicts and settlements, according to Verdict Search. Firm founder Frank L. Branson was previously inducted individually into the VerdictSearch Hall of Fame in 2012 based on his long record of major verdicts and settlements. The Best of 2020 and Hall of Fame honors are featured in the October edition of Texas Lawyer newspaper. The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson represents clients in cases involving complex product liability, catastrophic injury, commercial air crashes, professional negligence and business torts. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.flbranson.com. Contact : Robert Tharp 800-559-4534 [email protected] SOURCE Law Offices of Frank L. Branson Related Links http://www.flbranson.com " " President Harry Truman addresses a joint session of Congress, asking for $400 million and American military advisers for Greece and Turkey to avoid the spread of communism. (Seated behind him are Arthur H. Vandenberg (left), the president pro-tempore of the Senate, and Joseph W. Martin Jr., the Speaker of the House.) Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Ever since George Washington and King George started going at it, foreign policy in the United States has been a ticklish affair. Stay out or jump in? Be aggressive or be possessive? Stand on your own or seek help? Lead or follow? Put up walls or call for them to be torn down? The answers are never easy. That's what makes the Truman Doctrine so impressive. Few, if any, American foreign policy stances have held the weight, lasted as long or changed the world as much as the Truman Doctrine, the post-World War II strategy designed to contain the spread of communism and hold America's wartime ally, the Soviet Union, in check. Even today, with other global threats emerging and a stated "America First" foreign policy, the ideas behind the Truman Doctrine endure and inform the country's worldview. "I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures," Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the U.S., said in a speech to a joint session of congress March 12, 1947, laying out the center beam of what came to be known as the Truman Doctrine. "I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their own destinies in their own way." With the Truman Doctrine, America stepped away from a largely isolationist history, took the lead in battling communism and furthering democracy, and forged relationships with nations militarily, economically and otherwise that endure today. Advertisement What Is the Truman Doctrine? Less than two years after the end of World War II, many nations, especially in Europe, were in economic shambles and ripe for exploitation. Two of them, Greece and Turkey, had major problems with insurgents and faced political uncertainty without outside aid. Even the once-mighty British were mired in the struggles of rebuilding their war-shattered country. They could no longer chip in to help others. So the Greeks and Turks instead turned to the U.S. And Truman, a Democrat, turned to Congress Republicans held both the House and the Senate looking for $400 million in foreign aid. (That's more than $4.6 billion in today's dollars.) "There was a key meeting at the White House in late February with congressional leaders, and George Marshall, who was Secretary of State ... made a strong pitch, and so did Dean Acheson, who was the Undersecretary of State," says Sam Rushay, the supervisory archivist at the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum in Independence, Missouri. "They talked about the merits, and the urgency of doing something to help. The British had announced they were going to withdraw, and [Marshall and Acheson] didn't want there to be a vacuum; that might mean the Soviets would step into that vacuum." After Truman's speech before Congress, a push to pass the Greece-Turkey aid bill was championed by Marshall, Acheson and others. They managed to bring over even staunch isolationists like Sen. Robert A. Taft (R-Ohio), though some influential voices such as former vice president Henry Wallace and conservative journalist Walter Lippmann remained opposed. Pitching a new foreign policy initiative, one that went against long-held isolationist tendencies, to a Congress run by the opposition party and a war-weary American public, was a tall order. "There was a lot of selling to do. And selling it, I think, was the right word," says Rushay, "to try to sell it to the American people, and to Republicans, and to conservative Southern Democrats, who were very influential, as well; that this was really a good thing, because it was in our interest." In the end, the idea that commerce between the U.S., Eastern Europe and the Middle East could be negatively impacted and that the Soviets could gain more power by stepping in, something that could alter world politics for generations to come was enough. The Greece-Turkey aid bill passed convincingly, Truman signed the bill in May 1947, and America set out on a new path in Europe and, eventually, other places in the world. " " Defense Secretary George C. Marshall (seen here with President Harry Truman) helped write the Marshall Plan, which generated extensive investment into Europe after WWII. Marshall won the Nobel Prize for peace for his efforts. Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Advertisement What It Meant, What It Still Means The journalist Lippmann coined the term "Cold War," what would become a decadeslong standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that began at the end of World War II. The implementation of the Truman Doctrine was one of its major milestones. In 1948, the so-called European Recovery Plan it's otherwise known as the Marshall Plan was signed into law, designed to help rebuild Western Europe and further block any communist inroads. Without the new foreign policy outlined in the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan would not have been possible. In 1949, the U.S. and 11 other nations in North America and Europe, in order to "guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means," formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO, which now boasts 30 member countries, has ever since acted as a deterrent to Soviet and communist expansionism. Even before the Truman Doctrine became official policy, its theories were in use. As World War II was ending, the Soviets occupied Korea, prompting the U.S. to send troops to the peninsula in a standoff that eventually exploded into the Korean War. Immediately after World War II, the Soviets and the U.S. squared off over Iran, too, and Germany. In 1954, well after the Truman Doctrine was initiated, president Dwight Eisenhower warned of a "domino" effect if communists prevailed in Southeast Asia, a prelude to the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Ronald Reagan built upon the Truman Doctrine with the Reagan Doctrine of the 1980s, which not only called for containment of Soviet expansionism but the backing of anti-communists everywhere. With the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Cold War ended. But the basic ideas behind the Truman Doctrine containing communism, championing democracy, helping others internationally remain important to many modern-day politicians. "The Truman Doctrine was sort of an explication of a new foreign policy, very international-minded," Rushay says. "For Truman, it was in the self-interest of the United States to work with other nations in the interests of peace and resisting war and resisting maybe a verbal war that you see through the United Nations, where he was very active. Truman helped build a structure of peace through the Truman Doctrine, through the United Nations, through NATO, through the Marshall Plan. "There's a real ideology behind it. But, fundamentally, Truman saw it in the U.S.'s best interest." " " Dwight Eisenhower, seen here with President Harry Truman in 1951, continued Truman's plan to squash communism when he became president, even warning of a "domino effect" if communists prevailed in Southeast Asia. Mark Kauffman/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Former United Kingdom prime minister Winston Churchill gave a speech in Missouri in 1946 Truman was there warning of a communist expansion across Europe and calling for a reply that avoided war. An "Iron Curtain has descended across the Continent," Churchill said. "Surely we should work with conscious purpose for a grand pacification of Europe, within the structure of the United Nations and in accordance with its Charter. That I feel is an open cause of policy of very great importance." A year later, Truman made his pitch to Congress. AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Telestax, the leading provider of CPaaS enablement to communications companies releases Number Masking, a turnkey application with Advanced Features. Extended session management, increased customizability, and added SMS support allows network operators, carriers, and communications companies to deliver secure phone number masking with better pricing and higher delivery rates than other providers. Phone number masking is used around the world to help users maintain privacy when interacting with businesses, such as call center agents working from home due to COVID-19, a ride-sharing application to communicate with a driver, telehealth providers, a contactless delivery company, and many other solutions. "Not only did we want to offer Number Masking, we wanted our Number Masking to be competitive in the market," said Amit Bhayani, Telestax VP of Application Development. "With advanced features, our application is now a cut above the rest. Most masking apps on the market do not deliver full SMS masking and permanent masked number options. Telestax has also engineered concurrent session support to help enterprise businesses actually purchase fewer numbers and become more efficient with their usage. Through the Telestax CPaaS platform and easy-to-use turnkey applications, we can ensure the continued delivery of innovation and value to our business clients." With Number Masking Advanced Features, Telestax communications partners can now benefit from enhanced session management capabilities that allow organizations to define when a masked number expires, issue a permanent masked number, and even block numbers. Content screening, accessible usage records, and SMS support, combined with the flexibility of concurrent numbers and geography-specific number matching deliver expanded control to ensure a better user experience. "Number Masking demand continues to rise partially due to the work from home focus but also as more applications emerge that require phone number and SMS privacy," said Hisanori Tanaka, LignApps Chief Technology Officer. "We appreciate the superior functionality of the Telestax Number Masking product. The SMS support alone is significant but when we add the value of permanent masked numbers it really upgrades the entire customer conversation. Thanks to the Telestax CPaaS architecture, the application will be easy to deploy and easy to get customers started." As part of the Telestax service provider ecosystem, communications providers can immediately capitalize on the bring your own carrier (BYOC) feature as well as whitelabel options to ensure the highest deliverability and a seamless brand experience. Telestax is also the first in the industry to offer robust support and partner tools such as a CPaaS Sales Certification Training program, and the Telestax CPaaS Playbook to help organizations grow their business with focused sales enablement strategies. In addition to a number of turnkey CPaaS applications, the Telestax Restcomm platform includes a visual designer, which allows communications providers to empower businesses to create custom-designed call flows and IVR decision trees through a graphical web-based interface, without requiring coding. Number Masking plus all of the Advanced Features is available now through Telestax Partners. To try out Telestax Number Masking today visit the Telestax Restcomm portal and sign up for a user account. About Telestax Telestax is the leading CPaaS enabler for the communications industry and creator of the award-winning Restcomm API platform. Originating in the largest industry open source community, managed by Telestax, Restcomm has been tested by over 10,000 telecom developers and contains over 6 million lines of code. As a trusted partner in real-time communications, Telestax delivers Restcomm Cloud to innovative companies around the world. When service providers join with Telestax, their customers gain the advantage of a superior network and full CPaaS capabilities such as programmable SMS and voice. With bring your own carrier options, white labeling, and a complete suite of voice and messaging APIs, service providers benefit from new revenue streams and a competitive edge in the evolving digital transformation marketplace. Restcomm Cloud removes the friction in application development and business workflow integration with user-friendly tools like the Visual Designer . The Telestax RESTful API gives experienced developers control to create robust omnichannel applications alongside technologies such as advanced IVR and intelligent chatbots. Learn more about Telestax, Restcomm Cloud, and CPaaS enablement at www.telestax.com today. Media Inquiries Veena Vadgama, 612-865-9393 or [email protected] SOURCE Telestax Related Links http://www.telestax.com The sale of cryptocurrency-based derivatives to retail investors will be banned by the City watchdog from January in a move set to save consumers around 53 million in potential losses (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The sale of cryptocurrency-based derivatives to retail investors will be banned by the City watchdog from January in a move set to save consumers around 53 million a year in losses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said final rules will prohibit the sale or marketing of financial instruments linked to cryptoassets, such as bitcoin and ethereum, from January 6 2021. It warned that products such as derivatives and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) that reference crypto-assets could cause sudden and unexpected losses for retail customers unlikely to understand their risk or value. The regulator said the products were ill-suited to small investors due to their extreme volatility, cautioning they were impossible to value reliably. Read our final rules banning the sale of crypto-derivatives to retail consumers, saving them around 53m. #cryptoassets https://t.co/UIYAGcnj4M pic.twitter.com/O9mEBWHYHv Financial Conduct Authority (@TheFCA) October 6, 2020 It comes after proposals in July last year to ban the products following an 18-month probe. The FCA said it found that feedback from retail investors suggested trading in crypto-derivatives was akin to gambling. It estimates retail investors could suffer about 53 million a year in losses from these products if the ban was not put in place. Sheldon Mills, interim executive director of strategy and competition at the FCA, said: This ban reflects how seriously we view the potential harm to retail consumers in these products. Consumer protection is paramount here. Significant price volatility, combined with the inherent difficulties of valuing cryptoassets reliably, places retail consumers at a high risk of suffering losses from trading crypto-derivatives. We have evidence of this happening on a significant scale. The ban provides an appropriate level of protection. While it will protect retail investors from possible future losses, the FCA revealed the ban would also lead to around 75 million a year in lost fees and charges for UK firms. The FCA said investors should remain alert for crypto-derivative investment scams, highlighting that given the ban, any firm offering these services to retail consumers is likely to be a scam. The FCA is leading a crackdown on controversial digital currencies and has previously warned that fraud is a significant issue in the sector. It estimated in late 2019 that individuals in the UK lost 27 million to cryptocurrency and forex investment scams in the past year. Laith Khalaf, financial analyst at investment platform AJ Bell, said the ban was a blow to the crypto world. He added: In time cryptocurrencies may mature into a more mainstream asset class, but after a burst of popularity in late 2017, when the price of Bitcoin briefly flirted with the 20,000 US dollar mark (it now sits around 10,700 US dollars), crypto is facing a regulatory backlash. STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani forces are again striking Artsakhs capital Stepanakert City with missiles, the Armenian Defense Ministry spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan said. Stepanyan earlier said that the Azeri forces launched a massive new attack on Artsakh using large number of hardware, including tanks and artillery, and reserve forces from the southern direction at midday October 6. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ghulam Qadir was attacked on Tuesday by unidentified terrorists in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. However timely retaliation of his personal security officials (PSO) saved his life. Unfortunately, police constable Mohd Altaf who was injured during the attack succumbed to injuries. Kashmir Zone Police tweeted, "Our critically injured colleague Ct Altaf (PSO) attained martyrdom. He set an example of professionalism & bravery. We are proud of him. May his soul Rest In Peace." A terrorist was killed in a crossfire, said the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Qadir is the Ganderbal district vice president of the BJP. Earlier, Kashmir Zone Police tweeted, "Terrorist fired upon one BJP worker at Nunar Ganderbal. He is safe, however, his one PSO was injured in this incident. One unidentified terrorist got killed in PSOs retaliation." Live TV IGP Kashmir also confirmed the attack on BJP worker and appreciated the timely action of the PSOs. The whole area has been cordoned and searches launched to nab more associates of the killed terrorist. An FIR has been registered against former BJP MLA Rajveer Singh Pehelvan and 100 others for a meeting attended by scores of people here defying prohibitory orders. The meeting was held outside Pehelvan's house on Sunday where they defended the accused in the alleged gang-rape of a Dalit woman, who later died, and demanded registration of an FIR against her family members. Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal said Tuesday, "An FIR has been lodged against former BJP MLA Rajveer Singh Pehelvan for organising a crowd on Sunday. We are probing the matter. The FIR has been lodged against Singh and over 100 unidentified people." The FIR was lodged at Hathras Gate police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. When the SP was asked if there was any 'panchayat' to be held on Tuesday in Hathras, he said it was proposed but organisers cancelled it. Hundreds of people had gathered at Singh's residence on Sunday where they welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to order a CBI probe into the Hathras incident. "We welcome the CBI inquiry ordered by the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. We have faith in the investigation," one of the organisers of the meeting had said, while claiming that the victim's family members were not consistent on their stand. "The entire scenario has been created to blame the government. The accused persons are in favour of any type of inquiry. But the victims are changing their stand every now and then. They do not want a narco test or a CBI probe. Now they want other kinds of inquiries," he had claimed. He had said that an FIR should be registered by police against the complainants in the case. "Our demand is that a case should be filed against those people who had filed the case in the first instance," he had said. The 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly raped by four upper caste men in Hathras on September 14. She died on September 29 at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital where she had been brought for treatment. James McAvoy (Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) James McAvoy will be required to improvise his entire role in new thriller My Son, where he'll star opposite The Crown star Claire Foy. The movie is a remake of a French movie of the same name, released in May last year, and will be directed by Christian Carion, who also directed the original. Carion wrote the screenplay for the movie with his wife, Laure Irrmann, and then shot the movie in sequence over six days, not telling his lead actor Guillaume Canet what would be happening next and giving him no script to work from. Read more: Why 007 endures on screen Carion will be doing the same when he makes the movie with McAvoy, with the Scottish actor only being made aware of the rough elements of the plot. Watch: James McAvoy on getting into shape for Glass The X-Men star will then improvise as he goes along, with the rest of the crew aware of what is going to happen. The plot begins with a phone call to a man from his ex-wife, who tells him that their 7-year-old son has gone missing. While the mother, to be played by Foy, believes he could have run away, the authorities suspect that he may have been kidnapped. James McAvoy and Claire Foy pose for a photocall launching the Trafalgar Studios season with Macbeth in 2013 (Credit: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images) Were thrilled to be working with Christian to create My Son for worldwide audiences, said Adam Fogelson, the chairman of STXfilms. James will be doing the detective work of the film in real time, on camera, to create real tension for this thriller. We like to support bold and innovative storytelling like My Son, and Claire could not be a more spectacular or exciting choice for this film which is certain to thrill audiences. Filming will take place in Scotland in November, according to Deadline. Watch: James McAvoy to narrate reality show for U.K. broadcaster WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Monday mostly reinstated a South Carolina law that requires absentee ballots to be accompanied by a witnesss signature. Lower courts had blocked the law, saying it interfered with the right to vote during a pandemic. The Supreme Court made an exception for ballots cast before it acted and received by election officials within two days of its order. The courts most conservative members, Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Neil M. Gorsuch, said they would have reinstated the requirement for all ballots. Only one member of the court provided reasons. In a concurring opinion, Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh wrote that the majoritys approach was warranted because state election laws should not ordinarily be second-guessed by federal judges and because the Supreme Court frowns on changes to election procedures made close to Election Day. Hiram Ramos, dubbed the Serial Suburban Burglar, burglarized 31 homes during a crime spree in the summer of 2016 and ultimately all he got was a de facto life prison sentence. That 58- to 116-year jail term isnt too harsh, a divided Pennsylvania Superior Court panel has decided. A county judge was correct in giving Ramos, 34, a consecutive prison sentence for each of his victims, Judge Anne E. Lazarus concluded in the state courts majority opinion. Ramos was convicted by a Montgomery County jury of 82 crimes for the break-ins he committed in multiple municipalities in Montgomery and Bucks counties during his illegal two-month binge. He specialized in stealing cash, electronics and valuables worth about $15,000 and apparently had some degree of criminal talent. Ramos never encountered his victims while committing the burglaries; in fact, none realized what had occurred until the following morning, Lazarus wrote. On appeal to the state court, Ramos, formerly of Philadelphia, argued that the sentence county Judge Wendy G. Rothstein imposed on him was way over the top. In disagreeing, Lazarus cited Rothsteins observation that Ramos violated that sense of security when you broke into (the victims') homes. There is nothing more sacred than the sanctity and security of someones home. You destroyed that. These people will never rest easy again, Rothstein added. Also, Lazarus pointed to the county judges conclusion that Ramos showed no remorse for his crimes. Burglary is not a victimless crime; it isa crime of violence, Lazarus wrote. The trauma persists. Senior Judge Eugene B. Strassburger III issued a dissenting opinion calling Ramos' punishment clearly unreasonable since Ramos wont even be eligible for consideration for parole until hes 92. Strassburger questioned whether Rothstein had adequately considered Ramos' need for rehabilitation or his tumultuous upbringing without a mother or father. Nor did she credit the fact that Ramos never encountered any of his victim, he contended. While his offenses undoubtedly are serious and upset his victims and the community, the gravity of his offenses does not warrant a life sentence where there were no encounters with any victims, no one was physically injured, and the victims who had items stolen were not even aware their items were missing until the following day, Strassburger wrote. "Contempt Petition has been filed in the Hon'ble Supreme Court today against Karnataka for illegal diversion of #Mhadei water. We will continue to fight for our right," Sawant tweeted. Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that his government has filed a contempt petition before the Supreme Court alleging Karnataka of illegally diverting water from the Mhadei river basin via the newly constructed Kalasa-Banduri canal. The announcement comes a day after Sawant during a media interaction on Monday, said his government has collected enough evidence to prove that Karnataka has started diverting water from the inter-state river, Mhadei, to the deficit basin of the Malaprabha river in Karnataka. "We are filing a contempt petition with evidence to show how they have diverted water. There is no pressure on us from the Centre. There will be no injustice on Goa from the Centre. For me the Mahadayi (Mhadei in Goa) is not a political issue, it is an issue linked to my heart," Sawant said on Monday. The contents of the contempt petition filed by the Goa government, claims that Karnataka has committed contempt against the apex court, by already diverting water from the Mhadei river, despite a special leave petition (SLP) filed by the Goa government pending with the top court. The SLP, which was filed in July last year, also challenges the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal award in 2018, which allowed Karnataka to divert 13.42 TMC water from the river basin. The SLP had also said that Karnataka was diverting more water than what allotted by the Award. Sawant has maintained that the contents of the award were "damaging to Goa" and the diversion of water would cause "ecological devastation in Goa". The Congress in Goa in the meanwhile has demanded a white paper on the Mhadei issue, while taking objection to the Chief Minister's comments on Monday, in which Sawant accused past Congress-led government for playing into Karnataka's hands vis a vis the water sharing conflict. "Pramod Sawant must first come clean on the blanket approvals given by the BJP Government to Karnataka in last two years... He should also answer why Karnataka government petition to notify the Mhadei Tribunal award was not objected to by the Goa government," state Congress Girish Chodankar said on Tuesday. Mhadei also known as the Mandovi river in Goa and Mahadayi in Karnataka, is considered as a lifeline in the northern parts of Goa. It originates in Karnataka and meets the Arabian Sea in Panaji in Goa, while briefly flowing through Maharashtra. While the river runs 28.8 km in Karnataka, it is over 50 km in length in the Goa. Goa and Karnataka are battling out a two decade-long dispute over the sharing of the Mhadei river. Trump intends to participate in next debate with Biden: campaign spokesman U.S. President Donald Trump still plans to participate in the next presidential debate with 2020 Democratic nominee Joe Biden in Miami, Florida later this month, a campaign spokesman said on Monday. "It is the president's intention to debate," Trump 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh told local media after Trump tweeted he was checking out of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where he stayed for three days to treat COVID-19 infection. The president has returned to the White House, where he continues receiving around-the-clock medical care and monitoring from his physician and a team of doctors and nurses. In a tweet posted earlier in the day, Trump said he will return to campaign trail soon and lashed out at media outlets reporting polls showed him trailing Biden. The former U.S. vice president told reporters on Monday that he'll listen to what experts say to determine whether it is safe for him to have the next face-off with Trump. "I'll do whatever the experts say is appropriate for me to do," Biden said before boarding a flight to campaign in Florida. "Listen to the science. If scientists say that it's safe... then I think that's fine." The two candidates met in Cleveland, Ohio on Sept. 29 for the first 2020 presidential debate. The next encounter is scheduled for Oct. 15 at Miami's Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, will host the third matchup on Oct. 22. There will also be a vice presidential debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Biden's running mate, Senator from California Kamala Harris, at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah on Wednesday. President Trump on Wednesday released a direct-to-camera video address to the nation in which he called getting the coronavirus a blessing from God, calling the unapproved drug a cure and saying he would provide hundreds of thousands of doses of unapproved drugs to Americans free of charge. I think this was a blessing from God that I caught it, Mr. Trump said in the nearly five-minute video, released after nearly two days out of public view and just over three hours before Vice President Mike Pence was scheduled to debate the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, Senator Kamala Harris of California. In a video that was supposed to have been released a day earlier, Mr. Trump explained that he considered getting ill with a virus that has killed more than one million people, including more than 211,000 Americans, to be such a blessing because he ended up taking an experimental antibody cocktail, still in clinical trials, that is produced by Regeneron. To me it wasnt therapeutic it just made me better, OK? I call that a cure, said Mr. Trump, whose skin appeared darkened by makeup and who appeared to struggle to get air at times. He then said everyone should have access to the not-yet-approved drug for free and that he would make sure it was in every hospital as soon as possible. He claimed to have personally chosen the drug as part of his treatment. I feel great I feel, like, perfect, Mr. Trump declared. It was the first time that Mr. Trump has acknowledged receiving care that isnt available to any member of the general public after he said early Friday morning that he had tested positive for the virus. Mr. Trump did not provide any details on how he would speed the distribution of the drug, other than referring to the military and saying they could help. Regeneron has received more than $500 million from the federal government to develop and manufacture its experimental treatment as part of Operation Warp Speed, the federal effort to come up with viable vaccines and treatments for the virus, in order to help distribute it once it is available. These are great professionals, theyve done a fantastic job, he said of the medical professionals who cared for him. That includes Dr. Sean Conley, the White House physician, who said at a press briefing two days ago that it wouldnt be clear that Mr. Trump is out of the woods for another week, given the typical course of the illness. He began the video by saying, Perhaps you recognize me, its your favorite president. He ended the video by saying, Good luck. The video was released a day after aides scrapped a possible live nationwide address by Mr. Trump to show him firmly in command after he had returned to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he received treatment for Covid-19. The president has been desperate to announce some kind of definitive treatment, or a vaccine, ahead of the Nov. 3 election, in which nearly all polls show him trailing Mr. Biden nationally. and in key states. The Regeneron antibody cocktail is not the only drug that Mr. Trump was prescribed. He has also been taking the antiviral drug remdesivir, as well as the dexamethasone, a steroid that the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health only recommend for people suffering from severe or critical cases of Covid-19. Doctors have declined to say what other medications Mr. Trump is taking as he fights off the virus. It is impossible to know if the treatment has cured the president or even if he has beaten the disease. Most people with Covid-19 eventually recover, and medical experts have also said that Mr. Trump is most likely still battling it. Dexamethasone, which Mr. Trump first received on Saturday, is known to create a sense of well-being and euphoria in many people who take it, as well as bursts of energy. Outside medical experts have said the next week will be pivotal because many patients who do poorly take a turn for the worse in the second week after symptoms arise. With the federal assistance, Regeneron has said it can produce up to 300,000 doses of the treatment, which is expected to be provided to Americans free of charge. It is one of several similar antibody therapies another is being developed by Eli Lilly that seek to give people powerful antibodies in the hopes of boosting their immune response. But although both companies have reported promising early results, clinical trials are still underway and have not been completed. Although Mr. Trump credited the Regeneron treatment with having improved his illness, there is no way to know if a drug is safe and if it works without testing it in large groups of people, some who receive the drug, and some who get a placebo. Regeneron and Eli Lilly have said the therapies could be available before the end of the year. Some medical experts have seen the therapies as a sort of bridge until vaccines are available the infusion of antibodies could be given to people who have been exposed to the virus in order to prevent infection, as well as to people who are still early in the course of the disease. In his video, Mr. Trump suggested that the treatments could soon be authorized for emergency use, a potentially risky move because it could allow the treatments to become widely used before they have been proven to work. Broader access to the drugs could then jeopardize enrollment in clinical trials, because people may be reluctant to participate if there is a chance they could receive a placebo. Similar concerns were raised after the Food and Drug Administration created a broad access program for a similar therapy, known as convalescent plasma. Enrollment in trials of plasma sputtered in part because doctors and hospitals could gain access to the treatment through the F.D.A. program. As a result, it is still unclear if convalescent plasma is effective in treatment of Covid-19, even though the F.D.A. approved it for emergency use over the summer after Mr. Trump pressured the agency to do so. Monoclonal antibodies like the ones that Regeneron is developing are difficult and expensive to manufacture, and some have raised questions about whether the companies will be able to make enough to meet global demand if they are proven to work. In August, the company announced it was teaming up with a larger company, Roche, to ramp up production. The horrid, hateful reaction on the left to President Trump's hospitalization reminded me of the day then-president Reagan was shot and the depth to which the left has descended ever since. On March 30, 1981, I flew from a family visit in Bogota, Colombia to Philadelphia via a plane change in Miami. As I walked through the Miami terminal, I saw clumps of people crowding around TV stations. When I heard the news of the assassination attempt on President Reagan; his rush to the hospital; and the humor and dignity he displayed upon being wheeled into the operating room, as he neared death, I started crying. To my amazement, a woman came over and asked if I was related to the president. Was only someone with a familial relationship to the president allowed to be moved sufficiently to cry? In comparison to the hate speech that has erupted in response to President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis, the query regarding familial-connected grief now seems benignly quaint. There was the left's constant mocking of Reagan, and thensecretary of state Alexander Haig announcing incorrectly that he was in charge, but no drumbeat of death wishes or jubilation over his near-death incident occurred. Or if they occurred, they were muted and covert. But that was then. The left's Trump animus is so sick that Twitter has warned that tweeters wishing the president's death will be sanctioned. That will be the day. And dear sweet sleazy Ol' Uncle Joe Biden has adamantly vowed to pull all negative ads during President Trump's hospitalization, but they are running apace. Michelle Obama's ludicrous "going high" just went down and dirtier than ever. Biden doesn't have a creative, independent, or intelligent thought in his muddled brain. Up through March 18, when Philadelphian and suburban courts were already shut down, as the controlling Democrat governor incorrectly dictated that judges and attorneys were non-essential workers, throwing them and their clients' constitutional rights under the bus, Biden ridiculed the Trump Chinese and European air closures as racist. He scoffed at mask usage and accused Trump of dramatizing the China virus. His campaign platform is replete with actions President Trump has already effectuated. Meanwhile, the death watch cacophony from the hateful, rabid left has been unrelentingly cruel, as catalogued by Monica Showalter in her American Thinker blog post of Oct. 5, 2020. The press is out of control and is seriously bad for one's health: the people therein exude negativity. Everything Trump utters and does is seen by the press through a prism of scorn and discontent. What they don't get is simple. They don't understand bravery, they don't understand following through on campaign promises, they don't understand capitalism, they don't understand risk, and they don't understand leadership. They have forgotten Winston Churchil's March 1940 victory speech, exhorting Britons to be victorious, as they endured Hitler's destructive air offensive, and oft times fled to underground bunkers to really escape death. Churchill didn't cower. He stayed in London, and he led. They have forgotten that their revered patrician president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, left Great Britain to fend for itself until America was attacked at Pearl Harbor in December 1941. They have forgotten New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who gave our entire country hope after 9/11. Rudy didn't cower in a bunker. As soon as humanly possible, he went to the ruins of the World Trade Center and, not knowing if other attacks were imminent, told New Yorkers and the rest of America to keep calm and go on with their lives. He stayed in New York City and led. The press is now agog because Trump loves America and Americans love him back. They are frenzied because Trump has a true relationship with the public that can't be bought. They don't understand gratitude. They didn't understand why Trump sent out candy to his followers, standing outside the Walter Reed hospital praying for his recovery and saluting his leadership. They hate Trump and have mocked his glorious return to the White House, preceded the night before by Trump's thank you wave to the crowd, some staying in sleeping bags over three days, to thank their leader and to show Trump that they "have Trump's back as he has had theirs." That crowd was truly diverse. If anything, President Trump's indefatigable schedule probably lowered his resistance. As Rudy Giuliani said, "leaders have to lead." President Trump also explained that he knew there was some risk being out and seen, but that's part of his job: trying to keep the country calm and reclaiming his hard won rising economy. Haters are going to hate; doers are going to do. President Trump does. Image credit: Screen shot from The Hill video via shareable YouTube. Todays Headlines The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. Email address By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy In show biz, they'd say Gen. Mark Milley bombed. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has apologized to a lawmaker after a brief attempt at stand-up comedy before an audience of defense and intelligence officials missed the mark. Gen. Mark Milleys questionable comedy consisted of two groaners aimed at House impeachment hearing leader Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. Nobody laughed at either joke. Milley knew it and apologized Monday in a Twitter post published by the Joint Staff. Read Next: Military Leaders in Quarantine After Coast Guards No. 2 Admiral Tests Positive for COVID-19 "Today I spoke with the Honorable Representative Adam Schiff and apologized for a comment I made, in jest, during opening remarks at the [Defense Intelligence Agency] change of command. My comments were in no way meant to be offensive," Milley said. In remarks last Thursday at DIA headquarters on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., Milley noted that Schiff was on the guest list but absent. He took the opening to riff on Schiff's aggressive pursuit of the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump over allegations of wrongdoing in dealings with Ukraine. The House voted to impeach Trump, but the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted him. Trump has since taken to calling the House Intelligence Committee chairman "shifty Schiff." "I actually thought -- I was looking at the invite list -- and I saw Adam Schiff, Congressman Adam Schiff was here. He didn't, I don't think, show up, but I'm pretty sure CIA has an empty seat, so that's appropriate for covert operations," Milley said. He got no response from the face-mask wearing audience of about 50 officials and family members. Undaunted, Milley gave it another shot. "We don't have ABC, NBC, CBS [or other news outlets present], but I thought we were going to have a hearing when I saw Schiff. I wasn't sure it was going to be a hearing or an indictment. I wasn't sure," he said. Again, the audience didn't laugh. There was no immediate response from Schiff's office, but a spokesperson for the congressman told Politico that Schiff "appreciated the call [from Milley] and looks forward to continuing to work with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Department of Defense." Although Milley can occasionally offend some with off-hand remarks or behavior, he is also quick to apologize when he believes he has crossed a line. On June 1, he walked across Lafayette Square outside the White House with President Donald Trump after the area had been aggressively cleared of protesters to allow the president to pose with a Bible for photos in front of St. John's Episcopal Church. Milley would later apologize for participating in the walk. In a video, he said, "I should not have been there. My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics." The 62-year-old Milley's gruff and fast-talking demeanor can often obscure the scholarly background of a Princeton University graduate with a master's degree from Columbia University. At the DIA ceremony, he went on to give moving tributes to the service of retiring DIA chief Army Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley Jr. and his successor, Army Lt. Gen. Scott D. Berrier. He also reflected on the DIA's mission, an intelligence role that can be met with skepticism in a politically divided nation. "Believe it or not, they're not part of a deep state," Milley said. "They are dedicated patriots. They're here to protect an idea, an idea that's embedded in the U.S. Constitution. They're here to protect the idea that we're all Americans, and we're all born free and equal. That's what the DIA is here for and for no other reason." As a combat veteran and the son of an Iwo Jima veteran, Milley also spoke to the changing nature of war, dating back to the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, and the mission of the DIA as the U.S. enters a new era of great power competition with Russia and China. But he couldn't resist another joke, aimed at himself and his Boston-area buddies -- former Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford and Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, who was in the audience. Milley recalled a time in Iraq when he and McConville were both colonels, and Milley's infantry unit was pinned down in Baghdad in what he called a "very, very serious firefight." McConville happened to be flying an AH-64 Apache helicopter gunship nearby and came to the aid of Milley's unit, laying down supporting rocket fire. "He literally saved my life," Milley said, before delivering the punchline. According to Milley, Dunford later asked McConville: "Jimmy, what were you thinking that day?" As Milley tells it, McConville turned to Dunford and said: "Sir, I've been regretting it every day of my life." Finally, Milley got a laugh from the audience. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Related: Milley Says He Was Wrong to Accompany Trump on Church Walk 7,671 Covid cases in Kerala, toll now 884 with 25 fatalities Nashik's Covid-19 count goes up by 983; tally at 81,895 Donald Trump now showing 'no symptoms' of Covid-19: Doctor Assam reports 1,184 new Covid-19 cases, taking tally to over 1.88 lakh A health worker cariries box of rapid antigen test kits for coronavirus (Covid-19) testing. India's Covid-19 count on Tuesday rose to 66,85,082, with 61,267 new infections in the last 24 hours. Earlier, on Monday, the ministry of education had released SOPs for reopening schools from October 15. According to the guidelines, students can come to schools on a voluntary basis and only after written consent from parents. Also, states can decide whether they want to open schools and colleges from the said date or not. Click her for full Covid-19 coverage Globally, Nepal on Monday recorded 19 deaths due to Covid-19, the countrys highest single-day death toll, its health ministry said. In New Zealand, prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced easing of restrictions in the largest city of Auckland, after no new cases were registered in 12 days. The United States, India and Brazil--in that ordercontinue to be the three worst-hit countries, followed by Russia and Colombia, as per worldometers. Follow all live updates here: A Japanese man has tested positive for COVID-19 after departing Vietnam this week, according to Vietnamese health authorities. The Department of Health in Hai Phong, a port city in northern Vietnam, said on Tuesday that it had received a document from K.C.V.N. Company giving updates on a Japanese staff member testing positive for the novel coronavirus after leaving the Southeast Asian country. The patient in question is T.K., 33, who works for the firm in Hai Phongs Thuy Nguyen District. He lives in the citys Le Chan District. He started working at K.C.V.N. on June 26, 2018. He flew to Japan from Vietnam aboard flight Asiana Airlines OZ 112 on Monday. The flight landed in Osaka at 10:10 am the same day. K. said he had tested positive for the virus upon landing in Osaka, using the gold standard real-time PCR technique. When he was in Hai Phong, the Japanese man visited no places other than traveling on the same company bus as 13 others and a driver of T.T. Company from home to his workplace. Before leaving for Japan, K. engaged in a farewell party with his colleagues. Health workers in Hai Phong have identified 162 of his direct contacts, who are self-isolating at home. They have taken samples from 125 of them for COVID-19 testing at the citys preventive medicine center. Local authorities are tracing those who came into contact with K.s direct contacts. The Department of Health has already fumigated his home and workplace, while isolating the entire fifth floor of Roygent Parks Hai Phong Hotel on Vo Nguyen Giap Street in Le Chan District and disinfecting the floor and reception. Local health workers have also quarantined six receptionists and room staff members. The department is in close contact with K. to get the latest updates on his retest. Vietnam has confirmed 1,097 coronavirus patients, with 1,022 recoveries and 35 virus-related deaths as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the Ministry of Health. The country has logged zero new domestic cases for over a month. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ex-Promsvyazbank owners alleged accomplices in siphoning over $1 bln abroad arrested RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 18:03 06/10/2020 MOSCOW, October 6 (RAPSI) Five defendants in a case of ex-owners of Promsvyazbank, the Ananyev brothers Alexey and Dmitry, charged with illegal siphoning over 87 billion rubles (over $1 billion) belonging to the credit organization abroad, were arrested on Tuesday, the press service of Russias Investigative Committee reports. Investigators identified nine alleged accomplices of the former bankers and brought charges against them, but only five of them were arrested. Others were put on a wanted list, the statement reads. Investigators believe that in 2017 the Ananyev brothers created a criminal group to embezzle funds of the bank after the Central Bank of Russia had revealed numerous violations in the credit organization. Ordered by Dmitry Ananyev in December 2017, the accomplices made payments in favor of a firm registered in Amsterdam for securities allegedly acquired from it, including Promsvyazbank shares and bonds issued by other legal entities controlled by the bankers. The deal was registered through fictious purchase and sale contracts. Thus, they withdrew 87.2 million rubles from Russias financial circulation in several hours and transferred to Cyprus. Later, the Ananyev brothers laundered and managed the money at sole discretion, according to the investigation. In September 2019, Moscows Basmanny District Court issued an arrest warrant for Alexey and Dmitry Ananyev in absentia. They are on the international wanted list. COVID-19 Patients May Continue to Experience Chronic Fatigue-Like Symptoms Charles Lapp, MD Charles Lapp, MD, at a recent AIM ImmunoTech Inc. planning meeting on COVID-19-induced chronic fatigue in Long Haulers, at the Hunter-Hopkins Center, Charlotte, N.C. Charles Lapp, MD, at a recent AIM ImmunoTech Inc. planning meeting on COVID-19-induced chronic fatigue in Long Haulers, at the Hunter-Hopkins Center, Charlotte, N.C. OCALA, Fla., Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) is pleased to announce that it has received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for the expansion of the AMP-511 Expanded Access Program (EAP) clinical trial for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) to include patients previously diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, but who still demonstrate chronic fatigue-like symptoms. Patients in the trial are treated with AIMs flagship pipeline drug Ampligen. These patients commonly referred to as Post-COVID-19 Chronic Fatigue (PCCF) / Long Haulers because of the persistence of their symptoms will be able to receive Ampligen treatments alongside the ME/CFS patients in the EAP. Up to 20 of the 100 active participants can be Long Haulers, according to the new trial protocol amendment. AIM is currently preparing the IRB-approved protocol for submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "It is anticipated that COVID-19 will trigger a large number of CFS cases, providing an opportunity for the medical community to learn more about the onset and pathogenesis of CFS, according to Charles Lapp, MD, a global expert in ME/CFS. The investigational immune-modulating antiviral drug Ampligen might have a role to play in this scenario. Many survivors of the first SARS-CoV-1 epidemic in 2003 continued to report classic chronic fatigue-like symptoms after recovering from the acute illness. In fact, approximately 27% of survivors met the CDC criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome (See: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/415378). There is now increasing evidence that patients with COVID-19 the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 can develop a similar, ME/CFS-like illness (See: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2768351). AIM CEO Thomas K. Equels states, With millions of U.S. cases of COVID-19 already on record we can expect a tidal wave of new U.S. cases of COVID-19 sufferers who will exhibit serious chronic fatigue-like symptoms. In addition, unpublished data from AIM indicates that ME/CFS patients respond better to Ampligen the earlier they receive the drug, so enrolling Long Haulers earlier in their diagnosis could potentially benefit these patients while also providing valuable information for all ME/CFS patients. Story continues In June, AIM filed a provisional utility patent application for Ampligen as a potential therapy for COVID-19-induced ME/CFS-like illness (See: https://aimimmuno.irpass.com/AIM-ImmunoTech-Files-Provisional-Patent-Application-for-the-Use-of-AmpligenR-as-a-Potential-Therapy-for-COVID-19-Induced-Chronic-Fatigue). About AIM ImmunoTech Inc. AIM ImmunoTech Inc. is an immuno-pharma company focused on the research and development of therapeutics to treat multiple types of cancers, immune disorders, and viral diseases, including COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Cautionary Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA) of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate" and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Many of these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For example, the FDA could require changes to the trial protocol amendment and testing will be required to determine whether or not Ampligen will assist in the treatment of COVID-19 induced CFS-like cases. Among other things, for those statements, we claim the protection of safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA. We do not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof. Human clinical trials will be necessary to prove whether or not Ampligen will be efficacious in humans. No assurance can be given as to whether current or planned immuno-oncology clinical trials will be successful or yield favorable data and the trials are subject to many factors including lack of regulatory approval(s), lack of study drug, or a change in priorities at the institutions sponsoring other trials. In addition, initiation of planned clinical trials may not occur secondary to many factors including lack of regulatory approval(s) or lack of study drug. Even if these clinical trials are initiated, the Company cannot assure that the clinical studies will be successful or yield any useful data or require additional funding. No assurance can be given that future studies will not result in findings that are different from those reported in the studies referenced. Contacts: Crescendo Communications, LLC Phone: 212-671-1021 Email: aim@crescendo-ir.com AIM ImmunoTech Inc Phone: 800-778-4042 Email: IR@aimimmuno.com Source: AIM ImmunoTech Inc. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/53029413-d7ab-421c-b47d-37c7fa39df48 The Civil 20 Virtual Summit, Saudi Arabia The Civil 20 Virtual Summit has convened with more than 4,000 civil society leaders representing 109 countries at the biggest non-government organizations gathering in the G20 history, channeling their concerns and demands ahead of the G20 Virtual Leaders Summit next month. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia The Civil 20 Virtual Summit has convened with more than 4,000 civil society leaders representing 109 countries at the biggest non-government organizations gathering in the G20 history, channeling their concerns and demands ahead of the G20 Virtual Leaders Summit next month. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Civil 20 Virtual Summit has convened today with more than 4,000 civil society leaders representing 109 countries at the biggest non-government organizations gathering in the G20 history, channeling their concerns and demands ahead of the G20 Virtual Leaders Summit next month. The Civil 20 Communique released during the C20 Virtual Summit, urging G20 leaders to seize the current historical moment to reflect, correct, and take decisive global action. The Communique warned that the future is in jeopardy, and we as global civil society are deeply concerned. The convening NGO leaders noted that we live in an unprecedented time not only with a health pandemic and rampant misinformation, but also with the worst economic recession since WWII. Trust in governments, science, and multilateral institutions is in decline. Peace and justice are being undermined. Civic spaces are shrinking. Inequalities are worsening; between the rich and the poor, between genders, and between countries. The group did not only sound the alarm, but reminded governments that the world is not destined to be in turmoil and that humanity has withstood numerous shared challenges before. Its time for world leaders to take bold reforms and commit to health, education and social protection investments, while taking ambitious steps towards climate action and biodiversity protection. The civil society communique demanded that world leaders must choose cooperation over competition; make decisions based on science, solidarity, and public interest instead of lies, profits, and geopolitical considerations. It also noted the lack of political leadership, weakened multilateral processes, fractured international system, and a closed global policy making approach that only serves private interest and lobbyists. Such stark reality needs a restored faith in multilateralism, supporting the UN-system, and resorting to political dialogue to solve differences, instead of trade wars and misinformation campaigns. Story continues Civil Society leaders emphasized that global challenges did not start with COVID-19 and will not end when it is under control. The pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges manifested by the current structural ailments of our political, social and economic systems. They called for world leaders to reverse structural inequalities, and recover from this global pandemic, by implementing inclusive global economic and public health policies, cancelling developing countries debt, committing to a peoples vaccine, urgently addressing the growing climate crisis, and supporting the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. The Civil 20 advocacy consortium of nonprofits also called on G20 leaders to uphold accountability and transparency, especially with stimulus spending and emergency procurement rising. They also urged G20 leaders to commit enough financial resources to deliver on sustainable development for every global citizen, through mobilizing US$2.5 trillion for developing countries using tools for liquidity injection, debt relief, health systems strengthening and committing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Communique demands that G20 countries invite and extend support to countries that are left behind with financing and debt cancelation; especially vulnerable nations like low-income countries, fragile states, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states. Civil Society 20 (C20) is one of the eight independent Engagement Groups of the G20. It provides a platform of Civil Society Organizations around the world to bring forth a non-government and non-business voice. It provides a space through which CSOs can contribute in a structured and sustained manner to the G20. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4fd718d6-4339-4454-a1f9-a34d05ae5ae3 CONTACT: Contact Basma Al Twejri c20@civil-20.org Google is getting ready to bid farewell to the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL in December this year with the last security update coming in then. Googles Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL recently got updated to Android 11 and received their latest security release on October 5. Post this, these two Pixel devices are going to receive one last update in December. Come December, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL will reach end of life after three years of Android version and security updates and the 2017 devices will stop getting fixes, reported Android Police. Much like the original Pixel last year, the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL will skip the November release, but it will get a December update that will include both sets of patches. Also Read: Google Pixel 4a listed on Amazon India, Flipkart The October security patch that it just got addressed some of the issues for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL including some of the devices getting stuck during boot, prevention of inadvertent disablement of call notifications, missing auto-rotate icon in certain device orientations and a fix for undetected overview swipe gestures in launcher. Google announced the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL three years ago at the second Made by Google event. The smaller 5-inch Pixel 2 was boxy in shape and made by HTC and the Pixel 2 XL was a 6-inch model made by LG and came with a more rounded, modern look. Both the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL were powered by the Snapdragon 835 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB and 128GB of storage respectively. Syracuse, N.Y. Democrat John Mannion has raised about 3 times as much money as Republican Angi Renna in their race to fill an empty state Senate seat in Central New York. The donations and spending in the race have grown to about $700,000 as the Democrats try to win a seat thats been in GOP hands for more than five decades. Mannion, a high school teacher making his second run for the 50th Senate District, has raised about $254,00 since last October, campaign records show. He started the year with another $49,000 in his campaign account bringing his total fundraising effort to about $303,000. Renna, the president of Sterling Financial Group in her first political race, has raised nearly $104,000, according to the states campaign database. Much of Rennas support is coming from law enforcement and real estate groups. Shes also getting help from Donald Lauder, the heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics fortune, whos spending more than $1 million to help GOP candidates. His political action committee has spent more than $50,000 for opposition ads against Mannion, according to state records. Mannions backers include teachers' unions, other labor groups and tenant associations, some of which are giving thousands of dollars. He also has support from the New York State Police. As of late last week, Renna had $43,524 cash on hand, compared with Mannions $87,231. But thats only part of the money story for the seat, which includes part of Syracuses North Side, about half of Onondaga County and a small part of Cayuga County, including Auburn. A committee that helps Democrats win state Senate seats has spent $207,415 on Mannion, records show. The equivalent Republican committee has put $34,168 toward Rennas race, according to the states campaign finance database. Mannion proved two years ago he could raise big campaign cash. That 2018 race against Republican Bob Antonacci attracted $3 million, including $900,000 in the final days. About two-thirds of those last-minute dollars went to Mannion. But New Yorks political landscape was different in 2018. Then, Republicans and Democrats were battling to see who would replace John DeFrancisco, a Republican who held the seat for two-and-a-half decades. Plus, Republicans were trying to maintain control of the Senate chamber. In the end, the money didnt pay off for Mannion. Antonacci won by 2 percentage points, or about 2,300 votes. But the Republicans lost control of the Senate, leaving the Democrats in charge. That power shift in Albany also gives the fundraising edge to Democrats, a change that helps Mannion this time around. Now, Renna and Mannion are competing in the Nov. 3 election for a seat thats once again empty. Antonacci resigned after one year after winning a judge seat. Gov. Andrew Cuomo had originally called for a special election to fill the Senate seat on April 28, the same date as the states presidential primary. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, that race was first moved June 23, and then canceled. The enrollment in the district is nearly even among Republicans (65,320) and Democrats (69,770). But in this race, minor political parties can play a major role. Renna has the designation of the Conservative and Independence parties, which combined have more than 15,000 voters. There are another 54,000 voters in the district who arent enrolled in any party. Renna loaned herself $5,000 in February. Shes spent much of her money on campaign literature, mailings and signs. Her top contributors include: Sergeants Benevolent Association, $10,500 RSA (Rent Stabilization Associates) PAC, $10,000 RPAC of NYS (New York State Association of Realtors) $10,000 John Catsimatidis, owner of Gristedes Foods stores in New York City, $5,000 John Flanagan, former Republican majority leader of state Senate, $5,000 Shes also received $2,000 from Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, $2,000 from DeFrancisco and $1,000 from a company related to Destiny USA. Some of Mannions contributions include ones made for a special election last spring that was meant to fill the open seat. Hes spent $28,000 on polling. Mannions top contributors include: NYSUT Voice of Teachers for Education $23,600 American Federation of Teachers, $11,800 1199 SEIU New York State PAC, $7,500 CWA District One PAC (Communications Workers of America), $6,300 NERCC Political Education Committee (North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters), $6,300 Hes also received $8,000 from Sen. Liz Krueger, a Democrat who chairs the Senates powerful Finance Committee; $2,000 from Tony Malavenda, who ran for county executive last year; and $1,000 from the Oneida Nation. Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274. Back in December, actor Samuel L. Jackson came to Mobile to delve into the story of the slave ship Clotilda and the Africatown community. Monday night, viewers get to see what he found. Jackson is the host of Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The show is a series of six one-hour episodes being broadcast by the Epix cable network. The series began airing in September and Episode 4, New World Cultures premieres at 9 p.m. Central time Monday, Oct. 5, on Epix and Epix2. Itll be repeated immediately afterward at 10 p.m. on Epix. In promotional materials, Jackson explains that the series views slavery as not just an American but as a global phenomenon. The show is described as effort to understand the slave trade by an examination of the ocean floor. Epix says the series tracks the efforts of Diving with a Purpose (DWP), an offshoot of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers, as they put together a multi-racial group of men and women, to search for and locate six slave ships that went down with their human cargo. The network says their expeditions serve as springboards to tell the stories of the ideology, economics and politics of slavery. The series also celebrates stories of resistance, the cultures left behind and the culture that we live in a culture that, in many ways, was born in the bowels of those slave ships. Divers associated with Diving with a Purpose were involved in efforts to confirm that a submerged shipwreck site north of Mobile was, in fact, the ruins of the Clotilda, believed to be the last vessel to bring captive Africans into slavery in the United States. The group also has worked to teach diving to youth in the area, work that organizers hope to continue once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. A summary of the episode says that it involves a visit to Africatown, the only African town established in America. The episode also spends time in Costa Rica, as Diving With a Purpose helps youths discover their African heritage by diving and identifying a sunken slave ship off their coast. Jacksons visit to Mobile in December created a stir. He and celebrated musician Rhiannon Giddens visited the club Kazoola, among other places. Kazoola owner Marc Jackson told WKRG-TV5 that Jackson had participated in an African libation ceremony, and Mayor Sandy Stimpson posted a photo of himself giving Jackson the key to the city. Welcoming the talented Samuel L. Jackson to the City of Mobile. Posted by Sandy Stimpson on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 For details on how to view the episode, check with your cable provider or visit www.epix.com. The first episode of the series can be streamed for free at the Epix site. FLORENCE, S.C. Florence County Councilman Jason M. Springs has coined the third penny sales tax the People's Penny. Springs spoke to the Florence Rotary Club Monday afternoon about the potential reimplementation of the tax. He started the presentation by providing an overview of the first two pennies to be approved by Florence County Voters. The countys first capital project sales tax was in effect from May 1, 2007, to April 30, 2014, after it was approved in a referendum on Nov. 7, 2006. This tax was designed to complete six major road projects in the county. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Springs called this the roads penny. He called the second tax the public safety penny because it included improvements to several fire departments, the sheriff's office, the emergency operations center among other things. The countys second capital project sales tax was approved by a majority of voters in 2013. It went into effect on May 1, 2014, and will expire on April 30, 2021. This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 1725 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser,what weve accomplished in the last year, and our current goal, more original reporting. By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She is currently writing a book about textile artisans. Massachusetts has been ground zero for spearheading state efforts to enshrine a right to repair into state law, starting with its passage by 87% in 2012 of a ballot question that resulted in landmark 2013 legislation. This initiative mandated sharing dealer-generated repair information with third-party auto repair services. Now, the question is whether vehicle owners and independent repair facilities should have expanded access to mechanical data related to vehicle access and repair. As Southcoast Today tells the story,QUESTION 1: Massachusetts Right to Repair returns, eyes telematics data: Adoption of Question 1 on the Tuesday, Nov. 3 ballot could over time shift a large section of the auto-repair business from manufacturer-run dealerships toward third-party chains and independent car-repair garages. A yes vote supports giving independent repair shops access to what is called telematics data, information generated by sensors in newer vehicles and wirelessly transmitted to isolated servers that only automakers can access. Telematics systems cull the vital signs of motor vehicles and, among other capabilities, alert automakers when they require maintenance. Telematic systems have the capability to give you a breakdown of how your car is operating and performing in real time, said Tommy Hickey, the director of Massachusetts Right to Repair, the group behind the Yes on 1 campaign. A no vote maintains the status quo whereby auto manufacturers exclusively keep the telematic data for themselves and their authorized dealerships. The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition, backed by national repair chains and independent repair groups, argues passage levels the playing field of an unfair monopoly on repair, maintenance and diagnostic testing once telematics systems become ubiquitous. Metrowest Daily News in JAM SESSION: Right to Repair asked several potential voters their position on the question. All six of them gave reasons for voting yes. Here are just three answers: Rick Caproni The Right to Repair initiative is a no brainer. Eighty-seven percent voted yes to the original law in 2012 and a similar plurality should be realized in 2020. It is common sense that our local repair shops should be able to access the telematics in order to service and/or repair our cars. The fact that our legislators have not passed a right to repair law is another example of the dysfunction and dishonesty taking place daily on Beacon Hill. Only a wave of the hand from Speaker DiMasi would be needed to get this done. He and his gang of five top committee members control the agenda, which is constantly in logjam mode. All should be investigated to see how much money they are receiving from the auto dealers and manufacturers to defeat this common sense privilege for the citizens of the commonwealth. The constant stream of TV commercials is disturbing with the no people claiming that foreign powers would access our personal data . An outrageous claim. How absurd, threatening and unprofessional is the behavior of the opponents of this question. Yes, yes and yes is our duty and opportunity to support this initiative. Rick Caproni is a Town Meeting representative from Precinct 15, a retired equipment leasing executive and a self described political activist. . Heidi Mayo Having proprietary systems on vehicles makes no sense at all. Its inconvenient and expensive to be forced to get your car serviced by a dealer when there are trusted, knowledgeable and capable mechanics in your own locale, or you might even prefer doing it yourself. People should be able to service their vehicles and access data of the vehicle they own without having to pay the exorbitant costs at the dealership. Open-source systems are fair (and dare I say, democratic), while closed systems are exclusive and costly. Car manufacturers can set prices any way they like if theres no competition, and thats anti-capitalistic and thwarts a free and competitive market. This has nothing to do with protecting data, and everything to do with forcing you to use a dealership for repairs. Note the top donors of the No on 1 campaign: General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Honda and Nissan. Enough said. Support local mechanics and an owners right to access their own data. Dont be fooled by the naysayers; they just want your money. Heidi Mayo is an artist, teacher, author, and activist with Indivisible Plymouth, Plymouth Area League of Women Voters, and Ocean Protection Advocacy Kids. Her book Nelson Telson The Story of a True Blue Blood, is a Readers Favorite Gold Medal winner. Views expressed are solely the authors, and not necessarily reflective of policies and practices of associate organizations. . Ed Russell I will vote Yes on the Right to Repair question. I like my independent repair garages and most of the time I dont use dealers for repairs because of the extra cost. The $25.8 million opposition is led by GM, Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Nissan to protect their monopoly repair prices. Some of their clams are so outrageous that I have a reaction I would have to a bully. If they have scared you to think that a murderer will come to your house, be reassured that you do not have to give the garage permission to access this data. However, using the diagnostic system saves time and that means my money. With repair people that I like and trust I can discuss whats wrong and whats the best fix is for my budget and my driving peace of mind. You dont often get a chance to talk to the technician at the dealer. Dont be bullied. Ed Russell is an attorney and a Precinct 12 Town Meeting representative, and he serves on a number of town committees. What impressed me about the answers quoted is the understanding these voters have of the importance of small, independent, local repair services, compared to dealerships beholden to some form of national control. Theres also an inherent suspicion of proprietary systems. At the grassroots level at least, people still easily see through neoliberal rhetoric. The Industry Position As for voices on the industry side, Forbes features, one Bryan Reiner, a Research Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Transportation and Logistics where I cofounded and lead two industry-academic research partnerships involving automakers, suppliers, insurers, technology companies, and research organizations, Right To Repair Or A Fight For Survival?: In 2012 when proponents were negotiating what became the landmark 2013 Massachusetts automotive right to repair legislation, todays leading producer of electric vehicles, Tesla, sold just over 3,000 cars. This year, estimates suggest that Tesla may deliver over 500,000 vehicles. Potentially accelerating the shift to advanced technology vehicles further, California announced last month an effort to phase out the sale of new gas-powered passenger vehicles by 2035. How does any of this relate to the 2020 Massachusetts Question 1 ballot initiative looking to augment right to repair? Readers lament what many cars have now become. And it is only relatively recently that the right to repair has become an issue. It would be a foreign concept to my father, for example, who passed away in 2000. (My beloved father was certainly known for his unique approach to do-it-yourself repairs and I will some day share some of what we in the family still chuckle about: Harrys Home Repairs with the NC community. Just one example that I cannot resist. He once painted the living room, without bothering to take down any of the framed pictures first; he just painted around them. That was one response to Moms demand that the living room needed to be painted NOW even in the midst of some televised professional sporting event. But I digress.) The days when the mechanically minded could pull apart and repair the largely mechanical innards of the family car- are long gone. Instead, cars now embody software in most functions, and a visit back to the dealer (or a good independent repair shop) is necessary to fix problems. Why should the dealership have exclusive access to the telematics that pinpoint where difficulties might be? According to Reiner in Forbes: Over the past several decades, vehicles have moved from being primarily mechanical systems, with thousands of moving parts, to systems that draw together fewer mechanical pieces with a broad array of electronic componentry and networks linked by computer software embedded with artificial intelligence. Electric vehicles have dramatically fewer moving parts, potentially accelerating a tipping point towards a largely smart consumer electric device on wheels. The promise of connected, automated electric mobility will further amplify the trends towards higher technology cars in the decades to come. Software, unlike hardware, is increasingly updated through wireless networks and manufacturer provided vehicle service to enhance performance and functionality throughout the vehicles lifecycle. As Tesla is demonstrating, cars of all types might actually improve as they age. In this context, Massachusetts Question 1 is a referendum on how traditional independent automotive repair shops and aftermarket part suppliers are going to function as part of tomorrows automotive ecosystem. The ballot initiative aims to enact a law that opens connectivity to any vehicle-specific data for the purposes of maintaining, diagnosing and repairing the motor vehicle. The law would require that access shall include the ability to send commands to in-vehicle components if needed for purposes of maintenance, diagnostics and repair. Unsafe at Any Speed; Ralph Nader and Auto Safety Regulation Now, its cliche I hesitate to mention: Americas love affair with the car. How we should regulate issues related to our vehicles has been part of the public policy debate at least since Ralph Nader burst into the public scene with his seminal Unsafe at Any Speed in 1965. So this is not a new regulatory problem that may be laid at the feet of the Tump administration. But one where all his recent predecessors are sadly responsible for the sorry federal state of affairs. 1965 takes us squarely back to the Johnson administration where LBJ has just trounced arch-conservative Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election and which was far from a low point of federal attitudes towards regulation. As I wrote in this 2017 post, Unsafe at Any Speed Redux: Pinto and Takata Recalls Compared: Now, auto safety has long been a big problem in the US. As many older readers might recall, Nader first burst onto the national political scene with publication of his book, Unsafe at Any Speed: The Designed-In Dangers of the American Automobile, in 1965. I dont have my copy of the book to hand, so Im relying on my memory and permit me to quote from this New York Times account, 50 Years Ago, Unsafe at Any Speed Shook the Auto World: But most of the book focused on a long list of neglected safety issues ranging from brake performance to drivers being impaled by noncollapsible steering wheels and poor crash protection. The sharp-edged theme was that there was a gap between existing design and attainable safety and the auto industry was ignoring moral imperatives to make people safer. The book became a best seller, and in 1966, Nader was invited to testify before a Senate subcommittee on automotive safety. Later that year, Congress passed 1966 National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This legislation established the auto recall system, and created the Department of Transportation, as well as various precursor agencies that in 1970 became the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as part of the 1970 Highway Safety Act). Now, these reforms were certainly a significant step forward much better than what went before. Yet they also bequeathed two problems that certainly contributed to the current Takata impasse. First, as originally designed, the 1966 auto safety legal framework eschewed criminal penalties for culpable auto companies and their executives, and instead relied heavily on civil liability. Consumer advocates have spent the last 50 + years trying to fix that, with little success, and its extremely unlikely that the current Congress is going to change anything in this regard. While the 2000 Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act, established a limited basis for holding auto executives criminally liable for failing to disclose a safety defect, this has been sorely inadequate as either a deterrent, or a means to promote rapid correction of problems. Under TREAD, prosecutors must satisfy a far more stringent standard than the looser ones they can be used under regulatory statutes that establish the basis for criminal liability in other industries. Auto executives benefit from a generous safe harbour provision that allows an executive considerable leeway to fix the original safety violation. I should point out that several automakers began recalling vehicles in the US with defective airbags in 2014. So, the combination of a weak statutory basis for automaker liability and the Department of Justices adherence to the Holder doctrine (followed by the Yates memorandum which translated into plain English means that the DoJ generally pursued civil rather than criminal actions against corporations and their executives meant that prosecutors were not exactly zealous in pursuing corporate transgressions. Regular readers are well-aware that DoJ policy led to a failure to pursue any too big to fail banks or anyone in their C-suites for legally culpable activity that led to the great financial crisis. Ive discussed this issue here, The Obamamometers Toxic Legacy: The Rule of Lawlessness among other places. The takeaway for this post is its not just bankers that got away with minuscule monetary penalties, relative to damage caused mere slaps on the wrist but other companies as well. I dont want to belabor this point, so allow me to return to discussing the second relevant defect in the creaky vintage-1966 auto recall system: the failure to update procedures. Now, alert readers will probably say that these characteristics are not bugs but features, and with that assessment I would have to agree. For starters, many recalls are voluntary undertaken by the company after it becomes aware of a safety defect while others are triggered by an NHTSA investigation. The system requires companies to repair the defect free of charge, and one might imagine that companies might not be rushing to inform consumers that theyre eligible for a recall. Yet get this: Guess how companies inform customers of problems? They use first-class mail! Wow, I guess this is another strong argument for keeping the US Postal Service going (not as strong as would be creating a Postal Savings Bank, but I digress). The laughably antiquated system makes monitoring the status of a recall difficult, not to mention informing consumers of potentially lethal defects and that they should and can be fixed at no cost to the consumer (other than lost time and their lack of access to the vehicle while the repair is being undertaken). Some have suggested that it might be high time to make use of technologies that might allow a manufacturer to access a vehicles electronic system to inform consumers of recalls (I leave aside for the time being surveillance concerns such a system might raise). At this point, alert readers who are still with me are wondering why I have chosen to reprise this passage on federal auto safety regulation in a piece on state auto regulation of the right to repair? Good question. Answer: federal regulation of auto safety has proven to be such a shambles, never reaching the promise first hoped for when Ralph Nader first raised the issue in 1965. This is a basic conclusion of my 2017 post. So, when Reiner, whose biography certainly suggests his openness to the auto industry point of view, devotes space to explaining the defects in the pending Massachusetts approach and calls instead for a federal solution, we should note how lacking federal attention to that arguably much more aspect of auto regulation basic safety has been. Over to Forbes again: A vision for the future of vehicle warranty and repair is needed. This is not a simple topic and one that state legislatures are not traditionally equipped to address. As such, I would argue it is a topic for federal leadership. Why you might ask? Quite simply, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for writing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) which specify design, performance, and other related requirements for motor vehicle safety. Federal leadership is needed to ensure that the 50 states are not moving in 50 different directions and that vehicles on our roads, and their on-board systems and connected data, are safe and secure. Aligned with its oversight responsibility, NHTSA has offered testimony on concerns over safety-related cybersecurity risks of the measures called for in the Massachusetts ballot initiative. The testimony notes that the terms of the ballot initiative would prohibit manufacturers from complying with both existing Federal guidance and cybersecurity hygiene best practices. And I suggest when Reiner calls for Massachusetts voters to reject the states bird in the hand solution, his plea for a deeper, more comprehensive federal solution is really just a means of burying the issue. Or that will certainly be the net effect, although I cannot prove of course that is his intention. But I can say, especially with the national lobbing muscle I know the auto industry will deploy, that will be the ultimate effect. Again according to Forbes: With the bulk of the funding advocating for and against Massachusetts Question 1 coming from out of state, one has to remember that the proponents picked the Commonwealths traditionally sympathetic right to repair voters to avoid a national litmus test. When voters make their decision around this seemingly simple ballot question, they need to understand that they are helping proponents avoid a needed national discussion around the foundations and evolving complexities of vehicle repair. A vote for Question 1 tries to double down on what arguably was a historically consumer friendly move, without taking the time for a critical dialog around the future of repair in an evolving connected, automated, electric mobility system. Perhaps it is time for Massachusetts Voters to resist what is for many a well-intended impulse, vote no on Question 1, and keep the door open for an serious and open debate on what actually is the most efficient, safe, and secure role for manufacturers and independent repair to coexist in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. The six points of view featured in Metrowest Daily News are squarely from Massachusetts. Theyre not out of state voices. And they demonstrate a healthy skepticism to dealers, funded and beholden to large international companies, such as GM, Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Nissan, rather than the smaller, independent, local, mom & pop entities these Massachusetts voters champion. From Oprah Magazine As an astrologer, the number one question Ive been asked in 2020 is: Who will win the upcoming Presidential Election? Now, Im an astrologer, not a psychic. But there is a branch of astrologycalled mundane astrologythat can be used to find answers about whats to come by studying the celestial transits that will take place on a specific day. So when it comes to the election, by looking ahead to November 3 while also taking a look at the birth charts of each candidate, astrologers like me can start to glean some clues as to what the future for this country might hold. But while the stars can usually lend us some major insight to help us answer quandaries like this, let me go ahead and say that the only thing I know for certain is that this election is sure to be well...a doozy, thanks to a particularly frenetic celestial vibe. And having said that, its also important to state that as an astrologer, its part of my job to remain neutral at all times while making judgements on mundane cosmic energies. I'm here to interpret the cosmos without a tilted perspectiveand to explain the energies at play. In other words? A spoiler alert: I can't tell you who is going to win the 2020 election. But thanks to astrology, I can give you some insight into what to expectand how things might feel for all of us, according to the stars. So based on the cosmos, plus President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden's birth charts, heres my astrological take on the candidates and the 2020 election. Former Vice President Joe Biden Photo credit: OLIVIER DOULIERY - Getty Images Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942 at 8:30 a.m. in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The Vice President was born during the Waxing Full Moon in Taurus; the Moon was in orbit to reach its exact luminescence, which would occur two days later. This means that he has juxtaposing energies blended into his chart, due to his Sun and Moon opposition. Being born under a Taurus Full Moon implies that Vice President Biden is a stubborn person who wont change his ideology. His Taurus Moon aligns with the fixed star Mirach, which brings a pleasant demeanor to his astrological chart. The Sun in Scorpio, meanwhile, denotes a powerful force who can at times be a little rough around the edges. However, based on his passionate Scorpio Sun, he finds resolve in practicality and facts, which are based on an intuitive hunch. Story continues Biden has a Sagittarius ascendent, which makes his Midheaventhe house in a birth chart that denotes public affairs and careerruled by Virgo. This places transiting Neptune (which is now retrograde in Pisces) in opposition to his Midheaven. Neptune is a planet known to add confusion to the mix of ones energy. Theres a lot thats brewing beneath the surface here, but mostly, its relating to the fact that, based on his birth chart, his beliefs seem unwavering. The transiting Nodes of Destiny (the lunar nodes of the Moon that change signs every 1.5 years and are currently galvanizing the Gemini-Sagittarius axis) are activating Bidens Midheaven. This means that theres a lot of action in his career right now. (Makes sense, right?) The cosmos are shaking things up and awakening his chart, pushing him to embrace his destiny and fate in this lifetime. President Donald Trump Photo credit: Pool - Getty Images Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946 at 10:54 a.m. in Jamaica, New York. He was born during the Full Moon in Sagittarius; according to his chart, the Full Moon would peak an hour after he was born. Like most born under Sagittarius Full Moons, he has a strong and blunt personality. Never one to mince words, he definitely speaks his mind. And does he say things that he later regrets? According to his birth chart, yes. His Moon in the sign of Sagittarius explains President Trumps tendency to impulsively tweet. However, his Sag Moon also allows him to defend his views passionately and fiercely. His Moon sign is conjunct the fixed star Rasalhague (Arabic for Head of the Snake Charmer), which adds an intense energy to his emotional nature. His Gemini Sun is aligned with the fixed star Ensis, which means that he can get defensive when arguing his points. But as a leader who has to make agreements and deals with other political players, this can be an affective tool in getting them to eventually see his way of thinking. Its important to note that Trump's Sun and Moon are being currently triggered by the karmic Nodes of Destiny and enlightened Neptune, during his nodal return. This means that the universe is checking in with him once more to make sure hes on the right path and propelling him to his fate. This occurs every 18 years when the Nodes of Destiny return to the place they were at the time of birth. President Trump's Sun is also currently in Gemini in his Midheaven, which is the house of his career. This means that hes definitely going to be in the headlines for the next year-and-a-half, regardless of whether or not hes our President. Neptune will be squaring his natal Nodes of Destiny, the Sun, the Moon, and the Midheaven. During the last election in 2016, Donald Trump was just beginning his Jupiter return in Libra, which is a 13 year transit in which fortunate Jupiter returns to the degree in which you were born. In other words, back in 2016, he was having advantageous astrological transit. It's important to note that on October 2, when Trump announced he had tested positive for COVID-19, it was just hours after the potent Full Harvest Moon, and a day after a planetary clash between a fraught Mars retrograde (dominance) and Saturn (authority). This means that his health diagnosis was indeed devastating, but it also shook up the trajectory he thought his life was going to take. However, in good news for Trump, planetary combination surrounding health issues usually means a speedy recovery. Election Day One thing is for sure: According to the stars, this will be one of most unpredictable elections in history. Planet of communication, Mercury, will end its retrograde journey in the middle of the day on November 3. Mercury retrograde occurs when the trickster planet slows down and Earth begins to move faster. During this time, we can experience technological breakdowns and meltdowns. And Election Day is when it will stop moonwalking, which it has been doing since October 13. Therefore, the announcement of who wins may be delayed as we all wait for the results to pour inwhich aligns with what the news has been predicting, given that so many mail-in ballots will slow down the tallying process this year. On Election Day, planet of action Mars, meanwhile, will be retrogradeit started moving backwards on September 9, and will continue its moonwalk until November 13 in Aries. Something to consider is that Mars was retrograde in Taurus during the election of Thomas Jefferson in 1800...and there was a lot of chaos leading up to, during, and after that election. So a word of advice: Double check your ballot before submitting it, and make sure your ballot is mailed in ASAP, because your vote will count more than ever in deciding the winner this year. The Capricorn stellium (a cluster of planets in the same sign) in Jupiter (an expansive planet), Saturn (an authoritative planet), and Pluto (a transformative planet) began in the late months of fall of 2019. It will help add practicality, structure, and discipline to the way the voters may cast their ballots. The shadow side to this transit will make voters unforgiving and scrupulous in their choices and will bring an amplified intensity, making us all feel on edge throughout the day. Mars was also retrograde in Taurus during the election of Thomas Jefferson in 1800...and there was a lot of chaos leading up to, during, and after that election. The Moon (which denotes the overall energy of a situation, and changes every 2.5 days) will be in Gemini conjunct to the North Node of Destiny on Election Day. This denotes a day filled with intellectual and philosophical sentiments. The Moon squares off with Neptune retrograde, which will add a somewhat confusing and compassionate vibe. Well all want to help each other out on an emotional level and make sure the election runs efficiently even though Neptune retrograde will bring anxieties our way. By now, I know you're wondering: Okay, this is all great, but who will win the election? The truth of the matter is that its going to take time before the candidates even know themselves, due to planetary aspects. But based on my analysis, there are two things I can say. First: Both Biden and Trump are meant to run against each other in 2020; the cosmic connectionslike their personal Nodes of Destinythat link them together at this moment in time, showing that they are fated to be opponents in this election. And second? This is the most unpredictable election that has ever taken place in America so far, due to Mercurys direct station and Mars continued backwards spin, both transits that have never occurred together during an American presidential election. So in summary? Strap up, strap in, and grab your wine, because this election day is going to bring on lots of confusion. For more stories like this, sign up for our newsletter. You Might Also Like Calvey, other defendants in $40 mln embezzlement case to stay detained until mid-November Moskva city news agency, Alexander Avilov 16:14 06/10/2020 MOSCOW, October 6 (RAPSI) The First Appeals Court of General Jurisdiction on Tuesday upheld extension of house arrest of Baring Vostok investment company's founder Michael Calvey and other defendants in a 2.5-billion-ruble (about $40 million) embezzlement case, the courts press service told RAPSI. In August, the Moscow City Court prolonged house arrest of Calvey, Baring Vostok partner for the financial industry sector Philippe Delpal, Baring Vostok investment director Ivan Zyuzin, partner Vagan Abgaryan, CEO of the First Collectors Bureau Maxim Vladimirov and former chairmen of the board of Vostochny bank Alexey Kordichev, until November 13. In early December, the Moscow City Court denied release of over 7.5 million rubles ($117,000) belonging to Calvey from attachment but overturned the seizure of his flat. In mid-February 2019, Moscows Basmanny District Court ordered detention of Calvey and five other defendants including Delpal, the companys partners Vagan Abgaryan, Baring Vostok Investment Director Ivan Zyuzin, Maxim Vladimirov and ex- chairman of Vostochny bank board Alexey Kordichev. On April 11, Moscows Basmanny District Court released Calvey from detention and put him under house arrest. Delpals measure of restrained was changed in October. According to investigation, Calvey knowing about a 2.5-billion-ruble debt of the First Collector Bureau, a firm under his control, has organized the sale of its shares to Vostochny bank that has led to embezzlement. The Investigative Committee claims that he committed a crime that could not be classified as business crime because he used a chain of sham companies settling the deal. Moreover, investigators say they have a PricewaterhouseCoopers audit report on the done deal estimating the sold shares at 600,000 rubles, which indicates an instance of fraud. Calvey denies allegations insisting that the deal was fair as both companies agreed its terms and stood for it, including a person reporting an alleged crime to law enforcement bodies. He noted that a report has been filed with police by a member of Vostochny bank board of directors Sherzod Yusupov. According to Calvey, the real reason of his prosecution is a wide corporate dispute related to the control of the bank by two groups of shareholders: Baring Vostok and stockholders coming from Uniastrum bank, which was reorganized and joined to Vostochny in early 2017. Baring Vostok company founded by Calvey in 1994 focuses on private equity investments in the CIS and Russia. The company has invested in shares of Yandex, Vkusvill, Tinkoff Bank and other major projects. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Morning high of 32F with temps falling to near 20. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies with late-night snow showers. Low 16F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Mumbai, Oct 6 : Brutally targeted from various quarters after the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the Mumbai Police has now decided to hit back at the invisible army of social media trolls on various platforms, an official said here on Tuesday. Cyber Cell Deputy Commissioner of Police Rashmi Karandikar said that several social media account holders are trolling the Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook using abusive language against him and the police force. "Most of these accounts are fake... We will be taking action against all these fake account holders. Last month, another FIR was registered against a culprit who used a morphed image of the official Twitter account of the city Police Commissioner," Karandikar said, adding a probe is underway in both matters. The developments came around 110 days after Sushant Singh's death, coinciding with the AIIMS' report that has ruled out all speculation alleging the actor was murdered. The AIIMS' report was widely welcomed by the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi constituents Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress who decried the manner in which "the state government and Mumbai Police were sought to be maligned" in the matter. "We are not at all surprised by this... It was also the finding of the Cooper Hospital team," Singh reacted to the AIIMS conclusions, while the MVA partners have demanded a SIT probe into the entire trolling business. Police sources said that there may be around 80,000-1,00,000 such 'fake accounts' created on various social media platforms after the actor's death June 14 and some are allegedly being shut down now. As per the Cyber Police's preliminary analysis, the slanderous or abusive posts were uploaded from India and even several countries in Europe, Scandinavia, south-east Asia and other global locations targeting the Mumbai Police. Congress Spokesperson Sachin Sawant and Shiv Sena leader Kishore Tiwari have lauded the police initiative for probing the social media menace that was encountered in the past nearly four months since the actor's death. "I welcome the decision... Soon I will share very crucial information on this with the government on the social media accounts which were solely generated by the BJP IT Team to promote the 'conspiracy theory' in the Sushant Singh case and defame Maharashtra," Sawant said in a statement. Tiwari said that the social media posts were "directly interfering" with the investigations of Mumbai Police, and later the CBI, ED and NCB, besides the country's judicial processes and the Cyber Police must act accordingly. "There were blatantly fake expert opinions, imaginary scenarios concocted, and some television channels also promoted such frauds on their talk-shows... However, the Sushant Singh murder theory has fallen flat, while the so-called 'morgue visit' by Rhea Chakraborty has disappeared into thin air," Tiwari told IANS. The police are confident of making a few arrests in the cases which could attract a jail sentence of upto five years. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text A council has apologised after two brothers were stopped from comforting their mother during their father's funeral. Craig and Paul Bicknell had been attending their father's funeral in Milton Keynes, but family and friends had to sit two metres apart during the service to adhere to coronavirus regulations. But, when the pair noticed their mother becoming visibly upset, they picked up their chairs and moved closer to comfort her. However, an official swiftly walked into the room and interrupted the service to tell them to move back. Sharing a video of the incident on Facebook, Craig said he was "absolutely heartbroken" after not being allowed to give his mum a "cuddle". "I was angry, it was a really empty feeling. She needed us more than ever," Craig told Good Morning Britain. He added: "I did speak to everybody and say my mum is very vulnerable, and I will need to, at some point, if she does break, I will need to go and comfort my mum. "I couldn't sit there and watch my mum go through that." Craig said he heard the door open as soon as he started moving his chair towards his mother to comfort her. "That's when you see me slightly look back and the way he came, I'd say, flying out of the room towards us - I was slightly nervous of how much pace he was coming at me with," he said. "When he said 'stop' and explained what he wanted us to do, I had to make a split-second decision - do I react? Do I try and talk to this guy, reason with this guy, and beg this guy that I need to be with my mum? Rishi Sunak says 'more to do' to improve test and trace system "Or do I sit back down with my chair and give the service that my dad needed and we needed?" Craig said his friend had recently died, and he knew the "conditions we were coming up against" after attending his funeral the week before. But Craig and Paul had been in a "bubble" with their mother for weeks before the funeral and questioned why the council has different rules to what the Government has put in place. Milton Keynes Council has apologised for the "upset" caused to the family. A spokesman told the Standard: "We don't usually step in if a guest needs to be comforted by another family member and in this instance should have taken a more considered approach. "We ask funeral directors to let us know whether any chairs should be grouped in advance, and from now on this includes guests who are in the same household or bubbles, as well as people who need extra support. "We hope this provides additional comfort at a difficult time." Henry Ford Health System surgeons involved in the study say patients should choose the best option in consultation with their physician. Every year more than 250,000 people undergo surgery for appendicitis, making it one of the 20 most common surgeries performed in the United States. In the largest randomized U.S. study of appendicitis published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from Henry Ford Health System and 24 other sites around the U.S. report that seven in 10 patients who received antibiotics avoided surgery and that patients who took antibiotics for symptom relief fared no worse in the short term than those who underwent surgery. Still, researchers cautioned that taking antibiotics for appendicitis is not for everyone and advised patients to consult with their physician. The significance of this study means that surgeons and patients now have more options for the treatment of appendicitis. We now know that we can safely and effectively treat a significant number of patients with antibiotics alone and avoid surgery. We encourage patients to weigh their options based on their individual circumstances before deciding which treatment is best for them." J.H. "Pat" Patton, M.D,Study Co-Investigator and Medical Director of Surgical Services, Henry Ford Health System Henry Ford was among 25 U.S. sites in 14 states that participated in the study, Comparing Outcomes of Antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA). With 1,552 patients studied between May 3, 2016 and Feb. 2, 2020, CODA represents the largest study comparing surgery and antibiotics in adults with appendicitis and is roughly three times larger than the previous one. The study was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcome Research Institute. Unlike prior studies, CODA was the first to include patients with severe appendicitis and a condition called appendicolith, in which a small stone forms in the appendix. Researchers originally planned to report their findings after patients recovered for one year. With concern about limiting unneeded surgeries during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers decided to reduce the time frame for reporting results following either surgical or antibiotic intervention to 90 days in order to give physician data on the effectiveness of this non-surgical option. Key findings of the study: Seven in ten patients who received antibiotics avoided surgery within the first 90 days following treatment, while three in ten did eventually need surgery within the same time frame Four in ten patients with an appendicolith who received antibiotics required surgery within 90 days of receiving antibiotics as their first treatment Patients treated with either antibiotics or surgery experienced symptoms of appendicitis for about the same amount of time prior to treatment Patient treated with antibiotics missed less time from work or school but reported more visits to the Emergency Department and days spent in the hospital overall than those who had surgery Researchers acknowledge that the study's timing in the middle of a pandemic could have broad implications for both patients and hospitals. Risk of COVID-19 exposure or going to a hospital continues to be a real concern for patients who may find antibiotic treatment a preferred choice. The study also provides hospitals with clarifying options as they prepare for a possible surge of COVID-19 cases this fall and winter. Because of health care disparities highlighted in the pandemic, Dr. Patton cautions that doctors be mindful of properly addressing vulnerable patient populations on the implications of the study. "We recognize some patients may not want to come into a hospital environment during a pandemic. This study tells us that antibiotics are a viable option for some of these patients," Dr. Patton says. "And as the data are starting to show, patients who are COVID positive and undergo general anesthetic may have more complications than they may otherwise have. If we can treat patients successfully on an outpatient basis, we can keep them out of the hospital and preserve resources for other types of surgeries." Jeffrey Johnson, M.D., medical director of Trauma at Henry Ford Hospital and co-investigator on the CODA trial, recommends that patients assess all their options with their doctor. "Beyond the treatment itself, patients need to fully explore their medical condition and personal factors like time off from work and school, insurance coverage and caregiving responsibilities when making their decision," Dr. Johnson says. "What this study shows is there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Patients ought to evaluate the benefits and risks of taking antibiotics or opting for surgery and make an informed decision on what is important to them." An appendectomy is the standard treatment for treating appendicitis and most patients recover quickly and without complications. The procedure is performed laparoscopically or by one incision and involves surgically removing the appendix, a small tube-shaped pouch that is attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen. Severe abdominal or stomach pain, low-grade fever and loss of appetite are classic symptoms. An overnight hospital stay is typical for most patients. In the study 776 patients were randomly assigned to receive antibiotics and 776 patients to undergo appendectomy (776). Patients' median age was 38 and 63 percent were men and 37 percent women. The ethnic background was 60 percent white, 23 percent other, 5 percent Asian, 2 percent American Indian or Alaska Native and 1 percent Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Patients in the antibiotics group received a 10-day course of antibiotics based on guidelines from the Surgical Infection Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America. Of the 1,552 patients, 172 were enrolled at Henry Ford Hospital, the health system's hospital in Detroit. Researchers will be reporting on additional findings from data that continues to be collected from patients. Future analysis will examine long-term quality of life, recurrence of appendicitis in the antibiotics group and predictors of outcomes based on patient characteristics among other topics. The Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, on Tuesday, adjourned till October 19 and 20, the ongoing N2.2 billion fraud trial of a former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, due to the inability of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce its witness. The former governor and a firm, Spotless Investment Limited, were first arraigned on October 22, 2018 for alleged criminal breach of trust, theft and money laundering. He also was accused of receiving $5 million from a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro. The commission said the offence contravened sections 15(1), 16(d) and 18(c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011. Mr Fayose was granted bail on October 24, 2018 after pleading not guilty. The EFCC had on Monday called on its seventh witness, Adedamola Otunyalo, who was the head of the Cash in Transit Services of the now-defunct Diamond Bank, in the alleged criminal trial. He told the court that N1.2 billion was transferred to Mr Obanikoro. On 16 June 2014, I got instruction from my director, Mr Premier Oiwoh, to make payment of N1.2 billion to some beneficiaries listed on a document. At the resumed hearing, the prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs, who applied for the adjournment, told the trial judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, that the commission was having difficulties in producing its eight witness to the court due to the happenings at the commission. Mr Aneke granted the adjournment for the continuation of the trial. In the past few months, allegations of corruption had rocked the anti-corruption agency, EFCC, involving its suspended acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu. President Muhammadu Buhari in July approved the suspension of Mr Magu, who is currently being investigated by a panel headed by a former president of the Court of Appeal, Ayo Salami over allegations of graft and insubordination levelled against him by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami. Mr Magu has repeatedly denied the allegations. Despite the current crisis facing the global aviation industry, its commitment to pursuing sustainability remains strong, particularly as the sector starts to recover, said experts at the Global Sustainable Aviation Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. Industry leaders reiterated that long-term climate action should be a priority alongside economic recovery in the coming years. Executive Director of the cross-industry Air Transport Action Group, Michael Gill said: Air transport is in the midst of the deepest shock in its history. We expect a reduction of up to 4.8 million jobs in the sector by the end of the year and a massive hit to our ability to connect the world. However, as we plan for the recovery of air connectivity, we also must prioritize our environmental progress. Our sector has a long-term climate change goal to cut CO2 emissions in half by 2050. With the right help from governments, the energy sector and technologists, we expect that global aviation will be able to hit net zero emissions a decade or so later. Some parts of the world will be able to meet this point earlier and a number of individual companies have already set goals along these lines. To achieve this will require a transition in our energy source from fossil fuel to sustainable aviation fuel, the acceleration of research and development of electric, hybrid and potentially hydrogen aircraft. It will also require a commitment to collaboration going even beyond our current levels. We have the next decade to set the scene for sustainable global connectivity for the next 30-40 years. Speaking about the need to focus on sustainability as part of the industrys long-term recovery from Covid-19, the Director General of Airports Council International, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, said: The recovery of the aviation industry will be a key driver of the global economic recovery. To ensure that aviation can continue to provide the economic and social benefits, it is crucial that we pursue a green recovery and lay the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable industry for the long term. Airports are central to the interconnected and interdependent aviation ecosystem. Airports and their partners in the aviation industry need the support of appropriate regulation and government policies to facilitate a green recovery and push for real change. Civil Air Navigation Services Organization Director General Simon Hocquard said: Meeting our ambitious sustainability goals continues to be of paramount importance and will only happen if everyone in the aviation system plays their part. From implementing new operational procedures to adopting the latest technologies, the ATM industry has an important role to play in improving the efficiency of aviation in the near term, before new electric aircraft technologies or zero-carbon fuels come on stream. Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association, said: Covid-19 has devastated the aviation industry. But we are working hard to re-connect the world safely and sustainably. Were committed to pushing ourselves, our partners, and governments to achieve our carbon targets in a green recovery. But this is not the time for more environmental taxes that punish people for reconnecting with family or who contribute to economic recovery with business travel. For aviation, the keys to combating climate change remain investments in carbon offsetting, sustainable fuels, and radical green technologies. Chair of the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations, Eric Fanning, said: Manufacturers invest billions of dollars a year to make the next generation of airplanes even more fuel-efficient, but disruption from COVID-19 will make it difficult to maintain this level of investment in research and development. Moving forward, government and industry leaders must find new ways to collaborate on funding and developing innovative technologies that will address climate change." TradeArabia News Service Michael Cohen, personal lawyer for President-elect Donald Trump, gets into an elevator at Trump Tower, December 12, 2016 in New York City. Drew Angerer/Getty Images Michael Cohen, President Trump's former personal attorney, told Business Insider he wants to help free imprisoned whistleblower Reality Winner. In 2018, Winner was sentenced to over five years in prison for leaking a classified report to the media detailing Russian government efforts to hack US election infrastructure. Cohen said he is meeting with an attorney this week to take a "deep dive" into Winner's case, with the goal of winning her compassionate release. "I know what it's like for a family to be torn apart and the sadness it brings," Cohen said. "If I can help to alleviate that, I'd feel slightly better about myself." Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald Trump's former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, says he is working to free Reality Winner, a former US intelligence specialist who leaked classified evidence regarding the Russian government's efforts to intervene in the 2016 election. "We had this amazing conversation," Billie Winner-Davis, Reality's mother, told Business Insider during a phone call on Monday. "He talked with me about different ways that he could maybe help my daughter you know, to get a good attorney involved with her team to try to get compassionate release for her." Reality Winner, 28, was in 2018 sentenced to five years and three months in prison for sending The Intercept a classified report from the National Security Agency detailing Moscow's efforts to hack a US voting software supplier and dozens of local election systems. Charged under the US Espionage Act, Winner's is the longest sentence ever handed out to a whistleblower. Speaking to Business Insider over the summer, Winner-Davis lamented the lack of activist support for her daughter, compared to other national security whistleblowers. She also expressed some resentment over the fact that her daughter was denied compassionate release during the pandemic while others who worked for Trump, such as Cohen and former campaign manager Paul Manafort, enjoyed the relative comforts of house arrest. Story continues "As each chapter of this unfolds, I see just how corrupt our system really is, and I see just how powerless the average American is," Winner-Davis said at the time. Weeks later, Reality was one of more than 500 women to contract COVID-19 at the Federal Medical Center in Ft. Worth, Texas, where she is incarcerated. Cohen, who himself pleaded guilty in 2018 to lying about President Trump's business dealings in Russia, among other crimes, told Business Insider that he recognizes there is something poetic indeed, ironic about his taking up Winner's case. Working to free a woman who revealed Russian electoral interference, undertaken to help his former boss win an election, is part of making up for his previous life, he said. "I told [Billie] I would like to pay it forward and see if I can help another innocent person who's been railroaded by the system," Cohen said. "It's only a small part of my need to make amends." Cohen, who's serving a three-year sentence for tax evasion and campaign finance violations, said that he's meeting with an attorney this week to take a "deep dive" into Winner's case with an eye toward obtaining her compassionate release "to reunite a mother with her daughter and to make her family whole again" "I know what it's like for a family to be torn apart and the sadness it brings," Cohen said. "If I can help to alleviate that, I'd feel slightly better about myself." Winner-Davis, who said her daughter is now feeling better but frustrated with her prison's ongoing, "torturous" lockdown, is hopeful that Cohen means what he says, and that he can help deliver the compassionate release that he himself obtained but has repeatedly been denied to Reality. "This is a good guy who got wrapped up into a bad world," she said. Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com Read the original article on Business Insider John McAfee, an antivirus software pioneer who fled Belize in 2012 ahead of a murder investigation there, has been arrested in Spain on tax evasion charges, the U.S. Justice Department said Monday. McAfee, 75, is a Silicon Valley legend who earned millions from the computer virus-fighting software company that still bears his surname. In 2012, he disappeared from his home in Belize after the local police sought him for questioning over the death of his neighbor. He resurfaced in Guatemala City a few weeks later, then largely dropped out of the public eye for years until 2016, when he attempted to run as a Libertarian candidate for president of the United States. The Justice Department said Monday that McAfees extradition from Spain to the United States was pending. It did not provide a timeline, and McAfee could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday. Prosecutors accused McAfee of failing to file tax returns from 2014-18, even as he earned millions from promoting cryptocurrencies, consulting work, speaking engagements, and selling the rights to his life story for a documentary, according to a June indictment in U.S. court in Tennessee that the Justice Department unsealed Monday. The indictment said that McAfee evaded his tax liability by accepting payments through bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchange accounts that were set up by others. It also said that he tried to dodge the IRS by dealing extensively in cryptocurrency and buying assets including real estate and a yacht in other peoples names. Each count of tax evasion carries a maximum prison sentence of five years, and each count of failure to file carries a maximum one year sentence. A separate complaint, filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday in the Southern District of New York against McAfee and his bodyguard, Jimmy Gale Watson, provided a few more details of the U.S. governments allegations. It said that McAfee had made more than $23 million from 2017-18 by recommending several initial coin offerings a type of crowdfunding to his hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers, playing it off as impartial investment advice without disclosing that he was being paid to do so. According to the 55-page complaint, McAfee was paid about half in Bitcoin and half in Ether, the virtual currency of the Ethereum network, a virtual cousin of Bitcoin, by the companies that were selling the securities. McAfee, the software company that bears his name, was once a household name in computer security software. Intel bought it in 2010 for $7.7 billion, but sold its majority stake six years later to the investment firm TPG. McAfee has not been associated with the company since the 1990s, and the recent indictment does not suggest that he has had any connection with it since. In 2012, McAfee who was born in Britain and raised in Virginia was at the center of a media frenzy surrounding the death in Belize of a neighbor and compatriot, Gregory Faull. McAfee disappeared after police announced that he was a person of interest in the investigation but continued to blog and tweet. He insulted the Belize government and police, and said he had fled because he feared for his life. A few weeks later, he turned up in Guatemala City, seeking asylum. His lawyer said he was being persecuted because he had refused to give authorities in Belize any more money. The prime minister of Belize, Dean Barrow, called McAfee bonkers. McAfees hiding spot in Guatemala was revealed inadvertently days later by a reporter and photographer who had interviewed him at his hiding spot, and he was arrested in that country on immigration charges. There was little news of McAfee until 2016, when he announced that he was running for president of the United States as a Libertarian. Heres to the crazy ones, he said in a campaign video, adding that neither he nor any of his fellow Libertarian candidates stood any chance of becoming president. (Sure enough, he lost the partys nomination to Gary Johnson.) Last year, a Florida court ordered McAfee to pay $25 million after ruling against him in a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Faulls estate. In response, McAfee wrote on Twitter that he would not pay, calling the judgment part of a legal extortion game aimed at Americas wealthy class. He also said that he was never suspected of murder by authorities in Belize or elsewhere. A few months later, Reuters reported that McAfee had arrived in Britain after being detained with his wife for entering the Dominican Republic with firearms on his yacht. The office of the Caribbean countrys attorney general asked him where he wanted to go, and he decided on London, Candido Simon, a lawyer representing McAfee in the Dominican Republic, told the news agency. As for his recent whereabouts, his Twitter account, which has a million followers, lists his location as wherever I am. The SEC complaint said Monday that he currently resides in an unknown location. Last month, McAfee weighed in on the 2020 presidential election. Who am I voting for? he wrote on Twitter. No-one. Why would I choose one person over another to control me? Slave masters are the same. We are numbers rather than people, irrespective of the master. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Home Business Fertiliser borrowed from Bangladesh to arrive in Nepal in late Nov only Kathmandu, October 6 It has been one month since prime ministers of Nepal and Bangladesh held a telephone conversation, in which Bangladesh agreed to lend 50,000 tonnes of urea fertiliser to Nepal. But, officials say the fertiliser will arrive in Nepal only in late November. It will take still one and a half months for the fertiliser to come to Nepal as the company selected to import has not signed a contract yet, according to them. A company from the United Arab Emirates was selected in the first week of September to import the fertiliser. However, the government-owned Krishi Samagri Company Limited says the complicated agreement procedure has not ended yet. The companys manager Netra Bahadur Bhandari says the Arab company will have to sign the contract by the end of this week. Then, the fertiliser will arrive in at most 70 days. Bhandari hopes the fertiliser could be used for the farmers to apply to mustard and wheat crops December. From now until Election Day, Yahoo News and YouGov will deliver weekly reports on how sentiment is shifting among key groups of voters in the final phase of the 2020 presidential campaign. One of the main reasons Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election is that voters who disapproved of both Trump and his rival, Hillary Clinton, broke for Trump by about 18 percentage points. In the abstract, its something of a statistical quirk, the Washington Posts Philip Bump recently explained. In practice, though, it might have given Trump the White House. In contrast, Trumps party lost control of the House of Representatives in the 2018 midterm elections due mainly to large numbers of voters who had cast ballots for Trump just two years earlier but switched sides and voted for Democrats particularly college-educated white women. President Trump removes his mask upon his return to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Now, in a troubling sign for Trumps 2020 chances, all three groups voters who disapprove of both candidates; voters who cast ballots for different parties in 2016 and 2018; and college-educated white women are moving in Joe Bidens direction. By partnering with YouGov to track the views of 13 key demographic groups (including suburban voters, Latino voters and white seniors) across nine important metrics (including vote intention, Trump approval and direction of the country), Yahoo News has identified a significant shift away from Trump over the last week a period in which the president delivered a poorly received debate performance and was hospitalized with COVID-19. Consider the following chart, which compares the results of the Sept. 25 Yahoo News/YouGov survey of 2,566 registered voters with the results of the Oct. 5 Yahoo News/YouGov survey of 3,970 U.S. registered voters: In short order, Biden added 10 points to his lead among voters who dislike both candidates; 12 points to his lead among white college-educated women; and 16 points to his lead among 2016-2018 swing voters. Among those who disapprove of both candidates, nearly all of Bidens expanded margin came from voters abandoning Trump, whose support in this group fell by half (from 24 percent to 12 percent) between late September and early October. Where did Trumps former supporters go? Half now say they will back third-party candidates instead; half say theyre undecided. This trend does not bode well for Trump. Story continues Among college-educated white women, there were two shifts: one toward Biden (who gained 4 points) and a bigger one away from Trump (who lost 8). Finally, nearly all of Bidens expanded lead among 2016-2018 swing voters came from former undecideds suddenly breaking for the Democrat. In late September, 21 percent of these voters said they hadnt settled on a candidate; 7 percent said they werent planning to vote. By early October, however, just 9 percent were still describing themselves as undecided and just 4 percent were still saying they expected to sit out the election. Remarkably, the whole of that shift went to Biden, whose support among 2016-2018 swing voters shot up by 16 points (from 40 percent to 56 percent) as a result. Trumps, meanwhile, did not budge (31 percent). Why such a rapid turn within these three key voting blocs? The data suggests that Biden himself had little to do with it. In fact, among 2016-2018 swing voters, the former vice presidents favorability actually fell from 68 percent before the debate to 52 percent after. Instead, Trumps hectoring debate performance and careless handling of the growing COVID-19 cluster in and around his White House may have turned these voters off. Among 2016-2018 swing voters, the presidents unfavorable rating has increased from 50 percent to 56 percent; among college-educated white women, it has climbed from 58 percent to 63 percent. Meanwhile, a full 57 percent of voters who dislike both candidates now say they disapprove of Trumps handling of COVID-19 up nearly 10 points since late September. Joe Biden at a campaign stop at Little Haiti Cultural Complex in Miami on Monday. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters) _____ Read more from Yahoo News: (Newser) After trying to delay his appearance until after the presidential election, Eric Trump gave a deposition Monday in a civil investigation into the Trump Organization. The interview was conducted on video, but the president's son was under oath. Neither side would discuss what was said. New York Attorney General Letitia Jamesis is looking into whether the Trump family company fraudulently inflated assets to acquire bank loans and tax benefits, the New York Times reports. Rejecting an attempt to put off the deposition until after Nov. 3, a judge had given Trump a deadline of Wednesday, per the AP. After he was elected, President Trump said his sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr. would run the Trump Organization. (Read more Eric Trump stories.) 3 1 of 3 The White House/Getty Images Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Twitter Show More Show Less 3 of 3 President Donald Trump has been known to say some pretty wild things, and today just might take the cake. The tweets come after the president's COVID-19 diagnosis, for which he is currently being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland. Representatives of Ukraine and the European Union have signed six financial agreements totalling almost EUR 400 million on the sidelines of the EU-Ukraine Summit in Brussels. The signing ceremony has just taken place in Brussels, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The first document the agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the European Commission on financing the project Strong Regions provides for a total EUs contribution of EUR 30 million. The purpose of the agreement is to increase Ukraine's resilience amid hybrid threats and other destabilizing factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU will provide targeted support to the regions of Ukraine in combating the coronavirus pandemic, contribute to the safety of people affected by the conflict in Donbas and the illegal annexation of Crimea, and support freedom of speech and independent media in Ukraine. In addition, the agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the European Commission on financing the project Civil Society Development in Ukraine to the tune of EUR 20 million was signed. This document will be aimed at strengthening civil society institutions in Ukraine and their ability to influence the country's reform and development processes, protect human rights, including combating gender and domestic violence. The third document is the agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the European Commission on financing the project Climate Package for Stable Economy: (CASE) in Ukraine with a budget of EUR 10 million. The agreement provides for the development and implementation of policies towards transiting to climate-neutral energy supply, improving energy efficiency, combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transiting to the so-called circular economy with the active use of secondary resources. The three above-mentioned documents were signed by Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna and EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy And Enlargement Negotiations Oliver Varhelyi. The fourth document, the agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the European Investment Bank (EIB) on financing the project "Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings in Ukraine" aims to carry out thermos-modernization of public buildings in Ukraine. The projects budget is EUR 300 million. The agreement was signed by Minister of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov and EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwinska. Two more financial documents provide for cooperation between the Government of Ukraine and the EIB in the development and digital transformation of JSC Ukrposhta (Ukrainian Postal Service). In particular, the Guarantee Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the European Investment Bank (EIB) "Logistics Network (Modernization and Digitization of Ukrposhta)" will allow the company to purchase modern sorting equipment and implement an automated freight movement control system. For this purpose, the EIB provides 30 million loan with a grace period of 4 years and a loan repayment period of 20 years. The agreement was signed by Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Vladyslav Kryklii and EIB Vice-President Lilyana Pavlova. The sixth document the agreement between Ukrposhta and the EIB "Logistics Network (Modernization and Digitization of Ukrposhta)" defines the activities for the efficient use of EIB loans. In particular, Ukrposhta should modernize its logistics network by building three new sorting centers, 20 postal depots and the relevant IT infrastructure. The document was signed by Director General of JSC Ukrposhta Ihor Smiliansky and EIB Vice-President Lilyana Pavlova. As reported, the 22nd EU-Ukraine Summit is held in Brussels on October 6. ol Photo credit: European Union While Trump has told aides he was bored at the hospital and eager to get back into the action he briefly left the hospital Sunday to greet supporters from a vehicle outside medical experts said he also should proceed cautiously. The CDC says seriously ill coronavirus patients may need to remain in quarantine for up to 20 days. Some of the drugs Trump has been prescribed are known to have side effects including euphoria, confusion or emotional instability. The Reserve Bank of India will hold a monetary policy committee meeting from Wednesday through Friday, it said in a release on Tuesday. The RBI had to reschedule the meeting from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 as the government had not appointed three new external members on the committee. The Indian government named Shashanka Bhide, Ashima Goyal and Jayanth Varma as its nominees monetary policy committee late on Monday. The RBI is expected to keep key rates unchanged at its policy review, but may for the first time since February provide guidance on how the economy is performing amid the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Three new members appointed to RBI's MPC; monetary policy meet on October 9 Naomi Campbell is set to star in a brand new docuseries The Supermodels, which will follow the iconic careers of herself and her fellow models. The catwalk Queen, 50, will feature in the Apple TV+ series alongside Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, with the programme taking a look back how they made a huge impact on the 90s fashion scene and beyond. The series will be directed by the two-time Academy Award winning Barbara Kopple, while it will be executive produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howards Imagine Documentaries. Catwalk Queen: Naomi Campbell is set to star in a brand new docuseries The Supermodels, which will follow the iconic careers of herself and her fellow models Speaking about her new venture, Naomi told MailOnline: 'My sisters Christy, Linda, Cindy and I are extremely thrilled to share our story with the world and there could be no better partners than Brian Grazer and Ron Howard which is a dream come true to bring it to life, as we knew they would respect and honor our story. 'We hope our journey seen in the docuseries will encourage, motivate and inspire young people around the world. We look forward to this great adventure ahead with director Barbara Kopple.' While Cindy, 54, wrote on her Instagram page: 'Im excited to reunite with my friends to both celebrate and examine the way supermodels transcended the traditional perceptions and limits of modeling in the fashion industry through time. Icons: The catwalk Queen, 50, will feature in the Apple TV+ series alongside Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington 'With the support of Imagine Documentaries and Academy Award-winning director Barbara Kopple, we plan to explore the dynamic personalities, and shifts in media and culture that helped shape and define this iconic era.' The Supermodels will take fans back to the 1980s at the start of their modelling careers and document how the four women came together from across the globe and collectively achieved a notoriety that transcended throughout the industry. The four-part series will also examine the ladies work today, in not only the fashion industry, but activism, philanthropy and business, and how the quartet have blazed a path for the next generation. They were part of the 'it' model crowd: The four women seen with other supermodels on the cover of Vogue in 1992 The staple: Naomi in 1991, left, in the Alaia show in Paris and on the town in 2019, right, in Marc Jacobs Her very early years: As a young model on the cover of Vogue Italy Linda, 55, said of the series: 'To finally have the opportunity to tell our story in collaboration with the brilliant team at Imagine, and under the direction of Barbara Kopple, is as exciting for us as we hope it will be for viewers. 'I would love for people to see this as a celebration of not only our individual stories, but also to the power of friendship, dreams and perseverance.' While Christy, 51, added: ' I am looking forward to looking back on this unprecedented time in fashion with these incredible women whom I have grown up with.' Originally from south London, Naomi established herself among the top three most recognisable and in-demand models of the late 1980s. She has not aged! Cindy Crawford seen left on the catwalk at a presentation of Dolce And Gabbana's spring-summer collection in Milan in 1991. On the right, the star is seen in 2017 at the Daily Front Row's 3rd Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards An instant classic: The Illinois native landed on the cover of Vogue dozens of times Just before she turned 16, she was on the cover of British Elle and in 1987, she became British Vogue's first black cover girl since 1966. Meanwhile Cindy is said to have featured on around 500 magazine covers and walked for shows including Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, DKNY, and previously, Valentino. The ladies, alongside fellow super models Claudia Schiffer, Helen Christensen and Carla Bruni reunited on the catwalk in 2017 for the Versace SS18 show at Milan Fashion Week. A dynamo always: Christy is seen on the runway in 1991, left, and at FGI Night Of Stars Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC in 2019, right A favorite for healthy products: The San Francisco native landed on many magazine covers Showing the young guns how it was done, fashion's golden girls brought the show to a stunning climax, after it was opened by Kendall Jenner and model sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid. The Nineties supermodels walked designer Donatella Versace down the runway to rapturous applause as they paid tribute to her late designer brother Gianni Versace, who was killed in 1997. On the 20th anniversary of his death, it was a fitting tribute to a man with whom each of the women worked personally during their modelling days. The women were all dressed in glittering gowns, proving that their supermodel figures were all looking impeccable into their late forties - and early fifties, for some at the time. Together again: Naomi and Cindy, alongside fellow super models Claudia Schiffer, Helen Christensen and Carla Bruni reunited on the catwalk in 2017 for the Versace SS18 show at Milan Fashion Week Kamala Harris and Mike Pence will debate with a plexiglass shield between them to prevent any spread of coronavirus. (REUTERS) When Senator Kamala Harris takes the debate stage on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City, she'll do so as the first African American woman and woman of South Asian descent to do so in US history. All candidates come to the debate with baggage and expectations; in 1976, audiences expected Bob Dole to be ruthless, and in 2008 they expected Sarah Palin to blunder her way through the event. When Ms Harris takes the stage, she will do so bearing the weight of not only being a woman, but of being a person of color. Dr Lori Cox Han, professor of political science at Chapman University, said audiences will expect more - and tolerate less - from Ms Harris than they would from most male candidates simply because she's a woman. "Can you imagine a woman on a debate stage behaving like Trump or Biden on Tuesday?" Dr Han asked. "There would have been a totally different reaction because there's a totally different standard. Even though when women see Harris get angry they say 'yeah we've always wanted to say that too,' some people will view her aggression as not being feminine." Dr Han explained that women are inherently at a disadvantage in contests like debates where individuals are measured by how "presidential" they look because the idea of a president in US society is almost always masculine. "You can't be too harsh or too aggressive because it plays against you as a woman, but you can't come across as too weak because then you're viewed as not being able to handle the work," Dr Han said. "It's a very fine line, and it's always an extra burden placed on women due to their gender." Dr Tammy Vigil, associate professor of communication at Boston University and an author on political rhetoric, said that antiquated gender roles and expectations are so ingrained in American society that they often shape the policy interests of women as they grow in their political ambitions. Story continues "This is true across politics, and especially so in conservative circles, but women have to recast themselves in a way that legitimizes their personal interest in politics. Women who do reach high levels cast themselves as having pursued that power for the sake of helping others - women, children, families - in ways that are traditionally gender oriented," Dr Vigil said. "To demonstrate personal ambition is frowned upon for women but not for men." While a man like Donald Trump is celebrated by his supporters for his unapologetic vying for wealth and power, a woman doing the same would likely be loathed, as was the case for Hillary Clinton in 2016. Ms Harris not only has to contend with gender based bias during the debate, but racial bias as well. "There is this awful stereotype of 'angry black woman' that people throw around, that may be thrown at Harris if she's overly aggressive. Michelle Obama had to be cautious of it during her time as First Lady, and it's unfair because any show of emotion or assertiveness could result in people falling back on the stereotype," Dr Vigil said. "It's not an accurate or fair stereotype nor is it a fruitful way of understanding conversations that are and should be happening." Ms Harris isn't the first woman to take the stage during a vice presidential debate. Two women - Republican Governor Sarah Palin and Democratic Congresswoman Gerlaldine Ferraro - also stood on the debate stage as vice presidential candidates. Ms Ferraro knew firsthand the biases women experienced while in the national eye; during her debate with George H W Bush in 1984, Mr Bush talked down to Ms Ferraro and belittled her intellect during a sharp exchange regarding foreign policy issues. In her book Ferraro: My Story, Ms Ferraro explains the anger she felt during the exchange. "And that drew Bush's true chauvinistic colors. '... Let me help you with the difference, Mrs. Ferraro, between Iran and the embassy in Lebanon,' he said, going on to point out that the hostages were held by a foreign government in Iran while the Marines were in Lebanon by invitations 'to give peace a chance.' And I got angry," Ms Ferraro wrote. "Not only had Bush persisted in calling me 'Mrs. Ferraro' instead of 'Congresswoman Ferraro' throughout the debate, but now he had insulted me." She responded to Mr Bush with a sharp condemnation of his attitude. "Let me say first of all that I almost resent, Vice President Bush, your patronizing attitude that you have to teach me about foreign policy," she said. "Many people thought my rejoinder to Bush had been rehearsed, but it wasn't," Ms Ferraro wrote. "I wish I had not had to say it to him at all. No one likes to have her intelligence not only questioned but dismissed, as Bush had done to me. I won't sit still for that under any circumstances. And I certainly wasn't about to in this critical debate between the two vice-presidential candidates." As for Ms Harris and Wednesday's debates, Dr Han believes that - even with the unfair expectations she'll face - Ms Harris can put on a strong performance. "We probably won't see Kamala be too aggressive unless Pence attacks her for something, but that's not Pence's style. Kamala is good in debates and good at responding to things she thinks are ridiculous," Dr Han said. "She's pretty experienced and I think even if her primary campaign wasn't successful, the campaign trail has helped her a lot. She looks comfortable in the setting, so that's one expectation she won't have to overcome." Read more Kamala Harris and Mike Pence will debate with plexiglass shield between them Kamala Harris and Mike Pence will debate with plexiglass shield between them Five hundred of the worlds leading charities and social groups have sent a letter to the International Monetary Fund warning that its support programmes, which have had to be ramped up to cope with COVID-19, were condemning many countries to years of austerity. The concern raised before the IMF and World Bank annual meetings next week said current programmes would see 80 countries required to implement austerity worth on average 3.8% of their annual economic output between 2021 and 2023. An analysis by one of the 500 signatories of the letter, the European Network on Debt and Development, estimated that future fiscal consolidation would represent almost five times the resources allocated to this year's COVID-19 packages. More than half the projected consolidation measures -- equivalent to 2% of gross domestic product -- will take place next year, they added. Some 56 countries would be left with higher public debts by 2023; 30 would end up paying an additional amount equivalent to their 2020 Covid-19 packages to creditors as debt service costs rose every year. "For 46 countries for which data is available, a decade of austerity measures will reduce public expenditures from 25.7% to 23% of GDP between 2020 and 2030," the analysis said. The letter called on the IMF to "immediately stop promoting austerity around the world". The IMF has responded to an unprecedented number of calls for emergency financing as a result of this year's pandemic and lockdown measures driving the global economy into a severe recession. More than 100 countries have requested its help so far. The IMF has doubled the access to its emergency facilities the Rapid Credit Facility and Rapid Financing Instrument expecting demand for support to reach about $100 billion. On Monday, the Fund's board also approved a second six-month tranche of debt-service relief for 28 member countries under the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust. The trust has already provided over $30 billion and is backing an extension of the G20-led Debt Service Suspension Initiative for over 70 of the world's poorest countries. "Where debt is unsustainable, it should be restructured, the sooner the better," IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said as part of a blog post. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 6 2020 Social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest have familiarized laypeople on the most contemporary trends and looks in interior design, spurring the popularity of personalized and customized kitchen design services offered by various design consultants and home appliances brands, according to an interior designer. Weve been receiving more and more [inquiry for] personalized kitchen designs. Usually, when our clients come to us, theyve already looked at some kitchen designs available on various Instagram and Pinterest designer accounts, Dewi Indrawati, an interior designer and founder of the Get Design interior studio in Cipondoh, Banten, told The Jakarta Post. Then, they will simply show the pictures to us while saying: we want to have this kind of design, how much is the cost?, she continued. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Apparel exporters body on Tuesday said the government's decision to remove export curbs on N-95 masks will open up global markets for Indian players engaged in the sector. "This move will increase India's exports by Rs 1,000 crore annually. The country will now be able to bag export orders worth crore of rupees in this huge business opportunity. Annual export of all the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits including N-95 masks could be around Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 4,000 crore, chairman of the Sakthivel said in a statement. The government removed export curbs on N-95 masks, which are in demand due to COVID-19 pandemic, with a view to promoting outbound shipments of the product. The lifting of the export ban on N-95 masks opens up the global market finally for all items under PPE which has a total global market of more than USD 60 billion over the next five years, he said. He further added that this will strengthen the domestic PPE manufacturers to compete at the international level. The industry is producing more than 50 lakh N-95 and 2/3 ply masks on a daily basis. (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.) ALTON On Nov. 3, voters will choose between state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, and Foster Township Trustee Amy Elik, a Republican, in Legislative District 111. Bristow has been the districts representative since 2017. Before this, Bristow was president of the RiverBend Growth Association. She is a graduate of Alton High School and Lindenwood University. Going into the election, Bristow said she wants to reform Illinois government and end corruption that has plagued our state. Like many, I am outraged by the self-dealing behavior of politicians who put their own interests ahead of their constituents, she said, adding she believes state government should work for the people it serves, not the other way around. Families in our region live within their means, and so should our state government, Bristow said. She said that, as a state representative, one of the things she is most proud of is protecting Second Amendment rights. Working with both Republicans and Democrats, I passed a bipartisan package of legislation that helped expand the rights of law-abiding gun owners and reduce the burdensome requirements put on them, she said. Bristow said she also passed Malies Law which forces insurance companies to cover life-saving medical monitors for children. This legislation was dedicated in memory of an infant child who tragically lost her life after greedy insurance companies continued to prioritize profit over care, she said. Bristow said that she has been proud to work with Republican leaders for local jobs. I came to Springfield to put local jobs, people and families over politics, even if it means standing up to people in my own party, Bristow said. As state representative, I will continue to work with Republicans and Democrats in a bipartisan fashion to keep industries in our state competitive and protect our values and whats important to us in the Riverbend Region. Elik, of Fosterburg, has been a Foster Township Trustee since 2013. She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1995 with a bachelors of science in Accountancy and has been a certified public accountant and auditor for 25 years. She said she assisted individuals and small businesses with their accounting and tax issues while also performing audits of local governments, pension plans, and healthcare organizations. She is currently the chief financial officer of a long-term care management company which owns an assisted living facility. Elik said Illinois is in a financial crisis. My twenty-five years as a CPA and auditor, as well as my experience as a Foster Township Trustee, have given me the experience needed to evaluate spending priorities and ensure tax dollars are spent on the urgent needs of our communities. Elik said. She said that, as a Foster Township Trustee, she has decreased the township tax levy by 20%, which is the kind of leadership she wants to bring to Springfield. I believe representatives must be outspoken and effective members of their communities, she said. Elik has been a school board member and volunteer for St. Marys Catholic School in Alton, a member of the Rotary Club of the Riverbend and co-leader of the Fosterburg Ag 4-H Club. Elik said that she is running for the forgotten voices, adding whats happening in Springfield isnt working. Our representatives should not stand silently by while our residents suffer under high taxes and corrupt politics, she said. She stressed that she will never vote for Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan. I will never be silent when I see wrongdoing, and I will not support unbalanced budgets, irresponsible borrowing, and pay raises for politicians, she said. I will work for the people of this district and vote for our local priorities to assist job creators. I will be a voice for our district and work for policies that bring lower taxes, economic growth, and common sense back to Illinois, Elik said. 1 / 11 Universum, a firm that specialises in employer branding has released the "World's Most Attractive Employers" list for 2020. The firm's ranking is based on how attractive companies are for employees and has created a list of 50 brands based on a survey conducted of over 2 lakh students from the worlds top 12 economies. (Image: Reuters) 2 / 11 No 10 | French cosmetics group L'Oreal takes the 10th spot on the list. (Image: Reuters) 3 / 11 No 9 | US-based financial giant JP Morgan Chase & Co has emerged as a preferable choice by job seekers. (Image: Reuters) 4 / 11 No 8 | Accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is next on the list. One of the top accounting firms in the globe, the London-based firm as over 2,75,000 employees. (Image: Reuters) 5 / 11 No 7 | Another London-based accounting giant that made it to the list is Ernst & Young. (Image: Reuters) 6 / 11 No 6 | The New York-based multinational investment bank and financial services company Goldman Sachs, offers services in investment management, securities, asset management and prime brokerage among others. The firm is also a top choice for many job seekers. (Image: Reuters) 7 / 11 No 5 | Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, commonly referred to as Deloitte, is one of the Big Four accounting firms and the largest professional services network in the world by revenue and number of professionals. (Image: Reuters) 8 / 11 No 4 | Amazon, the Jeff Bezos-owned online retailer has operations in over 100 countries and the company's stock price has soared, making the CEO the richest man in the world. The Seattle-headquartered firm turned over $280.5 billion in revenues last year. (Image: Reuters) 9 / 11 No 3 | Microsoft, the American multinational technology company headed by Satya Nadella, develops, manufactures, licences, supports and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. (Image: Reuters) 10 / 11 No 2 | Apple, the US-based tech giant which is valued at over $2 trillion turned over $260.2 billion in revenues in 2019. (Image: AP Photo) Perez Hilton arrives at the TAO, Beauty and Essex, Avenue and Luchini Los Angeles grand opening on Thursday, March 16, 2017. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Perez Hilton has admitted he regrets being so cruel to celebrities. The celebrity gossip blogger rose to fame in the early 00s with his website PerezHilton.com, featuring spiteful attacks on stars, using paparazzi shots with inappropriate doodles. Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira Jr has now published a memoir TMI: My Life in Scandal, in which he confesses: "I have a ton of regrets, particularly because I now see that I never needed to be so mean or cruel. One of the many things I regret is that I hurt so many people by giving them nasty nicknames, and above all that I was unkind to the children of celebrities. Watch: TikTok users are petitioning to remove Perez Hilton from the app here's why "I also regret that I thought it was okay to out celebrities. That is something I no longer believe." The 43-year-old blogger told the BBC his turning point came in 2010 when activist Dan Savage launched the It Gets Better movement in response to the multiple suicides of teenagers that year, who had been bullied because they were gay. Read more: Perez Hilton mocked for blue glitter beard and turban outfit at the Oscars Hilton who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015 recorded a message of support for the campaign and faced an immediate backlash. Perez Hilton leaving the Big Brother house in 2015. (Getty Images) He said: "The response I got truly shook me to my core. Almost every comment said, 'You're a hypocrite, you're a bully, you're part of the problem.' I knew a lot of people didn't like me before then, but I was living in my own little bubble. "I had brainwashed myself into saying things like, 'If people don't like what I'm writing then they shouldn't read it.' Or '[Perez is] just a character, these people don't know the real me. Hilton claims he has changed over the past 10 years, stating: You can do your job and have an opinion and have it be strong, but not be hurtful or cruel." Perez Hilton with his idol, socialite Paris Hilton (Getty Images) Mila Kunis said in 2018 that Perez Hilton created the concept of trolling, saying: "To me, he was the first person that created ugly news, that literally just spread filth. Story continues Read more: Perez Hilton Under Fire For Bathing With His Two Children But Hilton has now responded: Did Mila Kunis never read Us Weekly or National Enquirer or Star magazine? All of those existed before I ever did, and they did the exact same thing. Maybe I was the first to do it online, and therefore, I'm a pioneer!" He added: If Mila Kunis were to release a song tomorrow, and I said I don't like her song, she might be like, 'Don't say that, just keep it to yourself. And to Mila Kunis, I say, 'Snap out of it!'" Hilton now has three children, born via surrogate mothers, sons Mario, seven, and Mayte, three, and five-year-old daughter Mia. Watch: Perez Hilton defends his past actions to Mischa Barton Iowa farmers help fight dead zone in Gulf of Mexico The Gulf of Mexico is hundreds of miles south of Iowa, but actions now being taken by the states farmers will, over a period of years, help to improve that body of water. The gulf is afflicted by hypoxia, which occurs when too much nitrogen and phosphorous gets into the water. That causes algae to grow like crazy, consuming all the oxygen in the water. The result is essentially a dead zone with no aquatic life in it. Last Thursday, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig gave the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force an update on what farmers here are doing to address the problem. He talked about the creation of wetlands that will filter tons of nitrogen from water draining off surrounding fields. Naig stressed the investment of private sector partners such as Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Nestle Purina, which has a pet food plant in Fort Dodge. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The BJP on Tuesday criticised the atrocities on Dalits "anywhere in India, regardless of whoever is in power". Answering to a question put forward by a reporter, the party's newly appointed General secretary Dushyant Gautam also slammed the opposition for their selective outrage based on "vote banks". "If Dalits, poor, workers or a daughter is raped or murdered in the country, it's a pathetic crime, regardless of whoever is in power," said Gautam. He added that there have been four "incidents" after the horrific killing and alleged gang-rape of a Dalit girl in Hathras -- in Kerala, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Gautam said he was "hurt" at the "pick and choose" policy over the outrage based on the party in power. "When people go there thinking whether they will get the vote of one community, it is to create a divide in the country and to weave a conspiracy," Gautam alleged. He also hit out at RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav for an alleged conversation in hushed voice caught by the microphone where Yadav could be heard talking about keeping a moment's silence seemingly aimed at garnering Dalit votes. Gautam claimed that the NDA will do well in Bihar, saying 85 per cent Indians, including opposition leaders, favoured Narendra Modi. He also termed the recent killing of a BJP worker in West Bengal as "murder of democracy". BJP national President J.P. Nadda held a meeting with the new general secretaries of the party on Monday and with the office-bearers on Tuesday. Gautam said Nadda asked all the office-bearers to take the message of the benefits of the farm Bills to the public across India. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Azerbaijani forces are using banned cluster bombs on Armenian forces as they the countries battle, western journalists have confirmed. The two countries have reported at least 266 deaths since fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh territory broke out on September 27, including 45 civilians. Yesterday there were reports that cluster bombs - which spread explosive bomblets when detonated - were being used. Small un-detonated bomblets have been seen littering the streets of Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh's capital following heavy shelling by Azerbaijani forces, according to the Daily Telegraph. According to Nagorno-Karabakh officials, about 220 servicemen on their side have died in the clashes since then. The state-run Armenian Unified Infocentre said 21 civilians have been killed in the region and 82 others wounded. Azerbaijani authorities have not given details about military casualties, but said 25 civilians had been killed and 127 wounded. Neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan have signed the International Convention on Cluster Munitions, which has 109 countries' signatures, including Britain's, agree to stop using the explosive device, since 2010. Unexploded rockets line the streets of Stepanakert Nagorno-Karabakh's capital on Monday, following heavy shelling by Azerbaijani forces Buildings including a local school have been damaged, with their windows blown out, in Stepanakert, while western journalists in the city have reported seeing cluster bomblets on the streets of Nagorno-Karabakh's capital More than 100 countries have banned the use of cluster bombs, which were used in the Vietnam War (above), but modern models have reportedly been seen on the streets of Stepanakert, amid escalating fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia Speaking about the munitions, which are produced by Azerbaijani weapon suppliers Israel and Turkey, Tim Ripley, a writer and defence analyst for Jane's Defence Weekly, told the Daily Telegraph: 'We cant be certain why these were in use or what exactly they were being aimed at, but any kind of cluster munition being used in an urban area opens the possibility of civilians being inadvertently killed or injured.' Separatist forces in Karabakh - an ethnic Armenian enclave that broke away from Azerbaijan in the 1990s - reported firefights along the frontline on Monday with the regional capital Stepanakert under heavy artillery fire. Azerbaijan's defence ministry said Armenian forces were shelling three of its towns, after hitting the country's second-largest city Ganja on Sunday. The clashes broke out on September 27, re-igniting a decades-old conflict between the ex-Soviet neighbours over Karabakh and threatening to draw in regional powers like Russia and Turkey. Neither side has shown any sign of backing down, ignoring international calls for a ceasefire and a return to long-stalled negotiations on the region. Stepanakert, a city of some 50,000 in the heart of the mountainous region, has been under steady artillery fire since Friday, with residents cramming in to underground shelters and many leaving. An unexploded BM-30 Smerch rocket by the Mingachevir Hydro Power Station in Azerbaijan on Monday Aftermath of recent shelling during the ongoing fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region, in the disputed region's main city of Stepanakert on Sunday Debris fills the streets of the ethnically-Armenian city of Stepanakert after shelling on Sunday An unexploded BM-30 Smerch rocket by the Mingachevir Hydro Power Station on Monday A shelled building burns in the separatist city of Stepanakert on Sunday night The separatists' foreign ministry said Monday that shelling of Stepanakert had resumed at 6:30 am (0230 GMT), with four shells hitting the city. It released video footage of repeated bursts of heavy shelling and of debris from seriously damaged blocks of flats, claiming Azerbaijan had used cluster munitions. Azerbaijan said Armenian forces were shelling the towns of Beylagan, Barda, and Terter. A woman looks through a blown out window after the city of Stepanakert was bombarded on Sunday A view shows aftermath of recent shelling during the ongoing fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region, in the disputed region's main city of Stepanakert on October 4, 2020 A view shows aftermath of recent shelling during the ongoing fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region, in the disputed region's main city of Stepanakert on October 4, 2020 Tanks which Azerbaijani army officials said were seized during the ongoing fighting with Armenia over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region, in the town of Beylagan on October 5, 2020. Fire burns in a residential area after shelling by Azerbaijan's artillery during a military conflict in self-proclaimed Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, Stepanakert, Azerbaijan, today Buildings are seen in ruin and disrepair after recent shelling in Stepanakert, today A man walks through the rubble past an overturned and burnt-out car in Stepanakert, today The International Committee of the Red Cross on Sunday condemned the reports of 'indiscriminate shelling and other alleged unlawful attacks using explosive weaponry in cities, towns and other populated areas'. Armenia and Azerbaijan have resisted international calls for a ceasefire and clashes have intensified in recent days, with both sides claiming victories on the front and saying they are inflicting heavy losses. In a fiery address to the nation, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev set conditions for a halt to the fighting that would be near-impossible for Armenia to accept. He said that Armenian forces 'must leave our territories, not in words but in deeds' and provide a timetable for a full withdrawal. Yerevan must also recognise the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, apologise to the Azerbaijani people and admit that the region is not part of Armenia, Aliyev said. An injured woman brought to hospital in Ganja, Azerbaijan, following shelling on the city People shelter in the basement of the main church of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region's main city of Stepanakert Families take cover from the shelling in a church in Stepanakert on Sunday as the conflict continues President Ilham Aliyev said: 'Nagorno-Karabakh is our land. We have to go back there and we are doing it now. 'This is the end. We showed them who we are. We are chasing them like dogs.' Why Armenia and Azerbaijan are fighting WHAT AND WHERE IS NAGORNO-KARABAKH? Karabakh is a region within Azerbaijan which has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces since a full-scale separatist war ended in 1994, after killing about 30,000 people and displacing an estimated one million. Nagorno-Karabakh is about 1,700 square miles in size, but Armenian forces also occupy other nearby territory. HOW DID THE CONFLICT START? Long-simmering tensions between Christian Armenians and mostly Muslim Azerbaijanis began boiling over as the Soviet Union frayed in its final years. Once the USSR collapsed in 1991 and the republics became independent nations, war broke out. A 1994 cease-fire left Armenian and Azerbaijani forces facing each other across a demilitarised zone, where clashes were frequently reported. WHAT'S HAPPENED SINCE? International mediation efforts have brought little visible progress. The conflict has been an economic blow to the Caucasus region because it has hampered trade and prompted Turkey to close its border with Armenia. Fighting periodically breaks out around Nagorno-Karabakh's borders, often deadly, notably in 2016 and this July. Since new fighting erupted on Sunday, dozens have been killed and wounded in apparent shelling by both sides. Each country blamed the other. WHATS THE BROADER IMPACT? In addition to causing local casualties and damage, the conflict in the small, hard-to-reach region is also of concern to major regional players. Russia is Armenias main economic partner and has a military base there, while Turkey has offered support to Azerbaijanis, fellow Muslims and ethnic brethren to Turks. Iran neighbors both Armenia and Azerbaijan and is calling for calm. Meanwhile, the United States, France and Russia are meant to be guarantors of the long-stalled peace process, under the auspices of the Vienna-based Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Advertisement Sirens were sounding and explosions were heard at regular intervals in Stepanakert, where residents were taking shelter including several families in the basement of the city's Holy Mother of God Cathedral. Armenia's foreign ministry said Stepanakert and other towns had been hit, accusing Azerbaijani forces of 'the deliberate targeting of the civilian population'. There were reports of dead and wounded civilians in Stepanakert and the historic town of Shusha. Azerbaijan said Ganja was under shell fire, including from areas outside of Karabakh in Armenian territory, with at least one civilian killed. Karabakh's separatist forces said they had targeted and destroyed an airbase in Ganja, but Baku denied this as a 'provocation'. Azerbaijan's ally Turkey accused Armenia of 'targeting civilians' in Ganja and reiterated support for its fellow Turkic and Muslim country as 'one nation, two states'. Karabakh leader Arayik Harutyunyan warned that it would now consider 'military facilities in Azerbaijan's big cities' as legitimate targets. 'I call on the residents of these cities to immediately leave,' Harutyunyan said in a post on Facebook. Azerbaijani officials claimed Sunday that Harutyunyan had been seriously wounded while in a bunker hit by bombing, but his office denied this. Azerbaijan claims to have taken control of a string of settlements in recent days as well as a strategically important plateau. Today Aliyev said his forces had retaken the town of Jabrayil, part of an area outside Karabakh seized by the separatists in the 1990s as a buffer zone, hailing it as an important victory. Armenia denied the claim. Authorities in both countries have reported nearly 250 dead since the fighting began, including almost 40 civilians. Armenian separatist forces have reported more than 200 dead - including 51 on Saturday - while Azerbaijan has not released any figures on its military casualties. Azerbaijan said that two civilians had been killed in shelling today on the southern town of Beylagan, with residents seen picking through the rubble of destroyed homes. 'I was baking bread when I heard explosions, I opened the door and saw that bombs were falling right into the yard,' said one woman, showing journalists the blown-out windows and partially collapsed roof of her home. In Armenia's majority-Christian capital Yerevan, residents gathered in churches for services Sunday to pray and light candles. 'I came to ask God for peace, for our country and our soldiers,' Aytsemik Melikyan told AFP outside the Saint Sarkis Church. Russia, the United States and France - who co-chair a mediation group that has failed to bring about a political resolution to the conflict - have called for an immediate halt to the fighting. A man sweeps a street after a shelling attack in Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, today A man shows fragments of the projectile which he found at destroyed houses following a shelling in Terter, Azerbaijan, today Thick black smoke rises from the aftermath of recent shelling in the disputed region's main city of Stepanakert People help an injured man in a bomb shelter during shelling by Azerbaijan's artillery during a military conflict in Stepanakert Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed concern over 'the increase of casualties' among civilians in a call with his Armenian counterpart on Sunday. Armenia has said it is 'ready to engage' with mediators but Azerbaijan - which considers Karabakh under Armenian occupation - says Armenian forces must fully withdraw before a ceasefire can be brokered. Karabakh's declaration of independence from Azerbaijan during the collapse of the Soviet Union sparked a war in the early 1990s that claimed 30,000 lives. Talks to resolve the conflict have made little progress since a 1994 ceasefire agreement. Prime Minister of Malaysia Muhyiddin Yassin, on October 5, said that he will self-isolate himself after he learned that a minister from his cabinet had tested positive for coronavirus. As per AP reports, the PM came in close contact with the cabinet minister and the infections in the country surged a record high. In addition, Muhyiddin chaired a meeting on October 3 and the same was attended by Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, who confirmed on Monday that he has been undergoing treatment at a hospital. READ: Malaysia Calls Beijing's Claims In South China Sea 'baseless Under International Law' Health Ministry warns second wave As per reports, the health ministry in Malaysia has warned that the country is facing a resurgence of COVID cases over the past few weeks and new clusters have emerged in the state due to an increase in travel to the eastern Sabah region, a virus hotspot, for state elections held last month. Malaysia confirmed a record high of 432 cases on Monday taking the country's overall tally to 12,813 with 137 fatalities. At least half of the infected persons were from a prison in a northern state, and 130 were reported in Sabah. READ: Malaysia Discovers New Coronavirus Strain That Is Ten Times More Infectious As reported by Associated Press, Muhyiddin had said in a statement that he underwent virus test every two weeks since April. He further added that after returning from campaigning in Sabah, he had tested three times since September 22 and all the results were negative. However, he said that keeping in mind the health safety protocols he will quarantine himself and will work from home until October 16. He also added that all those who came in close contact with Zulkifli at the meeting will have to undergo compulsory quarantine. As per local reports, national police chief Abdul Hamid Bador was also present in the meeting and it was reported that he will isolate himself even though he tested negative. Other attendees included several ministers the armed forces chief and the health director-general. Moreover, Zulkfili apologized in a Facebook post urging everyone who attended the event to undergo COVID tests. Local media reports claim that religious minister Zulkfili visited two states and attended a number of events including at mosques and universities after returning from Sabah on September 24. According to the AP reports, the government on Monday said that more areas in Sabah, including the state capital Kota Kinabalu will witness lockdown and 122 schools will be shut to curb the spread of coronavirus. Malaysia resumed its economic activities in June after nearly three months of lockdown. The country has reported its economy contracted 17% in the last quarter in its worst downturn since the global financial crisis. READ: Fifth Billionaire Emerges From Malaysia's Glove Manufacturing Industry Amid COVID READ: Malaysian Economy Shrinks 17% In Worst Contraction On Record Image/Inputs: AP You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Christian adoption agency can't be shut down for refusing to place kids with gay couples: court Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A federal court has concluded that a New York-based Christian adoption agency cannot be forced to close down because of its policy of only placing kids in married heterosexual families. New Hope Family Services filed suit against state officials after it was told that its faith-based policy of only placing children in married heterosexual homes violated a 2013 state law. U.S. District Court Judge Mae D'Agostino granted New Hope a preliminary injunction against the New York Office of Children and Family Services interpretation of the law. In her decision on Monday, D'Agostino concluded that the OCFS interpretation of the state adoption law against New Hope demonstrates some animosity towards particular religious beliefs. While not all of the evidence discussed weighs in favor of a finding of hostility when viewed individually, the totality of the evidence indicates that section 421.3(d), as promulgated and enforced by OCFS, is not neutral and appears to be based on some hostility towards New Hope's religious beliefs, wrote D'Agostino. In finding hostility, the Court relies on a number of factors Those factors include OCFS's implementation of the seemingly permissive language of New York Domestic Relations Law Section 110 as mandatory requirements in section 421.3(d), the severity of OCFS's actions and the lack of explanation as to the legal authority to engage in such action, and statements made by OCFS personnel which demonstrate their motivations in enforcing section 421.3(d). Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Roger Brooks, whose organization helped represent New Hope, celebrated the granting of the preliminary injunction. Todays ruling signals that the states attempt to shutter New Hope violated core rights protected by the First Amendmentthe freedom to speak what you believe and the freedom to practice the teachings of your faith, said Brooks in a statement released Monday. Thankfully, this ruling means that New Hope can continue offering the exceptional support it has provided for decades while its lawsuit challenging the states unconstitutional policy continues. In 2018, the New York OCFS concluded that New Hope violated a 2013 state law prohibiting discrimination against applicants for adoption services on the basis of sexual orientation and marital status. In response, New Hope sued OCFS, accusing the government body of violating the First Amendment and 14th Amendment rights of the Christian charity. New Hope has argued that their policy is based on their sincere religious beliefs and that whenever a same-sex or unmarried couple comes to them, they refer them to another agency. In July, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacated in part a lower court decision against New Hope, sending the case back to the district court. Circuit Judge Reena Raggi authored the circuit panel opinion, concluding that New Hope had a valid suspicion of religious animosity in light of how state law was used against them. for New Hope to continue its adoption ministry in New York, OCFS insisted that it compromise i.e., abandon its own religious views about family and marriage and subscribe to the states orthodoxy on such matters, wrote Raggi. Construed in this light, the allegations cannot be dismissed for failing to state a plausible Free Exercise claim. Following consultation with the HSE, Irish Water has confirmed that the Boil Water Notice impacting customers supplied by Dunkerrin Public Water Scheme in Offaly has been lifted with immediate effect and the water is safe to drink. The notice was issued on September 22 as a precautionary measure to protect public health following a mechanical failure at the water treatment plant which compromised the disinfection process. Irish Waters drinking water compliance and operational experts worked with colleagues in Offaly County Council to resolve the situation. Following a number of satisfactory water samples and an EPA audit of the treatment plant, the Boil Water notice was lifted today. Irish Water and Offaly County Council have thanked the EPA and the HSE for their input and support throughout the process. John Gavin, Irish Water engineer, said: Irish Water acknowledges and understands the impact of this boil water notice on the 1,200 people affected in south Offaly and north Tipperary and we sincerely regret any inconvenience caused. We endeavoured to keep the public up to date at every stage and we are grateful to the media, elected representatives and members of the public who shared the information. Irish Waters priority is the provision of safe, clean drinking water and safeguarding that water supply for the future is a vital focus. If customers have any queries regarding this Boil Water Notice and the lifting of it they should contact Irish Water directly on our customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1850 278 278. Irish Water continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing. Cai Xia, a retired professor of the Central Party School of the Chinese Communist Party, was expelled from the party and had her pension stripped on August 17 for serious violations of political discipline of the Party following her criticism of the increasingly authoritarian policies of Xi Jinping, party chief and state president. The dissident in-house scholar called the CCP a political zombie and likened Xi to a gang boss. Widely known as one of the Hereditary [Second Generation] Red, descendants of founding members or important figures of the CCP, the 68-year-old spoke to Vienna Tang of RFAs Mandarin Service recently about Xi's controls with the party and the reaction of Chinese intellectuals. RFA: That is Totalitarianism 3.0? Cai: Totalitarianism 3.0 RFA: Is this something no one has ever encountered in human history? Cai: Yes. A few years ago, some scholars in mainland China, a small group of us, already shared the same three views. However, some differences exist. Some scholars thought that we were already in the post-totalitarian era. In that view, the society has opened up to the outside world, and people are not as shut down as they used to be. A civil society is developing. However, some other scholars, myself included, felt that we were not in the post-totalitarian era at all; instead, we have regressed from authoritarian back to an era of exquisite totalitarianism. This exquisite totalitarian era has surpassed that of the Mao era in history. It is as barbaric and ferocious as Hitlers rule. It could be even more ferocious than Hitlers. I summarized a few characteristics of exquisite totalitarianism. First, the high-tech, 24/7, comprehensive surveillance of the entire party and the entire society. Second, he forcefully suppresses different opinions within the party. From the totalitarian 1950s to the authoritarian 1980s and to the market economy of the 1990s, Chinas political system has gradually loosened and given party cadres some room for corruption. Therefore, in such a system no ones hands are clean. When you voice a different opinion, he can accuse you of corruption. He has been using this tactic to cleanse different opinions in the party. Additionally, there are the rules. If he thinks that you have broken the rules, then you have committed serious crimes. But if you have done something that is not allowed in the system, but he deems it as fitting the rules in the party, then you have done a great job. By using the rules and anti-corruption tactics, he could overpower anyone and everyone within the party. Under such circumstances, the opposition within the party is unable to place any restrictions on his moves. This is the second characteristic of totalitarian rule. The third characteristic lies within the society. We knew China does not have a sound legal system. In the CCP Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee, Xi said that CCP should rule the country in accordance with the laws. So, is it a right to pass many laws following his comment? It seemed so. However, what did he really do with the laws? He uses them as tools to oppress the people. More importantly, since the party has a monopoly on the countrys resources, it takes hold of everyone by their throat. What do I mean by that? Take Xu Zhangrun, the (Tsinghua) university professor that you all know. After I fired you, no other universities would dare to hire you as a professor. He also uses this against many retired senior party members. If you express different opinions, then I would take away your pension, cancel your retirement benefits. There is a good number of seniors who have to remain silent. Hes silencing them by the throat. Look at Inner Mongolia. Recently many Mongolian cadres stood up against him to safeguard their ethnic language. This is a right thing to do. But he said, if you do not send your children to school, you will lose your government job. Moreover, in the past, I thought that if you hold a job outside of the party then you should be ok. You could be a business outside of the system. But no, he now uses class struggle slogans and calls the businessmen in the private sector private capitalists. Isnt capitalist exploitation a crime? Then you will be discriminated against in the countrys politics. I can then use various reasons to oppress you. RFA: What a description of exquisite totalitarianism. Given a social system like this, how can change be accomplished? Cai: So, I want to be clear that a system like this cannot be reformed internally. It is impossible. Therefore, the system must be changed. The system must be completely discarded. If we use the term liberalization, then were talking about the liberalization of the entire 90 million party members. To free the 1.4 billion people from being kidnapped by the party, to liberate them, we must abandon this system. RFA: You have mentioned that a Party Dominated Constitutional System would not work. So, other than the Communist Party, what is the main subject of the constitution? How could this be established? Cai: The main subject of the constitution should be the 1.4 billion people. But to realize this constitutional process is very difficult. It is difficult because we must abandon our conventional thinking. What do I mean by that? Currently, the reformists within the system are oppressed cruelly by Xi, and they failed to earn understanding from those outside of the system who hope for reforms and who wish to push China forward. Those outside of the system would consider you guilty as long as you are within the system and a CCP member. In fact, (if) both the left and the right are oppressing this force within the Party, then this thinking must change, so we wouldnt be fighting against CCP with CCP-like thinking. Can we break away from this thinking and unite all the forces? RFA: You talked about the 90 million party members should not be held hostage. You also talked about the democratic forces outside of the system do not understand the reformists within the system. Will the evolution that you mentioned lead China down the path of the Soviet Union under Gorbachev? Will the CCP he eventually manage to survive in a different format? Cai: I don't think so. Why? Take Soviet Union for example. Gorbachev promoted party-wide changes. The Soviet Communist Party members, I remembered so clearly, walked out of the Kremlin in disdain. People despised this party. How many Soviet party members were left? Only a few old ones. They still cling on to the Soviet communist doctrines, but that party posed no threat anymore. That's why we said the Chinese Communist Party is unlikely to become a dominant party in the future. Yet would those elites in the society and in the CCP join hands to form a new political force and collaborative to move the country forward? I think it is possible. RFA: Some said that one important reason why the CCP system cannot be shaken is because up until today, this system is still supported by the majority of the Chinese people. And like youve said, Xi silenced his opposition in the name of anti-corruption, and it is working, because many Chinese people hate corruption. They do not care about the power struggles among the top officials. What is your take on this view? Cai: It makes sense to some degree. This is what I think. Many only see parts of the problems but not the roots deep down. Is there anything wrong with anti-corruption? No. But have you ever wondered why there are so many corrupt officials? Why do you only get another batch of corrupt officials after the previous ones were replaced? Only when you change the system can you truly be protected with job security and secure lives. This is something that people at the bottom of society cannot imagine. This is the first point. The so-called social elites shoulder more responsibilities. When we talk about the differences between the elites and the common public, this is where the difference lies. The elites should shoulder more responsibilities and more obligations. They must do so. Whats the second issue? Frankly, for thousands of years, Chinese society has been an imperial ruled society. People worshiped power. It was natural that power was not constrained. But people didnt care; they only cared about whether this person was good or bad. There is a Western concept called Stockholm Syndrome. The abused would be grateful to the abuser at the slightest improvement of the situation. The victim appreciates the abuser. A person with Stockholm Syndrome does not change, because fundamentally he worships power and the authoritarian political system. It has become a deep-rooted cultural mindset within the society. This mindset is very different from that of the Western society. We can see that people in Western society are not afraid of power, rather, they want to oversee and restrain power. RFA: We know that ever since China started reforming and opening up more than 40 years ago, there have been many who benefited and developed vested interests, that is, the middle class. How do you persuade them that, by overthrowing this government, they will enjoy a better life and that changing the party would be in their best interest? Cai: Let me tell you a story. Bo Xilai was abusing his power in Chongqing; he even killed a very well-known local businessman. Later we invited that mans daughter to Inner Mongolia to speak with the Inner Mongolia business association. We talked about what businesses could do when political powers are abused. Do they push for political reforms or do they submit themselves to the powerful one? You know we had hoped, or we had expected, that the businessmen would have said that we will join forces together to promote a national political reform. But do you know what the businessmen said? They said, our force alone cannot beat them, so we can only protect ourselves. So, I felt there needs to be a process for political awareness to emerge and grow in society. Just because your income reaches the middle-class level doesnt mean that you are then equipped with essential ideological and political qualities needed as the backbone of society. There is still room for that development in society. RFA: You also criticized the CCP as a political Zombie. Your comment drew oppression from the Chinese government against you. Nonetheless, some thought that CCP has always been a political zombie. Your criticism of Xi Jinping could be applied to and suitable for any CCP leaders. These people think that your anti-Xi actions represent a political power that has been suppressed for years. Whats your response to this comment? Cai: I dont think the CCP is a political zombie from the get-go. When democratic development within the CCP was good, and when people were allowed to talk about democracy, when everyone was allowed to express their opinions, CCP might have been able to correct its mistakes. Then it might have changed a little bit in response to these comments. But when the top leaders strictly and cruelly suppress different opinions, and it completely fails to self-correct its mistakes, then the CCP will become a political zombie. Therefore, the CCP were seeing now is a political zombie, because it has no energy to restrain power. And I and people who share the same ideas as mine hope to change this situation. Were not doing so to save this party, but we want to bring the country out of this stalemated situation, to make our people and country progress forward. This is particularly important. Therefore, I agree if you say people share similar ideas like mine, and that we all share the same hope. However, I dont see myself as the representative for all, because Im only able to speak for myself. RFA: You look quiet and peaceful on the outside, but you are very defiant. What shaped your personality? Who and what have influenced you the most in your life? Cai: Let me put it this way. My parents and extended family joined the CCP back in the 1930s. My maternal grandfather joined the party even earlier. I believe my parents truly wished to promote advancement of the country. This is what they had taught us at home. You emerged in such an environment, and when you and I started working, we had always been within the system. We heard about the positive things every day. You mistakenly took these lies seriously. This is how weve formed some fundamental values when we were young. And these values will not change. Secondly, to us, our parents have fought for this ideal for so long and so hard, but China did not move towards democracy. If you think youve been raised well by your parents, then I think you should take it upon yourself to carry on your fathers wish and push the country forward, rather than enjoying the status (you have inherited). Should you have become another privileged class, then that is certainly not what your parents had joined the CCP and fought the revolution for. Therefore, with this, I feel we are obliged and charged to bring it forward. Translated by Min Eu. TOKYO For Japan, it was the first time its new prime minister hosted international emissaries. For the United States, it was the first trip to Asia by its top diplomat in more than a year. So when Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo greeted each other in front of a bank of American and Japanese flags on Tuesday in Tokyo, they exchanged what was surely the longest fist bump in their nations seven-decade alliance, a nearly 15-second joining of knuckles. The physicality of the gesture highlighted the importance that both sides put on meeting in person to demonstrate the solidity of their bond in the face of rising challenges from China, even amid a widening coronavirus outbreak inside the White House and Japans cautious approach to opening its borders to foreign travelers. The Tokyo gathering, which included the foreign ministers of Australia and India the other two members of a strategic partnership known as the Quad was scheduled before President Trump contracted the coronavirus. The fact that it went ahead, even as many summits have moved online during the pandemic, signaled that parts of the Trump administration value multilateral relationships despite his America First agenda. SPRINGFIELD Thursdays announcement by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, that she will challenge current Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has Republican candidates weighing their response. Kifowits challenge to the speaker, who has held the position for all but two years since 1983, comes months after utility giant Commonwealth Edison admitted in a court agreement to handing out jobs and contracts worth $1.3 million to close Madigan associates in an effort to curry his favor for legislation that benefitted the company. After the ComEd news broke in July, Kifowit and a handful of others in the House Democratic caucus called on the speaker to resign his leadership position in the House. But Madigan reportedly called caucus members and said the candid conversations produced positive feedback which demonstrated continued support for me and my leadership roles. At the beginning of each two-year General Assembly, the House chooses its speaker. A candidate would need a motion and a second to be considered by the body, and the speaker is elected by a majority vote of the 118-member House. Madigans support for the position has been near-unanimous in his party through the years. When the speaker received a lone present vote in each of the 2017 and 2019 re-election processes, the events made headlines for their rarity. Rep. Grant Wehrli, R-Naperville, said that while he will vote for House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, for speaker, he is open to the idea of a moderate Democrat taking the seat. If they can garner the votes to move Illinois in a new direction, and that can truly provide for a brighter day in Illinois, that is something that each of us need to consider, Wehrli said. Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, said she is very interested what Democrats do now that Kifowit has said she will challenge Madigan. What were (Republicans) primarily focused on is voting for someone who we can have confidence in, Mazzochi said. Amy Elik, of Fosterburg, is running against state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, on Nov. 3. On Monday, during an online press conference by Republicans, Elik asked Bristow to state whether she will support Kifowit or Madigan. Democrats like my opponent, Monica Bristow, can no longer say they are supporting the Democratic nominee for speaker, said Elik. Who is she supporting? Now is the time to answer. Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, said he believes the Nov. 3 races could affect the number of votes Madigan needs to retain his leadership post. These races right now are unbelievably important, Batinick said. Capitol News Illinois contributed to this story. The police claimed that all four people had 'links' with the Popular Front of India. However, Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has said that journalist Siddique Kappan had gone to Hathras to cover the present situation in the area Uttar Pradesh Police arrested four men, including a Delhi-based journalist working for a Malayalam news portal, on Monday night over alleged links to the Popular Front of India (PFI), while they were on their way to Hathras district, as per reports. The arrests took place hours after the Uttar Pradesh Police alleged that a 'conspiracy' was afoot to 'tarnish' the image of the Yogi Adityanath government by fomenting caste-based tensions over the gangrape and subsequent death of a 19-year-old Dalit woman in Hathras. As many as 19 FIRs were lodged across the state, of which six cases were filed at different police stations in Hathras. The four men with suspected PFI links were taken into custody at Math toll plaza in Mathura after a tip that suspicious people were heading to Hathras from Delhi, news agency PTI quotes the police as saying. The four have been identified as Atiq-ur Rehman from Muzaffarnagar, Siddique Kappan from Malappuram, Masood Ahmed from Bahraich and Alam from Rampur, reported NDTV. Their mobile phones, laptop computer, and some literature, which could have an impact on peace and order, were seized, officials said. During interrogation, it came to light that they had links with PFI and its associate organisation Campus Front of India (CFI), police claimed. According to the NDTV report, the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) in a statement said that Kappan, who is also the secretary of the organisation, "had gone to Hathras on Monday to cover the present situation in the area". Terming the arrest as illegal and unconstitutional, the journalists' body filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court, seeking his immediate production and release from "illegal detention". The plea states that the arrest was made in violation of the mandatory guidelines laid down by apex court and with the sole intention of obstructing the discharge of duty by a journalist. The petition alleged that family members or colleagues have not been informed of his arrest. The KUWJ also wrote a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath demanding Kappan's release. "We understand that he was taken into police custody by Uttar Pradesh police from Hathras toll plaza. Our efforts and the efforts by some advocates based in Delhi to contact him were not successful. The Hathras Police Station and the State Police department has not provided any information so far on taking him into custody," NDTV quoted the letter as saying. KP Reji, president of the KUWJ state committee in Thiruvananthapuram, also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking Kappan's immediate release, as per a report in The Hindu. Editor of news portal Azhimukham, KN Ashok said that Kappan was a regular contributor who covered many beats, including politics. Ashok told The Hindu that Kappan had sent a message on the morning of 5 October saying that he was going to cover Hathras. "That is the only information we got from him, Ashok said, adding that he was not informed by the police about Kappan's arrest. Attempts to contact Kappan did not elicit any response, said Ashok adding that he got to know about Kappan's arrest at night. As per The Hindu report, the police have not acknowledged that Kappan is a journalist. Further legal action will be taken after questioning the four, the police said. Kappan has been reportedly linked to the PFI in the past as well but he had sent a legal notice to the people who had made the allegations. PFI condemns arrests As per The Hindu report, the PFI condemned the arrests and alleged that the UP government was targeting it to hide the failing law and order situation in the State. It also accused the Adityanath dispensation of seeking to divert attention from the Hathras case by creating a conspiracy theory. Popular Front will not be intimidated by such tactics of suppression by the UP government. We demand the immediate release of the CFI leaders and journalist Siddique Kappan, the report quotes PFI general secretary Anis Ahmed as saying. Earlier this year, the UP government sought a ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI), accusing it of funding protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that took place across the country. Hathras has been in the news after a 19-year-old woman was raped, allegedly by four upper-caste men, on 14 September in a village in the district and she succumbed to her injuries a fortnight later at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Her hurried cremation in the dead of the night, allegedly without the parents' consent, further stoked outrage. Amid mounting outrage and protests by the Opposition, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said "anarchist elements" are trying to trigger communal and caste violence in the state. With inputs from PTI Due to an acute crunch in staff, several restaurant owners have asked their employees to return to Mumbai to ensure resumption of operation at the earliest Under the fifth phase of easing COVID-19 restrictions called Unlock 5, over 4 lakh restaurants, bars and hotels in Maharashtra reopened on Monday after a gap of seven months. Maharashtra Government issues Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for restaurants that are to reopen from October 5 with 50% occupancy; all customers may be screened at the entry point, only asymptomatic customers shall be allowed. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Pwhtn5I6Op ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2020 This move, announced by Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on 28 September, will bring relief to the state's hospitality industry which approximately generates over Rs 18,000 crore in revenues and employs around 2.4 crore people directly and indirectly. This includes the over 1 lakh such businesses in capital Mumbai alone. However, the situation will hardly be smooth sailing for the industry as the announcement comes along with strict safety guidelines. Measurues like functioning at only 50 percent capacity imply it'll take time to restart brisk business. Patrons will have to abide by rules such as wearing face masks and use of sanitisers. Their contact details will be shared with authorities if needed. The premises, including furniture and upholstery, must be regularly sanitised, too. Shortage of workforce Due to an acute crunch in staff, several restaurant owners have asked their employees to return to Mumbai to ensure resumption of operation at the earliest. Speaking to Hindustan Times, All India hotel and restaurant Association (AHAR) said that of the total 15,000 restaurants in Mumbai, not more than 4,000 were able to reopen their dine-in option from Monday because of an acute shortage of workforce. While many restaurants across Mumbai were geared up, a substantial number have decided to take a call on reopening over the next few days, as logistics and the supply of personnel to help operate the services are yet to be worked out. "It is definitely going to be different from how things worked before COVID-19, so in order to ensure that people keep on visiting restaurants, we will have to keep sanitising the premises," said Shivanand Shetty, president of AHAR. He further added, "More than 8,000 restaurants are part of our association but only 30 percent to 40 percent will be opening up on Monday. It's almost like a fresh beginning for everyone due to the lockdown, electronic items were not serviced and they have stopped working. So, everyone will gradually restart their restaurants." Customers hesitant about dine-in service Another report by Indian Express said that Mumbai's restaurants, bars and cafes managed only a lukewarm comeback because fewer customers were willing to dine in. The report quoted Neeti Goel, owner of Madras Diaries, as saying, "Customers seem to view air-conditioned rooms with suspicion now and there are more requests for al fresco (open air) tables." Another restaurant called Aditi, located opposite KEM Hospital, has kept dine-in shut and allowed only takeaways. "There is also higher risk of infection because most of our customers are patients' relatives. If any one staffer gets infected, we will have to shut down," said waiter Rakesh Shetty. He further said that they will reopen dine in service only when staffers return from their hometowns and the number of coronavirus cases subside. What do the guidelines entail? As per the guidelines, customers should be screened at the entry point for coronavirus symptoms such as high temperature, cough and cold. Only asymptomatic customers will be allowed inside. Wearing face masks will be mandatory except while eating, the guidelines said. Customers must adhere to social distancing while waiting for service. Consent should be obtained from visitors for sharing their details with administrative and health authorities for contact-tracing related activities, the guidelines said. Hand sanitizers must be made available, and payment through digital mode should be encouraged while precautions should be taken during cash transactions. Rest rooms and hand-wash areas must be cleaned regularly. Plexiglass screens or similar barriers must be erected at counters where interactions with customers occur frequently. There should be separate entry and exit points, the guidelines said. Dabbawallahs of tiffin carriers in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will be allowed to travel by local trains after procuring QR code passes from the Mumbai police commissioner's office. Maharashtra's rising COVID-19 cases The state continues to remain India's worst COVID-19-affected state, adding almost 20,000 new cases every day over the past month and with the total number of infected people reaching around 14.5 lakh as on Tuesday. The COVID-19 caseload of MMR went past the five lakh. The region reported 79 deaths on Monday, taking its toll to 16,376. With inputs from PTI BERLIN (AP) Germany's top security official on Tuesday said a review has produced no evidence of structural far-right extremism in the country's security forces and only a small number of confirmed cases. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said the investigation did not confirm the existence of any far-right apparatus that some critics have alleged has taken root. However, every proven case is a disgrace," he told reporters in Berlin. "Every proven case is one case too much which tarnishes all members of the security agencies. Germany has seen a string of far-right scandals involving police and military in recent months. The security agencies of the country's 16 states, which have a combined 276,000 employees, investigated 319 suspected cases of internal far-right extremism during a time period of over three years, from January 2017-March 2020. Meantime, federal security agencies reported 58 alleged cases among their 109,000 employees during the same time period, while the military's counter intelligence agency reported 1,064 suspected cases among its 260,000-person military and civilian workforce. Based on those initial reports, 34 people were eventually confirmed as being far-right extremists. Twenty-two were police officers, 11 were in the military, and one case was found at the country's customs authority. Hundreds of the reported cases are still being being investigated, and in several proceedings have been undertaken to discharge the suspected individuals. Seehofer called the findings a first status report only" and said the next step would be a thorough analysis of the situation by the domestic intelligence agency. Most far-right offences uncovered in the first overview were connected to expressing racist and anti-Semitic sentiment or Nazi ideology in online chat groups, he said. Every single case will be investigated thoroughly and pursued vigorously," Seehofer said, adding that his ministry ordered the report late last year amid concerns about growing far-right extremism, anti-Semitism and racism. Story continues "Far-right extremism is the biggest threat our country is currently facing," Seehofer said. But the vast majority of members of the security agencies stands firmly behind our basic law." In recent weeks, authorities in several German states have suspended dozens of police officers for taking part in far-right chat groups. Earlier this year, the country's defense minister disbanded one of the military's special forces units after numerous allegations of far-right extremism. In addition to revelations of far-right extremist cases in the security agencies, the country has been rocked by several violent far-right attacks, such as the killing of 11 people of immigrant background in Hanau in February and the slaying of politician Walter Luebcke, who had supported Chancellor Angela Merkel's welcoming stance toward migrants. On Sunday, a 26-year-old Jewish student was injured in an anti-Semitic incident outside a Hamburg synagogue nearly a year after a heavily armed white supremacist targeted a synagogue in the eastern German city of Halle on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. He killed a passer-by and a man at a nearby kebab stall after failing to force his way into the building. Some unidentified persons, on Saturday, October 3, 2020 broke into the offices of the Danquah Institute at Labone, Greater Accra Region, and made away with valuable items. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Danquah Institute, Mr. Richard Ahiagba, announced this in a statement copied to Peacefmonline. ''Items stolen included critical and vital documents, as well as laptops, flash drives and the sum of GHC12,000.00. This incident appears to follow a similar break-in which occurred in 2016, during which the trespassers also made away with very important documents. This indeed is very abhorrent. Management of the Danquah Institute notes that the laptops and flash drives contain proprietary data, draft research reports and minutes, which are always kept safe in the office.'' The institute has reported the burglary to the Ghana Police Service. Read full statement below: The offices of the Danquah Institute at Labone in Accra have been broken into by unknown persons in the early hours of Saturday, 3rd October, 2020 and valuable items were taken away by the thieves. Initial observation is that the Institute's premises were rummaged, marauded, and pillaged by some unknown persons who are suspected to have done so in search of some information. Items stolen included critical and vital documents, as well as laptops, flash drives and the sum of GHC12,000.00 This incident appears to follow a similar break-in which occurred in 2016, during which the trespassers also made away with very important documents. This indeed is very abhorrent. Management of the Danquah Institute notes that the laptops and flash drives contain proprietary data, draft research reports and minutes, which are always kept safe in the office. The incident has been reported to the Police while investigations are currently underway to unmask the perpetrators since it is not clear who they are, who sent them and what they needed the information to accomplish. Management of the Danquah Institute has therefore taken precautionary measures to beef up security at the Institute and also appeals to the general public to assist the police while they carry out their investigations into the matter. The Executive Director, Danquah Institute Mr. Richard Ahiagba Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 18:30:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NANJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Nine giant pandas that have moved to their new homes in east China's Jiangsu Province attracted numerous visitors amid the country's eight-day holiday. China celebrates its National Day on Oct. 1, and the week-long holiday this year has been extended to Oct. 8 as it overlapped with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. The giant panda hall of the Ziqing Lake tourist resort, in the provincial capital Nanjing, has received more than 3,000 visits every day for the holiday, said Yang Xinyi, deputy general manager of the resort. The hall, located in Tangshan, a renowned tourist destination in Nanjing, was closed to visitors earlier this year because of the COVID-19 epidemic, and to receive tourists, the park has taken measures including body temperature measuring and regular disinfection in the giant panda hall. Ten black-and-white bears, including six returning from abroad, took flights to Nanjing from Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, in late August last year, a move to create a new breeding base for the rare species. The oldest one, 22-year-old Xi Xi, returned to Chengdu on Aug. 31 this year. "Xi Xi's breeder shed tears when she left, and many visitors during the holiday kept asking about her recent condition," said Yang. Shi Guoyin, a breeder, said he was proud that the giant pandas, with a habitable living environment and nutritional food provided, have gained some weight. Qiu Yang, one of the visitors, planned to take his family back for a visit again. "We have taken a hot spring bath, tasted yummy food, visited the giant pandas, enjoyed horse riding, and watched a firework show here, with the giant pandas definitely our favorite," he said. Enditem Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday announced a probe into what he called a conspiracy hatched by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to defame Mumbai and Maharashtra Police in the Sushant Singh (SSR) case. Seeking an apology from the party and its leader Devendra Fadnavis, Deshmukh alleged the links were found in the University of Michigan, USs study of the social media campaign. The BJP has rubbished the allegations, saying the state government should punish the culprits by investigating the case thoroughly. Fadnavis, who is in Bihar for the Assembly polls, was not available for a comment. Rajput was found dead in his Bandra home on June 14. Deshmukh said: The report stated the SSR case study reveals the BJPs hand in the conspiracy theories. A few people outside the state were used as puppets by the BJP to defame Maharashtra. The electronic media and a few channels were at the forefront of the conspiracy for the past three-four months. The crime branch of Mumbai Police and cybercrime department of the state police will conduct a probe. Citing the recent report by AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi, which said Rajput was not poisoned, Deshmukh said, The Supreme Court, during its hearing, had applauded Mumbai Polices investigation. A few BJP leaders, however, were targeting Mumbai Police for political gain in Bihar elections. They even called the Mumbai police mafia. Fadnavis, too, had targeted Mumbai Police, doubting their competence. Deshmukh also asked if Fadnavis will participate in the Bihar campaign along with former Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey who is in the fray. Will Fadnavis, who has been appointed as poll in-charge in Bihar by his party, share the dais with Pandey who played a key role in defaming Mumbai and Maharashtra police? He also attacked CBI, which has taken over the SSR case investigation from Mumbai Police, saying he was eagerly waiting for the outcome of the probe. BJP leader and leader of Opposition in legislative Council Pravin Darekar said the home minister should wait for CBI to reveal the findings from the probe. Why is Deshmukh in a hurry to jump to a conclusion? Is he trying to mount the pressure on CBI and the Narcotics Control Bureau? Instead of raising questions, Deshmukh should first reply whether he wants to support the drug mafia active in the film industry, he said. Another BJP leader Ram Kadam said they are not against the probe into fake accounts created on social media to discredit Mumbai Police. Maharashtra Congress general secretary and spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, The BJP used three central agencies for gains in the Bihar Assembly polls. Selective information was leaked by the agencies on a daily basis. We will hand over more information on the fake social media accounts and their misuse to Mumbai Police on Wednesday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON WASHINGTON With a month to go before Election Day, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik has more than three times the campaign cash on hand of her Democratic challenger Tedra Cobb. The Schuylerville Republican raised over $3 million in the third quarter, ending Sept. 30, and has over $4 million cash on hand, her campaign said Monday. She has collected a whopping $10.7 million so far this cycle in pursuit of her fourth term. "Thank you to my supporters across the North Country and across America for your overwhelming support for my re-election campaign, Stefanik said Monday. "I am excited to continue criss-crossing the district in the final stretch to meet with voters Republicans, Independents and Democrats. Cobb raised $1.2 million in the same period and has $1.4 million left in her campaign war chest, Cobb's campaign said. The former St. Lawrence County legislator, who also ran against Stefanik in 2018, has raised $5 million so far this cycle. Federal Communications Commission filings show both candidates spent heavily on television advertising in the Watertown media market in August and September. Stefanik embraces Trump's style in North Country race against Cobb From July 6 to Oct. 3, Stefanik spent $175,000 on digital ads on Facebook compared to $66,200 by Cobb, according to data compiled by Facebook. Stefanik has led Cobb in fundraising throughout the race, with Stefanik at times raking in record amounts; Cobb, too, collected large sums for the district. Nominate your favorite people and places now Its the 25th anniversary of our Best of the Capital Region readers survey. Nominate your favorite people, places and businesses between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. An influx of contributions flooded the race after Stefanik fiercely defended President Donald Trump in the House Intelligence Committee's impeachment inquiry hearings. In August, she spoke at the Republican National Convention, an event that again pushed the congresswoman into the national spotlight. With her fundraising edge, Stefanik had already contributed about $59,000 to other Republican candidates and committees as of June 30, according to the most recent Federal Election Commission filings. The money fueling both women's campaigns is largely coming from out of state. As of June 30, only 13 percent of Stefanik's fundraising came from New York about $1 million worth, FEC records show. Thirty percent of Cobb's contributions as of June 30 came from New York, $1.2 million. Stefanik's average contribution this quarter was $30, while Cobb's was $47, their respective campaigns said. New Delhi: Indian Space Research Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to break a new world record by launching 104 satellites through its workhorse rocket PSLV-C37. With this launch, ISRO will be able to recover half of the total cost used for the launch of 104 satellites. ISRO will launch PSLV-C37 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Earlier the space agency has earned more than USD 100 million by launching foreign satellites. It also has achieved mastery on launching smaller satellites. "We want to make optimum use of our capacity. We are launching our three satellites. One is of 730 kgs while other two are 19 kgs each. We had additional space of 600 kgs. So we decided to accommodate 101 satellites," ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar said. "Roughly half of our cost will be recovered by the foreign satellites we are launching," he said, without revealing the exact amount ISRO will earn from foreign customers. Kumar said ISRO is at present doing tests on its lander for Chandrayaan 2 at its facility in Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu and Challakere in Karnataka. "It is an indigenous development and tests are on. It's a control descend. So it has engines that allow a control descend," Kumar said. Chandryaan 2 mission seeks to make a landing on the moon. The ISRO said that all SAARC countries, except Pakistan, have given their consent for the South Asian satellites project envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "India's gift to its neighbours". Kumar said that the manned mission project is "not a top priority" for the ISRO, as he emphasised on enhancing space infrastructure. Earlier, ISRO has successfully launched record by launching 20 satellites at one go. The highest number of satellites launched in a single mission is 37, a record that Russia set in 2014. The US space agency NASA launched 29. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. GoFundMe Shajuadddin Omarkheil A 27-year-old father was killed in front of his young daughter Saturday during a shooting inside a California halal market that injured two others. Authorities have yet to release the name of the man who died in the midday shooting Saturday at the East Market & Restaurant in Sacramento. However, in an online fundraising campaign to cover his funeral costs, relatives identified him as Shajuadddin Omarkheil. Family members wrote on the GoFundMe page that Omarkheil moved to the United States in 2018, and died from a gunshot wound to the head. "He traveled halfway across the world with his young family to escape from war and provide his children with a safe place to call home," reads the page. Omarkheil is survived by his wife, a 6-month-old son, and his 4-year-old daughter, who witnessed his murder, relatives say. "This tragedy has sent shock waves through the Afghan community a majority of which has come to the United States to escape incidents such as these," reads the page. "Omarkheil was an amazing father, husband and friend. His widow now finds herself alone to raise 2 children in a country she barely knows anything about with very limited language skills." The campaign had raised over $44,000 as of press time. According to police, the shooter, who has not been named, was a 33-year-old man who died by suicide at the scene. Two other people were injured in the shooting an unnamed 19-year-old male, who remains in critical condition, and a 30-year-old male who's expected to survive his injuries. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. "At this time, detectives do not believe the suspect and victims were known to each other," reads a statement from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. "A motive for the shooting is unknown and is part of the ongoing investigation." Officials have dismissed suggestions Saturday's violence was driven by hate. Authorities ask that anyone with information about the shooting contact them at (916) 874-5115 or (916) 443-HELP. Tips may also be left anonymously by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477). President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky considers imposition of sanctions on Russia, participation in creating and manufacturing coronavirus vaccine, and signing Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products to be the main issues of the current EU-Ukraine Summit. "Sanctions are a top-priority issue. EU's support for our sovereignty and territorial integrity depends on a strong sanctions policy against Russian aggression. You know that we have a war in the east. [EU provides] great support for Ukraine at the geopolitical level, and its linked with the economy. That is why sanctions are a top-priority issue," Zelensky said in an interview with Politico Europe, Ukrinform reports citing the presidential press service. As noted, the issue of Ukraine's participation in the creation of the coronavirus vaccine is also important. "I want to tell the EU [Member States that], unfortunately, we do not have a [coronavirus] vaccine yet but we want to get it. In addition, we have necessary capacities for vaccine production, and we are ready to assist the EU countries in mass production of the vaccine," Zelensky said. Another important issue, according to the President of Ukraine, is access to markets. Zelensky reminded that Ukraine's economy had been focused on imports and exports of goods from/to Russia for many years, but almost all exports were reoriented towards the EU since the beginning of the war. In this regard, he stressed the need for Ukraines free and fair access to the EU markets. Ukraine's path towards the EU membership is unchanged. We want the EU to support our aspirations, especially amidst the current crisis. I mean not only access to markets but also signing the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products, the President stressed. At the same time, he assured that Ukraine had prepared for this strategically important summit, informing that the Parliament had passed the laws on electronic communications, blood donation, concessions, deregulation and considered the water transport bill. The complicated reforms, including the EU-supported land reform, are being implemented in Ukraine, Zelensky added. "I think we are ready for this Summit," the President of Ukraine assured. As reported, the 22nd EU-Ukraine Summit will take place in Brussels on October 6. ol A Federal Circuit Court judge left his phone, wallet and shoes at home before driving to bushland in Brisbane's west and disappearing on Sunday, police said. The search continued on Tuesday for Judge Guy Andrew, who was moved from Townsville to Brisbane last month amid conduct concerns. Police have made a public appeal for information in the search for Guy Andrew. Credit:Queensland Police Service Police officers, SES personnel and community volunteers will return for day four of the search on Wednesday and were expected to concentrate around the same area as Tuesday. The focus of the search will remain around bushland between Dillon Road in The Gap, where Judge Andrew's car was found, west to South Boundary Road, as well in and around the Enoggera Dam. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The national "No Jab, No Pay" policy has been associated with substantial catch-up vaccination activity in lower socio-economic status areas in Australia, according to research published today by the Medical Journal of Australia. Introduced on 1 January 2016, the policy extended the existing vaccination requirements for receiving federal family assistance payments by removing non-medical (conscientious objection) exemptions and tightening guidelines for medical exemption. Researchers from the University of Sydney and the National Center for Immunization Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), analyzed data from the Australian Immunization Register on catch-up vaccination rates for: children aged five to less than seven years before (January 2013December 2014; baseline) and during the first two years of "no jab, no pay" (December 2015December 2017), and children aged seven to less than 10 years and young people aged 10 to less than 20 years ("No Jab, No Pay" period only). They also examined catch-up vaccination rates for the second dose of measlesmumpsrubella vaccine (MMR2) in the latter two age groups, by Indigenous status and socio-economic status, and for the third dose of diphtheriatetanuspertussis vaccine (DTPa3) and the first dose of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR1) in children aged five to less than seven years, before and after the introduction of 'No Jab, No Pay'. Key findings The proportion of incompletely vaccinated children aged five to less than seven years who received catch-up DTPa3: was higher under "No Jab, No Pay" than during the baseline period (15.5% vs. 9.4%). howeverthey also found a slight reduction in MMR1 catch-up (13.6% vs. 12.9%). Of 407,332 incompletely vaccinated adolescents aged 10 to less than 20 years: 71,502 individuals (17.6%) received catch-up MMR2 during the first two years of 'No Jab, No Pay'. This increased overall coverage for this age group from 86.6% to 89.0%. MMR2 catch-up activity in this age group was greater in the lowest socio-economic status areas than in the highest socio-economic status areas (29.1% vs. 7.6%), and also for Indigenous compared to non-Indigenous Australians (35.8% vs. 17.1%). "Our findings suggest that, while monetary sanctions are effective in promoting catch-up vaccination, their impact varies with socio-economic disadvantage," concluded the authors, led by Dr. Frank Beard, NCIRS Associate Director, Surveillance, Coverage, Evaluation and Social Science, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney. "Moreover, the lack of change in MMR1 catch-up activity in children aged five to less than seven years suggests little impact on those who reject vaccination, and that expansion of age requirements was the more effective policy lever in this period."said Dr. Beard. Co-author Professor Julie Leask, NCIRS Professorial Fellow and University of Sydney expert on vaccination attitudes and behavior said: "Many factors contribute to incomplete vaccination; a comprehensive suite of measures, particularly for reducing barriers to access and incorporating systematic reminders, is therefore essential for improving coverage. Requirements alone are not enough. The full scope of consequences of strict vaccination requirements should be carefully examined by any country considering such measures. It may be possible to find a reasonable middle ground that increases catch-up while not disadvantaging certain families." Explore further ACIP recommends catch-up HPV vaccines through age 26 More information: Brynley P Hull et al. "No jab, no pay": catchup vaccination activity during its first two years, Medical Journal of Australia (2020). Journal information: Medical Journal of Australia Brynley P Hull et al. "No jab, no pay": catchup vaccination activity during its first two years,(2020). DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50780 The legal regulator has warned lawyers over "rude and insulting" behaviour in a report which reveals it is receiving around 100 complaints a month about various issues. The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) said issues continually arising included clients not being adequately informed about legal costs or the risks of taking or defending proceedings. Issues relating to probate and wills were also a feature of complaints in the past six months. The report contained a warning to practitioners about inappropriate behaviour. This followed complaints from members of the public, expert witnesses and interpreters alleging a legal practitioner had been "rude and abusive" or made remarks of a "personal or profane nature". The report said that while most lawyers were aware of their obligations to be "honest and courteous" towards third parties, they may not be aware that rude and insulting behaviour could have disciplinary consequences, particularly if a pattern were to be established. The LSRA report also revealed complaints by barristers against solicitors for not paying their fees have more than doubled since March. The regulator has been dealing with complaints for the past year and its latest report relates to the six months from March 7 to September 6. Although the period coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, complaint numbers were only slightly down on the previous reporting period. In the six months covered by the report, 605 complaints were received, with 587 relating to solicitors and 18 relating to barristers. A total of 346 complaints (57pc) alleged misconduct, while 213 (35pc) related to alleged inadequate legal services. A further 46 (8pc) related to alleged excessive costs. Some 169 of the 605 complaints were closed, and 436 remain under investigation. A further 96 complaints were deemed inadmissible and 23 were withdrawn. The LSRA said 50 complaints were resolved informally before it had been determined whether they were admissible. Among the areas of legal services complained about were wills and probate, litigation, conveyancing and family law. LSRA chief executive Brian Doherty said "where possible and appropriate" it made every effort to try to get complaints resolved informally. Mr Doherty said poor communication between practitioners and clients was a key feature of most complaints. "Complainants continually raise the issue that they were not adequately informed by their legal practitioner as to the cost and time or the risks involved in taking or defending legal proceedings," he said. About 17pc of misconduct complaints related to the alleged failure of a practitioner to communicate with a client. The report said the fact that so many complaints are resolved relatively quickly suggested that if legal practitioners engaged with their clients and responded to emails and calls in a timely fashion, many complaints might have been avoided completely. Of complaints about alleged inadequate standards, around 23pc were in connection with probate and the administration of estates. The LSRA said it was concerned there may be an unrealistic expectation as to the extent of what can be achieved under its complaints and mediation process. "The LSRA will frequently not be in a position to resolve what, on investigation, is actually found to be a long-standing family dispute," the report said. The weapon linked to a shooting in Estepona last Thursday has been located and identified by police as a submachine gun, according to SUR sources. The National Police recovered the weapon, classified as a weapon of war, on Sunday, three days after the two British citizens were arrested in connection with the events. Five officers were injured, none seriously, during the chase and subsequent arrest of the suspects, who rammed a police vehicle and resisted police officers who were trying to subdue them. Extortion Progress has been made in the investigations into last week's events, according to sources. It appears that the two detainees, two British citizens aged 27 and 30, were extorting money from a third person by using a submachine gun. No one was shot but the sound of bullets being fired resulted in several calls to the emergency services. The National Police were deployed to the area and a patrol car located the two suspects in a vehicle, which then reversed into the unmarked police car, injuring two officers. However, once the car was blocked, the two suspects resisted arrest and caused a massive commotion, with multiple witnesses at the scene, many of whom recorded events on their mobile phones. Several police officers were eventually required to place them in handcuffs. The investigation continues. LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart cashier software giant Praxis clarified its offering today, explaining that the Cyprus based payment gateway founded by Amit Klatchko is a technical connector and not a payment processor, as it has been erroneously called and addressed by questionable online sources. As such, the restrictions under the Payment Services Law do not apply to the company, as it pertains to payment processors, and not to payment gateways. According to extracts from the legal opinion issued by a reputable law firm in the European Union, "The company offers integration services (with PSPs) and data transfer services only. Its services do not include transaction processing." Or, in layman terms, Praxis acts as a technical connector between Payment Service Providers (PSPs) and business owners/merchants, providing data handling for all incoming and outgoing payments, but does not process the financial payments themselves. With a single integration of the Praxis Cashier payment page interface and back-office into a business's system, merchants are granted access to a selection of PSPs, over 300 alternative payment solutions to choose from, superior graphics and transaction management. The simple integration process includes merchants obtaining their own pre-approval directly from PSPs they seek to work with, integration of the Praxis Cashier into the business's software, and a configuration and testing process prior to going live. In light of Praxis Cashier System Ltd.'s clear and transparent statement of what the company does and does not offer, the law firm concluded and explains that Praxis remains on the right side of the below legislation, not infringing any of their provisions, despite any third party publications stating otherwise (see image 1). Praxis' legal representation seeks to make it explicitly clear that the company provides exactly those services it claims to provide. Furthermore, the restrictions under the Payment Services Law do not apply to the company, as it pertains to payment processors (which Praxis is not), and not to payment gateways (which Praxis is, see image 2). Praxis' technology is constantly evolving with new feature-rich products and integrations to give merchants more agility. The company undertakes KYC screening of all prospective and existing merchants to help identify and mitigate financial, regulatory and reputational risk. About Praxis Praxis Cashier is a technology provider that has developed the ultimate smart cashier software designed with Fintech, Online Gaming, Travel and E-commerce businesses in mind. Praxis Cashier software was designed to overcome high-risk processing difficulties, bring industrial peace to companies and increase businesses' transaction approval rates by over 15%. With staff based in Costa Rica, Spain, Cyprus, and Ukraine, Praxis provides non-stop technological and support coverage around the globe. For more information, visit www.praxiscashier.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307062/Praxis_Cashier_Image_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307063/Praxis_Cashier_Image_2.jpg Africa, economically united, means more than a combined gross domestic product of over US$600 billion. The real benefits are in the amalgam of competitive advantages, the opening of new markets, and generally the boost to Africas entrepreneurial ecosystem. Indeed, the prospects already seem to be here; they are only waiting to be activated. In my research, I saw that in 12 years (2005-2017), mobile phone subscriptions in Africa grew exponentially from 87 million to 760 million. Africa remains the region with the fastest growing mobile phone transactions globally. This year, the value of Africas mobile money industry is valued to be over US$14 billion. However, toxic economic conditions can bar Africans from raking in these benefits. It is still tough to do business in Africa and most indigenous businesses do not live up to their fourth year. Homegrown barriers continue to put African digital enterprises and entrepreneurs at a disadvantage and weaken their competitiveness in global markets. It is reassuring to see the many regional solutions that have come to the rescue, notably, the African Unions Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa which seeks to improve the narrative and ensure, among others, continental ownership (internet-related intellectual property) in the digital space by 2030. Then, there is the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement whose object is to integrate the fragmented economies of Africa, stimulate intra-regional trade and nurture new markets. But what is the relevance of these broad, regional policy blueprints for African digital enterprises and entrepreneurs? What specific provisions are there for the empowerment of startups and small businesses in AfCFTA especially? Wouldnt these initiatives be cleaved apart by protectionist regimes in some African countries? Besides, the African tech startups including Founders of digital enterprises whom I interacted with, are not clear on how AfCFTA will activate the African Unions Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. Their other tasks are the specific entry points for them and what they must do to prepare themselves to own their software codes in the foreseeable future. On Wednesday 30th October 2020, I had a conversation with Maame Darkowa Awinador and Daniel Dzamesi about these issues at enpacts second roundtable event. Maame Awinador is an AfCFTA advocate with expertise in International Economics and Trade. She works with BlackBridge Consulting Group. Daniel has been involved in the software/technology space in various roles and in various geographies for over a decade. He currently works as a Senior Product Owner at Jumo, a full technology stack for building and running financial services infrastructure. Their simple yet insightful presentations were very helpful. Maame Darkowa explained that the AfCFTA agreement is to achieve five things. First, to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments. Second, to pave the way for catalyzing the establishment of the Continental Customs Union and the African Customs Union. Third, to expand intra-African trade through better harmonization and coordination of trade liberalization facilitation regimes and instruments across Regional Economic Communities and across Africa in general. Fourth, to resolve the challenges of multiple and overlapping memberships and expedite the regional and continental integration processes. Fifth, to enhance competitiveness at the industry and enterprise level through exploiting opportunities for scale production, continental market access and better reallocation of resources. She further explained AfCFTAs current target market totals 1.27 billion people which is projected to rise to 1.7 billion by 2030. In terms of investment and consumer spending, it is expected to attract an estimated US$4 trillion. She went on to distil the benefits from these broad economic prospects to SMEs and startups highlighting the direct benefits of economies of scale and access to cheaper raw materials and intermediate inputs. Moreover, she emphasized the potential for integration with global value chains and facilitation of both intra-African and external debt capital flows to African countries. Thereafter, the focus of the conversation shifted to specific, practical things African entrepreneurs can do to prepare themselves for the AfCFTA opportunity including the adoption of resilient business models. Daniel, using JUMO as a case study to illustrate his points, shared the importance of clear value proposition and communication of the same, as essential first steps. He observed that some African entrepreneurs and enterprises tend to shift into what appears to be business opportunities without carefully thinking through the value they want to provide. There is some truth to that. An example, when the COVID-19 pandemic became severe, it triggered a rise in the purchase of face shields. Thus, prices of face shields went up extremely and for that reason, many people went into the sale of face shields. But this was short-lived as the price of face shield dropped drastically. Now those who went into that business with short-term profiteering motives are not making the profit they anticipated. Being mindful of different contexts and embracing the nuances in the market was Daniels next point. What works in one market, that is one African country, might not work in another market. For instance, Ghanaians have an appetite for loans, but this cannot be said for other African countries. He also talked about the importance of tweaking products and services to fit the market and meet real customer needs. He further alluded to the point of knowing when to use technology, what technology to use and how to use it in the delivery of maximum value to customers. He also pointed to specific things African startups and entrepreneurs can do to prepare themselves for uncertainties in business. In his explanation, agility is a central element in any resilient business model. Owing to market volatility and consumer complexity, agility is a must have since it enables businesses to take ideas and test rapidly to establish what works and what does not work. In his final submission, he spoke about risk awareness; explaining that risk awareness improves preparation for possible eventualities so that your startup is prepared to some extent to withstand shocks. These notes were compiled at enpacts second roundtable event held on Wednesday 30th September 2020 at enpact Ghanas office in Labone. It was incredible, said Forest Preserve District of Will County wildlife biologist Becky Blankenship. Our trail cameras pick up a bobcat maybe once every couple of years, and typically its a single image or maybe a burst of images. These cats were hanging around for three or four days, setting off both cameras. 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 Its Friday afternoon in the inner north, so its time to go to the playground. After all, theres nothing else to do. The park is full of crazy kids, dogs running wild and surreptitious knots of teenagers pretending theyre socially distancing. This is the regular late afternoon scene in my neighbourhood, and probably in yours. People relaxing at the Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui Once upon a time we had so many other options: pubs, beaches, barbecues. March changed all that in a flash. As we gradually re-emerge (let it be for good this time!) I wonder what habits well keep from this time, apart from an obsession with washing our hands. The impact of lost jobs and the awful toll in lives matters most, of course. But for luckier people, lost rituals loomed large. Not being able to drop by a favourite cafe; shopping at a new greengrocer thats in our zone; missing out on choir practice or the after-work gym session. These small changes were discombobulating in surprising ways. Freedom is not about taking every option. Its about choice, and sometimes we choose to be anchored by routine and familiarity. Not needing to think about every single thing we do is a kind of freedom in itself. No doubt Nitish is our leader in Bihar, LJP is our ally at Centre: BJP India oi-Deepika S Patna, Oct 06: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday backed Chief Minister Nitish Kumars leadership to the hilt and rebuffed LJP chief Chirag Paswan who has raised a banner of revolt. The ruling NDA in Bihar on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the assembly elections under which JD(U) will contest on 122 seats and BJP 121 out of a total of 243 seats. At a joint press conference of top leadership of the JD (U) and the BJP, where Kumar who heads the former was also present, it was declared that the two partners have clinched a deal where both will have an almost equal share of the pie. "The JD(U) has got 122 seats out of which we have set aside seven for the Hindustani Awam Morcha (headed by former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi). "The BJP has got the remaining 121 wherein new entrant Vikassheel Insaan Party of Mukesh Sahni will be accommodated", Kumar told reporters. Bihar Polls 2020: NDA seat sharing announced, JDU gets 122 while BJP gets 121|Oneindia News "If Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan was well then the issue would have been different. Ram Vilas Paswan was sent to Rajya Sabha with JD(U) support. There is no confusion over Nitish Kumar's leadership as he will be next CM, said Sushil Modi at NDA press conference. "With people's blessings, Nitish Kumar will be the Chief Minister again. We respect Ram Vilas Paswan ji and we are praying for his speedy recovery," he added. Responding to a query about post-poll scenario, Sushil Modi, asserted "we have said unequivocally that Nitish Kumar will be our Chief Minister. It does not matter which party gets how many seats in the elections". "If needed, we will write to the Election Commission that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photo must not be misused. Only four NDA parties can use PM's photo during campaign," he added. Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal said "the LJP is our ally at the Centre and we pray for early recovery of its founder and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. But there should be no confusion with regard to the fact that in Bihar the NDAs leader is Nitish Kumar. Our alliance with his party is atoot (unbreakable). The ruling NDA in Bihar on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the assembly elections under which JD(U) will contest on 122 seats and BJP 121 out of a total of 243 seats. The BJP will take a fresh look at its Bihar candidates after ally Chirag Paswan's move to go solo has recast political calculations ahead Bihar assembly polls. Reports suggest that the party plans to tweak its strategy and its choice of candidates, given the changed caste equations. NDA seat sharing deal: JD(U) to contest 122 seats in Bihar, BJP 121 Chirag Paswan, the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), announced that he would not contest the polls as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and posed a direct challenge to Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United. Chirag Paswan has also made his liking for Prime Minister Modi clear while rejecting Nitish Kumar as his leader. Gurugram, Oct 6 : Three criminals of the Sube gang were nabbed by the Gurugram police in the Sohna area after a brief encounter on Tuesday evening. All the alleged criminals were injured while two policemen suffered bullet injuries during the shootout, officials said on Tuesday. The gunfight broke out at around 6:30 p.m. "Three men on a motorcycle were intercepted by the police in the Sohna area. Two of them were hit on their legs during the subsequent gunfight and the third was injured as the bike skidded during the escape attempt. The injured trio were taken into custody and were treated in hospital," ACP (crime) Preet Pal Sangwan said. Police constables Sunil and Abhilash were both hit on their hands during the exchange of fire and were admitted at the same hospital, a senior police official said. The accused have been identified as Rajesh Fauji of Rajiv Colony in Naharpur Rupa village, Gurugram, Kamal alias Kamli of Bhada village in Gurugram and Aman of Ludhiana in Punjab, currently residing in EWS flat near Tata Primanti apartments in Gurugram. "The arrested culprits had been involved in nearly a dozen cases which were serious in nature. Rajesh was a bad character from Sadar Police station Gurugram while Kamal used to arrange weapons for criminals," Sangwan said. Preliminary investigations suggest that the perpetrators had planned to eliminate a property dealer but were held before they could commit the crime. Reportedly, police has recovered 2 foreign-made pistols, 2 revolvers and 1 country-made pistol along with 110 rounds of ammunition from them, while their motorcycle has been impounded. Further probe is on, the police said. AccessHope AccessHope believes in putting the ever-growing body of cancer knowledge to work for the greater good. The company delivers a revolutionary employee health benefit that connects cancer patients and their families with expertise from a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. A wholly owned subsidiary of City of Hope, AccessHope is sharing the latest discoveries in cancer care and working with local oncologists to help develop precise plans for treatment. AccessHope believes in putting the ever-growing body of cancer knowledge to work for the greater good. The company delivers a revolutionary employee health benefit that connects cancer patients and their families with expertise from a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. A wholly owned subsidiary of City of Hope, AccessHope is sharing the latest discoveries in cancer care and working with local oncologists to help develop precise plans for treatment. City of Hope launches AccessHope, a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to providing a first-of-its-kind, innovative cancer support model for employers to improve care, experience, outcomes and value. City of Hope, a world-renowned independent cancer research and treatment center, today announced the formal launch of AccessHope, a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to serving employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes exceptional cancer expertise. Instead of requiring patients to travel to City of Hope, AccessHope exports leading-edge insights from National Cancer Institute-level subspecialists to employees, family members and their treating oncologists wherever they are located to improve clinical outcomes, quality of life and optimize cancer care. City of Hope, a world-renowned independent cancer research and treatment center, today announced the formal launch of AccessHope, a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to serving employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes exceptional cancer expertise. Instead of requiring patients to travel to City of Hope, AccessHope exports leading-edge insights from National Cancer Institute-level subspecialists to employees, family members and their treating oncologists wherever they are located to improve clinical outcomes, quality of life and optimize cancer care. AccessHope TM remotely connects patients to expertise from world-renowned national comprehensive cancer center, providing unparalleled decision support to patients and their treating physicians. City of Hope has invested over $40 million into AccessHope and has assembled leading talent in the medical and health care community to help guide the new company. AccessHope currently serves approximately 1.95 million members who can access these unparalleled cancer support benefits through 34 employers, including 11 Fortune 500 companies. DUARTE, Calif., Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- City of Hope, a world-renowned independent cancer research and treatment center, today announced the formal launch of AccessHope, a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to serving employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes exceptional cancer expertise. Instead of requiring patients to travel to City of Hope, AccessHope exports leading-edge insights from National Cancer Institute-level subspecialists to employees, family members and their treating oncologists wherever they are located to improve clinical outcomes, quality of life and optimize cancer care. Story continues Representing an innovative new model for a leading cancer center to export the latest cancer care knowledge, AccessHope partners with employers to provide their employees with cancer information and expert clinical decision support. AccessHope integrates with an employers other health care partners, including health plans, third-party administrators and pharmacy benefit managers to provide services. Recognizing the central role of the community oncologist, AccessHope offers collaborative support that is informed by leading-edge research: diagnosis and treatment plan consultation, recommendations on possible clinical trials, precision medicine guidance and other best practices. We recognized several years ago the tremendous benefit to cancer patients of re-imagining how they can receive the most innovative care available as close to home as possible, said Robert Stone, City of Hopes president and chief executive officer. The demand we have experienced from employers across the country led us to form AccessHope, which will accelerate and expand our ability to partner with like-minded employers, doctors and health care providers to transform the industry. Best practices in oncology are evolving at an extraordinary pace, and the health plans and delivery system need support to ensure that all patients have consistent access to the most current data and best treatments, said Harlan Levine, M.D., president of Strategy and Business Ventures at City of Hope and AccessHope chair of the board. By leveraging the knowledge that comes from precision medicine and clinical research, our aim is to address disparities in health outcomes and optimize a patients opportunity for survival, Levine continued. We are impacting more than 80% of cases we engage, supporting patients remaining in their own communities, with local physicians of their choice. Helping lower health care costs AccessHope also can ease health care costs. Cancer treatment options may frequently exceed $1 million per patient, and cancer is commonly in the top-three diagnostic categories for employers, driving 12% or more of total medical spend in addition to being a significant contributor to employee time away from work. AccessHope can reduce overall health care costs for employer-sponsored health plans since a more precise treatment plan from the start can significantly reduce the cost to fight cancer. For example, for every $1 invested by the employer, AccessHopes Accountable Precision OncologyTM service has the potential to return back more than $3 in value when the recommendations that AccessHope provides are adopted. AccessHope also can help patients living with cancer return to their lives and work, improving patient quality of life. The simple fact is that data-driven decisions lead to better care, outcomes and costs; and when the shared interests of self-insured employers are mobilized at scale, it will drive industry transformation, said Robert Andrews, CEO, Health Transformation Alliance. AccessHope embodies this shared interest. It will be the catalyst for widespread systems that change the field of cancer care. A fast-growing network Today, AccessHope serves approximately 1.95 million members who have these cancer support benefits through 34 employers including 11 Fortune 500 companies, as well as collaborative relationships with Health Transformation Alliance and Quantum Health. A pilot program with Blue Shield of California is also underway to provide a convenient way for community oncologists treating Blue Shield PPO members to consult directly with some of the best cancer specialists in the world and discuss the latest information on cancer treatments. To support its rapid growth, City of Hope has invested over $40 million into AccessHope and has assembled talent in the medical and health care community to help guide the company. In addition to Levine serving as the executive chair, renowned leaders Norman Payson, M.D. and Glenn Steele Jr., M.D., Ph.D., have also joined the AccessHope board of directors. A patients best chance of cure is often the first chance of cure, making it mission-critical that optimal treatments are identified and administered at the onset. AccessHope is the key to unlocking this promise for anyone, regardless of geography, said Mark Stadler, CEO, AccessHope. Offering a suite of industry-leading cancer support services AccessHope has designed a suite of cancer support services that fill a much-needed gap in comprehensive care with industry-disrupting offerings that include: Accountable Precision Oncology: A first-of-its-kind program that helps patients toward the right treatment path. Accountable Precision Oncology uses a proprietary algorithm of ICD10 and Rx condition triggers to target the top 20% of cancers that are most vulnerable to care mismatches in the treatment plan, are the most complicated/complex, and will be most positively impacted with respect to outcomes and cost savings by early and effective intervention. Expert Advisory Review: After a cancer diagnosis, patients can contact AccessHope to request a review of their medical record from an expert in their specific cancer type to evaluate the therapeutic approach. When needed, AccessHopes expert can work with an employees local physician to provide input on a clinically appropriate treatment plan with the goal of achieving optimal outcomes without the patient ever needing to travel for care. Cancer Support Team: Experienced oncology nurses are available to speak with patients and their families. Nurses can help patients understand their specific type of cancer, prepare for their first appointment with an oncologist, and provide emotional support and direction to trusted informational materials. Expert Evaluation: During an in-person evaluation at City of Hope, patients are paired with an oncologist or hematologist who specializes in their specific type of cancer and receive consultations with additional experts as needed (e.g., surgical oncologist, radiation oncologist, supportive care practitioner or other specialists). The service is inclusive of coordination with the patients local doctor in continuing their ongoing care. About AccessHope AccessHope believes in putting the ever-growing body of cancer knowledge to work for the greater good. The company delivers a revolutionary employee health benefit that connects cancer patients and their families with expertise from a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. A wholly owned subsidiary of City of Hope, AccessHope is sharing the latest discoveries in cancer care and working with local oncologists to help develop precise plans for treatment. The company brings the vast expertise of major medical centers to people near and far. They never have to switch doctors. They never have to leave home. Its simply a better approach to cancer care. And getting better every day. For more information about AccessHope, and to view a full list of its leadership, visit www.myaccesshope.org and follow us on LinkedIn. About City of Hope City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy . City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope has been ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report for 14 consecutive years. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , YouTube or Instagram . MEDIA CONTACTS AccessHope City of Hope Allison Castagna Letisia Marquez 424-273-6690 626-476-7593 allison@ideahall.com lemarquez@coh.org Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f3c6eb12-8e48-4b82-90dc-e41a1e5cc985 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62637ab9-8e64-45af-884c-4339b9ee700b US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Tokyo on Tuesday, the State Department said. Pompeo and Jaishankar are in Tokyo to attend the second QUAD ministerial involving their counterparts from Australia and Japan.While Pompeo and Jaishankar talk over the phone at frequent intervals, this is their first meeting after the recent border incursions by China in India. According to the State Department, Pompeo is scheduled to meet new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi. In an interaction with reporters travelling with him, Pompeo hoped to have significant announcements and significant achievements during the QUAD ministerial. It's going to be a wonderful trip. It's supporting something we've been working on for a long time to put together. To meet with our Quad partners is a project we've been preparing for. We're hoping to have some significant announcements, significant achievements, Pompeo said. Before leaving for Tokyo, Trump spoke with President Donald Trump over the phone. I did get a chance to talk with the president at some length today, and I think he spoke with his entire national security team today, he said. This is a team that is mature and capable. We're fully prepared for all possibilities that may take place. We had a good conversation. I'm not going to say what it was about. But we made sure that the president was fully up to speed on all the things happening around the world. Got a little bit of additional guidance for this trip, now I'm looking forward to executing it, Pompeo said. The US Embassy in Tokyo said the foreign ministers from the four countries will discuss the challenges posed by COVID-19, security and economic issues in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of upholding a rules-based international system. Also read: China using aggression to stop India from building defence infra in border areas: US Also read: Quad forum with India, Japan, Australia seeks to establish, secure, promote Indo-Pacific region: US Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister of Health Paulette Lenert gave a 45-minute press briefing on Wednesday afternoon. Luxembourg is on the right track in its fight against coronavirus, Bettel and Lenert said. Hospital and testing capacity both remain high, the peak of returning holidaymakers has passed, and the current development in general of the virus is not ringing any alarm bells. The government will not, however, ease any restrictions in place. At the same time, there will also be no stricter measures in the foreseeable future. Earlier this week the Chamber of Deputies agreed on replacing some of the existing measures. A return to a more "normal life" has started after the summer break, with people feeling more comfortable to get together for group activities such as sport and culture. This, as well as people coming back from holidays, are the main reason behind the increasing number of new confirmed infections - with around a third being traced back to people returning from holidays. Lenert also noted that 20% of new cases are linked to the home, and the private sphere. On the subject of infections, Bettel urged young people to remain vigilant, as experts have seen problematic health consequences in them as well, not just older patients. Currently, the average age of those infected is 33.4 years old, much younger than at the start of the pandemic. The health minister also noted that the government should not act rashly, but see how the trend develops. She noted that it is normal for the virus to circulate, and that the current strategy is not to eradicate it completely, but to put the brakes on its spread and keep it under control. Last week saw 672 cases, 43 of which were found through large-scale testing, 84 through testing at Findel airport, and 285 via tests prescribed by a doctor. Lenert said that labs reported two cases of wrong results to the ministry, which were both series of several tests - the first one included 10 tests, the second 26. This can always happen, of course, but the ministry and labs are learning from these rare mistakes so as to avoid them in future. Luxembourg is proud of being able to inform the public of their results as quickly as possible. This aids in breaking up the chain of the virus and plays a major role of the virus' future in Luxembourg, Lenert explained. Luxembourg and Germany in close contact Germany evaluates the situation in Luxembourg once per week with regards to cross-border travel, but Lenert stressed that both foreign ministers are in close contact. The government will continue testing cross-border workers, but it has been a conscious choice to not present those figure at press briefings or to the public, as it damages the country's own image internationally. However, there is no need to panic, even after the holiday period. "Teleworking is not the future" Bettel is aware of the fact that full teleworking is simply not possible for many companies. Social contact is incredibly important for the development of a company, and working from home also brings its own risks and difficulties. If the company believes basic functions can continue from home, then they should promote it, but Bettel says the future of work will not be 100% from home. You can also read our live ticker translations of the press briefing as it happened. This year, the authors of that study released a letter warning older people and those with chronic medical conditions to stay away from the Magal, and urged those who attended to wear masks and wash hands. During the event, streets around the Grand Mosque and the general market present an extremely high density of population, the letter said. All these conditions are very likely to favor the transmission of respiratory pathogens among pilgrims. Washing hands may be difficult. The number of people using Toubas water multiplies during the Magal, and most years, there are water shortages. This year too, faucets are running dry, the local press has reported, except for a dribble late at night. Many African countries have reported caseloads and deaths linked to Covid-19 that are much lower than in other continents, particularly in Europe and North America. Although many cases may have been missed because of low testing levels, epidemiologists say that the young median age of the continent is likely a significant factor, and that some countries hot weather and tendency to live much of life outdoors may play a role. Studies are underway to test the hypothesis that previous exposure to other coronaviruses may have strengthened some peoples immune systems. Like many West African countries, Senegal had good protocols in place for contact tracing, partly as a result of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and can turn tests for the coronavirus around fast. It never reported many more than 100 new coronavirus cases a day, and over the past two months, its caseload has fallen. On Tuesday, that was only 19 of 777 tests done, the health ministry said. But not everyone with Covid-like symptoms receives a test in Senegal, and with over 80 percent of Covid-19 cases in Africa being asymptomatic, according to the World Health Organization, many cases may go under the radar. On a trip to Touba last Thursday, Senegals health minister told local journalists that he would be deploying 5,000 health ministry officials to Touba to monitor it and respond if necessary. He did not respond to calls or text messages requesting an interview, or answer questions about why the Magal had not been canceled and why many ministers were attending. A group of human rights organizations have submitted a criminal complaint in Germany on behalf of chemical attack victims in Syria, asking federal prosecutors to investigate and eventually arrest those responsible for some of the deadliest gas attacks in the countrys civil war. On Monday, the Syrian Archive, the Open Society Justice Initiative, and the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression submitted to the German federal public prosecutor a dossier of evidence they say confirms the Syrian governments use of the deadly nerve agent sarin on its own people. The filing asks Germany to investigate an attack in the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta in 2013 and another in the northwestern town of Khan Sheikhoun in 2017. The nongovernmental organizations say the body of evidence they have compiled contains new information about the attacks, which together killed some 1,500 people, many of them children. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad denies using chemical weapons during the countrys long-running war despite a body of evidence from rights organizations, journalists and medics documenting otherwise. Now is the time for competent European prosecutors to jointly investigate Syrias chemical weapons program and issue arrest warrants for the Syrian officials responsible," Hadi al Khatib, founder and director of Syrian Archive, said in a statement. Syria is not a party to the Rome Statute that created the International Criminal Court (ICC), and its veto-wielding allies on the UN Security Council, Russia and China, have repeatedly blocked referrals for Syrias prosecution. In the absence of an ICC referral or Nuremberg-like tribunal, a number of European states have led the way in seeking accountability for Syrias many war crimes victims. Germanys universal jurisdiction law allows for the prosecution of grave crimes committed in another country, regardless of whether the suspects or victims are German nationals. In April, a court in Koblenz, Germany, began a landmark trial against suspected members of Assads intelligence services who are accused of carrying out state-sponsored torture. In June, Germany arrested a doctor accused of carrying out torture in one of the Syrian regimes notorious detention centers. It is not reasonable that the international community is dealing with the grave crime of chemical weapons use with the disregard that we are witnessing today, Mazen Darwish, director general and founder of Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, said in a statement. Syria is a test of the worlds resolve to hold war criminals accountable, and failure is not an option. Thats why international efforts must unite to prevent impunity for these crimes and to ensure that they do not recur, he said. Earlier this year, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the international chemical arms watchdog, for the first time concluded that the Syrian air force dropped aerial bombs containing sarin on a rebel-held neighborhood in 2017. Interstate 57 is the longest interstate highway in Illinois, running diagonally through the length of the state from Alexander County to Chicago. In our region, I-57 includes 95 miles of road from the southern tip of the state to Mount Vernon. Last week, Illinois Department of Transportation announced projects in the ongoing and future expansion of Interstate 57 from Mount Vernon to Johnston City. In a news release, IDOT said the projects highlight a commitment to improve safety, reduce congestion and encourage economic growth throughout the region. The project is separated into six segments, representing a total investment of $257.8 million for Southern Illinois, with $224 million coming from the Rebuild Illinois capital program. With the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, Illinois isnt just making temporary repairs and patching up existing infrastructure, its investing for the future, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in the release. Rebuild Illinois is the beginning of an effort to improve and replace roads and bridges and provide jobs throughout the entire state. By undertaking the I-57 expansion and other projects in the years to come, IDOT will ultimately create safer roads for Jefferson, Franklin and Williamson counties. State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) in a Thursday news release called the project investments long-overdue highway funding for Southern Illinois. This week, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an ongoing and future expansion of Interstate 57 from Mount Vernon to Johnston City, Severin said. This investment and expansion will not only improve safety and reduce congestion but help improve economic growth throughout the state. Severin says the project was the first major capital investment program passed in over a decade. It will help bring dollars home to Southern Illinois that will create jobs and improve transportation and public safety, he said. I was a supporter of the capital program so that we can get Illinois moving in the right direction to fix our crumbling infrastructure, Severin said. "When we invest, we grow, and thats what Southern Illinois needs. Five of the six I-57 expansion segments are ongoing or upcoming, with one already completed. Each segment includes widening I-57 to three lanes in each direction and replacing key bridges. Planned construction includes: Milepost 63 to milepost 66 with new structures over Pond Creek; scheduled for completion in the fall of 2022; Milepost 67 to milepost 75 with new structures over Big Muddy River; scheduled to start in 2022; Milepost 75 to milepost 85 with new structures over Marcum Branch and Gun Creek; scheduled to start in 2024; and Milepost 85 to milepost 92 with new structures over Dodds Creek, scheduled to start in 2023. Milepost 58.6 to milepost 63 widening to three lanes in each direction was completed in fall 2020. The reconstruction of the I-57/64/Illinois 15 interchange is scheduled to start in 2025. In addition, IDOT is embarking on a major renovation of the Trail of Tears rest areas on I-57 in Union County later this year, which will expand and enhance truck parking. Motorists can expect delays and should allow for extra time when traveling through these work zones, IDOT said. Drivers are urged to pay attention to changed conditions and signs, watch for traffic signals, be aware of width restrictions, refrain from using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment. Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,300 miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, according to its news release. The first year of the program included approximately $2.7 billion of improvements statewide on 1,706 miles of highway, 128 bridges and 228 additional safety improvements. For more information and updates, visit twitter.com/IDOTDistrict9 or gettingaroundillinois.com. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other on Monday of attacking civilian areas and said the death toll was rising from the deadliest fighting in the South Caucasus region for more than 25 years. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg added his voice to calls for an immediate end to the clashes over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain enclave that belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians. But prospects for a ceasefire appeared remote after fighting intensified at the weekend, with hundreds killed in clashes involving artillery, tanks and fighter planes since September 27. Azerbaijan said Azeri cities outside Nagorno-Karabakh had been struck, taking the fighting closer to territory from which pipelines carry Azeri gas and oil to Europe. In an interview shown on Monday by Turkey`s state broadcaster, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said Armenia must withdraw its troops from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding Azeri territories for military action to stop. "We don`t have eyes on any other country`s lands, but what is ours should be ours," he said, echoing comments he made in an address to the nation on Sunday. Aliyev has ignored a ceasefire appeal by the United States, Russia and France, who have led mediation efforts in the intermittent conflict since the 1990s, and said in Monday`s interview that any peacemaking must involve Turkey. "Turkey must definitely be in any upcoming peace process. A peace process will surely be started. Clashes cannot go on forever, so the sooner the better," he said. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan showed no sign of backing down. In comments on Facebook on Monday, he called on servicemen demobilised last year to volunteer to fight. "I want to invite those people and tell them they are ... going to fight a war of survival for their fatherland," he said. "NO MILITARY SOLUTION" The fighting has increased international concern that other regional powers could be dragged into the conflict - Turkey has expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan while Armenia has a defence pact with Russia. "There is no military solution," NATO`s Stoltenberg said during a visit to Turkey, calling for a ceasefire. The European Union appealed for a ceasefire last week and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday he had asked his foreign minister to travel to Europe to meet with allies to discuss developments in Nagorno-Karabakh. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun spoke separately to the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia. He urged the sides to agree to a ceasefire immediately and resume negotiations, the State Department said in a statement. The United States, Russia and France jointly chair a group under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to mediate in the crisis. The three powers condemned the escalation of violence in and around Nagorno-Karabakh and called for a ceasefire, the OSCE said. On Monday, Nagorno-Karabakh said Azeri forces carried out rocket strikes on Stepanakert, which the enclave`s Armenian administration considers its capital. Azerbaijan said Armenia fired missiles at several towns outside the breakaway enclave. Officials in Nagorno-Karabakh said 21 more servicemen had been killed, bringing its total military death toll to 223 since the fighting began. It also said 19 civilians had been killed. "Stubborn battles are going on along the contact line between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan," Artsrun Hovhannisyan, an Armenian defence ministry official. The Azeri prosecutor`s office said 25 civilians and been killed and 127 wounded since fighting began. Azerbaijan has not provided details of military casualties. Azerbaijan says its forces have made gains and President Aliyev has said that his army has "liberated" several villages and heights in the Jabrail region in Nagorno-Karabakh. A spokesman for Nagorno-Karabakh said the enclave`s forces had retreated for tactical reasons to limit losses and inflict more damage on Azeri forces. Hovhannisyan said Azeri advances has been halted. The clashes are the worst since the 1990s, when some 30,000 people were killed, and are spreading beyond the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave itself. "The fighting has essentially put to bed the prospect of any near-term resolution to the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh," said analysts Alexander Stronell and Yohann Michel of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London. - Univariety's New Course is Asia's 1st Comprehensive Online Program for Career Counsellors HYDERABAD, India, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 2020 has been a year of many firsts for most people. For the education sector, it was a year of significant transformation. From virtual schooling because of the pandemic to the potentially far-reaching impact of the new NEP 2020, schools, students and parents have had an eventful year. In the last 5 months, Univariety has conducted lakhs of counselling sessions and analyzed how this situation has affected students and parents. Realizing the increasing importance of reliable counselling, Univariety, India's largest career counselling and college guidance platform, has launched an initiative to make a difference in shaping the future of the country. To empower counsellors, educators and students who are looking to have a career in the career counselling field, Univariety has relaunched the Global Career Counsellor program with advanced features, learning modules and specializations to master the art of career counselling in India and across the globe. The new structure of the program is built to make individuals industry ready. The Global Career Counsellor program by Univariety in collaboration with University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension is Asia's first comprehensive online course for career counsellors. Since its launch in 2016, the program has trained 5,270 individuals to become career counsellors. This one-of-a-kind program offers a structured form of training for individuals along with multiple resources to learn and engage with a wide network. Univariety is proud of its counsellor community which is also India's largest career counselling network. The new course offers blended learning with live workshops, interactive sessions, case-study based learning and so on. It covers real-life topics like parent counselling, interpreting psychometric test reports, marketing one's services as a counsellor, student profile building, overseas admissions and a lot more. Career Counselling at its peak! Counsellors, educators, and aspiring counsellors, upskill oneself with the Global Career Counsellor program. About Global Career Counsellor Program The Global Career Counsellor Program by Univariety in collaboration with UCLA Extension is an all-in-one guide to learn about career counselling from techniques and trends to best practices. With over a decade of research and experience in guiding students and parents, Univariety found that India had close to zero active Career Counsellors to guide students. Univariety then collaborated with the University of California, Los Angeles Extension to create the first of its kind program for professionals who want to become Career Counsellors. Visit here for more information: https://globalcareercounsellor.com/ About Univariety Launched in 2015, Univariety is India's foremost Career Counselling, Guidance and College Planning platform. With Info Edge (India) Private Limited as a key investor, we are a proud addition to the company's robust portfolio, which includes leading companies across Recruitment, Matrimony, Real Estate and Education. Univariety is a Blended Career Guidance Platform for Schools. Headquartered in Hyderabad, India, with an Enterprising Team of 100+ across India and North America, driven by one single mission: Make Career Guidance Mainstream in Schools. Univariety's unique Guidance platform offers Schools an unparalleled Service experience in the form of a comprehensive Career and College Guidance Solution for the Students, Counsellors, Parents and School Management. For more information, Contact Sukriti Sen, [email protected] SOURCE Univariety In a move that will benefit Mumbais fishing villages or koliwadas, whose residents are among the oldest inhabitants of the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to give them representation in the citys development plan (DP) 2034. The civic body will mark boundaries of 13 koliwadas Versova, Juhu, Charkop, Chimbai (Bandra) Gorai, Khardanda, Madh, Mahul, Malvani, Manori, Turbhe, Borivli, Bhatti in DP 2034. Residents of koliwadas and gaothans (erstwhile villages) across Mumbai have been demanding special status for their villages by demarcating their boundaries in DP 2034, since it was sanctioned by BMC and sent to the state government for approval in 2018. Godfrey Pimenta, a city-based lawyer who has been following up with BMC, said, As BMC had not marked boundaries of gaothans and koliwadas, they were considered slum settlements and could be redeveloped under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) schemes. With our follow-ups, now all gaothans and koliwadas will be marked in DP. Koliwadas have characteristically small houses with narrow winding lanes. Without special mentions in DP, redevelopment would be challenging. If categorised as slum settlements, developers would get a higher floor space index (FSI) of 4, which determines how tall a building can be built on any land. BMCs move comes a few months after it created Special Development Control Rules (SDCR) for gaothans and koliwadas, which gives them the freedom to decide what to do with their settlements, whether to preserve them, or opt for self-redevelopment or tie up with a developer, in which case they also have the option to sell excess inventory of flats in the market. BMC has now called for suggestions and objections for demarcating boundaries of these 13 koliwadas. The Borat sequel trailer was finally released on October 3. After 14 years of the release of the first documentary film of Sacha Baron Cohen, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, the makers have finally decided to release the Borat 2 trailer. Borat 2 is titled, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. Also Read | 'Borat 2' To Have A Lengthy Title Just Like Sacha Baron Cohen's Previous Version? Borat 2 trailer Borat 2 trailer has been dropped by its makers and the comedy film and documentary seems hilarious. The iconic sequel has a long title just like its film. Sacha Baron Cohen's upcoming film is called Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. The film will star Sacha in the lead role along with Irina Nowak as his daughter. Cohen's character Borat Sagdiyev is a Kazakhstani news reporter who gains popularity after the events that take place in the first film. In Borat 2 trailer, Sacha Baron Cohen's character Borat is seen returning back to America with his daughter Sandra Jessica Parker Sagdiyev. People start recognizing him and thus he decides to disguise as an American. There is a hilarious scene wherein Borat purchases a costume with a tummy to look "fat like an American". He comes all the way to America to give away his daughter to Vice President Mike Pence in the movie. Also Read | 'Borat' Sequel To Be Released By Amazon Before Election The Borat 2 trailer has some hysterical scenes, including the one where Borat says he got his daughter pregnant. However, she only eats a small baby figure from the cake that her father Borat feeds her. The film was shot secretly during the Coronavirus pandemic and in the trailer, one can see Borat mentioning it. In the Borat 2 trailer, Borat is seen disrupting the American politics unintentionally. The scenes are extremely funny, including the one where he barges into a CAPC event where Vice President Mike Pence is delivering a speech. Also Read | Borat Sequel Shot Secretly? Plot Of This Sacha Baron Cohen Movie Revealed Where to watch Borat 2? Borat 2 will be releasing exactly before the US elections on November 23. The film will be launched on Amazon Prime. The film will revolve around the American culture, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the political elections. He and his dimwitted daughter will create havoc in the film with their amazing comic timing. Also Read | New Borat Movie Speculated As Sacha Baron Cohen Spotted In Borat Costume Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. Two ardent supporters of President Donald Trump have taken an artistic approach to backing the commander-in-chiefs reelection efforts. Longtime friends Bruce Badeau and Andy Valadez have opened a Trump-themed art gallery in homage to the president. The art gallery, located at 829 Mason Rd., features paintings, banners and sketches of the president. It even has an interpretive sculpture that symbolizes Trumps euphemism of draining the swamp. More by Claire Goodman: Five human trafficking victims rescued, 46 arrests made in massive Houston-wide sting operation Badeau and Valadez started collecting art for the gallery when Valadez discovered Russian artist Alex Krasky, who had painted several canvases with the presidents image. At the time, Trump was running for his first election, and Krasky donated the art to Valadez so he could promote Trumps election campaign in Texas. (Krasky) had to return to his country because his mother was ill, so he asked me to take care of them for him, Valadez explained. Bruce is really the art aficionado, and since seeing the quality of the art, hes started amassing more paintings. After acquiring their first painting, Badeau and Valadez set about curating a collection of Trump art. The gallery grew quickly, with artists from across the world contributing their work. The gallery now features nine pieces of art, including one painting from Sen. Ted Cruz. We believe Trumps going to be reelected, and as we amassed these paintings, were thinking we can use them as a showcase at Trump events, Valadez said. Badeau and Valadez hope the art will inspire Trump supporters to come visit the gallery and pick up yard signs or volunteer to block-walk for Trump. On HoustonChronicle.com: Monday is the final day for Texans to register to vote in November The friends are also seeking artists who would like to donate or loan their Trump art to the gallery. Ideally, wed like to create a traveling art show for the president, Badeau said. The gallery is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. claire.goodman@chron.com The candidates at this week's US vice-presidential debate will be separated by a plastic barrier and be required to be 12 feet (3.6 metres) apart as safety measures are strengthened in the wake of President Donald Trump's coronavirus diagnosis. Vice-President Mike Pence and Democratic VP nominee Kamala Harris will face off on Thursday (AEDT) in the only vice-presidential debate to take place ahead of the November 3 election. Donald Trump's COVID diagnosis is likely to be the focus of the vice-presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence. Credit:AP/Graphics While both have tested negative to COVID-19, fears about the spread of the virus - particularly among Trump's inner circle - have prompted a push by Democrats for extra precautions to mitigate against further outbreaks. The extraordinary events of the past few days have also given greater significance to the vice-presidential showdown, with both Pence and Harris set to address the pandemic through two competing narratives. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tri Indah Oktavianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 6, 2020 20:08 473 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c497cee6 1 National omnibus,omnibus-law,omnibus-bill-on-job-creation,interfaith,Constitutional-Court,house-of-representatives,indigenous-people Free Indonesian religious figures have joined members of the public who stand in opposition to the newly passed Job Creation Law, calling for a judicial review petition while arguing that the law is a threat to social and economic justice and environmental sustainability. The interfaith network, represented by Muslim clerics Maksum Mahfudz, Busyro Muqoddas and Roy Murtadho, Christian pastors Merry Kolimon and Penrad Sagian, and Syncretic Beliefs Council representative Engkus Ruswana, declared their stance in rejecting the law in a statement issued on Monday. An online petition posted by Penrad on change.org also called for the public to join the call in opposing the law. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 1 million people had signed the petition. The church sees that religious leaders must stand for the marginalized communities in society, Merry, the chair of the synod of the Evangelical Church in Timor (GMIT), said in a webinar on Tuesday. This law is threatening the lives of marginalized groups such as workers, poor farmers and poor urban society and indigenous communities. Thats why the church needs to fight for social justice and encourage a judicial review. Read also: Unions, groups brave COVID-19, police threat to protest Job Creation Law A womens rights activist, Merry added that the law also widened the vulnerability of women workers, in addition to the environment and democracy. The House of Representatives and the government passed the controversial omnibus bill on job creation into law on Monday amid mounting objections from various groups. The law aims to improve bureaucratic efficiency and cut red tape, particularly in regard to business permits and investment, both foreign and domestic. Among the key changes are lower maximum severance pay for laid-off workers, the relaxation of environmental license requirements for businesses and the central governments stronger role in issuing business licenses. Indigenous groups have long sided with labor unions, environmentalists and rights activists in opposing the law since its deliberation stage, citing concerns that once it is enforced, it would open up even larger swathes of land for investors and potentially lead to more conflicts with indigenous groups over their customary land. The Syncretic Beliefs Council is still worried about openly criticizing the government as we are still being discriminated against. However, now we see that the law will further hamper the lives of indigenous people, Engkus said. He cited as an example the indigenous people of East Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara who claimed that their customary land was taken over by sugar company PT Muria Sumba Manis in 2019. The people lost their main source of livelihood and their tribal land, Engkus added. Roy, a young Muslim cleric, called for interfaith groups in Indonesia to unite in criticizing what he called oligarchic practices and social injustices manifested through the newly passed law. Read also: Amnesty dubs new Omnibus Law 'catastrophic', petition urges no confidence motion Love can only stand above justice. But now, the justice for labors, fishers, farmers has gone, he said. The people of Kodingareng, South Sulawesi, he said, were an example of a group that was intimidated by members of security forces for protesting against sand mining investor PT Royal Boskalis. The company, activists allege, are responsible for damaging the marine ecosystem and threatening the lives of traditional fishers in the area. Claiming it is for development and the economy, the law has become a tool to destroy the livelihoods of the people. It will provide easy access to corporations and the authority to take away land and natural resources belonging to society, the community further wrote in its statement. Labor unions and civil society organizations took to the streets in various cities across the country on Tuesday to protest the law. They plan to stage the protests until Thursday. In response to the opposition, lawmakers advised the public to turn to the Constitutional Court to challenge the law by filing a judicial review petition. French English Linkoping University chooses Atos to build Swedens largest supercomputer for AI Linkoping, Sweden, Paris, France, October 6 2020 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, today announced a new contract with Linkoping University to build Swedens fastest supercomputer for machine learning and artificial intelligence. It will deliver 300 petaflops of AI performance and will be based on the NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD computing infrastructure. It will be named BerzeLiUs, named after renowned Swedish scientist Jacob Berzelius. Construction and installation will begin at the start of 2021. BerzeLiUs will be a powerful resource to advance AI research and boost collaboration between academia and Swedish industry. This will primarily be within research programmes financed by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, such as the Wallenberg Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems and Software Program and initiatives in the life sciences and quantum technology. I am extremely happy and proud that Linkoping University will, through the National Supercomputer Centre, be host for this infrastructure, says Jan-Ingvar Jonsson, vice-chancellor of Linkoping University. This gives us confidence that Sweden is not simply maintaining its international position, but also strengthening it. BerzeLiUs will consist of 60 NVIDIA DGX A100 systems combined with NVIDIA Mellanox InfiniBand networking and 1.5 petabytes of storage from DDN. It will be supported by Atos Codex AI Suite, to enable researchers speed-up processing times on their complex data, empowering them to gain insights faster, using the power of deep learning and analytics. We are proud to be working with Linkoping University on the delivery of their new supercomputer BerzeLiUs, which will provide researchers with the computing power to enable new scientific breakthroughs and innovation. This high-performance system, coupled with our expertise, will help Sweden to address key AI and machine learning challenges. said Damien Declat, Group VP, Head of HPC, AI & Quantum Business Operations at Atos. The new supercomputer will bring AI research in Sweden into a whole new era. It will be the center for an investment that not only raises Swedens position as leader in AI research but also gives Swedish industry great competitive advantages in areas such as telecommunication, pharmaceuticals and vehicles, says Jaap Zuiderveld, vice president EMEA at NVIDIA. The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation has donated SEK 300 million to Linkoping University and the National Supercomputer Centre (NSC) to build this supercomputer. ### About Atos Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 110,000 employees in 73 countries and annual revenue of 12 billion. European number one in Cloud, Cybersecurity and High-Performance Computing, the Group provides end-to-end Orchestrated Hybrid Cloud, Big Data, Business Applications and Digital Workplace solutions. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos|Syntel, and Unify. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index. The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. Press contact: Laura Fau | laura.fau@atos.net | +33 6 73 64 04 18 | @laurajanefau Attachment Three years ago, gunfire broke out at dawn in a sleepy town in northern Mozambique in what would be the start of a full-fledged insurgency by a shadowy Islamist group. More than two dozen armed men raided a police station in Mocimboa da Praia on October 5 2017 before moving on to attack two other police posts. "We thought they wanted to release their friends who were under arrest," said a local imam, who later fled to the provincial city of Pemba. "No one knew that the attack was the beginning of the war." Since then, the group has seized swathes of territory, put villages to the torch and seized a port, rattling the government in distant Maputo. More than 600 attacks have occurred, affecting 10 out of the 17 districts in Cabo Delgado province, according to a US-based NGO, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) group. It has documented more than 2,000 deaths, of which around 1,100 are civilians. Many of them are villagers, some of whom have been beheaded. At least 310,000 people, or nearly a seventh of the province's population, have fled their homes, according to the UN. Smarter tactics Piers Pigou, senior consultant with International Crisis Group in southern Africa, said the attacks were escalating -- at least half have occurred in the last 12 months -- and tactics were improving. Mozambique. By Gillian HANDYSIDE (AFP) In a brazen attack in March, the group raided an army barrack in Mocimboa da Praia and helped themselves to its armoury. In August they took over the entire town, including its port -- a key logistical point in the government's plans to develop the province's gas riches. They remain in control of the port today. That assault entailed "several hundred (fighters) attacking from several fronts" in a coordinated operation, Pigou noted. Details about the group are sketchy. It calls itself Al-Shabab although it has no known links to the group of that name operating in Somalia, and last year pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State group. Military intelligence sources on the ground estimate it has more than 4,500 members, with 2,000 of them believed to be armed. The authorities are struggling to contain the bushfire that has broken out in the far north. The Mozambican army has only recently upped its counter-insurgency campaign, and it took the government until April to admit that Islamic State militants were present in the country. "The government has failed to contain terrorist attacks, this is clear to everyone," said Sergio Chichava, a political scientist at the Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo. The government initially downplayed the militants as a "band of bandits," he said. "Three years later, the situation is out of control." Shortly after the first attacks, government ordered the closure of three mosques and President Filipe Nyusi fired the army chief and the head of the country's intelligence agency. Last weekend, he vowed to "strengthen the capacity for military intervention" and respond "more effectively." Gas project The attacks are edging towards Afungi, 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of Mocimboa da Praia, where a multi-billion-dollar gas facility, one of the biggest projects ever financed in Africa, is being constructed. Mozambican troops trained with the US Navy at the naval base of Pemba in February last year. By EMIDIO JOSINE (AFP) Despite the advance, the experts see no visible threat to the project itself. "The Afungi peninsula is a secure bubble, a sort of besieged Fort Apache," said a French security expert on Africa. "The jihadists are attacking roads and sea lanes." Patrick Pouyanne, the CEO of French energy giant Total, pounded the drum last week for western help to stabilise northern Mozambique. "The situation is serious," he told a press conference in Paris. "A Daesh-driven enclave is being established." SINGAPORE, Oct 6, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, POWER WEEK will be continuing our efforts to deliver POWER WEEK ASIA 2020 from 9 - 12 November 2020. As it has always been, the safety and well-being of our delegates, speakers, sponsors, and staffs remains our highest priority. We have decided to bring POWER WEEK ASIA to you live online, so that you can stay connected with the global power sector.POWER WEEK ASIA attracts the industry leaders from national power companies, government regulators, policymakers, renewable & IPPs, investors and suppliers from around the globe. With C-level speakers and attendees all under one roof, it offers the chance to learn the success strategies and pitfalls of notable power projects.The conference features 20+ engaging sessions covering government regulation & policy, market liberalisation, energy mix & integration, fossil fuels in power market, demand & supply, renewable energy outlook, energy transition, utility-scale solar development, wind energy, tariffs, energy storage, smart grid technologies, mini-grid & microgrid, digitalization, electric vehicles, power trading, project finance, project development, energy efficiency and many more.Across 4 days, we will be broadcasting live interactive presentations, in-depth panel discussions, and networking sessions from leading experts across the world. Join in from wherever you are online either live or watch the sessions on-demand.Global energy leaders who have confirmed to speak:- Simon Li, President, Asia Pacific Project Business Unit, Trina Solar, China- Toh Seong Wah, CEO, Energy Market Company, Singapore- Torbjorn Kirkeby-Garstad, EVP Asia, SN Power, Philippines- Alice Jawan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Utilities, Malaysia- Akihiko Taniguchi, Executive Officer, Global Partnership, JERA, Japan- Pongsakorn Yuthagovit, Assistant Governor of Planning and Power System Development, Provincial Electricity Authority, Thailand- Arun Kumar Mishra, Director, National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM), India- Zainal Arifin, VP, Technology Development & Standardization, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia- Ingo Birnkraut, CEO and Managing Director, RWE Technology International, Germany- Alejandro Hernandez, Head of Renewable Integration and Secure Electricity Unit, International Energy Agency, France- Narsingh Chaudhary, EVP & Managing Director, Power- Asia, Black & Veatch, Thailand- Shinichi Yasuda, SVP, Structured and Corporate Finance, Development Bank of Japan- Martin Angelov, SVP, Asia Pacific Project Finance, Korea Development Bank- Ram Natarajan, CEO, APAC, Mainstream Renewable Power, Singapore- Gu-Yoon Chung, Managing Director, ENEL Green Power, Singapore- Mohd Yusrizal Mohd Yusof, Managing Director, TNB Renewables, Malaysia- Shalabh Singhania, Director & Head of Portfolio Management, InfraCo Asia, Singapore- Jitendra Nalwaya, Vice President, BSES Yamuna Power Limited, India- Bert Deprest, Head of C&I and Renewables, ENGIE South East Asia, Singapore- Virgil Beaston, CTO, Powin Energy, United States of America- James Colbert, Regional Director - East Asia & Pacific, Digital Grid Solutions, Schneider Electric, Australia- Philip Napier-Moore, Programme Leader, Renewable Power, East Asia, Mott MacDonald, Thailand- Aman Modi, Partner, Boston Consulting Group, Singapore- Marko Lackovic, Principal, Boston Consulting Group, Singapore- Refi Kunaefi, Managing Director, Akuo Energy, Indonesia- Achal Sondhi, APAC Market Director, Fluence, Singapore- Francois Espinassous, Head of Advisory, Asia Pacific Project Finance, Korea Development Bank- David Platt, Partner, Pinsent Masons, Singapore- Robert de Groot, Energy Storage Specialist, Mott MacDonald, Singapore- Rahul Gupta, Solution Leader and Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company, Singapore- Stephen Woodhouse, Director, AFRY, United Kingdom- Johanna Heckmann, Head of Charging Infrastructure, P3 Group, GermanyThe POWER WEEK ASIA will feature 3 supplementary workshops addressing cutting edge topics with Real Examples and Case Studies, including Energy Storage, Renewable Power Purchase Agreement and Renewable Energy.POWER WEEK ASIA is the most anticipated event, not to be missed!Email Weslyn Lee to register your attendance now. For more information, please log onto www.power-week.com/asia .About Infocus International GroupThe organiser of POWER WEEK Conferences. Infocus International is a global business intelligence provider of strategic information and professional services for diverse business communities, designed to provide insights and to assist our clients on the global stage. The major knowledge-management companies strategically based in Singapore, independently researching and producing market-driven programmes across the region mainly in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.Infocus International recognises clients' needs and responds with innovative and result oriented programmes. All products are founded on high value content in diverse subject areas, and the highest level of quality is ensured through intensive and in-depth market research from local and international insights.Any queries, please contact:Weslyn LeeTel: +65 6325 0352 | Email: weslyn@power-week.comTo join the discussion:LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6985809Twitter: @powerweeksummitOfficial Website: www.power-week.com/asiaSource: Infocus International GroupCopyright 2020 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Technavio has been monitoring the vacation rental market and it is poised to grow by USD 62.97 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 7% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201005005609/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Vacation Rental Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) 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=IRTNTR40053 This Report Addresses: The market size from 2020-2024 Expected market growth until 2024 Forecast of how market drivers, restraints, and future opportunities will affect the market dynamics Segments and regions that will drive or lead market growth and why Comprehensive mapping of the competitive landscape In-depth analysis of key sustainability strategies adopted by market players Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform the growth of various industries, the immediate impact of the outbreak is varied. While a few industries will register a drop in demand, numerous others will continue to remain unscathed and show promising growth opportunities. Technavio's in-depth research has all your needs covered as our research reports include all foreseeable market scenarios, including pre- post-COVID-19 analysis. Download a Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impacts Frequently Asked Questions- What are the major trends in the market? Technological advances are the major trends in the market. At what rate is the market projected to grow? Growing at a CAGR of almost 7%, the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be USD 62.97 billion. Who are the top players in the market? 9flats.com Pte Ltd., Airbnb Inc., Booking Holdings Inc., Expedia Group Inc., Hotelplan Holding AG, MakeMyTrip Pvt. Ltd., NOVASOL AS, Oravel Stays Pvt. Ltd., TripAdvisor Inc., and Wyndham Destinations Inc. are some of the major market participants. What are the key market drivers? Adoption of effective promotional strategies is one of the major factors driving the market. How big is the Europe market? The Europe region will contribute 37% of market growth. The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. 9flats.com Pte Ltd., Airbnb Inc., Booking Holdings Inc., Expedia Group Inc., Hotelplan Holding AG, MakeMyTrip Pvt. Ltd., NOVASOL AS, Oravel Stays Pvt. Ltd., TripAdvisor Inc., and Wyndham Destinations Inc. are some of the major market participants. The adoption of effective promotional strategies will offer immense growth opportunities. To make most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing Technavio's custom research reports offer detailed insights on the impact of COVID-19 at an industry level, a regional level, and subsequent supply chain operations. This customized report will also help clients keep up with new product launches in direct indirect COVID-19 related markets, upcoming vaccines and pipeline analysis, and significant developments in vendor operations and government regulations. Vacation Rental Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Vacation Rental Market is segmented as below: Type Managed by Owners Professionally Managed Geographic Landscape APAC Europe MEA North America South America Vacation Rental Market 2020-2024: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The vacation rental market report covers the following areas: Vacation Rental Market Size Vacation Rental Market Trends Vacation Rental Market Analysis This study identifies technological advances as the prime reasons driving the vacation rental market growth during the next few years. Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavio's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Vacation Rental Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist vacation rental market growth during the next five years Estimation of the vacation rental market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the vacation rental market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of vacation rental market vendors Table of Contents: PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT Preface Currency conversion rates for US$ PART 03: MARKET LANDSCAPE Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis PART 04: MARKET SIZING Market definition Market sizing 2019 Market size and forecast 2019-2024 PART 05: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition PART 06: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE PART 07: GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity PART 08: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY MANAGEMENT Market segmentation by management Comparison by management Managed by owners Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Professionally managed Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by management PART 09: DECISION FRAMEWORK PART 10: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES Market drivers Market challenges PART 11: MARKET TRENDS Instant bookings Rapid growth of online booking Adoption of effective promotional strategies Other trends PART 12: VENDOR LANDSCAPE Overview Landscape disruption Competitive scenario PART 13: VENDOR ANALYSIS Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors 9flats.com Pte Ltd. Airbnb Inc. Booking Holdings Inc. Expedia Group Inc. Hotelplan Holding AG MakeMyTrip Pvt. Ltd. NOVASOL AS Oravel Stays Pvt. Ltd. TripAdvisor Inc. Wyndham Destinations Inc. PART 14: APPENDIX Research methodology List of abbreviations Definition of market positioning of vendors PART 15: EXPLORE TECHNAVIO About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201005005609/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ English French MONTREAL, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TOMAGOLD CORPORATION (TSXV: LOT) (TomaGold or the Corporation) is pleased to announce that its current Board of Directors has proposed a slate of directors for the upcoming Annual General and Special Meeting (the Meeting) of shareholders scheduled for November 6, 2020. TomaGolds proposed slate of directors to be voted on at the Meeting will consist of the following: David Grondin, Michel E. Labrousse, Jean-Sebastien Jacquetin, Caitlin Jeffs, Albert Contardi and Wanda Cutler. Robert Desjardins, Pierre Lepine, Robert Rosner and Vittorio Violo will not present their candidatures for re-election at the Meeting. The Corporation wishes to thank them for their valuable contributions over the years. The Corporation has also created an advisory committee composed of Victor Cantore, Claude Larouche, George C. Patterson and Robert McPhinney, and has appointed Andre Jean as its Director of Exploration, Quebec, and Caitlin Jeffs as its Director of Exploration, Ontario and rest of Canada. With the Monster Lake transaction, our stronger financial position and our promising gold projects in the Chibougamau and Red Lake mining camps, it was time to better align our corporate structure with our new stated objective of becoming a premier Canadian gold mining company, said David Grondin, President and Chief Executive Officer of TomaGold. These new appointments will strengthen and add depth to our geological, financial and communication expertise and will considerably enhance our network within the mining and financial communities. The addition to our team of geologist Andre Jean, to whom we can attribute the initial high-grade discoveries on Monster Lake, and geologist Caitlin Jeffs, with her strong knowledge of the Red Lake mining camp, will help us structure our exploration activities so that we can replicate what we achieved at Monster Lake. I believe that this new corporate structure has the potential to create strong added value for our shareholders in the long run. Appointments to the Board of Directors will be voted on by TomaGold shareholders at the Meeting scheduled to take place on November 6, 2020: David Grondin President and Chief Executive Officer, TomaGold David Grondin has worked in the financial and mining sectors for over 20 years. He has been President and CEO of the Company since December 2011 and is a director of AM Resources. He was President and CEO of NQ Exploration Inc. from October 2007 to May 2018. He also acted as a financial analyst for CTI Capital Inc. from 1997 to 2000. Mr. Grondin has a bachelor degree in business administration (finance) from HEC Montreal and experience in initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions and reverse takeovers. Michel E. Labrousse Managing Partner, Mazarin Capital For the past twenty years, Michel Labrousse has developed various businesses in investment banking and financial markets in Europe and Asia. Currently Managing Partner of Mazarin Capital, an investment firm based in Hong Kong specialized in natural resources. He is also a Senior Advisor for StormHarbour Securities Hong Kong, a small debt capital markets securities firm focusing on China-related businesses and having some areas of expertise in infrastructure, natural resources and real estate. Until July 2009, he was in charge of the financial markets businesses and subsidiaries in Asia of Natixis, the French banking group where he focused his efforts to build the public markets franchise with an emphasis on the equity, commodities and fixed income derivatives businesses. He was also involved in developing a Strategic Solutions business for both corporate and institutional to cover their funding and risk hedging needs. Previously he ran the same business in Japan for ten years. His teams have developed various financing solutions to liabilities management optimization. While based in London he also developed a global macro internal hedge fund when he served as Deputy Head of the markets and investment banking activities covering all asset classes. Jean-Sebastien Jacquetin Managing Partner, Cavendish Investment Corp. Jean-Sebastien Jacquetin has over 20 years of corporate finance and merchant banking experience for small and medium-sized enterprises. He is currently Managing Partner at Cavendish Investment Corp., a multi-family office in Hong Kong. Mr. Jacquetin began his career as a Project Officer for UNESCO in Paris and then worked as an Investment Manager for Natixis Banque both in Paris and New York, where he coordinated fund sponsors and capital markets contacts. After Natixis Banque, Mr. Jacquetin was with both Meredith Financial Group and Du Pasquier in New York, where he was involved in corporate finance, advisory, and institutional brokerage. Since 2016, Mr. Jacquetin has spent his time in Asia, where he worked for Citic Hyperion, helping his corporate clients with investor diversification, corporate finance advisory, and strategic partnerships. Mr. Jacquetin has a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in political science from the University of Montreal and an MBA from Institut detudes politiques - Sciences Po Paris. Caitlin Jeffs Founding Partner and Owner, Fladgate Exploration Consulting Caitlin Jeffs received her Honours B.Sc. in Geology from the University of British Columbia in 2002. Caitlin has worked for several junior and major companies since 2002 in both gold and base metal exploration. Most of her experience has been with Placer Dome CLA Inc. and Goldcorp Inc. managing all aspects of deep exploration projects and specializing in GIS technology and 3D modeling of ore bodies. She is a founding partner and 33% owner of Fladgate Exploration Consulting Corporation of Thunder Bay, ON, a full service mineral exploration consulting firm. Albert Contardi President and CEO, QcX Gold Albert Contardi is a consultant/adviser with over 15 years of legal, investment and capital markets experience. He is currently President of Generic Capital Corporation, a Toronto based EMD finance firm as well as Interim President and CEO of QcX Gold, a Quebec based junior exploration company. Mr. Contardi's experience involves advising and structuring corporate finance transactions in the mining, tech and biotech sectors to maximize the value of projects/assets. He has been called to the Ontario Bar and is a graduate of Queen's University Law School. In addition, Mr. Contardi sits on various public company Boards. Wanda Cutler Managing Partner, Cutler McCarthy Wanda Cutler has worked with reporting issuers for more than 20 years in capital markets, corporate development, marketing, and investor communications. She has acted as a strategic advisor to a number of public companies including: multiple junior mining companies, investment companies and alternative energy companies. During her career she has been involved in a numerous equity/debt financings, mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances and has incubated new companies. In addition, she sits on the boards of various public companies. Wanda holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Political Science) from the University of Ottawa and is President of Cutler McCarthy, a capital markets advisory firm. The management information circular and other proxy materials for the Meeting will be mailed to shareholders and will be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Advisory Board Victor Cantore President and CEO, Amex Exploration Victor Cantore is a seasoned capital markets professional specializing in the resource and hi-tech sectors. He has more than 20 years of advisory and leadership experience having begun his career in 1992 as an investment advisor and then moving into management roles at both public and private companies. During his career he has organized and structured numerous equity and debt financings, mergers and acquisitions, joint venture partnerships and strategic alliances. Mr. Cantore serves on the boards of various companies both private and public. Claude Larouche Claude Larouche is a geologist with more than 45 years of experience in mining exploration and development. He graduated from UQAC (Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi) in 1974 with a degree in geological engineering and completed a M.Sc. in geology at Carleton University (Ottawa) in 1979. Mr. Larouche worked as an independent consultant since 1980, realizing explorations programs for prospectors, junior and senior mining companies, and government agencies in Quebec and Ontario. He also completed regional exploration programs on Baffin Island and limited programs in the U.S. Mr. Larouche specializes in precious metals, base metals and industrial minerals, and he is directly involved in numerous research projects including ''selective leaching''. George C. Patterson George Pattersons career as a professional geologist spanned over 40 years. He began his career in the private sector and, shortly thereafter, moved to the public sector as resident geologist for Thunder Bay. This was followed by employment with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Saskatchewan where he helped develop and implement government, academic and industry programs designed to coordinate, support and promote the mineral industry and local economic development. He has also worked on a number of initiatives dedicated to building strong relationships with Aboriginal people and their communities. Robert L. Phinney Robin L. Phinney earned a chemical engineering degree at Lakehead University. Early in his career he acquired valuable experience in plant engineering, process development, product development and sales and marketing, namely from Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan and Kaolin Industries. In 2002, he co-founded Whitemud Resources, and then served as its vice president of engineering from 2005 to 2007. In 2007, he founded Karnalyte Resources, where he was President and CEO and a director until 2014 and then as its President and Chairman and a director until 2017. Geological team Andre Jean, P.Geo. Director of exploration, Quebec Andre Jean was the chief geologist for the Monster Lake project since the very beginning until his departure in 2018. He has over 35 years of experience in geology, having worked for multiple mining companies in Quebec, Central and South America and Africa, including Les Mines Seleine, Louvem, Lac Minerals and Osisko. Mr. Jean graduated from Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi in 1979 with a degree in a geological engineering. Caitlin Jeffs, P.Geo. Director of exploration, Ontario and rest of Canada Caitlin Jeffs received her Honours B.Sc. in Geology from the University of British Columbia in 2002. Caitlin has worked for several junior and major companies since 2002 in both gold and base metal exploration. Most of her experience has been with Placer Dome CLA Inc. and Goldcorp Inc. managing all aspects of deep exploration projects and specializing in GIS technology and 3D modeling of ore bodies. She is a founding partner and 33% owner of Fladgate Exploration Consulting Corporation of Thunder Bay, ON, a full service mineral exploration consulting firm. About TomaGold TomaGold Corporation (TSXV: LOT) is a Canadian mineral exploration corporation engaged in the acquisition, assessment, exploration and development of gold mineral properties. It currently has joint venture agreements with IAMGOLD Corporation for the Monster Lake project and with Evolution Mining Ltd and New Gold Inc. for the Baird property. TomaGold has interests in eight gold properties near the Chibougamau mining camp in northern Quebec: Monster Lake, Winchester, Lac a l'eau jaune, Monster Lake East, Monster Lake West, Hazeur, Obalski and Lac Doda. It also holds a 24.5% interest in the Baird property, near the Red Lake mining camp in Ontario. Contact: David Grondin President and Chief Executive Officer (514) 583-3490 www.tomagoldcorp.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 news release. Some of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as expects, intends, is expected, potential, suggests or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements in respect to the Meeting and director nominees. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Corporations control. Readers are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE IS THE BEST SMALL CITY IN THE WORLD' Industry: Destinations San Miguel de Allende is the Best Small City in the World' San Miguel de Allende is the Best Small City in the World According to Conde Nast Travelers 2020 Readers Choice Award @turismoSMA #HeartofMexicoBeats #SanMigueldeAllende #RCA2020 #ENrouteCommunications (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - October 6th, 2020 - San Miguel de Allende, located in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, returned to the annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards announced this morning. San Miguel de Allende came in at the top of the Small Cities in the World list as one of only two Mexican cities to make the list, the other being Merida, Yucatan. San Miguel de Allende is also home to four of the top 15 Best Hotels in Mexico as ranked by readers: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende (No. 1), Hotel Matilda (No. 2), Hotel Casa Rosada (No. 5) and Dos Casas Hotel & Spa (No. 13). We are more than proud to return to the RCA list this year, and I am more than proud to thank the readers of Conde Nast Traveler for this honor that is, without doubt, a reflection of the welcoming nature of our residents and the hard work our tourism infrastructure does on a continuous basis, said San Miguel de Allendes Mayor, Luis Alberto Villarreal Garcia. Considering the current situation of the tourism industry, we are overjoyed with this recognition, added Laura Torres Septien, President of the San Miguel de Allende Tourism Board. We welcome any and all good news that gives a sense of normalcy. The UNESCO World Heritage city started its reopening process on July 15 after a four-month closing of its entrances to non-residents. With more than 200,000 inhabitants, San Miguel de Allende has reported one of Mexicos lowest numbers of cases of Covid-19, a result of strict health policies and its local Heath First certification, which was launched on May 25, and reinforced by certification with the WTTC Safe Travels stamp on July 2. With local hotels already able to book up to 50 percent of available rooms and 37 non-stop flights per week arriving from the U.S. to Guanajuatos international airport (BJX), which serves San Miguel de Allende, the city is now looking to regain its footing in the business and romance travel markets. San Miguel de Allende first appeared on the CNTRCA in 2013. Most recently, it was recognized as the Best Small City in the World in 2017 and 2018. This year, more than 715,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers submitted an incredible number of responses rating their travel experiences across the globe. The results of this years survey, conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, are a testament to the lasting power of a meaningful travel experience, said Jesse Ashlock, U.S. Editor of Conde Nast Traveler. The winners represent the best of the best for our audience and offer plenty of trip-planning inspiration for all the adventures we cant wait to have next. The Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. The full list of winners can be found here. The 2020 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Conde Nast Traveler's website at www.cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Conde Nast Traveler U.S. and U.K. print editions. https://bit.ly/3d7i8TY ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release : CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Gustavo A Rivas-Solis Company: ENroute Communications Phone: 9174387096 Email: gustavorivassolis@gmail.com Web: enroutecommunications.co... PRESS RELEASE TAGS MEDIA GALLERY Visit Our Site A driver escaped serious injury after the steering wheel on his 4WD detached from the car while he was driving. The 42-year-old man was near the corner of Bondi Road and Bennett Street, in Sydney's Bondi, at about 9am on Tuesday, when he lost control of his black Ford Ranger. A 65-year-old woman had to jump out of the way as the 4WD mounted the footpath and smashed into a bus stop sign. The woman suffered minor injuries and was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital for further observation. A 42-year-old Sydney man was lucky to escape serious injury after the steering wheel on his Ford Ranger detached (pictured) while he was driving on a busy road A 65-year-old woman had to jump out of the way when the out of control 4WD mounted the footpath and destroyed a bus stop sign (pictured) Video from the scene showed the 4WD sitting on the footpath with minor damage to the front end. Meanwhile inside the vehicle the steering wheel was sitting on the front seat. The driver of the 4WD was questioned by police at the scene before he was let go. The tow truck driver reattached the steering wheel just long enough to get the Ford Ranger onto the truck. A New South Wales Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia no further police action was expected. Facebook imposed sweeping new sanctions on the QAnon conspiracy theory on Tuesday, expanding its policy to remove all affiliated groups and pages - and all accounts on the Facebook subsidiary Instagram - even if they don't violate other policies by inciting violence or trafficking in hate speech. The move significantly expands an enforcement action in August that targeted more than 3,000 pages and groups but stopped short of a full ban. But the content morphed almost instantaneously, prompting Tuesday's more sweeping action, the company said in an unsigned blog post Tuesday afternoon. "QAnon messaging changes very quickly and we see networks of supporters build an audience with one message and then quickly pivot to another. We aim to combat this more effectively with this update that strengthens and expands our enforcement against the conspiracy theory movement," the company said in its blog post. The ban encompasses all Facebook pages and groups devoted to QAnon, as well as Instagram accounts that have names representing the deluded philosophy. It does not reach individual Facebook profiles or posts, meaning conversation about QAnon will hardly be forbidden on the platform. This action comes after more than two years of mounting evidence that the QAnon conspiracy is rife with violent, hateful themes that regularly violated policies across Silicon Valley and also inspired numerous real-world crimes. "Ultimately the real test will be whether Facebook actually takes measures to enforce these new policies - we've seen in a myriad of other contexts, including with respect to right-wing militias like the Boogaloos, that Facebook has repeatedly failed to consistently enforce its existing policies," said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., who has been pushing Facebook for more action against QAnon. At the core QAnon, which began in October 2017, are baseless allegations that Democratic officials and Hollywood celebrities engaged in unconscionable crimes, including raping and eating children, while seeking to subvert the Constitution. President Trump, the conspiracy theory holds, is quietly battling these evils. The "Q" of QAnon is supposedly a high-level government official privy to these secrets because of a top-secret security clearance. The shadowy figure speaks only on the site 8kun, a successor to the now-closed 8chan, but the information for years spread almost instantly across mainstream social media platforms, powered by those analyzing Q's pronouncements. The conspiracy theory has grown particularly popular on the political right, with more than 70 Republican candidates for office embracing at least some elements of QAnon this year, according to tracking by liberal research group Media Matters. One adherent, Marjorie Taylor Greene, is virtually guaranteed to win a seat in Congress in November's election. QAnon this year has played a key role in spread disinformation related to covid-19 and the vaccines that might help remedy it, as the conspiracy theory has expanded to take on new themes, such as the supposed dangers of 5G cellular technology. Facebook's August action left many critics frustrated that the company hadn't gone further to curb a conspiracy theory that, while active on fringe platforms, used the amplification power of mainstream ones to reach many more people. In the first month of that policy, Facebook said it removed more than 1,500 pages and groups that discussed potential violence and more than 6,500 pages and groups tied to hundreds of "militarized social movements." But, company officials concluded, they had not done enough. "It's really important that they pushed beyond that to see that this conspiracy was being pushed in other places," said Vanita Gupta, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights, a Washington-based umbrella group, after Tuesday's action. "So it's a significant development." Travis View, who co-hosts a podcast called "QAnon Anonymous," said of Tuesday's action, "It will probably hinder the growth of QAnon and decrease the reach of misinformation generally. But there is risk that this may cause some to seek out QAnon community on more extreme platforms. There's a possibility that the QAnon community will be smaller than it might have been, but more volatile." Facebook moved quickly on Tuesday to scrub QAnon content that had been widespread on the platform. A page with 130,000 followers, called "Q Pin" and devoted to "all things Q," remained active on the platform six days after The Washington Post had raised questions about violent language appearing on its posts. It was removed within an hour of the announcement of the new policy. Three times last month the page shared an "Army for Trump" website seeking to recruit volunteers to stand watch at the polls, among other responsibilities. On one post, a user commented to call Democrats "dead ducks in the water." Another user falsely suggested Democrats had promised "Riots and Murders" surrounding the election and asked how Republicans would respond. The language illustrates how difficult it was for the platform to police only QAnon content trafficking in violent rhetoric or imagery - Facebook's previous standard but a fine line for a movement that envisions the mass arrest of Democrats and celebrities. Facebook's action drew praise on Tuesday from those that had been calling on the platforms to do more to combat QAnon. "I'm pleased to see Facebook taking this action. And I hope we see other social media platforms follow their lead swiftly. But the growth of QAnon online is not just the fault of the social media platforms. We need political leadership- leadership from all elected officials, and from all sides of the political spectrum- to denounce QAnon and similar groups," said Daniel Jones, a former FBI analyst and Senate investigator who lead the review of the CIA's torture program, now president of Advance Democracy. The group found similar problems on Twitter following its enforcement action in July, which led to QAnon content dropping by roughly half while large amounts remained on the platform. Singapore's prime minister testified in court on Tuesday in his defamation case against a blogger who shared an online article linking him to Malaysia's 1MBD money-laundering scandal As the head of a government that has pledged zero tolerance of corruption, Lee Hsien Loong is no stranger to seeking to protect his reputation via legal channels. Mr Loong is suing financial adviser Leong Sze Hian over a since-deleted November 2018 Facebook post that linked to an article by Malaysian news site, the Coverage. Mr Loong told the court the article's accusations were a grave attack on his own integrity and reputation and that of the Singapore government, in remarks reported by domestic media. Mr Loongs lawyers have previously said Mr Hian shared the post maliciously to damage their client, which Mr Hian has denied. Recommended Singapore proposes baby bonus amid fears of coronavirus fertility slump For several hours on Tuesday, Mr Hians lawyer questioned Mr Loong as to why he chose to sue his client, a frequent commentator and critic of government policies, and not the original author and others who shared the article. Mr Loong, the world's best-paid political leader, said his decision followed discussion with his lawyer and was the best way to vindicate his reputation, according to the Straits Times newspaper and broadcaster Channel News Asia. The trial is expected to run until the end of the week. Senior figures in the People's Action Party, including Mr Loongs late father and the founder of modern-day Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, have previously sued foreign media, political opponents and online commentators for defamation. Loong waves to reporters as he arrives in a car at the High Court in Singapore (AFP via Getty Images) Singapore keeps tight controls of domestic media and adopted a 'fake news' law last year that critics said could further erode free speech in the wealthy city-state. The government says it does not curb legitimate criticism or free speech. Mr Loong last took the stand in 2015 to answer questions from a blogger he had sued for implicating him in impropriety over the management of funds in Singapore's mandatory retirement savings scheme. In a twist ahead of this week's trial, Mr Hians lawyer Lim Tean, who heads a small opposition party that unsuccessfully competed in this year's election, was arrested for alleged criminal breach of trust. Mr Tean said the arrest was politically motivated, which the police denied, and he was released before the hearing. Reuters Sabio snaps up 4th CX acquisition of 2020, following earlier additions in France, Spain and UK Sabio Group has acquired customer experience solutions specialist Anana. The acquisition supports Sabio's goal to become the leading player across the European customer experience market, adding scale and significantly strengthening the organisation's multi-vendor capabilities across EMEA. Founded in 2001, and with over 100 employees operating out of the UK and South Africa, Anana is an award-winning Genesys Partner with Genesys Engage, Genesys Cloud and AppFoundry Partner accreditation. Anana provides a comprehensive range of CX solutions and services to leading brands including Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Marks and Spencer and Vodacom. "This is an important acquisition for Sabio Group as it further strengthens our expertise and relationship with Genesys. Acquiring Anana builds on our earlier addition of two Genesys partners Coverage Group in France in July 2020 and Team vision in Spain in January 2020 to position Sabio as a key Genesys partner across Europe," said Sabio Group's CEO, Jonathan Gale. "We're delighted to welcome the fantastic Anana team to Sabio, along with an impressive group of customers across the key retail, telco and utility sectors." "Over the last 20 years Anana has worked closely with leading brands across the UK, Europe and Africa unlocking the power of the Genesys platform and delivering the best customer experiences," added Chris Woodward, Anana's CEO. "As part of Sabio Group, we'll now be able to take this to the next level, taking advantage of the latest cloud and AI innovations to help our customers deliver high-value, personalised experiences at scale across both human and digital touch-points." Backed by Horizon Capital, the acquisition continues Sabio Group's growth plan to broaden the company's solutions portfolio and geographic coverage. To date this has included the acquisitions of SaaS solutions provider Rapport in March 2017, DatapointEurope one of Europe's leading contact centre technology providers in July 2017, customer insight and contact centre benchmarking experts Bright UK in March 2018, flexAnswer Solutions, the leading Singapore-based provider of innovative Virtual Assistant solutions in December 2018, Spain-based WFO and Speech Analytics specialist Callware in January 2019, Madrid-based CX solutions specialist Team vision in January 2020, DVELP Twilio's leading partner in the UK and EMEA region in March 2020, and one of Europe's leading Genesys Cloud partners Coverage Group in July this year. About Anana: Founded in 2001, Anana has over 100 employees across its UK and South African operations. Its customers include leading brands such as Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Marks and Spencer and Vodacom. Anana is an award-winning Genesys Partner, with Genesys Engage, Genesys Cloud and Genesys AppFoundry Partner accreditation. www.anana.com About Sabio Group: Sabio Group, which includes Sabio, Anana, DVELP, flexAnswer and Coverage Group, delivers solutions and services that seamlessly combine digital and human interactions to support outstanding customer experiences. Through its own technology and that of world-class technology leaders such as Avaya, Genesys, Verint, Twilio and Google, Sabio Group helps organisations to optimise their customer journeys by making better decisions across their multiple contact channels. The group works with major brands worldwide, including Aegon, AXA Assistance, Bankia, BBVA, BGL, Caixabank, DHL, Essent, GovTech, HomeServe, Liverpool Victoria, M1, Office Depot, Saga, Sainsbury's Argos, Telefonica, Think Money and Transcom Worldwide. www.sabiogroup.com www.twitter.com/sabiosense View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005098/en/ Contacts: Craig Pumfrey Sabio Group Global Marketing Tel: +44 (0)7887 824511 cpumfrey@sabiogroup.com Cheryl Billson Comma Communications Tel: +44 (0)7791 720460 cheryl.billson@commacomms.com Trey Songz says he's tested positive for the coronavirus. The 35-year-old Virginia native took to Instagram with clip on Monday explaining how he recently tested positive after getting tested throughout the pandemic. 'Ive taken many tests as Ive been out protesting, food drives,' he said. 'Of course, I have a very young son at home so I get tested periodically and this time unfortunately it came back positive.' The latest: Trey Songz, 35, took to Instagram with clip on Monday explaining how he recently tested positive for coronavirus and 'will be taking it seriously' and 'self-quarantining' until he comes up negative The Bottoms Up rapper said he 'will be taking it seriously' and 'self-quarantining ... until I see a negative sign.' The Slow Motion artist noted that 7.5 million Americans have contracted the virus, and that 'one out of 1000 Black people have died from it.' Songz added, 'My grandfather passed away early this year and while it wasnt said that it was COVID, I do believe it was; so, Ive always taken it serious.' He advised his fans, 'If you come in contact with COVID, please do the same, please do the same - dont be like the president.' Sad: Songz said, 'My grandfather passed away early this year and while it wasnt said that it was COVID, I do believe it was; so, Ive always taken it serious' Spreading awareness: The Slow Motion artist noted that 7.5 million Americans have contracted the virus, and that 'one out of 1000 Black people have died from it' Songz thanked his fans 'in advance for [their] support and love' amid the tough time The reference to President Donald Trump came after he tweeted 'Dont be afraid of Covid' after his release from Walter Reed Medical Center Monday after he said he tested positive on Thursday and was hospitalized Friday. The rap artist, whose full name is Tremaine Aldon Neverson, urged his followers to practice proper hygiene and social distancing in the caption of the clip. 'Stay safe yall!' Songz said. 'Wear your mask. Wash your hands.' At the end of his clip, Songz thanked his fans 'in advance for [their] support and love.' As of Monday, on a global level, 1,043,045 people have died amid 35,414,071 positive diagnoses worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. The death total for COVID-19 in the U.S. was at 210,176 people, with 7,457,263 total positive diagnoses. Songz advised his fans, 'If you come in contact with COVID, please do the same, please do the same - dont be like the president' Election 2020 NLD Questions Advance Voting by Myanmars Military in Kachin State Military personnel at the 73rd Anniversary of Armed Forces Day. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy Naypyitaw Candidates from the National League for Democracy (NLD) have asked the Union Election Commission (UEC) to verify the early votes of military personnel and their relatives in Kachin States Tanai Township. There are 32,530 voters in Tanai, over 2,000 of whom are military personnel and their relatives, according to the township election sub-commission. Of the military personnel and their relatives, 892 will cast advance votes as they are reportedly outside the constituency. The NLDs Tanai Township Lower House candidate, U Lin Lin Oo, said they have asked the UEC to check if those who registered for early voting actually exist. The voter population is low in Tanai. Military personnel and their relatives account for one-16th of the voters. As they said, 892 of them will vote early and we are concerned that there wont be transparency, said U Lin Lin Oo. He won the seat in 2015 from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) with a small majority of 189. On election day in 2015, 500 advance votes that reportedly came from military personnel and their relatives arrived at the polling station and all the votes were cast for a single party, he said. All those 500 votes were cast for the candidates of one political party, he said. Myanmars military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun said the early voting of military personnel and their relatives in Tanai was organized in line with election law and they have to cast advance votes due to military activity. [Election law] allows early voting in case of the need for military operations and transfers. We didnt send any [extra] troops there [to boost the vote], he told The Irrawaddy. Tanai Township Election Sub-Commission said early voting is carried out in line with Lower House Election regulations and the process has been verified by the election sub-commissions at different levels. The battalion commander sent the list of the military personnel and their family members who are outside the constituency and asked permission for advance voting, with responsibility and accountability, said the secretary of the sub-commission, U Kyaw Thet Paing. Then the commission checked it against the lists of civilian voters in their wards and villages to make sure the military voters are not included on civilian voter lists. Only 12 Tanai civilians have registered for early voting and three of them are outside the country. In 2015, nine parties, including the NLD, USDP and ethnic Kachin parties, contested the Tanai seat. It was a tightly contested race between the then ruling USDP and the NLD, but the latter secured both seats in the Union Parliament with small majorities. Of two seats representing Tanai in the Kachin State parliament, one was secured by the NLD and another by the then Kachin State chief minister, La John Ngan Sai, from the USDP, which is widely viewed as the militarys proxy. Constituency 1 in Tanai, where La John Ngan Sai won in 2015, was the home to several military units. U Lin Lin Oo said more than 2,000 military voters are registered in the constituency. NLD member U Myo Yan Naung Thein warned about early voting, saying that the NLD may lose in constituencies with small populations and large military deployments. Tanai Regional Operations Command is also headquartered in Tanai and there are at least 10 military units under the command in Tanai. For the first time since 2010, personnel and their relatives will cast votes outside the barracks. The NLD, the USDP, the Kachin States People Party, United Democratic Party, National Unity Party, Lisu National Development Party and Naga National Party will contest the poll in Tanai in November. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. You may also like these stories: Election 2020: The Week in Review Thousands Excluded as Overseas Voting in Myanmar Election Starts in Singapore Rival Candidates Spell Out Goals, Dreams as Myanmar Election Nears A potential new coronavirus antibody treatment made by a British pharmaceutical giant has moved into late stage trials. Brentford-based GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) said its treatment - known as Vir-7831 - could be rolled out by 2021 if its proven to be effective and safe. The drug uses antibodies - proteins found in people who have survived Covid-19 - that have been genetically modified in a lab. These substances are then injected into patients in the earliest stages of their illness. This is significant because, currently, there are no drugs on the market that prevent people from falling severely unwell with the disease. The only medicines scientifically proven to have an effect are steroids that for people already on ventilators or with dangerously low oxygen levels. An early trial on 20 patients in the US suggested the new antibody medicine was safe and did not cause any adverse health effects. Now the study will expand across North America, South America and Europe and aim to recruit nearly 1,500 volunteers to see if the drug can prevent serious illness. Brentford-based GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) said its treatment - known as Vir-7831 - could be rolled out by 2021 if its proven to be effective and safe WHAT IS MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY THERAPY? Monoclonal antibody therapy is a form of immunotherapy that uses monoclonal antibodies (mAb). It's given as an injection under the skin or through a drip into a vein. The treatment works in many different ways. It can work in a vaccine-like way, protecting a patient from severe disease, or can help to stimulate the patient's immune system to attack antigens. Hybridoma technology is one method for producing large numbers of monoclonal antibodies - identical antibodies that are clones of a unique parent cell. The process starts by injecting an animal, such as a mouse, with an antigen that provokes an immune response. B cells produces antibodies that bind to the antigen. These antibody producing B-cells are then harvested and used to culture more antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies are screened against their ability to work, with initial experiments in animals. Major technological advances have made the discovery and development of mAb therapies quicker and more efficient, deriving the antibodies from humans and not animals. Scientists can create a mAb that is specific to almost any antigen, and are working on one for the coronavirus. The spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the primary target being explored for potential Covid-19 monoclonal antibodies. The aim is that by targeting the spike protein, the antibody will be able to neutralise the SARS-CoV-2 virus, therefore stopping it from infecting healthy cells. A particularly interesting avenue is giving them to people who arent infected yet as a preventative tool. If the antibodies are potent and long-lasting enough, they could provide sufficient protection for a period of time before a vaccine is found. Research and development is underway to create antibodies for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and different types of cancers. But many are already in use both in the US and UK. Since 2008, 48 new mAbs have been approved, contributing to a total global market of 61 mAbs in clinical use at the end of 2017, according to the US FDA. Advertisement Antibodies are proteins the immune system makes when someone becomes infected with a virus, such as the pathogen that causes Covid-19. But it can take weeks for them to form after being infected or having a vaccine, which is often too late as the virus has already multiplied in the body. For some people - particularly the elderly and those with weakened immune systems - their bodies struggle to muster up enough antibodies to fight the disease. GSK's treatment uses monoclonal antibodies - which have been engineered in a laboratory and mimic antibodies naturally produced by recovered Covid patients. If GSK's therapy works it could be a way to equip people's immune systems to fight the coronavirus before their condition deteriorates. Monoclonal antibodies are already being used to treat tetanus, Ebola and diphtheria. The therapy has recently been in the spotlight after it was announced that US President Donald Trump was given an experimental cocktail of the proteins following his Covid-19 diagnosis. Although not yet approved, the company agreed to supply a single dose for Mr Trump at the request of his physician under 'compassionate use' provisions. GSK and San Francisco-based Vir Biotechnology have been working on their treatment since April after joining forces when the pandemic first took off. Dr Hal Barron, chief scientific officer and president of research and design at GSK, said: 'Given the urgent patient need, I am very pleased that we have progressed Vir-7831 from pre-clinical studies to a phase three trial in only six months since announcing our collaboration with Vir. 'This neutralising antibody's high barrier to resistance, notable effector function, and enhanced delivery into the lung, suggest it has best-in-class potential in the fight against this global pandemic.' George Scangos, chief executive officer of Vir, said: 'The rapid achievement of this important milestone reflects the urgency with which we're mobilising our resources in the hope of preventing the worst consequences of this deadly virus. 'Vir-7831 is an antibody with characteristics that may enable it to prevent hospitalisation or death via multiple mechanisms. 'We look forward to continuing to collaborate with GSK to accelerate its development.' The Comet-Ice (Covid-19 monoclonal antibody efficacy trial-intent to care early) study is evaluating Vir-7831 for the early treatment of Covid-19 in patients with early stages of the disease. It aims to recruit 1,300 participants, half of whom will receive the drug while the others are given a placebo. GlaxoSmithKline also has a vaccine candidate in human trials, which the UK Government has already struck a multi-million pound deal for 60million doses of. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy penned the deal with GSK and Sanofi Pasteur, who has co-created the jab, on July 29. The 60million doses are rumoured to have cost 500million, but Britain will only pay if it turns out to work and be effective. Human trials began this month and the drugmakers hope to follow them up with phase 3 studies by December. In the midst of growing global concern over China's expansionist behaviour, India and three other member nations of the Quadrilateral coalition on Tuesday reaffirmed their collective vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific while the United States favoured making the grouping a 'true security framework'. IMAGE: Foreign Minister S Jaishankar with Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pose for a picture as they attend a meeting in Tokyo, Japan, on October 6, 2020. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/Pool via Reuters In his opening remarks at a ministerial meeting in Tokyo of the Quadrilateral coalition, also known as 'Quad', External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India remained committed to a rules-based world order, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, and peaceful resolution of disputes. The in-person meeting of the foreign ministers of the 'Quad' comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia is taking place in the backdrop of China's growing aggressive military behaviour in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Jaishankar also asserted that advancing security and economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the Indo-Pacific remained a priority. Ahead of the meeting, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Japanese publication Nikkei Asia about Washington's pitch for institutionalising the Quad. "Once we've institutionalised what we're doing -- the four of us together -- we can begin to build out a true security framework," he was quoted as saying by the publication. Noting that it was a matter of satisfaction that the Indo-Pacific concept has gained increasingly wider acceptance, Jaishankar said, "As vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values, our nations have collectively affirmed the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific." "We remain committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said. He said the meeting of the foreign ministers, despite the global pandemic, is a testimony to the importance that these consultations have gained, particularly in recent times. The evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of China's increasing military muscle flexing has become a major talking point among leading global powers in the last few years. The US has been favouring making Quad a security architecture to check China's growing assertiveness. During his address at the meeting, Pompeo stressed on ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific and said the conversations among the countries of the grouping should aim to achieve that 'good outcome'. "As partners in this Quad, it is more critical now than ever that we collaborate to protect our people and partners from the CCP's (Chinese Community Party's) exploitation, corruption, and coercion. We've seen it in the south, in the East China Sea, the Mekong, the Himalayas, the Taiwan Straits. These are just a few examples," he said. In his address, Jaishankar also mentioned about the Indo-Pacific Ocean's Initiative, which was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok last year to make meaningful efforts to create a safe and secure maritime domain, and conserve and sustainably use it. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said the foreign ministers reaffirmed their collective vision of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. 'They reiterated their firm support to ASEAN centrality and highlighted their readiness to work towards realising a common vision for the Indo-Pacific. Appreciating the value of these consultations, they agreed to hold them regularly,' it said. It said the ministers also exchanged views about regional issues of mutual interest, and issues related to connectivity; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; maritime safety and security; health security, and counter terrorism. The US State department said the participants reviewed recent strategic developments across the Indo-Pacific and discussed ways to enhance Quad cooperation on maritime security, cybersecurity and data flows, quality infrastructure and counterterrorism. It said the four countries reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN centrality, sovereignty, and an ASEAN-led regional architecture for the Indo-Pacific. The 10-nation ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a major stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne represented her country at the meeting. Later, a release issued by the Australian foreign ministry said it was agreed to enhance cooperation to promote a strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific. It said the ministers reiterated that states cannot assert maritime claims that are inconsistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). At the Quad meeting, Jaishankar also referred to COVID-19 and said the events of this year have clearly demonstrated how imperative it is for like minded countries to coordinate responses to the various challenges. "As we collectively navigate these uncharted waters, we seek to emerge from the pandemic more resilient than ever before," he said. "You are all aware that India assumes membership of the UN Security Council next year. We look forward to seeking collective solutions to global challenges, including global recovery from the pandemic and reform of multilateral institutions," he added. Jaishankar also mentioned about key issues such as connectivity, infrastructure development, security including counter-terrorism; cyber and maritime security. In November 2017, the four countries gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the 'Quad' to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence, and the first meeting of foreign ministers under the 'Quad' framework had taken place in New York in September 2019. A high-ranking German official suppressed a sensitive intelligence report in 2018 on Chinas growing influence in Germany out of fear it would damage business ties with China, Axios has learned. Why it matters: Business interests have long shaped Germanys relationship with China, to the detriment of human rights concerns and even national security. Details: The highly sensitive report, completed in 2018, examined the Chinese governments attempts to influence every level of German government, society and business, according to two former U.S. intelligence officials. It cast a particularly harsh light on the intimate ties between German business and the Chinese government. But before it could be widely disseminated within the German government, as had been intended, a high-ranking official intervened. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also saw the report, but few others did, said one official. What they're saying: "As a matter of principle, the German government does not comment on matters concerning intelligence findings or activities of the intelligence services," a federal government spokesperson told Axios. The Federal Intelligence Service, Germanys foreign intelligence agency, did not respond to a request for comment. The big picture: German policy toward China has traditionally been driven by economic factors. Germany depends on exports to a high degree, and that gives business a large influence. Business representatives talk to the government and are used to being listened to, said Volker Stanzel, a former German ambassador to China, in an interview with Axios. The Chinese Communist Party succeeded in globalizing its economy because it was able to join itself to foreign business interests, said Stanzel. How it works: Those business interests have tended to discourage their home governments from policies seen as harmful to economic ties with China. But Beijing has increasingly fused trade with politics, threatening punitive economic measures against companies and governments that criticize Chinas human rights record, deny market access to Chinese companies like Huawei, or express support for Taiwan. German business interests, as well as the countrys top economics official Peter Altmaier, have thus tended to downplay Chinas growing human rights violations and security challenges. A prominent example: German auto giant Volkswagen operates a factory in Urumqi, the regional capital of Xinjiang, where the Chinese government has detained more than a million ethnic minorities in mass internment camps. Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess attracted fierce criticism for his claim in April 2019 that he was not aware of the camps. The result: There has been a lot of self-censorship in Germany with regard to China, said Noah Barkin, an expert on Europe-China relations at the Rhodium Group. Merkels approach has been to criticize China behind closed doors, rather than in public. But things are starting to change in Germany and around Europe amid growing global scrutiny over Chinas economic practices and human rights abuses. On a recent five-nation tour of Europe, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was assailed with pointed questions about Chinas crackdown in Hong Kong, its mass internment camps, and concerns about Chinese telecom giant Huawei. Merkels trade-first approach to China is meeting resistance, and she may well be replaced next year by a more hawkish chancellor. Germany has traditionally viewed China through an economic prism, not a security prism. That has really begun to change this year, said Barkin. Germans are coming to the realization that they need to establish red lines, that they need to push China more forcefully, and they need to emphasize human rights. Between the lines: The 2018 report thus landed at a crucial time for Germanys relationship with China but before many powerful players were prepared to abandon their economics-first approach to the relationship. What to watch: Germany has often set the tone for the EU. As Berlin begins to become more hawkish on China, so may the EU. Abdullah Abdullah, the chief negotiator with Taliban in the intra-Afghan peace dialogue on Tuesday arrived in New Delhi for a five-day visit during which he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval . Abdullah, the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) in Afghanistan is here to exchange views on the negotiations between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban at Doha, Qatar and bilateral relations. "Arrived in New Delhi, India, to begin my official visit. During my stay in New Delhi, I will meet the leadership of India, and exchange views on Afghan Peace Process, and bilateral relations," Abdullah Abdullah wrote in a tweet. Abdullah, accompanied by a high-level delegation, is here on an invitation by the Government of India to discuss the peace efforts and the need for regional consensus and support for the Afghan peace process. During this visit, he is also scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses (IDSA) in the national capital. Prior to his departure to India , Abdullah had said: "India is a strategic partner of AFG and has continuously supported the government and people of AFG. Our historical relations with India is very important to us, and the role of India in establishing lasting peace in AFG and the region is vital. I am visiting India up on an official invitation by the Gov. of #India to discuss the peace efforts, and the need for regional consensus & support for the #AfghanPeaceProcess." This is the first visit of Abdullah to India after the formation of a new government in Afghanistan. His visit comes at a time when the Afghanistan government and Taliban are trying to negotiate a deal in order to restore peace in the country. Abdullah Abdullah had last week visited Pakistan and discussed the Afghan peace process with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister, and other Pakistani officials. The peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban began on September 12 in Qatar's capital Doha to end decades of war in which tens of thousands have been killed. Violence, however, has not abated in the country even as Afghan negotiators have been engaged in direct talks for the first time. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had participated in the opening ceremony of Afghan peace negotiations in Doha through video conferencing and reiterated that the peace process should be Afghan-led and ensure the interests of minorities and women. He said that Afghan soil should never be used for carrying out anti-India activities and supported the need for an immediate ceasefire in order to establish long-lasting peace in Afghanistan. On September 25, Jaishankar had met former Afghan Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum and said India remains fully committed to an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Modi and said Congress' 'Kheti Bachao Yatra' is against the PM Modi's 'kaala kanoon' (dark laws), which will destroy the existing structure of agriculture in the country. Congress Kheti Bachao Yatra is against the kaala kanoon (dark laws), which will destroy the existing structure of agriculture in the country, affecting Punjab and Haryana most severely, said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi here on Tuesday. Our yatra is against the three kaala kanoon (laws which bring darkness) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These laws will destroy the existing structure of farming and food security in the country. Punjab and Haryana will be the most affected by it. If this structure breaks then in future Punjab will not be able find a way out, Gandhi said at a press conference here. The conference was also attended by other leaders including, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and party leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala, Harish Rawat and Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar. Gandhi further slammed the Modi government for its earlier moves such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), demonetisation, among others. The way in which Modi first did demonetisation, then GST and then during corona crisis did not extend a helping hand to farmers, workers, small businesses at all, similarly these farm laws too are an attack on farmers, he said. Gandhi had kickstarted the Kheti Bachao Yatra in Punjab on Sunday to protest against the recently enacted agriculture reform laws brought by the Centre. Also Read: Telangana BJP leaders protest against the CM KCR in Delhi before apex council meet The Wayanad Member of Parliament visited various parts of the state and addressed rallies, apart from taking part in roadshows to protest against the laws. He is further slated to arrive in Haryana and conduct roadshows and attend rallies against the laws.fr Also Read: Midnight cremation to avoid violence, family aware, UP Govt tells SC The Lashkar-e-Tayiba (LeT) terrorists behind Monday's attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) road-opening party in the Nowgam area on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Jammu and Kashmir, in which two personnel were killed and three were injured, have been identified, a senior police official said on Tuesday. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Army soldiers and special operation group of J-K police personnel at the site of attack on CRPF patrolling party at Bypass Pampore on the outskirts of Srinagar on Monday. "We have identified the terrorists behind the attack. They are from the Lashkar, led by a Pakistani terrorist named Saifullah. We are on the job and they will be neutralised soon," Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar said. He was speaking to reporters after the wreath-laying ceremony for the two CRPF jawans, who were killed in the attack. "Two terrorists came on a scooter, most probably from the Pampore side, and opened indiscriminate firing from an AK rifle," the IGP said. He admitted that the module of the Pakistan-based militant outfit had carried out an attack earlier in the Chadoora area of Budgam district as well, in which an assistant sub-inspector of the CRPF was killed. "We are conducting operations and soon, they will be neutralised," the officer said. Responding to a question on militants using two-wheelers to carry out attacks, Kumar said it is easy for the ultras to move around on motorbikes on roads where the vehicle movement is heavy. "We cannot check every vehicle, vehicles are checked based on information mostly. Checking every vehicle will cause traffic jams," he said. The IGP sought to assure people, saying there is no need to panic and 'the situation is under control'. On the use of virtual phone numbers by terrorists, he said this technology is a cause of concern but it has been used for subversive activities for years now. "Virtual numbers have remained challenging since the beginning. It is challenging across the world. We are trying to find technological answers," Kumar said. The country's largest lender the State Bank of India (SBI) has invited application for post-doctoral research fellowships at its official website sbi.co.in. The last date to apply for the SBI post-doctoral research fellowship is October 8. However, candidates can send a hard copy of the online application to the SBI, CRPD, Corporate Centre, third floor, Atlanta Building, Nariman Point, Mumbai (Maharashtra, INDIA), PIN-400021 till October 15. SBI post-doctoral research fellowship: Eligibility Candidates applying for the fellowship must have a PhD in banking, finance, economics or related to the BFSI sector. Applicants also should have a minimum of three years' post-qualification work experience in teaching or research work. Age limit The upper age limit is capped at 40 years. The age will be calculated as on June 30. SBI postdoctoral research fellowship 2020: Fee The application fee to apply for the SBI postdoctoral fellowship is Rs 750. However, reserved category candidates including SC, ST, and PwD candidates are exempted from paying the fee. SBI postdoctoral research fellowship 2020: Stipend There is a total of five vacancies for this fellowship. The selected candidates will get a fixed monthly stipend of Rs 1 lakh, subject to deduction of TDS as applicable. Moreover, a one-time endowment of Rs 2-5 lakh will be awarded at the end of two years in case of exemplary research performance or international publications in reputed journals. Candidates can send a hardcopy of the online SBI form along with these documents. CV with a list of publications ID proof Photocopies of education certificates, mark sheets Experience certificates Two-page write up on high-quality publication by the candidate Two-page write up on intended research work at SBI At least two letters of recommendations No objection certificates Photocopies of two best journal papers The applications will be shortlisted followed by an interview and presentation round. The candidates are expected to work at SBI, Kolkata, however, they can be placed anywhere. Also read: Air India's top official leading Vande Bharat mission tests positive for coronavirus Also read: Adani Ports SEZ acquires 75% stake in Krishnapatnam Port for Rs 12,000 crore A man was escorted off a US flight after he got into a fight with another passenger over wearing a face mask, police have said. Rylie Lansford, who was sat near both passengers on the Allegiant Air flight from Mesa, Arizona, said the fight broke out when a man sitting behind her started arguing with a flight attendant who asked him to wear a mask. The man was wearing a face shield, but according to the airline's policy, face masks must also be worn. Another passenger turned around and yelled at the man to wear a mask and began shouting obscenities and making threats, Ms Lansford said. Police said the first man told him to "mind his own business". As soon as the two men started fighting on the Utah-bound flight, Ms Lansford said she ran to the front of the plane and started recording the video. The footage shows the man in front choking the passenger who refused to wear a mask, pulling his hair and hitting him in the back. An off-duty police officer escorted the man who wouldnt wear a mask off the flight, police said. The second man was allowed to stay on the plane, Ms Lansford said. "I was just annoyed that it was just one simple thing that one person had to do, she said. If you buy a plane ticket, wear a mask." Allegiant Air confirmed the incident in an statement and said police were investigating. The statement said: "While the passenger was being escorted off the plane, he had an altercation with another passenger. Law enforcement was called to assist." Assad also blamed Ankara and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in particular for the war in Karabakh that erupted on September 27. They [the Turks] are the ones who started this conflict, he told the Russian RIA Novosti news agency. They encouraged this conflict. We can say for sure that they have been using terrorists of Syrian and other nationalities in Nagorno-Karabakh, he said. In recent weeks Western media and Syrian opposition sources have quoted members of Islamist rebel groups in areas of northern Syria under Turkish control as saying that they are deploying to Azerbaijan in coordination with the Turkish government. Most of them have given financial reasons for agreeing to participate in hostilities in and around Karabakh. Armenia has seized upon those reports and presented its own purported evidence of Syrian mercenaries recruited by Ankara. France has also alleged such deployment, with President Emmanuel Macron saying that at least 300 Syrian fighters from jihadist groups were flown from Turkey to Azerbaijan ahead of the flare-up of violence in Karabakh. Russia has similarly expressed serious concern over the reported presence of Middle Eastern terrorists and mercenaries in the Karabakh conflict zone and demanded their immediate withdrawal from the region. Asked to comment on the reports, Assad said: Definitely we can confirm it. Not because we have evidence. Sometimes if you dont have evidence you have indications. Turkey used those terrorists coming from different countries in Syria. They used the same method in Libya. They used Syrian terrorists in Libya, maybe with other nationalities, he told RIA Novosti. So its self-evident and very much probable that they are using them in Nagorno-Karabakh, added the Syrian leader. Assads regime has been at odds with Ankara but strongly backed by Moscow throughout the Syrian civil war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on Assads statements later in the day. We attentively familiarize ourselves with all statements by heads of state, he said. Both Ankara and Baku deny using Turkeys proxy fighters against Karabakh Armenian forces. Visiting Baku on Tuesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu reaffirmed Ankaras strong support for Azerbaijani military operations along the Armenian-Azerbaijani line of contact around Karabakh. Turkey and the Turkish people are ready to provide any assistance to Azerbaijan in any sphere if need be, Cavusoglu was reported to say at a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Interior minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fathi Bachagha, Tuesday announced the signing of an agreement protocol with the US company, Key to Intelligence, on financial integrity and the fight against terrorism funding A first information report (FIR) has been filed against those who had created fake accounts on social media to troll Param Bir Singh, commissioner, Mumbai Police, and orchestrated a campaign to discredit the police and the Maharashtra government regarding the investigation into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput (34). Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14. At least 80,000 fake social media accounts were created across nine countries as part of the orchestrated campaign, according to a report by Mumbai Polices cyber unit. The Mumbai Police commissioner is being trolled on various social media platforms and abusive languages are being used against him and the Mumbai Police. An FIR has been filed against social media account holders under section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. Most of these social media accounts are found to be fake and we will be taking action against them, said Rashmi Karandikar, deputy commissioner of police (DCP) (cyber), Mumbai Police. Also Read: Sushant Singh Rajput death: Rhea Chakraborty, others judicial custody likely to be extended Another FIR has been registered against the culprits who had used a morphed image of the official Twitter account of the Mumbai Police commissioner recently. We have started the probe in both the matters, added Karandikar. The internal report, submitted by the unit to Singh, said it found posts were uploaded on social media platforms from different countries, including Italy, Japan, Poland, Slovenia, Indonesia, Turkey, Thailand, Romania and France. The campaign to demoralise us was orchestrated at a time when 84 Mumbai Police personnel has died due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and over 6,000 were found to have been infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the disease. This was a motivated campaign with vested interests to malign the image of the Mumbai Police and derail our line of investigation, Singh had said. Those found violating the law would be prosecuted under relevant sections of the IT Act, 2000, he had said. Multiple fake accounts on social media were created to target the Mumbai Police in an abusive language, he had added. There have been speculations galore about Rajputs death. Also Read: Sushant Singh Rajput death: Sisters move Bombay high court to quash FIR based on Rhea Chakrabortys complaint Earlier, Mumbai Police had questioned several members of the film industry before the actors family members filed a police complaint in Bihar alleging a conspiracy behind his death and blamed his girlfriend actor Rhea Chakraborty and her family members. At present, the case is being probed by several central agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Chakraborty, her brother Showik and some other associates are in judicial custody for their alleged involvement in consumption of banned narcotic substances and NCB authorities claimed are related to Rajputs death. The cyber units revelation came days after a medical team from New Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has ruled out the possibility of murder in Rajputs death. The Maharashtra government has claimed that the AIIMS report is a vindication of its stand in the high-profile case. We had investigated this case professionally. CBI had set up a panel of AIIMS doctors, who have justified our investigation, the findings of Cooper Hospital and the forensic laboratory. Except for a few people, nobody else was aware of our investigation, but still, many have criticised it, Singh had said. Pentagon Chiefs Going Into Isolation After Official Tests Positive for COVID-19 Americas top military official and other members of the Department of Defenses Joint Chiefs of Staff are isolating after a military official tested positive for COVID-19. Admiral Charles Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, tested positive on Monday after feeling mild symptoms over the weekend, the Coast Guard said in a statement on Tuesday. Ray is quarantining from home, in accordance to the Coast Guards COVID-19 policies. Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, said the Pentagon was aware of Rays positive test and that he was at the Pentagon last week for meetings with other senior military leaders. Some meeting attendees included other Service Chiefs. We are conducting additional contact tracing and taking appropriate precautions to protect the force and the mission, Hoffman said in a statement obtained by The Epoch Times. Out of an abundance of caution, all potential close contacts from these meetings are self-quarantining and have been tested this morning. No Pentagon contacts have exhibited symptoms and we have no additional positive tests to report at this time. General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at Pershing Park in Washington on Nov. 9, 2017. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Gen. Mark Milley, 62, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other chiefs tested negative for COVID-19 but are still isolating as a precaution, two U.S. officials told the Associated Press. A Pentagon spokesman, reached by The Epoch Times, said, Im not sure if thats the terminology were using. He then directed questions to the duty officer, who declined to directly answer whether Milley and the others had tested negative. Hoffman said theres no change to the operational readiness or mission capability of the U.S. Armed Forces. Senior military leaders are able to remain fully mission capable and perform their duties from an alternative work location, he said. The Joint Chiefs of Staff consist of the chairman, the vice chairman, the chief of staff of the Army, the chief of Naval Operations, the chief of staff of the Air Force, the commandant of the Marine Corps and the chief of the National Guard Bureau. Y OUGOV today posted results which suggest it is a recession proof business with strong results that saw profits and revenues on the rise. And this year is likely to be strong thanks to what is boundto be a turbulent US election. Chief executive Stephan Shakespeare said: Election year is good, we get a lot of visibility. YouGovs media partners include CBS, Yahoo and The Daily Show, the irreverent news/talk show hosted by Trevor Noah. In the year to July sales rose 12% to 152 million with profit up 25% to 26 million. That allows for a 25% increase in the dividend to 5p. YouGov seems to have sailed through Covid-19 unscathed. Shakespeare said: Being entirely digital, we had no operational difficulties whatsoever. We were already very flexible. The US is YouGovs biggest market, followed by the UK. The shares rose 41p to 946p which leaves the business valued at just over 1 billion. Thirteen restaurant workers have entered quarantine after they waited on a fundraiser for Donald Trump during his visit to Minnesota last week. The event took place at the home of Marty Davis, CEO of the quartz countertop manufacturer Cambria, on Wednesday. Staff from Murrays Restaurant in Minneapolis waited on the fundraiser in Lake Minnetonka on the same day Mr Trump held his last campaign rally prior to testing positive for the coronavirus on Thursday. About 40 persons were said to have paid $200,000 (154,000) a couple or $100,000 (77,000) per person for the chance to meet the US president and hear him speak at the event. Following his admission to hospital for coronavirus over the weekend, the popular Minneapolis steakhouse issued a statement saying its staff did not come into contact with the 74-year-old president at the event. Our staff was there to work the party only and at no point did any staff come in close proximity to the president, read a statement. Upon learning of the presidents positive Covid-19 test, we immediately enacted a 14-day quarantine for all staff who worked the party. Additionally, each staff member who worked the party will be tested for Covid-19, it added. Chuck Sanger, a Murrays Restaurant spokesperson, said the steakhouse remained open despite asking 13 staff members to enter quarantine. The announcement came on the same day the president was discharged from the Walter Reed Medical Centre outside Washington D.C., where he spent three nights receiving treatment that included a steroid reserved for those with severe symptoms. One attendee at the fundraiser, Helene Houle, said in an interview on Monday that nobody got within six foot of the president, CBS News reported, and only after they were tested for the virus. "We got to have our photos taken with President Trump but we weren't next to him, we were 6 to 8 feet away from him," said Ms Houle. "Everything was pretty top shelf. It was lovely. The food was good." The president reportedly left the event to attend his campaign rally in Duluth, before dinner was served by Murray's Restaurant workers. It comes as multiple persons who have come into close contact with Mr Trump in the past week have either tested positive for the coronavirus, or have entered quarantine. Raising serious allegations against the Mamata Banerjee administration, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar tweeted on Tuesday that the state recorded more than 200 rapes and over 600 kidnappings in August alone. In a counter tweet, the state home department, refuted the allegations, describing them as baseless, ill-founded, and misguiding. Rapes-223 and Kidnappings-639 @MamataOfficial in August 2020 as per official reports indicate worrisome state of crime against women- a cause of concern. Time to douse fire under feet and put law and order in place @WBPolice @KolkataPolice before attending flames elsewhere, Dhankhar tweeted. The Governor claimed that the reports were authentic and officially sent to him from each division. The figures, however, didnt include incidents from Kolkata. Stunned @MamataOfficial terrible misrepresentation. Must apologetically withdraw and make amends. Statistics of Rapes-223 and Kidnappings-639 in August 2020 emanate from authentic reports officially sent to me from each of Divisions. All figures after due diligence, he tweeted after the state government rubbished the allegations. Also read: Guv Dhankhar stirs another controversy, says Bengal police trying to cover up BJP leaders murder Stunned @MamataOfficial terrible misrepresentation. Must apologetically withdraw and make amends. Statistics of Rapes-223 and Kidnappings-639 in August 2020 emanate from authentic reports officially sent to me from each of Divisions. All figures after due diligence. https://t.co/I4fN5ynHJe Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) October 6, 2020 Rajbhavan dissemination of WB statistics on rape and kidnapping is not based on any official report, data, or information. Allegations are baseless, ill-founded, and misguiding: totally incongruous with authentic facts and figures, the state home department had tweeted after the Governors first tweet. Dhankhar, in his tweets, had even provided a break-up of the figures of rapes and kidnappings. While Murshidabad district registered 51 incidents of rape, highest among all districts, the maximum number of kidnappings took place in East Midnapore district. Peeved with the state governments response, the Governor has warned of consequences if they do not withdraw or amend their statements. Those responsible for such outrageously incorrect assertions to run down a constitutional office will not be without consequences. Such stance in public interest cannot be countenanced. Action will surely ensue. Hope they are as quick with truth as with falsehood and make amends, Dhankhar tweeted. We are at the onset of a very busy month for global democracy. The big picture: By the time Americans go to the polls on Nov. 3, the world will have seen 12 national elections and three high-stakes referenda over the course of one month. Earlier pandemic-related delays are partially responsible for the electoral cluster. Driving the news: The electoral onslaught began with votes on Sunday in the South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia, which rejected independence from France by a 53%-47% margin, and in the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan. Protesters are in the streets of Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, tonight to protest vote-buying in Sunday's parliamentary election. Official results showed all genuine opposition parties falling short of the 7% electoral threshold. What to watch: The opposition is demanding fresh elections, and tonight's chaotic scenes have already sparked comparisons to other uprisings in former Soviet republics. It's too early to know where this is heading. What's next: Lithuania and Tajikistan will both hold elections next weekend, followed by Bolivia, Guinea and New Zealand a week later. Then come 8 national votes in two weeks, culminating in the U.S. election. In New Zealand, early voting is underway and the virus is under control. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's party is running on its COVID-19 record and leading in the polls perhaps unsurprising given there are currently just seven active cases in the country, Axios' Rebecca Falconer reports. In Bolivia, an Oct. 18 presidential vote will belatedly determine the successor to Evo Morales, the leftist who fled the country following last October's presidential vote amid claims of electoral irregularities. Jeanine Anez, the right-wing interim president, has been accused of targeting Morales allies since succeeding him. She dropped out of the race last month so as to not split the conservative vote. Morales' handpicked successor, Luis Arce, leads the polls but needs a margin of 10 points to avoid a run-off. Another disputed vote could lead to violence. Henri Konan Bedie, the challenger and former president in Ivory Coast. Photo: Issouf Sanogo/AFP via Getty Several of the upcoming elections are already sources of international concern. In Tanzania (Oct. 28), President John Magufuli has imposed a crackdown on independent media ahead of his re-election bid, and authorities have arrested at least 17 members of the opposition, per Human Rights Watch. The presidents of Guinea (Oct. 18) and Ivory Coast (Oct. 31) are seeking constitutionally dubious third terms. Elections for parliament in Georgia (Oct. 31) and the presidency in Moldova (Nov. 1) will be read as tests both of democracy and of Russian influence. Algeria's constitutional referendum on Nov. 1 serves as a reminder that the uprising that toppled Abdelaziz Bouteflika last year remains unfinished. The protests stopped when COVID-19 arrived, and more recently, authorities have "played a cat-and-mouse game" of arrests and intimidation, the NYT's Adam Nossiter reports. On the one hand: President Abdelmadjid Tebboune insists the new constitution will herald a new era for the country. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune insists the new constitution will herald a new era for the country. On the other: "[H]opes are now fading for an overhaul of the political system and real democracy in Algeria," Nossiter writes. Chiles constitutional referendum on Oct. 25 is also the result of an uprising that began last year, though it's really four decades in the making. Protests last October in Santiago. Photo: Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images Chile is a relatively prosperous democracy, but its reputation for stability was punctured last October when public anger erupted onto the streets of Santiago. The protests were driven by inequality that Chileans believe is baked into their constitution, which dates back to 1980 and Augusto Pinochets dictatorship. Critics argue the constitution acts as a kind of straitjacket on Chilean democracy, Daniel Alarcon writes in the New Yorker, because progressive legislation is often struck down by the courts. Where things stand: Polls show 70% of Chileans planning to vote to replace the constitution. There have already been at least two dramatic twists in Ivory Coast's presidential election, set for Oct. 31. First, the handpicked successor to President Alassane Ouattara died. Then, Ouattara announced his own candidacy, courting outrage from the opposition by claiming recent constitutional changes had reset his presidential terms (he'd otherwise be ineligible). "The conditions are just not ripe for a peaceful, transparent and accepted election at this point in time," Mohamed Diatta of the Institute for Security Studies told the Global Dispatches podcast. What to watch: Observers fear a repeat of 2010, when a disputed election led to a brief civil war that left 3,000 people dead. The bottom line: By the time election day arrives in the U.S., democracy will have already faced several critical tests around the world. Worth noting: Egypt and Seychelles will also hold elections this month, for parliament and president respectively. Police are seen at the scene where bodies were discovered in a truck container, in Grays, Essex, Britain October 23, 2019. Photo by Reuters/Peter Nicholls. Four men are due to go on trial in Britain Monday in connection with the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants whose bodies were found in a lorry in southeast England. The grim discovery of 31 men and eight women inside the container truck on an industrial estate east of London last year threw fresh light on the plight of migrants desperate to reach Britain. A post-mortem examination found the victims - 10 of them teenagers, including two 15-year-old boys - died from lack of oxygen and overheating in the refrigerated lorry. Seven people received jail sentences in Vietnam last month for their role in the tragedy. The four men on trial at the Old Bailey court in central London from Monday face a range of charges, from manslaughter to conspiracy to commit unlawful immigration. They do not include the 25-year-old driver of the lorry, Maurice Robinson of Northern Ireland. He drove the truck onto a ferry from the Belgian port of Zeebrugge in the early hours of October 23, 2019. Robinson admitted 39 counts of manslaughter and one of conspiracy to commit unlawful immigration at an April hearing. Meanwhile another man, 40-year-old Ronan Hughes, also from Northern Ireland, pleaded guilty to the same charges at a hearing on August 28. At an extradition hearing in Dublin on May 15, he was described as the "ringleader" of a human trafficking operation. Both men will be sentenced at a later date. 'I'm dying because I can't breathe' More than two dozen other suspects were arrested in May in connection with people trafficking in France, Belgium and Germany as a result of the investigation into the case. An alleged key figure in the ring of smugglers, a 29-year-old man nicknamed "The Bald Duke" according to AFP sources, was caught in Germany's Upper Rhine region. Thirteen of the suspects arrested by French police have been charged there with people trafficking, while six of the group -- mainly Vietnamese and French nationals -- also face manslaughter charges. The investigation found the migrants who died were loaded into the truck in northern France, and that the network continued to operate even after the tragedy, charging up to 20,000 euros ($23,458) to cross from France to Britain. The family of one victim, 26-year-old Pham Thi Tra My, said they had received a text message from her in the hours before she is believed to have perished. "I'm sorry Mom. My path to abroad doesn't succeed. Mom, I love you so much! I'm dying because I can't breathe," she said in the message confirmed by her brother Pham Manh Cuong. The victims came from impoverished and remote corners of central Vietnam, a hotspot for people willing to embark on dangerous journeys in the hope of striking it rich abroad. Many are smuggled illegally through Russia or China, carrying falsified documents, often owing tens of thousands of dollars to their traffickers. They end up working off the books on cannabis farms or in nail salons. Stormonts Finance Minister has pressed Chancellor Rishi Sunak for spending flexibility and certainty to both cope with coronavirus and prepare for Brexit. Conor Murphy expressed his concern in a statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly about the continued lack of clarity over the upcoming spending review following the cancellation of the autumn budget. He urged a date for the concluding of the spending review and the involvement of the devolved regions in the process. Expand Close Stormont finance minister Conor Murphy. (NI Assembly/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stormont finance minister Conor Murphy. (NI Assembly/PA) The spending review outcome is the first time that we would get an idea of what the overarching budget envelope will be for the Executive for the coming years. Without that information, it is impossible plan effectively, he told MLAs. The delay in the spending review leads to delay in the local budget process, making it harder for ministers to plan effectively for the years ahead. This is made all the more acute by the uncertainty around Covid-19. Mr Murphy said he has spoken to the Scottish and Welsh finance ministers, and added that they share his concerns. Today, we are collectively asking the British Government to provide a full suite of flexibilities we need to manage the unprecedented ongoing uncertainty that we are facing, he said. Finance Minister @conormurphysf calls for greater action and fiscal flexibility from the Chancellor to deal with COVID and Brexit. pic.twitter.com/mfpXXCE4p5 Dept of Finance (@dptfinance) October 6, 2020 Mr Murphy said different regions may need different solutions, but for Northern Ireland he is asking for flexibility to transfer capital funding into resource budgets. This will allow the Executive the agility it needs to respond to changes that would materially impact public service provision, he said. In addition, I am calling for the Treasury to loosen the restrictions around transferring funding from one year to the next. Under the current rules, any under spend over 0.6% of our resource DEL budget or 1.5% of our capital DEL budget is lost to the Executive. This restriction does not encourage good financial management and risks year-end surges of spend as departments seek to ensure budgets are maximised. Mr Murphy added: The concerns that Ive outlined are further exacerbated by Brexit. Planning for 2021 will be challenging enough without the further uncertainty surrounding Brexit and certainly that is within the British Government to clarify. Some three months before the end of the transition period we do not have the clarity we need on key issues such as implementing the protocol and replacing EU funding. I have written to the Treasury outlining the costs of implementing the protocol and Ive yet to receive confirmation that those costs will be met by the British Government, as they promised to do so. Oil prices climbed higher at the start of the week due to an oil strike in Norway, stimulus talks in the U.S. congress and a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico Chart of the Week - U.S. natural gas production, consumption, and gross exports all set new records in 2019. - Production rose by 10 percent to 93.1 bcf/d, consumption was up 3 percent, and exports were up by 29 percent to 12.8 bcf/d. - Texas saw its gas production rise by 15 percent, rising to 22.2 bcf/d. Pennsylvanias output rose by 10 percent to 18.6 bcf/d. - However, towards the end of 2019, gas production began to contract due to a shrinking rig count and low prices. Market Movers - Equinor (NYSE: EQNR) shut down four offshore oil fields in the North Sea due to a workers strike. The fields produce more than 330,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day combined. - Sempra Energys (NYSE: SRE) Cameron LNG shipped its first LNG cargo since late August when Louisiana was hit by Hurricane Laura. - Premier Oil (OTCPK: PMOIF) and Chrysaor Holdings agreed to a merger that will create the largest oil and gas producer in the North Sea. Tuesday, September 29, 2020 Oil prices shot up on Monday and Tuesday, pushed higher by an oil strike in Norway, potential stimulus talks in the U.S. Congress, and a strengthening hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensifies to Cat 4. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm on Tuesday, and it is moving into the Gulf of Mexico and could become a hurricane later this week. It is on track to make landfall in Louisiana by late Friday. Saudi budget plans for $50 oil in 2023. Riyadh is forming a budget that assumes oil remains at about $50 per barrel for the next three years. The IMF estimates that Saudi Arabia needs oil at about $66 per barrel to break even next year. Related: Oil Markets Brace For Tough End Of Year 7 of 10 lost oil jobs not coming back. A new study from Deloitte predicted that 7 out of 10 jobs lost this year as a result of the oil market downturn will not come back by the end of next year, suggesting that some job loss will be semi-permanent. The U.S. oil, gas, and petrochemical sector shed about 107,000 jobs between March and August, and only about 30 percent will return. Natural gas prices face downward pressure. Natural gas prices have spiked in recent weeks. But mild weather returns to the Northeast and an East Coast LNG terminal undergoes maintenance, which could put near-term downward pressure on the natural gas market. Natural gas prices traded just below $2.60/MMBtu on Tuesday. Morgan Stanley: Natural gas prices see upside risk for winter. Record production declines combined with rising demand could create the tightest gas market of the past decade, according to a new report from Morgan Stanley. The investment bank warns that inventories could draw down sharply this winter, potentially eclipsing those of the 2013-14 polar vortex. The bank hiked its price forecast for 2021 to $3.25/MMBtu, up from $3.05/MMBtu, and it also warned that there is upside risk of $5 if the weather turns out to be especially cold. Guyanas oil boom not at risk from pandemic. Despite the current headwinds, there are signs that Guyanas offshore oil boom will gain further momentum. Low breakeven costs, enormous resources, and improving governance will ensure Guyana continues to build out its oil sector. NextEra passes ExxonMobil in market cap. NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) has surpassed ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) in market capitalization, a sign of investors increasing belief that the energy transition is accelerating. NextEra has a market cap of $138 billion, with Exxon now slightly lower. Exxons secret plans for higher emissions. Internal documents obtained by Bloomberg found that ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) has plans to ratchet up its carbon dioxide emissions by 17 percent by 2025, a dramatic move as most of its peers set targets to cut emissions. Exxon has never disclosed its emissions, but the internal documents demonstrate that the company has carefully calculated the expected increase for its 7-year spending plans laid out in 2018. Exxon to cut 1,600 jobs. ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) will cut 1,600 jobs across Europe by the end of the year, according to Reuters. Pipeline operators cutting fees. U.S. oil pipeline operators are slashing their fees in order to keep customers amid weak demand. Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI) is offering a 50 percent discount on one of its Eagle Ford pipelines, for example. Small energy firms lean on taxpayers. More than a few small oil and gas companies took millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded loans this year, according to Reuters. At least a dozen companies took $50 million. Oil majors hit hard by Canadas stock selloff. Canadas oil industry is suffering the consequences of the global oil demand and price crash, just like every company in the sector anywhere in the world. But Canadas oil sector has other problems. The Canadian industry faces increased environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scrutiny, which has led to international investors shunning the stocks of Canadian oil firms and international oil majors divesting from oil sands. Suncor plans layoffs. Suncor (NYSE: SU), Canadas largest oil sands producer, is planning to cut its payroll by 10 to 15 percent over the next 18 months. U.S. refiners increase renewable diesel, eyeing Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to unveil his Clean Fuel Standard later this year, and U.S. refiners are hoping to cash in. U.S. refiners have already gone ahead with higher production of renewable diesel. Related: Energy Storage Market To See Explosive Growth This Decade 3 GW of solar expected. The U.S. is on track to install a record 3 GW of new solar capacity this year, according to Bloomberg NEF. Next year, installations could rise to 3.6 GW. Energy storage to see explosive growth. The global energy storage market is set for a 31-percent compound annual growth rate by 2030, Wood Mackenzie said in a recent report. By Josh Owens for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Chet Kwasniak to lead financial operations starting October 5, 2020. Austin, Texas, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CLEAResult, a leader in designing and implementing technology-enabled energy efficiency programs for utilities, has named Chet Kwasniak as their new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective October 5, 2020. Chet brings over 20 years of experience leading financial operations to CLEAResult, shared CLEAResult CEO Scott Boose. His depth and breadth of experiences across multiple industries and a history of building highly capable, client-centric, insight-oriented teams will accelerate value creation across our organization. Prior to joining CLEAResult, Chet was CFO for CareerBuilder where he was active in mergers and acquisitions, finance transformation and team development. Prior to CareerBuilder, he was CFO and EVP for MW Industries (MWI) where he was responsible for Finance, IT, pricing and mergers and acquisitions. At MWI, he transformed the finance and IT functions and helped to acquire and integrate fifteen acquisitions which tripled the size of the company. Im thrilled to be joining an organization that is at the fore-front of delivering innovative energy efficiency solutions to utilities, said Kwasniak. CLEAResult has grown dramatically over the last decade by consistently evolving to deliver the next generation of energy solutions to their clients. I look forward to partnering with this team as we chart a course for continued innovation and growth. About CLEAResult CLEAResult is the largest provider of energy efficiency and demand response solutions in North America. Through proven demand side management strategies tailored to clients unique needs, CLEAResult combines the strength of our energy experts and innovative technology to help over 250 utilities change the way people use energy. CLEAResult is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and has over 2,500 employees in more than 60 cities across the U.S. and Canada. CLEAResult is a portfolio company of the private equity firm TPG and The Rise Fund, a global impact fund led by TPG. For more information, visit clearesult.com. Story continues Follow us on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram ### Attachment CONTACT: Alison Smith Edelman (703) 505-4799 Alison.Smith@edelman.com Digital event to highlight Hyundai's fuel cell technology and commercial vehicle expansion plan and unveil XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck Launch event will take place at 10:00 a.m. KST on Oct. 14 , with livestream at Hyundai Motor's official YouTube channel. SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Company will host a digital premiere event for the launch of XCIENT Fuel Cell, the world's first mass-produced fuel cell heavy-duty truck, at 10 a.m. KST on Oct. 14. At the event, leaders of Hyundai's Commercial Vehicle Business Division and Fuel Cell Center will introduce the eco-friendly fuel cell truck and their roadmap for clean commercial mobility. The livestream will be viewable at Hyundai Motor's official YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/HyundaiWorldwide). Details about Hyundai's plan and technology will be released during the event. Earlier in July, Hyundai shipped XCIENT Fuel Cell to customers in Switzerland as part of Hyundai Motor's plan to roll out a total of 1,600 fuel cell electric commercial vehicles by 2025. Hyundai Motor's focus on the fuel cell technology reflects its commitment to clean mobility and vision for a future hydrogen society. XCIENT Fuel Cell is equipped with a 350-bar 32-kg hydrogen tank that provides around 400 km of driving range with a full trailer in tow. Fueling time to full charging takes approximately 8~20 minutes and this truck can carry a load comparable to a diesel truck. It also provides various safety and convenience features such as Front Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), smartphone mirroring and wireless charging. About Hyundai Motor Company Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company offers a range of world-class vehicles and mobility services in more than 200 countries. Hyundai Motor sold more than 4.4 million vehicles globally in 2019, and currently employs some 120,000 personnel worldwide. The company is enhancing its product lineup with vehicles designed to help usher in a more sustainable future, while offering innovative solutions to real-world mobility challenges. Through the process Hyundai aims to facilitate 'Progress for Humanity' with smart mobility solutions that vitalize connections between people and provide quality time to its customers. More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: http://worldwide.hyundai.com or http://globalpr.hyundai.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307015/Hyundai_XCIENT_Fuel_Cell_Teaser_Image_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307014/Hyundai_XCIENT_Fuel_Cell_Teaser_Image_1.jpg Two people have been arrested 13 months after a Jacksonville High School graduate was found dead in a wooded area off an Indiana road. The badly decomposed body of Alexander Dashiell Jackson, 23, of Indianapolis was found Sept. 13, 2019, in Mooresville, Indiana. Police determined he had died of a gunshot wound. Jacksons mother, LaLonna Jackson, told the Journal-Courier in 2019 that he had grown up in Jacksonville and graduated from Jacksonville High School in 2014. He was living and working in Indiana, where he also was studying environmental science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. For months, there seemed to be few developments in the case. On Monday, though, the Morgan County (Indiana) Sheriffs Office announced the arrests of two people, Justin M. Blake, 19, and Britney D. Overton, 26, both of Indianapolis. Blake was charged with two counts of murder and one count of robbery and Overton was charged with one count of murder and one count of robbery. Indianapolis television station WTHR said court documents indicate the homicide might have involved a dispute over money Jackson was accused of taking from Overtons sister. Overton reportedly tried to get a gun a few days before Jackson was shot, and she removed him as a Facebook friend just minutes after police believe Jackson was killed, according to a probable cause affadvit released Monday. Her cellphone showed she was within a half-mile of the crime scene the day Jackson was killed, the station reported. Blakes grandmother told authorities he had confided in her about shooting a man five times because he thought the man was going to kill him, according to court records. He then showed his grandmother a news story about Jacksons body being found, according to WTHR. Both are scheduled to go on trial in February. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below." As (arguably) the most fascinatingly weird holiday there is, it's not surprising that Halloween has a rich, varied, and somewhat elusive history. Have you ever wondered where all our contemporary Halloween rituals come from? Why, for example, do we ask strangers for sweets and threaten to trick them if they hold out on us? Sounds like a red flag to me. But there are indeed historical reasons for these traditions, and we learned all about them. It turns out that between all the candy consumption, dress-up opportunities, mischief-making, and dark side dabbling, the holiday is traceable to an ancient Celtic festival. From there, it only gets more complex, though. If you're like, wait, what about the witches and ghosts and stuff? don't worry, we'll get there, but first, we're dipping into the real dark side of the holiday, which has much more to do with the violence of imperialism than it does with The Wicked Witch of the West. Like many annual rituals that now seem arbitrary (dyeing eggs on Easter? It's all about fertility! But that's a whole other tangent we'll save for spring), several Halloween traditions have origin stories deeply rooted in mythology. So keep reading to learn about Halloween's origin story and how it has evolved over the centuries at the whims of history and through oral tradition into the beguilingalbeit commercializedholiday we know and love today. For spooky ghost stories, subscribe to our haunted house podcast Dark House on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen. Ancient Celtic Origins Photo credit: Getty Images The OG Halloween predates Christianity, stretching all the way to an ancient Celtic celebration (and by ancient we mean about 2,000 years ago) known as Samhain (pronounced "sow-in") in what is now modern-day Ireland, parts of France, and the United Kingdom. Like most ancient holidays, Samhain marked a transition of seasons, from summer to the beginning of winter, hence the sort of dark and stormy vibes of Halloween today. Celebrators believed that on this night, October 31st, the portal between the realm of the living and the dead opened, allowing lost souls to return to human-occupied earth. Story continues This ghostly presence was associated with a few things, from the agriculturalwreaking havoc on cropsto the supernaturalenhancing the clairvoyant capacity of Druids (Celtic priests) so that they could make predictions and communicate with the dead to facilitate happier, warmer winters. The festivals also typically involved bonfires, at which the attendees wore costumes (yup!) and participated in sacrifices of crops and animals. Afterward, the community would use the bonfire to light their own hearths as a sort of closing ceremony for summer and the initiation of winter. So while death and fear are at the heart of it, so are fun and celebration. Photo credit: House Beautiful Roman Rule (27 BCE476 CE) After the Roman Empire conquered much of the Celtic territory in 43 CE, Romans ruled there for some few hundred centuries, during which the tradition evolved with many Catholic influences. There are some links to the Roman festival of Feralia, in which the community mourned its dead, as well as another ceremony called Pomona (named for the Roman Goddess of the Apple), in which celebrators honored fruits and trees. The Middle Ages By a few hundred years into Roman reign, the Catholic church was increasingly attempting to replace "Pagan" practices (or, indigenous ones), with their own, often while vilifying the formerbut keeping some of its traditions. In the eighth century, when "local people converted to Christianity during the early Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church often incorporated modified versions of older religious traditions in order to win converts," reports Albany University. As a result, many elements of Samhain persisted. And according to History.com, "the church made November 2nd All Souls Day, a day to honor the dead," and all saints known and unknown, in an attempt to replace the Celtic holiday with a church-sanctioned version of it. Festivities on this day included dressing up as various saints, angels, and the devil. All Saint's Day was also known as "All Hallow's Days," hence, the later moniker of All Hallow's Eve. Photo credit: Grant Faint - Getty Images 16th Century England In the 1500s, England's King Henry VIII cut ties with the Roman Catholic Church (because the pope refused to annul his marriage with Catherine of Aragon). As a result, there was much more tolerance extended to the Protestant Church for some years, but the Church of England remained mostly Catholicand became even more so during the reign of Queen Mary I, aka Bloody Mary. She established England's connection to the Roman Catholic Church, in part by ordering the execution of 300 Protestants. After her, it was sort of the opposite, as Queen Elizabeth I, was a Protestant. Okay, but what does this have to do with Halloween, you might be thinking. Well, let's fast forward to the pilgrimage across the Atlantic. In What Is Now the United States Colonial Period (1600s1700s) The popularity of Hallow's Eve during the American Colonial era varied from place to place, depending on how devoutly Protestant the communities were. The early settler colonialists were Puritans and fled England because of religious persecution, which is why they were known as Separatists. So, for example, in a very Puritanical New England, Hallow's Eve wasn't as widespread, but in less rigid southern colonies, the holiday was still observed. During this era, celebrations around the harvest emerged and became associated with Hallow's Eve, likely a result of the cultural exchanges between indigenous people and Anglo-Saxon settler colonialists. Similar to the way in which the Roman Catholic Church replaced indigenous cultural and religious practices with their own iterations, the same happened here with the settlers and local indigenous populations. Photo credit: duncan1890 - Getty Images The Early Republic (late 1700s1800s) A few generations later, once the U.S. won independence and formed a nation, the country saw a huge wave of European immigrants, who brought with them new traditionsand media. In 1759, Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote a poem entitled Halloween, which described some of the holiday's practices at the time, and introduced the term we know today. "The word itself seems to be a portmanteau of the word 'Hallow,' which originally meant 'saint', mixed with 'een' which was an abbreviation of the word "eve," or night before," according to BigThink.com. European and American Imperialism So how did the holiday reach so many different countries around the world? The answer is simple: European Imperialism. As with most holidays, Halloween celebrations vary from region to region, and different modern iterations of the traditions stem from different ancient cultural practices, but one common thread is the brutality of imperialism and accompanying forced assimilation. Spanish Imperialism in South America (late 1500s1900s) While English Separatists were fighting for independence during the 1600s and 1700s and then later in the Early Republic, they were also establishing a nation in which citizenship was inextricably liked to and defined by one's relationship to land ownership (i.e., you could only be a citizen if you owned landand you could only own land if you were a white man, hence the power structures we continue to see today). Similar practices were unfolding in other parts of the continent, except in this case, the colonizers were Spanish Catholics. Photo credit: Russell Monk - Getty Images Even as the Spanish Catholic conquistadores subjugated indigenous people to forced conversion, there were still, of course, traces of local worship and culture, resulting in a fusing of indigenous practices with Catholic holidays. That's why figures like Santa Muertewhich the official Catholic church still refuses to recognize as a part of the canonpersist today. Day of the Dead also falls on the Catholic Holiday All Saints, and looks quite different from Americanized Halloweenbut more on that in a minute. British Imperialism during the Victorian Era (1800s1900) This time period, of course, was also one of British expansion and subjugation. Of course, along with colonization came the violent and forced assimilation of other religious practices. According to the Washington Post, "the irony is that, while the British were responsible for spreading Halloween, they also spent several decades trying to stamp it out," when in the late 19th century, "the strict Victorian social code called for, among other things, a rigid class hierarchy, gender roles that privileged men over women, sexual restraint, an obsession with manners and a deep disdain for all things that might be perceived as indulgent." Halloween, having to do with dressing up, superstitions, and death, was of course one of the many practices that come under fire. Photo credit: Alastair Duncan / EyeEm - Getty Images Halloween experienced a resurgence in the U.K. and its colonies all over the globe (like Hong Kong and Singapore, among many others) after Queen Victoria died in 1901 and social attitudes gradually shifted. American Imperialism (1900s) The turn of the century also marked by the rise of U.S. military intervention abroad in countries like the Philippines, Japan, Hawaii, Iran, and others, where the spread of American cultural practices, traditions, and media was one way to fulfill what scholar Homi K. Bhabha deems "colonial mimicry," meaning peripheral access to dominant American culture. Media, of course, includes all that Halloween stuff. So in many of these countries, you'll see local influences fused with the commercialized Anglo-Saxon version of the holiday, emphasizing the pattern of Halloween as both a site of resistance and dominance. Photo credit: Sean Locke / EyeEm - Getty Images By the time the 1950s rolled around, Halloween was incredibly commercial as more and more industries were able to profit off of it. As Vox reports, confectionaries knew candy would be an easy thing to pass out on Hallow's Eve, and predicted that kids would want it (duh), so they increased production, thus, increasing affordability and accessibility and ultimately sales... which finally brings us to some of (presumably) your favorite Halloween staples, like trick-or-treating and dressing up. Behind the Modern Day Motifs Halloween is a hybrid of mythologies and histories born of both resistance and oppression, joy and mourning, life and death, an origin story befitting a holiday that celebrates the obscure and occultand the longevity and persistence of folklore, community, and identity. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram. You Might Also Like This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 1729 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year, and our current goal, more original reporting. Yves here. Mike Elk of the PayDay Report has done an extraordinary job of chronicling strikes, particularly Covid-19 related ones. By contrast, for the most part, the US press acknowledges the importance of essential workers and the disconnect between their lynchpin roles, their typically modest pay, and the inadequate adjustments of their environment and/or pay in light of their high Covid-19 infection and mortality rates. Early on, some workplaces did provide Covid-19 bonuses, but those are largely gone. One highly visible example is teachers, who work in poorly ventilated buildings, with no mask mandates for kids (admittedly difficult to enforce even if imposed) and no or little investment in other protections. Contrast that with the measures put in place in Chinese schools right after lockdowns ended; theyve been relaxed somewhat as disease levels have remained low but mask wearing is a must. The focus on essential workers in the US has obscured how Covid has affected low-wage laborers in other countries and the knock-on economic effects. By Randall Hansen, director of the Global Migration Lab, the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto. Originally published at openDemocracy In November 2019, a federal government official visited the University of Torontos Munk School and asked its faculty to delineate coming global threats. We spoke of inequality, hunger, climate change, sanitation, and plastic pollution, among others. No one mentioned a microbe; a discussion of the threat of immunity to antibiotics was as close as we got. Four months later, everyone in that room was under lockdown. COVID-19 hit the world as a freight train hits a car stalled at a railroad crossing. The virus has shredded the rhythm of our daily lives, and it will reconfigure our economies and politics. How exactly it will do so remains unclear, but this much is certain: across the globe, middle class standards of living depend on the labor and during a global pandemic the deaths of an army of cheap migrant workers. The virus has shed light on this dependence, but there is nothing new about it; it has been a basic feature of national and global capitalism since at least the 1970s. And, for all the talk more of a new, more just world that will emerge from the ashes of COVID-19, the worlds addiction to cheap labor is going nowhere. The virus highlighted the worlds structural dependence on cheap, exploitable labor. As lockdowns spread around the globe in February (in much of Asia) and March (in much of Europe and North America), low-skilled migrants suffered some combination of four fates: unemployment, internment, expulsion, and infection. In Turkey, the pandemic slashed domestic growth and foreign remittances, and the first who were sacked were many of the 3.7 million Syrians refugees working in the informal sector. In locked-down Singapore, 30,000 migrant workers were confined to crammed dormitories with as many as twenty bunk beds per rooms. In India, when Prime Minister Modi shut down a country of 1.3 billion people on 24 March, at least 600,000 internal migrants tried to return home clogging roads and railways in scenes that evoked memories of the great flights and expulsions during partition. As Saudi Arabia entered lockdown, the Kingdom expelled over 2,800 Ethiopian migrants. These lockdowns, sackings, and expulsions highlighted the degree to which both the global south and the global north are structurally dependent on cheap (e)migrants. At $554 billion globally in 2019, remittances provide more income than international aid; in Tajikistan, annual remittances from over one million guest workers in Russia are responsible for one-half of the countrys GDP. Due to the pandemic, global remittances may fall by as much as $108 billion dollars this year. But the global south also depends on cheap migrant labor chiefly internal migrants in India and China, chiefly external migrants in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and the Gulf States for construction, manufacturing, meat processing, caregiving, cleaning, and numerous other menial jobs. In the global north, multiple sectors depend on low-skilled migrant labor, but two depend on it to a superlative degree: agriculture and meatpacking. In meatpacking and meat processing, laborers work cheek-by-jowl, hacking away at poultry, pork, and beef as it flies by at line speeds that have increased decade-on-decade. Migrant workers live in crammed, often squalid, quarters. Human trafficking including contract deception, wage theft, and illegal document retention is common. The sector was a perfect incubator for the coronavirus: in Germany, Ireland, France, Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands, and the United States, meat processing plants became COVID-19 hotspots, and the virus infected tens of thousands of workers. In the US alone, 16,200 meat and poultry plant workers tested positive as early as May (the latest date for which the CDC produced numbers), and 86 died; 87% of the dead were minorities. Much of the media commentary expressed shock, even outrage, at these developments. It is not obvious why, since the global economy depends squarely on a reservoir of cheap, expendable labor. According to International Labour Office statistics, 21% of global migrants are low-skilled, but this is likely an underestimation, for much nominally medium-skilled work is in fact low-skilled. The systematic application by companies of Taylorist methods since the 1970s has transformed previously skilled jobs shop assistants, assemblers, supermarket tellers, and clerical support into low-skilled labor. Firms have eliminated training, routinized functions, and used technology (the bar code being a prime example) to de-skill work. Low-skill means non-unionized, low-paid, and with few if any benefits. The existence of a substratum of badly paid workers in retail, hospitality, construction, agriculture, and meatpacking, means that clothes, houses, fast food, groceries, and all manner of retail products are cheaper than they otherwise would be. The conditions under which these goods and services are produced are so unappealing that local workers exit the sector, either for better paid jobs or for unemployment and substance abuse. When they do, migrant workers are brought in legally or illegally to fill the positions. The process is global: low-skilled Filipinos migrate to Hong Kong to work as housekeepers; low-skilled Cambodians and Burmese migrate to Thailand to work in agriculture and manufacturing; low-skilled Mexicans migrate to the United States to work in meatpacking, agriculture, construction, and caregiving; low-skilled Bangladeshis, Indonesians, and Central Asians migrate, respectively, to the Gulf States, Malaysia, and Russia to work in construction. In India and China, tens of millions of internal migrants play the same function. The virus and its aftermath will not change these dynamics one iota. Indeed, in a poorer world suffering major virus-inflicted structural damage, the demand for cheap labor and cheap migrant labor will only be stronger. MALMO, Sweden, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Three Laureates share this year's Nobel Prize in Physics for their discoveries about one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe, the black hole. Roger Penrose showed that the general theory of relativity leads to the formation of black holes. Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez discovered that an invisible and extremely heavy object governs the orbits of stars at the centre of our galaxy. A supermassive black hole is the only currently known explanation. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics 2020 to Roger Penrose, University of Oxford, UK, Reinhard Genzel, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching, Germany and University of California, Berkeley, USA, and Andrea Ghez, University of California, Los Angeles, USA. With one half to Roger Penrose, University of Oxford, UK "for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity" and the other half jointly to Reinhard Genzel, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching, Germany and University of California, Berkeley, USA, and Andrea Ghez, University of California, Los Angeles, USA "for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the centre of our galaxy" Roger Penrose used ingenious mathematical methods in his proof that black holes are a direct consequence of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. Einstein did not himself believe that black holes really exist, these super-heavyweight monsters that capture everything that enters them. Nothing can escape, not even light. In January 1965, ten years after Einstein's death, Roger Penrose proved that black holes really can form and described them in detail; at their heart, black holes hide a singularity in which all the known laws of nature cease. His ground-breaking article is still regarded as the most important contribution to the general theory of relativity since Einstein. Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez each lead a group of astronomers that, since the early 1990s, has focused on a region called Sagittarius A* at the centre of our galaxy. The orbits of the brightest stars closest to the middle of the Milky Way have been mapped with increasing precision. The measurements of these two groups agree, with both finding an extremely heavy, invisible object that pulls on the jumble of stars, causing them to rush around at dizzying speeds. Around four million solar masses are packed together in a region no larger than our solar system. Using the world's largest telescopes, Genzel and Ghez developed methods to see through the huge clouds of interstellar gas and dust to the centre of the Milky Way. Stretching the limits of technology, they refined new techniques to compensate for distortions caused by the Earth's atmosphere, building unique instruments and committing themselves to long-term research. Their pioneering work has given us the most convincing evidence yet of a supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. "The discoveries of this year's Laureates have broken new ground in the study of compact and supermassive objects. But these exotic objects still pose many questions that beg for answers and motivate future research. Not only questions about their inner structure, but also questions about how to test our theory of gravity under the extreme conditions in the immediate vicinity of a black hole", says David Haviland, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics. Roger Penrose, born 1931 in Colchester, UK. Ph.D. 1957 from University of Cambridge, UK. Professor at University of Oxford, UK. More information Reinhard Genzel, born 1952 in Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, Germany. Ph.D. 1978 from University of Bonn, Germany. Director at Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching, Germany and Professor at University of California, Berkeley, USA. More information Andrea Ghez, born 1965 in City of New York, USA. Ph.D. 1992 from California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA. Professor at University of California, Los Angeles, USA. More information Prize amount: 10 million Swedish kronor, with one half to Roger Penrose and the other half jointly to Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez. More information, illustrations and photos to download can be found at www.kva.se or nobelprize.org. Press contact: Eva Nevelius, Press Secretary The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences +46-70-878-67-63 [email protected] Experts: Ulf Danielsson, the Nobel Committee for Physics, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences +46 70 314 10 86, [email protected] Ariel Goobar, the Nobel Committee for Physics, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences +46 8 553 786 59, [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/kungl--vetenskapsakademien/r/the-nobel-prize-in-physics-2020--black-holes-and-the-milky-way-s-darkest-secret,c3210754 SOURCE Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien Its been only about four days since the world learned U.S. President Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19but that doesnt necessarily mean its been four days since he was infected. White House officials and Trumps personal physician Sean Conley have repeatedly dodged questions about when the President last tested negative for COVID-19. I dont want to go backwards, Conley said when asked about Trumps last negative test during a Monday press briefing, at which he announced Trump would be discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to return to the White House. But the question isnt only important retroactively. It matters for a couple of reasons, says Dr. Megan Ranney, a professor of emergency medicine at Brown University. The first is because it helps to predict the course of illness. The second reason it matters immensely is because of contact tracing. That is, without knowing when Trump last tested negative, its impossible to say how many people came into contact with him when he was contagious and may now be unknowingly spreading the virus. Knowing the date of Trumps last negative test is not going backward; it is crucial to preventing future spread. The timeline of Trumps illness has been unclear. He tweeted early Friday morning that he tested positive for COVID-19, shortly after his adviser Hope Hicks tested did. (Wall Street Journal reporting suggests the White House did not disclose a positive test result Trump received on Thursday while waiting for a second test to confirm the results.) On Friday, he received supplemental oxygen and was admitted to Walter Reed before being discharged Monday. But at a briefing on Saturday, Conley said Trump was 72 hours into his diagnosissuggesting he was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Wednesday, not Thursday. He later claimed he misspoke and said the President tested positive on Thursday. Story continues If thats true, the course of Trumps illness has been unusual, says Dr. Leana Wen, a professor of health policy and management at George Washington Universitys Milken School of Public Health and Baltimores former public health commissioner. It typically takes around a week for symptoms to progress to a point where a patient needs oxygen support. If Trump has been tested every day, as is White House protocol, Wen says its strange he would go from a negative test on Wednesday to hospitalization on Friday. How is it possible that on Wednesday he didnt have enough of a viral load to pick it upand by Friday he has low oxygen and needed to be hospitalized? Wen says. If thats the case, there is something worrisome about President Trumps health. (Ranney agrees this progression would be unusual, but says it is not impossible.) Its important to know how far along Trump is in his illness for multiple reasons. First, many patients get worse around day seven to 10. If Trump isnt there yet, hes still not out of the woods. The fact that two drugs the President is takingthe antiviral remdesivir and the steroid dexamethasoneare typically reserved for hospitalized patients with advanced COVID-19 only adds to Wens concerns, she says. Second, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends patients isolate for 10 days after their symptoms appear to avoid spreading the virus to other people. If Trump only began experiencing symptoms on Thursday, he still may be contagious and should remain isolated back at the White House, as he reportedly plans to do. Finally, knowing when Trump last tested negative could offer clues about who came into contact with the President when he was potentially contagious, knowingly or not. Studies have shown that people can spread the virus days before they show symptoms, and Trump attended numerous eventsincluding the first presidential debateduring the window when he was possibly contagious. Its possible there are people who were exposed to the President who dont know it and are actively passing it on to others, Wen says. Knowing when Trump last tested negative is crucial to running an effective contact tracing effortan effort that the White House apparently has not yet begun. For every day of inadequate information, it gets harder to contact trace effectively, says Joseph Eisenberg, chair of the epidemiology department at the University of Michigans School of Public Health. Under the best of circumstances, contact tracing is a time- and labor-intensive process. And with each day that passes, more people potentially get exposed to the virus. It is concerning from a public-health perspective that that information isnt out there, from a transparency perspective, from a trust perspective and for the public to know, Eisenberg says. Ranney adds that by not disclosing information that could help direct contact tracing, Trump is essentially flouting the public-health guidelines developed by his own administration. The CDC recommends that anyone who has come into contact with a sick person quarantine at home for two weeks, which people cant do if they dont know theyve been exposed. If we are to have any hope of controlling the virus in our country, reopening the economy, and getting our kids back to school, it is so essential [that we follow public health procedures], Ranney says. When our own President doesnt follow them, it makes it that much more difficult. PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Pakistani police said Tuesday they have arrested a man who acted as an accomplice to a Sunni Muslim college professor in the shooting death of a colleague from the countrys minority Ahmadi community. The shooting took place in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Monday, a day after the two professors allegedly had a heated discussion over a religious matter, police said. The assailant, Professor Farooq Maad, remains at large. He and his accomplice, opened fire on the car of Professor Naeem Khattak as he was driving to work. Monday marked World Teachers Day. The arrested man, identified only as Mubashar, was still being questioned, according to local police official Ayaz Khan. Khattak, the slain professor, was a follower of the Ahmadi faith, which was established in the Indian subcontinent in the 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, whose followers believe was a prophet. Ahmadis make a tiny minority of the 220 million Muslim-majority Pakistan. Pakistans Parliament declared Ahmadis non-Muslims in 1974, and they have repeatedly been targeted by Islamic extremists, drawing condemnation from domestic and international human right groups. 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 Advertisement Lily Rose Depp and her mother Vanessa Paradis led the glamorous arrivals for Chanel's Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday. The last day of the capital's fashion showcase saw the designer debut their Spring/ Summer 2021 collection at the Grand Palais. Model Lily, 21, caught the eye as she showed off her washboard abs in a tiny floral crop top, while actress Vanessa, 47, cut a chic figure in a monochrome tweet jacket and black trousers. Mother-daughter outing: Lily Rose Depp (left) and her mother Vanessa Paradis (right) led the glamorous arrivals for Chanel's Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday Lily complemented look with the designer's signature boucle style pink cardigan and bootleg jeans. She toted a chain leather bag and accentuated her slender waist with a thin gold chain belt and finished off her head-turning ensemble with subtle gold jewellery. The daughter of Johnny Depp, who has modelled for Chanel, wore her blonde locks in a chic chignon and highlighted her flawless complexion with a polished make-up look. Showcase: The last day of the capital's fashion week saw the designer debut their Spring/ Summer 2021 collection at the Grand Palais Fashion Week in a pandemic: The audience wore face masks as the models took to the catwalk Show-stopper: The Chanel show concludes the nine day calendar for Paris Fashion Week Gorgeous: Model Lily, 21, caught the eye as she showed off her washboard abs in a tiny floral crop top Like mother, like daughter: Vanessa, 47, cut a chic figure in a monochrome tweet jacket and black trousers Finale: Models paraded the runway for the end of Chanel women's Spring/Summer 2020/2021 collection fashion show Striking: The daughter of Johnny Depp wore her blonde locks in a chic chignon and highlighted her flawless complexion with a polished make-up look Passion for fashion: Lily and Vanessa chatted to one another as they prepared to take their seat All in the details: Vanessa carried a large black Chanel flap over bag while Lily opted for gold peep toe heels Having a blast: Lily beamed as she posed for a snap with fellow fashionistas Vanessa layered the zig-zag jacket atop of a simple black vest top and accessorised with beaded necklaces and black heeled boots. The actress showed off her youthful visage with a flush of red blush on her cheeks and appeared in high spirits as she posed for the camera. Marion Cotillard also joined the FROW. The Inception star, 45, looked every inch the fashion maven in a monochrome outfit which comprised of a cropped white denim jacket and a strapless black jumpsuit. Safety first: The pair put on safety masks as they headed into the Grand Palais Family outing: Before putting on their face masks, Vanessa and Lily posed for a photo together Sweet: The mother and daughter strolled out of the venue arm-in-arm after watching the show unfold In her element: Vanessa smiled as she arrived for the show Animated: She was in high spirits as she puffed on a cigarette while outside with her daughter ahead of the fashion show Giddy: Vanessa briefly puffed on a cigarette before making her way into the runway show Gorgeous: Lily Rose displayed her beautiful complexion as she joined her mother for the fashion show Chatty: The pair were deep in conversation as they prepared to take their seats at the star-studded runway showcase Here they are! The mother-daughter duo were seen making their way into the fashion show Fun: Vanessa and Lily Rose waited outside before heading into the fashion show Monochrome: Marion Cotillard also joined the FROW. The Inception star, 45, looked every inch the fashion maven in a monochrome outfit which comprised of a cropped white denim jacket and a strapless black jumpsuit Here come the girls: Isabelle Adjani, Joana Preiss, Caroline de Maigret (L-R) also attended the fashion showcase Working the camera: French actress Karidja Toure posed before the presentation of Chanel Spring-Summer 2021 fashion collection Edgy: French-Spanish actress Blanca Li looked super cool in frayed hem jeans with a double C embossed print Beauties: Lyna Khoudri showed off her sartorial style in a houndstooth dress and long coat while Maiwenn Le Besco showed off her leggy frame in a denim skirt Of the inspiration behind the collection, creative director Virginie Viard said: 'I was thinking about actresses at the photo call, on the red carpet, that moment when theyre being called to by the photographers: their faces a little distracted, their attitude a little out of sync with the outfits theyre wearing.' 'I wanted it to be very joyful, colourful, and very vibrant too.' On the catwalk, models wore Chanel's signature boucle cardigans, alongside double C embossed accessories, graphic prints and lots of pink. Inspired: Of the inspiration behind the collection, creative director Virginie Viard said: 'I was thinking about actresses at the photo call, on the red carpet, that moment when theyre being called to by the photographers' Playful: Creative director Virgine added: 'I wanted it to be very joyful, colourful, and very vibrant too' Ruling the runway: On the catwalk, models wore Chanel's signature boucle cardigans, alongside double C embossed accessories, graphic prints and lots of pink Time to say goodbye: Paris Fashion Week follows Milan, with Fashion Week ending on Tuesday after Chanel's show Fashion Week in the city comes as Paris is set to impose strict new regulations in attempt to slow the spike in coronavirus cases. Emmanuel Macron's government has ordered bars in Paris, along with Lyon and nine other cities on 'heightened alert', to close at 10pm. There is also a 10-person restriction at public gatherings with attendees at weddings and parties limited to 30. Keeping warm: Isabelle wrapped up as she arrived for the fashion showcase Strike a pose: Karidja Toure, Joana Preiss and Anna Mouglalis (L-R) posed for photos as they arrived Hello there: Maiwenn gave a friendly wave as she strutted into the show Gyms and other indoor sporting facilities will also remain closed and it remains mandatory for all pedestrians to wear face masks in public areas in the capital. The move comes as the president tries to avoid imposing a full lockdown across the country with the French economy already set to shrink by 8.7 per cent this year. The French government recently announced that it would be pumping 100billion (91billion) into the economy as part of a recovery plan. What's in store: Leather, bright bomber jackets and chic dress cardigans were also on the catwalk Politician Macron hopes that this will help the French economy to get moving again by 2022. Paris Fashion Week follows Milan, who hosted 23 shows- a move which sets them apart from New York and London, who have both held virtual fashion weeks. Milan Fashion Week was held as a breakthrough for Italy, seven months on from when the country dealt with the devastating effects of coronavirus. Back in February, Georgia Armani cancelled his show in Milan as the virus began to sweep through the country. The Centre on Tuesday issued guidelines regarding the operations at cinemas and multiplexes that are set to reopen from October 15 after remaining shut for more than six months in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the new guidelines issued by the Union ministry of information and broadcasting, cinema halls are allowed to operate with 50% occupancy so as to maintain adequate physical distance between people. Seats not to be occupied have to be marked for the purpose. Show timings of the screenings will also be staggered and a sufficient number of box office counters shall be opened to avoid overcrowding, the ministry has said. They have also advised the audience to avoid movement during the intermission. People have been encouraged to use digital modes of payment at the theatre. Advance booking has also been enabled to ensure there is no rush at the counters, which will remain open throughout the day, the government said. Floor markers will be used at the box office counters to ensure social distancing. The Centre has advised people to install and use the Aarogya Setu app. Hand wash and hand sanitisers will be made available at the multiplexes and people will undergo thermal screening before entering, only those who are asymptomatic will be allowed inside. They need to self-monitor their health and report in case of any illness. Peoples contact details will be taken to facilitate contact tracing, the I&B ministry said. There will be multiple sale counters for food and beverages. People will be allowed to carry only packed food and no delivery will be permitted inside the auditorium, it added. Also, the theatres need to set the air conditioners temperature between 24 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius. They are also required to make public announcements about wearing marks, social distancing and hand hygiene before and after the screening and during the interval. Santa Rosa Mayor Tom Schwedhelm understands that many constituents who have lost their home in the Glass Fire will not want to rebuild. But for those who do, he wants to make it as painless and efficient as possible. We dont want to be a roadblock, he said. On Monday, Schwedhelm, a retired Santa Rosa police officer, was at the newly opened local assistance center at Maria Carrillo High School, where evacuees could go to get answers to a whole bunch of grim questions. Three years ago, the scenarios facing Wine Country residents would have seemed the stuff of nightmares, but now have become an inescapable reality for many. How to get copy of vital records lost to fire? How to file a claim with the insurance company when everything you own is gone? How to clear a property of the heaps of ash that once was your house? How to get food and clothing and shelter in the coming months? In the high schools gym were city planners and building officials, county health and human services staffers, behavioral health counselors and Buddhist monks. There were state representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Insurance and the California Department of Public Health. Providing help were nonprofits like Redwood Empire Food Bank, Catholic Charities and the Disability Services & Legal Center. The Glass Fire, which was 50% contained Tuesday, has destroyed more than 550 homes, about 300 of which are in Sonoma County. Dale Zumfelde and Shirley Saraga showed up at the assistance center about an hour after it opened Monday. They lost their home on Los Alamos Road in Santa Rosa and everything in it on Sept. 27, including a 1932 Cadillac parked in the driveway. They have been staying at the Doubletree in Rohnert Park, which is full of evacuees and firefighters. And there are a lot of dogs, which is really comforting, Saraga said. Saraga was carrying a cardboard wine box full of provisions handed out at the high school. It contained no wine, but it did have toffee and sea salt chocolate bars, plenty of water, sparkling grape juice, and dry goods like crackers. Inside the gym, she picked up information on how to start putting her life back together. I got some literature about how not to get scammed, she said. Some mental health stuff, some insurance stuff, some DMV forms so we can get the title to our car. Saraga said the smoky air had her thinking about relocating even before the home was totaled. But she has not decided what to do. My friends are here, and I love Sonoma County, she said. What are you going to do? Schwedhelm lives in Coffey Park, where more than 1,200 homes were destroyed in the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Of the five homes wiped out on his block, one property owner has moved back in, one is living in a trailer on his lot and three others are under construction. He has several friends who have moved to Idaho to get away from the fires. Its just fatiguing, he said. I have a lot of residents saying I dont know if I can put up with this much longer. Some friends dont want to go through the rebuild. They love living in Santa Rosa but do they want to spend three years rebuilding their house? Its a personal choice. The Glass Fire burned 30 homes in Santa Rosa, in the Skyhawk neighborhood and east of Los Alamos Road. Before the 2017 Tubbs Fire, 30 homes lost to a blaze would have seemed like a big deal. No longer. Of course its a different scale compared to the Tubbs Fire, he said. But 30 homes? Thats still devastating. The local assistance center at Maria Carrillo High School is located at 6975 Montecito Blvd. in Santa Rosa. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Saturday. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen 4th Jingrui Joint Venture Capitalizes on COVID-19 Rebound in Strong Local Market BEIJING and DALLAS, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Bridge Capital announced today that it has invested in a second Chinese middle-income, residential project in Taicang, China with Hong-Kong listed developer Jingrui. The $103 million project follows the April announcement of an initial $114 million joint venture development in Taicang with Jingrui, with whom Century Bridge has previously developed successful projects in Ningbo and Wuxi. Taicang Overview Taicang is a county-level city in the district of Suzhou in Jiangsu province. Geographically the closest city to Shanghai along the Yangtze River with excellent transportation infrastructure, including a recently completed High-Speed Railway Station, which started operations in July and has reduced travel time to downtown Shanghai to 15 minutes, increasing its attraction for homebuyers from Shanghai. A number of companies have moved their headquarters from Shanghai and foreign investment has been attracted to the city, including over 300 German companies that have invested a total of over USD 5 billion. The Taicang Port functions as an important extension of Shanghai Port and is currently the largest river port and the 12th largest port in China by container volume. Management Commentary Commenting on the project Century Bridge CEO, Tom Delatour, noted, "This second Taicang opportunity will allow us to invest in another project supported by strong industry drivers and a recovering local economy. Taicang's solid economic fundamentals support current and longer-term middle-income residential demand. Consistent with this outlook we believe our second Taicang project along with our previously announced project is well positioned locally to capitalize on the ongoing demand for attractive affordable middle-income housing." Century Bridge President, Wei Deng, added, "We are pleased to be developing a fourth project with Jingrui. We are already working successfully with their established local development and sales team on the first Taicang project which we announced in April. The completion of the High-Speed Railway Station, which started operations in July, will provide additional support for housing sales in downtown Taicang, especially for the areas close to the High-Speed Railway Station where our projects are located. Taicang Investment - KEY FACTS In 2019 Taicang's GDP grew 5.1%, with a total GDP of 132.5 billion RMB and achieving a 5-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. and achieving a 5-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. Residential demand drivers -Besides demand from local buyers, given the improved rail connectivity this area continues to attract a great number of homebuyers from Shanghai . Due to increasing job opportunities created by the consistent local business growth, the permanent population increased to 721.2 thousand residents in 2019. . Due to increasing job opportunities created by the consistent local business growth, the permanent population increased to 721.2 thousand residents in 2019. Location - The Project site is 3.7 kilometers from the recently completed Taicang South High-Speed Railway Station. The high-speed railway line greatly improved the connectivity for the Project site and also incorporates Taicang into the "one-hour circle" within the Yangtze River Delta. Nearby Amenities - Within a few minutes' drive are one of the best middle schools, one of the largest shopping centers, and currently under construction 1.8 km southeast of the site, Foliday Town, a large mixed-use resort development with ground floor area of 1.4 million square meters, including international schools, hotels, and commercial spaces. Personal Income Growth/Affordability - Strong industries have continued to support population inflow, solid income growth and housing demand. Official urban disposable income per capita in Taicang reached RMB 68,204 in 2019, which is higher than most cities in China . The project is designed with small sized units with affordable total prices, which should further enhance the pace of presales and absorption. in 2019, which is higher than most cities in . The project is designed with small sized units with affordable total prices, which should further enhance the pace of presales and absorption. Development - The $103 million project includes above-ground, gross buildable area of 53,319 square meters/573,936 square feet on a site of 33,325 square meters/358,707 square feet. project includes above-ground, gross buildable area of 53,319 square meters/573,936 square feet on a site of 33,325 square meters/358,707 square feet. Residential - Will comprise approximately 51,187 square meters/550,974 square feet, representing 96% of above ground, gross buildable area, consisting of ten low-rise buildings with 403 units and ten high-rise buildings with 211 residential units and including 316 underground parking spaces. Century Bridge is a private equity firm with offices in Beijing, China and Dallas, Texas. The firm is focused exclusively on investment in the middle-income, residential real estate sector in China's growing Tier 2 and 3 cities. www.centurybridge.com PRESS CONTACT: COMPANY CONTACT: Guy Lawrence Jeff Tucker Ross & Lawrence Century Bridge Capital 212-308-3333 214-270-2149 gblawrence@rosslawpr.com jtucker@centurybridge.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1295141/Taicang_II_Rendering_1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/348507/century_bridge_capital_logo.jpg Earlier this year, Smith teamed up with an event production company to create a pop-up event that brought Moobys the fast-food burger joint from movies like Dogma, Clerks and many more to life. The Moobys pop-up has so far hosted sold-out events in New Jersey and West Hollywood. Highlights Google is patching the Qualcomm vulnerability with the October update. The Pixel 4a and older models are receiving the update. Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are, however, seeing the second last update before their life cycle ends. Google Pixel phones do not fight the specs war diligently because they do not need to. One of the biggest plus points for Pixel devices is the support for timely updates. October has just begun, and a new Android security patch is already available to a range of Pixel smartphones. But while these Pixels are enjoying the latest treat, the Pixel 2 series is waiting for their one last update in December after the October Android security patch. The October update for Pixel phones addresses the Qualcomm vulnerability that was found to have the potential to invite malicious software. Google is nipping those vulnerabilities off from its Pixel smartphones in its quickest move. While this update might not have any changes to how you use your smartphone daily, it will tighten the security on your Pixel device. Another improvement coming with this update is for autorotation in certain orientations on select Pixel devices. Some other enhancements and bug fixes coming to Pixel phones include: Auto-brightness improved for some lighting conditions on Pixel 4a Fix for stuck on boot on Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, and Pixel 4a Fix for devices inadvertently disabling call notifications on Pixel 2 series, Pixel 3 series, Pixel 3a series, Pixel 4 series, and Pixel 4a Fix for missing auto-rotate icon on some devices Touch sensitivity improvement on the screen protector for Pixel 4a Fix for undetected overview swipe in the launcher on some devices The October update is rolling out to Pixel devices in a phased manner, so if you do not see it right now, it is because your device is not included in that particular phase for updates. But this does not mean your device will not get it. Your Pixel phone will eventually receive the October security update. For Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, it is time for a wrap-up. Google promises 3 years of updates on its Pixel handsets and the Pixel 2 series is due to receive the last leg of it. In December, the two smartphones launched in 2017 will receive their one last update this December, according to a report by Android Police. This also means that the Pixel 2 series will skip the November update to directly receive the security updates in December. After that, the official support for updates ends for these two smartphones. Good Morning Britain has been hit by complaints after Dominic West told viewers he 'jumped for joy' when he heard Donald Trump had coronavirus. A number of horrified viewers wrote to the broadcasting watchdog after hearing Dominic, 50, tell Kate Garraway, whose husband Derek is still recovering from the deadly virus, that it was 'karma' the President had caught it. At the time of publication 37 people had written to Ofcom to complain about Dominic's comments on the morning news programme. Unimpressed: Good Morning Britain has been hit by complaints after Dominic West told viewers he 'jumped for joy' when he heard Donald Trump had coronavirus MailOnline have reached out Ofcom and Good Morning Britain for comment. During his appearance on the show, the Wire star didn't hold back when asked for his views on Trump's positive result after the President, 74, had minimised the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic for months. Appearing on video link from his Wiltshire home, Dominic was branded 'evil' and 'disgusting' after saying: 'Well I did slightly leap in the air with joy. 'I think the phrase is "what goes around comes around". I just hope it doesn't interfere with him being elected out of office that's all.' Complaints: A number of horrified viewers wrote to the broadcasting watchdog after hearing Dominic, 50, tell Kate Garraway, whose husband Derek is still recovering from the deadly virus, that it was 'karma' the President had caught it (pictured Trump on Monday) Writing in: At the time of publication that 37 people had written to Ofcom to complain about Dominic's comments on the morning news programme Kate questioned if Dominic was suggesting he wished Trump well on a personal level, but perhaps felt this was karmic given that Trump had previously downplayed the virus. The actor's words were somewhat tone deaf, given that Kate's husband Derek Draper, 53, has become the longest patient battling coronavirus in hospital in the UK as he enters his seventh month in hospital. Dominic said: 'Well there's an element of schadenfreude I suppose. 'I'm not a fan of his, as you can probably tell, and I just hope Biden stays healthy and gets the presidency as quickly as possible. I think Trump is a catastrophe for America and the world.' Making amends: During Monday's episode of GMB, Kate revealed that Dominic 'personally apologised' to her after he said he 'jumped for joy' over Donald Trump 's COVID diagnosis Dominic also added that he hoped the diagnosis would make Trump supporters take the virus more seriously than they had in the past. While the US President is certainly a divisive figure, some viewers felt as though Dominic shouldn't have rejoiced over someone getting a potentially fatal virus. However during Monday's episode of GMB, Kate revealed that Dominic 'personally apologised' to her after he said he 'jumped for joy' over Donald Trump's COVID diagnosis. Kate said he 'wasn't aware' her husband Derek was 'still sick' with coronavirus. Discussing his comments, Kate said: 'I was surprised because I don't think Dominic meant, well he's been in touch directly with me, to apologise personally to me. 'He wasn't aware that Derek had coronavirus and was still sick and was worried that I had been upset by it. I wasn't upset for those reasons, I was surprised because I went on to say afterwards, I'm sure you join us in wishing him [Trump] the very best. 'Personally, whatever your views may be. I don't think he meant that, I think he's not a Trump supporter. 'I think it's a symptom of Donald Trump's behaviour throughout this pandemic he's appeared to thumb his nose in it and he was jumping for joy at the idea he might now feel the effects of it. A reality check.' 'Wasn't aware': Talking on the show, the presenter, 53, said he 'wasn't aware' her husband Derek Draper, 53, was 'still sick' with coronavirus Coronavirus: Dominic was heavily criticised for explaining how he 'jumped for joy' upon learning President Trump has coronavirus She added: 'I don't believe Dominic West would wish someone ill.' Discussing Trump's messages throughout his treatment, Kate continued: 'That plays into the idea... you get coronavirus, you survive, you're a hero. You're not, you're very lucky, the heroes are the people treating you and helping you to survive.' Giving an update about Derek, who has been in hospital battling coronavirus since March, she said: 'Derek, who has no longer tested positive for coronavirus, children aren't allowed to see him, his mum and dad haven't seen him.' Also discussing Dominic's comments on Friday's show, co-host Piers Morgan called them 'unacceptable'. Painful: Dominic's words were tone deaf given that her husband Derek Draper has become the longest patient battling coronavirus in hospital in the UK (pictured in December 2019) He said: 'You can have whatever view you like of Donald Trump, I've had very positive views of him and this year very negative views of him. A lot of people love him, a lot of people hate it. 'It doesn't matter though, if a human being gets coronavirus, which we know has killed one million people, if a human being is in his 70s, has underlying weight issues and so on, therefore quite a lot of risk. 'Forget Trump's behaviour, forget everything for the moment, as a human being, to say you jump for joy when someone gets coronavirus. 'To say it frankly, when you have a presenter on this show whose husband is still in a coma. I found that unacceptable.' She added: 'He wasn't aware that Derek had coronavirus and was still sick and was worried that I had been upset by it. I wasn't upset for those reasons, I was surprised because I went on to say afterwards, I'm sure you join us in wishing him [Trump] the very best.' Only three police forces in England fined people for not wearing face coverings in indoor public places during the coronavirus pandemic, a study found today. British Transport Police are the leading force in issuing fines, having given out 51 fines after stopping 50,729 people between June 30 and September 8. BTP have made 3,545 'interventions' with passengers on public transport who were not wearing coverings approached by officers and asked to leave. Face coverings were made compulsory in England on public transport on June 15, in shops on July 24 and a series of indoor locations on August 8. Police officers wearing masks speak to a man at London Bridge Underground station on July 6 The only other two forces enforcing fines against those breaking the rules have been Lancashire Constabulary with two and Lincolnshire Police with one. With the fines standing at 100 for first offences, this means just 300 worth of fines have been issued by police forces excluding BTP, who patrol trains across Britain. When did England's face mask rules begin? June 15 : Public transport : Public transport July 24 : Shops : Shops August 8 : Indoor locations Advertisement The findings came from a series of Freedom of Information requests sent to all 40 forces in England by London-based marketing agency Reboot Digital. Separate figures issued by the National Police Chiefs Council last week suggested police have given out 61 fines for failing to wear a face covering on public transport, up from 38 up to the middle of August, while 28 were handed out for not using a mask in shops. The greater number could be because six forces - including the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police - did not respond to Reboot's survey. A police officer wears a mask as he stands on the concourse at London Waterloo on June 15 Last week Stanley Johnson, the father of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, apologised after being photographed in a shop in London without a face mask. FINES ISSUED BY POLICE IN ENGLAND POLICE FORCE FINES ISSUED British Transport Police 51 Lancashire Constabulary 2 Lincolnshire Police 1 Avon and Somerset Constabulary 0 Bedfordshire Police 0 Cambridgeshire Constabulary 0 Cheshire Constabulary 0 City of London Police 0 Cleveland Police 0 Cumbria Constabulary 0 Derbyshire Police 0 Devon and Cornwall Constabulary 0 Dorset Police 0 Durham Constabulary 0 Essex Police 0 Gloucestershire Police 0 Hampshire Police 0 Hertfordshire Constabulary 0 Humberside Police 0 Kent Police 0 Leicestershire Constabulary 0 Merseyside Police 0 Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies 0 North Yorkshire Police 0 South Yorkshire Police 0 Staffordshire Police 0 Surrey Police 0 Thames Valley Police 0 Warwickshire Police 0 West Mercia Police 0 West Midlands Police 0 West Yorkshire Police 0 Wiltshire Police 0 Greater Manchester Police not responded Metropolitan Police not responded Northamptonshire Police not responded Northumbria Police not responded Nottinghamshire Police not responded Sussex Police not responded The police and Transport for London have enforcement powers including issuing fines of 200, reduced to 100 if paid within 14 days, for the first offence. Repeat offenders will have their fines doubled at each offence and after the first offence there is no discount, so the second fine is 400 and the third 800 up to a maximum of 6,400. But there are exemptions for children under the age of 11, people with certain physical or mental disabilities, police officers and other emergency workers. TfL has said its enforcement officers have stopped more than 100,000 customers from getting on its services until they put on face coverings. The data was revealed after it emerged last week that half the fines handed out by police for breaking coronavirus rules have gone unpaid, with around 9,000 rebels set to clog up the courts. Some 51 per cent of the 18,646 fines handed out by police in the crisis have been ignored, refused or contested. Prosecutors are now preparing for an avalanche of cases due to go through magistrates courts for failure to pay, including many refusing because they are disputing the circumstances of the fine being handed out. Of the 18,646 enforcement letters sent out in England and Wales, only 9,428 fines have been paid, while a further 9,413 have refused. The figures came as police chiefs faced questions over the effectiveness of penalty notices after figures showed that a tiny number of people had been punished for flouting self-quarantine travel rules, despite thousands being referrred to officers. Some 4,114 cases have been referred to police by health authorities, but only 38 people were fined for failing to self-isolate after arriving from a country on the UK Government Quarantine list. Police were unable to trace hundreds suspected of breaking the rules. In 440 cases, police took no enforcement action after no one was home when they called and another 240 travellers escaped a penalty after lying about their home address or it being incorrectly recorded. Separate data from forces in England revealed just 15 fines were handed out to those flouting the 'rule of six' regulations in the first week. dpa, Hamburg, Germany (TNS) Washington (dpa) - Cybersecurity software developer John McAfee has been arrested in Spain and is to be extradited to the United States, over allegations of tax evasion and false advertising for cryptocurrencies. Both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the US Department of Justice announced on Monday that they had filed charges against him. The Justice Department intends to prosecute the 75-year-old for tax evasion and willful failure to file tax returns from 2014-18, while the SEC accuses him of having recommended certain digital currencies to his Twitter followers without disclosing that he was paid millions of dollars to do so. McAfees bodyguard has also been charged over his role in the scheme. McAfee faces years of imprisonment if convicted. The charges relating to tax offenses date back to June, but have only now been published. McAfee founded the eponymous antivirus software company in the 1980s but withdrew from it in the 1990s. He made headlines around the world in 2012 when he was sought by law enforcement following the murder of his neighbor in Belize. After escaping through the jungle, he returned to the US and registered as a candidate for the presidential election in 2016. This year McAfee ran again, but ended his campaign in March. On Friday evening, CNN put a breaking-news chyron on screen: WH: THERE WILL NOT BE A TRANSFER OF POWER. It reflected White House assurances that President Trumpwho was, at that moment, waiting to be taken to hospital after testing positive for COVID-19did not plan on ceding his duties to Vice President Mike Pence. Its wording, however, could also have applied to Trumps repeated refusal to promise that hell leave office peacefully should he lose the election in November. The chyrons dual meaning said a lot about the insanity of the news cycle right now, and both senses remain operative. Trump still hasnt committed to a peaceful post-election transition. And hes still trying to portray himselfdubiouslyas being hard at work despite his COVID symptoms. Last night, he left the hospital to return to the White House, where he ripped off his mask for a photo op on the balcony. He was visibly short of breath. In early July, I wrote that the first half of 2020 had given us too much news. Concurrent important stories, I wrote, all demanded our attention, our empathy, our thoughtful analysis, and, often, our anger and sadness, even though such total, thorough engagement is impossible. Since then, the news cycle has only continued to speed up. In July, I linked, by way of crude news measurement, to a recent finding from the data site FiveThirtyEight: the New York Times had already run thirty-three full-width banner headlines in 2020, already comfortably beating every other election year since 1968. Now, in the past nine days alone, the Times has run five full-width headlines: last Monday, to mark its bombshell reporting on Trumps taxes (remember them?); last Thursday, on Trumps push to destroy confidence in the election; on both Saturday and Sunday, following Trumps hospitalization; and today, following his discharge. The same period has seen other huge storiesthe ongoing fallout from the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the waning of coronavirus stimulus talks amid a massive economic crisis, revelations about the grand jury in the Breonna Taylor case, and so onthat didnt get the full-width treatment, but are nonetheless of huge significance. Related: Trump, reckless and behind the wheel Many journalists have remarked on the unstoppable news tidal wave. Trumps diagnosis only added to the strain of a nation that never seems to have a minute to turn away from misery or controversy or both, never has a chance to collect its breath, never has a week or a day to fully enjoy life as it existed when the year began, Dan Balz wrote in the Washington Post over the weekend. Eventssome of them once-in-decades or once-in-a-century occurrencesnow play out all in unison. There is no respite. If one ebbs another flows. As I wrote in my previous piece, this ebb and flow isnt exactly a result of chance: big stories dont just happen to coincide, but rather coexist in a messy ecosystem of cause, effect, suggestion, escalation, and acceleration. By that logic, its no surprise that early October is proving even faster-paced than early July. Trumps diagnosis is a good example. Who gets sick, when they get sick, and how sick they get might seem like pretty random variablesbut theres nothing random about Trumps reckless mismanagement of the pandemic, nor his refusal to take common-sense personal precautions against it. (Reality isnt crumbling around us! Charlie Warzel, of the Times, wrote Saturday; what were seeing is the unflinching reality of science.) Trumps diagnosis reflects another aspect of the messy ecosystem, too: chronology can be skewed, hindering our ability to tell linear, contained stories. Trumps discharge from hospital is an attempt to game chronology and convince us that he isnt that sick anymore. But that isnt how COVID symptoms always work: we know that they can come and go on a time delay. The threat to the election is another example of a story that is chaotic but not random: its the culmination of a concerted disinformation campaign on the part of the president (a campaign that, as Yochai Benkler wrote for CJR last week, has been abetted by the mainstream press) that is itself a logical outgrowth of years of Republican voter-suppression efforts. The chronology here is clearer than with COVID: the election is fixed and were running out of time to protect it. In recent weeks, weve seen much excellent, urgent coverage on the immediacy of the threat, but that urgency has often not been incorporated into horserace punditry about the debates and the polls, much of which continues to treat this election as a normal news event; Trumps diagnosis, meanwhile, has knocked the story down the news cycle. The horserace does still matterif Trump loses, the margin of his defeat will be significant in determining his ability to steal the electionbut it isnt paramount here: Trump isnt trying to win the election so much as crush it. That fact cannot be siloed or forgotten, even if it feels contrived to force it into other Trump stories, such as his illness. Sign up for CJR 's daily email As The Nations Elie Mystal wrote last week, we still dont seem prepared to handle what Trump might do in November. Not that we need to wait until next month to see how bad things are: Ten days ago, Indi Samarajiva, who lived through the end of a civil war in Sri Lanka, argued, in a piece for GEN, that America is already living through a period of collapse. Many Americans are waiting to get personally punched in the face while ash falls from the sky, but thats not what collapse looks like, Samarajiva writes. It is, rather, just a series of ordinary days in between extraordinary bullshit, most of it happening to someone else. However dire you think Americas present predicament is, theres little doubt that the news cycle, as it currently exists, is ill-equipped to communicate the stakes. The blocky rhythms of TV news, radio bulletins, and newspaper front pages imply a neatnessa discretenessto the news that is premised, if only implicitly, on our ability to move our attention around without democracy being destroyed while were looking at something else. Nobody comes on TV and says things are officially bad, Samarajiva wrote. Theres no launch party for decay. When we do confront that ever-present threat, its hard to find the language to adequately describe it. It presents itself as a contradiction: stating and restating it can feel boring and repetitiveas Quinta Jurecic wrote recently for The Atlantic, thats true of all Trump stories, given how well we know his character by nowand yet, if the election is to be subverted, itll likely rely on subtle dynamics that we cant know ahead of time. So far, the best journalism on the election threat has centered reportingwhat we know about electoral architecture and Trumps intentionsnot speculation. But we still need to find a way of mainlining such reporting into every story we tell. This dynamic, while of heightened importance at the moment, isnt only true of stories about Trump and the election. The inadequacy of how we structure the news has always been a problem, cutting against the need to pay sustained attention to crisespoverty, racism, healthcare, guns, and so onthat arent best covered as a function of sporadic flare-ups, but rather as omnipresent threats. Climate change, of course, is one such crisis. Record wildfires in California and elsewhere keep burning with an intensity that belies their inconsistent placement in the news cycle. Terrible storms keep passing through Americas territory and national focus. None of this is really random, eitherclimate change is, generally, making such disasters worse, and is our fault. Yesterday, outstanding reporting by Bloomberg Greens Kevin Crowley and Akshat Rathi reminded us of the stakes: they obtained documents from inside Exxon Mobil showing that the company was planning, as of quite recently, to increase its annual CO2 emissions by as much as the entire output of Greece. I didnt see it cut through on cable. Stories like these always prove the biggest victims of our scattershot attention span and the too-much-news phenomenon. Fixing that will require major structural changes to how we present information. But even briefly centering such storiesinstead of Trumps latest dangerous, meaningless photo opwould be a start. Hes not out of the woods. Nor are we. Below, more on everything: Other notable stories: ICYMI: The White House wages war on transparency: Trumps health edition Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. Willard, N.Y. Four corrections officers were hurt trying to restrain a struggling inmate last month at an Upstate New York prison, union officials said. The fight happened Sept. 26 when an inmate at the Willard Drug Treatment Campus resisted returning to his cell, union officials with the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association said Monday in a news release. The man was not identified. An officer escorted the man through the prison back to his room in the Willard, Seneca County correctional facility, a drug treatment center for both men and woman. When they arrived at the mans room, he refused to go inside grabbing the door handle and ignoring officers orders, the union said. Officers sprayed the man with pepper spray, the union said, but he continued to struggle. He then tried to run past officers, knocking a sergeant over as he tried to break free, the union said. The man was eventually handcuffed and put into his room. He kept fighting, the union said, and tried to kick officers. When the man calmed down, he was taken to the prisons infirmary and evaluated. He was then transported to the nearby Five Points Correctional Facility to face discipline. After he was evaluated, he was transferred to Five Points Correctional Facility for discipline. The struggle left four officers with bruises, swelling and scrapes, the union said. They were treated, the union said, and remained on duty. 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 UK recorded 12,872 new coronavirus cases on Saturday and 22,961 new cases Sunday. These figures included 15,841 cases registered between September 25 and October 2 which were not previously reported because an Excel spreadsheet containing the data became too large and failed to update. There are two clear conclusions which flow from this fiasco: the pandemic is continuing to accelerate rapidly across the UK, and the governments test and trace system, six months into operation, is completely dysfunctional. In the last week, the media was filled with reports that the increase in COVID-19 infections in the UK had levelled off or was slowing. Not one organisation sought to investigate how this seeming miracle had occurred. It was left to the government to admit that the figures used to support these claims were wildly inaccurateout by some 4,000 a day. The truth is that the seven-day rolling average for daily new cases has increased from 4,964 on September 25 (when cases began to go unreported) to around 9,500 as of Monday morningrapidly approaching the peak averages of 11,000 and 12,000 recently recorded by Spain and France. Another 12,594 cases were reported in the UK on Monday evening. Medical staff receive training on how to put on and remove personal protective equipment to avoid being infected or transmitting coronavirus, at the Nightingale Hospital North West, in Manchester, northern England. Hospital. (AP Photo/Jon Super, File) According to the COVID-19 Symptom Study app, whose data is increasing being relied upon by the government as more accurate than its own, there are in reality more than 20,000 new cases in the UK each day. The reproduction rate ( R number) of the virus nationally has increased for the fourth consecutive week, up to between 1.3 and 1.6, but these figures are trailing by two to three weeks current infection rates. The 7-day average for COVID-19 patients admitted to UK hospitals has increased from a low of less than 100 a day at the end of August to 380 as of September 26. The north of England is suffering significantly worse rates of infection than the national average. Manchesters infections increased to 495.6 cases per 100,000 in the week to October 1, from 223.2 the week before, according to official figures. Liverpool climbed from 287.1 to 456.4, Knowsley from 300.3 to 452.1, Newcastle from 256.6 to 399.6, Nottingham from 52 to 283.9, Leeds from 138.8 to 274.5 and Sheffield from 91.8 to 233. Spiralling case numbers in these towns and cities highlight the fact that so-called local lockdownscomprising restrictions on household mixing and 10pm curfews for pubs and barsare nothing of the kind. In the majority of cases there has been no public health benefit whatsoever to measures which leave schools, shops, workplaces, and public transport untouched and which leave people required to self-isolate in dire financial straits. No data has been produced by the government to support its exclusive focus on household mixing and social contact. On the other hand, there is ample evidence of mass outbreaks linked to pubs, workplaces, and universities, and of rising numbers of infections in schools. The Guardian reported last Thursday that 11 out of 16 towns and cities placed under long-term restrictions nine weeks ago saw their infection rates at least double. Wigan, Bolton and Bury, placed under restrictions on July 31, have seen cases quadruple since. The other geographic feature which unites areas seeing the largest rise in recent infections is the presence of large universities. Northumbria University in Newcastle currently has an outbreak of 770 cases, Manchester University over 380 and Sheffield University 474 students and five staff. In the south of the country, Exeter saw its number of virus cases triple over the course of last weektaking its infection rate higher than the national average for the first timefollowing outbreaks at its local university. Besides giving a completely false picture of the spread of the disease, the failure to report 15,841 cases has left tens of thousands of their potentially infected contacts untraced for up to a week. Their details were only passed on to contact tracers by 1 o'clock on Saturday morning. The likely number of close contacts missed is around 50,000. Even when cases are recorded, less than 40 percent of in-person tests are returned within 24 hours and 2.9 percent of home tests. Three in ten close contacts of infected people are never reached by tracers. The universal response of the government and the corporate media to the announcement of this epidemiological explosion has been to minimise the threat to life, in line with the ruling class homicidal policy of herd immunity. Reports in the press have largely written the event off as a technical glitch which sowed confusionrather than confirmation of the catastrophic trajectory the UK is set onand continue to focus on the good news that the infection is still most prevalent in younger people, in the words of ITVs Robert Peston. On Sunday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the population to live fearlessly but with common sense and, in a revival of his summertime slogan, that he had hope things can be significantly different by Christmas. He insisted that it was right to reopen the economy. This policy, dictated by the profit concerns of big business and the banks, has set the limits to the governments fraudulent new three-tier system for coronavirus restrictions. The highest alert level will only be considered when the virus is already far out of control and stops well short of the national lockdown begun in March, leaving open schools, universities, and non-essential businesses outside of leisure and hospitality. This comes as a leaked Public Health England document seen by the Observer reveals that even the March-April lockdown left the virus endemic in deprived areas of Britain. The feeble three-tier proposal is meeting the resistance of an increasingly vocal section of the Tory party, however, who want an immediate end to all restrictions on companies ability to pursue profit at the cost workers lives and health. Backbenchers around Tory MP Sir Graham Brady are preparing to challenge the government over the introduction of any additional public health measures. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is also being looked to as a counterweight to what these frothing right-wingers consider to be Johnsons abundance of caution. In a recent interview with the Sun, he repeatedly described the 10pm curfew on pubs and bars as frustrating and said he had no regrets about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme linked to rises in infections. The Labour Party remains utterly beholden to these reactionary forces. Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth described the weekend as shambolic before stumbling over his own partys record in an interview with BBC journalist Andrew Marr. Marr asked, [Labour leader] Keir Starmer said on Thursday, 'it was an inevitable risk that when we got our children back into school and our students back at university the infection rate might go up. That was a known risk.' So why, at the time, did he say, 'I expect them back in school, no ifs no buts, no equivocation? You were trying to have your cake and eat it. Ashworth stammered a denial before saying youve always got to manage different risk. In reality, the only risk the ruling class are concerned with is to their bottom lines. The bipartisan reopening of the economy, made possible by the return to school, is producing a devastating resurgence of the pandemic which will cost hundreds of lives a day even before the winter season sets in. Workers in all sectors must take their safety and that of their communities into their own hands through the formation of rank-and-file safety committees in every workplace and the preparation of a general strike against the Johnson governments deliberate endangerment of lives in the interests of the financial oligarchy. Pennsylvanias auditor general is releasing more details ahead of an audit of the business waiver program Gov. Tom Wolf and his administration used during the COVID-19 statewide shutdown earlier this year. The audit is a deep dive into how the waiver process was handled and whether the system was consistent for all businesses, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said Tuesday. What is clear so far in our review is that the waivers were not granted consistently. That may not be news to business owners, who have been complaining about this from the very beginning, he said. Nearly 43,000 businesses requested exemptions by the April 3 deadline set by the state and 6,066 businesses received exemptions. Business owners typically received one of three answers from the Department of Community and Economic Development: approval to remain open, a denial or a statement that a waiver was not required to remain open. So far, weve found that more than 500 businesses received answers from DCED that later changed, DePasquale said in a news release. The waiver program appeared to be a subjective process built on shifting sands of changing guidance, which led to significant confusion among business owners. Auditors found: 171 waiver applications were changed from no to yes 151 waiver applications were changed from no to not required 73 waiver applications were changed from yes to no 48 waiver applications were changed from not required to no The auditor general said he is particularly puzzled by some applications that were initially denied, including eight applications by businesses manufacturing or selling hand sanitizer, masks or other personal protective equipment. Something that we all clearly would consider life sustaining, DePasquale said. Some businesses failed to use buzzwords in their applications, which meant their applications were denied while similar businesses were able to operate, he said. Others filed multiple applications, like an Allegheny County construction company that sent 10 applications for separate projects, and received different responses. Businesses were getting different answers for multiple applications," DePasquale said. The Department of Community and Economic Development told auditors that the criteria and guidelines used for the waiver evaluations were developed, updated and maintained outside of the department. DCED was running the process, but not in charge of the criteria and guidelines used for the process, he said. The office is also looking through 574 pages of emails, texts and other communications from legislators and lobbyists to DCED on behalf of applying businesses. It all began March 19, when Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to shut down by March 20 or face penalties. The list of life-sustaining businesses includes grocery stores, gas stations, beer distributors and laundromats. Businesses not on the list could apply for a waiver in order to reopen during the shutdown. DCED was inundated with applications and a team of 50 people with the department reviewed the applications. Repeated requests were made for information about businesses that received waivers, but the information was not made public until May when the Wolf administration released the list of exemptions. In the Lehigh Valley, that included construction companies and the businesses that supply them, opticians, appliance stores, as well as florists, apparel companies, bike shops and pool service companies. Officials said 12,826 applications were denied, and 11,635 were notified their request did not require an exemption. Last month, DePasquale said his office determined Wolf had the legal right to set up a business waiver system during the COVID-19 statewide shutdown. The Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory during the pandemic, but Wolf and his administration chose a different path, DePasquale said. The attorney generals office concluded the governor was not mandated by the departments advisory and that Wolf was within his legal rights to set up a different standard. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Shadine Taufik (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 6, 2020 14:35 473 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c49653db 1 Art & Culture #art,#culture,#museums,#galleries,#digital,#virtual,#COVID19 Free Storytelling has always been an integral part of museums and cultural collection curation, making them more relatable to audiences as narratives provide an accessible framework for individuals to become interested and emotionally engaged with the objects put on display. When the physical institution of the museum is taken away, curation takes a different form: digital. This becomes even more relevant in light of the pandemic, as cultural institutions are forced to close their doors to visitors. Storytelling is not a recent buzzword that was just invented because everyone is on the internet and wants to have fun there, but its actually a very old way of sharing ideas. Whether its digital or not, storytelling is about making connections wither between people or between people and ideas, said Aleksandra Strzelichowska, senior marketing specialist at the Europeana Foundation, an independent, nonprofit platform that focuses on cultural heritage. She was one of the speakers at an online seminar on Digital Storytelling for GLAM Institutions held by Goethe-Institut Indonesien. Another speaker was Nina Hidayat, head of communications at Museum MACAN. The event is a buildup to Culture Hack program, which set to take place on Nov. 6 to Nov. 8 this year. The festival invites creatives and tech enthusiasts to collaborate and innovate, to remix and reuse cultural data supplied by GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) institutions. Digital curator: Aleksandra Strzelichowska poses with a Europeana coloring book (Courtesy of Aleksandra Strzelichowska./-) Strzelichowska said there are advantages in curating online exhibitions and multimedia galleries. [Online exhibitions] and digitally curating content are worth it because they provide a chance to bring visibility to the content often beyond the usual audiences of your museum because of geographical reasons, she said. Creating online exhibitions also allows creatives to experiment with the way content is communicated, she added. In order to make it interesting online, we always make sure to have an engaging narrative. So, rather than an image and a description, [...] we try to tell a story through text to include multimedia and interactive elements so that people can play around [] pick how they want to experience it. For those less experienced in design, Strzelichowska suggested that museum curators could also consider partnerships with tech companies. However, a simpler platform alternative that is accessible to many is social media. Social media is another thing that gives you a chance to show your collections without having your own platform and technical infrastructure, she said. Social media is a great way to meet people where they are. You dont need to guide anyone; they know how it works. A large advantage to having a digital platform is the possibility for creating interactive experiences, where the user is at the center of the experience and in charge of it, seamlessly embedding cultural content into the story. This is a bit of the moment where it gets its own life, where you let go and see what happens with it, Strzelichowska said. At the session, Nina discussed her road to digital storytelling after the museum had to close during the start of the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in March. The museum, one of the first major modern and contemporary art museums in Indonesia, serves as a disruption to the Indonesian arts and culture scene, setting the stage for what other local museums may look like. Due to the lack of similar institutions at the time, the staff behind the establishment became trailblazers in demonstrating what it means to be a museum in modern-day Jakarta. After establishing its identity, MACAN has grown successful in the three years since opening in 2017, with over 120,000 visitors encountering its first exhibition within four months. However, because of the lockdown, Nina and her team had no choice but to retreat to the digital sphere. It was a sobering moment for us; we had to think quickly about how to continue engaging with our visitors and how the experience of enjoying art would change now that the physical museum is no longer there and we are forced to rely on online platforms, she said. On April 1, MACAN launched its Museum From Home initiative, a way for people to see, listen to and learn about art online. However, Nina realized the publics idea of the museum was solely the concept of a physical building housing art. [When] we dont have the main platform of the physical building itself, [there is less of an] incentive to follow the museum on social media and digital platforms when the museum itself is not open physically, she said. Digital takeover: Museum MACANs Museum From Home online initiative is an art fan favorite as it brings art directly to the audiences. (Courtesy of Museum MACAN/-) As digital technology has become increasingly pervasive, this mindset of the modern museum being a solely physical institution is dated and untrue. Nina believes audiences must fundamentally realize that business doesnt stop for GLAM institutions when the doors close. In peoples minds, when the museum closes physically, then the programs stop as well. It becomes a challenge for us to tell people that [] it doesnt mean that we stop working, Nina said. In order to draw online visitors in to digital exhibitions and engage with audiovisual content, Nina said there are some key factors in adapting the physical pieces into digital content. The most important [element] is the story. When people cant [physically encounter art], the story becomes even more important because stories help people feel, see and engage with the art. Second [factor] is personification. When we see artworks in the museum, the experience becomes complete when there are museum tour guides helping us to understand the context of the artwork. Since digital platforms allow for real-time data and engagement statistics from users, experiences can be perfected and tailored for the audience. I think the beauty of digital platforms is that we get real-time feedback. That really helps us to adjust from time to time, adjust continuously to the ways in which we tell the story, Nina said. By the end of the day, the story is important, but the way [in which the stories are told are just as important]. Nina is aware that in Indonesia, the need for art and culture might not be as common yet for everyone it is a need that comes up after all your primary needs are met but there is steady growth of art appreciation. In the last five years, art and culture has become more popular than before, people visit art exhibitions, not for art people only, but for the general public as well, Nina said. Online platforms, she said, have created a massive paradigm shift throughout the arts and culture industry. It has a lot to do with the way we consume art and culture these days. We dont only encounter art and culture through physical experience but through digital platforms and that has changed the way people see art, a thing that you can scroll through on Instagram. Art has become a part of daily life. (ste) -- The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post Referring to the instances in which Catholic schools have closed because of the coronavirus, Gonzalez said, In cases when weve had to shut down a school and switch the entire school to e-learning, in a lot of those cases, its been because of the resources that are available to make up for the people who were out of the building, Gonzalez said. We havent had any large outbreaks in the school or in any of the schools as far as I know. We try to keep it pretty contained. Written workers compensation premium in California for the first two quarters of 2020 was 11% below that for the first two quarters of 2019, according to a new report out. The Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California released its quarterly experience report on Monday. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the California economy is expected to significantly reduce employer payroll and insurer premium for the remainder of 2020, the report states. The average charged rate for the first two quarters of 2020 was 8% below that for 2019 and 40% below the peak in 2014, the WCIRB report shows. The Jan 1, 2020 approved advisory pure premium rates were on average 47% below those for Jan. 1, 2015, according to the report. Absent COVID-19, the indicated average advisory pure premium rate for January 1, 2021 was slightly below the 2020 level, the report states. However, when including the COVID-19 claim impact, the WCIRB proposed a 2.6% increase in average advisory pure premium rates. The WCIRB in September submitted its Jan. 1, 2021, pure premium rate filing to the California Department of Insurance, proposing advisory pure premium rates that are on average 2.6% above the average approved Jan. 1, 2020, advisory pure premium rates. Premium decreases through the first quarter of 2020 were driven by decreases in insurer charged rates. However, after adjusting to a common charged rate level, premiums grew consistent with economic growth. The large decrease in premium for the second quarter of 2020 is driven by the sudden and sharp slowdown in the economy, the report states. The full report is available on the WCRIBs bulletins section of its website. Related: Topics California Trends Workers' Compensation Pricing Trends Sydney's young people and small businesses were key audiences for Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday as he outlined federal budget measures designed to help them survive the uncertainty of the next 12 months. Among them was paralegal Lily Turpin, 23, who plans to take up a graduate role at a law firm next year. Treasury has forecast that people like her who are entering the workforce will earn 8 per cent less in their first year in work and 3.5 per cent less after five years as a result of the coronavirus crisis. Lily Turpin, 23, said this year had shown the importance of a financial security net. Credit:Nick Moir Mr Frydenberg has argued the best measures to support those young Australians are tax cuts that encourage spending and job creation. Tuesday night's budget means Ms Turpin will receive an additional one-off tax cut of $1080, putting $2160 more in her pocket in total. Lyon Summer Program Costs and Scholarships The cost to each participant is $5,000. This fee covers room and breakfast in Paris, transportation from Paris to Lyon (train), housing and demi-pension (breakfast and supper) in Lyon, e-mail access at the University of Lyon, a local transportation pass in Lyon, and all program weekend excursions including transportation, hotel rooms, and breakfast and supper. Student responsibilities not included in the fees: Round-trip airfare between U.S. and France Lunches and suppers in Paris, Lunches in Lyon and on excursions Registration fees for two courses at UT A valid passport. U.S. citizens do not need a visa, but some foreign students need one and are responsible for obtaining it Cell phone in France Medical and Emergency Insurance ($130) - Billed through UT Study Abroad Non-refundable $75 Education Abroad application fee - billed by Texas Global-UT Education Abroad on acceptance to the program. Needs-based Scholarships Upon acceptance, students may apply for need-based scholarships from the College of Liberal Arts, Lyon Summer Program and the UT Study Abroad Office. The College of Liberal Arts has typically allocated about $30,000 in scholarship money for Lyon Summer Program participants. Thus, we expect to offer scholarships averaging close to $1,500 per student based on need. In addition, we are honored to award two Solange Boutin Plangman Endowed Scholarships for the Lyon Summer Program. These scholarship were created by CFP Foundation, on behalf of its founding trustees, Sylvie Plangman Crum and Gary Thomas Crum, to honor the legacy of Sylvie's mother, Solange, and her love for France and the French cultural spirit. Sylvie is pleased to help cultivate that same passion for French within students at her own alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin. The scholarship will cover all costs and fees for the program for two economically disadvantaged students each year. Program Cancellation The department reserves the right to cancel or modify the program at any time. Should the program be cancelled, participants will receive full refunds less the $75 non-refundable application fee and other expenses incurred, if any. Participant Withdrawal 50% of the fees will be reimbursed for withdrawal prior to April 1st, 25% prior to May 1st, and none after that date. Lyon Summer Program MOUNT PLEASANT, MI - Central Michigan University is committed to its COVID-19 protocols and restrictions, despite the Michigan Supreme Court striking down the powers underlying Gov. Gretchen Whitmers emergency orders. In a letter to the campus community published Monday, Oct. 5, CMU President Bob Davies said the university will continue to require masks, enforce social distancing and maintain limits on gatherings. Since March, we have made the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community members our top priorities, Davies said in his letter. And, so far, the steps we have taken together have been successful. Therefore, we will continue to adhere to the practices and protocols that have been working well for Central Michigan University. The universitys COVID-19 efforts are shaped by guidance from local and state leaders such as the Central Michigan District Health Department and CMUs Emergency Management Team, as well as national best practices reviewed each week, Davies said. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Monday issued an emergency public health order requiring masks and limiting gatherings as well. Davies said the community shares a responsibility for the health and safety of everyone on campus. Students returning to CMU were connected to hundreds of COVID-19 cases among students, staff and community members they came in contact with. After a large spike in new cases during the first few weeks of classes, infections have declined considerably. The university identified 21 new cases among students, staff and faculty the week of Monday, Sept. 28, and have thus far identified 4 cases for the week of Monday, Oct. 5, for a total of 248 since classes began. As I mentioned in my campus update Friday, we are seeing relatively few new positive cases within our campus community, Davies said in his letter. This success is the result of the ongoing efforts of our students, faculty and staff to protect themselves and others; because you are wearing masks, practicing social distancing and taking precautions, we are a healthier and safer community today. Read more: Central Michigan University cancels spring break to limit COVID-19 spread CMU professor fired for hostile learning environment after using racial slur, reports show All over the place: Universities' COVID-19 data has no reporting standards FALLS CHURCH, Va., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), announced today it was awarded an IT system modernization contract by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). GDIT will provide worldwide engineering support to DIA's core IT infrastructure to include system design, architecture, testing plans, and security accreditation. GDIT was awarded an IT system modernization contract by the Defense Intelligence Agency. The Infrastructure Services Enterprise Engineering (ISEE) task order, under the Enhanced Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise (E-SITE) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract has an estimated value of $100 million and includes a base period of one year, four option years plus one six-month option. Work completed under the ISEE task is foundational to the future IT infrastructure of the Department of Defense Intelligence Information System (DODIIS). "GDIT is excited to continue our 35-year relationship supporting DIA and their complex national security mission. The ISEE award is a true testament to GDIT's ability to develop and deliver enterprise IT Infrastructure solutions at scale," said Deb Davis, Vice President and General Manager, Mission Solutions and Service Sector for GDIT's Intelligence & Homeland Security Division. "As a mission support leader and trusted partner for DIA's IT backbone, we look forward to supporting the ongoing modernization of the DoDIIS Enterprise." In addition to GDIT's previously awarded E-SITE task orders for network engineering, operations and cybersecurity solutions, this new work will continue to directly support DIA's strategic goals for core IT services and seamlessly further its global mission. General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; IT services; C4ISR solutions; and shipbuilding and ship repair. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people worldwide and generated $39.4 billion in revenue in 2019. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.gd.com. More information about GDIT is available at www.gdit.com. SOURCE General Dynamics Information Technology FREDERICTON - The trial of the man accused of four murders in Fredericton in 2018 has been told he spent much of the year before the shootings trying to identify "demons." Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Matthew Raymond is taken from Court of Queen's Bench in Fredericton on Friday, March 13, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan FREDERICTON - The trial of the man accused of four murders in Fredericton in 2018 has been told he spent much of the year before the shootings trying to identify "demons." Matthew Raymond is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Donnie Robichaud, Bobbie Lee Wright and police constables Robb Costello and Sara Burns in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Aug. 10, 2018. The defence has acknowledged Raymond killed the victims but says he should be found not criminally responsible because of a mental disorder. The defence continued Tuesday with the cross-examination of RCMP Cpl. Aaron Gallagher, a computer forensics expert. The jury was shown screenshots of conversations between Raymond and Rob Lee the host of a conspiracy theory YouTube channel that includes videos about spotting serpents and demons. Defence lawyer Nathan Gorham said the conversations extended from the fall of 2017 to the summer of 2018. He said it appears Lee asked Raymond to identify demons on his website. "I'm aware that serpents, shills and fake Christians are on my channel," Lee wrote. "When I know them, they need to be checked and outed," Raymond replied. "I am sick of being surrounded by these beings." Gorham said the screenshots show a falling-out between the two after Raymond sent Lee a list of names of people active on the website who Raymond believed to be demons. Lee told Raymond he would look crazy if he accused people without proof. On Monday, the court was shown a video from the Rob Lee Truth channel on YouTube that had been saved to Raymond's computer. The 30-minute video described how demons could be spotted by the way they look and the numbers and symbols they use namely 33 1/3 and 666. On Tuesday afternoon, the defence showed another Rob Lee video found on Raymond's computer. This one an hour in length was called 23 Demons, Prophecies and Signs. It spoke of false prophets and questioned the reality of space, accusing NASA of using only computer-generated images and making up the distance between the earth and the sun. "Who got out a tape measure and measured 93 million miles to the sun?" the voice on the video asks. The video often flashed pictures of entertainers and politicians, pointing to what it claimed was evidence of slit eyes and serpent tongues. Raymond watched the video intently as it was played on a monitor next to where he was seated in the courtroom. Under questioning from Gorham, Gallagher confirmed he found evidence of Raymond using his computer to search other YouTube videos and news sites for demons. He said some of the videos were from July 2018, the month before the shootings. The trial resumes Thursday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020 Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 19:09:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Palestinian woman Maha Mansoura, 52, takes care of cats and dogs inside her house, in the West Bank City of Ramallah, Oct. 7, 2020. In the Palestinian West Bank city of Ramallah, stray animals can enjoy a safe haven after a Palestinian lady has turned her home into a shelter to help them in need. TO GO WITH "Feature: stray cats, dogs find safe haven at Palestinian lady's home" (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) by Sanaa Kamal RAMALLAH, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- In the Palestinian West Bank city of Ramallah, stray animals can enjoy a safe haven after a Palestinian lady has turned her home into a shelter to help them in need. "I feel I must help these poor animals. I keep them in my house and provide them with food and medication," Maha Mansoura, a lady in her 50s, told Xinhua. Mansoura, a government employee, focuses on providing assistance to animals that have been subjected to road accidents or attacked by humans as well as raising peoples' awareness about animal protection and welfare. "I keep the pets in my home until I find people who are interested in adopting them," she said, adding that her husband helps her with online pet adoption. "I have earned enough experience to deal with some cases, such as injuries and skin disease," the pet-lover woman said, complaining of the lack of specialized veterinary clinics. She also helps treat the home pets of her friends who cannot afford paying for private clinics due to the difficult economic conditions. Mansoura said that she has not receive any assistance from Palestinian institutions, stressing that she pays for the pets' medicine and food from her own pocket. "My goal is to help animals and spread the message of mercy and compassion towards them. Animal protection is still new to the Palestinian society," Mansoura noted. Emad al-Atrash, head of the Palestine Wildlife Society, highly appreciated Mansoura's initiative, saying that Palestine lacks veterinary medical services to treat animals professionally. Stray dogs and cats suffer from the violence that has led to a decrease in their numbers, al-Atrash told Xinhua, adding that street animals also suffer from deliberate poisoning. He affirmed there is a leap in individual or collective initiatives to save the lives of these animals, though most of the therapeutic services provided to animals cannot be more than first aid. There is no law for animal protection in the Palestinian territories, which prompted the Palestinian Animal Welfare Society, the only institution working on animal protection in the West Bank, to launch a project proposal years ago to draft a law for animal welfare, but it has not yet seen the light of day. The society always highlights the need to improve the Palestinian environment to be more friendly to animals, especially stray animals, by raising community awareness of the importance of medical care for pets, and providing them with the necessary food and medical treatment. CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Conde Nast Traveler announced today that Chicago was voted the best large city in the United States in its annual Readers' Choice Awards. Chicago was first voted "Best Large City" in 2017, repeating the selection in 2018, 2019 and has now won for a fourth year in a row for 2020, a first in the history of the category. "This never-before-seen, four-time accomplishment is truly a testament to the resilience and rich diversity of our City," said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has presented, our communities and businesses found innovative ways to strengthen our recovery efforts while still giving residents and visitors access to all our great City has to offer. I want to thank the entire team at Conde Nast Traveler and its readers for honoring Chicago with this award for yet another year and I look forward to safely welcoming people from near and far as we continue to reopen." Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. More than 715,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers participated in the voting period from April through June, submitting tens of thousands of responses rating their travel experiences to provide a full snapshot of where they travel and what they enjoy. "This validates the great momentum and tourism growth we've seen pre-COVID, the authenticity and allure of Chicago's dynamic tourism and hospitality community that is second to none, and Choose Chicago's sustained focus on elevating the city's value proposition to both business and leisure travelers," said Glenn Eden, chair of Choose Chicago's Board of Directors. "It also shows that we have a very endearing popularity with this group of seasoned travelers and continue to check all of the boxes for what matters most to them when visiting a big city. I couldn't be more proud of this unprecedented acknowledgement and its reassurance that people will continue to come back as the city continues to reopen in a safe and responsible way." The award comes as Chicago and the city's partners are reimagining what it means to travel and convene. In these unusual times, the trust that visitors place in a destination when they choose to book a trip is the greatest vote of confidence. This year, the voices of Conde Nast Traveler's readers are more important than ever, because they are a reflection of what they value most out of their travel experiences. "For Chicago to be voted as best big city to visit by the savvy and knowledgeable readers of Conde Nast Traveler is in itself significant, not to mention the incredible honor of four consecutive years," said David Whitaker, President & CEO of Choose Chicago. "We have seen these past few months how much people miss traveling, and this recognition simply reinforces how vitally important the connection between travelers and their destinations is and the incredible potential Chicago offers. As we welcome visitors back, it is even more important that we welcome them back responsibly; all the while sharing with them the experiences that have resulted in achieving this recognition the past four years." In spite of the challenges 2020 has presented to date, the city and its partners united earlier this year to continue offering visitors a fulfilling experience. This past spring, Choose Chicago launched Tourism & Hospitality Forward, an initiative to spur the city's tourism industry and a broader economic recovery. This alliance of over 250 local tourism, hospitality, meeting and event-related organizations worked together to establish best practices and safety measures for the health and safety of residents, visitors and business travelers alike in advance of the phased reopening of cultural institutions, hotels, attractions and restaurants at the start of the summer. About Choose Chicago Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city's unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. Follow @ChooseChicago on Twitter and on Instagram @choosechicago. Like us on Facebook. For more, visit www.choosechicago.com. #ChicagoHome | #Only1Chicago About Conde Nast Traveler Conde Nast Traveler is the world's most distinguished travel title providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers. Authoritative and influential, Conde Nast Traveler is a multi-platform, transatlantic brand. Publishing US and UK print editions under Editor-in-Chief Melinda Stevens, Conde Nast Traveler offers award-winning expertise in luxury travel from around the world. For more, visit www.cntraveler.com. @cntraveler | #RCA2020 SOURCE Choose Chicago Life for a working mom in Hollywood has been extra crazy given the curve balls hurled out in 2020, but actress, comedian, writer and producer Mindy Kaling has been inspired by her 2-year-old daughter's resilience through it all. Kaling joined "Good Morning America" on Tuesday in tandem with the release of "Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes)" and quickly got candid about life in California amid the pandemic as well as shared new details about her upcoming project with Reese Witherspoon. "It's like a biblical reckoning in California right now -- we have like a plague and fires, the air quality is bad and no one can go to school -- that's my honest answer," Kaling said with a smile and a laugh when asked how she has been holding up the past few months. But despite the current challenges, Kaling said "it's been incredibly touching" to see "how resilient" her daughter Katherine is. "I'm really surprised by her and I think a lot of parents can relate to this," she said. "She's supposed to start preschool and obviously she's not, so this little 2-year-old, I have to sit her in front of the computer, which, you know, I'm trying to limit screens with her, and all she can do is watch screens and she's being patient about it." Before the COVID-19 outbreak brought everyday life to a screeching halt with ever-changing restrictions and other hurdles, Kaling penned a collection of essays that spans everything from work to real life and everything in between. "Godparents are a Christian tradition, and I'm Hindu and he's Jewish. It makes no sense really, but we really think like, 'Christians really got this right, this is a great tradition'" she explained. "I was like, 'I'm not missing out on this,' so he is the godparent to my daughter and we're just redefining what it really means. Right now, it just means that he's in our pandemic pod, so he comes over all the time -- he's great with kids, so it's been really nice to have him in the house." Story continues Kaling has also added another title to her impressive resume, signing on to revisit the beloved "Legally Blonde" movies with Dan Goor and Reese Witherspoon. "I have been working with her on a couple movies, and we've been friends for awhile and I have always quoted the movies to her. I was that annoying friend that would be like, 'bend and snap' to her," Kaling said. After nearly two decades since the first film, Kaling said Witherspoon told her she'd "love to revisit this character." "I was nervous because the movie is so iconic, but then I thought it would be really fun to see that character in her 40s. What is Elle Woods dealing with as a 41-year-old woman? And it's been really funny to write," she said. "I've been working on it with my friend Dan and I think it's going to be a great movie, and people will love to see her in this part." If fans want more of Kaling, Amazon customers can simply ask Alexa, "What is Mindys thought of the day?" and get a peak inside her thoughts. Mindy Kaling gets honest about how life is going in 2020 originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Iconic actor Soumitra Chatterjee who is best known for his collaborations with legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray has been hospitalized. The actor got tested for COVID-19 yesterday and the results came in this morning. Soumitra Chatterjee was admitted to Kolkatas Belle Vue hospital, he has mild fever and no other symptoms are seen currently. The 85-year-old actor was taken to the hospital post the results as the doctors advised him to be under special care due to his age. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also called to enquire about his health today. We wish the veteran actor a speedy recovery. Felony gun charges against Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams were dismissed Monday after some pandemic-related delays in the courts. Williams pleaded guilty to a lesser disorderly conduct charge, and has been fined $250 for carrying an unloaded handgun with the ammunition clip separately. He also forfeited the handgun. Williams charges stemmed from his March 5 arrest at LaGuardia Airport when he had an unloaded handgun in a carry-on bag at LaGuardia Airport. As we said from the outset, this matter has been resolved with no criminal charges, Williams attorney Alex Spiro told the Daily News in a statement. This case was nothing more than a technical issue with the storing of a firearm, which is why the government gave Mr. Williams nothing more than a ticket. Williams court appearance scheduled for late March was delayed due to the coronavirus restrictions. He was detained at the airport since his firearm, which was licensed in his home state of Alabama, wasnt registered in New York. Williams was apologetic to law enforcement and admitted that he was unaware of New York gun laws, according to people familiar with the situation. Williams, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 draft, is off to a solid start in his second season with two sacks, three tackles for loss and 16 combined tackles in the first four games. 2020 New York Daily News Visit New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. To the editor: Ive known Annette Glenn for years, she's whip smart, kind and has a heart for service. I supported her in 2018 and am impressed by how much shes accomplished. Ive heard colleagues (on both sides of the aisle) describe her as, The hardest working Rep in Lansing. Shes introduced and supported legislation to help all her constituents and has had bipartisan support. A group, Democrats for Glenn, was formed by Bay County elected Democrats, because they say Sarah Schulz is too radical and too liberal to earn their support. I dont know Sarah personally, but shes been campaigning for this seat for many years, so Ive read all the material, news articles and letters to the editor from her supporters. They say she will always listen and put people over politics. Her campaign color, purple, is to indicate shes for both parties. Sounds intriguing, who doesnt want more civility and bipartisanship in government? I decided to take a closer look to see if she was truly "apolitical." Shes belonged to, and worked for, causes I do not support. She espouses many philosophies being pushed in Washington by Democratic Socialists, and wrote an essay saying all our troubles are due to unchecked capitalism. She even quoted Angela Davis in a campaign ad, Im no longer accepting the things I cannot changeIm changing the things I cannot accept. Recently deceased Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, widely praised by both parties, said: Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you. If Sarah Schulz was truly "apolitical," why wouldnt she share a powerful quote from someone like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, instead of the one-time Communist party vice presidential candidate, Angela Davis? Im voting to preserve of our Constitution, our American Republic, our freedoms provided by God, a Rule of Law judiciary and small government. I support our inspired Constitution and Amendments, as written. Im all for bipartisanship, but that isnt what Sarah Schulz actually represents Annette Glenn does, and Im voting for her. JULIE ATKINSON Midland Portable Electric to provide VOLTstack e-Generators to food banks, school cafeterias and customers with higher energy needs by the end of the year. VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Portable Electric Ltd. (Portable Electric), a technology company and global leader in portable renewable energy systems electric generators has joined forces with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States, to make Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events smarter and enhance the safety and preparedness of local communities in connection with the 2020 wildfire season. "The safety of customers is our most important responsibility. We understand power shutoffs impact all customers especially those with medical needs. We are working with local organizations to provide portable batteries to customers who rely on medical equipment to live. We hope these batteries will help reduce fear and keep our customers safe before, during, and after a shutoff," said Laurie Giammona, PG&E Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. Portable Electric's VOLTstack e-Generators traditionally powered film productions and high-end film equipment globally, but in the COVID-19 aftermath, the Vancouver-based clean energy company deployed its units to focus on the needs of medical facilities coping with the crisis. This isn't the first time Portable Electric has stepped up to help those in need. In 2018 Portable Electric sent a truckload of VOLTstack units and solar panels, as well as trained technicians to help in relief efforts after Hurricane Florence. "Strategic partnerships like this help us affect real change. We've already seen the devastating effects of carbon monoxide poisoning from gas and diesel-powered generators in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. In addition, we know that these wildfires are a result of climate change. The need to adapt is dire, and we all have a responsibility to instill that change," Mark Rabin, CEO & Founder of Portable Electric. "We know our VOLTstack e-Generators can help communities affected by disasters and subsequent power shutoffs, and we hope it encourages people to make the switch to renewable energy." PG&E and Portable Electric's alliance has already paid dividends. Earlier this year, a VOLTstack 20k e-Generator was deployed to the Food Bank of Nevada County in Grass Valley during a PSPS event. The VOLTstack 20k powered the food bank's refrigeration, lighting and communication devices. The food bank was able to process and deliver 1,153 boxes of food during the week, which would have been lost without the clean energy unit. As part of the partnership, several VOLTstack e-Generators will be delivered to food banks, school cafeterias and customers with higher energy needs by the end of the year. About Portable Electric Portable Electric (PE) is a Vancouver-based tech disruptor that builds, rents and sells the VOLTstack e-Generator, revolutionizing the way critical power is delivered. They provide film productions, event organizers, construction sites, disaster zones and more, an alternative to traditional noxious gas and diesel generators. About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/. SOURCE Portable Electric Ltd. Related Links www.portable-electric.com Hyderabad, Oct 6 : The Nehru Zoological Park, one of the key tourist attractions in Hyderabad, was Tuesday re-opened after nearly seven months. Amid elaborate safety measures in view of Covid-19 pandemic, the Zoo gates were re-opened. Fewer visitors were seen but authorities expect the numbers to increase in coming days. As per the Covid-19 protocol approved by the Central Zoo Authority and the Chief Wildlife Warden, Telangana, the zoo authorities took several measures for the safety of visitors, staff and animals. Wearing of masks and maintaining social distance was made mandatory for the visitors. Those with high body temperature and suspected symptoms of Covid will not be allowed to enter. Children below 10 years and adults above 65 years of age are advised to avoid visiting the zoo, especially on weekends and public holidays. In the first phase, only the open enclosure/moats were opened for the visitors. Closed facilities like the Safari Park, the Nocturnal Animal House, the Reptile House, the Aquarium, the Fossil Museum, the Natural History Museum, etc, will be re-opened in due course, officials said. The number of ticket counters was reduced to six from 12 earlier as the authorities are encouraging visitors to book their tickets on the zoo website or by installing a mobile app. Boards prominently displaying the new guidelines for the visitors were installed at the entrance and at various points in the premises. "Avoid touching barricades and other surfaces" was written on one such board. Markings were made on the ground for visitors to stand at ticket centres and at the entrance in such a way that the minimum physical distance is maintained. The zoo staff were seen doing thermal screening of all the visitors before allowing them. Hand sanitiser vending machines were also installed for the convenience of the visitors at the entrance and various other points. All the visitors have to use the medicated foot bath at the entrance and strictly follow six feet social distancing while in the zoo premises. The battery-operated vehicles (BOVs) and the Toy Train are running with 50 per cent occupancy to ensure social distancing. The visitor will have to move along the designated pathway only. They are advised to avoid touching barricades and other surfaces so as to minimise chances of infection. The Zoo authorities announced that spitting and littering in the Zoo premises will attract a fine of Rs 1,000. Security personnel on duty will monitor compliance of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and social distancing among the visitors. Violators shall be removed from the Zoo. The ticket counter personnel, security personnel, BOV drivers have been instructed to wear face masks and shields. For the safety of the visitors, the public area in the zoo is sanitised twice every day. Popular and one of the biggest zoos in the country, the NZP was closed from March 15 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Spread over 300 acres, the zoo is home to nearly 181 indigenous and exotic species, including 1,716 animals, birds, and reptiles. Known as one of the best zoos in Asia, it attracts around 30 lakh visitors annually. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6. ARMENPRESS. Chair of PACEs Monitoring Committee, Michael Aastrup Jensen has called on Turkey to stop inflammatory rhetoric, as well as reported direct involvement in the conflict Nagorno Karabakh conflict, ARMENPRESS was informed from the PACE website. I am sad and angry about the tragic loss of lives, both civilian and military, caused by the new outbreak of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan. These hostilities are escalating rapidly into an all-out war which seriously threatens the stability of the region, said the Chair of PACEs Monitoring Committee, Michael Aastrup Jensen. At a meeting yesterday, the Monitoring Committee - which I chair - discussed these deeply worrying developments in the presence of Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians, and urged both countries to fully honour their obligations to the Council of Europe and to respect the European Convention on Human Rights. It called on both states to agree on an immediate ceasefire without preconditions and to return to the negotiating table under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Conference. There is no alternative to a peaceful resolution of this conflict, added Mr Jensen. I again recall that when becoming members of the Council of Europe, both countries committed themselves to resolve their disputes in a peaceful manner. That obligation, which is incumbent upon all member States, also means that all member States should refrain from any actions or discourse which encourage belligerent states to resolve their disputes by force. In that respect the members of the committee deplored inflammatory rhetoric by Turkey, as well as reported direct involvement in the conflict, and called upon it to cease doing so immediately, he concluded. In India, itolizumab, known by the brand name Alzumab, has been priced at Rs 8,000 per vial. Most patients require four vials for Covid-19 treatment, taking the cost of the therapy to Rs 32,000. Biocons repurposed psoriasis drug itolizumab has seen sevenfold jump in sales after it got an emergency use authorisation for Covid-19 treatment. The drug, however, is yet to be a part of the clinical management protocol of the health ministry for treatment of Covid-19, which implies that the government has not yet recommended it as an effective treatment. With Phase-4 clinical trials on, sales may see a further uptick if the data supports it helps Covid-19 patients, said experts. The data from market research firm AIOCD AWACS showed that volumes shot up seven times in August (350 units) from just 50 units in July when it received the approval. In June, the drug did not show sales. In India, itolizumab, known by the brand name Alzumab, has been priced at Rs 8,000 per vial. Most patients require four vials for Covid-19 treatment, taking the cost of the therapy to Rs 32,000. In a few cases, a patient might need two more vials. To repurpose the drug for Covid-19, the previous trial was done on a cohort of 30 patients suffering from moderate to severe acute respiratory disorder syndrome due to Covid-19. Of them, 20 received itolizumab and 10 received standard care. The 20 who were administered itolizumab recovered fully, the firm said. Three of the 10 patients under standard care died. After many experts pointed out that the study was conducted on limited number of patients, Biocon has started a Phase-4 post marketing surveillance of the drug on a pool of 300 patients that will take a couple of months to complete. A Phase-4 study is a follow-up on real world evidence on the efficacy and safety of a drug. When we did a proof of concept study, we got the emergency use authorisation because it is already an approved drug and has a lot of safety data, said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson, Biocon. Satyanarayana Mysore, head of department of interventional pulmonology, Manipal Hospitals, who used the drug on Covid-19 patients said the use of the drug would rise if more supporting data emerges. Mysore used the drug on two patients when Roches tocilizumab was not available. Both responded well. But two is a small number, Mysore said. Shaw had earlier said Biocon sees itolizumab as a blockbuster opportunity for the firm and has been working towards ramping up its capacity. Photograph: Abhishek N Chinnappa/Reuters A Dale County man died in a single-vehicle crash early this morning. Alabama Troopers said the incident happened at 3:28 a.m. on Alabama 92, one-and-a-half miles west of Clayhatchee. Justin Daniel Fulford, 26, of Daleville, was killed when the 2019 Dodge he was operating left the roadway and overturned. He was not using a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers continue to investigate. KOLKATA : American economist and Nobel laureate Joseph E Stigliz on Monday advocated taxing the super rich class in India to raise resources for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, if the government fails to pool in the required funds. He also said the Indian government should not shy away from spending to control the pandemic and help the vulnerable sections. "Funds should be targeted at high-impact areas rather than low-impact ones, and if you can't get resources, raise taxes as you (India) have a lot of billionaires," Stigliz said at a FICCI-organised interactive session. There have been recent debates on levying COVID tax on the super rich in India. On the Centre's call for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self- reliant India), the noted economist said too much self reliance will lower the standard of living as a lot of products, including vaccines, are imported. "This gives nativism but is not realistic, as the pandemic and climate change have shown the need for greater collaboration," he said. Stigliz also said India and the US did not handle the COVID-19 situation well. Allowing the movement of migrant workers exacerbated the spread of the virus and defeated the purpose of lockdown, he said. Stigliz criticised the US for widening the divide of racism and income, and "similar divisive politics in India" that will undermine the society and economy. PTI BSM RBT RBT Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. A maskless and infected Donald Trump appears to have re-shot his entrance to the White House - with a camera crew in close proximity. Mr Trump, 74, returned to Capitol Hill on Monday having spent the weekend receiving coronavirus treatment at the Walter Reed Medical Center. In a highly staged return, the president waved to the waiting media after disembarking from Marine One on the South Lawn. Mr Trump then climbed the South Portico steps and appeared on the Truman balcony, where he ripped off his face mask before waving to the cameras. He then disappeared into the White House. However, TV footage shot from far back on the South Lawn shows the president reappear on the balcony a short time later - still without a mask. The footage apparently shows at least one cameraman and four other people in close proximity to the president. Trump campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley told Fox News that the president had been alone while on the balcony. It was not immediately clear why a camera crew might have been on the balcony, although the president's team could have recorded the event to use in a future campaign video. Shortly after the president got back to the White House, a video of his arrival was uploaded to his personal Twitter acccount. It is shot from inside the White House from what appears to be the Truman balcony. The video shows Marine One arriving on the South Lawn and the president making his way to the balcony; although it doesn't show him entering the White House. FORT MYERS, Fla., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chico's FAS (NYSE: CHS), a leading omnichannel specialty fashion retailer for women, today announced it has signed on as a member of Time to Vote, a non-partisan, CEO-led coalition that aims to increase voter participation in U.S. elections. Chico's FAS joins forces with more than 1,300 companies who have committed to delivering voting information to its employees and providing them with time to vote in the 2020 U.S. General Election. As the 2020 election draws near, Chico's FAS is enacting a variety of actions to ensure the voices of its salaried and hourly associates are heard this November. To prepare its associates to fully participate in the electoral process, the company is providing its corporate and field teams with: access to check the status of their individual voter registrations; access to online voting registration for participating states; deadlines for voter registration by state; access to education about issues on the ballot; directions their nearest polling station on election day; and information about mail-in voting. The company also has designated Nov. 3 a "Meeting-Free Day" at its corporate headquarters in Fort Myers, Fla. and will offer its boutique, call center and distribution center associates shorter shifts to ensure they have time to vote in the 2020 General Election. "We are fostering a culture that empowers our associates and provides them with flexibility to participate in the democratic process without having to choose between earning a paycheck and exercising their right to vote," said Molly Langenstein, CEO and President, Chico's FAS. "It's vitally important that our associates have a say on the issues that personally impact them and their families. We're proud that Chico's FAS is part of this incredibly important movement to remove barriers that many Americans face when exercising their constitutional right to vote." ABOUT CHICO'S FAS, INC. Chico's FAS is a Florida-based fashion company founded in 1983 on Sanibel Island, Fla. The Company reinvented the fashion retail experience by creating fashion communities anchored by service, which put the customer at the center of everything we do. As one of the leading fashion retailers in North America, Chico's FAS is a company of three unique brands - Chico's, White House Black Market and Soma - each thriving in their own white space, founded by women, led by women, providing solutions that millions of women say give them confidence and joy. Our Company has a passion for fashion, and each day, we provide clothing, shoes and accessories, intimate apparel and expert styling in our brick-and-mortar boutiques, digital online boutiques and through Style Connect, the Company's proprietary digital styling tool that enables customers to conveniently shop wherever, whenever and however they prefer. As of August 1, 2020, the Company operated 1,313 stores in the U.S. and sold merchandise through 69 international franchise locations in Mexico and 2 domestic franchise airport locations. The Company's merchandise is also available at www.chicos.com, www.chicosofftherack.com, www.whbm.com, www.soma.com and www.mytelltale.com as well as through third-party channels. To learn more about Chico's FAS, visit www.chicosfas.com. The information on our corporate website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this press release or incorporated into our federal securities law filings. About Time to Vote Time to Vote is a nonpartisan, business-led initiative to help ensure employees across America don't have to choose between voting and earning a paycheck. Participation includes giving employees access to and information about early voting or vote-by-mail options, offering paid time off on Election Day or making it a day without meetings. Time to Vote was founded by Levi Strauss & Co., Patagonia and PayPal ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, when 411 companies representing all 50 states and a variety of industries joined. For more information, visit maketimetovote.org. Media Contact Pashen Black Director, Corporate Public Relations Chico's FAS 239-218-3388 [email protected] SOURCE Chico's FAS, Inc. Related Links http://www.chicos.com A suspect sought for nearly a month in connection with a Cullman homicide was arrested Tuesday morning in Georgia. Nathan Winston Stephens, 43, was taken into custody in Cobb County by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, according to Cullman police. Police officials said they are working to get Stephens extradited to Alabama. Stephens has been wanted since Sept. 12 when 56-year-old Herndon Self Jr. was killed. Self was stabbed to death during an argument. Authorities have said the two were acquaintances. Stephens' mother, 61-year-old Audrey Cofield Smith, was arrested Sept. 17 on a charge of hindering prosecution. Stephens has a lengthy criminal record. Scott Sensenbrenner, President & CEO of Enzymedica, has been elected to Board of Directors of the American Nutrition Association. Scott brings a valuable new dynamic to the Strategic Advisory Board at the American Nutrition Association with his exceptional depth of experience as a leader and strategist in the natural products industry as well as a long history of heartfelt support of nonprofits, said ANA CEO Michael Stroka. Pioneering natural products industry leader and philanthropist Scott Sensenbrenner has been elected to Strategic Advisory Board of the American Nutrition Association (ANA). Sensenbrenner has been the driving force behind Enzymedica as President & CEO since 2009, where he expanded the Florida-based natural digestive health brand to be in more than 30,000 retail locations worldwide. Enzymedica is now the number-one selling digestive enzyme company in America. He brings powerful assets to the ANA, particularly in the areas of strategic vision and corporate growth, with leadership experience in the natural products industry spanning more than three decades. Scott brings a valuable new dynamic to the Strategic Advisory Board at the American Nutrition Association with his exceptional depth of experience as a leader and strategist in the natural products industry as well as a long history of heartfelt support of nonprofits, said ANA CEO Michael Stroka, JD, MS, CNS, LDN. Were excited to have his expertise on our Board to provide exemplary insight and guidance as we continue to innovate as healthcare leaders to advance our mission to champion the science and practice of personalized nutrition. Im honored to join the American Nutrition Association Strategic Advisory Board since it is the pinnacle of where my passion lies helping people gain a personalized approach to good health and nutrition, said Sensenbrenner. Good health and nutrition are at the core of who we are at Enzymedica. We search the world to provide consumers with only the highest quality ingredients found in nature which support their optimal health. Im excited to be a part of this ANA Board since our missions align - were making it easier for everyone to have life-changing great health. Im also looking forward to contributing to expanding the reach of the ANAs focus on nutrition as a core pillar of healthcare within the medical community. In addition to his experience in the natural products industry, Scott is well-known for his philanthropic work. He is a passionate supporter of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), Vitamin Angels, and is a Board Member for the Economic Development Corporation for Sarasota County. Previously, he was on the Board of Directors at the Roskamp Institute, a nonprofit focused on pioneering research of diseases of the mind. About the American Nutrition Association The American Nutrition Association (ANA) is the professional association for the science and practice of personalized nutrition. A non-profit, the ANA envisions a society of Healthy People, Powered by Nutrition. The ANA Educates, Certifies, Advocates and Connects to fulfill its mission to Champion the Science and Practice of Personalized Nutrition. There are many opportunities to join, invest in, or connect with the ANA. For more information, visit theANA.org. About Enzymedica Enzymedica is a Florida-based, natural digestive health company since 1998 that sells to over 30,000 stores worldwide and online. Its top-selling enzyme brand is No. 1 in America. The company has received more than 50 industry awards including multiple Better Nutrition Magazines People's Choice Awards, many Best of Supplements Awards and numerous VITY and Nexty Awards. Visit https://enzymedica.com/ for more information. Media Contact for Enzymedica Ria Romano, Partner RPR Public Relations, Inc. Tel. 786-290-6413 Times Now CVoter tracker: NDA likely to retain power despite stiff UPA fight in Assam NDA seat sharing deal: JD(U) to contest 122 seats in Bihar, BJP 121 India oi-Deepika S Patna, Oct 06: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Tuesday announced the seat-sharing details for the upcoming Bihar elections even as allies JDU and LJP continue their slugfest, which has resulted in the Chirag Paswan-led party deciding to go solo in the polls. Bihar Polls 2020: NDA seat sharing announced, JDU gets 122 while BJP gets 121|Oneindia News Under the new arrangement, the JD(U) will contest on 122 seats which the remaining 121 will be contested by the BJP. The JD(U) will give five of its seats to the Hindustan Away Morcha. The BJP on the other hand will give its share of seats to the Vikassheel Insaan Party, which had walked out of the opposition Grand Alliance last week. It may be recalled that the LJP had walked out of the NDA. Its leader Chirag Paswan targeted Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar and appealed to the people to vote against him. Bihar assembly election 2020: BJP-JD(U) to announce seat sharing today He claimed that his party along with the BJP will come to power in the state after the assembly polls. Paswan told a vote for the JD(U) will force the migration of their children tomorrow. The LJP also decided to put up its candidates against the JD(U) while citing ideological differences. The party said that it would not accept the leadership of Nitish Kumar. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and the JD(U) fought 17 seats each, while their third ally, Lok Janshakti Party, contested the remaining six. In 2015, the BJP had contested 157 seats, LJP 42 seats, RLSP 23 seats and HAM had got 21 seats. The NDA had not announced any chief ministerial candidate. While the BJP won just 53 seats, the LJP and the RLSP won two each while the HAM could win just one, as the 'Mahagathbandhan romped to power. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the JD(U) had contested alone and won only two seats, while the BJP, in an alliance with the RLSP and the LJP, won 31 out of 40 seats. LONDON, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ankura, a global business advisory and expert services company, today announced that the firm has received Cyber Security Awards' distinction as Consulting Practice of the Year for 2020. This recognition demonstrates the breadth of Ankura's growing cybersecurity practice and the firm's commitment to enhancing and delivering solutions for technology and data privacy for its global clientele. Based in the United Kingdom, Cyber Security Awards is an independent organization that recognizes individuals, teams and companies within the cybersecurity industry for their excellence and innovation. The recipients for the merit-based awards are vetted and decided upon by a panel of industry experts from a wide array of cybersecurity backgrounds, including well-regarded corporate executives and independent advisers. The Consulting Practice of the Year Award recognizes the firm that best demonstrates excellence, innovation, strong leadership and teamwork that enable client success. "Ankura is honored to accept the title of Consulting Practice of the Year," said Bob Olsen, Global Head of Cybersecurity and Privacy. "Our team has done an exceptional job building our cybersecurity offerings to meet the rapidly increasing needs of our global client base. This award is a testament to our team's dedication to client success and our unique collaboration model to leverage our collective expertise to solve our clients' most complex challenges. In an increasingly remote and distributed world that is highlighted by unprecedented cyber risk, Ankura has built a highly skilled and multidisciplinary bench of cybersecurity professionals to provide the end-to-end solutions required to protect clients and avoid disruption. We look forward to continuing to enhance both our team and our client offerings in this dynamic environment." Ankura was recognized in a virtual awards ceremony on September 10, 2020. The full ceremony can be viewed at the link here. In addition to its recognition as Consulting Practice of the Year, Ankura was honored as a finalist in the Cyber Security Awards U.S.-equivalent, The American Cyber Awards. To learn more about Ankura's cybersecurity expertise and advisory capabilities, please visit: https://ankura.com/suite/expertise/cybersecurity/. About Ankura Ankura is a global business advisory and expert services firm defined by HOW we solve challenges. Whether a client is facing an immediate business challenge, trying to increase the value of their company or protect against future risks, Ankura designs, develops, and executes tailored solutions by assembling the right combination of expertise, strategy and execution. We help clients navigate a wide range of corporate performance and risk management challenges, including those pertaining to compliance, investigations, forensics, technology, turnaround and restructuring, and corporate strategy. We build on this experience with every case, client, and situation, collaborating to create innovative, customized solutions, and strategies designed for today's ever-changing business environment. This gives our clients unparalleled insight and experience across a wide range of economic, governance, and regulatory challenges. At Ankura, we know that collaboration drives results. For more information, please visit: www.ankura.com. SOURCE Ankura Related Links http://www.ankura.com New Delhi: India on Tuesday called for "respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty" and "peaceful resolution of disputes" at the Quad foreign ministers meet in Japanese capital city of Tokyo. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaking at the meet said this amid Chinese aggression with at the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh since June. Quad is a grouping of 4 countries-- India, Australia, Japan and the United States, which is seen by China suspiciously. The grouping has been calling for "free and open" Indo Pacific. EAM Jaishankar highlighting how as "vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values", Quad member states have "collectively affirmed the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific" and "remain committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas". China which has been locked horns in some way with each Quad country has been staking claim to 90 per cent of South China, irking ASEAN countries and drawing sharp reactions from Washington and New Delhi. Many countries have been reiterating calls for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea amid Beijing's claims. The EAM explained, "our objective remains advancing the security and the economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region" and expressed satisfaction that the Indo-Pacific concept has gained increasingly wider acceptance. ASEAN, Germany are among other blocks and countries to acknowledge the concept. Live TV He said, "The events of this year have clearly demonstrated how imperative it is for like-minded countries to coordinate responses to the various challenges that the pandemic has brought to the fore. You are all aware that India assumes membership of the UN Security Council next year. We look forward to seeking collective solutions to global challenges, including global recovery from the pandemic and reform of multilateral institutions." This is the second Quad FMs meet, the last one happened in New York. This meet is the first in-person meet of Quad FMs and comes even as China has been aggressive with its neighbours. TORONTO - Ontarians struggling to make Thanksgiving plans during a pandemic arent alone. The premier himself found out during a news conference Tuesday that his familys holiday plans violated public health guidelines. Doug Ford initially said he planned to have people over for the long weekend, before later backtracking to clarify that he would celebrate only with those in his immediate household. The back and forth came just as the premier urged residents to follow public health guidelines amid a recent rise in cases. Thanksgiving is kind of make or break it, Ford said. Just please, hang in there. I have a big family and I told (my wife) Karla ... we have no more than 10. Simple as that. On Monday, Ontarios associate medical officer of health said people should only celebrate Thanksgiving with those in their household. Local medical officers of health have also issued the same advice. When asked twice for clarification, Ford eventually said he would have to respond to reporters questions later. The premier later tweeted that he would be celebrating only with members of his household. I just spoke with my wife Karla and well follow the same advice as we stick to our immediate household for Thanksgiving dinner, he wrote on Twitter. Ontario reported 548 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, and seven new deaths due to the virus. It hit a record 732 cases on Friday and announced tighter restrictions to deal with the second wave of the pandemic, including asking people to pause their 10-person social bubbles. Green party Leader Mike Schreiner said Fords mixed messaging hurts the governments efforts to communicate with the public during the pandemic. Either the premier is confused about public health measures or he was caught giving a special exemption to his family for Thanksgiving, he said in a statement. Public trust is vital, and Fords mixed messaging undermines that trust. Meanwhile, Ontarios COVID-19 testing centres moved to an appointment-only model Tuesday in a bid to address long lineups at the sites. Guidelines for just who could get a test were also changed last week to prioritize those with symptoms and high-risk workers. Some people arriving for testing at sites in Mississauga, Ont., on Tuesday said they were satisfied with the new model. Mike Bradvic, who was getting tested for the third time, said he waited in his car for about an hour to get tested at a drive-in assessment centre. He said that was better than when he had to wait between three to four hours for his previous tests. I like it better, he said about appointment-only testing. I just think its a little bit more organized. Sharida Appana, 53, also said she had a good experience after booking an appointment online Tuesday morning to get tested at Trillium Health Mississauga Hospital the same day. Its better this way, very safe, she said. But some said they were having trouble getting appointments. Alex Dallas, a Toronto resident, said she had been trying to book a test since Monday but wasnt able to find an available slot. Every single time you go on, it doesnt matter what time you go on to try and get an appointment, there are no appointments, she said. Dallas said she would prefer to wait in line for a walk-in test and was worried she wouldnt be able to get assessed for the virus. The government introduced new testing guidelines last week aimed at cutting the number of people seeking assessments as it deals with a testing backlog that hit more than 90,000 on Friday. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health confirmed that some COVID-19 tests were being sent to the United States for processing. A spokeswoman said the provinces work to expand laboratory capacity includes using third-party providers, including Quest Diagnostics, which is in the California. Ford said earlier this week that a shortage of diagnostic technicians and chemicals needed to process tests were pushing Ontario to its capacity. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said the need to send tests to the U.S. shows the province is scrambling to respond to the second wave of the pandemic. The only reason that has to happen is that Mr. Ford and his government bungled the preparations for the second wave, she said. Lets face it. They had all summer to make sure they had the capacity to do the extra tests. -- with files from Denise Paglinawan in Mississauga, Ont. This report by The Canadian Press was first published October 6, 2020. The push to rename two Portland district schools has picked up steam in recent weeks as students petition to open a renovated Kellogg Middle under a new name and Madison Highs principal announced that the buildings leadership has initiated the process to change its namesake. A Bridger Elementary fifth-grader has made headlines for her petition to name Kellogg after the late Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. The effort has so far gathered over 3,300 signatures. And in late September, Madison Principal Adam Skyles announced the Northeast Portland high school has begun the process to officially divorce itself from the fourth president. At Madison, our values are community, respect, education, equity and diversity, Skyles wrote in a note to families. Our schools namesake, President James Madison, was racist and was someone whose beliefs and actions stand in direct conflict with our schools and our districts commitment to racial equity. Students and community members have until Friday to apply for a spot on the respective renaming committees. Both current and former Madison students filled a virtual school board meeting in mid-July to demand Portland Public Schools scrub the presidents name from that building. Madison enslaved more than 100 Black Americans. Theres no reason why the name of one of the most diverse schools in the state needs to be that of a man who owned 120 slaves, Madison student Jaya Probesco Mitchell said at the time. Board members voiced support for both changes then, during which the district announced it was officially beginning the process to rename Wilson High. President Woodrow Wilson, the Southwest Portland high schools namesake, promoted segregation within his administration and was an ally of the Ku Klux Klan. Both the Madison and Kellogg school buildings are under construction, part of a $790 million construction package voters approved in 2017, and are scheduled to open next fall. Both board members and the public said that made for ideal timing for a renaming. It would seem like a missed opportunity to have that process lag from our great celebrations and all the hope that is embodied by the opening of those new schools, board member Amy Kohnstamm, then the board chair, said in July. In 2018, the school board adopted a renaming policy that requires extensive community meetings and input from alumni when its members determined the former Franklin High mascot was discriminatory. But the process could stall renaming efforts from anywhere between three and five years, some students protested. During the mid-July board meeting Senior Adviser for Racial Equity and Social Justice Dani Ledezma announced a fast-track policy that would see such decisions happen in one or two years. Students and faculty have pushed to rename some district schools for years. But this summers protests against police brutality and systemic racism have put the issue of buildings and landmarks named for slaveholders and racist public figures front and center. Petitions to rename Jefferson High and Jackson and Lane middle schools began to circulate in late June. Thats the same month demonstrators toppled the statue of President Thomas Jefferson that sat in front of the North Portland high school named after him. Should voters approve the $1.2 billion bond put forth by Portland Public Schools in next month, Jefferson will also undergo extensive renovations. The district has not yet said whether it will be renamed. --Eder Campuzano | 503-221-4344 | @edercampuzano | Eder on Facebook Eder is The Oregonians education reporter. Do you have a tip about Portland Public Schools? Email ecampuzano@oregonian.com. Koch suggests seeing recordings of one or two debates from the past. For example, you could watch the first televised presidential debate, which was between Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon in 1960. The first town hall-style debate, where audience members asked questions of three presidential candidates, was in 1992, involving President George H.W. Bush, Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton and businessman Ross Perot. And during the 2012 debate between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the candidates claims were fact-checked live. A REMARKABLE man who "brought children out of the attic" has gone to his God. Dr Martin O'Donnell - father of Fine Gael Deputy Kieran O'Donnell - passed away suddenly at his home in Charleville on Monday evening. He was aged in his late 80s. Dr O'Donnell was one of the founders of what is known today as St Joseph's Foundation. In 1968, he along with Maureen McCarthy, Rosario Sheehan, Eileen Lyons, Elizabeth Micheletti O'Brien and Maurice Dillon founded Charleville & District Mentally Handicapped Children's Association. There is widespread sadness in County Limerick and North Cork this Tuesday morning at the news of Dr O'Donnell's passing. One local said: "He brought children out of the attic." Many recall stories of children and adults with special needs being kept at home, almost like prisoners. Dr O'Donnell helped to change all that. Since 1968, the charity has grown and grown and helped and supported thousands of children, men and women. When contacted by the Limerick Leader, nephew and former councillor, Bill ODonnell described his uncle as "the greatest of the ODonnells". "He dedicated his life to children and adults with special needs and leaves a great legacy through St Joseph's Foundation and the great work they continue to do and will do for many, many years to come. He was a great man," said Mr O'Donnell. At a 50th anniversary celebration of St Josephs Foundation he remembers Dr O'Donnell saying the highlight of his career working with those with special needs was when it was recognised that they could get first Holy Communion. "It was powerful," recalled Mr O'Donnell. When he was running for elections the former councillor's tallies in Creggane / Colmanswell reflected the esteem his uncle was held in locally. It was number ones beside the O'Donnell name on ballot papers almost across the board. Inside and outside the surgery, Mr O'Donnell said his late uncle was a very "kind man". There was never any apprehension from children going to see Dr O'Donnell at his practice in Charleville. Dr ODonnell's work with St Joseph's impacted many both inside and outside their services. JP McManus was very impressed with their good work many years ago. It is said that Dr O'Donnell was the first to loosen the McManus purse strings and the foundation continues to be major beneficiaries of the McManus foundation and the charity pro-ams. Married to Veronica, they had five children - Kieran, Aoife, Finola, Martin Jnr and Orna. His funeral Mass takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7. It is sad a church that should be packed to capacity with mourners will only have 25 in attendance. May he rest in peace. The United States Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad on October 6 said that violence in Afghanistan is "too high" despite the ongoing peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban. Khalilzad said that Washington is pressing for a significant reduction in violence that he hoped will lead to a "permanent" and "comprehensive" ceasefire. Khalilzad, along with NATO Commander in Afganistan, General Austin Scott Miller met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Doha, Qatar, where the latter has travelled for a bilateral meeting. 1/6 President @ashrafghani is in Doha at Qatar's invitation. General Miller and I had an opportunity to meet with him and discuss the latest on the #AfghanistanPeaceNegotiations. U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) October 6, 2020 Read: Mike Pompeo, Taliban, Afghan Govt Representatives Meet In Qatar For Talks Peace negotiations discussed The two discussed the Afghanistan peace negotiations with Ashraf Ghani and affirmed the ongoing US support to the country. Khalilzad took to Twitter and in a series of tweets informed that he has told the President Afghans should not let the opportunity for peace slip away. Khalilzad said that Ashraf Ghani assured him that the negotiators of the Islamic Republic will receive support as long as it takes for an agreement to reach. Read: Afghan President Ghani Travels To Qatar For Bilateral Meeting Amid Peace Talks Khalilzad further urged neighbouring countries of Afghanistan to support an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process and said that the US stands ready to support and assist in the peace process. The United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with a team of Afghan government negotiators at the opening ceremony of the Intra-Afghan Negotiations in Qatar last month. Read: Afghanistan-Taliban Peace In-charge Abdullah Abdullah To Visit Troublemaker Pakistan The peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban were delayed over the issue concerning the release of jailed fighters of the Islamist group, that had ruled the country before the United States' invasion in 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The United States and the Taliban in a historic meet this February had signed a peace agreement to end the 19-year-long war in the Islamic Republic. Read: Indian Embassy In Afghanistan Celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's 151st Birth Anniversary Three candidates are running for two open seats on the Midland Public Schools Board of Education for six-year terms. The candidates are Brad D. Blasy, Scott McFarland and Tiffany Torain, all of Midland. The following Q&As will be featured in Saturday's Midland Daily News, which also will include the voter's guide from the League of Women Voters. Brad D. Blasy, 47, of Midland, is president/CEO of Blasy Electric, Inc. 1. What would you say are the main jobs and duties of this position? Governance and fiscal responsibility of the district; oversight of our employee (the superintendent); DEI Implementation coupled with Active Engaged Listening. DEI As a current BOE member, I helped write the DEI Plan and I am in support of it. Implementation, communication, and documentation will lead us to the needed changes or additions. I also have been in communication with ARM. They gave me valuable feedback that I shared with the board and the administration for alterations of the proposed final draft. Active, Engaged Listening By nature, I am a problem solver and would encourage those that have issues coupled with potential solutions to seek me out and share. It is my experience that people active in the trenches usually have the best ideas for improvement! 2. If elected to this role, how would you accomplish the above duties? If elected, I would accomplish the above duties by continuing to do exactly what I have done for the last four years, and renewing my commitment to preserve and protect the promise of a safe and premier educational experience for all children of Midland Public Schools! I feel that I am the most qualified candidate to accomplish the above duties for multiple reasons: I have been on the BOE for four years. I have consistently exercised governance and fiscal responsibility on countless issues. I have worked hard, harder than many of my fellow board members. I have learned the intricacies of the MPS administration and have continually held them accountable. I have learned the legal powers, limitations, and the presiding bylaws of the BOE. I have been formally trained and engaged in the implementation of our new DEI Plan throughout the district. Also during my term, I have continually asked the hard questions and proven that I am an independent thinker that isnt scared to vote no. I believe my years of experience as an employer in the private sector is a huge benefit because I know how to have working relationships while being perceived as the boss. Per the bylaws, all employees of the district are employees of the BOE, but the only employee that answers directly to the BOE is the superintendent. Therefore, I am comfortable having a working relationship with all. 3. What, if any, changes would you make in this position? Facilities: MPS is three quarters of the way through a $122.5 million bond to improve facilities and the assets of the district. I would like to personally thank our voters for the investment! But, as this bond is trending to completion, during this six-year term that I am running for, we must begin planning for the next bond. This may be surprising to some, or it may not. As many can recall, our current bond was drastically reduced from the original ask. The difference between the original ask and the approved bond is still out there needing attention. Everyone will agree, the current bond has improved our district 10-fold. But, the old unmet needs, coupled with the new needs, equal another bond campaign. I feel that my 24-year construction background will be a vital asset in preparation and planning of the next bond campaign. 4. What challenges do you anticipate you will encounter in this role, if elected? COVID-19 and the ripple effect to the district. Just as HIV changed the medical profession forever, COVID-19 will have lasting effects as well. Especially in education. The safety and the physical and mental health of our students and staff must always be No. 1. The BOE and administration must be proactive in recognizing the short term and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the children and employees of the district. The BOE must make every effort that we meet the needs of all children of the district, even when we are not F2F. Ultimately, many of the COVID challenges will rest on the shoulders of our teachers, so its a good thing we have the best! The BOE must task the administration to retain the teachers we have, give them the resources they need, the best compensation package the district can afford, and recruit the best of the best next generation educators. COVID has affected the finances of our district and this trend will continue. School districts have been conditioned to be 100% dependent on our student count and what dollar amount per pupil the state provides to establish their budget, which we all know is less and less each year. And COVID has slashed this already unacceptable amount! MPS is no different. Twenty years later, this formula still decides the quality of the educational experience of our children here in Midland. The BOE must be proactive and create new revenue streams. If re-elected, I am ready and willing to lead this charge! Scott McFarland, 42, of Midland, is an attorney. 1. What would you say are the main jobs and duties of this position? Board members must lead with respect, trust and courage. I believe I do that and have been doing that for the last eight years. The main duties of the board of education are to adopt sound policy (financial, educational etc.) for the school district and to hire and supervise the district superintendent. In adopting policy, the board must be fair, inclusive, and transparent. The board must work collaboratively with students, teachers, community stakeholders, corporate partners, and other labor groups, considering viewpoints from across the community. The board must adopt policy that ensures MPS fully develops and continues to foster a learning environment that is collaborative, inclusive, diverse, and equitable. The board is the only entity responsible for hiring the district superintendent. Among other things, the board must hold the superintendent accountable and ensure that the superintendent is effective in implementing policy, communicating with district stakeholders, and striving to make the district the best it can be. The board must be able to work with and communicate with the superintendent. It must ensure that the superintendent is given the tools and authority to carry out board directives/objectives in the best way possible. 2. If elected to this role, how would you accomplish the above duties? If elected to a six-year term, I would accomplish these duties the same way that I have been accomplishing them for the last eight years. Likely, the board of education will have to hire a new superintendent within the next five years. I am the only candidate for a six-year seat with experience hiring a superintendent. I helped find and hire Mike Sharrow, our current superintendent. It is a laborious, detailed, time consuming process. It will require experience and leadership. When the time arrives, I will remain transparent, communicate my thoughts to my fellow board members and district, and work collaboratively with all study groups, community organizations, corporate partners, and labor groups within MPS. The community must collectively be heard when deciding on a new superintendent. MPS is the hub of this community and we all want to hire the absolute best of the best when it comes to superintendents. As far as adopting policy, my actions and decisions will remain centered around the classroom, just as they have for the last eight years. I have no shame in saying students come first, period. 3. What, if any, changes would you make in this position? It is important to understand that one board member alone cannot unilaterally change the role of the board of education or the function that the trustees serve within in it. Any action done by the board must be done so by a majority vote (four board members or more).I alone would not be able to change anything on my own, which is why it is critical that the board be cohesive, collaborative and be able to act as one, in the best interests of the district and the students. There is no place for a personal agenda on the board of education. As board president, I will continue working towards open communication with the community, students, teachers, and other work groups within the district. I will continue my student-centric approach to decision making and will continue advancing collaboratively developed goals and initiatives for the district. Our administrators and teachers are pioneering the way education is delivered to our students on a near daily basis. The board needs to be adaptable and provide teachers and administrators the tools to continue innovating for our children. 4. What challenges to you anticipate you will encounter in this role, if elected? There are several challenges that I anticipate encountering as a member of the MPS Board of Education. Some of the major challenges include declining student enrollment, school funding (declining foundational allowances), security and safety of students and staff and for the immediate future, uncertainties presented by COVID-19. Do I have all the answers, no. I do not think anyone does. However, as a team, we have positioned MPS to deal with each of these challenges head-on. Student enrollment continues to be stemmed by innovative programs and outstanding customer service. Programming at MPS continues to evolve and is attracting new students every semester. Our IB Diploma and PYP Programmes, PATHS, Pre-Primary Center (4-year-old preschool and developmental kindergarten) and read by grade 3, are just some of the innovative programs that make MPS so attractive to other students from across the Great Lakes Region. Our board members, administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other labor groups actively lobby and contact our state and local representatives in Lansing to make our district financial priorities known. As a board member, I will continue to support advancements in security protocols and approve spending to support and keep safe our students, teachers, and staff in this time of uncertainty. True to our vision statement, I will continue working tirelessly to ensure MPS remains a district where all can achieve success. I appreciate your consideration and vote! Tiffany Torain, 49, of Midland, is a licensed attorney who works as a Health and Pension Benefits Plan Manager for Dow Chemical. 1. What are the main duties of the job? A board member must participate in developing a vision and mission for the board on behalf of the school district and assure its implementation. This includes maintaining governance by following and adopting policies and curriculum while maintaining a fiscally sound budget. BOE members must work collaboratively to assure successful outcomes. In addition, a member of the BOE should place the needs of the students first to ensure safe facilities for staff and students and provide avenues for teachers to receive resources for educational success. The BOE must also govern equitably in all matters and decide each issue in the best interest of students through fair procedural processes. As someone elected to the BOE by the community, we must remain approachable and offer access to the community as much as possible. Board members are also responsible for collaboration with and oversight of the superintendent. I would work with the superintendent's team to determine the avenues in which the BOE has been successful and accessible to the community. Based on the data, we should establish a plan in which the BOE can increase overall transparency. 2. If elected, how would you accomplish these duties? My primary mode of operation is to seek the win-win, rather than the compromise, believing that something better always emerges. I would keep the board centered on the mission of the district and work in the best interests of the students and staff. In order to ensure proper functioning of the district, we must know what issues teachers, students, parents, and staff are facing. Therefore, the most open and effective communication channels should be reviewed and used. Accessibility and transparency are equally important in exercising the duties of the BOE, through new or existing policies and those of the state of Michigan. All non-confidential communication between the community and the Board should be published. Two of the most pressing issues facing the district at this time are the pandemic and state funding; for both, we need the best, most flexible plan we can develop. It is the responsibility of the board and Superintendent Sharrow to develop the plan. 3. What, if any, changes would you make in this position? From my data gathering in the community, the channels of communication between MPS and the community could be improved. I would work with the superintendent's team to determine the avenues which are currently accessible to the community and explore ways to improve or add to them. I expect the newly adopted DEI initiatives to begin its implementation this academic year. To be successful, it needs to be transparent with milestones for students, parents, teachers, and the community. I would request follow-up communications be made to the community regarding actions taken where issues exist; and changes MPS has undertaken to create a more equitable environment for all. 4. What challenges do you anticipate you will encounter in this role, if elected? As a newcomer to the BOE, there will be a slight learning curve. Yet, given my experience in corporate America as a plan manager of multimillion dollar pension plans, maintaining budgets for active and retired employee medical plans, as well as my overall legal background, I will be prepared to hit the ground running and take on any challenges presented. My willingness to work for the win-win will be an asset on the board, as well as my civic involvement in the Great Lakes Bay Region. I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the current Board Members during the campaign. Once elected, I expect a welcoming environment, and I am confident current members will share their knowledge and processes that make the BOE operate successfully. We all want the same thing: The success of all the children of Midland. A guide to manners, niceness and the right frame of mind to pretend to be a decent person via social media before cold & flu season strikes and we start threatening people with death by slapping for not wearing a mask whilst on the toilet. Here's the rundown from the modern day cowtown Miss Manners interviewed by this town's best entertianment writer, Michael Mackie . . . Read more: Waffle House waitress receives $12K in donations after encounter with local pastor Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A pregnant waitress working at a Waffle House restaurant in Georgia has expressed a desire to start going to church again after receiving more than $12,000 in donations following an encounter with a local pastor. In an interview with WXIA-TV last week, Bishop Eusebio Phelps, the pastor of New Faith Christian Church in the Atlanta suburb of Stockbridge, recalled a conversation he had with Waffle House waitress Hannah Hill over the phone when he recently placed an order. She was so nice over the telephone, and when I got there I paid for my food and I told her to keep the change, the bishop was quoted as saying. Upon meeting her in person, Phelps realized that Hill was pregnant. I was just really urged to give her the rest of the money that I had in my wallet, which was around $40, he said. And so I gave her the $40 and I told her that I just wanted to be able to bless her so she could buy something for the baby. After giving Hill a $40 tip, Phelps conversation with her continued. Hill explained to Phelps that she was eight-and-a-half months pregnant and was planning to name her son Samuel. Well, we lost our son Samuel seven years ago in Atlanta, Phelps explained. Its coming up on the anniversary. I went home, I told my wife what happened. My wife and I were talking. I was like Listen, I wanna raise $1,000 to give to Hannah so she can buy whatever she needs for the baby. Phelps took to Facebook and informed his friends and followers of his encounter with Hill. He shared his goal of raising $1,000 for her. By the time he woke up the next morning, Phelps had exceeded his expectations. By the end of the following day, Phelps had raised $6,500 for Hill. He had planned to surprise her with the money at Waffle House. But, it ended up being her night off. Since Phelps had gathered an audience on Facebook Live for the surprise, the participants began working to get a hold of her. Eventually, they were able to reach Hills roommate, who woke up the sleeping waitress. Hill and her roommate began to embark on the 40-minute drive to Waffle House. In that time, donations for Hill surpassed $12,000. When Hill arrived at Waffle House, Phelps threw her a surprise baby shower. Hill told the news outlet that she was living with her mom and trying to make ends meet. She is currently living apart from her babys father at the moment. I had a lot going on, and I dont really pray that often, Hill proclaimed. Im not necessarily that religious. I wasnt raised in the Church, dont go to church a lot, havent opened a Bible in forever. But lately Ive been praying, she added. After expressing her gratitude to Phelps and the people who donated to her, Hill proclaims that the generosity she has received makes her eager to get back in church. According to Hill, the donations came even though she never told anyone, including Phelps, about the depths of her struggles. God knew. He felt it on his heart, she stressed. Hill plans on using the money she has received to get a car and move into a place with her roommate as well as her childs father. According to a post on the New Faith Christian Churchs Facebook page Friday, the church will also provide Hill with child care services for a year for both of her children at the New Faith Early Learning Center. Hannahs life will never be the same again, the Facebook post reads. Polk County joins the Iowa Purchasing Group Registered vendors can access bids, related documents, addendum and award information. Polk County announced it has joined the BidNet Direct Iowa Purchasing Group and will be publishing and distributing upcoming bid opportunities on the system. BidNets Iowa Purchasing Group connects participating agencies from across Iowa to a large vendor pool and streamlines the bid and vendor management process. BidNets Iowa purchasing group provides notifications to registered vendors of new relevant solicitations, as well as any addenda and award information from participating agencies across Iowa, and can be accessed at http://www.bidnetdirect.com/iowa. Polk County joined the purchasing group in September, and will be utilizing the system to streamline their purchasing process including bid management, bid distribution and vendor relations. The Iowa Purchasing Group is a single, online location for managing sourcing information and activities and provides local Iowa government agencies the tools needed to minimize costs and save time throughout the purchasing process. The Iowa Purchasing Group expands an agencys vendor pool and enhances vendor competition without increasing distribution costs. In addition to the existing vendors on the Iowa Purchasing Group, all vendors looking to do business with Polk County can register online: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/iowa. Polk County invites all interested bidders to register today. Registered vendors can access all open bids, related documents and files, additional addenda and award information. In addition, the Iowa Purchasing Group offers a value-added service to notify vendors of new bids targeted to their industry, all addenda and advance notification of expiring term contracts. Registered vendors have access to not only Polk County bid opportunities, but all participating agency bids. Our suppliers of goods and services can save time and money by not having to hand pick up and hand deliver paper bids packets. This on-line e-procurement system is a paperless one-stop shop for all our solicitations. We encourage all vendors to register on the Iowa Purchasing Group to start receiving Polk County business opportunities, stated Ryan Ward, Polk County Procurement Supervisor. Vendors may register on the Iowa Purchasing Group at: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/iowa. BidNets vendor support team is available to answer any questions regarding the registration process or the bid system at 800-835-4603 option 2. Other local Iowa government agencies looking to switch from a manual bid process, please contact the Iowa Purchasing Group for a demonstration of the no-cost sourcing solution. About BidNet Direct: BidNet Direct, powered by mdf commerce, is a sourcing solution of regional purchasing groups available at no cost to local government agencies throughout the country. BidNet Direct runs regional purchasing groups, including the Iowa Purchasing Group, across all 50 states that are used by over 1,500 local governments. To learn more and have your government agency gain better transparency and efficiency in purchasing, please visit https://www.bidnetdirect.com/buyers Britain Wants to Send a Message to China by Deepening Five Eyes Alliance Britains defense secretary said that by deepening its existing Five Eyes intelligence alliance and seeking to partner with other Asian countries, it would send a message to China. Thats according to Ben Wallace, Britains defense secretary in conversation with ConservativeHome as part of the Conservative partys annual conference, which ends on Oct. 6. Private Patrick Rodgers of Britains Anglian Regiment, 2nd Battalion, maintains the perimeter as a Chinook helicopter carries out a medical evacuation during a military exercise on Salisbury Plains near Warminster, England, on July 23, 2020. (Leon Neal/Getty Images) We would absolutely continue to explore more working with new partners in Asia and deepening our Five Eyes, Wallace said. Mutual signalling about standing by each other is really, really, important for us in sending a message to China. Currently, the Five Eyes alliance is between Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Id absolutely consider doing more with it and in fact, were already working around some of those Asia groupings that allow international observers or indeed partner status, Wallace said. Thats really the best way to do it, he added. Modern Warfare Wallace also spoke extensively on the real challenge of the changing nature of modern warfare and the need to help vulnerable countries build resilience against common adversaries. The thing thats really emerged in the last 10 years is a proliferation of capabilities encryption used to belong [only] in the realms of very few powerful modern defense capability countries, he said. He highlighted the importance of strategies enacted before we get into a battle to avoid the conflict development. If we can use cyber and information operations or indeed training and assistance for the resilience of those host nations to prevent them tipping over into chaos or to being unduly influenced by an adversary, he said. We should work sub-thresholdwe should do much more of that below armed conflict, he added. Wallace said that if Britain helped train the armed forces of some African countries, for example, and helped them with cyber defense and anti-corruption measures they would be less vulnerable to being undermined by other countries with malign intent. I think thats where a lot of our future defense is going to be, he said. Asked if the countrys need for a new generation of soldiers equipped with cyber skills could be thwarted by a younger generation objecting to elements of military history, Wallace said there was no shortage of applicants. GCHQ have led the way with the National Cyber Security Centre, he said. People recognise if they want to stay safe online in the civilian world cyber is a growing industry and whether thats defense or whether thats for security or trade, I think there is a whole generation of young people who want that to be their future. He added that he has already signed off on a cyber pay spine within the armed forces. You can go up it and get your promotions up it and you can be a specialist in cyber in the same way you can be a specialist in medical or other disciplines, he said. It shows that not only is there a need for it but also that people are engaging with it and we have had no shortage of people wanting to do that role. Integrated Operating Concept Wallaces comments on the changing nature of warfare come following the unveiling last month by Sir Nick Carter, Britains defense staff chief, of the Integrated Operating Concept for the British Armed Forces as they respond to the ever more complex and dynamic strategic context. The nature of war remains constant: it is visceral and violent and it is always about politics, he said in a statement. What is changing is the character of warfare, which is evolving significantly due to the pervasiveness of information and the pace of technological change. Carters comments echo a statement by the ministry of defense last month that [g]lobal players such as Russia and China continually challenge the existing order without prompting direct conflict, operating in the expanding grey-zone between war and peacetime. Spending Review Asked how he thought the defense would fair in the forthcoming government spending review Wallace was cautiously positive. Were in the middle of an economy that has effectually gone on pause because of COVID weve seen massive decline in economic growth and huge spending obligations on the government, he said. He said the ministry of defense is currently experiencing a shortfall of 13 billion ($16.8 billion) which will have to be found in the next four years. He said he is optimistic. Ill be making a case for the armed forces, the conservative party is always a great supporter of the armed forces, said Wallace. This years Conservative Party conference is a virtual conference due to restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus. Alexander Zhang contributed to this report. Vondran believes the Quad-Cities is getting ignored in Des Moines, and that most people in this district don't know who their representative is. He says he would change that. He believes K-12 education is being adequately funded but the money could be better utilized. It's not likely Thede will get her way on collective bargaining, but she is a fighter for many priorities that align with ours. And we don't believe that she is invisible to her constituents or in Des Moines. She is a hard worker who makes a difference. We respect Vondran's dedication to this community. But we believe Thede represents her district well and deserves to continue doing so. We endorse Phyllis Thede. House District 94 Rep. Gary Mohr, a Bettendorf Republican, has worked his way up in the Legislature. Hes the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, which is quite an accomplishment for a two-term lawmaker. It's not just a coup for Mohr, but we also think it helps to have somebody from the Quad-Cities in such a position of leadership. Mohr is facing Marie Gleason, a retired project manager at Deere & Co., who advocates for greater investments in education and for more local control. "This is the end of the 'office' as we know it," said Javier Soltero, Vice President and General Manager of Google Workspace. "From here on out, teams need to thrive without meeting in person, protect their time to focus on the most impactful work, and build human connection in new ways. Google Workspace gives people a familiar, fully integrated user experience that helps everyone succeed in this new reality - whether you're in an office, working from home, on the frontlines, or engaging with customers." Google has spent decades building products that are simple and easy to learn, and that anticipate users' needs in a helpful way. More than 2.6 billion consumer, enterprise, and education users now actively choose to use Google's productivity and collaboration apps every month. In July, Google announced a better home for work, the first step in its vision for a single unified experience that provides the best way to create, communicate, and collaborate. Today, this new home for work is generally available to all Google Workspace business customers and, in the coming months, will also roll out to consumers. "Google's collaboration and communication products fuel productivity and connect our teams in ways that were not possible before," said Alex Grigorian, SVP & CIO, Corporate Services, Equifax. "We're excited to be a part of the evolution with Google Workspace and explore the next chapter of building a culture that inspires innovation." Creating a new user experience The Google Workspace user experience thoughtfully brings together core tools for communication and collaborationlike chat, email, voice and video calling, and content managementinto a single, unified experience. New features include: Linked previews: Available today, linked previews in Docs, Sheets, and Slides allow users to preview the content of a link without leaving the original document, saving time switching between apps and tabs, and allowing more time to get work done. Available today, linked previews in Docs, Sheets, and Slides allow users to preview the content of a link without leaving the original document, saving time switching between apps and tabs, and allowing more time to get work done. Smart chips in Docs, Sheets, and Slides: Beginning to roll out today, when you @mention someone in a document, a popup will display details providing context and even suggest actions like sharing the document. By connecting users to relevant content and people right in Docs, Sheets and Slides, Google Workspace helps users get more done from where they already are. Beginning to roll out today, when you @mention someone in a document, a popup will display details providing context and even suggest actions like sharing the document. By connecting users to relevant content and people right in Docs, Sheets and Slides, Google Workspace helps users get more done from where they already are. Doc creation in rooms: In the coming weeks, Google Workspace will enable users to dynamically create and collaborate on a document (Docs, Sheets, Slides) within a room in Chat, without ever having to switch tabs or tools. This will reduce complexity and help ensure all team members have visibility into relevant project work. In the coming weeks, Google Workspace will enable users to dynamically create and collaborate on a document (Docs, Sheets, Slides) within a room in Chat, without ever having to switch tabs or tools. This will reduce complexity and help ensure all team members have visibility into relevant project work. Meet picture-in-picture across Docs, Sheets and Slides: Back in July, Google announced it's bringing Meet picture-in-picture to Gmail and Chat, so users can see and hear the people they're working with while collaborating. In the coming months, Google will roll out Meet picture-in-picture to Docs, Sheets, and Slides, meaning users will get the benefit of those nonverbal cues that come with actually seeing someone's face when collaborating in real time. "It's not just businesses facing the need to transform; employees are in a period of transition themselves as they adjust to an increasingly hybrid way of working, and technology plays a critical role in enabling this," said Angela Ashenden, Principal Analyst for Workplace Transformation at CCS Insight. "Google's consumer heritage and cloud-native products make it uniquely positioned to guide users through the evolving workplace environment. Users are overwhelmed by the number of tools and channels available, and Google is helping them access these disparate workstreams in one place." New brand identity The new Google Workspace brand reflects Google's product vision for a flexible, helpful, and simple experience with integration and collaboration at its core. In the coming weeks, users will see new four-color icons for Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and our collaborative content creation tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, that resemble the same family and represent Google Workspace's commitment to building immersive communication and collaboration experiences, all with helpfulness from Google. We are also bringing Google Workspace to our education and nonprofit customers in the coming months. Education customers can continue to access our tools via G Suite for Education, which includes Classroom, Assignments, Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet. G Suite for Nonprofits will continue to be available to eligible organizations through the Google for Nonprofits program. Giving businesses more choices All of the more than 6 million paying Google Workspace business customers, from SMBs to multinational corporations, share a need for secure, transformative solutions that help them modernize how they work, but their storage, management, and security and compliance needs vary greatly. To provide more choice and help customers get the most out of Google Workspace, and based on their direct feedback, Google is launching a new set of offerings that better align with how customers purchase its portfolio of products. You can learn more about these new offerings her e . Support from our partners Google Cloud partners, including technology partners, systems integrators, resellers and services partners, will continue to be key in enabling work transformation for organizations of all kinds and sizes around the world. "Salesforce and Google have a shared vision for enabling collaborative workplaces, particularly in this new all-digital, work from anywhere world," said Ryan Aytay, Chief Business Officer at Salesforce. "With this launch, we'll continue to bring together the world's #1 CRM with Google Workspace to drive customer success for businesses around the globe." "At Deloitte, we shape how work can be done more effectively in the world's largest enterprises. The latest shifts have been dramatically accelerated with COVID-19," said Tom Galizia, Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and Deloitte Chief Commercial Officer for Alphabet. "Google continues to be on the leading edge of work collaboration, innovation, teaming, and effectiveness. Google Cloud is one of the highest growth areas for Deloitte, and the launch of Google Workspace builds on its commitment to driving digital work transformation at scale for enterprises, governments, and academic institutions." "Google Cloud made it its mission to help businesses reimagine how they work and Google Workspace now offers a new and exciting opportunity to optimize their digital journey even further," said Eric Grall, Chief Operating Officer at Atos. "As a leader in Digital Workplace Services, we are proud to extend our capabilities partnering with Google Cloud to help organizations be future-ready and leverage these capabilities to help people get work done, virtually or otherwise." Learn more about Google Workspace her e . About Google Cloud Google Cloud provides organizations with leading infrastructure, platform capabilities and industry solutions. We deliver enterprise-grade cloud solutions that leverage Google's cutting-edge technology to help companies operate more efficiently and adapt to changing needs, giving customers a foundation for the future. Customers in more than 150 countries turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to solve their most critical business problems. SOURCE Google Cloud "The administration, particularly of course USTR, they're focused like a laser on this trade deal with China," she said. "The president doesn't want it to fall apart." Lighthizer's warmer stance toward Beijing comes amid growing tensions between the United States and China. Trump has said he is "not happy" with China for allowing the coronavirus to spread beyond its borders and has ratcheted up punishment on Chinese tech companies like TikTok and WeChat, saying they pose a threat to national security. Yet Trump has not ripped up the trade deal or threatened to take additional trade action against Beijing. In part, that is because the president faces pressure from American banks, businesses and farmers not to let commercial ties with China deteriorate further, especially right before the election. Lighthizer's shift in tone is notable, given that he built a reputation as a China critic during a long career in Congress, the executive branch and as a Washington trade lawyer. His history of battling China, including pursuing trade cases against the country and opposing its entry into the World Trade Organisation, was what first ingratiated him to Trump, who held a similarly dim view of China's trade practices. But Lighthizer has recently intervened to shoot down several policy measures that could have threatened China economically, including efforts by US Customs and Border Protection to impose a sweeping ban on cotton and tomatoes from Xinjiang. The measure, which was scheduled to be announced the morning of September 8, would have banned many products from Xinjiang over concerns that they were made with forced labour by Uighurs and other Muslim minorities that China has detained in camps in the region. But Lighthizer joined Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary; Sonny Perdue, the secretary of agriculture; and Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, in objecting to the measure on the grounds that it could provoke China, threatening US cotton exports and the trade deal, people familiar with the matter said. China is one of the world's largest cotton importers, purchasing nearly $US1 billion ($1.4 billion) worth of American cotton in 2018. US President Donald Trump not to let commercial ties with China deteriorate further, especially right before the election. Credit:AP Earlier this summer, as the Trump administration brainstormed ways to retaliate against China for its crackdown on Hong Kong, Lighthizer also opposed the idea of placing tariffs similar to those imposed on China on Hong Kong. But Lighthizer's reluctance to begin trade talks with Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing claims as part of its territory, has been more controversial. In particular, it has placed him in opposition with officials from the departments of State, Defense and Commerce and the National Security Council, who support closer relations with the island to counter China's influence. Things came to a head after David R. Stilwell, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the State Department, gave a speech at a Washington think tank in late August proposing new economic engagement with Taiwan. The State Department also began planning to dispatch its most senior economic official, Keith Krach, to Taiwan in mid-September. Those proposals prompted a disagreement between Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, and Lighthizer, who viewed trade talks with Taiwan as being firmly in USTR's domain, three people familiar with the matter said. Another person said that USTR and the State Department had clashed over Krach's trip. In an emailed response, Lighthizer called the anecdote "a crazy, made-up story." "I've never spoken with Secretary Pompeo about any of this. And I've never had an angry clash with the secretary about this or anything else in my entire life," Lighthizer said. The State Department declined to comment. China considers its claim to Taiwan non-negotiable, and it has lashed out at companies and politicians that do not support that view, including trying to muscle Taiwan out of multilateral trade deals to economically isolate the island. But Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen, has sought to increase the island's independence by cultivating closer ties with the United States. In late August, Tsai eased previous restrictions on imports of US beef and pork, a move aimed at enticing the United States into trade talks. Pompeo welcomed the move on Twitter, saying that it "opens the door for even deeper economic and trade cooperation." USTR did not issue any statement. Taiwan is home to fewer than 24 million people, but it was the 10th-largest US trading partner in 2019, providing a large market for American agricultural products and arms sales. Loading US officials have also come to see Taiwan, a major electronics supplier, as a bulwark against China's domination of certain advanced technologies. In May, the Trump administration announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, a leading computer chipmaker, had pledged to build a factory in Arizona, though that project is still awaiting congressional funding. Not everyone thinks trade talks with Taiwan would be a certain success. James Green, a senior adviser at McLarty Associates and a former trade official, said the United States spent two decades negotiating with Taiwan over a trade and investment agreement with little result. He said that Lighthizer might be reluctant to begin such a long, difficult process right before an election, when the administration's future is uncertain. Is the RBI unable to accept with grace that beyond 55, one can have the ability to head the compliance functions in a bank, asks Tamal Bandyopadhyay. IMAGE: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das. Photograph: ANI Photo Given a choice, the prospective chief compliance officers (CCOs) of the Indian banking system would love to hear the Reserve Bank of India describe them the way Enobarbus had described Cleopatra: 'Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety'. (William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, Act II, Scene II). The RBI seems to think the compliance officers become stale after the age of 55 and, hence, unsuitable for the position of CCO. In The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50, author and journalist Jonathan Rauch writes: 'Those most likely to notice the arrow of time are the people without a lot of other change or difficulty in their life. Things seem to be going well for them... They think, 'Why do I feel less satisfied than I expected to? Why is this going on year after year? Why does it seem to be getting worse and not better? There must be something wrong with my life.' Do the compliance officers fall into this category? Is there something wrong with their lives? Why has the RBI fixed the age for the CCO? Rauch's book says, 'Well, there's nothing wrong with your life, you're just feeling the effects of time which others who may have more turbulent lives may not notice as much.' The new norms on the role, responsibility and age limit of CCOs have created turbulence in the banking system. Before looking at the details, let's read what author and neuroscientist Billi Gordon has written on the art of aging. 'After 55 they no longer put 'unexpected' on your death certificate... Getting old is just not for the faint of heart... If you eat healthy and exercise, you can positively affect the quality of life as you age... The real problem is our perspective and inability to accept it graciously.' Is the RBI unable to accept with grace that beyond 55, one can have the ability to head the compliance functions in a bank? After all, a private bank CEO can work till 70. The CEO of the State Bank of India, the nation's largest lender, can remain in the saddle beyond 60 as long as he or she is appointed before attaining that age. Ditto for the RBI deputy governors. In medieval times, life expectancy was approximately 30 years. Going by Gordon's blog, life expectancy depends on culture and circumstance. Humans are living far beyond the age that evolutionary biology intended. Menopause and erectile dysfunction were not common issues in the 1200s because most people were dead by 35. Similarly, our ancestors didn't have retirement issues because they didn't live long enough to retire. Gordon writes: 'With age comes reflection... Then the really tough questions follow: Am I a good person? Have I been an honorable human being who has made the world better?' The RBI has probably infused this feeling into those compliance officers who have crossed 55 but been eyeing the position of CCO. Compliance in banks was introduced in August 1992, based on the recommendations of a committee on frauds and malpractices. Three years later, in March 1995, the guidelines on the role of the compliance officers were issued. In 1997, on a review, the RBI advised the banks that the general manager in charge of audit and inspection should be designated as the compliance officer, reporting to the chairman. The primary responsibility was to prepare compliance certificates every quarter, incorporating all directions issued by the RBI and the finance ministry. This system was discontinued in 2000. In April 2005, for the first time, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued a paper on compliance function in banks, prescribing certain principles. Within months, the RBI called a meeting of bank compliance officers and set up a working group (with representatives from banks) to review the system. Comprehensive guidelines on compliance were formulated; the banks were to implement them in consultation with the audit committee of the board. A decade later, in 2015, once again compliance hit the RBI radar when it introduced the so-called risk-based supervision. To avoid any conflict of interest and ensure independence of the compliance function, it was separated from audit. The RBI also made it clear that compliance is not an activity of the compliance department alone -- it's a culture of a bank. Describing compliance as the second line of defence, an RBI discussion paper on governance in June this year said the CCO will report to the Risk Management Committee of the Board (RMCB) and be independent of the first line of defence (the risk management function) and the third line of defence (internal audit). The RMCB will select and, if needed, even dismiss the CCO for non-performance. However, RBI's September circular, which fixes 55 as the cut-off age, states that the CCO will report to the MD and CEO and/or a bank's board or the audit committee of the board. Defining the CCO's role, the June paper says the executive will have the overall responsibility for identification, management, mitigation of the bank's compliance risk and supervise activities of other compliance staff. The CCO must have the ability to interpret and articulate compliance risk in an understandable manner and engage the board, RMCB and the bank management in constructive dialogue on key compliance issues. The September circular lists micro details of the role. It says the CCO shall be appointed for a fixed tenure of not less than three years and can be recruited from the market. This is a senior position -- equivalent to a general manager and not below two levels of the CEO. There aren't too many executives in the public sector banking industry who become general managers before 55. Those who meet the age criterion and become CCO will solely depend on the CEO for reappointment as they would become untouchable for other banks after 55. I wonder whether there is an age cap for CCO appointments anywhere in the world. Incidentally, the RBI's focus has all along been on the importance of compliance in banks, but it has never said what a CCO's qualification should be. In the case of chief financial officer and chief information officer, it has told the banks what to look for in prospective candidates. In April 2002, the Consultative Group of Directors of banks and financial institutions (popularly called Dr Ganguly Group), set up by the RBI to review the supervisory role of boards, had identified the company secretary as the nodal point for compliance. It had said that the banks should consider appointing a qualified company secretary as the secretary to the board and have a compliance officer (reporting to the secretary) to ensure compliance with regulatory and accounting requirements. Along with other qualifications, should the CCO also be a qualified company secretary? Tamal Bandhyopadhyay, a consulting editor with Business Standard, is an author and senior adviser to Jana Small Finance Bank Ltd. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, spoke with Holy Cross students on Tuesday during a virtual forum, answering questions about the coronavirus pandemic. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of the White House coronavirus task force, graduated from the Worcester college in 1962. We are really living through history right now, Fauci said. This is really the most extraordinary, devastating respiratory disease pandemic in the 102 years since the now historic and iconic 1982 so-called Spanish flu. Responding to a question about how the global community is combating a virus during a time when international cooperation is diminishing, Fauci said the U.S. and other world leaders lost precious weeks because of misinformation coming out of China about the transmissibility of COVID-19 at the onset of the pandemic. Theres no such thing as a provincial pandemic, Fauci said. International cooperation, particularly transparency, sharing of information, sharing of reagents is essential when youre dealing with infectious diseases and a response to the pandemic. Asked if Americans are morally obligated to get immunized for coronavirus when a vaccine becomes widely available, Fauci said he prefers the term societal responsibility. I think you have a societal responsibility to protect yourself, as well the people around you, Fauci said. But when youre dealing with an intervention that could have a possible side effect, I think we need to stay away from the word moral obligation. Another student asked Fauci what was his most crucial decision as one of the nations leading health experts, which Fauci said came in form of a recommendation to President Donald Trump to completely shut down the country. I recommended to the president that we shut the country down, Fauci said. That was a very difficult decision, because I knew it would have very serious economic consequences." In May, Fauci told graduates that now is the time to care selflessly about one another," in remarks recorded for a virtual commencement celebration. Reflecting on his own time at Holy Cross, Fauci in his commencement remarks said the college holds a very special place in his heart. The education that you and I have received at Holy Cross, steeped in Jesuit traditions, should suit us well to confront and ultimately overcome this historic pandemic, Fauci said. MassLive Reporter Melissa Hanson contributed to this report. Related Content: A recent decision by the Manitoba Municipal Board allowing a limestone quarry to go ahead over the objections of local elected officials has critics raising alarm bells. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/10/2020 (474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A recent decision by the Manitoba Municipal Board allowing a limestone quarry to go ahead over the objections of local elected officials has critics raising alarm bells. "This is a terrible precedent and a terrible process," Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said, alleging Municipal Board members and the proponent of the quarry site in the Rural Municipality of Rosser are connected to the PC party or donors. "The PCs have created a system so their donors can override democracy and the courts," Lamont said Monday in a news release. "They are presenting a false idea that steam-rolling local councils is for the benefit of everyone, when it is not. Some things should not be for sale." Colleen Munro, owner of the land in Rosser and president of Lilyfield Quarry Inc., did not respond to a request for comment. Munros company had been seeking to build a quarry since 2015. It took its application to the Municipal Board after it was rejected by Rosser council in November 2019. The National Post database listing political donations shows she gave the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba $12,258 from 2010 to 2016. The consultant supporting the quarrys bid, Michelle Richard, was the PC candidate for St. James in 2019. A spokesman for Municipal Affairs Minister Rochelle Squires said the Liberals allegations are "baseless and uninformed." Blake Robert said the quarry proponent and the RM came to a consent agreement filed with the Municipal Board on July 21, and the board subsequently approved the quarry proposal Sept. 17, subject to 15 pages of conditions. The reeve of Rosser, however, said earlier the RM signed the agreement not to condone the quarry going ahead, but to protect residents should the quarry be built. Reeve Frances Smee did not respond to a request for comment Monday. The Association of Manitoba Municipalities wouldnt comment Monday on the Rosser quarry decision, but has said repeatedly it is concerned about legislation that erodes the ability of locally-elected officials to make local decisions that affect local people. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Two years ago, the association opposed amendments to Bill 19 (Planning Amendment Act). It allows applicants to appeal directly to the Municipal Board following the rejection of aggregate quarry operations, a conditional use application, or the imposition of conditions on an approval. Prior to the Planning Amendment Act, there was no appeal process available, said the municipal affairs ministers spokesman. "The Municipal Board has a long history and status as a quasi-judicial board that is not subject to direction from elected or government officials, making it the logical venue to hear any such appeals," Robert said in an email. Similar appeals mechanisms are common across Canada, and most provinces have them, he said. The municipal association is now raising concerns about proposed Bill 48 (Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act). It was introduced in the last legislative session and would transfer decision-making authority regarding local land use planning from all elected municipal councils to the provincially-appointed Municipal Board, whose decision would then be final. "Were hopeful the province will adjust and amend it in its proposed form," association president Ralph Groening said Monday. "We fear the loss of local autonomy. We want to be heard." carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca In the spring of 2020, Margulies Perruzzi surveyed thousands of industry professionals to gain an understanding of the impact that COVID-19 had on the office environment. This report is being continuously updated to share the current thought leadership on the nature of work and how it is evolving. The report covers topics such as: What are the new challenges landlords face? What will tenants ask of landlords? How much real estate will tenants look for? How might amenities change in size? What new design concepts can separate you from your competition? What are the new technologies to manage space? To find out how Margulies Perruzzi can help you and your company as you return to the office, please contact Tim Bailey at (617) 482-3232 or [email protected]. About Margulies Perruzzi As one of New England's top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi (MP) designs Workplace, Healthcare, Science, and Real Estate projects that inspire and nurture human endeavor. More information may be found at https://mparchitectsboston.com. Media Contact: Susan Shelby, FSMPS, CPSM Rhino PR 978.985.4541 [email protected] SOURCE Margulies Perruzzi The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that the airline industry will burn through $77 billion in cash during the second half of 2020 (almost $13 billion/month or $300,000 per minute), despite the restart of operations. The slow recovery in air travel will see the airline industry continuing to burn through cash at an average rate of $5 to $6 billion per month in 2021, stated IATA in its report. The global aviation body called on governments to support the industry during the coming winter season with additional relief measures, including financial aid that does not add more debt to the industrys already-highly-indebted balance sheet. To date, governments around the world have provided $160 billion in support, including direct aid, wage subsidies, corporate tax relief, and specific industry tax relief including fuel taxes. "We are grateful for this support, which is aimed at ensuring that the air transport industry remains viable and ready to reconnect the economies and support millions of jobs in travel and tourism," remarked Alexandre de Juniac, IATAs Director General and CEO. "But the crisis is deeper and longer than any of us could have imagined. And the initial support programs are running out. Today we must ring the alarm bell again. If these support programs are not replaced or extended, the consequences for an already hobbled industry will be dire," stated de Juniac. Historically, cash generated during the peak summer season helps to support airlines through the leaner winter months. Unfortunately, this years disastrous spring and summer provided no cushion. In fact, airlines burned cash throughout the period. And with no timetable for governments to reopen borders without travel-killing quarantines, we cannot rely on a year-end holiday season bounce to provide a bit of extra cash to tide us over until the spring, he added. IATA estimates that despite cutting costs just over 50% during the second quarter, the industry went through $51 billion in cash as revenues fell almost 80% compared to the year-ago period. The cash drain continued during the summer months, with airlines expected to go through an additional $77 billion of their cash during the second half of this year and a further $60-70 billion in 2021. The industry is not expected to turn cash positive until 2022. Airlines have undertaken extensive self-help measures to cut costs. This includes parking thousands of aircraft, cutting routes and any non-critical expense and furloughing and laying off hundreds of thousands of experienced and dedicated employees. Sector wide action According to de Juniac, the government support for the entire sector is needed. "The impact has spread across the entire travel value chain including our airport and air navigation infrastructure partners who are dependent on pre-crisis levels of traffic to sustain their operations. Rate hikes on system users to make up the gap would be the start of a vicious and unforgiving cycle of further cost pressures and downsizings. That will prolong the crisis for the 10% of global economic activity that is linked to travel and tourism," he added. The IATA chief said there will be little appetite among consumers for cost increases. In a recent IATA survey, some two thirds of travelers have already indicated that they will postpone travel until the overall economy or their personal financial situation stabilizes. Increasing the cost of travel at this sensitive time will delay a return to travel and keep jobs at risk, said de Juniac. According to the latest figures from the Air Transport Action Group, the severe downturn this year, combined with a slow recovery, threatens 4.8 million jobs across the entire aviation sector. Because each aviation job supports many more in the broader economy, the global impact is 46 million potential job losses and $1.8 trillion dollars of economic activity at risk.-TradeArabia News Service The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will organise all-India agitation against what it alleges are anti-worker provisions in the new Labour Codes. At its 19th National conference, the BMS, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), passed six resolutions seeking the withdrawal of anti-worker provisions in the new Labour Codes; a consultation meeting with BMS and other trade unions to make the Labour Codes beneficial to both worker and industry and formulation of a national employment policy. In a statement, newly appointed general secretary of BMS, Binay Kumar Sinha, said the labour wing of the Sangh has resolved to organise country wide warning week programmes from October 10 to 16 and nationwide protests on October 28 against the codes. If the government is not ready to hear the voice of workers, the BMS will hold a long and continuous agitation thereafter, including national level strikes to protect right to strike and other labour rights, the first resolution passed at the meeting said. In a separate resolution, the BMS welcomed the Supreme Court decision of scrapping Gujarat labour reforms. The resolution demanded that central and state governments should stop the brutal way of amending labour laws, desist from indulging in ordinance raj in labour sector and respect the views expressed by social organisations. A third resolution urged the government to call a roundtable of stakeholders and formulate a national employment policy. The imported predatory economic and labour reforms and defective policies of the capitalist paradigm are responsible for landing our job generation in a sorry state of affairs, the resolution said. In the fourth resolution, the demand for review of all pension schemes in favour of employees, including pension schemes under CCS Rules, NPS, financial sector schemes, EPS, unorganised sector was made. The BMS has demanded pension, not less than 50% of salary linked to cost of living index and medical scheme and minimum pension of Rs 5,000 for the unorganised sector. In view of the hardships faced by the migrant workers, the fifth resolution demanded effective changes in the law on migrant workers, national level registration, social security and other facilities for them. The sixth resolution demanded that the government should change the western GDP-based progress scale and opt for an Indian model. At the national conference inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, a new team of 31 office bearers was also announced.Hiranmaya Pandya has been elected as the national president of BMS and Binay Kumar Sinha as national general secretary. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Smriti Kak Ramachandran Smriti covers an intersection of politics and governance. Having spent over a decade in journalism, she combines old fashioned leg work with modern story telling tools. ...view detail LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / CLS Holdings USA, Inc. (OTCQB:CLSH)(CSE:CLSH) ("CLS" or the 'Company'), a diversified cannabis company operating as Cannabis Life Sciences, today announced its operational and financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2021, ended August 31, 2020. The Company maintained consistent growth month to month in this period, setting historic company records for revenue and gross margin - a testament to its community-minded and adaptable approach to operations. Key Q1 Financial Accomplishments Total revenues were $3,780,869 compared to $2,859,015 reported in the same quarter in 2019, representing an increase of over 30%. Gross margin increased to 53% - an increase of 2% over the quarter ended August 31, 2019. The average dollar amount per transaction at CLS' retail operation increased by 41.6% to $56.34, compared to $39.79 for the same period in 2019. 2019 2020 Net Revenue Gross Margin Net Revenue Gross Margin June $895,580 51% $1,039,826 55% July $916,839 50% $1,346,072 53% August $1,046,596 51% $1,394,971 51% "We're honored to have the support of our local community that made this summer such a success. Outpacing the annual growth of the Nevada cannabis industry, despite a significant decline in tourism traffic and the challenges presented in 2020, illustrates how hard our team has worked to continually assess the right moves to make over these three months", said Andrew Glashow, President and COO of CLS Holdings. "The continued growth at Oasis and renewed excitement around our wholesale brand, City Trees, has given us great momentum leading into the fall as we continue to scale our operations in the Southwest." The Company experienced record-setting revenue at its Nevada retail subsidiary in consecutive months of the first quarter, and saw continued improvements in revenue at its wholesale manufacturing division leading up to its brand reinvigoration in September. CLS' total first quarter net decrease in cash and cash equivalents was only $(38,466), which included a $750,000 repayment on a note, and represents a 99% improvement compared to $(4,617,892) in the quarter ended August 31, 2019. Operational Highlights CLS' retail and wholesale subsidiaries continued to operate under ongoing safety and capacity constraints throughout the first quarter of fiscal 2021, and have maintained operational adaptations established in March, including delivery and curbside services. Despite reduced in-store capacity and an overall 30% reduction in operating hours for the quarter, Oasis processed an average of 595 transactions per day, a 4% increase over the first quarter of 2019, and saw a remarkable 32% increase in revenue. This growth was bolstered by the implementation of a new website with improved e-commerce capability. The Company's wholesale division, City Trees successfully prepared for its September rebrand throughout the first quarter. Renewed interest in the brand followed announcements of a more curated product catalog, expanded sustainability efforts, and updated, refined design criteria. The brand successfully relaunched in September, with promising preliminary results scheduled to be announced later in October. About CLS Holdings USA, Inc. CLS Holdings USA, Inc. (CLSH) is a diversified cannabis company that acts as an integrated cannabis producer and retailer through its Oasis Cannabis subsidiaries in Nevada and plans to expand to other states. CLS stands for "Cannabis Life Sciences," in recognition of the Company's patented proprietary method of extracting various cannabinoids from the marijuana plant and converting them into products with a higher level of quality and consistency. The Company's business model includes licensing operations, processing operations, processing facilities, sale of products, brand creation and consulting services. http://www.clsholdingsinc.com. Twitter: @CLSHoldingsUSA Oasis Cannabis has operated a cannabis dispensary in the Las Vegas market since dispensaries first opened in Nevada in 2015 and has been recognized as one of the top marijuana retailers in the state. Its location within walking distance to the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas in combination with its delivery service to residents allows it to efficiently serve both locals and tourists in the Las Vegas area. In February 2019, it was named "Best Dispensary for Pot Pros" by Desert Companion Magazine. In August 2017, the company commenced wholesale offerings of cannabis in Nevada with the launch of its City Trees brand of cannabis concentrates and cannabis-infused products. http://oasiscannabis.com Photo: Oasis Cannabis Dispensary. Las Vegas, NV Founded in 2017, City Trees is a Nevada-based cannabis cultivation, production and distribution company. Offering a wide variety of products with consistent results, City Trees products are available in numerous dispensaries throughout the state of Nevada. https://citytrees.com Photo: City Trees production facility, Las Vegas, NV Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and 'forward-looking statements' as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, the 'forward-looking statements'). These statements relate to, among other things, the future impact of the COVID-19 virus on our business, the future results of our initiatives to retain our employees and strengthen our relationships with our customers and community during the pandemic, the future effect of our initiatives to expand market share and achieve growth during and following the pandemic, future results of operations and financial performance, anticipated future events, and the effectiveness of our business practices during the pandemic. The continued spread of COVID-19 could have, and in some cases already has had, an adverse impact on our business, operations and financial results, including through disruptions in our cultivation and processing activities, supply chains and sales channels, and retail dispensary operations as well as a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession. Due to the speed with which the COVID-19 situation is developing and the uncertainty of its magnitude, outcome and duration, it is not possible to estimate its impact on our business, operations or financial results; however, the impact could be material. In some cases, you can identify forward looking statements by terminology such as 'may,' 'might,' 'will,' 'should,' 'intends,' 'expects,' 'plans,' 'goals,' 'projects,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'predicts,' 'potential,' or 'continue' or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. These cautionary statements should be considered together with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. Except as required by applicable law, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to reflect actual results, later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. See CLS Holdings USA filings with the SEC and on its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com for additional details. Contact Information: Corporate: Chairman and CEO Jeff Binder President and COO Andrew Glashow 888-438-9132 Investor Relations: investors@clsholdingsinc.com SOURCE: CLS Holdings USA, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609230/CLS-Holdings-USA-Inc-Announces-Record-First-Quarter-Fiscal-2021-Results-Poised-to-Deliver-Continued-Growth CANBERRA, Australia: The Australian government on Tuesday announced plans to cut income taxes, create jobs for young people and stimulate business investment with a raft of pandemic measures that would create a record 214 billion Australian dollar ($153 billion) deficit in the current fiscal year. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced his annual budget plans for the year that started on July 1, with economic forecasts based on an assumption that a COVID-19 vaccine will be available next year. But the Treasury Department has warned that economic realities could be substantially different from its forecasts without a vaccine. Net debt will increase to 703 billion Australian dollars ($503 billion), or 36% of gross domestic product, at the end of the current fiscal year and peak at 44% of GDP in mid-2024 when debt will exceed 966 billion Australian dollars ($691 billion). This is a heavy burden, but a necessary one to responsibly deal with the greatest challenge of our time, Frydenberg told Parliament. At its peak, net debt as a share of the Australian economy would be half the current proportion in Britain, a third of the share in the United States and a quarter of the Japanese proportion, Frydenberg said. More than 11.5 million taxpayers among the Australian population of 26 million people would gain an income tax cut back-dated to July 1, according to plan. It needs Parliaments endorsement. More than 7 million would receive a tax cut of more than 2,000 Australian dollars ($1,430) a year. The tax cuts would cost Australias coffers more than 50 billion Australian dollars ($36 billion) over four years. The government is also offering a JobMaker hiring credit to encourage businesses to hire younger Australians. Young people have suffered most from job losses created by the pandemic. Businesses that provide a job to an unemployed person under 30 years old would be gjven 200 Australian dollars ($145) a week for up to a year. The payment would be half that if the employee is aged between 30 and 35. The employees must be given at least 20 hours of work a week. The government expects JobMaker would support 450,000 young employees. To boost business investment, the vast majority of companies would be allowed to write off the full value of eligible assets against their tax debt. It will dramatically expand the productive capacity of the nation and create tens of thousands of jobs, Frydenberg said. Loss-making businesses would also be able to claim pandemic losses against profits they made as far back as 2018-2019, generating tax refunds for many. Frydenberg said he will introduce into Parliament on Wednesday a bill that would make his proposed income tax cuts and business tax breaks law. I want these measures to be implemented as fast as possible, he said. The government expects the Australian economy will shrink by 1.5% in the current fiscal year before expanding by 4.75% in 2021-22. Unemployment is expected to peak at 8% in the December quarter before receding to 5.5% in 2023-24. In August, the official unemployment rate was 6.8%. The government estimates it would already be 12% if the government had not paid employers 101 billion Australian dollars ($72 billion) to keep 3.5 million people in jobs during the pandemic. Around 10% of Australian workers have lost their jobs or remain employed through the government subsidy despite working no hours. The government forecasts that the annual deficit would shrink to 112 billion Australian dollars ($80 billion) in 2021-22 and continue downward to 2024. The budget forecasts assume that a COVID-19 vaccination program was fully in place by late 2021 in Australia and pandemic restrictions continue to ease. But the outcomes could be much different if that is not the case, the budget documents said. The range of possible outcomes for GDP and unemployment in particular is substantially wider than normal, the Treasury department said. This translates into a higher than usual degree of uncertainty for the estimates. Early in 2019, the government forecast a 7 billion Australian dollar ($5 billion) surplus in the year that ended on June 30, 2020. That would have been Australias first surplus in 12 years. But the pandemic turned that result into a 85 billion Australian dollar ($61 billion) deficit. The pandemic has caused shortages of in supply chains and highlighted the decline in Australias manufacturing industries that have failed to compete against Chinese imports. The government plans to invest 1.3 billion Australian dollars ($930 million) in areas of national manufacturing priority, including medical products, defense and the space industry. 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 Laura Roberts, INVL / Associated Press Willie Nelson and Oprah Winfrey are among those signed up to help former El Paso congressman Beto ORourke run a massive phone-banking operation on Monday to reach Democratic voters the day before early voting starts. ORourke said politicians such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro are also on tap to help with what he is billing as potentially the largest single-day voter contact effort in Texas history. Up to ten new coronavirus cases have been linked to a factory where employees claim they've been told not to wear masks because they are food hazards. The Karro Food Group pork processing plant in Scunthorpe, one of the country's largest food producers, has been criticised by employees for its coronavirus measures. Workers have reported a spate of cases over the last week, though the company claims they were infected through 'community contact'. It also insists that it is following all government guidelines. One employee at the factory, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'Staff are dropping like flies and being sent home. There's around ten confirmed cases now. 'We have plastic screens up but that's about it. Staff have been trying to wear masks on the factory floor but been told to remove them or leave. 'Apparently face masks are classed as food hazards, but hair nets and snoods aren't. The Karro Food Group pork processing plant in Scunthorpe has reported several cases of coronavirus in the last week 'People are getting texts from Test and Trace now, telling them to get a test as they've been somewhere where people have tested positive. 'The factory has worked all through lockdown and now people are going off with the virus, they still refuse to close. It is putting not only their staff at risk but their families too.' Staff claim they haven't been allowed to wear face masks on the factory floor until this week. The UK food factories ravaged by coronavirus outbreaks among workers October 6: Karro Food Group pork processing plant in Scunthorpe September 30: Pilgrim's Pride food factory in Pool, near Redruth, Cornwall September 23: Greggs factory in Newcastle September 11: Aunt Bessie's Yorkshire pudding factory in Hull September 2: Millers of Speyside in Scottish Highlands August 26: Food Standard's Authority reveal there are at least 40 active outbreaks at factories in the UK August 22: Banham Poultry in Attleborough, Norfolk August 21: Greencore in Northampton August 20: Cranswick in Ballymena, Northern Ireland August 18: Bakkavor in Newark August 17: 2 Sisters Food Group in Coupar Angus, Tayside August 17: Fyffes in Coventry, West Midlands August 13: Greencore in Northampton July 12: AS Green and Co, Herefordshire July 3: Walkers, Leicester June 26: Tulip, Tipton June 24: Kepak Food Group in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales June 23: Princes, Wisebech June 19: Asda, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire June 19: Rowan Foods in Wrexham, Wales June 17: 2 Sisters food factory in Anglesey, North Wales May 15: Cranswick, Barnsley May 11: Moy Park in Dungannon, Northern Ireland Advertisement The Karro Food Group, based in North Yorkshire, is one of the country's largest food processors. Along with Young's Seafood, it is owned by the Eight Fifty Group. The Scunthorpe plant is a dedicated bacon and gammon slicing facility. Another employee at the Foxhills factory said: 'People have been sent home when they were told that people close to them have been diagnosed with coronavirus. 'What they are doing to staff is unfair. On Friday, everyone was wearing masks on the floor - but that was the first time in nine months. 'A friend of mine wore a mask at one point, and was told he wasn't allowed - he needed to remove it or go home.' A former employee who is still close with many people who work there said: 'A lot of staff are very worried at it is constantly being played down. They have heard there are at least ten cases now.' North Lincolnshire has seen an increase in coronavirus cases over recent weeks, with public health officials warning people to take care both at work and home. Earlier this year, Karro advertised for more than 100 roles in Scunthorpe to meet the demand from supermarkets during lockdown. A Karro Food Limited spokesperson said: 'We have a small number of unrelated Covid-19 cases which are as a result of community contact. 'The workers and close contacts are now self-isolating at home. 'We are continuing to follow government guidelines and doing everything possible to protect our people.' The pandemic has decimated food factories across the UK, with significant outbreaks seen in at least 22 and as many as 62. Some of Britain's biggest food processing sites have been hit by Covid outbreaks during the pandemic, affecting giants such as Greggs and Marks and Spencer. Experts have previously warned that outbreaks are common in factories as the virus thrives in cold, damp and indoor environments, particularly on cool surfaces and a lack of breeze or ultraviolet light from the sun means the moisture remains and can't be killed off. In August, Marks and Spencer was hit with a sandwich shortage after its supplier was forced to close its factory amid a surge in coronavirus cases among workers. Greencore, which manufactures own-label sandwiches for the retailer, announced a temporary closure of its Northampton plant for at least two weeks after 292 staff tested positive for the virus. The move left refrigerated aisles empty of lunchtime favourites like prawn mayonnaise, BLT, and chicken salad for shoppers and office workers around the country. The Karro Food Group, based in North Yorkshire, is one of the country's largest food processors It came as the Food Standards Agency revealed even at that stage that there were at least 40 active outbreaks in factories in England alone - with more recorded in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Dr Colin Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer at the FSA, admitted at the time the figure is not comprehensive, and may be higher, but said: 'The number that I mentioned, was one we are content to make public. It is a small number of a big total.' Chilled and damp interior with ultraviolet light: Why meat plants are a hotbed for coronavirus outbreaks The virus thrives in cold, damp and indoor environments, particularly on cool surfaces. The lack of a breeze or ultraviolet light from the sun means the moisture remains and can't be killed off inside food processing plants. Furthermore, social distancing is particularly difficult in workplaces with a busy production line meaning the virus is likely to spread more easily. Loud machinery also forces people to raise their voices and researchers say situations where people have to shout result in an increased risk of projecting the virus to others. It's not just in the UK where a trend has been seen, either, after hundreds tested positive in a Berlin slaughterhouse, while a wet market in Wuhan is believed to have been at the heart of a huge number of infections early on in the crisis. Advertisement A huge chicken factory in Norfolk was another that was forced to close after 75 workers tested positive for coronavirus. It resulted in 350 families put into Covid isolation. Banham Poultry, in the village of Attleborough, voluntarily agreed to close its cutting room following an outbreak of the virus. Other major food producers, such as Cranswick and 2 Sisters Food Group, have also closed plants following a surge in cases among staff. Experts have suggested the cold conditions inside the plants may be conducive to the spread of the virus. Although the FSA's statement only mentions factories in England, there have already been cases of plants closes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A chicken processing plant run by 2 Sisters in Coupar Angus, Scotland, has seen the number of cases among its staff pass well over 100, forcing it to close, while a facility run by Cranswick in County Antrim became the first in Northern Ireland to be shut down because of a surge in cases. Plants in Anglesey and Wrexham in Wales were among the first in the UK to register a crisis in cases among staff, forcing them to close. Dr Simon Clarke, a cellular microbiologist at the University of Reading, previously told MailOnline that it was notable that food factories seemed to have been the centre of outbreaks more than other factories where people might be close together. He said: 'There are problems in this country, in Germany, in the United States. There is something common between them - it's not happening in engineering or clothing factories where you also might expect people to be in close proximity to one another. 'One assumes - but it's just an idea - that the cold environment makes people more susceptible to the virus. 'Cold weather irritates the airways and the cells become more susceptible to viral infection.' What started as a research project at South Dakota Mines in Rapid City is now part of a global firm after Gamma Biosciences announced last week that it was acquiring Nanopareil, LLC. In 2006, South Dakota Mines professors Dr. Todd Menkhaus and Dr. Hao Fong began researching different uses of polymer nanofibers, a substance that is one thousand times smaller than human hair. The National Science Foundation saw promise in the work and funded the research. The professors found that by spraying nanofibers into multiple-layered mats, a new filter could be created that reduces the costs of purifying vaccines and medications, making the lifesaving treatments more affordable. Menkhaus said that by 2011 the research was seen as commercially viable. He and Fong started the new company, now called Nanopareil, LLC. "What we are now is an advance materials company that makes separation devices for therapeutics and vaccines to make the production of those medicines and vaccines more efficient," Menkhaus said. "The goal is that by using these devices and working with pharmaceutical companies, we'll be able to make the production much more accessible all over the globe." Nanopareil has a history of success. In 2014, NSF awarded them a Small Business Innovation Research grant, and the company won the South Dakota Governors Giant Vision Awards. In 2017, Nanopareil was named the Buzz of BIO at the BIO International Convention and took first place in the Technologies of Tomorrow competition. "As we continued to learn more about it and develop it, we got a lot of interest from pharmaceutical companies and other end-users of this technology, so we commercialized it," Menkhaus said. Nanopareil opened a lab in Rapid City and another facility in Sioux Falls. In 2019, the Rapid City location was moved to the Ascent Innovation building. Menkhaus stayed on as a founder and D. Craig Arnold was named president/CEO. The Rapid City location has seven full-time employees, all graduates and current students at South Dakota Mines. Menkhaus said the partnership formed with South Dakota Mines is the reason for the company's success. "I'm really looking forward to expanding that now with the acquisition (by Gamma Biosciences) and growing that team in South Dakota," he said. "All of the continued development and research going into these materials for commercialization will stay in South Dakota." Gamma Biosciences is a life sciences tools platform created by KKR, with headquarters in Menlo Park, California, and Cambridge, United Kingdom. Nanopareil will be a part of Gamma Biosciences' subsidiary Astrea Bioseparations. Joseph Wright, South Dakota Mines associate president for research and economic development, said Nanopareil's success is a historic moment for the state. This might be the first time a product developed by research at a South Dakota university has seen an acquisition of this magnitude and importance, Wright said in a news release. This would be a big deal for any major research university, but for a smaller school like South Dakota Mines its virtually unprecedented. This demonstrates that Mines researchers can be world leaders in research and innovation. In a company press release, Arnold said Nanopareil's acquisition by Gamma Biosciences will be a key platform for future growth. Gamma plans to invest substantially in further productization and technology development, application development and customer support as it establishes Nanopareil as a key platform within Astrea's growing range of products. Arnold said. "The Astrea team has a strong track record of bringing innovative new products to the market. With their leadership and capabilities, Nanopareil will be well positioned to become the next-generation market leader." South Dakota Mines President Jim Rankin said the school continues to partner with researchers to launch innovative ideas that will move on to profitable businesses. Achievements like this are thanks to the ongoing work of our many partners, Rankin said. In addition to our government and industry partners, Elevate Rapid City and Ascent Innovation deserve high praise for fostering economic development and providing resources for high tech start-ups like Nanopareil. Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against 11 Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leaders and 190 unidentified people for staging protests on Monday against the assault on party leader Jayant Choudhary and his supporters in Hathras. The police had cane-charged RLD and Samajwadi Party workers in Hathras on Sunday after they allegedly broke the police barricade to reach the Hathras gangrape victims village in large numbers. Video footage showed cops raining lathis as RLD cadre formed a protective ring around Jayant Chaudhary. In the first FIR, cases have been filed against RLD district president Rahul Deo, SC/ST cell president Narendra Khajuri and 40 others under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 353 of the IPC and violation of Section 144 of the CrPC at Pallavpuram police station. Party leaders and workers had staged a dharna on National Highway 58 and blocked movement of traffic to protest against the assault on Jayant Choudhary and party supporters in Hathras on Sunday. The protesters also tried to burn the effigy of chief minister Yogi Adityanath. SP (city) Akhilesh Narayan Singh said the protesters hurled a fireball towards the SHO of Pallavpuram, which caused burn injuries on his neck. They also blocked traffic and therefore a case was registered under Section 307 of the IPC. RLD leader Narendra Khajuri and district president Rahul Deo rejected the allegations of the police, saying: They have registered cases on serious charges to suppress the voice of dissent. But their misuse of power to please political bosses will not pressurise us to sit quiet. They claimed that there was a scuffle between protesters and cops over burning effigy, but no one intended to hurt anyone. Meanwhile, another case was registered against RLD leaders Sachin Choudhary, Kanhaiya and 150 unknown protesters in the Civil Lines police station. These people had staged a protest outside the divisional commissioners office in Meerut on Sunday and burnt an effigy of the chief minister. They demanded the arrest of cops who assaulted Jayant Choudhary and his supporters in Hathras. Suraj Rai, circle officer of Civil Lines area, said a case had been registered on various charges after identifying protesters through video clips. A few of them have been named, he said. Were excited to continue growing our benefits capabilities in the Mid-Atlantic region, said Ethan Foxman NFP, a leading insurance broker and consultant providing employee benefits, property and casualty (P&C), retirement, and individual solutions, today announced the acquisition of Managed Care Consultants LLC (MCC) in a transaction that closed on August 4, 2020. MCC is an employee benefits broker located in Devon, Pennsylvania, that focuses on group and individual benefits consulting. The firms capabilities include HR consulting, benefits administration and strategic planning. The expertise and relationships of the firms principal, Evans Pancoast, will expand NFPs presence in the greater Philadelphia market while enhancing NFPs employee benefits capabilities. Pancoast will join NFPs Mid-Atlantic region as a vice president and report to Ethan Foxman, president of the region. Were excited to continue growing our benefits capabilities in the Mid-Atlantic region, said Foxman. Evans knows the Philadelphia market well, and has relationships across the region. He will be a great addition to our team as we expand our presence and deliver more expertise and solutions to employers. Im excited to join NFP, an organization focused on driving sustainable growth, serving clients with expertise and ideas, and supporting a fantastic culture, said Pancoast. I look forward to accessing NFPs breadth of resources, contributing to our collective success, and delivering exceptional value to our clients. About NFP NFP is a leading insurance broker and consultant providing specialized property and casualty, corporate benefits, retirement and individual solutions through its licensed subsidiaries and affiliates. NFP enables client success through the expertise of over 5,700 global employees, investments in innovative technologies, and enduring relationships with highly rated insurers, vendors, and financial institutions. NFP is the 5th largest benefits broker by global revenue, 6th largest US-based privately owned broker, and 8th best place to work in insurance (Business Insurance); 10th largest property and casualty agency (Insurance Journal); and 12th largest global insurance broker (Bests Review). Visit NFP.com to discover how NFP empowers clients to meet their goals. The central government plans to create the countrys second-largest coal mining conglomerate by merging at least some of the assets of at least five of the seven major coal mining companies in the northern province of Shanxi. The companies to be consolidated include Datong Coal Mine Group Co. Ltd., Jinneng Group Co. Ltd. and Shanxi Jincheng Anthracite Mining Group Co. Ltd. which had more than 1 trillion yuan ($147 billion) in combined assets as of June 30, according to a statement released by Datong on Sept. 30. The consolidation of the trio would make the new company Chinas second-largest coal mining company by output, as they produced a total of 316 million tons of the combustible black rock in 2019, according to data from the China National Coal Association. The countrys top producer, China Energy Investment Corp. Ltd., produced 510 million tons of coal last year. Caixin has learned that the new conglomerate will be wholly owned by a company affiliated with the provincial branch of the national state-owned assets overseer. Datong Chair Guo Jingang will be the new companys chairman, while the presidents of Jinneng and Jincheng, Li Guobiao and Li Hongshuang, will take vice chairman positions alongside Cui Jianjun, who is currently Datongs general manager, according to the company's statement. The statement did not reveal a timeline for the plan. The new conglomerate will also take on some of the assets of two other major coal mining companies in Shanxi, according to the statement, though it didnt provide details. The China Taiyuan Coal Transaction Center, a major coal exchange, will also be incorporated into the new company. A new Chinese coal giant can increase Shanxis pull in the industry and make it more competitive, a person working for the provinces state asset regulator told Caixin. The central government has also urged the companies to improve their financial health and called for the creation of world-class energy conglomerates that can accumulate experience for countrywide energy reform in the future. Of the companies mentioned, Jincheng is in the worst financial shape, with its debt-to-asset ratio at 75.6% as of June 30, according to its 2020 first-half report. Industry experts generally see anything above 70% as dangerous. Jinneng is approaching the threshold with a debt-to-asset ratio of 67.6%, according to its own first-half report. Consolidation has been a favored tactic of the Chinese government looking to shore up its faltering coal industry as the country bets heavy on renewable resources like wind and solar. In May, Chinas top state-owned asset supervisor required 40 coal plants in five provinces to consolidate to create one leading power generation company for each province, with the aim of reducing their losses by half. Contact reporter Lu Yutong (yutonglu@caixin.com) and editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com) Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies announced yesterday that Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahamss WhatsApp account had been hacked. The department said the hack had resulted in private and confidential information being exposed. While the department inferred that the Ministers WhatsApp account had been compromised, it is not clear how attackers purportedly gained access to the Ministers WhatsApp messages. MyBroadband asked the Department of Communications for additional information on the hack, but it declined to provide further comment. To outline the possibilities which may have caused the Ministers WhatsApp account to become compromised, we spoke to Orange Cyberdefense South Africa managing director Dominic White. White clarified that his analysis was speculative considering the lack of information shared by the department regarding the hack. Theres been no information shared, so my answer is a generic what if rather than any sort of informed take on what happened in this specific incident, White said. Compromising the Ministers WhatsApp account White said hacking WhatsApp directly to target a specific person would be a sophisticated and risky attack, and is therefore by far the least likely possibility. He outlined the following alternative scenarios in which an attacker could have gained access to the Ministers WhatsApp account, ordered from most to least likely: Physically copying some messages from the device, or other backups, for example on a laptop or external hard drive. SIM-swap fraud. This would be noticed. Access to WhatsApp Web, most easily achieved through short-term access to her device. This could also be noticed as WhatsApp notifies you of other sessions. Access to her cloud backups, e.g. social engineering her iCloud password. Malware on her device either through a hack of her iPhone or short-term physical access. This would be a more sophisticated hack requiring private iOS exploits. Youll note that most of these arent actually attacks against WhatsApp directly, but rather other places where WhatsApp messages may be stored or accessed, White said. Scope of the hack He added that although sensitive information from WhatsApp was exposed in the purported hack, other applications and accounts could also have been compromised. They say her WhatsApp account has been hacked, but that doesnt mean only her WhatsApp account was exposed. Depending on the attack, other accounts could be exposed too, White said. They might be noting the WhatsApp account publicly to instruct people to validate WhatsApp communication received from her. There might be politics at play too, but Im not an expert in those and would prefer not to engage in that speculation, he said. Regarding the legitimacy of the departments claim that the account was actually hacked, White said this would require a thorough investigation to determine. Until we see comment from a capable investigator, or information comes out in court proceedings, were very unlikely to get any usable facts to make the determination independently, he said. Time will tell. I feel like we are driving down the interstate trying to avoid one fiery crash after another, a group member wrote. If you lost money in 2018, 2019 or 2020, carry back those losses up to five years, wrote another, describing ways to lower federal tax bills. More little-known benefits coming. Mr. Patel shored up his hotels finances. Between April and August, he drew roughly $500,000 from a pool of cash contributions made by friends and family. He secured forgivable loans of about $150,000 per hotel through the federal governments $650 billion Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, which he used to pay employees through the early stretch of the lockdowns. With few guests, Mr. Patel assigned some of his staff to deep-cleaning jobs. Still, he furloughed around 225 people, or about 75 percent of his work force. (He has now asked almost everyone to come back, but some have chosen not to, he said.) He tried to upgrade the properties, but it became harder to do as supply chains faltered. LED vanity mirrors and faucets were back ordered. He also struggled in the spring to find a reliable supply of masks and hand sanitizer, which the hotel chains overseeing his properties required him to provide free to every guest. Supplies were easier to get as the summer progressed, but it was still hard to pay for them. When youre renting rooms at a steeply discounted rate and still trying to offer all of these additional things, its either a very thin profit or not profitable at all, Mr. Patel said. He added that some of the hotel companies requirements had started to seem unreasonable. They can come up with any rules for the franchisee that they want, and they dont have to worry about fulfilling them, he said. Theyre not part of our hardship at all. It was as brutal as it was unprovoked. As Andrea Puerta looked down at her cell phone a fist came crashing into her jaw. Then another. And another. Her attacker paused just long enough for shell-shocked Andrea to glance up at his face for the first time. Im sorry, he said in a calm, icy voice as their eyes met - before tossing Andrea across the train like a rag doll and smashing her head-first into a seat. In that moment I thought this is it, He is telling me this because he is going to kill me, Andrea recalls in an exclusive interview with DailyMailTV. The only thing that stopped him is that he didnt have enough time before the speaker said we were arriving at the next station. Its a miracle Im alive. Until she hopped on the Metromover, an automated commuter shuttle that circles downtown Miami, everything about the evening of September 4 had been routine for 29-year-old Andrea. Andrea Puerta, 29, was viciously beaten in an unprovoked attack while riding the Miami metro on September 4. She told DailyMailTV in an exclusive interview that she believed she was going to die Andrea said her attacker told her 'sorry' before continuing the beating, which left her with a broken rib, fractured jaw and back injuries In that moment I thought this is it, He is telling me this because he is going to kill me, Andrea recalls in an exclusive interview with DailyMailTV. The only thing that stopped him is that he didnt have enough time before the speaker said we were arriving at the next station. Its a miracle Im alive' In a moment of astonishing brutality, he hurls Andrea across the train before picking her up and throwing her back the other way, slamming her head-first into a seat Cameras from each end show King boarding the train at Financial District at around 10:45pm, hopping off and on again to check if the coast is clear, then making a beeline for petite Andrea Texting friends as she headed home from her job as a dog walker, she barely noticed the 6ft 2in passenger eyeing her from across the single-compartment train. I was texting a friend, I took a seat. I was in my own world with my phone and then he just started to punch me, she says. I said please stop, stop, I tried to protect myself with my hands. He said sorry but I looked into his eyes and I knew he wasnt going to stop. Its like he was saying, Im sorry but I have to kill you. I remember him throwing me, I remember the punches all over my body but then nothing. I blacked out. Joshua James King, 25, is accused of the assault. He was arrested but released on $1,500 bond but was temporarily detained under Floridas Baker Act Andreas next memory is of herself standing dazed and trembling on the platform at Brickell station, her face and arms covered in bruises and blood pouring from her ear. She remembers begging someone not to get on the train. However the two men who boarded at the next stop were not so lucky. Andreas alleged attacker, Joshua James King, punched one in the head before cornering the second and pummeling him to the floor. His rampage only came to a halt when one of the victims triggered the trains emergency alarm and cops intercepted King two stations further along. I wasnt until 13 days later, when police provided Andrea with CCTV footage from inside the metro, that she was able to see the full horror of what had unfolded. Cameras from each end show King boarding the train at Financial District at around 10:45pm, hopping off and on again to check if the coast is clear, then making a beeline for petite Andrea. King, wearing a pink t-shirt, sandals and shorts, unleashes a flurry of 20 or so punches and slaps, pounding her head and back as she curls into a ball. In a moment of astonishing brutality, he hurls Andrea across the train before picking her up and throwing her back the other way, slamming her head-first into a seat. Its only when the metro reaches Brickell station exactly 57 seconds later that Kings finally relents, standing casually by the doorway as Andrea staggers past him to safety. I wasnt until 13 days later, when police provided Andrea with CCTV footage from inside the metro, that she was able to see the full horror of what had unfolded Andreas next memory is of herself standing dazed and trembling on the platform at Brickell station, her face and arms covered in bruises and blood pouring from her ear Its only when the metro reaches Brickell station exactly 57 seconds later that Kings finally relents, standing casually by the doorway as Andrea staggers past him to safety When I saw the videos I realized that he planned to kill me. It was like watching someone being killed only I am still alive, she explains. The reason why he did this could be my color, could be that Im a woman, I dont know. It was the worst 57 seconds of my life. There was to be one last shock in store for Andrea as she wandered home in tears, only to spot a police car parked outside Fifth Street station. She headed to the platform to beg for help - and was stunned to find 25-year-old King sat handcuffed to a fence. Officers were just about to detain the 210lb bully on felony aggravated battery charges for his attack on the two male victims, unaware that he had also brutalized Andrea. I recognized him and he recognized me for sure. I told the police that he did it to me also and then I took his picture, Andrea recalls. I wasnt scared, I was angry. I wanted everyone to see him. I said, thats him, thats the guy that attacked me. Andrea posted the videos of her beating on social media along with her remarkable cell phone images of King glaring menacingly back at her. The footage soon went viral and she received messages of support from across the US and her native Colombia. Weeks later, she is still in constant pain due to a broken rib, a fractured jaw and injuries to her back. She suffers lingering effects from the concussion and can barely sleep. She headed to the platform to beg for help - and was stunned to find 25-year-old King sat handcuffed to a fence. Officers were just about to detain the 210lb bully on felony aggravated battery charges for his attack on the two male victims, unaware that he had also brutalized Andrea. I recognized him and he recognized me for sure. I told the police that he did it to me also and then I took his picture, Andrea recalls King is currently being supervised by mental health professionals and will be monitored via GPS tag to ensure he doesnt breach a stay away order barring him from going near Andrea or the two other victims, Eduardo Trevino and Nelti Medran. He denies the charges Andrea, now trying to get back to her usual routine of caring for her dogs, remains skeptical. He is not crazy. He planned everything. He was careful. He attacked those other two men because he was angry he couldnt kill me, she tells DailyMailTV. He deserves to be in jail. I wish it would be for the rest of his life' Its not easy. After I saw the video I cried every night. But I try to be very strong, she adds. He punched the wrong person because Im going to make sure everyone knows his face. This cannot happen to another person. King, of Tallahassee, Florida was released on $1,500 bond but was temporarily detained and assessed under Floridas Baker Act. It emerged afterwards that he had a fully loaded clip in his pocket for a semi-automatic handgun. Cops did not find a weapon, however, and prosecutors determined that King was legally entitled to carry the ammunition because he had no history of felonies. King is currently being supervised by mental health professionals and will be monitored via GPS tag to ensure he doesnt breach a stay away order barring him from going near Andrea or the two other victims, Eduardo Trevino and Nelti Medran. He denies the charges. At a bond review hearing Wednesday a judge said it appeared that King was in the midst of a complete mental breakdown and was suffering from severe mental health issues when the beating happened. But he also assured Andrea that court appointed forensic psychologists would be looking carefully for any indicators that her alleged attacker was faking his illness. Andrea, now trying to get back to her usual routine of caring for her dogs, remains skeptical. He is not crazy. He planned everything. He was careful. He attacked those other two men because he was angry he couldnt kill me, she tells DailyMailTV. He deserves to be in jail. I wish it would be for the rest of his life. Kochi, Oct 6 : After coming under fire from the special NIA court here in the controversial Kerala gold smuggling case, the National Investigation Agency probe team on Tuesday submitted the case diary in the court. On Monday, the court had expressed its ire on the way the NIA had added sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in the case and asked the probe team to come clean on it. The NIA court talked tough on the bail petitions of eight among the 30 people who have been arrested by the NIA and it was then that the court asked for the case diary. Following this, the NIA on Tuesday submitted its affidavit, which reveals that two accused who were in Dubai, Faizal Fareed and Rabins are both in custody there after being arrested by the UAE police. The NIA added that they had issued a 'blue corner' notice through Interpol against six people, including the two arrested in Dubai. Incidentally, this was the first time that the NIA has gone on record to state that the two accused are under arrest in UAE. A team of NIA officials was in the UAE in August and had discussions with officials there. On Tuesday, the NIA counsel said that they wish to get some more time as their leading counsel was indisposed following Covid protocols, but it was disallowed and the case has been posted for Wednesday. In a related development, one of the accused Sandip Nair, who was arrested along with prime accused Swapna Suresh, by the NIA from Bengaluru in July, had earlier expressed his desire to turn approver and the NIA court while agreeing to allow him to make his statement, however pointed out that this does not guarantee that his request would be granted. On Tuesday, his statement was also recorded in court to that effect. SOUTH HOLLAND South Suburban College and the Illinois Department of Public Health have agreed to continue free COVID-19 testing at the school's main campus in South Holland through the end of the year. The drive-thru testing site, run by HR Support, is located in the SSC Fitness Center's east parking lot. Testing is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. The lot is accessible from either 159th Street or State Street. According to a news release from South Suburban, testing is available to anyone, regardless of residency or age. Children must have parental consent to be tested. A state-issued identification card is required. The tests are done with nasal swabs, rather than the more invasive nasopharyngeal method. Results are available in four to seven business days. "This is great news for our SSC employees and students, and for our organizational partners and residents," Frank M. Zuccarelli, chairman of the SSC Board of Trustees, said in the release. "We have heard from our community about the convenience of this site helping them to better deal with the challenges of the pandemic. We are pleased to offer this support for the remainder of the year." The Baton Rouge metro area lost another 1,500 jobs between March and April but has rebounded from the height of job losses during the coronavirus pandemic. The Capital Region had 387,100 jobs in April, up 32,700 jobs, 9.2% more than compared to April 2020. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The COVID-19 pandemic continues to grip India, however the lockdown restrictions have been gradually eased up. In the past few months, patients chose to delay non-critical and elective surgeries due to the fear of infection, leaving plenty of lives in peril. As healthcare front liners continue to battle the pandemic, hospitals are well equipped to tackle a host of other health concerns to deliver high-acuity care. From OPD's to full-fledged hospital services now resumed to normalcy, many patients are still fearful if visiting a hospital is safe or not, says Dr Anita Mathew, Senior Consultant, Physician & Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund. The first and foremost precaution is to maintain social distancing and safety for yourself and others in mind. Follow guidelines issued by governing bodies and medical authorities, and seek medical aid on time. Visit your doctor when necessary, avoid delaying treatment as prolonging an issue may aggravate the condition. Here are a few steps to ensure patients safety right from your doorstep to the hospital and back: Before stepping out make sure to take prior appointments with your doctor. It is strongly advised to do so to avoid queuing up; call the hospital to check if appointments are to be booked online or over the phone. Wearing a mask is mandatory, carry an alcohol-based sanitizer, gloves as well as wet wipes. It is best to carry your own bottle of water from home. To accompany you to your appointment, it is recommended that only one other healthy person comes along to avoid overcrowding at the center. Those experiencing any symptoms of cough and cold should preferably stay indoors. Pregnant women, older adults and children should refrain from visiting a hospital unless it is of utmost urgency. For your commute to the hospital, go by your own vehicle if you have one. If you are to take public transport, it is best to pre-book a cab/ auto rickshaw along with the person accompanying you. Make sure to sanitize your hands if you have touched any surfaces and avoid touching your face, eyes or mouth at all times while outdoors. To pay for your transport, go cashless. Digital transactions will minimize the risk of you coming in exchange with paper money while at the hospital, the first thing you should do is ensure at least two feet space between you and another person. There could be a high possibility of you coming in contact with infected people even though hospitals have dedicated wards, it is best to practice social distancing and safety. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after meeting with your doctor. Even though hospitals adhere to immense sanitation practices, pay attention to protocols recommended by the staff. For your consultation, carry all necessary health documents and reports to avoid wasting your appointment time. You may write down all the details to be shared with your consultant or the questions you'd wish to ask to avoid any uncertainty or confusion. Share all information pertaining to your medical history or condition for accurate diagnosis and treatment. If one has symptoms of fever then to go to dedicated fever clinics which is present in most of the hospitals rather than going to the routine OPD. This reduces the risk of COVID-19 to others in the event if one has it. MUST-ASK QUESTIONS: Discuss the hygiene practices that you follow, at home and in a social setting, check with the doctor if you are missing a crucial hygiene practice that could help prevent contracting the COVID19 infection. Discuss the follow-up appointment, check with the doctor if you could opt for a tele/video consultation over a physical consult at the hospital. TIPS TO FOLLOW AT THE HOSPITAL: Do not wear mask with valves, these are strictly to be avoided. Opt for a three ply homemade or store-bought mask instead. To make a payment at the hospital, cashless payments are the recommended mode of transaction. For your commute back home, follow the same steps as your commute to the hospital - follow the same safety measures. Once home, take off your shoes at the door, disinfect any door knobs or surfaces you may have touched. Safely dispose off your mask, head to the bathroom and remove your clothes. Add them to warm water with detergent to wash. Take a bath with warm water using soap and scrub thoroughly Hospitals are now allowing limited visitation, follow the guidelines and do not breach or create problems, it will only put you at risk. Also, it is important for you to not fear the virus; let your doctor be your guide. Stay cautious, stay safe. (Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in) Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- Syndicated from IANS Voters Opinions on Trump Contracting CCP Virus Trump voters held a boat parade in Marylands Eastern Shore to support the president as he battles the CCP virus. Supporters and journalists also gathered outside the military hospital where President Trump was being treated for the CCP virus. Public health officials are curtailing the hours of bars and licensed restaurants in the Winnipeg metropolitan region and ordering establishments to obtain contact information from a representative of each table served. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/10/2020 (474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Public health officials are curtailing the hours of bars and licensed restaurants in the Winnipeg metropolitan region and ordering establishments to obtain contact information from a representative of each table served. The new public health order the latest in the fight to curb COVID-19 in Winnipeg will take effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will last as long as the region remains in code orange or restricted status. Licensed premises will not be permitted to sell liquor later than 10 p.m. They will have to ensure all customers have departed by 11 p.m. However, they can sell food for takeout or delivery beyond those hours. Staff will be required to obtain contact information in writing from at least one person in each party and retain it for 21 days, after which it must be destroyed. The number of people at any table cannot exceed 10. The new order will also prohibit people from playing pool or throwing darts in licensed premises, although activities that can be done while seated, such as playing VLTs, can continue. Dancing will also be prohibited. Retail liquor sales outlets are not affected by the order. Dr. Brent Roussin, the province's chief public health officer, said the province will close licensed premises earlier because officials have discovered that transmission of the coronavirus at such establishments tends to occur later in the evening, presumably after patrons have consumed more liquor. Restaurant, pub owners say code-orange restrictions hurting them Restaurants and bars in Winnipeg fear the latest COVID-related restrictions announced by the province Monday could force them to close their doors for good. Beginning Wednesday, licensed establishments in the Winnipeg metropolitan region will not be permitted to sell liquor past 10 p.m., and they will have to ensure all customers have departed by 11 p.m. click to read more Restaurants and bars in Winnipeg fear the latest COVID-related restrictions announced by the province Monday could force them to close their doors for good. Beginning Wednesday, licensed establishments in the Winnipeg metropolitan region will not be permitted to sell liquor past 10 p.m., and they will have to ensure all customers have departed by 11 p.m. They can, however, sell food for takeout or delivery beyond 11 p.m. The new public health order will last as long as the region remains in code orange, or restricted, status. It wasnt a surprise to us because we were part of the consultation process, said Shaun Jeffrey, executive director of the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association. We were not in favour of the reduction of hours. Our industry has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and the additional restrictions of code orange. The Kings Head Pub is one of the restaurants feeling the effects of COVID-19. Owner Christopher Graves said sales are down 85 per cent since the province imposed code orange restrictions Sept. 28. Weve always been a proponent of safety, even since the beginning. We always shut down earlier than we needed to, said Graves. Now were back here and have to close our doors at 11 p.m. and its going to hurt. Masks and contact tracing should have been mandated by the province a while ago, and because (that didn't happen) we are suffering. The Kings Head is usually open until midnight from Sunday to Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. We were starting to get our legs under us and now its just been completely taken away again, said Graves. Silver Heights Restaurant and Lounge has also been losing business since the code-orange restrictions were implemented and the new booze rule is going to make things worse, said owner Tony Siwicki. Its definitely a blow to our restaurant. We have lunch hour, dinner hour and we have late-night. That late-night is gone now, theyre (the province) saying no to that time, said Siwicki. "We serve dinner right until one (o'clock) in the morning. We have a market that comes in and has dinner at midnight three to four times a week its going to hurt. Siwicki said its been tough to profit during the pandemic since the restaurant has had to operate at reduced capacity. "Weve been paying out of pocket for numerous safety items: masks, sanitization and extra labour to make sure everyone is safe, he said. "Whatever revenue we could get at 50 per cent capacity was going to extra labour and sanitization. Now, theyre saying four hours of that revenue stream is completely cut off the table. Siwicki said he's fortunate the province didnt shut down the industry down completely. Hopefully code orange will only last as long as they say its going to be because were bleeding here and its something that no restaurant, not even mine that has been around for 63 years, can continue operating with," he said. "Its not an easy thing to swallow here." They may be few and far between, but some restaurants in the city aren't experiencing the same financial pressures. Nick Diacos, owner of Carlos and Murphys, said the Mexican bar and eatery is prepared for the new restrictions. Coming into the fall we knew the masks were coming and our staff had been masked up for a while we have a lot of friends out east and out west and we knew that the bars were getting shut down everywhere. We knew this was coming and we were ready for it, said Diacos. The numbers (sales) at the end of the week are pretty close, its just more people doing takeout and less people coming in the doors," he said. "But the numbers are still really good. Were not worried in that respect, because we have a pretty good following. Weve been around a long time. Kellen Taniguchi Close "It's really where our epi(demiology) has pointed us right now," he told a news conference Monday. The province announced the new restrictions after consulting with the bar and restaurant industry. Roussin acknowledged the new rules will "have big impacts" on licensed establishments but he said the industry realizes that action was needed to stem rising case counts in the capital region. "Most people wanted to be part of the solution," he said. The province also plans to limit noise levels in licensed premises, although it has yet to develop guidelines. The new rules were announced a week after the Winnipeg metropolitan region was placed on restricted status, which included the mandating of mask-wearing in all indoor public places. Dr. Brent Roussin says the province will close licensed premises earlier because officials have discovered transmission of the coronavirus at such establishments tends to occur later in the evening. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files) On Monday, Manitoba recorded 51 new cases of COVID-19, including 35 in the Winnipeg health region. There were 12 new cases in Interlake-Eastern health region, three in Southern Health and one in Northern health region. The current five-day test positivity rate is 2.4 per cent provincewide and three per cent inside Winnipeg. 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. Exposure alerts Health officials are alerting the public about several possible exposures to COVID-19, including at: IQRA School at 404 Web Pl. in Winnipeg on Sept. 22, 23, 25 and 28. There is no evidence of in-school transmission or that a case was acquired at the school, although one school cohort has been moved to remote learning. click to read more Health officials are alerting the public about several possible exposures to COVID-19, including at: IQRA School at 404 Web Pl. in Winnipeg on Sept. 22, 23, 25 and 28. There is no evidence of in-school transmission or that a case was acquired at the school, although one school cohort has been moved to remote learning. Stonewall Collegiate on Sept. 28 and 29. There is no evidence that a case was acquired at the school. College Louis-Riel at 585 St. Jean Baptiste St., in Winnipeg on Sept. 28. The infection is not believed to have been acquired at the school. Chaise Corydon at 691 Corydon Ave., at a private gathering on Sept. 26 from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the second level lounge area with bar and side patio. A northbound Mahihkan Bus Lines route on October 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:40 p.m. The bus travelled from Winnipeg to The Pas with stops in Portage la Prairie, Dauphin, Swan River, Mafeking. People who attended any of these places on these dates should self-monitor for symptoms, immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms and seek testing. Close There are 23 people in hospital with COVID-19, including six in intensive care. Those hospitalized range in age from 17 to 88, while those in intensive care include people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, Roussin said. On Sunday, the province announced a 23rd coronavirus-related death: a man in his 50s with underlying health conditions who resided at Heritage Lodge personal care home in Winnipeg. Eleven residents and staff members have tested positive for the virus there. At Parkview Place personal care home, there have been 24 cases so far, including four staff, and three deaths. Meanwhile, the cluster of cases at John Pritchard School on Henderson Highway now totals 38. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. And in light of that, the trends we're seeing at Fevertree Drinks' (LON:FEVR) look very promising so lets take a look. Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE) For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on Fevertree Drinks is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.25 = UK59m (UK265m - UK32m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2020). Therefore, Fevertree Drinks has an ROCE of 25%. That's a fantastic return and not only that, it outpaces the average of 12% earned by companies in a similar industry. See our latest analysis for Fevertree Drinks roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for Fevertree Drinks compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for Fevertree Drinks. So How Is Fevertree Drinks' ROCE Trending? Fevertree Drinks is displaying some positive trends. The data shows that returns on capital have increased substantially over the last five years to 25%. The amount of capital employed has increased too, by 251%. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at Fevertree Drinks thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital. The Bottom Line All in all, it's terrific to see that Fevertree Drinks is reaping the rewards from prior investments and is growing its capital base. And a remarkable 452% total return over the last five years tells us that investors are expecting more good things to come in the future. Therefore, we think it would be worth your time to check if these trends are going to continue. Story continues On the other side of ROCE, we have to consider valuation. That's why we have a FREE intrinsic value estimation on our platform that is definitely worth checking out. Fevertree Drinks is not the only stock earning high returns. If you'd like to see more, check out our free list of companies earning high returns on equity with solid fundamentals. 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. On Tuesday, October 6, at 13.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "Monitoring Public Opinion of Ukrainian Population: Assessments and Moods on the Eve of Local Elections" based on the results of a survey conducted from September 20 to September 29, 2020 with 3,014 respondents interviewed. Participants include Chairperson of the Board of the Social Monitoring Center Olha Balakireva, Director of the Social Monitoring Center Dmytro Dmytruk (8/5a Reitarska Street). Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. The broadcast of the press conference will be available on the Youtube channel of the Interfax-Ukraine agency. Photo credit: Hearst Owned Imagine a gift that keeps getting delivered to their door month after month. A gift you can order securely online from the comfort of your home. Sound good? Here's how. All you need to do to is visit Hearstmagazines.co.uk, choose your offer, enter your details and the details of the lucky person you are treating to a subscription. Simple. Deliver the exciting news with a free personalised eCard sent straight to their inbox. Or prefer to give something in person? Add a limited edition Hearst gift box to your order for just 2. ELLE is the biggest selling fashion magazine brand in the world: bold, brave and zeitgeisty! We are proud to offer our readers unparalleled access to world-renowned designers, celebrities, models, photographers, writers, columnists and stylists. With a subscription they will never miss an issue with free UK delivery. Photo credit: Hearst Owned We offer a variety of payment methods. Plus this is risk-free gifting, you can swap the magazine title or cancel the subscription at any time. Our magazines are fully recyclable and now arrive in sustainably sourced paper wrapping as part of our commitment to the environment. What are you waiting for? Treat someone special to ELLE magazine today! BUY SUBSCRIPTION You Might Also Like The weekly rate of coronavirus cases in some English cities has soared, new figures show, after nearly 16,000 positive test results that initially went unreported because of a technical error were added to the official tally. Manchester now has the highest rate in England, with 2,740 cases recorded in the seven days to 1 October the equivalent of 495.6 cases per 100,000 people. That is more than double the 223.2 cases per 100,000 in the previous week. Liverpool has the second highest rate, up from 287.1 to 456.4, with 2,273 new cases. Knowsley in Merseyside is in third place, up from 300.3 to 452.1, with 682 new cases. Public Health England (PHE) data published on Sunday night also shows sharp rises in Newcastle upon Tyne, Nottingham, Leeds and Sheffield, analysis by the Press Association found. The government has said the failure to report thousands of positive Covid-19 tests last week in England was the result of issues relating to the transfer of data between organisations. PHE said the glitch resulted in 15,841 cases between 25 September and 2 October being left out of the reported daily coronavirus statistics. The prime minister's official spokesperson said there had been a "technical issue" involving NHS Test and Trace and Public Health England. A mobile advertising vehicle displaying a coronavirus high risk area warning in Oldham, Greater Manchester (PA) It is understood to have been linked to an Excel spreadsheet which reached its maximum file size, meaning new names were unable to be added in an automated process. PHE said every person who was tested received their test result as normal, with all those testing positive told to self-isolate. However, it is believed that contact tracers were unable to alert those who had been in close proximity with infected people. Labours shadow health secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, called the error "shambolic" and said "people across the country will be understandably alarmed. Matt Bomgardner of Blue Mountain View Farm in Annville, Pa., returned home to the family farm full time in 2005. He grew his own herd of cattle and purchased the rest of cows from his parents in 2009. While that year was a struggle for most anyone in the dairy industry, the Bomgardners had a hard time recovering from the financial blow of 2009. While attending a Penn State Center for Dairy Excellence event in 2011, Bomgardner first learned about profit teams. Shortly thereafter, he assembled a team of experts to help address bottlenecks on their dairy. Bomgardner shared his experience of working with a team during a Building the bridge: The people side of dairying webinar hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence. He said that the team identified three bottlenecks: below average soil type; old facilities with short stalls, limited lunge space, and narrow alleys; and high short-term debt, reaching $900 per cow per year. Its no wonder we didnt have any money to cashflow, Bomgardner said. Without the ability to make big investments and a lack of quality soil to grow corn, Bomgarder decided to improve upon their grazing program, which had begun in 2012. We were grazing prior to starting our profit team, and I liked it, but something about it wasnt working, Bomgarder explained. A member of his farm team mentioned that the Center for Dairy Excellence had a grazing adviser, and that led to a valuable relationship with Duane Hertzler. Duane saved the farm, Bomgardner said with certainty. Theres something about grazing you need to have an adviser, and Duane was the perfect person. Hertzler started out by doing an evaluation of the farm, getting a general layout of the land and soil type. By the first meeting he attended, he was prepared to talk about how grazing would fit into Bomgarnders operation. Grazing is more of an art than a science, and thats where a mentor comes in, said Bomgardner. Diversifying the team In 2015, he decided to start the transition to organic dairying, and at that time he introduced another mentor, Arden Landis, to his team. Landis is an organic consultant and previously ran his own dairy farm. He was the perfect fit, said Bomgardner. That same year, the Bomgardners converted their barn to a composted bedded pack. In 2021, they will switch to 100% fall calving. Members of his farm team have changed over the years, and Bomgardner explained that at times there were challenges. For instance, some advisers were not as familiar with alternative dairy models, such as grazing, organic, and seasonal calving. His recommendation to other farmers was to carefully select team members and to use an experienced adviser to build the most valuable team for your farm. The team approach can bring new ideas to the table and open doors of opportunity. For Bomgardner, team meetings and two valuable mentors helped turn his dairy into a viable operation. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2020 October 5, 2020 Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have been mocked on social media for a bizarre photo showing them posing with electric car charging guns yesterday. The PM and Chancellor made a joint visit to green energy company Octopus Energy in London on Monday, as part of Mr Johnson's drive to make UK 'the Saudi Arabia of green energy'. However, internet users were quick to poke fun at a photo of the politicians posing with an electric car charger during their visit. Mr Johnson, seemingly enthralled by his new toy, brandished the charger like a weapon while Mr Sunak stood to the side with an awkward smile on his face, looking far less impressed with his smaller gun. The posing politicians drew comparisons to Ghostbusters and James Bond as the photo became a subject of ridicule online, with users sharing memes and jokes. One user wrote: 'New James Bond looks very disappointing.' Another said: 'The new Ghostbusters looks terrible.' While a third joked: 'I don't think much of the Batman & Robin reboot.' By PTI MUMBAI: Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut, whose party is an ally of the Congress and NCP in Maharashtra, has alleged that state Congress minister Amit Deshmukh is trying to divert a central project meant for Konkan to his Assembly constituency Latur. Raut, the MP from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, said the Ayush Ministry has finalised setting up the National Institute of Medicinal Plants at Sindhudurg in Konkan, but Deshmukh "on his own" wrote to the Centre seeking to locate the project at Latur in the Marathwada region. Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Amit Deshmukh, the son of former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, is an MLA from Latur and is also the district's guardian minister. The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress came together last year to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in the state after the Uddhav Thackeray-led party and the BJP severed ties. Speaking to a TV channel, Raut on Tuesday said the Centre has finalised Adali village at Dodamarg in Sindhudurg as the location for setting up the institute and sought the state government's feedback on the same. "While all preparations have been made at the local level, suddenly, a letter with the (state) ministers sign on it was sent to the Centre for locating the project to Latur instead," Raut alleged. The Lok Sabha member said he had tried to meet Amit Deshmukh several times to discuss the issue and also sent a letter in this regard. The minister, however, did not respond, Raut claimed. "Our (Ratnagiri) guardian minister Uday Samant also took efforts. But, he (Amit Deshmukh) did not meet us even once. It does not suit him to run away with the project thus," the Sena MP alleged. The parliamentarian further said he had witnessed how "big-hearted" Vilasrao Deshmukh was even to his opponents. "He would pat on the back of even his opponents. It is impossible to fill in his shoes. He (Amit Deshmukh) needs to follow in his fathers footsteps," the MP remarked. Erbin News/NurPhoto/Corbis via Getty A coalition of human rights groups have filed a criminal complaint against Bashar al-Assads chemical weapons henchmen for their alleged role in two attacks against civilians in 2013 and 2017 that reportedly killed almost 900 people. Researchers for the groups say theyve collected enough evidence to identify those responsible for the attacks and that its time for officials to act. The three groupsthe Justice Initiative, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, and the Syrian Archivefiled a complaint with Germanys public prosecutor accusing senior Syrian officials of using chemical weapons against civilians in a 2013 attack in Ghouta and a subsequent attack in 2017 against the Syrian town of Khan Shaykhun. The coalition, which is representing 17 Syrian victims of the attacks, say theyve spent the past two years interviewing witnesses and scouring open sources to produce lengthy dossiers of evidence on the two most notorious chemical weapons attacks carried out by the Assad regime. Hadi al-Khatib, the head of the Syrian Archive, which documents and preserves evidence of war crimes in Syria, urged other European countries to open their own investigations into the Assad regimes use of chemical weapons against civilians. Now is the time for competent European prosecutors to jointly investigate Syrias chemical weapons program and issue arrest warrants for the Syrian officials responsible, Khatib said in a press release. The Syrian army used Sarin-packed rockets against the rebel-held enclave in the suburbs of Damascus followed by a conventional artillery bombardment in 2013, which allegedly killed more than 800 people. In 2017, Syrian Air Force aircraft dropped a Sarin-filled munition on the village of Khan Shaykun, which witnesses said killed between 70 and 100 people. The groups argue that President Assad and his brother, Maher, who allegedly controls the countrys chemical arsenal should be prosecuted as well as former Syrian military Chief of Staff Imad Ali Abdullah Ayyoub and Air Force commander Major General Ahmad Ballul because of their leading role in Syrias chain of command. Story continues In addition to those top officials, researchers for the human rights groups urged prosecutors to investigate commanders of the Syrian Air Forces 22nd Division and its 685th Squadron for their role in the Khan Shaykun attack. In the Ghouta attack, researchers pointed to commanders of the Syrian Armys 155th Brigade and the Syrian Republican Guards 105th Brigade and leaders from Syrian Air Force intelligence and the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center as targets for prosecutors to investigate. German law allows for universal jurisdiction against certain crimes, including war crimes and genocide, regardless of whether or not victims and perpetrators have a connection to Germany. In recent years, German prosecutors have taken a leading role in prosecuting alleged Syrian war criminals accused of carrying out atrocities on behalf of both the Assad regime and rebels since the beginning of the countrys civil war. Over the summer, German prosecutors put two former Syrian intelligence officers on trial after they fled to Germany as refugees. Authorities say the men engaged in systematic torture of political dissidents on behalf of the Assad regime at the beginning of the civil war. In 2016, prosecutors convicted a German jihadi on war crimes charges after he posed for pictures with the heads of decapitated Assad regime troops while fighting on the rebel side in the conflict. A 2013 investigation by the U.N. found clear and convincing evidence that rockets loaded with sarin nerve agent were used in attacks on civilians in Ghouta but the investigators mandate forbade them from attributing responsibility for the attack. The U.S. government, the European Union, the Arab League, as well as numerous independent investigations by journalists have all indicated that the Syrian military carried out the attacks. A 2017 investigation by the U.N. found that the Syrian Air Force was responsible for the chemical weapons attack on Khan Shaykun, an attack carried out in defiance of the Assad regimes claims to have destroyed its chemical weapons arsenal. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. A game fair judge wept in court as he received a suspended jail term and a ban from keeping animals for 10 years over the death of his dog after leaving it in his car on a hot day A game fair judge wept in court as he received a suspended jail term and a ban from keeping animals for 10 years over the death of his dog after leaving it in his car on a hot day. Breandan Coleman (36), of Dumnagoon Meadows, Craigavon, said he hadn't deliberately caused the animal's death. He left the animal behind after being called in at the last minute to judge an event at the Irish Game Fair at Shane's Castle in Antrim on June 24, 2018. The defendant had previously been found guilty of two charges - causing unnecessary suffering to a black Patterdale terrier-type dog, and failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of the animal. Prosecution barrister Jennifer Gilpin, for the local council, said women approached the car and said the dog was dead "and there was no air into the car", and they had tried CPR, but to no avail. The prosecutor told Antrim Magistrates Court yesterday the owner of the car had then put the dog's body in the boot. When interviewed the defendant said he had come back to check on the dog and had been away for a maximum of half-an-hour. The prosecutor said a vet report said the temperatures were 23C outside and 27C inside the car, and the temperature in the vehicle would have risen to 32C after around half-an-hour. Ms Gilpin added: "The vet concluded the cause of death was heatstroke." The prosecutor asked the court to consider disqualifying the defendant from keeping any type of animal as the death of the dog meant it had been a serious case. The defendant became emotional in court and said he was "not accepting that". He added: "It was a tragic accident, that's all it was, I have been round dogs 30 years." He said he had "won every single show in Ireland" with the dog that passed away and he said he had not intentionally put the pet into the car "to die", saying the death had "broke my heart" and that of his child's. Defence barrister David McKeown said it was not true to say the vet concluded that the death was caused by heatstroke. He argued that the point of the contest was that the vet couldn't have concluded the cause because there had been no post-mortem carried out. He said: "The issue was that the vet concluded that had it been heatstroke, the dog would have suffered, but again there is no evidence that that is actually what it was." The barrister said the defendant would say it was a tragic accident. He said his client is an animal lover, has been around them his whole life, is well-known in animal circles, and regularly judged animal competitions. On the day in question the barrister said somebody had taken ill and the defendant had been asked at the last minute to stand in for them, and when he did so the tragedy had occurred "whilst he was standing in and judging the competition". Mr McKeown said the defendant was very fond of the dog and it was a real tragedy to him, which had hit him quite hard. The lawyer added the defendant was not someone who was "deliberately neglecting dogs", but someone who was "as much a victim", as he had lost his favourite animal and he would have to live with that. The barrister said the defendant had given the dog a lot of attention and loving care over the years and there had been no suggestion of any such previous incidents involving animals. The court heard the defendant was on a suspended sentence for an unrelated assault on a "first responder", and that the dog incident had pre-dated that. District Judge Nigel Broderick told the defendant he recognised that death of the dog had caused him emotional trauma, but he regarded it as a serious incident. The judge added: "In the court's view the dog suffered unnecessarily, which resulted in its death." He handed down a three-month jail sentence, suspended for a year, along with a court order for costs in the amount of 337. As the judge banned the defendant from keeping any animal for 10 years, Coleman wept in court. The defence lawyer applied to fix bail for appeal, which was granted in the sum of 500. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions is teaming with Hitachi Europe Ltd in what it describes as an industry first. With organisations increasingly turning to AI for critical business operations, the partners are offering a new industry solution to help accelerate digital transformation and minimise risk. Initially this solution will focus on the transport and manufacturing machinery industries, helping insure companies against unexpected business disruption. We are excited to work with a global technology leader like Hitachi to advance corporate insurance through digital market platforms and accelerate the adoption of innovative, smart manufacturing, said Andreas Berger, CEO, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions. Through this partnership we are activating machine-sensor data and continuous diagnostics across the industrial sector. Ultimately this will enable us to price risk more precisely, ensure effective pay-out mechanisms, and provide a seamless risk management experience that addresses industry inefficiencies and is tailored to our customers needs. Hicham Abdessamad, the chief executive of Hitachi Global Social Innovation Business, added that it is becoming a necessity for businesses to digitally transform and use advanced technologies and so giving them renewed confidence that their risk is mitigated is vital. Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakars new daughter-in-law, Fatima, has apologised over her choice of wedding dress. The new bride, who is the daughter of the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, got married to Mr Abubakars son, Aliyu, over the weekend in Abuja. Pictures of her wedding which shows her wedding gown drew a backlash from some social media users who said it was against the Islamic faith. Fatimas wedding dress was made by a popular Dubai-based haute couture designer, Maison Yeya. The wedding gown, which is off Maison Yeyas bridal 2021 collection, was bashed. A Kaduna APC chieftain, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, described Fatimas choice of wedding gown as unbecoming of her faith and culture. Also, when Mr Ribadu tweeted a photo of himself and his daughter, the comment thread was taken over by critics of her wedding dress. I just dropped off my daughter, Fatima, in her new home. Its emotionally fulfilling exercise for a father. I deeply appreciate the honour done to my family by those who attended the wedding Fatiha earlier today, and those who sent in their goodwill and prayers. I thank you all. pic.twitter.com/XtThfiGrh2 Nuhu Ribadu (@NuhuRibadu) October 3, 2020 The new bride succumbed to social media pressure and tendered an apology on her Instagram page on Tuesday. She said she wore the dress indoors and that the colour of the dress was the same as her skin. According to her, it was the reason why people thought her skin was exposed. I got married on Saturday 03/10/20 and some pictures of me that were taken inside our home got out and was shared on social media, she wrote. This is an action which I sincerely regret. I apologize to my friends and family for this mistake and want to sincerely thank each and everyone that has risen to my defense. My under dress, which was brownish, was mistaken for being my skin and exposing my body. I will never do such. However, I accept responsibility for causing my family and wellwishers this dismay and will learn from this going forward. A similar incident occurred in March 2018, when some prominent Islamic preachers condemned the wedding dress of the daughter of Kano governor, Fatima Ganduje. Her dress was by Zuhair Murad, a Lebanese fashion designer. The couple also attracted criticisms when a picture of the groom cuddling his wife surfaced on social media. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco asked for President Rodrigo Duterte's permission to further challenge the House speakership post of Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque shared on Tuesday. Unlike their previous meetings on the House leadership issue, Cayetano was absent in the appointment arranged by his nemesis. During the Monday meeting, Roque recalled that the President said it is within Velasco's right to run for the speakership post. "Karapatan mo 'yan sang-ayon sa kasunduan niyo kay Speaker Cayetano," Roque said, quoting Duterte. He refused to give any more details or interpretation of the meeting. Velasco's ally, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Doy Leachon, offered more details on the meeting likening it to a father-and-son conversation that lasted for hours. "The President was categorical when he said, 'Lord, it is your right time now. I have already spoken. You have to insist your right based on the term-sharing agreement,'" Leachon said in a statement. Duterte failed to stop the tussle between Velasco and Cayetano on the term-sharing deal, with the turnover of top post set on October 14. Cayetano offered to resign on September 30 two weeks ahead of the plan in the midst of House deliberations for the 2021 national budget. An overwhelming number of lawmakers rejected Cayetano's offer to immediately resign and clear the way for Velasco to take over the top post to uphold their term-sharing deal. Under the term-sharing agreement brokered by Duterte in 2019, Cayetano was supposed to serve as Speaker for the first 15 months or until October this year. Velasco would then take over the post for the succeeding 21 months. ALTON The Grafton Rendezvous, an annual reenactment of the fur trade in early America presented by the Free Trappers of Piasa Territory, will take place Oct. 17-18 with just a few minor changes. We will still have a lot of our demonstrations, blacksmithing, soap making, flint knapping, said Booshway James Bear McDonald, head man of this years rendezvous. However, a change from prior years is we are not going to be doing the tomahawk throw. Theres just no way to keep those sanitized enough to get through the bulk of people. Other than that, everything should be going on as normal. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on one of two sites in Grafton, the annual event boasts reenactors dressed as mountain men, soldiers, Native Americans and frontiersmen. Upwards of 50 traders and artisans will sell unique period goods including furs, tomahawks, native American beadwork, homemade soaps and hand-forged iron pieces. Typically speaking, we have at least 50 vendors varying in sizes, from folks we call blanket traders that sell small amounts of goods up to guys with 20-by-20 foot tents filled with trade goods, said McDonald. But this year, because there have not been as many rendezvous, weve had a lot of interest. Essentially, it could be our biggest year for that. Food vendors with kettle corn, root beer and other packaged goods also will be on site, which will be either along the riverfront behind Hawg Pit at 821 Main St. or just west of that location on the opposite side of the road. We do anticipate a bigger than normal turnout, said McDonald. This is one of the few rendezvous that will still be going on, not only in this area, but east of the Mississippi this year. A lot of them have been cancelled, so were hoping for a good turn out of reenactors and vendors. Since most of the cancellations have been due to the coronavirus pandemic, McDonald said he and other reenactors feel very fortunate to be able to hold the Grafton event again this year. A lot of these events have been cancelled because theyre on state ground or in states experiencing worse COVID outbreaks than we are, he said. So, we are in a situation where we have a good open area to do it, a municipality thats more than welcoming, and we have a situation where we can help out the small businesses and we can do it in a safe way. With vendors wearing face masks and limiting the number of people they will allow in their tents at one time, safety is a huge concern this year for organizers and participants. It is an outside event, said McDonald. But, we highly recommend that attendees practice social distancing and wear face masks. We want to keep everybody as safe as possible and have a good time. Although rendezvous are normally pretty strict with participants dress and attire, an exception is being made this year. This year, weve told everybody that if you need to wear a non-period face mask, by all means wear a non-period face mask, said McDonald. Many of the participants are self-employed small business owners who normally work rendezvous all over the country, but have lost income this year due to pandemic. By deciding to go ahead with this years event in Grafton, McDonald is hoping to help those who may be struggling. A lot of them do a circuit around the country going to rendezvous, he said. With a lot of small businesses that were hurt this year, we thought this was a good way to help small businesses by celebrating Americas very first small business, the fur trade. Originally from East Alton and currently residing near Springfield, Illinois, McDonald typically participates in about 12 rendezvous each year. Grafton is only the second one he is expecting to do in 2020. Grafton is the perfect place for a rendezvous, he said, noting the campfires on the river as being his favorite part of the event. Its a great town. It really supports this. Its a good place with a lot of rich history and its got a view that cant be beat at sunset and sunrise. I think the most rewarding part of doing the Grafton rendezvous and doing all rendezvous is that people forget that the west was open during that period between 1820 and 1840 and they forget that there was a fur trade, he continued. So, this is really a lost era of the United States that we can introduce the public to and everytime you see the lightbulb go off in somebodys eyes and they learn something, it is just the greatest feeling in the world. More information on the Grafton Rendezvous can be found at facebook.com/GraftonRendezvous. IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Yogurtland, the nation's leading frozen yogurt brand, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its brand with the launch of new fast casual concept, Holsom by Yogurtland. The trendy eatery will be an extension of the Yogurtland brand experience we all know and love featuring the highest quality ingredients, amazing and delightful flavors and customizable made-to-order menus. Holsom by Yogurtland will open its doors mid-November in Huntington Beach, CA offering locals an innovative menu with an emphasis on delicious, affordable and wholesome better-for-you options. Holsom by Yogurtland, coming this November For nearly 15 years, Yogurtland has continued to elevate the frozen dessert experience by providing unique flavors made from real ingredients and delicious toppings, and by delivering a world class customer experience. In line with the Yogurtland experience, Holsom by Yogurtland will offer delicious new ways to create with the expanded menu options that include craveable grain bowls and gourmet toasts that complement the handcrafted beverages and Yogurtland's signature frozen yogurt and toppings. At Holsom, customers can choose from an assortment of savory and sweet options for a healthful indulgence. Savory menu will include Everything Egg Toast, Roasted Tomato Basil Toast, Southwest Crunch Toast and made-to-order grain bowl flavors such as Classic, Thai Peanut, Greek and Chipotle Southwest. For those with a sweet tooth, guests will be able to delight in toasts like Sweet Ricotta & Berry Toast with fresh blueberries, and customizable sweet bowls such as Strawberry Banana Granola or Peanut Butter with acai and sweetened chia pudding as base options. Their extensive menu will also feature handcrafted beverages such as Strawberry Lemonade Fresca, Strawberry Mint Sparkler and Pineapple Green Tea. "For our guests, coming to Yogurtland has always been about the experience. Holsom by Yogurtland will differentiate itself from the sea of fast casual brands by extending the Yogurtland experience of customizing unique creations beyond frozen yogurt to bowls, toast and beverages," said Sam Yoon, Senior Vice President of Yogurtland. "Our team has been working hard to develop this fantastic concept designed to offer high quality, approachable, gourmet food options at a value-driven price to be experienced in a uniquely Yogurtland way. We're extremely excited to introduce the community to the new expanded dining experience that will allow our guests to indulge their creativity and create flavors that are as unique as themselves." Holsom by Yogurtland was birthed through extensive research and development efforts to understand and address the customers' wants and needs. Further, though conceptualized long before the pandemic hit, Yogurtland was able to quickly adapt to the changing times. Contactless ordering and delivery, curbside pick-up and socially distanced patio seating are just a few of the amenities featured at Holsom that balances safety and convenience of its guests. For Yogurtland, the health and well-being of their customers and employees is the highest priority. The brand will continue to implement preventative health and safety measures recommended by the CDC. Safety protocols across Yogurtland stores throughout the country, as well as Holsom by Yogurtland, include mandatory face coverings for store associates and customers, social distancing practices with limited store capacity, intensified cleaning and sanitation practices, increased disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and areas, and employee wellness precautions. To learn more about Yogurtland's commitment to safety, please visit https://www.yogurt-land.com/covid19 . Holsom by Yogurtland will be located at 7598 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. For more information, please visit https://www.yogurt-land.com/holsom/ About Yogurtland Yogurtland is the leading frozen yogurt chain, delivering over 200 handcrafted artisan flavors and providing fans an anytime sweet treat for the whole family. Yogurtland has a team of flavorologists that exclusively use real ingredients and scratch-made, handcrafted flavors from across the globe for fans to enjoy a truly customized frozen dessert. The company's premium frozen yogurt and delicious toppings are also available through catering or third-party delivery, giving customers more flexibility to enjoy dessert for any occasion wherever they are. Presently Yogurtland has more than 280 locations across the U.S., Australia, Dubai, Guam, Myanmar, Oman, Indonesia, and Thailand. For more information, visit www.yogurt-land.com . Media Contact: Yvonne Lo 646-494-7521 [email protected] SOURCE Holsom by Yogurtland Related Links http://www.yogurt-land.com/holsom The Department of Homeland Security flag flies outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters in Washington, on July 17, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images) Trump Administration Announces New Rules Targeting H-1B Visas The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor announced more immigration changes on Tuesday, increasing the difficulty of skilled foreign workers to acquire H-1B visas. We have entered an era in which economic security is an integral part of homeland security. Put simply, economic security is homeland security, acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement. In response, we must do everything we can within the bounds of the law to make sure the American worker is put first. The DHS rule will limit the kinds of jobs or specialty occupations that H-1B visa holders can be hired for, while looking into third-party outsourcing firms that rely on hiring those workers. The rule will also require companies to make real offers to real employees, by closing loopholes and preventing the displacement of the American worker; and it will enhance DHSs ability to enforce compliance through worksite inspections and monitor compliance before, during, and after an H1-B petition is approved, according to the news release. Citing data, the agency said that more than 500,000 nonimmigrants on H-1B visas in the United States were used to displace American workers. The H-1B program was intended to allow employers to fill gaps in their workforce and remain competitive in the global economy, however it has now expanded far beyond that, often to the detriment of U.S. workers, Homeland Security said in a news release on Tuesday. This has led to reduced wages in a number of industries in the U.S. labor market and the stagnation of wages in certain occupations, the agency said. These latest efforts on H-1B visas are part of a larger Trump Administration goal to protect American workers. The Department of Labor will also authorize a new rule on Thursday morning, and it will change how much employers are required to pay foreign workers if they hire them based on H-1B visas, which is a bid to pay workers more. The new rules are far and away, one of the most significant reforms made to the H-1B program in the past 20 years, deputy secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella told reporters. Trump administration officials argued that the H-1B program had been abused for decades, saying that the ongoing effects of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic warrants further crackdowns on the program. Companies that have used the H-1B program have been incentivized to avoid hiring Americans so that they can replace them with cheaper foreign labor and that abuse will end with this new rule, Ken Cuccinelli, DHS acting deputy secretary, told reporters on Tuesday. The DHS rule will affect more than a third of the new H-1B petitions. The moves from the Labor Department and DHS are sure to be challenged in lawsuits. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats again cried foul, saying it was timed to benefit President Donald Trumps chances of reelection. This last-minute action is an obvious political ploy by the Trump Administration to cover up for the fact that President Trump broke his campaign promise to crack down on H-1B abuse on the first day of his Administration, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), said in a statement President Trump never responded to my call three and a half years ago to use his executive power and protect workers from H-1B abuses, Durbin added. Instead, the Trump Administration has granted tens of thousands of H-1B visas to outsourcing companies that specialize in offshoring American jobs. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Five participants in two different studies for a possible coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine one by drug company Moderna, and the other by Pfizer have reported harsh side effects after taking the drugs. Three people in Modernas study and two people in Pfizers late-stage trials described a temporary illness that included a high fever, body aches, headaches and exhaustion, CNBC reported. One of the participants explained that flu-like symptoms after a second injection caused him to shake so violently that he cracked part of his tooth. It hurt to even just lay in my bedsheet, he told CNBC. Pfizer acknowledged to the outlet that short-lived fever, mostly mild to moderate in severity, can be expected in a minority of recipients. A spokeswoman for Moderna said that safety committees have allowed the study to move forward at each review, adding the company cant comment on specific participants, the outlet reported. Actress Payal Ghosh, who made sexual harassment allegations against filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently, met Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of National Commission For Women (NCW) in New Delhi on October 6. Payal shared that they discussed about speeding up the investigation of and that she placed a request for security, because she fears for her life. Payal also spoke about the defamation case filed against her by actor Richa Chadha, whose name she had mentioned while making accusations against Kashyap. Talking about her meeting with Rekha Sharma of the NCW, Payal told ANI, "NCW and Rekha ma'am have been by my side since day one. That's what I had come here to discuss with her. She also said that 'all the love and strength to you and from our side whatever needs to be done, we will do'." On having demanded Y plus security, Payal said, "Yes I have demanded the security because I am unable to get out of my house in Bombay. If I have to step out, I need to install my own security or go out only with a group of people. It would make work difficult for me as I cannot stay dependent on people forever. So it is a request HMO Maharashtra Anil Deshmukh to provide me with security." She added, "It is said that they harass women and have a mafia type of an image. Whoever knows the industry from inside, knows this very well. So people are telling me that I have to be very careful and take all the precautions because your life is at stake. I am quite brave enough that I have come out and spoken about it but I have my family, my father, who are all tense." In her allegations against Kashyap, Payal had claimed that she had been told by Anurag that actors like Huma Qureshi and Richa Chadha have got work in exchange of sexual favours for him. In response to this, Richa filed a defamation case against Payal. Talking about this, Payal said, "Richa Chadha se mera kuch lena dena nahi hai (I have nothing to do with Richa Chadha). I did not defame her so I don't understand what her case is about. I have said only what Mr Kashyap has told me. I did not give my own opinion. So this defamation case is not valid. Anyway, if she has said that then we will face that and we will clarify." ALSO READ: Richa Chadha Files Defamation Suit Against An Actress, Kamaal R Khan, & A News Channel No, not doable in a week. And...welcome to the TA forums! I am just going to assume here that you want to see the big National Park units in South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado. Here are some ideas on how much time you'd need for each area, keeping in mind that TWO nights in one location means 1 full day of touring. You ~might~ have partial days on either side but with long driving days that's not apt to happen. -Full day to drive from Minneapolis (just using that as a base since it's not clear where in MN you are starting) to Badlands NP - it's around 500 miles so depending on how your family road trips this distance might be doable in 1 day if you get a decent start in the AM. -Black Hills area including Mt Rushmore, Badlands, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, Mammoth site - 3 nights minimum -Full day's drive between Black Hills and Cody WY. It's hard to get further than this in a day as you want to be at your lodging before dark due to the number of big animals in or near the road at twilight. -Yellowstone NP - 4 night for 3 full days (split between 2 different locations in Yellowstone) -Grand Tetons NP - 2 or 3 nights -Full day's drive from Grand Tetons to where in Colorado? Rocky Mountain NP? -Rocky Mountain NP - 2 nights for 1 full day in the area -Estes Park CO to Minneapolis is around 900 miles so probably at least a 1.5 day drive if not a 2 day drive. -Just counting basic days, I'd say 14 days is your minimum for covering the big sights in those 3 states. There are also side sights that can add time such as Devil's Tower National Monumunt, Little Bighorn National Battlefield Monument, Beartooth Highway, Cody (5-museum complex). IF you decide to fly you can do Yellowstone and Grand Tetons in a week. You'd want to fly in to Jackson WY, Bozeman MT or Billings MT to cut down on your drive time. You are more than welcome to join us on the Wyoming forum for information on lodging and suggested itineraries for these two iconic parks. If you are going to drive to Yellowstone and not stop to see anything in SD, then you've got a 950-ish mile drive to get there - so a good portion of 2 days there and another 2 back just leaving you with 3 days to cover a huge amount of territory. IF you just have a week, I'd stick to the Black Hills and work that area thoroughly. You'll spend day 1 and day 7 in transit but there is plenty to do to keep you occupied. The South Dakota forum will be very helpful for figuring out an itinerary. editing to add: Just wanted to add that lodging reservations for Yellowstone are open now. Be really cautious about booking - you want to book only thru the official concessioner, Xanterra. Do NOT book thru a 3rd party on this. The 3rd party sites that come up first in a googlesearch charge a 10% booking fee and have a horrible cancellation policy. Come to the Wyoming forum first so we can give you the official websites, etc. Edited: 1 year ago Swiss authorities said Tuesday they had begun assessing AstraZeneca and Oxford University's Covid-19 vaccine - the first such treatment submitted for authorisation in the country. The vaccine is one of the most advanced Western efforts, having already been tested on tens of thousands of volunteers worldwide. Switzerland's medical regulator Swissmedic said in a statement that the candidate vaccine had been submitted by the British-Swedish company earlier this month. Swissmedic said it had "begun the scientific assessment" under a so-called "rolling submission" procedure, which allows pharmaceutical companies to submit applications for Covid-19 treatments before they have concluded development and without the complete supporting documentation. "This procedure speeds up the process of deciding whether to authorise medicinal products," Swissmedic said, noting that it could scientifically assess non-clinical data from laboratory tests while clinical tests continue. Trial results must be submitted to the Swiss authority as they become available, it added. Meanwhile, European regulators are also reviewing early data from another coronavirus vaccine being developed by Germany's BioNTech and US giant Pfizer, those two firms said Tuesday, also under a fast-track procedure. Called a rolling review," the review will allow the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to look at how the vaccine is performing in real time as data emerges from patient trials, instead of waiting for the drugmakers to submit everything at once. BioNTech shares surged in trading before US markets opened. The start of the rolling review means that the committee has started evaluating the first batch of data on the vaccine, which come from laboratory studies (non-clinical data). This does not mean that a conclusion can be reached yet on the vaccines safety and effectiveness, as much of the evidence is still to be submitted to the committee. The evaluation is the second being conducted by the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA), as it already agreed to evaluate the vaccine being developed AstraZeneca and Oxford. In normal times, pharmaceutical companies would complete their tests and compile all their findings before submitting them for review. But scientists around the world are now racing to develop a safe, efficient Covid-19 treatment to end a pandemic that has killed more than a million people and devastated the global economy. "It is our duty to ensure that while we are working to develop a potential vaccine at unprecedented speed to help address this pandemic, we do so with the highest ethical standards while adhering to sound scientific principles," BioNTech CEO and co-founder Ugur Sahin said in a statement. "We will continue to have regular and open dialogue with the EMA throughout the rolling review process." The potential BioNTech-Pfizer coronavirus vaccine uses technology based on mRNA, a type of genetic material never before used to make a vaccine. It is one of nine vaccine candidates to have advanced to late-stage human trials, known as phase 3 clinical trials, when they are tested on thousands of volunteers. More than 37,000 people are enrolled in the BioNTech-Pfizer study in the United States, Brazil, South Africa and Argentina. More than 28,000 have recently received their second shot, the statement said. The EMA said that large-scale clinical trials involving several thousands of people are ongoing, and results will become available over the coming weeks and months. These results will provide information on how effective the vaccine is in protecting people against coronavirus and will be assessed in later rolling review cycles. All the available data on the safety of the vaccine emerging from these studies, as well as data on its quality (such as its ingredients and the way it is produced), will also be reviewed, the agency stated in an official release. The rolling review will continue until enough evidence is available to support a formal marketing authorisation application. BioNTech has previously said it aims to supply up to a 100 million doses by the end of 2020 if its vaccine is successful, and 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! PAX premium vaporizers PAX ERA Pro PAX ERA Pro Rubicon Organics to fill organic cannabis oil pods for the PAX ERA and PAX ERA Pro premium vaporizers Expected launch across Canada in H1 2021 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rubicon Organics Inc. (TSXV: ROMJ) (OTCQX: ROMJF) (Rubicon Organics or the Company), a licensed producer focused on cultivating and selling organic certified and premium cannabis, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a distribution agreement with PAX Labs, Inc., a leader in premium cannabis vaporization technology. Under the agreement, Rubicon Organics expects to launch pods for the closed-loop PAX ERA system under its Simply Bare Organics brand, filled with extracts formulated with its organic cannabis cultivated in Delta, BC. PAX pods are expected to be available for distribution in the first half of 2021. The agreement represents the Companys second partnership for the distribution of cannabis 2.0 products following the agreement with Wildflower Brands Inc. to manufacture and distribute Wildflower CBD Relief Stick and CBD Cool Sticks. This agreement matches the highest quality organic cannabis products and the highest quality vaporizer devices for Canadian consumers. Our organic cannabis delivers a very rich terpene profile through our proprietary cultivation techniques for the discerning cannabis consumer, said Jesse McConnell, Chief Executive Officer. We look forward to partnering with PAX, as their devices are proven best-in-class and have been developed to maximize the user experience. Our innovation pipeline is building momentum, said Tim Roberts, President. This exciting partnership with PAX, enables us to accelerate our premium 2.0 product range into vape products. We expect to also leverage this technology partnership with our new brands and rare new strains that we expect to launch into the Canadian market in the near term. We are thrilled to be bringing Rubicon Organics premium, organic certified and sustainably produced cannabis to our PAX customers, said Tim Pellerin, General Manager Canada and International, PAX Labs. Both brands share an ethos of quality and craftmanship, and we look forward to delivering a highly personalized, terpene-rich experience to discerning cannabis consumers across Canada early next year. Story continues ABOUT RUBICON ORGANICS INC. Rubicon Organics Inc. is becoming the global brand leader in organic cannabis products. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Rubicon Holdings Corp, a licensed producer, the Company cultivates and sells organic certified, sustainably grown, super-premium cannabis from its state-of-the-art hybrid greenhouse located in Delta, BC, Canada. Rubicon Organics is focused on achieving industry leading profitability through the development of brands and cannabis 2.0 products, including its flagship super-premium brand Simply Bare Organic. CONTACT INFORMATION Margaret Brodie Chief Financial Officer Phone: +1 (437) 929-1964 Email: ir@rubiconorganics.com The TSX Venture Exchange, its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, and statements regarding the expected launch of the PAX pods in Canada, the expectation to launch new brands and products in the near-term, and the Companys intention of achieving industry leading profitability are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as will or variations of such words or statements that certain actions, events or results will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. The forward-looking information in this press release is based upon certain assumptions that management considers reasonable in the circumstances, including that its capital needs will be as currently projected. Risks and uncertainties associated with forward looking information in this press release include, among others, information or statements concerning the Companys expectations of financial resources available to fund operations; Rubicon Organics' limited operating history and lack of historical profits; obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; that regulatory requirements will be maintained; general business and economic conditions; the Companys ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; the Companys ability to obtain financing at reasonable terms though the sale of equity and/or debt commitments; the Companys ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and technology offered by the Companys competitors; that our current relationships with our suppliers, service providers and other third parties will be maintained; and the impact of the current global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although Rubicon Organics has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. 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 forward-looking statements. Rubicon Organics assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80260b16-7116-4eee-969d-3b85d9789ac5 TOKYO (AP) Foreign ministers from four Indo-Pacific nations known as the Quad group are gathering in Tokyo on Tuesday for talks that Japan hopes will increase their involvement in a regional initiative called Free and Open Indo-Pacific aimed at countering Chinas growing assertiveness. The meeting the first in-person talks among the foreign ministers since the coronavirus pandemic broke out brings together U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Japanese officials say they will discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative for greater security and economic cooperation that Japan and the U.S. have been pushing to bring together like-minded countries that share concerns about Chinas growing assertiveness and influence. On his way to Tokyo, Pompeo told reporters that the four countries hope to have some significant achievements at the meeting, but did not elaborate. The talks come weeks ahead of the U.S. presidential election and amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over the virus, trade, technology, Hong Kong, Taiwan and human rights. Pompeo is attending the Quad meeting, though he canceled subsequent planned visits to South Korea and Mongolia after President Donald Trump was hospitalized with the coronavirus. The talks follow a recent flareup in tensions between China and India over their disputed Himalayan border. Relations between Australia and China have also deteriorated in recent months. Japan, meanwhile, is concerned about China's claim to the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands, called Diaoyu in China, in the East China Sea. Japan also considers China's growing military activity to be a security threat. Japan's annual defense policy paper in July accused China of unilaterally changing the status quo in the South China Sea, where it has built and militarized manmade islands and is assertively pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea's key fisheries and waterways. Story continues New Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will make his in-person diplomatic debut when he attends part of the Quad meeting. He will also hold separate talks with Pompeo on deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance and the FOIP. The world is possibly becoming even more unpredictable and uncontrollable due to heightening selfish nationalism and growing tension between the U.S. and China," Suga said in an interview with Japanese media on Monday. He said he will pursue diplomacy that is based on the Japan-U.S. alliance as a cornerstone and strategically promote the FOIP, while establishing stable relations with neighbors including China and Russia. He said he also plans to promote the FOIP during a planned visit to Southeast Asia later this month. Suga replaced Shinzo Abe, who resigned due to poor health, on Sept. 16, pledging to carry on Abe's hawkish diplomacy and security policies. Abe has been a driving force behind FOIP. Japan sees it as crucial to have access to sea lanes all the way to Middle East, a key source of oil for the resource-poor island nation. Suga, a former chief Cabinet secretary, has little experience in diplomacy. Balancing between the U.S., Japans main security ally, and China, its top trading partner, will be tough, analysts say. The challenges of Japan-U.S. relations are not in themselves, but in where Japan stands when U.S.-China disputes intensify, said Yasushi Watanabe, an expert on U.S. diplomacy at Japan's Keio University. It would be best for Japan to take a pragmatic approach to China while maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance as a cornerstone, he said. And it is indispensable for Japan to strengthen cooperation with the EU, Britain, Australia and ASEAN. Japan hopes to regularize the Quad foreign ministers talks and broaden their cooperation with other countries. That would be a major challenge for the Quad, said Jeff Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University Japan. "A shared threat perception of China does not mean shared views on what to do and if its possible to build the Quad into something along the lines of NATO, he said. The U.S. and Australia would favor the idea, but Japan and India are ambivalent and so is ASEAN, he said. Transforming the Quad into a collective security organization targeting China forces governments to choose sides. Beijing has generated an arc of anxiety in Asia but there is a preference for dialogue and negotiations, not saber rattling. ___ Associated Press writer Foster Klug contributed to this report. The global economy is looking "less dire" than it did in June and the International Monetary Fund will make a "small" upward revision to its 2020 global output forecast, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Tuesday. Georgieva, in remarks to a London School of Economics event, said: "My key message is this: The global economy is coming back from the depths of this crisis." "But this calamity is far from over. All countries are now facing what I would call 'the long ascent' -- a difficult climb that will be long, uneven, and uncertain. And prone to setbacks," she added in a speech billed as her "curtainraiser" for next week's IMF and World Bank Annual meetings. The Fund in June forecast that coronavirus shutdowns would shrink global GDP by 4.9%, marking the sharpest contraction since the 1930s Great Depression and called for more policy support from governments and central banks. The IMF will publish its revised forecasts next week as member countries participate in annual meetings held largely in an online format. Georgieva said the IMF was continuing to project a "partial and uneven" recovery in 2021. In June, the Fund forecast 2021 global growth at 5.4%. But $12 trillion in fiscal support, coupled with unprecedented monetary easing has allowed many advanced economies, including the United States and the euro zone, to escape the worst damage and start to recover Georgieva said. China also has recovered faster than expected. Emerging markets and low income countries face a precarious situation with weak health systems, high external debt and dependency on sectors most exposed to the pandemic such as tourism and commodities as well as high external debt, she said. "In low-income countries, the shocks are so profound that we face the risk of a 'lost generation,'" Georgieva said, signaling that the IMF and World Bank will press hard for more debt relief for low income countries next week. She called for more debt help quickly for low income countries beyond a moratorium on official bilateral debt payment until the end of 2020. She said development gains could be reversed without access to more grants, concessional credit and debt relief. "In some cases, global coordination to restructure sovereign debt will be necessary, with full participation of public and private creditors," Georgieva added. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Complaints about NSW utilities have fallen by a quarter in the past year, but this drop may prove shortlived as coronavirus-related income support starts to get wound back. Energy and Water Ombudsman complaint numbers shrank from 26,215 in the 2018-19 year to 19,370 in the 12 months to June 30, the agency's latest annual report showed. Less shocking than in previous years: Complaints to the NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman were down about a quarter in the year to June. Credit:John Shakespeare Stricter guidelines introduced by the Australian Energy Regulator in October 2019 that limit the ability of energy retailers to disconnect non-paying customers contributed to the drop in complaints. The complaint numbers would have been higher without the range of government stimulus measures, such as JobKeeper, which helped consumers stave off debt-collection over unpaid utility bills. New Delhi, Oct 6 : A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced a convict to death for kidnapping and brutally murdering an 11-year-old boy in 2009, saying the crime fell under the 'rarest of the rare' category. The parents of the minor broke down after the order was pronounced in the open court in Rohini. Additional Sessions Judge Shivaji Anand said: "I am of the considered opinion that the act of the convict was cruel and gruesome while committing the murder of an innocent child, who was hardly 12 years of age. For such an act, the convict does not deserve any leniency and the life imprisonment is highly inadequate. So, there is no alternative but to impose the death sentence." "Considering the totality of the aggravating and mitigating circumstances, I am of the considered opinion that this case falls in the category of rarest of rare cases, which warrants death sentence," the court added. The court also ordered life imprisonment for kidnapping, seven years for disappearance of evidence and another seven years for criminal intimidation. Jeevek Nagpal was earlier held guilty under Sections 364 (kidnapping for ransom), 302 (murder), 201 (disappearance of evidence), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. On March 18, 2009, the minor was kidnapped by his neighbour Jeevek Nagpal, who later sent messages to the boy's father for ransom. Nagpal also threatened that in case the ransom demand was not met, the child would be killed. Nagpal later murdered the boy by hitting him with a car jack lever and smothering him. He later threw the body into a drain. The counsel for the complainant, Prashant Diwan, told the court that there was no remorse in the convict as even after murdering the child, he was sending SMSes to the boy's father. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HonorHealth Rehabilitation Hospital, a joint venture partnership between Select Medical and HonorHealth, announced today that it has received the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities' (CARF) accreditation for the hospital, as well as specialty certifications for its stroke, brain injury and amputation programs. The prestigious accreditation marks a provider's commitment to continually enhance the quality of services and programs with a focus on patient satisfaction and outcomes. CARF's three-year accreditation represents the highest level of certification that a rehabilitation hospital can receive. The earned honor is based on a rigorous peer review process involving an interdisciplinary team of surveyors who typically conduct a series of on-site visits, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the review was completed virtually over a three-day period. The surveyors evaluate a hospital's commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and high quality. The surveyors also take a deep look at a range of elements including all aspects of patient care, programs and services offered, staff engagement, customer service, hospital culture and leadership to inform their review. "We are incredibly proud to have achieved CARF accreditation for HonorHealth Rehabilitation Hospital including specialty certifications for stroke, brain injury and amputation. CARF confirms HonorHealth Rehabilitation Hospital's commitment to continually enhance the quality of our services and programs with a focus on the satisfaction of patients," said Scott Keen, chief executive officer at HonorHealth Rehabilitation Hospital. "This is a meaningful achievement for both our staff and the community we serve. Our dedicated teams strive to achieve our mission and core values every day by delivering superior quality and compassion to our patients in their healing and recovery." HonorHealth Rehabilitation Hospital is a 50-bed facility that provides rehabilitation services for patients in need of general rehabilitation or who have suffered from stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations, neurological disorders, orthopedic issues and Parkinson's disease. About CARF CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served. About HonorHealth HonorHealth is a non-profit, local community healthcare system serving an area of 1.6 million people in the greater Phoenix area. The network encompasses six acute-care hospitals, an extensive medical group, outpatient surgery centers, a cancer care network, clinical research, medical education, a foundation and community services with approximately 12,300 employees, 3,700 affiliated physicians and 3,100 volunteers. HonorHealth was formed by a merger between Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network. HonorHealth's mission is to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. Learn more at http://www.HonorHealth.com. About Select Medical Select Medical is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States based on number of facilities. As of June 30, 2020, Select Medical operated 101 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states, 29 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states, and 1,757 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Select Medical's joint venture subsidiary Concentra operated 522 occupational health centers in 41 states. Concentra also provides contract services at employer worksites. As of June 30, 2020, Select Medical had operations in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Select Medical is available at www.selectmedical.com. Media Contact For Select Medical: Shelly Eckenroth, [email protected] or 717-920-4035 SOURCE Select Medical Corporation Related Links http://www.selectmedicalcorp.com Accusing the Yogi Adityanath government of trying to cover-up the crime with its affidavit in the SC, the Congress said the annexures in the affidavit were copied from the 'Black Lives movement in US' As protests over the gang-rape and subsequent death of a 19-year-old Dalit girl in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras continued in several parts of the country, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would ensure a smooth investigation into the case, and sought the state government's reply on protection being given to witnesses by 8 October. The UP government told the apex court that despite its diligent probe into the Hathras case, different false narratives started gaining momentum at the behest of some vested interests and submitted an affidavit recommending a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure an impartial investigation. This came a day after the Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday night, arrested four men, including a journalist, at a toll plaza near Mathura, after receiving information that "some suspicious people were headed to Hathras from Delhi". UP Police arrest four with 'PFI links' The police alleged that the four identified as Siddique from Malappuram in Kerala, Atiq-ur Rehman from Muzaffarnagar, Masood Ahmed from Bahraich and Alam from Rampur were linked to the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliate Campus Front of India (CFI) and claimed that along with their laptops and mobile phones, some literature, which could have an impact on peace and law and order, were seized from them. The state government had earlier this year sought a ban on the PFI, accusing it of fomenting violence over the Citizenship Amendment Act. Terming the arrest of the Delhi-based- journalist Siddique Kappan as illegal and unconstitutional, the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) on Tuesday filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court, seeking his immediate production before the court and release from the "illegal detention". The Delhi unit of the KUWJ also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, saying that the journalist working for several Malayalam media houses, and also an office-bearer of the KUWJ, was going to Hathras only to perform professional duties. "We understand that he was taken into custody by Uttar Pradesh Police from Hathras toll plaza. Our efforts and the efforts by some advocates based in Delhi to contact him were not successful," KUWJ said, adding that the Hathras police station and the UP Police have not provided any information so far on Kappan's arrest. "Mr Kappan was trying to do his duty as a reporter. We urge you to get him released at the earliest," KUWJ wrote to the chief minister. Cremation done with full rites, claims UP govt In his remarks to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers on Monday, Adityanath alleged that anarchist elements are trying to trigger communal and caste violence in the state. The Uttar Pradesh Police has filed 19 FIRs across the state, including six at different police stations in Hathras, on charges ranging from attempts to trigger a caste conflict to sedition. On Tuesday too, the Uttar Pradesh government told the Supreme Court that the district administration of Hathras had been receiving several intelligence inputs since the morning of 29 September of the manner in which the dharna had taken place at Safdarjung hospital, and the whole issue was being exploited and a caste/communal colour was being given. As per an NDTV report, defending the cremation of the victim's body in the dead of night, the state claimed that it had received specific inputs that lakhs of protestors of both communities/castes along with supporters of political parties and media would assemble the next morning at the village which is likely to turn violent and will lead to major law and order problems. The affidavit stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up for a fair probe and the state had already recommended a CBI probe. The teen had succumbed to her injuries on 29 September at the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, 14 days after she was brutally gang-raped allegedly by four "upper caste" men. Her hurried cremation in the dead of night, allegedly without the parents' consent, had further stoked outrage against the district administration and the state government. In its affidavit, the state government also sought to justify the 2.30 am cremation, saying there was a high alert in the district because of the Babri mosque verdict a day later and coronavirus safety rules. The cremation was performed with full rites and customs at night only to maintain law and order and the girl's parents were present for it, the affidavit claimed. The top court, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) called the rape "shocking and horrible" and directed the state government to file an affidavit on witness protection and on whether the victim's family has chosen a lawyer. Affidavit copied, alleges Congress Meanwhile, Congress slammed the BJP government over its affidavit, accusing it of trying to cover-up the crime and demanded Adityanath's resignation. Addressing a joint press conference, Congress leaders Sushmita Dev, Rajani Patil and Supriya Shrinate also demanded that all officers, including the Hathras district magistrate be dismissed, alleging they are part of the cover-up conspiracy. "Every step taken by the Uttar Pradesh government was to cover up the entire Hathras episode. Today, this has been exposed in the form of the affidavit filed by the Uttar Pradesh government. The purpose of this affidavit is not for a court-monitored CBI probe but to cover up the incident," Dev told reporters. The Uttar Pradesh government has again and again done injustice to the victim, she alleged. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate lamented the lack of an official notification of the CBI inquiry into the caseas announced by the government and said the SIT probe is going on. "The manner in which victim-shaming is being done as part of a conspiracy and she is being trolled by the BJP and the government and the police, there should be a probe into this," she asserted. Citing the amendment to rape laws done by the UPA government, she said that the presence of semen or penetration is not necessary now and even an attempt is considered as rape. Shrinate also alleged that the evidence attached as annexures in the affidavit has been "fabricated" by the Uttar Pradesh government and has been copied from the 'Black Lives movement in US'. She read out certain parts of the affidavit submitted by the Uttar Pradesh government before the court which mentions about black people and cities like San Diego and Phoenix, which are in the US. She said a mention of the New York police department is also made out in the affidavit. "It is happening as the entire media and Opposition are asking questions and the government is talking of a cover-up and international conspiracy. Stop those FIRs based on these concoctions," she said. Dev alleged that it is "shameful" that the Uttar Pradesh government is claiming that no rape took place when the teenager, in her dying declaration, said she was gang-raped. She lashed out at the government for claiming that the girl's last rites were done in front of the family with proper rituals. "This is a case for contempt. There should be a case of contempt of court," she said. The Mahila Congress chief asked the Uttar Pradesh government to prove to the victim's family that the body cremated in a hurry by the police at 2.30 am actually is of their daughter's. Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi over silence Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, at a rally in Punjab, also took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has not spoken "a word" on the Hathras incident. As per news agency PTI, Gandhi said that "a child is raped and murdered, but the whole administration attacks the family and country's prime minister does not utter a word". In response to a question on Adityanath's claim of an international conspiracy, Gandhi said,"Yogi ji is entitled to his opinion. He is more than welcome to imagine whatever he wants to imagine. What I saw there was that a lovely girl was molested, her neck was broken, her family was threatened and the people who did it, no action was taken against them." Before his tractor rallies in Punjab, Gandhi visited the Hathras victim's family on his second attempt after being dramatically stopped outside Delhi by the Uttar Pradesh Police. "If Yogi ji sees it as an international conspiracy, well that is fine, that is his prerogative. What I saw was a tragedy," Gandhi said. "The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh should have the decency to say this is a tragedy and will look into it and will protect this family and this girl," he told reporters. BJP lashes out at Opposition At a meeting of its newly appointed national office-bearers chaired by party president JP Nadda, the BJP hit back at the Opposition, saying it takes up cases selectively. "It is sad when people pick a crime looking at who is in power and which community the murderers or rapists belong to, what is the vote bank there," general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam told reporters in an apparent attack on Opposition parties. The Uttarakhand BJP said the Congress' agitation was an attempt to create caste divisions in the society. Questioning the party's silence on similar incidents in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, state BJP vice president Devendra Bhasin said this selectiveness shows that all the hue and cry is being raised for political gains. FIR filed against ex-BJP MLA, others Meanwhile, an FIR was registered at the Hathras Gate Police Station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against former BJP MLA Rajveer Singh Pehelvan and 100 others for a meeting attended by scores of people, flouting prohibitory orders. The meeting was held outside Pehelvan's house on Sunday where the attendees defended the accused and demanded registration of an FIR against the victim's family members. They had also welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to order a CBI probe into the Hathras incident. Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal said Tuesday, "An FIR has been lodged against former BJP MLA Rajveer Singh Pehelvan for organising a crowd on Sunday. We are probing the matter. The FIR has been lodged against Singh and over 100 unidentified people." When the SP was asked if there was any 'panchayat' slated for Tuesday in Hathras, he said it had been proposed but the organisers canceled it. NCW issues notices for revealing victim's identity In another development, the National Commission for Women (NCW) sought an explanation from BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and actress Swara Bhasker for allegedly revealing the identity of Hathras victim on Twitter by posting her pictures. @NCWIndia has served notices to @amitmalviya @digvijaya_28 & @ReallySwara seeking explanation on their #Twitter posts revealing the identity of the #Hathras vicitm along with a direction to remove these posts immediately & to refrain from shairng such posts in future @sharmarekha NCW (@NCWIndia) October 6, 2020 "... you are hereby required to provide a satisfactory explanation to the Commission on receipt of this notice and shall remove and refrain from transmission of such pictures/ videos on the social media as they are widely circulated by your followers, which is prohibited by the existing law," the NCW said in separate notices to Bhasker, Malviya and Singh. Protest continue; Union minister meets family Agitations over the gangrape continued in different parts of the country, with 20,000 sanitation workers of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) abstaining from work and the Kurla Court Lawyers' Association staging a protest outside a Mumbai court. The Goa Congress staged a "silent satyagraha" in Panaji, while Leader of the Opposition in Uttar Pradesh Assembly and senior Samajwadi Party leader Ram Govind Chaudhary wrote to the Governor Anandiben Patel and urged her to recommend Presidents rule in the state, as per a Hindustan Times report. As per a Hindustan Times report, Union minister of state for social justice Ramdas Athawale reached the village on Tuesday with workers of the Republican Party of India (A) and offered Rs 5 lakh as monetary help to the family. He assured that he would discuss the issue with Adityanath. "I and RPI workers across the country will make all possible efforts to bring justice to the family of the victim," tweeted Athawale, who is a Dalit leader. A delegation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) also met the family, the latest in a series of visits by Opposition leaders to the UP village about 150 km from the National Capital. With inputs from PTI by Mathias Hariyadi Critics say the "Omnibus Law" passed by the government and approved yesterday by Parliament favors exploitation and risks having repercussions on the environment, especially tropical forests. The promoters demand laws that regulate the market and favours foreign investment. The hypothesis of a general strike. Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Mass protests and threats of a general strike, with the forces of the sector united on the streets in a critical moment due to the global pandemic of new coronavirus. Unions in Indonesia have declared war on the new jobs law, better known as the "Omnibus Law", approved yesterday by Parliament (Dpr) in plenary session with the favourable vote of seven parties, two against, because they say - it ends up "legalizing" exploitation. From the first moments of its drafting, the new norm had raised discontent and disagreements among the workers and the union forces; now that it has officially entered into force, the trade associations have already announced a general strike that will involve several more or less large cities in the Indonesian archipelago. The goal of the new framework law is to clarify a sector tangled up by overlapping and contradictory norms, because every change of administration - regional or central - has seen the introduction of new labor regulations in the past. The Omnibus Law intends to synthesize and harmonize 70 existing laws in a single "package", to accelerate economic reforms and attract investment. Entrepreneurs and international businessmen have looked carefully at Indonesia but, in recent times, have preferred to choose other destinations due to the too many protests and demonstrations by workers who demanded greater guarantees and adequate wages. Investors see these demonstrations as a sign of a climate of internal instability leading them to choose other destinations in the ASEAN region, including Vietnam, today the number one option for the markets. In April 2019, Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo expressed his concerns, underlining, during a summit with ministers, that "23 Chinese companies have moved to Vietnam, another 10 to Malaysia or Thailand. Previously, in 2017 about seventy Japanese companies had left the archipelago relocating investments and infrastructures to other Southeast Asian nations considered more reliable. Thus the government's decision to approve a new legislative framework which, according to the unions, is actually a "red carpet" laid out for multinationals to exploit local workers, with low wages and precarious conditions. The law would also allow the expropriation of land from farmers and indigenous peoples, depriving them of their natural habitat. The pandemic of new coronavirus fits into this already complicated context which, in a few months, caused a collapse of 8.1 million in foreign investments. Experts and analysts stress the need for a reform of the labour market in Indonesia, without these going to the detriment of the environment and local populations. The new law governing the labour market, scholar Peter van der Werf explains to Reuters, "risks having a negative impact" on the natural ecosystem, in particular on the tropical forests of which the archipelago is rich. When Johnson was sick, much earlier in the pandemic, there were fewer treatments to try. He went to a public London hospital, where a nurse recalled the prime minister insisted on being called Boris. The staff said they treated him like any other patient though he certainly had a large and devoted medical team. After his release, he offered particular praise to two nurses, Jenny McGee from New Zealand and Luis Pitarma from Portugal, who stayed by his bed for 48 hours while he was receiving supplemental oxygen. And he paid tribute to two intensive care doctors Nick Price and Nick Hart by subsequently giving his newborn son the middle name Nicholas. Turkey has issued aviation warnings for the area of the northern city of Sinop amid reports that Ankaras military intends to test its Russian-built S-400 air defense system within the next two weeks. Missile firing will take place up to 200,000 feet between Oct. 13-16 near the Black Sea coastal city of Sinop, a notice to airmen issued by the Turkish government read. Another notice listed civil aviation routes in the area that would be closed during the exercise. Unmanned aerial vehicles are also scheduled to be flown in the area. Turkish Minute first reported today that Ankara plans to test-fire the S-400 in area of Sinop between Oct. 5 and Oct. 16, using British-made Banshee target drones. Videos purporting to show S-400 components in transit in northern Turkey circulated on social media today. Why it matters: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged Turkish officials during a visit to Ankara on Monday to seek "alternative solutions" to the country's air defense needs, emphasizing that activating the S-400 risks compatibility with NATO aircraft and defenses. The United States has repeatedly warned Turkey that acquiring and activating the S-400 may lead to economic sanctions. Ankara already reportedly tested the S-400s communications systems by scrambling F-16s last year, but postponed a planned activation in April, citing the coronavirus pandemic. Some experts saw this as an opportunity for Washington to reengage with Ankara on the dispute. Turkey purchased the S-400 after the Washington hesitated to provide Turkey with the Patriot air defense system. The Trump administration then kicked Turkey out of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in July 2019 when Ankaras new S-400 first touched down on Turkish soil, amid concerns the systems radars could provide Russia with intelligence on the advanced F-35 fighter jets capabilities. News of the latest planned test comes amid a low point in Turkeys relations with Washington and other NATO allies over conflicts in Syria and the Caucuses, as well as a maritime dispute in the eastern Mediterranean. Whats next: It is not clear how Washington will react if Turkey tests the S-400 missiles. Last year Congress passed sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of the S-400, but the Trump administration has so far not implemented them. Members of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees did not immediately return Al-Monitors requests for comment. Know more: Russia has again floated the idea of selling the S-400 to Iran, though there is no sign of any deal yet, at least publicly. 19th Amendment Anniversary Events Emory Election Series with Carol Anderson Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m. As she considers the Nov. 3 election, Carol Anderson also will look back at the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment. Untold Stories: Race, Place and Vulnerability in the Womens Suffrage Movement Thursday, Oct. 22, 6 p.m. This conversation involving Pearl Dowe, Martha Albertson Fineman and Andra Gillespie will consider the suffrage movement with regard to race as well as what it can teach about forms of disenfranchisement women still experience. In the annals of Emory history, the name Eleonore Raoul 1920L 1979H conjures visions of a plucky young woman who slyly secured her enrollment in the Lamar School of Law in 1917 while then-Chancellor Warren Candler, a foe of coeducation, was conveniently out of town. That Raoul was the first woman admitted to Emory is rightly celebrated through the honorary degree bestowed on her in 1979, the first-year residence hall named for her in 2014 and the Trailblazer Award that bears her name. However, her life was so much richer than the one story that Emory, for understandable reasons, has focused on, says Laura Kuechenmeister, senior marketing manager at the School of Law. Author of Womens Suffrage, the 19th Amendment and Eleonore Raouls Role in the Struggle, Kuechenmeister grants her subject full dimensionality in the fall issue of Emory Lawyer. Indeed, readers might be surprised to know that as driven as Raoul was to exercise her right to a legal education, she abandoned the endeavor soon after graduating. Writes Kuechenmeister, After practicing law for one year, Raoul chose to focus on her work with the League of Women Voters. She told the Emory Wheel, I didnt appeal a case I ought to have appealed and I said to myself, Ive got to make a decision. There were plenty of good lawyers around, but no one to do the kind of work I was interested in. Her kind of work is exactly what the country itself is celebrating this year, with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment having occurred on Aug. 18. The landmark legislation gave some women the right to vote. The qualifier is critical, for Black women were largely left behind, and acknowledgment of that fact has a central place in Emory events scheduled this fall associated with the centenary. The idea that white women have only had the right to vote for 100 years shouldnt be forgotten, says Andra Gillespie, associate professor of political science, who will participate in a 19th Amendment event associated with Homecoming later this month. But its also important to realize that there were Black men and women in the South who werent going to get that right to vote in any meaningful way for at least another three decades. Two October events examine the 19th Amendment and the broader struggle for voting rights for all Americans. Emory Election Series with Carol Anderson When: Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m. Admission: Free; registration required Carol Anderson, Charles Howard Candler Professor and chair of African American studies, will explore her research on voting rights and voter suppression during this historic year commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment. Andersons most recent book, One Person, No Vote, was a finalist for the PEN/Galbraith Award in Nonfiction and a finalist for the National Book Award Longlist in Nonfiction. Anderson will be joined in conversation by Alex Chanen 21B, president of the Young Democrats of Emory and a student in Andersons course Voting Rights and Voter Suppression. Presented by the Emory Alumni Association. Untold Stories: Race, Place and Vulnerability in the Womens Suffrage Movement When: Oct. 22, 6 p.m. Admission: Free; registration required Pearl Dowe, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Political Science and African American Studies, Oxford College and Emory College; Martha Albertson Fineman, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Law, Emory School of Law; and Andra Gillespie, associate professor of political science, graduate faculty of sociology, and director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute, join in a 30-minute presentation followed by Q&A moderated by Emory Law Dean Mary Anne Bobinski. Questions the panel will explore include: How does the lens of vulnerability help us understand both the womens suffrage movement and womens disenfranchisement today? How can we disrupt the dominant narratives of womens suffrage as a movement led by white women? What role did race play in the fight for voting rights for women and what are the stories of leadership we have not heard? What did suffrage look like in the South? Why did it take so many years for Georgia to ratify the 19th Amendment? Presented by the Emory Alumni Association, Center for Women at Emory, Emory Law and Oxford College. New Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah will likely continue on the path set out by his brother, the late emir, especially in foreign policy The new Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has vowed to preserve the legacy of his brother, the late emir sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who died on 29 September in hospital in the US. The focus of the new emir will be mainly domestic, especially over the coming few months as the country is electing a new parliament in November. In his acceptance speech, the new emir promised to preserve the security of Kuwait and the unity of its people, saying that Kuwait throughout its history has seen serious challenges, which we have succeeded in overcoming through cooperating together Today, our dear country also faces risky circumstances and difficulties that there is no way to get through except through unity. A main task for the new emir will be to pick a new crown-prince, who will need to be approved by parliament. There are also many domestic challenges, especially economic, as the coffers of the treasury are low due to a combination of low oil prices and the Covid-19 pandemic. Though Kuwait has some of the largest financial assets in the world, most of these are held by its Future Generation Fund, and the law prohibits the government from withdrawing from the fund to supplement the budget. In August, the Kuwaiti parliament passed a law scrapping a provision to transfer 10 per cent of the countrys income to the fund. As this years budget deficit is expected to be large, new laws will need to be approved by the legislature to raise the debt ceiling so the government can borrow more to plug the gap. These pressing internal issues, along with the upcoming elections next month, are the priorities of the new Kuwaiti leadership. Foreign policy is not expected to witness any major moves, and most likely it will stay on the course set by the late emir. One informed Kuwaiti source told Al-Ahram Weekly that I dont think foreign policy will change much in the short term because it is based on solid foundations... but it might change in the long run depending on many factors that are both internal and external. In the immediate sphere of the Gulf region, the new emir will follow the path of the late sheikh Sabah, even though perhaps without the same impetus. Before assuming the countrys top post, sheikh Sabah was Kuwaits long-serving foreign minister, and his diplomatic experience made him a well-respected mediator within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the wider Arab and Islamic world. Sheikh Nawaf, while acting for the late emir during his medical treatment in US, sent the countrys foreign minister to Doha to pursue Kuwaiti efforts to solve the crisis over Qatar. As one Kuwaiti analyst said, there is also a full corps at the countrys Foreign Ministry tasked with this mission, and it is likely that their work will continue on the same path as before. Many Western commentators have described the new emir as a low-profile, old-generation person. At age 83, Sheikh Nawaf might opt for a young crown-prince who can get along well with the new generation of leaders in the Gulf, one commented. Almost all those the Weekly talked to in Kuwait said that it would not change course on main foreign-policy issues, including the Arab-Israeli issue. Ghanim Al-Najjar, a political science professor at Kuwait University, said in an interview that Kuwait might not follow the UAE and Bahrain in normalising relations with Israel. There is no interest for Kuwait in normalising relations with Israel at the moment, and the popular mood in Kuwait is against the normalisation of relations with Israel, he told the Weekly, adding that he was almost certain the new emir would preserve that position. Other sources reiterated the same view, refuting what US President Donald Trump said when he met the late emir last month and claiming that Kuwait could join other Gulf countries in striking a peace deal with Israel. On the possible American pressure on Kuwait to change its position, Al-Najjar said that there is no indication that Kuwaits stand on normalisation with Israel will change soon that was sheikh Sabahs position. The American pressure wont change the Kuwaiti policy. Kuwait recently participated in a UN Security Council session, and the US pressured the Kuwaiti foreign minister at that time [now the prime minister] not to recognise the Venezuelan foreign minister, but he resisted and continued to recognise the current government of Venezuela, he added. As the countrys foreign minister for decades, and then emir, the late sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah kept up good relations with rivals Iran and the US. That will also likely not change, and Kuwaits position on relations with Iran has never been the same as that of its neighbour and GCC leader Saudi Arabia. One Kuwaiti analyst commented that Kuwait has no choice but to keep to the same course with both Iraq and Iran. I doubt there will be any change in foreign policy in this regard, and Kuwait will continue to keep good relations with Iran and the US. Since the fall of the Saddam regime in Iraq, Kuwait has been warming its relations with Baghdad, and this will likely continue as well, Al-Najjar said. There is little doubt that Kuwaits foreign policy has lost the clout of veteran diplomat the late sheikh Sabah, but his brother, the new Emir Sheikh Nawaf, will most likely follow the same path, even perhaps without the same driving force. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Pharmacist Michael Witte, left, gives Rebecca Sirull, right, a shot in the first-stage safety study clinical trial of a potential vaccine for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, Monday, March 16, 2020, at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. Sirull is the third patient to receive the shot in the study AP Photo/Ted S. Warren Top White House officials blocked new health safety guidelines for the emergency release of a coronavirus vaccine, The New York Times reported Monday. The guidelines, submitted at the end of September by the Food and Drug Administration, suggested collecting another two months of data to ensure the safety and efficacy of a vaccine, according to The Times report. The stricter guidelines "would almost certainly guarantee that no vaccine could be authorized before the election on November 3" had they been approved, according to The Times. In light of the White House response, the Food and Drug Administration was pushed to resort to other options to "ensure that vaccines meet the guidelines," including "sharing the standards with an outside advisory committee of experts." Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. White House officials blocked new, stricter health safety guidelines proposed by the FDA on approving a coronavirus vaccine, The New York Times reported Monday. Guidelines sent from FDA commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn at the end of September were stalled in the office of White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, effectively barring the new federal guidelines for emergency release of the vaccine. On September 23, Meadows questioned the need for follow-up data that would push back the release of the vaccine, a senior administration official told The Times, and "said that stricter recommendations would change the rules in the middle of clinical trials and suggested that Dr. Hahn was overly influenced by his agency's career scientists," citing The Times report. As such, the stricter guidelines "would almost certainly guarantee that no vaccine could be authorized before the election on November 3," according to The Times. In light of the White House response, the Food and Drug Administration was pushed to resort to other options to "ensure that vaccines meet the guidelines," including "sharing the standards with an outside advisory committee of experts." Story continues The news broke as President Donald Trump left Walter Reed Medical Center, where he stayed over the weekend to undergo tests and treatment following his COVID-19 diagnosis, though his doctor said he is not yet out of the woods. As of Monday, more than 210,000 people have died from the coronavirus in the US alone, with nearly 7.5 million confirmed infections in the country, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Read the original article on Business Insider There are reports released that famous actress Jun Jihyun's husband is currently the largest shareholder of Alpha Asset Management. He really is a real-life chaebol! According to Alpha Asset Management, the highest shareholder of their company is Chairman Choi Gon with a 100 percent stake and he recently just donated 70 percent of his shares to Choi Joon hyuk, actress Ju Ji Hyun's husband this end of September. This made Choi Joon Hyuk as the highest shareholder of the investment firm. Alpha Asset Management is an investment firm that caters to multiple asset classes. Are you curious about Jun Ji Hyun's husband who is rumored to be more good looking compared to other famous Korean actors? Let's find out more about him and discover how they first met before they got married! When we hear the name Jun Ji Hyun, we immediately think about her hit dramas like My Sassy Girl, My Love from the Star, Legend of the Blue Sea, and many others. But are you aware that this famous actress is already married with kids? If not, then surely you are curious about the lucky guy. The real-life chaebol Choi Joon Hyuk was born in 1981 and finished his studies from Korea University and the University of Wisconsin in the U.S. He was the former vice president of Alpha Asset Management then eventually became the CEO of the said company. Jun Ji Hyun and Choi Joon Hyuk tied the knot on April 13, 2012. It is known that before they became husband and wife, the couple was childhood friends from elementary school and they met again after they became adults. Choi Joon Hyuk's marriage proposal to Jun Ji Hyun was the sweetest thing ever! He all of a sudden asked Jun Ji Hyun to come to the airport with her passport and they flew straight to Japan. There, he wasted no time and asked her hand in marriage! Soon after, they tied the knot in Shilla Hotel in Jangchung-dong with more than 600 guests who attended it, including their family members, close friends, and other celebrities. Choi Joon Hyuk is known to be the grandson of Lee Young Hee, a famous South Korean "Hanbok" designer. Currently, the couple is blessed with two beautiful sons. The first child was born on February 10, 2016. And they had their second child on January 26, 2018. The couple decided to keep their family life private and they haven't announced their children's names publicly yet. Meanwhile, Jun Ji Hyun for now is reportedly on the process of filming her new drama 'Jiri Mountain' with Ju Ji hoon. This is a mystery drama that tells the story of park rangers who work to rescue people at Mount Jiri. Jun Ji Hyun will portray the character of Seo Yi Kang, the ranger who knows everything about navigating Mount Jiri National Park. The said drama is scheduled to broadcast on tvN channel in the first half of 2021. Silver Price Great Buy Spot Ahead of Second Big Upleg Technical analyst Clive Maund takes a look at silver and explains why he believes it's a good time to build positions. More than a few traders are confused about what is going on with silver here after its recent reaction, but when we look at its long-term chart the situation quickly becomes clear. So we will start this update by looking at silver's 13-year chart in order to get big picture perspective. On the latest 13-year chart we see that only broke out of its giant 7-year long base pattern as recently as July. The high-volume surge that occurred upon its breaking out was a sign that it was genuine. What has happened in recent weeks is that it has reacted back to test support at the upper boundary of the base pattern, which is normal. In the last update we were too optimistic in thinking it would continue higher, but the good news is not just that the post-breakout reaction is perfectly normal, but that this reaction back to support is a healthy development that is "recharging the batteries" for the next upleg. On the 15-month chart we see in more detail a picture that looks entirely bullish with the normal post breakout reaction of recent weeks back to strong support serving to unwind the earlier overbought condition resulting from the breakout as shown by the MACD indicator so that silver is now somewhat oversold. Bullish factors that should contribute to a new upleg developing in due course include a positive volume pattern, with the Accumulation line holding up very well indeed as silver has reacted back and the bullishly aligned moving averages. We can therefore reasonably conclude that we are at an excellent point to increase holdings in all manner of silver investments ahead of the next (2nd) upwave unfolding. The 6-month chart shows a parallel uptrend channel that seems to be still operative. When silver broke out of its giant base in July it bust out the top of this channel, so that it no longer looked valid, but rather curiously when it broke down from the Triangle perched above the upper boundary of this channel over a week ago it dropped sharply, but the decline halted at the lower boundary of the channel with a bull hammer, which is a strong sign that it has hit bottom. The backing and filling that we are now seeing thus looks like an intermediate base that will be followed by a new 2nd upleg that will take silver to new highs. The conclusion is that we are now being presented with an opportunity to build positions in silver investments ahead of the next upleg that is likely to be substantial. Finally the latest silver COT chart shows that readings are still moderate and certainly at levels that permit another sizable rally. Clive Maund has been president of www.clivemaund.com, a successful resource sector website, since its inception in 2003. He has 30 years' experience in technical analysis and has worked for banks, commodity brokers and stockbrokers in the City of London. He holds a Diploma in Technical Analysis from the UK Society of Technical Analysts. Disclosure: 1) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of Clive Maund and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. Clive Maund is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. Streetwise Reports was not involved in the content preparation. Clive Maund was not paid by Streetwise Reports LLC for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. 2) This article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 3) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. Charts provided by the author. CliveMaund.com Disclosure: The above repr0esents the opinion and analysis of Mr Maund, based on data available to him, at the time of writing. Mr. Maund's opinions are his own, and are not a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell securities. Mr. Maund is an independent analyst who receives no compensation of any kind from any groups, individuals or corporations mentioned in his reports. As trading and investing in any financial markets may involve serious risk of loss, Mr. Maund recommends that you consult with a qualified investment advisor, one licensed by appropriate regulatory agencies in your legal jurisdiction and do your own due diligence and research when making any kind of a transaction with financial ramifications. Although a qualified and experienced stock market analyst, Clive Maund is not a Registered Securities Advisor. Therefore Mr. Maund's opinions on the market and stocks can only be construed as a solicitation to buy and sell securities when they are subject to the prior approval and endorsement of a Registered Securities Advisor operating in accordance with the appropriate regulations in your area of jurisdiction. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. ALBANY, N.Y., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Advances made in the chemistries of synthesis of oligonucleotide have spurred its prospects in research, and numerous commercial biotech and life-sciences applications. Biotech and pharmaceutical companies expending on research to develop molecules of higher fidelity and longer molecules. The global oligonucleotide synthesis market was pegged at US$ 1,966.2 Mn in 2018, and is projected to expand at CAGR of 9.5% from 2019 to 2027. A number of molecular biology applications will expand the revenue potential for players in the market. Key Findings of Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market Report Synthesized oligonucleotides are the dominant product segment in 2018 The aforementioned segment is expected to retain its dominance during the assessment period of 2019 2027 Of the various applications, research is the leading segment in 2018 During the forecast period, therapeutics application segment is expected to be a highly lucrative one North America was the leading geographical market in 2018 was the leading geographical market in 2018 Europe was the second-leading one in the global oligonucleotide synthesis market was the second-leading one in the global oligonucleotide synthesis market Overall market is markedly fragmented Request for Analysis of COVID-19 Impact on Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/covid19.php Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market: Key Driving Factors and Promising Avenues Large strides have been made in the chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides that can be tailored to meet the applications in biotech and life-sciences industries. The rapid uptake in these applications is driving revenues in the global oligonucleotide synthesis market. Various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have unlocked advanced organic chemistry to develop molecules of high yield, purity, and fidelity. This has been broadening the prospect of oligonucleotides in research application. Growing demand for oligonucleotides and their analogies in combinatorial technology is expected to open several new revenue streams for stakeholder in the oligonucleotide synthesis market. Rise in research and development of polymerase chain reaction, and next generation sequencing is boosting the growth of the oligonucleotide synthesis market. Leaning of players to develop personalized medicine has stimulated biotech players seek oligonucleotides with new characteristics, thereby boosting the oligonucleotide synthesis market. Expanding the drug pipelines consisting of RNAi therapeutic drugs has bolstered the generation of new opportunities in the market. Explore 187 pages of top-notch research, incisive insights, and detailed country-level projections on Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market (Product - Reagents & Consumables, Equipment, and Synthesized Oligonucleotides (DNA Oligonucleotides and RNA Oligonucleotides); Application - Research (Polymerase Chain Reaction and Next Generation Sequencing), Therapeutics (Antisense Oligonucleotides, and Nucleic Acid Aptamers), and Diagnostics; End User - Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Companies, Research Institutes, and Diagnostic Laboratories) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2019 - 2027 at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/11804 Key Impediments to Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market Stakeholders Despite the vast strides being made in the chemistries of organic molecules, the synthesis of oligonucleotide of longer chains and of good fidelity is difficult. There are significant risks of side effects, which heavily limit the commercial production of oligonucleotide of remarkable length. However, in coming years, researchers will be leaning on adopting new approaches pertaining to research and development of the synthesis of RNA analogs. Purchase the Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market: Regional Landscape Geographically, North America is a substantially lucrative market. Tens of scores of oligonucleotides are undergoing clinical trials in the U.S. Over the past few years, large strides have been made in life-sciences and biotech sectors, spurring the adoption of newly synthesized oligonucleotides. Rise in uptake in molecular biology application is also boosting the growth in the North America oligonucleotide synthesis market. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is showing remarkable revenue potential. The demand for new biotechnology molecules and research in personalized medicine will fuel the revenue potential of this regional market in coming years. Browse More Press Release - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/press-releases.htm The Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market can be segmented as follows: Global Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, by Product Type Reagents & Consumables Equipment Synthesized Oligos DNA Oligonucleotides RNA Oligonucleotides Others Global Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, by Applications Research Polymerase Chain Reaction Next Generation Sequencing Others Therapeutics Antisense Oligonucleotides Nucleic Acid Aptamers Diagnostic Global Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, by End User Biotech & Pharma Companies Research Inst. Diagnostic Labs Global Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, by Region North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia & New Zealand & Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa & GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the global Healthcare Industry: Analytical Standards Market: According to Transparency Market Research's latest market report on the global analytical standards market for the historical period of 2017 - 2018 and forecast period of 2019 - 2027, rise in the number of researches in the life science industry and increase in regulations regarding pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing are anticipated to drive the global market over the period of forecast Multiplex Assays Market: The global multiplex assays market is anticipated to reach US$ 4,277.31 Mn by 2026, expanding at a CAGR of 7.90% from 2018 to 2026. Expansion of the market can be attributed to the advantages offered by multiplex assays over singleplex assays, rising prevalence of infectious diseases and cancer that can be detected easily at earlier stages, government and private funding for carrying out research, and strategic acquisitions among market players to enhance the reach of the multiplex assay kits Biotherapeutics Cell Line Development Market: Regulatory changes, introduction of new technologies, and advent of an array of innovative concepts have played a key role in influencing the overall growth of the global biotherapeutics cell line development market over the past few years a trend that is expected to continue during the forecast period Browse Our Latest Reports - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/latest.htm About Us Transparency Market Research is a next-generation market intelligence provider, offering fact-based solutions to business leaders, consultants, and strategy professionals. Our reports are single-point solutions for businesses to grow, evolve, and mature. Our real-time data collection methods along with ability to track more than one million high growth niche products are aligned with your aims. The detailed and proprietary statistical models used by our analysts offer insights for making right decision in the shortest span of time. For organizations that require specific but comprehensive information we offer customized solutions through adhoc reports. These requests are delivered with the perfect combination of right sense of fact-oriented problem solving methodologies and leveraging existing data repositories. TMR believes that unison of solutions for clients-specific problems with right methodology of research is the key to help enterprises reach right decision." Browse More Upcoming Reports by Transparency Market Research: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/upcoming.htm Contact Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: [email protected] Press Release Source: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/oligonucleotide-synthesis-market.htm Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ SOURCE Transparency Market Research When the Michigan Supreme Court struck down Gov. Gretchen Whitmers executive orders from a 1945 law now deemed unconstitutional, the court wrote it hoped this would spur Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Republican-led Legislature to work together. Its not off to a strong start. Whitmer called out Republicans in the Legislature for being anti-maskers during her press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 6 and said she wont let them temper her response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move forward where I have to negotiate with the Legislature, Ive always been interested in negotiating with the Legislature if we can find some common ground, Whitmer said. But Im not going to hold back on doing what we know to be the right thing to protect the people of this state. Meanwhile, Michigans top two Republicans were tweeting criticisms of Whitmer. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an order on Monday reinstating the mask mandate which Republicans disapproved of. Dont let anyone tell you (Whitmer) should be allowed to ignore our Supreme Court because the Legislature wont work with her, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, tweeted. There are so many examples proving that wrong they wont fit in one tweet. In fact, shes signing bipartisan bills we sent her TODAY! 1/3 Dont let anyone tell you @GovWhitmer should be allowed to ignore our Supreme Court because the Legislature won't work with her. There are so many examples proving that wrong they won't fit in one tweet. In fact, she's signing bipartisan bills we sent her TODAY! Sen. Mike Shirkey (@SenMikeShirkey) October 6, 2020 Shirkey tweeted on Saturday hes against a statewide mask mandate. Whitmer criticized the stance on Tuesday. I think it is concerning that the top Republican in Michigan government is an anti-masker and doesnt want to encourage and require everyone across the state to mask up within hours of the leader of his party, our president, getting admitted into Walter Reed (Hospital) for COVID-19, Whitmer said. I think that those comments show you a real disdain for science and ignorance of the epidemiology that we are up against. Whitmer is concerned the removal of the executive orders will cause chaos, confusion and ultimately make Michigans COVID-19 numbers go up. MDHHS is expected to issue more orders in the coming hours and days, reinstating some of the executive orders that were quashed by the Supreme Court ruling, Whitmer said. The orders can be extended indefinitely, she added. Working with the Legislature isnt efficient during emergencies, Whitmer said, which is why shes thankful the MDHHS has authority to issue health orders on its own. The legislature was designed to be a deliberative body and thats always been one of the issues in the midst of a crisis, Whitmer said. It works well when theres a lot of time for deliberation, but its not the quickest body when we have to act swiftly. Whitmer is also concerned about the lack of scheduled sessions the Legislature has on the calendar in the coming weeks. That wont be an issue, Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, said on Twitter. Weve been in session all during Covid, yet the Governor has refused to work with us, Chatfield said. Now shes claiming were not in town while shes working, though yesterday she campaigned all day for House Democrats. The hypocrisy is astounding. Its Laughable! Good thing nobody believes it. Weve been in session all during Covid, yet the Governor has refused to work with us. Now shes claiming were not in town while shes working, though yesterday she campaigned all day for House Democrats. The hypocrisy is astounding. Its Laughable! Good thing nobody believes it. Lee Chatfield (@LeeChatfield) October 6, 2020 Michigan has about 129,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 6,800 deaths since the pandemic hit Michigan in March. RELATED STORIES: Unemployment could become a mess in Michigan without executive orders Read the full order that DHHS is using to replace 40+ Whitmer rules How the Supreme Court ruling on COVID-19 executive orders may affect Michigan schools An article in The Lancet stresses the vulnerability of these health workers, whose readiness to counter fake news with trustworthy information, and to monitor COVID-19 patients in home isolation, has been neglected Brazil has more than 286,000 community health workers integrated into the national primary healthcare program. These professionals form a broad network serving 75% of the population, especially low-income families who lack medical insurance and are the most adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Back in March, researchers at Imperial College London noted Brazil's network of community health workers as a valuable asset that could assure an effective response to the pandemic. According to the article, the service they provide sets an example to be followed by other countries. But the response was not effective, there was no national plan, and the service provided by community health workers wasn't considered essential to control the disease until July. They weren't even considered health professionals and so weren't given personal protective equipment [PPE], just to take one example," said Gabriela Lotta, a professor at Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV). Lotta is affiliated with the Center for Metropolitan Studies (CEM) , one of the Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers (RIDCs) funded by Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP. In collaboration with researchers at Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz, a leading public health research institution linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Health), the University of York (UK) and the London School of Economics, Lotta authored an article published in the Comment section of The Lancet warning that community health workers in Brazil were being treated with neglect during the pandemic. "Several countries have community health workers, but the researchers at Imperial College London focused on Brazil's advantage in this respect because it was one of the first countries to create such a network as an integral part of primary care and the national health system [in Brazil, Sistema Unico de Saude, SUS]. In most countries community health workers aren't part of the official health system but belong to NGOs or civic associations," Lotta told. Thanks to this structural feature, she added, Brazil's community health workers would have been able to perform important functions during the pandemic, "provided they had PPE, training, the backing of governmental policy, support, and recognition of their significance". Three tiers of government For Lotta, neglect of community health workers exemplifies the effect on cities of the lack of a national plan to combat the pandemic: although the service they provide is run by local authorities, the federal government is responsible for funding and other support mechanisms. "There are huge disparities among Brazilian cities," Lotta said. "Municipalities find their hands are tied if they lack the funding and other resources to determine a strategy on their own. There has to be a national plan, with substantial transfers from the federal government to fund community health workers. It's up to local government to execute. Of course, if a city has resources it can use them, but the federal government should shoulder most of the burden and set the policy. That includes defining whether community health workers are health professionals or not and whether they should get hazard pay. All these decisions have to apply to the entire national health service." During the first four months of the pandemic, Lotta continued, community health workers received neither training nor PPE. They were at last classed as key workers only on July 21, 2020, when President Bolsonaro signed Law 14,023/2020. "Because there was no national plan and they weren't even classed as health professionals, only 9% received infection control training and PPE. Their union says some 100 have died from COVID-19, but the actual number may be three times higher," Lotta said. Brazil has one of the world's highest death tolls of nurses, nursing assistants, and nurse technicians affected by COVID-19, according to the International Council of Nurses (ICN). In its last update, Brazil's Federal Nursing Council (COFEN) pointed to 441 deaths. The number of physicians who died from the disease had reached 244 by September, according to the Sao Paulo Physicians Union. "The law is positive, although it has yet to be implemented," Lotta said. "Better late than never. At least there's a legal measure that says community health workers are entitled not to go out to work if they aren't given PPE. They had no such right before. They were very vulnerable." Nevertheless, she added, the law does not automatically solve the problems of community health workers or ensure they play an effective role in combating the pandemic. "It's an important contribution, but it won't necessarily translate into better policy," she said. "Even with this law in place, local governments lack the means to prioritize community health workers in fighting the pandemic until a strategic plan and a funding scheme are established." Key functions, key workers Among the functions that could be performed by community health workers during the pandemic, Lotta highlighted key activities such as tracing contacts of infected people, combating fake news by disseminating trustworthy information, and monitoring social isolation in confirmed cases. "They already act as health educators. They live in the communities where they work and are seen as trustworthy and legitimate," she said. "Keeping their neighbors well-informed about personal hygiene, and the importance of face covering and social isolation is an effective way to neutralize fake news. A few cities have community health workers circulating in cars with loudspeakers to give out this kind of information." Contact tracing would not be a problem for them, Lotta argued. "They already did something very similar to contact tracing when they monitored people's healthcare requirements. In the few Brazilian cities that have had contact tracing it's been done by community health workers," she said. They could staff telephone banks to call patients with the disease who are isolated at home and assess their need for hospitalization if local authorities supplied thermometers and pulse oximeters, she added. They could also man the roadblocks set up at the entrances to many cities. "The disease was transmitted to many small and medium towns by visitors who were infected but had no symptoms, especially if the locality was a tourist attraction," Lotta said. "Some local authorities installed roadblocks manned by community health workers, who took people's temperature as they arrived by car and told them about the measures in place to deal with the pandemic. Of course, in this case, they will have had to supply PPE and support of other kinds. We have the structure, and if such apparently simple but crucial measures were universally applied they would have a positive impact in terms of containing transmission of the virus." ### About Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) The Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is a public institution with the mission of supporting scientific research in all fields of knowledge by awarding scholarships, fellowships and grants to investigators linked with higher education and research institutions in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. FAPESP is aware that the very best research can only be done by working with the best researchers internationally. Therefore, it has established partnerships with funding agencies, higher education, private companies, and research organizations in other countries known for the quality of their research and has been encouraging scientists funded by its grants to further develop their international collaboration. You can learn more about FAPESP at http://www.fapesp.br/en and visit FAPESP news agency at http://www.agencia.fapesp.br/en to keep updated with the latest scientific breakthroughs FAPESP helps achieve through its many programs, awards and research centers. You may also subscribe to FAPESP news agency at http://agencia.fapesp.br/subscribe. Kelly Dodd faced even more backlash from her surprise bridal shower on Sunday after fans bashed the Real Housewives of Orange County star for flouting social distancing and mask mandates. The 45-year-old appeared to poke fun of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, which has already claimed the lives of more than one million people globally. Kelly who is set to marry Fox News correspondent Rick Leventhal on Saturday, Oct. 10 posted photos from the packed soiree after sharing a Drunk Wives Matter hat gifted by a friend. Cool joke: Kelly tried to quell gossip with a photo of all of the women wearing disposable face coverings, but it seemed the masks were just a photo opportunity and were not seen during the rest of the event Many users were concerned with the lack of face masks and social distancing during the day where RHOC co-stars Emily Simpson, Gina Kirschenheiter and Elizabeth Vargas were in attendance. Kelly tried to quell gossip with a photo of all of the women wearing disposable face coverings, but it seemed the masks were just a photo opportunity and were not seen during the rest of the event. 'Yeah well it doesn't count when you post a picture before with everyone NOT wearing them,' one user wrote. 'So disrespectful to all the healthcare workers, essential works, people who have lost loved ones bc of COVID. Your carefree sprit is not safe at this time.' Governor Gavin Newsom issued a mask mandate last month for the state of California in efforts to prevent the spread of the deadly virus which, to date, has taken the lives of nearly 210,000 Americans. This is fine: Masks weren't an accessory while the ladies sat outside in the sun What mandate? None of the women wore masks while posing together at the event 'People were asking where are the masks??' Kelly captioned an Instagram collage after the controversy began. 'Well here they are !!' Back in April, Dodd was criticized for traveling on an airplane and not taking the virus seriously. 'If it's dangerous why are the airlines still flying? You think I want to fly? I had to get back, how is that elitist?' she responded. 'Do you know how many people died from the H1N1, the swine flu or SARS?. It's 25% get your facts straight you only hearing numbers not the reality! It's God's way of thinning the herd!' Shortly after her comments, she took to Instagram to apologize for the big misunderstanding. 'I want to give a public apology,' she said during an apology on Instagram Stories. 'When I wrote "this is God's way of thinning the herd," that's not what I meant. Yike: The 45-year-old reality star who is set to marry Fox News correspondent Rick Leventhal on Saturday shared photos from the packed soiree, which also left many fans confused as to how she was practicing any social distancing Hands on: Kelly is set to marry Rick on Saturday, Oct. 10 after getting engaged in November Smoking: In a since-deleted video, Kelly defended the hat and said: 'You know what, all lives matter. People that can't get a joke, go f**k yourselves' Statement piece: Kelly Dodd was back in the spotlight for sporting a Drunk Wives Matter hat at her surprise bridal shower in Orange County on Sunday afternoon 'Im not insensitive. I feel bad for all the families that lost loved ones, and I do think that we should all stay home and protect everybody. Thats not what I meant, and I want to apologize to anyone who got offended, OK? Im sorry.' In addition to her mask-less frenzy, The Real Housewives of Orange County figure posted a picture wearing a Drunk Wives Matter hat, which Page Six reported was a gift from a friend and played on the Black Lives Matter movement. Dodd's followers have previously pressed her for not supporting BLM on her platform after Kelly listed out major moments in a roundup of events that had happened in the first six months of 2020. In a since-deleted video, Kelly defended the hat and said: 'You know what, all lives matter. People that can't get a joke, go f**k yourselves.' There were at least some fun and games during the day to celebrate the upcoming nuptials, as Kelly unwrapped a jock strap which her fiance attempted to try on. 'I don't know if Fox News is going to approve of this,' Emily said while watching the couple play with the underwear. Friends: While some users focused on the questionable apparel, others were more concerned with the lack of face masks and social distancing during the day where RHOC co-stars Emily Simpson, Gina Kirschenheiter and Elizabeth Vargas were in attendance Joy: There were at least some fun and games during the day to celebrate the upcoming nuptials, as Kelly unwrapped a jock strap which her fiance attempted to try on A dedicated office is urgently needed to stop the malicious destruction of important historical and architectural buildings in Dublin, a former Lord Mayor is warning. On Monday night, Dublin City Council backed a motion for the home on a 1916 insurgent which was demolished last week for it to be rebuilt. The council is investigating the circumstances around the demolition of the home of Michael Joseph The ORahilly who lived at the house at 40 Herbert Park in Ballsbridge to make way for luxury apartments. The demolition was condemned by Taoiseach Micheal Martin in the Dail as utterly shocking and across all political parties including a grandson of ORahilly. On Monday night, councillors approved a joint emergency motion tabled by Sinn Fein and the Green Party that "deplores" the demolition of the house by developer Derryroe Ltd in order to build 105 apartments. The building was demolished to make way for apartments. Picture: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie The motion which was passed will now go before legal experts within the Council to see how best to progress the matter. Work on the prime site in the heart of Ballsbridge and the Embassy belt has now been completely halted. Independent councillor and Former Lord Mayor Christy Burke said: The motion was passed and lessons have to be learned from whats happened. The demolition of that house shouldnt have occurred. Its a total cultural embarrassment and a malicious destruction of not only a building but of a link to our heritage. There needs to be a dedicated department within Dublin City Council designed to be a watchdog to protect the historical, cultural and architectural integrity of the citys buildings and derelict sites. What occurred in the cover of darkness last week was corporate greed beyond comprehension. The joint motion before the emergency meeting of the which had the current Green Party Lord Mayor Hazel Chus backing also expressed concern over the integrity of the planning process as a result of the developer demolishing the building despite the window of appeals of a judicial review on the An Bord Pleanala decision. The building before demolition. Picture: Leah Farrell/Rollingnews.ie The councillors also said they had grave concerns over the future of other historic buildings and sites due to the implications of what happened to The ORahilly House. A judicial review is being considered by a group of residents of a 12-storey building planned to replace the house. The Pembroke Residents Association say they are considering requesting a judicial review of An Bord Pleanalas grant of permission and they have until the end of this month to lodge their High Court application. An Bord Pleanala gave developers permission to build a 66m apartment block, which will contain 105 apartments on the site. The authority granted the decision despite opposition from historians, An Taisce and the Department of Culture and Arts. Councillors had voted that No 40 would be listed and preserved. 40060031[/readmore[ YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6. ARMENPRESS. OSCE PA President George Tsereteli urged to put an end to the bloodshed in Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone and out of it, ARMENPRESS reports, citing the official website of the OSCE. Appalled by the continuation of bloodshed in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, as well as beyond the line of contact, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli today reiterated the call to cease hostilities in the interest of civilians and recommit to negotiations towards a peaceful solution of the conflict according to OSCE principles and commitments. During the past week, he has been in direct contact with the Speakers of Parliament of Armenia and Azerbaijan, to underline the position of the OSCE PA and to urge both sides to resume the negotiation process. We continue to be gravely concerned by reports of increasing casualties related to the conflict, in particular the impact on the local population which, despite the obligation to protect civilians, continues to suffer from the ongoing fighting, Tsereteli stated today. We fully support the call of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group from France, Russia and the United States, as well as the presidents and foreign ministries of the respective countries, for an unconditional ceasefire. The President also expressed concerns over reports of the use of banned cluster bombs, noting that the OSCE PA adopted a resolution in 2008 which called for all OSCE participating States to prohibit the use, development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention or transfer of cluster munitions. Tsereteli called upon all sides to refrain from the use of these weapons and to fully respect requirements under international law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. It is totally unacceptable that there are threats to destroy critical infrastructures in the region which could lead to humanitarian catastrophes. The continued use of force does not contribute towards the peaceful solution of the conflict. Instead, it continues to bear the cost of human lives and further aggravate the plight of civilians, Tsereteli said. Ultimately, any continued use of force will be detrimental to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict for decades to come, notwithstanding the outcome of the ongoing armed conflict. We will continue to place all our efforts in helping to generate political will for reconciliation. As a platform for dialogue, the OSCE PA continues to stand ready to host parliamentary talks if requested by the sides, Secretary General Roberto Montella added. Parliamentary dialogue can play an important role in rebuilding communication lines, once the negotiation process in the Minsk Group aimed at the peaceful resolution of the conflict has resumed. I would like to underline, that the OSCE PA consistently supports the work of the OSCE structures and mechanisms which are mandated by participating States to deal with this conflict, Montella said. In addition, the PA has also the responsibility of analyzing strengths and weaknesses, with the aim of channeling the organizational capacities to maximize effectiveness. This is particularly important in situations like this, when the ongoing cost of human life justifies it. On October 6, the Azeri forces again started to bombard Stepanakert City, the capital of Artsakh. The capital city of Artsakh has come under numerous attacks since the Azeri offensive began on September 27. Civilian casualties and heavy damages to civil infrastructure have occurred. Editing and Translating by Tigran Sirekanyan Brandon Stanton Brandon Stanton made his name on the streets of New York, capturing poignant portraits of strangers who bared their souls to him from Brooklyn to the Bronx for his popular photoblog Humans of New York. But humanity at its most vulnerable exists outside the five boroughs, too, a concept Stanton, 36, is exploring in his new book Humans, which features hundreds of portraits and stories from more than 40 different countries. The book, which hits shelves Tuesday, was a labor of love compiled over 10 years of international travel to places like Japan, Thailand, Poland, New Zealand, Singapore and Jamaica, Stanton tells PEOPLE. It was all pretty spur of the moment, he says of deciding where his journey was going to take him next. It was more, Where do I want to go next? In the way I do it, I dont plan things very far out anyway. Its just like, 'You know what? This month is kind of slow, so Im going to be in Japan next week.'" Though Stantons mission of tapping into humans innate curiosity through the lens of his camera remains the same overseas, he says the biggest difference in working abroad was the language barrier, as he had to rely on interpreters to get through to his subjects without comprising the delicate connection hed forged. Brandon Stanton He estimates that while his New York interviews average 45 minutes to an hour, the ones he recorded for Humans took twice that. So much of the interview is about making the person feel comfortable, and making it so that theyll be at ease answering questions that can be very difficult, that require a lot of honesty, he says. So, so much of it is about energy exchange. Stanton is no stranger to mastering that so-called energy exchange; 10 years after launching Humans of New York, the Instagram account has more than 11 million followers, including a legion of loyal celebrity fans like Jennifer Garner and Gisele Bundchen, who often comment on his posts. Story continues RELATED: Jennifer Garner Hilariously Reacts to Story of Convict Who Escaped to Raise a Family: 'Holy Nuts' Brandon Stanton Excerpt from Humans Late last month, Humans of New York made headlines for publishing a 32-part series about Stephanie Tanqueray Johnson, a woman Stanton first featured on the account in November 2019. A series of recent health woes inspired Stanton to share Johnsons entire story in full in an effort to raise money for her medical expenses and the community responded by pulling together nearly $2.7 million. Stanton says that after publishing thousands of stories, its Johnsons that has impacted him the most. RELATED: Humans of New York's Tanqueray Shares Life Story as Fans Donate More Than $2.5 Million Its the one Ive worked on the hardest, Ive been with the longest, and its one of the best stories Ive ever told, he says. I knew people loved Stephanie, but [the response] was much more outsized than I imagined it was going to be Its hard to process what it means to go from $0 to $2.65 million But I think shes also very, very happy about it. She sounds very upbeat when we talk on the phone these days. Whether its a woman in Manhattans Washington Square Park or a couple on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Stanton says that if hes learned anything, its that people are people, no matter where you are on the map. Brandon Stanton Excerpt from Humans The work felt remarkably similar, remarkably familiar everywhere I went, he says. I think that was the biggest surprising takeaway across cultures, across demographics, across landscapes, economics, every single type of category you can imagine. He adds that his work has taught him that people are often willing to spill their most private and personal moments if only someone would ask them. I think there is a very powerful urge and impulse in all of us to share our stories, he says. Theres something redemptive about it, theres something therapeutic about it. Humans is on sale now. Some 1,156 penalty fines ranging from 60 to 960 have been issued to over 18s (PSNI/PA) Police have revealed the number of sanctions issued for breaching Covid-19 guidelines since March, with Belfast receiving the most by far. The latest PSNI figures state that since March 23, a total of 800 Community Resolution Notices (CRNs) have been issued. In addition, 1,156 penalty fines ranging from 60 to 960 have been issued to over 18s. Prohibition notices have been issued to 64 commercial premises and to 139 private residences for gatherings that breached guidelines. The most severe penalty for a failure to isolate resulted in 27 people receiving a 1,000 fine. Expand Close PSNI fines. Click or tap to expand. GRAPHIC: RAYMOND ESTEBAN / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp PSNI fines. Click or tap to expand. GRAPHIC: RAYMOND ESTEBAN Belfast City Council accounted for the vast majority of fines, accounting for 615 penalty fines and four failure to isolate fines. A total of 14 commercial premises received prohibition notices with far more (106) issued for gatherings at private dwellings. Community Resolutions also totalled 256 for Belfast. The Derry City and Strabane District Council area received the second highest amount of sanctions with 190 penalty fines and three failure to isolate fines. Read More A total of 138 Community Resolution Notices were issued while five prohibition notices were issued for commercial premises and 12 private dwellings. The council area receiving the least amount of penalties overall was Ards and North Down with 23 penalty notices and seven failure to isolate fines. Read More There were 15 Community Resolution Notices as well as five prohibition notices and two for gatherings in private dwellings. The figures were released as the PSNI have come under pressure to show they are effectively enforcing Covid-19 guidelines from the Executive. In a bid to increase public confidence, the figures will now be issued every Monday going forward. (Natural News) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers reign of terror is finally coming to an end after state Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that her department will no longer be enforcing Whitmers Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19)-related executive orders. Following a decision by the Michigan Supreme Court last week that Whitmers latest extension of the state of emergency is unconstitutional and lacking in property authority, Nessel indicated that enough is enough. In light of the Supreme Courts decision on Friday, the Attorney General will no longer enforce the governors executive orders through criminal prosecution, announced Ryan Jarvi, press secretary for the attorney general, in a statement. However, her decision is not binding on other law enforcement agencies or state departments with independent enforcement authority. Its her fervent hope that people continue to abide by the measures that Governor Whitmer put in place like wearing face masks, adhering to social distancing requirements, and staying home when sick since theyve proven effective at saving lives. Jarvi went on to regurgitate the usual fear-mongering about how countless more of our friends, family and neighbors would be dead were it not for Whitmers emergency declarations. At the same time, they are not legally binding but rather suggestive as it should be in Michigan and everywhere else. We can respect both the courts decision and the advice of medical experts by continuing with these important measures voluntarily, Jarvi added on behalf of the states top law enforcement official. The latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found at Pandemic.news. Every state, including the red ones still in a state of emergency, need to end all restrictions and open back up immediately Four sheriffs from northern Michigan wrote in a joint statement back in April that Whitmers emergency decrees were overstepping her executive authority, not to mention the fact that they created a vague framework of emergency laws that only confuse Michigan citizens. Some of the earliest lockdown protests, as you may recall, occurred in Michigan where fed-up residents swarmed the capitol building in defiance of Whitmers stay-at-home orders. Now, that protest has reached the highest law enforcement agency in the state, which will no longer abide by Whitmers demands, much to her dismay. With this decision, Michigan will become the sole outlier at a time when the Upper Peninsula is experiencing rates of COVID infection not seen in our state since April, Whitmer whined in a statement, adding that the Supreme Court decision is deeply disappointing. Furthermore, after 21 days, many of the responsive measures I have put in place to control the spread of the virus will continue under alternative sources of authority that were not at issue in todays ruling, she added, the 21 days referring to the amount of time it will take for the Supreme Court ruling to take effect. With the validity of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in question, Whitmers fear-mongering about rising cases what exactly is a case, we wonder? can probably be dismissed as more fake news aimed at keeping the plandemic going for as long as possible. Commenting on the ruing, Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, a Republican, noted that Whitmer had no right to extend the state of emergency over the legislatures objection. He further added that the Michigan constitution matters, and that the decision is a big win for our democratic process. Whitmer is a maniac, wrote one commenter at The Epoch Times. A mandate is a command and a command is not law. She is definitely overreaching and violating peoples liberties and is against the Constitution of the United States of America. Too bad all governors dont get their heads out of their a**es, too, wrote another, including the governors of many other states, red ones included, that are still stuck under state of emergency tyranny. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NaturalNews.com 2020 has been a wild ride for Inovio Pharmaceuticals (INO). Virtually unknown at the start of the year, investors enthusiasm for coronavirus stocks has seen the DNA vaccine specialist post year-to-date gains of 253%. Naturally, INO-4800, the companys DNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate has acted as the main catalyst. But the program has come under duress recently, as a series of setbacks have raised questions whether Inovio can gets its vaccine across the finish line. First, the FDA dragged its feet with approval for the originally slated July/August initiation of a Phase 2/3 trial. But the situation got worse last month as the regulatory agency put a temporary halt on the planned trial, citing the need for more information on INO-4800, including the companys CELLECTRA 2000 delivery device, before it gives the go ahead. INO plans to submit a response to the FDAs questions this month, after which, the agency has 30 days to respond. If all goes well, then, Inovio can kick off the trial by November at the earliest. As other companies are already deep into Phase 3 trials, this will leave the small player with much catching up to do. So, where does this all leave investors? Piper Sandler analyst Christopher Raymond advises to stay on the sidelines for now. Proceedings have left the 5-star analyst incrementally cautious, especially given the lack of clarity moving forward. Raymond said ,Details in the press release were sparse, and while management was quick to note that the hold is not due to AEs from the P1 trial, that still leaves a world of possible reasons, especially since INO has never published any data from that trial. Specifically, we'd like to know if FDA questions relate to the CELLECTRA device, trial design or something else. Combining these miscues with the not insignificant fact that INO still calls out the need for external funding to start the program, we continue to view this opportunity with a skeptical eye. Story continues Accordingly, Raymond has a Neutral (i.e. Hold) rating on INO alongside a $8 price target. The rating might as well have said Sell, as the figure implies there will be a 33% drop from current levels. (To watch Raymonds track record, click here) Rating wise, Raymonds colleagues take a similar view. The analyst consensus rates the stock a Hold based on 2 Buys, 5 Holds and 1 Sell. On where the share price is heading, however, other Street analysts are more confident. At $13.71, the average price target suggests upside of 15% over the next 12 months. (See Inovio 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. The global marketplace makes it possible for easy transactions between public and private entities worldwide, but validating the security of those transactions isnt always so easy.With supply chains that span multiple continents, often involving dozens of companies and products, regulation of cyber controls for public-sector IT contractors isnt a straightforward task. Pair this with the fact that cybercriminals and foreign intelligence agencies have increasingly honed their capacities to infiltrate and compromise organizations, and you have a unique security landscape that governments have yet to satisfyingly address.At the federal level, the U.S. has worked hard to establish certification standards like the governmentwide Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which was created to assess and authorize cloud service providers working with federal agencies. At the same time, organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have been deployed to continually assess risk and promote secure practices throughout the federal bureaucracy.State and local governments, however, lag behind. While they are increasingly taking cues from federal agencies on supply chain risk awareness, the resources to act on that awareness are slim. Indeed, for smaller public agencies whose IT departments frequently find themselves deficient in funding and manpower, the idea of comprehensive supply chain audits is about as realistic as municipally funded moon landings.Certifying and evaluating suppliers is a huge undertaking and one that most states are not equipped to do, said Dugan Petty, former Oregon CIO. Not even the largest states have the capability to certify a supply chain or determine if hardware or software have malware built in, he said.This problem has been complicated somewhat by broader shifts in the public sectors IT procurement process, said Steve Nichols, chief technology officer with the Georgia Technology Authority. As the CIO-as-broker model has come to replace the old owner/operator model, public agencies that previously procured and integrated all hardware or software themselves now frequently rely on the CIO to broker deals with system integrators. Integrators bring in whole suites of software from varied sources increasing efficiency, but also the opportunity for intrusion.The software they [an integrator] bring or transfer might have a number of other third-party software packages already integrated into it (like a database or a Web server or an app server). Further, they might bring system or management software and hardware as part of that solution. All of those things are made and supported by other companies, said Nichols.Meredith Ward, director of research with NASCIO, said that data from her organizations biannual cybersecurity survey shows there is some though probably not enough confidence in the security of governments business partners.From this years study, we know that two-thirds of state CISOs are somewhat confident that state information assets are protected from cyberthreats originating from business partners/vendors. However, one-quarter arent confident at all, said Ward. Some state CISOs have also cited that a lack of a third-party risk management program is a barrier their state faces to address cybersecurity challenges.Also adding to the problem is the rise in cloud procurement. While a useful resource for public agencies, cloud services often involve a number of different vendors in the same chain. Such vendors frequently have immense amounts of access to sensitive government data, making oversight of just how those vendors operate crucial.A SaaS solution might be built on top of a PaaS solution supported by another vendor and hosted in yet another vendors IaaS data center, said Nichols, explaining that with all of these layered services and companies, the potential for proper oversight is difficult. Most worrying is the prospect of foreign intelligence agencies infiltrating supply chains to implant malware to conduct espionage and steal data.Threats of this sort have been highly publicized in recent years. Huawei, the Chinese tech giant, has been in the headlines as an ongoing supply chain threat, but the problem hardly starts and stops with one company or nation-state. At the same time, NIST worries that industrial spies/cybercriminals are constantly on the hunt for opportunities to penetrate supply chains to gather information or exploit government data for financial gain. NIST also worries about the potential for organized crime groups to steal valuable government data, or terrorists to infiltrate systems to disable key services or wreak physical destruction through operational technology.These threats, said Petty, can be especially vexing for state agencies because no single authority exists that can take this on for the states. It has a complexity like other security issues because we have 50 different approaches all with individual state laws.Most of the solutions that do exist are some sort of auditing process, but these can be limited in scope and time consuming. In recent years, governments have frequently turned to certain certifications, such as a Statement on Standards of Attestation Engagement (SSAE-18 audit process), or even a FedRAMP certification though these can be prohibitively expensive for vendors and can take up to a year to complete. More and more states are monitoring third-party access to their systems and data, said NASCIOs Ward, requiring some form of independent attestation such as a SSAE-18 or a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and the like. To the degree that this is affordable, governments should do it.At the same time, said Ward, there are a number of more basic precautions that NASCIO recommends agencies take to protect themselves, including: perform background verification checks on select high-risk, third-party employees; monitor and control third-party access to state systems and data; perform random spot checks of third parties sites; [and] engage an independent third party to assess the third parties capabilities.Nichols, meanwhile, has come up with a unique solution to supply chain risk management after GTA had a run-in with a potentially compromised vendor.This came up a couple of years ago with a vendor who got flagged by the federal government, said Nichols. We had some of that vendors product in use in our environment and went through a small project to find where we were using it and replace it and take them off the state contract. We realized that it would be a lot easier to deal with procurement and contractual issues if we had a standard on the books, he said.To make sure such an incident was less likely to happen in the future, Nichols researched and drafted a policy for GTA that would allow them to disqualify a supplier or product using a supply chain framework, basing it on NIST SP 800-161, which outlines supply chain risk management practices for federal agencies. It is one of the few examples of a state government imposing some sort of internal regulation to help secure the overall supply chain.Nichols policy, which became effective in April, may be a step in the right direction and a good model for state agencies that want to cut down on supply chain risk. Georgias policy asks agencies to integrate supply chain risk management into their overall risk management frameworks, while also giving agency officials an enforcement mechanism with the authority to reject certain suppliers if they have been deemed a security threat.This gives us an additional tool for dealing with problematic suppliers during a procurement or if we need to remove them from a contract, said Nichols.Government TechnologyGoverning It was, you have another language, now you will add English to this and you will have two ways of looking at the world, Garreton said. It was important to her not to look at the child as coming with deficits, but another area they could develop or that was valuable to the world: 'Lets not replace Spanish with English, lets add English to what you already know. When a missile blasts a warplane out of the sky or a pilot successfully evades a radar-controlled missile, it has little to do with aim and everything to do with technology. A high-tech cat-and-mouse game between U.S. scientists and those from the Soviet Union went on for years as each side sought ways of protect its planes and bring down those of its rival. Oneida and Madison counties played a key role in this top-secret contest at isolated sites that were used by antenna researchers, soon dubbed the "Upside Down Air Force." Richard Rabe, a key figure in the project, spoke recently to members of the Rome Science Club. Rabe's career, which lasted more than 30 years, was spent mainly at the Rome Air Development Center, the RADC. At RADC, Rabe helped study the effects of electromagnetic energy on antenna capability. This all took place inside the Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis Facility (EMCAF). The testing performed within the EMCAF was instrumental in developing the Air Force's air-to-air and ground-to-air guided weapon systems that allowed the U.S. to maintain air superiority in all its conflicts. It was after these years at RADC that Rabe did some of his most momentous work. After the RADC, Rabe was named supervisor as RADC's off-base sites. Here is where things got turned upside down. With the Cold War heating up, the U.S. government set up hundreds of research sites to develop military equipment. While there are sites all over New York state, the term "Upside Down Air Force" refers to three specific off-base sites in at Stockbridge, Verona and Newport. The areas were selected because of the lands' topography and relative isolation. It was at the Newport test site, 26 miles east of Rome, that Rabe was assigned to modernize and bring up to date. "At Newport was where we did some of our best work," Rabe explained. "I could have worked in industry, but working at Newport was great because every day was something different. One day we would be working on antennae, the next, maybe construction, the next, testing and development. Industry would have had me only doing one task. I worked with a lot of smart people at Newport and we really did some great work." Rabe explained how the "Upside Down Air Force" operated at the Newport test site. Three stations were constructed as points on a triangle thousands of yards away from each other. Warplanes that were no longer airworthy were given to RADC and bolted upside down atop 30-to-50-foot pedestals in the middle of the triangle. Radios were placed at the triangle's corners. The idea was to see how effective the plane's antennae were at various angles and with different equipment bolted indoor the wings. "The idea for the pedestals is you rotate, tip and spin the aircraft any way you want it," Rabe said. But sometimes, if the plane wes upright, the pedestal itself would get in the way and ruin the test. "The way to solve that problem was totally placing the aircraft upside down," he said. "With antennae on the belly of the plane and the belly facing the sky, we could rotate, tip and spin the plane any way we wanted and the pedestal would be safely below the aircraft and out of the way." Newport was an active testing site throughout the 1980s. The "upside down" technique that Rabe and the other researchers employed was an effective way of testing that saved the government millions of dollars. Doing the tests with live planes proved far too costly. "You could do fly-bys," Rabe said. "Planes got to go by the site, then turn around and come back. Each time data would be attained and analyzed. At $10,000 an hour, this tended to get expensive. The planes being mounted on pedestals proved cheaper for the military and easier for us because we could easily change the positioning of the planes any way we wanted to." The Newport site Rabe supervised is still being used today. The site is now run by the Rome Research Corporation, but has seen its research activities drop because of financial limitations. "It is a shame," Rabe said. "Because we did a lot of good work there. One day they came in and said 'we do not need you, we have computers now.' They lost a lot of smart people." Rabe retired in 1989 and still does consulting work for various radar and aircraft companies such as the Kaman Sciences Corporation, Syracuse Research Corp. and Research Associates of Syracuse. Commentators and Democrats have called-out Donald Trump for saying that Americans should not be afraid of a virus that has claimed more than 210,000 lives. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden led those attacks on Monday as he told the US president to "Tell that to the 205,000 families who lost somebody". In a video released on his return to the White House, Mr Trump said Americans should "get out there" and not to be afraid of the same virus that hospitalised him since Friday. The 74-year-old president, who wore a mask upon leaving the hospital before appearing unmasked on a White House balcony, argued that we have the best medical equipment and so people should not be afraid. Dont let it dominate you. Dont be afraid of it, he continued. Don't let it dominate. Democratic Party political strategist Christine Pelosi called those comments flagrantly irresponsible, as she pointed out the president's contradictions on healthcare. Its flagrantly irresponsible to say dont be afraid of Covid when you yourself were rightly afraid last week before you were hospitalised and received the best treatment in the world, she wrote on Twitter. In a similar statement, Democratic congressional nominee Cori Bush said we already knew that the president dont care about us, and those whose lives have been up-ended amid the pandemic. She wrote on Twitter: Kids have lost their parents. Families have been ripped apart. 210,000 human lives are gone. Millions have lost their jobs. Thousands face evictions.You dont care about usbut we already knew that. Mr Trumps short-lived communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, meanwhile labelled the Republican president a Covidiot in chief. Mr Scaramucci later compared the presidents balcony appearance on his return to the White House as akin to an American Mussolini, amid concerns that Mr Trump had continued to endanger those around him with the risk of infection. I was aghast when he said Covid should not be feared, William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville told the Associated Press. This is a disease that is killing around a thousand people a day, has torpedoed the economy, put people out of work. This is a virus that should be both respected and feared, he added. Political commentators and correspondents also attacked the president, with MSNBC host Joe Reid saying on Monday that This man is contagious. I am speechless. I am stunned. I have to be honest with you, Im disgusted by what I just saw, said The ReidOut host. This is the most irresponsible thing Ive ever seen a president do. Darren Star on the set of Emily in Paris. Photo: Courtesy of Darren Star Darren Star, who has been creating alluring aspirational television for three decades, doesnt like the idea of referring to his latest creation, Netflixs Emily in Paris, as a fantasy. I dont think its accurate to describe it as a fantasy, I really dont, he says on the phone from his L.A. home when asked if its fair to characterize the series using that term. Youd have to explain to me why its a fantasy. Well, for starters, most women dont have a neighbor who looks like Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), the hot chef/potential love interest who lives directly below Emily (Lily Collins), a Chicagoan who moves to Paris to work at a luxury-focused boutique marketing firm recently acquired by her employer. That was luck, Star offers. Okay, theres also the boundless number of chic ensembles Emily wears, and the romance of the whole Paris setting, and the couture-and-cocktails culture into which Emily is ushered. Well, yes, Star concedes, certain elements of Emily in Paris, including the costumes (co-designed by his longtime collaborator Patricia Field), function as fantasy, or what he refers to as window dressing. But that has been part of his takes on reality since the beginning of his career. (This is a case he also recently made to the New York Times.) I think if you look at Beverly Hills 90210, Beverly Hills is a fantasy, but the experiences of those characters were real, he says, referring to his first series. Thats why the show lasted for 300 episodes. Because people cared about the characters. Paris may be beautiful, he adds, bringing the conversation back to Emily in Paris, and [Emily] may be wearing clothes that, okay, were not sure where she got them. But shes wearing them. Shes met a beautiful guy downstairs. But a lot of the challenges shes facing and the struggles if they dont feel relatable, the shows not going to work. Since Emily in Paris debuted Friday on Netflix, there has been mixed response as to whether the show fully works or not. Reviews have skewed positive, though some critics, in the regular media and on social media, have bristled at Emilys less-than-aggressive efforts to learn French and her basic Instagram feed. On the other hand, people are talking about it and gulping down the episodes like Champagne at a bottomless brunch, which also is a classic response to a Darren Star show. The creator-producer-writer has been successfully draping the relatable in his so-called window dressing for three decades now, and Emily in Paris is a timely reminder of that: It arrived on Netflix on October 2, two days shy of the 30th anniversary of the premiere of Beverly Hills, 90210, the teen soap that made Star a major TV-industry player before the age of 30. Over the years hes been the architect of other hit series, including Melrose Place, another Fox soap about the high drama (and constant sexual entanglements) among residents of an L.A. apartment complex; Sex and the City, HBOs groundbreaking ode to female friendship and sexual appetites; Younger, the fizzy exploration of generational issues in the world of New York book publishing; and now, Emily in Paris, a rom-com about an American struggling to fit in with her colleagues and the culture in the City of Lights. It also marks Stars first series to debut directly on a streaming platform. (Emily was originally slated to air on TV Land and then the Paramount Network, before going to Netflix. Star says he and his partners at ViacomCBS, which owns TV Land and Paramount and where Star recently extended his development deal, approached Netflix about picking up the series because they thought it would be better served on the platform, in part because of its international reach.) At this point in his career, Darren Star is as much a brand as his actual name. But how does Darren Star define a Darren Star show? When this question is posed, at first, he demurs: Its hard to analyze your own work. But then he points out that most of his series involve people creating their own families and, particularly in his most recent work, focus on career-oriented women wanting to lead strong, independent lives. That makes sense considering the television show he cites as his favorite when he was a kid growing up in Potomac, Maryland: The Mary Tyler Moore Show. I think it had a deep influence on me, definitely, says Star, who, while technically a baby boomer he was born in 1961 doesnt define himself by such arbitrary identifiers. When I pitched Sex and the City to HBO for the first time, I said, I want it to feel like The Mary Tyler Moore Show for the 90s. Star also admits to being drawn to fish-out-of-water stories, another frequent theme in his filmography. On 90210, Brandon and Brenda Walsh were Minnesotans attempting to fit in among the privileged student body at West Beverly Hills High. On Younger, Liza Miller is a Gen-Xer pretending to be a millennial so she can get a job and make her mark in the publishing industry. (For curious fans of that TV Land series: Production is set to resume on its final season on October 12, under strict COVID protocols.) On Emily in Paris, Emily Cooper is an American striving for acceptance in France, even though she doesnt speak the language, literally or metaphorically. I know what its like. I am a fish out of water in Paris, and I always have been, says Star. I have felt that whenever Im there, and I kind of enjoy that. I can find the humor in it. A love for Paris also has been a recurring character in Stars series, a feeling first sparked in him during a backpacking trip through Europe that Star took at age 19. I was pretty knocked out by Paris when I went there for the first time, he says. Its just one of those cities that beats all of your expectations and more. That feeling crept its way into Beverly Hills, 90210 during a story arc where Brenda (Shannen Doherty) spent a summer in Paris; Sex and the City when, in its final season, Carrie briefly moved to Paris until Big was sent to go get our girl; and obviously now in Emily in Paris. While the 90210 Paris scenes were shot on an L.A. studio back lot, Sex and the City got to briefly shoot in the city. Emily in Paris, filmed late last summer and fall, allowed the cast and crew to set up camp in France for a few months, a dream come true for Star. Filming at the Paris Opera House, having that to ourselves for an entire night, was incredible, he says of the Palais Garnier, which makes an appearance in episode six. You write it in the script and think, What are we going to get thats going to stand in for this? Then we actually were able to film there. I think that the crew themselves, starting from the location managers to the production designer, really wanted to share their passion and love of the city. Darren Star shows also tend to lean into a passion and love for fashion, and Emily in Paris is no exception. The list of designers Collins gets to try on as Emily is long, and includes names like Burberry, Chanel, Christian Siriano, and Vivienne Westwood. Emily also navigates numerous cobblestone streets in heels high enough to cause a severe fall, which naturally raises the question: Why does fashion matter so much in a Darren Star Show? I find clothes very entertaining, he says. That is something I learned from Aaron Spelling at the very beginning, is to focus on wardrobe. I remember writing one of the first episodes of 90210 that, when Aaron and his female friends saw it, they were basically looking at the show and just critiquing the outfits. I wasnt even thinking about that. I was thinking about the dialogue and the actors and everything and I wasnt paying any attention to clothes, and I was just surprised how much people look at clothes when they watch a show. Star realized that when youre living vicariously through a character, it enhances the experience when that surrogate you dresses in chic and bold ways, especially in romantic comedies. And Emily in Paris, like Younger and Sex and the City, is definitely a rom-com. Even though Star wants his viewers to feel a real connection to Emily and the other characters in his version of Paris, hes also keenly aware that the series, like everything hes done in his career, functions as escapism. In fact, theres a scene in Emily in Paris in which Emily argues with a co-worker about the value of French romantic films versus American rom-coms and asks, Dont you want to go to the movies to escape life? When asked if her philosophy reflects his own, Star says, Do we want to go to the movies to escape life? Yeah, I do sometimes. Not all the time. I think traditionally that what Hollywood has given us with romantic comedies is an escape, and I think this show is a romantic comedy. Me, having had a big hand in writing that scene, [that] was about wanting to comment about the show we were all watching. And that, perhaps above all other qualities, is what Darren Star shows have been providing since 1990: if not a fantasy (in Stars mind at least), then an escape to a heightened, and usually more appealing, version of reality. A group of NGOs said Tuesday they have filed a criminal complaint in Germany accusing President Bashar Al-Assads regime of using chemical weapons during Syrias long-running conflict. The case, the first legal action over the alleged use of chemical weapons by Damascus, was filed on behalf of victims of the nerve agent sarin in 2013 and 2017, according to a statement from the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM). The attacks in Eastern Ghouta and Khan Shaykhun killed more than 1,400 people, including children, the SCM said in a statement. By gathering evidence and identifying witnesses able to provide testimony to prosecutors, the complainants aim to advance the eventual arrest and prosecution of Syrian officials responsible for the attacks, it said. Germanys federal public prosecutor was not immediately able to confirm receipt of the complaint. The Syrian government has been accused on numerous occasions of using chemical weapons, charges it denies. Member countries of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) voted in July to take action on a probe that blamed Syria for nerve gas attacks for the first time. Syria and Russia have dismissed the probes conclusions, alleged that chemical weapons attacks were faked and accused Western powers of politicising the OPCW. Several criminal cases have been launched in Germany over alleged war crimes in Syria under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows a foreign country to prosecute crimes against humanity and war crimes. A group of Syrians who allegedly suffered or witnessed rape and sexual abuse in detention centres under Assads government submitted a criminal complaint to German prosecutors in June. In April, the first court case worldwide over state-sponsored torture by the Assad government opened in Germany. Syrias civil war, which started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests, has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced nearly half the pre-conflict population. 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, China on Sept. 6, 2020. (NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty Images) Beijing Seeks to Aggressively Export Its COVID-19 Vaccines at Cheap Prices Recent Chinese media reports revealed that Beijing was seeking to export COVID-19 vaccines at extremely low prices, while selling them at considerably higher ratesmore than 22.5 times in one caseinside China. As countries race toward developing a safe vaccine, the Chinese regime has aggressively pushed for Chinese manufacturers to export their doses to foreign countries. One Chinese drug company said it would sell the vaccine to Brazil for around $2 per dose. But in interviews with Chinese media, the companys CEO said it would sell the vaccine at 300 yuan (about $44) per dose in China. The $2 per dose is lower than other global manufacturers pricing. On Aug. 5, Johnson & Johnson announced that it reached an agreement with the U.S. government to supply 100 million doses of its investigational vaccine, Ad26.COV2.S, after it gets approval from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The U.S. government is funding the manufacturing costs and will offer the vaccine on a not-for-profit basis at $10 per dose. Another U.S. pharma giant, Moderna, said in August that smaller volume agreements for the companys experimental vaccine will be priced in the range of $32 to $37 per dose. Larger volume deals would be priced lower. Meanwhile, British-based AstraZeneca said its vaccine would be distributed by Indias Serum Institute in India and other developing countries for around $3 per dose. Pfizer and BioNTech, however, announced that they would offer their 100 million doses of an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine for free, as the U.S. government has committed to paying for them. Chinese authorities have publicly encouraged Chinese drug companies to export their developed vaccines. U.S.-based China affairs commentator Tang Jingyuan said Beijing seeks to dominate the global market with cheap vaccines so that it could build its image as a global savior in fighting the pandemic. It wants to show the world that a totalitarian ruling system is more effective, Tang said. The Chinese regime also wants to influence other countries into supporting its agenda. Its likely to get underdeveloped countries to rely on its vaccines, then these countries would support it at the United Nations and other international organizations, Tang said. Chinese Price Chinese state-run Global Times reported on its English website on Oct. 2 that Brazils Sao Paulo state government ordered 46 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine from Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech at a price of $90 million. Global Times cited a company source who said the unit price of the deal would be around $2 per dose. Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria confirmed the deal on Oct. 2. He said that he had asked Brazilian health regulator Anvisa to register SinoVacs COVID-19 vaccine candidate. However, Global Times didnt report this deal in the Chinese language. Neither did other mainland Chinese state-run outlets. The Hong Kong-based pro-Beijing media outlet Phoenix reported on the deal on Oct. 2, but the article was quickly removed from its website and social media accounts. According to a web cache version of the article, the outlet cited Sinovac CEO and chairman Yin Weidong, who said the company will adopt an international market price to sell its vaccine in China, estimating that the cost on the domestic market should be lower than 600 yuan ($88.35) for two doses. For potential buyers in Indonesia and Turkey, Yin said Sinovac would give them a low price, but did not cite a figure. The report noted that the vaccine could potentially have side effects. If the side effects arent serious or only a relatively small portion of inoculated people have side effects, it wouldnt be an issue and the vaccine candidate is safe, it said. During Sinovacs phase III clinical trial, some people reported side effects of a fever, arms or other places where the vaccine was injected feeling achy, and so on, the report stated. Other Chinese pharmas that are developing COVID-19 vaccines include state-run drug company China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), which is in phase III trials. On Sept. 10, Sinopharm announced on its official website that the price of its COVID-19 vaccine would be lower than 1,000 yuan ($147.26) for two or three doses in the domestic market. Parliament is undergoing a deep clean today after a number of confirmed cases of coronavirus. A 'small number' of people have tested positive for Covid-19 across the Parliament Estate - which encompasses the Houses of Commons and Lords, and Portcullis House - used by more than 200 MPs and their staff. A spokesman refused to confirm specifics on the numbers of cases, when they fell ill or details of individuals affected. This comes as pressure intensifies on SNP MP Margaret Ferrier to quit after doing an 800-mile round trip to Parliament while suffering from Covid symptoms. And it follows the test and trace shambles, with the news that 16,000 people who tested Covid-positive last week went unreported because of a 'computer glitch'. Pressure is intensifying on SNP MP Margaret Ferrier to quit after doing an 800-mile round trip to Parliament while suffering from Covid symptoms A 'small number' of people have tested positive for Covid-19 across the Parliament Estate Excel bungle masked daily cases hitting 11,000 Yesterday, a staggering rise in coronavirus cases was recorded in Britain as the Department of Health announced 12,594 more positive tests more than triple the 4,368 that were recorded a fortnight ago. Last Monday's data, which would usually be a good point of reference, is now unreliable because of a catastrophic counting error at Public Health England, meaning September 21 is the most recent Monday with an accurate number. Officials confirmed that the huge number was a clean count that did not include any cases left over from the weekend's data blunder at Public Health England that saw 16,000 test results from the past week tacked onto Sunday night's update. Instead, the more than 12,000 new infections emerged after the fog had cleared from the counting catastrophe believed to have been caused by an Excel problem in outdated software at PHE and marked one of the biggest one-day rises so far for Britain. The extraordinary meltdown was caused by an Excel spreadsheet containing lab results reaching its maximum size, and failing to update. Some 15,841 cases between September 25 and October 2 were not uploaded to the government dashboard. As well as underestimating the scale of the outbreak in the UK, critically the details were not passed to contact tracers, meaning people exposed to the virus were not tracked down. The technical issue has now been resolved by splitting the Excel files into batches. Advertisement A spokesman for Parliament told MailOnline that its 'dedicated test and trace team' was working with suspected or confirmed cases on the Estate and contacting anyone they had come into contact with. There is no indication that the confirmed Covid cases are connected to Ms Ferrier. The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP admitted last Thursday she had travelled to London while awaiting results for a Covid-19 test, and back to Glasgow after the screening showed she was positive, both by train. Ms Sturgeon and other senior SNP figures have called for her to go, but the 82,000-a-year MP remained silent over the weekend about her future. The First Minister announced on Twitter she had told Ms Ferrier, who she described as a friend, she should step down. Asked at the daily coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh about when the SNP knew the circumstances of Ms Ferrier's trip, the First Minister said yesterday: 'Patrick Grady (SNP chief whip) didn't know last Monday or Tuesday that Margaret Covid has suspected or confirmed Covid.' Ms Sturgeon made the same slip of the tongue at the briefing on Friday, when she denounced Ms Ferrier's conduct and said she believed she should step down as an MP. The First Minister repeated her appeal to the MP on Monday, while defending her party's handling of the case, saying it had 'acted to the maximum of what we can do'. Ms Ferrier had the whip removed when her trips became public. Earlier, the leader of the SNP at Westminster called on Ms Ferrier 'to do the honourable thing' and resign. Scotland Yard confirmed it was looking into Ms Ferrier's admission that she travelled 400 miles from Glasgow to London while awaiting the results of a test, and then took the train back after being told it was positive. Ms Ferrier could face a 4,000 fine for a first-time offence of 'recklessly' coming into contact with others when she should have been self-isolating under a law that came into force on the day of her positive test. Nicola Sturgeon (left) called Margaret Ferrier (right) 'Margaret Covid' for a second time as pressure grows on the SNP MP to quit after travelling while suffering coronavirus symptoms A Parliament spokesman said: 'Confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the country and we are seeing evidence of that with a small number of cases on the Parliamentary Estate. 'However we will not be providing specifics on numbers of cases or details of individuals affected. 'Parliament's dedicated test and trace team is working effectively in support of test and trace teams across the UK acting as a central point of contact in the event of any suspected or confirmed cases, where an individual has been working on the Estate. 'All relevant contacts are quickly contacted and advised to self-isolate. 'We have been implementing enhanced cleaning measures to ensure those working on the Estate can maintain a clean and hygienic working environment. 'The House's priority is to ensure that all those on the Estate are kept safe while Parliamentary business is facilitated and, as always, the Speakers and political leadership of both Houses are keeping these matters under constant review.' MOSCOW The Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan plunged into political chaos on Tuesday after opposition groups seized control of Parliament and released their imprisoned leaders in protests over parliamentary elections they called rigged. Under mounting pressure from the protesters, the countrys Central Electoral Commission annulled the results of the Sunday vote, a day after having awarded the majority of seats to two political parties with ties to the president, Sooronbai Jeenbekov. Overnight, a small group of protesters broke away from the main body and tried to gain entry to the White House, the main government building that houses the Parliament and the presidential administration, in Bishkek, the capital. After the police tried to disperse them, hundreds more joined in the assault and soon took control, according to photos and video footage from the scene. On Tuesday, the streets of Bishkek were littered with burned out cars and piles of stones, while photos emerged of the broken down gates to the White House. Inside the building, videos and photos showed broken glass and piles of debris, including government papers, with protesters wandering the offices. In the city, residents formed volunteer brigades to deter looters. Ethiopia has banned all flights over its giant new hydropower dam on the Blue Nile for security reasons, the head of its civil aviation authority said on Monday, as the president pledged the dam would begin generating power in the next 12 months. The move could worsen Ethiopias dispute with Egypt and Sudan over its $4 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Cairo has said could threaten its main supply of water. All flights have been banned to secure the dam, the director-general of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Wesenyeleh Hunegnaw, told Reuters by phone. He declined to give more details on the reasons. Later on Monday in a speech to parliament, Ethiopias president Sahle-Work Zewde said: This year will be a year where the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will start generating power with the two turbines. She also said that work was underway to enable a second filling of the dam within the next 12 months. In July, Ethiopia said it had achieved its first year of filling the dam thanks to rainfall in the area. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told the United Nations last month that the country has no intention of harming Sudan and Egypt with the dam, days after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reiterated his concerns over the project. Last week, air force chief Major General Yilma Merdasa told local media that Ethiopia was fully prepared to defend the dam from any attack. Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan failed to strike a deal on the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam before Ethiopia began filling the reservoir behind the dam in July. The dam is at the centre of Ethiopias bid to become Africas biggest power exporter. The structure is about 15 km (9 miles) from the Ethiopian border with Sudan on the Blue Nile a tributary of the Nile river, which gives Egypts 100 million people about 90 per cent of their fresh water. The United States decided last month to cut $100 million in aid to Ethiopia amid the dispute over the dam. A U.S. State Department official who did not want to be identified told Reuters at the time that the decision to pause some funding to Ethiopia was triggered by concern over Ethiopias unilateral decision to start filling the dam before an agreement. Source: Reuters Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video To empower customers to conduct personalized online transactions from any location, Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited has introduced Kukua, it's WhatsApp Banking Assistant. The 24-hour WhatsApp Banking Assistant, fully conversant with the banks suite of offerings to answer questions through cutting edge technology, forms part of Fidelity Banks Together Were More brand promise that views success as a collaborative effort between itself, customers, and the general public. Speaking about Kukua, Nana Esi Idun-Arkhurst, Divisional Director, Retail Banking of Fidelity Bank Ghana, stated: We are excited to offer accessible round the clock banking services on WhatsApp, a platform that the majority of Ghanaians and our customers frequently use. Our retail customers can now initiate a number of transactions including fund transfers, airtime top-up, exchange rate checks, mini statement reviews, account balance checks, and ATM and branch location; all in real-time directly on WhatsApp with Kukua. Kukua joins our innovative portfolio of digital products such as our mobile app, online banking, online account opening, USSD, cards, and many others, she added. Mrs. Idun-Arkhurst assured that Fidelity Bank will continue to leverage technology to create simple and innovative solutions for customers to enjoy banking services in a seamless and secure manner. Speaking on the strength of Kukuas cybersecurity, Fidelitys Director of Transaction and Electronic Banking, Gladys Thompson noted that Kukua has cutting edge security and all her interactions are secure with customers data and privacy protected. Underscoring Fidelitys internal development capabilities, Kukua was conceived in-house as a project to create digital solutions to better serve its customers. Fidelity Head of Customer Experience, Comfort Armoo shared that Kukua has been a labor of love and we are excited that she is finally here to attend to customer needs in real-time. Fidelitys introduction of Kukua is a realization of its continued commitment to making banking easier and convenient for all its customer segments through relevant and useful digital products and services. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Jaipur, Oct 6 : The gems and jewellery industry seems to be bouncing back in Jaipur after being badly hit during the COVID-19 pandemic as the wedding season approaches and the jewellers have started receiving orders for the same. Jewellers are also adapting to the 'new normal' while going the e-commerce way during the pandemic. Also the artisans who lost their work during the lockdown have been engaged again as the industry seems to be picking up, said Sanjay Kala, president, Jewellers Association. There are around 1.50 lakh workers engaged in the gemstone industry and roughly the same number engaged in jewellery-making in Jaipur. While gemstone workers are from Jaipur and around the area, jewellery makers are predominantly from Bengal, he said. "For three months, everyone from across sectors suffered as there was no work due to the lockdown. However, thereafter, traders started enhancing their stock. For example, our Kalajee Jewellery outlet opened three months back and we are busy enhancing our inventory. All our artisans are at work, in fact, we have increased the strength of workers marginally. In Sitapura industrial area also, factories are working at full capacity," he said, adding that only a few artisans who left Jaipur in the first phase are jobless. "However, those who are in Jaipur have ample work. These are the ones who were not allowed in their villages. Everyone including society, government and employers supported these artisans." Now with the Navratri season coming in October, there will be a rush as the wedding season is approaching. This is called a double season because many weddings were cancelled in March-April and are now being solemnised, so the market is picking up. As wedding guest numbers are limited during the pandemic, people will definitely be spending more on jewellery, he added. Nirmal Kumar Bardiya, Regional Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter of Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council says, "The industry in Jaipur was already geared up to start its operations as soon as the first Unlock was to be announced. As a result of this, the SEZ and DTA zones were the first one in the country to start their production and exports immediately after Unlock.1." "Jewellers in Jaipur have quickly learnt newer ways to survive the COVID-19 times. They adapted by accepting virtual events as the smart tool which helps in taking their products to international customers via virtual meeting. We have been organising virtual buyer-seller meets for gold jewellery and diamonds. The studded jewellery VBSM is scheduled on October 19 which will be followed by coloured gemstones and silver jewellery. We are garnering a good response in these international meetings." He said e-commerce is new world order post pandemic for which the Council is working with the government to facilitate exports of gems and jewellery through e-commerce mode. Meanwhile, other GJEPC officials say that they rely on exports and with a travel ban on many countries, normalcy is yet awaited but e-commerce has a worldwide inclination. "During pandemic, gems and jewellery exports should be facilitated via e-commerce. If there is a need of the hour to change the policy, then it should be done," official sources said. Jalaj Agrawal from Praveen Jewellers, says that artisans are being helped in every way possible to survive amid the pandemic. Those who were adept in carving gold are given work no matter if it is for silver and those adept at carving silver are given brass. "The idea is that everyone should get work," he says, adding "We want artisans to survive for they are the pillars of our industry," he added. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A new coalition is looking to electrify New York Citys school buses to better protect students and preserve the environment. On Monday, various local nonprofit organizations announced the formation of the NYC Clean School Bus Coalition, a group dedicated to electrifying the citys entire fleet of privately-owned school buses by 2040. The recently formed coalition consists of the The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF), New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, 350Brooklyn, North Brooklyn Neighbors and Earthjustice. We havent even finished the first full week of in-person learning for most students, and children are already breathing in dirty diesel exhaust. 2020 serves as a stark reminder that students deserve a healthy and safe learning environment, which includes their travel to and from school," said Julie Tighe, president of NYLCVEF. During Mondays launch, the coalition unveiled its 2020-2021 school bus agenda, outlining reasons why the city should electrify its school bus fleet and the steps the coalition will take toward supporting that goal. One of the coalitions primary reasons for advocating for the electrification of the citys school buses is to improve the health of students by allowing them to travel in cleaner, low-emission vehicles that pose significantly lower health risks than the existing, diesel-fueled fleet. The vast majority of the approximately 10,000 school buses that serve our city run on diesel fuel, which means the exhaust they produce is a Group 1 carcinogen with high levels of particulate matter pollution that studies have shown increase the threats of asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, heart attacks, lung cancer and premature death, said Sonal Jessel, WE ACT for Environmental Justices policy and advocacy coordinator. And its not just people outside the bus inhaling the exhaust who are being affected, but also the children seated inside. Thats only half the story, added Jessel. A study by the NRDC [Natural Resources Defense Council] found that school buses are self-polluting, exposing children on the bus to exhaust levels that were 23 to 46 times higher than those considered to be a significant cancer risk by the Environmental Protection Agency. According to the NRDC website, the organization works to safeguard the Earth -- its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. The other driving force for electrifying the citys school buses is combatting climate change, with estimates showing that the complete electrification of the citys fleet would prevent the release of nearly 3 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Another reason we joined this coalition is because transportation is New Yorks second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions contribute directly to the climate crisis, and low-income communities and communities of color are the hardest hit by climate change, said Jessel. The coalition will look to prioritize the electrification of school buses in low-income communities and communities of color, both of which have been disproportionally impacted by pollution and climate change throughout history. This year also showed us, once again, that communities which have historically born a systematic and disproportionate burden of pollution are also those which suffer its consequences. Thats why the NYC Clean Bus Coalition will fight for zero-emission school buses in environmental justice neighborhoods to improve childrens health and boost air quality, Tighe said. The electric school bus advocates said they hope to achieve their goal of electrifying all 10,000 New York City school buses by 2040 by supporting and encouraging new pilot programs, as well as engaging and educating New Yorkers on the importance of their initiative. We need to transform how kids get to and from school in order to improve childrens and community health. Converting thousands of diesel school buses to a clean fleet is critical to our fight for cleaner air. And its a fight we can win, said Anthony Buissereth, executive director of North Brooklyn Neighbors. MBABANE The brakes of a car allocated to the Senior Officer at Mbabane Fire Station, Luke Lushaba, were tampered with, allegedly by aggrieved firefighters. This, according to government, could have seen Lushaba losing his life in the event an accident occurred as a result of the brakes which had been tampered with. These allegations were made by Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Clifford Mamba, in the matter where government is seeking an order to stop the firefighters or anyone working under the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services (ENFES) from embarking on a strike action or refusal to comply with the three-shift system as per Circular No.4 forthwith. Process Government is also praying for an order directing the employees to attend work in line with the circular and ordering their union to give the arbitration process at CMAC a chance to be concluded without taking the law into their hands. CMAC is the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission. The PS is the applicant in the matter while the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) is the respondent. Transportation of casualties from scenes of accident to hospitals, humanitarian services and all kinds of rescue operations are also not being offered. In fact, millions of Emalangeni worth of property has already been destroyed due to the unlawful conduct of the firefighters, averred the PS. In his founding affidavit, the PS further informed the court that Station Officer Douglas Mkhaliphi of Lobamba Fire Station, reported that a padlock separating the staff quarters and the fire station was forcefully opened, thus damaging it completely. These incidents have never happened in the history of the fire department, only to have strangely occurred now when the firefighters are on strike or withholding their services and/or coming to work when they are not allocated shifts, contended Mamba. He averred that some firefighters wanted to work, but were allegedly being harassed by the union. Mamba further highlighted that people who reported fires all over the country since the implementation of the circular on October 1, 2020, were unattended to since the firefighters, who had been allocated in the three shits, refused to work. According to the PS, a house and a shop were burnt in Piggs Peak on October 1 and 2, 2020 respectively, but the Piggs Peak firefighters, who had been scheduled to work, were absent from duty without any lawful reason. He said the fires occurred during the day. In Big Bend, Mamba alleged that there was fire which was reported at the Siphofaneni Fire Station, but there could be no help as the scheduled firefighters were not at work, without a valid reason. Assistance He went on to submit that, at Ngculwini, Nhlangano and Msunduza, certain individuals were gravely ill and required the use of a fire service ambulance, but could not be assisted as there were no firefighters. Mamba said this was on October 3, 2020. In the past few days, the country has seen a lot of rains which culminated in a lot of accidents within the countrys roads that have not been attended to by the firefighters as they are required to. Homes are being destroyed by the rains and others are falling thus the need to have fire and emergency personnel ready to assist, avowed Mamba. The PS claimed that after the circular was implemented on October 1, 2020, the union consulted with the chief fire officer and it was allegedly emphasised that all consultations were done and concerns were addressed. He alleged that transport was provided for those who worked night shift. Mamba asserted that the firefighters allegedly never gave the circular any chance to be implemented because from October 1, 2020, they never complied with it, but decided to stick to the old shift system. According to the PS, the officers allocated in the new shift system, were either not allowed to render their services or did not show up at work. I must submit that, however, those who were blocked from coming to work reported to their station officers and some were eventually allowed to work. The number was, however, so negligible, he argued. Meanwhile, government reportedly saved over E20 million by cutting overtime payments for the firefighters ,who were working 12 hours instead of eight a day. The Industrial Court recently dismissed an application in which the ENFES personnel were seeking an order to stop the implementation of the circular. The circular will see a stop in overtime payment for the firefighters. The firefighters wanted the court to direct that the implementation of the circular should be stayed pending determination of the proceedings pending at CMAC. The application was filed on behalf of the employees by NAPSAWU. Overtime In motivating the dismissal of the previous application, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at the ENFES Dumisane Khumalo argued that the current shift system, coupled with the overtime and extended duty allowance, was costly to government. According to Khumalo, it bloated the civil service wage bill, which was a cause for concern to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as it had implored government to reduce the civil service. The deputy chief fire officer contended that the proposed three-shift system would do away with the institutionalised overtime and see employees getting more rest and time to spend with their families as they would work eight hours per day instead of the current 12. Presently, the overtime allowance stands at E22 342 086.08 and the extended duty allowance stands at E7 065 658.63. By implementing the new shift system, the country will save more than E20 186 234.09,submitted Khumalo. Government is represented by Assistant Attorney General Mbuso Simelane who appears alongside Senior Crown Counsel Vikinduku Mamba. The union is represented by Meluleki Ndlangamandla. Macys Inc. has invested in Klarna and will offer the payments and shopping service to its online customers through a five-year partnership. Klarna offers consumers payment options, including paying after delivery; paying in four equal, interest-free installments and direct payments. Klarna Inc., based in Columbus, Ohio, is already backed by Sequoia Capital, Bestseller, Permira, Visa and Atomico. Macys did not disclose the size of its Klarna investment. More from WWD With a strong focus on digital agility and innovation, Macys continually seeks strategic partnerships that enable us to provide our customers with the best possible shopping experience, said Matt Baer, chief digital officer of Macys Inc. Were excited to embark on a long-term relationship with Klarna that will help us reach wider audiences looking for seamless alternative payment solutions that provide them with financial control and convenience. The 15-year-old Klarna indicated that it has more than 200,000 retail partners including H&M, Ikea, Expedia Group, Samsung, Asos, Peloton, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nike and AliExpress, but that Macys is one of the first department stores to partner with the company. Macys said it has been fast-tracking digital initiatives and partnerships to quickly meet increased customer demand for online shopping and flexible payments options. In the second quarter, Macys picked up 4 million new online customers, according to the department stores chairman and chief executive officer Jeff Gennette. They were younger, more diverse. They asked for services that frankly we didnt have, Gennette said, citing installment pay, during a conversation last week with Matt Shay, president and ceo of the National Retail Federation. Gennette also said customers wanted same-day deliveries, so Macys signed on with DoorDash, the delivery service. A couple of years ago, Macys made an investment in b8ta, a software platform and business model that enables vendors selling online to also launch their products in brick-and-mortar stores. Klarna is delighted to partner with Macys as the shift to online retail accelerates and the company continues to innovate and enhance its digital offerings to meet evolving consumer expectations, for which smart and flexible payments are essential, said Sebastian Siemiatkowski, ceo of Klarna. The company said the Klarna app sees more than 12 million monthly active users globally. Aside from payment options, Klarna offers social shopping and personal finances. The company said it has a valuation of $10.6 billion, and is one of the largest private fintechs. Last January, Siemiatkowski said Klarna was working with retailers to integrate digital capabilities into physical stores to create an easy, inspiring and convenient shopping experience for customers. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 18:31:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close By Xinhua writers Lyu Qiuping and Zhang Shuo SHIJIAZHUANG, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Cuiyun smears a palm-sized leaf with corn paste, stuffs it with smashed meat and folds it into the shape of a dumpling. After some 20 minutes of steaming, the oakleaf cakes will be ready for packaging and sale. Zhao is from the rural area of Qinhuangdao in north China's Hebei Province known for the Shanhai Pass, the eastern terminal of the Great Wall, and works at an oakleaf cake workshop. Oakleaf cakes are a specialty that has demonstrated the peculiar Great Wall culture and become a cash cow for local residents. "With the workshop at my doorstep, I can bring home 2,000 yuan (about 295 U.S. dollars) a month, while being able to take care of my family and the farmland at the same time," said Zhao, 64. To meet the explosive market demand for the eight-day holiday of the National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival starting on Oct. 1, the workshop in Qinhuangdao's Haigang District has doubled its daily output to 3 tonnes since mid-September, said Yang Guiyun, chairwoman of the workshop called Mulan Food. According to locals, having oakleaf cakes is a tradition passed down by their ancestors from Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province. In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), soldiers recruited mainly in Yiwu and led by Qi Jiguang, a renowned military general, were stationed along the Great Wall to resist the enemy from the north. Ji Yang, a professor with the Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, said the oakleaf cakes created by the Yiwu soldiers are actually a combined version of the northern specialty of the dumpling and zongzi, stuffed rice balls wrapped with reeds popular in the south, representing a cultural blending of north and south China. "The soldiers missed their home specialty of zongzi, and, with no reeds or rice grown nearby, invented the cakes using local oak tree leaves, forming a peculiar phenomenon while defending along the Great Wall," Ji said. According to the local government, Yiwu descendants now can be found in nearly 160 villages nearby the 223-km section of the Great Wall in Qinhuangdao built in the Ming Dynasty, including the one where Yang lives. After several failed attempts in starting her business, Yang decided to sell oakleaf cakes in 2005. Her products have gradually been sold in retail outlets such as local hotel restaurants to clients of neighboring cities and provinces, including Beijing, Tianjin and Liaoning. Last year, the sales revenue of her workshop reached 21 million yuan (about 3 million U.S. dollars), with more specialty categories being produced and sold, such as smashed bean buns and steamed bread made from minor cereals. The workshop has provided more than 30 jobs and mobilized some 200 households to grow oak trees and other related plants, adding 1,500 to 2,000 yuan on average to their annual income per household. Oakleaf cakes have also become a must-have choice for tourists dining in local rural-style restaurants. Yang, 49, plans to further expand the sales channels of the cakes, utilizing the booming online livestreaming. "I hope the cakes can be sold to Yiwu, making the specialty a new bond with the young generations and those in Yiwu," she said. Enditem ALTON Fast Eddies Bon Air in Alton was cited by the Illinois State Police for noncompliance with state coronavirus mandates, at a time when those mandates are increasingly being ignored, challenged or questioned. The Center Square reported the incident Monday. Based on a complaint, a COVID-19 Compliance check on Fast Eddies Bon Air in Alton, IL was conducted, said Sgt. Delila Garcia, a deputy chief with the Illinois State Police Public Information Office. ISP officers issued a Notice of Non-Compliance to the manager on duty and advised them of a time frame to get into compliance. After approximately, one hour, ISP officers returned and issued a dispersal order to the same on-duty manager, Garcia said. After approximately another 30 minutes, ISP officers returned and issued a Madison County Non-Traffic complaint to the business for the observed violations. The manager signed and accepted the written complaint on behalf of Fast Eddies Bon Air. ISP said its up to the states attorneys to proceed with such cases. On Friday, Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons said he had heard that state police were conducting some enforcement in this area. At the time he was responding to questions regarding noncompliance letters the Madison County States Attorneys Office had sent out. Gibbons said the idea behind the letters was to educate rather than punish, and his office would not be taking action on those. More Information COVID-19 cases by county Madison - 6,032 (147 deaths) Jersey - 408 (19 deaths) Calhoun - 66 Greene - 239 (14 deaths) Macoupin - 603 (8 deaths Montgomery - 420 (13 deaths) St. Clair - 6,962 (197 deaths) Clinton - 1,399 (22 deaths) Bond - 365 (8 deaths) Monroe - 736 (24 deaths) Washington - 236 (1 death) Sources: Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cases by ZIP code 62002 (Alton) - 884 62010 (Bethalto) - 262 62067 (Moro) - 60 62035 (Godfrey) - 474 62037 (Grafton) - 33 62036 (Golden Eagle) - 10 62022 (Dow) - 23 62028 (Elsah) - 8 62031 (Fieldon) - 10 62047 (Hardin) -19 62053 (Kampsville) - 12 62045 (Hamburg) - 7 62012 (Brighton) - 126 62014 (Bunker Hill) - 48 62021 (Dorsey) - 14 62052 (Jerseyville) - 264 62095 (Wood River) - 198 62084 (Roxana) - 36 62048 (Hartford) - 19 62087 (South Roxana) - 30 62018 (Cottage Hills) - 71 62024 (East Alton) -156 62025 (Edwardsville) - 782- 62034 (Glen Carbon) - 314 62062 (Maryville) -131 62294 (Troy) -272 62040 (Granite City/Pontoon Beach) - 907 62234 (Collinsville) - 773 62060 (Madison) - 129 62090 (Venice) - 32 62249 (Highland) - 361 62001 (Alhambra) - 28 62281 (St. Jacob) - 68 62061 (Marine) - 34 62097 (Worden) - 50 62046 (Hamel) - 18 62088 (Staunton) - 124 62069 (Mt. Olive) - 38 62033 (Gillespie) - 113 62626 (Carlinville) - 76 62630 (Chesterfield) - 9 62685 (Shipman) - 18 62063 (Medora) - 7 62016 (Carrollton) - 27 62054 (Kane) - 10 62044 (Greenfield) - 13 62009 (Benld) - 18 62092 (White Hall) - 126 62082 (Roodhouse) -51 Sources: Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See More Collapse There have been numerous reports of restaurants and bars ignoring state mandates barring indoor seating because of the high coronavirus positivity rates in Madison County, as well as the rest of the Illinois Department of Public Healths Region 4 which includes the Metro East. Statewide on Tuesday there were 1,617 new cases and 32 deaths reported. According to the IDPH website, 305,011 cases and 8,836 deaths have now been reported statewide. In the past 24 hours, 49,513 tests have been completed, for a statewide total of 5,974,469. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test Sept. 29 to Oct. 5 was 3.4 percent. As of Monday night, 1,673 people in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 384 patients were in the ICU and 159 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. On Monday the Madison County Health Department announced 33 new cases for a total of 6,083 and one death, a woman in her 90s, for a total of 143. Of the total cases 2,819 were active. The daily positivity rate was 4.69 percent Monday in the county. The three-day average was 3.96 percent, the seven-day average 6.36 percent, and the 10-day average 6.9 percent. Information by ZIP code showed additional cases in the Alton, Bethalto, Moro, Godfrey, Brighton, Bunker Hill, Jerseyville, East Alton, Granite City/Pontoon Beach, Venice, Highland, Mt. Olive, Gillespie and Carlinville areas. The number of cases went down in several communities. In Wood River the case number was reduced by one to 198, in Edwardsville down two to 782, in Maryville down one to 131 and in Collinsville down two to 773. The IDPH is releasing case numbers by ZIP code for areas with more than five cases. Numbers are not released in ZIP codes with fewer cases to protect the privacy of patients. The information is online at www.dph.illinois.gov. Additional cases were reported Tuesday in Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery, St. Clair, Clinton, Bond, Monroe and Washington counties in the Metro East. Additional deaths were also noted in Clinton and Monroe counties. For the latest information on COVID-19 or coronavirus resources, visit the Madison County Health Department online at www.madisonchd.org or on Facebook @MadisonCHD. Also visit www.co.madison.il.us for more news and a daily update or on Facebook @MadisonCountyIL. Local and statewide information is also available on the IDPH website www.dph.illinois.gov. Click on the coronavirus banner. For health-related questions about COVID-19, people can also call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov. Georgia prosecutors want to use 'racial' Facebook posts and text messages that contain 'a ton of filth including the N word' as evidence against three men charged in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. Court documents filed by prosecutors in Glynn County on Friday say Gregory and Travis McMichael and their neighbor William 'Roddie' Bryan Jr each shared 'racial' material. They want to use the messages and posts as 'proof of motive', The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The McMichaels have been jailed since they were arrested on murder charges in May, more than two months after 25-year-old Arbery was fatally shot while running in their neighborhood outside of Brunswick. Bryan Jr, who shot the video, was also charged with murder after joining the pursuit. Travis McMichael is said to have a shared a 'racial highway video Facebook post,' 'a racial Johnny Rebel Facebook post' and a racial text message in 2019. His father Gregory reportedly shared an 'Identity Dixie Facebook post' and 'Racial Johnny Rebel Facebook post'. Bryan Jr is said to have sent 'racial messages extracted from cell phone'. In July prosecutor Jesse Evans said he repeatedly used the n-word in messages containing 'a ton of filth'. Court documents filed by prosecutors in Glynn County on Friday say Gregory and Travis McMichael and their neighbor William 'Roddie' Bryan Jr each shared 'racial' material Arbery was fatally shot while running in their neighborhood outside of Brunswick Last month attorneys for the McMichaels said their clients weren't motivated by race when they armed themselves, chased after the young black man and shot him in the street after a confrontation. No trial date has been set amid the pandemic and all three men remain in jail. Cellphone video of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery three times at close range with a shotgun further fueled a national outcry over racial injustice. Last month attorneys for the McMichaels said their clients weren't motivated by race when they armed themselves, chased after the young black man and shot him in the street after a confrontation Preliminary hearing for father and son Gregory and Travis McMichael, and William Bryan Jr, on murder and aggravated assault charges relating to the shooting death of an unarmed black man, Ahmaud Arbery, is pictured During a preliminary court hearing in June, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Richard Dial testified that a third man charged in Arbery's killing told police he overheard Travis McMichael utter a racist slur as he stood over the body right after the shooting. Rubin said he believes Bryan Jr. made up the account of the slur in hopes of cutting a deal with investigators Gregory McMichael told police after the shooting that he and his son pursued Arbery because they suspected him of being a burglar. 'This case is not about race,' Bob Rubin, one of Travis McMichael's defense attorneys, told The Atlanta Journal Constitution in a story in September. 'Mr. Arbery was not targeted because he was black.' Travis McMichael grabbed a shotgun and his father armed himself with a handgun when they saw Arbery run past their home February 23. The men pursued Arbery in a pickup truck. They stopped in the road in front of Arbery, who kept running until he came face-to-face with Travis McMichael. The video shows Arbery punching and trying to grab the gun before he's shot. Authorities have said there's no evidence Arbery stole from the construction site or that he committed any other crimes. An attorney for the homeowner has said it's possible Arbery stopped at the site for water while he was jogging. The men pursued Arbery in a pickup truck. They stopped in the road in front of Arbery, who kept running until he came face-to-face with Travis McMichael. The video shows Arbery punching and trying to grab the gun before he's shot Cellphone video of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery three times at close range with a shotgun further fueled a national outcry over racial injustice During a preliminary court hearing in June, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Richard Dial testified that a third man charged in Arbery's killing told police he overheard Travis McMichael utter a racist slur as he stood over the body right after the shooting. Rubin said he believes Bryan Jr. made up the account of the slur in hopes of cutting a deal with investigators. 'You could feel the world gasping' when the investigator in court first accused Travis McMichael of using the slur, Rubin said. 'We gasped. But when you look at what's actually happening it can't be true and I don't think it's true.' Bhubaneswar, Oct 6 : Odisha reported 2,673 more coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the state's total tally to 2,38,003 and active cases to 30,610, a health official said on Tuesday. As many as 206,400 patients have recovered from the disease so far in Odisha, which also reported another 16 fatalities during the period. Odisha's COVID-19 death toll now is 940. Khordha recorded the highest 448 new cases, followed by Cuttack (214), Nuapada (159), and Kendrapara (151). Four deaths were reported from Balasore district, three from Khordha district, two from Cuttack district, and one each from Angul, Nayagarh, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Subarnapur, Puri, and Boudh districts. Of the new cases, 1,554 were from among quarantined persons and 1,119 local contact cases. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text KENAI, Alaska The Seward area of Alaska experienced severe flooding as heavy rain and high winds hit the area over the weekend, officials said. Heavy equipment operators spent Friday and Saturday repairing berms along area waterways that were damaged or washed away as a result of rising waters, The Peninsula Clarion reported Saturday. No major damage, injuries or evacuations were reported Saturday. Seward experiences a lot of flooding events, especially this time of year, but this one has come on fast and has led to water levels higher than weve seen in recent memory, Kenai Peninsula Borough Emergency Manager Dan Nelson said. Berm repairs were required along Sawmill Creek, Salmon Creek, Lost Creek, Japanese Creek and Kwechak Creek, Nelson said. The borough posted a social media video Saturday of an Office of Emergency Management employee displaying the extent of flooding and levee deterioration at Kwechak Creek, which prompted the office to alert nearby residents to prepare for possible evacuation. Yesterday this was all the way, bank to bank, and much higher than it was now, Bud Sexton of the emergency management office said in the video showing how large areas of the levee were washed away. Nelson said the rain that continued through Saturday made the work more difficult for the equipment operators. The frustrating thing is losing all the work that youve done overnight, Nelson said. You can come back to an area in the morning that you spent the whole day repairing, and its like you didnt do any work at all. Seward is located in an alluvial fan in which gravel and sediment constantly accumulate in waterways while flowing down from higher altitudes. The main goal of the equipment operators was to remove excess sediment from the waterways while also building up berms that are eroding as flooding occurs, Nelson said. Seward residents should continue monitoring conditions, especially those living near a creek or body of water, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary, Nelson said. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a bag packed, Nelson said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. (TNS) Gov. Gavin Newsoms order banning the sale of new gasoline vehicles in California by 2035 marked an audacious attempt to hasten the states transition toward climate-friendlier policies.But the states likely shift toward millions more electric cars and trucks underscored a question that energy planners have been grappling with for several years: Will California have enough electricity to power all those vehicles?The short answer is yes.Theres no technical or economic reason why the grid cant support the full electrification of vehicles, Chris Nelder, head of the EV-Grid Integration initiative at the Rocky Mountain Institute, told me.The long answer is more complicated. Californias electrical capacity today wouldnt be sufficient to provide power for 26 million EV cars and light trucks if all the vehicles in the state transitioned away from gasoline by 2035. Youll need to beef up the grid, Nelder says. Doubts about Californias ability to serve a vastly expanded fleet of electric vehicles were intensified by rolling blackouts imposed during two August days by the California Independent System Operator, or California ISO, which manages the states electrical grid. But experts say the rare confluence of circumstances that caused those outages dont have anything to do with that issue. More on that in a moment.Knowing how much more electrical capacity California will have a decade or two from now is a calculation bristling with uncertainties.These include the pace of the transition away from gasoline-powered cars and the nature of the net technology battery-powered electric cars? Hydrogen-fueled vehicles? Or some technology as yet lurking beyond the horizon? And will EVs become more efficient over time, reducing their demand for electricity to travel given distances?One important variable involves the time of day when EV owners charge their vehicles. The conventional wisdom used to be that the best time was overnight, when overall electrical demand is at its lowest, for the same reason that time-of-use rate schedules are designed to encourage residents to run power-hungry washing machines and dishwashers late in the evening and early morning.Californias transition to renewable energy, chiefly solar and wind power, has turned that notion on its head because solar power is overly abundant when the sun is shining.Theres so much solar on the power grid now, Nelder says, that the new rates put forward by utilities have off-peak times in the middle of the day. So it makes more sense to charge your EV then.That adds another complication, however. Under normal circumstances (that is, pre-pandemic), cars used for work or commuting are away from home during the day. So the states electrical infrastructure will have to be reconfigured to encourage workplace owners and operators to provide charging stations for those vehicles.That means, in turn, that utilities will have to beef up the electrical grid serving those locations to accommodate increased daytime usage.The terms of Newsoms order leaves open the pace of change in the transportation sector. Californians will still be allowed to drive gasoline-fueled vehicles after 2035, and to buy them in the used car market or import new vehicles from other states. They just wont be allowed to buy new ones in-state.The transition of Californian cars and light trucks from gas-guzzlers to EVs or other zero-emission technologies will depend partially on how long residents hold on to their old cars, which in turn is dependent on how long cars last and how quickly the cost of EVs falls to the level of conventional cars.Critics of renewable energy such as President Trump point to the states supposed over-reliance on solar and wind power. The criticism is misplaced, however. The outages the California ISO ordered during a heat wave Aug. 14 and 15 were the product of an unusual combination of circumstances.These included the unexpected shutdown of a natural gas-fueled generating plant, an unexpected delay in returning a second plant to service, smoke from wildfires that reduced the generating capacity of solar units, and the regional nature of the heat wave, which increased air conditioner use in states that ordinarily would be exporting electricity to California.The capacity-driven outages were Californias first since the energy crisis of 2000 and 2001. They werent repeated later in August or September even though local heat waves persisted and even intensified through the summer, though that doesnt mean they might not recur in periods of intense weather; last week, the California ISO issued an alert calling on users to voluntarily conserve power from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., the period of heaviest usage, to avert rolling blackouts.The California blackouts led to a frenzy of hot takes and finger-pointing based on instant diagnoses of the problems, Cheryl LaFleur, a former member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, wrote on her Columbia University blog Sept. 2. In fact, she noted, the states renewable generation performed as designed.The states capacity is sufficiently robust today to power the states estimated 670,000 plug-in hybrid and full-electric cars unless their owners all choose to plug in at the exact same moment, Nelder estimates. That inconceivable event would result in 4,670 megawatts of demand, Nelder estimates, bringing total demand to just over the 46,000 megawatts of maximum capacity estimated by California ISO.Electrical demand in the state has fallen in relation to population over the last decade, according to the California Energy Commission, growing by less than 2 percent since 2009 while the population has grown by almost 7 percent.Increases in demand at the grid level have been held down by improved efficiency in electric equipment and appliances and the growth of behind-the-meter solar that is, residential installations, says Erica Bowman, director of resource and environmental planning and strategy at Southern California Edison.That trend will fade over time, however, as efficiency gains top out and demand rises from EVs and the increased electrification of homes and commercial and industrial buildings.But demand will ramp up slowly at first. Were not seeing a huge increase in load by 2030, Bowman told me even though the utility projects that EV ownership will rise to about 7.5 million vehicles, or about 25 percent of the states stock, based on expectations that about two-thirds of new vehicle sales will be EVs by then.By 2045, she says, Edison expects a 60 percent increase in demand relative to today.That requires a massive investment in infrastructure. You would have to build more generation, and you would also have to build more (transmission) capacity on your grid.Edison projects that the necessary change would require about $75 billion in transmission and distribution investment at California ISOs level, but Bowman says thats doable in that time frame.All of this unfolds as utilities manage their way to meeting the states mandate that their retail sales the electricity used by individual customers be 100 percent carbon free by 2045.Meeting the increased demand while also weaning California away from natural gas will require continued improvement in battery technology, so the intermittent generation of solar and wind units can be held over for periods when the sun has set and the wind stops blowing.That technological challenge is being met, however, as utility-scale batteries have steadily become larger in capacity and lower in cost: The governments Energy Information Administration estimates that the cost of energy storage fell by nearly two-thirds from 2015 to 2017 alone, from $2,153 to $834 per kilowatt-hour.The most important element in the states transition to EVs may well be coordination, to counteract the effect of fragmented responsibilities for electrical generation, distribution and planning.In California, LaFleur wrote, the roles of the (California) ISO and the state regulators to keep the lights on are quite tangled . In other words, the buck stops nowhere. California ISO can direct the output of power plants but cant require that they get built, she observed. Oversight of power plant construction rests with state regulators and is subject to local interests that may not be amenable to the siting of solar facilities or wind farms.The transition from fossil-fuel to renewables generation hasnt been well managed thus far, LaFleur maintains: In the past three years, California has closed 5,000 megawatts of gas generation in anticipation of building 3,000 MW of battery storage that is still on the drawing board. Having those batteries present and operating might have forestalled even the brief outages of mid-August.This is a very difficult thing to do, Nelder says of planning a long-range transition of fundamental technologies. Its tricky. The state will have to meet the growing demands of electricity users without overbuilding, which would raise the possibility of sticking consumers with unnecessary costs.Youre going to be criticized for overbuilding and criticized for underbuilding, Nelder says. Executing the evolution of the grid has been described as rebuilding an airplane while its in flight.For all that, California has been in the forefront of a necessary change in how we generate electricity and how we use it. The benefits of the transition are manifest cleaner air and a smaller contribution to climate change among them.Newsoms goal of ending the sale of new gas-guzzling vehicles by 2035 is part of the broader change, but a necessary component. There may be many obstacles to making it happen in that time frame, but the lack of electricity shouldnt be among them. Meeting the challenge of energy capacity is doable, and it needs to be done. Bollywood writer Kanika Dhillon has joined the voices demanding the release of actor Rhea Chakraborty from jail. Rhea has been behind the bars since September 9 when she was arrested in drugs-related charges linked to Sushant Singh Rajputs death. Kanika took to Twitter to know why Rhea was being denied bail. The judicial custody of Rhea will end on Tuesday. She tweeted, While d conspiracy theories r being mulled over- A young woman is still in Jail #rheachakroborty @Tweet2Rhea CBI has clearly stated no foul play... how long n under what charges can she be kept in jail- And denied bail?? @NCWIndia can anyone give some answers pls?! It may be recalled that on Monday, actor Swara Bhasker had tweeted about a similar demand. She had tweeted on Monday, in support of the Leader of Congress in in Lok Sabha, who had demanded Rheas release. She had written: Well done sir! and added applause emojis, using the hashtag Release Rhea Chakraborty. However, the CBI is yet to give its verdict in the case and the probe is still going on. A few days earlier, the central agency had said that it is investigating all angles in the Sushant death case. While d conspiracy theories r being mulled over- A young woman is still in Jail #rheachakroborty @Tweet2Rhea CBI has clearly stated no foul play... how long n under what charges can she be kept in jail- And denied bail?? @NCWIndia can anyone give some answers pls?! Kanika Dhillon (@KanikaDhillon) October 5, 2020 AIIMS panels forensic head Dr Sudhir Gupta has ruled out murder in Sushants death but AIIMS has refused to comment on this controversy. The Medical Board has submitted the report directly to the Central Bureau of Investigation as required. Being a legal matter, any inputs on the report submitted by the Medical Board would have to be obtained from the CBI, it has said. In September this year, Rhea had been arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) over the charge of procuring banned drugs for her boyfriend and late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. She has been incarcerated in Mumbais Byculla jail and has been denied bail. Sushant died in his Mumbai home on June 14. The family of the late actor, in late July, had filed a FIR in Patna, accusing Rhea of abetment of suicide, siphoning off his funds and keeping him away from his family. Rhea has denied all charges. Also read: Mukesh Khanna confirms Shaktimaan film trilogy, says it will be bigger than Krrish and Ra.One In three separate cases, the CBI, NCB and the Enforcement Directorate had been probing the case. The latter two had been investigating a drugs and financial irregularities angle in the death case. For long, the supporters of Sushant had argued that there was murder angle in the case. Last week, a panel of forensic doctors from AIIMS had clearly stated that Sushants death was a case of suicide, not murder. Follow @htshowbiz on Twitter With a 21-year-old Lowes employee gunned down in the stores parking lot and a 19-year-old shot to death while getting takeout, Philadelphia has now had more homicides this year than the city saw in all of 2019. Today, our city reached a grim milestone Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw told Action News 6 ABC Monday. With almost three months remaining in the year and the insidious gun violence we continue to witness, today has exceeded the number of murders our city faced during the entirety of 2019. As of Tuesday morning, the city saw at least 364 homicides, passing the 355 that occurred last year and nearing the 391 total seen in 2007, 6 ABC is reporting. According to reports, the latest killing occurred around 12:40 a.m. Tuesday in Southwest Philadelphia when someone fired shots through the open door of a takeout restaurant, hitting a 19-year-old man. The shooter ran away, and the 19-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Before that, around 1 p.m. Monday, a 21-year-old Lowes employee was shot nine times in the parking lot of the popular South Philadelphia shopping center on South Columbus Boulevard, NBC 10 is reporting. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. While police have not released his name, Lowes confirmed he worked at the store, reports indicate. We are heartbroken at the tragic and senseless shooting that took place outside our store today, a Lowes spokesperson said in a statement to NBC 10. Our focus is on providing support to our associates family and colleagues at the local store. We respectfully refer all questions to local law enforcement. Police are searching for the suspects in both killings. An additional two acres of land has been allocated in the oldest graveyard in Delhi for burying victims of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) as the toll from the viral infection is growing. Till Wednesday, 5,581 people have died of Covid-19 in Delhi, according to the governments daily bulletin. In April, as the Covid-19 toll began to rise in the capital, Jadid Qabristan Ahle Islam, Delhis oldest and largest Islamic graveyard near Delhi Gate, had allocated six acres of land -- clearing about 150 metres away from the main cemetery -- for the burial of victims. With over 700 graves that space filled up this month and the cemetery committee, which administers the graveyard, has allocated another two acres of land in the graveyard. On Tuesday, a JCB machine worked for hours to clear the overgrown land for another 400 graves. We never thought the six acres would not be enough. If the Covid-19 crisis lasts another two months, our graveyard does not have any more space for burying Covid-19 victims, said Haji Faiyazuddin, the secretary of the managing committee at Jadid Qabristan Ahle Islam. Mohammad Shamim, the 38- year-old supervisor at the graveyard, who has overseen all the burials in the past seven months, said when the first body arrived in April, he never thought that Covid-19 would claim so many lives. These days, we receive about 4-5 bodies on an average every day; May was the worst when we received about 10 to 15 bodies every day, said Shamim. Shamim points out that one of the reasons why they have been fast running out of space is the fact that the graves of Covid-19 victims take up more space than others. The grave which is dug by a JCB machine is bigger and deeper than normal hand-dug graves. We have to follow complicated space-consuming protocols for the burial of the Covid-19 victims, says Shamim. Haji Faiyazuddin said that a lot of people who are dying in Delhi hospitals from the coronavirus disease are from the neighbouring states. Their relatives do not want to take the dead bodies to their native places, a reason why we are receiving so many bodies here, he said. But no one has bothered to talk to us about how we are managing. Dr Ashok Rawat, medical health officer (MHO), North Delhi Municipal Corporation, which is the nodal agency for burial grounds in Delhi, said, We have a plan for creating additional space for burials. A 4,000 square metres land in Rohini Sector-26 is being developed into a burial ground. We will also try to carve out a cemetery from it for Christians. The land has been allotted and the boundary wall has been made. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday, saying Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should have the decency to call the alleged gang rape and killing of a Dalit woman in Hathras district a tragedy. Gandhi, who is holding a series of tractor rallies under his Kheti Bachao Yatra in Punjab to protest the Centres new farm laws, also took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has not spoken a word on the Hathras incident. The CM of Uttar Pradesh should have the decency to say this is a tragedy and will look into it and will protect this family and this girl, Gandhi told reporters here. He was asked by a reporter for his reaction over the UP government reportedly saying that there was an international conspiracy to defame it. Yogi ji is entitled to his opinion. He is more than welcome to imagine whatever he wants to imagine. What I saw there was that a lovely girl was molested, her neck was broken, her family was threatened and the people who did it, no action was taken against them, he said. If Yogi ji sees it as an international conspiracy, well that is fine, that is his prerogative. What I saw was a tragedy, said Gandhi. Before his tractor rallies, Gandhi visited the Hathras victims family on his second attempt after being dramatically stopped outside Delhi by UP police. Gandhi said he visited the family wanted them to know that they are not alone. A child is raped and murdered, but the whole administration attacks the family and countrys PM does not utter a word, he said. The 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gangraped and brutalised in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh on September 14. She died a fortnight later. The victim was cremated near her home on September 30. But her family alleged they were forced by the local police to conduct her last rites in the dead of the night. Local police, however, said the cremation was done as per the wishes of the family. The UP government has recommended a CBI probe and quoting an FSL report, it has denied the woman was raped. On Sunday, UP police lodged at least 19 FIRs on charges ranging from attempt to trigger caste conflict to sedition in connection with the incident. In his address to BJP workers on Monday, Chief Minister Adityanath referred to recent incidents and said anarchist elements were trying to trigger communal and caste violence in the state.. Irish gross domestic product could fall by as little as 0.4% this year if a return to lockdown can be avoided, the country's central bank said on Tuesday, sharply revising up its forecasts due to a "partial and uneven" recovery. Ireland's government rejected a surprise recommendation by the country's health chiefs to enter Europe's first major second-wave national lockdown on Monday, instead tightening COVID-19 restrictions across the country for three weeks. The nationwide banning of all indoor restaurant dining and trips outside each county is consistent with the central bank's baseline scenario for a targeted stepping-up of containment measures from time to time. The projected GDP fall of 0.4% in such a scenario compared with a forecast 9.0% drop three months ago before a strong export performance, particularly among Ireland's large multinational sector, led to one of Europe's shallowest recessions. Underlying domestic demand is nevertheless projected to fall by 7.1% this year and the GDP growth of 3.4% projected for 2021 is not as fast a recovery as previously anticipated, mainly due to the central bank's assumption of a no-trade-deal Brexit. Under the central bank's more severe scenario, GDP would fall by 1.1% this year and 0.3% in 2021, although the highest level of COVID-19 restrictions that the government rejected on Monday would fall somewhere between the two scenarios, Director of Economics Mark Cassidy said. "It is clear there has been a degree of adaptation following the initial (lockdown) experience. For example, we know firms increased their online offerings and take away options in the case of restaurants where possible," Cassidy told reporters. "Spending began to increase significantly halfway through the previous lockdown and that reflects well at this point. Also households have now accumulated significant savings so precautionary behaviors this time may not be significant." (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie "Hello Ho Chi Minh City" will take place from October 2020 to the end of January 2021 Timely rains and favourable weather all year round as well as the convergence of cultures and generosity are inherent character of Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City. This character is the reason why Ho Chi Minh City always respects tradition and look forward to the future with openness in every thought, youthfulness in every breath, excitement in every movement, and full of colour in every beat of life. These characteristics interweave harmoniously in each person and landscape, creating a lively Ho Chi Minh City at every corner, every person. This is also the message the tourism industry wants to convey to tourists and people in the near future. The media campaign "Hello Ho Chi Minh City" has two main phases. Phase one focuses on introducing Ho Chi Minh City as a safe, lively, and friendly city with typical characteristics: open-minded, young, excited, colourful, and lively. Meanwhile, phase two will announce the official identity of Ho Chi Minh City tourism with widely organised activities to link and promote tourism. Vo Thi Ngoc Thuy, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism said, To restore the city's tourism after the outbreak of COVID-19 and aim to build Ho Chi Minh City into the leading tourist city of Asia, where visitors can experience different cultural heritages and lifestyles in a safe, smart city, attract visitors from all regions of the country to explore the land and people of the city, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism has set a strong goal. The Hello Ho Chi Minh City campaign will stage a series of events to promote the city's tourism brand identified in its tourism development strategy to 2025 with vision to 2030. Rotunda Rumblings Drop box developments: Secretary of State Frank LaRose told local elections officials on Monday they could offer additional ballot drop boxes or staffed locations for voters to drop off completed ballots. But per Andrew Tobias, theres a catch they can only do so at their county board of elections. LaRose announced the directive shortly before state lawyers entered it into the record for a federal lawsuit from voting-rights activists who are seeking to force LaRose to allow additional ballot drop boxes at off-site locations. Time to vote: The drop box news comes as early voting in Ohio begins today, with the first wave of mailed ballots going out to more than 2 million voters who requested them. In-person, early voting at county boards of election in Ohio also will begin today. Browns win another one: The Ohio Department of Health late Monday afternoon approved a plan that allows the Cleveland Browns to double the number of spectators at home games to 12,000, Laura Hancock reports. The increase comes after team owners and executives said in a letter that theyve been strict about following state rules and that no outbreaks had been traced to FirstEnergy Stadium. Approaching 160,000 cases: Ohio reported 1,057 new coronavirus cases Monday, increasing the total to 159,964, Hancock reports. Both newly reported cases and the patients in hospitals with the virus are on the rise. In fact, the seven-day average for cases is now at its highest point since Sept. 7, Rich Exner reports in his weekly deep dive into the latest COVID-19 trends. Whats different about his latest increase is that hospitalizations are also up. During case increases during late summers, hospitalizations had drifted down. Testing, testing: One note about Ohios latest increase in cases; Ohio is testing more people than ever before. The state reports 281,328 tests over the last seven days, just short of the seven-day record of 284,751 set one day earlier for the seven days ending Sunday. This is up sharply from recent weeks. Worst case scenario: What would happen if President Donald Trump died before the election? Peter Krouse looked into the rules that would govern the situation. More negative news: Lordstown Motors executives who attended an event with Trump last week at the White House have all tested negative for COVID-19, the Enquirers Randy Tucker reports. The day before last weeks debate Trump summoned the media outdoors to see the Endurance, the electric pickup truck manufactured at Lordstown. U.S. Sen. Rob Portman was also at the event and tested negative on Friday. Shedding light on the situation: Was it a violation of state or local laws when the United Steelworkers projected a Biden-Harris light display onto Clevelands Terminal Tower Tuesday before the presidential debate? Two First Amendment scholars question whether charges would hold up in court, Courtney Astolfi reports. Green team: Attorney General Dave Yost is bringing together a group of Ohio environmental scientists to advise and proactively alert him about issues such as toxic algal blooms, according to his office, writes Jeremy Pelzer. Yost said in a statement that the new panel is not a blue-ribbon committee set up to make people feel good about the environment. Offshored jobs: U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of the Niles area on Monday joined several of his Democratic colleagues to unveil a new report by Public Citizen that criticizes Trump for failing to exclude companies that offshore jobs from qualifying for federal contracts. Ryan said he favors legislation that would give preferences to those people bidding on government contracts that keep the jobs and investment in the United States. Canceled: A news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday about House Bill 305, which would create a new school funding system, has been canceled, said Rep. John Patterson, a Democratic sponsor of the bill with House Speaker Bob Cupp. In Cupps place, Republican Rep. Gary Scherer will work on the bill with Patterson. However, Patterson said there are concerns about infection at the Ohio Statehouse, since at least once more lawmaker got COVID-19 last week. Patterson also said changes were requested to the fifth version of the bill, but legislative staff hasnt yet completed them. HB6 defender: State Rep. Sara Carruthers, a Butler County Republican, says she would never agree to a straight repeal of House Bill 6, the scandal-plagued nuclear bailout law, because so many good things came out of it. As Michael Pitman of the Journal-News writes, the Butler County Republican also said ex-Speaker Larry Householders alleged bribery scandal surrounding HB6 really didnt have anything to do with the bill passing the legislature. Drive for donors: With Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices shut down during the spring because of the coronavirus pandemic, new organ donor registrations dropped off, Max Filby reports for the Columbus Dispatch. Although BMV offices are open now, a coalition called Donate Life Ohio is launching an online donor-registration drive to encourage people to sign up online rather than wait until the next time they visit a BMV office, Filby writes. Count on it: Danae King of the Dispatch has an update on how Ohio is doing on the census. With the count slated to end Oct. 31, Ohio has a 70.5% self-response rate from known households, compared with a 69% self-response rate in the 2010 census, King writes. Condolences: Stephen Kaptur, brother of Toledo Democratic Rep Marcy Kaptur, died last week at the Cleveland Clinic at age 68 after decades of ill health. In an obituary notice, Kaptur described him as her lifetime companion and best friend The motto of the Polish Cavalry aptly fits him: Never Surrender. He was physically very strong with a gentle, kind demeanor. Full Disclosure Five things we learned from the Feb. 18 financial disclosure form filed by Meredith Freedhoff, a New Albany Republican running for Ohio House District 19: 1. Adam Roslovic, a member of Freedhoffs immediate family, works for Edelman Financial Engines, a financial planning firm. 2. Her investments include four trusts. 3. Besides her home, Freedhoff owns a house in New Albany. 4. At some point in 2019, she owed at least $1,000 to Chrysler Capital and Chase Visa. 5. She reported no gifts, nor any reimbursements for travel or food, in 2019. On the Move Spencer Gross has joined High Bridge Consulting as a vice-president of governmental affairs. He previously was a lobbyist for Ohio REALTORS. Ned Foley, an elections law professor at Ohio State University, has joined NBC News as an election law analyst. He has researched partisan trends in mail-in voting and written about the possibility the upcoming election could be protracted and challenged in court. Birthdays Uma Loganathan, legislative aide to state Rep. Allison Russo Jeremiah Morrow, Ohios 9th governor (1771-1852) Straight from the Source Friends dont let friends go to super-spreader events. -U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, tweeting about the importance of avoiding mass gatherings. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. If you do not already subscribe, you can sign up here to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. California Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence are scheduled to debate in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night. (Gerry Broome; Brynn Anderson / Associated Press) President Trump's brief hospitalization for COVID-19 could raise the stakes for Wednesday's debate between Vice President Mike Pence and California Sen. Kamala Harris. Historically, vice presidential debates like an opening act ahead of the main event have drawn significantly lower viewership. But with Trump's illness from COVID-19 and his age, 74, and that of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, 77, there could be more interest as speculation increases over whether Pence or Harris could wind up as president. With the fate of the next two presidential debates unknown, it also puts pressure on Pence and Harris to make their case. Here's what you need to know ahead of the debate: What time is the debate? The debate starts at 6 p.m. Pacific time on Wednesday and will last 90 minutes, with no commercial breaks. It will be held at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. How do I watch? Major networks ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC will air the debate on TV and stream it on their apps and websites. C-SPAN will air it on TV, its website and its YouTube channel. Who is moderating? Susan Page, the Washington bureau chief at USA Today, will moderate the debate. The majority of moderators in general election debates the last few decades have been prominent broadcast journalists, according to Pew Research Center, with the exception of James Hoge, who was the editor in chief of the Chicago Sun-Times when he moderated the 1976 vice presidential debate between Sens. Walter Mondale and Bob Dole. Why is there only one vice presidential debate? Do they matter less? Definitely. There has never been a vice presidential debate that has decided the outcome of a presidential race. They are also watched significantly less than are the presidential debates. In 2016, 37 million people watched the debate between Pence and Sen. Tim Kaine, compared with 66.5 million viewers of the lowest-rated of the presidential debates between Trump and Hillary Clinton, according to Pew Research Center. Story continues The exception, according to Pew, was in 2008 when more people watched the vice presidential debate between Biden and then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin than watched any of the debates between Barack Obama and John McCain. Some have even called for the Commission on Presidential Debates to do away with vice presidential debates entirely. But this particular matchup has actually gained significance in light of Trump being hospitalized and given steroids and experimental treatment for COVID-19. "This is going to be well observed, I think," said Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., a co-chairman of the debate commission. So, who are Pence and Harris? Pence, 61, already knew Washington when he became vice president. He had served 12 years in Congress before being elected governor of Indiana in 2012. Pence has described himself as a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order. As head of the Trump administration's coronavirus task force, Pence will likely face questions about the response to COVID-19, which has killed more than 210,000 Americans. Harris, 55, is the first Black woman and first Asian American to run nationally on a major-party ticket. She was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016 after two terms as California attorney general. Last year, during her 10-month presidential campaign, one of the most notable moments was Harris lacing into Biden in the first Democratic debate over his opposition to mandatory school busing in the 1970s. Winks, burns and other moments from past veep debates Probably the biggest burn in debate history came in 1988, when second-term Republican Sen. Dan Quayle faced off against Sen. Lloyd Bentsen, the Democratic vice presidential candidate. Quayle attempted to liken his own Senate experience to John F. Kennedys. Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine," Bentsen said. "Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy. In 1992, there was Adm. James Stockdale, Ross Perot's running mate. Stockdale, who had been a prisoner of war in Vietnam, tried to make light of his lack of experience in politics. Who am I? Why am I here? he asked. And who can forget Palin's winking? She winked at least six times at 70 million viewers during the debate against Biden in 2008. (Palin also asked Biden at the start of the debate if she could call him "Joe.") What safety precautions are being taken? There were concerns raised about Pence participating in the debate. Pence met with the president in the Oval Office last week days before Trump tested positive for coronavirus infection. In a memo Tuesday, Pences physician said the vice president had remained healthy and had not had any COVID-19 symptoms and did not need to quarantine. He is being tested daily, and his test Tuesday afternoon was negative, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dr. Jesse Schonau said. "Pence is not a close contact with any individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, including President Donald J. Trump and senior members of the White House administration," Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dr. Jesse Schonau said in the memo. He "does not need to quarantine." Last week, the debate commission said it would increase the distance between the candidates' chairs to 12 feet. On Monday it said it would use plexiglass barriers after a request from the Biden campaign. Pence's team mocked the request that night, and said Tuesday it was rejecting barriers near the vice president. But Tuesday night, Fahrenkopf said Pence agreed to leave the plexiglass up on his side if it made Harris feel safer. The Cleveland Clinic, the health advisor to the commission, had advised the panel in favor of using the barriers, Fahrenkopf said. Some experts have called for the debates to go virtual; others have suggested moving them outdoors. You reduce the risk of transmission almost 20 times when youre outdoors," said Dr. Neha Nanda, medical director of infection prevention and a healthcare epidemiologist at the USC Keck School of Medicine. "In my mind, it's definitely worth considering." If debates continue indoors, Nanda said, it's important to ensure that there is optimal ventilation inside and that everyone has been tested. During the Sept. 29 presidential debate in Ohio, those allowed inside tested negative for COVID-19 before entering, according to the Cleveland Clinic. There were several requirements in place, including temperature checks, hand sanitizing, social distancing and masking. Although attendees entering the debate hall were masked, the clinic stated, some removed their face coverings once they were seated, including Trump's family. This time, anyone who takes off their mask in the debate hall even candidates' family members will be removed, according to Fahrenkopf. When is the next debate? If it continues as planned, the second presidential debate will be Oct. 15 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. A third presidential debate is set for Oct. 22 at Belmont University in Nashville. "Consideration for the next two are going to depend a lot on how the president's health is," Fahrenkopf said. On Tuesday morning, Trump tweeted, "I am looking forward to the debate on the evening of Thursday, October 15th in Miami. It will be great!" That afternoon, Biden told reporters that if Trump "still has COVID, we shouldn't have a debate." Even if Trump is deemed to be healthy enough to debate, Fahrenkopf said, it is unclear whether it would be safe for the president to fly. Trump could be contagious for up to 10 days from when he arrived back to the White House, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Maybe we'll have to do it virtually; we just don't know," Fahrenkopf said. "We're not there yet. We want to get this one behind us." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Security minister James Brokenshire defending the bill on Monday. (parliamentlive.tv) MPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new security bill despite human rights charities warning it risks authorising crimes like torture and killing. The Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill was passed at second reading in the House of Commons on Monday night, with 182 voting in favour and just 20 voting against. A total of 19 Labour MPs voted against the bill despite being issued with a one-line whip from the partys leadership instructing them to abstain from voting. The bill seeks to legitimise the controversial MI5 practice of allowing officers and informants to participate in criminal activity if the offences involved are proportionate to the evidence gained. Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said that the bill would protect agents seeking to uncover the most vile crimes imaginable. (Getty) But its critics, including human rights charity Amnesty International, say the bill could end up providing informers and agents with a licence to kill. It is deeply alarming that the proposed law does not explicitly prohibit MI5 and other agencies from authorising crimes like torture and killing. It must be amended to do so, Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UKs Northern Ireland campaigns manager, said. In Northern Ireland, we have seen the consequences of undercover agents in paramilitary organisations operating with apparent impunity whilst committing grave human rights abuses, including murder. Such criminal acts do not become any less serious when placed on a legal footing. The government claims the bill will be compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and its passage has been supported by Labour. Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds wrote in The Independent last week that the bill would protect agents seeking to uncover the most vile crimes imaginable such as terrorism, drug gangs, and organised crime. In the course of these operations, it is inevitable that to maintain cover, covert human intelligence sources will at times need to transgress existing laws, he added. Story continues A number of Labour MPs broke with their partys stance on the bill in recent days to publicly declare their opposition to the bill, including Jeremy Corbyn who said it facilitated unnecessary and unlawful interference in the work of human rights groups. I have grave concerns regarding the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill, Corbyn tweeted. It could enable unnecessary and unlawful interference with the legitimate activities of trade unions, environmentalists, anti-racists & other campaigners. We must always stand up for human rights. Dawn Butler tweeted: Tonight I voted against the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill. We need sufficient safeguards in the bill. It's obvious, why hasn't it been done? We have an unaccountable Government that continues to show it cannot be trusted. Tonight I voted against the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill. We need sufficient safeguards in the bill. It's obvious, why hasn't it been done? We have an unaccountable Government that continues to show it cannot be trusted. My full statement https://t.co/nIijEGB3gh pic.twitter.com/Be0zzuAJ56 Dawn Butler MP (@DawnButlerBrent) October 5, 2020 Olivia Blake MP wrote: I'm deeply concerned about the Tories' Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill. Giving government bodies the power to authorise criminal conduct without judicial oversight would undermine the rule of law and erode civil liberties. And Zarah Sultana said: This evening I voted against the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill. I can't support legislation that could give undercover state agents the licence to murder, torture and commit sexual violence. While Nadia Whittome tweeted: Tonight I voted against the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill. Breaking the whip is a difficult decision which I do not take lightly. I did not become a Labour MP to break the whip; I came here to represent my constituents and that is what I did today. On Monday, Luxembourg and the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate signed an agreement on cross-border emergency rescue, the aim of which is to ensure rapid and effective intervention in the event of a disaster or serious accident. In case of emergency, one should call the ambulance which will be able to get there as quickly as possible. What is self-evident within a country may not be so obvious in border regions. This is why Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, and Minister of the Interior Taina Bofferding signed an agreement with the Minister-President of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Malu Dreyer, which allows the intervention of rescue services in the neighbouring country within the border region. In this context, Bettel and Dreyer were once again pleased to have found a rule allowing Luxembourg residents to travel to Rhineland-Palatinate for less than 24 hours despite the pandemic and the restrictions imposed by the Grand Duchy's classification as a risk zone. Maxime Gillen Ken Fitzke 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. According to Dreyer, it would be important to finally clarify the situation of border regions in Germany. The last few weeks have shown that in a border region, local officials can better assess a situation than officials in Berlin or other capitals, the minister-president continued. Returning to the convention, collaboration should also cover exercises and surveys so that both parties can benefit from each other's experience. The agreement will enter into force in two months' time. Video in Luxembourgish Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 10:31:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KIGALI, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- A team of military experts under the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM), a Great Lakes regional military framework, on Monday investigated 19 Burundian fighters' illegal entry into Rwanda, the Rwandan military said. The experts, with the mission to verify and report back to EJVM Command on the cross-border incident, visited Ruheru sector, Nyaruguru district in southern Rwanda, where the captives of the Burundian rebel group Red Tabara were captured on Sept. 29, according to a statement by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). After crossing the border with Burundi in Nyungwe Forest, the fighters were ambushed by RDF at 10 a.m. local time (0900 GMT), immediately arrested, disarmed and escorted to rear areas for further investigations, the statement said. The incident will be discussed during the next International Conference on the Great Lakes Region Chiefs of Defense Staff meeting, EJVM team leader Rigobert Ibouanga told media before a meeting with the Rwandan army. The fighters had infiltrated into Burundi from South Kivu region in the Democratic Republic of Congo via Lake Tanganyika on Aug. 23, 2020 to launch attacks against the Burundian military and the Burundian ruling party's youth wing, according to the arrested rebels. They strayed into Rwanda because they were not familiar with the terrain and didn't recognize the border line in Nyungwe Forest, they said. Enditem Uttar Pradesh police on Monday arrested four people, who are said to have links with alleged radical group Popular Front of India (PFI), for their alleged involvement in stoking violence in Hathras. The police said that four PFI men were arrested at Mathura while they were on their way to Hathras from Delhi. The four accused were arrested at Mathuras toll plaza when the police was checking vehicles after receiving a tip off that some suspicious people were moving towardds Hathras from Delhi. The four were identified as Atiq-ur Rehman of Muzaffarnagar, Siddique of Malappuram, Masood Ahmed of Bahraich and Alam of Rampur. Police claimed that they have seized their mobile phones, laptops and some literature, which could disturb peace and stability in Uttar Pradesh. According to Uttar Pradesh police, the four accused had links with the PFI and its associate organisation Campus Front of India (CFI). It is to be noted that the UP police had earlier sought a ban on PFI for the organisation's involvement in violent protests against Citizenship Amendment Act. Live TV Talking to reporters, ADG law and order Prashant Kumar said, "Police had received information that some suspicious persons were going from Delhi towards Hathras, after which suspicious vehicles were checked at Math Toll Plaza, Mathura on Monday. During this time a swift When the Desire train (DL01ZC 1203) was stopped and four youths were interrogated, they came to know about their relationship with PFI and their associate organization CFI." Hathras grabbed headlines after a 19-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped on September 14 and she succumbed to her injuries after two weeks at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital. The European Union has thrown its support behind the Nigerian candidate for the World Trade Organization Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and her Korean counterpart, Yoo Myung-hee. An unnamed official source disclosed the decision of the Union to Bloomberg on Monday. Asides Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and Ms Myung-hee, the race of the next WTO DG has one more female candidate, Amina Mohamed, who did not get the support of the EU. Weeks ago, eight candidates (five men and three women) that started the race were shortlisted to five through a selection process. The remaining five candidates that will advance to the next round of elimination are Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria, Yoo Myung-hee of the Republic of Korea, Amina Mohamed of Kenya, Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Liam Fox of the United Kingdom. The 25-year-old organisation plans to announce two finalists after October 6 and announce the winner by November 7. Mrs Okonjo-Iweala had earlier gained the support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) The candidates Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala She had in her presentation to the council promised( if elected ) to work with members to prioritise delivering the 12th Ministerial Conference MC12 successfully with good outcomes on fisheries, agriculture, and other areas. I would also prioritize updating the rulebook, unlocking the dispute settlement system, working on transparency and notification, enhancing the work of regular bodies, and strengthen the Secretariat. For me, it would be an honor and privilege to serve, she said. Yoo Myung-hee Among her plan when elected is actively supporting cross-cutting projects and transparency to support new initiatives. She also said will simultaneously help breathe life into longstanding work programs. I will come to work every day enthused and energized and I will seek a secretariat that does so as well. Amina Mohamed If elected, she said, I commit myself wholeheartedly to work collaboratively and inclusively as I have always done to make this organization work better for all its Members. Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri If elected, he promises to establish a WTO Delivery Unit that would immediately assess performance against the existing objectives based on data and economic evidence, and which would help ensure that all Members understand how the WTO is operating, where it is not delivering as intended, and which functions need your attention. He also said he will deliver the WTO to its goal, and to maintain its path, True North. Liam Fox He said he will deliver the political momentum to take the organization forward. Advertisements It is only with vision, and shared purpose, that we can find the compromises required to meet the challenges Ive set out, reversing the rise in trade-restrictive measures, recommitting ourselves to the founding principles to which we have all agreed while updating and strengthening this institution so its fit to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century. A growing area of medicine looks at how cellular binding observed in nature - where molecules like viruses or proteins bind to specific receptors on a cell - can be mimicked to aid drug delivery. Those developing targeted drug therapies aim to recreate this precise binding to develop nano-sized drug carriers that attach only to diseased cells. Once attached, these carriers would release their therapeutic load without affecting healthy cells. If drugs can be specifically targeted in this way, treatments would cause far fewer side effects. One way to identify which cells are diseased is the number of receptors they express. Cancer cells, for example, tend to express more certain types of receptor than healthy cells. Now, in a multi-centre collaboration led by Imperial and UCL, involving Beijing University of Chemical Technology, the Institute of Physics in Beijing and the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, researchers have demonstrated how a mysterious molecular concept that the authors dubbed 'range selectivity' could be used to target diseased cells with high specificity. Range selectivity, until now a mysterious phenomenon, is where molecules called ligands attach only to cells whose receptors reach a certain number. Senior author and principal investigator Dr Stefano Angioletti-Uberti, of Imperial's Department of Materials, said: I came across the concept of range selectivity completely by accident. During my theoretical investigation of receptor-ligand binding I noticed that ligands weren't attaching above a certain threshold of receptor density and had my team re-check our code before realising it wasn't a bug." In nature, range selectivity happens because of a balance of attractive and repulsive forces at the molecular level. Past a certain threshold the repulsive force must outweigh the attractive, and so binding is far less likely to take place. This is due to certain physical properties of ligand-receptor interactions. Following their realisation, the group at Imperial used statistical mechanical modelling to show how modifying certain parameters could tune the balance of attractive and repulsive forces. This provided a 'molecular handle' to tune the upper and lower limit of the selectivity range. Their colleagues at UCL, led by Professor Giuseppe Battaglia, then confirmed these theoretical predictions using experimental data. The results are published in Nature Communications and include contributions from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, the Institute of Physics in Beijing and the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia. Dr Angioletti-Uberti added: "The key to unlocking highly targeted drug therapies could lie in directing drug carriers towards cells with a precise number of receptors. "If we can find out which receptor densities are specific to different diseases and apply what we've demonstrated to drug carriers, we could treat those diseases effectively with fewer side effects." Alongside drug targeting, the researchers say their work offers an important insight that could change the way future studies in this field are conducted. For example, researchers could now take into account that simply increasing the number of receptors does not necessarily increase the probability of binding, and in fact may cause it to significantly decrease. It also offers clues that could go some way to explain why tumours evade attack from the immune system. Dr Angioletti-Uberti said: "Could it be that tumour cells' receptor densities fall outside the range toward which immune cells are programmed to target?" The authors are now looking into how to optimise receptor density on cells to ensure maximum binding, as many parameters like receptor and ligand type can affect the strength of these bonds. Dr Angioletti-Uberti added: "Nature might already be using this form of binding to its own advantage, or indeed our disadvantage. Understanding this fully could lead to a wealth of disease-targeting possibilities." United States President Donald Trump wrote Monday on Twitter: I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling really good! Dont be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life." He added, I feel better than I did 20 years ago! Dr. Sean Conley is the presidents personal doctor. He said "though he may not be entirely out of the woods yet, the team and I agree that all our evaluations... support the presidents safe return home. Conley added that privacy rules and regulations bar him from sharing information to protect Trumps safety and health. Trump announced last Friday that he and his wife Melania had tested positive for COVID-19. He has since received several aggressive treatments for the coronavirus during a three-day stay at Walter Reed medical center. Oxygen treatment Dr. Conley first said on Friday that the president was doing well with only mild symptoms. Conley later said Trump got "high fever, or high body temperature, and was given oxygen. He said the presidents blood oxygen level was below 94 percent. The National Institutes of Healths COVID-19 treatment guidelines consider those with blood oxygen level at 94 percent or lower as having moderate to severe illness. The health agency notes that a low level of blood oxygen is common among COVID-19 patients. Regenerons antibody treatment As the president was transported Friday to Walter Reed Medical Center, Conley released a letter saying that the president received an 8-gram dose of experimental antibody treatment from the company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The president also took substances such as: zinc, vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin. Regenerons antibody treatment, called REGN-COV2, started its human trial in late June. It combines a genetically-modified antibody made by the company and a second antibody from recovered COVID-19 patients. The treatment is designed to connect the antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 and limit its ability to spread in an infected person. This idea has been used in the past to develop drugs to treat other viruses such as HIV, the cause of the disease AIDS. On September 29, the New York-based company told investors that the treatment appeared to be safe. The company said in a statement that the treatment also reduced viral levels and improved symptoms in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The treatment, however, has not been studied by independent scientists. And it has not been approved for emergency use authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Remdesivir During a news conference Saturday, the presidents doctors confirmed that he has started a five-day treatment of the anti-viral drug remdesivir on Friday. The FDA first approved remdesivir for the treatment of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 in May. The agency expanded the emergency use authorization in August to anyone with COVID-19, regardless of the severity of their disease. The drug appeared to help patients with moderate COVID-19 to recover faster after a five-day treatment when compared to others with usual care. The result was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in August. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says the drug works by stopping the virus from spreading in the body. The health agencies warned of possible side effects including damage to liver, low blood pressure and vomiting. Dexamethasone On Sunday, Dr. Conley reported that Trumps blood oxygen level on Saturday dropped down to about 93 percent. He added, "We watched it and it returned back up." The presidents doctor also said Trump was given another drug, dexamethasone. Last June, researchers at the University of Oxford found that dexamethasone cut death rates by around a third among patients with the most severe cases of COVID-19. The drug has been in use since the 1960s to reduce swelling caused by diseases such as arthritis. The researchers said the findings suggest doctors should use the drug immediately as usual treatment for severely sick patients. The World Health Organizations Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the time, This is the first treatment to be shown to reduce mortality in patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen or ventilator support. The NIH advises that the drug be used only for hospitalized COVID-19 patients who require oxygen or ventilator support. The guidelines suggest 6 mg a day for up to 10 days or until leaving the hospital. The agency says the drug has no benefit for patients who do not need oxygen help. And it could limit the bodys ability to fight against infection. The coronavirus, first discovered in Wuhan, China, has now infected more than 35 million people around the world. Johns Hopkins Universitys Coronavirus Center reported that the disease has also killed more than 1 million people, including about 210,000 in the U.S. Im Jonathan Evans. Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. Quiz - Trumps COVID-19 Treatments Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story dominate - v. to have control of or power over out of the woods - phrase, out of danger or difficulties symptom n. a change in the body that shows the presence of disease modified adj. to have changed some parts of something while not changing all the others authorization n. giving legal or officials approval to or for something mortality n. the number of deaths that take place in a certain time or place ventilator n. (medical) a device, used in a hospital, that helps someone breathe We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. As life slowly returns to normal even amid the pandemic, photowalks are seeing an increasing interest with camera enthusiasts. With social distancing norms, smaller groups and safety protocols, organisers are conducting tours at offbeat, hidden gems in and around city to avoid crowded places. Participants too feel that the new norms especially small packs are helping more in learning about the craft, building the community or getting away from the mundane life to pursue an activity. It is now a completely new experience. The formats for photowalks have changed. Participants are excited and want to break free but at the same time are a bit hesitant due to the Covid-19 situation. The photo group used to earlier have 30-40 members which have now come down relatively smaller batches of 10-12. Also, we did not earlier reveal the names of participants but now we put it out in advance to ensure everyones comfortable with the group, says Virendra Shekhawat, founder, Delhi Photography Club. Post lockdown, the clubs first photowalk took place at Dhanauri Wetlands in Greater Noida and latest one being at Qutub Minar. An avid photographer and retired Indian Navy officer Avanish Dureha, who attended one of the walks after a gap of six months recalls, The list of participants was shared with us beforehand so it made for a pleasant experience as we knew each other. We were careful about health. We had masks on and frequently used sanitisers. Social distancing norms were maintained, and walk was as interesting as it used to be earlier. Smaller groups are turning to be beneficial for those who picked photography as a hobby amid pandemic and are keen on learning about the profession. Gurpeet Kaur, an entrepreneur from Gurugram says, I recently attended a phototrail with a group of 7 people and with a limited number of people, it was easier to communicate acquire knowledge of photography. The undivided attention from the head was a plus point for us, since we could understand the tricks and tips very patiently. From a photo walk in Old Delhi (Photo: Rajeev Goyal/Delhi Photo Tours) With the reduced size group, Rajeev Goyal, co-founder, Delhi Photo Tours too recently conducted a photowalk in Old Delhi. He says, Although there were 4-5 participants but doing street photography in the by-lanes of Old Delhi has its own charm. When its not crowded and market is shut, you can actually look for interesting details, and click elements such as old doors and locks. It gives a chance to capture unique subjects. Interact with author/sanchita_kalra. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Space once the purview of only the wealthiest and most technologically advanced nations is now open to brands, private citizens and commercial companies, all at NASA's urging. The big picture: The commercialization of spaceflight has flung open the door to branding and marketing in space that will change everyone's relationship with the cosmos. Soon, space may no longer be a relatively pristine environment where only specially trained individuals with a particular skill set can live and work. Instead, companies and consumers have a direct stake and toehold in orbit for the first time. What's happening: Estee Lauder sent its Advanced Night Repair skincare product to the International Space Station aboard a Cygnus spacecraft launched Friday, where astronauts will take photos of it for the company's social media accounts. The campaign is thanks to NASA's plan to open up the space station to private activities like marketing and tourism supported by the commercial spaceflight industry, allowing the space agency to help create a true economy in low-Earth orbit that makes it one of many customers. Other companies like Axiom are planning to provide rides for private spaceflyers aboard spacecraft like SpaceX's Crew Dragon. And, NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said last week the space agency plans to start a program to help tourists who want to fly to the space station. Background: NASA has long had a complicated relationship with brands and companies hoping to capitalize on the public's interest in space. M&M's, Tang, Omega watches and other brands have all made it up to space incidentally because they're used by astronauts, but NASA's new regime marks the first times brands can pay the space agency for that kind of access directly. And private companies supported by NASA, like SpaceX, are creating real opportunities to fly now. "NASA is very much focused on promoting the NASA brand, and whatever they're doing with Estee Lauder they got a lot of publicity, and it's publicity for Estee Lauder and it's publicity for NASA," space analyst Linda Billings told Axios. Between the lines: Some, like Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) during a committee hearing at the end of September, have expressed concern that these types of marketing activities may not be worth the astronaut crew time spent on them. The agency counters that very little time is actually going to be allotted to these activities. But those who support these efforts see commercialization as a way to make NASA a user of services in orbit that can be run by private companies, freeing up the agency to focus on goals like the Moon and Mars. Eventually, the money made from these partnership could help offset the cost of the agency's exploration efforts. At the moment, however, NASA isn't charging full price, with companies paying a relatively small percentage of the actual cost for these activities in space. But, but but: It's not yet clear this commercialization effort will work at all. NASA is still trying to figure out exactly how much demand there is for marketing activities and even space tourism in orbit, and the agency plans to shift the availability of its crew and cargo depending on that demand. "Just like everything we do on the ISS, it's an experiment, and we will continue to monitor that to make sure that we're kind of hitting the sweet spot in terms of interest levels," Phil McAlister, NASA's director of commercial spaceflight, told Axios. What to watch: Normalizing brands in space could help extend humanity's reach by creating a shared culture between Earth and an alien environment. "You wouldn't want to live here on Earth or anywhere else without human culture establishing itself. Otherwise it's very clinical and boring," space historian Robert Pearlman, who edits collectSPACE.com, told me. "I would say that what is exciting right now is the potential for human culture to occur [in space]." Editor's note: This story was updated to clarify that Axiom buys entire flights. Haiti - USAID : $100M in aid for Haiti since the start of 2020 The additional assistance agreement of 24.4 million dollars, signed between the United States Government, via the United States Agency for International Development (USAID - Haiti) and the Haitian Government, via the Ministry of Planning will make it possible to improve development in Haiti in the sectors of health, education, agriculture and governance, among others. U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Michele Sison declared "USAID/Haiti works to improve health and education outcomes, advance economic and food security, and strengthen the independence and accountability of Haitian government institutions. To date, USAID has also provided $13.2 million to support Haiti's COVID 19 response efforts, including infection prevention, case management, improved water and sanitation and more through local partner organizations." This latest agreement brings USAID's total assistance to Haiti to more than $1.8 billion since 2011. These funds are in addition to the $75.5 million in development assistance granted by USAID in April https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30612-haiti-usa-$755-million-in-assistance-from-usaid.html and brings the U.S. government's total contribution to Haiti to approximately $100 million for 2020. Furthermore, to date the U.S. government has provided more than $16 million in COVID-19-related assistance, which includes USAID, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support for Haiti's COVID-19 response. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30612-haiti-usa-$755-million-in-assistance-from-usaid.html HL/ HaitiLibre Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Snow during the morning will give way to partly cloudy conditions during the afternoon. High 24F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snowfall around one inch.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies in the evening, then becoming cloudy overnight. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 11F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Missing former FBI agent Robert Levinson is believed to have died in Iranian custody - Levinson Family/AP A US court has ordered Iran to pay $1.45 billion to the family of a former FBI agent who is believed to have been detained by the Iranian government while on a secret CIA mission to an Iranian island. Robert Levinson, who disappeared aged 58 on Kish island in March 2007, is believed by his family and the US government to have died in Iranian custody aged 71 or 72 after becoming the longest-held hostage in US history. US District Judge Timothy Kelly signed an order last Thursday awarding his family $107 million in compensation and punitive damages of $1.3 billion. Related video: Robert Levinson presumed dead in Iran Iranian state media and officials have not acknowledged the ruling in the case, which Iran did not defend. The order is unlikely to be paid in full, with damages coming from a US government fund for victims of state-sponsored terrorism, but Mr Levinson's family welcomed the judgement. "This judgment is the first step in the pursuit of justice for Robert Levinson, an American patriot who was kidnapped and subjected to unimaginable suffering for more than 13 years," his family said. "Until now, Iran has faced no consequences for its actions. Judge Kellys decision wont bring Bob home, but we hope that it will serve as a warning against further hostage taking by Iran," the family said, adding: "We intend to find any and every avenue, and pursue all options, to seek justice for Robert Levinson." In March, Mr Levinson's family said information they received from US officials suggested he had died in Iranian custody. Iran denied this, saying he had left the country years ago. Mr Levinson disappeared on Kish island after meeting an American Islamic militant who fled to Iran while facing charges over the murder of an Iranian embassy official in Washington. Months later, US government sources acknowledged that Mr Levinson had an informal contractual relationship with the Central Intelligence Agency. Shortly after he went missing, Iran said its security forces had detained Mr Levinson. That statement was later retracted and nothing was heard of him until 2010, when a video was released showing him looking haggard and thin. I am not in very good health," he said in the footage in which he appealed to the US government to answer the requests of the group holding him. "I am running very quickly out of diabetes medicine," he said. A crocodile has been spotted lurking near a dog beach in Darwin. The 1.5-metre predator was seen twice at Mindil Beach on Sunday afternoon. Nicole Wallace was walking her dog, Lilypup, with some friends and their dogs when they spotted the crocodile near the shore. A crocodile has been spotted lurking near a dog beach in Darwin 'This is the first time I've seen one there,' Ms Wallace told NT News. 'It was just sitting there, quite far out when we first got there but it just moved closer and we thought we should move the dogs away from the water's edge, they might make a nice breakfast. 'It is quite cool but it's a nice reminder we should be more vigilant in letting our dogs in the water.' Renee Milatos also saw the crocodile on the beach and said it was soaking up the sun for five minutes. Some beach-goers were seen rushing to get out of the water and away from the crocodile after it was spotted.. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for comment. (L-R) UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan, his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi, and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas before their historic meeting at Villa Borsig in Berlin on Oct. 6, 2020. (Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters) UAE Minister Vows Never Again in Berlin Holocaust Memorial Visit Together With Israeli Counterpart BERLINThe United Arab Emirates foreign minister visited Germanys main Holocaust memorial together with his counterpart from Israel and vowed never again on Tuesday, an event showcasing the two Middle East countries unusually warm new rapprochement. A U.S.-brokered establishment of full diplomatic relations between the Gulf power and Israel on Sept. 15 owed much to their shared concerns about Iran. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan and his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi greet as they visit the Holocaust memorial together with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas prior to their historic meeting in Berlin on Oct. 6, 2020. (Michele Tantussi/Reuters) UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan and his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi visit the Holocaust memorial together with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas prior to their historic meeting in Berlin on Oct. 6, 2020. (Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters) Both sides have pointed to a sense of reconciliation and mutual tolerance as a driver of the deala message that UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan left at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe memorial in Berlin, which he visited with Israels Gabi Ashkenazi. Writing in the visitors book in Arabic, he called the site a witness to the fall of a group of human beings who were victims of advocates of extremism and hatred, and he advocated the noble human values of co-existence, tolerance, acceptance of others and respect of all religions and beliefs. Never Again, Sheikh Abdullah added in Englisha slogan often taken up by survivors of Nazi Germanys World War Two genocide to justify actions to protect Israel and the Jewish people. Ashkenazi and his UAE counterpart were in Berlin to discuss a variety of issues in promoting relations, according to an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas signs a book as UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan and his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi visit the Holocaust memorial together prior to their historic meeting in Berlin on Oct. 6, 2020. (Michele Tantussi/Reuters) In his own inscription, Ashkenazia former commander of Israels armed forcessaid his presence there alongside the Emirati and their host, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, symbolizes a new era, an era of peace between the peoples. It was also a reminder of the need to live strong and ensure that this will never recur, Ashkenazi wrote in Hebrew. Researchers Graham Pearson (left) and Jesse Reimink examine conglomerate rocks in Nunavut. Analysis of the 15 kilograms of samples they collected revealed three small diamonds within the rocksan unexpected find that sheds light on what geological conditions were like on Earth three billion years ago. Credit: University of Alberta The presence of diamonds in an outcrop atop an unrealized gold deposit in Canada's Far North mirrors the association found above the world's richest gold mine, according to University of Alberta research that fills in blanks about the thermal conditions of Earth's crust three billion years ago. "The diamonds we have found so far are small and not economic, but they occur in ancient sediments that are an exact analog of the world's biggest gold depositthe Witwatersrand Goldfields of South Africa, which has produced more than 40 percent of the gold ever mined on Earth," said Graham Pearson, researcher in the Faculty of Science and Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate in Arctic Resources. "Diamonds and gold are very strange bedfellows. They hardly ever appear in the same rock, so this new find may help to sweeten the attractiveness of the original gold discovery if we can find more diamonds." Pearson explained that ex-N.W.T. Geological Survey scientist Val Jackson alerted his group to an unusual outcropping on the Arctic coast that has close similarities to the Witwatersrand gold deposits. Pearson said this outcrop of rocks, known as conglomerates, are basically the erosion product of old mountain chains that get deposited in braided river channels. "They're high-energy deposits that are good at carrying gold, and they're good at carrying diamonds," he said. "Our feeling was if the analogies are that close, then maybe there are diamonds in the Nunavut conglomerate also." Pearson said finding new diamond deposits in Canada's North is critical in Canada continuing to host a $2.5-billion-per-year diamond mining industry. So, on a hunch, Pearson used the last of his Canada Excellence Research Chair funding that brought him to the U of A, along with funding from the Metal Earth Project and the National Science Foundation, andaccompanied by post-doctoral diamond researcher Adrien Vizinet and former U of A grad student Jesse Reimink, now a professor at Penn State Universitytraveled to Nunavut. Once at the site, the groupwith the assistance of Silver Range Resources, whose CEO Mike Power is also a U of A alumnusbashed off a modest 15 kilograms of the conglomerate and dated these rocks using the state-of-the-art mass spectrometry equipment at the U of A, which established their deposition to be about three billion years ago. The group promptly delivered their samples to the Saskatchewan Research Council, the world leader in quantifying how many diamonds are in a rock. Pearson remembers the precise moment about a year later, when the council's Cristiana Mircea, who visits Edmonton to teach Diamond Exploration Research Training School (DERTS) students about diamond indicator mineral identification, matter-of-factly told him the sample produced three diamonds. "My jaw hit the floor," said Pearson. "Normally people would take hundreds of kilograms, if not tons of samples, to try and find that many diamonds. We managed to find diamonds in 15 kilos of rock that we sampled with a sledgehammer on a surface outcrop." Though the diamonds found are quite smallless than a millimeter in diameterhe said the geologic implications are immense. First, Pearson said there must have been kimberlite or rock like kimberlite present to carry diamonds to the Earth's surface in the ancient Eartha notion many people have doubted. Kimberlite pipes are the passageways that allow magma to erupt diamonds and other rocks and minerals from the mantle through the crust and onto the Earth's surface. It also helps us understand under what conditions these peculiar kimberlite rocks can form. Pearson said an Italian collaborator, Fabrizio Nestola from the University of Padua, managed to find an inclusiona non-diamond mineralin one of the diamond samples. From that, Suzette Timmerman, a researcher in the Canadian Centre for Isotopic Microanalysis and a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship recipient, began building a theory that the diamonds had to be derived from a small, deep but cool lithospheric root, which is the thickest part of the continental plate. "This is something completely unexpected from what we think conditions were like three billion years ago on Earth," said Pearson. He explained that stable diamonds exist only in cool parts of the mantle, so it suggests there must have been very deep, perhaps 200-kilometer-thick cold roots beneath parts of the continent very early in Earth's history. Pearson said despite the U of A's expertise in dating diamonds around the world, there's always an argument about the relationship between the inclusion and the diamond deposit. "Here, there's no argument because we know when those rocks were eroded onto the Earth's surface," he said. "It tells us there's an older source, a primary source of diamonds that must have been eroded to form this diamond-plus-gold deposit," he said. This also means mining diamonds in the area would not necessarily require very deep mines, if more economic outcrops of these rocks can be found. "We went up there on a float plane, bashed a piece of rock off with a sledgehammer and found three diamonds," he said. "That's actually one of the most astounding parts of this discovery." He added that the provincial government, through Alberta Innovates, clearly realized universities can help a lot in expanding and diversifying Alberta's economy into the mining sector. "The government's investment enables us to chase hunches that might otherwise be difficult for industry to go and look at." Pearson pointed to the Collaborative Research and Training Experience grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, which almost instantly turned the U of A into the world's leading diamond research institution thanks to the formation of DERTS. "Alberta has several potential diamond deposits and areas ripe for further exploration," he said. "I believe the University of Alberta can play a key role in helping to find and establish diamond and other mineral mines in Alberta." Pearson said more research is continuing on similar nearby outcrops being developed by Silver Range Resources in collaboration with the Metal Earth Project, the Nunavut government and Penn State University, to establish the extent of the diamonds and gold in these rocks, and the possible primary sources of these minerals. The studies, "Mesoarchean Deposition Age for Diamond-Bearing Metasediment of the Northwestern Slave Craton, Nunavut Territory (Canada)" and "Diamond-Bearing Metasediments Point to Thick, Cool Lithospheric Root Established by the Mesoarchean Beneath Parts of the Slave Craton (Canada)," will be presented at the virtual fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union this December. Explore further New insights into Earth's carbon cycle When dairy farmers contribute 15 cents per hundredweight of milk shipped to the dairy checkoff, they want to know that money is making a difference. Two checkoff organization CEOs described how they evaluate the success of their programs on the September 23 Hoards Dairyman DairyLivestream sponsored by World Dairy Expo. First of all, every year, theres a report to Congress that USDA does, and they contract with a university to do that, explained Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) CEO Tom Gallagher. Every year, it shows the benefit of the investment and a good return on investment for dairy farmers. That large-scale USDA study is the main evaluation of the effectiveness of advertising campaigns, and it includes descriptions of programs and accounting of funds spent. Past reports can be found here. Additionally, DMI takes into account independent studies of promotion efforts. To estimate success of specific projects, they will compare sales data with consumption data. One example is in food service. We are the product developers for McDonalds, Taco Bell, and some others, Gallagher identified. What do we get, confidentially, from them in terms of sales of the things that we produced for them? And then we compare that to the overall sales of cheese: American cheese or pizza cheese. We compare actual sales to gross sales reported by USDA. Evaluations can become further detailed. There are specific programs we have that we can measure on an individual basis, like our school program, where the state and regional [organizations] have just increased by billions of school breakfasts since 2010, Gallagher continued. We can see how much weve put into that, how much other people have contributed to that, and we can see how much dairy was sold through that. On a regional level, California Milk Advisory Board CEO John Talbot shared that in addition to the USDA report, his organization focuses on understanding what consumers need in their programming. Our mission is to drive demand, so what does that mean? he asked. The board looks at five components of demand: Awareness Interest Trust Consumption Advocacy We have specific measures within each of those areas that help tell us if a program is doing well or not, and we use that to either optimize the program or get out of it and move on to something else, Talbot explained. An ongoing series of events DairyLivestream will air twice each month for the remainder of this year. The next broadcast on Wednesday, October 7 at 11 a.m. CST is titled Can we sell that cheese? Each episode is designed for panelists to answer over 30 minutes of audience questions. If you havent joined a DairyLivestream broadcast yet, register here. Registering once registers you for all future events. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2020 October 1, 2020 It can generally take a week for major developments in the race to be reflected in the polls, but early evidence is that voters are largely unsympathetic to Trump's illness. Instead, Democrat Joe Biden is surging in national polls and now has his biggest lead since late July. Washington: US voters appear to be unmoved by President Donald Trump's bout with COVID-19 , with early polls showing no "sympathy boost" for the ailing President amid poor reviews for his debate performance last week. Two-thirds of likely voters in a Reuters/Ipsos poll said Trump wouldn't have been infected with the coronavirus if he had taken the disease more seriously - numbers all the more lopsided considering that 9 per cent are sceptical he ever had the virus at all. Previous presidents have had a short-term boost in the polls following serious medical issues. Dwight Eisenhower's approval rating shot up from an already high 71 per cent to 78 per cent when he had a heart attack in September 1955 - the highest for any peacetime president in modern history except for John F. Kennedy. Ronald Reagan also got an 11-point bump following the assassination attempt in 1981. US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Credit:AP The difference is that those were unforeseen events, said B. Dan Wood, a Texas A&M University professor who has studied presidential approval during crises. Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis comes seven months into a pandemic that the President has acknowledged downplaying. And he has belittled people, such as Biden, who wear protective gear. "Trump's COVID is totally expected, given his behaviour. No one should be surprised," Wood said. "Eisenhower's heart attacks and Reagan's assassination attempt injury were shocks because they were not expected." Several key provisions of Connecticut's sweeping police accountability law, signed in the wake of national protests against racial injustice and police brutality over the summer, go into effect Thursday. Among the new rules that take effect are tighter restrictions on police searches, a duty to intervene if police witness another officer use excessive force and penalties for civilians who call in an incident based on race. Other changes to policing brought by the law, including adjustments to qualified immunity that protect police from lawsuits over their conduct and further restrictions on the use of deadly force, go into effect next year. Here's a closer look at the changes taking effect on Thursday: UPDATED: 10.30pm Taoiseach Micheal Martin has addressed the nation following the Government decision to implement Level Three restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 until October 27th. Mr Martin said the Government had detailed discussions surrounding NPHET's recommendation to move the country immediately to Level Five restrictions, with the impact of this sudden move without the "potential of other levels of restrictions" first being realised considered. "The potential implications of such a move are severe and very different from those we faced earlier this year," Mr Martin said of a full lockdown, mentioning the potential loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs and the difficulty of dealing with non-Covid health concerns. If we all act now, we can stop the need to go forward in introducing further Level Four and Level Five restrictions. Advertisement It was still essential that steps be taken, and taken now, Mr Martin said. There had been a significant and serious rise in the number of cases of the virus, which remains deadly and one that can cause lasting harm even to those who survive it, he said. Due to this, the Taoiseach said that from tomorrow midnight, all parts of the country would move to Level Three of the Government's plan for living with the virus for a period of three weeks. Mr Martin said that the enforcement and implementation of measures would be more closely monitored as part of a two-prong approach to stepping up restrictions. "The road ahead will continue to have many turns," he said. "If we all act now, we can stop the need to go forward in introducing further Level Four and Level Five restrictions." Varadkar criticises NPHET Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has criticised Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohans proposal for a Level Five lockdown, saying it had not been thought through and was delivered with no prior consultation: It was landed on us on a Sunday night as a surprise and without consultation. Asked on RTEs Claire Byrne Live about where it leaves the relationship between the Government and NPHET, he said they have to get back on the same page and do the right thing. Advertisement Describing the Level Five lockdown plan as a circuit breaker strategy and experimental, Mr Varadkar said such a move requires proper thought, prior consultation and a Plan B if it doesnt work and weve not had any of that. "We cant say for certainty if the country can afford a second lockdown," Mr Varadkar said. Denying that the decision is being made between economy and public health, Mr Varadkar said it was about public interest always first. He said Government decisions cant be public health only. Poverty is one of the biggest killers as well. Donnelly defends decision Speaking following this evening's announcement, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said the Government had made the difficult decision to balance public health advice with all other social and economic considerations. Mr Donnelly said he was "acutely aware that this move to Level Three will be extremely challenging and disappointing" for many businesses and people across Ireland. He said the decision was taken as a result of increasing cases in nursing homes with 31 current outbreaks, along with rising hospitalisations and admissions to intensive care. Asked why the Government had failed to issue comment on the restrictions set to implemented over the past 24 hours, Mr Donnelly said the Government had first needed to meet NPHET and go through the advice in detail. He said that following this, the Government quickly went to a Cabinet meeting and announced its decision shortly after. Advertisement Decision timeline: Sunday evening: NPHET recommends all counties be placed on Level Five restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Monday morning: Coalition leaders meet with chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan concerning NPHET's recommendation. Monday afternoon: It emerges that a move to Level Five restrictions is unlikely and a move to Level Three is expected. Monday afternoon: Cabinet meets to agree move of all counties in Ireland to Level Three restrictions. Monday evening: Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirms nationwide restrictions in national address. Responsibility Asked if the Government was prepared to accept the potential consequences of its rejection of NPHET's advice to move the country to Level Five restrictions, Mr Donnelly said the Government had done its best to find a balance for all of society: "We believe the decision is the right one, we believe it is the right balance." Asked who would be held responsible if hospitalisations and deaths were to rise rapidly in the coming weeks following this evening's decision, Mr Donnelly said "the virus is responsible." He said it was not a question of who was right or wrong, and that the Government had to consider NPHET's advice in the context of the entire country: "The only enemy here is Covid-19. That's what we're fighting." What the Government hopes to see happen now is "what happened in Kildare, Laois and Offaly" with the suppression of the virus, Mr Donnelly added. National response Mr Donnelly said the decision had been taken to implement nationwide restrictions - which would also impact people living in areas of the country where rates of the virus were low - because of the virus' current "exponential" growth. The Health Minister stated that the virus was growing exponentially outside of Dublin, and that even counties where rates are very low were highly likely to see very rapid and exponential growth "should we not act." Advertisement "A national response at this time is warranted," he said. Mr Donnelly said NPHET would continue to monitor the situation across the country on a daily basis and the Government would continue to engage with its guidance. Speaking on the decision to reject NPHET's advice to move to Level Five, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said that the impact of such restrictions "at such speed, would not only mean the loss of thousands of jobs but also the likelihood that they would not come back. "It would have changed the prospects of small and medium sized employers across the country," he added. Level Three reaction The Governments rejection of the advice of public health experts on new restrictions to stop the spread of Covid-19 has been described as a seismic moment. Some industry groups have welcomed the news, with Retail Excellence saying that over 280,000 employees in the retail industry will breath a sigh of relief tonight as they remain in employment. However, the group warned that a move to Level Three would still have a profound impact on cafes forced to move to outdoor dining and takeaway only and on customer footfall in the run up to Christmas. Publicans have warned the move to Level Three restrictions will see 50,000 jobs lost in the pub sector. The chief executive of the Vintners Federation said: There now must be an immediate return to the original Pandemic Unemployment Payment for pub staff along with liquidity supports that will allow our members re-establish their businesses once restrictions are removed. Advertisement While Government say these restrictions will remain in place for three weeks, we have learnt from bitter experience that reopening dates can move at the last minute. The Restaurants Association of Ireland described a move to Level Three as a devastating blow for Irish hospitality, saying that 180,000 jobs would be lost across restaurants, cafes and other hospitality businesses in the coming week. The Governments communication of the new restrictions today has also been criticised as communications chaos by affected hoteliers from the Irish Hotels Federation. Recommendation On Sunday, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommended all counties be moved to Level Five restrictions. Under the chairmanship of Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan for the first time since July, NPHET's recommendation is thought to have caught those in Government buildings completely by surprise. sZeqi NPHET has said every county should move to the most severe level of restrictions and return to essentially a full lockdown. Public health officials said Level Five is now needed for four weeks to deal with the increasing spread of the virus. What does Level Five mean? Stay within 5km of your home for exercise, except for essential journeys, such as food shopping and essential work that cannot be done from home No household visits No indoor or outdoor gatherings Very limited numbers permitted at funerals and wedding No sporting events, concerts, etc. Bars, cafes and restaurants only open for takeaway services In the Living with Covid framework published by Government, a move to Level Five would also signal the closure of schools and colleges, however NPHET's recommendation on Sunday was made with the goal of keeping schools open. The restrictions for Level Five on the Gov.ie website have been amended in relation to schools, creches and higher and adult education. They had previously been listed as "open with protective measures in place" but this has since been changed to "recommendations based on situation and evidence at time". Today's cases There were no new deaths and 518 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in the Republic this evening, with 134 cases located in Dublin and substantial figures also recorded in Cork, Limerick, Donegal and Meath. Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, described the new figures as part of a "significant and concerning deterioration" in the national situation. There were also a further 616 cases of the virus confirmed on the island today in Northern Ireland, where some 3,630 cases have been reported in the last seven days. At a meeting of the Stormont Executive today, ministers did not make any decisions on the introduction of further coronavirus restrictions in the region but are expected to revisit the issue on Thursday. Public reaction Long queues have formed outside a Smyths toy store in Dublin earlier today as consumers have started their Christmas shopping early with the threat of further restrictions looming. It is unclear under the current lockdown levels which types of stores will be regarded as essential, so while supermarkets will remain open, it is unknown if the same will apply to hardware stores or car dealers. Political reaction Anger and surprise greeted the news of NPHET's recommendation in Government circles, with former minister Barry Cowen calling it the nuclear option. Fianna Fail TD Jim OCallaghan has warned that the Government is not going to get people to change their behaviour through coercion. Laws, regulations and coercion are not going to defeat this virus, he said. The virus cannot be fought or defeated. People were being asked to do something that no previous generation had done, which was to take extraordinary measures, he said. If we go to Level Five now, what then? Mr OCallaghan was also critical of the leaking of the NPHET recommendation of moving to Level Five. We shouldnt be doing business this way. He pointed out that NPHET was an independent entity that advises the Government, but he queried why their approach had been 'inconsistent' and had escalated to the Level Five recommendation so quickly. If we go to Level Five now, what then? Mr OCallaghan pointed out that of the 1,810 people who had died from Covid, only 47 had died since August. He also said that there were 881 hospitalised with Covid in April with 155 in ICU beds, compared with the current figures of 134 hospitalisations and 21 in ICU. Holly Willoughby and Jack Whitehall have joined the list of celebrities - including Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan - to gather support for Gunnersaurus following his sacking by the club. The Gunners' loveable mascot was sacked after 27 years of service on transfer deadline day as part of the club's latest Covid-19 financial cuts. Jerry Quy had played the role of the dinosaur mascot since its establishment in 1993, but was let go a few hours before the north London side announced the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey. Holly Willoughby has joined the celebrities rallying support for mascot Gunnersaurus Comedian Jack Whitehall has also shown his support for the sacked Arsenal mascot online Gunnersaurus was sacked after 27 years of service in the latest cuts caused by Covid-19 Arsenal fans have since set up a GoFundMe page to save aiming to save the club's mascot and has already raised more than 8,500. The club have also confirmed Quy had left his post as they strive to dowork more efficiently but insisted the beloved mascot will return. Morgan had led the outcry against the decision, calling for Arsenal to reverse their decision and pleading with boss Mikel Arteta and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to intervene. And he has now been joined by This Morning presenter Willoughby and comedian Whitehall in trying to stop the mascot becoming 'extinct'. Jerry Quy was the man behind the dinosaur for 27 years before losing his part-time role Arsenal fans have since set up a GoFundMe page to save aiming to save the club's mascot Piers Morgan had led the outcry against the decision, calling for a reversal of the decision Willoughby wrote on Instagram: ' Very very sad to hear the news that @officialgunnersaurus has been released by @arsenal. He was at my son Harry's 1st birthday and he's a hero in our house! 'He'll never be extinct in our eyes. Bring back Gunnersaurus!' Whitehall meanwhile added: 'The streets will never forget,' with a picture of the mascot while former Arsenal forward Ian Wright said: Terrible news. Love you Jerry. Morgan has also been joined by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright in expressing his sadness However, Sevilla saved the day, scoring the dinosaur a new mascot with just hours to spare 'Surely Jerry comes back when the fans come back????,' Wright added. Good Morning Britain presenter Morgan also tweeted on Monday, saying 'You're going nowhere @Gunnersaurus. I refuse to let @Arsenal sack you. Come on @m8arteta @Aubameyang7 - this is not what our club is about. #savegunnersaurus,' he tweeted along with a series of angry emojis. Former Speaker of the House of Commons and fellow Gunners fan John Bercow also got behind the movement, appearing on a Good Morning Britain interview with a poster of the dinosaur mascot in the background. Sevilla appeared to make a late deadline day swoop for the sacked mascot by tweeting a picture of Gunnersaurus in response to a post asking: 'Which player would you like your club to sign today?' After several hours of intense negotiations later and with little time to spare, Sevilla got their dinosaur - returning to Twitter to share a shot of Gunnersaurus dressed in a Sevilla shirt and cap. But they were not the only foreign club to express their support, with Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon quoting the famous Toy Story line 'You've got a friend in me @Gunnersaurus', with the picture of their mascot and Gunnersaurus. However, Sevilla saved the day, scoring the dinosaur a new mascot with just hours to spare Fans also expressed their sorrow with some emotional tweets after the mascot's long service to the club. One wrote: 'Til we meet again #savegunnersaurus', while another added: 'Me and this ledge back in 2012. Gonna miss you bud, sad times', with a sad emoji face. Another supporters also called on Arsenal to reverse their decision, adding: 'As a kid (and adult!) I was also so excited to see the beautiful beast, he is part of the DNA of our club. Please don't do this Arsenal.' Gunnersaurus' axing has been blamed on the coronavirus crisis leaving Arsenal's finances in tatters, with Quy's part-time role no longer required alongside 55 other redundancies at the Emirates. Because Quy's role is part-time, his departure is not counted among the 55 redundancies but is part of the same cost-cutting process. Quy has shown his dedication to following the Gunners home and away since 1963. His loyalty to the club even reportedly led to him missing his brother's wedding in order to attend a home game. Highlife musician Kwaku Duah, known popularly as Dada KD, has condemned radio DJs for their refusal to use their networks to promote Ghanaian highlife music. He explained that Ghanaian DJs have diverted their attention solely to modern genres of music like hiplife, dancehall and other foreign genres without adding highlife to their playlist. The musician criticised radio DJs for failing to promote highlife music, a situation which, according to him, has resulted in the collapse of the music genre and also killing creativity. He blamed radio station owners for allowing their networks to be used to undermine the progress of Ghanaian highlife musicians as well as the highlife music industry. Dada KD, who was speaking in an interview with Kumasi-based Akoma FM, indicated that most of the legendary highlife musicians have gone into hiding because when they produce music which is not in line with that of the current trend, DJs will only play in their cars and not on air. He, however, appreciated the fact that the music industry today has been so good and easy to make it because there is no need to work on an album of about 10 songs anymore with one track and a video, you are gone. Apart from Dada KD, a number of highlife musicians and producers have also complained bitterly about DJs' refusal to promote highlife music. According to them, Ghanaian DJs have contributed to the collapse of the Ghanaian highlife music, adding that any radio DJ or presenter who supports and encourages payola has endorsed crime. The highlife musicians and producers expressed worry over a growing perception that Ghanaian highlife music is dead. They, however, called on all highlife musicians in the country to come together as a team and work tirelessly to promote highlife music on the local and international music scenes. ---Daily Guide For me, this was an opportunity to avail myself of the experience I gained on the District 102 board. I feel I can add value to the (LTHS) board, said Thomas, who graduated from LTHS in 1985. I am familiar with how to work collectively with a team who can confront an array of tough challenges and make well-informed decisions that represent all students to continue moving the district forward, he stated. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Go to form A 108-year-old Confederate monument removed from Wiess Park this summer could within a few months be on its way to a new permanent home. However, anyone interested in buying the statue will have to put up at least $50,000 and potentially comply with any purchase-related restrictions attached to the sale. The Beaumont City Council on Tuesday morning revealed the statue dedicated to the deeds of valor, sacrifices and achievements of soldiers who fought for the South in the Civil War has been appraised at $150,000. Despite being valued at three times the minimum bid, the council settled at $50,000 to recoup the citys cost to remove the anonymous Confederate soldier and 30-foot stone pedestal and any costs that will be associated with advertising the auction. The auctioneering service itself will not cost the city as a fee is paid by the buyer instead. The body determined that the number also likely was still low enough that it could attract some interest. We have to basically advertise the auction at least two weeks in a local newspaper, advertise it on our website also (on the auctioneers) website, Beaumont chief financial officer Todd Simoneaux said. Related: Beaumont Confederate monument comes down Before the consensus, Councilman Taylor Neild suggested setting the minimum bid at $20,000 to only ensure that the citys costs were covered. Councilman Audwin Samuel thought the city should try to get at least $75,000 - half the appraised value. With so few such statues going to auction, it can be hard to predict how much theyll ultimately sell for. But there is some reason to hope the city could end up getting more than the asking price. Lone Star Auctioneers, the Fort Worth-based company the city will work with in the sale, previously sold a statue of Robert E. Lee for the city of Dallas for $1.4 million. The statue had been appraised at only $950,000, and the minimum bid was set at half the appraised value. How well a largely generic monument that sat in Beaumont will do remains to be seen. Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox Any prospective buyer may also have to work based on conditions set forth with the sale, such as a promise not to destroy or deface the statue and not to display it in a residential front yard in Beaumont. City staff will explore the potential to attach such conditions. But Councilman Mike Getz said he didnt think the city has the ability, and City Manager Kyle Hayes said he isnt sure that would be in the citys best interest. At that point its a done deal and the talk about restrictions on what can be done with it should drop off, Getz said. Its a done deal. City staff will reach out to the auction house soon to officially get the process moving. No firm timeline has been established with the company. The statue was removed in late June after a 6-1 City Council vote. The majority of the residents who spoke before the council took its vote were in favor of removing the statue. Others suggested it could be relocated to a place where it could be presented in context. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/KaitlinBain The New York Times The Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine was awarded jointly to Dr Harvey J Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M Rice on Monday for the discovery of the hepatitis C virus, a breakthrough the Nobel Committee said had "made possible blood tests and new medicines that have saved millions of lives." For the first time in history, the disease can now be cured, raising hopes of eradicating hepatitis C virus from the world population, the committee said in a statement. The committee announced the prize at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. About 71 million people worldwide live with a chronic infection of the hepatitis C virus, a blood-borne pathogen that can cause severe liver inflammation, or hepatitis, and is typically transmitted through shared or reused needles and syringes, infected blood transfusions and sexual practices that lead to blood exposure. Tests and treatments all start with being able to recognize the virus exists, said Craig Cameron, chair of the department of microbiology and immunology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a hepatitis C virus researcher. Why did they win? The discovery of the hepatitis C virus solved a thorny scientific mystery that had plagued physicians and researchers for years. A number of hepatitis viruses can infiltrate the liver and cause a range of health problems, some of which are fatal. One of the main ways that hepatitis is transmitted is through blood transfusions, a lifesaving procedure central to modern medicine that could have deadly consequences when blood was contaminated. The hepatitis A virus usually has few long-term impacts on the people it infects. The hepatitis B virus tends to linger in the body and is responsible for hundreds of millions of chronic infections around the world, many of which remain undiagnosed. The discovery of the hepatitis B virus earned Baruch Blumberg the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine in 1976. In the 1970s, Alter led a team of scientists in discovering that most cases of post-transfusion hepatitis couldnt be linked to Type A or B viruses a hint to the existence of a pathogen that had not yet been described. In the 1980s, Houghton, along with colleagues Qui-Lim Choo and George Kuo, became the first to identify and formally name the hepatitis C virus as the infectious culprit. The work led to the development of a diagnostic test to identify the virus in blood, enabling doctors and researchers for the first time to screen patients and donors. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia University who spent her postdoctoral fellowship working on the hepatitis C virus, described the pathogen as a tricky virus to work with. She added that Houghtons work, which isolated the viruss genetic sequence, bolstered the case that it was a new pathogen and distinct from the viruses behind hepatitis A and B. Alter and Houghton later shared the Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research in 2000 for their work. Rices genetic experiments added important details to scientists understanding of the virus, showing that it could be isolated in the lab and cause disease in an animal host, the chimpanzee. These studies nailed the hepatitis C virus as the sole infectious agent responsible for the mysterious non-A, non-B cases of hepatitis and set up a crucial animal model for future studies. Without Charlie, we still probably would not have completed the story, Cameron said. It is a success story for team science. In our interview with new laureate Charles Rice recorded just after he had heard the news about his #NobelPrize he celebrates the collaborative nature of the decades-long scientific effort that led to the discovery of Hepatitis C. pic.twitter.com/OEPlJyS4Bn The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 5, 2020 Eventually the way you have to control an epidemic like this is with a vaccine. Michael Houghton awarded the 2020 #NobelPrize for his contribution towards the discovery of Hepatitis C is now working to find a vaccine for the virus, which kills around 400,000 people a year. pic.twitter.com/JEX0ILtqSs The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 5, 2020 "The third time, I got up angrily to answer the phone ... and it was Stockholm." Harvey Alter's anger at being disturbed by a call in the night quickly changed when he learned he'd been awarded the 2020 #NobelPrize in Physiology or Medicine. "The best alarm clock I ever had!" pic.twitter.com/oQliSC9F5a The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 5, 2020 Why is the work important? The hepatitis C virus is responsible for tens of millions of long-term infections. Because the infections can spread and persist without symptoms, many dont know they carry the virus. But once it establishes itself in the body, the pathogen can silently erode the livers function over the course of years and decades, later flaring up as severe inflammation or cancer. If not caught early, a long-term hepatitis infection can be extremely difficult to treat. Many people infected with the hepatitis C virus require liver transplants. Work by the three awardees paved the path for highly accurate and effective blood tests for the hepatitis C virus. In many parts of the world, screening blood for hepatitis has driven post-transfusion hepatitis rates down to near zero. Still, most people living with the hepatitis C virus have not received a diagnosis, especially in low-income countries, where testing rates remain below 10%. Numerous life-saving treatments have also been developed for the hepatitis C virus, many of which are in regular use today. When available, hepatitis C antivirals can block the virus from multiplying in the body, and can cure people of the infection in weeks. Researchers around the world, including Houghton, are now at work on a vaccine that could prevent future hepatitis C virus infections and disease. For the longest time, we had nothing to treat this virus with, said Dr. Guadalupe Garcia Tsao, a cirrhosis expert at Yale University. Preventing the disease, she added, was also nearly impossible without accurate tests. For most of my career, it was the bane of my existence. But from the moment they made these discoveries, the numbers of sick people went down dramatically, Garcia Tsao said. Even hepatitis C drugs that originally failed to clear the approval pipeline have found new use in modern times: Remdesivir, one of only a handful of treatments with emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to treat severely sick COVID-19 patients, was originally developed as an antiviral against the hepatitis C virus. Thats really the story of investing in basic science, and having it pay off later down the road, said Stephanie Langel, a virologist and immunologist at Duke University. Who are the winners? Alter, an American, is a medical researcher for the National Institutes of Health in Maryland. Born in 1935 in New York City, he earned a medical degree at the University of Rochester before joining the NIH in 1961. After treating some of the first non-A, non-B hepatitis patients decades ago, Alter expressed wonder at watching treatment for the illness evolve. Modern drugs can cure more than 95% of patients. I could never have imagined this, really, not in my lifetime, he said Monday during an NIH news conference. With more testing and affordable access to drugs, it would be possible to eradicate this disease over the next decades, even in the absence of a vaccine, he said. Rice, born in Sacramento, California, in 1952, is a professor at Rockefeller University in New York. From 2001-18, he was the scientific and executive director at the Center for the Study of Hepatitis C. He earned his doctorate from the California Institute of Technology in 1981. In an interview Monday, Rice described the utter shock he felt at receiving the early morning phone call notifying him of the award. I thought it was because a freezer in the lab was warming up, or it was a wrong number, he said. Even after getting over being mad at the phone for ringing, added Rice, a self-described night owl, my initial impression was this had to be a crank phone call. Cameron, a frequent collaborator of Rices, described him as welcoming, generous and a dedicated and prolific mentor. His lab has really populated the flavivirus field, Cameron said, referring to the virus family that includes the hepatitis C virus. I was not formally a trainee, but I feel like I was adopted by him early on. Houghton, born in Britain, is a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Virology and the Li Ka Shing professor of virology at the University of Alberta. He is also director of the Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute at the university. He earned his doctorate from Kings College London in 1977. Katherine J. Wu and Daniel Victor. c.2020 The New York Times Company The Osthoff Resort is a great example of how independent resorts can leverage this time to evaluate their systems and take advantage of the latest innovations from trusted solutions providers in preparation for the new and even more digital guest experience. The Osthoff Resort is a AAA Four-Diamond stunning year-round resort, spa and event destination in Elkhart Lake, Wisc. The 238-room Resort offers its award winning Aspira Spa, the L'ecole de la Maison cooking school, its family-friendly Pleasures Program, gift shops, dining outlets, as well as a fitness center, arcade and outdoor activities venue. Adam Hartenberger, Reservations Sales Manager for The Osthoff Resort, said, It was the resorts goal to bring all its property departments and their third-party systems together on one data platform for personal guest service at every touchpoint. Maestro PMS will do this perfectly. Our property is operated in silos for guest rooms, spa, retail, events, and guest activities. Now with Maestro we will be able to combine data and services from all our third-party systems in one Maestro Single-Image database for effortless communication and more personal guest service, Hartenberger said. Maestro brought many important factors to our decision. The first was its strength in integrated data collection and analysis. Maestros Analytics Business Intelligence system will combine all the data from our multiple operation locations for robust analysis to support more profitable management by the numbers. Maestro also allows us to self-host our system on property with a hybrid deployment of Windows, Web and Mobile applications. This will give us the flexibility of accessing the system with standard Windows terminals, mobile devices, or web-based terminals and keep our data on property. The Maestro integrated solution provides a single guest itinerary that includes all aspects of the guest experience on property including front desk and condo owner operations, spa and activities and loyalty management. Another advantage of Maestro is its ability to communicate with our many third-party vendor systems, he said. It easily integrates with our other tech partners across our unique resort. Maestro simplifies interface deployment thanks to its Genomi open API that supports deeper capabilities for communication with other systems. The Maestro Property Management System delivers flexible and scalable deployment options with an identical full-featured web browser or windows solution available which is hosted in the cloud or on premise to offer the best of both worlds. Maestros hotel management software applications and services centralize operations and provide personalized and touchless mobile guest service tools to enhance the guest experience while also supporting a more secure stay. In addition to implementing Maestros flexible PMS platform and multiple modules, the resort will also use Maestros Condo Owner Management to offer owners secure online access to their statements, reservation activity, and to book their own units. Mobile operations were also essential to Osthoff Resorts system decision. Maestros mobile pre-check-in, express mobile check-out and digital signature capture will streamline our front office processes and eliminate several unnecessary points of physical guest contact, Hartenberger said. Plus, we can use Maestro web on tablets to check-in guests remotely in different parts of the property for greater guest convenience. This mobile flexibility and the automated built in guest email communications will enable us to achieve our goal of going nearly paperless. Even our housekeeping staff will use tablets for instant communication to get guests to their rooms faster with less paper. Maestros mobile housekeeping also supports a soft-check-in feature allowing guests to be checked into their reservation if the room is not yet ready. It will set a priority clean alert for housekeeping, allow the guest to enjoy on property amenities and post charges to their folio, as well as update both the guest and the front desk when the room is ready. The Osthoff Resort will also take advantage of the Maestro prepayment portal for online guest self payments as well as the integrated online guest survey system. This offers them both a post check-in and check-out survey while integrating the results directly into the guest profile, allowing for pro-active guest management. The Osthoff Resort is a year-round operation, but its staff fluctuates to host its many large events that include its award-wining Christmas Market, and Jazz on the Vine concert series. This makes system ease-of-use and online training essential. Maestro offers instant Live Chat Support & Training directly from any application screen, Hartenberger said. Also, eLearning modules within the system make it much easier to onboard new staff during our large events. Ease-of-use is important because our team is the front line of guest service and they need to be proficient with our systems. Altogether, Maestro was the best choice for our complex operation. Warren Dehan, Maestro PMS President said, The Osthoff Resort is a great example of how independent resorts can leverage this time to evaluate their systems and take advantage of the latest innovations from trusted solutions providers in preparation for the new and even more digital guest experience. With the ever-changing needs the industry dictates, offering support to an exhaustive list of third-party tech partners will also help enhance the digital guest journey and internal operations. Maestro is pleased to be part of The Osthoff Resorts 21st century solutions upgrade. # # # About Maestro Maestro is the preferred cloud hosted and on-premise PMS solution for independent hotels, luxury resorts, conference centers, vacation rentals, and multi-property groups. Maestros PCI certified and EMV ready enterprise system offers 20+ integrated modules on a single database including touchless and mobile apps to increase profitability, drive direct bookings, centralize operations, and enable operators to engage guests with a safe and personalized experience. For over 42 years Maestros Diamond Plus Service has provided unparalleled 24/7 North American based support and education services to keep hospitality groups operational and productive. Click here for more information on Maestro. Click here to get your free PMS Buying guide. About The Osthoff Resort Rated one of the best lakeside resorts in Wisconsin to spend summer vacation, you're going to love Your Place on the Lake. The Osthoff Resort is set on 500 feet of Elkhart Lake's pristine shoreline. Discover spacious suites, cozy surroundings, a variety of restaurants and dining options, fun things to do for the whole family, a world-class spa, a cooking school, and one of the most beautiful venues for hosting a wedding, conference, or family reunion. Please click here for information. A 'hardworking and generous' nurse died of cancer, aged 44, after her treatment was delayed due to Covid-19, her friend has claimed. Mother-of-two Anna Fernandez died peacefully at her Solihull home last month after battling colon cancer. The trained nurse was in remission for almost five years, having originally been diagnosed at the age of 38. But earlier this year, her cancer returned and Anna died on September 19 - a day after her youngest son's birthday. Now a friend of the 'kind and caring nurse', who was originally from the Philippines and worked within an Acute Medical Unit in the Midlands, has claimed delays in her treatment due to Covid-19 had 'detrimental consequences'. Mother-of-two Anna Fernandez (pictured) died peacefully at her Birmingham home last month after battling colon cancer. The trained nurse was in remission for almost five years, having originally been diagnosed at the age of 38. The claim was made by friend Jen Tulay Navarrette on a GoFundMe fundraising page, in which she is aiming to raise 5,000 to help fund a memorial service for Anna - who she met while working at an admissions unit in a hospital in Birmingham. She said: 'My dear friend Anna was diagnosed with colon cancer at an early age of 38. 'Armed with a strong faith in God and surrounded by supportive family and friends, she braved the battle and had remission for almost five years. Sadly it has recurred early this year. 'Since the world has been plagued by COVID-19, delays in some of her treatment had detrimental consequences. 'She died peacefully at home in the presence of her family and very close friends.' Ms Navarette told Birmingham Live that Anna was being treated at both the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Heartlands - the hospital where she had dedicated years to caring for patients, having worked there from 2002 before moving to Solihull. The paper reported that her biopsies, which should have been been examined in the USA were never sent, while scans were held up, Ms Navarette claimed. A spokesperson for University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust told MailOnline: 'The Trust extends its heartfelt and deep condolences to Annas husband and their young family at their tragic loss. 'Anna was a much loved and respected nurse and colleague, she will be dearly missed by all who worked with her. 'Where anyone has concerns about their care, or the care of a loved one, we encourage them to be in touch with our patient relations team.' Ms Navarette also paid a heartfelt tribute to her friend on her GoFundMe page. She said: 'Being hardworking and thorough, topped with her speed, made her the kind of colleague anyone would look forward to work with every shift. It was never a dull moment working with her. Ms Navarette told Birmingham Live that Anna was being treated at both the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Heartlands (pictured) - the hospital where she had dedicated years to caring for patients, having worked there from 2002 before moving to Solihull 'Her presence made the workload light as she gladly did her job, no moaning and groaning even when the going gets tough. 'Despite the chaos, she remains composed and gets on with the job, with a beautiful smile painted in her bright little face. 'She was like a ray of sunshine - a friendly, witty, kind and caring soul. She was very helpful and considerate to her colleagues.' Ms Navarette said Anna left behind a husband and two young children, before describing her as a 'very caring wife, doting mum and efficient homemaker'. The page, which is aiming to raise 5,000, was set up on September 23. It has already raised 4,420. According to the page, the money will go to help her family with the funeral expenses and to give Anna 'a memorial service equally beautiful as she has been to all of us'. Today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock claimed cancer patients will only be guaranteed treatment if Covid-19 stays 'under control'. Mr Hancock claimed that it was 'critical for everybody to understand the best way to keep cancer services running is to suppress the disease', suggesting that hundreds of thousands of patients may face delays to planned surgery and chemotherapy, if the outbreak continues to spiral. Vital operations were cancelled and patients missed out on potentially life-saving therapy in the spring because tackling Covid-19 became the sole focus of the health service, instead of cancer and other cruel diseases. Almost 2.5million people missed out on cancer screening, referrals or treatment at the height of lockdown, even though the NHS was never overwhelmed despite fears it would be crippled by the pandemic. Experts now fear the number of people dying as a result of delays triggered by the treatment of coronavirus patients could even end up being responsible for as many deaths as the pandemic itself. Surgeons have worriedly called for hospital beds to be 'ring-fenced' for planned operations during the pandemic, to avoid the upheaval of spring where patients faced a 'tsunami of cancellations' as the health service focused on battling coronavirus. But in a bruising appearance in the House of Commons today, Mr Hancock warned Covid-19 could once again disrupt cancer treatment and told MPs that controlling the virus would allow the NHS to 'recover the treatment that we need to for cancer and other killer diseases'. He said: 'Its critical for everybody to understand that the best way to keep cancer services running is to suppress the disease, and the more the disease is under control the more we can both recover and continue with cancer treatments.' When the 55th Wings RC-135 reconnaissance jets hop from Offutt Air Force Base to their temporary quarters at Lincoln Airport next spring, they will be following in the tire tracks of some of the Air Forces earliest, and most historic, jet bombers. From 1954-65, the newly renovated north hangar, its south twin and adjacent apron for parking aircraft were home to two Strategic Air Command bomb wings at what was then the Lincoln Air Force Base. As many as 100 of the new B-47 Stratojets were assigned to Lincoln, along with KC-97 flying fuel tankers to keep them airborne on their extended missions. The Stratojets stood on alert to carry nuclear bombs in case of war with the Soviet Union. It has quite a history, said Rob Branting, a Cold War historian and project manager of the Lincoln Air Force Base Legacy Project. The 55th Wing has nearly completed a $31.6 million project to renovate the historic north hangar and adjacent apron, plus erect a smaller temporary hangar. The Air Force will also pay $27,000 a month to lease the space. The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus is at the stage of community spread. So said epidemiologist Dr Avery Hinds yesterday as he noted the detection of the variant in a number of people who had no recent travel history. Hinds was speaking during the Ministry of Healths virtual news conference yesterday. Investigative journalists sharpen their tools Africas biggest gathering of muckrakers returns. Ghanaian born investigating journalist, Anas Anas will today share how he conducted an undercover operation to expose those who profit from quack Covid-19 cures that pose a threat to lives in Africa. Anas is one of the speakers at the annual African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) starting today, 6 October and concludes on 30 October 2020. The 16th edition of the AIJC will bring together award winning journalists and social activists from across Africa and the world. Hosted by Wits Journalism, the 2020 edition features over 30 speakers whose work and investigations have exposed Covid-19 corruption, racism, police brutality, human trafficking, wildlife trafficking and many more. This annual conference running for a month this year aims to strengthen investigative journalism and contribute to the entrenchment of democracy, especially on the continent where strongmen and the abuse of power are a threat to society. With over 25 sessions, journalists and participants will engage in cutting-edge investigative work from across the continent. This year, the conference will offer free public sessions, which will be streamed live from the AIJC. As cases of human trafficking are on the rise in South Africa, Anonymous of Ugandas New Vision will discuss her human trafficking expose on 7 October 2020 at 15:30. The anonymous journalist will share her story on how she went undercover as a domestic worker in the Gulf to expose human trafficking. Other speakers at the conference include, Malachy Brown of the New York Times, authors Jacques Pauw, Deon Wigget and Pieter-Louis Myburgh, Ferial Haffajee from The Daily Maverick and Deon Wigget, Crime and Investigations Editor at KTN New amongst others. View the programme. Paying attendees will gain access to training sessions and masterclasses on how to use new tools and techniques to break stories, interpret data, verify information, mobile story-telling and social media investigation amongst others. These will viewed on the newly developed conference app a first for the conference. A team from the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, that was at the centre of GuptaLeaks exposing state capture in South Africa will offer a master class takingattendees through their learnings, favourite tools and other tips for investigator. An annual highlight and popular talk at the AIJC is the Carlos Cardoso Memorial Lecture. This year, the lecture is presented buy four speakers from Zimbabwe, Niger, Egypt and Mozambique. The lecture remembers Cardoso, an investigative journalist who was killed in Mozambique while probing corruption. The lecture takes place on 22 October 2020 at 18:00. Some of the 2020 AIJC sessions will have French translations in an effort to include the Francophone journalism community on the continent. To register for sessions visit www.aijc.africa/register/ or download the official official conference app as various sessions have limited seating and entry is on a first come basis. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. According to a new research published by Polaris Market Research, the unified communications market is anticipated to reach over USD 186 billion by 2026. In 2017, the IT & telecom segment dominated the global market, in terms of revenue. North America is expected to be the leading contributor to the global market revenue during the forecast period. The growing need to improve workforce productivity, streamline enterprise communication, and provide a collaborative working environment has boosted the adoption of unified communication. The penetration of mobile devices, and increasing trend of BYOD further support the growth of this market. Additionally, the increasing demand of unified communication from small and medium enterprises has supported market growth over the years. Increasing investments by vendors in technological advancements coupled with growing demand for cloud-based unified communication services would accelerate the adoption of unified communication. However, growing concerns regarding data security, and lack of interoperability is expected to hinder market growth. Growing demand from emerging economies is expected to provide numerous growth opportunities in the coming years. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/unified-communications-market/request-for-sample The use of digital assistants and bots in unified communications is expected to increase in the coming years. Computer programs in the form of bots simulate conversation with users through chat windows and voice calls. They have the ability to perform a number of different automated tasks such as scheduling meetings, managing finances, and others. They also assist in successful use of unified communication tools. These bots could be used as an automated attendant monitoring the interactions on unified communication systems and offering instructions to users. North America generated the highest revenue in the market in 2017, and is expected to lead the global market throughout the forecast period. The presence of established telecom and cloud infrastructure in this region, and growing trend of BYOD drive the market growth in the region. The growing demand of mobile devices, and technological advancements further support market growth in the region. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to growing demand of effective enterprise communication technologies in the developing countries of the region. The end-users in unified communications market include BFSI, IT & Telecom, healthcare, retail, education, travel and hospitality, and others. In 2017, the IT & Telecom segment accounted for the highest market share owing to increasing need to improve enterprise communication, and improve productivity. The demand for unified communication has increased from startups operating in this sector to improve workforce collaboration, and reduce costs. The increasing adoption of cloud-based unified communication in this sector is expected to support market growth in the coming years. Browse for full research summary: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/unified-communications-market The well-known companies profiled in the report include Cisco Systems Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Avaya Inc., IBM Corporation, Verizon Communications, Inc., Polycom, Inc., BT Group, Alcatel-Lucent, NEC Corporation, Unify GmbH & Co. KG, Plantronics Inc., and ShoreTel Inc. among others. These companies launch new products and collaborate with other market leaders to innovate and launch new products to meet the increasing needs and requirements of consumers. Unified Communications Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Platform Telephony Unified Messaging Conferencing Others Unified Communications Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Deployment Model On-Premise Cloud-Based Unified Communications Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by End-User BFSI IT & Telecom Healthcare Retail Education Travel and Hospitality Others Unified Communications Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany UK France Italy Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China India Japan Rest of Asia-Pacific Latin America Brazil Middle East & Africa Make Inquiry about this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/unified-communications-market/inquire-before-buying About Polaris Market Research Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide unmatched quality of offerings to our clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. Contact us- Polaris Market Research Phone: 1-646-568-9980 Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com A man with the pro-life organization Bound4Life raises his hands in prayer outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on October 5, 2020 in Washington, DC. With 8 justices currently on the bench, the Supreme Court begins a new term on Monday. Drew Angerer | Getty Images The political spotlight is shining brightly on the Supreme Court as the Senate weighs the nomination of President Donald Trump's nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, but on Wednesday, the court will be all business. Three giants of industry Google, Oracle and Ford will press their cases before the justices in a pair of disputes that are expected to have broad impacts on American businesses and consumers. Decisions are expected by the end of June. The arguments come in the first week of the court's 2020 term and will be heard virtually as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. They are among the first to be argued since the Sept. 18 death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal and perhaps the court's most worker-friendly jurist. Google v. Oracle First up will be Google v. Oracle, a potentially $9 billion copyright case that's been a decade in the making, including a several month delay after the Supreme Court pushed the case off the docket last term as a result of the pandemic. The case has to do with code that Google used to create its popular Android mobile operating system, which Oracle claims Google stole. Google says the code should not be subject to copyright protection in the first place, citing the Copyright Act's exception for fair use. In dispute are 11,500 lines of code originally written by Sun Microsystems for its Java application programming interface. Oracle purchased Sun in 2010 and brought this suit shortly after. The dispute is somewhat obscure, as it involves competing arguments over whether the code that Google used was creative in nature or merely technical. Essential to Google's claim, for instance, is its argument that the code it used is analogous to a QWERTY keyboard helpful for making something creative, but not in itself a kind of original expression. On the other hand, Oracle says its code is "like the chapter headings and topic sentences of an elaborate literary work." The case has already pingponged around the lower courts, with Google notching two victories in a federal district court in California and two defeats before the specialized U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. If the court, missing Ginsburg, deadlocks 4-4, the appeals court decision will stand. The case has attracted a great deal of attention, and some big names in business and technology and some start-ups have warned that the appeals court decision threatens future innovation. Microsoft, which wrote a brief in support of Google, said the appeals court's decision "elevates functional code to the same level of copyright protection as the creative expression in a novel" and "threatens modern paradigms of software development." On the other hand, the Trump administration, via the Department of Justice, has weighed in on the side of Oracle, noting that Google competitors Apple and Microsoft were able to create mobile operating systems without using Oracle's code. The case has also drawn some interest outside of the tech sphere. The American Library Association told the justices in a brief siding with Google that new restrictions on fair use could interfere with research and learning tools, including those used for virtual classrooms and in the digitization of print materials for people with disabilities. Siding with Oracle, the News Media Alliance, which represents thousands of media organizations, wrote that it identified with the software maker's arguments. Its members often create "valuable content that a third party then incorporates in a larger, highly valuable commercial product claiming that this act is 'transformative,' even though it has not altered or built upon the original news content," the alliance wrote. Ford fends off liability suits BLACKSBURG Choices for internet in town are rapidly changing. WideOpen Blacksburg, the product of a company based at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, plans to deploy approximately 40 miles of fiber over the next year that will be capable of servicing up to roughly 8,000 homes in neighborhoods off North and South Main Street. The fiber, already available to 80 customers in the Indian Run and Deer Run neighborhoods just outside of Blacksburg, allows residents to tap into top tier internet speeds that are not available to every home across the region. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has raised the need for more reliable internet service as many people have switched to working from home, said Andrew Cohill, the president and CEO of WideOpen Networks Inc. WideOpen plans to first expand to the Blacksburg neighborhoods of Airport Acres and Toms Creek Village, Cohill said. Fiber brings much more reliable upload speeds, which are key when it comes to activities such as doing schoolwork from home and videoconferencing, Cohill said. The material allows for symmetric upload speeds, when the downloading and uploading rates match, he said. That often isnt the case with the traditional cable-based internet, he said. COVID has really changed everything, Cohill said. The development at WideOpen comes as Shentel and Comcast are growing their footprints in the New River Valley. The Blacksburg Town Council is slated later this month to issue a decision on a cable franchise to Shentel, which has been the dominant provider for Blacksburg neighbors Christiansburg and Radford. The franchise would allow Shentel to break into Blacksburgs home market. The Edinburg-based company is looking to bring its Glo Fiber service to Blacksburg, a package that includes gigabit internet. WideOpens network also provides gigabit internet, which is a top tier and highly sought after speed. Meanwhile, Blacksburgs leading provider Comcast has been gradually expanding into Christiansburg, where installation work, for example, has been visible in the towns fast growing Peppers Ferry Road area. Comcast is already available to just under a quarter of Christiansburg residences, according to www.broadbandnow.com, a site that tracks and lists available speeds and providers in communities across the country. Cohill voices no uneasiness about the moves being made by the regions leading providers. I think competition is a wonderful thing, he said. In fact, Cohill said, his company can work with Shentel and Comcast. He said WideOpen is not a provider, as its Blacksburg-based Biz Net Technologies that currently furnishes the internet service. WideOpen, he said, installs the fiber. Four providers operate on a network that WideOpen installed in Bozeman, Montana, Cohill said. Comcast and Shentel are each welcomed to use WideOpens network in Blacksburg and Christiansburg, he said. The technology for providing internet has made it easier for multiple companies to function in a market, hence the recent developments, Cohill said. Kristie Fox, a Comcast spokeswoman, said her company wouldnt comment on using WideOpens network. In direct response to Shentels plans for Blacksburg, she did say last month that her company frequently competes with other firms and touted Comcasts products. We have invested to make broadband widely available for decades, including in Blacksburg, Virginia where gigabit speeds have been available since 2017, Fox wrote in an email. A Shentel spokesman couldnt be reached for comment for this story. WideOpen Blacksburg launched in 2015 and soon raised the funds needed for its buildout. That service, Cohill said, went live in June 2017. WideOpen Networks, which WideOpen Blacksburg is a part of, has nine other networks in Virginia, Montana and New Hampshire, Cohill said. The company by 2021 plans to start three more community projects in Virginia and North Carolina, he said. WideOpens clients include municipalities. Cohill said he relies on community surveys to determine which neighborhoods are showing demand for the service. Cohill said he has long tried to bring attention to allowing people to be able to work from home with a top notch service. Ive been saying neighborhoods are going to become business districts, he said. And people said Cohill, hes kind of a nutcase. Cohill said he began expressing those points when he was executive director of the now defunct Blacksburg Electronic Village, a Virginia Tech-originated system that ended up becoming the towns first internet services provider back in the 1990s. Others in the area are echoing the call to significantly improve connectivity at home and voice backing for the recent plans announced by WideOpen and the regions leading providers. I think we should look for any and all opportunities to expand fiber in town and in our neighborhoods, said Blacksburg Councilman John Bush, who also works at Virginia Tech. I think the pandemic has certainly focused our attention on that necessity. Being a Tech employee, Bush said hes done a great deal of work from home since the pandemic reached the region several months ago. During that period, he said he had to upgrade his internet speeds so that he and his wife could work from home effectively. We needed faster speeds because we were both online at roughly the same time, Bush said. While not strictly seeking fiber, Montgomery County is currently in the midst of trying to expand broadband in pockets that still have little to no access to high-speed internet. Montgomery Supervisor Mary Biggs said she knows connectivity has been an issue in the Brush Mountain area, which falls in her district. She said she knows of several Tech employees in part of the county. We always knew there was an issue, but the COVID-19 pandemic really brought it to a head, she said. 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. PHOENIX, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisor Group, the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, and network member firm SagePoint Financial today announced the successful recruitment of two independent financial professionals based in Oregon who share an office headquarters with a total of $365 million in client assets. In addition to SagePoint Financial, Advisor Group also includes FSC Securities, KMS Financial Services, Royal Alliance Associates, Securities America, Triad Advisors and Woodbury Financial. The two financial professionals transitioning to SagePoint are Chris Scheller and Conrad Pearson, each of whom operate their own book of business while sharing an office headquarters in Lake Oswego. Both professionals have worked in the wealth management industry for more than 35 years. The announcement reinforces SagePoint's strong position in the wealth management industry as a firm that empowers financial professionals with the expansive scale, resources and services of its parent company Advisor Group, while also offering the access to leadership and collegial culture of a boutique firm. SagePoint Financial President and CEO Jeffrey Auld said, "We are thrilled that Chris Scheller and Conrad Pearson are choosing to entrust the next stage of growth for their businesses to SagePoint and Advisor Group. These are exceptional professionals who have served their clients with integrity for years, each with a track record of successful client support that speaks for itself. Chris and Conrad recognize that when financial professionals join us, they are plugging into a platform that empowers them with industry-leading technology, services and growth resources that help them reach their fullest potential." Mr. Scheller and Mr. Pearson specialize in financial planning and wealth management, offering both commission- and fee-based services. Mr. Scheller has been a financial professional for 38 years and was last affiliated with SagePoint from 2005 to 2016. Mr. Scheller said, "It's tremendous to be coming back to SagePoint after a few years away. I know first-hand that no other firm does business with such a high level of integrity and a truly service-driven mindset. Moreover, as part of Advisor Group, SagePoint can also provide financial professionals with access to an incredibly wide and deep range of solutions and technologies that are exceptional. For these reasons, coming back to SagePoint was an easy decision." Mr. Pearson has worked as a financial professional for 37 years; he was with FSC Securities from 1984 to 1986 and with Royal Alliance Associates from 1989 to 2012. Mr. Pearson said, "SagePoint has a terrific reputation in the wealth management industry for its great touch with financial professionals, as well as the sophistication and flexibility of its platform. I look forward to fully leveraging all that the firm has to offer, along with benefits that come with joining a network with scale and resources of Advisor Group." Jamie Price, CEO and President of Advisor Group, said, "Congratulations to SagePoint for bringing two highly successful financial professionals back to the Advisor Group family. Between them, Mr. Scheller and Mr. Pearson bring decades of experience serving their loyal clients, and they are great additions to our network. With each passing month, we are building on our investments in the tools, capabilities and services that will help our 11,000-plus financial professionals thrive and grow. The wealth management industry is becoming more complex and more competitive all the time, and we stand ready to support our financial professionals as they work towards their business and life goals." About SagePoint Financial SagePoint Financial, Inc. is part of one of the nation's largest independent broker-dealer organizations and a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA and SIPC. SagePoint is supported by Advisor Group, one of the largest truly independent broker-dealer networks in the industry. The firm has approximately 1,400 advisors across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.sagepointfinancial.com. About Advisor Group Advisor Group, Inc. is the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, serving approximately 11,100 financial professionals and overseeing over $450 billion in client assets. The firm is mission-driven to support the strategic role that advisors can play in the lives of their clients. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Advisor Group champions the enduring value of financial professionals and is committed to being in their corner every step of the way. For more information visit https://www.advisorgroup.com. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Advisor Group, Inc. subsidiaries, FSC Securities Corporation, KMS Financial Services, Inc., Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Triad Advisors, LLC, and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC. Securities services are offered through Investacorp, Inc., Securities America, Inc., and Securities Service Network, broker-dealers and members of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Arbor Point Advisors, LLC, Investacorp Advisory Services, Inc., Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., Securities America Advisors, Inc., SSN Advisory, Inc., and Triad Hybrid Solutions, LLC, registered investment advisers. Advisor Group, Inc. is a holding company. Advisor Group, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and / or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Advisor Group, Inc. 20 E. Thomas Rd., Ste. 2000, Phoenix, AZ, 85012. 866.481.0379 Media Inquiries Joseph Kuo / Chris Clemens Haven Tower Group 424 317 4851 or 424 317 4854 [email protected] or [email protected] SOURCE Advisor Group Related Links https://www.advisorgroup.com Purchase of one of Canadas fastest-growing technology talent firms expands Vacos presence in Northeast, Canada Prodigy Bank Logo Prodigy Bank Logo Vaco Logo Vaco Logo NASHVILLE, Tenn. and TORONTO, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vaco, a talent and solutions firm that provides consulting, contract and direct hire solutions to more than 40 markets around the globe, has acquired Prodigy Bank of Toronto, one of Canadas fastest-growing technology talent firms, fueling its continued growth across the Northeast and Canada. Under the agreement, Vaco teams up with the No.1 professional staffing firm (No. 19 overall) for new growth companies as rated by Canadian Business & MacLeans Magazine, a top business publisher in Canada. Prodigy Bank has experienced explosive growth in 2020: revenue is up 188% for the year compared with 2019, and second quarter revenue, the so-called Corona Quarter, has vaulted nearly 270% compared to its previous record. Prodigy Bank has also produced a meteoric revenue growth of 800% over the last two years. We felt a kindred chemistry with the Prodigy Bank team from the first meeting, and our bond was quickly steeled as we had to creatively find our way together through the tumultuousness of 2020, said Jerry Bostelman, Vaco co-founder and CEO. The creative spirit and progressive resiliency theyve shown through these challenging times is one of many reasons were proud to fortify our Toronto operations with this extraordinary organization. The acquisition complements Vacos recent expansions in Canada, following its Lannick acquisition in 2017 and expansion into Montreal last year. Lannick is a premier professional recruitment and consulting firm based in Toronto, specializing in the accounting, finance and IT industries. Vacos Montreal office provides expertise in the areas of technology, accounting, healthcare IT, operations, administration and managed services. Prodigy Bank, which was founded in 2016, is now part of a powerhouse that delivers talent and solutions across diverse industries and to more than 10,000 clients globally. Prodigy Bank specializes in the e-commerce, technology, digital, software product development and financial services sectors, serving more than 100 clients ranging from the largest enterprises in Canada composed of financial institutions, banks and retailers to small to mid-size companies across various industries. Story continues I'm thrilled to bring these two organizations together; I know corporate culture comes first for Jerry and the entire Vaco team, and that premise has been the pillar of our success as well, said Peter Rajabian, founder and president of Prodigy Bank, who will serve as managing partner for Vaco in Toronto. By combining Prodigy Bank's local market expertise with the resources of a global powerhouse such as Vaco, we are strongly positioned to achieve our mutual vision for becoming a market leader in both technology recruiting as well as consulting services. We've strengthened our capabilities and added rocket fuel to an already storied journey! This deal offers a more robust and capable service offering to Prodigy Banks clients, consultants and candidates as well as exponential career opportunities for the firms staff. In recent years, Vaco has announced numerous other acquisitions and expansions, including the acquisition of MEBC Global, a Pennsylvania consulting firm specializing in supply chain processes in late 2018; the expansion of its business agility services operations in the Raleigh-Durham, N.C. area; the acquisition of Aventine Hill Partners, an advisory, consulting, and executive search firm, as Vaco in San Antonio; and the acquisition last year of MorganFranklin Consulting, a leading finance and technology advisory firm based in the Washington, D.C. area, with regional offices in Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. About Vaco Vaco provides boutique level service with global reach in the areas of consulting, consultative project resources, executive search, permanent placement and strategic staffing. Areas of expertise include c-suite search, accounting, finance, technology, health care IT, operations, administration and international managed services. Since its founding in 2002, Vaco has grown to serve more than 40 markets across the globe, 9,800 employees and $700 million in revenue. Vaco has been named to Inc. magazines list of the fastest-growing private companies for the past 14 years and was named to Forbes 2018 & 2019 lists of Americas Best Recruiting Firms. About Prodigy Bank Prodigy Bank, based in Toronto, is a specialized recruitment & technology consulting company focusing on e-commerce, software product development and financial services industries. Founded in 2016 and tracking at 800% year-over-year revenue growth since inception, Prodigy Bank has quickly established itself as one of top emerging companies across Canada. The firm has been ranked as the No 1 emerging Canadian professional staffing firm and No. 19 overall fastest growing enterprise in Canada by MacLeans magazine. Attachments CONTACT: Todd Smith Deane | Smith 615-202-7944 todd@deanesmith.agency Lesley Moody Deane | Smith 423-748-3914 lesley@deanesmith.agency Comedian Dave Chappelle was spotted at the Pearl on Tuesday afternoon. It's unclear why Chappelle was roaming around town, but multiple Pearl strollers took to social media after seeing him at spots like Bakery Lorraine. One even snapped a selfie with him. "When you randomly just run into your idol," Instagram user Julian Dais, or @hustlin_deals, shared online. The photo shows Chappelle with a coffee in hand, strolling down Pearl Parkway. For others, the celebrity flew under the radar. "Dave Chappelle came into our store and my coworker asked him if he was from SAN ANTONIO LOL," another person tweeted. Some speculated that Chappelle might have made a stop in San Antonio while visiting his friend and new Austin resident Joe Rogan. Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye UK Finances figures will fuel fears about the debt burden on Britains corporate sector as it emerges from the crisis. Photo: Frank Augstein/AP UK businesses took out 50% more loans in a three month span than they did in the entirety of 2019, new figures from the banking industry show. UK Finance, the lobby group for the UKs financial services sector, on Tuesday said businesses borrowed 34.5bn in the second quarter of 2020 50% more than the corporate sector borrowed in the whole of last year. Stephen Pegge, managing director of commercial finance at UK Finance, said the surge was driven by demand for overdrafts and government-backed coronavirus support loans. The demand for additional support was substantial, he said. Watch: Chancellor Rishi Sunak warns of 'hard choices' as he vows to get 'debt back under control' READ MORE: 3 million UK jobs at risk from 35bn of unsustainable COVID-19 debt The government announced multiple loan programmes in the early months of the pandemic to help support businesses through the COVID-19 shutdown. Businesses have to date borrowed just over 57bn ($73.8bn) through the programmes. UK Finances figures which cover the period of April to June will fuel fears about the debt burden on Britains corporate sector as it emerges from the crisis. A report published in July and commissioned by UK Finance estimated that businesses had taken on around 35bn of unaffordable debt during the crisis. The report warned that over three quarters of a million companies could collapse as a result. The governments own internal estimates fear that losses on Bounce Back loans the governments biggest coronavirus support scheme could be as high as 60%. That would equate to around 23bn of losses at todays level of lending. READ MORE: UK government fears Bounce Back loan losses could be 23bn Julys UK Finance report, which was prepared by EY, called for the government to help manage the debt burden through a new state-backed entity that would help refinance the debt. The Treasury has so far resisted these calls, instead extending the repayment window for COVID support loans. Story continues The finance industry continues to work closely with government and regulators to deliver the support schemes alongside its usual assistance measures to help viable businesses as they plan for recovery, Pegge said. WATCH: What is the new job support scheme? Selbyville, Delaware, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per credible estimates, global heat pump water heater market was valued at USD 1.3 billion in the year 2019 and is expected to record a CAGR of 6.8% during 2020-2027. The growth is attributable to incentives offered by government to improve energy efficacy and federal regulation aimed towards reduction in CO2 emissions. According to the given report, global heat pump water heater market is analyzed with reference to type, rated capacity, storage tank capacity, and regional terrain. Besides, the document mentions the competitive arena of this business space while emphasizing on product offerings and market share held by each major player. It also acknowledges the collaborations planned by leading organizations to gain competitive edge in this industry sphere. For those uninitiated, heat pump water heaters transfer heat from one place to another through electricity instead of directly generating heat, which makes them more efficient than traditional electric resistance water heaters. It functions as a refrigerator in reverse, draws heat from surrounding air and drains it into a tank to heat water at a higher temperature. Request Sample copy of this Report @ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/2942138/ Shifting focus towards usage of renewable energy in order to minimize climatic changes and environmental degradation is propelling global heat pump water heater market size expansion. Moreover, introduction of products and services, along with planned alliances by leading firms is likely to create lucrative opportunities for industry growth. Citing an instance, Panasonic Corporation, on 11th October 2018, began production of residential air to water heat pump at Panasonic AVC Networks Czech with the intention of improving its air conditioning business in European market. Further, in March 2019, the company in partnership with Systemair, agreed to launch a heat pump chiller series. As per the agreement, both the firms will develop and meet the high environment standards, providing long term business prospects in Europe, thereby augmenting global heat pump water heater industry share. However, lack of awareness about advantages offered by the product in underdeveloped as well as developing economies is projected to hamper the growth of worldwide heat pump water heater market over the assessment period. Market segmentations: Based on type, worldwide heat pump water heater industry is split into geothermal, and air source. Speaking of rated capacity, the market is divided into above 150 kW, 10-150 kW, 30-100 kW, 20-30 kW, 10-20 kW, and up to 10 kW. In terms of storage tank capacity, the industry is categorized into above 1000 LT, 500-1000 LT, and up to 500 LT. Evaluating regional landscape: As per industry experts, North America currently holds considerable share of global heat pump water heater market and is poised to grow considerably over 2020-2027, owing to increasing usage of renewable energy as well as inclination towards energy-efficient products in the region. Meanwhile, APAC heat pump water heater industry is projected to grow rapidly through 2027. Several major players such as Mitsubishi Electric, RHEEM Manufacturing, Midea Group, and A.O. Smith Corporation have their manufacturing bases in nations like Thailand, India, and China, thereby facilitating the business scenario in Asia Pacific. To access a sample copy or view this report in detail along with the table of contents, please click the link below: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-heat-pump-water-heater-market-size-research Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market by Type (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027) Geothermal Air source Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market by Rated Capacity (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027) Above 150 kW 10-150 kW 30-100 kW 20-30 kW 10-20 kW Up to 10 kW Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market by Storage Tank Capacity (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027) Above 1,000 LT 500-1,000 LT Up to 500 LT Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market Regional Landscape (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027) North America Canada U.S. Europe Italy Spain France Germany U.K. Rest of Europe Latin America Brazil Mexico Asia Pacific South Korea Australia Japan India China Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the World Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market Competitive Hierarchy (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017-2027) Rheem Manufacturing Company United Technologies Corporation (Carrier Global) Haier Group Corporation Lennox International Fujitsu General Trane Technologies (Ingersoll Rand plc) Mitsubishi Electric Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning LG Electronics Panasonic Corporation Table of Content: Chapter 1. Executive Summary 1.1. Market Snapshot 1.2. Global & Segmental Market Estimates & Forecasts, 2018-2027 (USD Billion) 1.2.1. Heat Pump Water Heater Market, by Region, 2018-2027 (USD Billion) 1.2.2. Heat Pump Water Heater Market, by Type, 2018-2027 (USD Billion) 1.2.3. Heat Pump Water Heater Market, by Rated Capacity, 2018-2027 (USD Billion) 1.2.4. Heat Pump Water Heater Market, by Storage Tank Capacity, 2018-2027 (USD Billion) 1.3. Key Trends 1.4. Estimation Methodology 1.5. Research Assumption Chapter 2. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market Definition and Scope 2.1. Objective of the Study 2.2. Market Definition & Scope 2.2.1. Scope of the Study 2.2.2. Industry Evolution 2.3. Years Considered for the Study 2.4. Currency Conversion Rates Chapter 3. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market Dynamics 3.1. Heat Pump Water Heater Market Impact Analysis (2018-2027) 3.1.1. Market Drivers 3.1.2. Market Challenges 3.1.3. Market Opportunities Chapter 4. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market: Industry Analysis 4.1. Porter's 5 Force Model 4.2. PEST Analysis 4.3. Investment Adoption Model 4.4. Analyst Recommendation & Conclusion Chapter 5. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market, by Type 5.1. Market Snapshot 5.2. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market by Type, Performance - Potential Analysis 5.3. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market Estimates & Forecasts by Type 2017-2027 (USD Billion) 5.4. Heat Pump Water Heater Market, Sub Segment Analysis 5.4.1. Air source 5.4.2. Geothermal Chapter 6. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market, by Rated Capacity 6.1. Market Snapshot 6.2. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market by Rated Capacity, Performance - Potential Analysis 6.3. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market Estimates & Forecasts by Rated Capacity 2017-2027 (USD Billion) 6.4. Heat Pump Water Heater Market, Sub Segment Analysis 6.4.1. Up to 10 kW 6.4.2. 10a??20 kW 6.4.3. 20a??30 kW 6.4.4. 30a??100 kW 6.4.5. 10-150 kW 6.4.6. Above 150 kW Chapter 7. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market, by Storage Tank Capacity 7.1. Market Snapshot 7.2. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market by Storage Tank Capacity, Performance - Potential Analysis 7.3. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market Estimates & Forecasts by Storage Tank Capacity 2017-2027 (USD Billion) 7.4. Heat Pump Water Heater Market, Sub Segment Analysis 7.4.1. Up to 500 LT 7.4.2. 500a??1,000 LT 7.4.3. Above 1,000 LT Chapter 8. Global Heat Pump Water Heater Market, Regional Analysis Related Report: Global Heat Pump Market Size, Application Potential, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2020 - 2026 Global Heat Pump Market will surpass 16 million units by 2026, as per new research report. Rising environmental concerns coupled with adoption of energy efficient heating technologies is positively influencing the deployment for these units. A heat pump is a mechanical compression cycle refrigeration system, that supports reverse functionality & operation to either cool or heat a restricted space. A heat pump is comprised of two main components which includes an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit includes a compressor that circulates the refrigerant that absorbs & releases heat as it travels between the indoor & outdoor units. Europe heat pump market is anticipated to witness growth over 5% by 2026. About US: Market Study Report, LLC. is a hub for market intelligence products and services. We streamline the purchase of your market research reports and services through a single integrated platform by bringing all the major publishers and their services at one place. Our customers partner with Market Study Report, LLC. to ease their search and evaluation of market intelligence products and services and in turn focus on their company's core activities. If you are looking for research reports on global or regional markets, competitive information, emerging markets and trends or just looking to stay on top of the curve then Market Study Report, LLC. is the platform that can help you in achieving any of these objectives. Paramedics transfer a patient from an ambulance to the LaSalle Hospital in Montreal on April 25, 2020, at the height of the pandemic. (The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes) Different Regional Experiences Require Different Pandemic Responses Commentary The first wave of COVID-19 hit at the peak of hospital overcrowding. Decades of trimming the meat while leaving the untouchable fat left some communities declaring a state of emergency. As we enter the second wave, here are three lessons we should have learned from COVID-19 already. First, pandemics are regional. They do not infect the whole country like a giant paint roller covering each corner with an equal burden of disease. Pandemics are not egalitarian. Some regions suffer more than others; some patients bear a greater burden of illness. Much like Canadian politics, pandemics require a regional response. What works for the Cornwall hospital may not work for the Queensway. Scarborough will look different than Sudbury, and so on. Fortunately, most hospitals have smart, motivated teams to run them. They do not need direction; they just need permission. Given the freedom to find creative solutions to local problems, they will design plans to protect the communities they serve that far surpass anything a small group of experts could design from a boardroom a thousand kilometres away. Second, we cannot disaggregate risk. We cannot focus on one leak in a boat that has many leaks. We need to focus on the whole boat. Focusing on one riskin this case, COVID-19to the exclusion of all others may decrease the damage posed by the one risk, but it increases the total risk overall. Our boat still sinks. Again, hospital managers know this. They spend their careers balancing demands from equally dire situations: breast versus bladder cancer; counselling versus cataract surgery. One risk, even a massive one, almost never warrants ignorance of all the others. Vulnerable people suffer from multiple vulnerabilities. We need to protect them from all risks to life and limb, not just the one that has caught the attention of media. For many patients, the lockdown presented at least as great a riska greater risk, in some casesas the pandemic. We will not know the extent until we measure the morbidity and mortality over the next few years. Much of it we will never know. But measurement misses the point; hospital managers could have mitigated much of this if they had been allowed to balance the risk of COVID against the risk of cancelling necessary treatment. Finally, resilience is not magic. Flow scientists have taught us since the 1950s that systems which face unscheduled demand function best at just over 80 percent capacity. If we staff a coffee shop to guarantee that the staff are maximally busy all the time, then customers must wait. The same applies for everything from elevators in apartment buildings to major highways. Dreams of maximum capacity guarantee failure. We cannot run hospitals at (and above!) 100 percent capacity. Again, most hospital managers know this. They will deliver the performance that the system rewards and allows. Lately, we have neither rewarded nor allowed evidence-based flow solutions. Risk forces us to re-examine how we lead. Complicated systemsfor example, space shuttles and ocean linersrequire better rules and more precise control to decrease risk. Complex systemsfor example, child raising and romantic relationshipsrequire creativity to decrease risk. Better rules and precise control can only function to the level of intelligence already baked into the rules. When a novel threat hits, rules offer no solution. Canadian health care is a complex system. It demands diversity and nuance and defies central control. Complex systems function best with less attention to clear rules and measurable goals and more attention to incentives and principles. Call it the paradox of complexity. Incentives and principles achieve real goals that are far better than the ones we dream up in boardrooms but never achieve in real life. Regional solutions, avoiding disaggregated risk, and management based on flow science together offer hope that this next wave, or the next pandemic, does not deal the same crushing blow as COVID-19 did this spring. Shawn Whatley is a physician, past president of the Ontario Medical Association, and a Munk senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. He is also the author of an upcoming book titled When Politics Comes Before PatientsWhy and How Canadian Medicare is Failing. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. PITTSBURGH, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- When an employee gets hurt at work, they should be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. However, filing a workers' comp claim is a complex and confusing process, and many claimants have a difficult time dealing with it on their own. Attorney Fred Soilis of Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman in Pittsburgh recently shared some insights on factors that injured workers should consider when hiring a workers' compensation lawyer: Question : What are some of the reasons that an injured worker would need a workers' compensation lawyer? Fred : One of the main reasons is because of the complexity that is typically involved with these types of claims. Without the experience and familiarity navigating workers' comp claims, you could be putting yourself in some peril because you don't know what the other side is going to do. There are also certain time parameters that must be met and consequences for not meeting them. A lot of claims end up in limbo if things are not handled correctly, and that is the last thing that any injured worker wants to have happen. Here is an example of what I'm talking about. When you suffer a workplace injury, you need to make sure the injury is accurately described, the right body parts are listed, etc. and oftentimes, employers and insurers don't want to accept an aggravation theory (i.e., pre-existing condition becoming aggravated), because these types of injuries are more serious. They prefer to describe an injury more generically. A misclassified claim could mean not getting the right amount of compensation, not getting benefits for the correct length of time, and similar problems. Whatever the situation, it never hurts to at least consult with a lawyer, so you are informed of your legal rights. A conversation with a lawyer will help you understand where things could go with your claim, what steps will be necessary for it to be processed correctly, and other important details. Question : What if a claim has already been denied? Is it too late at that point for an injured worker to get benefits? Fred : No, not at all. A denial simply means that the employer and insurance company chose to deny the claim for one or more of a variety of reasons. Some reasons (for denial) are legitimate, but a lot of them are not. If a worker has had a claim denied, it is not too late, but they will almost certainly need a lawyer at this point to get benefits. Question : What questions should an injured worker ask a workers' comp attorney that they are considering hiring? Fred : You will want to check out what kind of website they have and what kind of content they have that will back up what the lawyer is going to tell them in terms of their experience and the frequency of the work they do. There are some lawyers that dabble in workers' compensation, but you want an experienced lawyer who does these claims day in and day out, so they thoroughly understand what will be involved. It is also important that the attorney has a good working relationship with the client. You should feel comfortable with the attorney you are working with, and you should be able to trust your attorney to successfully handle your claim and to communicate frequently with you throughout the process. It is important that an attorney has experience not only handling these types of claims, but also claims with that particular employer and insurance company. This means they will have an in-depth understanding of how the process works and be able to effectively communicate that process to the injured worker. An injured worker needs to know when they are going to get benefits, and they need a lawyer that will be able to move the process along and keep them fully informed throughout. Question : Under what circumstances (if any) would it be possible to sue an employer for a workplace injury in Pennsylvania? Fred : Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, and by that I mean that the conduct of an injured worker (absent certain circumstances) can't be used against them to deny workers' compensation benefits. So, for example, if an injured worker tore their ACL because they tripped over a cord that was lying on the ground, the employer cannot use fault as a basis to deny the claim. As long as the worker is performing their job duties within their scope of employment, that's the critical factor. In exchange for the no-fault system, an employee cannot sue their employer for damages such as pain-and-suffering or damages to a spouse (as a result of the injury) like in a personal injury action. Question : What about third-party negligence? Is it possible to sue an outside party if they were responsible for a workplace injury or death? Fred : Yes. If a third party causes a workplace injury, the injured worker could sue that party for damages. This could be the manufacturer of a defective product, for example, a subcontractor that failed to cover a hole that an employee falls into, the driver of a vehicle that collides with and injures an employee, or a number of other scenarios. Question : What other advice would you give an injured worker who is looking to pursue a workers' comp claim? Fred : The biggest piece of advice that I would give is that whoever they are consulting adequately explains the process and is candid about everything - whether it affects their case positively or negatively. It doesn't do anybody any good to just tell the worker what they want to hear, because you don't want to paint a rosy picture that doesn't exist. An injured employee needs to be ready to address whatever issues their employer is going to bring up - whether that be a pre-existing injury, prior medical treatments to the same body part, or whatever the case may be. It is very important that the injured worker understands all of the issues that may impact their claim, so they can be fully prepared to address them. About Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman Caroselli Beachler & Coleman, LLC is an award-winning Pittsburgh-based personal injury law firm that has successfully represented countless injury victims in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and throughout the United States. They have served the local communities in this area for nearly five decades, and they have established a strong reputation as a results-oriented firm that works tirelessly to recover maximum compensation on behalf of their clients. Their office can be reached by calling 412-567-1232 or toll-free at 866-466-5789. SOURCE Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman Donald Trump has been compared to Ronald Reagan for the way he has returned to work so quickly following his spell in hospital with coronavirus. While many Hollywood stars slammed the President for tweeting 'don't be afraid of Covid-19' after his release from the Walter Reed Medical Center, actor James Woods recalled how President Reagan returned to his desk within days of being shot in 1981. In Trump's corner, comparing the Commander in Chief to President Reagan, actor James Woods wrote: 'Ronald Reagan got back to work with [sic] days after being shot, Donald Trump gets back to work after contracting a deadly virus. 'Joe Biden closes the lid at 9am and scuttles back to his basement after sleeping ten hours.' In an earlier tweet, he asked 'how do you do it?', while retweeting the news that Trump was leaving hospital. Antonio Sabato Jr wrote, 'Welcome home Mr. President', while retweeting the video of Trump returning to the White House after being discharged from Walter Reed. James Woods attends the 2017 Writers Guild Awards L.A. Ceremony at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 19, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California US President Ronald Reagan smiles and waves as he stands under an umbrella with First Lady Nancy Reagan after leaving George Washington Hospital, Washington, DC on 11 April, 1981. The president recovered from an attempted assassination attempt by John Hinckley, who shot him on 30 March, 1981 In a made-for-television spectacle, Trump descended from his Marine One helicopter wearing a white surgical mask only to remove it as he posed, saluting and waving, on the White House's South Portico. Captain America star Chris Evans said: 'Don't be afraid of Covid?! You've been under round-the-clock care by the best doctors using the best drugs,' Evans wrote. 'Do you really think everyone has access to that?! Sadly, I'm sure you're aware of that disparity, you just don't care This is reckless to a shocking degree, even for you.' Captain America lead Chris Evans (left) and This is Us star Mandy Moore (right) expressed their outrage over the president's comments on Twitter Captain America lead Chris Evans (top) and This is Us star Mandy Moore (bottom) expressed their outrage over the president's comments on Twitter This is Us star Mandy Moore weighed in with her own criticism, calling the president the 'cruelest' in her rebuke, imploring her followers to vote him out in the upcoming elections. 'Don't be afraid of covid? Tell that to the 210,000 families who have lost loved ones. To the Black, Brown and Indigenous folks disproportionately affected,' she wrote. 'With tens of millions of jobs lost and the economy tanked. Many of us isolated for months. You're the cruelest. #votehimout.' Patti LuPone took a swipe at Trump's staged return to the White House, comparing it to her Don't Cry for me Argentina scene on the balcony of the Argentine presidential palace in the Broadway musical Evita. 'I still have the lung power and wore less makeup', LuPone wrote. 'The revival is closing November 3rd.' Patti LuPone took a swipe at the president's staged return to the White House, comparing it to her Don't Cry for me Argentina scene on the balcony of the Argentine presidential palace in the Broadway musical Evita (pictured) 'I still have the lung power and I wore less makeup,' LuPone wrote on Twitter 'Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been killed by covid. Hundreds of thousands of families are now in deep grief,' wrote Mia Farrow. 'Covid effects are likely to last for a long time- maybe for the rest of your life. Be very afraid of this disease.' 'Don't be afraid of Covid' America!', wrote Frozen actor Josh Gad. 'With a helicopter at your disposal and access to treatments only a President can get, you too will get [through] this just fine in time to get back to your state of the art in-house medical facility with 24 hour care and the best doctors around!' Pro-Trump celebrities were also quick to voice their happiness that Trump had returned home safely More actors chimed in to criticize the president's comments on Twitter yesterday Actor Colin Hanks added to the growing criticism of the president. His father Tom and mother Rita Wilson fought off the virus earlier this year. 'Idiot super spreader the best medical care in the world tells millions with virus, and the relatives of over 200,000 dead victims: dont be afraid of covid. Don't let it dominate your life,' he wrote. Scrubs actor Zach Braff, whose close friend Nick Cordero died from the virus in July, wrote: 'You don't have covid for the weekend. 'He either has it and doesn't give a f**k who gets it from him, or he never had it.' 'The sick #IdiotInChief just tweeted that 'I never felt better in 20 years. Don't be afraid of getting COVID!' TELL THAT TO THE DEAD!', wrote Bette Midler, Fox News reported. 'Must be pumped up from steroids & getting medications no one else in the world can get. He shoulda said '#ImHighAsAKite' #Base, go get Covid!' USAID-NREL Partnership Newsletter Summer 2020 Read our Summer 2020 issue for updates on our country activities, events, global technical platforms, and resources. The USAID-NREL Partnership addresses critical challenges to scaling up advanced energy systems through global tools and technical assistance, including the Renewable Energy Data Explorer, Greening the Grid, the International Jobs and Economic Development Impacts tool, and the Resilient Energy Platform. Featured News Resilient Energy Platform Focuses on Power Sector Cybersecurity The Crescent Dunes Solar Thermal Facility in Tonapah, Nevada owned by SolarReserve. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL As more smart devices are added to our evolving grid networks, it is critical to address cybersecurity risks and concerns continually and rigorously. We have already seen that malware attacks can shut off power for thousands of citizens, grind industries to a halt, and present major security issues. Now that we are in the age of COVID-19 and experiencing widespread teleworking, understanding cybersecurity and how it impacts power system resilience is particularly timely and compelling. USAID and NREL are well positioned to assist developing nations with strengthening their power grids against cybersecurity attacks. The strategies, resources, and frameworks USAID and NREL can offer help mitigate cybersecurity gaps in utility planning by informing policies and controls for cyber governance, technical management, and physical security of distributed energy systems. Looking forward, we hope the cybersecurity research and analysis produced by NREL can enable USAID partner countries to create stronger, more reliable, and resilient power systems that are more impervious to cyberattacks. The Resilient Energy Platform has developed a wealth of resources targeted for cybersecurity in the international context, which you can find below. Additionally, read USAID and NREL Curate Resilience Solutions for International Power System Planners to learn more about how the Resilient Energy Platform supports international power system planning . Jeremy Foster and Sarah Lawson USAID, Office of Energy and Infrastructure Bangui Wind Farm is a wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Photo by iStock Advanced Energy Partnership for Asia Channels Expertise from U.S. Department of Energy Labs to Southeast Asias Energy Sector USAID's Regional Development Mission in Asia and NREL are leading the Advanced Energy Partnership for Asia, a collaboration between USAID and the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratories that supports the Asia Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy (EDGE) initiative. The focus of the collaboration is to enable advanced energy systems for secure, resilient, and sustainable economic growth across Asia. Key opportunities within partner countries include: Improving utility performance Fostering supportive policy, legal, and regulatory environments for private sector deployment and investment in advanced energy systems Creating a level playing field for U.S. and other companies through transparent, best-value procurement Advancing regional integration to facilitate efficient cross-border energy trade. Through the Advanced Energy Partnership for Asia, the NREL team published a report assessing the impacts and opportunities related to COVID-19's effect on the power sector in Southeast Asia. The report has received widespread distribution through events such as the Asia Clean Energy Forum. To learn more about the Advanced Energy Partnership for Asia, visit the program page on our website or download the fact sheet. What's New USAID-NREL Partnership Offers Solutions To Improve Distributed Photovoltaic Deployment in India Photo by iStock As part of a long-term effort to facilitate the distributed photovoltaic (DPV) market design in India, the USAID-NREL Partnership released two reports that address deployment concerns for DPV technology. Distributed Solar Quality and Safety in India calls attention to common quality and safety issues at various stages of a rooftop photovoltaic systems life and offers solutions for addressing them, while An Overview of Behind-the-Meter Solar-Plus-Storage Program Design presents regulatory considerations for DPV-plus-storage program design for retail customers with considerations for India. Although the two reports assess different aspects of DPV deployment, they share the broader conclusion that there is tremendous opportunity for India's leaders to create supportive standards and regulatory frameworks to enable DPV deployment at scale and meet India's ambitious renewable energy integration targets. Learn more about this analysis and how USAID and NREL are supporting DPV deployment in India in the full-length news article. Haiti Energy Access Partnership Will Provide Training and Assistance for Minigrid Scale-Up USAID/Haiti is partnering with NREL in a new collaboration called the Haiti Energy Access Partnership. This partnership will provide technical support to increase access to reliable, affordable electricity in Haiti via strategic planning, sector reform, and integration of private sector management expertise. Much of the partnership's work will focus on enabling minigrid development, such as adapting NREL's Quality Assurance Framework to the Haitian context and assisting the Government of Haiti with developing a consistent and transparent nationwide minigrid policy and accompanying regulatory framework. Additionally, NREL will provide training to selected minigrid developers to enable quality minigrid development and sustainable operations. Read more about how NREL and Haiti have collaborated on deploying minigrids. USAID/India Launches South Asia Group for Energy Consortium with U.S. Department of Energy National Labs The South Asia Group for Energy (SAGE) consists of USAID, the U.S. Department of Energy, and three of its national laboratories: NREL, the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and the Pacific Northwest National Lab. The consortium's goal is to equip USAID partner governments in South Asia with critical information and consultation to enable strategic energy investments along the region's path to self-reliance. Some of the planned key activities will include partnering directly with India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and its technical institutions, the National Institute of Wind Energy and the National Institute of Biomass Energy, on understanding the feasibility and impact of biomass and renewable energy hybrid systems, performing economic and environmental assessments of agriculture and bioenergy development, and advancing short- and long-term forecasting capabilities for wind and solar resources. More resources and analysis from the South Asia Group for Energy will be made available as the consortium moves forward. Energy Efficiency Resources Now Accessible at New Energy Efficiency for Development Website Photo by iStock USAID and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab launched a new website for the global initiative, whose mission is to scale up energy efficiency and achieve more resilient and sustainable economic development in partner countries. The website EE4D.org will provide general information about the programs activities and serve as a repository of resources that partners can access as part of their participation in the initiative. Established through a partnership between USAIDs Energy and Infrastructure Office of the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and Environment (E3) and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, EE4D provides technical assistance in the areas of regulatory support, market priming, and financing and policy planning to implement energy efficiency interventions rapidly and effectively. Through EE4D, USAID will promote key Energy Efficiency Building Blocks supporting adoption of the worlds most energy-efficient technologies at a cost that is accessible to their citizens and businesses and provides a strong return on investment. Events WATCH: Asia EDGE Power Sector Learning Series The Asia EDGE Power Sector Learning Series is underway. This series of webinars is hosted by USAID-NREL's Advanced Energy Partnership for Asia and USAID's Clean Power Asia with support from USAID's Regional Development Mission for Asia and the E3 Energy Division. So far, the series hosted three webinars: WATCH: Scaling Up Renewable Energy With good design and planning, it is possible to launch a renewable energy industry that contributes to a cleaner environment and promotes innovation and development that is fair, transparent, and economically viable. As a continuation of the USAID-NREL Partnerships ongoing work to assist the Government of Bangladesh in promoting investment in wind energy, a series of webinars explores in-depth topics related to successfully scaling up renewable energy projects. The Wind Technology Overview and Wind Development Overview webinars include a primer on the importance of data-driven decision-making and a tutorial on how to use RE Data Explorer, a geospatial tool that supports renewable energy investment. The Procurement Design and Bidding Simulation and Renewable Energy Project and Procurement Bankability webinars include in-depth discussions on feed-in tariffs and negotiated competitive procurements. Participants also watched simulations that illustrated the pros and cons of different procurement methods, demystified power procurement and implementation agreements, and suggested tools for reducing project risks. Must Reads Please explore the diverse publications published by the USAID-NREL Partnership: This month, English wines won a stonkingly huge number of gongs 155 in the worlds most prestigious wine competition, the Decanter Awards. It was a record haul for this countrys producers. Was I surprised? Not for one moment. The English wine trade has got it all structure, flavour, complexity and an impertinent little nose that right now is doing its level best to upset the European and New World establishment. In the next few years, we can expect an exceptionally strong finish, full-bodied and highly satisfying for us all. Astonishingly, at the awards, two English wines, Roebuck Estate and Simpsons still white, were judged to be among the top 50 in the world. Its plainly obvious that now, at last, our time has come. Left - right: Three Choirs Stone Brook English Wine (Newent, Glos), Guillaume Pinot Noir Vieilles Vignes 2015 (Franche-Comte, France), Chapel Down Brut NV, (Tenterden, Kent) People have been producing wine in England for centuries: small, quirky producers making small, quirky wines from lush vineyards in the countryside. Ive been to pretty much all of them since I started presenting Food And Drink with Jilly Goolden on TV in the 1990s. The problem is that for a long time it hasnt been commercially viable: often it was well-meaning, enthusiastic retired majors in the home counties making wine as a hobby. But everything went up a gear a couple of years ago. For English wines, the summer of 2018 was the watershed. We all remember that amazingly warm summer when the sun almost never stopped shining. Not only was it good news for deck-chair salesmen it was brilliant for the English wine trade. Suddenly, sales rocketed. Five years ago, Id find people saying: Oh, English wine. That cant be much good. But in the past 12 to 18 months, Ive noticed people saying: I love English wine and I actively go looking for it. And that is how we have reached the all-important tipping point. Inevitably, climate change has helped. Warmer summers mean we can ripen fruit for longer. The last three vintages have proved Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes can do perfectly well in this country. There is a perception that English wines are more expensive than their European equivalents. About 70 per cent of the wine produced in this country is sparkling and as an English producer youre competing against Champagne and well-established cheaper Italian and Spanish wines such as Prosecco and Cava. The French, Italians and Spanish have immense economies of scale. But our sparkling wines are often as good as Champagne, and in many cases better. So yes, this is a highly partisan blast on behalf of English wine. But I wouldnt say it if I didnt believe in it. So is Oz Clarke right? The Mail put it to the test with a blind tasting of wines from England, Europe or the New World. Each English wine was paired with a similar one from abroad. Our judges were Aggie MacKenzie, TV presenter and enthusiastic wine-drinker; Richard Ehrlich, drinks writer and a former winner of the Glenfiddich Award, and Mark Edmonds, Mail contributor and Oz Clarkes former editor. Each awarded every wine points out of 5 and the final verdicts are an average of their marks. THE SCORES: Five: Absolute corker. Four: Grape stuff. Three: Medium-bodied. Two: Drinkable plonk. One: Gut-rot SPARKLING: Tesco Finest English Sparkling (Hush Heath Vineyard, Tonbridge, Kent) Good classic nose. True flowery flavours but an astringency that lets an otherwise excellent wine down. RE Tesco Finest English Sparkling (Hush Heath Vineyard, Tonbridge, Kent) 19, Tesco Made from three hand-harvested grape varieties using the traditional Champagne method. Good classic nose. True flowery flavours but an astringency that lets an otherwise excellent wine down. RE Verdict: 3 Nicolas Feuillatte Brut (Champagne, France) 20, Tesco Good value, widely available mass-market Champagne. Biscuity, robust. Well-rounded nose. Would imagine expensive, but worth it. ME Verdict: 4 Chapel Down Brut NV, (Tenterden, Kent) 29.99, Majestic Popular English fizz, aimed to compete with Champagne. Flowery, extremely well-balanced palate. Very classy stuff a genuinely celebratory fizz. RE Verdict: 4 Lanson Black Label (Champagne, France) Lovely on the nose, but a bit of flatness in texture and taste.' AM Lanson Black Label, 35.99, Waitrose (Champagne, France) Award-winning mid-price Champagne. Lovely on the nose, but a bit of flatness in texture and taste. AM Verdict: 3 WHITES: Chapel Down Chardonnay (Tenterden, Kent) 16.99, Majestic Still wine from Britains best-known winery, which makes wine from a range of European grape varieties. Tasty apple nose, good acidity, flowery notes. Grows on you with each sip RE Verdict: 4 Macon-Chardonnay Cave de Lugny (Burgundy, France)12.99, Majestic Smoky, complex, refined. Excellent all-rounder. ME VERDICT: 3 Tesco Finest English White (Hush Heath Vineyard, Tonbridge, Kent) Cats wee. No colour, very clear. Astringent, lacks fruitiness. AM Tesco Finest English White (Hush Heath Vineyard, Tonbridge, Kent) 11, Tesco Made from Pinot Blanc, Bacchus and Chardonnay grapes grown on a family estate. Cats wee. No colour, very clear. Astringent, lacks fruitiness. AM Verdict: 1 La Burgondie Chardonnay (Burgundy, France) Yellow and moreish. Creamy and fruity. Delish. AM La Burgondie Chardonnay (Burgundy, France) 10, Tesco One hundred per cent Chardonnay, produced in a region famous for full and juicy white wines. Yellow and moreish. Creamy and fruity. Delish. AM VERDICT: 3 Three Choirs Stone Brook English Wine (Newent, Glos) (Majestic, 11.99) Three Choirs is a small, family-run vineyard started in 1973. Beautiful, dry yet fruity. Very easy drinker. Posh! Deserves top marks so its a five from me. ME Verdict: 5 Venturina DOCG Gavi (Piedmont, Italy) Waitrose, 10.79 Easy-drinking light southern Italian white. Riesling-like quality, aromatic. Highly Enjoyable RE Verdict: 2 Denbies Flint Valley (Dorking, Surrey) 9.99, Waitrose. Budget wine produced from two grape varieties, Reichensteiner and Seyval Blanc. Crystal-clear, aromatic. German grapes? Not my style but OK for light drinkers ME Verdict: 2 Hunawihr Gewurztraminer (Alsace, France) Majestic, 12.99 Produced by a wine co-op in eastern France that specialises in wines in the German style. Too soft and sweet. Could not drink much of this AM Verdict: 1 REDS: Gusborne Pinot Noir (Ashford,Kent) Obviously Pinot Noir, good acidity, real varietal character, understated. Very, very good. A brilliant wine RE Gusborne Pinot Noir (Ashford,Kent) 32.50, TheatreofWine.com and other outlets. Cool-climate Pinot Noir, produced in limited quantities on a family estate dating back to the 15th century. Obviously Pinot Noir, good acidity, real varietal character, understated. Very, very good. A brilliant wine RE Verdict: 5 Pinot Noir, Guillaume Pinot Noir Vieilles Vignes 2015 (Franche-Comte, France) 21.40, Theatreof Wine.com and other outlets. Small-scale family producer, in an obscure region of France not known for its wine-growing. Earthy, mellow, smells expensive, and expansive. AM Verdict: 4 ROSE: Simpsons Pinot Noir (Barham, Kent) Works well. Unassuming and not shouting, but deserves attention. One of the very best I tasted. AM Simpsons Pinot Noir (Barham, Kent) Waitrose, 11.99 The Simpsons Estate is one of a new wave of British producers; they produce sparkling whites, a red Pinot Noir and this rose. Works well. Unassuming and not shouting, but deserves attention. One of the very best I tasted. AM Verdict: 5 Las Mulas Organic Pinot Noir rose (Central Valley, Chile) Fruity, aromatic. Very drinkable, complex at the end ME Las Mulas Organic Pinot Noir rose (Central Valley, Chile) Waitrose, 9.39 Long-standing producer of organic wines, also makes red pinot noirs. Fruity, aromatic. Very drinkable, complex at the end ME Verdict: 3 THE FINAL SCORE: Against all the odds, the English sparklers, our plucky whites and one exceptionally succulent red took on the established vintages from abroad and won. Next year, as Oz Clarke points out, we will be blessed with an even better vintage, thanks to an abundant 2020 harvest. The European establishment will have to look out: the English are coming! Oz Clarkes book, English Wine: From Still To Sparkling (Pavilion Books 16.99). The 62 Phantom Squadron Air Cadets may be one step closer to achieving their tax exempt status following an endorsement by Grimsby council. The motion, approved during a meeting of the committee of the whole Monday evening, means the town will back the corps as they seek the passing of a private members bill in the Ontario legislature that would allow for tax-exempt status on Mountain Road property. After purchasing what used to be a former Ukrainian church on Mountain Road in 2012, the old church ended up costing the cadets $10,000 in taxes when the title was changed, and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation rezoned the property as residential. Tony Quirk, treasurer for the Grimsby air cadets, who presented to council Monday evening, said councils endorsement would be the first step required to move forward. The private bill we are going to ask the legislature to pass will allow the town of Grimsby to exempt any of the properties individually and retroactively. While the motion was unanimously accepted by council, some members were still cautious to ensure proper due diligence would be done if a private members bill is passed at Queens Park, and a bylaw is passed through the town. Ward 4 Coun. Dorothy Bothwell said one of her concerns was giving the air cadets retroactive tax-exempt status going back to 2012, when the organization was formally incorporated in 2013. I just want to make sure that we get this bylaw right, because there are very few organizations that are handled this way. I am just a little uncomfortable with that retroactively going all the way back to 2012. Ward 3 Coun. Randy Vaine expressed similar concerns over the precedent that such a motion may mean for other non-profit organizations coming to council. My only concern is we have had a number of charities come before us. I am just concerned based on past council decisions how to best move forward with this. You do have my support, but I just have some concerns based on past decisions. In the end, councils unanimous endorsement will be taken to the provincial legislature, where Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff is expected to bring forward a private members bill allowing the town to grant tax-exempt status to the air cadets three properties on Mountain Road. That decision come be made either retroactively, or on a go-forward basis. The cadets are modelling their private members bill after something similar passed to exempt the Boys and Girls Club from paying taxes on a property in Niagara Falls. Watch: Daniel Craig responds to latest James Bond delay Actor Daniel Craig has passed on his words of wisdom for the next 007: Leave it better than when you found it. The star of five Bond films appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon days after the announcement his last outing, No Time To Die, would be delayed. It was originally due to be released in April, but was delayed until November amid global concern around the spread of coronavirus. The film will now be released in April 2021. Read more: Why 007 has endured as a movie mainstay Speaking about the delay, Craig said: This thing is just bigger than all of us. We just want people to go and see this movie in the right way and in a safe way. James Bond (Daniel Craig) in No Time To Die an EON Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios film (Nicola Dove 2020 DANJAQ, LLC AND MGM.) We want to release the movie at the same time all around the world and this isnt the right time. So fingers cross 2 April is going to be our date. When asked what advice he had for the next person to take on the role of the iconic spy, he said: Dont f*** it up. Its a beautiful, amazing thing. Leave it better than when you found it. Daniel Craig joined the franchise in 2006s Casino Royale and has played 007 in five films to date. He took over from Pierce Brosnan whose final film, 2002s Die Another Day, is considered a series low point. In this 1996 photo, three of the actors who played James Bond, Timothy Dalton left, Roger Moore, center, and Pierce Brosnan, at a London cinema to celebrate the life of Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File) Tom Hardy is currently the bookies favourite to replace Craig as Bond, but as many armchair experts have pointed out: at 43, the Mad Max star may be too long in the tooth to play 007. No Time To Die also stars Rami Malek, Lea Seydoux, Lashana Lynch and Ana De Armas and is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, with a script co-written by Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The film finds Bond after he has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica when his old friend Felix Leiter, played by Jeffrey Wright, from the CIA turns up asking for help. Watch: The latest trailer for No Time To Die Joe Bidens basement campaign is not unique in American presidential history. In the past this form of campaigning, primarily from ones home, was known as a Front Porch Campaign, so named after James Garfield who in 1880 oftentimes used his front porch to deliver speeches. His was the first such campaign in the industrial era. The primary feature of past front porch campaigns was the people traveling to the homes of the candidates to hear their speeches and get to know the contenders, rather than the candidates attempting to reach the citizenry, even as travel was exceedingly difficult and time consuming. The Biden version of the front porch campaign is to make certain the citizenry does not get to know him or his policies as he, left-wing billionaires, and the Democrat party are determined to hoodwink the populace into voting for him. Since the late 1920s and the increasing access to electronic communications, first via radio, the American citizenry has rightfully expected and demanded that the candidates, in particular non-incumbents, make the effort to meet them and reveal their plans as well as expose their personalities and character in order to reassure the public that they have the ability to govern a massive and complex country in a hostile world. Joe Biden was chosen to be the nominee of the Democrat party by a cabal of left-wing billionaires, Wall Streeters, and the party establishment in Washington, D.C. After the early primaries, Bernie Sanders was the clear leader and potentially unstoppable in winning the nomination. Fearful of his candidacy, these Party movers and shakers were determined to make certain he was not going to be their standard bearer and thats how Joe Biden became the anointed one. It did not matter that Biden had revealed during the early primaries that he was neither mentally nor physically capable of carrying out the duties of the most grueling job on earth, much less of campaigning the length and breadth of the country attempting to garner voter enthusiasm for a candidate so devoid of charisma, gravitas and mental acuity. Thus, a modern variation of the old front porch campaigning was formulated using fear of the Chinese Virus pandemic as a cover. This was done by dramatically exaggerating the dangers of the virus, keeping lockdowns in place in blue states and precipitating a never-ending drumbeat of mandatory, but in reality, needless mask usage at all times and in all places. With the virus as the overarching theme, there are three sub-elements of the Democrats front porch strategy. First, keep Joe Biden out of the public eye and, unlike the front porch campaigns of old wherein the public would go to hear and meet the candidates, only the Democrat enablers in the media would be allowed to see and question Biden. Second, spend massive amounts of money on electronic media advertising focusing entirely on Donald Trumps supposed character flaws, mannerisms, and failure to singlehandedly cure the virus that he, not China, purportedly is solely responsible for while being careful to avoid discussing any of the socialist and totalitarian policies the Democrat party is determined to enact in order to placate their radical party cohorts. Third, unabashedly rely on a compliant mainstream media to not only cover for Joe Biden by refusing to report any negative news about him, but to also amplify the campaign talking points, incessantly vilifying Donald Trump and act as surrogates for Biden. Will this modern-day front porch strategy work? Among the most important factors in a general election, particularly for President of the United State, is voter enthusiasm. This requires a candidate to be accessible, willing to meet the voting public and have a charismatic personality that can excite not only the base but those on the margins. In a recent (October 1) unbiased independent poll taken by the Sunday Express in the U.K., (as compared to the overtly biased polls sponsored by various U.S. media outlets) respondents were asked: Are you strongly or very enthusiastic about your choice of candidate? 83% of Trump voters said yes while just 49% of Biden voters responded affirmatively. Also, in the poll another question was asked: Is your vote for Trump/Biden a positive vote for your candidate or a negative vote against his opponent? Trump voters positive vote: 86%; Biden voters 41%. This poll projected President Trump winning 320 electoral votes to Bidens 218. It has become apparent, whenever Biden is forced to appear in public and actually speak to the American people, that enthusiasm declines with every appearance. Which is why he stays in the basement. Precipitated by four years of slurs and relentless unfair and false attacks directed at Donald Trump, the unhinged anti-Trump vote among the Democrat Party base is the only factor keeping Biden from losing in the worst landslide in American history. Joe Biden is perhaps the most incapable and most easily manipulated nominee in Democrat Party history. Thus, the ongoing front porch campaign which is predicated on hoodwinking a majority of the voters by trying to get them to focus on Donald Trump and ignore Joe Biden. It will not work. Voter fraud in ballot counting is the only means Biden and the Democrats have of winning on November 3rd. Many have wondered why Bernie Sanders and his merry band of socialists meekly acquiesced to the left-wing billionaires and party establishment (their avowed enemies) and agree to a hapless Biden winning the nomination? Maybe Bernie et al were aware of the history of those that won the presidency utilizing front porch campaigns. There are three Presidents in the post-industrial era that won with this campaign strategy: James Garfield (1880), William McKinley (1896) and Warren G. Harding (1920). The second thing they all have in common is that they did not finish their term in office. Two (Garfield and McKinley) were assassinated and Harding died of a heart attack. Perhaps Joe Biden should heed the adage: Be careful what you wish for. Photo credit: cropped from the work of Smallbones under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 A soldier of Karabakh's Defence Army fires an artillery piece toward Azeri positions during the ongoing fighting over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region on Oct. 4, 2020. AFP Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other on Monday of attacking civilian areas and said the death toll was rising from the deadliest fighting in the South Caucasus region for more than 25 years. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg added his voice to calls for an immediate end to the clashes over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain enclave that belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians. But prospects for a ceasefire appeared remote after fighting intensified at the weekend, with hundreds killed in clashes involving artillery, tanks and fighter planes since Sept. 27. Azerbaijan said Azeri cities outside Nagorno-Karabakh had been struck, taking the fighting closer to territory from which pipelines carry Azeri gas and oil to Europe. In an interview shown on Monday by Turkey's state broadcaster, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said Armenia must withdraw its troops from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding Azeri territories for military action to stop. "We don't have eyes on any other country's lands, but what is ours should be ours," he said, echoing comments he made in an address to the nation on Sunday. Aliyev has ignored a ceasefire appeal by the United States, Russia and France, who have led mediation efforts in the intermittent conflict since the 1990s, and said in Monday's interview that any peacemaking must involve Turkey. "Turkey must definitely be in any upcoming peace process. A peace process will surely be started. Clashes cannot go on forever, so the sooner the better," he said. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan showed no sign of backing down. In comments on Facebook on Monday, he called on servicemen demobilised last year to volunteer to fight. "I want to invite those people and tell them they are ... going to fight a war of survival for their fatherland," he said. "NO MILITARY SOLUTION" The fighting has increased international concern that other regional powers could be dragged into the conflict - Turkey has expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan while Armenia has a defence pact with Russia. "There is no military solution," NATO's Stoltenberg said during a visit to Turkey, calling for a ceasefire. The European Union appealed for a ceasefire last week and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday he had asked his foreign minister to travel to Europe to meet with allies to discuss developments in Nagorno-Karabakh. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun spoke separately to the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia. He urged the sides to agree to a ceasefire immediately and resume negotiations, the State Department said in a statement. The United States, Russia and France jointly chair a group under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to mediate in the crisis. The three powers condemned the escalation of violence in and around Nagorno-Karabakh and called for a ceasefire, the OSCE said. On Monday, Nagorno-Karabakh said Azeri forces carried out rocket strikes on Stepanakert, which the enclave's Armenian administration considers its capital. Azerbaijan said Armenia fired missiles at several towns outside the breakaway enclave. Officials in Nagorno-Karabakh said 21 more servicemen had been killed, bringing its total military death toll to 223 since the fighting began. It also said 19 civilians had been killed. "Stubborn battles are going on along the contact line between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan," Artsrun Hovhannisyan, an Armenian defence ministry official. The Azeri prosecutor's office said 25 civilians and been killed and 127 wounded since fighting began. Azerbaijan has not provided details of military casualties. Azerbaijan says its forces have made gains and President Aliyev has said that his army has "liberated" several villages and heights in the Jabrail region in Nagorno-Karabakh. A spokesman for Nagorno-Karabakh said the enclave's forces had retreated for tactical reasons to limit losses and inflict more damage on Azeri forces. Hovhannisyan said Azeri advances has been halted. The clashes are the worst since the 1990s, when some 30,000 people were killed, and are spreading beyond the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave itself. "The fighting has essentially put to bed the prospect of any near-term resolution to the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh," said analysts Alexander Stronell and Yohann Michel of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London. (Reuters) The Supreme Court is likely to consider a proposal asking all high courts to have special websites for details of cases pending against 4,859 former and serving lawmakers along with the progress in each trial as part of attempts to expedite them. The suggestion is among recommendations of Vijay Hansaria, the amicus curiae (friend of the Court) assisting the Supreme Court in connection with Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyays plea seeking fast-tracking of pending criminal cases lawmakers. Hansaria submitted a report to the court on Monday analysing the pendency of 4,859 cases at 25 high courts. The report said the number of cases pending against serving and former members of parliament (MPs) and legislative assemblies (MLAs) has increased over the last two years despite the Supreme Courts monitoring for expeditious disposal. It is therefore submitted that strict monitoring at the micro-level, by the High Courts, is necessary to ensure expeditious disposal of the cases against legislators. Hansaria considered suggestions from various high courts on possible steps to expedite the trials. He cited Telangana high courts move of creating a special website to update the pendency and status of the cases and called it useful. A special website may be created for posting the details of cases pending against MPs and MLAs in various courts, including the case status, as has been done by the Telangana High Court. A Justice NV Ramana-led bench will take up Hansarias suggestions on Tuesday. The Supreme Court on September 16 asked high courts to consider framing action plans for disposal of the pending cases within a year. In an earlier report submitted to the Supreme Court on September 15, Hansaria recommended special courts in each district to exclusively deal with cases against lawmakers. Such courts currently function in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala. Except Tripura and Meghalaya high courts, others have filed their action plans and largely favoured setting up of special courts in each district. Some have proposed these courts at zonal levels. Almost all high courts have also registered suo moto writ petitions (on their own) to monitor the progress of trials pending against lawmakers within their jurisdictions and to give suitable directions. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of such pending cases (1374), followed by Bihar (557), Odisha (445), Tamil Nadu (361), and Maharashtra (337). The status of cases pending with the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, and other central agencies under the Prevention of Corruption Act, etc, is still awaited. The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to furnish this information. In his latest report, Hansaria has said some high courts have written to the state governments seeking appointments of police officers as nodal prosecution officers and additional special public prosecutors as part of the Supreme Courts September 16 directions. A nodal prosecution officer will be responsible for producing accused and witnesses and ensure execution of summons and non-bailable warrants. In case of any lapse, the officer would be liable for contempt of court apart from disciplinary proceedings, Hansaria said. Hansaria has also raised the issue of stays granted in the cases related to the lawmakers. The Supreme Court has granted stays in 10 such cases and high courts in 300 without finally deciding the matter. Most high courts informed the top court that special benches have been constituted to dispose of the cases. Hansaria requested the top court to pass directions for listing the 10 cases. He added this will require appropriate directions from the Chief Justice of India for urgent listing. In its action plan, the Kerala high court has said the police are reluctant to arrest legislators. It has called this one of the reasons for the pendency of six cases against legislators before vigilance courts and 310 cases before magistrates. Hansaria has recommended directions to the police superintendents to ensure execution of warrants/summons to accused legislators, failing which they shall be liable for contempt action and disciplinary proceeding. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stephanie Nebehay and Emma Farge (Reuters) Geneva, Switzerland Tue, October 6, 2020 13:32 474 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4960c4a 2 Health WHO,World-Health-Organization,COVID-19,coronavirus,pandemic,health Free Roughly one in 10 people may have been infected with the coronavirus, leaving the vast majority of the world's population vulnerable to the COVID-19 disease it causes, the World Health Organization said on Monday. Mike Ryan, the WHO's top emergency expert, was addressing the agency's Executive Board, where the United States made a thinly veiled swipe at China for what it called a "failure" to provide accurate and timely information on the outbreak. But Zhang Yang of China's National Health Commission, said: "China has always been transparent and responsible to fulfil our international obligations." China maintained close contacts with all levels of the UN health agency, she added. Ryan said that outbreaks were surging in parts of southeast Asia and that cases and deaths were on the rise in parts of Europe and the eastern Mediterranean region. "Our current best estimates tell us about 10 percent of the global population may have been infected by this virus. It varies depending on country, it varies from urban to rural, it varies depending on groups. But what it does mean is that the vast majority of the world remains at risk," Ryan said. "We are now heading into a difficult period. The disease continues to spread," he said. Read also: WHO tempers quick vaccine hopes The WHO and other experts have said that the virus, believed to have emerged in a food market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, is of animal origin. The WHO has submitted a list of experts to take part in an international mission to China to investigate the origin, for consideration by Chinese authorities, Ryan said, without giving details. US assistant health secretary Brett Giroir said that it was critical that WHO's 194 member states receive "regular and timely updates, including the terms of reference for this panel or for any field missions, so that we can all engage with the process and be confident in the outcomes". Germany, speaking for the EU, said the expert mission should be deployed soon, with Australia also supporting a swift investigation. Meanwhile, Alexandra Dronova, Russia's deputy health minister, called for an evaluation of the legal and financial repercussions of the Trump administration announcing the US withdrawal from the WHO next July. The United States will not pay some $80 million it owes the WHO and will instead redirect the money to help pay its UN bill in New York, a US official said on Sept. 2. RTHK: 4mn early votes point to record turnout in US poll Americans are rushing to cast ballots ahead of the November 3 election at an unprecedented pace, early voting numbers show, indicating a possible record turnout for the showdown between US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden. With four weeks to go before Election Day, more than 4 million Americans already have voted, more than 50 times the 75,000 at this time in 2016, according to the United States Elections Project, which compiles early voting data. The shift has been driven by an expansion of early and mail-in voting in many states as a safe way to cast a ballot during the coronavirus pandemic and an eagerness to weigh in on the political future of Trump, said Michael McDonald of the University of Florida, who administers the project. "We've never seen this many people voting so far ahead of an election," McDonald said. "People cast their ballots when they make up their minds, and we know that many people made up their minds long ago and already have a judgment about Trump." The early surge has led McDonald to predict a record turnout of about 150 million, representing 65 percent of eligible voters, the highest rate since 1908. Biden leads Trump in national opinion polls, although surveys in crucial battleground states indicate a tighter race. The numbers reported so far come from 31 states, McDonald said, and will grow rapidly as more states begin early in-person voting and report absentee mail-in totals in the next few weeks. All but about a half-dozen states allow some level of early in-person voting. The percentage of voters who cast their ballot at a voting machine on Election Day had been in steady decline before this year, according to the US Election Assistance Commission, a federal agency. The total number of early or mail-in votes more than doubled from nearly 25 million in 2004 to 57 million in 2016, it said, representing an increase from one in five to two in five of all ballots cast. Trump has railed against mail-in voting, making unfounded accusations that it leads to fraud. Experts have said such fraud is rare. Those attacks by the president have shown signs of depressing Republican interest in voting by mail. Democrats have more than doubled the number of returned mail-in ballots by Republicans in seven states that report voter registration data by party, according to the Elections Project. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2020-10-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Law360 bestows the MVP of the Year awards upon elite lawyers who have made significant contributions to their legal practice areas. The practice areas considered range from real estate to health care, product liability, and more. There is no age limit nor practice level limiting the demographic eligible for MVP of the Year awards, rather only about five attorneys for each area are chosen every year. The number ranges from year to year, as Law 360 bases the number of awardees on the quality and quantity of submissions. This year, Law360 editors reviewed more than 900 submissions, stating that this year's competition was fierce. They selected 189 top attorneys from 76 law firms in 38 practice areas. Therefore, it is a noteworthy achievement for Attorney Wisner to earn this award. In 2018, Law360 recognized Mr. Wisner as a Titan of the Plaintiff's Bar, a lifetime award recognizing lawyers who excel in the courtroom in large-scale litigation and take on leadership roles at their firms. Attorney Wisner served on all three trial teams for the first Roundup cancer lawsuits. In Johnson v. Monsanto Co. and Pilliod et al. v. Monsanto Co., Attorney Wisner delivered the opening and closing statements, cross-examined witnesses, and served as co-lead trial counsel. In the only case where Mr. Wisner was not co-lead (Hardeman v. Monsanto Co.) he presented a key expert witness and cross-examined key corporate witnesses. These cases were filed against Monsanto on behalf of plaintiffs who alleged their use of Roundup caused them to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma, despite the Product being marketed as completely safe for consumers. All three cases ended in large jury verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs. The case won on behalf of the Pilliods, a married couple in their 70s, was ranked as the nation's second-highest verdict and California's highest verdict in 2019 by the National Law Journal Top 100 Verdicts. It is also the ninth largest verdict in American history. The jury verdict in Hardeman v. Monsanto Co. led the presiding judge to issue a formal order of mediation, which started settlement negotiations between Bayer and the attorneys representing thousands of individuals similarly injured by Roundup. Law360 also recognized Attorney Wisner for his success in winning an important appeal that he briefed and argued before the First Circuit Court of Appeals in a pharmaceutical fraud case against Forest Pharmaceuticals / Forest Labs. This is a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) class action case alleging Forest engaged in misleading and false promotion of antidepressants Celexa and Lexapro's efficacy for pediatric use. As vice president and a senior shareholder at Baum Hedlund, attorney Wisner focuses his legal practice on consumer fraud litigation, pharmaceutical product liability, class action suits and toxic torts. Baum Hedlund has won more than $4 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients and received recognition from many prestigious organizations, such as The National Law Journal Elite Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers 2019 Mass Torts Elite Trial Lawyers Law Firm of the Year, and U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers Best Law Firms. Visit Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman at baumhedlund.com and learn more about Law360 at law360.com. SOURCE Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman Related Links https://www.baumhedlundlaw.com SASKATOON - Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe has publicly apologized to the family of a woman killed in a 1997 highway crash he was involved in. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe speaks at a media event in the driveway of a supporter's home in Saskatoon, Wednesday, September 30, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards SASKATOON - Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe has publicly apologized to the family of a woman killed in a 1997 highway crash he was involved in. The apology came during a campaign stop in Saskatoon for the Oct. 26 election. Moe says he's aware a family member of the woman recently posted online about just learning that Moe was the driver of the other vehicle. He offered an apology to the family, and says he plans to give one to them directly. Moe was about 23 and driving on a gravel road near Shellbrook, north of Saskatoon, when he failed to stop as he approached a highway and collided with another car, killing Jo-Anne Balog. He received a ticket for driving without due care and attention and for failing to come to a complete stop. Moe hasn't shied away from talking about the collision since entering politics, and says he can't explain how the woman's family didn't know his identity. Moe says the collision has stayed with him. "I've also understood and respect that there's another family that experienced far more loss than I did on that day and have always been aware of that and very respectful of that," he told reporters during an announcement to expand autism funding. "I know words just are not --words are just not I'm just not able to express in words how truly sorry I am." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020 In Pics: PM Modi to inaugurate new campus of Classical Tamil institute in Chennai today India has everything needed to be hub for medical tourism: PM Modi EPS or OPS: Who will be AIADMKs CM candidate for the TN elections India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Oct 06: The AIADMK was expected to announce its candidate for the next year's assembly elections on October 7. However the decision is expected to be delayed due to an evolving conflict in between Chief Minister, Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy chief minister, O Panneerselvam. Amid a standoff with party co-coordinator and Chief Minister K Palaniswami over constituting a 11-member steering committee and on who should be the Chief Minister candidate of the party for the 2021 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Panneerselvam, on his twitter handle gave a cryptic message. The Deputy Chief Minister said he had so far taken "decisions" only considering the welfare of the Tamil Nadu people and AIADMK cadres. Bihar Elections 2020: Assembly wise schedule, date of polling and counting In future too, he would continue to take "decisions" taking into account the interests of the people and party workers, he said. "Whatever has happened has happened for good. Whatever is happening, is happening for good. Whatever is going to happen will also be good," he said. The popular verses are from the Bhagavad Gita. Panneerselvam''s remarks, seen against the backdrop of AIADMK''s statement days ago that it would announce the Chief Ministerial nominee on October 7 assumes significance. Asked about the tweet, political analyst Sumanth Raman said there could be two interpretations to Panneerselvam''s cryptic message. "One is that he was going to take a big decision. Another is that there may not be a drastic move considering factors like strengthening the party and fulfilling the wishes of the cadres," he told P T I. The message has been worded in a cryptic fashion deliberately to create a sense of expectation from him and to turn the focus on him, Raman said. The Deputy Chief Minister may also expect a face-saver kind of an arrangement from Palaniswami, he said. {quiz_387} Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News At the September 28 AIADMK Executive Committee meeting, Palaniswami and Panneerselvam had a verbal duel over who should be the Chief Ministerial candidate of the party for the next year's assembly election and on setting up a panel. Following AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa's death in 2016,Panneerselvam and Palaniswami led separate factions and they came together in 2017 August easing out V K Sasikala (Jayalalithaa's aide) and her relatives from the party. US President Donald Trump staged a dramatic return to the White House Monday night four days after receiving emergency treatment for Covid-19, pulling off his mask and telling Americans not to fear a disease that has killed more than 210,000 people. Any signs of illness were carefully hidden Monday as Trump sought to display an image of strength. Hit by Covid-19 just a few days earlier, the US president gingerly climbed the South Portico steps of the White House, ripped off his mask and offered a 23-second salute to the departing Marine One. Trump, who still has the virus and remains contagious, declared: "I feel good". Shortly beforehand, he tweeted that Americans, who have lost nearly 210,000 people to the virus, have nothing to fear. Don't let it dominate you. Don't be afraid of it, Trump said, telling Americans to get out there. No wake-up call The 74-year-old's display of bravado alarmed public health experts and his Democrat rival Joe Biden, who had hoped the president's own illness would have been a wake-up call. "I would have hoped that the president, having gone through what he went through--and I'm glad he seems to be coming along pretty well--would communicate the right lesson to the American people: masks better," Biden said. But Trump has continued to downplay the threat of the virus, writing several tweets proving his dominance over, and possible immunity from Covid-19. "Will be back on the Campaign Trail soon!!!" he said in one tweet. "Now I'm better, and maybe I'm immune", he claimed in a video posted on Twitter. Trump's nonchalant message about not fearing the virus comes as cases continue to spike across the country. Defeating Covid Despite claiming to be in good health, his own physician has warned that he would not be fully out of the woods for another week. Trump, who was admitted to the Walter Reed Medical Center hospital on Friday, is expected to continue his recovery at the White House, where the outbreak has infected several of his staff and aides in recent days. Polls now show that Covid-19 has topped voter concerns and is one of the main reasons why Biden 77, has taken a ten-point lead. Trump's refusal to wear a mask and his propensity to flout physical-distancing guidelines designed to curb the spread of the virus has been met with criticism, and has left him scrambling to catch up with Biden in the polls. For months, the American leader has given the appearance of trying to wish away the catastrophe and get back to his re-election narrative of a strong economy. The Republican president, who is seeking re-election on 3 November, now looks poised to try and claim that in getting quickly out of hospital, he has personally vanquished the virus -- and will go on to do the same for the rest of the country. Election uncertainty An unofficial White House-themed gift shop announced Monday it will sell a commemorative coin titled "President Donald J. Trump Defeats COVID" for $100. For all of Trump's determination to reassert himself, he has lost several precious days of a campaign that revolves heavily around his large-scale rallies and image of personal strength. Biden, meanwhile, has maintained his slow-but-steady campaign that has always emphasised health precautions -- a pared-back style that Trump calls weakness and chided as recently as last week. Trump's diagnosis has upended the last month of the election campaign and led to unusual interest in this Wednesday's televised debate between the vice presidential candidates -- Republican Mike Pence and Biden's running mate Kamala Harris -- who will be separated by a Plexiglas barrier for the event. A woman has told an inquest into William Tyrrell's disappearance that she heard a male child scream out from the direction of bushland on the day after the toddler disappeared. William, 3, vanished from his foster-grandmother's home in the NSW Mid North Coast town of Kendall on September 12, 2014. An inquest in the NSW Coroners Court, which began last year, is examining his disappearance and suspected death. William Tyrrell vanished in 2014 dressed in his Spider-Man suit. On Tuesday afternoon, Anna Baker told the court she was at her home in Herons Creek, about 10 minutes north of Kendall, on the afternoon of September 13 and was tending to her veggie patch about 4pm when she heard "a child scream out, like a child hurt". "I had no reason to think it was William," Ms Baker said. "It didnt go for very long, it sounded like maybe he was hurt. It was a scream and it was silence pretty quickly." There continues to be exponential growth in space traffic. In fact, the upcoming launch of several mega-constellations is projected to increase the number of operational satellites by more than tenfold over the next decade, said Siamak Hesar, CEO and co-founder of Kayhan Space Corp. Kayhan Space Corp., an emerging platform provider of collision detection warnings and avoidance guidance for satellite operators, today announced the closing of its $600,000 pre-seed funding round. Kayhan Space was founded in 2019 to help government and commercial satellite operators more efficiently and effectively do their job. The Kayhan Satellite Collision Assessment and Avoidance System provides advanced Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and maneuver modeling, critical to performing Space Traffic Management (STM). Users are able to receive fully integrated collision notifications; calculate optimal maneuver plans based on operational constraints; automatically perform maneuver screening and preemptive collision avoidance, and; track and predict satellite patterns of life and detect anomalies or changes in state. There continues to be exponential growth in space traffic. In fact, the upcoming launch of several mega-constellations is projected to increase the number of operational satellites by more than tenfold over the next decade, said Siamak Hesar, CEO and co-founder of Kayhan Space Corp. Like in ecological sustainability, orbital space also has a carrying capacity, said Moriba Jah, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. Our new space race is leading to a saturation of the orbital carrying capacity, which if left unchecked, would limit our ability to prevent undesired outcomes like the loss, disruption, or degradation of space services and activities. As space activity continues to accelerate, so does the operational burden on satellite operators, continued Hesar. We launched Kayhan Space to help operations engineers deal with their increased workload by providing them instant and complete access to the information they need, helping them reduce their response time to a potential collision by more than 95%. Kayhan Space recently completed the Techstars Allied Space Accelerator program, which partners with the United States Air Force and other agencies to provide participants access to a vast network of support and customer discovery. During the program, Kayhan Space tripled the size of its team, submitted proposals to the U.S. Government with a total value of $2 million, won the AFWERX Space Resiliency Challenge, and partnered with a number of commercial space companies. The funding round was led by Overline, an Atlanta-based seed-stage venture capital firm that primarily focuses on startups in the Southeast, and included Techstars and leading space investor, Dylan Taylor. Sean OBrien, Managing Partner of Overline said, We are thrilled to partner with the Kayhan Space team in its mission to keep space safe. The Companys platform helps mission operators separate signal from noise and avoid the time and money lost on unnecessary maneuvers. We see Kayhan Spaces solution playing a big part in the future growth of the space economy. Araz Feyzi, CTO and co-founder of Kayhan Space continued, We see tremendous interest and demand from both government and commercial satellite operators for our SSA solution, which we designed to be the easiest to use, most visually compelling and complete solution on the market. The new investment capital will go toward expanding our product and engineering teams with key additional members, as well as continued development of our platform. Kayhan Space is a great example of what we look for in an investmentexceptional founders, whose business provides deep customer value in large, growing markets, said Michael Cohn, Managing Partner of Overline. We see space as a highly enviable industry and think that Kayhan Space is uniquely positioned to grow within this exciting market. About Kayhan Space Corp. Kayhan Space offers a complete Space Situational Awareness solution for government and commercial satellite operators. Our enterprise-grade solution is deployed on a scalable cloud infrastructure and is accessible from anywhere, on any device. The Kayhan Satellite Collision Assessment and Avoidance System ensures that satellite operators are aware of collision threats in real-time, and it provides users with clear and actionable recommendations, helping them avoid unnecessary maneuvers and reducing response time by more than 95%. About Overline Overline is a founder/operator-led early stage venture capital firm, based in Atlanta, that primarily focuses on investments in the Southeast United States. Its inaugural fund, Overline Seed Fund I, LP, is a generalist fund that leads pre-seed and seed investments across multiple industries and business models. Overline takes a hands-on approach to supporting its portfolio companies, providing key introductions to its network of prospective customers, partners, investors and top talent. Contact Siamak Hesar Co-Founder / CEO http://www.kayhan.space contact@kayhan.space There was uproar in the Dail after the Taoiseach said Kerry Deputy Michael Healy Rae was approaching people after Mass to offer them a seat on a bus for cross-border cataract surgery. Mr Healy Rae furiously denied it, declaring God damn it, thats an awful thing to say. He said the Taoiseach should cop on a small bit. Micheal Martin said the account of approaches to elderly people after Mass was said to me by a clinician. He apologised to Deputy Healy Rae for any offence, but said Deputies should calm down in their reaction. The Taoiseach tried to defuse the disorder in the chamber with Mr Healy Rae being joined by other Independent Deputies in the denunciation of the remark by telling Mr Healy Rae it was a measure of the energy you apply to dealing with constituents problems. The furious reaction continued, however, with the Taoiseach being told if you were going blind you wouldnt like it, after he had told Deputies to relax. Read More Michael Collins, the West Cork TD, who raised the issue of cross-border buses for eye operations, said the Taoiseach was making a laugh and joke of people who were suffering. Mr Martin told him: You havent paid for the cataracts. The taxpayer does. He allowed that some TDs had hired the buses out of their own pocket, which was a tribute to them. Mr Collins said the Taoiseachs comments were a mockery of people who were suffering pains and going blind. Mr Martin said the Government was trying to expand capacity so that the journey would not be needed in the first place. He said the situation was that citizens in one EU member state could avail of services in another, with the Government of one recompensing the other, in accordance with an EU Directive. However the UK was leaving the European Union and the Directive would no longer apply. This was why the Government and HSE was attempting to negotiate a separate agreement with the NHS for the use of Northern Ireland facilities and payment thereto, he explained. This is being considered and discussed with the UK authorities, and we are devising a memorandum of understanding for British citizens in Ireland and Irish citizens in Britain. Mr Healy Rae, who has organised over 20 buses from Kerry for treatment of patients in Northern Ireland, said afterwards that it was not right for the Taoiseach to smirk and laugh about the situation in the Dail. He should come down off his high horse, he told the Independent.ie. I would not be canvassing after Mass to put people on buses, that is not true. What happened is that people came to me and said they needed help, and now a lot of them do. I send a person with them on the bus as their minder. I block book the hotel up there and I get a good rate. It is not about the money, but I dont like the condescending. guffawing attitude and trying to make little of the situation. By the way, it isnt only eye, but knees and hips and everything. Im not proud of these buses. Im actually ashamed that its a service that has to be provided. SIU Carbondale extends Saluki Commitment to transfer students CARBONDALE, Ill. Students transferring to Southern Illinois University Carbondale next fall can take advantage of the universitys commitment to close financial barriers to a first-rate education. The university recently announced the Saluki Commitment, a pledge that tuition and mandatory fees will be fully covered for incoming freshmen who have a family income below $63,575 and meet other criteria. Today, SIU is extending that pledge to new transfer students. Effective fall 2021, transfer students with a GPA of 2.0 or above and 26 or more transferable credits are guaranteed coverage of tuition and mandatory fees for four consecutive semesters if they meet financial, residency and other requirements. Like the original Saluki Commitment, the Saluki Transfer Commitment closes gaps that are not covered by other forms of financial aid, according to SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane. Sometimes, there are gaps between what financial aid packages cover and the cost of attendance, Lane said. Those gaps can be beyond the reach of many students and their families. We are committed to filling them. To qualify, students must have an annual family income less than $63,575 and assets below $50,000 based on their submitted Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They must also be Illinois residents who attended an Illinois high school. Additional criteria for the Saluki Transfer Commitment are available at fao.siu.edu/types/saluki-transfer-commitment.php. Lane said the decision to extend the Saluki Commitment to transfer students reflects the universitys collaboration with community colleges. We value our partnerships with community colleges and share their commitment to creating pathways to help students achieve their goals, he said. The Saluki Transfer Commitment is a new way to support students who want to transfer to SIU to earn their bachelors degrees. Family income should not be a barrier for any qualified student to attend SIU, whether the student is going to college for the first time or transferring from another college or university, Lane added. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikolo Pashinyan says Russia has assured that in case Armenia faces threats, it will implement its treaty obligations, ARMENPRESS reports PM Pashinyan told BBC. The treaty stipulates that in case of a directs threat against Armenia according to some criteria, Russia has to fulfill its treaty obligations. The Russian Federation has assured that it will fulfill its obligations provided by the treaty, Pashinyan said. Azerbaijan, directly backed by Turkey, unleashed war against Artsakh on September 27. Turkey, in addition to various types of assistance to Azerbaijan, including using its own air force against Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, deployed thousands of mercenaries and terrorists in Azerbaijan to fight against Artsakh. The fact of the presence of Turkey-backed terrorists in Azerbaijan is not questioned by any country, except Turkey and Azerbaijan. Earlier today, President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan called on an international coalition against the Turkey-backed terrorism. Editing and Translating by Tigran Sirekanyan Children playing and lingering in the water to keep away from the heat of the Nanjing summer. Credit: Pang-ning Hsu Under global warming, the frequent occurrence of summer heatwaves has exerted an increasing impact on human health and public infrastructure. For example, Europe experienced a severe heatwave in 2003 with more than 70,000 heat-related casualties. Western Russia was struck by its hottest summer on record in 2010, leading to the deaths of around 55,000 people. Record-breaking heatwaves have also been frequently reported in populous countries of East Asia, such as the Northeast Asian heatwave in 2018 and the heatwave in Japan this summer. In China, the Yangtze River basin is one of the most densely populated and economically important regions in China, and a region where heatwaves have a high probability to occur. Summertime heatwaves in this region have caused tremendous economic losses in recent years. Therefore, extending the forecast lead times and increasing the prediction skill for heatwaves over the Yangtze River basin is key for disaster prevention and mitigation. In a recently published study in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, Prof. Pang-Chi Hsu and her team from Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology evaluate the subseasonal prediction skill of heatwaves in the Yangtze River basin and identify the crucial processes influencing the prediction skill using the long-term hindcast data from three operational models. "We compare three models developed respectively by the China Meteorological Administration, the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts," explains Prof. Hsu. "These models all participated in the Subseasonal to Seasonal Prediction project." Her team found that the superior skill of these operational models in predicting the occurrence, intensity and duration of heatwaves can be attributed to their fidelity in capturing the phase evolution and amplitude of high-pressure anomalies associated with the intraseasonal oscillation and the dryness of soil moisture induced by less precipitation via the land-atmosphere coupling. Furthermore, the team found that the capability of the models in predicting heatwave occurrence at a longer lead time (15-20 days in advance) is closely related to their fidelity in capturing the evolution and amplitude of 30-90-day intraseasonal circulation rather than the 10-30-day intraseasonal circulation. The biases of intraseasonal circulation anomalies further affect precipitation anomalies and thus soil moisture conditions, affecting the prediction skill for heatwave intensity and duration. "In the future, we will further diagnose the key factors influencing the activity of intraseasonal oscillation and related land-air interactions to gain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the potential sources of subseasonal predictability," says Prof Hsu. She and her team will continue to work toward improving the subseasonal prediction skill of high-impact weather events. Explore further Multimodel ensemble prediction of summer droughts over the Yellow River Basin More information: Jiehong Xie et al, Sources of Subseasonal Prediction Skill for Heatwaves over the Yangtze River Basin Revealed from Three S2S Models, Advances in Atmospheric Sciences (2020). Jiehong Xie et al, Sources of Subseasonal Prediction Skill for Heatwaves over the Yangtze River Basin Revealed from Three S2S Models,(2020). DOI: 10.1007/s00376-020-0144-1 By Express News Service JAIPUR: A special SC/ST court has on Tuesday convicted and awarded rigorous life imprisonment to four people involved in the horrific gang-rape case of a Dalit woman in Alwar in 2019. In addition, a fine of Rs 1 lakh each has been imposed on the four convicts. The fine amount of Rs 4 lakh will be given to the survivor. The court has also awarded five years imprisonment to the fifth convict under the IT Act for filming and circulating a video clip of the shameful incident. While delivering the verdict, the court said that this horrific gang-rape incident was similar to the Cheerharan or disrobing of Draupadi in the era of Lord Krishna as recorded in the Mahabharat. The court hoped that strong punishment would help to check the flood of rape crimes in the country. Welcoming the verdict, the lawyer for the victim said that they were hopeful that a strong penalty will be imposed so as to send out a firm signal to society. The four culprits who had raped the woman in front of her husband in an isolated area on the Thanagazi-Alwar bypass on April 26 last year are Hansraj Gurjar, Ashok Gujar, Chhotelal Gurjar, and Indraj Gurjar. All five culprits were present in court when the verdict was delivered. ALSO READ | Rajasthan government orders appointment of Alwar gang rape survivor as police constable It took the Rajasthan Police seven days to make the first arrest after the 18-year-old Dalit woman filed the complaint that she was gang-raped by five men in Alwar in front of her husband. In that crucial seven-day, the accused men threatened her family, demanded Rs 10,000, and circulated a video of the sexual assault on social media. The local police even told the victim and her family that they would have to wait till polling ended in the region. Alwar was among 12 seats in Rajasthan that went to polls on May 6 and it was only a day later that the police made its first arrest. As the case had happened right in the middle of the last Lok Sabha elections, it had triggered a great deal of politics. While the BJP held protests in all districts of Rajasthan to corner the Gehlot government, PM Narendra Modi raked up the issue in some of his election rallies. Later, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met the victim and assured her family of quick justice in the case. To rehabilitate the victim, the Gehlot Government had given her a job in the police department. After the judgment on Tuesday, CM Ashok Gehlot was quick to tweet, Welcome the judgment in Thanagazi rape case, which sets an example of how swift inquiry can lead to justice being delivered in a short time. All investigating officers, police & administrative officials, in this case, deserve appreciation. The State Govt is committed to ensuring no crime goes unpunished & all cases get a fair, thorough & speedy trial. Increased space at London data centre as Vorboss fibre network build grows throughout the City Vorboss, one of London's leading fibre providers, has secured six times more space from European data centre provider, Interxion: A Digital Realty Company, to accelerate the expansion of their fibre network across London. The major development represents the rapid demand to grow the Vorboss fibre network throughout the capital, supporting the telecoms champion in acquiring more on-net assets and continuing to meet even the most complex client requirements. "We currently have links to 26 data centres covering the UK and Europe," explains Vorboss CEO, Timothy Creswick. "Expanding our footprint at Interxion: A Digital Realty Company proved critical to scale the number of fibre connections available and has allowed us to be more readily available to our growing list of clients." Interxion: A Digital Realty Company has the ambition to help customers, many of whom are businesses based in Central London, connect to one another both nationally and internationally, giving them a global reach due to their recent combination with Digital Realty. "Our collaboration with Vorboss is exciting as they scale up in London, particularly under current circumstances," commented Andrew Fray, UK Managing Director at Interxion: A Digital Realty Company. "We are seeing companies accelerate in terms of digital transformation and reconfiguring their legacy systems or establishing new, efficient IT networks. Vorboss is leading the way in providing new fibre in London and is becoming an important player in the fabric of the connected city." The advancement is of strategic importance to increase Vorboss fibre intensity which boosts its coverage capabilities in the city and will prepare the business for a surge in fibre demand. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005017/en/ Contacts: Paige Wilson Paige.wilson@vorboss.com 020 3582 8500 With hammer in hand, Mitchell wasted no time smashing his way through the front window of a luxury Swiss watch retailer on Walton. He opened the main entrance for others outside, scanned the display cases and was out the door with a store computer monitor in four minutes, authorities said. Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. At a university in the United States, people infected with the new coronavirus are part of an experiment. The subjects put their faces into the big end of a large cone-shaped device. They then say the alphabet and sing or just sit quietly for half an hour. The cone captures everything that comes out of their mouths and noses. The device is helping researchers study a big question: Exactly how does the virus that causes COVID-19 spread? The Associated Press recently reported on the study at the University of Maryland. The coronavirus has been known to link up with small liquid particles released by an infected person. People expel particles when coughing, sneezing, singing, talking, and even breathing. But these droplets come in any number of sizes. The University of Maryland researchers are attempting to identify how risky the different sizes are. Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials have been concerned about larger particles from the coronavirus. But some scientists are now studying smaller particles, the ones that spread like cigarette smoke. These particles, called aerosols, can stay in the air for minutes to hours. They can spread throughout a room and build up if air ventilation is poor. At one time, the World Health Organization (WHO) did not think that aerosols were a danger except in some medical situations. But later, WHO experts said that the spread of the virus through aerosols could not be ruled out in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Some health officials have been saying one way to avoid getting sick is to keep at least two meters away from other people. Other officials say about half that distance is safe. These suggestions are based on the idea that larger particles fall to the ground before they can travel very far. For aerosols, notes researcher Linsey Marr, two meters does not guarantee protection. Marr is studying coronavirus particles at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Marr told The Associated Press she thinks infection by aerosols is happening a lot more than people initially were willing to think. To prove this, she and others point to what they call super-spreader events. This is an event where one infected person may have passed the virus to many others. Jay Butler is deputy director for infectious disease at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He says the CDC continues to believe larger, heavier droplets that come from coughing or sneezing are the main method of transmission. But he added that more research may change that finding. Butler said super-spreader events raise concerns about aerosol spread. But they do not prove it. There could be another way for very small particles to spread. Other ways the virus may spread At the University of California, researchers found that small droplets do not have to come directly from an individuals mouth or nose to infect. They found that when influenza virus is left on paper tissues, those papers can give off particles of the virus. So, researchers say, anyone emptying a container with tissues containing COVID-19 should wear a face mask. Scientists who warn about aerosols say that current health advisories still make sense. Wearing a mask is still important. Make sure it covers the lower half of your face. Keep washing your hands. And again, staying farther apart is better than being closer together. Avoid crowds, especially indoors. But experts say another big issue is air ventilation. Try to avoid a buildup of aerosol particles by staying out of poorly ventilated rooms. When possible, open windows and doors. Keep air moving and use air-purifying devices. Outdoors is best The best advice, researchers say, is do as much as you can outdoors. Droplets do not build up in open-air environments. And the suns ultraviolet light can also kill the coronavirus. Jose-Luis Jimenez is a researcher at the University of Colorado-Boulder. He says that being outdoors is most effective protective measure. He added that while it is not impossible to get infected outdoors, it is difficult. And thats the Health & Lifestyle report. Im Anna Matteo. And Im Mario Ritter. The Associated Press reported this story. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Quiz - Small Coronavirus Particles in Air Could Be Big Problem Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story cone n. a shape that has a pointed top and sides that form a circle at the bottom alphabet n. the letters of a language arranged in their usual order cough n./v. to force air through your throat with a short, loud noise often because you are sick sneeze n./v. to suddenly force air out through your nose and mouth with a usually loud noise because your body is reacting to dust, a sickness, etc. pandemic n. medical : an occurrence in which a disease spreads very quickly and affects a large number of people over a wide area or throughout the world ventilation n. a system or means of providing fresh air aerosol n. a substance (such as hair spray or medicine) that is kept in a container under pressure and that is released as a fine spray when a button is pressed transmission n. the act or process by which something is spread or passed from one person or thing to another ultraviolet adj. technical used to describe rays of light that cannot be seen and that are slightly shorter than the rays of violet light By Associated Press COLOMBO: Sri Lanka confirmed more than 300 garment factory workers have been infected with the coronavirus, after reporting its first community infection in two months. The health ministry said 321 cases have been identified in the cluster as of Tuesday after the first patient was diagnosed at a hospital two days ago. To contain the outbreak, the government imposed a curfew in two suburbs of the capital where the majority of patients live, closed schools and universities, and imposed restrictions on public transport. For more than two months, Sri Lanka health officials have said they have prevented a community spread of the virus and that all diagnosed patients had belonged to two known clusters. The country has reported 3,733 patients with 13 deaths. Of the total patients, 3,259 ve recovered, according to Johns Hopkins data. Timothee Chalamet fans are extremely unhappy that his two new films have been delayed until 2021. The actor was set to appear in both Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch and Dune, Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herberts classic science-fiction novel. However, both films have now been pushed back due to the pandemic. The French Dispatch was meant to open in the summer after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in May, while Dune was set for a Christmas release. Warner Bros announced on Monday (5 October) that Dune which also stars Zendaya and Oscar Isaac will be held until October 2021. It is currently unknown when Anderson will release his new film. With both The French Dispatch and Dune delayed until 2021, this year will be the first year without the release of a new Timothee Chalamet movie since 2014, Film Updates tweeted, to which Chalamet fans replied in droves. More evidence that this is the worst year in recent recorded history, one person responded, with another adding: How can we get through this year without Timmy? Someone else pointed out that Chalamet appeared in Woody Allen's controversial A Rainy Day in New York, which was released in several countries despite being filmed several years ago. Timothee Chalamet in newly delayed film Dune (Warner Bros) Chalamet denounced the film, stating that he did not want to profit from the movie. He later announced he would donate his salary to three charities, including Times Up. The actors decision came after allegations of sexual abuse against Allen by his daughter Dylan Farrow re-emerged. Allen has always denied the claims. Former CIA Director John Brennan briefed former President Obama on Hillary Clintons plan to tie the Trump campaign to Russia as a means of distracting the public from her private email server scandal before the 2016 election, according to newly declassified documents. Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe on Tuesday declassified Brennans handwritten notes along with a CIA memo showing that officials referred the alleged scheme to the FBI for potential investigation. Today, at the direction of President Trump, I declassified additional documents relevant to ongoing Congressional oversight and investigative activities, Ratcliffe said in a statement. Brennans notes, which were taken after he briefed Obama on the intelligence, cite a proposal from one of her foreign policy advisers to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by the Russian security service, which was alleged approved by Hillary Clinton. The heavily-redacted CIA memo references an exchange discussing U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clintons approval of a plan concerning U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump and Russian hackers hampering U.S. elections as a means of distracting the public from her use of a private email server. In 2016, the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee contracted Fusion GPS and former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele to compile the controversial Russian dossier, which purported to draw a connection between the Trump campaign and Russia and contained salacious allegations about Trump, then the Republican nominee. The dossier was later used in applications to surveil Trump associate Carter Page. The Justice Departments inspector general has since concluded that the FBI did not inform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that the dossier was unreliable. The following information is provided for the exclusive use of your bureau for background investigative action or lead purposes as appropriate, states the CIA memo, which was sent to then-FBI Director James Comey and Peter Strzok, then the deputy assistant director of counterintelligence. Story continues Last week, Comey told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he did not remember whether he received an investigative referral on Clinton in September 2016. That doesnt ring any bells with me, Comey said. Thats a pretty stunning thing that it doesnt ring a bell, Republican Chairman Lindsey Graham responded. You get this inquiry from the intelligence community to look at the Clinton campaign trying to create a distraction, accusing Trump of being a Russian agent or a Russian stooge. The newly declassified documents have been forwarded to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. More from National Review 6 factors that decide your health insurance costs (and 3 that don't) Health insurance exists to protect people from the high cost of care, but that protection still comes at too high a price for many. About 30 million Americans had no health insurance at some point in 2019, according to new Census data. Almost half the people who go without insurance say high premiums are a reason, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey found. To figure out whether you could get health coverage for less, its important to understand what does and what doesnt factor into your monthly premiums. Here are the facts as well as a few common myths. Fact: Your age Lordn / Shutterstock Statistically, older people are much more likely to require medical services, and that translates to much higher premiums. The federal government says older people could pay up to three times more than young people under a private plan. And younger applicants should keep in mind that if youre under the age of 26, you can still get covered under your parents policy. If you got your health care plan through your employer, you may have less to worry about. The Age Discrimination In Employment Act protects employees 40 years of age and older from getting gouged on benefits. But it doesn't guarantee complete equality. If an employer covers half of everyones premiums, older workers can still end up paying more because insurance companies will charge those people a higher amount to begin with. And in some circumstances, an employer could reduce an older workers benefits to keep the costs of coverage equal among all age groups. Myth: Your health and medical history Health insurers cant charge you more, limit your benefits or refuse to cover treatment just because you have a pre-existing medical condition. Thats all in the past now. Before the Affordable Care Act was signed by President Barack Obama in 2010, insurers could demand higher premiums if they expected you to require more medical attention due to diseases or health conditions like cancer or diabetes. Story continues Under the current law, however, you wont need to worry about higher premiums if youre sick, injured or become sick or injured. This goes for both private insurers and employer- and group-based policies. Note that the law, nicknamed Obamacare, has an uncertain future as it faces a new battle before the U.S. Supreme Court. Fact: Where you live Matej Kastelic / Shutterstock Different states have different regulations for health care plans, and you could also pay more depending on the cost of coverage and amount of competition in your area. Some states are happy to allow the federal government to run all aspects of their health insurance exchanges, while other states flex their own authority. For example, New York runs its own exchange and consistently rejects proposals for high rate hikes. More populated states also tend to have more private insurance carriers, leading to greater competition and lower rates. Meanwhile, rural areas tend to have higher rates because its harder to provide the same coverage to fewer people spread out over a large area. The average price of the cheapest exchange plan varies from as little as $219 a month in Rhode Island up to $590 per month in Wyoming, the Kaiser Family Foundation says. Myth: Your sex For many years, you could expect to get charged higher rates if you were a woman. Since women require a range of health care services that men do not, such as maternity care and regular visits to the gynecologist, some states allowed this practice of gender rating. In some circumstances, insurers could even refuse coverage if a woman was pregnant. Since 2014, the Affordable Care Act has banned gender rating altogether, so even private insurers can no longer use your sex to determine your premiums. Fact: Your job Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock Your job, or more accurately your employer, plays a major role in determining how much youre paying for health insurance. Some employers will cover the vast majority of their workers premiums, while others pay less. The average percentage paid by employers is 82% for single coverage and 71% for family coverage, according to Kaiser. On the other hand, if youre under contract, self-employed or work for a small employer that isnt required to offer a group plan, youll have to look for an Obamacare marketplace option. Youll be responsible for the entirety of your premiums, unless you qualify for government subsidies. Myth: Your weight Obesity can increase your chances of developing all kinds of serious health problems, but it wont contribute to higher premiums anymore. The Affordable Care Act says insurers cant discriminate if you have a pre-existing medical condition, and that includes obesity. You wont be expected to pay more per month or be denied coverage. However, its currently legal for employers to offer health and wellness programs that offer financial rewards for hitting weight-loss goals meaning your slimmer colleagues could end up paying lower premiums. Today, 84% of large employers offer some form of workplace wellness program. Fact: Your smoking habits fongbeerredhot / Shutterstock Even though smoking is addictive, insurance companies are allowed to use your habit to raise your premiums. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, accounting for more than 480,000 deaths every year, or about 1 in 5 deaths. The Affordable Care Act allows insurers to charge smokers up to 50% more than non-smokers through a tobacco surcharge. However, some states set the maximum difference at less than 50%, and several others, like New York and Vermont, prohibit this practice entirely. Some surcharges also increase with age. Even if you have coverage through your company, you might not be off the hook. Some group plans charge extra for smoking, too. Fact: Your family Adding your spouse or kids to your coverage will increase your premiums, but youre probably quite happy to do it. On average, families under an employer-based policy pay $6,015 in annual premiums, while individual workers pay only $1,242, Kaiser data shows. But youll almost certainly pay less for a family plan than you would buying individual plans for your spouse and each of your children. Bigger families with lower incomes may also qualify for larger subsidies and state or federal assistance when purchasing plans through the marketplace. Fact: Your plan Valeri Potapova / Shutterstock If your employers purchasing your health insurance plan, you may not get much say in what benefits are provided or what premiums youll pay. However, if youre getting your own plan through the marketplace, youll have a range of options to consider. The more youre willing to pay each month, the less youll have to pay when you actually need treatment. Bronze: Lowest premiums but youll pay an estimated 40% of your costs. Silver: Moderate premiums but youll pay an estimated 30% of your costs. Gold: High premiums but youll pay an estimated 20% of your costs. Platinum: Highest premiums but youll pay an estimated 10% of your costs. Catastrophic plans are also available, but only to people under 30 or people with a documented financial hardship. They offer very low premiums but very high deductibles and you cant use premium tax credits to reduce the costs. So why do people buy their own policy? Looking at the factors for group and private plans, you might be thinking: Why buy your own policy when employers are willing to foot most of the bill? First off, if youre a freelance writer or independent roofer, you simply dont get that option. Or, if you happen to work for a small company, it might not be obligated to provide a group plan. Not to mention, your coverage will end if you quit or get laid off. Millions of Americans have already lost their benefits along with their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis. Retirees need new coverage too, unless their work offered retiree benefits or theyre at least 65 and relying on Medicare. All of those scenarios force people to buy their own coverage, but often people simply find affordable policies that suit them better in the private market. You can go online and easily compare quotes from different insurers for free. Its worth spending a few minutes to see whats available, even if youre just checking to make sure your group plan is really the best deal you can get. LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / DLT Resolution Inc. (OTC PINK:DLTI), an information technology, cyber security, telecommunications and Union Services company, is pleased announce 3 additional public sector unions to the rapidly growing client list of Union Strategies ("USI"). The selling proposition that primarily lead to landing these three new unions was the Proprietary System, Vote YourChoice secure, remote and online voting system. USI will continue to use its deep domain knowledge of all things Union to modify the bylaws of its new customers to facilitate the change to paperless voting. "This application is gaining momentum" said Fred Vecchio of Union Strategies. "Given the protocols that we face presently, it is a perfect remedy to the ongoing need to vote". USI intends to introduce these new customers to DLT Resolution's and USIs' other products as it gains familiarity with the needs of these Unions. Strong Demand & Market Acceptance Since the launch of Vote YourChoice () - Secure Online and Remote Voting Application in June 2020, we have seen significant acceptance and demand for our service. To date, we have already signed up 9 new public sector unions, deployed online & remote Voting for a number of new and existing union clients and are planning the launch into new markets outside of our current union customer base. Vote YourChoice () - Secure Online and Remote Voting The application fills the need for an ever-growing demand of online and remote voting requirements for all types of public and private elections. This requirement is now, more than ever, a fundamental change in the way people are able to cast their ballot and maintain physical distancing requirements. This remote ability is also estimated to increase voter participation by 18% to 35%. Vote YourChoice () software includes union elections and voting, condominium corporation voting, publicly traded company voting, municipal and provincial elections to name but a few applications globally. Vote YourChoice () - Union Strategies for membership voting Union Strategies provides Union's with a solution that is secure, cost-effective and integrates with individual Union locals' requirements. Through running elections on the USI platform, members will feel confident that their votes are processed by a neutral third party and in a transparent manner due in part to our unique voter-verified audit trail. Unions can also count on our support team as a virtual part of its elections staff. About DLT Resolution Inc. DLT Resolution Inc. currently operates in three high-tech industry segments: Blockchain Applications & Cyber Security; Telecommunications; and Data Services which includes Image Capture, Data Collection, Data Phone Center Services, and Payment Processing. Its clients represent some of the top businesses from a variety of sectors. DLT Resolution helps organizations that have invoices, ledgers, statements, applications, surveys, employee and customer rewards programs and a wide range of other non-core functions benefit from data management. DLT Resolution also operates a Health Information Exchange providing the ability to request and retrieve medical information & records while meeting all of today's Security & Compliance demands for HIPAA, PIPEDA and PHIPA. Through RecordsBank.org, the Company offers an easy to use online gateway to its centralized system for patients, lawyers and insurers to retrieve and access medical records. Learn more at: DLTResolution.com and DLTTelecom.com. About Union Strategies Inc. (USI) USI has been providing a suite of products and services to Unions for over 10 years. The company designs, builds, and executes programs resulting in greater success for unions. Programs are designed to engage the membership, decrease expenses, and save time for a more productive business. The Company's suite includes Telecommunications, Event Management, Professional Writing, Social Media Management, Web Design, Graphic Services, and Promotional Offerings. The company is a one-stop-shop for all things union. The company has more than 130 clients that are considered "mid-market" in terms of overall size of the particular local with 450,000 members. USI operates nationally in Canada and looks to expand into the USA in 2020. Learn more at: UnionStrategiesinc.com Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements The use of the word "company" or "Company" refers to DLT Resolution Incorporated and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In accordance with the safe harbour provisions of this Act, statements contained herein that look forward in time that include everything other than historical information, involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's actual results. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. DLT Resolution may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, in its annual report to stockholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the company, including, but not limited to, plans and objectives of management for future operations or products, the market acceptance or future success of our products, and our future financial performance. The company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 (available at http://www.sec.gov). DLT Resolution undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Nothing within this communication is meant to be a solicitation to buy or sell our securities. Investing in over the counter (OTC) securities often carries a high degree of risk. Please contact your financial advisor before investing in our securities. 800-463-5465 Contact: Fred Vecchio President Union Strategies Inc. (647) 776-0950 ext. 874 87 Caster Avenue, Woodbridge ON, L4L 5Z2 SOURCE: DLT Resolution Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609261/DLT-Resolutions-Union-Strategies-Secures-3-Additional-Public-Sector-Unions-in-Early-September Sindh, the third largest province in Pakistan by area, borders the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan to the east, and Arabian Sea to the south. In the Sindh coastal belt, there are around 300 small and big islands. Islamabad/New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) A presidential ordinance by the Imran Khan government to take control of the Sindh islands has kicked up a political storm in Pakistan, with the opposition calling it "illegal annexation" by China. Pakistan President Arif Alvi had on September 1 promulgated the ordinance for establishing "Pakistan Islands Development Authority" for "development and management of islands in internal and territorial waters of Pakistan". The ordinance, which cannot be challenged in any Pakistani court, has been brought for the development of cities on the islands, as per a copy circulated by Pakistani opposition parties on social media. Sindh based political parties, civil society organisations as well as the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led Sindh government has condemned the move, calling it an attempt to encroach on Sindh's land. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a post on Facebook said, the PPP "will oppose the illegal annexation of Sindh's islands through presidential ordinance by the PTI government. I ask how is this act any different to Modi's actions in occupied Kashmir. Move will be opposed in national, provincial assembly and the senate". Many Sindhi activists on social media claimed that Pakistan was selling the Bhundar-Dingi twin islands (over 12,000 acres of land) to China. The federal government has no authority to control or build anything on Sindh's islands without the permission of the Sindh government, Sindhi activist Zafar Sahito wrote in an article. He claimed that Prime Minister Imran Khan during his visit to China in 2019 had committed the Diamer Bhasha Dam, now part of ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the Sindh twin islands. China is likely to invest in these twin islands to build mega cities like Hong Kong. There are many Chinese companies already working in Sindh, mostly in Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Stock Exchange and in the energy sector. China is also looking to buy Karachi steel mills, he claimed. Former PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto had announced a movement against the decision to take over the islands during General Pervez Musharraf's regime in 2007. After protests by the PPP, the national parties and the civil society organisations, the government had to take back the decision, Sindhi activists noted. --IANS aat/arm The government on Tuesday removed export curbs on N-95 masks, to promote outbound shipments of the product. The export policy of N-95/FFP-2 masks or its equivalent is amended from restricted to free category, making all types of masks freely exportable," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification. In August, a monthly export quota of 50 lakh units was fixed for N-95/FFP2 masks or its equivalent for issuance of export licences to eligible applicants. Ive been a software engineer at Uber for two years, and Ive also been a ride-hail driver. I regularly drove for Lyft in college, and while my day job involves writing code for the Uber Android app, I still make deliveries for app-based companies on my bike to understand the state of the gig economy. These experiences have made me realize a crucial factor in the gig economy: Uber works because its cheap and its quick. The instant gratification when we book a ride and a car shows up only minutes later gives us a sense of control. Its the most convenient thing in the world to go to your friends house, the grocery store or the airport at the click of a button. But its become clear to me that this is only possible because countless drivers are spending their personal time sitting in their cars, waiting to pick up a ride, completely unpaid. Workers are subsidizing the product with their free labor. Ive decided to speak out against my employer because I know what its like to work with no benefits. Before joining Uber, I worked a range of low-wage jobs from customer service at Disneyland to delivering pizza with no benefits. Uber is one of several large companies bankrolling Californias Proposition 22. Theyve now contributed $47.5 million dollars to the campaign. At work, management tells us that passing Prop 22 is for the best because it is critical for the companys bottom line. Yet, a corporation's bottom line will not and should not influence my vote. Uber claims Prop 22 would be good for drivers, but that depends on Uber the company treating drivers better. I know from my experience working as an Uber engineer there is a slim chance of that happening. At the beginning of the pandemic, we learned Uber was about to embark on a round of layoffs. For weeks we sat around not knowing if wed keep our jobs and health insurance. Ultimately the company laid off 3,500 workers in the middle of a pandemic, and they did it via a three-minute Zoom call. For many of us, the layoffs seemed random and arbitrary, as if managers had been given a quota of people they should fire, not dissimilar to the way in which Uber deactivates drivers without recourse. The entrenched culture of not caring about workers had extended to engineers. We realized we too are a fungible resource. Story continues As a software engineer, I have a very different experience working for Uber than drivers do. Being classified as an employee affords me benefits including healthcare, a retirement plan, stock vesting and the ability to take paid vacation and sick leave. Uber drivers are not afforded these benefits, since Uber misclassifies them as independent contractors. Since January 1 of this year, the law has been clear: Gig drivers should be classified as employees. Yet Uber refuses to obey the law and is now seeking to get Prop 22 passed so they can write a new set of rules for themselves. Theres a misconception that all Uber drivers are part-time. Maybe they drive as a fun hobby in retirement or pick up a few hours after class in college, as I did. These drivers exist, but the drivers who are essential to Ubers business are full-time workers. A study commissioned by the city of San Francisco released in May found that 71% of the citys gig drivers work at least 30 hours per week. It is these drivers who give the majority of the rides. California legally requires employers to provide benefits to all workers working at least 30 hours per week, so 71% of daily drivers are currently denied benefits required by the state. Were it not for my background as a Lyft driver, I would have accepted my employers argument at face value. This was never about disrupting an industry; their business model is the same as any other company's cut costs no matter what in order to increase profits. Ive been lucky to meet some of Ubers fantastic drivers while organizing with the advocacy organization Gig Workers Rising. Everyone knows about the high cost of living in San Francisco these folks are often trying to make do on less than minimum wage. Ive met drivers who have to sleep in their cars, risk financial ruin over a single doctors appointment or go without life-saving medication. Theres no way around it, Ubers Prop 22 is a multimillion dollar effort to deny these workers their rights. My message to other tech workers and to the public at large is this: Research ballot propositions on your own. When your employer tells you to vote for something because its what is best for the company, consider that your employers interests might not align with your own, or with societys. To employees at Uber, Lyft, DoorDash or other gig economy companies: Get to know the drivers who use your product every day. In many ways, we have more in common with these workers than we do with the executives making millions from our labor. In November, you will have a choice to either stand with other workers and vote no on Prop 22, or align yourself with executives and billionaires by voting yes. Stand with workers vote no on Prop 22. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. Gov. Kristi Noem claimed Monday that South Dakota has given the rest of the country an example of how to navigate a pandemic without heavy-handed government mandates. During a special legislative session in Pierre, Noem told lawmakers that while her resistance to statewide stay-at-home orders has drawn criticism, it's also provided a different approach to managing the pandemic than those taken in other states. "As you all might imagine, these last seven months have been quite lonely at times," Noem said. "But earlier this week, one very prominent national reporter sent me a note that said: 'Governor, if you hadn't stood against lockdowns, we'd have no proof of just how useless they really have been.'" Noem spoke after South Dakota's worst month yet during the pandemic. The Mount Rushmore State has consistently broken records in recent weeks for new and active cases, hospitalizations and the number of people killed by COVID-19. Gov. Kristi Noem addresses the South Dakota Legislature during a special session on Monday, Oct. 5. Who is Kristi Noem? South Dakota governor criticizes protests in Democratic cities, praises Trump at RNC "If we keep failing to take this pandemic seriously, 200,000 more lives will be lost by the end of this year," said Dennis Carroll, who led the pandemic unit at the federal Agency for International Development for nearly 15 years. "Fact-denying rhetoric from the president and the South Dakota governor only ensures these deaths will come. Even with better treatments." South Dakota received $1.25 billion in federal funds through the CARES Act to provide some relief for those hurt by the pandemic. While Noem has marked hundreds of millions for local and state governments and schools, nearly $600 million remains untapped. Legislators serving on the Joint Committee on Appropriations last week adopted formal recommendations to create multiple grant programs for various industries, including business, healthcare and tourism. Story continues The CARES Act funds can be used to cover coronavirus-related expenses and to stimulate the local economy. They must be spent by Dec. 30, according to language in the law. Life as usual: South Dakota dismisses 'elite class of so-called experts,' carries on with state fair after Sturgis rally fueled COVID-19 surge Noem has voiced a desire for Congress to loosen framework for CARES Act funds and potentially extend the deadline. She told lawmakers Monday they should be mindful of that if and when votes are cast on the committee's recommendations. "Ill keep pushing Congress to provide greater flexibility, especially as it relates to this deadline," she said. "But thats why whatever you adopt should be flexible. It should account for whether Congress acts or doesnt act. Contributing: John Bacon, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Gov. Kristi Noem claims South Dakota has shown lockdowns are 'useless' Hospitality bosses have told MPs that pubs, bars and restaurants are braced for job losses 'far higher' than half a million by the end of the year. The UKHospitality industry body told the Treasury Select Committee that a combination of the Government's 10pm curfew, local lockdowns and a drop in customer confidence had hit businesses hard. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of the group, said around 900,000 hospitality workers remain on full furlough payments as parts of the sector remain 'in stasis'. She said the group anticipated 560,000 additional job losses by the end of the year, following research two weeks ago, but now expects redundancies to be even higher than that. 'We are doing that data again but we anticipate it will be far higher due to local restrictions, the national constraints on events, working from home and the curfew,' she said. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is closing the Government's furlough scheme at the end of October. Hospitality chiefs are bracing for massive job losses before the end of the year. After-work drinkers enjoy a pint in Borough Market, London, on September 25 Hospitality chiefs have blamed the Government's 10pm curfew and local lockdowns for the dire situation facing some pubs, bars and restaurants. Soho in London is pictured on October 4 just after 10pm It is being replaced with a significantly less generous Jobs Support Scheme which will focus on propping up 'viable jobs' rather than 'zombie' ones with no future. Ms Nicholls sounded the alarm that redundancies are expected to spike when furlough ends as she called for tailored support to be brought forward for the hospitality sector. She told MPs: 'We fear that unless there are amendments for those areas which are particularly hit, you won't avoid the cliff edge in October and we have got large numbers of redundancies that are forecast in October because of how the jobs support scheme is set up. 'There is a very real danger that we will lose large chunks of the economy in hospitality we will have insolvent businesses, businesses going into administration and therefore that engine of growth for re-employing people will be lost for good. 'I think that's what we need to be focusing on to make sure we support viable jobs for the future. 'In our sector, those on full-time and part-time furlough are in viable jobs in the long term.' Furlough has seen the Government pay 80 per cent of an employee's wages up to a monthly maximum of 2,500. The new Jobs Support Scheme will see the Government pay up to 22 per cent of wages for workers who are able to work part-time from November 1. Ms Nicholls told MPs that sector operators said recent coronavirus restrictions have 'moved them back to the trading levels they saw at the start of July' - a downturn after an initial boost from the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. 'You are looking at 40-50 per cent of normal revenues levels, or at 20-30 per cent of normal revenue levels in city centre sites,' she added. Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist at the CBI business group, was more positive about the Chancellor's Winter Economy Plan, hailing Mr Sunak's new jobs plan as a 'lifeline', but said sector-focused support could still be needed. 'At this next phase of the crisis we did need to see an evolution of the support and the Jobs Support Scheme will help to save hundreds of thousands of jobs,' she said. 'But we may need to look at how that scheme is designed over the coming weeks if a crisis escalates. For some sectors and businesses, we might need additional support.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 17:25:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SUVA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Fiji confirmed on Tuesday that it has conducted more than 10,000 COVID-19 tests so far. According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Fiji's Health Minister Ifereimi Waqainabete said on Tuesday that the island nation's Center for Disease Control (CDC) has conducted over 10,000 COVID-19 tests and it has been more than 170 days since the island nation detected its last community case of COVID-19. Fiji has not had any new cases despite its people returning back, he said, adding that Fiji has had the border quarantine cases and unfortunately, two of them passed on but Fiji has not had any other case that has come out into the community. According to the minister, results of a recent external assessment from the World Health Organisation (WHO) showed that Fiji's CDC is achieving a score of 100 percent for COVID-19 testing. Besides its CDC laboratory in the capital city of Suva, Fiji now plans to set up one more such laboratory in Nadi, Fiji's third largest city in order to expand the COVID-19 testing capabilities. Fiji has reported a total of 32 COVID-19 cases since March 19 this year. Two persons have died and most of them have fully recovered. Currently, Fiji still maintains a nationwide curfew effective from March 30 this year. Enditem Haiti - Justice : The Rectorate of the UEH indignated ! The Rectorate of the State University of Haiti (UEH) expresses its indignation at the odious act perpetrated on October 2, 2020 at the Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS) which caused the death of the student Gregory Saint-Hilaire https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31955-haiti-flash-a-student-shot-dead-smear-of-the-palace-security-officers.html The Rectorate strongly denounces and condemns arbitrariness and the climate of permissiveness which, once again, once again, sows mourning in society and even in a university enclosure. The Rectorate expresses its sympathies and solidarity to the family and relatives of Gregory Saint-Hilaire and undertakes to support them to the extent of its possibilities. At the same time, the Rectorate sympathizes with the pain of the large ENS family, particularly affected by the events. The Rectorate also denounces the fire which broke out less than 24 hours later in the ENS Library, causing the loss of a large number of recently acquired books and substantial material losses. The Rectorate strongly calls for : 1) That the circumstances surrounding these events be clarified objectively and as quickly as possible; 2) That the responsibilities be fixed; 3) That the perpetrators and their accomplices, whoever they are, be brought to justice for the necessary consequences. For his part, Me Rockefeller Vincent, the Minister of Justice and Public Security informs that a criminal investigation is already carried out by the Prosecutor's Office of Port-au-Prince who seized the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) for the appropriate suites. The Minister Vincent, gives the firm guarantee to the parents of Gregory Saint-Hilaire hard tested, that this homicide will not REMAIN unpunished. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31970-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31955-haiti-flash-a-student-shot-dead-smear-of-the-palace-security-officers.html HL/ HaitiLibre The UN in India Monday voiced concern over the continuing cases of sexual violence against women and girls in the country and said the rape and murder cases in Hathras and Balrampur remind that disadvantaged social groups are at a greater risk of gender-based violence. The External Affairs Ministry reacted strongly to the statement, saying the UN Resident Coordinator in India should be aware that these cases have been taken extremely seriously by the government and asserted that any unnecessary comments by an external agency are best avoided since the investigation process is still underway. In a statement, UN Resident Coordinator in India Renata Dessallien said it is essential that authorities ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice speedily and families are empowered to seek timely justice, social support, counselling, health care and rehabilitation. The UN in India is profoundly saddened and concerned at the continuing cases of sexual violence against women and girls in India, it said. The recent cases of alleged rape and murder in Hathras and Balarampur are another reminder that despite the impressive progress made on a number of social indicators, women and girls from disadvantaged social groups face additional vulnerabilities and are at greater risk of gender-based violence, it added. The steps being taken by the Indian government to strengthen safety measures for women and girls are welcome and urgent, the United Nations said. We support the Prime Ministers call for strict action against the culprits. Entrenched social norms and behaviour of men and boys that lead to gender-based violence must be addressed, it said. The UN stands committed to providing continued support to the government and civil society to address violence against women. As we fight the challenge of Covid-19 with the determination to build back better India, building respectful relationships devoid of prejudices and gender biases is a top priority, it added. In response to the statement, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said such incidents have been taken extremely seriously by the government. Some unwarranted comments have been made by the UN Resident Coordinator regarding some recent cases of violence against women. UN Resident Coordinator in India should be aware that these cases have been taken extremely seriously by the government, Srivastava said in a statement. Since the investigation process is still underway, any unnecessary comments by an external agency are best avoided. The Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens of India. As a democracy we have a time-tested record of providing justice to all sections of our society, he said. The recent case of violence and sexual assault of a Dalit woman in Hathras has led to nation-wide protests and agitations. A 19-year-old woman was allegedly raped at a village in Hathras by four men on September 14. She was admitted to Aligarh Muslim Universitys Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital and later shifted to a Delhi hospital last Monday in an extremely critical condition with spinal injuries, paralysis and cuts in her tongue. She breathed her last on Tuesday. Her body was cremated in the early hours of Wednesday, with her family alleging that the local police forced them to conduct the last rites in the dead of the night. In Uttar Pradeshs Balrampur district, a 22-year-old Dalit woman died after allegedly being raped by two men. The victims mother has alleged that that the rapists broke the legs and back of her daughter, a charge denied by the police. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.) Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Concerns over stubble burning turning out to be a potent killer in times of the Covid-19 pandemic echoed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday with a bench moving swiftly to post two applications and a separate petition on the issue for October 16 and asking the chief secretaries of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to remain present in court that day. The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde said: It is an important issue or else the whole air will go bad. The Court was hearing a petition filed by two young environmental activists a Class 12 student, who under his own initiative of Plant A Million Trees, has planted 150,000 trees in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), and a third-year law student who is an active campaigner against single-use plastic. The petition demanded that the court stop the stubble burning by farmers in Punjab and Haryana which poses a health risk to citizens of Delhi-NCR by enveloping the region in a dense, smoggy fog during the winters . Along with the petition, the court heard two applications as part of the MC Mehta case that deals with environmental pollution in Delhi-NCR. Vikrant Tongad, a member of the Zila Samiti on the issue of crop burning in Gautam Budh Nagar district of UP demanded that Happy Seeder machines meant to mechanically remove crop stubble be mandatorily issued to farmers either free or at subsidized rates. For preventing crop fires, he suggested satellite-based geospatial technology that is already in use by the Centre for mapping and preventing forest fires. Although in the past, the Supreme Court had ordered the states of Punjab, UP and Haryana to provide cash incentive to farmers who do not resort to crop burning, Tongad suggested that the court consider making payment of minimum support price (MSP) to farmers subject to verification that they have not resorted to stubble burning. The bench, also comprising justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, said: Let Union of India file replyLet the chief secretaries of the states viz., Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab, be present before this Court on the next date of hearing. The second application was filed by a Supreme Court lawyer, Manali Singhal, who through her plea sought immediate curbs on stubble burning. She produced international research which showed how air pollution can exacerbate the spread of the Covid-19 infection, posing high risk to senior citizens, children and people with respiratory illness. The application suggested appointment of an officer or Commissioner to enforce Courts past orders to end stubble burning. Such powers are available to an officer so appointed under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the application stated. The bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta if such an officer has been appointed. Mehta said he will seek instructions and inform the court. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh. who is assisting the Court as amicus curiae (friend of the Court), responded by saying that over the past years, the court was getting assistance on stubble burning and related environmental issues from a statutory authority called Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, in short EPCA, which has been submitting regular reports to the court. Just prior to Tuesdays hearing, EPCA filed a report showing how the state governments assured the Supreme Court in November 2019 that all measures are in place. This assurance was recorded by the Court in its order of July 30 and August 24 this year. The chief secretaries of the neighbouring states are present here. The court must ask them as to why despite repeated assurances in the past, stubble burning continues to happen? The court was of the view that the issue required an expert to deal with. Suggest impartial people who can examine this issue. How can courts go into this, the bench remarked. One of the applicants suggested appointing former Supreme Court judge Madan B Lokur. amicus curiae; the applicant informed the court that EPCA is the expert body constituted under Section 5 of Environment Protection Act. The Delhi government, represented by advocate Dinesh Dwivedi, informed the court that the issue need not require a separate agency to supervise as the court had been hand-holding the issue over the past many years. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, who appeared for the two young environmental activists, told the court that he will suggest the names of few independent experts. In his petition, Singh argued, The consequence of allowing any stubble burning to take place in the times of this pandemic will be catastrophicenhanced pollution level can offer direct pathway for airborne transmission of the Covid-19 virus. The number of new COVID-19 positive cases in India fell to 61,267 for the first time since August on Tuesday, raising hopes that this will lead to speeding economic recovery, an Axis Bank Business and Economic Research has said. The report said the COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra in particular reduced to just over 10,000, and hoped that this down trend sustains, allowing a sorely needed return of confidence. "This will also be an important decision component in the deliberations of the new MPC starting tomorrow," the report said. Axis Bank said one of the causes attributed to the falling fresh positive cases is a natural fall in testing rates. Another reason is that the share of the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) vs the 'gold standard' PCR test has been rising. RAT detects presence or absence of coronavirus antigen in the body of a patient in 30 minutes. Exhibiting the latest COVID-19 trends, the report says COVID-19 cases in India started declining in the week 4 of September, with the contributions of major infection states. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: Oxford trials run smoothly in India, no adverse side-effects reported so far It said the drop in new daily cases since mid-September was coterminous with increased testings across the country. In the period from end-August to mid September, even as the share of PCR tests in the total dropped from 49 per cent to 40 per cent, the test positivity rate actually rose. However, in the second half of September, the co-movement was slightly more ambiguous, the report said. Finally, the spread of infections to smaller towns and villages over August and September seems to have stabilised mid-September and then slightly reversed. "This has raised hopes that the need for erratic lockdowns in districts might be reducing, providing greater certainty in the production and logistics planning process, hence likely speeding economic recovery," the reports adds. As per the health ministry, India reported a spike of 61,267 new COVID-19 cases and 884 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total case tally stands at 66,85,083, including 9,19,023 active cases, 56,62,491 recoveries cases and 1,03,569 deaths. India's recovery rate has improved to 84.7 per cent, while the mortality rate stands at 1.55 per cent, which is among lowest nations in the world. Also read: Coronavirus: Does breathing with face masks affect oxygen level in lungs? The National Association of Law students (NALS) has reiterated calls for the Attorney General (AG) and the Ministry of Justice to confirm and arrange, as announced by the Finance Minister in the 2020 Budget Statement, the research on the implication of the current restrictive policy in accessing professional legal education in Ghana." The call by the NALS follows the release of the 2020 entrance examination results for the Ghana School of Law (GSL). NALS in a statement issued on Monday, 5 October 2020, said the 1045 candidates that passed while progressive and commendable, is ultimately not enough. For law students across the country, it suffices as a cause for excitement and reassures many among our ranks that the GLC is committed to resolving the issues surrounding access to legal education. It, however, commended the Chief Justice Annin-Yeboah and the Acting Director for Legal Education Maxwell Opoku Agyemang for the great development in the 2020 results. The association further stated that it believes there is more room for improvement in spite of the great progress made with regards to the 2020 entrance exams and emphasised its call for total reforms and expectations in legal education including the decentralisation of professional legal training to the faculties that have the capacity to administer the training and the institution of a Ghana bar exam that allows independent candidate, such that any qualified LLB holder has automatic opportunity to study the professional law course, even if unable to gain admission to the GSL, by entrance examination success, by finding their own tuition to take the qualifying Bar Exam within three (3) years a position the Attorney General and Minister of Justice found acceptable in 2018 in response to a petition. The NALS further congratulated successful candidates and called on same to comply with the GSL requirements by the announced date. It added that it understands the pain and disappointment of an unsuccessful attempt and, reiterates the commitment to pursue reforms to ensure better access to legal education for all. Thousand and forty-five law students have passed this years entrance examination paving the way for their admission to the GSL. This is out of a total number of 2,720 candidates that sat the exam. The results of this years exam were of public interest due to the mass failure that was recorded last year and previous years. In September 2019, only 128 of 1,820 passed the exam. There was a similar magnitude of failure the previous year (2018). Unhappy with the outcome, the law students demonstrated on Monday, 7 October 2019 to demand reforms in legal education in the country. Members of the Law Students Association said back then that the mass failure was a deliberate attempt by the General Legal Council (GLC) to deny people access to legal education and make it a preserve of a few ---classfmonline The about 200 residents at Mireku, an emerging settlement at Abesim in the Sunyani Municipality have appealed for electricity extension to enhance the security in the area. According to the residents, petty theft and burgling had become rampant because there was no electricity in the area. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Abesim on Monday, the residents called on Mr Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Sunyani East to come to their aid. Mr Gideon Koduah Dapaah, spokesperson for the residents said the extension of the electricity remained the priority and immediate need of the residents. He assured that the 2020 election votes for the MP would be secured if he provided them with the electricity. Mr Koduah said the new settlement was fast growing and called on the Municipal Assembly to capture the immediate developmental needs of the people in its short-term development plan. He also expressed concern about inaccessible roads and poor sanitation in the area and appealed to the Sunyani Municipal Assembly as a matter of urgency to provide them with refuse containers for waste control. 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 View this post on Instagram You are my person and I am yours , that whatever door we come to , we will open it together . Happy anniversary husband @chayakkineni aAAAAAAAAAAiAAAAAAAAAA A post shared by Samantha Akkineni (@samantharuthprabhuoffl) on Oct 5, 2020 at 8:40pm PDT Now, how cute is that? Samantha and Naga tied the knot in 2017 on this very date in Goa. The two had got married according to both Hindu and Christian rites. And pictures from the wedding ceremonies had gone viral online. Now, how cute is that?tied the knot in 2017 on this very date in Goa. The two had got married according to both Hindu and Christian rites. And pictures from the wedding ceremonies had gone viral online. Samantha Akkineni and Naga Chaitanya are one of the most adorable couples on social media. Fans are often seen gushing over their PDA. And today the fans were in for more of the same.On the occasion of the couples 3rd wedding anniversary, Samantha Akkineni took to social media and penned down the cutest anniversary wish for her husband. Along with sharing a beautiful monochrome picture of the two, Samantha wrote, You are my person and I am yours, that whatever door we come to, we will open it together. Happy anniversary husband @chayakkineni [backed by a red heart]. Take a look at the post below. (Photo : Vlad Tchompalov/Unsplash) Elon Musk Slams Europe for Subsidizing Pollution (Photo : Transport & Environment) Powertrain composition of company fleet in 2019 (Photo : Transport & Environment) Study Shows Most of $37.7 Billion Subsidy Is Spent on Petrol and Diesel Engines Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted on Tuesday, Oct. 6, that European countries are "crazy to subsidize pollution," which is bad for people living in dense cities. "So crazy to subsidize pollution! This is not good for people, especially in dense cities with heavy traffic, where your air intake is jammed up against another car's exhaust pipe," said Musk on his tweet as he shared a CleanTechnica article. So crazy to subsidize pollution! This is not good for people, especially in dense cities with heavy traffic, where your air intake is jammed up against another cars exhaust pipe. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 6, 2020 The article was reporting about a study, which was sponsored by environmentalist group Transport & Environment. According to the report, European taxpayers spend about $37.7 billion each year on subsidies for company cars, which mostly have diesel and petrol engines. The researchers suggest that VAT deductions and write-off for fossil fuel vehicles should end. They also urge businesses to switch to 100% emission-free corporate fleets. One Twitter user replied to Musk and said it that if people live in oil-producing countries, they will likely buy gasoline at low prices. Ankur Debbarman also says: "governments who directly subsidy fossil fuels just pay a part of the end-user price." This ones easy to understand. If one live oil producing countries, there is a good chance that they are buying gasoline at below-market prices. Governments who directly subsidy fossil fuels literally just pay a part of the end-user price. Ankur Debbarman (@Ankurdebbarman) October 6, 2020 He also takes the President of the Dominican Republic as an example as he uses EVs and sets a sample for his citizens to switch engines. "Subsidies, tax benefits shall entice more people to embrace the green revolution more extensively," Debbarman noted. Another user said that politicians and media should talk and spread more awareness about the economy and security benefits in using better energy policy. Pranay Pathole promotes electric vehicles, particularly Tesla. . Well tbh, politicians & media needs to talk more & spread more awareness about the economic & security benefits of a better energy policy. Even if you don't mention climate change, Electric vehicles especially Tesla's are self evidently more attractive ... Pranay Pathole (@PPathole) October 6, 2020 "The govt should provide subsides/tax benefits to the owners/drivers of EVs. This will help in a faster transition to the sustainable and a cleaner environment. Some European countries like Norway are implementing this," Pathole added. Meanwhile, Twitter user Thompson commended Musk for bringing hope despite the truth of pollution. Everyone is waking up to this. This truth has been understated by the powerful for decades at the expense of our children's health - its shocking. @elonmusk brings us hope Thompson (@powder_rider) October 6, 2020 Read also: UK Scientists Develop Ammonia-Run Airplanes that Has Zero Emissions Most of $37.7 billion subsidy to company cars goes to fuel combustion vehicles The study shows that most of the $37.7 billion subsidies are spent on company vehicles using petrol and diesel engines. It shows that 10 largest leasing companies, including Daimler's Athlon and BMW's Alphabet, cause 8% of CO2 emissions in the European Union since these vehicles are driven more than twice as much as possible private cars. Transport & Environment (T&E) suggested that governments should end the VAT deductions and write-offs for these fuel combustion vehicles as subsidies cost up to $37.7 billion per year. The report also suggested that companies will save an average of $5,000 per vehicle when they switch to electric cars since it is 9% cheaper to own a large EV than a diesel car. However, researchers found that 96% of the new company car registrations in 2019 were still petrol and diesel engines. "Electric cars are already the best choice for corporate fleets which clock up high mileage and care about overall costs, not sticker price," said Saul Lopez, T&E e-mobility manager. The group also urged EU governments to reform the VAT returns, benefit-in-kind taxation as well as depreciation write-offs received by corporate fleets. "Governments, the EU and cities should pick this low-hanging fruit so that all new company cars are electric by 2025," Lopez added. Read also: Tesla's 'Supercharger Cats' Have GoFundMe Page to Fund 'Neuter and Spay' Process This is owned by Tech Times Written by CJ Robles 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 20:07:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Tens of people were either killed or wounded in a car bomb explosion that rocked a rebel-held city in the northern province of Aleppo on Tuesday, state news agency SANA reported. The explosion rocked the city of al-Bab in the northeastern countryside of Aleppo, said SANA, spelling no further details. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said seven people were killed and 32 others wounded. The UK-based watchdog group said major destruction was caused in the blast site near a mosque in the center of al-Bab. The city is controlled by the Turkish forces and Turkey-backed rebel groups. Activists have repeatedly reported a state of lawlessness in rebel-held areas in northern Syria. Enditem Nokia smart TVs have launched on Flipkart ahead of the Big Billion Days sale 2020 thats set to start from October 16 in India Nokia smart TVs have launched on Flipkart ahead of the Big Billion Days Sale 2020 thats set to start from October 16 in India. The company has introduced as many as six televisions as part of the Big Billion Days Specials in different screen sizes ranging from 32-inches going all the way up to the 65-inch 4K UHD variant. These new Nokia TVs are powered by Onkyo, a Japanese audio brand with expertise in home theatre systems and 6D surround sound experience. Nokia smart TVs price and availability The new Nokia smart TVs with Onkyo sound are priced starting at Rs 12,999 for the 32-inch HD ready model and Rs 22,999 for the 43-inch Full HD variant. The 4K UHD models are available in four screen sizes starting at Rs 28,999 for the 43-inch model, Rs 33,999 for the 50-inch model, Rs 39,999 for the 55-inch variant and Rs 59,999 for the 65-inch TV. These new televisions are slated to go on sale from October 15 on Flipkart during the Big Billion Days Sale 2020. Nokia smart TVs features Nokia smart TVs are offered in different screen sizes starting with the 32-inch HD (1366 x 768 pixels) model, 43-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) model and the 4K UHD range thats offered in 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes to choose from. All models of the new Nokia smart TVs have a minimal bezel design with the HD and Full HD range having a 3000:1 contrast ratio and the 4K UHD range having a 5000:1 contrast ratio. The 4K UHD range of new Nokia TVs are also HDR10 certified. These Nokia TVs are tuned by Onkyo sound and come equipped with a soundbar that offers a 6D sound experience with minimal distortion and clear sound profile. The 32-inch and 43-inch TVs are powered by 24W speakers and 15W tweeters while the 50-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch TVs are powered by 30W speakers and 18W tweeters. All the six new Nokia TVs run on Android 9.0 based Android TV and is powered by a quad-core processor that is paired with 1.5GB RAM and 8GB storage for the 32-inch and 43-inch models and with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage for the 4K UHD range. As for the I/O ports, the Nokia smart TVs feature three HDMI ports and two USB Type-A ports. The Nokia smart TVs will be available bundled with Spotify offers during Flipkarts Big Billion Days sale. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said her office is reviewing how open carry laws intersect with the right to vote without fear of harassment as President Donald Trump urges supporters to watch the polls on Nov. 3. Nessel joined the Democratic attorneys general of Wisconsin and Nevada on a press call Tuesday focused on threats to the upcoming election. Attorneys general expressed concern that the presidents call for his supporters to guard against a rigged election" could cause voters to be intimidated at polling places on Election Day. President Trumps comments at last weeks debate, urging his supporters to monitor poll sites and engage in active voter intimidation, were very much a disturbing violation of this sacred right, Nessel said. His comments were dangerous and reckless. The attorney general said she plans to issue a memo to every law enforcement agency across the state with guidance on how to enforce laws preventing voter intimidation. Election challengers and poll watchers are able to observe the election process on behalf of candidates or partisan entities but are prohibited by law from threatening or intimidating voters or poll workers. It is a legal right to be a poll watcher, but you cannot use those positions to try and interfere with a persons right to vote, Nessel said. We have to draw the line between what a person can do operating as a legal observer versus what is being done to harass people. A series of armed protests at the Michigan Capitol this summer raised questions about whether gun-toting poll watchers could create a dangerous situation on Election Day. Michigan law is silent on the issue of guns at polling places, which are often located inside schools and churches designated as weapon-free zones. Concealed carry is not allowed in weapons-free zones, though licensed gun owners can openly carry in those locations. Read more: Michigan law doesnt prohibit guns at the polls, spurring voter intimidation concerns The issue has caused confusion in the past, which led cities to individually decide whether to enforce gun restrictions in buildings used as a polling location. Some cities opted to waive restrictions in churches and schools since they were considered a government space during voting hours. Nessel said she will be providing guidance to local law enforcement officers before the election. Its this combination of your right to vote, cross-sectioned with our pretty liberal open carry laws in the state of Michigan, Nessel said. First and foremost, is the right to be able to vote without being intimidated, harassed or threatened. Read more: AG Nessel files felony voter suppression charges against conservative operatives Nessel committed to prosecuting anyone who employs voter suppression tactics during the call Tuesday. She said disinformation campaigns have attempted to mislead voters about how absentee voting works ahead of the election. Last week, she filed charges against two notorious conservative activists for allegedly orchestrating a series of robocalls aimed at suppressing the vote in the November general election. Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl allegedly attempted to discourage voters from participating in the Nov. 3 election by creating a robocall targeting Detroit and other urban areas. The robocalls falsely told people that mail-in voting will allow personal information to become part databases used to track people with old warrants, outstanding debts, and for mandatory vaccination programs. READ MORE ON MLIVE: As Gov. Whitmers coronavirus orders fizzle, health departments across Michigan consider their own For Michigan evangelicals, Trump represents babies saved, Supreme Court seat Joe Biden urges patriotic national mask mandate at Grand Rapids campaign stop Trumps positive COVID-19 test upends final stretch of 2020 presidential race A student at Bishop Ludden High School has tested positive for Covid-19, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse told parents today. The school switched to remote learning today after consulting with the Onondaga County Health Department, diocese officials said. The high school, which has students in grades 7 to 12, is typically open for in-person instruction each day, except for those students who choose to learn remotely. Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime at 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com The Covid-19 crisis has hammered the finances of households across the UK. But according to a report, the rich are getting even richer - with Britain's billionaires seeing their wealth soar by more than a third over the past year. Swiss bank UBS says the combined wealth of the world's billionaires has topped $10trillion (7.7trillion) for the first time, as tech titans such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos prosper from the pandemic. Sir James Dyson's (left) fortune grew by 3.6bn in a year to 16.2bn, while Amazon boss Jeff Bezos's (right) stake in the online marketplace has shot up in value by 83% to 178bn in a year But super-rich Brits have also seen their fortunes swell in size. Britain's billionaires had amassed a combined fortune of 156.6billion at the end of July, according to the annual Billionaires Insights Report from UBS. This is up 34.7 per cent from 116.6billion the previous year. The number of UK tycoons with more than $1billion (772million) to their name jumped from 46 to 53. Entrepreneurs behind major tech companies, healthcare firms and certain industrial sectors have done well from the pandemic. Home working has ramped up the value of tech firms, the virus has renewed investment in healthcare, and industrial companies which have adapted to use cutting-edge techniques and more efficient technology have prospered. UBS did not reveal which billionaires have boosted their wealth the most. But they are likely to include Sir James Dyson, owner of the vacuum cleaner empire, who is top of this year's Sunday Times Rich List his fortune grew by 3.6billion in a year to 16.2billion. Josef Stadler, at UBS's global family office, said those quick to develop or use new technology have 'the potential to reshape the global economy and create tens or even hundreds of thousands of jobs as the world rebuilds'. Despite the rise in billionaires' wealth, still only 16 per cent of the UK's ultra-wealthy are women. This is more than the 13 per cent in the US, but far fewer than the 50 per cent in Australia or the 39 per cent figure in the Netherlands. Across the world, billionaires' wealth hit a record high of $10.2trillion, up from $7.9trillion a year earlier. And there are now 2,189 billionaires, up from 2,058. Most of the rise was due to the resilience of tech and ecommerce businesses. Lockdown restrictions accelerated the switch to online shopping, and ecommerce firms saw sales shoot up. Even as shops reopen, many customers have changed their habits. This has played into the hands of billionaires such as Jeff Bezos, the boss of Amazon and the world's richest man, whose stake in the online marketplace has shot up in value by 83 per cent to 178billion in a year. But Stadler said the overall rise hid a 'dramatic polarisation of fortunes within billionaires'. While entrepreneurs behind major tech companies and cutting-edge industrials got richer at a rate of knots, the 'traditional' billionaires with family money or exposure to dying industries have found it harder to chase success. UBS's report said: 'We have seen before how a cohort of billionaire innovators and disruptors, active in tech, healthcare and industry, have contributed to reshaping the economy. 'Covid-19 accelerated this trend dramatically. By demonstrating the value of the digital world they helped to create, they were able to decisively pull ahead of the pack.' One Italian billionaire told the bank: 'This Covid-19 crisis could be the real border between the old and the new economy. This may give the opportunity to create a better economic environment focusing on sustainable growth and efficiency with less bureaucracy and procedures.' Several entrepreneurs, including Dyson and British industrial tycoon Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have donated some of their wealth to fighting the pandemic. Dyson vowed to stump up the 20million his company spent on making ventilators himself, while Ratcliffe promised to donate millions of bottles of free hand sanitiser to the NHS. But UBS found that only nine of the UK's billionaires had donated a total of $297.5million (226million) to coronavirus causes. Luke Hildyard, the director of the High Pay Centre, said: 'Billionaire wealth doesn't come from nowhere. 'The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted how much we depend on each other. 'Tech and healthcare entrepreneurs have clearly seen their fortunes increase because of the highly unusual circumstances, rather than their own hard work or innovation. 'We need to think about business reforms and more effective taxation to ensure wealth is distributed fairly and more proportionately.' Over the next several weeks, Americans will hear a lot about how President Trumps nominee for the Supreme Court will affect healthcare in America. But the reality is that thanks to the Trump administration, the future of healthcare in this country is bright regardless of who sits on the Supreme Court. The left and their allies have turned to the same stale playbook to keep good judges off the bench: ginning up fear, uncertainty and doubt over the future of Americans healthcare if the presidents nominee is confirmed. When they tried and failed to filibuster Justice Neil Gorsuchs Supreme Court confirmation, they frantically asserted that he would undermine access to basic healthcare. When they tried and failed to block the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, they hysterically insisted he would rip healthcare from American families. Before President Trump could even nominate someone to fill the seat made vacant by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, may she rest in peace, the left began absurdly claiming that the presidents (forthcoming) nominee would take healthcare away from millions of Americans. Nothing could be further from the truth. The case at issue: whether Congress can mandate you purchase health insurance or any other product merely for existing. In 2012, the Supreme Court narrowly upheld Obamacares individual mandate, but only because it raised revenueby fining people who couldnt afford or didnt want insurance. But in 2017, President Trump and Congress eliminated that fine, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. The mandate still exists, but the penalty and its related revenues is gone. A group of 20 states are asking the Supreme Court whether Congress can mandate their citizens buy a product, even if it has nothing to do with revenue. The Supreme Court will hear the case later this year. Congress could make the whole case moot by passing a one-line bill repealing the mandate altogether. But regardless of what the Supreme Court decides, or how a future nominee might vote, the future of American healthcare is bright thanks to the Trump administration. The president opened up new avenues for small businesses and entrepreneurs to band together and obtain more affordable coverage for their workers. He made it easier for people between jobs to get affordable plans to bridge that gap. He oversaw the largest decrease in drug prices in more than 50 years. He signed new executive orders to protect people with pre-existing conditions. He issued executive orders to protect Medicares promise to our seniors and individuals with disabilities. And he made hospitals and insurance companies be transparent about how much healthcare would cost, protecting patients from being blindsided by massive medical bills. Regardless of what happens at the Supreme Court, President Trumps record on healthcare is clear: More options. Lower costs. Greater access. More transparency. The future of healthcare in America is bright, thanks to the Trump administration. With the agenda he outlined at the White House, its clear it would only get brighter in a second term. Jonathan Ingram is the vice president of policy and research at the Foundation for Government Accountability. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. Appointment 6 October 2020 Hilton Chennai today announced the joining of Sherin Mathew as it's Commercial Director. Sherin comes with more than 14 years of rich and formidable experience in Hospitality Sales & Marketing. He shall be responsible for developing a commercial strategy covering all segments and channels to maximize revenue and profit performance of the hotel. Also he will lead execution of the commercial strategy with an integrated revenue management, pro-active sales and marketing com munications team. In his earlier assignment, he worked as Assistant Vice President -Customer Acquistion -Tamil Nadu & Kerala with Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited. Prior to this, he has had very successful stints with Accor, Hyatt and the Taj group. He i s passionate about growing and nurturing teams that are consistent in high performance and in turn find individual growth and success. Sherin has completed his Hotel Management degree from Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal, Karnataka . Sherin enjoys traveling and spending time with his family when not formulating winning strategies or forging successful partnerships for business. A pregnant woman who caught coronavirus was only contacted by the Test and Trace service eight days after testing positive. Sally Fazeli, from Preston, Lancashire, received the call asking for details of people she had been in contact with and offering advice on self-isolating just as her own period of self-isolation was ending. When she received the call, Mrs Fazeli, 33, was told she was in the vulnerable category and said they wanted to get in touch as as soon as they could. She first experienced symptoms a cough and a fever on September 19, had a test the following day and received notification of the positive result on September 21. In that message she was told to isolate for 10 days from the point when the symptoms first appeared. But she did not receive a call from Test and Trace until September 28 nine days into the 10-day self-isolation period. Mrs Fazeli, who is 20 weeks pregnant, said: "They said Have you managed to get the help and support you needed? "I was like Luckily my mum isnt too far away so she was able to get us some things because we ran out of the essentials, and both of us couldnt go food shopping or leave the house. Coronavirus hotspots: Manchester seeing 529.4 cases per 100,000 population "He said because I was in the vulnerable category I would have been able to access more support in that area, which I didnt know I was like I guess it doesnt even matter now anyway." Mrs Fazeli's husband, Ayman, along with the couples two children, tested negative, and then he received a call himself on October 1. He said: "It was all a bit after the horse had bolted kind of thing so not exactly impressive." He added: "I watched that Panorama thing last week when it had contact tracers saying theyre champing at the bit to help, and theyre sat there twiddling their thumbs, waiting to be assigned cases to call it doesnt seem to stack up." Coronavirus: Pubs and Restaurants 10pm Curfew 1 /38 Coronavirus: Pubs and Restaurants 10pm Curfew Old Compton in Soho on 11pm on 24 September 2020 Soho on 11pm on 24 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Sohoon the first night of the 10pm curfew at 9:15pm on 24 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Sohoon the first night of the 10pm curfew at 11pm on 24 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Soho, London after 10pm on 25 September 202OLate-night drinkers after 10pm in Soho, London on 22 September 2020 PA Soho, London after 10pm on 25 September 2020 PA Late-night drinkers after 10pm in Soho, London on 22 September 2020 PA Soho, London after 10pm on 25 September 202O PA Late-night drinkers after 10pm in Soho, London on 22 September 2020 PA Late-night drinkers after 10pm in Soho, London on 22 September 2020 PA Late-night drinkers after 10pm in Soho, London on 22 September 2020 PA Soho, London after 10pm on 25 September 2020 PA Late-night drinkers after 10pm in Soho, London on 22 September 2020 PA Soho, London after 10pm on 25 September 2020 PA Late-night drinkers after 10pm in Soho, London on 22 September 2020 PA Soho, London after 10pm on 25 September 2020 PA Late-night drinkers after 10pm in Soho, London on 22 September 2020 PA Soho, London after 10pm on 25 September 2020 PA Late-night drinkers after 10pm in Soho, London on 22 September 2020 PA Soho, London after 10pm on 25 September 2020 PA Soho at 9:15pm on the first night of the 10pm curfew on 4 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Old Compton in Soho on the first night of the 24 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Old Compton in Soho on the first night of the 24 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Old Compton in Soho on the first night of the 10pm curfew on 24 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Old Compton in Soho on the first night of the 10pm curfew on 24 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Soho at 9:15pm on 24 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Soho at 9:15pm on the first night of the 10pm curfew on 4 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Soho on the first night of the 10pm curfew at 9:15pm on 24 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn Soho on the first night of the 10pm curfew at 9:15pm on 24 September 2020 Jeremy Selwyn The Test and Trace programme has faced numerous problems in recent weeks, with many people unable to get tests or forced to travel long distances to receive them. It was then revealed that an error at Public Health England meant 16,000 coronavirus patients had not been traced. Shane Walker, from Wigan, received a similarly delayed Test and Trace call after he was tested on September 19. Boris Johnson claims coronavirus has not robbed him of his 'mojo' "The speaker said they were from Test and Trace and asked if I had any questions," he said. "At that point, I told them that I had only one day left of isolating." The 25-year-old, who works in pastoral care at a school, quickly encouraged relevant staff to isolate once he informed them of his positive test. "Nobody should have been exposed as I took it upon myself to notify the relevant people and conduct my own test and trace in a way," he said. "Had I not been aware of the rules from working in a school, people may have been exposed due go the lateness of their call." Mr and Mrs Fazeli also took it upon themselves to notify people they had been in contact with, including a restaurant where they had celebrated their sons birthday shortly before Mrs Fazeli started to exhibit symptoms. "We did our own due diligence, but not everyone will do that," Mr Fazeli said. He added: "It wasnt a great experience of the service, put it that way." Both Mrs Fazeli and Mr Walker have now fully recovered. Additional reporting by the Press Association By Scott O'Connor Counterpoint. 310 pp. $26 - - - At his trial in 1970, Charles Manson claimed that a message in the Beatles' White Album provoked him to murder. "Helter Skelter is confusion," he told the court, referring to his favorite song. "It says, 'Rise.' It says, 'Kill.' Why blame it on me? I didn't write the music." That defense was as ridiculous as any of Manson's claims, but what a cruel burden to throw at the Beatles. Years later, when Paul McCartney recalled the burst of energy that produced "Helter Skelter," he still seemed to feel the horror of its association with the Manson family murders. "Unfortunately," he lamented, "it inspired people to do evil deeds." The spooky relationship between art and the most extreme responses that it sometimes provokes is the subject of Scott O'Connor's new novel, "Zero Zone." It's a sophisticated thriller that revolves around the work of an installation artist named Jess Shepard. She designs and constructs large pieces that viewers inhabit and interact with. Some people feel nothing but boredom; others are deeply moved. Of course, how anyone reacts is ultimately beyond Jess' control, beyond even her ability to anticipate. But since artists strive to evoke responses, to what extent is an artist culpable when viewers react very, very badly? That's the question O'Connor circles around with ever-increasing intensity. Jess falls into her life's work almost accidentally while in college. She fabricates a curtained room in which humiliated college women can scream and shatter plates. Most find the experience cathartic and empowering. But one participant goes too far. Jess finds her lying catatonic in a pile of shards and blood. The ER doctor blames Jess; the college dean shuts the site down. Hearing Jess describe what happened, a friend tells her, "It's a risk. And I don't think the risk is just to the artist." Until that moment, Jess hadn't realized that what she was doing was art. We learn of this foundational experience halfway through the novel. O'Connor has constructed the plot of "Zero Zone" as a kaleidoscope, frequently shattering the chronology of events and remixing the parts. That may sound baffling, but it's compellingly done - a constant process of filling in context and meaning, solving some mysteries and raising others. One of the challenges of writing fiction about a great artist is how to convincingly create the presence of artistic genius. For instance, if the novel is about a brilliant poet, sooner or later we'll want to read some immortal verse. If, as in this case, the central character is a famous installation artist, we need to see some of those astonishing sites. Fortunately, O'Connor, who teaches creative writing at Cal State Channel Islands, meets that burden. He provides alluring descriptions of Jess' famous pieces - from "Candyland," a house filled with rooms of different hues, to "Waterfall," a woodland hut with a fourth wall made of cascading liquid. Jess' most powerful work is called Zero Zone in New Mexico. Built near the grounds of an abandoned military base where atomic bombs were once tested, Zero Zone is a concrete room, 10 feet high, 25 feet long and 30 wide. There's a narrow door at one end and long slits on the other walls. As the sun rises and sets, light and darkness shift dramatically inside the room. Visitors who make the trek across the desert might find the overheated space plain or transcendent. That doesn't matter much to Jess. For her, it's an expression of her grief for someone she loved and lost. But early in the novel, we hear of an infamous tragedy involving a small group of viewers who squat in Jess' concrete room for eight days. A conflict with law enforcement gets out of control; someone dies in the ensuing altercation. And a month later, Jess is publicly attacked by a young woman who had been caught in the Zero Zone incident. That controversy and the trauma of being publicly assaulted shatter Jess' confidence and send her into a long period of anxious isolation. "I can't control someone's reaction," Jess claims. But she can't shake a mingled sense of culpability and fear. Revealing all that drama so early should sap the novel of its tension, but O'Connor constantly cycles through the experiences of a series of people connected in some way to the Zero Zone site. Chief among them is that young woman who assaulted Jess. We're drawn back into her troubled adolescence, and we see the rising sense of alienation that make her yearn for something pure beyond this plane of sorrow. That yearning for escape becomes the novel's central theme. It's the dark matter that draws people across the desert to Zero Zone. And it's what powers the ideology of a frightening zealot named Tanner, who preaches a vague but powerful message of relief from this world. Tanner's hypnotic patter is terrifying, a convincing demonstration of how one man might exploit a work of art to exercise his will over others. But I wish O'Connor hadn't felt it necessary to give Tanner a gruesome skin disease that covers his entire body. At its best, that "ugly equals evil" motif is a remnant of cheap fairytale propaganda. At its worst, it's a pernicious moral equation that perpetuates prejudice against people with disfiguring conditions. Aside from that misstep, though, "Zero Zone" is an engaging reflection on the function of art and the responsibilities of the artist. Following these characters along their circuitous routes offers a rare chance to consider the risks that great creators take when they try to inspire us to action - but not too much. The EU's top court on Tuesday overturned a Hungarian law used to push out a college founded by George Soros, once again putting Budapest at loggerheads with the European Union. "The conditions introduced by Hungary to enable foreign higher education institutions to carry out their activities in its territory are incompatible with EU law," the European Court of Justice (ECJ) said. But the ECJ's decision had come to late, said Soros, the 90-year-old Hungarian-born US investor and philanthropist who set up the Central European University (CEU) in the early 1990's, "We cannot return to Hungary because its prevailing laws don't meet the requirements of academic freedom," said Soros in a statement. Budapest was originally the home of the main campus, but the university said it was forced to largely move to Vienna in 2019 after falling foul of the new law. The National Higher Education law written to regulate the sector was widely seen as Prime Minister Viktor Orban directly targeting the CEU. Soros, who stepped down as chairman of the university's board in 2007, also supports civil society and pro-democracy initiatives critical of Orban's conservative and increasingly hardline government. - A 'total repudiation' - The European Commission took Hungary to court over the law and Tuesday's judgement found that Hungary had failed to respect its commitments to the World Trade Organisation. In particular, Budapest should not have discriminated against colleges such as the CEU by demanding that they offer the same degree courses in their state of origin -- in this case the US -- as in Hungary. And it should not have required an international education treaty to have been signed between Hungary and the country in which the college was founded. "That requirement is also contrary to the provisions of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union relating to academic freedom," the ruling said. Story continues The CEU's president and rector, Michael Ignatieff, told reporters in Vienna that the ruling "renders the law inapplicable in Hungary," and is a "total repudiation of Viktor Orban's legal strategy since 2017". The university is "now free to re-establish US accredited degree programmes" in Budapest, he said, but added that any such decisions "will take time". Hungary's Justice Minister Judit Varga said "as always, Hungary will enforce the judgment of the ECJ in the interest of the Hungarian people", without providing further details. But in the same statement she insisted: "All universities in Hungary must comply with the law equally. "It is not possible to create a law that puts (the) Soros University in a more advantageous position than Hungarian universities," she added. - Rule of law fight - The college, registered in the US state of New York, and providing US-recognised degrees, educated a generation of post-communist elite in Hungary and Eastern Europe. But Orban's camp saw it as a centre of liberal resistance to his hardline, right-wing rule. Hungary's ruling Fidesz party and allied pro-government media regularly accuse Soros of working with EU officials against Hungary's national interest, such as orchestrating an influx of migration, but with out offering any evidence. Brussels, which fears Hungary is sliding toward authoritarianism under Orban, has launched an "Article 7" procedure probing whether Hungary is undermining democratic values. The European Parliament and some member states are pushing to make payments from the EU budget, of which Hungary is a net recipient, contingent on Budapest fully respecting the rule of law. And on Tuesday, Soros urged the EU to "make Hungary a test case". Last week, a major EU report found that in Hungary, "deficient independent control mechanisms and tight interconnections between politics and certain national businesses are conducive to corruption". Orban is furiously resisting calls for the budget to be linked to rule-of-law concerns, and with Poland, he has threatened to block a huge post-coronavirus rescue package seen as vital to the EU economy. He has also demanded the resignation of Vera Jourova, one of the EU's vice-presidents, after she quipped that, rather than a self-described "illiberal democracy" Orban had created an "ill democracy". Other universities and research institutions, including the prestigious Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the University of Theatre and Film Arts, have also protested against moves by Orban which they say restrict their autonomy. dc-pmu/jsk/bp/deh/jj New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday said it has arrested the CFO and internal auditor of Cox & Kings Group in connection with the Yes Bank case. The arrested accused have been identified as Anil Khandelwal, CFO of CKG and Naresh Jain, internal auditor of CKG, under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Both of them were produced before a court and sent to seven days' ED custody. An ED offiialc said, "During investigation in the money laundering case it has surfaced that Yes Bank has total outstanding of Rs 3,642 crore in respect of Cox & Kings Group of Companies (CKG)." "Further investigation revealed that CKG forged its consolidated financials by manipulating the balance sheets of overseas subsidiaries. In addition some board resolutions submitted to banks for sanctioning the loans were also found to be forged," the ED official said. He said that during investigation it was also revealed that the loan sanction from Yes Bank was driven by then CMD Rana Kapoor and was given bypassing the norms. ED gathered the evidences regarding clear instruction of Kapoor to the concerned bank officials to get the said loan continued and not to make efforts to recover it, the official said. "Investigation also revealed that during financial years 2015 to 2019, sales of Rs 3,908 crore were made to 15 non-existent/fictitious customers," he said, adding that majority of collections shown in ledgers from Ezeego (another group entity of CKG) was not found in the bank statements. The official also said that there are 15 fictitious high-value debtors reflected in the books of accounts. "Another 147 sets of customers also appeared to be suspicious and non-existent. The Cox & Kings Limited (CKL) has diverted Rs 1,100 crore to another stressed company without any approval of the board which has no business relationship with the company," he said. "During the whole process Khandelwal and Jain acquired the mortgaged property amounting to Rs 63 crore in their owned business entity -- Reward Business Solutions, without paying a penny from their pocket." Investigation further revealed that Khandelwal and Jain purchased various immovable properties from the funds diverted from CKG. "Further investigation revealed that from Ezeego, Rs 150 crore were diverted to Redkite Capital Private Limited which was promoted by family members of Khandelwal, CFO of CKL and Jain, internal auditor of CKL," the official said. The official alleged that investigation so far has revealed that the bank transactions of CKG are not matching with the books of accounts and Khandelwal and Jain created disparities between the books of accounts and the bank statements to camouflage the fraud. The ED has already arrested Kapoor in March this year. The ED last month attached Kapoor's properties in London valued at Rs 127 crore in London. The ED on July 9 attached Rs 2,203 crore of assets, comprising 344 bank accounts, investments and high-end vehicles in India, New York and Australia, of Kapoor and his family, Dheeraj and Kapil Wadhawan and others under the PMLA in the Rs 3,700 crore fraud case. Rise in utilization of internet of things (IoT) and advancements in sensor technologies for public safety applications drive the growth of the global public safety systems market. PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Public Safety Sensors Market by Sensor Type (Level Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Acoustic Wave Sensor, Pressure Sensor, Humidity Sensor, Gas Sensor, and Others) and Application (Indoor & Outdoor Gunshot Detector, Fall Detection, Flood Detection, Car Crash Detection, Infrastructure Failure Detectors and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027." According to the report, the global public safety sensors industry generated $1.46 billion in 2019, and is expected to reach $2.44 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2020 to 2027. Prime determinants of growth Rise in utilization of internet of things (IoT), strict government regulations regarding implementation of leak detection systems, and advancements in sensor technologies for public safety applications drive the growth of the global public safety systems market. However, incorporation of sensors in devices leading to extra initial value and reduction in lifespan of devices hinders the market growth. On the other hand, increase in adoption of wearable devices for public safety applications creates new opportunities in the coming years. Download Detail Analyzed Research Sample: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/7552 Covid-19 Scenario The lockdown imposed by governments of many countries enforced manufacturing factories to shut down. Moreover, the supply chain has been disrupted, which in turn, resulted in shortages of raw materials, components, and finished goods. As safety and security technologies have been prioritized by governments, the demand from the military & defense sector continued despite the pandemic. The demand from the residential, construction, and automobile sectors has been declined significantly, as there have been no new installations or postponement of installations. There has been reduction in new investments and delays in various planned projects across different end-use industries. It will take time for the operations to get back on track. The pressure sensor segment to maintain its dominant share throughout the forecast period Based on sensor type, the pressure sensor segment contributed to the highest market share in 2019, accounting for nearly half of the global public safety sensors market, and is expected to maintain its dominant share throughout the forecast period. This is due to favorable government regulations regarding the mandate of pressure sensors in automobiles. However, the acoustic wave sensor segment is expected to witness the largest CAGR of 10.8% from 2020 to 2027, owing to rise in applications in healthcare and industrial sectors. Connect With Us - Get More Personalized Analysis: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/7552 The flood detection segment to continue its lead during the forecast period Based on application, the flood detection segment held the highest share in terms of revenue, accounting for more than one-third of the global public safety sensors market in 2019, and is projected to continue its lead during the forecast period. This is attributed to enhanced features such as real-time monitoring and instant alerts. However, the indoor and outdoor gunshot detector segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR of 11.1% from 2020 to 2027. This is due to surge in adoption of gunshot detectors by the military and defense sectors. Asia-Pacific, followed by North America, to maintain its dominant share by 2027 Based on region, Asia-Pacific, followed by North America, accounted for the highest market share in terms of revenue with nearly half of the global public safety sensors market in 2019, and is projected to maintain its dominant share by 2027. Moreover, this region is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. This is due to technological advancements and increase in automotive standards in developing nations such as India, China, and Indonesia. The report also analyzes regions such as Europe and LAMEA. Leading market players ABB Ltd. FIBARO Baumer Rockwell Automation Siemens AG Schneider Electric Infineon Technologies Texas Instruments Sensors Industries Keyence Corporations Avenue Basic Plan | Library Access | 1 Year Subscription | Sign up for Avenue subscription to access more than 12,000+ company profiles and 2,000+ niche industry market research reports at $699 per month, per seat. For a year, the client needs to purchase minimum 2 seat plan. Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter Similar Reports: Interactive Display Market is Projected to reach $29.19 billion by 2026 Speech Recognition Market size is projected to reach $29.28 billion by 2026 Photonics Sensor Market is Expected Grow at a CAGR of 17.7% during the forecast period Automotive Sensor Market Size is Expected to Reach $37.65 billion by 2027 Magnetic Sensor Market Size is Projected to Reach $4.22 billion by 2026 Prebook these Reports People Counting System Market Size, Share | Industry Analysis by 2026 Safety Relay Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allied-market-research Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (29) Samsung today announced that it would spend 39.63 billion won (roughly $34.1 million) on research projects through its Samsung Future Technology Development Project (SFTDP) foundation in South Korea. The company has selected 31 projects in the areas of basic science, material science, and information and communications technology. A total of 15 basic science projects will receive grants from Samsung. Those include five projects from mathematical science fields, four from life science, four from chemistry, and two physics projects. Many of these projects work to clarify the existing theories around several physiological and natural phenomena. Those include projects on taste receptors in the human tongue and different modes of sexual reproduction. Seven projects from material science fields will also be receiving funds from Samsungs SFTDP foundation. Theres a team of researchers working to develop next-generation cell therapy technology, a treatment method that involves the transplantation of human cells to replace or repair damaged tissue or cells. Advertisement Lastly, Samsung has also selected nine projects from information and communications technology (ICT) fields. Professor Jemin Hwang of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST is working on a four-legged walking robot. It can be programmed to carry out operations in areas where humans may find it difficult to reach easily. Samsung has also selected projects that work on studying the properties of solid-state batteries, DRAM-based in-memory operations, and more. All these projects are selected for the second half of 2020. Samsung to spend $34.1 million on 31 research projects Since the establishment of the SFTDP foundation in 2013, Samsung has provided financial support to 634 projects spread across various fields. In each half of the year, the company selects credible projects in the fields of basic science, material science, and information and communications technology. Advertisement Samsung had selected 28 projects with total spending of 38.85 billion won in the first half of 2020. That batch included 14 basic science projects, eight material science projects, and six projects in ICT. The South Korean behemoth has endowed total funding of 1.5 trillion won ($1.3 billion) to this foundation for ten years. It has so far spent a sum of 822.5 billion won ($708 million) in funding those projects over the years. Samsung aims of fostering and supporting science and technology research fields that will be responsible for the future of Korea through this foundation. Samsung Future Technology Promotion Project discovers challenging ideas and talents that can change the world regardless of the field. We will continue these efforts, said Sung-Geun Kim, chairman of the foundation, earlier this year. Brittany Johnson of Ball Ground, Ga., has been chosen city treasurer for the city of Chattanooga. The appointment is subject to the approval of the City Council. Ms. Johnson has worked in accounting for a private firm for the past 15 years. The firm deals with utility payments and accounting for multi-family housing units. Ms. Johnson told members of the City Council that the application process said those not living in Tennessee need not apply. She said she did anyway and later was chosen. Hurricane Delta was barreling toward Mexico early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm that threatened to produce a life-threatening" storm surge along portions of the Yucatan Peninsula, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. The storm, the ninth named hurricane of the season, was about 80 miles east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, the center said. As of Wednesday morning, Delta had maximum sustained winds of nearly 120 miles per hour, with higher gusts. The storms intensity had fallen slightly from Tuesday night, when it was briefly upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane, and forecasters expected it to weaken further as it moved over the Yucatan Peninsula later in the day. But a restrengthening was expected when Delta passed through the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday night and Thursday, the center said. It also warned of a life-threatening storm surge of eight to 12 feet above normal levels along the Yucatan Peninsulas eastern coast, as well as destructive waves. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden participate in the first presidential debate at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 29, 2020. (Win McNamee-Scott Olson/Getty Images) Trump Opposes Bidens Proposal to Enact National Abortion Law President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he opposes a proposal from Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to pass a national abortion law. Wow. Joe Biden just took a more Liberal position on Roe v. Wade than Elizabeth Warren at her highest, Trump wrote on Twitter. Biden and Democrats just clarified the fact that they are fully in favor of (very) LATE TERM ABORTION, right up until the time of birth, and beyond which would be execution. Biden even endorsed the Governor of Virginia, who stated this clearly for all to hear, he added in another missive. GET OUT AND VOTE! Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, last year appeared to say that killing a baby who had already been born would be fine under a state legislative proposal. A number of Democrat lawmakers support abortion up until birth, a position supported by a minority of Americans, according to surveys. Biden during a town hall in Florida on Monday night said he would push to enact legislation that would give access to abortions if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. The 1973 Supreme Court ruling made access to abortion a constitutional right. Biden said the expectation is that the Supreme Court could soon move to overrule the ruling. And the only thing, the only responsible response to that would be to pass legislation making Roe the law of the land. Thats what I would do, he said. The town hall then went into a commercial break and the topic was not broached again. President Donald Trump (L) and former Vice President Joe Biden during the first presidential debate at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 29, 2020. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo) Biden and Trump clashed over the ruling during their first debate last week. The point is that the president also is opposed to Roe v. Wade. Thats on the ballot as well and the court, in the court, and so thats also at stake right now, Biden said. You dont know whats on the ballot. Why is it on the ballot? Why is it on the ballot? Its not on the ballot, Trump responded. Its on the ballot in the court, Biden said. No abortion-related cases are on the Supreme Court docket, though court watchers believe abortion cases will arrive before the court in the future. Trump and some other Republicans have also said it isnt clear whether Amy Coney Barrett, Trumps Supreme Court nominee, would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade if the matter arose. Barrett as a federal judge joined in a dissent that targeted a law that banned abortions for sex, race, and disability reasons, arguing the Supreme Court has never ruled on such a law, leaving interpretation to lower courts for now. She also opposed the overturning by a court of an abortion law that would have required parents be notified when a girl under 18 is seeking an abortion. Many Democrats and some Republicans believe Barrett would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade. Republicans have made perfectly clear they want to rush Judge Barrett onto the Supreme Court so she can dismantle the right to safe, legal abortion. Not on my watch and not if women and men across the county have anything to say about it, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, said in a recent statement. Sacrificing the economy, the education of our children, and our collective mental health for the purported purpose of slowing the spread of a disease that is survived by more than 99% of those under 70 who contract it is no longer tolerable, and President Trump is waging his presidential campaign on ending the madness. Here is the CDC's best estimate of the lethality of COVID for each age cohort: 019 years: 0.00003 2049 years: 0.0002 5069 years: 0.005 70+ years: 0.054 Now that we know how to treat it, COVID is not something to panic over unless you are very old and already have health problems (comorbidities) that are very likely to shorten your expected lifespan even without COVID. President Trump's rapid recovery, despite being 74 and overweight (which caused the MSM to go insane, predicting his impending demise over the weekend), stands as dramatic evidence that the panic used to justify devastating the economy and closing schools is foolishly overblown. YouTube screen grab. Heather Mac Donald, writing in City Journal, sums up the false panic being peddled by the Democrats and their media handmaidens: The media and Democratic establishments are in a frenzy of Schadenfreude over President Trump's COVID diagnosis. Trump's contracting the disease, they argue, discredits any coronavirus policy short of lockdowns and mandatory mask-wearing, outdoors as well as in. Trump is now "exhibit No. 1 for the failure of his leadership on coronavirus," Democratic pollster Geoff Garin toldthe New York Times. By contrast, former Vice President Joe Biden's basement-bunker response has been vindicated, such commentators allege. Biden drove home his status as the country's premiere symbol of safetyism on Friday by giving a masked and muffled speech in the vast outdoors of Grand Rapids. No one was within yards of him; Biden could not possibly have become infected or infected anyone else, since transmission in well-ventilated outdoor spaces is virtually nonexistent. Yet such displays of coronavirus virtue-signaling will now multiply exponentially, especially from masked television reporters speaking en plein air to a camera yards away. President Trump's magnificent statement upon returning to the White House from Walter Reed showed what a leader does in the face of panic: face reality and calmly minimize costs and maximize welfare. With Joe Biden absurdly mumbling through a face mask delivering remarks at a podium at least 20 feet from the nearest human, the contrast could not be more dramatic. As Issues and Insights put it: He will also be able to claim that he was right not to hide in the basement, or act like a scared rabbit when he's out in public, like a certain Democratic presidential candidate. The contrast is not going to help Joe Biden's campaign. The grownups are starting to speak out about the costs and dangers of panicking and inflicting worse outcomes in the name of a risk that has been overblown. Thousands of medical and public health practitioners are speaking out on weighing costs against benefits of COVID control measures in what is called the Great Barrington Declaration: As infectious disease epidemiologists and public health scientists we have grave concerns about the damaging physical and mental health impacts of the prevailing COVID-19 policies, and recommend an approach we call Focused Protection. Coming from both the left and right, and around the world, we have devoted our careers to protecting people. Current lockdown policies are producing devastating effects on short and long-term public health. The results (to name a few) include lower childhood vaccination rates, worsening cardiovascular disease outcomes, fewer cancer screenings and deteriorating mental health leading to greater excess mortality in years to come, with the working class and younger members of society carrying the heaviest burden. Keeping students out of school is a grave injustice. Keeping these measures in place until a vaccine is available will cause irreparable damage, with the underprivileged disproportionately harmed. Fortunately, our understanding of the virus is growing. We know that vulnerability to death from COVID-19 is more than a thousand-fold higher in the old and infirm than the young. Indeed, for children, COVID-19 is less dangerous than many other harms, including influenza. As immunity builds in the population, the risk of infection to all including the vulnerable falls. We know that all populations will eventually reach herd immunity i.e. the point at which the rate of new infections is stable and that this can be assisted by (but is not dependent upon) a vaccine. Our goal should therefore be to minimize mortality and social harm until we reach herd immunity. The most compassionate approach that balances the risks and benefits of reaching herd immunity, is to allow those who are at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better protecting those who are at highest risk. We call this Focused Protection. Adopting measures to protect the vulnerable should be the central aim of public health responses to COVID-19. By way of example, nursing homes should use staff with acquired immunity and perform frequent PCR testing of other staff and all visitors. Staff rotation should be minimized. Retired people living at home should have groceries and other essentials delivered to their home. When possible, they should meet family members outside rather than inside. A comprehensive and detailed list of measures, including approaches to multi-generational households, can be implemented, and is well within the scope and capability of public health professionals. Those who are not vulnerable should immediately be allowed to resume life as normal. Simple hygiene measures, such as hand washing and staying home when sick should be practiced by everyone to reduce the herd immunity threshold. Schools and universities should be open for in-person teaching. Extracurricular activities, such as sports, should be resumed. Young low-risk adults should work normally, rather than from home. Restaurants and other businesses should open. Arts, music, sport and other cultural activities should resume. People who are more at risk may participate if they wish, while society as a whole enjoys the protection conferred upon the vulnerable by those who have built up herd immunity. On October 4, 2020, this declaration was authored and signed in Great Barrington, United States, by: Dr. Martin Kulldorff, professor of medicine at Harvard University, a biostatistician, and epidemiologist with expertise in detecting and monitoring of infectious disease outbreaks and vaccine safety evaluations. Dr. Sunetra Gupta, professor at Oxford University, an epidemiologist with expertise in immunology, vaccine development, and mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, professor at Stanford University Medical School, a physician, epidemiologist, health economist, and public health policy expert focusing on infectious diseases and vulnerable populations. It is time to end the destruction of our nation, now that we have the example of Sweden, which never locked down and now is enjoying a normal life, while we remain imprisoned (and many of us impoverished) by panicked restrictions. Tucker Carlson last night showed us what grown-ups can do. A dissident republican group linked to the New IRA killers of Lyra McKee has been criticised for invading a branch of Santander bank in Londonderry. Video footage on social media showed members of the group both inside and outside the bank on the city's Diamond on Tuesday afternoon. Some of those involved wore balaclavas while others carried placards as one member addressed staff and customers inside on a loud speaker. In a statement, Saoradh representative Paddy Gallagher described the PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne as the "English commander of the occupation forces". He said: "This direct action was taken in response to Santander being complicit in the MI5 and Crown Force targeting of working class people by freezing their accounts and restricting access to meagre benefits at the behest of the sinister British intelligence agency and British Crown Forces. "Over the past 12 months, republican activists have faced the wrath of British Military Intelligence, British Crown Forces and every agency that they have weaponised. "This includes banks, like Santander, who are willingly allowing themselves to be used as pawns by the British state. "This is an ongoing tactic that has seen countless republicans across Ireland targeted in such a manner that it threatens the livelihood of their children and families. This ploy of freezing, restricting and then closing the bank accounts of republicans is part and parcel of those same tactics which are strategic and directed." He added: "While the old tactics of political policing, draconian legislation and felon setting have continued unabated, these new tools have been directed at activists and their families to literally starve them into submission; much like the banks themselves by way of their capitalist interests and slavery via debt. "Santander and other banks under the control of MI5 have underestimated the republican family. Everyone who has faced these attacks has received support from Saoradh and will continue to do so." Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton criticised the action: "Not only did these individuals disrupt the business of the bank, but their comments would appear to be a threat against anyone working for Santander. "It is clear this group are determined to reassert themselves again within Londonderry following a quiet period after the murder of Lyra McKee. It is vital there is a united community response against this group and anyone who supports their warped agenda. "The police must investigate this incident to identify those involved and bring forward charges for any breaches of the law identified," he added. A PSNI spokesperson said that police were aware of the protest but added that there had been no complaints. Attempts to contact Santander for comment proved unsuccessful. Saoradh is regarded as the political wing of the New IRA, which was behind the murder of journalist Lyra McKee during street disorder in April 2019. The 29-year-old was shot as she observed street disorder in the city's Creggan area. By Charlotte Bruneau and Maher Nazeh BAGHDAD (Reuters) - "Fried chicken, fried fish, rice!" Mohammed al-Mohammedawi shouts to Shi'ite pilgrims passing his roadside food tent in Baghdad on their way to the holy city of Kerbala on foot. His tent is among hundreds in the Iraqi capital providing free food, shelter and even clothes to the thousands of pilgrims making the 90-kilometre journey to Kerbala, which will take them two to three days, for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage. Local men founded a volunteer group 'Ahbab al-Zahra' to assist the pilgrims after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, who had for decades banned the pilgrimage. Arbaeen marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, Imam Hussein, killed in battle in 680. The climax of the pilgrimage will be held on Thursday (October 8) in Kerbala. Although their operation had been growing ever since 2003, this year is different, al-Mohammedawi said. With the coronavirus continuing to spread in Iraq and with new cases averaging around 3000 to 5000 per day, the Iraqi government decided to limit the number of foreign pilgrims to 1,500 per country of origin. Neighbouring Iran has banned flights to Iraq and closed land borders due to the pandemic. Last year, about 2 million Iranians had visited Iraq for Arbaeen. Al-Mohammedawi said he also noticed a decrease in Iraqi pilgrims this year. But fear of the pandemic did not deter 'Ahbab al-Zahra's Sattar al-Souaidi from volunteering. Despite losing two of his brothers to COVID-19 HE is convinced he won't catch the virus himself. "The volunteers here serve people without wearing face masks, without using disinfectant, because our love and passion for (Imam) Hussein kills this illness," he said. Mohammed Yousef, a pilgrim from Kirkuk, was trying to respect protective measures by keeping his distance and wearing a face mask, but still stopped to mingle and enjoy the free food. Story continues The head of Baghdad's Operations command, Qais al-Mohammedawi, told Reuters a number of security force units were deployed to raise awareness among pilgrims about the dangers of the pandemic. (This story refiles to fix byline) (Writing by Charlotte Bruneau; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday said political leaders have a "greater responsibility" to follow COVID-19 guidelines of social distancing and wearing masks, so that they don't send a wrong message to the public. Rupani's statement came even as several instances have emerged of senior leaders from the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress participating in functions, rallies and addressing large gatherings without following safety norms. "Everybody should follow rules related to social distancing and wearing masks, and they should do so of their own accord in their fight against It is not that we are arresting common man and not politicians (for flouting these rules)," the chief minister said. "Political leaders have a bigger responsibility. They should follow the rules properly so that no wrong message is conveyed to the public," Rupani said, and urged the public to support the administration's efforts to contain the viral spread. Several videos of political leaders flouting COVID-19 safety measures are being circulated on social media. Recently, one such video came to the notice of the High Court Chief Justice Vikram Nath, who asked government pleader Manisha Lavkumar Shah to ensure that the rules of social distancing and masks are imposed uniformly on all, including politicians. In its recent order in a suo motu case on the state government's handling of the pandemic, the division bench of Chief Justice Nath and Justice J B Pardiwala had observed that "the norms and protocols, as prescribed by the state government, time to time, needs to be scrupulously followed, and this applies even to the political leaders of the state". Political leaders of the state are expected to lead their masses and not by themselves flout the norms or the rules and regulations prescribed to combat the pandemic, the court had observed. (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.) Canadian Ambassador to China John McCallum listens to a question following participation at the federal cabinet meeting in Sherbrooke, Que., Jan. 16, 2019. (The Canadian Press/Paul Chiasson) Former Canadian Ambassador to China Retweets Joke About Trumps Death A former Canadian ambassador to China retweeted a joke pondering the death of U.S. President Donald Trump on Twitter, the day after Trump announced his positive diagnosis for COVID-19. If youre in the Trump Administration, may I recommend viewing The Death of Stalin? the tweet read, referring to a satiric film that depicts the power struggle that ensues following the death of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1953. The tweet was posted by author and Trump critic Rick Wilson on Oct. 3, and retweeted the same day by John McCallum, former Canadian ambassador to China and a former Liberal MP who was forced to resign amid controversy. Originally reported by Blacklocks Reporter, McCallum and the Department of Foreign Affairs did not respond when asked on Oct. 5 for comment by the news outlet. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked McCallum to step down in January 2019 after he spoke in favour of the release of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. McCallum lost his post after suggesting Meng had a strong case against extradition to the United States because Trump was using her as a pawn in a trade negotiation with China. In a press conference that sparked controversy and ultimately led to McCallums firing, he weighed in on the Meng case and said her extradition would not be a happy outcome for Canada. He also went on to provide legal arguments in defence of Meng, and in another incident, told a reporter it would be great for Canada if Mengs extradition request was dropped by the United States. His statements were seen as political interference by a government official in a case that is before the courts. McCallum also sparked controversy in 2018 for saying Canada has more in common with China under Communist Party head Xi Jinping than the United States under Donald Trump. Last July, he told a Hong Kong newspaper that he warned his former contacts at Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs that any more punishments imposed on Canadas exports, thought to be in retaliation for Mengs arrest, could help the less friendly Conservative Party win power in the 2019 election. Anything that is more negative against Canada will help the Conservatives, [who] are much less friendly to China than the Liberals, McCallum told the South China Morning Post on July 8, 2019. I hope, and I dont see any reason why things will get worse. It would be nice if things will get better between now and [Canadas federal] election [in October]. McCallum was a strong advocate for greater ties with China and one of the heaviest users of sponsored trips to China as an MP. He was also a regular guest at the Chinese Consulate in Toronto. India has extended a standing invitation to Myanmar Army Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to travel to Darjeeling on his next visit to India. The invite was extended by foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla during his informal conversations during his 24-hour visit to Myanmar capital Naypyidaw with Army chief Gen MM Naravane. It started with a pack of tea from Seeyok Estate in Darjeelings Mirik Valley that Shringla and Gen Naravane had brought as a gift for Myanmars most powerful man. Shringla told him that it was from his hometown, Darjeeling. Senior General Hlaing told the visitors that he loved Darjeeling Tea and had always wanted to visit the hill station that sits in the shadow of the snow-covered Kanchenjunga peak. The military commanders guests immediately told him that Darjeeling would be included in his itinerary next time when he visits India. The senior general was also presented a statue of Vitarka Buddha hand carved by Tamil Nadu artisans. The Vitarka Buddha signifies the discussion and transmission of Buddhas teachings and is depicted by joining the tips of the thumb and index fingers together while keeping the other fingers straight. State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi was also presented with a pack of award-winning tea from the Makaibari Tea estate in Darjeeling. Aung San Suu Kyi, who has lived in India for years, is no stranger to Darjeeling. As this conversation too veered around tea and her preferences, Suu Kyi said she preferred Lopchu, a 90-year-old tea brand that is famous for its aroma and smoky taste. It is grown in a tea estate situated between Darjeeling and Teesta at an altitude of 4,800 feet and is a gift of choice by Indian dignitaries such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi. For the people of Myanmar, the two top Indian officials handed over a consignment of 3,000 vials of the drug Remdesivir and promised more, should the need arise. This was Shringlas first visit to Myanmar after his elevation as foreign secretary in January this year. The high-powered visit was designed as Indias outreach to countries in the neighbourhood and cement the ties between the two countries in areas ranging from security to connectivity. A statement by the Myanmar government later said the two sides had during this visit also discussed the possibility of joint production of Covid-19 vaccine being developed by India, operationalisation of the Sittwe Port in the early part of 2021, conducting vocational training programmes for youths in Rakhine State and exchange of visits of parliamentarians and the youths. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON HIA-LI, one of Long Islands largest business associations, saluted four of the regions most outstanding businesses at the organizations 26th Annual HIA-LI Business Achievement Awards ceremony held September 29. An award selection committee evaluated competing firms and organizations based upon such factors as corporate accomplishments, exemplary employee relations, commitment to the overall Long Island community, and ability to innovate and persevere amid the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period. In these unprecedented times, its more important than ever to celebrate excellence and achievement within our business community, said Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, speaking at the September 29 virtual ceremony. In such a challenging period, our honorees serve as inspiring examples of innovation, dedication, and accomplishment. Theyre role models for all Long Islanders. Weve come together at this award ceremony to celebrate our love of Long Island and our desire to see our region prosper and grow, said Joe Campolo, Board Chair of HIA-LI and Managing Partner at Campolo Middleton & McCormick, LLP. We should all take pride in our honorees accomplishments, their strength, and their resilience. These organizations are playing an instrumental role in helping to lead Long Island through this crisis. HIA-LI presented awards in the following categories: The honoree in the Large Business category, comprising firms with a workforce of 100 or more, was Hauppauge-based American Diagnostic Corporation, one of Americas largest, privately held manufacturers of diagnostic medical equipment. The award was presented to company president and CEO Marc Blitstein and President and CFO Neal Weingart. Other finalists in the Large Business category included Citrin Cooperman, an accounting and business advisory firm based in Melville; Custom Computer Specialists of Hauppauge; Mazars USA, LLP, an accounting and advisory company in Woodbury; and The Tiffen Company of Hauppauge, which manufactures award-winning equipment for Hollywood movies and other photography-related products. The second award category consisted of Small Businesses employing fewer than 100 people. The award went to Central Business Systems, a Melville firm providing total document imaging and other IT-related professional services. The awardee was represented by Co-Owners Sean Infante and Mike Chambers. In the Small Business category, other finalists included Valley Stream-based LMN Printing Company, Inc.; Summit Safety & Efficiency Solutions, a safety, quality and industrial engineering firm based in Miller Place; Techworks Consulting, Inc., a computer support and services company in Ronkonkoma; and Terwilliger & Bartone Properties of Farmingdale, a luxury residential developer. An HIA-LI Business Achievement Award was also presented to a Rookie of the Year honoree representing firms in operation less than five years. The 2020 award was given to Hauppauge-based Connections4Hire, which assists client firms in the fields of business development, sales, marketing, and advertising. Accepting the award was Founder and Master Connector Adam Holtzer. There were two additional Rookie of the Year finalists: 4G Professionals, a provider of facility decontamination services situated in Nesconset; and BLUZAP UV Disinfection Company, a Northport enterprise that provides ultraviolet disinfection services. In the fourth and final Not-for-Profit category, The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind located in Smithtown received the award. CEO John Miller was present to receive the award on behalf of an organization that trains and places guide and service dogs to provide increased independence and enhanced mobility to people who are blind, have low vision, or have other disabilities. Not-for-Profit finalists included Blessings in a Backpack, Longwood Chapter, of Yaphank, which provides food for children from needy families; Family and Children's Association, an agency that provides a range of services for children, families, and seniors, in Mineola; The Islandia-based Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, whose therapeutic equine program helps to facilitate growth, learning, and healing; and Suffolk Habitat for Humanity, of Middle Island, a non-profit that builds communities by bringing people together to build homes. HIA-LI honored Amneal Pharmaceuticals of Hauppauge and Yaphank, a Major Sponsor of the overall HIA-LI Business Achievement Award program. A past recipient of a Large Business achievement award, Amneal is one of Americas leading generic pharmaceutical companies. Also honored with the Industry Partnership Award was the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Through this pandemic, the SBA approved more than 5.2 million loans worth $525 billion in emergency relief funding. Added Alessi-Miceli, The SBA has been a driving force of our economic stability and is leading the way to allow our region and our nation to rebound safely. Finally, HIA-LI presented an Industry Leadership Award to Northwell Health. The New Hyde Park company is the states largest integrated health care system and with a workforce of more than 70,000 employees is also the states largest private employer. The L.A. County assessor says a recent GOP fundraising letter seems to have tried to trick recipients into thinking it was from his office. (Photo illustration by Jerome Adamstein / Los Angeles Times) The upper left-hand corner of the envelope says "Los Angeles County Area Assessment," which is strikingly similar to the Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor. There's an official-looking seal featuring an eagle and stars. "DO NOT TAMPER OR DESTROY," the envelope warns ungrammatically but officiously. But it's not official correspondence. It's a fundraising mailer from a Republican Senate group that L.A. County officials say may have violated state law. "We're very sensitive to this," Assessor Jeff Prang told me. "The envelope clearly resembles letters from my office, right down to the typeface." The letter within, signed by Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, more clearly defines the mailer as a "Republican Party Area Assessment." It purports to be a survey aimed at "compiling a detailed, highly accurate profile of GOP voters across the nation." Sample question: "Do you believe Senate Republicans should continue standing firmly with President Trump against the impeachment-obsessed socialists in the House of Representatives, who have been trying to tear the president down since his first day in office?" In reality, the four-page letter is a vehicle for no fewer than five separate requests for a contribution of as much as $1,000. The committee, it says, "is using every dollar we raise to hold Democrats accountable for their impeachment crusade." "That's why our Republican Senate Majority has been so crucial," Young writes. "The House is controlled by power-mad socialists who will do anything to try and undermine our president." The website of the National Republican Senatorial Committee describes it as "the only national organization solely devoted to strengthening the Republican Senate majority and electing Republicans to the United States Senate." Story continues It's a political campaign group, not a government entity. Democratic senators have a similar fundraising organization. Jesse Hunt, a spokesman for the GOP committee, noted that beneath "Los Angeles County Area Assessment," the envelope says "NRSC" and includes the committee's Washington address. I countered that few non-politicos would be able to say what NRSC stands for (I couldn't have before this column), and that the all-caps L.A. County part is much more prominent than the committee address, which isn't all caps and is in a smaller type face. Hunt declined to respond to that, or to my question as to whether the mailer's envelope had been similarly "localized" in cities and counties nationwide. The commies-under-the-bed content of the mailer notwithstanding, it was a red flag for local authorities when calls started coming in from people asking why Prang, a Democrat, was involved with a GOP fundraising effort. "I'm an elected official," Prang said. "I don't want people asking what I'm doing sending out mail on behalf of the National Republican Senatorial Committee." He reached out to County Counsel Mary Wickham for a legal opinion. He said she determined that the GOP mailer could violate Section 17533.6 of the California Business and Professions Code. The code states that it's illegal for "a nongovernmental entity to use a seal, emblem, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term, symbol or content that reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying" an affiliation with an official agency. Prang said Wickham concluded that "there was sufficient information in the letter to make you believe it's misleading." Stephen Whitmore, a spokesman for Prang, went a step further by revealing that Wickham's office offered to send the National Republican Senatorial Committee a cease-and-desist order. "They wouldn't have done that if they didn't think there was a violation of the code," Whitmore told me. No one at Wickham's office responded to my requests for comment. Rather than a cease-and-desist order, Prang sent a polite letter to Young asking that the National Republican Senatorial Committee stop confusing people with mailers that could appear to be from his office. "I am certain that you can appreciate the sensitivity that accompanies such confusion and hope that you can take steps going forward to reduce this risk of such confusion in Los Angeles County and California," he wrote. No one at Young's office responded to my request for comment. Although Prang said this was the first time his office has been pulled into a political fundraising effort, he's no stranger to misleading mailers. Prang issued a warning last year after I wrote about a sneaky mailer from a company charging $89 for a copy of a homeowner's property deed. The actual cost for a duplicate deed was $3. "Property owners should closely examine any official-looking mailers," Prang said in his warning. "They should be aware of deed scams and unsolicited mailings designed to look as if they've been issued by a government agency." Dubious solicitations from companies are one thing. Questionable missives from political entities are something else. "I've never seen anything like this before," Prang said of the Republican mailer. Not that there'd be much confusion once recipients got past the tricky envelope and examined the contents within. "Now that it's been exposed that the Obama-era FBI abused its power and spied on President Trump's campaign, it's more clear than ever that The Swamp will do everything possible to destroy his administration and stop his pro-jobs, pro-borders, pro-America agenda," the letter says. PolitiFact says the spying claim a persistent GOP talking point is false. Meanwhile, Trump's pro-jobs, pro-borders, pro-America agenda has been disrupted by a deadly pandemic, the worst economy since the Great Depression, a disastrous debate performance and reports that the president engaged in years of aggressive tax avoidance. Oh, and Trump was hospitalized for COVID-19 after months of downplaying the severity of the virus. Democrats, the GOP letter says, "are frantically throwing up roadblocks to our conservative reform agenda and claiming that they are the ones who represent the will of the people." I don't know about that. But I do know this: Trying to dupe potential donors with letters masquerading as official correspondence isn't pro-anything. It's anti-honesty. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Congress leader attacked the government on Tuesday, saying Chief Minister should have the decency to call the alleged gang rape and killing of a Dalit woman in Hathras district a tragedy. Gandhi, who is holding a series of tractor rallies under his 'Kheti Bachao Yatra' in Punjab to protest the Centre's new farm laws, also took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has not spoken "a word" on the Hathras incident. "The CM of should have the decency to say this is a tragedy and will look into it and will protect this family and this girl," Gandhi told reporters here. He was asked by a reporter for his reaction over the UP government reportedly saying that there was an international conspiracy to defame it. Yogi ji is entitled to his opinion. He is more than welcome to imagine whatever he wants to imagine. What I saw there was that a lovely girl was molested, her neck was broken, her family was threatened and the people who did it, no action was taken against them, he said. "If Yogi ji sees it as an international conspiracy, well that is fine, that is his prerogative. What I saw was a tragedy, said Gandhi. Before his tractor rallies, Gandhi visited the Hathras victim's family on his second attempt after being dramatically stopped outside Delhi by UP police. Gandhi said he visited the family wanted them to know that they are not alone. "A child is raped and murdered, but the whole administration attacks the family and country's PM does not utter a word, he said. The 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gangraped and brutalised in Hathras district of on September 14. She died a fortnight later. The victim was cremated near her home on September 30. But her family alleged they were forced by the local police to conduct her last rites in the dead of the night. Local police, however, said the cremation was done "as per the wishes of the family". The UP government has recommended a CBI probe and quoting an FSL report, it has denied the woman was raped. On Sunday, UP police lodged at least 19 FIRs on charges ranging from attempt to trigger caste conflict to sedition in connection with the incident. In his address to BJP workers on Monday, Chief Minister Adityanath referred to recent incidents and said anarchist elements were trying to trigger communal and caste violence in the state. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It might seem extraordinary for anyone to call for extra regulation in a city as notoriously over-regulated as Sydney. But were living through an extraordinary time. Not that youd know it from the long weekend; as the thermometer tipped above 30 degrees, the crowds, completely predictably, flocked outside. On one hand, it was glorious to see: people on beaches and smile-shivering in the sea. It was a slice of the normality weve desperately craved this year and vowed never again to take for granted. And it wasn't like back on March 20, when a huge crowd gathered at Bondi Beach at a critical point in the early days of the crisis, with our health system vulnerable and our public health responses untested. But NSW now has a record to be proud of: 10 days without any locally acquired cases. We need to guard this with everything weve got. We cannot, unfortunately, take our new normal for granted. Especially because were the ones wholl be blamed if things go wrong. EAST LANSING, Mich., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Conquer Accelerator announces its first-ever Grand Rapids season and fall 2020 cohort. The 10-week accelerator welcomes five selected teams to its Grand Rapids program: Airway Innovations, Building Catalyst, FirstIgnite, Lawnbot, and The Patient Company. "Conquer Accelerator helps entrepreneurs successfully build and launch a viable company," said Thomas Stewart, Conquer Accelerator Program Manager. "I think the Grand Rapids cohort is a great representation of the talent in the region and I'm looking forward to helping push these businesses to the next level." Conquer Accelerator is a collaborative effort made possible through partnerships with parent organization Michigan State University Foundation and its subsidiaries Spartan Innovations, Red Cedar Ventures, Michigan Rise, and University Corporate Research Park (UCRP) as well as sponsorships from Foster Swift, Axios HR, and Spectrum Health. Originated in East, the accelerator program supports rising startups by providing $20,000 in funding, access to 40+ mentors, access to follow-on funding, and other essential resources. With collaboration between the Grand Rapids SmartZone Local Development Finance Authority (Grand Rapids LDFA) and the Conquer Accelerator team, the program aims to expand community and corporate outreach as well as support for startups in the area. "We are happy to launch the first Conquer Accelerator cohort in Grand Rapids and look forward to the impact the companies will have on our economy," said Jeremiah Gracia, Director of Economic Development with the City of Grand Rapids. In addition to receiving up to $20,000 in seed funding, selected startups receive tailored mentorship from leaders within their respective industries, entrepreneurship training, as well as access to a network of angel and venture investors. Once companies move on from the accelerator, they become part of Red Cedar Ventures' investment portfolio where they continue to receive support and guidance. "We have an outstanding cohort of companies, strong collaboration with the local community and the launch of the Conquer Accelerator Diversity in Entrepreneurship program," said Jeff Wesley, Red Cedar Ventures Executive Director. Conquer Accelerator launched its first internship program, Conquer Accelerator Diversity in Entrepreneurship (CADE). The program aims to increase diversity within the entrepreneurial community by hiring young professionals from various ethnicities and backgrounds to collaborate with selected teams. Frank Urban, the program's director, says that CADE is the first step towards increasing diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since 2015, Conquer Accelerator has successfully launched 20 active startups. Those companies have gone on to raise $3M+ in additional funding. "Our portfolio of companies have been selected into TechStars, some have successfully exited, and other established companies have created jobs in their own community," continued Wesley. "An investment in great leaders has been the hallmark of this program." 2020's Conquer Accelerator Grand Rapids Season One Teams: Airway Innovations designs and develops advanced airway management solutions, including TubeTrac, the Oral Tracheal tube holder designed to prevent unplanned extubations. designs and develops advanced airway management solutions, including TubeTrac, the Oral Tracheal tube holder designed to prevent unplanned extubations. Building Catalyst is an SaaS platform that more accurately predicts and guides construction outcomes at a fraction of the effort compared to current practices. is an SaaS platform that more accurately predicts and guides construction outcomes at a fraction of the effort compared to current practices. FirstIgnite has built AI-powered business development tools that help the trillions of dollars worth of uncommercialized research and intellectual property get to market. has built AI-powered business development tools that help the trillions of dollars worth of uncommercialized research and intellectual property get to market. Home service companies of all sizes from startups to enterpriseuse Lawnbot 's software to give instant proposals, make online sales, and grow their businesses online. 's software to give instant proposals, make online sales, and grow their businesses online. The Patient Company has perfected the lateral patient transfer process through the development and production of SimPull the first fully automated lateral patient transfer device. Conquer Accelerator Grand Rapids runs virtually from September 14th November 20th. For more information about the teams, visit www.conqueraccelerator.com. About Conquer Accelerator Launched in 2016, Conquer Accelerator has invested over $600K into its startups. From streetwear to AI-assisted language learning, Conquer Accelerator accepts committed entrepreneurs who are ready to take their startups to the next level. Bringing together business and industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and university expertsnot to mention angel and venture investorsConquer alums have access to a powerful network. Learn more at conqueraccelerator.com . SOURCE Conquer Accelerator Our secure workspace solution allows businesses, technology partners and MSPs the ability to enable a remote, secure and collaborative workforce for themselves or their clients. Today Summit Hosting, a leading cloud hosting provider in North America, unveiled a new hosting product that is now available to customers across the United States and Canada. The product Summit Secure Workspace will enable businesses to provide a customizable, secure cloud workspace to employees who need to work-from-home or while on-the-go. Summit Secure Workspace helps small to enterprise-level businesses create a secure workspace for any number of their employees that can be accessed anywhere, from any device using the cloud. We understand that working from home will continue for most businesses but some are beginning to plan the transition back to the office. Theres a need for businesses to have flexibility and continuity of remote work for a staggered return to office or just in case stay at home orders come back around. Our secure workspace solution allows businesses, technology partners and MSPs the ability to enable a remote, secure and collaborative workforce for themselves or their clients, said Stanley Kania, CEO of Summit Hosting. Summit Secure Workspace is available in three user types; Light, Premium, and Elite. Businesses can choose the right fit for each employee. Pricing starts at $10/user/month with no minimum user requirements or long-term contracts. To learn more about Summit Secure Workspace, call a hosting specialist at 888-244-6559 or visit https://www.summithosting.com/summit-secure-workspace/. About Summit Hosting Summit Hosting is the leading provider of Sage cloud hosting and QuickBooks cloud hosting on dedicated servers in the U.S. and Canada. Summit provides a premium, secure and highly customizable cloud hosting environment to thousands of SMBs, SMEs and large enterprises across North America. Your experience with Summit Hosting begins with a knowledgeable U.S.-based sales team. They work with you one-on-one to understand your business, goals and hosting needs. Once theyve developed the right solution to meet your objectives, Summit Hosting puts that plan into action with their technical team. Visit https://www.summithosting.com for more information about QuickBooks, Sage and other managed application hosting services. Rain and mud in WWI battlefields have long been chronicled. In August 2017, a team of stretcher bearers struggle through deep mud to carry a wounded man to safety during the Battle of Boesinghe in Belgium. Credit: Creative Commons/Public Domain Anew collaborative study by a group of scientists and historians finds a connection between the Spanish flu's European outbreaks, including its most deadly one at the end of World War I, and a six-year period of atrocious weather taking place at the time, which blew in cold temperatures and torrential rain from the North Atlantic. The findings by a team led by Alexander More, a research associate in the Initiative for the Science of the Human Past at Harvard, combines ice-core data from a European glacier with epidemiological and historical records, as well asinstrumental readings in order to map temperature, precipitation, and mortality levels from what they term a "once-in-a-century climate anomaly." They find the most miserable weather overlapped or just preceded peaks in Spanish flu mortality. The crests also coincide with some of the war's most notable battles in the years before the flu's arrivalthe Somme, Verdun, Gallipoli. Historical accounts of those actions detail bloody warring between combatants additionally plagued by frostbite, water-filled trenches, and unending mud. More, who is also an associate professor of environmental health at Long Island University and an assistant research professor at the University of Maine's Climate Change Institute, said though many other factors doubtless played roles in the outbreak's deadlinessnot least the virus' natural virulence in a population whose immune systems had never seen it beforethe unusual environmental conditions likely also played a role, causing crop failures, physically stressing millions of men living in precarious conditions, and potentially interrupting migratory patterns of waterfowl that are known to carry the disease. While the rain and mud of the battlefields have been heavily chronicled, "the thing that we didn't know was what anomaly caused that," More said. "We also didn't know how that anomaly functioned, that it was a six-year anomaly. We didn't know the close pattern between the precipitation record and the pandemic. Basically, we saw a spike in cold, wet marine air from the northwest Atlantic that came down into Europe and lingered." The work was published in the journal GeoHealth and supported by a grant from Arcadia, a charitable foundation of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin. It came about through a collaboration between researchers at Harvard, the University of Maine's Climate Change Institute, the University of Nottinghamincluding archeologist and historian Christopher Loveluckand Long Island University. The findings are the latest to stem from an ongoing partnership between Harvard's Initiative for the Science of the Human Past and the University of Maine's Climate Change Institute. The project pairs Harvard historians and University of Maine climate scientists who've drilled and analyzed a 72-meter ice core from the Colle Gnifetti glacier on the Swiss/Italian border. "The fact of the matter is that the ice core has been full of surprises when we applied for the grant we did not expect to shed light on the flu pandemic of 1918 and weather conditions in the trenches of World War I," said Michael McCormick, Harvard's Francis Goelet Professor of Medieval History, chair of the Initiative on the Science of the Human Past, and a senior author on the paper. "With the ice coreover 100 yearsyou can see what you can't with the historical record, that this was an extraordinary anomaly." Climate Change Institute Director Paul Mayewski, another senior author, said their analysis included chemical proxies for 60 different variables and is able to detect changes in the ice column that relate to specific storms. The most meaningful find was elevated concentrations of sodium and chloridea marker of the anomaly's origin in the salty waters of the North Atlanticbetween 1914 and 1919 that were unmatched in 100 years. Mayewski said an important factor in enabling the findings was the central European location of the glacier from which the core was taken. "The closer the ice core is to the action, the more relevant it is," Mayewski said. "I think the most interesting thing [is] that, in a bad sense, a perfect storm occurs. In this particular case it was the combination of a pandemic and climate change and we all know that that's exactly what's happening right now. In the case of World War I, the people who were impacted by thisup to 500 millionwere even less likely to get through it because of all the stresses that were already in existence, everything from the battlefield to malnutrition." Historical accounts of conditions at the front commonly mention torrential rains that filled trenches with water, keeping troops continually soaked, and creating seas of churned mud that swallowed, horses, machines, even men. More cited poet Mary Borden, a war nurse and suffragette, who after The Somme wrote "The Song of the Mud," in which she refers to themuck as "the vast liquid grave of our armies" whose "monstrous, distended belly reeks with the undigested dead." The study picked up three peaks of heavy rains followed by spikes in mortality in 1915 and 1916, which led to crop failures and hardship during what was called the "turnip winter" in Germany. The final leap in 1918 preceded the Spanish flu's most deadly wave in autumn as the war was drawing to a close. Though debate remains over the Spanish flu's origins, there seems little doubt about the deadly impact of waves that began in the spring of 1918 and its connection to wartime troop movements. Though estimates vary, it is thought to have infected 500 million and killed 30 million to 50 million. "The environment is a complex system," More said. "We can't account for all variables of how climate affects the outbreak of disease, but we know for a fact that it does." Explore further Unusual climate conditions influenced WWI mortality and subsequent Spanish flu pandemic Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 22:28:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (L) welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Prime Minister's Office, in Athens, Greece, on Oct. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) ATHENS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Greece and NATO voiced optimism on Tuesday over the possible settlement of a drilling rights dispute between Athens and Ankara in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met here with visiting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg who wrapped up a visit to Ankara one day ago as part of efforts to diffuse recent tensions between Greece and Cyprus on the one hand and Turkey on the other over drilling rights for energy resources and maritime borders which have caused concern beyond the region. Last week Greece and Turkey agreed at NATO's headquarters to establish a mechanism to facilitate de-escalation and reduce the risks of an "accident" in the area, while exploratory contacts between both sides are expected to start soon. "The deconfliction mechanism can help create the space for diplomatic efforts. It is my firm hope that the underlying disputes between the two allies can now be addressed purely through negotiations in the spirit of allied solidarity and international law," Stoltenberg said in a joint statement with Mitsotaki. For his part, the Greek leader reiterated the readiness for a peaceful settlement of disputes. "It is up to Turkey to close the road to the crisis and open the road for a solution. We are ready to meet it on this second road, and I am optimistic that we will eventually follow this road because this road is for the benefit of both our peoples," Mitsotakis said. Mitsotakis said that the sole topic on the agenda of exploratory talks for Athens is settling the maritime zones in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. He welcomed Turkey's latest steps towards de-escalation. In the talks with Stoltenberg on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said NATO allies should demonstrate concrete solidarity with Turkey as "NATO has a very important role and responsibility to prevent attempts that risk the functionality of the alliance." Following initiatives undertaken by several sides lately, the possibility of a "hot episode" in the region seems to have been left behind, according to Greek analysts. Sotiris Serbos, associate professor in international politics at Democritus University of Thrace, said "the visible danger of militarization of the crisis between two NATO member states and the rift in its cohesion" pushed the United States to intensify its pressure on all parties to take steps back for de-escalation and the search for solutions through compromises at the negotiating table "U.S. and the EU will keep up the pressure on Turkey and Greece to resolve the issues through negotiation," he said. Enditem The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday, listed some actions he believes the army can take to win the Boko Haram war. The governor who was a special guest of honour at the 2020 joint Chief of Army Staff Conference held in Maiduguri, Borno State, said the Nigeria Army being the flagship of the nations military, has all it takes to win the war, only if it can review its fighting strategy. While commending the military for what he said was the recent improvement in troops fighting spirit against the insurgents, the governor said the war could be ended in no time if the military especially the Nigeria Army can change the war narratives. He said it is appropriate to commend the army when it has done well and we must also have the courage to tell each other the common truth and be critical of the troops operations when things go wrong. He said his administration will not relent in giving the soldiers all the needed support to win the war. As part of the ten-point agenda of this administration , the Borno state government shall sustain its role as a stakeholder in supporting the activities of the Nigerian army, through the provision of all the needed support and morale-boosting mechanism to all the security agencies to end the fight against Boko Haram crisis. In this direction, I wish to ask the Nigeria army to change the war narratives all together in order to end the crisis. Attack, they say, is the best form of defence. The Nigerian Army must have to take the war to all the hideouts of the Boko Haram. You should not wait and give the terrorists an opportunity for the first attack. You should as a matter of policy, embark on critical clearance operation after successful execution of attacks. He added that the army is finding it difficult to get the buy-in of the local populace, as partners in the counterinsurgency, because it has failed in the area of confidence-building. The Nigerian Army must also embark on confidence-building and confidence sharing mechanism with the communities and civil authorities they found themselves, so as to expose the terrorists, their collaborates and sponsors, he said. Governor Zulum also called on the chief of army staff to look at the issue of competence while deploying officers to command strategic military units, an area he said was not well explored. He said the army authority should not emphasise loyalty of soldiers as criteria for postings to military commands. Sir, in appraising the performance of the Nigerian Army, there is a need to look at the critical issues of competence, dedication and doggedness of officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces. Let me re-emphasise the need for having competent and dedicated officers to head the military commands; because from my little observation, it is noted that all the locations headed by competent and dedicated officers hardly fall into the hands of the insurgents. Therefore we have to weigh the importance of loyalty and competence, which is very important. Governor Zulum also mourned the death of Colonel Dahiru Bako, who died two weeks ago in an ambush by Boko Haram in Borno State. He said the death of such gallant officers and soldiers was a set back in the fight against the insurgency. Earlier, the army chief, Tukur Buratai, commended Nigerian troops for their sacrifices in the service of the nation. The army chief had also commended the president and commander in chief, Muhammadu Buhari, for the support being given to the army. He equally thanked the government of Borno State for partnering with the army in most of its operations. He said though the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the Nigerian armys focus of events for 2020, the army has been able to secure a new allowance. He said the army has been able to procure and deploy PPEs to various formations to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. He said the army has taken delivery of newly procured war equipment which officers and soldiers are being trained on how to handle. He said the army had also been able to locally fabricate some of the military equipment that has been deployed in the front lines, even as he called on all commands to ensure judicious use of all the equipment in a manner that justifies the investment of the federal government. Advertisements The army chief commended the conduct of soldiers during the Edo election even as he urged them to sustain that standard in the Ondo State governorship election holding on Saturday. He said the Nigeria Army has rolled out plans to provide free housing programme for families of all soldiers that have been killed in action while prosecuting the war against Boko Haram. The Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has caused the death of thousands of people and displaced millions of others, mainly in Borno State. The efforts of the Nigerian military and other security agencies have, since 2016, limited the insurgents to the three Northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. However, the insurgents are still able to carry out attacks on civilians and security agencies in those three states. On Saturday, news broke that seven of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons top aides are accusing Paxton of bribery and corruption. A day later, Celina Montoya, the Democratic nominee in Texas House District 121, called on Paxton to resign and urged her opponent, Republican incumbent Steve Allison, to take a similar stand. In 2018, Montoya was the first Democrat in 18 years to compete in the historically red District 121. She fell short against Allison by a margin of 8.4 percentage points, but her campaign is much better funded this time around, District 121 has been identified by the Democratic Party as a seat that with the potential for being flipped. Montoya talked about the latest allegations against Paxton during an appearance on this weeks edition of the Express-News Puro Politics podcast. More for you Allegations against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, through the years On ExpressNews.com: Texas Rep. Chip Roy calls for AG Ken Paxton to resign amid bribery, corruption accusations I think the thing that was most compelling about the news that was released this weekend was the fact that many of the loyalists that remain in his office have asked for an investigation into the work that hes done, Montoya said. Our leaders have to be not only accountable and transparent, but certainly, when it comes down to it, open to the process. Montoya pointed to the fact that Paxton has been under indictment on securities fraud charges for the past five years and still hasnt gone to trial. To this point, weve seen that our attorney general has not been open to the judicial process and has really gotten away from seeing his day in court, Montoya said. At the end of the day, when you serve the people of this state, its a significant miscarriage of justice. Montoya added: I think thats something that has less to do with what party youre associated with and more to do with the responsibility associated with the office. So it was my position, given this latest example, that the attorney general should consider resignation. Hear this and other issues discussed on this weeks episode of Puro Politics. Gilbert Garcia is a columnist covering the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Gilbert, become a subscriber. ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470 Twenty-five years ago in Beijing, government delegates, human rights activists and civil society leaders from around the world gathered at the Fourth World Conference on Women to envision and then plan a better future. But could they ever have imagined 2020? We face a global pandemic that has already claimed one million lives. The virus has also wiped out jobs, threatened to exacerbate hunger and interrupted the education of more than 1.5 billion students and many of the poorest, especially girls, may never go back to school. The Beijing Platform for Action outlined 12 areas of concern and set goals for reducing inequality for women, combatting sexual and gender-based violence, improving access to education for girls, and more, by 2030. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has worked to make these goals a reality for the women and girls it serves: refugees, internally displaced people and those who are stateless (often due to national laws that discriminate against women or particular religions or ethnic groups). But in what ways are women better off today? Where have we made progress, and where have we backslided? We spoke to UNHCR Senior Field Officer Juliette Murekeyisoni for a personal perspective. Born in Burundi in 1973 to Rwandan refugee parents, Juliette witnessed the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide as women and children began pouring into Burundi. Barely out of high school, she snuck away from her family and into Rwanda, where she began what would become a lifetime of working with refugees mostly women and children. Now a field officer for UNHCR in Peru, Juliette works with people who have fled violence and instability in Venezuela. COVID-19 has made her work more difficult. Sexual and gender-based violence is on the rise, landlords are evicting people and many refugees have no way to earn money. But Juliette says women and girls are better off than they were 25 years ago. Below is an excerpt from telephone and email conversations between Juliette and UNHCR editor Sarah Schafer. Can you tell me about yourself? I was born in Burundi and my parents were refugees. They fled persecution and ethnic violence in Rwanda in 1959. Growing up was rough. At 13, I sold peanuts and my mother would sew to pay for food and rent. We built a mud house, and I would cut the grass to put on the houses roof regularly, because after some time it gets old and it rains inside. I would walk barefoot for over 2 kilometres to fetch water, until a Swiss couple offered me water from their house. To thank them, we invited them to our house, and we cooked a small dinner. That night it rained, and the food was full of water. Soon after they had to leave the country, and when I went to say goodbye they gave me money to buy a corrugated iron roof and thats how we got a proper roof. No more cutting grass, thank God. I have always been hard-working, thankful and ready to find creative solutions. In 1994, shortly after you graduated from high school, the Rwandan genocide began, and you felt moved to help. Can you tell me about that? I was always saying, Im going to go home [to Rwanda]. I will not die as a refugee. During the genocide, I watched Rwandan refugees flood into Burundi, many of them with machete wounds, and decided I had to go help. Without telling my family, I left in the middle of the night and crossed the border into Rwanda. Volunteers were helping at the hospitals and others searched for people who were still alive. I joined them. The place was horrific. Butchered corpses covered the ground, and the stench of death was everywhere. That smell will never leave my head. What do you do? Sit down and cry? No. There is no time for that. "During the genocide, I watched Rwandan refugees flood into Burundi, many of them with machete wounds, and decided I had to go help." In 1995, at the Beijing womens conference, participants pledged to abolish inequality, decrease gender-based violence and more. Do you think weve come far enough in 25 years? Theres positive movement. For example, Im so proud to say that Rwanda is the first country in the world where a majority of high-level positions in Parliament are held by women (about 60 per cent). Women are moving ahead, and girls are going to school. We see women becoming presidents and going to space. But not all girls have the same opportunities. The other day I met a Venezuelan refugee girl who is studying to become a beautician, but she wanted to become a pilot. This little girl should have the possibility to make her dreams come true and the education she needs to become the best version of herself. That is why we need to continue working together with governments, communities and UN agencies to close the gaps for girls everywhere. See also: Coronavirus a dire threat to refugee education You worked for UNHCR in Yemen in 2008. Can you tell me what you did there and in particular about your work with women and girls? In Sanaa I was a community services officer working with mostly Somali refugees and their host community. The refugees lived in the city and not in a refugee camp, which made it more difficult to reach and support them. We established a community outreach worker programme, and made sure that women were included. It was very important to have as many women as possible working as community leaders because you would only see men as leaders. Soon men and women were working together. That is one of the accomplishments that made me feel very proud because you could actually see the change. UNHCR's Juliette Murekeyisoni with Venezuelan volunteers at the Virgen de Lourdes Sanctuary in Lima. The organization delivers hundreds of lunches every day to Venezuelans and others in need. UNHCR/Sebastian Castaneda UNHCR senior field coordinator Juliette Murekeyisoni at work in Lima. UNHCR/Sebastian Castaneda UNHCR's Juliette Murekeyisoni delivers aid to Venezuelans Jose Daniel Hernandez Pauque, his wife Ana Teresa Berrios Torres and their children. UNHCR/Sebastian Castaneda What were some things that you tried in Yemen that were new or different at the time? First we established womens and youth associations. We conducted a lot of trainings on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) with women and girls, but I thought that we should also train those who might commit this type of violence, primarily men. We started trainings with the youth association and the outreach workers, where young men and women were already working together. Of course, you can imagine, to talk about such a thing with men at the time was a taboo. They were embarrassed in the beginning but slowly they got more interested and invested in the subject. Later, we also conducted trainings with men community leaders. This was a big risk. I was not even sure if they would ever talk to me again. Instead, they requested more training on the subject. Soon, the trainees started building awareness in their communities. Can you tell me more about the work youve done on issues related to SGBV? When I was in Yemen, I met several women who were really having a hard time, or who would develop an illness, because of female genital mutilation. My team and I had regularly met over tea with women and youth. Most were against this procedure but felt they could not prevent it. Some even told us, Oh, I left my daughter with the grandmother and I came back, and she was circumcised. I was like, What?! I supported them so they could find the strength to stand up to the elder generation and its traditions. I also met with three older women who were conducting these procedures. Eventually they confessed that it was their only income. So, we included them in our (UNHCRs) livelihoods programme. Outreach workers closely monitored them ensuring that they were no longer doing the procedures. It was not easy. But even if you save one girl, you can make a difference. "I hope we can continue working towards gender equality in the UN to be an example for others." How has the coronavirus pandemic affected progress on womens issues? For example, SGBV tends to rise in situations such as this. Have you seen that in Peru? Oh my God, yes. Since the pandemic, femicides have increased in Peru. UNHCR was informed by local authorities that they received 50 per cent more emergency calls from women at risk of gender-based violence since March. That is why UNHCR rented safe places where we can bring SGBV survivors for a couple of days. After that, we can place them in a safe home, so that they are not forced to go back to their partners. UNHCR staff follows up with them to provide psychosocial support and work on a more sustainable solution, such as providing them with cash for rent and food for a couple of months. Is it hard for these women, and others, to earn a living during the pandemic? In Peru, over 90 per cent of Venezuelan refugees and migrants work in informal jobs and they earn their money daily. They have felt a strong impact from the pandemic, which in many cases made them lose not only their jobs but also their homes. Many were evicted, making UNHCRs humanitarian assistance a lifeline for many refugees in Peru. Do you think women of the world are better off now than they were 25 years ago? My God, 100 per cent. Now we have room to speak. Before we didnt. But we still have a long way to go. For example, in UNHCR, where I have been working, I can see a change, some women are in high-level management, but women are still underrepresented. I hope we can continue working towards gender equality in the UN to be an example for others. My main concern is education. Today we see more girls in school, while 25 years ago they were mostly at home supporting with chores. It is still not enough. I would like to see 100 per cent of children, both girls and boys, in school, whether in or out of refugee camps. It does not matter if we are rich or poor, we need to focus on education. "We must accelerate progress working against child marriage. Otherwise, by 2030 more than 120 million girls will marry before they turn 18." What would you like to see in the next year, or even five years, happen for the refugees and displaced people you serve? In 2011, while working in Ethiopia, I was invited to a wedding in the Kobe refugee camp and was shocked to see that it was between a 13-year-old girl and a 65-year-old man. The mother explained that as the man was a chief, it would be good for the daughter to marry him. I thought, How can I stop this? I tried my best, but I failed. I spent months and months thinking about what happened to that little girl. I believe we must accelerate progress working against child marriage. Otherwise, by 2030 more than 120 million girls will marry before they turn 18. When girls marry so young, they are less likely to remain in school and more likely to experience domestic violence. I would also like to see more forcibly displaced women speak up, access education and fulfill their dreams in all areas of work, whether that means working in the humanitarian field, government or flying a plane. PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold has always been one of the world's most precious and coveted metals. Rarity is the primary reason for its value but sometimes even more so, it is and will continue to be a 'safe haven' in times of global crisis. Investors' fear levels are particularly high right now, as the coronavirus pandemic turned a global health crisis into an economic one. And it's uncertain when the world will recover from either of these crises. Renowned investor Warren Buffett once famously said: "Gold is a way of going long on fear" and that still applies to today's markets. An article from CNBC said that It is in such times of uncertainty that gold is touted as a "safe haven" for those looking for shelter from more traditionally volatile investments, like stocks. But other observers also see gold stocks as a good place to be. The article said: ""Compared to an investment in stocks, where even the biggest blue chip companies can (and have) failed, an investment in gold often seems less risky," said Adam Vettese, market analyst at investment platform eToro. Global head of Asset Allocation at investment group Invesco Paul Jackson said: "gold over a long period of time tends to hold its value in real terms" so can be considered as a "refuge" against this risk. Active stocks in the mining markets this week include QMC Quantum Minerals Corp., (TSX-V: QMC) (OTCPK: QMCQF), Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (NYSE: NAK) (TSX: NDM), Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE: AGI) (TSX: AGI), New Gold Inc. (NYSE: NGD) (TSX: NGD) The CNBC article said that gold's physical properties have meant it has long been considered a reliable store of value. It is widely available enough to trade but is in finite supply, so is rare enough to be considered valuable and unlike some metals it is not corrosive, making it durable. The article continued: "Gold has (recently) regained its popularity, with the price climbing back up to its highest point in nearly 7 years A shorter supply of the precious metal has also bolstered its price, pointed out Sheridan Admans, investment manager at U.K. stockbroker, The Share Centre. Buying shares of the companies mining gold was another way to invest. Jackson said this could act as a "leveraged play" on gold, as if its price goes up, the profits of the mining company go up even more, potentially boosting returns. QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: QMC) (OTCPK: QMCQF) BREAKING NEWS: QMC Work Program Update Rocky Lake Gold-Copper-Zinc Project - QMC Quantum Minerals Corp., ("QMC" or "the Company"), is pleased to announce an update on its Rocky Lake volcanic massive sulphide ("VMS") property. Highlights: District scale project with similar geology to the nearby Lalor (27Mt) and 777 (22Mt) mines Previous drilling on Rocky Lake Property intersected significant VMS mineralization Previous QMC drilling returned 10m of 0.48% copper (including 0.80% over 1m ) The Rocky Lake VMS discovery within the company's Namew Lake Project was discovered by HudBay Minerals Inc. ("HBM") in 1987 through an airborne survey. This survey identified a 5km long conductor and was followed up with ground EM surveys that outlined a 1,500m conductor. Historic HBM drilling on the property intersected 10.3m of mineralization grading 0.38% Cu (including 4.3m @ 0.67% Cu). This intersection included high-grade sections (up to 3.0% Cu across 0.3m). Subsequent EM surveys, commissioned by QMC, suggest that some of the strongest portions of the HBM electromagnetic anomaly have yet to be tested. On re-interpretation of the HBM drilling, the data suggest that the HBM drill program was carried out on the footwall side of a potential mineralized body, thereby missing the main target. Copper mineralization intersected in the HBM drilling is present as stringers which is currently interpreted as representing footwall stringer mineralization adding credence to the interpretation that the main massive sulphide mineralized body may well have been missed. Additional geophysical surveys undertaken for QMC over the conductor and subsequent detailed re-interpretation of data suggest the conductor is seated at a depth of 200m and is at least 1,000m long. QMC believes that its recent drilling confirmed the top of the conductor as two drill holes (RL 12-5 and RL 11-2) intersected significant visible chalcopyrite mineralization. Drill hole RL 12-5 cut a 10m thick, semi-massive sulphide intersection grading 0.48% Cu (including 0.80% Cu over 1m). Drill hole RL 11-2 was terminated in massive sulphide at a vertical depth of 193 metres. Assays returned grades of 0.26% copper over a 0.3m wide, semi-massive sulphide intersection which contained approximately 20% iron sulphides. The company anticipates that proposed additional deeper and step-out drilling along the conductor could expand the mineralized section and develop a larger zone of significant VMS mineralization. The company's Namew Lake Project covers over 55,000 acres and is contiguous to the western side of Hudbay Minerals' (HBM-TSX) Namew Lake Mine which has produced 2.57 million tonnes of copper, nickel, gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. The Namew Lake Project is also in the vicinity of the currently producing 777 and Lalor mines, in addition to being proximal to the past-producing Reed Lake Mine. In addition to being in close proximity to these other deposits, the company's district sized Namew Lake Project displays similar underlying geology to the aforementioned mines. Read this release for the QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. news at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-qmc/ Other recent developments in the markets include: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (NYSE: NAK) (TSX: NDM) has recently issued a Technical Report on Alaska's Pebble Project, including a revised mineral resource estimate announced in August (see Northern Dynasty August 20, 2020 news release) that establishes Pebble as the single most significant source of Rhenium in the world. The '2020 Technical Report on the Pebble Project, Southwest Alaska, USA' dated September 30, 2020 can be accessed on www.sedar.com. According to the updated mineral resource estimate, at a 0.30% copper-equivalent cutoff, the Pebble deposit contains: 2.6 million kg of Rhenium, 57 billion pounds of copper, 71 million ounces of gold, 3.4 billion pounds of molybdenum and 345 million ounces of silver within the 6.5 billion tonnes in the combined Measured and Indicated categories at a grade of 0.40% copper, 0.34 g/t gold, 240 ppm molybdenum, 1.7 g/t silver and 0.41 ppm rhenium; and 1.6 million kg of Rhenium, 25 billion pounds of copper, 36 million ounces of gold, 2.2 billion pounds of molybdenum and 170 million ounces of silver within the 4.5 billion tonnes in the Inferred category at a grade of 0.25% copper, 0.25 g/t gold, 226 ppm molybdenum, 1.2 g/t silver and 0.36 ppm rhenium. Greece has approved a technical study for test drilling by Canada's Eldorado Gold Corp (NYSE: EGO) (TSX: ELD) at one of its mine fields, the energy ministry said on Monday. Vancouver-based miner Eldorado has operating mines and development projects in northern Greece. The study involves some 59 drills to further explore potential deposits at Eldorado's Mavres Petres site in northern Greece, aiming at prolonging the mine's lifespan, the ministry said in a statement. Greece has been in talks with Eldorado on a revised investment plan to secure higher royalties from mining development projects and new jobs. Alamos Gold Inc. (TSX:AGI;NYSE:AGI) recently reported new results from surface exploration drilling at the Island Gold Mine, further extending high-grade gold mineralization down-plunge in Island East. All reported drill widths are true width of the mineralized zones, unless otherwise stated. "These new high-grade results over much greater widths include the best surface exploration hole ever drilled at Island Gold and further extend mineralization from one of the highest grade portions of the ore body. They not only demonstrate the significant potential for additional growth in Mineral Reserves and Resources but further validate our decision to install a shaft as part of the Phase III Expansion," said John A. McCluskey, President and Chief Executive Officer. New Gold Inc. (NYSE: NGD) (TSX: NGD) recently reported that it has closed the previously announced sale of the Blackwater Project (the "Transaction") to Artemis Gold Inc. ("Artemis") for consideration comprised of: Total cash consideration of $190 million comprised of an initial cash payment of $140 million and $50 million in cash payable on August 21, 2021; A gold stream on 8% of gold produced from the Blackwater Project, reducing to 4% of gold production once approximately 280,000 ounces of gold have been delivered to New Gold. The stream is subject to a transfer price equal to 35% of the spot gold price; and 7,407,407 Artemis common shares having a current aggregate value of $34.4 million based on the closing price of the Artemis common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on August 21, 2020. "The divestment of the Blackwater Project completes another key transaction for New Gold that allows us to retain exposure to Blackwater through the gold stream and our equity position in Artemis. We believe that Artemis is the best positioned team to advance the project for the benefit of all stakeholders, including the host communities and partners. We look forward to participating in the future success of Blackwater and wish the team well." stated Renaud Adams, CEO. "This transaction, along with the US$300 million partnership with Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan as well as the recent restructuring of our balance sheet through the US$400 million bond offering that funded the redemption of the 2022 senior notes provides us with additional liquidity and financial flexibility as we transition to the next phase of our growth plan." DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty six hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. by a non-affiliated third party. 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Contact Information: Media Contact email: [email protected] +1(561)325-8757 SOURCE FinancialNewsMedia.com Saudi telecom giant, STC is the most valuable brand, worth $9.7 billion, topping the ranking due to its scale and strength, as well as bold new communications initiatives and a strong sense of brand purpose. As per the inaugural BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands 2020 ranking, in addition to providing telecom services, STC has made efforts to promote opportunities for women, young people and for people with determination. With its focus on customer experience, Etisalat ($5.2 billion) is the second most valuable brand. The telecoms company focuses on how technology enriches peoples lives, communicated through its Together Matters tagline and Smiles loyalty scheme.Al Rajhi Bank ($4.7 billion) and FAB ($3.9 billion) are no. 3 and no. 4, out of the 13 banking brands in the Top 30. Emirates ($3 billion) completes the top five with the highest brand equity of the Top 30 brands. The only airline in the ranking, Emirates has successfully integrated online and offline services for a seamless customer experience, while pioneering sustainable measures. Identifying the most valuable brands in the region, the inaugural BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands 2020 ranking was released by WPP and Kantar. With a combined value of $50 billion, the ranking includes consumer-facing brands from across a range of categories, from food to energy, which reflect the changing lifestyles and attitudes within the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The brands featured in the new BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands ranking 2020 are based on the unique and objective BrandZ brand valuation methodology that combines extensive consumer insights with rigorous financial analysis. For this study, over 12,000 consumers were interviewed about 300+ brands across19 categories. Telecom providers and banks contribute 70% ($35 billion) of the combined brand value of the Top 30. HungerStation(no. 25; $488 million) is the youngest brand in this inaugural ranking and the only lifestyle platform in the Top 30. Its success shows the importance of understanding the market, from what people eat to how they shop, as well as the effectiveness of targeting different consumer groups with different communications. During the coronavirus pandemic the brand offered free delivery of groceries and pharmacy products to its customers. Knowing the importance of local cuisine in peoples lives has propelled two food brands, Almarai(no. 6; $2.8 billion) and Saudia(no. 30; $290 million) into the ranking. Accounting for 6% of the Top 30s value, both brands have expanded from their original dairy business, although this remains their primary focus because of its prominence in regional dishes. Real estate brand Emaar (no. 9; $1.8 billion) has put innovation at the forefront of its customer experience by developing the Emaar ONE app to allow homeowners to fully manage their property from their phone. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) (no. 11, $1.7 billion) has successfully expanded its oil and gas operations across the region to meet the challenges of an ever-changing energy market. Many brands have adapted their communications to reflect the developing role of women in the region and in the corporate world. Banks in particular have placed women at the heart of their brand building efforts, including Riyad Bank (no. 13; $1.0 billion) which offers specialised banking services with professional women-only staff. Samba (no.15; $901 million) offers dedicated branches for women and became the first banking group with a female CEO in Saudi Arabia. David Roth, CEO of The Store WPP, EMEA and Asia and Chairman of BrandZ, said: In this first BrandZ ranking to cover Emirati and Saudi brands, its clear that there are huge opportunities in the region for brands that can adapt to new and dynamic markets and meet fast-changing consumer needs.Creating value by developing meaningfully different, valuable and responsible brands in the region is good for consumers, economies, businesses, employers and shareholders alike. Amol Ghate, CEO Middle East, Insights Division, Kantar: Our first Top 30 ranking is reflective of the diversity and dynamic nature of life within the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. We see brands that have a long history in the region, as well as new and upcoming brands that are influencing the way we live, shop, eat and travel. Its an exciting time as new innovative brands collide with old, but what they have in common is a desire to meet the demands of a changing society. At the same time, brands have had to adapt quickly during the global pandemic to meet customer needs and support local communities at a time of crisis. Other key trends in the BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands ranking: Closing the innovation gap improving perceptions of innovation is a significant opportunity for brands to drive brand value growth and to connect with new generations of customers. With no pure-play technology companies in the Top 30, there is a big opportunity for brands to step into the breach and capitalise on digital connectivity and meet changing consumer behaviour, such as the move to online shopping; Disruptive and emerging brands are knocking on the door of the Top 30, including challenger brand Noon, which uses innovative geo-tagging technology to deliver products to exactly the right place, adding grocery to its existing portfolio to expand its base during the pandemic. Ride-hailing app, Careem has evolved its range of services including online grocery, while CAFU, the most disruptive brand in the region and scoring high on difference, is offering the first petrol delivery application and has customised its offerings to different types of customers. In addition, Saudi brand Albaik is shaking up fast food with its must-have broasted chicken; and Brand purpose is an opportunity for brands in the region to increase brand value further. Companies like Hunger Station, Emirates, Albaik and Almarai all score highly on the BrandZ Purpose Index. While purpose is not about saving the world, brands are recognising that even small steps can make a big difference with consumers. The BrandZ strong brand portfolios have consistently outperformed the market, including the S&P 500 and MSCI World Index. This validates the role of marketing and brand-building investment to support recovery at a critical time for businesses. -- Tradearabia News Service The Morrison government has crafted a solid treatment and recovery plan to nurse Australia back to economic health over the next couple of years, but ducked history's invitation to reform it for the next couple of decades. It's a plan loaded with sugary stimulants to get the system moving by the next election, but without a long-run muscle-building program for the years beyond. Australia's economy is seriously sick with the virus, and the government is injecting a correspondingly big stimulus to get it moving. How big? The conservatives made an art form out of bemoaning Labor's fiscal recklessness. They made Gough Whitlam's name a byword for sheer irresponsibility. Yet he was a tightwad compared to Scott Morrison. Whitlam's biggest budget deficit was equal to 1.8 per cent of GDP. Paul Keating's was 4.1, during Australia's last recession. Tackling the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad region will dominate discussions at the upcoming 47th Session of the Organisation of Islamic Corporation (OIC). The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in Nigeria in 2009, has spread to neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon. A statement Tuesday by Lama Hammami Director, Information Department at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, said the meeting is to take place in Niamey, the capital of Niger. The agenda, according to the statement, was disclosed by the OIC Secretary-General, Yousef Al-Othaimeen, at a meeting with the Permanent Representatives of the OIC Member States at the General Secretariat headquarters in Jeddah. During the Meeting, the Secretary-General highlighted the ongoing preparations for the 47th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), which will be hosted by the Republic of Niger in the capital Niamey, to discuss key issues on the OIC files especially supporting Member States in tackling Boko Haram, ISIS and other extremist groups in the Sahel and Lake Chad region. The meeting also discussed the ongoing preparations for the Science and Technology Summit to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates, as well as the latest political, humanitarian and human rights developments of the Rohingya Muslim minorities in Myanmar. The secretary-general also reviewed the efforts of the OIC secretariat and organs in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Former first lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday launched a scathing attack at President Donald Trump, accusing him of being a racist and not being up to the job and urged fellow Americans to make informed and engaged choice in the presidential election to regain stability in the country. Pitching for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, she made an impassioned plea through a 24-minute video, saying that the country is in chaos and the voters should know what is at stake. Titled Closing Argument, the video was released on social media platforms and also by the Biden campaign. Believe it or not, the election is right around the corner. Votes are already being cast. And if youre still deciding who to vote for, or whether to vote at all, I wanted to take a moment to remind you whats at stake and to urge you to make a plan to vote today. Because lets be honest right now, our country is in chaos because of a president who isnt up to the job, she said in the video. While the presidential elections are scheduled for November 3, early-voting and mail-in-voting has already started in states across the country. Alleging that the president, already hit by the coronavirus, continues to gaslight the American people by acting like this pandemic is not a real threat, Michelle said, so what the president is doing is once again, patently false. Its morally wrong, and yes, it is racist. But that doesnt mean it wont work because this is a difficult time, a confusing time. And when people hear these lies and crazy conspiracies repeated over and over and over again, they dont know what to think with everything going on in their lives. She said that to regain any kind of stability, weve got to ensure that every eligible voter is informed and engaged in the selection. Because the stakes are on display every day, not just in the headlines, but in our families. If you are a parent like me, youre feeling the consequences of this presidents failure to take this pandemic seriously from his constant downplaying of the importance of mask and social distancing to his relentless pressure on schools to open with offering a clean plan or meaningful support to keep students and teachers safe, she said. Trump returned to the White House on Monday night after spending four days at a military hospital where he was treated for coronavirus. Urging people to vote for Biden, the former first lady said that Americans have the chance to elect a president who can meet this moment, a leader who has the character and the experience to put an end to this chaos, start solving these problems and help lighten the load for families all across the country. The one thing this president is really, really good at is using fear and confusion and spreading lies to win, she alleged. Former president Barack Obama and Michelle have not campaigned much in person this election season. But they have been issuing videos in support of Biden and his running mate Senator Kamala Harris. Obama has also attended a number of fundraisers for Biden and Harris. Commerce, MI -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/06/2020 -- Performing even a small act of kindness for another person is rewarding and infectious. That's why Matheson Heating, Air & Plumbing is reminding everyone in Southeastern Michigan that Make a Difference Day is coming up on Oct. 24. Matheson is known throughout this area for its amazing heating, cooling and indoor air quality services as well as its professional plumber services in South Lyon and beyond. But Matheson also is a company with a big heart where management and staff believe in helping to make their community a better place. Here's an example: In March, as Michigan and the rest of the country were learning about the COVID-19 virus and sheltering in place, the team at Matheson reached out to local residents through its Facebook page, offering to help with groceries, trash cans and other seemingly small but important household tasks. This simple act of kindness was met with an overwhelming outpouring of gratitude. At the time, Jennifer Bunker, who was recovering from surgery and is disabled, thanked the team for its help, writing: "I so appreciate wonderful people like you at this time of great uncertainty." Another area resident, Jeff Rondeau, wrote: "This is what makes a community. We're all gonna be stronger after this. (I) much appreciate the positive Influence." Make a Difference Day is just one of the ways people in this community can get involved. Now in its 30th year, Make a Difference Day encourages people across the country to volunteer in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, nursing homes, community parks, neglected neighborhoods, schools, etc. Its popularity has grown and millions of Americans take part each year. Events like this help bring people together to build stronger communities in which to live, work and play. Matheson is proud of its reputation as the company customers count on for all of their heating, cooling, IAQ and plumbing services, including when they need to replace water heaters in White Lake and nearby communities. But this team is even prouder of its role in improving this little corner of the world. About Matheson Heating, Air & Plumbing Matheson Heating, Air & Plumbing is a family-owned, family-operated home comfort provider that has been serving communities in Southeastern Michigan for nearly 75 years. It specializes in heating, cooling, plumbing and indoor air quality replacements, installations, repairs and maintenance. It is known for its uncompromising commitment to quality, craftsmanship and friendly customer service. Contact Matheson at 248.277.5762 or by visiting the website. By PTI NEW DELHI: With one foot in India and the other in the West, actor Ali Fazal is enjoying the fruits of his "democratic" journey in cinema and he hopes to bring many more stories to life, irrespective of their origin. The actor made his Bollywood debut with a special appearance in the 2009 blockbuster "3 Idiots" as the under pressure engineering student Joy Lobo who dies by suicide. Lucknow-born Fazal too was a science student pursuing his bachelors in Mumbai when "3 Idiots" happened. "I started learning slowly, one after the other. This has been a learning journey for me especially because I never got a chance to study acting. I have given a lot of flops too, which I regret. But all that has helped me grow into a better human being and better my craft," the actor told PTI in a Zoom interview. Fazal, 33, branched out to international cinema in 2015 with a small role in the Hollywood action adventure "Furious 7" and went on to star in one of the titular roles in the British-American biographical comedy drama "Victoria & Abdul" alongside screen icon Judi Dench playing the British monarch. On his experience of working abroad, the actor said when one is introduced to world cinema, they realise "this is far bigger than one bubble". "We are all human beings trying to tell our stories, there are so many stories. This journey may never end. I want to tell as many of those stories as I can." Closer home, he is known for playing the level-headed Zafar in the comedy film series "Fukrey" and the trigger-happy Guddu Pandit in the Amazon Prime Video web series "Mirzapur". WATCH | Shweta Tripathi, Ali Fazal prepare to take back 'Mirzapur' in season 2 trailer Asked if there was a dream role, Fazal said the day he defines one he will end up "caging" himself. "I wish I keep looking for a dream role. There are dream roles and they are still to come." The second season of crime drama "Mirzapur" is slated to start streaming from October 23 and the actor said his character has come a long way since the series debut in 2018. The new chapter will see Fazal's Guddu transform from a "lazy" muscleman to someone who starts using his own brain to deal with the situation. "Human beings are unpredictable. You don't know how you would react especially after a huge part of your family has been wiped out in front of your eyes. In season two, there is a very thin line between losing your mind and staying sane enough to turn this into one revenge drama or something else. "Guddu is not the lazy guy that he was in season one who relied on his brother Bablu (played by Vikrant Massey) for his brains and was obsessed with all the cool things in life. Now he starts to use his own little head," he said. On set, he said, his job gets easier when his co-actor is "better" than him. "I like to think that there's a presence that everybody has. I remember I had a scene with Pankaj (Tripathi) ji in season one. I know him, I have fun working with him...Then I feel more confident as it becomes a 'jugalbandi' (duet), not a match against each other. So, both the artistes rise." Next up for Fazal is the film adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile", directed by Kenneth Branagh. The movie is Branagh's follow-up to his 2017 blockbuster "The Murder on the Orient Express", which was also based on iconic author's book of the same name. Branagh, who also reprises his role of iconic detective Hercule Poirot in the follow-up, called Fazal as a "real details man" in an interview with PTI in June. Responding to the praise, Fazal said working with the BAFTA winner was "amazing" as he would go out of his way to make the cast -- also featuring Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Annette Bening, Letitia Wright, Rose Leslie, among others -- feel comfortable. "It was day one of shoot and he made these small chits for a quiz of all of our work. He used to keep playing these quizzes just so that the actors would get to know each other and their work. "He doesn't need to do that. It was these small gestures. He is the director of a multi-million dollar project and a famous guy himself, but he remembered every single person's name on that set," he added. Fazal plays a British character named Andrew Katchadourian, a cousin of Gadot's Linnet Ridgeway-Doyle in the film, which is now slated to be released in 2021 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Late American actor George Kennedy played the same role in the 1978 original. Fazal joins Indian-origin British actor Dev Patel, who played the title role of the English character in Armando Iannucci's "The Personal History of David Copperfield", in portraying a part through colour-blind casting. Colour-blind casting is defined as the casting of ethnic minority actors in roles where race, ethnicity, or gender is not germane. Fazal said this form of casting is "necessary" to be able to include people of all races, colours and genders in the filmmaking process. "The onus is on the writers now. If you are a good actor, you fit," he noted. The actor, however, cautioned that going ahead certain films will have to be made according to the geography and time period. Fazal also said he shot for a two-actor film under lockdown and will start filming another project soon. October 6, 2020 Tori Parks, Marketing Intern POCATELLO Idaho State University ambassadors play crucial roles in new student enrollment, but because of COVID-19, their roles have shifted. The Idaho State ambassador program started in 1980 with 30 handpicked students to help with enrollment. Today, there are 17 ambassadors, whose roles include giving campus tours to prospective students, helping with recruitment events and college fairs. However, because of COVID-19, the roles of the ambassadors have changed. As of now, all events we would usually attend are cancelled or online, said Cecelia Magallon, a third-year ambassador. We also have very limited one-on-one tours this semester. This is normally a busy time for tours, but now we are lucky to have more than four tours a week. Though there is limited interaction with prospective students this semester because of COVID-19, Magallon and the other ambassadors are still able to communicate with prospective students. This year has been odd for campus visits, but we are constantly communicating with students via email, text messages and even postcards, Magallon, a Jerome native, said. We understand that many students may not want to come to campus at the moment, but we are using these other forms of communication to show students we are here for them, especially during these hard times. Idaho State ambassadors are an integral part in helping prospective students feel comfortable with the transition from high school to college. Because of COVID-19, ambassadors have had to find new ways to do this. We have had to find ways to reassure our prospective students that higher education is still a viable and safe option for them in this unprecedented time, said Jenna Hopkin, the associate director of admissions, recruitment and outreach. Our ambassadors have been extremely resilient to continue offering individualized campus tours for our prospective students, which many other schools in the state are unable to do. To Magallon, helping students during these hard times is the best part of being an ambassador. Even though things are different right now, I love getting to make connections with prospective students, said Magallon. Helping students and making an impact on their transition from high school makes it all worth it. For more information on campus tours, visit https://www.isu.edu/visit/. Photo is of Cecelia Magallon. Stone had been under hospice care recently, according to Van Halen News Desk. Stone played alongside drummer Alex Van Halen and guitarist Eddie Van Halen in pre-Van Halen bands named Genesis and Mammoth, and was a member of Van Halen from 1972 to 1974, when he was replaced by Michael Anthony. His playing can be heard on unreleased demo tracks "Gentleman of Leisure," "Angel Eyes," "Glitter" and "Believe Me." Stone was kicked out of the band because of his unwillingness to sing background vocals at a time they were heavily reliant on harmonies, as stated in the book "Van Halen Rising: How a Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal" (Newser) The pandemic has reached the highest levels of the Pentagon as well as the White House. Sources tell CNN that most of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are in quarantine because Adm. Charles Ray, vice commandant of the US Coast Guard, tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday. The sources say senior military leaders who were near Ray in meetings in recent daysincluding some in a secure space for classified information known as the "tank"are awaiting test results. The only service chief not currently quarantining is Gen. David Berger, commandant of the Marine Corps, whose deputy attended the meetings where Ray was present, according to CNN's sources. story continues below The Pentagon hasn't disclosed when or where Ray was infected, but his recent movements included a Sept. 27 White House event involving Gold Star families, the Washington Post reports. Coast Guard spokesman Rear Adm. Jon Hickey says Ray will be quarantining for 14 days in line with Coast Guard COVID policies. A Pentagon rep said in a statement Tuesday that the readiness of the US military has not been affected. "We are conducting additional contact tracing and taking appropriate precautions to protect the force and the mission," he said. (Read more Pentagon stories.) A 42-year-old man who was found dead in Southwest Portland last week has been identified as Nathaniel Carlow, but the circumstances of his death remain a mystery. Portland police identified Carlow on Monday, six days after he was found dead at a homeless camp in the area of Southwest Fourth Avenue and Caruthers Street. Police say Carlow died of blunt force trauma, but investigators still havent determined the manner of death that is, whether the fatal injury was the result of an accident or homicidal violence. Police would not specify whether Carlow had been living in the homeless camp or how long his body had been there before it was found. Court documents from 2019 identified Carlow as houseless. They also refused to provide more specific information about Carlows injuries. They said homicide detectives initially responded to the scene but have not released any information about a suspect. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Nicolas Daragon, Mayor of Valence, France, went on Facebook and Twitter to expresses his support for Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). "For 8 days, our friendly country, Armenia, is in a critical geopolitical situation, the consequences of which are unknown in the already unstable region. As a proof of our friendship with the Armenians, the City of Valence, which has always defended Armenia, wants to contribute, which is organized with the participation of all the peoples here. Thus, the city council unanimously decided to providethrough the Armenian Fund of France10 thousand euros of medical and other (clothes, shoes, food for children, etc.) assistance to the victims of the war," Daragons respective post reads, in particular. Florida officials said they would extend the states voter registration deadline through 7 p.m. Tuesday after the states voter registration website crashed repeatedly Monday night, raising questions about whether the state was prepared for an enormous last-minute influx of voters. The registration site was experiencing more than a million requests per hour on Monday in the lead-up to the original midnight deadline, said state officials. Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said the trouble began at about 5 p.m. on Monday. It was an inordinate amount of traffic, he said. If 500,000 people descend at the same time, it creates a bottleneck. The website gave users error messages and caused delays, prompting some state officials and cybersecurity experts to question whether the website had been targeted by hackers. WASHINGTON, Wash. - Symptoms of the COVID-19 pandemic, to say nothing of how it has been handled by the White House, will be everywhere Wednesday when Mike Pence and Kamala Harris sit down for their televised vice-presidential debate in Utah. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Vice-President Mike Pence speaks to members of the media at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, as he leaves Washington for Utah ahead of the vice presidential debate scheduled for Oct. 7. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Jacquelyn Martin WASHINGTON, Wash. - Symptoms of the COVID-19 pandemic, to say nothing of how it has been handled by the White House, will be everywhere Wednesday when Mike Pence and Kamala Harris sit down for their televised vice-presidential debate in Utah. Members of the studio audience will be wearing face masks, or ejected if they refuse. The vice-president, the senator from California and moderator Susan Page will be nearly four metres apart from each other. And the Plexiglas barriers dividing the trio will be impossible to ignore. "That's the lens through which the American people are going to be evaluating these candidates," said Steven D. Cohen, a business communication professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in Baltimore. "They're literally and figuratively going to be looking at these candidates through the Plexiglas and asking themselves, 'Who is better prepared to lead this country?'" This time around, that's not a rhetorical question. Despite his recent theatrics, President Donald Trump, 74, is sick with COVID-19, a disease that wreaks particular havoc with those in his age group and has killed more than 210,000 Americans. Former vice-president Joe Biden, meanwhile, looks and sounds every bit the 77-year-old man that he is, a circumstance that has pegged him as a one-term president whose main job for the Democrats is to oust Trump. Couple that with the fact that voters were able to glean little of substance amid the vitriol of last week's presidential debate, and Wednesday's undercard is looking more and more like the main event. "At any moment, one of these two vice-presidential contenders could potentially take over as commander-in-chief," Cohen said. "These two candidates have an opportunity to introduce themselves to the American people, because potentially hopefully not in the next four years, but potentially four years from now one of them could be a future president." In many ways, Wednesday's debate will be a polar opposite to last week's insult-riddled confrontation between Biden and Trump. Harris, a former California attorney general, is expected to deploy her clinical, prosecutorial style against Pence, whose position atop the much-maligned White House coronavirus task force will ensure COVID-19 is a dominant topic. For his part, the vice-president, whose retiring political style is diametrically opposed to that of his boss, will need to demonstrate there's at least one adult in the White House, said Mitchell McKinney, director of the University of Missouri's Political Communication Institute. That mission will be helped by the format a sit-down, tabletop affair at the University of Utah that McKinney describes as a "chat" debate. "That debate produces a more reasoned deliberative dialogue; it's a conversation," he said. "The vice-presidential debate has typically been less attack-oriented, with less bombast, because of that dynamic of how they're seated there." The pandemic will nonetheless loom large, and not just because of the plastic shields that Pence staffers have mocked the Democrats for demanding. COVID-19 has been running rampant through the West Wing in the days since Trump himself tested positive last week before spending three chaotic days at Walter Reed National Military Health Center. That hospital stay, which produced more questions than answers about the president's health, culminated Monday in a theatrical, made-for-TV return to the White House, complete with a breathy, unmasked salute from atop the Truman Balcony. "Don't let it dominate you," Trump said in a video posted to Twitter minutes later, seemingly oblivious to the mounting death toll or to the number of White House staff who tested positive in his absence. 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. "Don't be afraid of it." Trump's efforts to shrug off the crisis continued Tuesday as he pulled the plug on congressional efforts to negotiate a new economic stimulus package, demanding the effort be tabled until after the election and that Republicans on Capitol Hill concentrate instead on confirming his Supreme Court nominee. As it has been since 2016, it will be Pence's job to portray some method among the madness. "Pence has to wave it away, deflect from it 'Oh, you know, everything's fine. Everything's great,'" McKinney said. "I think he, particularly, has to deliver that type of reassuring performance, much of it based on what has happened the past few days." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020. Dozens of animals who are 'regularly in contact with people' worldwide 'may be susceptible to the coronavirus', research suggests. (Getty Images) Dozens of animal species worldwide may be susceptible to the coronavirus, research suggests. The previously unknown infection is thought to have started in bats, before jumping into humans, possibly via pangolins. Concerns were raised early in the outbreak when a dog in Hong Kong tested weak positive for the coronavirus, however, experts stressed there was no evidence pet animals can be a source of infection. A tiger in a New York zoo also hit the headlines when it caught the virus, even developing a tell-tale dry cough. Read more: Long COVID patient 'not the same person she was' When it comes to animals catching the coronavirus, experts have previously warned against mass hysteria. Scientists from University College London (UCL) have since reported, however, 26 creatures that are regularly in contact with people may be susceptible to the infection. Scientists from University College London identified sheep as being at-risk of infection. (Stock, Getty Images) The coronavirus enters cells when its so-called spike protein interacts with a receptor called ACE2. Based on existing evidence, the UCL team believe it is unlikely the virus could infect a species without binding to ACE2. The scientists therefore investigated ACE2 mutations across 215 animals. These mutations mean the receptor differs from the human version, reducing the stability of the binding complex between the virus spike protein and the hosts receptor. Results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, suggest that in animals like sheep and great apes chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos the virus spike protein and the species ACE2 receptor would be able to bind together just as strongly as they do when the virus infects people. Read more: How to swab a baby, toddler or child for coronavirus at home The scientists stressed, however, that for some species this is just a hypothesis. Sheep, for example, have not been studied for infection risk specifically, just spike protein and ACE2 binding. We wanted to look beyond just the animals that had been studied experimentally, to see which animals might be at risk of infection, and would warrant further investigation and possible monitoring, said lead author Professor Christine Orengo. Story continues The animals we identified may be at risk of outbreaks that could threaten endangered species or harm the livelihoods of farmers. The animals might also act as reservoirs of the virus, with the potential to re-infect humans later on, as has been documented on mink farms. These minks are thought to have been infected by farm workers. In a few cases, the minks have transmitted the virus to other people, in the first reported cases of animal-to-human transmission. Watch: The Bronx zoo tiger that tested positive for coronavirus When looking at the risk among different types of animals, the scientists predicted most birds, fish and reptiles do not appear capable of catching the coronavirus. Among mammals, however, most of the species they analysed could theoretically test positive, the results suggest. The team stressed further research is required. The details of host infection and severity of response are more complex than just the interactions of the spike protein with ACE2, so our research is continuing to explore interactions involving other host virus proteins, said Professor Orengo. Read more: One in 10 critically ill COVID patients has a cardiac arrest Co-author Professor Joanne Santini added: To protect animals, as well as to protect ourselves from the risk of one day catching COVID-19 [the disease caused by the coronavirus] from an infected animal, we need large-scale surveillance of animals, particularly pets and farm animals, to catch cases or clusters early on while theyre still manageable. It may also be important to employ hygiene measures when dealing with animals, similar to the behaviours weve all been learning this year to reduce transmission, and for infected people to isolate from animals as well as from other people. Are pets a risk amid coronavirus outbreak? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus spreads between humans. This mainly occurs when infected droplets are expelled in a cough or sneeze. There is also evidence the virus can survive on surfaces or be transmitted via faeces. Dogs and cats, both big and domestic, have tested positive for the infection. In experimental conditions, both cats and ferrets were able to transmit infection to other animals of the same species, according to the WHO. However, there is no evidence these animals can transmit the disease to humans and spread COVID-19. When news of the weak positive Hong Kong dog broke, Professor Jonathan Ball from the University of Nottingham stressed we have to differentiate between real infection and just detecting the presence of the virus. The fact the test result was weakly positive would suggest this is environmental contamination or simply the presence of coronavirus shed from human contact that has ended up in the dogs samples, he said. Professor Glenn Browning from the University of Melbourne agreed animal owners should not panic, adding: People appear to pose more risk to their pets than they do to us. The WHO stresses, however, anyone with confirmed or susceptible coronavirus should limit contact with companion and other animals. When handling and caring for animals, basic hygiene measures should always be implemented, it added. This includes hand washing after handling animals, their food or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing, licking or sharing food. Watch: UK coronavirus cases high but deaths low - why? This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here. BEIRUT, Lebanon As fighting in the civil war in Syria tore through neighborhoods in the city of Aleppo, the Roman Catholic authorities offered the Rev. Edoardo Tamer, a Franciscan friar who had lived in a monastery there for many years, a chance to get out for his own safety. He declined. He said, I will live here and I will die here if that is what happens, said the Rev. Firas Lutfi, the Franciscan regional minister for Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. He decided to stay in Aleppo during this very critical situation. Father Tamer survived the war but fell sick with Covid-19 this summer, and died of the disease in Aleppo on Aug. 12, Father Lutfi said. He was 83. Advertisement The numbers of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 have levelled off in huge areas of England as data suggests the country is being dragged into panic by an out-of-control outbreak in the north. In London, the South East and the South West home to around half of the country's population of 55million daily admissions appear to be plateauing after rising in line with cases during September from a low point over the summer. However, admissions are still accelerating in the North West, North East and Yorkshire, where new local lockdowns are springing up every week and positive tests are spiralling to record numbers. But as talk grows of a second national lockdown when winter hits, figures suggests the south faces being lumped under rules it doesn't need. The picture is more complex in the Midlands and the East of England in the Midlands hospitalisations rose dramatically during September but there are signs they have peaked now, while admissions appear to still be rising slowly in the East, although at significantly lower levels than in the northern regions. Numbers of people in hospital in the worst affected areas have hit almost a third of what they were during the peak of the crisis in April, while in the south of the country they are still much lower at around six per cent. In the North West there are now an average of 107 people admitted to hospital with coronavirus every day, along with 94 per day in the North East. Both figures are the highest seen since May and do not show signs of slowing. For comparison, the rates at their peak for each region were around 2,900 and 2,600 per day, respectively. On the other hand in London, where officials are reportedly discussing tougher measures, there are just 34 admissions per day down from an average 39 on September 25 and just 4.5 per cent of the level seen at the peak of the crisis in April. And in the South West, which has been least badly hit throughout the pandemic, just eight people are sent into hospital each day six per cent of the peak number. The same picture is true of the numbers of people dying of Covid-19. 171 of the 219 deaths recorded in the third week of September (78 per cent) all came from the three worst-hit regions the North East, North West and the Midlands. Statistics have shown that coronavirus cases appear to rise in most areas that get put under local lockdown measures, raising questions about how well they work at containing smaller outbreaks. But Professor Neil Ferguson, whose work influenced the Government to start the first UK-wide lockdown in March, said today that the situation in Britain would 'probably be worse' if officials were not taking the whack-a-mole approach. He said there is still a risk that the NHS could become overwhelmed if cases aren't stopped even if infections have started to come under control it can still take weeks for people to get sick enough to need hospital treatment. The Department of Health yesterday announced a huge 12,594 new cases of Covid-19 after a weekend that saw Public Health England admit it had messed up a spreadsheet that meant 16,000 positive tests weren't counted last week. Government data shows that the North West and North East and Yorkshire are the only regions to have seen a sustained and sharp increase in people being admitted to hospital (line graphs show daily hospital admissions between April and October). All regions saw a rise in cases, hospitalisations and deaths in September as people returned to offices and schools after the summer, but across most of the country these have since come under control. Hospital patients in the two northern regions and the Midlands make up more than three quarters of the entire number for England (76.8 per cent), while patient numbers in the southern half of the country remain at just a fraction of where they were in April How do regional outbreaks compare to a fortnight ago? Almost every region in the UK has seen coronavirus cases spiral in the last fortnight, Department of Health data shows. Like today, the North West of England recorded by far the highest number of infections on September 22, logging 1,896 positive swabs. This has more than doubled to 4,441 in the last two weeks as local lockdowns struggle to keep a lid on outbreaks there. Despite recording fewer cases on both dates, Yorkshire and the Humber has suffered one of the highest increases over the same period. The region had 721 infections two weeks ago but logged 2,437 today a rise of 238 per cent. Only Northern Ireland has experienced a steeper rise in cases than Yorkshire, though total cases are still relatively low. Some 176 people tested positive on September 22 compared to 669 today a rise of 280 per cent. Meanwhile, the rate at which the outbreak in the West Midlands is growing is somewhat slower than most parts of the UK. The region had 611 new positive tests on September 22, compared to 1,059 today, a rise of 73 per cent, one of the smallest jumps in that time. Only Wales has seen a less incremental rise (12 per cent). London and the North East of England were experiencing similar levels of infection on September 22, with 540 and 538 cases, respectively. But the North East has overtaken the capital in the 14 days since, suffering 1,233 cases today compared to Londons 916. The South East and South West which have been relatively unscathed during the crisis are both seeing case rates more than double. The former recorded 285 infections on September 22 and 659 today, while the latter saw cases climb from 161 to 401. A similar picture is playing out in Scotland, where infections have risen from 497 to 800 in a fortnight. REGION East Midlands East of England London North East North West South East South West West Midlands Yorks & the Humber Scotland Wales Northern Ireland CASES TODAY/SEP 22 888/286 492/218 916/540 1,233/538 4,441/1,896 659/285 401/161 1,059/611 2,437/721 800/497 425/379 669/176 The Department of Health says there was 14,542 cases reported today. It's unclear where the other 122 Covid infections occurred. Health chiefs have yet to reveal exactly when these cases were diagnosed. The figures for September 22 are based on specimen date, which is how many coronavirus samples taken on that day came back as positive. Specimen date figures lag by around five days. National specimen date data shows around 13,000 cases are currently being spotted each day. Advertisement Officials have warned the public that coronavirus is now spreading faster than it was in summer in every region of England, estimating that around one in 400 people have the disease, falling to one in 200 in hard-hit areas. But Public Health England data shows the rate of cases in the North West and North East are around eight times higher than they are in the South West, South East and East of England. The region with the highest rate is the North West, where there are 136.1 cases for every 100,000 people, compared to the lowest rate in the South East where there are just 16.1 cases per 100,000. Professor Neil Ferguson, an Imperial College London expert, said on BBC Radio 4 this morning: 'We think that infections are probably increasing, doubling every two weeks or so in some areas faster than that, maybe every seven days and in other areas slower.' Professor Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London, said the situation in the UK would 'probably be worse' if local lockdowns weren't in place He said scientists 'always expected' cases to rise once lockdown was lifted and that now was a time for trial and error of local lockdown rules to see how well the virus can be controlled while schools and work return to normal. 'We're about 10 times lower in infection levels than we were just before the original lockdown,' he said, but he stressed keeping new infections under wraps is crucial. 'The death rate probably has gone down [since spring], we know how to treat cases better, hospitals are less stressed, we have new drugs,' Professor Ferguson said. 'But admissions to hospitals, hospital beds occupied with Covid patients, and deaths, are all tracking cases. They're at a lower level but they're basically doubling every two weeks and we just cannot have that continue indefinitely. 'The NHS will be overwhelmed again and you can see what's happening in Paris and what's happening in Madrid and measures there. It's being driven by hospitals gradually becoming overwhelmed. Over half of ICU beds [there] are now Covid patients and their death numbers are again creeping up inexorably.' Department of Health data shows that three quarters of all hospital patients who have Covid-19 (76.8 per cent) are in the North West, North East and Midlands regions. A third are in the North West alone. WHAT IS THE HOSPITAL SITUATION RIGHT NOW? As per to Department of Health data up to October 5: Region In hospital now / average daily admissions: Compared to peak: Of England total in hospital now: East England London Midlands NE & Yorks North West South East South West 111 / 15 312 / 34 449 / 57 656 / 94 889 / 107 115 / 15 61 / 8 7% / 7% 6% / 5% 14% / 10% 25% / 23% 32% / 26% 6% / 5% 7% / 6% 4.3% 12% 17.3% 25.3% 34.2% 4.4% 2.4% Advertisement Meanwhile, in the East, South East, South West and London home to at least 30million people there were just 318 patients with coronavirus yesterday, October 3. While the rates of people being admitted to hospital are clearing soaring in the northern regions, they appear flat or even declining in other ares. Every region experienced a surge in the numbers of people getting sent to hospital in September as cases rose in line with loosened lockdown rules, cooler weather and the return of schools and offices after summer holidays. But in four out of the six regions of the country this increase started to slow down and tail off towards the end of the month while it continued rising in the north. In the week leading up to October 3, the most recent data, the average daily admissions in the Midlands rose only from 52 to 57 after spiking into the 50s from below 10 a day at the end of August. In the same week, however, admissions in the North West continued surging and went from 79 to 107. In London and the South East admissions fell from 37 to 34, based on a seven-day average, while they stayed flat in the South West, increasing from seven to eight. They kept spiralling in the North East and Yorkshire from 70 to 94, while also rising in the East of England from 10 to 15, suggesting the situation may be worsening in the East, too. Comparing the numbers to peak levels from the spring outbreak shows that most of the country is nowhere near those levels. Closest is the North West, where the number of people in hospital right now is about a third as high as it was on April 13 889 compared to 2,890. In the North East the number of patients is at 656 compared to 2,567 on April 9 25.5 per cent as high. In other regions that are nowhere near as badly affected, however, hospital patients are hitting only six per cent of the levels they did at the height of the outbreak. In London there are just 312 compared to 4,813 on April 8 six per cent as many and in the South East just 115 compared to 2,073 on April 7. Deaths, which are also significantly lower than they were at the peak but are the last figure to rise in an outbreak, also vary dramatically across the country and are only rising in some regions. Coronavirus fatalities surged in September, rising from 41 in the week ending September 3 to 219 in the week ending September 28. The latter is the most recent week that NHS data is reliable because it can take weeks for death reports to be filed, meaning the number of victims placed on each day continues to rise for days and weeks after the date passes. Most of the rise came from hospitals in the North East, North West and the Midlands, the Health Service Journal reported, with all but 48 of the 219 happening in those regions. NHS trusts in Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Lancashire and Cheshire and Merseyside accounted for half of all the deaths in that last week of September, according to the specialist news website. But other regions have not seen a rise in deaths following the warnings of a national resurgence of Covid-19. Just one person died in the South West during that entire week and fatalities remain flat and low in London, the South East, South West and the East. In a speech in the House of Commons yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock acknowledged that the northern regions, Scotland and Wales were driving Britain's second wave. He told MPs: 'Here in the UK the number of hospital admissions is now at the highest it has been since mid-June. 'Last week the ONS [Office for National Statistics] said that while the rate of increase may be falling, the number of cases is still rising. Yesterday [Sunday] there were 12,594 new positive cases. 'The rise is more localised than the first time round, with cases rising particularly sharply in the North East and North West of England, and parts of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 'Now, more than ever with winter ahead we must all remain vigilant and get this virus under control.' Data for Scotland and Wales show they are proportionately worse affected than much of England, with the number of patients in hospital in Wales at 24 per cent of the levels seen in the peak in April. Numbers are much smaller in Scotland and Wales, however, and combined they only have 393 patients in hospital fewer than the Midlands, North East or North West of England. Scotland's hospital admissions are at approximately 12 per cent of peak levels. Yesterday's official update added another 12,594 coronavirus cases to the rolling total, which was one of the highest one day rises on record A further 33 deaths were announced on Monday. The average number confirmed each day has risen to 53 from just seven per day a month ago Covid-19 deaths in England and Wales spike by 55% with 215 victims last week - but are still only a fraction of the 8,800 recorded during April's peak The number of coronavirus deaths in England and Wales has spiked for the third week in a row, official figures show. Covid-19 was mentioned on 215 death certificate sin the week that ended September 25, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marked a 55 per cent rise in the 139 deaths recorded the previous week and more than double the 99 posted a fortnight ago. Just two of the 215 victims were under the age of 50, once again highlighting how the virus disproportionately preys on older people. Registered deaths involving Covid-19 increased in every region of England, except the East Midlands, where the weekly total fell from 14 to 11. Deaths were highest in the North West (60). Despite fatalities rising across the board, weekly deaths are still a fraction of what they were during the darkest days of the crisis, when there were 8,800 victims a week. And flu and pneumonia are still killing more than five times the amount of people as Covid-19, with 1,172 people passing from the respiratory illnesses in the last seven days. Meanwhile, there are still 750 more people dying in their houses than medics would expect at this time of year, highlighting the negative knock-on effect the pandemic is having on the nation's health. Experts say many people are still too scared to use the NHS for fear of catching Covid-19, while others don't want to be a burden on the health service. Hospitals are still scrambling to get services back up and running and cut down record waiting lists after months of operating at a fraction of their capacity. The number of coronavirus deaths in England and Wales has spiked for the third week in a row, official figures show Despite fatalities rising across the board, weekly deaths are still a fraction of what they was during the darkest days of the crisis, when there were 8,800 victims a week Registered deaths involving Covid-19 increased in every region of England, except the East Midlands, where the weekly total fell from 14 to 11 More than 58,000 virus-related deaths have now been registered in the UK, according to data from the statistics agencies in each of the home nations. Up until September 25, 52,943 people had died with Covid-19 in England and Wales, the ONS said. Data published last week by the National Records for Scotland showed that 4,257 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in the country up to September 27. And 901 deaths occurred in Northern Ireland before September 25, according to the provinces Statistics and Research Agency. Number of severely ill Covid-19 patients being placed on ventilators has more than HALVED since the spring The number of severely ill Covid-19 patients needing to be hooked up to ventilators has more than halved since the peak of the pandemic in the spring, figures reveal. Twenty-six per cent of intensive care patients received invasive ventilation up to 24 hours after being admitted to hospital last month. But this figure was as high as 76 per cent when the pandemic first struck, according to data collated by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre. The data bolsters suggestions that doctors are getting better at treating the disease, with scientific breakthroughs boosting the survival odds of patients. Medics can now use drugs such as dexamethasone a steroid that cuts the risk of death in the most critically-ill by up to a third, and remdesivir which can speed up recovery. It means they are no longer having to rely on ventilators to treat every severely-ill patient, experts say. Survival rates after entering critical care also appear to be improving, official data shows, although the final outcome for many patients is yet to be revealed. The rate has risen from 61 per cent of those in critical care up to August 31, to 88 per cent of those admitted from September 1, figures show. But 66 per cent of the 211 patients admitted to hospital last month for whom data was provided remained in intensive care or in hospital when the data was gathered for the report. Advertisement This estimate is higher than the Department of Health's official tally, which has recorded little over 43,000 deaths, because the ONS includes people who were suspected of having the virus but were never diagnosed. The 215 Covid-19 deaths this week accounted for 2.2 per cent of all 9,634 deaths registered in the week ending September 25 in England and Wales, the ONS said. Deaths from all causes are 2.7 per cent above the five-year average, which experts say is caused by the knock-on effect of the pandemic on healthcare. Hospitals are struggling to get through the slog of patients waiting for ops because they shut down all non-emergency treatment for months during the crisis. They are still only running at a fraction of their usual capacity and are being hindered by new social distancing measures. There are currently four million people on waiting lists for elective surgery but NHS bosses expect that number to grow to a record 10million by the end of the year. Just two areas London and the East had lower overall deaths than the average over five years for this time of year. This statistic is being driven up largely by a huge increase in people dying at home, with 749 more fatalities in private houses than would typically be expected. The number of excess deaths at home, which were not linked to Covid-19, since the start of the pandemic has passed 25,000. There were 25,183 non-Covid excess deaths in homes in England and Wales registered between March 7 and September 25, the ONS said. Excess deaths are the number of deaths that are above the average for the corresponding period in the previous five years. But care homes and hospitals are still recording fewer deaths than they normally would at this time of year. ONS experts explained that Covid-19 likely sped up the deaths of people who would have died of other causes, meaning the year's fatalities have been front-loaded. Eminent statistician Sir David Spiegelhalter, from the University of Cambridge, said: 'The latest data confirms that Covid deaths in the UK were doubling around every two weeks in September, although still only comprised 2 per cent of deaths in the country. 'Crucially, there is still absolutely no sign of any reduction in the 30 per cent increase in deaths occurring at home if this is to be a long-term feature of deaths in this country, we need to be confident that appropriate end-of-life care is being made available.' By PTI KOCHI: Two main conspirators in the Kerala gold smuggling case, Faisal Fareed and Rabins Hameed, have been arrested in UAE, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the terror link of the case said here on Tuesday. The agency told a Special NIA court here that this was conveyed by the UAE authorities during the visit of the NIA team to Dubai in August as part of its probe into the case. It said that during the preliminary visit of the NIA team there, the UAE authorities informed them that Fareed, the third accused and Hameed, the 10th accused, had been arrested and that strict action would be taken against all conspirators, "as the accused in this case have attempted to damage the friendly relations between India and the UAE." The NIA stated this in its counter, opposing the bail plea of seventh accused P Mohammed Shafi. The agency said the UAE authorities had also revealed that the crime was committed by Fareed and Hameed, pursuant to the conspiracy with other accused arrested in India and absconding in the UAE, "who all had knowingly funded, facilitated and smuggled gold through diplomatic cargo of the UAE consulate at Thiruvananthapuram by forging or deceitfully obtaining authorisation certificates from UAE diplomats." NIA said based on Non Bailable Warrants issued by the NIA Special Court, the process has been initiated to get INTERPOL Blue Corner Notices issued against the fugitives, including Fareed, Hameed and four other accused, Siddiqul Akbar, Ahmed Kutty, Raju alias Rathees and Mohammed Shameer, for securing their presence in India. The agency also said Mutual Legal Assistance Request was also being finalised to obtain evidence in this case from the UAE, as a major part of the transactions, especially funding through reverse hawala and purchase of smuggled gold, had occurred in the UAE. "Based on the facts ascertained through investigation in India, evidence has to be collected, during further visits of NIA investigators to the UAE, regarding the source of smuggled gold and the involvement of any other players, inimical to the economic security of India, in facilitating the crime from UAE," it said. Opposing Shafi's bail plea, NIA said he was the main organiser of smuggling, along with fifth accused Rameez, since November 2019 and had smuggled gold 21 times through diplomatic baggage of the UAE consulate, "with the intention of threatening the economic security of India. Shafi had conducted conspiracy meetings with Rameez, Hameed, accused Said Alavi and Hamsath Abu Salam and others in UAE and arranged finances, besides gold at Dubai, to be smuggled to India, the NIA said. Central agencies, including NIA, Customs and Enforcement Directorate, are conducting a separate probe into the seizure of gold worth nearly Rs 15 crore from a "diplomatic baggage" at the Thiruvananthapuram International airport on July 5. Several persons, including two former employees of the UAE consulate in Thiruvananthapuram, Swapna Suresh and Sarith PS, were arrested by the central agencies in connection with the case. Trump moves ahead with election campaign A day after leaving the hospital, President Trump said that he intended to debate former Vice President Joe Biden next week in Miami despite his continued struggle with the coronavirus. I am looking forward to the debate on the evening of Thursday, October 15th in Miami. It will be great! the president tweeted Tuesday. Questions surround any possible return to the campaign trail. Medical experts said that the course of the illness is unpredictable in a man of Mr. Trumps age and weight. It was unclear who from his staff, of which many have tested positive, would accompany him. The latest: The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military officer in the U.S., and other leaders at the Pentagon are quarantining after being exposed to the virus. INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Testing by the University of Colorado Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering found that the Carrier Infinity air purifier with Captures & Kills technology inactivates 99% of coronavirus trapped on the filter. Other third-party testing has concluded that this technology also inactivates 99% of select viruses and bacteria trapped on the filter, such as a common cold virus surrogate, Streptococcus pyogenes and human influenza. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), a leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. Related Documents View PDF Third party testing found that the Carrier Infinity air purifier with Captures & Kills technology inactivates 99% of coronavirus trapped on the filter. Other third-party testing has concluded that this technology also inactivates 99% of select viruses and bacteria trapped on the filter, such as a common cold virus surrogate, Streptococcus pyogenes and human influenza. The Infinity air purifier, a product part of the Healthy Homes suite of Carrier's Healthy Buildings Program's indoor air quality solutions, works silently as part of a home heating and cooling system, using a filter and electrical charges to inactivate various pathogens, pollen, animal dander and other contaminants to enhance indoor air quality. "As people continue to spend more time at home, it's important to have technology to help make indoor environments healthier and safer," said Justin Keppy, President, NA Residential & Light Commercial, Carrier. "By removing these pathogens, including coronavirus, from the air it filters, the Infinity air purifier gives families peace of mind that their loved ones have a cleaner and healthier home in which to live, learn, work and play." The Infinity air purifier works with most HVAC systems produced by both Carrier and other manufacturers and treats the air flowing through an HVAC system's air handler using a three-step, charge/capture/kill process that inactivates 99% of select viruses and bacteria: Step One: Charge the purifier creates a "cloud" of electrically charged ions that attach themselves to airborne dust, pollen, viruses, germs and other particles as they pass through. the purifier creates a "cloud" of electrically charged ions that attach themselves to airborne dust, pollen, viruses, germs and other particles as they pass through. Step Two: Capture the ionized particles are pulled toward an oppositely charged, pleated filter and captured at an extremely high rate. the ionized particles are pulled toward an oppositely charged, pleated filter and captured at an extremely high rate. Step Three: Kill captured airborne microbes remain on the pleated filter instead of recirculating back into the home and are subjected to an intense electric field. The University of Colorado's testing was conducted with a murine coronavirus that is closely related to the human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The murine pathogen surrogate allowed testing to be completed safely. More information on the science behind the Infinity air purifier and the testing is available on carrier.com/purifier. To learn more about how to help make homes healthier, please visit: corporate.carrier.com/healthyhomes, or contact your local Carrier dealer for more information about the Infinity air purifier. About Carrier Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. For more information, visit carrier.com or follow @Carrier on Twitter. SOURCE Carrier Related Links https://www.carrier.com Exactly three months after the death of Nick Cordero, the actor's widow, Amanda Kloots, took to social media to castigate the President of the United States for downplaying the severity of Covid-19. Following a Tweet from the President, who was hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center following his own diagnosis with the potentially deadly virus, that said "Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life," Kloots posted the following: "To all the over 208,000 Americans who lost loved ones to this virus - I stand by you, with you, holding your hand. Unfortunately it did dominate our lives didn't it? It dominated Nick's family's lives and my family's lives. I guess we "let it" - like it was our choice?? Unfortunately not everyone is lucky enough to spend two days in the hospital. I cried next to my husband for 95 days watching what COVID did to the person I love. It IS something to be afraid of. After you see the person you love the most die from this disease you would never say what this tweet says. There is no empathy to all the lives lost. He is bragging instead. It is sad. It is hurtful. It is disgraceful." On her Instagram stories, she continued, "To the over 208,000 families that lost a loved one to this disease, you know how terrifying it can be. Not everyone is lucky enough to walk out of the hospital after two days. We saw what this disease can do, so we are afraid...If I got as sick as Nick, little Elvis doesn't have a mom anymore...It dominated our family's lives for 95 days and because he didn't make it, it will forever effect my life...It's beyond hurtful. Have some empathy. Why are you bragging?" Cordero, a Tony nominated veteran of Broadway's Waitress, Bullets Over Broadway, and A Bronx Tale, died July 5 at the age of 41. Taking lessons from YouTube videos, a 25-year-old readymade clothes seller, who wanted to recover losses suffered during the lockdown, robbed two banks of 12 lakh in Bhubaneswar, said police on Monday. The accused has been identified as Soumyaranjan Jena (25), alias Tulu, from Tangibanta village on the outskirts of the city. He had robbed Indian Overseas Bank and Bank of India last month using toy guns for the robbery, has been arrested, police said. While talking to media, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S Sarangi said that the accused, who is a readymade clothes seller, had taken loans from both the banks and was in financial stress owing to the COVID-19 induced lockdown. "He wanted to recoup losses suffered during the lockdown and robbed two banks of 12 lakh in Bhubaneswar. He looted the Indian Overseas Bank, near Infocity area on September 7, and the Bank of India's Barimunda branch in Mancheswar area on September 28. He got the idea of robbing bank while watching YouTube videos and used a toy gun to rob the two banks. Police recovered cash amounting to over 10 lakh and seized the vehicle and the toy gun used in the robbery," said the police commissioner during a press conference. Jena had allegedly barged into the bank wearing a helmet when few staff members were present and asked them to hand over the cash. "The accused has accounts in both the banks and had taken a loan of nearly 19 lakh and already paid 6 lakhs to the bank. He was arrested when he went to deposit 60,000 from the looted money. He assumed that if he will deposit small amounts of cash nobody will doubt him," Police Commissioner said. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics An employee at Utah-based Spectrum Solutions holds tubes used in coronavirus saliva test kits. (George Frey / Getty Images) As the coronavirus pandemic broke out across the country, healthcare providers and scientists relied on the standard method for detecting respiratory viruses: sticking a long, swab deep into the nose to get a sample. The obstacles to implementing such testing on a mass scale quickly became clear. Among them: Many people were wary of the unpleasant procedure, called a nasopharyngeal swab. It can be performed only by trained health workers, putting them at risk of infection and adding costs. And the swabs and chemicals needed to test for the virus almost immediately were in short supply. Some places, including Los Angeles County, moved early to self-collected oral swabs of saliva and sputum, with the process supervised at drive-through testing sites by trained personnel swathed in protective gear. Meanwhile, researchers began investigating other cheaper, simpler alternatives, including dribbling saliva into a test tube. Eight months into the pandemic, the move toward saliva screening is gaining traction, with tens of thousands of people across the country undergoing such testing daily. Saliva tests, however, still represented only a small percentage of the more than 900,000 tests conducted daily on average at the end of September. Regulators and scientists are generally cautious about new, unproven technologies and have an understandable bias toward well-established protocols. Saliva is not a traditional diagnostic fluid, said Yale microbiologist Anne Wyllie, part of a team whose saliva-based test, called SalivaDirect, received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration in August. When we were hit by a virus that came out of nowhere, we had to respond with the tools that were available. In a research letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the Yale team said it detected more viral RNA in saliva specimens than in nasopharyngeal ones, with a higher proportion of the saliva tests showing positive results for up to 10 days after initial diagnosis. Now it is providing its protocol on an open-source basis and recently designated laboratories in Minnesota, Florida and New York as capable of performing the test. Story continues The FDA has also authorized emergency use of several others, including versions developed at Rutgers University, the University of South Carolina and SUNY Upstate Medical University. A further advance, an at-home saliva test , could be headed for FDA authorization, too. Since the start of the pandemic, the Trump administrations approach to testing has been hampered by missteps and controversy. The FDAs effectiveness relies on public trust in how it balances the need for speed in authorizing innovative products like saliva tests with ensuring safety and effectiveness, said Ann Keller, an associate professor of health policy at UC Berkeley. You obviously want to get new tests into the mix quickly in order to address the emergency, but you still need to uphold your standards, Keller said. The White Houses public pressure on the FDA has complicated the agencys efforts by undermining its credibility and independence, she said. Respiratory viruses colonize areas inside the nasal cavity and at the back of the throat. Besides the nasopharyngeal approach, nasal samples obtained with shorter and less invasive swabs have proved effective for COVID-19 and have become widely adopted, although they also generally require a healthcare workers involvement. In the early months of the pandemic, some researchers reported finding significant levels of the virus in oral secretions. A study conducted in Hong Kong, for example, said the virus was detected in the saliva of 11 of 12 patients with confirmed coronavirus infections. Jeremy Rocha hands out a coronavirus test kit at a drive-thru testing site at Long Beach's Jordan High School. Users can provide a sample by swishing a cotton swab around their mouths, putting it in a tube and dropping it in a receptacle on their way out all within the comfort of their cars. (Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) In Los Angeles, which began using the oral swab test in late March, more than 10,000 samples are collected per day, said Fred Turner, chief executive of Curative, the company that developed it. Turner sees an advantage to the swabbing strategy, in which a healthcare worker oversees the sample collection reminding people to cough to bring up fluids, for example. The self-swab procedure takes only 20 to 30 seconds, while producing enough saliva for testing can take people two to three minutes, and sometimes longer, he said. That might not sound like much difference, he said, but it is when youre trying to push 5,000 people through a test site. Curatives three labs process tens of thousands of tests from jurisdictions across the country, Turner said. A test developed at SUNY Upstate Medical University, which is expected to become available at state labs around New York, also uses an oral swab. When investigators at the University of Illinois launched what they called a Manhattan Project to develop a saliva test by mid-June, they hoped to make it possible for people to visit a collection site, drool into a test tube, seal it and drop it off without the aid of a healthcare worker. The university is now testing more than 10,000 people a day at its three campuses and is seeking to expand access to communities across the state and country, said chemistry professor Paul Hergenrother, who led the research team. Like the similar Yale test, it is being made freely available to other laboratories, and the University of Notre Dame recently adopted it. Prices for coronavirus tests vary widely, running upward of $100. Tests based on the Yale or University of Illinois protocols, which require only inexpensive materials, could be available for as little as $10. The Curative testing service, which includes collection and transportation of samples as well as the laboratory component, averages around $150 per test depending on volume, said Clayton Kazan, chief medical director of the L.A. County Fire Department, which uses the tests. For many, the ultimate goal is a saliva test that can flag a coronavirus infection without requiring laboratory analysis. Theres tons of interest in an at-home saliva test, said Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Stanford University School of Medicine. People really do want to get that pregnancy-type kit out there, she said. You could basically send people a little packet with little strips, and you pull off a strip every day and put in under your tongue. David Tuller is a California Healthline contributor. California Healthline is published by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. It is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. For the record: 9:13 AM, Oct. 06, 2020: A previous version of this story said the FDA had authorized emergency use of a saliva-based coronavirus test developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The university is in the process of seeking emergency use authorization. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Cambridge University has seen a 50 per cent rise in the number of black students joining the prestigious school after grime star Stormzy funded tuition fees and living costs for undergraduates. Stormzy, who headlined Glastonbury Festival last year, started providing scholarships for black students at Cambridge in 2018. The UK's top university, according to the Complete University Guide, has praised the musician for breaking down barriers, as he funds the tuition fees and living costs for two students each year. Cambridge's data shows that 137 UK-based black undergraduates have been admitted to a degree course this year, which is a rise of just over 50 per cent on the 2019-20 academic year. The university said this represents 4.6 per cent of the number of UK undergraduates commencing their studies and follows a similar increase of almost 50 per cent last year. There are now more than 300 black British undergraduates at Cambridge. The number of black undergraduates taking their places at Cambridge University has tripled in the space of three years Senior pro-vice-chancellor Professor Graham Virgo said: 'In just three years, the number of UK-based black undergraduates taking up their place at Cambridge has more than tripled. 'This is testament to their hard work and ambition. 'The collegiate university, its students, and partners have been working hard to reach out to potential applicants to encourage them to apply. 'We accept this is not just about ensuring that our intake reflects UK society. 'The university, and colleges, need to work hard to ensure that once admitted, all students, no matter what their ethnic background, feel Cambridge is a welcoming place and one in which they can realise their potential and thrive. 'That is why we're working with black students at Cambridge to ensure that their education is the best it can possibly be.' Other factors believed to have played a part in the rise are a social media campaign aimed at overturning perceptions about what Cambridge is like and partnerships with initiatives such as Target Oxbridge, which encourages applications. Current students are also engaged in access work, with members of the African Caribbean Society (ACS) volunteering as mentors for younger students. The society's president Sharon Mehari said: 'As a society devoted to creating a welcoming and empowering space for all black students, it is an honour and a joy to see that Cambridge will be ushering in its largest intake. 'This speaks to the passion of the many individuals, organisations, and institutions who have worked to ensure that Cambridge is a place where black students have their academic ability, creativity, ingenuity and heritage valued. Cambridge has praised grime artist Stormzy, pictured during his Glastonbury headline set last year, after he started providing scholarships to support black students to join the prestigious university 'There is no doubt that this cohort of students will thrive and leave an impact on Cambridge in ways we have never seen. 'We at the ACS are so excited to celebrate every individual and welcome them into the family.' The university is working in collaboration with black students to identify ways in which the awarding gap between black and white students can be closed and says it is committed to eliminating this gap by 2024. Departments throughout the university are examining ways of diversifying the curriculum, and providing a wider choice of authors to study. The university is providing race awareness and unconscious bias training to all staff. Last month, the university announced that for the first time, 70% of its UK undergraduate intake this year come from state schools, and more than a fifth come from what are officially described as the most deprived areas of the country. Students are facing an academic year like no other, with thousands up and down the country already forced to self-isolate. Packed lecture halls are being replaced by Zoom calls as universities scramble to contain coronavirus cases. And with students paying up to 9,250 a year in tuition fees, universities are bracing themselves for a wave of refund requests. But will families get their money back? We ask the experts... Students wear face masks outside Oxford University's Wadham College last month What if my course is moved online? The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIAHE), a complaints scheme for students in England and Wales, says if a university is offering 'different but broadly equivalent teaching and assessment opportunities', a refund is unlikely. But if universities are offering fewer lecturers or the quality is not as expected, they may be liable to repay some fees. This could particularly apply to degrees involving practical skills, such as chemistry, according to Boz Michalowska Howells, head of product safety and consumer law at law firm Leigh Day. If a laboratory isn't in use, a university may reschedule. But if it does not, a refund may be due. Students should not expect a full refund and what they can claim depends on their circumstances. If there is a particular facility - like a library - that has been closed, then they could find out what proportion of their fees are spent on it and ask for that figure to be returned Some institutions are already offering compensation. Glasgow University has refunded all students living in its halls one month's rent and given those in lockdown 50 for supplies. I'm not paying 9k a year for virtual classes Nine of the 12 hours of final year student Lucy Halliday's teaching has been moved online Final year student Lucy Halliday previously had 12 hours of teaching time a week, but nine of these are now online. Her university, Northumbria, has also reduced the opening hours of the library and students cannot take books home. And while staff do their best in online seminars and lectures, she finds it harder to focus staring at a screen. Lucy, who lives with her parents in Washington, Tyne and Wear, is paying 9,250 a year for her sociology and criminology degree. She believes her fees should be closer to those charged by the Open University at 3,096 a year for distance-learning courses. Lucy, 21, says: 'I don't expect to pay nothing, but we shouldn't be charged full fees this year when we are not getting access to all the facilities.' A Northumbria University spokesman confirmed it had no plans to reduce fees, adding: 'All universities have adjusted the way their programmes are delivered in response to Covid-19.' How do you claim a refund? First complain to the university. Ask your tutor or the student advice centre how the complaints process works. Figures from finance website Save The Student show that a total 650,000 compensation was awarded to 1,635 people who complained about their university in 2017. If you are refused a refund, go to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (oiahe.org.uk). To do this, students need a 'completion of procedures' letter from their university, sent when it reaches a final decision. Each case is assessed individually and can take more than six months. If the OIAHE finds a complaint is 'justified' or 'partly justified' it will make a recommendation, which may include compensation. If this fails, the student could try a small claims court for amounts of less than 10,000. Students north of the border should go to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (spso.org.uk). Is it now too late to defer? Universities are encouraged to be flexible, but it is up to them to decide if students can delay starting their course. Policies on late deferrals will be stated in the contract students signed on accepting a place. Some charge 25 per cent of the first year's fees if they leave in their first term. Solicitor Gary Rycroft, a consumer law specialist, says they will almost certainly have to pay these fees if the clause is clear. Anger: A sign in the window of a student accommodation block in Leeds where students are under lockdown Can I move back home? In Scotland, new legislation means students who signed tenancy agreements for purpose-built student accommodation before May 27 only have to give seven days' notice before moving out and will not be liable for rent thereafter. Those who signed later must give 28 days' notice. In England and Wales there is no such rule but some institutions, such as the University of Greenwich in London, have introduced break clauses in contracts in case all courses are moved online. Citizens Advice says students in halls may be able to argue that their agreement has been 'frustrated' if this happens. Private landlords, though, can charge rent until the contract ends. And those with joint tenancies may be liable for their housemates' share if they stop paying rent. What about my student loan? Students must inform their finance provider if they move home to study because those who live away from home during term time are entitled to a larger loan. Those from England can update information about their circumstances through their Student Loans Company (SLC) account or by calling 0300 100 0607. People who planned to study abroad, but are learning online, should also do this. If finance providers aren't informed, students may end up facing big bills for the money they were overpaid. Welsh students should call Student Finance Wales on 0300 200 4050. Those in Scotland will not see their finance change if they live at home. Don't miss out on extra help Families had to provide the SLC with information about their household income from the financial year 2018/19. If the pandemic means this year's income will be smaller than expected, students may be entitled to a larger loan. In England your household income must have dropped by at least 15 per cent. The drop must take you into one of the lower income brackets set by the provider if you live in Scotland. And Welsh students' household income also needs to have fallen by 15 per cent, but they are more likely to receive a larger grant and a smaller loan. To apply for more money ask the finance provider for a current year income assessment. If your household income ends up being higher than estimated, you may have to repay some of the money. f.parker@dailymail.co.uk THE ARSONIST A Mind on Fire By Chloe Hooper To describe a bushfire is to describe a monster. We speak of flanks, fingers, tails and tongues, Chloe Hooper observes in The Arsonist, of a predatory, devouring hunger. On Feb. 7, 2009, a rough beast slouched its way across Victoria, Australias southernmost mainland state. The conditions were explosive: a dozen years of drought; a breathless, record-breaking swelter; and gale-force winds. That Saturday later known as Black Saturday 400 separate fires raged, which claimed 173 lives and generated the equivalent heat of 500 atomic bombs. It was a dark herald of the annihilation future fire seasons would bring. The latest book by the Australian writer tells the story of just one of the Black Saturday bushfires, a blaze deliberately lit on the outskirts of Churchill in the Latrobe Valley coal country. Only 1 percent of Australias bushfire arsonists are ever caught, so when a suspect emerged within days, detectives were wary: Surely the very first person they were narrowing in on couldnt be the one? Brendan Sokaluk, whose distinctive, sky-blue sedan had been abandoned meters from the ignition point, admitted responsibility, but not intent. The Churchill blaze which left 11 dead had been an accident, he insisted, the result of a wayward cigarette. With propulsive energy, The Arsonist follows the case against Sokaluk, a 39-year-old former volunteer firefighter, from the arson investigations first frantic hours to the courtroom verdict. But first, Hooper takes us into the belly of the beast: birds falling from the sky with their wings burning; beehives combusting from the radiant heat; farewell texts escaping from fire-ravaged homes (Dad im dead I love u). The elemental terror of Black Saturday requires little embellishment, only the quiet dignity of witness. Its this restraint as intelligent as it is compassionate that elevates The Arsonist from slick true-crime procedural to cultural time capsule. There was a reason his offer was so enticing. The property features five ecosystems from ponds, marshes and old growth forests with trees ranging from 150 to 500 years old to secondary growth forests and meadows filled with goldenrod. That range of landscapes attracts an extraordinary collection of birds that nest or migrate through there. As of the start of October, Beaver Meadow staff had identified 199 different species of birds on the property. (Sirianno is offering a free Audubon membership to anyone who can identify the 200th bird.) In just a single day, he has counted 91 different species there. Over the years, the Audubon Society has expanded the property to more than 350 acres, planted nearly 100 species of trees and created 8 miles of hiking trails filled with interpretative signage and scenic overlooks. Beaver Meadow is ideal not just for avid birders, but hikers of all skill levels and anyone looking to get out of the city for an afternoon for some fresh air and quiet. It is big enough, that no matter how many cars are in the parking lot, you can still find your own space, Sirianno said. Within seconds, youre on your own. VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MonetizeMore , an early pioneer of the ad optimization model has been accepted as a Google Certified Publishing Partner. This seal of approval is a testament to MonetizeMore's ability to tackle complex ad monetization challenges and consistently exceed publisher expectations via sophisticated ad tech and an expert team of 170+ around the world. MonetizeMore Company Photo Kean Graham CEO and Founder of MonetizeMore Google Certified Publishing Partners are required to meet stringent qualification standards for their expertise in AdSense, Google Ad Exchange, and Google Ad Manager; their high customer satisfaction track record; and up-to-date knowledge of the latest Google advertising products. "This enhanced partnership with Google will accelerate MonetizeMore's mission to empower ad monetized publishers via ad tech expertise, content, community nurturing, and tech that solves publisher pain points," mentioned Kean Graham, CEO & Founder of MonetizeMore. As an innovator in the advertising technology space, MonetizeMore has added a comprehensive arsenal of solutions that empower publishers to maximize their ad revenue. Their publisher analytics platform, PubGuru , offers publishers a suite of features including: Smart notification engine Header bidding management Custom ad network reporting Revenue discrepancy monitoring Ad revenue attribution Invalid traffic detection & blocking This announcement as a Google Certified Publishing Partner will allow MonetizeMore to continue providing exceptional value to the ad monetized publishing community. About MonetizeMore MonetizeMore started in 2010, with over 170 team members across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia & Latin America. MonetizeMore's divisions have grown to fuel a $23 million dollar enterprise from its core offering of ad operation services in 2010 to their PubGuru ad tech suite that empowers ad monetized publishers. MonetizeMore - Realize your ad revenue potential 101-15317 Thrift Avenue White Rock, BC, Canada V4B 2L4 Contact for quote: 'Brandon Gains, Vice President of Marketing' [email protected] 1-250-216-5013 SOURCE MonetizeMore The Republicans chief objections to the report are that some of the legislative proposals against the tech giants could hamper other businesses and impede economic growth, said four people with knowledge of the situation. Several Republicans were also frustrated that the report didnt address claims of anti-conservative bias from the tech platforms. Mr. Buck said in The Third Way that some of the recommendations were a nonstarter for conservatives. The partisan bickering has cast a cloud over what would be Congresss most aggressive act to curtail the power of technology companies since Microsoft stood trial on antitrust claims two decades ago. And while the House report may still be released this week, it is likely to lose some of its force if Democrats, led by Representative David Cicilline of Rhode Island, the chairman of the antitrust subcommittee, are unable to gain many signatures from Republican members. The turmoil gives Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google a reprieve, even if only temporarily. The House committee was expected to accuse them of rising to the top of the global economy by gobbling up nascent rivals, bullying businesses that needed them to reach users and reducing competition across the economy, said three people familiar with the report. The report was also expected to kick off other actions against the tech giants. The Justice Department has been working to file an antitrust complaint against Google, followed by separate suits against the internet search giant from state attorneys general. Mr. Cicilline declined to comment. Russell Dye, a spokesman for Mr. Jordan, also declined to comment. (Photo : Pixabay) (Photo : Pixabay) In digital terms, the Middle East nations are under heavy fire, as Iranian state-sponsored hackers target its domain controllers for over a long time with MuddyWater. However, hackers do not stop there. It has also been trying to exploit Microsoft's recent patch called the 'Zerologon' discovered to be vulnerable and is under attack for atleast two weeks already. Hackers have stepped up their game as it targets domain controllers; successful attempts give them full control over their targets and their vast array of networks. Domain Controllers (DC) are the very core of an enterprise network, much like a nucleus is to a cell, considered to be vital and essential. ALSO READ: Ransomware Attack Targets Software Company that Sells Software for COVID-19 Vaccine, Drugs, and Test Kits Zerologon Exploitation, Iranian Hacker's Hole in the Ace According to ZD Net, Microsoft has been observing the attack for quite some time now as its 'Netlogon' or CVE-2020-1472 was believed to be vulnerable and viewed as the 'weak link' within the system, open for an attack. Microsoft's MSTIC detected the attack and has been closely monitoring it for two weeks now. MSTIC has observed activity by the nation-state actor MERCURY using the CVE-2020-1472 exploit (ZeroLogon) in active campaigns over the last 2 weeks. We strongly recommend patching. Microsoft 365 Defender customers can also refer to these detections: https://t.co/ieBj2dox78 Microsoft Security Intelligence (@MsftSecIntel) October 5, 2020 The Zerologon system was a recent patch from Microsoft, and can now be detected by the native defense system, Microsoft Defender. The Iranians, identified by Microsoft as "MERCURY," are state-sponsored 'nation-actors' responsible for the most recent attack. They are also known to be the hackers behind 'MuddyWater' as well. Zerologon is one of the most dangerous bugs in Microsoft's history, particularly under Netlogon. This bug enables malicious entities to bypass a system and use its domain controller. Netlogon is a Windows system protocol that authenticates a server to use a DC. Domain Controller's Vulnerability: Microsoft and Other agencies' move When the bug in CVE-2020-1472 Netlogon's systems was discovered, the United States government gave three days to patch domain controllers and shut down its systems temporarily. This temporary shutdown helped in tightening the system. However, it did not stop the attacks from coming and resuming. Microsoft 365 customers can refer to the threat analytics report we published in Microsoft Defender Security Center. The threat analytics report contains technical details, mitigations, and detection details designed to empower SecOps to detect and mitigate this threat. Microsoft Security Intelligence (@MsftSecIntel) September 24, 2020 MERCURY's attacks came as Microsoft published the proof-of-concept code to the public. The Redmond-based company's effort to halt and catch the hackers are now underway as it closely monitors the exploits for almost two weeks now. MuddyWater and its other designation, MERCURY, are usually targetting Middle Eastern nations that list as threats to the Iranian government. The group is also targetting India and the United States. MuddyWater uses the slowly evolving Powershell-based first stage backdoor that is known as "POWERSTATS." Microsoft's MSTIC: Key In Detecting MERCURY and Zerologon Exploits Microsoft's Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC) is the company's first response and technical team behind every attack forcing its way into their systems. The technology and software developer company has been trying to let the hackers go into its systems, observing them, and catching at the right moment. The company is also using a 'lab-based' detection procedures with its methods initially tested in a controlled environment within the company. The Microsoft Defender is then harnessed to be a useful tool to ward off the hackers and their attempt to enter the system. ALSO READ: How to ensure your website is safe for users: 5 tips for every business website This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Republican campaign group formed to get Donald Trump out of office, has released a new attack ad that criticises the presidents response to the coronavirus pandemic, as he continues to play down the seriousness of the virus. Mr Trump was hospitalised at the Walter Reed Medical Centre on Friday evening, after he showed symptoms for coronavirus following a positive Covid-19 test result a few hours earlier. After nearly three days at the facility, president Trump tweeted that he would be leaving the medical centre, and arrived back at the White House on Monday evening. When he announced he was leaving, Mr Trump played down the seriousness of his condition, and wrote: Feeling really good! Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life. On Tuesday morning, The Lincoln Project, a Republican political action committee that is aiming to prevent the reelection of Mr Trump, released a new attack ad, titled Hospital, following the presidents release from the facility. The ad starts with a blurry image of someone in a hospital bed, with the noise of a ventilator, a heart rate monitor and muffled speech from medical staff the only sound in the clip. A death from Covid is the loneliest death imaginable, no husband or wife, flashes on the screen. No son or daughter by your side. No sister or brother. No extended family or lifelong friends, follows in the clip. No one to hold your hand. No one to ease your passing. Just a cold lonely hospital room. For too many this is how it ends today. Over 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid. We could have stopped it. His lying is killing us. We have to stop it. Vote him out, the ad concludes, as the sound of the heart rate monitor increases in speed, before the screen fades to black. On Tuesday morning, president Trump falsely claimed that 100,000 Americans die every year from the flu, as he continued to play down the seriousness of the virus following his release from hospital. Mr Trump tweeted: Flu season is coming up! Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu. Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!! Politico reported that the most deaths from flu in the last 10 years was around 61,000 in 2018, while According to Johns Hopkins University some 7.4m people have now tested positive for coronavirus in the US since March and the death toll has reached 210,195. Last week, after Mr Trump announced he had tested positive for coronavirus, the campaign for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said it would stop airing attack ads. The Trump campaign said it would not do the same. In response, The Lincoln Project said it would continue to air attack ads about Mr Trump, but the new video is the first to focus on coronavirus since the president tested positive for the virus. The Lincoln Project's senior communications adviser Ryan Wiggins told Newsweek on Friday evening that the groups ads will stay up. He added: We will continue to prosecute the campaign against a Trump second term and work to defeat the republicans senators who enable him. Burma India, Myanmar Agree Strategic Port Operation in Rakhine Next Year Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (right) and Indian officials (left) after the bilateral meeting in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar, on Monday. / Myanmar State Counselor / Facebook YANGONIndia and Myanmar agreed this week to move forward on a number of initiatives that are central to New Delhis efforts to counter Chinas influence in Myanmar, during a visit by a high-level Indian delegation. In particular, the two sides agreed the Indian-backed Sittwe Port project in the capital of Myanmars western Rakhine State on the Bay of Bengal would be up and running by next year. The Sittwe Port project is a key part of the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project under Indias ambitious Act East policy, which aims to boost economic integration with Southeast and East Asia while providing a counterweight to Chinas influence in the region. The long-delayed Kaladan project is expected to open sea routes and a highway transport system to link the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with the countrys landlocked northeastern state of Mizoram through Myanmars Rakhine and Chin states. An Indian delegation led by Indian army chief General Manoi Mukund Naravane and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited Myanmar on Sunday and Monday. During the trip, the Indian officials met with Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Commander in Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and other high-level officials in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar. A press release from Indias Ministry of External Affairs said that during the meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, both [sides] agreed to work towards operationalization of Sittwe Port in the Rakhine State in the first quarter of 2021. Myanmar and India also discussed progress on other ongoing Indian-assisted infrastructure projects such as the Trilateral Highway, the statement said. Under a framework agreement signed in Myanmar in 2008, the Kaladan project will connect Sittwe seaport to Paletwa via the Kaladan River, and Paletwa to Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram State, by road. The project includes 158 km of waterway on the Kaladan River from Sittwe to Paletwa in Myanmar and a 109-km road component from Paletwa to Zorinpui along the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram. The total US$480-million (622.65-billion-kyat) estimated cost of the project is being borne by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The project aims to reduce the travel distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by about 1,328 km, reducing by three or four days the time needed to transport goods which currently must travel through the narrow Siliguri corridor, also known as the Chickens Neck. New Delhis strategic goal is to create a Special Economic Zone surrounding the Sittwe Port, and in so doing, cement Indias footprint in Rakhine and boost its presence in the Bay of Bengal. The Sittwe Port is meant to be Indias answer to the Chinese-funded Kyaukphyu Port in Rakhine under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is intended to cement Chinas geostrategic footprint in the state. Myanmars land border with northeastern India stretches for some 1,624 km, and Myanmars geographic position gives it a key role in New Delhis Act East policy. During this weeks visit, the two sides also signed an agreement to upgrade agricultural productivity by using farm machinery and equipment more effectively as a part of the Rakhine State Development Program (RSDP). Under the RSDP, the Indian government has committed to provide socioeconomic development assistance for projects pertaining to health, education, agriculture and allied activities in Rakhine State. The statement said that considerable progress had been made under the RSDP and proposed finalizing projects under Phase III of the program, including the setting up of a skills training center. Moreover, India also announced a $2-million grant for the construction of the border haat (market) bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in Myanmars Chin State, which will provide increased economic connectivity between Mizoram and Myanmar. A quota of 150,000 tonnes of urad (Vigna mungo beans) for import from Myanmar was also announced, effective through March 31, 2021. During the trip, a virtual inauguration was also held for the Center of Excellence in Software Development and Training in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State. Lying next to Chinas Yunnan Province, Kachin State plays a strategically important role in Chinas ambitious BRI. The network of infrastructure projects across the region is Chinese President Xi Jinpings signature foreign policy initiative. Kachin is already home to massive Chinese investments including dam, mining and industrial projects as well as tissue culture banana plantations, among others. Under the BRI plan, China is set to invest $400 million in the Myitkyina Economic Zone on 4,700 acres (1,900 hectares) of land along the Ledo Road and $22.4 million in an industrial park in the border town of Kanpiketi, which will bring the state even more firmly into Chinas economic orbit. Moreover, the state also plays a vital role in Chinas planned China-Myanmar Irrawaddy Economic Belt, a strategic land and water transport route expected to start in Kunming and run through Yunnans Longchuan to Kachins Bhamo, then to Yangon and the Indian Ocean. In March, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar visited Myitkyina and met with leaders of a popular Kachin party and the president of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC). During the visit, the Indian ambassador sought possible investment opportunities including reconstructing a segment of the Ledo Road in Kachin State. The Ledo Road was built during World War II to enable the Western allies to deliver supplies to China and thus aid the war effort against Japanese forces. It was an overland connection between Ledo in Indias Assam State and Kunming in Chinas Yunnan Province. China has made the area a strategic priority, with the ultimate aim of linking it with India as part of its BRI, although India strongly opposes the initiative. During the recent visit, officials from both sides also inaugurated the Indian Embassy Liaison Office in Naypyitaw. The press release said that both sides agreed to further strengthen connectivity projects, capacity building, power and energy, deepen economic and trade ties, and further facilitate people-to-people and cultural exchanges. India also promised to prioritize Myanmar in sharing vaccines as and when these become available and handed over 3,000 vials of Remdesivir, an antiviral drug that is currently being used to treat the coronavirus. During the delegations meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the two sides discussed maintenance of security and stability in border areas and reiterated mutual commitment between the two countries not to allow their respective territories to be used for activities inimical to each other, the statement said. You may also like these stories: Yatai IHG May Seek to Co-opt Myanmar Government Officials Through Dubious Connections Thousands Excluded as Overseas Voting in Myanmar Election Starts in Singapore Myanmar Govt Vows to Build Back Better With Latest COVID-19 Recovery Plans Victoria's population boom has come to a shuddering halt in a blow that will cost billions in GST payments, slow the state's economy for decades and sharpen the focus on Premier Daniel Andrews' plans to unwind lockdown. The state worst-hit by the pandemic is now expected to have almost 400,000 fewer people by the end of 2022 than was forecast pre-COVID, putting greater pressure on the federal and state governments to consider additional stimulus measures including infrastructure projects. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on budget day. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer The state is forecast to be $3.7 billion worse off in GST payments compared with last year's estimate, with $15.1 billion in receipts now expected in 2020-21. GST revenues are critical sources of state revenue and used to fund education, health and other essential services. New Delhi, Oct6: The Punjab government has told a Supreme Court-mandated pollution control authority that custom hiring centres (CHCs) in the state will not charge any rental from small and marginal farmers for machinery to manage stubble. Farmers who cannot afford expensive machinery for in-situ management of crop residue hire farm equipment from CHCs. The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority had earlier asked Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh not to charge rentals from small and marginal farmers. The CHCs will charge no rentals for providing machines to small and marginal farmers," Chief Secretary, Punjab, Vini Mahajan wrote in a letter to EPCA head Bhure Lal. Marginal farmers are those who cultivate (as owner or tenant or share cropper) agricultural land up to 1 hectare, while small farmers are those who cultivate agricultural land more than 1 hectare and up to 2 hectares. The EPCA had also asked the states to specify rental charges for machinery to avoid any ambiguity. Acting on its directions, the Punjab government has fixed the hiring rates for machines too. Rental charge for most of the machines, including happy seeder, rotavator, straw chopper and zero till drill, is between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Last year, Punjab produced around 20 million tonnes paddy residue. Farmers burnt 9.8 million tonnes of it. Farmers in Haryana burnt nearly 1.23 million tonnes out of seven million tonnes of paddy residue produced. Despite a ban on stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, farmers continue to defy it as there is a short window between harvesting of paddy and sowing of wheat. The high cost of manual or mechanical management of straw is a major reason why farmers choose to burn it. State governments are providing 50 to 80 per cent subsidy to farmers and cooperative societies to buy modern farm equipment for in-situ management of paddy straw, installing paddy straw-based power plants and running a massive awareness campaign against stubble burning. But these measures are yet to make any significant impact on the ground.. 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 YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the continuing escalation of violence in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone, reminding all sides of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, the statement issued by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reads. The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by reports of the extension of hostilities, including the targeting of populated areas. The Secretary-General also underlined that there is no military solution to the conflict and urged to immediately cease all hostilities. He appealed to all relevant regional and international actors to actively exercise their influence to achieve an urgent end to the fighting and return to negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Also on Monday, at a regular press briefing, Mr. Dujarric provided a humanitarian update on Nagorno Karabakh, noting that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) remains deeply concerned about the ongoing hostilities along the line of contact in the conflict zone. On September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack against the Republic of Artsakh, targeting also the civilian settlements, including the capital Stepanakert and the city of Shushi. In addition, the Azerbaijani armed forces have also targeted Armenias military and civilian infrastructures. 21 civilians in Artsakh and Armenia were killed, 80 were wounded as a result of the Azerbaijani aggression. 219 servicemen and volunteers have been killed in Artsakh from the Azerbaijani attacks. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan US Special Envoy for the Sahel Region J. Peter Pham will travel to Mali's Bamako from September 30 to October 3 and meet with the country's transitional government, the US State Department said WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2020) US Special Envoy for the Sahel Region J. Peter Pham will travel to Mali's Bamako from September 30 to October 3 and meet with the country's transitional government, the US State Department said. "The Special Envoy will meet with the transitional government as well as civil society, religious leaders, and officials from the United Nations, African Union, G5 Sahel and the diplomatic community. He will urge the transitional government to honor the commitments it has made to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including holding free and fair elections within 18 months," the statement said. According to the statement, he will discuss efforts to combat corruption, as well as address human rights concerns and electoral reform. On August 18, a group of Malian soldiers initiated an uprising at a military base near Bamako. They demanded political reforms, the transition of power and a new general election. Rebels kidnapped several high-ranking officials, including then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse. Keita subsequently announced the resignation of the government and parliament. The restive military established its own agency, dubbed the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, and launched broad consultations with the other political and civil forces from September 10-12 in a bid to agree on a governance model for the period before new elections. They adopted a plan to form a transitional government that would rule the country for the next 18 months led by a president, who could be both a military serviceman or a civilian. In September, ex-Defense Minister Ba N'Daou was sworn in as the transitional president, while Assimi Goita, the leader of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, was sworn in as vice president. Wrexham Glyndwr University adopts Victim Support Hate Crime Charter This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Oct 6th, 2020 Wrexham Glyndwr University has shown its commitment to creating and understanding and welcoming community for victims of hate crime. The university is one of the first organisations in North Wales to adopt the Victim Support Hate Crime Charter, which outlines how staff and students are expected to behave when they come into contact with people who have experienced hate crime. The Charter brings to the forefront the rights of victims and aims to support organisations to identify and report hate crimes and incidents that may take place in and around their premises. Ali Bloomfield, Organisational Development & Diversity Manager said: By signing the charter Wrexham Glyndwr University is committing to ensuring that its staff are expected to abide by the charters promises whenever they come into contact with those affected by hate crime and work on building cohesive communities and inclusive environments. The University is a welcoming and inclusive environment for our staff, students and all visitors and we are continually looking for ways to help to support equity and the work being undertaken to create a safer and more inclusive Wales for communities and individuals. By signing the charter we are showing our commitment to tackling hate crime and reassuring all staff, students and our community that when they enter our campuses they are in a safe place. The Victim Support Charter, which is set to be launched during Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 10-17), covers seven key points: The right to be heard The right to report Hate Crime The right to be treated with respect The right to information The right to free and confidential support The right to make a complaint The right to privacy Stefanie Hartley, Chief Executive Officer at Wrexham Glyndwr Students Union, said: As a students union it is our core purpose to support students to be able to live their absolute best lives while at university. This definitely means a life free from hate and prejudice. By signing the hate crime charter we are committed to tackling all forms of hate in our building, our work force and our student-led communities. We are incredibly excited to be a part of this. Other organisations and members of the public can learn more about how they can get involved by visiting the Victim Support Report Hate Crime website. One of Ireland's most creative marketing and event agencies, ThinkNBlink, has launched SantaOnline.ie a new way, in these Covid times, for families and companies to still enjoy the annual tradition of meeting Santa. www.SantaOnline.ie is now live online. Over the past decade, ThinkNBlink has created magical experiences for children in Christmas grottoes across the country, for clients such as Tesco, IKEA, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and the renowned Christmas experience at The Square Town Centre in Tallaght. "However, the landscape for this festive season looks very different and Covid-19 has had a huge impact on how we socialise in and out of our homes. With the majority of Santa grottoes and corporate Christmas events cancelled, the team at ThinkNBlink has developed a new and engaging way of bringing the magic of Christmas to life," organisers said. SantaOnline.ie is a magical online experience, creating an intimate space where children and families can chat live with Santa from the comfort of their own home. It is estimated that 415,000 Irish families will be looking forward to a visit from Santa on December 24. The creative team in ThinkNBlink, headed up by Graham Carroll and Ger Walsh have devised a solution for children to see and talk to Santa this year. Santaonline.ie replaces the traditional Santa visit without losing any of the magic. SantaOnline.ie even delivers an appropriately-aged, wrapped gift for every child booked in to talk to Santa via SantaOnline.ie. How does SantaOnline.ie work? Step 1 Log onto www.SantaOnline.ie Step2 Make your booking day and time for 15 per child Step 3 Receive confirmation from SantaOnline.ie and a zoom link Step 4 A gift from Santa arrives for each child prior to the video call, pre-wrapped in a box Step 5 Click the link at the time of your booking and meet Santa live Ger Walsh from ThinkNBlink said: We have empathy for the grandparents and immune comprised people in the community who may be cocooning. With this in mind, we have set up the option for two households to simultaneously join in on the visit. Families can simply share the link with Nana and Grandad and everyone can enjoy the experience together. You can even record the entire visit onto your device free of charge! Graham Carroll from ThinkNBlink said: We have been creating special Santa moments for over a decade and SantaOnline.ie is our response for the year thats in it. We would usually have 150 people working on over 30 Christmas events and experiences at this time of the year. So, we have taken all that knowledge and brought it online. For all those families and companies who will have had to cancel corporate Christmas activity we feel this is a perfect solution for 2020." SantaOnline.ie has also proudly partnered with Irelands Leading Childrens Hospice, The Laura Lynn charity and a donation of 1 will be made to the charity from every booking made. Joan Andrews Bell and Randall Terry to Lead Protest Against Cardinal Tobin in NJ -- Also: Catholics Protest at Bishop Malooly's Home - Joe Biden's Bishop NEWS PROVIDED BY Randall Terry Oct. 6, 2020 NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 6, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- What: Protest at residence of Cardinal Joseph Tobin in Newark New Jersey for his endorsement of Joe Biden. Time and location: 1:30 P.M. Cardinal's Residence 171 Clifton Ave Newark, New Jersey "If a Shepherd will not protect the sheep from the wolves, he is a hireling and a coward; he is unfit to serve and should resign." -- Randall Terry Background: On Friday, Oct. 2, 12 Catholics went to the home of Bishop William Francis Malooly, to protest against his public silence regarding Joe Biden, the killing of the unborn, and Biden's bid for the Presidency. Specifically, the protestors condemned Malooly's silence in regards to Catholic voters' duty to oppose candidates that promote abortion. There was a brief confrontation between Bp. Malooly and Randall Terry. (Some of it was caught on video.) See video of confrontation and protest here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEWp2PZjcuw The demonstration at Bp. Malooly's home has fired the imagination and conscience of other pro-life groups around the country, who have expressed a desire to do similar protests at the homes of Bishops who refuse to take a public stand for the babies, and against Joe Biden. For this reason, Randall Terry, Joan Andrews Bell, Rabbi Yehuda Levin and 15-20 pro-lifers (mostly Catholic) will descend on Cardinal Tobin's residence on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 1:30 P.M. They will be calling on him to repent for his endorsement of Joe Biden on Sept. 15th during an online Catholic symposium regarding Catholic Voting. He said: "I think that a person in good conscience could vote for Mr. Biden. I, frankly, in my own way of thinking have a more difficult time with the other option. [I.e., President Trump.]" See his words here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUVD12vrOeA Randall Terry states: "Cardinal Tobin's words are treachery against innocent babies, and a betrayal of Church teaching regarding the murder of children by abortion. He must be publically excoriated for his sin and scandal. Sadly, his 'brother bishops' have remained silent regarding his treachery. It falls to lay people to publicly rebuke the Cardinal. "We will be at his residence with a massive sound system. Since it appears he cannot hear the cry of innocent blood, perhaps he will hear stadium size speakers." SOURCE Randall Terry CONTACT: 904-826-9989 Share Tweet Drug firm on Tuesday said it has received approval from the US health regulator to market generic Dimethyl Fumarate delayed-release capsules used for treatment ofrelapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults. The company has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market its Dimethyl Fumarate delayed-release capsules in the strengthsof 120 mg and 240 mg, said in a statement. The product is a generic version of Biogen Inc's Tecfideradelayed-release capsules in the same strengths, it added. The company expects to launch the productshortly,the statement said. According to theIQVIA MAT June 2020 data, Dimethyl Fumarate delayed-release capsules had an annual sales of approximately USD 3,788 million in the US, said. The capsulesare indicated, "for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) , to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults," it added. Shares of Lupin Ltd were tradingat Rs1,043.85per scrip on the BSE, up 0.49 per cent over previous close. (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.) Lieutenant-Colonel Ryan Stimpson transferred command of Operation UNIFIER to Lieutenant-Colonel Sarah Heer. The ceremony was held at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre of the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Ground Forces Academy in Starychi, Lviv region, on October 5. Change of command ceremony observed the transition between Rotations 9 and 10 and the appointment of Joint Task Force Ukraines first female commanding officer, LCol Heer, the Canadian Armed Forces in Ukraine posted on Facebook. LCol Heer will have command over approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces members as they complete modernization, capability and capacity building with the Security Forces of Ukraine. Op UNIFIERs initiatives are one component of Canadas whole-of-government approach in support of Ukraines security, sovereignty and aspirations to achieve NATO interoperability. The change of command ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine Larisa Galadza, Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine Tobias Thyberg, Head of the Lviv Regional State Administration Maksym Kozytsky, other foreign diplomats and officials. "We are sincerely grateful to Lieutenant-Colonel Ryan Stimpson, all servicepersons of the previous rotation for their support and cooperation. We wish you and your team a safe return home, further success in military activities, the well-being of your families, and we wish your country prosperity," said Lieutenant Pavlo Tkachuk, Director of the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Ground Forces Academy, the press service of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine informs. Since the start of the Operation UNFIER in September 2015, nearly 22,000 Security Forces of Ukraine members have received training via approximately 460 course serials. On March 18, 2019, the Government of Canada announced the extension of Op UNIFIER until the end of March 2022. ol Almost a fifth of state secondary schools in England are partly closed last week due to coronavirus as the nation braces itself for a second wave, official figures show. Only around 82% of state secondary schools were fully open on October 1 - down from 84% a week earlier. The figure means over 600 state secondary schools are operating with restrictions in place. However pupil attendance has risen slightly, according to the Department for Education's (DfE) latest statistics. Only around 82% of state secondary schools were fully open on October 1, according to figures from the Department for Education (pictured: pupils from Year 11 at Hazelwood Integrated College are pictured during their first day back to the school in Belfast) Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: 'The vast majority of schools are open, as has been consistently the case since the start of term, with a 2% increase in the numbers of pupils attending to more than 7.4 million pupils last week. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson (pictured above) said the Department for Education would 'continue to work with schools to ensure all appropriate steps are taken to keep pupils and staff safe' 'Attendance in fully open primary schools is now consistent with what we would have expected before coronavirus. 'We will continue to work with schools to ensure all appropriate steps are taken to keep pupils and staff safe.' Schools are considered to be not fully open if they are unable to provide face-to-face teaching for all pupils for the whole school day and have asked a group of students to self-isolate. Overall, approximately 92% of state schools were fully open, down from 93% on September 24. The cause of schools not being fully open was mostly 'due to Covid-19 related reasons', the DfE said. However, pupil attendance increased in secondary schools from approximately 84% to 86%. About 90% of pupils in all state schools were in attendance, up from 88% a week earlier. The DfE claims groups of pupils being asked to self-isolate 'are becoming smaller'. Schools are considered not fully open if they are unable to provide face-to-face teaching for all pupils on roll for the whole school day (pictured: pupils from Year 11 at Hazelwood Integrated College in Belfast are pictured during a lesson) Yesterday saw one of the highest rises in the number of coronavirus cases on record after a data issue saw another 12,594 coronavirus cases added to the rolling total, figures from the Department of Health show But Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said the trend 'reflects the extremely tough circumstances in which schools are operating due to the impact of Covid. 'We remain concerned that schools lack the support from the Government that they need in this challenging task. 'The Government must redouble its efforts to improve the Covid testing system, and ensure that schools are supported by clear and consistent guidance', he said. Government guidance states that school attendance is mandatory from the beginning of the autumn term, while pupils or members of their households with coronavirus symptoms should not attend school. If someone who has attended school is tested positive for Covid-19, pupils they have been in close contact with will be asked to self-isolate. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Croatia's producer prices continued to decline in September, figures from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics showed on Tuesday. The producer price index fell 4.6 percent year-on-year in September, following a 4.1 percent decrease in August. Prices fell for the seventh month in a row. Prices in domestic market decreased 3.2 percent annually in September and those in foreign market fell 6.4 percent. On a month-on-month basis, producer prices fell 0.4 percent in September, following a 0.5 percent decrease in the previous 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. The US surgeon general is reportedly due to appear in a Hawaii court later this month after he was hit with a coronavirus citation during his trip to the island earlier this summer. The nation's top public health spokesperson, Jerome Adams, has been accused of violating health and safety restrictions in Honolulu, where he was sent in August to assist state officials with their response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Adams, 46, was issued a ticket on August 23 after he and two others were caught taking photos at a closed park in the island of Oahu, Axios reported on Tuesday. Surgeon General Jerome Adams (pictured in Washington on September 9) was issued a citation by Hawaiian authorities on August 23 after he and two others were caught taking photos at a closed park in Oahu Adams, 46, the nation's top public health spokesperson, traveled to Hawaii in August to assist state officials with their response to the COVID-19 outbreak. He is pictured above with a local healthcare worker According to the citation, Adams had been taking in the scenic views at Kualoa Regional Park where he had temporarily removed his mask. 'They moved to the center of the park to take more pictures. Adams put his mask on as he walked back toward their vehicle,' the responding officer wrote, according to Axios. Adams, an anesthesiologist and vice admiral in the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, told authorities he had been visiting Hawaii to work with Governor David Ige and did not know the grounds were off limits. 'Adams stated he did not know the parks were closed and could not be there,' the document said. According to the citation, Adams had been taking in the scenic views at Kualoa Regional Park (pictured) which had been closed under COVID-19 restrictions Adams (far right) is pictured during a coronavirus press briefing at the White House at the beginning of the pandemic on February 29 His case remains active and he is due to appear in court on October 21, according to the news outlet. Adams could potentially face a $5,000 fine or jail time for the misdemeanor citation. An OSG spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by DailyMail.com on Tuesday. Adams had shared photos on social media of his time in Hawaii where he visited healthcare workers in hospitals. He also appeared alongside Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, two days after he was cited, to announce a new emergency order to shut businesses for two weeks amid a spike in cases. Mayor Caldwell was forced to roll back re-opening efforts in late August after Oahu became the state's coronavirus hotspot. As of Monday, there were 12,854 cases of COVID-19 in Hawaii, and 157 deaths. LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Welcome Tech, an incorporated For Benefit Corporation, connecting immigrants and their families to services that improve their lives, is proud to announce that its Co-founder and Executive Chairman, Raul Lomeli-Azoubel, was awarded the prestigious Ohtli Award by her excellency Martha Barcena, Ambassador of Mexico to the United States. This important achievement is a testament to the incredible work he and the team at Welcome Tech have accomplished in connecting immigrants to the information, products and services needed to succeed in the United States. The Ohtli Award is an honor that the Mexican Government gives to citizens of Mexico or Mexican descents who work abroad and have given assistance to Mexican citizens and promoted civic well-being. The award consists of a medal, a silver rosette and a diploma. Each year hundreds of candidates in areas as diverse as civil rights, sports, education, business, journalism and health are submitted for the award, but only the most outstanding and impactful are selected. "Today, Hispanics are central to U.S. prosperity. They are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the US and contribute over $700 billion to the American economy every year, generating more than 2.7M jobs," shared Ambassador Barcena, "For the past 24 years, the Ohtli has been awarded to men and women who have defied stereotypes and been a model for the community. The creation of (Welcome Tech's) ambitious platform reflects Raul's unwavering commitment to empowering Spanish-speaking migrants, to become better informed and active participants in US society." The ambassador added "Without Raul and people like him, the Hispanic community could not have improved as much as they have done. Raul, your ability to use technology in the service of those who need it most, will contribute to change the face of Hispanics in the U.S., and to set new standards of what we can all achieve" This award comes at a particularly impactful time as Welcome Tech's Hispanic immigrant platform, SABEResPODER , is in the midst of a campaign to mitigate some of the huge financial burden that has befallen the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raul continues to be the driving force behind such initiatives, ensuring that the company's mission is always at the forefront. "Raul and I have spent the last two decades building companies that make positive impact in the communities we serve. It is an honor to see Mexico recognize Raul for the incredible bridge building and community empowerment he has dedicated his life to," shared Amir Hemmat, Co-founder and CEO of Welcome Tech. About Welcome Technologies: Welcome Technologies is the World's first platform dedicated to connecting the 250 million global immigrant community with the information, products, and services they need to thrive in a new country. Through SABEResPODER, the most recognized Hispanic immigrant platform in the US, Welcome Technologies provides information and products to enable its 2 million+ members to thrive in their adopted country. SOURCE Welcome Technologies Related Links https://welcome.tech/ VOLKSWAGEN MONEY FUELS FUNDS STRONG APPLICATION' A KEY PLANS FOR SITES CHARGING STATIONS Bellbrook: Winters Bellbrook Library, city building. Centerville: Uptown municipal lot, city building. Fairborn: Community Library, Shoppes at Valle Greene. Franklin: City building. Huber Heights: The Rose Music Center, Thomas Cloud Park. Kettering: Recreation complex, government center, Delco Park. Miami Twp.: Austin Landing garage. Oakwood: Orchard Avenue municipal lot. Washington Twp.: Rec center, township building. West Carrollton: The Point. Xenia: Downtown municipal lot 2. (TNS) More electric vehicle charging stations are expected on the horizon for drivers in Dayton area communities with state plans to provide $3.25 million funded by a court settlement.Eighteen new sites in 11 communities could be added to the dozens of publicly accessible Level 2 charging stations for electric vehicles in an effort led by Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.Bellbrook, Centerville, Fairborn, Franklin, Huber Heights, Kettering, Oakwood, Miami Twp., Washington Twp., West Carrollton, and Xenia are part of the MVRPCs proposal.Dayton, meanwhile, is also aiming to land Ohio Environment Protection Agency funds by working with an electric vehicle charging site business to expand the number of stations there, according to the city.Greene, Montgomery and Warren are among 26 counties in the state eligible for the $3.25 million earmarked by the Ohio EPA.The effort to secure investment from the EPA for EV charging stations located within so many of our member communities is a unique and very important opportunity to promote reductions in our regions carbon footprint, according to MVRPC Executive Director Brian Martin.Visible, publicly accessible EV charging serves to encourage consumers to consider plug-in vehicles by demonstrating that opportunities for fueling the vehicles are convenient throughout the region, he added. Electric vehicles are quieter, safer in a crash, have a lower cost of ownership, and emit less or zero pollution.Funds for the project come from money allotted to the state from a federal civil lawsuit settlement with Volkswagen after the automaker was accused of violating the Clean Air Act, according to the Ohio EPA.The state agency has allotted $115,000 per county for dual port, Level 2 charging stations, the MVRPC said.Based on that funding break down, one could expect about seven dual charger projects per county, according to the commission.Level 2 charging stations are geared toward shorter distances while Level 1 sites are more commonly used for longer, interstate travel, officials said.The number of Level 2 sites in the area, according to the U.S. Department of Energys Alternative Fuels Data Center website, include: Dayton, 12; Centerville/Washington Twp., 5; Fairborn, 3; and Huber Heights, Kettering, Miamisburg, and Oakwood, 1 each.Franklin, Miami Twp., Bellbrook, West Carrollton and Xenia do not have any Level 2 sites, records show.Having the state award funds for Xenias proposal which would install a station in a downtown municipal parking out would provide a valuable service for those who live or work in Xenia and drive electric vehicles, City Planner Brian Forschner said in an email.Having EV chargers in our downtown can bring new customers to downtown businesses by encouraging EV drivers to stop in Xenia and visit local shops that are within walking distance while their vehicles are charging, he said.The chargers will help Xenia catch up with the rapid growth in electric vehicles and position for future growth, Forschner added.The Ohio EPA said grant awards will be announced in January, according to the MVRPC, with the state allowing up to two years to install the stations.Sponsors for proposals the state selects will have to install and pay for the project with the OEPA reimbursing them up to 100%, said Matt Lindsay, the MVRPCs environmental planning manager.Private projects will be considered by the state, but if chosen funded at a lesser amount, Lindsay told MVRPC board members.The state is likely to look more favorably on sites that can expand to four or six ports, he said, and it is giving project sponsors the choice of whether to charge users a fee."A strong application would include a site with walkable access to a variety of amenities retail, restaurants or government offices and libraries or even greenspace, Lindsay said. Or better yet, all three.Sites proposed in Kettering which has no city-maintained stations include Delco Park, the Kettering Recreation Complex and the Kettering Government Center near Lincoln Park and the Fraze Pavilion, records show.Those are some of our most highly used facilities by our residents, Kettering Assistant City Manager Steve Bergstresser said.You might go the Fraze for a concert and you could charge your vehicle for a couple of hours while youre at the concert, he said. Or if youre going to work out at the rec center and youre going to be there for an hour or so, you could charge your vehicle there.Replacing outdated stations in an Uptown municipal lot and at the city building are part of Centervilles proposal.Those sites offer convenience and accessibility to drive customer traffic and improve the service experience for our residents and visitors, Centerville City Manager Wayne Davis said in an email. Our current EV charging stations were installed approximately 10 years ago and are no longer serviceable. The systems also do not allow us to track usage.Publicly accessible charging stations in Dayton include the city hall parking garage, Day Air Ballpark, and on the campuses of the University of Dayton and Sinclair Community College, federal records show.The city is working with a private EV charger installer for Ohio EPA funds from the Volkswagen settlement as it expects a large number of electric vehicles in Dayton in the next few years, city Sustainability Manager Mark Charles said in an email.If the submission is successful, Charles said, sites for new stations would include the Dayton Art Institute, near Levitt Pavilion and the Arcade complex, the Dayton Convention Center, the Riverscape stage, and the Oregon District.Area communities are seeking state funds through the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission for Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations. The jurisdictions and the proposed sites for the stations include: SIOUX CITY -- The former superintendent of Sioux City's wastewater treatment plant pleaded guilty Tuesday to manipulating water sample test results to make sure that plant discharges into the Missouri River met federal requirements. Jay Niday, 63, entered his pleas in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to charges of conspiracy and falsifying or providing inaccurate information. He faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and fines of up to $260,000, though Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Vavricek said he did not expect Niday's sentence, which is determined by a formula that takes several factors into account, to be close to the maximum levels. A sentencing date will be set once the U.S. Probation Office has completed a presentence investigation. Niday is free on a personal recognizance bond. Niday has entered a plea agreement with prosecutors and there is no negotiated sentence in the plea agreement, which was filed under seal but discussed in general terms during Tuesday's hearing before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Kelly Mahoney. Mahoney referred to a statement of facts in the plea agreement, and Niday admitted that from 2012 through June 2015 he and at least one other person at the treatment plant agreed to manipulate chlorine levels to make it appear the city was meeting federal E. coli standards when wastewater samples were tested. Niday is the second former plant official to be charged. Patrick Schwarte, who was a shift supervisor, pleaded guilty in January 2019 to the same two charges and is scheduled to be sentenced in November. No other individuals have been charged, though court documents say that other plant operators -- some who were known to prosecutors and others who were unknown -- were involved in a process in which they were instructed by Niday and Schwarte to raise chlorine levels added to wastewater on days that E. coli samples were taken. The elevated chlorine level would produce test samples showing plant discharges met federal limits for levels of fecal coliform and E. coli. Once the samples were taken, chlorine added to the city's wastewater was reduced to minimal levels unlikely to disinfect discharged water enough to meet those limits. The fraudulent procedures violated and concealed violations of the city's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and the federal Clean Water Act and deceived the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which administers the city's permits, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Attorney's Office alleges. Guy Cook, a Des Moines attorney representing the city, has said that Niday and Schwarte acted on their own and were not directed by city department heads. The city dismissed Niday and Schwarte in June 2015. Niday told state investigators the city saved at least $100,000 in one year when workers administered the smaller levels of chlorine. Built in 1961, Sioux City's wastewater treatment plant, located at 3100 S. Lewis Blvd., near the intersection of Interstate 29 and U.S. Highway 20, accepts industrial, commercial and residential wastewater from Sioux City. The city also accepts wastewater from Sergeant Bluff, South Sioux City, North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes. Once treated, the water is discharged into the Missouri River in accordance with state and federal regulations, including the Clean Water Act. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. By Mark Eveland and Marina Corodemus While difficult to quantify because of its underground nature, the International Labour Organization estimates that 24.9 million people were victims of human trafficking in 2017. Of those, 16 million were exploited in the private sector. Contrary to the common notion that human trafficking is a problem for developing nations to solve, modern slavery occurs right here in the United States at the nail salon, on the truck farm, in hotels and restaurants, on construction sites and in the sex trades. It is slavery hiding in the shadows of the economy. Heightened awareness is the first step in rescuing victims and putting an end to this human rights travesty. Corporate America remains largely on the sidelines of this issue at its peril and must do more to thwart trafficking by joining forces with the courts, law enforcement agencies, human rights lawyers, social service organizations, religious groups and others. They must become conscious of their role in enabling this underground economy and make meaningful changes to their business practices to better identify and report instances of trafficking to the appropriate authorities. International trade plays a major role here. In 2016, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 was signed into law. This legislation closed a longstanding loophole in the Tariff Act of 1930 that allowed goods made by enslaved people to be imported into the United States as long as domestic demand exceeded supply. Now, with that loophole closed, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are authorized to block the import of goods made by slaves. American companies must monitor the U.S. Department of Labors list of goods produced by child and forced labor as a starting point to comply with the 2015 Act. They should also implement more stringent due diligence standards to ensure that their own operations are free from forced labor while applying pressure on their entire supply chain to adopt policies that reduce or eliminate labor exploitation. That means taking purposeful steps to thoroughly assess their suppliers' supply chains to eliminate forced labor, including examining their subcontractors' recruiting policies. Implementing these measures will both prevent their shipments from being held at the border or rejected by CBP agents, and uphold the corporations' stance against these practices. To be even more proactive, U.S. corporations need to intensify their internal employee training, in cooperation with local authorities, to recognize potential human trafficking victims and alert the appropriate agencies to take action. A 2010 California law requires companies to disclose steps they are taking to identify human trafficking. Delta Airlines has trained its employees to look for signs of passengers being trafficked aboard their planes. There are even signs at airports alerting passengers of the signs of someone being trafficked traveling in their midst. But these steps, while important, are far from enough. Hotel chains and Airbnbs, as well as fast-food restaurants and transportation providers, must ramp up their efforts to identify and stop traffickers from relying on their services. Consider the impact of merely locking the back and side doors of hotels, requiring room keys to access elevators and stairwells and installing signage in hotel rooms with simple instructions on what to do if a guest is being trafficked or suspects that they have encountered a trafficking victim. Social media giants, too, should be more vigilant about uncovering and removing actors that lure unwitting victims into servitude or advertise enslaved women and children for sale. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said 73% of 10,000 child sex trafficking reports it received per year involved ads from Backpage until Federal law enforcement agencies seized its assets in 2018 and shut it down. Those advertisers did not stop selling trafficking victims they simply took their business elsewhere. If Corporate America doesnt do more to stop the sexual exploitation of children, the trial bar is poised to make them sit up straight and pay attention. Chains like Marriott, Hilton and others that are lawyering up in light of an Ohio MDL consolidating lawsuits alleging that major hotel chains have ignored human trafficking taking place on their premises. And most recently a New York sex trafficking lawsuit may now join the Ohio MDL, suggesting that this issue promises to inflict even greater pain on the hospitality industry. It wont be long until other industries think transportation, media and restaurants - will be caught in the crosshairs on this issue, too. As public awareness grows, and with some help from lawmakers, U.S. corporations should take a deeper view of their supply chains, their manufacturing plants, their processes and their people to help stop this widespread exploitation of innocents, and take their place at the forefront of social justice. Mark Eveland is CEO and co-founder of Verus LLC, a litigation support firm serving mass tort and class action law firms based in Princeton. Marina Corodemus, who served as New Jerseys sole mass tort judge for more than a decade, is director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution practice in her firm Corodemus & Corodemus LLC. in Iselin. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. A New York man, 65, has been charged with homicide after he allegedly shoved an 80-year-old bar patron to the ground causing him to hit his head and die in a row over a face mask. Donald M. Lewinski, 65, was arrested Monday and charged with criminally negligent homicide over the incident that left Rocco E. Sapienza, 80, dead, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn announced Monday. The two men, who were both regulars at the bar and were said to dislike each other, got into an altercation at Pamp's Red Zone Bar and Grill in West Seneca in Buffalo, New York, on September 26. Sapienza died four days later on September 30, with prosecutors saying this could mark the first time in American history that someone has died in a dispute over a face mask. A New York man, 65, has been charged with homicide after he allegedly shoved an 80-year-old bar patron to the ground causing him to hit his head and die in a row over a face mask. Pictured Rocco E. Sapienza who died after the incident The incident unfolded at Pamp's Red Zone when retired steelworker Sapienza noticed Lewinski not wearing a mask while taking buckets of beer to a band playing at the bar, prosecutors said. Sapienza got up and confronted Lewinski for being maskless and for treating bar staff badly, they said. The two patrons got into a verbal fight and Lewinski shoved Sapienza 'hard' with both hands, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on the ground, District Attorney John Flynn said. The 80-year-old was knocked out and fell into a coma. 'He was pretty much in an unresponsive condition right away. He went into a seizure right away there on the floor of the bar,' Flynn said. Sapienza was rushed to hospital but was unresponsive and died four days later on September 30. An autopsy revealed he died of blunt force trauma to the head. The two men, who were both regulars at the bar and were said to dislike each other, got into an altercation at Pamp's Red Zone Bar and Grill (pictured) in West Seneca on September 26 Donald M. Lewinski, 65, was arrested Monday and charged with criminally negligent homicide over the incident that left Rocco E. Sapienza, 80, (pictured) dead Prosecutors said there had been a history of tensions between the two men. 'I get the impression from witness statements that these two just didn't like one another... these two were butting heads from minute one there,' Flynn said, according to CNN. 'So there were other things besides the mask that were involved here.' Lewinski was charged with the felony of criminally negligent homicide. District Attorney John Flynn. Prosecutors said this is the first time someone has died in a dispute over a face mask He is scheduled to appear in West Seneca Town Court Tuesday night for his arraignment. If convicted, Lewinski faces up to four years in prison over the incident. Prosecutors said this could be the first time a person has died and a person has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in a row over a face covering. Lewinski's attorney, Barry Covert, told The Buffalo News he plans to plead not guilty and called Sapienza's death 'a tragedy'. 'It's certainly a tragedy that Mr. Sapienza passed away,' said Covert. 'My client and his family want to express their best wishes and sympathy to the family of Mr. Sapienza.' The owner of the bar paid tribute to 'Rocco' who they said was 'part of our Red Zone family'. 'We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Rocco. He was a part of our Red Zone family and loved by all,' Pamp's Red Zone said in a statement. 'Our deepest sympathies go out to Rocco's family.' A celebration of Sapienza's life took place at the Southtown Christian Center Tuesday morning. SEATTLE, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurtigruten, the world leader in exploration travel, is giving customers the chance to look ahead and book future travel while staying closer to home. Through November 15 th , travel agents can offer travelers a buy one, get one at half off discount to experience Alaska. Using code BOGOHO at the time of booking, travel agents can offer a limited time promotion that gives travelers a tailored experience while exploring the areas of the last frontier that larger ships cannot access. Buy one, get one at half off discount only applies to the cruise portion of the package, including taxes, feed, and port expenses. "We know travelers are looking for domestic travel options that still take them to destinations that make them feel like they are a world away," said John Downey, president of Hurtigruten Americas. "Providing our travel agents with new promotions like the buy one, get one half off discount allows us to deliver options that benefit both our partners and customers." Travelers to Alaska can expect to visit smaller ports, providing a unique and exclusive experience. The last frontier also offers a selection of small towns to explore off the beaten path including Wrangell, Petersburg, Misty Fjords, and more. Clients can choose from a variety of itinerary lengths including longer voyages that take "the scenic route," offering a first-hand look at the natural surroundings and beauty, including the southbound option through British Columbia, a route not accessible for many ships. A video look at the Alaska experience may be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGTR_uICips. Travel agents can use code BOGOHO and book through the Hurtigruten Agent Portal . Alaska-bound guests can feel confident booking now thanks to Hurtigruten's Book With Confidence cancellation policy. Itineraries booked by October 31, 2020 may be cancelled for any reason in the future with a full refund including the deposit within 14 days of cancellation. To learn more about Hurtigruten's current offer, travel advisors can download trade assets through Hurtigruten's Agent Portal https://agentportal.hurtigruten.com/marketing or call Hurtigruten to 1-888-317-6320 US and 1-866-999-2934 Canada. About Hurtigruten Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with 126 years of know-how, they offer immersive experiences to some of the world's most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Hurtigruten's fleet consists of 14 expedition ships, custom built for adventure travel. In addition, two new groundbreaking ships will be delivered: MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2020, and a second new build in 2021. These will be the most advanced and environmentally friendly expedition vessels at sea, as well as the world's first hybrid electric-powered cruise ships, following the launch of MS Roald Amundsen in 2019. Hurtigruten is an industry leader in sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving the marine environments they call home. SOURCE Hurtigruten Related Links www.hurtigruten.com While some viewers of last months first presidential debate may have come away with minor vertigo, there was one moment that held a familiar resonance for American Muslims. In one heated exchange, Joe Biden responded to Donald Trumps vow that he would release his private tax returns with a sarcastic, When? Inshallah? At first, the Twitterverse wasnt sure if it had heard correctly. Someone PLEASE tell me if you hear Biden saying InshaAllah here, tweeted Slate writer Aymann Ismail, sharing the clip. Yes, Joe Biden said Inshallah during the#Debates2020debate, confirmed American Muslim playwright and political commentator Wajahat Ali. It literally means God willing, but its often used to mean, Yeah, never going to happen. Even right-wing news site Breitbart noted Bidens use of the colloquial term, oddly advising its readers that they should not fear the term. To hear the Arabic saying used in a presidential debate by a candidate who had served as vice-president to Barack Obama, who was accused of being a secret Muslim, was remarkable. Even more so given a backdrop in which American Muslim communities have been frequently vilified by the Trump administration, and which had already endured decades of fear-mongering and scapegoating following the attacks of 9/11, the rise of Daesh, and a thriving Islamophobia industry costed in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Yet Trumps presidency has seemingly galvanized American Muslim communities. They are more politically engaged than ever and are increasingly visible in popular culture. According to an annual poll released this month by the Institute for Policy and Social Understanding, voter registration among American Muslims is on the rise. The study, based on fieldwork done in May and April, points out that there are fewer inshallah voters than in 2016, which it describes as those who say they want to vote but havent registered. The poll also found American Muslims were often more politically active than other faith communities, and more so than the general population. Attendance at town halls, volunteering and donating toward political campaigns was high. Only American Jewish communities exceeded American Muslims in terms of political giving. A sizable majority of American Muslims prefer a Democrat for president (expressing strong support for Bernie Sanders before Bidens successful nomination). Trump support has gone up by 10 per cent over the last four years, mainly among white Muslims, demonstrating how race can impact political affiliation, even among faith communities. Gender, too, is a factor, with fewer American Muslim women supporting Trump. American Muslims and American Jews have come closer in the last four years, according to the polls Islamophobia Index. While rates of discrimination against American Muslims have held steady over the last five years with 60 per cent of respondents experiencing discrimination, American Jews have watched their own lower numbers rise considerably in that same period and are now on par with American Muslims. Yet American Muslims are far more likely to experience discrimination at work, school, or in public. Ironically, Islamophobia among white Muslims is on the rise (the study suggests its because when white Muslims are victims of racism, they will blame bad Muslims for their experiences rather than the aggressors). Conversely, Islamophobia is declining among American Jews, who are less likely to endorse anti-Muslim tropes. Within American Muslim communities, the top coalition building priority is with Black Lives Matter, an affinity that is understandable given the presence and prominence of African-American Muslims and their rich heritage in many of these communities. Indeed, support is strongest amongst Black and Arab Muslims. While conservative trends persist among American Muslim communities, particularly amongst older segments, the story told in the poll is one in which these communities are fully comfortable participating in all aspects of public life, even as they face ongoing bigotry. And with an emerging presence in popular culture, including with successful fare like the Emmy-nominated series Ramy, or the upcoming Ms. Marvel movie featuring a Pakistani-American Muslim superhero, American Muslims are clearly on track toward overcoming long-held stereotypes about their communities. Will any of this lead to the end of Islamophobia in America? Inshallah. Amira Elghawaby is an Ottawa-based human rights advocate and a freelance contributing columnist for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: is an Ottawa-based human rights advocate and a freelance contributing columnist for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @AmiraElghawaby Read more about: Saturday Night Live premiered season 46 this year with a goofy recreation of the first presidential debate with Alec Baldwin reprising his role as Donald Trump and Jim Carey debuting a spastic bizarro version of Joe Biden. In previous years, I wouldve looked forward to this. Like any red-blooded Curb Your Enthusiasm fan, I relished each one of Larry Davids cameos as a version of Bernie Sanders who carries loose leaf papers in a binder like a sloppy college professor. Kate McKinnon flipping the switch on TikTok with Liz Warren is my love language. And Baldwins portrayal of Trump last season felt important, and even necessary. Now it just feels disrespectful. Its not that there isnt plenty of material. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, the first debate was one of the most embarrassing and painful nights in American history. I, for one, have not grown out of Football In The Groin-style humor: Embarrassment and pain make for great comedy, but whats getting kicked in the nuts here is the future of our country. And the writers of SNL are playing the role of Simpsons bully Nelson, pointing and saying "haaaahhaa" for an audience of millions tasked with a decision that may very well result in the death of a hundred thousand more people from the coronavirus. The leader of the free world refusing to condemn racist ideology should not be a punch line. Baldwin making up silly fake monikers for fake white supremacy groups like Eugenic Eagles turns the Proud Boys into just another goofy-sounding club, rather than a genuine racist threat whose members are literally given promotions in rank on their first violent assault. RELATED: 'SNL' loves SF: The best sketches skewering the Bay in 2019 Jim Carey returning to his Cable Guy roots and whipping out a TV remote to pause Baldwin revises Chris Wallaces failure to enforce the agreed upon rules and, you know, let voters hear the policies that will shape the next four years of our country. Joe Biden did start 20 sentences about his plans and couldnt finish them, a fair burn that scored a laugh, but there was a reason for those half-starts beyond his troubling lack of eloquence. And that reason gets erased by the inhuman elasticity of Jim Careys cheeks and Trumps resting duck face. Many of the people watching SNL didnt see the original debate, some mightve only seen a few clips, others may have tuned out altogether. For those less active in politics, this cartoon recreation of a debate may be what sticks in their memory. Its part of a not-at-all-new, but increasingly dangerous, trend of revisionist spin being more important than what actually happened. Traditionally, satire has a role in fighting that spin, but in an atmosphere where facts are malleable, this type of humor just drops another dumpster full of matches next to the one thats already burning and turns on a boombox blasting Prodigys Firestarter. These types of sketches arent revealing anything or getting to some deeper truth (no matter how close Carey comes to impersonating the tone of Bidens voice). And the temptation to both-sides the situation, especially casting a physical comedian as Joe Biden, a candidate so vanilla that hed look uncomfortable in a carton of Neapolitan ice cream, is a disingenuous contrast to a president whose showmanship potentially infected his own Secret Service members with a deadly disease. I know the weekly tradition of Saturday Night Live is comforting to millions of people and laughing is therapeutic, but you know whats better medicine than laughter? Actual medicine. And as tough as it is to swallow, the only thing thats going to make our country less sick is taking politics much more seriously than this. But at this point the social media lifeblood of "SNL" lives and dies by the cold open, and theres no way theyd abandon the most ubiquitous topic in the American universe. So what could they do instead? How about a sketch showing people voting, emphasizing how stupidly easy it is and how stupidly stupid it is to make that act harder? Or you could contrast Americas coronavirus response with that of the rest of the world, giving myopic American viewers a broader perspective on how many countries have essentially beaten this thing. Maybe a flash forward to Decision 2032, a future election that shows the doomsday consequences of the incivility that they so playfully mocked in the last debate. The show could use its massive cultural influence to contextualize the avalanche of misinformation piling onto everyday Americans, but that requires abandoning partisan framings that demand a disingenuous balance. Saturday Night Live is silly, and that shouldnt change, but our current political landscape is just too dangerous to be made slapstick. Im also not saying it should become a political advocate like The Daily Show; it just needs a moral compass as a guide rather than the media sideshow. And if "SNL" takes that approach, staffed by arguably the best comedy writers in the universe, it should be able to keep the material balanced/dodge boycotts. By taking a higher road rather than taking a mud bath in a political spin pigpen, theyd still show more than one perspective, and in the process make it clear that as a country, we can be better than our politicians give us credit for. MADISON Election officials said Tuesday that they scrapped their plans to use the Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers stadiums as early voting sites in the presidential battleground state of Wisconsin. Milwaukees election commission had planned to use Fiserv Forum and Miller Park between Oct. 20 and Nov. 1 as sites where people could have voted early in-person or returned absentee ballots they received by mail. The commission developed the plan in an effort to provide safe voting sites during the coronavirus pandemic. But the commissions executive director, Claire Woodall-Vogg, said Tuesday that the plans were shelved because a recent court ruling could open the door to legal challenges. We want residents of Milwaukee to feel complete and unwavering confidence that their ballot will be counted in the election and this action reflects that commitment, she said in a statement. Its unclear which court ruling Woodall-Vogg was referring to. Asked for specifics on the ruling in an email, she responded instead by pointing to a memo the Wisconsin Elections Commission released Monday warning that under state law, all early voting sites had to have been designated by June 12. The plan to host early voting at Fiserv and Miller Park was implemented on Sept. 1, Woodall-Vogg said. The commission said it has been receiving questions from clerks throughout Wisconsin about the possibility of designating additional inperson early voting sites as the election approaches. The state Republican Party warned last week that allowing Bucks and Brewers players and mascots at the events would amount to illegal electioneering. Party Chairman Andrew Hitt cited a state law that defines illegal electioneering as any activity which is intended to influence voting at an election. Woodall-Vogg said that letter played no role in the decision to cancel the events. NBA players have been pushing to allow voting in their arenas since a white police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, shot a Black man named Jacob Blake in the back seven times on Aug. 23, leaving him partially paralyzed. Many within the league of primarily Black players say minorities living in inner cities need a place to vote safely. Atlanta, Detroit, Charlotte, Sacramento, New York, Dallas and Utah all agreed to such plans. While we were excited to welcome voters to Fiserv Forum to cast their ballots in a safe and accessible way, we remain just as committed to encouraging and educating people to vote and making our voices heard in this election, the Bucks said in a statement. Brewers officials declined to comment. Republicans across the country have been fighting attempts to expand voting. An attorney representing Wisconsins GOP legislators sent a letter to the city clerk in Madison last month warning her to stop collecting absentee ballots in city parks and suggesting that the ballots could be invalidated. The city went ahead with the collections anyway. Wisconsin is expected to be a pivotal state in November after President Donald Trump won it by fewer than 23,000 votes in 2016. Milwaukee and Madison are Democratic strongholds and anything that could make it more difficult to cast a ballot or invalidate ballots could have huge ramifications. Woodall-Vogg noted that the city is still offering 13 in-person early voting locations spread across the city. We are doing everything within our ability to make sure every person in this city has a fair chance to cast a ballot and regret we are not able to pursue the unique opportunity of integrating these two well-known locations, Mayor Tom Barrett said, referring to Fiserv Form and Miller Park. ___ Associated Press writer Steve Megargee in Green Bay contributed to this report. ___ APs Advance Voting guide brings you the facts about voting early, by mail or absentee from each state: https://interactives.ap.org/advance-voting-2020/ Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 By PTI NEW DELHI: E-commerce giant Amazon on Tuesday said it will host its 'Great Indian Festival' from October 17 onwards. Unlike previous years, Amazon.in did not provide an end-date for the sale event saying its a "month-long celebration" that will coincide with the festive season across Dussehra to Diwali, and see participation from over 6.5 lakh sellers. Amazon rival, Flipkart is slated to host its annual 'The Big Billion Days' sale from October 16-21. "This year's Great Indian Festival is an opportunity for our sellers and partners to reach millions of customers across the country. Our sellers are excited and expect this to help them in accelerating their business. For our customers, our aim is to help them find everything they need during the festive season and deliver it safely to them," Amazon India Vice President Manish Tiwary said in a virtual briefing. ALSO READ | Nearly 20,000 Amazon employees have tested COVID-19 positive, reveals company He cited a recent survey it commissioned (conducted by Nielsen) and said sellers on its platform are optimistic about this festive season. "As per the survey, more than 85 per cent of SMBs sellers on Amazon.in are expecting to reach out to new customers and see an increase in sales. "More than 74 per cent sellers are optimistic about the recovery of business and 78 per cent is positive about the increase in visibility of products," he added. Tiwary said the sale is also important as it will provide lakhs of Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) an opportunity to offer unique selection to customers, helping them rebuild and accelerate their business in tough times. Customers across the country can buy these products under various programmes such as Local Shops, Amazon Launchpad, Amazon Saheli, and Amazon Karigar, he added. Over 900 new product launches from top brands such as Samsung, OnePlus, Apple, Boat, Dabur, Max Fashion, Lakme, Peter England and Biotique are also expected apart from new launches from Amazon Devices. Tiwary said business buyers can also save big on Amazon Business with bulk discounts. All transactions are supported by a GST invoice and businesses can buy from the SMB store to fulfil their gifting requirement for clients, customers and employees, he added. Amazon India has partnered with HDFC Bank to offer finance options to customers. E-commerce companies see a large chunk of their business coming in during the festive sales and they make significant investments ahead of time to ramp up their capacity to be able to handle the spike in orders. The festive season sees players holding multiple sale events, timed around Dussehra and Diwali. Electronics, fashion and home furnishing are some of the categories that see a huge demand during the festive season. A report by RedSeer estimates that festive sales this year are expected to almost double and touch USD 7 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) as compared to USD 3.8 billion in the same period last year. Tiwari said Amazon India has ramped up its delivery infrastructure adding close to 200 delivery stations. It has more than 60 fulfilment centres in 15 states, offering a storage capacity of over 32 million cubic feet. Amazon India has previously said it has created more than one lakh seasonal job opportunities ahead of the festive season across its operations network in the country. An exhibition featuring an all-star cast of almost 40 of the country's most acclaimed Black artists will open in January at the New Museum in New York. "Grief and Grievance: Art and Mourning in America" brings to fruition the vision of the late Okwui Enwezor, one of the most influential curators of the past 30 years, who died of cancer in March 2019 at age 55. The show, announced by the museum on Tuesday, is being described by organizers as "incredibly prescient and timely," a "direct response to the national emergency of Black grief" and a "form of collective therapy." Some of the artists involved credit Enwezor with turning points in their careers. "Quite literally, if you take Okwui out of the equation, I don't even have an art career," said Arthur Jafa, whose era-defining video montage "Love Is the Message, the Message Is Death," set to the Kanye West song "Ultra Lightbeam," will be a key work in the New Museum show. Other artists in "Grief and Grievance" (which includes a catalogue essay by Ta-Nehisi Coates and music by Tyshawn Sorey) include Mark Bradford, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Nari Ward, Deana Lawson, Rashid Johnson, Julie Mehretu, Kerry James Marshall and Carrie Mae Weems. In this period of racial reckoning and political polarization, "Okwui's vision and the voices of the artists selected for this exhibition could not be more relevant," said Lisa Phillips, the director of the New Museum, where the show will fill its exhibition spaces across three levels. When Enwezor died, "Grief and Grievance" was about 85 percent complete, said Massimiliano Gioni, the museum's artistic director. "We tried not to stray from the blueprint Okwui gave us. Where that was not possible, we tried to be like a restorer or conservator where you fill in the gaps." Enwezor, who was born in Nigeria, organized ambitious, multigenerational and transnational exhibitions that told big stories, giving prominence to contemporary art from Africa and other underrecognized places. "Grief and Grievance" was his first show focused on America as a geographical location. At the time of Enwezor's death, the police killing of George Floyd and the subsequent protests were still more than a year off. But Enwezor (who was living in Germany at the time) had already perceived that American culture was witnessing a moment of crisis - what he called "the crystallization of Black grief." "He picked up the frequencies of many artists who were dealing with that crisis and trying to find ways to repair the pain and mobilize it into political action or participation," Gioni said. Right up until his death, Enwezor was speaking with some of the artists he wanted in the exhibition and arranged for one of them, Glenn Ligon, to act as his surrogate. Ligon worked with curatorial advisers Gioni, Naomi Beckwith, a senior curator at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, and Mark Nash, a curator based in California, to complete Enwezor's vision. Enwezor was ill and living in Munich when he and Ligon began discussing the show by phone in late 2018. "He wanted an interlocutor, to bounce around ideas," said Ligon, whom Enwezor brought on as "a kind of eyes and ears on the ground here in the U.S." "I went to visit him not so long before he died," Ligon said, "and we had this extraordinary visit where he was literally in his hospital bed being wheeled out as I walked in. He said, 'I just have this radiation treatment, I'll be right back.' And then we spent the next seven hours talking about the show from his hospital bed. I'm not exaggerating." Enwezor's death, lamented by so many of the artists he championed, echoes the exhibition's broader theme of Black grief. The show, Beckwith said, asks what it means "to be in a perpetual state of mourning." "How do we recognize that, when it's so easy to gloss over? It's so easy to walk through your day and be productive as a worker, as a citizen, as a family member but not realize that you're often dealing with a profound and unacknowledged sense of loss," she said. "The temptation is to imagine this show as a response show to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor or Trayvon Martin," said Ligon, "and it is in some sense. That is the grief part. But it's also important to realize that artists have been responding to what Okwui would call 'the emergency of Black grief' for a very long time." According to Gioni, the show asks: "How can we see and stand and witness certain acts of violence, and how can art help us process those images? And by processing those images also processing those feelings of loss." For many of the "Grief and Grievance" artists, the answer lies not in further depictions of trauma but in processing trauma into varieties of abstraction (or nonrepresentational art). Ligon compared some Black artists' urge to make abstract art to "the fury blowing" in the music of John Coltrane. "The sense of outrage and grief in his playing has a parallel in what some Black abstract artists are trying to do," he said. "To get past the topical and into the spiritual. "In a country that's built on white supremacy, there's always going to be a Breonna Taylor, a Trayvon Martin, a Michael Brown. It's important to say their names; it's important to depict them. But abstraction for me is about getting a little deeper into the soul of the country and expressing the inexpressible." The artists who knew Enwezor seem just as keen to talk about him as the show's themes. All recall with astonishment the vigor he showed during hours-long conversations over the phone or in person, right up until a few weeks before his death. The curator, Jafa said, provided "a template for how one could be." "He knew what he was doing and went about it in a very straightforward, suave and professional way." Like author Toni Morrison, Jafa added, Enwezor was "acutely sensitive to the complexity of being a Black person in a white supremacist universe, but almost paradoxically operating as if it had no effect of him whatsoever." Ligon recalled both Enwezor's intellectual rigor and his generosity: "He made assumptions about one's ambitions that were often in excess of one's ambitions for oneself. That's the kind of person he was." Enwezor functioned as "both an insider and an outsider to the Black American experience," said Rashid Johnson. "He shared a color of skin, and when he was in this country, he was impacted by that. But because he was not a Black American, he ... was able to reflect as an outsider on how Black American narratives have such a fascinating dichotomy between joy and grief." The last conversation Johnson had with Enwezor was also the best. After seeing Johnson's work "Antoine's Organ" (which is in the show), the curator was excited. "He made it clear to me that he saw this tremendous growth in my work. I was really humbled and I remember thinking, 'Oh, this is going to be my first real opportunity to work with Okwui.' " Enwezor died about a year later. - - - "Grief and Grievance: Art and Mourning in America" Jan. 27-June 13 at the New Museum, 235 Bowery, New York. newmuseum.org. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Watch Economics Editor Ross Gittins, Chief Political Correspondent David Crowe and Senior Economics Correspondent Shane Wright, in conversation with National Editor Tory Maguire, as they discuss the fallout from one of the most anticipated budgets in recent history and assess what this means for everyday Australians and the nation. This event was streamed live exclusively for subscribers on October 13. A full recording of the discussion can be viewed below, following the slideshow of photographs of this year's budget by our photojournalist, Alex Ellinghausen. Efforts are underway to recall a handful of Michigans top executives, including multiple petitions aimed at Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but itll be an uphill battle. Of the nearly 30 recall petitions submitted to the state for approval, 11 have had their language approved for circulation. Each petition would need to collect more than 1.06 million signatures, within a 60-day period, to earn a spot on a future ballot. Its truly a David versus Goliath scenario, said Jim Makowski, a 54-year defense attorney behind one effort to recall Whitmer. Nine petitions aimed at recalling the governor have been approved by the Michigan Board of State Canvassers in opposition of the governor. Two more petitions were approved for Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Makowski was one of five Michigan residents to have their recall petition approved by the board. He has since joined forces with three of the other four recall sponsors to push one petition forward to the signature collection process. That petition specifically seeks to recall Whitmer for her signing of Executive Order 2020-50 related to enhanced protections for residents and staff of long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Makowski said the governor endangered nursing home residents and staff by not creating separate facilities for patients who tested positive for coronavirus. His petition also goes beyond that order. Its for a host of reasons, Makowski said. "In our opinion, shes made an unconstitutional overreach of power. Her measures are absolutely draconian. There was no need to endanger anyone in nursing homes, and many of her executive orders made no sense. She has usurped her power and the power of the legislature. Representatives in the House and Senate are elected by the people and shes ignored and defied their directives. Its time for the people to take back that power. Bobby Leddy, a spokesperson for Whitmers campaign, told MLive that each approval by the Board of State Canvassers has been appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals because the board failed to apply the correct standard or review to any single petition and has been inconsistent in its application of the standards they have applied. No elected official in Michigan, including the governor, could articulate the standard of review being applied by the Board of Canvassers right now, Leddy said. We are confident that the Court of Appeals will clarify the applicable standard of review and when applied to the pending recall petitions find that the recall petitions are neither factual, lack sufficient clarity, or misrepresent the content of the executive orders identified in the petition. The Recall Whitmer Movement is a grassroots campaign organized by a group called Guarding Against Government Excess (GAE), of which Makowski is a founding member. Theyve had multiple petitions approved by the state, but are only moving forward with the one associated with the governors order pertaining to nursing homes. Collection of signatures is expected to begin Oct. 23 and run into late December. Residents interested in recalling the governor must sign a petition based in their city, township or village. Without any major business sponsors, Makowski said the movement is going to require significant fundraising and volunteer efforts. He estimated a price tag of upwards of $7-$8 million, even with the GAGEs founders pledge not to take salaries. Fundraising is hugely important to us and were woefully short of our goal," he said. Weve got thousands of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers are great but it wont be enough if we want to achieve our goal. We dont even have enough money right now to get (an estimated 200,000) petitions printed. The group plans to hire professional petitioners to get the signatures they need, though Makowski said they will not hire an organization that uses unethical practices to collect signatures. He referenced the group Unlock Michigan, whose petition seeking the end of Gov. Whitmers emergency powers is under criminal investigation for allegations it gathered some signatures improperly. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said her office received multiple complaints that some of Unlock Michigans signatures were obtained via false pretenses, including volunteers telling signers they were supporting petitions for LGBTQ rights, medical marijuana allowances or small business initiatives. Were looking for 100% legitimacy and transparency, Makowski said. Guarding Against Government Excesss recall effort uses the website recallwhitmer.com. It is separate from the recall effort sponsored by Albion resident Chad Baase. Baase met with the group, but the two sides decided not to work together. We have nothing to do with his effort and we want nothing to do with his effort, Makowski said. I wish him the best but thats not us. Baase has had two petitions approved to recall Whitmer, as well as one each against Gilchrist and Benson. He has submitted another petition to recall Attorney General Dana Nessel after his previous attempts were voted down by the Board of State Canvassers because the language wasnt clear and factual. Baases petition to recall Whitmer is based on her declaring a state of emergency on March 10, and again April 30, under the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act from 1945. He called those orders the origin of Whitmers violations of the separation of powers clause of the Michigan constitution. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled last week that Whitmer didnt have the authority to expand the declared state of emergency beyond April 30. Baases petition began collecting signatures Thursday, Oct. 1, though he has hit some roadblocks after he said his former campaign manager deleted the efforts Facebook page and list of volunteers. Both Baase and Makowski anticipate having petition circulators positioned at every polling location across the state on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Recalling an elected official in Michigan requires a petition to collect signatures equal to 25% of the number of total votes cast in the prior gubernatorial election. In 2018, there were about 4.25 million votes cast, of which 53.3% were for Whitmer. The recall process was made more challenging in 2012, thanks to a bill signed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder. The change: disallowed recalls during the first and last year of an elected officials term in office for officials with four-year terms; required each petition to state factually and clearly each reason for the recall, a change from previous law that required only clarity; put recalls for state lawmakers before the Board of State Canvassers instead of county boards; made it so that signatures had to be collected in a 60-day period instead of a 90-day period. Its a huge undertaking but we feel its worth it, Makowski said. We feel we have to do this to protect the citizens of Michigan. 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. Read more on MLive: Michigan AG will no longer enforce governors executive orders after court ruling Whitmer: Michigan Supreme Court undermined public health efforts amid COVID-19 pandemic Michigans coronavirus numbers are creeping up. Is it the start of a fall surge? Nearly 100,000 now recovered in Michigan from coronavirus Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks to member of the media before boarding his campaign plane at New Castle Airport in New Castle, Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks to member of the media before boarding his campaign plane at New Castle Airport in New Castle, Del., on Oct. 5, 2020. Credit - Andrew HarnikAP This article is part of the The DC Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox every weekday. Even before his COVID-19 diagnosis, this is not the fall that President Donald Trump had anticipated. For the better part of the year, former Vice President Joe Biden has shown he can hold his own in a head-to-head against President Donald Trump at least in the polls. Now, weeks before Election Day, the latest NBC News/ Wall Street Journal poll has Biden up nationally by 14 points, his largest advantage yet and coming at a point in the race where trailing presidential candidates seldom stage a comeback of the scale Trump would require. As we head into the final stretch, with more than three million votes and counting already cast, its worth noting that Biden has also widened his lead in crucial battleground states, putting Republicans on their heels in places that would be safely under red ink during normal years. The former VP is also enjoying a cash advantage that no one challenging an incumbent President would ordinarily expect. As we use The D.C. Brief this week to consider the various reasons we will be chewing our fingernails and/or chugging Pepto-Bismol on Election Day and beyond, we offer informed guesses but hardly predictions. As Trumps surprise win in 2016 has shown, this is hardly a normal incumbent. Today, we consider what a clear Biden win would look like. The fact that places like Arizona or Georgia are still up for grabs should have Republicans sincerely worried that Biden could end up expanding the electoral map for Democrats in ways that were the stuff of dreams just four years ago. Polls show Biden up by 3 points in Arizona and tied with Trump in Georgia. In Texas, which backed Trump by 9 points in 2016 and came within 3 points of ousting Sen. Ted Cruz two years later, the President is ahead only by 3 points. Democrats dream of Blue Texas doesnt seem so fanciful these days, with millions of dollars pushing Democratic enthusiasm up and down the ballot. Dont believe me? Actress Stockard Channing yes, former First Lady Abigail Bartlet on The West Wing is doing a voice-over for a state legislature race in Fort Worth. Story continues Back in March 2019, when Priorities USA, the Democrats dominant super PAC, briefed reporters on its spending plans for the still-unknown nominee, I was surprised to find traditionally contested states namely Ohio and Iowa prioritized behind states like Mitt Romney-backing North Carolina and Trump-winning Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Florida. When the super PAC said it was looking at Arizona and Georgia, I was checking if my coffee had been spiked. Now, it looks like the strategists at Priorities USA were onto something early. If Biden can rebuild the so-called Blue Wall of states in the Upper Midwest that are safeguards of solidly Democratic states and pick off novel states like Arizona or even Georgia, a place like Ohio might be gravy on a march back to the White House. Its like the dinner rolls that come to the table warm a nice touch but not what defines the meal. It seems as though the campaigns are on board with that strategy. As much as the campaigns both like to say theyre fighting for every vote equally, where they are spending money tells the tale better than any hired consultant. Judging from cash outflow, the race is happening in 14 states, where more than $700 million in television advertising has been reserved by the nominees and their nominally independent allies. That vast majority of that 85%, according to an analysis from NPR is going to just six states: Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin and Arizona. Polling is somewhat wobbly and definitely non-predictive. But the average of polls in those Big Six states has Biden leading in every one. The closest that Trump comes in the Real Clear Politics polling average is within 1.2 points in North Carolina. This current stasis would seem to suggest that despite the Trump teams protests that it will fight for every ballot in every state in any court that will have it, theres a scenario in which almost nothing can stop Wolf Blitzer from declaring a victory on Nov. 3 in his voice-of-God tone that weve come to demand every four years. If places like Georgia are in play, do we really think Wisconsin isnt already in the bag for Biden? Trump may be trying to pick off New Hampshire, but can he legitimately defend Pennsylvania, with five times the number of electoral votes? Still, Biden could look so strong in a sufficient number of states that the outstanding ballots arent needed to confirm his win. He could sail past the 270 electoral votes needed to win on Election Night with such a comfortable lead that the final tally is immaterial. Inevitably, there will be court challenges from all corners. We need to prepare for unknowns for a while. And while we do that, its important to remember that no matter what Trump may say or do on election night and the days or even weeks that follow, the voters get to decide whose hand is placed on a Bible on Jan. 20, 2021. But if youre Bidens team, you have every rational reason to believe there are good days ahead. Then youd do well to remember how it felt four years earlier at Hillary Clintons election-night event in Manhattan. That will be tomorrows newsletter. Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the daily D.C. Brief newsletter. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 16:10:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close More than 20,000 people gathered along the banks of the Qiantang River for rising tides on Oct. 4 in Haining City, east China's Zhejiang Province. The tidal bore of the Qiantang River stages the highest waves on the 18th day of the eighth lunar month every year, which falls on the 4th day of China's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday this year. Soaring waves crashing along the banks of the river can reach a height of over ten meters. 16-1. The entry of the LSSP into the government of Madame Sirima Bandaranaike in June 1964 was a watershed in the history of the Fourth Internationalfor the first time a party claiming to be Trotskyist directly entered the service of the bourgeoisie. The political responsibility for the betrayal rested squarely with the United Secretariat (USec) and confirmed all of the SLLs warnings about the unprincipled reunification of the SWP with the Pabloites just a year before. The leader of the British SLL, Gerry Healy, explained that the LSSPs betrayal was the most complete example of betrayal by Pablo, Mandel and Pierre Frank. These people must take responsibility, since they have been in constant communication with the LSSP in Ceylon, for the past 18 years. The answer [to the question of the LSSPs degeneration] lies not in Ceylon, but in an international study of the struggle against Pabloite revisionism. The real architects of the coalition reside in Paris.[ 1 ] 16-2. The road to the LSSPs entry into the Bandaranaike governmentthe United Left Front (ULF) of the LSSP with the Stalinist CP and Philip Gunawardenas MEPwas encouraged and sanctioned by the USec. The International Secretariat had called in 1960 for an electoral front of working class parties and the 1963 unification congress declared that the LSSP had correctly raised the question of a United Left Front, both to arrest the movement to the right and to help these masses to move towards an alternative left.[ 2 ] The ULF, however, was precisely the type of Popular Front that Trotsky had opposed in the 1930s. Moreover, it involved parties with a proven track record of class collaborationthe racist MEP had participated in the 1956 SLFP government and the Stalinist CP had been part of the Ceylon National Congress during the war and would have joined the first UNP government if the UNP had been willing. 16-3. The ULF platform was formally signed on August 12, 1963the 10th anniversary of the 1953 hartalamid great professions of working class unity. This opportunist formation had nothing in common with the united front tactic of Trotsky who had insisted on the political independence of the revolutionary party and no mixing of political programs, banners and slogans. The joint ULF platform was not a genuinely socialist program, as the Pabloites declared, but a list of limited reforms to be achieved through parliament and within the framework of capitalism. Moreover, the program, which the USec approved, made major concessions to the MEPs communal politics. Having dropped its demand for parity between the Sinhala and Tamil languages in 1960, the LSSP now agreed to a common platform that vaguely called for the existing Sinhala-only legislation to be made less discriminatory. Within the LSSP Central Committee, a minority led by Edmund Samarakkody correctly condemned the ULF program as popular frontism but did not call for the LSSP to break from the ULF. Samarakkodys stance was a typical centrist evasionhe was capable of recognising the opportunist character of what was proposed, but not of drawing the necessary political conclusions and breaking with the Perera leadership. The only Trotskyist criticism came from the SLL in Britain which denounced the ULF as opportunist and called on the hundreds of devoted communists in the LSSP to reaffirm the principles and program of the FI and purge the party of revisionism and the revisionist leaders.[ 3 ] 16-4. From its inception in 1960, the SLFP government had been in crisis. In response to widespread protests by Tamils over the Sinhala-only policy, Bandaranaike proscribed the Federal Party and imposed a state of emergency for much of 1961. Amidst a rising strike movement over the governments austerity measures, the government banned industrial action and deployed the army on the docks. A failed coup attempt by senior police and military officers in January 1962 reflected fears in sections of the ruling class about Bandaranaikes ability to contain the working class. Strikes were given further impetus by the formation of the Joint Committee of Trade Unions Organisation (JCTUO) in September 1963 unifying all unions, including those of plantation workers, around 21 common demands. A 69-day strike by the LSSPs Ceylon Mercantile Union (CMU) defied a government ultimatum to return to work and forced significant concessions by January 1964. Uncertain of her parliamentary majority, Bandaranaike prorogued parliament in February. 16-5. With her cabinet in crisis over how to deal with the mass working-class movement, Bandaranaike opened talks with the ULF parties. On March 21, as LSSP leaders were addressing a huge rally of the 21-demands movement on Galle Face Green, including large contingents of plantation workers, N.M. Perera held secret discussions with Bandaranaike over the formation of a coalition government. When the talks became public knowledge, Bandaranaike, a class-conscious representative of the bourgeoisie, justified her actions by openly explaining the various options: Some feel that these [strike] troubles can be eliminated by the establishment of a dictatorship. Others say that the workers should be made to work at the point of gun and bayonet. Still others maintain that a national government should be formed to solve this problem. I have considered these ideas separately and in the context of world events. My conclusion is that none of these solutions will help to get us where we want to go Therefore, gentlemen, I decided to initiate talks with the leaders of the working class, particularly Mr. Philip Gunawardena and Mr. N.M. Perera.[ 4 ] 16-6. The LSSP rightwing led by Perera, supported by the so-called centre faction led by Colvin R. de Silva and Leslie Goonewardene, hurriedly convened a party conference for June 67 to authorise a coalition with the SLFP. Gerry Healy, who flew to Colombo on behalf of the ICFI, was barred from entering the conference, but campaigned vigorously outside. Inside, the resolution moved by Perera justified the betrayal by arguing that the SLFP was not a capitalist party, but a party based on the radical petty-bourgeoisie and the lower middle class that had shed some of the more reactionary elements and carried out various measures for nationalisation. While these declarations were a complete negation of everything that Trotsky had written on political formations such as the Kuomintang in China, they were fully in line with the Pabloite glorification of the petty-bourgeois leaderships in Cuba and Algeria. The resolution also made clear that the LSSP leadership had completely capitulated to the SLFPs communalismthe list of 10 policies agreed upon with Bandaranaike did not refer to the language or citizenship issues. The resolution of the centre laid bare the political and moral collapse of the former BLPI revolutionariesde Silva and Goonewardene. Their only difference with Perera was the terms of surrender to the SLFPthe coalition government, they argued, should include the other ULF parties, not just the LSSP. 16-7. The resolution of the newly-formed Revolutionary Minority unambiguously condemned the proposed coalition government as treachery to the proletarian revolution, stating: The entry of the LSSP leaders into the SLFP government will result in open class collaboration, disorientation of the masses, the division of the working class and the abandonment of the struggle perspective, which will lead to the disruption of the working class movement and the elimination of the independent revolutionary axis of the Left. In the result, the forces of capitalist reaction, far from being weakened or thwarted, will be ultimately strengthened. After the vote501 for Pereras resolution, 75 for the centre and 159 for the oppositionthe Revolutionary Minority faction left the conference, met separately and formed what became the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (Revolutionary) or LSSP (R). 16-8. The USec played a thoroughly opportunist role throughout. In April, that is weeks before the conference, it had been declaring that the ULF in Sri Lanka could provide another Cuba or Algeria and prove to be even greater inspiration to revolutionary minded workers throughout the world.[ 5 ] When news of Pereras negotiations with Bandaranaike reached Paris, the USec scrambled to cover up its own political responsibility by calling for a return to the ULF. But Healy aptly summed up the ULF as the sugar coating for the bitter pill of coalitionit was the political stepping stone used by Perera into the Bandaranaike government. There was no fundamental difference between the ULF program and the LSSPs deal with Bandaranaike. The USec expelled N.M. Perera and two others, who became ministers in the SLFP government, suspended those LSSP members who voted for his motion, but took no action for months, against the so-called centre, which remained within the LSSP. 16-9. The USec suppressed criticism within its ranks of the LSSP betrayal. Inside the American SWP, supporters of the ICFI led by Tim Wohlforth, who constituted an official minority, were suspended from membership for insisting on an internal party discussion on the LSSPs entry into the Bandaranaike governmentan unprecedented event in the history of the Fourth International. The minority, which had fought alongside the SLL since 1961 against the SWPs reunification with the Pabloites, formed the American Committee for the Fourth International, which was transformed into the Workers League in November 1966. 16-10. In a statement issued in July 1964, the ICFI drew the following far-sighted conclusion: The entry of the LSSP members into the Bandaranaike coalition marks the end of a whole epoch of the evolution of the Fourth International. It is in the direct service of imperialism, in the preparation of a defeat for the working class that revisionism in the world Trotskyist movement has found its expression.[ 6 ] Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. TCN News Maria Arena, the Chair of the European Parliaments Subcommittee on Human Rights has cautioned against the increasing attacks on religious minorities in India, stating that it carries serious implications on European Union and Indias bilateral relations. Support TwoCircles It is with great concern that I have been observing the rule of law deteriorate in India, which is the very cornerstone of our special relationship, said Arena. She continued that marginalized communities and religious minorities in India, particularly Muslims, have been under increasing pressure for a long time for being critics of government policies under the Narendra Modi regime. Arenas statement comes after the 15th European Union India Summit in July this year where participants endorsed the EU-India Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025, reaffirming their commitment to promoting the shared values of human rights and fundamental freedoms. While mentioning attacks on Muslims in India, Arena also quoted the Amnesty International India report that revealed grave human rights violations committed by the Delhi police in the February 2020 Delhi riots. Concerning the same, she said, I strongly support the call for a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into all human rights violations committed by law enforcement officials. She further called for a fully independent, public and transparent inquiry into the role of the police in failing to prevent the violence, accusing the police of even aiding it. Arena expressed serious concerns about the absence of action by Indias authorities since the outbreak of the violence, urging the BJP government at the Centre to promote justice and fight impunity to ensure stop and prevention of police brutality. She also indicated that Amnesty International Indias recent halting its work in India due to government reprisals is very worrying. Speaking on press gag and witch hunt of scholars in India over the anti-CAA protests, Arena said that such government action have resulted in arbitrary detentions and an unnecessary loss of life. Arena reminded the Indian government that as a sitting member of the Human Rights Council, India has pledged to continue to foster the genuine participation and effective involvement of civil society in the promotion and protection of human rights, therefore, the authorities must fulfil its duty as a responsible member of the Council. She concluded that India must act in a manner worthy of the global role model it aspires to be, highlighting that it is high time for India to translate words into action. The United States Postal Service is investigating after bundles of mail were found dumped at a shopping center in Bergen County, N.J., authorities said. North Arlington police said they received a 911 call shortly after 3 p.m. Friday reporting mail found near a dumpster at a shopping center at 19 Schuyler Avenue. The dumpster is located behind a Santander Bank and Jacks Super Foodtown grocery store. Officers responded and once on scene did observe several loose, rubber-banded, bundles of mail, as described by the caller, police said in a statement posted to Facebook. Police said they alerted the U.S. Postal Service, which was handling the investigation. The mail that was recovered in North Arlington was reported, collected and delivered, said U.S. Postal Service spokesman George Flood told NJ Advance Media. This matter was then turned over to our Office of Inspector General. We are unable to comment further at this time. A New Jersey Globe reporter asked Gov. Phil Murphy about the dumped mail during Mondays coronavirus briefing. A photo of the bundles of mail tweeted by the websites editor appeared to show mail-in ballots among circulars, magazines and other regular mail. "We were notified by USPS over the weekend. Its a matter of its under investigation, the governors Chief Counsel Matt Platkin said. "The mail was recovered from the trash receptacle and has been put back in the mail stream. Hey, @USPS: mail found dumped in North Arlington -- more than 200 pounds of it, according to the man who found it -- includes ballots for the upcoming election. The destination for the mail is West Orange. Man says he reported it to local police. Transparency is key here. pic.twitter.com/ctXkcX9vEh David Wildstein (@wildstein) October 4, 2020 NJ Advance Media staff writer Karin Price Mueller contributed to this report. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. MANY pubs across Limerick are preparing to close down for the second time this year, as Ireland moves to level 3 restrictions. There is devastation among the hospitality sector with the new restrictions in place for at least the next three weeks banning indoor services at restaurants, food-serving bars and wet pubs in Limerick and across the country. John Hickey, of the Launch Bar in Johns Street says its devastating for his business, which only re-opened last month after being unable to operate since March. "We've spent a fortune on getting the pub ready to open. The restart grant was put towards re-opening, yet two weeks later, we are gone, he said, confirming the pubs closure as of tonight at midnight when the new restrictions kick in. He feels pubs are being unfairly penalised, however. There has been no clusters associated with pubs. As far as I can see, we are the only section of the community penalised. The house parties are the problem, off-licences should be closed. The pub is a safer environment than a house party. Students have gone bananas, yet we are sitting in a pub with a few old men, and we are being told we have to close, he added. Ger Callanan of the Glen Tavern, said he will not remain open, despite outdoor areas of his pub in Glentworth Street potentially able to serve 15 people. You cannot really cater for 15 people especially in the outdoor scenario in Ireland in October and November. I wish the government would be honest enough to admit pubs will have to close. But they are not doing that. They are letting us make that decision on financial grounds, rather than telling us it has to happen, Mr Callanan said. Very few pubs will stay open, and very few will break even. Pubs are de-facto at level 5. The whole hospitality industry has gone to level five, but it's not just said that way, he added. The Glen Tavern were among the first tranche of pubs to re-open in June, due to the fact they also served food. The businessman said it is so disappointing for his staff to have to close again. We are the ones who are taken down at the first hurdle and that's very hard to take. It would be different were it in summer, but 15 people outside will not keep 18 people employed, he said. The Glen Tavern will open tonight before closing in line with the level three restriction. Restaurateur Helen ODonnell is investigating the possibilities of opening her cafe at the Hunt Museum on an outdoor basis. As a business, we are pretty devastated. We are looking and trying to see if we can open for take-away, eat-out in the rain. We have a lot of people who wanted food in the last lockdown, so we are looking to see if we can salvage something. Today will tell a lot of what we can do here, she said. The United States should review its relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey. The statement came from Adam Schiff, a member of the US House of Representatives, during Mondays press conference outside Los Angeles City Hall. The American people need to understand what is at stake when the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) are being killed, when civilian settlements are being bombed and shelled by the Azerbaijanis, and all this, with the help of Turkey, is threatening all our freedoms, he said. Schiff added that this conflict should force us to reconsider our relations with both Turkey and Azerbaijan. According to him, if an ally of the US is recruiting fighters from Syria to promote further bloodshed and the killing of civilians, they are not US allies in NATO or elsewhere. The congressman said we must end this conflict and suffering by exerting pressure on Azerbaijan and its Turkish sponsors, and we must ensure that the US no longer gives Azerbaijan or Turkey any reason to believe that they can commit such violence with impunity. I always feel the conversation around millennials is largely from a negative standpoint and I want to produce content and opinion that shows a different side to our thoughts and processes, said Nathan Peart. Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the worlds leading legal search firm, has launched a new podcast: Millennial Murmurs. Through conversations with industry experts, host Nathan Peart addresses millennial career questions, queries and curiosities to help them navigate the jungle of the modern working world. The first episode features Rob Cacace, executive director of the Office of Career Strategy at Georgetown University Law Center, who discusses with Nathan long-term career planning, exploring tips for how to prepare for your first job out of law school and providing advice on how to set goals and expectations along your career path. I always feel the conversation around millennials is largely from a negative standpoint and I want to produce content and opinion that shows a different side to our thoughts and processes, said Nathan Peart. We are an ambitious and hungry generation, but certain parts of the status quo need to be revamped and I hope some of these ideas help shift change in organizations. To listen to the podcast, visit MLAGlobal.com, SoundCloud, Google Podcasts,iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn and Blubrry and follow the Legal Talent Talk Network. Fans of the podcast can listen in on the first Tuesday of every month. If you would like to provide feedback, suggest topics or be considered as a guest, email Nathan Peart at npeart@mlaglobal.com. 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. Cyber security pioneer John McAfee has been arrested in Spain and charged with tax evasion after fleeing the US last year. Prosecutors in Tennessee, where McAfee lived before leaving the country, accused him of failing to report income received from promoting cryptocurrency companies, as well as fees paid to him for speaking engagements. McAfee, who founded the eponymous antivirus company, has frequently spoken of his refusal to pay taxes. Income taxation is unconstitutional, he said last year. Stop believing that caving in will solve our problems. It merely magnifies them." Earlier this year, he tweeted: The US wants me for tax evasion. Nonsense!! I simply refused to pay. I have been open, honest and vocal about it, for the past 10 years. A June indictment charging McAfee with tax evasion and willful failure to file tax returns was unsealed in federal court in Memphis on Monday after McAfee's arrest in Spain, where extradition to the U.S. is pending, the U.S. attorney's office said in a news release. Online court records do not show whether McAfee has a lawyer to speak on his behalf about the charges. McAfee developed early internet security software and has been sought by authorities in the U.S. and Belize in the past. The indictment said McAfee failed to file tax returns from 2014 to 2018, despite receiving considerable income from several sources. The indictment does not allege that McAfee received any income or had any connection with the antivirus software company bearing his name during those years, prosecutors said. McAfee evaded taxes by directing his income to be paid into bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchange accounts in the names of others, the indictment said. McAfee hid assets from the Internal Revenue Service, including real estate property, a vehicle and a yacht, in the names of others, prosecutors said. If convicted of all charges, McAfee could face up to 30 years in prison. McAfee was released from detention in the Dominican Republic in July 2019 after he and five others were suspected of traveling on a yacht carrying high-caliber weapons, ammunition and military-style gear, officials in the Caribbean Island said at the time. The Independent has reached out to McAfee for comment. Additional reporting from agencies. With a clear commitment to helping clients bolster their sales across digital markets and marketplaces, Omnicom Media Group (OMG) today announced the official launch of Transact, Omnicom Media Groups end-to-end commerce practice, in Asia-Pacific. Headquartered in Singapore, Transact is designed to help brands pivot their business by improving their digital availability as well as focusing on new retail opportunities and eCommerce channels. With audience understanding sitting at the heart of Transact, the specialist practice combines people, process and technology to power OMG brands for a seamless commerce business solution. By leveraging Omni, OMGs people-based precision marketing and insights platform, Transact is wired to integrate commerce throughout end-to-end consumer journeys and accelerate eCommerce performance at scale for brands. Backed by eCommerce consultants and omni-channel retail specialists in 25 markets, Transact is supported by dedicated teams in Asia-Pacific who are based in Singapore, China, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, India, Malaysia and Indonesia, and offers consultative support and capabilities spanning commerce strategy, media, marketplace investment as well as store management (Lazada, Amazon, TMALL, JD.com &Shoppee, D2C, and eRetail) that includes content and merchandising. With Asia-Pacific leading the global eCommerce growth charge, we have a proven blueprint in Transact to help brands grow their online sales by maximising reach, exposure and profitability across all online models and channels, said Tony Harradine, CEO, Omnicom Media Group, APAC. Given that eCommerce is accelerating as a result of COVID-19, it is imperative for brands to stand out on the digital shelf, and with Transact, we are able to isolate elements within the eCommerce value chain to deliver incremental growth for clients, he added. PHD, an award-winning agency under OMG, has successfully integrated Transact into its existing commerce offering in Asia-Pacific, developing and honing tools and capabilities in partnership with with eCommerce retailers that are part of its proprietary platform, Omni Studio. This comes at the back of its recent global and regional wins such as Diageo, Spotlight Group and LG. 6 October, 2020 The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has launched a public consultation on Spent Convictions policy. Views are being sought from general and specialised audiences alike and the consultation will remain open for one month. A spent conviction is one that an individual no longer has to disclose, provided they meet the relevant criteria. In certain situations an individual may need to disclose their criminal convictions and this can have a negative effect on their employment prospects and on other aspects of life, including foreign travel. The inability of an offender to access employment can impair their chance to rehabilitate and thus increase the prospect of reoffending. It should be stated that sexual offences or convictions in the Central Criminal Court are not eligible to become spent convictions, and this policy will not change following this review. Launching the consultation, Minister McEntee said, The new Programme for Government commits to a review of the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 to broaden the range of convictions that are considered spent. I am pleased to begin that process of review by launching this public consultation document. It provides a look at the existing legislation as well as an overview of proposals aimed at expanding the scope and efficacy of Irelands spent convictions regime. This is one element in a wider suite of measures across several areas of Government, which are designed to promote rehabilitation and reduce the chances of people returning to criminality. These measures are designed to support a safe, fair and inclusive society, where those who have broken the law are required to face justice, but are also provided with a real opportunity to address their offending behaviour and go on to participate in society as law abiding and productive citizens, with all the benefits that entails. The Minister last week met with Senator Lynn Ruane, who has advocated for reform of spent convictions policy and published her own legislation last year. Both the Minister and Senator Ruane committed to working together to bring about change in this area. Minister McEntee continued, While it is essential that we maintain a robust criminal justice system, with appropriate penal provisions for offenders, we must not neglect the rehabilitation of prisoners and convicted persons. We should be working to facilitate their safe integration within communities and thus give them the opportunity to fully contribute to society. Through this process I have launched today, we have the opportunity to review the regime introduced by the 2016 legislation and identify how we can improve outcomes for people convicted of relatively minor offences, and build stronger and safer communities. Senator Lynn Ruane said, Im delighted to have the support of Minister Helen McEntee and her Department in further progressing reform of our spent conviction laws. I look forward to directly hearing from communities, groups and individuals on how we should treat former convictions and hearing the views of the public on the changes we are proposing. Id particularly like to encourage those with lived experience of this issue to participate and engage; your insights will direct and shape how these changes to our laws progress. NOTES FOR EDITORS A public consultation on the Spent Convictions policy approach will go live on the Departments website and social media from Tuesday, 6 October and will run for 1 month until 12pm, Friday 6th November. The consultation and related documents may be viewed at http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Spent_Convictions_Consultation Submissions can be made by email to spentconvictions@justice.ie The consultation document sets out the background and the principles of spent convictions and their place in our rehabilitative justice system. The consultation document has identified five major areas where the Department is particularly seeking input. The five issues highlighted are: o Issue 1: The sentencing length limits for spent convictions; o Issue 2: The number of convictions that can be considered spent; o Issue 3: The principle of proportionality and spent convictions; o Issue 4: Incorporating a Youth Justice perspective; o Issue 5: The victims perspective; The Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016, provides for certain convictions to become spent once 7 years have passed since the date of conviction. In general, and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the following convictions may become spent: All convictions in the District Court for motoring offences which are more than 7 years old subject to the proviso that spent convictions for dangerous driving are limited to a single conviction. All convictions in the District Court for minor public order offences which are more than 7 years old. In addition, where a person has one, and only one, conviction (other than a motoring or public order offence) which resulted in a term of imprisonment of less than 12 months or a fine, that conviction is spent after 7 years. This provision applies to either a District Court or Circuit Court conviction. Sexual offences or convictions in the Central Criminal Court are not eligible to become spent convictions. There is no formal procedure to be gone through to have a conviction declared spent. If the conviction is eligible to be spent, it becomes spent once seven years has passed from the date of conviction. It is important to understand that while a conviction may become spent under Irish law, this does not mean that the conviction ceases to be part of the person's criminal record. The effect of the Act is that, although it remains part of the persons criminal record, the person will not be penalised in law or incur any liability for failing to disclose a spent conviction. It is also important to note that in some cases, disclosure of a spent conviction is required in circumstances including for example for specified work, such as with An Garda Siochana, the Defence Forces, or applying for a public service vehicle, private security, taxi or firearm licence. An Garda Siochana is not required to expunge the details of such offences from the Garda PULSE system and a court may also admit or require evidence regarding a spent conviction in certain circumstances. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which comes under the aegis of Ministry of Women and Child Development, has received as many as 800 complaints of sexual violence against minors during the pandemic, with the highest from Rajasthan, said the chairperson of the statutory body on Tuesday. The data comes at a time when several instances of rape against minors are coming to the fore from various states, prominently Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. In another gruesome incident, a six-year-old girl reportedly died in Delhi on Tuesday, 10 days after being raped in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh district. Speaking to IANS, the panel's chairperson Priyank Kanoongo maintained that there is no nationwide spike in such cases. "From April to September, the commission has received 835 complaints under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, as compared to last year, when the figures were 1,600." He further apprised that 87 complaints were received from Rajasthan, the highest so far, followed by 80 in Tamil Nadu and 72 in Telangana. "The complaints from these states are more or less the same," Kanoongo added. The chairperson of the apex child rights' body, however, rued the inadequate reporting mechanism of such cases in two states. "In West Bengal, a 16-year-old was kidnapped but the police did not add the charges of POCSO and trafficking in the FIR. In West Bengal and Bihar, the child welfare police officers are not trained and there is a lack of sensitisation." On the contrary, recent National Crime Records Bureau data showed a significant rise in cases of crimes against children. In 2019, crimes against children went up by 4.5 per cent. A total of 1.48 lakh cases of crime against children were registered, of which 35.3 per cent cases were related to sexual offences. Unfortunately, the conviction rate remains low. "The reason for the low conviction rate is delay but now, with the POCSO courts, the conviction rate will go up. The work is also being done to set-up specialised forensic labs for POCSO cases. The investigation technique also needs to be high-tech, then only the conviction rate will go up," said the NCPCR chief. Speaking about inclusion of sex education in the curriculum to increase gender sensitisation, the chairperson said, "Mahatma Gandhi had very specifically said that the children should be made aware about this, but the content should be such which does not develop curiosity, rather make them understand. For this, teachers should be given specialised training for gender sensitivity." He added that sex education has been incorporated in the new education policy and if it is implemented properly, the situation will improve in the next 10 years. Kanoongo further shed light on the importance of law regarding death penalty in aggravated sexual crimes against minors. "How can we let go a person who could be a potential rapist? The law is important. What is the guarantee that a pedophile will not commit the crime again? It is right to kill them," he added. He also informed that the commission is slated to hold meetings with the states and Union territories this month to review the number of child welfare police officers, forensic labs and rules which have been implemented there. (Aakanksha Khajuria can be contacted at aakanksha.k@ians.in) Oil advanced to the highest in two weeks as Hurricane Delta heads toward the energy-producing Gulf of Mexico region. Both U.S. benchmark crude futures and gasoline futures climbed over four per cent on Tuesday. Hurricane Delta is forecast to become a Category 4 and is expected to move through the U.S. Gulf before hitting Louisiana. Companies in the region are preparing for the storm and Bristow Group began to remove workers from oil and natural gas platforms. Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will resume talks on Tuesday on another round of pandemic relief funding, boosting the prospect for energy demand to also improve. Still, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned of a weak U.S. recovery without sufficient government aid. Gasoline is higher because of potential for an increase in demand, and the rally is driving crude oil with it to a certain degree, said Bob Yawger, head of the futures division at Mizuho Securities. At the same time, while the storm may end up disrupting refiners that contribute to demand for crude, the knee-jerk reaction is to the likelihood of rigs and production being shut down in the gulf. Crude was swept up in a broader market rally Monday and was aided by a strike in Norway that has shut fields and is curbing flows. Still, the outlook for global oil demand remains patchy with stricter lockdowns coming into force in parts of Europe. Germanys new coronavirus cases jumped the most since mid-April and Italys government is set to order stricter rules, including a decree that masks be worn outdoors. The rally today is a continuation of yesterdays bounceback, which was built on a trifecta of bullish factors, said Harry Tchilinguirian, head of commodities strategy at BNP Paribas SA. That includes the rapid recovery of President Trump, the strike in Norways oil sector and improved technicals as oils price moved back to its 100 day moving average. Moves in the oil futures curve were more circumspect on Monday, signalling underlying weakness. The nearest timespread for Brent, which helps gauge the health of the market, gained only 1 cent and later contracts remain more expensive than nearer ones, showing oversupply. There have also been a flurry of options trades that would profit a buyer from lower prices in recent days. With a storm heading toward the U.S. Gulf attention is once again focusing on American oil balances. The American Petroleum Institute will release its weekly oil inventory update later Tuesday, while U.S. government data will be published Wednesday. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Centre on Tuesday appointed Dinesh Kumar Khara as the new Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI). Khara's appointment comes into effect from October 7, for a period of three years. "The Central Government, hereby appoints Dinesh Kumar Khara (date of birth: 28.8.1961), Managing Director, State Bank of India as Chairman, State Bank of India for a period of three years with effect from the date of his taking over charge of the post on or after 7.10.2020, or until further orders, whichever is earlier," a notification by the Department of Financial Services said. Prior to being appointed as Chairman of the bank, Khara was the Managing Director (Global Banking & Subsidiaries) of the bank, and in this role, led and steered the International Banking Group, Corporate and Treasury operations of the bank. "As Managing Director (Associates & Subsidiaries), Khara successfully accomplished merging of five Associate Banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank with SBI," the state-run bank said in a regulatory filing. Earlier he was also the MD and CEO of SBI Funds Management Pvt Ltd (SBIMF). Khara, 59, did his Masters in Business Administration from FMS New Delhi and is a post-graduate in Commerce from Delhi School of Economics. He joined the SBI as a probationary officer in 1984 and has over 36 years of rich experience in all facets of banking. He will replace incumbent Rajnish Kumar, whose three-year term comes to an end on October 7. In August, the Banks Board Bureau had recommended Khara as the next Chairman of India's largest public sector bank. Separately, it had recommended the names of Swaminthan Janakiraman and Ashwini Kumar Tewari for the posts of MD in SBI. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Phillippe Champagne issued a joint statement calling on to stop the military actions in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone. The statement has been published in the UK governments website. Canada and the United Kingdom reiterate the urgent need to end the continuing military action in and around the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone. We are particularly concerned by reports of the shelling of civilian areas and wish to express our condolences to the families of those who have tragically lost their lives. The parties to the conflict must stop the violence and respect the ceasefire agreement, the statement says. Canada and the United Kingdom expressed their support to the statements made by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. We urge friends of both states to redouble their efforts in support of an end to hostilities and to refrain from taking actions that risk exacerbating the crisis, the FMs said. They stated that the comprehensive resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict can only be delivered through a negotiated settlement and not through military action. All parties must urgently return to the negotiating table to work toward this aim without preconditions, the statement added. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 16:27:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Pingxiang port in south China's Guangxi is using an intelligent platform to facilitate cross-border logistics. The port bordering Vietnam launched the China-ASEAN intelligent cross-border logistics platform at the end of 2019. Under the platform, a cross-border shuttle container truck project has been on a trial run for a month. It takes one hour for a container truck to complete customs clearance to reach Vietnam, and another three hours to bring Vietnamese goods back here. China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years. Police examine the body of John Estrella, 18, an alleged drug pusher who was found dead near Central Post Office in Manila, June 27, 2017. President Rodrigo Duterte has blamed warring criminal syndicates for widespread drug-related killings in the Philippines, in what critics said Tuesday was a fresh attempt to escape culpability for the bloodshed during his administrations ongoing crackdown on narcotics. Dutertes remarks late Monday marked the first time that he had publicly attempted to distance himself from the more than 6,500 killings of suspected addicts and pushers since launching the war against the illegal drug trade after he came to power in mid-2016. The Philippine leader, 75, faces two complaints for mass murder before The Hague-based International Criminal Court over the killings in his four-year-old drug war. [T]hese extrajudicial killings they have been harping about for many years, truthfully, I also had my doubts, and there was a time when I conducted a discreet hearing [on why they were occurring,] Duterte said, without specifying when this purported investigation took place, during his weekly briefing to the nation. What was reported to me is that sometimes there is a rivalry of the turf, he said, referring to drug lords fighting over who controls which territory. On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch dismissed the Philippine presidents assertion that drug-gang members were killing each other, saying his comments were unsupported and that he was trying to absolve himself of responsibility for thousands of killings carried out in the name of his governments drug war. Dutertes statements saying his administration wasnt involved in the drug-war killings were specious, self-serving and utterly without basis, said Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. The hearing he claimed to conduct to arrive at this far-fetched conclusion was never disclosed to the public, raising questions about whether it happened at all, Robertson said. Once again, Duterte is manufacturing a story, or fake news to use the moniker he likes to use, to divert attention from killers in the ranks of the police to so-called drug syndicates. No one should be fooled by the presidents latest ruse, he added. During his latest briefing, Duterte didnt mention his publicized orders last month to his customs chief to shoot dead anyone caught smuggling narcotics, but he did refer to his past comments in which he boasted about having killed people and ordering the police to kill. I have not killed anyone. And I never, never you can ask any policeman here in the Philippines did I ask anyone Kill this Mr. Santos, Edmundo Santos, or kill Juan dela Cruz. I never do that and if I I do not ... I just keep it in my mind because I know that whether I like it or not there is a war going on, Duterte said. I cannot stop [the] killing, the killing of criminals and the killing of my soldiers and policemen. Duterte was elected president on a campaign pledge to eradicate drugs in the Philippines. At one of his campaign rallies, he said he would dump slain drug dealers and addicts into Manila Bay and fatten all the fish there. In 2018, about a month after the International Criminal Court said it would begin a preliminary examination of one of the complaints against Duterte, the president pulled the Philippines out of the court, saying critics were using human rights issues to undermine the government. Duterte repeated that allegation last month in his first-ever address at the United Nations General Assembly. He also accused human rights advocate of having weaponized human rights and of preying on the most vulnerable humans. Tragically funny Meanwhile, Sen. Leila de Lima, an opposition leader jailed on what she says are trumped up drug-related charges, accused Duterte of attempting to dodge responsibility for the killings. I find it funny, tragically funny, that Mr. Duterte is denying that he had people killed. It is and has been the central policy of his regime, de Lima said. She said the president had repeatedly exhorted the police to kill in the name of his drug war. Never has there been any such explicit directive from Duterte to stop the killings. Now he is scrambling to avoid responsibility for the genocide committed under his watch, de Lima said. Justice beckons and he will be called to account for his actions. In June 2020, a year-long investigation by Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, found near-total impunity for perpetrators of extrajudicial killings that took place during the Duterte administrations crackdown on illegal drugs. Last month, Bachelet said she remained concerned by continued reports of drug-related killings, by both police and vigilantes, including during COVID-related restrictions on movement in the Philippines. San Francisco, Oct 6 : Activists led protests outside Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos' home in Beverly Hills, California, demanding an increase in hourly wages for the company's warehouse workers and higher taxes on wealthy Americans. The protest over the weekend saw the participation of nearly a hundred activists, according to the organisers of the rally, CBS News reported. The move comes just about 10 days before the start of Amazon's annual Prime Day sales event announced for October 13-14. Groups including United Teachers Los Angeles, Sunrise LA and Extinction Rebellion joined former and current Amazon workers in the protest. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, Sunday's protest was led by a fired Amazon employee named Christian Smalls, who used to work at one of the e-commerce giant's fulfilment centres in Staten Island, New York. The demonstrators called for "adequate protective equipment and cleaning supplies, as well as an increase of $2 per hour for hazard pay," according to the LA Times. Amazon earlier this month revealed that 19,816 frontline employees in the US have tested positive for Covid-19 or been presumed positive for the disease. The e-commerce giant said it is investing "hundreds of millions of dollars" in a testing initiative, besides other safety measures for its frontline employees. Surprised? So are we! Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh tells a leading daily that after the sudden demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput on June 14, 2020, 80,000 fake accounts were created on social media to demoralise the Mumbai police and the Maharashtra government. He further added that he has asked the cyber cell to investigate the matter, and register cases under the Information Technology (IT) Act. Sushant Singh Rajput Case: CBI Issues Statement Saying All Aspects Are Being Looked At Meticulously Singh told HT, "The campaign was run against Mumbai Police to demoralise us at a time when 84 personnel had died due to the pandemic and over 6,000 were infected with Covid-19. This was a motivated campaign with a vested interest to malign the image of Mumbai Police and derail our line of investigation." He further added, "Multiple fake accounts on social media were created to target Mumbai Police in abusive tones. Our cyber cell is conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and all those found violating the law will be prosecuted under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act." Notably, ever since Sushant breathed his last, almost every day a huge number of tweets used to be posted on Twitter under a common hashtag, and the same hashtag used to trend on Twitter. The Police Commissioner also reacted to the reports of AIIMS having ruled out the possibility of murder in the case, and said, "We had investigated this case very professionally. The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) had set up a panel of AIIMS doctors who have justified our investigation, the findings of Cooper Hospital and the forensic laboratory. Except for a few people, nobody else was aware of our investigation, but still, many have criticised it." Sushant Singh Rajput: I've Not Been Treated As Outsider, Can't Complain Of Favouritism [THROWBACK] Chavis Barron On Tuesday, Austin City Limits released its star-studded lineup for its free virtual festival this weekend, including artists such as Billie Eilish and Twenty One Pilots. The virtual festival will be free on YouTube, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, according to a tweet from ACL. Music fans can expect to see several artists like Radiohead, Willie Nelson, Queens of the Stone Age and Paul McCartney. Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/06/2020 -- Transparency Market Research (TMR) has published a new report on the vitamin d testing market for the forecast period of 20192027. According to the report, the global vitamin D testing market was valued at ~US$ 519 Mn in 2018, and is projected to expand at a CAGR of ~6% from 2019 to 2027. Rise in the demand for vitamin D testing among people, significant repeat tests being performed, and increase in the need of performing vitamin D testing among elderly and pregnant women are contributing to the growth of the market. To know the scope of our report Get a Sample on Vitamin D Testing Market Rise in Number of Vitamin D Tests Performed Boosts Market Growth - Rise in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, increase in the number of vitamin D tests performed, and changing lifestyles boost the growth of the global vitamin D testing market. The global vitamin D testing market is expected to expand at a CAGR of ~6% from 2019 to 2027. - The market in Japan is likely to be driven by significant product launches by leading players, rise in the prevalence of osteoporosis, which is expected to affect over 13 million people annually, availability of reimbursements for these tests, and authority given to doctors to prescribe these tests. - The need for vitamin D testing during pregnancy is increasing, owing to a rise in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in women. Deficiency of vitamin D during pregnancy can be attributed to the high requirement of vitamin D for fetal development. It is considered to be significantly common during pregnancy in high-risk groups, including vegetarians, women with limited sun exposure, and ethnic minorities, especially those with darker skin tones. - The number of vitamin D tests performed annually has increased significantly in the past few years. Studies conducted in France indicate a dramatic increase in the number of vitamin D assay prescriptions. The number of tests performed in the country increased from 9,700 in 2008 to over 91,000 in 2013. Request a PDF Brochure - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=33557 Asia Pacific Market to Grow at Rapid Pace - North America held a major share of the global vitamin D testing market in terms of revenue in 2018. The region is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period. Rise in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, increase in prescriptions of vitamin D tests, surge in the aging population, and rise in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the adult population boost the growth of the market in North America. - Europe is anticipated to be the second-largest market in terms of share and revenue during the forecast period. Vitamin D deficiency is a public health issue in Germany. It is significantly prevalent in the adult as well as younger population. Moreover, various studies conducted in Germany indicate that, the average intake of vitamin D does not meet the recommended daily intake levels. These factors increase the number of vitamin D tests performed in the country, consequently fueling the growth of the market. - The vitamin D testing market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a high CAGR of ~7% during the forecast period. Growth of the market in the region is attributed to increase in the geriatric population, rise in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, changing reimbursement scenario for these tests, and increase in focus of market players on strengthening their presence in developing economies. Request for Analysis of COVID19 Impact on Vitamin D Testing Market - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=covid19&rep_id=33557 Significant Products Launched by Market Players to Drive Market The report provides the profiles of leading players operating in the global vitamin D testing market. These include Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific, DiaSys Diagnostic Systems GmbH, DiaSorin, bioMerieux, Siemens AG, Quest Diagnostics, and Danaher Corporation. - DiaSorin S.p.A., one of the leading players in the vitamin D testing market, is engaged in the development, manufacture, and marketing of reagent kits for in-vitro diagnostic assays. The company offers a range of tests in the field of immunodiagnostics, and is a leading player in the vitamin D testing market in the U.S., with over 60% of the market share. - DiaSorin focuses on expanding its CLIA tests portfolio through strategic commercial launches, globally. In 2016, the company launched the CLIA 25 OH Vitamin D test in Japan, following the announcement of reimbursements by authorities in the country. This launch made the company the first mover in launching vitamin D tests on its LIAISON analyzers. As part of this strategy, the company entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Kyowa Medex for the distribution of its products in Japan. - DiaSys Diagnostic Systems GmbH is a leading provider of liquid stable reagents and diagnostic solutions for clinical laboratories. It is an independent company and offers over 90 liquid-stable reagents for special and routine diagnostics, with calibrators and controls. Additionally, the company offers instruments such as partially- and fully-automated analyzers for small- and medium-sized laboratories. It also offers rapid tests and devices for point-of-care. In 2015, DiaSys Diagnostic Systems entered into an exclusive international partnership agreement with NanoSpeed Diagnostics for marketing its 25-OH Vitamin D deficiency test kit. According to the terms of the agreement, DiaSys markets the point-of-care test under its own brand, QDx, globally. - Significant product launches and strategic partnerships are the key strategies employed by leading players to enhance their market presence. This is anticipated to fuel the growth of the global vitamin D testing market. About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a 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. We have an experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge. Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement. Contact 90 Sate Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207 Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Read More Reports: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rising-demand-for-techniques-in-hospitals-forms-key-revenue-generator-for-vertebroplasty-and-kyphoplasty-market-observes-tmr-301076667.html In 1981, the United States and Iran signed an accord paving the way for the release of 52 Americans held hostage for more than 14 months, and Iran, which borders both countries, said it was working on a peace plan for the decades-old conflict, which reignited last month and has killed scores of people on both sides Iran, which borders both countries, said it was working on a peace plan for the decades-old conflict, which reignited last month and has killed scores of people on both sides. The region of Nagorno-Karabakh lies inside Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994. Armenian military officials reported missile strikes in the territorial capital of Stepanakert, which came under intense attacks all weekend. Residents told the Russian state RIA Novosti news agency that parts of the city were suffering shortages of electricity and gas after the strikes. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, in turn, accused Armenian forces of shelling the towns of Tartar, Barda and Beylagan. Ganja, the country's second-largest city far outside the conflict zone, also was ``under fire,'' officials said. Hikmet Hajiyev, aide to Azeirbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, tweeted that Armenian forces attacked ``densely populated civilian areas`` in Ganja, Barda, Beylagan and other towns ``with missiles and rockets.`` Armenia's Foreign Ministry dismissed allegations of attacks being launched from Armenia's territory as a ``disinformation campaign'' by Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabakh officials didn't comment on the accusations, but warned on both Sunday and Monday that the territory's forces would target military facilities in Azerbaijani cities in response to strikes on Stepanakert. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalating violence and again urged an immediate halt to hostilities, stressing that there is no military solution to the conflict, his spokesman said. The U.N. chief ``is gravely concerned by reports of the extension of hostilities, including the targeting of populated areas,`` spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, He urges a return to negotiations led by Russia, France and the United States _ co-chairs of the so-called Minsk Group, which was set up by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1992 to resolve the conflict. The fighting erupted Sept. 27 and has killed dozens, marking the biggest escalation in the conflict. Both sides have accused each other of expanding the hostilities beyond Nagorno-Karabakh. According to Nagorno-Karabakh officials, about 220 servicemen on their side have died in the clashes since then. The state-run Armenian Unified Infocenter said that 21 civilians have been killed in the region and 82 others wounded. Azerbaijani authorities haven't given details about military casualties, but said 25 civilians were killed and 127 wounded. Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of targeting civilians and have reported damage to nonmilitary infrastructure. Azerbaijani President Aliyev said his troops ``liberated'' several more villages in the Jabrayil region. A similar report about the town of Jabrayil and its surrounding villages on Sunday was denied by Nagorno-Karabakh officials. Nagorno-Karabakh was a designated autonomous region within Azerbaijan during the Soviet era. It claimed independence from Azerbaijan in 1991, about three months before the Soviet Union's collapse. A full-scale war that broke out in 1992 killed an estimated 30,000 people. By the time the war ended in 1994, Armenian forces not only held Nagorno-Karabakh itself but also substantial areas outside the territory borders, like the Jabrayil region where Azerbaijan claimed to have taken a town and several villages. Aliyev has repeatedly said Armenia's withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh is the sole condition to end the fighting. Armenian officials allege Turkey is involved in the conflict on the side of Azerbaijan and is sending fighters from Syria to the region. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said ``a cease-fire can be established only if Turkey is removed from the South Caucasus.'' Turkey, a NATO member, has denied sending arms or foreign fighters, while publicly siding with Azerbaijan. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated that Turkey will stand with its ally Azerbaijan until it reaches ``victory.'' He also maintained that it was the international community's silence in the face of what he called past Armenian aggression that encouraged it to attack Azerbaijani territory. After talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters that the military alliance is ``deeply concerned by the escalation of hostilities,'' and urged Turkey to ``use its considerable influence to calm tensions.'' Cavusoglu repeated calls for Armenia to withdraw from the region ``in line with international laws, U.N. Security Council resolutions and Azerbaijan's territorial and border integrity.'' The Foreign Ministry of Iran, which has nearly 760 kilometers (470 miles) of border with Azerbaijan and a short border with Armenia, said it is working on a peace plan. Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh did not elaborate but said Iran is talking to all related parties. ``Iran has prepared a plan with a specific framework containing details after consultations with both sides of the dispute, Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as regional states and neighbors, and will pursue this plan,`` he said. Khatibzadeh also warned both sides against expanding the hostilities into Iranian territory. ``Any aggression against the borders of the Islamic Republic, even inadvertently, is a very serious red line for the Islamic Republic that should not be crossed,`` he said. Since the beginning of the conflict, stray mortar shells have injured a child and damaged some buildings in rural areas in northern Iran, near the border with Azerbaijan. Search Keywords: Short link: 2020 has meant a challenge for restaurants and businesses, who saw in home delivery applications an option to continue with their business; However, the solution led -in many cases- a new headache, when entering a totally different cost structure, with commission payments of up to 30%, without having access to data that would allow them to strengthen loyalty programs and knowledge of customers, thus losing control of the business. If in the first months of the pandemic, the main obstacle for 85% of the restaurant sector was the lack of digitization , which affected -especially- providing home service, according to figures from Deloitte and the National Chamber of the Restaurant Industry and Seasoned Foods ( Canirac ), the challenge facing the sector is to go further: more and more restaurants consider that their profitability lies in facilitating the digitization of order and payment management, logistics service and profitable investment in marketing strategies that ensure the sales and future profitability. Against this background, Rodrigo Segal and Nicolas Lopez, founders of the Chilean startup Justo that helps restaurants take control of their business by enabling their digital independence by creating their own Internet page with an online sales point and delivery service. , share five recommendations that will help them not only survive, but also generate a business model that creates new bases for the evolution of the entire sector. 1. Commitment to comprehensive digitization services Be clear about what you expect from your digitization process according to the needs of your business, this will make it easier for you to reduce the number of providers you require, facilitating your path to digital adoption. Choose providers with comprehensive solutions that offer several key services for your business in the same package: from designing your website with an online point of sale, the home delivery service -if you require it-, even a business accelerator with focus on digital marketing, which helps you position your brand and increase your sales. 2. Allocate as little starting capital as possible Your digitization does not have to be detrimental to the profitability of your business. Choose platforms that offer you accessible technology tools with low commissions, especially when you start on the path to digital adoption, all with the aim of obtaining greater benefits and better responding to the needs of your customers at a low cost. Do not settle for the best known solutions, explore and hire those that best suit your economic needs and your productive capacity. 3. Be wise in your investment The digitization of your company must be aimed at strengthening it, so you must choose those service providers that are your ally, in the broadest sense: who understand that you are their main customer and provide you with the necessary tools to help you grow. . Choose solutions that, in addition to offering services that help you solve your immediate technological problems - such as online sales or a delivery service -, accompany you to implement digital marketing strategies that allow you to have real growth. The ideal is to seek a week-by-week growth of at least 10% on collected sales. 4. Make community The success of technology adoption does not end with the digitization of your processes, so that technology allows you to continue and grow your business, it is necessary that you invite your customers to consume through your digital channels . Let your diners know that by ordering directly on your website they support the entire value chain: the business, the collaborators, delivery people and the end customer himself, because since there are no intermediaries, the collection of commissions reduces and your profits increase. for the benefit of all. 5. Remember that evolution is important The new digital environment requires a reassessment of the way of doing business and thinking of new ways to connect with your customers to respond to their needs. Undoubtedly, technology is a fundamental element that, with correct use, will help you regain control of your business, maintain its continuity and promote its long-term growth. The new normal will increasingly rely on digital. Only by 2021, two out of 10 businesses and brands expect online consumption to represent more than 30% of their total sales, according to figures from the Mexican Association for Online Sales ( AMVO ). The restaurant industry and home delivery services do not escape this trend. Both for traditional restaurants, family ones and those that are still planning to open, the important thing is to take actions that benefit the entire industry, which means stopping considering digital tools to "attend while all this happens", because it is the reality in which the business will unfold in the coming months. The important thing is to bet on comprehensive digital services that accompany them throughout the process and support their digital independence so that they can continue to grow. Related: Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved SCOTTVILLE During its public hearing and special meeting Monday, the West Shore Community College Board of Trustees took action on two items. Trustees voted unanimously to approve a contract with the City of Scottville for law enforcement coverage at WSCC properties and also approved lease agreements with the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Michigan Works!, which will occupy the Manistee Downtown Education Center upon its completion. The contract with the City of Scottville provides the City of Scottville Police Department the powers and authorities to serve as public safety officers at WSCC. In order to assign jurisdiction to Scottville PD, the board had to hold two public hearings, the second of which was held Monday, and create a public safety advisory committee comprised of two members of the faculty and two staff members of the college. The board voted unanimously to create that committee Monday. Mason County Central Schools is entering into a similar agreement with the City of Scottville, and City of Scottville Chief of Police Matthew Murphy feels the relationship will benefit all parties. I think this is a great opportunity for all parties involved: MCC Schools, West Shore Community College and the City of Scottville. Were just really excited," he said. "... If there are any concerns or anything the trustee panel has, just reach out and we can try to address those as best we can. ... Communication is the key in this whole agreement," Murphy continued. "If we all work together I think we can really provide a great service for the community and West Shore Community College. WSCC president Scott Ward said the Downtown Education Center will be ready for tenants to start moving in during November, with an effective date of Dec. 1 for occupancy. The administrative committee met again last week a special meeting to review the leases with the Manistee Chamber of Commerce and with Michigan Works! for their participation in our new Manistee building project," said James Jensen, board treasurer. "I think this is the culmination of 18 months or more that weve been at this and we've looked at these leases several times. I would tell you that the committee did favorably review the leases as presented to us. Indore: A woman claiming to have vital information in actor Sushant Singh Rajputs death case has demanded security from police here in Madhya Pradesh, a senior official said on Tuesday. Deputy Inspector General Harinarayanchari Mishra told reporters that the woman, a Mumbai resident currently staying with her relatives in Indore, recently met him. She claimed that she knew Rajput for a long time, and has some vital information about the actors death, he said without revealing the womans identity. She said she will reveal it in a factual manner at an appropriate forum on demand. She has expressed the need for security and we have assured her to provide the same as and when required in a swift manner, the official said. The woman, who took part in some news debates on the issue of Rajputs death, also complained that her Facebook account was hacked and the cyber cell of police is conducting a probe into it, another police official said. Rajput, 34, was found hanging at his residence in Bandra area of Mumbai on June 14. By PTI JAIPUR: Rajasthan Congress MLA Kailash Chandra Trivedi, who was suffering from lung fibrosis after recovering from the coronavirus infection, died at a hospital in Gurgaon, family sources said Tuesday. He was 65. Trivedi, the legislator from Sahara (Bhilwara) constituency, was airlifted to Medanta hospital in Gurgaon from Jaipur on October 2 after his health deteriorated. He died late Monday night, they said. In Jaipur, Trivedi was admitted to SMS hospital with health complications after recovering from the coronavirus, according to the hospital sources. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condoled the death of Trivedi, a three-time MLA. "Deeply saddened at the passing away of Sahara, Bhilwara MLA and Congress leader Kailash Trivedi ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family members and supporters. May they remain strong in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace," Gehlot tweeted. The war between Armenia, whose population is Christian, and Azerbaijan, a predominantly Muslim country, in the South Caucasus has turned the entire region into a military and ethnic-religious powder keg. The war began on September 27, when Azerbaijan launched a major offensive, involving heavy artillery, tanks and warplanes, against the Armenian-controlled enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. Both Baku and Yerevan have now bombed major cities, and civilian casualties are estimated to be in the hundreds. Military analyst Leonid Nersisyan told the Russian Nezavisimaya Gazetalast week that the scale of the fighting was unprecedented, and that the military losses incurred in a single day already went beyond what occurred during the war of 1992-1994. Video purporting to show an attack on an Armenian position. (Screen capture from video provided by the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry) In an address to the nation on October 4, Azerbaijans president, Ilham Aliyev, declared that his country would not stop the offensive until Armenia formally agrees to withdraw its forces from Azerbaijani territory. He also demanded a public apology from Armenia. These conditions are generally deemed unacceptable to Armenia. On Monday, Iran announced a peace plan, offering itself as a mediator between the two warring sides. However, the Russian press reported that Baku and Turkey, which is heavily backing Azerbaijan, are preparing for a prolonged war that might eventually draw in both Russia and Iran. Russia has an important military base in Armenia, and the war threatens to cut off supply routes to this base. The war has major implications for Europe, Russia and the Middle East, as it directly intersects with the conflicts in the Middle East and Northern Africa that have been ignited by the intervention of US imperialism in the past decades. War between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno Karabakh enclave first broke out in 1988. It was directly connected to the push by the Stalinist bureaucracy toward capitalist restoration in the Soviet Union, which was accompanied by the whipping up of extreme nationalist and separatist sentiments. The war lasted over six years, killing an estimated 40,000 people and displacing hundreds of thousands. By virtue of its geographic position as a bridge between Europe, the Black Sea and the Middle East, the energy-rich Caucasus has long been a hotspot for geopolitical rivalries. Since the break-up of the USSR in 1991, the religious and ethnic tensions in the region, which had been exacerbated by decades under the rule of the Stalinist bureaucracy, have systematically been exploited, especially by the US and its allies, to further their interests. Today, these conflicts are deeply enmeshed with the US-led wars in the Middle East. Initial reports that thousands of Islamist mercenaries from Syria and Libya are being deployed on the side of Azerbaijan have been confirmed by French President Emmanuel Macron. He suggested that the Islamist fighters are entering the Caucasus through Turkey, which has also been heavily involved in the wars in Syria and Libya. The arming and training of Islamist militias has been a key component of the strategy of Washington in the civil war in Syria. Moreover, over the past decade, Azerbaijan has been closely integrated into US and Israeli war preparations. The Russian press noted that the Azeri missiles that have destroyed civilian targets in Armenia have all been manufactured by Azad Systems, a company co-owned by the Azeri Defense Ministry and the Israeli company Aeronautics Defense Systems. The Trump administration granted Azerbaijan aid worth $100 million in 2018-2019, up from $3 million the year before. Location of Nagorno-Karabakh However, statements from the White House have left Washingtons position on the war unclear. The rapid escalation of the war in the Caucasus coincided with a week that was dominated in Washington by Trumps public threats of a coup in November, followed shortly thereafter by the news that Trump and an ever-growing number of White House personnel have been infected with the coronavirus. Meanwhile, in France, calls are growing for Paris to take the side of Armenia. Iran, like Russia, has refrained from openly taking sides, insisting on negotiations and a ceasefire. Russian media reports suggest that there are growing anti-Armenian sentiments within Iran, whose population is predominantly Muslim and includes 20 million ethnic Azeris, a fifth of the total population. The vast majority of them live in the north of Iran, which directly borders Azerbaijan. There are also an estimated 150,000-300,000 ethnic Armenian Christians living in Iran. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have portrayed the war as one in defense of the Muslim world and Muslim values against the onslaught of Christian Armenia. Russia itself is home to a Muslim minority of about 14 million people (10 percent of the total population), many of whom live in the North Caucasus. In an indication of just how explosive the Kremlin considers the situation, all official statements have been limited to a call for a ceasefire and negotiations between the two sides. According to Nezavismaya Gazeta, President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have taken matters into their own hands and dont want other officials interfering in their negotiations. A piece published by the think tank journal Russia in Global Affairs, whose authors have close ties to the Kremlin, stressed that the war in the Caucasus broke out on the fifth anniversary of the beginning of Russias military involvement in the civil war in Syria. It noted: One of the tasks of Russia at the time was to contain the threat of Islamist terrorism and prevent it from coming closer to its borders. However, nowfighters from Syria and Libya are fighting in Karabakh. The journal advocated a negotiated settlement with Ankara in order to prevent a further escalation of the war and limit the bolstering of Turkeys influence. It noted that perhaps the main task of Erdogan consists in creating a mechanism for mutual cooperation with Russia over Karabakh. The series of deals between Putin and Erdogan on the southern flank of the Russian borders in recent years have been very beneficial to both sides. It pointed out that even though Turkey was a NATO member, recent years have shown that Ankara is no longer ready to play the junior partner of the Americans in the broader region from Northern Africa and the Balkans to the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia, which it [Turkey] historically has seen as its own. The piece argued that Moscow should try to slow Ankaras offensive, create the basis for a ceasefire between the warring sides and strengthen the role of the Minsk group of the OSCEwhich does not include Turkeyand then find a way to politely say nyet [no] in Turkish. The central fear of the Kremlin is that the war on its southern borders and especially the presence of Islamist fighters could reignite long-simmering regionalist, ethnic and religious conflicts within its own borders. Just to the north of Armenia, in the predominantly Muslim North Caucasus, the Kremlin fought two bloody wars against a US-backed Chechen separatist movement from 1994 to 2009 to prevent the secession of the region from the Russian Federation. The wars resulted in the death of about a tenth of the Chechen population and have left the region in shambles. Fears of ethnic and regional conflicts in Russia have already been heightened in recent months as major protests under regionalist banners have broken out in Khabarovsk, a city in Russias economically underdeveloped Far East. The US- and German-backed liberal opposition is systematically encouraging these regionalist and separatist sentiments and tendencies. Moreover, on Russias western border, the regime of Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus has been shaken by mass protests since August, raising the specter of his replacement by a government aligned more directly with NATO and the EU. At the same time, the civil war in East Ukraine on Russias border, which was triggered by the US- and German-backed coup in February 2014 in Kiev, continues to rage. The Russian oligarchy, which emerged out of the Stalinist bureaucracy that betrayed the 1917 October Revolution and destroyed the USSR, has no way out of an unfolding catastrophe that it itself has helped create. For the working class, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan poses enormous dangers. The only path to halt this war and avert the threat of much broader ethnic and military conflicts lies in the struggle for socialism. This fight must be consciously based on the lessons of the struggle of Trotskyism against Stalinism. In November 1991, the International Committee of the Fourth International held a World Conference of Workers Against Imperialist War and Colonialism. It analyzed the collapse of the Stalinist regimes and the eruption of neo-colonial wars in the Middle East and outlined the basis for a socialist anti-war movement in the working class. The documents of this conference can be found here. At 65, Suresh Angadi may have been vulnerable to Covid-19, being a senior citizen, but that never stopped him from doing what he loved best meeting his constituents. At a time when the world was socially distancing and avoiding physical contact, Angadi was meeting up to 500 people at his home in Belgaum, Karnataka daily. The four-time member of Parliament of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also loved indulging in some dark, pandemic humour with his colleagues. We all come with an expiry date, we shouldnt worry, he said to me, Dhananjay Singh, executive director of public grievances, recalled. I said, that may be true, but we shouldnt expedite someone elses expiry date either. We had a good laugh. Singh was attached to the minister of state for Railways since Angadis appointment in 2019. Angadi was initially asymptomatic and he had no co-morbidities or prevailing medical conditions like heart disease, hypertension or diabetes. On September 11, he was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. The last conversation I had with him was through video call when he was in AIIMS and I was crying, said daughter Shraddha (28), the younger of Suresh and Mangal Angadis two children. Also Read | Suresh Angadi: A giant killer who never lost an election He said Why are you crying? Im going to be home soon, Shraddha said. An inability to meet him coupled with the fact that he had been moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for developing a cough had made her break down, she said. But Angadi believed that he would recover even after he was admitted to the ICU. He kept saying that he has a lot of work to do, and he wants to come home. However, four days after his hospitalisation, his oxygen saturation dropped to 70% (the normal range is about 95%) and he was put on a ventilator. His condition remained stable over the following week, and Shraddha said that the doctors were about to take him off the ventilator. But then his vitals crashed. From what looked like a manageable infection, the situation became dire within a matter of 10 days. His family, friends and colleagues said that he took his position as the ninth rail minister from Karnataka seriously, and started 30 new trains in Karnataka. But a few dreams remained unfulfilled, Singh said. He wanted to make Mumbai to Bengaluru a popular train route. The journey takes 21 hours right now by train, and people prefer to fly. Since the start of the pandemic, he wished he could travel to new project sites in Odisha and the Northeast, he said. Others remember him for his ordinary acts of kindness and for the friend he was to them. Office assistant Ravinder Singh said no other minister asked whether a peon had eaten or not, while his driver, Krishna, called him bahut acha admi (a very good man). I used to tease him as the right person in the wrong party, said former Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka and close friend Prabhakar Kore. He was so persuasive that he made me also leave Congress and join his party [the BJP]. We all thought he would come out of it fine and now everybody is worried as its become that much more relatable. Shraddha said among the things that her mother will miss, playing chess with Angadi will top the list. Mangal (57) and the family are still receiving several visitors, constituents and others who come to pay their respects. We just ensure that our mother is tested regularly. We cant stop people but we lost dad so we are being very careful about her, Shraddha said. The National Housing Policy Implementation Plan is at its conclusive stage, Mr Samuel Atta-Akyea, the Minister of Works and Housing, has stated. He said the policy document had undergone stakeholder consultative assessments and contains strategies that would go a long way to solving the myriad of urban housing problems facing Ghanaians. It is therefore, appropriate for us to take stock of our accomplishments and challenges in the areas of the National Housing Policies and Programmes and ensure that our vision is properly understood by all, and effectively implemented, to urgently address the crucial aspect of housing affordability, Mr Atta-Akyea stated in his address on Monday to mark World Habitat Day Celebration in Accra. The celebration, which was held virtually on the theme,Housing for All: A Better Urban Future, was organised by the Ministry of Works and Housing in collaboration with the UN-Habitat, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Ministry of Inner City and Zongo Development. World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year, and is recognized by the UN to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. Mr Atta-Akyea said Government was adopting a two-pronged approach to mobilise funds both domestically and internationally, to support the housing sector. He said Government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing was implementing the Ghana Affordable Housing Programme, aimed at providing adequate, decent affordable housing, particularly to low and middle-income groups. Government is committed to achieving our targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ghana believes that the effective implementation of the 17 SDGs remains critical to making the multilateral system relevant in addressing the global challenges we face, Mr Atta-Akyea said. Indeed, one such challenge is the threat to the consolidation to achieve SDG 11: Inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities. He said there was the need for them to focus attention on the 2030 UN SDGs, especially as they mark the beginning of the Decade of Action to deliver the goals and targets of Agenda 2030. He said affordable homes created a big challenge not only to the Housing Ministry, but also to all collaborating Ministries, the business community and civil society. He said addressing the house needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, especially women, youth and those who live in slums must be a priority in the development agenda of the nation. Mr Charles Abani, UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, said housing was a fundamental human rights and that the COVID-19 pandemic had shown that cities, local and national governments around the world could move towards reducing inequalities and poverty levels and providing access to adequate housing for all, as a catalyst to achieve other fundamental rights; declaring that this is central in our battle against the COVID-19 VIRUS. Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, advocated that as the nation strives to address the housing deficits, room must be created for farmlands, recreational areas and flood plains. Madam Cecilia Dapaah, Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, who gave an overview of measures taken by her Ministry as part of efforts to contain the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country; said to eradicate the COVID-19 virus, there was the need for stakeholders to bring together resources and enhance synergies; stating that Government would not relent in its efforts to contain the spread of the virus. Mr Kwasi Boateng Adjei, a Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, who outlined activities undertaken by his Ministry as part of measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic - disinfection of public places like markets and lorry stations; adding that a total of 1,800 markets were disinfected. He urged Ghanaians to continue observing the COVID-19 protocols such as washing of hands with soap under running water and the use of mask, as part of measures to contain the virus. 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 white male University of New Hampshire chemistry professor is accused of posing as an immigrant woman of color on Twitter to make racist and sexist comments and attack users who supported racial justice and other progressive causes. The university has not named the professor whom it said was being investigated related to allegations on social media. A spokesperson said that the person is on leave and not in the classroom." We are deeply troubled by what weve learned so far and immediately launched an investigation, University spokeswoman Erika Mantz said. The chair of the university's Chemistry Department, Glen Miller, refused to discuss the case. But in an email to the department that was shared with The Associated Press by a department source who did not want to be identified for fear of retaliation, Miller acknowledged the professor had set up a fake Twitter account and posted tweets that ranged from unfortunate to hurtful to deeply offensive. Several people who have reviewed the account before it was taken down last week said there were routinely posts with racist, sexist and transphobic comments and images over the past year. Toby Santamaria, a graduate student studying plant biology at Michigan State who identifies with the gender-neutral term Latinx, was attacked online by followers of the Twitter account. Im disgusted but not really surprised, Santamaria said. The person behind the account also detailed how they had fought efforts from their unnamed department to speak out on racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. They also routinely brought up their fake background to criticize users who were pushing for greater diversity in science, mathematics, engineering and technology or STEM fields. It just wanted to silent dissent, said Santamaria, recalling how the user would often suggest trans people didnt exist and that sexism and racism in STEM was not an issue. Story continues Every time people would criticize the account and say that we do know racism exists in STEM and we do know sexism is a problem, it would say I am a woman of color so there, its not an issue." Susanna Harris, who runs a company that supports graduate students and clashed with the person behind the account, agreed the goal of posting as a person of color was to discredit diversity efforts. It gives validity to the thoughts of people, in my opinion, that are pushing this racist narrative that these efforts arent needed, she said. More troubling, Santamaria and Harris said, was the account user's habit of attacking mostly women of color who disagreed with him and encouraging his followers to do the same. Both women came under attack after calling for the account to be ignored or coming to the defense of those who had been attacked. The account accused Harris of trying to prevent debate because she was white. In the days that followed, the person also blamed Harris for the suicide of a North Carolina professor, who had recently retired after a backlash over comments he made on social media. It was scary, Harris said of the exchange. Sometimes, the internet crosses into real life. A lot of work I do is through social media and science communication. Defaming my character online affects my ability to do those things but also there is the very real threat that people could find my personal location. The case comes at a sensitive time for the university. It has been working for several years to address racism on campus and diversify the student body. Last week, it held a virtual town hall on racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. For that reason, many familiar with the case argue the university has to take a tough line against the professor. Some have called for him to be removed while others argued he should be put on extended leave and be required to take extensive racial sensitivity training. Miller, in his email, said that he was deeply offended by the professor's words and tactics, but I am not giving up on him. I wish to give him an opportunity to repair the damage and move forward, difficult as that may be, he added. After a two-week hiatus, California has resumed initial applications for unemployment benefits, now with a new online identity verification system aimed at speeding up claims processing. The state Employment Development Department stopped taking new applications Sept. 19 to integrate the system from Virginia cybersecurity firm ID.me. It announced Thursday a soft launch of the new system, in advance of the official launch Monday. It sent email or text messages to about 136,000 people who had signed up to receive notifications during the pause, inviting them to submit a new application for benefits. Not everyone who was emailed and texted has returned yet to file a claim. We will be assessing progress today and combining it with the results of our soft launch over the weekend and sharing that information as soon as Tuesday, EDD spokeswoman Loree Levy said. She said EDD began using ID.me to verify identity with groups of applicants on the email waiting list and the tool performed well in each of the last four days over the weekend. On Monday, the ID.me was among a group of consumer web applications that suffered delayed response times for a period of 30 minutes. At this time, we believe the issue was unrelated to the successful installation of the tool with EDD in California, which has otherwise been functioning well so far. The ID.me system is aimed at reducing EDDs burgeoning backlog of claims. As of Sept. 20, about 600,000 Californians had been waiting for more than three weeks to have their initial unemployment claim processed. An additional 1 million people had received payments but subsequently had them halted for eligibility certification or other issues, according to a report issued by a strike team appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to look into EDDs problems. The team identified EDDs method of manually verifying identities as one of the key bottlenecks. About 40% of new claims were being flagged for manual processing, often because the applicants name did not exactly match what was listed for Social Security or in other databases. That delayed a benefit determination for at least three weeks. ID.me is expected to reduce the percentage of new claims being flagged for manual processing verification to 10% and increase the speed at which new claims are paid. All new applicants will have to first create or sign into an EDD UI Online account. Then, they will have to set up an account with ID.me. About 1 out of 4 users will already have an ID.me account from previous interactions with other government agencies or businesses, according to ID.me chief executive Blake Hall. Next, they will have to secure the ID.me account by entering a passcode sent to their mobile phone or computer. Then, they will have to upload or take pictures of their drivers license or other government ID, or they can verify their identity by answering questions about their credit history. Once their identity is verified, they can continue with their claim. Most people will use a mobile phone equipped with a camera, or they can use a computer to have a video chat with an ID.me representative and hold up their documents for inspection. Those who cannot verify their identity through ID.me when applying online will have to file a claim by phone, fax or mail. For details, see https://bit.ly/2I3bFhr. People who are unwilling or unable to provide personal information to a third-party company for identity verification and file by mail may not be able to use EDDs online portal to certify for continuing benefits every two weeks, as they could before ID.me was implemented, said Daniela Urban, executive director of the Center for Workers Rights, a nonprofit in Sacramento. Levy said the EDD encourages claimants who apply via paper or phone to register in UI Online to help manage and monitor their claim, including certifying for benefits. California is the fifth and by far the largest state to use ID.me to verify the identity of unemployment applicants, but most of the other states are using it in a more limited capacity, according to spokespeople for employment departments. In Florida, its for claimants who are locked out of their online accounts because of suspected fraud. In Arizona, its being used to confirm the identities of individuals on a specific subset of existing claims to ensure they were not filed fraudulently with information obtained from nationwide data breaches. In Nevada, its optional for filers. Georgias Labor Department did not return a request for comment. In those four states combined, ID.me has verified more than 41,000 people who had filed for unemployment. By comparison, during the week ending Sept. 19 alone, California received 137,016 claims for regular state unemployment or pandemic unemployment compensation. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Separately, Urban said she began hearing last week that the EDD is freezing Bank of America debit cards, which is how unemployed people receive their benefits every two weeks. We believe it is linked to the increased fraud compliance efforts they announced on Sept. 10. One thing they said they would do is limit multiple claims at an address. We think thats who they are targeting. This is unprecedented, she said. Normally, EDD notifies people of potential overpayments by mail, and gives them time to respond before cutting off their benefits. Now they are cutting them off without notice, and telling them after the fact they will need to submit identification to continue to get payments. That could exacerbate the backlog ID.me is supposed to reduce, Urban said. The fact these two things are happening at the same time is contradictory. Its a due process violation. Levy said there was a slight delay in issuing payments Monday but it had nothing to do with the implementation of ID.me. Kathleen Pender is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: kpender@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kathpender Accra October 06, 2020 MTN Ghana Foundation has commissioned a three-unit classroom block for New Mangoase Roman Catholic Basic School in the Eastern region. The project which comes at a cost of GHc394,379.27 will benefit over 420 pupils from the new Mangoase and its surrounding communities. The facility includes a headteachers office, a staff common room, and classroom furniture. In addition, Huawei, a technology partner of MTN Ghana donated 12 desktop computers with a corresponding desk to help with the teaching and learning of ICT. The provision of this facility for the school will help eliminate the issue of trekking longer hours to other communities to access education. It will significantly reduce overcrowding as well as help eliminate absenteeism amongst school children. Speaking on the project, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN Ghana, Mr. Samuel Koranteng, said that the MTN Ghana Foundation agreed to support the school because it recognises the important role education plays in the development of individuals and society. The provision of this school block shows that we take the issues of education seriously. The MTN Ghana Foundation believes that education gives every individual an opportunity to escape poverty and have a fair chance of building a brighter future. He said, Even though school is not in session due to COVID 19, the MTN Ghana Foundation is still excited because the pupils will return to school in a secured and conducive learning environment. A few weeks ago, the MTN Ghana Foundation was highly commended for providing a six-unit classroom block and staff bungalow for children in Nhyiaeso in Asante Akim. For over twelve years now, the MTN Ghana Foundation has consistently invested in various initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of Ghanaians. So far, the organization has spent over USD 15,207,874.19 on 150 projects across the country. Out of these 85 are educational projects. These projects are estimated to have impacted over 4 million people. About The MTN Foundation: The MTN Ghana Foundation was established in November 2007 as the vehicle to select and implement MTNs Corporate Social Investments. MTN Ghana Foundation has three areas of focus -Health, Education, and Economic Empowerment. From its inception to date, the Foundation has undertaken 149 major projects across the country. Notable health projects include the construction of a Neonatal Care Center for Tamale Teaching Hospital, refurbishment of the 2nd-floor maternity block of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, construction of a maternity block for Ejisu Government Hospital, and construction of an Emergency Center for Atua Government Hospital. Education projects undertaken include the construction of a boys dormitory for Akropong School for the Blind, construction of a six-unit classroom block for Kodjonya Millennium School, the establishment of 10 MTN ICT Learning Centers in each of Ghanas 10 regions, and the institution of an Innovation Hub at KNUST to promote Telecoms Engineering and Research. Key projects undertaken in Economic Empowerment include the construction of shea butter processing centers, provision of seed capital, and skill training for Women of Tizaa Dini Association of Yendi and the Sung Suma Women Association of Wa. A federal appeals court has ruled the Trump administration must end its practice of holding immigrant children in hotels for days or weeks after stopping them at the border, and instead must house them in licensed facilities while awaiting possible deportation. A court-approved 1997 settlement in the Flores case, still in effect, requires the government to release undocumented immigrants under 18 to their parents, if available, and if not, to house them in a licensed, minimum-security facility within three to five days. But after barring all immigration from Mexico in March at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, the administrations Department of Homeland Security started placing newly apprehended minors in hotels. As of Aug. 20, a judge found, 660 youths aged 10 to 17 had been held in 25 hotels, most for five days or less, but about one-fourth for more than 10 days and some for as long as 28 days. U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee of Los Angeles, who presides over the Flores case, ruled Sept. 4 that the administrations conduct violated the terms of the settlement and said it probably also increased the risk of spreading the coronavirus to the public, contradicting the departments claim that it was acting for safety reasons. Her ban on hotel placement for more than a few days was put on hold while the administration sought a stay, but on Sunday night the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Gees order would take effect Monday. While the administration claimed that placing youngsters in licensed, government-supervised shelters and family centers would increase the risk of illness there, it has failed to explain why holding minors in hotels, which are open to the public, presents less risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread, both to the minors and to the public, than holding them in licensed facilities, the three-judge panel said. The court also said Homeland Securitys claim that the youths had to be housed in hotels was contradicted by the governments own data: As of Aug. 22, there were 10,000 vacant beds in government shelters for unaccompanied minors. Nothing in the present record establishes that the COVID-19 pandemic prevents the government from placing minors in licensed programs within three days, the court said. The panel consisted of Judges William Fletcher, Marsha Berzon and Milan Smith. There was no immediate comment from the Department of Homeland Security. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko The dispute over the Hohenzollern dynastys outrageous demands for the return of cultural property and compensation is coming to a climax. A fortnight ago, Eva Schlotheuber, chairwoman of the Historians Association, made a critical statement about the affair and was promptly admonished by the aristocratic familys lawyer. For several years, the descendants of the Hohenzollerns, whose family member Wilhelm II was the last Kaiser (Emperor) of Germany, have been negotiating behind closed doors with the federal government and the states of Berlin and Brandenburg for restitution of art objects currently in public hands. These include tens of thousands of valuable paintings, drawings, sculptures, porcelain objects, medals, furniture, books, photographs, historical documents and testimonies. The family is also seeking compensation running into millions of euros for the expropriation of its possessions, which was carried out in East Germany by the Soviet Military Administration (SMAD) after the end of the war in 1945. Georg Friedrich von Preuen and his wife at the wedding of Ernst August von Hannover in 2017 (Photo: Axel Hindemith / CC-BY-SA 3.0) Georg Frederick von Preuen, the great-great-grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II, who calls himself head of the Hohenzollern family and likes to be addressed as His Royal Highness, is not only demanding the return of many objects to the family. He is also demanding rights of abode and usage at various castles and villas. Several newspapers also report that the Kaisers heirs are seeking a say and the ability to bring in their own ideas to exhibitions and publications on Prussian history. The descendants of the last German emperor are keeping their exact list of demands secret, knowing full well that their brazen claims evoke outrage and opposition from the public. When journalists and historians seek to critically examine their demands and the history of the Hohenzollern, they are met with injunctions and large financial claims. The courts often grant such actions by the prince of Prussia, as they call him in their official documents, without the defendants having the opportunity to inspect the records and prove their statements. By their own account, the Hohenzollerns and their legal representatives have already carried out more than 120 injunctions and lawsuits. At the Berlin Regional Court alone, there are now 47 decisions, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported this summer. This involves historians, journalists, news agencies, bloggers and many others. Anyone daring to oppose the reactionary aristocratic clan is targeted for intimidation and silencing. The World Socialist Web Site has also faced legal threats in regard to an article and was asked to sign a cease-and-desist declaration but did not do so. The injunction was rejected and is currently the basis of a legal dispute with the Hohenzollerns. The WSWS is a thorn in the side of the reactionary aristocracy, above all because it fights for a socialist perspective and vehemently opposes the rewriting of history and return of militarism and fascism. In the legal warning to the WSWS, among other things, the fight against the capitalist system and for a socialist transformation of society was described as a hysterical accusation. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution (as Germanys Secret Service is called) argued similarly and described criticism of capitalism as incompatible with the free democratic order when it placed the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) on a watch list. The Hohenzollern heirs can act so aggressively and arrogantly only because they are supported by all of the establishment political parties. Ministers from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Left Party have been negotiating secretly with the prince at the federal and state level since 2014 and have already granted him many concessions. Only when Georg Frederick von Preuens demands became more and more brazen did Brandenburgs finance minister, Christian Gorke (Left Party), halt the negotiations and allow the matter to go public. However, as soon as SPD politician Katrin Lange replaced Gorke, she resumed the secret negotiations with the Hohenzollerns. But even Christian Gorkelike the Left Party in generaldoes not reject cooperation with the Hohenzollerns. He was involved in the secret talks for five years, from 2014 to 2019, and even now is striving for an amicable solution. During the summer, he appealed to von Preuen to withdraw his legal case against the state of Brandenburg and stressed, Then, in my opinion, the way would be clear for the other no less important property law issues to be resolved soon. Militarism and the falsification of history The impudent demands of the Hohenzollerns aim at not only the shameless enrichment of a family clan involved in countless historical crimes. The former ruling house is also demanding the return to a place at the top of German society. There is a deeply reactionary connection between material greed and historical falsification. Germanys return to great power politics and militarism requires the falsification of history. The monstrous crimes of German imperialism must be played down and glossed over. As early as 2014, then-Federal President Joachim Gauck, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) and Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) announced in unison at the Munich Security Conference that Germany was too big to comment on world politics from the side-lines, and that it had to act earlier and more decisively and substantially regarding foreign and security policy. Only two weeks later, Der Spiegel published an article titled The Transformation of the Past, which advocated a fundamental reinterpretation of German history. In it, political scientist Herfried Munkler defended Germanys role in the First World War, while Nazi apologist Ernst Nolte and historian Jorg Baberowski glossed over the crimes of National Socialism (Nazism). Baberowski even declared that Hitler was not vicious. When the Socialist Equality Party and its youth organisation, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), criticised Baberowski for this, they were severely attacked by the Humboldt University administration and the media. The arrogant behaviour of the Hohenzollerns should be seen in this context. Thirty years after the capitalist reunification of Germany, the countrys past is coming back with a vengeance. The Bundestag (federal parliament) is now home to a fascist party, whose honorary chairman described the crimes of the Nazis as mere bird shit in a thousand years of successful German history. Yet the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is courted by all other parties. In the police, army and secret service ever new and more extensive networks of right-wing radicals and neo-fascists are being uncovered, and the responsible politicians and authorities refuse to act against them. Given the deep crisis of the capitalist system, which is dramatically worsening because of the coronavirus pandemic, the fragility of the post-war orders democratic facade is increasingly exposed. German capitalism is once again revealing itself as it emerged historically, in all of its aggressiveness, both internally and externally. The federal government is massively increasing military expenditures and continues to restrict civil rights. In this situation, in which all of the reactionary forces are piping up again, the Hohenzollerns cannot keep quiet. Their push for restitution and compensation is part of the campaign to rewrite history and relativise the crimes of German imperialism and its monarchs. Despite the clear historical record, the close collaboration between the Hohenzollerns and Hitlers fascism is to be reassessed, i.e., whitewashed. Weimar and the federal republic: The state protects the Hohenzollerns The Hohenzollerns campaign began 30 years ago, immediately after German reunification. In 1991, the then-head of the family, Louis Ferdinand von Preuen, demanded restitution of the Hohenzollern property expropriated by the Soviet Military Administration after World War II. He failed, however, because it had been agreed in the negotiations on German reunification that the expropriations carried out by SMAD between 1945 and 1949 would not be reversed. The German government feared that otherwise the Soviet Union would not agree to the capitalist reunification of Germany. But only three years laterthe Soviet Union had since been dissolvedthe position of the German government changed. The so-called Compensation Act granted affected persons the right to compensation. Adolf Hitler and Crown Prince Wilhelm in 1933 at the Day of Potsdam (Federal Archives, Picture 102-14437 / Georg Pahl / CC-BY-SA 3.0) However, the law had two limitations. First, it stipulated that castles and stately homes, including their inventory, would remain free of charge for public use or research for 20 years. This period expired in 2014. Since then, the Hohenzollerns have been negotiating for the restitution of their possessions. Second, it was laid down by law that no compensation was possible if the expropriated person or the person from whom the rights were derived had given substantial assistance to the Nazi system. This unworthiness clause is now at the centre of the dispute. For years, the negotiations were conducted in secret, behind the backs of the public, because the attempt to cleanse the House of Hohenzollern of its historical crimes would inevitably provoke resistance. For it simply cannot be denied that Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last crowned scion of the house, together with his cousins, Britains King George V and Russian Tsar Nicholas II, were largely responsible for the First World War, up to that time the worst catastrophe in the history of mankind. The three monarchs and their relationship with each other played a far greater role in the outbreak of the war than historians had previously believed, the BBC noted in a television documentary last year. The First World War went down in history as the primal catastrophe of the twentieth century, claiming ten million lives and deeply etching itself in the consciousness of the international working class. The revolutions of 1917 (Russia) and 1918 (Germany) finally put an end to these terrible events. Fearing he would suffer the same fate as his cousin Nicholas in Russia, Wilhelm fled to Holland and entrenched himself behind his followers. He had to abdicate. But the emperor was never completely dispossessed. Throughout the interwar period, he and his heirs sought to restore the monarchy. They openly supported Hitler as part of this endeavour. During Germanys November Revolution of 1918, the Hohenzollern assets were confiscated and administered by the Prussian Ministry of Finance. But as early as 1926, the Reichstag (parliament) passed a law that declared a large part of the former imperial palaces and estates to be the private property of the Hohenzollern family. Among them were 39 palacesthe Cecilienhof and the Marmorpalais in Potsdam, Rheinsberg Palace, Monbijou Palace in Berlin and othersas well as several estates. This transfer of ownership is ultimately the basis for the present title claims of the Hohenzollern family. As early as 1923, Crown Prince Wilhelm, the great-grandfather of todays prince, received permission to return to Germany from Holland. He held court at Cecilienhof Palace, later the venue of the Potsdam Conference. The palace quickly became a centre of right-wing conspiracies. As early as 1926, the crown prince received Nazi leaders Hitler, Goring and Rohm there. In early 1932, he received Hitler again and plotted to take power together with him. He was to become Reich president and Hitler, the chancellor. That same year, Crown Prince Wilhelm personally intervened with the Reich government to prevent the ban on Hitlers SA (Storm Troopers) and SS (originally formed as a bodyguard), which the government had just initiated. In a letter to Reichswehr (Army) Minister Wilhelm Groener dated 14 April 1932, the prince wrote that he could describe the ban, effected by Reich President Hindenburg, only as a serious mistake. It was incomprehensible to him that former Army General Groener, in particular, wanted to declare illegal the wonderful human material united in the SA and SS and enjoying a valuable education there. When the aged Reich chancellor, Paul von Hindenburg, handed the baton to Adolf Hitler at the Day of Potsdam in March 1933, Wilhelm endorsed the act of state with his presence. Wilhelms brother, August Wilhelm von Preuen, the fourth son of the deposed monarch, was himself a fervent Nazi. He was an Obergruppenfuhrer of the SA and regularly appeared for the NSDAP (Nazi Party) as a speaker at election ceremonies alongside Hitler, whom he adored. He led the partys efforts to win support among the upper-middle class and aristocratic classes, and in 1932 was the NSDAPs lead candidate in the Prussian state elections. Right-wing historians defend the Hohenzollern When Eva Schlotheuber, chairwoman of the Historians Association, recently stated in an interview with Der Spiegel that the source material is depressingly clear, she was undoubtedly right. However, a right-wing group within the association immediately spoke out and insisted in an open letter that Schlotheuber could not make such statements on behalf of the association, as there were certainly other opinions. One of the leading voices of the opposition against Schlotheuber is Jorg Baberowski, who trivialised Hitler in Der Spiegel at the same time the Hohenzollerns began their restitution campaign in 2014. Historians Sonke Neitzel and Michael Wolffsohn, who had vehemently defended Baberowski, also signed the letter. Another historian who supports the Hohenzollerns is Christopher Clark. He wrote a friendly report, which concluded that the crown prince was an insignificant marginal figure and did not substantially support National Socialism. Clark had already portrayed the Hohenzollern monarchy and its crimes in a rosy light in his bestseller about Prussia and the First World War (The Sleepwalkers). The Stuttgart historian Wolfram Pyta, director for 10 years of the Ludwigsburg Research Centre for the Investigation of Nazi Crimes, also sided with the Hohenzollerns in an expert opinion. However, his report contradicts Clarks assessment. Pyta claims that Crown Prince Wilhelm did not play a subordinate political role, but an extremely active part in preventing Hitler from becoming chancellor in the final phase of the Weimar Republic. He had rejected the Nazi system, Pyta asserted, and been close to the emerging resistance networks from the beginning. Pyta thus contradicts many of his own earlier assessments. On the other hand, the opponents of the compensation claims rely on expert opinions by historians Stephan Malinowski and Peter Brandt, son of SPD Chancellor Willy Brandt. The Berlin historian Malinowski has traced the political crimes of the Hohenzollerns in detail in his book Vom Konig zum Fuhrer: Deutscher Adel und Nationalsozialismus (From King to Fuhrer: The German Aristocracy and National Socialism). The Hohenzollerns took legal action against him. The director of the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary Historical Research, Martin Sabrow, condemned this as the negative culture of intimidation and a threat to academic freedom. There is no lack of clear historical facts. But history has become a political battlefield. The return of militarism and great power politics is a declared goal of the German government and has a relentless political logic. It is not compatible with democracy and inevitably leads to the strengthening of the most reactionary political forces. It is not only the AfDwhose emergence is closely linked with the demand for compensation and the reconquest of the German eastern territorieswhich is campaigning for the Hohenzollerns. The SPD also stands on the side of the aristocratic opponents of democracy. The state of Brandenburg, which has been conducting secret negotiations with the imperial heirs for over five years, has been ruled by the SPD without interruption since the fall of the Berlin Wall, currently in a three-party coalition with the CDU and the Greens. Social democratic subservience to the Hohenzollerns has a long tradition. It was SPD leader Friedrich Ebert who, in 1918, worked with the imperial troops and called upon the monarchy for help in crushing the revolution in blood. When his party friend Philipp Scheidemann felt compelled to proclaim the republic, under conditions of a growing revolutionary workers uprising, Ebert reacted with a hysterical fit because he saw his collaboration with monarchical reaction threatened. That is how it was then, that is how it is now. On the 30th anniversary of German reunification, the central celebrations took place in Potsdam, the state capital of SPD-ruled Brandenburg. Over the years, the Garnisonskirche in Potsdam has been rebuilt at a cost of many millions of euros. In March 1933, it was the venue for the Nazis grand celebration to mark the opening of the Reichstag, in the presence of Hitler, Hindenburg and Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia. The Garnisonskirche is being rebuilt under the patronage of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD). Axis Bank has joined other Indian private lenders in offering pay hikes to staff despite the COVID-19 pandemic threatening profit. The 4-12 percent pay hike will be applicable from October 1, based on performance, sources told Bloomberg. Indias third largest private lender also paid all its 76,000 staff bonuses, they added. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. Apart from Axis Bank, Indias largest lender HDFC Bank hiked staff salaries and paid bonuses in April, other sources told the publisher. And second-largest lender ICICI Bank gave 80 percent of its 100,000 employees bonus and pay hike from July, different sources said. The moves come even as the pandemic has forced the domestic and global banking sector to cut jobs and slash salaries. 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 Despite lowered credit ratings, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank raised $9 billion from equity markets, which has given them financial leeway in coping with bad loans and credit crunch. Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank did not respond to queries, as per the report. Airbus SE is betting that its corporate-jet division wont be as hard hit by the pandemic as commercial flights as the planemaker unveiled a business version of its A220 model. The aircraft will have three times more cabin space and cost about a third less to run than competing models, said Airbus, which took over the development of the plane from Bombardier Inc. in February. The model is based on the A220-100 and will be able to fly as far as 10,500 km, enough to connect London to Los Angeles. The global spread of the coronavirus has prompted gloomy predictions about the future of business travel, with demand likely to be hurt as companies get used to virtual meetings. Still, concerns about rising infection rates make private jets a more attractive proposition for those who do need to travel and can afford it. Airbus announced six orders for the new model on Tuesday, with two coming from Swiss aviation firm Comlux, which helped design the interior of the aircraft. The other four orders were from undisclosed customers. The European group already has corporate models based on its A320-family, A330 and A350 aircraft. Based on its compelling market appeal, we see promising demand for this aircraft in the growing business-jet market, Benoit Defforge, the president of Airbus Corporate Jets, said in a statement. Airbus core business of manufacturing commercial aircraft has been hard-hit by the pandemic. The company plans to cut 15,000 jobs and doesnt see a rebound in global air-traffic levels until 2023 or even 2025. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-05 19:18:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRUSSELS, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on Monday tweeted that she had decided to self-isolate after contact with a COVID-19 patient. Von der Leyen attended a meeting last Tuesday where a participant tested positive on Sunday, she tweeted. The test the chief executive of the European Union went through Thursday showed negative results. She would retest on Monday and is to remain in self-isolation until at least Tuesday. People who have been in high-risk contact with infected patients must remain at home for seven days, starting from when they have contact with the infected person, according to containment measures in Belgium, where the commission is located. High-risk contacts refer to contact longer than 15 minutes in an enclosed space and with less than 1.5 meters of distance. On Sept. 29, von der Leyen was in Lisbon, Portugal meeting officials including Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa. She gave a speech at the Champalimaud Foundation and attended the Council of State. Enditem Australians on welfare will be paid out two $250 payments over the next five months and will be among the big winners of Federal Budget 2020. Aged and disability support pensioners, family tax benefit recipients and carers will all be paid two lots of $250, in December and March 2021 respectively. Veteran, pensioner concession and Commonwealth seniors health card holders and family tax benefit recipients will also be paid, the national broadcaster said. Meanwhile, women, tradies and working families are also tipped to win big from what was described as the most important Budget in our lifetimes. Mr Frydenberg is set to unveil a mammoth cash splash including tax cuts for millions of workers, wage subsidies for bosses who hire apprentices and assistance for first home buyers. So what do some of the people tipped to benefit the most from the Budget think? When Daily Mail Australia hit the streets on Tuesday, many Australians said they can't say no to a big tax cut. But several said they probably won't spend up big as Mr Frydenberg said, and that the funds could be better spent elsewhere. The professional families: 'We'll save it' Accountant Joe Pizzinga and his wife Kathy, who is a teacher, were happy with the tax cut announcement (Pictured: Joe and Kathy Pizzinga with their daughter Sienna, 9) Accountant Joe Pizzinga and his wife Kathy, a teacher, will be among those who directly benefit from income tax cuts, which were originally earmarked for July 2022. The government hopes tax cuts will help drive spending and boost the economy. 'The tax cuts will hopefully mean a little more disposable income for us, which is a positive,' Mr Pizzinga said. However, the family man said he would like to see more money allocated to those who are struggling to find work. 'Overall it seems pretty positive. Whether or not it will help those who are impacted, employment-wise, by the coronavirus, I'm not sure,' Mr Pizzinga said. 'With the tax cuts, we are going to benefit but I'd probably say, in our position, we're probably going to save it rather than spend it.' Life insurer Luke Jones and his wife Van Jones, a business anaylst, will be among those benefiting directly from the income tax cuts (Pictured left to right: Luke Jones and his wife Van Jones with their children Daniel, 9, and Stephanie, 2) HOW INCOME TAXES WILL BE BACKDATED The government will backdate the tax cuts to July 2020 - meaning workers will get an extra boost through until the end of the financial year. As soon as the tax cuts bill passes the Parliament, which is expected in the coming weeks, millions of workers will receive their tax cuts as part of their pay packets. That could amount to as much as $200 extra per month for some workers. The government hopes putting instant cash in the pockets of Australians will help revive the pandemic-stricken economy. Advertisement Life insurer Luke Jones and his wife Van Jones, a business analyst, were pleased with the tax cut announcement too. Mr Jones said he was happy to be getting extra cash but felt the money would be better spent on those whose jobs had been directly impacted by the pandemic. Being in the industries they're in, both Mr Jones and his wife have been relatively unaffected by the pandemic, he said. He and his wife have remained employed and have kept the same hours, however, they have been working from home. He questioned whether the money would be better spent on those who were struggling, as they need it more and would spend it rather than save it. Women Women are expected to be a central focus of the budget as they're among the hardest hit by the economic crisis. Sydney-based lawyer Rebecca Mangos, 25, was thrilled that women would be the focus. 'Women are grossly overpopulated in the unemployment stats, I think if there's evidence that it will boost the economy then I think it's a good idea.' She did have concern about the tax cuts as she feels people will be more cautious with their spending after so much uncertainty over the past few months. Ms Mangos said she hopes there will be something in the budget for the aged care sector after so many grandparents died during the pandemic. Sydney-based lawyer Rebecca Mangos, 25, was thrilled that women would be the focus. 'Women are grossly overpopulated in the unemployment stats, I think if there's evidence that it will boost the economy then I think it's a good idea' Single mum Michelle Fazzani was working in retail when the lockdown happened. She said anything the government can do to help will be greatly appreciated. 'After everything that has happened with the aged care facilities I think there needs to be more in place to monitor that sector.' Single mum Michelle Fazzani was working in retail when the lockdown happened. Her company wasn't eligible for JobKeeper so she has been stuck on JobSeeker for months hoping to find work. Her goal was to work in tourism, she had been studying a diploma in tourism when the pandemic struck. She said anything the government can do to help will be greatly appreciated. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said said women were more likely to lose their job during the health crisis than men. 'In tonight's budget, we'll be releasing our second women's economic security statement, helping to boost female workforce participation,' he said on Tuesday morning. 'We want to get it back to that record high that it was before this crisis began.' It's understood the statement will focus on improving women's workforce participation, earning potential and economic independence. Tradies Carpenter Doug Murray, 24, who has been working throughout the pandemic, said the cash splash was promising for future employment Tradies were also among the big winners, with the government pledging to spend $7.5billion on fast-tracking about 50 road and infrastructure projects across the nation to support 30,000 jobs. Carpenter Doug Murray, 24, who has been working throughout the pandemic, said the cash splash was promising for future employment. 'I feel like it's pretty good for us, getting people back into work is a pretty good thing.' The government has indicated it will offer bosses who hire apprentices a 50 per cent Infrastructure: The Key projects There will be key investments across all states and territories including: $560 million for the Singleton Bypass on the New England Highway in New South Wales; $528 million for the Shepparton and Warrnambool Rail Line Upgrades in Victoria; $750 million for Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector (Coomera to Nerang) in Queensland; $88 million for the Reid Highway Interchange with West Swan Road in Western Australia; $200 million for the Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade in South Australia; $150 million for the Midway Point Causeway (including McGees Bridge) and Sorell Causeway as part of the Hobart to Sorell Roads of Strategic Importance corridor in Tasmania; $120 million to upgrade the Carpentaria Highway in the Northern Territory; and $88 million for the Molonglo River Bridge in the ACT. Advertisement This is how much less tax you will pay after stage two tax cuts. Aussies earning more than $100,000 will get $1,665 back and those on more than $120,000 will get $2,565 back. Under current tax rules those on $120,000 only get back $315 The third stage of the federal government's tax cuts was designed to give generous relief to those on six-figure salaries from July 2024. This could be accelerated in Tuesday's budget. This table shows how much you will get back after stage three compared with 2017-18 Health workers are seen walking near RPA in Camperdown ahead of the Federal Budget Millions of Australians will keep more of their money this year as the government plans to backdate tax cuts. Pictured: A tradeswoman at work Recently, actress Payal Ghosh accused filmmaker Anurag Kashyap of sexual harassment. In her statement, Ghosh also called out names of Kashyaps former actresses like Richa Chadha, Huma Qureshi and Mahie Gill claiming that Anurag told her they performed sexual favours for him.Now, Richa Chadha has gone ahead and filed a defamation case against Payal Ghosh, a news channel and Kamaal R Khan before Bombay High Court for alleged defamatory statements against her. The actress has also sought Rs 1.1 crore as damages from them. Two days post the interview of Payal Ghosh surfaced online, Richa had released a statement, via her lawyer, which condemned the act of falsely dragging her name into a controversy. The statement read, Our Client Ms. Richa Chadha, condemns the act of her name being unnecessarily and falsely dragged in a derogatory manner into controversies and allegations being recently raised by third parties. Though our Client believes that genuinely wronged women should get justice at all costs, there are legislations that are intended to ensure that women have an equal standing in their workplace and to ensure that they have a cordial workplace in which their dignity and self-respect is protected. No woman should misuse their liberties to harass other women with unsubstantiated or non-existent, false and baseless allegations. Our Client has initiated appropriate legal action and shall further pursue her legal rights and remedies in law as may be advised in her best interest. Sd/- Adv Saveena Bedi Sachar, Lawhive Associates,Richa has also sent a legal notice regarding the same to Payal Ghosh. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / GLOBAL HEMP GROUP INC. ("GHG" or the "Company") (CSE:GHG) (OTC:GBHPF) (FRANKFURT:GHG) is pleased to announce that Gabriel Gauthier, a Master Hemp Builder and pioneer in hemp construction in North America has joined the Global Hemp team. Mr. Gauthier will advise on the utilization and application of hemp building materials and hemp construction for the Company's recently announced Exclusive Strategic Partnership to create the Colorado Hemp Agro-Industrial Zone (HAIZ) in northwest Colorado with Western Sierra Resource Corporation ("WSRC"). The project will be vertically integrated, will create real estate asset growth having valuable water rights, and will generate multiple revenue streams from key operating segments. Segment focus - irrigated industrial hemp cultivation; preliminary processing; manufacture of hemp-based ("green") construction products; and the fabrication of affordable housing utilizing the products produced at the HAIZ. Master Builder Gabriel Gauthier Mr. Gauthier has a background in agriculture and landscape design. He gained experience working on his family's farm and subsequently managing a 300-acre hemp farm in Quebec. He is also experienced in hemp processing and gained extensive knowledge of hemp construction by training under the guidance of hemp Master builders in France for a period of three years. In 2003 Mr. Gauthier started his own hemp building company, ArtCan. Through ArtCan he has helped numerous people build their own hemp houses and has developed hemp building materials and tools for the industry. In 2005 he built the first hemp house in North America, located east of Montreal, Quebec, in Canada, as seen below. Some examples of hemp houses that ArtCan has applied its hemp building technology and expertise to. In 2010 ArtCan became a supplier of consulting services and hemp building materials and equipment. Mr. Gauthier has expanded his construction activities through Gabriel Construction Chanvre (GCC) (visit their website for additional examples of hemp construction that profile their expertise in the industry). Also in 2010, Mr. Gauthier established a Research and Development division known as ArtCan R&D. Under the R&D company Mr. Gauthier has begun the manufacturing of prefabricated hemp houses, another first in North America. Over the years Mr. Gauthier has built more than 50 hemp houses in Quebec and Ontario, in addition to renovating over 100 homes using hemp materials. As a result, he has a developed a network of engineers and architects interested in the design of hemp houses. In his quest to locally source quality hemp hurd he also became involved in hemp farming, in collaboration with Laval University's school of Agriculture in Quebec City and a network of farmers to select and multiply hemp varieties suitable for local growing conditions. Further to the Company's recent news release of September 30, 2020 (Global Hemp Group Acquires Remaining 50% Interest in its Scio Oregon Hemp Project), per the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company has issued the Marijuana Company of America Inc. (MCOA) 12,386,675 common shares of GHG at a price of $0.02 per share. As these shares have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as Amended, MCOA will rely on the exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act provided by rule 144, which includes a hold period of one year from the date of issue. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalhempgrp Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hemp_global/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hemp_Global About Global Hemp Group Inc. Global Hemp Group Inc. (CSE:GHG / OTC:GBHPF / FRANKFURT:GHG), is focused on a multi-phased strategy to build a strong presence in the industrial hemp industry the United States. The Company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with hemp cultivation operations in the state of Oregon. The first phase of this strategy is to develop hemp cultivation for extraction of cannabinoids and the smokable CBG flower market with the objective of creating a near term revenue stream. The second phase of the strategy focuses on the development of value-added industrial hemp products utilizing the processing of the entirety of the hemp plant, as envisioned in the recently announced Colorado Hemp Agro-Industrial Zone (HAIZ) project. Global Hemp's Research and Development Division headed by Prof. Victor M. Castano, Ph.D. Prof. Castano, a recognized leader in several areas of applied science and technology brings an amazing wealth of knowledge and experience in a number of different disciplines. There are three immediate areas of interest that Prof. Castano and his team will actively be focused on to develop Intellectual Property that can be patented and implemented in the hemp and/or building industry, and in particular at Company's newly announced Colorado Hemp Agro-Industrial Zone. For Further Information Contact Global Hemp Group Tel: 424-354-2998 info@globalhempgroup.com https://globalhempgroup.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Global Hemp Group Inc., including, but not limited to the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, dependence upon regulatory approvals, the availability of future financing and exploration risk, the legality of cannabis and hemp. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Global Hemp Group Inc. disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward looking statements or otherwise. The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Global Hemp Group Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609335/Global-Hemp-Group-Welcomes-Master-Hemp-Builder-Gabriel-Gauthier-to-the-Team (Alliance News) - Ireland will face tighter restrictions in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19. The country will move to level three of the government's plan to live with Covid-19. The switch will last for three weeks. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there will also be measures to increase compliance on the new restrictions which come into effect at midnight on Tuesday. The decision comes after the government rejected advice from public health officials to introduce the highest level of measure. Speaking at Government Buildings in Dublin, Martin defended the government's decision not to implement recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team. He said the potential implications of moving to a lockdown are "severe and very different" from those the country faced earlier this year. "It could involve the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs with these concentrated in families and communities, which are already experiencing difficulties," Martin warned. "This is not about public health and businesses competing against each other, it's about protecting lives and livelihoods. "We can't do one without the other. I believe that we all understand what we have to do and I have confidence that we can have the impact this requires and we need to do it now. "If we all act now, we can stop the need to go further with introducing level four and five restrictions. I have no doubt that we can and will get through this." He said that while there is evidence people are following guidelines, there are others who are taking a more "lax attitude". "Whether it is about inviting others to our homes, or how we behave in public settings, the virus is spreading because people are allowing it to spread," Martin continued. "The government has been informed by NPHET that recent trends and most parts of the country are a major concern. "If we do not alter these trends there will be a serious impact, there is no doubt whatsoever about this. "We must respond and the challenge is to be as effective and proportionate as possible." Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said the government's relationship with Nphet is "absolutely fine". "Given the times we live in it should be expected that there would be robust debate and disagreements," he told a press conference on Monday night. "No country has got this perfectly right, no one has a monopoly on wisdom when it comes to this virus. I think it is normal and healthy that there will be different views around the table." Donnelly said the government would have wanted to see a "bigger difference in the underlying data" before moving to level five. However, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar criticised Nphet's recommendation, saying it "came out of the blue". He told RTE's Claire Byrne Live that the level five recommendation had "not been thought through". The decision comes following a Cabinet meeting this evening to discuss the recommendations made by chief medical officer Tony Holohan and NPHET. Holohan warned there has been a "significant and concerning deterioration" in the epidemiological situation nationally. He said on Monday: "It is vital that we do everything in our power now to arrest the current trajectory nationally and very substantially suppress the virus back down to a low level of transmission in advance of the winter months." Ronan Glynn, deputy chief medical officer, said: "Our core priorities have to be protected. "We must work together to keep our non-Covid health services open, keep our children in education and protect the lives of the most vulnerable to this disease. "Solidarity is now more important than ever as we work to once again suppress this virus in our communities." Sinn Fein's David Cullinane claimed the public has been left "very confused" by the government's position. "The government has the responsibility to explain its decisions, as NPHET has an obligation to explain theirs," he added. On Monday an additional 518 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed by the Department of Health. There were no further deaths. The government was urged to make a dramatic intervention by buying up private hospitals to increase intensive care capacity. Labour leader Alan Kelly said the move would "pay for itself" by avoiding the economic fallout of a nationwide shutdown of businesses. The latest figures show there are 150 people in Irish hospitals with coronavirus, with 21 confirmed cases in intensive care units. Under the restrictions of level three, only six visitors from one household would be allowed to visit another household. The stricter measures include a ban on indoor social gatherings, a requirement for pubs and restaurants to only serve food outdoors, and a limit on travel in and out of the county for only work, education and essential purposes. By James Ward and Cate McCurry, PA source: PA Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Activists gathered in six Canadian cities to commemorate the victims of the crash of Flight PS752, shot down at Tehran airport in January. The rally participants demanded to bring the perpetrators to justice. As an Ukrinform correspondent reported, the rallies took place in Ottawa, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Calgary. Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne took part in the rally in Ottawa. He said that "the Iranian regime, which does not want to go into details, will not be able to intimidate us." The minister also criticized the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), saying it does not make enough efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future: I have said many times that ICAO should do more for compliance with international conventions on air safety. They must take responsibility for what needs to be done to achieve justice and also support Canada's Safer Skies Strategy. Canadas Minister of Transport Marc Garneau, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada Andriy Shevchenko and more than two dozen relatives and friends of those killed in the plane crash joined the rally in Ottawa. "Family members demand a fair and comprehensive investigation without any intervention from the Iranian government," said Hamed Esmaeilion, spokesperson for victims' families. On January 8, 2020, Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was shot down near Tehran by an Iranian surface-to-air missile, killing 176 people, including nine crew members (all Ukrainians) and 167 passengers (citizens of Ukraine, Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK). On July 18, France's Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authority received Flight PS752s recorders from Iran. Ukraine's Deputy Prosecutor General Yevhen Yenin said later that the transcript from Flight PS752's recorders had confirmed illegal interference with the plane. Negotiations on compensation for the downing of Flight PS752 took place in Kyiv on July 30 with the participation of the Iranian delegation. Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office announced on July 31 that the next round of talks with Iran on the investigation into the plane crash was scheduled for October. Last week, Canada announced the creation of a special forensic team to verify information provided by the Iranian side within the framework of the investigation. Photo credit: Ashley Burke/CBC National News ol To this point, Joe Biden hasnt offered any position on court packing, one of the gravest threats to the constitutional order in modern American history. Whether he is too scared of offending a significant faction of his party or he believes its an idea worth considering, his silence is a reflection of a dangerous shift on the left. Progressives, of course, have a point. If the Supreme Court adheres to even the most rudimentary constitutional limits on state power, rather than surrendering to the impulses of majoritarian politics, its going to be a huge impediment to their agenda. Indeed, they have the same motivation as President Franklin Roosevelt had when he attempted to expand the Court in 1937: One-party rule. FDR revived a Woodrow Wilson plan to arbitrarily place political allies into the courts, one for every judge over 70 years old, which would have meant 50 additional political allies on the federal bench, and six additional Supreme Court justices. Like todays Democrats, he first softened up the public by attempting to delegitimize the Court claiming, for instance, that the justices were incompetent geriatric cases incapable of performing their duties. (It is somewhat ironic that most reliably proNew Deal justice at the time, Louis Brandeis, was the only octogenarian on the Court.) In those days, there were still enough politicians who valued the separation of powers to stop him. Of the ten members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who signed a document opposing FDRs scheme, seven were Democrats. They didnt merely maintain that FDR was wrong or misguided; they argued that the court-packing plan was an utterly dangerous abandonment of constitutional principle, a transparent scheme to punish justices whose opinions diverged from the executive branch, and an invasion of judicial power such as has never before been attempted in this country. If enacted, the senators wrote, court packing would create a vicious precedent which must necessarily undermine our system. They concluded that the plan should be so emphatically rejected that its parallel will never again be presented to the free representatives of the free people of America. Story continues FDR, whose popularity would plummet to historic lows after the court-packing threat, ultimately went on to appoint eight justices, and to largely have his way in fundamentally changing American governance. But he was prevented from destroying the Court as an institution, and modern-day Democrats are now seeking to finish that job. Today, every instance in which Democrats are denied a political victory is immediately transformed into a national crisis in which the public has lost faith in a system that worked perfectly fine when they were in power. Not that long ago, self-interest was a motivation for defending deliberative politics and republican order. But these days, undeterred by reality, partisans have convinced themselves theyll be in power forever. Its not merely the progressive fringe that demands Democrats blow up the courts. It is the partisan, self-proclaimed defenders of norms. In a recent piece in The Atlantic, the nations leading periodical of intellectual anti-constitutionalism, Lawfares Quinta Jurecic and Susan Hennessey argue that if Republicans continue the smash-and-grab approach to confirming Barrett, court packing may be the only way for Democrats to save the Court. The duly elected president and the duly elected Senate are observing the constitutionally stipulated guidelines for placing a highly qualified jurist on the Court. Someone will need to do a better job of explaining how dismantling the Court will save it. Now, perhaps if youve lost the ability to differentiate between ends and means, the idea makes intuitive sense to you. Perhaps you nod along as Biden spuriously argues that Amy Coney Barretts nomination is nothing more than the exploitation of a loophole to undo the Affordable Care Act, ignoring the fact that we dont know how shell rule on the Obamacare lawsuit (and the fact that either way, Obamacare isnt some untouchable edict handed down from Mount Sinai). But back here in the real world, we know that court-packing would be far more destructive to our political order than anything Donald Trump has done, Barretts nomination very much included. The notion that the Senate shouldnt confirm Trumps nominee because Biden might win the election or Trump lost the popular vote is highly dubious. Justices do not need consent of the majority, nor should they seek it. As Clark Neily, the vice president for criminal justice at the Cato Institute, recently noted, some of the Supreme Courts most reviled casesincluding Dred Scott (slavery), Plessy (separate-but-equal), and Buck v Bell (eugenics)involved acceding to democratically enacted policies. I can think of no higher compliment to pay a judge than to characterize her as antidemocratic. And thats if Democrats take the charge seriously, which all evidence suggests they dont: Remember, they had no problem with this anti-democratic institution when it was creating constitutional rights to gay marriage and abortion. It only becomes a problem for them when it threatens to defend the Bill of Rights. More from National Review Election 2020 19 Arrested After Mob Attack on NLD Members House in Central Myanmar U Myint Naing's House in Kanni village after Saturdays attack. / Daung Alan / Facebook YANGON Nineteen people allegedly involved in a mob attack on a prominent regional National League for Democracy (NLD) members house on Saturday night have been arrested, according to the Magwe Region authorities. Around 100 people raided the house of the NLDs Myaing Township executive committee member, U Myint Naing. The incident occurred at around 7:30 pm on Saturday after U Myint Naing argued with a villager named Ko Ne Win, purportedly over the playing of the partys campaign song. U Myint Naing reported that Ko Ne Win came to his house and told him to stop playing the song. He then allegedly attacked the NLD member with a knife, causing a neck injury. Relatives and associates of Ko Ne Win then gathered and attacked the house. The village administrator was there to end the dispute. But the mob attacked and caused damage, Myaing Township administrator U Thant Zin Khaing said. NLD regional lawmaker U Thet Naing of Myaing Township, who arrived at the scene after U Myint Naing sought help, told The Irrawaddy that the attackers surrounded the house and threw petrol bombs at the property. As the police led U Myint Naing and his family to safety, attackers smashed the windows and door and destroyed vehicles and possessions inside the house. Some villagers told the media that Ko Ne Win was beaten by three people, including U Myint Naing, during the quarrel and they rioted in response to the violence. They demanded the arrest of U Myint Naing. Ko Ne Win needed hospital treatment after the incident. U Thant Zin Khaing said he did not think the attack was about the campaign song as Ko Ne Win was carrying a knife and the attackers were armed with petrol bombs. Lampposts near U Myint Naing house were destroyed and the district police chiefs car and other vehicles, including U Thant Zin Khaings car, were also pelted with stones as they took U Myint Naing and his family away, U Thant Zin Khaing added. NLD regional lawmaker U Thet Naing told The Irrawaddy that Kanni village is a stronghold of the Union Solidarity and Development Party and in 2015 those involved in Saturdays attack prevented NLD campaign vehicles from entering the village. Even if U Myint Naing was rude to them, attacking with a knife, trespassing in his home and causing damage are unacceptable acts. Around 15 police officers could not stop them, he added. The authorities have opened a case against 32 people involved in the attack for the destruction of public property and U Myint Naing has also opened cases for vandalism and trespassing. We will arrest the remaining 13 suspects and enforce the law, U Thant Zin Khaing said. Several other incidents of election-related violence have been reported since campaigning began on Sept. 8, including threats, destruction of campaign posters, rioting and the use of hand grenades to intimidate an election official in Naypyitaw. Additional reporting by Htun Htun You may also like these stories: Violence Erupts Shortly After Myanmar Political Parties Hit Campaign Trail Election Posters for Myanmars Ruling Party Vandalized in a Dozen Locations Political Party Withdraws Election Broadcast After Censorship by Myanmar Authorities WASHINGTON - The nation's capital would be the latest jurisdiction to seriously explore providing reparations to the descendants of enslaved people under legislation proposed by a member of the D.C. Council. The bill to establish a task force to study reparations comes after District residents demanded racial justice and equity during protests over the summer after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Announced Monday by Council member Kenyan McDuffie, D-Ward 5, the legislation would instruct the nine-member task force to scrutinize the economic impact of slavery as well as racist policies that continued after it was abolished to recommend a plan for economic atonement to help African Americans in the District. "This is unprecedented, albeit timely - though most would say it's well past time," McDuffie said. "We're asking the task force to look at the history of racism in D.C. and what structural racism has resulted in for African Americans in the city." If the measure passes, the District would join Asheville, N.C.; Evanston, Ill.; Providence, R.I. and others in a list of U.S. cities that have taken purposeful steps toward offering reparations in recent months. Last week, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a similar law establishing a task force to analyze the state's role in slavery and make recommendations for reparations. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, have authored legislation to establish a national commission to study reparations for the descendants of enslaved people, though it is unlikely to advance while Republicans control the Senate. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden supports a study of the issue. Some Republican lawmakers have dismissed the idea and called compensating descendants of enslaved people unviable. McDuffie's bill will be paired with a resolution he sponsored that declares racism in D.C. a public health crisis, mirroring steps taken by many local and state leaders across the country. He cited disparities in life expectancy, infant mortality and maternal mortality that disproportionately affect the city's Black residents and neighborhoods - outcomes he said didn't occur by happenstance. "Using any measure of success: education, health, housing, employment - Black people are the bottom of every category," McDuffie added. "Race is the thing that weaves itself through all those statistics. It's not simply an issue of Black people pulling themselves up by their bootstraps." McDuffie, a third-generation Washingtonian, has been one of the leading voices on the council for addressing racial inequality and placing it at the center of policymaking. Under McDuffie's proposal, the mayor would appoint five members of the task force, including an academic who specializes in civil rights and two people from major civil society and reparations organizations. The council would fill the remaining slots, with no more than four seats belonging to council members themselves. The group would meet by June 1, 2021, and complete their proposal by July 1, 2023, providing a detailed report that answers questions about eligibility for reparations, the type of compensation and how it should be awarded. Ron Moten, a longtime anti-violence and racial justice D.C. activist, applauded the move to study reparations as a necessary step to address the city's wide racial disparities as well as gentrification. "If you look at all the stuff that's happened to African Americans in Washington, D.C., alone, a lot of us built D.C. when no one wanted to be here and now we are getting pushed out," said Moten. He also said supporting the reparations movement is a way for people who joined protests after Floyd's death to back up their chants of "Black lives matter." "They love to say it, but when you get down to the nitty-gritty and let's fix it and let's make it right, they say, 'Hold up, we're moving too fast,' " said Moten. "It can't be the new buzzword - Black lives matter - if it's really not going to matter." The U.S. Conference of Mayors is among the organizations that supported federal legislation to study the feasibility of reparations on a nationwide scale, endorsing the movement at its July conference. Greg Fischer, the mayor of Louisville, Ky., and president of the group, said city leaders have used the language of reparations on initiatives to address the racial wealth gap, such as grants to help African Americans purchase homes. Fischer, a Democrat, recently outlined several overhauls intended to address policing in his city, which has been rocked by the March 13 killing of Breonna Taylor. "It's about addressing the wrongs of our history and some of the institutionalized racism that led to this obviously super timely conversation for the country right now," said Fischer. Woullard Lett of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, which advocates for the issue nationwide, said passage of McDuffie's bill would bolster the push to pass a reparations study out of Congress. He also said a study in the District would be particularly noteworthy because the seat of federal government had once paid restitutions after the end of slavery - to the former enslavers. The District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 freed enslaved people in the capital and paid their former owners up to $300. "D.C. paid the enslavers, not the people who had been slaved, reparations," said Lett. "The fact that the government is now considering taking into account the injuries against the African people is an acknowledgment of the humanity." Other D.C. Council members have not yet weighed in on the task force,which would be the first of its kind in the District. It's reminiscent of a recent effort by Georgetown University students who voted in favor of a plan for the school to pay reparations to the descendants of enslaved people - sold in the early 19th century to pay off school debts - using a mandatory student fee. Last year, the university announced plans to provide $400,000 or more per year to fund community-based projects in Louisiana and other locations, but student activists expressed frustration that the money would be collected through fundraising rather than student fees. McDuffie said he appreciates private-sector efforts to provide reparations, but said it's crucial to have a government-led effort as well. Reparations offered to District residents would be in addition to anything that would be provided at the federal level. "History has demonstrated that it's government-sanctioned actions that deny wealth-building opportunities to Black Americans," said McDuffie. He added that the task force would offer "factual predicate to take action, so Black descendants of enslaved people might finally be compensated for their labor and centuries of contributions." Industry veteran to play key role in accelerating RGI's continued innovation in the global insurance market MILAN, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- RGI, a European leader in the digital transformation of insurers, today announced the appointment of Cecile Andre Leruste as Group CEO. Ms. Andre Leruste succeeds interim CEO Christophe Quesne. Given her significant experience at the helm of global companies, the Board of Directors is confident that Ms. Andre Leruste is the right person to lead the growth of RGI Group both domestically and internationally. Ms. Andre Leruste has over 20 years of industry experience and a strong track record of driving strategic success in various roles throughout her career. She most recently served as managing director for Accenture Global Banking where she was responsible for the financial services industry group strategy and offering across Europe. Prior to joining Accenture, Ms. Andre Leruste held various roles at McKinsey, Societe Generale, Roland Berger and Capgemini. She graduated from HEC Paris business school and holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Gioia Ghezzi, Chair of RGI Group commented: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Cecile as our new Group CEO. Cecile's experience and expertise are well-known and very highly-regarded in the industry and we believe her leadership and guidance will be critical to RGI Group's success as we continue to drive innovation and remain at the forefront of our industry. We would also like to sincerely thank Christophe for serving as interim CEO during this important time." Ms. Leruste added: "RGI has become an international leader in the insurance technology industry with significant potential to further expand and drive the ongoing digital transformation across the global insurance space. I am thrilled to join RGI Group and work alongside the talented management team in this next phase of growth." Raja Hadji-Touma, Partner at Corsair Capital, commented: "Cecile is a highly-seasoned executive with significant industry experience and a strong vision for the future of the insurance software market, making her an ideal fit to lead the company forward. We are excited to work with her to support RGI's strong growth trajectory and continue positioning the company for long-term success." Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307657/Cecile_Andre_Leruste_CEO_RGI_Group.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307658/RGI_Logo.jpg Guwahati, Oct 6 : Former Assam Police DIG Prasanta Kumar Dutta, one of the prime accused in the Assam police recruitment scam, was detained along the India-Nepal border on Tuesday, police said. "Dutta has been detained on the strength of the Look Out Circular issued by CID Assam. Now, he has been handed over to the West Bengal Police. Assam Police would take him in custody in due course and bring him to Guwahati," a police spokesperson said. Dutta, along with former BJP leader Diban Deka, was absconding since the police recruitment scam came to light on September 20. Assam Police had announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh each for providing any information that could lead to their arrest. Deka was arrested soon after he surrendered to the police at Pathacharkuchi in Barpeta district on September 30 night. The state's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party expelled him from the organisation. So far, 33 people including a few women have been arrested in connection with the paper leak scam. The Chairman of Assam State Level Police Recruitment Board (SLPRB), Pradeep Kumar, quit the post last month citing moral responsibility for the recruitment test paper leak that resulted in the cancellation of the written exam on September 20. Following the directions of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the CID and the Crime Branch of Assam Police have been probing the exam paper leak issue. The investigating team has raided various locations, including that of former DIG Dutta. The arrested people include a woman employee of the state irrigation department and one from the Special Task Force of Assam Police. The investigation is being personally supervised by Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta. On September 20, the SLPRB had cancelled the written test a few minutes after it had started after the question paper was leaked on the social media. Over 66,000 candidates had appeared in 154 centres in all the 33 districts of the state for the written test for 597 posts of sub-inspectors in Assam Police. The main opposition Congress is agitating on the issue and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal after alleging that his office was involved in the police recruitment question paper leak scam. Assam's Pradesh Congress President Ripun Bora and opposition leader Debabrata Saikia said that the party has been holding protests in all the 33 districts across the state. SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- IGEL, provider of the next-gen edge OS for cloud workspaces, today announced that ICT Noord en Midden Limburg (ICT NML), a technology and communications service provider owned by four Dutch municipalities in North and Central Limburg, has completed an extensive project to refresh their entire end-user computing infrastructure. ICT NML has implemented IGEL OS and IGEL UD3 endpoints at various local government office locations replacing 2,400 end-of-life zero clients. This is part of a wider 9 million investment encompassing 27 different IT programs1 - to consolidate the technology used by the municipalities of Roermond, Venlo, Weert and Nederweert. This means that one modern, robust, secure and standardized IT environment has been deployed at the four councils. Established in 2018, ICT NML's remit is to manage the entire ICT infrastructure for the four local authorities who provide all public services to over 220,000 residents. This includes issuing passports, driving licenses, building permits, providing social services, unemployment benefit and so on. Joost Poulissen, ICT NML's team leader, explains, "Historically each municipality had its own IT department, budget and infrastructure. Creating a shared ICT service has meant they can punch above their individual weight in terms of the quality of enterprise technology purchased, IT management has been simplified with money saved in the long run. Given the investment made, our ambition is to work with other municipalities, public sector and not for profit organizations in the Netherlands." Desktop IT Needed Replacing From a VDI perspective, VMware Horizon was installed in 2013 with zero clients on the desktops running the PC over IP (PCoIP) display protocol. Dennis Buskes, ICT NML's senior engineer, explains, "The endpoints were out of date and needed replacing but we wanted a new solution which had multi-protocol capabilities. This allows us to transition away from PCoIP to use VMware's Blast Extreme, but also to run a dual environment so that the migration can be staged in our own time. IGEL OS and UD3 endpoints offer this capability." ICT NML worked with local IGEL reseller, ARP, who provided assistance with the implementation. Poulissen says, "It was important to get our EUC upgrade program right because it was the first project where end-users experienced change themselves. Although it was a big job, we did it in just four months with our customers not experiencing any downtime." ICT NML selected IGEL for various other reasons: The IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS) offered better management capabilities compared to the competition allowing firmware updates to be pushed automatically to all endpoints. The UMS offers 7,000 configuration points so that the end-user experience can be finely tuned; IGEL OS also enables the conversion of x86-64 devices. ICT NML has used the edge software to convert 150 Dell and Toshiba laptops into Linux-based IGEL machines the first time that staff have been able to deliver remotely managed and secure laptops; IGEL's Cloud Gateway allows endpoints not on the corporate network to be connected such as devices located externally at meeting rooms, swimming pools or for staff working at home or visiting residents. Settings, updates and profiles are sent to the devices with staff shadowed for helpdesk purposes. IGEL OS also supports two-factor authentication for enhanced security. IGEL OS enables easy connection to VDI and cloud workspaces using the UD3 endpoints and converted laptops. IGEL OS-powered endpoints are agnostic and can support both routes to application delivery given the built-in Firefox browser. Dirk Gielen, ICT NML project manager, explains, "We're running about 800 applications within the municipalities around 200 are already web-based SaaS solutions, others are legacy systems over a decade old. Our goal is to give safe access to these SaaS apps directly from IGEL so as to reduce the amount of costly hardware required to underpin VDI whilst also making it faster for staff to access systems as they avoid the time delay logging into Horizon." Harm Bolwerk, IGEL's regional sales manager in Netherlands, said, "ICT NML has realized a step change in terms of EUC manageability working with us. Centralized control of desktops and laptops, automated firmware updates and simplified day to day maintenance means that many man-hours are saved time that can be spent on far more strategic and productive initiatives. That's the benefit of the IGEL OS combined with UMS." IGEL on Social Media Twitter: www.twitter.com/IGEL_Technology Facebook: www.facebook.com/igel.technology LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/igel-technology YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/IGELTechnologyTV IGEL Community: www.igel.com/community About IGEL IGEL provides the next-gen edge OS for cloud workspaces. The company's world-leading software products include IGEL OS, IGEL UD Pocket (UDP) and IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS). These solutions comprise a more secure, manageable and cost-effective endpoint management and control platform across nearly any x86 device. Easily acquired via just two feature-rich software offerings, Workspace Edition and Enterprise Management Pack IGEL software presents outstanding value per investment. Additionally, IGEL's German engineered endpoint solutions deliver the industry's best hardware warranty (5 years), software maintenance (3 years after end of life) and management functionality. IGEL enables enterprises to save vast amounts of money by extending the useful life of their existing endpoint devices while precisely controlling all devices running IGEL OS from a single dashboard interface. IGEL has offices worldwide and is represented by partners in over 50 countries. For more information on IGEL, visit http://www.igel.com. 1 This includes migrating from Microsoft Windows 7 to 10, updating server, storage and network hardware, implementing VMware and introducing a new enterprise-class back-up solution. SOURCE IGEL Related Links http://www.igel.com London: Former Australian attorney-general George Brandis says the fight over Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat on the US Supreme Court should serve as a cautionary tale to lawyers and activists who want judges to have a greater role in ethical and political decisions. Brandis said Australia's legal system was "virtuous" by comparison but warned against courts stepping in as "avenging angels of the public good" to wield power over issues which should be handled by politicians. George Brandis was the attorney-general under prime ministers Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull before becoming Australia's high commissioner to the United Kingdom. Credit:Andrew Meares "One of the indicia of a successful judiciary is its anonymity," he said. "In Australia, other than lawyers there would be very few who could tell you the names of the seven justices of the High Court. "One of the reasons for that is that there is an implicit and deeply grained public assumption ... that the courts, the judges, are the neutral umpires and not the protagonists. Cybersecurity researchers have spotted a rare kind of potentially dangerous malware that targets a machine's booting process to drop persistent malware. The campaign involved the use of a compromised UEFI (or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) containing a malicious implant, making it the second known public case where a UEFI rootkit has been used in the wild. According to Kaspersky, the rogue UEFI firmware images were modified to incorporate several malicious modules, which were then used to drop malware on victim machines in a series of targeted cyberattacks directed against diplomats and members of an NGO from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Calling the malware framework "MosaicRegressor," Kaspersky researchers Mark Lechtik, Igor Kuznetsov, and Yury Parshin said a telemetry analysis revealed several dozen victims between 2017 and 2019, all of whom had some ties to North Korea. UEFI is a firmware interface and a replacement for BIOS that improves security, ensuring that no malware has tampered with the boot process. Because UEFI facilitates the loading of the operating system itself, such infections are resistant to OS reinstallation or replacement of the hard drive. "UEFI firmware makes for a perfect mechanism of persistent malware storage," Kaspersky said. "A sophisticated attacker can modify the firmware in order to have it deploy malicious code that will be run after the operating system is loaded." That's exactly what this threat actor appears to have done. Although the exact infection vector employed to overwrite the original firmware remains unknown at this stage, a leaked manual suggests the malware may have been deployed through physical access to the victim's machine. The new UEFI malware is a custom version of the Hacking Team's VectorEDK bootkit, which was leaked in 2015 and has since been available online. It's used to plant a second payload, called the MosaicRegressor "a multi-stage and modular framework aimed at espionage and data gathering" that consists of additional downloaders to fetch and execute secondary components. The downloaders, in turn, contact the command-and-control (C2) server to grab next-stage DLLs in order to execute specific commands, the results of which are exported back to the C2 server or forwarded to a "feedback" mail address from where the attackers can collect the amassed data. The payloads are transferred in a variety of ways, including via e-mail messages from mailboxes ("mail.ru") hard-coded in the malware's binary. In some cases, however, the malware was delivered to some of the victims via spear-phishing e-mails with embedded decoy documents ("0612.doc") written in Russian that purported to discuss events related to North Korea. With regards to the identity of the threat actor behind MosaicRegressor, Kaspersky said it found multiple code-level hints that indicate they were written in Chinese or Korean and noted the use of Royal Road (8.t) RTF weaponizer, which has been tied to multiple Chinese threat groups in the past. Lastly, Kaspersky found a C2 address in one of MosaicRegressor's variants that have been observed in connection with Chinese hacker groups broadly known as Winnti (aka APT41). "The attacks [...] demonstrate the length an actor can go in order to gain the highest level of persistence on a victim machine," Kaspersky concluded. "It is highly uncommon to see compromised UEFI firmware in the wild, usually due to the low visibility into attacks on firmware, the advanced measures required to deploy it on a target's SPI flash chip, and the high stakes of burning sensitive toolset or assets when doing so." The Queens University Belfast is closely monitoring an increase in coronavirus cases and has not ruled out introducing further measures to stem the spread. It has been reported that 166 students and staff at the south Belfast university have tested positive for Covid-19. Around 25,000 students started back last month for the new academic year. In a statement the university said the safety and wellbeing of staff and students is its first priority, and a range of interventions have been made across campus. We all have an individual responsibility and a collective responsibility to work our way through what is going to be the most challenging of times Michelle O'Neill The university is liaising with the Public Health Agency (PHA) on a daily basis to ensure the university is continuing to apply the correct measures to limit the spread of infection, a spokesperson said. Although the number of staff and students affected remains a minority, the increase in number of positive cases is a concern and the university fully appreciates that this may cause anxiety for students, staff, and their families. Queens is closely monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to apply additional measures to further protect members of our community as considered necessary in discussions with the PHA. The university went on to detail that evidence gathered through contact tracing has indicated that transmission of the virus is happening in social or accommodation settings. Expand Close Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill. (Rebecca Black/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill. (Rebecca Black/PA) Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill said she is alarmed and worried about the number of cases among students and staff. Thats something that needs to be addressed, and needs very strong leadership from the universities, she said. What we need to see is very clear communication with the students. At the end of last week, I met with the National Union of Students (NUS), they very clearly articulated to me that they dont feel they are getting the information that is required, so I think that is something that needs to be addressed because we all have an individual responsibility and a collective responsibility to work our way through what is going to be the most challenging of times. A near-record number of rooftop solar systems were installed in Australia last month, despite a plunge in Victorian installations during COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown. And Victorian installations are likely to increase rapidly when restrictions ease, with some solar installers saying they are already booked out until March next year. Rooftop solar panels Credit:Wolter Peeters Nationally, 250 megawatts of electricity were added in September the second highest monthly level on record despite Victorian installations plummeting as a result of Melbourne's stage four COVID-19 lockdown. This is more than 43 per cent up on a year ago. Despite predictions the pandemic would dent demand for new solar systems because of the economic downturn and disruptions to the building sector caused by social distancing, the opposite has been true, said Tristan Edis, the director of Green Energy Markets. Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday announced an investigation into the conspiracy to defame Mumbai and Maharashtra police over actor Sushant Singh Rajputs death while blaming opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for it. He asked the BJP and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to apologise for defaming them. Deshmukh said Mumbai polices crime branch and cyber-crime branch of the Maharashtra police will conduct the probe. Also read: Rhea Chakraborty, brother Showiks judicial custody in drugs case extended till Oct 20 HT on Tuesday reported the Mumbais polices cyber unit has submitted a report to commissioner Param Bir Singh saying at least 80,000 fake social media accounts were created across nine countries as part of an orchestrated campaign to discredit the force and Maharashtra government over the investigation into the death. Singh said the campaign was run against Mumbai Police to demoralise them. Rajput, 34, was found dead in his Mumbai home on June 14, setting off speculation about the cause of his death. Mumbai Police called several members of the film industry for questioning before the actors family filed a police complaint in Bihar alleging a conspiracy behind the death and blamed his friend, actor Rhea Chakraborty, for it. The Central Bureau of Investigation, the Enforcement Directorate, and the Narcotics Control Bureau are probing the case. A medical team from New Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has ruled out the possibility of Rajputs murder. Deshmukh cited a Michigan State University report on social media campaign over Rajputs death and said it found BJP hatched the conspiracy to defame Mumbai and Maharashtra police. Deshmukh said the BJP used a few people outside the state as puppets to defame Maharashtra. The study report has stated that SSR [Sushant Singh Rajput] case study reveals the BJPs hand in hatching the conspiracy theory in the case. Deshmukh said a few TV channels were at the forefront of this conspiracy. Cyber crime cell of the Maharashtra police will investigate the fake accounts created as part of the conspiracy. He cited the view of the AIIMS team and said it has endorsed their stand that no poisoning was involved in the death. The Supreme Court... applauded Mumbai polices investigation. A few BJP leaders targeted the Mumbai police for the political gain in the Bihar elections. They even crossed the limit and called the Mumbai police mafia. He said Fadnavis also targeted the Mumbai police, doubting their competence. BJP rubbished Deshmukhs charges. We strongly condemn political and false allegations... The BJP or Devendra Fadnavis will never indulge in any illegal activity. Deshmukh is the most irresponsible home minister Maharashtra has had so far. He should conduct the probe. We are not against it, said BJP leader Atul Bhatkhalkar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An American astrophysicist, Andrea Ghez, was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics on Tuesday for discovering that stars at the center of our galaxy are hurtling through space around a supermassive black hole. Ghez, 55, shared half the prize with German astrophysicist Reinhard Genzel, who independently observed the astonishing acceleration of stars in the galactic center. Astrophysicists now believe that supermassive black holes reside at the center of all galaxies and played a role in the formation of galaxies from the primordial soup of matter in the early universe. The other half of the prize went to Roger Penrose, a British mathematical physicist cited for his discovery that the existence of black holes is one of the bizarre implications of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, in which gravity is associated with the curvature of space and time. Ghez, a professor at the University of California at Los Angeles, became the fourth woman to win a physics Nobel, following Marie Curie in 1903, Maria Goeppert Mayer in 1963 and Donna Strickland in 2018. Dawn was still many hours away in California when Goran Hansson, secretary general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, telephoned Ghez to tell her that she been laureated. About an hour later, she spoke by phone to reporters in Stockholm and discussed both the thrills of her research and her hopes that this new recognition will inspire more women to enter the field. Asked what she thought when she first saw signs that something mysterious was lurking at the center of the galaxy, she said, "I think the first thing is doubt. You have to prove to yourself you're really seeing what you think you're seeing. Doubt and excitement." She added, "We have no idea what's inside the black hole, and that's what makes these things such exotic objects." Ghez has previously received many honors, including a MacArthur Foundation "genius" award. She was the first woman to receive the Royal Swedish Academy's Crafoord Prize. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she majored in physics, and Caltech, where she received her doctorate, she has been on the UCLA faculty since 1994. On Tuesday, she told reporters she feels particularly passionate these days about the teaching side of her profession. "I take very seriously the responsibility of being the fourth woman to win the Nobel Prize. I hope I can inspire other young women into the field. It's a field that has so many pleasures, and if you're passionate about the science, there's so much to be done," Ghez said. This year's physics Nobel honored both the theoretical side of black holes - Penrose's work - and the observational side, the investigations of Ghez and Genzel. There is no shortlist for a Nobel, and laureates find out they have won only if and when they get the early morning phone call from Sweden. This year, as has happened in the past, the announcement was delayed briefly while the academy attempted to reach one of the laureates. The fact that this year's prize would somehow involve black hole physics was hinted at by Hansson in his opening statement: "This year's prize is about the darkest secrets of the universe." The usually packed room at the academy was mostly empty, because of restrictions in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. Hansson said this year there would be no in-person Nobel celebration in Stockholm in December. Genzel, 68, is a professor at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics near Munich, and also has an appointment at the University of California at Berkeley. Penrose, 89, is an emeritus professor at the University of Oxford who a half-century ago collaborated with the late Stephen Hawking to develop theories about the existence and nature of black holes. Penrose did not invent the term "black hole," but, the academy said Tuesday in its scientific brief describing the prize, "It was after Penrose's discoveries that 'black hole' finally stuck as the name for this exotic gravitational anomaly." The academy's scientific brief cites four of Hawking's papers, including one co-authored with Penrose. Hawking, who died in 2018, never won a Nobel Prize. Several scientists opined Tuesday that Hawking probably would have shared a Nobel with Penrose had he lived. The academy does not award prizes posthumously. "The one piece of sadness is that Steven Hawking is not alive to share the theory half of the prize with Roger Penrose," David Spergel, director of the Center for Computational Astrophysics in New York, said Tuesday in an email. In announcing the prize, the academy cited an article Penrose wrote in 1965, a decade after Einstein's death, in which he said black holes really exist. "His groundbreaking article is still regarded as the most important contribution to the general theory of relativity since Einstein," the academy wrote. University of Chicago physicist Michael Turner on Tuesday called Penrose "a brilliant mathematician who turned his amazing skills to understanding Einstein's theory at a time when there were still doubts about even the mathematical reality" of black holes. Turner said Einstein didn't fully understand the implications of his own theory. "It took another generation of brilliant physicists to figure it all out. Not because of Einstein's limitations but because of the richness of the theory," Turner said. Black holes are among the strangest features of the universe. They are formed from collapsed stars, with their matter so compressed by gravity that, according to the equations of general relativity, space becomes infinitely curved. Light cannot escape the gravity well. In 2019, scientists revealed the first direct image of a black hole - a supermassive black hole at the center of Messier 87, a galaxy in the constellation Virgo. Ghez and Genzel, backed by teams of researchers and using some of the world's largest telescopes, separately published findings in the 1990s and 2000s that provided observational support for the existence of a supermassive black hole - or something acting suspiciously like one - in the center of our own galaxy in a region known as Sagittarius A*. The tremendous speed at which stars move in that region suggests they are influenced by the gravity of a supermassive object. What that object is, exactly, is unknown, but as the Swedish Academy put it in announcing the prize, "A supermassive black hole is the only currently known explanation." They did not observe the black hole directly, but instead scrutinized individual stars whose motion implied the presence of something creating a powerful gravitational field. Our sun makes a full orbit of the galaxy over the course of about 230 million years, but near the center of the galaxy, a few speed-demon stars have orbits of less than 20 years, including one of just 11.5 years described in a 2012 paper in the journal Science co-authored by Ghez. The mysterious "something" at the galactic center appears to have the mass equal to 4 million suns. The observations of the stars in the galactic center were technically challenging, even with huge telescopes employed by Ghez and Genzel in Hawaii and Chile, respectively. The core of the galaxy is crowded with stars, and the scientists needed to pick out individual stars amid the swarm. The distances involved are immense - about 26,000 light-years - and the motions of those faraway stars hard to detect. The observations took many years, even decades. Abundant dust interfered with the view, so the scientists had to observe in the dust-penetrating infrared portion of the spectrum. And they had to find a way, through what is known as adaptive optics, to correct for the distortions created by Earth's own atmosphere. Tuesday's announcement came as something of a surprise to the physics community simply because the academy usually rotates the prize through different areas of the sprawling field, which covers everything from the smallest subatomic particle to the vastness of the universe. But for the second year in a row, the academy honored work involving exotic things in deep space. Voters on Monday night got their only opportunity before Election Day to see Sen. Ed Markey and Republican challenger Kevin OConnor square off on a host of issues impacting Massachusetts residents and voters across the country, including the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, abortion and police reform. Markey, 74, is well known to Massachusetts voters after a more than 40-year career in Congress and following a tough primary battle against Rep. Joe Kennedy III. OConnor, 58, an attorney for more than 30 years and a small business owner, topped Shiva Ayyadurai to pick up the GOP nomination for the Senate seat. Here are five takeaways from the contest, a freeform debate hosted by GBH and moderated by Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. 1. Trump on the ballot in Massachusetts The president not only turned up at the White House on Monday night after grappling with, and downplaying, COVID-19, but he made quick and recurring appearances in the Massachusetts debate. Markey bluntly painted OConnor as a Donald Trump Republican and took several shots at the president on everything from the federal pandemic response to climate change and the U.S. Supreme Court. You know youre a Donald Trump Republican when you dont wear a mask yourself in public like Mr. OConnor, just like Donald Trump, Markey said during a monologue that his social team quickly turned into a campaign video clip. You know youre a Donald Trump Republican when youre not willing to talk about the magnitude of the climate threat to our planet and what the solution should be. You know youre a Donald Trump Republican when you support steamrolling a Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, through the Supreme Court in violation of Republican promises to the American people, so the Affordable Care Act, Roe v. Wade and environmental protections will be on the chopping block. OConnor, who supports Trump over Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden but differs slightly with the president on a number of issues including abortion, immigration and health care, wasnt shy about aligning himself with the president on several core issues, especially the economy. Trumps tax cuts, OConnor said, raised more revenue than the year before and led to the greatest economy in the last 40 years, an economic boon during which everything that got us to that point, Senator Markey opposed. OConnor said he supported Trump because he represents the best opportunity for us to have safe neighborhoods, not open borders, sanctuary states and defunding police. OConnor also called Markey weak on foreign policy, arguing the president stands up for American defense. U.S. Senator Edward Markey and Republican challenger Kevin OConnor debate on Monday, October 5, 2020 at the GBH Studios in Brighton, Mass. The debate was the only MA Senate Debate between Markey and his Republican challenger. OConnor. Due to COVID-19, Sen. Markey and OConnor debated from separate rooms at the GBH Studios in Brighton.Meredith Nierman 2. OConnor dismisses systemic racism, pegs Markey as indifferent The Republican touted his track record on racial justice, including representing a wrongfully convicted individual and serving as the first diversity and inclusion coordinator of what was then the largest law firm in Boston 20 years ago. I care very deeply about these issues, he said. But OConnor told the moderators he doesnt know what systemic racism means. Ever since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May, racial injustice and police reform became a flashpoint nationwide and in Markeys primary against Rep. Joe Kennedy III. OConnor acknowledged, however, that there are biases, historically, that have existed ... not just in the justice system but in society. His answer to resolving such issues is to enforce the law, he said, not defund police or vilify law enforcement as he alleged Markey had done for several months. He also said Markey had been indifferent to families of color who sought help. Markey pointed to his E-Rate program, which he authored as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The bill, he said, helped ensure every child in America, especially poor children, had the internet on their desk. He noted hes leading efforts to expand the $54 billion program by another $4 billion, to make sure kids get it at home, not just schools and libraries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the 16 million who remain without internet at home nationwide are brown, black, immigrant kids, Markey said. 3. Please dont interrupt me While the debate had no rules according to GBH practice, the debate never devolved into the spectacle seen last week in Cleveland, where Trump and Biden clashed in a wild contest in which the president interrupted his opponent and moderator Chris Wallace more than 120 times. OConnor, who pushed for more debates and sought to level the playing field against a 40-year member of Congress, pressed to get a word in multiple times. Markey, a handful of times, asked OConnor not to interrupt him, noting that he always let the Republican have his turn. OConnor lodged a complaint with GBH about 11th hour rule changes that forced the candidates into separate studio rooms due to COVID-19. Earlier Monday, OConnor claimed Markey was maneuvering ... to avoid debate because he lacks the ability to defend his record." In a statement, OConnor noted that he was contacted by a reporter on Sunday asking whether hed been tested for COVID-19, as Markey had; Markeys test was negative. Braude apologized for the shakeup but said that circumstances and safety warranted the changing format for the debate. Asked about OConnors accusation that Markey tried to dodge the debate, John Walsh, the senators campaign manager, said the campaign accepted the invitation for this debate the day it was offered." Walsh said the campaign looked forward to "informing voters about the close ties between our opponent and Donald Trump and his reckless policies, including reckless behavior when it comes to adhering to public health protocols and wearing a mask during outdoor rallies. U.S. Senator Edward Markey and Republican challenger Kevin OConnor debate on Monday, October 5, 2020 at the GBH Studios in Brighton, Mass. The debate was the only MA Senate Debate between Markey and his Republican challenger. OConnor. Due to COVID-19, Sen. Markey and OConnor debated from separate rooms at the GBH Studios in Brighton.Meredith Nierman 4. Battle over the Green New Deal OConnor, who says he favors a clean environment and renewable energy, came out swinging against one of Markeys signature efforts: the Green New Deal, which Markey co-authored with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. OConnor said policies and deals backed by Markey, including the Paris Agreement, had long sold out American workers to China. OConnor said initiatives that fail to implement emission standards on other countries like China while harming American workers are terrible deals. OConnor also mocked the Green New Deal as it lacks full support from the more moderate Biden. Markey brought the environmental discussion close to home, saying that as a kid, his mother said, 'Dont swim in the Malden River.' It turned black because of all the polluting companies," and also featured a pre-Jimi Hendrix purple haze. Markey calls for ramping up renewable energy production and green energy jobs while curbing the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable communities. He said backing Biden was better than supporting the climate denier in the Oval Office. The Green New Deal has shifted the whole discussion. The goals have lifted the gaze of Americans and political leaders, he said. Im going to continue to advocate for the Green New Deal, which saves all of creation while investing in massive job creation. 5. The future of Roe v. Wade As Senate Republican leaders prepare to open a confirmation hearing for for President Donald Trumps Supreme Court nominee next week, the future of abortion rights has been called into question. Now is the time for for Massachusetts to be the leader in ensuring we put on the books a womens right to choose, Markey said Monday. The decision has to be made by women, Markey said. OConnell accused his opponent as being among the most extreme group of Democratic leaders on the issue. The majority of Americans support the legal right to an abortion. A 2019 poll conducted by Public Policy Polling on behalf of NARAL Pro-Choice America found that 88% percent of voters in Massachusetts believe it should be legal. Nationwide, a recent poll found 77% of Americans support abortion rights. Related Content: NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia -- Hundreds of friends, relatives, and colleagues have bid farewell to Russian journalist Irina Slavina, who died after setting herself on fire in an apparent reaction to investigators trying to tie her to an opposition group. Gleb Nikitin, the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, attended a ceremony honoring the chief editor of the Koza Press news website after vowing to do everything to find the cause of the tragedy. Before setting herself on fire in front of the city police headquarters on October 2, Slavina wrote on Facebook, "Blame Russian Federation for my death." A day earlier, she wrote on Facebook that a group of law enforcement officers searched her apartment, trying to find evidence linking her with the opposition Open Russia group and confiscated her computers and mobile phones. "They left me without tools for my activities," Slavina wrote at the time, adding that she had never had anything to do with Open Russia. Andrei Pivovarov, the executive director of Open Russia, told the radio station Ekho Moskvy on October 2 that Slavina was not associated with his group. One of Slavina's colleagues, Natalia Rezontova, told Ekho Moskvy on October 6 that Slavina's act of self-immolation was "the highest act of self-sacrifice." "It was not a suicide.... She understood that she would not be allowed to work, to carry out her journalistic duties the way she wanted at her independent media outlet. It was her ultimate response to the system. What she chose was an excruciating death, but it was also a torch that must wake up, send a tough message to those who had mistreated her for...years," Rezontova said. The Commission on Freedom of Speech and the Protection of Journalists and the Commission on Civil Rights at the presidential Council on Human Rights have called on the Investigative Committee to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Slavina's self-immolation. leader Pravin Darekar on Tuesday said Home Minister Anil Deshmukh should focus on law and order issues in the state instead of making critical comments about members of the opposition party. Speaking to reporters here, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council said Deshmukh is questioning former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding his election campaign in Bihar. Deshmukh, talking to the media in Mumbai, had asked if Fadnavis, who is the BJP's in-charge for the Bihar Assembly polls, will campaign for former Bihar DGP and JD(U) leader Gupteshwar Pandey, who had "defamed" and the Mumbai Police over the Sushant Singh Rajput case. "We are in a democratic country and anyone can join a political party. Therefore, if former DGP of a state has joined the JD(U), then no one should have any problem with that," Darekar said, hitting out at the NCP minister. "There are some serious issues in Maharashtra. He (Deshmukh) should concentrate on these issues related to law and order in Maharashtra," the leader said. The BJP is part of the JD(U)-led government in Bihar, where assembly polls are being held in October-November, while it is the main opposition party in Maharashtra. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Portage Point Partners, LLC (Portage Point), an interim management and business advisory firm that partners with stakeholders during periods of transition, underperformance and distress, announced today that John Laguzza has joined the firm as a Managing Director in New York. John brings over 25 years of principal investment, finance and restructuring experience to Portage Point. "John will be a key leader as we continue our rapid platform expansion," said Matthew Ray, Founder & Managing Partner of Portage Point. "His investment, legal, turnaround and board level experience embodies the diverse backgrounds that Portage Point values and furthers our footprint as the boutique firm of choice." Mr. Laguzza joins Portage Point after 15 years as Head of Investments for the Private Equity Investment Group that he launched for BNP Paribas in New York. John expanded the platform globally and achieved top-quartile realized returns. At BNP, his group made almost 50 investments spanning five continents. He has extensive expertise in the energy sector having invested across the major US shale basins as well as expertise in aviation, shipping, food & beverage, restaurant groups, hospitality, travel and technology sectors. Mr. Laguzza holds a BA from Georgetown University and an MBA, Masters in Taxation and Juris Doctorate from Fordham University. "I am excited to join the Portage Point team," Mr. Laguzza said. "Portage Point is a highly differentiated platform fielding a high performance team delivering a compelling value proposition to its diverse client base. I look forward to being a part of the significant growth trajectory at Portage Point." About Portage Point Partners Portage Point is a business advisory and interim management firm that partners with companies and their stakeholders navigating complexity, transition, and underperformance. The firm is comprised of an operationally oriented team encompassing a broad range of expertise built to maximize value and align stakeholder interests while guiding businesses through the most urgent and complex challenges ranging from performance improvement to accelerated transformation to complex financial restructuring. Since its founding in 2016, industry-leading organizations have honored Portage Point with numerous transaction and individual awards. For more information, please visit www.portagepointpartners.com. SOURCE Portage Point Partners Related Links http://portagepointpartners.com Mason College Access Network shared news from the State of Michigan that will help low-income and non-traditional residents pursue a career credential at a Michigan college. For 2021 graduates, the application process for the Tuition Incentive Program, a program designed to support students who received Medicaid as older youth, was eliminated. This application process was a barrier for many students trying to access existing state funding that could pay for up to 80 credits of tuition toward a certification or associate degree. The eligibility to use TIP funding toward a degree was also extended from six years after graduation to 10 years. Eliminating a separate application process for TIP grant aid frees up other limited taxpayer dollars (such as Mason County Promise Funding) to support other student success efforts aimed at increasing college attainment across the state. Franklin Templeton Headquarters (Image: Wikimedia Commons) In more trouble for Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India), a forensic audit has indicated several wrongdoings, including insider trading, by the key management personnel of the asset management firm. Certain key officials of the fund had redeemed their personal investments just before the formal announcement of the closure of six debt schemes and made money during that time, the audit report by Choksi & Choksi pointed out. According to sources, capital markets regulator Securities & Exchange Board of India (Sebi) may look into these redemptions from the perspective of insider trading regulations. Also Read: Franklin Templeton MF's 6 shut schemes generate Rs 8,262 crore since closure The fund is currently facing several court cases and investigations, including one by Sebi, for allegedly closing six schemes in an abrupt manner. Put options not exercised The Choksi & Choksi report indicates that the fund gave favours to certain companies it had invested in by not exercising the put option, despite the suggestions given by the risk management committee to its Chief Investment Officer to do so. A put option is a contract that gives its holder the right to sell a number of equity shares at a pre-determined price, called the strike price, before the options expiry. As per the report, fund managers were inconsistent in exercising the put option. With some companies, they executed it, but with some others, they didnt, despite a major downgrade from category A to category D grade in less than a years time. Moneycontrol has reviewed the forensic report. Fund managers were investing in bonds of illiquid companies and were not using the put option. This raises several questions and needs to be answered in Sebi investigation, a source told Moneycontrol. Rules permit fund managers to execute the put option when investments are downgraded by credit rating agencies. Amit Tandon, Managing Director, IIAS Proxy Advisory, firm told Moneycontrol: "Clearly, it appears that a lot was going on in the back-end. If something is too good to be true, you need to look under the hood. This holds not just for investors, but even the board and trustees. Closure of six debt schemes On April 23, 2020, Franklin Templeton wound up six debt schemes that were meant for high-yield investments, with a total asset under management of over Rs 25,000 crore. The company cited inadequate liquidity in the debt market as a reason. The forensic audit pointed that the firm invested heavily in unlisted debt securities, which were mainly illiquid. Some of those companies were newly incorporated. Also Read: What Franklins debt fund investors must watch out for in the upcoming Karnataka HC verdict Sebi has wide powers under the Sebi Act but the regulator has not executed it in this case. It would have saved 3.15 lakh investors, said Manoj K Sheth, President, Chennai Financial Markets and Accountability. Franklin Templeton reacts A Franklin Templeton spokesperson said: Our interactions with Sebi are confidential. Inspections and third-party audits fall within the purview of Sebi and we are cooperating fully with them. The statements appearing in your email are not accurate, nor has Sebi come to any such findings at this time. Employees who made investments in FTMF schemes continue to hold substantial investments in the affected schemes. We have already communicated the reasons for winding up and request our investors not to be swayed by unverified or speculative reports. We continue to follow due process, both in making investment decisions and with regard to the winding up of funds, the spokesperson said. Currently, all eyes are on the Karnataka High Court where a clutch of investors are seeking multiple reliefs, including directing the firm to release the money that it owes to investors. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 00:08:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANGKOK, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Ministry of Commerce unveiled a new tracing system on Tuesday to allow buyers to inspect source of seedlings, cultivation and manufacturing process, processing and areas of distribution of agricultural produce. "Food safety has increasingly become a concern for consumers around the world. As one of the world's major food manufacturers, Thailand is piloting a tracing system allowing consumers to trace produce back to the manufacturing process, from seedlings to the finished produce," said Pimchanok Vonkorpon, director-general of the ministry's Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). She said the new tracing system is now available online at TraceThai.com website. Information on certificates granted for organic products is also available. The system has been developed by the Ministry of Commerce's TPSO, which has established an agreement with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to encourage more farmers to join this program. Today's consumers have become very selective and cares of what food go into their mouths, she said. Products that are now enrolled in this system will have a QR code that consumers can scan using their smartphone to receive tracing information. Alternatively, they can key in the product's lot number on TraceThai.com to receive the same information, she said. The TPSo said that so far seven organic farmer groups from various provinces, have been piloting this tracing system, with positive feedback from farmers and retailers on the convenience. Enditem Actress Payal Ghosh, who has accused filmmaker Anurag Kashyap of sexual harassment, has written to Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh seeking Y-level security for her lawyer and her. Payals lawyer Nitin Satpute took to his unverified Twitter account on Monday and shared the letter, which mentions that the accused is roaming freely" and has not been arrested yet. The actress claimed that the accused might cause harm to her, adding that her life is not safe. Sharing the letter, advocate Satpute wrote: Today 5/10/2020 Letter issued to @AnilDeshmukhNCP for Security for @iampayalghosh and @Nitin_Satpute." Payal recently demanded that she be given Y-category security during a meeting with Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. While Kashyap has denied all allegations, Payal claimed the filmmaker lied before the police. The actress has also demanded narco analysis, lie detector and polygraph test be performed on the filmmaker. Kashyaps lawyer also released a new statement that states, Mr. Kashyap has denied all wrongdoing in the matter and has provided his statement to the police. The material provided by Mr. Kashyap, in support of his statement, demonstrates that the complaint of Ms. Ghosh is an outright lie. Mr. Kashyap has provided documentary proof of the fact that throughout August, 2013 he was away in Sri Lanka in connection with the shooting of one of his films. Mr. Kashyap has categorically denied that any such alleged incident ever took place and has also denied all allegations levelled against him. These sudden, belated allegations of an alleged incident of August, 2013 have been widely publicised by the Complainant for the purpose of vilifying Mr. Kashyap, irrespective of the outcome of the judicial process." Corporate cybersecurity has been increasingly compromised since businesses and organizations began implementing work-from-home (WFH) policies in March as the pandemic continued its spread. Malwarebytes in June set out to measure the how corporate IT leaders reacted to the pandemic; and what strategies are planned as they look forward. The antimalware software firm surveyed more than 200 IT experts at companies of various sizes. Those survey results, combined with the firms internal telemetry, found that many IT heads might be overconfident about the cybersecurity protocols and procedures they have in place. For example, 44 percent of the respondents did not provide cybersecurity training to the workforce, 45 percent did not perform security and online privacy analyses of software tools deemed necessary for the transition to WFH, and 18 percent said cybersecurity was not a priority for their employees. Despite this, more than 70 percent of the respondents to Malwarebytes survey gave their organization a score of 7/10 when asked to determine their readiness to transition to WFH. This may be an example of an often difficult-to-measure phenomenon that we call security hubris, also known as overconfidence in limited security measures deployed, the survey stated. Perception vs. Reality Theres no question that the WFH trend has seen an increase in activity from hackers. Were seeing a strong uptick in phishing attacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chlo Messdaghi, VP of Strategy at Point3 Security told TechNewsWorld. For example, were seeing increasing attempts by threat actors to get into companies through their employees personal email addresses and SMS messages, Messdaghi said. Its all but irresistible to bad actors because this pandemic is making their jobs so much easier. Corporate IT must be aware of this, so why the dissonance between the respondents self-assessments and reality? Theres a problem embedded within security hubris that exists in many other spheres we dont know what we dont know, David Ruiz, online privacy advocate at Malwarebytes Labs, told TechNewsWorld. Security hubris is widespread, but not through any malicious intent, Ruiz said. Sometimes, its due more to focusing on only one aspect of cybersecurity rather than ignoring the problem, such as, for example, the IT professional who focuses on outside threats but forgets about insider threats, or the reverse. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Some of the enterprises claiming to be ready really are ready not necessarily perfectly ready, because perfect security is a myth, but reasonably ready, Andy Ellis, Chief Security Officer at Akamai Technologies, a global content delivery network, cybersecurity, and cloud service company, told TechNewsWorld. Other organizations might think that they are ready, but theyre just mistaken, Ellis said. Still others might know they arent ready but who wants to paint a target on their back by admitting that? New Threat Frontier It could be that IT professionals have not had sufficient time to deal with the new dimension of coverage the WFH phenomenon has added, as businesses moved to WFH very rapidly. Akamai found that consumption of Internet service over enterprise-connected devices increased 40 percent in March, and traffic to malware-associated websites shot up 400 percent. Both these observed changes are considered as the outcome of changes in users browsing habits once working from home, it concluded. Things havent changed since then, noted Ellis. The uptick we saw as much of the world shifted to working remotely from home has remained consistent in the months since. The dangers of WFH arent necessarily structurally different, but instead may represent a shift in the weighting of attacks, he explained. For example, phishing attacks have always existed, but now there is more phishing and, at the same time, one of the underrated defenses against phishing asking your colleague if an email looks weird is no longer available. Further, many antiphishing solutions are reactive, looking for known attack types, rather than adaptively identifying changing attacks, or taking a structural approach by eliminating the ways an adversary might exploit a successful phishing attack, according to Ellis. Added Threats From Mobile Devices Implementing proper security to ensure a secure WFH environment requires an investment thats expensive and represents new dollars that were never included in any budget up to now, Matias Katz, CEO of Byos, told TechNewsWorld. On top of that, a lot of companies are still in denial and think that this will be over soon; and therefore are reluctant to make an investment. WFH is here to stay, Katz said Companies need to realize that, no matter what, they will have to reinforce their infrastructure to stay secure in the new era. Companies are increasingly letting WFH employees use their own mobile devices, and this contributes to the problem. Nearly 70 percent of the 303 IT professionals who responded to a June survey conducted by cloud security company Bitglass said their companies let employees use personal devices to perform their work, and some said their companies let contractors, partners, customers and supplies bring their own devices. However, they are not taking the proper steps to protect corporate data about half the respondents said their organizations have no visibility into file sharing apps, for example. Unauthorized access to data and systems and malware infections were the main security concerns for about half the respondents. IT Departments Spread Thin The rapid transition to WFH may have shifted priorities for many businesses, according to Malwarebytes Labs Ruiz. That might mean, first, ensuring that a business could remain successful, and, second, ensuring that it could safely remain successful. In other words, make sure first the business remains up and running, then deal with security issues. A shortage of IT staff might be another cause. Layoffs are widespread because of the pandemic, and some of those laid off might have been IT and cybersecurity security staff. Another reason could be that, these days, many companies do not have dedicated IT staff onsite, and most remote IT staff are almost always overworked, Ruiz suggested. There simply may not be time to build and deploy an online training course for all the employees to take. The stress on IT workers, whose departments are understaffed and underfunded, has increased with the pandemic, and this might contribute to both the inadequacy of cybersecurity precautions taken and the failure to recognize whether or not those precautions are adequate. During this pandemic, security teams are working harder than ever and in isolation, Point3 Securitys Messdaghi pointed out, adding that C-suite executives should invest in those teams mental health. IT staff were already highly stressed before the pandemic the impact of stress on mental health doubled in 2020, according to a report from Nominet UK, the .uk domain name registry in the UK. Nominet interviewed 800 chief information security officers and C-suite executives on the challenges of the CISOs role. The respondents, evenly divided between the UK and the United States, worked at companies with at least 3,000 employees across a range of public and private sectors. The report, published in February, said that 88 percent of CISOs remain moderately or tremendously stressed; and 48 percent of the respondents said this affects their mental health double the number for the previous year. The stress impacts their relationships with partners and children, as well as their ability to execute their role and results in burnout. The average tenure of a CISO is just 26 months. The C-suite respondents agreed CISOs are working extra hours, but 97 percent of them believe the security team could improve on delivering value for money based on their budget. Preventing Security Hubris A good exercise to demonstrate the full reach of security hubris is to ask yourself, on a scale from 1 to 10, how cybersecure are you? Ruiz suggested. Now, ask yourself some other questions: Are you connecting to a home router that still uses its default password? Are you reusing passwords on some accounts in your home? Has your company required the use of a VPN to access company resources? Do you click links in emails from new contacts, or do you click links in texts? What about if that link is supposedly from FedEx, and you did, after all, just order something online? These type of questions will chip away at most peoples own security evaluation after a while, Ruiz said. No one is trying to be wrong, but its difficult to keep track of all the ways we should be right. We dont think its needed, Mr. Short said. Theres no science to support it. The tables are 12 feet apart, and each participant is tested. Its important for the American people that the debate go forward. Referring to Ms. Harris, he said: If shes more comfortable with plexiglass, then thats fine. The Biden campaign responded that eliminating dividers would risk the health of those in the debate hall. Senator Harris will be at the debate, respecting the protections that the Cleveland Clinic has put in place to promote safety for all concerned, Sabrina Singh, a Harris spokeswoman, said. If the Trump administrations war on masks has now become a war on safety shields, that tells you everything you need to know about why their Covid response is a failure. Mr. Pence has tested negative for the virus several times in recent days, according to his aides, though the vice president had interacted frequently with numerous White House advisers who have since tested positive. Mr. Short, the vice presidents chief of staff, also claimed that an epidemiologist at the University of Utah, which is hosting the debate, told us that theres no scientific reason for the plexiglass. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic is overseeing health protocols at the debate. Ground rules for debates are often the subject of delicate negotiations between the campaigns and the debate commission, and it is not unusual for issues to flare up in the hours before the event. Mr. Pences attempted dismissal of a safety measure, however, was notable in light of the myriad health concerns around staging an indoor event when the president and a significant number of his senior advisers have contracted the virus, along with several senators and a top military leader. Mac Miller's family revealed a new Swimming in Circles vinyl box collection two years after he passed away. The announcement puts together the rapper's two final studio albums produced by the late artist as companion albums into one deluxe package. The collection contains Swimming's double-disc, limited edition 12' LPs in dark blue and Circles in light blue, a die-cut outer case, a booklet displaying photos from the two albums' production era, a poster, and a lyric scroll with 6 columns. Swimming, the last album published during Mac Miller's existence, and Loops, his posthumous album released in January 2020, are originally part of an album series and acted as companion pieces. The box set is set to be launched by Warner Records on December 18, and it is now available for pre-order here. Mac's family 'grateful' for the fans, followers Miller's family expressed their gratitude to the rappers fans for supporting the small portion that Malcolm added to the music industry. They also remain "eternally grateful" for every kind word, every meaningful note exchanged, and every life affected by his art. The family's best expectation is that the core and compassion of Malcolm will continue to be felt far and large. "We are proud to present the Swimming In Circles box set: a presentation of the two albums Malcolm always saw as a fully-realized, dual body of work," the rapper's family said in a statement. "It includes the music, as well as images of Malcolm taken all over the world by those closest to him as he recorded the albums-memories of him we will forever hold dearly." Never-before-seen video Aside from unveiling the vinyl box package, the late artist's family released never-before-seen rapper's filming videos in Hawaii in 2017. At approximately four minutes, the visual clocks come in. Mac Miller found him loving his time in Oahu while he makes music and enjoys fun with friends. A reported phone call hears Miller talk about his posthumous project to an anonymous entity. He is heard saying on the phone at one point that there is "no point in locking yourself" anymore. "The world--there's too much s--- to see," Miller added. "The working title right now is Circles but I don't know, it just kind of feels good, kind of comforting in this weird way." See the behind-the-scenes of Swimming in Circles video below. Location of the footage His estate also posted a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the recording phase for the recordings in Hawaii to coincide with releasing the latest box set. Mac Miller clarified in his 2018 interview with Craig Jenkins for Variety that two of the songs on Swimming were recorded in Hawaii, while he recorded some of it in Chile. The rapper told Jenkins they recorded 'Hurt Feelings' in Hawaii, and made 'Wings' in Chile. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mariette Le Roux/Jurgen Hecker (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France Tue, October 6, 2020 19:04 473 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c497ab5a 2 Food France,Paris,COVID-19,coronavirus Free Bars and cafes in Paris and its nearest suburbs, placed on maximum coronavirus alert Monday, will be shuttered for two weeks under new measures to slow the rapid spread of COVID-19 cases, officials said. With the rate of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths accelerating months after the lifting of a nationwide lockdown, new rules to enforce social distancing will come into force on Tuesday. "These are braking measures because the epidemic is moving too fast," Paris police chief Didier Lallement told journalists. France reported nearly 17,000 new coronavirus cases on Saturday alone, the highest daily number since the country began widespread testing. For Paris, the number was about 3,500 new cases every day -- with a high of nearly 6,000 recorded last Monday, said Aurelien Rousseau, director of the ARS regional health agency. France on Monday reported 5,084 new daily cases, though those figures are typically lower at the start of the week. Read also: Restaurants to stay open, but Paris goes on maximum virus alert 'Sad, and unfair' Bars in Paris have continued to draw large crowds of people, often flouting physical distancing and mask-wearing guidelines. But some in the industry said they felt unfairly singled out. "We're really the guardians of good behavior, we keep an eye on our clients," said Remi, who runs the morning shift in a cafe and restaurant in central Paris. "Everything is clean, everybody wears masks. When people entertain at home that's when they become irresponsible," he told AFP, declining to give his last name. Liam Porisse, co-owner of Corcoran's, a spacious Irish pub, said revenue had already dropped 70 percent compared with pre-virus business, and his venue was losing more than 2,000 euros ($2,350) each day. "Closing down is a bit of a relief, really," he told AFP, as he poured "a last drink" before shuttering the pub. "It's cheaper than staying open." Rousseau said there were 203 active coronavirus "clusters" in the greater Paris region. He urged inhabitants of Paris and its suburbs, which jointly form the Ile-de-France region and are home to nearly seven million people, to go back to working from home as much as possible. Read also: Bang your pots: Top French chef calls for COVID protest 'It's not going to work' Restaurants, however, can continue to operate provided they meet stricter new conditions, Lallement said. These will include making sanitizing hand gel available at each dining table, limiting patrons to six at a table with at least a meter between seats, and allowing patrons to remove their masks only for eating. "We must continually find a balance between the health of our fellow citizens and the reality and necessity of economic and social life," Lallement said. For smaller restaurants the new rules sound like a death knell, said Michel, who owns a tiny eatery that also operates as a cafe and a bar -- depending on the time of day -- and as a tobacconist. The enforced distancing "is not going to work for small restaurants. They won't be able to fit enough people in," he told AFP. "Everybody is going have to crunch numbers: Is it worth staying open or not?" "I think I'm going to shut it all, except for the tobacco sales, until further notice," he said. Rousseau said 36 percent of intensive care hospital beds in Ile-de-France were now taken up by coronavirus patients -- a ratio expected to rise to 50 percent in the coming weeks. "The pressure is strong," he said. "The point is to brake this progression." Lallement said pools and gyms in Paris would remain off-limits except for school activities; public gatherings would be limited to 10 people, and there would be a ceiling of 1,000 people on open-air stadiums for sporting or cultural events. Visits to people in old-age homes may continue but only by appointment and limited to two visitors at a time. Alcohol sales after 10:00 pm will remain prohibited, as will weddings and other parties in reception halls. By Associated Press DUBAI: The new emir of Kuwait, who ascended the throne following the death of his half-brother last week, has asked the Cabinet to continue performing its duties despite the prime minister's offer to resign, the state-run news agency reported Tuesday. The prime minister of the tiny oil-rich Gulf country and his Cabinet made the offer in a nod to the new emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, giving him the chance to appoint a replacement as custom dictates. But Sheikh Nawaf "affirmed his great confidence" in the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, according to Kuwait's state-run news agency, KUNA. He asked the same government to "continue carrying out its tasks" ahead of parliamentary elections tentatively set for late November. The move may signal Sheikh Nawaf's desire to follow the political path charted by his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, and also allows Kuwait to avoid the difficulties of forming a new government ahead of elections, when the Cabinet will have to dissolve itself anyway. ALSO READ | Big shoes to fill: Kuwait's new emir faces tough challenges Despite Sheikh Nawaf's high praise for the current Cabinet, 10 lawmakers last month submitted a no-confidence motion against Kuwait's deputy prime minister and interior minister amid growing dissatisfaction over the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and budgetary problems. Kuwait's treasury is running out of cash, prompting a major credit agency last month to downgrade the wealthy country for the first time in its history. As crown prince, Sheikh Nawaf was not known for making any major policy decisions, and at age 83, his greatest impact may be in his choice of a successor. Following the death of Sheikh Sabah, who commanded great respect in the region as a seasoned diplomat, speculation has mounted over the next crown prince, especially as top contenders in the past have feuded over corruption allegations. Kuwait stands out among other monarchies in the Persian Gulf for its empowered parliament, which can reject the emir's pick. 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. Russian scientists say pollution has caused a mass die-off of marine life off the shoreline of the Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, with poisonous substances stored in a Soviet-era underground site suspected of being behind the disaster. A team of divers found a "mass death" of sea life at a depth of 10 to 15 meters in Avacha Bay, Ivan Usatov of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve said on October 6, adding that "95 percent are dead." "Some large fish, prawns, and crabs are left, but only a very small number," Usatov said during a meeting with Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov. In late September, locals reported that surfers experienced eye and skin irritation following contact with the water and posted videos showing dead seals, fish, and other marine creatures littering at least three beaches on the Avacha Bay. WWF Russia said on October 6 that the pollutant appeared not to be oil, but a "highly toxic transparent substance that is highly soluble in water." Scientists and investigators are working to detect the source of the pollution, with a focus on potential manmade causes. Solodov said that experts took samples from a nearby site opened at the end of the 1970s to store chemicals in the ground. "The most obvious answer where the source of the pollution could be is the Kozelsky poisonous chemical site," according to the governor, who said inspectors had found sections of barbed wire cut away and damage to a protective covering. According to Greenpeace Russia campaign director Ivan Blokov, the unguarded site "just by official accounts contains around 108 tons of pesticides and poisonous chemicals." The conservancy group has sent his own team to the scene to monitor the situation. With reporting by AFP and Meduza MEXICO CITY, Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Volaris* (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR), the ultra-low-cost airline serving Mexico, the United States and Central America, reports September 2020 preliminary traffic results. Volaris is well positioned for a continuing traffic recovery and is regaining capacity at a fast pace, due to its strong ultra-low-cost business model focused on the VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) and leisure segments in the domestic and US-transborder markets. Volaris also continues to see success from its efforts to convert first time flyers through its bus switching marketing campaigns in Mexico. In September 2020, capacity measured by ASMs (Available Seat Miles) was 84.2% compared to the same month of last year. Demand measured by RPMs (Revenue Passenger Miles) was 75.6% of last year. This represents an increase of 2.4% versus August 2020. Volaris transported a total of 1.3 million passengers during September 2020, an increase of 4.1% versus August 2020. Booked load factor for September 2020 was 74.4%, an increase of 1.8 pp versus August 2020. No shows were back to normal levels. Volaris' President and Chief Executive Officer, Enrique Beltranena, commenting on the traffic results for September 2020, said: "Our ULCC model has shown it is resilient in this crisis and supports our unique ramp-up of capacity. Our top priority continues to be cash preservation and we will manage capacity with a focus on revenue generation and operating margins. Volaris has carried more than 4.5 million passengers following its successful Biosafety Protocol implementation in April 2020. Volaris was awarded Mexico City's Secretary of Tourism safe travel seal." For October 2020, Volaris plans to operate approximately 85% of capacity, as measured by ASMs, versus the originally published schedule. The following table summarizes Volaris traffic results for the month and year to date. September 2020 August 2020 Variance September 2019 Variance September YTD 2020 September YTD 2019 Variance RPMs (in millions, scheduled & charter) Domestic 973 942 3.3% 1,214 (19.8%) 7,307 10,983 (33.5%) International 282 283 (0.4%) 446 (36.8%) 2,493 4,528 (44.9%) Total 1,255 1,226 2.4% 1,659 (24.4%) 9,800 15,511 (36.8%) ASMs (in millions, scheduled & charter) Domestic 1,278 1,280 (0.2%) 1,402 (8.8%) 9,140 12,549 (27.2%) International 408 409 (0.2%) 599 (31.9%) 3,156 5,650 (44.2%) Total 1,686 1,690 (0.3%) 2,001 (15.8%) 12,295 18,199 (32.4%) Load Factor (in %, scheduled, RPMs/ASMs) Domestic 76.1% 73.6% 2.5 pp 86.6% (10.4) pp 79.9% 87.5% (7.6) pp International 69.1% 69.2% (0.1) pp 74.4% (5.3) pp 79.0% 80.2% (1.2) pp Total 74.4% 72.6% 1.8 pp 82.9% (8.5) pp 79.7% 85.3% (5.6) pp Passengers (in thousands, scheduled & charter) Domestic 1,074 1,025 4.8% 1,436 (25.2%) 8,159 13,068 (37.6%) International 187 187 0.2% 312 (39.9%) 1,693 3,169 (46.6%) Total 1,261 1,212 4.1% 1,748 (27.8%) 9,852 16,237 (39.3%) The information included in this report has not been audited and it does not provide information on the company's future performance. Volaris' future performance depends on many factors and it cannot be inferred that any period's performance or its comparison year over year will be an indicator of a similar performance in the future. About Volaris: *("Volaris" or the "Company") (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR), is an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), with point-to-point operations, serving Mexico, the United States and Central America. Volaris offers low base fares to build its market, providing quality service and extensive customer choice. Since beginning operations in March 2006, Volaris has increased its routes from five to more than 142 and its fleet from four to 84 aircraft. Volaris offers more than 311 daily flight segments on routes that connect 44 cities in Mexico and 20 cities in the United States with one of the youngest fleet in The Americas. Volaris targets passengers who are visiting friends and relatives, cost-conscious business and leisure travelers in Mexico and in selected destinations in the United States and Central America. Volaris has received the ESR Award for Social Corporate Responsibility for eleven consecutive years. For more information, please visit: www.volaris.com. Investor Relations contact: Maria Elena Rodriguez & Andrea Gonzalez/ Investor Relations / [email protected] / +52 55 5261 6444 Media contact: Gabriela Fernandez / [email protected] / +52 55 5246 0100 SOURCE Volaris The Rochester Diocese, which has been in Chapter 11 proceedings since September 2019, received more than 500 claims before an August deadline. The Buffalo Diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Feb. 28, with officials saying it was necessary to keep the diocese intact while also addressing the sex abuse cases equitably. If cases go to trial, the diocese could face even more legal fees than the $4 million per year it anticipates paying in bankruptcy. It is my strong belief that the Diocese has exhausted its ability to cut administrative costs any further, Mendolera said. To fund operations going forward, the diocese must further scale back support of ministries at the expense of the faithful and of poor and underserved communities in Western New York or spend down unrestricted assets that might otherwise be available to a victim fund as part of a Chapter 11 plan, he said. To preserve its ability to carry out its mission, and to preserve as many assets as possible for the benefit of abuse victims, it is imperative that the diocese avoid unnecessary litigation expenses and emerge from Chapter 11 as expeditiously as possible, said Mendolera. A detective with San Antonio Police Department was suspended for 12 days after officials say he used his city-owned phone four times to spy on a woman with whom he lived, according to disciplinary records released Tuesday. John D. Gerst, a detective with the Vice Unit, which investigates prostitution, gambling, pornography and violations of alcohol ordinances, used the phone to record audio of the woman on four days in mid-March, the records state. Police officials learned about the recordings after the woman filed a complaint against Gerst with the SAPDs Internal Affairs Unit, which investigates allegations of officer misconduct. Investigators conducted a forensic examination of Gersts city-owned phone. They discovered that Gerst, who has been with the department for 18 years, had recorded audio of the woman by placing his phone inside their home and inside the vehicle she drove. On ExpressNews.com: Fired S.A. police officer faces fourth allegation of family violence after girlfriend, also a police officer, is observed with bruising, bite marks Officials said the recordings were not related to his assigned duties within the Vice Unit. Police Chief William McManus issued the suspension Aug. 26. Separately, a patrol officer who works at the Central Substation received a three-day suspension in August after officials say he allowed a suspect wanted on an active felony warrant to escape. Officer Raul Tijerina Jr. was handcuffing a man wanted on a felony arrest warrant March 17 when the man escaped, the records state. Tijerina, an eight-year veteran of the force, agreed to the suspension. The records do not state if or when the suspect was found. Tijerina and Gerst were two of four officers who were formally disciplined in August. The other two officers were suspended for minor administrative infractions. There are about 2,300 officers on the force. Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Emilie, become a subscriber. eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton The restaurant industry has never been for the faint of heart, what with the razor-thin profit margins and continuous churn of employees. Combine that with the economic devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and, well, its no surprise that tens of thousands of eateries across the country have shuttered permanently over the last seven months alone. However, Miso Robotics (makers of Flippy, the burger-flipping robot chef) argue that the path back to financial stability for Americas restaurants will require an autonomous revolution. Buck Jordan, founder and CEO of Miso Robotics, points out to Engadget that the switch from full-service dining to exclusively take out and delivery has many restaurants operating a loss and just trying to hang on, especially when delivery apps like UberEats and DoorDash take upwards of a 30 percent cut out of each order. You can see why closing up shop is really the only option for many once your revenue is coming from delivery orders, he continued. There's just so much pressure on the bottom line. Thats why the company announced on Tuesday that it is making the latest iteration of Flippy available commercially across the globe. But this isnt the Flippy that we saw at White Castle in July. This one is smarter, more capable and armored against airborne infection. To start, the company has streamlined its proprietary ChefUI software, to assist kitchen workers with operational interactions and workflow, according to a Tuesday blog post. With this system, food workers will be able to see not only which orders are queued up for cooking but, thanks to the integration of Intel RealSense depth cameras, can also monitor the foods internal temperature, guard against undercooked foods from making it out the kitchen, and even adjust the queue to ensure that everything in an order finishes cooking at the same time. flippy monitor For example, Jordan notes, it only takes about 3 minutes for fries to cook, compared to the 10 minutes for a burger so rather than have the fries sit under a heat lamp for the 7 intervening minutes before the burger is done, Flippy is smart enough to know to only put the fries in their oil 3 minutes before the burger finishes cooking. Now if there were only a way to keep those fries piping hot during the 20 minutes it takes for the delivery driver to get them to you. Story continues To date, Flippy can cook 19 different items anything from corn dogs to chicken tenders but that number is sure to expand now that the robot is trainable, thanks to an upgraded machine learning system developed in-house by Miso. The company first gathers around 1000 shots of the dish in various states of doneness. One of the challenging things about food is that food changes states so this brown enough to change of shape, Jordan said. It's not uniform. The company then feeds those initial photographs into a computer. What it's doing is constantly permuting those pictures to create, like, 1 million pictures of chicken nuggets and then uses that to train the algorithm to identify things with four nines accuracy. All of these permutations are done in order to ensure the system understands what its looking at under any available lighting conditions. And to help at least partially mitigate the dangers of contracting Covid while sweating over a hot griddle shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the line cooks, Flippy can be outfitted with a glass partition shield to help keep the human staffs exhalations separate from the food prep. Whats more, Flippy has obtained its NSF safety certification to ensure that you know [what the robots] materials are made out of, you know they won't cause harm when cooking something and certainly we don't want that any parts falling in the oil, Jordan remarked. Interested investors and restauranteurs can head over to invest.misorobotics.com for more information on pricing and availability. HATHRAS: Amid outrage over the alleged gang-rape and the death of a 19-year-old woman in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh police lodged an FIR against 200 people who held Panchayats in support of the accused party. According to reports, the police charged 200 people for violating the Epidemic Act as well as Section 144, which was imposed by the authorities in Hathras. The panchayat was held at the behest of a former BJP MLA, the report stated. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate may soon register a money laundering case to probe if dubious funds were used for allegedly fuelling caste-based protests on Hathras gang-rape. ED Joint Director (Lucknow zone) Rajeshwar Singh told PTI that the central probe agency is examining a Hathras police FIR linked to charges filed against a website created on an online platform, http://carrd.Co. A link, 'justice for Hathras victim', was uploaded on the platform and it is under probe for alleged dubious activities, official sources said. They said the ED may file a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The law empowers the agency to confiscate tainted funds collected for any alleged illegal activity through an online platform. Those involved can be arrested and prosecuted under the PMLA, they added. The Hathras police FIR has been filed under Section 153A (promoting enmity between groups) of the Indian Penal Code. This is a scheduled offence on which PMLA sections can be applied, the sources said. The agency, the sources said, will also examine the "ultimate beneficiaries" of the money collected by this web portal and the service provider (telecom company) can be asked to share the IP address or addresses from where the webpage was launched. The ED, they said, will also seek technical help from the Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) for analysing traffic on the website and to obtain email ids and phone numbers used to buy the domain name and hosting a topic related to the alleged gang-rape and death of the Dalit woman in Hathras. According to the Uttar Pradesh police, the facts and statements of the state government related to the Hathras incident were being forged, manipulated and circulated on social media. Some accused are circulating material that could trigger caste-based conflict and these are serious offences considering the current situation in the region, a UP police officer said. Firefighters in the western United States have a new force on their side: Baby Yoda. A 5-year-old boy from Oregon and his grandmother gave a Baby Yoda figurine to a donation center for firefighters on September 12. With it was a note that read, Here is a friend for you in case you get lonely. Since then, Baby Yoda has been to four wildfires in two states. The creature has flown in helicopters, tested peoples temperatures for signs of the disease COVID-19, and even used the Force to move a firefighting tool. A Facebook page called Baby Yoda fights fires has been documenting his trips and spreading smiles far and wide. More than 30,000 people and counting are following the page as he travels from crew to crew. It is unbelievable how one small action can create a wave of kindness, said Sasha Tinning. The 54-year-old Oregon woman saw the Baby Yoda while buying things to donate to the firefighters. Her grandson, Carver, was with her at the time. I turn around and this Baby Yoda is just looking right at me and he was so cute, Tinning told The Associated Press. She said to her grandson, Maybe we should take this to the firefighters. The boy agreed and said that the creature could be their friend. And I thought, Everyone needs a friend, especially now, Tinning said. She wrote a note to that effect to the firefighters and her grandson signed it. The note is still with Baby Yoda today, safely inside a small plastic bag on his back. Also on the note is the telephone number of Tyler Eubanks, the horse dentist organizing donations to the firefighters. She presented Baby Yoda to them and is now operating the Facebook page. As the firefighters take pictures of Baby Yodas travels, they send Eubanks the pictures so she can put them on Facebook. The pictures have brought smiles to a lot of locals. Jacki Wittman lives in Columbia City, Oregon. On the Facebook page, she recently wrote that she looks for new posts several times during a normal day. Diane Arzente also watches the page. She wrote, Baby Yoda and a little boy are spreading so much love and happiness all over ... Keep the force going! Tyler Eubanks cannot believe the reaction. She said she thinks our troubled times helped fuel Baby Yodas popularity. Theyre having fun and its taking stress out of a very dark situation. Wildfires in the western U.S. have burned millions of hectares, destroyed homes and killed people, including firefighters. Firefighters have the difficult job of walking through rural areas and forests, digging fire lines and working 16-hour days. And they are away from their families for weeks. For them, Baby Yoda is more than just a plaything. He has been lifting peoples spirits, said Sergeant Jaebyn Drake, a firefighter with the Oregon Air National Guard. He put an American flag on Baby Yodas head. A lot of people on my crew, I showed them the note and everything and they just loved it, Drake said. A few people even started to cry. It just really meant a lot to us and it was really emotional for a lot of people. Drake said it was extra special for him as a longtime Star Wars fan who also loves The Mandalorian television show. Baby Yoda first appeared on that program, and quickly became a big hit on the internet. TJ Ramos is an air tactical group supervisor with the Oregon Department of Forestry. He has taken selfie pictures with Baby Yoda in his helicopter. And he took Baby Yoda on a flight over Oregons Holiday Farm Fire on September 21. Ramos remembers when he got to announce to crews at the fires helicopter base that Baby Yoda had arrived. By then, the gifted figurine was famous among all the fire crews. You could immediately see everyone feel a little better. Some smiles came on some straight faces and it was a different day, Ramos said. He said it was just a lift to everyone and added almost a connection to home life. Baby Yoda is now so in-demand after his trips through Oregon and Colorado that fire crews from other states and Canada have asked that he join them. Im Alice Bryant. The Associated Press reported this story. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story figurine n. a small figure or model of a person or creature made of plastic, word or another material page n. one section of a Web site that is found at a single address cute adj. having a pleasing and usually youthful appearance bag n. a container made of thin that opens at the top and is used for holding or carrying things dentist n. a person whose job is to care for people's teeth post n. a message, photo or video on social media stress n. a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc. tactical adj. of, relating to, or used for a specific plan that is created to achieve a particular goal in war, politics, etc. A monster fire the likes of which has never been seen before in California has emerged out of the dystopian pall of wildfire and smoke that has blanketed the state. The August Complex wildfire, which started out as 37 different fires in Mendocino National Forest, surpassed 1 million acres Monday, by far the largest conflagration in recorded state history, and it is still burning. The ignominious milestone comes during a year that has already seen more flames than ever in the state. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, at least 31 people have been killed and choking smoke has darkened the skies from Eureka to San Diego. The fire, which was 54% contained as of Monday morning, is now burning in Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, Tehama, Glenn, Lake and Colusa counties. It has been whipped up over the last month by strong winds, relentless heat and dry vegetation. Strong winds are now threatening to push the fire north into the South Fork Trinity River drainage, prompting Trinity County officials to issue evacuation orders and warnings in several mountainous communities. How did the August fire get so big and why? The U.S. Forest Service provided the following timeline: The wildfire began when thunderstorms pounded the area between Aug. 18 and Aug. 20. The lightning ignited 37 different fires, many of which were contained quickly, but several of them merged to form larger wildfires. By Aug. 20, there were at least 20 fires, ranging in size from a tenth of an acre to 1,400 acres. Thats when the strong winds began. Gusts of up to 25 mph pushed the fires to the lower elevations, according to Cal Fire. The complex of fires, which included the Doe, Glade, Tatham, Hopkins and Hull fires, quickly grew to 65,030 acres. Now Playing: Wildfires are once again ravaging Northern California's Wine Country. The Glass Fire threatens communities in Sonoma and Napa counties, including Santa Rosa, that suffered destruction from blazes in 2017. Video: San Francisco Chronicle Firefighters focused on protecting the many homes, cabins, buildings, roads and other infrastructure around the Mendocino National Forest and the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness. On Aug. 31, Diana Jones, a volunteeer firefighter from Texas, was killed when the vehicle she was in crashed inside the lines of the Tatham fire. A second firefighter was treated for burns on the hand and arm after the accident. By Sept. 1, the fires had burned 242,941 acres, but triple-digit heat and northeast winds that day helped the fires spread through tinder-dry brush, dead trees and forest debris. Over the next few days, the various fires began to merge. By Sept. 4, the Hull, Doe, Tatham and Glade fires had merged and the complex had grown to 298,269 acres larger than the 2017 Thomas Fire in Southern California. Firefighters used back-burning techniques and dug fire lines to protect homes and contain the fire within a set perimeter. With the help of seven helicopters, 50 fire engines, 19 bulldozers and 26 water tenders, they managed to get the complex 23% contained. The Hopkins Fire by now had grown to more than 8,000 acres and was burning out of control in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness and Shasta Trinity National Forest. The hot temperatures continued through Labor Day and by Sept. 8, the August Complex had grown to 349,565 acres and was 24% contained. The wind shifted, though, with gusts of up to 40 mph. The intensity of the fire increased that week and evacuations were ordered in Glenn County and portions of Mendocino, Lake and Trinity counties. The fire has steadily grown as hot, dry conditions have continued and several more wildfires, including the Glass and Zogg fires, have since erupted, sending plumes of smoke across the state. On Sept. 10, it overtook the 2018 Mendocino Complex in acres burned as nearby wildfires consolidated into the complex. Firefighters on the northern and western sides of the complex this week reported low visibility as a result of the smoke. In the south zone, interior fuels continue to smolder throughout the fire area. Crown fires have been reported as flames have raced uphill in the Mendocino, Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers national forests. Flames have also been spotted north of Highway 36 and are expected to spread into the burn area left by the 1987 Plume Fire, where fire officials say heavy fuel could cause rapid fire spread. Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @pfimrite South Sudan, in collaboration with the UN Children Agency (UNICEF), on Monday launched a campaign aimed at ending rampant child marriages in the young East African country. The campaign, which was launched under the slogan some things are not fit for children, marriage is one of them, will see UNICEF highlight how child marriage can be damaging to girls education, development and ultimately their futures. The Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Ayaa Warille, said child marriage was a harmful social norm that needed to be addressed by all actors. This campaign, therefore, comes at just the right time when we need to protect the girls as never before. I call upon everyone in South Sudan to join hands in ending child marriage in our country, Mr Warille said in a statement issued in Juba. According to UNICEF, 52 per cent of all girls in South Sudan are married before 18 years of age, a cultural practice fuelled by debilitating poverty. South Sudan is one of the countries with deeply entrenched cultural practices and social norms linked to gender. We are sending a clear message that marriage is not for children. It harms children, especially girls and it must end now, Mohamed Ag Ayoya, UNICEF for South Sudan said. Mr Ayoya said low levels of education and lack of knowledge about the harm caused by early marriage further exacerbated the situation. UNICEF said it was working with the government to implement the National Strategic Action Plan (2017-2030) to end child marriage by 2030. About one out of three girls in South Sudan become pregnant before turning 15 years of age. (Xinhua/NAN) McLaren started as a racing company that had no interest in frills or flamboyant butterfly doors. Legend has it that company boss Ron Dennis and legendary technical director Gordon Murray were stuck in an airport waiting on a delayed flight in 1988, so they got talking about making a road car. And they agreed it would have to be superior to anything that ever had a license plate.The car would need to be super-light and powerful without using turbochargers, which could spoil the rawness of it all. BMW was tasked with producing a monster of an engine, the V12 6.1-liter that eventually produced over 600 horsepower. It ran hot, so the engine bay was lined with real gold.With this monster of an engine, the F1 could hit a top speed of 231 mph , making it the fastest vehicle in the world, not just at launch, but until Bugatti launched the Veyron. Carbon fiber also set the F1 apart from every other car that had ever been called "super." It was primarily racing technology and contributed to making the McLaren cost around $815,000. Because only 64 road cars were made, each one is incredibly valuable now, with some experts saying each unit is worth over $10 million.Expensive and irreplaceable, the McLaren F1 is not the kind of car you'd want to customize. But a lot can be done in the digital world, where pixels can be moved around in just the right way to transform a classic 1990s exotic into one that looks like it was made yesterday. Yes, we're talking about a modernization rendering, this time put together by YouTube artist TheSketchMonkey.The redesigned F1 takes a lot of inspiration from the other cars. The front end from the Speedtail seems ideal for this makeover, while the flowing lines around the side come from the 720S. Girls Basketball: Watertown drops home games to No. 4 Rapid City Stevens, No. 5 Rapid City Central Watertown High Schools girls basketball team lost to fifth-rated Class AA Rapid City Central 43-24 on Saturday and to fourth-rated Rapid City Stevens 50-29 on Friday in non-conference games played in the Civic Arena. Sports Reporter As a lifelong Pittsfield resident, Jake gravitates to the nearest field or park. He joined The Eagle as a paperboy in 2005 and worked his way up, becoming a full-time reporter in 2018. He's currently a sports reporter. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available A hard border in Northern Ireland would increase the terror threat and become a target for attacks, the government has been warned. After taking evidence from MI5 behind closed doors, parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) said it would not support the use of any hard border infrastructure and called for ministers to take the risk into account. A report published on Monday said the threat from dissident Republican groups in Northern Ireland was rated as severe, meaning further attacks are highly likely. The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism requires sustained pressure and resources must be maintained - this is more important now than ever, it added. Any border infrastructure resulting from Brexit will be both a target and a recruiting badge for dissident Republican groups, who have until now used the impasse in Stormont to justify their cause and bolster their numbers. The ISC said security infrastructure or customs checkpoints erected at the Irish border would immediately become attack targets and increase the risk of political violence or unrest in border areas. It said a hard border would also be symbolic for dissident Republican groups and become a recruiting tool to draw in young recruits. Brexit could also reignite the threat from Loyalist groups that have previously held a ceasefire, the report said. The committee referenced evidence taken from MI5 during its enquiry, but the text was redacted in the public version of the report. Brexit makes the 300 mile border between Northern Ireland and the Republic the only point where the UK and EU will meet on land. Under the Northern Ireland protocol negotiated last year, goods will not need to be checked when crossing the border because the country will continue to enforce the EUs customs rules. Negotiations have been aimed at preventing a hard border The protocol is due to come into force on 1 January, but there has been no agreement on how it will be implemented. If a plan is not jointly approved by the UK and EU by the end of the transition period, parts of the controversial Internal Market Bill will come into play. The proposed law, which breaks international obligations because parts of it violate the withdrawal agreement, gives ministers the right to overrule or ignore requirements for goods moving into Britain from Northern Ireland. Boris Johnson did not refer to border-related issues in a statement to parliament on the ISCs report, but he said the government would consider its findings in full and respond formally. Despite significant pressure from the police and security forces, demonstrated by the recent arrests targeting the New IRA, the terrorist threat they pose is enduring, the prime minister added. The lines are often blurred between those involved in terrorist activity, paramilitary activity, and organised crime. In one way or another, these groups exert control over and exploit those communities for their own criminal ends. The ISCs report named the New IRA as the most widespread and capable current dissident Republican group, and the most significant terror threat in Northern Ireland. Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An abandoned shop is seen in Mullan, Co Monaghan. The building was home to four families who left during the Troubles. The town was largely abandoned after the hard border was put in place during the conflict. Mullan has seen some regeneration in recent years, but faces an uncertain future with Brexit on the horizon Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A defaced Welcome to Northern Ireland sign stands on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Mervyn Johnson owns a garage in the border town of Pettigo, which straddles the counties of Donegal and Fermanagh. Ive been here since 1956, it was a bit of a problem for a few years. My premises has been blown up about six or seven times, we just kept building and starting again, Johnson said laughing. We just got used to it [the hard border] really but now that its gone, we wouldn't like it back again Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Farmer Gordon Crocketts Coshquin farm straddles both Derry/Londonderry in the North and Donegal in the Republic. At the minute there is no real problem, you can cross the border as free as you want. We could cross it six or eight times a day, said Crockett. If there was any sort of obstruction it would slow down our work every day Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures John Murphy flies the European flag outside his home near the border village of Forkhill, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Potter Brenda McGinn stands outside her Mullan, Co Monaghan, studio the former Jas Boylan shoe factory which was the main employer in the area until it shut down due to the Troubles. When I came back, this would have been somewhere you would have driven through and have been quite sad. It was a decrepit looking village, said McGinn, whose Busy Bee Ceramics is one of a handful of enterprises restoring life to the community. Now this is a revitalised, old hidden village Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Union Flag colours painted on kerbstones and bus-stops along the border village of Newbuildings, Co Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Grass reflected in Lattone Lough, which is split by the border between Cavan and Fermanagh, seen from near Ballinacor, Northern Ireland Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Donegalman David McClintock sits in the Border Cafe in the village of Muff, which straddles Donegal and Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An old Irish phone box stands alongside a bus stop in the border town of Glaslough, Co Monaghan Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Billboards are viewed from inside a disused customs hut in Carrickcarnon, Co Down, on the border with Co Louth in the Republic Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Seamus McQuaid takes packages that locals on the Irish side of the border have delivered to his business, McQuaid Auto-Parts, to save money on postal fees, near the Co Fermanagh village of Newtownbutler. I live in the south but the business is in the North, said McQaid. "I wholesale into the Republic of Ireland so if theres duty, Ill have to set up a company 200 yards up the road to sell to my customers. Ill have to bring the same product in through Dublin instead of Belfast Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A disused Great Northern Railway line and station that was for customs and excise on the border town of Glenfarne, Co Leitrim Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Alice Mullen, from Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, does her shopping at a former customs post on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh. Id be very worried if it was a hard border, I remember when people were divided. I would be very afraid of the threat to the peace process, it was a dreadful time to live through. Even to go to mass on a Sunday, youd have to go through checkpoints. It is terribly stressful, said Mullen. All those barricades and boundaries were pulled down. I see it as a huge big exercise of trust and I do believe everyone breathed a sigh of relief Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A bus stop and red post box stand in the border town of Jonesborough, Co Armagh Reuters Since its formation in 2012, it has been responsible for a number of high-profile murders and attacks, including the shooting of journalist Lyra McKee, Derry bombing and letter bomb campaign last year. The ISC said such groups were recruiting young people in traditionally Republican areas that had suffered from widespread poverty and unemployment. In these circumstances, dissident Republican groups may be able to offer young people a degree of status and purpose they feel they are lacking, the report added. It is clear that the threat from dissident Republican groups will continue to endure as long as they offer an appealing, or alternative, brand for new generations. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has spoken out for the first time since testing positive for COVID-19 and praised President Donald Trump for showing Americans that the US will overcome the coronavirus. During an interview on Fox News' Hannity, McEnany, who announced her positive test results on Monday, said that she's 'feeling great' and 'having no symptoms' of the virus. 'You know I'm very blessed to have a mild case or really just an asymptomatic case. You know my heart goes out to all those who have been really affected by this and all those who have lost their lives,' McEnany said. She then said she was 'pleased to see that our commander-in-chief is doing well'. Trump left the Walter Reed hospital earlier on Monday and returned to the White House after spending three nights at the medical center. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has spoken out for the first time since testing positive for COVID-19 and praised President Donald Trump for showing Americans that the US will overcome the coronavirus 'Watching him on that balcony just showing that we will overcome, America will overcome, just as he is overcoming this illness was a really nice moment for our country to see,' she told Sean Hannity. Her remarks come just a day after she briefed the press without wearing a face mask on Sunday even though one of her deputies had tested positive for the virus a few days earlier. Chad Gilmartin and Karoline Leavitt, both deputy press secretaries who report to McEnany, tested positive for COVID, according to CNN. Leavitt tested positive a few days ago and Gilmartin did within the last 24 hours, although the exact timing is unclear. Gilmartin is a cousin of McEnany's husband, Sean Gilmart. Both Gilmartin and Leavitt joined the press shop with McEnany. Gilmartin sits outside of McEnany spacious office in the upper part of the press shop where Leavitt sits in what's called 'lower press' - the office space right behind the podium in the White House press room. McEnany, 32, was at the White House on Friday and Sunday after Trump and senior adviser Hope Hicks, whom she'd had exposure to, tested positive for the virus. She wore a mask on Friday, when she stood on the South Lawn of the White House watching Trump board Marine One for his trip to Walter Reed Medical Center, and wore one she walked to media interviews on Sunday. She took it off, however, when she talked to the press on the White House driveway. But officials defended the press secretary, saying she is an 'essential' worker who was expected to be on the job and noted it can be hard to hear someone who is speaking outside with a mask on. Her remarks come just a day after she briefed the press without wearing a face mask on Sunday even though one of her deputies had tested positive for the virus a few days earlier. McEnany is seen on Sunday briefing the press McEnany is pictured Friday with her deputy Chad Gilmartin (to her right). Gilmartin and another deputy tested positive for COVID before McEnany White House deputy press secretary Karoline Leavitt tested positive for COVID a few days ago White House Director of Strategic Communications Alyssa Farah noted she, McEnany and other senior staff in the administration were deemed 'essential' by the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Homeland Security. 'One thing I want to clear up: Senior White House staff are deemed Essential Personnel by CDC & DHS. This means they are expected to continue to work - while taking precautions - until a medical recommendation otherwise is given,' she wrote on Twitter. Farah, 31, was also at the White House on Sunday, when she spoke with reporters without wearing a face mask. Several White House correspondents noted on Twitter that McEnany briefed the media without a mask on Sunday. White House deputy chief of staff and senior communications adviser Ben Williamson pushed back, noting McEnany only answered two questions and spoke to the media for less than a minute while staying socially distanced. 'For those asking about this: @PressSec briefly removed her mask at the mic to answer questions, was there for two questions and only 58 seconds (would not constitute sustained contact per the CDC), and was socially distanced from reporters in the area,' he wrote on Twitter. White House staff took to Twitter on Monday to defend McEnany McEnany wore a face mask on Sunday to walk to her interviews outside the White House but took it off to talk to reporters Deputy White House press secretary Brian Morgenstern noted it can be hard to hear someone speaking when they wear a mask. Well wear a mask when we cant socially distance. When youre outside and youre standing back from everyone it may be easier to hear if we dont wear one, he told Fox News on Monday in an interview from the South Lawn of the White House. He was not wearing a mask for the interview but told host Dana Perino he would put one on after he was finished speaking with her. He noted he wears a mask in the White House when he can't socially distance. But the logistics of the White House make socially distancing virtually impossible - a fact that has been noted time and again since the pandemic began. The hallways are cramped and small. Office space in the West Wing is at such a premium that staff assistants and junior staffers can share a desk. Senior staff usually have a spacious office but the lower tier staffers are packed in like sardines. McEnany has a spacious office as press secretary with Farah and Morgenstern in nice sized offices outside of hers. But crammed in a room outside their offices are four assistants. Meanwhile, other senior staff - who have been exposed to the president and/or Hicks at various points last week - have briefed reporters without wearing face coverings. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, 61, briefed reporters on the White House driveway on Friday, also not wearing a mask. He said it was because he tested negative that morning. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow, 73, also briefed reporters later that day, taking off his mask to do so, saying he, too, had been tested. White House senior staff are tested daily with the Abbott test, a rapid results test for the coronavirus that has an accuracy rate of 50 per cent to 80 per cent. McEnany announced Monday she has tested positive for the COVID virus, adding to the ranks of President Trump's senior staff who have contracted the disease. She had been tested repeatedly since Trump and Hicks tested positive. She said she has no symptoms but will begin the quarantine process. Deputy White House press secretary Brian Morgenstern wears a face mask to speak to reporters in the White House drive way on Monday Alyssa Farah, White House Director of Strategic Communications, speaks to members of the media outside the West Wing of the White House on Sunday without wearing a face covering White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows talks to members of the media outside the White House on Friday and said he didn't wear face mask because he tested negative for COVID White House chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow also briefed reporters outside the White House on Friday and took off his mask to do so, saying he'd been tested for COVID 'After testing negatively consistently, including every day since Thursday, I tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning while experiencing no symptoms,' she said in a statement posted to Twitter. 'As an essential worker, I have worked diligently to provide needed information to the American People at this time. With my recent positive test, I will begin the quarantine process and continue working on behalf of the American people,' she noted. Associated Press reporter Zeke Miller, the president of the White House Correspondents' Association, wished McEnany the best and noted there were no additional cases among White House reporters. Three tested positive last week. 'We wish Kayleigh, the president and everyone else struggling with the virus a swift recovery. As of this moment we are not aware of additional cases among White House journalists, though we know some are awaiting test results,' he said in a statement. 'We strongly encourage our members to continue following CDC guidance on mask-wearing and distancing especially when at the White House and urge journalists to seek testing if they were potentially exposed,' he added. White House reporters wear masks during McEnany's briefings and Trump's press conference even when she and the president did not. McEnany was also at last Saturday's announcement of Judge Amy Coney Barrett as President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, an event quickly becoming a ground zero for the White House after 15 people who were there tested positive for COVID. McEnany is the 13th. Leavitt and Gilmartin were also at that event. She note she does not believe she got the virus from a member of the media and reiterated she did not know about Hicks' positive test result when she held her press briefing at the White House on Thursday. 'No reporters, producers or members of the press are listed as close contacts by the White House Medical Unit. Moreover, I definitely had no knowledge of Hope Hicks diagnosis prior to holding a White House press briefing on Thursday,' she said. Argentina has the worlds highest rate of positive Covid-19 tests, according to Oxford-linked tracker Our World In Data, with nearly six out of 10 yielding an infection, a reflection of low testing levels and loose enforcement of lockdown rules. Argentina was set to hit 800,000 confirmed cases on Monday, with an seven-day rolling average of around 12,500 new daily infections. The country, which started strongly against the virus, passed 20,000 fatalities last week. Medical professionals said low-levels of testing and lax restrictions had propelled the high positive rate, that ... About 9:15 p.m., troopers were called to the inbound Dan Ryan Expressway at Garfield Boulevard in Englewood for a report of shots fired, according to an emailed statement from Trooper Elizabeth Clausing, a state police spokeswoman. A 22-year-old man had been shot at least once and he was being treated at an area hospital for injuries not considered life-threatening, she said. The trio will share the Nobel prize sum of 10 million Swedish kronor (about $1.1 million, 950,000 euros), with half going to Penrose and the other half jointly to Genzel and Ghez Roger Penrose of Britain, Reinhard Genzel of Germany and Andrea Ghez of the US won the Nobel Physics Prize on Tuesday for their research into what the Nobel committee called "one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe, the black hole." Penrose, 89, was honoured for showing "that the general theory of relativity leads to the formation of black holes", while Genzel, 68, and Ghez, 55, were jointly awarded for discovering "that an invisible and extremely heavy object governs the orbits of stars at the centre of our galaxy," the jury said. Ghez is just the fourth woman to receive the physics prize since 1901 when the first Nobel prizes were handed out. "I feel delighted to be recognized in that way because I think having visible role models can make a huge impact on young women thinking about becoming scientists," Ghez told AFP. The first woman to win the prize was Marie Curie in 1903, who was also the first person to receive two Nobel prizes when she won the 1911 chemistry prize. The term "black hole" refers to a point in space where matter is so compressed as to create a gravity field from which even light cannot escape. - Centre of our galaxy - For years physicists questioned whether black holes could really exist but Penrose, a professor at the University of Oxford, used mathematical modelling to prove back in 1965 that black holes can form. His calculations proved that black holes -- super dense objects formed when a heavy star collapses under the weight of its own gravity -- are a direct consequence of Einstein's general theory of relativity. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which crown the Nobel Prize winners in physics, chemistry and economics, said Penrose's 1965 article "is still regarded as the most important contribution to the general theory of relativity since Einstein." Penrose also worked closely with famed physicist Stephen Hawking, who died in 2018 aftar a long neurodegenerative illness, and some experts lamented that he was no longer around to share the credit. "It's a shame that Penrose and Hawking didn't get the Nobel before now," Luc Blanchet, from the Paris Institute of Astrophysics and director of the National Centre for Scientific Research, told AFP. Genzel and Ghez have led research since the early 1990s focusing on a region called Sagittarius A* at the centre of the Milky Way. Using the world's largest telescopes, they discovered an extremely heavy, invisible object -- around 4 million times greater than the mass of our Sun -- that pulls on surrounding stars, giving our galaxy its characteristic swirl. The pair in particular developed methods to see through the huge clouds of interstellar gas and dust to the centre of the Milky Way, creating new techniques to compensate for the image distortion caused by Earth's atmosphere. In April 2019, astronomers unveiled the first photo of a black hole. Martin Ward, a professor of astronomy at Durham University, called the work of the trio "a great example of theoretical insight and prediction followed by state-of-the-art observational evidence." "Using classical Newtonian mechanics the nearest super massive black hole at our galactic centre was revealed, and so 'darkness made visible'," Ward said in a statement. Genzel is a director at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany and a professor at the University of California, and Ghez is a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California. - 'Exotic objects' - While the existence of black holes is no longer in doubt, the Nobel Committee chair David Haviland also noted that they "still pose many questions that beg for answers and motivate further research." The sentiment was echoed when Ghez was asked if she understood what is happening inside a black hole. "We have no idea what's inside a black hole and that's what makes these things such exotic objects," Ghez told reporters in Stockholm via a telephone link. American astronomer Shep Doeleman, director of the Event Horizon Telescope project which produced the 2019 image, called the research "transformative" and told AFP that in the coming decade the first black hole movies were coming. "It is a golden age of black hole research with wonders yet to come," he said. The trio will share the Nobel prize sum of 10 million Swedish kronor (about $1.1 million, 950,000 euros), with half going to Penrose and the other half jointly to Genzel and Ghez. They would normally receive their prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf at a formal ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of scientist Alfred Nobel who created the prizes in his last will and testament. But the in-person ceremony has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, replaced with a televised ceremony showing the laureates receiving their awards in their home countries. Search Keywords: Short link: New global research shows that banks and financial services professionals are failing to get a grip on the 22 money laundering crimes outlined by the 6 th Anti-Money Laundering Directive As human trafficking rates rise, banks admit they struggle to spot the tell-tale signs in financial data A new global research report published today has revealed that financial institutions are struggling to detect money laundering crimes. The findings of the report, from BAE Systems' Applied Intelligence business, suggest that banks are unable to keep up with the 22 crimes defined by the EUs 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive, with human trafficking emerging as one of the most prevalent problems. The report is the combined study of two global pieces of research among 452 respondents working in compliance or risk management across the financial services sector and more than 6,000 consumers in six markets. Human trafficking: a very real threat in 2020 According to the UN, there are an estimated 25 million victims of trafficking worldwide, making this crime one of the most prevalent money laundering offences globally. The problem continues to rise with banks and other financial institutions struggling to spot and stop offences among their transactions. The most recent research from BAE Systems found over a third (36%) of financial services professionals aren't confident in spotting signs of human trafficking in their customers' transactions. A further 28% have stated that financial crimes leading to human trafficking already account for significant financial losses for them. And, looking at further recent data, the projected total cost to financial institutions to detect financial crime stands at $180.9 billion globally, $138.8 billion in Europe. Further to this, over a quarter (26%) of financial institutions admitted to having to report and investigate criminal financial activity linked to human trafficking and almost three-quarters (75%) aren't confident in their ability to identify human trafficking signs amongst transactions. Customers willing to leave banks that don't demonstrate a strong ethical stance Having a conscience is key to brand loyalty according to the consumer respondents surveyed. Three-quarters (75%) of customers would leave their bank or financial institution if they fail to demonstrate proactive approach to money laundering/ethical practices linked to money laundering. 84% of those surveyed globally believe that it is important for banks to demonstrate conscience through good ethical practices. When the financial institutions were questioned on this same topic, almost a half (43%) report money laundering to regulatory bodies as they understand customers want to know their bank is ethical. How many banks have an anti-money laundering strategy in place? With human trafficking representing such an enormous part of the overall money laundering challenge, more financial institutions need to consider a better anti-money laundering strategy moving forward. However, almost a fifth (19%) of the FI professionals surveyed globally currently still do not have a strategy in place to combat the most heinous money laundering crimes. There is also a very real and present danger that COVID-19 will get in the way and provide a major setback. Three in four (72%) responded that COVID-19 has impacted their approach to tracking and stopping money laundering and has dramatically impacted their ability to spend in the short term. 43% of banks and insurers also stated that they want and need better technology as part of their five-year strategy to combat money laundering. Peter Fisher, Financial Crimes Product Director at BAE Systems, commented: "Money laundering is a challenge that goes way beyond financial risk and corporate reputation. Yet it is also shrouded in opacity. At this moment, criminals are rushing to take advantage of every opportunity to exploit gaps in the global financial system. They look for vulnerabilities in the industry's defences whether that's environmental, jurisdictional, or technological and it is the role of the financial institutions compliance professional to close these gaps as much as possible." Other stats include: Top 10 money laundering offenses of most concern to financial services professionals Top 10 biggest financial impact on financial institutions Fraud Corruption Participation in organised crime Cybercrime Terrorism Illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs Tax crimes relating to direct and indirect taxes Trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling Insider trading and market manipulation Piracy Fraud Corruption Trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling Terrorism Participation in organised crime Illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs Illicit trafficking in stolen goods Sexual exploitation Piracy Counterfeiting of currency Top 10 money laundering concerns for financial services professionals The state of money laundering according to financial services professionals: Impact on image of industry Personal/professional reputational damage Innocent customers are being defrauded Financial cost to business Its impact on our own corporate reputation The human cost of the criminal activities Our difficulty to stop illegal transactions Inadvertent contribution to criminal activity Difficulty in identifying it Difficulty to prevent it happening 89% are concerned about money laundering 61% admit it's hard to uncover evidence of human trafficking through financial transactions 1-in-3 complain that too few suspicious activity reports result in justice Over 1/2 want to help protect society from financial crime One-in-five say they don't have an anti-money laundering strategy in place 43% agree they need better technology to help 44% intend to invest in more people 72% have had their AML approach impacted by COVID-19 The state of money laundering according to consumers Global comparisons Over 1/2 are aware of and concerned about money laundering 3-in-4 want FIs to be more transparent about money laundering 84% agree FIs should demonstrate conscience through good ethical practices 3/4 would leave for another provider if they suffered a series of illegal transactions 9 in 10 (90%) of FIs in Australia said that COVID-19 has impacted their anti-money laundering technology investments, against a global average of 72% 69% of FIs in the US said that they have had to investigate transactions linked to human trafficking, much higher than other reported markets A third (34%) of UK FIs stated a lack of anti-money laundering support from law enforcement To read the report please visit: www.baesystems.com/GlobalStateofAML Notes to editors To ensure a holistic view of the Anti-Money Laundering landscape, two surveys were conducted by Atomik Research to inform the research report. The research was conducted in six markets: UK, USA, France, Germany, Australia and Singapore. 1. Qualitative research amongst 452 financial professionals in key roles working in compliance or risk management across Financial, Business, Banking or Insurance industries. 2. Quantitative research amongst 6,035 consumer respondents aged 18 65+. About BAE Systems Applied Intelligence At BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, we help nations, governments and businesses around the world defend themselves against cybercrime, reduce their risk in the connected world, comply with regulation, and transform their operations. For further information about BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, please visit www.baesystems.com/ai. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005316/en/ Contacts: For further information and to look at the data in more detail, please contact: For Europe: Nick Haigh, BAE Systems M: +44 (0) 7525 3909782 E: nick.haigh@baesystems.com For North America: Brad Grantham, BAE Systems M: (919) 519-8528 brad.grantham2@baesystems.com Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Thelios expands its vision with the agile implementation of cutting-edge Centric Software technology CAMPBELL, Calif., October 6, 2020 Thelios, the eyewear expert of the worlds leading luxury group LVMH (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE), has successfully gone live with Centric Softwares Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions for fashion, retail, footwear, outdoor, luxury and consumer goods companies to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals. Thelios was founded in 2017 when LVMH entered the eyewear industry by joining forces with sector expert Marcolin. Thelios covers every stage of the eyewear production cycle designing, manufacturing and distributing sunglasses and optical frames for a number of high-profile LVMH Maisons including Celine, Loewe and Kenzo. Davide Priore, IT Director at Thelios, explains, "LVMHs prestigious luxury Maisons are known for their outstanding level of quality and our goal was to ensure those same standards for eyewear. Thelios was created to bring eyewear production in-house, rather than outsourcing, for complete control over the final product. At the very beginning, all the product information was stored in Excel spreadsheets; a time-consuming and not very efficient way of working. Today, Thelios handles 14 collections across seven brands a year. Thelios chose to start their PLM journey with Centric Software in March 2018 to centralize product information so different teams could refer to one source of truth for creating, managing and developing collections. "One of our biggest challenges is the sheer volume of information we have for each product, from the very beginning to the end of the product lifecycle. We faced a decision of either attempting to customize our ERP or finding an existing solution to streamline our end-to-end workflow, we found Centric Fashion PLM which is, without a doubt the best tool on the market in terms of usability and flexibility." An integration between our ERP and Centric PLM enables us to centralize all data and access it easily our teams no longer have to manually extract information, which is a huge plus. Customizing the ERP alone would not have allowed us to centralize data from ideation to product launch, as we have successfully achieved with Centric. Davide Priore states that one of the key benefits is the harmonization of calendars and timelines for all departments, from supply chain and product to technical teams as well as production and quality control. "The biggest advantage is that, as the master of all data and information, Centric Fashion PLM is incredibly easy to use. It's great to have one unique platform with a simple, easy to use interface and communication that's accessible for anyone, working anywhere, and at any time." Davide Priore was also impressed by the rapid implementation facilitated by Centrics Agile Deployment methodology. He comments that, the on-boarding was very simple, and we were even able to conduct training sessions remotely, which was especially crucial during the recent lockdown. "From one day to the next, we had to put quick win activities in place to enable our staff to continue working from home when confinement measures were imposed. Thankfully, Centric PLM was easily accessible even to those without any technical knowledge." "Our work with Centric is more than just a relationship between a vendor and customer, it's a true partnership and all ideas are up for discussion. Im really happy about this." Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software says, We are thrilled that the implementation of Centric PLM was so successful especially in the midst of the pandemic. We are look forward to continuing our partnership with Thelios as they continue to innovate and grow. Learn more about Centric Fashion PLM Request a Demo Thelios The name Thelios is the synthesis of the names of the Greek gods Theia, goddess of light and sight, and Helios, god of the sun. Born from the will of LVMH Group, world leader in luxury, to establish itself in the eyewear sector, Thelios designs, produces and distributes sunglasses and optical frames for some of its most prestigious Maisons: Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Fenty, Fred, Berluti and Rimowa. With its Manifattura, located in Longarone, Italy, Thelios blends the distinct identity of each Maison with Italian craftsmanship to create exceptional luxury eyewear. Thelios offers its own enlightened look on the sector, providing the highest level of quality and excellence both in its products and service. Centric Software (www.centricsoftware.com) From its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Centric Software provides a Digital Transformation Platform for the most prestigious names in fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor, consumer goods and home decor. Centrics flagship Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform, Centric 8, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, quality and collection management functionality tailored for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric SMB provides innovative PLM technology and key industry learnings for emerging brands. Centric Visual Innovation Platform (VIP) offers a new fully visual and digital experience for collaboration and decision-making and includes the Centric Buying Board to transform internal buying sessions and maximize retail value and the Centric Concept Board for driving creativity and evolving product concepts. All Centric innovations shorten time to market, boost product innovation and reduce costs. Centric Software is majority-owned by Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and PLM solutions. Centric Software has received multiple industry awards and recognition, including being named by Red Herring to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Centric also received various excellence awards from Frost & Sullivan in 2012, 2016 and 2018. Centric Software is a registered trademark of Centric Software Inc.. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Media Contacts: Centric Software Americas: Jennifer Forsythe, jforsythe@centricsoftware.com EMEA: Kristen Salaun-Batby, ksalaun-batby@centricsoftware.com APAC: Lily Dong, lily.dong@centricsoftware.com Boris Johnson with Ursula von der Leyen in January. The Prime Minister was urged to ring round EU leaders to roll the pitch for a trade deal. - AFP UK and EU negotiators are close to clinching a deal on social security rights for their citizens, it emerged on Tuesday before the two sides meet in London for crunch trade talks. Brussels accepted nine out of ten UK proposals to protect rights such as death grants and benefits for accidents at work in the ninth negotiating round in Brussels, two diplomatic sources said. The tenth proposal is that EU citizens to pay a surcharge over five years for healthcare access for family members but Brussels says Britain should reciprocate the open access it offers. There is still no breakthrough on the major obstacles of the level playing field guarantees,fishing rights and the enforcement and dispute resolution system for the future trading relationship The UK and EU have agreed to intensify talks in an effort to agree a trade deal by Mr Johnsons deadline of the October 15 EU summit. Boris Johnson needs to pick up the phone to European leaders if he is serious about salvaging a free trade deal with Brussels, EU diplomatic sources warned. Mr Johnson should be in regular contact with leaders such as Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron, diplomats in Brussels said. - Getty Images Europe Brussels is not planning to offer any concessions in the next eight days and is willing to let talks stretch into November. Negotiations could even drag into December or fail completely, unless Mr Johnson stopped being so detached and "absent", they said. Is he even interested? What does it say to the 27 leaders when an issue as important as this is only dealt with by David Frost [the UKs chief negotiator]?, said a senior EU diplomat. Its about time people higher up in the hierarchy start involving themselves if they want to achieve something. The diplomat said former prime minister Theresa May was always on the phone to fellow leaders such as Angela Merkel. UK sources said it was the EUs rule that Michel Barnier negotiated on behalf of the whole bloc. It was up to Brussels to ensure British positions were communicated to the capitals. Leaked EU documents said that there was no significant progress in the talks and the European Commission would shortly bring forward no-deal legislation. Story continues Governments have become so pessimistic that at least one member state has already begun war-gaming post no-deal Brexit negotiations. The senior EU diplomat warned that substantial movement was needed on the level playing field and the governance structure enforcing the new trading relationship. A deal on fishing would be less difficult, the diplomat said It was possible that the UK-EU trade deal would only be agreed after the economic shock of no deal on January 1 concentrated minds, the diplomat warned. The Prime Minister's spokesman admitted there was a "significant" amount of work to do in the talks, which close on Friday before resuming in Brussels next week. By Marc Jones LONDON (Reuters) - The COVID-19 shock will double company default rates across the United States and Europe over the next 9 months, ratings agency S&P Global said on Tuesday, although it noted that the record downgrade pace of recent months was now slowing. S&P predicted U.S. corporate default rates would rise to 12.5% from 6.2% and saw Europe's rate going to 8.5% from 3.8%. This year's crisis has already seen more than 2,000 companies' or countries' ratings or 'outlook' scores cut and nearly $400 billion worth of debt drop into ... Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Roger Montoya, a Democratic Party candidate for an open seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives who last year was recognized as a CNN Hero, acknowledged on social media that he appeared in pornographic films in the 1980s. Montoya on Monday posted a statement on his campaign Facebook page saying that while a struggling college student in Los Angeles, he appeared in two adult films during what he said was a very different environment and time. I am not proud of that choice, as I was young and naive, but those experiences helped me to understand the exploitation young people face, said Montoya, a community organizer who heads Moving Arts Espanola, a youth development center. Montoya, 59, of Velarde, was celebrated as one of 10 CNN Heroes in 2019 for his work with youths in an area hard hit by the opioid crisis. He is running against Republican Justin Salazar-Torrez, an Espanola city councilor, for the House seat in District 40 being vacated by Joseph Sanchez, D-Alcalde. The Pinon Post, a conservative news organization, posted a story last week saying a prominent investigative firm it did not name concluded that Montoya was the same actor who appeared in multiple films under the name of Joe Savage or Eric Martinez. Steve Pearce, chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, said in a statement Monday afternoon that Montoya is unfit to hold public office. This irresponsible and reckless behavior of starring in gay porno films, whether it takes place now or years ago, is unbecoming of any candidate or elected official, he said. If youre a public servant, you must be held to the highest standards. Montoya said in his statement that when he decided to run for office, he knew that the Republican Party and its allies would do whatever they could to discredit him. If the Republican Party chooses to focus on something I did nearly four decades ago rather than how hard I will work to bring back our devastated economy, provide health care, create new jobs and industries, to improve our public schools, to fix our crumbling infrastructure and to protect our land, acequias and our way of life, that is their choice, he said. I trust the voters to make a better choice, because we have so much at stake this November. Montoya, an artist and dancer, said he was committed to telling the truth and regretted the choices he made when he was a 22-year-old. Those experiences do not reflect who I am, and they are insignificant in the scope of my lifes work, yet they helped inspire my dedication to my community and the work I do to make sure that youth have opportunities, support and confidence, he said. Hundreds of Kilmore residents have come forward for COVID-19 testing as the government trials a new tactic of asking "third ring" contacts to isolate, in an attempt to contain outbreaks before they spread. The town has two active cases of coronavirus after a visiting Melbourne resident connected to The Butcher Club-Chadstone outbreak went to the Oddfellows Cafe there. The Chadstone outbreak has grown to 31 cases, with linked cases stretching from regional Victoria to Frankston. The trial comes as the manager of The Butcher Club was rushed to intensive care with COVID-19 after his condition deteriorated on Tuesday. Peter Robinson, co-owner of the business, said the manager, aged in his early 50s, was receiving oxygen and was expected to be in the ICU for the next two days. Five of the business' nine staff had tested positive to the virus, although two were asymptomatic. Small and independent restaurants in the U.S. face a challenging road ahead, even if Congress approves additional financial support during the coronavirus pandemic, restaurateur and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson told CNBC on Tuesday. Samuelsson, co-founder of Red Rooster in New York City's Harlem neighborhood, specifically referenced the so-called RESTAURANTS Act from Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore. The legislation would provide $120 billion targeted toward independent restaurants in the U.S., offering grants to put toward payroll and other operating costs. Samuelsson, born in Ethiopia and later adopted by a family in Sweden, was the guest chef for the Obama Administration's first state dinner. Also known as a judge on Food Network's "Chopped," he's behind several other restaurants in addition to the Red Rooster in Harlem. "If we don't get this bill passed, I don't know what's going to happen to independent restaurants, and our neighborhoods and our communities will look very, very different," Samuelsson said on "Squawk Box." "Even with this, it's going to take an incredible task to build the restaurant industry back." The $120 billion relief bill passed the House last Thursday as part of the larger $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus legislation. The Democratic-led bill is not expected to be taken up in the Republican-controlled Senate. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are currently trying to negotiate a bipartisan relief package to lend support to the U.S. economy, which has been devastated by the Covid-19 crisis. It is unclear whether the so-called RESTAURANTS Act or something similar that specifically targets small dining establishments would make it into a bipartisan deal reached by Pelosi and Mnuchin, who is leading the talks for the Trump administration. However, a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program is believed to be a key pillar of any future coronavirus relief legislation. "It's not so much about getting this bill passed in terms of, 'we want another loan.' We just want to go back to work. That's all we want to do," said Samuelsson. One measure of success in politics is the degree enemies imitate you, even if done insincerely and without flattery. Insincere imitation has become the preserve of a whole panoply of Donald Trumps critics stretching from the money, corporate side of the Democrats to the sandalled warriors who believe in environmental eschatology. Most importantly for Joe Biden and fellow travellers of the Donkey Party, they remain incapable and uninterested in identifying and confronting their devastating loss in 2016. There is only one program in the works, the mission that matters: removal and elimination. Get Trump out, and all will heal. This makes political conversation insensible and torturously imbecilic. Trumps wand waving has had such an impact on his opponents that they mimic, unconsciously, his own tropes. They ape and bark to his beat. They speak of conspiracy, exclaim and splutter about fakery. They talk of the improbability of reality. Trump, for instance, could not have actually contracted the novel coronavirus. Since October 2, Trump become the subject of eager medical experimentation. He has received an intravenous dose of the dual antibody REGN-COV2, a drug yet to satisfy all stages of approval. The combination features a B cell from a human who had recovered from a SARS-CoV-2 infection and yet another one of those heroic mice whose immune system was engineered to resemble the human immune system. Experiments in both golden hamsters and rhesus macaques that were intentionally infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed the cocktail could reduce viral levels and disease pathology, writes Jan Cohen in Science. Speculation (can it be anything else?) abounds as to whether Trump was also taking, as one of his physicians claims, zinc, vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and daily aspirin. Much of this is of less interest to Trump sceptics than the fact that it is even taking place. They share, with mild discomfort, similar ground to the QAnon group, who impute to Trump a strategy to outwit the Democrats, who they claim operate a global human trafficking empire. While QAnon insist that Trump is playing the Democrats in pretending to have COVID-19, some liberals have also taken of the same sauce. Jon Ehrens, a producer for WHYY radio in Philadelphia, claimed that 90% of listener emails/comments are very insistent that the diagnosis is a lie. Common conspiracy theories included finding an excuse for why he will lose the election to proving that the coronavirus is no big deal. The presidents illness, when announced on October 2, did not merely issue an open invitation to conspiracy; it unleashed a tsunami of gloating enthusiasts. There were curses to enchant the polyglots. There were homicidal fantasies skipping along social media platforms. Within hours of the announcement, Merriam-Webster noted that searches for that supremely useful word schadenfreude had risen by 30,500 percent. Yolanda Pierce, dean of Howard Universitys divinity school, refused to perform false politeness in the presence of evil. A good portion of the media stable long mocked by Trump for being the great news counterfeiters were themselves incapable of believing the president. They had become the ideologues of disbelief, the mirrors of the fake. The sad truth is that we really cant trust at face value what comes out of the White House on this, political reporter Jonathan Karl explained on the ABCs The View. Reporters have to ask the questions and would accordingly verify the information. (Good of Karl to state what should be the reporters natural mission.) But theres been so much misinformation that has gone out about the virus, about the pandemic, about things like voter suppression its really hard to know what to believe. As for the general issue of verisimilitude, pity the doctors, as well, charged with such a mission as conveying a message both medically sound yet politically sanitised. Historically, such White House physicians are paid to diagnose the leader patient. The job prescription also entails a bit of mendacity, if required, prompting the rather cynical observation by Aaron Seth Kesselheim, professor of medicine at Harvard, that care for the US president has been marked, at stages, by incompetence, secrecy and downright deception. Author and Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins is even resigned on this score. Doctors have never known how to handle sick leaders. Trumps situation, he is reminded, is much like that of the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who also contracted the virus in March. The doctors initially claimed he was just fine and cheerful. When this proved untrue he was said to be dying. Bulletins merged into bullshit. Nothing was believed. Johnson had to bitterly protest his health only this weekend. In lowering the tone of what was already the bankrupt political conversation of the republic, Trump also lowered the bar of believability. There is no higher plateau of political grace to seek. Everyones in for a mauling. We are in the gutter, and we are going to stay there, eyes averted, from the stars. And the truth. Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: [email protected] Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: To project his strong image globally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is killing all institutions in the country alleged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday. On the third and final day of his 'Kheti Bachao Yatra' in Patiala, Rahul Gandhi said that the BJP had taken over all institutions leading to poor decisions and the Chinese intrusion. "In India, the entire framework has been controlled and captured by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, the entire architecture designed for giving voice to the people has been captured. Give me a free press and free institutions and this (Narendra Modi) government won't last long," he said. He said, "The Modi government has taken control of all the key institutions, and it has done so not democratically but forcibly. The BJP government has captured the soul of the country, which is what the Congress is fighting, this fight will become more and more aggressive, going forward." Terming the control of institutions by the government a big problem, Rahul said that no other country in the world today is faced with a situation where even the media does not question the government when its land has been seized by another nation. Modi, he said, is not interested in Indias people but is only concerned about protecting and promoting his image, which would have got dented had he admitted to Chinas incursion. The media, by helping promote his image, is also to blame, said Rahul, adding that Modi was comfortable in the knowledge that the press would project his one-sided statements. Why dont you question him at press conferences, he asked the media. Rahul said that while the government may have captured the institutions, the fact is they cannot control the farmers, the youth and the small traders, whose interests they are destroying. "I work among these people, who are the hardest hit by Modis policies. I am a patient person, and will wait till the people of India see the truth," he added. Rahul said he was committed to fighting against the Modi governments attack on farmers, just as they had earlier targeted SMEs and small traders with demonetisation and GST. "I will fight them and stop them. If MSP goes, Punjab, Haryana, and other agricultural states like UP and Rajasthan will have no future left, he said. In response to a question on Modi & Co. making fun of his protests in Punjab and Haryana, Rahul shrugged it off, pointing out they had done that in February too, when he had first warned about COVID-19. But the truth is there for all to see now, he said, adding that six months on, everyone will know the truth of what he is saying now on the farm laws too. Taking a dig at Modis earlier statement that India will win the war against Covid in 22 days, the Congress MP said, You can see for yourself who talks more sense - Modi or me. You (media) can decide who is joking, said Rahul. Rahul said the farm laws will end up destroying MSP and PDS for the poor too. The danger is real and cannot be negated just because Modi & Co. are making fun of me, he remarked. He slammed the NDA government for destroying key systems such as SMEs and small businesses, which were the backbone of the nation and were generating employment for lakhs of youth, on directives of big corporate houses. The trio of Modi, Ambani and Adani has ruined the structure of employment by destroying SMEs, now they are destroying the foundations of agriculture, and soon the people of India will be left with no jobs, nor food, and no future, he said. Calling the existing food security system a fortress for the farmers, Rahul said it had needed improvement and reforms, which is what the Congress manifesto had also promised. He cited key promises of development of the agricultural system through farmer markets, mandis every few kms, farm to fork infrastructure etc. "We never said we will destroy the whole food security system, which Modi has done with these farm laws, he said and added that this will affect the entire chain of the system, rendering lakhs of people employed in the farming sector jobless, and also ending the subsidies for the poor. Asked why he was not present in Parliament during voting on the Farm Bills, Rahul said he was a son too and had a sons duty for his mother. His mother had to go for medical check-up and since his sister could not go for some family reasons, it was his responsibility to do so, he added. Recalling a childhood memory of how a handful of Sikhs had protected the family when his grandmother Indira Gandhi lost the parliamentary election in 1977, Rahul said he felt he owed a debt to Punjab and Punjabis. "There was nobody in the House except these Sikhs who protected my grandmother, he recalled. Asked why Punjabis should trust him, Rahul said that the people of Punjab should see his actions and look at his political career, all through which he had always stood with those suffering any injustice. "I owe a debt to the people of Punjab, and had similar feelings also for the people of Tamil Nadu," he said. Will ensure that probe into Hathras case is smooth says Supreme Court India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Oct 06: The Supreme Court has asked the Uttar Pradesh government to find out the scope of the Hathras rape case matter being dealt by the Allahabad High Court. The court also said it will deal with the matter to make it wider and relevant. Will ensure that the probe into Hathras case is smooth, the Supreme Court said while adjourning the hearing by a week. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the investigation is in place. The court also said that it would want the UP government to detail the witness protection efforts on the ground. Focus on ensuring justice for Hathras victims family: Mayawati to UP government Earlier the UP government filed an affidavit in which it said that a vicious campaign has been unleashed on the social media, television and print media to defame it. As the matter has caught national attention, it must be probed by a central agency, the government also said. Further the affidavit said that the court must direct a CBI probe into the alleged rape and assault case. While giving out details of the ongoing probe, the UP government also said that vested interests are attempting to ascribe a motive to derail a fair probe. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News The affidavit further says that the SC should monitor the CBI investigation into the case by keeping the PIL pending before it. The UP government has already requested the Centre to entrust the probe to the CBI so as to bring an end to vicious, false and motivated propaganda by vested interests. The affidavit also stated that the district administration convinced the parents of the deceased to cremate the victim at night to avoid large scale violence in the morning. There were intelligence reports that lakhs of protesters could land up and the issue would be given a caste and communal colour. The Supreme Court is hearing a PIL seeking a CBI probe or an SIT investigation into the Hathras case in which a 19 year old woman was allegedly gang raped and murdered. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, S A Bobde will hear the PIL filed by social activist, Satyama Dubey and advocates Vishal Thakre and Rudra Pratap Yadav. The petitioners have sought for the passing of appropriate orders for a CBI probe or an SIT investigation under a retired or sitting judge of either the High Court or Supreme Court. UP seeks court monitored CBI probe in Hathras case The petitioners have said that the Uttar Pradesh government has failed to take appropriate action in the case. The petitioners said that the victim was first gang-raped and then brutally assaulted. She died in a hospital in Safdarjung. The police had hurriedly cremated the body and had maintained that the cremation was being carried out as per the wishes of the family. This is not true, the petitioners said. The police have not performed their duties towards the victim, and were, instead, trying to shield the accused persons. "Because no arrest was made in this matter, the accused persons are moving freely and they have no fear at all," the petitioners also said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 13:19 [IST] Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (18) YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani hackers attempted to breach the security system of the ARMENPRESS Armenian State News Agency amid the Azerbaijani attack on Artsakh. Upon failing to achieve their goal, the hackers took revenge on the security system of a third party which is not under the control of ARMENPRESS. ARMENPRESS chief executive Aram Ananyan commented on the matter, noting that this was yet another inhumane step of the enemy. We are doing everything we can to rapidly restore it. This was another inhumane, spineless and cowardly step which totally characterizes our enemys conduct. The mania to cover up ones own defeat and losses by a hacking attack should only cause laughter. Especially when the attack was made on a service rendered by a third party, Ananyan, the Director General of ARMENPRESS remarked. He emphasized that during September 27 there was a significant traffic of ARMENPRESS readers from Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani regime which is keeping its own people in fear and restrictions was forced to resort to ridiculous steps in an attempt to stop the Azeri population from getting actual and true reports. We regret for the inconveniences this caused to our readers and we will continue to provide rapid and reliable reports to our readers in Armenia and around the world, Ananyan said. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan The European Court of Justice has ruled that countries cannot make phone or internet providers indiscriminately monitor and retain customers internet and phone data, even to fight crime. The judgement moves the EU further away from countries such as the US and China, which integrate mass surveillance into their domestic security arrangements. However, the Court also said that there may be exceptions to this rule when a country is facing a serious threat to national security that proves to be genuine and present or forseeable. The ruling is the result of four cases in France, Belgium and Britain in which governments have called for the extension of surveillance tools for the protection of their citizens. The Court was addressing laws that require phone and internet companies to carry out the general and indiscriminate retention of traffic data and location data as a preventive measure. Read More This could not be allowed stand, the Court said, because those obligations to forward and to retain such data in a general and indiscriminate way constitute particularly serious interferences with the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Charter [of Fundamental Rights Of The European Union], where there is no link between the conduct of the persons whose data is affected and the objective pursued by the legislation at issue. The Court outlined some of the conditions in which exceptions to the anti-surveillance ruling might be allowed. In situations where the Member State concerned is facing a serious threat to national security that proves to be genuine and present or foreseeable, the directive on privacy and electronic communications, read in the light of the Charter, does not preclude recourse to an order requiring providers of electronic communications services to retain, generally and indiscriminately, traffic data and location data, it said. However, the Court said that in such exceptions, the order to monitor traffic or data must only be for a period that is limited in time to what is strictly necessary. More pointedly, the reasons and context for the decision must be subject to effective review either by a court or by an independent administrative body whose decision is binding, in order to verify that one of those situations exists and that the conditions and safeguards laid down are observed. Surveillance is a sensitive international issue between the EU and other jurisdictions. In the summer, the ECJ ruled that data protection regulators had to start issuing orders to stop the transfer of EU citizens personal data to countries like the US where insufficient regulatory tools were being relied on to protect our personal information from surveillance. Last month, the issue flared up in Ireland when the Irish Data Protection Commissioner, Helen Dixon, issued a preliminary order to Facebook to cease the transfer of personal data from the EU to the US, based on its current transfer legality. Facebook has applied to the High Court for judicial review of Ms Dixons order. Nineteen people died, including 1 child, 7 women, and 11 men in Artsakh, from September 27 to October 4, as a result of the Azerbaijani aggression, Artsakh Ombudsman Artak Beglaryan told reporters on Monday. He explained that the death of citizens occurred either as a result of missile attacks, or artillery attacks, or UAVs or as a result of airstrikes. "More than 80 people were injured as a result of the Azerbaijani aggression, 60 of them were seriously injured, including at least 4 children," he noted adding that of the 60 cases, 24 were recorded on the territory of a residential area, and six cases - in public places. Artak Beglaryan said that the destruction of the country's most important infrastructures is a crime against humanity, and as a result of cluster missile attacks, there are risks of not only a humanitarian crisis but also a humanitarian catastrophe. "Everything is being done to terrorize citizens. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces have the bodies of the dead soldiers of Artsakh and, given the incidents of war crimes in April 2016, there are risks that such cases may be recorded this time too, I call on the international community to pay attention to this circumstance," he concluded. (Cat O'Neil /For The Times) Wildfires ravaged California last fall as I started my United We Read project, reading my way across the nation as we approach the 2020 election. And the state is still on fire, including Napa Valley's Howell Mountain, where I grew up, where fire, water, drought and the health of the farmland have always been top of mind. For the second month in a row, flames have forced my parents to evacuate my childhood home. As I continue this project, my thoughts are consumed by our relationship to the land, a theme that has emerged in much of my reading about other states for the third installment. Culture is always tied to geography, and the books that have most resonated in my latest journey offer a visceral sense of place, often with divergent perspectives on how we choose to live on the land. In an effort to learn more about our divided nation, I decided to read at least 52 books, one from each state, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, this past year. My first story, which ran in January, took me from Alabama to Connecticut. In Part 2, I read books from Delaware to Maine. As of this writing, Ive read from Maryland to Oklahoma. The most thought-provoking stories include a wonderful book set in Nebraska that is told through religion and how we grow food and a memoir that examines the healing power of land and family at a deer camp in the Midwest. I got lost in the deserts of Nevada and New Mexico, climbed a mountain in New Hampshire and went off the grid in Montana. I returned to cities I love through fresh lenses, experienced catastrophic dread in the Hamptons and hope on the shores of Massachusetts. Which is what this project is all about understanding our fractured country through place. Heres Part 3 of my reading list. Maryland (Knopf) Ill begin with what has to be my favorite title in this installment, Redhead by the Side of the Road. The latest from Baltimore native Anne Tyler tackles the question of what happens when our comfortable daily routines are upended. At a time when were all experiencing disruptions, this light-hearted novel takes a compassionate look at the mundane and feels like a balm during what has been a particularly unrelenting news cycle. While I wont give away the titles meaning, consider it a metaphor for what we might misread thats right in front of us. Story continues Massachusetts (Little, Brown and Co.) Historical fiction is not generally a genre I gravitate toward, but a friend suggested Beheld by TaraShea Nesbit. The book reframes the story of the colonization of Plymouth and the Mayflower narrative, with a focus on the inner lives of women. The liberal use of the word betwixt notwithstanding, its a compelling exploration of friendship, character and the personal and political motivations that determine whose stories get told and whose voices are silenced. Still, for the purpose of this project, I also wanted a more contemporary look at the state and turned to Little Weirds by Jenny Slate. The actress and comedian makes her literary debut in a series of original, sometimes dreamlike and beautifully written memoir essays that visit the ghosts both figurative and literal of her childhood in Milton and along the Atlantic from the vantage point of her 100-year-old house on a steep hill in Los Angeles. Michigan (Bloomsbury) In his stunning memoir The Deer Camp, environmental journalist and former Times editor Dean Kuipers explores the power of nature and our place in it. Kuipers takes us to woodsy and rural Michigan, where his father bought a piece of swamp as a deer camp to hunt with his three sons. At first, Kuipers and his brothers boycott visiting because of their difficult relationship with their father but ultimately agree to a habitat restoration project on the property. What transpires is an unforgettable story about childhood, family and the land that healed them all. Minnesota (Grove Paperback) History of Wolves is an ambitious debut novel by Emily Fridlund, set in the icy backwoods of northern Minnesota. The teenage narrator, who lives in an abandoned commune with her parents, befriends a family that moves in across the lake, and a nightmarish story unfolds. The strength of this coming-of-age novel lies in Fridlunds haunting descriptions of the icy winter landscape and her characters inner lives, which are every bit as bleak. Mississippi (Scribner) Winner of the Los Angeles Times Isherwood Prize for Nonfiction, Kiese Laymons memoir Heavy about growing up Black in Mississippi is one of the most powerful books Ive read in years. It follows Laymons complicated relationship with his mother and his track as a college professor as he struggles with an eating disorder, as well as the weight of childhood, trauma, gambling and sexual violence. I highly recommend seeking this out as an audiobook: Laymon narrates, giving even more depth to this unforgettable story. Missouri (Little, Brown and Co.) Its 1976 in the Ozark Hills of Missouri, when a Black woman goes missing in the propulsive crime novel Nothing More Dangerous. Missouri native Allen Eskens begins the book with a note saying he started writing the story in 1991 as a way to explore my own failing regarding notions of prejudice and racism. He delivers a timely exploration of racism and resilience in a story that is equal parts coming-of-age and small-town mystery. I couldnt put it down. Montana (House of Anansi Press) In Surrender, Irish Canadian expat Joanna Pocock seeks an escape from her life in London and moves with her family to Missoula, where she experiences a rapidly changing environment in the American West. The locals we meet in these pages such as a transgender nomad who follows her food sources through seasonal migration, right-leaning wolf trappers and members of a scavenger community practicing ancestral hunting skills all reflect disparate relationships to the natural world. Nebraska (Graywolf Press) I was wholly unprepared for American Harvest: God, Country, and Farming in the Heartland by Marie Mutsuki Mockett. The author inherits a Big Ag farm in Nebraska and resolves to broaden her perspective by reconciling what she calls the divide between atheist city dwellers such as herself and evangelical Christians living in what outsiders uncharitably call the flyover states. She joins a wheat harvest crew in this riveting exploration of faith, farming and understanding viewpoints that challenge her own and mine. Nevada New Hampshire (Hobblebush Books) As a lifelong runner and hiker, I was predisposed to enjoy Dan Szczesnys travelogue, The White Mountain. Over the course of a year, Szczesny traverses the history and allure of New Englands highest peak, Mt. Washington. He joins poets and artists, adventurers and scientists in a quest to learn about the culture surrounding this beloved New Hampshire landmark. New Jersey New Mexico (Graywolf Press) There are three versions of prolific author and USC professor Percival Everetts latest novel, Telephone, with three endings. I will read whatever Everett writes, so when time permits, I will seek out the other two, but the version I bought follows geologist Zach Wells, whose comfortable life in Los Angeles is upended when his daughter becomes terminally ill. The protagonist embarks on a quest to save a group of kidnapped Mexican women in New Mexico, echoing real-life femicides in the border city of Ciudad Juarez in the 1990s. New York (Riverhead Books) About six months into Donald Trumps presidency during the escalation of the North Korean crisis, I re-reread Carolyn Sees novel Golden Days, about high times in the 80s interrupted by a nuclear bomb falling on Los Angeles. The book left me feeling extremely uneasy, a sensation I experienced again reading Rumaan Alams Leave the World Behind during a global pandemic. The story begins with an affluent white family renting a home in the Hamptons. They are disrupted by a knock at the door from a Black couple fleeing the city in a moment of crisis. What unfolds is a provocative look at family, class and race over a long weekend gone horribly wrong. I also read a second New York book. Back on the island of Manhattan, Sigrid Nunez contemplates life, death and the changing nature of friendships in her new novel, What Are You Going Through. Despite the story's heartbreaking premise a writer accompanying a friend with terminal cancer who wants to end her life in a New England Airbnb Nunez tells a story with great compassion, humor and humanity. North Carolina (Bloomsbury) In his debut novel, In West Mills, DeShawn Charles Winslow writes a bighearted and richly told story about a family in a small North Carolina town. Set from the 1940s through the 1980s, the story traces the legacy of slavery on this community, with a female protagonist who lives by nobodys rules but her own. Winslows characters are big on charm and wholly unforgettable. Im looking forward to reading whatever is next from this singular new voice. North Dakota (Harper) Louise Erdrichs latest novel, The Night Watchman, follows her Chippewa familys fight against the termination bill and Native dispossession from rural North Dakota during the 1950s. The legislation allowed the government to disband tribes. That history might seem well in the past, but Erdrich notes in her afterword that the Trump administration attempted to terminate the Wampanoag, the tribe who first welcomed Pilgrims to these shores and invented Thanksgiving. Ohio Oklahoma (Soho Press) A finalist for the National Book Award, Brandon Hobsons Where the Dead Sit Talking charts a teenage Cherokee boys journey through the foster care system in the 80s and the inherited trauma from forced relocation and assimilation. I couldnt stop thinking about this book and reached out to the author, a former social worker, when I heard he would be publishing a second novel, The Removed, due out in February 2021. His next story, he says, is also set in the Cherokee Nation and has to do with resilience and grief and trauma, steeped in the history of the Trail of Tears. Which brings me back to land and displacement what can we learn from history and what might we imagine for the future? Whats next? The final installment of this series will end in Wyoming, with stop-offs in Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. So many of my favorite selections have been recommendations by readers, and I would be grateful to hear your recent fiction and memoir finds for the conclusion of this project. Fogarty is a former Times editor who teaches writing and journalism at USC. Share your book suggestions with her on Twitter @heatherjohnfog and on Instagram @heatherjohnfogarty. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Foreign Ministers Sergei Lavrov of Russia and Jean-Yves Le Drian of France condemned in the strongest terms the escalation of violence in the Karabakh conflict zone. The Ministers stress unconditionally that recent attacks allegedly targeting civilian centers and the disproportionate nature of such attacks constitute an unacceptable threat to the stability of the region, they said in a joint statement. They urged the conflicting parties to accept an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The presidents of the three countries co-heading the OSCE Minsk Group already called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in a joint statement issued on October 1. They also urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to commit without delay to resuming substantive negotiations. Armenia welcomed the U.S., Russian and French presidents statement, saying it is willing to engage in peace talks mediated by the Minsk Group co-chairs. But Azerbaijan effectively rejected the mediators appeal. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was reported to say on Monday that the mediators must first give Baku guarantees on the withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijans occupied territories. Pompeo, Lavrov and Le Drian stressed that their countries are determined to exercise fully their mandate to help find a peaceful solution to the Karabakh conflict. As such, they will firmly continue to advance their engagement with the sides, and urge them to commit now to resuming the settlement process on the basis of existing core principles and relevant international documents well-known by both parties, concluded their statement. Speaking in Moscow earlier on Monday, Lavrov said the three mediating powers should not only issue joint statements butt also work out concrete steps that could stop the war in Karabakh. He said he has discussed that with Le Drian. BOISE, Idaho, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Orbis Partners, the software firm that provides scientifically validated technologies to helping professionals, is transitioning Idaho from the MAYSIWARE to the most widely used youth mental health screening tool in the United States. Web MAYSI-2, built by Orbis Partners in collaboration with the National Youth Screening and Assessment Partners (NYSAP), is a secure cloud-based tool designed to assess the mental health needs in youth. The program is made possible through partnership with the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections (IDJC), which will deploy Web MAYSI-2 in County Juvenile Detention Centers. Previously, County Juvenile Detention Centers were utilizing the MAYSIWARE. Research from the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice demonstrates that nearly 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental disorder. "It is imperative to identify mental health needs quickly so that youth receive safe and effective treatment," said Josh Glade, Co-CEO of Empower Community Care, the parent company of Orbis Partners. Web MAYSI-2, deployed in over 250 juvenile justice organizations, is best suited for youths aged 12 to 17 who may have important, pressing behavioral health needs. According to Alex Stringer, Orbis Partners COO, "Idaho is taking a positive step towards improving the clinical well-being of youth in juvenile facilities and the safety of staff and communities." For more information about Web MAYSI-2, visit Orbis Partners at: www.orbispartners.com/mental-health-assessment-youth or contact us. About Orbis Partners: Orbis Partners provides solutions for criminal justice and human services systems, specializing in designing and implementing services for at-risk client groups. About Empower Community Care: Empower is the parent brand of Orbis Partners. The mission of Empower is to transform the lives of troubled youth, their families, and communities through scientifically proven treatments and tools that improve services to vulnerable populations. Contact: Mikayla Berry Phone: 843-284-5303 Email: [email protected] www.orbispartners.com SOURCE Orbis Partners Related Links http://www.orbispartners.com A London council has accused the Government of telling it to 'back off' from forcing supermarkets to make sure customers are wearing face masks. Four retailers, Sainsbury's, Lidl, Morrisons and B&M homeware stores, were handed warning notices by Barking and Dagenham council in east London after officials saw staff failing to enforce the rules. After the notices were issued under antisocial behaviour legislation, the stores are believed to have complained to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). A government official then contacted the council to say the notices had sparked an 'unfavourable reaction' from the retailers and they should 'refrain from taking any further action', according to a letter of complaint sent by the local authority to Business Secretary Alok Sharma. Four retailers, including Sainsbury's and Lidl, were handed warning notices by Barking and Dagenham council in east London after officials saw staff failing to enforce the rules. File photos This prompted council leader Darren Rodwell to claim that the Government was trying to stop it from clamping down on rule-breakers as he vowed to put 'people before profit'. What are the rules over wearing face masks in shops and who enforces them? Everyone must wear a face mask inside shops unless they are exempt for medical reasons. Anyone failing to do so can be fined by police. Under anti-Covid legislation, stores must tell customers that they are required to wear a mask. Barking and Dagenham council says it needs antisocial behaviour legislation to get retailers to actually enforce mask wearing. However, the Government insists this could open them up to a legal challenge. Shops are able to inform police if customers don't wear a mask so they can be given a of 1,000 fine. Advertisement He said: 'It is important to put people before profit. A government official contacted us and asked us to back off from this enforcement. There are complaints from supermarkets that we were being too heavy handed, but I believe we were doing the right thing.' Everyone must wear a face mask inside shops unless they are exempt for medical reasons. Anyone failing to do so can be fined 1,000 by police or 10,000 for serious breaches. Under anti-Covid legislation, stores must tell customers that they are required to wear a mask. Barking and Dagenham council says it needs antisocial behaviour legislation to get retailers to actually enforce mask wearing. However, the Government insists this could open them up to a legal challenge. In a letter to Business Secretary Alok Sharma, council leader Darren Rodwell wrote: 'The approach taken by the council, under the 2014 act, is no different to any other premises in which people within a premises are engaged in criminal or antisocial activity, and the premises fails to reduce the occurrence of the problem, or adopts a soft touch approach. 'I have heard much said about it not being the role of a store worker to challenge members of the public and I am sympathetic to this. The council wrote similarly to the Asda supermarket in early September, which has resulted in positive steps being taken by Asda both locally and nationally, which we are extremely grateful for.' The antisocial behaviour warning notices were issued between 24 and 25 September, according to The Guardian, which first reported the council's letter. After the notices were issued under antisocial behaviour legislation, the stores are believed to have complained to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). File photos A file photo of shoppers wearing masks as they walk down a pavement in Basingstoke A Government spokesperson said: 'People must wear a face covering by law in shops and supermarkets in England. They can be fined if they do not. 'Shops and supermarkets are required by law to inform customers to wear a face covering, unless they have an exemption, through signs or when they enter the premises. 'This is enforced by local authorities and businesses risk facing a fine if they fail to do so. If customers refuse, the business can escalate to the police if needed.' Lidl said: 'We are closely following government guidance and throughout this challenging period, have been working closely and constructively with all stakeholders, including the local council to ensure a safe shopping environment. 'We are therefore disappointed that Barking and Dagenham Council decided to take this tone and approach at a time when our teams are doing their upmost to support the country. 'Our colleagues have been doing a phenomenal job during these exceptional circumstances and have continued to implement a range of measures across our stores, which includes positioning designated team members at entrances to manage the volume of people entering, when required.' Sainsbury's said: 'Safety is our highest priority. We are following government guidance closely and continue to remind customers to wear face coverings if they are able to. 'We have regular tannoy announcements, greeters outside our supermarket and posters including those provided by the Council.' A government official then contacted the council to say the notices had sparked an 'unfavourable reaction' from the retailers and they should 'refrain from taking any further action', according to a letter of complaint sent by the local authority to Business Secretary Alok Sharma This prompted council leader Darren Rodwell to claim that the Government was trying to stop it from clamping down on rule-breakers as he vowed to put 'people before profit' Tom Ironside, Director of Business & Regulation at the British Retail Consortium, said: 'The Government has decided that the responsibility for enforcing the law about individuals wearing face coverings is for the police, not retailers, and we welcome their support. 'Our members will be fulfilling their legal obligation to encourage and communicate the rules on face coverings, such as through signage and in-store announcements. In some cases, staff have been greeting customers and reminding them about the need for masks'. MailOnline has contacted Morrisons and B&M for comment. Most lawyers for Sudan's ousted president Omar al-Bashir and other defendants walked out of his trial over a 1989 coup in protest at alleged bias on the part of the prosecutor general. Dozens of lawyers, in a hearing broadcast on Sudanese television, left the courtroom after the prosecutor, Tagelsir al-Hebr, read out the charges. Bashir and the 27 others face accusations of undermining constitutional order and use of military force to commit a crime, Hebr said. Defence lawyer Abdelbasit Sebdarat said that Hebr had made the same accusations even before taking up the post of public prosecutor. "He lodged these complaints as an ordinary citizen. Now, as he is prosecutor general, we object to him reciting the charges," the lawyer said. Presiding judge Essam Ibrahim responded that "whoever wants to leave, they can", and adjourned the trial to October 20. The 28 defendants stand accused of plotting the 1989 Islamist-backed military coup that brought Bashir to power. Proceedings have been repeatedly delayed, with Tuesday's hearing the sixth since the trial opened in July. Bashir ruled with an iron fist for 30 years until his overthrow on April 11, 2019 following unprecedented youth-led street demonstrations. If convicted, Bashir and his co-accused -- including former top officials -- could face the death penalty. Bashir is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in the western region of Darfur. The United Nations estimates 300,000 people were killed and 2.5 million displaced in the conflict since 2003. Sudan's transitional government has agreed that Bashir would stand trial before the ICC. However, in an August peace deal with rebels, the government agreed to set up a special court for crimes in Darfur and that Bashir should also face that court. DOXA Insurance Holdings, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has added Stu Holloway as vice president and southeastern region sales director and Bernie Holicky as vice president and central region sales director Holloways specialties include customized insurance solutions for select niche markets and hard-to-place insureds. He has 30 years of insurance industry experience. Holickys specialties include healthcare, social services, physicians, and professional liability of all types. He has 38 years of experience in the insurance industry. DOXA insurance holdings is a Midwest-domiciled holding company that acquires specialty niche-focused insurance distribution companies such as managing general agencies, wholesale brokers, program administrators, and retail agencies. Source: DOXA Topics Indiana Some secondary school teachers in Kwara say they are pulling out of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) due to the difference in their aspirations. The teachers, under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) also hinged their action on the basis of different employers. The chairman of ASUSS, Jimoh Daudu, made this announcement at a lecture organised to mark the 2020 World Teachers Day on Monday in Ilorin. Mr Daudu said that their membership of the NUT was a marriage of inconvenience, hence the need to split out to better agitate and make the demand for their peculiar challenges. ASUSS belongs to the state government while NUT belongs to Local Government Councils and Federal Government. So, it is a marriage of inconvenience. If there is a problem within the state setting and you have somebody that is leading you, not working with the state, then automatically the state government will turn it down. But when we have somebody working within us and he is a state worker, whatever he says will be the right thing. The employers are different. NUT members are predominantly employed by local government councils and the federal government while states pay teachers of secondary schools. Since the employers are different, the aspirations will also differ. If there is a problem, NUT cannot shoulder our problem. For instance, some teachers were sent out of their job by the state government during the Bukola Saraki administration for spending eight years on a step. But this did not affect teachers in primary schools because they were never employed by the state, Mr Daudu said. The ASUSS leader said that with their struggle, the state government was forced to include secondary school teachers on the list of those who could proceed to Grade Level 17 before retirement. These teachers, he said, retired on Grade Level 15 before the intervention of ASUSS. That is why we say we are to be on a parallel line with them. Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was with NUT before they left, College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) was with them before they left them. The same thing was the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP). It is the right time for us to leave also. In his remark, Ezekiel Adegoke, the Acting Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, to which the ASUSS is affiliated, urged the state government to accede to the demand of the labour union on the implementation of the N30,000 new minimum wage. This, he said, is to avert the impending strike action proposed by workers in the state as it would be an ill wind that does not benefit the two parties. Mr Adegoke, however, commended the state government for appointing teachers as education commissioner and the Teaching Service Commission chairman. Advertisements According to him, these appointments are round pegs in round holes, which is a plus for teachers in the state. Delivering a lecture, the Provost of Kwara College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Abdullahi Olokoba, charged the ASUSS leaders to show the quality of good leadership in championing their course. Mr Olokoba urged leadership to employ Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia political styles to achieve its struggles. Mr Kaunda, he said, led his people from obnoxious apartheid policy of the minority whites without resorting to violence despite all forms of persecution. (NAN) Credit: fernando zhiminaicela from Pixabay Africa's unusually low COVID-19 cases and deaths could be down to a young and sparse population, and the hot and humid climate interrelating to heighten their individual effects, research from the World Health Organization has revealed. In May, the WHO predicted that up to 190,000 people could die and up to 44 million would be infected by the novel coronavirus in the first year of the pandemic, if containment measures in Africa failed. In the past four weeks, only 77,147 new COVID-19 cases were reported, down from 131,647 recorded in the previous four weeks, according to the latest statistics from the WHO Regional Office for Africa. "Africa has not witnessed an exponential spread of COVID-19 as many initially feared," says Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa. "But the slower spread of infection in the region means we expect the pandemic to continue to smolder for some time, with occasional flare-ups.'' According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since the continent recorded its first case in February, nearly 1.5 million COVID-19 cases and 35,750 deaths have been reported in Africa as of this week (29 September). Evidence increasingly shows thatCOVID-19 cases involve mostly people aged over 60 years. In Africa, themedian age of the population is 19.4 years, with 60 percent of the population under the age of 25. Despite the low cases on the continent, Moeti warns countries against becoming complacent. "Other regions of the world have experienced similar trends only to find that as social and public health measures are relaxed, cases start ramping up again," she says. Monica Musenero, an epidemiologist and Uganda's senior presidential adviser on epidemics, says the chances that Africa could be the next COVID-19 epicenter are high, despite the current low infection and death rates. The virus has had shifting epicenters, beginning in China in December 2019 before moving to Europe and the Americas, but it has continued to evolve in Africa, says Musenero. "At the beginning, a number of countries went in for lockdowns including airport closures. These field interventions largely resulted in slowing the spread," Musenero tells SciDev.Net. She warns that many African countries are now beginning to ease preventive measures at their peril. Leonard Mboera, a senior research scientist from the Southern African Center for Infectious Disease Surveillance, has questioned the methods used to collect COVID-19 data in Africa. "Due to widespread misinformation about COVID-19, it is unlikely that most people infected by the virus are seeking care from conventional health facilities, and hence are not captured by the systems," explains Mboera. "Most healthcare facilities are obliged to submit their weekly and monthly reports to [health] districts and ministries. They do, but if you check the data submitted, it is of very low quality, with missing diagnosis, age or sex and sometimes what is submitted is different from what is available at the facility,'' he adds. In the absence of extensive testing data, the true burden of the disease remains unclear in some countries. "While governments have made efforts to improve COVID-19 testing, with recent testing rising from a cumulative 74 tests per 10,000 people in 44 assessed countries on 23 August, to 93 per 10,000 people on 21 September, the level is still low," the WHO says. Tanimola Akande, a professor of public health at the University of Ilorin, in Nigeria, explains that the lack of testing in Africa is attributed to the low density of testing facilities, inadequate contact tracing and a poor public attitude to the pandemic. "There is a lot of under-reporting of symptomatic cases," adds Akande. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Provided by SciDev.Net Pakistan has decided to file its opposition in the European Union in response to India's application for an exclusive Geographical Indications (GI) tag to Basmati rice in the 27-member bloc, a media report said on Tuesday. This was decided during a meeting chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Razak Dawood on Monday. The meeting was attended by Secretary Commerce, Chairman, Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO-Pakistan), representatives of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), and the legal fraternity, the Dawn newspaper reported. During the meeting, REAP representatives were of the view that Pakistan was a major grower and producer of Basmati rice and India's application for exclusivity is unjustified, it said. India has said that it is an Indian-origin product in its application, published in the EU's official journal on September 11. Dawood said that Pakistan will vehemently oppose India's application in the European Union and restrain New Delhi from obtaining an exclusive GI tag of Basmati rice. He supported the concerns of REAP and relevant stakeholders and ensured that their claim for Basmati rice as GI will be protected, the report said. Pakistan enacted the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act in March this year, which gives it the right to oppose Indian application for registration of Basmati rice's exclusive rights. Democratic Senator Kamala Harris will be in the spotlight Wednesday debating Vice President Mike Pence, an opportunity for her to prosecute the case against four more years of a Donald Trump administration in the United States. At age 55, the first woman of color on a major party presidential ticket is a dynamic and youthful asset to her 77-year-old running mate Joe Biden. On the debate stage she intends to use her skills as a former California attorney general and prosecutor to argue an "open and shut" case against Trump and Pence, as she described it in August upon accepting her party's vice presidential nomination. Harris drew national attention one year ago during an early primary debate when she confronted Biden -- then her rival for the Democratic nomination -- for his record on race including his opposition to 1970s busing programs that forced integration of segregated schools. "There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public school, and she was bused to school every day," Harris said. "And that little girl was me." It was a breakout moment that revealed the confidence, sharp elbows and personal charisma of a rising political star, who will take on Trump's deputy in the Salt Lake City debate. But Pence will be on heightened alert, given the surge in attention on the debate after Trump became sick with Covid-19, and as the White House incumbents trail in polling. "He's a good debater," Harris told reporters last month. "So, I'm so concerned, like I can only disappoint," she added with a laugh. But following the train wreck that was the first Trump-Biden debate last month, Harris likely will not follow with similar ad hominem attacks and may restrain the punches she delivered during her own presidential run. - Many firsts - Harris, the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, has been a political pioneer since her career began. Story continues She has said her mother was fond of telling her: "You may be the first to do many things but make sure you're not the last." Harris was the first black attorney general of California, the first woman to hold the post, and the first South-Asian American senator ever. She is now seeking to become the nation's first female vice president. And with Biden expected to serve only a single term if elected, Harris would be favored to win the Democratic presidential nomination four years from now, and a shot at more history-making -- as the first female US president. Since ending her White House run last December and endorsing Biden, Harris has stepped up her criticism of Trump on a host of issues -- from his fueling of racial tensions and demonizing immigrants to his handling of the Covid-19 outbreak. "There's a reason it has hit America worse than any other advanced nation," Harris said in her August acceptance speech. "It's because of Trump's failure to take it seriously from the start." Harris's parents were immigrants to the United States, and their lives and her own have in some ways embodied the American dream. Harris was born on October 20, 1964 in Oakland, California. Her father was an economics professor and her mother a breast cancer researcher. They separated when Harris was about five and she and her sister Maya were raised by her mother, who died in 2009. Harris became a prosecutor and served two terms as a district attorney in San Francisco. She was then elected attorney general of California in 2010 and re-elected in 2014, the year she married lawyer Douglas Emhoff. But her failure to enact bold criminal justice reforms while attorney general dogged her presidential campaign and did not sit well with some Black voters during the primaries. cl-mlm/jm Standing before Sen. Kamala Harris at a campaign event near a Raleigh barbershop, Marcus Bass asked the Democratic vice presidential nominee a pointed question: How would she and Joe Biden convince young Black voters their ticket isn't simply the lesser of two evils? I appreciate your question and the point," Harris replied. Nobody is supposed to vote for us we need to earn it." That's what Harris, the first Black woman to appear on a major party's presidential ticket, is trying to do in swing states like North Carolina, as the presidential contest enters its final weeks. In conversations at barbershops and historically Black colleges and universities, through ads on popular websites and live Instagram interviews, Harris is pitching herself and Biden as a team that can make meaningful progress on issues that matter to Black Americans, like police reform, ending the new coronavirus pandemic and creating a more equitable economy. She'll have the chance to pitch to her biggest audience yet on Wednesday, when she is expected to debate Vice President Mike Pence. Harris is likely to deliver a message that's particularly resonant for Black Americans, including the disproportionate toll the coronavirus has taken on their communities and the vital need for access to health care. The theme takes on a new significance after President Donald Trump was hospitalized with the virus, reviving criticism of the administration's handling of the pandemic. The intensifying focus on the vice presidential debate offers Harris an important chance to address doubts about the Democratic ticket. Biden's history-making selection of Harris as his running mate has energized and excited many Black voters particularly women, who are among the Democratic Party's most reliable voters Harris attended Howard University, an HBCU, and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Members donning the sorority's green and pink colors can often be spotted outside her events. But she's still facing skepticism about her past as a prosecutor, and some young Black voters say they're looking for something more than a politician who looks like them. They're not yet convinced Biden and Harris are committed or able to execute meaningful change. I do think they have a lot more work to do," said John Ray, a 32-year-old Black man who works with youth in Detroit. We know that grandparents and certain age demographics are already going to vote. So, should a lot of energy be spent there, or should we be trying to really activate those populations that historically dont vote? Some are saying, What are you going to do beyond campaign promises to actually make things better for me in my community? Harris has appealed to Black voters during recent visits to Michigan and North Carolina, including those who couldn't or didn't vote in 2016 and those whom Trump is courting, particularly Black men. Despite Trump's efforts, Black voters nationally support Biden by a wide margin, polling shows. She's also campaigned in Milwaukee and Philadelphia, two cities with large Black populations in swing states. Her message in Detroit, the nation's largest Black city, was clear: I see you. Theres so much that is about Detroit, as not only a measure of our country and its excellence but also as a matter of the challenges that we face as a nation, Harris said, recognizing the unique challenges facing the city, which was devastated by COVID-19 and the economic fallout. She chose Shaw University, an HBCU in Raleigh with a history in the civil rights movement, as the site of her first North Carolina visit, where she delivered a speech on the Supreme Court. Biance Wilburn, a senior at Shaw University, learned through her work with an advocacy group last year that many of her peers thought voting didn't matter, a perception that she's worked to change. Wilburn, who is 21, called Harris' visit to campus a wow moment before the California senator greeted students and grooved to a drumline performance. It means a lot to be a Black woman and just Black in America, period," she said. But Tory Jackson, a 36-year-old mental health worker from Raleigh who is Black, said many of his friends are resigned to another Trump win and may opt out of voting. He likened it to staying in a bad relationship instead of gambling on a new one. We've dealt with him for four years. We've already seen what he can and can't do. We already know his antics," said Jackson, who plans to vote but not for Trump. Nicole Small, of Detroit, said early momentum from Harris' selection has fizzled out. Now, some of those who were really excited, theyre now gravely concerned. Some are traditional Democrats who are saying, We see no visibility in our community. You really need to get out here, and you need to show that you understand that you have a fight on your hands. They act as if they have it made," said Small, a Detroit Charter Commission member. Harris can rattle off with ease a lengthy list of policies aimed at improving the lives of Black Americans; one of her challenges is making sure those policies break through. They include investing $70 billion in HBCUs and working to reduce racial gaps in home and business ownership through tax credits for first-time home buyers and ensuring access to capital for Black small-business owners. On health care, Harris draws a direct connection between the pandemic and health care access for Black people, who are dying at disproportionate rates from the virus. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, is set to hear a case just after the Nov. 3 election that could overturn the Affordable Care Act, which protects access to insurance for people with preexisting conditions. The perspective that Joe and I share is to, one, acknowledge these racial disparities, and then address them," she said. By the way, Donald Trump has no plan." Police reform, meanwhile, is heavy on the minds of many voters after a summer of several police shootings or killings of Black people. It's an issue Harris is well versed in as a former prosecutor, and she talks about it with more fluency and nuance than Biden, who largely glossed over the reform proposals in his first debate. Their proposals include a national registry for police misconduct and a national use-of-force standard that's stricter than what most states use, as well as banning tactics like chokeholds and no-knock warrants. It was those policies that Harris turned to in response to Bass' lesser-of-two-evils question. The community organizer said that he appreciated her detailed answer but that Democrats, including Harris, have more work to do to energize Black voters. When I hear young people saying theyre not going to vote, I dont think that is a static message," he said. I think thats a challenge." ___ Stafford reported from Detroit. In her letter announcing her decision not to seek an extension to her contract, NAU President Rita Cheng professes great admiration and appreciation for faculty. Her actions, however, do not bear that out. Her catalogue of achievements is almost silent about faculty. She refers to the remarkable commitment and response by our NAU community to an unprecedented global pandemic, but fails to mention that over 100 NTT (non-tenure track) faculty who responded so remarkably to the pandemic were rewarded with layoffs. Indeed, these layoffs administration prefers the term non-renewals have been erased from Dr. Chengs narrative. After more than three months, the exact number of faculty (and staff) laid off has not yet been officially reported. The Arizona Daily Sun (9/2/20) stated that NAU administrators are still working to compile an accurate list of the total number of non-tenure track faculty no longer on payroll as a result of this restructuring. Chaos and misinformation have characterized this process. Some of us still appear in the university catalogue for Spring 2021, with classes fully enrolled and students unaware that we were laid off months ago. Hundreds of classes were cancelled in anticipation of severely reduced enrollments. Then, as students enrolled and found fewer classes to choose from, there was a rush to hire faculty. Administration offered a few courses to laid off faculty, but as part-time hires with no benefits. Some departments opted for new adjuncts. The Sun reports only a 5% enrollment decline. Amazing, said Dr. Cheng. Granted the COVID crisis was unprecedented, but faculty checking their enrollments saw no sign of a precipitous decline. One must wonder if the highly (over) paid university leadership did not use the pandemic as an opportunity for a downsizing they had long desired. The way the layoffs were carried out hardly supports Dr. Chengs narrative. Despite her stated commitment to NAU first-generation students, vital resources, like the Writing Program, that served their needs, were decimated. Despite her stated pride in NAUs international presence, she laid off faculty in Global Languages who had set up and led successful study abroad programs. Despite her claim to work closely with the community, she laid off faculty in the Arts crucial to NAUs connection to Flagstaff and recipients of prestigious community awards. We know that millions of Americans have lost jobs during this crisis. But it is shocking how poorly Dr. Cheng and her team handled these layoffs. NAU is not a vulnerable small business; it is a large public university with an army of high-paid administrators. While rumors circulated, most NTT faculty did not know they would be fired. Most contracts ended May 8, although faculty worked through May 15 to submit final grades. Because the administration kept telling us that contracts were coming, we sat waiting, without looking for jobs and unable to apply for unemployment benefits. By the end of May, when most of us received notices of non-renewal, we had lost two weeks of unemployment and pandemic supplement. Most were laid off a day or two before health insurance expired on 5/31 (a weekend), giving no time for doctors appointments or arrangements for alternative coverage. Only months later did some faculty learn that they could have retired and received part of the sick leave they had accrued after years (over 25 years in some cases) of service to NAU. That cost some faculty several thousand dollars more. Lest this be dismissed as the whining of disgruntled employees losing their ivory tower benefits, let us clarify: whoever thinks NTT faculty enjoy elite status knows little about higher education. NTT faculty (mostly with masters, doctorates, and years of experience) do the bulk of undergraduate teaching for a fraction of the cost. On average, an NAU instructor earns $40,500; a lecturer / senior lecturer $56,500. By comparison, average salaries for tenured faculty are $71,000 for assistant professors; $82,000 for associate professors; $109,000 for full professors. Dr. Chengs total compensation last year was $709,400. The university occupies a privileged place in this community and should be held to high standards in its treatment of employees. Faculty bring diverse talents that contribute to the growth of the community. Many laid off NTT faculty and staff have left Flagstaff already. More will follow. It will take years for the university and Flagstaff to repair what Dr. Cheng and her administration damaged in her short tenure. The signatories were NTT faculty at NAU. They are listed with their former department and the number of years they taught at NAU. Ana Varela-Lago (History, 12) Quaquilla Rhea Walker (Communication, 2) Kama OConnor (Composition, 7) Patrick Pynes (Comparative Cultural Studies, five other departments, 15) Daniel Burton-Rose (History, 2). David Gray (Comparative Cultural Studies, 3) Kent Moore (Music, 19) Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 9 Sad 7 Angry 43 As awareness around mental well-being grows across the world and the illness is not seen as a taboo, there still is a huge section of the world where mental health is not given due importance. According to Human Rights Watch, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children with mental health conditions are living chained up in roughly 60 countries. Without mental health support or awareness, families or institutions often shackle people against their will, leaving them eating, sleeping, urinating and defecating in one small space, the rights watchdog said in a report. Representational Image In the run-up to World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, Human Rights Watchs report documents through almost 800 interviews how people with psychosocial disabilities in countries like China, Nigeria and Mexico can live shackled for years chained to trees, locked in cages, imprisoned in animal sheds. Practice of shackling prevalent We have found the practice of shackling across religions, social strata, economic classes, cultures and ethnic groups its a practice that is found around the world, Kriti Sharma, senior disability rights researcher at Human Rights Watch told Reuters. The belief in many countries is that people with mental health conditions are bewitched, or possessed or have sinned, and as a result, they have a condition, she said. Representational Image Last year, Nigerian authorities raids on Islamic rehabilitation centres for drugs and behavioural issues made global headlines after boys and men told of being shackled, kept naked, beaten and sexually abused. But around the world, in state-run and private centres and traditional and religious healing institutions, handlers deny people food, force medications and herbal remedies on them, and mete out physical and sexual violence, Human Rights Watch observed. Families usually shackle their loved ones fearing that they may run away or inflict harm on others. As much as anything, the noisy environs of pre-pandemic Frenchmen Street pushed Helen Gillet to augment her cello with amplification and looping technology. Specifically, it was the clamor inside Yuki Izakaya, the Japanese restaurant and live music venue that closed in 2016. It was playing Yukis, with that squeaky door, when they were serving food and people would stumble in yelling sake bomb! Gillet recalled recently. I tried to get my loops louder and create a song that could keep peoples interest. Frenchmen Street is a lot quieter now, thanks to the COVID-19 restrictions that have largely shut down live music in New Orleans for six months and counting. But on Thursday, Gillet will bring some sound back to Frenchmen Street as part of d.b.a. Live, the clubs new collaboration with the livestreaming platform StageIt.com. For her 2 p.m. set Thursday, shell be joined by Iguanas drummer Doug Garrison. At 7 p.m., trombonist Rick Trolsen will be her special guest. It feels like progress, Gillet said. Its a step forward, back into a local community. +14 'Nothing's off the table': New Orleans music club d.b.a. tries to hold on with livestreams Tom Thayer, proprietor of popular Frenchmen Street music venue d.b.a., has spent the pandemic working from a table and sofa in front of his em Tom Thayer, d.b.a. owner, is essentially recreating his clubs regular lineup with as many as 10 StageIt shows a week, all of which are streamed live and available for a modest virtual ticket price. We all know that feeling of walking by (and seeing) the d.b.a. roster in the window on Frenchmen Street and getting excited about all the weekly or monthly shows, Gillet said. To be able to see that roster up and running again is very comforting and hopeful. These are trying times. Someone like Tom is an example of the warrior mentality that is needed to keep music alive throughout all of this. We cant go on tour physically but here we are making those connections online through this community of musicians on StageIt. For her d.b.a. livestream, Gillet will deploy the same 1989 Paesel cello she acquired at age 15, the one that has accompanied her all over the world. Since landing in New Orleans in 2002, shes used it to create her forward-thinking, polyglot solo show. The Paesel is her road warrior. With the aid of a GoFundMe campaign, she recently acquired a new cello, crafted of Bosnian tiger-striped maple. She intends to treat it far more gently than the Paesel. Ive been getting so far into the electronics, and thats very inspiring and continues to be. But I promised myself that when I turned 40, I would buy a new instrument that would encourage me to get back into acoustic cello, just enjoying it without amplifying it. Im totally smitten with it. Ive been in a complete blissed-out state of practice. Gillet was an early proponent of coronavirus pandemic livestreaming. In March, she launched a weekly webcast on Mondays, the same night she held down a long-running weekly gig at Bacchanal on Poland Avenue. It was a survival instinct to just jump in right away, she said. Financially, there are weeks that blow me away and other weeks where its very little. But theres always a couple people that make it worthwhile when they send me (messages) like, Youre my saving grace throughout this pandemic. Thank you again for a great show. It makes everything have a sense of purpose again. That her husband, Andrew Goat Gilchrist, is an experienced sound engineer is helpful. Weve been a team, learning how to do this livestreaming stuff," she said. "Were both underemployed, but weve redefined what it is to work in this climate together. But Gillet had already mastered most of the technology needed for livestreaming during her years as a touring solo artist. Ive done a lot of recording around the world by myself, punk rock-style. When this pandemic hit, I already had a solo show that was established. I feel very lucky that Id already gone in that direction. I was ready with a setup that works and had already figured out all the sound things. That said, shes eager for Frenchmen Street to get back to its old, raucous self. Im grateful to be a midcareer musician here in New Orleans, where Ive made a lot of connections and Ive got some things to lean on. I feel for young musicians that are just starting out. This is the time where theyre supposed to be on Frenchmen Street playing live music, sitting in and learning." Meanwhile, the "d.b.a. Live" series "is going to be a way for people to sit in," she said. "Thats the spirit of this town. We need that kind of thing. Over 480 COVID-19 patients have been administered convalescent plasma therapy at the government-run Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital over the last few months, officials said on Tuesday. LNJP Hospital and RGSSH are dedicated facilities. Plasma therapy was started at the LNJP Hospital, the largest under the government, in June. Later, Delhi's second plasma bank was set up at the hospital in July. The national capital's first plasma bank was inaugurated at the state-run Institute of Liver and Biliary Science (ILBS) on July 2 by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The LNJP Hospital has 2,000 beds, of which 432 were occupied as on Monday. Of these, 258 patients are in the ICU, said Suresh Kumar, medical director of the hospital. "Till a couple of days ago, about 286 patients had received plasma therapy. Males outnumber females, and mostly people aged above 60 need it," he told PTI. Kumar said only serious patients whose condition is deteriorating are administered this therapy. Initially, people's response to calls for donating convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients in was "lukewarm". Doctors had attributed it to apprehensions about associated health risks and the tendency to put off donation for any future need of family members in case they get infected. However, with increased awareness and the situation getting somewhat better in terms of daily cases, the number of donors has risen, according to officials. "Each person can donate 250-500 ml of plasma. We give the first dosage of 250 ml to the recipient, and if needed, the second dosage of 250 ml after 24 hours," Kumar said. At RGSSH in east Delhi, over 200 patients have been administered the plasma therapy till date, its Medical Director B L Sherwal told PTI. "We have been combating COVID-19 for a long time now, and there have been several learnings too. The plasma therapy is a trial and it is administered with the assumption that it will help. Also, old and young both may need it depending on a patient's condition," he said. RGSSH has 650 beds out of which 119 are occupied. Ninety-one patients are in the ICU and five of them on invasive ventilatory support, Sherwal said. "We have also created a place to cryogenically store donor plasma which we get from the ILBS," he said. For donors, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 and developed antibodies, there are some strict criteria. Counselling and screening is done for them before the actual donation process begins. The process for each donor is completed within two to two-and-a-half hours. A donor's antibodies are transferred to the recipient through plasma. People in the age group of 18-60 who have fully recovered from COVID-19 and show no symptoms for 14 days can go for donation subject to strict guidelines for eligible donors. Someone weighing less than 50 kg, women who have ever been pregnant, cancer survivors, and those with kidney, heart, lung or liver diseases are not eligible to donate plasma. (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: The long road of a copyright suit over Led Zeppelin's 1971 megahit Stairway to Heaven came to an end on Monday, US time, when the Supreme Court announced that it had declined to hear the case. The court's decision means that a ruling for Led Zeppelin in March by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals will stand. That ruling affirmed Led Zeppelin's victory at a trial in 2016 over a challenge led by a trustee representing Taurus, a 1968 song by the psychedelic band Spirit. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Credit:AP Taurus, written by Randy Wolfe better known as Randy California, the nickname Jimi Hendrix gave him has long drawn comparisons to the pastoral opening segment of Stairway to Heaven, a staple of rock radio that, by some estimates, has earned more than $US500 million ($700 million). The two songs share similar chord progressions and a bass line that descends along a chromatic scale. When the case was filed in 2014, it may have seemed a run-of-the-mill copyright-infringement fight, if an especially high-profile one. But the case came to embody some of the most contested questions in music law, including exactly what is covered by the registration documents of old songs and whether copyright can be claimed over common chord progressions or short sequences of notes. While one Manitoba First Nation may have avoided a coronavirus outbreak in its community, another is evacuating some residents and isolating others after a flurry of positive tests. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/10/2020 (474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. While one Manitoba First Nation may have avoided a coronavirus outbreak in its community, another is evacuating some residents and isolating others after a flurry of positive tests. Nineteen people in Little Grand Rapids, located 268 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, near the Ontario border, have tested positive for COVID-19 in the wake of events at the community's recreation centre more than a week ago. Meanwhile, at York Factory First Nation, which feared an outbreak after seven members of a family tested positive when one became infected while receiving medical treatment in Winnipeg, 66 tests of community members who came into contact with them have tested negative. Another 30 tests, of people who came forward saying they, too, had been in contact, are being analyzed in Winnipeg. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee said Monday he credits the York Factory chief and council for taking the bold action necessary to immediately lockdown the community, located some 700 km north of the city, when the positive cases became known in late September. "They did a good job," Settee said. "The lockdown did a lot when it comes to keeping people stationary." However, Settee said the federal government needs to do more to help First Nation communities with their chronic shortages of housing and inadequate medical care and facilities. "Because of overcrowded housing, we are the most vulnerable and at risk," he said. "Most houses only have one bathroom and that is a risk in itself everyone has to use the same bathroom in a house... and we have to make concrete steps for health care. We can no longer be so far behind the rest of Canadian society. "Our communities have pandemic plans, but we don't have the resources or medical personnel... you can't just talk about it, you have to have action." NDP MP Niki Ashton (ChurchillKeewatinook Aski) said the entire northern Manitoba region remains vulnerable to COVID-19 as long as the numbers go up in the capital city. "People have no choice but to go to Winnipeg for essential medical services," Ashton said. "And when you get home, how does someone self-isolate in a home thats overcrowded because of the ongoing housing crisis on First Nations? "The federal and provincial governments need to work with communities on prevention and mitigation now." As for the Little Grand Rapids situation, Grand Chief Arlen Dumas, of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, said Monday there could be others who will test positive elsewhere, because there were event attendees from other communities. Dumas said several of the positive cases have been airlifted to Winnipeg, while others are isolating in the community. "We'll just have to wait and see how things develop over the next few days." Little Grand Rapids leadership have told all community members to stay at home, except if they need medical care or need testing because of symptoms. One person from each household can go to the store for essential items. Melanie MacKinnon, head of the Ongomiizwin-Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing at the University of Manitoba, and a partner of the Manitoba First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Response Coordination Team, said contact investigations are still ongoing at Little Grand Rapids. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "We expect to find more contacts and probably find additional cases," MacKinnon said. "It has only been 48 hours since the team was deployed." MacKinnon said she doesn't know what the event was at the recreation centre, but it followed provincial guidelines. "It was a gathering still within the provincial orders," she said. "It was less than 50 people, but it was over a four-day period. It's important to note the guidelines were followed, but a symptomatic case attended." Elsewhere, Nisichawayasihk and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nations imposed partial lockdowns. In statements, NCN, which said a positive case in Thompson may have been in contact with community members, urged its residents to stock up on essential supplies. OPCN, which said some community members had been in contact with the positive case, said "expect a full lockdown in the coming days." kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca After suffering from heavy losses, more Syrian fighters are being sent to Azerbaijan to fight against Armenia writes Al-Masdar. Russias RIA Novosti quoted informed sources in the Syrian opposition as saying 93 Syrian mercenaries were killed in the recent Karabakh clashes, prompting a new batch to be sent to Azerbaijan from Turkey. One of the sources told the agency that, the bodies of 53 mercenaries were transferred to Syria on Sunday bringing the total death toll of Syrian mercenaries to 93. The source said that a third batch of 430 Syrian mercenaries, left for the conflict zone of Karabakh at the end of last week. Another source in the Syrian opposition stated that by Oct. 1, 2020, there were 322 well-equipped Syrian mercenaries in Karabakh. Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said that 300 Syrian militants were transported via the Turkish city of Gaziantep to Baku. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev demanded Macron apologize for his comments about the Syrian militants, as he once again denied their presence inside the country. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry had expressed Moscows concern about the transfer of armed men from illegal organizations to the conflict zone in Karabakh. 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. STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Turkeys leadership was the one who forced Azerbaijan to attack Artsakh, and it is only the weaker side who strikes cities inhabited with peaceful civilians during war, Artsakhs Speaker of Parliament Artur Tovmasyan said at a news conference on October 6 in Stepanakert City, the capital of Artsakh that has come under heavy Azeri bombardment. Aliyev was ready for an adventurism in the 2016 April War, he said. Aliyev also made an adventurism in the direction of Tavush, the Speaker added, referring to the 2020 July Azeri attack on Armenian territory. I think on September 27, 2020 it was the Turkish military-political leadership that forced Aliyev to go for this adventurism. Tovmasyan said he thinks that Aliyev is no longer in power in Azerbaijan. The Speaker noted that in response to any statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs the Azeri leadership headed by Turkey is saying that Turkey should also participate in those talks. I think the international community saw that the plans that Ilham Aliyev had on drinking tea in Stepanakert or Shushi in a brief period has failed, he said, referring to an earlier belligerent remark by the Azeri president on capturing the Artsakhi capital by force. And because it failed, he must step down. Perhaps he is already no longer in power. The entire world already knows that this war that they unleashed is led by Turkey, Tovmasyan said. Tovmasyan reminded that ethnic minorities in Azerbaijan, particularly the Talysh and Lezgins, are already protesting against the Azeri leadership for being systematically and forcibly taken to the frontline to fight, which resulted in high numbers of deaths. The Talysh activists in Azerbaijan made a statement denouncing the Azeri leadership and called for peace. It is the weak side that strikes the capital city during war, it is the weak side that strikes cities where peaceful civilians are living, Tovmasyan said. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan A school named after slave trader Edward Colston will change its name following a consultation involving staff and students. Colston's Girls' School (CGS) in Bristol was established in 1891, 170 years after the death of Colston and was built with money he had endowed to support education. The school's name and association with Colston had been the subject of renewed public debate after a statue of the 17th century merchant was toppled during a Black Lives Matter protest in June. Staff and students at Colston's Girls' School in Bristol (pictured) have voted to change its name following a consultation A consultation was launched, including an online public survey and series of lessons and debates in school, with 81% of students and staff voting on whether the name should be kept or changed. Gail Bragg, chair of trustees for Venturers Trust, said: 'The Board of Venturers Trust has unanimously agreed to change the name of CGS, following a very clear result from the school community vote. 'I'm incredibly proud of our students who have shown maturity and sensitivity in developing and delivering the consultation. 'The broad spectrum of feedback from within the school and from the online survey, make it very clear that there are strong feelings on both sides of the debate. 'For some people this announcement will be disappointing and for others it will be cause for celebration and it's important that we acknowledge that. 'We will not be erasing the history of CGS, it is a part of Bristol's story which is now an integral and permanent part of the curriculum. The statue of the controversial 17th century slave trader was pulled down and dumped in the city's harbour during a Black Lives Matter protest in June 'However, the school will be forging a new identity that represents its diverse and inclusive community and this is the momentous beginning of a new chapter.' An online survey was open to the public between July 17 and August 14. It received 454 responses, with 63% of respondents voting against changing the school's name. Students gathered further opinions from across the city, including from interviews with leading Bristol figures, to help stimulate discussion and debate within a series of lessons, the trust said. Academic and historian Professor Madge Dresser advised students how to facilitate a balanced debate process, it added. Current students and staff voted in a final poll, with 75% in favour of changing the name. The statue of Edward Colston falls down as protesters pull it down, following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis, in Bristol Kerry McCullagh, principal of CGS, said: 'Students have learnt so much about the democratic process and have expanded their own opinions by talking and listening to such a wide range of people. 'I am particularly impressed by the way in which all opinions were genuinely welcomed so that those who expressed a desire to keep the school's name were able to do so without worrying that others might judge them. 'The entire process has been positive and perfectly illustrates the inspiring qualities of our compelling students. 'These are difficult conversations with strong views on both sides and the classroom has provided a safe space in which to explore complex issues. 'Students were encouraged to seek and understand the views of others and not just to make themselves heard, which is a really valuable life skill.' Pupils will now develop a list of potential names for the school, using feedback gathered during the consultation process. Police launched an investigation after the statue of the controversial slave trader was pulled down and dumped in the city's harbour on June 7 and fined six men 100 The new name for the school, which has 940 students, is expected to be announced by the end of October. A report including feedback from the online survey will be published on the school website when the process has concluded. The bronze memorial was pulled down on June 7 and dumped in Bristol Harbour. It was later recovered by Bristol City Council. Six men have each been fined 100 for toppling the Edward Colston statue during a Black Lives Matter protest. The group all accepted a 'conditional caution', which means they receive a criminal record but avoid prosecution in the courts and any further punishment. They now have six months to follow the conditions of their caution, including answering a questionnaire from a local history commission. Last month, Avon and Somerset Police said it had asked prosecutors to consider charges against four people over the toppling of the Colston statue. Detectives said they would approach the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision against three men aged 32, 25 and 21, and a 29-year-old woman. Chicago: A grand jury on Tuesday, local time, indicted the St Louis couple who displayed guns while hundreds of racial injustice protesters marched on their private street. Al Watkins, a lawyer for the couple, confirmed to The Associated Press the indictments against Mark McCloskey, 63, and his wife, Patricia McCloskey, 61. A spokeswoman for Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner declined to comment. Mark and Patricia McCloskey also appeared at the virtual Republican National Convention. Credit:AP The McCloskeys, who are both lawyers, have become folk heroes among some conservatives. They argue that they were simply exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms, and were protected by Missouris castle doctrine law that allows the use of deadly force against intruders. The case has caught the attention of President Donald Trump, and Republican Missouri Governor Mike Parson has said he would pardon the couple if they were convicted. Shareholders in 888 Holdings plc (LON:888) may be thrilled to learn that the analysts have just delivered a major upgrade to their near-term forecasts. Consensus estimates suggest investors could expect greatly increased statutory revenues and earnings per share, with analysts modelling a real improvement in business performance. 888 Holdings has also found favour with investors, with the stock up a remarkable 24% to UK2.54 over the past week. We'll be curious to see if these new estimates convince the market to lift the stock price higher still. Following the upgrade, the latest consensus from 888 Holdings' seven analysts is for revenues of US$729m in 2020, which would reflect a decent 10% improvement in sales compared to the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are presumed to rise 9.1% to US$0.20. Before this latest update, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of US$621m and earnings per share (EPS) of US$0.14 in 2020. There has definitely been an improvement in perception recently, with the analysts substantially increasing both their earnings and revenue estimates. Check out our latest analysis for 888 Holdings It will come as no surprise to learn that the analysts have increased their price target for 888 Holdings 41% to US$3.71 on the back of these upgrades. Fixating on a single price target can be unwise though, since the consensus target is effectively the average of analyst price targets. As a result, some investors like to look at the range of estimates to see if there are any diverging opinions on the company's valuation. There are some variant perceptions on 888 Holdings, with the most bullish analyst valuing it at US$3.62 and the most bearish at US$2.06 per share. Analysts definitely have varying views on the business, but the spread of estimates is not wide enough in our view to suggest that extreme outcomes could await 888 Holdings shareholders. Taking a look at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can understand these forecasts is to see how they compare to both past performance and industry growth estimates. The analysts are definitely expecting 888 Holdings' growth to accelerate, with the forecast 10% growth ranking favourably alongside historical growth of 5.2% per annum over the past five years. Compare this with other companies in the same industry, which are forecast to grow their revenue 7.9% next year. Factoring in the forecast acceleration in revenue, it's pretty clear that 888 Holdings is expected to grow much faster than its industry. Story continues The Bottom Line The biggest takeaway for us from these new estimates is that analysts upgraded their earnings per share estimates, with improved earnings power expected for this year. They also upgraded their revenue estimates for this year, and sales are expected to grow faster than the wider market. Given that the consensus looks almost universally bullish, with a substantial increase to forecasts and a higher price target, 888 Holdings could be worth investigating further. With that said, the long-term trajectory of the company's earnings is a lot more important than next year. We have estimates - from multiple 888 Holdings analysts - going out to 2022, and you can see them free on our platform here. Another way to search for interesting companies that could be reaching an inflection point is to track whether management are buying or selling, with our free list of growing companies 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. by Vladimir Rozanskij The Belarusian president presents himself as the great defender of the Orthodox Church. Mikhail Gutseriev, an eminent member of the Writers' Union of Russia, supervised the construction of the church of St. John the Baptist. On the same day, over 300 people were detained by police in Minsk. Thanks from Orthodox Metropolitan Venjamin. Minsk (AsiaNews) - Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko is trying to regain the trust of citizens, presenting himself as the great defender of the local Orthodox Church. On 4 October, together with the patriarchal exarch, Metropolitan Venjamin (Tupelo), the disputed batka went to the inauguration of a new church in an agricultural village near Minsk, dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The church, which can hold 150 people, was built in the past two years in the Shershuny agricultural complex. As Lukashenko recalled, "in the past years we have built thousands of similar churches, I myself approve most of the projects ... when we are gone, our children will remember how much good we have done for future generations." The small temple in classic Byzantine style with two domes is completed by a parish house, an oratory courtyard for children and a park for all visitors. The president first lit a candle in front of the icons, congratulating the villagers and his writer friend who led the construction of the church, Mikhail Gutseriev. Gutseriev IS an eminent member of the Union of Writers of Russia, an institution founded during Soviet times. Addressing the "dear Mikhail", Lukashenko also congratulated him "for the schools and commercial premises that you have built in recent years for billions of dollars, ceaseless in this commitment in favour of our people". Intellectuals, especially Russian, are often hired by Lukashenko to oversee projects that bring prestige to his image. Gutseriev said the decision to build the church was made during a trip to the area by the president and a Russian businessman, noting the ruins of local churches, which were destroyed in Soviet times. At the behest of Lukashenko, the new church was built in front of the village school, so that "the children are awakened and encouraged by the sound of the bells". The Russian patron then financed the monument to the Soviet soldiers who in 1944 stopped the Nazis in Belarus, right between the church and the school, "a place where you can see the meaning of our people's life". Before entering politics, the head of state was president of a kolkhoz. He wanted to wish a long life to all the inhabitants of the village, observing that "the agricultural territories of Belarus are flourishing and developing more and more, and are fundamental for the stability of our state". This was a negative allusion to the city protests, which continue unabated. On the same day of the consecration, in the umpteenth Peoples March of protest, over 300 people were detained by police in Minsk. The peasants, on the contrary, represent the "hard core" of the consensus for Lukashenko. Lukashenko donated an icon to the church, leaving there also the one given to him by Metropolitan Venjamin, who also intervened alongside the president at the consecration of the church, presiding over the religious ceremony. In turn, Venjamin thanked the president for the support that the state administration provides to the Orthodox Church in the construction and restoration of churches and shrines. Much has been done, and much remains to be done. Today we have a splendid opportunity, here in this new church, to intensify our prayer for our Belarusian homeland, for our people and for our future, said the metropolitan. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Trusting anyone you meet in the Delhi Metro can sometimes be disastrous as a gang has been busted by Delhi Police that was active and had devised a unique modus operandi to dupe people especially those who had travelled from outside Delhi. Two men who came to Delhi from Satna in Madhya Pradesh were duped by two cheats, one of them a civil engineer, after they developed a friendship with the victims and asked to use their mobile phone. The victims were then taken to Palika Bazaar where the accused fled leaving the victims puzzled. It was later, the victims realised that a total of Rs 10,000 had been deducted from their PhonePe app. On October 3, two men - Vikas Shukla and his friend Mithlesh Tiwari - came to Anand Vihar Railway Station from Satna. Both went to Anand Vihar Metro Station to travel to Gandhi Nagar for purchasing clothes. At Anand Vihar station the complainant sought to purchase Metro smart cards. Meanwhile, one person along with his other associate met the complainant and told him that he had good knowledge about Metro and can purchase the smart cards for all four persons. After that he told the complainant that he was unable to make payment for smart cards from his mobile phone and further he asked the complainant to make payment from his phone. Accordingly the complainant made the payment for all four cards for Rs 600. Thereafter the cheat asked the complainant if he could transfer the payment of the cards from the account of the complainant through his phone. On this pretext the cheat took the mobile phone of the complainant and returned it after some time. The complainant was unaware about the act of the accused. The victims were then taken to Palika Bazaar where the accused fled. The victims later realised that they were duped and Rs 10,000 was deducted from their PhonePe. The two accused - Karan Sain and Vivek Sharma, both residents of Rewa in Madhya Pradesh have been arrested. "On interrogation it is revealed that the accused persons on the pretext of transferring the amount in the PhonePe account of the complainant transferred Rs 10,000 from the account in his own account. The accused further spent the entire amount for paying rent of his room, buying food and clothes and some amount in playing online games," Jitendra Mani, DCP Metro said. Washington, D.C., Oct. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New Civil Liberties Alliance, a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group draws strong support for its petition for a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Christopher M. Gibson v. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Six briefs amici curiae were filed today in support of NCLAs petition, asking the highest court in the land to review a decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. At issue is whether individuals like NCLAs client, Mr. Gibson, may gain access to a federal court to vindicate structural constitutional claims that directly impact individual liberty before they must run the entire gauntlet of agency administrative proceedings. NCLA believes the Eleventh Circuit panel erred in concluding the district court lacked jurisdiction to hear Mr. Gibsons objections to the unlawful layers of protection from removal by the President that SEC administrative law judges (ALJs) enjoy. NCLA released the following statement: The amicus briefs submitted in support of Christopher Gibsons petition make a compelling case that SEC, through a pattern of taking legally erroneous positions, is willing to tie up those whom it charges in an endless loop of repetitive administrative hearings that deprives them of due process and their civil liberties for years. These amicus briefs forcefully argue that the Supreme Court must stop this abuse of power. Peggy Little, NCLA Senior Litigation Counsel Excerpts from the briefs amici curiae submitted in support of NCLAs Cert. Petition: The agency seeking to barricade the courthouse doors in this casethe SECis no stranger to this Court. Over the past decade, the Court has granted certiorari to hear four separate challenges to long-standing SEC statutory interpretations that were not within the agencys core expertise. In all four cases the Court concluded that the SEC had erred, sometimes for decades and sometimes with the agreement of the lower courts. As this case illustrates, the SEC is again steering lower courts astray on an important legal issue that is beyond the agencys competence. Cato Institute, Competitive Enterprise Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Petitioner Gibson is one of many citizens who has been investigated, prosecuted, and subjected to a hearingall within a single agency in a single branch of government. Worse, many of the agents who oversee these proceedings are insulated by two layers of protection from removal. The [Supreme] Courts decision in Free Enterprise Fund v. Public Co. Accounting Oversight Board, 561 U.S. 477 (2010) demands the opposite result. [C]ertiorari is needed to clarify Free Enterprise Fund and, more importantly, to ensure federal courts retain their vital role as a check on executive overreach. Southeastern Legal Foundation The jurisdictional issue presented by this appeal is whether justice delayed is justice denied [whether a] violator must weather a ferocious and protracted administrative storm, and suffer whatever damage in the form of monetary and other penalties the SEC ALJ inflicts, before pursuing a substantial, precedent-backed claim challenging SEC ALJs constitutional legitimacy. The draconian financial penalties and career-ending suspensions and debarments that the SEC imposes on hundreds of individuals every yeareither by ratifying nearly all of its ALJs decisions or coercing settlement agreements to which alleged securities law violators accede under duressfurther illuminate the reasons why certiorari should be granted in this case. Atlantic Legal Foundation If the decision below is allowed to stand, the hundreds of Americans who are compelled each year to defend themselves in SEC administrative proceedings will have no meaningful opportunity to contest in federal court the constitutionality of the SECs proceedings. Americans should not have to wait in line for the better part of a decade before courts adjudicate their constitutional disputes with the government. George R. Jarkesy, Jr. [T]he SEC seeks to deprive Petitioner of private rights through an in-house administrative action overseen by an SEC-employed administrative law judge. Under the Constitution, these matters are reserved for resolution in the Judicial Branch. When litigants are required to slog through one or, upon an administrative appeal, two Executive Branch judicial adjudications before they may access an Article III court, they are denied their long-standing due process right against arbitrary deprivation of private rights. Pacific Legal Foundation [The circuit courts] error is pernicious, self-replicating, and should not be allowed to stand. The [Supreme] Court should grant review here to clarify that [case law] does not require the federal judiciary to look away from rogue administrative action that violates individuals federal constitutional rights. If the SEC removal scheme is unconstitutional, it is unconstitutional. Let the chips fall where they may. But it is no answer to bob and weave to duck the merits of that question, whether out of solicitude to the administrative state or otherwise. This is particularly unfair where, as here, the agency not only lacks relevant expertise but has already decided the issue on the merits against Petitioner. Americans for Prosperity Foundation Read Case Summary here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### File image of Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi (left) and CM Nitish Kumar The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on October 6 announced its seat-sharing plan for the 2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly polls, with Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) almost evenly splitting the number of seats they would be contesting. While the BJP will contest 121 seats, the JD(U) will field candidates from 122 constituencies, pocketing an extra seat. Other allies such as former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) would contest seven from JD(U)'s quota. The state assembly has a total of 243 seats. Announcing the same, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, "JD(U) has been allotted 122 seats. Under that quota, we are offering seven seats to HAM. BJP has 121 seats. Talks are underway, BJP will allot seats to Vikassheel Insaan Party under their quota." The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), another NDA component, has announced it will not contest the assembly polls in alliance with the JD(U) citing 'ideological differences'. However, the party maintains that it remains with the NDA at the national level. Stating that "LJP shares a strong alliance with the BJP," the Chirag Paswan-led party will field its candidates only against the JD(U), reports suggest. At the event organised to announce the seat-sharing plan, BJPs Bihar unit chief Sanjay Jaiswal reiterated that the alliance was fighting the election under Nitish Kumars leadership and whoever accepts Nitish Kumar's leadership will be part of NDA gathbandhan. Also read: Is BJP behind Chirag Paswan's decision to go it alone? On September 25, the Election Commission had announced that polling will happen in three phases starting October 28, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 10. The term of the states Legislative Assembly is scheduled to end on November 29. As many as 71 constituencies will head for polls in the first phase on October 28. This will be followed by voting in 94 constituencies in the second phase on November 3 and across 78 seats in the final phase on November 7. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) and its allies, including the BJP, are aiming to retain power in the state. The ruling coalition is being challenged by the Grand Alliance, or the Mahagathbandhan, comprising Tejashwi Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress and other smaller parties. Yadav is the opposition alliances chief ministerial candidate. The Congress is contesting 70 seats, Communist Party of India (Marxist) on four, Communist Party of India on six, Communist Party of India (MarxistLeninist) on 19 and the RJD from 144 constituencies. The structural adhesives market is expected to grow by 1.36 million tons during 2020-2024. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect the impact to be significant in the first quarter but gradually lessen in subsequent quarters with a limited impact on the full-year economic growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005813/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Structural Adhesives Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Request challenges and opportunities influenced by COVID-19 pandemic Request a Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impacts Developing countries across the world are witnessing large scale migration of people from rural areas and urban areas. In 2019, the urban population in China accounted for approximately 60% of the total population compared to 55% in 2015. Similarly, India's urban population increased from 32.77% in 2015 to 34.47% in 2019. The growth in the urban population is resulting in a rise in the number of construction projects. For instance, the Government of China is planning to invest over USD 1 trillion in urban infrastructure projects over the next decade. Such investment plans are increasing the demand for adhesives and sealants, including structural adhesives from the construction industry. These factors are expected to fuel the growth of the global structural adhesives market during the forecast period. To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR44769 As per Technavio, the growing demand for bio-based adhesives 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. Structural Adhesives Market: Growing Demand for Bio-based Adhesives The growing demand for environmentally-friendly products has increased the use of bio-based adhesives across end-user industries such as automotive, construction, and others. Vegetable-based polyamides and soybean-derived polyols, polyisoprene, and epoxies are the major biological products used to produce these adhesives. They do not emit VOCs and are safer and biocompatible. With the growing stringency of environmental regulations and rising consumer awareness regarding the adverse effects of synthetic materials, the demand for bio-based adhesives is expected to increase further during the forecast period. This trend is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the global structural adhesives market. "Increasing demand for lightweight automobiles and the rapid growth of the automotive industry will further boost market growth during the forecast period," says a senior analyst at Technavio. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Structural Adhesives Market: Segmentation Analysis This market research report segments the structural adhesives market by Type (Urethane, Epoxy, Acrylic, Cyanoacrylic, and Others), Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and MEA), and Application (Construction, Transportation, Aviation, Wind energy, and Others). The APAC region led the structural adhesives market in 2019, followed by Europe, North America, South America, and MEA respectively. During the forecast period, APAC is expected to register the highest incremental growth due to the increasing demand from furniture, transportation, aerospace, and transportation industries 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005813/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ The ruling NDA in Bihar on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the assembly under which will contest on 122 seats and 121 out of a total of 243 seats. backed Chief Minister Nitish Kumars leadership to the hilt and rebuffed LJP chief Chirag Paswan who has raised a banner of revolt. At a joint press conference of top leadership of the JD (U) and the BJP, where Kumar who heads the former was also present, it was declared that the two partners have clinched a deal where both will have an almost equal share of the pie. "The has got 122 seats out of which we have set aside seven for the Hindustani Awam Morcha (headed by former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi). "The has got the remaining 121 wherein new entrant Vikassheel Insaan Party of Mukesh Sahni will be accommodated", Kumar told reporters. Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal said "the LJP is our ally at the Centre and we pray for early recovery of its founder and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. But there should be no confusion with regard to the fact that in Bihar the NDAs leader is Nitish Kumar. Our alliance with his party is atoot (unbreakable). Responding to a query about post-poll scenario, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, asserted "we have said unequivocally that Nitish Kumar will be our Chief Minister. It does not matter which party gets how many seats in the elections". Kumar did not mention Chirag by name but remarked sarcastically, "I believe in doing my job. If some people derive pleasure out of saying something inconsequential, they are most welcome to do so. It does not bother me". However, he sought to repudiate Chirags allegation that the has not treated its alliance partners in the state well and asked "did Ram Vilas Paswan get elected to the Rajya Sabha without JD(U)s support?". Contributed /Getty Images New York State Police said a 24-year-old New Haven woman was injured during a skydiving accident in the south central part of the state. Police were called to Skydive the Ranch in the town of Gardiner, about 80 miles northeast of New York City, around 2:25 p.m. Monday after the accident was reported. The FBI raids City Councilman Jose Huizar's residence in Boyle Heights on Nov. 7, 2018. Former city officials suggest a commission could help prevent similar scandals. (Los Angeles Times) Corruption has again been exposed at Los Angeles City Hall, with one council member under indictment in a development scandal and another having pleaded guilty to his part in it. The transgressions highlight the real-world consequences of failing to modernize outdated planning codes and leaving decision-making power over development projects in the hands of City Council members. To try to prevent future corruption, the city needs to fix whats broken about L.A. planning by fully updating planning and zoning laws according to the recommendations of an outside commission, not the council. Some City Council members have proposed incremental reforms in reaction to the indictment of council member Jose Huizar, who has been charged with a running a pay-to-play scheme to shake down real estate developers for cash bribes and campaign donations in exchange for his help getting high-rise development projects approved. Former council member Mitch Englander pleaded guilty to falsifying material facts related to the scheme. As former city officials who have devoted our careers to sound planning, we know that confronting corruption requires replacing political muscle with modern rules that are consistently enforced. We believe that as long as land-use approvals are influenced by politicians, some developers will find ways to sway lawmakers, legally or not. The citys zoning laws and development approval processes are shockingly outdated. L.A. planning director Vince Bertoni and his predecessors have labored for years to modernize the citys 1946 zoning code and update the woefully outdated community plans (which establish goals, policies and programs for land use). Currently 24 of the 35 plans have not been updated in 20 years or more. The oldest is more than 30 years out of date. The old codes were devised for a vast suburban sprawl anchored to the automobile and shaped by overt racist impulses to keep people of color out of white neighborhoods. Failure to revise them for a changing world has consequences beyond corruption it contributes to the lack of affordable housing, reinforcing tensions between young people and longtime residents as they compete for decent places to live. New residential and commercial building remains subject to cumbersome processes that make our region less competitive by driving up costs. Story continues In a joint motion calling for a future planning reform ballot measure, council President Nury Martinez and council member Marqueece Harris-Dawson acknowledged that the citys outdated zoning makes it necessary for many projects to seek entitlements diverging from established zoning. City Councilmembers, and not the Planning Department or the community, become the primary arbiters of land use decisions. Thats the real problem. Currently the 15 council members each have the power to greenlight projects in their districts or halt them altogether. If the joint motion results in a fleshed out, enacted measure, it could make it less likely that council members will be tempted to accept rides on a private jet to Las Vegas to enjoy the lavish hospitality of a private developer, as Huizar is accused of doing. But effective reform shouldn't be left to City Council members because their power is at the heart of the problem. A comprehensive blueprint to ensure Los Angeles enacts up-to-date plans and then enforces them can draw on examples from other cities. For instance, Miami has adopted a revised planning code carefully calibrated to ensure each new building is scaled to its context across the city. If an applicant complies with the strict rules, the project is approved without layers of lengthy and unpredictable discretionary reviews. Minneapolis, Austin, Texas, and most recently Portland, Ore., have revamped zoning to promote more affordable infill housing, which reduces sprawl and encourages investment in older neighborhoods. The ideas being proposed by council members in response to the current scandal fall short of what the city needs. To hammer out a comprehensive approach to planning reform, we urge the establishment of a commission, like the Christopher Commission that was formed in 1991 to examine and make reform recommendations to the structure and operations of the LAPD after the Rodney King beating. The planning reform commission should be made up of a diverse group of respected civic leaders from community, neighborhood, business, and labor organizations, including acknowledged planning experts, such as those at the schools of planning at UCLA and USC. To ensure equity, the appointments could not be tilted toward real estate interests or affluent homeowners. To avoid their recommendations being shunted off to die in committee, the commissions entire proposal would have to be decided on a yes or no vote by the City Council. This approach is inspired by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, first established in 1998, which successfully broke the congressional political deadlock around eliminating unneeded military installations with a simple up or down vote from Congress. The reform commissions job would be to propose planning reform that tackles corruption at its source political control of project approvals. Requiring developers to abide by modernized codes and transparent approval processes will enhance the quality of life and standard of living of the citys 4 million people. Rick Cole was a deputy mayor of Los Angeles from 2013 to 2015. Gail Goldberg served as Los Angeles city planning director from 2006 to 2010. Bud Ovrom was a deputy mayor and general manager of the city of Los Angeles from 2003 to 2017. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday called on Prime Minister and discussed issues related to the state, including release of pending funds for Polavaram irrigation project. Reddy's meeting with Modi comes after eight months, amid strong rumours of his party YSR Congress joining the NDA. It is not known whether political issues were discussed during the meeting. In the 40-minute meeting, Reddy discussed the pending dues and approvals for various projects like Kadapa Steel plant, according to official sources. The CM requested Modi for early release of pending revenue grant of Rs 10,000 crore, Rs 3,250 crore funds for the Polavaram project besides setting up of a high court in Kurnool district, the sources added. After his meeting with Modi, Reddy will attend the Apex Council meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao over Krishna-Godavari river water sharing issue via video conference. (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.) MIAMI, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sitel Group , a global leader in end-to-end customer experience (CX) products and solutions, today announced it is hiring more than 400 associates, on the spot, during its virtual National Hiring Day event to support new business and expanding client growth across North America. Sitel employees have access to numerous career opportunities and advancement as the organization continues to experience a surge in business activity in the region. The global company is hiring for positions at its contact centers and for work at home positions in key metro areas, including Augusta, Georgia; Fishers, Indiana; Knoxville, Tennessee; Las Vegas, Nevada; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Pompano, Florida; and St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Additionally, Sitel Group is hiring for positions across all provinces in Canada. Candidates who are fluent in French and Spanish are encouraged to apply. "This year has presented unique challenges for all of us," said Sally Cornet, Senior Director, HR, Sitel Americas. "At Sitel, we have been fortunate to transition over 45,000 agents to our work from home model and welcome an additional 25,000+ new hires -- and these opportunities continue. We intend to hire over 6,000 more associates by the end of the year in North America. If you have a passion for helping others and building lifelong skills in a diverse culture that supports you, then Sitel could be a great fit for you!" Fostering the development of new hires is a top priority at Sitel Group as career advancement opportunities are plentiful as more than 90% of non-agent positions are filled internally. The company also provides competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages, varying by location. Additionally, Sitel Group provides all U.S.-based hourly full-time associates and their immediate family members the ability to further their education through scholarship opportunities and tuition savings with its DeVry University partnership. In addition, the company offers comprehensive benefit options such as pet benefits, flexible virtual doctor's visits and 401(k) opportunities. Applicants interested in a career at Sitel North America are encouraged to register for its National Virtual Job Fair . For those wanting to learn more about the #SitelLife, tune into the National Hiring Day Live on Facebook/Sitel.USA from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. About Sitel Group As a global leader in end-to-end customer experience (CX) products and solutions, Sitel Group partners with the world's best-loved brands, from Fortune 500 companies to local startups, to design, build and deliver a competitive edge across all customer touchpoints. With 90,000 people working across the globe at home, in contact centers and within MAXhubs we securely connect brands with their customers over 4.5 million times every day in 50+ languages, driving our clients' digital CX strategies forward. Powered by our global strength, local expertise and proprietary technologies, we deliver tailored solutions to fit clients' needs through a consultative, customer-centric approach. EXP+, Sitel Group's Enterprise Experience Platform, is a flexible solution with complete cloud capability, designed to simplify the delivery of end-to-end CX services, while boosting efficiency, effectiveness and customer satisfaction. EXP+ creates a robust ecosystem by harnessing the power of four connected product families: Empower, Engage, Explore and Evolve. With our award-winning culture built on 35+ years of industry-leading experience and commitment to improving the employee experience, we improve business results by pairing innovative design thinking and digital solutions including self-service, artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data-driven analytics with the expertise, emotion and empathy of our people to Create Connection. Value Conversation. Learn more at www.sitel.com and connect with us on Facebook , LinkedIn and Twitter Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Sitel Group After a lengthy delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, American opened its highly anticipated new Admirals Club in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport on Tuesday with some modifications to keep passengers and airline staff safe. American gave SFGATE an exclusive first look inside the new lounge, a space many frequent SFO Admirals Club visitors have been eager to see. The lounge is across from Gate B13 and will be open every day from 5 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Those times may change, depending on Americans flight schedules at SFO. (See the slideshow at the top of this post for a full look at the new space) Inside the check-in lobby, guests will be greeted by agents sitting behind plexiglass shields at a brightly lit reception area. What's new: Social distancing markers on the floor remind fliers to spread out, and hand sanitizer is available at every turn. Masks are required to be worn inside the lounge, unless guests are eating or drinking. The reception area recently opened as a passenger service center to help troubleshoot tricky itineraries, but will now check in Admirals Club guests. Like most SFO airline lounges, the actual living area of the lounge is located on another level. In Americans case, its a quick elevator ride upstairs. Once inside, travelers will be immediately drawn to the panoramic views of the airfield. With floor-to-ceiling windows that run the length of the club, this space is stunningly bright, open and airy. Some flights will board directly from the lounge. Tim Jue Theres not a bad seat in the house to gaze out at the international terminal across the ramp and to view the hubbub of construction activity happening down below as workers build out the final gates in the Concourse B project. Although nowadays youre more likely to spot construction vehicles than airplanes roaming this part of the airport. At 11,634 square feet, the new Admirals Club is 20% bigger than the former Admirals Club located in Terminal 2. It can seat 208 people, but for now, it will operate at 50% capacity to allow for social distancing. The American Airlines avocado toast bar is back in business. Beer and wine will be available at the bar, but the bar stools have been removed to keep unmasked drinkers away from the bartender. Snacks, including bagels, cheese, brownies and other goodies will be individually wrapped instead of the buffet-style offering clubgoers were accustomed to pre-pandemic. Americans famous avocado toast bar will return in the mornings, but entrees will be prepared by a staff member behind plexiglass. In the afternoons, the avocado toast bar becomes a guacamole bar, which is just as popular. Tim Jue Different types of seating around the lounge cater to whatever mood youre in. There are tables and chairs for eating in the dining room, cushiony recliners elsewhere for relaxing, and four chaise longue chairs in a designated quiet area for napping. Don't miss a shred of important travel news! Sign up for our FREE weekly email alerts. Theres also a business center, two private phone booth rooms to take cellphone calls, and two shower rooms to freshen up. A VIP suite with a six-person conference room can be rented out for business meetings, whenever those start happening again. A Universal Studios-themed childrens play area to entertain young fliers will stay closed for now because of public health orders. Photographs of San Francisco landmarks can be found around the new club to give the venue a local touch. Chinatown, the cable cars, the City Hall rotunda dome and the city skyline as seen from Pier 15 are all prominently featured. Webcor was the general contractor that completed the project. Bonsai trees made the move. Frequent visitors to the old Terminal 2 club will be pleased to know the airline has kept the three synthetic bonsai pine trees that became synonymous with the SFO Admirals Club experience. (See the slideshow at the top of this post for a full look at the new space.) Tim Jue The three trees were carefully removed and reinstalled in the new lounge. One is located at the reception area, while the other two have been planted upstairs. Club staff said many frequent American fliers enjoyed checking in every time theyd travel by posting a photo of the trees on social media. Who can get into the new SFO Admirals Club? -Fliers booked in first or business class on American flights between SFO and New York City. -Admirals Club members -American AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members flying on a qualifying international flight -Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members flying on a qualifying flight (except American elite status holders) -Heres the full list of eligible passengers American says that the lounge, built by California-based Webcor, is LEED Gold certified and the design incorporates several sustainable features including low-flow plumbing fixtures, energy efficient LED lighting, building automation, generous amounts of glazing allowing for an abundance of natural light, a composting program aimed at achieving SFOs Zero Waste goal, and bottle filler stations. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Don't miss a shred of important travel news by signing up for 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. PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- A now-former Jackson County deputy has been arrested and charged with bringing contraband into the Jackson County Adult Detention Center. Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell said Monday 21-year-old Lashayla King of Moss Point has been charged with the introduction of contraband into a correctional facility. King was assigned to the ADC in July. County investigators found King had brought contraband into the facility on multiple occasions. Ezell said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests in the case are possible. King was booked into the ADC and released after posting $2,500 bond. If convicted, she faces a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment of 3-7 years. Under state law, correctional officers found guilty of a contraband charge are not eligible for parole, suspension of sentence or any other reduction of sentence. Geneva, N.Y. George Adams had high hopes for the craft brewery he opened in 2015 on Seneca Lake just south of Geneva. GAEL Brewing Co. opened as an Irish-American brewery, with a focus an Celtic ales like stout, porter and Irish red, plus many of the standards of American craft brewing at the time. It was located in a prime tourist area, near Belhurst Castle at 4180 State Route 14 on Seneca Lakes west shore. Last weekend, GAEL Brewing closed, permanently. Adams could have blamed the coronavirus pandemic or the restrictive operating rules imposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Instead, he looked in the mirror. In a heartfelt Facebook post on Sunday, Adams took the blame himself. The failure of the business rests entirely on me, he wrote. It was not NY State, Governor Cuomo, COVID-19 or any other excuse. The failure is because of me solely. The market has spoken loudly and they rejected our brand. I have failed. Many of Adams colleagues in the states craft beer industry were quick to console him and suggest he shouldnt be so hard on himself. Very sorry to hear this George, wrote Chris Hansen, owner of the Climbing Bines Hop Farm & Brewery further down Seneca Lake, closer to Penn Yan. "The local industry is very challenging ... our season is extremely short and its hard to balance it all and stay afloat. Its exhausting. By no means should you feel like you failed, Hansen continued. You had the courage to take a chance, and you are intelligent enough to realize its time to move on. Much respect George. Best of luck in whatever lies ahead for you. Theres no doubt 2020 has been a challenging year for the states 400-plus craft breweries, said Paul Leone, executive director of the New York State Brewers Association. Breweries face no state restrictions on production. But their tasting rooms, which generate much of the profit for small brewers, are currently operating with a 50% limit on capacity, mask and distancing rules and a requirement that they at least provide a snack with an alcohol purchase. More than half dozen breweries in the state have closed this year, a few others have been sold and the rate of new openings which had been surging in recent years has slowed. But Leone cant point to a brewery that has closed strictly because of the coronavirus or the state regulations. Its hard to say (the closings) are not in some way related (to the pandemic), but in most cases there were issues with the business or the owner before that, Leone said. It may be this is just the final straw for a business that was headed toward closing anyway. In the case of GAEL Brewing, Leone said, the difficulty may have been in finding the right niche in the marketplace. My perspective is that the craft brewing business is not an easy one, Leone said. On the surface it seems like business is booming and everyone is making a profit. But the reality is its hard and there are a lot of factors involved. He (Adams) just never found his audience. He built something, and he tried, but it just didnt work. In his Facebook post, Adams acknowledged his choices may have contributed to the brewerys troubles. He never fully embraced many of the newer trends in craft brewing, like hazy IPAs, fruity sours or berry-infused, lactose brews. Since GAEL opened, New York state in general, and the Finger Lakes in particular, have seen a surge in breweries pursuing those styles. I tried to emphasize the family aspect of the Irish-American heritage with our business, Adams wrote. In hindsight, I should have been edgier to draw attention to ourselves as some have done, but that is not in my personality. Adams also echoed Leones point about the coronavirus as just a factor, not the sole reason for the trouble. I was hoping to fill a void being a dedicated brewery focused on quality on the northern edge of Seneca Lake but the anticipated growth did not materialize, Adams wrote. The COVID-19 crisis did not cause this; it was just the last strike of the hammer on the nail to close the coffin. Adams also thanked his loyal customers. I truly appreciate everyone who came through our doors and supported us in the time that we were open and hope that you had a great time here, he wrote. The memories of us for you may fade over time but for me I will remember everyone who visited. ... Please be safe and alive during this time. That is what is important. MORE ON FOOD AND DRINKS In chaotic year, Eastwood beer and sandwich shop finds its groove German flavor in Buffalo: Long-awaited Hofbrauhaus beer hall finally open Central New York craft brewers are joining the hard seltzer bandwagon Want to buy a landmark Tipp Hill bar? This one, closed since St. Patricks Day, is available Inns of Aurora adds former Pumpkin Hill Bistro to its Cayuga Lake dining portfolio 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. Some of the military's top leaders are self-quarantining after the Coast Guard's second highest-ranking officer tested positive for COVID-19, the Pentagon announced Tuesday. Adm. Charles Ray tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, just over a week after he attended a White House event with other senior military leaders. Ray began feeling mild symptoms over the weekend, according to a Tuesday Coast Guard statement. Ray is the most senior military leader known to have tested positive for COVID-19. Read Next: Army Gets First Iron Dome Battery from Israel The admiral was one of several military leaders to attend a Gold Star Families event at the White House on Sept. 27. It's not clear where Ray contacted the illness, Lt. Cmdr. Scott McBride, a Coast Guard spokesman, told Military.com, but they're now conducting contract tracing per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. "We're making sure that anyone that Adm. Ray has been in contact with is aware," McBride said. Marine Commandant Gen. David Berger, Air Force Chief of Staff Charles "CQ" Brown, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley also attended the Sept. 27 event at the White House. That was the day after the Trump administration held an outdoor nomination ceremony for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Several people at that event, including President Donald Trump, have now contracted COVID-19. Ray was also at the Pentagon last week for meetings with other senior military leaders, including service chiefs, Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday. "We are conducting additional contact tracing and taking appropriate precautions to protect the force and the mission," Hoffman said. "Out of an abundance of caution, all potential close contacts from these meetings are self-quarantining and have been tested this morning." So far, he added, no other Pentagon contacts have exhibited symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19. At least one of the service chiefs has traveled since the Sept. 27 event at the White House. Berger, along with Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy Black, visited the British aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth last week, according to a military news release. Brown is also participating in a senior leader meeting for Air Force and Space Force officials at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland this week. The annual event is a hybrid of in-person and remote meetings this year, according to an Air Force official. "The meetings, which include virtual options, are continuing and both CSAF and CSO are participating virtually," an official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said. "General Brown and General Raymond tested negative before meetings began and tested negative again this morning. Both participated in person yesterday." Hoffman said senior leaders quarantining poses no change to the military's operational readiness or mission capability. "Senior military leaders are able to remain fully mission capable and perform their duties from an alternative work location," he said. "DoD has been following CDC guidelines since April with respect to temperature testing, social distancing, and the wearing of masks to the greatest extent when social distancing is not possible and will continue to do so." -- Oriana Pawlyk contributed to this report. -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. 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Their thorough attention to detail includes upscale dining menus and every decoration that a party is interested in. This includes quality paper products, china, linens, tables, chairs, tents and complete event planning from a catering specialist. Village Catering sets the standards high and believes in custom-tailoring the menu to satisfy clients and their guests to make their occasion the best it can be. To learn more, visit http://www.villagecatering.com/. Id get my camera, and Id interrogate him basically and ask all these questions I just didnt feel safe asking without a camera. She laughed. Then Id go home and ask my mom, do a cross-examination and see whatd come out of that. The film was a fulcrum of her method, inviting multiple perspectives into one conversation, thereby arriving at a deeper truth. In 2007, Bradley moved from New York to Los Angeles to attend film school at the University of California. It was a lonely period. She felt alienated amid L.A.s distended landscape. Afraid of driving, she resorted to taking the bus down Sunset from her Silver Lake apartment to U.C.L.A.s Westside campus, an hours ride in traffic. But when she finally arrived on campus, she didnt feel at home there. While Bradleys interests already tended toward the experimental, she struggled with the programs emphasis on the how-tos of production. There wasnt much time spent doing what Bradley really wanted to do: watch some movies. During her first year, she met the filmmaker Billy Woodberry, who worked in the programs equipment office and taught at CalArts. A cigarette-smoking cinephile, he invited her to watch films with him. Whatever he was watching, Id want to sit next to him and watch, too, she recalled. Woodberry himself studied in the same film program, which beginning in 60s attracted a group of young Black filmmakers who came to be called the L.A. Rebellion, gathering in and around U.C.L.A. after the Watts uprising. These filmmakers were only a few miles away from the Hollywood dream factory but felt that they existed in a different world. They repurposed the techniques they discovered in international cinema in order to represent the realities of the Black neighborhoods that exploded in 1965. Many of these films told stories of working-class Black families (often portrayed by nonprofessional actors) through loosely structured, peripatetic narratives that turned on rigorous repetition of striking images, as with the motif in Charles Burnetts Killer of Sheep of crying Black boys, or shots in Woodberrys Bless Their Little Hearts of the crumbling postindustrial South Los Angeles ghetto. Shorts like Julie Dashs Four Women and Barbara McCulloughs Water Ritual #1 eschewed narrative in favor of dance and ritual in order to draw a connection between an African diaspora, the enslaved past and the Black present. Deeply collaborative in nature (the movements members often starred in or worked behind the scenes of one anothers films), the L.A. Rebellion was determined to offer representations that Hollywood had no interest in surfacing. For Bradley, watching these films was a validating experience, she told me. Maybe I wasnt messing up. Maybe I was experimenting. Maybe there was order to what felt like complete madness. The Rebellions influence on her work is clear in Below Dreams, Bradleys 2014 narrative feature debut. Shot in a loose verite style as a series of entwined stories about young adults navigating economic insecurity, it meanders, largely allowing its images to tell the stories of Jamaine, an unemployed single father desperately trying to secure a job; the single mother, Leann; and Elliott, a New York transplant. Elliott might be a stand-in for Bradley herself, who relocated to New Orleans from Los Angeles in the middle of her graduate program. She was in the habit of taking bus trips to New Orleans in the summers, during which shed strike up conversations with her fellow passengers. I was asking people the same questions I was asking myself what I wanted in life and what I thought was going to get in the way of it, and how I was going to overcome it, she remembered. Bradley eventually brought along a recorder. A new film that explores the lives of people living in the Syrian Golan, by Syrian director Wassim Safadi has been recognised at a festival in Sweden reports Zaman Al-Wasl. State of Siege, a film by the Syrian director Wassim Safadi was recently awarded a special mention at the Gothenburg Arab Film Festival, which was held in Sweden. The festival was defined as a cultural space that knows no borders and explores Arab identity in the Arab world and the diaspora. The jury for the second session of the festival included the Syrian film critic Randa al-Rahwanji, the Iraqi film director Jamal Amin and the Omani filmmaker Abdullah Habib. The 40-minute film tells the story of the people of the occupied Golan after the Syrian revolution. Their lives, their suffering under occupation, and how they see their future in the midst of the conflicts around them were examined in the film. The director, who came from the occupied Golan, told Zaman al-Wasl that the film addresses the issue of identity and belonging under occupation. The film reviews the difficulties, conflicts and questions that are being asked by people from Golan regarding their future, and how they evaluate the events that occurred in their motherland Syria. The documentary also addresses the community-based cracks that occurred after the Syrian revolution, and talks about how the Syrian revolution affects the course of life in the Golan. Safadi expressed joy that his film won the special mention award and that the disappeared voice of the Golanists began to reach the world, and that the remote viewers learned about the tragedy and the exceptional reality that the people of the Golan experienced under occupation and on the artificial borders with the Syria. He dedicated the award to the free people of Syria who supported the freedom revolution and to the martyrs of the Syrian revolution who sacrificed their souls while demanding freedom and human dignity. Wassim Safadi is a Syrian filmmaker who studied cinema at the University of Poitiers in France. He worked in the office of Al-Jazeera in Paris and for several Arab and international channels and founded the Lumiere Productions company. He has released many documentary films such as Khalil Sakakini: The Diaries of a Human Being with director Issam Ballan, produced by Al-Jazeera. 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. You are here: China Central China's Hubei Province reported four imported asymptomatic COVID-19 cases and no increase in domestically transmitted cases Sunday, the provincial health commission said Monday. The four asymptomatic patients were put under quarantine upon arriving at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport from Jakarta, Indonesia, on Oct. 2. They were diagnosed as asymptomatic cases on Sunday. A total of 126 close contacts on the flight have been put under quarantine. Hubei had reported a total of 68,139 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 63,627 cases had been discharged from hospitals after recovery. The disease has claimed 4,512 lives in the province. Hailey Bieber put her phenomenal physique on full display, as she rocked a pair of tiny black shorts, which showcased her tanned and toned legs on Sunday. While stopping for a beet juice in West Hollywood, the 23-year-old supermodel flashed a glimpse of her taut midriff and her glowing makeup-free complexion. Just one day before gracing the cover of Vogue Italia's October issue with her husband Justin Bieber, the beauty hit the gym and enjoyed her healthy drink, which is known for improving exercise stamina. Leggy display: Hailey Bieber put her phenomenal physique on full display, as she rocked a pair of tiny black biker shorts, which showcased her tanned and toned legs on Sunday She paired her sporty ensemble with a black CDC-recommended face, several silver necklaces and a light grey cardigan. For her post-workout outing, she styled her bright blonde hair in a sleek twisted bun. On her Instagram Story, the star uploaded a picture of her workout at the celeb-beloved Dogpound gym in West Hollywood. Gym-honed figure: While stopping for a beet juice in West Hollywood, the 23-year-old supermodel flashed a glimpse of her taut midriff and her glowing makeup-free complexion Effortlessly chic: She paired her sporty ensemble with a black CDC-recommended face, several silver necklaces and a light grey cardigan During her training lesson, she snapped a shot of her multi-colored sneakers, while standing with her feet hip-width apart and a resistance band just above her knees. After arriving home, Hailey photographed the downside of having two cats to her 29.5 million Instagram followers. 'This is what it's like having 2 cats...FML,' she captioned a shot of kitchen floor looking like a crime scene, after the dark red juice was spilled over entirely. Busy: Just one day before gracing the cover of Vogue Italia's October issue with her husband Justin Bieber, the beauty hit the gym and enjoyed her juice, which is known for improving exercise stamina On the run: For her post-workout outing, she styled her bright blonde hair in a sleek twisted bun The doting pet owner, who owns two part-African Serval cats, named Sushi and Tuna, made sure to point out the big mess was just beet juice. On Monday, she and Justin unveiled a very steamy shot of themselves on the cover of Vogue Italia. In the picture, Hailey cut a very glamorous figure as she draped her leg over her shirtless husband, 26, in the sensual snap which sees the couple lounging on a bed. Working up a sweat: On her Instagram Story, the star uploaded a picture of her workout at the celeb-beloved Dogpound gym in West Hollywood 'This is what it's like having 2 cats...FML,' she captioned a shot of kitchen floor looking like a crime scene, after the dark red juice was knocked over entirely Dressed in a navy satin gown, black tights and sky-high heels, Hailey looked sensational as she posed for the striking image while gazing lovingly into her husband's eyes. The model appeared completely enamored by her chart-topping beau as she draped her leg over his tattooed torso, while she clutched the back of his neck with her hand. Justin meanwhile, whose face wasn't revealed in the cover image, tenderly held his wife just beneath her breast as she lay her hand on top of his. Happy in love: She and her husband, Justin Bieber, unveiled a very steamy shot of themselves on the cover of Vogue Italia on Monday The Love Yourself hitmaker ditched his top for the image and simply donned a pair of navy trousers and black boots. The issue is a dedication and celebration of 100 years since the birth of renowned fashion photographer Helmut Newton, with Hailey and Justin's cover a tribute to Helmut's love and devotion for his wife. The Biebers were long-time friends before they started dating in 2016. However, they seemingly had a falling out later that year, but did reconnect in 2018. Whirlwind romance: The couple officially got married in a New York City courthouse September 13, 2018, and later had a lavish, traditional wedding ceremony in South Carolina in September 30, 2019 The couple officially got married in a New York City courthouse in 2018, and a year later with a lavish, traditional wedding ceremony in South Carolina on September 30, 2019. Since confirming their union, the two have been very open about their relationship and what it takes to be happily married. In an interview with Elle, Hailey said that she was impressed with Justin's growth when they finally decided to get back together. 'Obviously, it took work and getting past things between the two of us, but it was all very worth it,' she confessed. Tom Cruise has resumed shooting for his upcoming film, Mission: Impossible 7 and Mission: Impossible 8. In the past few weeks, netizens have been treated with several sneak-peeks of the actor's daring action scenes, and the recent one comes from Tom's shoot in Norway on a moving train. Over the weekend, the ace filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie took to his Instagram page and shared BTS still from the sets of Mission: Impossible 7, which shows Cruise performing a stunt on a moving train amid extreme cold weather. In the picture, you can also see a helicopter crashing down in the background while Cruise is busy fighting. McQuarrie spoke about Norway and the team's experience in the post's caption. He wrote, "Norway's scale and beauty have left an indelible and defining imprint on our film and reminded us that anything is possible. On behalf of everyone working on Mission: Impossible, our sincerest thanks to The Norwegian Film Incentive, The Norwegian Railway Museum, the infinitely patient Stranda and Rauma Municipalities, our endlessly enduring Norwegian crew, along with everyone who supported our filming here. And, of course... The Mountain." He added, "Most of all, we give thanks to the warm and welcoming people of Norway. Your kindness and consideration are nothing less than an inspiration. We'll miss you dearly and look forward to seeing you again. Tusen hjertelig takk. Buckle up, Roma. Here we come... #MI7MI8". More videos of the incident have made it to the internet. A video showed a bunch of excited fans chasing the train on which the actor was shooting, with a car. Tom even smiles and then laughs at the screaming fans, ultimately giving them a wave. In the clip you can see Tom prepping for a scene. He is also secured with some harnesses as is the rest of the stunt crew. Mission: Impossible 7 starring Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Henry Czerny, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson and Vanessa Kirby is set to release in November 2021. The makers have also announced a release date for Mission Impossible 8 as November 4, 2022. Birthday Special: Upcoming Tom Cruise Movies We Can't Wait To Watch Tom Cruise Says 'Great To Be Back In A Movie Theatre'; Makes A Surprise Visit During Tenet Screening A TikTok user was punched in the head as he filmed a video for the app with a friend on September 26. New York City Police Department The NYPD is searching for an individual who was caught on camera punching a man filming a TikTok video. The 24-year-old victim and a friend were filming content on the evening of September 26, police say, when an individual approached them from behind and uttered an anti-gay slur. The individual went on to punch one of the creators in the face and the back of the head, video shows. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. New York City police are looking for an individual in connection with an attack that took place as two friends filmed a TikTok video on September 26. The 24-year-old victim and his female friend were filming content for the app at approximately 11:35 PM in front of 85 Broad Street in the financial district, police say, when they were approached by an individual who used an anti-gay slur and punched one of the creators in the face and back of the head. The altercation was caught on video. In the clip provided to Insider, the victim's friend attempted to restrain their assailant before he fled in an unknown direction. The victim ultimately suffered a laceration to his lip and a bloody nose. Police are investigating the incident as a bias crime, WABC reported. The suspect is described as a white male with blond hair, 5'9" to 5'10", and 200 lbs. He was last seen wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, black shorts, and black sneakers. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Read more: FDA asks TikTok to remove 'Benadryl Challenge' videos after reports link several deaths to the drug An Arkansas man was sentenced to more than 100 years in prison for a fatal shooting over unwanted mayonnaise on his hamburger order TikTokers are being called out for a 'ghost photoshoot' trend that critics say reminds them of KKK robes Read the original article on Insider Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday decided to handover to the CBI probe into the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl at Manuabhan Tekri here more than a year ago, an official said. The incident took place on April 30, 2019, at Manuabhan Tekri under the Koh-e-Fiza police station area of the state capital, the public relations department official said. While deciding to handover the probe to the CBI, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said those found guilty of crime against girls will get stern punishment, the official said. The victims mother had been demanding a CBI probe for a long time, a home ministry official said. The 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered by two men. Police suspect the girls teenage aunt knew the accused and was involved in abetment of the crime. The victim was visiting a temple with her 16-year-old aunt when the accused approached her, the police have said. The men took the girl to a secluded spot nearby, where they raped her and then smashed her head with stones, they said. Her aunt was not around when she was taken away by the duo, the police said. The following day, the victims family filed a complaint with the police and both the men - who lived in the same neighbourhood as the girl - were arrested, they said. The girls aunt was also taken into custody, the police added. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Tuesday questioned the conspiracy claims of the Uttar Pradesh government in Hathras for communal and casteist riots in the state. The BSP supremo asked if the conspiracy theory was out of electoral concerns and said the government should focus on getting justice for the aggrieved family instead. In a series of tweets, Mayawati said: The UP governments charge against the conspiracy to incite casteist and communal riots to influence developments in Hathras case is right or an electoral trick, this time will tell, but the demand of the public is to bring justice to the victims family. It would be better if the government concentrates on this. She added, There was a lot of fury and outrage across the country for the kind of wrong and inhuman treatment done with the victims family in the Hathras incident. The government should get serious to rectify the mistake and bring justice to the victims family, otherwise it will be difficult to prevent heinous incidents. Hathras has been in the news after a 19-year-old woman was allegedly raped on September 14 in a village in the district and she succumbed to her injuries a fortnight later at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Her hurried cremation in the dead of the night, allegedly without the parents consent, created further outrage. Adityanath, however, said anarchist elements were trying to trigger communal and caste violence in the state. Meanwhile, four people, said to have links with alleged radical group Popular Front of India (PFI) and an associate outfit, were arrested in Mathura on Monday while they were on their way to Hathras from Delhi, police said. They said the four were taken into custody at Mathuras Math toll plaza where the police were checking vehicles after receiving a tip-off that some suspicious people were on their way to Hathras from Delhi. The West Australian government is considering interstate travel bubbles and opening the border to New Zealanders, according to the states Chief Health Officer. Dr Andy Robertson and Premier Mark McGowan have come under increasing pressure to explain why WA remains closed to other COVID-free states as other jurisdictions move to reunite the country, bar Victoria. WA Premier Mark McGowan flanked by Health Minister Roger Cook and Chief Health Officer Andy Robertson. Credit:Lauren Pilat Speaking to Radio 6PR, Dr Robertson said he would provide further advice to the state government on border restrictions in the next couple of weeks, including considering interstate travel bubbles. New Zealand is obviously being considered at this stage, or at least allowing New Zealanders into Australia, so thats another consideration thats being looked at at both a national and state level, he said. Mumbai, Oct 6 : Actor Akshay Oberoi says he is always searching for unique characters that let him stretch himself as an actor. Ajkshay will soon be seen in the web series "High", which revolves around a drug addict holed up in a rehab facility run by doctors working on a mysterious compound. "I am always searching for a unique and different character in order to stretch myself as an actor and High is exactly in line with that thought process. Not only that, it is also one of the projects that is a unique blend of excellent direction, cinematography writing and performances by the starcast," Akshay said. The actor essays the role of a drug addict who is trying to get a grip on life. Currently shooting in Dubai, Akshay is thrilled to be seen in a role that touches upon the psyche of self-destructive drug addicts. "It's very rare to find things where all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place perfectly. So I just hope people enjoy the series as much as we enjoyed making it," he said of the series, which drops on MX Player on October 7. A Pakistani court was on Tuesday informed that India has failed to appoint a lawyer to represent death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav in the case of the review of his death sentence by a military court in this country. This comes after Pakistan on Thursday once again rejected Indias demand that an Indian lawyer or a Queens counsel should be appointed for Jadhav to ensure a free and fair trial in the case. Fifty-year-old retired Indian Navy officer Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had last month set a new deadline for India to appoint a legal representative for Jadhav. The three-member bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, while hearing the law ministrys request on Tuesday to provide a counsel to Jadhav was informed that India had failed to appoint a lawyer by October 6 as was instructed by the court despite it being conveyed for the second time to do so. Justice Minallah then asked the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan to help determine if the court can appoint a legal representative for Jadhav without Indias approval and what consequences such a move would have. He also asked the AGP if the appointment of a lawyer by the court would provide a satisfactory mechanism for an effective implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment in the case. Later, the court adjourned the hearing in the case till November 9. In 2017, India approached the ICJ against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence handed to him by a military court. The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay. India has slammed Pakistan for adopting a farcical" approach in denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence in contravention of the ICJ order. Indias Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava last month said the government of Pakistan has not been able to fulfil its obligations on implementation of the ICJ judgment in letter and spirit. It has not yet addressed the core issues, which include provision of all documents related to the case, providing unconditional and unimpeded consular access to Kulbhusan Jadhav and appointment of an Indian lawyer or a Queens counsel to ensure a free and fair trial," he said. Meanwhile, two eminent lawyers nominated as amicus curiae excused themselves to help the court in the case. Abid Hassan Manto said he was ill, while Makhdoom Ali Khan excused himself from appearing on professional grounds. But the two lawyers submitted a reply to the court saying that it was a matter of honour for them to be appointed as judicial assistants. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron has hit back at Megan Thee Stallions criticism of his decision not to bring charges in the case of the shooting of Breonna Taylor. The heated comments come in response to the rapper's Saturday Night Live performance when she launched an attack against Mr Cameron for this role in Ms Taylors case. During the opening episode of NBC late-night sketch series on Saturday, Stallion used the stage during her performance of hit Savage to draw attention to her message to protect black men and women. She then played an audio clip of social justice activist Tamika Mallory saying: "Daniel Cameron is no different than the sellout Negroes that sold our people into slavery." In an interview with Fox and Friends on Tuesday Mr Cameron agreed that we need to love and protect our black women but then hit out at Stallions disparaging comments calling them disgusting. "The fact that a celebrity that I've never met before wants to make those sorts of statements they don't hurt me, but what it does is it exposes the type of intolerance that people, and the hypocrisy," he said. "Obviously people preach about being tolerant. You've seen a lot of that from the left about being tolerant. But what you saw there is inconsistent with tolerance. In fact, it's her espousing intolerance." Ms Taylor, a 26-year-old Louisville emergency medical tech was shot dead by police during a drugs raid on her home in March. The warrant to search her apartment was approved as part of a narcotics investigation into a suspect who lived across town, and no drugs were found at her home. Mr Cameron, the first African American elected to the job in Kentucky, has been criticised by many for his decision not to directly charge any officers with Ms Taylor's killing. The decision has sparked widespread outrage and protests in Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia and Washington. "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Zappos for the launch of UGG UNIVERSAL . Not only has Zappos created Zappos Adaptive, a curated shopping experience that makes fashion functional and available to all, but they have encouraged us to adapt our heritage styles, so they are now truly accessible. We are very proud to be part of the Zappos Adaptive program ," said Andrea O'Donnell , President, Fashion Lifestyle, Deckers Brands. "We greatly value our partnership with UGG, a brand who shares our deep commitment for championing inclusivity and reducing inequalities within the fashion industry," said Dana Zumbo, Business Development Manager, Zappos Adaptive. "To bring this collection to life, we worked side-by-side hosting focus groups with a diverse group of people with disabilities to receive first-hand feedback. We're humbled by the experience of getting to play a part in the UGG brand's first-ever universal design." The UGG UNIVERSAL collection features the Classic Short and Neumel reimagined with adaptive features such as oversized double zippers, rear pull tabs, and toggle-adjusted stretch laces. The Classic Short style comes in Chestnut and Black colorways and the Neumel in Chestnut, Black and Grey. Exclusive to Zappos.com until 2022, the collection includes women's and men's styles ranging from sizes 5-18 and kids' product ranging from sizes 10-6 with a price point between $130-$170. The UGG UNIVERSAL Collection is available now exclusively on Zappos.com. Both UGG and Zappos Adaptive share a deep commitment to inclusivity and equality for all. Throughout the process of bringing this collection to life, both companies came together and hosted customer focus groups with a diverse group of people with disabilities to receive first-hand feedback to ensure the products addressed a variety of needs and are tailored with a universal design. About UGG Founded in 1978 by an Australian surfer on the coast of California, UGG is a global lifestyle brand renowned for its iconic Classic boot. First worn by Hollywood royalty, fashion editors and then the world, UGG designs and retails footwear, apparel, accessories and homewares with an uncompromising attitude toward quality and craftsmanship. Delivering more than $1 billion in annual sales, UGG partners with the best retailers globally and owns over 130 concept and outlet stores worldwide in key markets including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. For more information, please visit www.ugg.com. @ugg #feelUGG About Zappos.com Established in 1999, Zappos.com is a leading customer service company and innovator in online retail, company culture, and organizational evolution. Specializing in shoes, clothing, and more, Zappos WOWs customers through its legendary 365-day return policy, fast/free shipping, and 24/7 friendly service. Zappos.com LLC is a subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc. About Zappos Adaptive The Zappos Adaptive mission is to provide functional and fashionable products to make life easier. Zappos Adaptive is an online shopping experience offering clothing and shoes from innovative brands with unique features that address a variety of needs. Press Contacts: UGG Maricia Josephs Associate Manager, Global PR Office: (212) 247-8552 x2782 Mobile: (404) 860-5101 [email protected] HL Group [email protected] Zappos Laura Davis [email protected] SOURCE UGG Related Links http://www.ugg.com The White House coronavirus outbreak took another alarming turn Tuesday as it was revealed the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and other top military leaders are under quarantine after a senior Coast Guard official tested positive for the coronavirus, two U.S. officials said. Gen. Mark Milley and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force have tested negative for the virus, but remain under quarantine as a precaution, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss information not yet made public. The head of U.S. Cyber Command, Gen. Paul Nakasone, was also among those quarantined. All were under quarantine after Milley and other senior officials attended a White House event Sunday to honor 'gold star' families. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley has gone into quarantine after attending a White House event Sunday. So have other top defense officials President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump both were present. Milley and other top DOD officials have received frequent tests after being at the White House Sunday, the New York Times reported. Officials said the military leaders were working from home and this has not affected military readiness. They also have huddled in the 'Tank,' a secure facility inside the Pentagon. Milley was among those attending a White House event for 'gold star' families Guests were seated closely together and did not wear masks at the Sept. 27 reception in the East Room of the white House As at many White House events, guests did not wear masks Up to 14 officials are believed to have been potentially exposed to the virus after meetings last week with the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Charles W. Ray, who has tested positive. The officials were informed about the positive test on Monday. It is not known how Ray contracted the virus, but it was not believed to be related to the outbreak affecting President Donald Trump and others at the White House, the officials said. The news took the proliferating White House coronavirus outbreak into a concerning new direction, with the nation's national security and defense apparatus under threat. The Times reported that Army chief of staff Gen. James C. McConville and other top military leaders are quarantining after being exposed to Adm. Charles Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, who tested positive for COVID-19. The event honoring families of fallen troops, like many gatherings at the White House, did not feature masks or social distancing. Recent protocal has been that people who might come into contact with the president are first given a rapid test for COVID-19. Images released by the White House showed Trump up close with attendees, including children represented among 'gold star' guests. The event for gold star families was an elaborate response to a brutal story in the Atlantic last month that quoted defense officials who said Trump referred to fallen troops as 'suckers' and losers.' Gen. Milley last broke into the news after taking part in the president's photo-op immediately after police used tear gas to clear out Lafayette Park across from the White House. Milley said it was a 'mistake' and issued a blunt statement about the importance of protecting firewalls between military and civilian leaders. 'I should not have been there,' he said in a a prerecorded video commencement address to National Defense University. 'My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics.' CNN reported nine top officials in quarantine, and said all had tested negative. Besides Milley they were Gen. John Hyten, vice chair of the joint chiefs of staff, Gen. James Conville, the Army chief of staff, Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard, Gen. Paul Nakasone, who heads cyber command. Gen. Gary Thomas, assistant commandant of the Marines, Gen. Charles Brown, of the Air Force, Adm. Michale Gilday, chief of naval operations, and Gen. John Raymond, Chief of Space Operations. Nakasone, though not a member of the joint chiefs, fills a vital role in an election U.S. intelligence has warned is already featuring foreign interference efforts. He participated in a video put out by the FBI Tuesday where Nakasone and FBI Director Chris Wray described joint efforts to protect U.S. elections. As the number of officials linked to the White House and under quarantine grew, the U.S. Secret Service announced that it would not be sharing information about its own ranks. 'For privacy and operational security reasons, the Secret Service is not releasing how many of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19, nor how many of its employees were, or currently are, quarantined,' the Secret Service said. The statement came days after Trump was criticized for taking a ride in an SUV to thank cheering supporters outside the Walter Reed hospital, while a driver and an agent who accompanied him in the front seat wore protective gear. Mumbai, Oct 6 : Telecom major Reliance Jio on Tuesday entered into a partnership with USP Studios to strengthen the platform's offering for kids in India. Through this partnership with USP Studios, Jio users will now have access to eight edutainment apps including Kids First, Kids TV India, Junior Squad Kid Songs, Top Nursery Rhymes, Kids Channel India, Bob The Train, Little Treehouse Rhymes, and Farmees Nursery Rhymes. USP Studios fun learning apps will be available for Jio users in English and other regional languages for free, the company said. "Providing kids with content that is differentiated and resourceful is at the heart of what we do at USP Studios," Uday Singh Phoolka, Founder, USP Studios, said in a statement. "While we have been reaching out to over 130+ million subscribers, we believe it's time that we further expand this reach to the next 100 million in India and our partnership with Jio will help us achieve this goal." A few of USP Studios popular creations include Bob The Train, Supremes, Boom Buddies, Little Treehouse, Farmees, Junior Squad, and Baby Toot Toot, among others. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Facebook and Twitter took action against a post from President Trump Tuesday that claimed that COVID-19 is "far less lethal" than the flu. Trump made the tweet and posted the same message to Facebook just hours after arriving back at the White House following a multi-day stay at Walter Reed medical center, where the president was treated after testing positive for COVID-19. Facebook took down Trump's post outright Tuesday, stating that it "[removes] incorrect information about the severity of COVID-19, and have now removed this post." Twitter hid the tweet behind a warning saying that it broke the platform's rules about spreading misleading or harmful COVID-19 misinformation. Flu season is coming up! Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu. Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 6, 2020 "We placed a public interest notice on this Tweet for violating our COVID-19 Misleading Information Policy by making misleading health claims about COVID-19," a Twitter spokesperson said. Taking down one of the president's posts is rare but it wasn't a first for Facebook. In August, Facebook removed a video Trump shared in which he claimed that children are "almost immune" to COVID-19. The clip originally aired on Fox News. On twitter, Trump's tweet will have "significantly limited" engagement, meaning that it can't be retweeted without quoting, liked or replied to, but it will remain up because it's in the public interest. By the time Twitter took action on the tweet it had more than 59,000 retweets and 186,000 likes. Story continues Facebook and Twitter both created new policies to address the spread of pandemic-related misinformation earlier this year. In the pandemic's earlier days, the false claim that COVID is comparable to the flu was a common refrain from Trump and his allies, who wished to downplay the severity of the virus. But after months of the virus raging through communities around the U.S., the claim that COVID-19 is like the flu is an even more glaring lie. While much remains not understood about the virus, it can follow an aggressive and unpredictable trajectory in patients, attacking vital organs beyond the lungs and leaving people who contracted it with long-lasting health effects that are not yet thoroughly studied or understood. Trump's own physician has said the president "may not be out of the woods yet" in his own fight with the virus. In recent months, the president's social media falsehoods had shifted more toward lies about the safety of vote-by-mail, the system many Americans will rely on to cast votes as the pandemic rages on. But less than a day out of a multi-day stay at the hospital, where he was given supplemental oxygen and three experimental treatments, it's clear Trump's own diagnosis with the virus doesn't mean he intends to treat with any seriousness at all the health threat that's upended the economy and claimed more than 200,000 lives in the U.S. Instead, Trump is poised to continue waging a political war against platforms like Twitter and Facebook if the results of the election give him the chance. Trump has already expressed interest in dismantling Section 230, a key legal provision that protects platforms from liability for user-generated content. He tweeted "REPEAL SECTION 230!!!" Tuesday after Twitter and Facebook took action against his posts saying the flu is worse than COVID-19. Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trumps third nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, is the living embodiment of the things that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her career fighting for. A highly accomplished professional woman, Barrett is a former Supreme Court clerk, a former big firm lawyer, a professor of constitutional law and civil procedure and a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. And, on top of all that, she and her husband are raising seven children. Like Ginsburg, whom she will replace if confirmed by the Senate, Barrett is a brilliant scholar and jurist, admired by her colleagues not only for her sharp mind but for her humility and warmth. And yet so-called womens advocates have launched a mean girls campaign to tear this exemplar down. They falsely claim that she is a member of a religious cult that expects women to be submissive although it doesnt seem as if Judge Barrett is doing a great job at that. They make absurd accusations that this mother of four girls wants to slam shut the doors that Ruth Bader Ginsburg opened before others can walk through. And, in a sexist twist that lacks even a hint of irony, they question whether a woman with such a high-powered career is capable of being a loving, present mom. These attacks are personal, baseless and speculative, and of course do not relate to her qualifications for the post. In addition, despite the progressive feminist penchant for saying that lived experience is as important as paper credentials, they scoff at a nominee whose perspective as a mother of seven children two adopted from Haiti and one with special needs is unique among the current justices of the Court. Does it occur to progressive feminists that such a perspective may have imbued Judge Barrett with the sort of compassion, empathy, and unyielding commitment to equal justice under law that they claim they want in a Supreme Court justice? Of course it doesnt. Or if it does, they simply dont care, so blinded are they by an extreme ideology that demands political commitments from nominees to the federal bench. Progressive feminists simply cannot accept a Court constrained by its constitutional role to say only what the law is, not what they want it to be. And so, rather than issue even the mildest form of praise for this impressive female nominee, the National Womens Law Center, which also opposed Barretts 2017 nomination to the Court of Appeals, has launched a Block Barrett campaign to stop her confirmation. Apparently, the organization, which once used the motto expanding the possibilities for women and girls since 1972, is only interested in advancing possibilities for certain kinds of women and girls. One would think that confirming a nominee as qualified as Judge Barrett would be a no brainer, as it was when President Clinton nominated Ginsburg in 1993. The Senate confirmed Ginsburg 96-3, a mere 42 days after she was selected. Although she was known as a liberal activist who had taken controversial positions when she was a lawyer with the ACLU, conservative Republicans senators including Orrin Hatch, Mitch McConnell and Chuck Grassley voted for her. Why? Because these conservative senators understood that when the opposing party controls both the White House and the Senate, they should support a highly qualified Supreme Court nominee. Like Justice Ginsburg before her, Judge Barrett is an incredible role model for American women and girls. Some will charge that Barrett doesnt represent all women. Of course she doesnt. Neither did Ginsburg. But justices are not nominated to represent anybody, they are nominated to apply the Constitution and ensure equal justice under law. That is exactly what Amy Coney Barrett will do. Jennifer C. Braceras is director of Independent Womens Law Center and a former member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. She wrote this for InsideSources.com. (CNN) For someone who has long vowed to appoint what he called "pro-life" judges to the Supreme Court, President Donald Trump said this week that he didn't know the position of his nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Roe v. Wade, the nearly 50-year-old Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. "You don't know her view on Roe v. Wade. You don't know her view," Trump told Democratic nominee Joe Biden in last week's presidential debate, in response to Biden's admonition that the future of Roe is on the ballot this fall. But for Barrett's supporters and detractors alike, it's clear that her confirmation would cement a conservative majority on the Supreme Court to limit abortion access. Even if the court doesn't overturn Roe, there are cases percolating in courts nationwide that would chip away at an individual's right to decide whether to terminate a pregnancy and give the state room to second-guess that decision. In 2006, Barrett added her name to a list of "citizens of Michiana" who signed a "right to life ad," sponsored by a group that opposes abortion, that appeared in the South Bend Tribune. The ad from the Saint Joseph County Right to Life calls for putting "an end to the barbaric legacy of Roe v. Wade and restore laws that protect the lives of unborn children." Ten years later, Barrett told an audience at Jacksonville University she believed that while Roe wouldn't be overturned, access to abortion could eventually be limited. "I don't think the core case -- Roe's core holding that, you know, women have a right to an abortion -- I don't think that would change," Barrett said. "But I think the question of whether people can get very late-term abortions, you know, how many restrictions can be put on clinics -- I think that would change." Supporters of abortion rights are watching more than 15 cases percolating in the lower courts that will likely arrive at the Supreme Court in the coming terms. They include issues such as requirements for the burial of fetal tissue, hospital admission rules and parental notification, as well as bans on abortion as early as six, eight or 10 weeks into pregnancy. How far Barrett would go is a question roiling the country as progressives lament that Trump chose to replace the liberal late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a 48-year-old conservative jurist who is the feminist icon's ideological opposite, especially when it comes to reproductive health. "At this unprecedented time, and while the nation is still mourning and paying tribute to Justice Ginsburg's tremendous contributions to advancing equality, President Donald Trump has nominated a replacement who would gut Justice Ginsburg's legacy and turn back five decades of advancement for reproductive rights," said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights. Conservatives, some of whom gathered on the court's plaza last Saturday night as the President announced the nomination, think their time may have finally come. Chanting "6-3, 6-3" to reflect the court's new potential majority that night, they believe Trump has fulfilled a campaign promise from 2016 to appoint anti-abortion justices. Barrett's record indicates she believes the Roe v. Wade decision is an act of "judicial imperialism," Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri said at a Judiciary Committee meeting last Thursday. "I do believe Judge Amy Coney Barrett's record bears that out." On the bench, Barrett, a deep thinker and meticulous jurist who was well aware long before her nomination that she was on Trump's short list, has left a careful trail. That trail reveals votes open to more restrictive laws and a state's expanded ability to regulate abortion, as well as a judicial philosophy aligned with that of her mentor, the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who believed Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided. What Barrett said at her 2017 Senate hearing Confirmation hearings, long on drama and often short on substance, rarely reveal anything new about a nominee. In September 2017, Barrett appeared before Congress for her confirmation to the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals and was pressed on Roe v. Wade. She followed the script of most every nominee to come before the Senate Judiciary Committee, noting that lower court judges are bound by Supreme Court precedent. "Roe has been affirmed many times and survived many challenges in the court, and it's more than 40 years old, and it's clearly binding on all Court of Appeals," she said. "And so it is not open to me or up to me, and I would have no interest in, as a Court of Appeals judge, challenging that precedent -- it would bind." Then-Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley asked Barrett about her Catholic faith. "When is it proper for a judge to put their religious views above applying the law?" the Iowa Republican queried. "If there is ever a conflict between a judge's personal conviction and that judge's duty under the rule of law, that it is never, ever permissible for that judge to follow their personal convictions in the decision of the case rather than what the law requires," she said. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the panel, persisted, asking the nominee whether she considered Roe v. Wade the kind of precedent that could be overturned. "If I were confirmed, I would follow all Supreme Court precedent without fail," Barrett responded. Asking such questions is often a fruitless endeavor. That's because every lower court judge is bound by Supreme Court precedent. But the stakes would be different on the high court. During her upcoming confirmation hearing Barrett will be asked what she thinks of the doctrine of stare decisis. It's a legal term that refers to a court's practice of following precedent. Literally, it means "stand by the thing decided." It comes up as senators push to see a particular nominee's view on the doctrine. Justice Clarence Thomas, for example, has said he has little respect for it, while other justices believe it's an important stabilizing factor for the court. O. Carter Snead, a longtime colleague at Notre Dame, says he's hard-pressed to see where Barrett has been definitive on Roe v. Wade. "In her scholarship, I've never seen her stake out a position on Roe v. Wade, as to whether it was decided correctly in the first instance as an originalist matter, or how principles of stare decisis might apply to overturning it." Democrats are likely to turn to Barrett's own writing from 2013, when she was a professor at Notre Dame and she penned an essay centered on the doctrine. While she pointed to its strength, her critics focus on the fact that at one point she suggested room for some cases to be overturned. "If anything, the public response to controversial cases like Roe reflects public rejection of the proposition that stare decisis can declare a permanent victor in a divisive constitutional struggle rather than desire that precedent remain forever unchanging," she wrote. "Court watchers," she added, "embrace the possibility of overruling, even if they may want it to be the exception rather than the rule." What Barrett has said about abortion on the bench Her critics won't be able to point to an appellate court opinion where she has taken a position in a merits case cutting back on Roe, but they are looking at two votes in particular. In one, a three-judge panel struck down an Indiana abortion law with provisions dealing with fetal remains and barring abortion based on the race, disability or sex of the fetus. Indiana asked the full appeals court to review only the provision on fetal remains, which it declined to do. But Judge Frank Easterbrook wrote in dissent, saying he thought the full court should have voted to revisit the case, and was joined by Barrett. Easterbrook returned to the law's provision barring abortion on the basis of race, disability or sex of the fetus, calling it a "eugenics statute," and he wrote that there is a "difference between 'I don't want a child' and 'I want a child, but only a male, or 'I want only children whose genes predict success in life.' " "None of the Court's abortion decisions holds that states are powerless to prevent abortions designed to choose the sex, race and other attributes of children," he wrote. The fact that Barrett expressed a will to reconsider a dispute about the Indiana law (even though Indiana didn't even ask for a rehearing on that provision) suggests she thought the panel had gotten the decision wrong. Her critics seize on the Indiana law as being just the kind of statute that chips away at an individual's right to make the decision on whether to terminate a pregnancy and gives the state room to second-guess that decision. In another case, a three-judge panel struck down a law dealing with parental notification when it comes to minors seeking abortions. Planned Parenthood was challenging the law before it went into effect. The panel held the law was likely unconstitutional. Again, the full 7th Circuit Court denied Indiana's request to rehear the case. Barrett wanted to reconsider the panel decision and joined the dissent, which raised questions pertaining to when a law could be blocked prior to its enforcement date. "Preventing a state statute from taking effect is a judicial act of extraordinary gravity in our federal structure," Judge Michael Kanne wrote. Abortion rights activists say her vote signals that she may believe a law should be challenged only after it goes into effect. As things stand, restrictions are often blocked before they take effect. "It's a dangerous sign that in the only two abortion cases she heard she was going to reach out and disrupt a three-judge opinion by her colleagues that these restrictions violated 40 years of Supreme Court precedent," said Helene Krasnoff, vice president of public policy litigation and law at the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. "Importantly, there is nothing in her record to suggest the opposite. In fact every writing and every decision suggests that she would be a reliable vote to restrict access to abortion," Krasnoff said. Barrett's supporters note that she voted with the majority to uphold Chicago's so-called "bubble zone" ordinance, which bars opponents of abortion from approaching someone within 8 feet in the vicinity of a clinic if the purpose is to engage in protest. While some may say that the opinion, rooted in the First Amendment, protected those seeking abortions, others note that the court made clear it was bound to apply a Supreme Court case that was "materially identical" to the case at hand. "In fact, the opinion suggests that if she were presented with the same issue as a Supreme Court justice, she would rule the other way," Krasnoff added. It's something Barrett's supporters reject. "Since 1973 Democrats have been scaring American voters that every Republican Supreme Court nominee would overturn Roe v. Wade, and here we are nearly 50 years later and Roe v. Wade is still intact," said Mike Davis, president of the Article III Project, a group that supports Trump's nominees. "Judge Barrett, someone who is clearly pro-life, has also clearly demonstrated on her three years on the 7th Circuit that she can separate her personal views from her judicial decision making," he said. At Notre Dame A Notre Dame Magazine article from 2013 detailed a "Professors for Lunch" lecture series that featured a talk by Barrett. The article said she "spoke both to her own conviction that life begins at conception" and to the " 'high price of pregnancy' and 'burdens of parenthood' that especially confront women." According to the article, "she asked her audience whether the clash of convictions inherent in the abortion debate is better resolved democratically." Such a line of reasoning evokes Scalia's jurisprudence. He thought a judge should interpret a text as people would have understood that text at the time it was ratified. As Barrett said in 2016: "Justice Scalia resisted the notion that the Supreme Court should be in the business of imposing its views of social mores on the American people." In 2012 Scalia told CNN what he thought about Roe: "My view is regardless of whether you think prohibiting abortion is good or whether you think prohibiting abortion is bad, regardless of how you come out on that, my only point is the Constitution does not say anything about it. It leaves it up to democratic choice." Barrett was also a member of the Notre Dame chapter of a club called University Faculty for Life. The group wrote a resolution in 2016, when Barrett was a member, noting that it sought to "promote the truth" that "every human being, from the moment of conception and until natural death, must be cherished and protected, and must never be intentionally killed." As such it wrote to oppose Notre Dame's decision to award a medal to then-Vice President Joe Biden. "Mr. Biden has for decades conspicuously rejected Church teaching about life," the resolution read. "He has rejected it repeatedly and consistently in the context of abortion, where (he has been quoted as saying) he would not want to 'impose' this teaching upon a woman and her doctor." This story was first published on CNN.com, "Amy Coney Barrett's record of advocating for limits to abortion rights." REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Planful Inc. (formerly Host Analytics), the pioneer of Continuous Planning with its cloud platform for financial planning and analysis (FP&A), announced today that the company has helped its customer Planar successfully navigate complex financials through significant business changes. With Planful, Oregon-based digital display manufacturer Planar found a single source of truth and a Continuous Planning approach that helps the organization confidently manage forecasts and reporting for multiple operating units, while increasing revenue nearly 20% and controlling expenses. With more than 400 employees and over ten locations across the globe, Planar points to Continuous Planning as the differentiator in helping their FP&A teams move faster, specifically pointing to the speed and efficiency Planful brought to their planning and reporting processes. "Planful's cloud-based platform has never failed us in our ability to scale the business," said Brian Culligan, FP&A Manager at Planar. "We've grown considerably in revenue, structure, and accounting complexity and Planful has easily helped to facilitate our ever-changing needs. A Continuous Planning approach allows us to capture financial results at a consolidated level for all business groups within the organization." As the global leader in display and digital signage technology, Planar products can be found in airports, corporate offices, hospitals, ATM machines, retail stores, television sets, and in homes all over the world. Planar has experienced constant organizational growth over the past five years. Providing premier solutions for the world's most demanding environments and taking on the responsibility of newly added foreign entities, the Planar finance team demonstrated that it had the only consolidated management view amongst the international business group. Culligan notes that Planful's platform is intuitive, as its global templates allow the team to roll up multiple forecasts in a single view. Each team has access to the same accurate, up-to-date data, which informs planning decision-making and provides easy to use reporting tools. "We were quickly given the lion's share of the planning and reporting functions because various companies within our international business group saw we had the right processes, controls, and systems in place to handle new geographies, currencies, and reporting structures," said Culligan. "With the same number of employees, our finance team is handling forecasts and reporting for up to 12 companies using Planful." The Planar team describes Planful as a highly scalable platform that enables a lean, yet agile organization. With limited staff, the finance team produces monthly rolling forecasts that are never far removed from actual results. The company can better navigate market volatility, such as disruptions caused by the recent pandemic, by using modeling tools and comparing the plan to various "what-if" scenarios to predict possible impacts. "Bringing transformative value to our customers is at the heart of everything we do, and I'm thrilled to see the role Planful has played in Planar's success," said Grant Halloran, CEO, Planful. "Our objective as a company is to enable finance teams to empower their organization with streamlined processes and the right financial data at the right time, so better, faster, course-correcting decisions can be made. We are proud to deliver Planar increased agility, and the ongoing ability to do more with less, as their company evolves and scales." Planful's cloud-based Continuous Planning platform accelerates FP&A processes by seamlessly unifying financial planning, financial close and consolidation, reporting, and visual analytics to help Finance leaders drive faster, and more collaborative, planning and decision-making cycles in all areas of the business. About Planful Planful (formerly Host Analytics) is a leading financial planning and analysis (FP&A) cloud platform. Planful delivers a vision of Continuous Planning by accelerating the end-to-end FP&A process and fostering business-wide participation in agile planning and decision-making. More than 800 customers including Bose, Boston Red Sox, Del Monte, TGI Friday's, and 23andMe rely on Planful for financial planning and budgeting, dynamic operational planning, financial consolidations, reporting, and visual analytics. Planful is a private company backed by Vector Capital, a leading global private equity firm specializing in transformational investments in established technology businesses. Learn more at www.planful.com . Additional Resources Discover Continuous Planning use cases Hear from more Planful customers Join the conversation on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook Contact [email protected] SOURCE Planful There is no God. There cant be his sons. There cant be his daughters. There cant be his ministers. There cant be his prophets. There cant be his apostles. There cant be his chosen people. ......... And all those who claim to have seen God or heard his voice are therefore liars, hypocrites or sick people. And all those who are worshipping God are wasting their time. There has never been any use of our worship of God. And there will never be any use for our prayers. Nobody has ever performed any miracle on earth; and nobody can perform one. Nobody can prophesy about any future happening. They are all in the tricks and games. No heaven exists anywhere. No hell exists anywhere. The earth and this life are all we have. And all we need to do to realize how useless our worship is, is just to account for our profit and loss. And if we do the accounting well, we will realize that we have been shortchanged. We have wasted time at these churches and synagogues and mosques throughout our lives for nothing. We have paid our tithes and offerings for nothing. And if we have performed any rituals anywhere at any time, that too is for nothing. We have fed the gods for nothing. Other have merely fed fat in his name. For our worship of God, everything that has accrued to us is simply evil: We hate a class of people with passion. We condemn them. We dont see any good in them. We set ourselves apart from them. We look down on them. We allude scatological activities to them. We curse them out and wish them ill. Of our countries and states, we renounce them and claim alien blood, alien ideas, alien cultures and alien thinking. Of our mothers and fathers, we have declared them as evil and witches and neglected them, finding fathers and mothers in religious goons and feeding them, clothing them, genuflecting to them and gobbling their spittle, urine or bathwater. The conduit for our worship of God is the voluntary delivery of the brain for the complete obnubilation by the enemy masquerading as Gods deputy. Religion cleans the mind up and leaves the man to live with trash in his head, finding no use for his brains. Religion also makes an Israelite (that is a lobotomized idiot) of everyone, to be enchanted by their Moses, the most evil man that ever lived. He killed over a million Israelites in the wilderness, including Aaron and Miriam, his own siblings that supported him, collaborated with him and protected him. All the Israelites inhaled his bad breath and thought of it as a good perfume to pass on to their children. Fortunately, the modern-day Jew has grown out of the Moses folly: 50% of them are now atheists, the largest of any ethnic group. There is no moral or ethical principle with these religious people. They teach you how to be as wicked and stupid as you could be. For example, as soon as the Egyptian king freed Joseph from slavery, his first act was to enslave the entire Egyptians with food. Thereafter, the Egyptians also enslaved all the Israelites. The Israelites again enslaved the gentiles after they were freed from Egypt. Finally, the gentiles enslaved the whole lot over and over again throughout their history! It was Joseph that thought of how to enslave nations, and his people were forever in captivity throughout history. With these religious people, either you enslave them or they will enslave you......even mentally. How will they pray for anybody to be saved? To become like them?: Hypocritical, mean-spirited, hateful, infantile, diffident, mendacious, autistic, racist, ethnocentric, divisive, evasive, irresponsible, fraudulent, cowardly, genocidal, holocaust purveying, psychotic, neuro-bankrupt goons. Indeed, the fictional God who Moses created in his own image for the Israelites, imposed shame upon them and made them feel sinful and inferior, killing them at will and scattering them all over the world. What did this God Moses created do for the Israelites at any time? Or for anybody for that matter? Except to be an anthropomorphic representation of the evil Moses himself, a conduit of power and enrichment of this desert prowler who claimed to be his deputy. This God who Moses created has never benefitted anybody except to serve as a means of power and enrichment for other tricksters, magicians, retards and slave masters. These scoundrels also in turn project God in their own images and character; making him as evil and wicked as they themselves are. In the end, every person projects his evil character upon his own God, and makes him as wicked as he or she is. God then becomes the very image of these arrant and errant scoundrels who present him to a naive world as the supreme being. Remember Moses was burning thousands of sheep on the altar while feeding the hungry Israelites with toxic birds after which thousands of them died. This guy was the dumbest leader that ever lived. He did not have knowledge of basic organization, social structure and commonsensical hierarchy. The leader of the ancient Israelites was an ignorant numskull. Apart from killing them, enslaving them, cursing them and insulting them, the God of Israel never did anything else for the Israelites. As Richard Dawkins puts it in his book God Delusion, The God of Israel is the most unpleasant character in all fiction......a vindictive, blood-thirsty, ethnic cleanser...A misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully! What Dawkins failed to note is that there was no God: It was Moses projecting his own evil character on his imaginary god for whom he spoke, ate, had sex and killed or threatened. Moses was the God of Israel! But we rely on books presumably written by him and others like him thousands of years ago to worship God? These books, no matter their origins, are books of fiction, myth, curses, genocide, holocaust, hallucinations, slavery, stealing, rape, plunder, renegades, magic, mountebanks, impostors, raconteurs, racism, tribalism, treachery, prejudice, misogynistic ignorance, psychosis, elemental folly, arrant ignorance.....The most evil books in existence are those written for God and religion by the likes of Moses! In the end, every god becomes what he is in the minds of his worshippers: Tribalist if they are tribalists; cannibal if they are cannibals; liar if they are liars; sinner if they are sinners; mountebank if they are mountebanks; warmonger if they are warmongers; genocide monger if they are genocide mongers; renegade if they are renegades; bandit if they are bandits; thief if they are thieves. Every god is created in the mirror image of his worshippers; and they are all as evil or as good as those that worship them. Unfortunately, the evil trumps the good in the worship of every god, and so are all gods acolytes the worst on earth. But we can stick to wisdom and do good all by ourselves. Wisdom is the same as righteousness, and it has nothing to do with believing in tribal hokum or genuflecting in empty religious ceremonies. It has to do with recognizing the commonality of our humanity and treating every person right and doing the most good to the most people all the time. Feel the fire of love for all humanity, and study its freedom and joy. And calculate the enormous cost of your misery whenever you miss the mark of righteous living. And just reflect on what the world will be if all of us do our best for one another. I dont believe in God, gods, spirits, juju, leprechauns or anything. The only thing I believe in is extreme righteousness as a pathway to my own happiness, self-worth, satisfaction, confidence and comfort right here on earth. And I have benefited from that greatly: I am very happy right here on earth. Many misguided people follow the lies of God and religion and become truly evil to their fellow human beings. These lies are layered for all of them like a big onion. Throughout their lives, they will continue to peel off one layer of lie after another until they find nothing in the center of it all. Then they will die without knowing basic truth. Because they are too stupid, having spent all of life in the fruitless distinction of one human being from another, thinking the thoughts of Bronze Age Nomads that lived in 3000BC while they are living in the year 2020AD! They are the most naive persons alive daily imbibing and regurgitating myths like lobotomized idiots. Just as these ancient Israelites from whom they want to trace their bloodline. They themselves were too shallow-minded to detect all the tricks of Moses and were therefore destroyed in the wilderness. Today, the thought processes of the typical Christian are indeed housed with ignorant nomads who lived thousands of years ago. And they are incarnadined with the filth of religious lies. They all face the inevitability of self-destruction. I dont believe in any superstition or spirits or demons or devils or God or gods or stools or succubus or incubus, or any scripture. I am an ATHEIST. Period. Dr. Samuel Adjei Sarfo, Esq. [email protected] About 85,000 VCE students will return to school on Wednesday for the GAT, a three-hour test of literacy, numeracy and general knowledge they would not normally be expected to study for, but which has assumed much more importance this year. Each student's results in the GAT, or General Achievement Test, will help assess how much special consideration of disadvantage due to COVID-19 they should be given on their overall VCE results. Year 12 student Sarah Stanko is looking forward to seeing her friends again, even if it is for an exam. Credit:Justin McManus Students in all year levels in Melbourne, including primary schools, have been held back from returning to face-to-face learning until the GAT has been safely completed, to minimise the risk of an unplanned school closure due to a COVID-19 case. Strict infection controls have been put in place at every school where the test is being sat, including those in regional areas where there are no active coronavirus cases. These include mandatory face masks and a set-up that ensures students are spaced at least 1.5 metres apart. In this 2018, file photo, people line up at the Artux City Vocational Skills Education Training Service Center at the Kunshan Industrial Park in Artux in western China's Xinjiang region. The Associated Press found that the Chinese government was carrying out a birth control program aimed at Uighurs, Kazakhs and other largely Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. Read more UNITED NATIONS Nearly 40 mainly Western countries criticized Chinas treatment of minority groups, especially in Xinjiang and Tibet, on Tuesday and expressed grave concern at the impact of its new national security law on human rights in Hong Kong. The United States, many European countries, Japan and others called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers including U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, and to urgently refrain from detaining Uighurs and members of other minorities. The 39 countries also urged China in a joint statement read at a meeting of the General Assemblys human rights committee, to uphold autonomy, rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, and to respect the independence of the Hong Kong judiciary. Their statement, read by German Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, was immediately followed by a statement from Pakistan on behalf of 55 countries opposing interference in Chinas affairs when it comes to Hong Kong. It said the territory is part of China, and the national security law ensures Chinas one country, two systems policy on Hong Kong is enduring. Cuba followed with a statement on behalf of 45 countries supporting Chinas counter-terrorism and deradicalization measures in Xinjiang. It said measures taken by China in response to threats of terrorism and extremism were carried out within the law to safeguard the human rights of all ethnic groups in the province. Among the countries signing both the Pakistani and Cuban statements were Russia, Syria, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba. The rival statements spotlight tensions between China and the West over human rights. Those tensions have escalated especially between the United States and China, and include other issues including responsibility for the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, and Beijings actions in the South China Sea. The predominantly Western statement said its 39 signatories shared the concerns expressed by 50 independent U.N. human rights experts in an extraordinary letter in June in which they urged the international community to take all appropriate measures to monitor China and act collectively and decisively to ensure its government respects human rights. They raised concerns including Beijings treatment of ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang, allegations of excessive force against protesters, reports of retaliation against people who spoke out about the coronavirus outbreak, and Hong Kongs then proposed new security law. The 39 nations on Tuesday expressed grave concern about the existence of a large network of `political re-education camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained in Xinjiang, and increasing reports of gross human rights violations. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uighur culture, they said. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uighurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labor and forced birth control including sterilization. On Hong Kong, the mainly Western nations said they shared concern with another group of U.N. experts that the National Security Law doesnt conform to Chinas legal obligations and allows for certain cases to be transferred for prosecution to the Chinese mainland. They urged Chinese authorities to guarantee the rights protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Sino-British Joint Declaration which transferred British control of Hong Kong to China, including freedoms of speech, the press and assembly. China rejected the June statement and has pushed back on any outside interference in Hong Kong. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun accused the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom on Tuesday of abusing the United Nations platform, politicizing human rights issues, provoking political confrontation and insisting on provoking antagonism. They spread false information and political virus, smear China, and interfere in Chinas internal affairs, he told the human rights committee. China firmly opposes and rejects that. He lashed out especially at the Trump administration, saying your despicable acts are completely at odds with the trend of history and that blaming China cannot cover up your poor human rights records. He pointed to the more than 200,000 U.S. deaths from COVID-19, racial discrimination and police violence in the U.S., and alleged war crimes calling the United States the most belligerent country in the world. Germany's Heusgen countered that growing support for the mainly Western statement showed that today there is a sign of hope for human rights, and there is a sign of hope for the Uighurs in China." He said last year's statement only on the Uighurs was backed by 23 countries while this year's broader statement including Hong Kong has 39 supporters. This is a signal that concerns about the Chinese policy toward the Uighur minority in China is growing, and there is worldwide concern," Heusgen told reporters. It also sends a signal that China should stop tearing down mosques and stop forced labor and forced birth control, he said. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 3 "major" hurricane Tuesday with winds up to 145 mph in the Caribbean Sea as it heads for Mexico, then treks north toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. Delta is forecast to lash the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday with "life-threatening storm surge" and "significant flash flooding." Though forecasters are unsure exactly where or when it could hit the USA, areas from Louisiana to the western Florida panhandle could see dangerous conditions Thursday night into Friday. The National Hurricane Center said Delta is going through "a very impressive rapid intensification episode." Early Monday, Delta was a tropical depression that the center pegged to muster hurricane strength Tuesday. Delta intensified by 70 mph (from 40 to 110 mph) in the first 24 hours since it became a named storm, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. This is the most intensification in a 24-hour period for an October Atlantic named storm since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. As of 2 a.m. EDT Wednesday, Delta had winds up to 120 mph and was powering forward west-northwest at 16 mph. The storm was about 80 miles east-southeast of the Mexican island of Cozumel, forecasters said. "Little change in strength is expected before the center reaches the coast of the Yucatan peninsula," the Hurricane Center said. "Although some weakening is likely when Delta moves over the Yucatan Peninsula, re-strengthening is forecast when the hurricane moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico Wednesday night and Thursday." Thousands of tourists and residents along Mexico's Riviera Maya have evacuated, with about 160 shelters open in Cancun alone. Some hotels with structures rated for major hurricanes have offered guests to shelter in place while others are being moved into nearby shelters. Lizeth Elena Garza Hernandez is staying at the Fiesta Americana Condesa hotel with her husband, parents-in-law and 4-year-old daughter. She arrived on Sunday from the northern Mexican border city of Reynosa. Story continues "Im scared because we dont know how it could impact here, because weve never been in a situation like it," she said. Joseph Potts, a deputy sheriff from Denver, is staying at the hotel with his wife and 3-year-old son. His wife attended an emergency information session at the hotel before guests were told they would be moved to a university in Cancun. The hurricane kind of popped up overnight and we just want to get it over with and go back to the beach, Potts said. The worst impacts were expected along the resort-studded northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, where landfall was forecast for early Wednesday. From Tulum to Cancun, tourism-dependent communities being soaked Tuesday by the remnants of Tropical Storm Gamma could bear the brunt of the storm. Delta could have winds of about 140 mph when it hits Mexico, forecasters said. Though it could lose strength as it tears through Mexico, "conditions look ripe for re-intensification" once it continues on to the USA, the hurricane center said. Delta would be the 10th named storm to hit the USA in a single season, an all-time record. This year has tied 1916 for nine tropical systems that made landfall in the USA, AccuWeather said. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a state of emergency Tuesday that she said would let officials seek federal aid more quickly if needed. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards also declared a state of emergency Tuesday and said he plans to ask President Donald Trump for a pre-landfall disaster declaration Wednesday. Hurricane Delta Delta is the earliest 25th named storm in an Atlantic hurricane season. The Hurricane Center turned to the Greek alphabet for naming storms, something it has done only once before, after more than 21 named storms formed, exhausting the preapproved name list. The historically active hurricane season has caused some to speculate whether climate change contributes to the number and intensity of storms. Though no single weather event can be solely pegged to global warming, scientists have found that human-caused climate change makes strong storms even stronger. Dual disasters: How is climate change worsening wildfires and hurricanes? Warmer air holds more moisture, making storms rainier, and rising seas make storm surges higher and more damaging. Scientists have seen tropical storms and hurricanes slow down once they hit the USA by about 17% since 1900, and that gives them the opportunity to unload more rain over one place, as Sally did in the Southeast and 2017s Hurricane Harvey did in Houston. Contributing: Jessica Flores, USA TODAY; Kimberly Miller, Palm Beach Post; Greg Hilburn, Monroe News-Star; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Delta to hit Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, US by weekend Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardhana held a discussion last week with Hussein El Saharty, Ambassador of Egypt, to explore the potentials of enhancing economic relations between Sri Lanka and Egypt, especially bilateral trade. Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardhana, Ambassador of Egypt to Sri Lanka Hussein El Saharty, Mr. Karim Abulenein, Counsellor of the Egyptian Embassy in Colombo. It has been noted during the meeting that although the value of bilateral trade between both countries averaged around USD 50 Million during the last few years, clearly not reflecting the huge potentials available to both Egypt and Sri Lanka given their strategic locations and complementary production sectors, a number of initiatives have been taken recently on both sides to encourage and enhance economic cooperation, including the proposal of a draft MoU between the Export Development Authority of Egypt and the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka, a draft agreement on Maritime Transport, an efficient mechanism to legalize commercial documents during COVID-19 lockdowns whereby both countries were able to increase mutual trade, and finally the operation of the very first flights of EgyptAir Cargo between Cairo and Colombo as an inaugural step towards re-establishing a regular air transport route between both countries. Minister Gunawardhana and Ambassador El Saharty agreed on the need to follow up technical meetings within the joint commission on economic cooperation to resolve pending trade issues, expedite pending draft agreements and MoUs, as well as the necessity to revive the Egyptian Sri Lankan business association and organize large scale trade fairs and business to business meetings in Cairo and Colombo to reconnect Egyptian and Sri Lankan importers and exporters. The meeting was attended by Ms. J.M. Bhadranie Jayawardhana, Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Ms. Chitranjali Dissanayake, Director General of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Ms. Anoma Premathilake, Director / Market Development at the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, and Mr. Karim Abulenein, Counsellor of the Egyptian Embassy in Colombo. This image provided by the Oakland Zoo shows an orphaned mountain lion cub who was badly burned in a Northern California wildfire. An orphaned mountain lion cub who was badly burned in a Northern California wildfire is being treated at the Oakland Zoo after being rescued. The cub, believed to be four to six weeks old, had his whiskers singed off and his paws severely burned. (Oakland Zoo via AP) A hospital has gone into partial lockdown while staff battle a Covid-19 outbreak that has infected seriously-ill patients in its intensive care unit and on a renal ward. Bosses have placed St Helier Hospital in south London in partial lockdown, restricting visitors and yesterday diverting ambulances from its A&E unit. The infections were found over the weekend and a major investigation has been launched into how the infection got into patients being treated for other illnesses. It is believed six patients were infected but there is concern the virus got into the intensive care unit which houses the most sick patients. A hospital source said: 'Infection control in intensive care is very strict. It's very concerning that people fighting for their life already have become infected.' Elsewhere in the coronavirus crisis today: Scotland could be plunged into a new 'circuit breaker' lockdown within days despite Nicola Sturgeon being warned it will be a disaster for the economy; The number of coronavirus deaths in England and Wales has spiked for the third week in a row, official figures show; Italy, Greece and Sweden could be added to the UK's quarantine list this week amid the continued surge in coronavirus cases across Europe; Parliament is undergoing a deep clean today after a number of confirmed cases of coronavirus; The number of severely ill Covid-19 patients needing to be hooked up to ventilators has more than halved since the peak of the pandemic in the spring, figures reveal. Bosses at St Helier Hospital in south London have placed the site in partial lockdown, restricting visitors and diverting ambulances from its A&E unit It is believed six patients were infected but there is concern the virus got into the intensive care unit (pictured) which houses the most sick patients Which other hospitals have had Covid outbreaks? Royal Glamorgan Hospital Tameside Hospital Hillingdon Hospital, London Weston General Hospital in Somerset Advertisement The Government has been under pressure for months to introduce routine weekly testing of hospital staff for coronavirus. Last week the House of Commons Health Committee added its weight to the call for regular testing to protect patients. Covid infections have hit several other hospitals in recent weeks with the finger being pointed at staff spreading the virus. It is believed hundreds of patients have died during the pandemic from hospital acquired Covid passed on by staff. A spokesman for Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust said: 'A small number of patients have tested positive for COVID-19 during admission to the Renal Department and Intensive Care Unit at St Helier Hospital. 'The safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff is our priority and those who tested positive have been isolated from other patients, with arrangements in place to maintain safe and high-quality care.' They added: 'We continue to follow all relevant infection prevention and control guidelines. 'Visiting has been restricted for some areas, as soon as clinicians are confident that the measures can be lifted in a way that is safe for patients and staff, they will be.' It comes as surgeons call for hospital beds to be 'ring-fenced' for planned operations, to avoid a 'tsunami of cancellations' due to rising Covid-19 cases. A survey for the Royal College of Surgeons of England found most surgeons thought the NHS could not meet its targets to get surgery back to pre-pandemic levels. Most surgeons think the NHS will not meet its targets during the second wave of Covid-19 if hospital beds aren't ring-fenced for planned operations which would otherwise be cancelled Head of the NHS England Sir Simon Stevens wrote to NHS trusts in July saying in September they should hit at least 80 per cent of their last year's activity for both overnight planned procedures and for outpatient or day case procedures. In October, this figure should rise to 90 per cent, the letter said. But the Royal College of Surgeons said its analysis showed trusts were not hitting the target, with issues including surgeons being forced to wait for coronavirus test results and a lack of access to operating theatre space. In a survey of nearly 1,000 surgeons, the college found that only 14 per cent could treat the same number of patients in a session as they did pre-Covid. Almost half (48 per cent) of surgeons said they needed access to more theatres and facilities to avoid surgical 'down time' during deep cleaning, with many citing the need for more ring-fenced surgical beds. The poll found particular problems in trauma and orthopaedics - such as hip or knee replacements and repair - with 58 per cent of these specialist surgeons saying activity had fallen below half of that seen in normal times. And testing continues to be a key issue, with a quarter of surgeons saying members of their team are waiting more than 48 hours for a Covid-19 test result, meaning they have to stay off work and self-isolate until they heard back. As infections continue to rise, tighter measures could be introduced in worst-affected areas A further 33 deaths announced, as a new system to manage lockdown restrictions unveiled Counted by the date specimens were collected, rather than the date the government published them, the UK had 11,404 cases on September 30, almost as many as were reported in the next two days combined Surgeons also reported issues accessing 'Covid-light' hubs, which keep surgical patients separate from Covid patients. Of all those surveyed, 39 per cent of surgeons in England said planned surgery levels were running at less than 50 per cent of those achieved last year, and nearly half (48 per cent) said they were between 50 per cent and 80 per cent of those seen in 2019. Two-thirds (65 per cent) did not think it was realistic for their trust to meet the 80 per cent target, and just 26 per cent thought it could be achieved. All patients on the NHS waiting list for treatment are set to be contacted with a view to prioritising those in most urgent need. It could mean those with the least-pressing problems are forced to wait longer as more urgent cases take priority. More than two million people in England are currently waiting longer than 18 weeks for treatment, with 83,000 waiting more than a year. A survey revealed worst affected by Covid specialisms include trauma and orthopaedic surgery NHS boss says Covid-19 highlights funding problems The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the gap between funding and demand in the National Health Service, according to the chief executive of NHS Providers. Chris Hopson said in recent years the funding squeeze and an increase in demand has led to NHS staff being asked to work even harder. He added that expecting staff to carry an increased workload is not sustainable in the long term and will lead to a decline in quality of care and problems accessing care. 'There's been quite a long-running debate about funding and there's a pretty clear argument that the NHS has been through the longest and deepest financial squeeze in its history between 2010 and 2018,' he said. 'That means we've simply not been able to grow NHS capacity as fast as we would have liked to in terms of keeping up with the growth in demand because we have an ageing population.' Mr Hopson, who is the boss of the organisation representing NHS trust leaders, said that, had NHS funding grown during the last decade, there would now be another 25 billion to spend on top of the annual 130 billion budget. Speaking at an event at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, discussing whether coronavirus will cure the NHS, Mr Hopson praised the 'fantastic' health service. 'But if we actually can't put enough money into it, then the reality is what you'll get is an increasing squeeze on the quality of care and access to care,' he said. 'Before Covid-19 started we've seen some of the worst emergency performance figures in a decade - we have the longest waiting lists in decades.' He said the coronavirus crisis is focusing attention on the issues of funding, capacity and the NHS being a treatment service. 'The reality is that, if you want a healthy population, you need to look at the other side of the coin. You actually need to think about what do you do to encourage people to look after their own health and wellbeing,' he said. 'How do we encourage people to exercise more, to eat well? How do we ensure that we prevent illness? 'If you look at how much we spend on those things, compared to how much we spend treating illness, the answer actually is it's a woefully small proportion.' Asked whether he thought the pandemic would solve funding problems, staffing problems and a treatment service, he replied: 'Probably not but it has, in my view, really focused attention on each of those three issues as needing a solution.' Leading GP Clare Gerada said the Covid-19 pandemic has led to hospitals embracing digital technology. 'Hospitals have never really embraced digital and now they're having to rapidly embrace digital,' she said. 'I think it is rapidly transforming how general practice and hospital doctors work together because we've got to use resources properly.' Dr Gerada said the pandemic had also led to the NHS addressing the mental health of the workforce as well as the relationship between medical professional and patient. 'Pre-Covid we were in a pretty sorry state for depression and wellbeing, burn-out, suicide rates amongst health staff, so we've rapidly had to address that,' she said. 'I think the relationship between the patient and the professional has become much more equal and we cannot deliver unless we do this together. 'I think there is a paradigm shift. Sadly, I don't think we're paying enough. We certainly have to sort out social care because it's a disgrace at the moment with a two-tier system of funding by the state and privately-funded.' She added: 'There are lots of problems to sort out, but I think sometimes good things happen out of plagues. We know that with the Black Death and hopefully out of this plague something good will come out of it for the NHS.' Advertisement Professor Neil Mortensen, president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: 'Patients waiting for operations cannot be left behind indefinitely by the Covid crisis. 'Many are in serious pain, with their conditions deteriorating while they are on the list. 'As the virus becomes more prevalent again, there is a real risk of a tsunami of cancelled operations unless surgical beds are funded and protected. 'That means building up theatre capacity and designating beds exclusively for those who need an operation. 'These facilities must be kept 'Covid-light' with a rigorous regime of testing for patients and staff.' Prof Mortensen also said the independent sector needed to be used more to help clear the backlog. An NHS spokesman said: 'The NHS has flexed its hospital capacity and community services as needed throughout the pandemic, treating over 110,000 severely ill people for Covid-19, and doubling the number of non-urgent operations since April. 'More people are also set to benefit from the deal struck with independent hospitals to make use of their bed capacity. 'Covid inpatient numbers are rising and much depends on keeping the virus under control through continued public action on hands-face-space, Test and Trace service, and rapid action to control local outbreaks.' Meanwhile official figures show the number of weekly deaths involving coronavirus in England and Wales has risen by more than half in seven days. There were 215 deaths registered in the week ending September 25 mentioning 'novel coronavirus' - 2.2 per cent of all deaths in England and Wales, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. It was the third weekly rise in a row and represents a 54.6 per cent increase in deaths involving Covid-19 from the previous week, when 139 deaths were registered. The number of deaths involving coronavirus increased in eight of nine regions in England, and in Wales. The exception was the East Midlands, where the weekly total fell from 14 to 11. Just two areas - London and the East - had lower overall deaths than the average over five years for this time of year. Overall, there were 9,634 deaths registered in England and Wales in the week ending September 25 - 111 more than the previous week and 2.7 per cent higher than the five-year average. Deaths in hospitals and care homes were below the five-year average, while deaths in private homes remained above, with 749 more deaths than would typically be expected. The number of deaths involving Covid-19 increased in hospitals by 63 deaths, care homes by seven, hospices by one, private homes by three and other communal establishments by two. Prof Sir David Spiegelhalter, chairman of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication, University of Cambridge, said: 'The latest data confirms that Covid deaths in the UK were doubling around every two weeks in September, although still only comprised 2 per cent of deaths in the country. 'Crucially, there is still absolutely no sign of any reduction in the 30 per cent increase in deaths occurring at home - if this is to be a long-term feature of deaths in this country, we need to be confident that appropriate end-of-life care is being made available.' Across the UK, 10,861 deaths were registered - 179 deaths higher than the five-year average and 77 deaths higher than the previous week. Of these, 234 mentioned coronavirus. Overall, more than 58,000 deaths involving Covid-19 have now been registered in the UK. The ONS figures show that 52,943 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in England and Wales up to September 25, and had been registered by October 3. Figures published last week by the National Records for Scotland of deaths registered up to September 27, and by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency of deaths registered up to September 30, take the UK total to 58,101 deaths. These are cases where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, including suspected cases. The use of virtual numbers by militants have turned out to be a new challenge faced by security forces. The same technique was used by the terrorist to communicate during the Pulwama attack in 2019. More than 40 such numbers were used at that by terrorists to launch the attack. IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said, Virtual number has remained a challenge for us since the very beginning. It is challenging across the world. We are trying to find technological answers and will have soon solution. Vijay Kumar was speaking to media on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony of two CRPF soldiers who got killed in a terrorist attack yesterday at Pampore area of South Kashmir. Live TV At around 12.45 pm on October 5, militants attacked the area domination party of 110 battalions of CRPF at Kandizaal area of Pampore district Pulwama injuring 5 CRPF personnel out of those 2 succumbed to injuries while the other three are going through treatment in an army hospital in Srinagar where their condition is said to be stable. Kumar said, ''CRPF personals were on duty militants came from Pampore side and fired with AK 47 in which two our soldiers got martyred and 3 got injured all are safe, militants are identified as Saifullah of Pakistan and one is local both belong to Lashker soon we will neutralize them.'' Police denied the reports that any weapons were snatched by the terrorists during the attack. Kumar said ''its not true that any weapons were snatched however he added, National highway always remains busy many vehicles remain on the move so its easy for militants to move on bikes we cant check every vehicle, there is no need to worry situation is under control we will soon neutralise them,'' he added. Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited plc, ('Glanbia Co-op) has announced that Martin Keane will step down as Chairman with effect from this Thursday, October 8. Martin will remain on the Board of Glanbia Co-op until his normal retirement at the 2021 AGM. "It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Glanbia plc," said Martin Keane. "I would like to thank Siobhan Talbot and my Board colleagues for their support during my tenure as Chairman." Glanbia plc said it was appointing Independent Non-Executive Director, Donard Gaynor, as Chairman in place of Martin Keane with effect from October 8. Donard Gaynor has been a director of Glanbia plc since March 2013 and is Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee and a member of both the Audit Committee and Nomination and Governance Committee as well as Board Director with responsibility for workforce engagement. Donard retired in December 2012 as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development of Beam, Inc., the premium spirits company previously listed on the New York Stock Exchange, based in Chicago, Illinois. A Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, he joined Beam Inc. in 2003 as Senior Vice President and Managing Director International. Prior to this, he served in a variety of senior executive leadership roles with The Seagram Spirits & Wine Group in New York and was also Audit Client Services Partner with the New York office of PricewaterhouseCoopers. In November 2016, Donard was appointed Chairman of Hazelwood Demesne Limited The Lough Gill Distillery Company. Given his Board tenure, it is intended that Donard will be Chairman of the Company until no later than the 2022 AGM, at which point he will have served on the Board for nine years. The Company will announce a successor to the Chair in advance of that date. Commenting on this announcement Mr Gaynor said, It is a privilege to be appointed Chairman of Glanbia plc. I look forward to working with the Glanbia team and my Board colleagues on the successful delivery of strategy and value creation for our stakeholders. On behalf of the Board I want to thank Martin for his stewardship of the Group, in particular for his leadership through the current Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Keane said," Since joining the Board Donard has brought experience and energy to Glanbia and in his role as Remuneration Committee Chair, he has led prior engagements with our shareholders. I know he will use those qualities and his experience to make an excellent Chairman. I would like to wish Donard well as he takes up his new role." 00:00:10 Jirina Psikova: I didnt actually know any story about a girl. 00:00:17 TITLE: ALL HER DYING LOVERS 00:00:24 Karel Friml: Well, it all comes from a story about a girl from Trebon which my mother used to tell me. 00:00:37 Leona Zahourova: Word went around here. 00:00:41 Vit Pavek: I have to admit I never knew her name and still dont. Shes a nameless girl to me 0:0:57 Leona Zahourova: She was a very prudent woman, and look how she ended up Simona Simkova: She had to serve the people who were occupying us. They were the enemy and they played with us like a cat with a mouse 00:01:13 Adam Simacek: She could have been raped just like a lot of girls today. Lets say she was leaving a party and a guy was waiting in the park and it happened, right? 00:01:33 Leona Zahourova: She was in the wrong place, the wrong place Helena Grafova: Rape is a part of war. Its terrible, but thats how it is 00:02:15 Leona Zahourova: Everything possible happened back then. It wasnt just the Germans, it was the Russians and Americans too. Theyre just guys. Leona Zahourova: I really dont know if she had symptoms because... well... But when a woman has any issues she knows what it is, 100%. 30 year woman like that would definitely know something wasnt right 00:02:34 Adam Simacek: At that time, STDs were looked down on. Just like now. When someone has an STD people say Shes a slut or Hes a womaniser 00:02:52 Leona Zahourova: She definitely came up with the plan when she realised she was ill. And she definitely didnt have any doubts, because when she knew shed been infected, the plan was to take revenge, 100%. 00:03:18 Josefina Jonasova: She used her body like a tool. I dont totally agree with it, but I find it a very interesting act 00:03:28 Leona Zahourova: She seduced them like a woman. It doesnt take much with soldiers Anna Kohoutova: It was just revenge. She met them, winked at them, executed her plan and got out fast Helena 00:03:44 Grafova: I think she definitely had doubts about whether what she was doing was right but her need for revenge must have been so strong that it drove her to it 00:03:55 Karel Friml: Well, after a while, the soldier would always disappear. 00:04:00 Helena Grafova: If someone came to investigate what was going on with all the dying lovers, maybe they really tried to stop whats happening. 00:04:21 Leona Zahourova: She was definitely executed by firing squad. Thats how they did it back then. 00:04:34 Adam Simacek: I cant think of any alternative happy end to the story of a girl who infects people with syphilis and then gets shot. TEXT: To the girl of Trebon, who fought the German occupiers with her own method and paid for it with her life. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Chinese smartphone brand Poco on Tuesday launched a new budget smartphone Poco C3 in the India market. Poco C3 will be available for purchase during the Flipkart 'Big Billion Days' sale starting October 16 for the introductory pricing of Rs 7,499 and Rs 8,999 for the 3GB-32GB and 4GB-64GB variants, respectively. Additionally, buyers will be able to avail a 10 per cent instant discount on SBI credit card, debit card and EMI transactions, the company said in a statement. The smartphone features a 6.53-inch HD+ display, with a resolution of 1600 A720 and an aspect ratio of 20:9. The display reading mode certified by TUV Rheinland for reduced stress on the eyes when using the phone for long durations. The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 8-core processor, with Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 2.3GHz. The device comes with an AI triple camera setup -- 13MP primary sensor, 2MP macro sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The phone houses a 5000mAh high-capacity battery. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Millennials and Generation Z to lead COVID-19 recovery OAG, the world's leading provider of travel data and insight, released a new report today The COVID-19 Recovery: Getting Passengers Back on Board that explores how the pandemic is influencing traveler decisions and what it will take for the aviation market to recover. In partnership with JD Power, OAG surveyed over 4,000 global users of its flight tracking app flightview, and found that overall fear levels as it relates to catching the virus while flying were less severe than expected, with most consumers prepared to fly under the right circumstance. According to the survey: 79% of global travelers and 81% of North American travelers plan to fly domestically in the next six months. 69% of global travelers, and 73% of those from North America, plan to fly internationally in the next six months. Nearly a third of all travelers have not (and don't plan to) adjust their travel habits as a result of the virus. Travel readiness is even more noticeable among Millennials and Generation Z. Not only are these travelers more likely than others to fly domestically in the next six months (84% vs. 79%), they are also slightly less likely to adjust their travel plans and behavior in light of the virus (66% vs. 70%). "Most consumers, especially younger travelers, are prepared to fly under the right circumstances and the industry must play its part in creating the right conditions," said OAG Chief Analyst, John Grant. "The lack of fear is certainly surprising and bodes well for the market recovery. Of course, the full recovery will be driven by how well we fight the pandemic globally and when event and travel restrictions are safely lifted." According to OAG's survey, North American travelers believe the most effective safety measures airlines can implement today are: requiring all passengers and staff to wear masks, leaving the middle seat open on all flights, and distributing individual disinfectant wipes for personal areas. Travel tech providers also play an important role. During the travel booking process, most consumers would find value in online travel agents (OTAs) providing real-time updates and notifications around predicted flight and hotel capacity (61%) and COVID-19 transmission rates at intended destinations (53%). For full survey insights, view the report. To stay up to date on changing safety, travel restriction and documentation requirements for your destinations, visit https://www.flightview.com/traveltools/visas.asp. Survey Methodology: 4,004 global responses were collected via the flightview mobile application and JD Power in July and August 2020. About OAG OAG is a leading global travel data provider, that has been powering the growth and innovation of the air travel ecosystem since 1929. Headquartered in the UK, OAG has global operations in the USA, Singapore, Japan, Lithuania and China. For more information, visit: www.oag.com and follow us on Twitter @OAG Aviation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005252/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Alexandra Aguiar Corporate Ink for OAG oag@corporateink.com It seems increasingly doubtful that well spend much time inside movie theaters this year, but Free Guy remains scheduled for release on December 11th. Yesterday, a full trailer for the Ryan Reynolds flick appeared, filling out more details on what a movie about an NPC is actually like. After checking out the two-minute trailer, I dont see a best picture award in store for this flick, but the special effects are solid, and it looks just interesting enough for me to hope its released soon in some form. Richard Lawler But are you really going places at the moment? The latest home for Googles smart wear Jacquard platform is a backpack. It comes in two sizes and has pretty much the same tricks you might remember from the Levis jacket that came before it. This time, connective panels are baked into the bags straps, where you can swipe and tap to choose music or activate Google Assistant. The Konnect-i starts at $200, but hey, its cheaper than the YSL backpack we saw last year. Continue reading. Whos ready to bite? Weve been waiting since 2018 to hear more about this exotic-looking connected full-frame compact camera, and now its available for pre-order. The ZX1 has high-end specs for a compact, including a 37.4-megapixel sensor, 35mm fixed Zeiss Distagon F/2 lens, 255 area autofocus (B&H Photo doesnt specify which type) and a 4.3-inch 1,280 x 720 pixel display. Continue reading. No whales were harmed during the arrest. The ridiculous saga of John McAfee, founder and namesake of the antivirus software, continues. Just four years ago, he was running for president as an independent, but now hes been arrested, as the Justice Department unsealed a June indictment accusing him of tax evasion between 2014 and 2018. While those charges alone could put McAfee in jail for up to 30 years, his legal problems dont end there. The US Securities and Exchange Commission also announced charges over his behavior in promoting various forms of cryptocurrency. They claim he was paid to promote initial coin offerings (ICOs) without revealing the financial arrangements until years later. The SEC frowns on that sort of thing. Continue reading. A technical issue delayed the contact tracing of over 15,000 infections. The UK government announced its highest number of new coronavirus cases in England over the weekend, and the reason behind the drastic rise is reportedly spreadsheet woes. According to multiple reports in the UK, the Microsoft Excel file containing laboratory results reached its maximum size. This meant that as many as 15,841 cases between September 25th and October 2nd were not uploaded to the UK governments COVID-19 dashboard. Continue reading. It already launched a debit card. After an almost year-long wait, Venmos first credit card is ready for customers in the US, issued by Synchrony and backed by Visa. The most unique part might be the adaptive cashback rewards program that changes alongside your spending habits. You'll earn three percent cash back on your single highest spending category, two percent on your second highest and one percent on all other purchases. Naturally, you can manage the card through Venmo, using the app to keep track of your purchases as well to pay off your balance. Continue reading. But wait, theres more... Instagram marks its 10th anniversary with new anti-bullying features Instagram's classic 'Polaroid' icons return for its 10th anniversary Google's Nest Audio sounds way better than the Nest Mini NVIDIA CEO says RTX 3080 and 3090 supply shortage will last throughout 2020 NVIDIA's RTX A6000 and A40 are its new pro-grade GPUs The Studio home workout display works with your existing gym equipment NVIDIA wants to make video calls better with AI What's on TV: 'FIFA 21,' 'The Haunting of Bly Manor' and 'The Boys' finale Bloomberg: Apple Stores drop most third-party headphones and speakers Warner pushes 'Dune' theatrical release back a year to October 2021 Regal will close theaters again on October 8th amid movie delays Apple's movie store now has Disney movies in 4K Spotify now lets you search for songs by lyrics 'Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered' arrives on November 6th On Tuesday afternoon, the Luxembourg Court of Appeal upheld the 5,000 fine imposed on two men in a money laundering case. The case concerned a breach of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Bill of October 2010. The Court also confirmed the confiscation of more than 285,000, which was in the possession of the two defendants in February 2017 while on board a train arriving in Luxembourg from France. They had thus contravened the regulation which stipulates that an individual cannot travel to Luxembourg, return from abroad or go there with more than 10,000 in cash. Photo: (Photo : unsplash/National Cancer Institute) A partially born baby receives surgery to survive miraculously. Doctors removed a tumor from his lung while still attached to the umbilical cord after he came out of the womb. Adrianna Mashburn said that people thought she was pregnant with triplets during her 28th week of pregnancy. The North Lima, Ohio pharmacy technician said that it was how big her belly was. Found a tumor Soon, the 29-year-old found out that she had a buildup of amniotic fluid inside her tummy. A mass was squishing her baby's esophagus, so her little one could not process the amniotic fluid properly. Apart from that, the tumor was also pushing the infant's heart to the side. See also: Formerly Conjoined Twins Enjoy Best Lives Normally 17 Years After Surgery Occurring between 12,000 and 25,000 pregnancies, Adrianna's baby has a Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM). It is a rare congenital birth defect that consists of a mass of abnormal lung tissue. Only ten percent chance of survival Adrianna said that doctors told her and her husband, Micah Mashburn, that their son would have about a ten percent chance of surviving. Doctors said that the little one was not going to make it. They told the couple to prepare for the worst. The Mashburns were devastated because they do not know why it is happening to them. Director of Fetal Care Center and Director of Fetal Surgery in Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Darrell Cass, explained the child's condition. Fetal lung malformation expert said that there is no genetic cause for masses like that, adding that it was just bad luck. See also: Oklahoma Couple Could Finally See 5-Year-Old Daughter Since New Year's Eve He was a fighter The couple stayed optimistic and determined that their son would live. Adrianna said that she felt the baby moving around a lot that made her feel that her son is a fighter. The parents met Dr. Cass when they were 33 weeks and five days pregnant. While most specialists in the past advised to have the surgery after the baby was born, Dr. Cass suggested removing the tumor after the baby was partially born. It meant that he would do the surgery while the baby was still attached to the umbilical cord. That way, the infant could still receive oxygen and nutrients from the placenta. Dr. Cass said that he had seen that scenario many times before, adding that he had successfully performed it 19 times. Micah had liked the doctor's approach. On June 11, Dr. Cass performed a C-section on Adrianna, and he quickly did the procedure on the baby. See also: Pennsylvania Boy Saves Mom's Life, Thanks to Amazon's Alexa The mass was about the size of a grapefruit that is around 8 cm big. Then, Dr. Cass moved the infant to an operating table to complete the procedure. After spending six weeks in the NICU, The Mashburns baby, Maverick, was safe to go home on July 28. Now, at three months old, Maverick is a smiley, happy baby that weighs ten pounds and starts grabbing the toys of his two-year-old brother, Micah Jr. His parents are very grateful to Dr. Cass for giving them a child. Union Health Minister Dr on Tuesday launched the Standard Treatment Protocol. The Union Health Minister launched the protocols at an event held via video conferencing today and hailed the up-gradation of protocols by the Ministry, which has been done in sync with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). "The modern systems of medicine have their own strengths, they have made available operations and medicines which have made people's lives better. But Ayurveda is an ancient science of our country, and probably the oldest knowledge base. Many say it's an offshoot of the Atharva Veda," the Minister said. "The knowledge needs to be presented to the world and rejuvenated using scientific methods. Even during the COVID-19 phase, I get many inquiries for more kadhas (concoctions) and herbs which boost immunity. This proves it is still relevant in today's day and age," he added. The Union Health Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rejuvenating the science of Ayurveda and other traditional healing practices in the country. He also said that preparations are also underway to form a commission for Yoga and Naturopathy. (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.) Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: The Call Detail Report (CDR) of the main accused and the Hathras gangrape and murder victims brother surfaced on Tuesday establishing close ties between the two families till March this year. As per the CDR, a copy of which is in possession of The New Indian Express, around 100 phone calls were made from a phone number registered in the name of the girl's brother and the main accused Sandeep Thakur between October 2019 and March 2020. The 19-year old Dalit girl had died at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on September 29. She had suffered multiple fractures, paralysis in a brutal attack on September 14 at Boolgarhi village in Hathras district. She was admitted to a local hospital and later shifted to JLN Medical College and Hospital in Aligarh. ALSO READ | CBI probe must in Hathras gang rape, 'vicious campaign' underway to defame Yogi government, SC told On September 22, the victim accused four youths of her village of gangrape. Later, quoting the report by FSL, Agra, the police claimed that the girl was not assaulted sexually. In the light of the latest evidence, highly-placed sources claimed the brother of the 19-year-old victim was allegedly in touch with the accused. However, it is under probe that the person talking to the accused so frequently was the victims brother himself or was it someone else. Even the nature of conversation is also believed to be under the scanner. As per the sources, the phone conversations took place between one of the girl's family members and accused Sandeep. Some of the conversations lasted for over 15 minutes and even more. While the call records have indicated a probable link between the accused and the victim's family, the police have not ruled out questioning the victims brother on this issue. ALSO READ | Hathras gang rape: NCW sends notices to Amit Malviya, Digvijay Singh and Swara Bhasker for revealing victim's dentity The three-member special investigation team (SIT), set up after the midnight cremation of the victims body by the police and the subsequent outrage, is likely to submit its probe report to UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday. The three-member panel, headed by principal secretary, home, Bhagwan Swaroop was set up to look into the case after the government came under sharp attack from the political parties and civil society over allegedly mishandling of the Hathras case by the district administration and police department. The SIT was asked to probe the case thoroughly and present the report within a weeks time. University of Oregon-led project identifies the age, depth and carbon stock of the world's oldest tropical peatlands EUGENE, Ore. - Oct. 6, 2020 - Researchers probing peatlands to discover clues about past environments and carbon stocks on land have identified peatland that is twice as old and much deeper than previously thought. Their findings, detailed in an open-access paper published Sept. 14 in the journal Environmental Research Letters, show that an inland site near Putussibau, not far from the Indonesia-Malaysia border, formed at least 47,800 years old and contains peat 18 meters deep - roughly the height of a six-story building. The study provides new insights about the climate of equatorial rainforests, especially during the last ice age, said study co-author Dan Gavin, a professor of geography at the University of Oregon. "This existence of this very deep and old peatland provides some clues on past climate," Gavin said. "It tells us that this area remained sufficiently wet and warm to support peat growth through the last ice age. The climate during that time is still poorly understood as there are few places in the very-wet tropics, where there is no dry season, that have such long sediment archives." For the study, the research team, led by Monika Ruwaimana, a doctoral student at the UO and lecturer at Indonesia's Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, collected peat cores from two inland and three coastal sites associated with the Kapuas River in West Kalimantan, a province of Indonesia on Borneo. The Putussibau site has been not been as disturbed as most other areas of Indonesia by deforestation and land conversion to agriculture. "We thought the Putussibau site would be thinner because people had already built roads over it," Ruwaimana said. "But surprisingly we found depths of 17 to 18 meters. As comparison, the average peat depth in Indonesia is 5 to 6 meters." In contrast, the coastal sites, particularly in the Kapuas River delta, contain shallower peatland that didn't begin forming until after the last ice age and after sea level stabilized between 4,000 and 7,000 years ago. The lower base of the inlet peats that were examined is lower than the current riverbed, noted co-author Gusti Z. Anshari of the Universitas Tanjungpura in Pontianak, Indonesia. "The inland peat contains an important archive about past hydrology and climates," he said. "The coastal peat bed is higher than the current riverbed, making it prone to dryness. The coastal peat burns every dry season because of water loss through hydrological conductivity." Human disturbances related to land-use changes, he added, have caused high carbon emissions and create fire-loving degraded peats. "The inland peat possibly played an important role in climate and carbon storage before and during the last ice age," Ruwaimana said. During that glaciation, she noted, atmospheric carbon dioxide was much lower and previous evidence suggested that much of the region's carbon had moved into the oceans. The new findings, however, show inland peatlands persisted. Across the sites, 37 radiocarbon dates were obtained. During a cool, dry period 20,000-30,000 years ago, Ruwaimana said, the new dating synthesized with previous dating across Indonesia indicated a hiatus of peatland formation. "The significance is that conditions must have remained sufficiently wet so that the peat in the upper Kapuas was not lost during this period," she said. "The ages provide a clearer picture on its formation history and how it connects to the past climate. As this peat forms layer by layer like a pancake layer cake, each layer tells us the story about fire, plant and climate when that layer was formed." With the revised depths of inland peatlands at these sites, the researchers suggest that previous estimates of carbon storage - 25.3 gigatons across Indonesia and 9.1 gigatons on Borneo - are too low. However, Ruwaimana said, more data is needed across the region for more accurate calculations. Depths of the older peats obtained in the study, she noted, varied dramatically, with some peats of less than two meters depth being more than 10,000 years old. The inland sites, the researchers wrote, may be the oldest tropical peats and contain the largest density of carbon in the world but are increasingly being threatened by changes in land use. Lucas Silva, a professor of geography and head of the UO's Soil Plant Atmosphere research lab, also was a co-author on the study. ### The National Science Foundation supported the research. Ruwaimana's doctoral studies at the UO are supported by a Fulbright scholarship through the American Indonesian Exchange Foundation and a travel grant from the American Indonesian Cultural & Educational Foundation. Links: About Dan Gavin: https://geography.uoregon.edu/profile/dgavin/ Gavin's Paleoecology and Biogeography Lab: https://pages.uoregon.edu/dgavin/ Department of Geography: https://geography.uoregon.edu/ Related research (UO scientist sees trouble for Southeast Asia peatlands): https://around.uoregon.edu/content/uo-scientist-sees-trouble-southeast-asia-peatlands New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Supreme Court declined to stay the High Court order which quashed the Andhra Pradesh government order to make English medium mandatory in all government schools from classes I-VI. The top court noted that for foundation it is important that a child learns in the mother tongue. Senior advocate K.V. Viswanathan, appearing for the Andhra Pradesh government, said the High Court order affects the poor and the marginalised. "All want to study in English medium", argued Viswanathan before a bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian. The bench noted that India is the only country where children are taught in foreign languages and there is also conflict of opinion among experts in relation to the medium of instruction. Viswanathan insisted that English language is necessary for advancement in life and opportunities and if a person is proficient in English then opportunities are not limited for that person. Viswanathan added that he knows lawyer friends from Tamil Nadu who studied in the vernacular medium, and now they are finding it difficult to argue matters in the top court, as they continue to think in vernacular. However, the Chief Justice said this example may not be appropriate in the matter and for foundation it is very important that the child learns in the mother tongue. Viswanathan clarified before the bench that he meant that lack of command over English may be an issue when a comparison is drawn with people who have studied in English medium. He informed the bench that choice of studying in Telugu medium has not been taken away. The bench said it will hear the state government's appeal next week. The Andhra Pradesh government had argued that the government's decision is a progressive measure and there is nothing in the Right to Education Act which says that medium has to be in mother tongue. In the earlier hearing, Viswanathan had said the government undertook a survey and majority of parents desire English medium. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayan, who is on caveat, had opposed the stay on the High Court order and submitted that the state should be fostering its mother tongue. Sankaranarayan argued that the choice is being taken away from parents and children, as Telugu-speaking schools are being replaced with English medium. Beyond Californias daunting dozen statewide propositions, the states voters will consider a host of local ballot measures next month. Many of them 180 by one count would impose, raise or extend city and county taxes. The impressive tally in the Bay Area includes 1 cardroom tax (in San Jose), 1 ride-hailing tax (in Berkeley), 3 business receipts taxes (two of them in San Francisco), 5 real estate transfer taxes, 5 cannabis taxes, 6 utility taxes, 7 hotel taxes, 16 parcel taxes and 18 sales taxes. Two far-reaching but thinly justified local measures would raise sales taxes by half a percentage point across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, raising tens of millions of dollars annually for their governments. While officials have portrayed the tax increases as funding homelessness services, coronavirus response and other urgent needs, the reality is that the revenue would go to each countys general fund to be spent at the discretion of the local officials who proposed them. The parallels between the proposals, Alameda County Measure W and Contra Costa County Measure X, dont end there. In both counties, the sales tax increases are the second proposed to voters this year. The March primary ballots also featured 0.5% sales tax increases for specified uses in each county child care and pediatric medicine in Alameda, transportation in Contra Costa that fell short of the two-thirds support typically required for special-purpose taxes. The general taxes on the ballot in November require the support of only a simple majority, a hurdle the primary measures cleared. Legal disputes have further blurred the local tax picture. A state appellate court ruling on a lawsuit led by San Francisco officials found the two-thirds requirement for special taxes should apply only to ballot measures placed by local governments, not those qualified by private parties. That could clear Alameda County to collect the sales tax hike proposed in March even as voters consider another. State and local sales taxes in Alameda County amount to at least 9.25% and as much as 9.75% in cities that have approved additional levies, so one or both of this years measures could put the rate over 10% in all or part of the county. In Contra Costa County, where sales taxes range from 8.25% to 9.25%, three cities Orinda, Concord and San Pablo are proposing their own 0.5% increases on top of the county measure in November. The pandemic and the associated downturn provide the most compelling argument for local tax increases. The contagion has increased the demand for services while undermining the revenues needed to provide them, and the federal government has provided relatively little aid to states and cities so far. But the proposed duration of the tax increases doesnt support the notion that they are emergency measures: Alameda Countys tax hike would last 10 years and Contra Costas 20. Sales tax hikes are ill-suited to the crisis in other ways, relying on revenues that are currently depressed and unpredictable while disincentivizing consumer spending when its sorely needed. And because sales taxes are regressive by nature, the increases would disproportionately burden those least able to afford them. The crush of local tax measures on this and other California ballots partly reflects the draconian and convoluted strictures imposed by Proposition 13 in 1978 and the 1996 follow-up Prop. 218, which limited property taxes and established the two-thirds threshold for tax increases. This years statewide Prop. 15 would begin to address those excesses by lifting Prop. 13 restrictions for large commercial properties. Especially in light of that and other unsettled questions, including the ultimate fate of measures only recently put to voters, the counties proposed tax hikes are ill-timed and poorly targeted. Voters should hesitate to support long-term, regressive tax hikes at a time of great but temporary turmoil. 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. KYIV. Oct 6 (Interfax-Ukraine) The percentage of the population supporting the early elections of the President and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is increasing, according to a study by the Center for Social Monitoring. The results of the survey were presented at a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Tuesday. The need for early presidential elections in Ukraine is supported by 38.4% of respondents (17.9% - certainly support, 20.5% - rather support). Some 22.4% rather do not support early elections, 27.5% - certainly do not support, and 11.7% of respondents found it difficult to answer the question. According to a study conducted in December last year, only 16.8% considered it necessary to hold early presidential elections. In June 2020, this figure was 26.9%, in July - 37.0%, and in August - 35.7%. At the same time, in September 43.0% of respondents considered it necessary to hold early elections to the Verkhovna Rada (certainly yes - 18.9%, more likely yes - 24.1%). Some 21.9% rather do not support early parliamentary elections, 23.7% - certainly not and 11.4% of respondents found it difficult to answer. For comparison, in December last year, 27.7% of respondents supported early elections to the Verkhovna Rada, in June 2020 - 31.1%, in July - 36.6%, and in August - 40.9%. During the field stage of the study, on September 20-29, 3,014 people were interviewed by the method of personal interview at the place of residence of the respondent. The sample standard error is 1.1-1.9%. Not Christian or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu, Buddhist, sufi, or zen. Not any religion or cultural system. I am not from the East or the West, not out of the ocean or up from the ground, not natural or ethereal, not composed of elements at all. I do not exist, am not an entity in this world or the next, did not descend from Adam or Eve or any origin story. My place is placeless, a trace of the traceless. Neither body or soul. I belong to the beloved, have seen the two worlds as one and that one call to and know, first, last, outer, inner, only that breath breathing human being. Rumi was raised in the Islamic faith and his father, Baha Valad, occasionally preached at the local mosque and as a Sunni jurist. Rumi eventually came to be identified with Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam and "a school of practice that emphasizes the inward search for God and shuns materialism," accoring to The New York Times. But Rumi's work has been lauded for expressing peace and tolerance and "his doctrine advocates tolerance, reasoning, goodness, charity and awareness through love, looking with the same eye on Muslims, Jews, Christians and others alike," according to the UMass Rumi Club website. But among Rumi's shorter works, Farzad is drawn to one that alludes to the biblical and Quranic story of the creation of man, which she says can be translated as: Advertisement The dew of Love turned a lump of clay into Adam and the whole world was stirred with fervour and joy A hundred cupid lances pierced the veins of Spirit, one drop fell to earth and they named it Heart! 4. His Message Is of Self-Empowerment and Spiritual Development From the dust of the earth to a human being, there are a thousand steps. I have been with you through these steps, I have held your hand and walked by your side. And I will be with you as you move beyond this human form and soar to the highest heavens. "Rumi's message of universal love, tolerance of religion and race, self-empowerment, spiritual development and enlightenment are truly timeless and timely for today's audiences," says author Shahram Shiva, founder of Rumi Network and author of "Hush, Don't Say Anything to God: Passionate Poems of Rumi." "Those few lines talk about the promise of self-realization, enlightenment and ultimately ascension, where you evolve beyond the boundaries of a mere human to much higher aspirations." 5. He Is a Pop Culture Phenomenon to This Day This being human is a guest house Every morning a new arrival A joy, a depression, a meanness some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. This particular passage from the poem, "The Guest House," gained popularity in an unlikely context: it was featured on a Coldplay album. As Rozina Ali wrote for The New Yorker in 2017, the "erasure of Islam from Rumi's poetry started long before Coldplay got involved." But as the poet and his work have been adopted and adapted in the Western world, the fact remains that passages like this one are steeped in Muslim teachings an important aspect of Rumi's work that's often ignored in modern Western discussions of his poetry. As Ali points out, "The Guest House" is from Rumi's six-book epic, the Masnavi, which is "riddled with Arabic excerpts from Muslim scripture; the book frequently alludes to Koranic anecdotes that offer moral lessons." " " People visit the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of Rumi, to celebrate his life and study his works. ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images "It would be nice if people could go beyond the breathless renditions of a handful of Rumi poems which have been the backdrop of fashion and catwalk shows for example, or (although poorly translated and completely removed from the original) are YouTube or Instagram hits," Farzad says. "It would be good if people paused to remember that Rumi was first and foremost a scholar of Islamic philosophy and mysticism, that his poetry was composed during one of the most turbulent periods of the 13th century, and has a depth and breadth that is rarely considered. I worry that sometimes the real scholar is overshadowed by the parody of a whirling and hopping and skipping guru that was created in the late 20th century." Rumi died on Dec. 17, 1273 in Konya in south-central Turkey. His body was carried through the city by a crowd of local Jews and Christians and he was buried beside his father in a splendid shrine, the Yesil Turbe, or Green Tomb, which is today the Mevlana Museum. HowStuffWorks earns a small affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. Now That's Interesting There are dozens of pages of Rumi quotes excerpted on the site Goodreads, but the one with the most "likes" (8,610 to be exact) is this one: "Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." A grief-stricken mother and father have opened up about their enduring struggle after losing all three sons in separate heartbreaking circumstances. Arthur and Christine Mosley, both 67, from Hull, mourned the deaths of Robert, Peter and Phillip in just five years. Tragedy struck first in 2015 when Robert, 40, died after falling down the stairs in a mystery which continues to prey on the family to this day. Last year Peter, 37, drowned after jumping from a fishing boat before being quickly swept away. His body was later found 25 miles off the coast of Bridlington. And almost exactly a year later, as the couple and their last surviving son were preparing to commemorate the anniversary of Peter's death, Phillip, 36, was killed in a motorbike crash. Mr Mosley said: 'People often ask us how we cope. We put on a brave face when out and about but at home we struggle. 'We have our good days and bad days but we hadn't even got over the death of Robert to be honest. 'Some people don't want to talk to us because they just don't know what to say.' Arthur and Christine Mosley, both 67, from Hull, mourned the deaths of Robert (left), Peter (middle) and Phillip in just five years Robert (pictured as a child) died after falling down the stairs in mysterious circumstances The couple try to stay busy and enjoy spending time in their caravan in the East Yorkshire seaside down of Withernsea, where Peter and Phillip lived. They also do fundraising in memory of their sons, and pay tribute to the immense support of loved-ones and the wider community. But they still agonise over the murky circumstances surrounding the death of father-of-one Robert - who may or may not have been pushed. Recalling the events of 2015, Mrs Mosley said: 'Robert came home for the day and then went round to a friend's house in west Hull where they had a few drinks. 'Later he was found dead at the bottom of the stairs. There was an inquest but no one could determine whether he had fallen or was pushed. 'It is awful not knowing exactly what happened. He died in August that year but we didn't get the body back until November. He left behind a daughter who was 17 years old at the time.' 'He was a lovely lad and everyone adored him,' she said. 'He brought his daughter up in her early years which people admitted. 'He did like a drink and had some issues. But he would do anything for me and his dad. 'He lived in Withernsea with Peter who helped him as best as he could. He would get Robert to help out at the boat compound.' Tragedy struck first in 2015 when Robert, 40, (left) died after falling down the stairs in a mystery which continues to prey on the family to this day. Last year Peter, 37, (right) drowned after jumping from a fishing boat before being quickly swept away Peter, a hugely popular figure in Withernsea who had been a lobster and crab fishermen for 16 years, died on July 5 last year. While at sea off the coast of Tunstall, his Misty Blue fishing boat suffered mechanical trouble and was forced to hail for assistance. To pass the time, Peter decided to go for a dip and jumped into the water. But the strong swimmer was quickly pulled out of reach of the boat and disappeared from sight. His body was found three weeks later 25 miles off the coast of Bridlington. Ms Mosley fondly remembered the 'gentle giant', a father-of-two to baby daughters. She said: 'He had a similar nature to Robert and all three were big, strong lads. 'He had two young girls. At the time Frankie was 15 months and Peggy just three months.' Mr Mosley added: 'He had been a fisherman for 16 years, catching lobster and crab among the coast,' he said. 'Everyone wanted to work with him because of his attitude and experience. 'He loved the job and knew everything about the sea. That's what made what happened so difficult to understand and was such a shock. 'If anyone wanted help he would be there and would make the pots for people. He was my rock and we loved him to bits.' Peter, a hugely popular figure in Withernsea who had been a lobster and crab fishermen for 16 years, died on July 5 last year The family, from Hull, do fundraising in memory of their sons, and pay tribute to the immense support of loved-ones and the wider community (Denise Lewis, Christine's sister-in-law, and her grandson Owen Lewis who did the sponsored bike ride with representatives of the RNLI and Fishermen's Mission) Ms Mosley added: 'Everyone recognised Peter as he could always be seen walking his Jack Russell Missy. She is with us now.' The third tragedy to rock the Mosley family happened on July 2 this year, when Phillip was killed after a collision in Anlaby Road in the early hours. He was riding a Lexmoto Titan 125cc motorcycle, but was thrown from it and suffered fatal injuries. Phillip had only recently passed his test after buying the bike to ease the load from his parents from having to take him to work. Mr Mosely said: 'Phillip had just got a job at King George Dock. He was living with us and we were giving him a lift in but he wanted to buy the bike and relieve the burden on us. 'He only passed his test a couple of weeks before he died. He was off to his partner's at the time. 'I was lying on the settee when we got a visit from the police. I thought Phillip was in bed at the time but the police told me he had died. 'Phillip had never got over Peter's death. We were doing events around Peter's death at the time as it was a year since he passed away. 'After Phillip died we have just been trying to keep ourselves going.' Peter (left) and Phillip Mosley as schoolboys. They died just one year apart aged 37 and 36 in tragic circumstances He added: 'Phillip sailed all over the world to fish. He spent 15 months in New Zealand and also fished round Africa. 'He was really nice and popular and everyone knew him, although he could be a bit of a nuisance when he had a drink. 'He was a very good rugby player when he was younger and played for Humberside and Yorkshire. 'Phillip didn't go back to sea after Peter died. He just couldn't do it anymore.' On Friday night the family, including their sister, held an event at Brownies Bar in Anlaby Road during which cheques for 1,115.50 were each presented to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and the Fishermen's Mission. The money was raised by Mr Mosley's sister-in-law and nephew who embarked on a sponsored cycle ride to Withernsea. A further 195 was raised for the auction of rugby shirts which will go towards a bench which will be installed outside the boat compound in Withernsea in memory of Robert, Peter and Phillip. Rich countries could be back to close to normal by late 2021 if a COVID-19 vaccine works, is ready soon and distributed properly at scale, Microsoft founder Bill Gates said on Tuesday (UK time). "By late next year you can have things going back pretty close to normal - that's the best case," Gates, 64, told The Wall Street Journal CEO Council. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has committed to scaling up vaccine manufacturing at an unprecedented speed to make sure they reach broad distribution as early as possible. Credit:Bloomberg "We still don't know whether these vaccines will succeed," Gates said. "Now the capacity will take time to ramp up. And so the allocation within the US, and between the US and other countries will be a very top point of contention." Asked who did best at balancing the competing health and economic needs of the pandemic, Gates said: "South Korea, Australia - because this is an exponential event, a little bit of intelligence early on makes a huge difference," he said. Efforts are under way to reach the contacts of thousands of people who have tested positive for the virus (Mike Egerton/PA) The race is on to trace contacts of almost half of the thousands of positive coronavirus cases initially not recorded in England due to a technical glitch, as infection rates rise in northern university cities. Some 49% of the almost 16,000 cases had still not been reached for contact tracing purposes as of Monday morning, following data issues over the weekend. Addressing the House of Commons, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the technical problem with the system that brings together data from NHS test sites and tests processed by commercial firms should never have happened but he insisted the team had acted swiftly to minimise its impact. Expand Close Health Secretary Matt Hancock acknowledged the technical glitch that stopped almost 16,000 coronavirus cases being recorded in England should never have happened (House of Commons/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Health Secretary Matt Hancock acknowledged the technical glitch that stopped almost 16,000 coronavirus cases being recorded in England should never have happened (House of Commons/PA) Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said problems with testing were putting lives at risk and that as many as 48,000 contacts may not have been traced due to the glitch. The Department of Health dismissed reports of issues with phone lines hampering contact tracers efforts. The Times newspaper said contact tracers had reported conversations disconnecting mid-call, but a spokesman for the department said no such incidents had been reported either on Monday or over the weekend. He said: Every single person who tested positive was told their results and to self-isolate and we have already contacted over half of the affected cases for contact tracing purposes. A spokesman for Ring Central, the system used to call people, said there had been no outages on its platform. He said: We understand that there have been reports of issues around the UK Covid-19 test-and-trace work over the weekend of 3rd and 4th of October 2020. RingCentral can confirm that there were no outages on our platform that could have affected these users. The latest weekly infection figures show that Manchesters rate has soared, with 2,927 new cases recorded in the seven days to October 2 the equivalent of 529.4 cases per 100,000 people. Knowsley and Liverpool have the second and third highest rates, at 498.5 and 487.1 respectively. Other areas recording big jumps in their seven-day rates include Newcastle upon Tyne, Nottingham and Leeds. Sheffields rate shot up from 100.9 to 286.6 and figures from the University of Sheffields universitys Covid-19 statistics web page showed nearly 500 students and staff had tested positive since the start of the autumn term last week. From Monday in England, you must not hold social gatherings with more than 6 people. The rule of 6 applies in any setting, indoors or outdoors, at home or in the pub. More info https://t.co/1KzJqchd58 pic.twitter.com/329IAHtNcc Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) September 12, 2020 Meanwhile MPs will vote on Tuesday on the regulations which enforce the rule of six in England in order to allow them to continue. Boris Johnson has urged MPs to back the rule, with his official spokesman describing the ban on more than six people mixing as a sensible and helpful measure. Elsewhere, US President Donald Trump, who revealed on Friday he had tested positive for the virus, left a military medical centre on Monday after three nights of treatment. Shortly before his departure he had tweeted that he was feeling really good and better than I did 20 years ago. He urged Americans Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life. The virus has claimed more than 200,000 lives in the US, making it the country with the highest death toll in the world. In the five years since Joe Biden debated President Trump in Cleveland (at least it feels like five years), America has been bombarded with grim, bizarre and in hindsight predictable news about the coronavirus now plaguing Trump, his wife, a wide swath of his inner circle and staff, and some key GOP senators. Even more strange, my search for a happier place to write about takes me to ... Pennsylvania politics? Meanwhile, did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive this newsletter weekly at inquirer.com/bunch. How Tuesdays with Toomey showed a lost cause really is worth fighting for The most vivid memory I have from that dark, seemingly endless Election Night of 2016 isnt about Donald Trump. It was getting in my car near the Inquirer newsroom around 2 a.m., dazed and in a state of shock, and hearing Pat Toomey claiming a narrow victory in the Pennsylvania Senate race. I was furious, not at the GOP senator but at myself for not writing more in the prior year about why six more long years of Toomeys populism-for-billionaires would be so bad for the state. Over the weeks and months that followed, I learned I was not alone. In South Philadelphia, Carolyn Stillwell, a graphic designer, now 50, said she felt a sense of shame for not getting more involved in an election in which both Trump and Toomey carried Pennsylvania by a small margin. When I asked her this week about that time four years ago, she said: There was a sense of despair and a sense of... honestly for me it was a can-do thing. OK, get out there and do something about this. She joined the weekly gathering called Tuesdays with Toomey started when seven women showed up at Toomeys Philadelphia district office the week after the 2016 election, asking to meet with the senator by late November. She was delighted by the crowds that kept growing in those early weeks, by the camaraderie, and by the focus on education and getting people involved in often-local issues that Toomey and his GOP colleagues were either ignoring or somehow making worse down on Capitol Hill. The Tuesdays with Toomey effort brought me back to one of my all-time favorite movie monologues, when Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington reminds his wayward mentor that hed once believed that lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for. Taking on a U.S. senator the week after hes been re-elected to a 6-year term thats 312 Tuesdays feels like the ultimate lost cause, right? But somehow Tuesdays with Toomey part street theater, part teach-in made it work, week after week after week. They didnt always get what they wanted Toomey never held a Philadelphia town hall, nor did he honor his 2016 pledge to occasionally serve as a check on Trumps extremism but they got what they needed. The senator wouldnt change for them, so they showed the senator how Pennsylvania was changing away from him. On Monday, the Keystone States junior senator stunned the political world by announcing hell leave the Senate when his term ends in 2022 and that he also wont run for governor, as many had assumed he would. His announcement was par for the course, admitting that he was declaring his intentions early for the sake of the people he really works for, his fat-cat donors. Toomey would never, ever admit that the protests affected his decision. But Tuesdays with Toomey (or as the group billed itself after many weeks of rejection, Tuesdays With(out) Toomey) surely must have gotten inside the senators head, by showing him that voters like them mostly women, educated and engaged in a way that they hadnt been before 2016 wouldnt be fooled again by Toomey pretending to be a moderate every six years. And yet with women, college grads and suburbanites leaving the GOP, Toomey also might not be Trump-y enough to lead the whack-job Republican Party that remains. The world that Tuesdays with Toomey helped create was one where their bete noire noir no longer had a home. I think we showed him that he no longer had that road in front of him anymore, said Stillwell, who added she thought their protests which had spread to Toomeys other offices across the state had come to define him ahead of any potential run for governor, that voters would think, isnt he the guy that people are angry at all the time? For a long time, Ive used this space to argue that while voting may be the most important task in a democracy it will take more than the ballot box to change America for good. Protests, marches, calling your representative, writing letters to the editor, sending postcards and knocking on doors all of it matters, in ways that are sometimes clear but often intangible. What Tuesdays with Toomey has done is your living proof. And its far from over. One of the first calls Stillwell got after Toomeys announcement came from Ohio, wondering how they can do this with their Republican senator, Rob Portman. Yo, do this Remember last week when I told you Im doing my first-ever Inquirer Live event ? You know, the one called, The 2020 Election: In a World of Conspiracy, Do Issues Even Matter? where Ill talk not just about QAnon and all the crazy chatter flooding this years race for the White House, but also answer all the questions attendees will surely have about Trumps health, his taxes, the likelihood of post-election chaos and what a Joe Biden America might look like? Well, its THIS FRIDAY (!), October 9, at 11 a.m., and in this era of isolation it will be so great to see all of you for 45 minutes, even if its virtually. So sign up to attend at this link. Dont delay. Your support means so much to me. Meanwhile, I decided this week to escape from all the madness by losing myself in a podcast about an egotistical, showy, billionaire real-estate developer and mogul with an eye for the ladies who decides to run for his nations highest office and becomes mired in scandal and his own buffoonery. OK, so maybe the story of Italys Silvio Berlusconi as told in the newish Wondery podcast, Bunga Bunga isnt exactly need-to-get-away stuff. But as narrated by comedian Whitney Cummings, the true story of a Trump-like demagogue screwing over his country is kind of funny...when its someone elses country. Ask me anything Question: Whats your top policy priority if Democrats flip a legislative chamber in PA? @jjabbott on Twitter Answer: I wouldnt normally pick a question from Gov. Wolfs former press secretary but he raises a point here thats so important: The overlooked state legislative elections mean so much this year, especially in Pennsylvania. Heres two things. First, with the climate threat growing, Harrisburg needs to reverse its pro-fracking bias and go large on alternative energy. The second thing is fixing democracy: Its time to end gerrymandering in the upcoming reapportionment and to make it easier to vote and for those votes to be counted. These things wont happen with the GOP in charge. Backstory With apologies to the late, great Jimmy Breslin, on Monday night America witnessed a small(-fingered) man in search of a balcony. When a visibly gasping President Trump climbed the White House stairs the grand finale of an escape from Walter Reed Medical Center via his Marine One helicopter and took off his mask, he showed the world the unblinking, burnt-orange face of his strongman ambitions. Trumps foolhardy attempt to prove that a deadly virus can somehow be defeated by the power of positive thinking was accurately described by MSNBCs Joy Reid as his Mussolini moment. But the comparison to the 20th century Italian fascist was also made by a Trump supporter, Nicholas J. Fuentes so apparently the argument has shifted from whether the American president is a dictator to whether thats really so bad. Spoiler alert: Its bad. Many of us have been warning for five years that Trumps narcissism and his contempt for democracy were a clear and present danger but this was before he was given a dangerous cocktail of experimental drugs including the steroid dexamethasone, known for side effects that include mood swings, aggression and confusion. Its a situation that screams out for removing the president, at least temporarily, through the 25th Amendment an outcome that will never happen when its up to Trump lackeys like Vice President Mike Pence. Anyone who says they know where Patient Zero is taking America these next three months is lying. Inquirer reading list US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called off negotiations with Democratic lawmakers on coronavirus relief legislation until after the election, even as cases of the virus are on the rise across much of the country before flu season. "I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business," Trump wrote on Twitter a day after emerging from a hospital stay for Covid-19 treatment. Trump's surprise move came after ... Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez have jointly been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on the supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, at the centre of our galaxy. Genzel, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany, and his team have conducted observations of Sagittarius A* for nearly 30 years using a fleet of instruments on European Southern Observatory (ESO) telescopes. Genzel shares half of the prize with Ghez, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles in the US, "for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the centre of our galaxy", with the other half awarded to Roger Penrose, professor at the University of Oxford in the UK, "for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity." "Congratulations to all three Nobel laureates! We are delighted that the research on the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy has been recognised with the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics. We are proud that the telescopes ESO builds and operates at its observatories in Chile played a key role in this discovery," says ESO's Director General Xavier Barcons. "The work done by Reinhard Genzel with ESO telescopes and by Andrea Ghez with the Keck telescopes in Hawaii has enabled unprecedented insight into Sagittarius A*, which confirmed predictions of Einstein's general relativity." ESO has worked in very close collaboration with Genzel and his group for around 30 years. Since the early 1990s, Genzel and his team, in cooperation with ESO, have developed instruments designed to track the orbits of stars in the Sagittarius A* region at the centre of the Milky Way. They started their campaign in 1992 using the SHARP instrument on ESO's New Technology Telescope (NTT) at the La Silla Observatory in Chile. The team later used extremely sensitive instruments on ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the Very Large Telescope Interferometer at the Paranal Observatory, namely NACO, SINFONI and later GRAVITY, to continue their study of Sagittarius A*. In 2008, after 16 years of tracking stars orbiting Sagittarius A* , the team delivered the best empirical evidence that a supermassive black hole exists at the centre of our galaxy. Both Genzel's and Ghez's groups accurately traced the orbit of one star in particular, S2, which reached the closest distance to Sagittarius A* in May 2018. ESO undertook a number of developments and infrastructure upgrades in Paranal to enable accurate measurements of the position and velocity of S2. The team led by Genzel found the light emitted by the star close to the supermassive black hole was stretched to longer wavelengths, an effect known as gravitational redshift, confirming for the first time Einstein's general relativity near a supermassive black hole . Earlier this year, the team announced they had seen S2 'dance' around the supermassive black hole, showing its orbit is shaped like a rosette, an effect called Schwarzschild precession that was predicted by Einstein. Genzel and his team are also involved in the development of instruments that will be installed on ESO's Extremely Large Telescope, currently under construction in Chile's Atacama Desert, which will enable them to probe the environment even closer to the supermassive black hole. ### More information ESO is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory by far. It has 16 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the host state of Chile and with Australia as a Strategic Partner. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope and its world-leading Very Large Telescope Interferometer as well as two survey telescopes, VISTA working in the infrared and the visible-light VLT Survey Telescope. Also at Paranal ESO will host and operate the Cherenkov Telescope Array South, the world's largest and most sensitive gamma-ray observatory. ESO is also a major partner in two facilities on Chajnantor, APEX and ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, close to Paranal, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope, the ELT, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky". Links * The Nobel Prize in Physics 2020 - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2020/summary/ Contacts Barbara Ferreira ESO Public Information Officer Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 3200 6670 Email: pio@eso.org We are thrilled to welcome MatchMaximizers technology, talented employees, loyal customers and partners to our rapidly growing SaaS platform." leadHOOP, LLC, a leading SaaS company, signed an agreement on October 1 to acquire the assets of MatchMaximizer, a privately held competitor. This strategic purchase will substantially bolster leadHOOPs market share in the higher education industry and facilitate rapid growth through the combined product offerings. We are thrilled to welcome MatchMaximizers technology, talented employees, loyal customers and partners to our rapidly growing SaaS platform. I could not be more pleased with this acquisition and am excited to announce new capabilities and features soon after we complete the integration of our respective teams. Today marks a pivotal day for leadHOOP, our customers and our amazing team, said Craig Rosenfeld, Founder and CEO of leadHOOP. MatchMaximizer is a full-service, turnkey lead generation technology. Founded in 2014, it pioneered the Edutech space and has seen unprecedented growth in inquiry processing. In 2019, it experienced 34 percent growth in lead volume, year over year. leadHOOP is a trusted partner in the SaaS and lead generation space and shares in Inquirs values of quality, compliance and efficiency at every step of the consumer journey. leadHOOPs acquisition of MatchMaximizer is poised to bring continued growth and evolution with their technology and service offerings. Most importantly, customers can expect the same high level of service and features they have always enjoyed from MatchMaximizer, said Joe Laskowski, CMO of Inquir, proprietor of MatchMaximizer. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. About leadHOOP leadHOOP is a leading lead generation SaaS Platform & Marketplace. Leveraging our technology, we help improve consumer inquiry results with an easy to use, transparent set of tools for buyers, sellers, and aggregators. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in the suburbs of New York City. For more information, visit http://www.leadHOOP.com. About MatchMaximizer MatchMaximizer was developed initially to support technical platform needs of lead generation contact centers. Since then, it has grown as an all-in-one solution for contact centers, web partners, schools, and agencies. Our skilled team of experts have collaborated to create the most innovative, sophisticated technology products and services in the industry. For more information, visit http://www.matchmaximizer.com. Contact Information: Investor Relations investor@leadhoop.com Media Inquiry media@leadhoop.com A police officer in Texas who shot and killed a black man has been arrested and charged with murder. On Saturday, Wolfe City police officer Shaun Lucas shot and killed Jonathan Price, who was attempting to break up a fight at a gas station. Mr Lucas' bond was set at $1m. According to Lee Merritt, the attorney for Mr Lucas' family, Mr Lucas allegedly shot Mr Price first with a stun gun and, after Mr Price was convulsing from the electricity, shot him to death. "When police arrived, I'm told, he raised his hands and attempted to explain what was going on," Mr Merritt said Sunday in an Instagram post. "Police fired tasers at him and when his body convulsed from the electrical current, they 'perceived a threat' and shot him to death." The Texas Department of Public Safety described its version of events on Monday. A spokesman explained that Mr Lucas "attempted to detain Price, who resisted in a non-threatening posture and began walking away," and Mr Lucas responded by shooting Mr Price with the taser. Then, when Mr Price convulsed on the ground due to the electrical shock, Mr Lucas allegedly shot him with his pistol. The Texas Rangers investigated the incident and determined Mr Lucas' actions were not justified. "The preliminary investigation indicates that the actions of Officer Lucas were not objectionably reasonable," the Texas Rangers said in a statement. A Black man was shot and killed by Texas police as he tried to intervene in a domestic violence incident. (Courtesy Photo) Mr Lucas has been placed on administrative leave pending the Texas Rangers' investigation. Mr Merrit said he spoke with Steven McCraw, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, who said he had watched a video of the shooting incident and "was not happy with what he saw." Surveillance video at the gas station captured the incident. Authorities are working with the owners of the gas station to obtain the video. Recommended Lawsuit says Omaha Police used excessive force at protests Mr Merrit has demanded a copy of the video. The attorney vowed to continue fighting to see Mr Price's killer punished. "This is step one," he wrote on his Instagram page. "Let's see it through to justice." Chinese distillery releases Ming River Baijiu exclusively for export China's oldest distillery has launched the world's first baijiu created solely for the export market. Ming River Baijiu, produced by the Luzhou Laojiao distillery in Sichuan province, will be distributed by Hi-Spirits. It went on sale in the UK late last month. Baijiu - meaning 'white spirit' in Mandarin - is the world's most popular category of spirit, with more consumed than whisky and vodka combined. It is typically distilled from fermented sorghum, an ancient cereal grain, and ranges from 35% to 60% ABV. The Ming River spirit (45% ABV) is distilled from sorghum that has been fermented with wild yeast. The mash is batch-distilled in traditional Chinese pot stills and rested for two to three years before being blended by the distillery's master blender. Its bottle is inspired by a traditional Chinese lantern and references the history of the Ming dynasty, after which the brand is named. Tasting notes from the producer say Ming River is very aromatic and has heavy tropical fruit notes that would lend it well to Tiki-style cocktails such as Mai Tais or Daiquiris. The producers of Ming River say they hope to introduce a new audience of cocktail lovers to baijiu and champion education on Chinese spirits for the international community. Hi-Spirits will be focusing on this educational element and the versatility fo baijiu as it pitches Ming River to the UK on-trade. 2 October 2020 - Bethany Whymark Corporates and executives turn to private aviation over commercial airlines Increase of 49% in corporateinterest during the COVID-19pandemic Launch of Dynamic Corporate Membershipofferscorporates economic value fora safe and reliable travel solution LONDON, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VistaJet, the first and only global business aviation company, today launches its new Dynamic Corporate Membership for corporations, offering a full suite of flexible travel solutions for businesses and executives around the world. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is redefining the global aviation landscape and accelerating several trends: Corporates are increasingly flying entire teams to multiple locations around the world to ensure business continuity - industry research reports that 31% of U.S. companies are expanding their use of private aviation for business trips*; VistaJet has seen a surge of 49% in corporate interest globally since the start of the pandemic; The U.S. is driving the influx of corporate demand for VistaJet, accounting for over 41% of interest; According to industry reports**, demand for commercial airlines in the U.S. is down 50% YOY due to the uncertain and limited scheduling currently offered, while business aviation is flying at 86% levels against 2019; Technology companies are driving corporate bookings, given the industry's growth since February and positive outlook for future growth; Over the same period, VistaJet recorded a rapid growth in demand for long-haul routes: the percentage of flights over 5 hours increased 44% YOY during the last 6 months and 11% of VistaJet flights have been over 8 hours long; VistaJet's most popular flight routes have been between the UK and France, the U.S. and China, and the UK and Italy over the last 6 months. Corporations are rapidly changing their needs, requiring 24/7 accessibility and maximum flexibility in their travel requirements, as well as enhanced safety protocols. VistaJet has listened to the demands of corporate clients in designing its new Dynamic Corporate Membership. To support businesses and organizations around the world to connect and restart the economy in the midst of heightened market insecurity, the new Dynamic Corporate Membership offers: Speed and flexibility in business travel solutions: membership sign up in one day, option to pay in arrears, unlimited flying hours, guaranteed availability of additional aircraft to request two aircraft at the same time and double fly or have aircraft on standby; Streamlined travel logistics with a dedicated VistaJet flight manager based in the corporate's own headquarters; Reduced COVID-19 exposure with a dedicated Cabin Hostess only flying the company's trips; Access to 187 countries on VistaJet's fleet of over 70 aircraft, with regional flying in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including domestic flights within India; An integrated carbon reduction and carbon offset option, for fully audited and environmentally sustainable flying. Ian Moore, Chief Commercial Officer, VistaJet said: "The impact that COVID-19 is having on the availability of commercial flights is clear to see and business aviation is taking up the urgent demand to connect globally. With the Dynamic Corporate Membership, we want to offer companies maximum flexibility with minimum commitment, as we recognize the need for safer and more reliable solutions as companies look to build back their business for the future." Information Jennifer Farquhar | VistaJet | press@vistajet.com About VistaJet VistaJet is the first and only global business aviation company. On its fleet of over 70 silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world. Founded in 2004, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet's signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of mid and long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere. VistaJet is part of Vista Global Holding - the world's first private aviation ecosystem, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-light solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation. More VistaJet information and news at vistajet.com VistaJet Limited is a European air carrier that operates 9H registered aircraft under its Maltese Air Operator Certificate No. MT-17 and is incorporated in Malta under Company Number C 55231. VistaJet US Inc. is an air charter broker that does not operate aircraft. VistaJet subsidiaries are not U.S. direct carriers. VistaJet-owned and U.S. registered aircraft are operated by properly licensed U.S. air carriers, including XOJET Aviation LLC. *https://privatejetcardcomparisons.com/2020/09/23/new-survey-provides-bullish-outlook-for-fall-private-jet-travel/ **https://flightaware.com/news/article/Aviation-Stats-Update-September-22-2020/1492 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d67dc3f9-4dea-4be1-9371-5243dc668340 Despite mart numbers increasing last week, the average price of your bullock and bull weanling at marts pushed upwards. From talking to mart managers across the country it appears that concerns over Brexit took a back seat last week in the minds of those buying. The general consensus is that most buyers just wanted to get business done as quickly as possible in case the Covid situation worsens. David Quinn of Carnew Mart had an interesting take on the trade at his mart for the heavy, forward 600-650kg stores which was driven by renewed demand from the bigger feeders and Northern buyers. Last week it was like they knew something or had been told that the trade going forward was secure because they drove those heavy forward stores, he said. Your average R grade 600-650kg store was making 2.20/kg freely with the top of the tops heading for 2.50/kg." The Ringside returns for last week bear this out with the overall average of your top quarter 600kg+ bullock up 10c/kg to 2.30/kg, while the better continental moved to 2.35/kg. In the 500-599kg section, the better continental rose 12c/kg to average 2.44/kg with the better continental averaging 2.51/kg. The biggest jump in prices on the bullock side, however, came at the other end of the scales as averages in the 300-399kg section rose by between 18-23c/kg or 54-92/hd. Prices in the 400-499kg section also rose. Driven by a 12c/kg rise in the average price of your better animals, the overall average increase was 4c/kg to 1.99/kg. On the weanling side, bulls also saw an improvement as demand saw prices in the various weight and quality divisions average from 3-18c/kg better across their table. On the heifer side, prices slipped with those from 400-600kg+ losing from 4-9c/kg while among the heifer weanlings overall average prices fell by 7-8c/kg above 300kgs. In the lighter 100-299kg division, the fall was 15c/kg overall. So was last weeks strong performance down to a feeling that the prospects for winter finishing are secure or was it more to do with the belief that McDonalds statement that they intend to continue sourcing Irish beef going forward was seen as a vote of confidence in the trade? Or has it something to do with the belief that as we move closer to the end of the year supplies of stock may reduce more quickly than normal? Tricky subject On a different subject I was contacted by a feeder who complained that some sellers appear to be using the device of selling their cattle subject in an attempt to get a better price once the hammer has fallen. There have always been those who on mart day dropped their cattle to a mart and return home to get on with farm work and wait for the mart to ring to confirm the price achieved. However, the Covid restrictions have seen the numbers of those selling subject to that phone call increase dramatically. Sean Ryan of Sixmilebridge put the number of his subject sales at 20pc commenting that those buying are finding it very frustrating that when they go to pay they discover they have maybe only half the cattle they thought they had because the man at the end of the phone is looking for more money. Its also very frustrating and time-consuming for managers especially if, as can often happen, the buyer decides in frustration to pull out of the deal entirely. Expand Close In Roscommon, the overall average price among the bulls was 2.45/kg, with samples at the top end including several 455kg bulls that averaged 2.62-2.63/kg. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp In Roscommon, the overall average price among the bulls was 2.45/kg, with samples at the top end including several 455kg bulls that averaged 2.62-2.63/kg. Roscommon Maura Quigley reported a good turnout for their weanling show and sale, with trade excellent. The overall average price among the bulls was 2.45/kg, with samples at the top end including several 455kg bulls that averaged 2.62-2.63/kg. Down the weights at 350kg was a Charolais cross who made 3.25/kg, with a 295kg Charolais cross seeing the hammer at 3.54/kg. Heifers averaged 2.40/kg, with a 405kg Limousin coming in at 3.20/kg and two 332kg Charolais crosses averaging 2.94/kg, while a 245kg Charolais cross topped out proceedings at 3.38/kg. Dowra Cattle are a very good trade was Patsy Smiths summary despite his appraisal that quality has started to slacken. Heifers under 300kg averaged 2.63/kg compared to 2.48/kg this time last year, Patsy noted. The overall average among the 300-400kg heifers was 2.24/kg as against 2.17 for the same week in 2019. On the bull side those under 300kg averaged 2.77/kg as opposed to 2.45/kg last year, while in the 300-499kg section the overall average was 2.48/kg, with a 340kg Charolais setting the top bar at 3.32/kg. Expand Close In Dowra, on the bull side those under 300kg averaged 2.77/kg as opposed to 2.45/kg last year, while in the 300-499kg section the overall average was 2.48/kg, with a 340kg Charolais setting the top bar at 3.32/kg. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp In Dowra, on the bull side those under 300kg averaged 2.77/kg as opposed to 2.45/kg last year, while in the 300-499kg section the overall average was 2.48/kg, with a 340kg Charolais setting the top bar at 3.32/kg. Carnew Strong numbers here. Those men in the finishing game seem to have gotten a new lease of life, said David Quinn as 600-650kg forward store R-grade and better bullocks averaged 2.20/kg, with the tops seeing 2.50/kg. At the other end P-grade Hereford and Angus struggled into 1.50/kg, but demand from feedlots for your better Angus store saw them average 2.00-2.10/kg. Ballinakill An increase in numbers, but there were more lesser-quality types about, and these were slower to sell. Heavy bullocks sold from 1.90-2.20/kg and forward stores averaged 1.95-2.40/kg, with lighter stores coming in at 2.00-2.65/kg. Heifers sold from 1.90-2.25/kg, with stores making 2.00-2.60/kg. Weanling bulls averaged 2.05-2.90/kg, with weanling heifers 2.10-3.00/kg and dry cows 1.10-1.80/kg. Expand Close In Raphoe, heifers averaged 1.90-2.70/kg, with cull cows selling from 500/hd for your fresh-from-the-parlour type to 1,500/hd for heavy beef. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp In Raphoe, heifers averaged 1.90-2.70/kg, with cull cows selling from 500/hd for your fresh-from-the-parlour type to 1,500/hd for heavy beef. Raphoe Numbers here were up, with quality in-spec stock much in demand: your better Angus type was easily sold. As elsewhere lesser quality found the going tougher, with buyers here not overly keen on the Friesian. Bulls sold from 1.70-2.40/kg with bullocks making 1.80-2.60/kg. Heifers averaged 1.90-2.70/kg, with cull cows selling from 500/hd for your fresh-from-the-parlour type to 1,500/hd for heavy beef. New Ross There were stronger numbers here also, with both ringside and online customers active. Trade overall remained fairly steady. Beef bullocks sold from 625-1,070/hd over the /kg, while heavy Friesian types made 380-580/hd over the /kg. A lively trade for Hereford and Angus stores saw them average 350-655/hd over their weight, while among the continentals, store types were 425-785/hd over the weight. Friesian stores made 170-355/hd over the /kg. Beef heifers made 550-890/hd over the /kg, with continental stores making 350-645/kg, while your Hereford and Angus store heifer averaged 300-550/hd over their weight. Expand Close In Ennis, on the heifer side, a 335/kg Limousin made 3.07/kg and a 355kg Charolais sold for 2.84/kg. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp In Ennis, on the heifer side, a 335/kg Limousin made 3.07/kg and a 355kg Charolais sold for 2.84/kg. Ennis A good size weanling sale saw bulls meet a strong trade while heifers over 300kg also performed well, although lighter heifers found the going tougher than of late. Among the bulls, two 315kg Limousins averaged 3.17/kg, a 370kg Charolais made 3.03/kg and a 430kg Limousin sold for 2.51/kg. On the heifer side, a 335/kg Limousin made 3.07/kg and a 355kg Charolais sold for 2.84/kg. Down the price list were a 375kg Charolais at 2.69/kg while two 382kg Limousins averaged 2.30/kg. Nearly $18 million, or about a fourth of the sales, went to out-of-state residents, according to the monthly report by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which licenses marijuana dispensaries in the state. Reopening 6 October 2020 Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is welcoming guests back with aloha on November 20, 2020, and the luxury beach Resort is more ready than ever to deliver their signature five-star service. Offering solutions-based services and facilities, the Resort's new Safe on Maui program ensures a comfortable and healthy environment for guests both as they travel and through the duration of their stay. "There's no question that, right now, our guests' and employees' biggest concern is safety. So we focused efforts on reimagining safer travel that will both help protect our guests and, ultimately, our employees as well," says General Manager Marc Bromley. "Our guests will enjoy the Resort with the assurance that Four Seasons Maui has gone above and beyond." Below are the Resort's five Safe on Maui innovations: 24/7 Onsite Medical Care - From injury to illness to wellness, guests seeking medical attention will have on-the-spot access to an around-the-clock team of medical professionals led by Dr. Reza Danesh, founder of MODO Mobile Doctor. A board-certified emergency physician who trained at UCLA and was attending physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Danesh and his team are equipped to administer rapid antigen COVID-19 tests guaranteeing results in 15 minutes, PCR tests upon departure, and all basic urgent care medical services. PS at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - The Resort, along with the other Four Seasons Resorts in Hawaii, collaborates with PS, a private airport experience for commercial flights at LAX. Located separately at the private terminal, PS provides private suites with amenities, dedicated TSA and customs clearance, luxury car service to the aircraft, and "back door" access to the aircraft avoiding the public LAX terminal entirely. Four Seasons Resort Maui includes this one-way service for guests of the Resort's top 21 Complete Suites. Virtual Classroom - Supervised by friendly counsellors, the Resort's complimentary Virtual Classroom allows children to focus on schoolwork while parents enjoy the Resort's amenities. Creative breaks feature various characters from the Resort such as a lei maker, hula dancer or pastry chef so the Virtual Classroom is as fun as it educational. Pre-Travel COVID-19 Testing Resources - The state of Hawaii has instituted additional safeguards for travellers, including requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure of the traveller's final leg to Hawaii to avoid quarantine. The Resort also requires guests to present proof of a negative result upon arrival, and so to guarantee accessible pre-travel tests has identified labs with convenient testing options, nationwide. Travellers can find the latest State of Hawaii guidelines, which continue to evolve, here. In-Room Air Purification - Guests will sleep easy as the Resort has equipped every room and suite with individual air purification units. The best-in-class air purifier cleans the entire room every 30 minutes, and the HEPA filter device addresses major concerns. The above innovations will follow Lead With Care protocols, the enhanced global health and safety program, which is being implemented at Four Seasons properties worldwide. Combining public health expertise with access to leading technologies and tools, Lead With Care establishes clear procedures that educate and empower employees to take care of guests and each other. Through work with leading experts, Four Seasons is leveraging world-class medical expertise to focus on enhancing cleanliness, guest comfort and safety, and employee training. For reservations, call the Resort at 808 874 8000 or reserve accommodations online. HONOLULU - The U.S. surgeon general was cited for being in a closed Hawaii park in August while in the islands helping with surge testing amid a spike in coronavirus cases, according to a criminal complaint filed in court. A Honolulu police officer cited Jerome Adams after seeing him with two men looking at the view taking pictures at Kualoa Regional Park on Oahus northeastern coast, the citation said. The park in a rural area offers a picturesque view of Mokolii island, known as Chinamans Hat for its cone shape. Adams told the officer he was visiting Hawaii to work with the governor for COVID-19 and didnt know parks were closed. At the time, Oahu parks were closed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell in an attempt to prevent crowds from gathering. A phone number Adams gave the officer is the same number Adams listed on an email to state officials seeking an exemption for Hawaiis quarantine on arriving travellers. The email to Adams confirming his exemption included links to rules that were in effect in each of Hawaiis counties, including the order closing Oahu parks. We do not have a comment at this time, said Kate Migliaccio-Grabill, a spokeswoman for the Office of the Surgeon General said. Later Tuesday, Honolulu attorney Lex Smith issued a statement: During his visit to Oahu, the surgeon general was cited for accidentally violating the mayors emergency order, due to his misunderstanding of the law. He has not asked for, nor has he received, any special treatment in connection with this citation, and will respond to it appropriately. Court records show a remote hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21. Caldwell wont be commenting, the mayors office said. Hawaii Gov. David Iges office said he wasnt immediately aware the Surgeon General was cited while he was here. A spokesman for Hawaii Attorney General Clare Connors said she wasnt aware he had been cited. Court records show that Dennis Anderson-Villaluz was also cited. Adams listed him as his aide in his exemption request. Reached by phone Tuesday, Anderson-Villaluz declined to comment. A few days after the citation, Adams appeared with Caldwell at a news conference announcing a partnership between the city and federal government for surge testing. Im proud of you, Hawaii. Im proud of every single one of you who has sacrificed over the past several months, he said, standing in a white military uniform. And to the people who are lapsing a little bit, I want you to understand that a little bit of fun right now can result in shutdowns further on down the road. Its important that we all do the right things right now, even if we dont feel we are personally at risk. According to the complaint, Adams put a mask on. He wore a mask at news conferences with the mayor. Seriously people STOP BUYING MASKS! Adams tweeted on Feb. 29. Officials later recommended that people wear face coverings in public and around people who dont live in their household, based on a review of the latest evidence. ___ Associated Press writer Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar contributed to this report from Washington, D.C. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/10/2020 (474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Brace yourselves, Winnipeggers, a trillion-dollar retail giant is coming to town. "Amazon couldnt be prouder to make ourselves a part of Winnipegs talented workforce," said Tushar Kumar, regional director of logistics at the multinational e-commerce company, joining Manitobas Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler at the legislative building Monday via video-conference. "Were excited to open our doors to this community and for Manitoba to welcome us as we continue expanding across Canada." MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler during the announcement that Amazon Logistics will be opening a new delivery station in Winnipeg. He was joined via video-conference by Tushar Kumar, Amazon's regional director of logistics, left. With plans to open a delivery station as early as next year, Amazon has already acquired a 113,000-square-foot warehouse in the Inkster Industrial Park in close proximity to Winnipegs Richardson International Airport. Government sources told the Free Press Monday the precise location for Amazons new site is 11 Plymouth St., which previously housed global polymer processing company REHAU North America. A real estate listing for the property on Cushman & Wakefield Winnipeg suggests it is valued at $12,890,000 and was built in 1974. Government officials said Amazon plans to refurbish the site, which currently has seven loading docks and annual property taxes around $117,103. "This new delivery station will allow us to provide fast and efficient delivery for customers," said Kumar. "Well be able to provide hundreds of job opportunities that are direct and indirect full-time and part-time jobs." Without specifying exact figures for how many jobs the new site will bring or how much they will pay, he added Amazon will primarily hire workers for parcel sorting, management and third-party delivery services that "will power our last-mile capabilities to speed up deliveries." "Any job right now is a good job for the province, especially if theyre coming from global leaders like Amazon. Manitobas Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler That means the delivery station will ensure customers packages arrive at their door after the facility has received them from other distribution centres. In cities like Toronto, such Amazon sites have been able to provide customers with large deliveries the same day theyve been ordered. Jobs from the site, Eichler noted, "are more than welcome during this crucial time during the COVID-19 pandemic." "Were restarting our economy," said Eichler. "And any job right now is a good job for the province, especially if theyre coming from global leaders like Amazon." When asked whether Amazons Winnipeg site the first of its kind in the Canadian Prairies will also serve areas outside the citys municipalities, Kumar told the Free Press the station will only serve Winnipeg metro area customers for now. (AP PHOTO/RICHARD DREW, FILE) Amazons Winnipeg site is the first of its kind in the Canadian Prairies. "I cant share a lot of the details per se," he added, "but I can certainly say that we pick our last-mile centres on customer demand within those regions." Moments after Mondays announcement, reaction from Winnipegs business community and Manitobas official opposition leaders was mixed. "Were certainly very happy to have more jobs here," said Jamie Moses, economic development and training critic for the NDP. "But what were wary about is that Amazon must pay its workers liveable wages and create safe jobs." Moses said hes also worried about the impact Amazon will have on the citys small businesses. "I think itll likely drive competition having them here," said Loren Remillard, CEO and president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. "To me, however, any competition is good competition for our industry." Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. He said its also a "big vote of confidence for Winnipeg, in general, having the worlds biggest online shopping site in our own city." "But I would be a little cautiously mindful," added Remillard. "Because certainly this will cause a big disruption for our markets especially those businesses that have already been struggling." Kumar said local entrepreneurs could also build their businesses by partnering with Amazon and delivering packages with the company exclusively. "We dont have those kind of connections in the city right now," he said. "But I certainly hope the community will welcome us and we can build those partnerships moving forward." Twitter: @temurdur Temur.Durrani@freepress.mb.ca One in 10 people around the world may have contracted Covid-19, the World Health Organization said, at a special meeting of WHO leaders. A top official said the estimate meant "the vast majority of the world remains at risk". Graphic at 70 Loyalty Promo Just over 35m people have been confirmed as being infected with coronavirus - the WHO's estimate puts the true figure at closer to 800m. Experts have long said the real number of cases would exceed those confirmed. The WHO is meeting at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the global response to the pandemic. Ten months on, the crisis shows no sign of ending. Several countries are seeing second waves after easing restrictions and in some cases numbers are even higher. The estimate that 10% of the world's population has contracted the virus came from Mike Ryan, the executive director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme. "This varies depending on country, it varies from urban to rural, it varies between different groups," he said. "But what it does mean is that the vast majority of the world remains at risk. We know the pandemic will continue to evolve but we also know we have the tools that work to suppress transmission and save lives right now and they are at our disposal." Graphic at 70 Loyalty Promo Calling for solidarity and firm leadership from countries, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there had been marked differences in the number of cases around the world. "Although all countries have been affected by this virus, we must remember that this is an uneven pandemic. Ten countries account for 70% of all reported cases and deaths and just three countries account for half," he said. More than one million people have died from the virus, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. After the US, India and Brazil have seen the most infections. Source: bbc Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Vehicular movement from Ashram Chowk towards Bhogal on Mathura Road will be affected for three days starting Tuesday night due to the ongoing work of Delhi Jal Board, the traffic police said. The police on Twitter alerted commuters about the necessary traffic diversion which will be in effect from October 6 to October 8. "Construction of underpass is going on at Ashram Chowk. Due to leakage of water on Mathura road, a portion of the road is slowly sinking, causing uneven potholes which hinder the smooth flow of traffic. This problem is endemic on Mathura Road between Ashram Chowk and Bhogal flyover," a senior traffic officer said. In order to prevent further deterioration of the road, the will be carrying out emergency repairs in this period, he said. According to police, due to ongoing work of the Delhi Jal Board, traffic will not be allowed from Ashram Chowk towards Bhogal on Mathura Road from 10 pm to 6.30 am. Besides, commercial vehicles and buses will be diverted from CRRI onto the Modi Mill flyover. Commuters will have to take a U-turn from below Kalkaji flyover then the Capt Gaur Marg, Ring Road to cross the Ashram flyover. (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.) THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6 October 2020 LSE: PDL Petra Diamonds Limited ("Petra", "the Company" or "the Group") Conclusion of Wage Agreement with NUM in South Africa Petra Diamonds Limited announces that it has concluded a one-year wage agreement with the National Union of Mineworkers ("NUM") covering its South African operations for the financial year to 30 June 2021 ("FY 2021"). The Company will make a once-off, ex gratia payment at the end of November 2020 of between ZAR5,000 - 8,500 to employees graded in the A and B Paterson Bands. In addition, employees in the A Paterson band will receive an increase of 5.5% in their cash earnings, effective 1 January 2021, with employees in the B Paterson band receiving 5%. Apart from wage increases, the agreement also covers various outstanding discussion points between Petra and the NUM, with clear timelines for finalisation of these, as well as a commitment to continue discussions on a wage agreement for the following financial year to 30 June 2022. Richard Duffy, Chief Executive of Petra Diamonds, commented: "We thank our partners in the NUM for their positive and constructive engagement that has resulted in this agreement. This now allows us to renew our focus on continuing to deliver operationally as we reposition the business in emerging from what has been a particularly challenging period". This agreement constitutes a full and final settlement of the FY 2021 substantive negotiations. For further information, please contact: Petra Diamonds, London Telephone: +44 20 7494 8203 Cathy Malins investorrelations@petradiamonds.com Marianna Bowes Des Kilalea The information contained within this announcement is considered by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No.596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information will be considered to be in the public domain. The person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is Jacques Breytenbach, Finance Director. About Petra Diamonds Limited Petra Diamonds is a leading independent diamond mining group and a consistent supplier of gem quality rough diamonds to the international market. The Company has a diversified portfolio incorporating interests in three underground producing mines in South Africa (Finsch, Cullinan and Koffiefontein) and one open pit producing mine in Tanzania (Williamson). Petra's strategy is to focus on value rather than volume production by optimising recoveries from its high-quality asset base in order to maximise their efficiency and profitability. The Group has a significant resource base of ca. 250 million carats, which supports the potential for long-life operations. Petra conducts all operations according to the highest ethical standards and will only operate in countries which are members of the Kimberley Process. The Company aims to generate tangible value for each of its stakeholders, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of its host countries and supporting long-term sustainable operations to the benefit of its employees, partners and communities. Senior bureaucrats from NSW's transport agency have made multiple trips to the primary train manufacturing plant of a state-owned Chinese company that has since been blacklisted by the United States and linked to Uighur labour. China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) has been identified by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute as a beneficiary of Uighur labour, while it was also blacklisted by the US this year due to national security concerns. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance inspect a new CRRC-built Waratah train in 2018. Credit:James Alcock A "sensitive" government document obtained by the Herald under freedom of information laws shows that a 2018 trip to CRRC's plant was a "continuation of TfNSW executives visiting the manufacturing facilities at regular intervals". The NSW government approved a request in September 2018 for two senior executives from Transport for NSW to fly to the CRRC plant in Changchun in China at an estimated cost of more than $15,000. What just happened? John McAfees name may adorn a very popular piece of software, but the man himself is more famous for a life straight out of a Hollywood movieand the story is far from over. The Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced that the founder of the first commercial antivirus program has been indicted for tax evasion. He's been arrested in Spain and is now awaiting extradition. The June 15, 2020, indictment, which was unsealed yesterday, claims McAfee failed to file tax returns from 2014 to 2018 despite earning millions in income from promoting cryptocurrencies, consulting work, speaking engagements, and selling the rights to his life story for a documentary. The indictment claims McAfee dodged taxes through a number of methods, including using other peoples names for directing payments to their bank accounts and when buying real estate and a yacht. The DoJ announcement came on the same day that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued McAfee for promoting initial coin offerings (ICOs) via his Twitter account without revealing he was paid to do so. Chinese satire of my escape from Belize: pic.twitter.com/tiQA7NYpSZ John McAfee (@officialmcafee) October 2, 2020 The SEC writes that McAfee received $23 million in digital assets for the promotions, and alleges he denied receiving any compensation when asked by investors. It also states that McAfee made other misleading claims, including that he had personally invested in some of the ICOs he was promoting. His bodyguard, Jimmy Watson, Jr., was also charged for his role in the alleged scheme. Its claimed he helped transfer and cash out the cryptocurrency that McAfee received, negotiated some of the deals with ICO issuers, and got his then-spouse to tweet interest in one of the ICOs McAfee was promoting. Watson allegedly received $316,000 for his part. McAfee did admit in 2018 that he charged $105,000 for promotional tweets, but he'd been promoting ICOs for years before publicly revealing his compensation payments. If convicted of the DoJ charge, McAfee faces up to five years behind bars for each of the five counts of tax evasion, and up to one year in prison for each of the five counts of failing to file a tax return. McAfee, a former 2020 US presidential candidate for the Libertarian Party, once promised to eat his d*ck on national television if bitcoin failed to reach $1 million, a bet he wisely backed out of at the start of the yearthe crypto is currently at $10,732. You can read more about his antics in our Drama, Drugs, and Data feature. By PTI NEW DELHI: The NCW has sought explanation from BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya, Congress leader Digvijay Singh and actress Swara Bhasker for allegedly revealing the identity of Hathras victim on Twitter. The National Commission for Women has also directed them to immediately remove these posts and refrain from sharing such posts in future. "@NCWIndia has served notices to @amitmalviya @digvijaya_28 and @ReallySwara seeking explanation on their #Twitter posts revealing the identity of the #Hathras victim along with a direction to remove these posts immediately & to refrain from sharing such posts in future," the NCW said in a tweet on Tuesday. In separate notices to Bhasker, Malviya and Singh, the NCW said it has come across several Twitter posts wherein the picture of the victim of the alleged gang rape incident was used. "In view of the above, you are hereby required to provide a satisfactory explanation to the Commission on receipt of this notice and shall remove and refrain from transmission of such pictures/ videos on the social media as they are widely circulated by your follower which is prohibited by the existing law," the NCW said in the notice. A Dalit woman was allegedly raped in a Hathras village by four men on September 14. After her condition deteriorated, she was referred to Delhi's Safdarjung hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. She was cremated in early hours, with her family alleging the local police forced them to conduct the last rites in the dead of the night. Local police officers, however, had said the cremation was carried out "as per the wishes of the family". The incident led to protests across the country with people from different sectors demanding justice for the victim. Capt Amarinder Singh Patiala: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announced that his government will soon introduce a new scholarship scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students, who had been backstabbed by the central government, which had abruptly ended the post- matric scholarship scheme for them. The Chief Minister said the new scheme would give an opportunity to students of weaker sections to pursue higher learning in various streams, which they had been deprived of due to withdrawal of the scholarship scheme by the Government of India. Advertisement Capt Amarinder Singh He said the state government was in the process of recasting this scheme with the aim of ensuring that no SC student is deprived of higher education. The Chief Minister also reiterated his governments resolve to recruit 1 lakh youth in government jobs over next one and half year, of which 50,000 will be recruited till March, 2021, and another 50,000 by the end of its term. Advertisement He was addressing a virtual programme on the culmination of the 6th State Level Mega Rozgar Mela from Patiala, along with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whom the Chief Minister thanked for his vision to include the state governments flagship programme for employment generation Ghar Ghar Rozgar and Karobar in the partys manifesto during the 2017 Assembly elections. Captain Amarinder noted with satisfaction that his government had, in the past 3.5 years, successfully created job opportunities for 13.42 lakh youth through placement and self-employment assistance under the scheme. Ghar Ghar Rozgar Advertisement Of these, 50,000 government and 4.04 lakh private jobs had been given to the youth, besides facilitating nearly 8.80 lakh youth in taking up self- employment ventures, he said. The Chief Minister apprised Rahul Gandhi that eminent multinational corporates like Microsoft, and other private companies of India, including Trident, Guru Gobind Singh Refinery (HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd.), Bathinda, had played a pivotal role in offering remunerative jobs to Punjabs youth. Complimenting the visionary leadership of Captain Amarinder Singh in facilitating gainful employment for youth through this unique scheme, Rahul said it was the duty of any government to provide job opportunities for youngsters. Advertisement Terming youth as assets, he said employment opportunities for them could transform their destinies and lead to the nations development, and failure to do so would end in tragedy. He described Punjab as a frontrunner state, with a hardworking, peaceful and resilient workforce committed to upholding the basic values of humanity. Punjab government Pointing out that Punjab had once led the country in SME sector, despite being a predominantly agrarian economy, Rahul said the previous Akali-BJP government in the state had decimated the same, just as they were now trying to ruin agriculture. However, under the incumbent government, Punjab continues to nurture its cottage small and micro industrial units, which have an enormous potential to grow and result in job creation, he said. He noted that even Microsoft started its journey as a small company, and these small Punjab units would also grow into large companies under the nurturance of the innovative and hardworking youth. Rahul Gandhi emphasized the need to create a perfect synergy between agriculture and industry to ensure balanced economic growth in the country. He said instead of bringing the draconian agricultural laws, the Centre should have helped the farmers by creating an excellent infrastructure and system to ensure holistic growth of agriculture. They should have focused on the welfare of the farmers by providing them a well-knit network of Mandis and silos for scientific storage of foodgrains, he added. Capt Amarinder SinghMeanwhile, Sonia Sehgal, Country Head of Microsoft, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Trident Group Rajinder Gupta and Prabhdass, CEO of HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd. (HMEL) shared their experiences with Punjab government for partnering in providing livelihood opportunities to the unemployed youth. Prabhdass said that HMEL, through its funded programme, is imparting online training to 50,000 youth for employment in Central and State Government jobs. Appreciating the initiative of Chairman-cum-Managing Director Rajinder Gupta of Trident Group to start a special residential training programme for 2500 girls at Barnala, Captain Amarinder Singh said that this endeavour would certainly go a long way in empowering girls by helping them secure gainful employment. On the occasion, two youngsters Amandeep Kaur and Sahil Sharma interacted with the Chief Minister and shared their experience of getting jobs through 6th State Level Mega Rozgar Mela held across the state from September 24-30. Amandeep Kaur, Post Graduate in Fashion Technology, has been appointed as Art & Craft teacher in a leading private school at Patran, and Sahil Sharma, BTech in Mechanical Engineering, got a job at Tech Mahindra. Charanjit Singh Channi Earlier in his welcome address, Technical Education & Employment Generation Minister Charanjit Singh Channi said that during the 6th State Level Mega Rozgar Mela, 1.43 lakh private sector jobs were offered and 93,593 job seekers had been placed. As many as 9.5 lakh job seekers have been registered with the Ghar Ghar Rozgar portal. Channi further said that the Punjab Government would organize mega job loan melas from October 15, 2020 to December 15, 2020 to facilitate youth by giving loans for self-employment ventures. AICC General Secretary & Incharge Punjab Affairs Harish Rawat, Cabinet Ministers Brahm Mohindra, Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi and Vijay Inder Singla, President PPCC Sunil Jakhar, Member Parliament from Patiala Perneet Kaur, were among those present on the occasion. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley speaks with members of the military before the Medal of Honor ceremony for US Army Sergeant Major Thomas Payne for conspicuous gallantry while serving in Iraq, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on September 11, 2020. WASHINGTON The Pentagon said Tuesday that top military leaders are self-quarantining after one of the Coast Guard service chiefs tested positive for the coronavirus. Coast Guard Vice Commandant Adm. Charles Ray tested positive for coronavirus on Monday after experiencing mild symptoms of the disease over the weekend. Last week, Ray participated in meetings at the Pentagon, some of which included members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation's top military leaders. "Chairman, Vice Chairman, and all Joint Chiefs have been tested and tested negative," a defense official told CNBC. "None have exhibited any symptoms," the person added. The Pentagon said there were no more positive tests since Ray. "Out of an abundance of caution, all potential close contacts from these meetings are self-quarantining and have been tested this morning," Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said in an emailed statement Tuesday. Hoffman added that the Pentagon was conducting further contact tracing as well as additional testing. After Saul Sanchez tested positive for the coronavirus at a hospital in Greeley, Colorado, he spoke to his daughter on the phone and asked her to relay a message to his supervisors at work. Please call JBS and let them know Im in the hospital, his daughter Beatriz Rangel remembered him as saying. Let them know I will be back. The meat-processing company JBS had employed Sanchez, 78, at its plant in Greeley for three decades. He was one of at least 291 people there who tested positive for the coronavirus, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. On April 7, Sanchez became one of at least six employees at the plant to die of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. My dad was a very hardworking, happy-go-lucky, selfless person, Rangel said. Its a great loss. Now Rangel, 53, is in the middle of a new struggle. Hers is one of several families of JBS employees in Greeley seeking compensation for a death caused by COVID-19. The company has denied her familys claim, as well as at least two others, according to lawyers representing the families who are now taking those claims to court. Those denials, first reported by Reuters, offered a view of the difficulties faced by families of essential workers who have fallen ill or died because of the coronavirus, many of whom are struggling to cover medical or funeral costs. We just have a stack of bills, and I think its really taken a toll on my mom, because my dad used to be the one handling all the finances, Rangel said. Across the United States, more than 100 meat-processing plants operated by different companies, including Smithfield and Tyson, have had outbreaks of COVID-19, in part because of crowded working conditions. So far, more than 44,000 meatpacking workers have tested positive for the coronavirus, and more than 200 have died, according to the Food & Environment Report Network, which has been tracking the outbreak. Workers compensation has traditionally been used to address on-the-job injuries not fatalities tied to a pandemic that has disrupted millions of lives and killed more than 200,000 people in the United States. Tracing the exact origins of individual infections can be difficult, which appears to have given JBS an avenue to deny compensation claims on the grounds that the illnesses were not necessarily work related. It is my understanding that JBS was stating that the workers didnt contract COVID at the plant, said Kim Cordova, the president of the local chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers, a union that represents many JBS employees. I think that its just further proof that these companies put profit over people, and that they have treated these poor essential workers as disposable or sacrificial human beings for the sake of production or profit, she added. Nikki Richardson, a spokeswoman for JBS USA, said in an email that the workers compensation claim denials were issued by our third-party claims administrator consistent with the Colorado Workers Compensation Act. State data shows that the Greeley plant was suffering from a COVID-19 outbreak in early April. The U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration said in September that it had cited the plant for failing to protect employees from exposure to the coronavirus. Richardson said the citation was entirely without merit, and the company has contested it. It attempts to impose a standard that did not exist in March as we fought the pandemic with no guidance, she said, adding that JBS had spent more than $182 million (U.S.) to improve safety, invested $160 million to increase workers compensation, and was in full compliance with health and safety recommendations. JBS, which is based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the worlds largest meat processor and reported more than $36 billion in net revenue last year. About 6,000 people work at the plant in Greeley. Several lawyers who are familiar with the Greeley workers compensation claims said that the paperwork associated with filing them as well as the denials presented extra hurdles for workers at the plant, many of whom do not speak English as a first language. Its a game of attrition, said Mack Babcock, a lawyer representing the family of Daniel Avila Loma, a JBS employee who died of COVID-19 in April, at age 65, and whose request for compensation was tentatively denied in June. I think its immoral, and I think its nauseating. Rosario Hernandez, 58, said her husband, Alfredo Hernandez, 55, had been unable to return to his custodial job at the Greeley plant after falling ill and being hospitalized in March. She said he was now at home, still on oxygen, and struggling with symptoms like insomnia and a strange sensation that makes him feel as if mosquitoes were buzzing around his head. I feel bad because theres nothing I can do for him, Rosario Hernandez said. So far, her attempt to claim compensation from JBS has not succeeded. They need to come forward and approve the workers comp so it takes care of our bills, she said. Because if were going to have to pay all of those bills, Im not going to have anything left at all. Some states have issued executive orders or passed legislation to extend workers compensation coverage for COVID-19, or to place a higher burden of proof on employers who deny that a coronavirus infection was work related. But in Colorado, a bill to this effect stalled this summer. According to the Colorado Division of Workers Compensation, at least 20 reports of COVID-19 deaths had been filed with the agency as of Sept. 26. Only one had been approved for compensation. Dozens of plants across the country have shut down temporarily including the JBS plant in Greeley, which closed its doors for about two weeks before reopening on April 24 with new safety protocols. On April 28, President Donald Trump said in an executive order that meat-processing facilities should stay open so as not to disrupt food supply chains. As plants reopened, many companies were reluctant to disclose detailed coronavirus case counts. That has left many workers and their families in the dark, unsure of how or whether they can get relief after a coronavirus infection. So many people are affected by whats happened, and so little is being done, said Rangel, Sanchezs daughter. She added that some employees might not know how to file for compensation or avoid filing for fear of retaliation. It would probably be easier if we walked away and just mourned my dad, Rangel said, but I dont think we would be honouring his life if we werent there to defend or speak for those people who cant speak for themselves. The transport of amino acids and other molecules across the cell's membrane plays a crucial role in the metabolism of cells and, therefore, in human health. Current research hints that cancer, cystic fibrosis, aminoacidurias and neurodegenerative diseases may stem from missing or defective amino acid transport at the cell membrane. Now, researchers from ICIQ's Ballester group and IRBBarcelona's Palacin group have published a paper in Chem showing how a synthetic carrier calix[4]pyrrole cavitand can transport amino acids across liposome and cell membranes bringing future therapies a step closer. Thanks to the BIST Ignite project Calix[4]trans, the scientists have assessed the properties of a calix[4]pyrrole cavitand (a container shaped molecule) in the transport of amino acid Proline through cell and liposomal membranes. "The BIST Ignite project has allowed us to combine the fundamental research done in our lab focused on making molecules and studying their interactions with the more applied research done in Palacin's group in the area of amino acid transporters and diseases. In my opinion, applied research must go hand in hand with basic research for a better understanding and advancement of science and the development of applications. In this case gaining knowledge about synthetic carriers for the long-term development of applications in the therapy of Proline-dependent diseases like some cancers and inherited hyperprolinemias" explains Gemma Aragay, scientific coordinator of ICIQ's Ballester group. Figure_pressreleasechemThe scientists made liposomes with the cavitand embedded in their membranes. They observed a 30-fold increase in L-Proline transport activity when compared with the passive diffusion of the amino acid to the interior of "regular" liposomes as well as the cavitand's selectivity for L-Proline over other amino acids. "L-Proline is a suitable guest for the Calix[4]pyrrole cavitand because of the complementarity between the cavity's size, shape and functional groups with those of the amino acid," explains Aragay. To study the impact of the cavitand on Proline transport in living cells, the scientists incubated synthetic vesicles infused with Calix[4]pyrrole in HeLa cultured cells to incorporate the cavitand in their membranes. The results obtained in cells reveal that the presence of the cavitand increases the diffusion of proline at high extracellular amino acid concentrations - although it represents a moderate increase when compared with the transport already carried out by the cells' proteins. However promising the results are, "we need to further study the molecular structure of the cavitand-amino acid complex to increase the transport activity if we want to apply Calix[4]pyrroles as therapeutic tools," explains Pau Ballester, ICIQ group leader and ICREA professor. "With this work, we hope to drive the development of artificial carriers to efficiently treat diseases of amino acid metabolism," concludes Manuel Palacin, Head of the Amino Acid Transporters and Disease lab at IRB Barcelona, group leader at CIBER of Rare Diseases, and Professor at the University of Barcelona. ### Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has endorsed to the House Transportation Committee a request from Metro Manila mayors to continue the pilot study on motorcycle taxis. The IATF's Resolution No. 77, signed on October 5 by Health Secretary and IATF chair Francisco Duque as well as Cabinet Secretary and Co-chairperson Karlo Nograles, endorsed the request. Motor taxi operations have been suspended since March, when community quarantime was first implemented, while the pilot study ended in April. Backriding on motorcycles is currently restricted to passengers living in the same household. In July, ride-hailing firms Angkas and JoyRide presented measures and equipment to ensure the safety of passengers against the spread of COVID-19. Angkas proposed a backpack-like barrier worn by the rider to shield the passenger from possible transmission, which was also approved by the government. Both firms also suggested that passengers bring their own personal protective equipment. The motorcycle barrier requirement for couples living in the same household was dropped in August amid criticisms. The government started a pilot study on the use of motorcycle taxis last year over concerns on safety and the service's viability. KAMPALA BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe) Africa, a African communications agency, and affiliate to brainchild Burson Cohn and Wolfe(BCW) in Uganda has launched the virtual version of its flagship internship programme, BCW Africa Starting Blocks, continent-wide. Four Ugandans will be part in the BCW Africa expands Starting Blocks Internship Programme that commenced on 29th September 2020 and will be running till December 2020. The programme will host over 45 participants from 10 African countries,with Uganda being represented by Shirley Birungi Senior Public Relations and Digital Communications Executive, brainchild bcw (burson cohn & wolfe), Martha Patience Aheebwa Public Relations and Digital Communications Executive, brainchild bcw (burson cohn & wolfe), Patricia Namakula and Adongo Agnes are the representatives from Uganda who will be participating in the programme Robyn de Villiers, Chair and CEO, BCW Africa, says: 2020 has given us all the opportunity to pause and reflect, to repurpose and improve on things we have done successfully in the past and to innovate to ensure we deliver on an even-better future. The expansion of the BCW Africa Starting Blocks programme across the continent is part of our ongoing commitment to our Africa network partners and to the up-and-coming talent the continent offers. According to the World Bank, Africa has the largest return on education of any continent, with each additional year of schooling raising earnings by 11% for boys and 14% for girls. We are delighted to be able to make a contribution to furthering the educations of students of the communications profession through BCW Africa Starting Blocks, and we look forward to this initiative growing from strength to strength in the coming years. BCW Africa has run Starting Blocks in South Africa for more than 20 years, for final year public relations students from local universities to provide them with practical, on-the-job training combined with a theory programme spanning critical elements of public relations. The programme has been built on a long-standing partnership with South African universities which has ensured that it answers their requirements for final year students who need to complete an internship in order to graduate. Dr Rene Benecke, Senior lecturer and Work-Integrated Learning Coordinator, University of Johannesburg, says: Building relationships and partnerships take time. The new Starting Blocks programme offered by BCW has taken years to mature into its current form. The long-term partnership between the Department of Strategic Communication at UJ and BCW has enabled many young people to reach their dreams of becoming public relations practitioners. Their training at BCW complemented their theoretical knowledge and today many hold senior positions in the industry. I know that the new Starting Blocks programme will create many similar opportunities for young people throughout Africa. We are proud to be part of this new programme and wish Robyn, her team and all the young practitioners all the best. To date 60 interns have graduated from the Starting Blocks programme in South Africa, many of whom now hold senior agency and corporate positions at global and local organisations, including Ipelegeng (Ipi) Thibedi, CEO of Weber Shandwicks African operations, Frederic Cornet, Managing Partner, Instinctif Partners Africa, Tintswalo Shikwambane, MAX Project Director at WomanCare Global and Ed Jardim, Group Communications and Investor Executive at Murray & Roberts. The first Starting Blocks virtual programme commences on 01 October 2020, with 45 participants hailing from 10 countries across the continent Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Mauritius, Eswatini, Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa. The programme covers lectures and practical exercises, and teamwork and feedback sessions. All practical work is based on a case-study which will allow the interns to see progress using one case through all the different elements they learn. There will also be critical conversations with leaders from the industry who will be our invited guests. These interactive sessions will allow our participants to pose their questions to experts in their fields, who will also share best practice examples and their top tips with the learners. The virtual internship programme allows us to use our vast, unmatched African network and in-country partnerships to its full potential by leveraging expertise from across our African and global network to upskill African PR leaders of the future on topics ranging from reputation management and communications strategy development to crisis management and digital communication, adds de Villiers. Faculty members from BCW Africa, who are leaders in their fields and are committed to advancing the communications industry across the continent, include: Robyn de Villiers, BCW Africa Chair & CEO, and APRA Vice President and Training Chair Yomi Badejo Okusanya, CMC Connect BCW Managing Director (Nigeria) and APRA President Desiree Gomes, Engage BCW Managing Partner (Kenya) and Vice Chair, Association of Public Relations and Communication Management Firms in Kenya (APReCom) Bridget von Holdt, BCW Africa Business Director and ICCO Regional President, Africa What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived, it is what difference we have made to the life of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead. Nelson Mandela. Related Panasonic continued the journey for a green Vietnam In response to the To make the world cleaner 2020 campaign, Panasonic Vietnam cooperates with the Communication Centre for Natural Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Peoples Committee of Nam Dinh province to donate 18,000 trees with the participation of nearly 100 Panasonic staff members and employees in cooperation with government and local authorities and locals planted casuarina trees donated by Panasonic. Panasonic continued the journey for a green Vietnam Not only planting trees, Panasonic employees also joined garbage collection activities to clean up the beach and inspire local people, especially young people, and promote love for nature and environmental protection. The "Panasonic for a Green Vietnam" programme started in 2013. With expert consultation from the Communication Centre for Natural Resources and Environment, the programme has been successfully held in 10 provinces and cities over the country, donating almost 140,000 trees for provinces both in the north and south. This is one of Panasonic's annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in Vietnam, not only providing direct benefits such as environmental protection, economic development for the local community, but also contributing to the sustainable development of the country. Marukawa Yoichi, general director of Panasonic Vietnam said, During over 100 years since Panasonic established, and over 50 years of history in Vietnam, we have always centred on how we can contribute to society through our business by living in harmony with the environment. Therefore, the preservation of the environment is an essential matter for us." He added, Nam Dinh is in a favourable geographical location for economic development and ecotourism with a 72km-long coastline. I understand the provincial government is also making efforts to protect its marine environment to boost its economy in a sustainable way. Along with tree planting, Panasonic organised a collection of used batteries and exchanged them for Panasonic eco-batteries free of charge for the local people. This activity is to raise awareness among people about using batteries and energy sources without harmful substances, as well as properly handling batteries after use in order not to pollute the environment and affect public health. After four years of implementation, the programme has collected 50,000 harmful batteries and donated more than 20,000 Panasonic eco batteries. Within the framework of the programme, 100 students from Nghia Thang Secondary School participated in the eco-learning class to learn about environmental protection solutions and create eco-friendly products from old plastic bottle caps, raising their awareness of reducing plastic waste, living green every day. In addition, in this activity, the students also learned about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, from which they orient their actions and share their understanding to the community to realise this goal together. As many as 2,121 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 have been recorded in Romania since the previous reporting, the Strategic Communication Group (GCS), the official novel coronavirus communication task force, announced on Tuesday, according to AGERPRES. All the new cases involve patients that did not test positive before. Romania's SARS-CoV-2 total case count reached 139,612 on Tuesday. As many as 108,526 persons were declared cured. According to GCS, 2,540,222 tests have been processed nationwide in Romania. Of these, 23,476 were performed in the last 24 hours - 14,771 based on the definition of the case and the medical protocol and 8,705 upon request. Another 73 people - 44 men and 29 women - infected with the novel coronavirus died, bringing the COVID-19 total death toll in Romania to 5,121. Of these, two deaths were recorded in the age category 40-49 years, 10 - in the 50-59 age category, 15 deaths were recorded in the age category 60-69 years, 24 - in the age category 70-79 years and 22 - in the category over 80 years. According to the GCS, 69 of the deaths recorded are of some patients who had comorbidities, three deceased patients had no comorbidities, and no comorbidities have been reported for one deceased patient to date. A number of 8,097 people with COVID-19 were hospitalised in specialist healthcare facilities. There were 608 patients admitted to ICUs. In Romania, 11,433 people confirmed with the novel coronavirus are in isolation at home, and 7,834 are in institutional isolation. Also, 23,695 people are in quarantine at home, and 9 in institutional quarantine. The number of Romanians from abroad confirmed with the novel coronavirus is 6,766, while the number of deaths, 126, remained unchanged since the last report. In the last 24 hours, police and gendarmes have applied 1,808 contraventional sanctions, amounting to 246,400 lei, as a result of violating the provisions of Law 55/2020 on certain measures to prevent and combat the effects of the COFID-19 pandemic. Bucharest - 403 and the counties of Prahova - 96, Iasi - 92, Cluj - 85, Bacau - 84 and Timis - 82 are the areas with the most newly confirmed cases of coronavirus compared to the last report, informs the Strategic Communication Group on Tuesday. Most SARS-CoV-2 cases are in Bucharest - 19,792 and in the counties of Suceava - 6,850, Brasov - 6,459, Prahova - 6,309. One by one, residents of Ontarios long-term care homes described the emotional devastation caused by the COVID-19 lockdown to an independent inquiry and implored the governments to address isolation before the second wave of COVID-19 crashes down. Lonely, depressed, muzzled and trapped are some of the words the residents used to describe the pandemic to the Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission by video conference. Now when I see these dog cages on TV for stray animals, I see myself as one of these neglected, filthy, and starving-for-love-and-affection little critters, said Virginia Parraga, who lives in a long-term care home in Toronto. I now weep for our human race and mankind. The novel coronavirus ripped through the provinces long-term care homes overwhelming the system and killing more than 1,900 residents, as of Thursday. Severe staff shortages, crumbling infrastructure and lack of oversight were some of the factors that contributed to the mass COVID-19 outbreaks in those facilities. The commission, led by Superior Court Associate Chief Justice Frank Marrocco, will investigate how COVID-19 spread in the long-term care system and come up with recommendations. Barry Hickling, one of the residents who testified last week, spoke of the long-lasting effect of the lockdown. I hope that this will be a tremendous learning experience for all of us, but the pain will not go away. It will stay, he said. It will torment us because of the potential for another wave or potential of someone bringing something into a long-term care home. Hickling, who has lived in a long-term care home in Windsor, Ont., for the past 10 years, said the government should take immediate action to fix the problems. We are isolated, alone, without family or friends to visit with us, he said. I dont want to go through this ever in my life again. And I pray and hope that, by gosh, if there is another wave, lets deal with it adequately, appropriately, efficiently, and directly. The province eased visitation restrictions several months into the pandemic, but many homes continued with the lockdown, the inquiry heard. The province recently announced new restrictions on homes in COVID-19 hot spots, limiting visitors to staff, essential visitors and caregivers. Carolyn Snow, who lives at a long-term care facility in Keswick, Ont., said the isolation felt like living behind bars. Except that prisoners are treated better, said Snow. She said her sister-in-law, who was staying at another long-term care home, contracted the novel coronavirus and died. It went from not being too concerned to being devastated, Snow said. The residents also described a litany of problems inside the homes. Residents could not socialize with their friends, ate soggy meals alone in their rooms and watched endless television, said Sharron Cooke, the president of the Ontario Association of Residents Councils who lives at a facility in Newmarket, Ont. She said the lack of activity and stimulation left residents dormant and sleeping all the time. Several residents said they were left in the dark with minimal information or communication from the homes. Just to be left in a room and not know what is past the walls has caused a lot of emotional concern, Cooke said. The communication vacuum left vulnerable residents confused and disoriented. The residents didnt know what day it was, what time it was, Cooke said. They were looking for nighties at noon because they couldnt figure out what time of day it was. Hickling said staff shortages led to two mixups with his medication, which if he hadnt noticed, would have left him in a great deal of pain. Marrocco asked the residents for ideas on how to improve the situation in the homes. Hickling said the key is to take care of staff, who then in turn can take better care of the residents. If they are not being cared for, if they are not taking the swabs and being tested in any other way, that is our lives, Hickling said. That is where we live. They bring it in. They take it out. Whatever they are doing was frightening. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 4. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version said Frank Marrocco is a former Superior Court judge. Microphone and US Flag View Photo During the Democratic Weekly Address, Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) stated that a deal on the next round of coronavirus relief needs to be reached because Americans shouldnt have to wait any longer. Kilmer was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words: Hello, Im Congressman Derek Kilmer, and I proudly represent Washington States sixth congressional district and serve as the Chairman of the New Democrat Coalition. Id like to start by wishing the President, the First Lady and all those who are suffering from COVID-19 a full and speedy recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic has become the biggest public health crisis of our lifetime and has created the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Responding to a challenge of this magnitude requires bold action. Thats why, back in May, nearly five months ago, the House passed the Heroes Act, a comprehensive coronavirus relief package to deliver help to the frontline. But since that time, the Republican-led Senate has simply dragged its feet, and theyve failed to pass any bill, let alone one thats adequate. So, this week the House took action yet again, passing an updated version of the Heroes Act, a proposed compromise, but one that will still deliver support to our frontline workers, provide additional direct assistance to families and small businesses, support critical operations for state, local and tribal governments and invest in our nations testing capacity so we can crush this virus. House Democrats moved forward with this bill because we want to do all we can to make sure the American people get all the help they need. Unfortunately, weve seen a different approach from Senate Republicans and President Trump. In their case, lets pause, has been the mantra. But the people I represent are facing challenges that arent pausing. They need help right now. When my office has gotten outreach from people who have lost their job or lost their business due to this pandemic, Ive tried to reach out to those folks personally. Ive heard a lot of pain. Just recently, I spoke to a mom from Port Angeles, my hometown, who said shed worked her entire life until this March when she lost her job. She told me she used to donate to her local food bank, and this month, for the first time, she got help from her local food bank. She said she was struggling to feed her family. Her bills arent pausing. And this updated version of the Heroes Act provides direct support for families to pay their bills and put food on the table. I spoke to a dad in Bremerton who said he was pounding the pavement looking for work but, in the meantime, was really afraid that his family could lose its home because he simply hasnt been able to make payments. His mortgage payments arent pausing. The Heroes Act we passed this week provides rental and mortgage assistance. I spoke to a small business owner from Tacoma who broke down as he discussed taking 30 years to build his business, and then having to shut it down. He had planned to pass that family business down to his kids. Main Street employers who are hurting cant wait for the help they need to keep folks on the payroll. This bill provides that help to small businesses and non-profits and provides a lifeline to local restaurants that are struggling to weather this storm. I spoke to schoolteachers who have seen their lives turned upside-down. More resources are needed so that teachers can continue to teach and students, including my two kids, can continue to learn safely. This bill provides those resources to support our educators and our public schools. I spoke to a Mayor who is trying to figure out how to pay our heroes, like the first responders and public health workers who keep us safe. This bill provides critical support to ensure they dont get laid off at a time when theyre needed the most. Folks, these challenges arent just happening in my neck of the woods. Theyre happening in communities all around this country. And economists across the political spectrum agree that, in the absence of further federal action, America faces the real risk of a prolonged recession or even a full-scale depression. I think what sometimes gets lost in these marble buildings in D.C. is that this is about delivering help For The People. Most people agree with the notion that families shouldnt have to worry about paying their bills or putting food on the table as a consequence of circumstances beyond their control. Thats why weve passed a bill to ensure that families and workers arent getting left behind. Folks agree that health care workers shouldnt have to worry about getting the personal protective equipment they need to be safe and to care for patients. They agree that sick people should be able to get a test and should have affordable care. Thats why weve passed a bill to provide the resources that health care workers and patients need. The New Democrat Coalition has been pushing for action and House Democrats are working in good faith to reach a deal that meets the needs of folks in communities across the country. The House vote this week furthers our efforts toward an agreement. Now, more than ever, we need our Republican colleagues and President Trump to continue negotiating so we can finally secure a relief package that is desperately needed by our fellow Americans. The American people need action. They need a deal because, quite frankly, they shouldnt have to wait any longer. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. "I am very excited to be working with Inlanta Mortgage, one of the most forward-thinking mortgage companies in the industry today," said Peppers. "Inlanta delivers best-in-class customer service to both its customers and its referral partners. The support staff is always there for you to answer any questions and to help you move loans through the pipeline. While many lenders may make this claim, at Inlanta, everyone truly works as a team." Kara Snyder also recently joined Inlanta's Columbus office as its business development manager. The Columbus branch offers a wide variety of loans to meet the needs of borrowers, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, as well as construction loans. Peppers specializes in down payment assistance loans for first-time homebuyers who may not have a large down payment saved. "We are thrilled to welcome Richie to Inlanta," said Paul Buege, president and COO. "Richie and his team are a valuable addition as we expand into Ohio. They are experienced mortgage professionals who are well-equipped to meet the growing demand from borrowers in the Columbus area. We're excited to serve homebuyers in Ohio, as well as in our other locations, as we expand around the country, and we look forward to helping them achieve their homeownership goals." "The housing market in Columbus is one of the hottest markets in the U.S. right now," Peppers said. "Our team works hard to ensure that customers and referral partners have a smooth experience when getting a mortgage loan. We are there when our customers and our referral partners need us. And if that's at 8 p.m. on a Sunday night, we want them to know that they can count on us to be responsive." Peppers is looking to hire loan officers and key support staff at the new Columbus branch. Inlanta is also looking to hire throughout its footprint, including in the Midwest, the Southeast and the Rocky Mountain region. "Even during the COVID-10 pandemic, we're doing very well and have been breaking company records every month," Buege said. "Adding talented loan officers and support staff is a priority for us right now. We offer great benefits, outstanding people, excellent customer service and all the marketing and back office support needed to flourish in the mortgage business." For more information on careers in the Columbus office, contact Beth Juergens, director of branch development, at (507) 248-3227. For more information on careers at Inlanta Mortgage, visit teaminlanta.com. About Inlanta Inlanta Mortgage is a fast-growing independent mortgage banker with 40 branch offices and a current network of more than 270 mortgage experts licensed throughout 24 states. Founded in 1993, the Pewaukee, Wisconsin-based company is one of the nation's oldest independent mortgage lenders, providing exceptional service and a large suite of loan programs designed to help homebuyers achieve their mortgage financing goals. Inlanta Mortgage has been named a National Mortgage News' "Best Mortgage Companies to Work For" in 2019 and 2020 and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace for many years, most recently in 2020. The company has also been on Social Survey's "Top 10 Mortgage Companies in Customer Satisfaction" for 2017, 2018 and 2019. Inlanta has been consistently recognized as one of the "50 Best Mortgage Companies to Work For" by Mortgage Executive Magazine and one of the country's "Top Mortgage Employers" by National Mortgage Professional. For more information about Inlanta Mortgage, please visit Inlanta.com. Press Contact Mary McGarity Strategic Vantage Marketing & Public Relations (203)260-5476 [email protected] Corporate Contact: Traci Huntemann-Piatt Inlanta Mortgage, Inc. (262) 505-1210 [email protected] SOURCE Inlanta Mortgage SAN FRANCISCO, BERLIN, and TOKYO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Adjust , the global app marketing platform, and app intelligence provider Apptopia , released today The Mobile Finance Report 2020 - a global benchmark of banking, payment and investment apps - showing COVID-19 has considerably accelerated the already exponential growth of fintech apps in 2020. Comparing the first half of 2019 with the first half of 2020, data from Adjust and Apptopia data from a cross-section of countries around the world suggest that: Activity in investment apps - which allow users to trade stocks directly from their phone, is booming - with an 88% growth in average sessions per day from January to June 2020 . Apps offered by trading platforms such as Acorns, Gatsby and Stash are democratizing investing by making it easier and more accessible. Globally, investment apps are the second-fastest growing vertical tracked by Adjust in 2020, beating out other hot verticals such as casual and hyper-casual games. . Apps offered by trading platforms such as Acorns, Gatsby and Stash are democratizing investing by making it easier and more accessible. Globally, investment apps are the second-fastest growing vertical tracked by Adjust in 2020, beating out other hot verticals such as casual and hyper-casual games. The number of sessions in payment apps increased by 49% on average across the countries in our survey. The most impressive growth rates were seen in: Japan (75%), Germany (45%), Turkey (39%), the US (33%), and the UK (29%). Users are increasingly using mobile to carry out transactions, while complying with social distancing. (75%), (45%), (39%), the US (33%), and the UK (29%). Users are increasingly using mobile to carry out transactions, while complying with social distancing. Sessions for banking and payment apps combined increased 26% on average across the countries in our survey. While all countries saw an uptick in sessions, stand-out markets by growth rates were Japan (142%), Germany (40%), Turkey (31%), and the US (27%). "The impact the pandemic has had on banking and the acceleration in mobile digital services should not be underestimated," said Paul H. Muller, co-founder and CTO of Adjust. "While the banking sector has been adapting to digital disruption for several years, COVID-19 is accelerating the transformation, opening up access and opportunity to millions of un- and under-banked consumers around the world." Install numbers show emerging markets are a boost for banking Japan leads the pack for banking downloads among the countries analyzed, but is also the outlier. Other advanced economies are seeing falling install numbers over the past 12 months, according to data from Apptopia. "While broader economic trends suggest it will be a difficult time for top banking apps in general in advanced economies, emerging markets provide an opportunity for international finance apps to continue growth," noted Adam Blacker, VP of Insights at Apptopia. "Countries such as Turkey, Ukraine and Brazil are where banking is showing the strongest gains." Users are spending more time in-app Not only have sessions and installs for finance apps increased significantly in 2020, but the amount of time that users are spending in those apps globally is also on the rise. In the first half of 2019, users were spending an average of 7.7 minutes per session in banking and payment apps, but by 2020 that rose to 8.35 minutes, an increase of 8.9%. Adjust's data confirms that the most significant growth for time spent in fintech apps occurred in Q2 2020, when regions around the world went into lockdown. Of the countries analyzed, Argentina grew the most in terms of time spent in-app year-over-year in 2020 - soaring 72%. This was followed by Ukraine, with 62%, and then Russia and Brazil, which both increased by approximately 50%. Japan saw a 21% jump. For more insights on the banking, payments and investments sub-verticals, download the report here . About Adjust Adjust is a global app marketing platform. Born at the heart of the mobile app economy and grown out of a passion for technology, the company now has 16 offices around the world. Adjust's platform includes measurement, fraud prevention, cybersecurity and marketing automation products. Together, they make marketing simpler, smarter and more secure for the 40,000 apps working with Adjust. Global leading brands including Procter & Gamble, Rocket Internet and Tencent Games have implemented its solutions to secure their budgets and improve results. About Apptopia Apptopia provides competitive intelligence for the mobile app economy. Data points include downloads, active users, revenue, store rank, audience intelligence, reviews analysis, and SDK intelligence. Apptopia was founded on the belief that the mobile app community requires transparency to level the playing field and make way for innovation and industry advancements. Mobile publishers and developers, service providers, and investors use Apptopia on a daily basis to understand and monitor competitors, inform business strategies, and identify emerging consumer interests and trends. See insights on our: Blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Contact info Joshua Grandy Communications Manager, US Email: pr@adjust.com +1 484 683 5929 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1178447/Adjust_Logo.jpg The Tanaistes public attack against Irelands chief medical officer and the public health body that advises Government has been described as unwarranted and unhelpful. Leo Varadkar criticised Dr Tony Holohan and the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) for proposing the country move to the strictest level of Covid-19 measures. He was also critical of how the message was delivered, saying there was no consultation with the Government. Sinn Feins David Cullinane said Mr Varadkars comments have undoubtedly caused damage between the Government and Nphet, adding the Tanaiste has to take responsibility for any breakdown in the relationship. The Tanaistes comments have received widespread criticism, including within Government, and came hours after fractious discussions between ministers and health officials. Expand Close Dr Tony Holohan (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dr Tony Holohan (Brian Lawless/PA) Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Cullinane said: I think its also very unseemly and wrong for the Government to answer back to the CMO in relation to concerns that they have raised about health capacity. All of the advice that Nphet gives is given in good faith and these are people who are tasked with a very difficult job to navigate our way through this crisis, evaluate where the threat and the risk is coming from and make recommendations to Government. Of course then the Government has to make decisions but its unacceptable that we have a push back and its unacceptable that we have an answering back. I warned the Government not to waste the summer months and to use the months to ramp up the capacity. What additional supports for families workers & businesses in counties moving to level 3? What resources for our health services? NPHET advice to move to level 5 strongly influenced by lack of capacity in health service. Taoiseach and govt must hear this message and act #COVID19 Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) October 5, 2020 Mr Cullinane said he understood the CMOs concerns over hospital capacity. He said he hopes the relationship between Government and Nphet is repairable. I think undoubtedly damage was done but that was on the back of the Tanaistes comments, I think he has to take responsibility for that, he added. Hard to know what exactly the Government is going to do which will impact the current levels of Covid. No detail whatsoever provided by the Taoiseach. Inexplicably it is penalising counties with low levels and doing nothing new in some counties with high levels! Roisin Shortall (@RoisinShortall) October 5, 2020 The Tanaistes comments on The Claire Byrne Show were also criticised by the Social Democrats, who described Mondays events as a bad day for the country. The partys co-leader Roisin Shortall said: In the midst of a growing pandemic it was very unfortunate that we didnt have clear public health messaging around what we all need to to try and suppress the virus. We didnt have clarity or unity from Government. Last nights interview with the Tanaiste was particularly disappointing. The attack he launched on Nphet and Dr Tony Holohan in particular was unwarranted, unhelpful and I think it served as a serious distraction from the task in hand which is to encourage us all to work together. She said that Nphets recommendation on Sunday came after data tracking the level of the virus showed a substantial change. It was very clear that we were in a very dangerous situation where the five-day average has increased by 50% over the past week, she added. The kind of evidence cannot be ignored. The partys Catherine Murphy added: The messaging has to make sense to people, theres no doubt that theres a variation across the country, but there is no variation in the response and that is an issue. Why was such a plan put in place when there was an expectation that would vary if there was going to be variation. National Environmental Officer, Kyiv, Ukraine Organization: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Country: Ukraine City: Kyiv, Ukraine Office: OSCE in Kyiv, Ukraine Closing date: Friday, 23 October 2020 The majority of positions in OSCE field operations are filled by secondment, which means that individuals are nominated by their respective OSCE participating State. In addition, a limited number of seconded positions are available at the OSCE Secretariat and the institutions. Issued by OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Vacancy number VNSMUN01119 Vacancy type Local Contracted Field of expertise Economic and Environmental Affairs Grade NP1 Number of posts 1 Duty station Kyiv Date of issue 2 October 2020 Deadline for application 23 October 2020 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST) Background The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine is looking for highly qualified, motivated and experienced Ukrainian professional for the position of National Environmental Officer with its Head Office in Kyiv. The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. Initial duration of appointment is for 12 months, subject to a subsequent OSCE Permanent Council Decision to extend the mandate of the Mission. All qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online, using the OSCE online application link http://www.osce.org/employment/. Please note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Application Form or in other languages than the English language will not be considered. For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, please see https://www.osce.org/uk/special-monitoring-mission-to-ukraine Tasks and Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Environmental Adviser and based on information received from the Focal Points for environmental issues in the Monitoring Teams, the incumbent will ensure targeted monitoring, assessment and reporting on environmental issues, in the conflict-affected areas and elsewhere. Equally important, the incumbent will contribute to assessment and reporting on incidents and risks and propose effective emergency planning and response for the SMM and its Mission members. More specifically the incumbent: Analysing inputs or reports from Monitoring Teams, and identifying and assessing environmental issues to be reported, or to be further monitored;Identifying potential environmental risks and advising the senior management, together with Environmental Adviser, on measures to be taken to ensure safety and security of SMM Mission members and when required, drafts guidance notes, questionnaires, tracking tools and other means of implementing effective monitoring of identified issues;Establishing and maintaining network of environmental focal points in the teams, by regular communication;Providing feedback to Monitoring Teams, to ensure consistent and quality reporting on environmental issues;Liaising and cooperating with OSCE Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities and other OSCE entities to ensure OSCE cooperation;Contributing to the capacity building, training and activities pertaining to understanding of environmental issues through preparation of didactic material or identification of specialized trainers;Participating in and reports on meetings and conferences organized by OSCE, national government, international organizations;Performing other tasks as assigned. Necessary Qualifications Ukrainian citizenship or holding permanent resident status in Ukraine; A first-level university degree in in International relations, environmental studies, environmental law; At least two years of relevant professional experience in the environmental field. International work experience will be an asset; Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications; Holding a valid driving license; Professional fluency in the English, Ukrainian and Russian languages, both oral and written; Good communication skills, including the capacity to convey complex concepts and recommendations in a clear and concise fashion for different audiences; Discretion and sound judgment in applying expertise to address complex and/or sensitive issues; Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines; Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity; Cultural sensitivity and judgement; Understanding of gender issues, including key challenges and approaches to mainstreaming gender into programme design and management; Tags environmental law international relations safety and security transparency ukrainian Knowledge of training tools and methods and proven experience delivering training on accountability and transparency -responsive programmes and advocacy. Required competencies Core values Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organizations core values and organizational principles Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work Core competencies Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities) Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities Remuneration Package Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions is 1785.92 Euro/month. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna health insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. How To Apply For more details please visit the OSCE website employment section at http://www.osce.org/employment/. All qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online, using the OSCE online application link. Please note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Application Form or in other languages than the English language will not be considered. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libya is equipping itself with speedboats to strengthen its capacity for stemming illegal immigration, the Interior Minister of the Government of National Accord, Fathi Bachagha, said in a Tweet on Monday U.S. Marine One returns President Donald Trump to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 05, 2020, in Washington, DC. Trump spent three days hospitalized for coronavirus. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Time to Take a Tougher Approach Toward CCP, Experts Say Amid the continuing personal and economic wreckage caused by COVID-19 and with President Donald Trump himself recently contracting the disease, experts say that its time to respond more strongly to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The U.S. government has an assortment of tougher strategies it can employ when it comes to the CCP. Economic decoupling is frequently mentioned by experts on China, who told The Epoch Times that its the best way to hit back where it hurts the most. Instead of alerting the world in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, and the fact that it was transmissible by humans, the regime in Beijing misled the world and instead tried to cover it up, allowing the virus to spread around the world. While it isnt clear exactly when Trump contracted the virus, he said on Oct. 1 that he and the first lady had tested positive. The Chinese Communist Party needs to be held to account, Brian Kennedy, chairman of the Committee on the Present Danger: China, and author of Communist Chinas War Inside America, told The Epoch Times. One immediate way is to make sure that the Chinese government makes good on their defaulted sovereign debt held by 20,000 American families, Kennedy said. It would be a down payment on all the harm that the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] has done to the United States and would demonstrate that the United States was going to make the PRC play by the same rules that other nations do. Theres been some action on this. Sens. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) have introduced a resolution calling on China to pay $1.6 trillion owed to 20,000 American families. Dr. Anders Corr, the publisher of the Journal of Political Risk and founder of Corr Analytics, which provides strategic analyses of international politics, said its warranted to employ a tougher approach to the CCP, which itself has taken a more aggressive approach amid the international fallout over the pandemic. Now is the right time because Xi Jinping is hoping for a Biden presidency and will therefore be incentivized to react less aggressively to tough measures by the United States, Corr told The Epoch Times, referring to the CCPs leader. Economic decoupling from China is critical as it is through trade and investment that China is trying to influence other governments into acquiescing to a future and slowly growing Chinese hegemony. Chinese state media have openly voiced support for a Biden presidency, saying he would be smoother for the regime to deal with than Trump. Under the Trump administration, the United States is already employing an all-of-government national security approach to counter the Chinese regimes infiltration of the United States. Its a large-scale effort not seen from previous U.S. administrations, which critics say failed to properly identify the threat posed by Beijing. Corr said Chinas assets in the United States should be seized in order to pay for the damage caused by the CCP virus. He also said U.S. debt to China should be canceled on the same principle. If China seizes U.S. assets in return, this is a necessary cost we may have to pay in the short term for decoupling, Corr said. In the long term, we may be able to recoup these costs through litigation. Other strategies could be an immediate recognition of Taiwan as a fully sovereign country and to put U.S. military bases there to protect it from the invasion that Xi has threatened, Corr said. Countries that dont recognize Taiwan should be cut off from U.S. economic aid and trading privileges. Diplomatically, the United States should seek to remove China from the United Nations system by barring its diplomats from entering its headquarters in New York City, according to Corr. U.S. allies such as France, Italy, and Switzerland could do the same to Chinas diplomats attempting to enter U.N. offices in Geneva, Paris, and Rome. Meanwhile, several U.S. officials this year have given speeches dedicated entirely to exposing the CCPs infiltration of U.S. institutions, and how different U.S. departments are handling the risks. The speeches have been unprecedented, not only in their scope, but because of the sheer number of high-profile speakers, including national security adviser Robert OBrien, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Attorney General William Barr, and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David R. Stilwell. Blair Brandt, a political adviser and Republican strategist, told The Epoch Times the U.S. government has a range of options and routes to take when it comes to hitting harder against the CCP. The United States could close the Chinese Consulate in New York, have foreign policy announcements on China from the White House instead of the State Department, employ sanctions against higher-level CCP officials, and exit the phase-one trade deal as part of a decoupling process, he said. An America first pledge should be rolled out by the administration to encourage major U.S. companies to make commitments to domestic manufacturing, he added. An executive order should also be signed requesting the Treasury devise a detailed plan to hold the Chinese regime accountable. One thing is for sure, we cant let Wall Streetespecially private equity funds, hedge funds, and certain other financial institutions, or a few large U.S.-based multinational firms with a large presence in Chinadetermine the fate of this [U.S.-China] dynamic going forward, Brandt said. Looking ahead, the decisions, even if there are short-term costs, must be evaluated purely on the standard of long-term national security for the United States of America. A British court has thrown into question who controls nearly $2bn (1.54bn) in Venezuelan gold stowed in a London bank vault amid a power struggle between President Nicolas Maduro and his leading rival. The appeals court set aside a British judge's earlier decision granting control of the bullion to US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido. The judges have ordered a deeper investigation before either side is given access to the gold in the Bank of England. Britain recognises Mr Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader, while also holding diplomatic ties with Mr Maduro. Mr Maduro's government has demanded the gold, saying it will transfer some proceeds from its sale to the United Nations development programme for supplies to battle the coronavirus pandemic. But the Bank had refused to hand it over to his government, and a judge in July sided with Mr Guaido, who says the government is illegitimate and corrupt. Opposition leaders say the money would never reach patients fighting for life in Venezuela's broken hospitals. The gold was reportedly removed from the Venezuelan central banks vaults by government officials last year, as Mr Maduro sought to raise capital amid tightening sanctions. Sarosh Zaiwalla, a lawyer who represents Venezuela's Central Bank controlled by Mr Maduro, praised the appeal court decision. The dispute hinges on the British stance toward Venezuela, a country in economic and political crisis. The UK, the US and dozens of other countries recognise the claim to the Venezuelan presidency of Mr Guaido, who heads the congress. He proclaimed himself the interim president last year, months after Mr Maduro declared victory in an election that his critics say was rigged. Mr Maduro, however, maintains the support of Russia, China, Iran, Turkey and Cuba, as well as the Venezuelan military. Despite its support for Mr Guaido, the British government has not granted diplomatic credentials to Vanessa Neumann, the envoy that he says is ambassador to the UK. Mr Maduro's ambassador is recognised by the British government and has control of the Venezuelan embassy in London, while the British ambassador remains in Caracas. Recommended Inside the operation to overthrew Maduro that Venezuela thwarted Ms Neumann played down the setback, saying the appeals court asked for clarification from the judge who had previously ruled in Mr Guaido's favour. "What remains clear is that the British court is not yet going to hand over the gold that belongs to Venezuelans to the Maduro regime," she said. Enthusiasm has been fading at home in Venezuela for Mr Guaido. He has been unable to budge Mr Maduro from power despite pressure that has included stiff US sanctions against Venezuela. Additional reporting by agencies Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 6, 2020 11:20 474 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4959d0e 4 National Pamekasan,Madura,Madura-Island,tourist-attraction,East-Java,Bukit-Bintang Free Hundreds of people staged a protest and destroyed facilities at a tourist spot called Bukit Bintang (hill of stars) in Larangan Badung village, Pamekasan regency on Madura Island, East Java, on Monday. The mob demanded the tourist spot be shut down, alleging the place to be a location for "sinful activities". The protest soon turned violent as some people started to damage facilities in the area, including fences and shelter for visitors, with several protesters burning down a hut in the area. The fire quickly spread to other huts, despite efforts by some people in the area to put out the blaze. Police and military personnel as well as members of the Pamekasan Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) also failed to extinguish the fire. In'am Kholil, the coordinator of the protest, said the tourist establishment had caused unrest among the locals for allegedly being a popular spot for "sinful activities". "Being a tourist spot is only a facade. In reality many locals reported [Bukit Bintang] as a location for sinful activities," In'am said without specifying details on the activities. He further claimed that activities in Bukit Bintang had also disturbed the learning process in a nearby Islamic boarding school. Pamekasan Satpol PP's regional regulation enforcement division head Yusuf Wibiseno said the business practices conducted in Bukit Bintang were different from the one written on its permit, which stipulated that the place operated as a food stall. "The permit and the business practice in the field are different," he said as quoted by kompas.com. Palelangan police chief Sri Sugiharto said the police had previously tried to bridge the communication between locals who opposed the business and the Bukit Bintang owner, Mustofa, to solve the issue. "We had held a meeting attended by the owner, locals, stakeholders and personnel from the police and military. We had advised the owner to temporary close the establishment, but he refused," Sugiharto said. (nal) NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- North Equity, a leading digital media venture equity firm, today announced that it has acquired a number of media brands from Bonnier Corporation. The acquisition includes Popular Science , Popular Photography , Saveur , Outdoor Life , Field & Stream , Better You and Interesting Things . The additions complement North Equity's robust home platform, where Saveur will join BobVila.com and Kitchenistic to form a new food category. They will also create a new specialty media vertical under Popular Science and Popular Photography, and expand North's growing footprint in the military, tactical and outdoor verticals, where it recently added Task & Purpose , one of the leading digital media properties for active-duty military and veterans. "Since inception, the North team has proved our ability to acquire, reimagine and profitably grow media brands," said Andrew Perlman, North Equity Managing Partner. "We have accomplished this by working with the teams at each brand to deliver high-quality, meaningful content and build innovative, sustainable business models. We're excited to have the opportunity to add such venerable brands to our portfolio and look forward to working with the amazing people behind them." The brands being acquired include three 100-plus-year-old publicationsPopular Science, Outdoor Life and Field & Streamand represent some of the most trusted voices in science, outdoor and food. Collectively, they engage nearly 10 million monthly online unique visitors, another 15 million followers on social media, and have 1.7 million loyal print subscribers. "Bonnier has been the proud owner of Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Popular Science and Saveur for more than a decade. These brands exhibit a tremendous amount of authority in their genres and have earned the trust of their readers, and we're excited that North Equity recognizes the value these brands have in the marketplace," said David Ritchie, chief executive officer, Bonnier Corp. "We believe North Equity is best-positioned to continue to invest in and grow these iconic legacy brands." North Equity is committed to developing high-quality, trusted content, while empowering media brands and content creators to scale audience and engagement. North will be applying its proprietary operating model and technology platformwhich have resulted in profitable, triple-digit year-over-year traffic and revenue growth in its home and auto platforms, which includes BobVila.com and The Drive to grow the legacy of the acquired brands and position them to thrive into the future. Baker McKenzie and Bailey Duquette advised North on this transaction. About North Equity North Equity LLC is a venture equity firm that acquires, builds and scales transformative digital media brands using a proprietary combination of operational, data and technology expertise. The portfolio currently focuses on the automotive, home and military verticals, and includes The Drive, BobVila.com, The War Zone and Task & Purpose, among others. Since acquisition, these brands have been strategically building market-leading positions, optimizing cash flow, and transforming their category in the digital content landscape. North's investment team has extensive experience in the intersection of technology, data, and media as private investors and operators. North, based in Miami with offices in San Francisco and New York, will continue making strategic acquisitions across the digital-media and technology landscape. About Bonnier Corp. Bonnier Corp. is an American enthusiast media company with iconic multichannel brands extending into all platforms, including magazines, digital media, events and product licensing. Bonnier Corp.'s brands include Yachting, Flying, Sailing World, Salt Water Sportsman and Working Mother. Other business subsidiaries include Bonnier Events, a full-service promotion and events group, and Working Mother Media's diversity and inclusion consulting group. Bonnier Corp. is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating media conglomerate. SOURCE North Equity Related Links https://www.northequity.com MALE, Maldives - The former vice-president of the Maldives has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to money laundering and embezzlement under orders from the former president. The Criminal Court on Monday night also fined Ahmed Adeeb $129,800. The prison sentence, which will be shortened by one year because he served time after a previous conviction on the same charges, also covered charges of corruption and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Adeeb was a protege to former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom during the early years of his presidency between 2013 and 2018. He had been sentenced to 33 years in prison in 2016 for several counts including masterminding a blast in a presidential speedboat in which Yameens wife was wounded. He was freed from all charges after Yameen lost reelection in 2018. Under the new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, many cases perceived to be politically motivated were revisited. After his release, Adeeb testified against Yameen in court saying he was party to his former boss corrupt dealings and did not worry about being sent to jail again. Charges were refiled, and Adeeb pleaded guilty to all charges, including money laundering, embezzlement and using his prominent position to gain undue advantage. Yameen is serving a five-year prison term for having facilitated Adeeb to launder $1 million obtained through corrupt deals. Maldives is a tiny archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean known for its luxury tourist resorts. Why Mewalal Choudhary, Bihars new education minister is in the eye of a storm Bihar assembly election 2020: BJP-JD(U) to announce seat sharing today India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Patna, Oct 06: The BJP and JD(U) will make an official announcement on the seat sharing and candidates later today. The JD(U) will contest on 122 seats which the remaining 121 will be contested by the BJP. The JD(U) will give five of its seats to the Hindustan Away Morcha. The BJP on the other hand will give its share of seats to the Vikassheel Insaan Party, which had walked out of the opposition Grand Alliance last week. JD(U), BJP reach 122-121 seat deal for Bihar polls It may be recalled that the LJP had walked out of the NDA. Its leader Chirag Paswan targeted Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar and appealed to the people to vote against him. He claimed that his party along with the BJP will come to power in the state after the assembly polls. Paswan told a vote for the JD(U) will force the migration of their children tomorrow. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News The LJP also decided to put up its candidates against the JD(U) while citing ideological differences. The party said that it would not accept the leadership of Nitish Kumar. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 9:59 [IST] The Kuwaiti government, headed by Prime Minister Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, reportedly submitted its resignation on October 6 to Emir Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah. According to Kuwaits state-run news agency KUNA, the prime minister handed in the cabinets resignation to the new Emir in anticipation of the parliamentary elections scheduled for November. Sheikh Nawaf has reportedly expressed his full confidence in the current cabinet and has asked it to carry on its duties, including the preparation for the general elections. He praised the efforts of the Prime Minister and his government in fulfilling their obligations. Reports suggest that Sheikh Nawaf wanted to avoid difficulties of forming a new government when the current cabinet will get dissolved anyway ahead of elections. The Kuwaiti resigns whenever lawmakers submit a no-confidence motion against top government officials. In September, 10 lawmakers submitted a no-confidence motion against deputy prime minister and interior minister over COVID-19 response. The last session of the parliament will be held on October 8. Read: India To Observe One-day State Mourning On October 4 On Death Of Kuwait's Emir Read: Kuwait Swears In Sheikh Nawaf As New Ruling Emir After Sheikh Sabah's Demise New Emir appointed The resignation comes after the anointment of Sheikh Nawaf as Kuwaits new emir following the death Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah in the United States at the age of 91. The 83-year-old Crown Prince was sworn in during a session of the National Assembly amid a 40-day period of national mourning. Sheikh Nawaf served as Kuwaits defence minister when Iraqi troops, under the command of Saddam Hussein, attacked the oil-rich state in 1990. According to media reports, he is popular within the ruling family and largely maintained a low profile all these years. While the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain opted for a dramatic change in their foreign policy vis-a-vis Israel, Kuwaits policy is expected to remain unchanged during Sheikh Nawafs reign. Pursuant to the provisions of the constitution... the cabinet calls upon the crown prince, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as the Emir of the State of Kuwait," deputy prime minister Anas Khalid Al-Saleh had said during a televised address on September 29. Read: Deeply Saddened By Demise Of Amir Of Kuwait, Close Friend Of India: Prez Kovind Read: Kuwait's Cabinet Says Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah Sworn In As Ruling Emir (Image: AP) Chinese PLA commissions modern barracks, station heavy artillery near disputed border with India India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Oct 06: The Chinese People's Liberation Army has commissioned new, modern barracks for its soldiers and station heavy artillery close to the disputed India-China border in the Nagri region of Tibet. A report in the Chinese state media said that the permanent barracks had been constructed in the backdrop of the ongoing border tension. The older temporary housing facilities for the PLA's border troops in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) have been replaced, the report also added. The report has not confirmed the numbers, but did give out photographs, which suggests that the deployment is very large. The new facility is located at an altitude of nearly 15,000 feet. The report by the China Central Television however did not share details about how long it took to build the barracks. It also did not reveal when the construction began, but did indicate a short construction time. Prepared for any conflict, including two front war, IAF chief says amidst tensions with China While facilitating the daily life of officers and soldiers to the greatest extent, the new generation barracks also highlights the concept of service and preparation for war, the report said. The PLA also released several photos of the new facility. They show the sprawling complex and also massive buildings and facilities to keep artillery guns. Stairs and corridors in the dormitory area of officers and soldiers have been widened to facilitate the rapid assembly of personnel; the war preparation material warehouse and garages have been seamlessly connected to facilitate the rapid loading and dispatch of troops in emergency situations, the report also said. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News In view of the high-cold and high-altitude environment of the plateau, the design and construction of the new generation of barracks focusses on heat preservation, energy saving and concealment, the report said. Containers, hospitals: Chinese PLA readies for long winter haul along LAC The military commanders of India and China are scheduled to meet on October 12. Indian officials say that it would require multiple rounds of talks before the disengagement process is complete. 19 Black families came together to purchase nearly 100 acres of land in Wilkinson County, Georgia Real estate agent Ashley Scott was looking for some way to participate in the nationwide movement against police brutality and systemic racism without joining protests in the streets. She didn't want to expose herself or her family to COVID-19, but she wanted to make an impact. That's when her friend and fellow entrepreneur Renee Walters told her about a town for sale. "The foundation of our structure is where the problem is," Scott said. "Finding a town, it felt like OK this is how you change the foundation of the structure." In June, the pair went to visit the tiny town of Toomsboro, Georgia which it turned out was not actually for sale where they met dozens of other Black investors and scoped out nearby pieces of property. When they came upon a plot of nearly 97 acres of land in rural Wilkinson County, Georgia, Scott said "it spoke to my spirit." "It was like the ancestors were like 'this is it,'" she said. Ashley Scott and Renee Walters embrace on the land they helped purchase in Georgia. Over the next 45 days, Scott said she and Walters created the Freedom Georgia Initiative and recruited 17 other Black families to purchase the land with hopes of developing it into an "authentic Black community and culture that feels safe, feels prosperous." Walters, the president of Freedom Georgia Initiative, said the neighboring communities have been welcoming and the only negative reactions the group has seen have been from "internet trolls." She was quick to dispel the misconception that the land is exclusively for Black families. "Pro-Black does not mean anti-white," she said. "We dont want people to think that this is segregation ... we just want to build a haven where we feel safe." They are planning to finish construction on the homes as well as a farm, horse stables, lake, and tiny house cabin by next spring. Eventually, Scott said they want the land to become a hub for tourism with a farm-to-table restaurant, an Airbnb experience, an amphitheater and a conference center. Story continues Scott and Walters hope to buy more land and expand into a city that's able to provide municipal services including law enforcement, a fire department, parks and recreation, libraries, a hospital and a school. Scott said it may take between three and five years to write a charter and petition to get the city recognized as an official municipality. They plan to call it Freedom, Georgia. "That's going to be a long battle," she said. "Im hoping that it won't be a difficult battle getting the state of Georgia to recognize us because we are attracting so many resources and attracting so many families." Each state has its own requirements for municipal incorporation and Scott must meet a number of population, development and political requirements before the city can become incorporated. Scott said she hopes to inspire other Black families to build collectives and purchase land in mass, particularly in the local area. She advised others who hope to pursue similar projects to work with experts like a real estate agent, lawyer, or seasoned business consultant to protect themselves and their assets. "Getting as much information and education as you possibly can is the first step," she said. The ultimate goal is not just to have a place to live, but to create jobs and build generational wealth. When the project is finally completed, Scott said she expects to feel "uncontainable joy, pride and legacy." "No way you can walk out into the completed place and not have an overwhelming sense that weve created legacy." Follow N'dea Yancey-Bragg on Twitter: @NdeaYanceyBragg This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 19 Black families buy 97 acres of Georgia land to create 'Freedom' More than 6,500 scientists and medics have signed an anti-lockdown petition calling for the UK and US to build herd immunity against Covid-19 by letting the virus spread in young people. The letter, which was penned by three top scientists and has since been backed by more than 60,000 members of the public, warns that tough social distancing rules are having 'damaging physical and mental health impacts'. Most of the population, they argue, is not at risk of dying if they catch Covid-19 and efforts should be focused on protecting those who are vulnerable, while letting everyone else get on with their lives as normal. The letter, named the Great Barrington Declaration after the town in Massachusetts where it was written, is a rallying cry for top experts and politicians to stop running from the coronavirus and to learn to live with it. More than 2,800 scientists have signed the petition, as well as almost 3,800 medical practitioners. 'Those who are not vulnerable should immediately be allowed to resume life as normal,' the scientists say, adding: 'Keeping these [lockdown] measures in place until a vaccine is available will cause irreparable damage, with the underprivileged disproportionately harmed.' Scientists from the world's top universities have penned an open letter calling for the UK and US to build herd immunity to Covid-19 by letting it spread in young people In other coronavirus developments: Universities began cancelling face-to-face teaching entirely as they stepped up attempts to curb rising infection rates on campuses; The leaders of four northern cities wrote to Health Secretary Matt Hancock to warn they were extremely concerned about the sharp increase in cases; However, they said they did not want draconian new measures and urged him to hand powers over restrictions to regional leaders; Figures suggested the outbreaks in university cities were being strongly driven by students; Reports claimed Mr Sunak was drawing up plans for Treasury support for firms worst hit by new local lockdowns; Nicola Sturgeon is likely to announce circuit breaker-style restrictions today despite denying Scotland was headed for another full lockdown; The Royal College of Psychiatrists warned of a mental health crisis fuelled by the pandemic; Industry chiefs warned that pubs, restaurants and other hospitality firms were preparing to axe more than half a million jobs; Nearly one in five state secondary schools in England were unable to fully open their doors last week due to coronavirus. One of the three authors is University of Oxford professor Dr Sunetra Gupta, who is now renowned for her controversial views on herd immunity. She wrote the declaration alongside Harvard University's Dr Martin Kulldorff and Stanford's Dr Jay Bhattacharya. But the petition has been met with concern one scientist pointed out it doesn't take into account problems other than death, such as 'long covid', and that it overlooks the fact there is no proof that herd immunity is even possible. Dr Sunetra Gupta, an infectious diseases expert at Oxford University, is now renowned for her controversial views in favour of trying to develop Covid-19 herd immunity It came the same day that figures showed the number of Britons in hospital with coronavirus soared by 25 per cent in just 24 hours. Figures show the UK has recorded 14,542 more infections - more than triple the number from a fortnight ago. In another blow to hopes the virus is being brought under control, official NHS data shows there were 478 new hospital admissions in England on Sunday - the most recent day figures are available for. The figure is 25 per cent increase on Saturday's data, when 386 people were admitted the hospital with Covid-19. It also represents a four-month high, the likes of which have not been seen since June 3, when the figure was 491. Data also shows the number of people on ventilators is on the rise, from 259 a week ago to 349 on Sunday. The rising figures have fueled concerns that the UK could be heading for another bout of lockdown-style restrictions. A Whitehall source said tougher measures could be imposed in parts of the North before the end of the week. Officials have also refused to rule out further national measures. In the Great Barrington Declaration the scientists write: 'Current lockdown policies are producing devastating effects on short and long-term public health. Britain has recorded 14,542 more coronavirus cases as the number of people testing positive for the virus every day triples in a fortnight Another 76 deaths were also recorded on Tuesday which is more than double the number of victims posted last Tuesday, when there were 35 fatalities 'The results (to name a few) include lower childhood vaccination rates, worsening cardiovascular [heart] disease outcomes, fewer cancer screenings and deteriorating mental health leading to greater excess mortality in years to come, with the working class and younger members of society carrying the heaviest burden. WHO CREATED THE GREAT BARRINGTON DECLARATION? The declaration was written by Dr Martin Kulldorff (Harvard University), Dr Sunetra Gupta (Oxford) and Dr Jay Bhattacharya (Stanford). It has since been signed by 1,500 scientists, 1,700 medical workers and 26,000 members of the public. The co-signers, who added their names to the report before it was published, were: Professor Sucharit Bhakdi (University of Mainz) Dr Rajiv Bhatia (Physician, USA) Professor Stephen Bremner (University of Sussex) Professor Anthony J Brookes (University of Leicester) Dr Helen Colhoun (University of Edinburgh) Professor Angus Dalgleish (St. Georges, University of London) Dr Sylvia Fogel (Harvard) Dr Eitan Friedman (Tel Aviv University) Dr Uri Gavish (Biomedical consultant) Professor Motti Gerlic (Tel Aviv University) Dr Gabriela Gomes (University of Strathclyde) Professor Mike Hulme (University of Cambridge) Dr Michael Jackson (University of Canterbury, New Zealand) Dr David Katz (Yale University) Dr Andrius Kavaliunas (Karolinska Institute) Dr Laura Lazzeroni (Stanford) Dr Michael Levitt (Stanford) Professor David Livermore (University of East Anglia) Dr Jonas Ludvigsson (Orebro University Hospital, Sweden) Dr Paul McKeigue (University of Edinburgh) Dr Cody Meissner (Tufts University) Professor Ariel Munitz (Tel Aviv University) Professor Yaz Gulnur Muradoglu (Queen Mary University of London) Professor Partha P. Majumder (Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata) Professor Udi Qimron (Tel Aviv University) Professor Matthew Ratcliffe (University of York) Dr Mario Recker (University of Exeter) Dr Eyal Shahar (University of Arizona) Professor Karol Sikora (Rutherford Health) Dr Rodney Sturdivant (Baylor University) Dr Simon Thornley (University of Auckland) Professor Ellen Townsend (University of Nottingham) Professor Lisa White (Oxford University) Professor Simon Wood (University of Edinburgh) Advertisement 'Keeping students out of school is a grave injustice. 'Keeping these measures in place until a vaccine is available will cause irreparable damage, with the underprivileged disproportionately harmed.' They say that elderly people are 1,000 times more likely to die of Covid-19 than children, meaning the two groups should not face the same rules. 'Focused Prevention' could protect the vulnerable by using care home staff who have already had the virus, for example, by delivering groceries to elderly people so they don't have to go shopping, or by families meeting outdoors instead of inside. Normal hygiene rules such as regular hand-washing and self-isolation for people who are ill should continue, but life for young, healthy people could go on, they said. 'Those who are not vulnerable should immediately be allowed to resume life as normal,' Dr Gupta and colleagues wrote. 'Schools and universities should be open for in-person teaching. Extracurricular activities, such as sports, should be resumed. 'Young low-risk adults should work normally, rather than from home. Restaurants and other businesses should open. 'Arts, music, sport and other cultural activities should resume. People who are more at risk may participate if they wish, while society as a whole enjoys the protection conferred upon the vulnerable by those who have built up herd immunity.' The herd immunity focus of the declaration will not be met with open arms by all. Scientists still cannot prove whether people develop any immunity to Covid-19 after catching it the first time. If it turns out that people regularly get the illness twice or more it may mean that turn the concept of herd immunity on its head. There have been sporadic reports from around the world of reinfection, but the circumstances that allow it to happen are unclear. For many of the people who are alleged to have caught it twice, scientists suspect their original illness never cleared up or their test results were wrong somewhere along the line. Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock remain convinced that limiting social interaction is still the best policy and insist they will not allow Covid to let rip through society. But they are under increasing pressure to reconsider, given the damage to the economy and health. The Governments own modelling suggests 74,000 people will die from non-Covid causes as an indirect result of the lockdown imposed in March. One critic of the petition, University of Kent virologist Professor Jeremy Rossman said: 'This declaration ignores three critical aspects that could result in significant impacts to health and lives. 'First, we still do not know if herd immunity is possible to achieve. Herd immunity relies on lasting immunological protection from coronavirus re-infection. 'However, we have heard many recent cases of re-infection occurring and some research suggests protective antibody responses may decay rapidly. 'Second, the declaration focuses only on the risk of death from Covid-19 but ignores the growing awareness of long-Covid, that many healthy young adults with "mild" Covid-19 infections are experiencing protracted symptoms and long-term disability. WHAT IS HERD IMMUNITY AND WILL WE GET IT FOR COVID-19? Herd immunity occurs when a disease runs out of room and can no longer spread because enough of the population have been exposed to it, either because they've already had it or have been vaccinated. If nobody is immune to an illness as was the case at the start of the pandemic it can spread like wildfire. But if, for example, half of people have developed immunity there are only half as many people the illness can spread to. As more and more people become immune the pathogen finds it harder and harder to spread, until its pool of victims becomes so small it can no longer spread at all. The threshold for herd immunity is different for various illnesses, depending on how contagious they are for measles, around 95 per cent of people must be vaccinated to it spreading. For polio, which is less contagious, the threshold is about 80-85 per cent. But because there is no vaccine for Covid-19, it means actively hunting down herd immunity through natural exposure is controversial because it would mean tens of thousands of people would die. Government advisors have previously said around 60 per cent of Britain would need to be infected to achieve herd immunity around 40million people. But, in theory, it would mean around 240,000 Britons would die, given that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is estimated to kill around 0.6 per cent of everyone it infects. And scientists still do not have any firm proof as to how long immunity actually lasts once a person has fought off Covid-19, and doctors around the world have warned of re-infections even though the evidence suggests they are less serious. Some research has suggested the herd immunity threshold could actually be as low as 10 per cent, if it spreads more rampantly among the most socially active. This is because they are into contact with others more regularly and are, therefore, more likely to spread the illness. Herd immunity without a vaccine is considered a controversial route for getting out of the pandemic because it gives a message of encouraging the spread of the virus, rather than containing it. No 10 was even forced to deny herd immunity was the strategy after Boris Johnson's chief aide Dominic Cummings reportedly confirmed the plan at a private event back in February, allegedly saying it was 'too bad' if it meant 'some pensioners die'. And leaked emails published last month showed that both Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty faced backlash from academics over the controversial 'herd immunity' approach that was further discussed in March. Meanwhile, unlike most European nations, Sweden never imposed a lockdown and kept schools for under-16s, cafes, bars, restaurants and most businesses open when the disease hit Europe in February. Researchers have even suggested that the Scandinavian nation has since built up a degree of immunity to the virus, with one academic claiming that the virus may now have run out of steam in Sweden. But data compiled by Our World In Data a website that has tracked the pandemic since it began suggests cases have began to rise again over the past few weeks. For instance, Sweden's seven-day average of daily infections stood at 560 on October 1, up from 250 at the start of September. Advertisement 'Third, countries that have forgone lockdown restrictions in favour of personal responsibility and focused protection of the elderly, such as Sweden, were not able to successfully protect the vulnerable population. 'While there is clearly a need to support and ease the physical and mental health burdens many are suffering under, the proposed declaration is both unlikely to succeed and puts the long-term health of many at risk.' Professor James Naismith, a University of Oxford biologist, said he 'read it with interest' but won't sign the declaration. He explained: 'We do not know yet how long immunity will last, so achieving herd immunity may not be simple. We do not have herd immunity to the common cold despite many of us having one or more each year. 'It would have helped had the leading scientists who signed this declaration estimated achievability of herd immunity with different immune response decays. 'The desired range for herd immunity is not stated nor how far away we are from it, thus no estimate of the number of deaths or the life changing complications that will result in the lower vulnerability group is made. 'Whilst these numbers are much lower than in the elderly, they are not zero. I suspect the public would like to know this.' Coronavirus cases are continuing to rise in the UK, with 14,542 new cases recorded on Tuesday - meaning the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 every day has tripled in a fortnight. Last Tuesday's data, which would normally be used to measure how much the UK's outbreak has grown in the last week, is unreliable due to a catastrophic counting error at Public Health England. It means Tuesday September 22 is the most recent point of reference there were just 4,926 cases on that date. The extraordinary meltdown caused by an Excel problem in outdated software at PHE meant almost 16,000 cases went missing between September 25 and October 2, meaning the scale of the escalating crisis was vastly underestimated last week. Health chiefs recorded 12,594 coronavirus cases yesterday, which was also triple the figure of 4,368 recorded a fortnight before. The rolling seven-day average of daily infections considered a more accurate measure because it takes into account day-to-day fluctuations has also risen by a similar amount over the same time frame. Another 76 coronavirus deaths were also recorded on Tuesday, up 7 per cent on last week's 71 fatalities and more than double the number of victims posted the Tuesday before, when there were 35. Data also shows the rolling seven-day average number of daily deaths is 53, up from a record-low of seven in mid-August. Although the curves are clearly trending the wrong way, the number of Covid-19 deaths and infections are still a far-cry from levels seen during the darkest days of the pandemic in spring, when more than 1,000 patients were dying and at least 100,000 Britons were catching the disease every day The spiralling statistics come amid fears the UK could face draconian new lockdown measures within days under plans for a local 'Covid alert' system. Mr Matt Hancock is expected to unveil details of the three-tier set-up as early as Thursday in an attempt to make the existing patchwork of restrictions easier to understand. Government sources said the top tier would include tougher restrictions than those currently applied to millions of people living across the North and Midlands. A planned 'traffic light' system of measures will be redesigned after PHE's Excel bungle revealed that the virus was spreading much faster than previously thought in cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield. Ministers will meet in the coming days to thrash out exactly how far to go. Cities including Sheffield, Oxford and Nottingham are seemingly at risk of harsher restrictions as Boris Johnson tries to get a grip on local flare-ups. Options include the closure of pubs, restaurants and cinemas, a ban on social mixing outside household groups, and restrictions on overnight stays. Sources refused to rule out the possibility that some towns and cities could be placed immediately into the top tier, despite the fact that death rates remain low. The 30,000-signature strong Great Barrington Declaration in full 'As infectious disease epidemiologists and public health scientists we have grave concerns about the damaging physical and mental health impacts of the prevailing Covid-19 policies, and recommend an approach we call Focused Protection. 'Coming from both the left and right, and around the world, we have devoted our careers to protecting people. Current lockdown policies are producing devastating effects on short and long-term public health. The results (to name a few) include lower childhood vaccination rates, worsening cardiovascular disease outcomes, fewer cancer screenings and deteriorating mental health leading to greater excess mortality in years to come, with the working class and younger members of society carrying the heaviest burden. Keeping students out of school is a grave injustice. 'Keeping these measures in place until a vaccine is available will cause irreparable damage, with the underprivileged disproportionately harmed. 'Fortunately, our understanding of the virus is growing. We know that vulnerability to death from Covid-19 is more than a thousand-fold higher in the old and infirm than the young. Indeed, for children, Covid-19 is less dangerous than many other harms, including influenza. 'As immunity builds in the population, the risk of infection to all including the vulnerable falls. We know that all populations will eventually reach herd immunity i.e. the point at which the rate of new infections is stable and that this can be assisted by (but is not dependent upon) a vaccine. Our goal should therefore be to minimize mortality and social harm until we reach herd immunity. 'The most compassionate approach that balances the risks and benefits of reaching herd immunity, is to allow those who are at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better protecting those who are at highest risk. We call this Focused Protection. 'Adopting measures to protect the vulnerable should be the central aim of public health responses to Covid-19. By way of example, nursing homes should use staff with acquired immunity and perform frequent PCR testing of other staff and all visitors. Staff rotation should be minimized. Retired people living at home should have groceries and other essentials delivered to their home. When possible, they should meet family members outside rather than inside. A comprehensive and detailed list of measures, including approaches to multi-generational households, can be implemented, and is well within the scope and capability of public health professionals. 'Those who are not vulnerable should immediately be allowed to resume life as normal. Simple hygiene measures, such as hand washing and staying home when sick should be practiced by everyone to reduce the herd immunity threshold. Schools and universities should be open for in-person teaching. Extracurricular activities, such as sports, should be resumed. Young low-risk adults should work normally, rather than from home. 'Restaurants and other businesses should open. Arts, music, sport and other cultural activities should resume. People who are more at risk may participate if they wish, while society as a whole enjoys the protection conferred upon the vulnerable by those who have built up herd immunity.' Advertisement MPs back Rule of Six in Commons vote with just 17 politicians opposing it despite widespread Tory fury at coronavirus law they fear will 'do more harm than good' By David Wilcock, Whitehall Correspondent and Harry Howard and James Tapsfield, Political Editor For Mailonline MPs overwhelmingly backed the controversial Rule of Six in a Commons vote tonight - but Boris Johnson was left in no doubt about the anger on the Tory backbenches. The Covid-19 regulations which enforce the rules on gatherings in England was passed by 287 votes to 17 - a majority of 270 - in Westminster. The regulations are already in force, with the motion simply offering a retrospective vote on it. But a slew of Tories indicated they would abstain rather than support it, using the debate beforehand to attack Government ministers over the scope of the rules. Steve Baker, a former Brexit minister, said he had 'real concerns' about the 'appalling' cost of the measures. And fellow MP Huw Merriman, who is chair of the transport select committee, said he feared the measures would do 'more harm than good.' However, there was little prospect of the measures failing to pass the Commons vote after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told reporters on Tuesday that his party would back the measures. Scroll down for video. MPs overwhelmingly backed the controversial Rule of Six in a Commons vote tonight - but Boris Johnson was left in no doubt about the anger on the Tory backbenches. Pictured: Students ignoring the Rule of Six as they enjoy a night out in Leeds in September The Covid-19 regulations which enforce the rules on gatherings in England was passed by 287 votes to 17 - a majority of 270 - in Westminster Setting out his opposition ahead of the vote, Mr Baker said: 'I have real concerns about the very high cost of these measures. '[It is an] absolutely appalling set of costs which people are bearing and the anecdotes now [are] increasingly rising of poor compliance, indeed people seem to have a gap between their intentions to comply versus what they actually do.' He added: 'It's not clear now that the benefit outweighs the costs of lockdown. We have to ask whether this set of circumstances is really what we want. 'We're hearing about people who are being destroyed by this lockdown, strong, confident people, outgoing people, gregarious people who are being destroyed and reduced to repeated episodes of tears on the phone. 'This is a devastating social impact on our society and I believe that people would make different choices were they the ones able to take responsibility for themselves.' Last week, Boris Johnson hinted the Rule of Six could be suspended on Christmas Day to ensure a family of five can have both grandparents round for festive lunch. He had stressed the Government would do 'everything we can to make sure Christmas for everybody is as normal as possible'. At the end of September, a desperate PM pleaded for Britons to 'save Christmas' by obeying his Rule of Six. Despite the vocal opposition from some quarters, the Rule of Six passed with ease Steve Baker, a former Brexit minister said: 'I have real concerns about the very high cost of these measures' But in Tuesday's debate, Mr Baker was joined by other Tory MPs who were opposed to the measure entirely. Bexhill Tory MP Huw Merriman said: 'Now I look for that evidence, but I still don't see it. The truth about England's second wave of Covid-19: Hospitalisations are 6% of peak levels in the South but 30% in the North The numbers of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 have levelled off in huge areas of England as data suggests the country is being dragged into panic by an out-of-control outbreak in the north. In London, the South East and the South West home to around half of the country's population of 55million daily admissions appear to be plateauing after rising in line with cases during September from a low point over the summer. However, admissions are still accelerating in the North West, North East and Yorkshire, where new local lockdowns are springing up every week and positive tests are spiralling to record numbers. But as talk grows of a second national lockdown when winter hits, figures suggests the south faces being lumped under rules it doesn't need. The picture is more complex in the Midlands and the East of England in the Midlands hospitalisations rose dramatically during September but there are signs they have peaked now, while admissions appear to still be rising slowly in the East, although at significantly lower levels than in the northern regions. Numbers of people in hospital in the worst affected areas have hit almost a third of what they were during the peak of the crisis in April, while in the south of the country they are still much lower at around six per cent. In the North West there are now an average of 107 people admitted to hospital with coronavirus every day, along with 94 per day in the North East. Both figures are the highest seen since May and do not show signs of slowing. For comparison, the rates at their peak for each region were around 2,900 and 2,600 per day, respectively. On the other hand in London, where officials are reportedly discussing tougher measures, there are just 34 admissions per day down from an average 39 on September 25 and just 4.5 per cent of the level seen at the peak of the crisis in April. And in the South West, which has been least badly hit throughout the pandemic, just eight people are sent into hospital each day six per cent of the peak number. Advertisement 'On that basis, I am afraid that I am unable to vote for the rule of six because I just do not believe it is proportionate and that it will actually do what the Government hopes it will do, and I hope and fear that it will actually do more harm than good." Ministers are under pressure from Tory MPs to scrap the Rule of Six and the 10pm curfew in England, amid claims such intrusive measures are not justified by the evidence and damage the economy. The Government was braced for a potential backbench rebellion tonight, but Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party would back the Government. He told the media: 'We will support on the rule of six. There are, of course, arguments about whether it should be six or a different number, I think clarity and simplicity is really important here and therefore we will support the rule of six tonight.' Before the vote, Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 committee of Tory backbenchers, asked whether the Government had considered a 'rule of eight' instead. During a Commons debate on Covid-19 regulations, he said: 'Can she (health minister Helen Whately) share with us her estimate of the efficacy of the rule of six compared to that of a rule of eight had that been introduced instead. 'Is the rule of six more or less effective than a ban on household mixing?' He added: 'These rules are a massive intrusion into the liberty and private lives of the whole British people, and they're having a devastating economic effect as well which will result in big job losses and masses of business failures.' And former international development minister Sir Desmond Swayne took aim at the rule of six and the lack of justification offered by the Government, telling the Commons: 'Can I suggest (a rule of) 10 then we can count them on our fingers, that would be simple enough, wouldn't it?' Shadow health minister Justin Madders questioned what would happen at Halloween, asking: 'It's always a busy night for the police but this year they will have the added burden of breaking up groups of children if they become too big. 'So, given those children probably spent all day with the very same kids at school in groups far larger than six, I say good luck to the officer who tries to explain to them why their parents are going to get a fine for this. 'If that's what's going to happen, I'd be grateful if the minister could confirm that, I think there's going to need to be a very clear public message and campaign on this - or will there be an exception?' The debate came on a day in which Britain recorded 14,542 more coronavirus cases, with the number of people testing positive for the disease every day having tripled in a fortnight. Last Tuesday's data, which would normally be used to measure how much the UK's outbreak has grown in the last week, is unreliable due to a catastrophic counting error at Public Health England. It means Tuesday September 22 is the most recent point of reference there were just 4,926 cases on that date. The extraordinary meltdown caused by an Excel problem in outdated software at PHE meant almost 16,000 cases went missing between September 25 and October 2, meaning the scale of the escalating crisis was vastly underestimated last week. Health chiefs recorded 12,594 coronavirus cases on Monday, which was also triple the figure of 4,368 recorded a fortnight before. The rolling seven-day average of daily infections considered a more accurate measure because it takes into account day-to-day fluctuations has also risen by a similar amount over the same time frame. In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced new restrictions would come into effect from Friday. But Ms Sturgeon used her daily press conference to say the measures to be revealed at Holyrood would not amount to another full lockdown. She said the new measures will not include travel restrictions on the whole country - though such restrictions may sometimes be necessary in 'hotspot' areas - and the public will not be asked to stay in their own homes. Speaking at the daily briefing in Edinburgh, she said schools will not be closed 'wholly or even partially', and the Scottish Government will not 'shut down the entire economy' or 'halt the remobilisation of the NHS'. 'We are not proposing another lockdown at this stage,' Ms Sturgeon said. 'Not even on a temporary basis.' Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - warned this morning that pubs could have to shut altogether in parts of England to keep schools open. The Westminster government's Covid modelling guru said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. Last week, Boris Johnson hinted the Rule of Six could be suspended on Christmas Day to ensure a family of five can have both grandparents round for festive lunch Pictured: House of Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle during Tuesday's debate He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. Asked if more restrictions are coming for Liverpool and Newcastle, the Prime minister's official spokesman said on Tuesday: 'We keep the data under constant review by looking at a wide range of data in terms of the number of positive cases per 100,000 people, also the number of hospitalisations, the number of people who are moved into intensive care units and also sadly the number of deaths. 'We have always set out that if there is a need to go further on a local basis then we won't hesitate to do what is required to protect the NHS and protect lives.' An NHS source revealed last night to the The Sun they had been told another Scottish lockdown was coming. They added: 'We've been told to expect it from 7pm on Friday.' Figures published for the first time yesterday show 43 per cent of all cases across Scotland last week were in only two council areas - Glasgow and Edinburgh. UK 'is heading for three-tier lockdown announcement THIS WEEK': PM prepares new system of regional rules with Liverpool and Newcastle on alert for tougher curbs as Nicola Sturgeon warns of 'localised restrictions' in Scotland from Friday By David Wilcock, Whitehall Correspondent for MailOnline Parts of England could face draconian new lockdown measures within days under plans for a local 'Covid alert' system. Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to unveil details of the three-tier set-up as early as Thursday in an attempt to make the existing patchwork of restrictions easier to understand. Government sources said the top tier would include tougher restrictions than those currently applied to millions of people living across the North and Midlands. A planned 'traffic light' system of measures will be redesigned after data from thousands of 'missing' cases revealed that the virus was spreading much faster than previously thought in cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield. Ministers will meet in the coming days to thrash out exactly how far to go. Cities including Sheffield, Oxford and Nottingham seemingly at risk of harsher restrictions as Boris Johnson tries to get a grip on local flare-ups. Options include the closure of pubs, restaurants and cinemas, a ban on social mixing outside household groups, and restrictions on overnight stays. Sources refused to rule out the possibility that some towns and cities could be placed immediately into the top tier, despite the fact that death rates remain low. It came as Nicola Sturgeon announced new restrictions would be announced for Scotland tomorrow, to come into effect from Friday. But the First Minister used her daily press conference to say the measures to be revealed at Holyrood would not amount to another full lockdown. Nicola Sturgeon announced new restrictions would be announced for Scotland tomorrow, to come into effect from Friday, but they would not constitute a new lockdown Cities including Sheffield, Oxford and Nottingham seemingly at risk of harsher restrictions as Boris Johnson (pictured on Tuesday) tries to get a grip on local flare-ups Coronavirus cases in Scotland have been rising sharply since the beginning of September PM channels Maggie with Tory conference speech Boris Johnson pleaded for Tories to keep faith in his instincts and handling of the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, setting out a true blue vision for Britain after the disease is defeated. The PM admitted 2020 'has not been the year we imagined' but insisted the devastating effects of the pandemic would not prevent the government pushing its 'levelling up' agenda after Brexit. In an address to the 'virtual' Tory conference, Mr Johnson - deprived of his usual interaction with a live audience - said he was 'working for the day when life is back to normal', appealing for people not to let the gruelling lockdown 'get us down'. Nodding to rising Conservative anger about infringement of civil liberties and lockdown strangling the economy, he said he 'deeply regretted' the restrictions the government was imposing - but he warned there was 'simply no reasonable alternative'. Scrambling to reassure those questioning his Tory values, he promised to roll back the state as soon as possible, slamming the idea that the taxpayer could be 'Uncle Sugar' and keep funding every part of the economy, and praising entrepreneurs. Mr Johnson also channeled the spirit of Thatcher's 1980s revolution by pledging to save the dream of home ownership for a new generation with 95 per cent mortgages. And he lashed out at those calling for the country to paper over its colonial past, saying he was 'not embarrassed' to sing Rule Britannia. He said returning to the same way of doing things would not be enough, and the government was determined to 'build back better'. It was 'in crises like this' that real change could be made, and he would seize the moment to do so. The premier delivered an angry response to claims that he has 'lost his mojo' and not fully recovered from his own brush with coronavirus, offering to 'arm wrestle or leg wrestle' to prove them wrong. Advertisement She said the new measures will not include travel restrictions on the whole country - though such restrictions may sometimes be necessary in 'hotspot' areas - and the public will not be asked to stay in their own homes. Speaking at the daily briefing in Edinburgh, she said schools will not be closed 'wholly or even partially', and the Scottish Government will not 'shut down the entire economy' or 'halt the remobilisation of the NHS'. 'We are not proposing another lockdown at this stage,' Ms Sturgeon said. 'Not even on a temporary basis.' Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - warned this morning that pubs could have to shut altogether in parts of England to keep schools open. The Westminster government's Covid modelling guru said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. However, the problems the PM would face in pushing through such restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs. Asked if more restrictions are coming for Liverpool and Newcastle, the Prime minister's official spokesman said on Tuesday: 'We keep the data under constant review by looking at a wide range of data in terms of the number of positive cases per 100,000 people, also the number of hospitalisations, the number of people who are moved into intensive care units and also sadly the number of deaths. 'We have always set out that if there is a need to go further on a local basis then we won't hesitate to do what is required to protect the NHS and protect lives.' An NHS source revealed last night to the The Sun they had been told another Scottish lockdown was coming. They added: 'We've been told to expect it from 7pm on Friday.' Figures published for the first time yesterday show 43 per cent of all cases across Scotland last week were in only two council areas - Glasgow and Edinburgh. It sparked renewed calls for Ms Sturgeon to avoid imposing draconian restrictions on parts of the country with low virus rates. But a recent Government report warned there could be another 100,000 job losses by the end of the year. Tim Allan, of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Talk of a further blanket lockdown is unacceptable to Scottish businesses. 'It would damage consumer and business confidence, which have already taken an unprecedented economic hit throughout this crisis. Testing centres, like this one in Glasgow, have seen a steady stream of traffic going inside Coronavirus social distancing measures seen being observed at a restaurant in Edinburgh Tightened rules in Scotland could be 'final act' for tourism Scots tourism chiefs warned any further restrictions on businesses could be the 'final act' which would see them permanently closed. Industry leaders said 'widespread' mass redundancies are inevitable as the furlough scheme winds down and any further action by Holyrood would exacerbate the problem. The Scottish Tourism Alliance warned many businesses had already started to make decisions on job losses and closing down for the winter. Chief executive Marc Crothall said new rules had already seen self-catering businesses suffer widespread cancellations, while many restaurants had seen their takings nearly cut in half due to the 10pm curfew. Mr Crothall said: 'The direct impact of the recent new restrictions is seeing businesses accelerating decisions on having to let staff go. 'We are hearing stories of increasing numbers of losses coming sooner than many people had hoped. 'A circuit breaker will have a really big bearing on the sector. 'There's no evidence of any kind of targeted and tailored support package for the industry. 'Without that, it could well be the final act for many businesses.' VisitScotland's chief executive, Malcolm Roughead, said it was clear the industry was 'struggling' to withstand the impact of new coronavirus restrictions imposed last month. He said businesses were facing an uncertain future after a ban groups from more than one household from booking self-catering accommodation together. Advertisement 'Returning to national lockdown measures will take our economy back to square one - we simply cannot continue to keep switching the lights of the economy on and off. It risks not just jobs but the wellbeing of entire communities. 'Instead, we should focus on using the evidence we have to target problem areas. The data the Scottish Government now has is sophisticated and detailed and will show in which environments and geographical areas the virus is spreading. 'We know the virus will be with us for a long time. We must learn to manage it so we can carry on with our lives and protect livelihoods while keeping the risk of transmission as low as possible.' New data published by Public Health Scotland puts five councils in the 'red alert' category as they have had more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over the past week: Glasgow, Edinburgh, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire. Out of Scotland's 32 council areas, 43.4 per cent of all cases were in only two, Glasgow and Edinburgh, between September 27 and October 3. In Glasgow, there were 1,224 cases - or 193 per 100,000 people - while in Edinburgh there were 750 cases, or 143 per 100,000. There was not a single positive case in Orkney or Shetland. Moray had only five cases per 100,000, Aberdeenshire 14, Clackmannanshire 15, Perth and Kinross 20 and 26 in Angus. Murdo Fraser, Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: 'I don't believe there needs to be general nationwide restrictions when you see figures like this. 'We saw a local lockdown in Aberdeen when there was a recent spiking of cases there. If, as has been suggested, we see more restrictions introduced in coming days, then I feel it is essential that they are targeted at specific problem areas, instead of right across the country.' Asked yesterday if blanket measures will be introduced, Ms Sturgeon said that would be one of the 'key considerations'. She added: 'If we feel there are further restrictions needed, are they needed nationwide or are they needed on a local or regional basis? We haven't taken a decision on that. 'Although we're seeing in West Central Scotland and in Lothian particularly high numbers of cases and levels of infection, it would be wrong to suggest we're not seeing rising infection in pretty much every part of the country. We are.' Ms Sturgeon said that on most days over the past week there have been cases in every mainland health board area, as well as some islands. She added: 'There is a rising tide of infection across the country, albeit it is higher in some parts than in others. The problems the PM (pictured in Downing Street) faces in pushing through tougher coronavirus restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs Infections in the UK have rocketed in the past few days due to an embarassing counting error Scotland can be seen to have had increased infections that a lot of certain parts of England 'Part of our consideration about restrictions also requires us to take account of not just reacting to a problem that is there, but also are you wiser to take preventative action in areas where it might not look like there is as big a problem now, but if you act you can stop a problem developing.' Meanwhile, parts of the UK - including a number of university cities - could be plunged into local lockdown within days after 'missed' Test and Trace data belatedly revealed soaring infection figures. Cities including Sheffield and Oxford are among a dozen areas which have seen their coronavirus infection figures soar following the 'computer glitch', which meant 16,000 cases were missed off Public Health England's reporting system. Residents in Nottingham, which has two universities, have reportedly been told to brace for lockdown measures, according to the Telegraph. The city, which is home to Nottingham University and Nottingham Trent University, was previously not on the Government's Covid 'watch list'. But the updated data reveals the city would have been one of the worst areas in the country last week when compared with the pre-adujsted figures. Neil Ferguson (right) - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - said pubs might need to close to keep schools open. Steve Baker (left) is leading a Tory revolt against the existing restrictions The Department for Health insist the new figures do not impact its watch list or alter current restriction in the area, according to the paper. It comes as new figures on Tuesday revealed that cases are rocketing in some of the North's biggest cities. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham have all seen huge jumps, in some instances to a rate of 500 cases per 100,000 people. That triggered a fresh round of frenzied speculation about tougher local lockdowns yesterday, with the threat of further restrictions later this week. Manchester's weekly rate more than doubled to 2,927 in the week to October 2 equal to almost 530 cases per 100,000 people. Liverpool was not far behind, with cases per 100,000 jumping from 306 to 487 in a week. Cases in Sheffield almost trebled from just over 100 per 100,000 to 286. In Newcastle, the rate leapt from 268 to 435. Professor Lockdown warns pubs might close to save schools as PM faces Tory mutiny The government's Covid modelling guru has warned pubs could have to shut altogether to keep schools open - as Boris Johnson faces a Tory revolt against the 10pm curfew. Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. However, the problems the PM would face in pushing through such restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs. Anger has been growing on the Tory benches over the government's refusal to exempt younger children from the Rule of Six - as happens in Scotland - while many believe that the curfew is causing more harm than good by fueling revelry on the streets and house parties. Advertisement Many of the biggest rises are in cities with large student populations. Mr Hancock said outbreaks on campuses would not necessarily lead to tougher restrictions for the wider community if they could be contained. Meanwhile, Covid contact tracers were last night desperately trying to hunt down tens of thousands of potentially infectious Britons after the full impact of the IT blunder was laid bare. Ministers admitted yesterday that officials had managed to get in touch with only half of the 16,000 left off the Government's daily tally of confirmed virus cases last week. Estimates have suggested these people could have as many as 50,000 potentially infectious contacts needing to be traced and told to isolate. The 697 positive cases confirmed yesterday across Scotland amounted to 12.8 per cent of newly tested patients. The number of people in hospital with the virus increased by eight, to 218, while those in intensive care remained unchanged at 22, and there were no new deaths. Ms Sturgeon said there were more young people testing positive than at the start of the pandemic, but warned more older people had been catching the virus in recent weeks. She said: 'This is a very important point, and actually one of the key points in our consideration of next steps in the days to come.' 'It risks wellbeing of entire communities' In the UK it is predicated that a number of university cities could be put into local lockdown days after a test and trace counting blunder rocked the infection logging system. Cities including Sheffield, Leeds and Oxford are among a dozen areas which have seen their coronavirus infection figures soar following the 'computer glitch', which meant 16,000 cases were missed off Public Health England's reporting system. Residents in Nottingham, which has two universities, have reportedly been told to The Department for Health insist the new figures do not impact its watch list or alter current restriction in the area. It came as it was revealed cases were rocketing in some of the North's biggest cities. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham have all seen huge jumps, in some instances to a rate of 500 cases per 100,000 people. That triggered a fresh round of frenzied speculation about tougher local lockdowns yesterday, with the threat of further restrictions later this week. Manchester's weekly rate more than doubled to 2,927 in the week to October 2 equal to almost 530 cases per 100,000 people. Calling India is a "strategic partner" of Afghanistan, Chief Afghan government negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah has lauded New Delhi saying it "has continuously supported the government and people of Afghanistan". His comments come even as he begins his four day India visit during which he will call on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and other top Indian officials. WION was the first channel over the weekend to break the story. Dr Abdullah in a series of tweets ahead of the visit said, "Our historical relations with India is very important to us, & the role of India in establishing a lasting peace in Afghanistan and the region is vital". He will be briefing Indian officials, during the visit about the peace process and "need for regional consensus", he tweeted. This is his first visit to New Delhi as the chief negotiator and chief of High Council for National Reconciliation. His visit to India, at the official invitation by the Indian Govt comes even as last month saw beginning of intra Afghan talks in Doha between Afghan Govt and Taliban. External Affairs minister S Jaishankar had joined the intra Afghan talks ceremony on 12th Sept virtually, with Joint Secretary in Pakistan Afghanistan and Iran division JP Singh visiting Doha for it. JS PAI during the visit had met Dr Abdullah Abdullah. Since then US special special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad & Senior Afghan politician Abdul Rashid Dostum have been to India, signifying New Delhi's role in the peace process. This will be for the first time in the American history that an Indian origin person will be taking up the podium for a vice presidential debate. New York : United States Vice President Mike Pence and his Democratic challenger Senator Kamala Harris are all set for a debate in the Sal Lake City of Utah on Wednesday. Political analysts believe that an aggressive Harris, 55, will easily prevail over Pence, 61, during the only vice-presidential debate and help her running mate Joe Biden, 77, to widen his lead over Trump, 74. Biden, in the last few days, has widened his lead over Trump by double digit. However, the Trump Campaign believes that Pence could come out with a stellar performance during the debate. The debate gains added significance, given the COVID-19 infecting Trump, triggering speculations that Pence may be taking over the reigns of the country temporarily. Also, many believe that Harris will be the real force in a Biden administration. Both Pence and Harris has said that they are well prepared for the debate, which would be moderated by journalist Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief, USA Today. According to media reports, plexiglass will be installed between Pence and Harris on the debate stage. "The debates are a crucial part of making our democracy work and I am honoured to participate," Page said in a statement. The debate will be divided into nine segments of approximately 10 minutes each, said the Commission on Presidential Debate. The moderator will ask an opening question after which each candidate will have two minutes to respond. The moderator will use the balance of the time in the segment for a deeper discussion of the topic, it said. "We're looking very much forward to the vice-presidential debate," Pence told reporters at the Andrews Joint Air Force Base. "The stakes in this election have never been higher, the choice has never been clearer, and I look forward to the opportunity to take our case to the American people for four more years for President Donald Trump in the White House," he said. Pence spoke over the phone with Trump before boarding Air Force Two. "I spoke to the President a little while back and he sounded great. As the American people learned just a little while ago, President Trump is going home tonight. So, we're headed to Utah for the vice presidential debate," Pence said. According to his aides, Pence has some debate preparations. Harris is already in Utah. On Sunday, Harris toured This Is The Place Monument, the location marking the end of the 1,300-mile trek to Utah by the early Mormons. Harris was led by former Utah State Senator Scott Howell on the tour of the monument, which was erected in 1847 and also honors the Native Americans, Mountain Men and Spanish Catholic priests who explored the land before the settlement was established. "Vice-presidential debates can often be afterthoughts in a presidential race. But with President Trump in the hospital, Mike Pence and Kamala Harris will now face an unusual amount of scrutiny and a tricky balancing act," The New York Times wrote. Former US presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg said it would be a real mistake to underestimate the skills of Pence. Buttigieg is apparently helping Harris in debate preparations. "He was very effective in 2016. And also in his debates, if you look in 2012, when he was running for governor, it would be a real mistake to underestimate. Largely because he doesn't seem to have any qualms about defending what many of us would consider indefensible, even if it flies in the face of his own professed values," he told Indianapolis Monthly in an interview. Ajay Jain Bhutoria, member, national finance committee, Biden Campaign, said it will be an 'unprecedented debate' in an unprecedented year. This will be historic because Senator Kamala Harris is the first Black woman and person of the Indian descent nominated for vice president by a major party and because of the circumstances facing the country, he said. Harris maintained an ability to excite Democratic voters across the country and for all age groups, especially Among African Americans, Latinos, and Indian Americans, her spirited interrogations of Trump appointees as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he said. She is more than prepared for the job as she's spent her career defending our Constitution and fighting for folks who need a fair shake, Bhutoria said. She is tough on law and order stance and how she has fought inequality all her adult life, he said, adding that along with Biden, Harris will grow the Indo-US relations more stronger than ever. Raspberries are pictured during a harvest season at a local farm near Chillan, Chile March 13, 2020. Picture taken March 13, 2020. (REUTERS/Jose Luis Saavedra) How a Chilean Raspberry Scam Dodged Food Safety Controls From China to Canada SANTIAGOIn January 2017, Chilean Customs inspectors acted on a tip from a whistleblower: The countrys prized crop of raspberries was under threat. Inspectors raided the offices of Frutti di Bosco, a little-known fruit trading company on the second floor of a tower block in downtown Santiago. The files, company data, and sales records they seized revealed a food trading racket that spanned three continents. At its heart was a fraud centered on raspberries. Low-cost frozen berries grown in China were shipped to a packing plant in central Chile. Hundreds of tons of fruit were repackaged and rebranded by Frutti di Bosco as premium Chilean-grown organics, then shipped to consumers in Canadian cities including Vancouver and Montreal, according to documents prepared by Chilean Customs as part of its investigation. The agency calculated that at least $12 million worth of mislabeled raspberries were sent to Canada between 2014 and 2016. Much of that product, the documents showed, came from Harbin Gaotai Food Co Ltd, a Chinese supplier. Canadian health authorities later linked berries from Harbin Gaotai to a 2017 norovirus outbreak in Quebec that sickened hundreds of people. Canadian authorities issued a recall on Harbin Gaotai berries coming directly to Canada from China dating back to July 2016. What they didnt realize is that Harbin Gaotai raspberries had also entered Canada through a backdoor during that period in the form of falsely labeled fruit shipped from Chile by Frutti di Bosco. The scheme, pieced together for the first time by Reuters, lays bare the ease with which mislabeled, potentially risky products can be slipped past the worlds health and customs agencies, even as authorities across the globe scramble to ensure foods entering their countries are free of a new scourgeCOVID-19. Harbin Gaotai did not reply to requests to comment for this report. Frutti di Boscos owner, Cesar Ramirez, who was convicted last year in Chile for falsifying export documents to facilitate the scheme, declined to speak with Reuters. His attorney declined to comment. Reuters examined thousands of pages of legal filings, investigation documents and trade records obtained through freedom-of-information requests in Chile and Canada. Reuters also spoke to more than two dozen people with knowledge of the case, including the manager of a fruit-packing house that uncovered the deception. Pulling off the fraud was relatively simple, the investigation revealed. The Canada-Chile trade pact, which came into force in 1997, allows exporters to self-certify the provenance of their goods, trade experts said. The agreement allowed the mislabeled berries to enter Canada tariff-free, evading a 6 percent levy slapped on the same fruit imported directly from China, Chilean Customs documents show. More lucrative still, conventional fruit represented as organic could fetch premium prices, piggybacking on Chiles reputation for safety and quality. Documents certifying the fruit as organic were faked, customs inspectors found. (For a graphic on how the scam worked, see: https://graphics.reuters.com/CHILE-CRIME/RASPBERRIES/jbyvrmdkope/index.html) Raspberries are pictured as they are being harvested at a local farm near Chillan, Chile March 13, 2020. Picture taken March 13, 2020. (REUTERS/Jose Luis Saavedra) Chile Kept It Quiet Chiles export fruit industry, alerted by Customs to the whistleblower complaint in late 2016, immediately grasped the potential fallout for the $7 billion sector, according to correspondence obtained by Reuters under Chiles Transparency Act. The southern hemisphere nation stocks grocers in the United States, Canada and Europe with grapes, cherries, blueberries and raspberries in the northern winter. If word got out that Chiles fruit was not what it purported to beor worse still, if someone got sickit could tarnish its hard-won image. This situation could generate serious problems for the food industry in our country, Ronald Bown, head of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, wrote in a Nov. 15, 2016 letter to Customs obtained by Reuters. He asked the agency to investigate the whistleblowers allegations and warned of the closing of markets to Chilean fruit. Bown confirmed writing the letter and repeated the same concerns when approached by Reuters on July 30. Chile did not notify Canada that anything was amiss, however, according to Canadian officials. An alert failed to materialize even after Ramirez, Frutti di Boscos owner, alleged he had colluded with the buyer of the fruitMontreal-based Alasko Foods Incto ship the illicit products to Canada, according to Chilean investigation records. Canadas food inspection agency said it is now investigating the matter after Reuters contacted authorities there for this story. Alasko denied wrongdoing. The company is insolvent and entered into receivership last month, according to documents filed Sept. 10 in Quebec Superior Court by financial consultancy Raymond Chabot, Inc, the court-appointed receiver. Raymond Chabot declined to comment. Alasko officials did not respond to requests for comment regarding the receivership. The companys promotional materials claim it is one of Canadas leading purveyors of frozen fruit, with products sold in Costco and Sams Club. Costco declined to comment. Sams Club did not respond to a request for comment. Ramirez told Chilean Customs investigators that Alasko ordered the repackaging of the Chinese berries because it was more economical to do it in Chile, to take advantage of the Chile-Canada free-trade deal, Customs records show. He made the same allegations in a civil lawsuit he filed in Chiles capital Santiago in June 2019, claiming Alasko had directly financed and supervised the operation. Canada received 84 percent of Frutti di Boscos produce shipments, the Customs investigation found. A woman harvests raspberries at a local farm near Chillan, Chile March 13, 2020. Picture taken March 13, 2020. (REUTERS/Jose Luis Saavedra) Ramirez last year pleaded guilty to two criminal counts of making false statements on export declarations. He received a $6,266 fine and a suspended 122-day jail sentence. Chilean Customs had recommended a maximum fine of $55.6 million. His lawsuit seeks $26 million in damages from Alasko and Chilean businessman Mauricio Rebolledo. Ramirez claims in the suit he was duped into participating as a front man in the scam by Rebolledo, whom he alleges operated on behalf of Alasko. Ramirez told Chilean Customs his firm paid sales commissions to a business tied to Rebolledo, according to investigators notes on the raid of Frutti di Boscos offices seen by Reuters. Customs did not mention Rebolledo in its final report about the investigation. Prosecutors did not charge Rebolledo in the case. In a written response to Reuters, Rebolledo said he was an independent fruit broker who had done business with both Frutti di Bosco and Alasko. He said he was not Alaskos representative in Chile. Rebolledo denied wrongdoing and said Ramirezs allegations about his involvement in the illegal scheme were false and tendentious. Rebolledo said the civil suit was unjustified and an attempt by Ramirez to confuse and hold others responsible for his own misdeeds. Alasko and Rebolledo have contested the suit, arguing it should be thrown out on grounds of inadequate evidence. The case is pending. Frutti di Bosco continued shipping fruit, including raspberries labeled as Chilean, to Alasko through at least 2018, according to internal company shipping documents and export declarations viewed by Reuters. Alasko said in a March 6 statement that it has always complied with all regulations on fruit imports and exports. It said it no longer does business with Frutti di Bosco and declined to comment specifically on that firms illicit activity. It is the responsibility of the growers and packers to have the proper food safety and organic certifications, and to provide the associated documentation required for shipments to Canada, Alasko said in the email. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), however, said importers also play a key role in keeping consumers safe. The onus is on importers of food into Canada to ensure that they source safe food from reliable suppliers and that the food meets all Canadian regulatory requirements, the CFIA told Reuters in an email. A Canadian government spokeswoman said her countrys Foreign Ministry, the CFIA and the Canada Border Services Agency had no records of the case or communication about it from the Chilean government. Chilean trade expert Hugo Baierlein said the reported lack of communication was highly irregular. He said it would have been standard practice for Chilean officials to reach out in such circumstances. Baierlein served as director of foreign trade for SOFOFA, the Federation of Chilean Industry, an umbrella group that represents Chilean industry. Chilean Customs would not say whether it had contacted Canada, and that any such communications would be confidential. The economic relations arm of Chiles Foreign Ministry declined to answer questions about whether Chile had informed Canada. The agency defended Chiles handling of the case. The administrative and judicial procedures operated fully, a spokeswoman said. Neither Chiles Foreign or Customs ministries would comment on any new steps they have taken to deter cheating and ensure the integrity of the countrys produce exports. A woman harvests raspberries at a local farm near Chillan, Chile March 13, 2020. Picture taken March 13, 2020. (REUTERS/Jose Luis Saavedra) So Obvious Chilean Customs officials were alerted to something fishy in late 2016, when they received a letter from Fruticola Olmue, one of the countrys top fruit-packing plants, located in Chillan, 250 miles south of the capital. Juan Sutil, the owner of a major Chilean food conglomerate and now head of Chiles influential Chamber of Commerce and Production, had purchased Fruticola Olmue the previous year. An internal audit raised red flags about work the plant had done for Frutti di Bosco, according to a letter dated Oct. 24, 2016, seen by Reuters, which was signed by Fruticola Olmue General Manager Juan Miguel Ovalle. Ovalles team found that the Fruticola Olmue plant had repackaged imported fruit into plastic bags labeled as Chilean organics, a practice that started under the facilitys previous owners in 2014 and was still happening when new management discovered it, according to documents in the Chilean Customs investigation. Max Hassler, the former CEO of Fruticola Olmue and a current member of its board of directors, did not reply to a request for comment. He was not charged by prosecutors. In the first seven months of 2016 alone, Fruticola Olmue appeared to have packed at least 400 tonnes of mislabeled fruit bound for Canada, enough to fill 25 shipping containers, its letter to Customs said. It was so obvious, Ovalle, who no longer works for Fruticola Olmue, told Reuters. All of (Frutti di Boscos) raw material was imported. Fruticola Olmue cut ties with Frutti di Bosco on Oct. 24, 2016, the same day it alerted Customs, according to a separate letter it sent to Frutti di Bosco and seen by Reuters. Fruticola Olmue told Reuters it no longer does business with Ramirez, Canadian frozen fruit firm Alasko, or Rebolledo, the fruit broker. Searching Frutti di Boscos books, Customs inspectors found that between 2014 and 2016 the company had exported more than 3,600 tonnes of fruit and vegetables. The provenance of half that produce wasnt clear, agency records show. Canada was by far the top export destination, but Frutti di Bosco also shipped to the United States, Kuwait, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. In their final report to agency leaders, Customs inspectors recommended the investigation be expanded to determine the sources of all the companys produce. The investigation dossier provides no evidence of an expanded probe. Customs told Reuters it pursued all avenues and that no open questions remained. The agencys final report said Alasko was a major supplier of foreign-sourced fruit that Frutti di Bosco imported into Chile, as well as the top purchaser of Frutti di Boscos exports. Chilean Customs did not recommend criminal charges against Alasko. It did, however, state in its final report that the scope of this investigation goes beyond our national territory, and that it appeared Chinese and Canadian companies had used Chile as a middleman to dodge tariffs. Guillermo Gonzalez, head of ChileAlimentos, a trade group that represents Chiles food industry, condemned the raspberry fraud, but called it an isolated incident. Others arent so sure. Complex global supply chains mean law enforcement cant keep up with players looking to game the system, according to Gary Ades, a U.S.-based food safety consultant. A dragnet led by Europol and Interpol across 78 countries, including the United States and much of Europe, turned up 16,000 tonnes and 33 million liters of suspect food and drink in just five months in late 2018 and 2019. Consultants estimate food fraud costs the global industry billions of dollars annually. Ades said the faux Chilean fruit caper would have been easy to pull off. You just get it into a packing house, and you cant tell where things are going, he said. Its very, very difficult to trace. Illness in Canada As Chile investigated Frutti di Bosco in early 2017, Canada saw an outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach flu often triggered by food tainted with human feces. It ripped through convalescent homes and childrens daycare centers in Quebec between March and August of 2017, according to a report from Quebecs Health Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. More than 700 people fell ill, the ministry said. The culprit: Frozen raspberries imported from China, according to an investigation by Canadas CFIA, the food inspection agency. The supplier: Harbin Gaotai, one of the major sources of raspberries repackaged in the Chilean export scam. Reuters obtained a copy of the CFIA report on the probe via Canadas Access to Information Act. Harbin Gaotai, based in Binzhou, China, didnt respond to requests for comment. Its products have raised concerns elsewhere. The company since 2009 has been on a U.S. Food and Drug Administration watchlist after American authorities found raspberry shipments containing illegal pesticide residue. In Canada, the outbreak prompted a recall of all raspberry products originating from Harbin Gaotai arriving in Canada between July 24, 2016 and July 26, 2017. The Canadian investigation identified Canadas Alasko Foods as one of three importers of the tainted berries. The Chilean Customs investigation showed that Frutti di Bosco was shipping repackaged Chinese raspberries to Alasko in Canada until the end of 2016, which directly overlapped with the period of the Canadian recall. Some of those Chinese berries were supplied by Harbin Gaotai and shipped to Chile via a middlemanNew Zealand-based Directus South East Asia Ltdaccording to international trade and ship cargo data viewed by Reuters. Directus told Reuters it had shipped raspberries to Chile in 2016 but was not aware of any fraud. It said it had no relationship with Alasko or Frutti di Bosco beyond those shipments. No one knows whether the Harbin Gaotai raspberries imported via Chile contributed to the Canadian norovirus outbreak. Canadian authorities, unaware at the time of the illicit triangulation, said they never knew to look. By Dave Sherwood PLANO, Texas, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CRITICALSTART, which has solidified its position as a leading provider of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services with a number of new and improved offerings in 2020, announced an offering with AttackIQ to help customers launch a new line of defense against malicious online actors. In conjunction with AttackIQ, CRITICALSTART TEAMARES is rolling out a new best-in-class Breach Attack as a Service (BAaaS) offering built on the AttackIQ Security Optimization Platform, which offers the easiest to deploy, best security control validation available at scale and in production. Security teams will be able to conduct continuous offensive scenario-based testing and validate that their controls are working as expected. This threat-informed defense approach helps customers improve their security posture with a proactive rather than reactive strategy against threat actors. "Protecting a business in today's hyper-complex threat environment requires offensive security measures as much as defensive ones," said Rob Davis, founder and CEO of CRITICALSTART. "It is imperative that organizations are continually testing their defenses so they can stay ahead of potential new threats and prevent costly incidents before they even start, and this joint solution makes that possible." "This BAaaS solution is a game changer in the ongoing fight against malicious threat actors, who can cost companies millions of dollars in revenue, time, and reputation," said Carl Wright, CCO of AttackIQ. "On average 82% of enterprise breaches should have been stopped by existing controls, but weren't. Unless exercised regularly, security controls fail through misconfiguration or user mistakes. Together we are helping customers solve this problem by focusing on the threats that matter most, and by shifting their approach to a data-driven strategy with performance effectiveness at the center." Key benefits of the CRITICALSTART and AttackIQ BAaaS solution include: Quick testing after significant changes are made or new tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) come to light as testing is managed by TEAM ARES staff staff Managed testing scenarios run by CRITICAL START' s highly trained offensive and defensive TEAM ARES security professionals s highly trained offensive and defensive TEAM security professionals A competitive pricing model By investing in this evergreen resource, companies can strengthen their round-the-clock security posture, account for potential weaknesses and flaws in their networks, and better allocate their personnel and resources. About CRITICALSTART CRITICALSTART is the MDR expert that leaves nothing to chance. Our mission is simple: detect threats and stop breaches by resolving every alert for our customers. We do this for enterprises through our award-winning portfolio of end-to-end security services, including MDR and Professional Services. Visit criticalstart.com for more information or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook. About AttackIQ AttackIQ, the leading independent vendor of breach and attack simulation solutions, built the industry's first Security Optimization Platform for continuous security control validation and improving security program effectiveness and efficiency. AttackIQ is trusted by leading organizations worldwide to plan security improvements and verify that cyberdefenses work as expected, aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The Company is committed to giving back to the cybersecurity community through its free AttackIQ Academy , open Preactive Security Exchange, and partnership with the MITRE Center of Threat Informed Defense . For more information visit www.attackiq.com . Follow AttackIQ on Twitter , Facebook , LinkedIn , and YouTube . SOURCE CRITICALSTART She welcomed her son Mexx in October last year. And Brooke Vincent cut a stylish figure as she headed out with her baby boy, a pal, Sam Aston, his wife Bryony, their six-week-old son Sonny and Hayley Tamaddon, 42, and her son Jasper, one, at La Famigliar restaurant in Cheshire on Monday. The Coronation Street actress, 28, turned heads in a camel double breasted blazer and leather leggings. She's got style: Brooke Vincent cut a stylish figure as she headed out with her son Mexx and a pal for lunch at La Famigliar restaurant in Cheshire on Monday Brooke layered the oversized jacket over a simple plain black jumper. She opted for comfort on her feet with chunky white trainers and shrugged a Burberry changing bag over her shoulder. Brooke appeared in good spirits as her male pal pushed little Mexx in a pushchair after enjoying their meal. Fashionista: The Coronation Street actress, 28, turned heads in a camel double breasted blazer and leather leggings Doting mum: The actress opted for comfort on her feet with chunky white trainers and shrugged a Burberry changing bag over her shoulder Sweet: The pair cooed to Mexx as they pushed him along in the pram Last month, the Corrie star revealed the inspiration behind the unusual name of her son, Mexx, to the Loose Women panel. Brooke said she had been playing around with different name ideas before settling on the majestic Dutch name. The star has been dating Sheffield United ace Kean Bryan, 23, since 2016, and the couple welcomed their first child together last year. New dad: Sam Aston and his wife Bryony joined the parenting get together with their six-week-old son Sonny Parenting duties: Bryony carried their son to the restaurant Get together: Hayley Tamaddon meanwhile brought along her son Jasper for the Corrie meal Animated display: Hayley couldn't have looked happier as she picked her son out of the pram Parenting club: Brooke welcomed Mexx in October last year and appeared in high spirits as she reunited with her co-stars During her brief appearance on Loose Women, she also revealed that she was shocked how long it took her to return to her original shape. She added: ''A lot of my friends had children in the past and it's just one of those things that wasn't spoken about, you didn't know you have a baby then however long to get back into your jeans... 'Katy Perry put something on Instagram this morning five days after giving birth. You just presume your stomach is going to go down because the baby is out and not inside you'. Advertisement University life used to revolve around grotty digs but despite many being locked down in their halls due to Covid-19, today's students can live it up in luxury apartments for up to 1,950 a month. New multi-million student flats have opened in the Cathedral city of Lincoln that boast a slide, meditation space and a private cinema. The first students have been welcomed into the accommodation and some of them are paying almost 2,000 per month for a plush suite in the block. In addition to the private cinema, there is a wellness zone including a yoga and meditation space and beauty treatment room, dedicated study pods, iMac zones and a communal shared kitchen and lounges, as well as a gym, sauna and steam room. In addition, students can also pay for extras services including personal training from 120 and professional cleaning from 20. Lincoln students have moved into new accommodation named 'Gravity' which costs up to 2,000 a month and allow them to live in complete luxury and students can pay more for additional services such as a personal trainer or professional cleaning The accommodation includes a private cinema and a wellness space which includes space for yoga and beauty treatments There are seven different apartment types starting from 155 per week and prices go up as high as 1,950 per month. Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are still apartments available with move in dates throughout October and into next year. The 134 luxury apartment building is known as 'Gravity' and was developed by the Parklane Group under its IconInc brand. Similar accommodation is available in Leeds and Liverpool with the company boasting 'Here at IconInc, you will be surrounded by like-minded people. 'You'll have your own individual apartment and facilities which are inspired by the luxurious life you want to live.' Naveen Ahmed, Managing Director of The Park Lane Group, said: 'The development is stunning and like nothing the market has seen before. The new accommodation, by developer ParkLane group, features a gym where students can pay extra for a personal trainer Similar accommodation, including a slide, is available in Liverpool and Leeds, a city where some students are locked down 'We have invested a great deal in the design and specification of the apartments and development, with student happiness and wellbeing at the heart. 'The outcome of this is incredible and the feedback we've had so far from our students has been amazing. 'Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic we have remained committed to this project to ensure it launched and offered students the very best the pinnacle of student living.' Despite Covid and Brexit, hundreds of thousands of students, many arriving in the UK from overseas, are opting to pay a premium to live in purpose-built student accommodation or PBSA much of which is unrecognisable to generations of graduates who spent their university years in institutional halls or grotty shared housing. PBSA was practically non-existent 25 years ago but today, the sector offers more than 600,000 beds, housing just under a quarter of all students in the UK. Blocks of apartments typically offer a private bedroom and shared amenities, on-site security and the accountability of a management company. The new student accommodation is located on Mint Lane in Lincoln and is made up of several different types of apartment It comes as coronavirus outbreaks have hit at least 23 universities in total, with cases detected at Edinburgh's Napier University and Oxford Brookes, alongside campuses in Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Swansea, Liverpool, Salford, Bristol and Exeter. Yesterday, it was confirmed nearly 500 people have tested positive for coronavirus at the University of Sheffield in a mass outbreak. According to an online tracker on the university's website, 474 students and five staff members have tested positive for Covid-19 since September 28. - FinancialNewsMedia.com News Commentary PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold has always been one of the world's most precious and coveted metals. Rarity is the primary reason for its value but sometimes even more so, it is and will continue to be a 'safe haven' in times of global crisis. Investors' fear levels are particularly high right now, as the coronavirus pandemic turned a global health crisis into an economic one. And it's uncertain when the world will recover from either of these crises. Renowned investor Warren Buffett once famously said: "Gold is a way of going long on fear" and that still applies to today's markets. An article from CNBC said that It is in such times of uncertainty that gold is touted as a "safe haven" for those looking for shelter from more traditionally volatile investments, like stocks. But other observers also see gold stocks as a good place to be. The article said: ""Compared to an investment in stocks, where even the biggest blue chip companies can (and have) failed, an investment in gold often seems less risky," said Adam Vettese, market analyst at investment platform eToro. Global head of Asset Allocation at investment group Invesco Paul Jackson said: "gold over a long period of time tends to hold its value in real terms" so can be considered as a "refuge" against this risk. Active stocks in the mining markets this week include QMC Quantum Minerals Corp., (TSX-V: QMC) (OTCPK: QMCQF), Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (NYSE: NAK) (TSX: NDM), Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE: AGI) (TSX: AGI), New Gold Inc. (NYSE: NGD) (TSX: NGD) The CNBC article said that gold's physical properties have meant it has long been considered a reliable store of value. It is widely available enough to trade but is in finite supply, so is rare enough to be considered valuable and unlike some metals it is not corrosive, making it durable. The article continued: "Gold has (recently) regained its popularity, with the price climbing back up to its highest point in nearly 7 years A shorter supply of the precious metal has also bolstered its price, pointed out Sheridan Admans, investment manager at U.K. stockbroker, The Share Centre. Buying shares of the companies mining gold was another way to invest. Jackson said this could act as a "leveraged play" on gold, as if its price goes up, the profits of the mining company go up even more, potentially boosting returns. QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: QMC) (OTCPK: QMCQF) BREAKING NEWS:QMC Work Program Update Rocky Lake Gold-Copper-Zinc Project - QMC Quantum Minerals Corp., ("QMC" or "the Company"), is pleased to announce an update on its Rocky Lake volcanic massive sulphide ("VMS") property. Highlights: District scale project with similar geology to the nearby Lalor (27Mt) and 777 (22Mt) mines Previous drilling on Rocky Lake Property intersected significant VMS mineralization Previous QMC drilling returned 10m of 0.48% copper (including 0.80% over 1m ) The Rocky Lake VMS discovery within the company's Namew Lake Project was discovered by HudBay Minerals Inc. ("HBM") in 1987 through an airborne survey. This survey identified a 5km long conductor and was followed up with ground EM surveys that outlined a 1,500m conductor. Historic HBM drilling on the property intersected 10.3m of mineralization grading 0.38% Cu (including 4.3m @ 0.67% Cu). This intersection included high-grade sections (up to 3.0% Cu across 0.3m). Subsequent EM surveys, commissioned by QMC, suggest that some of the strongest portions of the HBM electromagnetic anomaly have yet to be tested. On re-interpretation of the HBM drilling, the data suggest that the HBM drill program was carried out on the footwall side of a potential mineralized body, thereby missing the main target. Copper mineralization intersected in the HBM drilling is present as stringers which is currently interpreted as representing footwall stringer mineralization adding credence to the interpretation that the main massive sulphide mineralized body may well have been missed. Additional geophysical surveys undertaken for QMC over the conductor and subsequent detailed re-interpretation of data suggest the conductor is seated at a depth of 200m and is at least 1,000m long. QMC believes that its recent drilling confirmed the top of the conductor as two drill holes (RL 12-5 and RL 11-2) intersected significant visible chalcopyrite mineralization. Drill hole RL 12-5 cut a 10m thick, semi-massive sulphide intersection grading 0.48% Cu (including 0.80% Cu over 1m). Drill hole RL 11-2 was terminated in massive sulphide at a vertical depth of 193 metres. Assays returned grades of 0.26% copper over a 0.3m wide, semi-massive sulphide intersection which contained approximately 20% iron sulphides. The company anticipates that proposed additional deeper and step-out drilling along the conductor could expand the mineralized section and develop a larger zone of significant VMS mineralization. The company's Namew Lake Project covers over 55,000 acres and is contiguous to the western side of Hudbay Minerals' (HBM-TSX) Namew Lake Mine which has produced 2.57 million tonnes of copper, nickel, gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. The Namew Lake Project is also in the vicinity of the currently producing 777 and Lalor mines, in addition to being proximal to the past-producing Reed Lake Mine. In addition to being in close proximity to these other deposits, the company's district sized Namew Lake Project displays similar underlying geology to the aforementioned mines.Read this release for the QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. news at:https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-qmc/ Other recent developments in the markets include: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (NYSE: NAK) (TSX: NDM) has recently issued a Technical Report on Alaska's Pebble Project, including a revised mineral resource estimate announced in August (see Northern Dynasty August 20, 2020 news release) that establishes Pebble as the single most significant source of Rhenium in the world. The '2020 Technical Report on the Pebble Project, Southwest Alaska, USA' dated September 30, 2020 can be accessed on www.sedar.com. According to the updated mineral resource estimate, at a 0.30% copper-equivalent cutoff, the Pebble deposit contains: 2.6 million kg of Rhenium, 57 billion pounds of copper, 71 million ounces of gold, 3.4 billion pounds of molybdenum and 345 million ounces of silver within the 6.5 billion tonnes in the combined Measured and Indicated categories at a grade of 0.40% copper, 0.34 g/t gold, 240 ppm molybdenum, 1.7 g/t silver and 0.41 ppm rhenium; and 1.6 million kg of Rhenium, 25 billion pounds of copper, 36 million ounces of gold, 2.2 billion pounds of molybdenum and 170 million ounces of silver within the 4.5 billion tonnes in the Inferred category at a grade of 0.25% copper, 0.25 g/t gold, 226 ppm molybdenum, 1.2 g/t silver and 0.36 ppm rhenium. Greece has approved a technical study for test drilling by Canada'sEldorado Gold Corp (NYSE: EGO) (TSX: ELD) at one of its mine fields, the energy ministry said on Monday.Vancouver-based miner Eldorado has operating mines and development projects in northern Greece. The study involves some 59 drills to further explore potential deposits at Eldorado's Mavres Petres site in northern Greece, aiming at prolonging the mine's lifespan, the ministry said in a statement.Greece has been in talks with Eldorado on a revised investment plan to secure higher royalties from mining development projects and new jobs. Alamos Gold Inc. (TSX:AGI; NYSE:AGI) recently reported new results from surface exploration drilling at the Island Gold Mine, further extending high-grade gold mineralization down-plunge in Island East. All reported drill widths are true width of the mineralized zones, unless otherwise stated. "These new high-grade results over much greater widths include the best surface exploration hole ever drilled at Island Gold and further extend mineralization from one of the highest grade portions of the ore body. They not only demonstrate the significant potential for additional growth in Mineral Reserves and Resources but further validate our decision to install a shaft as part of the Phase III Expansion," said John A. McCluskey, President and Chief Executive Officer. New Gold Inc. (NYSE: NGD) (TSX: NGD) recently reported that it has closed the previously announced sale of the Blackwater Project (the "Transaction") to Artemis Gold Inc. ("Artemis") for consideration comprised of: Total cash consideration of $190 million comprised of an initial cash payment of $140 million and $50 million in cash payable on August 21, 2021; A gold stream on 8% of gold produced from the Blackwater Project, reducing to 4% of gold production once approximately 280,000 ounces of gold have been delivered to New Gold. The stream is subject to a transfer price equal to 35% of the spot gold price; and 7,407,407 Artemis common shares having a current aggregate value of $34.4 million based on the closing price of the Artemis common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on August 21, 2020. "The divestment of the Blackwater Project completes another key transaction for New Gold that allows us to retain exposure to Blackwater through the gold stream and our equity position in Artemis. We believe that Artemis is the best positioned team to advance the project for the benefit of all stakeholders, including the host communities and partners. We look forward to participating in the future success of Blackwater and wish the team well." stated Renaud Adams, CEO. "This transaction, along with the US$300 million partnership with Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan as well as the recent restructuring of our balance sheet through the US$400 million bond offering that funded the redemption of the 2022 senior notes provides us with additional liquidity and financial flexibility as we transition to the next phase of our growth plan." DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty six hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE. This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". 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Contact Information: Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com +1(561)325-8757 Flash Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov has held talks with all political forces, the president's press secretary Tolgonai Stamalieva said Tuesday as protesters were voicing opposition against the preliminary results of Sunday's parliamentary elections. "The head of state was at his workplace in the building of the Jogorku Kenesh (the parliament) until 2 a.m. (2000 GMT), conducting individual dialogues with all political forces. The President is counting on the prudence of the organizers of the protest action," said Stamalieva. The president's secretary made the statement as local reports said that protesters against the preliminary results of the parliamentary elections have released former President Almazbek Atambayev from the detention center of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) on Tuesday. According to a video published in social networks, the protesters entered the White House, or the parliament building, where the parliament and the presidential office are located, and went to the GKNB building, where the former president was released. On June 23, Atambayev was sentenced to 11 years and two months in prison with confiscation of property on corruption charges. During the protest, which began on the central square of Bishkek Monday at about 12 a.m. local time (0600 GMT), sounds of explosions were heard in central Bishkek through the early hours of Tuesday. The Ministry of Health said at least 16 people received various injures. The parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan were held on Sunday. Official results will be announced by the Central Election Commission no later than 20 days from the voting day. Sometimes silence is louder than words, says Shekhawat on Vasundhara Raje Jungle raj at peak in Rajasthan: Raje India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Jaipur, Oct 06: Former chief minister and BJP leader Vasundhara Raje on Monday hit out at the Congress government in Rajasthan over incidents of rape, saying that the 'Jungle Raj' in the state is at the peak. She said there is no headline in the state media in the past few days that does not mention the incidents of rape. Rahul, Priyanka doing drama in Hathras, quiet on Rajasthan: Prasad Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News "The incident of gangrape in Nawan village of Churu has proved that the situation of Jungle Raj in Rajasthan is at a peak and the government has no control over the police administration," Raje tweeted. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 9:04 [IST] - The directive came months after two security personnel were arrested for leaking a CCTV footage showing President Uhuru and Raila driving around Nairobi CBD - Magistrate Bernard Ochoi on Tuesday, October 6, directed the case be moved to October 29, 2020, where it will be mentioned and further directions regarding the footage provided -The undated CCTV footage which went viral emerged on Tuesday, June 2, showing the head of state and the former prime minister strolling through Nairobi streets at night PAY ATTENTION: Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.kes Patreon programme- https://www.patreon.com/tuko A court in Nairobi has asked the prosecution to provide President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odingas statements to the defense in regards to a case involving their leaked CCTV footage. President Kenyatta and Raila Odinga conversing in a past event. Photo: Mwakilishi Source: UGC The directive came months after two security personnel were arrested for leaking a CCTV footage showing Uhuru and Raila driving around Nairobi CBD. According to Citizen, Magistrate Bernard Ochoi on Tuesday, October 6, directed the case be moved to October 29, 2020, where it will be mentioned and further directions regarding the footage be provided. Charges The security men identified as Patrick Ambogo and Janet Magoma Ayonga who were manning the Sarova Stanley Hotel were charged with unauthorised interception of computer data contrary to section 17 (1) of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crime Act. A snap of the leaked CCTV footage.Photo: Mwakilishi Source: UGC PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB feed As earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke, on Wednesday, June 17, the duo appeared before senior principal magistrate Bernard Ochoi and denied the charges. They were released on a cash bail of KSh 10,000 or a bond of KSh 30,000. On June 2, 2020, at around 2020 hours at Nairobi county within the Republic of Kenya jointly intea ntionally and without authorisation intercepted a security CCTV footage capturing the head of states entourage along Kenyatta avenue, read the charge sheet. The suspects though their lawyers Danston Omari and Apollo Mboya demanded a statement from the president and Raila over the case saying the accusations were not in the law. "We want the head of state and former prime minister to record their statements. This offense does not exist in law. Our clients were never in State House. We shall be asking for a statement from Raila on the alleged viral clip," Omari told the court. The CCTV footage The undated CCTV footage which went viral emerged on Tuesday, June 2, showing the head of state and the former prime minister strolling through Nairobi streets at night. The two were seen stopping along Kenyatta Avenue before getting out of a small vehicle while being followed by a bunch of bodyguards in chaser cars. Their aim for their night visit was not clear but it was suspected they were inspecting ongoing projects by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. Heroine ruined my life and put my children at risk - Whitney Wanjiku | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France Tue, October 6, 2020 16:08 473 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c496f267 2 Science & Tech Ubisoft,misconduct,video-game,France,harassment Free A quarter of employees at the French video game giant Ubisoft have been victims of professional misconduct at work or were witnesses to it, according to a survey carried out by the group following allegations of sexual misconduct. The creator of hit games including Assassin's Creed and Far Cry launched a probe and announced the departure of its chief creative officer and other senior executives in July after claims about the group's toxic work culture. Chief executive and co-founder Yves Guillemot, who admitted earlier this year that the group had "fallen short", said that 2,000 employees had participated in "listening sessions" and nearly 14,000 had responded to an anonymous survey. The results showed that "roughly 25 percent have experienced or witnessed some form of workplace misconduct in the past two years, and that one in five do not feel fully respected or safe in the work environment", said a statement from the company. The executive shake-up at Ubisoft in July was hailed by some as a #metoo moment in the male-dominated video game publishing industry, which has faced criticism in the past for the sexist and misogynistic characters and imagery often found in games. Read also: Senior staff leave gaming firm Ubisoft in harassment probe One employee at Ubisoft said on social media that shortly after arriving at the company that a team leader told her she was hired because she was "cute" but that "to everyone's surprise you do your job well". She said she had discovered a mailing list where men describe what women are wearing "so guys can go take a look". Some commentators have suggested that the Ubisoft scandal has blown the lid on abuse inside the industry. "I'm convinced that what is taking place at Ubisoft is causing huge waves in other companies, because this is not just happening at Ubisoft," Stephanie Harvey, a champion Canadian gamer and former Ubisoft employee, told AFP in July. Santa Fe startup Parting Stones novel service of solidifying cremated remains to create memorial stones for loved ones took 1st place in the ABQid Balloon Pitch competition Oct. 2. The company, which initiated commercial services last fall, earned the top spot among 10 competing companies, winning a $5,000 cash prize, a $200 crowd favorite gift card, and a private balloon ride. About 150 people participated in the third annual Balloon Pitch, which took place online this year due to COVID-19. That included 21 investors from New Mexico and eight other states who judged the five-minute presentations made by each startup. It went off virtually flawlessly, said ABQid Business Development Director Harold Lavender. Most of the judges expressed interest afterwards in pursuing conversations with the participating startups about potential investments. Thats the whole reason for doing this. ABQid which is run by Central New Mexico Community Colleges commercial management entity CNM Ingenuity launched the competition in 2018 to coincide with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. That provides additional incentives for out-of-state investors to come to Albuquerque to connect with startups. COVID forced the city to cancel the Balloon Fiesta this year. But ABQid still managed to sign up a record number of investor judges who collectively represent more than $150 million in investible capital, Lavender said. GPER G-1 Development and Osazda Energy two local companies commercializing University of New Mexico technology with backing from the New Mexico Angels Startup Factory won the $2,500 second place and $1,500 third place prizes, respectively. GPER G-1 is marketing a new drug to reduce obesity and treat diabetes. Osazda has developed a composite material to protect solar generating systems against cracking and degradation. Parting Stone CEO Justin Crowe built his company to offer people a better way to connect with departed loved ones who have been cremated, turning the ashes into something beautiful that they can touch and hold. Many people keep cremated remains in a closet or garage, even though theyre one of their most treasured possessions, Crowe said. Often theyre embarrassed to have them out or hold them. That seemed tragic. A $30,000 grant from the New Mexico Small Business Assistance program allowed Crowe to work with Los Alamos National Laboratory on a solidification process for remains. He raised about $500,000 in angel funding and launched the service in October 2019 at a 3,000-square-foot lab and office in Santa Fe. The company markets its services for both human and pet remains online, and through funeral businesses. About 200 now participate in the U.S. and Canada, including locally-run French Funeral and Cremations and Noblin Funeral Services. The solidification process for an adult returns around 25-35 stones. To date, the company has solidified more than 400 remains for customers. Los Angeles: Actor Taraji P Henson is set to host a talk show on mental wellness for Facebook Watch. The Golden Globe-winning actor will co-host the show with her good friend and executive director of the Boris Lawrence Henson foundation, Trace Jade Jenkins. According to Deadline, the show will see Henson and Jenkins interview celebrities, experts and everyday people about mental-health issues, particularly those in the Black community. Ive long been a mental health advocate for the Black community and created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018 that has provided resources to thousands of people who are struggling, Henson said in a statement. Im looking forward to bringing this new talk series to Facebook Watch, where I can continue to create conversation around an issue that is near and dear to my heart, she added. The shows working title is Peace of Mind with Taraji and it is being produced by 495 Production. Henson, Jenkins, SallyAnn Salsano and Jennifer Ryan are serving as executive producers. PTI SHD SHD 10061350 NNNN. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. ISM non-manufacturing composite index for September is scheduled for release at 10:00 am ET Monday. Ahead of the data, the greenback slipped against its major counterparts. The greenback was worth 105.55 against the yen, 0.9150 against the franc, 1.2975 against the pound and 1.1787 against the euro as of 9:55 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. President Donald Trump joined top GOP lawmakers on a phone call earlier Tuesday to discuss the next round of Covid-19 stimulus before ultimately announcing that he's directed his top negotiators to postpone talks until after the election. The president, who thus far has relied on White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to lead the negotiations, participated in the call during his first full day back from the hospital, an administration official confirmed to CNBC. Other GOP leaders on the phone call included Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Mnuchin. Trump later Tuesday said he has told his administration's negotiators to end coronavirus stimulus talks with Democrats until after the Nov. 3 election. The declaration, if the White House follows through on it, would halt an ongoing push to send trillions of dollars more in relief to Americans as the outbreak rampages through the U.S. and the economy struggles to recover from virus-related shutdowns. President Donald Trump stands on the balcony outside the Blue Room after returning to the White House in Washington on Oct. 5, 2020. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo) Trump Announces Hes Planning to Debate Joe Biden on Oct. 15 President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is planning to attend the Oct. 15 debate between him and former Vice President Joe Biden, following his treatment at Walter Reed hospital for COVID-19. I am looking forward to the debate on the evening of Thursday, October 15th in Miami. It will be great! he wrote on Twitter. Seconds before that, Trump wrote: FEELING GREAT! The president was discharged from the hospital in Maryland on Monday night before he was airlifted to the White House via Marine One. He was later seen standing on the White House balcony and taking off his mask. Were going back. Were going back to work. Were gonna be out front. As your leader I had to do that. I knew theres danger to it but I had to do it, Trump said in a video on Monday night from the White House. I stood out front. I led. Nobody thats a leader would not do what I did. I know theres a risk, theres a danger, Trump said. Now Im better and maybe Im immune? I dont know. But dont let it dominate your lives. Get out there, be careful, he also said. Reports say the death toll for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus in the United States has surpassed 200,000, although survival rates have been increasing. Flu season is coming up! Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu, the president wrote on Twitter earlier on Monday. Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!! President Donald Trump poses on the Truman Balcony of the White House after returning from being hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center for COVID-19 treatment, in Washington on Oct. 5, 2020. (Erin Scott/Reuters) White House physician Dr. Sean Conley told reporters on Monday that Trump would have world-class medical care available around the clock. A recent Twitter post by Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden showed photos of himself putting on a mask and Trump removing his. Masks Matter. They save lives, his caption read. White House spokesman Judd Deere told Reuters that every precaution was being taken to protect the president and his family. Access to Trump will be limited and appropriate protective equipment will be worn by people close to the president. A number of White House officials in recent days, along with several GOP senators, were diagnosed with the CCP virus. Several other people have tested positive for the CCP virus, including Trump 2020 campaign manager Bill Stepien, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, White House adviser Hope Hicks, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), and former White House adviser Kellyanne Conway. Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump, who was also diagnosed with the virus, wrote on Monday that she is feeling good and will rest at the White House. Other members of the Trump family so far have tested negative for the virus, including Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who work in the Trump administration. CHATSWORTH, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- DDN, premier provider of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Management software and hardware solutions enabling Intelligent Infrastructure, today announced its A3ITM all-flash and hybrid storage system alongside NVIDIA's DGXTM POD will help amplify capabilities at CMKL University, Thailand (CMKL), the number-one AI University in Southeast Asia, to support an increasingly diverse set of research projects spanning from machine learning, connected and automated transportation, food and agricultural analytics to precision health and more. Established as a collaboration between Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), CMKL University will integrate two DDN AI400XTM, the all-NVME flash appliances within the AI product line of AI and analytics data solutions, with 645TB of raw flash capacity and 3.2PB of raw disk capacity to ensure maximum productivity of the six NVIDIA DGXA100 systems. CMKL selected DDN because of performance, multi-rail network, the small footprint, and the trusted solution provided by DDN and NVIDIA demonstrated through the NVIDIA DGX Reference Architecture. New test results using NVIDIA A100 GPUs for deep learning report that higher throughput can directly translate to higher application performance and shorter run times, which allows institutions like CMKL to get 50 percent improved performance from their AI infrastructure compared to traditional NAS storage. "Undeniably, since AI has entered our lives, it has greatly facilitated our social development and research capabilities, and has facilitated breakthroughs across all industries," said Dr Akkarit Sangpetch, ECE Program Director at CMKL University and a member of KMITL's Faculty of Engineering. "AI, furthermore, has proved its great ability to identify patterns in the data, and we are committed to offering the fastest and most sophisticated infrastructure to unlock insights contained in those massive datasets. DDN's solution gives us the ability to do just that. In addition, their trusted reputation and deep experience with educational institutes further affirm our goal in providing an AI data platform for research and education." "As a part of the university-based research infrastructure to drive Thailand's competitiveness in digital and AI technology, we aim to stimulate practical research and development projects that will help jumpstart our AI economy," said Dr Wannarat Suntiamorntut, Chair of Digital Research Subcommittee, Competitive Program Management Unit, which supports the project as an initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. DDN A3I solutions are fully optimized to achieve the most from at-scale AI, analytics and HPC applications running on NVIDIA DGX systems. They are designed to provide extreme amounts of performance, capacity and capability through a tight integration between DDN and NVIDIA platforms, including the DGX A100. Every layer of hardware and software engaged in delivering and storing data is optimized for fast, responsive and reliable access. This unmatched performance will propel CMKL research and allow students in autonomous driving, precision health, computational flow dynamics, physics and other data-intensive fields, with faster access to ever larger data sets, which is crucial to meaningful research. "NVIDIA DGX systems simplify deployment and streamline AI development workflows, creating an end-to-end infrastructure solution that can be operational in weeks instead of months," said Raymond Teh, Vice President, NVIDIA Asia-Pacific. "DDN A3I with NVIDIA DGX A100 provides the power and speed required to advance the important work of the AI researchers at CMKL University." The DDN A3I with NVIDIA DGX A100 solution helps academic institutions build systemized leadership-class infrastructure with the high-performance storage needed to drive academic discovery based on data analysis and complements existing simulation-based methods, increasing precision of results. "We are proud to serve as the dependable storage infrastructure provider for CMKL University," said James Coomer, senior vice president of products, DDN. "With DDN cutting-edge storage solutions, CMKL is fully leveraging at-scale data and turning it into a strategic asset supporting scientific breakthroughs that can drive increased funding, enhance recruiting and improve the lives of countless people around the world." About DDN DDN is a premier provider of Artificial Intelligence and Data Management software and hardware solutions enabling Intelligent Infrastructure, delivering unified analytics to solve business challenges for data-intensive, global organizations. Tintri is a wholly owned subsidiary of DDN, comprised of IntelliFlash, Nexenta and Tintri technologies and provides enterprise customers with a different experience, through simplicity, efficiency and agility for on-premise and multicloud environments, powered by Intelligent Infrastructure innovations that advance real-time and predictive application analytics. Over the last two decades, DDN has established itself as the data management provider of choice for over 10,000 enterprise, government, and public-sector customers, many of which include the world's leading financial services firms, life science organizations, manufacturing and energy companies, research facilities, and web and cloud service providers. For more information, follow us on twitter: @ddn_limitless, go to ddn.com or call 1-800-837-2298. Contact: Press Relations at DDN [email protected] Walt & Company, on behalf of DDN Sharon Sumrit, 408.369.7200 x2981 [email protected] 2020 All rights reserved. DDN, A3I and AI400X are trademarks owned by DataDirect Networks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE DataDirect Networks (DDN) Related Links http://www.ddn.com Laredo City Council on Monday voted down an idea to create an ad hoc committee for the border wall issue that would have included some council members and the private sector in the citys negotiations with the Department of Homeland Security. The city owns a large, miles-long stretch of riverfront land where the federal government is planning to build a 30-foot bollard wall. City Council has allowed agents and engineers access to this property to conduct surveys, but it is still negotiating the permanent taking and wall itself. Meanwhile hundreds of private landowners throughout Webb and Zapata counties riverfront are in the same fight. Mayor Pete Saenz said he would have no problem with a few council members joining these negotiations but that the citys interests are varied in comparison to private landowners. The city has much to gain in these talks with the federal government, Saenz said, and the city needs some discretion and privacy to make these decisions. Councilman Marte Martinez likewise said he couldnt support the motion because private landowners have a vested interest in these negotiations, and it seems like a conflict of interest for them to be part of the citys. Councilman Mercurio Martinez, who proposed the idea for this committee, argued that this would be a way for the city and private landowners to speak in unison and collaborate as one voice. The private sector has fabulous lawyers, money and all kinds of political connections, noted Councilman George Altgelt. He said the planned alignment of the border wall now goes around the International Bank of Commerces Lago del Rio property, and suggested that the banks leadership could tell the city how they accomplished this. The committee would have been strictly advisory, but the mayor noted that the future of the wall in Laredo comes down to these negotiations with DHS. In the end, Saenz, Councilman Marte Martinez and Councilwoman Nelly Vielma voted against the idea. Council members Merc Martinez, Altgelt and Alberto Torres voted in favor. Another part of the failed motion was to pen a resolution that would demonstrate the citys opposition to the taking of public or private property by imminent domain in order to construct a border wall. Council has approved similar resolutions in years past. Council did pass, however, a motion to conduct a threat assessment and audit throughout the city to measure criminal activity related to illegal border crossings. This would include alien smuggling, drug smuggling, high speed car chases, kidnapping, extortion, etc. Altgelt said this could help the city assess if there are any neighborhoods where an aesthetically-pleasing border fence, like the one at Laredo College, would be appropriate. Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rana Moussaoui (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France Tue, October 6, 2020 18:34 473 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4978ac1 2 Art & Culture France,Paris,Paris-Opera,ballet,Paris-Opera-Ballet,Racism Free The Paris Opera is looking at banning "blackface" in its ballets and operas after nearly a quarter of its staff called for a major shake-up of how it deals with race. The issue of racism and diversity has been seen simmering since the choreographer Benjamin Millepied of Black Swan fame denounced the ballet's "insidious racism" after taking the reins in 2015. He said he had been told that "one does not put a person of color in the corps de ballet because they would be a distraction". "We have to get rid of this racist idea," Millepied said soon after taking over, only to resign a year later. The institution's new director Alexander Neef has asked outside experts to examine the "ballet blanc", some traditional 19th-century ballets where all the female dancers wear white dresses or tutus, as well as a raft of other race-related issues. French ombudswoman Constance Riviere and historian Pap Ndiaye will deliver their report in December. Millepied renamed "la danse des negrillons" ("The Dance of the Little Negroes") in the ballet "La Bayadere" as "The Dance of the Children" while he was in charge of the opera's ballet company, and forbade dancers at its school from blacking up for it. Read also: Brazil slum ballet school taps resilience to survive pandemic 'N' word But a manifesto signed by 400 of the Paris Opera's staff said the "N" word is still used in speech at the opera. The word is also used for a space inside the Opera Garnier still known as the "carre des negresses" (the Quadrangle of the Negresses), even though it had been officially renamed as the "carre des cariatides". As well as a outright ban on blackface, staff called for an end to "the silence that surrounds" the race issue. Tights and pointes shoes "should correspondent to a dancer's color", they insisted, a practice already widespread elsewhere. Five black and mixed race dancers at the ballet posed together on Instagram in June over the hashtag #blackdancersmatter. Neef -- who has spent the last 12 years in charge of the Canadian Opera Company -- hailed the "courage" of staff for speaking out and their "very thoughtful" criticisms. "Even before they approached me, we had already started thinking about doing a mission," he told AFP. "We want to create a culture internally so that people come forward to talk about serious issues, so they know they will be heard and taken seriously," he added. Neef said that "as cultural organizations we need to be part of that change of society, respond to it and even anticipate it. Read also: Bolshoi ballet soloists limber up in lockdown 'You can't be immobile' "For me it is not about politics -- if you want to stay part of society, you can't be immobile and never change anything about yourself." Paris Opera told AFP that "the tights we buy will soon be more nuanced" but said that its workshops have been tinting pointes shoes to the color of the dancers' skin for years. Blackface in opera and ballets has largely been abandoned by most major companies in the West. But the practice still goes on in Russia, with Misty Copeland, the first ever "principal dancer" at the American Ballet Theater, condemning the Bolshoi in Moscow last year for staging a blackface production. It hit back by dismissing her "absurd declarations". The Decolonise the Arts group -- which is pushing for racial harassment to be made illegal -- told AFP that they welcomed the opera's rethink. "Anti-racist codes of conduct or changing titles is not about censorship, we are in living in a new era," said its head Francoise Verges. An app that would notify users if they have encountered an infected person should be created by a company that was established a month ago. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Soon after he was elected prime minister, Igor Matovic said those returning from Italy would receive daily text messages notifying them about their duty to enter home quarantine. There were 21 people infected back then. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The total number of people who have tested positive with the coronavirus in Slovakia is now more than 13,500 while the death toll is 55. However, there is still no smart solution to fight the infectious disease. Currently, hygienists in Slovakia have to rely on the person infected to remember all the people they have met. Czech hygienists, on the other hand, are able to trace the contacts of those infected by gathering data from the mobile phones of a quarter of a million Czechs through an app called eRouska. The Slovak parliament passed the law in the spring that would allow Slovak hygienists to do the same, but the Constitutional Court suspended it, stating the personal data could be misused. The Lakeside Diner has become known for more than just its three varieties of Eggs Benedict. The cozy but otherwise unremarkable eatery in the Forked River section of Lacey Township has made repeated headlines for two reasons this summer and fall, neither of them the food. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) New York, United States Tue, October 6, 2020 08:00 474 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c494bb9e 2 World New-York-City,coronavirus-effect,Bill-de-Blasio,mayor,school,COVID-19 Free New York will temporarily close schools in nine neighborhoods experiencing an uptick in coronavirus infections, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday, highlighting the difficulty of keeping children in classrooms during the pandemic. The public and private schools are in areas of Brooklyn and Queens, where the rate of positive cases has been above the three percent threshold for more than seven days. New York - America's largest school district with 1.1 million students - is the only major city in the United States offering in-person classes this fall. Many cities, such as Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Miami, opted instead for online classes. The issue of reopening schools has become politicized ahead of the November elections, with Republican president Donald Trump insisting schools reopen, regardless of infection rates. The closures take effect on Tuesday, bringing forward by a day the date proposed by New York City mayor Bill de Blasio. Cuomo refused for now to close non-essential businesses in the nine areas, as also called for by the mayor. Two of the neighborhoods recorded positive rates above eight percent over the past seven days, according to figures released Monday. The areas include large Orthodox Jewish communities, who recently marked the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur holidays. Across New York state, the rate of positive cases remains low at 1.22 percent. Decision 2020 Affordable housing, a schools challenge, and voting tips. by James Leonard From the October, 2020 issue A pandemic changes everything--including voting patterns. Absentee ballots made up three-quarters of the votes cast in the August primary, and of those, 40 percent were cast more than two weeks before the election, a trend local officials expect to be even more pronounced in the November 3 general election. To reach those early voters, the Observer has moved up our election coverage a month. We won't revisit the city council race since the winners of the Democratic primaries are unopposed. And though five Republicans are running for the city's seats on the county board of commissioners, and two for the state house of representatives, none is likely to win in heavily Democratic Ann Arbor--especially with the presidential election boosting turnout. One important race could still go either way: the nonpartisan contest for circuit court judge. Amy Reiser finished third in August's primary and was eliminated, narrowing the general election to Nick Roumel and Tracy Van den Bergh (Inside Ann Arbor, August, Calls & Letters correction, September). The outcome may depend on which way Reiser's supporters turn. Millages "My jaw dropped," says Chuck Warpehoski. "Like, absolutely dropped." That's how the Ann Arbor Community Foundation board member reacted when he learned that in a July poll, 77 percent of the voters said they'd support an affordable housing millage in November. The former city councilmember's jaw wasn't the only one to drop. When work on a housing millage started last fall, he remembers telling folks that "2020 might be our best shot because of progressive voter turnout" for the presidential election. But "then Covid hit. I thought we were dead." The last effort to pass a housing millage, in 2008, ended with the Great Recession. Many thought the pandemic made it even less likely now. But then, Warpehoski says, Amanda Carlisle and Aubrey Patino, executive directors respectively of the Washtenaw Housing Alliance and Avalon Housing, warned that the city was "looking at a 40 percent increase in homelessness" due to Covid-19. Carlisle ...continued below... Michelle Obama blasts Donald Trumps coronavirus response in a 24-minute video released by Joe Bidens campaign on Tuesday. In it, Obama makes a fiery and direct case for her husbands former vice president, telling viewers to vote for him as if their lives depend on it. Right now, our country is in chaos because of a president who isnt up to the job, the former first lady said, bringing up concerns from parents about reopening schools which Trump has been pushing for without any plan. Obama brought up the number of American lives lost over 200,000 and rising from the pandemic. Today, more Americans have died from this virus than died in the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Korea combined. Take all those lives bravely sacrificed and double it. Thats roughly the scale of this tragedy and our commander-in-chief, sadly, has been missing in action and his willful mismanagement of the COVID crisis is just one example of his negligence, she said. Also Read: Biden Resumes Attack Ads With a Reminder That Trump Mocked Masks, Then Caught COVID (Video) Obama later highlighted the presidents response to the wildfires on the West Coast and called Trumps reaction to civil unrest over racial inequity morally wrong and racist, too. Theyre stoking fears about Black and brown Americans, lying about how minorities will destroy the suburbs, whipping up violence and intimidation. And theyre pinning it all on what has been an overwhelmingly peaceful movement for racial solidarity, she said. What the president is doing is patently false, morally wrong and yes, it is racist. She concluded by urging Americans to register to vote, make a plan to vote and then vote for Biden for their own safety and health. Watch above. Read original story Michelle Obama Calls Trumps Response to Civil Unrest Over Racial Inequality Morally Wrong and Racist At TheWrap Romance blossomed between balconies in lockdown Verona. A couple who met across balconies during Italy's covid-19 lockdown are now engaged to be married, in what the media has dubbed a modern-day version of Romeo and Juliet. The romance between the pair blossomed between balconies on either side of a street in the north Italian city of Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's story of two star-crossed lovers. Michele D'Alpaos, 38, says it was "love at first sight" when he first caught a glimpse of Paola Agnelli, 40, walking across her rooftop terrace on the evening of 17 March, days after Italy went into lockdown. Despite living on opposite sides of the same street for most of their lives, the pair had never seen each other until the quarantine. Michele and Paola get engaged On that evening in mid-March their eyes met for the first time as Paola's sister played the violin, a daily appointment to bring cheer to the quarantined neighbourhood. Michele was captivated by the beauty of his neighbour and it soon became apparent that the feeling was mutual. As fate would have it, Paola knew Michele's sister from her gym and they followed each other on Instagram. When Michele realised this, he created an Instagram profile just to make contact with Paola, and the pair ended up chatting late into the night. From then on, they would exchange smiles and waves from their balconies as Italy's lockdown wore on. In addition to getting to know each other through phone calls and social media, Paola woke up one morning to see her name written in big letters on a bedsheet hanging from Michele's balcony. When Italy eased its restrictions on 4 May, the pair wasted little time in meeting in person, "kissing like teenagers" in the park, according to Paola. After their lockdown romance and a summer spent in each other's company, Michele and Paola have got engaged. And where will the couple get married? They are considering a wedding ceremony on Paola's rooftop terrace, where it all began. Coronavirus canceled your vacation? Just buy a lake house, I guess. Montgomery County's wealthy, as well as other well-to-dos from across the country, are buying property on Lake Conroe, which the Houston Chronicle called an "economic boon" as thousands of people have died of COVID-19 across the region. In Montgomery County, there have been 11,444 cases as of Monday. But that hasn't stopped families like the Powers from buying up property on the lake in lieu of taking vacations during the pandemic, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jose Gonzalez. The family missed out on vacationing in Florida this year, so they decided to buy a house on the lake like many others who have swarmed to the north-of-Houston destination for an escape. Meanwhile, cops continue evicting families from their homes in the Houston area who can't afford rent, according to Houston Public Media's Jen Rice. Here are the latest numbers from around Houston: In the Houston region, cases increased by 659 to 204,233 between Sunday and Monday, according to an analysis by the newspaper. Three more people died in the same time period, bringing the region's death toll to 3,501. In Harris County alone, 427 new cases were added, bringing the total to 148,235. The Houston region's positivity rate stayed relatively the same at 6.23 percent. Statewide, cases increased by 3,112 to 795,465. Deaths increased by 15, bringing the total to 16,335 who have died of COVID-19 in Texas. NOTE: The numbers included in this report represent a one-day change in data from Sunday, Oct. 4 through Monday, Oct. 5. It is still unclear how many of the state's new cases can be attributed to jail inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The Houston Chronicle's analysis of COVID-19 case data now includes probable and pending cases. This change is based on interviews with multiple public health officials and epidemiologists, as well as in line with CDC guidelines on reporting. DSHS is now using death certificate data for its counts of COVID deaths, leading some Texas counties to have dramatically higher counts than others and some counties to have higher numbers than state figures. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 22:11:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Somali National Army (SNA) on Tuesday killed 10 al-Shabab militants including two senior officials after conducting operation in several locations near Barire town in Lower Shabelle region, southern Somalia, officials said. SNA Army commander in the area, Ahmed Hassan Siyad, told the military's Radio Mogadishu that the forces also liberated several locations bordering the Middle Shabelle region. He did not comment if there were casualties on the SNA side. The government forces have intensified operations against al-Shabab extremists in the southern regions, but the militants are still hiding in the rural areas of those regions, conducting ambushes and planting landmines. Enditem (Natural News) Zack Ford, a self-described queer atheist social justice warrior (SJW) and left-wing icon, is tired of the United States as it currently exists. And in order to fix it, the George Soros operative is urging foreign invaders to conquer our land so it can be reshaped into the democracy that Ford wishes it to become. The current press secretary for the far-left special interest group Alliance for Justice, Ford went on an effeminate Twitter rant the other day sharing his fantasies about foreign soldiers barreling across our streets to take the nation back from President Trump and his supporters. Anybody else feeling like this would be a great time for the U.S. to be conquered? Ford wrote, somehow evading Twitters terms of service that prohibit calls for violence. Like not a violent war, just a really peaceful takeover more like an intervention by all the other friendly democracies out there whove been watching whats been going on here, Ford added. Ford proceeded to opine about how all of the amazing socialist countries out there, which are apparently models for the United States to emulate, need to sit our country down at the table and stage an intervention. This, he says, is the only way to get America on track to becoming the queer paradise that Ford envisions. United States, do you know why we brought you here today? Ford wrote from the perspective of these socialist countries. Your Constitution was built on a foundation of inequality, all your branches of government have been co-opted by minority rule, and youre endangering the whole world with your ineptness. In short, youre toxic, and were just not putting up with it anymore, Ford added, caricaturing these other countries reprimanding our country. Were here to give you a fresh start, a nice little makeover, and something more resembling the much better forms of democracy weve figured out since you got it all started back in 1619 I mean 1776. Hilariously, Ford went on to use the words hot mess to describe the current state of America. In Fords view, it would be so much easier to fix this hot mess if our country just got a full reboot instead of trying to make work everything as we have it now. These are my uplifting dystopian thoughts for the day, he concluded. When will international war criminal George Soros face justice? Fords vision for Americas future is a direct reflection of that put forth by his paymaster Soros, whose operatives have all been tasked with fomenting a color revolution in order to oust Trump and replace him with a globalist puppet like Joe Biden, who we already know will be easily swayed to abolish our republic and replace it with democracy. Soros Transition Integrity Project (TIP), for instance, is already at work gaslighting politicians and creating the conditions necessary to remove Trump from office following the election, regardless of its outcome. All of our scenarios ended in both street-level violence and political impasse, admitted Georgetown University law and policy professor Rosa Brooks about the agenda behind the TIP. The law is essentially its almost helpless against a president whos willing to ignore it, she added. Brooks, by the way, is also on the Soros payroll, having been tied to his Open Society Institute for several decades. She also served as Special Counsel to the President at the Open Society Institute in New York from 2006-07. The Soros network and its operatives should be booted from America like what happened in Hungary, or worse, for their coordinated subversive efforts against the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, writes Shane Trejo for Big League Politics. To keep up with the latest news about the lefts plans to overthrow America, be sure to check out CivilWar.news. Sources for this article include: BigLeaguePolitics.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Kheti Bachao tractor rally against the farm laws is set to enter Haryana from Punjab near Kyukar village of Pehowa sub-division of Kurukshetra district on Tuesday afternoon. As per his programme, Gandhi will lead a roadshow at Pehowa after entering Haryana. He is scheduled to meet farmers around 3 pm. Gandhi is also expected to lead a roadshow to Kurukshetra and hold another meeting at a mandi there. There were reports that he will also stop at Jyotisar village, where Lord Krishna is believed to have delivered the sermon of Bhagavad Gita. A heavy police deployment has been made at the Haryana-Punjab border ahead of Gandhis arrival. Kurukshetras deputy commissioner, Sharandeep Kaur Barar, said guidelines have been issued to the rallys organisers and they have to follow the norms related to the Covid-19 pandemic. She said there is no limit on the tractors coming from Punjab but they have to follow all the guidelines strictly as the gathering of over 100 people are prohibited. The Kurukshetra district administration has written to Harayana Congress chief Kumari Selja and sought her cooperation on 16 points to help maintain law and order. It has asked the Congress to limit gatherings to 100 people, ensure the wearing of masks, and social distancing. The administration has told the party that the tractors should not affect the movement of traffic on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway. Gandhis schedule has been reworked and he will not visit Karnal as planned earlier. Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday said the state government does not have any problem if Gandhi holds tractor rallies and roadshows. He asked Congress to refrain from creating law and order problems. Not acceptable if he comes to Haryana along with a big procession from Punjab. We have no problem with his visit if he holds his yatra along with the people of Haryana, Khattar said when asked about home minister Anil Vijs statement that Gandhi will not be allowed to enter Haryana. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Neeraj Mohan Neeraj Mohan is a correspondent, covering Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat and Yamunanagar districts of Haryana. ...view detail Prime Minister has lauded the National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurvada on Yoga, calling it "commendable". "Commendable effort, which places emphasis on building immunity, remaining healthy and making the fight against COVID-19 stronger," he tweeted. Amid rising COVID-19 cases, and Yoga are being tried for immunity purposes. The National Clinical Management Protocol based was released jointly by Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and Ayush Ministry Shripad Naik on Tuesday, virtually. Earlier, Harsh Vardhan said that experts and other national research organisations have prepared the Protocol for management of Covid-19 as per the Report & Recommendations of the Interdisciplinary Committee which will further strengthen our fight against Covid-19. Naik said AYUSH Ministry had set up an Interdisciplinary AYUSH Research and Development Task Force with a group of senior experts to formulate and develop strategies for this initiative. He said that the Ministry of AYUSH has undertaken many clinical, observational studies to understand the role of AYUSH intervention in mitigation and management of Covid-19. This brings in uniformity and consistency in the Ayush-based responses to the pandemic across the country. It also helps State and UT governments to plan and incorporate these solutions into the Covid-19 management activities being deployed on the ground. India on Tuesday reported 61,267 fresh infections of the novel coronavirus, taking the case tally to 66,85,082, health officials said. This is the lowest daily spike since August. Though the cases are increasing, the recovery rate is 84.34 per cent in India which is less than Chile that has over 92 per cent cure rate, while the US that tops the Covid-19 cases in the world has around 33 per cent recovery rate. The fatality rate has come down to 1.55 per cent, the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. --IANS abn/pgh (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.) With a seizure of close to 1,000 quintals of cannabis so far, it has been a good year for the Odisha police, excise department and other agencies tasked to check the drug trade in the state. While the Special Task Force and district police officials have seized over 900 quintals of cannabis in little over the last 9 months, other agencies like Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), state excise department as well as Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have seized over 25 quintals in the same period. The seizures have become frequent over the last 2-3 months as enforcement officials are intercepting more and more consignment of cannabis. On the evening of October 4 police in Ganjam district seized 2.5 quintals of cannabis covered in PPE kits while they were being transported in an ambulance near Budhamba village under Kabisuryanagar police station area. Similarly, excise department officials early Monday morning seized 7 quintals of cannabis during a raid at Sargiguda village in Malkangiri district. On October 3, Narcotics Control Bureau officials had seized 7 quintals of cannabis from a coir-filled truck near Godipada toll gate in Khurda. On September 8, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 5.5 quintals of cannabis worth around 80 lakh in Bhubaneswar while it was being illegally transported in a vegetable truck. This year will be the most successful year for Odisha when it comes to enforcement activities to prevent cannabis smuggling. While Odisha police alone is likely to seize 1,000 quintals of cannabis by the end of this year, the combined seizure of other agencies would put Odisha in the top spot among all states when it comes to cannabis seizure, said Jaynarayan Pankaj, deputy inspector general of police of Special Task Force that is mandated to go after cannabis smugglers. Though last year Odisha police seized 618.15 quintals of cannabis, Pankaj said Odisha DGP Abhays focus on going after the cannabis smugglers persistently has been the key to higher seizures this year . As the DGP headed the Narcotics Control Bureau a few years ago he is laying greater stress on increasing the interception. So we are focussing more on districts like Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Boudh, Rayagada and Gajapati where the crop is cultivated on a large scale in Maoist-affected areas. While Maoists are slowly losing control in the state, the pandemic also helped make things easy for us due to less number of vehicles on roads. It was easier for us to intercept the cannabis-laden vehicles as the traffic was less. But the biggest cause of higher seizure is due to sustained drive and better intelligence collection, the DIG said. The cultivation of cannabis starts in September at the end of the monsoon season when there is less humidity and the temperature drops. It requires quite a bit of sunshine and colder temperature. When the plants start budding, cannabis becomes ready for harvest. The buds are dried in the sun to make ganja, the most popular form of cannabis that is exported out of Odisha. The hilly tracts of Maoist-affected Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal districts have been the traditional areas for growth of cannabis. As it offers better returns than cereals, the tribals grow it with active patronage of the Maoists. The crop does not need much care and can withstand harsh weather conditions and water scarcity. Excise department officials said in 2019-20, cannabis crops over 18,000 acres of area, the largest so far, were destroyed in Odisha. A multi-disciplinary committee headed by chief secretary has been formed for regular interaction with various state and central agencies for better coordination and sharing of information about the drug situation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Despite the onus put on consumers to reduce their carbon footprints, just 90 companies around the world have been responsible for nearly two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions from 1880 to 2010. (Bloomberg) -- A House panel led by Democrats investigating competition in the technology sector is poised to propose sweeping reforms to block giants such as Amazon.com Inc. and Apple Inc. from both owning marketplaces and selling their own products on them, according to a critique of the recommendations by one Republican member of the subcommittee. The critique and the panels report are still drafts and the contents of both could change. Its not clear which members will endorse the report, whose release has been delayed because of last-minute information regarding Facebook Inc., CNBC reported earlier. The report was expected this week, but its been pushed back, according to a person familiar with the matter. The recommendations, which would represent the most dramatic overhaul of competition law in decades if approved, are the result of a yearlong investigation by the House antitrust panel led by Democratic Representative David Cicilline. That probe is coming to its conclusion as federal and state antitrust enforcers are also investigating Alphabet Inc.s Google and Facebook. Cicillines recommendations would include what he has called a Glass-Steagall law for technology platforms, according to the draft discussion paper from Republican Representative Ken Buck of Colorado, which was reported on earlier by Politico and obtained by Bloomberg. Buck said that recommendation and some others in the staff report would be non-starters for the GOP. Glass-Steagall refers to the Depression-era law separating commercial and investment banking. Cicillines proposal would prohibit tech companies from entering different lines of business and amount to a breakup of the companies, according to Buck. Amazon, for example, would be prevented from selling its own products on its marketplace, while Google couldnt own both the worlds biggest search engine and YouTube. And Apple would be barred from owning the App Store and offering its own apps. Story continues The majoritys primary remedy to create competition in the tech marketplace is to enact legislation creating structural separation, Buck wrote in the discussion. Buck said he agrees with Cicilline on the need to rein in the power of technology companies and agrees with certain remedies such as giving more resources to competition enforcers. Read more: Did Big Tech Get Too Big? U.S. Crackdown Seeks Answer: QuickTake Spokespeople for Cicilline and Buck didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Cicilline told Bloomberg in an interview in August that the companies are engaging in deeply disturbing abuse of their dominance to crush competitors. The panel issued information requests that yielded millions of pages of documents and held seven hearings, including one in July that featured testimony by the chief executives of Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple. The draft report would also recommend legislation that would require the tech companies to allow users to easily move their data from one website to another, according to Buck. It also recommends legislation to shift the burden of proof in merger cases to the tech companies, cap the market share in some mergers to 25% for buyers, overturn Supreme Court and other decisions that critics say have hampered enforcement agencies from blocking mergers and eliminate arbitration clauses in terms of service. In addition to Cicillines investigation, federal and state antitrust enforcers are poised to file a historic monopolization lawsuit against Google, and additional cases could be in the pipeline, Bloomberg has reported. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is preparing a possible case against Facebook. And Amazon and Apple are facing inquiries by federal antitrust authorities. It wasnt immediately clear whether other committee Republicans, including its top-ranking GOP members, would join Bucks recommendations. Representative Jim Sensenbrenner, who is the top Republican on the subcommittee, said in an Oct. 1 hearing that he and Cicilline ultimately disagree on the future of antitrust laws. Representative Jim Jordan, who is the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee that includes the antitrust panel, has repeatedly used the investigations hearings to rail against the companies for allegedly silencing conservatives. Buck, in the report, expressed concern about censorship across the political spectrum and cited bias against conservative outlets and personalities in particular. Buck said the Democrats will recommend imposing restrictions that would make it tougher for tech companies to grow by acquiring other firms. While Buck didnt provide details of the majoritys proposal, he described it as shifting the burden of proof in merger cases. During their investigation, committee members often complained that the tech companies have been able to solidify their dominance by acquiring promising startups with little or no scrutiny from antitrust enforcers. At a recent hearing, a former head of the Justice Departments antitrust division said that courts have made it nearly impossible for the government to stop dominant companies from acquiring nascent competitors and suggested one fix would be to put the burden on buyers to prove that the deals would be good for competition. That could make it easier for antitrust enforcers to block deals. While Buck said he supported a burden-shifting approach, he said Congress should gather more information on another proposal by the Democrats: a ban on acquisitions of future rivals and start-ups, like Facebooks takeover of Instagram. Such a ban would prevent start-ups from profiting from their ideas by selling to another company, and reduce incentives for investors to back start-ups, Buck said. The reports recommendations face an uphill battle. With time running out in this Congress, any real legislative action wont happen until 2021. Theyll likely run into Republicans longtime skepticism about changing antitrust law. Even if the election hands the Senate majority to the Democrats, Republicans can still use procedural tools to block bills from passing. (Updates with more recommendations, status of federal probes and likelihood of action from 10th paragraph. An earlier version of this story was corrected to show that the panel held seven hearings) 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. BJP demands CM KCR to present & protect Telangana State's interests in the Apex Council meeting chaired by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti. This Apex Council meeting is critical in the backdrop of illegal projects initiated by the Andhra government. BJP demands CM KCR to be sincere & duty-bound to present & protect Telangana States interests in the Apex Council meeting chaired by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti and participated by Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh today. This Apex Council meeting is very critical in the backdrop of illegal projects initiated by Andhra Pradesh government. Pothireddypadu Head Regulator expansion project, Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme are illegal projects which dont have any assured or surplus water permissions either from CWC or KRMB. BJP suspects CM KCRs sincerity and intentions in this issue of Krishna water diversion to Andhra Pradesh, while over 69,000,00 acres are un-irrigated in Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Rangareddy and Khammam. What is very shocking is Andhra Pradesh Governments brazenness to take water from the Krishna basin and use it in Penna basin in violation of all fundamental national and international water laws. Why is CM KCR silent on these brazen illegal diversion by CM Jagan? What is stopping CM KCR to go to Supreme Court and appeal against these violations? BJP strongly believes, KCR can get an immediate stay on these illegal projects, with robust grounds on his side. BJP questions CM KCRs intentions behind allowing AP to openly draw excess water, while lakhs of Telangana lands are un-irrigated. Also Read: Midnight cremation to avoid violence, family aware, UP Govt tells SC BJP has undertaken a protest program in Delhi this noon, to demand CM KCR to stand up for the water rights of Telangana State, and also stall the proposed illegal projects being constructed in Andhra Pradesh to draw unawarded water from Krishna river from the foreshores of Srisailam. BJP warns CM KCR that history will not forgive him, if he doesnt protect the interests of millions of poor farmers in Telangana, especially after coming to power twice on the promise of irrigating every inch of Telangana State. Also Read: Dont be afraid of Covid: Trump returns to White House, removes mask Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mardika Parama (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 6 2020 The Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Ministry is proposing a set of infrastructure projects worth Rp 21.7 trillion (US$1.46 billion) for private investors through a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme during a market sounding event on Wednesday. The proposed infrastructure projects include the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road project in the tourism hub of Bali, worth Rp 19.35 trillion, and bridge replacement and or duplication across Java Island with a total investment of Rp 2.35 trillion. Most of the bridges are of the Callender-Hamilton truss type. Through the PPP scheme, the government can offer [investors] various facilities, including viability gap funding, feasibility support and the state infrastructure guarantee [] to expedite Indonesias infrastructure development, PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said in a statement on Wednesday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login NEWBURYPORT, Mass., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Online Learning Consortium ( OLC ) today announced the 2020 award winners for outstanding work advancing quality digital teaching and learning experiences designed to reach and engage the modern learner anyone, anywhere, anytime. The award recipients below were hand selected by OLC's esteemed board of directors and awards selection committee for their exemplary contributions to the field. The Bruce N. Chaloux Scholarship for Early Career Excellence recognizes Marleigh Perez, Ed.D., Director of Student Success, Oregon State University Ecampus, for achieving extraordinary accomplishments in the field of online education. Dr. Perez sets high team expectations to serve a growing population of more than 10,000 adult online learners and improve student success initiatives. The Excellence in Faculty Development for Online Teaching Award recognizes Jason Drysdale, Ed.D., Director of Instructional Design & Program Development, University of Colorado, for the development and delivery of Online Skills Mastery (OSM) a comprehensive program for faculty professional development in online teaching. OSM, pronounced "awesome," began as a course to help faculty move online during an LMS transition in 2014 and has since evolved far beyond its roots. OSM will soon be extended to the entire University of Colorado system. The Excellence and Innovation in Online Teaching Award recognizes Sean Nufer, Ph.D., Director of Teaching and Learning, TCS Education System, for outstanding and creative use of appropriate educational technologies to teach an online course in higher education. Rather than trying to replicate components of a traditional learning environment, Dr. Nufer uses Canva, screencasts, asynchronous collaborative assignments, and other digital tools to successfully break down silos and elevate student performance in an online environment. The Gomory-Mayadas Leadership Award in Online Education honors Julie Golden Botti, Ed.D., Executive Director for Online and Continuing Education, Florida Atlantic University, for exemplifying the transformative leadership and ideals of Ralph Gomory and A. Frank Mayadas. Dr. Golden Botti created and implemented online initiatives aimed at student and faculty success, including scaling the Center for Online and Continuing Education, constructing a successful and active Continuing Education subdivision, overseeing FAU's Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, and more. The John R. Bourne Outstanding Online Program Award recognizes Lesley Casarez, Ph.D., Program Coordinator/Associate Professor, Angelo State University, for an outstanding continuing education program with a proven record of excellence, as demonstrated by its success in providing expanded access, learning effectiveness, and high levels of student and faculty satisfaction in a cost-effective manner. To address the increasing shortage of school counselors and mental health professionals, ASU shifted its masters' programs in educational counseling fully online and is now offering almost all course content at no charge to students. The Leadership in Equity and Inclusion in Online Learning Award honors Ellen Beattie, Ph.D., Chief, Adult Instructional Services, Maryland LABOR, for leading Maryland adult education programs in developing and creating online learning programming to promote student equity and inclusion. Dr. Beattie has also incorporated research and evidence-based practices to ensure the effectiveness of these programs and related practices. The OLC Effective Practice Awards recognizes Angela Francis, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of General Education & First Year Experience, CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS); and Kathleen Melago, Doctor of Musical Arts, Associate Professor of Music Education, Slippery Rock University, for effective techniques, strategies and practices to advance quality and access to online programs. Dr. Francis and CUNY SPS use a three-pronged approach to prepare students for enrollment in online courses by determining if online learning is right for them and if so, providing tools to help them succeed. Dr. Melago's virtual teaching partnership enhances music education majors' distance-learning skills for future teaching positions by pairing them with 7th-12th grade music students who benefit from the one-to-one instruction. The OLC Equity & Inclusion Scholarship recognizes Fabiola Torres, Ethnic Studies Department Chair, Glendale Community College, for significant contributions to the field focused on equity and inclusion. Torres is an equity minded practitioner who has built an academic career with street smarts, activism and ganas (passion in Spanish). Torres uses Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning strategies while incorporating humanized communication strategies to foster success. The Online Learning Journal Outstanding Research Achievement in Online Education Award recognizes Florence Martin, Ph.D., Professor in Learning, Design and Technology, Program Director of the Post-Master's Certificate of University and College Teaching and Program Coordinator of the Ed.D., in Educational Leadership, Learning, Design and Technology concentration at University of North Carolina Charlotte, for extraordinary achievements and research in the field of online education that excel in rigor, prestige and impact. This highly selective award is an honor that an individual cannot seek. Rather, the individual is selected by the OLJ Editorial Board. "These individuals are not only making a difference within their organizations; they are elevating our community's efforts in advancing quality online and blended learning experiences designed to reach all learners," said Jennifer Mathes, CEO of OLC. "In a year unlike any other, the award recipients contributions are more vital than ever to improving the quality of online learning, advancing best practice guidance and accelerating innovation in organizations around the world." Award recipients will be recognized at a virtual ceremony Mon., Nov. 9, 2020 at 11:15am ET, followed by a virtual gala at 6:45pm ET during the 2020 OLC Accelerate Conference collectively one of the largest and most impactful gatherings of the online learning community. In addition to the awards celebrations, more than 425 sessions have been announced to advance innovation in learning for academic leaders, educators, administrators, digital learning professionals and others. About Online Learning Consortium The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is a collaborative community of education leaders and innovators, dedicated to advancing quality digital teaching and learning experiences designed to reach and engage the modern learner anyone, anywhere, anytime. OLC inspires innovation and quality through an extensive set of resources, including best-practice publications, quality benchmarking, leading-edge instruction, community-driven conferences, practitioner-based and empirical research and expert guidance. The growing OLC community includes faculty members, administrators, trainers, instructional designers, and other learning professionals, as well as educational institutions, professional societies and corporate enterprises. Visit http://onlinelearningconsortium.org for more information. Media Contact: Sharla Lane 202-664-0499 [email protected] SOURCE Online Learning Consortium Related Links www.onlinelearningconsortium.org YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif had a phone conversation, emphasizing that a diplomatic settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict has no alternative, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Russian MFA. During the conversation the sides expressed deep concerns of Moscow and Tehran over the unprecedented escalation in Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone. They emphasized the danger posed by the involvement of illegal armed groups and extremists from Syria and Libya in the conflict. The FMs shared the opinion that there is no alternative to the diplomatic settlement of the conflict, which should start from cessation of hostilities without preconditions. Azerbaijan, directly backed by Turkey, unleashed war against Artsakh on September 27. Turkey, in addition to various types of assistance to Azerbaijan, including using its own air force against Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, deployed thousands of mercenaries and terrorists in Azerbaijan to fight against Artsakh. Prime Minister of Armenia NIkol Pashinyan attended a consultation in Artsakh on October 5, during which the operative situation in the frontline and the program of elimination of the new terrorist hotbed in the region were discussed. Editing and Translating by Tigran Sirekanyan The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to two of its corporators, Bindu Trivedi and Yogita Koli, seeking an explanation, after their votes to elect the chairperson of the education committee on Monday became invalid. Prabhakar Shinde, BJPs group leader in BMC, confirmed the development. Both the corporators, who are members of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)s education committee, raised their hands in support of the BJP candidate Surekha Patil, but signed against the name of Senas Sandhya Doshi, owing to which their votes were counted as invalid. When any member takes a dual stand, their vote is considered invalid during the counting. Trivedi and Koli said the error happened as their masks created moisture on their spectacles and hence they could not see the ballot paper clearly. Before the voting for committee elections takes place, the group leader of each political party issues a whip to the party corporators about voting, which every member is expected to follow. In the 26-member committee, Sena bagged 13 votes, while BJP managed to get only seven for the post. The BJP, which has nine members in the education committee, was expecting to get all the nine votes, but lost two of them after their candidates signed against the Sena candidates name. Four members of the Congress abstained from voting after their candidate Sangeeta Handore withdrew her candidature, while one member each of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) voted for the Sena to keep the BJP away from the power. When contacted Trivedi, BJPs corporator from Ghatkopar, she said, I am a party worker from the past 25 years. I had raised my hand for the BJP candidate, but there was a mistake on my part while signing. This was because a lot of moisture had developed on my spectacles, as I was wearing a mask. Patil, BJPs Malad corporator, also had the same explanation. It was not done deliberately, but was a genuine mistake and I will submit my reply over it, she said. On Monday, Sena also won the post of the standing committee chairperson after Yashwant Jadhav won the seat for the third time. On Tuesday, Senas Sadanand Parab won for the elections for the chairpersons post for the 26-member improvement committee after securing 13 votes. BJPs Vinod Mishra bagged nine votes. Congresss Javed Juneja withdrew his candidature and three members of the Congress abstained from voting, even as one BJP member was absent. Meanwhile, in the 17-member Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST), Shiv Senas Pravin Shinde received eight votes for the chairpersons post, while BJP candidate Prakash Gangadhare bagged eight votes. Congresss Ravi Raja withdrew his candidature and abstained from voting. Carl D. Walsh/Portland Press Herald | Getty Images The coronavirus pandemic has radically altered the way we work, and companies of all sizes are experimenting with new ways to manage their far-flung virtual organizations. According to experts, remote work is here to stay and even when the health crisis ends, a good portion of the workforce will remain working from home. The challenge is how to keep employees connected, drive innovation and collaboration, and keep a steady talent pipeline when people are geographically dispersed. Companies are prototyping new HR models to keep up with this rapid pace of change. Some are embracing artificial intelligence and automation to keep operations on an even keel, gather data-driven insights about their employees, improve the talent search and manage global risk. It's a daunting task and it's happening at a time when business leaders are already wrestling with economic shutdowns, health-care concerns, an upcoming U.S. presidential election and societal upheaval. What will the future of work look like in 2025? A recent McKinsey & Co. global survey of 800 executives in a range of industries reveals key trends. These include: a push towards automation; the shift to remote work or hybrid remote workforces; an increase in the use of freelancers, and growing reliance on artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to manage the workforce and other key functions. These shifts are already happening. Since the pandemic, 85% of respondents had accelerated digitalization of employee interaction and collaboration, and 67% have accelerated automation and artificial intelligence, according to the survey. Industries on the forefront include technology, finance and insurance. For a glimpse of how companies are in the midst of this transformation one can look at Cisco, a network hardware company with more than 75,000 employees headquartered in San Jose, California, at the heart of Silicon Valley. Today, 96% of the tech giant's employees are working remotely from engineers to sales staff. "We were lucky since pre-pandemic 40% of our workforce worked remotely so we already had technology and practices in place to handle a rapid transition to a virtual workplace," says Fran Katsoudas, Cisco's chief people officer. As she explains, so much of the HR function has moved to the cloud and the company has developed an AI tool it calls the Network Visualizer to help it "reimagine" the future of work. "AI and machine learning is helping us better understand how our people think and work," Katsoudas notes. "It's helped us develop perks to incentivize our employees, find pools of hidden talent around the globe and develop new ways to stimulate innovation." "We are learning new ways to collaborate and team build," Katsoudas says. As she explains, data analytics is being used to form teams and identify the best talent for projects across the organization. One thing the company has found is that like-minded workers gravitate towards each other, aided by technology, sparking bubbles of innovation. Just as important, AI has helped Cisco make breakthroughs in hiring and talent development. "Now we are doing what we call 'blind hiring', where we don't see the name or the university the candidate attended. It's helped eliminate bias and let's us just review the purity of a person's work. This has opened up a whole new pool of talent we can tap individuals who may not have a college degree but are skilled at coding and a host of other expertise." It's a whole new dynamic. "By 2025 I envision we will have a hybrid model and we will be more deliberate in who comes to the office and for what purpose. That may include engineers working in our labs, customer visits that would bring us into the office or innovation days to bring in project teams. That's because we've found we can do so much remotely, including Webex meetings and talent expos." "It may be that workers come to the office two to three times a week," she says. "The shift could make the company rethink its real estate footprint." "Right now, we are at the beginning of this new journey and we are learning all the time," says Katsoudas noting that leaders have to stay in close contact with their teams who are under a lot of stress during this time. "Many employees are working remotely and have the added burdens of helping their children with school, caring for elderly parents while doing their daily jobs. As a result, there is more of a focus on mental health, wellness and work/life balance." In response, Cisco is offering its employees new perks including subsidizing tutoring costs, more flexible work schedules and face time with leaders for career development. A worker productivity scorecard Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) [October 6, 2020] IDPD demands India to join Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons as a follow up its statement in the UNO favouring complete nuclear disarmament The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has said that Indiaas statement at the UN that it is committed to total elimination of nuclear weapons and reaffirmation of no first use of nuclear weapons and further commitment to nuclear disarmament through a step-by-step process under written by a universal commitment and an agreed multilateral framework is a welcome gesture. The IDPD has said that time is now to follow it up in practice. Dr Arun Mitra - Co President IPPNW and senior Vice President IDPD, Dr S S Soodan - President IDPD and Dr Shakeel Ur Rhman - General Secretary IDPD said that the UN General Assembly has already passed a multilateral treaty, the aTreaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)a in 2017. For this the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) was awarded Nobel Peace Prize. This treaty prohibits the development, research, use, trade, transfer of technology related to nuclear weapons. It is time India should sign this treaty and ratify in the Parliament. This will show real commitment of our country towards the goal of nuclear weapons elimination. This should be followed up by negotiating with other nuclear weapons possessing countries to join the treaty. India has a long history of propagation of peace and disarmament. The Non Aligned Movement (NAM), founded by the efforts of Jawahar Lal Nehru in association with Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia and Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt has played a significant role for peace and disarmament in the past. Rajiv Gandhi action plan for nuclear disarmament is well acknowledged worldwide. It is time the present government carries these forward and join the multilateral Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons. India taking lead in signing and ratifying the TPNW will give a strong signal to the nuclear weapons countries and strengthen our negotiations to impress upon to join this treaty and make the world free of nuclear weapons. It is worth mentioning here that Bangladesh has already ratified the treaty and Nepal has signed it. Already 46 countries have ratified the treaty with only 4 countries remaining to make the number 50 for its entry into force. Dr Arun Mitra Co-President IPPNW Dr S S Soodan President IDPD Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman General Secretary IDPD Fort Bend ISD position 4 trustee Kristin Tassin is challenged by Shirley Rose-Gilliam in the upcoming Nov. 3 election. Both candidates shared their views on election issues in a recent candidate email survey. Aside from state funding, what issues are the most crucial ones facing the school district in the next 12 months? What future measure(s) would you support or propose to address these issues? Kristin Tassin: Currently, our biggest challenge is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. We have had to reimagine education and work quickly to implement new programs and strategies to support students. Although challenging, it has caused us to step outside of the education box. Once past this crisis, we cannot allow ourselves to fall back into education as usual. We must continue to push for outside-the-box solutions to support all students and leverage the opportunities presented to us during the pandemic. Providing more choice and flexibility in education allows us to meet the needs of more students with varying backgrounds and challenges. I support student choice by providing flexible scheduling, more career and technical opportunities, expanded Early College and Pathways in Technology programs, new online learning opportunities, and homeschool support for those choosing to remain at home. In order to do this, we will need to advocate for legislators to support these efforts and our students by funding and providing resources for the new way students will be educated. We also need more flexibility in using bond funds to build the necessary infrastructure to support choice. As Legislative Liaison for the Board, I have already started working on Legislative Priorities to support this effort. Shirley Rose Gilliam: The major issue overall, is the education of our students. In this pandemic, the questions we always asked ourselves still exist, H ow do we, as a school district, guarantee that all students receive a quality education? How do we guarantee that students are learning? How are we servicing all students? We must first develop a climate of trust and honesty. We all have to work together and be accountable for taking care of what is important. We learn from each other. Teachers need support throughout the day and schools need a solid plan that will be consistent and managed with fidelity. Other issues include: (1) retention of teachers and recruitment of personnel. We are essential workers, on the front line in class with students. We all want our students back in class, but for some that is not an option so how do we make sure that students are in an environment that is conducive to learning? (2) Social and emotional health of employees and students. (3)The achievement gap and our students falling further behind. (4) Servicing our special populations including but not limited to, special education, providing services for our ELL as well as support for our parents with language barriers. Campus overcrowding is a concern at several FBISD schools, such as Ridge Point High School. Meanwhile, other campuses such as Marshall and Willowridge High Schools are underutilized. What future measure(s) would you support or propose to address challenges created by this issue? Shirley Rose Gilliam: I want to personally hear from these communities. I support a task force comprised of students, parents, business and community members, and staff members of the school(s) in question led by school leadership. Several adhoc committees with determined goals. Reimaging how the virtual platform for learning we now have could possibly relieve overcrowding at some campuses. I would listen to all stakeholders and support the community in which the school(s) serves. On HoustonChronicle.com: 'It's not about us': New generation seeks police, school reforms in Fort Bend Kristin Tassin: Trustees must receive updates from demographic experts, review monthly enrollment and engage developers to understand planned development. I dont believe bussing students to under-utilized campuses is best for any student. There are ways to use existing under-utilized campuses by bringing in programs of choice that support student learning and success. This has been successful and led to ZERO failing schools in FBISD. I believe online learning and flexible scheduling as choices for high school students can help manage school utilization. There must be a balance between using existing campuses, listening to community feedback and providing community schools in areas where excessive growth is happening. What future measure(s) would you support or propose to improve services for special needs students? Kristin Tassin: As a parent of a child with Down syndrome who received special education services in FBISD for 13 years, improvement of identification, education and services for students with disabilities has been a priority. FBISD has gone from under-identifying students needing special education services (6.5% when I was first elected in 2014) to over 10% currently. This means more students who need special education services are receiving them. FBISD has also implemented a co-teach model, a best practice for students with disabilities allowing for more inclusion in the regular education classroom. To support that effort, FBISD has hired dozens more special education teachers and directed more of its budget to supporting students in special education. Finally, I personally advocated for and helped open the first-of-its-kind in Texas Early Intervention Academy, a fully inclusive pre-school modeled after the Rise School. The Academy provides early intervention and prepares students with disabilities for inclusion in elementary school. As a member of the Internal Audit Committee, I led the effort to audit Special Education, uncovering areas where FBISD needs improvement including behavior intervention, re-evaluations, implementation of IEPs and proper use of Response to Intervention. I will continue to advocate for these and other improvements to support students with disabilities. On HoustonChronicle.com: Community leaders call for museum to honor Sugar Land 95 Shirley Rose Gilliam : Increase the salary of classroom aides/paraprofessionals. The complaint from our employees who work in this position overall enjoy working in an educational environment. However, people are not wanting to stay and we struggle to fill positions simply because the pay does not equate to the amount of work required. Our aides work directly with students and side by side with teachers. Teachers need trained personnel who are committed and work well with our students. It is frustrating to parents as well as campus personnel when we have an aide that is wonderful with our students, leave the position because of the salary. Professional development specific to the use of technology and how to effectively communicate during instructional time virtually; as well as, monitoring special education students effectively and systematically in the virtual classroom. Have one consistent platform for technology. Parents are navigating through SuccessEd, Schoology, Eduphoria, MS Teams and possibly others. Teachers want one program. One-size will not fit all; however, work to streamline and seek input. Currently, a number of trustees during meeting discussions and in a recent email to parents voice support for a team of eight philosophy as the ideal approach to governance. In your opinion, is this the best approach in terms of serving the interests of voters? Shirley Rose Gilliam: Ideal is a very strong word and team is even stronger. I believe the team approach is always a great approach as long as the team is transparent and accountable to the public they serve. As a veteran principal, I consistently preached that we are a team, some would say We are CREW, we are not passengers, we are in the work. Our team would meet and plan for success for serving our teachers, parents, students, homeowners and then we had to prioritize. Students are always first. We are an educational institution and our first order of business is educating our students. Now when we take the phrase, is the team approach the best approach in terms of serving the interests of voters I would say yes .. AS long as we keep the interest of voters at the forefront. I am always for productive teamwork. As stated earlier, we learn from each other. John Maxwell says and I quote, Good things happen to a team when a player takes the place where he adds the most value. Great things happen when all the players on the team take the role that maximizes their strengths, their talent, skill and experience. Maxwells quote means to me, it is good to have all talents around the table in order to have different viewpoints. Kristin Tassin: Any good business leader knows that key to an organizations success is a strong and positive leadership team. In 2009, Forbes stated, building a strong relationship with [the] board is one of [a CEOs] most critical obligations. Cooperation is a vital sign of corporate health. Its no different for a school district. The superintendent and Board are the leadership team for the school district - a concept called the Team of Eight. A strong Team of Eight in FBISD has been instrumental to its success. FBISD has zero failing schools; lowered taxes twice in the past four years; implemented unique programming including EDGE, Early Literacy Center, Early Intervention Academy, Early College High School, and Pathways in Technology; and been awarded H-E-Bs Outstanding School Board and Outstanding Large District in Texas. These successes cannot happen without a strong leadership team. That doesnt mean the team doesnt disagree or have conflict, or that Trustees shouldnt challenge the superintendent. To the contrary, a strong Team of Eight challenge one another and are willing to engage in difficult conversations for the benefit of the organization. This team concept serves the best interests of FBISD students, whom Trustees serve, and has led to student success, which is the goal. On HoustonChronicle.com: State Republicans challenge to early voting creates uncertainty for election officials In terms of the issue of teacher retention, what future measure(s) would you support or propose? Kristin Tassin: Recruiting and retaining teachers has been a focus for me the past several years as we continue to see shortages in the profession. While teacher pay and benefits are important, teachers need more flexibility, support and resources that allow them to do the important job of educating children. State-mandated curriculum, testing and over-regulation have resulted in more burdens being placed on classroom teachers. As trustee and Legislative Liaison in FBISD, I have advocated not only for more tax dollars to remain in the local school district so that teacher pay may be increased, but also for fewer regulations, less burdensome and more robust state curriculum standards, and less emphasis on an expensive, one-size-fits-all, state-mandated test. In FBISD, I have supported creation of new positions, such as compliance coordinators to handle state-mandated paperwork previously handled by teachers, and new resources, such as eight mental health centers on campuses to handle behavior and mental health issues, thereby lessening the burden on classroom teachers. FBISD also developed a leadership program to educate and support staff in achieving their chosen pathway. I support expanding these efforts as well as finding new ways to support teachers so they can focus on educating students. On HoustonChronicle.com: Trump has enough support from Latinos to win Texas, study finds Shirley Rose Gilliam : A thorough evaluation of the teacher retention program that is already in place in the district and use a root cause analysis tool to analyze trouble spots. (2) Use research based screening tools to target teachers that will support the districts philosophy for educating their students. (3) Provide mentors for teachers new to the profession and also those new to the District. (4) Provide opportunities for new teachers to learn the school culture through participation in non-teaching activities such as clubs, organizations, etc. without overwhelming them. (5) School personnel partner with Human Resources to provide benefits packages that are competitive to other districts. (6) Effectively assign and monitor teachers placement in the schools within the district. (7) Listen to the concerns of teachers and provide a forum for discussion and feedback. Use surveys, focus groups, teacher interviews, other soft data to get teacher feedback. (8.) During the time of the pandemic, teachers are concerned about their safety, the safety of their family and their students. Ensure them that the district is making every effort to make reasonable decisions to address their concerns in a favorable manner. (9) Review retention policies of similar districts that may be doing better at retaining their teachers and do a comparative study. What are your concerns related to the re-opening of schools and other challenges created by the COVID-19? What measure(s) would you support or propose to address these concerns and challenges? Shirley Rose Gilliam: Understandably there are significant concerns regarding the re-opening of schools. As a parent and professional, I empathize with the points brought up for consideration on both sides of this issue. However, I feel the core of this concern, the common belief is safety for our students and school community is a priority. I feel the re-opening of schools is inevitable. Transitioning to on line instruction platform has highlighted concerns such as equity, resources, parental involvement and support, and differentiated instruction. Although all of these issues have been discussed in the education realm before, exposing them on a broader scale has also caused us to have candid conversations about social emotional well-being and the wellness of those in the school community. As we transition back to schools, I feel before we can have conversations about academic support, we need to have a plan in place for emotional support as well. I believe placing necessary safety measures in place is a key priority so we can support our students, teachers, and staff with a safe environment providing opportunities to restore some measure of normalcy. Kristin Tassin: Coronavirus presents unique challenges making it difficult to implement plans that meet the needs and desires of every family. Safety should always be a priority while allowing choice for students. I believe a phased-in approach to face-to-face learning for families who choose this is appropriate. Online learning should continue to be an option as long as it is needed. Also, staff safety is critical. Appropriate PPE should be provided, while allowing staff who have pre-existing conditions to remain online. Teacher and campus-level input and flexibility in the plan should be priorities since scheduling will be a challenge. In your opinion, what is the role of a trustee? Kristin Tassin: Trustees are elected to govern the school district. Specifically, a trustees role is to hire the superintendent and evaluate his/her success; create the mission, vision, goals and objectives of the school district; create policy that governs the school district; and approve an annual budget consistent with the district vision. The Board makes decisions on issues related to district governance, including the calendar, zoning, bond planning and setting the tax rate. The superintendent is hired to manage the district and present recommendations to the Board. Trustees can and should questions the superintendent and district administration about plans and procedures presented. Unlike a senator or representative elected to represent a particular area of voters or constituents, trustees are specifically entrusted with the education of each and every student in the school district and are elected to ensure that education takes place. This is a tremendous responsibility since the students in FBISD are the future leaders in our community, state and nation. Shirley Rose Gilliam: To stay focused on student learning. To be a liaison between the community and the superintendent. Making sure the community is heard. The role of a trustee is also governance of the district and to adopt policies that give the district direction. To set priorities and achieve its goals. Hire and evaluate the superintendent. Adopt and oversee the annual budget. Manage the collective bargaining process for employees of the district. What future measure(s) would you support or propose to increase transparency and accountability to voters? Shirley Rose Gilliam: Simply be available. Even where public confidence in the process is established, it is easily shaken unless the general public possesses direct knowledge about how policies were established, how decisions were made and how they were implemented. I propose to hold monthly meetings to with parents, staff and community member to make board information easily available and provide opportunities for comments and allow feedback to increase public confidence in the credibility of what we do. In addition, attend events and be around people and accessible. I want to know whats going on .. the pulse of the district. I want to know what the issues are when they arise, rather than waiting for a school board meeting. On HoustonChronicle.com: Austin investor Nate Paul at center of allegations against Texas AG Ken Paxton Kristin Tassin: In the past six years, FBISD has had unprecedented community engagement, feedback surveys and input. Advisory committees and task forces have been formed for zoning, bond initiatives, special education, gifted and talented education, pandemic, and other issues. FBISD has implemented Lets Talk to allow students, staff and community members to provide feedback on any issue. FBISD also provides Checking in with Charles videos on a regular basis to provide pertinent information on current issues. During my term as Board President, I implemented Board Listening and Literacy Tours, allowing parents, staff, students and community members to attend round table discussions with Trustees held in their schools. This allowed Trustees to hear and address concerns as well as provide details on issues important to the community. While these measures have been important improvements in transparency, the district must continue to improve communication and transparency. Community feedback on what information is needed and when is critical to making improvements. Continuing to livestream board meetings following the pandemic and allowing committee chairs to address the Board directly are additional measures to improve transparency and accountability. In terms of the issue of teacher retention, what future measure(s) would you support or propose? Kristin Tassin: Recruiting and retaining teachers has been a focus for me the past several years as we continue to see shortages in the profession. While teacher pay and benefits are important, teachers need more flexibility, support and resources that allow them to do the important job of educating children. State-mandated curriculum, testing and over-regulation have resulted in more burdens being placed on classroom teachers. As trustee and Legislative Liaison in FBISD, I have advocated not only for more tax dollars to remain in the local school district so that teacher pay may be increased, but also for fewer regulations, less burdensome and more robust state curriculum standards, and less emphasis on an expensive, one-size-fits-all, state-mandated test. In FBISD, I have supported creation of new positions, such as compliance coordinators to handle state-mandated paperwork previously handled by teachers, and new resources, such as eight mental health centers on campuses to handle behavior and mental health issues, thereby lessening the burden on classroom teachers. FBISD also developed a leadership program to educate and support staff in achieving their chosen pathway. I support expanding these efforts as well as finding new ways to support teachers so they can focus on educating students. Shirley Rose Gilliam : A thorough evaluation of the teacher retention program that is already in place in the district and use a root cause analysis tool to analyze trouble spots. (2) Use research based screening tools to target teachers that will support the districts philosophy for educating their students. (3) Provide mentors for teachers new to the profession and also those new to the District. (4) Provide opportunities for new teachers to learn the school culture through participation in non-teaching activities such as clubs, organizations, etc. without overwhelming them. (5) School personnel partner with Human Resources to provide benefits packages that are competitive to other districts. (6) Effectively assign and monitor teachers placement in the schools within the district. (7) Listen to the concerns of teachers and provide a forum for discussion and feedback. Use surveys, focus groups, teacher interviews, other soft data to get teacher feedback. (8.) During the time of the pandemic, teachers are concerned about their safety, the safety of their family and their students. Ensure them that the district is making every effort to make reasonable decisions to address their concerns in a favorable manner. (9) Review retention policies of similar districts that may be doing better at retaining their teachers and do a comparative study. knix@hcnonline.com The toppling of Edward Colston's statue was about 'years' of unaffordable housing and gentrification, the Mayor of Bristol has told MPs. Marvin Rees said that Black Lives Matters protests this summer which led to the 17th-century slave trader's bronze effigy being ripped off its pedestal were not 'all about the Colston Statue'. Speaking at the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee's 'hearing into physical heritage', the mayor suggested public anger had been 'built up over the years', and the toppling was just the 'focal point' for frustrations. Marvin Rees has said that Black Lives Matters protests this summer which led to the 17th-century slave trader's bronze effigy being ripped off its pedestal were not 'all about the Colston Statue' 'I dont think that the Colston Statue was all about the Colston statue,' said Mr Rees. 'I think that the issues are a lot more complicated than that. 'I think there is a lot that has been built up over the years, whether were talking about unaffordable housing, gentrification feeding into this, or being left behind by the national or the international economy. 'This action happened within a context, its not just the action. I think that the Colston statue became a focal point for other frustrations with life in modern Britain and some of its challenges.' Speaking at the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee's 'hearing into physical heritage', the mayor suggested public anger had been 'built up over the years', and the toppling was just the 'focal point' for frustrations. Pictured: Edward Colston statue in the centre of Bristol falls to protestors Mr Rees added that there had been a 'long-running question in the country' over national identity and 'what it means to be British' that started in the 2000s and has now become more pronounced. Committee member Damian Green questioned Mr Rees why it was only now Colston's statue had been toppled despite being deemed controversial for 30 years. Mr Rees, who has been Bristol Mayor since 2016, said that the topic of Colston had come up in 2007 at the 200th anniversary of William Wilberforce's Abolition of the Slave Trade, but those in power did not do anything. 'It was a very difficult year for the city, it was not equipped to have a conversation about Colston,' he replied. 'This action happened within a context, its not just the action. I think that the Colston statue became a focal point for other frustrations with life in modern Britain and some of its challenges,' he said 'When I came in in 2016, I was the first directly elected black mayor of a major city in Europe. 'If I come in and the first thing I start doing is tackling slave memorabilia in the middle of a Brexit debate that is all about national identity and heritage against the EU, it would have been all Id be doing for four years, and would have been a pretty politically naive thing to have done.' In July, a month after protestor tore the statue down and it into the River Avon, Mr Rees said that while action over the statue 'makes people feel good', he said 'it doesn't address the underlying drivers of inequality'. Electric mobility eBikeGO on Tuesday said it has roped in reform-centric advance service firm ASSAR as its strategic partner, to promote and deploy over 10,000 electric bikes in a year to various e-commerce and logistics In the first quarter phase, the alliance is looking to deploy 3,000 electric two-wheelers in across seven cities with targets of nearly 900 in Delhi, 700 in Mumbai, 700 in Bengaluru, 200 in Pune, 150 in Amritsar, 150 in Hyderabad and 200 in Jaipur. More discussions to bring sustainability in centre-stage on this initiative are underway with the Niti Aayog, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Department of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Electronics, eBikeGo said in the release. "Our interest in this collaboration is two-fold. Firstly, it is in line with our ambition to push EV (electric vehicle) adoption in India and work towards the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by being less fuel dependent on other countries. Secondly, this is a great way to drive employability through a new-age business opportunity," eBikeGO founder and CEO T Irfan Khan said in a statement. He added that the overall plan of the alliance is to deploy around 10,000 electric two-wheelers in the next one year addressing the home delivery logistics requirements of a variety of e-commerce players and service providers. eBikeGO said it is roping in partners from legacy businesses, who are looking to be a part of a futuristic, sunrise industry to promote entrepreneurship in the EV sector through its franchise-owned and company operated (FOCO) model. It also said ASSAR (Advanced Services for Social and Administrative Reforms) stimulates various social and administrative business reforms around ease of doing business in India for advance and emerging technologies in India, it said. ASSAR Country Director Abhijit Sinha said, "ASSAR is a pioneer, working on India's foremost pilot project 'National E-Highway Delhi-Agra-Jaipur (NH for EV). The partnership will help us deliver on our commitment to deploy electric cars and buses on highways with NHEV, and now, two-wheelers with eBikeGO in the cities." He further said this alliance with eBikeGO is befitting and correctly timed and comes as a direct move towards employment generation to the tune of over 10,000 every quarter with deployment of electric bikes. Sinha said that in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been an increase in demand for home delivery, and the alliance is seeking to address the demand for delivery personnel with electric two-wheelers, who can multi-task for several service providers. (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.) Chinese Christian children face bullying, discrimination from Communist gov't, schools Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Chinese Christian has opened up about the severe persecution he and other Christian children have endured for their faith, from bullying and discrimination at school to restrictions on freedom of thought and religious expression. Growing up as a Christian in China was a difficult experience, a Chinese Christian identified only as "Enoch" said during the United Nations Human Rights Council Side Event: China Bans Faith for All Children webinar, hosted by the Jubilee Campaign on Monday. Because his father was a pastor, Enochs entire family was monitored by Chinese Communist Party officials, neighbors, and surveillance cameras 24 hours a day. The family was prohibited from worshiping together in church, while Enoch and his siblings were ordered to refrain from sharing their faith at school. We were to only believe in the CCP, he recalled. If our religious affiliation was discovered, we would receive punishment from the school. Eventually, Enochs father was arrested and detained for his faith and Christian leadership. While his father was imprisoned, Enoch faced intimidation and threats by his peers, teachers and government officials. I faced unkindness and discrimination at school from teachers, he said. Government officials threatened my dad that if he did not cooperate with them, they would hire again members to come to my school to beat me up. They also told him that I would not be able to go to college, as I would never pass the political screening because I come from a Christian family. On Enochs birthday, his father was granted a phone call. We felt it was God's blessing to our family, he said. I talked to my father over the phone and I didn't really know what to say. So I asked him just to sing me the Happy Birthday song. And at the end, we both burst into tears. At that moment, Enoch was overwhelmed with sadness, realizing how different his life was because of his Christian faith. For a regular kid, hearing his father tell him happy birthday is a normal thing, but for me, it was the most special gift that I could ever ask for, he said. As happy as I was to hear from him, I was also saddened and angry that the government has separated me from my father when I was a kid just because we are a Christian family. My childhood experiences were tainted by the absence of my father throughout the years. Lawyers refused to take his fathers case, and Enoch said his family felt stuck, as Christians in a country where ... we can never truly be free to practice peacefully and without restrictions. We were constantly afraid of being harassed by neighbors, peers and government officials, or being thrown in prison." Today, Enoch no longer lives in China. I am very proud of being a Christian now, he said. There are many families in China that suffered a similar situation to mine and who are deprived of these basic right to religious freedom, he said. It is important that we don't forget to share these stories ... of persecuted people. Enoch was among several individuals who shared their or their loved ones personal testimonies of religious persecution in China. Members of Chinas Uighur Muslim, Tibetan Buddhist, and Falun Gong religious minorities, all victims and survivors of the CCPs persecution of children of faith, also spoke out. The event on Monday focused on how China, through its current actions, breaches the Convention on the Rights of the Child, specifically Articles 14 and 29. Article 14 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states, State parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. China's constitution in Article 36 also protects the right of children to seek religious belief, and it guarantees nondiscrimination on the basis of religion. Emilie Kao, an attorney who has defended religious freedom for the last 14 years, said that despite these laws, the Chinese governments overlapping network of national, provincial, and local regulations censor religion from every part of a child's life from the public square to literature, media, and social media, to school and even in the home. She explained that the 2018 Regulations on Religious Affairs, enacted by President Xi Jinping, have been interpreted to ban attendance at churches and other houses of worship and to prohibit children under the age of 18 from attending religious activities. According to Kao, the censorship of religion and the lives of children serves the Communist Party's goal of ideological control, as they equate pro-atheism with being pro-communist with being pro-China. China seeks to restrict freedom of thought, conscience and religion, she said, by forcing teachers to sign pledges not to attend religious services, requiring both parents and children not to attend religious services or participate in religious activities, and even encouraging children to report on their parents if they teach religion. China's policies against children, teachers and parents violate the universal human rights of all Chinese citizens, she argued. Children in China should be free from government interference and their pursuit of understanding themselves, the world and their Creator. The government should not have a monopoly on answering children's questions when they ask about moral or metaphysical questions. Parents should be able to build their own families, according to their own beliefs. The Jubilee Campaign said the event was designed to serve as a base to understand the widespread effects of Chinas breaches to the Convention the Rights of the Child article 14 and facilitate steps forward for member states and U.N. bodies to address the violations. The federal budget will secretly reveal that Western Australia may not plan to open its border until April 2021. Australia's federal budget, which will be released on Tuesday night, has been based on the assumption that WA's border will remain shut for months to come. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's budget figures have reportedly factored in the state's re-opening date as April 1, according to The West Australian. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (pictured right with Finance Minister Mathias Cormann) has reportedly designed Australia's federal budget with an opening date for WA in mind The budget, set to be released on Tuesday night, was based on the assumption that Western Australia will remain closed off to tourists (Rottnest Island pictured) until April 1, 2021 WA slammed its borders shut in April this year when the coronavirus pandemic took hold and has remained closed off ever since. The late re-opening would allow WA premier Mark McGowan to keep the border up until after the state election in March. It is understood this decision would capitalise on Mr McGowan's popularity with voters, as most Western Australians remain supportive of the border restrictions. In a recent poll carried out by market research group, Utting Research, 77 per cent of 3,500 people surveyed were in favour of keeping the border closed. The figures reached a peak when Victoria experienced its second wave of coronavirus and 96 per cent of Western Australians supported the border. Mr McGowan last week remained adamant he would not open his state's borders anytime soon despite coronavirus infection levels reaching a negligible level outside Victoria. The state has not recorded a case of coronavirus in the community for 180 days, but still refuses to open up - even to other safe states 'There is no benefit,' Mr McGowan said on Thursday. The late re-opening would allow WA premier Mark McGowan to keep the border up, a popular choice with voters, until after the state election in March (pub-goers pictured in Perth) 'All we'll do is lose jobs were we to open to those [jurisdictions]. 'The other states want us to open the border so that West Australian tourists will flood east, not so that people from the east will come here. 'They're only saying all this for very self-interested reasons because we have higher incomes, we have people that are more used to travelling and therefore we'll have more tourists go from Western Australia to the east.' Mr McGowan said the borders won't come down until the eastern states go 28 days with no community transmissions. Tensions with the Federal Government reached breaking point on Monday when WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia claimed the state could not accomodate eastern visitors if the border came down. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann fired back and said the WA Government were using the hard border for economic protectionism. 'Let me get this straight, the Tourism Minister of Western Australia says we don't want and can't accommodate interstate business,' he wrote on Twitter. The budget will be announced at 7.30pm and is expected to introduce income tax cuts and business tax concessions amid the country's first recession in almost three decades. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr McGowan and The Treasury for comment. Network18, Indias most diversified media conglomerate today announced key appointments in its editorial leadership team. Karthik Subbaraman has been appointed as the Managing Editor for the networks digital news operations, and Vivek Narayan joins to head the regional language network in South India as the Managing Editor, overseeing news channels in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The announcements are in line with the incremental growth of the networks audience base and ever-evolving market dynamics. Prior to his new role, Karthik has been with the network for nearly four years as the editor overseeing three southern channels, a responsibility he will pass on to Vivek Narayan. A consummate news hound with expertise across genres spanning general news, business, tech/start-ups and international relations and a delightful writer of prose, Karthik Subbaraman will from now on oversee the editorial operations of all Network18s digital properties, with the editors of News18 (English, Hindi and languages), Firstpost, Moneycontrol, cnbcv18.com and the central digital videos team reporting to him. A long standing TV news professional and having worked with Indias prime news brands, Vivek Narayan last served as the Executive Editor and Head of Output at Times Now. At Network18, he will undertake the previous responsibilities of Karthik Subbaraman and will be based in Chennai. Vivek started his career as a reporter at Network Television in Thiruvananthapuram in 1994 before moving on to stints at Asia Pacific Communication and Eenadu TV in New Delhi. He then worked at the TV Today Network in Delhi and Kerala for five years, until 2005. Both Karthik and Vivek will report to Santosh Menon. Following the announcement of the buyout of the group's majority shareholder and the backing received from significant institutional investors, ECN Capital Corp., SPF Investment Management, Almada Inc. and Medalist Partners, Seraph Aviation Group will continue to implement its strategy, which is focused on the core competencies of its aircraft management servicing, capital management and aviation financing platform, supported by best-in-class technology developed by its sister company, Aerlytix Limited. Seraph Aviation Group has a deep understanding of, and expertise in, aviation assets, credit and equity/debt origination that enables the company to create bespoke investment vehicles designed to provide its third party customers with above-average risk adjusted returns and management of risk and exploitation of opportunities, in particular in the current COVID-19 environment. David Butler, CEO, Seraph Aviation Group said: "The new brand and identity is an exciting milestone for the company. We are delighted to demonstrate and highlight our expertise to the market by combining the unique blend of Aviation Management Services and Capital Management under Seraph Aviation Group. This provides current and potential customers with a compelling offering under an integrated platform." With headquarters in Dublin, Seraph Aviation Group has offices in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, London, England and Seoul, South Korea. About Seraph Aviation Group Seraph Aviation Group is a leading provider of aircraft management services, offering a broad range of aircraft and lease management services to customers in the airline, manufacturing and finance sectors. Through its deep understanding of aviation assets and financial instruments, the Group creates bespoke investment vehicles designed to provide its institutional partners with above-average risk adjusted returns. Stellwagen Group is based in Dublin, Ireland with offices in Stamford, CT, USA, London, England and Seoul, South Korea. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307627/Seraph_Aviation_Group_David_Butler.jpg SOURCE Seraph Aviation Group (formerly Stellwagen Group) The police in Jigawa on Tuesday confirmed the killing of a vigilante member in the Gwaram local government area of the state. The latest killing in Gwaram is coming less than a month after PREMIUM TIMES reported on 23rd September how two vigilante members were killed in Gwiwa Council area of the state. Residents in the affected community in Gwaram told PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday afternoon that the deceased vigilante member was securing a sesame farm when he was killed by some people who appeared to be thieves. The incident occurred in the outskirts of Gwaram Tsohuwa where the deceased vigilante member, guarding the farm in the night, was overpowered by the thieves who killed him while he was attempting to prevent the thieves from stealing the sesame. The police spokesperson in Jigawa, Audu Jinjiri, confirmed the incident. He said the police subsequently evacuated the deceased vigilantes corpse to the hospital where a medical doctor certified him dead. The police identified the deceased as Babaji Ahmadu, 42, of Sabon Garin Gadala community in Gwaram. The deceased was found with deep cuts on his body according to the police. Mr Jinjiri added that the vigilante member was hired by one Garba Muhammed of same address to guard his farm which the deceased had been doing before his killing. The thieves also tempered with the sesame after killing the watchman. The police are trailing the suspects and they will be arrested to face justice, Mr Jinjiri said. How does the U.S. best set prices and incentives to get power plant developers to meet future demand, and increasingly from clean sources like wind and solar farms? Federal lawmakers are coalescing around the concept of carbon pricing a tax on emissions as the most efficient way, with the possibility of elbowing aside the existing permit to pollute system, as one official puts it, through which Connecticut and other states have been successfully reducing carbon emissions. More than 20 years after a carbon pricing bill was first proposed in Congress, the Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission held a hearing last week on how it might roll out the concept nationally if asked to do so, with multiple bills under consideration. FERC Chair Neil Chatterjee expressed support for the carbon-pricing concept after hearing testimony from officials with ISO New England, which is charged with overseeing the regional grid, and other independent system operators and energy experts. Connecticut is part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative that debuted a dozen years ago, derived from the cap and trade concept that limits carbon dioxide emissions by power plants burning fossil fuels. From an initial cap of 188 million tons annually in 2008 when the pact went into effect, those limits have come down in steady increments since to roughly half that level today. Chatterjee credited RGGI with proving the concept that making polluters pay for emissions can in turn underwrite the cost of renewables like solar arrays and wind farms, creating a virtuous cycle. And he backed the idea of continuing that flow of funding to renewables in any national carbon pricing model, while noting FERCs mission is centered on maintaining a reliable grid rather than pushing an environmental agenda. The commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection told Hearst Connecticut Media that the state is supportive of a national carbon pricing program, while urging FERC to consider the progress made in efforts like RGGI. We know there are many mechanisms that complement carbon pricing programs and help achieve decarbonization affordably, DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes stated in an email response to a query. So long as it is the states alone that have these clean energy goals and mandates, the exclusion of state voices from this discussion is cause for concern. But only a few weeks before, Dykes expressed stronger skepticism of the structure of a national carbon pricing program and any partial or full displacement of RGGIs cap-and trade system, while speaking during an ISO New England web conference that addressed carbon pricing. What would happen with the revenues? Dykes said in mid-September. The states that have these policies are making decisions about how the revenues are then reinvested. Its very important for supporting our other clean-energy programs ... [and] addressing consumer impacts from these programs. $240M in 10 years On Wednesday, electricity market experts told Chatterjee and fellow FERC commissioners that carbon pricing represents a better model. Setting a national carbon-price policy now will eliminate the possibility of emissions leakage, the result of power plant operators investing in states with looser emissions policies. ISO New England runs annual auctions through which power plant developers bid to add generation capacity to fill any projected electricity gap years in advance, based on projections for economic growth and the expected retirement of older plants. That would certainly help their decisions when they are making the billion-dollar decisions on what to invest in, said Matthew White, chief economist for ISO New England. Investors in new generation facilities face tremendous risk right now over their future costs of carbon compliance and the highly uncertain impact of ever more renewables, when most of those renewables are coming from state policies that could change year to year as state budgets move around. At the outset in 2008, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative included the six New England states and New York, along with Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, which rejoined in January after a three year hiatus. Pennsylvania and Virginia have since moved toward joining up. Under the initiative, power plants were assigned caps on emissions, but are allowed to purchase excess capacity freed up by rival plants that beat their emission targets. Across 49 such auctions through this month, Connecticut has generated nearly $240 million in proceeds. For two years the Connecticut General Assembly and former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy siphoned off those funds to address budget shortfalls, including more than 90 percent of the proceeds from 2018. From more than $12 million directed to residential weatherization incentives in 2016, within two years that total had dropped to $400,000. Upon taking office,Gov. Ned Lamont recommitted RGGI funds to their original purpose, including supporting a Connecticut Green Bank program to pay for the cost of commercial renewable energy projects through extra assessments on taxes. Lamonts emergency budget measures to close a $2 billion gap released Thursday did not specify any transfers from RGGI funds, though the governor is paring $1.1 million from DEEPs budget including about $50,000 for clean air programs. Gov. Lamont is committed to seeing RGGI funds being invested to reduce the burden of energy costs on Connecticut families and businesses, creating jobs in our communities, and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, stated Connecticut Green Bank CEO Bryan Garcia, in an email response to a query. Continuing to invest these resources in our growing green economy is vital to making our great state more resilient to the impacts of climate change. At what price? ISO New England tracked a 31 percent decline in carbon dioxide emissions in the region over 10 years through 2018. As home to New Englands lone nuclear power plants, New Hampshire and Connecticut lead New England on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, as averaged against megawatt hours of electricity production. Natural gas generators like the new PSEG Bridgeport plant and CPV Towantic in Oxford have supplanted coal and oil plants like the former Manresa Island Power Plant in Norwalk; and states continue to push efficiency like LED lights and renewables like solar panels. Dykes said any attempt to blend a new carbon pricing regime with RGGIs requirements could push costs beyond what households and businesses can bear, with Connecticut bills having shot up this summer amid the coronavirus pandemic and a new power purchase agreement with the owner of the Millstone nuclear power plant. Affordability has to be at the forefront of any mechanism, any design to accelerate the deployment of clean energy ... or energy efficiency, Dykes said. Our primary concern would be the price that this carbon adder ... would push up consumer prices to astronomical levels. If Congress and FERC proceed with carbon pricing, the actual price thresholds become the elephant in the room confirmed Bill Hogan, who runs the Harvard Electricity Policy Center at Harvard University, speaking Wednesday during the FERC forum. If the carbon price is too low, then it doesnt meet the efficiency objectives and doesnt internalize the impact on the climate, Hogan said. The social, cost-of-carbon estimate is important and its not easy to isolate that number. But its not impossible, and weve had government task forces in the past that have done it as well as you can do it. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman The IAF chief said the force has made 'very strong' deployments in all relevant areas in view of the five-month-long border standoff with China Amid the ongoing standoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Monday made several notable assertions about the capabilities of the force. These comments assume significance due the approaching winter season, during which the role of the Air Force in Ladakh is especially crucial. That said, the Air Force bolstered its deployment in Ladakh in May itself, when tensions were first beginning to rise along the LAC. With winter approaching, the Air Force remains on high alert in the forward air bases along the LAC, according to PTI. IAF chief's comments On Monday, IAF chief Bhadauria said Chinese air power can't get the better of the capabilities of his force in any conflict scenario in eastern Ladakh, asserting India is "very well positioned" to meet any threat from China. He said the IAF has made "very strong" deployments in all relevant areas in view of the five-month-long border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh and it is in a firm position to handle any contingency along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The IAF chief said "swift and rapid" deployments were made along the LAC in view of the ground situation, adding Ladakh was just one of the areas where IAF's assets were stationed. The Times of India quoted him as saying that armed forces have been strongly deployed along the Line of Actual Control till Arunachal Pradesh. "Our further actions will depend on the ground realities," he said. "Details cannot be divulged. But be rest assured that we have deployed strongly and are firmly in a position to handle any contingency." ACM Bhadauria said. Air Force's significance along LAC The IAF presently has both a qualitative and quantitative edge over the Chinese Air Force along the LAC, as noted by an article in The Hindu by retired Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam. The article states that India's fighter fleet of 4th Generation Aircraft (Su-30 MKIs, Mirage-2000s and MiG-29s) "are superior in almost every respect" to the Chinese Air Force's J-10s, J-11s and SU-30 MKKs. This superiority is particularly important in terms of gaining an asymmetrical advantage since the capabilities of the armies on both sides are said to be broadly at par. According to an article in The Indian Express by Air Vice Marshal (retired) Manmohan Bahadur, the Air Force is likely to be used for urgent logistics support to the army during the winter. During winter, some passes in the region are closed, due to which land transportation is not possible. A separate article in the newspaper quoted Air Vice Marshal KK Nowhar (retd), of the Centre for Air Power Studies, as saying that utilisation of air power in direct support of the Army along the LAC in areas such as the Galwan Valley has never been contemplated. But it is feasible. We will definitely be asked if the chips are down, he is reported to have said. Deployment The Indian Air Force has two main bases in the Ladakh Union Territory, including the Leh and Thoise airbases. While fighter jets are not deployed permanently here, detachments from combat aircraft squadrons are operational throughout the year, according to ANI. In May 2020, the IAF rushed its fighter jet patrols in Ladakh after Chinese military choppers were found to be flying close to the Line of Actual Control. This incident had occurred around the same time the PLA troops and Indian Army forces came to blows in the upper reaches of North Sikkim. As of now, the IAF has deployed almost all its frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the Line of Actual Control, as per a PTI report. The newly inducted fleet of five Rafale jets has also been carrying out sorties in eastern Ladakh. The IAF has also been carrying out night time combat air patrols over the eastern Ladakh region in an apparent message to China that it was ready to deal with any eventuality in the mountainous region. On 29 September, IAF chief Bhadauria also made a reference to the raising of two squadrons of light combat aircraft Tejas and integration of some indigenous weapons on the Su-30 MKI combat jets in a very reduced time frame. The IAF chief said there have been the "most promising" developments, reflecting the country's capabilities to develop indigenous military hardware. With inputs from agencies Credit: Institute for Research in Biomedicine - IRB The transport of amino acids and other molecules across the cell's membrane plays a crucial role in the metabolism of cells and, therefore, in human health. Current research hints that cancer, cystic fibrosis, aminoacidurias and neurodegenerative diseases may stem from orbeaffected by missingor defective amino acid transport at the cell membrane. Now, researchers from ICIQ's Ballester group and IRBBarcelona's Palacin group have published a paper in Chem showing how a synthetic carrier calix[4]pyrrole cavitand can transport amino acids across liposomes and cell membranes bringing future therapies a step closer. Thanks to the BIST Ignite project Calix[4]trans, the scientists have assessed the properties of a calix[4]pyrrole cavitand (a container shaped molecule) in the transport of amino acid Proline through cell and liposomal membranes. "The BIST Ignite project has allowed us to combine the fundamental research done in our lab focused on making molecules and studying their interactions with the more applied research done in Palacin's group in the area of amino acid transporters and diseases. In my opinion, applied research must go hand in hand with basic research for a better understanding and advancement of science. In this case applying a synthetic carrier as therapeutic tool for Proline-dependent diseases like some cancers and inherited hyperprolinemias" explains Gemma Aragay, scientific coordinator of ICIQ's Ballester group. The scientists made liposomes with the cavitand embedded in their membranes. They observed a 30-fold increase in L-Proline transport activity when compared with the passive diffusion of the amino acid to the interior of "regular" liposomes as well as the cavitand's selectivity for L-Proline over other amino acids. "L-Proline is a suitable guest for the Calix[4]pyrrole cavitand because of the complementarity between the cavity's size, shape and functional groups with those of the amino acid," explains Aragay. To study the impact of the cavitand on Proline transport in living cells, the scientists incubated synthetic vesicles infused with Calix[4]pyrrole in HeLa cultured cells to incorporate the cavitand in their membranes. The results obtained in cells reveal that the presence of the cavitand increases the diffusion of proline at high extracellular amino acid concentrationsalthough it represents a moderate increase when compared with the transport already carried out by the cells' proteins. However promising the results are, "we need to further study the molecular structure of the cavitand-amino acid complex to increase the transport activity if we want to apply Calix[4]pyrroles as therapeutic tools," concludes Pau Ballester, ICIQ group leader and ICREA professor. "With this work, we hope to drive the development of artificial carriers to efficiently treat diseases of amino acid metabolism," explains Manuel Palacin, head of the Amino Acid Transporters and Disease Lab at IRBBarcelona, group leader at CIBER of Rare Diseases, and Professor at the University of Barcelona. Explore further N-carbamylglycinate in late gestation improves reproductive performance in sows More information: Luis Martinez-Crespo et al. Facilitated Diffusion of Proline across Membranes of Liposomes and Living Cells by a Calix[4]pyrrole Cavitand, Chem (2020). Journal information: Chem Luis Martinez-Crespo et al. Facilitated Diffusion of Proline across Membranes of Liposomes and Living Cells by a Calix[4]pyrrole Cavitand,(2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2020.08.018 18+ FOR.kg search news service (news aggregator, media aggregator) Read first Agreement on the use of the FOR.kg search site When using materials from the FOR.kg - reference to the source is required For all questions please contact customer support A philanthropist Mr Benjamin Aseidu-Appiah has on the 4th of September 2020, donated one Nissan Hardbody pick-up vehicle to support the Suhum branch of NPP. Together with the NPP Branded Pick Up, was a set of 50 NPP branded T-shirts each for volunteer groups, additional 1000 NPP branded T-shirts embossed with pictures of Nana Addo and the Parliamentary Candidate of Suhum Constituency,15 plastic chairs, 2 executive chairs, 2000 pieces of face shields also branded in NPP colours, Special T-shirts for Constituency Executives, Desktop Computers among others. In a brief ceremony held at Suhum Municipal Assembly Hall to raise funds to support the NPP campaign, Mr Asiedu-Appiah who is also an astute party member assured the party of his total support for the parliamentary candidate and Nana Akufo-Addo to help maximize votes for victory in December 7th election. Whilst addressing the gathering, he emphasized that the '4years4more' campaign is a great agenda and a duty that all must work hard to achieve. Retiring his speech, he reiterated his readiness to help Oboafo Kwadjo Asante, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Suhum Constituency in all aspects which will make him win the election. The constituency Chairman Hon. Frederick Ofosu expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Mr Asiedu Appiah for his immense support to the constituency. He urges other Ghanaians irrespective of their political affiliation to emulate this act. The Chairman promised his full responsibility to ensure that the donations goes a long way to motivate the grassroot to work hard for the upcoming elections. Arkansas Officer Killed, Another Injured in Motel Shooting A police officer in Arkansas was shot and killed, and another officer was injured during a shooting on Monday. Arkansas State Police said in a statement that 35-year-old Detective Kevin Collins, a five year veteran of the Pine Bluff Police Department, was pronounced dead around 2 p.m. local time after being taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center following a shooting at a motel in Pine Bluff. Were hurting. We have lost a family member today, so were hurting, Pine Bluff Police Department Chief Kelvin Sergeant said during a press conference on Monday. He asked for prayers for the officers family. Lieutenant Detective Ralph Isaac, 42, who has been with the Pine Bluff Police Department for 20 years, was injured in the shooting. A third detective, Kelsey Collins, who has been with the department for two years, escaped injury. All three officers were assigned to the violent crimes unit and were pursuing an ongoing local criminal investigation when they arrived at Econo Lodge Motel around 12:05 p.m. local time, and were met with gunfire, Arkansas State Police said. Two suspects have been taken in for questioning by state police after they were treated for injuries from the shooting at a local hospital. Collins was named Officer of the Year for 2017 at the departments annual Awards Banquet for his actions in July 2017 when he rescued a 95-year-old woman from an apartment fire, reported The Pine Bluff Commercial. I always wanted to be a police officer, he told the outlet at the time. Ever since I was little. I saw law enforcement as a service and something I could be proud of. Arkansass Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson sent condolences, writing on Twitter, I am saddened to learn of the Pine Bluff Police Officer shot and killed in the line of duty today. Our prayers are with the officers family, the Pine Bluff Police Department and the law enforcement community. I am saddened to learn of the Pine Bluff Police Officer shot and killed in the line of duty today. Our prayers are with the officers family, the Pine Bluff Police Department and the law enforcement community. Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) October 5, 2020 The Arkansas State Police is leading the investigation into the homicide, and has requested assistance from the FBI. The department said it will submit a file to the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney for the consideration of criminal charges. The hearts and strength of the Arkansas State Police is with Pine Bluff PD this afternoon, after two of their officers were shot in the line of duty earlier today, the department announced late Monday. Our prayers are with the family and friends of the fallen officer, while we keep the entire department in our thoughts. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also sent condolences in a statement late Monday. Officers Kevin Collins and Ralph Isaac dedicated themselves to defending the rule of law and the safety of their fellow citizens, and for that Arkansans will be forever grateful, he said. As we mourn the loss of Officer Collins and pray for Officer Isaacs recovery, may God bring comfort to their families and to the brave policemen and women of the Pine Bluff Police Department. As we mourn the loss of Officer Collins and pray for Officer Isaacs recovery, may God bring comfort to their families and to the brave men and women of the Pine Bluff Police Department. https://t.co/mks8zQ7OaP Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) October 5, 2020 Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge in a statement sent condolences to Officer Collinss family and said that Collins had paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community and patrolling the streets of Pine Bluff. He will be remembered as a true public servant who put on the badge every day making a commitment to protect and serve the people of Pine Bluff, she said. Officer Kevin Collins paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community & patrolling the streets of Pine Bluff. He will be remembered as a true public servant to the people of Pine Bluff. I also pray for the other officers involved in this tragic incident. @PBPoliceDept pic.twitter.com/O844fiipgn Leslie Rutledge (@AGRutledge) October 5, 2020 Officer Collins was highly respected among his brothers and sister in blue and was honored as Pine Bluff Police Departments Officer of the Year in 2018. I want his family and fellow law enforcement officers to know my thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time. The entire State of Arkansas is forever indebted to Officer Collins for his unwavering service. I also pray for the other officers involved in this tragic incident. Hectic parleys were underway in the rival factions within the AIADMK on Tuesday just one day ahead of the announcement of the chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming state elections in 2021, with speculation running wild that O Panneerselvam may have to accept being the party leader while Edappadi Palaniswami gets projected as the CM candidate. Senior AIADMK ministers, including KA Sengottaiyan, Kadambur Raju and D Jayakumar, held discussions with Palaniswami at his residence while Panneerselvams loyalists, including deputy co-ordinator KP Munusamy, Manoj Pandian and former minister Natham Vishwanathan met at OPS Chennai residence. In what seemed a symbol of the strife within, AIADMK ministers shuttled between the residences of both chiefs, trying hard to arrive at a settlement. Sources from both camps confirm that a decision has been made in connection with the AIADMKs chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming state assembly elections. Sources privy to the developments say that Palaniswami will be named the CM candidate and that OPS demand of an 11-member steering committee will be met in an announcement on October 7. Deputy CM O Panneerselvam had been playing a tough game over the past month, chiefly regarding his role in the big picture of the AIADMK. Both at the state level, and in dialogue with Centre, it has been Palaniswami who has been calling the shots when it comes to governmental matters. With the elections round the corner, Panneerselvam, it appears, has made it clear that he deserves to get a wider play in decision-making. Key among the concerns of Panneerselvam has been the choice of the chief ministerial candidate, which the Palaniswami faction has been keen on declaring upfront. Paneerselvam fought off that challenge in the recent Executive Committee meeting in late September. While it is widely expected that Panneerselvam will not upset the apple cart ahead of elections, it would be clear on Wednesday as to whether the internal wrangles within the AIADMK will continue, or be settled once and for all, said an AIADMK leader wishing to remain anonymous. Benson: 2.6 million voters with absentee ballots can be confident they will be counted Benson: 2.6 million voters with absentee ballots can be confident they will be counted OCTOBER 6, 2020 Announces statewide multimedia voter education initiative Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today called on the more than 2.6 million Michigan voters who have already been issued absentee ballots to submit them as soon as possible. A breakdown by jurisdiction of absentee ballot requests is available here. Voters with ballots should fill them out, sign the back of the envelope, and submit them through the mail or by hand-delivering them to their clerks office or ballot drop box as soon as possible, said Benson. Michigans absentee voting system is time-tested and secure, and voters can be confident that all absentee ballots received by the deadline and with a matching signature will be counted. Voters can find their clerks office and drop box locations and hours at Michigan.gov/Vote. At the same site, they can also track their ballot to ensure it was received. Benson also announced that, in alignment with National Voter Education Week, which began Monday, the Michigan Department of State has launched a statewide multimedia initiative to inform voters how to utilize the options they have to vote. Advertisements are being placed on social media, the internet, television and the back of ATM receipts. Absentee ballot applications will be inserted in dozens of newspapers, and available at Kroger stores statewide. Michigan citizens have proven with record-breaking turnout numbers in each of our states three successful elections this year that they want to vote, said Benson. It is my responsibility to ensure they know their options to do so safely and securely from home, early at their local clerks office, or at their polling place on Election Day. At a time when many voters are being inundated with voting materials from political campaigns and other organizations, Benson urged Michiganders to turn to trusted, non-partisan sources for official election information. It is common for voters to receive many mailings, text messages and advertisements ahead of a presidential election, said Benson. While this is no reason for alarm, I encourage voters to be vigilant consumers of election information, and to seek out trusted sources of accurate information, including our office, their local clerks office, and the dozens of nonpartisan organizations we are partnering with across the state. The Michigan Department of State website lists democracy partners that have committed to sharing accurate information from the Department. Members of the public are also encouraged to follow the Department on social media by searching the following: Facebook: @MichiganSOS Twitter: MichSOS Instagram: MichiganSOS # # # For media questions, contact Tracy Wimmer at 517-281-1876. We welcome questions and comments at the Contact the Secretary of State page. Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424). We are officially in the final quarter of the year and awaiting earnings announcements for the third quarter. So before getting into the whys and wherefores of what companies did in the last quarter, as we will be doing in a few days from now, its important to bear in mind that things havent been as bad as feared. Thats not just in tech, which benefited from the whole disruption, but also in many other areas. It was already indicated in the recently-released non-farm payroll numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that the biggest job gains in September occurred in leisure and hospitality (318K), retail trade (142K), health care and social assistance (108K), and in professional and business services (89K). Yesterdays ISM report for Services appeared to support those estimates. Accordingly, the ISM non-manufacturing activity index rose to 57.8 last month, up from 56.9 in August and just above the 57.3 level that it was at in February, indicating that the sector has already reached pre-pandemic levels. Taking this as an indicator of continued improvement in economic activity, we can say that we are pulling out of the situation. Does this mean that it will be all smooth-sailing? Or that there will be any dramatic improvement this year? I think that the answer to both questions is not likely. Because obviously, the segments where activity resumes fastest are the ones that are relatively more essential to existence. And the ones that follow will come back slower. So we should expect job adds to slow down somewhat (while also benefiting from increased digitization and holiday demand). Now lets talk about some of the uncertainties, the virus being number one on the list. The availability of a vaccine feels like something of a mirage: the closer you appear to get, the further it seems. And infections go on increasing in the meantime with death rates falling consistently lower. Story continues One added concern for the U.S. is President Trump testing positive, because it could push back the elections. But we dont know. If the elections are pushed back, the volatility is stocks could continue and gold prices could continue to escalate, brightening prospects in that area. But whatever the scenario, this is but a blip in our entire investment careers, so we should treat it as such. Invest with caution, keep expectations realistic and wait for the bad times to pass over. On that note, I thought it would be a good idea to present some great value stocks that also look attractive in terms of growth this year- Frontline Ltd. FRO Frontline Ltd., which transports crude oil by sea, belongs in the Transportation Shipping Industry (top 35% of Zacks-classified industries). The company has a Zacks Rank #1 and Value Score A. The company is expected to grow 223.17% this year and is trading at 4.17% of its 52-week high. So its dividend yields 30.67%. Valuation: Current price to forward 12 months earnings (P/E) of 3.45X is below the median value of 4.80X over the past year. So the shares are undervalued. South32 Ltd. SOUHY This producer of alumina, aluminium, coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc belongs in the Mining Miscelleneous industry (top 17% of Zacks-classified industries). With A Zacks Rank #2 and Value Score B, the company promises growth of 137.5% this year. However, the stock is trading 51.15% of its 52-week high. Its dividend yields 1.23%. Valuation: Current P/E of 15.58X is below the median value of 16.04X over the past year. So the shares are undervalued. SpartanNash Company SPTN SpartanNash Co. is a food distributor through military commissaries and exchanges as well as independent retail stores across 44 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Azores, Bahrain and Egypt. The company is a part of the Food - Natural Foods Products industry, which is in the bottom 49% of Zacks-classified industries. However, its expected growth rate of 129.4% qualifies it for a Zacks Rank #1. Its Value Score A is likely driven by a share price thats currently 50.97% of its 52-week high. Its dividend yields 4.68%. Valuation: Current P/E of 7.71X is below the median value of 10.07X over the past year. So the shares are undervalued. The E.W. Scripps Company SSP The E.W. Scripps Company is a Broadcast Radio and Television industry (top 38%) player, with a growing portfolio of television, print and digital media brands. Its also the long-time steward of the popular educational program, Scripps National Spelling Bee. The Zacks Rank #2 company has a Value Score B and expected growth rate of 1,300% this year. Still, its trading 55.56% of its 52-week high. Its dividend yields 1.70%. Valuation: Current price to forward 12 months sales (P/S) of 0.53X is just under the median value of 3.54X over the past year. So the shares are undervalued. Final Words These are relatively small players in terms of market cap and turnover. So there are only one or two analysts providing estimates. Therefore, its best to tread with caution. So while you can bet on these stocks, its a good idea not to over-indulge. Breakout Biotech Stocks with Triple-Digit Profit Potential The biotech sector is projected to surge beyond $775 billion by 2024 as scientists develop treatments for thousands of diseases. Theyre also finding ways to edit the human genome to literally erase our vulnerability to these diseases. Zacks has just released Century of Biology: 7 Biotech Stocks to Buy Right Now to help investors profit from 7 stocks poised for outperformance. Our recent biotech recommendations have produced gains of +50%, +83% and +164% in as little as 2 months. The stocks in this report could perform even better. See these 7 breakthrough stocks now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Frontline Ltd. (FRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report E.W. Scripps Company The (SSP) : Free Stock Analysis Report South32 Ltd. (SOUHY) : Free Stock Analysis Report SpartanNash Company (SPTN) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research KELOWNA, BC, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - The Valens Company Inc. (TSX: VLNS) (OTCQX: VLNCF) (the "Company," "The Valens Company" or "Valens"), a global leader in the end-to-end development and manufacturing of innovative, cannabinoid-based products, is pleased to announce it will issue its third quarter 2020 financial results, for the period ended August 31, 2020 on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, after markets close. CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS The Company will host a conference call the following day, Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 11:00 am Eastern Time / 8:00 am Pacific Time to discuss the financial results and business outlook. Participant Dial-In Numbers: Toll-Free: 1-877-407-0792 Toll / International: 1-201-689-8263 *Participants should request The Valens Company Earnings Call or provide confirmation code 13710892 The call will be available via webcast on the Valens investor page of the Company website at https://thevalenscompany.com/investors/ or at this link. Please visit the website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the call will be available on the Valens investor page approximately two hours after the conference call has ended. Tyler Robson, Chief Executive Officer, Chris Buysen, Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Fallows, President, and Everett Knight, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Capital Markets, will be conducting a question and answer session following the prepared remarks. About The Valens Company The Valens Company is a global leader in the end-to-end development and manufacturing of innovative, cannabinoid-based products. The Valens Company is focused on being the partner of choice for leading Canadian and international cannabis brands by providing best-in-class, proprietary services including CO2, ethanol, hydrocarbon, solvent-less and terpene extraction, analytical testing, formulation and product development and custom manufacturing. Valens is the largest third-party extraction company in Canada with an annual capacity of 425,000 kg of dried cannabis and hemp biomass at our purpose-built facility in Kelowna, British Columbia which is in the process of becoming European Union (EU) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant. The Valens Company currently offers a wide range of product formats, including tinctures, two-piece caps, soft gels, oral sprays and vape pens as well as beverages, concentrates, topicals, edibles, injectables, natural health products and has a strong pipeline of next-generation products in development for future release. Finally, The Valens Company's wholly-owned subsidiary Valens Labs is a Health Canada licensed ISO 17025 accredited cannabis testing lab providing sector-leading analytical services and has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to develop a Centre of Excellence in Plant-Based Science. For more information, please visit http://thevalenscompany.com. The Valens Company's investor deck can be found specifically at http://thevalenscompany.com/investors/. Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements All information included in this press release, including any information as to the future financial or operating performance and other statements of The Valens Company that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are included for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Wherever possible, words such as "plans", "expects", "scheduled", "trends", "indications", "potential", "estimates", "predicts", "anticipate", "to establish", "believe", "intend", "ability to", or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", or are "likely" to be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of these words or other variations thereof, have been used to identify such forward-looking information. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, all disclosure regarding future results of operations, economic conditions and anticipated courses of action. Investors and other parties are advised that there is not necessarily any correlation between the number of SKUs manufactured and shipped and revenue and profit, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others, regulatory risk, United States border crossing and travel bans, reliance on licenses, expansion of facilities, competition, dependence on supply of cannabis and reliance on other key inputs, dependence on senior management and key personnel, general business risk and liability, regulation of the cannabis industry, change in laws, regulations and guidelines, compliance with laws, reliance on a single facility, limited operating history, vulnerability to rising energy costs, unfavourable publicity or consumer perception, product liability, risks related to intellectual property, product recalls, difficulties with forecasts, management of growth and litigation, many of which are beyond the control of The Valens Company. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risks faced by The Valens Company, and which may cause the actual financial results, performance or achievements of The Valens Company to be materially different from estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, please refer to The Valens Company's latest Annual Information Form filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com or on The Valens Company's website at www.thevalenscompany.com. The risks described in such Annual Information Form are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Although the forward-looking statements contained herein reflect management's current beliefs and reasonable assumptions based upon information available to management as of the date hereof, The Valens Company cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. The Valens Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Valens Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Nothing herein should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell securities of The Valens Company. SOURCE The Valens Company A mother with an aggressive form of breast cancer has claimed medics failed to diagnose her three times - and even suggested 'there was nothing to worry about'. Lori Delaney, then 33, from Glasgow, was told by doctors last year that she was too young to suffer from the condition but persevered until her health fears were taken seriously - which she says saved her life, according to The Mirror. After discovering a lump on her lip and breast and feeling exhausted, the mother-of-two visited her GP as well as a Breast Cancer Awareness truck, only to be told three times that there was 'nothing to worry about' and that she 'didn't fit the profile'. But after much persistence, doctors eventually referred Lori to Gartnavel General Hospital, where was diagnosed with an aggressive grade three form of breast cancer in October 2019, before undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy. Lori's treatment was initially cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic but she has since finished radiotherapy and was declared cancer free in May - but has been placed on medication for the next ten years. Lori Delaney (pictured), then 33, from Glasgow, was told by medics that she was too young to suffer from breast cancer but persevered until her health fears were taken seriously After discovering a lump on her lip and breast and feeling exhausted, the mother-of-two (pictured with her daughter) visited her GP as well as a Breast Cancer Awareness truck, only to be told three times that there was 'nothing to worry about' and that she 'didn't fit the profile' But after much persistence, doctors eventually referred Lori (above) to Gartnavel General Hospital, where was diagnosed with an aggressive grade three form of breast cancer in October 2019, before undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy Sharing her story to raise awareness, Lori wrote on Facebook earlier this week: 'I love the NHS but it is made up of people doing their best - human error can happen. 'Trust your gut instincts, they will tell you the truth. I was told by three people not to worry, but somewhere deep inside me I knew. Trust yourself before you trust anyone else.' After feeling off, Lori, who lives with husband Scott and children Harry, six, and Ella, five, visited her GP, who said her iron was low. The week before shed gone to a Breast Cancer Awareness truck at her local Tesco. Lori's (pictured) treatment was initially cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic but she has since finished radiotherapy and was declared cancer free in May - but has been placed on medication for the next ten years Sharing her story to raise awareness, Lori (pictured) wrote on Facebook earlier this week: 'I love the NHS but it is made up of people doing their best - human error can happen' Theatre maker Lori was concerned about her ill feelings since her aunt had been diagnosed with breast cancer two months before. But Lori claims the staff wouldnt attend to her because she wasnt under 50. She later found a tiny lump in her breast and went to her doctor, but says: She said it was nothing to worry about, it was just a lump young women get to do with hormones, and she said I didnt fit the profile. But thanks to Loris perseverance, she was eventually sent to her local hospital as a precaution and to put my mind at rest. After feeling off, Lori (pictured), who lives with husband Scott and children Harry, six, and Ella, five, visited her GP, who said her iron was low. The week before shed gone to a Breast Cancer Awareness truck at her local Tesco Shockingly, Lori said she was told by a medic that she had 'never been so sure in her life' that it was probably a benign lump. The mother, who was working on a masters degree in performance practice at the University of Glasgow, recalled: They did a biopsy but said that was routine and they didn't do a mammogram because they werent worried, and I was so young. But two weeks later, Lori was told she had the most aggressive type of breast cancer, at grade three. She underwent six rounds of brutal chemotherapy before undergoing radiotherapy treatment until May, when she was declared cancer free. Lori will, however, continue to be on medication for the next ten years. MailOnline has contacted Gartnavel General Hospital for comment. The Federal Budget looks to have made no major announcements for the screen sector, following recent statements around funding to Screen Australia, AFTRS & ACTF. ABC funding remains at 2018-19 levels until at least 2021-22, resulting in $41 million less funding per annum. This was previously announced. Here is a summary of key points: Supporting Australian content Earlier this year, the Government announced a comprehensive package of measures to support Australian media businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as support for the screen sector. The 2020-21 Budget includes a number of measures to support the continued development and production of quality Australian content. The Government will provide an additional $33.0 million to Screen Australia which includes: $30.0 million over two years to support Australian film and television drama, childrens and documentary productions. $3.0 million over three years to establish a competitive grants program to cultivate quality Australian screenwriting and script development. Funding of $20.2 million will also be provided to the Australian Childrens Television Foundation over two years to increase support for the development, production and distribution of quality Australian childrens screen content. The Government will also standardise the Producer Offset, available to producers of television and film with significant Australian content, to 30 per cent regardless of the platform it is released on. Regional Broadcasting The Morrison Government recognises that access to free-to-air broadcasting for all Australians is critical, particularly for events such as COVID-19. Providing access is especially important for people living in regional and remote areas where there are digital television black spots. To secure access to free-to-air broadcasts for our regional and remote communities, the Government has provided funding until 30 June 2024 to continue to deliver commercial free-to-air broadcasts through the Viewer Access Satellite Television service to viewers unable to access terrestrial services. The Governments sustained funding will safeguard this critical service, providing free-to-air television largely to regional and remote viewers who would not otherwise be able to receive digital television services. Supporting Australias national cultural institutions The Government is committing almost $22.9 million in 2020-21 to eight arts portfolio agencies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on their operations. This funding includes: $2.3 million for the Australian Film Television and Radio School; $2.5 million for the National Film and Sound Archive; $1.1 million for Screen Australia. Shop TODAY was paid by Amazon to write this article. However, Shop TODAY editors worked independently to select both the topic and the products featured, without input from Amazon. Prime Day was created by Amazon which has an affiliate relationship with TODAY. Whenever you buy an Amazon product through our site, Amazon pays TODAY a small commission on that sale. If you want to score savings on Amazon Prime Day, but also want to support small businesses, weve got good news: Prime members can save $10 off their entire Amazon Prime Day purchase if they shop from select small businesses through Oct.12. With plenty of small businesses to choose from, we are highlighting five shops with cute products and inspirational stories that caught our eye. From homey, handmade coasters to witty T-shirts, here are some gift ideas and unique products you can shop from small businesses to save on Amazon Prime Day. This multigenerational business started from a family knot shop in Old Mystic, Connecticut in 1957, according to the brands website. After taking over the business from his grandfather in 1996, Matt Beaudoin grew the business to include other artisans and opened a new storefront in Historic Downtown Mystic in 2015. Now, the shop sells quality, functional knot work pieces on its Amazon shop, as well as its brick and mortar storefront. Nautical Sailor Knot Coasters Nautical Sailor Knot Coasters in Natural White Cotton Set of 4 (Amazon / Amazon) Nautical Sailor Knot Coasters $26.99 at Amazon Tied from 100% cotton cords, these unique coasters add a beachy or nautical vibe to any room. Fall Colors Original Sailor Knot Bracelet Fall Colors Original Sailor Knot Bracelet (Amazon / Amazon) Fall Colors Original Sailor Knot Bracelet $8.99 at Amazon These traditional knot bracelets are made from sturdy cotton. Pick one up in one of five fall colors to match your favorite sweaters this autumn. Started as a side hustle by one graphic designer in 2014, the Neighborgoods now sells cute, produce-inspired kitchen decor out of its brick-and-mortar store in Washington D.C. and its online shop on Amazon. Each dish towel, tote bag, notebook and apron brings a pop of color and a charming design to any kitchen. Story continues Kitchen Towel, Pumpkins and Gourds Kitchen Towel, Pumpkins and Gourds (Amazon / Amazon) Kitchen Towel, Pumpkins and Gourds $18.00 at Amazon Printed with water-based ink onto unbleached cotton, this perfect, fall dish towel welcomes you home with the saying Hello Gourd-geous. Beet It Tote Bag Beet It Tote Bag (Amazon / Amazon) Beet It Tote Bag $20.00 at Amazon A good tote bag makes any grocery run a little bit easier. With a gusseted bottom and reinforced stress points, this punny tote is as functional as it is cute! Handmade in Chicago since 2003, Mojo spa creates cheeky beauty products inspired by colorful desserts. Sold out of its flagship store in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, the brand incorporates naturally-derived ingredients, herbal infusions, and real food into its products. Known as the Willy Wonka of Beauty, the brands founder started making beauty products from her own kitchen while working as a personal chef, according to the brands website. Make Me a Morning Person Scrub Make Me a Morning Person Face & Body Scrub (Amazon / Amazon) Make Me a Morning Person Scrub $15.99 at Amazon Made with fresh citrus, peppermint, rosemary and lavender this sugar scrub is meant to gently exfoliate skin while waking you up in the morning. Berry Boost Body Butter Berry Boost Body Butter (Amazon / Amazon) Berry Boost Body Butter $21.99 at Amazon This body butter is made with cocoa butter and grapeseed oil to hydrate the skin, rose pink clay to absorb extra impurities and a natural berry fragrance. Moonlight Makers started with two moms building a website, creating unique printing designs and renovating a short bus to sell them from in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2015. Since then, the brand moved into a large studio in Asheville, its products are featured in over 500 stores and the owners opened an Amazon shop featuring its amusing designs. Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Cheese Who Am I To Dis A Brie? Funny Dish Towel, Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Cheese Who Am I To Dis A Brie? Flour Sack Kitchen Towel, Sweet Housewarming Gift, White (Amazon / Amazon) Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Cheese Who Am I To Dis A Brie? $12.00 at Amazon A cheesy take on the classic Eurythmics song, this dish towel is sure to catch any brie-lovers eye. Dont Settle For Being Medi Okra Funny Tote Bag Don't Settle For Being Medi Okra Screen Printed Canvas Tote Bag (Amazon / Amazon) Dont Settle For Being Medi Okra $15.00 at Amazon Love a good food pun? This might just be your new favorite tote. Who can resist the smiling okra wearing glasses? Ruff House started from a small freelance business in 2009 based out of a spare bedroom in the owners house in Kansas. In 2015, they bought a vacated storefront in downtown Lawrence and created a stationery boutique. Now, the brand sells beautiful paper goods online as well as in its brick-and-mortar location. Always Flowers Journal Always Flowers Journal (Amazon / Amazon) Always Flowers Journal $16.00 at Amazon We can always use little reminders to think positively, and this letterpress-printed journal reminds us that there are always flowers for those who want to see them. Family Favorite Recipe Book Family Favorite Recipe Book (Amazon / Amazon) Family Favorite Recipe Book $22.00 at Amazon Theres no time like the present to start recording your best recipes. Even though you can find recipes for pretty much anything online nowadays, theres nothing like a traditional family-favorite. Opioid Crisis and the Pandemic, an online webinar about the use or misuse of opioids during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be presented on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. by Maine Townships MaineStay Youth and Family Services, the Park Ridge Opioid Advisory Group, the Park Ridge Health Commission and Chicago Behavioral Hospital. A leading epidemiologist has urged Victoria to adopt a NSW-style contact tracing technique to help meet its ambitious targets for the easing of restrictions, as the Chief Health Officer warned that the state is in uncharted territory in its fight against COVID-19. Despite the state recording 15 new cases on Tuesday, including seven yet to be linked to a known outbreak, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton insisted that the ambitious target of a 14-day average of fewer than five cases was still achievable. Brett Sutton on Tuesday. Credit:Simon Schluter Professor Sutton said Victoria's experience of a brutal second wave of coronavirus, coupled with the national aim of stopping community transmission, was unique and could not be compared with other places around the world that have loosened restrictions with greater daily case numbers. A cluster linked with a butcher at Chadstone shopping centre in Melbourne's south-east grew by four cases to 28 on Tuesday, including two cases in the regional town of Kilmore where hundreds of residents have visited pop-up testing clinics. At first glance, mail-in ballot numbers seem to presage a coming disaster: During the primaries, more than 550,000 mail ballots were rejected , many disqualified for seemingly small errors, like envelopes sealed with tape. But these numbers don't signal an inevitable November Nightmare. In fact, the science of human behavior can help explain both why these rejection rates were so high and how state and local officials can reduce them in November.The usual reasons for rejecting mail ballots are: They arrive too late, administrators can't match a voter's signature with the one on file, or the signature is missing altogether. Notably, rejection rates are typically higher in states where fewer people use mail ballots. With effective design and outreach, these problems can all be overcome.Take first the problem of missed deadlines.Voters often rely on past experiences of voting in person, theirof how voting works, to set their expectations for the vote-by-mail process. For many, that mental model includes a reasonable assumption that Election Day is voting day whether by mail or in person. Unfortunately, more than half of all states require ballots to be received, not just postmarked, by Election Day or in some cases the day before. Many people simply don't know about this.Even voters who know the deadline may procrastinate or don't account for how long delivery may take. For example, in California's March primary where voters could mail their ballot on Election Day as long as it was received within three days 70 percent of rejected ballots were due to late arrivals . The complexity of the mail system both how long delivery takes and the nuances of postmarks makes it difficult for even the most enthusiastic voters to ensure their ballots are received on time.A clear fix for this problem is to relax that delivery constraint while still letting people mail their ballot on Election Day a day set firmly in many voters' minds. Since the primaries, California and many other states, recognizing the new COVID-19 voting reality, created more flexible deadlines for ballot return. As long as they are postmarked by Election Day, ballots in California now have up to 17 days after the election to arrive and still be counted. This takes the onus off of voters to calculate how long postal delivery takes, which may vary and is out of their control.Another option is to institute more flexible ballot-return options. While some states, such as Georgia, haven't adjusted their deadline statutes, they have created dropboxes and other non-mail return methods where voters can return their ballots on or before Election Day. Dropboxes are already popular in universal vote-by-mail states like Colorado and Washington, and have blossomed across the U.S. with the rise in mail ballot demand.Finally, just-in-time reminders, delivered across multiple channels (mail, text, email and more) when voters have ballots in hand and are able to act, combined with simple heuristics about when voters should return them, can both help solve the problem . In Oregon and Arizona , both states with high or universal vote-by-mail usage and deadlines that required ballots to be received by Election Day, election officials and their partners widely publicize two different deadlines. The first deadline is the last day when voters can reliably return their ballot by mail and the second is Election Day, the deadline for voters to hand-deliver their ballots to a dropbox or other return location.There are also predictable and solvable behavioral patterns at the root of the other most common reason ballots are rejected: voter signatures.People can only take in so much information at once and mail ballots tend to have a lot of information to sift through: long and confusing instructions, and sometimes dozens of different contests to vote on. It's easy in this context for voters to hone in on the "big" pieces of the process like marking their choices without accounting for other nuanced features, like signing properly or at all.Some will simply forget to sign. For others, their signature may not match their official signature on file (often the signature on their driver's license or voter registration record), which can lead to rejection. People may not realize that the signatures need to match. Many of us sign our names without much conscious thought or concern about how it looks. But our "habitual" signature, the one we might use to quickly sign our names on digital pads at the grocery store or a restaurant, may look different from the one we carefully signed on our driver's license several years ago.Ballot design and accompanying outreach materials can provide timely guidance (on the envelope itself in the best cases) reminding voters they need to sign and making it hard to forget by using strategically redundant messaging. Officials and advocates can also offer heuristics, like "sign the ballot like you would an official contract, not how you would at the grocery store," to alert voters that the quality of their signature matters in order for their vote to be counted. Lastly, where possible, states should be transparent about the signature verification process and build in opportunities for voters to fix mistakes, or "cure" their ballots. These programs make it clear why following the rules are important, provide clear and easy paths to correct mistakes, and assure voters that ballot rejections are not arbitrary.Even with Election Day fast approaching, it's not too late for state officials to make simple adjustments to voter outreach messaging strategies and operational policies. Making evidence-based changes now can help prevent unnecessary ballot rejections and ensure everyone who intends to cast a ballot has their chance to have their voice heard. US President Donald Trump has left Walter Reed Hospital where he was being treated for coronavirus. He wore a white-coloured cloth mask and navy blue suit as he walked from the hospital to the White House. Trump gave several thumbs up and a fist bump as he walked down the hospital's front steps towards his waiting helicopter. After a flight over Washington, Trump landed on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington. He climbed the stairs to the first-floor balcony. He then removed his mask and declared, "I feel good". He gave a double thumbs-up to the departing helicopter. pic.twitter.com/Sn4yTTg8eB Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2020 Additionally, the US President has published a 90-second video message on Twitter, where he downplayed the severity of the COVID-19 virus and encouraged Americans not to take it seriously. The video is message is reportedly recorded after Trump returned to the White House and removed his mask. In the video, Trump thanked the staff of Walter Reed Medical Centre. He later added, "Don't let it dominate you. Don't be afraid of it. You're gonna beat it. We have the best medical equipment. We have the best medicines, all developed recently, and you're gonna beat it". pic.twitter.com/OxmRcZ5nUZ Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2020 It must be noted that more than 210,000 Americans have died from coronavirus to date. Also, the 74-year-old US President also received round-the-clock care from a dedicated medical staff. Trump spoke about his own health in the video, "I went, I didn't feel so good, and two days ago, I could have left two days ago. Two days ago, I felt great, like better than I have in a long time. I just said recently, better than twenty years ago." Trump continued, "Don't let it dominate. Don't let it take over your lives. Don't let that happen. We have the greatest country in the world. We're going back. We're going back to work. We're going to be out front. As your leader, I had to do that. I knew there was a danger to it but I had to do it. I stood out front. I led. Nobody that's a leader would do what I did. And I know there's a danger, but that's okay." "And now I'm better. And maybe I'm immune. I don't know. But don't let it dominate your lives. Get out there. Be careful. We have the best medicines in the world. And it all happened very shortly. And they're all getting approved. And the vaccines are coming momentarily. Thank you very much and Walter Reed - what a group of people. Thank you very much," Trump concluded. Yesterday, Trump told aides he was feeling better and insisted on returning. "I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling good!" Trump tweeted on Monday afternoon. "We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs and knowledge," he went on. "I feel better than I did 20 years ago!" Later, Trumps's physician Dr Sean Conley stated the US president left the hospital after receiving a fourth dose of the antiviral drug remdesivir. He will receive the fifth and final dose Tuesday at the White House, Conley added. However, Conley repeatedly declined to share results of medical scans of Trump's lungs, saying he was not at liberty to discuss the information because Trump did not waive doctor-patient confidentiality on the subject. Conley also declined to share the date of Trump's most recent negative test for the virus. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious, and should isolate for at least 10 days. However, Trump was hospitalised due to coronavirus on Friday, October 3. Also read: US polls 2020: Joe Biden requests Trump to support nationwide mask mandate for combating COVID-19 Also read: US Presidential polls: Trump faces credibility crisis over COVID-19 scare Chandigarh: Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala on Tuesday said he has tested positive for coronavirus, adding that he was asymptomatic and feeling alright. Chautala, a JJP leader, urged people who had met him during the past week to get themselves tested. My COVID-19 test report has returned positive. There are no symptoms of COVID-19 like fever etc, but as the report is positive, I am self-isolating," he said in a message on Twitter. Earlier, Chief Minister M L Khattar, some ministers, Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta and a few legislators and MPs from the state had also contracted the infection and later recovered. LONDON The economic crisis of 2020 may not have been as bad as the International Monetary Fund originally thought, but the path ahead will be a "difficult climb," Kristalina Georgieva, the Fund's managing director, said Tuesday. The IMF projected in June a contraction of 4.9% in global GDP (gross domestic product) this year. However, the global economy has ended up performing better than the Fund's expectations in the second and third quarters. This is expected to lead to "a small upward revision" to its growth forecasts which are due to be presented next week. "The picture today is less dire. We now estimate that developments in the second and third quarters were somewhat better than expected," Georgieva, who took the helm of the IMF a year ago, said during a speech in Washington, D.C. She explained that the better-than-expected performance came from "extraordinary policy measures." The global economy is coming back from the depths of the crisis. But this calamity is far from over. Kristalina Georgieva IMF Managing Director "Governments have provided around $12 trillion in fiscal support to households and firms. And unprecedented monetary policy actions have maintained the flow of credit, helping millions of firms to stay in business," she said. The other side of this vast stimulus is the soaring levels of government debt. According to the IMF, global public debt will reach a record high of 100% of GDP this year. "Risks remain high, including from rising bankruptcies and stretched valuations in financial markets. And many countries have become more vulnerable. Their debt levels have increased because of their fiscal response to the crisis and the heavy output and revenue losses," she said. The IMF does not expect the global economy to return to its pre-crisis levels "over the medium term." Andrew Baehr, CFA further expands PremiaLab's North American footprint bringing his extensive investment banking and asset management expertise to the fintech platform dedicated to quantitative investment strategies NEW YORK, LONDON, PARIS and HONG KONG, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PremiaLab announces the appointment of Andrew Baehr, CFA as Head of Institutional Sales in North America. Based in New York, Mr. Baehr will lead the business development of this key market segment. Before joining PremiaLab, Mr. Baehr served a wide range of institutional clients in buy- and sell-side leadership roles at Risk Premium Investments, Credit Suisse, BNP Paribas, Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank. Mr. Baehr has over 20 years' experience in equity derivatives and quantitative investment solutions. He will be responsible to execute and scale PremiaLab's business development initiatives, providing data and analytics solutions to US and Canadian pension funds, foundations, endowments, and insurance companies. Adrien Geliot, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of PremiaLab said, "I am delighted to welcome Andrew to the team. His appointment will strengthen our presence in the region and demonstrates our commitment to expand the markets in which we operate and deliver first class service to both our existing and future clients." The announcement follows recent senior appointments at PremiaLab including Daniel Fields, former Global Head of Markets at Societe Generale, Dr JF Chauwin former Global Head of Multi-Asset Class Solutions at Axioma, Dr Georgios Sittas, former Managing Director at HSBC, Standard Chartered and Lehman Brothers and Dr Vincent Zoonekind former executive at Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs. These appointments reflect PremiaLab's long term strategy to strengthen its presence in key growth markets, building on the success of its data and analytics platform worldwide. Recognized as the reference for data and risk analytics on quantitative strategies, PremiaLab's capital markets infrastructure is currently used by leading asset managers, insurance companies and pensions funds, accelerating their digitalization and enhancing performance and risk control while reducing costs. Mr. Baehr holds a BA in Psychology from Columbia College and an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School. He is a CFA charter holder and holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation. Notes to Editors About PremiaLab PremiaLab is an independent platform providing data, analytics and risk solutions on systematic and factor-based strategies in collaboration with leading investment banks and institutional investors globally. Combining intelligent technology with a unique source of information the platform empowers asset allocators to make better investment decisions whilst achieving utmost time and cost efficiency. With offices in Paris, New York, Hong Kong and Stockholm, its international team is dedicated to supporting a global client base with the most up-to-date risk premia dataset, advanced portfolio construction, performance and risk analytics. The firm has established strong partnerships with the top 15 investments banks, global asset managers, pensions funds and insurance companies. For more information please visit: www.premialab.com. FireEye announced Mandiant Advantage: Threat Intelligence the first SaaS-based offering by Mandiant Solutions to combine its Threat Intelligence with data from the frontlines of its industry-leading cyber incident response engagements, delivered through an easy-to-use management platform. Sandra Joyce, Executive Vice President of Mandiant Threat Intelligence at FireEye, said, For years, Mandiant Threat Intelligence has led the industry with the highest quality reporting that comprehensively details the threat environment, enabling organizations to prioritize threats and manage cyber security risk. We are now making emerging intelligence accessible to all defenders as it is discovered, regardless of the technology they have deployed. Now customers of all sizes have unprecedented access to the depth and breadth of threat intelligence Mandiant offers, appropriate to their budget and unique needs. Access to Mandiant Breach Data, as Active Threats Emerge Mandiant Threat Intelligence provides organizations with information on active threats as they emerge and is the first generally available SaaS offering on the new Mandiant Advantage platform. Mandiant Solutions plans to introduce a family of Mandiant Advantage SaaS offerings to augment and automate global security teams with controls-agnostic, actionable breach, adversary, operational and machine intelligence data from the companys global deployment of product telemetry and the Mandiant front lines. With more than 300 intelligence analysts and researchers, and more than 200,000 hours in 2019 responding to breaches, Mandiant knows more about attackers and the latest threats than any other company in the security industry. Now with Mandiant Advantage: Threat Intelligence, security defenders can access these insights faster and in ways never shared before. By extending this timely look into whats happening across multiple Mandiant frontlines, organizations can more easily prioritize the threats that matter to them most right now. Mandiant Advantage: Threat Intelligence delivers immediate value by making it easy to understand, prioritize, and act upon the emerging insights from Mandiant front lines, according to the cyber threat intelligence lead of a Fortune 100 consulting firm. With just a few clicks weve been able to display dashboards and readouts specific to where we need to focus security defenses. Further, the Advantage visuals help us communicate this knowledge back to our stakeholders and executives in a highly consumable way. Chris Kissel, Research Director, Worldwide Security & Trust Products at IDC, said, Lots of vendors say that they have the leading threat intelligence, however, the focus is typically on inputs. Mandiant Advantage is a divergence from the traditional path. By consolidating expertise backed products and services under Mandiant, customers get a vendor agnostic view into the effectiveness of outcomes. This pairing makes Mandiant truly differentiated. Mandiant Solutions plans to integrate additional capabilities within the Mandiant Advantage platform over time to help augment and automate security teams with Mandiant experience and intelligence. Planned upcoming offerings include Validation On Demand and Malware Analysis as a Service. Accessible Intel When and How Organizations Need It As part of its mission to provide organizations of all sizes with timely, relevant and easy to consume threat insights, Mandiant Solutions is also announcing today the roll out of new subscription pricing and simplified packaging for Mandiant Threat Intelligence aligned to address the most pressing security concerns of organizations of all sizes. In addition to Mandiant Advantage: Threat Intelligence, additional Mandiant Threat Intelligence delivery methods include robust API integrations and a newly released browser plug-in. Whether using threat intelligence for prioritizing vulnerabilities, detection and response, monitoring the dark web, or informing security programs and investments, Mandiant Threat Intelligence has the options to support any organization on their journey to intel-led security. At 8am on April 23, 2008, the then NSW Labor mining minister Ian Macdonald was breakfasting with his Labor MP colleague Eddie Obeid at a Sydney cafe, according to a diary entry tendered in the duo's criminal trial. By June 6, Mr Macdonald was allegedly asking his department to change the boundaries of a potential mining area in the state's Bylong Valley, where the Obeid family owned a coal-rich rural retreat. Moses Obeid (left), Ian Macdonald (centre) and Eddie Obeid (right) are on trial. Credit:Sydney Morning Herald Jamie Gibson, a former chief of staff to Mr Macdonald, gave evidence in the NSW Supreme Court criminal trial of the former MPs on Tuesday that his then-boss asked him in May 2008 to seek information from his department "as soon as possible" about Mount Penny, including how much coal might be in the area. Mr Obeid, his middle son Moses and Mr Macdonald are accused of conspiring to commit misconduct in public office over the grant of a coal exploration licence over the Obeid family's farm at Mount Penny in the Bylong Valley. The trio have pleaded not guilty to the charges and their trial is expected to run until early 2021. Remarks by Angel Gurria OECD Secretary-General 6 October 2020 - OECD, France Dear Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the 7th OECD Forum on Green Finance and Investment. Let me thank our main sponsor, the Government of Japan, for their continuing support for the Forum and OECD work on green finance and investment. I would also like to thank Iberdrola and our other sponsors for their support for this years Forum, as well as media sponsor Responsible Investor.com and its Co-founder, Hugh Wheelan, who joins us again as Chair. The impact of COVID-19 This years Forum inevitably focuses on perspectives for green finance and investment in a COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 world. The pandemic has triggered a health and economic crisis of a magnitude never seen before. Every single OECD economy suffered a sharp drop in economic activity in the second quarter of 2020, with the annualised rate of decline ranging from 12% to as much as 60%. Although the initial rebound from that drop will generally be rapid, it will be only partial. For the full year, our Interim Economic Outlook last month projected that global GDP will fall by 4.5%, by far the worst annual outcome since the creation of the OECD 60 years ago. Moreover, after the initial partial rebound, we expect the rest of the recovery to be a hard slog, at least until an effective vaccine or treatment is found. Many countries will have a prolonged period of high unemployment and widespread hardship. Recovery from the pandemic also has to address the gathering environmental threats The economic impact of the pandemic means that CO2 emissions are expected to drop by around 8% this year. But the IPCC says that they must continue to decline at that rate every year until 2030 if we are to stand a good chance of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. That is much harder to do once growth has resumed, but we need to make it happen. We are also destroying biodiversity and ecosystem services at an unprecedented rate. We have already altered three quarters of the worlds terrestrial surface and two-thirds of the marine environment, while the populations of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles have declined on average by 68% since 1970. Moreover, policies are often exacerbating this situation. For example, OECD analysis shows that, pre-crisis, spending to protect biodiversity was about USD 70-90 billion a year, while government support to activities harmful to biodiversity exceeded USD 500 billion a year. Meanwhile, 70% of energy-related CO2 emissions from advanced and emerging economies are entirely untaxed, and some of the most polluting fuels remain among the least taxed. Some governments have recognised the urgency of these challenges by including green measures in their recovery policy packages, as you can see on the Green Recovery page of the OECDs website. These measures include grants, loans and tax relief directed towards green transport and the circular economy, financial support for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy, and many others. Unfortunately, some countries are implementing measures that are likely to have a negative impact on the environment, such as rolling back existing environmental regulations, unconditional bailouts of emissions-intensive companies and increased subsidies to fossil fuel intensive infrastructure. Policies focused on a low-carbon transition We need to do much more to address these challenges. Public resources committed to green measures must be used strategically to mobilise private capital. Leveraging private investment for infrastructure, for example, is a critical pillar of the transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy, as reflected by the OECD-wide initiative on sustainable infrastructure. But to do this, we need a detailed understanding of where and how investment is taking place today. For the first time, we can offer a granular mapping. A new report, Green Infrastructure in the Decade for Delivery: Assessing Institutional Investment, which is being launched at this Forum, shows that institutional investors hold an estimated USD 1 trillion in infrastructure assets. This may sound like a lot, but it amounts to only 4% of the theoretical limit, given current regulations. Furthermore, only 30% of the one trillion can be attributed to green infrastructure. Much more institutional investment and within that a big shift to investing in green infrastructure is needed. OECD work has identified several things that policy-makers can do to mobilise green and sustainable finance and investment. Let me highlight three: First, improving market clarity: Policymakers need to give assurance to investors by providing precise and consistent definitions of green and sustainable investments. Another new report, Developing sustainable finance definitions and taxonomies, which we are launching at this Forum, maps sustainable finance definitions and taxonomies in the EU, China, Japan, France and the Netherlands. Building on this work, the OECD will develop good practice guidance for the design of taxonomies, other sustainable finance definitions, and related international co-ordination. Second, focusing on transparency to unlock supply of financing, as highlighted in the OECD Business and Finance Outlook that we launched last week. Despite progress to establish standards, such as the OECDs Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, there continues to be a risk of green washing. To meet environmental objectives, policymakers and standard-setters should ensure that sustainable finance contributes positively to the environment. And third, helping the financial sector better assess climate and biodiversity risks, including through scenario analysis; and identifying options to manage those environmental risks across asset classes and investment mandates. Ladies and Gentlemen, The environmental crises that are gathering will not pause while we battle the pandemic. We need to ensure that the way we recover from this crisis does not make the next one worse. We count on you, the policymakers, regulators, investors, experts and civil society representatives, to move this agenda forward. And you can count on the OECD to support you in your efforts. Only by working together can we build back better and achieve a green recovery. Thank you. Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday departed for India for his official visit on an invitation to discuss the peace efforts. Abdullah's visit comes at a time when its government and Taliban are trying to negotiate a deal in order to restore peace. India is a strategic partner of Afghanistan and its role in establishing lasting peace in the war-torn country is vital, said Afghanistan Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday. Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday departed for India for his official visit on an invitation by the Government of India to discuss the peace efforts and the need for regional consensus and support for the Afghan peace process. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation. During this visit, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and deliver a keynote speech at the Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses (IDSA) in New Delhi. Abdullahs visit comes at a time when the Afghanistan government and Taliban are trying to negotiate a deal in order to restore peace in the country. Abdullah Abdullah recently had visited Pakistan and discussed the Afghan peace process with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister, and other Pakistani officials. The peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban began on September 12 in Qatars capital Doha to end decades of war in which tens of thousands have been killed. Violence, however, has not abated in the country even as Afghan negotiators have been engaged in direct talks for the first time. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had participated in the opening ceremony of Afghan peace negotiations in Doha through video conferencing and reiterated that the peace process should be Afghan-led and ensure the interests of minorities and women. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) @SapedarPalace, accompanied by a high-level delegation, officially will visit #India. 1/5#DrAbdullahVisitToIndia#RegionalSupportForPeace Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) October 6, 2020 Also Read: Hathras case: Supreme Court asks UP govt for affidavit on protection of family,witnesses He said that Afghan soil should never be used for carrying out anti-India activities and supported the need for an immediate ceasefire in order to establish long-lasting peace in Afghanistan. On September 25, Jaishankar had met former Afghan Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum and said India remains fully committed to an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process. The Chairman of HCNR during his stay will exchange views with the leadership of the Republic of #India on the #AfghanPeaceProcess, peace talks in Doha, regional support for the process, & overall bilateral relations between the two countries. 3/5 Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) October 6, 2020 Also Read: Health Minister Harsh Vardhan launches Ayush Standard Treatment Protocol Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday sharpened his attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Indias border standoff with China, saying had the UPA been in power, the neighbouring nation would not have dared to look at our country with an evil eye. He also claimed that China had dared to enter India and kill our soldiers as Modi has weakened the country. Further targeting the government over the nearly five-month-long military standoff in eastern Ladakh, Gandhi said during the led UPAs rule, China would not dare to take a step inside our territory, adding had UPA been in power, we would have evicted and thrown out China and it would not have taken 15 minutes to do so. The former Congress president, who reached here from Pehowa to address his final public gathering as part of his Kheti Bachao Yatra, said none of the policies of the Modi government during the last six years were meant to benefit the poor, farmers or labourers. Modi said China has not entered Indian territory. Then how were our 20 jawans killed? Who killed them? he asked while addressing a gathering at Anaj Mandi here late this evening. There is only one nation in the entire world whose land has been usurped and that is India and they call themselves patriots. The prime minister calls himself desh bhakt (patriot) and the whole country knows that Chinas forces are inside our territory, what kind of patriot he is? said Gandhi. The government had earlier termed as mischievous interpretation the Congresss claims that China had occupied Indian territory in eastern Ladakh region. Continuing his attack, Gandhi said, China came inside our territory four months back and how much time will it take to throw them out. I feel till the time the UPA government is not formed, China will continue to occupy the territory, but the day our government (will be in power) we will throw them out, adding Our Army, Air Force would have pushed them back by 100 km. He claimed that the prime minister does not realise the power of the country, its farmers and labourers and is only concerned about his image. He clicks photos and you must have seen the empty tunnel he is waving (referring to inauguration of Atal tunnel a few days ago, he said. Gandhi, who held a series of tractor rallies in Punjab since Sunday to protest the Centres new farm laws, drove a tractor to Haryana, where he held two gatherings, the previous one being in Pehowa. Senior Congress leaders including Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kumari Selja, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Kuldeep Bishnoi, Kiran Choudhary, Ajay Singh Yadav and Deepender Singh Hooda also accompanied Gandhi during his programmes in Haryana. The Haryana leg of his tractor rally got delayed by more than two hours after state authorities stopped a large number of Congress workers from Punjab who were accompanying him from Patiala to the inter-state border. However, later Gandhi along with few Congress leaders was allowed to enter Haryana, where a large number of party workers accompanied him during his tractor rally. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The desire to rebuild the Soviet Union was the Kremlin's major tragic mistake with regard to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is convinced the Kremlin seeks to bring back the Soviet Union. "The Kremlin has a desire to bring back the Soviet Union. We are very well aware of this," Zelensky said in an interview with Politico Europe, as reported by the President's Office. "It seemed to them that, for example, in Dnipro and Dnipropetrovsk region, where most residents speak Russian, they would also join Russian politics, escalate the conflict and split in Ukraine. This is the region where I was born. And I'd like to say it's great patriots of Ukraine that live there," he said. Zelensky believes the desire to rebuild the Soviet Union was the Kremlin's major tragic mistake with regard to Ukraine. "To return the relationship between people... I do not know how many years it takes and whether it is possible on principle today... People who used to love were driven to a state where they hate. This is where this erroneous policy of being willing to bring back the Soviet Union led. I'm sure this won't happen anyway. Ukraine will never trade its independence for anything," the president added. Zelensky's statements: Other stories - Banks and telecom providers contribute 70% of total brand value - HungerStation is the youngest brand and only lifestyle platform in the Top 30 - Innovation presents a significant growth opportunity for Emirati and Saudi brands DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Identifying the most valuable brands in the region, the inaugural BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands 2020 ranking was released today by WPP and Kantar. With a combined value of $50 billion, the ranking includes consumer-facing brands from across a range of categories, from food to energy, which reflect the changing lifestyles and attitudes within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. The brands featured in the new BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands ranking 2020 are based on the unique and objective BrandZ brand valuation methodology that combines extensive and on-going consumer insights with rigorous financial analysis. For this study, over 12,000 consumers were interviewed about 343 brands across 19 categories. Telecom providers and banks contribute 70% ($35 billion) of the combined brand value of the Top 30. Saudi telecom giant, STC is the most valuable brand, worth $9.7 billion, topping the ranking due to its scale and strength, as well as bold new communications initiatives and a strong sense of brand purpose. As well as providing telecom services, it has made efforts to promote opportunities for women, young people and those with disabilities. With its focus on customer experience, Etisalat ($5.2 billion) is the second most valuable brand. The telecoms company focuses on how technology enriches people's lives, communicated through its "Together Matters" tagline and Smiles loyalty scheme. Al Rajhi Bank ($4.7 billion) and FAB ($3.9 billion) are no. 3 and no. 4, out of the 13 banking brands in the Top 30. Emirates ($3 billion) completes the top five with the highest brand equity of the Top 30 brands. The only airline in the ranking, Emirates has successfully integrated online and offline services for a seamless customer experience, while pioneering sustainable measures. HungerStation (no. 25; $488 million) is the youngest brand in this inaugural ranking and the only lifestyle platform in the Top 30. Its success shows the importance of understanding the market, from what people eat to how they shop, as well as the effectiveness of targeting different consumer groups with different communications. During the coronavirus pandemic the brand offered free delivery of groceries and pharmacy products to its customers. Knowing the importance of local cuisine in people's lives has propelled two food brands, Almarai (no. 6; $2.8 billion) and Saudia (no. 30; $290 million) into the ranking. Accounting for 6% of the Top 30's value, both brands have expanded from their original dairy business, although this remains their primary focus because of its prominence in regional dishes. Real estate brand Emaar (no. 9; $1.8 billion) has put innovation at the forefront of its customer experience by developing the Emaar ONE app to allow homeowners to fully manage their property from their phone. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) (no. 11, $1.7 billion) has successfully expanded its oil and gas operations across the region to meet the challenges of an ever-changing energy market. Many brands have adapted their communications to reflect the developing role of women in the region and in the corporate world. Banks in particular have placed women at the heart of their brand building efforts, including Riyad Bank (no. 13; $1.0 billion) which offers specialised banking services with professional women-only staff. Samba (no.15; $901 million) offers dedicated branches for women and became the first banking group with a female CEO in Saudi Arabia. David Roth, CEO of The Store WPP, EMEA and Asia and Chairman of BrandZ, said: "In this first BrandZ ranking to cover Emirati and Saudi brands, it's clear that there are huge opportunities in the region for brands that can adapt to new and dynamic markets and meet fast-changing consumer needs. Creating value by developing meaningfully different, valuable and responsible brands in the region is good for consumers, economies, businesses, employers and shareholders alike." BrandZ Top 10 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands 2020 Rank 2020 Brand Valuation Category Brand Value 2020 (USD mil) 1 STC Telecom Providers 9,673 2 Etisalat Telecom Providers 5,169 3 Al Rajhi Bank Banks 4,732 4 FAB Banks 3,918 5 Emirates Travel Services 2,996 6 Almarai Food 2,784 7 NCB Banks 2,017 8 Jarir Bookstore Retail 1,861 9 Emaar Real Estate 1,826 10 Mobily Telecom Providers 1,715 Amol Ghate, CEO Middle East, Insights Division, Kantar: "Our first Top 30 ranking is reflective of the diversity and dynamic nature of life within the UAE and Saudi Arabia. We see brands that have a long history in the region, as well as new and upcoming brands that are influencing the way we live, shop, eat and travel. It's an exciting time as new innovative brands collide with old, but what they have in common is a desire to meet the demands of a changing society. At the same time, brands have had to adapt quickly during the global pandemic to meet customer needs and support local communities at a time of crisis." Other key trends in the BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands ranking: Closing the innovation gap - improving perceptions of innovation is a significant opportunity for brands to drive brand value growth and to connect with new generations of customers. With no pure-play technology companies in the Top 30, there is a big opportunity for brands to step into the breach and capitalise on digital connectivity and meet changing consumer behaviour, such as the move to online shopping - improving perceptions of innovation is a significant opportunity for brands to drive brand value growth and to connect with new generations of customers. With no pure-play technology companies in the Top 30, there is a big opportunity for brands to step into the breach and capitalise on digital connectivity and meet changing consumer behaviour, such as the move to online shopping Disruptive and emerging brands are knocking on the door of the Top 30, including challenger brand Noon, which uses innovative geo-tagging technology to deliver products to exactly the right place, adding grocery to its existing portfolio to expand its base during the pandemic. Ride-hailing app, Careem has evolved its range of services including online grocery, while CAFU, the most disruptive brand in the region and scoring high on 'difference', is offering the first petrol delivery application and has customised its offerings to different types of customers. In addition, Saudi brand Albaik is shaking up fast food with its 'must-have' broasted chicken are knocking on the door of the Top 30, including challenger brand which uses innovative geo-tagging technology to deliver products to exactly the right place, adding grocery to its existing portfolio to expand its base during the pandemic. Ride-hailing app, has evolved its range of services including online grocery, while the most disruptive brand in the region and scoring high on 'difference', is offering the first petrol delivery application and has customised its offerings to different types of customers. In addition, Saudi brand is shaking up fast food with its 'must-have' broasted chicken Brand purpose is an untapped opportunity for brands in the region to increase brand value further. Companies like HungerStation, Emirates, Albaik and Almaria all score highly on the BrandZ Purpose Index. While purpose is not about 'saving the world', brands are recognising that even small steps can make a big difference with consumers The BrandZ strong brand portfolios have consistently outperformed the market, including the S&P 500 and MSCI World Index. This validates the role of marketing and brand-building investment to support recovery at a critical time for businesses. The BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands report and ranking and extensive analysis are available online here and via BrandZ.com. The reports, rankings, charts, articles and more can also be accessed through the BrandZ app, which is free to download for Apple IOS and all Android devices from http://www.brandz.com/mobile or by searching for BrandZ in the iTunes or Google Play app stores. About the 2020 BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands Commissioned by WPP and Kantar, the valuation behind the BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands was conducted by brand equity research experts Kantar. The methodology mirrors that used to calculate the annual BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking, which is now in its 15th year. The ranking combines rigorously analysed market data from Bloomberg with extensive consumer insights from over 3.8 million consumers around the world, covering more than 17,801 different brands in over 51 markets - including opinions from over 12,000 consumers across Saudi Arabia and UAE on over 343 brands in 19 categories. Grounded in consumer opinion, BrandZTM analysis enables businesses to identify their brand's strength in the market and provides clear strategic guidance on how to boost value for the long-term. The BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands is the most definitive and robust ranking of the region's brands available, and the brands ranked must meet three eligibility criteria: The brand originated in the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia or The brand is owned by an enterprise listed on a credible stock exchange or by a private enterprise with its complete financial statements available in public domain For banks, a minimum of 30% of its operating income should be generated by its retail segment The suite of BrandZTM brand valuation rankings and reports currently includes Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru), The Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US. Access a suite of customised reports and data packages from BrandZ via BrandZ.com https://www.kantar.com/marketplace/solutions/brand-insights About Kantar Kantar is the world's leading evidence-based insights and consulting company. We have a complete, unique and rounded understanding of how people think, feel and act; globally and locally in over 90 markets. By combining the deep expertise of our people, our data resources and benchmarks, our innovative analytics and technology, we help our clients understand people and inspire growth. For more information, visit www.kantar.com About WPP WPP is a creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, clients and communities. For more information, visit www.wpp.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/780424/Kantar_Logo.jpg The war between Azerbaijan Republic and Armenia, two neighboring countries of Iran, and the occurrence of some developments, including the entry of the Zionist regime, Turkey and Takfiri terrorist groups into this war and the occasional firing of bullets and mortars into Iranian territory in this battle are among the issues of concern that must be stopped as soon as possible, Mehr reported referring to the top adviser to the leader of the Islamic revolution for international affairs. Referring to the conflicts between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Ali Akbar Velayati noted: "We respect the territorial integrity of all nations, which is one of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We, as a member of the United Nations, insist on this principle, especially since these two countries are our northern neighbors," he added. "We are neighbors with Armenia and have a long common history in the neighborhood. We do not want neither Armenians nor Azeris to be killed; Both Muslims and Christians must be completely safe," he said. "We strongly believe that peace will be established in the interests of both countries." The Board of Trustees of the Environmental Rights Development Foundation (ERDF) has announced the appointment of Chima Williams as Acting Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) following the disengagement of Godwin Uyi Ojos executive directorship effective from October 3, 2020. The Board took the decision at an emergency meeting held on October 3, 2020. Mr Williams appointment takes effect from October 5, 2020. In a statement by the Board Chairman of ERDF, Nnimmo Bassey, the Board said it appreciates the work that the former executive director did while in the organization and wishes him well in his future endeavors. We remain hopeful and excited for the next chapter of ERA/FoEN. Until his appointment, Mr Williams was Head of Legal Resources/Democracy Outreach of ERA/FoEN. He is a legislative and policy change advocate who believes in globally enforceable environmental and human rights standards by all business operators to ensure respect for the environmental and human rights of local communities, the statement said. A lawyer, Mr Williams is President, Green Alliance Nigeria and is in his second term as an Editorial Board Member of Business and Human Rights Journal published by Cambridge University Press, London. He is Country Focal Person and Regional Chairman, Publicity Committee of Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa, among other positions he holds. Mr Williams has utilized campaigns, advocacy, mobilization, policy and legislative interventions and litigation at both national and trans-national spheres to contribute towards the protection of citizens rights, especially against the destructive practices of the extractive industry. He was the Nigerian Lawyer to the Ikebiri Kingdom in their case against the Multi-National Oil Company ENI/NAOC in Milan, Italy, where the King of Ikebiri Community sued NAOC-ENI for environmental disaster in his community. The case was settled out of court with the Ikebiri people gaining enormous benefits from the company. He is currently involved in monitoring the implementation of an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Complaint Process following the successful outcome in the complaint of Egbema Voice of Freedom & 2 Others Vs. ENI/NAOC in Aggah Community of Rivers State. This process involves the removal of perennial flooding occurrences that have ravaged the community for over 40 years. He is the Principal Partner of Chima Williams & Associates a Nigerian Law Firm. He is a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria with over 19 years of litigation experience in the areas of human/environmental rights, livelihoods protection/defence, land rights, property rights, criminal and civil litigations. Just like many Australians, MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo has been separated from members of his family since the borders between several states were slammed shut. And now the father-of-four has spoken about his agony over not being able to see his eldest daughter, Ava. The 19-year-old lives in Sydney, which is a world away from the adopted Adelaide home of the 44-year-old, or the MasterChef HQ in Melbourne. Junior MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo (left) has revealed his desire to see his 19-year-old daughter, Ava (right) after the pair were separated throughout the coronavirus pandemic Jock revealed his desire to travel interstate to visit his beloved first born, who is the older sister to Sophia, 14, and stepsister to Alfie, two. He said he aimed to travel back when the world 'returns to normal'. '[I want to] fly to Sydney and see my daughter,' he told New Idea. The close bond Jock shares with Ava has been prevalent on social media, with the celebrity chef sharing multiple pictures of the pair. Close: The close bond Jock shares with Ava has been prevalent on social media, with the celebrity chef sharing multiple pictures of the pair The loving father has publicly celebrated several big occasions, including Ava's Year 12 father-daughter dinner, her 17th birthday and a family holiday involving Sophia. 'First time I've been able to take both my amazing daughters on holiday at the same time,' Jock wrote in a post in April 2017. Milestones: The loving father has publicly celebrated several big occasions, including Ava's Year 12 father-daughter dinner, her 17th birthday and a family holiday involving Sophia The doting dad will soon welcome his fourth child with his third wife, Lauren Fried. The couple announced they were expecting their second child together earlier this year, and the bundle of joy is due to arrive any day. The pregnancy has been a bit of a whirlwind for the couple, who were forced to separate due to COVID-19 and filming MasterChef in Melbourne. Growing brood: Jock will soon welcome his fourth child with his third wife, Lauren Fried (left). The couple announced they were expecting their second child together earlier this year, and are already parents to Alfie, 2 (right) 'We had to spend five weeks apart because I was in Melbourne filming MasterChef and she and the kids isolated at our place in Adelaide because it has acreage,' Jock told Now To Love in May. 'I've never been away from my wife for more than a night. 'I've never been happier to see everybody than when we got to reunite recently.' Pamp's Red Zone Bar and Grill in West Seneca, New York. Google Maps Rocco Sapienza, 80, died four days after being shoved to the ground during a confrontation at a bar near Buffalo, New York, on September 26. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn announced on Monday that Donald Lewinski, 65, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in Sapienza's death. Flynn said Lewinski shoved Sapienza to the ground after Sapienza criticized him for not wearing a mask while at the bar. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. A 65-year-old man in upstate New York is facing a criminally negligent homicide charge tied to an incident in which an 80-year-old man died after a physical confrontation about face masks, according to the Erie County district attorney. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said in a press conference on Monday that Donald Lewinski shoved Rocco Sapienza to the ground during am altercation at Pamp's Red Zone Bar and Grill in West Seneca, near Buffalo, on September 26. Sapienza died on September 30. Flynn said the day of the confrontation, Lewinski was not wearing a mask as he bought beers for a band that was playing outside the bar. Flynn said Sapienza, who was sitting at the bar, had criticized Lewinski, saying he treated bar staff poorly and should be regularly wearing a mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. After an "initial confrontation" that was defused, Flynn said, Sapienza walked back over to Lewinski to further confront him. Flynn said Lewinski stood up from his barstool and shoved Sapienza to the ground. "He was pretty much in an unresponsive condition right away. He went into a seizure right away there on the floor of the bar," Flynn said. Sapienza was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment but was unresponsive until he died on September 30. A preliminary autopsy showed Sapienza died from blunt force trauma to the head, Flynn said. Flynn said prosecutors have no knowledge that Sapienza and Lewinski knew each other before the altercation, but bar staff told investigators that both men were regulars at the establishment. Story continues Sapienza's stepson, Robert Graziano, told The Buffalo News that his stepfather's death was "senseless." "He could fill a room with his personality," Graziano said of Sapienza. "He loved to talk to people." Lewinski is set to be arraigned at 5 p.m. on Tuesday in West Seneca Town Court, The Buffalo News reported. Lewinski's attorney, Barry Covert, told the outlet his client plans to plead not guilty. "It's certainly a tragedy that Mr. Sapienza passed away," Covert said. "My client and his family want to express their best wishes and sympathy to the family of Mr. Sapienza." Read the original article on Insider A Chevrolet Bolt, the company's electric vehicle, is fitted with a battery at a GM assembly plant in Michigan. Automakers are preparing for a sea change in consumer acceptance of EVs. (Duane Burleson / Associated Press) It was Friday morning, and eight members of the sales staff at Felix Chevrolet were gathered around the table for a weekly seminar led by Darryl Holter, the boss of the venerable downtown Los Angeles dealership. This may be one of the more unusual educational efforts in Southern California. The students get weekly reading assignments, on which they're quizzed, just as in regular schools. But the topic is unusual: how to sell customers on electric cars. The working-class Latinos who make up Felix's core market haven't been early adopters of novel products such as EVs. The obstacles include the perception that EVs are more expensive than conventional cars that's true, before government and retailer incentives are counted. I want them to know what distinguishes an electric car, I want them to talk about the rebates and other programs so they can line up the price points closer to that of a gasoline car. I want to be able to put the customer at ease. Darryl Holter, Felix Chevrolet They're also skimpier on range. While a gasoline car can run 350 miles or more on a single fill-up, EVs generally run about 200 to 250 miles before needing a charge, and charging stations are harder to find than gas stations, especially in working-class neighborhoods. The point is to emphasize the less understood advantages of EVs. "We point out that maintenance is very low," says Janet Lopez, one of the sales staff attending Holter's seminars. "There are no oil changes when you bring the car in you just have to rotate the tires and check the battery." Holter is convinced that the EV wave is coming. So he tapped this group of salespersons to give them the tools to meet a growing demand. "They're younger, they're less experienced in the car business, but they're savvier about social media," Holter told me. "I want them to know what distinguishes an electric car. I want them to talk about the rebates and other programs so they can line up the price points closer to that of a gasoline car. I want to be able to put the customer at ease." Story continues By many accounts, it has taken the American auto dealer community too long to understand the challenges that may be holding buyers back. Except perhaps for Tesla, consumer awareness of EVs has remained low. The Sierra Club issued a disillusioned report in 2016, after it sent 174 volunteers into auto showrooms in California and nine other states with zero-emission vehicle sales mandates. The volunteers reported that EVs were often hard to find on showroom floors and that vehicles designated for test drives were often left without adequate charges. Sales staff often failed to explain the government subsidies that could bring down the vehicles' prices by as much as one-third and weren't well-versed in the features of the cars or how to operate them. There are few signs that things have improved much since then. The reluctance of auto dealers to stock and sell EVs has been an article of faith for years. Auto manufacturers tend to blame EVs' small share of the overall market on consumers, who they say gravitate toward bigger, heavier cars and SUVs and shun smaller, nimbler EVs. Dealers say they're willing to sell whatever consumers want to buy. But they also say that consumer preferences reflect dynamic factors in the marketplace, including the price of gasoline, and that the auto industry hasn't been especially skilled at anticipating those factors. "When gas prices went up, everyone wanted compacts," Holter recalls. "Then when they stopped going up anymore, we were stuck with all this inventory." Dealers may also be wary of EVs because they know that the advanced vehicles are destined to upend their traditional business model. "Very few dealers make money selling new cars," says Howard Drake, the owner of Casa Automotive Group which includes Casa de Cadillac and Subaru, GMC and Buick dealerships, all in Sherman Oaks. "You make all your margin fixing cars" that is, through repair and warranty service. The maintenance costs of EVs are as much as one-third lower than those of conventional cars, however, because they have fewer moving parts or mechanical systems that are expensive to fix or replace, such as transmissions. (The largest potential cost, which is replacing the battery, doesn't factor in until relatively late in an EV's life; the warranty on the Bolt's battery covers eight years or 100,000 miles.) "One of the problems with the business model," Drake told me, "is that if you take away the service, the cost of the car is going to have to go up just because the warranty charges subsidize the front end. Guys are going to have to make more selling an EV because they're going to make less fixing it." Drake, who describes himself as "way more progressive than most dealers on EVs" and autonomous vehicles, expects the physical footprint of auto dealerships to shrink as they cut back their service departments. That could be a source of revenue for those that own their locations. "A lot of this really expensive real estate will be repurposed somehow." Dealers such as Drake and Holter a member of a dealer advisory council on EVs for General Motors believe that one thing holding back EV sales is a lack of inventory. "Every month we've sold every Bolt we have and asked for more," Holter says. Many prospective Bolt buyers are well-versed in the car's features by the time they walk in the door, but they typically represent the core market for EVs they're relatively affluent and educated, and have access to charging because they live in single-family housing. Expanding the market means reaching out to a new customer base for EVs. Addressing those challenges is Holter's goal in bringing his staff together for the weekly seminars. "The idea is to make them confident to answer questions people have," Holter says. "The more they can do that, the more we can break into the large market of people who haven't bought EVs." A knowledgeable sales force is key because EV buying and ownership involve complexities that don't exist with conventional cars. EV owners need to think about time-of-use rates from the electrical utilities, allowing them to charge their vehicles during lower-priced off-peak hours. There's a dizzying variety of rebates. The standard California state subsidy is $2,000 on a Bolt, but $4,500 for families with income less than 300% of the federal poverty line, or $78,600 for a family of four. The federal tax credit of up to $7,500 has phased out for GM cars such as the Bolt because the company sold more than 200,000 EVs, but other subsidies and rebates are available from General Motors, utilities and retailers such as Costco; Dwayne Chew, one of Holter's sales staff, says that he has managed to cobble together breaks worth as much as $12,000 for customers. Then there's driving technique, a consideration irrelevant to owners of gasoline-powered cars. The Bolt has a feature known as regenerative braking, which reduces wear and tear on the friction brakes while generating electricity to charge the battery. The feature works best in stop-and-go traffic. Chew, who drives a Bolt to Felix from his home in Carson, says that by taking surface streets he can reduce the need to recharge his car to as seldom as once a week. "I tell my customers, 'You need to drive the car a lot smarter.'" Sell smarter too. Even within big automakers such as General Motors, executives are becoming convinced that a wave of EV ownership is coming, and the industry is standing on the edge of the water. Dealers are coming around to the idea that the time has come to get their feet wet. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Nonstop political rants have nearly two-thirds of Americans wanting to cover their ears and hide under a rock 27 days before the election, according to the Pew Research Centers yearlong Election News Pathways project. For those exhausted by endless news reports, Hotels.com is offering a respite: Stay in a cave 50 feet underground in New Mexico from Nov. 27. The cost: $25 for five days, available on a first-come, first-served basis at Hotels.com/page/underarock starting at 6 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. The off-the-grid abode will allow you to cast your ballot early then hide in a cave where you can turn off talkative TV pundits and calls from nervous friends. When you emerge, the election results may or may not be clear. Political fatigue is real regardless of the year or election, said Josh Belkin, vice president of Hotels.com in a news release. Were transforming an age-old idiom into a bookable experience, so individuals can relax, recharge and recover... because who knows what else 2020 has in store for us. Before you book a room anywhere, check for the most current travel recommendations and best practices to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. In Oregon, the information is at govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19. Also read 10 things to consider before going back outside during the coronavirus pandemic in Oregon. Each vacation rental should state its contactless, safety and disinfecting protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. More Places to Live Under a Rock Bedrock Homestead inside Escalante National Monument has no internet. Airbnb Surprisingly, there are many places to live under a rock. Heres a sampling: Bedrock Homestead inside Escalante National Monument: Relish staying in a private room in a cave house isolated on 40 acres of farmland. There is no internet and youll need to arrive in an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Details: Accommodates five guests Two bedrooms One bathroom Around $325 a night on average, depending on travel dates Beckham Creek Cave Lodge in Parthenon, Arizona has natural cave walls encasing a honeymoon suite and luxe features.TripAdvisor Beckham Creek Cave Lodge in Parthenon, Arizona: The 5,600-square-foot lodge with a waterfall in the living room sits on 256 remote acres in the Ozark Mountains. The cavern was transformed into a high-end retreat with natural cave walls encasing a honeymoon suite and luxe features. Details: Accommodates 12 guests Four bedrooms Four bathrooms Around $1,200 a night on average, depending on travel dates Rock House at Happy Canyon Ranch Monthly Rental has 360-degree views of 20 preserved acres.Airbnb Historic Rock House in Palm Springs: The bungalow in Happy Canyon Ranch is a monthly rental where you can absorb 360-degree views of 20 preserved acres. The hillside setting is in the Araby Cove neighborhood known as a wind-free zone. Details: Accommodates two guests One bedroom One bathroom Around $175 a night on average, depending on travel dates Rock Reach House was profiled in Dwell magazine.Airbnb Rock Reach House in Yucca Valley, California: The modern steel house, profiled in Dwell magazine, is in the High Desert surrounded by boulders, ancient juniper, pinon and desert oak trees. Details: Accommodates four guests Two bedrooms One bathroom Around $577 a night on average, depending on travel dates Hotels.com is offering a 20% off for other select properties with rock in the name. Use the code UnderARock at checkout beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. Rocky Gap Casino & Resort in Flintstone, Maryland is adjacent to Rocky Gap State Park.Hotels.com Rocky Gap Casino & Resort in Flintstone, Maryland: The 3-star hotel in yes, Flintstone, with three restaurants is adjacent to Rocky Gap State Park. Details: There are 216 smoke-free guest rooms Around $89 a night on average, depending on travel dates. Use the code UnderARock at checkout Sky Rock Inn of Sedona in Sedona, Arizona: The mountain hotel has an outdoor pool near Sedona Art Center.Hotels.com Sky Rock Inn of Sedona in Sedona, Arizona: The mountain hotel has an outdoor pool and is near Sedona Art Center. Details: 109 smoke-free guest rooms Around $189 a night on average, depending on travel dates. Use the code UnderARock at checkout --Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072 jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman Over Labor Day weekend, a powerful windstorm swept across the hot, drought-stricken Oregon landscape, sparking an outbreak of destructive and deadly wildfires. In the traumatic days that followed, something else destructive began spreading wildly: conspiracy theories. While scientists say human-caused climate change helped lay the groundwork for these historic wildfires, climate science deniers helped fan the flames of conspiracies about how they started. In a year of compounding crises, those who reject the reality of climate change are part of a network of fringe communities, including anti-vaccine activists and QAnon, that are intersecting and connecting online like never before. Bolstered by these connections, climate deniers are amplifying mis- and disinformation thats spilling over dangerously into a world literally on fire. (And in case youve been distracted by recent political events: There are still active fires in California and Oregon.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take the Canadian advocacy group Friends of Science, a small nonprofit society (it has a budget of about $113,000 and nearly 38,000 Twitter followers) that incorrectly blames the sun for driving climate change while unironically claiming its goal is to educate the public about climate science. On Sept. 13, as Oregon officials were already beating back misinformation about the wildfires, Friends of Science repeatedly retweeted a bogus Twitter confession claiming that antifa groups had collaborated to start the fires in order to draw attention to climate change. Amid such claims of arson and looting, armed vigilante patrols in Northwest Oregon began setting up illegal roadblocks, intimidating both families fleeing from fires and journalists reporting on them. In Southern Oregon, a county sheriffs office asked the public on Sept. 10 to stop overwhelming 911 dispatchers with calls about an untrue rumor that six antifa members had been arrested for starting fires in Douglas County. Local officials and the FBI forcefully rebutted claims of politically motivated arson in Oregons wildfires. But the loosely organized movement of left-wing activists has become a favorite right-wing boogeyman and frequent target for President Donald Trump, especially as racial justice protests gained steam over the summer and in Portland. As the wildfires raged in Oregon, and the rest of the West Coast, this conspiracy about antifa morphed into a new and dangerous form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like some of the conspiracy theories are manifesting in the real world as anti-mask protests, says Kate Starbird, a researcher with the University of Washington who has tracked the explosion of online disinformation about COVID-19, here theyre manifesting as roadblocks and people threatening others with guns. After sharing versions of the antifa arson conspiracy multiple times, Friends of Science retweeted other mentions of arson in the Pacific Northwest, even minor ones. An intentional brush fire thats quickly extinguished or a fire at the site of the Portland protests somehow becomes a way to dismiss the entire climate crisis. As misinformation researcher Claire Wardle points out, The most effective disinformation has always been that which has a kernel of truth to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another issue likely at play here is confirmation biasthe tendency for people to accept new information that confirms their existing beliefs and worldviews. That bias could leave some people susceptible to alternative explanations, like Trump blaming poor land management for the fires severitya strategy that has been convincing for many on the right. And as people go through a process that Starbird describes as collective sense-making, they search for evidence that explains the crisis they are enduring. If there are two competing theories emerging from the sense-making process, says Starbird, people might be more drawn to the ones that align with their preexisting beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Given that climate deniers are more likely to ascribe to conspiracy theories in general, reject expert knowledge, and distrust institutions, its easier to understand their embrace of the ideas that scientists are duping the public over human-caused climate change or that left-wing arsonists are at work in Oregons fires. If the scientific community says human-caused global warming is exacerbating wildfires, how do you explain that? says George Mason University climate communication researcher John Cook. Theyre either all wrong in the same direction accidentally, or theyre all colluding to deceive us. [Science deniers] opt for the latter. Advertisement Advertisement Conspiracies that arsonists were behind the West Coasts wildfires also gloss over the science itself. Climate change is not so much the match thats lighting these catastrophic fires; its creating the extra-friendly conditions for the tinder to burn more, and more intensely, no matter what ignites it. That goes back to Starbirds point about sense-making: If conspiracy theorists are looking for an explanation for the unprecedented wildfires, the role of climate change may not jibe with their existing beliefsbut the idea of antifa arsonists does. But climate science deniers trying to wield arson like a bludgeon against the climate crisis is sadly not even unique to this year. (Nor are conspiracies about antifa invasions in rural Oregon.) In January, Australia was similarly consumed by both catastrophic fires and pernicious conspiracies from the far-right that those fires were started by a rash of arsonists, including ecoterrorists using a false flag operation to stoke fears about climate change. Sound familiar? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was for Daniel Angus, a digital communications researcher at Queensland University of Technology who tracked the role of roughly 300 Twitter bots in spreading this disinformation in Australia under the hashtag #ArsonEmergency. Months later, he and his colleagues watched with dread the scale of the wildfires building in the Western U.S. We all figured it was a matter of time before we saw a repeat of the disinformation campaigns as well, he says. Angus characterized both situations as an attempt to deflect from the important connection between the severity of these fires and the growing impacts of human-induced climate change. When I pointed out to Friends of Science that the antifa fires confession was fake, communications manager Michelle Stirling thanked me for flagging that the original account had been suspended and proceeded to share information on humans as the primary cause of wildfires and the importance of managing fuel loads in forests. However, to date, Friends of Sciences retweets and reply to the fake antifa confession have not been deleted. Advertisement Its extremely difficult to figure out whether a group or individual is cherry-picking examples of arson in Oregon or Australia in order to promote a political objective or because those represent genuine beliefs bolstered by biased thinking; the two often look practically identical. Someone who cherry-picks with the intent to deceive looks just like someone with confirmation bias. E.g., intentional deception looks just like self-deception, according to Cook. Its a nauseating cycle of disinformation, one that will keep spinning as advocates of different conspiracy theories egg one another on. Advertisement Advertisement Recently, Melissa Ryan, CEO of consulting firm CARD Strategies, which works with clients to counter disinformation, was involved with a research project that found a vocal group of climate science deniers has begun regularly engaging online with QAnon, the baseless conspiracy theory that a deep state cabal of global elite pedophiles is plotting to overthrow Trump. QAnon adherents follow messages from an anonymous leader Q, who has begun targeting climate action as a scam. Recently, Q referenced a tweet by Paul Romero, a failed Republican U.S. Senate candidate for Oregon. In his tweet, Romero repeated misinformation blaming the states fires on antifa arsonistsand then refused to delete the tweet even after admitting it was not 100% accurate. The QAnon community helped his false tweet about the fires go viral. Friends of Science is among those retweeting QAnon accounts, often animal videos. As with any random account, we sometimes retweet things we think might interest our followers. We also retweet cartoons, says Stirling, in reply to questions about whether the group supports QAnon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The climate denial communitys slide toward the increasingly conspiratorial worries Ryan. That, combined with the flood of disinformation coming out of a volatile protest scene in Portland and Trumps messages targeting antifa, amounts to what she calls a perfect storm of horrible. Add to that storm a boost from someone with a massive platform, like podcaster and comedian Joe Rogan. In an episode released Sept. 17, Rogan repeated a version of the left-wing arson conspiracy to his millions of listeners. While he quickly apologized for spreading this misinformation, he has a history of interviewing conspiracy theorists including the notorious Alex Jones (though Rogan has also argued with a guest over her climate denial). Whether people like Rogan or climate deniers sincerely believe in the conspiracy theories theyre sharing about forest firehappy anarchists almost matters less than the fact that theyre willing to amplify such misinformation. There are a lot of people who dont necessarily totally believe it, but they believe it just enough to spread it because it aligns with their political objectives, says Starbird, who specifically studies the dissemination of disinformation during crisis events. (Shes very busy this year.) And because corrections rarely travel as far as the original message, moves like Rogans risk continuing to pull in what Starbird calls the unwitting crowd. By ignorantly passing along conspiracies and disinformation, such people may end up endangering their communities by forcing first responders to spend precious resources handling the fallout of such rumors. As Ryan pointed out, dealing with this is now part of their job and frankly makes them less safe. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Etihad Airways, the national carrier for the UAE, is offering federal government employees up to 15% off flights with the launch of its UAE Government Employee Travel Programme. Travellers who enrol into the programme for free will be able to check in at Abu Dhabi International Airport using a dedicated counter and will receive 15kg additional baggage allowance. When travelling to the US or Canada, travellers can bring an extra bag weighing up to 23kg in Economy and up to 32kg in Business and First class. Duncan Bureau, Senior Vice President Sales and Distribution, Etihad Airways said: We are delighted to partner with the UAE Government to offer its employees exclusive travel discounts, benefits and rewards. Whether booking for business or leisure, we hope this new travel programme will encourage more residents to start flying again. Additional benefits include up to 10% off Etihad Holidays packages and access to exclusive discounts with preferred partners. TradeArabia News Service Nicolas Aznavourco-founder of Aznavour Foundation, chairman of its board of trustees, and son of world-renowned French-Armenian musician, the late Charles Aznavourhas addressed a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron. "The last days were full of pain and deep concern for the whole Armenian nation. The Armenian people are again in danger and, as in [the Armenian Genocide in] 1915, they have to fight for their existence today, too. Armenian position-holders bravely guard the country's borders, but the battles are fierce and the casualtiesnumerous. I appeal to you once again as a person and a leader who is not afraid to tell the truth and for whom human values are paramount. (). The support of you and the French people is very important to us [Armenians]. I ask you to take active steps for the salvation of our peopleby recognizing the Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] Republic as a sovereign state that will be able to benefit from the provisions of international law. I ask you to impose economic sanctions on Azerbaijan and Turkey for their crimes, as well as to put pressure on the UN to put in place mechanisms to restore peace in the region. I believe in you and your being a person of principle (). Armenia is the stronghold of civilization which must be defended," Nicolas Aznavours letter to Emmanuel Macron reads, in particular. India is called the land of spirituality and the divine, and people have found several ways of connecting with this divinity. The subcontinent is home to people from several religions and faiths coexisting together, and we have all been witness to how spirituality plays out for believers. One such community of believers can be found outside the Dadhichi Rishi ashram, situated on the banks of Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, every Thursday, where they congregate to offer prayers and make wishes at the shrine of Aghori Dada. TOI But what makes this place of worship more special than most others, is the unique prayer offering that is made here. The offerings to the saint come in the form of cigarettes and roses, which are presented by devotees in the hopes of getting their wishes fulfilled. Even in the middle of the pandemic, the custom has been kept alive and people have been visiting the shrine regularly to make their offerings. However, if reports are to be believed, the trust overlooking the shrine have said that the cigarettes and roses cannot be expensive. needpix (Representative Image) Whether a person comes in a luxurious car or by foot, the same cheap brand of cigarette is offered to Aghori Dada. People cannot offer expensive cigarettes here," Hitesh Sevak, the managing trustee of the Dudhadhari Mahadev Trust, told TOI. He also added that earlier offerings like Charas and Ganja were made to the Aghoris, but that stopped when use of these items were prohibited under the law. The devotees light the cigarettes from a flame that burns at the shrine and then place it in a rack located next to it. This apparently symbolises Adhori Dada smoking which helps fulfill their wishes. Never heard anything like it before, have you? Medical staff wearing face masks in Madrid, Spain, where a partial lockdown is in place. (AP) Europeans are suffering pandemic fatigue from the disruption caused by the spread of coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. It said levels of pandemic fatigue had reached more than 60% in some countries. The WHO said many people across Europe are less motivated about following COVID-19 guidelines after months of uncertainty. The warning came as the WHO and scientists said face masks are less effective in the rain at halting the spread of coronavirus. The organisation outlined three calls to action to help the continent get back on track in its battle against coronavirus. Since the virus arrived in the European region eight months ago, citizens have made huge sacrifices to contain COVID-19, said Dr Hans Henri Kluge, the WHOs regional director for Europe. It has come at an extraordinary cost, which has exhausted all of us, regardless of where we live, or what we do. In such circumstances it is easy and natural to feel apathetic and demotivated, to experience fatigue. Watch: Madrid faces new lockdown, Europe cases rise Dr Kluge said that, based on survey data from countries across Europe, pandemic fatigue is on the increase. Although fatigue is measured in different ways, and levels vary per country, it is now estimated to have reached over 60% in some cases, he said. Although we are all weary, I believe it is possible to reinvigorate and revive efforts to tackle the evolving COVID-19 challenges that we face. He outlined three strategies for nations to get on the front foot in tackling coronavirus. Firstly, he said policy must be driven by gathering evidence of peoples behaviours and experiences of fatigue, from young people returning to university to the elderly in care homes. He said the WHO has worked with the 27 EU nations to gather data with a behavioural insights tool that measures pandemic fatigue. Dr Kluge also cited the example of Hertfordshire in the UK, where health officials are tracking the communitys feelings on coronavirus restrictions through an online platform. Story continues The World Health Organization's regional director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri Kluge, said 'pandemic fatigue' has set in across the continent. (Getty Images) The second call to action involves working with communities to co-create interventions. He said: It is essential that we respond together and that communities own response policies with authorities. Consultation, participation and an acknowledgement of the hardships that people are facing are key if we are to have truly effective policies. The community should be considered a resource, as well as a recipient or beneficiary. Citizens are at the heart of a solution to the pandemic and policy-makers should treat them as such. The third strategy involves meeting the needs of citizens in new, innovative ways. He gave examples of floating cinemas and social bubbles as ways in which people can connect with others without breaking social distancing guidelines. Watch: Paris bars to shut as French capital on max alert In the UK, Manchester has the highest infection rate, with positive coronavirus tests doubling in one week. A total of 2,927 new cases were recorded in Manchester in the seven days to October 2 the equivalent of 529.4 cases per 100,000, up from 246.4 in the previous week. The updated figures followed a technical glitch which meant almost 16,000 positive tests went unreported. In Spain, two more cities, Leon and Palencia, went into lockdown on Tuesday, following a number of other cities, including Madrid, which are facing some level of restrictions. The country has had more than 813,000 coronavirus cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. In France, reinforced restrictions forced bars in Paris to close from Tuesday as the COVID-19 alert was raised to its maximum level. France reported more than 12,000 new coronavirus cases on Sunday. In Germany, four out of 12 districts in Berlin are in the red zone, based on the last seven days new cases, meaning there have been more than 50 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants, as officials consider new restrictions in the capital. Coronavirus: what happened today Click here to sign up to the latest news and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not speaking out after the gang-rape of a 19-year-old Dalit woman in Uttar Pradeshs Hathras district in September. While interacting with the media in Punjabs Patiala, Gandhi said he paid a visit to the family of the victim last week because he wanted them to know that they were not alone in seeking justice for their daughter. He said he told the womans family that he was not only there for them but their daughter and also for lakhs of women in the country who face unruly behaviour every day, thousands of women who are raped in a day. Taking a jibe at Modi, the Congress leader said, It is, however, interesting that the woman was raped and murdered and the entire UP administration targeted her family but the Prime Minister hasnt said a word on the issue. PM Modi had earlier spoken with chief minister Yogi Adityanath seeking the strictest punishment for culprits. Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to me on the incident and directed that strictest punishment be taken against the accused, Adityanath had written on Twitter in Hindi. Gandhi along with a team of Congress leaders and his sister and the partys UP general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday met the family members of the woman, who died at a hospital in Delhi a few days after the assault. The woman was cremated the next day by the UP Police at 2:30 am even as her family protested. They were then locked inside their house. The aggrieved relatives alleged that they couldnt even see their daughters face before her body was burnt with petrol. The Congress team stayed with the family for over an hour and assured them of support. The UP government will not be able to do anything arbitrary as it wants, because now the whole country is standing to bring justice to the daughter of this country, Gandhi had tweeted after the visit. In a rematch of the 2018 election, Aberdeen Democrat Rep. Brian Blake is facing Cathlamet Republican Joel McEntire in the race for the 19th District House of Representatives seat. McEntire said a vital difference this year is that hes living in the U.S. for the campaign. In 2018, the Marine Corps reservist was deployed to Kuwait. This time Im able to put my full force and heart into the race, he said. Its a huge difference. I consider this my first run. Even though I filed to run last time, it wasnt a true campaign. Blake said just like last round, hes leaning on his 18-year track record of helping his constituents. These are difficult times and I think folks need experience in Olympia, he said. Ive got good relationships, bipartisan relationships, in the four corners of the Legislature and respect in all four corners. I have the ability to get things done and have a history of getting bills through the Legislature. In a Oct. 1 Cowlitz Citizen Update debate, Blake repeatedly drew on his institutional knowledge to answer questions about the budget and forest fire suppression. McEntire repeatedly highlighted that Blake is part of the Democratic party, which he said has been taken over by radical ideas. Blake, who has run ads saying hes not your typical Democrat, said he does not simply follow the lead set by Seattle Democrats, as McEntire said. Im running to represent the 19th District, he said at the debate. Im not running to represent the Democratic party. Both men said some key issues this race are taxes and the state budget, the state COVID-19 response and improving the economy. Blake said when he talks to people while out doorbelling, the number one topic they bring up is outdoor access for hunting and fishing. I dont think the issues have changed so much, he said. Folks want jobs and a better economy here in the 19th, so theyre concerned about that. I think there are K-12 issues about how are we going to get back to a place where our kids, and all the kids, are getting schooling in a way that meets their needs? McEntire said he wanted to curb that and the appetite of the state government for our tax dollars and address the roughly $2.3 billion budget shortfall due to COVID-19 without raising taxes. This is not the taxpayers fault, he said. We didnt do anything wrong. If youre asking Washingtonians to tighten their belts ... the state is going to have to make economies. He said every piece of the budget should be reviewed and individual cuts made. Whoever ultimately makes these decisions is going to be unpopular, but that the hard job of a statesmen, he said. Im prepared to have the debate and look at everything, piece by piece, and make hard decisions. There should have been a special session held in June to make cuts, Blake said. He said he was still pushing to hold a short special session before the regular January session starts. Its important for us to get back to a short special session and have folks have some details ahead of time and get up there and make some cuts in spending, Blake said. We should be able to make enough adjustments in spending that we can get through until the regular session in January for the new legislature. McEntire said industries like the proposed Kalama methanol plant should be encouraged and not tied up with regulations and bureaucratic stops. I dont want to see a polluted world but I dont think we should be living in mud huts either, he said. I feel the balance is not there right now. A nine-term incumbent, Blake said hes worked on a number of projects to bump the economy, including building many new bridges, updated highway exchanges and deepening the Columbia River channel, because that river is the lifeblood of our economy in Cowlitz County and weve got to make better use of that. The 432/I-5 exchange we brought years ago has been a big one to make that industrial area of Cowlitz County more accessible and has been driving investment there, he said. Blake also pointed to his role in the improvement of Greys Harbor College and Lower Columbia College as important boosters to the local economy. When I came into office frankly those campuses were antiquated on both ends of the district, and to see the investment that weve been able to bring to our community in higher education is pretty gratifying, Blake said. It has come a long way and now weve got to figure out how to keep it populated. We need some more students. As for the state COVID-19 response, McEntire said the state is being led in the wrong direction by the regulations that allow some businesses to operate and not others. We need to get our state opened up for business as quickly as possible, he said. I would limit the restrictions on businesses instead of adding on. While Blake said hed give the Governor high marks for his early response, the restrictions now need to be dialed back to allow businesses to operate and our communities to function. It really just landed on our radar screen without a lot of community knowledge about what we were facing, he said. Its important that we keep focusing on COVID and beating it, but weve got to do it in a way that allows some flexibly for people to go on with their lives. COIVD-19 has not changed either candidates campaign strategy very much, they said. McEntire said hes been calling, knocking on doors and attending rallies all along. He said he went right to the people, who did not seem concerned about COVID-19 precautions when he knocked. We have an edge because theres been a political, partisan line drawn were democrats have leaned more on the side of safety ... and Republicans have erred more of the side of liberty, he said. Democrats have refused to go door-to-door for a long time now and theyre way behind. Blake said while he didnt start going door-to-door until more recently, hes been well received at the door and had good, safe conversations. Its clear that we can do it safety. We knock on the door and step back. We have a socially distanced conversation and move on to the next one, so thats the only change, he said. McEntire added that the rallies he attends are frequently held outdoors and are well-ventilated. We usually stand far apart but I have plenty of pictures of me hugging and shaking hands. Thats the personal choice I and that individual made, McEntire said. However, he said he does wear a mask when he shops because Im not trying to make a political statement when Im getting sheetrock. Blake has raised just over $180,000 for his campaign, mostly frompolitical action committees, followed by businesses and individuals. McEntire has raised just over $94,000, mostly from caucus committees, followed by individuals and the GOP. A caucus committee is a fundraising arm for each political party in each chamber of the Legislature. They are separated out in PDC filing reports because they operate under different rules than party contributions, according to the PDC. Overall, McEntire said he thought voters were looking for a hopeful message. People want to see a fighter. They want to see a hard worker. They want to see a champion in their corner, he said. Ive tried to show people that I dont get your vote by virtue of whatever party or whos the president. I want to earn your vote because Im working so hard to prove that Im taking this seriously and will work even harder when Im in the Legislature. Blake said people trust him to run fair, bipartisan committees and that he always respects and hears the minority opinion in my committees, so there are a lot of folks that are working hard to make sure that I get back in my seat. Its clear that a freshman in the minority party is not going to get much done and I think that folks need my experience in Olympia and my broad knowledge of the issues at hand, Blake said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Countless celebrities from all of the world joined the controversial Rajneesh Movement in the 1970s, becoming sworn followers of the cult and disciples of their leader, Osho or Bhagwan Rajneesh. Those on the list included The Beatles, Parveen Babi, Mahesh Bhatt and late actor Vinod Khanna. Tuesday marks Vinods 74th birth anniversary. Vinod became a disciple of Osho in 1975, moving to Oregon and leaving his family--a wife and two kids behind in Mumbai. Vinods elder son, Akshaye Khannna was just a toddler at the time and unable to process why his father had left them. It was only when he turned 15 or 16 that he realised who was Osho and the Rajneeshis. Talking about Oshos influence over his fathers life, Akshaye said in an interview to Mid-Day in January, (The influence) To not only leave his family, but to take sanyaas (renunciation). Sanyaas means giving up your life in totality family is [only] a part of it. Its a life-changing decision, which he felt that he needed to take at the time. As a five-year-old, it was impossible [for me] to understand it. I can understand it now. In the sense that something must have moved him so deeply inside, that he felt that that kind of decision was worth it for him. Especially, when you have everything in life. And when life doesnt look as though theres much more that you can have. A very basic fault-line/ earthquake has to occur within oneself to make that decision. But also stick by it. One can make the decision and say this doesnt suit me lets go back, he said. ALSO WATCH | Gandhi Jayanti: Films to relive the Mahatmas journey Akshaye added that unlike the common belief that Vinod returned after growing disenchanted with the movement, his father came back after the US government disbanded the commune. t was just the fact that the commune was disbanded, destroyed, and everybody had to find their own way. Thats when he came back. Otherwise I dont think he wouldve ever come back, he said. Even though Vinod left the family for Osho, Akshaye still had respect for the spiritual leader. I dont know if sanyaas is something that I could do. But that doesnt mean I cant enjoy his discourses, respect his intellect, oratory skills, and his way of thinking. I have deep respect for him, he said. Also read: Bigg Boss 14: Sara Gurpal calls Sidharth Shukla Punjab ka jeeja, leaves him blushing at the thought of Shehnaaz Gill Vinod died on April 27, 2017 at the age of 70 after battling cancer. He made his Bollywood debut in 1968 film Mann Ka Meet, which was produced by Sunil Dutt, who was reportedly struck by Vinods good looks. He was noticed for his portrayal of Shyam in Gulzars 1971 film Mere Apne, where he stood out as a disillusioned young man. He got his first break as a hero in Hum Tum Aur Woh (1971). A great many films followed including hits such as Elaan and Mera Gaon Mera Desh. He made his political debut in 1997 with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served as a minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayees government. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Advertisement A mother-of-one has revealed how she has transformed her home into a tribute to the 1970s by ditching modern items and embracing vintage pieces. Estelle Bilson, 43, from Stretford, Greater Manchester, had long been obsessed with all things vintage when she moved into the a new three bedroom semi-detached home in 2015. The mother-of-one, who lives with her partner Stephen De Sarasola, 41, and their four-year-old son, decided to renovate the property in a time-warp for the 1970s. Since then, Estelle, who describes herself as a 'retro interior maven', has given her home an unrecognisable transformation for just 1,500 by buying pre-loved, second hand items. Estelle Bilson, 43, from Greater Manchester, has transformed her three bedroom semi-detached home into a 1970s timewarp tribute with funky wallpaper and furry throws The mother-of-one renovated her home with hues of orange and green, scouring the internet, charity shops and auction sites to find vintage furniture Estelle's obsession with the decade began when she was just a teenager, and she has since invested in a host of furniture and plush pieces from the period Estelle, who lives in her retro home with her partner Stephen De Sarasola, 41, and their four-year-old son, described her home as 'exciting, diverse and colourful' Speaking to The Sun, she revealed: 'It's more exciting, diverse and colourful - not to mention sustainable, value for money and better built than most things you can buy in the shops today.' The mother-of-one said she began collecting items when she was just a teenager before her obsession grew. And while at university she picked up various second-hand items when people in her neighbourhood cleared out their old furniture. She confessed she loves 'anything old' but called the 70s 'so evocative', adding: ''I absolutely love kitsch. I'm a bit like a kitsch magpie; anything really random, gold, shiny, multi coloured and the weirder the better. That's why I've got the tiger and Flamingo sculptures.' When the family bought the semi-detached home three years ago, Estelle began her transformation by painting the walls with bright pops of colour (left, the kitchen, and right, the lounge) Meanwhile the mother-of-one has drawn a following of over 31,000 fans on Instagram as she shares snaps of her glamorous and lavish home After purchasing her new home in 2015, she decided she wanted to add some more detail to the walls, and said the house transformation went from there. The mother-of-one began by painting her home with hues of orange and greens, matching the house with her clothing tastes and drawing inspiration from 70s brand Biba. Since then, she has only bought a few modern items and, instead, has focused on tracking down second-hand goodies from the internet and second hand stores. She said she rarely buys anything new because she knows she can save money by 'buying pre-loved.' The mother-of-one said she has purchased a few modern items for her timewarp home, including a hoover and a mattress, but focuses on finding 'pre-loved' items The mother-of-one insisted that 'second hand doesn't mean second rate' but admitted she drew the line at a second hand mattress because 'nothing should get in the way of a good nights sleep. Estelle revealed she sometimes has 'something very specific in mind' while other times she 'stumbles upon things' like her dining room table and her bed. And since beginning her home transformation five years ago, Estelle has gained a huge social media following, attracting 31,000 Instagram followers on her @70shousemanchester account. While her home is a tribute to the decade, Estelle said she does not live like it is 1974 and instead just 'appreciates the styling' (pictured, her glitter ball bathroom) The mother-of-one often delights her fans by sharing snaps online of her plush furnishings and glitter ball inspired bathroom. Yet she said the thing people compliment her on the most is her rugs because they 'are so of a time.' Yet she insisted that she doesn't live like it is 1974 but just 'appreciates the styling', adding: 'Some have compared it to a shrine or a museum - it's neither. It's simply our home which we chose to furnish with things that make us happy.' If you have noticed more puppies and excited new dog owners frolicking in Bay Area parks and beaches this year, its not just your imagination. The 2020 puppy frenzy is real and has broken records, but outside of the joy and companionship the pets are bringing to new dog parents, the surge is creating uncharted logistical and ethical problems for breeders and shelters across the country. The demand has also created the first Christmas puppy shortage, which will likely result in some disappointed kids and broken promises on Christmas morning. "It's been a very crazy period," PuppySpot's Naama Bloom says. "We had double the normal amount of puppies purchased at the peak this year, at the exact moment the airlines decided there would be no more pet cargo, so we had to change the way we travel the dogs to get the pups to their new owners." The spike in demand has come from both the social isolation of the pandemic leading to a rise in Americans seeking animal companionship, and also people finally finding the time to train and care for a new furry family member. From high-end designer pups to the adoption of strays and abandoned animals from shelters, record numbers of people are turning to dogs to ease the pain of 2020, with the pet market sales industry hitting a record breaking $100 billion this year. Bloom described how PuppySpot a company that matches ethical breeders with people looking to bring a puppy into their home pivoted quickly and launched their own network of private planes to transport the animals. "Most puppies are bred in the Midwest, not San Francisco and Brooklyn," she says. "They need to fly, so we changed our business radically." The site hosts around 1,600 ethical breeders and offers designer breeds such as Bernadoodles and Pomskies alongside more traditional purebred pups like Mastiffs and Great Danes. In normal years, families would purchase an 8-week-old puppy in late November for Christmas (Bloom says Black Friday is normally a big day for the company), but many animals were snapped up as soon as they appeared on the site in September and October. "It's a bizarre situation," she says. "I don't want to scare people by saying 'Your Christmas puppy is not going to be there,' but ... your Christmas puppy is not going to be there." The company pushed back on one solution, as some breeders immediately offered to up their output of pups. "We don't work with puppy mills, so at the beginning of the shutdown when breeders asked us if they should breed more dogs, we said no, you need to follow the breeding standards. And so they all sold out." At the other end of the marketplace, the adoption of stray and abandoned animals from shelters has also reached unprecedented demand in recent months. "We had such a demand we struggled to keep up," says Ilsa Jule of Family Dog Rescue in San Francisco. "It was through the roof." The first wave of puppy purchases happened right at the start of the shutdown in March, as people realized they finally had the free hours needed to train a new pet. "People suddenly felt like they had the time, which was great," Jule says. And now as people see that this thing isn't going to end soon, the demand is continuing to soar. In July, Family Dog Rescue had a monthly record 187 dogs placed in new homes, compared to around 100 in a normal year. As an essential business, the San Francisco nonprofit managed to stay open throughout the crisis, introducing protocols to reduce infection risk. ("I literally have gallons and gallons of hand sanitizer here," Jule says.) Walk-ins are still not permitted, but appointments are made and set up through Zoom and FaceTime calls, and customers are required to sign a COVID attestation when they get to the center to pick up their new pets. But these restrictions haven't done anything to dampen the dog frenzy. Both sides of Jule's adoption operation peaked at the same time, as many county shelters in California's Central Valley closed at the start of the shutdown. "There's an epidemic of stray and abandoned dogs [in the Central Valley]. It got worse at the outset of the pandemic as county shelters shut down. People were finding dogs on the side of the road." In addition, Family Dog Rescue has increased lines of transport of stray dogs from foster care in Tijuana, Mexico. "We had to accept more dogs to meet the demand, but also to alleviate the suffering, you know?" Jule says. Unfortunately the surge in demand came at the same time that fundraising events and volunteers went away. Jule says that without corporate volunteer days that used to happen once or twice a week, she has turned to social media to find help. "If we're running low on kibble we'll post on our Instagram and people will step up to help out. But we're functioning paycheck to paycheck." The S.F. rescue center, which is 100% supported by donations, has a donate page on their site here. Other adoption centers in California have seen the same surge. WAGS Pet Adoption in Westminster reported last week via Instagram that for the first time in their history they had no dogs available for adoption. The huge sales of puppies is causing some concern that when kids go back to school and parents go back to work, there will be an increase in owner-surrendered dogs, but a reduced demand. And while the Christmas puppy shortage may bring some sadness to kids who had been promised a festive pet to lighten the load of 2020, some adoption centers discourage holiday dog purchases. "We're a shelter, not a breeder," Jule says. "I'm the person who's going to see all those dogs getting surrendered after Christmas and Valentine's Day. There are trends too. Like a when Paris Hilton had a Chihuahua there was a Chihuahua problem, then after 'Game of Thrones,' there was a husky problem. "I try to discourage any urge to buy an animal," she said. "It should be a pretty well thought out thing." Highlights Thierry Delaporte took over as the CEO of Wipro in July. Delaporte is reaching out to junior employees who are digital natives for suggestions and inputs. Delaportes interactions cover small groups and the wider organisation where he shares his observations. Wipro CEO Thierry Delaporte is reaching out to junior employees for suggestions, mainly in the digital area, as the software company steps up focus on digital deals. Delaporte is reportedly seeking suggestions from junior employees, who are digital natives to revive Wipro's growth. Last week, Delaporte wrote to junior employees who are mainly digital natives, for suggestions and inputs. Wipro, which is a Bengaluru-based software company, focuses on digital deals pushed by clients' increased spending on technology to minimise disruption to their business. "This shows a sign of change as Delaporte wants to get the pulse from across all levels," a Wipro executive told ET. Delaporte's interactions cover small groups and the wider organisation where he shares his observations and thoughts aside from understanding their aspirations and expectations, a Wipro spokesperson told the publication. "Delaporte has also taken these opportunities to thank employees for their exceptional resolve and resilience in ensuring seamless business continuity and maintaining high standards of service to our clients in these difficult times," the spokesperson said. Delaporte took over as the CEO of Wipro in July. When he took over, he wrote to his employees saying that he planned to spend time with senior leaders and teams across units and functions to take a holistic view and understand the opportunities and challenges for the company. The move shows that Wipro is more inclusive as typically organisations reach out to senior employees for inputs. According to analysts, Delaporte reaching for suggestions from employees across levels could mean he wants to hear from employees directly. The CEO will continue to hold similar conversations frequently with colleagues at all levels across the globe, as per the company. Everyone else had already evacuated when Dwayne Canfield saw the truck an extra vehicle that was about to be left behind at Opal Creek as the Beachie Creek fire in Marion County crept closer. As executive director of the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, the vehicle was his responsibility. He got inside and drove to a nearby trailhead, then hiked three miles back to Jawbone Flats to fetch his own truck. Smoke had just begun to fill the forest that Friday, Sept. 4, carried by winds that would soon gather into a horrific gale over Labor Day, fanning several Oregon wildfires into sheer devastation. When Canfield returned to Jawbone Flats, a historic mining community that today serves as an education and recreation area, he couldnt know that fate lay ahead. Hot and sweaty from the hike, he decided to go for a quick swim to cool off. Floating in the cool, clear water and soaking in the silence of the wilderness, he felt hopeful that the fire would spare Opal Creek, a natural area cherished for its old growth forest and crystal clear waters. Maybe only a couple of historic cabins would burn, he thought. The forest would probably be fine. Canfields dip that Friday turned out to be the last swim anyone would have at Opal Creek for some time. By Labor Day the fire had grown to 513 acres, and the next day it was burning out of control. I wish everybody that loves the place could have had that experience, he said of his swim. It almost didnt seem fair that I did. It could be a while before anyone is allowed back into Opal Creek, fire officials said Monday. While damage from the wildfires is still being assessed, its already clear that large swaths of the forest were badly burned. Homes and historic buildings are gone. The blaze also killed five people, including George Atiyeh, the legendary environmentalist who helped preserve Opal Creek in the first place. In the weeks since the fire, Canfield and countless others who love Opal Creek have been waiting for news on the damage. Aerial photos came Sept. 20 showing extensive damage. Then, on Sunday, U.S. Forest Service firefighters sent back photos after hiking in to Jawbone Flats. It wasnt good news. Every historic cabin at the old mining camp was destroyed. The only remaining cabin was built in the 1970s, a reconstruction of a cabin that burned in a previous fire. Newer buildings werent necessarily spared. The forest centers lodge, shop, bunkhouse, staff cabins, commissary and the Pelton Shed, which housed a hydroelectric generator, all burned to the ground, Canfield said. From a forest perspective its not a complete loss, Canfield said. For me, its personally just a great loss of history a great loss of the way the forest was. And that loss might not yet be over. While the Beachie Creek fire is largely contained (59% contained as of Monday), the burned forest will now face a wet fall and winter that could bring more downed trees, landslides and flooding, further reshaping the landscape. Opal Creek remains closed, along with a large portion of the Willamette National Forest burned by wildfires. Closures will likely extend through winter, fire officials said, and might be in place long term. Officials have no estimate on when the public could be allowed in. In the meantime, the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center is trying to raise enough money just to get by, collecting donations online at opalcreek.org. The nonprofit organization operates the education center and the historic cabins at Jawbone Flats. Most of those buildings are gone, but the organization still hopes to rebuild, though its unclear what exactly. We have a long road ahead of us, Canfield said. Were trying to figure out what our future looks like right now. Rebuilding the forest center might require a re-imagining of what purpose it serves. One aspect the organization will likely focus on is the indigenous history of the area, Canfield said, as well as climate change. While the old-growth forest at Opal Creek has seen wildfires before, the blaze this year was far more destructive, fueled by high winds and an abnormally dry summer, with temperatures that are becoming more common as the Earth continues to warm. Climate change is making fire circumstances like were seeing now more common, Erica Fleishman, director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, told The Oregonian/OregonLive in September. All the fire behavior were seeing is what has been projected by people who study climate change and its effects. That means natural places that have previously felt untouchable are suddenly more vulnerable. Forests that have survived previous burns might not stand up to the heat of modern fires. Forest officials say it could be months before they can assess the extent of damage to the old-growth forest around Opal Creek, a place that has been revered as a natural wonder for generations. The place made a difference in a lot of peoples' lives, Canfield said. I hope enough of that magic is left. --Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB BALTIMORE, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Transamerica announced today that it is offering employers a new way to help workers grappling with an estimated $1.6 trillion in student loan debt. Employers who offer an employee retirement plan provided by Transamerica can present Transamerica's Student Loan Repayment Program to help workers pay back student loans. "Transamerica recognizes that student loans continue to be an especially heavy burden for employees. While federal student loan repayments are deferred for the remainder of 2020, many employees with privately held student loans are still seeking relief. Many more employees will be looking for support once their loan payments begin again," said Kent Callahan, Chief Executive Officer for Transamerica's Workplace Solutions division. "We know that wealth and health are connected. Workers struggling with debt can have higher stress and may become less productive. This program offers another way for employers to help their employees manage their financial obligations during uncertain times, a benefit we believe many employees will welcome." Transamerica's Student Loan Repayment Program allows employers to shift their benefit dollars in ways that offer immediate value to their employees and organization. With this program, Transamerica will work with organizations to create a viable plan design allowing contributions on the employee's behalf to the organization's retirement plan. Alternatively, employers can contribute directly to the employee's student loan servicer on top of what the employee pays regularly. Current clients will enjoy a streamlined implementation process because Transamerica already recordkeeps their retirement plan, enabling quick and easy availability of the Student Loan Repayment Program for their participants. Participants can quickly benefit from services like loan consolidation and refinancing. Transamerica's retirement plan sponsors may choose one of three pre-selected providers to power the student loan repayment element of their organization's retirement plan: Common Bond, Futurefuel.io, and Tuition.io. Each provider has a state-of-the-art online platform where employees can obtain information and consolidate their student loans. Transamerica's multi-provider approach gives employers the freedom to evaluate and choose the best solution for their organization at any time. "Every employer has different needs, and that's why Transamerica offers multiple providers to administer our student loan repayment solution. We have agreements with each provider aimed at helping to ensure our employer clients receive the best pricing offered," Mr. Callahan noted. "Transamerica's Student Loan Repayment Program gives employers the power to help their workers during this critical time and going forward, and enables workers to save for retirement and pay student loans at the same time." About Transamerica With a history that dates back more than 100 years, Transamerica is recognized as a leading provider of life insurance, retirement and investment solutions, serving millions of customers throughout the United States. Recognizing the necessity of health and wellness during peak working life, Transamerica's dedicated professionals work to help people take the steps necessary to live better today so they can worry less about tomorrow. Transamerica serves nearly every customer segment, providing a broad range of quality life insurance and investment products, individual and group pension plans, as well as asset management services. In 2019, Transamerica fulfilled its promises to customers, paying more than $50 billion in insurance, retirement, and annuity claims and benefits, including return of annuity premiums paid by the customer. Transamerica is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with other major operations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Denver, Colorado. Transamerica is part of the Aegon group of companies. Based in the Netherlands, Aegon is one of the world's largest providers of life insurance, pension solutions and asset management products, operating in more than 20 markets worldwide. For the full year of 2019, Aegon managed over $1 trillion in revenue generating investments. For more information, visit www.transamerica.com. Transamerica is not affiliated with CommonBond, FutureFuel.io or Tuition.io. About CommonBond CommonBond is a leading financial technology company that offers a suite of student loan-based solutions to consumers and enterprises. Consumers benefit from more affordable, transparent, and simple ways to pay their student debt. Enterprises benefit from tech-forward acquisition and engagement capabilities to scale their businesses with Millennials and Gen Z. To date, CommonBond has funded over $3 billion in loans, partnered with over 300 corporate clients and reached over 250,000 users. CommonBond is the first and only finance company with a "one-for-one" social mission: for every loan it funds, CommonBond also funds the education of a child in need, through its partnership with Pencils of Promise. For more information, visit www.commonbond.co. About FutureFuel.io FutureFuel.io exists to crush student debt for America's 45 million borrowers, as a workplace benefit. FutureFuel.io's comprehensive Student Debt FinHealth platform empowers employees to take small actions that make a big impact, such as optimizing repayment plans for significant savings, connecting student debt repayment to defined contribution plans (for plan sponsor contributions), automating the management of unruly student loans, and gamifying cash back from everyday purchases. FutureFuel has raised just shy of $16 million from the world's top venture capitalists. Institutional investors that are full of heart and live at the intersection of social impact, fintech, and the future of work. For more information, visit www.futurefuel.io. About Tuition.io Tuition.io is the leading benefits platform tackling employee student loan debt. Through its suite of education assistance benefits including student loan repayment, tuition assistance and a bevy of financial wellness tools, Tuition.io provides an impactful and meaningful solution for employers and employees. For more information, visit www.tuition.io or follow at @Tuitionio on Twitter. Media inquiries: [email protected] Hank Williams (319) 355-7789 Julie Quinlan (303) 383-5923 SOURCE Transamerica Related Links http://www.transamerica.com India, the United States, Japan and Australia on Tuesday agreed to step up coordination in creating a free and open Indo-Pacific, amid Chinas growing assertiveness in the strategically vital region. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne affirmed strengthening of a free, open and rules-based international order, the Japanese government said in a statement issued after a meeting in Tokyo. The four major Indo-Pacific democracies, collectively known as the Quad, vowed to coordinate in ensuring peace and stability of the region, Kyodo news agency quoted the statement as saying. The in-person meeting of the foreign ministers of the Quad hosted by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi took place in the backdrop of Chinas aggressive military behaviour in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Addressing the 2nd Quad ministerial meeting, Prime Minister Suga said a free and open Indo-Pacific is widely recognised by the international community as a vision of peace and prosperity of this region," and that his governments basic policy is to further continue advancing our members to this end." Suga, who assumed the premiership last month, underscored the need to deepen quadrilateral ties, particularly as the novel coronavirus has spread globally. The international community is facing multiple and various challenges. This is exactly why right now is the time that we must further deepen our coordination with as many countries as possible that share our vision," he said. In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said that as vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values, the four nations have collectively affirmed the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. We remain committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said, amidst growing global concern over Chinas expansionist behaviour. Committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation, respect for territorial integrity & sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes. Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 6, 2020 Our objective remains advancing the security and the economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region," Jaishankar said. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years. Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan. The South China Sea and the East China Sea are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources. They are also vital to global trade. Although the US lays no claims to the disputed waters, it has challenged Chinas growing territorial claims in the South China Sea by deploying warships and fighter jets to assert freedom of navigation and overflight patrols in the strategically vital region. Meanwhile, Japan has lodged a protest against Chinas creation of a digital museum laying out its claims to a group of Japan-controlled islets in the East China Sea, the governments top spokesman said on Monday. The Senkaku Islands have been recognised historically and under international law as an inherent part of Japans territory and we maintain effective control over them," Kyodo news agency quoted Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato as saying at a press conference. China is not in a position" to create such a website regarding the islets, Kato said, adding that Japan has demanded through diplomatic channels that it be taken down. The dispute over ownership of the uninhabited islets, which China calls Diaoyu, has often strained Japan-China relations. China frequently sends coast guard or government ships to nearby waters in a bid to push its claims to them, the report said. (With inputs from PTI) The Church of England put its own reputation above protecting children from sexual abuse, a damning report has found. It recommended that bishops lose their responsibility to keep children safe because alleged paedophiles were given more support than victims. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse said reports of recent abuse have continued with 449 in 2018. Hundreds of paedophiles have been harboured by the Church over almost 70 years, the report found, undermining its 'moral purpose' as a Christian institution. The Church of England put its own reputation above protecting children from sexual abuse, a damning report has found. It said Bishop Peter Ball (pictured), a friend of the Prince of Wales, who was jailed for 32 months in 2015 for sex abuse against boys carried out over three decades, had been allowed to continue unchecked It said the CofE has been guilty of 'neglecting the wellbeing of children in favour of protecting its own reputation'. From the 1940s to 2018, 390 clergy or people in positions of trust associated with the Church have been convicted of sexual offences against children. The inquiry concluded: 'Many of these cases demonstrate the Church of England's failure to take the abuse seriously, creating a culture where abusers were able to hide. 'Alleged perpetrators were given more support than victims, who often faced barriers to reporting they simply couldn't overcome.' It accused the Church of being too ready to forgive paedophiles in its ranks, saying that 'many members of the Church regard it as the appropriate response to any admission of wrongdoing'. The findings of the inquiry, set up by Theresa May in 2014 following the Jimmy Savile scandal, amount to a wholesale condemnation of the attitude to sex abuse of both bishops and more junior clergy. The Archbishops of York (right) and Canterbury (left) issued a grovelling apology for the 'shameful failures' to act on allegations of child sex abuse ahead of the report's publication Among eight recommendations, it said that in future the bishops should be stripped of their powers to investigate allegations of abuse, and the right to police clergy should switch to professional safeguarding officers. Until five years ago, the Church overlooked advice from its abuse specialists who were 'ignored in favour of protecting the Church's reputation'. It said senior clergy had abused the rule that confessions made to a priest could not be discussed elsewhere or reported to police, and that it would consider the future of the confessional in future reports. Headed by Alexis Jay, the inquiry was scathing about apologies for 'shameful' past wrongs made in advance of the report's publication by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, and his senior colleagues. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse said reports of recent abuse have continued with 449 in 2018. Pictured: The inquiry was headed by Alexis Jay It said: 'Culture change is assisted by senior Church leaders now saying the right things, but lasting change will require more than platitudes.' The report found the culture of the Church meant that 'the moral authority of clergy was widely perceived as beyond reproach' and vicars were seen as 'popes in their own parish'. Professor Jay said: 'Over many decades, the Church of England failed to protect children and young people from sexual abusers, instead facilitating a culture where perpetrators could hide and victims faced barriers to disclosure that many could not overcome. Paedophile dean silenced accusers One of the Church of England's most highly-placed paedophiles used the seal of the confessional to protect himself from exposure and disgrace, the report said. The Very Reverend Robert Waddington, who was Dean of Manchester cathedral in the 1980s and 1990s, was responsible for repeated sexual abuse of boys in Australia and England over five decades and his case was covered up at the highest level. The young man whose complaints finally exposed Waddington in 2013 six years after his death had been told he must keep quiet to avoid breaking a sacred trust. One of the Church of England's most highly-placed paedophiles, Robert Waddington (left), who was the Dean of Manchester Cathedral, used the seal of the confessional to protect himself from exposure and disgrace, the report said. Waddington was exposed after former chorister Eli Ward (right) came forward in 2013 The man said 'Waddington had told him falsely that he could not disclose the abuse, as Waddington had been "absolved of sinful child abuse in the context of the sacramental ministry of reconciliation".' The Church has never acknowledged that the scandal was central to its internal debate over the confessional. Waddington was exposed after former chorister Eli Ward came forward in 2013 to speak publicly about how from the age of 11 he was groomed and then sexually abused by him. Mr Ward, now 47, said he was sleeping in the dean's bed by the time he was 13. Advertisement 'To ensure the right action is taken in future, it is essential that the importance of protecting children from abhorrent sexual abuse is continuously reinforced. 'If real and lasting changes are to be made, it is vital that the Church improves the way it responds to allegations from victims and survivors, and provides proper support for those victims over time.' The report was critical of the independent Anglican Church in Wales, which it said had allowed no independent scrutiny of its efforts to combat child abuse and where in some cases there was a 'total absence of records'. Professor Jay's report dealt with a string of devastating scandals. It said Bishop Peter Ball, a friend of the Prince of Wales, who was jailed for 32 months in 2015 for sex abuse against boys carried out over three decades, had been allowed to continue unchecked after being first caught in 1993 because of the leniency of a former Archbishop of Canterbury. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey was criticised in the report for his failure to believe allegations against Peter Ball It said Lord Carey 'simply could not believe the allegations against Ball or acknowledge the seriousness of them regardless of evidence, and was outspoken in his support of his bishop', adding: 'He seemingly wanted the whole business to go away.' The report cites the case of the Reverend Ian Hughes, convicted in 2014 after downloading 8,000 indecent images of children. Hughes, it said, was considered by his bishop, the Right Reverend Peter Forster, to have been 'misled into viewing child pornography'. Bishop Forster retired from his Chester diocese last year. Ball, a friend of the Prince of Wales, who was jailed for 32 months in 2015 for sex abuse against boys carried out over three decades, had been allowed to continue unchecked after being first caught in 1993 because of the leniency of Lord Carey London church youth leader Timothy Storey was 'permitted to continue working with children after expressing remorse for everything he had done wrong'. Storey was eventually jailed in 2016 for 15 years for crimes against children including rape. The Church of England said in a statement, signed by the Bishop of Huddersfield, the Right Reverend Jonathan Gibbs, and its lay safeguarding chief Melissa Caslake: 'The report makes shocking reading and while apologies will never take away the effects of abuse on victims and survivors, we today want to express our shame about the events that have made those apologies necessary. 'The whole Church must learn lessons from this inquiry. 'Our main focus in response must be recognising the distress caused to victims and survivors by the Church's failures in safeguarding.' The two women on bikes were caught on video vandalizing a memorial to a police officer killed in the line of duty. Now, cops want to catch them for real. As 6ABC reports, police in Plymouth Township, Montgomery County, have released surveillance video and images of the women in hopes the public can help identify them. The video, which can be seen here, shows the women on bikes stopping at the memorial site along the Schuylkill River Trail that honors Plymouth Township Officer Brad Fox, who was killed in the line of duty in 2012. One of the two women then desecrates the memorial by throwing a flag into the weeds nearby before taking off, as the video shows. The incident took place around 3:24 p.m. September 26. Updated images of suspects involved in the vandalism of Officer Brad Fox's Memorial Site. On September 26, 2020 at 3:24... Posted by Plymouth Township Police Department on Friday, October 2, 2020 Brad, a former Marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq, was killed on September 13, 2012 while pursuing a suspect involved in a hit-and-run. He was shot and later died at the hospital. That flag didnt just represent Brad, that represents all police officers who protect all of us every day, said Brads mother, Kathy Fox, told 6ABC. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Plymouth Township Police Department at 610-279-1901. BREAKING NOW: Pa. man accused of rigging tripwire at top of stairs in plot to kill wife Shopper at Pa. Walmart ordered to wear mask at gunpoint by Homeland Security impersonator Worker at Pa. used car dealership killed after being run over on car lot Catholic college responds after student gets zero on assignment for using gendered language Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Catholic college in New Hampshire has responded to a report claiming that a student in a theology class was given a zero for using gendered language such as "man" and "mankind" when completing an assignment on the book of Genesis. St. Anselm College Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Paul Pronovost told The Christian Post that a report published last week by the conservative youth organization Young America's Foundation mischaracterized grading reports in a Biblical studies course this semester. Students are not asked to change Biblical passages when quoting the Bible directly, and are not marked down when doing so, regardless of the language used in the quoted text," Pronovost said. "In making critical analysis of Biblical texts in their own writing, students in the course are expected to choose words that most accurately convey the meaning of the text, and are assessed accordingly based on how well they meet this expectation. He said that as a Benedictine college, St. Anselm "provides all students with a liberal arts education that encourages the lifelong pursuit of the truth and fosters intellectual, moral and spiritual growth." The college's statement comes after Young Americas Foundation shared a student's screenshots of comments made by Gilberto Ruiz, an associate professor of theology. The student, who asked to remain anonymous citing fear of retribution, sent it to YAFs Campus Bias Tipline. The assignment asked the student to read two passages in the Old Testaments book of Genesis using the NABRE translation and list similarities and differences between them. Both of these readings share a picture of what earth was like before God finished his creation and before God created man, the student wrote in the assignment. According to Ruiz, the students use of the word man violated a portion of the assignments rubric requiring the use of inclusive language, unless exclusive language is used to reflect the biblical texts perspective. In a comment, Ruiz urged the student to instead, use terms like humankind, humanity, human beings, people, and so forth" when referring to the human species. The professor also took issue with the students use of the word mankind when listing the differences between the two Bible passages. According to YAF, the assignment was graded as all-or-nothing. Therefore, the student received a zero for the assignment because it did not use inclusive language. According to the rubric, the student also did not use direct quotations from the NABRE translation, which uses gender-neutral language. Ruiz did not respond to a request for comment. In an interview with CP, YAF spokesman Spencer Brown cited what happened to the St. Anselm student as an example demonstrating that many Catholic colleges have gone very far to the left and sort of bought into the same liberal orthodoxy that we see at larger, liberal colleges. Its sad to see that even courses dealing with biblical text have been corrupted by the lefts influence in higher education, he said. Earlier this summer, another concerned student reached out to the YAF campus bias tipline to share a syllabus from an English class at Iowa State University that warned of retributions for students who used language or made arguments she disagreed with. The professor banned students from committing any instances of othering such as racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, sorophobia, transphobia, classism, mocking of mental health issues, (and) body shaming in class, citing the aforementioned offenses as grounds for dismissal from the classroom. She also banned students from making arguments against gay marriage, abortion, [and] Black Lives Matter. Washington, Oct 6 : Amid Covid-19 fears, a plexiglass will be installed between US Vice President Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's running mate, during their first debate scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Commission on Presidential Debates on Monday approved plans for the plexiglass isntallation as a barrier between Pence and Harris, as well as moderator Susan Page, Politico news reported. The plans were supported by the Cleveland Clinic, which is helping to set health protocols for the forums amid the pandemic. The development comes after teams of both Pence and Harris have been negotiating the terms of the debate following President Donald Trump's October 2 announcement that he and the First Lady has contracted Covid-19. The Commission has also decided to move the two candidates seats from seven feet to 13 feet apart. But the two camps were split over whether to erect a plexiglass barrier, according to people familiar with the talks. Harris' campaign supported it, Pence's opposed it. "If Senator Harris wants to use a fortress around herself, have at it," Katie Miller, a Pence spokeswoman, told Politico news. Meanwhile, Biden has also suggested that he would be open to using plexiglass in the second presidential debate on October 15. "I'm not an expert on it, but I think we should be very cautious," The Hill quoted the former Vice President as saying. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed deep condolences to former President Jerry John Rawlings and the Agbotui family, on the loss of Madam Victoria Agbotui, mother of the former President. A statement issued by Mr Kobina Andoh Amoakwa, the Director of Communications, Office of former President Rawlings, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said President Akufo-Addo, during a visit to former President Rawlings on Monday, said the loss of a mother was different from the loss of a father, describing the love of a mother as something that was different and special. Consoling the former President, President Akufo-Addo said, When my mother died, I was Foreign Minister of Ghana, but I cried like a baby; so, I know exactly how you are feeling. Mr Dan Abodakpi, the Stool Father of the Anlo State, who is also the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of Madam Agbotuis funeral, in response, said the family was grateful for the show of sincere comradeship and solidarity. He informed the President that the funeral of Madam Agbotui was scheduled for Saturday October 24, with a non-denominational service at the Forecourt of the State House, after which the body would be conveyed to Dzelukope for interment. President Akufo-Addo who was accompanied by Madam Frema Osei Opare, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, and Eugene Arhin, Communications Director at the Presidency, later signed a book of condolence opened in memory of Madam Agbotui. 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 Shortly after 8 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 25, Mahmoud Mike Abumayyaleh got a panicked phone call from a teenage employee at the store he owns with his three brothers. Mike! Mike! Theyre killing him, she said. My heart dropped. Like, it fell to the ground, Mahmoud told me. He had no clue what she was talking about. At first, he assumed a customer was accosting a worker. Frantically, his employee explained what was happening: A police officer had pinned a customer to the ground outside the store, and that man was saying he couldnt breathe. Mahmoud manages the day shift at CUP Foods at the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in southern Minneapolis, but that night, young employees were working the store alone. Thered been a brief confrontation with a man accused of passing a fake bill. Then an 18-year-old clerk dialed 911. The man was named George Floyd, and minutes later, a cop was kneeling on his neck. Advertisement By the afternoon after Floyds killing, CUP Foods voicemail box was full. As the day wore on, a devastated and furious group began to gather at the intersection. They chanted, prayed, and consoled one another. Outside the shop, numbers swelled into the thousands. God made this happen for a reason, one brother told me in Arabic. In the months that followed, the intersection would become a fortress of grief and protest with sculptures, murals, and constant visitors. Armed groups would patrol the area, and police would stay on the other side of barricades. The store would be vandalized repeatedly, with FUCK CUP FOODS spray-painted on the exterior. Even longtime customers would question whether it ever deserved to reopen. The Abumayyaleh brothers would fret over lowball offers to buy them out after Friday prayers at the mosque in the stores basement and struggle to imagine a future for a family business with a complicated past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in those first days, they were only sure of one thing. Between the phone calls, threats, the protesters outside, Mahmoud said, he and his brothers decided they had to temporarily shut down. He said he believed that most of the threats CUP Foods was getting were a form of grief, expressions of outrage from people who felt powerless after watching another Black man get killed by police. But he still didnt know what might happen. When the brothers closed the doors, they had no idea if theyd ever reopen at all. Advertisement More than 30 years ago, Samir Abumayyaleh had a choice to make. Born in Palestine, he was the oldest son of a family that arrived to the United States when he was a child. The family moved to North Minneapolis to open a small convenience store. When Samir graduated high school in 1989, he could either go to college or start his own shop like his father, Hamadeh, had and help stabilize the finances for his parents and their 10 kids. He found an opportunity to lease a promising space on the other side of town, in South Minneapolis. The property had once been a drugstore and sat at the intersection of four neighborhoods. Samir went for it. He called his tiny corner store Chicago Unbeatable Prices, later shortened to just CUP. Over time, it expanded to include a deli, a cellphone repair shop, a notary public, and MoneyGram services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its early years, only Samir and his parents worked in the store. They would sit outside, sipping coffee and tea, handling sporadic customers, while the kids ran around playing inside. As soon as his younger brothers were old enoughmaybe before they werethey started to take shifts at the store too. Six years ago, Samir passed off responsibility for managing the store to three of his siblings, Mahmoud, Nabil, and Ahmad, though hes still a familiar figure there, known to most people as Sam. Samir is now 49 years old, and his hair is white and thick. He assertively leans forward when talking, but his voice is soft. He is eager to see business return to normal, but, he told me, as a native Palestinian, he understands the frustration coming from the protesters outside. God made this happen for a reason, he said in Arabic. It started a real reckoning that was needed. The way these cops treat Black people here can never be justified. Advertisement Samirs younger brothers have spent their entire lives on this corner. I started working when I was like 12, 11, said Mahmoud, who is now 36, and only agreed to be interviewed inside the shop if he could keep working and answering calls while we talked. I started working full time when I was 15, seven days a week, during school, no breaks. And by the time I was 17, I was holding a shift by myself. And by the time I got to 21, 22, I got married, and by 25, I was holding the store down by myself. Mahmoud now has four kids, one of whom, at 13, already works at the store. Samirs youngest brother, Ahmad, 32, manages the night shift. There are enough years between Ahmad and Samir to make him Samirs child. He was only 1 year old when CUP Foods opened. A lot of customers remember me in diapers. I swear, I have pictures with them, he said. In college, he imagined a career outside of his familys business. He studied computer engineering and even got a corporate job after he graduated, still taking occasional shifts at CUP. But now, hes invested in keeping the store running and in the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nabil, 46, once managed the store but now looks after some of the 15 or so other properties the brothers own. Their buildings house a laundromat, a barber shop, and other businesses in neighborhoods around Minneapolis and St. Paul. Nabil has three sons who take regular shifts behind the counter at CUP Foods, and the brothers hope they will become the next generation of managers. Im trying to pass it on to them, he said. They wont have to work for somebody else. The four Abumayyaleh brothers now co-own the shop together. There are reminders of their parents everywhere. A portrait of Hamadeh, who died in 2012, hangs on the wall behind the register. A recorded recitation of the Quran plays on repeat off one of the computers, just like it did when their parents ran CUP Foods. The mosque in the basement, used by Muslims who work at local stores, auto shops, and restaurants, is dedicated to their mothers memory: Its called Masjid Nimat ul-Islaam. Her name was Nimat. Our Mama, God rest her soul, when she was alive, she made me promise, Mahmoud said, Dont ever sell this business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the first week after Floyds killing, someone threw a rock through CUP Foods window. When I first visited in late July, the brothers still hadnt fixed it. A large wooden board covered part of the storefront. As I toured the shop, a neighbor was helping with the cleanup, sweeping broken glass from the floor. Advertisement The early aftermath had been hard to fathom. As the protests went national, they intensified around Minneapolis. Two miles northeast, the 3rd Precinct police station was set ablaze. The authorities fired tear gas at protesters and journalists. The governor called in the National Guard. The governor and mayor also put a curfew into effect. Within the week, Derek Chauvin, the officer filmed kneeling on Floyds neck, had been charged with murder. Mourners brought flowers and balloons to place where Floyd died near CUP Foods doorstep. Organizers brought markers and card stock for protesters to make their own signs. In the week after the killing, many left their signs on the ground or taped to the walls, blending in with the spray-painted graffiti that read I Cant Breathe and Black Lives Matter. While other areas of Minneapolis saw looting, locals and protesters wanted to preserve the area as a place of protest, especially the space immediately in front of CUP Foods. They established a perimeter around the intersection with barricades and declared it beyond the jurisdiction of the police. Advertisement On June 15, Mahmoud and his brothers tried to open the store back up. That didnt last long. Many protesters who were holding the area down, including residents and activists from Chicago, viewed the reopening as an insult to Floyds memory and their cause. People who were organizing around the store told the owners it wasnt safe to openaccording to Mahmoud, they told the brothers, Guys, theres too much animosity. Theres too much pressure. Its not safeand they promptly closed back down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those who warned the brothers to keep the store closed was a group called the Agape Movement, co-founded by a former gang member, who appointed themselves to keep the intersection safe. The name refers to a theological term for Christian love. When I was there, several of them were armed. I spoke with one of the Agape leaders, Steve Floyd, who said he was a distant relative of Georges. (Were from the same plantation, he told me.) Some peopleFloyd described them as an angry group separate from the main protesterswere ready to bomb that store and burn it up, he said. Hed lived in the neighborhood some 40 years, a decade longer than CUP Foods had been there. Advertisement Steve Floyd doesnt blame CUP Foods directly for Georges killing, but he wouldnt call the stores owners blameless. They did what people typically dont do: pointing somebody out for something you dont even get arrested for, he said, referring to the neighborhood reluctance to call the police for nonviolent crimes. Another local, Carmen Means, who is the executive director of a Minneapolis urban development group, told me that she believed the store should close right now, because of the role they playedand to be clear, they did not kill George Floyd, but they did play a meaningful role in the lynching of George Floydthat speaks to the culture of the store, she told me. My personal experience inside the store, I didnt have any issues. I wont lie and say that I did, she said. The challenge, she said, is what the store represents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every time I asked the Abumayyalehs if I could meet the clerk who called 911, they said it wasnt going to happen. Hes remained hidden from public view, his identity shielded by the rest of CUP Foods staff. But on one of my trips to Minneapolis, someone close to the store put us in touch. When we finally talked, he told me I was the first reporter hed spoken to. Malik, who agreed to speak if I used a pseudonym, had arrived from West Africa last year to join relatives who were living in Minnesota. Malik is a U.S. citizen but had lived abroad since he was a baby. English is his second language, and even as a tall Black teenager himself, he told me that he wasnt especially aware of the dynamic between Black Americans and the police. When he dialed 911, he said he had no idea what could happen. The transcript of the call shows someone not quite used to calling the police: Operator: Is he white, Black, Native, Hispanic, Asian? Caller: Something like that. Operator: Which one? White, Black, Native, Hispanic, Asian? Caller: No, hes a Black guy. Operator: All right. (sigh) Caller: How is your day going? Operator: Not too bad. Caller: Had a long day, huh? The first week that he died, I was disturbed a lot. I couldnt sleep, Malik told me when we met in the city. Ive been thinking about it every day. Every night. Sleeping, dreaming, sitting, doing nothing. Malik said he had barely interacted with Floyd the night he was killed. He just came in, said, Whats up? to me, before everything happened. He came to all the employees, was saying hi to everybody, he said. CUP Foods is usually like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Floyd paid and left, a clerk passed the bill he used through a machine that identified it as fake. Another teenage employee confronted Floyd outside the store. According to Malik, Floyd refused to return the items he had purchased and cursed them outbasically trying to be extra on them, as Malik put it. As the other teenager returned to the store, Malik said the employee told him to call 911. So Malik did. He [Floyd] is sitting on his car cause hes awfully drunk. Hes not in control of himself, Malik told the 911 operator. When Mahmoud got the desperate call from his employee, the police were there, and Floyd was pinned down outside. Mahmoud said he told the employee to call the police again. Specifically, he said, call the police on the policeand make sure you record it. Mahmoud said he had been through this before. He said a police officer used to harass CUP Foods customers around the store, so he called the cops on the cop. It worked, he said, and the harassment stopped. It wouldnt work this time. A 911 dispatcher who was watching a live feed of the interaction had also reported the officers actions, to no avail. Chauvin knelt on Floyds neck for eight minutes while onlookers pleaded with him to stop. Surveillance video I later reviewed showed one of Nabils sons, who was at the store, trying to intervene, and the police shoving him away. An hour later, Floyd was pronounced dead. I was in shock, Mahmoud said. Malik slid into despair after Floyds killing. I was feeling that Im done with life, and stuff. Like, why am I even living? I dont deserve to be breathing, stuff like that, he said. Malik cant take time off, because he supports himself. I have to work because everything Im doing in life, bills and everything, I have to pay by myself. I have to pay my own rent, take care of myself, and my family, he told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve kept CUP Foods from burning, that I know of personally, three times. Marcia Howard Things have gotten a bit easier since the early days but not by much: Im still working on it, but at least I sleep now three to four hours a day. The killing doesnt just follow him around in his head: Sometimes I answer random calls from people I dont know, and they say some bad stuff, like, You guys killed George Floyd. The Abumayyaleh brothers are worried about Malik, particularly Mahmoud. Hes in regular contact with the teens family and told me hes concerned that hes entered a deep depression. When I talked to Malik, that concern felt warranted. At least back home, I know how the stuff works better than the United States, he told me. Now, if it were up to me, Id rather live in my moms country. Its better than the United States. Im not having any happiness. Only darkness. The brothers cant help but feel that if only one of them had been there that night, things might have turned out differently. We would have just taken the fake money and [banned] him like we do all the time, Nabil said. Thats what we do. Take the fake money and tell them you cant come back in here for two years. But the teens manning the store thought they were doing the right thing. They got fake money; they called the cops, Nabil said. It was escalated by a piece-of-shit cop. He had no remorse for human life. None. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve kept CUP Foods from burning, that I know of personally, three times, Marcia Howard told me the first time we spoke. Shes been living exactly 260 steps away from CUP Foods since 1998 and helps maintain the perimeter around the intersection. Howard calls herself the community liaison for security. She has a roll of other members on her walkie-talkie, and she wears a GoPro on her chest. (Pics or it didnt happen, she tells me when I ask her why.) Shes an English teacher at the local high school and has summers off, but she cites her years as a Marine as her primary qualification for this role. As the city burned, 38th and Chicago took care of 38th and Chicago, she told meshe handled breaches and threats of violence to her neighborhood from rioters, some of whom she said were from out of town. (A Black family who lives above the store would have been one unwitting target.) Howard has an eagle-eyed view of the area. I call it the five Cs of the four corners, she said. Weve got the community, weve got the churches, weve got CUP, weve got the crooks in the alley, and weve got the cops. And if you want to know the story of 38th and Chicago Avenue, you have to know those five Cs and how they work in concert with and opposition to each other. With one of her Cs, Howard mentioned something Id heard a lot in the area: that CUP Foods has sometimes been a hangout for people who deal drugs on the corner. Indeed, many protesters who want CUP Foods to stay closed told me they are convinced the neighborhood would be better off without it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brothers dont deny that the intersection sees plenty of criminal activity, but they said that was an issue long before CUP Foods opened up. This community right here, where were at, its Blood territory, Nabil said, referring to the Bloods gang. We cant stop that. Lets see the police take that away from them. Were in their neighborhood. CUP Foods history with the police goes back almost to its opening. According to the brothers, in 1991, just two years after becoming a licensed grocer, the family began making formal complaints to the police about the loitering problem. They said they were advised to place no trespassing signs outside their store. In 1993, they said the city conditioned their license renewal on reducing store hours, reporting drug activity to the police, removing signs from their windows that obstruct the view from the outside, and employing off-duty police officers for security. The corner got worse. In 1995, the murder rate in Minneapolis peaked. Reports from that year noted that the Bloods gang had taken control of South Minneapolis, and gun battles had become commonplace. (Minneapolis today is saferthe homicide rate in recent years has been less than half what it once was.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1998, according to court records, the police opened a file on CUP Foods in what it said at the time was a response to complaints about the store. The force surveilled the area and reported it saw people engaging in hand-to-hand exchangespossible drug dealsin and around the store. An undercover cop purchased apparent crack cocaine from dealers, in what are known as controlled buys, inside the shop. But in that investigation, none of the brothers was ever convicted on drug charges. The state charged Nabil with unlawful possession of a firearm, but that charge was later dismissed. Ahmad said that there was a time when Nabil got caught up in the street activities himself. Nabil told me, I was born in the streets. I was a hustler, basically. I ran the streets for many years not knowing what I was doing. He specifically said he got in trouble for buying and selling electronics that hed been told were stolen. I was buying from this guy who worked for the federal authorities, Nabil said. He set me up. The police got a search warrant based on that investigation, which ultimately led to a conviction for a separate instance of unlawful possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the 1998 drug investigation, police continued to coordinate controlled buys in the store, and on several occasions, drugs were allegedly purchased from dealers inside CUP Foods. According to an archived city document, in 1999 the Hennepin County Attorneys Office commenced a nuisance-abatement proceeding against CUP Foods, which resulted in the city requiring CUP Foods employees to call the police on all illegal activities, or risk losing their license. We did make a deal with the city because we got many citations for people loitering outside, Ahmad said. They said that if we dont call them, we get the ticket. So we had to call the police minimum 10 times a week to not get fined. We had a quota. (The Minneapolis police said it had no knowledge of this quota and did not respond to follow-up requests.) If we didnt call, we get in trouble, he said. And if we did call, we get in trouble. The corner where CUP Foods sits has now been dubbed George Floyd Square. The space outside the shop, where Floyd was killed, has become a sprawling memorial. On the ground where he was pinned by Chauvin, someone painted a silhouette with angel wings. Its now a landmark, with people coming from around the world, some fresh off the plane with suitcases in tow, to see it for themselves. Welcome to George Floyd Square, volunteers say with a smile, offering up a spritz of hand sanitizer and a mask. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flowers, trinkets, and signs with handwritten slogans are scattered everywhere, with protest graffiti on every conceivable surface. Tourists take photos with the large raised-fist sculpture at the center of the intersection and with the wooden fist that activists bolted onto the bus stop across the street. Over the past few months, the brothers have made several attempts to repair their relationship with the community, which are also attempts to save their business. In the immediate aftermath of Floyds killing, they publicly offered to pay for the funeral and announced that there were going to be significant policy changes on the subject of when employees should call the police (only in cases of violence). Mahmoud told me he has met privately with different members of Floyds family. He said the meetings included Floyds childrens mother, his brothers, cousin, and uncle. The conversation was pleasant, he said. No animosity at all. (I reached out to ask Floyds family about the meetings and what they think should happen to the store several times through their lawyer but didnt hear back.) The brothers also hired Jamar Nelson, a childhood friend, to work as a public relations liaison. (He also does consulting for local political campaigns.) Nelson has had a few ideas about how the store could reopen, including a second mural on the Chicago Avenuefacing facade of a big heart, filled with the names of the many local victims of gun violence in the area whove died before, and after, Floyd. When I met Nelson, he showed me a scar on his head he said came from his own interaction with the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson told me he believes CUP Foods has been unfairly vilified. You can get angry at the Beckys or the Karens of the world because those are malicious, spiteful calls to the police, he said. This was not that. This is a business that takes extreme caution with calling the police, period. They got raided for not calling the cops. This is a community store, he told me. The generic Arab store owner has become a cliche in many Black neighborhoods. In my experience, interactions at stores like this tend to be short, and bulletproof glass between clerks and customers creates a barrier both real and psychic. Ive heard customers call Arab clerks ock, an affectionate term short for akhi, the Arabic word for brother. But Arab clerks are often viewed as racist, or at the very least hostile, toward the Black communities they serve. I have seen the hostility myself, growing up in Newark, New Jersey, a majority-Black city where many corner stores are operated by Arabs. Thats not what it looks like at CUPthe store has photos of generations of customers on the wall. But I asked Mahmoud if he recognized that dynamic. He knew what I was getting at. A lot of Arabs are racist, and it shows. They go in Black communities and open stores, and they dont respect [the community], he said. But, he insisted, thats the opposite of us. I have confidence in our community. Were going to open, inshallah. Its just a matter of time. Nelson also rejected the idea that this dynamic might have played a part in Floyds death. Its hard for me to say that someone brown is racist, especially immigrants that come from war-torn countries. Because they battle white folks, they know how the white man exerts power. Its a prejudice more than racism, because prejudice comes from ignorance. A brown man who knows what being oppressed meanscmon, I cant call that person racist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of CUP Foods, Nelson showed me where the brothers were thinking of putting in a permanent rose garden to memorialize Floyd and victims of gun violence. Im fed up because so many people are misinformed, he said. CUP didnt kill Floyd. Nelson wishes that people would focus less on blaming the store and more on trying to worry about a kid that is forever traumatized. Because this will never go away. The community, he said, is trying to heal. And if healing doesnt involve CUP Foods, he asserted, then thats not real healing. One Friday in late July, the brothers gathered in the stores basement mosque to talk over an informal offer to buy the store. Theyre trying to strong-arm us, Nabil said. Let them know this is not a serious offer, Mahmoud said. They walked and talked, up the stairs and into the store. Their plan had been to wait out the protests, but with the lights off and the door still locked, they knew that was a gamble. On the facade of their building, the words FUCK CUP FOODS were scribbled. The offersfrom where, the brothers didnt saywerent close to the stores appraised value. But even if they had been, they would have been tough to swallow. Ahmad told me, It was never for sale anyways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After more than two months mostly dark, CUP Foods finally reopened on Aug. 3 to a very different neighborhood. Protesters tried to force it to close again, barricading the entrance with large trash receptacles. But this time, the Abumayyalehs decided to forge ahead. The business is now bringing in around 70 percent of the revenue it did before Floyds killing. The streets around the store are still closed off to vehicular traffic, so the people who shop there now only buy what they can easily carry on foot, usually chips, cigarettes, or water. Not long after the store reopened, I stood outside taking notes. A woman walked past the door and, seeing CUP Foods open for business, exploded with emotion. There are people shopping in that store!? she exclaimed. Ha! That store wont last. She kept shouting as she walked down the street. This is the motherfucker that should have burned down, she said. Bitch-ass A-rabs. Minneapolis announced plans to reopen George Floyd Square to street traffic the week of Aug. 17. (The Minneapolis Police say they would not have forcibly removed the barricades.) About 100 people lay down on the street that Monday to show their dissent. The barricades remained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protesters goal is to have the city agree to what Marcia Howard calls Resolution 001, a list of 24 demands designed to improve the lives of everyone in the neighborhood. (Howard also acts as an unofficial representative of the protesters in the square to the City Council.) Theyre seeking local government investment in job initiatives, a contingency fund for small-business owners of color, and work training for the next generation. Whether they open or not, its on us as a community to not buy their sh-t. Its that simple. Toussaint Morrison Howard said her wishes for the store are tricky. They are in this community, and their shoppers are in this community. You cannot protest CUP Foods without protesting the people who patronize them. Thats the sticky part, she said. And so theres work to be done with the people who find it necessary to shop there, and theres work to be done for the family of owners in this neighborhood who monopolize a great deal of businesses. Everybody is trying to be on the right side of history, and that is going to take community building and conversations. Toussaint Morrison, a Black Lives Matter organizer in Minneapolis, said he doesnt actually see any problem with CUP Foods reopening. But he doesnt necessarily think anyone should shop there. We met in a local coffee shop a short drive away from George Floyd Square. The first Black-owned bookstore just opened. That shows you how far behind Minneapolis is, he told me. Morrison envisioned turning the corner of 38th and Chicago into a new Black Wall Street, where Black residents can get special business loans so Black Americans can be the ones earning family wealth in their own communities. People are ready to ride for 38th and George Floyd, and people will fight for it, he said. But the people have to vote with their dollars, and in the Black community, were not used to that because historically [the ability to do that has] been stripped away from us. On CUP Foods reopening, he said, I say get a Black-owned corner store near there, and say shop here. Well beat all of their prices. Even if we lose money, whatever. The point, he said, is to keep Black money in the Black community: Whether they open or not, its on us as a community to not buy their shit. Its that simple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about it later, Nabil called that idea ridiculous: Whats the difference between having a Black corner store and an Arab corner store? If this was a white corner store, Id say, OK, I see his point. But Arabs, we struggle just like everybody else. He added, Youre asking the only brother that has Black kids. My kids are Black. His sons are expected to take over management of the store to keep it within the family. By them opening their own store, what do you think my kids are going to do? It makes no sense to me, he said. Across from CUP Foods one afternoon, I met Tahasha Harpole, a graphic designer selling T-shirts from her local shop with Black Lives Matter slogans printed on them. Harpole doesnt think the Abumayyaleh family has done enough to make things right. She knows them well. Her grandmothers house, where she lives now, is one block away. When she was younger, she recalls that the owners would hang bounced checks on the wall behind the register as a scam deterrent. One of the checks had her last name on itit was a relativesso she gave Hamadeh the money for the check, and he took it down from the wall. The next day, she asked him for a job, and he gave her one. I was the first girl to work there, she told me. Nobody saw this coming, said Harpole, who is Black. She said she could attest to the stores relationship with customers but also said it isnt enough. She suggests that the brothers could work with entrepreneurs in their vicinity, sharing space inside the store to open stalls for Black-owned businesses, and maybe even offer managerial roles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although tension between the protesters and CUP Foods is still evident, Howard recently found reason to go insideafter a white vandal sprayed black paint over a mural on the store memorializing George Floyd. We got together to capture Daniel the Defacer, she told me. I got him on the phone, I said, Mike, do yall have a security camera out there? He said, Yeah Ill see you in the morning. So I went back into his little security office behind the counter of CUP Foods, and I recorded while he was playing it. Thats me and him on the video that just went viral. Although they have been here for more than 30 years, Howard believes things can never return to normal for the brothers. They have been gentrified by history, she said. This is now, including CUP, a national historic site. How they handle that as a family, and as a corporate entity, is going to either redeem their legacy or further tarnish it. And that is still yet to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I first met Mahmoud, I asked him if he could ever imagine doing anything else but running CUP Foods. Absolutely not, he told me. Never in a million years. But day by day, the idea didnt seem so foreign. Mahmoud recently laughed about the rumors that celebrities like Jay-Z and Stevie Wonder wanted to buy CUP from the family. He told me hes waiting on those offers. Some have called for the store to become a community center. Mahmoud and his brothers arent against the idea of turning the space into a permanent memorial for Floyd, but they say that idea doesnt require them to pack up and leave. What we want to do is a joint venture, so were part of the movement, not to just sell it and move on, Mahmoud said. One of the last days I was there, Mahmouds 13-year-old son was working a shift in the cellphone repair section. With business a little slow, he was mostly walking back and forth, swinging a keychain, killing time. I want to be an architect, he told me. I asked him if that means hed move on from the store. No, I can do both. I can work at the store and be an architect. Id make mad money that way, he said. The family remains in close touch with Malik. The last time I talked to him, he said his father kicked him out of his house in the months after the 911 call, because of what he described as a problem between me and my parents. But he sounded slightly more upbeat and said he was managing to support himself. Thank Godthat God is helping me to not do that bad stuff that Id regret, he told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back at the store recently, one of the customers, Sal, a tall Black man with a voice so quiet its close to a whisper, was teasing Mahmouds son, joking that hes gotten taller but not any stronger. He told me hes been coming in since he was a kid. I grew up around here, he said. Its where we can get together, conversate, run into people. I asked him what he made of the protesters outside who think the store ought to be replaced with a community center. It already is a community center, he said. In the basement mosque that August weekend, the imam was late, so a worshipper stepped in to give the sermon in his stead. It was focused on George Floyd. He was a Black man, but you dont have to be Black to feel like that was you, he told the group gathered beneath CUP Foods. He was a human being first and no human ever should die the way they killed him. No one. Not Black. Not white. Not Muslim. Not Christian. Not Jewish. Nobody. Its terrorism, the worshipper saidwhat they did to him, and to all of us. A new study confirms tutoring improves academic achievements, leading the launch of a computer-assisted learning pilot program that simulates tutoring and could be scaled to reach struggling students. Credit: Adam Wagner/Unsplash A new study by U of T Mississauga economist Philip Oreopoulos shows that one-on-one and small group tutoring consistently improves academic achievements, offering important insight into ways to assist students struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oreopoulos and his colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 96 randomized controlled trials of tutoring programs that span three decades. They found that students randomly selected to receive tutoring in math or English outperformed their peers more than 80 percent of the time, and half the studies in the analysis reveal very large effects. "The study highlights how much consensus there is that tutoring is effective," says Oreopoulos, explaining such significant positive effects are almost never seen in social science research. About half of the studies pegged the impact at 30 percent greater than one standard deviation, which translates to meaningful academic improvement. The study also found that tutors who were teachers or paraprofessionals with some training were more effective tutors than volunteers, and tutoring done at school in the context of the school day was more effective than tutoring done at home or after school. "I think that it was more effective because tutoring done at school is more structured, so students end up more likely to actually receive tutoring than in less supervised environments," says Oreopoulos, who was recently named a U of T Distinguished Professor. His study, issued in July as a working paper for the National Bureau of Economics Research, is part of his work as co-chair of the education group at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. J-PAL's objective is to improve the effectiveness of poverty programs by providing policy-makers with clear scientific results that help shape successful policies to combat poverty. "This study is especially timely because there is currently a lot of discussion about how we can deal with the concerning situation caused by COVID-19 that makes learning conditions far from optimal," says Oreopoulos. "The disruptions point toward a lower trajectory of learning, especially for those who are disadvantaged to begin with. It's quite disturbing." The key is finding a way to make tutoring scalable. Oreopoulos cites a Harvard Kennedy School study that was done in partnership with three Italian universities. Volunteer tutors from the universities were randomly paired with students in schools recommended by their principals. The tutors received training online and provided three hours of weekly tutoring for two months. The students showed significant academic improvement in Math, English and Italian, as well as improvement to non-academic outcomes including mental health and life satisfaction, as reported by the students, their parents and teachers. "The program is exciting because it's the kind we need right now," says Oreopoulos, who is working with another professor at U of T to set up a similar program in Canada. He is also piloting a test of computer-assisted learning that simulates the tutoring experience, working with 10 teachers in Utah through Khan Academy. They are using a program that allows students to work at their own pace and get immediate feedback on their assignments and problems, which are based on the material discussed in class. "This is free and scalable, so it might be worth considering scaling up," he says. "I'm hoping to evaluate the program next year, to provide evidence for whether teachers should be doing more of this." Explore further Online tutoring improves disadvantaged school pupils performance and wellbeing in lockdown More information: Andre Nickow et al. The Impressive Effects of Tutoring on PreK-12 Learning: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Experimental Evidence, (2020). Andre Nickow et al. The Impressive Effects of Tutoring on PreK-12 Learning: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Experimental Evidence,(2020). DOI: 10.3386/w27476 A video tweeted by President Trump depicting his return to the White House on October 5, 2020 after being hospitalized with COVID-19 was clearly modeled after Hitler's arrival at the 1934 Nazi Party Congress in the Nazi film Triumph of the Will. Trump copies Hitler HATHRAS: AP Singh, the lawyer who fought in defence of all convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape case, will be defending the four men accused in the Hathras gang-rape and murder case. According to reports, Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha, an upper-caste body, has reached out to Singh to fight the accused in the alleged gangrape of the 19-year-old girl, who died during medical treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital. In a recent press release, AP Singh has mentioned that the body had collected a lot of money to hire him as they thought the SC/ST objective was being 'misused' to slander the upper caste community. The decision was taken by former Union Minister Raja Manvendra Singh, who is the national president of Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha. Notably, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has said that a conspiracy was being hatched in the state by politicising the incident in order to organise an ethnic riot. The UP Police had also filed a lawsuit under IPC sections in Lucknow. Amid a nationwide outrage over the growing number of caste-led rape cases, the Hathras case has started receiving support from upper-caste groups who are demanding an 'unbiased' probe. There is a growing need for mental health care for college students. Listeners On Call fills a critical gap to provide students with support. Tweet this Listeners On Call promotes mental well-being by connecting Callers to trained Listeners with whom they feel compatible with on topics such as College Stress, Needing to Vent, Social Isolation and Race Relations. Listeners Cn Call also provides the student leaders valuable insights into the challenges faced by students through robust and anonymous data analytics and reporting. "Over the last few months, it has become clear that we're facing a new wave of mental health challenges as universities struggle to meet the skyrocketing demand from students," said Cole Egger, Co-Founder and CEO of Listeners On Call. "At Listeners On Call we hope to ease the back-to-school burden on the entire ecosystem -- students, parents, and faculty. Listeners On Call is an on-demand, scalable, and cost-effective mental health service that helps students connect from anywhere, anytime, with someone who has a related personal experience and is ready to listen." A study from Dartmouth University this July found an immediate negative impact on the emotional well-being of college students due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its social implications. In addition, according to a recent survey by Active Minds, 80% of the 2,086 students surveyed reported that COVID-19 has "negatively impacted" their mental health. 55% of those students do not know where to go for support but stated that tools that promote social connection are most helpful in caring for their mental health. "Students are accustomed to juggling a heavy load at school, but the demands only continue to grow. While Texas A&M students are resilient and resourceful, they are not immune to struggles with mental health," said Eric Mendoza, Student Body President at Texas A&M University, the largest student body in the country. "Our partnership with Listeners On Call provides students with another great tool in their toolbox to help as they navigate the evolving demands from wherever they may be. I encourage students to reach out for help whenever they need it." About Listeners On Call As the pioneer in Consumer Listening Services, Listeners On Call is a new platform that promotes mental health and well-being by connecting Callers to trained Listeners anonymously and affordably on a private phone call. Our foundational philosophy of Connected Listening builds on shared experiences to create an immediate bond between Callers and Listeners. We are committed to connecting anyone, anywhere, anytime with someone who has a related personal experience and is ready to listen, and are proud to offer on call empathy, privacy and support for millions of people who need to feel heard. For more information, visit www.listenersoncall.com. Contact: Shay Pantano Pantano Media & Marketing [email protected] 212-731-9770 SOURCE Listeners On Call A top priority for buyers was affordability at least relative to Manhattans stubbornly high prices. Contract signings for the bottom fifth of listings in Brooklyn, where the median price was $253,000, doubled in August, to 134 deals from 67 in the same period last year, the biggest jump of any price tier. But demand was stronger or held steady across all price points, suggesting there were other factors driving sales. The top fifth of the Brooklyn market, with a median price of $1.6 million, had 147 signings, virtually unchanged from the same period a year ago. And the surge in sales was not only in affluent areas, like Downtown Brooklyn, but also in more affordable neighborhoods including Bay Ridge and Flatbush. At least some of the sales are attributable to pent-up demand, after the coronavirus essentially banned in-person apartment showings from mid-March through late June. But the disproportionate rebound in Brooklyn and, to a lesser extent, Queens, suggests that buyers are also adjusting priorities. Anything with outdoor space is flying, and renovated townhouses that are priced well are going into bidding wars, Melissa Leifer, an agent with Keller Williams NYC, said about the recovering Brooklyn market. About half of her buyers already live in the borough, while the other half are leaving homes in Manhattan, often with complaints of high maintenance costs, smaller apartments and a lack of green space. Still, a rebound is in its early days, after months of damage wrought by the virus. From January to the end of August, there were 3,467 contracts signed in Brooklyn, down from 4,813 in the same period last year, a roughly 30 percent drop. Chanel returned once again to the Grand Palais in Paris this morning with a stellar runway spectacle to kick off the last day of fashion month. Attended by a large, socially-distanced audience, the spring/summer 21 show was dedicated to the many actresses who have been muses for the house since Gabrielle Chanel founded the label in 1910. I was thinking about actresses at the photo call, on the red carpet, that moment when theyre being called to by the photographers: their faces a little distracted, their attitude a little out of sync with the outfits theyre wearing, explains creative director Virginie Viard in the show notes. The outcome was a cool and youthful collection of billowing sequin pantaloons, mini dresses with floating organza trains and fluid ruffle maxi dresses printed with black and white flowers. Lily-Rose Depp (AP) / Francois Mori/AP Alongside the brands signature prim boucle suits in pale pink and black, came neon pink acid wash jeans, metallic knit bombers and t-shirts printed with Chanel in neon lights. I wanted it to be very joyful, colourful, and very vibrant too, said Viard. Bermuda shorts featured heavily throughout, both in leather and more formal tailored suiting. Chanel, which recently bought a showpiece shop on Bond Street in a vote of confidence for central London, is one of the last brands to show at Paris Fashion Week, with Louis Vuitton closing the event with a runway show this afternoon. Invesco Perpetual Select Trust plc LEI: 549300JZQ39WJPD7U596 Result of AGM Result of the Annual General Meeting of Invesco Perpetual Select Trust plc held on 6 October 2020: All of the Annual General Meeting resolutions were decided by poll and were passed. The poll results were as follows: . Resolutions applicable to all share classes, with voting rights based on the net asset values of the respective share classes at close of business on 2 October 2020: Resolution Votes For (including votes at the discretion of the Chairman) Votes Against Votes Withheld Ordinary resolutions: 1. 12,197,532 99.8% 21,679 0.2% - 2. 12,068,346 98.9% 139,996 1.1% 10,869 3. 12,084,123 98.9% 134,905 1.1% 182 4. 12,083,804 98.9% 131,323 1.1% 4,084 5. 12,083,621 98.9% 131,506 1.1% 4,084 6. 12,083,804 98.9% 130,209 1.1% 5,198 7. 12,105,163 99.1% 108,850 0.9% 5,198 8. 12,086,307 99.0% 128,820 1.0% 4,084 9. 11,862,114 97.1% 357,098 2.9% - Special resolutions: 10. 12,047,746 98.7% 162,323 1.3% 9,142 11. 12,055,397 98.7% 154,671 1.3% 9,142 12. 12,083,992 98.9% 135,219 1.1% - Total Voting Rights applicable to the above resolutions were 103,742,873. Resolution 13 was applicable only to the UK Equity Share class, with voting rights being one vote per share: Resolution Votes For (including votes at the discretion of the Chairman) Votes Against Votes Withheld Ordinary resolution: 13. 3,545,619 100.0% - - - Total Voting Rights applicable for this resolution were 29,876,249 Resolution 14 was applicable only to the Global Equity Income Share class, with voting rights being one vote per share: Resolution Votes For (including votes at the discretion of the Chairman) Votes Against Votes Withheld Ordinary resolution: 14. 3,131,023 99.5% 14,382 0.5% - Total Voting Rights applicable for this resolution were 26,564,118. . The full text of the resolutions passed is as follows: Ordinary Resolutions applicable to all share classes: The following Ordinary Resolutions were passed at the Annual General Meeting held on 6 October 2020: 1. To receive the Annual Financial Report for the year ended 31 May 2020. 2. To approve the Directors' Remuneration Policy. 3. To approve the Annual Statement and Report on Remuneration. 4. To re-elect Craig Cleland as a Director of the Company. 5. To re-elect Alan Clifton as a Director of the Company. 6. To re-elect Graham Kitchen as a Director of the Company. 7. To re-elect Victoria Muir as a Director of the Company. 8. To re-appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP as Auditor to the Company and authorise the Audit Committee to determine the Auditor's remuneration. 9. THAT: the Directors be and they are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised, for the purpose of section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended from time to time prior to the date of passing this resolution ('2006 Act') to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot relevant securities (as defined in sections 551(3) and (6) of the 2006 Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount equal to 1,000,000 of UK Equity Shares, 1,000,000 of Global Equity Income Shares, 1,000,000 of Balanced Risk Allocation Shares and 1,000,000 of Managed Liquidity Shares, provided that this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company or the date falling fifteen months after the passing of this resolution, whichever is the earlier, but so that such authority shall allow the Company to make offers or agreements before the expiry of this authority which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such offers or agreements as if the power conferred hereby had not expired. Special Resolutions: The following Special Resolutions were passed at the Annual General Meeting held on 6 October 2020: 10. THAT: the Directors be and they are hereby empowered, in accordance with sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended from time to time prior to the date of the passing of this resolution ('2006 Act') to allot Shares in each class (UK Equity, Global Equity Income, Balanced Risk Allocation and Managed Liquidity) for cash, either pursuant to the authority given by resolution 9 set out above or (if such allotment constitutes the sale of relevant Shares which, immediately before the sale, were held by the Company as treasury shares) otherwise, as if section 561 of the 2006 Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited: (a) to the allotment of Shares in connection with a rights issue in favour of all holders of a class of Share where the Shares attributable respectively to the interests of all holders of Shares of such class are either proportionate (as nearly as may be) to the respective numbers of relevant Shares held by them or are otherwise allotted in accordance with the rights attaching to such Shares (subject in either case to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems under the laws of, or the requirements of, any regulatory body or any stock exchange in any territory or otherwise); (b) to the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to a rights issue) of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of 30,279 of UK Equity Shares, 27,475 of Global Equity Income Shares, 5,236 of Balanced Risk Allocation Shares and 2,497 of Managed Liquidity Shares; and (c) to the allotment of equity securities at a price of not less than the net asset value per Share as close as practicable to the allotment or sale and this power shall expire at the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company or the date fifteen months after the passing of this resolution, whichever is the earlier, but so that this power shall allow the Company to make offers or agreements before the expiry of this power which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry as if the power conferred by this resolution had not expired; and so that words and expressions defined in or for the purposes of Part 17 of the 2006 Act shall bear the same meanings in this resolution. 11. THAT: the Company be generally and subject as hereinafter appears unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended from time to time prior to the date of passing this resolution ('2006 Act') to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of the 2006 Act) of its issued Shares in each Share class (UK Equity, Global Equity Income, Balanced Risk Allocation and Managed Liquidity). PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT (i) the maximum number of Shares hereby authorised to be purchased shall be 14.99% of each class of the Company's share capital at 6 October 2020, the date of the Annual General Meeting, being 4,478,449 UK Equity Shares, 3,981,961 Global Equity Income Shares, 784,505 Balanced Risk Allocation Shares and 458,893 Managed Liquidity Shares; (ii) the minimum price which may be paid for a Share shall be 1p; (iii) the maximum price which may be paid for a Share in each Share class must not be more than the higher of: (a) 5% above the average of the mid-market values of the Shares for the five business days before the purchase is made; and (b) the higher of the price of the last independent trade in the Shares and the highest then current independent bid for the Shares on the London Stock Exchange; (iv) any purchase of Shares will be made in the market for cash at prices below the prevailing net asset value per Share (as determined by the Directors); (v) the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company or, if earlier, on the expiry of 15 months from the passing of this resolution unless the authority is renewed at any other general meeting prior to such time; and (vi) the Company may make a contract to purchase Shares under the authority hereby conferred prior to the expiry of such authority which will be executed wholly or partly after the expiration of such authority and may make a purchase of Shares pursuant to any such contract. 12. THAT: the period of notice required for general meetings of the Company (other than Annual General Meetings) shall be not less than 14 days. Ordinary Resolution applicable only to the UK Equity Share Class: 13. To approve the UK Equity Share Class Portfolio dividend payment policy as set out on page 36 of the 2020 annual financial report. Ordinary Resolution applicable only to the Global Equity Income Share Class: 14. To approve the Global Equity Income Share Class Portfolio dividend payment policy as set out on page 36 of the 2020 annual financial report. Invesco Asset Management Limited Corporate Company Secretary 6 October 2020 Romania is supporting substantial funds for the green and digital objectives in the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility, while pointing out that the member states have different national specificities, stages of development and needs, Romania's Finance Minister Florin Citu told a recent virtual ECOFIN meeting. In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Finance Ministry quotes Citu as underlining that because of that the targets in the climate and digital field must be different, adjusted for convergence needs.The Recovery and Resilience Facility was the main focus on the agenda of n October 6 Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meeting.Citu also reiterated the idea of operationalising the recovery instrument in a way that is as fast and flexible as possible."We need to ensure a quick process of approval and simple rules for the preparation of all documents related to the Recovery and Resilience Facility. I believe this is the moment to implement reforms that leads to less bureaucracy both nationally and at EU level. In our view, why not start with simple rules on RRF [Recovery Facility]?" said Citu.A text presented by the German presidency was endorsed by most of the member states and is the basis for negotiations with the European Parliament.The finance ministers also discussed the future of the European Semester in relation to the economic recovery plans.Given the circumstances, Citu believes that the guidelines developed by the European Commission seem to complicate the process related to the drawing up of national recovery and resilience plans. We support the flexibility of the European Semester stages during the operationalisation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and ten drawing up of recovery and resilience plans in order to avoid duplication and to ease the bureaucratic burden on the member states.Rounding up the agenda of the ECOFIN meeting was an action plan on the Capital Markets Union, a digital finance package (which also includes legislative proposals on the crypto-assets market) and the preparation of the virtual meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 and an annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) October 12-16, 2020. Now ours is too. The problem is not that a sickened Trump cant perform the duties of the president. After his diagnosis, a strange political fiction took hold that American national security would be threatened if Trump were incapacitated, as if Trump ordinarily does work that protects the nations interests. In truth, while its scary that Trump is making decisions while on a steroid with documented psychological side effects, when it comes to the stability of our government, its hard to see how it matters whether the president watches Fox News and tweets from the White House or from a suite at Walter Reed. Whats alarming, rather, is that each new diagnosis in the White House demonstrates how thoroughly this administration has been infected by its own disinformation. The refusal to take basic precautions against the pandemic is the starkest evidence yet of how our government has morphed into a personality cult. The out-of-control spread of the coronavirus in the White House is a microcosm of its out-of-control spread in the country, where on Friday new cases hit the highest point since mid-August. What matters now is whether the Covid-19 cluster at the pinnacle of Republican politics acts how the Chernobyl disaster did in the Soviet Union, further exposing a regime rotten with mendacity. Thats far from guaranteed. In the hospital, Trump and his enablers worked to minimize the perception that he was really sick. His doctor misled the public about the presidents condition. Trump staged photo shoots of faux work sessions and risked the health of Secret Service agents to drive by a gathering of fans. If a critical mass of people continue to trust Trump, the way hes spinning his ordeal might lead them to take the coronavirus even less seriously. Announcing his discharge on Monday, Trump tweeted that he felt better than he had in 20 years, saying: Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life. But Americans should fear Covid. And if coronavirus dominates our lives, its because an administration charged with protecting us is so subservient to the presidents lies that it cant even protect itself. The parents of a woman murdered by her killer boyfriend have told the High Court the police failed to protect their daughter and their actions should be examined at a full inquest into her death. Susan Nicholson, 52, was murdered by her boyfriend Robert Trigg in 2011, five years after he killed another lover, 35-year-old Caroline Devlin, in 2006. Neither death was initially deemed suspicious by police. Ms Nicholson's parents, Elizabeth and Peter Skelton, are bringing a legal challenge against the senior coroner for West Sussex over the scope of a fresh inquest into their daughter's death. In written documents before the court, lawyers for Mr and Mrs Skelton said the senior coroner was wrong not to order a full inquest into the death, arguing there were police failings in the case which should be examined. Susan Nicholson (right), 52, was murdered by her boyfriend Robert Trigg (left) in 2011, five years after he killed another lover, 35-year-old Caroline Devlin, in 2006 Trigg, now 54, was jailed for at least 25 years in 2017 for Ms Devlin's manslaughter and Ms Nicholson's murder. After his conviction, the High Court quashed the original inquest into Ms Nicholson's death, which made a finding of accidental death, and ordered a new inquest be held. The senior coroner for West Sussex ruled that this would be a fresh short inquest, with no witnesses questioned. In written submissions to the High Court today, Heather Williams QC, barrister for Mr and Mrs Skelton, said the couple had argued to the coroner that the 'circumstances leading up to Ms Nicholson's death involved arguable breaches by Sussex Police'. They said there should be a full inquest under Article 2, the right to life, of the Human Rights Act, which can scrutinise the role of public bodies in a person's death Ms Williams said the couple had argued the force had breached its duty to 'take reasonable steps to protect against the real and immediate risk to life posed by Robert Trigg towards Susan Nicholson' as well as its duty to 'conduct an effective investigation into a death that may amount to the unlawful taking of life, in relation to Caroline Devlin'. In her ruling last year, the senior coroner 'indicated she was not satisfied there was an arguable breach of either of these obligations and that accordingly she was not obliged to conduct an Article 2 compliant inquest', Ms Williams said. Trigg, now 54, was jailed for at least 25 years in 2017 for Ms Devlin's manslaughter and Ms Nicholson's murder. Pictured: Trigg in 2017 Ms Nicholson's parents are now challenging this decision at the High Court.In documents before the court, Ms Williams said the senior coroner's decision was 'unlawful' arguing that 'on the material available at this stage', it is 'plainly arguable' that Sussex Police breached its duties. The senior coroner is remaining neutral in the challenge. Sussex Police, which is an interested party in the case, argues that Mr and Mrs Skelton's claim should be dismissed. Lawyers for the force claim that the senior coroner's decision was not unreasonable. Trigg is also an interested party in the case and is asking the court to make an order that the coroner reach her own conclusion on how Ms Nicholson died, and does not have to make a ruling in line with the murder conviction. In her submissions, Ms Williams, for Ms Nicholson's parents, said Trigg's application should be rejected, arguing it is 'designed to permit Mr Trigg to mount a collateral challenge on his murder conviction via the inquest process'. Officers were called to Ms Nicholson's flat six times in the weeks before her death over reports of violence, and one of his former partners was taken to hospital after he attacked her. But Sussex Police did not find the similarities between the cases suspicious and treated Trigg like a bereaved lover rather than a suspect. In 2011, coroner Michael Kendall ruled that former Coutts bank employee Ms Nicholson died accidentally after Trigg claimed he rolled on top of her unintentionally while they slept on a sofa. After Trigg's conviction, police chiefs apologised for taking 'so long' to get justice, saying the families would be offered compensation and independent inquiries would be carried out 'without fear or favour', adding: 'It is important we learn any lessons and provide answers for the families.' Last year, initial findings in one of those inquiries said the force may have 'missed opportunities' when investigating the killings. The full report is yet to be published while separate inquiries continue. The High Court case, which is being heard by Lord Justice Popplewell and Mr Justice Jay, is expected to last for three days. India's September merchandise trade deficit lower at $2.91 bn India saw its merchandise exports in September 2020 rise to $27.40 billion from $26.02 billion in September 2019, a growth of 5.27 per cent, a ministry of commerce and industry release Indias merchandise imports in September 2020 were lower at $30.31 billion in September 2020 against $37.69 billion in September 2019, a decline of 19.60 per cent, preliminary data released today showed. India, however, remained a net importer in September 2020, with a trade deficit of $2.91 billion, compared to a trade deficit of $11.67 billion in September 2019, a substantial improvement of 75.06 per cent Value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in September 2020 stood at $21.11 billion, compared with $19 billion in September 2019, a growth of 11.12 per cent. Non-oil and non-gold imports stood at $21.80 billion in September 2020, against such imports worth $25.14 billion in September 2019, a negative growth of (-) 13.29 per cent Top 5 commodities of export which have recorded positive growth during September 2020 vis-a-vis September 2019 are: Other cereals (304.71 per cent), Iron ore (109.52 per cent), Rice (92.44 per cent), Oil meals (43.90 per cent) and Carpet (42.89 per cent) Top 5 commodity groups of import showing negative growth year-on-year in September 2020 are: Silver (-93.92 per cent), Cotton Raw and Waste (-82.02 per cent), Newsprint (-62.44 per cent), Gold (-52.85 per cent), Transport equipment (-47.08 per cent). Indias merchandise exports during April-September 2020-21 stood at $125.06 billion, showing a negative growth of 21.43 per cent over the same period last year. Merchandise imports during April-September 2020-21 stood at $148.69 billion, compared with $248.08 billion during the same period last year, exhibiting a negative growth of 40.06 per cent. India is thus a net importer in September 2020, with a trade deficit of $2.91 billion, compared with a trade deficit of $11.67 billion, showing a substantial improvement of 75.06 per cent. In September 2020, the value of non-petroleum exports stood at $23.81 billion, recording a growth of 5.44 per cent over September 2019. The value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in September 2020 stood at $21.11 billion, against $19.00 billion in September 2019, showing a growth of 11.12 per cent. Cumulative value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in April-September 2020-21 stood at $104.35 billion, against $118.65 billion for the corresponding period in 2019-20, a decrease of 12.05 per cent. In September 2020, Indias oil imports stood at $5.82 billion, against $9.09 billion in September 2019, a decline of 35.92 per cent. Oil imports in April-September 2020-21 stood at $31.85 billion, against $65.20 billion, showing a decline of 51.14 per cent. TDT | Manama Representatives of expatriate communities have hailed Bahrains sustained efforts to cushion the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Following surveys conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19, the Kingdoms preemptive and precautionary measures have effectively contained and mitigated the pandemic, they noted. A joint report prepared by the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Kingdom of Bahrain on the status of recovery from the impact of the pandemic was discussed during a webinar held recently. The online discussion titled, The Socio-Economic Impact of the Corona Pandemic in Bahrain, brought together UNDP Bahrains Resident Representative Stefano Pettinato, who moderated the event; Derasats Research Director Dr. Omar Al Ubaydli, Bangladesh Ambassador Mohamed Nazrul Islam, UK Deputy Ambassador Stuart Summers, and US Embassys Political and Economic Affairs Counsellor Rabia Qureshi. Qureshi expressed the US support for Bahrains efforts to locally contain and mitigate the pandemic. She said that the US Embassy in Manama helped with this effort as part of several initiatives it aims to launch soon. Ambassador Islam spoke of his experience arriving at the Kingdom by mid-March at the height of the pandemic, which posed an immediate challenge. He viewed Bahrains containment measures as excellent, and the LMRAs amnesty to regulate conditions for 40 thousand illegal workers as a key step in organizing how the local Bangladeshi community cooperated with healthcare precautionary measures. He said the Embassy worked with the Governments of Bahrain and Bangladesh to establish long-term support, as well as continuously raising awareness regarding health, hygiene, and safety. Deputy Ambassador Summers indicated the need to balance public health and economic priorities. He described the testing as a game-changer in analyzing strategies and creating solutions for the way forward, while the vaccine a game-ender is in the making. He said Bahrain succeeded in analyzing strategies for effective solutions. He noted how the UK invested with the World Health Organization in vaccine research, besides its work in identifying and addressing community vulnerabilities. He concluded that the pandemic impacted youth in job loss changed the nature of work, and accelerated efforts to find strategies. Pettinato explained that the ongoing initiative in Bahrain is part of UNDPs global effort to conduct socio-economic impact assessments (SEIA) in 117 countries across five regions. Unique to each country, these reports are valuable as they inform policymakers and the population on the status of recovery from the impact of the pandemic. The study in Bahrain adapted to an analytical framework consistent with the challenges that are unique to Bahrain. Dr. Al Ubaydli presented the joint report. Derasats Surveys Directorate helped reach out directly and through UNDP Bahrain and embassy co-operation, to approximately 3,000 people who participated in three surveys. For the survey conducted in Bahrain, 700 Bahrainis and 300 Bangladeshis living in Bahrain responded. The other two surveys carried out for comparison purposes reached 1,000 members of the UK population, and 1,000 members of the US population. All three surveys were nearly nationally-representative. The scientific rigor in the gathering of the data makes it suitable and valuable to inform policies and other actions. The data is complementary to existing information gathered by entities such as the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). The survey asked questions regarding employment, pandemic-induced challenges, financial challenges, required Government support, and time spent on non-work tasks. The survey sample included Bahraini nationals, Bangladesh residents of Bahrain as the largest expatriate community in numbers with an economic contribution to the local labor market, with the UK and US surveys mainly used for benchmarking purposes. The long road of a copyright suit over Led Zeppelins 1971 megahit Stairway to Heaven came to an end on Monday, when the United States Supreme Court announced that it had declined to hear the case. The high courts decision means that a ruling for Led Zeppelin in March by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit will stand. That ruling affirmed Led Zeppelins victory at a trial in 2016 over a challenge led by a trustee representing Taurus, a 1968 song by the psychedelic band Spirit. Taurus, written by Randy Wolfe better known as Randy California, the nickname Jimi Hendrix gave him has long drawn comparisons to the pastoral opening segment of Stairway to Heaven, a staple of rock radio that, by some estimates, has earned more than $500 million. The two songs share similar chord progressions and a bass line that descends along a chromatic scale. In alignment with Dubais E-Commerce Strategy, EZDubai e-commerce zone has welcomed to its fold noon.com, one of the regions leading digital marketplace. A signing ceremony took place earlier this year to commemorate the partnership and was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA); Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of noon; Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman Dubai Aviation City Corporation & Dubai South; Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of Logistics District, Dubai South, Faraz Khalid, CEO of noon; and other high-ranking executives. Noon is one of the first e-commerce player to firmly establish itself within the EZDubai e-commerce zone. The partnership further cements noons commitment to becoming the digital flagbearer of the Middle East, helping to drive growth and innovation across the Middle East. noon will continue to expand its operations, utilising EZDubais range of logistics facilities and customised business solutions to further support the growth of local SMEs and entrepreneurs who rely on noon as their digital platform. Sheikh Ahmed said: EZDubai aims to attract e-commerce, logistics and other related industries, in alignment with Dubais E-commerce Strategy set by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council that seeks to send out a robust message to foreign investors that the Emirates position is cemented as a global logistics hub for the region. noons presence in EZDubai will further consolidate Dubai Souths influence as a pioneering effort that will boost the growth of the industry. EZDubai represents a strategic business community that promotes the growth of SMEs as well as empowers businesses through a range of facilities and smart solutions for the sector. It also offers options for large international players to setup combined regional and national hubs to complement the growth of e-commerce in the region. Alabbar said: noon was built on the idea of delivering uncompromising, world-class customer experience. We are committed to transforming the digital landscape of the region by building a market-leading e-commerce platform that not only serves its customers but also helps local businesses compete better. EZDubai presented an ideal opportunity for us to advance upon our vision of the future of e-commerce, and we are humbled to be the flagship e-commerce brand there. We look forward to working with EZDubai to further push the frontiers of e-commerce in the country. Al Zaffin commented: EZDubai is positioned to help prosper the Emirates logistics and e-commerce sector by welcoming in companies like Noon that have left a dominant impact on the regional market and are seeking to expand on a global scale. In addition to the Governments efforts to consolidate foreign investors into Dubai not only solidifies its presence worldwide but also opens its potential for local investors with a worldly view. EZDubai e-commerce zone is designed to further benefit from Dubai South, an integrated airport city spanning 145 sq kms, home to the Expo 2020 site as well as directly connected to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port. As part of the Logistics District, EZDubai stands to benefit from the districts competitive advantage, with access to cross-continental, multimodal distribution networks. It has a high level of market reach in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, supported by leading international supply chain providers.-- Tradearabia News Service EBRD boosting renewables in Greece with 75 million investment in HELPEs bond issuance Funds to finance new solar PV plants built in the most coal-dependent region of the country Largest renewable energy project in the country to date Supporting the largest renewable energy project in Greece and the largest solar energy project in south-eastern Europe to date, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is investing 75 million in the successful Eurobond tap issuance by Hellenic Petroleum (HELPE), a leading Greek energy group. The total funds of 100 million raised will enable HELPE to finance the construction of 18 solar photovoltaic (PV) plants with a total installed capacity of 204 MW in Kozani, Western Macedonia, the countrys most coal-dependent region. The solar park will be built close to existing coal-fired power plants that are being phased out and is expected to reduce CO 2 emissions by 320,000 tonnes annually. HELPE is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, while the bonds are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The group aims to develop 600MW renewable energy capacity by 2025 in order to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its environmental footprint by 50 per cent until 2030. Harry Boyd-Carpenter, EBRD Head of Energy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: We are very proud to support HELPE in developing what will be the largest solar park in south-eastern Europe. Greece has a very ambitious decarbonisation plan and it will therefore need many projects of this scale to replace its existing lignite capacity. We are very happy to be part of this milestone project, led by such a strong sponsor, and support the transition of Western Macedonia towards new greener economic activities. George Alexopoulos, General Manager Strategy and new Business Activities and member of the HELPE Board of Directors commented: The Kozani project is our first big step towards building a material renewables portfolio in line with our strategy and our ambition to reduce our carbon footprint. The project will aim to maximise employment and content from the local community and, starting in 2022, produce 350 GWh per year of zero-emission electricity. We are very pleased to have the EBRDs support in this landmark endeavour. The investment comes under the Greek Renewable Energy Framework and is aligned with the EBRDs Green Economy Transition (GET) approach, the Banks strategy for helping the economies where it invests build low-carbon and resilient economies. It is also aligned with the objectives of the Banks Just Transition Initiative, which aims to address the shift from fossil fuel-dependent economies towards climate-resilient and low-carbon economies. It is anticipated that 300 short-term jobs will be created during the construction of the solar park as well as dozens of direct and indirect jobs during operations, most of which will come from the local community. The investment supports Greeces commitment to decarbonise its electricity sector through rapid growth in renewable energy and the implementation of technology-neutral, market-based renewable energy auctions, which enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the renewables sector. Greece is aiming to close all its existing coal fired power plants by the end of 2023 and to mothball one plant currently under construction by 2028. The EBRD started investing in Greece on a temporary basis in 2015 to support the countrys economic recovery. To date, the Bank has invested close to 4 billion in over 65 projects in the country, with most investments (more than 40 per cent) supporting sustainable infrastructure. Christine Collins knows dementia is rapidly stealing her mothers final days, robbing her of precious hours with her family and also care they could provide for her. But so far, dementia hasnt counted as an end-of-life situation or sudden medical decline that would justify in-person visits with the 94-year-old, who lives in a nursing home. Quebec Premier Francois Legault stood in the legislature Tuesday and formally apologized on behalf of the government to the family of an Indigenous woman subjected to verbal abuse as she lay dying in a hospital. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. People take part in a protest called Justice for Joyce in Montreal, Saturday, October 3, 2020, where they demanded justice for Joyce Echaquan and an end to all systemic racism. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes Quebec Premier Francois Legault stood in the legislature Tuesday and formally apologized on behalf of the government to the family of an Indigenous woman subjected to verbal abuse as she lay dying in a hospital. His apology came the same day a private funeral was scheduled for Joyce Echaquan in the Atikamekw community of Manawan, about 250 kilometres north of Montreal. The 37-year-old mother of seven died in hospital in Joliette, Que., last week, after she filmed herself in distress and pleading for help in a video that also captured hospital staff making degrading comments about her. "I want, on behalf of the Quebec state, to offer my apologies to the family, loved ones and the community of Joyce Echaquan," Legault said. "Unfortunately this isn't an isolated case," the premier added. "There continue to be a lot of racist acts against Indigenous people in Quebec, and it's not by chance. For decades, Indigenous people have been subjected to discrimination by different levels of government." The video, filmed from Echaquan's hospital bed northeast of Montreal, triggered widespread indignation, protest marches and vigils across Canada. In Ottawa, a minute of silence was held for Echaquan following question period Tuesday. Legault met with the grand chief of the Atikamekw Nation on Monday and promised better training throughout the hospital network as well as a public awareness campaign on the importance of fighting racism. But while his government has taken action that includes opening a public inquiry into Echaquans death, the premier has consistently maintained that systemic racism doesn't exist in Quebec. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct 6, 2020 Gurugram, Oct 6 : The Gurugram police have arrested two people on charges of betting on an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between RCB and Delhi Capitals. The duo were arrested from EWS flat in Vatika City at Sector-50 here, police said on Tuesday, adding that incriminating materials were also seized from their possessions. The accused were identified as Rakesh and Nitin, both residents of Basai village in Gurugram. "Based on specific inputs, the police raided the spot and nabbed the duo when they were placing bets on an IPL match being played between RCB and Delhi Capitals," said Subhash Boken, spokesperson of the Gurugram Police. "The police have registered a case under the Prevention of Gambling Act and further investigation is on," he added. JERSEYVILLE Three people were charged with felonies after allegedly resisting or attacking police officers in separate incidents in Jersey County, according to court records. Two sets of charges were issued Sept. 28, a third case in Oct. 1. Jason T. Scellin, 42, of Fieldon, was charged with aggravated assault, a Class 4 felony; and two counts of aggravated assault/public property, both Class A misdemeanors. According to court documents, on Sept. 26 Scellin attacked a Jersey County deputy by throwing a boot at him. Scellin is also accused of threatening to kill a woman and attack another man. The incident occurred outside of the Pour House in Fieldon. Bail was set at $15,000. Brittany R. Gresham, 32, of Cottage Hills, was charged with aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony; resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor; and criminal trespass to real property, a Class B misdemeanor. According to court documents, on Sept. 25 she grabbed a Jersey County deputys groin while he and other officers were attempting to place her in a patrol car, she also resisted arrest and had been on the property of the Whiskey Creek Bar in the 16000 block of U.S. 67, after having been told she was not allowed. Bail was set at $10,000. Jennifer Jo Walters, 45, of Jerseyville, was charged Oct. 1 with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony; aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony; and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.. Accord to court documents, on Sept. 30 she hit a family member on the side of their head with a frying pan. She also allegedly attempted to resist being arrested, and attempted to push and bite a police officer. Bail was set at $10,000. Other felony charges recently filed by the Jersey County States Attorneys Office include: Cory D. Motley, 43, of Jerseyville, was charged Oct. 1 with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. According to court records, on Sept. 30 Motley was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $5,000. Angel J. Gettings, 27, of Jerseyville, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, and obstructing justice, a Class 4 felony. According to court records, on Sept. 15 Gettings provided false information to a Jersey County Sheriffs deputy regarding another person, who was hiding under a vehicle in her driveway. She also had less than 5 grams of methamphetamine in her possession. Bail was set at $5,000. Shaun A. Watts, 43, of Jerseyville, was charged Sept. 38 with unlawful possession with intent to deliver cannabis. According to court documents, on Sept. 27 Watts was found to be in possession of 30-500 grams of cannabis. Bail was set at $10,000. Brandi M. Hillig, 40, of Jerseyville, was charged Sept. 28 with unlawful possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony; and unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony. According to court documents, on Sept. 21 Hillig delivered less than five grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. On Sept. 23, she was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver. Bail was set at $25,000. Terry L. Jackson, 51, of Jerseyville, was charged Sept 28 with domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. According to court documents, on Sept. 27 Jackson placed a family member in a shower and wrestled her to the ground. It was noted that Jackson had a prior conviction for similar offenses in Jersey, Morgan and Greene Counties. Bail was set at $10,000. Edwin L. Sweeten, 35, of Scottville, was charged Sept. 28 with unlawful possession of controlled substance, a Class 4 felony; and obstructing identification, a Class A misdemeanor. According to court documents, on Sept. 28 Sweeten was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of suboxone, and gave a false identity to a Jersey County Sheriffs deputy. Bail was set at $5,000. Samantha C. Phillips, 31, of Alton, was charged Sept. 30 with criminal damage to government property. According to court documents, on Sept. 29 Phillips damaged a sprinkler head in a cell, causing more than $500 in damage. Bail was set at $10,000. Pastor Bob Fu, founder of the nonprofit ChinaAid, and his family are in a protected location as the FBI and CIA investigate threats against Fus life by suspected members of the Chinese Communist Party, according to Midland Mayor Patrick Payton. The threats against Fus life began Sept. 26 when about five to six protesters demonstrated outside Fus home, Payton said during a press conference Monday afternoon. Those protests escalated Monday morning when a group of about 50 arrived at Fus home via a charter bus and accused him of being a spy for the CCP. Fu and his family are in a safe location and being protected by local police and federal law enforcement agencies, Payton said. He said the FBI and CIA are heavily involved in investigating the situation, but declined to comment further on the investigation, saying it was ongoing. Payton said the agencies had not yet determined why Fu is being targeted and why bounties have allegedly been placed on his life. The protesters alleged Fu was a spy for the CCP, which they accused of manufacturing the coronavirus, and said Fu has been gathering information on Americans to provide to the Chinese government. However, a statement from ChinaAid on Friday alleged a CCP operative is urging supporters to eliminate Fu. Its something we cant come to grips with, why someone in this organization is saying hes a member of the Communist Party, when quite frankly, all hes done is been wanted by the Communist Party, Payton said. Were still trying to figure that out. Fu, through ChinaAid, provides legal assistance to Christians who have been arrested in China, where Christianity is not recognized as an official religion and Christians face persecution from the government. There are estimated to be over 1 million people from religious or ethnic minorities currently in Chinese interment camps. The group of protesters on Monday arrived at Fus residence at about 11 a.m. carrying signs and passing out pamphlets that outlined their allegations against Fu. They declined to provide their names and when asked who organized the protest and provided the bus, they said they arrived separately and are not part of any organization. The protesters occasionally chanted in Mandarin and recorded videos on their phones but did not engage in any violence. Payton said protesters would be arrested if they stepped onto Fus property or the properties of his neighbors. More action is needed, Michael Garron Hospital president and CEO Sarah Downey is saying after three incidents of racism in four months at an EllisDon construction site on the East York hospitals grounds. Downey penned an open letter on Oct. 6 to EllisDon president and CEO Geoff Smith regarding three incidents taking place at the same construction site over the summer and fall. On June 10, two nooses were found at a part of the site where Black employees were known to work. On Sept. 24, another noose was found on the site, and on Oct. 2 an employee found racist graffiti in a bathroom stall for workers. This site needs a ****** purge, the graffiti read. While the Toronto Police Service is investigating all three incidents, it is not treating the Sept. 24 incident as hate-motivated. The repetitive nature of the crimes, however, convinces Downey and many in the community that EllisDon needs to do more to address anti-Black racism at its construction sites. EllisDon, in response to the second occurrence of nooses being found, released a list of actions and initiatives it is taking to combat racism in its company and in the industry. Steps include working with law enforcement, offering a reward for identifying the suspect(s), increasing site security, and offering employees, subcontractors, and unions diversity and inclusion education. Downey said in her letter that she doesnt think its enough. I appreciate the serious response taken by EllisDon in responding to these incidents, she said, describing the construction companys actions. It is clear, however, that this disturbing trend requires a stronger and louder response. After the first incident in June, the community came together and installed a Community Artivism installation displaying messages of support to workers affected by racism. Today, I pen this open letter to you because despite your best efforts to call out these insidious hateful acts and heal with our community, it is not enough. More action is needed, Downey wrote. The MGH president requests EllisDon to stop racist acts on your construction sites and on our hospital property and to involve itself in the community to share publicly its actions in ending systemic racism. In a statement after the second incident on Sept. 24, Smith wrote that the company will not stop until those responsible for these racist acts are found. Lets be clear, this is the handiwork of one or two racist criminals, every other worker and leader is appalled at their hatred and cowardice, he said. These individuals are unfortunately comfortable in the knowledge that on a heavily populated and constantly changing construction site, they will be hard to identify. But I want to send a clear message: We will not stop until you are found, charged, and permanently evicted from our industry. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will invest Rs 5,512.50 crore into Reliance Retail for 1.2 per cent euity share on fully diluted basis. Many migrant workers who returned to their hometowns due to coronavirus outbreak were able to find jobs under MGNREGS. The board of TCS will consider a share buyback proposal on October 7. Read more top stories from the world of business and economy: 1. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to invest Rs 5,512.50 crore in Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Retail With this investment, Reliance Retail Ventures has raised Rs 37,710 crore from leading global investors including Silver Lake, KKR, General Atlantic, Mubadala, GIC, TPG and ADIA in less than four weeks. 2. Samsung, Foxconn, Lava among 16 cos to get nod for govt's PLI scheme for phone manufacturing The government on Tuesday approved 16 applicants under the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) scheme for large scale electronics manufacturing. 3. Infographic: How MGNREGS rescued migrant workers MGNREGS has come to the rescue of millions of migrant workers who returned to their hometowns during the coronavirus pandemic. 4. Projects worth Rs 9.9 lakh crore stalled till September this year: CMIE Project completions rate - value of projects completed expressed as a per cent of value of projects under implementation - dropped to 0.2 per cent in the June quarter, recovering marginally to 0.28 per cent in the September quarter. 5. TCS to consider share buyback on Wednesday: Here's what analysts say Analysts see the share buyback as a positive move as it will reassure shareholders' confidence in the company, especially in the present uncertain environment in light of the coronavirus pandemic. I have been made aware of the event that was held at the Park Ridge Country Club yesterday morning, he wrote. This was not a city event, nor was city staff aware of the event until this morning. I have had a conversation with the city manager and have an email into the Park Ridge Country Club. Staff will be following up tomorrow morning to discuss what took place. I am as disappointed in the pictures of the event as those of you who have contacted me to share your anger. ATHENS, Greece: Greeces prime minister reiterated on Tuesday that his country is prepared to hold talks with fellow NATO member Turkey about a dispute over maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean. Speaking after meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Athens, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the dispute, which saw Greek and Turkish warships facing off in the eastern Mediterranean, was a threat to NATOs cohesion. However, he said he reiterated that Greece is always ready for dialogue, according to the rules of international law, good neighborly relations and the principle of solidarity, which is at the core of the framework of the North Atlantic alliance. Stoltenberg was visiting Athens a day after he held meetings in Ankara with Turkish government officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusloglu. He voiced hope that the two sides would be able to hold diplomatic negotiations to settle their differences a hope he reiterated in Athens on Tuesday. When Turkey disputes the sovereign rights of one, it opens wide the road to dispute the rights of others too, Mitsotakis said. Tension between neighbors Greece and Turkey flared this summer over energy prospecting rights in an area between Turkeys southern coast, several Greek islands and the war-divided island of Cyprus after Turkey sent a research vessel, escorted by warships, into areas where Greece and Cyprus claim exclusive economic rights. The hostility has eased in recent days, and NATO has helped set up a deconfliction mechanism, including a hotline between the two countries militaries, to avoid the possibility of a military accident leading to open conflict. The hotline, Stoltenberg said, is available 24 hours a day to facilitate deconfliction at sea and in the air. We stand ready to develop it further. The deconfliction mechanism, he added, can help to create the space for diplomatic efforts. It is my firm hope that the underlying disputes between the two allies can now be addressed purely through negotiations in the spirit of allied solidarity and international law, the NATO chief said. Mitsotakis welcomed recent Turkish moves to reduce tension, but said it remains to be seen if this is an honest move or a temporary maneuver. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor (Newser) An incredible ending to the story of a Florida swimmer who went missing Friday: Alex Rojas was on Monday discovered to be alive. Rojas, who had last been seen entering the Atlantic Ocean carrying a flotation device in Boynton Beach, contacted his family from a West Palm Beach hospital Monday, the Palm Beach Post reports. The Coast Guard had launched an extensive search for the 29-year-old involving a plane, helicopter, and boats. In a tweet, the Coast Guard says he apparently "swam too far from shore" and then "let himself drift back. He wasn't feeling well and checked himself into the hospital and was finally able to contact his family today." (Read more Florida stories.) NSW will have almost 450,000 fewer people by 2022 than the federal government was forecasting a year ago, as the COVID-19 crisis significantly affects migration to Australia's most populous state. The federal budget predicts that the NSW population will buck recent growth trends and fall this financial year, down 2000 people to 8,156,000. In last year's federal budget, the state's population was forecast to reach 8.65 million by the end of 2022, but that figure has been revised down to just 8,186,000. But as migration into NSW declines, the number of people moving to other states has also slowed. In 2018-19, a net total of 22,100 left NSW, but that will fall to 14,300 this financial year. WATERLOO Police have arrested a Des Moines area couple for a shooting near a Waterloo hospital early Monday morning. Neko Lamont Curtis Newsome, 26, was arrested for intimidation with a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying weapons and going armed. His bond was set at $75,000. His fiance, 23-year-old Reneka Rae Philipp of Des Moines, was arrested for intimidation with a weapon and aiding and abetting felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, the two became upset with Kenyatta Alexander of Waterloo over a comment made at Flirts Gentlemens Club early Monday. They followed him to a gas station and then to the MercyOne Medical Center emergency room parking lot around 1:40 a.m. where another confrontation occurred, records state. Newsome and Philipp and then drove off in a Chrysler Sebring, and Alexander got in the passenger seat of another vehicle that pulled out of the parking lot. A short distance away, at the intersection of Park Lane and West Ninth Street, someone opened fire on the vehicle, and a bullet punctured the windshield and grazed Alexanders neck. He returned to the emergency room and was treated for his injury. Police found two spent .45-caliber shell casings at the intersection. Later, around 1:05 p.m. Monday, Waterloo police stopped the Sebring and found a .45-caliber High Standard pistol under Newsomes seat. The weapon had been reported stolen in June in Des Moines, according to police. Corrections records show Newsome is currently on parole after serving prison time for a March 31, 2015, incident in which he allegedly opened fire on a group of people on 21st Street in Des Moines. Love 1 Funny 11 Wow 2 Sad 1 Angry 11 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday directed the state Department of Health Services to issue a new statewide order limiting the size of crowds at bars, restaurants and other public spaces in an effort to address surging COVID-19 cases across Wisconsin. The order, which goes into effect at 8 a.m. Thursday and remains in place until Nov. 6, limits some indoor public gatherings to no more than 25% of the total occupancy limit for a room or building. It allows several exemptions for schools, polling locations, political rallies and some businesses such as grocery stores. The move came as the state hit another record with 853 patients in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Tuesday, up 190 patients since Friday, in a situation a hospital official has said is nearing a crisis. The state reported 18 more deaths from the coronavirus Tuesday, for a total of 1,399, and 2,020 new cases, maintaining a surge in activity that started more than a month ago. Eight of the nations 20 COVID-19 metro-area hot spots are in Wisconsin, including Oshkosh-Neenah at No. 1 and Green Bay at No. 3, according to The New York Times. The state has the sixth-highest COVID-19 case rate in the country, down from second-highest a few days ago, according to the COVID Tracking Project. There is no other way to say it: We are overwhelmed, Evers said on a media call with reporters. I know we are all tired, we are all frustrated and we just want to get back to our Wisconsin way of life you and me both, Evers said. But at the end of the day, whether we like it or not, we have to change the course of this virus and thats going to take a united effort. The order largely applies to indoor gatherings at locations open to the public, including businesses that are open to the public and ticketed venues and events. As with previous state orders, local governments are able to pass more restrictive rules. I applaud todays action by Governor Evers and strongly caution the Legislature to pause before making a knee-jerk, political response to this prudent and necessary step the governor has taken, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said in a statement. Its long past due to take the politics out of this pandemic people are needlessly getting sick and dying because denial and scoring political points have taken precedence over public health and safety. Several exemptions Office spaces and manufacturing plants, as well as private residences and invitation-only events are exempt from the order. Child care facilities, churches and places of worship, polling locations, higher education facilities and schools, service providers like homeless shelters and health care providers also are exempt. The spread of this disease currently is intense and it is community-wide. We absolutely see transmission among indoor gatherings, DHS Secretary Andrea Palm said. I think when youre talking about something like a bar or restaurant where you need to remove your mask to partake in the activity that you went to the location to do, you increase the risk for people around you in that establishment. Evers chief legal counsel, Ryan Nilsestuen, said the order will be enforced by local officials and violating the order could result in a $500 civil forfeiture. However, like most COVID-19 measures taken by the state this year, officials ask that the public comply willingly. Nilsestuen said the latest order falls under powers granted to DHS not addressed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court when it ruled in May to strike down the states stay-at-home order, which included restrictions on businesses across the state. At the same time, Nilsestuen said he absolutely anticipates Republicans to challenge the order in court, as they have with previous public health orders. Its always hard to predict political behavior, but if its consistent with the past, then I guess we would expect to have a challenge in the court, Evers said. At the end of the day, doing orders and having them challenged in court maybe makes for great theater, but frankly it does nothing to make sure that people are safer in the state of Wisconsin. GOP reaction The offices of Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, did not respond to a request for comment. Todays order makes it clear he will continue unilaterally setting policy as long as we let him, Sen. Duey Stroebel, R-Saukville, said in a tweet. Its past time to come in & rescind his emergency declaration so he begins working with the Legislature. Republicans have been quick to challenge Evers orders since the pandemic began, including the stay-at-home order, which was struck down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in May. However, the decision was split 4-3 with conservative-backed Justice Brian Hagedorn joining the courts minority, and conservative-backed Justice Dan Kelly has since been replaced by liberal-backed Justice Jill Karofsky. The Supreme Court is clear and has already ruled that the Governor is supposed to be working with the Legislature on any decisions affecting the state going forward relating to the pandemic, Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, said in a statement. Governor Evers is not supposed to act unilaterally, yet here he is again. The conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) filed a lawsuit in August in Polk County Circuit Court against Evers current emergency order and mask mandate, but both Polk County judges recused themselves. The lawsuit seeks to halt enforcement of both the public health emergency declaration Evers made on July 30 and extended on Sept. 22 as well as the statewide mask mandate. WILL amended its lawsuit Sept. 28 and also sought an immediate, temporary injunction. St. Croix County Judge R. Michael Waterman heard arguments Monday, but declined to rule immediately. He could grant an immediate injunction any time to temporarily halt enforcement of the mask mandate while the case proceeds in circuit court. The GOP-led Legislature has met only once, in April, to take up COVID-19-response legislation. Business aid Also on Tuesday, Evers announced more than $100 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding for economic stabilization for small businesses and communities impacted by the virus. The funds include $50 million for an economic development grant program launched this summer by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. In addition, $20 million has been allocated to the states lodging industry, $15 million for live music and performance venues, $10 million to support privately owned movie theaters and $10 million for nonprofit cultural venues. The ongoing pandemic, combined with a lack of action at the federal level may force many of these businesses to shutter their doors for good, Evers said in a statement. Thats why were investing another $100 million in businesses and communities across our state. Our communities are in desperate need of additional federal support, but we cant wait a moment longer to do what we can here in Wisconsin. School warning Ron Martin, president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, the states largest teachers union, said Tuesday that schools should only hold in-person classes if their communities meet benchmarks set by local health officials. Here we are one month into the school year, the pandemic continues to surge at devastating levels in every corner of our state, prompting Wisconsin public school educators to double down on our call that local districts place the safety of our students and staff as their first priority, he said. Martin also called on legislators to take the health crisis seriously and pass legislation that financially supports public schools during the pandemic. Its time for leaders to stop ignoring the problem, he said. With a gaping hole in leadership at the federal level and a state legislative majority that refuses to come into session to do their job, our schools are relegated to the sidelines to watch the fallout. State Journal reporters Elizabeth Beyer and David Wahlberg contributed to this report. Love 5 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 27-1. The International Perspectives prepared the IC for the political crisis of Stalinism that erupted in 1989 with mass protests in China, followed shortly thereafter by the collapse of the Stalinist regimes in Eastern Europe, that culminated in December 1991 in the formal liquidation of the Soviet Union. The destruction of the Soviet Union was a political blow against the international working class that produced considerable disorientation and confusion. Against the triumphalism of the bourgeoisie, the International Committee was alone in insisting that the end of the Soviet Union did not signify the victory of the capitalist market and the end of socialism. Trotsky in his seminal work The Revolution Betrayed, published in 1936, had predicted the eventual liquidation of the remaining social gains of the Russian Revolution and the restoration of capitalist property relations unless the Soviet working class carried out a political revolution to oust the Stalinist bureaucracy. The end of the USSR did not represent the failure of socialism but of Stalinism and its reactionary nationalist perspective of Socialism in One Country under the impact of globalised production. Having long ago abandoned the struggle for the world socialist revolution, the Stalinist bureaucracy responded to the crisis of the Soviet economy, and growing working-class unrest, by integrating it within global capitalism and anchoring, thereby, its own privileges in capitalist private property. The collapse of the USSR was a product of the unravelling of the post-war order and the intensification of the fundamental contradiction of capitalism between world economy and the bankrupt nation-state system. Far from opening up a bright new future for capitalism, the end of the Soviet Union and its autarkic national economy foreshadowed the transformation or collapse of all parties and institutions based on national economic regulation. The ICFI explained that the intensification of the basic contradictions of capitalism would inevitably lead to a new period of profound economic crisis, wars and revolution. 27-2. The inability of the Soviet and Eastern European working class to develop its own class response to capitalist restorationism brought into sharp relief the enormous damage done to the political consciousness of the international working class by the long domination of the various Stalinist, social democratic and bourgeois nationalist bureaucracies and, above all, by the murder of the finest representatives of revolutionary Marxism by Stalin and his gangsters in the 1930s. In opposition to any conception that socialist revolution would emerge spontaneously, David North in his report to the 12th Plenum of the ICFI explained: The intensification of the class struggle provides the general foundation of the revolutionary movement. But it does not by itself directly and automatically create the political, intellectual, and, one might add, cultural environment that its development requires, and which prepares the historical setting for a truly revolutionary situation.[ 1 ] The report concluded that the responsibility fell to the International Committee to re-establish within the working class the great political culture of Marxism. An essential component of the ICFIs subsequent work has been the systematic exposure of the various elements of what it termed The Post-Soviet School of Falsification that has sought to bury the significance of the Russian Revolution and particularly the work of Leon Trotsky under a mountain of lies. 27-3. In Eastern Europe and the former Soviet republics, the collapse of the Stalinist regimes led to a rapid opening up to foreign investment, the wholesale looting of state-owned enterprises by the emerging kleptocracy and a staggering retrogression in the living standards of working people. In China, the process of capitalist restoration was more protracted. Just 23 years after the revolution, the Maoist regime reached an accommodation with US imperialism in 1972 that led to a de facto alliance against the Soviet Union and re-established Chinas economic relations with the West. The opening of China to foreign investment and the restoration of capitalist market relations began after Deng Xiaoping came to power in 1978, producing growing resistance in the working class. In the wake of the violent suppression of the Tiananmen Square protests in June 1989, an ICFI statement entitled Victory to the Political Revolution in China explained: The mass killings of the past week are the political culmination of a decade during which the Beijing Stalinists have worked systematically to restore capitalism to China and reintegrate its economy into the structure of world imperialism. The main purpose of the terror unleashed by the Beijing regime is to intimidate the Chinese masses and crush all opposition to its deliberate liquidation of the social conquests of the Chinese Revolution.[ 2 ] Following the crackdown, foreign investment flooded into China as transnational corporations concluded that the Tiananmen Square massacre was a guarantee that the CCP police state regime would not hesitate to use all methods to suppress the working class and guarantee private profit. The restoration of capitalism in China under the CCP has been accompanied by the emergence of a bourgeoisie in close association with the state bureaucracy, a deepening social divide, and a return of many of the social evils of pre-1949 China. 27-4. The liquidation of the Soviet Union had political and economic ramifications throughout Asia, not least in India, which depended heavily on Soviet markets, economic aid and geopolitical support. In 1991, facing a balance of payments crisis, the Congress government began the process of dismantling the edifice of Indian national economic regulation and opening up to foreign investment. The Indian Stalinist parties not only supported the new orientation but, in the states of West Bengal and Kerala where it held power, the CPM led the charge for pro-market restructuring. The collapse of the Cold War framework ended the ability of the bourgeoisie in backward capitalist countries to politically balance between the Soviet and Western blocs and to posture, with the aid of Moscow and Beijing, as anti-imperialists. Again the process was especially pronounced in India, a leading member of the so-called non-aligned movement with strong ties to the Soviet Union. New Delhi began to mend its bridges with Washington and drop its previous support for national movements such as the PLO. 27-5. The naked embrace of capitalism in the former Soviet bloc and China compounded the political crisis of the regions Stalinist parties, which either collapsed completely like the Communist Party of Thailand, fractured as in the case of the Communist Party of the Philippines, or completed their integration into the political establishment as in Japan and India. The various armed national liberation movements, as epitomised by the LTTEs advocacy of a Tiger economy for Sri Lanka, rapidly shed their former socialist posturing, embraced the ideology of the market and sought their own accommodation with imperialism. Senator Thom Tillis, who tested positive for the coronavirus last week, said Tuesday that he expects to be cleared to return to the Capitol soon to vote on the upcoming Supreme Court nomination. My guess is I will join virtually for the first day or two, and then I should be cleared for the vote later in the week, Tillis said Tuesday morning during an interview on Fox News. I feel great I feel very blessed, the North Carolina Republican said, adding that he experienced minor symptoms on Saturday morning but no longer has symptoms. His doctors are very pleased with his results, and his vital signs are above average, Tillis said. Tillis announced Friday that he tested positive for the coronavirus after GOP Senator Mike Lee of Utah also tested positive. A day later, Senator Ron Johnson became the third Republican senator to test positive in recent weeks, just as the Senate prepares to hold confirmation hearings on Judge Amy Coney Barretts nomination to the Supreme Court. Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee plan to begin the confirmation hearings on October 12. On Tuesday, Tillis said he is on a path to being cleared and be back in the Capitol for the hearings, which he predicted will likely be a combination of virtual and in-person proceedings. The senator added that he anticipates the questions from Democrats to Barrett will be every bit as bad as they were during the confirmation hearings for Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Were not going to give them a pass on it, Tillis said. What theyre really trying to do is keep an opening so they confirm a liberal activist judge. This is theater to shift the attention away from a highly qualified judge who is going to get confirmed to the Supreme Court, he said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called last week for the hearings on Barretts nomination to be postponed to allow Barrett and senators who were potentially exposed to the virus to be tested and isolate. Story continues They wont even meet with the candidate, but now they want to see all of us in person, Tillis said of Senate Democrats. More from National Review The Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that the trial court verdict acquitting all accused including former telecom minister A Raja in the 2G spectrum allocation cases was decided to be challenged as an opinion was received that it is a fit case to prefer an appeal. The agency said that the opinion was received from the Ministry of Law and Justice which examined the proposal of the probe agency to file a criminal appeal. The said that it was apprised through a letter by the Department of Personnel and Training in January 2018 that the law and justice ministry opined that it is a fit case to prefer an appeal. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, appearing for the and ED, submitted before Justice Brijesh Sethi that this letter was sent as a direction to the CBI to go and file an appeal. In this case, an opinion was formed by the Central government and the appeal was filed, Jain said. The relevant documents were showed to the judge who was hearing the matter through video conferencing. The documents were showed and submissions were made by the ASG in response to the application by Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd promoter Asif Balwa seeking a copy of the sanction letter of the central government to the CBI to file an appeal against the acquittal of the accused in the case. Advocates Vijay Aggarwal, Mudit Jain and Ashul Aggarwal, representing Asif, said they will examine the documents given by the CBI and respond. Besides this, Aggarwal has earlier argued that the CBI has not placed on record the mandatory authority under the provisions of the CrPC and added that the appeal was filed under the signatures of advocate Sanjeev Bhandari with a stamp of SPP (Special Public Prosecutor). In 2G cases, the SPP is appointed by way of a specific notification. An earlier notification was issued for the trial, which was superseded by a February 2018 notification appointing Tushar Mehta (now Solicitor General) to act as SPP. The notification was specific to the 2G cases and therefore, the appeal filed itself was without any authority and the CBI ought to clarify the same before the court, he had contended. Responding to this, on Tuesday the ASG showed documents to the court relating to appointment of Bhandari as SPP in Delhi High Court for conducting prosecution, appeals, revision of other matters arising out of cases invested by the CBI. He also referred to the February 2018 notification by which the then ASG Tushar Mehta was appointed as SPP for conducting appeals, revisions and other proceedings before the high court and Supreme Court in the cases relating to 2G spectrum. Jain further showed to the court the administrative order by which he was appointed as SPP to conduct the prosecution, appeals and revisions arising out of the cases related to 2G spectrum. Although Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was appointed as SPP, it does not mean only he will come and file the appeal. As per rules, there are some restrictions on a designated senior advocate who shall not file a vakalatnama or act in any court or tribunal. Merely because solicitor general Mehta was designated as SPP does not mean that he can do something that he, in his capacity as a senior advocate, cannot do, the ASG contended. He said the CBI got the draft vetted from Mehta and Bhandari filed the appeal before the high court. He further said when Justice U U Lalit was SPP in the 2G case, some pleadings were filed by him and it was his discretion and he was a special appointee of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court did not appoint Mehta. He was appointed by the government, so it is for him to decide whether he wants to do filing himself or through someone else. In this case, he decided Bhandari to do so, Jain submitted. The high court asked Jain to place these documents on record and listed the matter for further hearing on Wednesday. The high court on Monday had asked Jain to clarify whether there was any notification issued by the government appointing him as a prosecutor to argue the CBI and ED appeals in the 2G case. The high court has commenced day-to-day hearing on CBI's leave to appeal' against the acquittal of all the individuals and firms. After finishing submissions in the CBI case, the high court will take up the ED's money laundering case in which also all the accused were acquitted by the special court. Leave to appeal is a formal permission granted by a court to a party to challenge a decision in a higher court. A special court had on December 21, 2017 acquitted Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and others in the CBI and the ED cases related to the scam. Besides Raja and Kanimozhi, the special court had acquitted former telecom secretary Siddharth Behura; Raja's erstwhile private secretary R K Chandolia; Unitech Ltd MD Sanjay Chandra and three top executives of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (RADAG) -- Gautam Doshi, Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair, in the 2G case filed by the CBI. Swan Telecom promoters Shahid Balwa and Vinod Goenka and directors of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd Asif Balwa and Rajiv Agarwal were also acquitted in the CBI case. The special court had also acquitted Swan Telecom (P) Ltd; Unitech Wireless (Tamil Nadu) Ltd; Reliance Telecom Ltd; film producer Karim Morani and Director of Kalaignar TV Sharad Kumar in the CBI case. In March 2018, the ED and CBI had approached the high court challenging the special court's order acquitting all the accused. (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.) With K-12 revenue having cratered , school administrators, policymakers, and school funding advocates are now devising strategies to help school districts survive the coronavirus-sparked recession. After this years election, politicians at the federal, state, and local levels will begin to debate in earnest how to cope with an anticipated $500 billion budget hole. At issue is which districts should absorb the most pain, whether to restructure school funding policies and tax revenue sources, and how to cut while also boosting academic outcomes. Following are five ideas that have been surfaced in school funding policy circles and a look at some of the political and logistical headwinds they face: 1.) Raise taxes. Raising taxes during a recession is politically a hard sell since taxpayers argue they have little money to pay their billslet alone higher taxesand business owners say they need to spend any extra money they have on rehiring laid-off workers. But Democrats in recent years have taken the message that the rich can afford to pay more onto the campaign trail . A proposal on Californias ballot this year would increase taxes on properties worth more than $3 million. If passed, it would provide more than $6 billion in additional funding for schools. A balanced mix of tax and other policy options must be employed to maximize revenues while spreading the tax burden, minimizing volatility, and mitigating negative economic consequences, researchers Carrie Hahnel, Heather J. Hough, and Jason Willis wrote in a paper recently published by PACE, a research consortium that represents Stanford University, the University of California at Berkeley, and the University of Southern California. Last week, New Jersey, facing a $5 billion budget deficit, raised its taxes on millionaires and businesses that annually make more than $1 million. Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy had been pushing the so-called millionaires tax for several years now but the pandemic and the fiscal fallout provided the political environment to get the proposal through the states legislature. Similarly, wealthy districts may attempt to replace lost aid by raising their local levy, if the state allows them. Vermont earlier this year attempted to prevent local school districts from raising their tax rates. 2.) Diversify revenue. Hardest hit by this recession are states heavily reliant on oil, gaming, and tourism. Districts in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico now anticipate having to incur at least a 20 percent dip in revenue over the next two years. In those states, school funding advocates are urging legislators to create new lines of revenue so that the state is not so dependent on one industry in the coming years. There are also calls to institute higher property, income, and sales taxes after years of statewide opposition. (Hawaii is the only state in the nation without a property tax for school districts.) 3.) Federal bailout Districts best hope is for a sizeable federal bailout. The $13 billion provided under the CARES Act is now mostly used up and was not enough to spare districts from budget cuts this spring. Another package, which isnt expected to arrive until after this years election, would have to bring in closer to $100 billion to $200 billion in order to make a dent into districts anticipated budget cuts. The longer the federal government waits to bail out schools, the deeper this years budget cuts will be . 4.) Rely on state and district savings. States since the last recession have stored up billions of dollars in their rainy day accounts. By the beginning of this year, states had saved on average around 8 percent of the amount of money they annually spend overall. School officials now want states to dip into those funds in order to cushion the blow from the current financial meltdown. Most states have caps on how much money they can take out of their rainy day funds at once and rules around how they can spend that money. Many state leaders, including in New York and Arizona, are also reluctant to pull out significant chunks of money now since theres no telling how long the current recession will last. Districts also have money stashed away in savings, though many districts used much of that money to reopen their schools this year. 5.) Piecemeal budget cuts Flat percentage budget cuts to states funding formulas during the last recession proved devastating to low-income school districts, which are heavily reliant on state aid. Several states this time around want to cut outside of their school funding formulas or cut from their wealthiest districts first. Ohio tried this strategy in the spring and school funding advocates in New York and Michigan are hoping their legislature will do the same this year. Heartfelt letters from Prince Charles to a trusted royal maid are to be sold at auction. Marjorie Dawson, who grew up in a terraced house in Bolton and was orphaned aged 12, served as a personal maid to Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Queen's first cousin, from 1954 until her retirement in 1990. She travelled the world with the royals, was whisked round the dance floor by Prince Philip, attended royal weddings, became a firm friend and supporter of Prince Charles and stayed in every royal residence from Buckingham Palace to Balmoral. Now her vast collection of memorabilia, which includes letters and cards hand-signed by Princess Alexandra of Kent, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, is expected to fetch more than 10,000 when it goes under the hammer on October 13 at Hansons Auctioneers, Derby. Among them is a note written following the broadcast of his explosive 1994 documentary in which he admitted his infidelity. Writing to Marjorie afterwards, he said: 'I suspect it was what is called "living dangerously", but it seems difficult to avoid nowadays!' In another letter following his wedding to the Duchess of Cornwall, he wrote 'you can have no idea how lucky I am to have my Darling Camilla'. Heartfelt letters from Prince Charles to a trusted royal maid are to be sold at auction. Among them is this letter he wrote after the death of his grandmother the Queen Mother Following the birth of Prince William in 1982, Charles wrote on Buckingham Palace notepaper to Marjorie Dawson, who worked as a royal maid for 36 years until her retirement in 1990 Marjorie Dawson (left), who grew up in a terraced house in Bolton and was orphaned aged 12, served as a personal maid to Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Queen's first cousin (right) Marjorie was so highly regarded by Princess Alexandra that the royal personally visited her Bolton care home to deliver a birthday card from the Queen on her 100th birthday, pictured Prince Charles' heartfelt letters ON HIS WEDDING TO DIANA, 1981 Included is an invitation to Charles' wedding to Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981, and a letter, dated July 8, 1981, which reads: 'Dear Marjorie, Thank you so much for your letter. I am so touched that there was such a nice reaction to your wedding invitation. I couldn't be more delighted that it has given so many people such pleasure. Don't forget to go to the loo before the wedding - it could be a very long wait in the cathedral! With my love, Charles'. ON THE BIRTH OF PRINCE WILLIAM, 1982 Following the birth of Prince William in 1982, Charles wrote on Buckingham Palace notepaper: 'My Dear Marjorie, We were enormously touched to receive your very kind letter following the birth of our son. The reaction to the news has been overwhelming and thoroughly heart-warming and we are rapidly discovering what it is to be proud parents! With our very best wishes and apologies for having to send a typed letter - and with love from Charles'. ON THE DEATH OF THE QUEEN MOTHER, 2002 'Dear Marjorie, I was so touched that you should have written as you did about my beloved grandmother. I have dreaded her eventual departure and now she leaves behind an enormous chasm in my life... Such vital and extraordinary spirits are rare and I feel profoundly blessed that the Good Lord allowed me to have such a heavenly grandmother who taught me so many of the most valuable things in life. Oh, how we shall all miss her and everything she stood for. Bless you for your dear letter, with much affection, Charles.' ON HIS MARRIAGE TO CAMILLA, 2005 After Marjorie wrote to Charles in 2005 to congratulate him on marrying Camilla Parker Bowles, Charles replied: 'Bless you for writing, so generous, we were both so touched. And you can have no idea how lucky I am to have my Darling Camilla. All love Charles.' Advertisement It was discovered 'mostly untouched' by her family following Marjorie's death last year at the age of 104. Among the letters is one from Prince Charles written following the death of his beloved grandmother, the Queen Mother. He wrote: 'Dear Marjorie, I was so touched that you should have written as you did about my beloved grandmother. I have dreaded her eventual departure and now she leaves behind an enormous chasm in my life. 'However, she also leaves behind the most wonderful legacy of unbelievably happy memories of fun, laughter and an atmosphere of constant affection and interest in everything. 'Such vital and extraordinary spirits are rare and I feel profoundly blessed that the Good Lord allowed me to have such a heavenly grandmother who taught me so many of the most valuable things in life. Oh, how we shall all miss her and everything she stood for. Bless you for your dear letter, with much affection, Charles.' Prince Charles enjoyed a good relationship with Marjorie and wrote to her on a number of occasions over the years. Pictured, a note he wrote following the two-and-a-half hour TV documentary in which he publicly admitted for the first time that he had been unfaithful After Marjorie wrote to Charles in 2005 to congratulate him on marrying Camilla Parker Bowles, Charles replied: 'Bless you for writing, so generous, we were both so touched. And you can have no idea how lucky I am to have my Darling Camilla. All love Charles.' (pictured) Marjorie's invitation to Prince Charles and Diana's 1981 wedding is part of the collection And after Marjorie wrote to Charles in 2005 to congratulate him on marrying Camilla Parker Bowles, Charles replied: 'Bless you for writing, so generous, we were both so touched. And you can have no idea how lucky I am to have my Darling Camilla. All love Charles.' After she died, Marjorie's family was stunned to discover she had kept virtually everything from her time as a royal servant, including letters, notes, Easter, Christmas and birthday cards, even the gift tags from presents given to her during an extraordinary life. She was so highly thought of by Princess Alexandra that the royal personally delivered a birthday card from the Queen to Marjorie on her 100th birthday. By that time Marjorie was living in a Bolton care home. Though unable to attend Marjorie's funeral due to prior commitments, Princess Alexandra sent a card of condolence. A Christmas card sent to Marjorie from Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981 A Christmas card from the Queen's cousin, the Duke of Kent, and his wife the Duchess Jim Spencer, head of Hansons' library department, said: 'I spent a few late nights going through packets and piles of papers, but I carried out my work with excitement and intrigue. 'This is such an important collection, much of it untouched. Marjorie must've cherished her career because she kept every little thing. I found envelopes stuffed full of postcards, programmes, menus, brochures, and countless notes on headed paper from houses, castles and palaces around the world. 'I found myself reading a reference letter from 1941 recommending Marjorie to future employers, and realised how much she'd achieved, how much she'd lived - really lived. I saw the endless stamps in her passports, and photographs of her dancing in her youth - full of smiles and vitality. 'I find it very moving to think of Marjorie travelling the world, getting so much out of life, from those humble and tragic beginnings. She was clearly a steadfast, treasured, loyal and devoted royal servant who gained the affection of the family she served.' Marjorie's cousin David Knibb, 69, a retired carpenter from Jersey, said: 'Marjorie was born in Bolton, Greater Manchester, in 1915. Her father died in the First World War and she lost her mother when she was 12, we think to Spanish flu. Luckily, family members took her in. A thank you letter from the Queen Mother sent to Marjorie in December 1998 'As a small child she lived in Sapling Road, Bolton, but later moved to Morecambe in Lancashire. She went into service and initially worked for Lady Clark in Ireland before being appointed as Princess Alexandra's maid. 'Her first job in the morning was to wake her up with a cup of tea and open the curtains. On one occasion at Buckingham Palace she accidentally went into the wrong bedroom and woke up Princess Margaret. 'It was Marjorie's job to arrange all the clothing and accessories needed for the princess on a day to day basis and also pack for royal visits which demanded two outfits a day. She also looked after the princess's jewellery collection. 'In her youth, Marjorie loved amateur dramatics and was a keen dancer. She danced on several occasions with the Duke of Edinburgh and became good friends with the entertainer Lionel Blair and actress Thora Hird. Marjorie Dawson's personal effects also included her passport, pictured 'She married later in life to a royal butler, Willoughby Wood Barnard, but it was a single person's job. She never had any children. 'It's been a long process sorting through all the memorabilia. We've found Easter messages from the Queen Mother and a letter from Princess Alexandra saying she missed Marjorie when she was on holiday. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are five diaries each documenting five years of royal service and we've found cine film and slides in the attic.' Mr Spencer added: 'Marjorie claimed the secret of her long and successful life was a regular glass of whisky and a portion of fish and chips. Perhaps that's why the royals liked her so much.' (TNS) Unemployment insurance programs in Colorado and around the country are struggling with an unprecedented wave of fraudulent claims, something cybersecurity experts say numerous data breaches the past decade have made possible.Self-employed workers seeking assistance have found their applications stalled or payments delayed because of tighter security. Already stretched thin, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has redirected its limited resources. And thousands of unsuspecting Colorado residents have had to spend hours trying to rectify the fallout from the scam after claims were made in their names."The issue is that anyone can fill out these applications and get paid in a couple of days. All the personal identifiable information they need is readily available on the dark web as a result of countless breaches," said Tyler Moffitt, a security analyst at Webroot, a Broomfield-based cybersecurity company.Software that spoofs Internet Protocol addresses allows scammers to hide their digital location and operate across state and national borders. Emails are easy to obtain and disposable. And although banks are supposed to know their customers, it remains too easy to set up an account and accept deposits under a stolen identity, experts say."This situation highlights how weak the verification process is, considering all the requirements can be bought. There isn't a thorough enough process to verify people are who they say they are in an online form," Moffitt said.Since mid-July, the CDLE estimates it has blocked somewhere around 73,000 fraudulent claims seeking between $750 million to $1.25 billion in payments under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a new federal program designed to help self-employed and contract workers. As of Thursday, the labor department reported 162,454 Coloradans have applied for the PUA program files claims that have not been flagged fraudulent since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Just over 2,400 new PUA claims were accepted last week.When the PUA program launched in late April, a surge of initial claims followed. As the economy reopened in May, the number of claims fell in line with the drop in traditional unemployment insurance claims. Those have continued to trend lower across the summer. But by mid-June, PUA initial claims spiked again until the state implemented 17 safeguards, which lowered the number of approved claims.But fraudsters found a workaround. PUA claims started rising again in late July and August, which didn't make sense given improvements in the larger economy. By late August, there were around 20,000 claims a week coming in, about three-fold the number of conventional claims, even though self-employed workers are only a tenth or so of the overall labor force in Colorado.In early September, the state added an undisclosed 18th security measure which has proved effective in flagging and blocking the bulk of bogus claims."The number of initial PUA claim attempts are down considerably since implementing the additional safeguard. An indication that some fraudsters have moved on from attempting to file in Colorado," said Jeff Fitzgerald, division director of the state's unemployment insurance program.And while the number of attempts is down, Fitzgerald acknowledges a high percentage of PUA claims are still being deemed fraudulent and stopped before payments are received. About $40 million has gone into the hands of scammers, the CDLE estimated in September. That's more than the $2.2 million that The Ascent estimates Colorado residents have lost in scams related to the pandemic, but a fraction of the money applied for.Unemployment insurance programs have always had to deal with improper payments, which in normal times have involved around one in 10 claims, said Jon Coss, founder and CEO of Pondera Solution, a part of Thomson Reuters.But since mid-July, about three in four PUA claims Colorado has received were fraudulent, and at the peak, about nine in 10 were.Coss, who has been working with state and local governments to detect fraud for two decades, said the pandemic and related closures brought an unprecedented surge in claims in every state. States had to roll out the new PUA program on the fly, without the safeguards developed over the years in the traditional program.Unemployment insurance programs were overwhelmed and under intense pressure to get the money out the door and help households."The first thing states did was to relax controls," he said. "We have seen states where staff dedicated to program integrity were reassigned to processing claims."He is aware of someone who successfully filed for benefits claiming to be a 10-year-old bricklayer. Other states have approved claims with zero documentation.Authorities in Pennsylvania did a crosscheck comparing prison rolls with the list of unemployment benefit recipients and found 10,000 matches. About a fifth of the state's prison population received benefits that they were not eligible for, according to The Associated Press."While we will not get into details on any specific fraud schemes, this is something that we are familiar with and we have had safeguards in place to root this out well in advance of the pandemic. I would not categorize this as a widespread problem in Colorado," Fitzgerald said.The biggest problem by far has come from claims made under stolen identities. Coss said in 2011 there were 23 million personal identity records available for sale on the dark web. By 2018, it is estimated more than 470 million were available, more than the U.S. population of 328 million. That indicates some people have had their identities pilfered multiple times from retailers and credit reporting agencies. And the information now available is more detailed than in the past.In May, a Nigerian cybercrime ring authorities called Scattered Canary stole up to $650 million from Washington state's unemployment insurance system and then targeted other states. And the crime wave accelerated from there.The scheme wouldn't work absent bank accounts accepting direct deposits of benefit payments. Scammers often use a single account to accept payments from multiple claims."This isn't a new fraud or special fraud. It is identity theft. We have special measures in place to catch it and prevent it," said Jenifer Waller, president of the Colorado Bankers Association.Waller said bankers have been made aware of the problem and are watching for it, but that she hasn't heard from anyone who describes it as a significant problem. But she also adds it would be naive to assume it wasn't happening on some level in Colorado.Coss said scammers increasingly don't need to steal an identity -- they can fabricate one. An emerging twist in unemployment fraud involves creating a company with fictitious workers who report under artificial identities. Once the company goes under, usually in short order, the "workers" file for unemployment benefits on the wages they supposedly earned.Moffitt said there isn't a single way to eliminate fraud, but he offers a simple change that could make a big difference. Cryptocurrency exchanges that adhere to know-your-customer policies require members to submit a picture of themselves holding their government-issued ID."This is how many criminals have been caught when attempting to cash out illicitly gained assets, and could also help limit the fraud taking place in Colorado's and other states' unemployment system," Moffitt said.Coss adds pattern recognition algorithms could help find commonalities among applications. The human mind can't properly randomize numbers, so patterns will emerge when it comes to making up emails and synthetic social security numbers.Aside from the diversion of taxpayers' dollars that must be repaid at some point, Coss said there are other reasons to push hard to stop the fraud. Organized crime rings are using unemployment funds to support other criminal enterprises, such as illegal arms purchases, human trafficking and terrorist activitiesThat puts the crime on a much different level than the people who took out Paycheck Protection Program loans to buy a Lamborghini or other luxury goods, Coss said."It is an insidious crime and it hasn't gotten the attention it deserves," Coss said. "The way the money is used, it is never for good."Groups that advocate for the poor and lower-income earners are also concerned that the public will view the fraud committed as an indictment on social assistance programs that have proved a vital lifeline during the pandemic."We are always concerned about the notion of welfare fraud, that it is rife in any social benefit program. We are trying to push back. These folks are victims themselves," said Charlie Brennan, assistant director of research at the Colorado Center for Law and Policy in Denver.Unemployed workers in Colorado have faced multiple hurdles in trying to receive assistance, from system crashes early on to overwhelmed call centers and delays stretching a month or longer to get help from a live person.California said last weekend that it will stop accepting unemployment applications for two weeks as it adds a new online identity verification tool designed to stem the large number of fraudulent applications it is receiving.And for those who learn they are an unwitting part of the scam when a debit card from the state shows up, the process of making things right can be frustrating and time-consuming."This fraud requires the victim to perform all the necessary steps with bank, police, and credit bureaus while the state claims they have saved millions through their actions. What a joke!," said Highlands Ranch resident Ed Kramer in an email. Selena fans only have two more months to wait before the Netflix series based on the Queen of Tejano's life hits the streaming service. Netflix announced Tuesday that the series starring Christian Serratos as the icon will premiere Dec. 4. RELATED: South Texas native producing Netflix's Selena series talks Latinx representation in Hollywood "Every legend begins with a dream," the official Selena social media pages said in promoting the trailer. The clip shows Serratos taking the stage in Selena's iconic outfits as her father, Abraham Quintanilla, speaks to her over the intro of "Coma La Flor." "When I see you on that stage, I still the 6-year-old girl singing in our backyard," he says in the voice over. San Antonio native Ricardo Chavira is cast in the role as the Quintanilla patriarch. Netflix first announced "Selena: The Series" in December 2018 and said it was developed alongside The Quintanilla family. Jaime Davila, born and raised in McAllen, is the president and co-founder of Campanario, the production company working with the Quintanilla family to bring the Selena series to life and ensuring her story is told authentically, he told mySA in September. "I still pinch myself that it happened," he says of the series. "You're going to find out things you never knew about the family. I think fans will love the series, even if you're just a fan of family shows and music and laughing, you're going to love the show." Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye FILE PHOTO: Joint press conference on the EU's climate ambition for 2030 at the EU headquarters in Brussels By Kate Abnett and Vera Eckert BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Union will seek to establish rules to trade hydrogen with countries including Morocco and Ukraine, as part of plans to use the low-carbon fuel to cut emissions, the EU's energy commissioner said on Monday. "To trade renewable and low-carbon hydrogen reliably across borders, we will need proper rules," Kadri Simson said, pointing to the two countries as a first step for establishing them. The EU will also put hydrogen on the agenda in energy talks with the United States, Japan and South Korea, Simson said in a webcast. In its hydrogen strategy published in July, the Commission, the EU executive, laid out targets to scale up renewable hydrogen projects to meet the EU's net-zero emissions goal by 2050. By 2024, it wants to have 6 gigawatts (GW) of green hydrogen capacity produced from wind and solar power and 40 GW by the end of the decade for use in sectors that are hard to decarbonise, or where electrification is difficult, including chemicals and steel. Both public and private investors must have confidence in the business model to get involved, the conference heard. German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier cited Germany's provision of 2 billion euros (1.82 billion pounds) for the international sourcing of hydrogen announced in its national strategy passed in June. "We are considering regions with high solar intensity and wind speeds," he said, naming parts of Asia and Africa, the Middle East and South America. He said two trade agreements were under discussion. The chief executive of Siemens Energy supported import strategies while the head of Danish wind company Orsted said converted offshore wind could also fuel large-scale hydrogen flows. (Reporting by Vera Eckert and Kate Abnett, editing by Riham Alkousaa and Barbara Lewis) Two vaccine makers Moderna and Pfizer should have enough data from its late-stage trial to know whether its coronavirus vaccine works by next month, according to reports. Moderna's experimental vaccine contains genetic material called messenger RNA, or mRNA which provokes the immune system to fight the virus, scientists believe. Dubbed as mRNA-1273, the vaccine has been developed by Moderna in partnership with the US governments National Institutes of Health (NIH). The COVID-19 vaccine elicited a strong immune response in older adults with no serious adverse effects during phase I trial, a study by the New England Journal of Medicine revealed. "The vaccine produced high levels of both binding and neutralising antibodies in older adults," the study claimed. Last month, nine drug companies, including Pfizer, released a letter pledging that they would prioritize safety and uphold " the integrity of the scientific process" in their efforts to develop coronavirus vaccines. The company could have enough data by November whether it works or not, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said in an interview with CNBC.com. Moderna Inc earlier told Reuters it would seek emergency FDA authorization to use its vaccine in high-risk groups if an interim assessment of its trial showed its vaccine was at least 70% effective. Pfizers coronavirus vaccine could be distributed to Americans before the end of the year if found to be safe and effective, CEO Albert Bourla said. The drugmaker should have key data from its late-stage trial for the Food and Drug Administration by the end of October, Bourla said in an interview. If the FDA approves the vaccine, the company is prepared to distribute hundreds of thousands of doses," he said. Pfizer is developing a COVID-19 vaccine with German partner BioNTech. Europe's health regulator said on Tuesday it has started a rolling review of the experimental COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. Pfizer and BioNTech plan an initial look at their data after 32 coronavirus infections have accumulated in their 44,000-person Phase III trial. The vaccine maker earlier said its interim analyses were designed to show conclusive evidence "as quickly as possible amid the devastating pandemic if our vaccine meets the stringent standards set by FDA." Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Doctors must provide a high standard of care for all patients. Regardless of their field, the medical workers must complete assessments, diagnosis, and treatments to the best of their ability. Medical malpractice happens when the doctor lowers this standard and makes mistakes that could have been avoided. This could pertain to providing an ineffective medical treatment, refusing to use updated testing options, or prolonging treatment without a viable reason. Reviewing everything a patient needs to know about medical malpractice helps they determine if they have a viable claim against their doctor. How Does a Medical Malpractice Occur? A medical malpractice happens when a patient is injured unnecessarily during medical treatment, surgery, or because of administering the wrong medication. This doesn't include risks that were disclosed to the patient before a procedure that the patient agreed to have, anyway. Side effects or surgical risks that weren't disclosed to the patient present a medical malpractice. Any injury or worsened condition caused by a doctor creates a medical malpractice, and the patient can sue the doctor by hiring injury attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers now. Federal Laws Regulating Healthcare Federal laws require all doctors and healthcare providers to offer a high standard of healthcare for all patients. The doctors and healthcare workers cannot reduce this standard for any reason. This includes any personal believes, personal religious affiliation, or any prejudices. For example, a doctor with deep-felt religious objections cannot refuse to perform medical procedures to save a patient's life because they believe the procedure isn't morally just. For instance, if a patient has an ectopic pregnancy that is life-threatening, a trauma or emergency room surgeon cannot refuse to end the pregnancy because of their religious beliefs. Under the circumstances, the patient could die, and the surgeon would be guilty of a medical malpractice for refusing the same standard of care for this patient that should be available to any patients requiring emergency surgery. Reporting Injuries to the Doctor If the patient sustained an injury, they must report the injury or worsened condition to the doctor that provided medical treatment. Reporting the injury to the doctor gives them a chance to correct the condition if possible. However, if the doctor refuses to provide corrective services, the doctor is liable if the condition becomes worse or the patient dies. Getting a Second Opinion A second doctor could perform a complete assessment of the condition and provide a diagnosis. If the doctor can reverse the condition, the patient may not suffer any long-term or permanent conditions because of the original doctor's error or failure. If the doctor cannot reverse the condition, the second doctor's findings gives the patient a second collection of medical records that show an alternative way of treating the condition and what the first doctor should have done for the patient. Who Was Involved With the Patient's Treatment? They depose all medical workers involved in treating the patient for the medical malpractice claim. The entire medical records from the hospital or private practice are requested by the attorney via court order. The records show each medical worker that provided any type of medical care for the patient. The series of events that caused the victim's injuries are detailed in the depositions and the medical malpractice claim. The investigation shows what parties are responsible for the injury or the worsening condition. Attorneys conduct these reviews and depositions to collect the same information that the hospital board is collecting for their defense case. During discovery, all information uncovered is available to the claimant and the defense. If the evidence shows that the doctor or medical staff are liable, the hospital board shuffles to find a way to settle the issue out of court if possible. Filing a Complaint with the State Medical Licensing Board The patient can file a complaint with the state medical licensing board if their doctor refuses supplementary care. The board doesn't provide repayment for any financial losses, but they can take disciplinary action against the doctor. This could provide a new starting point for correcting the condition. However, if the doctor still refuses, the patient could stay the course and get a new assessment from another doctor. Do Not Talk to the Hospital Board or Their Attorney The patient should never speak to the hospital board or the hospital's attorney. They understand how to use tactics to trick the patient into agreeing to a settlement that is lower than average. Their attorney is just trying to find a way to make all of this go away, and they aren't concerned with what is appropriate for the patient. What to Expect Going to Court When going to court, they require all medical records and invoices for medical expenses. The attorney leads the witnesses through their testimony and ensures that all witnesses understand their role. The claimant's witnesses are prepared for cross-examination and techniques used to invalidate their testimony. The claimant needs a medical witness that explains how the patient sustained their injuries and what their doctor should've done differently. The medical witness must have the same skill level as the defendant. The doctor must understand the patient's condition and how to treat it properly. They must be aware of new treatment options that have been proven more effective. What the Patient Could Get If They Win If the claimant wins, they receive a monetary award for all economic losses. In a medical malpractice case, they may order the doctor to pay punitive damages as punishment for injuring the patient. If the doctor committed a crime, they must be charged and will be prosecuted in criminal court. The outcome of the criminal case defines if the patient should receive restitution. Patients who were injured by their doctors may have a viable claim for medical malpractice. The malpractice occurs when the doctor provides a lower standard of care, refuses to use updated treatments or testing options, or causes an injury during a surgical procedure. The patient needs full medical records from their doctor to substantiate their claim. Reviewing laws pertaining to medical malpractice shows the patient where to start with their claim. The Ridge Avenue encampment is breaking down. Luna Evans 27, center, has spent 3.5 months living between both encampments. She said arrangements for housing are being made for her. Read more After more than three months of standoffs and acrimony, the occupants of a homeless encampment outside the headquarters of the Philadelphia Housing Authority on Ridge Avenue in North Philadelphia vacated the site Monday night. In exchange for leaving, the 20 residents of Camp Teddy, named after one of the occupants, will begin a process that will eventually get them into nine now-vacant houses in Strawberry Mansion. Several of the people experiencing homelessness will themselves work on the rehabilitation of the houses. I want to thank all of those whose hard work and good faith negotiating resulted in this resolution, Mayor Jim Kenney said Monday. As I have said from the start, the issues raised by the camp leaders homelessness and the lack of affordable housing are deep-rooted and urgent. Kenney added that he hoped the PHA agreement will lead to a resolution of the separate protest encampment on the [Benjamin Franklin] Parkway, a much larger site of 100 to 150 people living on a ball field on North 22nd Street, as well as two other ancillary sites. The encampments were scheduled to be shut down three separate times, but each time, the city relented. Im happy with this agreement, said organizer Jennifer Bennetch of Occupy PHA, who helped establish the site in late June and served as its leader. Were proud that we were able to get a win like this. Kelvin Jeremiah, president and CEO of PHA, acknowledged that Bennetch and other activists who established the encampment as a protest and a means toward finding housing for homeless people were part of a difficult, difficult negotiation over the last months. But, he added, Ive got to tell you, I frankly appreciated the encampment leaders bringing to the forefront the urgent need for long-term affordable housing. They did a masterful job, and we have to give them credit. Remember, our ultimate goal was no different than theirs: promoting the urgency of getting affordable housing. READ MORE: How Phillys summer of protests revitalized the affordable housing movement One factor that played heavily in the negotiations: The encampment was blocking the construction of a $52 million mixed-use development, including a supermarket for the Sharswood neighborhood, long sought by the community, along with 98 units of housing, a bank, an urgent care center, and other retail businesses. That construction deal was on the brink of collapsing, Jeremiah said Monday night. It had to get agreed-upon literally today. City Council President Darrell L. Clarke, whose 5th District includes the site, said the agreement enables the urgently needed development to move forward. The issues that City Council has spoken about all year racial disparities magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of access to healthy foods, adequate health care and affordable housing are all being addressed by this development." The final encampment occupants left between 7 and 8 p.m. Monday, Jeremiah said, after agreements were reached over the weekend. All the parties involved the organizers, the city, and PHA had not publicly discussed the resolution until Monday evening. In a statement describing the deal that was struck, PHA announced that it has created an unprecedented pilot program called Working for Home Repair Training Program with the Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC). The program will create housing and job opportunities for those experiencing homelessness through the renovation of long-term vacant structures, some of which have been unoccupied for over 20 years. This will allow those without homes to put in sweat equity alongside union workers to become invested in their home and the community. Essentially, encampment residents will be trained by building and construction trades to rehabilitate nine properties on Westmont Street. The now-uninhabitable properties will be placed in a land trust, renovated, and brought to code, according to the agreement. People who ultimately move in will be asked to pay only 15% of their income to live in the buildings, which are currently owned by the federal government since PHA is a federal program. Jeremiah said PHA plans to secure grants to help with fixing up the properties and expects labor and materials to be donated. Work may start within 30 days, and some of the properties might be refurbished by years end, Jeremiah said. He was unable to say how much money will be spent, adding that the speed of the settlement was such that his staff will first go out Tuesday to assess costs. This was a fast-moving agreement, he said. Around the time the encampment was established, a group of homeless people connected to organizers occupied 15 PHA properties, Jeremiah said. Part of the agreement is they may have to leave, but they will not leave and become homeless, Jeremiah said. We will work with them. They decided to come up here to live safely and peaceably, and to put pressure on the housing authority, said Bennetch. The encampment, in a vacant lot on the corner of Ridge Avenue and Jefferson Street in Sharswood, began June 27 to protest the housing authoritys leadership, property management, and treatment of the citys homeless. Soon enough, about 35 people were living in tents on the lot, supported by donations of food, drinks, clothing, tents, and medical supplies. Signs saying All are welcome here were posted along a wooden fence around the lot. Some of the residents said they came to this space from the encampment on the Parkway after it grew crowded and less safe. Though this group was separate, its demands were similar, including increasing access to vacant PHA housing for low-income residents and restrictions on selling off PHA property. Organizers such as Bennetch questioned why the housing authority has built new developments instead of repairing vacant properties that could house needy residents. The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of more than 20 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org. Apple has set the date for its highly-anticipated event that will unveil its new iPhone 12. The device, which is rumored to include 5G wireless connectivity and squared-off edges, will be unwrapped to the world on October 13 at 1pm ET. Apple typically announces its next smartphone in September, but the firm was plagued with production delays this year due to the coronavirus pandemic that shutdown plants in China. The event, named Hi, Speed, may also give users the first look at other products, including new over-ear headphones and its competitor to Tiles location tags called AirTags. Scroll down for video Apple has set the date for its highly-anticipate event that will unveil its new iPhone. The device, which is rumored to include 5G wireless connectivity and squared off edges, will be unwrapped to the world on October 13 at 1pm ET The next iPhone has been a big topic this year, as coronavirus lockdowns caused disruptions to Apples global supply chain. And last month, Apple had confirmed that iOS users would not see the new device until October but it seems the time has finally come. The press invite says Hi, Speed, which may point at the rumors that the iPhone will come with 5G capabilities. Apple is expected to release four new devices, which many have called iPhone 12, this year. The press invite says Hi, Speed, which may point at the rumors that the iPhone will come with 5G capabilities. Apple is expected to release four new devices, which many have called iPhone 12, this year (Pictured is the iPhone 11) The family will include two traditional smartphones and two Pro models all are said to have similar designs of the iPad and the 2010 iPhone 4. TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, a leading Apple analyst, has predicted the sizes will include a 5.4-inch model, which will be the iPhone mini. Kuo suggests there will also be larger versions two with 6.1-inch screens and another with a 6.7-inch display. Along with the many leaks and rumors of the upcoming iPhone, there have been other product predictions floating around this year, including one that will rival Tiles tracking tags. Kuo said in January that Apple will soon release a high-tech tag device for tracking everyday items, called AirTags. Rumors that Apple is developing item tracking tags first surfaced in the September of last year when MacRumors released leaked screenshots of an item-tracking sub menu being developed for integration within the 'Find My' app. Rumours that Apple is developing item tracking tags first surfaced in the September 2019 of last year when MacRumors released leaked screenshots of the tag. AirTags are said to work similar to Tile's tracking tags The tracking tag product has reportedly been given the code-name 'B389' during its development and will potentially be sold under the ultimate name 'AirTags'. Kuo believes that the AirTags will support the use of so-called ultra wide-band radio technology, which would allow the tags to be located with a much greater degree of accuracy than would be possible using Bluetooth Low Energy or Wi-Fi. The latest prediction surfaced today, as Apple stopped stocking headphones and speakers made by rivals , such as Bose, Logitech and Sonos in its stores. The California-based tech giant has long sold high-end audio equipment, but these third-party items were removed last month, according to Bloomberg. Removal of rivals' hardware further fuels speculation that the iPhone manufacturer is gearing up to release its own headphones in the near future. Lafayette College President Alison Byerly will step down at the conclusion of the academic year. Byerly, the 17th president in the colleges history and the first woman to hold the position, informed the board of trustees that she would be stepping down when her contract expires on June 30, 2021. Byerly has held the position since 2013. In a press release on the colleges website, Byerly said, I am very grateful to the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to lead this extraordinary community and for their strong support and friendship throughout my presidency. It has been a privilege to work with Lafayettes inspiring faculty, dedicated staff, talented students, and loyal alumni, parents, and friends. After taking a sabbatical, Byerly plans to spend next year as a visiting scholar in English at the University of Pennsylvania, where she will be affiliated with the Price Lab for Digital Humanities. In her time at Lafayette, Byerlys accomplishments include doubling its financial aid budget through the Live Connected, Lead Change" campaign, the opening of the $75 million Rockwell Integrated Sciences Center and Lafayettes adoption of a climate action plan for the college to reach carbon neutrality by 2035. Thats just the tip of the iceberg, as the president of the board of trustees, Robert Sell, noted in a letter on Byerlys departure: While Alisons note to the community of earlier today is a wonderful summary of accomplishments under her leadership, it is in no way exhaustive. Sell also said that a search committee for the 18th president of Lafayette College will be assembled in the coming days. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Connor Lagore may be reached at clagore@njadvancemedia.com. There's a saying in Hong Kong property circles that if the city's richest man, Li Ka-shing, is selling, you don't want to be the buyer. Now, a group of investors who paid $US5.2 billion ($7.2 billion) for Li's stake in The Center almost three years ago - making it the world's most expensive skyscraper - is finding out why. After initially making quick profits flipping floors in the 73-storey tower, the combination of anti-government protests, the coronavirus pandemic and escalating US-China tensions has seen vacancies surge, rents drop and dealmaking dry up. 'The Center' has been hit hard by Hong Kong's political and economic tensions. Credit:Google Earth Just one sale has been made this year - at a 35 per cent discount to early 2019 prices, according to property-data provider Real Capital Analytics. Almost one-fifth of the building is empty - one of the highest vacancy rates in Hong Kong's sought-after central business district - and rents are down about 20 per cent from a year ago. "It was a reasonable investment decision back then," said Thomas Lam, an executive director at Knight Frank. Market prices were higher than the average cost the group paid, and flipping floors seemed easy, he said. "But now, as rental yields and office demand decline amid the worsening economy, buyers are much more reserved." As President Trump enjoys(?) his first day back in the White House after being discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center during his battle with Covid-19, it's time we look back at yet another presidential health crisis that has gotten lost in the ANNALS of history -- that time President Jimmy Carter told the world about his hemorrhoids. Yes, back in the day, some presidents were excruciatingly straightforward about their health problems. It was December 1978. The Dr. Strange TV movie was released to um, interesting, reviews. Everyone was obsessed with the "disturbingly horny" film, Grease. The world was still reeling from the iconic dumpster fire that was the Star Wars Holiday Special. Yet most importantly, Jimmy Carter took a day off due to a flare-up of hemorrhoids, according to a report from The Washington Post. Carter, who had suffered from hemorrhoids since he was in college (haven't we all!) had an attack and found himself bedridden, canceling all of his presidential duties (at least as many as he could) as he and his doctors waited to see if surgery would be required to resolve the issue. Although after a few days of rest, examinations, and pain medication, the president's condition began to improve, the world almost never had the opportunity to hear about President Carter as the, erm, butt of the joke. The sustained spike in new COVID-19 cases in Montana shows no sign of slowing, according to Friday's daily report from state health officials. The state recorded 323 new cases its second highest total, behind only Thursday's and five more deaths. The state's death toll, which hit 100 less than a month ago, now stands at 170. In the last 10 days, record new daily caseloads have been recorded seven times. The death of three people were recorded in Roosevelt County, where 18 new cases were recorded Friday and 56 were recorded Thursday. Yellowstone County recorded one new death; a woman in her 70s who lived in a senior living facility in the county and was hospitalized died Thursday. That brings the county's death toll to 63, the highest in the state. Wheatland County recorded its first death. The county recorded five new cases Friday, bringing its active total to six. Missoula County, which has seen relatively few cases for an urban county, recorded 78 new cases Friday, bringing the county's active total to 216. Gallatin County, which had seen similarly low totals through the summer, recorded 31 new cases, bringing its active total to 127. Yellowstone County, which at one point had half the state's active cases and still has almost 30%, recorded 56 new cases, bringing its active total to 744. In total, Montana now has 2,713 active cases and 140 hospitalizations. Total confirmed cases stand at 11,564, and recoveries are at 8,681. Cases are assigned to a person's county of residence, not where they receive medical treatment. Daily updates reflect information from the Department of Health and Human Services. Other counties with new cases include: Glacier County: 23 new, 88 active Flathead County: 22 new, 300 active Cascade County: 15 new, 247 active Lake County: 9 new, 32 active Valley County: 9 new, 22 active Big Horn County: 8 new, 115 active Lewis and Clark County: 7 new, 48 active Silver Bow County: 7 new, 77 active Jefferson County: 6 new, 23 active Stillwater County: 6 new, 21 active Beaverhead County: 4 new, 9 active Ravalli County: 3 new, 15 active Lincoln County: 2 new, 6 active Park County: 2 new, 12 active Phillips County: 2 new, 5 active Toole County: 2 new, 9 active Custer County: 1 new, 25 active Dawson County: 1 new, 15 active Fergus County: 1 new, 11 active Hill County: 1 new, 32 active Pondera County: 1 new, 3 active Powder River County: 1 new, 5 active Sweet Grass County: 1 new, 7 active Golden Valley County: 1 new A driver of a VIP Jeoun bus and two passengers have been shot and injured by armed robbers during a midnight raid on the Apedwa-Bunso stretch of the Accra-Kumasi highway. The driver, identified as Delali Yao Tsagli, was receiving treatment at the Enyiresi Hospital on the Bunso-Nkawkaw road as of press time yesterday. Tsagli sustained a deep cut from a chip of the windscreen. The three were injured when two VIP buses were attacked. The two passengers were yet to be identified, but were reported to be receiving treatment. Owners of the transport company yesterday dispatched a delegation to visit the driver and the injured passengers at the various hospitals. The affected bus has also been towed to Accra. The buses The first bus was a KIA, with the inscription Yesu Dea (Gods property) and had the registration number GE 2397-10, while the second bus was a Marcopolo with registration number GT 5718-18, heading in opposite directions on the Accra-Kumasi road when they were attacked. The incident took place at dawn after the gunmen had blocked the road. Attack Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Eastern Regional Police Command, Sergeant Francis Gomado, said the other driver, Mr. Richard Owusu Boadi, managed to report the incident to the police patrol team at Bunso. He said when the police got to the scene, they saw a VIP bus with a bullet hole in the windscreen with some of the passengers lying by the roadside. Two of them were later found to have been injured. He said the team called for help from the Kyebi police patrol team. He added that the armed gang, which was hiding in the bush, fired at the police at the crime scene. Despite the effort of the combined team, they could not arrest the perpetrators. He indicated that the police had nonetheless commenced investigation into the incident. Sergeant Gomado said injured passengers were sent to the Osiem and Suhum Government hospitals for treatment. Victim In Accra, Joshua Bediako Koomson reports that the driver who fled the attack unhurt, Mr. Owusu Boadi, said the robbers, who were hiding in the bush, rushed to the middle of the road when they saw the buses coincidentally approaching at the same time and shot the driver's side of the windscreen. He said the robbers were dressed in black and were hooded. The attackers fired at my bus but I swerved by bringing my head down and sped off, he recounted. Mr. Boadi said although he also managed to pull through, the bullet destroyed his vehicles filter and the air cleaner, as well as the side mirror and some windows. Precaution Sergeant Gomado urged commercial drivers to be very circumspect and vigilant on the Accra-Kumasi highway, especially at night. He urged passengers to also remain very vigilant and to call the police during such emergency situations while urging commercial vehicles to continue to use the services of security personnel on their trips. Source: graphic.com.gh 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 Gang activity is going up, and its not just because of COVID. My father was killed in a shooting nine years ago and a lot of my constituents are Hispanic and concerned about their civil rights and how things are handled, he said. There needs to be more transparency with law officials including the sheriffs office. IT bellwether Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has surprised Dalal Street with its share buyback plan as it was widely speculated that Tata Sons may sell stake in the software arm to acquire Shapoorji Pallonji Group's 18.37 per cent holding in the promoter entity. Boosted by the buyback plan, TCS share price touched all-time high price of Rs 2,736. The IT giant has become the second company to cross the market capitalisation of Rs 10 lakh crore followed by Reliance Industries (RIL). The board of TCS will consider a share buyback proposal on October 7, the company said in a regulatory filing on Sunday. The company, however, did not disclose further details of the buyback plan. "The board of directors will consider a proposal for buyback of equity shares of the company, at its meeting to be held on October 7, 2020," TCS, India's second most valued firm, said in a filing to the BSE. Market analysts see the share buyback as a positive move as it will reassure shareholders' confidence in the company, especially in the present uncertain environment in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Other IT companies such as Infosys and Wipro are likely to follow the trend as they have huge cash lying on their balance sheets. Also Read: Tata Sons war chest for Mistry stake up by Rs 25-30K crore with TCS buyback, interim dividend At the end of March quarter of FY20, TCS had cash reserves of Rs 73,993 crore. According to analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities, TCS' share buyback size is expected to be in the range of Rs 8,900-22,000 crore, amounting to 0.8-2.2 per cent of the prevailing market capitalisation of the stock. "Our estimate of maximum outlay of buyback through the board-approved route is Rs 8,900 crore ( is 0.9 per cent of the current market cap) or Rs 22,000 crore (2.2 per cent of current market cap) through the shareholders'-approval route," said Kotak Institutional Equities. Also Read: TCS Q2 results preview: Profit may jump 11%; buyback details in focus Analysts at HDFC Securities see this move within TCS' stated policy. "We certainly see that as positive and reassuring because if we look at the context of what really happened in the macro environment in the past across many industries," said Apurva Prasad of HDFC Securities. The share buyback plans of TCS will help the parent Tata Sons to create a war-chest to acquire its shares owned by the family of Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry. TCS's contribution to Tata Sons revenue increased to more than 90 per cent from 77 per cent in FY19. Tata Sons' revenue from operations, which mainly comprise dividend income and brand royalty fees, had rocketed 158 per cent to Rs 24,770 crore in the last financial year. The profit soared 130 per cent to Rs 2,680 crore, thanks to the generous IT giant. By Chitranjan Kumar Kerala: Chellanam residents unhappy over coastal protection project October 06,2020 | Source: The Hindu Chellanam residents are disappointed that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans announcement of a bunch of projects to protect Keralas coast did not hold anything new for the coastal village that has borne the brunt of severe sea erosion, made more severe since the Ockhi cyclonic storms hit the village in December 2017. The Chief Minister has only listed the projects that are ongoing. Work on geotube bags as temporary sea walls has been an utter failure, said a spokesman for Pachima Kochi Theera Samrakshana Samiti on Saturday after the Chief Minister unveiled a ?200-crore programme for coastal protection. He said that even the project to build new breakwaters off Kannamaly and Malakhappadi coastal segment was an old one. Contractors are not taking up the project despite the work being tendered, he alleged. Residents have called for a comprehensive long-term package of measures to protect their lives and property. The coastal segment between Fort Kochi and South Chellanam saw sea erosion and flooding during the first two weeks of August as the rain intensified. Kochi Janakiya Vedhi too expressed its disappointment with the Chief Ministers announcements. It is an attempt to create a delusion even as elections to local bodies are around the corner, said a statement issued by Vedhi leaders here. The statement said that Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty Amma had expressed the opinion that geotextile tubes were not effective enough for coastal protection. Despite that the Chief Minister highlighted works being done using the same technique, they said. Joe Biden has branded Donald Trumps stand by Proud Boys comments a clarion call for white supremacists. The Democratic presidential nominee took aim at the presidents Stand back and stand by debate remarks during a live town hall event on NBC on Monday evening. Mr Biden was asked by an undecided Black voter how he would deal with extremists and white supremacists if elected. The former vice president said the FBI knows that white supremacists were the biggest terror threat to the US and he attacked Mr Trump for repeatedly refusing to condemn them. It was a clarion call to get ready, to get ready. It was totally inappropriate," said Mr Biden. Mr Trump later backtracked and said he did not know who the Proud Boys were. Several days after the debate, he did condemn them in an interview on Fox News. Earlier in the town hall Mr Biden called the first presidential debate with Mr Trump embarrassing to the nation. I did not want to further demean the debate by getting into a shouting match with him, said Mr Biden. I hope that in our next meeting coming up we will at least have the opportunity to listen to the question and answer it directly. He did not want to answer the questions or talk about substance. It was all personal. I was trying to figure out how I could possibly have him respect the debate, respect the evening, respect the moderator, and get us an opportunity to speak. Mr Biden also called on Generation Z and younger supporters to turn out and vote for him. Youre the best educated, youre the most open, youre the least prejudiced generation in American history, he said. The future is yours and Im counting on you. The 2020 contenders to represent Council Bluffs, Des Moines and rural southwest Iowa in the U.S. House are the same two candidates who competed in 2018. But two key factors make this race different: First-term Democratic Rep. Cindy Axne has a voting record, and former Republican Rep. David Young has President Donald Trump on the ballot. Axne said Iowans appreciate the work shes doing on flood recovery, rural economic development, rural hospital payments and telemedicine, as well as agriculture and biofuels. She said voters feel the negative impact of the Trump administration on their bottom line, from his trade wars with their customers to his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Rural America has been left behind, she said after a roundtable in Council Bluffs about broadband access. Rural America is as important as urban America. We need to help people connect the dots. Young said Iowans, who were willing to give Axne a chance because she campaigned as a Main Street Democrat, wont do it again because shes voted with her party 95% of the time. He said Iowans will remember his focus on listening to voters and protecting private enterprise and farms from government overreach, including his opposition to many virus-related shutdowns. This really comes down to leadership, he said. Cindy Axne is not leading on any specific issues. She says that she has the ear of Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi. Not a lot is getting done. Young also described the president as a positive for his campaign, pointing to the 2016 race, when Young defeated Democrat Jim Mowrer with Trump on the ballot. Even in Polk County, which is home to Des Moines and Iowas largest pocket of Democrats, Mowrer won by fewer than 300 votes. In 2018, Axne narrowly defeated Young by winning Polk County by 33,000 votes and by cutting into Youngs rural margins of victory. Axne, beyond protecting her urban and suburban flank, has spent much of her time out of session traveling to rural parts of the district. Young calls or visits every county each month, he said. Voters in Iowas politically split 3rd Congressional District will have to sort out whether Axnes incumbency and record is an asset, and whether Youngs embrace of Trump helps his bid. Two years ago, Axne was the upstart challenger to Young, said Karen Kedrowski of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University. Now Axne is the incumbent. What we have this time is two people running on their records, said Kedrowski, a professor of political science who studies congressional races. Trump might be the races biggest X-factor, she said, noting that the president can excite and turn out his base but that he also motivates Democrats to turn out in large numbers. New in 2020 is a pronounced gender gap in the presidential race in the state. While the race is essentially deadlocked, according to the Iowa Poll, conducted Sept. 14-17, Democratic nominee Joe Biden leads among women by 20 percentage points, and Trump leads among men by 21 points. That gender gap could help Axne, Kedrowski said. As long as women are more likely to vote and comprise the majority of voters, Republicans are going to struggle, she said. Thats a built-in advantage to Democrats. Health care, as it was in 2018, remains the races top issue. Axne hammered Young and the GOP in 2018 for trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act without having the votes to replace it. This time, she emphasizes that Republican-proposed protections for people with preexisting conditions leave too much to chance and up to individual states. She prefers the ACAs protections. Young wants people to remember that he stood up to his party to make the Republican health care plan better in 2017. It briefly caused then-House Speaker Paul Ryan to pull his support of Young. Young ultimately voted to repeal the ACA and in support of the amended Republican replacement, which did not garner enough support. Axne and Democrats say that vote to repeal, when Republicans knew that they couldnt replace the ACA, raises questions about whether Iowans can trust Young on health care. Everybody in Iowa supports protecting those with preexisting conditions, to see that theyre not denied coverage or discriminated against on price, whether its at the federal or state level, Young said. The candidates agreed on the need to invest in broadband for rural areas and poorer parts of cities. They also agreed on the need to improve trade for Iowas agricultural producers. Axne said Iowa farmers need more certainty on trade than Trump or the GOP provide. Its hard to plan, plant and invest when markets can evaporate on a persons whim, she said. Its too much to ask farmers to pay the price for years of imbalanced trade with China. She said thats why she has pushed Pelosi to make sure that farmers have aid to offset their losses. Young said he would like to see the U.S. and its allies adopt more of the bilateral trade agreements the president prefers, and do so quickly. He called trade the rural economys lifeblood. He also said he wants to see a broader, more strategic approach in Asia, something akin to a new Trans-Pacific Partnership that would grow markets to compete with China. Early voting starts Monday in Iowa. Election Day is Nov. 3. Cindy Axne Age: 55 Party: Democratic Occupation: Representative, Iowas 3rd District, small-business owner Home: West Des Moines Public offices held: U.S. representative, 2019 to present Education: Bachelors degree, University of Iowa; masters of business administration, Kellogg School at Northwestern University Family: Married, two children Faith: Catholic What is your top priority? My top priority is protecting the success and well-being of Iowa families. I will fight to expand affordable and quality health care, get Iowans access to good-paying job, and work across the aisle standing up to my own party if necessary to make sure Washington is working for Iowa. I believe we need to level the playing field by raising wages, expand access to high-quality education and opportunities for skills training and vocational programs, rebuild our infrastructure, close the digital divide, protect Iowas farmers, and hold government accountable to make sure its using taxpayer dollars efficiently. David Young Age: 52 Party: Republican Occupation: Former U.S. representative for Iowas 3rd Congressional District (2015-19), former chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa (2006-13) Home: Van Meter, Iowa Public offices held: U.S. representative, 2015-19 Education: Bachelor of arts in English, Drake University Family: Single Faith: Nondenominational Christian What is your top priority? I will lead in opening and strengthening the economy by keeping taxes low, ensuring regulations are in check, and bringing the manufacturing of essential lifesaving products we need during a crisis back home to America. I will work to ensure quality health care is affordable and accessible and always protect my fellow Iowans with preexisting conditions. New Delhi: Apart from claiming that nuclear security was a vital concern, India stressed on Wednesday that terrorism, especially nuclear terrorism is a severe international threat which should not serve national strategy and asked for a global response in this regard. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, who was speaking at the Implementation and Assessment Group Meeting of Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, also hoped that the horrors of atomic power destruction would never be repeated as the negative consequences of atomic power cannot be overlooked. Events that have unfolded around us, more so in the past couple of decades, have highlighted that terrorism remains the most pervasive and serious challenge to international security. If access to nuclear technology changes state behaviour, it is only to be expected that it would also impact on non-state calculations. Also Read: India to host Nuclear Security Summit Nuclear security, therefore, will be a continuing concern, especially as terrorist groups and non-state actors strike deeper roots and explore different avenues to spread terror. Developing a comprehensive global response is the highest priority, he said. Maintaining that nuclear energy will continue to play an important role in tackling challenges of inclusive growth and climate change, he said, On the other hand, the negative consequences of atomic power also cannot be ignored. The world has witnessed the immense destructive power of the atom.We hope that such horrors will never be repeated and cannot overstate the importance of countries with nuclear weapons to be responsible. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi reaches Washington to attend Nuclear Security Summit Jaishankar also warned of the dangers of discriminating among terrorists -? good or bad or even yours and mineare increasingly recognised. Terrorism is an international threat that should not serve national strategy. Nuclear terrorism even more so, he said. During his address at the meeting, which is being attended by delegates from over 100 countries including the US, the UK, France and Pakistan, he also referred to the strong credentials of India, which is looking for a membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Centre for Democracy and DevelopmentEdo election relatively credible CDD, Yiaga (CDD) has said that the October 10 governorship in Ondo State could be marred by violence, especially in riverine areas of the state. The civil society organization in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES and signed by its Director, Idayat Hassan, on Tuesday also said pre-election assessment by the CDD Election Analysis Centre (EAC) shows that the partisanship of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the motorcyclists association could also pose challenges and logistics problems. The group said it observed increase in the activities of armed non-state actors, particularly militants and pirates in riverine areas of the state. These armed groups have a history of making the creek areas ungovernable and have strong links with wider networks of militants in the Niger-Delta. Our observers have also reported the influx of arms and armed non-state actors in the state. Since political campaigns began, CDD has been monitoring news reports to document and analyse the pre-election environment. The Centre observes an upsurge of political tensions in at least 11 of the 18 local government areas of the State with several reported cases of election-related violence. A trend analysis of data gathered so far indicates that group clashes, attacks on party secretariat and political rallies and campaigns by thugs and party supporters escalated in most LGAs across the State with the highest number of cases reported in Akure South and Idanre LGAs. Of the 34 incidents of electoral violence reported between August and early October 2020, at least 12 cases of clashes during campaigns were reported. While these early warning signs are not definite indicators to give 100 percent certainty that there will be violence in the areas highlighted, they nonetheless call for a strategic deployment of security. NURTW Ms Hassan expressed worry over the partisan interest of NURTW members. Incidentally, the NURTW is the body INEC relies on for transportation of electoral materials. This may create a problem for INEC in the area of getting materials to all voting areas in the state. The NURTW is the major union of transport workers and commercial vehicle owners in Nigeria. It has played major roles in assisting INEC with the distribution of materials for previous elections in different states. The CDD said its pre-assessment of the poll revealed that citizens are demanding good governance through various debates on issues directly affecting their everyday living conditions. It is refreshing to see citizens using the electoral process as a basis to institutionalise democratic accountability. As a matter of fact, CDD projects that the role of fake news and misinformation in the Ondo election will be relatively low compared to other states, partly because citizens are busy interrogating core governance issues. Businesses feel a constant sense of doom over concerns about a second lockdown, an economist said (Liam McBurney/PA) Businesses feel a constant sense of doom over concerns about a second lockdown, an economist said. The crisis will not be over as quickly as hoped for but firms have begun to bounce back from the record dip earlier this year, a survey from the NI Chamber showed. Half already have or plan to reduce staff amid warnings it could be a staggering and zig zag recovery. The recovery is going to be like a drunk who is walking home Richard Ramsey Economist Maureen OReilly said uncertainty around the prospect of further lockdowns was not helping. They just need clarity very, very quickly. Some have said there is a constant feeling of doom. It is hard to run your business and make planning decisions. She noted almost half of member organisations of the Chamber business lobby group had seen little or no signs of improvement in conditions. Richard Ramsey said the next three months would be much worse and predicted the local economy was not going to recover fast any time soon. Ulster Banks chief Northern Ireland economist warned: The recovery is going to be like a drunk who is walking home. You just have to hope that they do not fall in the (River) Lagan Richard Ramsey It is certainly not going to be a straight line, there is going to need to be a lot of support on the way, whether it is a kebab or a lamp post, with no idea how long it will take them to get back. You just have to hope that they do not fall in the (River) Lagan. A fifth of Chamber members surveyed during the third quarter of this year expressed concern about ability to pay back Covid-19 loans. A third of companies already have or plan to reduce working hours. Alan Bridle, an economist at the Bank of Ireland, said it was a moment of truth after heavy Government intervention at the start of the crisis. The jobs furlough scheme finishes at the end of the month. He said: The war chest of Government has been depleted significantly. Government like boards have to manage risks and consider the wider social & economic along with health risks. Also businesses need clear communication from government regarding essential businesses to avoid criticism from media and others - lockdown v increased restrictions. NIChamberofCommerce #heretohelp (@NIChamber) October 6, 2020 Ann McGregor, chief executive of the Chamber, said while many indicators have improved when compared to the previous three months they remained negative, meaning business conditions among many local companies continued to worsen. Some businesses have performed well/reasonably during the pandemic (37%) but the majority have been negatively impacted (62%) with many seeing little to no signs of improvement in trading conditions (43%). This emphasises the need for continued targeted intervention by government to support the many great businesses in Northern Ireland to survive this unnatural crisis in our economy. Brian Murphy, managing partner at financial advisers BDO NI, said: As we enter this new phase it is so important that businesses are afforded both flexibility and support to allow them to plan for their long-term sustainability. In the span of a few hours in Camden Sunday, Sheila Baskins, a grandmother, was shot by mistake in her car and Tyree Gacutan, a 32-year-old city man, was stabbed to death. For each killing, a family and community grieves a huge loss. But the deaths are unfortunately two among many in a new surge in violence in Camden City that local authorities said has their full attention. In a period of about a month, killings in South Jerseys biggest city doubled from 10 to 20. The collapse in international travel has hit the city-state especially hard. Borders are shut to tourists and much of Singapore Airlines Ltd.s proud fleet is mothballed. The idea of flights to nowhere" had even been floated effectively three-hour sight-seeing trips that would be bundled with staycations, shopping vouchers and limousine services. Now that has been scrapped for a plan to serve lunch aboard a grounded jumbo jet, a tour of the carriers training facilities and home delivery of first- and business class meals. The ability to get in and out of a nation that takes about 30 minutes to traverse has been a big draw for the more than one million expatriates who live here. Non-Singaporeans make up more than half of senior management roles in financial services. The idea of being stuck flying in circles has many rethinking the informal bargain theyve struck with the city they call home. A big part of that was the opportunity to work in a dynamic region and experience diverse cultures and nations for a few years. In return, Singapore got talent, industrialization and unique ties to global networks, vital for a country without a hinterland or natural resources. Singapores modus operandi has been to make itself a base camp for global capitalism and the people who make it tick. Lee Kuan Yew, the countrys first leader, laid out the welcome mat for multinational corporations: first for textiles, ship maintenance and petrochemicals, then for electronics, tourism and finance. Changi Airport, top-notch public transport, a commitment to education, and political stability made the city an appealing place to live. Relatively low tax rates only sweetened the deal (except for Americans, who need to pay income tax no matter where they live). Now Lees vision is running into the wall of Covid-19. Singapores economy shrank a record 42.9% on an annualized basis in the second quarter from the previous three months, the deepest economic contraction since independence in 1965. While data point to a bounce before year-end, the government projects gross domestic product to decline as much as 7% in 2020. This has sharply refocused public discourse. Opportunities for locals are the priority. When companies do pare headcount, they are prevailed upon to keep Singaporeans at the core of their staffing. Local press reports of legislative proceedings highlight references to a closely held list of firms on a watch list for their hiring practices. Banking and finance has fallen under heightened scrutiny. The government, which lost seats to the opposition in Julys general election, has tightened rules around employment visas for foreigners by raising minimum salaries twice this year. Figures released last week showed Singapores population fell slightly to 5.69 million in the year through June, the first drop since 2003. Work permit holders saw the largest decrease. We cannot sustain our openness if we do not provide enough opportunities for our own people," Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam told the Singapore Summit on Sept. 14. It is not socially or politically sustainable. No society can be blindly open." Singapore is slowly cranking back to life after a strict lockdown. Throngs pulse through malls and hawker centers in suburbs of central Singapore. Subway trains are often full. A pilot scheme for international executives to travel in the region under a strictly controlled itinerary and subject to Covid testing is in the works. Children under six are no longer required to wear a mask. But while the government will allow more people into their offices, work-from-home remains the default. As long as thats the case, and the airport remains effectively a no-go zone, the more folks realize they dont actually need to be in Singapore to do their jobs. If teams across Asia can be managed by Zoom from the living room, then that living room could be anywhere. This realization is crystallizing as the headlines splashed across Singapores major English-language newspaper, the Straits Times, openly debate the role foreigners play in the economy. Far from feeling welcome, expats now spend a lot of time looking over their shoulders. Employers are quietly urging them to avoid anything that might attract attention. Thats left many wondering whether uprooting their families has been worth it. You dont have to come to Singapore for the privilege of getting laid off. Schools fret about families packing up. And those regional offices executives are sent here to run? They need to be able to get into them. The caricature of the European sipping a gin and tonic under a shady tree with rent and school fees taken care of, pampered by maids, is woefully out of date. Relatively few employers these days pick up the tab for housing and tuition. Relocation company staff say the glory days of the expat packages ended with the global financial crisis. With economic warfare raging between China and the U.S., and fashionable talk about the world dividing into rival blocs, is an Asian experience still the resume booster it once was? A gig here feels no more secure than one at home. As a 10-year-old boy, the flight returning to Australia from a family vacation in Europe stopped at the old Paya Lebar airport; I remember taking in the exotic night smells and marveling at the lights of hundreds of ships anchored just offshore. As a newly minted college graduate, Singapore was my first stop on a cross-Asia trip. Living in Malaysia in the late 1990s, visits to the city-state were a balm for the haphazardness of Kuala Lumpur. I returned with a young family last year. We pay taxes, live in a middle-class neighborhood and, through our spending, try to support the economy. I hope the shatter zone of the pandemic isnt the end of our journey together. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics Floridas voter registration website for the upcoming general election crashed on Monday, just hours before the midnight deadline to register, prompting the states Democratic officials to accuse their Republican counterparts of voter suppression. Some Florida residents reported getting error messages and slow responses when they attempted to register to vote at RegistertovoteFlorida.gov. Just before 6p.m., Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee wrote in a tweet that the site was online and working again after only a 15-minute period of delays. Due to high volume, for about 15 minutes, some users experienced delays while trying to register, Lee said. We have increased capacity. You can register until midnight tonight. Thank you to those who immediately brought this to our attention. However, some Twitter users replied to Lees tweet saying they were still experiencing technical issues and unable to register. Florida Democrats immediately accused Republicans including Governor Ron DeSantis of voter suppression over the sites failure. Juan Penalosa, the Florida Democratic Party executive director, said the GOPs voter suppression machine is in full effect. He noted that the website had also glitched just before the deadline to register to vote in the 2018 elections. The site also crashed after March 17, when Florida held its presidential primary election. Not planning for a voter registration surge is voter suppression. Not ensuring everyone who wants to register can do so is voter suppression. Not extending the deadline is voter suppression, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried wrote in a tweet to DeSantis. Florida Democratic Party chair Terrie Rizzo called the technical issues the latest attempt from the Republican leaders in Florida to limit democracy. Florida is considered a must-win state for President Trumps reelection in November, just four weeks away. Trump won Florida in 2016 with 49 percent of the popular vote over Hillary Clintons 47.8 percent. More from National Review BILLINGS, Mont. - A U.S. government watchdog agency faulted the Trump administration Tuesday for its handling of a COVID-19 relief effort that awarded energy companies breaks on payments for oil and gas extracted from public lands in more than 500 cases. The Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan arm of Congress, said haphazard rules for the program left the administration unable to say how much relief was given or if it would ultimately benefit taxpayers, as was intended. The Bureau of Land Management gave breaks on royalty payments from companies in at least five Western states due to workforce problems or other issues after the pandemic shut down much of the economy and helped drive a collapse in oil prices. The Trump administration also gave breaks to companies that extract oil in the Gulf of Mexico, but has released scant details of that effort. Offering royalty relief to companies had been done before the pandemic and is intended to boost the profitability of oil and gas wells so they can still be profitable. The idea is to protect against companies being forced to shut down uneconomical wells permanently, meaning they would never again generate government revenue. But its unknown if thats what happened after the Trump administration approved at least 581 relief requests during its scrambled early response to the pandemic. Most of the approvals were in Wyoming, with cases also approved in Utah, Colorado and by a bureau office that covers Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. GAO natural resources branch director Frank Rusco described the program as poorly designed and executed during testimony on the report Tuesday before the House Natural Resources Committee. Rusco said the bureau did not know if the relief granted achieved the intended goal of conserving oil and gas for future recovery, nor it the government was getting a fair return for letting companies use public resources. The problem was caused primarily by (the land bureau) not following its directives for granting royalty relief, he said. Critics have characterized the royalty relief as an unnecessary industry handout. In some cases, the breaks benefited companies with histories of environmental violations or past failures to pay royalties. Rusco estimated lost revenues of about $4.5 million from the land bureau program, but said that was a conservative figures that does not include all forgone revenues. Revenue from oil and gas production is collected by the federal government and later split with the state where the fuel was extracted. Administration officials were asked for comment by the GAO, but did not say if they agreed with the watchdog agencys recommendations to evaluate the costs and effectiveness of the relief program. Bureau of Land Management spokesman Derrick Henry said in response to questions from The Associated Press that the GAO did not work with the department in good faith. No special circumstances were granted to anyone, Henry said in an emailed statement. The (Bureau of Land Management) State Offices only approved suspension of operations and royalty rate reduction applications for up to 60 days when it was legally permissible, in the best interest of the United States, and when it would encourage the greatest ultimate recovery of our natural resources. Representatives of the land bureau and its parent agency, the Department of Interior, declined an invitation to testify Tuesday before the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee when it reviewed the GAO findings. Rep. Alan Lowenthal, a California Democrat and chair of the Natural Resources subcommittee on energy and minerals, said the findings underscore the Trump administrations pursuit of legally questionable rules to benefit energy companies. They said they were doing this to protect taxpayers but it turns out that wasnt telling the truth, Lowenthal said. The Trump administration acted for the benefit of fossil fuel companies that regularly exploit public lands, not in the interest of taxpayers. ___ Follow Matthew Brown on Twitter: @matthewbrownap George Kerevan used a newspaper article to suggest his friend had been subjected to a 'feeding frenzy' by the press Disgraced coronavirus MP Margaret Ferrier went to mass and gave a five-minute reading while ill, it was revealed today as the fallout from her dangerous actions created a rift in the SNP. The 60-year-old attended St Mungo's catholic church in Glasgow on Sunday September 27, sitting at the front and speaking to the congregation, the day after taking a Covid-19 test because she was feeling unwell. She was stripped of the SNP whip last week and faces a police probe after admitting she travelled 400 miles from her Rutherglen and Hamilton West seat to London to attend the Commons the following day. She then made the return journey on the Tuesday morning - after receiving a positive test result. But despite risking the health of the public and politicians she has so far resisted calls from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and others from across politics to resign her seat and trigger a by-election. The SNP was mired in division today after one of her allies said she had been abandoned to 'trial by media'. George Kerevan used a newspaper article to suggest his friend had been subjected to a 'feeding frenzy' and suggested that in some ways it had been 'heroic' to go to London. The 60-year-old attended St Mungo's catholic church in Glasgow on Sunday September 27, sitting at the front and speaking to the congregation, the day after taking a Covid-19 test because she was feeling unwell Ms Ferrier was stripped of the SNP whip and sparked a huge alert in Westminster last week after admitting travelling from Glasgow to the capital and back by train - a round trip of some 800 miles - while ill with coronavirus Ms Sturgeon yesterday repeated her call for Ms Ferrier to go, mistakenly calling her 'Margaret Covid' at a press conference. Writing in the independence-backing The National newspaper, former East Lothian MP Mr Keravan admitted she was guilty of a 'lapse of judgement' to travel to London, which was made 'a thousand times worse' when she went back to Scotland by train the next day. But he added: 'As a result, her political career is dead in the water, whether she resigns her seat or not. 'All that said, I feel deeply for Margaret and find much of the virtue signalling and rush to consign her to political outer darkness both hypocritical and a blatantly self-serving. Margaret Ferrier, in my experience, always put the job before her personal convenience. 'I can perfectly understand her motivation in travelling down to London and Westminster something few SNP MPs do with any relish. 'She went there ill-advised as her decision was to give her Scottish constituents a voice and to try to hold the incompetent, flailing, useless, arrogant, racist 'government' (I use the word loosely) of Boris Johnson to account. 'Personally, I find that somewhat heroic.' The St Mungo's revelation was revealed in Scotland's Daily Record newspaper. Ms Ferrier sparked uproar last week when she revealed she travelled by train to London from Scotland on September 28 while awaiting the results of a Covid test taken the previous weekend, and then travelled back the following day after being told the test was positive. The Metropolitan Police is investigating the journeys along with British Transport Police over potential breaches of the Health Protection Regulations 2020. Ms Ferrier could face a 4,000 fine for a first-time offence of 'recklessly' coming into contact with others when she should have been self-isolating under a law that came into force on the day of her positive test. Yesterday Ms Sturgeon repeated her appeal to Ms Ferrier to resign her seat and trigger a by-election, while defending her party's handling of the case, saying it had 'acted to the maximum of what we can do'. Ms Ferrier had the whip removed when her trips became public but the party has no power to strip her of the seat she won in 2019, having previously represented it between 2015 and 2017. Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie called for the use of the recall process to unseat Ms Ferrier if she refuses to stand aside. She would have to be suspended from the House of Commons for at least 10 sitting days, or at least 14 days if sitting days are not specified. A by-election could then be forced if 10% of her constituents in Rutherglen and Hamilton West signed a recall a petition. Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has called for Ms Ferrier to be expelled from the SNP. Cases have risen sharply in the north of the UK. (Getty) The number of coronavirus cases in the north of England are up to five times higher than in the south, according to a study of COVID infections. According to data compiled by the COVID Symptom Study app, developed by analysts at Kings College London, there were an estimated 21,192 new cases recorded across the UK every day in the two weeks up to 2 October. Their data also revealed there was a stark difference between the estimated number of infections in the north and the south of England. The researchers estimate that in the North West, the region with the highest rate of new infections, daily new cases stand at between 536 and 809 people per million of the population. In the South East, daily new cases per million people are between 69 and 144. Tim Spector, the scientist in charge of the study, tweeted: Only a small increase in cases today - but the unexplained five fold difference between North and South persists as it has for last 3-4 months. Deprivation plays a small role - any other suggestions? A man wears a face mask under his chin in Manchester. (Getty) We estimate there have been 21,192 daily new cases of COVID in the UK on average over the two weeks up to 02 October 2020, a report sent to the government by the apps makers on Tuesday says. This is based on the number of newly symptomatic app users per day, and the proportion of these who give positive swab tests. Cases have skyrocketed in a number of northern towns and cities in recent weeks, including Manchester and Newcastle, despite local lockdown rules being imposed. Manchester now has the highest coronavirus infection rate in the UK, with positive tests doubling in the space of just one week. The city is now the UKs COVID-19 hotspot as Public Health England data published on Monday afternoon shows that the weekly rate of new cases has now topped 500 cases per 100,000 people. Watch: How does a data blunder affect the battle against Covid-19? A total of 2,927 new cases were recorded in Manchester in the seven days to October 2 the equivalent of 529.4 cases per 100,000, up from 246.4 in the previous week. Story continues Knowsley has the second highest rate, which has jumped from 324.1 to 498.5, with 752 new cases, and Liverpool is in third place, up from 306.4 to 487.1, with 2,426 new cases. Local leaders in the north of England have accused the government of prioritising the south with its response to the pandemic. Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham tweeted over the weekend accusing the government of being London-centric. He said: The timing of the lifting of national lockdown was London-centric. Please remember this the next time you see politicians pointing fingers at our people. While Sarah McNulty, director of public health for Knowsley, told The Times: We know that we are a very deprived borough and the evidence tells us that means people have less choices. For instance, they are more likely to have low-paid front-facing jobs, and we dont know if there are issues of having to work. Watch: The complications linked to the coronavirus Coronavirus: what happened today Click here to sign up to the latest news, advice and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter - Abdullah Mohammed, a young man in Ghana, has revealed he spent 11 years in prison for a minor crime he did not even commit - According to him, he was only besieged one evening by some men who said, "he is one of them," and simply started beating him - Abdullah was then sent to the police station and subsequently sentenced to 25 years in prison but spent 11 years behind bars Trending topics on the go: How we write news at YEN.com.gh A young in Ghana named Abdullah Mohammed has narrated how he was sentenced to 25 years in prison but ended up spending 11 years behind bars over a crime he did not commit. In an interview with SV TV sighted by YEN.com.gh, Adbullah indicated that the unfortunate ordeal befell him on June 3, 2009, at Aboabo. Abdullah recounts that he was only 15 years old at the time when he was walking with a young girl who was his age mate around eight o'clock in the evening when he was besieged by a group of men. Ghanaian narrates how he spent 11 years in jail after wrongly accused of stealing GHc10 Source: YouTube, SV TV Source: UGC After besieging him, the men said, "he is one of them" and beat him mercilessly until the 15-year-old was extremely weak and then sent him to the Zongo Police Station where he was convicted. According to him, it took about five days for the CID in charge to come and question him, and even then, he was beaten to confess his crime but he had no idea what he was even supposed to confess. Following that moment, the gentleman, who was only living with his blind grandmother, was sent to court and jailed, although the judge admitted that he did not have a strong basis to imprison him. Abdullah Mohammed was sentenced to 25 years in prison but released on parole after 11 years of being in jail. Watch the full video below: In another interesting report by YEN.com.gh, Michael Owusu Afriyie, popularly known on social media and the traditional media space as Teacher Kwadwo, has caused a massive stir with two recent posts. On October 5, 2020, Teacher Kwadwo released a beautiful photo of himself wearing a t-shirt branded with the campaign message of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He waited patiently for the post to gather massive reactions and some propaganda only to post on October 6, 2020, the next version of the photo which shows that there was NPP's campaign message behind the same shirt. Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! "Life has been better for me since I exited the Shatta Movement Camp" Addi Self | #Yencomgh Share your stories and news by getting interactive on our Facebook page! Source: YEN.com.gh Jon Ellis and Rick Bean have been honored by being named the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agencys Fisheries Divisions Biologist of the Year and Fisheries Technician of the Year, respectively. The recipients of the awards were introduced during the September meeting in Clarksville of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. Mr. Ellis serves as manager of the Tellico State Fish Hatchery. Bean serves as the lead technician for the TWRA Region IV reservoir fisheries crew. Mr. Ellis has increased production by addressing water quality and quantity issues and creating additional space to raise trout. He has promoted fishing through various media outlets and hosting special fishing events. The hatchery operates on a gravity-fed system that receives water from the Tellico River. To make the process safer and more efficient, a new intake top with spray bars, a new walkway, and safety lights were installed. In addition to protecting the water supply, Mr. Ellis also increased hatchery capacity be renovating pools and added a new fiberglass tank to the existing raceway. The Southern Appalachian Brook Trout Facility at the hatchery provides support for restoration throughout their range in Tennessee. Steps to improve growth and reduce the mortality rate have been made. With Mr. Ellis leading the way, Tellico Hatchery is active in the support of service men and women. Among the activities is an annual Veterans Day weekend. Mr. Bean has been with the TWRA for 42 years. He has served most of his career at Buffalo Spring Hatchery where he made improvements in trout production and continues to be an asset. In his current role, Mr. Bean organizes the maintenance of reservoir sampling equipment ranging from nets to boat motors. His skills at repairing boat motors, trailers, electronics, and sensitive equipment, such as water quality meters, has meant the savings of thousands of dollars in repair bills. In March 2020, Mr. Bean stepped in to fill the role of reservoir data collection manager after the retirement of his supervisor. He organized the electrofishing survey, prepared all the sampling equipment, and looked at historical data to determine sampling locations. He also ensured that enough sampling sites were visited to maintain data integrity and was able to sample each of his reservoirs within the temperature regimes required for spring sportfish electrofishing. A n investigation into the impact of the 10pm curfew has been ordered by the Tory leader of Westminster council after two weekends when huge crowds of diners and drinkers gathered on West End streets after the deadline. Rachael Robathan said she has asked officers to look at how the curfew is working and whether it represents a threat to the health of people thrown out of pubs and restaurants at the same time. She told the Standard: I have concerns about the effects of groups of people emerging onto our streets at the same time and I have asked council officers to gather evidence on how the curfew is operating. We need to work with central Government to ensure restaurants and bars can earn a living while doing all to keep people safe. The move comes ahead of an expected Commons vote on the curfew tomorrow night when dozens of Conservative MPs are likely to vote against the measure, which was introduced by Boris Johnson last month to help slow down the second wave of the pandemic. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said he accepted that everyone is very frustrated and tired about measures that restrict their daily lives. Latest industry figures show that the curfew has had a dramatic impact on revenues on the hospitality industry. Data from specialist hospitality sector online hiring firm S4labour show that sales fell 21.1 per cent last week compared with the week before it was introduced. Food sales were down by 19.1 per cent and drink by 23.2 per cent. Compared with the same week last year, London hospitality sales were down 38.4 per cent. Richard Hartley of S4labour said: This level of decline is unprecedented and worrying for the industry. Meanwhile, research by the Night Time Industries Association showed that almost 60 per cent of member businesses have started making redundancies since the curfew came in and nine in 10 said the Chancellors Winter Economy Plan will not help them retain the current workforce. NEW YORK, OSLO, Norway, and LONDON, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Confirmit today announced the winners of the 2020 AIR (Achievement in Insight and Research) Awards. The annual AIR Awards recognize Confirmit customers committed to innovation and the advancement of the Market Research (MR) industry. As industry leaders, the AIR award winners creatively unlock powerful people, market, and brand insights to fuel action. In an increasingly competitive environment, the 2020 AIR Awards had more submissions than ever before, with an increase in submissions by 60 percent and applicants ranging across five continents. Following the recent merger of Confirmit with Dapresy, the leading data visualization reporting firm, the award program expanded to include submissions from clients from the expanded company. "Our recent merger with Dapresy opened up new avenues for collaboration and this year's AIR Awards recognize clients who have taken advantage of those newfound possibilities," said Kyle Ferguson, CEO at Confirmit. "We are proud to acknowledge the people and businesses who have excelled despite the unprecedented challenges this year has brought. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you for driving the Market Research industry forward though your innovation and resilience." The AIR Awards program is broken into three categories: AIR Agency: Rewards agencies who are providing exceptional guidance and value to clients, who are driving the future of the MR market by designing and implementing new approaches, or who are breaking new ground in the merging of Market Research, insight and Voice of the Customer. Rewards agencies who are providing exceptional guidance and value to clients, who are driving the future of the MR market by designing and implementing new approaches, or who are breaking new ground in the merging of Market Research, insight and Voice of the Customer. AIR Project & Innovation: Recognizes individual projects undertaken for an end client that demonstrated exceptional application of methodology, true innovation or that yielded results that have had a significant impact on the client. Recognizes individual projects undertaken for an end client that demonstrated exceptional application of methodology, true innovation or that yielded results that have had a significant impact on the client. AIR Professionals: Identifies MR professionals at any stage in their career who are having an impact not only on their business but on the industry as a whole, either by driving new thinking, taking new approaches, or harnessing new technologies. Identifies MR professionals at any stage in their career who are having an impact not only on their business but on the industry as a whole, either by driving new thinking, taking new approaches, or harnessing new technologies. Business Transformation: This specially created award commends a client who has shown outstanding innovation and agility in adapting to the challenges presented by the coronavirus. The winners are: AIR Agency: Judges' Choice: CSBA, In-house Research, Kids Industries, Walnut Unlimited CSBA, In-house Research, Kids Industries, Walnut Unlimited Standard Winners: Abt Associates, Accelerator, ACUPOLL, Core Research, Course5 Intelligence, E2E Research Services, Eden Stanley , Fine Research, Greenwald Research, Holden Data , Ipsos, Lewers Research, MD Analytics, Meridian West, Nielsen China , Owl Solutions, Yonder Data Solutions (formerly Populus Data Solutions), SMARI, SNWare, Sprout Strategy Abt Associates, Accelerator, ACUPOLL, Core Research, Course5 Intelligence, E2E Research Services, , Fine Research, Greenwald Research, , Ipsos, Lewers Research, MD Analytics, Meridian West, , Owl Solutions, Yonder Data Solutions (formerly Populus Data Solutions), SMARI, SNWare, Sprout Strategy AIR Project & Innovation: Judges' Choice: CRIS by Delvinia, Fifth Dimension Consulting, Fine Research CRIS by Delvinia, Fifth Dimension Consulting, Fine Research Standard Winners: B2B International, E2E Research Services, Enhance Research, Giraffe Insights, Ipsos, MDRG, Inc., Userneeds, Walnut Unlimited B2B International, E2E Research Services, Enhance Research, Giraffe Insights, Ipsos, MDRG, Inc., Userneeds, Walnut Unlimited AIR Professionals: Judges' Choice: Elisa Adams -Sprout Strategy -Sprout Strategy Standard Winners: Alexandra Kuzmina Accelerator, Leslie Salgado - Culturati Research, John Xu - Holden Data, Brian Li - Nielsen China Accelerator, - Culturati Research, - Holden Data, - Business Transformation Award: Special Recognition: ACUPOLL With an eye towards excellence, this year's judges brought a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the panel. They included, Fiona Blades, president and CEO, Mesh Experience; Shannon Danzy, principal, danzy consults, Simon Chadwick, managing partner, Cambiar Consulting, and Natalie Samuel, co-founder and director of CORe. "It was a real privilege to be part of the AIR Awards judging panel," said Fiona Blades. "There were some really strong entries that showed innovation, authenticity, and a sense of truly insight-driven cultures. It's clear that all the entrants are committed to delivering research and guidance that ensures their clients can make the best decisions for their businesses. Well done to all the winners!" Simon Chadwick added: "Congratulations to all the AIR Awards winners. Being part of the judging panel was extremely illuminating and it was a privilege to learn about some of the innovative, intelligent approaches that MR professionals are using to respond to their clients' challenges." For more information about the 2020 Confirmit AIR Awards, visit https://www.confirmit.com/Company/Awards/AIR-Awards/ About Confirmit Confirmit is the world's leading vendor for Market Research, Customer Experience, and Employee Engagement solutions. Confirmit platforms enable data collection, analysis, visualization and action management to empower businesses to make smarter decisions that drive business growth. Confirmit supports over 650 clients in more than 50 countries, including many of the world's leading brands. Confirmit has offices in Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Germany, Norway, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. Confirmit's software is also distributed through partner resellers in Madrid, Milan, and Tokyo. Visit www.confirmit.com for more information. Media Contact: Emma Gielata Matter Communications [email protected] SOURCE Confirmit WHO announced an alarming new statistic about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic As the public continues to reel from the news that the president of the United States has tested positive for the coronavirus, Dr. Michael Ryan, the executive director of the World Health Organization (WHO)s health emergency program, has come forward to share an alarming new statistic. Read More: Sen. Ron Johnson defends attendance at fundraiser after testing positive for COVID-19 According to The Associated Press, on Monday, Ryan revealed that the most recent estimates indicate a significant percentage of the worlds population may have already been infected by the coronavirus this year. A protester holds a sign reading 200K Dead Trump Kills USA at a march against Death, Lies and Fascism on September 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Demonstrators protested against President Donald Trumps handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as the U.S. surpasses 204,000 deaths from the coronavirus. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) The disease continues to spread. It is on the rise in many parts of the world, Ryan explained during a special session of the organizations executive board. Our current best estimates tell us that about 10% of the global population may have been infected by this virus. He also pointed out that the stats vary from urban to rural areas, and between different groups, but that ultimately the vast majority of the world remains at risk. One of those groups whose cases stand out amongst the pack is Black Americans who have been disproportionately affected by the virus, both medically and financially. To put what 10% of the population looks like in clearer focus what WHO is saying is that over 760 million people based on a current world population of about 7.6 billion have COVID-19. This by far exceeds the 35 million confirmed cases that were originally tallied by WHO and Johns Hopkins University. But to be fair, experts have always said that they knew the number of confirmed cases being reported would grossly undercount the true number of people impacted. Travelers wearing face masks and face shields to protect against COVID-19 queue upon arriving at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport on September 30, 2020 in Malay, Aklan province, Philippines. The Philippine government has partially reopened the country to domestic travelers in a bid to stimulate the economy and revive a pandemic-hit tourism sector even as coronavirus cases continue to rise. The country surpassed 312,000 cases of COVID-19, with at least 5,504 deaths. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) Read More: Members of White House household staff reportedly test positive for COVID-19 What we have learned in every region of the world is that with strong leadership, clear and comprehensive strategies, consistent communication, and engaged, empowered and enabled population, its never too late, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Story continues Every situation can be turned around and hard-won gains can be easily lost. Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! The post World Health Organization estimates 10% of global population has contracted COVID-19 appeared first on TheGrio. An overhaul of university funding that will more than double fees for humanities courses while slashing the cost of science, maths and teaching degrees will soon become law after minor party Centre Alliance threw its support behind the changes. Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie confirmed on Tuesday the party would support the reforms, handing the federal government the crucial vote it needs to pass its Job-Ready Graduates bill through the Senate. Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie with her colleague senator Stirling Griff, whose vote the government needs to pass its university funding reforms. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Ms Sharkie, the party's education spokeswoman, said Centre Alliance had negotiated a deal with the Morrison government that would secure more places for South Australian students and more protections for students who failed first-year subjects in exchange for its support. "These legislative reforms are by no means perfect but overall Centre Alliance recognises what the government is trying to achieve and what the university sector is calling for, which is funding certainty following the 2017 indexation cuts," Ms Sharkie said in a statement. "Without change, many universities were at risk of significant job losses and campus closures going into next year." Carlos Lozada with some of the 150 books he read for his metahistory, "What Were We Thinking: A Brief Intellectual History of the Trump Era." (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) Dont be alarmed by Carlos Lozadas book What Were We Thinking: A Brief Intellectual History of the Trump Era. Yes, its a compendium of 150 books on a man we already know too much about the lucrative cottage industry of an ongoing political crisis. But theyre not all from ex-staffers with tales of White House chaos. Instead, Lozada is trying to get at something bigger how we got here and what it means. There are chapters not on specific books but on facets of this history in the making: the white working class and the #MeToo movement, immigration and Russian interference, the changing face of the Republican Party and the new resistance on the Left. I imagine that for some people, my book will serve as a He read it so I don't have to rundown of these books, said Lozada, the Pulitzer Prize-winning nonfiction book critic of the Washington Post, from his home outside Washington, D.C. Maybe you'll pick up one or two as a result. That's great. But, he adds, I do hope that there is also a sense of an underlying critique of this moment in American intellectual life. There is. Lozadas book is in conversation with the best books he touches on, by authors like Jill Lepore and Timothy Snyder, drawing out an American narrative that encompasses all its complexity and unmet promise. This conversation has been edited. How did you keep a clear handle on all the books that went into this one? I use three-ring binders. I'm so retro. [He holds up an overstuffed binder.] It flows from how I review books. The chaos-in-the-White-House books, they really start to blend together. Like, did I read that in A Very Stable Genius or was that in the Mueller Report? Is that in Michael Schmidts new book [Donald Trump V. the United States] or in Jim Comeys memoir? There's a lot of overlap and redundancy. But the great thing is that they also start getting into conversations with each other. When I see Jeffrey Toobin writing about the Mueller investigation, and then see this latest book by Andrew Weissmann [Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller investigation] or the FBI agent Peter Strzok's book [Compromised: Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J. Trump], I start seeing how new forms of conventional wisdom coalesce. For two years, there was a chunk of this country for whom Mueller was this hero, the righteous investigator whose sense of integrity is going to rescue America. When it didn't work out that way, we started seeing the seeds of the Mueller-blew-it backlash which is now in full bloom. Those moments of overlap help me anticipate where conversations are headed. Story continues At one point, you weave together a number of different accounts of a single important meeting, which Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury missed. There was this meeting at the Pentagon early in the Trump presidency where a lot of the top national security officials were basically staging an intervention with Trump, trying to get him to see the importance of NATO, of international alliances, of having American troops deployed around the world. The meeting in the tank is covered exhaustively in multiple books, in Bob Woodwards Fear and others. I think it speaks to the power of Steve Bannon, who became the premiere narrator of the early Trump years in a way that far exceeded his own permanence in the White House. Once you put them together I mean, not a lot of people are going to read five different books that talk about this meeting, thats what I get to do you have what feels like a running transcript. That's also what this book is doing in the larger sense, finding a running story of this cultural moment. I wanted to write a book that was exploring how we as a country grappled with the Trump phenomenon. How we thought about it in real time. I feel I've gained a certain suspicion of the easy prefabricated narratives. For example, the white working class books: I found that two different books profiled the same Trump voter in Pennsylvania and gave him entirely different motivations. In one book, he's this economic populist; he thinks the Democrats have forgotten the working class. In the other book, he's a 9/11 truther, he rails against transgender bathrooms he's a total culture warrior. He's the same guy! But what the authors saw in him dovetailed with their larger views of why Trump won the presidency. As a critic of nonfiction, how do you have a sense of when something rings true or not? When everything fits together too perfectly, I wonder what's been left out. Truly honest books have to accept messiness. One book you didnt include is Mary Trump's Too Much and Never Enough, which came out less than three months ago. Unfortunately, it was already past my deadline, but I did review it for the Post. I was really impressed with that book. Certainly because of her proximity to the family; she's Trump's niece. And because she has this academic training in clinical psychology, it's an absolutely unique vantage point. Mary Trump brings the experience of seeing him up close and growing up in this family that, to me, made it unique among all these Trump tell-alls. It was also well-written; I mean she's funny, she tells a really good story. There are various books that look at him through one analytic lens. In Jim Comeys memoir Trump is almost this mobster figure. The New York Times television critic James Poniewozik wrote a book about Trump as the creation of television. Daniel Drezner wrote about Trump as toddler. This set of books takes one prism through which to understand him. They're gimmicky, but they're also insightful in their own way. Mary Trump is able to give you a very direct look. "When everything fits together too perfectly, I wonder what's been left out," says Washington Post nonfiction book critic and "What Were We Thinking" author Carlos Lozada. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) While you were working on this book, did you have a dark night of the soul? Was there a moment where you were, like, I just can't crack another one of these? I had that feeling very recently. Of course, it could be because of the pandemic; it could be because of the country's racial reckoning. There's a lot going on right now. But I had that feeling when I read Disloyal by Michael Cohen. It is a greatest hits compilation of all your worst fears about Donald Trump his instincts, impulses, beliefs, how he makes decisions. This from someone that was with him for so long, during the height of The Apprentice and Birtherism and the campaign. That was a moment I just wanted to just say, OK, uncle, I can't keep reading. Of course I channeled that into my review. But then there are these other books that tell me that this isn't all there is. Some of the most useful have been those that show how so many of the fights that we're having right now are fights that are constant, that are ongoing, that have been here since the very beginning. Like Carol Andersons One Person, No Vote, that looks at the centuries-long battle over voting rights and voter suppression. Like Jill Lepores These Truths, that looks at those self-evident truths of the Declaration of Independence and sees how our constant effort and failure to fully live up to them is what this place is all about. For me, the most useful books of the Trump era are not about Trump at all. They show us how these battles are not an oddity in America; they are the definition of America. Do you feel like you've got the whole picture, the whole Trump-era narrative? I feel like I have a snapshot of a moment, and for me that's enough. If Trump loses in November, there will be authoritative stories explaining why that was the inevitable path of what happened and authoritative books. And if he wins, there will be just-as-authoritative books by those same authors! that will explain why it was all headed in that direction. Kellogg is formerly books editor of the Los Angeles Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ESChat today announced it has partnered with EGC international, Inc. to launch Push-to-Talk (PTT) service in Colombia. Service will be managed by EGC international, Inc. subsidiaries EICOM, SAS, and EGC Colombia SAS. The EGC solution will be launched in November 2020 under the service name "TalkPlus, powered by ESChat". The TalkPlus service will include the ESChat feature set, including: encrypted PTT voice, encrypted multi-media Group Messaging and live location tracking and mapping. The companies have completed a commercial agreement and are now preparing for the commercial launch. "The TalkPlus service powered by ESChat, provides a fast and organized communication experience, with integrated multimedia group messaging and location based features to make professional communication secure and reliable for our customers," said Arnaldo Gonzalez, Chairman of the Board of EGC INTERNATIONAL Inc, and EICOM, SAS "Through our collaboration with ESChat, we're helping businesses empower their mobile workforces while driving agility, cost savings, and a smooth transition for existing iDEN customer and new B2B PoC users". "EGC International's selection of ESChat to power the TalkPlus Group Communications platform is a great honor. EGC is led by a seasoned team of telecom industry professionals. This combined with our industry leading service and technology, TalkPlus is positioned to take command of the PTT market in Colombia." said John Dilley, Chief Revenue Officer for ESChat. "I look forward to a very successful partnership with EGC as we begin a global expansion of our market territories." Used by all branches of the U.S. Military, as well as federal, state and local public safety agencies, ESChat is able to operate over and across any wireless network, including all commercial carriers, private 3G/4G/5G networks and WIFI. ESChat supports standards-based interoperability with LMR radio networks, including P25 via the native Inter RF Subsystem Interface ("ISSI") protocol and DMR via the native Inter Application Interface Specification ("AIS") protocol. ESChat also supports interoperability via RoIP to all LMR radio networks, regardless of radio technology or operating frequency band. About ESChat: ESChat (www.eschat.com) is the leading solution for carrier independent Secure Push to Talk (PTT) over broadband. ESChat includes AES-256 encrypted PTT voice and multimedia (text and image) messaging. ESChat also provides live and historical (bread crumb) tracking and mapping. ESChat is approved for U.S. military operational use by the Defense Information Systems Agency ("DISA"). ESChat technology is utilized in over 25 PTT brands, and is the preferred Push-to-Talk Service offering by many Global Tier 1 wireless service providers, Public Safety Agencies, and Enterprise customers. For more information, please visit www.eschat.com . About EGC International, Inc Founded in 2001 and based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, EGC and its precursor, Eprotel SA, founded in 1978, have been leading integrators and value-added wireless telecommunication, security, and power systems provider, with a presence in 10 countries in Europe and the Americas, and a well-deserved reputation in the telecommunications and transportation industries. Through its subsidiaries and associated companies, EGC Colombia SAS and EICOM, SAS, the company projects a leadership role in Colombia, with operations country-wide, and based in Bogota. For more information, please visit www.egctek.com and www.egccolombia.co SOURCE ESChat Related Links www.eschat.com A sharp drop in the number of young international backpackers in Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic has created a labour crisis for agricultural, tourism and other employers that have relied heavily on them as super-exploited cheap labour. Wages and conditions are so poor throughout entire industries that for decades major employers and labour hire contractors have depended increasingly on working holiday maker visa holders and overseas workers on other temporary visas to extract profits. Successive governments, both Liberal-National Coalition and Labor Party, have created and extended these visa programs to allow employers to impose shocking conditions of low wages, backbreaking conditions and other abuses on visiting young people. Backpackers at Queensland farm (Credit: Olivia Chauveau/Facebook) Recent media investigations and reports have highlighted systemic under-payment, wage theft and accommodation rip-offs, as well as sexual harassment. These practices have flourished despite a series of government and parliamentary inquiries. An Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) report titled, There are no human rights here, revealed some of the abuses occurring under the federal governments Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa scheme. One backpacker, Elin, said her piece rate payments sometimes equated to as low as $2.50 an hour. A subcontractor had made sexual advances, and she had been asked to post job ads on Facebook groups targeting Asian workers, with a $100 commission if they took the offer. Another ABC report featured Kiah Flower, a backpacker from the US who lost her restaurant job at Queenslands Airlie Beach, due to the pandemic. She then got a strawberry-planting job near the regional city of Bundaberg through a labour hire company which offered accommodation. She said she was receiving less than the minimum wage and could not afford her rent. Under the WHM visa scheme for young people aged 18 to 31, they must work in designated regional areas and industries for 88 days if they want to apply for a second year visa. Merle Quaak, from the Netherlands, arrived earlier this year. She accepted the first job she could find in order to complete her 88 days of farm work. This was on a piece-rate contract picking tomatoes and she ended up receiving $111 for seven days work. She then found another job in a packing shed with an hourly wage rate, but her pay slips were inaccurate. Another backpacker, Ellie, from Europe said her labour hire provider submitted different names for tax purposes, changed her name, and submitted false claims of superannuation contributions on many of her payslips during her tomato picking job in Bundaberg from April to June 2020. These instances highlight employers use of illegal false record keeping and pay slips in order to manipulate records. This makes it easy for labour hire companies to shut down and restart operations under different names, a process termed phoenixing. Backpackers are highly vulnerable to exploitation under this scheme. They can become locked in a cycle of debt with their sub-contractor, hostel owner and/or farmer, and in some cases have their passport or wages held at ransom. There is also a six-month cap on backpackers staying with the same employer, yet workers must be with an employer for that period to file an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work authorities. This lack of protection against dismissal discourages visa holders from raising safety or wage theft concerns. Yet the only response of the political establishment to the abuse exposures has been to expand such programs and extend them to jobless workers and school leavers to overcome the loss of about half the backpacker workforce because of the pandemic. An interim report by the latest parliamentary inquiry, currently being conducted by the bipartisan Joint Standing Committee on Migration, said WHM visa holders are being employed in a wide range of industries beyond fruit-picking, including in health services and nursing homes. They provide a vital labour source in the agriculture, horticulture, food processing, tourism, hospitality, health and aged care sectors. The interim report, released this month, emphasised the demands of agricultural employers for new sources of cheap labour. It stated: Given the number of WHM in the country fell from approximately 140,000 in March 2020 to 70,000 in June 2020, the NFF [National Farmers Federation] stated that the industry will be confronted with a labour crisis, the likes of which it has never seen before. The NFF told the parliamentary committee that between 20 and 60 percent of some categories of farm workers are made up of people on the Working Holiday Maker visa. The committee, which includes Labor and Greens representatives, recommended that Prime Minister Morrisons Coalition government urgently develop and implement a Have a Gap Year at Home Campaign to attract young workers, particularly school leavers and university graduates, to undertake regional work. It said the campaign should appeal to young Australians patriotism and their sense of adventure. Another recommendation includes allowing workers on JobSeeker unemployment benefits to retain their poverty-line payments while taking low-paid agricultural and horticultural work. How low the wages are was indicated by a submission to the inquiry by AUSVEG, the peak employers body for the vegetable and potato industries. It complained that JobSeeker payments were acting as a disincentive for jobless workers to pick crops. AUSVEG said many growers have reported that theyve had workers collect their final pay cheques and leave because theyd rather go home and receive the JobSeeker payment than work on the farm. To put it in perspective, after tax theres only about a $250 per fortnight difference in take-home pay for a level 1 on the horticultural award to that of the JobSeeker payment. Last month, the government cut the JobSeeker benefit by $300 a fortnight to around $800, in a deliberate move to force unemployed workers into such work, or back into unsafe conditions amid the worsening global pandemic. The government has also launched a pilot program of bringing up to 200 workers from Vanuatu, a small impoverished former French colony in the Pacific, into the Northern Territory to pick mangoes. Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in Australia, accounting for 21 percent of workplace fatalities. The employers profit from a widespread lack of regulations and one of the most poorly regulated labour hire industries in the world. An official Fair Work Ombudsman Harvest Trail inquiry, which ran from August 2014 to November 2018, found a multitude of breaches of the Fair Work Act, with more than $1 million in stolen wages affecting over 2,500 workers. However, there have been no significant changes. Instead, the parliamentary elite is moving to expand the super-exploitation. Paris in the fifties, and in a dimly lit bar a young man tinkles the same tune on the piano over and again. He looks forlorn, with a hangdog expression that years later - the British public will come to know and love. Its a snapshot from a charming new episode of Urban Myths, the Sky series which puts a comedic spin on a host of scandalous, surprising and surreal urban legends involving the arts worlds most iconic figures. This one tells the true story of the much-loved comedian Les Dawsons decision to move to Paris as a young man to pursue his dream of becoming a serious novelist. Urban Myths, the Sky series, tells the true story of the much-loved comedian Les Dawsons decision to move to Paris as a young man to pursue his dream of becoming a serious novelist. Pictured, Les Dawson with wife Tracy Dawson and newborn daughter Charlotte in 1992 After a failed attempt to become a writer in a bold move to Paris, France, much-adored Dawson ended up becoming a pianist in a brothel before he found success Unfortunately, things didnt quite work out as he planned, and he ended up becoming a pianist in a brothel not quite what he anticipated, but rich pickings for the shows writer Steve Pemberton, who drew from the late entertainers autobiographies to paint a picture of this relatively unknown period in the life of what he calls Les Dawson before he was the Les Dawson we all know. I thought it was just really interesting to look at the man before as it were, and how does someone find their voice, Pemberton says. To focus on this period in his life, in his early twenties, when he went to live in Paris, and he wanted to become a serious writer, and he spent a while there. No one knows exactly how long, but he came back with his tail between his legs having failed to be a writer and he tried again to go into comedy and play the working mens clubs. 'I think he was, if not 40, then certainly knocking on 40 by the time he became the Les Dawson that we all know, but there were many years of struggle in the working mens clubs and these adventures like going to Paris and deciding to be a literary figure. 'Hopefully, this will send people back to find out a bit more about him and his life. The new series puts a comedic spin on a host of scandalous, surprising and surreal urban legends involving the arts worlds most iconic figures. Pictured, Mark Addy (left) and John Bradley (right) who were cast to play the comedian throughout his life The shows writer Steve Pemberton drew from the late entertainers autobiographies to paint a picture of a relatively unknown period in the life of what he calls Les Dawson before he was the Les Dawson we all know' Dawson died in 1993 at the relatively young age of just 62, leaving behind his widow Tracy and then eight month old daughter Charlotte (he had three older children by his first wife Margaret). Tracey and Charlotte, both of whom gave their blessing to the project, attended part of the filming and even gave actor Mark Addy who plays the older Dawson, reflecting on this period in his life one of Dawsons signet rings to wear for his scenes. They also brought along Dawsons original diary from his time in Paris. It was incredible to see, in this tiny pocket diary, and it felt so vital and it felt like it was with us there in the room, says Pemberton. You can tell that when he was writing his autobiography, he was referring back to his diaries anyway because a lot of what was in there he had put in his autobiography. The challenge for the actors, meanwhile, was trying to capture the essence of Dawson rather than lapse into impersonation. Dawson died in 1993 at the relatively young age of just 62, leaving behind his widow Tracy and then eight month old daughter Charlotte, as well as three older children by his first wife Margaret The series writer said he hopes the programme will send people back to find out a bit more about Les Dawson and his life before he became a household name. Pictured, John Bradley playing a young Les Dawson Youre not trying to look exactly like him, says Addy, who describes Dawson as a comedy legend who always allowed his audience to feel in safe hands. Things like the signet ring do a great job of making you feel like him, but its capturing him through the delivery of lines and trying to get the voice right, and that hangdog delivery. We meet Addys Dawson at the piano in an empty television studio, from which he recalls his youthful adventures in Paris. It keeps cutting back and forth, and at the very end, you realise that hes in the studio doing a rehearsal for the An Audience with Les Dawson which was due to happen before he died, he says. Pemberton admits Addy was at the forefront of his mind for the older Dawson, but that casting the young Dawson was trickier. He opted for 32-year-old John Bradley, who will be well known to Game of Thrones fans as Jon Snows companion Samwell Tarly in the epic saga. I knew that I wanted it to be about this young 20-odd year old Les Dawson who wouldnt necessarily be this kind of paunchy, gravel voiced man, says Pemberton. Its an embryonic Les Dawson. John was one of the suggestions. We met him for a coffee and loved him. And his dads from Collyhurst, which is where Les Dawson grew up and we just felt it was meant to be. Tracey and her daughter Charlotte both gave their blessing to the project and attended part of the filming and even gave actor Mark Addy one of Dawsons signet rings to wear for his scenes. Pictured, Les and his wife Tracy Dawson Steve Pemberton said he found casting the younger Les Dawson 'trickier' and in the end opted for 32-year-old John Bradley, (pictured playing Les in the new series) best known to Game of Thrones fans as Jon Snows companion Samwell Tarly For Bradley, the challenge of steeping into Dawsons younger man shoes was trying to envisage the mans presence without any visual clues. Les Dawson is a persona that everybody is so familiar with, but theres only real extensive documentary evidence of that from his forties onwards, so any time before that is a lot of guesswork, he says. From some of his writing from earlier on you do get a flavour of where he was intellectually and what his likes and dislikes were from that, but in terms of his kind of demeanour, theres a lot of guesswork going on. His fathers Collyhurst roots helped. My dad comes from exactly the same part of Manchester, Colliers, that Les came from, so just from my dads anecdotal description of what it was like I know exactly what that world was like, and what a product of that world was like, he says,. It was a very tough environment and people didnt necessarily have a lot of patience with people who thought they were above it. 'So, to be in that environment and have these aspirations, I kind of know where this character started from and why he came to Paris and what the motivations were. Actor John Bradley, who plays the younger Les Dawson, said the challenge of steeping into Dawsons younger shoes was trying to envisage the mans presence without any visual clues The actor said his fathers Manchester Collyhurst roots helped him get into character and figure out just what it was like to grow up in that world. Pictured, Steve Pemberton and John Bradley Madam Gaudin is played with verve by Darling Buds of Mays Pam Ferris, complete with ill-fitting wig Whether or not Dawson used a degree of poetic licence when he documented his time in Paris can only ever be guessed at, but Pemberton believes it to be largely true. He definitely did go and he found a job playing the piano in this bar, and he could never understand why the bar was sometimes full of men and sometimes completely empty and no one seemed to stay and have a drink; people were always passing through, and he just was told to play the same tune over and over again, he says. And he later found out he was playing in a brothel and upstairs the trade was going on and his job was just to keep playing the piano. And he had to play the same tune over again, which was Limelight from the Charlie Chaplin film because it would drive the people out. I mean he doesnt talk at length about this time in his life, but I felt there was a freedom to write it the way I wanted it, but he talks about meeting this beautiful barmaid, Emerald, and he talks about the Madam who worked there who would come and hum along with him and wore a beautiful red dress. Step forward Madam Gaudin, played with verve by Darling Buds of Mays Pam Ferris, complete with ill-fitting wig. Whether or not Dawson used a degree of poetic licence when he documented his time in Paris can only ever be guessed at, but Pemberton believes it to be largely true We juggled about with the idea of wigs and no wigs, and we talked about turbans quite a lot because glamorous turbans were fashionable, she says with a smile. But something happened when I put that wig on - everybody can see its a wig, but you dont mention it. I knew people like that 20, 30 years ago - people used to walk around with terrible wigs on. So, shes not getting away with it, but I like that, I love that look. While Gaudins character is not fleshed out in the diaries, Ferris said she allowed her imagination to fill in the gaps. I should think this is a very common practice - of someone who was a prostitute who probably gets too old for it finds a way of running some kind of a bar or something, she reflects. Ive imagined that shes in the world of prostitution from younger and that her contacts have blurred having to be a madam rather than a career madam, as it were, and shes definitely too old for it now - although she may have a regular or two, for all I know. We meet Addys Dawson at the piano in an empty television studio, from which he recalls his youthful adventures in Paris Pemberton, meanwhile, allowed himself the indulgence of a cameo as the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, who Dawson talks about in his autobiography. I thought wouldnt it be fun if we had Les Dawson having a conversation with Jean Paul Sartre? he confides. And its almost like its not really happening, its in his head, at his lowest ebb, this existential who am I?, this young man struggling to find out what he wanted to do, struggling to find his voice. And when it came, it came by accident. It wasnt until this one night in Hull which we also reference in the programme, where he got so drunk he went on stage and didnt do his normal act, which was playing quite a jazzy piano and trying to be quite show business-like. 'He was miserable and he just said, Well, its nice to be here in this renovated fish crate. What an audience. Ive seen more life in a tramps vest. And he was just speaking about his own misery about getting nowhere, failing as a writer, failing as a comedian, Pemberton says. And the more miserable he was, the more the audience laughed, they loved him, and so thats the night he says that he found his comic voice.| Yet nor did he ever give up on his writing, penning several novels and telling his widow always remind them I was a writer too. Tracy Dawson said he wanted to be remembered as a writer, says Pemberton. So, I hope this will change peoples opinion of him, showing that he did have literary aspirations and he did bring that out in his comedy. Urban Myths: Les Dawsons Parisienne Adventure will air on Sky Arts on 7th October at 10pm, now available for everyone to watch on Freeview Channel 11. Voters are demanding privacy rights and that's exactly what we're giving them in Prop 24- that's why it has 77% support. Tweet this "It's crystal clear that voters are demanding privacy rights, and that's exactly what we're giving them with Prop 24, the California Privacy Rights Act," said General Consultant and Campaign Manager Robin Swanson. "Voters also don't believe the misinformation being put out by opponents. When voters read what the measure actually does to expand privacy rights, protect our sensitive personal information, stop hackers and triple fines for violating our kids' data they invariably vote YES on 24." The poll, which was conducted between September 29 October 5 included 750 likely California voters. The 77% support number is within the margin of error of a previous poll taken in July, which showed the measure at 81% support. CURRENT POLL: (September 29 October 5) NET: TOTAL YES 77% NET: TOTAL NO 11% UNSURE 12% PREVIOUS POLL: (July 26-31) NET: TOTAL YES 81% NET: TOTAL NO 11% UNSURE 8% About Prop 24 / The California Privacy Rights Act Proposition 24 would: Protect your most personal information, by allowing you to prevent businesses from using or sharing sensitive information about your health, finances, race, ethnicity, and precise location; Safeguard young people, TRIPLING FINES for violations involving children's information; Put new limits on companies' collection and use of our personal information; Establish an enforcement armthe California Privacy Protection Agencyto defend these rights and hold companies accountable, and extend enforcement including IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR NEGLIGENCE resulting in theft of consumers' emails and passwords; MAKE IT MUCH HARDER TO WEAKEN PRIVACY in California in the future, by preventing special interests and politicians from undermining Californians' privacy rights, while allowing the Legislature to amend the law to further the primary goal of strengthening consumer privacy to better protect you and your children, such as opt-in for use of data, further protections for uniquely vulnerable minors, and greater power for individuals to hold violators accountable. Yes on 24 Supporters The Yes on Prop 24 campaign is proud to have the endorsement of former Presidential candidate Andrew Yang, Los Angeles Times editorial board, Congressman Ro Khanna, California State Controller Betty Yee, Common Sense Media, Consumer Watchdog, AFSCME California, the NAACP of California, California Professional Firefighters, California State Building and Construction Trades Council, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Local 21 (Bay Area), UA Local 38 Plumbers and Pipefitters, California State Senators Ben Allen, Bill Dodd, Lena Gonzalez, Connie Leyva, Bill Monning, Nancy Skinner, Robert Hertzberg, Scott Wiener, Bob Wieckowski and Jim Beall, California State Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and David Chiu, John Burton, Former Chair of the California Democratic Party, Alex Rooker and Daraka Larimore Hall, Vice Chairs of the California Democratic Party, Dan Weitzman, Controller of the California Democratic Party, Jenny Bach, Secretary of the California Democratic Party, Dr. Lisa Strohman, JD, PhD, and more. About Californians for Consumer Privacy Californians for Consumer Privacy is the same group that authored the first-in-the-nation California Consumer Privacy Act, which was passed unanimously by the California State Legislature and signed into law by California Governor Jerry Brown. Now the group is backing Prop 24, the California Privacy Rights Act on the 2020 ballot, to expand and enshrine privacy rights for all Californians. www.caprivacy.org Paid for by Yes on 24, Californians for Consumer Privacy Committee major funding from Alastair Mactaggart SOURCE Californians for Consumer Privacy Related Links http://www.caprivacy.org Police said they think the couples bodies were found a couple days after they were killed, but received no calls regarding gunshots or other disturbances in the days leading up to the discovery. Neighbors noticed some questionable things, such as newspapers and mail not being collected while a car remained in the driveway, and contacted Devine, the only child police said lives in the area. At 42, Tia Mowry-Hardrict hasn't just learned to let those gray hairs grow in ... she's embracing them 100%! In a new Instagram picture posted Tuesday, the former "Sister, Sister" star shared a confident image of her ever-growing gray hairstyle: "Y'all my #fro is growing!! #naturalhair," she wrote in the caption. The selfie features her in a comfortable black cardigan set off by gold hoop earrings and dangling gold jewelry. (We bet the "C" charm on one necklace is for her daughter, Cairo, 2.) Watch TODAY All Day! Get the best news, information and inspiration from TODAY, all day long. "Love you embrace you!" wrote one fan in the comments. "Embrace your youth until you can't anymore." "So inspiring!" wrote another. Tia and Tamera Mowry on Recently, the actor has been showing off her new look, from top to bottom: In August, she showed off a look at her short, gorgeous, graying mane. Later that month, the mother of two revealed she'd taken off 68 pounds since giving birth to Cairo in 2018. (Cairo's dad is Mowry's husband, Cory Hardrict.) Meanwhile, her twin sister (and "Sister, Sister" co-star), Tamera Mowry-Housley, posted her own set of selfies on Monday: "The faces of #quarantine," she wrote in the caption (swipe to see more images). And while her hair is being held back in a headband, in March she shared a photo of her "grays," writing, "No getting my hair done during #socialdistancing, and Im okay with it!" State Forest Rangers came to the rescue recently of several injured, lost and ill-prepared hikers. The incidents below occurred between Oct. 1-4. All information was supplied by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Town of Hunter, Greene County Wilderness Search: On Oct. 1 at 7:08 p.m., Greene County 911 contacted DECs Central Dispatch for a report of two lost hikers (husband and wife) who entered the woods near the trailhead at Platte Clove and Prediger roads. The couple had been following the Blue Trail before veering off and indicated they had water, as well as their dog. A Forest Ranger responded, arriving to the hikers' location at 9 p.m. Once with the hiking party, the Ranger provided them with headlamps and they proceeded to hike out to the trailhead. Everyone was out of the woods at 9:15 p.m." Town of North Elba, Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 1 at 5:42 p.m., DECs Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a 65-year-old hiker from Long Meadow, Massachusetts, reporting he had injured his ankle near MacIntyre Falls. The hiker said his hiking party braced his injury and he would hobble down the trail with them. A Forest Ranger responded, hiking up the trail to the mans location while Forest Four other Rangers ame in with a six-wheel ATV. Once on scene, the Ranger with the hikers splinted the injury and assisted the hiking party to the Whales Tail Junction where they were met by the secondary group of Rangers and driven out to the trailhead to their vehicle. Town of Bolton, Warren County Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 2 at 9:30 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DECs Ray Brook Dispatch from two hikers who became disoriented on Pole Hill Pond. The hikers, from Brookhaven, did not have a light source or warm clothing with them as temperatures dropped. Dispatch advised the hikers to stay where they were until help arrived. Warren County 911 shared coordinates to the hikers' location as their only working cell phone battery died. Two Forest Rangers responded to assist, arriving on scene at 10:30 p.m. Voice contact was made at 12:15 a.m., and the hikers were found off the trail at 12:33 a.m. Forest Rangers escorted the couple back to their vehicle at the trailhead. Town of North Elba, Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 3 at 10:27 a.m., DECs Ray Brook Dispatch received a call reporting a hiker had suffered an ankle injury on the trail for Phelps Mountain in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. Two Forest Rangers responded with New York State Police Aviation while one Forest Ranger assembled a ground crew for a carry-out as a backup. Once a safe opening occurred, a Ranger was lowered to the injured hiker and with the assistance of Assistant Forest Ranger and the Marcy Dam Caretaker, placed the hiker into a harness to hoist up to the helicopter. The 50-year-old hiker from Buffalo was flown to a local hospital for medical treatment. Town of Hunter/Kaaterskill Wild Forest, Greene County Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 3 at 1 p.m., Greene County 911 called a Forest Ranger regarding an injured hiker on the Kaaterskill Falls Trail. The Ranger arrived at 1:05 p.m., and assisted with the carry-out of the 65-year-old hiker from Sunnyside. The hiker fell backward off Bastion Falls approximately 20 feet, resulting in serious physical injuries. The hiker was placed in a litter, carried out to the road at 1:15 p.m., and was transported by Hunter Ambulance to a waiting helicopter headed to a local hospital. Town of Schroon, Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 3 at 1:31 p.m., Essex County 911 transferred a call to DECs Ray Brook Dispatch from a hiker lost while hiking out to the trailhead on Crane Pond Road. After numerous attempts, 911 advised that they were not able to obtain coordinates for the hikers location. The 39-year-old from Cheshire, Connecticut, believed he was somewhere in the woods northeast of Glidden Marsh. Two Forest Rangers along with an Assistant Forest Ranger, searched the area with negative results. Rangers hiked out due to darkness and resumed search operations at daylight with State Police Aviation on standby. While Essex County 911 had Verizon ping the lost mans cell phone, the hiker texted Forest Rangers his coordinates from the compass application on his phone. The coordinates from the phone were 3.4 miles away from the coordinates provided by Verizon. Forest Rangers responded to the coordinates given by the camper, made initial voice contact at 9:05 a.m., and at 9:40 a.m., a Forest Ranger located the hiker and escorted him out of the woods by 12:35 p.m. Town of Clifton, St. Lawrence County Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 3 at 4:21 p.m., St. Lawrence 911 transferred a call to DECs Ray Brook Dispatch reporting that a hiker on the Cranberry 50 had injured his back and could not walk due to the pain. Two Forest Rangers responded by boat with members of the Cranberry Lake and Star Lake Fire Departments. Once on scene, the 62-year-old hiker from Wilton, Connecticut, was packaged into the litter, put in the boat, and driven back to shore. Once on shore, the injured hiker was turned over to the Star Lake Ambulance for transport to a local hospital. Town of Middletown, Delaware County Wilderness Search: On Oct. 3 at 7:45 p.m., Delaware County 911 contacted a Forest Ranger regarding two hikers lost in the Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest. The couple, from Otego and Unadilla, were hiking the Huckleberry Loop Trail when it became dark and lost the trail due to not having a light source. Ranger Seeley arrived on scene at 8:50 p.m., along with two New York State Troopers. Utilizing his handheld GPS unit and the provided coordinates, the Ranger and the Troopers were able to locate the hikers at 10 p.m., slightly off the trail. The Ranger provided the hikers with food and water before they proceeded back down to the trailhead. The couple was back to their vehicle at 12:30 a.m. Town of Bolton, Warren County Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 3 at 7:53 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DECs Ray Brook Dispatch from a hiker stating that she and her eight-year-old daughter were stuck on the trail for Pole Hill Pond. The hiker stated that they did not have any light sources and that she had fallen, causing minor injuries. Two Forest Rangers responded to the pairs location along with Bolton Fire and EMS. Rangers proceeded up to the trail to locate the stranded family from Saratoga Springs and one Ranger advised that he was with the pair at 10:48 p.m. After being assessed by Rangers, the mother and daughter were provided light sources and safely escorted back to the trailhead. At 10:58 p.m., the incident concluded and all emergency service providers were cleared the scene. Town of Arietta, Hamilton County Wilderness Search: On Oct. 4 at 3:34 p.m., Hamilton County 911 transferred a call to DECs Ray Brook Dispatch reporting a missing 14-year-old hiker from Canajoharie who became separated from his parents on Good Luck Mountain, part of the Ferris Lake Wild Forest. Two Forest Rangers responded to the trailhead to look for the lost hiker. At 5:15 p.m., Ranger Kerr met the hiker a couple miles up an adjoining snowmobile trail. They proceeded back to the trailhead and the subject was reunited with his parents at 5:45 p.m. Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DECs Hike Smart NY and Adirondack Backcountry Information webpage for more information. Photo: The Canadian Press A crowd gathers before the We Day event in Toronto, on Thursday, September 20, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov The Liberals and the NDP have blocked an effort by the Conservatives to get the WE Charity affair probed ahead of a study into why the Liberals prorogued Parliament. The government must provide a report within 20 sitting days to the Commons procedures and House affairs committee explaining why the August prorogation was necessary. The Tories had sought to get ahead of it by calling witnesses and requesting documents related to the Liberal government's choice to have WE Charity run a multimillion-dollar student program. They argued there's a clear link between the parliamentary reset and the issue, accusing the Liberals of proroguing Parliament to stop several committee investigations into the controversy. But Liberal committee chair Ruby Sahota ruled their effort out of order, partially on the grounds that it prejudges what is in the government's coming report. NDP MP Rachel Blaney had earlier said that while the public does see a connection between the WE affair and prorogation, she had issues with the Conservatives' motion. The Tories tried to overturn Sahota's ruling but it stood with the NDP's support. Before prorogation, the Liberals had been facing sustained heat over a decision to award a major contract to WE Charity, an organization with long-standing ties to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's family. Trudeau has apologized for not recusing himself from the decision, which he has maintained was made by bureaucrats not under political pressure. The Tories have vowed to keep up the pressure on the government over the issue and will likely to try to revive studies that had been underway at other committees before the government shut them down. (Photo : Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service ) The status of the currently ongoing ozone hole on Sept 27, 2020 (Photo : Earth Observatory / NASA) stratospheric ozone layer in 2019 (Photo : Earth Observatory / NASA) stratospheric ozone layer in 2018 (Photo : Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service ) October 2020 Peak Researchers tracking the ozone hole over the Antarctic daily claim the hole has already reached its peak for 2020, making it one of the largest and deepest hole. Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) scientists use satellite data to track the hole every day say it has reached its peak for 2020 becoming one of the largest holes in recent years. The ozone hole begins to grow at the start of the Antarctic Spring in August and reaches its peak by October. For 2020, CAMS researchers said the ozone hole has already reached its maximum, which is now "in the upper part of the pack in the last fifteen years or so." It is similar to the large hole that developed in 2018 and much larger than the one in 2019, which was unusually small. Since 1985 when the ozone depletion was first spotted over Antarctica, authorities, and environmentalists have been introducing different measures trying to shrink the hole. Ozone is a three-oxygen compound that develops naturally in the atmosphere. While it is toxic when ingested by humans, it shields the Earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays that come from the sun at its location above the Earth's surface, which is up to ten miles. CAMS director Vincent-Henri Peuch said the progress in the ozone hole is much different each year. "With the sunlight returning to the South Pole in the last weeks, we saw continued ozone depletion over the area," Peuch noted. Despite the resumption of the progress ozone hole, experts are confident that since the introduction of restrictions on ozone-destroying halocarbons in 1987 through the Montreal Protocol, the hole has been recovering gradually. "After the unusually small and short-lived ozone hole in 2019, which was driven by special meteorological conditions, we are registering a rather large one again this year," said the CAMS director adding that the Montreal Protocol that bans emissions of ozone-depleting chemicals should be continuously enforced. Since Antarctica enters into its summertime at this time of year and temperatures in the stratosphere begin to rise, the mechanism that uses up ozone and creates the hole slows down. It eventually stops the hole from developing further. Read also: Ozone Layer Hole Mysteriously Fixed Itself During Coronavirus Lockdown Ozone-depleting polar clouds At extremely cold temperatures at -78C, a specific type of cloud forms and causes ozone depletion. Called polar stratospheric cloud, these frigid clouds contain ice crystals that convert chemicals into reactive compounds that damage the ozone. These chemicals contain bromine and chlorine, which become chemically active as it reaches the frigid vortex swirling over the South Pole. By the end of the 20th century, huge amounts of these chemicals were produced when CFCs, HCFCs, and other halocarbons were used as coolants. According to Peuch, CAMS continuously monitors the ozone layer to provide updated information about the magnitude and extent of the ozone hole as it develops and recovers every year. The European researchers also provide forecasts about stratospheric ozone concentrations for up to five days in advance. "We also keep an eye on the amount of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which also depends on clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere," the CAMS director added. This is owned by Tech Times Written by CJ Robles 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Natural News) James OKeefe released Part 1 of his undercover videos on senate candidate Mark Kelly (D) and claimed Kelly deceives AZ voters as to the true nature of his gun control intentions. (Article by AWR Hawkins republished from Breitbart.com) Suffice it to say that Kellys universal background checks and firearm seizures are reminiscent of the types of gun control in place in California. Kellys campaign website also pledges that Kelly will stand up to the gun lobby. Arizona is regularly ranked as one of the most gun-friendly states in the union. Guns and Ammo ranked Arizona the most gun-friendly state, period, in 2019. But Kelly has gun control intentions that field organizer Angelica Carpio suggests he does not want to discuss until after the election. OKeefe spoke with Angelica Carpio, a field organizer for Mission for Arizona. OKeefe describes Mission for Arizona as basically Arizonas Democrat Party and an extension of the Mark Kelly campaign. Carpio told OKeefe, [Kelly] just wants to get elected first. Arizona is a very Republican state in general, like a red state. And I know, actually, right now its purple technically, but I think he just wants to get those independents. He wants to get those Republicans that dont trust Trump anymore, and one of their main issues is guns. She went on to suggest that this is why Kelly has not voiced his gun control positions. She said, I think its because he just wants to get elected first and then he wants to go further. Carpio mentions that staffers want Kelly to come out and discuss his gun control plans now, but hes trying to be elected, and then hell implement the measures. BREAKING PART 1: @CaptMarkKelly deceives AZ voters on true gun agenda I dont think hes fully been out there saying like 'I want a full gun control type measure" Trying to be electedthen hell implement the (gun)measures "I'm defaming my campaign right now"#Expose2020 pic.twitter.com/KnQc3hrXrh James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) October 5, 2020 On April 20, 2020, Breitbart News reported that Kelly was not mentioning his support of stringent gun control during campaign stops in Arizona. For example, his stops did not include a mention of his support for universal background checks, even though such checks would impact Arizonans greatly by criminalizing gun sales that occur apart from seeking government permission via a background check. Such checks already apply to retail sales, but Kelly wants to expand them to private sales, too. This means that a neighbor could not legally sell a gun to a lifelong neighbor unless first getting government permission via a background check; it means one coworker could not sell a five-shot .38 revolver to another coworker, even if they have known each other for decades without first getting government permission via a background check. Kelly and his wife, Gabby Giffords, have spent years assuring Americans that background checks are key to making America safer. However, they do not mention that when Kellys wife was attacked on January 8, 2011, her attacker used a gun he had acquired via a background check. On July 13, 2020, Breitbart News reported that Kelly was not using campaign stops to talk about the expansion of gun seizures he hopes to put in place. Kellys campaign website says these seizures would work by allowing families and law enforcement to ensure dangerous individuals and people in crisis dont have access to firearms. Suffice it to say that Kellys universal background checks and firearm seizures are reminiscent of the types of gun control in place in California. Kellys campaign website also pledges that Kelly will stand up to the gun lobby. Arizona is regularly ranked as one of the most gun-friendly states in the union. Guns and Ammo ranked Arizona the most gun-friendly state, period, in 2019. But Kelly has gun control intentions that field organizer Angelica Carpio suggests he does not want to discuss until after the election. Read more at: Breitbart.com 'Covid-free' surgical units for cancer patients could save lives during the UK's second wave of coronavirus, researchers say. As hospital admissions for Covid-19 begin to creep up again, medics are desperate to secure beds for cancer patients who also need life-saving treatment. Researchers led by University of Birmingham assessed the benefit of 'Covid-19 free' sites in hospitals, where positive patients are strictly forbidden so that treatment of non-Covid related illnesses can continue. They looked at the outcomes of thousand of patients worldwide who had cancer surgery between the start of the pandemic and mid-April. A total of 1.5 per cent of the patients died 30 days after their operation - higher than the pre-pandemic era - with deaths were driven by lung complications, which were lower in the coronavirus-free surgical units, suggesting they were most commonly caused by Covid-19. But the death rate was lower - 0.7 per cent versus 1.7 per cent - among those treated in Covid-free zones, where coronavirus positive tests were also less common. When applied to the millions of people who have cancer removal operations a year, the difference of one per cent in mortality could be huge. It is estimated there are around 550,000 cancer removal operations every year in the UK. If these were to all go ahead in Covid-19 free zones instead of mixed hospitals, it could save some 6,000 unnecessary deaths caused by the coronavirus in the UK alone over the next year, the study claimed. The death rate was lower - 0.7 per cent vs 1.7 per cent - among cancer patients given surgery in Covid-free zones. This was thought to be due to less Covid-19 infection, and therefore less lung complications An estimated 2.3million cancer operations were cancelled or postponed worldwide in the first 'wave' of Covid-19 to avoid the risk of catching the coronavirus in hospital. Almost 2.5million people missed out on cancer screening, referrals or treatment in the UK at the height of lockdown, according to Cancer Research UK, even though the NHS was never ovewhelmed as feared would happen. Experts fear the number of people dying as a result of delays triggered by the treatment of coronavirus patients could even end up being responsible for as many deaths as the pandemic itself. MATT HANCOCK SAYS CANCER PATIENTS WILL ONLY BE TREATED IF COVID-19 STAYS 'UNDER CONTROL' Cancer patients will only be guaranteed treatment if Covid-19 stays 'under control', Matt Hancock claimed today as he faced a roasting from MPs over an Excel spreadsheet blunder that has potentially led to tens of thousands of Britons being unaware they are infected with the virus. The Health Secretary claimed that it was 'critical for everybody to understand the best way to keep cancer services running is to suppress the disease', suggesting that hundreds of thousands of patients may face delays to planned surgery and chemotherapy, if the outbreak continues to spiral. Vital operations were cancelled and patients missed out on potentially life-saving therapy in the spring because tackling Covid-19 became the sole focus of the health service, instead of cancer and other cruel diseases. Almost 2.5million people missed out on cancer screening, referrals or treatment at the height of lockdown, even though the NHS was never overwhelmed despite fears it would be crippled by the pandemic. Experts now fear the number of people dying as a result of delays triggered by the treatment of coronavirus patients could even end up being responsible for as many deaths as the pandemic itself. Surgeons have worriedly called for hospital beds to be 'ring-fenced' for planned operations during the pandemic, to avoid the upheaval of spring where patients faced a 'tsunami of cancellations' as the health service focused on battling coronavirus. But in the House of Commons today, Mr Hancock warned Covid-19 could once again disrupt cancer treatment and told MPs that controlling the virus would allow the NHS to 'recover the treatment that we need to for cancer and other killer diseases'. He said: 'Its critical for everybody to understand that the best way to keep cancer services running is to suppress the disease, and the more the disease is under control the more we can both recover and continue with cancer treatments.' The Government is planning to keep private hospital wards hired by the NHS 'Covid-19 free' so that it can continue treating cancer and other diseases, while battling a surge in hospitalisations due to the virus. Royal Stoke University Hospital, which transferred its cancer treatment to Nuffield Health in Newcastle-under-Lyme at the start of the pandemic, was held up as an example of what others should look to achieve. Mr Hancock said: 'Because (private hospitals) very rarely have the pressures of emergency attendance that means that we can ensure that they are part of the "green" part of the health service. '(This means) that they are as free as is feasibly possible from coronavirus and therefore able to carry out all sorts of cancer treatments.' He added: 'These referrals are leading to the action thats necessary and its very important that the message goes out that the NHS is open and that anybody with a concern over cancer should come forward and that we can save lives.' Advertisement One of the study's leaders, Dr Aneel Bhangu, from the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery, at the University of Birmingham, said: 'Covid-19 free areas could save many lives during future waves, by allowing surgery to continue safely despite high rates of infection in the community.' The study used data from 9,171 patients in 55 countries across five continents, including 2,679 from the UK, 574 from the US, 1,583 from Italy, 764 from Spain, and also from Australia, Spain, Denmark, China, India, South Africa. Patients were having surgery for 10 types of cancer including breast, bowel, lung and liver cancer, and were not suspected to have Covid-19. Surgical units were defined as 'cold', meaning the hospital did not admit any Covid-19 patients or had complete segregation between Covid-19 and elective surgery patients, or 'hot', when surgical units were not completely segregated. NHS hospitals were able to care for Covid-19 patients in separate, dedicated areas while patients coming in for elective procedures were cared for in seperate 'green' areas. But due to the risk of vulnerable people picking up the infection, and to free-up beds for Covid-19 patients, millions of cancer patients' operations were cancelled at the start of the pandemic. Some private hospital wards were hired by the NHS to act as Covid-19 free zones during the pandemic to help treat cancer and other diseases. For example Royal Stoke University Hospital transferred its cancer treatment to Nuffield Health in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Just 27 per cent of patients in the study had their care in Covid-19 cold areas. A total of 1.5 per cent of the patients died 30 days after their operation. But death rates were also lower - 0.7 per cent vs 1.7 per cent - in the Covid-free group. Of the 30-day deaths, 49.3 per cent were linked with postoperative lung complications, and 44 per cet with Covid-19 infection. Deaths were driven by lung complications, which were lower in the 'Covid cold' surgical units - 2.2 per cent compared with 4.9 per cent. Not all of these deadly lung problems were caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. But the researchers said it was plausible that SARS-CoV-2 infection was behind the differences in lung complication rates seen in cold versus hot surgical units. This cannot be said for certain because testing was not widely available at the start of the pandemic. This was because a lower number of patients treated in Covid-free units tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and of those who did, there was a higher rate of lung problems. Some 2.1 per cent caught SARS-CoV-2 in the Covid-19 free zones compared to 3.6 per cent in the mixed hospitals. This was even more evidence at hospitals in places with a high Covid-19 infection rate - 3.9 per cent versus 8.2 per cent. But still evident in places with fewer cases. Older age, male sex, and having surgery in places with a high number of Covid-19 cases in the community raised the odds of these lung problems post-operation, which may suggest they were indeed caused by the coronavirus, given that age and gender are risk factors for Covid-19. The findings were published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The authors wrote in their paper: 'These data support major international redesign of surgical services to provide elective cancer surgery in cold surgical units. 'Whilst the greatest benefits of cold units were seen in areas of high community SARS-CoV-2 incidence, there was a consistent effect across both high and low incidence areas. 'Setup of these units is likely to be justified both during the end phases of current lockdowns in preparation for second waves, and in countries managing emerging outbreaks.' But the researchers noted this may be a difficult feat for hospitals. 'Governments and hospital providers must help to fund this major international redesign of surgical services and provide protection for patients,' Dr Bhangu said. Moving into the 'second wave' of the pandemic, a series of NHS hospitals will be designated as coronavirus-free zones, the Guardian reported in September. Under plans seen by the paper, such 'clean' hospitals will as far as possible be kept free of coronavirus patients so that the NHS does not have to completely close to swathes of people with other illnesses. The findings come after Matt Hancock said today cancer patients will only be guaranteed treatment if Covid-19 stays 'under control'. The Health Secretary's dark comments that it was 'critical for everybody to understand the best way to keep cancer services running is to suppress the disease' suggest more patients may face delays to planned surgery and chemotherapy, if the outbreak continues to spiral. Looking at all non-Covid health problems, millions of Britons are still waiting for treatment after sliding down the prioritisation list to make room for Covid-19 patients. A record total of 2.15million people triple the figure for the same time last year are having to wait more than 18 weeks to start hospital treatment in England, figures show. Professor Derek Alderson, immediate past President of the Royal College of Surgeons, said one solution to the problem was Covid-19 free zones. Speaking at a virtual Royal Society of Medicine briefing last month, he said: 'The solution is we obviously have to look at really quite radical changes in the way we deliver surgical services. 'In the beginning this has been the creation of what we call Covid-light or Covid-free sights. We will need to, as it were, consider in a much better way strategic changes in the way in which we deliver complex surgeries and benign surgeries within regions.' Kennedie Weems was supposed to experience all of her firsts at the University of Georgia this semester. As a junior transfer journalism student from Douglas, Weems saw this semester as a chance to meet new people in class and step out of her comfort zone. Advertisement Boris Johnson pleaded for Tories to keep faith in his instincts and handling of the coronavirus crisis today, setting out a true blue vision for a 'new Jerusalem' in Britain after the disease is defeated. The PM admitted 2020 'has not been the year we imagined' but insisted the devastating effects of the pandemic would not prevent the government pushing its 'levelling up' agenda after Brexit. In an address to the 'virtual' Tory conference, Mr Johnson - deprived of his usual interaction with a live audience - said he was 'working for the day when life is back to normal', appealing for people not to let the gruelling lockdown 'get us down'. Nodding to rising Conservative anger about infringement of civil liberties and lockdown strangling the economy, he said he 'deeply regretted' the restrictions the government was imposing - but he warned there was 'simply no reasonable alternative'. Scrambling to reassure those questioning his Tory values, he promised to roll back the state as soon as possible, slamming the idea that the taxpayer could be 'Uncle Sugar' and keep funding every part of the economy, extolling the virtue of 'competitive' tax rates, and praising entrepreneurs. Mr Johnson also channeled the spirit of Thatcher's 1980s revolution by pledging to save the dream of home ownership for a new generation, with the government underwriting 95 per cent mortgages for around two million first-time buyers. And he lashed out at those calling for the country to paper over its colonial past, saying he was 'not embarrassed' to sing Rule Britannia. He said returning to the same way of doing things would not be enough, and the government was determined to 'build back better'. It was 'in crises like this' that real change could be made, and he would seize the moment to do so. The premier delivered an angry response to claims that he has 'lost his mojo' and not fully recovered from his own brush with coronavirus, offering to 'arm wrestle or leg wrestle' to prove them wrong. The keynote speech, which was big on vision but criticised for being light on detail, came as: Britain has recorded 14,542 more coronavirus cases after the number of people testing positive for the virus every day tripled in a fortnight; Matt Hancock warned cancer patients will only be guaranteed treatment if Covid-19 stays 'under control', as he faced a roasting from MPs over an Excel spreadsheet blunder that has potentially led to tens of thousands of Britons being unaware they are infected with the virus; Parts of England could face draconian new lockdown measures within days under plans for a local 'Covid alert' system. Details of the three-tier set-up could be revealed as early as Thursday in an attempt to make the existing patchwork of restrictions easier to understand; Nicola Sturgeon has denied that Scotland faces a new 'circuit breaker' lockdown within days, but hinted that tougher local restrictions could be coming soon; No10 defied a Tory revolt by refusing to rule out shutting pubs altogether after the government's Covid modelling guru Neil Ferguson said it might be the only way to keep schools open ; Rishi Sunak hinted that tax rises could be delayed to save jobs as it emerged firms have already made plans to lay off 500,000 people during the crisis; Tory MPs are already voicing scepticism about the drive to boost power generated through offshore wind. In an address to the 'virtual' Tory conference, Boris Johnson - deprived of his usual interaction with a live audience - he said he was 'working for the day when life is back to normal' Infections in the UK have rocketed in the past few days due to an embarrassing counting error Boris Johnson's speech, the key points: Said he had had 'more than enough of this disease that attacks not only human beings but so many of the greatest things about our country'. Pledged to 'repel this virus and we will succeed, just as this country has seen off every alien invader for the last 1,000 years'. Blasted claims that his own illness had robbed him of his 'mojo' as 'seditious propaganda' and 'drivel' Offered to take on his critics at 'arm wrestling, leg wrestling, Cumberland wrestling, sprint-off, you name it' - but admitted he was too fat and has since lost 26lb. Likened his illness to the UK economy as superficially healthy but with underlying problems. Warned UK could not to back to how it was before as 'we have lost too much, we have mourned too many ... we have been through too much frustration and hardship just to settle for the status quo ante to think that life can go on as before the plague and we will not'. Pledge d to 'fi x the injustice of care home funding' and 'c are for the carers as they care for us'. Vowed to 'reform our system of government, to renew our infrastructure, to spread opportunity more widely and fairly, and create the conditions for a dynamic recovery that is led not by the state but by free enterprise'. Distanced himself from years of austerity saying: 'After 12 years of relative anaemia, we need to lift the trend rate of growth. We need to lift people's incomes, not just go back to where we were'. Signalled he wants the state to stop interfering as soon as possible, saying Rishi Sunak had been doing things ' that no Conservative chancellor would have wanted to do except in times of war or disaster'. Defended his lockdown measures, saying: 'This Government has been forced by the pandemic into erosions of liberty that we deeply regret and to an expansion in the role of the state from lockdown enforcement to the many bailouts and subsidies that go against our instincts. But we accept them because there is simply no reasonable alternative.' Advertisement Acknowledging the weariness of the public with the battle against coronavirus, Mr Johnson said: 'The fact is we are not in Birmingham... there is no-one to clap and heckle...' 'I don't know about you, but I have had more than enough of this disease that attacks not only human beings but so many of the greatest things about our country our pubs, our clubs, our football, our theatre and all the gossipy gregariousness and love of human contact that drives the creativity of our economy.' Mr Johnson said the UK would succeed in fighting off the virus 'just as this country has seen off every alien invader for the last thousand years'. But the PM said it was not enough to go back to the way things were. 'I can tell you this government is working night and day to repel this virus and we will succeed, just as this country has seen off every alien invader for the last 100 years,' he said. 'After all we have been through it is not enough just to go back to before. We have lost too much, we have mourned too many,' he said. 'We have been through too much frustration and hardship just to settle for the status quo ante to think that life can go on as before the plague and we will not. 'That is why this Government will build back better.' Mr Johnson effectively made a plea to Conservatives to keep faith with him and his instincts. 'This Government has been forced by the pandemic into erosions of liberty that we deeply regret and to an expansion in the role of the state from lockdown enforcement to the many bailouts and subsidies that go against our instincts,' he said. 'But we accept them because there is simply no reasonable alternative.' Mr Johnson tried to burnish his own credentials as a libertarian, small-state Tory. 'We must not draw the wrong economic conclusion from this crisis,' he said. 'Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, has come up with some brilliant expedients to help business, to protect jobs and livelihoods but let's face it, he has done things that no Conservative chancellor would have wanted to do except in times of war or disaster.' He said the time would come soon when the state had to to step back and let the private sector take the lead. 'I have a simple message for all those on the left of the Labour Party who think everything can be funded by ''Uncle Sugar, the taxpayer'',' he said. 'It isn't the State that produces the new drugs and therapies we are now using, it isn't the State that will hold the intellectual property of the vaccine, if and when we get one, it wasn't the State that made the gowns and the masks and the ventilators that we needed at such speed. 'It was the private sector with its rational interest in innovation and competition and market share and yes sales.' Mr Johnson said he was determined to make progress turning 'generation rent into generation buy' by 'fixing our broken housing market'. PM dismisses claims he is suffering 'Long Covid' as 'self-evident drivel' Boris Johnson delivered a angry response today to claims that he has 'lost his mojo' and not fully recovered from his own brush with coronavirus, offering to 'arm wrestle or leg wrestle' to prove them wrong. The PM conceded although he might have looked 'in the pink' when he contracted the disease, he was in fact 'too fat'. But he said he had since lost 26 pounds and the idea he was flagging was 'drivel'. 'I have read a lot of nonsense recently about how my own bout of Covid has somehow robbed me of my mojo,' Mr Johnson said. 'And, of course this is self-evident drivel. 'The kind of seditious propaganda that you would expect from people who don't want this Government to succeed. 'And I could refute these critics of my athletic abilities in any way that they want, arm wrestling, leg wrestling you name it. 'And yet I have to admit that the reason I had such a nasty experience with the disease is that although I was superficially in the pink of health when I caught it I had a very common underlying condition my friends, I was too fat. And I have since lost 26 pounds.' Advertisement 'We will transform the sclerotic planning system, we will make it faster and easier to build beautiful new homes without destroying the green belt or desecrating our countryside,' he said. 'But these reforms will take time and they are not enough on their own. We need now to take forward one of the key proposals of our manifesto of 2019: giving young, first-time buyers the chance to take out a long-term, fixed-rate mortgage of up to 95 per cent of the value of the home vastly reducing the size of the deposit.' He added: 'We believe that this policy could create two million more owner-occupiers the biggest expansion of home ownership since the 1980s. We will help turn generation rent into generation buy.' In a powerful expression of Tory attitudes, he said: 'We will fix the long-term problems of this country not by endlessly expanding the state, but by giving power back to people the fundamental life-affirming power of home ownership, the power to decide what colour to paint your own front door.' An estimated two million people who can afford mortgage repayments are blocked from buying a first home due to not having a large enough deposit. Banks typically ask for 15 to 20 per cent of a property's value. The government has yet to give details, but it seems some of the 'stress test' rules imposed on banks after the 2008 financial crisis could be relaxed to facilitate long-term fixed rate mortgages at 95 per cent of a property's value. The government could instead accept some of the risk through a guarantee scheme - although this would leave the taxpayer on the hook for potentially huge sums. The PM also delivered a crowd-pleasing riposte to elements of the Black Lives Matter protests that have been demanding removal of statues with historic links to slavery and changes to traditional lyrics. Boris's conference speech 'zingers' On his hope for a normal Tory conference next year: 'We will ensure that next time we meet it will be face to face and cheek by jowl, and we are working for the day when life will be back to normal, flying in a plane will be back to normal, and hairdressers will no longer look as though they are handling radioactive isotopes. 'And when we can go and see our loved ones in care homes, and when we no longer have to greet each other by touching elbows as in some giant national version of the Birdie dance.' On Labour and BLM protesters: 'They, literally, want to pull statues down, to rewrite the history of our country, to edit our national CV. 'To make it look more politically correct. 'We aren't embarrassed to sing old songs about how Britannia rules the waves.' On speculation about his health after Covid: 'I have read a lot of nonsense recently about how my own bout of Covid has somehow robbed me of my mojo. 'And, of course this is self-evident drivel... 'I could refute these critics of my athletic abilities in any way that they want, arm wrestling, leg wrestling you name it.' On home ownership: 'We will fix the long-term problems of this country not by endlessly expanding the state, but by giving power back to people the fundamental life-affirming power of home ownership, the power to decide what colour to paint your own front door.' Advertisement 'We are proud of this country's cultural history, traditions they, literally, want to pull statues down, to rewrite the history of our country, to edit our national CV,' he said. 'To make it look more politically correct. We aren't embarrassed to sing old songs about how Britannia rules the waves.' Mr Johnson said the UK economy had some 'chronic underlying problems' before the coronavirus pandemic, saying it will be crucial to raise the 'overall productivity' of the country. 'Long term failure to tackle the deficit in skills, inadequate transport infrastructure, not enough homes people could afford to buy especially young people,' he said. 'And far too many people across the whole country who felt ignored and left out, that the government was not on their side. And so we can't now define the mission of this country as merely to restore normality that isn't good enough. 'In the depths of the Second World War, when just about everything had gone wrong, the government sketched out a vision of the post-war new Jerusalem that they wanted to build, and that is what we're doing now, in the teeth of this pandemic.' Mr Johnson vowed to 'reform our system of government, to renew our infrastructure, to spread opportunity more widely and fairly, and create the conditions for a dynamic recovery that is led not by the state but by free enterprise'. The Prime Minister continued: 'After 12 years of relative anaemia, we need to lift the trend rate of growth. We need to lift people's incomes, not just go back to where we were. 'And it's clear from Covid that we need the economic rebuttalists to deal with whatever the next cosmic spanner may be hurtling towards us in the dark, and the only way to ensure true resilience and long term prosperity is to raise the overall productivity of the country.' The Prime Minister said he wanted to 'explore the value' of intensive teaching after it was used by many while home-schooling during the coronavirus pandemic. He told the online conference: 'When I talk about levelling up, I mean not just investing massively in our schools, delivering on our promise to raise per pupil funding to 4,000 per head in primary school and 5,000 per head in secondary school, as well as a 30k starting salary for teachers. 'I am thinking not just about the inputs, but about the outputs, the changes in the lives of young people. 'And so I want to take further an idea that we have tried in the pandemic, and explore the value of one-to-one teaching, both for pupils who are in danger of falling behind, and for those who are of exceptional abilities. Ministers to 'explore the value' of one-to-one teaching The Prime Minister said he wanted to 'explore the value' of intensive teaching after it was used by many while home-schooling during the coronavirus pandemic. He told the Conservative Party online conference: 'When I talk about levelling up, I mean not just investing massively in our schools, delivering on our promise to raise per pupil funding to 4,000 per head in primary school and 5,000 per head in secondary school, as well as a 30k starting salary for teachers. 'I am thinking not just about the inputs, but about the outputs, the changes in the lives of young people. 'And so I want to take further an idea that we have tried in the pandemic, and explore the value of one-to-one teaching, both for pupils who are in danger of falling behind, and for those who are of exceptional abilities. 'We can all see the difficulties, but I believe such intensive teaching could be transformational, and of massive reassurance to parents.' Mr Johnson said that new approaches are born in crises, and championed his Government's promise of free courses for those who lack A-level equivalent qualifications. Advertisement 'We can all see the difficulties, but I believe such intensive teaching could be transformational, and of massive reassurance to parents.' Mr Johnson said that new approaches are born in crises, and championed his Government's promise of free courses for those who lack A-level equivalent qualifications. He said: 'From internet shopping to working from home, it looks as though Covid has massively accelerated changes in the world of work. 'And as old jobs are lost and as new jobs are created we are offering free training for adults without A-levels in vital skills from adult care to wind turbine maintenance. 'The Covid crisis is a catalyst for change, and we need to give people the chance to train for the new jobs that are being created every day.' But a No10 spokesman was unable to provide details of the proposal - or any of the other policies floated - following Mr Johnson's speech. Pledging to move at 'gale force speed' to put the environment at the heart of his approach, he said he wants to make Britain the world leader in offshore wind technology and create up to 60,000 jobs. He said of his ten-year plan: 'You heard me right. Your kettle, your washing machine, your cooker, your heating, your plug-in electric vehicle the whole lot of them will get their juice cleanly and without guilt from the breezes that blow around these islands.' Mr Johnson tried to deflect attention from the latest testing fiasco and Covid clampdowns by insisting the Government can tackle other issues as well. He claimed good progress is being made on recruiting more nurses and police and say the pandemic can also be a catalyst for change, with Britain 'building back better and greener'. He added: 'We need to give people the chance to train for the new jobs that are being created every day in new technologies and new ways of doing things. Mr Johnson's speech was not blighted by the mis-positioned autocue that had affected other senior ministers - including Rishi Sunak yesterday How could the new 95% mortgage scheme work? An estimated two million people who can afford mortgage repayments are blocked from buying a first home due to not having a large enough deposit. Banks typically ask for 15 to 20 per cent of a property's value. The government has yet to give details, but it seems some of the 'stress test' rules imposed on banks after the 2008 financial crisis could be relaxed to facilitate long-term fixed rate mortgages at 95 per cent of a property's value. This means applicants would have to jump through fewer financial hoops in order to secure a loan. Currently borrowers have to undergo stringent affordability tests when applying for a mortgage - so that lenders are no longer hit with a string of bad debts when the economy goes sour. These include assessments of income, expenditure and existing debts, verification of income, an assessment of future income, and 'stress tests' to see if they could keep up with repayment if rates were to rise. The government could instead accept some of the risk through a guarantee scheme - although this would leave the taxpayer on the hook for potentially huge sums. Underwriting 10 per cent of a deposit on an average 220,000 first home for two million people could leave the government on the hook for 44billion. However, the likelihood of that liability crystalising is remote. Advertisement 'And there is one area where we are progressing quite literally with gale force speed and that is the green economy the green industrial revolution that in the next ten years will create hundreds of thousands if not millions of jobs.' Mr Johnson also took a swipe at Nicola Sturgeon over her push to tear up the UK. 'I say, frankly, to those separatist Scottish Nationalists who would like this country to be distracted and divided by yet more constitutional wrangling, now is the time to pull together and build back better in every part of the United Kingdom,' he said. However, the PM is struggling to get a grip on the coronavirus situation after a surge in cases and with growing disquiet from his own MPs. The government's Covid modelling guru today warned pubs could have to shut altogether to keep schools open. Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. However, the problems the PM would face in pushing through such restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs. Anger has been growing on the Tory benches over the government's refusal to exempt younger children from the Rule of Six - as happens in Scotland - while many believe that the curfew is causing more harm than good by fueling revelry on the streets and house parties. A series of retrospective votes on the restrictions are expected in the coming days, with the Rule of Six up for approval as early as tonight - although the vote could be deferred until tomorrow. Boris Johnson attacks wind farm critics with reheated 'rice pudding' power jibe - despite making the same claim himself Boris Johnson today attacked critics of wind turbines who had previously complained they were too weak to 'pull the skin off a rice pudding' - seemingly making fun of his own change of heart. The Prime Minister has unveiled plans to use wind farms to power every home in the UK within a decade. In his virtual address to the online conference he repeated an often-used quip - including in his 2019 conference speech - about the perceived weakness of wind turbines. 'I remember how some people used to sneer at wind power, twenty years ago, and say that it wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding,' he said today as he claimed Britain could become the 'Saudi Arabia of wind'. 'They forgot the history of this country. It was offshore wind that puffed the sails of Drake and Raleigh and Nelson, and propelled this country to commercial greatness. 'This investment in offshore wind alone will help to create 60,000 jobs in this country and help us to get to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.' However, in a 2013 interview when he was mayor of London, Mr Johnson used the very same phrase to attack wind power as he said that the UK should pursue shale gas fracking instead. Mr Johnson told LBC seven years ago: 'Labour put in a load of wind farms that failed to pull the skin off a rice pudding. 'We now have the opportunity to get shale gas - let's look at it.' Advertisement The rebels do not believe they have the votes to overturn the government's 80-strong majority. The motions will be a simple yes or no choice and cannot be amended, and Labour is unlikely to oppose the measures outright. However, a significant rebellion could send a stark message to Mr Johnson that patience is wearing thin with the draconian restrictions on his own benches. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Prof Ferguson said the addition of 16,000 missed cases meant there was a 'slightly more sobering sense of where the epidemic is in the UK than we had late last week'. 'We think that infections are probably increasing, doubling over two weeks or so. In some areas faster than that, maybe every seven days in some areas slower,' the Imperial College academic said. He said the UK was in the 'same situation as many other European countries' and all policymakers were 'struggling with what to do'. Prof Ferguson - who stepped back from the government's SAGE meetings after it emerged he had broken lockdown rules to see his married lover - said it was still too early to detect whether the Rule of Six and 10pm curfew were working. But he suggested that the key factor in the rising cases was education resuming. 'The thing that is different across the whole of Europe is that schools are open and universities are open,' he said. 'While we don't think primary schools are a major vector of transmission, older teenagers do transmit the virus. 'We don't yet know whether we can control the virus with high schools open.' Prof Ferguson said that extending half term this month for a tough 'circuit breaker' lockdown of perhaps a fortnight in length 'should be considered'. He added: 'I'm certainly not one to say we should close schools. It was highly disruptive for children's education and social wellbeing. 'But we just have to accept that in other areas we might have to give up more in order to keep them open.' Asked if that could mean closing pubs altogether, he said: 'Indeed.' The plan will require a four-fold increase in offshore capacity, with the number of turbines rising from around 1,800 to more than 7,000. The UK is already testing the world's biggest turbine blade, with a 350ft model undergoing trials off the coast of Northumberland. Back to normal by... October next year? Boris Johnson appeared to back away further from his ambition of getting the country towards normality by Christmas today - holding out hope that the crisis will have passed in a year's time. Addressing the 'virtual' Tory conference, the PM committed himself to ensuring that their next gathering was 'face to face, cheek by jowl'. The promise appears significantly less bold than in mid-July, when he said he wanted a 'significant return to normality' by Christmas. It even allows more wriggle room than his recent suggestion social distancing and other restrictions could be in place for another six months. Advertisement The Prime Minister pledged funding to develop floating turbines in deep water locations where the wind is often strongest. Government sources said ministers would apply 'stringent requirements on supporting UK manufacturers' to try to ensure at least 60 per cent of equipment is made in this country. Mr Johnson acknowledged that for many years the Tory Party had mixed feelings about wind power, with David Cameron placing limits on the number of turbines that could be built on land. But he said the equation had changed with the advent of powerful offshore facilities that have generated substantial power and fewer public protests. The Government already had a target to increase the amount of electricity produced by offshore wind from the current level of 10 gigawatts to 30GW by 2030. That goal now rises to 40GW by the same date. By comparison, the nuclear power station being built at Hinkley Point in Somerset, is expected to generate about 3.3GW. Rapid advances in technology have seen prices plummet, with electricity produced by the wind now costing less than half the projected price of power from Hinkley Point. Government sources said the share of the UK's electricity generated by offshore wind would rise from about 10 per cent today to around 40 per cent more than enough to power every home. Rishi Sunak hints that tax rises will be DELAYED to save jobs as it emerges firms are ALREADY planning to lay off 500,000 people with fears millions more could follow Rishi Sunak hinted that tax rises could be delayed to save jobs today as it emerged firms have already made plans to lay off 500,000 people during the coronavirus crisis. After using his Tory conference speech to warn hikes will be needed, the Chancellor insisted his 'focus at the moment' was on propping up the economy and the books would only be balanced 'over time'. The comments came in a round of interviews after new figures showed businesses notified the government in August they planned to axe 58,000 posts. Although the numbers, released to the BBC under FOI rules, are lower than June and July they take the total since the start of the pandemic to nearly 500,000. Mr Sunak warned in his 'virtual' speech to Conservative members yesterday that 'hard choices' on tax rises and spending cuts will be needed. After using his Tory conference speech to warn hikes will be needed, Rishi Sunak told Sky News today his 'focus at the moment' was on propping up the economy and the books would only be balanced 'over time' Public sector borrowing has been soaring this year compared to last year - with tax revenues slumping and the IFS saying 70billion has been spent tackling the coronavirus crisis He said 'over the medium term' the government will need to 'get our borrowing and debt back under control'. 'This Conservative government will always balance the books,' he said. There had been strong indications that the Chancellor intended to raise taxes in a Budget this Autumn, but that package was delayed as coronavirus cases surged again. Speaking to Sky News this morning Mr Sunak said balancing the books would have to be achieved 'over time' and that his immediate priority was employment. 'My overall focus at the moment is trying to protect as many jobs as possible. What is happening in our economy at the moment is significant and severe, many people are losing their jobs,' he said. 'So the focus of my intention in the short term is doing what we can to support as much employment as possible. 'Over time we need to have sustainable public finances. That is important to me, it is important to the Government, but in the short term the best way to have long-term sustainable public finances is to protect as much employment as possible.' The BBC obtained figures on planned redundancies from the Insolvency Service, which has to be notified by businesses intending to make lay offs. The worst hit sectors from the crisis include retail and hospitality as some commercial giants announced huge redundancy plans including Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and WH Smith. More recently, fashion giant H&M announced its plan to shut 250 stores worldwide last week, while Burger King prepares to axe 1,600 UK staff. The world's second largest clothing retailer said around a quarter of its 5,000 stores are able to renegotiate or exit contracts next year, allowing it to close some stores. H&M is not yet disclosing details on the number of job losses or store closures in the UK that are expected to take place as a result of the plan. It follows TSB announcing yesterday that it will cut around 900 jobs as part of plans to close 164 of its high street bank branches. The Edinburgh-based bank said it expects most of the redundancies to be voluntary but did not rule out forcing staff out. A government spokesman told the BBC: 'Supporting jobs is an absolute priority, which is why we have set out our plan for jobs to protect, create and support jobs across the UK. 'We are helping employees get back to work through a 1,000 retention bonus, creating new roles for young people with our 2billion Kickstart scheme and doubling the number of frontline work coaches.' The government is struggling to revive the economy after lockdown plunged it into recession Mr Sunak has dismissed calls from Labour to extend the massive furlough scheme, which closes at the end of the month. Instead he announced last month that it will be replaced with the Job Support Scheme. That will mean the government subsidising workers so they can pick up 77 per cent of their usual wages for doing as little as a third of regular hours. Under the new system employees' wages receive a maximum subsidy of 22 per cent from the Treasury, depending on how many hours they work. But firms must pick up the additional 55 per cent, compared to 20 per cent under furlough. It has sparked fears that many businesses will simply lay staff off instead of taking it up. Employers are obliged to notify government when they plan to make 20 or more staff redundant in any single 'establishment' using an HR1 Advance Notice of Redundancy form. However, they often make fewer positions redundant than the number they initially notify. CHANDIGARH: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday made a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his silence in the shocking Hathras gang-rape and murder case and extended his full support to the victim's family. Addressing a gathering Patiala, the Congress leader said, I wanted the victim's family to know that they are not alone, we are there for them...The entire family was targetted by the Uttar Pradesh administration, but our PM didn't say a word on the issue." Earlier on Tuesday, the Uttar Pradesh government told the Supreme Court (SC) that Hathras victim was cremated in the middle of the night "to avoid large-scale violence". The UP government added in its affidavit to the SC that "extraordinary circumstances forced district administration to take the extraordinary step of cremating the victim at night in presence of and with the consent of family members." "The district administration at Hathras had been receiving several intelligence inputs since the morning of September 29 on the manner in which the dharna had taken place at Safdarjung hospital and the whole issue was being exploited and a caste/communal colour was being given," said UP government. Uttar Pradesh government said it had received specific inputs that lakhs of protesters "of both communities/castes" along with leaders and workers of different political parties and the media would assemble the next morning at the village, "which is likely to turn violent and will lead to major law and order problems." Further training his guns at the Prime Minister, the Gandhi scion said the introduction of farm laws by the Modi government is a way to destroy the existing structure of food security and it is going to affect the state of Punjab the most. It is an attack on our farmers, the Congress MP said in Patiala. The Narendra Modi regime has destroyed small and medium businesses during the lockdown, which are the backbone of India's economy & gives employment to labourers. I had warned about COVID-19 in February but they said I was joking, Rahul Gandhi said on labourers plight during the lockdown. Referring to the ongoing India-China border tension, Rahul said that Do you know why China was able to take away a part of our land? It is because China knows that the person who is sitting at the top position, just cares about his image. Live TV Rahul Gandhi is currently on his 'Kheti Bachao' rally across Punjab and is scheduled to visit Haryana to hold farmer rallies as part of Congress plan to reach out to the farmers and corner the BJP government on the issue. Rahul had on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was finishing "farmers and labourers" with the three farms laws just as he had destroyed small shopkeepers with demonetisation and GST. Addressing a gathering, Gandhi also asked the BJP-led Centre why it was in a hurry to bring the laws when there was a pandemic on. Like he (Modi) finished small shopkeepers and small medium businesses with GST (Goods and Services Tax) and demonetisation, he is finishing farmers and labourers the same way and slashing your throats with these three laws, he said. Gandhi underscored the need for improving the food procurement and Public Distribution System and acknowledged that they had shortcomings. There is a need to strengthen this system. More mandis need to be set up. There is a need to guarantee MSP (minimum support price). There is a need to give infrastructure to farmers. There is a need to set up silos, he said. Narendra Modi is not doing this. Modi is not strengthening the system... If Modi gives better PDS and guarantees MSP and gives more mandis, then Ambani and Adani cannot make money, the Congress leader alleged. President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill; Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, which were passed by the Parliament last month. PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] -- Nursing home residents tend to fall asleep at all hours of the day, and during the night, their sleep may be interrupted by periods of wakefulness. It's a vicious cycle of fragmented sleep that can place residents at risk for poor health outcomes, including depression and increased frailty, said Rosa Baier, an associate professor of the practice in health services, policy and practice who directs the Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation at the Brown University School of Public Health. But Baier and a team of colleagues identified an innovative way to cut in half the number of sleep disturbances experienced by residents in one California nursing home -- and it didn't involve prescribing sleeping pills. Instead, the facility installed interior lighting fixtures that change color and intensity over the course of the day and night. "I think it's pretty novel," Baier said of the tuned lighting solution, which mimics natural light occurring during a 24-hour day. "The technology continues to evolve, and so one of the reasons we wanted to study these lights was that there hadn't been research done on this kind of lighting." Baier led a team of seven researchers who studied the use of tuned LED lighting at ACC Care Center, a 99-bed nursing home in Sacramento, California, participating in a pilot lighting installation by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and the U.S. Department of Energy Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The team's results, published in Seniors Housing and Care Journal on Monday, Oct. 5. established preliminary data that can be used as providers in the long-term care industry consider the adoption of tuned lighting in other facilities. Prior research had found that nursing home residents likely receive too little light during the day and too much at night. So the researchers randomly assigned corridors where a total of 63 long-term care residents experienced either tuned or static lighting conditions for two months, then switched the corridors to the other lighting. The tuned lighting brightened corridor lighting in the day and dimmed it during the night. The static condition mimicked the fluorescent lighting in place at the facility prior to installation of the tunable fixtures. The study spanned the period of December 2018 through March 2019. Thirty-five of the 63 residents had been diagnosed with dementia, which is associated with conditions that include delusions, hallucinations, depression, agitation, anxiety, disinhibition, irritability and wandering. The mean age of residents in the study was 88.3 years old and 71% of them were women. The study found that, on average, the residents experienced 3.6 nighttime sleep disturbances with static lighting compared to 1.8 with tuned lighting. Baier said the results weren't wholly surprising given the research team hypothesized the intervention would have a positive effect on sleep. "We do know that there is a relationship between exposure to natural light and circadian rhythm, and circadian rhythm is important for healthy sleep," Baier said. "It's very reasonable to think that this might be a particular problem in this setting and something that we could address through environmental practices." The study suggested that improving the sleep of even a few residents can have a positive effect on roommates and those in nearby rooms. Many of the residents in the study share rooms of two to as many as four people. Other research has demonstrated that the sleep habits of roommates can often determine whether a resident has a good night's sleep or not. Tuned lighting systems first appeared on the market in 2014. They are more expensive than static fixtures because they have more than one color of LED chip inside, allowing for the mixing of warm and cool white. But the cost has decreased as sales volume has increased, according to study co-author Naomi Miller, senior lighting research scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Portland, Oregon. Nursing homes first turned to these systems primarily for their energy savings feature. But Baier and her colleagues consider them a low-risk intervention to improve sleep and one that the long-term care industry should strongly consider at a time when nursing homes are shifting staff time and resources to contend with the coronavirus pandemic. "People are prone to focus on the negative aspects of nursing homes, but the majority of people who I've encountered are really caring individuals and are doing some very innovative practices," Baier said. "This is an example of a facility that's very engaged and very proactive." ### Baier's co-authors included Brown researchers Ellen McCreedy, assistant professor of health services, policy and practice; Rebecca Uth, project coordinator for the Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation; and Terrie Fox Wetle, professor of health services, policy and practice and founding dean of Brown's School of Public Health. In addition to Miller, other co-authors include Eunice Noell-Waggoner, Scott Stringer David R. Gifford. Funding was provided by the Jim H. McClung Lighting Research Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. This story was authored by contributing writer Janine Weisman. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. President of Iran Hassan Rouhani expressed concerns over the possible intervention of 3rd countries in Nagorno Karabakh conflict in a phone conversation with Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev, ARMENPRESS reports, IRNA informed. Hassan Rouhani stressed that the security, stability, and tranquility of the region, especially the northern borders of Iran, are very important for Iran, and this conflict, as well as border insecurity continuation, should not pave the way for the infiltration of some terrorist groups. "I hope that this war and conflict will not lead to the war of the cities, along with the displacement of people and the killing of civilians, which is very painful and dangerous, President Rouhani said. Azerbaijan, directly backed by Turkey, unleashed war against Artsakh on September 27. Turkey, in addition to various types of assistance to Azerbaijan, including using its own air force against Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, deployed thousands of mercenaries and terrorists in Azerbaijan to fight against Artsakh. Earlier today, President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan called for an international coalition against the Turkey-backed terrorism. Editing and Translating by Tigran Sirekanyan Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that NPHET's advice does not warrant a move to Level 5. (Julien Behal/PA) The Government decided not to move to Level 5, despite NPHETs advice, because the HSE believes hospitals can deal with the number of Covid cases, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said. The minister claims he spoke to CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE) Paul Reid who said that he believes that the HSE currently can deal with Covid cases. Speaking on RTE Ones Morning Ireland on Tuesday, Minister Donnelly said: I spoke directly to the Chief Executive of the HSE and asked if the HSE currently has capacity for COVID cases with an immediate ability to deal with the situation in terms of more beds and intensive care beds and he believes we do. However, Im certainly not resting there. My winter plan includes funding for ICU beds. Currently 243 out of 281 intensive care beds are occupied, leaving just 38 available. However Minister Donnelly has insisted that hospital services can cope. Read More "The surge capacity that the HSE can bring online quickly is north of 300 ICU beds," he said. "Over a two-year period, we're looking for a very substantial increase. "But let's remember that at the very height of this, when there were many more people in hospital, and many times more ICU admissions, we didn't come close to needing the kind of ICU capacity that the HSE had put in place. "Of the tragically many men and women that have lost their lives to this virus in Ireland, a very small percentage of them ever go anywhere near intensive care." What has been deemed a watershed moment in Irish politics as the government has not followed the recommendation from Irelands top doctors, Minister Donnelly has said that the advice does not warrant a move to Level 5. We looked carefully at the advice and evidence and it is our view that the measures required to move to level 5 as set out in the framework informed heavily by NPHET, we dont believe that those measures have yet been met, he said. Read More We also believe that to move from Level 2 recommendation on a Thursday to a Level 5 recommendation on a Sunday, to warrant that we would need to have seen an absolute turn in terms of the data over those three days. While the situation has deteriorated, it has deteriorated to the point that were moving to Level 3 which is a very significant step. Given the severity of moving to Level 4 or 5, we would want to see data of more than three days. When asked if the government would take responsibility if this step is wrong Minister Donnelly said its not about whos right and whos wrong. Weve been provided with advice, weve taken that advice and we have made what we believe is the best for the country, he said. We are dealing with a global pandemic, the likes that no one has seen before. Its not about whos right and whos wrong. Its about making the best decision from the evidence that we have, he added. The Minister said the situation had changed since March and that there were other factors to consider other than the suppression of the virus. "If we needed to consider nothing other than the suppression of the virus, if we didn't need to consider the entire of the country, then clearly one could make an argument that says well everyone just needs to go home, close down businesses, don't leave your house. "And obviously we know that the virus would be suppressed. "But we have to make what we believe is the best decision on behalf of the entire country, that is what we have done." He said that level three measures have been shown to work "when we all work hard to put them in place". Meanwhile Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has criticised the Tanaiste over comments he made about Nphet. She accused the Government of "answering back" to Nphet and said Leo Varadkar had "squared up" to Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan in his comments on Monday night. Mr Varakdar had said that Nphet's recommendation to move to level five "had not been thought through". Ms McDonald said the advice was given in "good faith". "I don't think the Government should be 'bounced' into anything, but I don't think it's fair that a body that is specifically charged to provide you with best medical and scientific advice to then accuse those people of attempting to bounce you," she added. Under level three restrictions people will be asked to remain in their county and can have up to six visitors from just one other household. Indoor gatherings will be banned, but pubs and restaurants will be allowed to remain open but with additional restrictions. SOUTHINGTON Local authorities have arrested an eight-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police on assault and other offenses after they say he took a mirror off a wall and broke it during an argument. Police said Christopher Russell got into an argument with a family member Saturday while they were at a wedding. When they returned to Russells Southington home, the argument continued and became physical, when Rusell took a mirror off the wall and broke it, Southington Police said. A child was in the home during the argument, police said. Contributed /Southington Police Department Police said they were sent to the home around 8:40 p.m. after receiving an anonymous call about the verbal argument between the family member and Russell. The 46-year-old was charged with third-degree assault, disorderly conduct, third-degree criminal mischief and risk of injury to a minor. Russells attorney did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Tuesday. It was learned during the course of the investigation that Russell was employed by the CT State Police, Southington police said. A representative of the CT State Police responded to the residence and made arrangements for Russell's police vehicle and contents to be removed from the scene. Russell is a Trooper First Class, state police said in a statement Sunday. As a result of the arrest, his police powers were suspended and his badge, cruiser, and state police firearms were seized. Internal affairs is investigating the incident, state police said. Russell was released on $5,000 bond and was due to appear in court Monday, Southington police said. No plea has been entered, and the case was referred to a family relations officer, court records show. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Tuesday announced the Nobel Prize 2020 in Physics to three scientists--Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez. One half has been awarded to Roger Penrose University of Oxford, UK for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity. The other half has been jointly awarded to Reinhard Genzel Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching, Germany and University of California, Berkeley, USA and Andrea Ghez University of California, Los Angeles, USA for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the centre of our galaxy. The prize amount of 10 million Swedish kronor will be shared--with one half to Roger Penrose and the other half jointly to Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez. Black holes and the Milky Ways darkest secret Three Laureates share this years Nobel Prize in Physics for their discoveries about one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe, the black hole. Roger Penrose showed that the general theory of relativity leads to the formation of black holes. Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez discovered that an invisible and extremely heavy object governs the orbits of stars at the centre of our galaxy. A supermassive black hole is the only currently known explanation. Roger Penrose used ingenious mathematical methods in his proof that black holes are a direct consequence of Albert Einsteins general theory of relativity. Einstein did not himself believe that black holes really exist, these super-heavyweight monsters that capture everything that enters them. Nothing can escape, not even light. In January 1965, ten years after Einsteins death, Roger Penrose proved that black holes really can form and described them in detail; at their heart, black holes hide a singularity in which all the known laws of nature cease. His groundbreaking article is still regarded as the most important contribution to the general theory of relativity since Einstein. Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez each lead a group of astronomers that, since the early 1990s, has focused on a region called Sagittarius A* at the centre of our galaxy. The orbits of the brightest stars closest to the middle of the Milky Way have been mapped with increasing precision. The measurements of these two groups agree, with both finding an extremely heavy, invisible object that pulls on the jumble of stars, causing them to rush around at dizzying speeds. Around four million solar masses are packed together in a region no larger than our solar system. BREAKING NEWS: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2020 #NobelPrize in Physics with one half to Roger Penrose and the other half jointly to Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez. pic.twitter.com/MipWwFtMjz The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 6, 2020 Using the worlds largest telescopes, Genzel and Ghez developed methods to see through the huge clouds of interstellar gas and dust to the centre of the Milky Way. Stretching the limits of technology, they refined new techniques to compensate for distortions caused by the Earths atmosphere, building unique instruments and committing themselves to long-term research. Their pioneering work has given us the most convincing evidence yet of a supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. The discoveries of this years Laureates have broken new ground in the study of compact and supermassive objects. But these exotic objects still pose many questions that beg for answers and motivate future research. Not only questions about their inner structure, but also questions about how to test our theory of gravity under the extreme conditions in the immediate vicinity of a black hole, says David Haviland, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics. Roger Penrose was born in 1931 in Colchester, UK. He is a Ph.D 1957 from University of Cambridge, UK. Professor at University of Oxford, UK. Reinhard Genzel was born 1952 in Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, Germany. Ph.D. 1978 from University of Bonn, Germany. Director at Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching, Germany and Professor at University of California, Berkeley, USA. Andrea Ghez, born 1965 in City of New York, USA. Ph.D. 1992 from California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA. Professor at University of California, Los Angeles, USA. A new poll of likely Portland voters shows challenger Sarah Iannarone leading incumbent Mayor Ted Wheeler by 11 percentage points. The survey from DHM Research, first reported by Willamette Week on Monday, shows the largest gap between the runoff opponents since the May primary, when Wheeler received 49% of the vote and just missed out on the 50% plus one tally to win the race outright. Iannarone earned 24% of the vote. Willamette Week reported the new poll was paid for by the Portland Business Alliance and has a margin of error of four percentage points. The business alliance has endorsed Wheeler in the race. A spokesperson for the group declined to comment about the poll when asked by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Iannarones campaign previously paid for a survey of Portland voters in June that showed she and Wheeler received about one-third of the vote with the final third undecided. The latest poll shows Iannarone receiving 41% of participants' support and Wheeler 30%. Another 29% indicated they either were undecided or writing in a candidate. Four years ago, Wheeler won the mayors seat in the May primary with 55% of the vote. Iannarone was among the candidates in that field and finished third with 12%. Throughout his first term, Wheeler has faced criticism on his leadership in addressing homelessness and other city issues. Vocal disapproval of the mayor has intensified since June and has come from all sides. This includes members of the community calling on him to resign over police use of tear gas and other tactics on protest crowds and critiques from the Portland Police Bureau and other law enforcement agencies over him banning officers from using a potent type of tear gas on protest crowds. Wheeler is Portlands police commissioner. The business alliance-funded poll comes after another survey last month that showed 63% of respondents viewed Wheeler unfavorably. The election is Nov. 3. In a statement, Iannarone said she was encouraged by the latest survey. Polling doesnt win elections, but this comes as no surprise, she said. My campaign talks to thousands of voters every week, and weve been ahead of the current mayor for months. Danny OHalloran, Wheelers campaign manager, said internal polling numbers paid for by their campaign shows closer numbers than the new survey and that we have a clear path to victory. He declined to release their data. OHalloran is Wheelers third campaign manager since December. Most voters are just tuning in to this race and thats why such a large number of respondents in this poll are undecided, OHalloran said. We are confident that once voters have the opportunity to get to know both candidates, these numbers move decisively in Teds direction. Wheeler is seeking to be the first Portland mayor to serve consecutive terms since Vera Katzs three election wins in the 1990s and early 2000s. An Iannarone win would make her the fourth woman to be mayor of Oregons largest city. -- Everton Bailey Jr; ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 | @EvertonBailey Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. GENEVA The head of emergencies at the World Health Organization said Monday the agencys best estimates indicate roughly 1 in 10 people worldwide may have been infected by the coronavirus more than 20 times the number of confirmed cases and warned of a difficult period ahead. Dr. Michael Ryan, speaking to a special session of the WHOs 34-member executive board focusing on COVID-19, said the figures vary from urban to rural areas, and between different groups, but that ultimately it means the vast majority of the world remains at risk. He said the pandemic would continue to evolve, but that tools exist to suppress transmission and save lives. Many deaths have been averted and many more lives can be protected, Ryan said. He was flanked by his boss, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who minutes earlier led a moment of silence to honor victims, as well as a round of applause for the health workers who have strived to save them. Ryan said southeast Asia faced a surge in cases, Europe and the eastern Mediterranean were seeing an increase, while the situations in Africa and the Western Pacific were rather more positive. Overall, though, he said the world was heading into a difficult period. The disease continues to spread. It is on the rise in many parts of the world, Ryan told attendees from governments who make up the executive board and provide much of the WHOs funding. Our current best estimates tell us that about 10 percent of the global population may have been infected by this virus. The estimate which would amount to more than 760 million people based on a current world population of about 7.6 billion far outstrips the number of confirmed cases as tallied by both the WHO and Johns Hopkins University, now more than 35 million worldwide. Experts have long said that the number of confirmed cases greatly undershoots the true figure. Ryan did not elaborate on the estimate. Dr. Margaret Harris, a WHO spokeswoman, said it was based on an average of antibody studies conducted around the world. She said the estimated 90 percent of people remaining without infection means the virus has opportunity to spread further if we dont take action to stop it such as by contact-tracing and tracking of cases by health officials. Tedros, during his remarks, said: What we have learned in every region of the world is that with strong leadership, clear and comprehensive strategies, consistent communication, and engaged, empowered and enabled population, its never too late Every situation can be turned around and hard-won gains can be easily lost. The pandemic underlines the fundamental importance of investing in public health and primary health care, said Tedros, wearing a stylish black, red and yellow mask. Tedros had not worn a mask during scores of COVID-19 press conferences he led at WHO headquarters this year. The comments came during a special session of the executive board to consider the follow-up to its previous meeting, in May, that passed a resolution to look into the worlds and WHOs response to the pandemic, among other things. The two-day meeting is the first by the executive board since the Trump administration set off a one-year countdown this summer toward pulling the United States out of the WHO next July. President Donald Trump, who himself has been infected by COVID-19, has repeatedly accused the WHO of being too accepting of Chinas explanations of its handling of the outbreak in Wuhan late last year. On a far more conciliatory tone, Assistant Secretary of Health Brett Giroir, the U.S. representative on the board, told the meeting by videoconference that the United States looks forward to working together to defeat this pandemic and move our people and economics back to normalcy. Giroir also pressed WHO albeit gently to clear up its relationship with the Chinese government. He said a key mandate from the resolution in May was its call for a joint mission involving the WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the U.N.s Food and Agricultural Organization to look into the animal origins of the virus and its transmission to humans. A two-person advance team for that mission has visited China, but a fuller mission isnt ready. Giroir said it was critical that WHO member states receive regular and timely updates about the mission and its terms of reference an allusion to working guidelines that detail just how much access the missions members will have in China. Chinese board member Zhang Yang, speaking by videoconference, said China has been transparent and responsible and has been fulfilling its responsibilities under the resolution. She said it had been communicating regularly with the WHO and keeping up its financial commitments to the U.N. agency. Board member Clemens Auer of Austria lamented a political weakening of the WHO, citing the potential withdrawal of a strong WHO member state an allusion to the U.S. He appealed for a retreat session for board members, saying it should be an active body not a ceremonial one. U.S. representative Giroir expressed support for that idea. The staggering wealth of Kanye West has been recently disclosed in a new federal filing on Monday. The 43-year-old admitted to being worth about "hundreds of millions of dollars." Last month, West claimed that he will be worth $5 billion after signing a 10-year partnership with Gap. In Federal Election Commission's official submitted documents obtained by Business Insider, West has reported stakes of $50 million in three of his Yeezy companies, Yeezy LLC, Yeezy Apparel LLC, and Yeezy Footwear LLC. His partnerships with Nike and Adidas are also worth $30 and $75 million, respectively. The dad-of-four's financial interests are also in other industries such as music to construction to marketing. These industries also gave West leadership positions such as trustee, director, and manager at about 29 different entities. Half of those entities are located in Cody, Wyoming, where he owns a massive ranch and currently his home base. Over the past year, he was able to generate an income of $5 million from eight of those entities. Political hopefuls must submit financial documents periodically to the FEC, although these documents don't usually go in-depth. Kanye's Debts However, the "Jesus Walks" rapper also has debts. Kanye West lists liabilities of about $120 million for mortgages. When he announced that he was also running for the presidency in July, his entire campaign was self-funded. Business Insider revealed that he spent over $6.7 million worth of loan for his White House bid. West struggled to get on the ballots of many states. He spent $480,000 to get himself in the ballot of Iowa and paid $4.5 million to Let the Voters Decide to allow the petitioning group to help his campaign. West also shelled out $325,000 and $300,000 for Ohio and Virginia to get himself on the ballot but didn't make it. Kim's earnings The other half of KimYe's earnings have not been disclosed. However, it is a well-known fact that Kim Kardashian has a net worth of $900 million. As per Business Insider, the Grammy-winning rapper availed an "obscure provision in federal law" that would allow him not to disclose his spouse's finances, which most political candidates do. However, the exception can be nulled in the case of divorce, separation, and "unusual circumstances." Topping Forbes' lists Kanye West topped Forbes Magazine's list as the highest-paid musician of 2020 and the highest-paid celebrity overall. He came in at $170 million, who was more than double than the second-highest-paid musician on the list, Elton John. The "All of the Lights" hitmaker previously had a debate with Forbes when they named him a billionaire. According to the article, Kanye West has a net worth $1.26 billion, not $3.3. billion, as he allegedly said. He texted Forbes, saying, "It's not a billion. It's $3.3 billion since no one at Forbes knows how to count." Kanye West COVID Meanwhile, Kanye West's wife Kim Kardashian revealed what it felt like taking care of the rapper when he had the coronavirus early this year. In an interview with Grazia Magazine, the 39-year-old said that West had it at the time when "nobody knew what was going on." She called the experience "so scary" and "unknown" as she juggled taking care of West while being a mom to their four kids. The "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star would change her husband's sheets and "help him get out of bed when he wasn't feeling good." "It was a challenge because it was so unknown," the KKW Beauty mogul confessed. "Changing his sheets with gloves and a face shield was a scary time." READ MORE: Zac Efron Moves Into New Australian Home Amid Reports He and GF Consider Eloping A District School Board of Niagara teacher whose passion is to work with students in the science and technology program is among a group of educators to be recognized nationally for teaching excellence. Leonard Aylward, a teacher and consultant for innovation and technology with DSBN, is among 71 educators who have been awarded a Prime Ministers Award for Teaching Excellence. The announcement of his honour, which was made Oct. 5 in a media release from the Prime Ministers Office, coincided with World Teachers Day, The award goes to Canadas top teachers for categories including teaching excellence; teaching excellence in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); and excellence in early childhood education. The award means a lot, said Aylward. Its specific to my passion, which is having students work with science, technology, engineering and math. It reaffirms what I have believed all along about how important STEM education is and how it can be a motivator to engage students. His award, which was supposed to be announced last March but was delayed due to COVID-19, recognizes teachers at the elementary or secondary school level who keep students engaged in STEM learning. Aylward, as a specialist, serves the entire board, for whi he has worked the past 21 years. Aylward will receive a certificate of achievement and a cash prize of $1,000. He will also receive a letter of congratulations signed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. President Donald Trump has returned to the White House on Monday after spending three nights undergoing COVID-19 treatments at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Trump claimed his victory over the virus. In a produced video released on Twitter, he said: I didn't feel so good. Two days ago I felt great, like better than I have in a long time... better than 20 years ago." "Now I'm better -- and maybe I'm immune! I don't know. But don't let it dominate your lives. Get out there. Be careful. We have the best medicines in the world, and they're all happened, very shortly, and they're all getting approved," Trump added. Trump has been recovering from COVID-19 with the help of a team of physicians administering world-class care and special access to therapeutics. Trump's doctors have said that he is taking at least eight medicines and supplements. However, the timeline of Trump's illness remains unclear. Reports said here are some of the COVID-19 treatments the president is taking: Remdesivir Trump's physicians told reporters that they were planning to administer the fourth dose of the antiviral drug Remedesivir. That was before Trump checks out of Walter Reed and heads back to the White House on Monday evening. Trump has been receiving Remdesivir intravenous transfusions since Friday. It was done within 24 hours after he revealed his positive diagnosis.T he said COVID-19 drug was initially developed for Ebola treatment. However, it showed a solid evidence supporting its use for COVID-19 patients, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Regeneron monoclonal antibody 'cocktail' Trump is also reportedly taking a cocktail of two synthetic, pharmaceutical versions of what occurs naturally in the body to fight infection. It is a mix of monoclonal antibodies made by biotech company Regeneron. It is thought to be promising, but it is still in its experimental phase.The cocktail published positive yet preliminary data for its cocktail treatment, and it showed it improved symptoms in patients without severe disease. Dexamethasone On Sunday, Trump's physician told reporters that the president is being treated with the steroid Dexamethasone. It is in response to temporary drops in his oxygen levels. Dexamethasone, which is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory effects, has solid evidence supporting its use in COVID-19 patients, according to NIH. In severe cases, it is thought that steroids can fight haywire inflammation caused by the virus. Trump's personal physician admitted that the president had been given oxygen aid since falling ill. Dr. Sean Conley, Trump's physician, said Trump had received supplemental oxygen, but "it was not required." Dr. William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said that prescribing a steroid is a "borderline indication within the physicians' prerogative." The press and public have not seen the president's chest X-rays or CAT scans. Famotidine Famotidine is more commonly known by its brand-name Pepcid. It is an FDA-approved drug for heartburn, but not as treatment for COVID-19. Earlier observational studies showed improved survival amongst hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, experts caution that observational studies are not a substitute for high-quality, randomized trials designed to show a treatment's effectiveness. A trial for an intravenous infusion of famotidine is still ongoing. Check this out: Trump, First Lady Test Positive for COVID-19 Trump to Stay at Walter Reed for a Few Days Following COVID-19 Diagnosis WATERLOO Waterloo council has approved another apartment building on suburban Beechwood Drive, after some neighbours complained it would be out of place, too high, and generate too much traffic. At five storeys, the building approved at 693 Beechwood Dr. is up to one-third taller than allowed under city rules. Council voted Monday to allow it nonetheless, because the building plans to rent taxpayer-subsidized apartments as part of a non-profit housing co-operative on the site. It is really important for us to be able to facilitate affordable housing, Coun. Jeff Henry said. Beechwood Drive is on its way to getting taller buildings in several locations and some neighbours are displeased. Some neighbours objected when city council recently approved a six-storey apartment building at 508 Beechwood Dr. Some oppose regional councils plan to put public housing in a new building up to six storeys high proposed at 555 Beechwood Dr. Residents of the housing co-op support the new building. They have proposed a greenhouse, kitchen and social area on the top floor that they feel will improve their health and well-being. It would give us an updated area that is fully accessible to everybody, said Michele Laudano, who helps direct the Beechwood Co-op Housing complex. The new building is proposed to rent 32 one-bedroom units. It would be built in the interior of the complex that already rents 78 units offering two, three or four bedrooms. This is a real sweet addition for their community, having an infill development, Mayor Dave Jaworsky said. The more we can enable them, the better. Two Beechwood Drive neighbours objected. RELATED STORIES Waterloo Region Waterloo council strikes deal on development with 12-storey tower that neighbours and planners opposed Gord Norris urged council to take onto account other developments on the street and the impacts on traffic. He doubts Beechwood Drive can support traffic from three new buildings. Beechwood Drive is a hilly winding road, Norris said by email. Neighbour Hao Sun said the height is totally unreasonable and could change the feel of the low-rise subdivision that surrounds it. It will feel so strange to see a tall building like this from around the neighbourhood, he said, while raising concerns about traffic and crowds. There are things other than affordability that we as a community need to be thinking about in the future, Sun told council by email. Dr Alex George has said that educating children about mental health should be made a 'priority' at schools. The former Love Island star, 30, is doing 'everything in his power' to help others after his younger sibling Llyr tragically passed away aged 19 in July. Talking on Tuesday's Lorraine, Dr Alex said mental health should be taught alongside maths and English as it's important to provide children with a toolkit. Education: Dr Alex George has said that educating children about mental health should be made a 'priority' at schools He was talking as part of ITV's mental wellness campaign and fundraiser, Britain Get Talking, ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday. He told Lorraine Kelly: 'We're really moving into a mental health crisis in schools and around the country. 'Recent statistics released show there's been over 1.5million increases in the number of cases of children struggling with their mental health since Covid and very sadly, a sharp increase in the number of suicides too, so we do have to take it seriously.' Dr Alex said that while there is some 'fantastic work' being done across the country, every child deserves the right to good mental health education. 'Everything in his power': The former Love Island star, 30, is doing 'everything in his power' to help others after his younger sibling Llyr tragically passed away aged 19 in July Mental health awareness: Talking on Tuesday's Lorraine, Dr Alex said mental health should be taught alongside maths and English as it's important to provide children with a toolkit He said: 'There's some fantastic work being done people who are really passionate about this and there are incredible resources out there with Time to Change, Heads Together, but we need to integrate that in all schools around the country. 'So you haven't just got pockets of good mental health teaching and support, it should be in every school. 'In my opinion, every child has a right to good mental health education and good mental health support, which means counsellors in every school.' Dr Alex said there needs to be funding for mental health education at schools and it should sit as a subject alongside maths and English. Important: He was talking as part of ITV's mental wellness campaign and fundraiser, Britain Get Talking, ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday He said: 'Talking is really important, but we need to have funding for schools around mental health specifically and to make it a priority. 'Around the next year, there is relationship and sex education teaching happening in school, but my issue is not to criticise it at all because it's great to be doing that but mental health is a part of that. 'For me, it should sit alongside maths, English, other subjects because unless you're happy and healthy, how can you learn and how can you be productive? 'We all have times which are up and down in life and giving our children the opportunity to have that toolkit, the resource and ability to understand their thoughts and feelings and look after themselves is important.' Awareness: Dr Alex said that while there is some 'fantastic work' being done across the country, every child deserves the right to good mental health education Dr Alex also praised the The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for spearheading the mental health initiative, Heads Together. He said: 'It's really powerful having people like this, who we all look up to, saying, "This really can happen".' It comes after Dr Alex revealed that losing his brother has encouraged him to do 'everything in his power' to help others struggling with mental health issues. In an interview with MailOnline, the Love Island star detailed the Fresher & Healthy campaign by Scape, the student living specialists - aiming to safeguard pupils' mental and physical health as they return to university amid COVID-19. Praise: Dr Alex also praised the The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for spearheading the mental health initiative, Heads Together (pictured in September) The healthcare professional shared his motivation behind launching the initiative as he said: 'Mental health is an illness and when you lose someone you love to that illness it encourages you to do everything in your power to ensure people see it and treat it in that way. 'As an A&E doctor, it is very important to me to make sure people are aware that they must act if they are experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety or stress.' The media personality went on to stress the importance of reaching out to others, adding: 'No one is alone in their battle with mental health, there are people and organisations that can help. 'It's so important that we get the message out there that young people can and should ask for help if they are not feeling well mentally. 'There is always someone you can speak to whilst at university and it's just making sure that students are aware of the resources out there to help them. 'Young people should ask for help': It comes after Dr Alex revealed that losing his brother has encouraged him to do 'everything in his power' to help others struggling with mental health issues 'For instance at Scape, there is always somebody to talk to, be it the reception team (who are mental health trained) or Scape's Wellbeing Manager. There is also an app that students can use to ask for help from the comfort of their own room. 'Helping young adults to feel safe, by providing them with the correct medical insights and practical health advice, is an area I'm very passionate about personally.' Alex has been keeping busy working on the NHS frontline amid the coronavirus pandemic, an experience he's documented on social media. If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org. ATLANTA South Carolina State University National Alumni Association (SCSUNAA) will host a virtual HBCU town hall with congressional candidates. HBCU stakeholders are invited to sign on for the virtual town hall to meet and hear from candidates who agreed to participate with this forum. All congressional candidates, in addition to both senate candidates, were invited to participate. This virtual town hall is a great opportunity to meet and hear from the candidates and a unique opportunity for us to remind everyone the importance of voting in the upcoming election, said SCSU National Alumni President John J. Funny. The virtual town hall will be held on Oct, 7 at 7 p.m.and streamed live on Facebook and Zoom. Participants will include Congressman James E. Clyburn and candidates Adair Boroughs, Hosea Cleveland and Moe Brown. Since their founding, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) have played a significant role in defining the economic and cultural position of the United States in the global community. They also serve as a vehicle for underrepresented people from underserved communities to attain the education they deserve in order to live the American dream. Despite the positive contributions of HBCUs to the American society, numerous challenges remain in their paths that hinder their ability to achieve their full potential. As alumni of SCSU, an HBCU, we have an obligation to support our HBCU and request continuous support of our congressional leaders, said SCSUNAA Political Awareness Committee Chair Garrett McDaniel, who is spearheading this initiative on behalf of SCSUNAA. The virtual town hall will start promptly at 7 p.m. Join at the following links via Zoom: at http://bit.ly/hbcutownhall or Facebook live at SC State University National Alumni Association. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks fell in cautious trade Tuesday after rising the previous day in reaction to positive reports about U.S. President Donald Trump's health and amid optimism that U.S. lawmakers could agree on new stimulus. The pan European Stoxx 600 slipped 0.3 percent to 364.43 after gaining 0.8 percent in the previous session. The German DAX, France's CAC 40 index and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 were down between 0.2 percent and 0.3 percent. Swedish telecom company Telia Co. jumped 4.5 percent after it reached an agreement to sell its international carrier business to Polhem Infra. Swiss technology accessories make Logitech plunged 5.5 percent on a Bloomberg report that Apple had stopped selling headphones and wireless speakers from rivals. Puma lost 2 percent after French luxury group Kering said it sold a 5.9 percent stake in the German sportswear group. Kering was down 0.7 percent. K+S Group shares advanced 1.7 percent. The company has signed an agreement to sell its Americas salt business bundled together as the Americas Operating Unit to Stone Canyon Industries Holdings LLC, Mark Demetree and affiliates. Waste and water firm Suez rallied 3.7 percent after rival Veolia succeeded in buying 29.9 percent of the company owned by power group Engie. Veolia rose half a percent and Engie gained 1 percent. Restaurant Group jumped 5 percent despite the company reporting a much widened first-half pretax loss. Ferrexpo slumped 4 percent. The iron ore company said its third -quarter pellet production declined 12 percent from the second quarter. In economic news, German factory orders grew at a faster pace in August on robust foreign demand, data from Destatis revealed today. Factory orders climbed 4.5 percent month-on-month, which was faster than the 3.3 percent rise in July and the 2.6 percent increase economists' had forecast. On a yearly basis, manufacturing orders dropped at a slower pace of 2.2 percent, following a 6.9 percent decrease 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. The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Uttar Pradesh government how the family members and the witnesses in the alleged gang-rape and murder case of a 19-year-old Dalit girl from Hathras are being protected.A bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde, also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for Uttar Pradesh government to ascertain whether the victims family has chosen any lawyer. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that protection has already been provided to the family members of the victim. We are not taking any adversarial view on the plea. Witnesses are already under protection. Various narratives going about outside though everyone here in bona fide capacity, Mehta submitted. Mehta said that the supervision of this court is important for ruling the narratives out. For lawyer for the victims family, lets not impose the lawyer on them, he said. Following that, CJI Bobde asked Mehta whether the Witness Protection Act is in force.We want an affidavit on how the witnesses are being protected and we want you to ascertain whether the victims family has chosen any lawyer. We want a suggestion whats the scope of Allahabad High Court proceedings and how can we widen that, the bench said adjourning the hearing in the matter for next week. The apex court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Satyama Dubey seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Special Investigation Team (SIT), monitored by a sitting or retired Supreme Court or High Court Judge.Mehta said that he is not opposing the plea for a CBI probe in the matter. The investigation should be impartial. We have recommended CBI enquiry also. We request to the probe should be supervised by this court. There are various narratives in the media, he added. ALSO READ: Midnight cremation to avoid violence, family aware, UP Govt tells SC Senior advocate Indira Jaising, an intervener in the matter, said we dont want to interfere with the Allahabad High Court as its already seized of the matter in the issue relating to the cremation of the body of the victim. This case should be transferred to a Delhi court from Uttar Pradesh and at this moment the protection of the family is utmost important, Jaising said.CJI Bobde said that the court is hearing the matter because the incident is shocking. This is shocking and we are understanding you, we dont know you have locus. The incident is shocking and extraordinary We are not denying this. We are talking about invoking our jurisdiction We are saying whether you have locus, CJI Bobde told Jaising. Advocate Kirti Singh, who had written a letter to the Chief Justice of India on the Hathras case, sought the supervision of the Supreme Court in the case. We are 100 women lawyers working on rape issues and we are concerned about this. We wrote the letter to the Supreme Court. We would like the supervision of the court in this case. While there may not be legitimacy as being the petitioners family but we are pained, Kirti said.CJI Bobde said that there is no need to duplicate concerns in the court of law. Please understand our point of view that there is no need to duplicate concerns in the court of law. Its a horrible incident, he said. Jaising argued that the family members of the victims should be protected under the Witness Protection Act. We dont want any outside lawyers, we want advocates from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). Why only from the NALSA, we will appoint a good lawyer. Give the name of one junior and one senior lawyer, the CJI said.Earlier today, the Uttar Pradesh government filed an affidavit seeking directions for a court-monitored CBI probe into the Hathras case. It also submitted that cremation of the Hathras victim was performed to maintain law and order in the area and avoid large-scale violence. The 19-year-old Hathras woman had succumbed to brutal assault injuries in Delhis Safdarjung Hospital last month. The post-mortem report said that the victim suffered a fracture of cervical vertebra. Police have claimed the forensic report has revealed that the woman was not raped.There has been huge outrage by the opposition parties and civil society after videos surfaced, purportedly showing the administration cremating the body without the presence of the family members. ALSO READ: Hathras Horror: UP govt accepts family plea, deploys round-the-clock security outside victims house (Natural News) During the early days of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) said face masks werent required. But as the pandemic showed no signs of slowing down, studies have found that wearing face masks was crucial to preventing infections. But not all masks are effective and according to experts, at least 70 percent of KN95 masks imported from China dont meet U.S. health standards. Independent medical product evaluation also revealed that these defective masks can even endanger health care workers and patients. What are KN95 masks? Both N95 and KN95 masks are designed to prevent 95 percent of hazardous particles in the air from passing through. For N95 masks, these must meet the standards of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for air filtration. KN95 masks, on the other hand, must meet a similar standard in China. At first glance, both types of masks seem similar, and they both filter out most small particles and are similarly breathable. KN95 masks, however, often use loops around the ears, while N95 masks use elastic bands stretched around the head. The headbands on the latter provide a more secure fit, making a mask more effective at preventing the spread of the virus, explained public health officials. Significantly inferior masks from China Recent testing has found that out of 200 brands of KN95 masks imported from China, up to 70 percent are significantly inferior and dont live up to packaging claims. On Sept. 22, ECRI, a Pennsylvania-based patient safety advocacy group, released its findings on KN95 masks that it analyzed from 15 Chinese manufacturers. They found that the masks, which have been provided to major U.S. hopsitals and health systems, were of poor quality, prompting the group to issue a hazard alert. Marcus Schabacker, president and CEO for ECRI, explained that these alerts are often reserved for situations when health care professionals need to be informed immediately. (Related: Chinese company charged with sending defective face masks to the US.) Schabacker noted that ECRI first tested the masks in April at the request of hospitals that started sourcing them from Chinese manufacturers. Because of the increase in demand during the pandemic, thousands of manufacturing startups were established in China to provide various medical supplies to various countries across the globe. According to ECRI, Chinese KN95 masks were some of the most in-demand products that have been imported to the United States. Schabacker suggests that there are at least 35,000 mask suppliers in China. In a statement, Schabacker revealed that a lot of these products arent safe and effective against the spread of COVID-19. Schabacker added that health care providers need to do more due diligence before purchasing masks that arent made or certified in America. Testing required to determine face mask quality NIOSH, the federal agency overseeing workplace safety in America, requires masks to have a head or neckband design that helps seal the mask more tightly against the face. The Chinese masks ECRI tested all have ear loop straps instead of the required head or neckband design. ECRI advised that healthcare workers use NIOSH-certified respirators whenever possible, only using KN95s or other alternatives as a last resort. While KN95 masks can offer a higher level of protection than surgical or cloth masks, they are suitable for medical staff not involved with high-risk procedures like intubation, the suction of airways, or swabbing of patients, and only if they are from a trusted manufacturer. ECRI said that Chinese quality standards for KN95 masks are similar to those in America, but there is no guarantee that what you buy will meet KN95 filtration requirements. The organization also warned that it can be difficult to determine the authenticity of a respirator simply by looking at its appearance, labeling or packaging. Even imported respirators, which may have the same model names, may also have a slightly different look and perform significantly differently in filtration testing. ECRI advised buyers to ask for a test report about the mask performance for review, along with samples for testing to verify its filtration efficiency. Buyers were also told to check the strap area and conduct tests to ensure a proper fit and to guranteed the quality of mask purchases. China has already been charged with sending out defective medical supplies Federal authorities have already sanctioned manufacturers for sending faulty Chinese medical gear. Back in May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned 65 Chinese mask-makers from exporting to American since their products didnt meet filtration standards. This decreased the number of U.S.-authorized Chinese manufacturers to 14. In June, prosecutors charged a Chinese mask producer for exporting over 140,000 defective models advertised as KN95. The Department of Justice found that the masks only filtered 22 percent of small particles. In September, custom officers in Chicago seized a half-million counterfeit N95 masks shipped from Shenzhen. After sending 30 masks from the shipment for testing, findings showed that 10 percent were substandard. Aside from the U.S., defective Chinese medical gear has also drawn complaints from countries like Sweden. On Aug. 25, Swedens Public Health Agency announced that over 3,700 Swedes were mistakenly told they had coronavirus due to defects in testing kits made in China. Schabacker concluded that to ensure critical supplies are readily available at home, America must focus on producing or acquiring quality supplies from reliable manufacturers around the world. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com 1 WSJ.com TheEpochTimes.com 2 A car bomb on Tuesday killed 14 people, mostly civilians, in the Turkish-controlled town of Al-Bab in northern Syria, a war monitor said. The explosion near a bus station in the town also wounded at least 40 people, some of them seriously, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. Search Keywords: Short link: Indias two most populous states, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, are often seen as close cousins in politics and governance. Yet, the nature of politics and governance in the two states has been quite different over the past two decades. UP has seen several stints of single-party government, and even now, the ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) enjoys an absolute majority in the state assembly. Before BJP rule, the state saw majority governments ruled by the Samajwadi Party (2012) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (2007). Bihar has been ruled by coalition partners all throughout this period. What unites the two states - caste-driven politics - also separates them. Politics is more multi-polar in Bihar than in Uttar Pradesh as party-wise caste loyalties are more fragmented. Bihar has a larger number of influential parties, each with its loyal caste and community-based votebank. And unlike in the case of its neighbouring state, the core support base of the dominant parties in Bihar remains small. The upper castes -loyal supporters of BJP- are numerically smaller in Bihar compared to Uttar Pradesh. Bihars Dalit icon, Ram Vilas Paswan commands far less support among Dalits in Bihar than does Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh. Even at the height of his popularity, Lalu Prasad Yadav was able to garner far less support among non-Yadav OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in Bihar than Mulayam Singh Yadav in the neighbouring state. Because of these differences in the number and nature of parties, Bihars polity is much more fragmented than that of Uttar Pradesh, making it necessary for political parties to form coalitions to get a stab at power. Of the numerous parties in the fray, three have been most dominant, with similar vote-shares across election cycles: the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Janata Dal United or JD(U), and the BJP. Other parties have smaller vote-shares. Both JD(U) and RJD are Bihar-centric regional parties, competing mainly for votes of specific OBC sub-castes in Bihar. The two smaller regional parties, Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJP) of Paswan and Hindustan Awam Moarch (HAM) of Jitan Ram Manjhi are trying to attract the Dalit vote. Both national parties, BJP and Congress are vying for the upper caste votes. The upper castes have formed the core support base of the BJP in recent years, and two upper backward castes - Kurmis and Koeris - have been the core supporters of JD(U). It is these caste groups that have formed the bedrock of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar, comprising the JD(U), BJP, and other smaller parties. The consolidation of votes among these caste groups has only increased over time. The opposition alliance led by the RJD and the Congress has relied largely on their support bases on Yadav and Muslim voters. While the alliance has managed to consolidate Muslim votes, RJD has lost some of its support among Yadavs even as the Congress party has seen an erosion of its traditional upper caste support base in the state. Till 1985, the Congress was in fact the dominant party in the state. Since then, it has shrunk dramatically, and is now a junior partner to the RJD. But while the Congress has enjoyed long stints in power on its own, the RJD, even at the height of its popularity in the 1990s, was unable to win a majority of its own. On the other side of the political fence, neither the JD(U) nor the BJP have ever been able to win a majority on their own in Bihar, even when contesting on their own. The two parties have been able to form governments only in alliance with each other, or in the case of JD(U), with parties such as RJD. Other smaller parties such as LJP, HAM, Upendra Kushwahas Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), Mukesh Sahanis Vikasheel Inaaf Party (VIP) have much smaller support bases, and cannot be expected to form a government of their own. Coalitions are therefore compulsions in Bihars politics. The mobilization of caste-based support groups, and the inability of any party to make significant inroads into other partys support bases has necessitated coalitions in the state in the post-Mandal era. Whatever the verdict in the upcoming polls later this month, Bihar will have a coalition government. Sanjay Kumar is a professor at the Delhi-based think-tank, CSDS, and a political analyst. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Ministry of Defense has denied as disinformation the Azerbaijani reports alleging that Armenian Armed Forces are bombarding Azeri civilian settlements. The Azerbaijani side continues to spread fake information alleging that the Armenian Armed Forces are shelling Azerbaijans peaceful settlements. The Azerbaijani military-political leadership continues its methods of misleading the international community and their own people. We are hereby announcing that no fire from any type of weapons was opened in the direction of Azerbaijan, Armenian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan said. At the same time, it is obvious that this disinformation by the official Baku is aimed at preparing grounds for restarting combat operations by ignoring the international communitys, namely the [OSCE Minsk Group] Co-Chairing countries statements calling for an immediate suspension of hostilities, she said. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan Marion Cotillard looked effortlessly chic as she attended Chanel's star-studded Paris Fashion Week show on Tuesday at Grand Palais in the French capital. The French actress, 45, put on a dazzling display as she wore a head-to-toe ensemble from the fashion giant. Marion opted for a black ruffled Bardot top with Chane's signature chain detailing on the neckline. Wow: Marion Cotillard looked effortlessly chic as she attended Chanel's star-studded Paris Fashion Week show on Tuesday at Grand Palais in the French capital The Allied star teamed the item of clothing with a pair of high-waisted cigarette trousers which had the fashion house's logo on the hems. She layered the look with a white bomber jacket which had the embroidered logo all over it. Adding some glamorous Chanel accessories, Marion opted for statement silver and diamond earrings with a white quilted handbag. The star finished her look with gold sparkly heeled ankle boots and chain bracelet with the fashion house's logo on it. Dazzling: The French actress, 45, put on a dazzling display as she wore a head-to-toe ensemble from the fashion giant Stunning: Marion opted for a black ruffled Bardot top with Chane's signature chain detailing on the neckline Marion styled her brunette locks into a sleek sweptback ponytail, she added a slick of radiant make-up to enhance her stunning features. Elsewhere at the Chanel Paris Fashion Week show were Lily Rose Depp and her mother Vanessa Paradis. Fashion Week in the city comes as Paris is set to impose strict new regulations in attempt to slow the spike in coronavirus cases. Emmanuel Macron's government has ordered bars in Paris, along with Lyon and nine other cities on 'heightened alert', to close at 10pm. Finishing touches: The Allied star teamed the item of clothing with a pair of high-waisted cigarette trousers which had the fashion house's logo on the hems All of the Chanel! Adding some glamorous Chanel accessories, Marion opted for statement silver and diamond earrings with a white quilted handbag Another dimension: She layered the look with a white bomber jacket which had the embroidered logo all over it There is also a 10-person restriction at public gatherings with attendees at weddings and parties limited to 30. Gyms and other indoor sporting facilities will also remain closed and it remains mandatory for all pedestrians to wear face masks in public areas in the capital. The move comes as the president tries to avoid imposing a full lockdown across the country with the French economy already set to shrink by 8.7 per cent this year. The French government recently announced that it would be pumping 100billion (91billion) into the economy as part of a recovery plan. Mother-daughter outing: Lily Rose Depp (left) and her mother Vanessa Paradis (right) led the glamorous arrivals for Chanel's Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday Politician Macron hopes that this will help the French economy to get moving again by 2022. Paris Fashion Week follows Milan, who hosted 23 shows - a move which sets them apart from New York and London, who have both held virtual fashion weeks. Milan Fashion Week was held as a breakthrough for Italy, seven months on from when the country dealt with the devastating effects of coronavirus. Back in February, Georgia Armani cancelled his show in Milan as the virus began to sweep through the country. The letter went on to say that Buford Road is zoned Residential (R-15) and therefore, signage is restricted to 14 square feet. The letter asked the Barrys to reduce the total sign area to 14 square feet or less and that if voluntary compliance wasnt met, we may refer this matter to the court for resolution which could result in a fine, an injunction order to cease the activity and/or a criminal conviction. Susan Pollard, communications and media director for Chesterfield County, said by email Monday that the countys ordinance only pertains to the size or location of a sign and not to the content or message [and] ... our standard practice is to work with resident to obtain voluntary compliance. Pollard confirmed that the case began with a complaint. She said residents have three options in these cases: they can file an appeal within 30 days of the violation notice at a cost of $700 although that time has expired for the Barrys; they can request exceptions to the size and setback requirements; or they can bring the sign into compliance. Cancelled events, empty tables and plummeting profits are hitting Winnipegs restaurant and hospitality industry once again, as heightened pandemic restrictions reduce gathering limits, business owners say. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/10/2020 (474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Cancelled events, empty tables and plummeting profits are hitting Winnipegs restaurant and hospitality industry once again, as heightened pandemic restrictions reduce gathering limits, business owners say. A few of the impacted companies brought their concerns to city hall Monday in the hopes of finding some financial relief. On Sept. 28, the province raised Winnipegs pandemic response level to orange or "restricted" to cope with a surge in COVID-19 cases. The public health decision has limited gatherings in the city to 10 or fewer people and made face masks mandatory at all indoor public places. Ray Louie, owner and manager of the Gates on Roblin, said all but one of the sites 32 events scheduled for October has now been cancelled. He's now struggling to keep staff after once hoping fall demand could offset earlier pandemic losses. "Our second quarter was down 90 per cent. By the middle of July, I was down $2 million from last year," he said. The business owner, whose site is typically a wedding hot spot, said he currently has 19 staff, while hed hoped to keep between 60 and 70 into the fall. Tony Siwicki, owner of Silver Heights Restaurant and Lounge, said his restaurant had begun its pandemic recovery when "code orange" took effect. "Weve lost pretty much every reservation Were in a lot of trouble, so were asking for some help, for financial assistance," said Siwicki. "Fear out there is really stopping people from coming in, theyre getting shamed (about going) to restaurants. Theres going to be a lot more (industry) closures." His site logged a 60 per cent decline in sales after the latest restrictions took effect, he said. Ray Louie, owner of Gates on Roblin, says all but one of the sites 32 events scheduled for October has been cancelled. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) Doug Stephen, president of Wow Hospitality Concepts, said hes been fortunate to see close-to-normal sales at some restaurants, though his companys downtown dining locations have suffered. Some landlords and bank officials have helped his restaurants survive, without which he "probably wouldnt have a company right now," he said, noting sales declines are happening just as restaurants spend more on personal protective equipment and enhanced cleaning. "Were trying to look at every opportunity that we can to recover some of those costs," he said. The group came to city hall to support a tax-break proposal aimed to assist their businesses. Coun. Kevin Klein (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) called for council to approve a 10 per cent discount on 2020 property and business taxes for all restaurants who pay their full bills by Nov. 30. "They are one of the hardest hit industries in our province and in our city," said Klein. 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. The motion was defeated Monday by councils Assiniboia community committee. Committee member Coun. Scott Gillingham (St. James) said he didnt believe it was fair for council to provide financial help to just one type of business. "There have been many industries that have been affected (by COVID-19), so to provide additional relief just to one industry would be hard to justify," said Gillingham, councils finance chairman. He noted the city is waiving late fees for all business and property taxes paid by Nov. 30 to help offset pandemic losses. Business taxes were originally due May 29, while property taxes were originally due June 30. joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga BETHESDA, Md. President Donald Trump staged a dramatic return to the White House Monday night after leaving the military hospital where he was receiving an unprecedented level of care for COVID-19. He immediately ignited a new controversy by declaring that despite his illness the nation should not fear the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans. Trumps message alarmed infectious disease experts and suggested the presidents own illness had not caused him to rethink his often-cavalier attitude toward the disease, which has also infected the first lady and several White House aides, including new cases revealed Monday. Landing at the White House on Marine One, Trump gingerly climbed the South Portico steps, removed his mask and declared, I feel good. He gave a double thumbs-up to the departing helicopter from the portico terrace, where aides had arranged American flags for the sunset occasion. He entered the White House, where aides were visible milling about the Blue Room, without wearing a face covering. The president left Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where his doctor, Navy Cmdr. Sean Conley, said earlier Monday that the president remains contagious and would not be fully out of the woods for another week but that Trump had met or exceeded standards for discharge from the hospital. Trump is expected to continue his recovery at the White House, where the reach of the outbreak that has infected the highest levels of the U.S. government is still being uncovered. Still, just a month before the election, Trump tweeted before leaving the hospital, Will be back on the Campaign Trail soon!!! And in case anyone missed his dont-worry message earlier, he rushed out a new video from the White House. Dont be afraid of it, Trump said of the virus. Youre going to beat it. We have the best medical equipment, we have the best medicines. His remarks were strong, but he was taking deeper breaths than usual as he delivered them. Trumps message about not fearing the virus comes as his own administration has encouraged Americans to be very careful and take precautions to avoid contracting and spreading the disease as cases continue to spike across the country. For more than eight months, Trumps efforts to play down the threat of the virus in hopes of propping up the economy have drawn bipartisan criticism. We have to be realistic in this: COVID is a complete threat to the American population, Dr. David Nace of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said of Trumps comment. Most of the people arent so lucky as the president, with an in-house medical unit and access to experimental treatments, added Nace, an expert on infections in older adults. Its an unconscionable message, agreed Dr. Sadiya Khan of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. I would go so far as to say that it may precipitate or worsen spread. Likewise, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, who spent more than 90 minutes on the debate stage with Trump last week, said during an NBC town hall Monday night that he was glad Trump seemed to be recovering well, but theres a lot to be concerned about 210,000 people have died. I hope no one walks away with the message that its not a problem. Biden tested negative for the virus on Sunday. There was pushback from a prominent Trump political supporter as well. Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas told the Houston Chronicle editorial board that Trump had let his guard down in his effort to show that the country was moving beyond the virus and had created confusion about how to stay safe. Conley said that because of Trumps unusual level of treatment so early after discovery of his illness he was in uncharted territory. But the doctor also was upbeat at an afternoon briefing and said the president could resume his normal schedule once there is no evidence of live virus still present. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as and should isolate for at least 10 days. Trumps arrival back at the White House raised new questions about how the administration was going to protect other officials from a disease that remains in the presidents body. Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany announced she had tested positive for the virus Monday morning and was entering quarantine. There were also lingering questions about potential long-term effects to the president and even when he first came down with the virus. Conley repeatedly declined to share results of medical scans of Trumps lungs, saying he was not at liberty to discuss the information because Trump did not waive doctor-patient confidentiality on the subject. COVID-19 has been known to cause significant damage to the lungs of some patients. Conley also declined to share the date of Trumps most recent negative test for the virus a critical point for contact tracing and understanding where Trump was in the course of the disease. Only a day earlier, Trump suggested he had finally grasped the true nature of the virus, saying in a video, I get it. But on Sunday afternoon, he ventured out of the hospital while contagious to salute cheering supporters by motorcade. At the hospital, doctors revealed that his blood oxygen level had dropped suddenly twice in recent days and that they gave him a steroid typically only recommended for the very sick. Trumps experience with the disease has been dramatically different from most Americans, who do not have access to the same kind of monitoring and care. While most must cope with their symptoms and fear of whether theyll take a turn for the worse at home and alone, Trump has been staying in the presidential suite of one of the nations best hospitals and has been given experimental drugs not readily available to the public. He returns to the White House, where there is a team of doctors on call with 24-hour monitoring. Trump was leaving the hospital after receiving a fourth dose of the antiviral drug remdesivir Monday evening, Conley said. He will receive the fifth and final dose Tuesday at the White House. Vice President Mike Pence returned to the campaign trail moments after Trump announced he would soon leave the hospital. The vice president boarded Air Force Two to fly to Salt Lake City, where he is to face off against Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris on Wednesday. Trump, in his new video, defended his decision to repeatedly flout his own administrations guidelines to slow the spread of the virus, including by holding rallies with thousands of mostly maskless supporters. Apparently referring to any potential danger to himself rather than others, he said: I stood out front. I led. Nobody thats a leader would not do what I did. He added: And I know theres a risk, theres a danger. But thats OK. And now Im better. And maybe Im immune, I dont know. Even before Trumps motorcade outing Sunday, some Secret Service agents had expressed concern about the lackadaisical attitude toward masks and social distancing inside the White House, but there isnt much they can do, according to agents and officials who spoke to The Associated Press. Trumps aggressive course of treatment included the steroid dexamethasone and the single dose he was given Friday of an experimental drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. that supplies antibodies to help the immune system fight the virus. Trump on Friday also began a five-day course of remdesivir, a Gilead Sciences drug currently used for moderately and severely ill patients. The drugs work in different ways the antibodies help the immune system rid the body of virus, and remdesivir curbs the viruss ability to multiply. The Joe Biden-Kamala Harris campaign is making a new pitch to win voters over in South Texas, dispatching Harriss husband Doug Emhoff for a pair of campaign events on Monday. Emhoff will first head to the Texas border, where he will campaign in Edinburg, then head to San Antonio. While its not Biden or Harris themselves, the effort to focus more attention on South Texas speaks to a larger Democratic plan to spend more time cultivating votes in South Texas one of the bluest regions in the state, but one known for some of the lowest voter turnout in the state. By starting in Edinburg, Emhoff will be in Hidalgo County where Hillary Clinton easily won in 2016, but the turnout was just 51 percent compared to the statewide average of nearly 60 percent. Emhoff, 55, will be in Hidalgo County at 12:30 p.m. at the Memorial Event Center for a voter registration drive. Then at 3:20 p.m., he is expected to be in San Antonio touring a food bank. Emhoff, an attorney, and Harris married in 2014. IN-DEPTH: How the biggest Democratic stronghold in Texas could cost Joe Biden a win here The Biden campaign has tried to put more time and resources into South Texas to boost turnout. Bidens Texas state director Rebecca Acuna is from Laredo and the campaign is holding dozens of campaign events in the region to boost their profile. With many expect the closest presidential election in Texas in decades, Democrats are convinced a turnout boost in South Texas could determine who wins the state. Texas polls have shown Biden and President Donald Trump in a virtual dead heat. Trumps campaign is also trying to work the Texas border. On Friday, Donald Trump Jr. was originally scheduled to attend a get-out-the-vote event in McAllen, which is also in Hidalgo County. That event was postponed after President Trump was diagnosed with COVID-19. Donald Trump Jr. was in close contact with the president and White House staff who have also been infected. KNOW THE CANDIDATES: San Antonio Express-News 2020 Voter Guide Houston Chronicle 2020 Voter Guide The Trump campaign has also been trying to boost its presence in San Antonio. Last month, the Trump campaign bus rolled through San Antonio with Trumps Texas chairman, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Trump won Texas by 9 percentage points over Hillary Clinton in 2016, but he carried just 28 percent of Latinos nationwide. And he performed poorly in Bexar County, winning just 40.7 percent of the vote the worst showing for a Republican in the county since the 1960s. Authorities in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) have sentenced a prominent Uyghur comedian and vocalist to a lengthy prison term for performing songs deemed politically sensitive even though they had been preapproved by censors, according to local officials. RFAs Uyghur Service recently received a tip from a source with knowledge of the situation that Ablikim Kalkun, who had entertained audiences with powerful songs about Uyghur unity and solidarity for the past two decades, was handed an 18-year sentence in late 2019. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity citing fear of reprisal, suggested Kalkun had been sentenced for a number of crimes, including separatism, religious extremism, and discriminating against national education. In addition, the source said, Kalkun may have been targeted for his close relationship with a number of religious leaders, as well as having repeatedly traveled to Turkeyone of several countries blacklisted by authorities for perceived threat of religious extremismwhere he sent his two children to study. Another possibility, they said, is that Kalkuns position as a widely respected artist who could draw a large crowd might have caused him to run afoul of the authorities, who might have accused him of disturbing the social order. The entertainer had been briefly detained for reasons that remain unclear in April 2018. Based on comments from online forums of Uyghur-language websites, Kalkuns millions of fans held him up as an exemplar of Uyghur values, a supporter of truth, a critic of social ills, and a champion of Uyghur culture. In order to verify the sources claims, RFA spoke with several officials in the XUAR capital Urumqi, where he regularly performed, as well as in Kalkuns home city of Atush (in Chinese, Atushi), a county-level city of around 270,000 people that is the capital of Kizilsu Kirghiz (Kezileisu Keerkezi) Autonomous Prefecture in the cotton- and grape-growing region of southwestern XUAR. A Uyghur employee at a district court in Urumqi told RFA he was unaware of Kalkuns sentencing and referred further questions to the citys higher-level courts. RFA also spoke with a Uyghur justice employee in Kalkuns home village of Suntagh who said she had never heard of the entertainer. When asked where Kalkun had been held in 2018, a Uyghur officer at the Nurluq District Police Station in Atush told RFA, I have no information about that. Stirring religious sentiment However, both a Uyghur employee of the Urumqi Intermediate Court and a Uyghur police officer from Atush confirmed to RFA in separate phone calls that Kalkun had been convicted by authorities citing two of his songsQerindashlar and Essalamu Eleykumas evidence of his crimes. The phrase essalamu eleykum [an Arabic greeting used by Muslims around the world] stirs up religious sentiment, said the court employee, who also named Qerindashlar (meaning kin) as the song deemed separatist, based on what they had heard from colleagues. When asked what was used as evidence of Kalkuns separatism and religious extremism, the police officer in Atush told RFA, the songs were Qerindashlar, Essalamu, and also before being cut off. As a performer in China, all of the content of Kalkuns songs and comedy routines would have had to be pre-approved and deemed acceptable by government censors. Kalkun is just one of several Uyghur cultural icons to be sentenced to prison, gone missing, or sent to one of a vast network of internment camps in the XUAR, where authorities are believed to have held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities since early 2017. Sources in the exile community have said the trend shows that Chinese authorities are committing cultural genocide by attempting to eliminate the best and brightest Uyghur minds. Beginning in October 2018, China acknowledged the existence of internment camps in the XUAR but described them as voluntary vocational centers set up to combat radical Islamic terrorism. However, RFAs Uyghur Service has found that detainees are mostly held against their will and forced to endure inhumane treatment and political indoctrination. Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Elise Anderson. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Scotiabank has a decision to make. It can be right. Or it can be compassionate and right. Its lawyers might stand by the first option. But its public relations team should push for the latter. I have been flooded with messages from readers appalled by Scotiabanks response to the disappearance of a $17,000 trust fund meant to benefit the children of a murder victim. A year ago I began asking the bank questions like: What happened to the fund? Was there human error? Was there an internal investigation? Have any procedures changed as a result of this situation? Most importantly: Will Scotiabank reimburse Gonca Aydin and her brother Devrim for the $17,000? I finally received this statement: At Scotiabank, we take the concerns of our customers very seriously and thoroughly investigate each customer concern. In this instance, we fully co-operated with Hamilton police throughout their investigation. Gonca and Devrim were essentially orphaned when their mother, Muruwet Tuncer, was stabbed to death 11 years ago and their stepfather-father was arrested for and later convicted of first-degree murder. Gonca was 14 when her mother died. Devrim was four. The tragedy deeply touched this city. Within days, the trust fund was set up and donations poured in. It was to be accessible to the children once they turned 18. But by the time Gonca became an adult, the whole account was long gone. She didnt even learn about its existence until a few years ago. An investigation by the Hamilton police major fraud unit concluded an automatic banking transaction moved $17,000 in donated money from the childrens fund into the account of a Hamilton organization that bankrupted due to massive fraud. Detectives have closed the case without laying any charges. Scotiabank is not criminally culpable. But it also hasnt been forthright. At one point during the police investigation, the head of the fraud unit publicly called the bank out for its lack of co-operation. And in the years yes, years since the trust fund fiasco was discovered, the bank has barely spoken to the siblings. In fact, Gonca had to dig through emails, request records and open old wounds just to get the bank to acknowledge a fund had, in fact, existed. Then there is Scotiabanks disregard for the community of Hamilton and the countless kind hearted citizens who donated to that trust fund. They are disappointed and angry the bank hasnt done anything to fix this mess. I just wanted to say I phoned Scotiabank, tweeted, and wrote and posted an actual letter to their head office about this issue, one man wrote to me. From another reader: Scotiabank should do an investigation and reimburse the children. And another: The bank should get some bad publicity out of this until they make it right and replace the money. The trust fund was opened by Morteza Jafarpour, the CEO of Settlement and Integration Services Organization (SISO), which aided new Canadians. He met Muruwet, who was from Turkey, through his work. He opened the account at the same Scotiabank branch used for SISOs accounts. The trust fund was named The SISO Fund for Gonca and Devrim. Jafarpours apparent generosity didnt end there. His family took in the children and he became their legal guardian. Meanwhile, he was masterminding a $2.9-million fraud, bilking the federal government out of SISO funding. When he was caught, SISO collapsed, Jafarpour was sent to prison and, according to police, the bank automatically used the trust fund account to pay off SISO debt. Gonca left the Jafarpour house soon after she arrived. Her brother, now 16, continues to live with the family near Ottawa. Jafarpour is out of prison. Police interviewed Jafarpour about the trust fund and determined he did not have access to the account at the time it was closed out. After years of silence following his arrest in 2012, Jafarpour has finally spoken out about the missing trust fund. He recently told The Spectator the account was not originally intended to be a trust, but rather a short-term fund to pay for Muruwets funeral. Instead, Hamilton police covered those costs, according to Jafarpour. The Spec has been unable to confirm that with police. Jafarpour says when the money was no longer needed for Muruwet, he decided it would go to the children. He says the account was set up by Scotiabank branch manager Frank Passaro, at the request of Jafarpour. Passaro, now director of the Healthcare Professional Banking Centre at Scotiabank, did not respond to The Spectators interview requests. It wasnt me personally who set up the account, Jafarpour says. Frank was supposed to handle that part. Jafarpour says he trusted Passaro to set the account up properly. However, he now suggests Passaro did not open a trust fund, but rather another account under the faltering SISO umbrella. When SISO went bankrupt, somehow that money got labelled as SISO money, he says. There was a mix-up there. I feel bad about that, because I feel bad for these kids, says Jafarpour. Does Jafarpour feel any responsibility for this, considering the childrens money was likely used to pay for his crimes? He says he doesnt. Because he says he was innocent and wrongly convicted. That is my position, he says. McMaster University business professor Marvin Ryder also thinks the account was not a true trust fund. If it was, the money could not be automatically transferred out. Ryder says more likely it was a subaccount of SISO. He is surprised the bank seems to be ignoring the goodwill value of cleaning up this mess even if it is not legally at fault. The bank can afford it and the good PR payback would be significant. If I was Scotiabank, even though I have done nothing wrong, sooner or later it just isnt worth it to me to fight. Lets just do the right thing and put $17,000 back in. About 48 per cent of the Covid-19 deaths in the country have been reported from 25 districts in eight states, of which 15 districts are in Maharashtra alone, the Health ministry said on Tuesday. Addressing a press briefing, Secretary in the ministry Rajesh Bhushan said the country has recorded the highest number of Covid-19 recoveries in the world at over 56 lakh and conducted the second-highest number of tests at 8.10 crore. "New recoveries have been more than the new cases over the last two weeks. New cases being reported in the last 14 days are below the previous high of ... DIDCOT, UK / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / Altus Strategies Plc (AIM:ALS)(TSXV:ALTS)(OTCQX:ALTUF) announces the commencement of a 3,800m drilling programme at its Lakanfla gold project ("Lakanfla" or the "Project") located in western Mali. The programme is being funded by Marvel Gold Limited (ASX: MVL) ("Marvel") under the joint venture ("JV") with Altus. Highlights: JV-financed 3,800m drill programme underway at the Lakanfla project in western Mali Targeting a karst-style target analogous to Yatela and the FE3 / FE4 deposits at Sadiola Lakanfla hosts extensive hard rock artisanal gold workings Historic drilling has returned high grade intersections, including (not true widths of interval): 5.1 g/t Au over 26m from 32m 4.3 g/t Au over 18m from 34m Passive seismic geophysical survey across karst-style targets to commence shortly Marvel is earning an initial 33% interest in the Project under the JV Altus holds a 2.5% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") gold royalty on Lakanfla Steven Poulton, Chief Executive of Altus, commented: "We are excited to announce the commencement of a 3,800m drilling programme at our Lakanfla gold project in western Mali. The drilling is targeting a karst-style geological model, defined by an approximate 7km long gravity-low that surrounds a granite intrusion. Lakanfla hosts extensive hard rock artisanal gold workings and historic shallow drilling has intersected up to 5.1 g/t Au over 26m. The karst-style model represents an exciting target at Lakanfla and is analogous to certain pits at Sadiola and the former Yatela gold mine, located 6km and 30km to the northwest respectively. "The programme is being funded by our ASX-listed JV partner Marvel Gold, which is earning an initial 33% interest in the Project. We look forward to updating shareholders on the results from the drilling in due course." Lakanfla Project: Drilling Programme The planned 18-hole programme will total 3,800m and employ a multipurpose drill rig capable of Reverse Circulation ("RC") and Diamond Drilling ("DD"). RC drilling is expected to better handle the variable lithological and ground conditions in the karst target areas, resulting in the maximum amount of sample being collected. The programme will test four karst-style gravity-low targets which surround a major granitic intrusion. Passive Seismic Programme Marvel will also be undertaking passive seismic surveys over the gravity lows at Lakanfla. These surveys are used to identify density contrasts between various lithologies up to 700m below the surface. Marvel believes the density contrast between dissolved carbonates and fresh rock can be used to model the base of the gravity lows in three dimensions. This data can then be calibrated against the drill results to aid target generation for follow-up drilling. Summary of Joint Venture with Marvel Gold Marvel have the right to earn up to an 80% interest in Lakanfla by sole funding four stages of exploration, culminating in a definitive feasibility study, and by making certain cash (or cash plus Marvel equity) payments to Altus. Thereafter, Altus has the right to co-fund or dilute its interest in the Project. Altus will retain a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Project and Marvel have the right to reduce the NSR to 1.0% for a payment to Altus of between US$9.99M and US$15.00M (subject to the size of the resource at Lakanfla). The following figures have been prepared and relate to the disclosures in this announcement and are visible in the version of this announcement on the Company's website (www.altus-strategies.com) or in PDF format by following this link: https://altus-strategies.com/site/assets/files/4927/altus_nr_-_lkf_drilling_06_oct_2020.pdf Location of Lakanfla and Altus' other projects in Mali is shown in Figure 1. Location of Lakanfla with respect to the Sadiola and Yatela deposits is shown in Figure 2. Plan of the Lakanfla drilling programme is shown in Figure 3. Schematic cross-section of Lakanfla geology and karst model is shown in Figure 4. Lakanfla Project: Location The 24km2 Lakanfla gold project is located 5km east of the Company's Diba ('Korali Sud') oxide gold project and approximately 6.5km southeast of the karst-type FE3 and FE4 open pits of the multi-million ounce Sadiola gold mine and 30km southeast of the former multi-million ounce Yatela karst-type mine. Lakanfla is bounded by the Sadiola permit area on its north, west and southern boundaries. Sadiola and Yatela are being acquired by Allied Mining from the existing operators Anglogold Ashanti (JSE: ANG, NYSE: AU and ASX: AGG) and IAMGOLD Corporation (TSX: IMG & NYSE: IAG). Mineralisation hosted on these properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralisation hosted at Lakanfla. Lakanfla Project: Geology Lakanfla hosts a consistent series of geophysical lows, as defined by a ground gravity survey completed in 2014. The lows are up to 0.5km wide and have a total strike length of approximately 4km. They are hosted within marbleised lithologies surrounding a granodiorite intrusion and its associated hydrothermal aureole. Surface sagging features, considered to be a result of the formation of dissolution voids at depth, have been mapped as being more than 100m long in places and these are also often coincident with the gravity lows. A number of the gravity lows are adjacent to N-S trending artisanal gold workings and are coincident with apparent gradient array IP resistivity lows. Interpretation of the residual IP anomalies has defined a series of intersecting regional and local shear structures, which are considered to have potentially promoted the karst formation process. The gravity lows and lithological trends may indicate areas of deep weathering of altered calcareous sediments, dissolution collapse and potential supergene gold deposition. None of the priority gravity low targets defined by Altus have been systematically drill tested to date. Of the historical drilling that has been undertaken at Lakanfla, 35 holes coincide with the priority targets. However, the majority of these holes were drilled were no deeper than 75m vertical depth. One was drilled deep enough to test the karst potential, attaining a vertical depth of 161m. Critically, this drill hole (04KDD-08) was located on the margin of a gravity low, reached the target depth and terminated in loosely consolidated sand (from 165m to 171m), having also passed through voids and unconsolidated material. The Company considers that this hole provides strong evidence for the presence of a potential karst-type system. Karst style deposits are known to form from the dissolution and collapse of carbonate (limestone) rocks. The weathering of these rocks, if originally mineralised with low grade gold and sulphides, can result in the precipitation of a higher grade 'supergene' and potentially economic gold mineralised residuum, above a more resistant basal layer. The dissolution of the limestones often means such deposits are associated with geophysical gravity lows, resulting from the formation of voids at depth. They may also contain sands and other more recent geological materials occurring unconformably in the geological sequence. These materials will have either been windblown, or collapsed into the depression created during the karstification (dissolution) process. Qualified Person The technical disclosure in this regulatory announcement has been approved by Steven Poulton, Chief Executive of Altus. A graduate of the University of Southampton in Geology (Hons), he also holds a Master's degree from the Camborne School of Mines (Exeter University) in Mining Geology. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and has over 20 years of experience in mineral exploration and is a Qualified Person under the AIM rules and National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators". For further information you are invited to visit the Company's website www.altus-strategies.com or contact: Altus Strategies Plc Steven Poulton, Chief Executive Tel:+44 (0) 1235 511 767 E: info@altus-strategies.com SP Angel (Nominated Adviser) Richard Morrison / Soltan Tagiev Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 SP Angel (Broker) Abigail Wayne / Richard Parlons Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0471 Yellow Jersey PR (Financial PR & IR) Georgia Colkin / Charles Goodwin / Henry Wilkinson Tel: +44 (0) 20 3004 9512 E: altus@yellowjerseypr.com About Altus Strategies Plc Altus Strategies (AIM: ALS, TSX-V: ALTS & OTCQX: ALTUF) is a mining royalty company generating a diversified and precious metal focused portfolio of assets. The Company's focus on Africa and differentiated approach, of generating royalties on its own discoveries as well as through financings and acquisitions with third parties, has attracted key institutional investor backing. The Company engages constructively with all stakeholders, working diligently to minimise its environmental impact and to promote positive economic and social outcomes in the communities where it operates. For further information, please visit www.altus-strategies.com. Cautionary note regarding historic data Readers are cautioned that the historical data on Lakanfla in this written disclosure has not been verified by a Qualified Person. Not all historical samples are available and Altus does not have complete information on the quality assurance or quality control measures taken in connection with the exploration results, or other exploration or testing details regarding these results. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information included in this announcement, including information relating to future financial or operating performance and other statements that express the expectations of the Directors or estimates of future performance constitute "forward-looking statements". These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve 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 statements. Such factors include without limitation the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programmes on schedule and the success of exploration programmes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this announcement and the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as at the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or any forward-looking statements contained in any other announcements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law or regulations. TSX Venture Exchange Disclaimer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organisation of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Glossary of Terms The following is a glossary of technical terms: "Au" means gold "DD" means diamond drilling "g" means grams "g/t" means grams per tonne "grade(s)" means the quantity of ore or metal in a specified quantity of rock "JV" means Joint Venture "km" means kilometres "m" means metres "NI 43-101" means National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" of the Canadian Securities Administrators "NSR" means net smelter returns "Qualified Person" means a person that has the education, skills and professional credentials to qualify as a qualified person under NI 43-101 "RC" means Reverse Circulation drilling SOURCE: Altus Strategies PLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609219/Drilling-Underway-at-Lakanfla-Gold-Project-Western-Mali Faith-Based Organizations continue to be as vulnerable today as they were in years past when there were notable attacks on people and places of faith. Many organizations are trying to better understand their threat environment and what responsible security looks like. It was only two years ago when one of the most horrific attacks on the community of faith occurred at the Tree of Life Synagogue. As recently stated by the Homeland Security Advisory Committee (HSAC) Subcommittee for the Prevention of Targeted Violence Against Faith-Based Organizations, Securing a congregation is a bottom-up process, and there are no one-size-fits-all security plans While each place of worship will need to create a system that suits its individual resources, culture, and comfort level, there are concrete steps FBOs can take to enhance security. And in remarks to the U.S. Senate in September 2020, FBI Director Wray noted, Many violent extremists, both domestic and international, are motivated and inspired by a mix of ideological, sociopolitical, and personal grievances against their targets, which recently have more and more included large public gatherings, houses of worship Trends may shift, but the underlying drivers for domestic violent extremismsuch as perceptions of government or law enforcement overreach, sociopolitical conditions, racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, misogyny, and reactions to legislative actionsremain constant. As stated above, the FBI is most concerned about lone offender attacks, primarily shootings During the height of the pandemic, on May 22, 2020, President Trump declared houses of worship, churches, synagogues and mosques to be essential places that provide essential services. People gather at FBOs to do all sorts of things, to include worship, but also to socialize, attend classes, teach their children, provide community-based services like job search support, receive mental health services, and other activities. In fact, the Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, along with its Board of Advisors, asked President Trump to formally designate an additional sector of critical infrastructure by establishing a Faith-Based Sector to include places of worship, food pantries, schools, and other charities and faith-based organizations (broadly, FBOs). Further, the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic is a complex and blended threat impacting members and the broader faith-based and charity community in numerous ways and that continues to impact security and response, both to manmade and natural threats. Protests. Whether seen as supportive of protests directly, logistically, or as sanctuaries or meeting places or if seen as being opposed to protests, FBOs have been attacked from both sides. Given recent events, ongoing protests, a tense political election season, and other considerations, protests may pose direct and indirect risks to FBOs. Disgruntled Individuals. Individuals who do not agree with positions taken by an FBO during periods of closure and reopening may take action against those organizations or others. As FBOs reopen and welcome back individuals, it is possible that some may have heightened sensitivities regarding these issues and may not respond well to personnel attempting to enforce safety actions. U.S. Elections and Events. As election-related activities and rhetoric increase in the final weeks of the election season, it is possible that political rallies may see protests and counter-protests aimed at politicians, groups, or places of worship where events may be held. Such concerns are not limited to any party or individual but are a possibility for any political event occurring at or near an FBO. Additionally, given the possibility of a prolonged period of time to identify winners from Novembers elections, tensions may be elevated for some time, and after results are announced. FBOs should remain mindful of local events and tensions as they assess threats and security needs. It is with this sentiment that the Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (FB-ISAO) announces the resumption of our 2020 Workshop Series focusing on Hostile Events Preparedness. Like other events affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, these workshops will be offered virtually. With the process formally starting in July 2019, FB-ISAO led a collaborative planning process among the ISAO, U.S. Government partners, and state and local government and law enforcement partners from around the United States. Faith-Based Organizations and especially houses of worship continue to be exposed and targets of violence. They need training and resources to increase their resiliency and preparedness. FB-ISAO regional workshops provide an opportunity for all who attend to interact with one another and to discuss best practices and opportunities for improvement regarding physical security preparedness. - Senior Cantor of Temple Rodef Shalom of Falls Church, Virginia and FB-ISAO Advisory Board member. 2020 Workshop Series objectives include: Provide a forum for faith-based and charity organizations to enhance their threat awareness and preparedness relating to potential physical attacks at their facilities. Use a hostile events scenario to provide participants an opportunity to interact with one another and discuss issues, concerns, best practices and other salient points regarding physical security preparedness, coordination and response among participants. Use a hostile events scenario to provide participants with greater awareness of U.S. Government and local government resources, guidance and best practices relating to hostile events and physical security to help inform organizational preparedness, security & resilience. Exercises are a vital part of preparedness and security. The workshops will educate participants on the Hostile Events Attack Cycle and challenge them to consider their preparedness and ability to respond to an enduring threat challenge facing all organizations to include places of worship and charities. We are not far removed from recent attacks against FBOs in Pennsylvania, Texas, and California, and a seeming daily occurrence of violence and vandalism aimed at places of worship. Unfortunately, combined with the complexities of the pandemic, many remain in a reactive mode and may be drawing the wrong lessons from some of our recent tragedies. In these exercises, FB-ISAO wont advocate for or against having armed security, for example, and the workshops wont be presentations. Rather, these workshops are an opportunity for participants to share and learn from peers and public sector partners about best practices, lessons learned, challenges and key considerations. There are best practices but there is no cookie-cutter solution for security. Through these workshops, we hope participants come out more informed, more aware, and more prepared to go back and mature their organizations security and resilience in a way that respects their specific needs. The community of faith is stronger when we work together. These workshops are one of the key ways FB-ISAO strives to encourage that. Mayya Saab, Executive Director, FB-ISAO. Among other government entities, fusion centers and partners, FB-ISAO is grateful for the partnership of the Virginia Fusion Center and the InfraGard National Capital Region chapter. Stay aware of workshop dates and locations here, where you can also sign up for FB-ISAOs free Hostile Events Preparedness webinars, provided by homeland security risk management experts from Gate 15, an FB-ISAO sponsor. Workshop Schedule (developing): 13, 14 and 15 Oct: Virginia Session 1 20, 21 and 22 Oct: Virginia Session 2 12 Nov: Wisconsin Other 2020 events may include Pennsylvania and others. FB-ISAO is a membership-driven organization that is open to US citizens of all faiths and their supporting organizations. The Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization serves as a trusted partner at the center of a national network of faith-based organizations and associations that have been informed and equipped to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from incidents arising from all-hazards, ensuring the resilience and continuity of these important community assets that include Cybersecurity incidents, Physical security incidents, Public health incidents and Natural disasters. Find us at FB-ISAO and join the conversation on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact: Mayya Saab, Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization Phone: 703.963.3459 Email: Mayya@faithbased-isao.org The Virginia Fusion Centers VFC SHIELD program provides a conduit for information exchange between citizens, businesses, organizations and public safety agencies. VFC SHIELD provides information on personal safety, crime prevention measures, suspicious activity recognition, safety for houses of worship among others. Through training, preparation, and situational awareness, individuals can utilize this information to better protect themselves, their families and their communities. Contact: Dante Robinson, Special Agent, Training and Outreach, FLO & SHIELD Coordinator Phone: (804) 674-2204 Email: dante.robinson@vsp.virginia.gov New Delhi, Oct 6 : Star badminton players Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap have withdrawn from the Denmark Open. The Super 750 tournament, which is expected to signal the restart of the sport's international calendar, is set to played from October 13 to 18 in Odense. "Yes, we have pulled out of the tournament," Kashyap, husband of Saina, told IANS. Saina pulling out of the tournament means that there would be no Indian participation in the women's singles event, as reigning world champion PV Sindhu had pulled out in September. The Indian squad for the Denmark Open now comprises former world No.1 Kidambi Srikanth, Lakshya Sen, Ajay Jayaram, and Shubhankar Dey. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) had earlier intended the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup team events to mark the restart of the badminton calendar, but the tournaments were cancelled after several countries pulled out due to safety concerns arising out of the Covid pandemic. The BWF also cancelled the Denmark Masters, which was set to start two days after the end of the Denmark Open. SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Untangle, Inc., a leader in comprehensive network security for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) and distributed enterprises, has been named the silver winner in the Best in Biz Awards 2020 International 'Best Small/Medium Business Service' category for its Untangle SD-WAN Router. The Best in Biz Awards are the only independent global business awards program judged each year by prominent editors and reporters from top-tier publications from around the world. According to a recent report on SMB Security, close to 1/3 of SMBs identify a limited budget as their greatest barrier to cybersecurity solution adoption. To rectify this, Untangle offers easy to use, cost-conscious cybersecurity and networking solutions including the Untangle SD-WAN Router. The Untangle SD-WAN Router provides inter-office connectivity and optimizes current internet connections so businesses can build a comprehensive, secure Software-Defined Network at a fraction of the cost. Together with its flagship NG Firewall, and Untangle Command Center, Untangle helps SMBs fight against today's new and evolving cyberattacks giving SMB IT administrators access to tools that fit within their budgets. "At the end of the day, regardless of the size of your business or budget, access to affordable networking solutions to efficiently connect offices and employees is essential," said Scott Devens, CEO at Untangle. "We are pleased our Untangle SD-WAN Router has been recognized as a winning solution for SMBs. Our customers can use our lightweight, easy to deploy SD-WAN solution to stay connected and secure as the network edge extends to meet employees working across offices." Winners in the 8th annual program were determined based on scoring from an independent panel of judges hailing from a wide spectrum of top-tier publications and media outlets from 10 countries. This year's judging panel included writers and contributors to such publications as Bloomberg News, Data Breach Today, Huffington Post, Small Business IT (Canada), TechRadar (UK), as well as other outlets from Brazil, Canada, India, United Kingdom and more. Best in Biz Awards 2020 International honors were presented in a range of categories, including Most Innovative Company of the Year, Customer Service Department of the Year, Operations Department of the Year, Executive of the Year, Most Innovative Product and Most Innovative CSR Program of the Year. A full list of gold, silver and bronze winners in Best in Biz Awards 2020 International can be found here: http://intl.bestinbizawards.com/intl-2020-winners About Untangle Untangle is an innovator in networking and cybersecurity designed specifically for the below-enterprise market, connecting and safeguarding businesses, home offices, nonprofits, schools and governmental organizations. Untangle's integrated suite of software and appliances provides enterprise-grade capabilities and consumer-oriented simplicity to organizations with limited IT resources. Untangle's award-winning network security solutions are trusted by over 40,000 customers around the world. Untangle is headquartered in San Jose, California. For more information, visit www.untangle.com . About Best in Biz Awards Since 2011, Best in Biz Awards has made its mark as the only independent business awards program judged each year by a who's who of prominent reporters and editors from top-tier publications from North America and around the world. Best in Biz Awards honors are conferred in two separate programs: North America and International, and in more than 80 categories, including company, team, executive, product, and CSR, media, PR and other categories. For more information about the International program, see: http://intl.bestinbizawards.com. Media Contact Lumina Communications for Untangle (408) 827-4363 [email protected] SOURCE Untangle BERLIN - Human rights groups said Tuesday they have filed a criminal complaint in Germany asking prosecutors to investigate two chemical weapons attacks in Syria that stand out among the worst atrocities in the countrys long-running conflict. Three groups, including Syrian human rights organizations and international legal campaigners, want Germanys attorney-general to probe the deadly sarin attacks on the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta and the town of Khan Shaykhun that occurred in 2013 and 2017 respectively. They argue there is plentiful evidence to blame the Syrian government for the attacks, including President Bashar Assad. The New York-based Open Society Justice Initiative, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression and the group Syrian Archive chose to file their suit in Germany because the country applies the principle of universal jurisdiction that allows it to try crimes committed elsewhere. In April, two former members of Syrias secret police went on trial in Germany accused of crimes against humanity over the torture of thousands of opposition protesters. The groups say a dossier they submitted to German prosecutors this week contains new information about the attacks, including some gleaned from former Syrian government officials who have since defected. The two attacks are estimated to have killed more than 1,400 people, including children. The use of chemical weapons and the targeting of civilians constitute war crimes. Efforts to bring the Syrian government before the International Criminal Court have been stymied by Russia and China, though the Netherlands recently made a renewed push to bring a case before the United Nations highest court. Now is the time for competent European prosecutors to jointly investigate Syrias chemical weapons program and issue arrest warrants for the Syrian officials responsible, Hadi al Khatib, the founder and director of Syrian Archive, said in a statement. Mazen Darwish, director-general and founder of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, said the complaint being filed in Germany is part of an effort to prevent those responsible for gross human rights violations from evading justice as part of a peace deal. We are afraid that if we go to a political agreement without justice and accountability, this means that we will return our country to a second round of war, Darwish told The Associated Press. And this time, we will have a new war built on revenge. And speaking as a Syrian refugee, there is no way I will accept to go back to Syria if there is no accountability, he said. The German Federal Prosecutors Office confirmed that it had received and would be studying the criminal complaint submitted by the groups. Even if German prosecutors add the chemical attacks to their existing investigation into crimes in Syria, it is unlikely that a case would ever go to trial unless the accused were to be brought to Germany, as the country does not try people in absentia. Read more about: JERSEYVILLE A Jerseyville man faces multiple felony charges in three separate crimes. Jacob R. Fry, 34, was arrested Sept. 29 on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. He was accused of less than 15 grams of heroin. Bail was set at $5,000. A day earlier, Fry was charged with burglary of a motor vehicle and burglary of a watercraft, as well as criminal damage to property after being accused of entering a motor vehicle and boat in Jerseyville to commit theft. He was also accused of damaging a camper. In separate charges also filed Sept. 28, he was charged with theft of motor vehicle. He was accused of trying to take a 2018 GMC Sierra Crew Cab pickup truck. Bail was set at $10,000. He has five pending felony charges with numerous counts, States Attorney Ben Goetten said. All stem from drug use. He has various charges for possession of controlled substance and methamphetamine. He is accused of posting bond on those charges and then going on a crime spree that ended with his arrest in DuQuoin with a vehicle reported stolen from Jerseyville, Goetten said. Prior to stealing the vehicle and fleeing Jersey County, [he] entered numerous vehicles and a watercraft, stealing and damaging items, Goetten said. Nearly one year later the Corvallis has taken a second up or down vote on taking ownership of the Van Buren Bridge. The result was the same. Monday night the council voted 5-4 to withdraw its application for the bridge. In October of last year it was a 5-2 vote that expressed the same sentiment. that the council, although clearly divided, did not want to pay $6 million or so to move the bridge.. Nothing has really changed, said Ward 9 Councilor Andrew Struthers, who made the motion to withdraw the application. We have spent so much time on this in the past year. We are spending staff resources every time we discuss this. I think were done. We need to withdraw the application and thank ODOT. The Oregon Department of Transportation had advised the city via a Sept. 22 letter that its application was not complete. The agency raised four key objections, with the major roadblock being that the city must make a statement of willingness to accept ownership of the bridge and all future legal and financial responsibility for the bridge. ODOT had given the city an Oct. 12 deadline to respond. Mondays council action appears to be that response, with the upshot being that the long-term status of the bridge remains up in the air. ODOT had established an Aug. 31 deadline for those interested in applying to take ownership. They received just the one application. ODOT, meanwhile, is spending $72 million on the design and construction of a two-lane replacement bridge, which would include bicycle and pedestrian amenities. Those in the community who wanted to save the bridge hoped to modify it for bike/ped use. Mondays vote doesnt mean the bridge is doomed to be demolished, but it makes that outcome more likely than it was yesterday. Struthers was joined in the majority vote to stop the process by Charles Maughan (Ward 2), Nancy Wyse (Ward 6), Paul Shaffer (Ward 7) and Ed Junkins (Ward 8). Opposing the motion were Jan Napack (Ward 1), Hyatt Lytle (Ward 3), Barbara Bull (Ward 4) and Charlyn Ellis (Ward 5). Bull, who has been a tireless champion of exploring avenues that would preserve the bridge, said she thought it was unfortunate that the city was closing the door on other options. I dont want the city to pay for the bridge, but I think that there should be a conversation, she said. We need to allow for a conversation to see if a partnership is possible. The vote reflected some shifting allegiances from the first one on Oct. 21, 2019 in which Junkins was absent and the Ward 7 seat was vacant after Bill Glassmire resigned for health reasons. Struthers, Wyse and Maughan reaffirmed their yes votes not to take ownership, and Bull and Ellis again voted for preservation efforts. Lytle and Napack, however, switched from yes to no, with Junkins and Shaffer, who won a special election to replace Glassmire, providing the final two yes votes. In other meeting highlights: The city introduced two interim department heads. City Engineer Greg Gescher, who has been with the city for 27 years, is serving as acting Public Works director. He replaces Mary Steckel, who left last Friday. Andy Parks, who has taken on a series of interim assignments in the past 20 years, is the interim chief of the Finance Department. Nancy Brewer, who held the position since 1993, left last Wednesday and started Monday as interim city manager in Lebanon. Councilors voted unanimously to approve a minor annexation of a piece of property on Southwest 45th Street. The application was driven by the septic systems challenges the property owner was facing. Approval of the annexation means the property can be hooked up to city utilities unless the decision is appealed. Four residents spoke during the community comments section of the remote meeting. Two expressed concerns about the challenge of illegal camping. Two others spoke about the bridge. Contact reporter James Day at jim.day@gazettetimes.com or 541-812-6116. Follow at Twitter.com/jameshday or gazettetimes.com/blogs/jim-day. Love 33 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 3 Angry 7 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Martin-du-Canigou. Tombstone. Reliefs represent: The funeral procession. 14th century. Cloister of the Monastery. Gothic style. France. Fourteenth century tombstone relief at a monastery built in 1009 in the Pyrenees Credit - Universal Images Group via Getty Today, it would be easy to assume that same-gender desire, particularly among men, is at odds with the history of Christianity. After all, many elements of modern conservative evangelical Christianity, from the infamous campaigns of the Westboro Baptist Church to faith-based pushes for anti-LGBTQ policy, give the impression that the religion is fundamentally opposed to the LGBTQ community. The division, however, is not as rigid as one might imagine. Historical evidence speaks to a rich tradition of continuity in literature, philosophy and culture that runs from antiquity all the way to medieval Christianity, where same-gender intimacies were able to flourish. In fact, we can find across the medieval world the potent glimmers of queer community and the role it played in formulating a language for Christian subjects as marginalized and persecuted peoples. Many stories of how queer figures maneuvered across various secular and religious spaces of the medieval world share a jaw-dropping candidness about same-gender intimacies and sexuality, and can provide important evidence about how medieval writers thought about the intersections of gender and sexual desire. While same-gender relations were not accepted within medieval Christianity the way they are by many today, they also did not elicit the intense disdain that we find within the modern Christian right. Despite evidence of great diversity in sexual practices, same-gender intimacies hardly are the focus of concern for most early-Christian and medieval writers. In fact, prohibitions against same-gender intercourse happened selectively, often motivated by political factors more so than religious ones. For example, in the sixth-century, Emperor Justinians historian, Prokopios, tells us that Justinian passed legislation against same-sex relations only so that he could persecute certain political enemies whose sexual histories were known to him. Story continues In addition, across the medieval Mediterranean, we find a series of saints lives that tell the stories of individuals who had been assigned female at birth, but became monks in all-male monastic communities. In the story of Saint Eugenia, who briefly lived her life as the male monk Eugenios, the saint is sexually harassed by a woman by the name of Melania. The text is quite clear that Melania is drawn to the monks male appearance. This story is important, because it demonstrates to us the need to treat these monks as men and not to misgender them as women. Rich and complex in their own right, these figures allowed medieval authors to tackle difficult questions about community, gender, sexuality and piety. Since authors did not always know how to grasp and interpret their protagonists gender, the stories expose to us the ways in which sexual desire between men manifested itself in religious communities. In the story of the fifth-century saint Smaragdos, the young, beardless monk arrives at the monastery, where he is isolated by the Abbot and placed in a separate cell. The author tells us that he was placed here so that he could not be seen by his brothers, lest he cause them to stumble because of his emerald-like beauty. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter We might surmise that the narrator is able to write with such frankness about same-gender desire precisely because the conceit is that this monk, assigned female at birth, is a woman (in some capacity) in his mind. But a familiarity with these texts and a sensitivity to the languages in which they were originally written shows a much more complex reality to this separation and prohibition. The Abbot is never confused as to how or why a young monk might sexually arouse his fellow monks, nor is there any concern or question of his gender. A similar awareness of same-gender desire in monasteries is evident across a wide spread of early Christian and medieval authors. For example, in Cyril of Scythopolis Life of the fifth-century Palestinian monastic founder Euthymios, the monk asks his followers to take care not to let your youngest brother come near my cell, for because of the warfare of the enemy it is not right for a feminine face to be found in the [monastery]. And such prohibition against feminine faces or beardless men are found across the rules written to regulate monastic life. Likewise, in his mid-seventh century Heavenly Ladder, John Klimachos praises monks who are particularly adept at stirring up animosity between two others who have developed a lustful state for one another. Yet, despite discomfort about sexual intimacies stirred up within the cloisters, the perceived problem always comes down to the fact that these men are committed to celibacy, not that they are men. This same-gender sexual activity is treated with less concern than instances of monks who are accused of having sex with women outside the monastery. While relations between monks are courteously dissolved and handled internally, intercourse with women often leads to a monks expulsion from the community. In a surprising and telling instance, the seventh-century theologian Maximos the Confessor reflects on what it is that binds communities together, stating that it is sensual affection and desires (erota) that causes creatures to flock as one. It is from this erotic faculty that animals flock together, being drawn toward a partner of the same kind as one. Here, his description of conviviality builds on a language of intimacies between similars, providing ample metaphors in Greek for the filiations between men in monastic communities and other social groups. But, institutionalized spaces for same-gender intimacies were not unique to the monastic world in the Middle Ages. For example, the rite of spiritual brotherhood or adelphopoiesis (literally, brother-making) bound two men in a spiritual brotherhood, echoing certain elements of the marriage rite. The process has been controversially heralded by the late Yale historian John Boswell as a medieval same-sex union. We are even told that these spiritual brothers would share the same bed and live closely bound lives. While scholars over the years have added a great deal of nuance to Boswells initial argument, they have also strongly attempted to deny any form of same-gender desire behind the rite. An unpublished manuscript at the Vatican Library, however, tells a very different story. In this text, which can only be consulted in its original handwritten medieval Greek, the 13th century Patriarch of Constantinople, Athanasius I, writing centuries after the inception of the rite, condemns it because it allegedly brings about coitus and depravity. In this later period, we see a newfound homophobic resistance to the rite that, in the reactions vitriol, speaks to the role this rite could really play for men committing themselves to each other: The Patriarchs words acknowledge the reality that no matter its intention, the rite enabled the space for sexual intimacies between men. That the brother-making rite possibly allowed room to maneuver for premodern queer men, long before that term ever existed, is critical to the history of Christianity. Narratives like these push us to understand the ways in which intimacies between men existed in various aspects of religious life, even between monks. These relations may not have always been prized or embraced, but they also did not receive the hatred and intensity of vitriol they find in radicalized Christianity today. In fact, the evidence we have suggests that in the privacy of monastic communities and rites like adelphopoiesis, queer figures had ample room to exist in loving relationships, far beyond what the archive has been able to preserve. Our written sources point obliquely to the existence of these relations, but detailed stories of these intimacies are left only as an imprint, an outline in the sand of lives now lost that have been forgotten by history. As historians, our role is not simply to regurgitate what was written, but to read between the lines. Thats the only way well unearth the realities of subjects whose lives were either shielded by secrecy or erased, often on purpose, by the history that followed. Princeton University Press Roland Betancourt is an associate professor at University of California, Irvine, and author of Byzantine Intersectionality: Sexuality, Gender, and Race in the Middle Ages available now from Princeton University Press. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The House of Representatives passed on second reading the proposed 4.5 trillion budget for 2021 after Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano moved to terminate plenary debates. Cayetano was given time to speak before his colleagues in the middle of deliberations on the budget for Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The controversial Speaker discussed issues related to the contested leadership of the chamber and the importance of preparing a relevant and responsive budget that Filipinos could be proud of. He then moved to terminate the plenary debates for the proposed 2021 budget which was then approved by the House. Originally, plenary debates were supposed to end on Oct. 9, Friday, followed by the period of amendments, then the voting on second reading. Final voting would have been conducted three days after. In a statement, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco called out Cayetano and his allies for the hasty approval of the budget without going through the proper process. He also criticized the suspension of the plenary session, which was originally scheduled from Oct. 17 until Nov. 16. Velasco said they should also be held accountable for not giving lawmakers enough time to take up budget proposals of some major government departments, and railroading the budget, which he said was contrary to Cayetanos supposed commitment to a transparent national budget. Prior to Cayetano's speech, three known allies of Velasco were also removed from their committee chairmanships and replaced by known supporters of the Speaker. Quezon Rep. Angelina "Helen" Tan, who chairs the House health committee, was replaced by Guimaras Rep. Lucilla Nava; AAMBIS OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon Garin lost her economic affairs panel chairmanship to Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Jr.; and Valenzuela City Rep. Eric Martinez was superseded by Manila Rep. Yul Servo Nieto. Last Friday, 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Michael Romero also lost his deputy speakership to Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro, a known ally of Cayetano. Both Velasco and Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said Cayetano's move shows how the current Speaker is desperately hanging on to the speakership. READ: No chance for Velasco, allies to declare Speakership vacant as House suspends session until November Atienza said many of them, who were present via Zoom on Tuesday's plenary deliberations, were objecting, but were again muted. He didnt care about Constitutional integrity, throwing everything into the air and making Congress go on a long vacation, he said. Cayetano also moved for the creation of a small committee that will consolidate not only individual, but also committee amendments on or before Nov. 5. The output of the committee will still be brought for third reading once session resumes. Asked to comment, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that this is purely an internal matter of the lower chamber, while also thanking the body for passing the budget. Senate President Tito Sotto said senators cannot finish their work on the budget if it will not be transmitted to them before Oct. 14. . Senate plenary debates will depend on how long senators can prepare after the House passes the budget upon the resumption of sessions, he added. The HOR has just disregarded the request priority of the President (Rodrigo Duterte) to pass the budget Do not blame us, he said. When asked for a possibility of a reenacted budget, Sotto said yes, most probably. However, Malacanang said on Monday that Duterte does not want this to happen. On the other hand, Senator Ping Lacson said they will have enough time to finish their floor deliberations and avoid a reenacted budget depending on when the House can finalize amendments and have the budget approved on third reading. On a Facebook Live post, Cayetano assured that the budget will not be delayed. He also told senators that House members would be happy to work with them during the break and to set aside political issues. And so in late May, when she saw images of raucous downtown protests on social media, when she read the details of the killing of Ms. Taylor, who, like her, was young, Black and from Louisville, Ms. Scott knew she had no choice. She had to take to the streets. In the months since, Ms. Scott has become one of the many first-time activists helping to sustain the movement. She goes to the downtown square, tweets about the case and protests about four times a week, she said. She said she took inspiration, and saw something of a road map, from the past battles that Black people in Louisville fought like the push to integrate Fontaine Ferry Park, an amusement park, on the West End, or the boycotts that helped to desegregate businesses. Those efforts taught her to use protests to highlight injustice, she said, so we can end it and get policy changes to keep Black people in Louisville secure in their homes and their communities. In the mid-20th century, Louisville was the stop for trains coming from the North where Black passengers had to move to the colored cars before continuing their southward journey, said Tracy E. KMeyer, a historian at the University of Louisville and the author of Civil Rights in the Gateway to the South. But it also was the place where organized labor as well as liberal churches helped to produce a civil rights movement that was relatively interracial for its time. One of the things the 60s era sort of bequeathed to us is a sort of playbook for activism, Dr. KMeyer said. Some of my younger students, especially some of my more radical younger students, will say, Were not like them. Were different from what they did back in the 60s, while doing pretty much exactly what they did back in the 60s. Some older movement leaders say that the younger generation has shown less patience at times, and that the current activist efforts can seem chaotic. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. An ex-convict from Port Richmond has earned himself a return trip to prison after pleading guilty to a gun charge. Michael Boyd, 29, of Grove Avenue, was busted on Feb. 9, 2019, in Elm Park. Cops pulled over the 2014 Mercedes-Benz he was driving at about 9:30 p.m. at the corner of Walker Street and Morningstar Road, said a criminal complaint. Boyd initially failed to comply when officers asked him to exit the vehicle, the complaint said. When the defendant finally did come out, he bolted, said the complaint. Cops nabbed him and found a loaded 9 mm Luger-caliber Ruger semiautomatic handgun in Boyds waistband, the complaint said. From the passenger seat of Boyds auto officers recovered a large plastic bag of marijuana, a digital scale and three cell phones, said the complaint. Boyd was taken to the 121st Precinct stationhouse in Graniteville. Once there, cops seized 19 plastic bags containing cocaine from his jacket pocket, the complaint said. Boyd was indicted on felony charges of criminal weapon possession, criminal firearm possession and criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was also charged with misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, marijuana possession and drug possession. Boyd pleaded guilty on Monday in state Supreme Court, St. George, to attempted second-degree criminal weapon possession to resolve his case. In exchange, hell be sentenced on Dec. 8 to three years behind bars and five years' post-release supervision. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the case. Assistant District Attorney Kate Malloy is prosecuting the case. The defendant has served a prior prison stint. In January 2010, he was sentenced to 18 months upstate, plus a year of post-release supervision, after previously being convicted of felony drug sale, court records said. South America as a continent is brimming with superlatives. Here are top 3 countries you must visit to experience a vast array of rich cultures, history, traditions, food! Ecuador & the Galapagos View this post on Instagram A post shared by Galapagos Islands (@galapagosisland) on Jun 8, 2019 at 1:24pm PDT When it comes to exploring South America, start from the middle, and you wont regret it. Start from the capital of Ecuador, Quito, and visit one of the best-preserved historic quarters IN THE WORLD?. Set aside a day to go on one of the most popular churches-and-cathedrals hops and marvel at the stunning architecture. Additionally, spot a handful of gorgeous volcanos here that will make your entire trip worthwhile! Lastly, head to the Galapagos Islands, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Watch as the animals walk and roam freely about and, of course, marvel at the incredible marine life; you might meet the best of the underwater world. Colombia View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colombia Travel (@colombia.travel) on Oct 1, 2020 at 4:02pm PDT If the American crime drama television series Narcos has not piqued your interest in the country at least a bit, heres what might change your mind... Visit Colombia for its eclectic culture, numerous attractions, festivals, food, and, of course, its globally renowned coffee and chocolates. Do not skip Bogota, the capital city, which is teeming with a thriving nightlife, plenty of museums, brilliant al fresco dining, and pulsating bar culture, and major shopping areas. Peru View this post on Instagram A post shared by GoAdventure (@goadventuretravel) on Sep 28, 2020 at 2:24am PDT This is the starting point of the incredible Inca civilization, and you will see ancient ruins, massive hieroglyphs, and incredible valleys scattered all across Peru. Needless to say, make it a point to visit Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the country. Spend a couple of days in Lima, the capital city, just to experience the culinary prowess that draws in chefs from around the globe. The war may be over, but life is still hard in Sierra Leone. Its among the poorest countries in the world. Many households do not have access to clean water, and outside of the city, most also do not have reliable electricity. Life expectancy is just 54 years, more than 40 percent of the population lives on less than $2 a day, and 70 percent of youths are unemployed or underemployed. Sierra Leones economy was actually humming along, with a 20 percent growth rate in GDP by 2013, but then came the Ebola crisis, which resulted in nearly 4,000 deaths. A year after the epidemic ended, a mountain on the edge of Freetown collapsed in a rainstorm, resulting in nearly 1,200 deaths and 3,000 people left homeless. I asked Abdul Jalloh, who directs the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital, about the toll that all of this has taken on the country. The war, now the poverty, the unemployment, all those things, he said. It has created a huge impact on the mental well-being of Sierra Leone. Jalloh is one of just two psychiatrists in the country, to go with one psychiatric hospital and nineteen mental health nurses. The treatment gap for severe mental illness in the country is estimated to be 98 percent. Most sufferers, Jalloh said, are simply on the street undiagnosed. Depression, anxiety, and trauma are widespread, and as Betancourt found in her research, these disorders can undermine the very thing that can keep an at-risk person afloat: community support and acceptance. Children who are unable to remain calm and be their best self when confronted with negative and stressful social situations get into these patterns, Betancourt said. They have blowouts with people, and that leads to more blowouts, and then youre blamed for everything and pretty soon youre labeled a bad kid. Betancourt and her team are working to help children break that destructive pattern. I learned how in the Kono village of Ngaiya, from Tamba James Mafinda, the town chief, and Tamba Ellie, the local youth chairman, which is a sort of government position that advocates for local teens and children. Last year, they told me, Sierra Leoneans trained by Freetown researchers had conducted sessions to help area youths learn the skills of emotion regulation, problem solving, and goal setting. The effects, Mafinda and Ellie said, have been nothing short of astonishing. Those who finished the program have begun to behave, listen to their elders, and communicate their troubles before resorting to violence or theft. They just calm down and obey, Mafinda said. They give respect to the chief. The sessions they spoke of were part of the Youth Readiness Intervention, or YRI, a course that Betancourt and her collaborators have spent the past decade devising and testing. It grew out of the teams conviction that its work should be about more than simply documenting trauma. Its one thing to do observational research, Betancourt told me, but its really important, ethically, to not just watch a train wreck happen, and not try to think about, are there ways you could move up the tracks and try improving them? So Betancourts team decided to take the lessons theyd learned from their research and create the YRI to help create positive outcomes for Sierra Leonean youths. The program began to take shape in 2010, when Betancourt teamed up with the crew of US and Sierra Leonean researchers at Caritas Freetown, a local outpost of the Catholic Churchs development and aid-delivery arm. The team consulted with village leaders, imams and priests, government agencies, and experts from NGOs. They solicited input from parents and neighbors, local police and teachers, and the youths themselves. And they all said almost the same thing, recalled Musu Moigua, the Caritas project manager who conducted many of these conversations. That the youth still do not know what theyre doing, they still are not focused, they cannot cope, theyre still having challenges. Meanwhile, Betancourt was digging into the literature. She found inspiration from experts in adolescent psychotherapy, such as John Weisz at Harvard University, and from pioneers in global mental health, like Vikram Patel, also at Harvard. Also influential was Paul Bolton, an old collaborator of Betancourts at Johns Hopkins University, who has shown that culturally sensitive, community-led interventions can be effective in low-resource settings. The idea is to rely on trained lay workers instead of impossibly scarce mental health professionals. The result of all these efforts was the YRIs twelve-module group intervention, which combines simple cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy techniques. It was designed with the Do No Harm principle, Betancourt said. Rather than focusing on heavy trauma processing, [it] focuses on skills and stabilization in a way that can raise up all boats, and help benefit kids from a range of different challenges. The group sessions are led by trained Sierra Leonean lay workers and are designed to be delivered orally, which is important in communities with lower rates of literacy. Heavy on parables and cultural references, the exercises focus on how to first recognize emotions, including poil at (sadness), yagba (worry), and gladi (happy), and how to focus on the positive. Other modules cover bereavement and coping with loss, goal making and strategizing, and how to recognize when youre about to lose control. JEE Advanced Exams topper says will stick to MIT India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Pune, Oct 06: A Pune-based boy who topped the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Advanced, results of which were announced on Monday, said he would continue with his studies in the United States' Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Chirag Falor, who topped the prestigious exam on Monday after obtaining an all-India rank (AIR) of 12 in JEE Main, secured admission in MIT in March but was pursuing studies online from here due to the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown. JEE-Advanced results announced: Pune Boy Chirag Falor tops exam|Oneindia News "I have already attended classes online at MIT and will continue with it," Mr Falor told PTI after the JEE Advanced results were declared. Some 1.6 lakh students had registered for the exam and 1.5 lakh appeared for it, with over 43,000 candidates, including 6,707 girls, clearing it. JEE Advanced 2020 result declared: How to check Falor scored 352 out of 396 marks. He said a securing a seat in the IITs was the toughest and he had prepared for four years as it is just one exam but with a vast syllabus, while MIT evaluates the candidate on personality and potential and checks how much he or she can leverage from opportunities. "I used to attend MIT classes online during the night and then prepare for IIT exams in the day," he said. Falor, who studied in Pragati Public School in Delhi and in St Arnold Central School here till Class 10, said he planned to go back to the US in January next year. Falor had got the Bal Shakti Puraskar for 2020 and was praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the time. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 9:42 [IST] Underperforming superannuation funds will be blocked from taking on new members if returns are not improved, forced to publicly disclose poor returns on investments and required to prove they are acting in the best interests of Australians. The Morrison government will require funds to take an annual performance test from July 2021 and those which fail to produce good returns for members will be publicly listed as an underperforming fund on a new online comparison tool, to be known as "YourSuper", until they do better. The test initially applies to "MySuper" funds lower cost balanced investment options but will be extended to other super products in 2022. The difference between the worst MySuper product and the best performing is up to $98,000 less for an average worker and these tests are estimated to help workers accrue an extra $10.7 billion over 10 years. New Delhi: Zee News on Tuesday (October 6, 2020) has yet again received a threat and its Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary was told on call that the media house will be attacked post-midnight. The call was reportedly made from Pakistan but was probably routed through a United Kingdom number. The caller threatened to blackout the channel and remove it from the satellite post 12 AM on Wednesday. He also threatened the anchors of the channel and said that they will have to bear the consequences. This was not the first time that Zee News' Editor-in-Chief has received such a call. Earlier in May 2020, a terrorist had called Chaudhary and told him to bear the brunt of showing Pakistan's propaganda on Kashmir. A Khalistani terrorist had also called and threatened Chaudhary. Before that, Chaudhary had received threat calls in 2019, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Recently a few weeks ago, China had also hatched a big espionage conspiracy against India. It was learnt that the Chinese had asked a Shenzen-based company named Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited to monitor Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and over 10,000 other prominent Indian personalities. China had also tried to spy on Zee News newsroom and was also reportedly monitoring its Editor-in-Chief. Live TV Notably, amid simmering tensions between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Zee News had run a 'Made in India' campaign appealing to the people of the country to stop using Chinese items and buy Indian products. The campaign proved hugely successful with over 1 crore people pledging to boycott Chinese products. Zee News has also reported relentlessly from the LAC and LOC and has been regularly exposing the nefarious plans of China and Pakistan. This approach worked during the 2014-15 West African Ebola outbreak. There, I advised policymakers and front-line workers to identify and isolate cases at the first sign of infection instead of relying on contact tracing of severely sick patients alone. Implemented by the community with stakeholder support, voluntary compliance soared measurably, and the outbreak in Liberia stalled and ended. The same approach was applied in Sierra Leone three months later, and it limited the diseases reach and stopped the outbreak cold again. I reland's Government has rejected national public health advice to introduce the highest level of coronavirus restrictions on the basis that they would be more "severe" than the first lockdown. The country will move to level three of the Government's plan to live with Covid-19, instead of adopting alert level five restrictions. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there will also be measures to increase compliance on the new restrictions which come into effect at midnight on Tuesday. The switch will last for three weeks. Under the restrictions of level three, only six visitors from one household would be allowed to visit another household. The stricter measures also include a ban on indoor social gatherings, a requirement for pubs and restaurants to only serve food outdoors, and a limit on travel in and out of the county for only work, education and essential purposes. Speaking at Government Buildings in Dublin, Mr Martin defended the Governments decision not to implement recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet). He said the potential implications of moving to a lockdown are severe and very different from those the country faced earlier this year. It could involve the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs with these concentrated in families and communities, which are already experiencing difficulties, Mr Martin warned. Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Government Buildings in Dublin during his address to the nation / PA This is not about public health and businesses competing against each other, its about protecting lives and livelihoods. We cant do one without the other. I believe that we all understand what we have to do and I have confidence that we can have the impact this requires and we need to do it now. If we all act now, we can stop the need to go further with introducing level four and five restrictions. I have no doubt that we can and will get through this. He said that while there is evidence people are following guidelines, there are others who are taking a more lax attitude. Whether it is about inviting others to our homes, or how we behave in public settings, the virus is spreading because people are allowing it to spread, Mr Martin continued. A cup for tips with writing saying 'lockdown 2.0 fund' is seen on a counter top in Galway / REUTERS The government has been informed by NPHET that recent trends and most parts of the country are a major concern. If we do not alter these trends there will be a serious impact, there is no doubt whatsoever about this. We must respond and the challenge is to be as effective and proportionate as possible. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said the Governments relationship with Nphet is absolutely fine. Given the times we live in it should be expected that there would be robust debate and disagreements, he told a press conference on Monday night. Shoppers, some wearing protective face masks, walk through the street in Galways' city centre / REUTERS No country has got this perfectly right, no one has a monopoly on wisdom when it comes to this virus. I think it is normal and healthy that there will be different views around the table. Mr Donnelly said the Government would have wanted to see a bigger difference in the underlying data before moving to level five. However, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar criticised Nphets recommendation, saying it came out of the blue. He told RTEs Claire Byrne Live that the level five recommendation had not been thought through. Before and during Coronavirus lockdown - In pictures 1 /44 Before and during Coronavirus lockdown - In pictures AP Buckingham Palace AP Piccadilly Line tube AP Big Ben AP Millennium bridge AP Wembley Stadium AP St Pancras International train station AP Downing Street AP Victoria Station AP Regent Street AP The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace AP London's National Gallery in Trafalgar Square PA Edinburgh's Royal Mile PA Barry Island, South Wales PA Bath PA Bath PA London's Waterloo station PA London Bridge PA London's Canary Wharf Jubilee Line platform PA London's Canary Wharf Station PA London's Buckingham Palace PA London's Tower Bridge PA London's Leicester Square PA London's Millennium Bridge with St Paul's Cathedral PA London's Criterion Theatre PA London's Palace Theatre PA London's Phoenix Theatre PA London's Canary Wharf Station PA Bournemouth beach PA Bath PA Bath PA Barry Island, South Wales PA Bournemouth beach PA The decision comes following a Cabinet meeting this evening to discuss the recommendations made by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan and NPHET. Dr Holohan warned there has been a significant and concerning deterioration in the epidemiological situation nationally. He said on Monday: It is vital that we do everything in our power now to arrest the current trajectory nationally and very substantially suppress the virus back down to a low level of transmission in advance of the winter months. Dr Ronan Glynn, deputy chief medical officer, said: Our core priorities have to be protected. We must work together to keep our non-Covid health services open, keep our children in education and protect the lives of the most vulnerable to this disease. Northern Irelands schools reopen for first time since March Solidarity is now more important than ever as we work to once again suppress this virus in our communities. Sinn Feins David Cullinane claimed the public has been left very confused by the Governments position. The Government has the responsibility to explain its decisions, as NPHET has an obligation to explain theirs, he added. On Monday an additional 518 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed by the Department of Health and no further deaths were reported. The Government was urged to make a dramatic intervention by buying up private hospitals to increase intensive care capacity. Labour leader Alan Kelly said the move would pay for itself by avoiding the economic fallout of a nationwide shutdown of businesses. The latest figures show there are 150 people in Irish hospitals with coronavirus, with 21 confirmed cases in intensive care units. Additional reporting by PA Media. Amaravati: It's going to be a first-of-its-kind conclave in India, the National Womens Parliament will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Pavitra Sangamam on the outskirts of Vijayawada city in Andhra Pradesh capital region Amaravati on Friday. Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will attend the inaugural session of the three-day event, themed Empowering Women-Strengthening Democracy, along with a host of leaders from India and abroad, according to AP Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao. The vision of NWP is to enable and encourage social, political and economic empowerment of women in all strata of the society. One of the objectives of NWP is to generate new ideas, concepts, theories and ideologies for women empowerment. The AP Legislative Assembly is organising the event and the state government is hosting it with the support of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Inter-Parliamentary Union among others. The NWP will come out with the Amaravati Declaration on women empowerment at the end of the three-day deliberations, the Speaker said on the eve of the conclave. National Womens Parliament will be a common platform for women from diverse backgrounds like politics, arts and culture, sports, education, industry, media, cinema, judiciary and social sector to share their knowledge and research in the area of womens social, economic and political empowerment, the Speaker said. The NWP would facilitate interaction between women from all backgrounds and also girl students to sensitise the society on issues like malnutrition, social security, sexual harassment, sanitation, oppression and other gender-based problems. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Former BJP MLA, 100 others booked for organising crowd in support of Hathras accused India oi-Deepika S Hathras, Oct 06: An FIR has been registered against former BJP MLA Rajveer Singh Pehelvan and 100 others for a meeting attended by scores of people here defying prohibitory orders. The meeting was held outside Pehelvan's house on Sunday where they defended the accused in the alleged gang-rape of a Dalit woman, who later died, and demanded registration of an FIR against her family members. Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal said Tuesday, "An FIR has been lodged against former BJP MLA Rajveer Singh Pehelvan for organising a crowd on Sunday. We are probing the matter. The FIR has been lodged against Singh and over 100 unidentified people." The FIR was lodged at Hathras Gate police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Fake: Hathras victims mother was not beaten up before her daughter was cremated When the SP was asked if there was any ''panchayat'' to be held on Tuesday in Hathras, he said it was proposed but organisers cancelled it. Hundreds of people had gathered at Singh's residence on Sunday where they welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to order a CBI probe into the Hathras incident. "We welcome the CBI inquiry ordered by the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. We have faith in the investigation," one of the organisers of the meeting had said, while claiming that the victim's family members were not consistent on their stand. "The entire scenario has been created to blame the government. The accused persons are in favour of any type of inquiry. But the victims are changing their stand every now and then. They do not want a narco test or a CBI probe. Now they want other kinds of inquiries," he had claimed. Bihar Polls 2020: NDA seat sharing announced, JDU gets 122 while BJP gets 121|Oneindia News He had said that an FIR should be registered by police against the complainants in the case. "Our demand is that a case should be filed against those people who had filed the case in the first instance," he had said. The 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly raped by four upper caste men in Hathras on September 14. She died on September 29 at Delhi''s Safdarjung Hospital where she had been brought for treatment Press Release October 6, 2020 Win Motion to Ratify Bicameral Conference Committee Report | SBN 1365 & HBN 6910 Alternative Learning System in Basic Education An Act Institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System in Basic Education for Out-of-School Children in Special Cases and Adults and Appropriating Funds Therefor (Senate Bill No. 1365 and House Bill No. 6910) Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, good afternoon. I have the honor of submitting for ratification a copy of the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on the Disagreeing Provisions of Senate Bill No. 1365 and House Bill No. 6910, also known as the "Alternative Learning System Act". After four pre-bicam meetings, the Senate and the House panels have met and discussed to work out a reconciled version of our respective bills at the bicameral conference committee meeting held last September 17th. The product of all the time and work dedicated to this bill is a legislation that will give a second chance to the millions of out-of-school Filipino children in special cases, as well as adults, who continue to be left behind by our basic education system. Mr. President, when we were hearing and refining this bill, there were at least 24 million Filipinos over the age of 15 who have not completed basic education, and an additional 2.4 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 who were not in school and denied the right to basic education as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. This pandemic caused the total number of 26.4 million Filipinos to even increase by as much as 2.3 million - which represents the differencei between the 2019 and 2020 total enrollment in the basic education sector. This brings the current total of out-of-school children and youth to around 28 million or more than one-fourth of the Philippine population. Mr. President, the law on ALS will be one of the government's primary means of providing these millions of Filipino learners with a second chance to obtain accessible quality education, earn a decent income, and uplift their lives. Ang panukalang batas na ito ay naglalayong mailapit sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga kabataan, ang pagkakataon para magkaroon ng mas maganda at mas masaganang kinabukasan. Paiigtingin din ng panukalang batas na ito ang programang ALS upang matiyak na dekalidad ang edukasyong ihahatid natin sa mga nangangailangan ng pangalawang pagkakataon. Finally, Mr. President, I take this opportunity to thank my colleagues who are both co-authors and co-sponsors of this bill - Sen. Nancy Binay and Sen. Manny Pacquiao; as well as the other co-sponsors - Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Sen. Bong Revilla, Jr. And last but not the least, Mr. President, I thank Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Sen. "Bato" Dela Rosa for joining me and Senators Binay and Pacquiao as conferees to the bicameral conference committee. Mr. President, the comprehensive details of the disagreeing provisions are reflected in the Joint Explanatory Statement. With the permission of the Body, I move that said Joint Explanatory Statement on the Disagreeing Provisions of Senate Bill No. 1365 and House Bill No. 6910 be read in toto in to the Record, and that the Bicameral Conference Committee Report beratified. Thank you very much and good afternoon. ___________________________________ i As of Sept. 28, 2020, DepEd enrollment stands at 24.7 million which is 2.3 million lower than the previous school year (SY 2019-20). This would mean that the number of out-of-school youth would increase by at least 2.3 million due to the current pandemic. DATA: DepEd Enrollment as of Sept. 28 = 24,661,788 DepEd Enrollment in SY 2019-20 = 27,008,605 Difference = 2,346,817 Thousands of people living in East London are without tap water after a 42-inch pipe burst, sending residents rushing to supermarkets to buy bottle supplies. The problem was first reported on Tuesday afternoon at around 4.30pm but it was not until nearly midnight that Thames Water discovered the cause of the issue. They said the issue, which is still ongoing, was caused by a 'large burst pipe' in the Hackney Marshes area. They added that engineers will work through the night to fix the 'complex job' as quickly as possible. Eight of East London's 21 postcodes are still without water, including parts of Leytonstone, East Ham, West Ham and Stratford. On affected resident, Gourav Sharma, 37, from Leytonstone, told MailOnline that they had had no water since 4.30pm. It meant he and his wife Meena were unable to make formula milk for their six-month-old baby, Ishan, and had to rush to a nearby B&M store to buy bottled water. A video circulating on social media showed residents scrambling to buy water from a Tesco outlet in Leytonstone. Thousands of people living in East London are without tap water after a 42-inch pipe burst, sending residents rushing to supermarkets to buy bottle supplies. On affected resident, Gourav Sharma, 37, from Leytonstone, told MailOnline that they have had no water since 4.30pm. It meant he and his wife Meena were unable to make formula milk for their eight-month-old baby, Ishan. Pictured: Mrs Sharma with Ishan Thames Water said they were aware customers in postcodes E6, E7, E10, E11, E12, E13, E15, E16 and E20 being affected. The areas also include parts of Forest Gate, Leyton, Newham and Plaistow. Residents first reported a problem just before 5pm this afternoon. Mr Sharma, who works as a consultant, said: 'The problems started at around 4.30pm. There was no water. 'It was a surprise, I've never seen it before. I've had no response from Thames Water. ' He said he had to rush to a shop to buy water to make milk for his baby son, Ihsan. 'We had no choice, we had to go to B&M and pick up some water bottles and there were not many. 'There's still no water to flush the toilets so we will probably go to our friends' house if this is not rectified in the morning.' The father, who is originally from India, added: 'I've been in the UK for the past 12 years, we do face these problems back in India but we use rooftop water tanks which help you survive but here if there's a problem you have no water at all for cleaning or flushing the toilet.' A video circulating on social media showed residents scrambling to buy water from a Tesco outlet in Leytonstone He said he spent 30 minutes on the phone to Thames Water but hung up when he was unable to get through. Another affected resident told the firm online, 'We currently have no water at all so please rectify the issue speedily & efficiently as you can.' A third added: 'Can you please update us with what the issue is that caused such large scale disruption and when will this get fixed. 'Water is the basic necessity and we need know when can we have them running through our taps again. A Thames Water spokesman said: 'We're really sorry to those customers affected by low pressure or no water. 'This has been caused by a burst on a large pipe in the Hackney Marshes area. We are deploying all resources possible to fix this as a priority. 'It's a complex job, but we're drafting in more staff and working as quickly as we can so that we can begin a repair as soon as we've pinpointed the damaged section. Thames Water earlier said they're of aware customers in postcodes E6, E7, E10, E11, E12, E13, E15, E16 and E20 being affected They said 'specialist engineers' are working to resolve the problem 'In the meantime, we've brought tankers into the area to improve the situation by pumping water into our local supply network and working as hard as we can to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. A video taken inside a Tesco outlet in Leytonstone showed residents filling their trolleys with bottled water. Despite the ongoing disruption, some light-hearted residents have joked about the issue online. One image showed a 'jug of fresh water' being sold on Ebay for 100. Another quoted Thames Water's tweet and joked, 'on today's episode of East London'. Wall Street is watching Washington, D.C. The U.S. presidential debate and President Donald Trump's positive Covid diagnosis sent reverberations across the stock market in the past week. Invesco's top strategist said investors should brace for more volatility this month even if markets recover from recent weakness. "Typically when markets are shocked by something like President Trump's Covid-19 diagnosis or the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan, there tends to be a short-term drop and then, of course, a recovery," Kristina Hooper, the firm's chief global market strategist, told CNBC's "Trading Nation" on Monday. "What I do think we need to expect going forward is more volatility as we get closer and closer to the election." Democratic challenger Joe Biden's firm lead in the polls has introduced some semblance of clarity to the presidential election over the past week Biden shored up his support in recent polls after last week's debate. However, Hooper said investors should still be prepared for a lack of certainty on election night and possibly in the days and weeks afterward. "We should assume there could be, there could very well be a contested election and operate based on that. Now that doesn't mean doing anything different with one's portfolio, but it does mean expecting more volatility, and again, viewing it as an opportunity if one has cash that they're looking to deploy," Hooper said. In a separate call with CNBC, Hooper said investors should take Trump at his word when he avoided an outright commitment to accept the results of the election. She said the president appears likely to challenge the results if Biden is declared the winner. This, rather than the polls, points to the possibility of a contested election and the higher chances for volatility, she said. Barclays on Monday said markets are now pricing in lower chances of a contested election. While markets hate uncertainty, Hooper urges long-term investors to stay the course and filter out the day-to-day noise. "Put blinders on. Sit tight and ride it out because this is likely to be very, very short-term volatility," she said. "This should be a short-term blip. We will have someone inaugurated in January. And so it's important to keep a long-term focus, maintain good diversification broadly within asset classes. And of course, we can look opportunistically to stock market dips as an opportunity to pick up stocks at lower prices, but we can't be scared in this environment." The presidential election is scheduled to be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. Biden opened a 10-point lead over Trump in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll released Sunday. Disclaimer The Duchess of Cambridge visits students at the University of Derby to discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their mental health and education. (Getty Images) Yahoo Lifestyle is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change. The Duchess of Cambridge made the case for checked coats this winter during a visit on Tuesday to the University of Derby. The 38-year-old mother of three slipped into the stylish printed coat for the visit on October 6. During the day the duchess met with students to discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their university experience, in terms of their mental health and education, as well as the measures in place to support them during this difficult time. For the outing the duchess wore a pale blue cashmere jumper from Massimo Dutti, paired with a long checked wool coat from the same brand, which she paired with a simple pair of black trousers. She completed the look with a pair of Gianvito Rossi black suede pumps, plus a dainty personalised necklace from All The Falling Stars, which featured three miniature gold discs that are believed to have her childrens initials on them. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a checked wool coat from Massimo Dutti for her visit to the University of Derby on 6 October. (Getty Images) Buy it: Handcrafted checked wool coat | 249 from Massimo Dutti Handcrafted checked wool coat For those who want to recreate the duchess look the handcrafted checked wool coat is still available to buy from Massimo Dutti in sizes 8 to 14 for 249. The necklace retails for 98.90, although it is currently out of stock online. The Duchess discussed the impact of the coronavirus pandemic with students at the University of Derby. (Getty Images) Royal fans who do not want to splurge a hefty sum on this coat can get their hands on very similar alternatives. We have found, below, a selection of affordable outerwear designs so you can look as stylish as the duchess. Kate also debuted a new hair do for the engagement. She appeared to have a lighter hair colour, with blonder highlights, which was shorter in length, and styled in her signature bouncy blow dry. Shop affordable alternatives to the Duchess of Cambridges coat Checked Pea Coat with Wool | 79 from Marks and Spencer Checked Pea Coat with Wool Herringbone Belted Longline Coat | 99 from Marks and Spencer Story continues Herringbone Belted Longline Coat Slim Checked Single Breasted Blazer | 59 from Marks and Spencer Slim Checked Single Breasted Blazer Belted Single Breasted Coat | 165 from & Other Stories Belted Single Breasted Coat Blazer style coat | 99.99 from Mango Blazer style coat Wool double-breasted coat | 89.99 from Mango Wool double-breasted coat Watch: Yahoo! Style UK recreate the Duchess of Cambridges style evolution I think it should just be do-able if everything goes according to plan. Certainly we have been promised the covid tests in Uganda should not take more than 12-24 hours, but I will caveat by saying I have not actually had clients use this yet. Is there a reason you're splitting your stay and going into Kenya twice? A lot of airlines will serve both Entebbe and Nairobi to save you doubling back on yourself, so you can fly into one and out of the other. Lastly, in theory there is a connecting Bwindi-Entebbe-Mara flight. They're asking for at least 4 passengers for next year, so this may be why you've diverted via Nairobi, but this could be worth looking at if you don't want to go around the houses. Alexandra- Extraordinary Africa Patiala : , Oct 6 (IANS) The three-day Punjab 'Kheti Bachao Yatra' of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Amarinder Singh culminated on Tuesday at the border along Haryana, with a vow by the two leaders to not budge even an inch from their principled stand in support of the favours, who were "under attack by the Centre's draconian farm laws". After confrontation and heated arguments between Congress leaders and the police on the interstate border, Rahul along with activists were allowed to enter Haryana where they were received by Haryana leaders, comprising former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda and state party chief Kumari Selja. A day earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the state government didn't have any reservation "if Rahul holds tractor rallies and road shows in Haryana, but he would enter the state without crowd". Before entering Haryana for a one-day tour, at a public rally at Francewala village near Sanaur in Patiala district, the final point of the tractor rally of the Congress leaders, including AICC General Secretary Harish Rawat and state party President Sunil Jakhar, Rahul lashed out at the BJP-led government at the Centre for inflicting atrocities upon atrocities on the people of all sections in the past six years. The poor have become poorer and the rich are getting richer, he said, slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi of serving the interests of corporate houses at the cost of those of small businessmen, farmers, arhtiyas and farm labourer. "But the farmers would die rather than bow their heads before these unjust and barbaric laws," said Rahul, adding that the 'mandi' and procurement system, which the farm laws would destroy, was the protective shield for the farming community. These laws would make farmers bonded labourers in the hands of the corporates, said Rahul, calling upon the farmers to act so that they do not have to repent later. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, in his address, said the regions of Dakala and Sanaur have always stood by his family and the Congress party, and the people of these areas were now standing rock solid behind the party on the issue of the 'black' farm laws. Castigating the BJP government, the Chief Minister said that farmers all over the country have risen up against the Modi regime and warned that "these oppressors will be decimated in the next elections." AICC General Secretary and in-charge Punjab Affairs, Harish Rawat, thanked Rahul for coming to Punjab in support of the farmers in their hour of crisis. Equating Modi with the British, he said just as the atrocities of the British empire failed to dampen the spirit of the Gandhi family, Modi also would not be able to do so. Calling Rahul the future of the country, Rawat said that only he could give a befitting response to the Modi government. Pledging to stand with the farmers, Patiala MP Preneet Kaur said the Chief Minister has not left any stone unturned in fighting for the rights of the farmers. She further said Rahul Gandhi had always stood for championing the cause of all the sections of society. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Patna, Oct 6 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday announced the seat-sharing plan among the constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the Bihar Assembly election. The BJP will contest 121 seats while Nitish's JD-U has 122 seats. In a joint NDA press conference here, the Chief Minister said that the BJP has been given 121 seats, while the JD-U has got 122 seats. He said that JD-U has given 7 seats to Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) from its quota, while BJP will give seats to Vikas Insan Party (VIP) from its quota. He said that talks between BJP and VIP are in the final stages. He said, "We are not concerned with what someone speculates. We are working together and will do so." Earlier, Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal reiterated that the NDA is contesting the Bihar polls under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Several leaders including Jaiswal, BJP Bihar in-charge Bhupendra Yadav, BJP's Bihar poll in-charge Devendra Fadnavis, JD-U state chief Vashisht Narayan Singh and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi were present at the joint press meet. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text US President Donald Trump's medical regime to beat COVID-19 includes unproven supplements, an experimental and unapproved therapy, and a drug that can cause delirium and mania. The President returned to the White House on Tuesday after spending three nights at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre. President Donald Trump, who has tested positive for coronavirus, drives past supporters gathered outside the hospital where he was being treated. Credit:AP "Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!" he wrote on Twitter. According to his personal doctors, those drugs include dexamethasone, remdesivir, famotidine, melatonin, and an experimental monoclonal antibody therapy. He is also taking zinc and vitamin D. Why don't you call United and ask? Perhaps they are condensing flights so the one you booked is canceled. Thanksgiving is many weeks away so unless they are planning on closing the island, I'm thinking they are condensing flights. For the future, I have learned that it is best to book directly with the airline and not third party. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 22:19:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SHANGHAI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- More than 150 major tourist spots in Shanghai saw 6.5 million tourist visits in the first six days of an eight-day national holiday, more than the figure in the same period last year, the municipal culture and tourism bureau said on Tuesday. The stellar number came despite tourist attractions across the city required to cap their visitor flows at 75 percent of full capacity as an epidemic-control measure. Tourism experts attributed the rise in tourist visits to a higher enthusiasm for traveling among the public as well as more diverse choices of tourist destinations. On Tuesday, the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower, one of the city's most well-known landmarks, saw 18,000 tourist visits, around 90 percent of the figure on the same day last year. Enditem Rahul Gandhi Patiala: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday, saying Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should have the decency to call the alleged gang rape and killing of a Dalit woman in Hathras district a tragedy. Gandhi, who is holding a series of tractor rallies under his 'Kheti Bachao Yatra' in Punjab to protest the Centre's new farm laws, also took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has not spoken a word on the Hathras incident. Advertisement Rahul Gandhi "The CM of Uttar Pradesh should have the decency to say this is a tragedy and will look into it and will protect this family and this girl," Gandhi told reporters here. He was asked by a reporter for his reaction over the UP government reportedly saying that there was an international conspiracy to defame it. Advertisement Yogi ji is entitled to his opinion. He is more than welcome to imagine whatever he wants to imagine. What I saw there was that a lovely girl was molested, her neck was broken, her family was threatened and the people who did it, no action was taken against them, he said. Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi "If Yogi ji sees it as an international conspiracy, well that is fine, that is his prerogative. What I saw was a tragedy, said Gandhi. Advertisement Before his tractor rallies, Gandhi visited the Hathras victim's family on his second attempt after being dramatically stopped outside Delhi by UP police. "A child is raped and murdered, but the whole administration attacks the family and country's PM does not utter a word, he said. Vice presidential debates didnt matter until the president contracted a deadly virus and might be too sick to attend the next two of his own. After last weeks screamfest between Donald Trump and Joe Biden drowned out nearly all talk of policy, it's now on Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris to illuminate Wednesday night how the two tickets differ on substance. Pence has considerable ground to make up after Trumps widely panned bulldozer act last week, and Harris has the delicate task of taking on the president as he recovers from the coronavirus. Harris tone toward the laid-up president is expected to mirror Bidens of late, according to aides and allies. The Democratic presidential contender and Harris have wished the president a speedy recovery. Their campaign pulled negative TV ads and implored staff to refrain from piling on to reporters and on social media, though as Trump emerged from the hospital late Monday, Biden suggested he would not let him off the hook for not wearing a mask and flouting social distancing protocols. The grim circumstances dont change Harris overarching objective: to methodically yoke Pence to the Trump administrations months of failures to contain the virus, zeroing in on his role as chair of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. The legal threat to the Affordable Care Act clarified by the battle over the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs seat will be another focal point for Harris. And after Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito lamented Monday the ruinous consequences for religious liberty of the court's decision that granted marriage rights and signaled that the ruling should be reconsidered the VP contenders' sharply divergent records on same-sex marriage are likely to surface. Harris aides view Pence as a far more polished and disciplined orator than the president. Unlike with Trump, they say, when Pence says something untrue it is packaged in language that makes it harder to spot and counter in real time. But Harris will attempt to pin him down on Trumps stewardship of the sputtering economy and explosive remarks on race and groups tied to white supremacy. Story continues The key thing with Pence is that you have to separate out style from substance, said Bob Barnett, the Democratic lawyer who was Tim Kaines stand-in for Pence in 2016 and has focused on debate preparations for 10 presidential campaigns. He will come across as very measured, very thoughtful and very smooth very unlike President Trump. But out of his mouth will come these wild Trumpisms. Rarely have vice presidential debates been memorable, let alone consequential. Kaine, who shared a stage with Pence four years ago, conducted a review of VP debates at the time and concluded that no one ever made any difference, though the 1976 meeting between Sens. Bob Dole and Walter Mondale was viewed as a boon to Jimmy Carters campaign. The thunderclap of events leading into the week along with Trump's condition and Biden's age has raised the stakes for both campaigns with less than a month before Election Day and the prospects for the remaining presidential debates up in the air. Harris and Pences camps each recognize that a future president could be on stage. And they anticipate a more orderly event after the presidents constant outbursts interrupted the flow in Cleveland and made it exceedingly difficult to follow. Trump is leaning on Pence more than before to perform after he was sidelined with the virus. Harris had always planned to focus on making a proactive case for Biden, but her aides contend last weeks debate reinforced for many voters that the upcoming clash could be their last chance to hear something approaching a substantive exchange of ideas. Even if Trump recovers and debates again, theres no guarantee Biden or a future moderator will have more success than Chris Wallace. New safety precautions will serve as a visual reminder of the virus thats consumed the country. The Commission on Presidential Debates approved plans for plexiglass barriers between Pence, Harris and moderator Susan Page. The candidates were moved from 7 feet to 13 feet apart. Bidens camp supported the moves, which came under scrutiny from Trump officials, despite Pence's leadership on the coronavirus task force that advocates for safety measures. Harris, a prodigious preparer, has spent weeks trying to drill down to the substance of Pence's record and past remarks. In Washington, before arriving last week in Salt Lake City, she reviewed briefing materials, memorizing Bidens stances, the Trump-Pence agenda and studying for how to square her record with the anticipated hits from Pence. Prep sessions have involved a rotating cast of subject matter experts and top Biden hands, including Symone Sanders, who has been traveling with Harris of late. Former South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who sparred with Harris over his own record on race shortly before she dropped out of the primary last year, has been helping prep her on Pence, a fellow Indianan. Were very cognizant that Pence cant run from Trumps record, a Biden campaign adviser said. This debate isn't even about him. Its about their failed record. Mike Pence (left) and Tim Kaine walk off the stage after the vice-presidential debate at Longwood University in Virginia on Oct. 4, 2016. Confronting Harris without making it too personal will be a central challenge for Pence. Outside Democratic groups are prepared to call out instances of perceived sexism or racism, and Harris allies, including top donors and politicians, have issued warnings about how she might be portrayed in the ensuing coverage. On her podcast, Hillary Clinton told Harris shed face slights to diminish her because shes a woman. I think that what Mike Pence will try to do is somehow subtly undercut Kamala, Clinton said during a recent fundraiser with Harris. Clinton predicted Harris wouldnt stand for such treatment, but advised her to modulate her responses because we know there still is a double standard alive and well when it comes to women in politics. Tactically, Pences camp studied Harriss debates and came away convinced that shes stronger on the attack than she is as a counterpuncher, according to Trump allies. Last year, Harris struggled in the debate when confronted by the gadfly candidate Rep. Tulsi Gabbard over her criminal justice record. Meantime, Harris allies stressed the rules and structure of the debate differ from a Senate hearing where she can control the flow of questions like a prosecutor might in a courtroom. Harris aides also anticipate Pence will try to drive a wedge between the liberal positions she espoused as a candidate for president and the centrist approaches that shes adopted as Bidens running mate. Harris, for example, personally opposes fracking and supported the "Green New Deal." She also expressed an openness in the past when asked whether the Supreme Court should be expanded. Her advisers largely view the disparities as a distraction from Trumps own record, which has become harder to defend since the virus killed more than 200,000 people and cratered the national economy. But each instance will still require an answer from Harris. Shes very clear about her role as vice presidential nominee in being a part of implementing Joe Biden's vision. So, I think, thats her answer, said Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist who served as Kaines communications director during the 2016 presidential race. As Biden has said, you give your advice to the president, your insight and your counsel, and at the end of the day, the president makes the decision. And you are there to help implement that vision. A Biden supporter attempts to grab Genevieve Peters, a member of Women for Trump, Trump flag near the front of the stage as Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at a car rally campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Warren, Mich. (Nicole Hester/Ann Arbor News via AP) (AP) While speaking at a rally for Joe Biden on Monday, Senator Bernie Sanders had to pause his speech after being interrupted by a Trump supporter in the crowd. The "car rally" held outside of Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan was attended by hundreds of people who listened to the evening's speakers from their vehicles. But as Mr Sanders spoke at the podium, a woman waving a flag emblazoned with "Trump 2020" stood right in front of the stage, obscuring the senator from view on the TV broadcast. Mr Sanders' microphone was promptly shut off as a Macomb County police officer confronted the maskless woman and appeared to ask her to leave. Photographers circled the scene as the woman held her ground and continued to hold up her flag. Eventually, she retreated and sat on the ground as a photographer snatched the flag out of her hand. After the almost two-minute altercation, Mr Sanders' microphone was turned back on. A Biden supporter attempts to grab Genevieve Peters, a member of Women for Trump, Trump flag near the front of the stage as Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at a car rally campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Warren, Mich. (Nicole Hester/Ann Arbor News via AP)AP "OK, I think we got the mic back," he said, before continuing to speak about Mr Biden's support for increasing the federal minimum wage. At the time his speech was interrupted, Mr Sanders was saying, "The American people need a wage increase and that is what Joe Biden is proposing." According to local outlets MLive and The Detroit News, about a dozen of President Donald Trump's supporters protested at Monday's rally. The outlets identified the woman with the flag as Genevieve Peters, a member of Women for Trump. Read more Sanders brands Trump most dangerous president in history after chaotic first debate with Biden Trump campaign says no change to rally coronavirus protocols following presidents release from hospital New Delhi : Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remark on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his vote of thanks speech in Rajya Sabha. PM Narendra Modi, during his speech in Rajya Sabha, took a jibe at former prime minister and said ''no one knows the art of bathing inside bathroom wearing a raincoat better than Dr Manmohan Singh''. After PM's remarks, the Congress MPs created a ruckus in the House and later walked out in protest. Chidambaram while addressing the media outside the House said that the PM attacked Manmohan Singh in a very unacceptable manner. It is an ugly statement against Manmohan Singh, extremely poor test. We are very disappointed so we have walked out in protest, said the former finance minister. Key Highlights | PM Modi in Rajya Sabha: Attacks on me or govt are understandable but why was RBI dragged into politics? Meanwhile, Manmohan Singh maintained his silence on the issue. He said that he doesnt want to speak anything on PM Modi's remarks. After the Congress MPs staged a walkout, PM Modi again resumed his speech and said, When you criticise other, you should also have the patience to accept criticism too. We can pay back in the same coin. Also read: PM Modi's vote of thanks, speech in Lok Sabha on Tuesday Senior advocate Kapil Sibal said: "PM Modi chooses to speak when everyone else is done & then makes unsubstantiated allegations. We cannot tolerate this and we will not let him speak until he apologises for his remarks." Among other Congress leaders, senior leader Ahmed Patel said that he wis unable to find words to criticise PM Modi for his remarks. It is highly disrespectful of a PM using these words. Read: FULL PARLIAMENT COVERAGE For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duty claims involving certain officers and/or directors of Honeywell International, Inc. ("Honeywell" or the "Company") (NYSE: HON). The investigation concerns whether certain officers and/or directors of Honeywell breached their fiduciary duties, wasted corporate assets, were unjustly enriched and/or contributed to violations of federal securities laws, resulting in significant damage to Honeywell's reputation, goodwill, standing in the business community, and potential exposure to millions of dollars in liability for violations of federal securities laws. If you have continuously held Honeywell stock since at least February 1, 2018 and wish to discuss Kehoe Law Firm's investigation or have questions about your potential legal rights, please contact Michael Yarnoff, Esq., (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804, [email protected], [email protected], to learn more about the 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 dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors. This notice may constitute attorney advertising. SOURCE Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. Related Links kehoelawfirm.com DHAKA, Bangladesh - At least four people died late Tuesday when members of two criminal factions attacked each other in a sprawling camp for Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh police said. Twenty other refugees were injured as the two groups opened fire with locally made guns and used sharp weapons at Kutupalong in Coxs Bazar district, said Rafiqul Islam, an additional police superintendent. Security was heightened in the camps in the district, where more than 700,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar have been sheltered by the government, he said. The official said at least seven Rohingya refugees, including those who died Tuesday, have been killed in clashes to establish dominance in the area over the last few days. Bangladesh authorities and intelligence officials say some refugees are involved in the illicit drug trade, smuggling, robberies and ransom-seeking. Earlier Tuesday, the elite security agency Rapid Action Battalion arrested nine refugees suspected of involvement in various criminal activities. They possessed firearms, bullets and sharp weapons, Islam said. Local media reported that the clash Tuesday began after the arrests when one group accused the other of helping the security agency. Human rights groups working in the camps acknowledge there are criminals among the refugees. In January, at least four suspected criminals were killed in a gunfight with police, and in March last year seven others were fatally shot by security officials. They were accused of involvement in drug dealing and human trafficking. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fled to Bangladesh after the military in Buddhist-majority Myanmar launched a crackdown against them in August 2017 in response to an attack by insurgents. NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP >> Newtown Township will be applying for federal funding to bolster its career firefighting force. And its crossing its fingers and hoping the third times a charm. At its Jan. 12 meeting, the board of supervisors voted unanimously to resubmit its SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to... Figure 1 Midland-Probe Partnerships Midland-Probe Partnerships MONTREAL, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midland Exploration Inc. (Midland) (TSX-V: MD), in partnership with Probe Metals Inc. (Probe), is pleased to announce the acquisition of 104 new claims adjacent to the La Peltrie option and to provide an update on the exploration program ongoing on both the la Peltrie option and the Gaudet-Fenelon Joint Venture. Highlights: Regional High Definition Heliborne Magnetics Survey Completed Regional Geochemical Surveys to be completed by November (1,220 samples) 42.5 kilometres of Induced Polarization (IP) survey completed on JV Property Additional 52 square kilometres of claims staked on the La Peltrie Option Drill Program Scheduled for Q1 2021 Gaudet-Fenelon JV property The Joint Venture Gaudet-Fenelon property (50% Midland / 50% Probe), consists of 226 claims (125 square kilometres) covering 35 kilometres of the Lower Detour Gold Trend (LDGT) and is adjacent to Walbridge Minings (Wallbridge) property hosting the Fenelon, Tabasco and Reaper gold zones. Exploration highlights include historical drilling grading up to 11.4 over 0.6 metre and identification of several Induced Polarisation (IP) anomalies targets along magnetic structures within the LDGT. Summer 2020 exploration work consisted of a new 42.5-kilometre IP survey covering a structural domain similar to the Fenelon Gold Zone. Results from the recently completed IP survey are expected shortly. A property-wide geochemical sampling program is expected to be completed this fall and is designed to prioritize IP anomalies and drill targets. To date, 400 of the 520 geochemical sample sites have been taken across the property. Some local prospecting and geological mapping are also planned in October. A high definition heliborne magnetics survey has been completed over the central part of the property totaling 890 lines-kilometres. An additional 1050 lines-kilometres will be flown in October to complete the airborne magnetic coverage over the JV ground. A drill program is planned for Winter 2021. Story continues La Peltrie Option The La Peltrie option consists of 539 claims (292 square kilometres) and covers more than 25 kilometres along a series of NW-SE-trending subsidiary faults to the south of the regional LDGT. The property is adjacent and east of the Detour Lake mine property and south of Probes 100% Detour Quebec Main block property. In September, Probe began a work program on the La Peltrie option that included a property-scale geochemical sampling program as well as a geologic mapping and prospecting program. To date, 60 rock samples have been collected and 400 of the 700 geochemical sample sites have been sampled across the property. Field crews will work to complete the program before the end of the fall work season. The goal of this program is to highlight areas of interest on the property for follow-up IP work in 2021. In addition, Probe will complete a high definition heliborne magnetics survey on the property during the month of October. Cautionary statement : Mineralization occurring at Fenelon, Tabasco and Reaper zones is not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be found on projects held by Midland/Probe described in this press release. About Probe Probe Metals Inc. is a leading Canadian gold exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is committed to discovering and developing high-quality gold projects, including its key asset the Val-dOr East Gold Project, Quebec. The Company is well-funded and controls a strategic land package of approximately 1,000-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts in Quebec. The Company was formed as a result of the sale of Probe Mines Limited to Goldcorp Inc. in March 2015. Newmont Corporation currently owns approximately 12% of the Company. About Midland Midland targets the excellent mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new world-class deposits of gold, platinum group elements and base metals. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as Probe Metals Inc., Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd., BHP Billiton Canada Inc., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Osisko Mining Inc., SOQUEM INC., Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund, and Abcourt Mines Inc. Midland prefers to work in partnership and intends to quickly conclude additional agreements in regard to newly acquired properties. Management is currently reviewing other opportunities and projects to build up the Company portfolio and generate shareholder value. This press release was prepared by Mario Masson. P.Geo., VP Exploration for Midland and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, who also approved the technical content of this press release. For further information, please consult Midlands website or contact: Gino Roger, President and Chief Executive Officer Tel.: 450 420-5977 Fax: 450 420-5978 Email: info@midlandexploration.com Website: www.midlan d exploration.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Midlands periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Midland from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/41456b18-5954-49f3-b610-3f46659ebede TACOMA, Wash., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- EventsPass, the global event technology company, wowed the Western Fair Association (WFA) last week by presenting unique and exciting research results on the audiences of two major fair members. EventsPass is a global event ticketing and data technology company, but its capabilities include engaging and transformative event and audience research and analytics. At the commencement of the pandemic shutdown of the events sector across the USA, EventsPass recognized that Fairs at State and County level would be severely impacted. Through its membership of the WFA, EventsPass offered complimentary research services to the Fair organizers. The Fairs selected were Kitsap County Fair and California State Fair. The EventsPass CEO, Stewart Buchanan, presented the results to members of the WFA, revealing many eye-opening insights, including: There was no uniformity in visitor intent between the fairs, underlining the need for each organizer to run their own research. Spend intention was linked to the intention to attend the Fair, indicating the at-fair spend will be strong. Fair features that could expect spend contraction were also uncovered, which will help organizers budget their revenue and plan strategic investments. Positive indicators for a strong rebound include mass events proving safe, a successful introduction of a vaccine, or risk mitigation initiatives such as hand sanitizer stations. Fairs are viewed as important cultural events for their visitors, which would be greatly missed if they did not run. Rick Pickering, the CEO of California State Fair, said of the research "Our experience with EventsPass was very positive, from initial design to asking for feedback and input. We shared the results with our board in draft format before we had even got a summary as we thought the raw data was so important for them to see. It made sense!" Stewart also provided the WFA membership with advice and tips for running their own surveys, including the offer to provide an EventsPass Visitor Sentiment Survey template, assistance with research on the economic impact a fair has in its community, as well as EventsPass' innovative contactless ticketing and visitor registration services. Sarah Cummings, the CEO of the WFA, said she was "Very excited to see the results. The information is so valuable, for service members and fair members alike." EventsPass also provided valuable insights that would assist Fair sponsorship sales by understanding sponsor brand recall as well as consumer spend intention for brands associated with the Fair. The WFA members were advised that deeper data analysis could offer an understanding of the type of person who provides value for the sponsors, offering important insights for the valuable conversations with sponsors in the future. The research has already proven very valuable for the Kitsap County Fair, helping to finalize a multi-year sponsorship worth more than $100,000 to the Fair. Randy Hatfield, the Fair Manager, stated "We went into this looking to get some guidance as we go into the future with the fair. This was a great tool to utilize when we started to negotiate with our major sponsors. They saw that we were thinking ahead by utilizing this research. Stewart [and EventsPass] was very helpful and thorough." EventsPass is looking to assist other Fairs across the US with understanding their visitors history, and future sentiments, as well as to offer their market-leading ticketing and registration technology to help organizers run Covid-safe events now, and into the future. SOURCE EventsPass ACT Leader David Seymour wants to allow the next generation to build like boomers so they can create new opportunities and rebuild a country we can all be proud of. Today in Tauranga, ACT announced its Housing and Infrastructure Strategy, Build Like the Boomers. Boomer has been used as a term of derision, but that generation knew how to build houses. Since the mid-1970s, our population has grown by two million, but were building fewer houses now than we did then. Its no wonder we have a housing crisis, says Seymour. Housing costs as a proportion of income are some of the highest in the developed world. An entire generation has been locked out of homeownership. Thousands live in insecure housing and others have no home whatsoever. Everyone agrees that our planning system is to blame. We simply dont allow enough building whether up or out to house our growing population. Governments of all stripes have failed to confront this challenge. During todays visit to Tauranga, ACT Party members visited Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, where Seymour announced the partys housing policy. David Seymour announces his housing policy at a Barrett Homes construction site. Image: Daniel Hines/SunLive. ACT would repeal the Resource Management Act and replace it with separate Environmental Protection and Urban Development Acts. The Urban Development Act would be based on the recommendations of the Productivity Commissions Better Urban Planning report. ACT would also take the politics out of infrastructure and get central and local government working together through 30-year infrastructure partnerships, devolving revenue and responsibility to regional governments and the private sector, while strengthening accountability and oversight from central government. We need investment in high-quality infrastructure to boost jobs, wages and growth. But the current arrangements for delivering infrastructure are inadequate and the issue has become highly politicised. At the heart of the problem is a separation between planning, which is done at a local level, and infrastructure funding, where central government has the overwhelming majority of revenue. Central government can afford, but cant plan, infrastructure, and local government can plan, but has little revenue. Seymour says Governments have chosen where to build roads, bridges, and railway lines, based on political advantage rather than economic need, and changes of government every three years bring uncertainty and the risk that decisions will be reversed. The results can be seen in low productivity and wage growth and poor outcomes and high-profile failures in housing and transport. New Zealanders need greater certainty and consistency around infrastructure investment. Solving our long-term infrastructure deficit will mean we allow the next generation to build homes which are connected to opportunities in employment and education by quality infrastructure. Taking these opportunities will solve one of New Zealands biggest problem: poor productivity. New Zealanders deserve much better. The next generation needs to be able to Build Like the Boomers did. Read the full plan here. Manali, Oct 6 : The serenity and tranquility prevailing in this Himachal Pradesh's resort is haunting tourists ever since the Covid-19 outbreak in March, with the much-preferred tourist destination turning virtually into a ghost town, literally. Estimates say no less than 1,500 hotels, lodges and home-stay accommodations in and around Manali are yet to pull up the shutters giving the town a tranquil, yet forlorn look. "There is an eerie emptiness everywhere in Manali, be it the streets, the shops or the selfie points," remarked Abhishek Dubey, a tourist from New Delhi. His wife Nikita added: "The local transportation for sight-seeing is mostly devoid of commuters and tourists. You can see only mountain goats roaming the quiet streets of Manali." Members of the hospitality industry say 20-25 per cent hotels, mainly high-end and those who have taken the units on high lease, have opened their doors for the guests. Image Source: IANS News They say in their lifetimes they have never seen such a stillness of public spaces with the footfall of tourists almost abysmal and the bookings almost nil, impacting their livelihoods. "The hotel industry is suffering catastrophic losses," Manali Hotelier Association President Anoop Thakur told IANS. He said from tour guides to adventure tour and travel operators, everyone who depends on visitor spending is feeling the pain. Thakur, whose association has 650 plus members, blamed the state for adopting discriminatory standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed by the Central government mainly for the hotels located in cities and metros. Also lack of Covid-19 care facility in Manali is a major hindrance. "In Manali, almost 90 per cent of the hotels are operating on the periphery where the existing SOPs are practically not possible to implement," he said. "These SOPs are basically for high-end hotels and restaurants operating in major cities. Since most of the hospitality units are budget and located in villages, there is a lot of anxiety, fear and apprehensions amongst the owners, who are largely locals. So they prefer to keep their units shut till a separate SOP keeping in mind the local requirements is reframed," he said. Also, there is no Covid-19 rapid testing facility for the tourists. "One has to visit Kullu town to get the Covid test and that is 40 km away from here. Time and again we are requesting the government to provide the testing facility within Manali itself to boost the confidence of the locals, but nobody is paying the heed,a he said. According to him, the association has also been demanding to set up a rapid testing lab in Bajaura town, the entry point to Manali, to cater to the tourists only so that the hoteliers could get confidence that their guests are virus-free. Himachal Pradesh is a major tourism destination. The contribution of the tourism sector to the state GDP is about seven per cent, a significant one. The worst affected by the virus is the home-stay units that is promoted with an aim to drive tourists to the interiors. Image Source: IANS News Under this scheme any house owner in a village could let out a maximum of three rooms for guests. Currently, some 800 home-stay units have been registered in the state. Out of these, 250 are in the Kullu-Manali region. Shimla district has 211 units, followed by Kangra 111. Officials of the state-run Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) say the occupancy in most of their hotels in all tourist destinations is almost negligible. Varun Malhotra, owner of Grace Resort and Spa, said, "In the past weekend, there was a noticeable arrival of the tourists for the first time since the March shutdown. We are hopeful that their arrival will pick up pace slowly and slowly and it might take two-three months." Lack of public connectivity is the major bottleneck for the tourist arrival, he said. "The state has still kept its borders closed for the plying of interstate buses. A major chunk of tourists prefer to come to Manali via Volvo buses from Delhi and Chandigarh owing to long-distance travel. Since the state has not allowed them, the arrival of the guests is low,a said Malhotra, also the Manali Super Luxury Volvo Owners Association President. On an average nearly 90 luxury Volvo buses ply to and fro daily between this tourist resort and Delhi via Chandigarh. As per estimates of the local hospitality industry, the current occupancy rate on normal days in five per cent and on weekends it spikes to 15-20 per cent. Image Source: IANS News The winter tourist season in Manali starts from Dussehra holidays and lasts till New Year's Eve. Corporate executive Deepali Sood from Chandigarh said she was earlier planning to visit Manali during the week-long Kullu Dussehra festivity. "I have postponed my visit with friends as tourists are still facing restrictions amid fears of coronavirus spikes," she said. Contrary to state's trends, OYO's consumer survey says with state borders opening up and relaxation of restrictions across the country, travellers are back into action. It says 57 per cent of respondents said their next trip would be for leisure, while 61 per cent have already decided the destination for their coming vacation. "OYO's booking trends for the long weekend between October 2 and 4 clearly reflect India's travel aspirations and confidence to hit the roads once again. We saw a whopping 72 per cent surge in bookings for leisure destinations during this period," Rohit Kapoor, CEO, India and South Asia, OYO, told IANS. Himachal Pradesh's economy is highly dependent on tourism, besides hydroelectric power generation and horticulture. The other hill destinations in the state like Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda, Kasauli, Chail, Dharamsala and Palampur also reel under virus fears. State's tourist footfall in 2019 increased to 172.12 lakh, which included 3.83 lakh foreigners, from 164.50 lakh in 2018. The highest arrival in 14 years was at 196.02 lakh in 2017. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) -- Syndicated from IANS OTTAWA - Canadians should celebrate Thanksgiving virtually this weekend to avoid spreading COVID-19, federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu said Tuesday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A nurse prepares to test a volunteer for COVID-19, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020 in Miami. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Taimy Alvarez OTTAWA - Canadians should celebrate Thanksgiving virtually this weekend to avoid spreading COVID-19, federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu said Tuesday. Hajdus advice came at the second government health briefing in as many days as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, with Quebec and Ontario leading the way. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canadas chief public health officer, and her deputy, Dr. Howard Njoo, echoed the message to Canadians to avoid indoor gatherings and discouraged visits to restaurants and bars that are currently allowed to serve patrons in most provinces as falling temperatures drive customers off outdoor patios. Tam said case counts across the country have risen to an average of 1,951 a day over the most recent seven days. That seven-day average fell as low as 273 in early July. It's been a challenging week and virtual dinners, although less appealing rather than an in-person gathering, can make a difference in reducing the spread of COVID, Hajdu said. Saying no to friends and close ones is an act of love. Tam said people often head indoors as it gets colder and the weather becomes harder to predict. "We will be able to return to these cosy indoor gatherings one day," she said. "But while we live with COVID-19, we all need to think carefully about our Thanksgiving plans this year to protect ourselves, our loved ones and communities." Families and close friends give us comfort, she acknowledged. "It might feel safer together with them. But this is in fact a false sense of security, and can increase the risk of COVID-19 for those you love the most." Even if people choose to gather outdoors with people they dont already live with, they need to take precautions, Tam said, including maintaining proper distance while bringing their own food and objects. Too close is too close even if you are outdoors, Tam said. Canadas two most populous provinces remained COVID-19 hot spots, with Quebec setting a record for new daily cases. Cases are surging in several parts of the country, but Quebec and Ontario account for about 80 per cent of the country's total. Quebec reported 1,364 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in that province to 81,014. It was Quebecs fifth consecutive day of more than 1,000 new diagnoses, eclipsing Mondays record of 1,191. Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube said the second wave of the pandemic is hitting his province differently from the initial outbreak in the spring. The first wave saw serious outbreaks in long-term care centres but there was limited community transmission outside of them. Now, there are more than 500 active outbreaks across the province, and Dube said the government doesn't know how the virus is spreading through the community. "It's really hard to say, when you have a student being diagnosed at school, where he got it. Did he get it from his parent? Did he get it from his friend? From an uncle who got it at work? said Dube. Ontarios count of new diagnoses fell slightly today to 548, down from 615 on Monday. But Ontario has also reduced its testing over the past few days as assessment centres have switched from walk-ins to appointment systems. Hajdu said that 3.5 million Canadians have downloaded the COVID Alert app, as she urged all Canadians to use it, saying it could provide a heads-up about outbreaks in remote communities, for instance. Federal officials could not say in a briefing Tuesday which provinces saw the highest uptick in usage. A total of 160,000 of those downloads occurred in the past 24 hours, after Quebec became the latest province to adopt the application on Monday. Health Canada also announced it had approved another rapid test for COVID-19. The Panbio antigen test can deliver results on site, in less than 15 minutes. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said 3.5 million Canadians have uploaded the COVID Alert app. 05.10.2020 LISTEN "Miawoe nye adza e viwo tso adzatome amemakumakuwo e hlbialawo". The popular loose words from a drunken man that started the events leading to the exodus from tsie. Before the exodus from tsie the people of tsie and the Dogbo people _who constitute the groups that migrated from tsie_lived together. During the period there were petty misunderstandings between the tsie elders and Dogbo elders. Even though they coexisted, each wanted a way to inflict pain on the other. One day there was a fight between a Dogbo elder's son and Togbui Agkli's son. In the said fight Agkli's son hit the son of the Dogbo elder on the head and he suffered some injury and went into coma. He was rushed indoors and eventually recovered. However, the Dogbo elders wanted to use the incident to inflict damage on the tsie people. So they declared their son dead and presented the corpse of another man who had died within the period. Torgbui Agkli was compelled to surrender his son to be killed to to ensure that peace reigned. The Dogbo people kept this a secret and often had a feast to mourn the death of their dear son whose death was faked. During one of such feast a drunken man made the statement in my first sentence of this writeup, which means " we are the children of Adza from Adzatome, the avengers for the living". At the time of the feast there were equally people from Agklis quarters present so the news quickly spread and the living man that was declared dead had the flee the kingdom. And this was why Togbi Agkli became wicked towards the Dogbo people now mainly the people of Ghana and parts of Togo, and this was the cause of the events leading to 's fleeing the tsie kingdom. We were not victims. The story continues that when we settled in Anlo, the royal stool for Torgbi Sri I was forgotten in tsie so there was still needed to go back. Negotiation was opened between the Als and tsie and as condition for the return of the stool. Torgbi Agorkorli asked for the head of Togbui Sri I in exchange for the stool. But the Als would not honour that, they sent a wrong head of a person who resembled Togbi Sri I whilst they hid Togbi Sri away from the public. This was done to outwit Agorkoli and they managed to return with the stool. Agorkoli suspected that the head was the wrong one so he sent warriors and spies after the Als to find out if truly Togbi Sri had been killed. These warriors and spies stayed around the new settlement of Al for a while but didn't get any information to suggest that Torgbi Sri I was alive. There is another version that states that a person who had yaws on the arm similar to that of Torgbi Sri I was killed and the arm presented as Togbi's under the pretence that he was old and feeble, therefore it would be useless to kill him so they brought his arm. Regardless it came to be known by some that this is why the Anlo chiefs were called Awmefia meaning a leader in seclusion and also how the appellation "Du n eme mase eme nya o". Came about. (For this I will task non readers to ask their TRUE friends to translate for them) To those who agree with this narrative it was from this history that it became a norm that the Aadada of Al played the major open leadership roles especially in warefare, law enforcement, defence and deal with anything that affects the wellbeing amd survival of Al. The Aadada (the warlord) was the Commander in Chief, whilst the Awmefia played the private roles like settling disputes, and being the head priest of the Kingdom. Some researchers also argue that the role of the Awmefia did not change because of King Agkli's spies but was the original role since the stool was originally a priestly stool and as a priest your duty was to maintain holiness and only appear in public when it is needed. Just as the Roman Pope and anciently spiritual leaders who hardly appear in public except to perform rituals. They were not political leaders originally. M.A.Y Kulewosi The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise produces concrete proposals for measures and reforms that improve the business climate. We provide knowledge and inform opinion. We seek to influence politicians and other decisionmakers. We represent business in discussions with unions and authorities. We give Swedish business a voice in the EU. Swedish Enterprise brings together 60,000 companies and 50 industry and employer organisations. We are true to our name: we are the voice of Swedish enterprise. We work on issues that are important to all companies, irrespective of sector and size. But our role is also to provide a voice to all those companies and sectors that do not yet exist, but that may emerge in the future if the conditions and climate are right. Our member organisations focus on issues that are important to their own sectors and inform and provide advice directly to member companies. Member organisations that are employer associations provide advice on employer issues and negotiate collective agreements with unions. Swedish Enterprises collectively agreed insurance policies provide member companies employees protection at attractive rates for companies. If a member company is hit by industrial action, such as a strike, Swedish Enterprise is able to provide financial support to the affected company. A better business climate, successful companies and thereby secure jobs and a better Sweden. This is the Confederation of Swedish Enterprises mission. What we do The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise influences. Laws and regulations at national, municipal, and EU level, and cross-sector agreements with unions, authorities, or within the business sector itself all define the structures and conditions that apply to running and developing businesses in Sweden. These are therefore key areas that the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise seeks to influence. Our opportunities to exercise influence are built on three main components: First, we represent the entire business community. Companies challenges and needs can vary between different sectors and over time. But through our member organisations, which have daily contact with companies in their sectors, our boards and regional representatives and our digital entrepreneurial panel of member companies are able to react quickly to the needs of the business community and the issues we should focus on. This amplifies our voice. No one who genuinely realises the value of a successful business climate in Sweden and elsewhere can ignore what the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise has to say. Second, we have expert knowledge in areas that are important to the business community. Here you can see all the areas where our experts are present. Together with our sector organisations and individual member companies, they gather and disseminate knowledge, and make concrete proposals on how the business climate can be improved. Third, we have the influence and capacity to trigger business action. Our advocacy work is often conducted through dialogue with investigators and decisionmakers in municipalities, national government, and EU institutions. We share experiences and knowledge from the business community, develop solutions, and react to proposals. This work is typically undramatic and does not grab the headlines. Sometimes, companies, sectors, or the entire business community face severe threats that harm Sweden as a whole. In such circumstances, it is the Confederation of Swedish Enterprises role to mobilise the business community and the general public. Some such occasions have also become important milestones in Swedens contemporary history, where Sweden would have become a different country if the business communitys voice had not been as robust, for example opposing proposals to introduce a planned economy in the 1940s, workers funds in the 1980s, or the referendum on Swedens membership of the EU in the 1990s. Even today, proposals are made that, if implemented, would harm the entire business community, including companies that have not yet been established. This might involve a ban on dividends or profits in entire sectors. In such circumstances it is important that the business communitys voice is projected and united. The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise collaborates. One of the Swedish Enterprises most important roles is to provide a space for businesses to meet and collaborate right across sector and size silos. This is vital in contract negotiations, where individual sectors enter into their own agreements, but collaboration between different sectors is important to achieve outcomes that benefit the business community as a whole. But when it comes to concluding agreements with unions that apply to all sectors, Swedish Enterprise represents the business community and employers. This may apply, for example, to negotiations on employment rules or to pensions and insurance in collective agreements. The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise spreads knowledge. Everyone wants Sweden to be a prosperous country with a good environment, a functioning welfare system, and secure jobs. But not everyone knows how this is ultimately determined by how successful our business sector is. Disseminating knowledge about economics, entrepreneurship, jobs, welfare, and how all these are connected is a key role of Swedish Enterprise. This is necessary for democracy and for us all to be able to make informed decisions. The Confederation supports schools with teaching materials on business and economics, we help municipalities understand what makes a good business climate and what does not, and we ensure that facts and statistics about business, economics, and society are available to all. The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise informs. In addition to helping society understand entrepreneurship, the Confederation helps companies understand and keep informed about what is happening in society and their wider world. Through the fPlus news service, everyone has the opportunity to keep themselves updated about key developments, and greater detail about everything related to business and entrepreneurship. Why we do it. Whatever you do, whatever you think, and whatever you think is most important, everything depends on a successful business sector. Swedish Enterprise is therefore no ordinary interest organisation. Because what we represent is of interest to everyone: the public interest. Business creates jobs More than three million people in Sweden work in business and are dependent on business for their livelihoods. The majority of all other people are, too, because business and everyone who works in business creates demand and provides goods, services, and tax revenues that maintain national and local government services. Business contributes to our economy A large proportion of the goods and services we consume are provided by business. And all the services that are not provided by business are dependent on business to be financed, produced, and delivered. Business is the engine of the economy and the public sector. Business creates and takes risk A large proportion of the products that surround us are innovations from business. And many scientific discoveries from research institutes and universities become practical solutions and products through business. To create is to also take risks. Not all risks are successful. Therefore, risk must be spread in different areas that are driven by different ideas and solutions. As is the case in a free and healthy business climate. Business builds the future Future challenges be they jobs, the economy, the climate, infrastructure, or welfare require new solutions, innovations, and capital to address. To a large extent, business must be responsible for this. Business is crucial not only for the society we live in today, but also for the society we want to build for the future. Business binds the world together. Everything from everyday objects to the food we import is made possible because we can also export to other countries. Trade between people, companies, and countries benefits everyone. Business makes it all possible. A man was seriously injured after being shot in the knee with a crossbow during a cross-border abduction over the weekend A man was seriously injured after being shot in the knee with a crossbow during a cross-border abduction over the weekend. Detectives are investigating a series of incidents in Donegal on Sunday, including a vehicle being driven into a house and set alight, a car-ramming, and the false imprisonment of a man in his 30s. Five people - three men and two women - were last night being questioned by the PSNI after being arrested in Tyrone. The first incident happened at around 2.30am on Sunday when gardai responded to reports of a Ford Mondeo being rammed several times at Townview Heights in Ballybofey. As officers examined the car they observed a silver Seat Leon, with a registration of 05-LH-6614, flee from the scene before crossing the border. Prior to the Seat Leon fleeing, a number of men got out of the car and attacked the Ford Mondeo with iron bars. Later that morning the Seat Leon was reversed into the wall of a house at Finn View in Lifford, Co Donegal, before being set on fire. Significant damage was caused to the house, and a homeowner saw three men run away from the property before jumping into a Range Rover. This property is linked to a female relative of the man abducted later that morning. At around 11.45am three men arrived at a house at Oak Park, Convoy, Co Donegal, and attacked a man before forcing him into a grey Mercedes Benz C Series. During the incident the victim was shot in the knee with a crossbow. It is understood the house belongs to the girlfriend of the assaulted man. Extensive searches were carried out across the north-western region by gardai and the PSNI. At around 5.30pm on Sunday gardai were made aware the abducted man had been returned to the house in Convoy. He was later taken to Letterkenny University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Yesterday evening the PSNI found the Mercedes outside a house at Listymore in Castlederg, Co Tyrone, and five suspects were arrested. The men arrested are aged 27, 31 and 35, and the women are aged 20 and 30. They remained in custody last night and an incident room has been set up at Letterkenny Garda Station. They were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including kidnapping and causing grevious bodily harm with intent. The car has been seized for technical examination. Detectives are investigating whether the incident is linked to a dispute between two groups in the Donegal area. The victim remained in hospital yesterday and had an operation on his leg. A Garda spokesman said it was appealing for any witnesses to the incident at Oak Park at around 11.45am on Sunday to come forward. It is also appealing for anyone who may have observed the grey Mercedes Benz C Series, registration 09 MH 17020, to contact officers. The PSNI has launched an initiative that will see e-bikes used to police some areas of Northern Ireland. Twelve new e-bikes have been delivered to officers in east Belfast, Newtownabbey, Bangor and Londonderry as part of the initiative, which will see the bikes tested on daily patrols in areas that are not easily accessed by vehicles. The e-bikes feature a police livery and have a maximum power output of 250 watts and police warning light systems. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: "We are keen to see how this equipment can help deliver more accessible and responsive policing within communities, reduce our corporate carbon footprint and improve the health and wellbeing of our officers. Expand Close Strandtown Neighbour Policing Team Officer Clare Douglas in Victoria Park in Belfast with a new electric bicycle. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Strandtown Neighbour Policing Team Officer Clare Douglas in Victoria Park in Belfast with a new electric bicycle. Liam McBurney/PA Wire "Some members of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams in East Belfast have already used e-bikes on a trial basis and initial feedback has been hugely positive. They have found using the e-bikes has created more opportunities to engage with the public, detect crime and address anti-social behaviour." Expand Close Neighbour Policing Team Officers riding the new electric bicycles across the Sam Thompson Bridge in Belfast. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Neighbour Policing Team Officers riding the new electric bicycles across the Sam Thompson Bridge in Belfast. Liam McBurney/PA Wire The e-bikes also allow officers to cover a much greater distance, nearly doubling the area patrolled and responding faster than when traditional bikes are used. "If the pilot project is successful, we will certainly look at other areas which we believe could benefit from the roll-out of this new technology. Assistant Chief Constable Todd said. Expand Close PSNI launch pilot ebike initiative. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp PSNI launch pilot ebike initiative. Liam McBurney/PA Wire The new Merida Espresso 400 & 700 bikes being users are similar in appearance to police specification mountain bikes, are capable of 15.5 mph, and are fitted with motors that output 250 Watt capable of 15.5mph/25kph. An associate professor of civil engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington is developing a gas-sensing protocol to help industry and regulators monitor underground natural gas leaks in real time. Kathleen Smits recently received a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to monitor known gas leaks in urban and rural pipelines, help assess their severity, and determine what to do about them. Using an innovative data network, monitors will be able to quantify the leak rate, how the gas is moving and other key indicators in real time so companies can make critical decisions about how to address the situation. "Our approach will link constantly changing information from the environment, such as temperature, humidity and wind speed, with gas concentration readings," Smits said. "We can then understand if the leak itself has gotten bigger or migrated. "Near-real time monitoring of active below-ground leakages hasn't been widely done. It's not just about elevated concentrations of natural gas, but what additional environmental information can be provided about the leak to help industry understand the situation and develop a plan to deal with it." Smits will tap into a network of sensors that alerts her team when there is a gas leak and what the released gas is doing. Monitoring in real time can help the team to understand any change. Her research will also examine: Reoccurrence of leaks. Her monitoring protocols could help them determine if there are multiple leaks, if a line needs to be replaced, or if the gas is moving toward a populated area. Increased urbanization. As cities expand into what were previously rural areas, pipelines are now closer to homes. There is an increased need to monitor those pipelines to ensure that there aren't any issues created by additional activity. Repaired leaks that continue to vent. The team can determine when a critical amount of gas is out of the ground so the surrounding area can safely return to normal. Smits and her collaborators at Colorado State University's Energy Institute have worked closely with gas and pipeline companies to develop new solutions to energy issues and determine the needs of industry for future research. Industry benefits from the collaboration because companies are able to better serve customers and provide greater assurances of safety. "Natural gas pipelines are an important part of our infrastructure, and the ability for industry to monitor leaks and make informed decisions based on up-to-the-minute data is crucial for safety and for the environment," said Ali Abolmaali, chair of UTA's Civil Engineering Department. "Dr. Smits continues to be on the leading edge of research in this area, and her contributions are very important for the continued safe delivery of natural gas to homes and businesses." - Written by Jeremy Agor, College of Engineering ### Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic Clark Middleton Clark Middleton, who appeared on The Blacklist and Showtime's Twin Peaks revival, has died. He was 63. The actor died in his Los Angeles home on Sunday as a result of the West Nile Virus, according to his wife Elissa. "With heavy hearts we announce the passing of a life eminently worthy of celebration: Clark Tinsley Middleton, 63 beloved actor, writer, director, teacher, hero, husband, beacon, friend," she said in a statement provided to PEOPLE. "Clark transitioned on October 4th as a result of West Nile Virus, for which there is no known cure. Clark was a beautiful soul who spent a lifetime defying limits and advocating for people with disabilities." West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease with no vaccine or treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people infected with West Nile Virus do not feel sick, though one in five people who contract the disease develop symptoms and about one in 150 people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. A gifted character actor, Middleton had recurring roles on Law & Order, Twin Peaks, The Path and The Blacklist, on which he played DMV employee Glen Carter in 13 episodes. Will Hart/NBCU Clark Middleton in The Blacklist "Im heartbroken. Besides being a truly unique and gifted actor, Clark was simply an incredible guy in every way. He was a whip-smart film nut. He loved his work with a passion. And he was insanely generous of spirit," The Blacklist creator Jon Bokenkamp said in a statement. "I was fortunate enough to work with Clark over the past several years, and that relationship developed into a wonderful friendship that I'll always cherish. I know his entire family at The Blacklist is devastated by this news. Clark was one of the good ones, and we lost him way too soon." Middleton's other television credits include Fringe, Gotham, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and American Gods. Story continues On film, Middleton appeared in notable titles such as Serendipity, Kill Bill Vol. 2, Sin City, Snowpiercer and Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). "I am shocked to learn of Clarks sudden passing, an actor who I worked with on Snowpiercer, who over many films gave such exceptional and unique performances," director Bong Joon Ho said in a statement provided to PEOPLE. "Just a few months ago, I had a drink with him after a screening of Snowpiercer, a night I wont forget. He was a splendid performer and a beautiful human being. I hope hes smiling from heaven, that big smile I saw so often." Behind the camera, Middleton wrote and produced short films Idee Fixe and My Milonga, which he also directed. Offscreen, Middleton who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when he was 4 was a fierce advocate for those with the condition and acted as a spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation. He also founded The Young Mels, a support network named after his father dedicated to children living with juvenile arthritis. RELATED: Remembering the Stars We've Lost in 2020 My dad refused to let me quit, Middleton said in a 2017 blog post for the Arthritis Foundation. He constantly instilled in me that I could define my own reality by how I thought about myself and how I carried myself. He wouldnt allow me to think of myself as a victim. He taught me a lot about determination and courage. "He knew how important it was for me to be independent, and not to expect any handouts just because I had a disability. I had to earn it," he continued. "The consequence is a wonderful life." Middleton is survived by his wife, his brother and his mother. The Arthritis Foundation has set up a memorial fund in his honor. (Newser) The skeleton of a man killed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79 was discovered in the 1960s. But it was only recently that a forensic anthropologist made another startling discovery: "incredibly well-preserved" brain cells in the man's skull. Pier Paolo Petrone was working around the skull in 2018 in Italy when he spotted "some glassy material shining from within the skull," CNN reports. "The brain exposed to the hot volcanic ash must first have liquefied and then immediately turned into a glassy material by the rapid cooling of the volcanic ash deposit," he said, causing the shiny appearance. Based on charred wood left near the skeleton, a volcanologist figures the temperature reached more than 500 degrees after the volcano erupted, burying the city of Herculaneum. story continues below The preservation of the brain cells is "totally unprecedented," the volcanologist said. "This opens up the room for studies of these ancient people that have never been possible." Nerve cells also were found intact in the spinal cord. The remains of the man, whom researchers believe to have been about 25, was found face-down on a wooden bed in a building apparently devoted to the worship of the Emperor Augustus. Researchers hope to learn more about the temperatures reached in causing vitrification. That could still be relevant; more than 3 million people live in the nearby Naples area, and Petrone said Vesuvius is "the most dangerous volcano in the world." (A bedroom in Pompeii expressed "explicit sensuality.") This financing allows Oncodesign to have a current cash position of 31.2 million and to continue its growth strategy without any slowdown Regulatory News: ONCODESIGN (Paris:ALONC) (ALONC FR0011766229), a biopharmaceutical group specialized in precision medicine, has received the agreement in principal of its banking partners to obtain a State-Guaranteed Loan of 15.9 million. This loan, 90% guaranteed by the French State within the framework of the State-Guaranteed Loan (decrees of March 23 and April 17, 2020 enabling credit establishments and finance companies to benefit from a State guarantee, amending the Finance Act n 2020-289 of March 23, 2020), will have a 1-year maturity that may be extended for up to a further 5 years (September 2026) at the Company's discretion. This new funding, requested within the framework of the measures adopted by the French government to support French companies in the face of the ongoing public health crisis, allows the Company to benefit from the support of Bpifrance, Credit Agricole Champagne-Bourgogne, Caisse d'Epargne Bourgogne Franche Comte, CIC Lyonnaise de Banque and Societe Generale. Philippe GENNE, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Oncodesign, says: "We would like to thank our banking partners and the French State for their support and their renewed trust in our company. This support will enable us to be better equipped to face the uncertainty generated by the public health situation, which looks as if it may persist through to the end of the year, and to thus calmly pursue our activity with a significantly-strengthened cash position". About ONCODESIGN: www.oncodesign.com Founded 25 years ago by Dr. Philippe Genne, the Company's CEO and Chairman, Oncodesign is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to precision medicine. With its unique experience acquired by working with more than 800 clients, including the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, along with its comprehensive technological platform combining state-of-the-art medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, regulated bioanalysis, medical imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Oncodesign is able to predict and identify, at a very early stage, each molecule's therapeutic usefulness and potential to become an effective drug. Applied to kinase inhibitors, which represent a market estimated at over $65 billion by 2027 and accounting for almost 25% of the pharmaceutical industry's R&D expenditure, Oncodesign's technology has already enabled the targeting of several promising molecules with substantial therapeutic potential, in oncology and elsewhere, along with partnerships with pharmaceutical groups such as Servier. Oncodesign is based in Dijon, France, in the heart of the town's university and hospital hub, and within the Paris-Saclay cluster. Oncodesign has 233 employees and subsidiaries in Canada and the USA. Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward looking statements and estimates concerning the Company's financial condition, operating results, strategy, projects and future performance and the markets in which it operates. Such forward-looking statements and estimates may be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "can," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "is designed to," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "objective," "should," or the negative of these and similar expressions. They incorporate all topics that are not historical facts. Forward looking statements, forecasts and estimates are based on management's current assumptions and assessment of risks, uncertainties and other factors, known and unknown, which were deemed to be reasonable at the time they were made but which may turn out to be incorrect. Events and outcomes are difficult to predict and depend on factors beyond the Company's control. Consequently, the actual results, financial condition, performances and/or achievements of the Company or of the industry may turn out to differ materially from the future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by these statements, forecasts and estimates. Owing to these uncertainties, no representation is made as to the correctness or fairness of these forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005558/en/ Contacts: Oncodesign Philippe Genne Chairman and CEO Tel.: +33 (0)3 80 78 82 60 investisseurs@oncodesign.com NewCap Investor Relations Mathilde Bohin Louis-Victor Delouvrier Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 95 oncodesign@newcap.eu NewCap Media Relations Arthur Rouille Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 00 15 oncodesign@newcap.eu Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) President Rodrigo Duterte is set to meet with his entire Cabinet on October 12 to discuss ways to open more sectors and businesses while protecting the public against COVID-19. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday said Duterte personally called for the meeting with all his appointed Cabinet secretaries. Roque added they will also tackle the lack of public transport, especially if more employees will be allowed to return to work. He said the scheduled meeting comes after the recommendation of Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua to open more businesses and alllow establishments to increase their operating capacity as long as the healthcare system can attend to severe and critical COVID-19 patients. "Ang naging rekomendasyon ni Secretary Karl Chua, basta paghandaan ang magkakasakit ng kritikal o severe ay pwede na buksan ang ekonomiya. Pinalakas na natin ang mga ospital," he said in a media briefing. [Translation: Secretary Chua's recommendation was to increase care capacity for critical and severe COVID-19 cases so we can open the economy. We have equipped our hospitals.] Tanvir discovered that he had ended up on the no-fly list, a fluctuating and secretive collection of names created after 9/11, when he tried to board a domestic flight in 2010. He and the others say being on the list cost them money for plane tickets they could not use and the ability to travel for work or visit relatives abroad. Days before a 2015 hearing in their lawsuit, they were informed that they had been removed from the list. The nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court marks a chance for the GOP to secure a decisive 6-3 conservative majority and accomplish long-held priorities for years to come. With her conservative voting record and a judicial philosophy calling for a strict interpretation of the Constitution, Barrett would likely move the court solidly to the right -- and potentially cast a deciding vote to overturn or restrict Roe v. Wade, which enshrined a woman's right to an abortion, and invalidate the Affordable Care Act. Barrett, though, is certain to be circumspect about her views on those cases during confirmation hearings set for next week. On the campaign trail, rather than touting that prospect, several prominent Republican senators up for reelection are downplaying a possible conservative shift on the court in an attempt to avoid a potential backlash on Election Day. The 'worst poker playing' Some incumbents appear to be minimizing the implications of Barrett's addition to the court, arguing that even with six conservative justices -- three nominated by Trump -- the court might not always rule in favor of the GOP's core policy goals. PHOTO: Sen. Joni Ernst and Democratic candidate Theresa Greenfield debate during an Iowa Press for Iowa's U.S. senate seat broadcast from Johnston, Iowa, Sept. 28, 2020. (Jerry Mennenga/Zuma Press) Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who sits on the Judiciary Committee and is currently wrestling for her seat with Democrat Theresa Greenfield, suggested Roe would not be overturned with Barrett on the court. Two thirds of Americans believe the landmark decision should remain intact, according to a June CBS News poll. "I think the likelihood of Roe v. Wade being overturned is very minimal," Ernst, who is trailing Greenfield slightly in recent polling, said at a debate last week. "I don't see that happening, truly. I don't see that happening. But what we can do is certainly educate the public on how important life is ... I'm adamantly pro-life. I will stand behind that." MORE: Tracing Trump's movements: A timeline of the days leading up to his COVID diagnosis Story continues In North Carolina, where Republican Thom Tillis is competing in a closely-watched contest with Cal Cunningham, a former Democratic state senator and Army veteran, the first-term senator contended that it's not certain how Barrett would vote on Roe if she were confirmed. "I've heard my opponent talk about Justice Barrett will get on the bench and overturn Roe v. Wade," he said in the race's final debate Thursday night. "Nobody knows how she's going to rule on that." Tillis, one of the two GOP members of the Judiciary Committee who contracted the virus, instead raised the possibility of chipping away at existing abortion rights -- potentially slowly eroding the breadth of the landmark Roe decision. "What's likely to occur are cases that are going to go up to say, maybe we should improve standards for clinics that perform abortions," he said. "Maybe we should require doctors to have admitting privileges at a hospital nearby, in case the abortion goes bad. Maybe we should reconsider the extreme position that Cal Cunningham takes on partial birth abortion and on late-term abortions." PHOTO: Sen. Thom Tillis meets with Judge Amy Coney Barrett on Capitol Hill, Sept.30, 2020. (Joshua Roberts/AP) Even Trump sought to remove Roe as a campaign issue at the first presidential debate after Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, asserted that the decision is on the November ballot because of the Barrett confirmation fight. "Its not on the ballot," Trump said. "Theres nothing happening there. You dont know her view on Roe v. Wade." Last week, it surfaced that Barrett signed a 2006 newspaper ad by an anti-abortion group in which she said she opposed "abortion on demand" and defended "the right to life from fertilization to the end of natural life," the AP reported. Both Iowa and North Carolina are battlegrounds in the race for the White House, too, with Trump and Biden neck-and-neck in both states. But in reliably-red Montana, which voted for Trump by 20 points in 2016 and is known for its independence and split-ticket voters, Republican Sen. Steve Daines is fighting for his political life against Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock. Pressed on what will happen to the 23 million Americans insured under the Affordable Care Act if the Supreme Court, which hears the Trump administration's challenge to President Barack Obama's signature legislative accomplishment on Nov. 10, strikes it down, Daines used a similar argument as Ernst and Tillis, but this time about the ACA. Minutes after he said, "I support the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, she's exactly the kind of justice I want to see on the Supreme Court," Daines asserted that the Supreme Court, even with the addition of Barrett, might not overturn the ACA. "I've spoken to experts who are looking at this case. This is a very big case. It's going to go before the United States Supreme Court regarding the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare," he said at a debate last week. "The experts are saying it's highly unlikely they'll overturn the ACA, that that's the consensus of many legal experts." The three Senate campaigns did not respond to ABC News' request for comment on each candidate's characterization of Barretts potential impact on the court. At a time when protecting both abortion rights and the health care law are popular, some Republican strategists are critical of the GOP's efforts in the final stretch of the election, suggesting it's misleading. "I think it's the worst poker playing I've ever seen," said Jeff Timmer, a veteran GOP strategist and former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party, in an interview Friday. "They're bluffing...She has a clear paper trail on abortion...I mean, is Trump going to withdraw the lawsuit? It's ludicrous to say that it's not going to happen. That's the impetus for getting her confirmed ahead of time because it's politically dangerous for them to rush forward." MORE: Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett meets with GOP senators Trump's selection of Barrett late last month comes after he vowed in 2016 to only appoint judges who are "pro-life" and said that overruling the 1973 Supreme Court decision will "happen automatically." He's also made invalidating the ACA a core goal of his administration. Barrett's hasty confirmation process is set to begin on Oct. 12, and proceed over four days before the Judiciary Committee. Even with Trump announcing he contracted COVID-19, and two members who sit on the committee sidelined after testing positive too, top GOP leaders said they are still charging forward as planned. "Full steam ahead with the fair, thorough, timely process that the nominee, the Court, & the country deserve," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted. Virtual attendance by infected members is allowed, but a majority of members must be "actually present" in order to vote on a nomination, according to panel rules. Barrett herself tested negative on Monday, a senior administration official told ABC News. MORE: Schumer call for Supreme Court nominee to self-isolate could delay quick confirmation Despite the moves by some members of his own party, McConnell said on Thursday he believes Barrett's nomination will be "a big asset" in "states around the country." The sudden injection of the Supreme Court into the election is not only a tightrope for endangered Republican senators, though, who will ultimately have to vote on her nomination if, and more likely when, one comes to the floor. It's also emerging as a complication for GOP challengers, too. PHOTO: Montana Governor Steve Bullock speaks to incumbent Sen. Steve Daines during a PBS broadcast of the Senate debate in Missoula, Mont., Sept. 28, 2020. (C-Span via Zuma Press) After recently appearing at a Trump rally in Freeland, Michigan, John James -- the Republican running to oust Sen. Gary Peters, one of two Democrats in a competitive race this cycle -- broke ranks with the president, telling a local ABC affiliate that he does not support the administration's lawsuit that will come before the Supreme Court without a replacement health care plan enacted. "I do not believe that you should pull the rug out from under people, and I don't support this move without a plan in place," he said, without criticizing Trump. "We have to protect people with pre-existing conditions and keep our promises to our seniors. I don't think the ACA is perfect it needs improvement." Trump and Republicans have yet to put forth a replacement plan for the ACA. James' resistance to supporting the White House's efforts to dismantle the ACA entirely, Timmer said, is indicative of Republicans knowing "this is a losing political issue." "He has the luxury of having cake and eating it too," he said. "He doesn't have to vote on Barrett...But the fact is that all this is going to happen regardless. Even if John James were to win, he doesn't have take a stand on any of this. And so he has the luxury of saying the politically safe position in the end." For Democrats, it's all about health care Democrats are leveraging the process to refocus the remaining weeks of the election as a referendum on protecting the ACA, an issue that landed them control of the House and is central to their strategy for winning back the presidency and the Senate. It's also emerged as key to their case against Barrett. "Keep the argument very simple -- McConnell and Republicans are trying to rush through a confirmation of a justice who will overturn protections for preexisting conditions," a memo circulated by House Democrats' campaign arm outlines. "If McConnell and Republicans get their way, millions of Americans will lose healthcare coverage -- in the midst of a pandemic." Late last week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer used a procedural maneuver to force a vote on blocking the Trump administration's support of the ACA lawsuit, which was mostly symbolic and put Republicans on the record about where they stand on the issue. Some of the most endangered GOP incumbents sided with Democrats, including Ernst, Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, Arizona Sen. Martha McSally, and Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan, in an apparent move to put distance between them and Trump's efforts to overturn the ACA. MORE: Amy Coney Barrett 'will undo' Ruth Bader Ginsburg's legacy: Sen. Kamala Harris Both Tillis and Daines toed their party line and voted against the measure. Democrats are eager to highlight the GOP's tough position, as both the ACA and Roe cut against Republicans' top priorities, party strategists say. "Senate Republicans are blatantly trying to deceive voters about their own records and the intended consequences of their rush to fill this Supreme Court vacancy with a nominee hostile to the Affordable Care Act and womens reproductive rights," said Stewart Boss, a spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, in a statement. "These vulnerable incumbents are racing to distance themselves from their own rigid positions because theres an election around the corner and they know their anti-health care stances are harmful and out of touch with voters." ABC News' Trish Turner, Meg Cunningham, Allison Pecorin and Katherine Faulders contributed to this report. On campaign trail, vulnerable GOP senators play down a more conservative Supreme Court originally appeared on abcnews.go.com U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) announces during a press conference that he won't seek reelection or run for governor, on Oct. 5, 2020, at PPL Public Media Center, in Bethlehem. Read more In these partisan times, one might ask what a Democratic governor and a Republican senator from Pennsylvania could possibly have in common. The answer is: Moving forward, we both believe that members of Congress should be subject to term limits. And Pennsylvania can help make that happen. We recall a time not too long ago when the House and Senate could regularly put divisions aside to address the big issues facing our country. Think of the early 2000s when, in response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, Congress overwhelmingly approved several measures that created the Department of Homeland Security, established more stringent safety guidelines at airports, and helped Ground Zero first responders. READ MORE: Pat Toomey just made the 2022 elections in Pennsylvania a total free-for-all Now, in the midst of another crisis, members of Congress frequently focus more on blaming each other than on finding solutions. Entrenched politicians have been steering the ship of state for decades and dont look now were about to hit a $25 trillion national debt iceberg. Its time for a new approach. Our elected representatives seem afraid to do anything that would jeopardize their reelection. Term limits allow them to operate without that pressure, secure in the knowledge that they are not risking the position that could be a lifetime career. They would be able to cast votes knowing that the risk they are taking would not jeopardize their entire future. Seventy-nine percent of Pennsylvanians support term limits on Congress, including supermajorities of Republicans, Democrats, and independents. Its hard to find common sense in Washington, D.C., and, believe us, weve looked. But thats not to say common sense is extinct. You can still find it all over Pennsylvania, from the high-tech hubs along Route 202 to the research labs, factories, and foundries of Pittsburgh, and everywhere in between. If youre with us on congressional term limits, that just means you trust the people more than the political elite. Who could argue with that? Now, there are some who say term limits would deprive Congress of legislative experience, and that professional politicians are the only people qualified to lead. We disagree. Term limits would infuse Congress with real-world experience, perspectives, and sensibilities that are often missing. Term limits would replace the smirking class with the working class. READ MORE: Should Supreme Court justices have term limits? | Pro/Con By now youre probably saying, OK, OK, Im for term limits, too, but its not going to happen. What politician would vote himself out of a job? Thankfully, the brilliance of our Constitution solves that dilemma. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that congressional term limits may only be enacted by a constitutional amendment. The Constitution provides two methods of proposing term limits amendment: It can be done by either a two-thirds vote of Congress (which is unlikely to happen) or by a convention of states to propose an amendment, which is convened by state legislatures. That means state legislatures, including the Pennsylvania General Assembly in Harrisburg, have the power to bypass Washington, D.C. and deliver congressional term limits for the American people. Under the Constitution, once 34 states have applied for a convention limited to congressional term limits, Congress shall call such a convention to which each state would send delegates. The convention could then propose appropriate term limits for Congress, which would have to be ratified by 38 state legislatures before becoming part of the Constitution. Our system will not be fixed by those who broke it. Without enormous pressure, members of Congress will never vote to limit their own power and influence. With that in mind, we call on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to get the ball rolling by passing a resolution applying a congressional term limits convention. READ MORE: Coming to terms with term limits in Pennsylvanias legislature | John Baer We leave you with the words of a great Pennsylvanian and fellow supporter of term limits Benjamin Franklin: In free governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors. ... For the former to return among the latter does not degrade, but promote them. We couldnt agree more. Lets work on something our country is united behind, and increase faith in government. Lets place term limits on Congress. Pat Toomey is a senator from Pennsylvania. Long a supporter of term limits, he announced this week that he will not seek reelection or run for higher office. Ed Rendell is the former governor of Pennsylvania. Nursery students of Delhi Public School, Chandigarh, celebrated pink colour during their online class on Monday. Children brought pink coloured toys, flowers etc. They also spoke a few sentences on the objects.All students were dressed in pink. They also learnt to make different shades of pink colour by mixing red and white colours. The objective was to give students a hands on experience and boost their confidence. KB DAV-7 pupils take part in cleanliness drive KB DAV Public School, Sector 7, (KB DAV-7) Chandigarh, conducted a myriad of activities to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Students wrote slogans on the theme: Your learning from the life of Gandhi Ji. They took part in a home cleanliness drive, an essay-writing contest, and a declamation competition. A lecture series, based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, was also organised online. The school carried out a sensitization programme, an extension of the Swachhta Abhiyan: Controlling the air you breathe is a simple way to help your body stay healthy. Students made tri-color masks showing their love for the country and self-protection. Teachers shared a PowerPoint presentation on the prevention of chikungunya and dengue fever with all learners. A role-play activity was also conducted. Students participated in poster-making competitions and planted saplings of medicinal plants for a clean and safe environment. Principal Pooja Prakash appreciated the students and teachers efforts. BVM students express love for their pets Bhartiya Vidya Mandir (BVM) School, Udham Singh Nagar, celebrated World Animal Day. Tiny tots of Class 3 showcased their love and care towards their pets and shared videos of them online. Bisman Singh of Class 9 and Mannan of Class 3 recited self composed poems. Principal Bandana Sethi lauded the efforts of the students and spoke about the significance of the day. The day is celebrated on October 4 every year to raise awareness about improving the welfare standards of the animals around the world. The Community Worker Image A selfie of Jardy Santana at her school in the Bronx. You dont just have to talk about academics, you can share how youre feeling. Jardy Santana, the Bronx, New York Jardy Santana, 34, teaches English at Mott Haven Academy Charter School, a school predominantly serving families involved in the child welfare system in the Bronx, which is run in partnership with the New York Foundling. She has been teaching for 12 years, including 10 at Mott Haven, and this year has been her hardest. For her, the onset of remote learning last spring brought a weighty realization: Each student has very different needs in the virtual classroom. She began checking in individually with her fourth-grade pupils. Some needed help accessing food. Some needed a shoulder to cry on (virtually) when their family members were sick. Some needed individualized help with their reading. Ms. Santana joined the schools food program, distributing meals to families so she could see her pupils and offer them air hugs at a distance. She kept an eye out for those who missed class, and texted them to say they could rely on her for emotional support. I said, If youre feeling sick, if a family member is sick, Im here. You dont just have to call me to talk about academics, you can share how youre feeling. One of Ms. Santanas students didnt have internet access at home and relied on New Yorks public Wi-Fi booths. It was clear the student was worried about her classroom performance suffering, Ms. Santana explained, so they worked out an arrangement: When getting internet was tough, the student could call Ms. Santana and dictate writing exercises to her over the phone. These phone calls tightened their bond emotionally, too. They discovered they had the same birthday, so they celebrated remotely. Ms. Santana was intent on countering the gloom around them especially the incessant noise of sirens by bringing levity into the virtual classroom. One afternoon they had a dance party instead of a lesson. It was extremely hard on the kids to not see each other, not have their friends, not have their teachers around, she said. Ms. Santana was relieved to see her students moods lighten on spirit days. She celebrated Crazy Hair Day with them on Zoom by designing a makeshift headband, and Crazy Accessories Day by digging out an old pair of glasses from her dresser. One morning, they were prompted to send a photo of something in their home that was providing them with emotional support. Ms. Santana sent a picture with her Kitchen-Aid, because baking Dominican cakes with her children has brought her joy on particularly high-stress days. Ontario imposes new restrictions after setting a record with 732 new infections, Oct. 2 In response to the surge in COVID-19 infections, Premier Doug Ford has advised Ontarians to pause their social circles of 10 people. He asks us to have close contact with members of our own households only. To show his resolve, Ford says, These changes are absolutely necessary. In the dangerous hot zones of Toronto, Peel and Ottawa, restaurants will be limited to a maximum of six people per table), with limits of 50 to 100 people per room (depending on the venue and its location in the province). Health Minister Christine Elliott agrees with the messaging, hoping the new measures will prevent the need for future lockdowns. Epidemiologist Colin Furness is the one and only character in this fairy tale who makes sense of our plight, calling the people limits ridiculous, stating that indoor drinking and dining should be prohibited during the pandemic. Joy L, there is no confusion. The testing facilities are at the landside of the airport meaning that, upon arrival at IST, you have to go through passport control first, then pick up your luggage (if any), go through customs and make an immediate right at the arrivals hall and go to the end of the hall where you will find the testing facilities. Do your testing and then wait for results either at one of the cafes at the arrival hall, or if you have a later connection at the Yotel Hotel Landside upstairs at the departure hall. You definitely need a Turkish evisa, unless your nationality is exempt, to go through passport control and enter Turkey. American citizens need an evisa that you can get online at: " ". Read the FAQ's. I suggest a minimum connection time of 12 hours between your arrival and your departure for Croatia. During this time, you can visit the city, and instead of Yotel Hotel, you can book a lesser priced hotel near the airport. It is all up to you. I suggest you read the testing experiences of visitors at various Covid-19 testing threads at this forum. good luck, enigma.... by Marian Demir President Erdogan participated in the laying of the foundation stone in 2019. In Istanbul the Syriac community is made up of about 18,000 people. The government is accused of Islamizing the nation, also transforming the ancient museum-churches into mosques, as happened with the Hagia Sophia and the Church of the Savior in Chora. Istanbul (AsiaNews) - The first church built since the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923, should be open for worship in August 2021. Construction work is progressing and the church is almost finished. The building belongs to the Syriac Orthodox Church and will be dedicated to Mor Efrem (Saint Ephrem). It is located in the Yesilkoy district. The laying of the foundation stone ceremony took place in August 2019, with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The building should serve the Syriac community which in Istanbul comprises about 18,000 people. The Church is built on land that belonged to the Latin Catholic Church and was part of an Italian cemetery. This Syriac Church is the first Church to be built in the times of the Turkish Republic. In recent years, Turkey has restored and reopened several churches, but the government is accused of Islamizing the nation, even turning the ancient museum-churches into mosques, as has been the case with the Hagia Sophia and the Church of the Savior in Chora. Christians make up 0.2% of the Turkish population. The various minorities and rites complain of being treated as second class citizens, compared to the Muslim majority. Sarah Ravani/The Chronicle San Francisco police are investigating a homicide that occurred in the small hours of Sunday morning on the 900 block of Mission Street. Officers responding to a call of an aggravated assault around 4:30 a.m. Sunday found a man lying on the sidewalk, suffering from injuries sustained from an edged weapon, according to an incident report. CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tamr, Inc. , today announced the launch of a comprehensive, hosted data mastering solution running natively on Google Cloud Platform. Hosted by Tamr and running on Google Cloud Platform, this offering enables global organizations to take advantage of Tamr's human-guided machine learning data mastering solutions on a fully hosted platform, making it easier to bridge the gap between siloed data and analytic outcomes. This hosted offering is in addition to Tamr's cloud-native solution that runs in an enterprise's private Google Cloud environment. Tamr's hosted data mastering solution lets customers leverage machine learning to help them master their data using Google Cloud's highly secure and scalable infrastructure. The solution reduces the total cost of ownership for data mastering projects, and enables customers to take advantage of ongoing product enhancements quickly without needing to allocate resources for hardware, system and software upgrades. "We've seen incredible momentum for machine learning powered data mastering on Google Cloud Platform. It allows for greater flexibility to scale compute and storage and integrate new data sources far more cost effectively, making it much easier to master larger volumes of data quickly. And because Tamr can offer it powered by GCP, organizations can further lower the overhead required to get clean, up-to-date data from internal and external sources," said Tamr Chief Product Officer Anthony Deighton. Tamr's relationship with Google factored into the decision to debut Tamr's hosted data mastering solution on Google Cloud Platform. GV, the venture capital investment arm of Alphabet Inc., was an early investor in Tamr. Tamr is also a Google Cloud co-sell partner, providing customers with the expertise required to fully utilize the cloud in mastering and achieving data-driven business outcomes. Customers can benefit from working with Google Cloud and Tamr as one collaborative team. Tamr is committed to providing enterprises with the cloud expertise and data mastering technology needed to drive transformational business outcomes. To hear more about the Tamr and Google Cloud story, listen to this Google Cloud OnAir webinar featuring Tamr. "Increasingly, businesses need to manage their data in the cloud, whether they are just beginning their digital transformation or running cloud data analytics at massive scale," said Manvinder Singh, Director, Partnerships at Google Cloud. "We're excited that Tamr integrates its data mastering platform with Google Cloud, helping customers leverage products like Cloud DataProc or BigQuery as they move their data into the cloud." Tamr's cloud-native data mastering solution can be managed by customers in their own Google Cloud environments and is used by some of the world's largest organizations to solve their toughest data challenges. This solution's cloud-native integration with Google Cloud products and services such as Cloud Dataproc, Cloud Bigtable, Cloud Storage, and BigQuery lets customers scale modern data pipeline performance, control costs, and accelerate time to value. Companies including Carnival Corp., Newmont Mining, and Societe Generale run Tamr on Google Cloud Platform to boost business outcomes such as improving customer service, increasing sales, and optimizing spending. About Tamr, Inc. Tamr is the leading cloud native machine learning based data mastering company that accelerates data-driven business outcomes for large organizations. Industry leaders like Toyota, Societe Generale, and Novartis trust Tamr to manage their enterprise data as an asset. Tamr's unique approach of using human-guided machine learning algorithms to accelerate data mastering projects lets the world's largest organizations enhance their data operations, rapidly activate latent data, and increase the velocity of business outcomes through data-driven insights. With a co-founding team led by Andy Palmer (founding CEO of Vertica) and Mike Stonebraker (Turing Award winner) and backed by investors including NEA and Google Ventures, Tamr is transforming how companies get value from their data. SOURCE Tamr, Inc. Related Links https://www.tamr.com/ Pittsfield has purchased three enclosed seating areas that use solar power for heat and electricity. The pods will be set near local restaurants for use in outside dining. Pittsfield Downtown Experimenting With 'Pod' Dining The three pods were setup at Hotel on North last week but are expected to be moved to other locations this week. PITTSFIELD, Mass. The city is experimenting with glass houses to offer diners some pandemic-safe socializing in comfort. In partnership with Berkshire Bank, Downtown Pittsfield Inc., and nonprofit green energy organization SolarFi, three of SolarFi's patented Prive pods will be installed for the use of local restaurants. The pods were initially set up at Hotel on North for tryouts last week using the recent grant the city received from the state's Shared Streets and Spaces grant. They are expected to be spread out to other eateries in the downtown although those restaurants have not yet been designated. "The Prive pods have been approved by the state even though they were not originally in project conditions," said Commissioner of Public Utilities Ricardo Morales on Friday. The city received $238,826 from the state Department of Transportation to support 20 placemaking projects. The grant program provides funds for cities and towns to improve curbs, streets, and parking spaces to support public health, safe mobility, and renewed commerce in communities. The pods look like little greenhouses and use solar power to provide lighting, air conditioning and heat, charging stations, and Bluetooth speakers. These pods also provide up to 100 percent UV protection, making them a good solution for outdoor dining. They can hold from two to 10 people. During COVID-19, North Street restaurants have struggled to find sufficient outdoor dining spaces. With an autumn chill in the air, outdoor dining will become even more of a struggle. Morales worked with SolarFi and Downtown Pittsfield Inc. to provide consulting and approval for the pods. He said the pods bought by the city will be geared toward winter dining, as restaurants are still operating under partial capacity because of COVID-19. Restaurants will be consulted to see if they are interested in using a pod then a decision will be made which ones will get to use them. There had been hopes to install three more at Park Square but this did not fall within the parameters of the grant, which is designed in part to improve commercial activities. However, SolarFi is reportedly in talks with area restaurants that may be interested in purchasing their products. The pods in Park Square were supposed to double as art displays, showcasing graphic panels curated by the Berkshire Museum and featuring a collection of historical images of Pittsfield. It's not clear if that will be carried out with the three pods that were delivered. SolarFi is a non-profit organization that says it aims to revolutionize commerce, development and sustainability by using solar energy and connectivity, including reusing discarded solar panels in its products. The Prive pods that will be dotting downtown Pittsfield are made in New York. The company also does work in Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Botswana making solar-power charging stations for people in rural areas. Some of the benefits of these charging stations include empowering woman entrepreneurs to be able to run their business from a phone and providing children with educational videos on the screens inside of the stations. "The union between SolarFi, the City of Pittsfield, and local businesses is an exemplary public-private partnership," wrote Anna Lippincott of SolarFi. "Integrating entrepreneurship and innovation into the community is a perfect showcase of low local businesses are adapting in these trying times." Solactive BitSight Cyber Risk Index quantifies cyber risk for investors BOSTON and FRANKFURT, Germany, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BitSight, the Standard in Security Ratings, and Solactive, a German index engineering firm, today released new research demonstrating that a company's cybersecurity performance is an indicator of business performance. Analysis shows that indices composed of well-performing BitSight-rated companies outperform their respective benchmarks by 1% to 2% annually. For certain sectors, such as U.S. Technology, well-rated companies outperform the benchmark by 7% per year. The findings are an endorsement for today's introduction of the Solactive BitSight Cyber Risk Index, a financial index that will enable investors to invest in companies who are top cybersecurity performers as measured by BitSight. Investors are deeply concerned about cyber risk affecting their investment portfolios. A 2019 Responsible Investment Survey from RBC found that cybersecurity is the #1 ESG risk for investors. A recent survey of more than 60 institutional investors with $35 trillion in assets under management conducted by the EY Center for Board Matters found that cybersecurity is the #3 threat to portfolio companies' strategic success in the next three to five years. The Solactive BitSight Cyber Risk Index helps investors factor cyber risk into their investment decision-making. By continuously and non-intrusively collecting cybersecurity performance data on global organizations, BitSight provides quantitative, objective and validated analytics, avoiding the data collection challenges typically associated with ESG investing. The Solactive BitSight Cyber Risk Index can be used as direct underlying or benchmarks of financial products such as ETFs or structured products across the following five index universe compilations: U.S. Market, European Market, Developed Markets, Asia-Pacific Market, and U.S. Technology Market. Cybersecurity is both a risk and opportunity for investors New Solactive analysis of BitSight Security Ratings demonstrates that investing in strong cybersecurity performers can actually deliver higher returns. Until now, investors have primarily thought of cybersecurity as a risk to the portfolio; research shows that share prices on average fall 7.27% in a two-week period after a publicly disclosed breach. By leveraging BitSight data, Solactive finds a clear signal that companies with strong cybersecurity performance also financially outperform their market peers. This aligns with earlier independent research which shows that BitSight provides the only security rating statistically correlated with a reduction in the risk of a breach. Solactive created five Cyber Risk Indices composed of the top 25% of companies based on cybersecurity performance as measured by BitSight. The Cyber Risk Index versions of U.S. Market, European Market, Developed Markets, and Asia-Pacific Market all show a similar picture of a solid outperformance over their respective benchmarks of around 1% to 2% per year. In the U.S. Technology version, the Cyber Risk Index outperformed by the benchmark by 7% annually. The market impact of the research and partnership Steve Harvey, chief executive officer, BitSight: "BitSight is powering a new era, where cyber risk is integrated into every market decision and strong, measurable cybersecurity performance is a market differentiator. This unprecedented research based on BitSight's unique data will not only affect investors' views on cybersecurity, but also the way that C-suite and security professionals manage and measure cybersecurity performance inside of their organizations. For BitSight, this is another independent, statistical validation of our market-leading Security Ratings, further cementing the reason why the global marketplace -- investors, insurers, governments, and businesses -- trust and use the BitSight platform. Timo Pfeiffer, chief markets officer, Solactive: "For Solactive, it has always been crucial to consider topics from different perspectives than the mainstream. This attitude is why we wanted to work with BitSight in the creation of our new Solactive BitSight Cyber Risk Indices, as both companies realized the massive potential of cybersecurity-themed ESG investing. As companies are more and more dependent on effective cybersecurity infrastructure, this index reflects the crucial importance of this yet understated sustainability aspect." About Solactive AG Solactive AG is an innovative index provider that focuses on the development, calculation, and distribution of tailor-made indices across all asset classes. As of January 2019, Solactive AG served approximately 400 clients in Europe, America, and Asia, with approximately USD 200 billion invested in products linked to indices calculated by the company globally, primarily via 380 exchange-traded funds from a number of well-known providers. Solactive AG was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Frankfurt. About BitSight BitSight transforms how organizations manage cyber risk. The BitSight Security Ratings Platform applies sophisticated algorithms, producing daily security ratings that range from 250 to 900, to help organizations manage their own security performance; mitigate third party risk; underwrite cyber insurance policies; conduct financial diligence; and assess aggregate risk. With over 2,100 global customers and the largest ecosystem of users and information, BitSight is the Standard in Security Ratings and was honored as a 2020 Most Innovative Company by Fast Company. For more information, please visit www.bitsight.com , read our blog or follow @BitSight on Twitter. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307704/BitSightgraph_Infographic.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/456824/BitSight_Technologies_Logo.jpg The number of new COVID-19 cases in public schools across the province has jumped by 74 from the previous day, to a total of 470 in the last two weeks. In its latest data released Tuesday morning, the province reported 41 more students were infected for a total of 275 in the last two weeks; since school began there have been overall total of 333. The data shows there are 10 more staff members for a total of 66 in the last two weeks and an overall total of 102. The latest report also shows 23 more individuals who werent identified for a total of 129 in that category and an overall total of 176. There are 347 schools with a reported case, which the province notes is about 7.2 per cent of the 4,828 public schools in Ontario. Two schools are currently closed, according to the Ministry of Health figures. One of those is St. Charles Catholic School near Dufferin Street and Lawrence Avenue West in North York. St. Charles closed Monday for a week after an itinerant music teacher, who tested positive for COVID-19, had contact with three classes in the school of 250. That staff member also had been assigned to four other schools St. Demetrius, St. Mark, St. Roch and St. Ursula. But only St. Charles is closed. Like many boards, the Toronto Catholic board has continued using travelling, or itinerant, teachers to instruct students in gym, music and French during the pandemic, a plan that was approved by the Ministry of Education. Its the first Toronto Catholic school to shut down because of COVID, and the second school in the city. Mason Road Junior P.S. which has been closed since Sept. 28 reopened Tuesday. More than 170 students and staff at the Scarborough elementary school were ordered to stay home and isolate last week while the school shut its doors after four positive cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by the school board, including one student and three staff. Ottawas French Catholic School Boards Ecole elementaire catholique Horizon-Jeunesse is also closed according to the Conseil des ecoles catholiques du Centre-Ests COVID-19 dashboard. There is a lag between the daily provincial data at 10:30 a.m. and news reports about infections in schools. The provincial data on Tuesday is current as of 2 p.m. Monday. It also doesnt indicate where the place of transmission occurred. The Toronto District School Board updates its information on current COVID-19 cases throughout the day on its website. As of 9 a.m., Tuesday, there were 95 TDSB schools with at least one active case 96 students and 32 staff. The Toronto Catholic District School Board also updates its information on its website. As of Tuesday at 6 a.m., there were 32 schools with a COVID-19 case, with 37 students and nine staff infected. Epidemiologists have told the Star that the rising numbers in the schools arent a surprise, and that the cases will be proportionate to the amount of COVID that is in the community. Ontario reported 548 new cases overall on Tuesday 201 in Toronto, 90 in Peel, 56 in York Region and 62 in Ottawa. With the rising numbers, the Stars Kristin Rushowy reported that schools in COVID-19 hot spots across the province Toronto, Peel, York and Ottawa will receive an extra $35 million in funding to hire more teachers and staff, boost cleaning or provide devices for families keeping their kids at home to learn. Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Stephen Lecce made the announcement of the release of the additional federal funds Monday at Queens Park. This funding will help provide more physical distancing in classrooms, support smaller classrooms and provide more resources for remote learning, Ford said. Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the TDSB is in line for almost $9 million, which would enable it to hire more than 120 teachers or a hundred more custodians, or 11,000 more technological devices. The Toronto Catholic board will receive about $3.4 million, the Peel public board about $5.8 million, the York public board about $4.8 million and the York Catholic board about $2 million, according to the ministry. With files from Kristin Rushowy Irelyne Lavery is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: ilavery@thestar.ca CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aurora Spine Corporation (Aurora Spine or the Company) (TSXV: ASG), a designer and manufacturer of innovative medical devices that improve spinal surgery outcomes, today announced the issuance of its United States Patent No: 10,779,954 entitled Body Density Scan Result-Matched Orthopedic Implants and Methods of Use for The Worlds First DEXA Technology Patient-Matched Implant Technology. Aurora Spines first-of-its kind DEXA Technology is designed to match a patients bone density, promote bone in-growth while maintaining the biomechanical structure and bone support. This patent will be utilized to create implants that match the patients specific bone density based on a DEXA Scan/T-score allowing for the best bone fusion treatment and most favorable outcome based on that patients bone density. Aurora Spines DEXA Technology is part of the company's advanced portfolio representing the future of Spinal and Orthopedic implants. Following fundamental principles of patent focused innovation, DEXA Technology was logically created and patented to combine the essential design benefits of conventional machining, 3D printing, and additive implant manufacturing. "Aurora Spines new DEXA Technology will provide surgeons with additional solutions in selecting the right implant for their patient," said Trent Northcutt, CEO of Aurora Spine. "The DEXA opportunity represents our continued commitment to delivering best-in-class implants that enable our surgeon partners to overcome common osteoporosis challenges faced in traditional procedures. We will be commercializing this technology in the coming months. Laszlo Garamszegi, Chief Technology Officer of Aurora Spine, added Traditionally, medical devices for spinal procedures are designed as one size fits all and assumes that every patients bone density is similar. The proprietary engineering behind our DEXA Technology is advancing the science of implant technology, and ultimately helping improve patient fusion rates and overall clinical outcomes. About Aurora Spine Aurora Spine is focused on bringing new solutions to the spinal implant market through a series of innovative, minimally invasive, regenerative spinal implant technologies. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Aurora Spine, including, without limitation, those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information" in Aurora Spine's final prospectus (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information in this news release includes information concerning the proposed use and success of the companys products in surgical procedures. Aurora Spine cautions investors of Aurora Spine's securities about important factors that could cause Aurora Spine's actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements included in this news release. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ unilaterally from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that the expectations set out herein will prove to be correct and, accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Aurora Spine does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Contact: Aurora Spine Corporation Trent Northcutt President and Chief Executive Officer (760) 424-2004 Chad Clouse Chief Financial Officer (760) 424-2004 www.aurora-spine.com Adam Lowensteiner LYTHAM PARTNERS, LLC Phoenix | New York Telephone: 646-829-9700 arosf@lythampartners.com Chennai: Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good. By tweeting this oft-quoted passage from the Bhagavad Gita, Deputy Chief Minister O Pannerselvam confused his party people and others, keenly waiting for the announcement to be made on Wednesday, while his supporters in his home district were expressing their keen desire to see him as the next Chief Minister. All my decisions in the past had been taken with the interest of the people of Tamil Nadu and the cadre of AIADMK in mind. In future, too, they would be like that, started the tweet in Tamil, setting off speculations on the plans of Panneerselvam, who is camping in his hometown of Theni. Later in the day, he drove down to inaugurate a mobile ration shop at Nagalapuram village in Theni district when a 100 feet wide flex board declaring him as the Chief Minister of tomorrow welcomed him. It is said that Panneerselvam asked his supporters, who had displayed it, to remove it. Many of Pannerselvams supporters had called on him in the past two days when he was staying in his farmhouse. Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar, who was in Madurai, also called on the Deputy Chief Minister for discussions. On Monday morning Udhayakumar was also among the host of Ministers, who met the Chief Minister Edappai K Palaniswami at his chambers in the Secretariat. Perhaps he conveyed to the Chief Minister what Panneerselvam had decided to do in solving the imbroglio in the party. Also K P Munusamy and R Vaithilingam, both deputy coordinators of the AIADMK who are actively involved in bringing about a rapprochement in the party, had a brief meeting the Chief Minister just before he left the office for the day. While it is said that the party functionaries would go into a huddle on Tuesday and thrash out an amicable solution that would be announced on Wednesday, Pannerselvams tweet evoked mixed reactions from his followers with some of them directly telling him that he was not doing the right thing. Some of Pannerselvams Twitter followers said the infighting would only help Stalin. Another one urged him not to be selfish and take a decision that would ensure the continuation of the AIADMK rule. Then there were some who expressed support to Palaniswami and some others who spoke vehemently in favour of Panneerselvam. There were replies that invoked caste identities and there were followers who wanted Panneerselvam to be firm in his demands and those who warned him against dividing the party and providing grist to the media to talk about. Some made use of the opportunity to point out what they described as his old mistakes like the attack on the Jallikattu protestors at the Marina uprising and said that he never had peoples interest in mind at any time. Another follower wanted him to address the livelihood problems faced by the people at the lowest rung of the socio-economic ladder. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Identifying the most valuable brands in the region, the inaugural BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands 2020 ranking was released today by WPP and Kantar. With a combined value of $50 billion, the ranking includes consumer-facing brands from across a range of categories, from food to energy, which reflect the changing lifestyles and attitudes within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. The brands featured in the new BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands ranking 2020 are based on the unique and objective BrandZ brand valuation methodology that combines extensive and on-going consumer insights with rigorous financial analysis. For this study, over 12,000 consumers were interviewed about 343 brands across 19 categories. Telecom providers and banks contribute 70% ($35 billion) of the combined brand value of the Top 30. Saudi telecom giant, STC is the most valuable brand, worth $9.7 billion, topping the ranking due to its scale and strength, as well as bold new communications initiatives and a strong sense of brand purpose. As well as providing telecom services, it has made efforts to promote opportunities for women, young people and those with disabilities. With its focus on customer experience, Etisalat ($5.2 billion) is the second most valuable brand. The telecoms company focuses on how technology enriches people's lives, communicated through its "Together Matters" tagline and Smiles loyalty scheme. Al Rajhi Bank ($4.7 billion) and FAB ($3.9 billion) are no. 3 and no. 4, out of the 13 banking brands in the Top 30. Emirates ($3 billion) completes the top five with the highest brand equity of the Top 30 brands. The only airline in the ranking, Emirates has successfully integrated online and offline services for a seamless customer experience, while pioneering sustainable measures. HungerStation (no. 25; $488 million) is the youngest brand in this inaugural ranking and the only lifestyle platform in the Top 30. Its success shows the importance of understanding the market, from what people eat to how they shop, as well as the effectiveness of targeting different consumer groups with different communications. During the coronavirus pandemic the brand offered free delivery of groceries and pharmacy products to its customers. Knowing the importance of local cuisine in people's lives has propelled two food brands, Almarai (no. 6; $2.8 billion) and Saudia (no. 30; $290 million) into the ranking. Accounting for 6% of the Top 30's value, both brands have expanded from their original dairy business, although this remains their primary focus because of its prominence in regional dishes. Real estate brand Emaar (no. 9; $1.8 billion) has put innovation at the forefront of its customer experience by developing the Emaar ONE app to allow homeowners to fully manage their property from their phone. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) (no. 11, $1.7 billion) has successfully expanded its oil and gas operations across the region to meet the challenges of an ever-changing energy market. Many brands have adapted their communications to reflect the developing role of women in the region and in the corporate world. Banks in particular have placed women at the heart of their brand building efforts, including Riyad Bank (no. 13; $1.0 billion) which offers specialised banking services with professional women-only staff. Samba (no.15; $901 million) offers dedicated branches for women and became the first banking group with a female CEO in Saudi Arabia. David Roth, CEO of The Store WPP, EMEA and Asia and Chairman of BrandZ, said: "In this first BrandZ ranking to cover Emirati and Saudi brands, it's clear that there are huge opportunities in the region for brands that can adapt to new and dynamic markets and meet fast-changing consumer needs. Creating value by developing meaningfully different, valuable and responsible brands in the region is good for consumers, economies, businesses, employers and shareholders alike." BrandZ Top 10 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands 2020 Rank 2020 Brand Valuation Category Brand Value 2020 (USD mil) 1 STC Telecom Providers 9,673 2 Etisalat Telecom Providers 5,169 3 Al Rajhi Bank Banks 4,732 4 FAB Banks 3,918 5 Emirates Travel Services 2,996 6 Almarai Food 2,784 7 NCB Banks 2,017 8 Jarir Bookstore Retail 1,861 9 Emaar Real Estate 1,826 10 Mobily Telecom Providers 1,715 Amol Ghate, CEO Middle East, Insights Division, Kantar: "Our first Top 30 ranking is reflective of the diversity and dynamic nature of life within the UAE and Saudi Arabia. We see brands that have a long history in the region, as well as new and upcoming brands that are influencing the way we live, shop, eat and travel. It's an exciting time as new innovative brands collide with old, but what they have in common is a desire to meet the demands of a changing society. At the same time, brands have had to adapt quickly during the global pandemic to meet customer needs and support local communities at a time of crisis." Other key trends in the BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands ranking: Closing the innovation gap improving perceptions of innovation is a significant opportunity for brands to drive brand value growth and to connect with new generations of customers. With no pure-play technology companies in the Top 30, there is a big opportunity for brands to step into the breach and capitalise on digital connectivity and meet changing consumer behaviour, such as the move to online shopping improving perceptions of innovation is a significant opportunity for brands to drive brand value growth and to connect with new generations of customers. With no pure-play technology companies in the Top 30, there is a big opportunity for brands to step into the breach and capitalise on digital connectivity and meet changing consumer behaviour, such as the move to online shopping Disruptive and emerging brands are knocking on the door of the Top 30, including challenger brand Noon, which uses innovative geo-tagging technology to deliver products to exactly the right place, adding grocery to its existing portfolio to expand its base during the pandemic. Ride-hailing app, Careem has evolved its range of services including online grocery, while CAFU, the most disruptive brand in the region and scoring high on 'difference', is offering the first petrol delivery application and has customised its offerings to different types of customers. In addition, Saudi brand Albaik is shaking up fast food with its 'must-have' broasted chicken are knocking on the door of the Top 30, including challenger brand which uses innovative geo-tagging technology to deliver products to exactly the right place, adding grocery to its existing portfolio to expand its base during the pandemic. Ride-hailing app, has evolved its range of services including online grocery, while the most disruptive brand in the region and scoring high on 'difference', is offering the first petrol delivery application and has customised its offerings to different types of customers. In addition, Saudi brand is shaking up fast food with its 'must-have' broasted chicken Brand purpose is an untapped opportunity for brands in the region to increase brand value further. Companies like HungerStation, Emirates, Albaik and Almaria all score highly on the BrandZ Purpose Index. While purpose is not about 'saving the world', brands are recognising that even small steps can make a big difference with consumers The BrandZ strong brand portfolios have consistently outperformed the market, including the S&P 500 and MSCI World Index. This validates the role of marketing and brand-building investment to support recovery at a critical time for businesses. The BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands report and ranking and extensive analysis are available online here and via BrandZ.com. The reports, rankings, charts, articles and more can also be accessed through the BrandZ app, which is free to download for Apple IOS and all Android devices from http://www.brandz.com/mobile or by searching for BrandZ in the iTunes or Google Play app stores. About the 2020 BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands Commissioned by WPP and Kantar, the valuation behind the BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands was conducted by brand equity research experts Kantar. The methodology mirrors that used to calculate the annual BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking, which is now in its 15th year. The ranking combines rigorously analysed market data from Bloomberg with extensive consumer insights from over 3.8 million consumers around the world, covering more than 17,801 different brands in over 51 markets including opinions from over 12,000 consumers across Saudi Arabia and UAE on over 343 brands in 19 categories. Grounded in consumer opinion, BrandZTM analysis enables businesses to identify their brand's strength in the market and provides clear strategic guidance on how to boost value for the long-term. The BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands is the most definitive and robust ranking of the region's brands available, and the brands ranked must meet three eligibility criteria: The brand originated in the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia or The brand is owned by an enterprise listed on a credible stock exchange or by a private enterprise with its complete financial statements available in public domain For banks, a minimum of 30% of its operating income should be generated by its retail segment The suite of BrandZTM brand valuation rankings and reports currently includes Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru), The Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US. Access a suite of customised reports and data packages from BrandZ via BrandZ.com https://www.kantar.com/marketplace/solutions/brand-insights About Kantar Kantar is the world's leading evidence-based insights and consulting company. We have a complete, unique and rounded understanding of how people think, feel and act; globally and locally in over 90 markets. By combining the deep expertise of our people, our data resources and benchmarks, our innovative analytics and technology, we help our clients understand people and inspire growth. For more information, visit www.kantar.com About WPP WPP is a creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, clients and communities. For more information, visit www.wpp.com SOURCE Kantar Boris Johnson appeared to back away further from his ambition of getting the country towards normality by Christmas today - holding out hope that the crisis will have passed in a year's time. Addressing the 'virtual' Tory conference, the PM committed himself to ensuring that their next gathering was 'face to face, cheek by jowl'. The promise appears significantly less bold than in mid-July, when he said he wanted a 'significant return to normality' by Christmas. It even allows more wriggle room than his recent suggestion social distancing and other restrictions could be in place for another six months. In his online speech to the party faithful, Mr Johnson said: 'I was going to say how great it is to be here in Birmingham but the fact is that we are not in Birmingham. This is not a conference hall, and alas I cant see any of you in front of me... Addressing the 'virtual' Tory conference, the PM committed himself to ensuring that their next gathering was 'face to face, cheek by jowl' Boris Johnson's hopes of easing social distancing and getting back to normal have been hit by a surge in infections since the beginning of September 'We will succeed by collective effort, by following the guidance and with the help of weekly and almost daily improvements in the medicine and the science. 'We will ensure that next time we meet it will be face to face and cheek by jowl, and we are working for the day when life will be back to normal, flying in a plane will be back to normal, and hairdressers will no longer look as though they are handling radioactive isotopes. 'And when we can go and see our loved ones in care homes, and when we no longer have to greet each other by touching elbows as in some giant national version of the Birdie dance.' Mr Johnson pleaded for Tories to keep faith in his instincts and handling of the coronavirus crisis, setting out a true blue vision for a 'new Jerusalem' in Britain after the disease is defeated. He admitted 2020 'has not been the year we imagined' but insisted the devastating effects of the pandemic would not prevent the government pushing its 'levelling up' agenda after Brexit. Nodding to rising Conservative anger about infringement of civil liberties and lockdown strangling the economy, he said he 'deeply regretted' the restrictions the government was imposing - but he warned there was 'simply no reasonable alternative'. Scrambling to reassure those questioning his Tory values, he promised to roll back the state as soon as possible, slamming the idea that the taxpayer could be 'Uncle Sugar' and keep funding every part of the economy, extolling the virtue of 'competitive' tax rates, and praising entrepreneurs. The typical scene at Tory conference, which Mr Johnson said he wanted to see back next year Mr Johnson also channeled the spirit of Thatcher's 1980s revolution by pledging to save the dream of home ownership for a new generation, with the government underwriting 95 per cent mortgages for around two million first-time buyers. And he lashed out at those calling for the country to paper over its colonial past, saying he was 'not embarrassed' to sing Rule Britannia. He said returning to the same way of doing things would not be enough, and the government was determined to 'build back better'. It was 'in crises like this' that real change could be made, and he would seize the moment to do so. The premier delivered an angry response to claims that he has 'lost his mojo' and not fully recovered from his own brush with coronavirus, offering to 'arm wrestle or leg wrestle' to prove them wrong. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sarah Mills (Reuters) London, United Kingdom Tue, October 6, 2020 16:32 473 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c496fc85 2 Books Agatha-Christie,detective,author,novel Free It was partly thanks to a bet with her sister that Agatha Christie wrote her first detective novel, and 100 years since it was published she is as popular as ever. Christie was 30 when in February 1920 The Mysterious Affair at Styles was serialized in a British newspaper. The book was published in America in October and the following year in Britain. Now, according to Guinness World Records, Christie is the world's best-selling fiction writer and her crime novels have sold 2 billion copies. "She did that as a woman at the time when women did not really do that kind of thing. And I think that is extraordinary and worthy of... jumping up and down about," her great grandson James Prichard told Reuters in a Zoom interview. Prichard said he thought Christie, who died in 1976, didn't expect to earn a living as a writer and it was just a bit of fun to start with. That changed when a bet with her sister led to her writing The Mysterious Affair at Styles. Read also: N-word dropped from French edition of Agatha Christie novel "The story is that it sort of came out of a bet with her sister, who bet her that she couldn't write a book and have it published. I think she won the bet," Prichard said. Famous for characters such as Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and amateur sleuth Miss Marple, Christie's success is down to the "ingenious plots" that she mapped out in her head, Prichard said. Christie also wrote 19 plays, of which the most famous, The Mousetrap, opened in 1952. It broke for the first time in March due to the pandemic. There have been numerous radio, TV and film adaptations of her work, many now on streaming service Britbox. "Our goal is to get all of her written works in all the adapted forms that we can get," said Britbox president and CEO Soumya Sriraman. Kenneth Branagh's Death on the Nile is due out in December. It's the second Christie movie from the director after Murder on the Orient Express in 2017. The Attorney General has been urged to call new inquests into two cold-case killings in Northern Ireland. A solicitors firm acting for the families of Gary Moore and William Smyth, who died in separate incidents more than 20 years apart, has written to Brenda King, requesting fresh proceedings. Mr Moore (30), a Catholic building worker, was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries at Monkstown, Newtownabbey, in December 2000. Mr Smyth, meanwhile, was gunned down on his doorstep at Ballynure Street, Belfast, in October 1978. His son and daughter claim he was killed by a covert black operations Army unit hiding out in the attic of a nearby derelict house. In both cases inquests were held at the time, but both families say they have unanswered questions. Appealing for information on their sons murder, Marie and Nevin Moore, who had a previous request for a new inquest rejected in 2017, said they cannot grieve while his killer is free. Mr Moore, a father-of-two, had been working on the building site in the Monkstown area after travelling from his home in Dungiven when he was gunned down. Although six suspects were arrested, no one was ever charged with his murder. Mr and Mrs Moore said they were told by their solicitor Manmohan Johnny Sandhu not to attend the inquest. Although they did attend, they were not represented by a lawyer and were unable to cross examine witnesses or make submissions. Mr Sandhu subsequently pleaded guilty and was later convicted of inciting loyalist paramilitaries to commit murder and attempting to pervert the course of justice after his interviews with clients were recorded at Antrim police station. He was convicted in 2009 at Belfast Crown Court and jailed for 10 years. The new submissions to Ms King, who was appointed Attorney General earlier this year, deal with the undeclared conflict of interest around Mr Sandhu and absence of next of kin legal representation before the inquest. Mr and Mrs Moore outlined their request for a new inquest in a statement issued through Harte Coyle Collins Solicitors. They said: We are asking the new Attorney General to again consider our request for a fresh inquest into Garys murder. We were not represented at the first inquest. We would like to be in a position to examine and investigate the police investigation into Garys murder and to consider all the available, and any new, evidence. Solicitors for Mr Moores parents said: We are strenuously pursuing a fresh inquest application for our clients. They were neither represented at the original inquest nor able to examine and probe whatever evidence was available then. Meanwhile the son and daughter of Mr Smyth, had an application for a fresh inquest turned down last year, have renewed their bid through their lawyers on the basis that new factual evidence and new legal arguments are available. The new factual evidence is in the form of civilian witness statements. The new legal arguments arise from recently decided cases both by the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in London. Maud Stewart, Mr Smyths daughter, said: We are returning to the Attorney General with a fresh request for an inquest because of the new evidence which is now available. We have no other avenue available for a viable investigation into our fathers murder. YANGON, MYANMAR Easy Microfinance, a leading Myanmar microfinance institution backed by Meridian Capital Limited and Delta Capital, has announced donations to support COVID-19 relief efforts in Myanmar and a roll out of a digital repayment channel through Ongo, the leading digital payment service provider in Myanmar. Easy Microfinance clients now have a convenient option to repay their loans at any Ongo agent location or online through the trusted Ongo Uttar Pradesh government speaking on the Hathras midnight cremation in the SC Affidavit said that it was done at midnight to avoid violence and added that the deceased family was aware of it. The government further cited Intel reports to the Apex Court backing the cremation. The UP govt had filed an affidavit in Supreme Court. Amid protests and outrage, Uttar Pradesh government speaking on Hathras midnight cremation in the SC Affidavit said that it was done at midnight to avoid violence and added that the deceased family was aware of the cremation. The government further cited Intel reports to the Apex Court backing the cremation and alleged possibility of the issue being communalised by certain sections. The government further added action would be taken soon against the miscreants as soon as FIR is filed. The government informed the Court that some are trying to use the Hathras incident to incite violence for their vested interest. The government further mentioned that massive misinformation is spreading online on the alleged gang-raped incident. The government has further demanded the case to be transferred to the CBI for a free and fair investigation. It claims that vested interests are involved and the government fears they are trying to derail the probe. The Yogi Adityanath-led government has filed affidavit demanding CBI probe into the Hathras incident. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh government deployed round-the-clock security outside the house of the Hathras victim, accepting her familys demands on Monday. #Hathras case: Uttar Pradesh govt's affidavit states a "vicious campaign" has been unleashed to defame the State govt. It explains in detail the investigation carried out so far in the case, & says that vested interests are attempting to ascribe motive to derail a fair probe. https://t.co/n4ArcEkgJl ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2020 Also Read: Hathras Horror: UP govt accepts family plea, deploys round-the-clock security outside victims house Also Read: SC calls Hathras case shocking, asks UP govt to update court on plan to protect victims family The 19-year-old Hathras woman succumbed to brutal assault injuries in Delhis Safdarjung Hospital last month. The post-mortem report said that the victim suffered a fracture of cervical vertebra. Amid enormous outrage by the opposition parties and civil society since the teens death on September 29, social media too erupted in protests after a video, purportedly showing the administration cremating the body without the presence of family members, went viral. For example, in the 1990s, the New York State Department of Health began grading surgeons who performed coronary bypass surgery and making their report cards available to the general public. The aim was to make outcomes more transparent and to help surgeons improve. But to this day, the initiative makes it harder for Black patients to get surgery. Why? Because statistically, outcomes are generally worse for Black patients because of larger issues of systemic racism. So surgeons avoid them to protect their scores. Or consider the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, which penalizes hospitals for excessive re-hospitalization. Again, the intention is noble: to discourage hospitals from skimping on care in a patients initial hospitalization such that the patient returns to the hospital soon after being discharged. But since people with worse living and working conditions are readmitted more frequently, hospitals that serve more worse-off racial and ethnic minorities were more frequently penalized. There are also so-called value-based payment reforms, under which physician groups and hospitals get bonuses if patients use less health care overall but still improve their health. If a patient is hospitalized too many times or fails to get blood pressure under control, the physician group or hospital must pay a penalty kind of like a fine. These reforms have been adopted by Medicare (because the Affordable Care Act required it) and private insurers. They have rapidly become more popular over the past decade. While this does have its benefits, it also means that sicker patients who need more care or those who face other challenges, like not having a caregiver at home, become economically unattractive to hospitals. Thats why fewer value-based initiatives have been taken up in communities that are home to more people of color or are worse off economically. And where such initiatives are offered, patients who belong to minority populations are more likely to be shunned at the expense of better-off white ones whom doctors see as likely to have better outcomes. With each of these types of payment models, the initial intention regarding social justice may be unclear, unknown or even aimed at promoting it. A value-based payment reform model seems as innocent as a daisy and worlds apart from the most overt forms of structural racism, such as segregated transportation or drinking fountains. Yet, far too often, such models share the consequence of systematically disadvantaging some groups, whether as a result of the design of policies or culturally ingrained behavioral patterns. Journalists know one thing for certain readers can handle the truth. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Journalists know one thing for certain readers can handle the truth. The first principle of journalism is to seek truth and report it to put the facts into the hands of people, so they know what is really going on. That is why News Media Canada, which represents daily and community newspapers across the country, has adopted a new slogan: Champion the Truth. Its a reminder to everyone of the core goal of journalism. Seeking the truth has never been more important, as Canadians cope with an enduring pandemic that is affecting every aspect of our lives. To get the information they need, Canadians have turned to sources they trust. More than half say they have relied on local, national and international news outlets as a main source of information about COVID-19. Each year, newspapers across Canada mark National Newspaper Week by highlighting the critical role newspapers play in our active and healthy democracy. This year we recognize the efforts of newspapers to keep Canadians abreast of the latest developments on COVID-19. Digitally and in printed editions, dedicated newspaper journalists have chronicled the pandemic day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute. They have done this for audiences with an insatiable appetite for facts, who have pushed overall readership to levels not seen in modern memory. And they have done it while facing their own worries about their personal health, their families and even about whether they would have a job, as newspapers struggle to stay alive after unprecedented drops in advertising revenues. Journalists took pay cuts, they worked at home, they asked questions of politicians sitting in empty rooms, they took pictures from sidewalks of people standing at their front windows. Some newspapers suspended publication. Some closed for good. Through it all, newspaper journalists have been committed to serving their readers, to publishing the truth, and to performing what is recognized as an essential public service. A lot of terms are thrown around these days that leave a good swath of the general public mistrustful of news media misinformation, disinformation, fake news. This mistrust is fanned by leaders who want to sell their version of events. Those of us on the front lines have these terms directed at us all the time, sometimes in jest, sometimes innocently, but often seriously by people who want to undermine what we do. You might just as well tell physicians they deliberately mistreat patients. Journalists take their jobs seriously. They are dedicated to digging around, unearthing facts to tell the stories that reveal what is actually happening. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. They make people in power uncomfortable. Mature politicians understand this. They may dislike what journalists report, but still defend the news medias right to operate freely. They understand how important seeking the truth is in a democracy. And truth is never more important than during a public-health crisis, when peoples lives depend on accurate information about the threats posed by a disease and the measures needed to combat it. It has also never been more difficult. There is a flood of misinformation about COVID-19. Science-based recommendations from medical experts are often muffled by a barrage of half-baked advice, sketchy remedies and misguided theories. The secretary general of the United Nations has called it a "pandemic of misinformation." The antidote to this is what Canadian newspapers do every day to seek truth and report it. You can depend on us to fulfill this important role today, tomorrow and always. So, lets celebrate newspapers and the people behind them this National Newspaper Week from Oct. 4 to 10. Bob Cox is publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press and chair of News Media Canada. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal Editors note: This is a continuation of the Journals election coverage featuring contested races on the General Election ballot. SANTA FE Voters in Senate District 9 must like their elections close. Democrat John Sapien narrowly won the seat in 2008, 2012 and 2016 each time by just a fraction of 1 percentage point. He opted against running this year. Now, Democrat Brenda McKenna and Republican John S. Clark are competing for votes in what could be another close race. Its each candidates first run for public office, but they have already won competitive primary races to secure their partys nomination. The district covers Corrales, Bernalillo, Placitas and parts of Rio Rancho. McKenna, a field representative for U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, said she would be a strong voice for environmental protection, renewable energy and the environment. Clark, a small-business owner, said he would push for lower taxes, more police officers and limited government spending. I do everything in my business, from accounting to installing blinds, Clark, 60, said in an interview. Im just a hardworking guy, and Im going to do whats right for the people of my district. McKenna, 53, said she would bring a valuable perspective as someone who grew up in a northern New Mexico pueblo and now prioritizes helping constituents. When times get tough, we help each other, she said of her childhood on the reservation. Thats what I was taught to do. The two candidates contrast sharply on a host of issues. McKenna, for example, supports legalizing recreational marijuana, repealing a 1969 anti-abortion law and passage of a constitutional amendment to tap more heavily into the Land Grant Permanent Fund to pay for early childhood programs. Clark is opposed to each of those proposals. He said he supports boosting early childhood funding, but through the baseline state budget, not the permanent fund. McKenna has a financial advantage, according to campaign finance reports filed Sept. 14. She reported about $46,000 in cash in her account and about $63,000 in donations in the most recent period. Her recent contributors included labor unions, Democratic state senators and EMILYS List, a national group that backs Democratic candidates who support abortion rights. Clark reported about $35,000 in cash on hand after about $29,000 in recent donations. His recent donors include Republican senators and members of the Yates family in Artesia. Be afraid, be very afraid, because you cannot know whether and how it may dominate your life. And keep that in mind when you vote. Andrea R. Tebbets Raleigh, N.C. To the Editor: While it is disheartening to see the president of the United States come down with Covid-19, something truly irks me about the disparity between the medical care immediately available to him versus the general public. He is someone who flouted all the experts advice by taking undue risks and cavalierly exposing not only himself but all of those around him to contracting this deadly disease. He encouraged the populace to ignore science and recklessly take those same risks, stating repeatedly that the virus is a hoax while all the time knowing it was dangerous and often deadly. Yet when he comes down with the virus, he has immediate access to the best care in the world, with cutting-edge practitioners and medications at his disposal. Whereas for the rest of the many of us who respect the disease and do everything we can to remain safe from it, we have to find a way to take a test and wait sometimes days or even weeks for results. If we discover days after our test that our condition becomes dire, we dont have ready access to these cutting-edge medications and specialists. We the public should be very angry (I am) about a president who downplays this virus as a hoax, yet when it strikes him through his reckless actions and inactions, immediately gets to jump the proverbial line to gain access to world-class care for himself. ARCHIVED - Sales of domestic property in Spain recover slightly during August Domestic property sales across Spain fell 12.7% in August, the smallest decline since March, according to registrars Figures relating to the sale of all types of property, land and homes have been somewhat distorted by the coronavirus pandemic here in Spain, particularly during the lockdown months, but the August figures are starting to lean towards normality and show that the number of transactions was not as badly affected by the pandemic as in preceding months. The sale of homes registered with the national Property Registry totalled 29,671 in August, which is 12.7% less than in the same month of 2019, the smallest drop since March, when the pandemic started to hit transactions relating to not only the sale of private properties, but also businesses and land, according to the real estate registry statistics of the College of Registrars. This does however, mean that there were some 4,300 fewer home sales across Spain than in the same period of 2019, when before the pandemic almost 34,000 transactions were recorded. During August a total of 65,059 transactions of real estate were registered, recording a drop of 7.9% year-on-year, in contrast to the fall of 25.1% experienced in July. According to data from the registrars, during August 27,442 mortgages were formalized, 0.9% less than in the same month of 2019. Of these, 18,745 were mortgages relating to the purchase of homes, only 2.8% less than in the same month of 2019. These falls are much more moderate than those of July, the month in which there were year-on-year decreases of 20.1% for all mortgages and 22.8% in the case of those made on homes. By autonomous communities, the greatest drops in total property sales were in La Rioja (-24.1%), Comunidad Valenciana (-18.3%), Cataluna (-15.3%) and Madrid (-14.3% ). On the other hand, the greatest increases were recorded by Extremadura (+ 28.6%) and Asturias (+ 13.8%). In the case of private domestic home sales, the largest year-on-year decrease of the 17 autonomous communities was the Valencian Community, with a drop of -24.9%, followed by Catalonia (-22.5%) and Madrid (-18.1% ). Extremadura, on the other hand, managed to record a year-on-year increase of 48.8%. Regarding mortgages constituted on total properties, the largest interannual falls occurred during August in the communities of La Rioja (-30.7%) and Comunidad Valenciana (-24.2%), while the largest increases corresponded to Canary Islands (+ 175.7%) and Castilla-La Mancha (+ 39.1%). In the case of home mortgages, the largest decrease among the communities was recorded by the Valencian Community (-22.8%), while the largest increase occurred in La Rioja (+ 151.6%), followed by the Canary Islands ( + 59%). BARCELONA -- John McAfee, an anti-virus software creator indicted in the United States on fraud charges, has been arrested in Barcelona airport, a Spanish police source said on Tuesday. He was detained on Saturday as he was about to board a flight to Istanbul with a British passport, the source told Reuters, adding that he would be transferred to Spains capital Madrid to face an extradition process. U.S. federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment on Monday against McAfee over charges that he evaded taxes and willfully failed to file returns. That came shortly after the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed it had brought civil charges against McAfee, alleging he made over $23.1 million in undisclosed compensation from false and misleading cryptocurrency recommendations. He is alleged to have earned millions in income from promoting cryptocurrencies, as well as through consulting work, speaking engagements, and selling the rights to his life story for a documentary. Kinder Morgan U.S. oil pipeline operators are slashing fees to encourage customers in Texas to keep using their networks to ship barrels to the Gulf Coast as the pandemic wreaks havoc on profits. Kinder Morgan Inc. is offering discounts of about 50% on the Eagle Ford pipeline for some existing customers, according to people familiar with the matter. Magellan Midstream Partners LP is negotiating lower tariffs on the Permians BridgeTex system for certain users whose contracts are up for renewal at the end of 2020, they said. Energy Transfer LP plans a volume incentive program for those who qualify on its Permian Express 2 and 3 pipelines. Fresh military action could be taken by Turkey if promises to move the SDF from Turkish borders are not kept by Russia and the US reports Baladi News. Turkish Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin, confirmed that Ankara could expand its military operations against what he described as terrorist organizations in Syria at any moment, if its interests were compromised there. This came in an interview to local Channel 7, in which Kalin commented on President Recep Tayyip Erdogans statement that Turkey will cleanse terrorist hideouts in Syria on its own if the promises made to it are not fulfilled, in reference to Ankaras agreements with Moscow and Washington to slam the brakes on Operation Peace Spring in the eastern Euphrates region. The operation targets the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and aims to remove them from the Turkish borders. Kalin said that the two agreements concluded by Turkey with Russia and the US include the following clause: Turkey reserves the right to self-defense and to intervene against any terrorist entity. He pointed out that the clause gives Turkey the right to defend itself and intervene in the region if its territory or presence in that country, whether in terms of soldiers, civilian employees, aid workers or others, is attacked by terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State (ISIS) or the SDF. He stressed that Turkey will intervene when there is an attack or danger that goes against its interests in the region, in order to ensure the security of the Syrian people and the security of its borders, noting that the scope of operations may expand at any moment. Kalin added, President Erdogan is not a leader who practices politics through deception, threats and blackmail, and his strategy is currently being implemented, adding, Therefore, Turkey has the right to intervene at any moment against the PKK, SDF or any entity affiliated with ISIS in Syria, Iraq or anywhere else. We may interfere at any moment. This is a warning to those organizations and a warning to the countries that support them, too. There are continuous attacks by the SDF in Afrin, Manbij and its environs, Ras al-Ayn, and Tel Abyad, beyond the established borders, he added. Kalin stressed that Turkey is regularly notifying Russia, the US, and Iran, warning that these moves and attacks, if they continue, will not remain without a response. He indicated that, Turkey has no problem if the terrorists withdraw outside the delineated area and stop carrying out attacks, but if the current situation protracts, Turkey might intervene to cleanse those areas at any moment, referring to SDF forces. Kalin touched on the allegations that the US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the International Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State, James Jeffrey, gave guarantees to SDF forces that Turkey will not launch operations in the region anymore. He said in this regard, There is no such guarantee, just propaganda by the SDF. I have heard no such thing from Jeffrey. It is noteworthy that the Turkish forces launched three military operations in Syria: Operation Euphrates Shield, Operation Olive Branch in the countryside of Aleppo, and Operation Peace Spring in the east of the Euphrates. Turkey has concluded agreements with Russia and the US regarding the removal of the SDF from the borders in northern Syria and stopping Operation Peace Spring. 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. Six years ago, when Taylor Frankel started Nudestix with her mom and sister, no-makeup makeup wasnt a thing. You did not hear less is more, says the Toronto native. Retailers thought we were crazy because they argued that more is more is how you sell products. But Frankel and her sister stuck to their instinct, convincing their mother, a chemical engineer who had been developing cosmetics for more than 20 years (you can thank her for M. A. Cs Lipglass) that their generation preferred to keep things simple. She realized very quickly that how we saw beauty was very different from how her generation saw beauty, Frankel explains. She comes from the Sex and the City era where it was all about more hair, more makeup, more artistry, more colour, more everything. Then she had two teenage daughters who were like, We dont want to wake up an hour earlier to do our makeup. We thought that was an absurd concept. Their hunch paid off. Nudestix is now available at Sephora in nearly 35 countries and has seduced fans the world over with its quick and easy ethos. The majority of women out there prioritize other things in their lives, but still want to look good and feel good in their skin. says Frankel. Nudestix is all about minimalist, simple, fast and effortless beauty products to just enhance your natural beauty. Here, Frankel, along with Jasmine Merinsky, lead makeup artist and diversity educator for the brand, spills sneaky tricks to achieve a gorgeous natural makeup look. Prep your skin A no-makeup makeup look should take five minutes, says Merinsky. And it should always start with skin care. She recommends kicking things off with a good cleanse, then toning and moisturizing before even opening up your makeup bag. Regular exfoliation can also help refine skins texture and help products go on smoother. And dont forget about your lips. Keeping them nice and hydrated is key, says Merinsky. Lighten up Even if youve got some stuff you want to camouflage, resist the urge to slather a heavy foundation, say Frankel and Merinsky. Hear them out: If you start with a luminous sheer base and then go in with something that is higher coverage to really pinpoint those more problematic areas, it tends to look more natural than when you just slap on a full-coverage foundation, says Frankel. The thing with higher coverage formulas is that they tend to make you look flat, which means you need to put more makeup on top to bring some dimension and life into the face. With a more translucent base, you dont have to cover everything and then add it back in, says Merinsky. Nudestix Tinted Cover Foundation, $43, sephora.ca Cover strategically Spot-concealing over a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer or even a bare face calls for a particular formula. If your concealer is too thick or matte, it wont blend in with the rest of your skin and will only draw attention to the areas youre trying to cover. Nudestix spent two full years developing its new concealer to get it just right. We tried to make it as natural as possible when it comes to the finish on the skin and the coverage, says Frankel. The breakthrough was a super-gel technology, which allows the product to melt into the skin, making it totally undetectable. It also self-sets, so you dont have to use any powder to lock it in. This also helps preserve a natural effect. If you have oily skin, it will help regulate shine without drying your skin, says Frankel. It hugs and moves with your skin and never settles into lines or accentuates texture. Nudestix Cream Concealer, $37, sephora.ca Stick to one colour We believe the perfect no-makeup makeup look is monochromatic, says Frankel. When you use the same tone on the eyes, cheeks and lips, thats the perfect flush of colour for a natural makeup look. Opt for colours that flatter any part of the face such as pink, peach, mauve and rust and pick creams over powders. Cream products sit in the skin instead of on top, says Merinsky. They also look more natural because they dont take away from skins luminosity. For a healthy, harmonious effect, dab a bit of cream blush on the apples of your cheeks as well as on the bridge of your nose and across your temples. Thats where people get colour when theyre in the sun, says Merinsky. It makes your makeup indistinguishable. Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze, $38, sephora.ca Put the finishing touches Once youve got your base done and youve added a bit of colour on your cheeks, nose, temples and maybe even your lids, all you need are few last details to bring it all together. Make sure to use a good brow gel, says Merinsky. This will help frame the entire face. Next is a coat of lengthening mascara. Look for one that wont clump or leave lashes stiff. A flexible, defining formula will look way more natural. Last but not least, says Merinsky, a nice hydrating lip colour and youll be rocking a great no-makeup makeup look. Nudestix Eyebrow Stylus Pencil & Gel, $32, sephora.ca This article contains affiliate links, which means The Kit may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our journalism is independent and is in no way influenced by advertising. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set. More information. She's played with her look while sticking to strict quarantine measures amid the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. And Ariel Winter sported a colorful face covering while stepping out for groceries in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon. The 22-year-old actress looked comfortable in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt as she ran errands responsibly around town. Casual: Ariel Winter sported a colorful face covering while stepping out for groceries in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon Ariel's love for animals was noticeable as she left the store wearing a white T-shirt with a large leopard and green leaves. She tucked her over-sized top into a pair of loose grey sweat shorts with a bow tied across the front and side slits. The Modern Family star pounded the pavement in a pair of white trainers as she pushed her shopping cart through the parking lot. Out and about: The 22-year-old actress looked comfortable in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt as she ran errands responsibly around town Ariel kept her cotton candy pink hair tied up into a messy bun and rocked a colorful face covering while in public. Winter and her boyfriend, Luke Benward, were recently spotted touring houses in the Studio City area of the San Fernando Valley. Ariel and Luke recently wrapped production on their upcoming movie Don't Log Off, which is set in the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. Her first project since Modern Family, the comedy-thriller is about a group of friends planning a virtual surprise party, as the birthday girl goes missing. Staying busy: Ariel kept her cotton candy pink hair tied up into a messy bun and rocked a colorful face covering while in public Pretty in pink! Ariel has enjoyed playing with her look while under quarantine and revealed bright pink hair earlier this year The Phineas and Ferb star posted to Instagram in late July: 'AND WE ARE WRAPPED!!!!!!! Congratulations and thank you to our whole team especially the very talented @branbaer & @thethirdlilbaer, our wonderful writers/directors. 'This movie really is an ensemble and Im honored to be sharing the screen with my friends, and producing this with a few of them as well!!!!!' She bid farewell to the popular show back in February after starring as the brainy Alex Dunphy in the ABC sitcom since it premiered in 2009, before coming to an end with its 11th season. The ACLU of Nebraska is filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Omaha and Omaha police officials, alleging excessive force. The suit also says mass arrests during spring and summer protests were unlawful. The group is representing eight people in challenging police actions this summer during the rallies at 72nd and Dodge Streets May 29 and 30 and a mass arrest near 28th and Farnam Streets following a march July 25. The lawsuit names the City of Omaha, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer and Omaha Police Capt. Mark Matuza as defendants. The ACLU is seeking an injunction from the U.S. District Court of Nebraska in order to stop police from using chemical agents on peaceful protesters except in certain conditions, said Sam Petto, the ACLU's communications director. The group asserts that police officers used pepper balls excessively and wrongly. One police officer was recommended for termination after he fired a pepper ball at a protester's genital area and later bragged about it, according to three law enforcement sources with knowledge of what occurred. Officers used pepper ball guns 157 times in the first half of 2020 more than in the previous seven years combined. Unqork, a NYC-based enterprise no-code platform, secured $207m in Series C funding, raising the companys valuation to $2 billion. The round was led by funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, and joined by Eldridge, Fin Venture Capital, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Schonfeld Strategic Advisors and Sunley House Capital Management, a subsidiary of Advent International. Existing investors including CapitalG, Alphabets independent growth fund, Goldman Sachs, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Aquiline Technology Growth and World Innovation Lab (WiL) are also participating. The company will use the new funding to further execute on a number of ongoing initiatives, such as: growing its global salesforce, investing further in technology, expanding training and go-to-market partnerships with the worlds leading services firms and systems integrators and including Capco, Cognizant, Deloitte, EY, KPMG and Virtusa. Led by Gary Hoberman, founder and CEO, Unqork provides a visual, no-code application platform for large enterprises to build, deploy, and manage complex applications without coding. Unqork has been adopted by leading organizations in financial services, insurance, government, health care and other industries. Customers include Aon plc, The District of Columbia, Goldman Sachs, Liberty Mutual, Montgomery County, New York City, Nippon Life, Pacific Life, Rethink Food, Vault and more. FinSMEs 06/10/2020 LILLE, France, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Openbravo, the global cloud-based omnichannel platform vendor for agile and innovative commerce, has announced that it has been awarded a contract by Caroll International, the French fashion retailer. Caroll is rapidly rolling out Openbravo's Order Management System to give it a comprehensive omnichannel order management capability and allow online orders to be fulfilled and delivered from its stores. French fashion retailer Caroll, which has 473 stores in nine countries and a fast-growing online operation, was looking for an omnichannel order management system that would help physical store transformation, boost its operational agility and better integrate its eCommerce operations. Caroll faced three main specific challenges. The company wanted to reduce the number of online orders rejected because the warehouse was out of stock even though the items ordered were available in stores. It needed a solution that could make store stock available to serve these orders and it also wanted to reduce the number of picking locations to optimize the number of packages for its customers and reduce the picking costs of each order (preparation, shipments, etc.). Caroll chose Openbravo for its OMS, POS and mobile capabilities. The Openbravo OMS solution makes it possible to access store stocks from orders made on the website or in store. Moreover, the solution supports a variety of omnichannel fulfillment scenarios, such as ship-to-store, ship-from-store, BOPIS and BORIS. "We needed to access our stores' stock from the website in order to fill stock-outs at the warehouse and optimize the flow of in-store stock. The OMS system brings additional sales to the store and has been very well received by the retail teams," says Frederic Mayette, CIO of Caroll. "We chose the Openbravo OMS because it met all these objectives and the Openbravo team took time to understand our needs and propose the correct solution for the challenges we face in today's fashion retailing industry. The collaboration between our teams made this project a real success from the beginning. We were able to see immediate positive results," he added. "The confidence that Caroll has shown in Openbravo and the results observed from the first weeks of use confirm how the Openbravo omnichannel platform, and in particular, the OMS and POS solutions, enables retailers to easily adapt to changing market dynamics and rapidly evolve their business to embrace omnichannel retail," says Christophe Dubuis, Sales Director for France and Northern Europe at Openbravo. About Caroll For more than 50 years, Caroll has embodied smart, modern design in women's clothing, bringing a sleek and inspired look to women's daily lives. From creative workshops to stores, Caroll reinvents itself continuously to offer women chic and desirable fashion. For more information on Caroll, please visit www.caroll.com . About Openbravo Openbravo offers the cloud-based omnichannel software platform of choice by retail and restaurant chains seeking to accelerate innovation and omnichannel execution. Its flexible technology allows to achieve greater agility and innovation, with lower IT costs, for more differentiated and personalized customer experiences across all channels, through key capabilities such as a mobile POS, CRM & Clienteling, an OMS engine, price and discount management, mobile inventory or connectors with leading ERP systems, eCommerce or payment platforms for effective end-to-end omnichannel execution. Leading international brands such as BUT, Decathlon, Groupe Rand, Rubaiyat, Sharaf DG, Toys "R" Us Iberia and Zodio prefer Openbravo, which today counts over 18,000 back office users and 60,000 point of sale terminals using its solutions. If you are interested to learn more about Openbravo, visit www.openbravo.com . Xavier Places, Marketing Director, +34 607 676 568, xavier.places@openbravo.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/703504/Openbravo_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307392/Caroll_Logo.jpg A Union City man who fatally stabbed a woman during a drug- and alcohol-fueled rage two years ago was sentenced Tuesday morning to 20 years in prison. Kevin Cortes, 28, showed little emotion when he was sentenced by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mitzy Galis-Menendez in the death of 20-year-old Giselle Bravo of New York on March 26, 2018. In a brief statement, Cortes said I would like to express sympathy ... to the family. ... I know my words wont shed the burden. The motive for the gruesome homicide has remained somewhat of a mystery. Cortes and Bravo have been described as acquaintances, but few other details of that early morning incident have been released. According to authorities and information revealed in court Tuesday, Cortes stabbed Bravo numerous times in an unprovoked attack at his New York Avenue apartment. She died at his hands for no reason whatsoever in a brutal manner, Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Leo Hernandez said in arguing for the 20-year sentence that was agreed to when Cortes pleaded guilty on June 24. She was trying to console him that night. She was saying Babe, Babe, whats the matter? And his response to her that night was a brutal, vicious, vile, violent attack on her, where he stuck a knife in her neck, among other things he did. For what? Why? ... The answer is ... for an insatiable lust for drugs, ... cocaine, ecstacy, drinking, marijuana. Giselle Bravo, 20, of New York, who was fatally stabbed by Kevin Cortes on March 26, 2018. EJA Bravos mother, Margarita Martinez, sobbed through her statement to the court, asking the judge to show no mercy on the man who took the life of a defenseless child. The only thing I ask for justice, for the maximum sentence, she said through an interpreter. My daughter had dreams to live for, but he took her life away ... for no reason. Kevin Cortes destroyed our familys life. Wanda Martinez, Bravos aunt, said she is scarred by the sheer inhumanity of the killing. It is a pain that will last for the rest of my life," she told the court. "I am going to have to learn to live with it because it wont go away. ... It hurts even more the way that he did it. Why did he stab her so many times? ... Not even an animal deserves this. She was a human being. Cortes was also sentenced to 18 months for the aggravated assault of a corrections officer while he was in Hudson County jail on the homicide charges. Under the No Early Release Act, Cortes must serve at least 85%, or 17 years, of the 20-year sentence. Galis-Menendez noted that Cortes has roughly two and a half years of time served in the county lockup. The father of one of the developers who illegally destroyed the historic Corkman Hotel in Carlton has launched legal action against Yarra councillor Stephen Jolly, claiming Cr Jolly defamed him in a social media post. The City of Yarra is also being pursued for an apology and, potentially, costs over a Facebook post on Cr Jolly's personal page. Stefce Kutlesovski, one of two developers fined for demolishing the Corkman Hotel. Credit:Clay Lucas Cr Jolly, who is running for re-election in this month's council elections, shared a flyer and comments with his almost 5000 Facebook friends and followers, describing developer Stefce Kutlesovski as "the Corkman cowboy". The developers of the Corkman are the subject of contempt of court hearings at the planning tribunal VCAT, after they failed to comply with an order that they transform the ruined Corkman Hotel site into a park. A Tory former chancellor today lashed out at the prospect of the UK becoming a 'nation of informers like the old East Germany' as he criticised ministers for urging people to report their neighbours to the police for breaking coronavirus rules. Lord Lamont expressed major concerns about the Government's Covid-19 restrictions as he questioned whether there was any scientific evidence to back up the rule of six. He said the Government had failed to provide 'satisfactory explanations' for why certain measures are needed. He insisted he was not advocating 'letting the virus rip' but warned the current 'cat's cradle' of rules 'is in danger of collapsing under its own weight' and must be simplified. The intervention came as Britain recorded 14,542 more coronavirus cases after the number of people testing positive for the virus every day tripled in a fortnight. Lord Lamont today said he 'deplored' the suggestion from ministers that the UK should become 'a nation of informers like the old East Germany' Boris Johnson is facing mounting Tory fury both in the House of Commons and the Lords over his coronavirus crackdowns, with approximately one quarter of the UK population now living under tighter restrictions. Lord Lamont accused the Government of failing to consult the public in drawing up the rules as he highlighted the 'impracticality' of enforcing them. He said: 'Two ministers have suggested that people should inform on their neighbours. 'It's one thing to report you neighbour if you see that he is building a bomb factory. 'If he is holding a barbecue for seven people are you really going to report him? 'I deplore any suggestion that we should become a nation of informers like the old East Germany.' Lord Lamont added: 'I am not arguing let the virus rip. We need rules. But I think we have not had satisfactory explanations. 'This cat's cradle of rules is in danger of collapsing under its own weight. Popular consent is undermined by arbitrary rules which are hard to follow. 'For rules to have legitimacy, people need to understand the rationale and above all government needs to observe the appropriate limits of laws.' Defending the measures, Health Minister Lord Bethell acknowledged there were 'seemingly many inconsistencies, injustices and perceived unfairnesses'. But Lord Lamont argued that this made it difficult for people to accept them. He said: 'Many people want to know the basis on which these rules are made. 'The very fact there are different regimes in different countries in the UK, all based on exactly the same science, suggest there can't be a precise basis for the figure of six. Is it just fingers in the air for each of the countries of the UK?' He also questioned why children under the age of 12 cannot be exempted from the overall number in England as they are in Scotland and Wales. Lord Lamont said: 'What is the point of the rule anyway when one can go into a carriage on the Tube or into an office or a supermarket and find oneself positively close to a lot more than six people.' Lord Bethell told peers that the only purpose of the rule of six 'was to halt the spread of the virus by breaking the chain of transmission'. He argued it provided 'clear, easily understood guidance'. AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. manufacturing startup Armbrust American is launching a new crowdfunding campaign in an effort to give an investment opportunity to every citizen who believes in the company's mission to return strategic manufacturing to the country. Learn more about the opportunity to invest in the next phase of Armbrust American and U.S. manufacturing. Armbrust American's Texas-based medical mask production facility. Photo by Alex Smith. Armbrust American's Texas-based medical mask production facility. Photo by Alex Smith. "Launching an American manufacturing company isn't easy, but I consider each and every customer an investor in what we're trying to do," said Founder and CEO Lloyd Armbrust. "Most Americans are not millionaires, yet it's typically only millionaires that get a chance to invest in the fastest growing companies. So as we expand, it's only natural that we would give all Americans a chance to invest in our future through a crowdfunding effort." Armbrust American previously raised $5 million in funding ahead of launching its first Austin-area factory that produces FDA registered surgical masks. Since then, it has expanded by offering an assortment of color surgical masks and a new line of N95 respirators. The company currently has seven production lines across two facilities as well as its own machine capable of making meltblown filter fabric that is essential to a mask's ability to protect against harmful particulate matter such as the novel coronavirus. "I've always said masks are just the start. Today, we begin that journey to manufacture a variety of quality American-made products," Armbrust said. Capital from the funding round will be used to purchase additional machinery and equipment. Seasoned angel investor and Capital Factory Founder Josh Baer is among those leading the fundraising effort. "It's been nothing short of incredible to watch Lloyd and his team pull this together: Researching machines, bringing them in from around the world, building a factory, then making it better and better every day. It's a true testament to American ingenuity, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit," Baer said. "I bet on him once before, and it's a no-brainer to bet on him again." Potential investors wishing to participate in Armbrust American's fundraising effort can do so via a SEC-registered intermediary platform, available here: https://wefunder.com/armbrust . About Armbrust American Armbrust American's mission is to bring strategic manufacturing back to the U.S. Founded in 2020 by Y-Combinator alumni Lloyd Armbrust, the company currently operates a factory out of Austin, Texas utilizing a proprietary mix of materials and manufacturing innovation to provide the highest quality PPE at a competitive cost. Lloyd was previously the founder and CEO of OwnLocal, a company that automates production for 3,500 newspapers worldwide. Introduction Video: About Armbrust American (2-min) For more info, visit: https://www.armbrustusa.com/ Media Contact: Tom Cheredar [email protected] Ph: (512) 831-4409 SOURCE Armbrust American Related Links http://www.armbrustusa.com There has been a rise in the number of people applying for jobs ahead of the end of the furlough scheme this month, data reveals. Job applications have increased by 10.5 per cent in the last month, according to data from UK-based CV-Library, as workers scramble for secure employment. However there are 27.5 per cent fewer vacancies than there were at the same time last year. Data also reveals average pay has dropped by 12.6 per cent year-on-year and by 0.8 per cent month-on-month. The announcement comes as it emerged firms have already made plans to lay off 500,000 people during the coronavirus crisis. Job applications have increased by 10.5 per cent in the last month, according to data from UK-based CV-Library, as workers scramble for secure employment. Stock image The furlough scheme ends on 31 October and will be replaced by a new Job Support Scheme. Under the scheme the government will subsidise workers so they can pick up 77 per cent of their usual wages for doing as little as a third of regular hours. Under the new system employees' wages receive a maximum subsidy of 22 per cent from the Treasury, depending on how many hours they work. But firms must pick up the additional 55 per cent, compared to 20 per cent under furlough. It has sparked fears that many businesses will simply lay staff off instead of taking it up. Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, commented: 'While we saw a dip in applications back in August, they picked up significantly in September, which tends to happen as people adopt the "back to school" mindset. 'That said, we do know that the furlough scheme is due to end in a matter of weeks now and while the government is offering further support through its Job Support Scheme, professionals are clearly nervous about their prospects and competition for jobs is ramping up. 'As we can see from our findings, this is happening across all corners of the UK and in a range of industries.' Researchers at CV-Libary analysed data from September 2020 and compared the findings to figures from September 2019 and September 2020 to build an understanding of the state of the job market. Brighton saw the biggest increase in application rates (up 46.8 per cent year-on-year), followed by Inverness (37.7 per cent) and Bristol (33.1 per cent). The sectors that have seen the biggest increase over the same time period are telecoms (108.2 per cent), public sector (98.1 per cent) and medical (60.3 per cent). The biggest drops in advertised jobs were seen in the design (70.2 per cent), administration (65.2 per cent), catering (63.8 per cent) industries. Biggins added: 'Every week we're seeing more jobs being advertised on our site and, while vacancies are nowhere near levels that they were at a year ago, this is a promising indicator that the job market is headed in the right direction. 'That said, we know that many businesses and job seekers are still struggling and are worried about what a second wave will mean for their prospects. All we can do for now is sit tight and weather the storm through the autumn and winter months.' President Donald Trump reported no symptoms of the coronavirus Tuesday following his first night out of the hospital, the White House physician said. "This morning the President's team of physicians met with him in the Residence," Dr. Sean Conley said in a brief, nonspecific memo, the latest report on Trump's progress battling Covid-19. "He had a restful first night at home, and today he reports no symptoms," Conley wrote. Trump's "vital signs and physical exam remain stable," Conley wrote. "Overall he continues to do extremely well." The optimistic update from the White House doctor came less than a day after Trump, 74, was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he had been flown as a precautionary measure after he began experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. The president had been hospitalized Friday evening, the same day he had announced on Twitter that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the virus. White House officials said at the time that the president was experiencing "mild symptoms," and Conley offered a rosy prognosis in a press conference Saturday. But he and other doctors have refused to answer specific questions from reporters about Trump's health, and some officials have offered conflicting messages. On Monday afternoon, Trump walked out of Walter Reed on his own, wearing a mask, and flew on Marine One back to the White House. Upon his arrival, Trump climbed a set of steps to the balcony of the South Portico and removed his mask before saluting the helicopter's departure. Critics, skeptical of the lack of transparency coming from the administration, noted that the president appeared to be breathing heavily at the time. He then spoke in a video that was later posted to his social media, telling his followers not to let the coronavirus "dominate you." "I know there's a risk, there's a danger, but that's OK," Trump added in the video. "And now I'm better, and maybe I'm immune, I don't know." Trump has access to world-class medical care and still-under-review treatments that are unavailable to most Americans. At least 210,195 people in the U.S. have died from Covid-19, and experts fear the virus could grow more intense as the winter approaches. The has told a Supreme Court-mandated pollution control authority that custom hiring centres (CHCs) in the state will not charge any rental from small and marginal farmers for machinery to manage stubble. Farmers who cannot afford expensive machinery for in-situ management of crop residue hire farm equipment from CHCs. The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority had earlier asked Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh not to charge rentals from small and marginal farmers. "The CHCs will charge no rentals for providing machines to small and marginal farmers," Chief Secretary, Punjab, Vini Mahajan wrote in a letter to EPCA head Bhure Lal. Marginal farmers are those who cultivate (as owner or tenant or share cropper) agricultural land up to 1 hectare, while small farmers are those who cultivate agricultural land more than 1 hectare and up to 2 hectares. The EPCA had also asked the states to specify rental charges for machinery to avoid any ambiguity. Acting on its directions, the has fixed the hiring rates for machines too. Rental charge for most of the machines, including happy seeder, rotavator, straw chopper and zero till drill, is between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Last year, Punjab produced around 20 million tonnes paddy residue. Farmers burnt 9.8 million tonnes of it. Farmers in Haryana burnt nearly 1.23 million tonnes out of seven million tonnes of paddy residue produced. Despite a ban on in Punjab and Haryana, farmers continue to defy it as there is a short window between harvesting of paddy and sowing of wheat. The high cost of manual or mechanical management of straw is a major reason why farmers choose to burn it. State governments are providing 50 to 80 per cent subsidy to farmers and cooperative societies to buy modern farm equipment for in-situ management of paddy straw, installing paddy straw-based power plants and running a massive awareness campaign against But these measures are yet to make any significant impact on the ground. (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.) Joe Biden now has a 12-point lead over President Trump in Pennsylvania, according to a Monmouth University poll out Tuesday, which also found that a majority of voters in the battleground state think Biden better understands their daily concerns. Why it matters: It's more bad news for Trump, whose re-election efforts have hinged on winning Pennsylvania and its 20 electoral votes. Biden's current lead is a significant improvement from his four-point lead in last month's Monmouth poll. Biden is visiting Pennsylvania today, with plans to give remarks in Gettysburg later this afternoon. Last week, Biden hosted a whistle-stop Amtrak tour through the state highlighting his "Build Back Better" economic recovery plan. By the numbers: 54% of registered voters in Pennsylvania support Biden, compared to 42% who are backing President Trump. 60% of voters think Biden at least somewhat understands their day-to-day concerns. There was little movement before and after Trump's announcement that he tested positive for COVID-19, the poll found. Voters still trust Biden more when it comes to handling the pandemic and health care. And while Trump continues to lead Biden on the economy, slightly more voters now say they believe Biden will strengthen the economy and create jobs (41%, up from 37% before Friday). Between the lines: Monmouth's poll found Biden with a slight advantage on which candidate voters feel better handles "law and order" 45% to Trump's 41%. Previously, Trump campaign officials felt hopeful that the president's "law and order" rhetoric was helping in Pennsylvania, specifically aides thought with the state's white, working-class voters. Be smart: A decisive Biden win in Pennsylvania would likely help Democrats avoid major post-election litigation, Axios' Stef Kight writes: Pennsylvania is already at the center of election-related legal battles since it could decide the election and has had very little experience with mass vote-by-mail. (Just 4% of ballots were cast by mail in 2018.) In order for there to be meaningful lawsuits over ballot counts after the election, there either has to be a massive election failure (like a cyber attack) or it has to be a razor-thin election within a few thousand ballots, elections experts say. Theres less incentive for suing over whether or not to count certain ballots if it wont change the outcome. Methodology: The Monmouth University Poll was sponsored and conducted by the Monmouth University Polling Institute from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, 2020 with a statewide random sample of 500 Pennsylvania voters drawn from a list of registered voters. It has a margin of error of +/- 4.4%. Go deeper: Trump campaign goes all in on Pennsylvania Appalled by the continuation of bloodshed in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, as well as beyond the line of contact, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli today reiterated the call to cease hostilities in the interest of civilians and recommit to negotiations towards a peaceful solution of the conflict according to OSCE principles and commitments. During the past week, he has been in direct contact with the Speakers of Parliament of Armenia and Azerbaijan, to underline the position of the OSCE PA and to urge both sides to resume the negotiation process. We continue to be gravely concerned by reports of increasing casualties related to the conflict, in particular the impact on the local population which, despite the obligation to protect civilians, continues to suffer from the ongoing fighting, Tsereteli stated today. We fully support the call of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group from France, Russia and the United States, as well as the presidents and foreign ministries of the respective countries, for an unconditional ceasefire. The President also expressed concerns over reports of the use of banned cluster bombs, noting that the OSCE PA adopted a resolution in 2008 which called for all OSCE participating States to prohibit the use, development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention or transfer of cluster munitions. Tsereteli called upon all sides to refrain from the use of these weapons and to fully respect requirements under international law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. It is totally unacceptable that there are threats to destroy critical infrastructures in the region which could lead to humanitarian catastrophes. The continued use of force does not contribute towards the peaceful solution of the conflict. Instead, it continues to bear the cost of human lives and further aggravate the plight of civilians, Tsereteli said. Ultimately, any continued use of force will be detrimental to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict for decades to come, notwithstanding the outcome of the ongoing armed conflict. We will continue to place all our efforts in helping to generate political will for reconciliation. As a platform for dialogue, the OSCE PA continues to stand ready to host parliamentary talks if requested by the sides, Secretary General Roberto Montella added. Parliamentary dialogue can play an important role in rebuilding communication lines, once the negotiation process in the Minsk Group aimed at the peaceful resolution of the conflict has resumed. I would like to underline, that the OSCE PA consistently supports the work of the OSCE structures and mechanisms which are mandated by participating States to deal with this conflict, Montella said. In addition, the PA has also the responsibility of analyzing strengths and weaknesses, with the aim of channeling the organizational capacities to maximize effectiveness. This is particularly important in situations like this, when the ongoing cost of human life justifies it. (jenniferheebner.com) - It was 2007 when Laurent Cartier the student was backpacking through Sierra Leone and heard about the diamond divers of the Sewa River. While not specifically interested in diamonds at that timehe was getting his masters degree in Geological and Earth Sciences from the University of Basel, Switzerlandhis curiosity was piqued. He stayed in touch with new friends who knew of the diamond divers of the Sewa River and in April 2019 returned to the country once ravaged by civil war. By this time, Cartier had earned his doctorate in Philosophy and Geosciences and a Fellowship of Gem-A gemology diploma, as well as firmly establishing himself in the international gemology community as a project manager for the Swiss Gemological Institute, or SSEF. Cartier returned to Sierra Leone with a South African photographer named Justin Badenhorst and a goal: to film these artisanal diamond divers and share their storya human side to the diamond industry. Kanye West reported his financial assets and liabilities in an October filing to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics as part of his run for president. The rapper, designer and entreprenuer, said his largest asset is fashion company Yeezy LLC, worth over $50 million, according to the document. The firms apparel and footwear arms are also listed to be worth more than $50 million each. Last year, Bank of America Corp. valued just the sneaker side of Yeezy at as much as $3 billion, according to a document reviewed by Bloomberg. The value of his stakes in Adidas AG and Nike Inc. are worth as much as $50 million and $25 million, respectively, the filing shows. West also lists liabilities of up to $100 million, the bulk of which are made up of various mortgages. West announced his run for president via Twitter in July, though he hasnt secured a spot on the ballot in many states. He has qualified to appear in at least 12 states, including Mississippi and Vermont. Wests platform calls for a culture of life, restoration of faith and police reform. Democrats have accused Republicans of helping the campaign to act as a spoiler to siphon votes from Joe Biden. At the same time as his run, West has also been vocal about getting a board seat at the companies that have increasingly staked their brands on partnerships with him. I dont have a board seat at Gap, I dont have a board seat at Adidas, West posted on Twitter last month. Black board seats matter. Earlier this year, his personal accountant, David Choi, provided an unaudited balance sheet that pegs the rappers net worth at $3.15 billion, with the bulk of his fortune tied to Bank of Americas Yeezy valuation, which was done before the pandemic shook up the global economy. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NICOSIA, Cyprus: Cyprus and Lebanon on Tuesday reaffirmed an agreement for Lebanese authorities to take back migrants aboard boats trying to reach Cypriot shores. Cypriot Interior Minister Nicos Nouris said Lebanese and Cypriot police and naval forces will intercept migrant boats departing from Lebanon. He said European Union member Cyprus and Lebanon would also seek assistance from the blocs border agency Frontex in coastal surveillance. Were sending out a clear message that we wont tolerate anyone engaging in the trafficking of human beings and that were defending the interests of our two states, Nouris said after talks with Major-General Abbas Ibrahim, a senior official from Lebanons Interior Ministry. The two officials said all migrants aboard boats attempting to reach Cyprus will be returned. Any person who leaves Lebanon, in accordance with the deal reached with Cyprus, should be returned home in coordination between the two countries, Ibrahim said. In recent weeks, numerous boatloads of migrants have sailed to Cyprus approximately 107 miles (172 kilometers) from Tripoli, Lebanon alarming Cypriot authorities that say the island cant handle any more migrants seeking asylum for economic reasons. Ibrahim said that most of the migrants trying to reach Cyprus by boat arent Lebanese and may be trying to flee worsening economic conditions in Lebanon. Living conditions in Lebanon have become more difficult because of the economic crisis that we are passing through and this is what is maybe making these people migrate to nearby countries, Ibrahim said. The Lebanese official said international agencies usually praise Lebanon for the way it treats more than 1 million migrants now living on its territory, but a worsening economy may be prompting many to flee. Cyprus has come under fire by Human Rights Watch for allegedly pushing back 200 migrants and refugees arriving from Lebanon aboard boats last month without heeding their claims for asylum while in some instances using violence and coercive tactics. Nouris said the Cypriot government has received no such complaints and that Cypriot authorities acted lawfully and in line with EU directives. He said all migrants were returned to Lebanon safely under a Cypriot police escort. 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 Federal drug investigators say they and Lincoln's drug task force found 33 pounds of methamphetamine in an early morning search of a Lincoln house on the west end of town Sunday. It led to the arrest of two men, 24-year-old Jose Marino-Meza, also known as Antonio Ramirez, and 38-year-old Lucio Cruz-Guerrero, on federal charges. Both were set to make court appearances Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Lincoln on possession with intent to distribute a methamphetamine mix and conspiracy to distribute it. According to court documents, DEA agents and members of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force on Sunday searched five locations, including a home in Lincoln and Omaha and three storage units in Lincoln near the West O Street exit off U.S. 77. At about 2 a.m., the drug task force served a search warrant at 104 K St., a suspected stash house in a drug-trafficking organization under investigation since March, according to DEA Special Agent Hailey Anderson. She said they arrested Marino-Meza, who had been sleeping inside, after finding approximately 33 pounds of suspected meth inside the residence and a large undetermined amount of cash. MBABANE About turn! Phumzile Thomo, the Master of the High Court, has stopped the final Liquidation and Distribution of the assets of the late businessman, Calvin Ndlovu. This comes a few weeks after she had approved the distribution of the estate. The letter of approval is dated September 23, 2020. However, the Times SUNDAY has gathered that on Friday, Thomo forwarded another letter in which she instructed the executor, Lawyer Knox Mshumayeli Nxumalo, to halt the distribution of the account. You are requested to immediately halt distribution of this estate as previously directed by this office in our letter that is dated September 23, 2020. You are requested to see the undersigned for further clarity, she stated. Asked about the letter, Nxumalo said he would correspond with the masters office. The Times has also gathered that the Ndlovu family intend to file an application at the High Court to, once again, object to the intended distribution of assets. The family is seeking redress in that the office of the Master of the High Court has failed to respond or to address about eight objections regarding the assets. Lawyer Mangaliso Magagula on Friday confirmed that his client would be approaching the courts. Speaking to the Times this week, Hlobsile Ndlovus family said for years, they had been engaging lawyers to help enforce justice but their attempts hit a snag, causing them pain. At least five local lawyers, including a senior human rights attorney, have received a share from the estate in respect of payments for litigations, while the family has not received a cent. In one instance, a human rights lawyer was paid E120 000 by the family, in an attempt to fight for their concerns but statements show that this lawyer later received cash from the estate without the knowledge of most members of the family. The only thing they recalled happened was that in 2015, Apton and Absalom were each paid a sum of E100 000 from the estate. Again, the payment was done without the involvement of the masters office and without consultation from the other beneficiaries. This is despite the fact that the Estate Administration Act, states that letters should be written to all the beneficiaries each time there are payments from an estate account. However, the family alleges that they got to know about these payments after seeing cheques from the two. These payments were done in 2015. Another bone of contention is the transfer of funds from the estates account into a trust account under Robinson Bertram lawfirm. They alleged they were not consulted over this decision. The late Ndlovu died on February 17, 2001, aged 68 and had 16 children, who include Hlobisile, who is now a Liqoqo member, former Mayiwane MP Apton, Piggs Peak businessman and councillor Absalom. At the time of his death, his wife was 54 years old and now she is 73. The family members, especially those born from Hlobisiles mother, Siphiwe, believe the office of the Master of the High Court has done nothing to exercise fair justice in the liquidation and distribution of Ndlovus assets, which is now estimated to be worth E31 million. What has frustrated them is that they believe they are entitled to about E15 million in cash, by their own count, not the advertised E6 million. According to a letter of approval from the masters office, available cash is E6 077 918.67. It had also dawned on them that the E6 million might decrease to E1.8 million after deduction of liabilities. Liabilities, in this case, will be administration fees and legal costs that have accrued during the 19 years of waiting. Information sourced from the distribution account reflects that liabilities total E4.6 million. The will states that what is left out from the estate goes to the wife. The leftovers are regarded as a residue. According to www.linlawsgroup.com, in the administration of a will or trust, after a person dies, certain things are paid out or distributed - usually in a certain order. These liabilities include the expenses of administering the estate (such as attorneys and CPA fees), obligations which must be paid (such as taxes and creditor claims), and specific devices (gifts) designated in the will or trust to go to a beneficiary. After all of these are paid or distributed, what is left is referred to as the residue. The provision in the will or trust, which designates what happens to the residue, is sometimes referred to as the residuary provision or residuary clause. MONITORED Meanwhile, the Administration of Estates Act of 1902, states that monies belonging to an estate should be kept in a guardians fund. The fund should be monitored by the office of the Master of the High Court for disbursements to beneficiaries of the deceaseds assets. However, sometimes beneficiaries and the office of the Master of the High Court would choose to ignore this statute by allowing the opening of a trust account on claims that the latter has quicker processes during a claimant. They are uncertain when it will be finalised. What has further caused them hurt is that their accounting books or records are telling a contrary story to what the executor claiming was available in the bank. According to the family, about E15 million cash should be available to this period, not anything less. Speaking on behalf of the family, Sikhatsi Dlamini said the Administration of Estates Act of 1902 states that the executor should wind up an estate within six months of the date of his/her appointment. He said the Act clearly states that in case the executor is failing to wind up the estate, he/she should explain in writing to the Master of the High the reasons why the estate cannot be wound up. The executor has cited litigation between the parties as contributing to the delay. Admitted Seasoned lawyer Zweli Jele on Thursday distanced Robison Bertram law firm from the issue of the estate. He said Nxumalo was no longer part of the firm as he left to open his own offices. Jele, however, admitted that the law firm was in charge of the estate until on the day Knox left the firm. Asked what happened to the trust account in which the estate rentals are deposited after Nxumalo left the firm, Jele explained that Nxumalo had opened a separate trust account under the law firm. He said the estate monies were not part of Robison Bertram accounts. The law firm was involved until Nxumalo left to open his office, Jele said. Meanwhile, a section of the last will states that in the event Nxumalo leaves, the lawfirm would be responsible for the estate. In fact, corresponding letters between the executor and the office of the Master of High Court are still bearing Robison Bertram letter heads. The will identifies Nxumalo and the lawfirm as being in charge of the estate. One person has died after crashing into a Lebanon building on Tuesday, according to Lebanon City police. The crash occurred at the intersection of North 8th and Maple streets around 11:21 p.m., police said. A vehicle driving north on 8th Street crossed Maple, failing to stop at a stop sign on 8th, and hit a building on the northwest corner of the intersection, police said. Police have not determined a cause for the crash. No one was in the building when the car hit it, and the driver, a 60-year-old man from Cornwall, was the only person in the car, according to police. The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The drivers identity is being withheld pending notification to the family. As police continue their investigation, investigators ask that anyone who witnessed the crash call Lebanon City Police at 717-272-2054. Read more on PennLive: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics to three scientists Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez for their discoveries on the blackhole. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics to three scientists Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez. The scientists have received the coveted award for their discoveries on the black hole and furthering our understanding. As per official announcements, British physicist Roger Penrose will receive half of this years prize for his discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity. While The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded jointly to Germanys Reinhard Genzel and Americas Andrea Ghez for their discovery of a supermassive compact object at the center of our galaxy. The Nobel committee scientists said this year prizes celebrate one of the most exotic objects, black hole. In many science fictions and movies, the black hole has become the topic of discussion and speculation for many years. It is a black region of our spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing can escape it. In 1915, Albert Einsteins theory of general relativity helped many scientists and researchers in their advancement of its investigation. With the discovery of the three Nobel prize winners, scientists around the globe would understand that all galaxies have supermassive black holes. Started by Alfred Nobel in 1901, the prestigious award comes with a gold medal and prize money of 10 million Swedish kronor in recognition of outstanding work in the fields of chemistry, literature, peace and economics. BREAKING NEWS: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2020 #NobelPrize in Physics with one half to Roger Penrose and the other half jointly to Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez. pic.twitter.com/MipWwFtMjz The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 6, 2020 Also Read: Eye on China, EAM Jaishankar says India committed to upholding order in Intl seas at QUAD meet Earlier the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology 2020 was jointly awarded to the three scientists who discovered the Hepatitis C virus. Americans Harvey J Alter and Charles M Rice, and British-born Michael Houghton were laureated on Monday as this years winners for the medical breakthrough. Also Read: Health Minister Harsh Vardhan launches Ayush Standard Treatment Protocol Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton has said she has no interest in being friends with Ivanka Trump anymore, despite the pairs previous close relationship. It was reported that the pair had fallen out following President Donald Trumps 2016 presidential win against her mother Hillary Clinton and while she had previously alluded to the breakdown of their friendship, she slammed Ivanka in a recent interview. Appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Chelsea said, I've not spoken to her since 2016 and I have no interest in being friends with someone who is not only complicit but actively taking part in this administration's every day collision of cruelty and incompetence. Chelsea explained in an interview with Stephen Colbert this year that she and Ivanka had spoken at the beginning of their parents presidential runs, but their relationships eventually changed. Aurora Rose/Starpix/Shutterstock She said, It's just really hard when there's someone who's actively embracing their candidate -- whether it's their father or not -- who is trafficking in racism and sexism and anti-semitism and Islamophobia and homophobia and transphobia and conspiracy theories and lies and is so fundamentally corrupt. I don't think [Ivanka and her father] are the same by any standard, but I think she's more than complicit, as anyone who has worked for him for so long by definition is. And I don't want to be friends with someone like that, she continued. Previously in 2015, the pair were believed to be very close and Chelsea praised Ivanka in an American Vogue interview saying there was nothing skin-deep about Ivanka. She told the magazine, Shes always aware of everyone around her and ensuring that everyone is enjoying the moment. Its an awareness that in some ways reminds me of my dad, and his ability to increase the joy of the room. However their relationship changed in the years following as the Trump administration moved into the White House and Ivanka began to play a more prominent role in politics. When asked if she thought Ivanka should be pitied or seen as complicit in the Trump administrations actions, Chelsea said, Shes an adult. She can make the choices for herself. I mean, shes 36. We are responsible for our choices. Getty Images In 2008 I was really proud to support my mum but I disagreed with her fundamentally on a few things, particularly her then opposition to equal marriage rights for LGBTQ Americans. I never defended that position, because it wasnt what I believed was the right thing to do, she added. The pair were later reunited in 2018 at President George H.W. Bushs funeral, where they were seated beside one another and seen politely talking. Chelsea has made little secret of her distaste for Ivanka's father President Donald Trump, who announced he had coronavirus hours ago on Twitter. Speaking to Cohen, she called Trump a "racist, incompetent, miserable ghoul of a human being" and she condemned him this August for his response to the coronavirus crisis. She said, "Trump is an anti-science, narcissistic, conspiracy-peddling racist leader absent of empathy when we need the opposite to confront #covid19." Ethiopian lawmakers ruled Tuesday that federal officials should cut off contact with leaders of the northern Tigray region, which defied Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed last month by holding elections his government deemed "illegal". The decision by the House of Federation, the upper house of parliament, furthers the breakdown in relations between Abiy and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which dominated Ethiopian politics before Abiy came to power in 2018 and is still in command in Tigray. The House of Federation "decided the federal government should sever any kind of relationship with the Tigray regional state assembly and the region's highest executive body", according to a statement aired Tuesday night by the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation. The statement noted, though, that the federal government would continue to work with local institutions in Tigray to provide "basic services" to the region, meaning the decision did not amount to a complete rupture. The TPLF led the armed struggle to topple the brutal Derg regime in 1991 and controlled the ruling coalition that took over. But since Abiy took office Tigrayan leaders have complained of being unfairly targeted in corruption prosecutions, removed from top positions and broadly scapegoated for the country's woes. Ethiopia was due to hold national elections in August, but the country's poll body ruled in March that all voting would need to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Tigray went ahead with its own unsanctioned elections for its regional parliament on September 9, with the TPLF securing 189 of 190 seats. While dismissing the Tigray vote as a "shanty election", Abiy ruled out dramatic retaliatory measures like a military intervention or cutting Tigray's funding. His office has recently referred questions about the Tigray vote to the House of Federation. Tigrayan leaders, for their part, have rejected the extension of political mandates -- which before the pandemic were due to expire this week -- contending Abiy is no longer a legitimate ruler. They have vowed to recall representatives at the federal level and said any decisions taken by Abiy's government going forward "will not be applicable" in Tigray. Search Keywords: Short link: A former Australian ambassador to Beijing believes China is presenting itself as a responsible major power by making fresh diplomatic overtures to Australia and resisting the temptation to take political advantage of Donald Trump's COVID diagnosis. Is this a diplomatic shift? Earlier this year, China imposed multiple trade strikes after Australia led calls for an independent inquiry into the pandemic's origins and raised concerns about China's incursions in the South China Sea, the crackdown in Hong Kong, and treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. In this episode, national editor Tory Maguire is joined by our China correspondent in Canberra Eryk Bagshaw to discuss whether the Sino-Australian relationship is at a turning point. 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. Dhani Services Ltd, formerly Indiabulls Ventures Ltd, on Tuesday said it has raised Rs 147 crore by issuing 84 lakh shares to a foreign investor. The investor, NWI Emerging Market Fixed Income Master Fund Ltd, is one of the group entities of NWI Management, a New York-based investment fund. The allotment committee of the board of directors, at its meeting held on October 6, 2020 has issued and allotted an aggregate of 84,00,000 fully paid-up equity shares of face value of Rs 2 each at an issue price of Rs 175 per equity share, for cash consideration, to the foreign investor, it said in a regulatory filing. Consequent to the said allotment, the paid-up equity share capital of the company stands increased to Rs 114.54 crore, 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.) The prospect of rain offered a bright spot amid Californias ongoing fire fights Monday, where progress was made even as the state marked yet another bleak milestone. The August Complex, burning in seven counties, surpassed 1 million acres, another record-setting development in a year already full of them. The conflagration in Mendocino and neighboring counties is 54% contained as of Monday evening, Cal Fire reported, a testament to the ferocious combination of unrelenting heat and dry winds that have challenged crews since wildfire season began with a bang seven weeks ago. As for the Glass Fire, which began on Sept. 27 and sprawls across Napa and Sonoma counties, flames continue to chew their way toward Lake County east of Calistoga. But the containment level is now at 41%. We have turned the corner on the fire as a whole, division chief Ben Nicholls said during an afternoon briefing in Sonoma County. He didnt minimize the remaining challenges posed by the Glass Fire, which has grown to 66,840 acres while devastating wineries and resorts and destroying at least 553 homes. But were making good headway, Nicholls said, and were looking to get people home as soon as possible. One factor that might help is that the Bay Area has a 40% to 50% chance of rainfall beginning Thursday night and into the weekend, National Weather Service modeling showed. The region could see up to three-quarters of an inch of rain by Saturday, said meteorologist Matt Mehle. Northern California where the colossal August and North complex fires have forced thousands from their homes has an even higher chance of rainfall. Places like Mendocino and Humboldt counties have a 60% chance of an inch of rain, Mehle said. Fire crews hope precipitation will bring a slight reprieve, keeping existing fires contained to their current footprints and dampening chances of new blazes. But rain or no rain, the states 313 fire crews continued to make significant progress, Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a news conference Monday. We are finally getting our arms around it, the governor said. In all, 23 major wildfires burned across California on Monday. The state surpassed 4 million acres scorched Sunday double the previous record. Thousands have been evacuated in both Napa and Sonoma counties so far, with new orders to leave issued Sunday in northern Napa County near Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and in Lake County. Meanwhile, residents of Calistoga and other are a s of Napa and Sonoma counties got the go-ahead to return home when evacuation orders were reduced to warnings. The number of single-family homes destroyed or damaged by the Glass Fire nearly doubled Sunday, and that tally was almost certain to rise as officials assessed damage Monday. Officials have checked just 65% of the areas where the fire ripped through Wine Country. Much of the recently reported damage was along Deer Park Road and Silverado Trail, east of St. Helena and Calistoga, a fire spokesman said. John Blanchard The fire hit Angwin, a small village on Howell Mountain. Ken Cox, 70, was one of the few neighbors who didnt evacuate. He lives on the slopes of the mountain and has been taking care of neighbors homes keeping generators running, watering, cleaning food out of fridges so it doesnt spoil. It sounds mundane, but it all adds up, he said. Cox is a construction worker and the volunteer president of La Tierra Natural Water Co., which provides water for about 20 properties in the area. He said a number of his neighbors have tried to sell their homes but deals have been falling through because of the cost of insurance. Even before recent fires, insurance companies charged $1,300 a month. Im paying $5,000 a year, but Im only half insured, he said. I have about $1 million in coverage, but a replacement home would cost $2 million. Several destroyed homes had for-sale signs at the driveways Monday. Elsewhere in the state, the Zogg Fire in Shasta County grew to 56,305 acres and is now 80% contained, according to Cal Fire. The North Complex fires also are being brought under control, with Cal Fire saying the 2-month-old fire was 86% contained. Aerial crews surveyed the 318,724-acre blaze Monday to identify where fire remained stubbornly active due to steep terrain and old fuels, fire officials in Plumas and Butte counties said. Mountainous terrains have challenged firefighting efforts in Fresno and Madera counties, where the Creek Fire rages on, spurred by drought conditions and deep-seated fuel. The 322,774-acre inferno forced a spate of new evacuations Monday as crews managed to bring the fire to 49% containment. Sierra National Forest remained closed, but evacuated campers were being allowed back in to collect equipment, park officials said. Nora Mishanec and J.K. Dineen are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com, JDineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NMishanec, @SFjkdinee Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. HARRISBURG The Wolf administrations coronavirus business waiver program was inconsistent and confusing, creating an unfair playing field for companies across Pennsylvania, according to the preliminary results of a state audit. The waiver program appears to be a subjective process built on shifting sands of changing guidance, which led to significant confusion among business owners, state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale told reporters Tuesday. DePasquale, whose office launched the audit over the summer, said some business owners who applied were able to get a pass to reopen by using the right buzzwords in their applications ones that immediately gained them a stamp of approval. Some businesses also had the benefit of support from legislators and lobbyists, who called or emailed the administration of Gov. Tom Wolf on their behalf, though DePasquale noted that his auditors had not yet unearthed any evidence of undue influence. Yet other business owners were forced to deal with the whiplash of having their waiver applications initially denied, only to be later told by the administration that they could reopen without any explanation as to the change of heart. DePasquale cited an example of a food truck company that was twice turned down for a waiver, then later told it could reopen. The company was never told why. Another business, a construction company in Allegheny County, submitted 10 separate applications for separate but similar construction projects. They were rejected for some sites, approved for others, and told for yet others that they didnt require a waiver. That, to us, is a major problem, DePasquale said, who characterized the waiver program this way: This was not a level playing field. In all, 171 businesses were granted a waiver after first being denied, he said. And 141 more applicants were denied a waiver, but later told that they never needed one and could resume operations. In 73 cases, businesses were issued a waiver but then saw it revoked and were told to shut down. And 48 were told they didnt need a waiver to operate but then were subsequently ordered to shut down. The most frustrating part, so far is that there wasnt an explanation given as to why a yes went to no and vice versa, DePasquale said. We believe strongly that there should be reasons given as to why answers changed because a) the businesses are owed that, and b) if we are going to be in this situation again, we cant have this Keystone Kops routine again. In a statement, Casey Smith a spokesperson for the Department of Community and Economic Development, which administered the program said the overarching goal was to give qualified businesses the opportunity to remain open. Waiver decisions, Smith said, were not based upon pre-determinations or pressure from the governors office or other outside influences, but on a well-thought-out set of standards to determine which businesses provided life-sustaining services. She acknowledged that there were changes to the criteria used in making those determinations, but noted that only a fraction of the requests required correction through the quality assurance process. David Taylor, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, was critical of DePasquales decision to release only preliminary findings, calling it a stall tactic to protect himself and his political patrons before the election. DePasquale, a Democrat from York County, is in the midst of a hotly contested congressional race. The flimsy overview issued today does not begin to address the deeply disturbing practices of the Wolf administration that have destroyed untold Pennsylvania jobs and businesses while others somehow got the golden ticket of a waiver from Governor Wolfs front office, said Taylor, who believes DePasquale should recuse himself from the audit because he has received political support and campaign donations from Wolf. A spokesperson for DePasquale declined to directly address the criticism, though, in the past, the auditor generals campaign has said he has conducted tough reviews of both Democratic and Republican administrations, and had done so in a tough, fair, and impartial manner. DePasquale said his audit is continuing and is now focusing on the wolf administrations criteria for who qualified for a waiver, which he noted changed more than once during the shutdown. He said his office has also asked for numerous documents and emails from Wolfs office as his audit continues. The Democratic governors business waiver program has been one of the most-oft criticized aspects of his handling of the pandemic, and the subject of an ongoing investigation by Spotlight PA, Decided in Secret. Republican lawmakers and many in the business community complained that it was cobbled together in a sloppy and haphazard way. The program, they said, was also cloaked in secrecy, with little transparency about who was deciding which businesses could reopen or why. The business waiver program was launched in March, as the governor and his administration were taking steps to stem the spread of the virus and to prevent Pennsylvania hospitals from becoming overwhelmed by coronavirus patients. Initially, Wolf urged all nonessential businesses to close. But within days, the governor had issued a sweeping order ordering that only life-sustaining sectors of the economy could continue operating, forcing thousands of businesses to shut their doors. The first few hours of the shutdown order were chaotic. Several business sectors that had been ordered to close complained and said they were needed to provide essential products and services, leading Wolf to revise his definition of life-sustaining. The governor also created the waiver program to allow other businesses to apply to the Department of Community and Economic Development to make a case for why their services were essential. The complaints continued. Some businesses were able to reopen even though they did not seem to provide any life-sustaining product, leaving employees in the position of having to decide between forgoing a paycheck or potentially risking their health. In some cases, direct business competitors received conflicting guidance, with one being allowed to reopen while another had to stay closed. As the months went by, the waiver program became the target of litigation and court disputes, including by Republicans who hold the majority in the state Senate, who were trying to force Wolf to comply with a legislative subpoena for thousands of records related to the waiver process. As that dispute unfolded, DePasquale announced that his office would conduct an audit of the waiver program and that his team would review everything from the criteria state officials used to evaluate waiver applications, to any emails or letters from legislators or lobbyists seeking to influence the process. He said his office had received more than 100 complaints from businesses, many small or mid-size, that believed the waiver process was unfair. At the time, he said that was the largest number of complaints he had ever received at the start of an audit. Last month, a federal judge ruled that key components of the governors mitigation strategy are unconstitutional, including Wolfs business shutdown order. The governor is appealing that ruling. 100% ESSENTIAL: Spotlight PA relies on funding from foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. If you value this reporting, please give a gift today at spotlightpa.org/donate. Amid high-drama at Haryana's border with Punjab, state authorities allowed former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and a few party leaders to enter the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state as part of his rally against farm laws. IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi drives a tractor during the party's Kheti Bachao tractor rally against the farm laws, at Haryan-Punjab border, on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI Photo After winding up his last rally at Sanaur in Patiala, Gandhi drove a tractor to reach Haryana border on the concluding day of his 'Kheti Bachao Yatra'. He was accompanied on the tractor by Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar and senior party leader Harish Rawat. A number of Congress workers were accompanying Gandhi from Punjab's Patiala district, but the procession was stopped on the highway near Teokar village on Pehowa border for an hour. Before Gandhi arrived at the Punjab-Haryana border, senior Haryana police officials at the spot told reporters that they would not allow more than 100 people to gather at one place as per the guidelines in place due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Gandhi and a few Congress leaders were later allowed to enter Haryana where the former Congress chief has a couple of programmes scheduled. On Haryana side, state Congress chief Kumari Selja, senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Kiran Choudhary, Ajay Singh Yadav and party's Haryana affairs in-charge Vivek Bansal were present. Ahead of Gandhi's tractor rally in Haryana, the BJP-led government on Monday had said the Congress leader can bring a few people in the state but it will not permit a big crowd from Punjab which can 'disturb' the atmosphere. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Gandhi has the right to put forth his views but 'if he comes with a big procession from Punjab, we won't allow it'. Haryana's Home Minister Anil Vij had said if Gandhi comes with 'a big crowd from Punjab to disturb Haryana's atmosphere, then we will not permit it. We are not going to allow that'. China would have been 'thrown out in 15 minutes' if Congress was in power: Rahul Gandhi India oi-Deepika S Sirsi, Oct 06: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday made a veiled attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him coward while addressing a gathering in Haryana. He also claimed that China had "dared to enter India and kill our soldiers" as Modi has "weakened" the country. "The coward PM says that no one has taken our land. Today, there is only one country in the world whose land has been taken by another country. And PM calls himself a 'deshbhakt'. If we were in power we would've thrown out China in less than 15 mins," Rahul Gandhi said addressing tractor rally in Haryana. #WATCH The coward PM says that no one has taken our land. Today, there is only one country in the world whose land has been taken by another country. And PM calls himself a 'deshbhakt'. If we were in power we would've thrown out China in less than 15 mins: Rahul Gandhi in Haryana pic.twitter.com/JarmXUMTFs ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2020 Further targeting the government over the nearly five-month-long military standoff in eastern Ladakh, Gandhi said during the led UPA''s rule, "China would not dare to take a step inside our territory", adding had UPA been in power, "we would have evicted and thrown out China and it would not have taken 15 minutes to do so". The former Congress president, who reached here from Pehowa to address his final public gathering as part of his ''Kheti Bachao Yatra'', said none of the policies of the Modi government during the last six years were meant to benefit the poor, farmers or labourers. "Modi said China has not entered Indian territory. Then how were our 20 jawans killed? Who killed them?" he asked while addressing a gathering at Anaj Mandi here late this evening. After being briefly stopped at border, Rahul Gandhi allowed to enter Haryana "There is only one nation in the entire world whose land has been usurped and that is India and they call themselves patriots. The prime minister calls himself ''desh bhakt'' (patriot) and the whole country knows that China''s forces are inside our territory, what kind of patriot he is?" said Gandhi. The government had earlier termed as "mischievous interpretation" the Congress''s claims that China had occupied Indian territory in eastern Ladakh region. Continuing his attack, Gandhi said, "China came inside our territory four months back and how much time will it take to throw them out. I feel till the time the UPA government is not formed, China will continue to occupy the territory, but the day our government we will throw them out," adding "Our Army, Air Force would have pushed them back by 100 km." He claimed that the prime minister does not realise the power of the country, its farmers and labourers and is only concerned about his image. "He clicks photos and you must have seen the empty tunnel he is waving (referring to inauguration of Atal tunnel a few days ago," he said. Bihar Polls 2020: NDA seat sharing announced, JDU gets 122 while BJP gets 121|Oneindia News Gandhi, who held a series of tractor rallies in Punjab since Sunday to protest the Centre''s new farm laws, drove a tractor to Haryana, where he held two gatherings, the previous one being in Pehowa. Senior Congress leaders including Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kumari Selja, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Kuldeep Bishnoi, Kiran Choudhary, Ajay Singh Yadav and Deepender Singh Hooda also accompanied Gandhi during his programmes in Haryana. The Haryana leg of his tractor rally got delayed by more than two hours after state authorities stopped a large number of Congress workers from Punjab who were accompanying him from Patiala to the inter-state border. However, later Gandhi along with few Congress leaders was allowed to enter Haryana, where a large number of party workers accompanied him during his tractor rally. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 22:27 [IST] A man and a woman in their 20s have been arrested and charged with modern slavery after police raided a London flat suspected of being used to exploit a 13-year-old. British Transport Police raided a flat in Surrey Quays, south-east London, at 5.30am on Friday, September 25. Devon Mccallum, 26, and Nardia Seedat, 25, of Southwark, London, were both charged with counts of supplying class A drugs & modern slavery. It was linked to the arrest of a schoolboy, 13, in Rochester Station, Kent, who was found last week with 1,500, multiple mobile phones and markings of exploitation by County Lines gangs. Footage shows a number of officers in riot gear force their way into the flat before the arrests were made. Multiple phones were taken as evidence. The schoolboy has since been taken into police protection and is the youngest person to be arrested for County Lines. British Transport Police (pictured) raided a flat in Surrey Quays, south-east London, at 5.30am on Friday, September 25 Officers found drugs, multiple mobile phones and even a taser disguised as an iPhone inside the flat. The force tweeted: 'Children are exploited by #CountyLines gangs. They put them at risk, forcing them to travel by train with class A drugs. '@BBCLondonNews joined us when we raided a London flat suspected of being used to exploit a 13-year-old. Two were arrested & charged with Modern Slavery.' Both people arrested at the flat were charged on the day of their arrest with counts of modern slavery and supplying class A drugs. Measures were taken to protect a third person who owned the flat because officers suspected he was also a victim of exploitation. Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams, of the British Transport Police County Lines Taskforce, said: 'Sadly, it's not uncommon for County Lines gangs to use children, especially when they're using them to transport drugs on the railway. In our work, we routinely come across children who are 15, 16 and 17 years old.' A man and a woman were arrested and charged with modern slavery after police raided the London flat, suspected of being used to exploit a 13-year-old The force tweeted: 'Children are exploited by #CountyLines gangs. They put them at risk, forcing them to travel by train with class A drugs' The detective added: 'These gangs often use extreme intimidation and exploitative tactics, such as money and new clothes, to encourage these children to travel far distances to areas they don't know with class A drugs, where they'll be alone and at a high risk of harm. 'When we arrest a child involved in County Lines our first intention is never to criminalise, but to give them protection and try to pull them away from the clutches of criminals, we'll then target the gangs exploiting them we're carrying out operations on the railway daily to make sure this happens, and continually work with local police forces to ensure there is a nationwide response to County Lines.' In the days before the raid, two people who were linked to County Lines in Kent - and suspected of having a connection to the London flat - were convicted with the help of Kent Police. Officers found drugs, multiple mobile phones and even a taser disguised as an iPhone (pictured) inside the flat Detective Superintendent Mike Worrall of Kent Police's County Line and Gang Team said: 'The dismantling of class A drug supply networks is a shared responsibility, which is why it is so important that police forces work closely together to target those intent on committing serious criminal offences. 'Drug dealers do not recognise county boundaries or care which force is responsible for policing a particular area. 'All they care about is making money from the supply of crack cocaine and heroin to some of the most vulnerable people in society, and taking whatever extreme measures they deem necessary to protect their harmful brand. It was linked to the arrest of a schoolboy, 13, in Rochester Station, Kent, who was found last week with 1,500, multiple mobile phones and markings of exploitation by County Lines gangs. Pictured, a bag of what looks like drugs was found inside the flat 'We do not stand for it and have teams of experienced officers who are dedicated to removing drug networks from the streets of Kent, and we will continue to work with British Transport Police and other partners to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.' The force has targetted the issues of County Lines drug couriering and child exploitation on the railway since receiving Home Office funding in December 2019. Sine then some 725 people have been arrested. Some 369 packages of drugs ranging in class and quantity, 245,000 in cash and 122 weapons have been taken off the railway. The largest seizure of drugs to date was 53,000 worth of cocaine taken at Cambridge station in June. The man carrying the drugs admitted he was doing it to pay off an 8,000 debt to a gang. The largest seizure of cash was 100,000 on a train in Liverpool Lime Street station over the summer. A man was carrying the money, which was tightly packed into a plastic bag, in a backpack. BANGKOK - Thailands new army chief on Tuesday made the traditional pledge to defend the country, the Buddhist religion, the monarchy and the people, but seemed to take a softer line than his predecessor toward dissenting political voices. Gen. Narongpan Jittkaewtae took his post on Oct. 1 in an annual military reshuffle as the government faces a challenge from mass protests that include unprecedented calls for reforms to the revered institution of the monarchy. The position of army commander carries enormous political influence, since the military has staged more than a dozen successful coups since Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. Speaking at his first news conference, Narongpan did not directly criticize the protesters for their beliefs, instead warning they must respect the rights of others and accept the consequences if they violate the law. Asked whether the protesters 10-point manifesto for royal-related reforms is a threat to the monarchy, Narongpan avoided a direct answer, declaring that reform is a positive thing but everyone should look at themselves first before asking others to change. He said Thai society should have tolerance for people with different beliefs. Narongpans predecessor, Gen. Apirat Kongsompong, was an outspoken royalist who harshly criticized the mostly young protest leaders, telling an audience of military cadets that COVID-19 can be cured ... but the disease that cannot be cured is the hatred of the nation. He was appointed to a senior position at the royal palace after his retirement. Thailand has a lese majeste law that makes defaming the monarchy punishable by three to 15 years in prison, though none of the current protest leaders have yet been formally charged with the offence. Narongpan, 57, hedged when asked about the possibility of another military coup. There are no indications that one is in the offing, but the threat is always present, with the last two occurring in 2006 and 2012. The chance of coup making is zero if based on the fact that no groups are creating a situation or a violent conflict that causes suffering. I urge everyone to be positive, getting rid of any factors that could lead to such a situation, making the chance of a coup to be less than zero, he said. Read more about: A US judge has set a post-election date for a TikTok case preliminary hearing after initially blocking a Trump administration order to ban the app from being downloaded in the United States. US District Judge Carl Nichols said on Tuesday that he will hold a November 4 hearing on whether to allow the US government to bar transactions with the Chinese-owned short video-sharing app. TikTok owner ByteDance has said it will effectively determine whether the video app will be banned for use in the United States. It comes after Nichols last month temporarily blocked a Trump administration order that was set to ban Apple and Google from offering TikTok for download. He declined at the time to block restrictions on technical and business arrangements that are crucial for the app to function properly. US District Judge Carl Nichols said on Tuesday that he will hold a November 4 hearing on whether to allow the US government to bar transactions with TikTok The Washington-based judge must now decide whether to block the other aspects of the order that are set to take effect on November 12. The new hearing is scheduled for one day after the presidential election. President Donald Trump has for months been pressing for TikTok to be passed into US ownership. The injunction last month came amid negotiations to hammer out terms of a preliminary deal for Walmart Inc and Oracle Corp to take stakes in a new company, TikTok Global, that would oversee US operations. Trump has said he had given the deal his 'blessing.' Key terms of the deal - including who will have majority ownership - are in dispute. ByteDance has also said any deal will need to be approved by China and Beijing has revised its list of technologies subject to export bans in a way that gives it a say over any TikTok deal. John E. Hall, a lawyer for TikTok, has previously argued that the ban was 'unprecedented' and 'irrational'. Trump's administration contends that TikTok poses national security concerns as personal data collected on 100 million Americans who use the app could be obtained by China's government. Any deal will also still need to be reviewed by the US government's Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The Justice Department said a preliminary injunction would be 'interfering with a formal national security judgment of the president; altering the landscape with respect to ongoing CFIUS negotiations; and continuing to allow sensitive and valuable user information to flow to ByteDance with respect to all new users.' Former Union minister Dilip Ray was on Tuesday convicted by a special court here in a case pertaining to irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in 1999. Special Judge Bharat Parashar convicted Ray, former minister of state (coal) in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, for criminal conspiracy and other offences. The court also convicted two senior officials of the Ministry of Coal at that time, Pradip Kumar Banerjee and Nitya Nand Gautam, Castron Technologies Ltd (CTL), its director Mahendra Kumar Agarwalla and Castron Mining Ltd (CML). The court will hear arguments on the quantum of sentence on October 14. The case pertains to allocation of Brahmadiha coal block in Giridih in to CTL in 1999. The Supreme Court on Tuesday said the Hathras gang-rape and murder of a Dalit woman was a horrible and extraordinary incident and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to clarify whether the witnesses in the case are being given adequate protection. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI), SA Bobde, asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file an affidavit clarifying the same while saying that it will try to ensure that the investigation into the incident is smooth. We want to know from you whether the witness protection plan is in place. File an affidavit, CJI Bobde told solicitor general, Tushar Mehta, who was representing the state government. The court also asked the state to ascertain whether or not the family of the victim has engaged a lawyer. It further sought details of the scope of proceedings before Allahabad High Court. We want to widen the high court proceedings and make it more relevant, CJI Bobde said. Also read | Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of not saying a word on Hathras gang-rape The court was hearing a petition filed by social activist Satyam Dubey and two lawyers, Vishal Thakre and Rudra Pratap Yadav, seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Special Investigation Team (CBI) into the crime. Tushar Mehta told the top court that the state government is not opposing the plea for CBI probe but requested that it should be done under the supervision of the Supreme Court. The state government also took exception to media outlets and political parties sensationalising the incident. We are not treating this as an adversarial litigation. There are different narratives in the public domain. One innocent life has been lost. It should not be sensationalised, Mehta said. Also read | Y-plus security to actor, but not to Hathras victims kin: Shiv Sena Senior counsel Indira Jaising, who was representing a few woman lawyers, asked the Supreme Court to ensure that witnesses are protected. She also pointed out how certain lawyers were trying to secure the brief of the victims family and asked the top court not to allow that. The court listed the case for further hearing next week. New Delhi: Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) on Tuesday (October 6) filed a habeas corpus petition before the Supreme Court seeking its direction for the immediate release of its Delhi unit Secretary, and senior journalist, Siddique Kappan, "from the illegal arrest and detention from Uttar Pradesh police". The journalists' body moved the Supreme Court against the arrest of senior journalist Siddique Kappan in Mathura while he was on way to Hathras, where a Dalit woman died after allegedly gang-raped. Terming the arrest as illegal and unconstitutional, the KUWJ has filed the petition seeking his immediate production and release from "illegal detention". Earlier on Monday, the Uttar Pradesh police said to have arrested four people having links with the Popular Front of India and its affiliate in Mathura. The police had identified the arrested persons as Siddique from Malappuram, Atiq-ur Rehman from Muzaffarnagar, Masood Ahmed from Bahraich and Alam from Rampur. Live TV The PFI had been accused of funding protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act across the country earlier this year and the UP police had sought a ban on the outfit. Hours after the arrest, the KUWJ identified Malappuram native Siddique by his full name as Siddique Kappan, saying he is "a senior Delhi-based journalist". The plea said the arrest was made in violation of the mandatory guidelines laid down by the apex court and with the sole intention of obstructing the discharge of duty by a journalist. It alleged that family members or colleagues have not been informed of the arrest of his arrest. The Supreme Court, however, termed the Hathras incident as "shocking" and "horrible" saying it would ensure a 'smooth' investigation. The top court also sought Uttar Pradesh government's reply by October 8 on how the witnesses were being protected in the case. The bench, comprising Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, said, "We will ensure that the investigation part is smooth," and directed the state government to file an affidavit on witness protection and on whether the victim's family has chosen a lawyer. It observed, "We want it on an affidavit on how the Hathras case witnesses are being protected. We want to know the scope of the Allahabad HC proceedings and want to explore as to how we can widen it (proceedings before SC) and make it relevant." The top court also asked lawyers of parties, appearing before it, to give suggestions on the scope of proceedings before the Allahabad High Court and how the apex court can make it more relevant. The 19-year-old Dalit woman, who was allegedly raped by four upper-caste men in Hathras on September 14, died on September 29 at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital during treatment. The victim was cremated in the dead of the night near her home on September 30. Her family alleged they were forced by the local police to hurriedly conduct her last rites, while the police said the cremation was carried out "as per the wishes of the family". The victim's cremation at night by the authorities has triggered widespread outrage. SEARCH A minimum of 3 characters are required to be typed in the search bar in order to perform a search. As many as 20,000 sanitation workers of the Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Tuesday abstained from work in protest against the alleged gang-rape and death of a Dalit woman in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras, a union leader said. While the Municipal Servants' Association (AMSA), the apex body of workers in the city, claimed their one-day "strike" to be successful, a senior civic official said that normal work was not affected. "Not everyone was absent during today's strike. Many workers came for their work in the morning and left after giving a memorandum. It can not be termed as a full-fledged strike. Since our work was not hampered, we haven't made any alternative arrangements," said Deputy Municipal Commissioner CR Kharsan. AMSA general secretary Kalpesh Makwana claimed all the 20,000-odd workers didn't attend their work. A memorandum was also handed over to district collector seeking justice for the Hathras victim, he said. Workers from Jamnagar and some other towns from Saurashtra region also reportedly abstained from work. (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.) Chinas insects and other invertebrates are spoilt for choice with the countrys array of deserts, rainforests, mountains and tropical coastlines. The winning photographs of the Wild China Biodiversity Photography Contest hosted by Wild China Film present the countrys sweeping lands and rare plants from unexpected perspectives. Here is a pick of the crop Jan 21, 2022 06:20 PM PHILADELPHIA A Pennsburg man who prosecutors say shamefully abused the trust of his Lancaster employer to embezzle nearly $3 million from the company was sent to federal prison and ordered to pay a hefty restitution bill. Steven J. Russo, 43, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and filing false tax returns in connection with embezzling $2.79 million from his former employer between November 2013 and October 2018 while he served as the director of information technology. The Lancaster design and manufacturing business for which Russo worked was not identified by federal authorities. U.S. District Court Judge Jeffery L. Schmehl also ordered Russo to pay $2,798,000 in restitution to his former employer and $980,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain said Russo stole the funds by abusing his trusted position. Embezzlement and tax fraud are forms of stealing, pure and simple, McSwain said. Russo held a senior position of trust with his former employer, and shamefully used that access to steal millions of dollars, while also ripping off the government and honest tax payers in the process. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect innocent businesses and taxpayers from being victimized by this type of fraud, McSwain added. McSwain said Russo embezzled the money in a variety of ways. Russos schemes included the use of sham corporations with virtual addresses, fake invoices and access to the companys credit card and online accounts. Russo also filed false tax returns, failing to report his income accurately and claiming false expenses and deductions, resulting in a tax debt to the IRS of nearly $1 million, prosecutors alleged. Specifically, with the charges, federal prosecutors alleged Russo used his access to his former employers lines of credit and credit cards to make unearned payments to the sham companies owned and controlled by him, and to purchase items that he kept for his personal use or sold for his personal gain. Russo allegedly also caused his former employer to issue checks to the companies he owned and controlled, and to make payments via PayPal to an account he controlled. Russo reported his taxable income for 2017 as only $18,579, when in reality his taxable income was nearly $1 million, prosecutors alleged. Mr. Russos decision to use deceit and fraud to line his pockets with his employers money and shirk his tax obligations has cost him his freedom, said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso. This sentence should serve as a deterrent to those who might contemplate similar actions. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bea L. Witzleben. The IRS is being investigated for buying location data from apps installed on people's phones to try to find criminal suspects without obtaining a proper warrant for the information. It is among a handful of government departments that has been known to purchase the data from Venntel, a Virginia-based analytics company. Venntel buys it first from private marketing companies who buy it from apps which have been granted access to a person's location services on their phone. Then, it sells it on - mostly to advertisers - but also branches of government. It's unclear which apps sell to Venntel and which of those apps the various government departments is most interested in. It has previously been reported that they are mostly weather trackers and games. The government has been buying information from Venntel which maps people's movements based on their cell phone location data The IRS claims it used it to track down criminal suspects, according to VICE. In this case, it was looking for a handful of suspects but they did not find them. Nevertheless, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division is now investigating on the insistence of Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren. One of Wyden's aides told VICE that the IRS used the data to track people at night to determine where they were living, and that they were looking for specific individuals but didn't find them. They are questioning if it was lawful for the IRS to even access the information as part of an investigation without a warrant. In a letter, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division is asking former staff of Venntel and Babel Street if they ever sold information to the IRS. 'Do you work at Venntel, Babel Street, or other company providing location data to the government? Did you used to? Democratic Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren are pushing the probe 'Do you know anything else about the sale of location data? We'd love to hear from you,' the letter reads. In a letter to the IRS, Inspector General J. Russell George, said: 'We are going to conduct a review of this matter, and we are in the process of contacting the CI [Criminal Investigation] division about this review.' Venntel has also sold to other parts of government for various reasons. The Trump administration bought data to track migrants, it was previously reported. In February, the Wall Street Journal reported that the government was using data to track migrants along the border. The Journal cited unnamed government officials who said the government was buying the data like any other commercial customer, but was then using it to track migrants along the border. Specifically, they have looked for patches of desert or land that would ordinarily be deserted to try to hone in on people sneaking into the country. The House Committee on Oversight and Reform launched a wider-ranging investigation into Venntel's sale of information to the government in June. In a letter at the time, the Democratic lawmakers calling for it said: 'The vast majority of Americans carry cellphones with apps capable of collecting precise location information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 'This location-tracking raises serious privacy and security concerns.' Venntel has not commented on its sale of data to the government. BETHEL The widow of a 32-year-old Stamford courthouse probation officer who died of complications from COVID-19, said President Donald Trump is using his own case of the illness as political propaganda to divide the nation that was already so broken. Katie Coelhos husband, Jonathan, died April 22 after a 28-day battle in the hospital and 20 days on a ventilator. Before Jonathan Coelho died, he left a note on his phone expressing his love for his wife and their two children, who live in Bethel. Katie Coelho who appeared on Anderson Coopers CNN show Monday night, said Trump could have done so much good with coming out and saying COVID is scary and I'm sorry to all of these families, but we're gonna get through this as a nation and as a country. Trump staged a dramatic return to the White House Monday night after leaving the military hospital where he was receiving an unprecedented level of care for COVID-19. Landing at the White House on Marine One, Trump gingerly climbed the South Portico steps, removed his mask and, with apparent breathing difficulty, declared, I feel good. Trump said despite his illness, the nation should not fear the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans and then he entered the White House without a protective mask. When Trump announced he had tested positive last week for COVID-19, Katie Coelho said, I thought this is going to be really bad for all of the victims families because of his inability to be empathetic or to feel anything for anyone else. I knew if he got COVID that he was definitely going to downplay it even more so than he has been and he was going to allow the gates to open where people can continue to lash out at us and continue to say horrible things to us. The video that he just tweeted and the things that he's been saying are just disrespectful. We deserve better, my husband deserved better, 210,000 people (who died from COVID) deserved better. Cooper asked whether people have said horrible things to her. Oh, absolutely disgusting things, Coelho said. I am surprised if I go at least a week without somebody saying something horrible. I've been called almost every swear word in the book, saying that I'm part of the propaganda and I'm left wing and I'm this and that. I'm not. My feeling is if that's what people want to say about me then at least Im challenging them. I'm giving a face and a voice to people like my husband who deserved to have a voice and to be here. For President Trump to sit there and say that he's a leader and he's leading us through COVID. What does he have to lose by showing sympathy? What does he have to lose by saying, I'm sorry this happened to your kids; dad and your husband? What does he have to lose? He doesn't have anything and he is just pushing through and nobody is looking at him thinking that he is strong and brave; hes weak because my husband fought COVID, my husband wanted to come home and he deserved it. Katie Coelho first appeared on Coopers show in the days after her husbands death, bringing the CNN host to tears as she described the note her husband left for his family. In the note, Jonathan Coelho wrote: I love you guys with all my heart and youve given me the best life I could have ever asked for, I am so lucky it makes me so proud to be your husband and the father to Braedyn and Penny. Katie you are the most beautiful caring nurturing person Ive ever met ... you are truly one of a kind ... make sure you live life with happiness and that same passion that made me fall in love with you. Mr. Issah Morro 06.10.2020 LISTEN Kwadaso Constituency branch chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr.Issah Moro has described as hypocrite and pro-organ of the ruling New Patriotic Party the National Peace Council of Ghana whose executive members have woefully failed to discharge their mandate as peace advocate institution. Chairman Issah indicated that during the regime of former President Mahama, the Council was seen as a vibrant and credible organization which often delves into matters of national issues with the speed of light. He stresses that the once vibrant institution has suddenly chickened under the Akuffo-Addos watch, shying away from its core responsibilities and keeping mute on certain issues that are of national concern, pretending as if nothing is happening in the society. Speaking to ModernGhana correspondent in Kumasi, Issah Moro expressed regret that the country seems to be sitting on a time bomb as a result of confusions, lawlessness, acts of anti-social vices, attacks on political opponents and the use of vulgar languages against one another. He said such vulgar comments are usually perpetrated by politicians and their supporters who use their influences to cover up and go scot-free when Ghanaians expect institutions such as the Peace Council are expected to call them tom order. Chairman Issah cited this years voter's registration exercise that recorded various violence cases in some registration centres in the country, violations of Covid-19 protocols exhibited during the NPP primaries, closure of some Fm stations by some chiefs in the Eastern Region, political insults against opponents, unjustifiable frozen of people's accounts at some defunct financial institutions, among others and questioned the role of the National Peace Council to avert these confusions. According to him, the Peace Council should point to at least one of its achievement since the NPP comes to power. Chairman Issah calls on the National Peace Council to be proactive, stay neutral, fearless and speak the truth as it is before the country plunged into chaos in the December 7 general elections. Emily, left, was stabbed in front of her family in Bolton. (Phil Taylor/SWNS) A 30-year-old woman accused of the Mothers Day murder of a seven-year-old girl who was stabbed to death in front of her parents has appeared in court. Eltiona Skana, 30, is charged with the murder of Emily Jones, who was attacked as she rode her scooter in Queens Park, Bolton, on 22 March. An inquest heard she had been stabbed in the neck. Jones was taken to Salford Royal Hospital but pronounced dead on the same afternoon. Emily Jones was stabbed while playing in the park, an inquest heard. (SWNS) Emily died after being stabbed at Queen's Park in Bolton. (Phil Taylor/SWNS) Skana, who is from Albania, is also charged with possession of a bladed weapon and appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Monday. Her barrister, Simon Czoka QC, asked that his client not be asked to enter a plea. Skana, wearing a white sweater and gilet, did not speak at the plea and trial preparation hearing. Her father Mark Jones was in court for the hearing. The park where Emily was stabbed. (Phil Taylor/SWNS) At the time of her death, her parents said: Emily was seven-years-old, our only child and the light of our lives. She was always full of joy, love and laughter. Emily had such a cheeky smile and was beautiful inside and out. She had a heart as big as her smile. Another hearing is scheduled for 6 November. The Union Health Minister launched the protocols at an event held via video conferencing today and hailed the up-gradation of protocols by the AYUSH Ministry, which has been done in sync with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday launched the Ayush Standard Treatment Protocol. The Union Health Minister launched the protocols at an event held via video conferencing today and hailed the up-gradation of protocols by the AYUSH Ministry, which has been done in sync with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The modern systems of medicine have their own strengths, they have made available operations and medicines which have made peoples lives better. But Ayurveda is an ancient science of our country, and probably the oldest knowledge base. Many say its an offshoot of the Atharva Veda, the Minister said.The knowledge needs to be presented to the world and rejuvenated using scientific methods. Even during the COVID-19 phase, I get many inquiries for more kadhas (concoctions) and herbs which boost immunity. This proves it is still relevant in todays day and age, he added. The Union Health Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rejuvenating the science of Ayurveda and other traditional healing practices in the country.He also said that preparations are also underway to form a national commission for Yoga and Naturopathy. Indias COVID-19 tally crossed the 60-lakh mark with a spike of 82,170 new cases and 1,039 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Monday. As per the Ministry, Indias tally stands at 60,74,703 including 9,62,640 active cases. The number of cured and discharged or migrated patients is currently at 50,16,521, apart from 95,542 deaths due to the disease. ALSO READ: Hathras case: Supreme Court asks UP govt for affidavit on protection of family,witnesses ALSO READ: Kheti Bachao Yatra: Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi, says kaala kanoon will destroy existing farming structure The Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) postponed for Tuesday, October 22, the ruling on the request for settling a legal conflict between the Senate and the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, lodged by the interim speaker of the legislative forum, Robert Cazanciuc, after the General Prosecutor's Office opened an abuse of office case against Calin Popescu-Tariceanu. The notification was on the CCR's agenda several times, and on Tuesday the constitutional judges decided again to postpone the ruling.At the beginning of this year, the former speaker of the Senate, Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, was informed by the General Prosecutor's Office that he has the capacity of a suspect for committing the crime of abuse of office, the investigation being extended later for the crime of aiding and abetting in the usurpation of official qualities.The case was opened after MP Cristian Marciu remained a member of the Senate, given that there was a final decision of the High Court of Cassation and Justice in 2015 according to which he violated the law of incompatibilities.Calin Popescu-Tariceanu is accused by prosecutors of failing to implement a final court decision as speaker of the Senate.On May 29, Robert Cazanciuc notified the Constitutional Court regarding the finding and settlement of a legal conflict of a constitutional nature between the Senate, on the one hand, and the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, on the other hand, manifested "by direct and unconstitutional interference of a structure of the Public Ministry in the activity of the Parliament." The humblest food becomes wondrously photogenic in the films of Chen Xiaoqing, creator of the hit Netflix series Flavorful Origins and its progenitor Once Upon a Bite. Dumplings are crafted on timber boards amid billows of flour. Steam shrouds mottled crabs, cooking with ginger and chili in in tall stacks of wicker baskets. Fishermen wade into crashing surf on wooden stilts to snare sardines with A-frame nets. There are aerial shots of emerald rice terraces, time-lapse sequences of drying bricks of tea, and mortar-eye views of pestle-pounded spices. Theres not a fast-food restaurant or production line in sight in this romanticized glimpse of a homespun culinary culture sadly threatened by industrial kitchens, agribusiness and progress. Our food must be delicious, beautiful, with a legacy and connection to local culture and geography, Chen tells TIME in his Beijing office. For the people, they must really love the food, put in their labor and have a deep connection with it. Chen, 55, originally from Chinas eastern Anhui province, has charged himself with keeping many of his homelands food traditions alive. Over the past three decades, the worlds most populous nation has become the worlds number two economy and home to the planets largest middle class. In the rush to sate 1.4 billion bellies, corners were cut and standards plummeted, leading to a slew of food safety scandals. Today, though, the impetus has shifted from quantity toward quality natural produce. People are leaning towards healthier options, not just vegetables, but wanting to know their food is processed with care, says Shanghai-based food blogger Rachel Gouk. Its a trend epitomized by the critically acclaimed Flavorful Origins, a series of short films and the first original Chinese documentary to be bought by Netflix. Chefs chosen for inclusion in Chens work can see demand for signature dishes soar hundred-fold overnight. The first series spotlighted the coastal cuisine of Guangdongs Chaoshan region, with the second focusing on the fresh, fragrant spices of southwestern Yunnan province, which draws much influence from neighboring Laos and Myanmar. Story continues The third season, set in Chinas central Gansu province, debuts on Netflix next month. Gansu is a thin strip of territory stretching more than a thousand kilometers from dunes in the north to lush mountains in the south. It also boasts a significant Muslim minority. So they have really different types of food that reflect the local terrain and [cultures], says the filmmaker. Chen has given himself an additional brief at a time of historic tensions between the U.S. and China. The superpowers may be embroiled in a trade war, accusations of spying and IP theft, the sanctioning of officials over the detention of one million Uighur Muslims in Chinas far west, and the origins of the COVID-19 pandemicbut Chen hopes that food can help soften his countrys image. Through beautiful food we want to help the world better understand China and the Chinese people, he says. In this still taken from Season 2 of the series Once Upon a Bite, which debuted on Apr. 26, 2020, a dish known as multiple-layer oil cake is seen on a table in Yangzhou, China. DOClabs Beijing Chinese food in the U.S. The U.S. love affair with Chinese cuisine is long and complex. In fact, one of the most American staples, ketchup, is actually Chinese in origin. The name ketchup derives from the Hokkien Chinese ke-tsiap, referring to a fermented fish-based sauce that became popular with colonial Britons as far back as the 18th century. When the first Chinese immigrants arrived in American in the mid-19th century, xenophobic ditties made reference to their unfamiliar eating habits. But in New York City, Chinatown flanked the Jewish Lower East Side, and the Jewish community became early adopters of the new cuisine. By 1899, the enduring tradition of Jews eating in Chinese restaurants at Christmas had already been documented. In the early 20th century, the Boston Globe was telling readers to consider Chinese themes for their wedding banquets, while the Chicago Tribune declared Chinese restaurants the perfect place to woo a girl on a first date. Chinatowns, which had been framed as dens of iniquity, became the first counterculture cool among the American cognoscenti, and then became mainstream, says John Pomfret, a former Beijing bureau chief for the Washington Post and author of The Beautiful Country and the Middle Kingdom: America and China, 1776 to the Present. When a devastating earthquake flattened San Francisco in 1906, that citys Chinatown was prioritized for reconstruction because of the tourist dollars it brought in. By 1919, the American Chemical Society was advising that Chinese food was good for health. A decade later, nearly a third of American counties had at least one Chinese resident, many of whom opened restaurants. The Chinese became the most dispersed ethnic group in the country, says Pomfret. Today, there are more Chinese restaurants in the U.S. than McDonalds and KFC outlets combined. Read more: The Untold Story of the Worlds First Michelin Three-Star Chinese Restaurant The question is whether food can still build bridges today. A Pew Research Center survey published in July found 73% of American adults had a negative view of China, the highest since the question was first asked 15 years ago. Verbal attacks and assaults on Asian Americans have soared since the coronavirus took hold. At the recent presidential debate, Donald Trump again sought to assign blame for the pandemic, saying Its Chinas fault. For Chen, however, there are more commonalities than differences. He points out that around 10,000 years ago people across the world began cultivating wheat. In the West, they used it to bake bread; in the East, they steamed buns. People may focus on the difference between East and West as being like fire or water, says Chen. But in terms of foodbread or bunsits not that drastic. Not all of Chinas culinary culture meets with acceptance. The consumption of rare, wild species for their purported health benefits has long been of concern. The 2002 to 2003 SARS pandemic was eventually traced to civet cats sold for consumption at a market in Chinas southern Guangdong province, and a leadingthough unprovenhypothesis is that there is a similar provenance for coronavirus, which first came to light in a market in the central city of Wuhan. Chen says he is very concerned about the protection of wildlife, never features endangered creatures in his programs and even puts health disclaimers on scenes that feature raw shellfish. In truth, most Chinese people eat a limited selection of food, he says. They dont even eat steak rare because they think its unhygienic. They have to cook everything. The sample of the coronavirus found in the market has nothing to do with food; it has to do with the modernization of the entire country. If we can ventilate and make our markets more sanitary, such problems can be solved. In this still taken from Season 2 of the series Once Upon a Bite, which debuted on Apr. 26, 2020, dishes of braised pork rice from Sichuan, China are being steamed. DOClabs Beijing Chinese cuisine and national identity In some ways, Chen is riding a wave of national interest in a sentimentalized pasta craze known as fugu. Increasingly, Chinese millennials are donning hanfu robes that date from the Tang Dynasty, playing bamboo flutes and quaffing Osmanthus wine in order to reconnect with their cultural heritage. One father in Sichuan province recently dispensed with the family car and decided to take his son to kindergarten on a bull. He said that while using this archaic form of transport, he would explain ancient poems and traditional culture to the youngster. For a rapidly urbanizing society, increasingly disillusioned by a hyper-commercialized race to riches, such affectations prove alluring. Some academics frame this cultural revival in terms of a restored national pride. It could be seen as embarrassing that Chinese people attend social functions or major international occasions dressed in suits, ties, and leather shoes, which not only fail to represent their homeland, but also imitate the garb worn by the erstwhile outsiders who once brought China to its knees, writes Yang Chunmei, a professor of Chinese history and philosophy at Qufu Normal University. Chinas strongman president, Xi Jinping, has certainly made many calls for the preservation of Chinese tradition while decrying the influence of Western valueseven if much that tradition is awkwardly rooted in Imperial feudalism and at clear odds with the Marxist doctrine that the Chinese Communist Party is committed to upholding. Read more: A Very Brief History of Chinese Food in America In this context, Chens work coalesces national identity at home even as it seeks to break down barriers abroad. He has set his eyes beyond China, citing Lebanon as his dream destination (Its got European influence, Arab influence, thats very interesting). He became enamored with the Middle East while filming in Jerusalem. We saw that Jews, Arabs, Christians have different religions and cultures, Chen says, but they all appreciate the same food. Given the intolerance that roils the Middle East, its a bit of a stretch to posit some sort of regional amity based on a shared love of olives and flatbread, but Chen is undeterred. There are constantly quarrels and tensions, not only between China and America, but between all different cultures, he says. The best way to solve them is communicationand people always talk over food. Video by Zhang Chi/Beijing Mail-in primary election ballots are processed at the Chester County Voter Services office in West Chester, Pa., on May 28, 2020. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo) Mail-in Voting Issues Mount as Election Approaches Less than a month before the election, Americans have witnessed a stream of cautionary tales regarding the unprecedented expansion of mail-in voting this year. Ballots have been lost or unexpectedly found, destroyed or discarded, delivered to wrong addresses, or have returned undeliverable. Even when safely delivered to election authorities, many ballots end up rejected. While the CCP virus pandemic prompted many Americans to opt for voting by mail, attitudes have been cooling amid repeated warnings that the system isnt ready to handle a massive vote-by-mail expansion. The issue has become partisan as well, with Democrats promoting mail voting and Republicans cautioning against it. Democrat and Republican groups have filed more than 100 lawsuits this year over vote-by-mail rules around the country. Most of the lawsuits are backed by Democrats, who argue that due to the CCP virus pandemic, mail-in voting rules need to be relaxed so that its more convenient to vote remotely. Its not that voting by mail is necessarily problematic. Some states, such as Oregon and Washington, have done all-mail elections for years with no major problems. Other states, however, have never had to deal with mail voting on the scale expected this yearand its showing. Case Study Nevada decided to do all-mail elections for the first time this year, both for the primaries and the general election. Normally, states only allow absentee voting by request. A person sends a request to the election authorities and is mailed a ballot in response. The request is important as it verifies the voters identity and address. Nevada now skips the registration step and mails ballots to all voters based on addresses on their registrations. However, voter rolls are notoriously messy. One of the most common problems is that people fail to update their registrations when they change residences. At least some states have mechanisms to update the addresses, but theres a lag. If the voter moves to another state, the process to drop them from the origin states rolls could take years. The same applies for deceased voters, who sometimes stay on the rolls well beyond their passing. In Clark County, Nevada, which covers the Las Vegas metro area, more than 223,000 mail ballots were undeliverable due to having old or wrong addresses, according to the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF), which tallied the data. More bounced ballots were intended for registered Democrats than Republicans, but non-affiliated voters bounced the most, PILF spokesman Logan Churchwell told The Epoch Times via email. And its not just peoples movingsome simply register with an invalid address to begin with. PILF found more than 30,000 people registered at commercial addresses, such as casinos, gas stations, and restaurants, across 42 states, its recent report states (pdf). In Nevada, the right-leaning nonprofit found more than 400 such registrations. When its investigators went to visit several of the locations, it found the registrants not only didnt live there, but didnt work at the establishments either. One was a mining outpost without a living soul in sight. Another was an empty lota man on site said the building was razed half a year ago. Ballots that made it to the registrants and back awaited yet another hurdle to clearrejection. Nevadas Washoe County, the Reno area, rejected about one in four ballots that voters returned for regular counting in this years primary, PILF found. That was historically high for the county, Churchwell said. Ballots are rejected usually because they arrive late, are filled out wrong, or the signature doesnt match the one election authorities have on file. President Donald Trump has singled out Nevada in his frequent critiques of all-mail voting. Were gonna win this state easily, but when they send out millions of ballots to people that they dont even know who theyre sending them to, or maybe they do know, and maybe thats even worse, youre gonna have a big problem with the state, he told KTVN 2 during his Sept. 12 rally in Minden, Nevada. Its not just Nevada facing problems. Ballots Wrong, Lost, and Found Mail-in ballots were found discarded in Pennsylvania last month. Trays of mail, including several absentee ballots, were discovered in Wisconsin. In Richmond, Virginia, six mail collection boxes were recently broken into, authorities reported. Its not clear if any mail was in them at the time. Some voters in New York City reported receiving erroneous mail-in ballots, such as with wrong voter IDs and names, incorrect return labels, or ones mislabeled as military ballots, the Gothamist reported. Authorities responded by saying they will mail 100,000 new ballots to residents. Thousands of uncounted mail-in ballots have surfaced in Massachusetts in a tight congressional race between two Democrats, according to the Boston Herald. Ballots Rejected California election officials tossed more than 100,000 mail-in ballots during the March primary, The Associated Press reported. That was about 1.5 percent of the nearly 7 million mail-in ballots returned, the highest percentage since 2014 for a primary. In Michigan, more than 10,000 ballots mailed to election officials wont be counted, primarily because they arrived late. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy ordered the May 12 primary to be conducted entirely by mail. But in the states third-largest city, Paterson, one in five ballots were rejected, according to Real Clear Politics. In New York City, mail-in ballots from upwards of 84,000 Democrats were disqualified in the June 23 primary, election officials told the New York Post; thats more than one in five. States like Oregon and Washington spent many years developing their mail voting systems. They were not created on emergency orders with short timelines and grants provided by Facebook and others, Churchwell said. Their legislatures crafted the systems at the behest of citizens and empowered election officials to police the voter rolls for errors and outdated entries. You do not see these states critiqued by PILF and others for voter roll bloat because they are demonstrably aggressive in voter roll list maintenance. Mail voting proponents tried to con New Yorkers and others into thinking that the pivot would be painless because of the Pacific Northwests example. Its another reminder that you shouldnt think something is easy when youre watching someone whos mastered a craft. During the primaries, PILF counted more than a half-million rejected ballots nationally, close to the number of rejects from the 2012 and 2016 November elections combined. We are on track to break records for rejected ballots, Churchwell said. Fraud Concerns Conservatives have long warned that mail-in voting, and all-mail voting, in particular, are susceptible to fraud. Examples have popped up around the country, but the extent of the phenomenon remains elusive. Minneapolis police are investigating allegations of ballot harvesting revealed by undercover journalism outfit Project Veritas. The nonprofit released a video of a man bragging about collecting hundreds of absentee ballots for a Minneapolis councilman. State law prohibits people from collecting more than three ballots per election, even if they are named as a designated agent by the voters. Another Veritas undercover video indicated a vote-buying scheme in Minneapolis, showing a man handing $200 to another person who says he will fill out his ballot and bring it back. Mail Voting Popularity Wanes An NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll released Sept. 18 found that 35 percent of registered voters say they will vote by mail, down from 50 percent in May. Only 25 percent of Republicans and 32 percent of independents said they want to vote by mail, while 50 percent of Democrats did. In May, the figures were 11 percent higher for Democrats, 17 percent higher among Republicans, and 32 percent higher for independents. A Citizen Data poll from earlier in September showed similar results. Among likely voters, 35 percent planned to vote by mail. The poll indicated Democrats were twice as likely to vote by mail as Republicans61 percent versus 30 percent, respectively. Update: The article has been edited for clarity. With so much at stake, aides and former advisers have for weeks tried to lower the bar by noting Ms. Harriss uneven debate performances during the primaries and talking up Mr. Pences discipline as a debater and loyalty to the president. Pence is a professional communicator, said Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who debated Mr. Pence four years ago as Hillary Clintons running mate. He was a radio talk show host before he was in politics, so he can deliver a line. Current and former aides say Ms. Harris is a prodigious preparer who spends weeks studying briefing books, brushing up on policy and practicing lines. She organizes her points on hundreds of index cards, a study tool from her days in law school. Before primary debates, campaign staff members would reprint the cards at least once a day, former aides said, tweaking lines and clarifying policy. As Mr. Biden did before his first debate with Mr. Trump, Ms. Harris has suggested she does not want to fact-check Mr. Pence in real time, hoping instead that the moderator, Susan Page, the Washington bureau chief for USA Today, fills some of that role. I dont necessarily want to be the fact checker, Ms. Harris told Mrs. Clinton last week during an interview on Mrs. Clintons new podcast. She also drew a contrast between preparing for the vice-presidential debate and the primary debates. During those events, lined up next to other Democrats, she told Mrs. Clinton, it was mostly about speaking up about my position on various issues as compared to my colleagues on the stage. This time, she said, she has been particularly focused on mastering Mr. Bidens policies, which at times have diverged from her own, as well as Mr. Pences and Mr. Trumps to perfect her lines of attack. Her preparations have been overseen by Karen Dunn, a lawyer who helped lead debate prep for Mrs. Clinton and former President Barack Obama. New Delhi: India is expected to overtake China as the world's largest cooking gas LPG residential sector market by 2030, Wood Mackenzie said on Tuesday. "Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) demand in the residential sector will continue to see sustainable growth at a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3 per cent, reaching 34 million tonnes (MT) in 2030 as households' dependence on solid biomass diminishes in the long run supported by rising average household incomes and urban population," it said in a report. Driven by environmental and health concerns, the government has also been implementing schemes to help lower-income families cope with the cost of switching from dirtier biomass to LPG. The Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) gives out subsidies to the vulnerable population, while the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides families living below the poverty line access to free LPG stoves. Wood Mackenzie research analyst Qiaoling Chen said: "Although nationwide LPG coverage has reached 98 per cent, up 42 per cent from 2014, usage is still low. Average annual cylinder refills have not kept up with the pace of new connections, with average consumption remaining below the benchmark of 12 cylinders." Even with subsidy and the initial cost of set-up covered by the government, LPG is more expensive than biomass. Still, the Indian government is committed to roll out plans to further address affordability and infrastructure challenges in the LPG sector. These include smaller-size LPG cylinders which reduce upfront cash payment required for each refill, more LPG distributors as well as the 'Give it Up' campaign where households can voluntarily give up their LPG subsidies from the DBTL scheme to benefit lower-income families. Live TV Chen said: "Assuming the government continues to subsidise residential LPG throughout the decade, total subsidy for LPG could reach USD 5.7 billion annually by 2030. By then, it will overtake China as the world's largest LPG demand centre for the residential sector." However, the lack of infrastructure continues to restrain piped natural gas (PNG) penetration in areas outside of top tier cities and retail PNG prices continue to be at a premium to subsidised LPG prices, making PNG a less attractive alternative to LPG before 2030, Wood Mackenzie said. Wood Mackenzie senior analyst Vidur Singhal said: "Between 2020 and 2030, PNG demand will primarily be from urban households in tier I and tier II cities awarded under CGD bidding rounds. City gas companies will increase PNG connections and its related infrastructure, which typically takes five to eight years to construct and commercialise fully." "In addition, growing LPG demand in the residential sector requires more subsidies, which will increasingly become a huge burden for the government," Singhal said adding it is likely that subsidies will taper off over time, as growing income allows more households to pay the unsubsidised price. The combination of ready PNG infrastructure and less policy support for LPG help to support PNG demand growth post-2030. "We expect PNG demand in India's residential sector to grow at a CAGR of 12.7 per cent, reaching 2.5 billion cubic metres (bcm) by 2030 from 0.8 bcm currently," Singhal said. By the end of 2030, India's LPG demand in the residential sector will account for 82 per cent of the country's total LPG demand while natural gas demand in the same sector will only account for 3 per cent of total natural gas demand in India, Wood Mackenzie added. TORONTO - Two people have been charged for failing to comply with federal quarantine rules after the pair showed up at a rally shortly after returning to Canada, Toronto police said Tuesday. The two accused are the first people to be charged criminally in Toronto under the federal Quarantine Act, police spokesman Const. David Hopkinson said. We started in the pandemic by educating the public. Now we have switched to enforcement, Hopkinson said. Charges with regards to this are rare. Weve had very, very good compliance by our community. Investigators said Christopher (Chris Sky) Saccoccia, 37, and Jennifer Saccoccia, 34, of King City, Ont., landed at Torontos Pearson International Airport on Sept. 20 after travelling abroad. Police allege that despite being ordered to quarantine for 14 days, Christopher Saccoccia was seen in the Yonge-Dundas area of downtown Toronto on Sept. 26 and was issued a provincial offence ticket. Authorities also allege both Christopher Saccoccia and Jennifer Saccoccia went to a rally attended by roughly 500 unmasked participants at Yonge-Dundas Square on Saturday. Both were served Monday with a notice to appear for a virtual court hearing on Nov. 12, police said. Public health rules require everyone coming from outside the country to quarantine for at least 14 days. Saturdays rally saw demonstrators protest against public health measures meant to help curb the spread of COVID-19. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020. This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship. Its not too late to break this second wave of COVID-19 thats bearing down on us. In some ways, though, it feels like we will have to do it ourselves rather than following any government-contrived plan because, frankly, the messaging from Queens Park lately is confusing. For starters, the idea of having us live in social bubbles was always a loose fit. For most people, its likely that confining our social contacts to 10 people was more elastic than iron-clad. If 10 actually meant 12 or 15 or whatever, the advice at least made us aware of the need to stay closer to home to help control the spread of the coronavirus. On Monday, though, that plan went out the window when provincial health officials advised us to have no company at all on this long Thanksgiving weekend. Ten is too much stick to your most immediate family, they said. The intention is clear and the need for stronger action is undeniable. For weeks now, Ontarios new case count has been climbing steadily and we have to bring this thing under control. Tuesday, with 548 new cases, was the ninth straight day that 500 or more new infections were reported across Ontario. Niagaras cases are also rising and for the first time in months a death was attributed to COVID-19. Were doing better than some other cities and regions, including Ottawa, Toronto and Peel, but still Yet, how many people this weekend are likely to obey the zero-visitor guidance from the province? Look around your neighbourhood Saturday, Sunday and Monday and you will probably see more than a few full driveways. The waters get a little muddier when you consider that rather than staying home for your Thanksgiving meal, you have the option of dining out at a restaurant, where you may well be surrounded by a few dozen maskless strangers. Same thing if you go to the gym before supper or stop at a bar on the way home afterward. Granted, those are controlled situations staff are wearing masks, the venue is supposed to provide safe physical distancing and frequent cleaning. However, that also makes it much less likely that people will respect a zero-visitors policy in their homes. And that illustrates the fine line we all walk in trying to bring this dangerous pandemic under control while maintaining some sort of normalcy. We need to be with our friends and family, but we dont want to infect the people most precious to us. We need to stop being part of large social settings, especially among people we dont know, but if we were to be absolutely strict about that, it would likely kill off a sizeable portion of our restaurant, service and retail businesses and the jobs they provide. Responsible moderation isnt something a government can put into law, but in the end it is likely that which will see us through COVID-19, at least until a vaccine is readily available. Wear your mask in public. Its not comfortable, its just something we have to do for the time being. Previous generations were asked to make much greater sacrifices during wartime, surely most of us can handle wearing a mask. And continue to be aware of those little things we are told will go a long way toward keeping us safe and controlling the spread maintain a safe distance from others and keep washing your hands. To control the spread of COVID-19, common sense and concern for others is a much more effective plan than strict laws and stern warnings. Sign $6,000,000.00 Agreement BEVERLY HILLS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / GT Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB:GTBP) (GTBP.PA) a company focused on developing innovative therapeutic treatments based on its proprietary NK cell engager (TriKE) platform announced today that it had entered into a partnership agreement with Cytovance Biologics, a USA-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and a subsidiary of the Shenzhen Hepalink Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. ("Hepalink"). Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Cytovance will be the exclusive GMP manufacture for three of the Company's TriKE therapeutic product candidates. Cytovance will manufacture TriKE in accordance with GMP using Cytovance's proprietary Keystone bacterial or mammalian expression systems. Subject to the completion of certain milestones by Cytovance, GT Biopharma has the option to pay Cytovance up to $6 million for its manufacturing services in either cash or in shares of the Company's common stock valued at the time Cytovance achieves each of several milestones over the next 12 months. Matt Delaney, MBA, M.I.B., Vice President Business Development & Marketing of Cytovance said "we are pleased to have been selected as GT Biopharma's exclusive GMP manufacturer for its first three TriKE product candidates." Mr. Delaney also stated "we believe our proprietary Keystone bacterial or mammalian expression systems will deliver high production yields of TriKE further enhancing economies of scale." Mr. Anthony Cataldo, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GT Biopharma commented "We are pleased to have the opportunity to expand our partnership with Cytovance," Mr. Cataldo further stated. "The flexibility and breadth of our TriKE therapeutic platform allows us to quickly adapt to new disease targets, and rapidly advance TriKE product opportunities into the clinic." About GT Biopharma, Inc. GT Biopharma, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of immuno-oncology and infectious disease therapeutic products based our proprietary Tri-specific Killer Engager (TriKE) platform. Our TriKE platform is designed to harness and enhance the cancer cell and virus infected cell killing using the patient's immune system NK cells. GT Biopharma has an exclusive worldwide license agreement with the University of Minnesota to further develop and commercialize therapies using proprietary TriKE technology developed by researchers at the university to target NK cells. About GTB-3550 TriKE FDA Clinical Trial GTB-3550 is the Company's first TriKE product candidate being initially developed for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). GTB-3550 is a tri-specific recombinant fusion protein conjugate composed of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of anti-CD16 and anti-CD33 antibodies and a modified form of IL-15. The NK cell stimulating cytokine human IL-15 portion of the molecule provides a self-sustaining signal that activates NK cells and enhances their ability to kill. We are presently evaluating GTB-3550 in a Phase I/II clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03214666) for the treatment of CD33 positive leukemias such as AML, myelodysplastic syndrome and other CD33+ hematopoietic malignancies. About Cytovance Biologics Cytovance Biologics is a leading biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) that excels in the rapid and cost-effective development and manufacture of large molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from both mammalian cell culture and microbial fermentation such as monoclonal antibodies, fragment antibodies, bispecific antibodies, enzymes, fusion proteins, vaccines, and other biological products including plasmid DNA and cell-based therapeutics. In addition to our clinical and commercial CGMP API manufacturing services, Cytovance offers well-integrated development services supporting the entire product lifecycle including cell line development, cell banking, microbial strain development, process and analytical development, and process characterization. A centralized, responsive program management team coordinates all critical chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) activities for each client program including technology transfer, development, production, raw materials management, QC testing, ICH stability studies, and regulatory support. Our 140,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facilities in Oklahoma City are designed to meet the U.S., EU, and other global regulatory standards. About Cytovance Biologics Keystone Expression System The Keystone Expression System is an E. coli-based protein production platform that combines industry leading DNA synthesis technologies for gene and vector design (ATUM, Newark, CA) with Cytovance's standard microbial platforms for cell substrate development, fermentation, pilot, and CGMP manufacture with standard analytics and a phase-appropriate CMC approach. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including statements regarding the Company's expectations regarding the development of GTB-3550 TriKE including its intended therapeutic effect, and plans to conduct future clinical trials in humans. Words and expressions reflecting optimism, satisfaction or disappointment with current prospects, as well as words such as "outlook", "believes", "target", "hopes", "intends", "estimates", "expects", "projects", "plans", "anticipates" and variations thereof, or the use of future tense, identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Our forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and actual results could differ materially from those contained in or expressed by such statements. In evaluating all such statements, we urge you to specifically consider the various risk factors identified in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 in the section titled "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A and in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on currently available financial, economic, scientific, and competitive data and information on current business plans. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things: (i) the sufficiency of our cash position and our ongoing ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, (ii) our ability to complete our contemplated clinical trials for any of our drug product candidates, or to meet the FDA's requirements with respect to safety and efficacy, (iii) our ability to identify patients to enroll in our clinical trials in a timely fashion, (iv) our ability to achieve approval of a marketable product, (v) design, implementation and conduct of clinical trials, (vii) the results of our clinical trials, including the possibility of unfavorable clinical trial results, (vii) the market for, and marketability of, any product that is approved, (viii) the existence or development of treatments that are viewed by medical professionals or patients as superior to our products, (ix) regulatory initiatives, compliance with governmental regulations and the regulatory approval process, and social conditions, and (x) various other matters, many of which are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties develop, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially and adversely from those anticipated, believed, estimated, or otherwise indicated by our forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any responsibility to update these forward-looking statements to take into account events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release. Additionally, we do not undertake any responsibility to update you on the occurrence of any unanticipated events which may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For more information, please visit www.gtbiopharma.com. CONTACT: Anthony Cataldo 800-304-9888 SOURCE: GT Biopharma, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609225/GT-Biopharma-Announces-Expanded-TriKETM-Partnership-With-Cytovance-Biologics The Supreme Court on Monday reinstated a requirement that South Carolina residents who cast their votes by mail must get a witness to sign their ballots after lower courts had suspended the requirement, saying it would increase the threat of spreading the coronavirus. Republicans have argued that the witness requirement will serve as a safeguard against voter fraud, while Democrats pushed to suspend the requirement amid the pandemic. Roughly a dozen states require mail-in ballot envelopes to be signed by one or more witnesses or a notary. While a lawsuit over the issue proceeds, the Courts order sets aside the lower court ruling that had suspended the requirement, effectively reinstating the mandate. The high court granted an exception for ballots cast before the stay and received within two days. Voting has already begun in the state, with more than 200,000 absentee ballots having been mailed and 18,000 returned, according to the states election commission. Though the justices did not explain their decision, as is typical in rulings made on an emergency basis, Justice Brett Kavanaugh defended the order only on his own behalf in saying the Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that federal courts ordinarily should not alter state election rules in the period close to an election. Kavanaugh cited the Purcell principle, which was born from a dispute over an Arizona voter identification law brought to the court on an emergency basis in 2006, and says that federal judges should typically refrain from creating confusion by changing voting rules in the run-up to an election. The justice added that federal courts should allow a states government to keep or to make changes to election rules to address COVID-19. There were no noted dissents, though Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch indicated they would have allowed ballots already submitted that did not have a witness signature to be rejected. State Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick celebrated the decision as a win for voter fraud prevention. Story continues Despite the Democrats efforts to hijack a pandemic and use it to meddle with our election laws, theyve lost, he said in a statement. Were pleased the Supreme Court reinstated the witness signature requirement and recognized its importance in helping to prevent election fraud. The original case was brought by the state Democratic Party, the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. State Democratic Party Chairman Trav Robertson expressed disappointment at the Courts decision. Our hope is that no one gets COVID-19 trying to find a witness. We are disappointed but elections have consequences, he said in a statement. More from National Review The incidence of Covid-19 in Laois and Offaly is higher in early October than when the two counties were placed under the equivalent of Level 3 restrictions in August while the rate is lower in Kildare which endured longer restrictions at the end of summer. The number of cases per 100,000 people is viewed as one of the key yardsticks used by health authorities and Government to measure the spread of the virus. On August 7 NPHET member and disease spread expert Prof Philip Nolan outlined the situation facing the three counties. "As outlined by the Acting Chief Medical Officer at the press conference last night, the 14-day incidence per 100,000 population in Kildare, Laois and Offaly is worryingly high. While the national incidence stands at 16.3 per 100,000, in Kildare it stands at 130.3, in Laois it is 69.7 and in Offaly, it is 89.8," he said. There had been 150 new confirmed infections in Kildare in the two weeks to August 8 when there were 55 in Laois and 36 in Offaly. The restrictions lasted two weeks in Laois and Offaly and were not lifted until August 31 in Kildare. Nearly two months on the three counties are heading back into the same level of restrictions. The latest Health Protection Surveillance Report (HSPC) two-week report shows that Laois has an incidence of 88.6 per 100,000. Kildare is at 93.5 but Offaly now has the highest incidence at 100.1 per 100,000 people. From September 21 to October 4, Laois has had 75 new cases while 78 have emerged in Offaly. Kildare, at 108, has had fewer new cases than the total it recorded in the two weeks before the August restrictions. The new HSPC report also shows that the national average per 100,000 is 114.3 and there have been 5,441 new cases since September 21. The total number of cases in Laois up to October 4 was 497. In Offaly, the figure is 754 while Kildare has recorded 2,663 Covid-19 infections. Laois, Offaly and Kildare have been held up by the Taoiseach Micheal Martin and other politicians as examples of counties where restrictions worked. Mr Martin specifically mentioned them when announcing Level 3 restrictions for Dublin. "Our objective is clear. We must reduce the spread of the disease, stabilise the situation nationally, and bring Dublin back into line with the rest of the country within the next three weeks. We did it before with Laois, Offaly and Kildare and we can do it again," he said. Since then the virus has spread around Ireland and caused NPHET to recommend a Level 5 lockdown. The Government rejected this and Mr Martin announced that all counties would go into Level 3. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly described the measures taken in Laois, Offaly and Kildare as Level 3 after the Taoiseach's announcement. Advertisement Public Health England's Excel bungle has drastically changed the outlook of England's coronavirus outbreak, with infection rates in the North soaring overnight. Following the revelation that almost 16,000 'missed' cases had been added to the system, infection rates spiralled in every authority of the country except four at the weekend all of which were in the South. The cases which were lost in the government system because an Excel spreadsheet reached its maximum size and failed to update have mostly been added to the North West of the country, with other areas in the North East and Midlands also hit badly. The technical glitch meant 15,841 cases between September 25 and October 2 were left out of the reported daily coronavirus cases and were not referred to NHS Test and Trace, meaning potentially tens of thousands of infected Britons were allowed to roam the streets. And in a slow recovery from Friday's Excel blunder almost 6,000 covid carriers are yet to be traced, some of whom were given their positive covid-19 diagnosis two weeks ago. Each of those 6,000 carriers are expected to have made contact with three to four unwitting people before they begun isolating, that's an estimated 18,000 to 24,000 individuals who have not been informed that they should be isolating due to close contact with covid-19. Yesterday's rolling seven-day infection rate how many new cases were diagnosed in the seven days to October for every 100,000 people surged in huge cities including Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Newcastle upon Tyne and Liverpool, as a result of the backlogged data being properly recorded. Manchester, now the Covid-19 hotspot in England, saw its infection rate rise by 80 per cent from 289.4 before the unreported cases were uncovered, to 529.4 afterwards when some 3,000 were added to the city's tally. Nottingham's tripled, from 100.6 to 382.4, Leeds's doubled from 149.3 to 316.8, and Sheffield's increased by 2.5-fold from 110.1 to 286.6. The analysis based on government data crunched by the Press Association Babergh in Suffolk suffered the largest spike in infection rate (791 per cent, from 2.2 to 19.6), followed by Exeter (326 per cent from 61.6 to 262.5), and Fenland in Cambridgeshire (323 per cent from 7.9 to 33.4). Following the revelation that almost 16,000 'missed' cases had been added to the system, infection rates spiralled in every authority of the country except four at the weekend all of which were in the South. The cases have mostly been added to the North West of the country, with other areas in the North East and Midlands also hit badly Manchester, now the Covid-19 hotspot in England, saw its infection rate - expressed as cases per 100,000 people - increase by 80 per cent from 289.4 on October 2 to 529.4 on October 5. Leeds infection rate increased by 112 per cent from 149.3 to 316.8 in the same period Sheffield's rate shot up 160 per cent from 100.9 to 286.6. In Nottingham, East Midlands, the case rate jump up 3-fold, from 100.6 to 382.4 PA news agency gives the rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 for every local authority area in England every day. The rate is expressed as the number of infections per 100,000 people. So in Manchester, 530 people per 100,000 caught Covid-19 during the last week the equivalent of one in every 189 people. PA revealed yesterday the current Covid-19 rates based on data in the seven days to October 2, after the error in case reporting was fixed by PHE on Sunday evening. It showed that, compared to data from previous days, the infection rate has gone up in 311 authorities in England, with only four staying stable of slightly dipping; Isle of Wight, Crawley, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and Maldon. On average, the infection rate has increased by 90 per cent in each authority from PA's previous count on October 2. The percentage changes ranged from as low as five per cent in Harlow, London, to 791 per cent in Babergh. Heat maps show how the North West has suffered considerably as a result of the case-counting blunder, which Matt Hancock faced a grilling over today in the House of Commons. Mr Hancock claimed his department were 'continuing' to search for contacts but that it was unclear 'in advance' exactly how many there were. It followed Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner calling for him to stand down from his position for his 'disgraceful' handling of the crisis on Good Morning Britain. EXCEL BLUNDER LOSES 16,000 CASES: HOW DID IT HAPPEN? Matt Hancock told MPs yesterday that a technical problem over the weekend occurred with the system 'that brings together' data from NHS test sites and tests processed by commercial firms. Public Health England (PHE) told the PA news agency that the issue had been caused by an Excel file maxing out during an automated process. The spreadsheet, used in outdated software used by PHE, had too much data from the labs and therefore threw off thousands of cases when they were supposed to be passed onto officials in the NHS to start contact tracing. They were also not uploaded to the Government's public coronavirus dashboard. PHE said files had now been broken down into smaller, multiple files to avoid the issue happening again. Mr Hancock said it had been decided in July that the PHE 'legacy system' needed an upgrade, with contracts for a new system awarded in August. Officials from PHE and Test and Trace said that people who were tested received their Covid-19 test results in a 'normal way'. As soon as the missing cases were reported, officials said that the information was 'immediately' handed to NHS Test and Trace so contact tracing could begin and people in contact with those who had the virus were instructed to self isolate. But the blunder will have led to an inevitable delay in some contacts being reached. Labour said yesterday that some 48,000 people who have been in contact with a Covid-19 case may be 'blissfully unaware' they are spreading the disease when they should have been told to self isolate. Advertisement Millions of people are already under tighter Covid-19 restrictions in the North West, including a ban on mixing with other households in either their own home or public settings such as the pub. But the addition of thousands of cases has sparked fears that more areas could be pushed into tougher lockdowns. Manchester now has the highest rate in England, at 529.4 cases per 100,000. This is up from 246.4 per 100,000 on October 2, based on data in the seven days to September 25 before the computer glitch. A total 2,927 new cases were recorded in the seven days up until October 2. The surrounding Greater Manchester boroughs of Salford, Bury and Rochdale saw their seven-day rolling rate jump up to 278.2 (up 77 per cent), 253.4 (up 53 per cent) and 287.3 (up 74 per cent), respectively. Knowsley, a metropolitan borough of Merseyside, and Liverpool have the second and third highest rates in England, at 498.5 (up 76 per cent) and 487.1 (up 69 per cent), respectively, according to the PA analysis. Other areas of Merseyside that recorded big jumps in their seven-day rates include Wirral, up 39 per cent to 209.6, Sefton, up 61 per cent to 307.9, and St Helens, up 44 per cent to 311.8. Lancashire was also affected by the cases. Rossendale's infection rate went up by 55 per cent to 223.8, Blackburn with Darwen's up by 46 per cent to 207.1, Pendle's up by 43 per cent to 294.2, Hyndburn's up 42 per cent to 269, and Burnley's up 21 per cent to 411.6. Further into the Yorkshire and the Humber, university cities Leeds and Sheffield have also seen considerable hikes in their infection rate. Sheffield's rate shot up 160 per cent from 100.9 to 286.6 and Leeds 112 per cent from 149.3 to 316.8. Bradford, in West Yorkshire, also saw a 65 per cent increase, from 153 to 253.1. The University of Sheffield's Covid-19 statistics web page showed nearly 500 students and staff had tested positive since the start of the autumn term last week. And in Nottingham, where 425 students have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in just one week, the case rate jump up 3-fold, from 100.6 to 382.4. Residents in Nottingham, which has two universities, have reportedly been told to brace for tough lockdown measures, according to the Telegraph. All the places listed so far have been under tougher restrictions for at least two weeks, some of them for longer. It raises concern that measures are in some way not working to squash cases. Counted by the date specimens were collected, rather than the date the government published them, the UK had 11,404 cases on September 30, almost as many as were reported in the next two days combined PHE MEMO REVEALS LOST CASES The cases that were missed out of the Department of Health's count because of Public Health England's counting blunder have been revealed in a memo leaked to Sky News. They show there were an average of 8,328 cases per day announced during the September 25 to October 2 period, with a high of 11,754 on October 2 and a low of 4,044 on September 28. The latter number is unchanged from the Department of Health's own count. The adjusted data suggest the current average number of daily cases calculated using the last seven days is approximately 10,600. This is a rise from the average of 6,100 that would have been recorded in the week up to last Monday. DATE OFFICIAL COUNT AMENDED COUNT Sep-25 Sep-26 Sep-27 Sep-28 Sep-29 Sep-30 Oct-1 Oct-2 6,874 6,042 5,693 4,044 7,143 7,108 6,914 6,968 7,831 6,786 6,450 4,044 8,558 10,157 11,047 11,754 Advertisement The catastrophic failure of officials to release timely data will further exacerbate the problem because it leaves local health teams struggling to understand the outbreak. One of the top virus experts in Leeds blasted the test and trace blunder as 'unacceptable' following the news the city had breached the 300 cases per 100,000 line. Dr Stephen Griffin, a viral oncologist based at the University of Leeds, said it would be difficult for local and national governments to plan responses to Covid cases if they can't trust the numbers. He told LeedsLive: 'My first reaction when I saw this was "good grief". But if you look back and look at the data, we saw the majority in the last few days. 'It's hard to make a decision on these numbers because we are not sure on them this is a real frustration. I don't know what (the Government) is going to do now. 'One important aspect in the mix up was that we really needed to understand whether the local measures were working it's going to be hard to understand that now.' Newcastle, in the North East, saw one of the biggest spikes in reported cases following the addition of the thousands of new cases, with 399.6 per 100,000 people in the seven days up to October 1 up from 256.6 the week before. And nearby Gateshead, South Tyneside and North Tyneside all saw an uptick in infection rates by at least 50 per cent. County Durham's went up by 81 per cent. Nick Forbes the Labour leader of Newcastle City Council asked how local authorities could make 'life-altering decisions' for residents and businesses when they cannot be confident about Government data. Mr Forbes said: 'This is yet another catastrophic failure from an incompetent Government that is moving recklessly from one avoidable disaster to another. 'Across the north-east we called for additional restrictions and measures built around the data we had, we did not call for these changes lightly and made the decisions based on intelligence and insight. 'If we cannot be confident in the data we are receiving from the Government, how can we make these life-altering decisions and do what is best for our residents and businesses? 'It is essential we have the right data at the right time in order for us to protect our residents, support our businesses and enable our region to recover from this pandemic.' Ministers blamed an Excel spreadsheet error they had been concerned about for weeks, and an aged computer software, for the 16,000 cases disappearing in the transfer from PHE to NHS Test and Trace. Although positive Covid-19 people were told they had the disease, only half have been contacted by the NHS to discuss their movements since the blunder was first revealed on Friday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said yesterday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was unable to say on Monday morning how many contacts of positive coronavirus cases had been missed. Labour said yesterday that some 48,000 people who have been in contact with a Covid-19 case may be 'blissfully unaware' they are spreading the disease when they should have been told to self isolate. Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said problems with testing were 'putting lives at risk'. It's not clear exactly what the repercussions of the 'shambolic' event will be. But local health chiefs have been left aghast and wondering how they can make decisions based on such unreliable Government data. Mr Hancock said in the Commons yesterday: 'I want to reassure the house that outbreak control in care homes, schools and hospitals has not been directly affected because dealing with outbreaks in these settings does not primarily rely on this PHE system.' He said it had been decided in July that the PHE 'legacy system' needed an upgrade, with contracts for a new system awarded in August. Mr Hancock said it was 'critical that we work together to fix these issues that were themselves identified by PHE staff working hard late on Friday night'. He added: 'This incident should never have happened but the team has acted swiftly to minimise its impact and now it is critical that we work together to put this right and make sure it never happens again.' Regarding the scale of the pandemic, Mr Hancock said the Government's assessment has 'not substantially changed' after the error. 'This morning the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) presented to me their updated analysis of the epidemic based on the new figures,' he said. 'The chief medical officer (Chris Whitty) has analysed that our assessment of the disease and its impact has not substantially changed as a result of these data. 'The JBC has confirmed that this has not impacted the basis on which decisions about local action were taken last week. Nevertheless, this is a serious issue that is being investigated fully.' It came after a frightening rise in coronavirus cases was recorded in Britain yesterday. The Department of Health announced 12,594 more positive tests more than triple the 4,368 that were recorded a fortnight ago - and the first 'clean' count since the Excel problem was fixed. Last Monday's data, which would usually be a good point of reference, is now unreliable because of a catastrophic counting error at Public Health England, meaning September 21 is the most recent Monday with an accurate number. Mohammed Hares wanted to run for one of the smallest slices of power there is in American politics: a party committee position, with just about a half-mile of turf in his West Philadelphia neighborhood. The ward leader had other plans. It was 2018, and Pete Wilson, the Democratic leader in the Sixth Ward, told Hares that the women who held the two committee seats in his neighborhood had been there awhile and did good work. Hares, on the other hand, was a Bangladeshi community leader who moved to Philadelphia in the 1990s, whom Wilson later said he didnt know from a can of paint. Hares ran anyway and won. People surprised, he recalled last month with a grin, after describing how he had knocked on doors to campaign in a language other than his native Bangla. Three other Bangladeshis also won committee spots that year. Now, theyre hoping their party positions can boost efforts to aid their community. Its an increasingly common story in Philadelphia: Insurgent outsider beats the establishment. But while much of the new energy in city politics has been driven by progressives seeking to move the local Democratic Party further left, the Bangladeshis are breaking ground on a new front. Aside from being famously insular, Philadelphia politics has long been Black and white though a growing portion of the city doesnt fall into either of those categories. Its a bit of a club, said Nina Ahmad, a Bangladeshi immigrant and the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania auditor general, the states elected fiscal watchdog. She won the June primary despite much of the party establishment backing her opponent. The Bangladeshis' bid to build clout suggests that local Democratic leaders will have to do more to engage immigrant communities. "If the old, decaying infrastructure is not going to catch up to the times, the times are going to catch up to it, said Siobhan Lyons, who chairs Second Generation, a political action committee supporting candidates from immigrant communities. Friends in high places Bangladeshis in Philadelphia number fewer than 2,000, compared with tens of thousands in the largest immigrant groups like those from China and Mexico. They turned to politics for the same reason others before them did: to help their own community. Hares, who left the Bangladeshi port city of Chittagong on a student visa in 1986 and first arrived in New York, remembered how hard it was as one of the few Bangladeshis in the city in those early days. I cry sometimes," said the father of four. As more Bangladeshis came to the United States, largely through the diversity lottery visa program in the 1980s and 90s, they formed associations like the Bangladesh Community of Pennsylvania to help immigrants find jobs, good schools for their kids, and financing to start small businesses. Our community grown up, Hares said. In Philadelphia, their initial advocacy work was outside politics. In West Philadelphia, for example, they organized against proposed school closures in the early 2000s. But they soon realized the power in being able to count elected officials as allies. In 2010, when they lobbied then-Mayor Michael Nutter to add the Bangladeshi flag to the scores of flags that line the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, it took months just to set up a meeting, said Jahed Chowdhury, 43, president of the Bangladesh Community of Pennsylvania. Now theyve built relationships with state lawmakers and members of Philadelphia City Council. Theyve hosted fund-raising events for the likes of Mayor Jim Kenney and U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans. Now, Chowdhury said, we call direct to Dwight Evans. In June, after Bangladeshi business owners' stores in West Philadelphia and Germantown were destroyed in the looting that followed the early peaceful protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd, Chowdhury organized a Zoom meeting. Evans' chief of staff, Anuj Gupta; Councilmember Jamie Gauthier; and Ahmad were there. Chowdhury, who runs a variety store at 40th and Market, brought almost two dozen Bangladeshi business owners to speak. Tamzid Bhuiyan spoke about the damage done to his fathers then-weeks-old electronics store on 60th Street, which cost thousands to repair. At the end of the day, we just wanted to be heard, said Bhuiyan, 28. Winning power in an old city' Breaking into power structures is hard for immigrants, who face language barriers, xenophobia, and the daily grind to build a life in a new country. It is hard to break the cycle of work and family, work and family, said Abu Ahmin Rahman, a retired chemist who for decades has helped elect Bangladeshis to office in Delaware County, such as Upper Darby Township Councilmember Sheikh Siddique and the four Bangladeshis on the five-person Millbourne Borough Council. Its also hard to break into the power structure of Philadelphia politics, especially if you arent white or Black and born in this country. Were an old city here, said Ahmad, who ran an unsuccessful campaign for lieutenant governor before winning the auditor general primary this year. Politics has been done in a certain way ... but I think thats changing. The city is 15% Latinx and almost 8% Asian, according to 2019 census data. Nikil Saval, an Indian American, became the citys first Asian American ward leader in 2018. Hes now headed to Harrisburg after beating State Sen. Larry Farnese in the June primary (there is no Republican candidate in the district). Of the 69 Democratic ward leaders, three are Latinx and all of them are Puerto Rican. Theres a perception that theres no real opportunity for immigrants in the political parties, said Republican City Councilmember David Oh, a Korean American and the first Asian American elected to City Council, in 2011. They need an invitation in, said Oh, who has consistently won reelection without the backing of the local Republican Party, and whos going to invite them? READ MORE: Philadelphia Councils vote on union bill shows how building trades are still a force in city politics Thats precisely what makes the Bangladeshis' political engagement noteworthy, said Joe Khan, a Pakistani American who ran for Philadelphia district attorney in 2017. Theyre not necessarily being invited to the table," he said, so theyre fighting to claim their seats at it instead. Or as Ahmad put it: The Democratic Party has embraced them, or they have made themselves be embraced. She added with a laugh: Im not sure which it is. Councilmember Helen Gym believes the Democratic Party can only grow and benefit from this kind of immigrant involvement. They open up a whole realm of individuals who are often neglected or marginalized in traditional electoral politics, said Gym, a Korean American whose first bid for Council in 2015 was not supported by the local Democratic Party. Gym, who in 2019 received more votes than any other Council candidate since 1987, is now the leader of a fledgling progressive wing in Council and frequently discussed as a potential candidate for higher office. The Bangladeshis, she said, can reach certain voters in their native language, and they have the trust of their community. And the Bangladeshis know how to rebound after setbacks. In the 2019 primary elections, they backed longtime incumbent Councilmember Jannie Blackwell, also a longtime ward leader and political giant in West Philadelphia. Blackwell was ousted by political newcomer Gauthier, the daughter of a Caribbean immigrant. "We worked for Jannie, Chowdhury acknowledged. But after she lost, they quickly reached out Gauthier, inviting her to dinner at Chowdhurys brothers house. And now, Chowdhury said, we work for Jamie. The U.S. flag flies over shipping cranes and containers in Long Beach, Calif., on March 4, 2019. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images) US Trade Deficit Rises in August to Highest in 14 Years, Goods Deficit Hits Record High The U.S. trade deficit jumped in August to its highest level in 14 years as imports climbed more than exports, with the deficit in goods hitting its highest level on record. The Commerce Department said in a report on Tuesday (pdf) that the trade deficit in goods and services jumped 5.9 percent to $67.1 billion, the widest since August 2006. Overall imports of both goods and services increased by $7.4 billion to $239 billion, while exports grew $3.6 billion to $171.9 billion. The rise in the trade deficit reflects a simultaneous jump in the goods deficit and a drop in the services surplus. The services surplus fell by $700 million in August to $16.8 billion, the lowest since January 2012. The goods deficit in August, at $83.9 billion, was the highest on record. August imports of foods, feeds, and beverages ($13.5 billion), imports of non-petroleum products ($192.6 billion), and imports of consumer goods ($57.9 billion) each hit record highs. The August deficit with Mexico reached $12.8 billion, the highest level on record. The closely watched trade deficit with China dropped by $1.9 billion to $26.4 billion in August. Exports to China in August, at $11 billion, were the highest since March 2018. A smaller trade deficit contributed to a higher gross domestic product (GDP) over the last three quarters, as GDP increases when the trade deficit falls or when a trade surplus grows. The rise in the U.S. trade deficit is therefore likely to be a drag on GDP numbers in the third quarter. In the year-to-date, exports have fallen by $296.1 billion, or 17.6 percent, compared to the same period in 2019, while imports have fallen by $273.5 billion, or 13.1 percent, reflecting the toll on trade from the disruption caused by the outbreak of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Japan on Tuesday to rally support from Washingtons closest allies in Asia, calling for deeper collaboration with Japan, India, and Australia as a bulwark against Chinas regional ambitions. Pompeo spoke ahead of the start of a meeting of the Quad grouping of the four nations foreign ministers, denouncing Chinas communist leadership for their tactics in the region. As partners in this Quad, it is more critical now than ever that we collaborate to protect our people and partners from the CCPs exploitation, corruption, and coercion, Pompeo said. We see it in the South and East China Seas, the Mekong, the Himalayas, the Taiwan Strait, Pompeo added. One issue that is vexing for Washingtons Asian allies is their dependence on China for trade. China was the top destination for Australian exports in 2019, the No. 2 destination for Japanese exports, and the No. 3 destination for Indian exports, according to IMF direction of trade statistics compiled by Refinitiv. The United States and China have been at loggerheads over a range of issues, including Beijings handling of the CCP virus outbreak, its imposition of a new security law in Hong Kong, and military ambitions in the South China Sea. Reuters contributed to this report. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government has not yet taken any decision on reopening of schools in the state. "This is not the time to reopen schools. Students' lives are more important," School Education Minister KA Sengottaiyan told reporters on Tuesday. He was interacting with reporters on the sidelines of a meeting with district chief educational officers (CEOs) in Chennai. He further said that decision on the date of reopening will be made shortly. Sengottaiyan had recently discussed the issue of school reopening with the Chief Minister. The schools have been shut since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. The minister further said that Tamil Nadu would continue to oppose the three-language formula. He urged the CEOs to instruct schools to regularly check students' eye-sight due to increased exposure to gadgets. "Even before the pandemic struck, modern-day students were experiencing a mental health crisis, said Gaggles CEO and founder, Jeff Patterson. "Its no longer enough to simply protect students in a physical sense. We have to consider the whole child from a social and emotional standpoint." With all the disruptions to students daily routines and the social isolation that many across the country are still experiencing, more attention than ever needs to be paid to their psychological well-being. This fall, Gaggle will host the Student Wellness Series: four webinars featuring experts on a variety of topics impacting the mental and physical well-being of todays K-12 students. Even before the pandemic struck, modern-day students were experiencing a mental health crisis, said Gaggles CEO and founder, Jeff Patterson. Reports indicate that approximately 10 million young people between the ages of 13 and 18 are in need of professional help for a mental health condition. Its no longer enough to simply protect students in a physical sense. We have to consider the whole child from a social and emotional standpoint. The Student Wellness Series will run from mid-October through mid-November. Interested educators can register for the free webinars by visiting https://news.gaggle.net/student-wellness-fall-2020. The schedule for the series is as follows: Eating Disorders October 13 at 4:00 PM ET These complex conditions, which can seriously impact students mental and physical health, often require both medical and psychological intervention. Dr. Lisa Strohman, an expert on student mental health, will explain how eating disorders affect adolescents. Incels October 20 at 1:00 PM ET Bruno Dias, the director of safety and security at Mansfield Independent School District in Texas, will lend his expertise on this topic. Anxiety November 2 at 1:00 PM ET Anxiety and depression are on the rise, with 70% of teens seeing these issues as a major problem. Dr. Lisa Strohman will join attendees again for this session along with Christine Ravesi-Weinstein, an educational leader, mental health advocate, and author of Anxious: Advocating for Students with Anxiety, Because What if it Turns Out Right? Cutting November 17 at 1:00 PM ET Students suffering from depression and anxiety may turn to cutting, a form of self-harm, as a way to release their pain and emotions. Dr. Lisa Strohman returns for the final installment of the Student Wellness Series. For the past 21 years, Gaggle has been committed to helping K-12 districts manage student safety on school-provided technology. Using a powerful combination of technology and trained safety experts, the safety solution proactively assists districts around the clock in the prevention of student suicide, bullying, inappropriate behaviors, school violence, and other harmful situations. The company recently launched Gaggle Therapy, which matches students who need mental health support with counselors licensed in their state for weekly teletherapy sessions. For more information about Gaggle, please visit http://www.gaggle.net and follow Gaggle on Twitter at @Gaggle_K12. The U.S. is quickly ramping up oil sales to China, the worlds biggest importer, forcing traditional suppliers in the Mideast to look for new markets or hold on to their crude in an already oversupplied world. The U.S. accounted for 7% of Chinese crude imports through mid-September, according to London-based market intelligence firm Vortexa Ltdup from 0.4% in January. Meanwhile, market share for Saudi Arabia, Chinas biggest traditional supplier, fell to 15% from 19% in the same period. Based on recent tanker data, U.S. exports to China are expected to reach as much as 700,000 barrels a day at the end of October, forecasts Virginie Bahnik, a senior analyst at Geneva-based Petro-Logistics SA. Earlier this year, China agreed to buy U.S. crude as part of a broader deal meant to ease rising trade tensions between the two world powers. The Trump administration agreed to cut some tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for purchases of American farm, energy and manufacturing exports. Chinas buying so far is a long way from fulfilling commitments made in that deal, and to some extent it is simply restoring crude flows that were cut off amid the earlier U.S.-China trade tensions. As part of a deal, Beijing agreed in January to buy $52.4 billion worth of oil and liquefied-natural-gas from the U.S. by the end of 2021. The buying was delayed by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, but has ratcheted up more recently. The Chinese had to catch up," said Petro-Logistics Chief Executive Daniel Gerber. That is now upending traditional oil-trade routes world-wide and further depressing some prices. Global prices have been hammered by falling demand caused by the pandemic. Amid the new U.S. shipments to China, Saudi Arabia recently cut prices for its crude for buyers in Asia, a move that could make that oil more attractive to other regional buyers. It is also now resorting to storing unsold oil at home and overseas, including at depots in Egypt, Singapore and China. Saudi Arabias domestic crude-oil inventories rose 7% to 81 million barrels in the two weeks to Sept. 20, a level not seen since June, said Paris-based commodities-analysis company Kayrros. Exports from other Mideast producers to China are also being hit. Shipments from Gulf Cooperation Council countriesexcluding Saudi Arabiafell by at least 400,000 barrels a day, to 1.6 million barrels in September, compared with their average levels in April to July, according to Petro-Logistics. The energy ministries of Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates and the Kuwait oil ministry didnt return requests for comment. A Saudi energy adviser said the shift is only temporary." The Chinese-U.S. deal expires at the end of next year, and Chinese refineries have historically been fueled by Middle Eastern, Russian and West African grades. A change of administrations after U.S. elections next month, or a change of tack by a re-elected President Trump, could threaten continued buying. That is especially the case amid fresh economic and geopolitical skirmishes between Washington and Beijing, including the Trump administrations offensive against Chinese tech giants such as Huawei Technologies Co. and ByteDance, the owner of TikTok. But some analysts say that after some Chinese refineries retooled their plants to process U.S. grades, they may keep buying. Does the U.S.-to-China trade have staying power?" said Clay Seigle, who runs Vortexas Houston office. It probably does now that Chinese refiners have established demand for U.S. grades." That is good news for U.S. suppliers, who have struggled like the rest of the worlds producers with low oil prices. Amid sharply lower demand, prices have dropped about 34% since the start of the year, and are now trading around $40 a barrel. A foothold in the Chinese market gives U.S. shale companies in particular an outlet that had closed off when the U.S.-China trade fight was in full swing last year. That certainly helps American producers," said Manish Raj, chief financial officer at Velandera Energy Partners LLC, a U.S. oil-and-gas producer operating in Louisiana. Sandy Fielden, an analyst at Morningstar Inc., said the deal has helped cushion some American suppliers amid the downturn. If [the crude] wasnt going to export," he said, Thered be no place for it domestically, and itd be causing a great deal more pain for producers." Summer Said in Dubai contributed to this article. Write to Benoit Faucon at benoit.faucon@wsj.com and Collin Eaton at collin.eaton@wsj.com Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics BRADY ANDERSON, Chariho, Wrestling, Sophomore; Anderson finished first in the 152-pound weight class at the Griswold Midseason Invitational tournament. Anderson went 3-0 in the tournament, pinning all of his opponents in the first period. Anderson is 10-4. LYDIA LASKEY, Stonington, Gymnastics, Senior; Laskey finished first in all four events in meets against NFA and Westerly. Laskey had an all-around score of 33.75 against NFA and 34.60 against Westerly. RILEY PELOQUIN, Westerly, Girls Basketball, Sophomore; Peloquin scored 22 points and had 19 rebounds in two games. Peloquin is averaging 7.6 points and 7.5 rebounds a game for the Bulldogs. DEONDRE BRANSFORD, Wheeler, Boys Basketball, Sophomore; Bransford scored 25 points and had 28 rebounds in a pair of Wheeler victories. Bransford is averaging 10.6 points and 12.1 rebounds per contest for the Lions. Vote View Results Kluge called on European authorities to listen to the public and work with them in "new and innovative ways" to reinvigorate the fight against Covid-19, which is on the increase throughout Europe The World Health Organization warned European countries Tuesday about "pandemic fatigue" which it says threatens the continent's ability to tackle the coronavirus. "Although fatigue is measured in different ways, and levels vary per country, it is now estimated to have reached over 60 percent in some cases," WHO Europe director Dr Hans Kluge said. He said this is based on "aggregated survey data from countries across the region." Citizens have made "huge sacrifices" over the last eight months to try and contain the coronavirus, he said in a statement. "In such circumstances it is easy and natural to feel apathetic and demotivated, to experience fatigue." Kluge called on European authorities to listen to the public and work with them in "new and innovative ways" to reinvigorate the fight against Covid-19, which is on the increase throughout Europe. He cited a local authority in the UK which has consulted communities to gauge their feelings, and a municipality in Denmark where students have been involved in drawing up restrictions that allow them to return to university. Turkey has employed social media polls to understand public sentiment, while Germany's government "has consulted philosophers, historians, theologians, and behavioural and social scientists," Kluge said. The WHO's Europe region, which encompasses 53 countries including Russia, has seen more than 6.2 million cases and nearly 241,000 deaths related to the virus, according to the organisation's official statistics. Search Keywords: Short link: A new report released Monday questions not only the environmental impact but also economic feasibility of the liquefied natural gas industry based mostly on the U.S. Gulf Coast, including one facility in Southeast Texas. The Environmental Integrity Project tracked the environmental toll of additional releases from LNG facilities and what it characterized as a volatile market that has led to 10 proposed projects being delayed by a year or indefinitely, in some cases while still being approved by the federal government. Locally, the Port Arthur LNG project, planned for the Sabine Pass community, was listed in the Troubled Water for LNG report as one of six approved projects that have been delayed since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in the United States this spring. The reports author, Alexandra Shaykevich of the Environmental Integrity Project, concluded that such delays were the result of an already saturated market that was on its way to becoming unattractive to investors before the virus-induced recession. She cited some companies going more than three years after receiving air permits without making a final investment decision. Eric Schaeffer, the environmental groups executive director, said letting companies speculate on projects after being granted permits not only goes against the spirit of federal clean air regulations, but it also opens up the potential for facilities to be opened under outdated environmental impact data. When you get an air permit, youre supposed to start construction within a responsible time, usually 18 months after getting a permit, Schaeffer said. Port Arthur LNG got their permit three years ago, and are still figuring out if they have money to continue the project. Those permits are aged out, should be withdrawn and if they want to build they can reapply. Port Arthur LNG, a proposed LNG terminal by Sempra Energy and backed by a recent deal with Saudi Aramco, received its initial Clean Air Act permit in 2016. That permit, intended for two liquefaction units for the first phase, expired in August, two months after a draft permit for a third and fourth unit was issued. Sempra Energy has since postponed its final investment decision to sometime in 2021, and has continued work on a road project in Sabine Pass that broke ground in the fall. In an earnings call in May, Sempra LNGs chief executive expressed hope that delaying the decision would give time for capital to become more available and could mean lower construction costs as other large projects slow down globally. We think it will bring a better return to our investors and frankly be a better project for our customers, CEO Justin Bird said. In a news conference Monday, Shaykevich said LNG has been on the rise as an industry since the U.S. became a strong exporter of oil and gas, but the latest delays are more signs of its fiscal fragility. Despite the strong historic growth, even before the shutdown there were indicators the industry was struggling, she said. There have been oil and gas production companies that have been pushed to bankruptcy, including the parent company behind Magnolia LNG proposed for Louisiana. You also saw companies pulling out of North American shale. She said companies rushed to add capacity despite over-supplies because state and federal governments were helping to subsidize the cost of development with tax breaks. The report cited Sempra Energys actions prior to COVID-19 as an example. In January, the company requested a 72-month extension from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for its latest phase of expansion approved in 2016. Shaykevich wrote in her policy conclusion that regulators need to take market realities into account, and stop allowing oil and gas companies volatile financing schedules to dictate project planning. Golden Pass LNG, an ExxonMobil- and Qatar Petroleum-backed project, was also mentioned in the report as one of eight LNG terminals under construction or operating. It is expected to start production sometime between 2024 and 2026. Among the 10 new terminals and expansion projects currently being developed in Texas, Louisiana and Oregon, EIP reported that their permits would allow 45.6 million tons of greenhouse gases to be permitted per year. Thats the equivalent of 10 large coal-fired power plants operating around the clock for a year. LNG has recently become synonymous with a greener version of energy production from fossil fuels and companies have lauded new technologies to reduce emissions at their facilities. Activist John Beards Port Arthur Community Action Network has been calling for more community input and environmental equity for projects in the Port Arthur area, participating in hearings for plant expansions and after industrial disasters like the German Pellets fire and the TPC Group explosion. Beard said Port Arthur has increasingly seen more non-permitted emissions from its industry neighbors and is inching closer to non-attainment for air quality. Ive gotten used to saying, You cant subtract by addition, Beard said. We have not been diligent about the small events that can have a cumulative impact on our health and environment. If we were smarter early on, we could have this now and it could have been smarter and cleaner. Port Arthur is an important data point in the environmental groups research, not just because of interest from LNG companies but also because of its similarity to other communities that will feel the impact of emissions. The Environmental Integrity Project calculated that about 38 percent of people within 3 miles of proposed LNG sites will be people of color and 39 percent are designated as low-income. Beard said communities like Port Arthur have long been asked to take the brunt of the costs for economic gains in the petrochemical industry, with little to show from it. As another industry starts to make gains in Southeast Texas, he said residents have to ask themselves if they can afford to let this round of expansions mimic the past. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jd_journalism The problem with Dr Tony Holohan's plan to put the country back into lockdown was that he believed he could still sacrifice private sector workers to protect hospital capacity and keep the schools open. Dr Holohan's very pointed warning that a four-week lockdown would be necessary to keep schools open may have been directed at Taoiseach Micheal Martin, whose crowning achievement in Government is getting children back into education. But Mr Martin and his partners in Government, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, did not appreciate being backed into a corner by the chief medical officer (CMO) on his first day back in the job. On Sunday evening, when the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) was made known, there was confusion across Government. Read More How could Nphet advise against moving the country into Level 3 restrictions last Thursday and three days later insist on a nationwide lockdown? "What has changed since Thursday when Nphet thought moving the country to Level 3 was inappropriate, other than Tony Holohan coming back?" a Fine Gael Cabinet minister said. It didn't make a lot of sense to many ministers or the public, and the emergence of the news late on a Sunday evening infuriated Government TDs. "Serious public health advice like this should not be emerging at 9pm on a Sunday evening when families are putting their children to bed," a minister said. Dr Holohan was summoned to Government Buildings at midday yesterday to explain the logic behind his proposal to plunge the country back into lockdown and force thousands into unemployment again. In Nphet's letter to Government, it raised concerns about the rise in new cases among over-65s, a spate of outbreaks in nursing homes and among vulnerable groups such as Travellers and people in Direct Provision. Then there was the rising number of hospitalisations and intensive care cases. Dr Holohan, along with his deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn and his chief epidemiologist Prof Philip Nolan, traipsed down Merrion Street to face the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and Green Party leader - none of whom were impressed with how the saga had being unfolding over the previous 24 hours. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath also sat in on the meeting Dr Holohan pushed for a 'circuit breaker' lockdown, designed to cut the spread of the virus off at the head. But none of the leaders were having it and sources said at times the meeting became heated. The strongest contributions came from the Taoiseach, the Tanaiste and Paschal Donohoe. Mr Donohoe was very assertive in his contributions about what he saw as Nphet's misunderstanding of how the Government's 'Living With Covid' plan is linked to the economy. He stressed that the plan was not designed to allow Nphet jump three levels at once. He also outlined there would be serious financial consequences and that the European Central Bank or even the international markets may not be as accessible if we were the only EU country going into a second lockdown. The Taoiseach was equally firm in his contribution. Mr Varadkar was also forceful with his concerns and he was the longest contributor to the meeting. Afterwards, one minister said Dr Holohan made the Level 5 restrictions recommendation without any "prior consultation" or "thinking it through" and had no plan in place for the possibility of the lockdown not happening "It was all about protecting normal hospital activity and maybe schools and childcare, while the private sector was to be sacrificed," the minister said. "It is easy for 40 well-heeled public servants to put 400,000 people out of work while they don't lose a penny," the source added. The same source said the relationship between the Government and Nphet had "changed forever". Senior figures across the Coalition were still scratching their heads after the showdown, trying to establish what exactly Dr Holohan was trying to achieve on his first day back in the office. One said the CMO "completely failed to read the room - we're not in March anymore". "If he'd given it two weeks and issued a few warnings, he may have had a chance." A video of how the police retrieved weapons stolen by some suspected Western Togoland secession campaigners in a recent attack has emerged. The weapons were stolen by some men believed to be members of the Western Togoland secession group during an attack on the Aveyime and Mepe Police Stations in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region. The armed men, simultaneously took over both police stations, overpowered the police officers, and and stole the weapons which were in the armory. The Ghana Police Service, in giving an update on the matter indicated that the stolen weapons were retrieved on Friday, September 25, 2020. The vehicles, weapons and other items seized or stolen by the elements on Friday 25th September 2020 have also been retrieved. The Police reiterated that they were in control of the situation and that life had returned to normal in the affected regions. Security agencies wish to reiterate that adequate security is on the ground in the affected areas in the Volta, Oti and Eastern regions and all other parts of the country. Life has returned to normal as residents are going about their daily activities without fear of insecurity, part of the statement reads. They also indicated that thirty-one persons in connection to the disturbances have been arrested have been provisionally charged and presented in court for allocation. The general public is being assured to remain calm as security agencies will continue to count on their assistance to arrest all perpetrators to face the law, the statement added. Source: Graphic.com.gh 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 She is in the process of earning her bachelor's degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. But Amanda Bynes is already thinking of launching a fragrance line, her lawyer David Esquibias told People magazine this week. 'Amanda is very entrepreneurial. She is investigating fragrances,' her legal representative added. Ready to brand: She is in the process of earning her bachelor's degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. But Amanda Bynes is already thinking of launching a fragrance line, her lawyer David Esquibias told People magazine this week; seen last week The She's The Man star graduated from the Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising last year with an associate degree. She has since returned to school there to earn her BA, David explained, and she is now considering 'perfume in addition to a clothing line.' However her attorney also made sure to note: 'But, dont get too excited. She is still a student at FIDM earning her degree.' She renamed herself on Instagram as Matte Black Online Store back in July and proceeded to delete all her pictures. Business minded: 'Amanda is very entrepreneurial. She is investigating fragrances,' her legal representative added Ambitious: The She's The Man star graduated from the Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising last year with an associate degree. She has since returned to school there to earn her BA, David explained, and she is now considering perfume' She made her return to the social media platform last week, debuting a new dark hairdo that featured a bit of fringe. Amanda had announced on Instagram in May: 'Getting my Bachelors degree from FIDM, Taking online classes, trying to get a 4.0 GPA :].' The former child star also teased the eventual arrival of her clothing line saying: 'Looking forward to starting my online store in the future #goals.' She also shed light on a recent hiccup in her education: 'Spent the last 2 months in treatment. Worked on coping skills to help with my social anxiety that caused me to drop out of school months ago. Back on track and doing well!' Recently her fiance Paul Michael set off a storm of marriage speculation when he posted a picture of his and Amanda's hands wearing their engagement rings. Amanda had in fact posted the same photo to Instagram months earlier to announce their engagement, and David clarified to Us Weekly: 'Amanda is not married.' The duo got engaged around Valentine's Day and shortly thereafter she shared that she and Paul had both been sober for a year. Glitz: Recently her fiance Paul Michael set off a storm of marriage speculation when he posted a picture of his and Amanda's hands wearing their engagement rings However around that time it was reported that her mother Lynn was using her status as Amanda's conservator to prevent them from getting married. Amanda's past legal problems date back to a driving under the influence charge in 2012, two years after her last film role in Easy A. In 2013 she got caught smoking marijuana in her building's lobby in New York, then threw her bong out the 36th-floor window when the cops went into her apartment. Setting it straight: Amanda had in fact posted the same photo to Instagram months earlier to announce their engagement, and David clarified to Us Weekly : 'Amanda is not married' That same year she started a fire in a stranger's driveway and was placed under psychiatric hold for 72 hours. A year later she made - then took back - sexual abuse allegations against Rick. She explained her decision to make the accusation: 'The microchip in my brain made me say those things but he's the one that ordered them to microchip me.' In 2018 Lynn's conservatorship of her daughter was lengthened to last until this coming August, The Blast reports. Armenian military officials reported missile strikes in Nagorno-Karabakh's territorial capital of Stepanakert on Monday, which came under intense attacks over the weekend. Residents say that parts of the city were suffering shortages of electricity and gas after the strikes. The video footage uploaded on Monday by the government-run Armenian United Infocenter shows what's said to be the scale of the destruction caused by the shelling. The Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, in turn, accused Armenian forces of shelling the towns of Tartar, Barda and Beylagan. Ganja, Azerbaijan's second-largest city far outside the conflict zone, also was "under fire", officials said. Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by the Armenian government since 1994 at the end of a separatist war following the breakup of the Soviet Union three years earlier. This story has not been edited by www.republicworld.com and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed BarcelonaIn October 2019, one week after the verdict was announced in the case of the 2017 Catalan independence bid, the University of Barcelona issued an official statement condemning the police crackdown and brutality and demanding the release of the Catalan political prisoners. Universitaris per la Convivencia [Students and Faculty for Peaceful Coexistence] lodged a complaint on behalf of four lecturers and one student and now Barcelonas Court 3 of Administrative Justice has ruled in their favour. The court has declared the statement null and void because it reckons it is a violation of the freedoms of ideology, expression and education. The University of Barcelona (UB) will also have to pay 600 worth of legal costs. UB sources have explained to this newspaper that the university intends to appeal the decision before the High Court of Catalonia, on the basis of university autonomy. The court has fully endorsed the appeal arguing that the university is part of the public administration, not not an institution of political representation. It is duty-bound to remain neutral, says the judge, and it may not espouse any political views in particular, less so when those views are blatantly at odds with the existing legal principles and values. The court agrees with the Prosecution and remarks that the current constitutional state is grounded in the strictest political neutrality. Even though the UB argued that their statement was protected by the freedom of expression, the court has ruled that it is an individual right which public institutions do not possess. Invoking the freedom of expression neither justifies nor allows a public institution to take a political stance. The judge goes on to say that the fact that the senate of the UB stood by the actions of the political prisoners is not only questionable but also jeopardises the integral growth of students and faculty. The court has ruled, therefore, that the right to an education has been violated. As for the freedoms of ideology and expression, Court 3 claims that the freedom to hold any views, beliefs or convictions is necessarily tied to the freedom to express them in a society. Thats why the judge has determined that the freedoms of ideology and expression were also trampled on. A severe verdict Universitaris per la Convivencia have referred to the ruling as severe, as the court has dismissed the UBs defence arguments. In a statement they point out that a court of law has determined that a misguided interpretation of the democratic principle can cause a university to act against its own values. New Delhi: Chinese smartphone brand Poco on Tuesday launched a new budget smartphone Poco C3 in the India market. Poco C3 will be available for purchase during the Flipkart 'Big Billion Days' sale starting October 16 for the introductory pricing of Rs 7,499 and Rs 8,999 for the 3GB-32GB and 4GB-64GB variants, respectively. Additionally, buyers will be able to avail a 10 per cent instant discount on SBI credit card, debit card and EMI transactions, the company said in a statement. The smartphone features a 6.53-inch HD+ display, with a resolution of 1600 720 and an aspect ratio of 20:9. The display reading mode certified by TUV Rheinland for reduced stress on the eyes when using the phone for long durations. The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 8-core processor, with Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 2.3GHz. The device comes with an AI triple camera setup -- 13MP primary sensor, 2MP macro sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The phone houses a 5000mAh high-capacity battery. The Bombay high court on Tuesday posted the petition filed by Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh, the sisters of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, for quashing of the first information report (FIR) registered against them by Bandra police, for further hearing on October 13. The bench of justices SS Shinde and MS Karnik adjourned the hearing as no one appeared for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the counsel for Rhea Chakraborty, the actor on whose complaint the FIR was registered on September 7, 2020, sought time to respond to the petition. In her complaint, Chakraborty has accused Priyanka Singh and one Dr Tarun Kumar of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi of prescribing medicines for Rajput which were prohibited under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Also Read: Sushant Singh Rajput death: Sisters move Bombay high court to quash FIR based on Rhea Chakrabortys complaint The 28-year-old actor alleged that the doctor prescribed a banned medicine, Clonazepam, to Rajput, which might have resulted in chronic anxiety and ultimately led Rajput to kill himself. She has blamed Priyanka Singh and other members of Rajputs family for his untimely death. In the petition filed through advocate Madhav Thorat, Rajputs sisters, however, claimed that the medicine was not banned and the guidelines issued by the Medical Council of India on April 11, 2020 for telemedicine allows the medicine to be prescribed to a patient even at the first consultation. A bare perusal of the complaint along with the FIR shows that the statements made therein do not make out any cognisable offence, states the petition. It adds that the lodging of Chakrabortys complaint was nothing but a feeble attempt on her part to scuttle the investigation against herself and blame Rajputs family members for his suicide, as she was on the verge of being arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Also Read: Sushant Singh Rajput death: Mumbai Police registers two FIRs against trolls who tried to discredit the force It adds that no criminality could be attributed to the petitioners, especially when the complaint was solely based on medicines prescribed by a doctor. In support of their contention, they relied on a 2005 Supreme Court judgment in Jacob Matthews case, in which the apex court held that no offence against a medical practitioner can be investigated without first obtaining the opinion of experts in medical field. The petition also highlighted that there was an inordinate delay of 90 days in lodging the police complaintthe medicines were prescribed on June 8, 2020, the day Rajput asked Chakraborty to leave his house, and the complaint was lodged on September 7, 2020. A day after the FIR was registered, NCB arrested Chakraborty after interrogating her for three consecutive days in connection with the drug trail that came to the fore following Rajputs death. Meanwhile, Chakrabortys lawyer Satish Maneshinde issued a statement which read: It is disturbing to learn that the family of SSR and its lawyers are interfering and tampering with the investigations by bringing pressure on the AIIMS team of doctors by speaking to them during investigations and releasing purported audio recoded conversations and information to the media in order to bring pressure and tamper with potential witnesses. The SSR family lawyer is supposed to have said that he is going to meet the CBI director to get the familys pre-determined path of investigations in SSR death. It is very disturbing to read such information in the media as attempts are being made to get a pre-determined result in the case. Any further attempts to interfere and tampering in the investigations would be brought to the notice of the appropriate courts. White House reporters are increasingly anxious and angry about the Trump administration's handling of COVID-19 cases within its own building. State of play: Several White House reporters have tested positive and many are trying to figure out whether they and their families need to quarantine. "My wife has now tested positive for COVID. The collateral damage is going to be pretty significant I think." N.Y. Times White House correspondent Michael Shear in an interview with Axios Driving the news: White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany announced Monday that she tested positive for coronavirus, sending White House reporters scrambling to figure out whether they had been exposed. McEnany briefed reporters without wearing a mask at the White House, a practice that speaks to the overall dismissal of White House officials around COVID-19 safety protocols. On Monday, one of the reporters at the briefing confirmed to Axios that they would be quarantining for the next two weeks. White House communications aides Chad Gilmartin and Karoline Leavitt tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend, Axios' Alayna Treene confirmed Monday after a report from ABC News. What they're saying: Members of the press corps have expressed frustration that they've been directly exposed to officials with the virus without being warned. They cite being on flights with Hope Hicks, as well as last week's presidential debate and the press briefing Sunday with McEnany, as events deserving more precautions. "What frustrates me is that the White House could have and should have taken steps to mitigate or minimize the risk if they had just done simple things like wearing masks," said Shear, who believes he contracted the virus aboard Air Force One on September 26th, following the White House nomination event for Amy Coney Barrett. "I felt safer reporting in North Korea than I currently do reporting at The White House. This is just crazy," tweeted CBS News White House Correspondent Ben Tracy. The other side: Ben Williamson, a White House official who works in the communications department and is also an aide to White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, tweeted Monday that McEnany "briefly removed her mask at the mic to answer questions, was there for two questions and only 58 seconds (would not constitute sustained contact per the CDC), and was socially distanced from reporters in the area." A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted. Critics argue that White House officials have engaged in reckless behavior by exposing members of the press corps, as well as other staffers, while knowingly carrying the virus, or having come in contact with those who test positive. On Friday, White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) president Zeke Miller said in a letter to colleagues that at least three members of the White House press corps had tested positive for the virus. In his note, Miller confirmed that the The White House Medical Unit is beginning the process of contact tracing for these cases, but that they do not yet have an estimated time of completion for that process. The WHCA said in a statement Sunday: "We strongly encourage everyone else who was on the White House grounds from 9/26-10/2 to avail themselves of testing options, through their local health department, personal physician, employer or other accommodation before returning to the White House complex." The big picture: Administration officials have long downplayed the seriousness of the virus. "Most officials dont wear masks," a White House reporter told Axios. "They dont socially distance with each other." Shear said that as of Monday evening, he still hadn't heard from the White House at all about any sort of contact tracing efforts, but that the WHCA has been good about implementing their own contract tracing procedure. In response to the news about McEnany, the WHCA said, We wish Kayleigh, the president and everyone else struggling with the virus a swift recovery." The bottom line: The situation also puts in jeopardy coverage of the White House at a time when facts and accurate information have never been more muddled. CBS News digital White House reporter Kathryn Watson tweeted: "Even though there isn't a high likelihood of contracting the virus outside at a bit of a distance, some reporters will have to quarantine. It upends the entire workflow of the White House press corps at a time when coverage has never been more critical." Go deeper: Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Analysis The changing lifestyle and work culture have infused the need for convenience food which is likely to drive the market growth for frozen fruits and vegetables. The increasing product offering of frozen fruits and vegetables coupled with easy availability in stores will complement the expansion of the market over the next couple of years. Furthermore, the introduction of Ready to Eat (RTE) products cut down the task of peeling and slicing which is likely to aid global frozen fruits and vegetables market proliferation. The catalyzed demand for RTE food is poised to accelerate the sales of frozen spinach and legumes. The frozen fruits and vegetables industry leaders facilitate the supply of seasonal products throughout the year which has accelerated revenue generation from the market and is likely to continue the trend over the assessment period. The growing demand for confectionery, bakery and dairy products will propel the revenue creation from frozen fruits segment of the market due to increased sales of kiwi and apricots. The technological innovations adopted by the industry leaders for preserving the nutritional content and taste of fruits and vegetables while enhancing shelf life will further propel the market growth globally. However, some loss of nutrition during freezing is inevitable which is likely to hold the market growth during the review period. Other factors responsible for hampering the growth of frozen fruits and vegetables market include preferences for fresh fruits and vegetables, impacts on the environment, etc. Market segmentation By type, the Global Covid-19 Analysis on Frozen Fruits and Vegetables Market are segmented into fruits and vegetables. By form, the Covid-19 Analysis on Frozen Fruits and Vegetables Market has been segmented into whole, pureed, dried, and others. By application, the global frozen fruits and vegetables market is segmented into fruits and vegetables. The fruits segment is sub-segmented into fruit juices & smoothies, breakfast cereals, salads & desserts, bakery foods, yogurts, and others. The vegetables segment has further been sub-segmented into pizza toppings, salads, Ready to Eat Food (RTE), noodles & pastas, soups, and others. By packaging, the frozen fruits and vegetables market has been segmented into <10 kgs, >10-15 kgs,15-30 kgs, and >30 kgs. Major Key Players Analysis The key players profiled by MRFR in its report include General Mills (U.S.), Dole (U.S.), HJ Heinz (US), Simplot Australia PTY Ltd (Australia), Ardo NV (Belgium), Pinnacle Foods Corp. (US), Findus Sverige AB, (Sweden), and Bonduelle Group (France) among others. The strategies employed by the key players for gaining prominence in the market include the increased supply of products, competitive pricing, packaging innovations, acquisitions and mergers, product developments, etc. Industry Developments In July 2018, Patanjali, an Indian consumer goods company, has announced its plan to foray into frozen vegetables market. The company has successfully launched a couple of products and is planning to add 6-7 more vegetables to its frozen vegetables product line. Access Full Report Details and Order this Premium Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/frozen-fruits-vegetables-market-728 Regional Analysis By Region, Covid-19 Analysis on Frozen Fruits and Vegetables Market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and South America. Asia Pacific will hold the largest share of market size during the projection period which accounts for more than 50% of the market size. The increase in per capita income coupled with a rising population will drive the market growth in the region. Furthermore, the consolidation of emerging economies such as India and China will encourage the Asia Pacific frozen fruits and vegetables market expansion. North America and Europe market will witness growth due to technological advancements in preserving the frozen fruits and vegetables with minimum loss of nutrients. The changing lifestyle in these regions has fueled the demand for convenience food which will catapult market growth in Europe and North America. South America market will thrive moderately due to the presence of emerging markets such as Brazil and Mexico among others. The region will hold potential for growth throughout the forecast period. Related Video Analysis on FnB Reports: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/videos/botanical-extracts-market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/videos/prebiotics-market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/videos/nutraceuticals-market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/videos/gummy-supplement-market NOTE: Our Team of Researchers is Studying Covid19 and its Impact on Various Industry Verticals and wherever required we will be considering Covid19 Footprints for Better Analysis of Market and Industries. Cordially get in Touch for More Details. Joe Biden is slated to appear in Gettysburg later Tuesday to make an appeal for unity and healing. The Democratic presidential candidate will return to Pennsylvania, a key battleground state he has visited several times in recent weeks. There are still many details that have yet to be announced, including when and precisely where he will be appearing. Biden is beginning the day in Wilmington, Del., and plans to participate in a virtual fundraising event around noon before going to Gettysburg later this afternoon, but no other specifics have been provided. In the town that is home to the most famous battle of the Civil War, Biden is expected to talk about the battle for Americas soul and how its a battle that can be won when Americans will come together. In his remarks, Biden will call on Americans to come together, an aide for Bidens campaign said. Hell highlight the need for people to work together and to reach across the aisle in order to address the crises we face. Biden, the former vice president, is counting on a win in Pennsylvania to propel him to the White House. President Donald Trump won Pennsylvania by less than a percentage point in 2016. But he became the first Republican presidential candidate to score a victory in the Keystone State in nearly three decades and it was a crucial step in his election. Pennsylvania is widely considered one of the key states in the election, with some analysts saying the commonwealth will likely determine who wins the White House. Both Biden and Trump have made several stops in Pennsylvania since the beginning of September. Trump held a rally before thousands at Harrisburg International Airport on Sept. 26, days before he announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus. Trump was released from a military hospital Monday after a few days of treatment. Its unclear when he will resume holding rallies and public campaign events. Bidens Gettysburg event comes just four weeks before Election Day. On Labor Day, Biden appeared in Harrisburg and Lancaster and vowed to be a strong ally for Americas unions. Earlier this summer, it was reported Trump was considering accepting the Republican presidential nomination in Gettysburg. He ultimately opted to do it in front of the White House. Polls have showed Biden, a Scranton native, leading Trump in Pennsylvania. He holds a lead of 6.6 points in the Real Clear Politics average of polls in the Keystone State. However, its worth noting some polls in recent weeks have had the gap between Biden and Trump within the margin of error. Several political analysts have said the race for Pennsylvania remains up for grabs. More from PennLive Here are Trumps, Bidens positions on fracking, police, other issues that could decide Pennsylvania Find your polling place for the 2020 general election Check out PennLives voters guide for the 2020 election Charges of bribery and other official malfeasance seem to follow Attorney General Ken Paxton everywhere he goes. Whats striking about this most recent eruption of alleged dirty dealings is that it came from inside the house. The accusers are his own staff, seven top state officials who charged Paxton with using his office to benefit a campaign donor. The donor in question, Austin real estate investor Nate Paul, is himself embroiled in multiple bankruptcies and lawsuits, and his offices were reportedly raided by the FBI last year. In a text message sent last week from the seven officials, then-First Assistant Jeff Mateer, who resigned Friday, put Paul at the center of various allegedly illegal activities committed by Paxton specifically, abuse of office, bribery and improper influence. Paxton responded by saying he was out of the office and suggested the officials email him their concerns. A spokeswoman then attempted to paint the charges as retribution for ongoing investigations of public officials, including his employees. She didnt elaborate. This isnt the first time a staff member has accused Paxton of bribery. An anonymous employee leveled the accusation in 2016, although charges were never filed. And, of course, for five years Paxton has been fighting a felony security fraud case. Those charged with crimes are innocent until proven guilty. That includes Paxton. But given the seriousness of the charges, and the force of his checkered history, he should resign. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Paxtons former chief deputy, has also called on the attorney general to resign. The charade Paxton can faithfully execute his office or the office can properly function while under this dark cloud does a disservice to the citizens of Texas. Singapore has announced a series of measures to support its citizens in recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic including economic support for those who wish to have more babies. Deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat presented the proposals in the countrys parliament on Monday as part of an overview of the governments strategy to emerge stronger from the pandemic, and noted that their path to recovery will not be easy. He said while managing the healthcare front, the government also needs to handle the economic and social consequences of the virus, with many businesses, workers, and households hit hard by the disruption and uncertainty. We have received feedback that Covid-19 has caused some aspiring parents to postpone their parenthood plans," Keat said. "This is fully understandable, especially when they face uncertainty with their income. Hence, to help with expenses during this period, we will introduce a one-off additional support for newborns. He announced that this support will be on top of the existing Baby Bonus Cash Gift", which provides eligible parents up to (Singapore Dollar) $10,000 (5,700) in benefits. Keat, who is the also the countrys finance minister, said he has laid out the approach to support households in dealing with the pandemic in the next six months, and to have more babies. We will adjust our support if necessary, in response to changes on the medical front and global economic developments. I hope that businesses, workers and households will make good use of these resources in the months ahead, said the deputy prime minister. Since the coronavirus outbreak earlier this year, there have been 57,819 confirmed cases in Singapore with 27 deaths. Keat emphasised that the household support announced earlier will continue to flow in the coming months. He said that after a difficult several months, the virus situation in Singapore has stabilised, and large parts of the economy have resumed operations. The parliament of Singapore was also informed that government had so far committed support measures of about $100 billion to deal with Covid-19. Keat said the government is determined to have better jobs for workers, and stronger support to enable them to bounce back if they fall. Having Experienced the CCP Virus, Trump Can Help Free Us by Teaching About Limits Commentary Everybody knows the story of King Canute, the 11th-century Viking king of England who raised his hand to stop the roll of the tideand yet the tide rolled in anyway. The almost certainly apocryphal story has come down to us as an illustration of hubris: even the proud monarch couldnt command the elements. But thats wrong. The real moral of the story is that the king commanded the tides to stop in order to show his courtiers that there are limits to mans temporal authority, and that not even a monarch can command God or nature. Thats the lesson President Donald Trumpnot to mention a swath of senior Republicans as well as the nation itselfshould be taking away from Trumps brush with the CCP virus (commonly known as the novel coronavirus) over the weekend. And indeed, it seems that the president has: Dont let it dominate your life. This is America, this is the United States. We have to confront problems. Leaving aside the amazing coincidence of why, in the immediate aftermath of Judge Amy Coney Barretts nomination to the Supreme Court and last weeks debate, so much of the GOP brain trust suddenly came down with the Chinese Communist Party virusand, thus far, not a single Democratthe presidents seemingly quick recovery from COVID-19 was just the reality check an increasingly buffaloed and fearful America needed. The Democrats, it seems, have gone all-in on the novel coronavirus, the better to permanently destroy the economic gains of the administration and, worse, insistingagainst much medical evidencethat the American people should be muzzled as a sign of their subordination to government at all levels. Indeed, after dodging the issue repeatedly, Joe Biden has issued a call for mandatory mask-wearing even outdoors, for the next three months minimum. But theres no meaningful evidence that wearing maskseven along with constant hand washing and social distancingdoes much of anything to defeat a virus. Nor do destructive lockdowns that crush both spirit and body, devastate businesses, destroy livelihoods, andin their arbitrariness and capriciousnessdishearten and discourage the maintenance and formation of new businesses. Worst of all has been the damage done to our constitution, which explicitly protects freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the free exercise of religion. There is no constitutional exception for pandemicsand the Founding Fathers, as men of the 18th century, were certainly experienced with infectious diseases, among them cholera, tuberculosis, and yellow fever. In fact, a yellow fever swept through Philadelphiathen the nations capitalin 1793, just two years after the ratification of the Constitution. Their reaction? They moved the capital to Washington, D.C., and went right on with building the country. And yet here is the thuggish governor of New York state, Andrew Cuomo, this week threatening his states large Orthodox Jewish communities: I will have to tell them, If you are not willing to live with these rules, I will have to close the synagogues. Doctors Running the Country True, some doctors at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mayo Clinic endorse the lockdowns, but then again, thats what doctors do. Their job is to fight infectious diseases the best way they know how, without regard to economic or personal consequences. The problem is, we have let doctors run our countryand many otherswithout ever asking ourselves if that was the right thing to do. By now, its evident that COVID-19 is not the bubonic plague. For everyone over 70, the survival rate after infection is around 95 percent, and the median age of those who died from or with COVID back in the spring was over 80, with severe comorbidities, many of them in nursing homes, from which they likely were going to die anyway. Every death is a small tragedy for somebody, and believe me, I speak from experience on this. But death is the determined outcome of every life; what is important to the life of a nation, culture, or civilization is not the demise of an individual, but the fate of the body politic. The graveyards, as the saying goes, are filled with indispensable men, and yet somehow life has always gone on. Until now. Until the COVID of 2019 turned into the Panic of 2020. But for todays squeamish, feminized, safety first America, there seems shockingly little appetite for risk, much less any sense of duty, honor, country. Following the presidents lead, the proper reaction to COVID-19 is to live with but not give in to it. As Ive advocated from the start: get it, get over it, get on with it. We were sold this panicked bill of goods by overzealous doctors, timorous politicians, and a virulently anti-Trump and anti-American media that is clearly willing to sacrifice the nations well-being to get rid of their bete noire, the president. Couple that with the unseemly pleasure some Democrats are taking in unleashing their inner tyrants in the guise of protecting the public, and you have the mess were currently in, less than a month before the election. Fighting Back Finally, some patriots are fighting back. Just last week, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Gretchen Whitmers draconian edicts banning just about every human activity were unconstitutional on the grounds that her orders were effectively a usurpation of the states legislature. If we let the actions of Cuomo, Whitmer, Californias Gavin Newsom, and others stand, how can we possibly defend ourselves against the even greater strictures they will impose to fight another phantom menace, climate change? Because you know they will. Time to man up. As I write in my forthcoming book, Last Stands (out Dec. 1 and available for preorder now): Latter-day sensibility, and a loss of faith in traditional Western religions, has decreed that there is, literally, not a fate worse than death. We have, in our wisdom, transformed our short span of existence into a kind of living Purgatory, where life itself is misery and palliative surcease can only be found via drugs, sex, or therapy. Past and future have vanished, to be replaced by an eternally torturous present that can only be endured, and not transformed. Death becomes no one; if there is nothing worth living for, except for the sake of living, then what is worth dying for? Our reaction to the Wuhan virus provides a clue, and so far, it hasnt spoken well of our national character. Like Canute, the president cant raise his hand and forbid the Chinese virus from wreaking what havoc it has left. But if Trump can continue to speak out on this issueto show his fellow Americans that they have, to quote FDR, nothing to fear but fear itselfhe can well serve both his reelection chances and the country he leads. 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. President Donald Trump removes his mask upon return to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington on Oct. 5, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Trump Continues to Do Extremely Well After CCP Virus Diagnosis: Doctor President Donald Trumps doctor said the president had a restful first night at home after he returned to the White House on Monday, days after being diagnosed with COVID-19. White House physician Dr. Sean P. Conley said, Today he reports no symptoms from the virus. The presidents vital signs and his physical examination remain stable, and his ambulatory oxygen saturation level is 95 to 97 percent. Overall, he continues to do extremely well, Conley said in a statement released by White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. I will provide updates as we know more. After he arrived at the White House from Marine One on Monday, the president walked out onto the Truman Balcony, removed his mask, and saluted military officers. Critics said the president was being irresponsible. However, a spokesperson said Trump was projecting strength. At times like this, in these moments, it is highly important for the commander in chief to express confidence to our domestic population, and it is very important, to our allies and adversaries, White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah told Fox News on Tuesday, adding that Trump is projecting an image of strength. Farah said that Americans needed to see their president strong and leading during the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic. President Donald Trump walks out of Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland walking to Marine One on Oct. 5, 2020, to return to the White House after being discharged. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) The president, on Oct. 2, at around 1 a.m., announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump contracted the virus after White House adviser Hope Hicks tested positive. The president then spent several days at Walter Reed hospital in Maryland. Conley and other doctors, in an update on Sunday, said Trump received oxygen after his blood oxygen levels dropped on Friday, adding that he had a fever. But starting on Sunday, his medical team said Trump responded well to treatment and is seeing his health improve. Several other people have tested positive for the CCP virus, including Trump 2020 campaign manager Bill Stepien, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel, White House adviser Hope Hicks, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), former White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, and McEnany. On Tuesday morning, amid speculation, Trump announced he would debate Democratic nominee Joe Biden on Oct. 15. I am looking forward to the debate on the evening of Thursday, October 15th in Miami. It will be great! he wrote on Twitter. Seconds before that, Trump wrote on the website: FEELING GREAT! In a video on Monday, Trump stated that his administration is going back to work. Were gonna be out front. As your leader I had to do that. I knew theres danger to it but I had to do it, Trump said in the video from the White House. I stood out front. I led. Nobody thats a leader would not do what I did. I know theres a risk, theres a danger, Trump added. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. On 4 October 2020 the European Court of Human Rights received a request for an interim measure, lodged by Armenia against Turkey, concerning the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The request was registered under the application number 43517/20, Armenia v. Turkey, and examined by a Chamber of seven judges on 6 October 2020, ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the ECHR. The Court notes that on 29 September 2020 it called upon both Azerbaijan and Armenia to refrain from taking any measures, in particular military actions, which might entail breaches of the Convention rights of the civilian population, including putting their life and health at risk. It also called upon both parties to comply with their engagements under the Convention, notably in respect of Article 2 (right to life) and Article 3 (prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment) of the Convention (link to the press release). Taking account of the escalation of the conflict, the Court has decided to apply Rule 391 of the Rules of Court (interim measures) again. It now calls on all States directly or indirectly involved in the conflict, including Turkey, to refrain from actions that contribute to breaches of the Convention rights of civilians, and to respect their obligations under the Convention. Under Rule 39 of the Rules of Court, the Court may indicate interim measures to any State Party to the European Convention on Human Rights. Interim measures are urgent measures which, according to the Courts well-established practice, apply only where there is an imminent risk of irreparable harm. It's "truly a sad thing" that the United States has still not organized coronavirus testing to make it more available and to hasten the time it takes to get results, Microsoft co-founder and global health philanthropist Bill Gates said Tuesday. Some countries were able to bring their coronavirus outbreaks under control through effective lockdowns, he said at The Wall Street Journal CEO Summit. Gates acknowledged that such shutdowns "would be hard to execute in most countries," but added that others were able to deploy testing to help bring the outbreak under control. "Other countries did very good testing early on. They activated the commercial sector," he said. "The U.S., to this day, has that you don't get quick test results. It's truly a sad thing that we haven't organized testing." While the average turnaround time has greatly improved across the U.S. from earlier in the outbreak, according to federal officials, Gates has consistently criticized commercial laboratories and the U.S. government for not improving processing time even more. Many public health specialists say the value of a test decreases the longer it takes to return results to the potentially infectious individual. Adm. Brett Giroir, an assistant secretary at HHS who leads the U.S. testing effort, has stressed that testing alone is not a public health intervention that can bring the outbreak under control. But advocates of more widespread and rapid testing say the availability of quick tests would encourage people to isolate if they test positive, thus cutting off chains of transmission. In lieu of rapid testing, potentially infectious people unknowingly spread the virus. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 12:53:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday called on the Haitian government to improve governance and engage in intra-Haitian dialogue for a political solution among its different domestic parties. In the past several months, Haiti has been mired in a prolonged political impasse and continued constitutional crisis with a deteriorating security situation that put its people in danger, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. The situation with women is a matter of particular concern. The economic reality is grim, and COVID-19 further aggravates the already difficult livelihood of the Haitians, he told the Security Council in a video speech. To diffuse the crises and achieve stability and development, Hati ultimately has to rely on its own efforts, and the Haitian authorities bear the primary responsibility, he said. The Chinese envoy suggested the Haitian authorities and various domestic factions put people's interests first, set aside their differences, commit themselves to inclusive dialogue and extensive consultation in order to reach a political solution. Next year, Haiti will hold a presidential election, he noted, calling for carrying out electoral preparations in compliance with Haiti's constitution and law and on the basis of broad consensus from various parties to ensure the legitimacy and credibility of the election. Haiti, the first country in Latin America to achieve independence, was once under foreign occupation and control for decades. Its national resources were plundered for far too long. Its people were plunged into misery and suffering. China sympathizes with the Haitian people about this unfortunate historical experience and has always called on the international community to scale up its assistance to Haiti, he said. The mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) expires on Oct. 15. As a special political mission, BINUH, established a year ago, has made some efforts in promoting dialogue between the Haitian government and the opposition. However, there has been little progress, he noted. There is no external solution to the problems in Haiti. Unless all parties in Haiti truly demonstrate their political will, it would be impossible to break the deadlock, said Geng. "We, therefore, recommend the Security Council consider the future UN presence in Haiti in light of the development of the situation, to make an assessment and take onboard the previous experiences and lessons learned," he said. Enditem A schematic drawing of colon and colorectal carcinoma. Credit: @UNIGE/Nowak-Sliwinska Chemotherapy-based cancer treatment has distressing side effects for patients and increases the risk of developing resistance to the treatment. In an attempt to solve these problems, scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have developed a technique for quickly identifying from a large number of existing drugs the optimal synergistic combination and dose of products that can kill the tumor cells without affecting healthy cells. In partnership with the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG) and the University Medical Center in Amsterdam, they have demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach in colorectal cancer. The results are published in an article in the journal Molecular Oncology. The best drug combinations identified were assessed using in vitro tests and, for the first time, in vivo on mouse models. All the combinations were shown to be more effective than chemotherapy and did not cause any apparent toxicity in the healthy cells or in the animals. This study further paves the way for personalized, effective and safe cancer treatment. "The technique we've designed and patented is called TGMO, which stands for phenotypically-driven therapeutically guided multidrug optimisation. It combines testing and highly-advanced statistical analysis," begins Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska, professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of UNIGE's Faculty of Science. "It can be used to rapidly performin a few stepssimultaneous tests on cancerous and healthy cells (from the same patient), and evaluate all the possible combinations of drugs that we selected for the purpose. The positive synergies are preserved, while the antagonisms are rejected." The experiment incorporated 12 drugs, all recently approved for commercialization or in the final phase of clinical trials. Colorectal cancer cell lines that had been perfectly characterized for the requirements of scientific studies were submitted to the TGMO-based "machinery". The aim of the search was to determine the combination of products closest to the desired outcome: the death of cancer cell together with an absence of effect on the healthy celland all using the lowest possible drug doses. The procedure resulted in multidrug combinations of three or four drugs, all slightly different from each other. 80% reduction of tumor growth The activity of the combinations was then verified under somewhat more complex conditions than a single cell: first on a three-dimensional model of a human tumor containing cancer cells and other types, as is the case in reality, and finally on mice serving as an experimental model for colorectal cancer. The drug combinations reduced tumor growth by about 80% and consistently outperformed the effectiveness of chemotherapy. They revealed a total absence of toxicity in the healthy cellsunlike with chemotherapyand significant activity on cancer cells freshly taken from current patients in Switzerland. "It's the first time that in vivo tests have been carried out with drug combinations derived from our TGMO technology," enthuses Nowak-Sliwinska. "The study shows that it is possible to efficiently identify low-dose synergistic and selective optimized drug combinations, regardless of the mutation status of the tumor, and which are more effective than conventional chemotherapy. We are currently discussing setting up a clinical study on patients so we can take things a stage further. But this stage, financing of which depends very much on the interest that a private sector might have in our approach, is first and foremost the work of clinical physicians." Results in under two weeks TGMO technology is designed in such a way that it achieves results in under two weeks, which is the same as the time that doctors take to determine the treatment to be administered to a patient as soon as a diagnosis has been made. "This approach clearly represents the future for oncology patients," continues Thibaud Koessler, head of Gastrointestinal Oncology in the HUG Oncology Department and one of the authors of the article. "The ability to test different drugs ex vivo and to select the combination for each patient that the cancer will be most sensitive to should increase the effectiveness of treatments while reducing the toxicity, two of the most problematic aspects in current therapies." Explore further New chemical weapon to combat cancer More information: Marloes Zoetemelk et al, Optimized lowdose combinatorial drug treatment boosts selectivity and efficacy of colorectal carcinoma treatment, Molecular Oncology (2020). Marloes Zoetemelk et al, Optimized lowdose combinatorial drug treatment boosts selectivity and efficacy of colorectal carcinoma treatment,(2020). DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12797 Both leaders of Queensland's major parties insist they will not do preference deals if they are unable to form a majority government after the election on October 31 but experts have dismissed the claims as standard political posturing. LNP leader Deb Frecklington issued an emphatic "no" when asked if she would enter deals with any minor parties or independents should neither party win the required 47 seats, and brushed off as "speculation" whether she would stand aside and let somebody else make the call. But Queensland University of Technology political analyst John Mickel, a former Labor speaker, said the LNP's decision to place the Greens ahead of Labor on its how-to-vote cards could come back to bite it. Labor Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the LNP's preference plan was a "recipe for chaos and instability", while confirming only that her party would place One Nation last on its own voting material. Photo credit: Hearst Owned From Town & Country My mother, the writer Foumiko Kometani, has taped to her office wall a line from the 1933 film version of Noel Cowards play Design for Living: The sorrows of life are the joys of art. Shes 89 years old; she survived the firebombing of Osaka, and she vividly remembers World War II. The meaning of that sentence and the reason for its placement has always been clear to me. Like many of her generation of Japanese artists and writers, sorrow and brutality are the inspiration for her art. In her case they were also the impetus for her immigration to the United States in 1960an escape from the experience of, and guilt from, coming of age in a fascist country. Her eldest granddaughter, Esmee, is 21 and an aspiring musician studying at Bard College. Esmees younger sister Lola, 18, is a visual artist who is supposed to start at Parsons this semester. Both, like countless other young people, are now stuck at home because of the pandemic, venturing out only to participate in protests against racial injustice and brutal murders of African-Americans at the hands of the police. I watch them struggle to understand the cataclysm that has swallowed up their youth and the societal inequities causing them to reconsider so many aspects of their lives, from their privilege to their ethnic identities. Theirs may not be a Lost Generationthey have not, in the United States anyway, suffered war or famine (although theyre growing familiar with that other horseman of the apocalypse, plague)but it is certainly a cohort that shares a powerful, defining universal experience. At a certain point will it be reasonable for them to ask, What will all this sorrow bring forth? Look back at generations that suffered collective tumultmy mothers or the one before thatand you can interpret the dark days, months, and years as the seeding for later cultural flowerings. Time and again, mass trauma seems to force artists to think in new ways or even reinvent their forms. Equally important, it makes curators and gatekeepers of art and culture receptive to work more challenging and iconoclastic than they otherwise might have been. Such a cultural transformation wracked Europe and the United States in the aftermath of World War I. (The War to End All Wars even had its own pandemic kicker, in the 1918 Spanish influenza outbreak.) Story continues For the generation of artists who had survived, in the squalid trenches at the front or at home, where women took over the workplace and miraculously kept societies functioning, children fed and educated, and bullets and guns in supply, this shared experience would be the subject of groundbreaking postwar art and literature. All Quiet on the Western Front, by Erich Maria Remarque, from 1929, and Le Feu, by Henri Barbusse, from 1916, for example, are two of the greatest war novels ever written. Photo credit: The New York Historical Society - Getty Images Remarques book stunned readers with its frank depiction of life in the trenches, the betrayal of students persuaded to enlist by their headmasters mawkish patriotism, and, most shocking at the time, its jarring shift in perspective at the almost casual mention of the death of its protagonist, a young German soldier, which gave the book an undeniable immediacy and made it so powerful an antiwar novel that the Nazis would make it among the very first works they banned. In our hearts we trusted them, Remarque wrote of those teachers who had cajoled them into signing up. The idea of authority, which they represented, was associated in our minds with a great insight and more human wisdom. But the first death we saw shattered this belief The first bombardment showed us our mistake, and under it the world as they had taught it broke in pieces. The world had broken. The mood had irrevocably shifted. Suddenly, like a chasm in a smooth road, the Great War came, wrote Virginia Woolf in The Leaning Tower, discussing how World War I had transformed literature. First it spawned the soldier poets Siegfried Sassoon, Rupert Brooke, and Wilfred Owen, who lived the hell of the front lines (what Owen, who died in battle, called the shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells). These bards of the trenches cleared the way, in a sense, for the modernism of T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, James Joyce, and, not least, Woolf herself. He who was living is now dead. We who were living are now dying, Eliot wrote in his 1922 masterpiece The Waste Land, perhaps the most pored over and studied poem in the English language. Photo credit: adoc-photos - Getty Images I cant claim any particular insight into that work, but I can remind readers, as Woolf did, that it was certainly, insistently, a modern poem. Indeed, the trauma of the conflict seemed to have shifted the earths creative axis, to have divided creative history into before and after. Society itself was irrevocably transformed. The success of the womens suffrage movement was a direct consequence of the men being at the front and it becoming painfully evident that women could not only do mens work but should be granted a mans right to vote. In her central, and perhaps most famous, essay, A Room of Ones Own (1929), Woolf would go further, calling attention to the hidden role of women in all literature throughout history, correctly pointing out that we had, thus far, been reading only half the story, as it were. In theater, the fine arts, classical music, jazz, filmvirtually every medium, even those just being invented, like radiosociety embraced the new, hungered for experimentation, and became willing to take risks and enjoy the risque. In fine art, too, the urgency of a work like Pablo Picassos 1937 Guernica, in which he used cubism and surrealism to communicate a visceral sense of the horrors of war, made the photorealism of even the greatest prewar paintings, like Thomas Jones Barkers 1877 Charge of the Light Brigade, seem merely painted men on a painted battlefield. Subsequent episodes of generational turmoil would birth their own lasting cultural awakenings. The civil rights movement in the United States was the continuation of a centuries-long struggle, but African-American writers only began to receive their share of the literary limelight during our nations battles to end Jim Crow in the 1950s and 60s. Writers like Eldridge Cleaver, Ralph Ellison, and James Baldwin wrote with the urgency not just of a generation under siege but of an entire race still in social and economic bondage. Baldwin, in particular, spoke in a manner that for members of previous generations would have been unthinkable, insisting that both the oppressed and the oppressor needed to be liberated from their preconceptions. The rebirth of the soul is perpetual, he wrote in his 1953 roman a clef, Go Tell It on the Mountain. He had no choice, he wrote later, but to spend most of his life watching and outwitting white people. I think I know something about the American masculinity which most men of my generation do not know because they have not been menaced by it in the way that I have been. Photo credit: Sophie Bassouls - Getty Images Baldwin often lamented his own state of being a trans-atlantic commuter, reluctant to return to the country that he loved more than any other in the world and exactly for this reasoninsist on the right to criticize her perpetually. One day in the late 1950s my father, the writer Josh Greenfeld, ran into Baldwin in Paris, at the American Express office on the Place de lOpera. They were old friends, and on hearing Baldwin describe his dread at the prospect of returning to America and his worry that he might find it as repellent as before, my father offered a half-joking solution: buy a round-trip ticket. Baldwin laughed and said, Youre the first person who suggested that. Nonetheless, he would spend the rest of his life traveling psychologically on one or the other legs of such a ticket, never finding home in his native land, never being able to forswear it. His voice, however, helped the generations of African-American writers who succeeded him, and in this current moment he seems more relevant, and is perhaps more famous, than when he was alive. The period of upheaval that feels most familiar to the current moment, as if societal disruptions had makes and models, is the late 1960s, when we lived through a dark and depraved period that was similar to the present in its multiple strains of discord. The 1967 Summer of Love was eclipsed by protests against the Vietnam War and riots in Newark and Detroit, which were soon followed by the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, leaders who embodied the progress for which men like Baldwin agitated. Then, as now, protests provoked a response from a president eager to appear tough on crime that unleashed violence in our cities that predominantly targeted African-Americans. Photo credit: New York Times Co. - Getty Images The turmoil would remake America, as the largest generational cohort in our history, the baby boomers, marched and rebelled together, creating a plethora of shared experiences that should have been the fountainhead for great art. When novelists struggled to capture the moment (Saul Bellow was widely considered the greatest living American writer for much of the 1960s and 70s, yet he seemed more interested in the metaphysics of being than in documenting social ferment), it was left to journalists to reflect American society upon itself. What emerged was the New Journalism, which required both the elevation, by such great prose writers as Joan Didion, Michael Herr, Norman Mailer, Susan Sontag, and Tom Wolfe, of the nonfiction essay into a literary art form and the readers acceptance that journalism had taken a seat at the table of high culture. One could argue, for example, that Mailer, who had made his name by writing perhaps the first great postWorld War II novel, The Naked and the Dead, really came into his own creatively while describing, vividly, his urgent search for a restroom during the 1967 March on the Pentagon, in Armies of the Night. (Mailers nonfiction is now considered by many critics to be his best work.) Photo credit: Henry Clarke It is Didion in particular, with her keen novelist eye (and bravado), who is now most often credited with elevating the form, using the techniques of fiction to weave a narrative and being willing to put herself at the center of the story. On August 9, 1969, I was sitting in the shallow end of my sister-in-laws swimming pool in Beverly Hills when she received a telephone call from a friend who had just heard about the murders at Sharon Tate Polanskis house, she wrote in The White Album. I came of age in the 1980s, a member of generation X, seemingly doomed to no more wrenching a collective experience than Live Aid or, perhaps, the Challenger explosion, signal events but hardly world wars or global pandemics. (The first cases of AIDS were diagnosed at the beginning of the decade, but it wasnt until the late 80s that the nation belatedly woke up to the horror of that disease.) We were a generation dwarfed by our predecessors, the baby boomers, and then too quickly made redundant by our successors, the millennials. They had 9/11 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, seismic events that are already spawning great novels and journalism. Our cultural contributions were the first to be measured in bytes instead of pages, and all our creations seemed epigones of works already hanging in some boomers mansion. Who is the great Generation X writer? Jonathan Franzen? Perhaps, but he already seems a relic, even though he is still in his creative prime. David Foster Wallace? Not only is he dead, but arent the millennials trying to cancel him? Anyway, the millennials, with their preternatural mastery of each new app, are already impatiently reaching at us with the hook from offstage. It is my daughters generation, whatever sobriquet it settles upon, that will ultimately shepherd the story of this turbulent era into whatever artistic or cultural form it will take. What they are living through, a worldwide pandemic combined with the joint realization that something is deeply wrong with our society, is not as brutal as a world war (as of this writing, anyway), but it possesses a dynamic and tone all its own. Years from now these protests and this plague will somehow merge into one communal experience, the wearing of a face mask to a protest a cultural signifier as evocative of a time as flapper dresses and peace signs were for prior generations. And these young activists and creatives and nonconformists will have something that every cohort needs if they are to tell one another their stories: a shared experience, something in common, a sense of where their story should begin and the knowledge that someone out there is ready to read, listen, see, watch. My daughters and their peers might be biologically unlucky, but they are culturally gifted with that greatest of all artistic attributes: a subject. This story appears in the October 2020 issue of Town & Country. SUBSCRIBE NOW You Might Also Like A woman is in a critical condition in hospital after a shooting in Coleraine. Police were scrambled to the Bushmills Road scene late on Monday night. The 61-year-old woman was hit after a number of shots were fired at a home. Another man is also thought to have been injured. The area has been cordoned off and there remains a large police presence with searches underway and forensic officers examining the scene. Dog units are also patrolling the area. The front window of the terrace property has been smashed. Authorities have said the police operation is likely to continue on into the day. One eyewitness told the Belfast Telegraph that he heard a few shots". At first I wasnt sure if it was fireworks or not, there was no screaming or anything like that," he said. Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald condemned those responsible. The East Londonderry MLA said: No one wants to see reckless and very dangerous incidents like this in Coleraine. "I have spoken to the PSNI about this incident this morning. Those responsible have nothing to offer society and need to be taken off the streets and anyone with information on what happened should bring it forward to the PSNI. In a statement, the PSNI added: "Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a shooting in Coleraine last night, Monday October 5. "Shortly before midnight a number of shots were fired at the front of a property on the Bushmills Road. A 61-year-old woman inside the house was struck. She was taken to hospital where her condition this morning is described as critical. "Detectives in Coleraine are working to establish a motive for this attack and to identify those responsible. Anyone who was in the area last night and who noticed anything that could assist the investigation, or anyone with any other information is asked to contact CID in Coleraine by calling 101, quoting reference 2174 05/10/20. "Information can also be provided online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/." Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 23:34:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HELSINKI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Finland's flag carrier Finnair has cut its winter 2020 flight schedule by half but will continue to fly to three cities in China, the airline said in a press release on Tuesday. Between Oct. 25, 2020 and March 31, 2021, Finnair will serve 45 domestic and European destinations, but weekly frequencies will be reduced on almost all routes. The airline will continue long-haul flights to Shanghai, Nanjing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul and Bangkok, which are also important cargo destinations. Cargo flights will also continue to Singapore and New York, but passenger flights to these two destinations will be suspended. Finnair is scheduled to fly to a total of 51 destinations in Europe and Asia and operate about 75 flights per day between November 2020 and March 2021. Back in 2019, Finnair served more than 100 destinations in Europe, Asia and North America, and operated about 350 flights per day. "The pandemic situation and the related travel restrictions continue to have a heavy impact on demand for air travel, and thus it is not feasible to operate all the flights we had in May planned for this winter," said Ole Orver, chief commercial officer of Finnair, in the press release. Due to the continuing uncertainty created by travel restrictions, Finnair offers flexible change of travel dates for all flights booked between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, said the airline, adding that it hopes that travel restrictions and the pandemic situation will be mitigated by next spring. Finnair said that it will continue to review and adjust its flight schedule based on estimated demand. Enditem COLOMBO, Sri Lanka Authorities in Sri Lanka have banned all public gatherings as a new cluster of coronavirus infections expands in the Indian Ocean island nation. Health authorities said early Wednesday that the outbreak centered at a garment factory has risen to 830 confirmed cases while more than 1,000 people have been asked to quarantine at their homes. The health ministry ordered a halt to gatherings such as exhibitions, parties, conferences, indoor or outdoor events, carnivals, musical shows and processions. Officials already imposed a curfew in two suburbs of Colombo where many of the patients live, closed schools and restrictws public transport. The cluster emerged Monday, a day after Sri Lanka reported its first community infection in two months. The country has reported 3,733 cases during the pandemic, with 13 deaths. ___ HERES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK: Pentagon says top military leaders are under self-quarantine How do I politely ask someone to wear a mask? If in store or restaurant, have a manager make the request Virginia Gov. Northam has mild symptoms 2 weeks after virus diagnosis Despite decades of warnings about the fragile supply lines bringing protective gear from overseas factories to Americas health care workers, the U.S. was unprepared for the coronavirus pandemic. Hospitals and staff are stretched to their limits again in Madrid, where the surging number of COVID-19 patients in September forced an expansion of critical care beds into gymnasiums. Service workers in New Orleans who were laid off because of the coronaviruss impact on the economy are earning a living by helping others survive during the pandemic. Follow APs pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak ___ HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING: SEOUL, South Korea South Korea has reported 114 new cases of the coronavirus, its first daily jump of over 100 in a week. Health officials had raised concerns that infections will rise because of increased travel during the five-day Chuseok harvest holiday that ended Sunday. The figures released by health officials Wednesday brought South Koreas case total to 24,353 for the pandemic, including 425 deaths. Ninety-two of the newly confirmed cases were in the Seoul metropolitan area, which has been at the center of a viral resurgence since mid-August. Health officials have been struggling to track transmissions linked to various places, including hospitals, churches, restaurants and an army unit in Pocheon, north of Seoul, where 37 soldiers so far have tested positive. ___ ALBANY, N.Y. New Yorks governor says the state will reinstate restrictions on businesses, houses of worship and schools in and around areas where coronavirus cases are spiking. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that the severity of shutdowns would vary by proximity to hot spots. The rules will take effect no later than Friday in parts of New York Citys Brooklyn and Queens boroughs, sections of Orange and Rockland counties north of the city, and an area within the upstate city of Binghamton near the Pennsylvania border. The planned restrictions include shutdowns of schools and nonessential businesses in some areas. Others would set limits on gatherings and in restaurants. ___ RENO, Nev. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak will be tested for the coronavirus and work out of his Las Vegas office indefinitely after a positive test was confirmed for a staff member working at the governors office in the state Capitol in Carson City. Communications director Meghin Delaney said Tuesday that the staffer has not had in-person contact with the governor since mid-September. She says Sisolak departed northern Nevada on Sept. 17 and has been working from Las Vegas since then. The governor had been scheduled to return to Carson City next week but his travel is on hold until officials get test results for all staffers there. ___ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. The president of Florida State University has become the latest high-profile figure linked to the school to test positive for the coronavirus, and he is isolating at home with his wife, who also has tested positive. The university said John Thrasher received his test result Tuesday after his wife, Jean, was tested due to unrelated medical treatment. The statement said both are feeling well. The announcement came one day after word that Hall of Fame former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden tested positive for the virus. Current coach Mike Norvell sat out from the season at least 10 days last month while isolating at home after testing positive. The university had a surge of cases in late August and early September.. ___ LANSING, Mich The director of Michigans state health department has issued more orders reinstating coronavirus restrictions negated by a state Supreme Court ruling, saying he has broad legal authority to deal with the pandemic. Robert Gordon said Tuesday that he has reimposed rules for nursing homes and other such care facilities. He told local health departments to inform K-12 schools within 24 hours of learning of a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. The steps came a day after Gordon ordered the wearing of masks and limits on gathering sizes following the court decision that declared unconstitutional a law that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had used to extend an emergency order on virus-related restrictions. Opponents of the orders could file lawsuits. ___ ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. Two highly regarded restaurants in Atlantic City will remain closed permanently, victims of the coronavirus and the restrictions that came with it. Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Buddakan and The Continental will not reopen. They have been closed since mid-March. Both were inside the former Playground Pier, which Caesars Entertainment recently repurchased. The pier has had extremely low levels of foot traffic and a majority of its stores have been empty for more than a year. The two restaurants employed more than 100 people, who were notified late Monday that the businesses would not reopen. Starr said that it was a nice run, but we had to say goodbye. He operates high-profile restaurants in Philadelphia, New York, Washington and Paris that remain in business. ____ OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. Oklahomas two largest universities are both delaying the start of their spring semester and canceling spring break because of the coronavirus pandemic. Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma each announced the delays Tuesday, with OSU beginning spring classes Jan. 19 and OU starting Jan. 25., one week later than previously scheduled. OU also said that all classes will be held online following the Thanksgiving holiday. Also, the governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe, Reggie Wassana, announced Monday that he tested positive for the virus. Wassana said he had a mild headache and runny nose, but no fever. The state health department on Tuesday reported 1,364 new confirmed cases and 11 more deaths from COVID-19, raising the overall totals to 93,346 cases and 1,066 deaths. ___ SALEM, Ore. Gov. Kate Brown says the states COVID-19 testing capacity is expanding to 80,000 tests per week. Coronavirus cases in Oregon have been climbing during the past few weeks. Health officials said that with Oregons jump in testing capacity, they recommend people who have symptoms of COVID-19 not only be tested but also people who have been in close contact with an infected person, regardless of whether they show symptoms. The rapid antigen tests, which are being provided by the federal government each week through the end of 2020, can diagnose COVID-19 in 15 minutes. ___ BOSTON Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard are teaming up for a six-month study of 10,000 people to help them better understand the prevalence of COVID-19 in the area and to help identify potential surges during the fall and winter. The study, called TestBoston, will provide monthly at-home kits for both the virus and antibodies against it, the organizers said Tuesday. Participants, selected from Brigham and Womens patients and reflecting the demographics of greater Boston, will also complete routine symptom surveys and will be able to seek additional testing should they develop symptoms. Study results may reveal critical clues and warning signs about how COVID-19 cases are changing in the area, while helping investigators establish a model for at-home sample collection, the statement said. The study will also help clinicians learn more about whether prior infection provides any protection against subsequent re-infection. ___ SIOUX FALLS, S.D. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has no plans to get tested for the coronavirus before heading back to the presidents campaign trail this week, even though she attended a fundraiser with the president shortly before he tested positive. Noems spokesman, Ian Fury, said Tuesday she has no plans to get tested in the immediate future because she has not been in close contact with anyone who tested positive for the coronavirus. The Republican governor tested negative for the virus on Sept. 29, a day before the Trump fundraiser in Minnesota. But she did not get close enough or spend enough time with the president to become a close contact, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to Fury. South Dakota has seen a surge in cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks. But Noem has not stopped traveling for the campaign or holding events. She spoke to South Dakota legislators gathered for a special session on Monday, and she will next head to Florida for a Trump rally. She is also slated to speak Friday at the American Priority Conference, a gathering of the presidents supporters, at Trump National Doral hotel in Miami. ___ NEW YORK The United States was unprepared for the coronavirus pandemic and failed to react quickly, despite decades of warnings about diminishing medical supplies and protective equipment. Thats according to a seven-month Associated Press and FRONTLINE investigation that examines the deadly consequences of a fragmented worldwide medical supply chain. Nurse Sandra Oldfield in Fresno, California, was among the first to become sick with COVID-19 after caring for an infected patient. She had asked for more protection but was only provided a flimsy surgical mask. Oldfield is one of more than 1,700 health care workers who have died from COVID-19, according to a National Nurses United study released in September. ___ TUCSON A new study indicates mask mandates and other measures helped beat back Arizonas surge in coronavirus infections. The CDC released the report, authored by a team of Arizona health officials. The report noted the average number of daily cases skyrocketed in the state in early June, after a stay-at-home order lifted. But they leveled off and then dropped dramatically after local officials began implementing and enforcing rules about mask wearing, closures of certain businesses and other measures. The study didnt prove the measures caused the decline, but the researchers say there was a clear correlation and communities should take such steps against spread of the virus. ___ MADISON, Wis. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers issued a new order limiting the size of public indoor gatherings in his state, which has become a hotspot for the coronavirus. The state ranked third nationwide this week in the number of new cases per capita with 548, according to Johns Hopkins University. The order from state Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm limits public indoor gatherings to 25% of a room or building capacity. Gatherings in indoor spaces without an occupancy limit will be limited to 10 people. The order doesnt apply to colleges, schools, churches, polling locations, political rallies and outdoor venues. The limits take effect on Friday and run through Nov. 6. Were in a crisis right now and need to immediately change our behavior to save lives, Evers said in a statement. ___ LONDON Britain has recorded 14,542 confirmed cases of coronavirus, an increase of nearly 2,000 in the past day. The U.K. also recorded 76 more deaths Tuesday, a large uptick from 19 the previous day. Large parts of northern England are under tough coronavirus restrictions as infection rates in that region have spiked. The latest figures show the official coronavirus death toll in the U.K. has reached 42,445. However, that number only includes people who died within 28 days of testing positive. The total is more than 58,000 if the death toll included cases where coronavirus was suspected. The FTSE 100 ended the day flat, but the FTSE 250 rose to the highest in nearly three weeks after signs of progress in Brexit talks boosted market sentiment. London's blue chip index has closed just 7 points higher at 5,949, while the mid cap market closed up 214 points to 17,797. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has told Sky News that his priority is saving jobs when asked about the possibility of tax rises to pay for the soaring cost of the coronavirus. His emergency spending measures will cost about 200billion this year. Meanwhile, growth in the UK construction industry sped up in September with the sharpest rise in new business since before lockdown in March, according to new figures. The closely followed IHS Markit/CIPS construction purchasing managers' index (PMI) hit a reading of 56.8 last month, compared to 54.6 in August. Any reading above 50 represents an expansion in activity. In company news, Frankie and Benny's owner Restaurant Group slipped into a 47.4million first-half loss from a 28.1million profit a year earlier. The firm has also withdrawn its forecast with renewed coronavirus restrictions forcing it to retain a cautious short-term outlook. Andrew Bester has announced he will leave his role as chief executive of the Co-op Bank after just two years in charge. Bester oversaw a major digitalistion programme at the bank and an increase in customer satisfaction levels. The family of a County Derry man murdered 20 years ago have asked the Attorney General to launch a new inquest into his death. Gary Moore was shot dead on December 6, 2000 at Monkstown in County Antrim. The 30-year-old Dungiven man, who had two young children, was working on a building site in Monkstown when he was killed. No one has ever been prosecuted in connection with the Catholic man's murder but his family believe that loyalist paramilitaries were responsible. Mr Moore's parents, Marie and Nevin, this week lodged an application for a fresh inquest into his death with Attorney General for Northern Ireland, Brenda King. An inquest was held after Mr Moore's murder but his parents were not happy with how it was handled. They were represented at that inquest by disgraced solicitor Johnny Sandu. Mr and Mrs Moore said they were advised by Mr Sandu that they did not need to attend. They did attend but they were not represented by a lawyer and were unable to cross examine witnesses or make submissions. Mr Sandhu was later convicted of inciting loyalist paramilitaries to commit murder and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Mr and Mrs Moore's submissions to the new Attorney General deal with this undeclared conflict of interest and absence of next of kin legal representation before the original inquest. This is the second application by Mr Moores parents to the Attorney General for a fresh inquest into his death. The first application was made in 2013. This was refused by the outgoing Attorney General John Larkin in 2017. Mrs Moore said they were now asking the new Attorney General to again consider their request for a fresh inquest into her son's murder. We were not represented at the first inquest. We would like to be in a position to examine and investigate the police investigation into Garys murder and to consider all the available, and any new, evidence, she said. We therefore appeal to the public with all our hearts to come forward if they have any information which would be of assistance to us. Even 20 years later we cannot leave Gary to rest while his killer remains free. The Moores are represented by Harte Coyle Collins Solicitors & Advocates in Belfast. A spokesperson for their solicitors also urged anyone with information about the murder to come forward. Gary Moores murder took place after the Good Friday Agreement. It was completely sectarian, the spokesperson said. We have concerns regarding the rigour of the original police investigation. My clients believe that there are members of the public who have information which may assist them and the police in their search for the truth. We ask that anyone with information in relation to the murder of Gary Moore on the 6th December 2000 in Newtownabbey to come forward as soon as possible. University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is in the process of contacting more than 600 patients following an alleged major data breach concerning patient data, including details of 95 children, which was then posted on social media. Gardai have also been informed of the alleged breach by a non-HSE employee. Its alleged the patient data, including patient names, dates of birth, and medicines dispensed, was extracted from a computer system relating to patients who attended at the emergency department (ED) at UHL last April. We are writing to 630 patients concerning a breach of patient data at University Hospital Limerick. This relates to patients who attended the Emergency Department at UHL between April 18 and April 22 last, said a UHL spokesman, who confirmed 95 of the people affected are children. The data in question was extracted from an automated system used in the ED to dispense medication safely. It was extracted, without HSE knowledge or approval, by an employee of a company which was then supporting this system; and not by any employee of the HSE. This information was published online in the form of a file linked from a Twitter account. This file contained personal data which included patients names, date of birth and the names of medications dispensed while they were in the ED. The spokesman added the medications were for the most part those you would expect to be dispensed in an emergency department (i.e painkillers and antibiotics). The hospital became aware of the alleged breach on May 29. Immediate actions were taken by the HSE and by UL Hospitals Group to protect patient data. Twitter blocked the link to the data and disabled the account in question, the spokesman explained. Gardai and the Data Protection Commission were also immediately notified and the HSE obtained a High Court Order on June 5 restraining the individual concerned from communicating confidential information. The UHL spokesman said the hospital was only now writing to patients as it has taken some time for UL Hospitals Group and the HSE to understand the nature and extent of the breach. They believe the data "has not been widely shared" due to the type of file which was posted online, which would have "taken a degree of technical knowledge to rebuild and make sense of". The spokesman said that while the hospital have to date received no inquiries from any party who has accessed patient details online they were in the process of advising the 630 patients that there remains a residual risk of future unauthorised disclosure, in spite of the High Court injunction that remains in place to restrain the individual from further sharing data. UHL has apologised to patients involved for any distress this will cause and is including details of a helpline in the letters sent to the patients. According to a report in the Limerick Leader the data breach involved a rogue non-HSE employee. UL Hospitals Group explained it had all the necessary data processing arrangements in place with the third party processor to protect the security of the data which was being processed. A data processing agreement and a data sharing agreement was in place between the HSE and the company as well as a confidentiality agreement, the Group said. Unfortunately this event was caused by an intentional act by one individual. A 39-year-old man is fighting for life in hospital after a shooting in east London. Police and paramedics scrambled to Reede Road, in Dagenham, shortly after 4am on Tuesday to reports of gunshots heard. Met Police said a man, 39, and woman, 32, were found injured at the scene. Police said the man had suffered gunshot injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition. The woman was also taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries. A crime scene remains in place and there is an enhanced police presence in the area. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about the shooting or saw something suspicious to come forward. There have been no arrests and enquiries continues. Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101, quoting 781/06OCT, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Millions of Australian businesses will be able to fully deduct the cost of their depreciable assets and many will receive a cash refund to help them stay afloat. The two temporary measures are part of a $32 billion move to save companies hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis, in what Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said was "the largest set of investment incentives any Australian government has ever provided". The policy follows similar initiatives introduced across the world that enable businesses of all sizes to claim back some tax paid pre-pandemic to offset losses incurred during the recession. Credit: Businesses with a turnover of up to $5 billion will be able to deduct the full cost of depreciable assets of any value in the year they are purchased from now until June 30, 2022. About 3.5 million companies or 99 per cent of all Australian businesses will be eligible for the tax incentive. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marchio Irfan Gorbiano and Nina A. Loasana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 6, 2020 The passage of the controversial omnibus bill on job creation on Monday in a House of Representatives plenary session has been met with widespread opposition from labor groups and civil society organizations, despite the risk of coronavirus transmission and the threat of a crackdown from the National Police. The Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) had said that around 2 million workers representing 32 labor unions would take part in mass rallies to express their opposition to the passage of the omnibus bill across Indonesia. As of today, we ask the permission [of the authorities and factory owners] for these three days to use our constitutional right [to express] our strong rejection of the passage of the job creation bill, KSPI president Said Iqbal told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login KITCHENER A man is in hospital with serious injuries after being stabbed in a fight that took place in Kitchener. Police were called to an area of King Street East just after 5 a.m. on Tuesday for a report of an injured man. When officers arrived, they found a man who had been stabbed in a fight that happened earlier at Weber Street East and Fairway Road North. He was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Police continue to investigate and ask that anyone with information call 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. While social media may have facilitated certain kinds of virality and speed with which the narratives have changed, the Sushant Singh Rajput case and its victims are a reminder of ways in which the patriarchy is alive and well, and always readying its blades for the next execution. This research study was originally published on arxiv.org and has been reproduced here with due permission. *** Abstract The suicide of Indian actor Sushant Singh Rajput in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown triggered a media frenzy of prime time coverage that lasted several months and became a political hot button issue. Using data from Twitter, YouTube, and an archive of debunked misinformation stories [over 14 June-12 September 2020], we found two important patterns: First, that retweet rates on Twitter clearly suggest that commentators benefited from talking about the case, which got higher engagement than other topics. Second, that politicians, in particular, were instrumental in changing the course of the discourse by referring to the case as 'murder', rather than 'suicide'. In conclusion, we consider[ed] the effects of Rajput's outsider status as a small-town implant in the film industry within the broader narrative of systemic injustice, as well as the gendered aspects of mob justice that have taken aim at his former partner in the months since. A timeline of the key events in the case, news coverage, Twitter activity, and key personalities who were in the news or social media cycle can be viewed here. * Summarising the main points from the discussion and conclusion of the paper The trajectories of news coverage and misinformation around the death of Sushant Singh Rajput offer insight into the media environment in India, but also into the fractured nature of what the audience cares to consume. In a recent television interview, journalist P Sainath rued that scores of suicides of farmers, driven to desperation by poverty and state failure, had failed to garner a small percentage of the attention that this case had received. That the audience has consistently rewarded news channels for following this story including through meteoric ratings for the Republic news network which has offered the most aggressive coverage are testament to the citizenrys complicity. Undoubtedly, the specifics of the story, particularly Rajputs journey as an outsider, breaking into the difficult world of show business with its well known nepotism is an important part of why it had such affective value. The notion of Rajput as an outsider is not unlike past, successful narratives of other outsiders who have taken on a system most prominently that of Narendra Modi taking on the entrenched Congress institutions. Empathising with Rajput is rooting for the underdog. The data show an important role played by politicians, especially the BJP, in proposing a murder alternative to the suicide narrative. There was a real opportunity to address mental health and depression early in news cycle, but the stories quickly devolved to allusive concoctions. The move towards conspiracies was accompanied by multiple supporting actors the local police was proposed as incompetent, or in cahoots with the cabal, the state government itself was presented as nepotistic and inimical to the interests of poor outsiders. As research into online groups claiming to seek justice for Sushant Singh Rajput has shown, a mix of ultranationalism, casteism, distrust of Muslims, and misogyny are drivers of some of the online action that we have seen in recent months. And as much recent work into political speech has also shown, an ecosystem of outrage exists in place in India, and it may be far from coincidental that a lot of the celebrities being trolled in the aftermath of the suicide were among those who were critical of the government in the past. The array of stakeholders, each with their own interests in moving the story forward, are an important part of what has driven this to the point of being perhaps the top national story, despite being in the middle of the worst pandemic and economic crisis India has known. The timing of the suicide, in the midst of the coronavirus crisis and lockdown, with many urban middle-class Indians stuck at home, probably had a role in driving up purchase for the story. The Sushant Singh Rajput case came at a point when prime time for a while had been saturated simply with news of the virus. The story offered a diversion. Several public figures, long outside the spotlight in the midst of the COVID-crisis found their way back into the news. The media channels that amplified these stories have a financial incentive to get more viewers. The political parties that engaged in the story arguably benefited from being in the spotlight and used it as a means to attack their opponents. On Firstpost Reading Rhea Chakraborty's public vilification as a modern-day witch hunt: Actress' harassment has historic roots Finally, there is also an unmistakable gendered aspect to this. Several high profile female stars have taken their own lives over the years, and many of these stories have ended with victim blaming or stay in the news cycle for very short periods of time. The victims of this case have mostly been women Rhea Chakraborty was slandered and hounded, eventually ending up in jail without bail. As the scandal devolved into allegations about drugs the Narcotics Control Bureau summoned four movie actors Deepika Padukone, Sara Ali Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, and Rakul Preet Singh all women, and at the time of this writing, all intensely targeted by trolling and mainstream media speculation online. The Sushant Singh Rajput case is a story of one mans personal journey that ends in tragedy. The events that followed may tempt us to think that this offers a window into the ways that online culture has changed society and media in India. But the truth may be more chilling than that. While social media may have facilitated certain kinds of virality and speed with which the narratives have changed, the case and its victims are a reminder of ways the patriarchy is alive and well, and always readying its blades for the next execution. Complete list of journalists, media houses and politicians included in this study can be accessed here. *** The authors are social media researchers. Access the research study here. A full summation of the conclusions is available here. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has admonished cocoa farmers across the country to ensure that former President John Dramani Mahama stays far off their cocoa production. According to the party, this is the surest way for farmers to continually experience and enjoy the worthy investments President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has made in the sector. Speaking at the partys weekly press briefing in Accra, October 5, 2020, communications Director, Yaw Buaben Asamoa said farmers across the country can keep John Mahama off their farms by voting massively against him in the upcoming polls. Our humble warning to cocoa farmers, their dependentsis this: keep candidate Mahamas hands away from your cocoa. He is the alternative and when it comes to the welfare and wellbeing of the Ghanaian former candidate Mahama is dangerous. He does not know how to manage the economy and he does not know how to help the cocoa industry, he warned. Amongst other things, Yaw Buaben Asamoa claimed that the former president contributed to the monumental decline in the cocoa production during his tenure. He said the squandering of funds and corruption which thrived under the Mahama-led administration are enough reasons for farmers to keep him away for good. With barely two months to the general elections, the two main parties have resorted to laying bare their achievements and their opponents' flaws in various sectors of the economy, over the years. 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 Algerias regulator has issued fines to the countrys three mobile providers for failing to improve their 4G/LTE coverage. Djezzy, Mobilis and Ooredoo have all now been penalised by ARPCE (Autorite de Regulation de la Poste et des Communications Electroniques) despite being warned earlier this year that they would face punishment if they failed to improve their lacklustre coverage and quality of service. According to TeleGeography, five regions in particular received poor quality coverage Adrar, Blida, Constantine, Djelfa and Tlemcen. ARPCE identified the issues through network monitoring in these regions conducted in February and March this year. Agence Ecofin reported that Djezzy received the largest fine - corresponding with the regulator identifying its coverage as the weakest and must now pay DZD82.58 million (US$640,760). Mobilis (Algerie Telecom) was fined DZD63.92 million, while Ooredoo received a DZD26.02 million penalty. Bishkek: Opposition groups in Kyrgyzstan say they have seized power in the strategically-important Central Asian country after taking control of government buildings in the capital during protests over a parliamentary election. President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said the country, which hosts a Russian air base and a large Canadian-controlled gold mine, was facing an attempted coup d'etat. He ordered security forces not to open fire protesters however. Protesters gather in front of the Kyrgyz government headquarters on the central square in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday. Credit:AP One person was killed and 590 wounded in unrest overnight, the government said on Tuesday. The opposition said it had freed Almazbek Atambayev, a former president jailed on corruption charges, and was already discussing the line-up of a provisional government. It was not clear what role, if any, Atambayev would receive, and Jeenbekov, the sitting President, showed no immediate signs of relinquishing power. Toronto resident Miguel Ceron wanted to get a COVID-19 test when the restaurant his partner works at was shut down by public health for having confirmed cases of the virus. Ceron, 33, is among scores of Ontario residents who took to social media or contacted the Star Tuesday to voice their frustrations about trying to book a COVID-19 test on the provinces new appointment-based system. I just got off being on hold for half an hour and ultimately disconnected from a pharmacy trying to get information on appointments, said Ceron, who like others had difficulty getting through by phone because of high call volumes. By early Tuesday evening, Ceron, who works in the insurance industry, was still unsuccessful in booking a test. Now that the appointment-based system has come along, its been even more challenging. Oddly enough, that is when I really needed one, he said. Ontarios shift to appointment booking, which launched Tuesday, came after many assessment centres saw hours-long waits for COVID-19 tests and many people being turned away during a recent surge of infections. Youre going to confuse people, Ceron said. You have people who need access to tests and arent able to get them. He and his partner are now unable to go home for Thanksgiving to Cerons 80-year-old stepfather who suffers with a chronic lung condition. He also has concerns about seeing friends in his social bubble including one who is undergoing chemotherapy because of the testing difficulties he has faced. Wilfrid Laurier student, Mikayla McKinney, 20, had a COVID test in August and described it as the most simple experience ever. This time around, it was anything but. Over a couple of days of calling, she said she couldnt make contact with a human. She continuously ended up getting an automated message that the testing centre was full for the day and to try again tomorrow even when calling at 10 a.m. She also contacted her local pharmacy and was told they were booking into next week, with no openings until then. After relentlessly trying, she eventually got a booking. Her roommate, however, still hasnt had any luck. When booking either a pediatric and family COVID-19 test or an all-ages test through the Michael Garron Hospital COVID-19 testing centre, the website informs visitors there are currently no appointments to be booked online. Continue to self-isolate and check back tomorrow for an appointment or go to your nearest emergency department if your symptoms worsen, the website said Tuesday. Callers trying to get through by phone were often met with an automated message telling them the hospital is receiving a high volume of calls and to try again later. The COVID-19 Assessment Centres at St. Josephs and St. Michaels are also fully booked until at least Oct. 8. Their online booking website encourages visitors to check back regularly as spots are released as they become open. New appointment blocks are released on the website at 7 p.m. each day. During the provinces COVID-19 update Tuesday, Premier Doug Ford told Ontarians not to go to testing centres if they dont have symptoms. He also noted that the testing backlog had dropped to 55,483 tests and said the shift to appointment-only testing was going well. More and more people Ive talked to, theyre happy about setting up a schedule, he said. They can make an appointment, they dont have to wait in line. President and CEO of Ontario Health, Matthew Anderson, said the previous testing measures were not a safe environment. He also said the goals for appointment-based testing include providing enough testing, improving turnaround time, and being more deliberate. Dr. Andrew Boozary, a family doctor in Toronto and executive director of Population Health and Social Medicine at University Health Network, said the switch to an online only booking system for COVID testing is adding barriers on barriers in the communities hit hardest by the virus. After the Ontario government announced the change to testing on Oct. 2, Boozary tweeted: There was no mention of health equity at the press conference but it was a screaming divide having to book a COVID test without paid sick leave is impossible for too many of our patients living in poverty/communities of colour. In an interview, Boozary said it appears the province is failing to look at its testing policy through a health equity lens. He said the same communities who were unable to wait in hours-long lines for a COVID test before the switch to online booking will continue to face significant barriers, especially as demand for testing continues to outstrip capacity. There are going to be equity concerns about who is actually accessing this digitally being able to have the time to jump on and find a spot for people who dont have access to paid sick leave or child care or transit to get out to certain centres that actually have a spot, he said. Dr. Abdu Sharkawy, an infectious diseases specialist at University Health Network, shares these concerns, which he says are heightened by new data obtained by the Star this week, which shows that more than 10 per cent of COVID tests are coming back positive in some parts of Toronto. Moving to an online-only booking system for COVID testing is adding additional barriers that simply cant afford to be added in a situation that disproportionately affects those that are most marginalized, Sharkawy said. The people that dont have either literacy, the resources, the wherewithal to be able to book tests online, theyre going to be essentially left out in the cold, ironically, when that is something that Premier Ford is trying to avoid, he said. https://twitter.com/drandrewb/status/1312088338116083712 Meanwhile some people arriving for testing at sites in Mississauga on Tuesday said they were satisfied with the new model. Mike Bradvic, who was getting tested for the third time, said he waited in his car for about an hour to get tested at a drive-thru assessment centre. He said that was better than when he had to wait between three to four hours for his previous tests. I like it better, he said about appointment-only testing. I just think its a little bit more organized. Sharida Appana, 53, also said she had a good experience after booking an appointment online Tuesday morning to get tested at Trillium Health Mississauga Hospital the same day. Its better this way, very safe, she said. Deepika Rajapaksha, who works at a hospital, said she was able to book an appointment on Monday for a test Tuesday morning. It was very easy. Theyre very organized and we dont have too much waiting, she said, adding she had waited in long lines for previous tests. With files from Rachel Mendleson and The Canadian Press Irelyne Lavery is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: ilavery@thestar.ca Read more about: The EU-UK talks to agree (or disagree) on the implementation of Brexit have nearly reached an end. If they do agree on the outstanding issues, NI should have reason to be pleased. An agreement, even to disagree, would leave the parameters for continuing trade between UK and RoI settled, either for a last minute agreement on a free-trade deal or for a crash into open world market conditions (and a difficult dash to operate a documented set of customs arrangements). Any agreement other than a free-trade agreement would mean a rush into unprepared conditions. Will the UK Government dishonour the rules in the Ireland-Northern Ireland protocol? The legislation reaching its final approval in Westminster will give the Government the authority to effectively abolish the international agreement that included the Protocol. That could mean that on January 1 2021 the border on the island of Ireland would become an international frontier. If the Protocol is abolished, even if this is itself an illegal act by the UK Government, then the problems of lorries queuing at Dover may be matched by lorries queuing south of Newry or on the Buncrana Road from Derry. In the absence of an agreed deal, normal free flowing cross border traffic on this island may be fraught with delays, uncertainty and possible administrative chaos. Making efficient arrangements for cross-border trade can only be by agreement between the relevant cross border authorities. Simply to walk away from the EU-UK negotiations without an agreement is not an action that would be expected between orderly neighbouring authorities. It would be unprecedented. The UK Government has been preparing for a 'No Deal' outcome. The new legislation defining the Internal Market within the UK leaves the UK vulnerable to legal sanctions by the EU but any such sanctions risk causing extensive commercial damage not just between the UK and Europe but, closer to home, to normal commercial activity between NI and Ireland. Neither the supporters of Brexit nor the opponents of Brexit, intentionally, would have wished for a chaotic outcome. The spirit of the Protocol was that trade on this island would gain an advantage. The current uncertainty is a perverse outcome. In international relations between friendly countries, this hiatus would be a rare, even unique, event. With little notice, hundreds of businesses, north and south, would need immediate information of rates of import taxes in the form of customs duties and arrangements to document the transactions. If the Protocol is implemented as agreed, even then there are many uncertainties. Is there certainty that NI-manufactured goods will be duty free either to Great Britain or the RoI? Tucked away in the detail is a requirement that NI should stay in regulatory alignment with the EU for goods manufactured here. This means, if interpreted strictly, that goods going from NI to other EU countries will need to adhere to EU set trading standards. This condition should be minor, so long as the EU and GB/UK continue with the standards as set in past years. However, an added feature may be a need to label goods manufactured in NI as being from NI, rather than UK since a UK designation might obscure the true status. There is no escape from the wider requirement, if the Protocol is being followed, for some degree of monitoring of goods coming into NI from GB which may be destined for either RoI or other EU destinations. This is the difficult clause which asks the authorities in NI to have a procedure which identifies goods 'at risk' of transit shipment through NI. If the protocol agreement is to function easily and quickly, there must be an agreed 'fast channel' process to minimise the risk of abuse. Even now, at nearly the eleventh hour, a workable compromise must be possible. President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, wave from the hospital after his surgery for colon cancer in 1985. Next year marks the bicentennial of Perus independence. But rather than preparing to celebrate this milestone, the country is being forced to hunker down to meet a perfect storm of challenges. From April through June this year, the economy contracted 30 percent more than any economy in the world during that period. Today, it also has the worlds highest per capita Covid-19 death rate. And allegations of corruption and a coverup against Perus president, Martin Vizcarra, recently prompted the countrys Congress to vote on impeaching him. These developments mark a sharp turnaround for Peru. For the past few decades, it has been an economic standout, allowing free-market forces to flourish, which fostered high growth rates that boosted incomes and dramatically reduced poverty. A fundamental question now, amid the enormous Covid-19 challenges, is whether Perus political class will adhere to the market-based policies that underpinned the countrys past progress. Stockholm (Sweden) 30 September 2020 (SPS)- The Right Livelihood Foundation strongly condemned Moroccan Media campaign against Saharawi Organ against Moroccan occupation (ISACOM), in a press release issued Today by the Foundation and published on its website. Following is the complete text reproduced by SPS: "Morocco and Western Sahara: Stop the smear campaign and prosecution of Aminatou Haidar and Sahrawi activists The Right Livelihood Foundation strongly condemns the online smear campaign that Moroccan media have been conducting against 2019 Right Livelihood Laureate Aminatou Haidar and her fellow human rights activists, as well as the opening of a judicial investigation in response to the recent establishment of the Sahrawi Organ against Moroccan Occupation (ISACOM)[1], a new organisation created in El-Ayoun and led by Haidar. On September 20, 2020, alarmed by the deterioration of the human rights situation in Western Sahara, Haidar announced the establishment of the new organisation ISACOM, with the aim of, among others, committing to defend the Sahrawi peoples rights to freedom, independence and dignity through legitimate non-violent means. In the days following the announcement, Moroccan media and social media sites have launched a smear campaign against Haidar and the other founding members of the organisation, claiming that they are establishing a separatist body that poses a serious threat to social peace, and, in some cases, inciting violence against them and calling for their detention. Articles published in the Moroccan press claimed that the Right Livelihood Foundation has been requested by Spanish lawyers and members of the international human rights community to withdraw the Right Livelihood Award, bestowed on Haidar last year. Others argue that the open letter recently sent by 22 Right Livelihood Laureates to the UN Secretary General denouncing the human rights situation in Western Sahara is the result of a manipulation by Haidar, who convinced them to be at the service of the Polisario Front. We firmly deny these accusations, as well as any intention to withdraw the Award bestowed on Haidar or having been requested to do so. On September 29, the Moroccan Prosecutors Office in El-Ayoun opened a judicial investigation against ISACOM on the basis that it threatens national integrity and that the constitutive congress of this new independence NGO is a clear incitement to commit acts contrary to the Penal Code. It also announced that adequate measures will be taken to preserve public order, as well as legal sanctions appropriate to the crime of attacking the territorial integrity of Morocco[2]. This is not the first time efforts have been made to undermine Haidars peaceful human rights work: it is consistent with a long line of actions by Moroccan authorities to repress Sahrawi civil society, said Ole von Uexkull, Executive Director of the Right Livelihood Foundation. We strongly condemn the decision to open an investigation against members of the new organisation, which is in violation of their rights to freedom of expression and association. More than ever, we stand in solidarity with Haidar and her fellow Sahrawi activists in their struggle for self-determination and respect for the fundamental rights of their people. 2019 Right Livelihood Laureate Aminatou Haidar has been campaigning for over 30 years for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people and the respect of their fundamental rights. Her activism has taken place within the context of the illegal occupation of the territory of Western Sahara by the Kingdom of Morocco. During her peaceful activism, she has been a victim of enforced disappearance, she was detained without charges, beaten and tortured by the Moroccan authorities. Despite the enormous psychological and physical suffering to which she has been subjected, she has continued to tirelessly fight for justice and the rights of her people. Haidar received the Right Livelihood Award in 2019 for her steadfast non-violent action, despite imprisonment and torture, in pursuit of justice and self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. [1] La Instancia Saharaui contra la Ocupacion Marroqui [2] https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20200929/483761786457/justicia-marroqu... " (SPS) 090/500/60 (SPS) MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Protiviti leaders have been recognized by Consulting magazine for their impact on the consulting profession. Matthew Moore, a Protiviti managing director, has been named to the 2020 Top 25 Consultants list in the Leadership category. Daniel O'Keefe, a Protiviti senior managing director, has been honored with Consulting's Lifetime Achievement Award as a tribute to his accomplishments over four decades in the profession. Based in Protiviti's Charlotte, North Carolina office, Moore is the firm's global risk and compliance practice leader, which includes advising chief risk officers and risk, compliance and control functions at many of the top banks in the financial services industry. He is also a driver of Protiviti's 'next generation' risk and compliance offerings, designed to help clients respond more effectively to dynamic business environments by leveraging intelligent automation, enhanced risk identification and data visualization techniques. "Under Matt's astute leadership, our risk and compliance practice has developed solutions that use the latest technologies and advanced analytics to provide our clients with valuable insights and increased efficiencies," said Cory Gunderson, executive vice president, global solutions, Protiviti. "These services continue to help prepare our clients for the challenges of the future. We congratulate Matt for this recognition of his exceptional achievements." O'Keefe is a founding managing director of Protiviti, responsible for developing its Sarbanes-Oxley market strategy and later establishing the firm's global account management program. Based in Chicago, O'Keefe helped grow global operations, built training programs, mentored fellow professionals, and contributed to establishing a culture of service excellence while also serving his clients. O'Keefe also established and led Protiviti's award-winning 'i on Hunger' community service initiative to help alleviate world hunger, which has delivered more than 10 million meals globally. "Dan has been with Protiviti from day one, helping to build and shape the firm into the global consulting business it is today," said Protiviti President and CEO Joseph Tarantino. "His dedication has extended beyond serving our clients to our community service efforts, a deeply-rooted part of our culture. Through our i on hunger program, Dan has brought together Protiviti employees and many of our clients to help build a more sustainable approach to the critical problem of world hunger. The Lifetime Achievement Award for Dan could not be more deserved." Previous Protiviti Top 25 Consultant honorees include Jonathan Wyatt (2019), Mike Brauneis (2018), Brian Christensen (2017), Scott Redfearn (2016), Kimberley Dickerson (2015), Carol Beaumier (2014), James Pajakowski (2013), Jim Armetta (2012), Jim Deloach (2011) and Cory Gunderson (2009). In 2017, Protiviti Managing Director Nancy Pechloff was a Lifetime Achievement honoree as part of Consulting magazine's Women Leaders in Consulting awards program. The 2020 honorees, including Moore and O'Keefe, will be celebrated during a virtual awards event hosted by Consulting on October 8. About Protiviti Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Protiviti and its independent and locally owned Member Firms provide clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, analytics, governance, risk and internal audit through its network of more than 85 offices in over 25 countries, Named to the 2020 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, Protiviti has served more than 60 percent of Fortune 1000 and 35 percent of Fortune Global 500 companies. The firm also works with smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public, as well as with government agencies. Protiviti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI). Founded in 1948, Robert Half is a member of the S&P 500 index. Protiviti is not licensed or registered as a public accounting firm and does not issue opinions on financial statements or offer attestation services. Editor's note: photos available upon request. SOURCE Protiviti Related Links http://www.protiviti.com Sofia Richie shared a very smoldering portrait to her Instagram page on Tuesday. The daughter of Stuck On You crooner Lionel Richie looked pouty as she modeled an unbuttoned shirt that was tied in front while in an outdoor setting. The 22-year-old model seems to be showing her 37-year-old ex-boyfriend Scott Disick what he is missing after the two split earlier this year. He has since started dating model Bella Banos. Pinup: Sofia Richie shared a very smoldering portrait to her Instagram page on Tuesday. The daughter of Stuck On You crooner Lionel Richie looked pouty as she modeled an unbuttoned shirt that was tied in front while in an outdoor setting The ex factor: The 22-year-old model seems to be showing her ex-boyfriend Scott Disick what he is missing after the two split earlier this year; seen on KUWTK on Sunday The pretty photo which was captioned 'daily greens' as the silhouette of tree branches could be seen in shadow over her face. Not only was the Cosmopolitan cover girl's top mint green but so was her skirt which clung to her hips. This posting comes after she unfollowed the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star on Instagram after she first unfollowed his 41-year-old ex Kourtney Kardashian in February. Scott seems happy with the 24-year-old leggy beauty Banos. Bye! This posting comes after she unfollowed the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star on Instagram; shown in April 2019 A search of the accounts that Sofia follows confirms that Scott is no longer among them. Sofia seems ready to move on and not be ambushed by photos of her ex. However, it seems Scott has already made the move to unfollow Sofia. The exes first began their relationship in May 2017, and they managed to reach a detente with Kourtney and traveled together on family vacations with her and her three children with Scott: Mason, 10, Penelope, eight, and Reign, five. But the relationship hit a speed bump in May when Scott briefly checked himself into a rehab facility, allegedly to work on issues related to the deaths of his parents. Nothing to see here: A search of the accounts that Sofia follows confirmed that Scott was no longer among them The reality star and Sofia split shortly after he checked himself out after less than a week, but the couple seemed to be on the men as they reunited in July and spent Independence Day together. The relationship wasn't long for the world, though, and they separated later that month. Since then, Sofia has been spotted being affectionate with a mystery man and hanging out with her old friend Jaden Smith, whom she has previously dated. New woman: Recently, Scott has been spending time with another model, Bella Banos, 24, whom he briefly dated and traveled to Costa Rica with in 2017 The model has mainly been spending quality family time with her father Lionel Richie and her sister Nicole Richie amid the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, Scott and Bella have a history going back to 2017, when they briefly dated and took a trip to Costa Rica, shortly before he began his relationship with Sofia. Shortly afterward, Bella spoke to InTouch about her relationship the Talentless founder, saying: 'Scott calls me his girl and we have said "I love you." 'At first, Scott was just my friend. But he got to know me on a different level. We're super connected,' she added. Sofia is done with both of these stars: Richie also unfollowed Scott's ex Kourtney Kardashian in February; seen here in 2015 'Scott will call and say, "I miss you. I want to see you." He always flies me to wherever he is. We spend so much time together.' Like some of his trips with Sofia, the Flip It Like Disick star was vacationing with Kourtney and the kids, though Bella said the Poosh founder wasn't upset by her presence. On a recent episode of KUWTK, Scott confessed that he was feeling exhausted after some family sports, prompting Kim Kardashian to urge him to get checked out by a doctor. The former model, who was still dating Sofia when the episode was filmed, later learned his tiredness was due to low testosterone levels. Tamil Nadu: Kasimedu harbours lack of hygiene irks fishermen by Deepa H. Ramakrishnan October 06,2020 | Source: The Hindu Its just been a month or so since the Kasimedu fishing harbour was cleaned by the Fisheries Department but the wharfs and empty spaces are already littered with broken boat parts and rubbish. This is due to the lack of no cleaning regimen for the harbour that gets close to 30,000 visitors daily. There is no cleaning mechanism. People just sweep up their spaces whenever they can. But without bins to dump the waste, sweeping or removing the waste does not matter, said Vinod, who along with the police and a band of youngsters, had removed 300 tonnes of waste from the fishing harbour last year. Arasu, president of a boat owners association, said the harbour was under the control of the Chennai Port Trust and that they were collecting wharf charges regularly. Nobody knows what happens to that money. The port does not want to take charge of the cleanliness, lighting or water supply inside the harbour. Control must be handed over to the Fisheries Department, he said. No exports M.D. Dayalan of the Indian Fishermen Association said due to the lack of cleanliness, fish exports do not happen here. We have been banned by the European Union due to a lack of hygiene. We send fish to Cochin from where they are exported, which is unfair to the fishermen here since they dont get good rates for their catch. He also added that unless regular cleaning was taken up, crores of money invested by the State government to improve infrastructure would be ruined. Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar said a system would be put in place soon to clean the fishing harbour. We will maintain our assets, he added. Following the president's address, the Central Election Commission canceled the election results. President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbai Jeenbekov has addressed the nation in a televised appeal following riots that went on overnight Tuesday in what he says was an attempt by certain political forces to illegally seize power in the country. He said law enforcers had been told to hold fire amid unrest "not to shed blood" so they did not resist the crowd's advance on the White House in Bishkek, according to 24.kg. Protest leaders must act within the legal framework, while the Central Election Commission should cancel the election results, if possible, the president said, . He has called on average citizens not to succumb to provocation. "Last night, some political forces tried to illegally seize state power. Using the results of the elections as a pretext, they violated public order," Jeenbekov said, according to Mediazona. Following the president's address, the Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan invalidated the results of parliamentary elections, 24.kg reports with reference to CEC member Gulnara Jurabaeva. The CEC also discussed the issue of a possible self-dissolution, she added. "I believe that with this election campaign we have compromised ourselves, and therefore the best and most correct decision in this case would be to resign early," Jurabayeva said. Kyrgyz protests: Background Vice presidential debates are typically forgotten by the next sunrise. But thats not going to be the case this year, when voters can easily envision either Vice President Mike Pence or Democratic nominee Sen. Kamala Harris having to step into the top spot. With 74-year-old President Trump contracting COVID-19 and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden risking exposure to the virus by traveling far more than most Americans, let alone most 77-year-old Americans, Wednesdays debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City will be anything but a campaign afterthought. The circumstances are raising the profile of the debate and raising the stakes of this debate, said Alan Schroeder, author of Presidential Debates: Fifty Years of High-Risk TV. This is a very serious moment. People are thinking about the running mates stepping into the top job. This is a vice presidential debate with extra gravitas. It is also likely to be more substantive on policy than last weeks presidential debate, when Trump incessantly interrupted Biden and even the debate moderator, and Biden at times returned fire. Chances are neither candidate wants a rerun. A New York Times/Siena College survey released Saturday found that 65% of likely voters in the pivotal states of Pennsylvania and Florida disapproved of Trumps conduct during the debate, and 37% felt that way about Biden. It will be much more of a conversation about policy and vision we never had that in the last debate, said Amanda Renteria, a national political director for Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. Neither of these candidates is in a place where they have to attack each other all the time. Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said the president, who left the hospital Monday, plans to participate in the next scheduled presidential debate Oct. 15. But thats not a given at this stage of his treatment. People should watch this debate as the last big event of the campaign, said Raphael Sonenshein, executive director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State Los Angeles. Theres a chance that this is the last opportunity to see the tickets live and in person. There is a historic aspect to Wednesdays debate: Harris will be the first woman of color to participate in a presidential or vice presidential debate. People will be looking for her to talk about growing up as a person of color in this country and talking about her lived experience, Renteria said. A lot of people will be looking up to her. Here are some things to watch for Wednesday: For Harris, its all about the pandemic: The main thrust of the Biden campaign has been to criticize how Trump has handled the pandemic. But Harris wont have to worry about appearing insensitive by attacking Trump while hes recovering from COVID-19. She can hammer away at the person who led the White Houses coronavirus task force: Pence. Thats a real gift to her, Schroeder said. She gets to do all the talking points on (the White House) response to the pandemic and aim them at the person who was at the head of it. Expect a lot of mentions of San Francisco: Pence, a former Indiana governor and congressman, will make sure everyone knows of Harris ties to San Francisco, where she was district attorney, and California, where she was attorney general. Well hear the words San Francisco a lot, Schroeder said. Hell try to make her the embodiment of San Francisco: an urbane sophisticate whose liberal values are out of touch with the values of Middle America. Biden, however, prevailed in the primaries over two candidates who ran well to his left, Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. The fact that he put his stamp of approval on Harris could make it harder for Pence to tag her as a socialist. Its hard to make the case that Biden or Harris are the radicals theyve described, Sonenshein said. Theyve tried that attack, but it hasnt stuck. Now Playing: Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden has named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate. The Oakland native is the first Black woman and first person of South Asian American descent to be nominated for national office by a major party. See highlights from her barrier-breaking career. Video: San Francisco Chronicle Same-sex marriage makes a surprise appearance: If Pence invokes Harris San Francisco-rooted liberalism, look for her to bring up his history of anti-LGBTQ stances after two Supreme Court justices attacked the courts 2015 ruling giving same-sex couples the right to marry. Debate details The vice presidential debate will be broadcast Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on all the major networks and cable news channels. It will have a single moderator, Susan Page of USA Today. See More Collapse Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Justice Samuel Alito, wrote Monday that the decision would continue to have ruinous consequences for religious liberty. When Pence was Indiana governor, he signed a bill allowing business owners to cite their religious beliefs in refusing to provide services to LGBTQ people. Some companies, including San Franciscos Salesforce, boycotted Indiana because of the law, an economic blow that the Indianapolis convention and visitors bureau estimated totaled $60 million in lost business. Tom LoBianco, author of Piety and Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House, said Pence will have quite the dilemma if Harris or the debate moderator brings up the topic. Same-sex marriage now enjoys solid support nationally, yet Pence doesnt want to alienate Christian conservatives who back Trump. If Pence moves an inch toward the center on this, he loses the Christian right, LoBianco said. Rookie jitters vs. audience of one: While Harris participated in five presidential debates over the past year as a candidate, she has never faced the pressure that accompanies a general election debate. Her last one-on-one debate was during her 2016 Senate campaign. Her opponent, then-Rep. Loretta Sanchez, ending her closing remarks by dabbing. Harris could barely stifle a laugh. That was kind of like a heavyweight champion going up against a lower-level challenger who might get lucky with one punch, said Sonenshein, who was a questioner at that debate. Schroeder said viewers shouldnt expect her to shred Pence. Its not that easy. The former talk radio host has a calm, smooth delivery and is rarely rattled. Hes bland, but he does always stay on message, Schroeder said. He can put a soft edge on things in a way that someone like Trump cant. Pence does have another challenge, Sonenshein said. He has to please the audience of one (Trump). He doesnt want to say anything that will annoy his boss, or there will be hell to pay. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli Its been said that necessity is the mother of invention. That proverb was illustrated perfectly during the insurance industrys successful scramble to conduct its business digitally at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. This digital transformation is creating a new normal for the insurance industry, but some of the old normalsuch as face-to-face negotiationswill remain when people can once again meet, according to industry executives. When we went into the COVID crisis,a number of people were looking around saying, How on earth are we going to cope with this?' said Clive Buesnel, Deloittes Insurance Leader UK. The insurance industry has hardly missed a beat in reality, if you look at what theyve achieved through product placement, which if youd gone back a year, no one would have thought possible. Generally, the rise of automated placement has been forced on us, and it has happened, said Buesnel in an interview with Carrier Management. The rise of automated placement has been forced on us, and it has happened. Clive Buesnel, Deloitte When SCOR put together its Quantum Leap strategic plan in September 2019, it tried to predict some of the future trends that would unfold over the next three to five years, according to Jean-Paul Conoscente, CEO of SCOR Global P&C, during a virtual media briefing held in September, in lieu of the reinsurance Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo, which was cancelled as a result of the pandemic. Actually, COVID-19 has accelerated this digital transformation, which SCOR thought would take three to five years, he said. Its happened, in some cases, in a matter of months, and in other cases its happening much faster than originally anticipated. I think, overall, the industry ought to be proud in terms of how its respondedI mean, moving to a digital or virtual platform almost overnight with hardly an impact on customers, said Moses Ojeisekhoba, CEO of Reinsurance at Swiss Re, during a media briefing. I think this is a really good thing and it will serve us well in subsequent events. What COVID has showed us is that we dont need paper, that we can trade predominantly electronically and that we can process electronically, totally. We need to continue to improve the systems that were using to process that business electronically, said Toby Esser, chairman of AFL Insurance Brokers, in an interview. David Flandro, managing director, Analytics, at London-based Hyperion X, the data and technology-focused division of Hyperion Insurance Group, said the COVID-19 crisis has provided a real growth in online trading and digital marketplace trading. The industry has learned that its not necessary to do everything face to face, Flandro said in an interview. We can do a lot of renewals; we can do a lot of business virtually. We can maintain relationships virtually. Even for some of the big stuff and lumpy stuff, we can win new business and we can create new opportunities virtually using technology. The fact that we were able to continue to run a business remotely, continue to have client meetings, quarter closings, settling claims, doing auditsall this remotelyis a great advantage for the industry but also increases the risk around digital and the need for strong processes and investments in this area, Conoscente said. In the context of everything else thats happening in the world, I think not meeting in Monte Carlo is the least of the issues that we should worry about. Moses Ojeisekhoba, Swiss Re SCOR has conducted a virtual Monte Carlo via a new technology platform that enabled it to host a virtual lounge and underwriter-to-underwriter webinars. Conoscente said more than 250 client meetings were held on a virtual basis with P/C clients worldwide, starting from early in the morning Paris time to late in the evening Paris time during the week of what would have been the reinsurance Rendez-Vous. More than 90 percent of the meetings were held throughout that week, but some virtual meetings were planned until the end of the month, he explained in an email after the media briefing. SCORs meetings were held with ceding companies and brokers, because we believe that its still important to keep the conversations going, he said during the briefing. Charles Cooper, chief executive of AXA XLs Global Reinsurance operations, said his company probably conducted as many virtual meetings as it previously did at various fall meetings such as Monte Carlo and Baden-Baden. He pointed to a large, groupwide virtual meeting, held by AXA XL in September, which was attended by more than 600 people, including clients and brokers. We had both our group and division CEOs there, and we were able to really share our message quite broadly, actually more broadly than we typically would do at Monte Carlo, where we dont host a large event like that, said Cooper. For somebody like myself, who has been in the business for 20 or 30 years, its reasonably easyto transition to a virtual environment, because I know so many of these people very well, and we have spent a lot of time face to face. Charles Cooper, AXA XL Reinsurance While there may have been hiccups in the first several weeks of the lockdown, most insurers coped relatively well, said Isabelle Santenac, EYs Global Insurance Leader, in an interview. However, she noted, the lockdown did highlight problems for some companies with their operating models and have led them to revisit their supply chains. She cited the example of insurers that have offshored certain services such as call centers, IT or claims. Some business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in India and other countries had difficulties working from home because of the countrys infrastructure or lack of equipment, such as laptops, Santenac explained. The supply chain is as weak as your weakest point. As a result of these problems, which were highlighted during the lockdown, some insurers are now determining whether they should re-shore their overseas functions that were handled by third-party providers, she said. Nobody envisages a system where 100 percent of employees will work 100 percent in the office. Isabelle Santenac, EY Santenac recalled that several sectors, including insurers, asked for help early in the lockdown in recreating call centers back in their own countries, because their call centers in India could not operate. Then another example of supply chain issues for insurers is that some third-party providers were found to have an unacceptable level of security for their home-working employees, she said. Some insurers found they had to switch to another provider because it was creating too much risk on their own IT infrastructure because part of the supply chain was too weak in terms of security, she said, citing lack of policies around passwords and secure firewalls. The Future of Face-to-Face Trading? But will this exponential growth in digitalization remove the need for face-to-face trading? The consensus of executives in webinars and interviews is that face-to-face will continue, eventually. Flandro said he did not think that face-to-face negotiations will disappear, especially when large amounts are involved with complicated deals. But some of the simpler risks, which can be standardized and digitized, will never again be done face to face, he added. For the risks that require a higher touch, for limits of tens or hundreds of millions, insurers and brokers need to sit down together and walk through the details, Flandro emphasized. You have to get both sides very comfortable with it and sign the deal, and shake hands or do an elbow bump, before youre going to move hundreds of millions of dollars over the line. Torsten Jeworrek, CEO of Munich Res reinsurance business, thinks that the industrys future working mode will be changed to some extent, but it will not completely replace and should not replace physical meetings and also Monte Carlo Reinsurance is a B2B sector, which is based on mutual understanding and trust, said Jeworrek, noting that trust can be best developed when you know your counterparts, your partners. You have to get both sides very comfortable with it and sign the deal, and shake hands, or do an elbow bump, before youre going to move hundreds of millions of dollars over the line. David Flandro, Hyperion X He explained that virtual meetings are easier with colleagues and partners with established relationships, but it is less easy to build new business relationships on a virtual basis when you have to discuss very difficult things, very complex things Despite the growth of online trading, Esser at AFL also believes that face-to-face meetings at Lloyds will continue to be valuableespecially for the more complex transactions. First, there is a discussion, then the information is absorbed, models are run, analysis is done. And then there is a second meeting or discussion, and a result can be given. Sometimes three or four meetings are needed. Face-to-face meetings are still very important and are an essential part of the success of the London specialty market, Esser said. They are about understanding complex risk. Theyre about understanding each other and having a good, open debate on risks. And without that, I think the London market would lose an awful lot. First, there is a discussion, then the information is absorbed, models are run, analysis is done. And then there is a second meeting or discussion, and a result can be given. Sometimes three or four meetings are needed. Toby Esser, AFL Insurance Brokers Cooper at AXA XL predicted that there will be fewer face-to-face meetings after the COVID-19 crisis ends and corporate travel will take years to recover but direct interaction will continue to be an important aspect of the business. For somebody like myself, who has been in the business for 20 or 30 years, its reasonably easyto transition to a virtual environment, because I know so many of these people very well, and we have spent a lot of time face to face, he said. But if youre a younger person coming into the industry, you need to do that. You need to establish those face-to-face meetings, I believe, to really get the value of those relationships. Esser agrees that it is easy to maintain relationships on Zoom, but its much more difficult to build new relationships virtually without face-to-face meetings. As a result, until brokers can travel internationally once again, he speculated that business will probably stick a little bit more with existing relationships Despite these restrictions on international travel, some face-to-face meetings have still been possible if companies have offices in countries across the globe, said SCOR Chairman & CEO Denis Kessler. Whats restricted is traveling from one country to the next, but within the country, its still possible to travel, he added. As a result, SCORs local teams in countries around the world are still able to meet clients if necessary and combine virtual meeting with face-to-face meetings, he said. The Future of Working in Corporate Offices While the industry has successfully embraced virtual meetings and digital trading during the COVID crisis, Flandro thinks working from the corporate offices has a real advantage. When working from home, theres less opportunity to talk to colleagues. Theres less opportunity to resolve issues quickly with a five-minute conversation in the hallway, rather than having a half-an-hour Zoom call. The Monte Carlo meeting provides a 360-degree view from people who share a lot of information about the forces shaping the industry. Denis Kessler, SCOR But Santenac at EY predicted that workplace arrangements will be vastly altered, even over the long term. Her insurer clients are developing gradual return-to-work policies, slowly increasing numbers as the months progress. However, nobody envisages a system where 100 percent [of employees] will work 100 percent in the office. She suggested that it will be easier to have hubs with people still working together at least for part of the week, but not in one giant location. Santenac said one of her clients conducted a survey where respondents expected that 60 percent of the people who once worked at their companys headquarters would be working three days a week from home in the future. In the future, she predicted, there will not be a need for a big flagship headquarters where everybody works. Companies also have to address the safety of employees who begin to return to work in corporate offices, she cautioned. For example, in a post-COVID-19 workplace, hotdesking becomes a challenge because desks need to be disinfected after each use. Santenac also pointed to the people issues that can arise as a result of employees working from home for extended periods. Something we are experiencing now with some of our clients is that you have a lot of people who are eager to return to work in the office because its difficult for them psychologicallyto work from home, she stressed. Companies need to determine how they can make their organization work efficiently and effectively when people are no longer working together physically, she emphasized. How do you ensure that you maintain the glue between your teams, maintain your culture and you successfully onboard new people? Can you imagine how it is to start work at a new organization where you cant interact with people you work with? she questioned. Its quite difficult. So, I think this people topic is going to be more and more important in the coming months, Santenac said. While it may be easy to say, Lets allow people to be more flexible in the way they work, the consequences of that can be quite complicated to manage. Everybody can cope with working from home for several months, but it becomes more problematic to sustain the processes and work environment over several years, she said. The Future of the Reinsurance Rendez-Vous de Septembre For more than 60 years, executives in the insurance and reinsurance industry have met in Monte Carlo in early September to begin their January renewal negotiations. For the first time ever, this year the event was cancelled due to the pandemic. While technology has enabled reinsurers and insurers to replace face-to-face meetings with virtual meetings, SCORs Kessler said Monte Carlo is valuable for reinsurers because it helps identify industry trends. Ive been there for more than 25 years at Monte-Carlo; after one or two days, you sense a trend. The Monte Carlo meeting provides a 360-degree view from people who share a lot of information about the forces shaping the industry, said Kessler. Not being able to meet our customers in a physical location is a big minus, said Jean-Jacques Henchoz, Hannover Res CEO, during the reinsurers virtual media briefing. I do miss the opportunity to meet physically with the market participants. I think this is certainly not going to be compensated by the virtual meetings, but its better than nothing. He predicted that the crisis will force many stakeholders to rethink the way they conduct their business with a blend of virtual and face-to-face meetings in the future. But I think conferences like Monte Carlo have a role to play in the yearly agenda, and unless the pandemic extends beyond midyear next year, it would be a shame not to be able to meet again in September 2021. Swiss Re Group Chief Underwriting Officer Thierry Leger described the Monte Carlo meeting as three or four days of extremely intense interactions that you cannot have in a virtual way. However, he said, Swiss Res virtual Monte Carlo this year will continue to have a high quality of interaction. In the context of everything else thats happening in the world, I think not meeting in Monte Carlo is the least of the issues that we should worry about, said Ojeisekhoba at Swiss Re. Our industry is one that is built on relationships, and those relationships are important, he continued. However, in the future, we need to question whether we need Monte Carlo in its full scale. The interaction, the networking, the informal component of the meeting is clearly important, Ojeisekhoba added. We have to find a way to replicate elements of that while also taking advantage that were not spending as much money as we all know we would have done this year. This article first was published in Insurance Journals sister publication, Carrier Management. Topics Carriers Trends Agencies Reinsurance Market AXA XL London Swiss Re Feral horse numbers in the Kosciuszko National Park were barely affected by last summer's bushfires and are probably rising again, adding pressure to delicate alpine ecosystems, new research shows. Research commissioned by the Invasive Species Council compared government horse-count data from 2019 with fire severity maps. About a third of the national park's 690,000 hectares were burnt. Feral horses in a section of the Kosciuszko National Park last January, which was severely affected by the recent bushfires. Credit:James Brickwood "This analysis shows that more than two-thirds of the area [of the park] with horses escaped the fires and about 16 per cent of the area with high horse numbers burnt at high or extreme severity," the council's report said. "Ground and aerial observations in the months after the fires revealed large numbers of horses in most if not all of these areas," it said. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh says it would under no circumstances resort to targeting the civilian population of Azerbaijan. Because we arent like them, but we know how to break their terrorist army, Artsakh presidential spokesperson Vahram Poghosyan said, strongly ruling out the Artsakhi armys targeting of peaceful civilians amid their own civilians being under heavy Azeri fire. And our rocket strikes at military facilities of Azerbaijan which are located in large cities arent yet subject to disclosure, he said, adding that details could be released after the war. He said that these strikes at Azeri military facilities have neutralized large numbers of military reserve forces. On October 6, the Azeri forces again started to bombard Stepanakert City, the capital of Artsakh. The capital city of Artsakh has come under numerous attacks since the Azeri offensive began on September 27. Civilian casualties and heavy damages to civil infrastructure have occurred. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan The Janata Dal (United), or JD (U), will contest 122 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party 121 seats in the 243-member assembly, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said on Tuesday. At a joint press conference with BJP leaders, Nitish Kumar said the JD (U) will allot seven seats to Jitan Ram Manjhis Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) out of its share of seats. This effectively means that JD (U) would be contesting 115 seats, the number it won in the 2010 elections. The Bihar assembly elections will take place on October 28, November 3 and November 7, with vote-counting set for November 10. The BJP is in talks with Mukesh Sahnis Vikassheel Insaan Party and their tickets will be adjusted from the BJP quota of seats, Kumar said as he also reaffirmed that the strong bond between the BJP and the JD (U) was intact. People in the BJP familiar with the situation said the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) will get a maximum of nine seats and a minimum of seven. The BJP contested 157 seats in 2015, when the JD (U) was not a part of the NDA, and 102 seats in 2010. The BJP and the JD (U), which are fighting the upcoming Bihar assembly election together after Nitish Kumar broke away from the so-called grand alliance of the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress and returned to the NDA in 2017, put up a united front on Tuesday. The seat sharing pact was announced days after the Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) said on Sunday that it would fight the elections on its own because it didnt want to do so under Nitish Kumar. There is no misunderstanding between JD (U) and BJP. We have been working together for Bihars development for 15 years, and will continue to do so, the chief minister said at a press conference where two BJP election in-charges, former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Bhupendra Yadav, were also present. Bihar Assembly Election 2020: Full coverage Nitish Kumar said both parties had already announced that they were fighting the elections together. We have shown a new way forward to Bihar and will continue to work together, he said and attacked the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which has been critical of the NDAs governance in Bihar. Those who were in the government before us, what did they do? What was the condition of employment, law, and order, roads, etc? Riots and massacres were the order of the day. People know everything. When we came in 2005, we fixed things in education, health and development. The states budget used to be Rs 24,000 crore and now we have taken it to Rs 2.11 lakh crore... We will work together and will contest polls. There are no misunderstandings, he added. Also Read: Bihar election wide open, repeat of Maharashtra situation cannot be ruled out The focus of the media interaction was on a recent statement made by the LJP president Chirag Paswan that was hugely critical of Nitish Kumar and the JD (U). Who is saying what, I am not bothered. We have a long association with Ram Vilas Paswan. Ask those people how Ram Vilas Paswan reached Rajya Sabha. He became an MP with the support of the BJP and JD (U). We have a long friendship; he is unwell and I wish him a speedy recovery, he said, replying to Chirag Paswans ideological differences barb. Nitish Kumars deputy Sushil Kumar Modi said the two parties had already decided to fight the elections under the leadership of the CM. We have made it clear that those who are ready to accept Nitish ji as their leader will stay in NDA. He is the chief ministerial candidate of NDA and will remain the CM. There is no confusion, said Modi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Delhi High Court has sought response from the Centre and others over a petition challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Court Fees Act. After hearing the arguments on the petition filed by one Manoj Grover on September 28, a division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan issued notices to the respondents. The petitioner was represented by advocate Tishampati Sen. The plea challenged the constitutional power of Sections 177(9) and 177(10) of the Companies Act, 2013, and Sections 4 and 19 of the Court Fees Act. It challenged Sections 177(9) and 177(10) of the Companies Act, 2013 which provides that listed companies and only those classes of companies as are prescribed, are required to create a vigil mechanism for directors and employees to report genuine concerns. In a case that has drawn the involvement of the Trump administration, a federal judge has denied relief to a New Mexico family challenging the states restrictions on reopening schools in the pandemic, holding that such constraints are not infringing on their federal constitutional rights. Based on the current record, the court cannot find a fundamental right affected by this case, U.S. District Judge William P. Johnson of Albuquerque said in an opinion denying a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction against state restrictions. The Oct. 2 ruling in Peterson v. Kunkel stems from a case brought by Douglas H. Peterson, who sued on behalf of his daughter, a 7th grader at the private Albuquerque Academy who is identified in court papers as K.P. They challenged state rules that permit public schools (including charter schools) to open for in-person instruction at 50 percent capacity and child-care facilities at 100 percent, while private schools are limited to 25 percent capacity, the same as that for many private businesses. While at least one private school has been able to open for 25 percent in-person instruction by using available space to spread students out, Albuquerque Academy and other private schools have had to use remote learning, court papers say. Peterson argues that the disparate treatment of private schools in the states reopening plan violates his and his daughters rights under the 14th Amendments equal-protection clause, including the fathers right to direct the upbringing and education of his child. The suit last month drew support from President Donald Trumps administration, evidently the first time the U.S. Department of Justice has weighed in on a school reopening lawsuit. There Is no pandemic exception to the Constitution, the Justice Department says in a friend-of-the-court brief on the parents side. Individual rights set forth in the Constitution are always operative and restrain government action. The department argued that while New Mexicos reopening guidelines nominally allow private schools to open, the manner in which they differentiate between private and public schools abridges the well-established right for parents to choose a private education for their children. Thus, the department argued, the judge should analyze the guidelines under strict scrutiny, the highest level of scrutiny of government action, which would make it easier for the parent to win relief. Judge Johnson, without mentioning the Justice Department brief in his 22-page opinion, implicitly rejected the departments arguments. The judge said Petersons liberty interest in directing the upbringing of his daughter has not been extinguished by the states 25 percent capacity limitation for private schools, and Petersons daughter is attending and being educatedalbeit virtuallyat Albuquerque Academy. The judge applied rational basis review to the states restrictions, which means they can be upheld as long as they are rationally related to a legitimate governmental purpose. He said that private schools in the state are actually being allowed to operate without some of the restrictions imposed on traditional public schools and charter schools. Johnson also observed that the 50 percent capacity limit for public schools currently applies only to elementary grades, not to middle and high school grades, which must conduct all instruction remotely. In essence, plaintiffs are not seeking the standard for public and charter schools [to] be applied equally to K.P. and her private school, Johnson said. Instead, plaintiffs seek favorable treatment, a request that runs counter to the equal protection clause. The judge said that if the state opened middle and high school grades in public schools at 50 percent capacity and kept a 25 percent limit for private school, then Peterson might be entitled to an injunction. Buckland Fire and Rescue took part in a weekend of training at their fire hall near Prince Albert over the weekend. Trans-Care Rescue facilitated the training and on Saturday the firefighters took part in a simulated rescue from a school bus. According to deputy fire chief Chris Doucette, Highway 3 sees traffic from school buses, commercial buses, tractor-trailer units and other heavy vehicles. Part of our continuing training program is we want to make sure our members are trained in heavy rescue and have the tools and the training they need in the event that we get called to one of those situations, Doucette said. They began on Friday night and continued all day Saturday and Sunday. Bill McCombs of Trans-Care Rescue Ltd., based out of Langham, explained that the company does training all over Western Canada and in other countries. They discussed commercial buses but worked with a school bus in the practice on Saturday. Across Saskatchewan there is a roughly 20 school bus accident a year, that is a lot, McCombs said. There are some minor ones but there are also major ones. For example, a gravel road can cause a rollover and buses can catch the shoulder and cause accidents. What we do the program for is to teach these departments how to stabilize. The structure on these things is so much different than a car. They are very heavy, they are very strong. They realized that this morning when we were using a big backhoe to crush it, he said. The school bus had six mannequin passengers and a vehicle with a passenger was crushed under the bus. McCombs explained that the bus is difficult to take apart. With the potential for passenger injuries, overall, it can be a tougher scenario for rescue. On top of that there is more injuries because when it rolls over there is nothing to stop them from flying. If you have got little kids on there especially if you look at the size of the bus how far can they be thrown around and on to each other. They all end up in a pile on the bottom. Basically what happens here is they have got to go in and it is like a game of Jenga so the arms and legs will be everywhere. Injured bus passengers can also hurt each other as they struggle to get free, McCombs said. It becomes very complicated. He said that firefighters in a situation like this would have to stabilize the bus first in order to rescue the person trapped in the car. Strong struts are used to hold the bus in place as firefighters work to raise it and cut it open. W have got to lift the bus a little, stabilize the bus and then they are going to work their way into the bus to make a big opening, he said. The amount of passengers on the bus in the weekends practice scenario was similar to a bus traveling the highway after making a few drop-offs after school. Once they entered the bus, the firefighters would cut the seats out. It is totally different than a normal extrication, McCombs said. It took about 45 minutes for the firefighters to get the bus open. People have a tough time understanding because if their kid is on the bus that they want to get in and they want to do stuff they actually cant. We have to keep them way back because they are a major hindrance to us, McCombs said. In a real scenario like the one on Saturday, the injured people would be taken to a civic center or fire hall with assistance from RCMP or City Police to be checked by paramedics. The injured would then be released to parents or guardians. It has got to very controlled because parents become very agitated, humans are humans, McCombs said. He said that buses are made safe and are strong vehicles. The only thing is it would be nice if they could put seatbelts on them. They are gradually working that way but there are all kinds of issues with that. We will see what happens down the road. Commercial buses after 2019 all have to have seatbelts, but not school buses, McCombs said. The training couldnt have been done without contributions from people around the area. Buckland Fire and Rescue wants to thank the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division for donating the school bus for our training event today, Doucette said. He also thanked local businesses and SGI who provided vehicles, lumber and other supplies for the weekends training. The Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT) on Tuesday analysed and approved a batch of documents for the application of Romania's 2020 - 2024 National Defence Strategy, including an implementation plan, a strategic defence analysis, and the Defence White Papers. According to the Presidential Administration, a strategic priority in the implementation plan is securing an updated legal framework, including the revision of the legislation regarding the organisation and operation of the main national security institutions, including the statutes of CSAT, and continuing with dynamic areas with a high degree of volatility, where modern regulation is needed, such as crisis management and cybersecurity and defence. Thus, streamlining and modernising public institutions will be secured so that they respond better to their tasks and, at the same time, be closer to the needs of the citizens.Another priority is to monitor the drawing up of strategies, action plans and other programmatic documents at sectoral or departmental level provided by national security public institutions to match their own needs in line with the government's programme, the legislation in force and CSAT decisions.The drawing up of the implementation plan of the 2020-2024 National Defence Strategy also included consulting with Romania's national security institutions, and it was coordinated by the Department of National Security.According to the Presidential Administration, the Strategic Defence Analysis substantiates a new concept of organisation, staffing, equipping and training of the Romanian Army, which should provide as a fundamental objective the creation of the circumstances for the accomplishment of their constitutional missions.The document provides for three stages, with measurable objectives, to ensure continuity and consistency in the process, but also adjustments for future developments: the completion in 2026 of the Army Modernisation Programme; the implementation of new technologies and reorganisation of the Romanian Army for multi-domain action (2032); completion of the Army 2040 programme. At the end of each stage, the objectives achieved will be analysed, as well as the validity and viability of future plans, and necessary changes will be made."The Strategic Defence Analysis has been conducted by an interdepartmental and inter-institutional approach, at a time when security and defence challenges have gained a new meaning, with the strategic planning processes now underway influencing expected to affect regional security and defence - the Russian Federation consolidating its military capabilities in the Black Sea region; the development of the strategic reflection process at NATO level; the approval of a new strategy and the adaptation of NATO's position, the initiation of the relocation process of some US forces in Europe, all overlapping the effects of the COVID-19 pandemics,' reads a press statement released by the Presidential Administration.In order to achieve the new force structure, the defence system will go through a staged process of profound changes. The armed forces in 2040 will be flexible, multi-field force structure with a broad spectrum of 21st century-specific capabilities.The Defence White Paper is a document that helps with the implementation of the defence objectives established under the government's programme to ensure the security of citizens and the defence of the land, national values and interests.At the same time, the Defence White Paper underpins the military strategy and the Defence Planning Directive and is designed in a new strategic paradigm, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the defence and deterrence posture based on five key elements: high technology; highly educated and well-trained human resources; a strong domestic defence industry; developing an institutional culture focused on knowledge and innovation; resilience.At the end of the CSAT virtual meeting, CSAT members analysed and approved an assessment of national security risks, threats and vulnerabilities forecasted for 2021. Fitch Ratings on Tuesday said Indian banks face a tough operating environment in the near term as stressed loans and write-offs increase due to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. It said limited room for fiscal support, fragilities in the financial system and a continuing rise in COVID-19 cases are hampering normalisation of activity. "Indian banks face a tough operating environment in the near term, as stressed loans and write-offs increase as a result of the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, but a swift economic recovery will be critical to limiting loan losses in what is likely to be a protracted period of weakness in the asset-quality cycle," Fitch Ratings said in a statement. Banks have been permitted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to undertake a one-time restructuring exercise of loans affected by the pandemic, which will provide relief in terms of bad loan recognition and provisioning, Fitch said. "However, the exercise could leave the sector saddled with a high bad loan burden over the next few years if restructured loans do not perform according to agreed milestones," it added. Fitch said the central bank's data shows that Indian banks wrote off nearly USD 85 billion over FY14-FY19, of which state-owned banks contributed nearly 80 per cent. "The economic stress this time around is set to be deeper and more broad-based, which could make restructuring more challenging. Execution risk remains high, notwithstanding the safeguards built in by RBI in terms of tighter timelines, penal provisioning and more monitoring by the expert committee of loans beyond Rs 15 billion," Fitch said. State-run banks have a significantly higher share of loans under moratorium than their private-sector peers, it added. Fitch does not expect GDP to return to pre-pandemic levels until first quarter of 2022. Fitch has projected Indian economy to contract 10.5 per cent in the current fiscal and expects growth to rebound to 11 per cent in fiscal 2021-22, with downside risks. Indian economy contracted 23.9 per cent in April-June quarter of current fiscal. A girl is pictured at a camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Marib, Yemen on Oct. 1, 2020. (Nusaibah Almuaalemi/Reuters) Yemens War Shifts Focus to Marib, Thousands of Displaced at Risk MARIB, YemenIn Yemens gas-rich region of Marib, fighters loyal to the Saudi-backed government recited Koranic verses before launching a hail of mortar and machine-gun fire toward rocky mountains in a desperate bid to push back Houthi forces. The commanding officer peered through his binoculars at the dust and plumes of black smoke thrown up by the firing, aimed at a group of elusive enemy Houthi snipers. A few dozen kilometers away, hundreds of displaced civilians in makeshift camps waited for water, food, and medicine from humanitarian groupsa further sign that despite United Nations peace efforts, the nearly 6-year-old war grinds on. We have more than 1,500 families in this camp, and they already moved three times because the fighting keeps following them, said Mohsen Mushalla, director of al-Sowaida camp some 15 kilometers from Marib city. They dont have water, electricity, a hospital, and the nearest town is 10 kilometers away. Just bringing water is enough hardship. Fighting has raged for months in Marib, the last stronghold of the internationally recognized government. It was ousted from power in the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014 by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene. The war, which has caused the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, has been in stalemate for years. The government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi has also fought separatists in the south who seek independence. Ceasefire Remains Elusive Some diplomats and experts say that a Houthi victory in Marib, which would hand the group complete control of the northern half of Yemen, could have ripple effects on the conflict across Yemen and scupper U.N. efforts to secure a nationwide ceasefire. Houthi forces have opened three frontlines in the Marib region, advancing in recent months from the northern district of Madghal, the southern town of Rahabah, and from the west in Sarwah. The group has seized six districts and large parts of Sarwah, which lies 80 kilometers from Marib citythe last line of defense before Yemens biggest gas and oil fields. But progress has slowed and victory is not guaranteed. Marib is a military operation for both sides, but it is a pressure tool for the Houthis on the negotiating table, said a diplomat involved in the talks. Luckily, the fighting has slowed down over the last two weeks, thanks to the HouthiSaudi indirect talks and because the battle has been exhausting for both sides. Saudi Arabia and the Houthis began back-channel talks in 2019. The Saudi-led coalition and Houthi officials didnt immediately respond to requests for comment on the status of fighting in Marib or the broader conflict. Sweeping Desert Landscapes The violence has escalated since U.N. Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths pressed both parties to agree on a ceasefire deal that would pave the way for broader negotiations to end the war, which has killed more than 100,000 people. Earlier this month, Griffiths told the 15-member U.N. Security Council that he sent an advanced draft of the agreement to the parties, and warned the international community not to underestimate the political importance of Marib. The fighting in Marib has displaced nearly a million people, the U.N. said, and threatens around 750,000 refugees who have settled in the city since the war started in 2014. We know that any intensification of the conflict will put them [displaced civilians] at extreme risk, and were very worried that many of the people who live in Marib city will themselves become displaced by the conflict, Lise Grande, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, told Reuters. In Marib city, giant billboards expressed support for President Hadi, while the red, white, and black national colors flew in crowded streets. Vendors offered grilled corn on the cob. Marib resident Nermeen al-Hashidi said: I fled the fighting in Aden; this city hosts refugees from all over Yemen. We call on the international community to stop missile strikes on the city as only refugees and children suffer from them. In al-Sowaida camp, tents are set amid the towering hills of the desert, and children walk barefoot while others drink water directly from big white cisterns left in the fierce heat. I have a wife and five children living inside this tent, said Mohamad Abdullah Qassim, a refugee. The international organizations have provided us with it, but Im not sure that they are very helpful. Other tents burned in a big fire next to us. By Mohamed Ghobari & Jacob Greave Northern Ireland could be in for a "very different" Christmas due to the coronavirus pandemic (PA) Northern Ireland's chief medical officer has warned the public they will need to work diligently to make sure the Christmas holidays can be safe, but said it was likely to be very different for families this year. Dr Michael McBride said the surge in the virus across the UK and Ireland was causing serious concern but was hopeful that localised restrictions in Northern Ireland would soon have an impact. If we do not see the current rate of community transmission coming under greater control than it is then obviously the Executive will have some difficult choices and difficult decisions in the weeks ahead, he said at a press briefing on Tuesday. Discussing the latest figures, Chief Scientific Officer Professor Ian Young said the average number of new cases a day was now well over 500, more than doubling in the last week. He said community transmission remained the main cause, with Derry and Strabane now seeing over 600 cases per 100,000 while Newry, Mourne and Down was over 300. Read More Professor Young said it wasnt possible to properly compare the current situation with the first outbreak in March, as most testing was being conducted in hospitals. Expand Close Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Ian Young (PressEye/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Ian Young (PressEye/PA) Hospital admissions, however, he said were slowly increasing in the same way. In March he said this rate doubled every four days with an R number of around 2.8. On Tuesday, the R rate remains around 1.8 with a hospital admissions doubling every seven or eight days. On the use of a circuit breaker, Dr McBride said: Do I feel that further restrictions are likely, I think theyre likely to be required but ultimately those are matters for the Executive. Expand Close Dr Michael McBride PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dr Michael McBride With many households across Northern Ireland already discussing the Christmas holidays, Dr McBride said it was likely some if not all of the current restrictions could still be in place. Christmas seems a very long time from now, I think its very important that none of us plan too far ahead, he told the Belfast Telegraph. "We cant predict what the levels of community transmission are going to be over the Christmas period. I think it very much depends on the actions that we take in the next number of weeks. If we do see further restrictions introduced we may see community transmission fall to lower levels. I think its undoubtedly the case that we need to recognise that Christmas for many people is a special time of year and we do need to make some allowance for that. I think we do need to work very diligently to make sure that the Christmas period can be a safe period for families and the interactions that all we associate with that time of year. I think its very safe to say that Christmas will be very different from previous years because we still will have many of the restrictions in place that we currently have if not further restrictions at that time. Read More He continued: I think that the decisions that are made by the Executive over the coming weeks are going to impact significantly on what the level of community transmission is over the Christmas holidays and what degree of relaxation there can be at that time. Professor Young added: I think Christmas is a really good example of a time when the societal benefits of allowing more interaction will be much greater. So while I think its likely that there will still be some restrictions in place at Christmas, Im sure that we would wish to allow as much interaction as is possible safely at Christmas as can be achieved in the context of a very serious global epidemic. It comes after Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill said further restrictions should be expected in Northern Ireland, with the Executive due to discuss the timing at this Thursdays Executive meeting. 25-1. In November 1987, the ICFI published a comprehensive statement entitled The Situation in Sri Lanka and the Political Tasks of the Revolutionary Communist League that for the first time raised the slogan of a United Socialist States of Sri Lanka and Tamil Eelam. The statement, based on the Theory of Permanent Revolution, unambiguously insisted that the democratic rights of Tamils would only be realised through the struggle of the working class for socialism. In other words, national self-determination, like other democratic tasks, could not be resolved by bourgeois and petty-bourgeois movements no matter how courageous or militant. The slogan clearly demarcated the RCLs orientation in fighting to mobilise the working classSinhala and Tamilto defend basic democratic rights through the struggle for socialism from any tendency to reduce the party to the role of cheerleader and political adviser to the Tamil national movementas the WRP had done. 25-2. As the ICFI statement explained, none of the so-called independent states established after World War II had met the democratic aspirations or basic material needs of the masses. Invariably, imperialist-sanctioned independence has meant the setting up of bastard states whose very foundations have been built upon a fatal compromise of democratic principles. In this process, the national bourgeoisie has functioned not as the liberator of the oppressed masses, but as a junior partner in imperialist plunder. The type of state created in this process has been nothing more than a prison ground for putrefying capitalism, upon which the progressive development of the productive forces has been impossible ... Arising out of such conditions, with the joyous approval of the bourgeoisie, are the horrors of intercommunal warfare. This state of affairs cannot be altered as long as bourgeois rule prevails. The post-independence history of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Burmain fact, of every former colonial country in the worlddecisively proves that the bourgeoisie cannot establish genuine national unification and political independence.[ 1 ] 25-3. Consequently, these bourgeois democratic tasks fall to the proletariat. While upholding the right to self-determination, the ICFI statement insisted that national self-determination could only be achieved through the strategy of socialist revolution and was therefore subordinate to it. It [the working class] is the only social force that can realise the right of nations to self-determination. However, it does this not as an appendage to the national bourgeoisie, but rather as its implacable enemy. It fights for self-determination with its own weapons and on the basis of its own program, rallying behind it all the oppressed masses of the villages and countryside. Self-determination is achieved as a by-product of the socialist revolution led by the proletariat which, having established its dictatorship, guarantees to all oppressed people their legitimate democratic rights. As the framework for the genuine equality of nations, it proposes the creation of a voluntarily united socialist federation. While believing that the voluntary amalgamation of all oppressed nations offers the best opportunity for economic and cultural progress, the proletarian dictatorship pledges that those nations which wish to secede shall have the right to do so. This is the essential content of the program advanced by the Revolutionary Communist League for a United Socialist States of Tamil Eelam and Sri Lanka.[ 2 ] 25-4. The ICFI statement also began the process of reassessing the character of the various national liberation movements in the light of the LTTEs political capitulation to the Indian bourgeoisie. In contrast to the broad anti-colonial movements before and after World War II that drew in the masses across ethnicity, language, religion and caste, organisations such as the LTTE were based on national exclusivity. This, as Lenin had warned, was the outlook of the national bourgeoisie which conceived self-determination solely in terms of establishing its own national privileges and the conditions for the exploitation of workers and peasants within its own independent state. In the case of the LTTE, its program for an independent Eelam was drawn directly from the bourgeois TULF that represented the meagre aims of the Tamil bourgeoisie in Sri Lanka, which had no perspective either for the hundreds of thousands of Tamil plantation workers in the centre of the island or for the Tamil masses across the Palk Strait in southern India. 25-5. An RCL statement cited in the document explained: [N]ational liberation cannot be achieved through a movement based on national exclusivism and aimed to win ones own rights only. In our epoch, such a movement will find itself isolated among capitalist nations, whatever the strength of the mass movement it may generate. A liberation movement of a particular oppressed nation can go forward only as part and parcel of a movement fighting fully and unreservedly for democracy. National exclusivism prevents the national liberation struggle of an oppressed nation from becoming part of such a movement. This is because, in the last analysis, national exclusivism is connected to the attempt made by the national bourgeoisie to exploit the workers and peasants in its own country. Herein lies the source from which flows the political impotence of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.[ 3 ] The ICFI statement laid the basis for a wider consideration of the support of the Marxist movement for the right of nations to self-determination. 25-6. Shortly after the statements publication, Keerthi Balasuriya died suddenly and tragically on 18 December 1987 from a coronary thrombosis. He was just 39 years old and had devoted his entire adult life to the struggle for Trotskyism. At the age of 19, amid the political confusion generated by the LSSPs betrayal, Balasuriya undertook the huge responsibility of leading the RCL and, in so doing, reknitting the ties of the Sri Lankan working class to the international Trotskyist movement. He and the RCL stood against the tide of middle-class radicalism and the cult of the armed struggle that animated movements such as the LTTE and JVP in the late 1960s and 1970s. He defended the Theory of Permanent Revolution when it came under universal attack not only from the Stalinist parties and their various Pabloite apologists, but also from the WRP within the ICFI. In doing so, Balasuriya made an indelible contribution to the struggle for Trotskyism in Asia and internationally. 25-7. In his funeral oration, David North explained: Comrade Keerthi was profoundly convinced of the scientific validity of the perspective for which Trotsky had fought. While the petty-bourgeois radicals were impressed by the successes of Mao Tse-tung, Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro, Comrade Keerthi insisted that the political orientation of Marxists had to be to the proletariat as the sole consistently revolutionary force on the planet ... In the period immediately ahead, the workers, not only in Asia but throughout the world, will read and study the writings of Comrade Keerthi. And we are confident that it will not be the Mao Tse-tungs, Ho Chi Minhs and Castros that will be the teachers of the youth. Rather, it will be from Keerthi Balasuriya, the Revolutionary Communist League and the International Committee that the advanced elements among the workers and the youth will learn their revolutionary lessons.[ 4 ] 25-8. Balasuriyas untimely death was a major political blow to the RCL, to the ICFI and to the international working class. It came at a critical time when the process of clarifying and consolidating the RCL in the immediate aftermath of the split with the WRP renegades was still underway. It is testimony to Balasuriya and the principles for which he fought that the cadre he had been instrumental in training was capable of withstanding the loss, reconsolidating under the leadership of Wije Dias, and waging a consistent struggle for socialist internationalism under the difficult conditions of an escalating civil war. KAMPALA The Private Sector Foundation Uganda together with its partners have launched a 30 day campaign dubbed Tugobe Corona. Wear A mask purposely to kick Covid-19 out of Uganda. The Campaign is aimed at sensitizing and creating awareness among Ugandans to share information on the benefits of wearing a mask and wearing it correctly at all times. This campaign will run for a month across the country, with the initial drive that started today October 6 in Kampala. Covid-19 is still a global challenge that has damaged economies and currently, Uganda has reached level four category where tracing cases is difficult. According to Dr Elly Karuhanga, Chairman PSFU, Ugandans have started relaxing the tenacity of applying the Standard Operating Procedures such as wearing of masks. Dr Karuhanga who was speaking at the launch of the campaign in Kampala, noted that at first Ugandans had expressed strictness and cooperation with the government in fighting against the pandemic but along the way, people lost the morale of fighting against the disease yet it has reached the dangerous level. This pandemic has affected so many countries, and many people have lost lives across the globe and we as the private sector, once people are sick we dont have a business. Therefore, we urge Ugandans to take personal responsibility and strictly wear masks as a primary shield at all times, he said. Dr Karuhanga added, Each time you do not wear a mask, you put your life and that of your family, friends and workmates at risk. Lets do this together and this way we shall remain safe, alive and continue normally with our business. Wearing a mask must be part and parcel of our lives now. Gideon Badagawa, the Executive Director PSFU asserted that the campaign comes in the time when the ministry of health has just announced that the next two months ie (October and November) are going to be dangerous since the fourth wave will be at its climax. Business growth is our main target but the challenge we have got is that this is likely to be turned upside down because of laxity and complacency in applying the SOPs. At PSFU we value lives, life is precious and all of us need life to do something, he said. Badagawa added that although Covid-19 has disorganised the business, the primary responsibility of suppressing it remains in the hands of an individual. The primary responsibility of driving this disease out of Uganda rests in the hands of Ugandans. This is the message that everyone must take. There is no amount of legislation needed to drive this disease out but its all about us to accept change. This campaign we are starting today is about mindset and behavioural change. We dont want our people to die that is why we the learned have to come up and sensitise the rural people, said Badagawa. According to Badagawa, the campaign is also aimed at supporting sustainability and competitiveness, as a way of complementing the Governments efforts towards averting the rapid spread of Covid-19. PSFU is proudly partnering with MasterCard Foundation, Safeboda, Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), Civil society and religious leaders to make the campaign a success. Related As Chief R&D Officer, Ms. Behr will deliver an innovation agenda across seven food categories, ensure Sovos' current products deliver against consumer and customer expectations, and drive the company's acquisitive and organic growth. The brands currently in the Sovos portfolio include Rao's Homemade, noosa yoghurt, and Michael Angelo's frozen entrees. The company also recently announced an agreement to acquire Birch Benders, which is expected to close by the end of October. Since its inception, Sovos has launched a number of new products, including Rao's soups and frozen entrees, noosa smoothies, and noosa Greek yoghurt. The Chief R&D Officer role is a new position within Sovos developed to lead R&D efforts as part of the company's continued growth agenda. "With Wendy's leadership and deep technical expertise, we can further refine our innovation model and continue our successful track record of extending our brands to new categories and usage occasions," said Todd Lachman, President and CEO of Sovos Brands. "Wendy's knowledge and experience in the industry will be key in supporting our growing portfolio of one-of-a-kind brands. I'm very excited to welcome Wendy to the Sovos executive team." "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the talented team at Sovos Brands," said Ms. Behr. "I look forward to driving value across our portfolio and continuing to create delicious products that consumers love." Ms. Behr is based in Louisville, CO and has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois. She also has a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, and a Master of Science in Nutrition Science and Policy, both from Tufts University. About Sovos Brands Sovos Brands is a food company with a mission to acquire, build and grow a portfolio of one-of-a-kind brands that bring today's consumers delicious food for joyful living. Sovos Brands invests in brands that have exciting growth potential, combining industry expertise with fresh thinking to bring its products into more homes across America. The brands in its portfolio include Rao's, a line of premium pasta sauces, soups, frozen entrees and pasta; noosa, a producer of thick, velvety whole milk yoghurt; and Michael Angelo's, a leading producer of authentic frozen Italian entrees. Sovos Brands recently entered an agreement to acquire the business of Birch Benders, LLC ("Birch Benders"), a fast-growing producer of delicious, better-for-you pancake and waffle mixes, toaster waffles, and pancake and baking cups. Birch Benders prides itself in providing products that taste delicious and are for all to enjoy, including organic, plant-based, non-GMO, protein, paleo, and keto alternatives. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of October. SOVOS, RAO'S, RAO'S HOMEMADE, NOOSA and MICHAEL ANGELO'S are trademarks of Sovos Brands. Find out more about Sovos Brands at www.sovosbrands.com , Rao's Homemade at www.raos.com , noosa at www.noosayoghurt.com , and Michael Angelo's at www.michaelangelos.com . MEDIA CONTACT Eilyn Segura M Booth [email protected] Phone: 212.388.7679 SOURCE Sovos Brands Related Links http://www.sovosbrands.com A traditional leader in Ogun State, Joseph Ogunfuwa, has expressed his regrets campaigning for President Muhammed Buhari in 2015. Mr Ogunfuwa, who is the Babalaje of Remoland in Ogun State, said Mr Buhari has disappointed him and the generality of Nigerians. He spoke at a public lecture he held in Sagamu to mark his 80th birthday. Mr Ogunfunwa said Mr Buhari he used to know is not the same person he now sees. What I regret most in my life was the do or die campaign I did for you, Mr President, during the 2015 general election. I was over confident that among the self-proclaimed leaders hustling for the presidency at that time, you President Muhammadu Buhari were the only person who appeared to me to be able and capable of saving our great country. Some of my friends deserted me, they thought I was crazy to repose huge confidence in you as you are no longer a military man but a politician. Today, I realised I was wrong and they were right. Mr dear President, you still have two and a half years to turn things around to restore the confidence I reposed in you in those days. That is my message to our politicians, President, povernors, lawmakers, senators, Christians, Muslims, traditional rulers and others, he said. Although a practicing Christian, Mr Ogunfuwa, at the event said he has not renounced his membership of all the fraternities he belongs to, arguing that all religions are secret cults. I have not renounced or resigned my membership of any of those fraternities to which I belong. Also, I have not changed my faith. I remain a Christian of the Anglican Communion and I have no intention whatsoever of changing. I belong to the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity Incorporated, The United Brothers of Friendship and Sisters of the Mysterious Ten, and Freemasonry, he said. First Deputy Head of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Kateryna Rozhkova believes that the mistrust imposed on her for communicating with the media is an alarming signal for the independence of the central bank. "How exactly could we with Sologub upset the NBU Council, for which we received a reprimand and distrust? These are our communications with Dmytro. However, I'm not sure if this is a reason," she wrote on Facebook. "I believe that this is a victory of the past over the future. An alarming signal for the independence of the NBU, and in general for common sense," Rozhkova added. LONDON A British court gave another chance to President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela in a tug of war over about $2 billion of gold stored at the Bank of England in a contentious case that pivots on whom Britain recognizes as the South American countrys leader. In the ruling, the Court of Appeal set aside a decision by the High Court in July that had denied Mr. Maduros administration access to the gold reserves on the basis that the British government recognized the opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuelas president. Mr. Maduro has promised to sell about $1 billion of the bullion to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. According to the official tally in Venezuela, at least 650 people out of a population of about 30 million have died of the coronavirus, but the true scope of the pandemic is nearly impossible to determine: Most who die with Covid-19 symptoms are never included in the official statistics, and doctors and journalists who have questioned the government figures say they have been threatened. Even before the coronavirus struck, Venezuelas economy was in ruins and its health care system in tatters. The NYPD failed to issue a single fine after 500 people gathered in a warehouse in Brooklyn on Monday to watch a Jewish play in one of the neighborhoods currently experiencing a concerning uptick in coronavirus cases. Police told CBS New York that they did not intervene to break up the event in Borough Park as it was a religious gathering, despite pictures from inside the venue showing many not wearing masks and children performing close to each other on stage. The fire department later cut the padlocks off the warehouse and replaced them with their own citing safety issues in the hall, City Hall said, but the move will also prevent the play from continuing throughout the rest of the week. It came as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered hundreds of schools in nine NYC zip codes, including Borough Park, to close amid the worrying rise in COVID-19 cases. Pictures from inside the warehouse showed people crowded together on stage Images from inside the venue showed a lack of social distancing with hundreds gathered The positivity rate in Borough Park on Monday was 8.31 percent, far above the city's average of 1.83 percent. It has remained over three percent for more than a week. Despite the rise in cases, hundreds gathered together at the warehouse Monday for the Jewish holiday Sukkot and watched a play performed by children aged between 10 and 13 years old. 'We had a play for a couple of hundred kids and they did buy tickets for it, but only a certain number because you're only allowed to let a certain number of people in,' Heshy Tischler, an activist in the Jewish Orthodox community, told the New York Post. He said that a permit was originally acquired to hold an outdoor carnival in honor of the holiday but that officials had asked them to host the celebration 'on private property' because of the outbreaks. 'So instead we made a play, a religious play, for the young children,' he said The NYPD confirmed that the event kept to the restrictions regarding indoor religious gatherings by 'operating at 50% capacity which is allowed'. The venue can hold up to 2,000 people. However, the restriction also requires that social distancing, mask wearing and other coronavirus guidelines are maintained. According to CBS, FDNY found few people with masks on when they arrived after a report of an overcrowding condition. Firefighters arrived at around 3pm Monday, three hours into the event, to look at the sprinkler system and according to Tischler, called the NYPD when they saw the large gathering. While the NYPD responded, the event was not shut down and officers handed out masks to children who did not have their face covered. The NYPD arrived and handed out masks but did not close down the event The religious gathering was in this warehouse in Borough Park, Brooklyn The religious gathering was attended by 500 people but remained at 25 percent capacity Officers left the scene at around 6.30pm, the Post reports, and did not take another further action. The FDNY issued several summons and violations after the event over fire safety issues in the warehouse. 'We'd heard the performance at this theater was scheduled to go on for several more nights this week, and we're going to make sure that doesn't happen,' a City Hall spokesman told the Post. Tischler hit out at the response and claimed that law enforcement were wrong to interrupt the event. The activist has been an outspoken opponent to what he says is an attack on the Orthodox Jewish community and last week interrupted a press conference held by city officials aimed at spreading awareness about coronavirus and its risks in the neighborhood. 'They're walking around torturing this neighborhood for no reason,' he said. 'We just wanted to give the kids something nice.' 'Mr de Blasio, executive idiot, you're going to get it, we're going to come after you, we're going to watch you,' he added of the NYC mayor. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a warning Monday about large religious gatherings NYPD left the warehouse without issuing any fines despite the hundreds gathered Children were seen without masks as they emerged from the warehouse Monday De Blasio hit back, however, stating that events of this scale should not be happening as he pushed for businesses within the affected zip codes to be close. 'There never should have been a gathering like that and the folks who did it did something harmful and that has to be addressed,' he said, according to ABC 7 NY. De Blasio's call for business shutdowns in the nine zip codes was refused by Cuomo Monday but the governor did agree to shut down the schools. Nearly 100 public schools and 200 private schools are impacted by the shutdown which began Tuesday. They will remain closed for at least two weeks and maybe as long as a month, depending on how long the zip codes remain over three percent positivity. The decision was made despite only two positive cases coming from 1,300 tests conducted in 35 schools in these neighborhoods. 'I obviously deeply, deeply wanted to see our schools open and stay open, but for these particular zip codes, the right thing to do is to take them down for a period of time,' the mayor said. 'Hopefully in a matter of weeks they'll be right back up.' School buses are seen parked in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Borough Park on Tuesday as the first day of the closures begins. It is one of nine zip codes hit by the shutdown Hasidic males with facemasks, walk past a closed public school in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Borough Park on Tuesday. Schools closed in the zip code under orders from city officials after the neighborhood experienced a troubling rise in coronavirus cases The nine areas hit with school closures this week, all in Brooklyn or Queens, have all have a positivity rate above three percent in the past week. The city's average daily positivity rate must remain before five percent to remain open. Many of the areas hit by the recent spikes are home to sizeable Jewish Orthodox populations. Those areas represent 7 percent of the city's population but have been responsible for more than 20 percent of all new infections over the past four weeks. Many religious schools in these neighborhoods resumed in-person classes in early September. Gov. Cuomo met with Orthodox Jewish leaders on Tuesday but said he wanted to make clear that the coronavirus guidelines apply to people of all faiths. He put religious institutions on notice as he announced the school closures Monday, threatening to shut down temples and churches following 'super-spreader' mass gatherings that he said 'have been going on for weeks'. 'The state is going to take over enforcement oversight in all the hot spot clusters,' Cuomo said. POSITIVE TEST RATES: As of Monday, the statewide infection rate was at 1.01 percent. The average positive test rate in these hotspot neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn is at 5.5 percent which as led to school closures in these areas from Tuesday CASE RATE PER 100,000: The number of new COVID-19 cases is rising in pockets of the city, predominantly in neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens that are home to the city's large Orthodox Jewish population. Gov. Cuomo has threatened to shut down religious gatherings The governor believes that non-essential businesses and public spaces in the hot spots should also close but that the state would come up with a better plan than closures by zip code. 'A zip code is not the best basis to make these decisions,' Cuomo said. 'A zip code is designed for postal service. It has no relevance to stopping a health pandemic. We have better data. We have data that goes down to the address level. You can find out exactly where people live who tested positive and draw the geographic template around that area.' New York faced one of the nation's earliest and most devastating outbreaks of the coronavirus in the spring but has since managed to largely curtail its spread. As of Monday, the statewide infection rate was at 1.01 percent. Cuomo and de Blasio have repeatedly squabbled over government responses to the spread of COVID-19. Cuomo again chastised de Blasio on Monday for what he said was lackluster enforcement of social distancing rules. The emphasis on the Orthodox communities in the schools closures rankled many of their members, even as civic and religious leaders acknowledged the dangers posed by the new outbreak and urged compliance with guidelines. The announcement of de Blasio's plan was made on Sunday - the second day of Judaism's Sukkot holiday when Orthodox Jews would not be using telephones or computers and thus wouldn't have heard the news until sundown. 'Announcing this in the middle of a Jewish holiday shows City Hall's incompetence and lack of sensitivity towards the Jewish Community,' tweeted Daniel Rosenthal, a state Assembly member from Queens. The best thing about Google phones is the advanced camera software that delivers better image quality than the camera hardware would suggest. Pretty soon, you wont even need to buy a Pixel to get the benefits of Googles computational photography Night mode and HDR are coming to Android Go phones. Night mode will arrive first, it is already rolling out to the Nokia 1.3, Wiko Y61 and Y81 (more phones soon). It takes a burst of photos (without a flash) and merges them into a single bright, sharp photograph. HDR will be added to the Camera Go application later this year. It will probably not be as capable as HDR+ on the Pixels, remember that the Nokia 1.3 only has basic DSP in its Qualcomm 215 chipset. Still, these updates the sub-100 Go phone will be producing better photos at any time of day. HOERSHOLM, Denmark, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Visiopharm, the Denmark-based leader in artificial intelligence-driven image analysis, tissue mining, and precision pathology has announced the formation of its scientific advisory board (SAB), comprised of industry experts in digital pathology, quality assessment, oncology, and immunology. AI-driven Digital Precision Pathology is still a relatively new discipline. Compared to many other battle-tested modalities for diagnostics and research, there has been far less time and influx of resources for research and validation. It will take time, resources, and the sharpest scientific minds to unfold the true potential of this new technology, which has a great promise to fill an unmet need for precision medicine in cancer diagnostics. "Collaborations within the framework of Scientific Advisory Boards is just one of many ways academia and industry can begin to work constructively together to explore, develop and document this new technology and its potential applications in the development of new drugs and companion diagnostic biomarkers. We are excited to be working with the scientific leaders in our field, under the leadership of Dr. Ralf Huss. And we look forward to contributing to the further advancement of AI-driven precision pathology within this forum," stated Michael Grunkin, CEO of Visiopharm. Chaired by Ralf Huss M.D., Ph.D., certified Pathologist, professor of pathology, and managing deputy director of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics at the University Hospital in Augsburg, Germany, the SAB is composed of ten additional luminaries that have extensive industry experience and bring world-class international expertise. Ralf Huss, states: "The creation of a Scientific Advisory Board is great next step to leverage Visiopharm's capabilities on how we practice pathology now and in the future on the highest level of clinical and scientific excellence with consistent and reliable quality. The SAB will steer Visiopharm's solutions to improve cancer diagnostics, and given the complexity of tissue, find novel insights that are assisted by digital and AI-supported solutions." The members of Visiopharm's SAB are as follows: Marylin Bui M.D. Ph.D., Senior Member in the Department of Pathology and Scientific Director of Analytic Microscopy Core of Moffitt Cancer Center. Professor and Director of the Cytopathology Fellowship at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA. Andrew Dodson, Director UK NEQAS Immunocytochemistry and In Situ Hybridisation (ICC & ISH), London/UK. James L. Gulley, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.P., Chief Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Head Immunotherapy Group, GMB, Director Medical Oncology Service, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda/Maryland, USA. David Harrison Ph.D., Professor of Pathology at the University of St. Andrews, UK, Director of iCAIRD. Anne-Vibeke Lnkholm M.D., Clinical Research Professor and Senior Pathologist at Nstved-Slagelse Hospital, Nstved, Denmark. Prof. Dr. med. Holger Moch, Director Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Elfriede Noner, Head of Immunoanalytics, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany. Anil Parwani M.D. Ph.D., Professor of Pathology, Vice Chair and Director of Anatomical Pathology, Director of the Digital Pathology, OSU, Columbus/Ohio, USA. Bert Van der Vegt M.D. Ph.D., Histopathologist, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands. Mogens Vyberg M.D., Professor of clinical pathology at the University of Aalborg, Copenhagen, Denmark. The SAB will work with Visiopharms leadership team to provide scientific review and high-level advice to the R&D pipeline. The SAB will be involved in strategic discussions for research and pre-clinical solutions as well as the upcoming next-generation Precision Pathology tools for cancer diagnostics. With plans to accelerate diagnostic product development and establish global regulatory programs, the board will also guide these key initiatives. Adrian Arechiga, Chief Marketing Officer at Visiopharm, commented, "The newly established SAB is an important step for the exciting future development of our research and diagnostic programs. The board members are pioneers in pathology, cancer research, and immunology, bringing unprecedented expertise, skills, and leading scientific perspectives that will guide Visiopharms ambitious growth strategy." About Visiopharm A/S Visiopharm is a world leader in AI-driven Digital Pathology solutions. Visiopharms' pioneering image analysis tools support thousands of scientists, pathologists, and image analysis experts in both academic institutions and the biopharmaceutical industry. AI-based image analysis and tissue mining tools support research and drug development research worldwide, while their CE-IVD APPs support primary diagnostics. With the most advanced and sophisticated artificial intelligence and deep learning, they deliver tissue data mining tools, precision results, and workflows. Visiopharm was founded in 2001 and is privately owned. The company operates internationally with over 900 licenses and countless users in more than 40 countries. Company headquarters are in Denmark's Medicon Valley, with further offices in Sweden, United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. Follow Visiopharm on Linkedin and Twitter. For other news, visit the Visiopharm Newsroom. SOURCE Visiopharm A/S Appointment 6 October 2020 Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah has named its new chef de cuisine at the Japanese signature venue UMI Restaurant. Yosuke Matsuoka will be entrusted with menu development, food presentation and kitchen operations at the upmarket Asian eatery. Bringing 24 years of gastronomic experience to the table, Matsuoka started out as a chef and banquet chef roll in 1996. Less than a decade later he was heading up Japanese and international restaurants across five-star hotels, culminating to an executive chef role at Italy's Grand Hotel Cocumella. For three years, he has set off as head sushi chef at The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai's Wasabi by Morimoto restaurant, awarded as an Asia Top 50 Restaurant in 2017. PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Risk Management Association has named John Sullivan its Academic Market & Assessment Director (AMAD). Sullivan will oversee RMA Executive Education offerings such as the prestigious RMA/Wharton Advanced Risk Management Program, as well as the Association's Credit Risk Certification and other RMA Assessment and Credentialing. He will also serve as the executive staff liaison to the RMA Foundation, which awards scholarships to college students pursuing a career in financial services. Sullivan is taking over as AMAD just as RMA's efforts to prepare the financial industry for the challenges of tomorrow have earned it a spot among the American Society of Association Executives' "100 Associations That Will Save the World." Sullivan's experience includes positions at the Center for Creative Leadership, Darden School of Business, and Duke Corporate Education, where he led project managers and designers in creating, developing, and delivering customized solutions and strategies for clients and program participants across the globe. He has published numerous business and leadership articles and is a former broadcast journalist for CNN. "John has deep experience in learning and development and bringing client-focused solutions to executives and their teams," said RMA Chief Strategy Officer Brian Weiss. "I am confident that he will build on RMA's leading executive education, assessment, and credentialing in a way that will benefit practitioners, their institutions, and the industry." About RMA Founded in 1914, The Risk Management Association is a not-for-profit, member-driven professional association whose sole purpose is to advance the use of sound risk management principles in the financial services industry. RMA promotes an enterprise approach to risk management that focuses on credit risk, market risk, and operational risk. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, RMA has 1,900 institutional members that include banks of all sizes as well as nonbank financial institutions. They are represented in the Association by 18,500 individuals located throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia/Pacific. SOURCE The Risk Management Association Related Links http://www.rmahq.org STOCKHOLM, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Swedish Stena RoRo are experts in building tailored vessels for special needs. The Global Mercy - the world's largest civilian hospital ship - has been a very special project for Stena RoRo, and after several years of design and construction the ship is now soon to be ready and leave the Tianjin Xingang shipyard in northern China. Mercy Ships, the international charity that ordered the vessel, expects it to enter service by the end of 2021, after transport to Africa. Tailored for unique use Stena RoRo has been responsible for the design, the contracting and the construction oversight of the complex vessel. In addition to the Chinese shipyard the project includes several European, American and Asian subcontractors. "We have applied one of our concepts on a ship from the RoPax-class, which are passenger and freighter vessels for international voyages, and modified her into a pure passenger ship with hospital capabilities," says Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo AB. "Instead of a car deck, we've built operating rooms and hospital wards. The ship will have space for about 950 persons with everything needed for both patients and those who work on board, including grade schools and nursery schools for the children of staff." Hospital operations place large and specific requirements, which have affected both the hull design and the layout of the interior. In addition, the ventilation system has been especially adapted and focus has been placed on minimizing vibration and noise. The ship is equipped with large cranes in order to be able to take on containers with provisions, vehicles and other equipment as the ship is to be used for long periods in port. Vital care to the world's poorest Mercy Ships has been providing medical care on ships for more than 40 years. With cooperative agreements by the governments of the beneficiary countries, Mercy Ships hospital ships are in a port in each country for about ten months. Since 2007, the Africa Mercy, a converted train ferry, has made it possible to deliver free medical and dental care to the world's poorest. It is often a case of basic but completely life-changing surgical procedures. The Global Mercy is the organization's first newly built hospital ship and will more than double the capacity of Mercy Ships to deliver aid. Mercy Ships is also contributing to the sustainable construction of the local infrastructure for medical care by training local health professionals. This is why the Global Mercy is equipped with first-class training facilities, including equipment for virtual reality training and other simulations of care and methods for use in environments with limited resources. "It feels very satisfying to be able to contribute with our expertise in this project, which will make such a big and important difference to so many people in the poorest parts of the world. Mercy Ships is doing a fantastic job," says Per Westling, who visited the current hospital ship, the Africa Mercy when she was stationed in Madagascar in 2017. After completion of the ship in the first quarter of 2021, followed by an equipping phase in the Philippines, Mercy Ships expects the Global Mercy to arrive at a port in Africa for its first mission in the latter part of 2021. Several hundred volunteers from all over the world will be involved, who make it all possible through the donation of their time and skills. About the Global Mercy Length: 174 meters Breadth: 28.6 meters Draught: 6.15 meters Gross weight: 37,000 tonnes Deadweight: 4,500 tonnes Total area: 30,000 square meters Photos:1. Global Mercy, exterior2. Global Mercy, interior (operating room) rendering Time lapse: https://youtu.be/S2L5J7MaOZc Per Westling, CEO, Stena RoRo ABTel: +46 31 855154Email: per.westling@stena.com Since 1977, Stena RoRo has led the development of new RoRo and RoRo-passenger concepts (RoPax). We specialize in custom-built vessels, as well as standardized RoRo and RoPax ships. The company leases about fifteen vessels to operators worldwide, both to other Stena companies and third parties. Stena RoRo specializes above all in applying its technical expertise to the design and production of new ships and the conversion of existing ships for delivering tailored transport solutions to its customers. We call this "Stenability". Since 2013, we have been responsible for the design and construction of Mercy Ships' new hospital vessel the Global Mercy - the world's largest civilian hospital ship. www.stenaroro.com About Mercy Ships Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building, and sustainable development to those with little access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 developing countries, providing services valued at more than $1.7 billion and directly benefitting more than 2.8 million people. Our ships are crewed by volunteers from over 50 nations, with an average of over 2000 volunteers each year. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills. With 16 national offices and an Africa Bureau, Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations. For more information click on www.mercyships.org This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/stena-roro/r/world-s-largest-civilian-hospital-ship-nears-delivery---complex-industrial-project-for-surgical-care,c3210962 The following files are available for download: Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, has announced Work.com for vaccines at a time the world is preparing to deliver one of the largest mass vaccination campaigns in human history. Salesforce expertise will be put to test as managing the process of safely distributing effective Covid-19 vaccines to potentially billions of people will be extremely challenging. Building on Salesforce Work.com, which is already deployed by cities, states and companies around the world to help make their workplaces and communities safe, Work.com for Vaccines will help governments and healthcare organisations more safely and efficiently manage vaccine programmes at scale. With Work.com for Vaccines, customers will be able to design, build, integrate and manage their vaccine programmes end-to-end, with a platform that is trusted, flexible and can be deployed quickly. There will be many challenges to manage complex vaccine administration from start to finish. Demand for vaccines will likely be greater than initial supply, delivery and logistics issues could lead to supply chain interruptions and health agencies will need to quickly determine eligibility prioritisation. Once the vaccine is ready to be administered, a mass outreach, coordination and scheduling campaign will be needed. Organisations will also need a process to monitor peoples outcomes and experiences after receiving the vaccine, which will be critical for helping health agencies and organisations to assess the potential safety and efficacy of their vaccine programme. Technology is going to play a critical role in helping governments and healthcare organisations distribute what promises to be billions of doses of vaccines around the world, said Bret Taylor, President and COO of Salesforce. Were proud to play our part with Work.com for Vaccines, giving organisations the technology they need to safely and efficiently deploy their vaccine programmes at scale, powered by Salesforces trusted Customer 360 platform. As the world moves closer to Covid-19 vaccine availability, governments and healthcare organisations will require a flexible technology platform across vaccine inventory management and administration, appointment scheduling, notifications, outcome monitoring, and more. Organisations around the world already use Work.com for manual contact tracing, emergency response management and other solutions designed to help them work safely. Work.com now will help customers build and scale the following vaccine administration management capabilities to address the next phase of this global pandemic: Public Health Command Centre to provide a single dashboard that gives a comprehensive view of vaccine management data, delivering the ability to make data-driven decisions and take action when needed. Command Centre provides a holistic view into the health status of communities and can display current vaccine and medical product inventory levels and a forecast of potential vaccine needs. Vaccine Inventory Management to help organisations assure the availability and maintenance of adequate vaccine doses, syringes, and PPE stock levels to meet public health needs, accurately forecast demand and help reduce wastage and avoid surpluses that could be deployed elsewhere. Vaccination Appointment Scheduling to help people easily schedule vaccination appointments and perform health assessments with electronic consent capture, while allowing clinicians to determine and prioritise eligibility. Clinical Vaccine Administration to help ensure medical professionals are trained on vaccine administration before delivery and that pre-arrival screenings and approvals have taken place, helping to avoid onsite bottlenecks. AI and data analysis tools also allow agencies to manage community health, log and track administration of the vaccine and analyse community-wide vaccine results monitoring. MONITORING Vaccination Outcome Monitoring to help capture data on peoples experiences, health results and outcomes following their vaccinations. Self-service guided surveys will help people self-report their health outcomes and allow clinicians to quickly follow up with them if a larger health concern in the community is detected. Public Health Notifications to help public health officials curate accurate education and outreach campaigns and rapidly communicate with providers and people via their channel of choice. In addition, they can automate recurring communications, such as reminding someone to come in for their second dose of the vaccine, helping to reduce staff burden. Work.com for Vaccines is the latest way in which Work.com can help organisations, workplaces and schools around the world build trust and safety with customers. Work.com is a suite of solutions and resources to help businesses and leaders support the health and wellbeing of their employees, customers and their communities with technology for employee wellness, shift management, manual contact tracing and more. Work.com brings together the full power of Salesforce Customer 360, health experts, business leaders and the Salesforce partner ecosystem to manage relationships with both customers and employees to meet the new expectations of today and be better prepared for the future. PRICING AND AVAILABILITY Work.com for Vaccines consists of existing Salesforce Customer 360 products, which can be extended by customers to build and scale their vaccine administration programmes. Pricing is based upon the unique requirements of each public agency or private healthcare organisation. Customers may include government agencies that go beyond public health coordination. -- Tradearabia News Service Protestors in Dhaka chant slogans demanding justice for what they say are rising incidents of rape and sexual violence in Bangladesh, Oct. 6, 2020. A second day of protests rocked Bangladesh as people took to the streets Tuesday to demand justice for sexual assault after a video posted online on Sunday showed a group of men stripping, beating and raping a woman with an object in southern Noakhali district. In the video of the brutal 30-minute attack, which was filmed by one of the perpetrators early last month, the woman can be seen being kicked and stomped on as she crawls naked on the floor while begging to be left alone, according to a BenarNews journalist who viewed the footage. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told a press briefing on Tuesday that police had arrested six people accused of the Noakhali crime since Sunday. Still, hundreds of protestors in Dhaka marched towards the prime ministers office on Tuesday demanding Khans resignation for his failure to stop rising crimes against women. Protestors and police scuffled, with each side accusing the other of provoking violence. Police attacked us unprovoked. At least 10 people from the anti-rape rally have been injured, as police beat us indiscriminately, Anik Roy general secretary of Bangladesh Students Union, told BenarNews. In a statement released Tuesday, Amnesty International said the video contained truly disturbing footage as the human rights watchdog group demanded that Bangladeshi authorities ensure swift justice to the victim and urgently reform the judicial system. There can be no excuses here the Bangladeshi authorities must immediately launch a thorough and impartial investigation and bring those responsible for this vicious attack to justice through fair trials without recourse to the death penalty, Sultan Mohammed Zakaria, South Asia researcher at Amnesty International, said in a statement. Before it was taken down on Monday after a court order, the Noakhali video was widely viewed on social media, renewing outrage in a country already reeling from the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old girl late last month in Sylhet, a northern city. During the last week, police arrested eight members of the student wing of the ruling Awami League party as suspects in the crime and charged them with rape. According to one opposition leader, the authorities consistently fail to enforce the law, which then makes women fearful of reporting rapes and sexual assault. The local authorities in Noakhali had no clue about the incident for 32 days because the victim didnt have the courage to file a complaint with the police, said Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, senior joint secretary general of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, referring to the incident, which police said took place on Sept. 2. How will citizens live in such a country? Urgent reform is needed Local activists and rights groups say violence against women is increasing in Bangladesh. As many as 975 women were raped including 208 gang rapes between January and September this year, according to Ain-O-Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights organization in Bangladesh, which said it complied its information based on newspaper reports. By comparison, an ASK annual report published in December said there were 1,413 incidents of rape in all of 2019, local media reports said, adding this was double the 2018 number. Rights groups and Amnesty International faulted the criminal justice system for the impunity enjoyed by those who commit sexual assault. In the vast majority of these cases, the justice system fails to hold the perpetrators responsible, they said. The persistent failure to protect victims and witnesses is also a major source of concern, with women fearing stigmatization and not feeling safe reporting the crimes committed against them, Amnesty International said. Women in Bangladesh are being failed by a criminal justice system that puts them at greater risk, Amnestys Zakaria said. The Noakhali videos footage demonstrates the shocking violence that Bangladeshi women are routinely being subjected to, he said. Urgent reform is needed to strengthen how these cases are investigated, to support and protect victims and witnesses, and to speed up the painfully slow trial process. One group also blamed religious fundamentalism for the rise in crimes against women. Delay in delivery of justice in the cases is a main problem, Maleka Begum, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (the Womens Council of Bangladesh), told BenarNews. Anti-women politics and religious dogma, which want to keep women confined or veiled, has flourished. This is another major reason for the increase in assaults on women. No Negligence The home minister on Tuesday defended law enforcement agencies. Police have arrested all the accused in the case in Sylhet, while six accused in the Noakhali incident which showed extreme barbarism, were also arrested, Khan said. There is no negligence of law enforcing agencies as they acted promptly and strongly. All the criminals will surely get the maximum punishment as per the law, the minister added. Police in Noakhali also said they had acted promptly after seeing the video posted online. After the video was posted on Sunday, police rescued the victim who lodged two cases, one under Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act [2000] and the other under Pornography Control Act, on Sunday evening, Alamgir Hossain, police chief of Noakhali district, told journalists. However, Amnesty International cited 2001-July 2020 data from the governments One-Stop Crisis Center, between 2001 and July 2020, which shows that only 3.56 percent of cases filed under the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act 2000 Act have resulted in a court judgment and only 0.37 percent of cases have ended with convictions. The rights group also said that Naripokkho, a local womens rights organization, had examined the incidents of reported rape cases in six districts between 2011 and 2018 and found that out of 4,372 cases, only five people were convicted. The incidence of Covid-19 in Laois, Offaly is higher in early October than when the two counties were placed under the equivalent of Level 3 restrictions in August while the rate is lower Kildare which endured longer restrictions at the end of summer. The number of cases per 100,000 people is viewed as one of the key yardsticks used by health authorities and Government to measure the spread of the virus. On August 7 NPHET member and disease spread expert Prof Philip Nolan outlined the situation facing the three counties. "As outlined by the Acting Chief Medical Officer at the press conference last night, the 14-day incidence per 100,000 population in Kildare, Laois and Offaly is worryingly high. While the national incidence stands at 16.3 per 100,000, in Kildare it stands at 130.3, in Laois it is 69.7 and in Offaly, it is 89.8," he said. There had been 150 new confirmed infections in Kildare in the two weeks to August 8 when there were 55 in Laois and 36 in Offaly. The restrictions lasted two weeks in Laois and Offaly and were not lifted until August 31 in Kildare. Nearly two months on the three counties are heading back into the same level of restrictions. The latest Health Protection Surveillance Report (HSPC) two-week report shows that Laois has an incidence of 88.6 per 100 k. Kildare is at 93.5 but Offaly now has the highest incidence at 100.1 per 100,000 people. From September 21 to October 4, Laois has had 75 new cases while 78 have emerged in Offaly. Kildare, at 108, has had fewer new cases than the total it recorded in the two weeks before the August restrictions. The new HSPC report also shows that the national average per 100,000 is 114.3 and there have been 5,441 new cases since September 21. The total number of cases in Laois up to October 4 was 497. In Offaly, the figure is 754 while Kildare has recorded 2,663 Covid-19 infections. Laois, Offaly and Kildare have been held up by the Taoiseach Micheal Martin and other politicians as examples of counties where restrictions worked. Mr Martin specifically mentioned them when announcing Level 3 restrictions for Dublin. "Our objective is clear. We must reduce the spread of the disease, stabilise the situation nationally, and bring Dublin back into line with the rest of the country within the next three weeks. We did it before with Laois, Offaly and Kildare and we can do it again," he said. Since then the virus has spread around Ireland and caused NPHET to recommend a Level 5 lockdown. The Government rejected this and Mr Martin announced that all counties would go into Level 3. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly described the measures taken in Laois, Offaly and Kildare as Level 3 after the Taoiseach's announcement. The government on Tuesday removed export curbs on N-95 masks, to promote outbound shipments of the product. The export policy of N-95/FFP-2 masks or its equivalent is amended from restricted to free category, making all types of masks freely exportable, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification. In August, a monthly export quota of 50 lakh units was fixed for N-95/FFP2 masks or its equivalent for issuance of export licences to eligible applicants. Irelands' biggest trade union wants students at third level continue to learn from home until 2021 to relieve stress on themselves and staff caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. SIPTU representatives have called for clarity concerning Covid-19 guidelines. SIPTU's Education Sector Organiser is Karl Byrne says the current remote learning must continue until Christmas. On foot of the concerns being raised by NPHET recommendations and the Covid-19 outbreaks being experienced in the third level institutions in other countries it is time for the Government to make a clear decision concerning the sector that will bring us up to the Christmas break. At the present time the uncertainty and shifting approaches are damaging to third level workers and students. The SIPTU Education Sector is therefore calling for the continuation of online teaching and learning until the Christmas break. We contend this will relieve excessive stress levels on both staff and students and provide much-needed clarity for the sector. We also believe this approach is in the best interests of the wider fight against the spread of Covid-19 in the community. "Our members in the sector have endured an extremely tense summer preparing for the current academic year. The constant uncertainty around the application of public health advice has exacerbated their many genuine concerns. We can no longer just deal with this in two to three-week blocks. What is required is a medium to long term plan for the sector, he said. A pregnant woman prepares to travel to a health facility in Ikorodu, Lagos. Credit: Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas Despite a 30% drop in global maternal deaths from 1990 to 2015, 280,000 women still die annually due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Sixty-six percent of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. It is well established that timely access to critical maternal health services can reduce deaths of pregnant women by 15-50%. However, travel to reach hospitals that can provide this critical service remain a huge challenge for many pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. It is an even greater challenge in a megacity, like Lagos, Nigeria. The challenges of emergency travel In a study published in the journal Reproductive Health in March 2020, we explored in granular details the travel of pregnant women in emergency situations in Lagos. In it, we interviewed 47 pregnant women who presented at public hospitals in emergency situations, and 11 of their relatives. We found that pregnant women are often faced with conundrums on "when," "where" and "how" to reach hospitals when in an emergency. While the decision-making is a shared activity among all women, the available options vary depending on their socioeconomic status. Women preferred to travel to hospitals deemed to have "nicer" health workers, even if these were farther from home. Some women reported changing their course of travel because of connections with influential people at specific hospitals. Indeed, women, especially those of higher socioeconomic status, felt that they needed the perceived advantage that it provides. For them, this was a way of guaranteeing the quality of care they would receive. Most women used some form of motorized transportthree or four wheelers, which was either privately owned, borrowed from family or friend, or publicly available. However, motorcycles were quite commonly used, especially for those in remote areas and areas prone to significant traffic. The experiences of pregnant women Irrespective of the choices that pregnant women made, their socioeconomic status or previous birthing experience, many women still reported facing significant challenges in traveling to hospitals. Though they faced varied challenges during the daytime and nighttime. Women in our study reported they spent between 5 minutes and 4 hours to reach hospitals. They also reported that the heavy traffic combined with poor road conditions increased their travel time by two to six times. However, the extent to which the experience impacted on their ability to reach facilities depended on their capacity to make their own choices and support systems. For the urban poor in particular, increases in travel time was a strong deterrent to seeking maternal health services. Mother and Child Centre (MCC) Isolo is one of the specialised public hospitals that pregnant women in emergency situations try to reach in Lagos. Credit: Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas Referral barriers between facilities further prolonged delays, with many women left alone to find their way. Even when an ambulance service is available, it did not always guarantee quicker transit time. This was mostly because other road users did not give way to ambulances. For night travel, security concerns were reported. However, no woman specifically reported this as part of their experience. Also, travel fares were significantly higher at night. This was seen as a form of exploitation especially for women who already found day fare rates as prohibitive. In a 2017 study published in the Journal of Public Health in Africa, while the state government believed that hospitals with capacity to provide critical maternal health services have been strategically located across the state, several women reported difficulty in accessing facilities. Efforts needed to improve travel experiences Our research findings add credence to the challenges that women face in reaching hospitals in this megacity. These challenges force many pregnant women, rich and poor, to take risks when in emergency situations. Indeed, the experience of travel in Lagos fits the title of the first Mexican telenovela to be shown on Nigerian television, The Rich also Cry (known in Spanish as Los ricos tambien lloran). Efforts need to be put in place to improve the travel experiences of women. While significant road-infrastructural improvements will be helpful to all aspects of state development, this will probably be cost-intensive. Leveraging existing structures, such as establishing partnerships with specific taxi companies and tricycles, might offer a cost-effective and quick gains. However, the partial ban of tricycles in Lagos may need to be reconsidered, before this can be viable option. Indeed, tricycle riders and private taxi drivers can be trained on proper transfer of women in situations of emergency and integrated into the referral process. Also, campaign for attitudinal change of drivers, as it relates to giving way for ambulances will be a helpful measure. However, this needs to be supported by legislation to ban misuse of such rights by ambulance drivers, ensuring that the siren is only used in emergency situations. If the global goal remains to "leave no one behind", then reaching hospitals in emergency situations for pregnant women should not be left to chance. Created in 2007 to accelerate and share scientific knowledge on key societal issues, the AXA Research Fund has been supporting nearly 650 projects around the world conducted by researchers from 55 countries. To learn more, visit the site of the Axa Research Fund or follow on Twitter @AXAResearchFund Explore further During outbreak, most pregnant women had high Zika awareness More information: A. Paxton et al. The evidence for emergency obstetric care, International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (2005). A. Paxton et al. The evidence for emergency obstetric care,(2005). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2004.11.026 This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Lucknow: In order to ensure the fitness of police personnel in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government is planning to take strict action against heavy weight and unfit policemen. The state government is preparing a list of policemen who are unfit so that action can be taken against them. The Yogi government has ordered the identification of policemen weighing more than 80 kg. This step is taken to ensure that the Uttar Pradesh Police personnel keep their body fit to put out the best work. However, the unfit police personnel will be given a particular time period to improve their physical fitness. Failing to do so the UP government will take action against them. There are strict fitness guidelines for soldiers in the forces and paramilitary. But in the case of policemen, there seems to be no fitness guideline leading to an increase in the number of unfit and heavyweight policemen. Earlier, on the instructions of the Yogi government, the UP DGP office has asked all the District Police Headquarters to prepare a list of personnel who have crossed 50 years of age. Your property tax deduction. Oil rigs off the Jersey Shore. Funding for the Gateway Tunnel. Donald Trump and Joe Biden have wide differences on policies, and theres a lot riding for New Jersey based in who wins the White House. Former Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the family of his childhood friend Jonathan Price, an unarmed Black man who was killed by police in Texas over the weekend. As of Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe page had raised more than $70,000 for Prices family. The donations will go toward Prices memorial and funeral, the page says. Just being able to take this burden off of the mourning familys hands is the least we can do, the page says. According to a CBS affiliate in Texas, Price intervened to help a woman out of a domestic violence situation. The report said the situation escalated between Price and the womans abuser, but had calmed down by the time police arrived. Officer Shaun David Lucas attempted to detain Price, police said told CNN. When Price walked away, Lucas used a TASER then fatally shot him, the report said. Whats really sickening is that he was doing the right thing... he saw a man putting his hands on a woman and stepped in to stop the altercation, Middlebrooks said in a tweet. The man then fought him... then the police shot him. He was unarmed. Im heartbroken Whats really sickening is that he was doing the right thing... he saw a man putting his hands on a woman and stepped in to stop the altercation. The man then fought him... then the police shot him. He was unarmed. Im heartbroken. https://t.co/9eaUUbz3Il Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) October 4, 2020 Lucas was arrested Monday and was charged with murder. Oil received additional help from the start of evacuations from oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of the expected arrival of Hurricane Delta, according to analysts. Photo: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Oil prices have been gaining following sweeping market optimism on the prospects for a US stimulus plan. Brent crude jumped at least 0.1% on Tuesday to around $41 (31.63) a barrel in early trading in London. The crude oil spot price also advanced by 0.1% in early trading to around $39 a barrel. Brent crude jumped as market sentiment rebounded following news that the US president returned to the White House and renewed stimulus plans. Chart: Yahoo Finance UK Oil prices raced higher overnight, as a combination of tailwinds combined to lift prices off the bottom of their one-month ranges, said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA said in a note. He added that oil received additional help from a widening strike by oil workers in Norway and the start of evacuations from oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of the expected arrival of Hurricane Delta. US president Donald Trump also left hospital on Monday night after experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, which also contributed to overall optimism. Yet, the real news markets were focused firmly on US House speaker Nancy Pelosi and US Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin speaking for an hour on Monday on the justifications for various numbers in potential stimulus deals and agreed to continue talks on Tuesday. This suggests that the two sides are working to bridge the ideological divide between the offers from the White House and the Democrats. READ MORE: Markets open higher as US stimulus and election fears settle The US president also tweeted over the weekend that a stimulus bill needs to get done. Yet, one should not get sucked into a false dawn said Halley, suggesting that the rally might be short-lived. Extraneous factors are lifting oil prices with nothing structurally changed on the supply/demand equation for global markets, he said. The ramping up of COVID-19 restrictions could undermine demand in major economies, Hurricane Delta and president Trumps health taking a turn for the worse are among the looming factors to consider. Being Long Brent near $44 a barrel, or WTI near $42 a barrel, is likely to be a painful trade, he said. That said, for nimble traders, they are possible; just don't fall in love with your position there. Story continues COVID-19 worries are a further concern as re-opening plans around the world remain unclear, including New York Governor Andrew Cuomo saying New York City schools in viral hot spots will close on Tuesday and Ireland considering a return to full lockdown. WATCH: Cineworld shutting down operations - Merck out-licenses promising clinical-stage program to Novartis - Anti-ADAMTS5 Nanobody program is Phase II-ready with novel MoA which could protect against cartilage damage and reduce joint pain - Merck receives upfront payment of 50 million with the potential of receiving a further 400 million related to delivering on certain development and commercial milestones Not intended for UK and US based media DARMSTADT, Germany, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced that it has entered into an out-licensing agreement with Novartis, for the development of M6495, an anti-ADAMTS5 Nanobody for the potential treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). The Phase II-ready program represents potential for a disease modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD). M6495 is being developed with the aim to be self-administered via subcutaneous injections to maintain structural integrity of knee joint and reduce pain. "With this deal we have found the right solution for this asset designed to present an innovative mechanism of action for the potential treatment of osteoarthritis, as we prioritize our pipeline to deliver the greatest impact for patients across our internal areas of expertise," says Luciano Rossetti, Head of Global Research & Development for the Biopharma business of Merck. "This agreement underscores our commitment to ensure this molecule, which has promise in many different types of OA, makes it to patients as quickly as possible." As part of the agreement, Merck will out-license to Novartis the Phase II-ready asset M6495 for further evaluation in OA patients. Merck will receive an upfront payment of 50 million with the potential of receiving a further 400 million related to delivering on certain development and commercial milestones and royalties on future net sales. Novartis will assume full responsibility for the development and commercialization of the M6495 program. Two Phase I studies were completed with M6495: one study in healthy volunteers demonstrated M6495 safety and tolerability and a meaningful reduction of ARGS (a neoepitope from cleaved aggrecan, found in the synovial fluid and serum of OA patients) levels at single doses (n=54); one study targets inhibition of ARGS with dosing every other week in OA patients. Novartis will continue to characterize M6495 in future studies with the goal of bringing it to market for osteoarthritis patients. M6495 was originally jointly developed by Merck and Ablynx (now Ablynx, a Sanofi company) as part of a joint discovery and development agreement in 2011; the asset was later solely developed by Merck up until the out-licensing agreement with Novartis. Merck in Neurology and Immunology Merck has a long-standing legacy in neurology and immunology, with significant R&D and commercial experience in multiple sclerosis (MS). The company's current MS portfolio includes two products for the treatment of relapsing MS, with a robust pipeline focusing on discovering new therapies that have the potential to modulate key pathogenic mechanisms in MS. Merck aims to improve the lives of those living with MS, by addressing areas of unmet medical needs. The company's robust immunology pipeline focuses on discovering new therapies that have the potential to modulate key pathogenic mechanisms in chronic diseases such as MS and systemic lupus erythematosus. All Merck Press Releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the Merck Website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service. About Merck Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 57,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices the company is everywhere. In 2019, Merck generated sales of 16.2 billion in 66 countries. Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck's technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1136775/Merck_Logo.jpg Your Contacts Media Relations [email protected] Phone: +49 151 1454 6328 Investor Relations [email protected] Phone: +49 6151 72-3321 SOURCE Merck YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Several Smerch multiple rocket launcher rockets fired by the Azerbaijani armed forces at Stepanakert City have struck and exploded next to the Stepanakert Office of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the foreign ministry of Artsakh said on social media. The capital of Artsakh - Stepanakert Citys civilian population is under a renewed Azerbaijani rocket attack on October 6. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have no plans to be with Queen Elizabeth II this Christmas, a report has claimed. Two months before Christmas time, Prince Harry and Meghan have reportedly already planned how they will celebrate the holiday season. This time, again, it does not include the Queen and the royal family. According to The Mirror, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex want to hold their own Christmas celebration in Los Angeles. Moreover, the couple allegedly only invited Prince Harry's "surrogate" father, David Foster, and his wife Katharine McPhee. "Meghan very much wants to host the first Christmas at their new home with her mum," the insider claimed. Initially, Foster and McPhee were said to be the first ones to offer to host the event in their home. However, the Duchess of Sussex suggested that she and Harry should accommodate them this time instead. New Home for the Sussexes To recall, earlier this August, Prince Harry and Meghan made headlines after buying and moving into their own U.S. home in Montecito, Santa Barbara. The $14.7 million-worth property includes nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms. Furthermore, a source told People that the parents' decision to buy the property was aimed to providing their 1-year-old son Archie "as normal a life as possible." "They were craving a smaller community and a slower pace," the source close to the couple disclosed. The insider also described their place in Santa Barbara as somewhere "very mellow" and "charming." The area also has the kind of lifestyle the Sussexes' always wanted to have. Now that they are desperate to celebrate on their own, Prince Harry and Meghan are about to break the royal tradition again. For decades, the royal family members always jet to Sandringham to celebrate Christmas with the Queen. Unfortunately, this will mark the second year the family-of-three will celebrate Christmas away from U.K. Last year, they spent the holiday season with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, in Canada. Why Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Won't Return To U.K. Before this alleged snubbing decision emerged, Vanity Fair's Katie Nicholl already unrolled the reasons why the couple does not like to celebrate Christmas with Queen Elizabeth II. Aside from falling in love with their new lives and home in California, the coronavirus pandemic has also affected global travels -- mainly due to restrictions. Moreover, a source told her that the Sussexes want to avoid tensions, especially with Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. "Let's just say that while things are better between Harry and his brother, it's not what it was, and I don't think anyone is ready for a cozy family Christmas right now," Nicholl's insider revealed. Their strained relationship with the royal family members, specifically with Prince William and Kate, invited so many criticisms, and it seems it remains an issue. However, it is noticeable how the rift between the former "Fab Four" quieted down in the past few months. Prince William and Prince Harry are reportedly in talking terms again throughout the lockdown period following the latter's bombshell Megxit. READ MORE: Royal Exit: Meghan Markle Finally Reveals TRUTH About Megxit Official Announcement of the Cruise Planners Forum, Virtually Yours Our travel advisors have proven that they will not only survive this crisis but will thrive and our virtual Cruise Planners Forum event is themed after the reality television competition show, Survivor, showing just how tough they can be as franchise owners, says Michelle Fee, CEO and Founder. Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, signals their travel advisors as they get ready to connect for its first-ever Cruise Planners Forum, Virtually Yours. The two-day event is expected to have one of their largest attendance records as the nations largest network of home-based travel advisors register from all 50 states. Cruise Planners Forum will take place online from December 7- 8 and feature interactive panels with top-industry leaders, exclusive networking opportunities and the unveiling of Cruise Planners newest travel advisor tools. Supporting Its Nationwide Tribe Even before experiencing unprecedented circumstances throughout 2020, Cruise Planners, the nations largest home-based travel agent network, has been active in its ongoing support for Travel Advisors, franchisees clients and the cruise industry as a whole. Recently, Cruise Planners was awarded the first-ever Franchise Partner of the Year by The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), the leading global advocate for travel advisors and the worlds largest association of travel professionals, for its strong partnership and dedication to the travel industry. Cruise Planners Forum is yet another initiative to support its network and further amplify its training and business development pillars. With so many challenges our industry has faced this year, many of us switched to survival mode, said Michelle Fee, CEO and Founder of Cruise Planners. Our travel advisors have proven that they will not only survive this crisis but will thrive and our virtual Cruise Planners Forum event is themed after the reality television competition show, Survivor, showing just how tough they can be as franchise owners. Cruise Planners Forum is focused on providing valuable information with actionable tips to its home-based franchisees by offering exclusive content in an immersive virtual experience, which every advisor can safely attend from anywhere in the world. Included is a comprehensive lineup of industry supplier partners who have been strong supporters of Cruise Planners for the brands 27-year history. Virtually Yours, Survivor Edition Travel Advisors make their way with torches in hand to the tropical virtual island of Cruise Planners. Our goal is to equip our advisors with what they need to be successful and thrive in the ever-changing environment, says Vicky Garcia, COO and co-owner of Cruise Planners. Its in the spirit of Cruisitude that we make this event fun while packing it with industry insights and knowledge our network needs to continue moving forward and guiding their clients to have fun, vacations with their safety in mind. On this island, everyone wins CP Survivors readyGo! As the top-industry leader for home-based travel agencies, Cruise Planners will highlight business development support and resources, discuss how COVID-19 had sped up the pace to find even more efficiencies and activated the network with laser-focused marketing efforts and point the spotlight to preferred suppliers to ready their advisors for when the floodgates open for travel. About Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative Cruise Planners, the nations largest home-based travel advisor franchise network and an American Express Travel Representative, has more than 2,500 franchise owners who independently book vacations and travel experiences for their clients. Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla. since 1994, Cruise Planners supports its network of franchise owners with innovative marketing, booking and technology tools, professional development and training with the industrys top executives. Cruise Planners has been named the No. 1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 16 consecutive years and was on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line, many land vendors and maintains a philanthropic drive earning an International Franchise Association FranTech award for innovation and Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly and The American Society of Travel Advisors first-ever Franchise Partner of the Year. Learn more at http://www.cruiseplanners.com Visit our website, http://www.cruiseplanners.com, for more information or to view the complete list of awards and honors. For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A new research report reveals that 94 individuals with rare inherited immune disorders, otherwise known as primary immunodeficiency (PID), who were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus had similar disease outcomes to the general population. However, admission rates to intensive care tended to be higher in PID patients and the average age of affected patients was lower than in the general population. The study, led by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and KU Leuven, provides information for individuals affected by PIDs, their families and clinicians. The findings also contribute to an understanding of the components of the immune system that underpin an effective coronavirus immune response. "We wanted to find out the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on those individuals with rare immune disorders, a group of patients assumed to be at-risk of severe COVID-19 disease if infected with SARS-CoV-2. As PID patients are so rare, this study was only possible through a large global research collaboration across 50 centers," says Prof Stuart Tangye, leader of the immunity and inflammation research theme at Garvan and senior author of the study. "The findings show that pre-existing immune deficiencies were generally not found to be a significant risk factor as the rate of fatality from COVID-19 was no higher in this group than the general population. Some immune defects even appeared to be protective against the dramatic immune pathology that is frequently seen in severe disease. However, our study suggests younger male patients with PIDs are more likely to endure severe COVID-19 and require ICU admission," says Isabelle Meyts, Professor at KU Leuven, and Clinical lead of the primary immunodeficiency care program at University Hospitals Leuven. The researchers publish the findings in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Inborn errors of immunity The consequences of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus are vastly different across individuals. Some infected people are more at risk than others, including older individuals and those with underlying health conditions. However, little is known about those with pre-existing rare inherited immune disorders. "There has been substantial anxiety within the PID community that their immune condition would result in a more severe clinical outcome should they contract SARS-CoV-2 and develop COVID-19," says Prof Meyts. The researchers invited clinical immunologists from around the world who manage patients with inborn errors of immunity to complete a questionnaire, if their patients had contracted the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Data was collected from patients in the U.S., UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Latin America. Of the 94 reported patients, 25 had mild disease and were treated as outpatients, while 59 (63%) required hospitalization. Of those hospitalized, 13 required non-invasive breathing assistance, and 15 were admitted to intensive care for invasive ventilation. Sadly, nine of the 94 patients passed away from COVID-19 (9.6%), which is within the range of global data of COVID-19 mortality (1-20%). However, admission rates to ICU were higher and the average age was lower in PID-affected patients than in the general population. "Our findings warrant a recommendation for further stringent personal protective measures for patients affected by PIDs," says Prof Meyts. Similar to the general population, adult patients in the study cohort who succumbed to SARS-CoV-2 infection had existing comorbidities, such as heart failure, chronic kidney or lung disease, and diabetes. Searching for genes essential for COVID-19 defense The study further revealed insights for the components of the immune system that may be involved in SARS-CoV-2 immune defense. "More than half the patients we surveyed (56%) had a deficiency in their ability to produce antibodies. Surprisingly, these patients had similar outcomes to the rest of the cohort. And patients who were completely unable to produce antibodies all recovered following infection," says Prof Meyts. The findings also revealed that patients with gene defects that resulted in the body being unable to respond to the pro-inflammatory effects of interleukin 6 (IL-6) developed little or no disease when infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. IL-6 is a signaling molecule released by the body in response to infections, and helps regulate the human immune response. "Our findings suggest that certain forms of immune suppression, which reduce the function of IL-6, are protective against the pathological effects of the cytokine storm frequently observed in patients," says Prof Tangye. The researchers say further studies are needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of which components of the immune system are crucial to a successful coronavirus defense. "We hope such studies will contribute to a greater understanding of COVID-19 disease progression and new therapeutic approaches," says Prof Tangye. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: Isabelle Meyts et al. Coronavirus Disease 2019 in patients with inborn errors of immunity: an international study, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2020). Journal information: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Isabelle Meyts et al. Coronavirus Disease 2019 in patients with inborn errors of immunity: an international study,(2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.09.010 Manish Shukla, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader who was shot dead Sunday night by motorcycle-borne assailants at Titagarh in North 24 Parganas district, used to carry a pistol for personal safety till early this year. He knew that there was a threat to his life, said his father and local JP leaders. The weapons licence was revoked by the police about eight months ago, his father as well as the local BJP Lok Sabha MP, Arjun Singh, said on Monday. Unlike other states, politicians from opposition parties face death threats in West Bengal. My son had to surrender his pistol after the licence was revoked by the Barrackpore police. He never fired a round but the police cancelled the licence without assigning any reason. Attempts were made on his life earlier also, Chandramoni Shukla, father of the slain leader, said. Shukla was not an exception. The police revoked the gun licences of my son and nephew as well. They did not show any reason. This was done to make them vulnerable to threats. We have learnt that Shukla was shot with a 9 mm carbine. These weapons are used by the police, Singh told HT. Singhs son Pawan Singh is the legislator from Bhatpara, which is part of the Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency. Urban development minister Firhad Hakim alleged that Shukla was a victim of conspiracy. He was pressured to join the BJP after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. He was not happy and wanted to return to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He sent feelers to us. Singh is protected by Central security forces. Why wasnt Shukla provided with the same security? I have heard that sharpshooters were brought from another state. Police will get to the bottom of this. Shukla was a favourite leader of mine, said Hakim. Also read: Guv Dhankhar stirs another controversy, says Bengal police trying to cover up BJP leaders murder BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and national secretary Arvind Menon demanded a CBI probe, saying law and order in West Bengal has collapsed and more than 20 BJP workers have been murdered in the last two months. The West Bengal police, however, said that Manish Shukla, who was an outgoing councilor of the Titagarh municipality, faced several charges of murder and attempted murder. The state police also said that his death could be related to personal enmity. A person was shot dead last evening in Titagarh area of Barrackpore. Police is investigating the crime and looking into all possible reasons including personal enmity because the victim was accused in some cases of murder and attempt of murder, tweeted the state police without naming Shukla. Please do not jump on conclusion without proper investigation. Irresponsible comments on social media tantamount to interference in the investigation. Please refrain from this, the state police said in a second tweet. Barrackpore police commissioner Manoj Verma refused to divulge details of the investigation but a senior police officer told HT on condition of anonymity that gun licences of many people in Barrackpore came under the scanner last year. The Arms Act department found that these people had procured the licences from a north eastern state by declaring local addresses in that state as their permanent residence. This is punishable under the Indian Arms Act. Weapons were purchased from gun shops in West Bengal against those licences, the officer said. We are checking the sale records of all gun shops in Kolkata and the districts. This is a big investigation, he added. While the BJP observed a bandh in Titagarh, agitated party workers attacked the police with stones. The police resorted to baton charge and lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the mob. No casualty was reported. Senior BJP leaders and a large number of party workers waited all day outside NRS Hospital in Kolkata where the post-mortem examination on Shuklas body was conducted. The body was handed over to the BJP leaders around 6.45 pm Barrackpore constituency has witnessed numerous incidents of violence and deaths since Singh left the Trinamool Congress and joined the BJP in 2018. He defeated the TMCs sitting MP Dinesh Trivedi in 2019. In July, a professional hitman named Neeraj, who belongs to the gang of Mukhtar Ansari in Uttar Pradesh, was sent to kill me. I came to know of this and informed Union home minister Amit Shah. Last night I lost my brother, Singh told HT. Hakim alleged that it was Singh who brought sharpshooters from other states. He introduced this culture in Barrackpore, Hakim told reporters. Three people were detained by the police on Monday evening for questioning. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The generations of Togolese activists who had fought the dictatorship of Gnassingbe the First hoped his passing would bring an end to the nations tyranny, paving the way for a brighter democratic future. Instead, Mr. Eyademas death, in February 2005, and the election of his son in April led only to horrific violence: Between 400 and 500 people were killed during those months, with thousands more wounded, according to a United Nations report. In response to the arrival of Gnassingbe the Second, a new generation of activists came to the fore. The internet was their most powerful tool, and as internet penetration in Togo grew, so did the democratic resistance movement. I was one of those activists, and like many of my fellow dissidents I have felt empowered in the years since Mr. Gnassingbes rise by the ability to denounce the government its corruption and gangsterism on social media. You may rule over Togo with no accountability, I wrote in a 2014 Facebook post, addressing the administration, but we citizens rule over the internet, and we will hold you accountable. Unfortunately, the Gnassingbe government isnt keen on any form of resistance, whether in the streets or online. (Mr. Gnassingbe was re-elected in 2010 and 2015 amid accusations of fraud by Togos opposition.) In fact, in recent years it has become increasingly obvious that we underestimated the governments ability to adapt its repressive methods to the digital world. In the late summer of 2017, major protests quickly spread across the country in support of the oppositions demands that President Gnassingbe resign and that term limits, abolished by his father in 2002, be reinstated. During the monthslong demonstrations, tens of thousands of protesters chanted Faure Must Go, a slogan coined by an activist movement that I co-founded in 2011 with other young Togolese dissidents living in and outside the country. The Faure Must Go movement relied on decentralized digital organizing, which helped many of us maintain our anonymity, protecting us from direct physical repression by leaders. I see every student for their strengths, their weaknesses, I recognize that every student comes to me with different backgrounds, Krueger said. I found that really getting to know them, they really just want to work hard, they want to do more, they want to be on a team with me, because Im taking the time to get to know them. Horrific suburban story of grief and loss questions hospital policy amid the tragic loss of a woman on the asphalt just outside of the hospital. Read more: The University of Queensland's Dr Stephan Brouwer is helping reveal why scarlet fever is making a comeback. Credit: The University of Queensland A University of Queensland-led team of international researchers says supercharged "clones" of the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes are to blame for the resurgence of the disease, which has caused high death rates for centuries. UQ's Dr. Stephan Brouwer said health authorities globally were surprised when an epidemic was detected in Asian countries in 2011. "The disease had mostly dissipated by the 1940s," Dr. Brouwer said. "Like the virus that causes COVID-19, Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria are usually spread by people coughing or sneezing, with symptoms including a sore throat, fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic scarlet-colored, red rash. "Scarlet fever commonly affects children, typically aged between two and 10 years. "After 2011, the global reach of the pandemic became evident with reports of a second outbreak in the UK, beginning in 2014, and we've now discovered outbreak isolates here in Australia. "This global re-emergence of scarlet fever has caused a more than five-fold increase in disease rate and more than 600,000 cases around the world." Co-author Professor Mark Walker and the team found a variety of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria that had acquired "superantigen" toxins, forming new clones. "The toxins would have been transferred into the bacterium when it was infected by viruses that carried the toxin genes," Professor Walker said. "We've shown that these acquired toxins allow Streptococcus pyogenes to better colonize its host, which likely allows it to out-compete other strains. "These supercharged bacterial clones have been causing our modern scarlet fever outbreaks. "The research team then removed the toxin genes from the clones causing scarlet fever, and these modified 'knock-out' clones were found to be less able to colonize in an animal model of infection." For the time being, scarlet fever outbreaks have been dampened, largely due to public health policy measures introduced to control COVID-19. "This year COVID-19 social distancing has kept scarlet fever outbreaks in check for now," Professor Walker said. "And the disease's main targetchildrenhave been at school less and also spending far less time in other large groups. "But when social distancing eventually is relaxed, scarlet fever is likely to come back. "We need to continue this research to improve diagnosis and to better manage these epidemics. "Just like COVID-19, ultimately a vaccine will be critical for eradicating scarlet feverone of history's most pervasive and deadly childhood diseases." The study has been published in Nature Communications. Explore further Scarlet fever making a comeback A Chinese zoo has welcomed its latest animal stars after a lioness gave birth to four cubs on the country's National Day. The adorable quadruplets love sleeping while snuggling together in their shared incubator, according to a keeper. The litter, three male and one female, were born last Thursday at the Golden Ox Lake Wild Animal Park in Nanjing in eastern China's Jiangsu Province. The adorable quadruplets love sleeping while snuggling together in their shared incubator, according to a keeper. They were born on October 1 at a wild animal park in eastern China The litter, three male and one female, were the latest animal stars at the Golden Ox Lake zoo All of the baby lions measured around 20 centimetres (7.9 inches) in length at birth and weighed about 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds), the zoo said in a post, adding that their health was weak initially. Their mother did not have enough milk, so they were taken to the zoo's animal nursery to be looked after around the clock. The zoo said on Sunday that the cubs' health had improved thanks to the meticulous care provided by its staff, and could meet the public in a few months. A video clip released by the park through its social media account shows one of the quadruplets being held and stroked by a keeper. It also captures the heart-melting moment the four tiny animals caught 40 winks in the same incubator - each of them in a different, adorable posture. A heart-melting video shows the four tiny animals catching 40 winks in the same incubator 'They love sleeping,' said Dong Ling, one of the zoo's workers who was taking care of the four cubs. 'Normally, they sleep for a while then wake up to eat, and then sleep again,' she added One of the zoo's workers named Dong Ling told Chinese video news site Pear that the cubs were in 'good spirits' a day after being born. She said that it was 'rare' to see lion quadruplets because 'most lionesses give birth to one or two cubs'. 'They love sleeping,' Ms Dong added. 'Normally, they sleep for a while then wake up to eat, and then sleep again.' The furry siblings were born on October 1, which was China's National Day as well as the Mid-autumn Festival this year. They have been named Guo Guo, Qing Qing, Zhong Zhong and Qiu Qiu. When put together, their names mean 'National Day' and 'Mid-autumn Festival' - a unique way to celebrate their festive arrival. If you spent any time in your childhood swimming in the sea, theres a fair chance you remember the feeling of being dumped by a wave. For those brief moments in time, your feet lose the ground and mild panic sets in as you battle to discern up from down. Its fair to say for many businesses in the financial services industry, thats exactly how the better part of 2020 has felt. Most of the major banks in the Middle East -traditionally brick-and-mortar institutions - had their hands full trying to reimagine their security measures overnight and ensure their thousands of employees could continue working seamlessly from home. But now that the first wave of disruption has passed and were finding our way back to the surface again, its time for financial institutions to look beyond the initial panic and start focusing on whats next. According to McKinsey, companies that want to excel in the next norm should be paying attention to evolving customer behaviours and how they are likely to impact customer experience in the near term. With this in mind, Aruba Networks has developed a Banking for the New Normal series underpinned by its LAN, WLAN and SD-WAN networking solutions and enhanced with security, automation and analytics, to help banks reinvent their connectivity and the way in which they work. Upping the ante on innovative service delivery When it comes to more innovative service, people are increasingly looking for that always-on experience. Covid-19 has rendered time an even more precious commodity and service providers that dont value their customers time do so at their own peril. If a client has travelled to an ATM, for example, they want to know that service will definitely be available to them. By harnessing the power of integrated analytics, banks can make sure that customers dont end up travelling kilometres to an ATM, only to find its out of service. Instead they can proactively let customers know that ATM is not currently functioning and suggest an alternative. In fact, as part of Arubas offering, banks can access AI-powered analytics, allowing them to automatically detect and solve any number of different issues before they can impact the business. Solutions that speak to social distancing Research shows Covid-19 has normalised physical distancing and peoples need for constant sanitation. In the financial services space, this has translated into customers avoiding bank branches and ATMs where they have to queue with dozens of other people. But here again real-time analytics can enable banks to provide their customers with insights as to how many other people are on site. Backed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Aruba provides edge-line platforms that provide real-time analytics, meaning the bank can notify the customer that there are four ATMs within their vicinity and let them know exactly how many people are currently at each ATM. And there are numerous other ways in which forward-thinking banking institutions can draw on the latest technology to make it safer for consumers to engage their services. IoT-based technology, for example, will be an important focus for banks moving forward because of the growing demand for thermal cameras. While IoT often comes with security concerns - and even more so for those in the banking space -solution providers like Aruba can assist with the secure onboarding of IoT devices which is necessary when it comes to the deployment of thermal cameras, security cameras and the like. Greater convenience key to success Convenience has always been king where customers are concerned, but in a world where people are juggling more stresses and concerns than ever before, convenience is even more critical to success. Luckily, there are many ways in which a financial service provider can use technology to make their customers lives easier. Think of something as simple as alerting a client to the fact that their credit card will soon expire as they walk past an ATM. Again with the right edge-line platforms in place, the bank can access this real-time information and make it easy for the customer to pop into the branch and get a new card. An added advantage of banks having this technology at their fingertips is that they can provide the same connectivity and infrastructure services to their business banking customers as well. In fact as trusted entities with access to the latest and most secure technology, banks can create entirely new revenue streams for themselves by evolving from financial service providers into tech service providers. With some banks expecting profit declines as dramatic as 85%, the ability to draw on technology to source revenue from alternative business models is of paramount importance. And with companies like Aruba packaging these solutions with flexible financing options, the technology is significantly more accessible in the current economic climate. Now that the initial panic and uncertainty around Covid-19 has dissipated, its time for companies in the financial services industry to refocus their attention on whats next. The pandemic has accelerated the demand for technological innovation from consumers and businesses alike, and service providers must ensure they can keep pace with the evolving needs of their customers. About the author Jacob Chacko is Regional Business Head - Middle East, Saudi & South Africa at Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company Surgeon General Jerome Adams went to Hawaii to aid in its coronavirus response and reportedly ended up violating the state's coronavirus policies himself. According to a police citation dated Aug. 23, Adams was spotted in Kualoa Regional Park, which was closed amid the pandemic, Axios reports. Adams told the officer he was there to work with the governor, but was still issued a citation and has a court date set for Oct. 21. Adams was seen "with two other males standing, looking at the view taking pictures," the citation said. He put on his mask once he started to walk back to his car. When the officer confronted Adams, he said he didn't know the park was closed, per the citation. But Adams joined Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell just two days later when he announced Honolulu's parks, beaches, and trails had been and would remain closed. Adams is among tens of thousands of Honolulu residents who have recently faced citations for violating pandemic rules, Honolulu Civil Beat reports. Violators face up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Hundreds of cases have been dismissed, but Adams' is still listed as active on the court system's website, Axios reports. Axios also notes Adams' violation "is very minor," even in comparison to instances where Trump administration officials have violated coronavirus safety protocols. More stories from theweek.com The myth of Mike Pence's appeal Trump is shockingly bad at this Is Joe Biden the Konrad Adenauer of the U.S.? The medical adviser to the prime minister reassured citizens that they do not need to hoard these drugs out of fear of a shortage Egypt has secured enough coronavirus medications to cover the needs of the local market, according to medical adviser to the prime minister Hossam Al-Masry, who reassured citizens that they do not need to hoard these drugs out of fear of a shortage. A report by the cabinets medical affairs secretariat revealed that the Egyptian Drug Authority secured in September about 2.5 million packages of the antibiotic Azithromycin, as well as about 233,000 bottles of this drug, according to a Cabinet statement. Also, about 5.2 million packages of Paracetamol, a medication used to treat fever, and 140,000 bottles of the drug have been secured. The authority has also secured 1.6 million packs of Zinc pills and 3.3 million Vitamin C packs, according to the report. These drugs are included in international protocols for the treatment of coronavirus. Egypt has reported 103,781 coronavirus cases and 5,990 related deaths since the outbreak hit the country in mid-February, according to the Health Ministrys figures. It has also reported 97,398 recoveries. In mid-September, Health Minister Hala Zayed said there have been 10,168 coronavirus patients isolated at home in Egypt, treated under a programme created in July for the treatment of patients in home isolation. In a cabinet meeting on 17 September, Zayed said the home-isolation programme is being implemented in coordination with the World Health Organisation. Search Keywords: Short link: From left to right: Mary Kay Wilburn, Rachel Hall, Karen Yoho, Robin Bishop, Cristine Kirby "Not one person in this office or in the field could do this job alone, it takes a team." The COVID-19 pandemic caused Sam Boak to temporarily close his doors and send employees home. Sam Boak is the president and founder of Boak & Sons, Inc., a residential and commercial exterior contracting company based in Youngstown, Ohio. During the peak of the pandemic, Sam Boak put the safety of his employees first, even though he couldve stayed open as an essential business. Once the company reopened, Boak & Sons received a booming increase in business. So much that Sam Boak needed to grow his administrative staff. The company welcomed five new hires to the team in the late summer of this year; Mary Kay Wilburn, Karen Yoho, Robin Bishop, Rachel Hall and Cristine Kirby. Mary Kay, the first of the new hires, was brought onto Boaks team as an accountant dealing with everything from billing to payroll and much more. Rachel is now on the insulation team, handling scheduling and billing for their incredibly busy insulation department. Yoho and Kirby were both hired as Contract Administrators, helping to oversee the contracting, project documentation, billing and other administrative functions. The newest hire, Robin, was hired in the marketing and business development in the Commercial Roofing and Architectural Metal Sheet Division. The office now consists of 25 employees who handle everything from marketing and accounting to project management and administration. Weve been incredibly blessed throughout such a tough year to be able to continue growing, said Sam Boak. Even with the pandemic, weve been able to keep our employees extremely busy. Im proud to see them working so hard to support each other and the company as a whole, and I know our new hires will help continue those efforts. Boak & Sons has several departments in their office that oversee both the commercial and residential projects from start to finish. The business relies heavily on teamwork and communication. This isnt an easy job in any department, said Chris White, vice president of operations at Boak & Sons, Inc. Not only do you have to be able to multi-task efficiently, you have to be a team player. Not one person in this office or in the field could do this job alone, it takes a team. Were excited and blessed to be able to continue growing the Boak family. To learn more about Boak & Sons, Inc., visit http://www.boakandsons.com. # # # About Boak & Sons: Boak & Sons, Inc. was founded by Sam Boak in 1974 as an insulation contractor. With the high energy costs of the 70's, Boak & Sons expanded early on into the roofing business. They offered economical roof installations through cutting edge technology and equipment, allowing customers to recoup even more in energy savings. Today, Boak & Sons is a residential and commercial contractor for roofing, insulation, sheet metal, siding, and gutters. Based in Youngstown, Ohio, the company serves customers in surrounding areas from Cleveland, Akron, and Canton to Cranberry and Pittsburgh. For more information on Boak & Sons, visit their website at: https://www.boakandsons.com/ Until now the interrogation of Crown resort witnesses before a commission of inquiry was a nerve-racking exercise aimed at establishing the companys suitability to hold a casino licence. But when James Packer entered the box it became personal. It was Packers ethics, Packer's conduct and Packer's principles that were questioned - or rather, undermined. For Packer, as the majority shareholder in Crown, its former executive chairman and the man who counsel assisting has, effectively, accused of operating as a shadow director, the inquiry is attempting to establish whether he is suitable to be associated with the casino group. James Packer at the Crown inquiry on Tuesday. Credit:SMH If the commission recommends against his suitability and the regulator acts on the findings, Packer may be forced to divest Crown. Italy prepares to tighten some restrictions to combat covid-19. Italy is set to make the wearing of face masks outdoors compulsory nationwide and limit gatherings of people, as part of a new decree outlined in parliament by health minister Roberto Speranza this morning. Speranza also confirmed the government's intention of extending the country's existing state of emergency, which comes to an end on 15 October, until 31 January 2021, exactly a year after it was first introduced. Highlighting the fact that both the national and international covid-19 situation has changed in recent months, Speranza said: "Italy is holding up better in the second wave, but we must not be under any illusions." Speranza said there has been a "significant jump" in Italy's numbers of coronavirus cases over the last two months, stating that there are 3,487 people currently in hospital with covid-19, with 323 in intensive care. The minister said the current situation is "manageable" compared to the height of the country's covid-19 emergency when there were 4,000 people in intensive care, but acknowledged that the trend was clear to see. The minister noted that there are currently 58,900 cases of the virus in Italy, compared with 12,600 two months ago, and warned that many of the new contagions are being caused by gatherings of friends and acquaintances. Stressing the need for the "utmost attention in every corner of the country," Speranza called on Italians to recover the "spirit of national unity and the spirit of March." The new measures will come into effect once the cabinet decree is approved by parliament, by 7 October, reports Italian news agency ANSA. Government sources have denied that there will be new restrictions forcing the early closure of bars, pubs and restaurants, as widely speculated in the media over recent days. Yesterday Italian premier Giuseppe Conte also ruled out the prospect of a new lockdown, the same day that the government reactivated its coronavirus task force. Photo credit: Federico Magonio / Shutterstock.com. It is estimated that there are 50,000 fewer long- and short-haul truckers than are needed now The trucking industry is essential to the United States economy in the same way that the military is essential to its defense. To flourish, it needs a young generation of workers with the attitude, aptitude, and training to keep the supply chain flowing and the highways safe. According to a study by the American Transportation Research Institute, the share of younger truck drivers has been decreasing, leaving the industry more reliant than ever on the 45- to 54-year-old age group.(1) John Kearney, CEO of Advanced Training Systems, notes this trend is exactly the opposite of what is needed. It is urgent that we reverse the pattern and start attracting large numbers of capable, career-minded young people to one of the most important industries in the country. To help make that happen, our company is a founding sponsor of the Next Generation in Trucking Association whose mission is to bring awareness to an emerging career choice and to place advanced simulation training technology in the hands of young driving students around the country, he says. In most states, the minimum age for obtaining a commercial drivers license is 18. Kearney, whose company is a leading designer and manufacturer of virtual simulators for driver training, among other applications, notes that federal law currently prohibits drivers under 21 to drive in conjunction with interstate commerce, which means they cannot take a truckload across a state line. This, says Kearney, creates a major barrier to recruiting younger drivers. The two-thirds of Americans who do not have a college degree(2) tend to launch their careers straight out of high school, usually at age 18. By the time they reach 21, many of themincluding, Kearney points out, the steadiest and most career-mindedare increasingly unlikely to enter a new field. In response to this problem, in 2018, U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., and U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., co-sponsored the DRIVE-Safe Act, which would lower the interstate commercial trucking age to 18 nationally.(3) Meanwhile, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced a pilot program to allow drivers between 18 and 20 years old to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. FMCSA has requested comments from the public on the training, qualifications, driving limitations, and vehicle safety systems that FMCSA should consider in developing options or approaches for the program.(4) Essential to the proper training of these new drivers, says Kearney, is virtual-reality simulation. Studies show a crash reduction rate of up to 35% for simulator-trained truck drivers; they also show that simulator training lowers overall training cost by accelerating students progress.(5) Judging from the comments received by FMCSA, public support for the pilot program appears to be strong. Of those opposed to it, notes Kearney, the majority tend to focus on the supposed immaturity and undependability of people 18 to 20 years old.(6) ATS, along with industry colleagues such as Women in Trucking, agrees that the solution to this potential problem is to vet prospects closely. The U.S. military, Kearney notes, selects from exactly this age groupand turns down 80% of those who apply.(7) They look for attitude and aptitude, he points out, and the trucking industry should do so as well. This, says Kearney, is a crucial moment for trucking, and for the next generation of truckers. It is also a time when the industry needs help. He advises young adultsand parents of young adultslooking for a career to take a look at trucking. Likewise, he notes, trucking companies looking for new workers should be reaching out to young people, including women. It is estimated that there are 50,000 fewer long- and short-haul truckers than are needed now, a total that, if nothing changes, could reach 160,000 by 2028.(8) The trucking industry, says Kearney, is essential to the United States economy in the same way that the military is essential to its defense. To flourish, it needs a young generation of workers with the attitude, aptitude, and training to keep the supply chain flowing and the highways safe. At ATS, were proud of our role in preparing the next generation of American truckers. About Advanced Training Systems LLC: Advanced Training Systems (ATS) is a technology and engineering firm that has revolutionized the design and manufacture of high-tech simulator systems to improve training for operators of all types of motor-powered vehicles. ATS, the holder of multiple patents in its field, is dedicated to providing cutting-edge adaptive training at an affordable cost to all involved in the transportation industry, resulting in more qualified drivers/operators and safer streets. For more information, visit http://www.atstrainingsystems.com. 1. In with the new: Trucking Adapts to Next Generation. trucker.com/drivers/article/21746008/in-with-the-new-trucking-adapts-to-next-generation. 2. US Census: Americans Are More Educated than Ever Before. VOA, VOA - Voice of America English News, 29 Aug. 2018, learningenglish.voanews.com/a/us-census-bureau-americans-are-more-educated-than-ever-before/4546489.html. 3. DRIVE-Safe Act (2018 - H.R. 5358). GovTrack.us, govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hr5358. 4. FMCSA Proposes New Under-21 Commercial Driver Pilot Program. FMCSA, fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/fmcsa-proposes-new-under-21-commercial-driver-pilot-program. 5. FMCSA Moves Ahead with Under-21 Driver Pilot Program. fleetowner.com/news/government/article/21703824/fmcsa-moves-ahead-with-under-21-driver-pilot-program. 6. Hirsch, Pierro. Evidence of Driver Training Simulator Benefits. Viragesimulation.com/wp-cpntent/uploads/2015/09/2015-Hirsch-Evidence-of-Driving-Simulator-Benefits.pdf 7. Ernst, Douglas. No, Uncle Sam Doesn't Really Want YOU: Military Now Turns down 80% of Applicants. The Washington Times, The Washington Times, 13 May 2014, washingtontimes.com/news/2014/may/13/uncle-sam-doesnt-want-you-military-now-turns-down-/. 8. Long, Heather. Analysis | America Has a Massive Truck Driver Shortage. Here's Why Few Want an $80,000 Job. The Washington Post, 28 May 2018, washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/05/28/america-has-a-massive-truck-driver-shortage-heres-why-few-want-an-80000-job/. Online journalist Sovann Rithy, arrested in April for incitement to cause chaos, was released from detention on October 5. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court ruled that the remaining prison term be suspended after Rithy served almost six months of his jail term. The International Federation and its affiliate the Cambodian Association for Protection of Journalists (CAPJ) welcome the release but call the authorities to do more to ensure freedom of the press and journalist rights. The Court spokesperson Kuch Kimlong confirmed that Sovann Rithy, who operates Facebook news outlet TVFB, had been convicted for incitement after he quoted Prime Minister Hun Sen and sentenced under Article 494 and 495 of the countrys Criminal Code. Rithy was arrested on the evening of Tuesday, April 7 for accurately quoting Prime Minister Hun Sen who advised motorbike taxi drivers to sell their vehicles if the Covid-19 pandemic leaves them in financial ruin.In a press conference on April 7, Hun Sen said: if motorbike-taxi drivers go bankrupt, sell your motorbikes for spending money. The government does not have the ability to help. Rithy then quoted the statement on a Facebook post. The arrest followed by the termination of TVFBs media licence and the closing down of the media outlets website. Rithy has been named as one of 17 journalists from 14 countries who received Deutsche Welle Freedom of Speech Award in 2020 dedicated to journalists who have suffered undue repression during coronavirus outbreak. CAPJ said: CAPJ welcomes the decision of the court although we also want to reiterate our call that the authorities need to ensure the freedom of the press. The IFJ said: IFJ joins media freedom organisations in Cambodia to welcome the decision of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court. But the authorities should not arrest Sovann Rithy should not have been arrested and detained in the first place. IFJ urges the authorities to protect journalists rights and allow them to report freely. Authorities in Hong Kong have revoked the license of a public school teacher for allegedly promoting pro-independence views, the city's education bureau said in a news conference on . Education secretary Kevin Yeung told journalists that the teacher had designed his own teaching materials for two classes last March dealing with the topic of independence for the city -- a topic banned by Beijing -- and the banned pro-independence Hong Kong National Party. "It's always our position that there is no need to discuss Hong Kong independence at schools," Yeung said, adding that the decision to de-register the teacher was "reasonable and proportionate," as he was no longer fit to teach in Hong Kong. He called on teachers to help students to understand "the constitutional set-up of Hong Kong and why Hong Kong independence is not possible, is not feasible." Yeung's deputy Chan Siu Suk-fan said the teacher's lesson plan and materials had showed he had planned to discuss a banned political party that advocated Hong Kong independence with 10-year-old primary students at the Alliance Primary School in Kowloon Tong, and also touched upon topics related to Tibet, Xinjiang and Taiwan independence. Education sector lawmaker Ip Kin-yuen, who is also vice-president of the Professional Teachers' Union (PTU), said the move was unfair, as teachers might want to use recent events to illustrate certain ideas, including freedom of speech. "I don't think that that is a fair judgment on the teacher," Ip told journalists. The PTU said it was assisting the teacher to appeal the decision, and may seek a judicial review. The city's chief executive Carrie Lam said the action taken was in response to "the severity of the case." "There are a very tiny fraction of teachers who are using their teaching responsibilities to convey wrong messages to promote misunderstanding about the nation, to smear the country and the Hong Kong ... government," Lam told a news briefing earlier on . She said it was the first time a Hong Kong-registered teacher had been struck off on grounds that were not linked to "criminal and sexual offenses." Joshua Rosenzweig of Amnesty International said the decision would send "an ominous message" to the rest of the teaching profession, and to schools, regarding the discussion of current events, politics and human rights in class. "The Hong Kong authorities must not use national security as a pretext to unnecessarily censor educational activities, and they should not reprimand teachers for encouraging students to think about legitimate questions related to Hong Kong affairs," he said. According to Section 47 of Hong Kong's Education Ordinance, government may cancel the registration of any teacher deemed incompetent. Sources told RFA that the move followed recent personnel changes at the education bureau, which decides who will be struck off with no transparency or accountability. Alliance Primary School issued a statement on confirming that the teacher had left the school and vowing to ensure that the school remained politically neutral in future. The National Security Law for Hong Kong, which came into effect on , 2020, bans secession, subversion, collusion with foreign powers, and terrorism, and has been criticized by foreign governments as being in breach of the ruling Chinese Communist Party's promise to maintain the city's freedom and autonomy. Rights groups have warned that the vaguely worded offenses, which carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and cover speech or actions anywhere in the world, will enable the authorities to crack down on any form of peaceful criticism, active dissent, or political opposition. Reported by Man Hoi-tsan and Tseng Yat-yiu for RFA's Mandarin and Cantonese Services. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Feds Powell Calls for More Help From Congress on Stimulus Bill Pelosi tells Democrats that talks are going 'very slow' Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Tuesday called on Congress to continue an aggressive policy to stimulate the economy. Powell argued that stimulus measures passed by Congress this year, including stimulus payments and the expansion of unemployment benefits, have helped with job creation, consumption of goods, and business formation. By contrast, the risks of overdoing it seem, for now, to be smaller, Powell said in remarks to the National Association for Business Economics on Tuesday. Even if policy actions ultimately prove to be greater than needed, they will not go to waste. He suggested that now, legislators should come to an agreement on a new package. Otherwise, it could lead to a weak recovery, creating unnecessary hardship for households and businesses, he said, adding that the U.S. economic recovery has been quicker than anticipated. Since the start of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, tens of millions of jobs have been lost, and the U.S. gross domestic product sharply contracted 31 percent in the second quarter. State governors and officials in municipalities ordered the closure of numerous businesses in a bid to curb the spread of the CCP virus, leading to significant job losses. The recovery will be stronger and move faster if monetary policy and fiscal policy continue to work side by side to provide support to the economy until it is clearly out of the woods, Powell argued, adding that some businesses that have been hard-hit during the pandemic will need more help. Stimulus Talks Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks to the press at the US Capitol in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2020. (Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images) His comments come in the midst of an impasse between congressional Democrats led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the White House. Pelosi has said that Republicans should accept the latest $2.2 trillion iteration of the HEROES Act, which was passed in the House by Democrats in a party-line vote last month. Republicans have rejected the measure, while Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin proposed an approximately $1.6 trillion counter-proposal. Pelosi and Mnuchin spoke about a stimulus deal on Monday, according to her spokesman. They didnt come to an agreement. The two discussed the justifications for various numbers and plan to exchange paper today in preparation for another phone call tomorrow, Pelosis spokesman Drew Hammill wrote on Twitter on Oct. 5, adding that the two spoke by phone today at 11:30 a.m. for approximately 1 hour. In a comment to fellow Democrats on Monday, Pelosi said the talks are moving very slowly with the White House. The window for a new stimulus bill is quickly closing before the November election, as lawmakers have less than a month to go before Nov. 3. An improvement in Septembers UK construction PMI failed to shore up the Pound Sterling to US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate this morning. While the headline index picked up from 54.6 to 56.8 on the month investors were unimpressed by the report, given that the construction sector only accounts for a small fraction of the UK gross domestic product. Attention instead largely fell on the fact that job losses within the sector had continued, even though the government furlough scheme was still in place last month. This added fuel to existing worries over the outlook of the UK labour market and fears of an impending wave of job losses on the horizon. As Duncan Brock, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, noted: Government support schemes are winding down, so the bigger worry remains levels of job creation. With another drop in employment numbers, vacancies were sparse and further redundancy schemes could be on the cards once this pent-up demand for work is satisfied. Widened Trade Deficit Forecast to Weigh on US Dollar Demand However, the mood towards the US Dollar could sour on the back of Augusts US balance of trade, with forecasts pointing to a widened deficit. As long as the trade deficit continues to swell this may limit the appeal of the US Dollar, with a decline in trade conditions likely to weigh on the wider economy. Unless the deficit narrows on the month the GBP/USD exchange rate looks set to find a temporary rallying point this afternoon. Even so, any resurgence in market risk aversion could easily fuel another bout of demand for the US Dollar in the near term. Lingering worries over the outlook of the global economy may well keep USD exchange rates on a stronger footing as investors sell out of risk-sensitive assets. Solid Performance from UK House Prices Could Boost GBP/USD Exchange Rate Evidence of another strong month for the UK housing market may help to shore up the GBP/USD exchange rate on Wednesday, meanwhile. If the Halifax house price index delivers another solid uptick in September this could diminish anxiety over the health of the UK economy. On the other hand, the finalised labour productivity index for the second quarter could see the Pound come under selling pressure once again. Confirmation that productivity declined sharply in the face of the Covid-19 lockdown would offer a fresh reminder of the relative fragility of the economic outlook, especially in the face of further job losses. The public will be surprised when they see this major document to be signed by leaders, Prystaiko said. Ukrainian Ambassador to Great Britain Vadym Prystaiko has said the new Agreement on Political Cooperation, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership, which will be signed in London by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, contains hundreds of pages. "A huge document. Many hundreds of pages. I think the public will be surprised when this document is signed by the leaders," Prystaiko said in an interview with the Voice of America's Ukrainian service. According to the official, the agreement covers a wide range of issues. "The agreement will establish strategic partnership between Ukraine and the UK. This agreement is actually the one on constant political cooperation and trade. This agreement is about the same as when we entered into the Association Agreement with the European Union," Prystaiko said. Read alsoZelensky ahead of summit: Ukraine's course toward EU unchangedThe ambassador admitted the issuance of British visas to Ukrainian citizens remains an issue, adding that but the Brits have recognized this and that the heads of interior ministries of the two countries intended to discuss the topic separately. "Quotas separately, trade separately, high political level of cooperation everything is fine, this is all a wonderful background for the migration part as well. The process is sensitive for the domestic policy of Ukraine and Britain. But at least we can talk about simplifying procedures most tormenting to Ukrainians," Prystaiko added. Ukraine-UK ties: Background Zelensky will pay an official visit to the UK on October 7-8. The program of the visit includes talks between Zelensky and Johnson, as well as an audience with the presidential couple with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. On January 9, 2020, Zelensky and Johnson agreed to speed up the process of preparing a new Agreement on Political Cooperation, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership between two countries. India on Monday proposed to build an ambitious $6-billion petroleum refinery project near Yangon, to firmly establish its credentials as a serious and viable development partner of Myanmar. This was a key takeaway from a rare two-day joint visit by Indian Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane and foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to Myanmar. India seeks to ensure that the neighbouring country does not get firmly set in Chinas orbit. This project would be a win-win arrangement for both countries. As of now, Indian Oil Corp. (IOC) has evinced interest in the project," said a person aware of the matter, on the condition of anonymity. Other highlights of the visit include presenting 3,000 vials of Remdesivir, considered as a viable option to treat covid-19 patients, to state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in a symbolic move of Indias commitment to assist Myanmar in its fight against the pandemic", he said. The promise to import 150,000 tonnes of urad from Myanmar till 31 March 2021 and a grant of $2 million for the construction of a border haat (village) bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in Chin state to provide an impetus to increased economic connectivity between Mizoram and Myanmar were some of the other key outcomes of the visit. Indias moves come amid a renewed effort by Beijing to woo Myanmar, which has been criticized by some countries for its treatment of the Rohingyas, seen as residents of Myanmars Rakhine state, who fled to Bangladesh after a crackdown by Myanmarese troops. In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Myanmar and the two countries signed a slew of pacts, including a concession and shareholders agreement for the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone off the Bay of Bengal. With a deep-water port, it is the terminus of the 1,700-km China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a major link in Beijings Belt and Road Initiative whose other end lies in Chinas Yunnan province. Other agreements covered oil and gas pipelines, and road and rail projects from southern China through Myanmar to Kyaukphyu. This is a very bold move," former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal said about Indias plans to set up the refinery. It is a very strategic project aimed at reducing Myanmars dependence on Chinas infrastructure building. India cannot counter China by merely saying it has an Act East policy. The investment is substantial to catch Myanmars attention," Sibal said. Queries to spokespersons of IOC and the ministry of petroleum and natural gas late on Monday evening did not elicit any response till press time. Utpal Bhaskar contributed to this story Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics At the time the fire was set, there were 250 people in the CCB, including 182 adults and juveniles being held in the jail, according to the affidavit. Damage to building and clean-up was estimated to cost about $105,000. A photo included in the affidavit shows minor fire damage to a corner of a room in the building. Throwing burning objects into an occupied government building is not protest, it is a crime that places lives at risk, Scott Blader, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, said in a statement. Those who engage in such conduct without regard for the potentially deadly consequences will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Clark is currently in the Dane County Jail on the Dane County charges, but is also being held by the state Department of Corrections for a possible probation violation. Investigators used surveillance video, videos posted to YouTube, a receipt from purchases Clark allegedly made of the shirt and shoes he wore during the incident, DNA from a hammer found at the scene and other evidence to implicate Clark. The affidavit includes nearly 20 video stills of a person authorities believe to be Clark in the Downtown area at various times the day before and the night of the CCB fire. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio will seek data to help decide whether to change the definition of who is in close contact for the coronavirus to try and reduce the number of students needing to be quarantined for the virus. Currently the definition of close contact used to determine quarantine is within six feet for more than 15 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC definition does not take into account whether people are wearing masks. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said hes heard concern from superintendents and local health departments over the number of students who need to be quarantined following a confirmed coronavirus case, even though both students were wearing masks. State health officials are reluctant to change the definition, stating the need for more data. So, the state will gather information from 10 school buildings. Scientists will use rapid tests, on the way from the White House, which DeWine says will arrive very soon. The data will come through following and testing students after an exposure, and seeing how the virus spreads. Ohio State University researchers are developing the protocol for testing, but DeWine did not have a start date to announce on Tuesday. Frankly, weve seen a lot of gut-wrenching things and things that, as a parent, bother me. Kids missing out on school, kids missing out on activities where they want to be involved," DeWine said. Holly Willoughby was left reeling after she misheard Alison Hammond's compliment on her wardrobe on Tuesday's episode of This Morning. The presenter, 39, was shocked after she believed Alison, 45, had called her 'Miss Piggy' shortly before they went on-air - but she had actually said the star resembled 60s supermodel, Twiggy in her denim dress. Holly said: 'Alison Hammond, who is just behind my camera there, went: "You look nice like Miss Piggy". Miss Piggy? Holly Willoughby was left reeling after she misheard Alison Hammond's compliment on her wardrobe on Tuesday's episode of This Morning 'And I went, "Miss Piggy?!" with Alison retorting: 'No Twiggy!' Holly continued: 'Literally three seconds before we went on air and she spat her water out across the room!' A laughing Holly said: 'How to make a girl feel good, thanks very much.' Alison said: 'You look like Twiggy, you look beautiful!' before adding: 'I look like Miss Piggy.' No: The presenter, 39, was shocked after she believed Alison, 45, had called her 'Miss Piggy' shortly before they went on-air - but she had actually said the star resembled 60s supermodel, Twiggy in her denim dress Co-host Phllip Schofield also made a jibe about Holly's ensemble, saying she looked like an air hostess. He said: 'You look like you're out of Catch Me If You Can!' Another blunder later on saw Alison realise she had lipstick on her teeth as she spoke about her upcoming documentary for Black History Month. She said: 'Sorry I've got lipstick on my teeth' as Holly responded: 'I've been trying to subtly go to you. It's on that one. We will definitely do lipstick tips on the show.' Holly and her family cut short their summer holiday when new quarantine rules were introduced to ensure she would be back on This Morning on September 1. Misheard: Holly said: 'Alison Hammond, who is just behind my camera there, went: "You look nice like Miss Piggy" Awkward: Alison said: 'You look like Twiggy, you look beautiful!' before adding: 'I look like Miss Piggy' Icon: Muppets legend Miss Piggy is pictured with Kermit The Frog in 2014 The shoot came after Holly lamented the new 'six person rule' after England was given updated coronavirus restrictions following a spike in infections last month. Talking on This Morning, she asked whether she was going to have to choose between her mother Lynne, 71, or father Terry, over the yuletide season, due to having a family of five. As it stands, currently, no more than six people are permitted to gather in England - with a few exceptions, which include going to school, work or 'exceptional life events'. Flight to catch? Co-host Phllip Schofield also made a jibe about Holly's ensemble, saying she looked like an air hostess Breaking these new restrictions will mean fines of 100, doubling for each incident up to 3,200. Holly has three children with husband Dan, meaning just one of her parents would make up the 'six person rule'. Discussing the new restrictions with Matthew Wright on This Morning, the ITV star said: 'A lot of people are thinking, 'What will this mean for Christmas? What will Christmas look like?' 'It's going to be very awkward in my house as I'm a family-of-five, so I'll have to choose between my mum and dad on Christmas day!' To which Matthew, 55, replied: 'I'm feeling very confused and conflicted. The rules are different everywhere else in the United Kingdom. 'You can't have your parents over on Christmas Day but you can go on public transport? For the life of me, I can't make any sense of it.' With Holly adding: 'I guess the other thought is how is anyone going to police these rules. The government are going to have marshals to monitor people.' John McAfee via Twitter British-American billionaire John McAfee was arrested in Spain and is awaiting extradition to the United States where he is accused of tax evasion. According to the EFE Agency , the founding programmer of the famous cybersecurity brand was arrested in Barcelona on October 3 at El Prat airport when he was preparing to take a flight to Turkey. Headliner 15 East at Tocqueville With the pandemic has come a host of chefs and owners reinventing their restaurants. There are revised menus, different themes and even new locations, as some restaurants close and are replaced by others needing more space. Marco Moreira, the owner of the decades-old Tocqueville, and 15 East, the Japanese restaurant next door, has consolidated the two. They are now both in the Tocqueville space, which has been redecorated in monochromatic gray, and now has a sushi bar installed. Mr. Moreira has created five- and six-course tasting menus, $145 and $165, that incorporate sushi and sashimi, along with dishes like foie gras custard, sea urchin and angel hair carbonara, hay-smoked duck breast and venison. There are also some a la carte and sushi omakase options. He said he was able to rehire about half of his staff so far. And, with an eye to year-round outdoor dining, he has created an all-weather outside area, seating 120, with planters, a generous overhang and heaters. Inside, there is socially distant seating for 30. The idea is to bring the indoor restaurant outside, Mr. Moreira said. It cost me $250,000, but I really spent the money to stay alive. 1 East 15th Street, 212-647-1515, tocquevillerestaurant.com. Opening Per Se The spacious layout of the dining room and the salon at this Thomas Keller restaurant seemed as though it was always following social distancing guidelines. Not quite. It will reopen next week and must enforce the 25 percent capacity rule, meaning that, between the main dining room, the salon and the restaurants two private dining rooms, only 50 people can be accommodated. In the dining room, there will be a nine-course menu, regular or vegetarian, $355; the salon will offer five courses for $225. (Opens Oct. 15) 10 Columbus Circle, 212-823-9335, thomaskeller.com/perseny. Ursula The chef Eric See briefly reopened the Awkward Scone, his tearoom and cafe in Bushwick, Brooklyn, this summer but closed it in June. Instead, he has shifted gears and opened this cafe named for his grandmother, where the cooking of his native New Mexico takes the spotlight. There are stuffed sopapillas, breakfast burritos, brioche egg sandwiches, stuffed poblanos and rye-crusted apple pie with green chiles and Cheddar, all served to go. And count on the cafes signature chile-studded scones. Lani Hallidays Brutus Bakeshop is also running a pop-up in the space. The hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 724 Sterling Place (Bedford Avenue), Crown Heights, Brooklyn, ursulabk.com. Voices From the Kitchen For the past five years, La Cocina, a nonprofit incubator serving low-income entrepreneurs in the San Francisco Bay Area, has produced this stage presentation and benefit featuring first-person stories. This year, it will be available on its YouTube channel ($10 suggested donation). Viewers in the Bay Area can also order food boxes ($75 to $150) prepared by La Cocina chefs to enjoy during the streaming; for others, a box of snacks is available nationwide ($75, including delivery). An additional service fee is added to all options. Oct. 29, 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, lacocinasf.org, search for voices-from-the-kitchen. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed on Tuesday that the substance used to poison the Russian opposition leader Aleksei A. Navalny had similar structural characteristics to the Novichok family of highly potent nerve agents. The finding from the worlds leading chemical weapons body adds additional weight to the conclusions of laboratories in Germany, France and Sweden, and increases the likelihood that Russia, which has been accused of using a similar poison in at least one previous assassination attempt, will be punished, likely with targeted financial sanctions. These results constitute a matter of grave concern, the organization said in a statement. The use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances, it said, is reprehensible and wholly contrary to the legal norms established by the international community. Mr. Navalny, the most prominent figure in Russias political opposition, fell ill on a flight from Siberia on Aug. 20 and slipped into a coma. The Russian authorities initially prevented his family from transporting him abroad for treatment, but he was eventually brought to Berlin, where he was treated at the Charite hospital. He was discharged on Sept. 23 and has vowed to return to Russia to continue his work after a period of rehabilitation in Germany. Speculation is rife that the Rashtriya Lok Dals (RLD) proposed mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar on Thursday against the controversial farm bills may trigger farmers agitation in western Uttar Pradesh (UP). Besides, UP Polices assault on RLD leader Jayant Choudhary and his supporters in Hathras district on Sunday triggered an uproar among the followers of late Prime Minister and Jat leader Charan Singh. Jayant is the grandson of Charan Singh and also the son of former Union minister Ajit Singh. RLD and Samajwadi Party (SP) workers in Hathras were assaulted by the UP Police on Sunday after they had allegedly breached barricades in their bid to reach Boolgarhi village in the district, which is in the eye of a raging political controversy. Trouble had erupted after a Dalit teenager (19) was allegedly gang-raped by four upper caste men and the grievous injuries led to her death last week. The UP Polices action against Jayant has enraged the Jat community, which is largely engaged in agriculture and also a dominant caste group in western UP. A video of the assault went viral, where Jayant can be seen interacting with media persons, when the police resorted to lathi charge and beat up RLD leaders and their supporters. However, the video clip did not show RLD supporters trying to breach police barricades to enter into Boolgarhi village. Sundays incident ahead of the mahapanchayat has angered the public and RLD leaders are expecting a massive turnout at the event in support of Jayant. The party has a rural base and farmers are associated with it in large numbers. Majority of them still admire Charan Singh. The assault on Jayant has angered the public and they are expected to turn up at the mahapanchayat in large numbers to show their solidarity with Jayant and his family in a bid to send a message to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said Rahul Deo, Meerut district president, RLD. Rajkumar Sangwan, RLDs organisational general secretary, said the mahapanchayat was announced to oppose the controversial farm laws and the Muzaffarnagar district administrations decision to register cases against party leaders, who had protested against these legislations and staged a dharna last week. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wants to govern the state with batons. FIRs (first information reports) are being routinely filed against opposition parties to suppress our voices of dissent, said Sangwan. RLD workers and leaders staged a protest outside the office of the divisional commissioner in Meerut on Monday. They raised slogans and burnt an effigy of the UP CM to oppose the assault on Jayant and RLD supporters in Hathras on Sunday. We demand arrest of the police personnel who had assaulted our leader and supporters and condemn the jungle raj under Yogis rule in UP, said Narendra Khajuri, a RLD leader. RLD leaders have been busy mobilising farmers and party supporters in villages to ensure their participation in the mahapanchayat in large numbers, said Sunil Rohta, a spokesperson of the RLD. We have been receiving an overwhelming response from the public and expecting a good turnout at the mahapanchayat on Thursday, said Rohta. He claimed that the event would trigger a movement against the farm bills and the excesses of the ruling party. Dharmendra Malik, UP spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), a farmers organisation linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP, said farmers from western UP were against the farm laws and a movement was building up against the recent legislations. He said the BKU had called for a warning protest on October 22, where farmers would stage a protest at district and tehsil headquarters across the state. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In 2016 a blue-eyed tea seller from Pakistan went viral after a photographer named Jiah Ali shared a picture of him on social media. Now, the popular chaiwala (tea seller), named Arshad Khan, is making headlines again for a new and awesome reason. Khan, who has also been working as a model and actor since he became the Internets crush a few years back, is now donning a new hat. Well, sort of. Khan is going back to his tea making roots but now he is the proud owner of a cafe in Islamabad named Cafe Chaiwala Rooftop. Khan spoke to Urdu News and shared details about the cafe. He selected a desi aesthetic for the ambience. The bright lights and colours provide the cafe - which is decorated in fairy lights - a cosy feel. The furniture used also resembles that often seen at dhabas (roadside restaurants) adding to the look and feel of the place. Along with tea, the cafe offers 15-20 dishes for customers to choose from. Khan also spoke about how the name chaiwala holds a special place in his heart, as it is an integral part of his identity and an easy reminder of the journey he has taken. Khan has been personally posting about his journey as an entrepreneur and the cafe on his Instagram account. This post, shared on October 4, which shows Khan talking about his experiences, has accumulated nearly 5,500 views and many supportive comments. Here is what Instagram users had to say about the share. One person said, I appreciate that. Another individual wrote, Brother, you are great. This makes me so happy! Wish you all the best bro, read one comment under the post. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Years without ice are becoming more frequent, with potentially troubling consequences for local communities and lake ecosystems WASHINGTON--Warmer winters due to climate change are causing lakes in the Northern Hemisphere to experience more ice-free years, according to a new study. Researchers recently analyzed nearly 80 years of lake ice data, stretching from 1939 to 2016, for 122 lakes that typically freeze every winter. They found ice-free years have become more than three times more frequent since 1978 and 11% of lakes studied experienced at least one completely ice-free year since 1939. This trend is linked to abnormally warm winter temperatures, and the study authors project it will continue with increasing frequency due to climate change. Such ice-free years could have significant ecological, cultural and economic impacts. "Lake ice is becoming increasingly absent," said Alessandro Filazzola, a community ecologist at York University and the University of Alberta in Canada and lead author of the new study in AGU's journal Geophysical Research Letters. "Even under low carbon emissions scenarios, we're going to have continued ice-free events." Communities around lakes often depend on freezing events for winter recreation activities like ice fishing and ice festivals, which can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single weekend. Lake ice also serves as an ecological "reset," said Sapna Sharma, an aquatic ecologist at Canada's York University and coauthor of the new study. Lakes are warmer in years without ice cover, and they stratify earlier, which could make them more prone to toxic algal blooms. This, in turn, can harm fish or make lakes dangerous for swimming. "The consequences are more widespread than simply one individual unable to go ice fishing," Sharma said. Interestingly, the authors saw the same warming trend regardless of location, suggesting global climate change is already having an impact on Earth's lakes. "This isn't just happening in one lake in the northern United States," Filazzola said. "It's happening in thousands of lakes around the world." A lake ice database In the new study, Filazzola and his colleagues wanted to understand how the frequency of lakes' ice-free years has changed over time. They selected 122 lakes in North America, Europe and Asia with a long, consistent record of data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center. The NSIDC lake ice database contains historically available data from harbors, newspapers and other written records and modern data sourced from people who live near the lakes. Lake Suwa in Japan boasts one of the oldest lake ice records in the database, stretching back to 1443. The record has been maintained by 15 generations of Shinto priests that have celebrated the appearance of lake ice each winter. Other culturally important lakes in the dataset include Lakes Baikal, Geneva, Balaton, Champlain and Michigan. Filazzola, Sharma and their colleagues analyzed ice-free years in their chosen lakes, comparing how often this extreme event occurred in the first 40 versus the last 40 years of the study period. If a lake did not have 100% ice cover for at least one day, it was considered an ice-free year. They then compared the lake ice data with local air temperatures and climate cycles like El Nino and the North Atlantic Decadal Oscillation to better understand the drivers behind lake ice changes. They found ice-free years occurred much more commonly in the second half of their study period, with 31 recorded ice-free events before 1978 and 108 ice-free events after that year. Since 1990, Lake Champlain and Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan have both experienced three consecutive years without freezing. Lake Suwa, which once froze regularly, now freezes an average of two years every decade, according to the study. "Even in the last 40 years versus the last 80 years, there's already an obvious pattern that's occurring and it's showing that we're already experiencing a response from warming, which will likely get worse," Filazzola said. The results showed local winter air temperatures were the best predictor of ice-free years, which became significantly more likely once average winter temperatures rose to -4 degrees Celsius (25 degrees Fahrenheit). The researchers found lakes in more southern and coastal regions were most vulnerable to experiencing ice-free years since they have high rates of warming. "I think it is intuitive," Sharma said of their results. "But it also gives us a historical snapshot to understand that the climate is changing. It's not normal that these lakes are not freezing." "I am delighted by this paper," said John Magnuson, a limnologist at the University of Wisconsin Madison who has worked on past lake ice studies but was not involved in this research, calling it "a significant paper that provides new information and insights about a climate-sensitive component of lake ecosystems to climate change." ### AGU supports 130,000 enthusiasts to experts worldwide in Earth and space sciences. Through broad and inclusive partnerships, we advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values. Our programs include serving as a scholarly publisher, convening virtual and in-person events and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C. and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct. Notes for Journalists This research study is freely available through November 15. Download a PDF copy of the paper here. Neither the paper nor this press release is under embargo. Paper title: "Climate change drives increases in extreme events for lake ice in the Northern Hemisphere" Authors: Alessandro Filazzola: Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Kevin Blagrave, Mohammad Arshad Imrit, Sapna Sharma: Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Canada. The following press release and accompanying images are available online at: https://news.agu.org/press-release/warmer-winters-are-keeping-some-lakes-from-freezing/ Warmer winters are keeping some lakes from freezing Years without ice are becoming more frequent, with potentially troubling consequences for local communities and lake ecosystems. AGU press contact: Lauren Lipuma, +1 (202) 777-7396, news@agu.org Alessandro Filazzola, York University, Toronto, Canada: fila90@yorku.ca Sapna Sharma, York University, Toronto, Canada: sharma11@yorku.ca York University press contact Sandra McLean, +1 (416) 272-6317, sandramc@yorku.ca Joe Biden pointed out that he beat 'a socialist' - a dig at his former rival Bernie Sanders - as he tried to tried to capture the vote of Florida's swing state voters with Cuban and Venezuelen roots. 'Look, I'm the guy that ran against a socialist,' Biden said at Monday night's NBC News town hall. 'Remember, I got in trouble with the whole campaign, 20-something candidates? Joe Biden was too centrist, too moderate, too straightforward. That was Joe Biden.' Biden's retort came the same day that Sanders was back on the campaign trail for the Biden-Harris ticket, stumping for the former vice president in Michigan. Joe Biden pointed out that he had beaten 'a socialist' in the Democratic primary when asked Monday night at a town hall in Miami about some of President Donald Trump's claims that the Democrat was in allegiance with the 'radical left' Biden's comments came the same day Bernie Sanders returned to the stump on his behalf - this time in Michigan. Sanders also campaigned for the Biden-Harris ticket Saturday afternoon in New Hampshire On Saturday, Sanders also spoke on Biden's behalf in New Hampshire, where the Vermont senator has neighborly appeal. Sanders beat Biden in New Hampshire during the Democratic primary earlier this year. But on Monday night, Biden was keeping the self-proclaimed democratic socialist at an arm's distance, as he was asked what a young man could tell his family who have been targeted by President Donald Trump's messages that the Democratic nominee 'is a vote for the radical left and socialism and even communism.' As he has in previous speeches Biden responded with a, 'I look like a socialist?' He then pointed out his primary win over Sanders. Biden then turend to his international relations experience. 'I have taken on the Castros of the world. I have taken on the Putins of the world. I have taken on all these dictators. I haven't cozied up to them,' Biden said. 'I'm the guy that's been straightforward with them.' 'I'm the guy that let them know, it stops here. It stops with me. It stops with me as president,' the ex-veep continued. Biden was clearly alluding to Trump's cozy relationship with Putin, in which the president said he never brought up topics like Russian bounties in Afghanistan on American soldiers. 'I am no more a socialist than - or a communist than - Donald Trump is. Well, I won't say it,' Biden said, after he already did. 'Anyway, so they need not worry. Just look at the record. There's not one single syllable that I have ever said that could lead you to believe that I was a socialist or a communist,' Biden said. Cary Moser sits on his John Deer tractor on his dairy farm in Westby, Wis., on Sept. 17, 2020. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) Wisconsin Farmers on Trade Wars, Pandemic Impact, and the Future 4 years after rural Wisconsin helped Trump win, farmers split on impact of president's policies PLATTEVILLE, Wis.Tom Weigel, a third-generation dairy farmer in Platteville, likes how the Trump administration has helped farmers since the pandemic upended the market. After four years of losses amid low milk prices, he was able to finally break even a few months ago. Trump is taking care of the farmers. He is listening, Weigel told The Epoch Times on his farm on Sept. 21. Weigel voted for Donald Trump in 2016, and plans to do so again in November. Four years ago, farmers like Weigel delivered a historic margin for Trump. Rural Wisconsin accounted for 60 percent of the vote shift in the state toward Republican, and Trump won those counties by a larger margin than any other Republican in about three decades. Rural Wisconsin helped him win the state. In September, both Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden paid two visits to Wisconsin, signaling the importance of the state in the coming election. During a campaign stop at Mosinee, Wisconsin, on Sept. 17, Trump announced an additional $13 billion in aid to help farmers and ranchers recover losses caused by the pandemic. According to an August Marquette Law School poll, Trump had a 7-point edge over Biden in rural western and northern Wisconsin. Though in the state overall, Biden had support from 49 percent of polled voters, and Trump had 44 percent. The Epoch Times spoke with dairy, corn, and soybean farmers in western Wisconsin. Many farmers still support Trump amid economic challenges brought by the pandemic, previous low milk prices, and trade wars. Some others say his administration has helped large farms when it should have helped the little guys, and that Trumps trade wars have hurt rural America. Two Sides of the Road Weigel particularly liked the innovative move by the Trump administration to buy surplus agricultural products, such as milk and produce, and give them away to needy families amid the pandemic. The conventional way for the government to handle surplus is to store it, then dump it on the market when demand rises. But that causes prices to drop and farmers such as Weigel get less for their products. That just did wonders to our market, Weigel said of the initiative called Farmers to Families Food Box Program, spearheaded by Ivanka Trump. Thats the best thing ever happened. Nobody else has even done that. [Ivanka Trump] is definitely using her head there. Hes not usually one to put campaign signs on his property, but after seeing the sign on his neighbors lawn for Biden, Weigel put up a few of his own for Trump. A sign on farmer Tom Weigels property shows his support for President Donald Trump, in Platteville, Wis., on Sept. 21, 2020. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) A sign supporting Democratic nominee Joe Biden stands on the property of Myron Tranel, in Platteville, Wis., on Sept. 21, 2020. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) Weigels neighbor Myron Tranel is on the other side of the road from him, both literally and figuratively. Tranel said of Weigel, Hes gone through more hard times with milking cows under Trump than he ever went through under Obama. Though Tranel is a more well-to-do corn and soybean farmer, one of his main concerns is that the government hasnt taken enough care of struggling small-scale farmers such as Weigel. Tranel contends that the largest federal payments have gone to the biggest farms. If you have a net worth of $10 million, you think the government should send you checks? According to an August report by the independent watchdog agency Government Accountability Office, 25 large farms received an average of $1.5 million payments from the total $14.5 billion farm aid in 2019. Myron Tranel stands on his corn and soybean farm in Platteville, Wis., on Sept. 21, 2020. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) Tranel said the last Republican presidential candidate he voted for was Richard Nixon, whose corruption and impeachment deeply disappointed him. He says Trump is worse. His criticisms were broad, including how Trump has handled international relations and trade. You cant beat the other guy up and then say lets be friends, Tranel said. He took a sledgehammer to what needed a screwdriver. He has accomplished a lot Cary Moser, a small-dairy farmer in Westby, Wisconsin, has been disappointed with Democrats in recent years. He said hes generally an independent voter, but for the first time in his life, he will vote straight-ticket Republican this fall. All the farfetched stories and money that was spent on chasing schemes, that looks to me like the Democrats were guilty of and they were trying to put it on Trump, Moser told The Epoch Times, referring to Russian collusion allegations and attempts to impeach Trump. I dont like his tweets. I dont like some of the stuff he said, Moser said of Trump. But part of me wonders if he says that just to get people going. I mean, he is kind of a manipulator of people. Weigel thinks Trump uses his tweets to distract the media so he can focus on doing real work. He gets up in the morning, thinks [of] three things to have the media talk about all day so they get off his case, and then he [goes to work], Weigel said. Ive never seen a president ever do more things in one year than what most presidents have done in a four-year term. Like Weigel, Moser suffered years of losses amid low milk prices. He was among the many farmers who dumped milk when the pandemic hit, because many of their customerssuch as businesses and restaurantswerent buying. He received federal aid. For what [Trump] has to fight against, I think he has accomplished a lot, Moser said. I dont know how he puts up with all these fights and struggles he has in his way. Any other sane man would just walk away. Like Moser, Weigel identifies as independent, but a bit more on the Republican side. For much of his life, Weigel didnt think about politics, and just focused on building the dairy farm he started with 50 cows in 1979. He cast his first vote in 1997, and it was for the Democratic Congressman Ron Kind. Struggle of Small Farms It was also around this time that small dairy farms began to see a downturn. Over the past 20 years, Weigel has seen more than 40 small dairy farms shut down on the south side of Platteville. During the same period, Wisconsin as a whole, Americas dairyland, saw nearly half of its dairy farms closed for good. The trend is for large dairy farms to thrive while the small farms are squeezed out of business. Weigel tried to go big, starting to buy more cows in 2000. He added cows and built a new barn every four years. When the milk price tanked in 2015, he stopped at about 400 cows. The last barn Tom Weigel built on his property before he stopped expanding his farm in 2015, in Platteville, Wis., on Sept. 21, 2020. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) He started borrowing money to cover the losses, until the dairy market got better this summer. He had almost exhausted his credit, and couldnt sustain another blow. But now hes breaking even. His four siblings have quit dairy farming. His sons lost interest, too. Why still milking cows? they ask him. They kind of get in your blood, Weigel said. Being a dairy farmer is just who he is. Darin Von Ruden, another third-generation small-dairy farmer in Westby, Wisconsin, told The Epoch Times, Small dairy farms are destroyed by corporate greed. Ruden said the Trump administration didnt help them enough during the crisis, rather he made it worse for them by waging a trade war. Ruden is president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and a steering committee member for Rural America 2020, an organization that educates Americans on what it says are failed policies of the Trump administration. He said hell vote for Biden. Darin Von Ruden stands on his dairy farm in Westby, Wis. (Courtesy of Darin Von Ruden) Ruden said Trumps trade war added the last straw on the backs of many already struggling dairy farms. In 2019, Wisconsin lost 10 percent of its dairy farms, the largest annual drop on record. In March 2018, Trump imposed tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, causing a rise in the cost of machinery for farmers. In retaliation, Mexico imposed 25 percent tariffs on U.S. cheese. In Wisconsin, roughly 90 percent of the milk is made into cheese, and Mexico is a huge customer. The Trump administration helped farmers with financial aid amid the trade war, but Ruden said farmers didnt like having to take handouts. Ruden also opposed how Trump put pressure on Canada to change its supply management system to open up its dairy market for U.S. farmers. Weve got to look at how each country can benefit from the other country versus trying to tear the other countries down. He likes the Canadian system, which allows farmers to have a bigger say in setting production volume and prices for dairy products. He said one major cause of low milk prices is that U.S. farmers are all producing milk to the best of their ability without many controls on price and volume. Moser also likes the Canadian system. In Canada, a small dairy farm like his could support three families, he said. Im glad they stuck to their guns and didnt [dismantle the system]. In 2019, Moser didnt have enough money to buy feed, so he sold 40 cows at $1,350 each, almost a third of the price he can get when times are good. Now his herd is down to 40 cows. He borrowed money to cover the losses amid the milk price crisis, and he is now $150,000 more in debt. Dairy farmer Cary Moser cant afford to hire workers on his farm, so he runs it himself; but his grandson helps him after school each day. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) As for the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA), the new trade deal that opened up a portion of the Canada market to U.S. dairy farmers, Moser doubts it means much for dairy farmers like him. The trade with Canada, I dont think was ever major enough to make a big difference, he said. I think trade with Mexico getting back to where it was will help a lot. Like the dairy farmers, James Leverich, a corn and soybean farmer, suffered losses in the trade wars. But he has a different take on the losses than Ruden. Sacrifices in a War Leverich farms around 1,000 acres in Sparta, Wisconsin, that have been in his family for five generations. He spoke with The Epoch Times on his farm after he readied the machinery for harvesting on Sept. 21. In July 2018, a tit-for-tat trade war between the United States and China began, with tariffs imposed on billions of goods exchanged between the two countries. Chinas tariffs particularly focused on U.S. farm exports, such as soybeans and grain sorghum. But Leverich said his worst years have been caused by Mother Nature, not the trade war. And he compared his losses during the trade war to that of a soldier: I sacrifice a little bit, just like a soldier does, for the good of the country. James Leverich stands in front of grain bins he built with his own hands on his farm in Sparta, Wis., on Sept. 17, 2020. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) I can withstand some economic challenges as a person if its good for the country as a whole over time. Voters shouldnt focus on whether they like Trump or not. They should be focused on what they want the country to be in 10 years or 15 years, Leverich said. Leverich thinks trade with China has cost many jobs in the United States, and Trump waged the trade war to level the playing field for the American people. I just want all countries to have fair trade deals with each other, Leverich said. Thats more important to me than what I make per bushel of corn. The Chinese communist regime is a true threat to U.S. interests, Leverich said. They really want to be powerful just like the Soviet Union did. Leverich identified himself as an independent, but more conservative. I vote for the best candidate, he said. I dont think we should vote partisan. He will vote for Trump. He is also a retired professor from the University of WisconsinExtension; he taught farmers about new farming techniques. He also did research in soil management, working with the U.S. government. Agricultural and Environmental Regulations [The government] wont let us do research, Leverich said. They were so hung up in their regulations that they couldnt see out of their problems. He said farmers need research to be better farmers, but the government agencies have been a barrier to progress in many cases. A farmer is a caretaker of the land, Leverich said. A farmer knows how to take care of the land and pass it onto the next generation. He thinks decision makers who make regulations behind desks in Washington often dont understand farmers. Weigel, the small-dairy farmer in Platteville, agreed. He is especially bothered by the Renewable Fuel Standard, a federal program that requires transportation fuels sold in the United States to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel. Weigel said the fuel doesnt last long enough, and ruins the engines of his machinery, which means he needs to pay more on fuel and maintenance every year. But we dont get paid anything more for our products, Weigel said. People in New York are talking about eliminating fossil fuels. I just laughed. Well, youd better start planning on paying about three times more for your food. The farmers cannot survive on what these prices are. Cannot do it. As of Sept. 6, the Trump administration had repealed 16 environmental regulations, according to the deregulation tracker by The Brookings Institution. Across the road from Weigel, Tranel said he also doesnt think highly of renewable fuel, but for a different reason. To him, renewable fuel, such as ethanol, is expensive to make and heavily subsidized by the government, which creates a false economy and wont last forever. A view on Myron Tranels farm in Platteville, Wis., on Sept. 21, 2020. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) He thinks the future energy is in solar and other such power sources. Solar panels have provided electricity in his house and powered the water pump on his farm for five years. The only thing the solar doesnt do is dry the corn. It does everything, Tranel said. Although Tranel and Weigel have differences in opinion, they do get along and stop by each others houses for a chat now and then. How will you cope with the death of your mother or spouse? Their death may disturb your concentration, causing accidents or lowering your productivity. Some bereaved cannot sleep, and others cannot get out of bed. Some lose all appetite, while others binge eat constantly. Some grow alcoholic, and some suicidal. Our responses may depend on our family, culture, community, or belief-systems, but we all struggle to accept our loved ones' deaths. The cost of grief is not confined to personal mental anguish. It reduces productivity, causes dependency on medicine and social services, and increases mortality risks for survivors. While this is well documented in Europe, we have little data for Japan, the world's most elderly country. To fill this gap, a research team led by Kyoto University is conducting a nationwide survey of bereavement. "Japan's society is rapidly aging. By 2030, nearly everyone in Japan will suffer the death of a parent, elder relative, spouse, or close friend," explains lead author Carl Becker of the Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, who garnered the 2020 Educator Award from the international Association for Death Education and Counseling. "Recent UK studies suggest that about 10% of bereaved individuals show significant decline in health, resulting in prolonged use of resources. If Japan faces the same percent, the impact will be catastrophic." The team decided to conduct similar surveys throughout Japan with additional questions focusing on economic and lifestyle changes. Their pilot report -- published in the journal OMEGA -- shows that deeper grief correlates with an overarching decline in quality of life, seen in physical ailments, more down time, and higher rates of medical reliance. Interestingly, lower income families lost more productivity and pharmaceutical expenses, while lower satisfaction with funerals was linked to higher medical costs. Results show that bereaved Japanese are similar to Europeans in their losses of everything from time, productivity, health, and medical expenses. Factors like the circumstances of death, the loss of income, lack of family or social support, and satisfaction with funeral proceedings can help predict who may need the most help in the future. By identifying key problems, we can begin to see what solutions are required to mitigate severe bereavement. For example, better testing, medical care, and psychological treatment can help people handle unexpected death. More robust financial and social aid can help with the loss of income." Yozo Taniyama, Study Second Author, Tohoku University Tradition and rituals appear to facilitate better responses as well. Funeral services offer friends and relations a chance to reconnect and support the bereaved, reducing their loneliness and isolation. Moreover, rituals help the bereaved to come to terms with death. The research team predicted that people with low or declining incomes would find funeral costs more burdensome. Although that group did lose more time and spend more on pharmaceuticals, they displayed little dissatisfaction with funeral costs. In fact, the people who expressed greater dissatisfaction were those who abbreviated funerals, who later tended to show higher rates of physical as well as psychological problems. Becker concludes, "Japan has a tradition of ceremonies that bring people together to help the bereaved process their trauma. Much of the world is learning from Japan's traditions that value spiritual bonds with departed loved ones. It is healthier to revere our dead than to try to forget them." Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 05:40:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 475,674 in Iran on Monday. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out the possibility of changing the anti-coronavirus restrictions until next Monday amid a coronavirus resurgence. Iran, the hardest-hit country in the Middle East region, reported 3,902 new cases, bringing the total number of infections to 475,674. The pandemic has so far claimed 27,192 lives in Iran, up by 235 in the past 24 hours. A total of 392,293 coronavirus patients have recovered, with 4,167 still in critical condition. In Israel, 5,534 new COVID-19 cases were recorded, taking the tally of coronavirus infections to 272,309. The death toll of the virus in Israel increased to 1,757 while the recoveries rose to 204,355. Israel's coronavirus cabinet decided on Monday not to ease or tighten the ongoing full nationwide lockdown until its next meeting on Oct. 12, two days before the scheduled ending date of the lockdown, said a statement issued by the prime minister's office. In the meantime, 3,808 new COVID-19 cases were detected in Iraq during the past 24 hours, bringing the total nationwide infections to 382,949. The death toll from the coronavirus in Iraq rose to 9,464 after 65 fatalities were added, while the total recoveries increased to 312,158 as 4,676 more patients recovered. The World Health Organization representative in Iraq Adham Ismail said in a press release that "Iraq is in the stage of communal spread of the virus." "The Iraqi health authorities are doing their best to control the spread of the disease," Ismail added. Saudi Arabia announced 379 new cases and 23 more deaths, raising the tally of confirmed cases to 336,766 and the death toll to 4,898. The kingdom also reported 570 more recovered patients, taking the total recoveries to 322,055. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Turkey climbed by 1,603 to 326,046, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted. The death toll from the coronavirus in the country rose to 8,498 after 57 new fatalities were added in the past 24 hours, Koca said, adding the total recoveries increased to 286,370. In Morocco, the tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 134,695 after 1,423 new cases were added, which included 2,369 fatalities and 113,336 recoveries. In Qatar, 194 new cases of coronavirus infections were detected, increasing the total number to 126,692, including 216 deaths and 123,664 recoveries. Kuwait reported 567 new cases, bringing the country's total number of infections to 107,592, of whom 628 have died and 99,549 recovered. Oman registered 544 new infections, taking the tally of nationwide cases to 101,814, with 90,600 recoveries and 985 deaths. In addition, Oman Air has unveiled its COVID-19 insurance coverage for passengers using the Muscat-based carrier, which will cover medical treatment or coronavirus quarantine expenses, to be effective from Oct. 1, 2020, to March 2021, the national carrier of Oman said in a statement. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced 932 new cases, raising the total confirmed cases in the country to 99,733. The tally of recoveries in the UAE rose to 89,410 after 1,287 more patients have recovered from the virus and the death toll reached 429 with three more deaths. Palestine reported 521 new coronavirus cases, taking the tally of infections in the Palestinian territories to 52,954, including 44,955 recoveries and 402 deaths. Algeria on Monday reported 134 new COVID-19 infections, the lowest daily increase since June 29, raising the total tally in the North African country to 52,270, with 1,768 fatalities and 36,672 recovered cases. In Lebanon, the number of COVID-19 infections increased by 1,175 to 45,657, while the death toll went up by eight to 414. On the same day, Lebanese medical experts warned of strained hospital capacity in the country amid the increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths, while caretaker Health Minister Hamad Hassan urged all private hospitals to participate in the fight against the virus. In Jordan, 1,824 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily surge since the outbreak of the virus in the country, increasing the tally of cases to 17,464, including 110 fatalities and 5,292 recoveries. Enditem By Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ali Kucukgocmen ANKARA/ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's relations with the European Union appeared to take a turn for the worse on Tuesday, as Ankara voiced dissatisfaction with the result of last week's EU summit and the bloc said the country's bid for membership was evaporating. Tensions between the EU and Ankara had eased in recent weeks as Turkey and EU member Greece agreed to hold exploratory talks to solve several longstanding disputes, including a standoff over maritime claims in the eastern Mediterranean. Last Friday EU leaders assuaged concerns raised by Cyprus, which had been pushing for sanctions on Ankara, by assuring it that the bloc would punish Turkey if it continues oil and gas drilling in disputed areas of the eastern Mediterranean. But President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the outcome of last week's EU summit was not sufficient to overcome the problems in Turkey-EU ties. Erdogan "stated that the EU had succumbed to pressure and blackmail from Greek Cypriots and Greece despite Turkey's good faith", the Turkish presidency said in a statement. In an interview with Italy's Nova agency, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkey was disappointed by the decisions from the EU summit, which he described as "far from objective" and not carefully drawn out. CYPRUS, FRANCE Tensions were further stoked on the island of Cyprus on Tuesday when Erdogan and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar announced the reopening of a beach in the abandoned town of Varosha in northern Cyprus. The move is likely to anger Greek Cypriots, 39,000 of whom once lived in Varosha before fleeing advancing Turkish forces 46 years ago during a Turkish invasion that split the island. Announcing the move, Erdogan accused the EU of stalling Turkey's membership bid for years and said the same had occurred during last week's summit. "We know this will disturb a lot of places but some people have to know that it was the Turkish Cypriots who were patient until today," he told a news conference. Story continues Turkey began negotiations in 2005 to join the EU but they have long been stalled amid disagreements over human rights, Cyprus and other issues. The European Commission accused Erdogan's government on Tuesday of undermining Turkey's economy, eroding its democracy and destroying independent courts, and said this record left Ankara further away than ever from EU membership. Turkey's foreign ministry dismissed the report as "biased, far from constructive", saying Ankara rejected the criticisms directed at its economy, democracy and courts, and remained committed to the EU membership process. In a further sign of fraying ties, Erdogan upbraided French President Emmanuel Macron over comments he made last week promising to fight "Islamist separatism". He said the remarks showed the French leader's "impertinence". (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu, Ali Kucukgocmen and Can Sezer; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Jonathan Spicer, Gareth Jones and Alexandra Hudson) (Bloomberg) -- Oil jumped the most since May in New York, rallying in tandem with equity markets on optimism over the potential for more U.S. fiscal relief. U.S. benchmark crude futures advanced as much as 7.2% on Monday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday that President Donald Trumps Covid-19 diagnosis might change the tenor of the talks on new stimulus and Trump tweeted from the hospital that a deal needs to get done. Meanwhile, a decision on Trumps release is unlikely to occur before Tuesday, according to people familiar with the matter. There are still hopes for a new stimulus package in the U.S., said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital LLC. We need the economy to get boosted, and for that to translate to improved demand for refined fuels. Prices are still recovering from a selloff in recent weeks amid worries that a resurgence of the pandemic in major economies may derail the fragile recovery in oil demand. Reopening plans across the world are being thrown into question, with New York City planning to close schools and non-essential businesses in nine hotspots and Ireland debating a return to full lockdown. All the while, Libyan output rose to about 300,000 barrels a day as a fledgling recovery progresses, putting further pressure on the worlds oil markets. With prices heading lower for the year, U.S. output is expected to remain muted as the industry struggles with layoffs and bankruptcies. Almost three-quarters of the pandemic-driven jobs losses in the U.S. petroleum and chemical sectors may not come back before the end of next year, according to Deloitte LLP. The U.S. is not going to cap a rally in crude, said Peter McNally, global head for industrials, materials and energy at Third Bridge. Its not like any company is sitting there with a war chest full of capital, able to opportunistically invest in North America and increase drilling activity at low rates. Elsewhere, a strike in Norway will cut about 330,000 barrels a day of oil and gas production, about a third of which is oil, lending some immediate support to oil markets. Meanwhile, Total SE Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne said fuel consumption in Europe is almost back at last years level. In the U.S., gasoline demand rose 3.2% in the seven days ending Saturday from a week earlier, reversing three consecutive weeks of declines, according to GasBuddy. Focus is also once again shifting to storms in the U.S. Tropical Storm Delta is forecast to become a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico later this week. Its winds could reach 105 miles (169 kilometers) per hour as it crosses the Gulf, making it a Category 2 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Monday 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Police line up in a rows of contradiction, protected by taxpayer-funded gear and prepared to arrest taxpayers, repurposed armored vehicles are in the road behind them. In black helmets, clutching shields in one hand and zip-ties as makeshift handcuffs or batons in the other, they look into a mass of angry protesters outside Detroit police headquarters. Signs memorialize George Floyd and degrade police, many adorned with the acronym ACAB, which stands for: all cops are bastards. Some throw up middle fingers at officers. INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Adults who took REYVOW (lasmiditan) C-V for their migraine attacks at doses of 100 mg or 200 mg had 3.8 and 7.2 times greater odds, respectively, of achieving superior pain freedom at 2 hours post treatment compared to those taking placebo in at least 2 out of 3 attacks (co-primary endpoint), new findings from the recently completed Phase 3 study CENTURION reveal. This co-primary endpoint result translated to therapeutic gains, or differences between REYVOW and placebo groups, of approximately 10-20%. Moreover, in at least 2 out of 3 attacks, Eli Lilly and Company's (NYSE: LLY) REYVOW demonstrated superiority over placebo in pain relief at 2 hours. In addition, significantly more study participants who treated their migraine attacks with REYVOW achieved pain freedom and pain relief at 2 hours in 2 out of 3 attacks with REYVOW versus those on placebo, even if they had previously tried triptans that were ineffective, intolerable or became contraindicated. As previously reported, REYVOW demonstrated superiority over placebo in all of the study's 18 gated endpoints. Study investigator Dr. Messoud Ashina, M.D., professor of neurology, Danish Headache Center and Dept. of Neurology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark and Dr. Uwe Reuter, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neurology, Charite University Hospital of Berlin, Berlin, Germany, are presenting these results and answering questions virtually at the 18th Migraine Trust International Symposium (MTIS 2020), during a session on Oct. 7th, 4:45 5:45 p.m. CEDT/10:45 11:45 a.m. EDT. "Healthcare professionals, advocacy groups and people with migraine have made it clear that one of the most important things they want from an acute treatment is consistent efficacy during the first and subsequent attacks," said Mark Mintun, M.D., vice president of pain and neurodegeneration, Eli Lilly and Company. "Not being able to rely on their migraine treatment causes frustration and disappointment when their medicine doesn't work consistently. We are excited about the latest findings from the CENTURION trial. We believe that REYVOW's therapeutic gain of up to 20% and up to 7.2 times greater odds of achieving pain freedom at 2 hours in at least 2 out of 3 attacks with the 200 mg dose are meaningful for patients and healthcare providers who seek consistency as a goal with acute medications when treating migraine attacks." The CENTURION study assessed REYVOW's efficacy and safety, including consistency of response, in the acute treatment of migraine for adults, with or without aura, across four attacks. In the trial, 1,471 people with migraine were randomized and treated with either REYVOW 200 mg (n=486), REYVOW 100 mg (n=485) or control treatment (placebo for some but not all attacks, n=500) per attack. Study participants treated a migraine attack when their pain was at least of moderate severity and within 4 hours after pain onset. This international trial included patients from Austria, Belgium, China, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Co-primary efficacy endpoints were pain freedom at 2 hours for the first attack, and pain freedom at 2 hours for at least 2 of 3 attacks. Secondary endpoints included pain relief at 2 hours after the first attack and in at least 2 of 3 attacks and findings in the subset of study participants who had previously tried triptans that were ineffective, intolerable or became contraindicated in treating their migraine attacks. Patients entered results into an electronic diary at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, as well as 2, 4, 6, 24 and 48 hours after dosing. All of the study's treatment comparisons were prespecified, and 18 endpoints were gated, meaning they were set before the study ended and each comparison was reviewed separately in a specified order to verify the accuracy of the study results. CONSISTENCY OF PAIN FREEDOM AND PAIN RELIEF AT 2 HOURS Pain freedom and pain relief, respectively, are defined as a reduction of pain at baseline to no pain, and headache pain that reduced to mild or resolved completely. Study results show that people taking REYVOW 200 mg had 7.2 times greater odds of achieving pain freedom at 2 hours in at least 2 of 3 migraine attacks (co-primary endpoint) than those on placebo (24.4% vs. 4.3%; odds ratio: 7.2; p<0.001), with a therapeutic gain of approximately 20%. People who took REYVOW 100 mg had 3.8 times greater odds of achieving pain freedom at 2 hours in at least 2 of 3 attacks than study participants on placebo (14.4% vs. 4.3%; p<0.001), translating to a therapeutic gain for patients taking REYVOW of approximately 10%. Nearly 2 out of 3 people taking REYVOW achieved pain relief at 2 hours in at least 2 of 3 attacks, including 66.7% and 62.3% of those taking REYVOW 200 mg and 100 mg, respectively, compared to 36.9% of those on placebo (p<0.001 for each REYVOW comparison to placebo). CONSISTENCY OF PAIN FREEDOM AND PAIN RELIEF AT 2 HOURS IN GROUP WITH PRIOR TRIPTAN HISTORY The study also assessed pain freedom and pain relief at 2 hours in at least 2 of 3 migraine attacks in subsets of participants who had previously tried triptans that were ineffective, intolerable or became contraindicated. These outcomes were non-gated secondary endpoints. Significantly greater proportions of people taking REYVOW were pain-free at 2 hours in at least 2 of 3 migraine attacks (20.1% for REYVOW 200 mg and 11.0% for REYVOW 100 mg), compared to placebo (4.3%) (p<0.001 for each REYVOW comparison to placebo). Nearly 2 out of 3 persons taking REYVOW 200 mg (62.7%) and more than half of participants taking 100 mg (55.6%) achieved pain relief at 2 hours in at least 2 of 3 migraine attacks compared to 1 out of 3 patients (33.6%) on placebo (p<0.001 for each REYVOW comparison to placebo). "In this study, people taking REYVOW, who had previously tried triptans that were ineffective, intolerable or contraindicated, achieved significantly greater pain freedom and pain relief at 2 hours across multiple attacks compared to those taking placebo," said Dr. Ashina. "These latest findings are encouraging news for patients and their healthcare providers when discussing personalized treatment goals such as consistency of response. Migraine attacks can be debilitating so it's imperative patients have acute treatment options that can help them achieve the outcomes that matter to them." SAFETY FINDINGS Observed safety findings in the CENTURION study were generally consistent with those seen in previous REYVOW clinical trials. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) seen for REYVOW (2% in either dose group) over all four attacks were dizziness, paresthesia (tingling), fatigue, nausea, vertigo (sensation of spinning or movement), somnolence (sleepiness), hypoesthesia (diminished sensation), muscle weakness, asthenia (abnormal physical weakness) and feeling abnormal. The incidence of TEAEs was highest during the first attack. "Among recently approved novel medications for the acute treatment of migraine, REYVOW is the first and only to be evaluated in a consistency study. Additionally, CENTURION is one of the only studies of an FDA-approved acute treatment for migraine to compare the consistency of efficacy against placebo," said Ilya Yuffa, president of Lilly Bio-Medicines. "We are delighted that REYVOW demonstrated consistent and superior efficacy across multiple migraine attacks compared to placebo. These are meaningful insights for patients and their healthcare providers, and we look forward to sharing the findings with health regulatory authorities in Europe, Japan and China." ABOUT REYVOW (lasmiditan) TABLETS REYVOW is a novel oral medication that strongly binds to 5-HT 1F receptors located both centrally and peripherally, which may play a role in migraine, a neurologic disease. REYVOW is approved for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults and is not indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine. REYVOW, the first and only FDA-approved ditan, is brain-penetrant and presumably exerts its therapeutic effects by activating these receptors; however, the precise mechanism is unknown. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR REYVOW WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Driving Impairment REYVOW may cause significant driving impairment. In a driving study, administration of single 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg doses of REYVOW significantly impaired subjects' ability to drive. Additionally, more sleepiness was reported at 8 hours following a single dose of REYVOW compared to placebo. Advise patients not to engage in potentially hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness, such as driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery, for at least 8 hours after each dose of REYVOW. Patients who cannot follow this advice should not take REYVOW. Prescribers and patients should be aware that patients may not be able to assess their own driving competence and the degree of impairment caused by REYVOW. Central Nervous System Depression REYVOW may cause central nervous system (CNS) depression, including dizziness and sedation. Because of the potential for REYVOW to cause sedation, other cognitive and/or neuropsychiatric adverse reactions, and driving impairment, REYVOW should be used with caution if used in combination with alcohol or other CNS depressants. Patients should be warned against driving and other activities requiring complete mental alertness for at least 8 hours after REYVOW is taken. Serotonin Syndrome In clinical trials, reactions consistent with serotonin syndrome were reported in patients treated with REYVOW who were not taking any other drugs associated with serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome may also occur with REYVOW during coadministration with serotonergic drugs [e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors]. Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular signs (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination), and/or gastrointestinal signs and symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). The onset of symptoms usually occurs within minutes to hours of receiving a new or a greater dose of a serotonergic medication. Discontinue REYVOW if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Medication Overuse Headache Overuse of acute migraine drugs (e.g., ergotamines, triptans, opioids, or a combination of drugs for 10 or more days per month) may lead to exacerbation of headache (i.e., medication overuse headache). Medication overuse headache may present as migraine-like daily headaches or as a marked increase in frequency of migraine attacks. Detoxification of patients including withdrawal of the overused drugs and treatment of withdrawal symptoms (which often includes a transient worsening of headache) may be necessary. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions associated with REYVOW (2% and greater than placebo in clinical studies) were dizziness, fatigue, paresthesia, sedation, nausea and/or vomiting, and muscle weakness. DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE REYVOW contains lasmiditan, a Schedule V controlled substance. Abuse In a human abuse potential study in recreational poly-drug users (n=58), single oral therapeutic doses (100 mg and 200 mg) and a supratherapeutic dose (400 mg) of REYVOW were compared to alprazolam (2 mg) (C-IV) and placebo. With all doses of REYVOW, subjects reported statistically significantly higher "drug liking" scores than placebo, indicating that REYVOW has abuse potential. Subjects who received REYVOW reported statistically significantly lower "drug liking" scores than alprazolam. Euphoric mood occurred to a similar extent with REYVOW 200 mg, REYVOW 400 mg, and alprazolam 2 mg (43-49%). A feeling of relaxation was noted in more subjects on alprazolam (22.6%) than with any dose of REYVOW (7-11%). Phase 2 and 3 studies indicate that, at therapeutic doses, REYVOW produced adverse events of euphoria and hallucinations to a greater extent than placebo. However, these events occur at a low frequency (about 1% of patients). Evaluate patients for risk of drug abuse and observe them for signs of lasmiditan misuse or abuse. Dependence Physical withdrawal was not observed in healthy subjects following abrupt cessation after 7 daily doses of lasmiditan 200 mg or 400 mg. See Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide. LM HCP ISI 11JAN2020 About Migraine Migraine is a severely disabling neurologic disease characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache accompanied by other symptoms including nausea, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound. More than 30 million American adults have migraine, with three times more women than men affected by migraine. Migraine is often incapacitating, leading to high personal, societal and economic burden. According to the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey, total annual healthcare costs associated with migraine are estimated to be as high as $56 billion in the United States, yet it remains under-recognized and under-treated. About Lilly's Commitment to Headache Disorders For over 25 years, Lilly has been committed to helping people affected by headache disorders, investigating more than a dozen different compounds for the treatment of migraine and cluster headache. These research programs have accelerated our understanding of these diseases and furthered the advancement of treatments for headache disorders including REYVOW, approved by the FDA for the acute treatment of migraine, with or without aura, in adults. Our goal is to apply our combined clinical, academic and professional experience to build a research portfolio that delivers broad solutions and addresses the needs of people affected by these disabling neurologic diseases. About Eli Lilly and Company Lilly is a global health care leader that unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at lilly.com and lilly.com/newsroom. P-LLY This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about REYVOW (lasmiditan) as a treatment for patients with migraine and reflects Lilly's current beliefs. Among other things, there is no guarantee that future study results will be consistent with study findings to date, that REYVOW will receive additional regulatory approvals, or that REYVOW will be commercially successful. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release. Lilly USA, LLC 2020. All rights reserved Refer to: Jen Dial; [email protected]; 317-220-1172 (Lilly Bio-Medicines) Kevin Hern; [email protected]; 317-277-1838 (Investor Relations) SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company Related Links http://www.lilly.com DENVER, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- While many businesses have closed their doors or continue to struggle, some Colorado companies have been able to thrive during the economic downturn by leveraging the power of digital advertising, technology, and education. Several local media companies were able to educate and advise their advertising clients on strategy and execution, by leveraging support from their technology and service provider AdCellerant. These media companies helped their advertisers regain lost revenue from the COVID pandemic, and in some cases, generate more business than pre-COVID. Their efforts included hosting free educational webinars showcasing the power of digital advertising during a pandemic, providing targeted plans and guides for specific industries focused on recovery, and research focused on industry shifts/changes to stay in front of local customers when it mattered most. In-person events have essentially become extinct in Colorado due to COVID. The dramatic end caused by Social Distancing guidelines have left many event related businesses without a clear path forward. Unframed Digital, leveraging AdCellerant Digital Services, helped a local arts festival shift their event completely online. Unframed Digital helped by targeting over 200,000 people's mobile devices, promoting the now "online" event, leading to a huge boost in website traffic as well as generating a new online revenue stream for everyone involved. The festival was able to recoup business that would have otherwise been completely lost due to the pandemic. Two other media companies leveraging AdCellerant Digital Services were able to generate traction for multiple schools by delivering a multi-channel digital marketing strategy aimed at increasing awareness and engagement at 4 different school locations resulting in a significant amount of foot traffic. Driving foot traffic during a national shutdown was nearly impossible before these local media organizations stepped in to help. Not only have local businesses seen success from the help of partners and AdCellerant, but so have the local media agencies themselves. "BCI Media Services has seen revenue growth in March and April of 2020. This has been largely due to a great team, and people that have chosen to find opportunities in the chaos. A significant impact in this has been our relationship with AdCellerant," says Director of Digital Sales Ben Sorensen. He goes on to say "Additionally, the AdCellerant team has been great with the RFP (request for proposal) process, and we have had brainstorming and strategy calls for potential clients; this has led to closing new sales and increasing existing campaigns. BCI has historically been successful because when our clients grow, we grow- and AdCellerant has fit into that equation perfectly. By the results-driven, customer first shared approach, all parties have benefited greatly." While based in Denver, CO, AdCellerant partners with media companies across the country, and even in the hardest-hit regions AdCellerant Partners are seeing success. During the first 6 months of their partnership, one partner realized $672,000 in retail revenue for their organization. In the second six months of the partnership, they achieved $1.16 Million in revenue, including during the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brock Berry, CEO and Co-Founder explains, "It is more important than ever for our local business community to unite and work together addressing the headwinds created by COVID. We completely shifted our team of 90 to focus on helping media companies and their advertisers find creative ways to restart their economic engines." AdCellerant's core business model focuses on providing digital advertising solutions to small and medium-sized businesses through white-label channel sales partners. Brock Berry, AdCellerant's CEO and co-founder explains, "Our partners and their small business advertisers have been affected by COVID-19 in unprecedented ways. Our entire focus is on helping create sustainable business models that have social distancing as the centerpiece." When local businesses succeed, local economies succeed. It is the mission of AdCellerant and its partners to apply their digital marketing expertise to further the success of local businesses and the communities they serve. ABOUT ADCELLERANT AdCellerant is a technology and digital advertising company focused on making quality digital marketing accessible to every business. AdCellerant achieves this goal by partnering with local marketers, media companies, agencies, and channel sales organizations, helping them leverage AdCellerant's proprietary advertising software platform, UI.Marketing. Website: https://www.adcellerant.com/ Contacts: Meghan Brito - VP of Marketing, [email protected] , 720.837.6804 SOURCE AdCellerant LLC Related Links www.adcellerant.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 18:37:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- More than 270 Taliban fighters have given up fighting and laid down arms in the northern Balkh and the neighboring Sari Pul provinces over the past 24 hours amid the ongoing peace efforts in Doha and the prevailing skirmishes in Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday. "A group of Taliban composed of 125 armed insurgents have laid down arms and joined the peace process in Charkent district of Balkh province," an army statement said. This is the second group of the Taliban militants, according to security sources that have laid down arms in the northern region of Afghanistan since Monday to support the peace process in the war-battered country. The former militants said they had laid down arms to enhance the peace efforts. Earlier, 150 Taliban fighters, according to police, have given up fighting and handed over their weapon to local authorities in the troubled Sari Pul province. The surrender of militants is taking place amid the ongoing peace efforts in Doha where a 21-member Afghan government negotiating team is engaged with the Taliban representatives since Sept. 12 to find negotiated solution to their country's protracted conflict. Afghanistan's President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani who visited Qatar on Monday, besides meeting Qatari leaders, also met the negotiating team to get knowledge on development in the peace talks. Since the start of intra-Afghan dialogue in Doha, militancy and conflicts, according to Afghans, have got momentum and the Taliban fighters have increased activities elsewhere in the country. More than 60 civilians have been killed and more than 140 civilians were injured in the Taliban's 650 aggressive attacks and 86 bomb blasts over the past two weeks in the country, Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said on Sunday. Some 70 fighters with majority of them militants, according to officials, have been killed elsewhere in Afghanistan over the past 24 hours. "Taliban insurgents would do their best to gain more ground and consolidate position to talk from strong position on negotiating table," local analyst Khan Mohammad Daneshjo told Xinhua. Enditem A man in his 70s hospitalized with the coronavirus died Tuesday, marking the 27th Lancaster County resident to succumb to COVID-19 during the pandemic, according to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. Health Department officials confirmed 79 new cases, bringing the pandemic total to 7,004, and they also documented 65 new recoveries. Lincoln hospitals cared for 63 COVID-19 patients Tuesday, including 35 county residents and nine people who needed ventilators, the department said in a news release. Community spread of the coronavirus has health officials concerned, Health Department Director Pat Lopez said. Still, the concern for the Health Department is poor social distancing practices among older adults, as Lopez's staff has noticed a rise in new cases across age groups, she said. Many of the cases are among families, and surprisingly, at social gatherings of 10 or fewer, Lopez said. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln reported four new cases Tuesday, bringing its total to 830 since Aug. 12. Kate Garraway has slammed President Donald Trump for his 'heartbreaking' response to contracting COVID-19, as her husband Derek Draper continues his battle with coronavirus. The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, criticised Trump, 74, on Tuesday's show after he said 'maybe I'm immune., I don't know' outside a military hospital where he was being treated for coronavirus. and tweeted 'I feel better than I did 20 years ago.' Kate, whose husband has become the longest person battling coronavirus in the UK after being hospitalised in March, said: 'It is extraordinary. Fury: Kate Garraway has slammed President Donald Trump for his 'heartbreaking' response to contracting COVID-19, as her husband Derek Draper continues his battle with coronavirus Mask off: The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, criticised Trump, 74, after he said 'maybe I'm immune., I don't know' outside a military hospital after contracting COVID-19. and tweeted 'I feel better than I did 20 years ago' (pictured returning to the White House on Monday) 'It's heartbreaking actually. So his attitude you could argue sanctioned the behaviour. 'And really what would we be doing if this was you or me? We would be sobbing our hearts out saying "aren't I lucky I'm doing so well".' 'Do you think at some level he knows that and thinks 'I've just gotta carry on like this?'' She continued: 'And there are children who have died, with their mums and dads not being allowed to see them, so why does he think it's more important for him to get into that car?' She said: 'It's heartbreaking actually. So his attitude you could argue sanctioned the behaviour' Painful: Kate's husband Derek Draper has become the longest patient battling coronavirus in hospital in the UK (pictured in December 2019) GMB's Dr Hilary Jones also told hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid that Trump could still be contagious, despite his release from hospital. He said: 'I would imagine so. Since he says his test was on Thursday it is likely he is still contagious he has no way to know if he has immunity or not.' President Trump said on Friday that he and his wife Melania had tested positive for COVID-19 and were going into quarantine, upending the race for the White House. He tweeted: 'We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!' Stepping out: Kate was later seen arriving to her Smooth FM radio show at the Global Studios in Leicester Square, London Kate added: 'And really what would we be doing if this was you or me? We would be sobbing our hearts out saying "aren't I lucky I'm doing so well"' He was later admitted to the Walter Reed hospital for treatment and released on Monday. Trump walked out of Walter Reed on Monday, took Marine One back to the White House and took off his mask almost immediately despite being sick with COVID and depending on a cocktail of experimental drugs for his recovery. He saluted, waved, and then started filming a video on the balcony of the South Portico, returning to an executive mansion where multiple aides and household staff also have the virus, and from where he promises he will soon leave to hit the campaign trail. Removing his mask was a jarring end to three days of drama which saw him medevaced to Walter Reed on Marine One on Friday, revealed to have been on oxygen repeatedly, and treated with drugs not available to ordinary Americans. Emotional subject: She continued: 'And there are children who have died, with their mums and dads not being allowed to see them, so why does he think it's more important for him to get into that car?' On Monday, just four days after he tested positive with the deadly virus, he tweeted: 'I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling really good! Don't be afraid of Covid. 'Don't let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!' Shortly after his message, doctors appeared outside the hospital to say that while Trump was not 'out of the woods', they were satisfied he could go home. This comes as Kate revealed that Dominic West 'personally apologised' to her after he said he 'jumped for joy' over Donald Trump's COVID diagnosis. Stylish: Kate looked stylish in a pair of blue skinny jeans with a white knitted polo neck jumper Busy bee: Kate put on an animated display as she made a phone call while arriving for her radio duties on Tuesday Talking on Monday's Good Morning Britain, the presenter said he 'wasn't aware' her husband Derek was 'still sick' with coronavirus. On Friday's show, Dominic was heavily criticised for explaining how he 'jumped for joy' upon learning President Trump has coronavirus. Discussing his comments on Monday's show, Kate said: 'I was surprised because I don't think Dominic meant, well he's been in touch directly with me, to apologise personally to me. 'He wasn't aware that Derek had coronavirus and was still sick and was worried that I had been upset by it. I wasn't upset for those reasons, I was surprised because I went on to say afterwards, I'm sure you join us in wishing him [Trump] the very best. Keeping ahead of the news: Kate made sure she was well briefed ahead of the show as she carried a stack of newspapers Finishing touches: The star finished her autumnal look with shearling-lined ankle boots and a beige leather handbag 'Personally, whatever your views may be. I don't think he meant that, I think he's not a Trump supporter. 'I think it's a symptom of Donald Trump's behaviour throughout this pandemic he's appeared to thumb his nose in it and he was jumping for joy at the idea he might now feel the effects of it. A reality check.' She added: 'I don't believe Dominic West would wish someone ill.' Discussing Donald Trump's messages throughout his treatment, Kate continued: 'That plays into the idea... you get coronavirus, you survive, you're a hero. You're not, you're very lucky, the heroes are the people treating you and helping you to survive.' Giving an update about Derek, who has been in hospital battling coronavirus since March, she said: 'Derek, who has no longer tested positive for coronavirus, children aren't allowed to see him, his mum and dad haven't seen him.' Out of the woods: Donald Trump arrived back at the White House on Monday night and immediately filmed a campaign video Kate recently revealed that her children haven't seen their father Derek in six months as he continues to battle the disease in hospital. Derek has been in intensive care and was in a coma for months after the virus made him seriously ill and Kate herself, has only been permitted to visit a handful of times. Kate and Derek, who married in September 2005, are parents to Darcey, 14, and William, 11 and the GMB host believes that a visit from his children would aid Derek's recovery. She said on the show on Monday: 'Derek still hasn't been allowed... his children can't visit, his mum and dad haven't seen him. 'I personally believe actually believe him having contact in that room could possibly be of great benefit to have a physical presence. Shock gesture: Trump, whose infection with COVID-19 was confirmed at 1am on Friday, removed his face mask 'There are children that have died with their mums and dads not allowed to see them.' During the show, Kate criticised Donald Trump after he took part in an impromptu 'drive-by' to surprise his supporters outside the Walter Reed hospital. She said: 'When you look at that footage of him doing that by the hospital, obviously his message is 'I'm doing, I'm fighting the virus great, I'm here to win the election', but that plays into the idea if you get the coronavirus and survive then you're a hero; you're not. You're very lucky. 'The heroes are the people treating you and helping you to survive and he;s not just putting the people in the car at risk he's putting the people treating him at risk.' More than 200,000 people have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in the United States alone, with the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions especially hard hit. Chris Watts is said to be in 'a dark place' following the release of a new Netflix documentary that details how he strangled his pregnant wife, Shanann, and smothered their two daughters, Bella and Celeste. American Murder: The Family Next Door examines the lead-up to the horrific triple homicide, which took place in August 2018, and includes never-before-seen footage and text messages. The documentary is currently the most-watched program on Netflix and has thrust the famous case back into the spotlight - much to Watts' disdain. 'Just knowing that the documentary is out there has sent Chris to some dark places,' a source told People magazine on Monday. 'He hates knowing that it's out there, but realizing that he will never see it.' Watts is currently serving three life sentences for the grisly murders, but he still appears to be interested in his public image. The source - who spoke to Watts just last weekend - told People: 'He hates not knowing what people are seeing about his private communications. 'He wants to know what the documentary looks like and how it tells the story.' Scroll down for video Chris Watts is said to be in 'a dark place' following the release of a new Netflix documentary that details how he strangled his pregnant wife, Shanann, and smothered their two daughters, Bella and Celeste. The family are pictured in a photograph taken shortly before the horridic triple homicide Watts is currently serving three life sentences for the grisly murders, but he still appears to be interested in his public image Shortly before the murders, Watts began a secret affair with co-worker Nichol Kessinge. Photographs and video footage from their raunchy trysts are included in the new Netflix documentary. Text messages sent from Watts to his wife in which he lies about his philandering are also featured for the first time. The documentary is currently the most-watched program on Netflix and has thrust the famous case back into the spotlight - much to Watts' disdain On the morning of August 13, 2018, Watts killed Shanann inside their Frederick, Colorado home after she allegedly confronted him about the affair. He loaded her body into the back of his truck, before forcing his daughters, Bella, four, and Celeste, three, into the vehicle. Watts then drove to a nearby work site where he smothered his daughters with a New York Yankees blanket, and dumped their corpses into an oil tank. He buried Shanann in a shallow grave. Watts, who had started an affair with his work colleague Nichol Kessinge and wanted out of his marriage, strangled his pregnant wife, 34, killing her and their unborn son Nico. He then drove their daughters, Bella, four, and Celeste, three - with their mom's corpse in the car - to a remote oil field where he worked, and smothered them with the blanket before squeezing their bodies into an oil tank. The documentary revealed Watts sent his dead wife a text message reading: 'Can you call me please?' not long after he strangled her and dumped her body. Watts is pictured with his daughters Bella and Celeste. He admitted to smothering them and dumping their bodies in an oil tanker The site where Watts dumped his daughters and buried his wife Footage showed how he attempted to deceive law enforcement that his wife had disappeared and taken their children with her. When someone asked if there was a note, he replied: 'No. I don't know what to do right now.' During a police interview, he continued the facade, saying: 'I think about like, did I cause this? Did I make her feel like she needed to leave?' Watts was arrested on August 15 after failing a polygraph. He asked to talk to his father and then confessed to killing Shanann. In a clip shown during the interview with the police, Watts claimed he killed his spouse in a fit of range because she had killed their children. He later eventually admitted to all of his crimes. Watts took a plea deal to avoid the death penalty after pleading guilty to the four murders. He will spend the rest of his life in prison and is currently being housed at Dodge Correctional Institution, Wisconsin. NEXCOM's 1U rackmount uCPE TCA 5170 is a platform designed to help branch offices and small-to-medium-sized businesses set up systems based on network functions virtualization (NFV). In delivering carrier-grade performance and flexible deployment, the platform combines excellent multi-core CPU performance, accelerated data cryptography with Intel QAT technology, redundant power supply, and server-grade LAN functions in a small form factor. This 1U rackmount uCPE creates virtualized environments for flexible VNF deployments in enterprises and branch offices. With NEXCOM's TCA 5170 uCPE "one-stop shop," small businesses can simplify their lives with self-managed networking and cloud services and expanded software choices, while amplifying productivity with newer 5G and IoT technologies. About NEXCOM: NEXCOM was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. Integrating diverse capabilities, NEXCOM operates six global businesses, including the Network and Communication Solutions (NCS) unit, which focuses on high performance computing and networking technology and is committed to helping customers build network infrastructure. NCS' network application platform is widely adopted in CDN, UTM, Cyber Security Appliance, Load Balancer, Router, SD-WAN, and other network applications. SOURCE NEXCOM Rotana has revealed that its newest five-star luxury property, Al Jaddaf Rotana, is on target to launch by November 2020 in Dubai's Al Jaddaf district. Despite the current challenging environment the world is facing, Rotana continues to strive forward with a firm development pipeline, and plans for Al Jaddaf Rotana will move ahead as scheduled. The hotel marks the groups 35th property within the UAE. Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO of Rotana, said: It is with great pride that we announce Al Jaddaf Rotana will open its doors this November. Under Rotanas strong leadership and its unwavering vision for the future, albeit one of the toughest years the global hospitality industry has ever faced, we remain dedicated to our expansion plans and commitment to continue offering guests comfortable and high quality spaces. Al Jaddaf Rotana, a property in the heart of Dubai, will truly encapsulate the Rotana way of living. Located in the thriving Al Jaddaf district, a premier business and lifestyle community connecting old and new Dubai, the 318-room property will comprise elegantly furnished rooms and suites, coupled with breath-taking pool or city views. Each room is intricately designed to reflect positivity and exude the custom elegance of Rotana properties, complemented by contemporary decor, elegant furnishings and a range of amenities that will welcome guests in true Rotana style. Al Jaddaf Rotanas central location is ideal for leisure travellers looking to explore the city, while the spacious living areas and kitchenettes provide the perfect setting for long-stay guests, families and business travellers. The property will encompass five dining venues, a fitness and wellness centre and an outdoor swimming pool. For corporate guests, Al Jaddaf Rotana will house six sophisticated state-of-the-art meeting rooms, suitable for seminars, workshops and conferences. Haytham Omar, the newly appointed General Manager at Al Jaddaf Rotana says: Our vision is to ensure each and every guest receives an exceptional combination of comfort and culture during their stay in Dubai. Our teams passion, dedication and enthusiasm has enabled us to introduce a new hotel during what is truly a unique time for all, and we look forward to our impending opening, creating unique experiences for our guests. Al Jaddaf Rotana is in close proximity to the upscale Culture Village as well as major malls and tourist attractions, including Dubai Festival City, Dubai Frame and Dubai Mall. It is situated just 10 minutes by road from both Dubai International Airport and Dubai International Financial Centre. - TradeArabia News Service HOUSTON, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuo Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC Pink: AURX) ("Nuo" or the "Company"), today announced the closing of a recapitalization and exchange agreement between the Company, Deerfield Management and affiliates thereof (Deerfield Investors), and senior secured noteholders (Noteholders) whereby the Series A Preferred Stock held by the Deerfield Investors was exchanged for 2,700,000 shares of common stock concurrent with the cancellation and conversion of the senior secured notes into 838,487 shares of common stock and the purchase of 487,500 of shares of common stock for cash by members of the Noteholder group. In addition, Lawrence S. Atinsky, the Deerfield Investors' representative on the Company's board resigned his board position concurrent with the closing of the transaction. The shares of Series A preferred stock were cancelled in full and the Company now has only common stock outstanding and no debt outstanding. The conversion of the approximately $330,000 of senior secured note principal and accrued interest and purchase of shares of common stock were transacted at $0.40 per share. Five-year warrants with a strike price of $0.40 to purchase approximately 3,977,961 shares of common stock were issued in conjunction with the conversion of the senior notes and the purchase of common stock for cash. The original warrants issued in 2019 in conjunction with the issuance of the senior notes were cancelled. Following the closing of the transaction, the Company's total shares of common stock outstanding are approximately 29.2 million shares. Further details are available in a Current Report on 8-K filing made today with the Securities and Exchange Commission. "The Company is pleased to reach agreement with the Deerfield Investors and the Noteholders to dramatically simplify the Company's capital structure," commented David Jorden, Nuo's Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the raise of a modest amount of capital to be potentially used for corporate and operational needs provides some valuable but limited resources. The Company awaits the release of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid's (CMS) proposed decision memorandum concerning the potential national coverage of autologous blood-based products for chronic non-healing wounds. The reconsideration request was officially opened on April 3, 2020 with the initiation of a 30-day public comment period and the proposed decision is expected in early October per the standard guidelines followed by CMS national coverage determinations. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the Deerfield organization for working cooperatively with the Company to achieve an outcome that could position Nuo for possible success if the Aurix product becomes accessible to chronic wound patients and their caregivers in a manner which we have long believed to be in these patients' best interests." As the Company disclosed previously, in the absence of a viable path forward for Aurix as an accessible product option for physicians treating Medicare beneficiaries with chronic wounds, the Company will likely proceed to cease any and all operations. About Nuo Therapeutics Nuo Therapeutics, Inc. is a biomedical company offering biodynamic therapies for chronic wound care. The Company's Aurix System is a biodynamic hematogel that harnesses a patient's innate regenerative abilities for the management of a variety of wounds. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in or anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and may contain the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "the facts suggest," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result" or, in each case, their negative, or words or expressions of similar meaning. These statements reflect the Company's current view of future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which include, among others, the following: the Company's ability to receive a favorable national coverage decision from CMS for Aurix in time to prevent the Company from ceasing its operations; significant uncertainty surrounding an agreed path forward for Aurix as an accessible product option for physicians treating Medicare beneficiaries with chronic wounds in the absence of such a path, the Company will likely have to cease operations; the continuing rapid depletion of the Company's cash resources, the Company's need for immediate and substantial additional financing and its ability to obtain that financing, including in light of the low share price and significant volatility with respect to its common stock - if the Company were required to liquidate today, the holders of its common stock would not receive any consideration for their common stock; the fact that the Company has no significant assets left to monetize other than the Aurix System itself; as well as other risks and uncertainties referenced in the Company's SEC filings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, and the Company's business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially and adversely affected. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Except to the extent required by applicable law or rules, the Company undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update, revise or otherwise publicly release any revisions to its forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of any unanticipated events. SOURCE Nuo Therapeutics, Inc. CARLINVILLE The 18th president of Blackburn College has only been on the job a few weeks, but hes already tired of hearing one thing about the institution. If I hear the phrase best-kept secret one more time Ill probably scream, said Dr. Mark L. Biermann. We have to do a better job of getting the Blackburn name out there, period. We cant be a best-kept secret. Biermann officially took the reins of the private college with 486 enrolled students on Aug. 15. His new role coincided with a U.S. News & World Report rating that listed Blackburn as the second highest-ranked liberal arts college for social mobility in Illinois, and the 19th in the nation. Blackburn is one of just nine federally recognized Work Colleges in the nation and the only one with a student-managed Work Program that links students directly with employers in their field of study. We have to be out there and, as people learn about us, they get very interested and that generates more friends that are willing to support the institution, Biermann said. They want to be able to invest in something they know is going to be successful and support students in a unique way. Biermann previously served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. Prior to that, Biermann was chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Eastern Kentucky University, the inaugural dean of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, and dean of the faculty and vice president for academic affairs at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Biermann said it was Blackburns unique Work Program that drew him to the college. I love the Work Program, and without it I dont think I would have applied to Blackburn, Biermann said. The Work Program in combination with the liberal arts curriculum is exactly what students need today to be able to thrive for decades after their college experience. Its a wonderful, powerful model for higher education and I see great things for the Work Program in years to come. So much of the time colleges give the theoretical basis for things such as communication, working in teams, developing leadership, problem solving and critical thinking, but they dont teach the practical skills and techniques to go along with them, Biermann said. But then when you also have the Work Program to go with them, those skills get built even stronger so the students can be even better prepared. Biermann joined the Carlinville campus in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the preparations already had been made for in-person learning this semester at Blackburn with a remote learning option for every course. The faculty have done an incredible job getting courses available to our students, to be very flexible and creative to serve the students in front of them as well as the students tuning in through technology, Biermann said. The staff have done an amazing job picking up the things we need to do in addition, the sanitizing and cleaning, the work that happens around campus as we try to keep people as safe as we possibly can. Biermann feels the Blackburn approach to the pandemic has worked well, and that is credited in equal parts to good planning and good luck. The college has had five students test positive for COVID, but they were quarantined either at home or on campus and the school now has no active cases. Coming out of the pandemic, I think that we should be able to leverage all of the things that we have learned, Biermann said. Our amazing capacity for doing things remotely, to continue reaching audiences that we havent in the past. Blackburn College Board of Trustees Chairman Mike Smiley, a 1971 Blackburn alumnus, said the board chose Biermann as the new president because of his exceptional administrative and academic background and his enthusiasm for Blackburns Work Program. Dr. Biermanns proven leadership and educational experience is the perfect fit for Blackburn, Smiley said. We believe he is the right person to help shape the colleges future and we welcome him and his family to the Blackburn community. Smiley said the college also is working to fill other executive positions, the vice president for inclusive enrollment and the vice president for diverse and equitable student life and dean of students, Title IX coordinator. Meanwhile, the accolades keep coming for Blackburn. Most recently, the college was recognized by Washington Monthlys College Guide as one of the top liberal arts schools in the country. From a list of 218 institutions, Blackburn was ranked No. 48 based largely on its record for social mobility and service. There are students out there who could benefit from a Blackburn education far more than they could benefit from any other college or university in the United States, Biermann said. We just have to find a way of matching those students with the college so we can get them here on campus and provide that support. Carlinville was founded in 1828 and Blackburn College in 1837. The community has wasted no time in welcoming the colleges new president. Carlinville is wonderful, Biermann said. Carlinville and Blackburn are a great team. U.S. President Donald Trump participates in the first 2020 presidential campaign debate with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, held on the campus of the Cleveland Clinic at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S., September 29, 2020. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he's looking forward to next week's debate with former Vice President Joe Biden as scheduled. The president announced his plans participate in the second debate less than 24 hours after he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment of Covid-19. "I am looking forward to the debate on the evening of Thursday, October 15th in Miami," Trump wrote on his Twitter feed. "It will be great!" Asked whether the Trump campaign will comply with testing requirements and any additional health measures in light of the president's diagnosis, communications director Tim Murtaugh said: "The President intends to participate in person." The remarks came amid concerns that, despite his enthusiasm, the president could still pose a public health risk and infect others with the coronavirus. The Commission on Presidential Debates, the nonprofit group that sponsors the debates, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Trump is considered contagious 10 to 20 days from the onset of symptoms. For the president, that occurred on or about Oct. 1. The president's medical team is continuing to scrutinize his viral load for insight as to when he may no longer be infectious. The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. Trump returned to the White House on Monday after a three-night stay at Walter Reed, where he was treated for the coronavirus with a cocktail of drugs including Gilead's remdesivir, Regeneron's antibody cocktail and the steroid dexamethasone. The president has in recent days struck an upbeat and reassuring tone when discussing both his health and the severity of the global pandemic. Hours before he was discharged from the hospital, Trump encouraged Americans not to be afraid of the deadly virus and said he felt "better than I did 20 years ago." But critics say that the president's lighthearted comments may convince everyday Americans that the disease isn't as bad as feared and result in widespread disregard for health-care guidelines. The CDC and other public health officials continue to warn that the coronavirus is a significant risk to Americans. The virus has killed more than 200,000 in the U.S. Should the debate move forward as planned, both Trump and Biden will answer questions from voters in Miami. The political editor of C-SPAN is the moderator for the second debate. It will be in a town hall format. A third presidential debate is scheduled for Oct. 22 at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. NBC News White House correspondent Kristen Welker will moderate that debate. Its easy to believe a poll that tells you what you want to hear. Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden may be feeling too confident thanks to national and some state polls that show the former vice president ahead. They shouldnt believe them. Neither should supporters of President Donald Trump. The only poll that matters is 28 days away. It will reflect real voters, not just likely ones. If all goes well, the state-by-state tallies will include all votes cast by mail and in person. There are lots of reasons not to believe polls. They dont predict the future and only offer a glimpse of what people are thinking on a given day. Some polls dont include enough people to give a fair account of a groups feelings, and others are designed to elicit the views a campaign seeks. Some polls have a high margin of error. Trinity University associate professor of psychology Harry Wallace offers another reason to be leery of polls: People lie. Such suspicions arent new. In June, the online news site The Hill carried a story with the headline, Are Trump supporters punking the polls? Why would someone lie in a poll? Its the same reason people lie in general: self-interest. People are concerned about what others think of them, Wallace said. That may be the case in polls conducted by phone, in which the pollster can hear a persons response. In more anonymous online polls, Wallace said, voters may be lying only to themselves. He described them as uncomfortable with ones personal realities. Take the question of whether people see themselves as racists. People are much less likely to self-report being racist if theres any chance they could be tied or identified to that response, Wallace said. Even racists dont want to be seen as racists. I appreciate a white supremacist who admits hes racist. Its rather refreshing. Its the straight-faced liars I distrust. Polls may also be wrong because people are bad at introspection, Wallace said. They dont know how they really feel about an issue or candidate. What they say in a poll may have no bearing on their decisions at the ballot box. Its easy to pull back the curtain and see that confidence comes in the moment, he said. Its not a reliable marker for their behavior. Some people are also fuzzy, he said. Theyre not thinking deeply about politics. They may think more carefully in the voting booth, but sometimes people wing it. Political strategist Christian Archer, who heads up Bexar Facts Public Opinion Research in San Antonio, agrees wholeheartedly that polls ought to be read cautiously. He chuckles when asked if people lie to pollsters like him. For the most part, theyre telling the truth, because its anonymous. He said polls on specific issues are more on target than those involving individual candidates. Archer doesnt pay as much attention to poll results as he does their cross tabulations, where the meat of the poll is for a campaign. For example, the original Pre-K 4 SA campaign showed it wouldnt pass, he said. But it revealed a lot of undecided voters and what messages would move them from undecided to supportive. In 2016, a lot of polls got it wrong, Archer said of the presidential race between Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Undecided conservatives werent on anyones radar, and Trump got them out. Its another strange election cycle in an extra weird 2020. A president still in denial about the coronavirus, including his own diagnosis, has defied every norm. Meanwhile mail-in ballots are endangered not only by U.S. Postal Service cuts and the potential for manipulation, but also by elected officials like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has limited drop boxes to one per county, no matter the populations of those jurisdictions. Several lawsuits against that move are pending. While Republicans wail that voting will be fraudulent, Trump has encouraged his supporters to intimidate voters by becoming poll watchers; told a potentially violent white supremacist group to stand by; and hasnt committed to abiding by the election results if he loses. Democrats, on the other hand, are likely more fearful of contracting the coronavirus while voting than Republicans are. The latter, like the president, shun mask-wearing. Dont be scared, but take precautions. Be vigilant and no matter how you vote, vote. Vote early Oct. 13-30. You can vote at any polling location. On Election Day, Nov. 3, you can vote at any county voting center. If youve voted by mail, track the status of your ballot online at bexar.org. Just do it. 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 New Delhi, Oct 6 : Temperatures at critical mountain peaks and passes in the Himalayas along the disputed India-China border have dropped to minus 20 Degrees Celsius, presenting a fresh challenge to the thousands of troops deployed on both sides. Sumit Kumar Singh New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Temperatures at critical mountain peaks and passes in the Himalayas along the disputed India-China border have dropped to minus 20 Degrees Celsius, presenting a fresh challenge to the thousands of troops deployed on both sides. Senior military personnel from India and China are expected to meet on October 12 for the seventh time to discuss de-escalation along the unmarked border in eastern Ladakh. All previous talks, however, have failed, dashing hopes of an early disengagement. To add to the woes, for more than a month, soldiers are perched on peaks rising to 17000 ft because a turn-around of all troops is yet to happen owing to the arduous terrain and tough logistics. On August 29, in a sudden stealth operation carried out mostly under the cover of darkness, India occupied critical heights and mountain passes along the South Bank of the Pangong Tso - a glacial lake at 16,000 ft. "Only food and water are being reached to these points," said a senior official. The six-month-long border dispute between nuclear-armed nations is now turning into a test of endurance and logistics as both sides have dug in. Soldiers holding on the peaks for more than a month include those from the Special Frontier Force (SFF) - a special force comprising Tibetan refugees raised after the India-China war of 1962. China, too, has deployed troops a few metres away from Indian position on the heights. The SFF troops are holding 13 critical heights which were never held in the 1962 war and do not even have basic shelter. "No temporary structures have been built at these heights. There are no roads or infrastructure on these heights," added the official. China, too, is facing logistical issues in holding corresponding positions. Even in such a bad situation, the troops are on high alert since the PLA has also deployed soldiers few metres away at some of the critical heights. There would be no thinning of force at these heights till the time China completely withdraws its troops, said a source. India and China are engaged in a six-month-long standoff at the LAC. Despite several levels of dialogue, there hasn't been any breakthrough and the deadlock continues. ( can be reached at sumit.k@ians.in) In a stern warning to terrorists, Lt Governor on Tuesday said any attack on flag-bearers of democracy would not be tolerated. Sinha made the remarks as he visited the family of Block Development Council (BDC) Chairman Bhupinder Singh, who was killed by terrorists at his village in Budgam district of central Kashmir last month, an official spokesman said. The Lt Governor expressed grief and solidarity with the family members of the deceased, the spokesperson said. Such attacks on flag-bearers of democracy in Kashmir would not be tolerated and the perpetrators would be dealt with by appropriate agencies, Sinha said. He assured the family all support of the administration and reaffirmed the government's resolve to bring normalcy to life in (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 Trump administration has compared Operation Warp Speed's crash program to develop a COVID-19 vaccine to the Manhattan Project. And like the notoriously secretive government project to make the first atomic bomb, the details of Operation Warp Speed's work may take a long time to unravel. One reason is that Operation Warp Speed is issuing billions of dollars' worth of coronavirus vaccine contracts to companies through a nongovernment intermediary, bypassing the regulatory oversight and transparency of traditional federal contracting mechanisms, NPR has learned. Instead of entering into contracts directly with vaccine makers, more than $6 billion in Operation Warp Speed funding has been routed through a defense contract management firm called Advanced Technologies International, Inc. ATI then awarded contracts to companies working on COVID-19 vaccines. As a result, the contracts between the pharmaceutical companies and ATI may not be available through public records requests, and additional documents are exempt from public disclosure for five years. Vaccine contracts awarded this way include $1.6 billion for Novavax, $1.95 billion for Pfizer, $1.79 billion for Sanofi and $1 billion for Johnson & Johnson. NPR first looked into Operation Warp Speed's approach when our request for one of the contracts under the federal Freedom of Information Act came up empty. A senior administration official tells NPR the government chose to use the intermediary for Operation Warp Speed contracts "to take advantage of certain acquisition authorities provided by Congress that are available to address situations like the coronavirus pandemic." Generally, these kinds of agreements allow the government to be more nimble. Simplifying government bureaucracy during a crisis isn't necessarily a bad thing, says Robin Feldman, a professor at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, who focuses on the pharmaceutical industry and drug policy. But there's a tradeoff when it comes to accountability. "We have to be careful about what we throw out in that process," she says. Throwing out the contracting bible Most government contracts are governed by a set of rules called the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or FAR. "It's really a bible that the government and contractors are supposed to follow with respect to a given acquisition," says attorney Franklin Turner, a partner at McCarter and English, who has been involved with thousands of government contracts in his career. "It is supposed to establish the process from soup to nuts, right from the beginning to the very end of a procurement." The acquisition regulations contain everything Congress stipulates should "govern the expenditure of taxpayer dollars," from anti-human-trafficking clauses to ethics and company conduct requirements, Turner says. But the resulting process can be time-consuming. Sometimes, it can stretch for years, especially if competitive bidding is involved or a losing company challenges an award through a formal protest process. So, in special cases, the government has been turning to an alternative mechanism, called an Other Transaction Agreement, or OTA. These agreements got their start in the late 1950s, when NASA was created. The goal was to streamline the contracting process and attract newer, smaller companies and inventors to work with the government that otherwise might not have the resources or willingness to do so. "I don't think that they operate to relieve liability," Turner says. "They operate, if anything, to streamline the process for a variety of reasons, depending on the acquisition at issue." But there can be a downside to these agreements. "A number of analysts warn that along with the potential benefits come significant risks, including potentially diminished oversight and exemption from laws and regulations designed to protect government and taxpayer interests," the Congressional Research Service wrote in a 2019 report about the rising use of OTAs by the Department of Defense. The report also noted that it was unclear whether OTAs are faster than traditional government contracts, because the Department of Defense hasn't tracked that information. Kathryn Ardizzone, a lawyer at Knowledge Ecology International, examined a handful of early Operation Warp Speed research and development contracts obtained through public records requests to HHS that didn't go through an intermediary. KEI is a nonprofit group that focuses on intellectual property policy. Many were OTAs that weakened or excluded Bayh-Dole clauses, which, among other things, allow the government to "march in" and take control of a drug or vaccine if a manufacturer that received federal funding engages in price gouging, for example. Ardizzone and NPR have both, separately, tried to get copies of the later (and larger) procurement contracts through public records requests and so far have been unsuccessful. We requested contracts between the federal government and the pharmaceutical companies not the intermediary, Advanced Technology International. In response to NPR's request, HHS said it had "no records" for the $1.6 billion contract with Novavax, indicating that the department leading the way on Operation Warp Speed doesn't have a copy of the contract. NPR has since made the same request of the Department of Defense and is awaiting the response. "It's not clear that using the Freedom of Information Act, we can access agreements that are maintained by a private entity," Ardizzone says. In that case, we don't know what taxpayer protections the contracts may have left out. "The stakes are as high as you could ever imagine," Ardizzone says. If the government doesn't have a copy of these records, something she called "shocking but not impossible," it would "add a layer of complexity" to whether the contracts can be disclosed under a public records request. Repurposing a Defense Department consortium Advance Technology International manages contracts and facilitates dealings with the government for several consortia of academics, companies and more, using OTAs. In March and early April, the Department of Defense talked with ATI about a consortium of academics and companies that it manages called the Medical CBRN Defense Consortium, which is tasked with developing medical countermeasures to threats against the military. The Department of Defense, a partner in Operation Warp Speed, already had an overarching OTA with ATI concerning this group. To expand it for the COVID-19 response was a matter of adding more money and issuing a request for proposals concerning coronavirus vaccines and other COVID-19 items. "The federal government came to me and said, you know, you already have all the members ... all the industrial organizations that we would want to complete this work with," ATI former Chief Operating Officer Robert Tuohy tells NPR. He stayed on as a consultant since stepping down as COO in 2019. (The Medical CBRN Defense Consortium added Pfizer and Novavax to its membership, according to an August notice in the Federal Register.) In a bureaucratic twist, ATI was never explicitly told it was helping with Operation Warp Speed, Tuohy says, calling that fact "invisible" to the nonprofit. "So the government then asks us to actually run a competition very similar to what the government would run within the membership of the consortia," he says, adding that it saves the government time and resources. ATI's job is to put out a request for proposals, collect the essential information (which is typically less than what's required in FAR-based contracts), make sure they're all in the same format and send them to the federal government for evaluation. Once the federal government makes its decision, ATI issues its own OTAs to the chosen members. "Then they hand us the money and ask us to award essentially a sub-OTA to the team that they have selected within the membership of the consortium," says Tuohy. The Medical CBRN Defense Consortium was set up about four years ago to do contract work concerning chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense "as related to enhancing the mission effectiveness of military personnel." As a result, Ardizzone wonders if it's operating too far outside its original scope. This, she says, could be a sign the intermediary arrangement is "to just avoid the procedures and regulations that protect the American public in the government contracting process." Tuohy says the consortium was established with a flexible mission, adding that OTAs often get a bad rap, but they don't deserve it. Even if the contracts don't include things like the Bayh-Dole protections, he says they often have similar replacement language. When asked about whether these contracts could be disclosed to the public under public records requests, he said it was up to the government. ATI couldn't point to an example of one of its contracts to consortium members being disclosed this way, but this may have happened without it being made aware. Reporters asked Operation Warp Speed officials about when the contracts would be released to the public during a press briefing on Sept. 16. "With respect to the contracts, the contracts are between ourselves, the United States government and private entities, and they are releasable to an extent. Obviously everything cannot be released, but they are releasable to an extent and they will be made available at some point in time," said Lt. Gen. Paul Ostrowski, who directs Operation Warp Speed's efforts on supply, production and distribution. "And I will tell you that they entail information that allows us to all know that we paid a fair and reasonable price for each one of these vaccines as we went forward." Feldman, of UC Hastings, says the administration's comparison of Operation Warp Speed to the Manhattan Project is troubling. "I think that's completely the wrong image," she says. "The right analogy, I think, for Operation Warp Speed is the penicillin effort in World War II. So there, the nation mobilized to create the entire penicillin industry. It changed how we treat disease. It ushered in the era of mass-produced pharmaceuticals. That's what I think as the best you could do here. But it's a completely different image than Manhattan Project." She says the penicillin effort is proof that public-private partnerships can produce great work. "We can do a lot of good together, but we have to make sure pharma companies aren't taking advantage of the crisis," she says. "And we know from history that some will try. We know from history current and past that some will try." You can contact NPR pharmaceuticals correspondent Sydney Lupkin at slupkin@npr.org. Fishermen pull in a boat before the arrival of Hurricane Delta in Puerto Juarez, Cancun, Mexico, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a potentially catastrophic Category 4 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then continue on to the U.S. Gulf coast this week. (AP Photo/Victor Ruiz Garcia) Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a dangerous Category 4 storm Tuesday while on a course to hammer Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and then continue on to the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week. The worst of the immediate impact was expected along the resort-studded northeastern tip of Yucatan, where landfall was expected early Wednesday. The storm's maximum sustained winds were clocked at 130 mph (215 kph) late Tuesday, slightly weakened from a peak of 145 mph (230 kph) a few hours earlier, but forecasters warned it remained a dangerously powerful storm. From Tulum to Cancun, tourism-dependent communities still soaked by the remnants of Tropical Storm Gamma could bear the brunt of Delta. In Cancun, long lines snaked from supermarkets, lumber yards and gas stations as people scrambled for provisions under mostly sunny skies. Officials warned that residents should have several days of water and food on hand. Boat owners lined up at public ramps to pull their craft out of the water. Mexico evacuated thousands of tourists and residents from coastal areas along its Riviera Maya. Some 160 shelters were opened in Cancun alone. Quintana Roo Gov. Carlos Joaquin said Tuesday night that the government had made preparations, but "it is a strong, powerful hurricane." He said the area hadn't seen one like it since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. A man removes signs as Hurricane Delta approaches Puerto Juarez, Cancun, Mexico, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a potentially catastrophic Category 4 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then continue on to the U.S. Gulf coast this week. (AP Photo/Victor Ruiz Garcia) Some hotels that had exemptions because their structures were rated for major hurricanes planned to shelter their guests in place and testing their emergency systems. When the alarm blared at the Fiesta Americana Condesa hotel, Lizeth Elena Garza Hernandez rushed out of her room carrying her 10-month-old daughter, Hannah. She had arrived Sunday from the northern Mexican border city of Reynosa with her husband, 4-year-old daughter and her parents-in-law. "I'm scared because we don't know how it could impact here, because we've never been in a situation like it," she said. Joseph Potts, a deputy sheriff from Denver, Colorado, took care of his 3-year-old son near a kiddie pool while his wife attended an emergency information session about the hurricane. The hotel offered to shelter guests in a ballroom, but a short time later after the storm intensified the hotel told them they would all be moved to a university in Cancun. A dock is closed to the public before Hurricane Delta arrives near Playa del Carmen, Mexico, early Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then grow to a potentially catastrophic Category 4 on approach to the U.S. Gulf Coast this week. (AP Photo/Tomas Stargardter) "The hurricane kind of popped up overnight and we just want to get it over with and go back to the beach," Potts said. The official definition of rapid intensification of a hurricane is 35 mph in 24 hours. Delta increased in strength 80 mph, more than doubling from a 60 mph storm at 2 pm EDT Monday to 140 mph at 2 pm EDT Tuesday. State Tourism Minister Marisol Vanegas said there were 40,900 tourists in all of Quintana Roo, far below normal numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The area's economy was devastated by months of pandemic-caused lockdown. At the Moon Palace resort just south of Cancun, hundreds of guests from Moon Palace hotels on Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and beachfront rooms were being moved into a hurricane shelter at the resort's large exposition center. Bedding, food and entertainment were being provided, said Cessie Cerrato, the vice president of public relations for Palace Resorts. Men board up a Telcel phone store as Hurricane Delta approaches Puerto Juarez, Cancun, Mexico, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a potentially catastrophic Category 4 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then continue on to the U.S. Gulf coast this week. (AP Photo/Victor Ruiz Garcia) "It's massive," Cerrato said of the convention hall. "It's super safe and further away from the water." Given the coronavirus pandemic, the hall will allow safe distancing, and face masks will be required for guests. The state ordered people off the streets by 7 p.m. and landfall was expected between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen just south of Cancun early Wednesday. Just south of Puerto Morelos in Playa del Carmen, Zena Koudsi from Charlotte, North Carolina was taking a final walk along the beach before Delta hit. "Never been to a hurricane area," Koudsi said. "Never been to Mexico. I was expecting maybe more sun, less waves, but, you know, we're trying to make the best of it." Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tuesday that 5,000 federal troops and emergency personnel were being made available in Quintana Roo to aid in storm efforts. Tourists rest in a shelter prior to the arrival of Hurricane Delta, at the Technological Institute of Cancun, Mexico, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a potentially catastrophic Category 4 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then continue on to the U.S. Gulf Coast this week. (AP Photo/Luis Henao) "I honestly don't see much that will stop it until it reaches Yucatan, due to low vertical wind shear, high deep-layer moisture, and the very warm and deep waters of the northwestern Caribbean," said Eric Blake, a forecaster at the National Hurricane Center. Delta was predicted to arrive with an extremely dangerous storm surge raising water levels by as much as 9 to 13 feet (2.7 to 4 meters), accompanied by large and dangerous waves and flash flooding inland. The storm was centered about 135 miles (220 kilometers) east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, on Tuesday evening and it was moving west-northwest at 16 mph (26 kph). Once Delta moves on from Mexico, it is expected to regain Category 4 strength over the Gulf of Mexico as it approaches the U.S. coast, where landfall around Friday would be followed by heavy rainfall across the southeastern United States. This Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, satellite image released by NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) shows a strengthening Hurricane Delta. Delta rapidly intensified into a dangerous Category 4 storm Tuesday while following a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then continue on to the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week. (NASA via AP) Fishermen pull in a boat before the arrival of Hurricane Delta in Puerto Juarez, Cancun, Mexico, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a potentially catastrophic Category 4 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then continue on to the U.S. Gulf coast this week. (AP Photo/Victor Ruiz Garcia) Tourists play cards in a shelter prior to the arrival of Hurricane Delta, at the Technological Institute of Cancun, Mexico, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a potentially catastrophic Category 4 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then continue on to the U.S. Gulf Coast this week. (AP Photo/Luis Henao) Tourists rest in a shelter prior to the arrival of Hurricane Delta, at the Technological Institute of Cancun, Mexico, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a potentially catastrophic Category 4 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then continue on to the U.S. Gulf Coast this week. (AP Photo/Luis Henao) A worker secures a dock before Hurricane Delta arrives near Playa del Carmen, Mexico, early Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then grow to a potentially catastrophic Category 4 on approach to the U.S. Gulf Coast this week. (AP Photo/Tomas Stargardter) Workers retreive equipment before Hurricane Delta arrives near Playa del Carmen, Mexico, early Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then grow to a potentially catastrophic Category 4 on approach to the U.S. Gulf Coast this week. (AP Photo/Tomas Stargardter) Zena Koudsi, from Charlotte, North Carolina, walks on the beach near Playa del Carmen, Mexico before Hurricane Delta arrives, early Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then grow to a potentially catastrophic Category 4 on approach to the U.S. Gulf Coast this week. (AP Photo/Tomas Stargardter) Boats sit closer to the shore after they were secured by fishermen preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Delta in Puerto Juarez, Cancun, Mexico, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a potentially catastrophic Category 4 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then continue on to the U.S. Gulf coast this week. (AP Photo/Victor Ruiz Garcia) A couple walks on the beach before Hurricane Delta arrives near Playa del Carmen, Mexico, early Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday on a course to hammer southeastern Mexico and then grow to a potentially catastrophic Category 4 on approach to the U.S. Gulf Coast this week. (AP Photo/Tomas Stargardter) "While there is large uncertainty in the track and intensity forecasts, there is a significant risk of dangerous storm surge, wind, and rainfall hazards along the coast from Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle beginning Thursday night or Friday," the Hurricane Center said. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards decreed states of emergency for their states Tuesday, allowing officials to seek federal aid more quickly if needed later. Beach communities on the Alabama coast were still clearing away the damage from Hurricane Sally, which made landfall at Gulf Shores on Sept. 16. In Cancun, Mexican tourists Stephanie Vazquez and husband Fernando Castillo took one last dip in the pool at the Fiesta Americana hotel with their 2-year-old son, Leonardo. Vazquez said she was "nervous, worried," about Delta, "because it is the first time I've come here with my son." "I feel there is a certain safety that the hotel has provided up to now, I know that we will be well protected, but you never can be 100% sure, because it is nature, and you don't know what will happen," she said. Explore further Hurricane Sally threatens deadly flooding in southern US 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The Florida principal who was fired after questioning whether the Holocaust was a factual, historical event could get his job back this week. The Palm Beach County School Board will vote Wednesday on whether to reinstate William Latson, the former principal of Spanish River High School who was canned in October 2019, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Monday. Latson made national headlines when he told a parent concerned about the meager Holocaust curriculum that the lessons are not forced upon individuals as we all have the same rights but not all the same beliefs." Not everyone believes the Holocaust happened, Latson wrote. And you have your thoughts, but we are a public school and not all of our parents have the same beliefs. The Palm Beach County School District said Latson made a grave error in judgment in the verbiage, but his firing came after he was unavailable to face questions from media and parents during the controversy. But in August, Florida Administrative Judge Robert S. Cohen ruled that Latson should have been disciplined, not fired, and said the school district failed to prove that [Latson] engaged in misconduct in office, incompetence, or gross insubordination by a preponderance of the evidence. Any competent evidence of Anti-Semitism, either direct or indirect, on Dr. Latsons part, is sorely lacking, Cohen wrote. 2020 New York Daily News Visit New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. GONZALES A Sorrento man and registered sex offender on the run amid accusations of soliciting and having sex with a juvenile boy in Louisiana was found and arrested in South Carolina, Ascension Parish sheriff's deputies said Tuesday. Todd Eric Tripp, 31, a former Ascension sheriff's deputy who was fired seven years ago, has been on probation following his release from state prison in 2019 for convictions of attempted child pornography possession and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Former Ascension Parish deputy again accused in solicitation, sex allegations with youth Ascension Parish sheriff's deputies are looking for a registered sex offender and former deputy still on probation from child pornography and South Carolina deputies found Tripp shortly after midnight Tuesday in York County, and he is expected to be transported back to Ascension at a later date to face new counts, sheriff's deputies said in a statement. It wasn't immediately clear what led Tripp to the South Carolina county, which is a suburban area on the southwestern fringes of Charlotte, North Carolina, or how deputies in that state had found him. Tripp is wanted in Ascension on three counts carnal knowledge of a juvenile, computer-aided solicitation of a minor, and unlawful use or access of social media over allegations tied to his solicitation of a teenage boy in another parish, deputies said. Deputies announced on Thursday that they were looking for Tripp after the new allegations had emerged about him two days earlier. Between 2013 and 2015, Tripp had been arrested multiple times over repeated accusations of child pornography possession, computer-aided solicitation of juvenile, carnal knowledge of juvenile and other related allegations. Tripp was a former Ascension sheriff's corrections deputy for a year and a half but was fired from the Sheriff's Office after his initial arrest in September 2013. Former Ascension sheriff's deputy gets four years in indecent behavior, child porn cases A former Ascension Parish sheriff's corrections deputy will serve four years in state prison after his guilty plea earlier this fall to indece Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up As new arrests followed and more counts mounted, his defense attorney had argued for a time that his client was not guilty by reason insanity due to post-traumatic stress disorder. But Tripp ended up pleading guilty in December 2017 to reduced charges. He was released from state prison in March 2019 with five years probation and a requirement to register as a sex offender. In the latest incident, Ascension deputies said Tripp met the 16-year male through a social media dating site. Tripp used a false name and began actively engaging with the juvenile online. Tripp met with the 16-year-old at least three times and engaged in sexual activity with him, deputies said. In March 2015, Tripp was out on bail from his earlier counts and had been accused of contacting a 13-year-old juvenile male from Germantown, Tennessee, and exchanging sexual comments with him. Detectives later found a nude photograph of the youth in Tripp's home. At the time, deputies said Tripp had been discussing the possibility of traveling to visit the boy, though that never happened. The discovery and subsequent arrest led the revocation of his bail at the time. In his 2017 plea agreement, Tripp acknowledged that he sent "lewd and lascivious text messages" to the teen and that sheriff's detectives found child pornography images in his home in September 2013. With the new allegations that emerged last week, Tripp may face significant jail time under the terms of his old plea if his probation is revoked once he returns to Louisiana. Under prosecutors' recommendations, Tripp's sentence amounted to four years in prison after suspensions and other steps. But his full sentence under the plea is 84 years. At the time of his sentence, Tripp had already spent 2 years in prison. Part of the old sentence's recommendation is that Tripp have no internet or social media use outside work. Receiving a jury duty summons always prompts questions: Can I get off work? What about the kids? What if I get picked for a trial that lasts three weeks? Now comes a new one: What if I catch the coronavirus? Across Maryland this week, prospective jurors will arrive at courthouses for the first time since March as the state restarts jury trials. Convincing them to show up - and keeping them safe after they arrive - is central to a long list of challenges to running trials during a global pandemic. "Obviously jurors are concerned," said Vincent Weaver, Montgomery County's jury commissioner. In preparation for the restart, Weaver's office started mailing summonses on Sept. 3. It has since fielded about 50 virus-related calls a day from recipients. The callers range from open-minded questioners to those whose first words are "I do not feel comfortable coming in." He and his staff try to answer all the questions. They also direct prospects to a courthouse video laying out the precautions that have been taken for them. Most have agreed to come in, Weaver said. The precautions Montgomery has taken, mirrored in different forms at 23 other circuit courthouses in the state, revolve around mask-wearing, social distancing, cleaning and reducing the number of people in any given room. Each courthouse also will run a limited trial schedule at first - one trial a day in Montgomery, for instance - to reduce crowds. "Everyone has had to reimagine what things are going to look like," said Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Laura Ripken, who chairs the state conference of circuit judges. One of the biggest challenges, Ripken said, has been in finding rooms large enough for dozens of perspective jurors to gather before they are winnowed down to a panel for a trial. Some courthouses have decided to go off-site for the process. Washington Post photo by Dan Morse In Baltimore County, Ripken said, jurors will gather at the Cow Palace, a cavernous structure used for animals at the state fairgrounds in Timonium. In Garrett County, jurors will report to a high school gymnasium, according to Ripken. In Worcester County, they'll go to a fire station. Once inside courtrooms, the narrowed panels won't all squeeze into typical "jury boxes," court officials said. Some judges will place about half the jurors in the box and the other half in other parts of the courtroom, officials said. Plexiglass panels have been erected throughout the courtrooms. Lawyers will sit at partitioned tables. Judges will be similarly shielded. Witnesses also will be asked to wear masks. What remains to be seen: how often attorneys will request witnesses swap their masks for clear shields so jurors can judge someone's facial expressions and credibility. Aside from witnesses, judges, attorneys and jurors, those who want to watch trials may have to do so in a different room airing a video feed of the proceedings. Like other courthouses in the state, Montgomery's never closed during the pandemic, but they curtailed operations. A skeletal staff held critical hearings by video conference and kept paperwork going. Although there have been isolated cases of staff members being exposed to the virus, Administrative Judge Robert Greenberg said, the cases took place away from the courthouse. "We've had no cases of community spread within our building," Greenberg said. "I think the building is healthy." "I feel way more comfortable here than I do in a grocery store," Weaver added. Weaver, Greenberg and administrator Judy Rupp recently gave The Washington Post a tour of the new courthouse set up. "We want to do it very carefully," Greenberg said of the trial restarts, "and keep in mind everybody's health and safety." As jurors approach the circuit courthouse - a nine-story, beige hunk in downtown Rockville - signs will confirm that masks are required. Once inside, they'll receive forehead temperature checks and be asked medical-screening questions related to possible coronavirus exposure. The names they provide will have to match a preapproved visitors log. Their first stop: the cavernous "jury lounge" on the second floor, large enough to take in 400 prospects on busy jury days before the pandemic. This week will bring an expected 50 to 55 people every day, according to Weaver. They will be handed a packet of instructions. They will check in verbally with a plexiglass-shielded clerk - bypassing the standard touch-screen sign-in stations - and asked to take a marked seat scattered at least 10 feet from anyone else. "Minimal movement," Weaver said. "Basically, they're just going to check in, be in their seat, and they'll be in that seat throughout the morning selection process." "As you can see, we have hand sanitizer all over the place," Greenberg added. In normal times, jurors go in large numbers to individual courtrooms for their trial-based selection process, but now that will occur in the jury lounge or the courthouse's largest courtroom. One big challenge was what to do about the sometimes personal questions asked of potential jurors. Before the pandemic, jurors would be called up for a huddle in front of the judge's bench, where by design everyone would try to lean their heads close together and speak quietly. Potential jurors will instead follow the judge to glassed-in room that's part of the jury lounge typically used as a more isolated place to relax. Attorneys will stay in their seats but turn around and be able to listen to the glassed-in proceedings over earpieces. If they want the judge to ask a follow-up question, they will send a note into the room. "This is a bench conference, in effect," Greenberg said, standing in the quiet break room turned bench conference room. "We have to be innovative." Selected jurors will then be taken to specially outfitted courtrooms. One challenge: where to place the jurors so they can be distanced yet everyone can have direct eye contact. "Counsel needs to see jury. Judge needs to see jury. Jury needs to see witnesses," Rupp said. For Montgomery's first trial on Monday, the 14 selected jurors (12 plus two alternates) were taken by small groups to a courtroom that does not have a standard preset jury box. Ten jurors took seats in the large "well" portion of the courtroom on chairs aligned in three rows. Four additional jurors were seated in the audience section. All were at least six feet apart. When the trial ends and they deliberate, they will do so in the courtroom after it is cleared, keeping them out of the tight quarters of a traditional jury deliberation room. The caution and the efforts to explain them through the courthouse video and a letter sent before they arrive reflect polling data that showed the public was worried about attending trials. When asked in June to rank how comfortable on a scale of 1 to 10, survey respondents felt going to certain places, jury service logged in at 5.1, according to the National Center for State Courts. That was less comfortable than eating at a restaurant (5.5), voting at a polling place (6.7) and going to the grocery store (7.5). Slightly more than half of recipients cited at least one "pandemic-related obstacle to reporting for jury duty." These included living with someone with underlying health concerns, caring for elderly family members and an inability to secure child care. Weaver, the jury commissioner, said he has been sensitive to such barriers when juror prospects have called his office. And he has followed a long list of recommended guidance for possible medical excuses from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among people in this category are those 65 or older or living in nursing homes, and those with weakened immune systems, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions. Greenberg hopes to expand to additional trials going on at once in the courthouse. "We're hopeful that after a couple of weeks of that, we can sort of feel our oats a little bit and be able to do at least two. We think we could do conceivably three," he said. Information security policies (ISP) that are not grounded in the realities of an employee's work responsibilities and priorities exposes organizations to higher risk for data breaches, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York. The study's findings, that subcultures within an organization influence whether employees violate ISP or not, have led researchers to recommend an overhaul of the design and implementation of ISP, and to work with employees to find ways to seamlessly fit ISP compliance into their day-to-day tasks. "The frequency, scope and cost of data breaches have been increasing dramatically in recent years, and the majority of these cases happen because humans are the weakest link in the security chain. Non-compliance to ISP by employees is one of the important factors," said Sumantra Sarkar, associate professor of management information systems in Binghamton University's School of Management. "We wanted to understand why certain employees were more likely to comply with ISP than others in an organization." Sarkar, with a research team consisting of Anthony Vance of Temple University, Balasubramaniam Ramesh of Georgia State University, Menelaos Demestihas of Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Daniel Thomas Wu of Emory University School of Medicine, sought to determine how subcultures influence compliance, specifically within healthcare organizations. "Every organization has a culture that is typically set by top management. But within that, you have subcultures among different professional groups in the organization," said Sarkar. "Each of these groups are trained in a different way and are responsible for different tasks." Sarkar and his fellow researchers focused on ISP compliance within three subcultures found in a hospital setting - physicians, nurses and support staff. The expansive study took years to complete, with one researcher embedding in a hospital for over two years to observe and analyze activities, as well as to conduct interviews and surveys with multiple employees. Because patient data in a hospital is highly confidential, one area researchers focused on was the requirement for hospital employees to lock their electronic health record (EHR) workstation when not present. "Physicians, who are dealing with emergency situations constantly were more likely to leave a workstation unlocked. They were more worried about the immediate care of a patient than the possible risk of a data breach," said Sarkar. "On the opposite end, support staff rarely kept workstations unlocked when they were away, as they felt they were more likely to be punished or fired should a data breach occur." Researchers concluded that each subculture within an organization will respond differently to the organization-wide ISP, leaving organizations open to a higher possibility of data breaches. Their recommendation - consult with each subculture while developing ISP. "Information security professionals should have a better understanding of the day-to-day tasks of each professional group, and then find ways to seamlessly integrate ISP compliance within those job tasks," said Sarkar. "It is critical that we find ways to redesign ISP systems and processes in order to create less friction." In the context of a hospital setting, Sarkar recommends touchless, proximity-based authentication mechanisms that could lock or unlock workstations when an employee approaches or leaves a workstation. Researchers also found that most employees understand the value of ISP compliance, and realize the potential cost of a data breach. However, Sarkar believes that outdated ISP compliance measures have the potential to put employees in a conflict of priorities. "There shouldn't be situations where physicians are putting the entire hospital at risk for a data breach because they are dealing with a patient who needs emergency care," he said. "We need to find ways to accommodate the responsibilities of different employees within an organization." ### The study, "The Influence of Professional Subculture on Information Security Policy Violations: A Field Study in a Healthcare Context," was published in Information Systems Research. Press Release 6 October 2020 Ahead of the G20 summit of the world's largest economies, which includes a dedicated tourism segment, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as the two parties work together to restart global tourism. Highlighting UNWTO's unique status as a bridge between the UN system and the private sector, the new agreement will focus on enhancing consumer confidence in travel and placing sustainability at the centre of recovery and future growth. Advertisements From the start of the current crisis, UNWTO has led the way in addressing the key factor needed for the successful restart of tourism. This agreement with the global trade association for the airline sector builds on this and deepens the existing collaboration between both organizations to keep geared towards restoring the confidence of travellers. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: "Air travel is an essential component of global tourism. This partnership between UNWTO and IATA will see us work closely together to increase confidence in flying and tourism in general. UNWTO will use our expertise in innovation and our status as a connector of public and private sector leaders to help get aviation moving again." Closer, more focused collaboration This partnership between UNWTO and IATA will see us work closely together to increase confidence in flying and tourism in general. As well as focusing on building and maintaining confidence in international travel, the new agreement will also see UNWTO and IATA work closely together to foster innovation and promote greater public-private collaboration. As tourism restarts, this MoU will help ensure recovery is sustainable and inclusive. IATA Director General Alexandre de Juniac says: "The safe opening of international borders to tourism is essential. Tourists want to feel safe, and they want to be confident that their travel plans won't be affected by last-minute changes to rules and regulations. For this to happen, even greater collaboration between the public and private sectors is needed. This enhanced partnership with the World Tourism Organization will help guide aviation's recovery over the critical months ahead." IATA has been an Affiliate Member of UNWTO since 1978, providing a strong voice for the international air transport sector. IATA is also an active member of the Board of the UNWTO's Affiliate Members and contributed to the UNWTO Global Guidelines to Restart Tourism, released in May to help guide governments and the private sector in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaboration was reflected in the final publication. A set distinct set of recommendations for the air transport sector were included, with a focus on the introduction of enhanced hygiene protocols to guarantee the safety of both passengers and airline workers. The Global Guidelines also emphasized the need for strong partnership and coordination at every level of the airline sector. UNWTO leads a sector united This latest partnership comes as UNWTO continues to lead the global tourism sector in its response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. As well as close cooperation with private sector associations and businesses, UNWTO also recently signed an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), that will see the two UN agencies work together to harness the power of tourism to drive the sustainable social and economic development of rural communities. RELATED LINKS The Daily Beast Reuters/Arnd WiegmannTheatrical rock superstar Meat Loaf, whose Bat Out of Hell is one of the bestselling albums of all time, has died at the age of 74. Reports say the singer and actor had recently fallen sick with COVID-19.In an emotional statement posted to Facebook early Friday, the performers family said he was with his wife when he died and had said his final goodbyes to his two daughters in the past 24 hours. The star sold 100 million albums in his five-decade career and starred in movie BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan Protesters clashed with the police in Kyrgyzstans capital, Bishkek, on Monday during a demonstration against the results of a parliamentary election, with dozens of people reported injured. Local reports said at least 590 others had been injured. One news outlet reported at least one fatality. Early results in the election gave the majority of votes to two parties with ties to the countrys ruling elites amid allegations of vote buying. Later, an opposition politician who proclaimed himself the acting Kyrgyz prosecutor general suggested that the election result would be annulled, according to local news media. Reports said that 12 parties had signed a document demanding that the authorities cancel the results of the election and hold a new one. Iran's involvement in Venezuela has increased significantly in recent months, to include sending members of its elite Quds Force into the country, according to a top U.S. military leader who oversees operations in the region. Venezuela and Iran appear to be growing closer as the U.S. puts continued pressure on both countries. Iran's involvement in the South American country has "grown in intensity over the last few months," Navy Adm. Craig Faller, the head of U.S. Southern Command, said Monday. "Iran sees an ability and opportunity to create mischief here in our neighborhood in this hemisphere, and also an opportunity for economic and other leverage," Faller said during an event hosted by the Americas Society/Council of the Americas. "It's not just oil deliveries." Read Next: Former Top Air Force Official Slams Trump over Reported 'Losers and Suckers' Remarks Iran has also opened a supermarket chain in Venezuela, Faller said, and is increasing its military-to-military involvement there. That includes sending members of Iran's Quds Force, which gathers intelligence and engages in unconventional warfare, to the continent, he added. "[That is significant] and alarming from Iran in this hemisphere," Faller said. Tensions between Iran and the U.S. have been brewing in the last year, with several events leaving the countries on high alert for potential conflict. Both Iran and Venezuela have been slapped with crippling sanctions imposed by the U.S. during the Trump administration. Millions of people have fled Venezuela as a result. Iran and Venezuela have been teaming up to combat the U.S. sanctions. Iran has for months dispatched oil tankers to Venezuela to alleviate significant gasoline shortages there. A third tanker in an Iranian flotilla arrived in Venezuela this weekend, bringing about 820,000 barrels of fuel to the country, Reuters reported Sunday. Last week, the U.S. Navy sent another destroyer to the Caribbean Sea to challenge what the service called "Venezuela's excessive maritime claims in international waters." It marked the Navy's second freedom-of-navigation operation in the region in less than three months. Another destroyer carried out a similar operation in international waters near Venezuela in July. Iran, along with Russia, Cuba, China, Iran and North Korea, have supported Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. U.S. leaders say Maduro runs an illegitimate regime, and have backed opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognizing him as the legitimate president. Faller said influence from some of the other countries that support Maduro continues in Venezuela. China is active there, and Russia has hundreds of troops in the country, where Faller said they "day in and day out ... undermine U.S. interests." -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Related: Hundreds of Russian Mercenaries Now in Venezuela, US Admiral Says The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a grant expected to total $3.8 million to Virendra Mishra, Ph.D., associate staff at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, to identify biomarkers - or disease indicators - to predict dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease. "Although dementia affects approximately 50-80% of those living with Parkinson's disease within 12 years of diagnosis, currently there are no means for predicting dementia in specific individuals," said Mishra. "The possibility of identifying who will develop dementia with Parkinson's disease progression has several clinical benefits, including providing individuals with greater clarity on their future and helping clinicians better manage disease progression." The five-year grant supports the project, "Towards Generating a Multimodal and Multivarate Classification Model from Imaging and Non-Imaging Measures for Accurate Diagnosis and Monitoring of Dementia in Parkinson's Disease," which will use biomarkers spanning imaging, blood, cerebrospinal fluid and genetics to develop a predictive mathematical model to identify specific individuals with Parkinson's disease who may develop dementia as their disease progresses. Utilizing sophisticated and pathologically relevant neuroimaging measures -- such as diffusion-weighted MRI and resting state functional MRI -- with non-imaging measures, including clinical data, demographics, genetics and cerebrospinal fluid, Mishra aims to: * Understand how functional brain connectivity (interaction between different brain regions to complete the task at hand) and structural brain connectivity (information flow between brain regions responsible for completing the task at hand) differ in dementia in Parkinson's disease * Identify the best biomarkers that predict dementia in Parkinson's disease through multivariate statistical modelling Through this research, Mishra plans to develop a method that can be applied in clinical care with a greater-than-chance success rate to improve patient outcomes. In addition to clinical implications, identifying pathophysiology-based biomarkers for dementia in Parkinson's disease is critical for selecting appropriate individuals for participation in clinical trials of potential new disease-modifying therapies, and better understanding of the underlining pathophysiological processes. Additionally, the novel imaging techniques developed for this research also can be applied in other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease to help advance the understanding of disease-specific neuroanatomical changes indicative of dementia. This project is supported by NIH grant award R01NS117547. For more information about ongoing research at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, visit ClevelandClinic.org/Nevada or call 702-701-7944. ### About Cleveland Clinic: Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation's best hospitals in its annual "America's Best Hospitals" survey. Among Cleveland Clinic's 67,554 employees worldwide are more than 4,520 salaried physicians and researchers, and 17,000 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,026-bed health system that includes a 165-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 18 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, and locations in southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2019, there were 9.8 million total outpatient visits, 309,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 255,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic's health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CCforMedia and twitter.com/ClevelandClinic. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org. About the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health: Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, which opened in 2009, provides expert diagnosis and treatment for individuals and families living with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body, frontotemporal and other dementias; Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, multiple system atrophy and other movement disorders; and multiple sclerosis. With locations in Cleveland, OH; Weston, Florida and headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, the center offers a continuum of care with no-cost opportunities for the community to participate in education and research, including disease prevention studies and clinical trials of promising new medications. An integrated entity, Keep Memory Alive, raises funds exclusively in support of the Nevada location. clevelandclinic.org/Nevada Editor's Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request. TANAISTE Leo Varadkar has said a circuit break - a short, sharp lockdown - cannot be ruled out amid calls to overhaul how Nphet advice is handled at the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday. Mr Varadkar told TDs and Senators that it was inevitable that cases will rise for the next two to three weeks even under the current Level 3 restrictions, but that the country was not ready to return to lockdown, particularly as other countries in Europe had a higher incidence rate than Ireland. He said the Government had made a tough call on Monday to reject the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) to move to Level 5 restrictions. Read More Sources at the meeting said that twice Mr Varadkar did not rule out the possibility of the proposed 'circuit break' being introduced at some point to control the virus. But Mr Varadkar said this policy was not provided for in the Government's Living with Covid plan and the impacts of implementing it now had not been thought through. This included what success would look like in terms of reducing the spread of the virus and the effect of making thousands of people unemployed and shutting down businesses that may not reopen, sources said he told the meeting. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly also said he had no reservations about going against NPHETs recommendation to move to Level Five as of midnight Tuesday night. Speaking on RTEs Prime Time, Minister Donnelly acknowledged that moving to Level Three for some people will be a very difficult thing to do '' but when told the Tanaiste hadnt ruled out a circuit-breaker, Minister Donnelly said he accepted it was a possibility. I do accept that and it is within the framework. Cases and hospitalisations are rising, he said. Minister Donnelly also stressed that the HSE believe they have the capacity to deal with expected hospitalisations and said if we need to ramp it up we can. Asked about whether the gardai should have been given extra powers with respect to enforcing public health guidelines at Level Three, the Minister said: The day that we rely on the gardai to get us all to do what we need to do, to protect each other and keep us all safe - is the day we lose against this virus. Our strength is in our solidarity." He also added: If we believe that more garda enforcement powers are needed, then they wont be found wanting. When asked about the Tanaistes remarks on NPHET, Minister Donnelly said he did not watch back the interview but said I think the Tanaiste is more than capable of speaking for himself and he let his views be known last night. He also said some very complimentary things about NPHET. Tony Holohan is a fine Chief Medical Officer. He has served his country so well and continues to do so. In a few hours time, the entire country is moving to level three. There will be people waking up tomorrow that dont have a job to go to, and they did have a job today. The task ahead of us is to move to level three and that is one of many measures to suppress the virus. We need to move on from talk of division as we are in this together and well beat it together, he said. Minister Donnelly said he didnt have reservations going against NPHET advice to move to the highest level of restrictions, and pointed out government cooperation with the health body on many levels. Whats not being commented on is that while we have one substantive difference that NPHET recommended level five and the government is moving to level three, we are following their advice in a whole number of ways. The entire public health measures we are moving to tonight, that entire framework is from NPHET. NPHET also recommended increased enforcement and as of today cabinet have agreed on extra funding for the guards, he said. Earlier, Mr Varadkar said he did not know why the communications between the Government and Nphet had broken down, but said that it was important to move on as it was Ireland versus the virus, and not the Government versus Nphet. TDs and Senators widely praised Mr Varadkar's handling of the controversy in recent days. Senator Garrett Ahearn called for greater policing of the restrictions, while Louth TD Fergus O'Dowd asked for some flexibility on county boundaries to allow people in Duleek in Co Meath to shop in Drogheda, Co Louth. Minister of State Patrick ODonovan called on the Government to crackdown on off-licences and what he said was the uncontrolled consumption and sale of alcohol. Praising Mr Varadkars criticism of Nphet on Monday night, Mr ODonovan also called for a new model to deal with public health advice, suggesting it needed to be accountable and chaired by a Minister who is answerable to the Dail. Former housing minister Eoghan Murphy suggested an alternative structure be used to consider advice from Nphet. He said the National Emergency Coordination Group, which has dealt with extreme weather events in the past, could be used to consider the advice with input from a wider range of stakeholders. Mr Murphy said using the NECG makes more sense if the country will be living with the virus for the next six to nine months. Party chairman Richard Bruton said that an alternative structure would be worth considering, but suggested the recently established Covid-19 oversight group be beefed up in the interim. Mr Varadkar said that the oversight group was due to meet on Monday and suggested that Nphet should have waited until then to discuss the advice with Government. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 : The Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala on Tuesday suffered a setback when a forensic report submitted in a local court here ruled out short circuit as the cause of a fire at the General Administration Department in the state Secretariat on August 25 evening. The Kerala government had ordered two probes -- one by a special committee and another by police. Both had blamed a short circuit in a ceiling fan in GAD's Political Section room for the fire and ruled out foul play. But the forensic probe report revealed that after examining 24 items in the room where the fire broke out, it was concluded that the blaze broke out not due to short circuit. The report submitted in the court pointed out that a sanitiser bottle kept in the room was not damaged in the fire, adding that forensic probe would continue. The fire broke out in the GAD, a stone's throw from the CMO, where secret files were kept. All files pertaining to foreign travel and political clearances are kept in this department. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had alleged that the fire was a part of a larger conspiracy hatched at Vijayan's behest to destroy crucial evidence related to the gold smuggling case. The Leader of the Opposition had even met Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and sought a detailed probe. State BJP President K Surendran, the media, and Congress legislators had arrived at the Secretariat after hearing of the fire but were not allowed to enter. They were eventually allowed in after an outcry. Surendran and others were taken into custody after they protested but let off later. Chief Secretary Vishwas Mehta had arrived at the spot soon after the fire broke out and allegedly asked security officials to not let in anyone. Later, the Vijayan government decided to take action against the media for allegedly spreading 'canards' on the matter, both legal and also by approaching the Press Council of India. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Surendran said that the cat was out of the bag and things were very clear now that what they had been saying all along had come true. "The fire was lit to destroy evidence. Vijayan is responsible and cannot wash his hands from the issue," the BJP leader said. Congress legislator KS Sabarinathan said that the government's claims had fallen flat and that the truth had surfaced. The gold smuggling case was unearthed when PS Sarith, a former employee of the UAE Consulate here, was arrested by the Customs on July 5 when he was allegedly facilitating smuggling of 30 kg gold in diplomatic baggage to Thiruvananthapuram from Dubai. Things turned murkier when the names of Swapna Suresh, a former Consulate staff but later employed with the IT Department, and since-suspended senior IAS officer M Sivasankar, who was CM's then Principal Secretary, cropped up in the case. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Two ISIS fighters in detention overseas, who are known as one half of the 'Beatles' terror group, will be transferred to US custody in the coming days to be held for murdering American hostages in Syria and Iraq. Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh are both British but they renounced their citizenship when they joined ISIS in Syria in 2014. They murdered two dozen hostages including Americans James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller, and at least eight other hostages from different countries, including the UK. Foley and Sotloff were journalists working in the region and Kassig and Mueller were aid workers. Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, shown in March 2019, will soon be transferred from military custody in Iraq to the US to face trial The accused claim they took part in torturing them and extracting information but that they did not take part in their executions. They have been held in US military custody in Iraq since October 2019, but the families of their American victims have long pleaded for them to be brought onto US soil to stand trial. British authorities were reluctant. They agreed to hand over evidence to the US that would help with a prosecution which was delivered two weeks ago. AG Bill Barr has also agreed not to impose a death sentence on either man with the agreement of their victims's families, who said they rather learn the truth of what happened to their loved ones through a trial. James Foley and Steven Sotloff were both working as journalists in Syria when they were captured and killed by the pair Kayla Mueller was working as an aid volunteer in Syria when she was killed in 2015. Peter Kassig was also killed Neither of the men has been charged yet but charges may include conspiracy to commit murder, hostage-taking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death and homicide, according to Justice Department sources cited by The Washington Post on Tuesday. Their trial is expected to take place in the federal court in Alexandria, Virginia. The most prominent member of the ISIS Beatles was Mohammed Emwazi, the hooded executioner known as Jihadi John who was filmed slicing the necks of some of the victims in sickening videos that terrified the world in 2014 when ISIS spread them. He was killed in a US drone strike in 2016. The fourth member is Aine Davis. He is being held in a Turkish prison on terror charges. Mohamed Emwazi, aka Jihadi John, was the most prolific of the Beatles. He was killed in a US drone strike in 2016 Sushant case: Mumbai top cop not surprised; Sena sees plot after AIIMS report Days after the findings of the forensic panel of AIIMS in the Sushant Singh Rajput case were reportedly revealed, the Shiv Sena alleged a conspiracy against the Maharashtra government, the Mumbai police, and the Thackeray family. The AIIMS panel found that Sushant died due to suicide, and not murder. No injuries other than those of hanging, were found on his body, said reports quoting the AIIMS findings. AIIMS had been asked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to vet the autopsy report by Mumbai's Cooper hospital. Reacting to the reports, Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh said that he was not at all surprised. Apparently commenting on Sushant father's lawyer's demand for a fresh forensic exam, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that if people didn't trust even the CBI now, then he was speechless. Watch the full video for more. ...read more Greisa Martinez Rosas describes herself as undocumented, unafraid, queer and unashamed. The activist and beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program arrived in the U.S. from Mexico with her family when she was 8 years old. She vividly remembers holding hands with her familia as they crossed the Rio Grande. I still feel the cold water on my skin sometimes, she tells Yahoo Life. We held hands tight, and we made it to the other side. Martinez Rosas grew up in Dallas with her mom, dad and three younger sisters. We held hands tight [that day] because we knew that we only had each other. Greisa Martinez Rosas is the executive director of United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth-led network in the country. (Courtesy of United We Dream) From a young age, she was aware of her undocumented status and was constantly terrified of what could happen to her loved ones. Then the unthinkable happened. Her father, Luis Martinez, was racially profiled by police officers, pulled over, detained because he didnt have a drivers license and deported back to Mexico. Its been 13 years since Ive seen him, she says. And sometimes I catch myself talking about him in the past tense in a lot of ways, social deportation is social death. In 2018, she was hit with another devastating loss when her mother, Elia Martinez, died after a battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Because she was undocumented, the access to medical care to fight this awful disease of cancer were limited to her, Martinez Rosas explains. Martinez Rosas and her mom, Elia, who died of cancer in 2018. (Courtesy of United We Dream) She never lost hope of her dreams. In 2012, she joined United We Dream, a Washington, D.C.-based national immigrant advocacy organization and the largest immigrant youth-led group in the country. A true activist, having previously led a high school walkout for immigrant justice, Martinez Rosas participated in multiple actions that led to the creation of DACA. The Obama-era program, which was established in 2012, protects young immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children from deportation. It also makes them eligible to apply for a work permit. Im really lucky that I get to have a work permit to serve the movement and to be part of this work, Martinez Rosas says. Story continues President Trump attempted to end DACA in 2017. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Trump and decided to uphold the program. In August, the Trump administration challenged the decision by announcing it would limit renewals to one year instead of two, and would not accept new applicants. DACA recipients are challenging the presidents latest attempt to end the program with the hashtag #DefendDACA. No one appreciates this country more than immigrants and their first-generation children. I know because I married one. https://t.co/il77hr5AnL #DefendDACA Deb Andraca for WI State Assembly (@debforwi) June 27, 2020 In August, Martinez Rosas was named executive director of United We Dream, a space for young people regardless of immigration status to support, engage and empower one another. The organization is made up of more than 400,000 members across five states, with an online reach of more than 4 million. We are powered by young undocumented people, she explains. We are here to stay. And we are here to bring about a history that will truly astonish the world. Martinez Rosas joined United We Dream in 2012 and became executive director in 2020. (Courtesy of United We Dream). She fights to defend DACA not only because its necessary, but also to honor her parents. I do this work on their behalf because they gave up everything so that I could have a chance to have it all, she says. And they made me believe in the American dream. When asked about the future, Martinez Rosas says: I am hopeful that things will get better. And I see hope in my own ability to be able to look beyond the politics and know that though the current president is spewing hate and lies about our community, that we are resilient, and that we have made it through worse and we will make it through this moment right now. Read more from Yahoo Life Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. 2,000 stuck on cruise ship in Goa after crew members test positive for COVID-19 Cruise ship sails back to Mumbai with all passengers as Covid-19 infected patients refuse to get down at Goa No night curfew in Goa, but gatherings with over 100 people in open spaces banned Howrah Amaravati Express derailed near Goa's Dudhsagar, all passengers and staff on board safe Mahadayi water dispute: Goa files contempt plea in SC against Karnataka India oi-Deepika S Panaji, Oct 06: Goa Chief Minister Pramond Sawant on Tuesday said his government has filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against Karnataka for allegedly diverting the Mahadayi river water despite the matter being sub-judice. The two states are locked in a dispute over sharing of the river's water, considered as the lifeline of Goa. Goa has accused Karnataka of carrying out construction to divert the river water without authorisation. The Inter State Water Dispute Tribunal in 2018 gave its award on distribution of the Mahadayi river water between Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, but it was challenged by the three states in the Supreme Court. Taking to Twitter, Sawant on Tuesday said, "Contempt petition has been filed in the Hon'ble Supreme Court today against Karnataka for illegal diversion of #Mhadei water. We will continue to fight for our right." Mahadayi water dispute: Goa govt to file contempt petition in SC against Karnataka On Monday, Sawant told reporters that Karnataka had diverted the water despite Goa and others party to the dispute filing special leave petitions in the apex court. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News "We will file a contempt petition against Karnataka in the Supreme Court with proof, including video evidence, to prove it has diverted water," he had said. Meanwhile, the Goa Shiv Sena unit said the ruling BJP should take to task its own leaders who have been allegedly compromising on the Mahadayi water diversion issue. As part of efforts to tackle the prevailing security challenges confronting the country, the Nigerian Army has taken delivery of more sophisticated platforms and war equipment for its operations. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Tukur Baratai, disclosed this at the opening of the Chief of Army Staffs combined first, second and third quarters conference, on Tuesday in Maiduguri. Mr Buratai, a lieutenant-general, said while some of the platforms were procured from foreign sources, some were sourced locally through local ingenuity and collaborations. To this end, the Nigerian army recently took delivery of key platforms to reinvigorate our operations. These include the VT4 and FT1 tanks, the KIA light tactical vehicles as well as the SH2 and SH5 self-propel artillery guns. Post-treatment training is ongoing on this equipment and they would soon be inducted into the theatre. The Nigerian Army received some armoured personnel carriers from Jordan and we are expecting the delivery of other major capabilities. Furthermore, through local ingenuity, Nigerian Army facilitated the production and delivery of the pro-force MRAPs, Ezugwu MRAPS as well as the Conqueror and Champion barriers. Despite teething challenges in the new innovation, these platforms have no doubt enhanced the effectiveness of our troops across various theatres. We will continue to work assiduously to ensure that we support all operations with equipment and platforms, he said. Mr Buratai however, urged the commanders to ensure judicious deployment of the asset in order to justify the huge resources expended on them by the federal government. He said the ongoing operations in different parts of the country to curtail the activities of criminals had witnessed tremendous successes. The COAS said the military had done well in curtailing the activities of insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers, as well as farmer-herder clashes and other crimes. He urged the field commanders to sustain the tempo of operation to ensure the total decimation of all the inimical forces across the country. According to Mr Buratai, the Nigerian Army had done well in operation Lafiya Dole and the recently launched operation Sahel Sanity in the North West to rid the Katsina, Zamfara, corridors of marauding bandits. Similarly, operation Hadarim Daji is very active in other parts of the 8 Division area of operation in order to curb incessant farmers and herders clashes. Also, since its establishment with headquarters in Doma, the 4 Special Forces Commend in conjunction with the Guards Brigade has conducted impactful operations in Nasarawa State. I am happy to observe that the various operations are currently achieving the desired objectives, he said. Mr Buratai, while paying tributes to fallen officers and soldiers, said that the army had put in place an elaborate housing programme for the families of the killed-in-action personnel. He also assured that comprehensive medical treatment for all wounded personnel would always be accorded the highest priority. Mr Buratai said the ongoing construction of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Maiduguri and Abakaliki are just a few of several measures in this regard. The Army chief commended the media and public for their understanding and positive change of perception regarding the Nigerian Army, adding that the media remained a powerful force in ensuring a progressive society. He also emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration in tackling security challenges through positive, constructive and conscious media reportage. Advertisements Mr Buratai commended the collaboration of sister services and other security agencies and called for more support and collaboration towards making the country safe for all. He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for their support towards defeating terrorism and ensuring peace and stability in the northeast. (NAN) A Travelex sign at Heathrow Airport. Photo: PA A consortium of investors with connections to Israel have tabled a takeover offer for the company behind Travelex. Finablr (FIN.L), the owner of Travelex and other money changing businesses such as UAE Exchange, said on Tuesday it had received a takeover approach from Prism Advanced Solutions. The exact terms of the deal were not disclosed but both sides are understood to now be entering formal talks to thrash out details of a potential deal. READ MORE: Thousands of jobs at risk as Travelex-owner on brink of collapse After months of hard work under very trying liquidity conditions compounded by the impact of the coronavirus on our operations, I am excited to now go forward with Prism, said Bhairav Trivedi, Finablrs chief executive. Prism Advanced Solutions offer is the first takeover approach since Finablr shares were suspended in London in March. Finablrs chief executive left the business at the time and the company warned of material uncertainty about its future. Shares had fallen 95% before their suspension. Finablr was caught up in an accounting scandal that brought down former FTSE 100 hospital business NMC Health. NMC and Finablr were both founded by Indian-born Middle Eastern billionaire businessman BR Shetty. NMC collapsed after hidden debt was uncovered on its balance sheet. In May, Finablr said it too had uncovered $1bn (771.4m) of hidden debt on its balance sheet. BR Shetty ran both NMC Health and Finablr. Photo: Subhankar Chakraborty/Hindustan Times/Sipa USA Trivedi said staff had worked at reduced or zero pay for some months and this deal is only possible thanks to their hard work and sacrifice. We now enter a new chapter in the company's history, he said. We thank all our clients, regulators, creditors, advisors, and vendors who stood by us during these trying times. READ MORE: Travelex-owner Finablr halves in value after coronavirus liquidity warning Few details were given about Prism Advanced Solutions, other than it is fronted by Guy Rothschild. Rothschild is a Swiss-based financier who formerly served as chief finance officer at Maclaren, a company making childrens buggies. He is still a director at the firm. Story continues We acknowledge that it's going to be a challenging journey and that there would be difficulties along the way, but we are confident that with the support from all parties involved we will realize Finablr's full potential, Rothschild said in a statement. Finablr offers a huge opportunity in the digital payments space across multiple emerging markets and its assets and proprietary technology positions it for further global growth. READ MORE: Banks disrupted as Travelex hit by virus Companies House filings show Prism Advanced Solutions was incorporated last November. As well as Rothschild, the business two other directors are listed as Amir Nagammy and Tareq Jaafar Al Wazzan. A spokesperson for Finablr declined to comment on who was behind Prism. Rothschild said the deal represented the first major UAE-Israeli commercial transaction, without elaborating on the Israeli connection. UAE and Israel reached a historic peace deal in mid-September that established diplomatic relations between the two countries for the first time in history. We are very thankful to the UAE leadership and authorities who have been incredibly supportive of us, Rothschild said. We look forward to working closely with them in the revival of the Company. HE Abubaker Al Khoori, chief executive of UAEs Royal Strategic Partners, said: We welcome our new international investors and are excited about the opportunity to re-build a strong global remittance and digital payment platform headquartered in Abu Dhabi. WATCH: Cineworld shutting down operations LONDON: Rich countries could be back to close to normal by late 2021 if a COVID-19 vaccine works, is ready soon and distributed properly at scale, Microsoft founder Bill Gates said on Tuesday. "By late next year you can have things going back pretty close to normal - that`s the best case," Gates, 64, told The Wall Street Journal CEO Council. "We still don`t know whether these vaccines will succeed," Gates said. "Now the capacity will take time to ramp up. And so the allocation within the U.S., and between the U.S. and other countries will be a very top point of contention." COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and AstraZeneca/Oxford University are two of the leading candidates in the race to be first to get regulatory approval in the West. The head of the World Health Organization said on Tuesday that a vaccine against COVID-19 may be ready by the end of the year. Gates, who made a fortune from Microsoft, has since given $36 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to tackle extreme poverty and poor healthcare. Last month the foundation signed an agreement with 16 pharmaceutical companies, which Gates said committed them to scaling up manufacturing at an unprecedented speed, and making sure that approved vaccines reach broad distribution as early as possible. VACCINE RACE Russia has pushed ahead with its COVID-19 vaccine with mass public vaccinations alongside the main human trial, raising concerns among some observers that it was prioritising national prestige over solid science and safety. "We`re also talking with Russia and China," Gates said. "None of their vaccines are in a Phase III trial with a highly regarded regulator overseeing that trial." Gates said that from a scientific point of view the Russian and Chinese vaccines were perfectly valid projects but the absence of a well-respected Phase III study could limit their attractiveness outside their respective countries. "The Western companies are further ahead on doing these Phase III studies and so if those come out well and they`re offered at low cost, I doubt there`ll be a lot of Russian or Chinese vaccines going outside of those countries," he said. Gates added that in the United States people should be thinking about ways to reduce hesitancy about having a COVID-19 vaccine when one is ready. "You know, here in the U.S., we should already be thinking about which voices will help reduce the hesitancy. And so we can get a level of vaccination that really has a chance of stopping (it)." Asked who did best at balancing the competing health and economic needs, Gates said: "South Korea, Australia - because this is an exponential event, a little bit of intelligence early on makes a huge difference," he said. 404 Page not found It looks like you found a glitch in the page... External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State on Tuesday reviewed efforts by the two countries to combat the COVID-19 pandemic while stressing on the need to work together to advance security in the Indo-Pacific region, according to State Department Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown. Meeting on the sidelines of the India-US-Japan-Australia Quadrilateral Consultations in Tokyo, "They reaffirmed the strength of the United States-India relationship, reviewed our efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and asserted the need to work together to advance peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe," Brown said in a statement. They discussed bilateral and multilateral cooperation on topics of international concern at the meeting, he said. Jaishankar tweeted, "Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific." Pompeo said that they were combatting the pandemic together. He tweeted, "Productive meeting today with Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar. Together we are advancing U.S.-India relations, combatting COVID-19, and ensuring a secure and prosperous #IndoPacific for all." There was no mention in Brown's statement of China and the border confrontation in Ladakh but speaking at the opening of the Quad ministerial meeting, Pompeo mentioned the Chinese Communist Party's "coercion" in the Himalayas. Pompeo said, "As partners in this Quad, it is more critical now than ever that we collaborate to protect our people and partners from the CCP's exploitation, corruption, and coercion. We've seen it in the south, in the East China Sea, the Mekong, the Himalayas, the Taiwan Straits." When "India assumes membership of the UN Security Council next year," he said, "we look forward to seeking collective solutions to global challenges, including global recovery from the pandemic and reform of multilateral institutions." Along with Jaishankar and Pompeo, Foreign Ministers Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan and Marise Payne of Australia attended the Quad consultations. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis) --IANS al/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.) While the pandemic is preventing a traditional in-person AIDSWALK Tucson, supporters of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation believe the nonprofit will provide the community with a much-needed virtual hug along with vital education and outreach during the Virtual AIDSWALK Celebration Week from Monday, Oct. 12, through Sunday, Oct. 18. SAAF is such a supportive environment that it almost makes you feel like you are being enveloped by love ... like when you wrap yourself in your grandmothers favorite quilt on a winter evening. That is what SAAF does for those in the community who have lost people to AIDS and for the people who are living with HIV/AIDS and their families, said Maria Villa, a nurse who first visited SAAF last year for the NAMES Quilts Memorial Ceremony during AIDSWALK Tucson. Villa attended the ceremony with her friend, Leann Correa, whose brother, Rick, died from AIDS-related complications in 1994. Correa began volunteering for SAAF in 1998 and has participated in 20 quilt ceremonies, opening Ricks quilt with her daughters, Tess and Emma. Correa described the ceremony, which will be live-streamed during the upcoming virtual event, as a poignant and powerful tribute during the fundraiser. The AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad and Satisfai Health in Canada has announced a collaboration to transform Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The partnership gives both the groups an opportunity to accelerate the development of Satisfais innovative suite of AI solutions across the spectrum and to establish Satisfai Health and AIG Hospitals as global leaders in this space. Satisfai Health Inc. (the Company or Satisfai Health), a leading medical company providing artificial intelligence solutions in the field of Gastroenterology, has signed a data licensing and partnership agreement with AIG Hospitals, one of the leading hospitals in India, and the largest centre in Asia for therapeutic endoscopy, to help drive Satisfais mission to be the global leader in providing AI solutions in Gastroenterology and GI Endoscopy. This is for the first time in India that Artificial Intelligence will be used in gastroenterology and endoscopy. Satisfai Health has already achieved notable success in this domain as a founding member of the ai-gi joint venture, through its licence and co-development agreement with Olympus Corporation of the Americas in relation to applying artificial intelligence solutions to help practitioners better diagnose colon polyps during screening for colorectal cancer. Satisfai Health has continued to extend its reach in terms of developing AI tools in Gastroenterology towards clinical applicability and commercialization using its extensive networks for data procurement, curation, annotation, and advocacy via the global clinical leaders working with Satisfai. AIG Hospitals is at the forefront of Gastroenterology in India, across Asia, and globally, having been enrolled as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network since 2019. The hospital group has been keen to collaborate with a leading medical AI group to harness the power of the huge volume of high-quality data now being procured by AIG Hospitals--- where up to 500 endoscopic procedures are now completed daily. We are now very well established in the rapidly growing field as the leaders of Artificial Intelligence in Gastroenterology, with some critical milestones now achieved for our Company, both academically and commercially, said Dr Michael Byrne, CEO and founder of Satisfai Health. A key strategic evolution for Satisfai is the opportunity to partner with truly world-renowned groups such as AIG Hospitals. This partnership will dramatically increase our data pipeline and access to very high quality endoscopic and clinical data for our work in AI applications. This Agreement solidifies our collaboration with the clinical innovators and thought-leaders at AIG, including Dr Nageshwar Reddy and Dr Rakesh Kalapala," Byrne added. We are delighted to collaborate with Satisfai Health in the field of AI in Gastroenterology, said Dr Nageshwar Reddy, chairman of AIG Hospitals. We are always at the forefront of developing and contributing to innovations in the field of GI Endoscopy, and I am sure AI in GI will take a big leap forward in the near future, Reddy added. I am excited to be a part of this great collaborative work with Satisfai Health, said Dr Rakesh Kalapala, Director of Endoscopy at AIG. We at AIG Hospitals thrive constantly for innovation and technology development in GI Endoscopy. I look forward to a productive association and to quickly develop standard algorithms using Artificial Intelligence," Kalapala added. AI solutions in gastroenterology are fast becoming a reality," said Dr Doug Rex, a global leader in endoscopy. Satisfai is the leader at the cutting edge in this space, and this partnership and collaboration with a group I know well---AIG hospitals---can only serve to bring such solutions to our patients sooner. The quality and volume of clinical and endoscopic data generated at AIG is highly impressive," added Rex. Canadian High Commissioner to India, Nadir Patel said, Canada welcomes this new partnership between Satisfai Health Inc. and AIG Hospitals Group in India; a great example of a successful Canadian company advancing and accelerating the development of new AI solutions for early detection and diagnosis of GI cancers, potentially saving lives in Canada, India, and abroad. As eastern Connecticut experiences its biggest COVID-19 surge of the pandemic, some hospitals there are reinstating visitor restrictions while officials at facilities across the state are monitoring the outbreaks path. On Monday, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London became the latest facility to ban visitors, announcing in a statement it was restricting visitor access except under extenuating circumstances. Rare exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the patients clinical team and we will do our best to accommodate exceptions where possible, but our first priority is to protect the health of our patients, visitors and staff, according to the hospitals statement. According to the hospital, New London County has seen a 267 percent increase in the number of people testing positive with COVID-19 over the past two weeks. As of Monday, there were 143 new cases reported across the county from over the weekend. Lawrence + Memorials announcement came days after Hartford HealthCare announced Backus Hospital in Norwich, Windham Hospital in Windham and Natchaug Hospital in Mansfield, were reinstating visitor restrictions at all inpatient and outpatient locations. The restrictions followed the state Department of Public Health issuing a COVID-19 alert for Norwich. The New London County municipality saw 58 new cases over the weekend. Last Thursday, Norwich recorded 27 new cases the citys highest single-day total. Last week, we noticed a trend of rising positive rates and increasing hospitalization, said Dr. Ajay Kumar, Hartford HealthCares chief medical officer. It made sense for us to include an additional layer of scrutiny. Hartford Health has a total of seven hospitals including St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport and it isnt expected to institute tougher restrictions there any time soon, Kumar said. But he and other officials will continue to monitor cases and hospitalizations to see if more restrictions are warranted. Kumar said most of the hospitals have a limit of one visitor per patient, unless there are extenuating circumstances. He said hospitals do not want to ban visitors unless the COVID numbers drastically rise. We believe strongly that families interaction with patients is vital for their healing, he said. At Nuvance Health system which includes Danbury, Norwalk, New Milford and Sharon hospitals the \policy allows for one visitor per day for up to four hours for most inpatients. The policy is reviewed weekly by leaders from various sectors of the hospital, including nursing, infection control and quality, said Steve Meth, Nuvances chief experience officer. The health, safety, and well-being of all patients, staff, and visitors is paramount and guides our decision-making about how many visitors we allow in our hospitals and facilities, Meth said. We balance this with ensuring we meet the emotional needs of our patients by allowing loved ones at the bedside. The Nuvance hospitals have nine or fewer COVID patients. New Milford Hospital has none. I wouldnt call this yet a surge of any kind, said Dr. John Murphy, president and CEO of Nuvance Health. Were very carefully monitoring it. Stamford Hospital also has refrained from reinstating full visitor restrictions, though visitors are still limited to one per patient per day, between 1 and 5 p.m., said Audrey Wise, Stamfords executive director of marketing and communications. Like other officials, she said the policies are subject to change though there is no specific trigger for changing the rules. While the spike in eastern Connecticut is troubling, its not unexpected, Kumar said. We expected to see some spikes and hot spots happening across Connecticut, he said. (But) were not as panicked as were in March that there would be a surge in patients. Staff writer Julia Perkins contributed to this report. The War In America; Reading The War News In Broadway, New York, "Reading the War News in Broadway, New York," June 15, 1861 Credit - Universal Images Group via Getty On May 18, 1864, U.S. troops marched into lower Manhattan and entered the offices of two key New York City newspapers. Soldiers leveled guns at staff members heads. They blocked the doors with bayonets. President Abraham Lincoln had ordered the arrest of the editors and the seizure of the newspapers. That particular May morning, the papers had run a presidential proclamation announcing a draft of 400,000 new soldiers. The problem: Lincoln had issued no such proclamation. In the run-up to the 2020 election, American life is full of misinformation about everything from the security of mail-in voting to the causes of West Coast wildfires. Despite efforts to help citizens guard against fake news, curtailing misinformation remains a controversial and difficult task. But, while the platforms that help todays untruths snowball and spread are often decidedly modern, the problem itself is nothing new. During the Civil War, Americans furiously sifted false from true during a time of extreme partisan divisions, even among those who agreed on the need to abolish slavery. They even had their own version of the Internetthe telegraphwhich had exposed such stark partisan divisions in the country, its inventor Samuel Morse founded an organization to rebuild national unity. Looking at that time, its possible to identify key lessons for navigating this 2020 election season when accusations and false brags about the candidates abound. We have one key advantage over our predecessors. Civil War-era newspapers rarely listed a reporters name on an article. In the 1800s, each newspaper was considered a collective voice and reporters contributed anonymously to that perspective. The lack of personal accountability made it easy for reporters to slip a fake article into the columns. Readers had no idea if the shocking piece had been written by one of their most trusted correspondents or a rascal or even a spy. Story continues Lincoln himself used anonymity to great advantage. His staff members, either anonymously or under pseudonyms, reported on the excellence of his administration as if unbiased. For example, covering Lincolns train ride to his inaugural, one correspondent, writing anonymously, noted the crowds frank, hearty display of enthusiasm and affection for the tall, stalwart Illinoisan the genuine Son of the West, as perfectly en rapport with its people now as when he was the simple advocate, the kindly neighbor, the beloved and respected citizen. The readers would never know that this anonymous was actually Lincolns press aide. Correspondence between a Philadelphia newspaper editor and the Secretary of War suggests Lincoln himself likely contributed anonymously to that newspaper while in the White House. Lest you not see the Presidents article in the Press today, I enclose it to you, the editor wrote. Now, with bylines and Twitter-handle links, we can track authorship and weigh the article against a record of accuracy. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter Some things, however, have not changed. For example: Its important for readers to understand news categories. During the Civil War, newspapers ran a slug over reports from the front: This is important if true. Readers understood it to be breaking news from a single source. The information was worth considering but not final. Readers were grateful for glimpses from the frontlines, however hazy, but were reminded to wait for confirmation. Channeling that patience before we rail against or boost a breaking story is still valuable. And if a piece of information makes you cackle, its worth rechecking. A recent video posted by Trumps White House Deputy Chief of Communications appeared to show Joe Biden falling asleep during an interview. The tape spliced a reporter interviewing a relaxing Harry Belafonte with a moment during a virtual town hall meeting when a seated Biden looked down at something. Biden hadnt fallen asleep in an interview, but the Trump campaign hoped to show him as sleepy. A journalist in 1864 scolded the public for encouraging false stories due to the popular greed for a large story instead of a true one, the unsatisfied air with which even temperate men throw aside a newspaper which has no striking capitals or startling announcements. See if other outlets pick up the story. A New Yorkers first clue that Lincoln had not authored the proclamation that led to those 1864 arrests was that only two of the 15 or so newspapers clustered around City Hall had included the story in their pages. And remain skeptical of the President, no matter who that is. He or she is just one source. Although President Lincoln declared the bogus proclamation a complete fabrication, false and spurious, which the newspapers had passed wickedly and traitorously to the American people, he had in fact written and signed an order for 300,000 new soldiers that very same day. He just hadnt sent it out. His outrageand the likely constitutionally illegal act of arresting the editors and stopping the newspapers covered up what was at its core a leak. Even Honest Abe fudged the truth in this caseproof, if any more were needed, that the problem of misinformation is nothing new. Luckily for those who pay attention to the past, the ways to avoid it are just as enduring. Counterpoint Elizabeth Mitchell is the author of Lincolns Lie: A True Civil War Caper Through Fake News, Wall Street and the White House available now from Counterpoint. OMAHA, Neb., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jet Linx , the leading private jet management and Jet Card membership company in the United States, and The Tutu Project, a nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to breast cancer patients, has launched their sixth year of partnership in an effort to raise funds and provide critical aid for breast cancer patients and their families during the COVID-19 health crisis. The announcement was made by Jamie Walker, President & Chief Executive Officer of Jet Linx. "It is an honor to kick off another year of partnership with The Tutu Project following last year's #Dare2Tutu campaign, which culminated in raising a record-breaking $92,000 for those affected by breast cancer," said Jamie Walker. "Our continued involvement with The Tutu Project has provided an inspiring and engaging way for our team, clients and loved ones to contribute to wonderful cause that aligns with our core values. We recognize that this year's fundraising efforts are more important than ever before given the inevitable stress and concern created by the COVID-19 pandemic for immunocompromised populations, and are dedicated to encouraging as many people as we can to participate in the #Dare2Tutu campaign throughout the month of October." Founded by Bob and Linda Carey in 2003, The Tutu Project is a non-profit organization devoted to providing financial assistance for expenses not covered by insurance, such as groceries, utility bills, and transportation to doctor appointments. When Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, Bob began taking photos of himself wearing only a pink tutu in public places to put a smile on Linda's face. The project went viral in 2012 after an appearance on The Today Show, and led to the establishment of The Tutu Project. As The Tutu Project's single-largest corporate sponsor in both 2018 and 2019, Jet Linx has raised over $180,000 for The Tutu Project's #Dare2Tutu campaign since their partnership began in 2015. Due to the incredible success of the 2019 campaign, in January 2020, The Tutu Project was able to launch a pilot grant program to provide financial assistance directly to individuals and families currently fighting breast cancer, instead of distributing funds solely through charity partners. In response to the pandemic, this summer The Tutu Project also launched an emergency assistance program, and received over 800 assistance applications in the first week. "We have seen requests for support increase by as much as 43% due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as breast cancer patients have found themselves not only at a higher risk for infection, but facing new financial woes brought on by the global health crisis," said Linda Carey, Co-Founder of The Tutu Project & President of the Carey Foundation. "We are incredibly grateful and thankful for Jet Linx's continued and unwavering commitment, especially at a time when the need for support is more critical than ever." This October, Jet Linx is again spearheading a #Dare2Tutu campaign, during which the company donates $10 for every photo submitted of participants in tutus. Jet Linx also collaborated with the charity to create a limited edition, jet-themed photo featuring Project founder Bob Carey alongside a Jet Linx aircraft for silent auction at all Jet Linx Base locations nationwide. To further encourage direct-giving to The Tutu Project, the company also launched it's first-ever direct donation match, up to $15,000 for 2020. For more information on Jet Linx's charitable partnership and details on how to donate, please visit https://bit.ly/jltutu2020 . About Jet Linx Aviation Jet Linx Aviation is a locally-focused private jet company founded in Omaha, NE in 1999 as a more personalized approach to national private jet companies. Jet Linx offers two different ways to experience private aviation a guaranteed jet card and private jet management program providing its clients with an all-encompassing, local solution to all of their private jet travel needs. Jet Linx is an IS-BAO Stage 3, ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern Wingman safety rated operator, an accomplishment earned by less than one percent of all aircraft operators in the world. In 2019, Jet Linx became the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star trained and accredited private aviation company in the world. In addition to establishing the independent global rating system's preeminent and unparalleled service standards for the in-flight experience, Jet Linx also collaborated with Forbes Travel Guide to develop their own customized, proprietary Jet Linx standards of service excellence. Jet Linx is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska and has base locations in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Ft. Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Omaha, San Antonio, Scottsdale, St Louis, Tulsa and Washington D.C. For additional information, please visit the Jet Linx website (www.jetlinx.com). About The Tutu Project The mission of The Tutu Project is to raise funds for women, men, and their families to ease the financial burdens that come with breast cancer diagnoses. To do this, we provide partnership opportunities to esteemed breast cancer non-profit organizations who share our vision for an empowered breast cancer community. Visit our Shop today ; every sale donates net proceeds to our foundation. SOURCE Jet Linx James Comey is not an effective liar. He fooled only the gullible last week with his evasive testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Previously, Robert Mueller was also not effective deterring the Trump Administration from uncovering significant, far-reaching crimes that the former F.B.I. Director "missed" from September 2001 through September 2013. For almost 18 years, Comey and Mueller have been covering for powerful Republicans and Democrats, letting serious crimes go unpunished. Many of these involved fake charities that operate internationally, including the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation. These are perfect conduits to trade donations for influence, especially for foreign governments who, in theory, are barred from investing in U.S. politicians. We are approaching a "put up or shut up" moment, where President Trump must deliver on the most important campaign promise he made in closing arguments during the 2016 campaign: that justice would finally be administered to each American, without fear or favor. This hard deadline is not Nov. 3, 2020 but 13 days later when many Clinton charities must file I.R.S. returns that are complete and truthful. None can do so, yet each must. Here is some of the back story. According to page 463 of a report by Inspector General Horowitz entitled "A Review of Various Actions by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice in Advance of the 2016 Election," the FBI opened an investigation into the "Clinton Foundation" in January 2016, when Jim Comey was Director. So far, we do not know how aggressively Comey's FBI may have pursued its Clinton Foundation "investigation." By now, however, John Durham and his team should have examined all available records pertaining to the 2016-era effort to see how and why it must have been stymied and by whom. For, in January 2016, during years before and to the present, there was no lawfully organized or operated "Clinton Foundation." This is a hard fact that Comey and Mueller must have learned over the course of a previous FBI investigation that ran from 2001 to 2005. That investigation centrally involved Comey and was briefed to Mueller. Worse for Comey and Mueller, are stories that a whistleblower tried to tell starting early in January 2016 Allegations of a Criminal Conspiracy to Protect Hillary Clinton and Others Starting on page 122 of Part 23 in the FBI Vault File concerning mishandling of classified information by Hillary R. Clinton, a letter to Comey at his FBI headquarters address dated Jan. 10, 2016 begins with the following subject identified: "Evidence about Private Emails Used to Transmit Classified U.S. Government Information and the Lies Told by Hilary [sic] Clinton and Others in an Attempt to Conceal Her Breach of National Security." The letter opens directly: "The purpose of this letter to you as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is to provide evidence which should lead to the conviction of former Secretary of State Hilary [sic] Clinton for lying to a Congressional House Committee investigating the situation surrounding what happened September 11, 2011 [sic]....I watched her lie in her testimony." Then it gets into matters long the focus of Senator Chuck Grassley's interest: "Additionally, this letter should provide evidence of criminal actions by Hilary [sic] Clinton and her personal and official staff, including some, who were also acting under the pay of other persons and organizations such as the Clinton Foundation and its partners in this crime against United States National Security. This evidence should also be used to convict those senior, major and minor employees of the United States directly involved in knowingly permitting or assisting and attempting to delay and block a Federal investigation of this case." Though asked by the whistleblower to confirm receipt of this lengthy letter and supporting documents, Comey and his office apparently did nothing. An Unscheduled Follow-Up Visit Comey's inaction only increased interest on the part of the State Department whistleblower who made a trip to the Washington, D.C. F.B.I field office on Jan. 27, 2016, scant days before pivotal primaries began for Democrats and presidential contenders. Record of the meeting is contained in Part VI of the FBI Vault File on Hillary Clinton's mishandling of Classified Information, starting on page 11. The internal F.B.I. memo says the visitor: "...explained to writer he had sent evidence of Hillary Clinton's misuse of classified documents to the F.B.I. Director earlier in January 2016, but when he called to confirm receipt he could not do so and therefore wanted to make sure the information was received by the right people at the F.B.I., specifically the "task force" working on the Clinton email.scandal." Courageously, the visitor: "...explained he was a long-time government employee and had previously worked for many years at the Department of State. He provided a resume and a U.S. Foreign Service Employee Evaluation Report to prove his bonafides." According to the F.B.I. report, the informant: "...did not go into detail as to what the evidence was as he had provided other types of documents explaining the evidence to the unclassified level he could. He offered to be interviewed in a S.C.I.F. so he could talk at a higher classification level to further explain other evidence he had. All other documents [he] provided ...are being attached in a 1-A for further review by the appropriate personnel reviewing this matter." So, exactly what did the F.B.I. and Justice Department do thereafter? Presumably, John Durham has followed this trail and briefed Bill Barr. Testing the Mettle of Barr and Durham The long sweep of activities involving the Clinton family and supposed charities linked to their names might seem complicated. In truth they are part of one corrupt playbook -- entities that are never lawfully organized or run, solicit funds illegally that they receive and spend for political purposes and on themselves without ever validly accounting for billions of dollars. When minor politicians do this with mere hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, they pay fines and may go to jail. But when dynastic political families carry on for decades brazenly flouting the law, people including George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama let the Clinton family off, without deserved punishments. James Comey, Robert Mueller and others who relentlessly targeted Donald Trump have serious conflicts of interest. They "missed" Clinton Foundation fraud and corruption in 2016, perhaps because key figures missed these crimes from 2001 through 2005 when they were serious but far smaller in financial terms. Preferably in indictments, convictions and plea agreements, Barr and Durham may prove they and the Trump Administration will keep one key set of promises not yet addressed -- draining the Deep State Swamp by bringing the Clintons, their fake charities and donors to account for the largest set of charity frauds and influence peddling schemes ever attempted. Around the world, eyes are watching as we wait for important history to be made. Please help me here, am I missing something about president Trump's diagnosis of COVID-19? I hated to hear of his diagnosis as of late last Thursday night which was reported very early on Friday morning. I truly wish and pray that his and the first lady's diagnosis of COVID-19 is minor and they both recover fully. This is not a partisan issue, all lives are important. My problem is that a man and his family who has downplayed the virus so much is suddenly afflicted with it. And, his doctors say he possibly could be released on Monday morning, three days after being diagnosed, twice with two different tests to affirm it. His personal doctors says he is doing fine and would not reply to the question of did he need supplemental oxygen to help him. His chief of staff said he had oxygen and his blood oxygen level was very low and had a fever. Who are we supposed to believe? There has been no updates on Melania and her condition except she is doing great. So, seven people who are very close to the president tested positive at the gathering for the Amy Coney Barrett announcement which included about 100 people all chatting, hugging and speaking with others very close with each other. It appears no one is actually sick from it. The president spoke before he left on the Air Force One helicopter and then again in a suit at the hospital that he felt great. So, when did he contract COVID-19, it wasn't at the debate because he arrived too late to be tested even though everyone else was. Was there any problem that in the audience the only people to refuse masks were his family? So here is my problem, we have lost over 209,000 people to the the pandemic and over seven million cases affirmed. But, the president of the United States is the only one not having a problem with it, or his wife or his closest family and friends. Do we have a superman for president, someone who plays down the effects of this horrible disease and recovers in three days. Who mocks those who wear a mask and doesn't press the issue of those gatherings that they don't have to wear a mask. Do 209,000 dead people's families wish their loved ones had gotten the same treatment as the president of the U.S. getting regeneron and remedsivir as treatments and healed in three days. Would the seven million plus individuals wish they had gotten the same treatment? So, if the overweight, 74-year-old president come out tomorrow saying it's not as bad as it sounds are you going to believe him? It was like a mild cold to him and his wife and friends, family and nothing to worry about. If so, then what do we have to worry about, no big deal. So let me throw away my mask and go proudly into Walmart tomorrow. Hey, if I get it then a couple of aspirins and some Nyquil will make it go away. So I jest, it is real, it does kill people and thousands wish they had the same chance as President Trump even though no medical professional says this is a cure. If this is a ploy to make people think it is as not serious as the President says, to gain votes then woe is this country. So many people will die because he faced it and his family and friends and they came out okay. If he is really affected by COVID-19 then I wish him well and a hopeful recovery and if not then let him deal with the consequences of a world wide epidemic. Clifton Duggan As provincial and city officials continue to debate a moratorium on indoor dining, some restaurants say theyre already feeling a pinch in the wake of new COVID-related restrictions. We had 24 no-shows Saturday night. Its not a coincidence, said Robin Singh, partner at Woods Restaurant and Bar. That came a day after Torontos chief medical officer of health Dr. Eileen de Villa cut the number of people allowed at a restaurant table from 10 to six, and urged the province to shut down indoor dining. Were having to call people up and say well have to put four of you at another table, and they say well, were just not going to bother, said Singh, who estimates his downtown restaurant is seeing just 10 per cent of revenues it had at this time last year. On Monday, de Villa again urged the Ontario government to introduce a 28-day moratorium on indoor dining, something she said the city doesnt have the power to do on its own. We know these measures have been successful in the past, and in other jurisdictions, said de Villa at a press conference where she also reiterated that 44 per cent of recent COVID outbreaks in Toronto had been linked to indoor dining. She wasnt able to immediately say what percentage of new cases had been linked to indoor dining. Singh argued some of those outbreaks could have easily been avoided with more enforcement like the citys recent temporary closure of three King St. restaurants which had been disobeying COVID-related restrictions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, meanwhile, showed a strong reluctance to deal another blow to the already hard-hit hospitality sector, saying that hes not yet convinced another restaurant shutdown is necessary. Because we have some bad apples, were going to ruin peoples lives? Before I destroy someones life, show me more evidence, said Ford. That was music to the ears of Andrew Oliver, president and CEO of Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, who argues a shutdown of Torontos restaurants wouldnt be much more than symbolic. How is getting 20 people together in a 500-square-foot condo at midnight safer than being in a bar or restaurant with social distancing? Are we really at a point where we think people wont get together on their own? Oliver asked. At Oliver & Bonacinis dozens of restaurants, Oliver says, 2020 has been a financial struggle unlike any hes ever seen. He estimates revenues are down 60 per cent from this time last year. This company will survive. There are some locations which might not, Oliver said. But Dr. Abdu Sharkawy, an infectious-disease specialist at the University Health Network, said theres no doubt at all in his mind that indoor dining increases the risk of COVID spreading. Sharkawy said a province-wide moratorium on indoor dining and drinking, as has been introduced in Montreal and Quebec City, is necessary to slow the spread of the global pandemic. The province is trying to maintain business for as long as possible and appear supportive of the economy. But its too late to offer these modest concessions with diluted restrictions on capacity, said Sharkawy. Its even more necessary, said Sharkawy, as Torontos contact tracing system has been overwhelmed to the point where the city is now only doing it for people whose infections can be traced back to an outbreak at congregate settings such as long-term care homes. The collapse of the testing and tracing system should have been enough to sound the alarm to policy-makers that we are in big trouble here, said Sharkawy. Im not sure what else were waiting for besides evidence of the health care systems capacity starting to fail. Thats entirely conceivable if flu season is anything but historically mild. Thats not a given. This is a dangerous game to play. If another shutdown happens, though, Oliver says the City of Toronto should also put a moratorium on property taxes. How is it morally acceptable for a government to continue collecting property tax on places theyve shut down?, said Oliver, who also urged all levels of government to make good on promises for hospitality-specific financial aid. If youre going to shut us down as an industry, youd better be there to support us financially, said Oliver. Singh, meanwhile, had another suggestion for political leaders leaning toward a shutdown. Lets see the politicians have to live on CERB. Wed see their perspectives change pretty quickly, said Singh, who said hes scared by the prospect of another shutdown or moratorium on indoor dining. It would be devastating for our industry. Independent places like this? There will definitely be fewer of us, said Singh. Read more about: A virtual meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary scheduled for October 21-23 will decide if should be excluded from its 'grey list, based on a review of Islamabads actions against money laundering and terror financing, it was reported on Monday. The plenary was initially slated to take place, but the global watchdog against financial crimes temporarily postponed all mutual evaluations and follow-up deadlines in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dawn news said in a reported. The Paris-based agency also put a general pause in the review process, thus giving an additional four months to meet the requirements. In February, the had given a four-month grace period to complete its 27-point action plan after it noted that Islamabad had delivered on 14 points but missed 13 other targets. On July 28, the government reported to Parliament compliance with 14 points of the 27-point action plan and with 10 of the 40 recommendations of the By September 16, however, the joint session of the parliament amended about 15 laws to upgrade its legal system matching standards as required by the FATF. The government has already submitted its report to the FATF and its affiliated review groups and responded to their comments, detailing compliance with the 13 outstanding action points, the Dawn news report added. The plenary had formally placed Pakistan in the grey list in June 2018 due to 'strategic deficiencies'. --IANS ksk/ A Chinese virologist who claims the coronavirus was cooked up in a military lab has revealed that Chinese authorities have arrested her mother. Li-Meng Yan, who claims to be a former researcher at the Hong Kong School of Public Health, says the virus was built by merging the genetic material of two bat coronaviruses. The news was first announced by Guo Wengui, a fugitive Chinese tycoon who is known for his criticism against the Communist Party, during a radio show this week. Ms Yan confirmed her mother's reported arrest to US-based website The Epoch Times yesterday but did not provide any further details. Ms Yan posted the report online alleging that the coronavirus was designed. But scientists have previously dismissed her claims and said there is 'exactly zero evidence' Li-Meng Yan, who claims to be a former researcher at the Hong Kong School of Public Health, says the virus was built by merging the genetic material of two bat coronaviruses Yan, who fled to the US in April following her bombshell claim, said COVID-19 was 'man-made' in a Wuhan lab and 'not from nature'. The file photo shows researchers working in a lab at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan city, central China's Hubei province on February 23, 2017 Yan, who fled to the US in April following her bombshell claim, said COVID-19 was 'man-made' and 'not from nature'. Her Twitter account was taken down in mid-September after she accused China of intentionally manufacturing and releasing COVID-19. In an interview with Fox News' Tucker Carlson, Yan claimed she was suspended because 'they don't want the people to know this truth'. 'I have evidence to show why they can do it, what they have done, how (they did it),' she told Fox News. 'The scientific world also keeps silent... works together with the Chinese Communist Party, they don't want people to know his truth. That's why I get suspended, I get suppressed, I am the target that Chinese Communist Party wants disappeared.' A video of the interview segment posted on the Tucker Carlson Tonight show's page now comes with a warning that reads: 'False Information. This post repeats information about COVID-19 that independent fact-checkers say is false.' Pictured is the P4 laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan, which has been the centre of numerous theories that COVID-19 had been spread from this lab in central China The Twitter account of the Chinese virologist remains down and a message on the page now reads: 'Account suspended. Twitter suspends accounts which violate the Twitter Rules. Yan appeared on Fox News' Tucker Carlson Tonight show on Tuesday night. After the segment aired, the Fox News show also accused Facebook of censorship after saying they had been blocked from sharing the interview segment on the social media platform Yan has also published a report which she claims backs up her theory that the contagion was built by merging the genetic material of two bat coronaviruses. She said its spike protein a structure on the surface of the virus which it uses to bind with cells was edited to make it easier for the virus to latch on to human cells. But scientists have slammed her report as 'unsubstantiated' and said it 'cannot be given any credibility'. Research papers have already determined the origin of the virus as bats, leading to top experts dismissing suggestions the virus was created by humans as having 'zero evidence'. SARS-CoV-2 the scientific name of the pathogen is the seventh coronavirus known to infect humans and jumped to people after an earlier version of it mutated. The previous virus is thought to be one that infected bats and then reached humans via another animal. Ms Yan's report has not been published in a scientific journal and has not been peer-reviewed, meaning it has not been checked and approved by scientists. But it has gained widespread public attention, being viewed more than 150,000 times since it was posted yesterday on the website Zenodo, which is operated by the European Organisation for Nuclear Research. Donald Trump has previously said he has been told that the virus appeared to have been genetically engineered Ms Yan writes that her research discounts the theory that coronavirus evolved in the wild and was then transferred to humans, claiming it 'lacks substantial support'. 'SARS-CoV-2 shows biological characteristics that are inconsistent with a naturally occurring virus,' she wrote. 'The evidence shows that [the virus] should be a laboratory product created by using bat coronaviruses ZC45 and/or ZXC21 as a template and/or backbone.' She alleges the virus 'should' have been built using stores of these bat viruses, of which she claims samples are kept in Hong Kong and China. Donald Trump says he has seen evidence that the coronavirus started in Wuhan virology laboratory President Donald Trump said he has seen evidence that coronavirus started in the Wuhan virology laboratory, as he warned he could impose tariffs of $1 trillion on China in retribution for the pandemic. The president made the explosive charge that the coronavirus that has caused millions of infections and wreaked havoc on the global economy may have been created in the Chinese lab during his coronavirus press briefing Thursday. He also suggested the federal government is exploring ways to punish China for triggering the outbreak by imposing tariffs but he stopped short of saying he would refuse to pay back US debts. 'Yes I have. Yes I have,' Trump said when asked if he had seen proof the virus originated in the Wuhan Institute of Technology. The lab is located near a wet market that has been identified as the likely epicenter of the outbreak that took place late last year. However, the president would not divulge what the evidence was that confirmed his suspicions, when asked by a reporter. 'I can't tell you that. I am not allowed to tell you that,' he responded. Advertisement Ms Yan also alleges that her work shows the virus could be built in just six months in the report's abstract, but she does not return to the subject later in the paper. Dr Andrew Preston, an expert in microbial pathogenesis at the University of Bath, blasted her report as being 'reminiscent of a conspiracy theory'. 'The author's affiliation is the Rule of Law Society and Rule of Law Foundation, New York,' he said. 'On their website the vision of this organisation is "to permit the people of China to live under a national system based on the rule of law, independent of the political system of the People's Republic of China" and its mission is "to expose corruption, obstruction, illegality, brutality, false imprisonment, excessive sentencing, harassment, and inhumanity pervasive in the political, legal, business and financial systems of China". 'Given the unsubstantiated claims in the publication, which has not been peer reviewed, the report cannot be viewed with any credibility as it stands.' Dr Michael Head, a global health expert at the University of Southampton, said the conspiracy theory peddled by the report has been 'doing the rounds throughout the pandemic'. 'Ultimately, it could be damaging to public health if reported non-critically without looking at the wider evidence,' he said. 'If people are exposed to and then believe conspiracy theories, this will likely have a negative impact on efforts to keep Covid-19 cases low and thus there will be more deaths and illness than there needs to be. 'The genomics of the virus have been disentangled previously, for example a Nature peer-reviewed paper where they state "Our analyses clearly show that SARS-CoV-2 is not a laboratory constructed or a purposefully manipulated virus". 'Other evidence also shows that this type of coronavirus has existed in bats for decades. 'This new manuscript is not peer reviewed and does not obviously offer any data that overrides previous research.' Her allegations have not been backed up by any scientific papers or scientists, with reports suggesting the virus was created previously condemned as conspiracy theories. Writing in the respected journal Nature Medicine in March, scientists from the Scripps Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, and other universities, said that SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh coronavirus known to infect humans. 'It is improbable that SARS-CoV-2 emerged through laboratory manipulation of a related SARS-CoV-like coronavirus,' they said. 'The genetic data irrefutably shows that SARS-CoV-2 is not derived from any previously used virus backbone.' Why did China build a virus lab in Wuhan? A worker is seen inside in Wuhan on February 23, 2017 Chinese officials decided to build the Wuhan Institute of Virology after the country was ravaged by an outbreak of SARS in 2002 and 2003. SARS, another kind of coronavirus, killed 775 people and infected more than 8,000 globally in an epidemic that lasted about eight months. It took the Chinese 15 years to fully complete the project, which cost a total of 300million yuan (34million). The French helped design the building. Its crown jewel is a four-storey lab with the highest biosafety level of P4. It's the most advanced laboratory of its type in China. Construction of the lab was finished in 2015 and it officially opened on January 5, 2018, after passing various safety inspections. Describing the significance of the P4 lab, China Youth Online billed it as the 'aircraft carrier of China's virology'. The state-run newspaper said it 'is capable of researching the deadliest pathogens'. One researcher, Zhou Peng, told state news agency Xinhua in 2018: 'We are proud to say that we are already at the forefront in the field of studying the immunity mechanism of bats, which carry viruses for a long time. 'Bats carry viruses but are not infected [by them]. [They] provide hope for mankind to study how to fight viruses.' Advertisement Dr Kristian Andersen, from the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, said the genetic material clearly pointed to a natural origin of the virus. 'There are lots of data and lots of evidence, as well as previous examples of this coming from nature,' he said. 'We have exactly zero evidence or data of this having any connection to a lab.' Dr Angela Rasmussen, an infection and immunity expert at Columbia University, New York, said the site at which the virus binds to human cells has a 'sub-optimal' fit, suggesting it was not designed. 'Furthermore, there are no genetic similarities with other virus backbones used in any of the known (virus engineering systems),' she said. 'This suggest that this virus was not engineered.' Also rubbishing claims the virus was built, Trevor Bedford, of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, told the American Association for the Advancement of Science in February: 'There is no evidence whatsoever of genetic engineering that we can find. 'The evidence we have is that the mutations (in the virus) are completely consistent with natural evolution.' At the time more than 100 genetic sequences of the virus had already been published. A more widely acceptable theory suggests that the virus came from bats before jumping to humans via a second intermediate source. Ms Yan wrote in her paper that theories the virus is from nature and the meat market in Wuhan are a 'smoke screen', alleging she was told this by CDC scientists working in China. She has previously accused Beijing of lying about when it learned of the killer infection and engaging in an extensive cover-up. Ms Yan claims she fled to Hong Kong and escaped to America in April to 'raise awareness' of the pandemic. She claims she was working at the Hong Kong School of Public Health, a reference laboratory for the World Health Organisation, but she was cut off after trying to alert people to human-to-human transmission of the virus in December. She also claims that before leaving China her information was wiped from the Government database. The lab has denied that Ms Yan ever 'conducted any research on human-to-human transmission' and said her assertions have 'no scientific basis'. It has been alleged that the Wuhan lab in China, pictured above, is where the coronavirus was developed. However, there is no evidence to back this claim In April incumbent US president Donald Trump claimed he had seen evidence that the coronavirus was built in a laboratory in Wuhan as he suggested the Government may impose sanctions on China in response. 'Yes I have. Yes I have,' Trump said when asked if he had seen proof the virus originated in the Wuhan Institute of Technology. However, the president would not divulge what the evidence was that confirmed his suspicions, when asked by a reporter. 'I can't tell you that. I am not allowed to tell you that,' he responded. The lab in question is located near the wet market in Wuhan, which is thought to have been the centre of the outbreak. Isabella Tilley may have been just the kind of person the federal government had in mind when it conceived its new JobMaker scheme. The 25-year-old from Parkville in inner Melbourne has been on JobSeeker since March after losing her $500-a-fortnight gig at the Melbourne Museum. Isabella Tilley said the federal budget did not go far enough to address structural disadvantage. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui But not much in the federal budget, including initiatives to get women into STEM careers, gave her much hope of long-term change. "I will give [JobMaker] a chance and I'd love to see it work ... but it seems like a recipe for more temporary low-wage and casual [work]," she said. "It sounded more like a marketing buzz term." The hiring credit of $200 a week for new employees aged under 30 and $100 a week for those aged 30 to 35 is designed to encourage businesses to take on young workers. New hires must work at least 20 hours a week to be eligible. "My first impression [of the budget] is it looks like a continuation of underemployment," she said. "I think a budget focusing on tax cuts ... doesn't look to long-term answers. I think it looks to a continuation of insecure work. They're still continuing the cuts to JobKeeper and JobSeeker, which I think it's bulls---. "People on these incomes spend everything they have and it goes directly back into the economy ... I don't think tax cuts are necessarily the answers." David and Vivien Wu, from Rowville said the tax cuts, brought forward two years and backdated to July 1, were the biggest take out from the budget. David works as a sales representative and Vivien as an audiologist. They run a small tutoring business on the side have a four-year-old son, Toby. Both have university degrees and make upwards of $170,000 a year between them. Vivien and David Wu with their son Toby. Credit:Penny Stephens "The tax cuts certainly are good relief for us, especially with my line of work," Vivien said. "I've had my hours cut and this gives us an opportunity to catch up on the savings we were trying to accomplish. It's been a challenge for the family budget. "They mentioned childcare funding, but they didn't go into details about that. I'll be interested to know how much funding and assistance we'll get in space." One person was killed and eight others were injured, four of them seriously, after a truck ploughed through several vehicles on Tuesday morning along the Pune-Dehu bypass near Navale Bridge on the outskirts of Pune, police said. The deceased was identified as Shubham Supekar (24) a resident of Narhe and a businessman who owned a travel business. He was on a bike. His father was with him at the petrol pump from where he had left, taken a u-turn and was heading back towards his office. The truck crushed his head and killed him instantly. His father heard people speaking about the accident minutes after his son left so he called the phone number. When he did not answer, he went to the spot to check and found out, said Ruturaj Shinde (39) maternal uncle of the deceased. Shubham Supekar was pursuing an ITI course. He is survived by his father and a younger sister. The four grievously injured people were identified as Prakash Ashok Arakh (32) a resident of Kopre in Uttam Nagar, Ravindra Rahane Swamilal (55) of Kondhwa Dhadave, Indre Nagnath Bharat (31) of Kondhwa and Vilas Sadashiv Jagtap, according to Vasant Kunvar, Senior police inspector of Bharti Vidyapeeth police station. We were able to pull the vehicles off the road immediately and managed to keep traffic moving. We are now figuring out the way to pull out the vehicle that has gone off the edge of the road, said Assistant commissioner of police Wadke of the traffic division. The part of the road where the mayhem took place is on an incline on the approach to the bridge at 11 am.. Three cars, two SUVs, one pick-up truck and eight two wheelers including motorcycles and moped were damaged in the incident. All the injured were rushed to Navale Hospital. Among the injured, one person was grievously injured and was moved to Bharti hospital. One was sent to Sassoon General Hospital and another to a private hospital in Bibwewadi, while one person is still at Navale, said ACP Babar of Lashkar division of Pune police. I came here and saw vehicles in disarray. The truck just bulldozed the other vehicles. One tempo fell off the edge of the road and the two wheelers were thrown in all different directions along with the riders, said Akash Sadamate (21) an online grocery store delivery executive who was waiting on his bike near the accident spot. A case under relevant Sections of Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicle Act was registered at Bharti Vidyapeeth police station against the truck driver who is at large. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Joint Entrance Examination Council, Uttar Pradesh will release the first round seat allotment result for the U P Joint Entrance Examination (UPJEE(P)-2020) counselling on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 5 pm on its official website. Candidates who have qualified the UP JEE 2020 examination will be able to check the first seat allotment result online at jeecup.nic.in. According to the official notice, a total of three rounds will be conducted for the JEECUP Seat Allotment process, out of which, the first counselling round for JEECUP 2020 will be held exclusively for UP State Qualified candidates only. The 2nd counselling round will be open for all the candidates who have qualified in the entrance exam. UP Polytechnic Entrance Examination is held for admissions to diploma courses in various Uttar Pradesh polytechnic institutes. How to check JEECUP first round seat allotment result: Visit the official website at jeecup.nic.in On the homepage, click on the link available to check the first round seat allotment result A new page will appear on the display screen Key in your credentials and login The JEECUP first round seat allotment result will be displayed on the screen Download the results and take its print out for future use. Credit: CC0 Public Domain The World Health Organization warned European countries Tuesday about "pandemic fatigue" which it says threatens the continent's ability to tackle the coronavirus. "Although fatigue is measured in different ways, and levels vary per country, it is now estimated to have reached over 60 percent in some cases," WHO Europe director Dr. Hans Kluge said. He said this is based on "aggregated survey data from countries across the region." Citizens have made "huge sacrifices" over the last eight months to try and contain the coronavirus, he said in a statement. "In such circumstances it is easy and natural to feel apathetic and demotivated, to experience fatigue." Kluge called on European authorities to listen to the public and work with them in "new and innovative ways" to reinvigorate the fight against COVID-19, which is on the increase throughout Europe. He cited a local authority in the UK which has consulted communities to gauge their feelings, and a municipality in Denmark where students have been involved in drawing up restrictions that allow them to return to university. Turkey has employed social media polls to understand public sentiment, while Germany's government "has consulted philosophers, historians, theologians, and behavioural and social scientists," Kluge said. The WHO's Europe region, which encompasses 53 countries including Russia, has seen more than 6.2 million cases and nearly 241,000 deaths related to the virus, according to the organisation's official statistics. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP Proteins transduce information and signals within the human body by changes in their structures. For example, hormones binding to their target proteins cause a structural change which in turn opens new binding sites for other proteins elsewhere on the surface of the protein. Researchers refer to this coupling of different, distant binding sites as allostery. An interruption of this coupling leads to signals not being passed on. This can be achieved by molecules specifically designed for this purpose, which thereby obtain pharmacological effects as analgesics or chemotherapeutic agents. To selectively design such molecules, scientists need to learn more about the possible mechanisms of allostery. A team led by Prof. Dr. Gerhard Stock from the Biomolecular Dynamics group at the Institute of Physics at the University of Freiburg and Prof. Dr. Peter Hamm from the Institute of Chemistry at the University of Zurich, Switzerland provides important insights into the molecular details of allostery in the journal PNAS. The researchers tracked time-resolved allosteric changes in the test protein PDZ2, which are caused by the binding of a peptide ligand. To this end, the research group at the University of Zurich performed time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy, while the physicists at the University of Freiburg simulated the corresponding changes on an atomistic level using the bwHPC cluster BinAC at Tubingen. This combination enabled the scientists to understand how a change in the ligand binding mode induces protein structure changes passing through the protein with atomic resolution and a time scale range from picoseconds to microseconds. The real-time observation of signal transduction in proteins showed that allostery is based on changes in both the structure and dynamics of the protein, which exhibits hierarchical dynamics, where a structural change takes about ten times longer than a preceding change. Newlyweds, 30 and 33, Die in Plane Crash on Scenic Colo. Honeymoon They Were Documenting Online Newlyweds, 30 and 33, Die in Plane Crash on Scenic Colo. Honeymoon They Were Documenting Online The husband was a pilot for United Airlines, according to the local sheriff's department A small plane carrying a pair of newlyweds crashed in Colorado on Monday, killing the bride and groom just four days after their wedding, according to authorities. Costas John Sivyllis, 30, and wife Lindsey Vogelaar, 33, died after their Beechcraft Bonanza went down shortly after taking off from Telluride Airport, the San Miguel Sheriffs Office said. The plane crashed on the side of a mountain in Ingram Basin just 10-15 minutes after departure, according to the sheriff's office and the Federal Aviation Administration. They had eloped to Telluride for a small wedding and adventure-filled honeymoon that they were documenting online for friends & families to follow, the sheriffs office said. The couple was headed back to Florida, where they live, with a possible stop in Oklahoma in order to refuel. Sivyllis worked as a flight instructor and pilot for United Airlines, and Vogelaar worked in the airline industry as well, the sheriffs office said. RELATED: Prominent Lawyer Steve Barnes of Cellino & Barnes Dead Alongside Niece After His Small Plane Crashes San Miguel County Sheriff Telluride plane crash San Miguel County Sheriff Telluride plane crash Sivyllis was also the chairman for the Air Line Pilots Associations National Education Committee, and according to the ALPA, was a 2012 graduate of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. RELATED: 4 People Killed in Small Plane Crash in Texas Following Emergency Landing Attempt Most of his routes at United take him between the U.S. and Europe, his ALPA biography said. In a blog post chronicling a day in the life of a pilot, Sivyllis detailed what it was like to fly from Newark, New Jersey to Paris, France, and said that flying over the Atlantic Ocean at night reminded him that being a pilot was his lifelong dream. Story continues RELATED VIDEO: Matt Mauser Recalls Fatal Helicopter Crash That Took His Wife Christina and Honoring Her Legacy Matt Mauser Recalls Fatal Helicopter Crash That Took His Wife Christina and Honoring Her Legacy The musician opens up about how he and his family are coping following the death of Christina Mauser in the January crash that also killed Kobe Bryant Its a peaceful calm a sight I relished traveling as a kid overseas to see family, an annual journey that made me fall in love with flying, he wrote. I take a moment to think about how I dreamt of this for years. Yet now, its a reality as I sit back and monitor the flight instruments and chat casually with the other pilot about our schedule for next month." The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, as is the FAA. IKOULA one of the leaders in IaaS sector, specialized into dedicated servers, outsourcing and Cloud Computing strenghtens its presence in Europe, by offering its professional solutions to Romanian and Portuguese companies, through dedicated websites. After opening a subsidiary in the Netherlands, then in Spain, offering its services and products in two new European countries is definitely the logical continuation of IKOULA's international business development, and testifies to its willingness to work in favor of a competitive, open, interoperable and responsible European IT ecosystem. This European expansion did not happen by chance, " explains Jules-Henri Gavetti, President and co-founder of IKOULA. Choosing Portugal allows us to strengthen our presence in the Iberian Peninsula, and thus gives us the necessary anchor for a potential future deployment in Latin America. For Romania, in addition to echoing family roots, our arrival on this market with strong growth potential opens the doors to Eastern European markets for us, and allows us to support all our customers as closely as possible to their end customers. With more than 20 years of experience, IKOULA has over the years been able to create complete and efficient professional offers and infrastructures, adapted to all types of companies, regardless of the sector, whether it is TPE, SMEs or large accounts. About IKOULA Pioneer of the French Cloud since 1998, IKOULA has its own Datacenters in France, as well as two subsidiaries, in Spain and in the Netherlands. Because people are part of its DNA, IKOULA maintains a close relationship with its customers, and provides them with teams of experts available 24/7, to advise and support them in their activities. IKOULA's teams are also multilingual, in order to respond to the internationalization issues of all of its customers, located in more than 60 countries on 4 continents. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005686/en/ Contacts: Press Laurane VASSOR ARCARO Communication Director lvassorarcaro@ikoula.com +33 1 84 01 02 69 Lucas FOURRE Communication Officer lfourre@ikoula.com +33 1 84 01 02 59 SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegis Advisor Group, an independent insurance marketing and financial planning firm, announces today their acquisition of Beacon Financial, Inc., a national marketing organization founded in 2000, that specializes in annuities, life insurance and Medicare, and its merger into the firm. The companies will combine resources to offer affiliated advisors access to a comprehensive scope of insurance solutions in addition to expanded programs and services for lead generation, practice development, case design, underwriting and advance market support. The merger will be completed by the second quarter of 2021. "The primary objective of Allegis is to provide concierge-level service to independent advisors nationwide so that they have the extensive tools and support necessary to create the greatest value for their clients," said Chris Miller, CPA, founder and CEO of Allegis Advisor Group. "Now, with this new partnership, we are expanding both our capabilities and internal talent to further support affiliated advisors in each of their business endeavors." Allegis Advisor Group is a full-service insurance marketing and financial planning firm that works with advisors nationwide to grow and simplify their business. The company offers a breadth of business-building solutions including: brand development; live, virtual and on-demand sales training and educational events; access to back-office experts for new business and case management, case design, underwriting and advanced markets; a diverse array of carrier access and product categories including life, disability, long-term care, annuities and linked benefits; digital advisor tools including access to a robust advisor portal; and, branding, lead generation and turnkey marketing systems. As part of this merger, Allegis will integrate Beacon's Medicare planning program, giving affiliated advisors the ability to incorporate Medicare planning into their service offerings, either in-house or in partnership with experienced Medicare planning specialists. Additionally, the merger with Beacon adds more than 100 years of combined experience in the insurance industry to the Allegis team. "Partnering with Chris and Allegis was a natural progression for Beacon, particularly after the recent passing of V Stanley Benfell, Beacon's Chairman," said Jeff Lewis, President and CEO of Beacon Financial, Inc. "Unifying our companies and building upon each firm's strengths works to deliver the all-encompassing suite of financial solutions advisors need to be successful with insurance and retirement planning. The added convenience of being able to access these capabilities through a singular comprehensive source helps advisors save time and resources, which they can now re-invest into fostering client relationships." Lewis will serve as the Executive Vice President of Business Development and COO of the Medicare division at Allegis. Joseph Bradley, an Annuity Marketing Specialist at Beacon, will continue his work with annuities and serve on the leadership team at Allegis. Allegis Advisor Group was founded in 2009 and has grown both organically and through acquisitions. In addition to Beacon, the company acquired Brokerage 360, an insurance marketing organization out of Salt Lake City, and Premium Finance Advisors, an advanced market firm specializing in complex case design and estate planning out of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Each acquisition has added new talent to the firm while scaling the business to provide greater services and resources to affiliated advisors. Miller and Lewis are currently in discussions with other marketing organizations for possible future mergers with Allegis. Allegis is a partner agency of LIBRA Insurance Partners, a leading distributor of insurance products. LIBRA is dedicated to the ongoing development and enhancement of robust, proprietary resources for its partners that are revolutionizing the industry, including expansive underwriting capabilities, advanced case design support, sales and product benchmarking tools, and turnkey sales and marketing systems. About Allegis Advisor Group Allegis Advisor Group is an independent insurance marketing organization and financial planning firm that supports independent advisors nationwide by providing the extensive tools, training and concierge-level support necessary to help individual clients reach their retirement and financial planning objectives. Allegis offers advisors support with practice development, marketing and case management, access to life insurance, Medicare planning, fixed and indexed annuities, disability income, long-term care insurance, linked benefits and group insurance. Affiliated advisors are granted on-demand access to tools and training through its robust advisor portal. For more information, visit www.Allegisag.com, email [email protected] or call 800-418-1788. MEDIA CONTACT Chris Miller Phone: 801-826-3901 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Allegis Advisor Group Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Outdoor sound barriers are measures taken to block or nullify environmental noises caused by construction, traffic, and other processes exposed to elements. The rapid pace of urbanization and efforts in developing existing infrastructure would warrant the need of noise blocking solutions. The global outdoor sound barriers market report by Market Research Future (MRFR) presents historical data, current economic scenario, and estimates revenue and value sizes for the period of 2019 to 2025 (forecast period). The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact are analyzed in the report. Market Scope The global outdoor sound barriers industry is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. It was valued at USD 822 million in 2018. The development of real estate near highways and noise-filled roads can drive the market demand exponentially. The renovation of suburbs and redevelopment of zones in metropolitan cities can create a plethora of opportunities for the market. Government policies for modernizing public infrastructure and development of smart cities are likely to warrant the need for outdoor sound barriers till 2025. Concerns for citizens health as well as improved standards of living are prime growth enablers of the market. The use of precast concrete and rockwool material for sound barriers owing to thermal padding and easy installation can favor the market growth. Regulations for lowering noise pollution and controlling noise generation are likely to positively impact the market. This is exemplified by law number 447 of the Italian government which proposes suspension of public and private entities responsible for creating excessive noise. But volatile raw material prices can hamper market growth. Segmentation The global outdoor sound barriers market has been segmented based on material and application. On the basis of material, the market is segmented into wood, concrete, metal, and others. The concrete segment held the largest market share of the global outdoor sound barriers market in 2018 and is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. It is primarily used on roads and highways for walls and panels due to its sound absorption properties and ability to blend with the local aesthetic. On the basis of application, the market is segmented as demolition, utilities & railroad, highways, aviation, and building construction. The highways segment accounted for the largest market share for the outdoor sound barrier panel installations globally. The use of sound barriers by traffic management and road construction companies for lowering noise levels can drive the segment growth. Regional Analysis The global outdoor sound barrier market has been segmented into regions of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Rest-of-the-World (RoW). North America held the largest share in the global outdoor sound barrier market, followed by APAC and Europe in 2018. It is expected to continue its dominance till 2025. The presence of leading manufacturers such as Amco Block & Precast, Armtec Infrastructure, and Cretex Companies in this region are expected to drive the growth of the highway noise barriers market. Moreover, the use of outdoor sound barrier in backyards of residential homes for kids to enjoy weekend activities can bode well for the market. APAC is anticipated to witness rapid growth during the forecast period owing to the pace of industrialization and urbanization in China, India, and emerging economies. The growth of construction industry in the region is expected to propel the demand for outdoor sound barriers in the region. Development of urban areas in Singapore and Malaysia can induce the market demand effectively. This is evident with the use of concrete blocks and hollow panels for lowering decibel levels. Competitive Outlook Amcon Block & Precast, Hoover Treated Wood Products, Coastal Precast Systems, Evonik Industries, AcoustiGaurd, ZAK Acoustic Pvt Ltd, Cretex Companies, Fort Miller Group, Dynamic Precast Company, and Armtec Infrastructure are major solution providers of the global outdoor sound barriers market. FOR MORE DETAILS https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/outdoor-sound-barriers-market-8264 Cogniacs Co-Founder and VP of Systems, Amy Wang, PhD SAP.iO recently announced the launch of SAP.iO Foundry New York Fall 2020, SAPs virtual accelerator program that supports startups led by diverse entrepreneurs. Six enterprise startups focused on retail, manufacturing and automotive technology have been selected into the 12-week program. These startups work in a wide array of fields, including AI, analytics, 3D printing, robotic fabrications, and ultrasonic technologies. We are super excited to be part of SAP.iO Foundry NYC Cohort, says Cogniacs Co-Founder and VP of Systems, Amy Wang, PhD. We look forward to introducing Cogniacs Drag and Drop Visual AI Platform to SAP customers in automotive and manufacturing industries, to bring visibility, focus, and agility and enable them to lead in the new Industry 4.0 world. SAP is committed to diversifying technology industries, and strongly believes that innovation comes from bringing more voices and perspectives to the table. Cogniac is honored to be included among the select group in this years class of startups and looks forward to working alongside their teams, and SAP executives, through December. Wang continues, I am delighted to see so many female founders in this cohort. We really appreciate that SAP.iO is making an effort to equalize the field. This news follows another recent development for Cogniac which successfully raised $10m in Series B financing. The funding will be used to hire key staff, expand sales and marketing, and support the growth of the company. These are signs of growth and momentum for Cogniac as they work to improve the world by automating visual inspection tasks. # # # About Cogniac Cogniac is on a mission to improve the industrial and manufacturing industries by automating visual inspection tasks. Cogniacs system combines the latest AI research, human-computer interaction tools, and large-scale data management to make computer vision easier, more accurate, and scalable, enabling customers of all sizes to extract information from ever-increasing image data and video streams. Using modern advances in deep learning and hyper parameter optimization, Cogniac's software can achieve better-than-human accuracy and continuously improve inspection workflows with very little technical knowledge from your subject matter experts. If an item or condition of interest is visible in the media provided even if it requires professional expertise Cogniac's system can automatically inspect images and video to classify, detect, count and measure with a high degree of reliability in real time. Desde el distrito de Tambo, el presidente @MartinVizcarraC, junto al ministro Jorge Montenegro, entrega 498 titulos de propiedad a agricultores, brindandoles seguridad juridica sobre sus tierras y la posibilidad de acceso a creditos financieros. En vivo: https://t.co/A7Rowe1T9c The chairman of construction giant Coteccons has stepped down after a 17-year tenure that saw the company grow into Vietnams largest contractor. The Ho Chi Minh City-based company announced the resignation of 61-year-old Nguyen Ba Duong on Monday. Duong said he was stepping down because his health would not allow him to contribute his best to the company and he wants to spend more time with his family. The Coteccons board has approved his resignation and selected Kazakhstani Bolat Duisenov, currently the CEO of Kusto Vietnam, a construction and property developer unit of Singapore-based Kustocem, as the companys new man at the helm. Nguyen Ba Duong was a founder of Coteccons in 2004 after the equitization of a state-owned company under the Ministry of Construction. Duong had a major role in building the company into an industry leader with revenues of VND23.7 trillion ($1 billion) last year and a pre-tax profit VND890 billion ($38 million). His resignation follows a series of problems since 2017 between Coteccons and Kustocem which owns a 18.23 percent stake in the company. After starting out as strategic partners, the relationship became confrontational after Kustocem twice called for extraordinary general meetings in October 2019 and early June to elect a new board of directors and order special audits of the management practices. It even wanted Duong to step down as chairman. By June it had been able to rally support from a number of local and foreign shareholders owning around 45 percent of the companys shares. Coteccons had accused the Singaporean investors of launching a hostile takeover bid. But things changed after Vietnams leading construction firm announced the resignations of two board members on June 22. Kustocem representatives publicly thanked Duong for acting in the best interests of the company and shareholders, while he said geographical distance, cultural differences and the difference in views between the major shareholders and Coteccons board were the main causes of the recent "fuss." "Resolving these bottlenecks is the start of a new chapter for Coteccons," hed said. The six-member Coteccons board now has just one who was part of Duongs team. Russia, the United States and France said Monday that the escalating conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh breakaway territory represented an "unacceptable threat" to the region's stability. The three countries' foreign ministers in a joint statement condemned "in the strongest terms the unprecedented and dangerous escalation of violence", adding that attacks allegedly targeting civilian centres "constitute an unacceptable threat to the stability of the region". Also Read: New rocket fire hits main Karabakh city "The ministers call once again upon the conflicting parties to accept an immediate and unconditional ceasefire." Karthik Rangappa Note to readers: Media reports of startups in India are typically focussed on the founders and investors. Little is known about other leaders who are doing important work. Startup Sages is a series of articles that will profile key personalities from the world of startups who are driving change, building interesting products or pursuing vital projects. It was a chance encounter with a trading terminal at his landlords house that piqued Karthik Rangappas curiosity about stock trading. The itch to learn more about the stock markets drove him from being a techie who was selling loyalty solutions to commercial establishments in early 2000 to start trading, manage others portfolios and climb the corporate ladder to become vice president for equity research and education services at Indias largest stock broking platform, Zerodha. Today, Rangappa heads Zerodhas education initiative, Varsity. It has a web as well as a mobile app version. The app has close to a million downloads. Varsity gets around 70,000 to 80,000 page views daily, and there are around 75,000 queries posted by readers and stock market enthusiasts. The portal has close to 250 articles, spread across 12 modules. Educating investors Varsity is the cornerstone of the Zerodha business plan the founders believed that India needed a web of initiatives to get consumers hooked into the stock markets. Unless people know more about markets and understood them, how could they invest and make money? That is the fundamental principle on which Varsity is built. Rangappa runs Varsity with a few ground rules: no advertisements, no promotion of any specific trading portal, and no hiding information. Coverage of all kinds of topics with a commitment to answer every question posted in the comments section. Perhaps it is the unbiased positioning of Varsity that has helped the platform become a port of call for anyone trying to understand the concepts of stock markets online. Above all the entire initiative is free of cost. It all started Rangappas association with Nithin Kamath, the cofounder of Zerodha, started from a weekend commodities trading programme they had attended together back in 2005-06. Nithin and his brother Nikhil Kamath were toying with the idea of doing something in the broking space. Nithin was already ahead of the class and he knew most of commodities market by then. That is how I got associated with him, said Rangappa. He joined Kamath Associates, as Zerodha was then known, to start trading in the market. His first stint did not last long, as he got an opportunity to learn asset management from EDHEC Business School in France. His European sojourn eventually took him to London, where he joined a futures trading company. Then, the global recession of 2009 disrupted the markets and drove Rangappa back to Bengaluru. For the second time he joined Nithin, spending 2009 trading in commodities with the Kamaths. Even this time around, there was a break. Rangappa moved out to try his hand in asset management. Around the same time he joined a stock training programme run by the National Stock Exchange with Manipal Institute as a trainer for weekend sessions. Turning Point If the trading terminal at his landlords place brought Rangappa into the markets, it was this teaching gig for some quick bucks that inspired him to create learning material and explain finance to traders in simple terms. The material he created as a part of the course helped him set up the building blocks for Varsity. Rangappa feels that perhaps it was his own nondescript academic life that propelled him to simplify complex theories for students. Even till this date I keep away from market jargon; any such term puts me off, he said. Finally, in 2013, Rangappa rejoined Nithin Kamath, and this time he stayed put. Zerodha was still in its embryonic stage; it had less than 100 employees and 50,000 customers led by a promoter who was dreaming big. The Zerodha Journey At Zerodha, Rangappa has found his place. Settled in Bengaluru with his parents, wife and two children, he is part of the core team at the countrys largest broking platform. Zerodha is more of a family than a workplace talk to any of the top management team, and they will all say the same. Be it Venu Madhav, who manages operations, Kailash Nadh, who heads technology, Nithins wife Seema Patil, who heads HR or Nithins sibling Nikhil, they all form part of the extended family that runs Zerodha. I still have the note that Nithin had scribbled as an idea before starting Zerodha; it had two pillars, execution and education. I take care of the latter, Rangappa said with pride. If today Varsity has a brand in the ecosystem, it was completely built on his shoulders. Rangappa has been driving Varsity all by himself. It is only recently that he set up a four-member team to scale up the app, and roped in someone to translate the English content into Hindi, to expand the follower base. Asked where he gets the drive from, Rangappa is quick to answer that it is the promoter mindset. Watching Kamaths efforts to build the company and move towards his stated goal, others, including Rangappa, were electrified by his energy and charged up. The core team has always stuck together and this, I believe, comes from Nithins mindset, he said. Also Read: The Aligned Mind | The Nikhil Kamath paradox Creating content Writing about numbers, graphs and charts in eloquent and easy English is perhaps the toughest thing to achieve. But for Rangappa it is all about putting himself in a lay readers position. Perhaps it helps that he was once the uninitiated who had to learn everything about markets from scratch. It perhaps comes from years of training those novice traders and market enthusiasts at Manipal Institute. I was never great at academics myself, I needed to understand concepts in simple language; perhaps that helps me simplify concepts for others, he said. For reference, Rangappa does use a large number of books and online materials but his write-ups are driven by his decade-long experience in the markets. He points out that once a trader punches in a trade, whether he or she loses or makes money is not important it is the learning that is the key. Every trade that Rangappa has ever punched in is driven by the learning that permeates through his write-ups on Varsity. Among his favourite books is Option Volatility and Pricing by Sheldon Natenberg, which he says he must have read more than ten times. The Little Book of Valuation by Ashwath Damodaran, A Bank for the Buck by Tamal Bandopadhyay, and Way of the Turtle by Curtis M Faith are a few of his other favourites. A packed work schedule Rangappa is still devoting much of his time to strengthening Varsitys content. He spends close to 90 minutes every day responding to comments on his pieces. Varsity has a large set of loyal followers and feedback from them is the key for improvement. People come to the platform to clear their concepts and if it helps them, they usually leave behind a comment. Rangappa tracks each of these comments, which strengthen his drive. Besides Varsity he also looks after the beta testing of the loans-against-shares product that Zerodha is testing out. He oversees the product design and tracking of initial user feedback. Besides all this, Rangappa is involved in mentoring young startups that are part of the Rainmatter initiative of Zerodha and often joins Nithin in those calls and meetings. One thing that the pandemic has done is push him to work on his fitness. Rangappa, who calls himself lazy, says his recent workout sessions have been extremely motivating and that he spends an hour every day exercising. I also diligently spend 30 to 40 minutes every day on gossip in our office WhatsApp groups, he joked. The road ahead These are interesting times for the stockbroking world. Millennial investors are taking a shot at the markets. Covid-19 has sped up this adoption among the youth. Further, with the prospect of tech startups getting listed in India, Rangappa believes the coming years will be extremely exciting for stock markets. As more youngsters join the markets, they will look for education content online and Varsity wants to be the go-to platform for these curious traders. Rangappa says if he can teach them right, they can trade with caution and do so responsibly. For every successful trade punched by a Varsity student, there is perhaps one star getting added somewhere after Rangappas name. At the end of it all it is the stars that will matter and the legacy will live on. A slightly sweaty upper lip was the only clue as to the possible emotions swirling through casino mogul James Packer's mind as he was grilled during Tuesday's NSW casino inquiry which veered into some of the most sensitive areas of his private and public lives. Mr Packer, 53, told the inquiry he had been diagnosed and was being treated for "bipolar disorder", using the past tense in an attempt to explain his previous "shameful" conduct, offering: "I was sick at the time." James Packer faced a barrage of questions. And yet through it all Mr Packer revealed his best poker face, an unreadable if not slightly defeated demeanour from the moment he appeared on the live-stream, giving nothing away about the incredibly high stakes at play, which could potentially end his multibillion-dollar dream of opening the glittering new casino that now towers over Sydney. Clean-shaven and fuller-faced, Mr Packer sported a crew cut and wore a black business suit, white shirt and red checked tie for his appearance, which was beamed from a nondescript room on board his $200 million luxury superyacht IJE. There are over 290 petitions pending in the court related to the issue, which came to the fore when the YS Jaganmohan Reddy-led govt passed a legislation to create three capitals for the state on 31 July Amravati: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday said it would hear various petitions, filed against the governments move to have three capitals for the state and related issues, in an order of priority from 9 October. Turning down a state governments plea, the court said the status quo order, issued earlier on the two new laws related to the state capital, would continue. The bench headed by Chief Justice JK Maheshwari directed the government to submit in sealed covers the video discs and details of the deliberations in the Legislative Council over the two new capital legislations in January this year. It decided to conduct hearings daily on the bunch of over 290 petitions related to the capital issue, after dividing them into 12 categories. On 31 July, the state government notified the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Act, 2020, and the AP Capital Region Development Authority (Repeal) Act, 2020, immediately after Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan gave his assent to the related bills passed by the Assembly. The laws give shape to the YSR Congress government's plan of having three capitals for the state -- executive in Visakhapatnam, Legislative in Amaravati and judicial capital in Kurnool. The court had on 4 August ordered status quo on the acts. A number of Western European hostages were released after their governments paid ransoms. The British and U.S. governments refused to do so. Emwazi beheaded American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff on camera, as well as British aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning. Peter Kassig, an American aid worker, was slain before his severed head was displayed in an ISIS video. Kayla Mueller, an American human rights activist, was also killed while being held by the group, but her body has not been found. A U.S. judge on Monday ordered Cisco Systems Inc. to pay $1.9 billion to a Virginia company that accused it of copying its cybersecurity patents. U.S. District Judge Henry Morgan in Norfolk, Virginia, concluded after a monthlong non-jury trial that Cisco infringed four patents belonging to Centripetal Networks Inc, of Herndon, Virginia. He found no infringement of a fifth patent. In a 167-page decision, Morgan said the case was not a close call, citing inconsistencies in Ciscos evidence and that its own technical documents, many of which Centripetal itself introduced at trial, proved Centripetals case. The payout includes an $1.89 billion award, reflecting $755.8 million in actual damages suffered by privately held Centripetal multiplied by 2.5 to reflect Ciscos willful and egregious conduct, plus prejudgment interest. Cisco did not advance any objectively reasonable defenses at trial as to the four patents, Morgan wrote. The infringing functionality was added to their accused products post June 20, 2017, and resulted in a dramatic increase in sales which Cisco touted in both technical and marketing documents, he added. Cisco said it was disappointed with the decision, given the substantial evidence of non-infringement, invalidity and that Ciscos innovations predate the patents by many years. The San Jose, California-based company plans to appeal to the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Cisco posted $11.2 billion of net income on $49.3 billion of revenue in its latest fiscal year. Centripetal was founded in 2009 and focused on using threat intelligence software and firewall hardware to protect cyber networks. With this judgment, the court rejected the primitive doctrine that might makes right, Paul Andre, a lawyer for Centripetal, said in a statement. This is a significant win for all small, innovative companies. The case is Centripetal Networks Inc v Cisco Systems Inc, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, No. 18-00094. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Peter Cooney) Topics Lawsuits Cyber Legislation USA Virginia Sanjay Shah, like many other mid-level traders, found himself out of work during the global financial crisis in 2008. However, it took Shah only a couple of years to bounce back from it and set up his own fund that targeted gaps in dividend-tax laws. Traders like Shah exploit legal loopholes around Europe. This allows them to repeatedly reap dividend tax refunds on a single holding of stock making it hugely lucrative for those involved, according to a Bloomberg report. Within a few years, he charted a spectacular rise from trading-floor obscurity to amassing as much as $700 million and a property portfolio that stretched from Regents Park in his native London to Dubai, the report said. According to Shah, the methods through which he amassed this wealth, namely 'Cum-Ex' trades, were legal. However, German lawmakers have called it the greatest tax heist in history. Denmark, which is trying to recoup some 12.7 billion krone ($2 billion), close to 1 percent of its gross domestic product, also says the entire enterprise was a charade. How did he do it? Shah and the firm he set up, Solo Capital Partners LLP, helped investors to rapidly sell shares and claim multiple refunds on dividend taxes. While authorities have been probing hundreds of bankers, traders and lawyers in several countries as they try to account for the billions of euros in taxpayer funds that they say were reaped, Shah says hes being made a "scapegoat" for figuring out how to legally profit from obscure tax-code loopholes that allowed Cum-Ex trades, the report said. According to Skat, the Danish tax agency, it has frozen as much as 3.5 billion Danish kroner of Shahs assets. This includes a $20-million London mansion. This is part of a lawsuit it is filing against Shah and his associates. Skat hasnt seen evidence that supports that real shares were involved in the trades relating to the dividend refunds reclaimed in the Shah universe, it said in a statement, adding that it appeared like paper transactions with no connection to any real holding of shares. Despite these measures being taken against him, he still reaps about 200,000 pounds a year from renting out his properties, according to Shah. In fact, he made double this before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case against Shah has stirred public anger in Denmark. The country, which is in the middle of an economic recession wrought by the coronavirus, claims it has been robbed, the report said. In a country like Denmark, and mainly in the times of COVID-19, it is of substantial importance, Alexandra Andhov, a law professor at the University of Copenhagen told Bloomberg. The nations tax authorities have dealt with alleged fraud cases before but not in the amount of $2 billion, she said. A three-part civil trial covering Skats allegations against Shah will start in London next year. The accusations are also at the heart of a massive civil case in the United States targeting other participants in the alleged scam. While Shah said he hasnt been contacted by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, the watchdog said in February that it is investigating substantial and suspected abusive share trading in Londons markets tied to Cum-Ex schemes, the report said. Shah isn't the only trader being pulled up for Cum-Ex dealings. German prosecutors have been more aggressive than their Danish counterparts and have already charged more than 20 people. The Federal Budget has some grim news for most Australians hoping the pandemic to end soon and life to return to normal. The government is predicting Australia's population won't be vaccinated until the end of 2021 - which means overseas travel will 'remain low' until then and social distancing measures will be kept in place. However, the federal Government expects every state border to be open by Christmas, except for Western Australia, which it believes will keep its borders closed until after its state election on March 31, 2021. Overseas travel has been banned since March and it remains unclear when it will resume. The budget papers say travel will 'remain low' until 2021 - presumably only for essential journeys, rather than holidays in Bali, the Europe or the US. New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Pacific islands such as Fiji (pictured) will be among the first countries that Australians will be allowed to travel to, Scott Morrison has said Prime Minister Scott Morrison previously said the first step will be to open to 'safe locations'. New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Pacific islands such as Fiji may be among the first countries that Australians will be allowed to travel to. The Prime Minister revealed last week that he is considering a 'traffic light system' that would allow people entering Australia from Covid-safe countries to avoid hotel quarantine. Australians should expect social distancing measures to be in place until 2022 (above) The Prime Minister revealed on Tuesday that he is considering a 'traffic light system' that would allow people entering Australia from Covid-safe countries to avoid hotel quarantine. Pictured: Queenstown, New Zealand 'Our borders will open up at some point to safe locations whether it be New Zealand or parts of the Pacific or places like South Korea or Japan or countries that have had a much higher rate of success,' he told reporters. Mr Morrison said other countries including Denmark and Greece have similar models where returned travellers only have to go into quarantine if they have come from places with high levels of coronavirus. He said he was considering letting people quarantine at home instead of in hotels if they fly in from a low-risk country. 'Home quarantine can play a role in the future and it's something that is being considered by the AHPPC (Australian Health Protection Principal Committee). 'We will need a more flexible approach that gives us more options for managing this, so that is something that is under active consideration,' he said. Overseas travel has been banned since March and it remains unclear when it will resume but Mr Morrison said the first step will be to open to 'safe locations' such as South Korea (pictured) Mr Morrison said home quarantine worked well in February and March when many Chinese Australians were returning from China. Since March 17 only Australian citizens and permanent residents are allowed to enter Australia. They must complete two weeks of hotel quarantine at their own cost. Overseas travel is banned until 17 December and that period may be extended. A travel bubble with New Zealand which will allow holidays without quarantine has long been under discussion but still has not happened. Under revised plans drawn up by Australia's tourism restart task force, Kiwis would be able to freely enter Australia in November and Aussies would go the other way by January or February. The plan, obtained by the The Australian, calls for all states to open their borders by December 1. The district magistrate issued an order, stating that strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to stop the work of laying of transmission line of the Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL) from Rehan in Kangra district to Kankari in Hamirpur district. While dealing with a dispute related to the transmission line being laid by the HPPTCL, the court stated that it was not possible to change the alignment of the line as the work of towers for the transmission line had already been completed. The court stated that if a person unnecessarily interrupts the work of the transmission line being laid for the public interest, action may be taken against him/her under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. The court has directed the Hamirpur SP to cooperate with the HPPTCL and provide assistance to the police in-charges of Hamirpur and Bhota. The SDMs of Hamirpur and Bhoranj and the concerned executive magistrates have also been ordered to ensure compliance with the decision of the court. The court also ordered the HPPTCL to provide adequate compensation to all the affected people as per rules. It has also asked the affected people to approach the court of the district and sessions judge if they were aggrieved with the compensation amount. The HPPTCL has completed all the formalities and procedures and is ready to compensate the people affected by it. Despite this, villagers of Balu, Dhanarasi, Ghahlian, Rehala, Chowki Kankari, and Chamned had been trying to create hindrance in the completion of the project. Tragic: The scene in Grays where the bodies of 39 migrants were found in a lorry A jury panel has been selected in the trial of four men - two from Northern Ireland - accused of being part of a people-smuggling ring linked to the deaths of 39 migrants. The bodies of the Vietnamese nationals were discovered inside a lorry container shortly after it arrived in Purfleet, Essex, on a ferry in the early hours of October 23 last year. Among the men, women and children were 10 teenagers. An inquest has heard they died due to a lack of oxygen and overheating in an enclosed space. Eamonn Harrison (23), of Mayobridge, Co Down, is alleged to have driven the lorry trailer to the Belgian port of Zeebrugge before it sailed to Purfleet in England. He is charged with 39 counts of manslaughter and one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration along with Gheorghe Nica (43),from Basildon, Essex. Valentin Calota (37), of Birmingham, and Christopher Kennedy (24), of Co Armagh, are charged with being part of the people-smuggling conspiracy. The defendants deny the charges. The Old Bailey trial is being heard before Mr Justice Sweeney. Yesterday, a jury panel was selected. Mr Justice Sweeney told the 22 potential jurors: "It is the jury who are the judges of fact in the trial in the Crown Court. "Jurors reach their decisions based solely on the evidence that they hear in court and what they make of it, so it's extremely important from this moment onwards, that you do not talk with anybody about it at all." The trial is expected to go on for up to six weeks. Nicola Sturgeon has accidentally called a rule-breaking MP Margaret Covid in a second slip of the tongue. The Scottish first minister told a press conference the SNP didn't know last Monday or Tuesday that Margaret Covid has suspected or confirmed Covid. Margaret Ferrier admitted she travelled by train to London last Monday despite awaiting results for a Covid-19 test. The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP then spoke in the House of Commons before boarding a train back to Glasgow after the screening showed she was positive. It has since been reported that Ms Ferrier also attended a church service and gave a reading to the congregation the day after she took a test after developing coronavirus symptoms. The MP attended mass at St Mungo's Church in Townhead, Glasgow, on 27 September, where she gave a gospel reading from the altar, according to the Daily Record newspaper. The Archdiocese of Glasgow said it would be disappointing if someone had not self-isolated for the good of the whole community and in accordance with the governments guidance. Coronavirus rules state that anyone who develops symptoms must self-isolate as they await their test result. Ms Sturgeon first made the name blunder during a briefing on Friday, while discussing when she first became aware the MP had broken the rules. She said at the time: "The first I knew about Margaret Covid, er, Margaret Ferrier, having Covid was yesterday afternoon. Ms Sturgeon and other senior SNP figures have called for Ms Ferrier to go, but the MP remained silent over the weekend about her future. The first minister announced on Twitter she had told Ms Ferrier, whom she described as a friend, she should step down. She repeated her appeal to the MP on Monday, while defending her party's handling of the case, saying it had "acted to the maximum of what we can do". Ms Ferrier had the whip removed when her trips became public. Ian Blackford, the SNPs Westminster leader, called on Ms Ferrier "to do the honourable thing" and resign. He told the Daily Telegraph Ms Ferrier should resign to save her "self-respect and dignity". Additional reporting by PA A man has been hospitalized after being reportedly beaten by locals in Ho Chi Minh City for allegedly stealing a dog. A source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday that police in Hoc Mon District are investigating the alleged beating of the man in question, only known as D.. Early reports said that D., a Hoc Mon resident, and another man were carrying the body of a dog on a motorbike on Nguyen Anh Thu Street on Monday evening when someone shouted for help and chased after them. The two men fell off their bike after speeding for a distance. D. was then believed to be assaulted by some locals to the point of becoming uncoscious. The other man had managed to flee the scene. Local police officers quickly arrived at the site after being informed of the incident. They took D. to a nearby hospital. An official in Hoc Mon said that noboy had ever been beaten for stealing dogs in the district so far. Local authorities have kept warning local residents that both plundering dogs and attacking dog thieves are breaking the law, the official added. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The PCs are presenting a motion, calling for the delay of the provincial general election until October 2021, insisting the move has nothing to do with their party trailing in recent polls. Opposition House leader David Brazil said Monday it's about safety. "The priority here now is ensuring that people are not exposed to anything that they shouldn't have to be," said Opposition House leader David Brazil on Monday. "Everybody wants to exercise their democratic rights. We can dispel all of that and keep people safe by putting it [off] until we have a better understanding of how we can deal with COVID-19. Hopefully there's a vaccine." The private member's motion calls for changing the legislation, and proposing the election be held the third week in October of next year. Under provincial legislation, an election must be called within a year of a new premier being sworn in. After question period Monday, Health Minister John Haggie was asked if it would be wise to delay the election. CBC "I think that's a difficult question to answer. My main focus at the moment is what's happening in the province, in terms of public health. [Cases] are now closer together than they were, say, three or four weeks ago, where we might have had a case every seven or days," Haggie said. Nothing to do with polls: Brazil An MQO poll released in mid-September asked, "If a provincial election were held today, which party would you most likely vote for?" Of the 289 respondents, 53 per cent of those decided and leaning supported the Liberals, 33 per cent supported the PCs, 11 per cent supported the NDP and one per cent supported the NL Alliance. The poll, conducted from Aug. 19 to Sept. 6, has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. When asked if putting off a general election is in any way related to those numbers, and possibly wanting to try to close the gap, Brazil replied, "It doesn't at all." Story continues He pointed to the byelection in Humber-Gros Morne, where polls close Tuesday at 8 p.m. "We just saw what happened with the byelection in Deer Lake. The potential, how that could have blew up," Brazil said, appearing to reference three, out of Newfoundland and Labrador's total four, active COVID-19 cases. The cases are travel-related. When it was pointed out to Brazil that New Brunswick recently held a provincial election with no uptick in COVID-19 cases, he acknowledged "there's things that probably could be done." "But we don't want to put any extra risks when it's not necessary," he added, insisting Newfoundland and Labrador's geography means it shouldn't be compared with other jurisdictions. Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador With cases here witnessing a decline in the last few days, over 65 per cent of beds for COVID-19 patients in the city hospitals are vacant, data on Corona app showed. However, the bed occupancy is higher in private hospitals as compared to government-run facilities. At the LNJP Hospital, which is the government's biggest COVID facility, 1545 of 2000 beds are vacant, while the GTB Hospital has a vacancy of 1321 beds against its strength of 1500, according to Corona app. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has 110 out of 300 beds vacant, while only 53 out of 250 beds are unoccupied in Max Smart Saket. At Sir Gangaram Hospital, 60 beds are vacant out of 200 beds earmarked for patients. Out of the total 15,822 beds for COVID-19 patients in Delhi, only 5,402 are occupied, according to the Corona app, which provides the latest details about the availability of beds and ventilators in the city hospitals. Also, 561 of 1,321 COVID-19 ICU beds with ventilators are occupied, accounting for over 42 per cent of vacant status, data on the app showed. Delhi recorded 32 COVID-19 fatalities on Monday, taking the death toll to 5,542, while 1,947 fresh cases took the tally to over 2.92 lakh. The city reported 1,947 new cases on Monday, 2,683 on Sunday, 2,258 on Saturday, 2,920 on Friday, 3,037 on Thursday, and 3,390 on Wednesday. Dr BL Sherwal, medical director of Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, said, "We saw an increase in hospital admissions around September 16-17 when the cases saw a spike. But now the hospital admissions have decreased and discharges have increased. Beds occupancy has gone down. The awareness and home isolation measures of the Delhi government are to be credited for this, he said. The COVID-19 dedicated facility has 500 beds, of which 393 are vacant. He said nearly 90 patients are in ICU. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital's Dr Rajesh Chawla said private hospitals are seeing more occupancy as people, who can afford treatment there, prefer them over government facilities. "We had a peak and then it came down and then it went up but now we are seeing a decline in admissions," he said. Dr Mugdha Tapdiya, senior consultant, internal medicine, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj, said there was a time when it was very difficult to find beds in hospitals but now the situation has become a little better. "The ICU beds are still occupied because once the patient goes in the ICU, they take time and if they go on a ventilator, the recovery takes more. Sometimes, it takes 10-15 days and sometimes even months. There is no movement from the ICU to the outside that is why it is difficult to get ICU beds," she said. All seven ICU beds with ventilators at the hospital are occupied, while 12 out of 28 ICU beds without ventilators are vacant, according to Delhi Corona app. (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.) Coronavirus has now affected the ministerial cabinet of Malaysia. In this row, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Monday he will self-quarantine after a Cabinet minister he was in contact, tested positive for the coronavirus, as cases in the country hit a record high. Muhyiddin had chaired a meeting on 3rd October that was attended by Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, who confirmed Monday he has been hospitalized for treatment. COVID 19: Cases continue to increase drastically in Midwest & Northeast parts of US The health ministry of the country has warned that Malaysia is facing a new wave of virus cases as the outbreak has widened in recent days. New groups have sprung up in many states amid extended travel to eastern Sabah state, a hotspot zone, for a state election last month. New virus cases hit a record daily high of 432 on Monday, bringing Malaysias tally to 12,813 with 137 deaths. Nearly half were from a prison in a northern state, and 130 were in Sabah. Muhyiddin, who took power in March after a political move, said in a statement that he underwent virus testing every two weeks since April. Presidential candidate Joe Biden to now gear up as Trump recovers back But after returning from campaigning in Sabah, he had tested three times since Sept. 22 and all were negative. However, he said he will isolating himself and work from home until October 16. The Malaysian PM also said that all those who came in close contact with Zulkifli at the meeting will undergo compulsory quarantine, while others are advised to observe self-isolation. Local reports said the attendees included several ministers, the national police chief, the armed forces chief and the health director-general. Health ministry officials couldnt be immediately reached for confirmation and further details. Corona restrictions to be reimposed in New York A car with President Donald Trump drives past supporters in a motorcade outside of Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., on Oct. 4, 2020. (Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images) House Chairman Requests Briefing From Secret Service on COVID-19 Protocols A House chairman on Monday asked the Secret Service for a briefing after several agents accompanied President Donald Trump on an SUV ride around Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Trump, 74, tested positive for COVID-19 last week. House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said he wants to hear from the service about how agents are being protected. The height of reckless disregard for others was the presidents joyride yesterday where Secret Service agents were required to drive him around in a hermetically sealed vehicle. Exposing Secret Service personnel to the virus does not just put them at risk, it puts their families and the public at risk, Thompson said in a statement. So we can know more about how these events have affected the Secret Service and national security, I have requested a briefing from the agency on the current safeguards in place for their employeesincluding on the presidents protective detailand how Secret Service agents can be kept safe from coronavirus-related threats, including apparently the president himself. The Secret Service didnt respond to a request for comment. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Trump on Sunday was driven past a crowd of supporters who had gathered outside Walter Reed. President Donald Trump drives past supporters gathered outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., on Oct. 4, 2020. (Anthony Peltier/AP Photo) Trump, sitting in the back seat, waved to them. The Secret Service agents inside wore masks and other personal protective gear (PPE). Appropriate precautions were taken in the execution of this movement to protect the president and all those supporting it, including PPE. The movement was cleared by the medical team as safe to do, White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement. The outing came after Trump wrote in a tweet that he might pay a little surprise to some of the great patriots that we have out on the street. The president took to Twitter to rebut criticism of the drive, saying: It is reported that the Media is upset because I got into a secure vehicle to say thank you to the many fans and supporters who were standing outside of the hospital for many hours, and even days, to pay their respect to their President. If I didnt do it, Media would say RUDE!!! Tom Ozimek contributed to this report. The Centre provided 'Y-plus' security to an actress from Mumbai, but the family of Hathras Dalit victim does not get any and this is not in line with Dr B R Ambedkar's Constitution, the Shiv Sena said on Tuesday. The family of the Hathras woman who died after being allegedly gang-raped has been "receiving threats to life and is living under terror", an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said, and asked what is wrong if Y-plus security cover is demanded for the kin. Last month, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut was given Y-plus category security following controversy over her comments that she feared Mumbai Police. "The Centre gave Y-plus security cover to an actress from Mumbai, but the family of the Hathras gang-rape victim does not get any. This is not the principle of equal justice. This justice is not in line with Dr Ambedkars Constitution," the editorial said. The Hathras episode has "exposed masks of many pretentious people", it said. It also raised questions over the Uttar Pradesh governments decision to recommend a CBI probe into the Hathras case at a time when the victims family has sought a judicial enquiry into the matter. Wondering what the CBI will do in the Hathras case, the editorial alleged that the UP government "destroyed evidence" by cremating the victim. "Did the Hathras Police do this without asking the higher ups? All this happened in consensus, it alleged. It also said those who tried to "defame" Maharashtra in connection with actor Sushant Singh Rajputs death case have fallen into a pit themselves due to the Hathras episode. The Marathi publication said the entire Uttar Pradesh ministerial council should visit the Hathras victims family. "The situation would not have exacerbated this much had the government not engaged in hiding things. What is the use of speaking now!" it said. Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse University is seeing an emerging cluster of coronavirus cases among students related to an off-campus party held last week on Walnut Avenue. SU reported today it has confirmed 13 new cases that can be traced directly or indirectly to the party. As the contact tracing and testing process continues, we anticipate additional positive cases connected to this party, J. Michael Haynie, an SU vice chancellor, said in a prepared statement. SU is asking anyone who attended a party or social gathering late last week or over the weekend at an apartment complex on Walnut Avenue to shelter in place, not attend class and immediately contact SUs COVID Program Management Office at (315) 443-6180 or sucovid@syr.edu. SU reported 16 new positive cases today. Thats the largest number of new cases reported in a single day so far this semester. Haynie said an initial investigation suggests the emerging cluster may have been caused by one or more students returning to campus after traveling outside of Central New York to visit another college late last week. He said SU is working closely with the Onondaga County Health Department to quickly identify and isolate all those potentially at risk. The overwhelmingly positive and selfless behavior, exhibited by the vast majority of our students to this point in the semester, makes our current situation all the more disappointing, Haynie said. It will take quick and coordinated cooperation of the entire campus community to prevent this situation from expanding beyond our ability to control. The school has 25 active coronavirus cases and 62 students in quarantine. SU has had 94 positive cases this semester. James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com Victoria has recorded only six additional cases of COVID-19 overnight and two more deaths from the virus - but the figures may still not be low enough to justify a further easing of restrictions in Melbourne. The 14-day rolling average in metropolitan Melbourne decreased to 9.9 from 10.6 on Wednesday, while the number of cases with an unknown source fell from 13 to 12. The Andrews government has set an ambitious target of a rolling two-week average of just five cases a day if lockdown is to be eased by October 19. Premier Daniel Andrews said there had been a 'significant outbreak' in Chadstone in Melbourne's east which has grown to 31 infections. He added however testing numbers remained strong - with 16,429 residents being tested for COVID-19 in Victoria on Tuesday alone. There are 16 Victorians in hospital with the virus, two of whom are in intensive care - while the state's coronavirus death toll has risen to 809. A woman is seen exercising on The Tan in Melbourne on Saturday. The 14-day rolling average in metropolitan Melbourne decreased to 9.9 on Wednesday - but that figure will likely not be low enough to justify a further easing of restrictions in the city Wednesday's number of active cases in aged care - 58 - is also fewer than on Tuesday. Mr Andrews said health officials may consider opening up Melbourne if the rolling 14-day average is slightly higher than five, but they would look at the context of the cases. 'In broad terms, it is possible we get a number that is higher than our target number but we have certainty and a degree of comfort about the story that sits behind those cases,' he said. 'If you were tracking along quite nicely and in the last three days of the 14-day period you got eight, 10, 12 cases but they were in aged care [we would consider that].' Despite falling case numbers, Mr Andrews emphasised the importance of Victorians getting tested if they experience symptoms of coronavirus - given the relatively low rates of flu transmission in the community. 'There's so little cold and flu symptoms around across the Victorian community at the moment,' he said. 'If you've got those symptoms, there's every chance that you've got this, and there's an absolute certainty that if you go into a workplace environment, almost any workplace environment, with symptoms, you will spread it.' Under stage-three restriction easing, Melbourne's five million residents would be allowed to leave the home without restraint and gather outdoors in groups of up to 10 people. Up to 10 people can also eat together at restaurants and cafes - both of which are only allowed to serve takeaway and delivery under the current rules. Friends are seen sunbaking in their COVIDSafe circles at St Kilda Beach on Saturday. The Andrews government has said Melbourne needs a rolling two-week average of just five cases a day if lockdown is to be eased The state's Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said on Monday easing restrictions too soon would risk Victoria losing control over 'mystery cases'. Regional Victoria has already moved from the second to the third step of removing restrictions on September 15 but Melbourne can only do so if the targets are met. Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett this week launched an extraordinary attack on Mr Andrews, demanding he resign over his handling of COVID-19 and accusing him of not 'giving a damn about democracy'. A heavy police presence is pictured in Melbourne on Saturday as they awaited a potential protest against lockdown rules. Under stage-three restriction easing, Melbourne residents could gather outdoors in groups of up to 10 people Kennett appeared on Sam Newman's You Cannot Be Serious podcast, where the pair blasted Mr Andrews over his Stage Four restrictions and bungled hotel quarantine program. 'It is his hubris, his sense of total authority that has brought the state to its knees. This is a man totally out of control because he believes he is totally in control,' Mr Kennett said. 'Imagine if I was responsible for one death, let alone 800, I would have been run out of town. Given his performance to date, he doesn't give a damn about the administration and the delivery of democracy under the Westminster system.' Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett claimed Daniel Andrews 'doesn't give a damn about democracy' Kennett, who served as Victorian Premier from 1992 to 1999, said Mr Andrews' only objective is a 'medical solution', even though there will be no vaccine for 'a long time'. 'There's businesses out there that have folded, businesses that have got no hope, lives that have been lost - they don't care,' he said. 'The premier has got to realise that he has caused immeasurable harm psychologically, commercially, and actually contributed sadly to 800 deaths.' Kennett said the public 'has had a gutful' and predicted Melbourne residents would increasingly ignore restrictions if they aren't eased as planned on October 19. Kennett said Mr Andrews' only objective is a 'medical solution', even though there will be no vaccine for 'a long time'. Mr Andrews is pictured addressing a press conference on Tuesday Melbourne's 14-day average, which is crucial to easing lockdown restrictions, has dropped to 10.6. The average must be below five for restrictions to ease on October 19. 'As we go into summer, hot weather, people have been cooped up for nine months and they want to get out and they will get out,' he said. 'There is an anger building up. People have gone along with this, as they should have. But that is being replaced by an anger. Kennett, who served as Victorian Premier from 1992 to 1999, said the public 'has had a gutful' and predicted that Melbourne residents would increasingly ignore restrictions if they aren't eased as planned on October 19 'It's like a pressure cooker - if the premier doesn't let off some steam pretty quickly to enable us to get back to living our lives, I tell you what, there is a very real chance that this pressure cooker will explode. 'People need to get out, they need to move. If the premier thinks he's going to stop Victorians starting to exercise their rights to get out of theses shut-down environments, then he's wrong.' Kennett, who now works as a media commentator, said he believed the Andrews Government should be held accountable for COVID-19 deaths due to bungled hotel quarantine. 'It is my view that this government - because they so dramatically failed in the administration of the hotel quarantine system.. could be held to account in the same way that any person in the private sector could,' he said. Kennett appeared on former footballer Sam Newman's (pictured) You Cannot Be Serious podcast, where the pair slammed the current premier Kennett also told the podcast the inquiry into the hotel quarantine fiasco was a 'sham'. 'They have played the inquiry off a break, and the inquiry was a sham anyway. It was just a talkfest and so many obvious questions were not pursued with ministers and of the public servants,' he said. 'Forget the inquiry, its a waste of time. It was a third class act.' Victoria recorded 15 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday and one more death, taking the national toll to 895. Say goodbye to rot, stink, and germs; and say hello to a clean, fresh home. Everyday life can get pretty messy. Well, guess what? A solution for lifes garbage is coming your way. Petal, a technically-unique and truly first-of-its-kind new home appliance that eliminates foul odors and halts the spread of germs, simply by freezing them, is available for pre-order now at PetalClean.com. And it's quickly picking up new fans. This morning, The Hustle named it "the world's classiest trash can." Earlier this week, Fast Company lauded Petal for its hassle-free disposal of food scraps. Peace out, fruit flies. Petal's patent-pending freezing technology is the driving force behind its efforts to revolutionize the interim storage of dirty diapers, food scraps, adult incontinence briefs, feminine hygiene products, pet waste, and anything else that stinks. Feature Highlights: Sub-zero temperature halts decomposition and put germs on ice (no more stink or pests) Energy efficient, costs less than $1/month (8 KWh) or less than a single load of laundry. Industry-leading 100-day risk-free trial and 1-year extendable warranty Hands-free design and soft-touch, non-skid foot pedal Removable 5 gallon (19L) inner pail makes it easy to compost without the mess Child lock keeps trash in and hands/paws out. Mechanical lid softly and quietly lowers into place, placating even the lightest sleepers. On/Off nightlight emits a comforting glow for nighttime diaper changes or feedings. Whisper-quiet operating at less than 30 dB the actual range of a human whisper. No landfill-clogging and expensive proprietary liners or accessories required. Petal is now available for pre-orders starting at USD $199 (plus S&H) with an expected delivery of spring 2021. Backed by world-class manufacturer Danby Appliances, Petal is perfectly positioned to bring its innovation into homes everywhere across the U.S. and Canada, and eventually beyond. As Petal co-founder and CEO David M. M. Taffet recently put it, If you were looking for a 100-percent delivery guarantee this is it. Petal recognizes that, in this, the year 2020, everyone knows the importance of quarantining germs, and that many among us appreciate a side hustle. Through Petal's Give $10, Get $10 referral program, every friend you set free from rot, stink, and germs gets $10 off, while you earn $10 cash for every order placed. No limit. No strings attached. About Petal Established in 2020, Petal is a majority female-owned Fort Worth, Texas-based consumer goods company on a mission to stop rot, stink, and the spread of germs. Its namesake product is the world's first zero-odor, germ-freezing waste bin and the only disposal device on the market that naturally stops rot, eliminates stink, and halts the spread of germs. Petal is a purpose-driven enterprise that believes everyone deserves to live in healthy, clean, and sustainable environments; plastic pollution is a scourge that must end; and that composting should be easy and widespread. A notorious hoarder from Sydney's affluent east who fought for decades to keep her loot scattered outside her home has finally submitted to a council clean up. Mary Bobolas, 79, and her family have spent the past two decades defending the mountains of rubbish strewn in and around her home in Sydney's Bondi Beach. Their tussle with the Waverley Council took a turn on Tuesday, when workers were seen cleaning up the front yard of her home on Boonara Avenue. Ms Bobolas was at the site along with police and volunteers after an order was issued by the Land and Environment Court. Waverley Council have commenced a clean up at Mary Bobolas' home in Bondi (pictured on Tuesday) Workers were spotted sorting through rubbish outside of Ms Bobolas' home on Tuesday (pictured) 'Council has repeatedly offered support to the family but this support has been refused,' a Waverley Council spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. 'We understand this matter also presents a difficult situation for residents and we appreciate their patience and understanding.' Ms Bobolas along with her daughters Elena and Liana have made headlines as being among Australia's most notorious hoarders. The 79-year-old bought the home in 1973 for $15,000 just minutes from the beach, but it could likely be worth several million dollars in today's property market. The Spanish-born pensioner has had her home pulled from the market at least three times after covering clean-up costs at the last minute to keep her property. Police attended the clean up at Waverley Council's request, but had no involvement in the day's affairs. Ms Bobolas (pictured) was at the site with police and volunteers after an order was issued The council have conducted about 15 clean ups at the site in the last 20 years with the most recent in February 2019. The Waverley Council spokesperson said the Bobolas family have the right to appeal the clean up. 'During the clean-up, an assessment will also be made about the requirements and logistics associated with other orders relating to the property including removal of the garage and its contents, access to the house to assess a tree growing through it and an order relating to the safety of the rear verandah,' they said. 'Council is committed to ensuring the health and safety of Waverley as a whole and will continue to pursue the matter through the channels available to us as a Council until there is a satisfactory resolution.' Councilor Richard Welch announced that he would be running a write-in campaign for the North Kingstown Town Council. We think intelligent long term investing is the way to go. But along the way some stocks are going to perform badly. For example the Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT) share price dropped 77% over five years. That is extremely sub-optimal, to say the least. Furthermore, it's down 13% in about a quarter. That's not much fun for holders. We note that the company has reported results fairly recently; and the market is hardly delighted. You can check out the latest numbers in our company report. See our latest analysis for Nordic American Tankers While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price. Nordic American Tankers became profitable within the last five years. Most would consider that to be a good thing, so it's counter-intuitive to see the share price declining. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time. It could be that the revenue decline of 8.4% per year is viewed as evidence that Nordic American Tankers is shrinking. This has probably encouraged some shareholders to sell down the stock. You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). It is of course excellent to see how Nordic American Tankers has grown profits over the years, but the future is more important for shareholders. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on how its financial position has changed over time. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Nordic American Tankers the TSR over the last 5 years was -65%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. Story continues A Different Perspective Nordic American Tankers provided a TSR of 11% over the last twelve months. But that was short of the market average. On the bright side, that's still a gain, and it is certainly better than the yearly loss of about 11% endured over half a decade. It could well be that the business is stabilizing. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should learn about the 5 warning signs we've spotted with Nordic American Tankers (including 1 which is is a bit concerning) . We will like Nordic American Tankers better if we see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US exchanges. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Well, there is Antifa, the violent arm of BLM, the Muslim Brotherhood, et al., but for what is supposed to be an assemblage of professional, objective journalists, this White House press corps is about as mature as a clique of mean girls in any middle school. They are as politically deluded as Baghdad Bob, pathetically self-important, ridiculously overly impressed with their own positions of power and influence, and as malicious as Shakespeare's Iago. When they do not get their way, they act out like toddlers in the throes of a tantrum. This has all been true since Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president. In their view, so presumptuous was his foolish attempt to be president that they set out to sabotage him from moment one, to utterly destroy him by any means necessary. The long list of their failures in this endeavor is legion and would be humorous if it were a Dickens novel, but it is the White House press corps! While their glee at the news that Trump had contracted COVID was shameful, their hysteria over his brief ride in The Beast to wave to supporters outside the hospital, their abject fury at his being released from Walter Reed today, was beyond redemption. These people are seriously mentally ill. They wanted him to die, and he didn't. For example, the New York Times' Maureen Dowd says Walter Reed's reputation is in tatters for successfully treating the president. The WaPo's Jennifer Rubin wants to defund the military hospital. The always odious Jim Acosta of CNN now refers to the president as "coronavirus in chief" and slammed him for taking off his mask on the White House balcony, easily a hundred feet from anyone. Chris Hayes of the always-loony MSNBC said Trump's video urging people not to let fear of the virus dominate our lives was going to "absolutely get people killed." The ignorant Joy Reid of MSNBC, like Michael Moore, accused the president of faking the illness. Joy Behar shrieked that Mike Pence should be sprayed with insecticide before his debate with Kamala Harris on Wednesday. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta accused the White House of purposefully "hiding things" from the public. CNN's "doctors" have made complete fools of themselves trying to do that outlet's anti-Trump bidding. Jake Tapper and Chris Cuomo both beclowned themselves, each of them presuming to know more than the doctors treating the president. They were angry that he was recovering in just a few days. Meanwhile, as the White House press corps and their fellow activists on cable news channels fume about the president's quick recovery and his release from the hospital, the Democrats in Congress thought his diagnosis on Friday would be the perfect excuse to derail the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court. New York's Sen. Chuck Schumer has blustered and bluffed about how the hearings for Barrett should be postponed. In his dreams. The corruptocrats who rule the Democrat party are running out of arrows in their quiver, to quote the most corrupt Democrat of all, Pelosi. Hillary Clinton's Russia hoax failed, Adam Schiff's impeachment failed (it was a cover-up operation Schiff is up to his neck in that sleazy coup attempt), the illegal release of Trump's tax returns to the press revealed no dishonesty, the fabricated tale of dissing dead soldiers was a bust because it was a lie, and Bob Woodward's dull tale was a bust. Trump has disavowed white supremacists for decades, but they won't keep saying otherwise. Their questions are a thoroughly unwarranted accusation they know is not true, but they hope will stick. But our White House press corps refuses to ask anyone, least of all Biden, about the former vice president's health and medication regimen. But of course they never asked JFK about his Addison's disease or Clinton about his cocaine habit, which is why neither of them ever released their medical histories. Joe Biden is clearly suffering from cognitive decline. He is most likely on a drug cocktail to get him through the campaign and also may well be wired for help from aides during his interviews, town halls, and debates. That his wife continues to let him pretend to know what is going on around him when he does not have a clue is elder abuse. And yet not a single white reporter or cable news anchor has asked any of Biden's campaign operatives a single question about Biden's health challenges. They are truly shameless partisans. And let's not even get into the absence of questions about Hunter Biden or the sexual assault charges by Tara Reade. They would rather see a mentally compromised man be elected president of the U.S. than let the best president in decades be re-elected because his outsider status, his blunt talk, and his successes offend them. The "why" of their offense at Trump's existence is a mystery. They hated Reagan and the Bushes for equally inexplicable reasons beyond party politics, but Trump has driven them insane. Watch CNN or MSNBC for five minutes to see just how insane. They have been consumed by hatred, scorn and venom and they embarrass themselves on an almost hourly basis. The mainstream media has actually been the enemy of the people for many years but the damage they do has escalated and become institutionalized. It became downright Sovietized during the Obama administration. It fell in with Obama's race-baiting anti-Americanism, his determination to "transform" this nation into something very unlike the Founders' vision, and more. Obama hated our Constitution. For the media, Obama could do no wrong while in fact he was doing terrible damage to the country on numerous levels. But he hypnotized our submissive media and made them his own propaganda machine. Hillary counted on their continued loyalty which she would have had and does have; they report nothing about her devising the Russia hoax to derail Trump. She belongs in prison for treason but they will protect her to the bitter end and her end will be bitter despite the fawning media. President Trump has done us all favor. His fearlessness has exposed the media for who and what they are, a childish cabal of petty thugs who whine when they don't get the answers they want from the president or his staff. They will one day reap what they have sown, the opprobrium they deserve. Image credit: Pixabay public domain. BHOPAL: A case was lodged on Tuesday against ex-Madhya Pradesh CM and state Congress president Kamal Nath and seven others for violating COVID-19 safety guidelines in Datia district. The eight Congress leaders, including Nath and Congress candidate for Bhander (SC) assembly seat Phul Singh Baraiya were booked under Sections 188, 269 and 270 of IPC and Section 51(b) of the Disaster Management Act 2005 for violating the COVID-19 guidelines during October 5 public meeting in Bhander constituency of Datia district. The case was registered following a complaint by the local SDM Arvind Mahor who stated that despite having the permitted number of persons to 100, the actual gathering addressed by the senior Congress leader had close 2500 persons in attendance. Reacting to the registering of case, state Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja said its an act of political vendetta by the BJP government. If the administration and police are so serious about ensuring COVID-19 safety guidelines, then similar cases should be registered against BJP leaders, including CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and others who have been openly these guidelines through their crowded public meetings, demanded Saluja. | Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, out-licenses promising clinical-stage program to Novartis Anti-ADAMTS5 Nanobody program is Phase II-ready with novel MoA which could protect against cartilage damage and reduce joint pain Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, receives upfront payment of 50 million with the potential of receiving a further 400 million related to delivering on certain development and commercial milestones Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, today announced that it has entered into an out-licensing agreement with Novartis, for the development of M6495, an anti-ADAMTS5 Nanobody for the potential treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). The Phase II-ready program represents potential for a disease modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD). M6495 is being developed with the aim to be self-administered via subcutaneous injections to maintain structural integrity of knee joint and reduce pain. With this deal we have found the right solution for this asset designed to present an innovative mechanism of action for the potential treatment of osteoarthritis, as we prioritize our pipeline to deliver the greatest impact for patients across our internal areas of expertise, says Luciano Rossetti, Head of Global Research & Development for the Biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. This agreement underscores our commitment to ensure this molecule, which has promise in many different types of OA, makes it to patients as quickly as possible. As part of the agreement, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will out-license to Novartis the Phase II-ready asset M6495 for further evaluation in OA patients. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will receive an upfront payment of 50 million with the potential of receiving a further 400 million related to delivering on certain development and commercial milestones and royalties on future net sales. Novartis will assume full responsibility for the development and commercialization of the M6495 program. Two Phase I studies were completed with M6495: one study in healthy volunteers demonstrated M6495 safety and tolerability and a meaningful reduction of ARGS (a neoepitope from cleaved aggrecan, found in the synovial fluid and serum of OA patients) levels at single doses (n=54); one study targets inhibition of ARGS with dosing every other week in OA patients. Novartis will continue to characterize M6495 in future studies with the goal of bringing it to market for osteoarthritis patients. M6495 was originally jointly developed by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Ablynx (now Ablynx, a Sanofi company) as part of a joint discovery and development agreement in 2011; the asset was later solely developed by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, up until the out-licensing agreement with Novartis. New Delhi: A man was arrested for allegedly killing a 30-year-old accountant inside a moving car in east Delhis Preet Vihar in an incident of road rage, police said on Tuesday. The arrested accused has been identified as Aman Singh alias Vinod, (24), a resident of Dakshinpuri in Ambedkar Nagar, they said. According to the police, the incident took place on the intervening night of June 24 and 25, when Somesh Chhabra, his cousin Shivam Dua and their friend Rahul Sharma had gone out for a ride and were returning home to Shahdara from a mall in east Delhis Laxmi Nagar. Aman and his friends, who were on their motorcycle and scooty, were driving rashly in a zigzag manner and Chhabra, who was driving an I-20 car honked twice to caution them. But the accused got irritated and fired at the occupants of the car, the police said. Co-accused Govind, who was pillion-riding the scooty, pulled out his pistol and fired at Shivam Dua, who was in the front side passenger seat of the car. Dua sustained serious injury in his neck. In the meanwhile, Aman, who was a pillion rider on motorcycle, also fired at Chhabra who died, a senior police officer said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah said that Aman was arrested on Monday after the police got specific input that he was likely to visit district park Kondli to meet his associate. A sophisticated pistol along with four live cartridges and one scooter used in commission of crime was recovered from him, he said. During investigation, the accused disclosed that in the intervening night of June 24-25 June this year, he along with his associates had killed an occupant of I-20 car, near Khadkhari mor flyover in an incident of road rage," the DCP said, adding further investigation is underway. 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 GULF SHORES, Ala. - Alabama beach communities that are still recovering from Hurricane Sally warned residents Tuesday to get ready for rapidly strengthening Hurricane Delta, which is forecast to hit the Gulf Coast later this week. Towns began distributing sandbags and warning boat owners to secure vessels as Gov. Kay Ivey ordered a mandatory evacuation of visitors and tourists from the coast. Ivey also signed a state of emergency she said would let officials seek federal aid more quickly if needed later. As residents along the Gulf Coast know all too well, these storms are unpredictable, and I strongly encourage everyone to take Hurricane Delta seriously, she said in a statement. An extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane, Delta was nearing Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula late Tuesday and is expected to enter the southern Gulf of Mexico sometime Wednesday. It was on a path that forecasters said would take it toward possible landfall west of Alabama later in the week. Officials feared lingering damage from Hurricane Sally, which made landfall near Gulf Shores on Sept. 16, could make Delta more of a problem on its expected approach toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. Sally dumped as much as 30 inches (76 centimetres) of rain in Alabama. Erosion from Sally, which gnawed away at beaches and dunes, still hasnt been repaired and could worsen the flooding threat from Delta since there is less sand to stop the water, according to an update from the town of Gulf Shores. Dump trucks have removed about 190,000 cubic yards (145,000 cubic meters) of splintered buildings, docks and trees in neighbouring Orange Beach, but remaining debris could complicate preparation for and recovery from Delta, said Mayor Tony Kennon. I worry about this one. I think were all snake bit, he said at a town gathering Monday night. On narrow Dauphin Island, a barrier island south of Mobile that was swamped by rising seawater and falling rain during Sally, officials said debris from fallen trees and splintered homes had been cleared off only 25% of the area by Sunday. Work replacing shattered docks and boardwalks was nearly complete at a boat landing and fish pier on the eastern end of the island as Delta intensified. The town also began offering sandbags to residents needing to prepare for the worst. DENVER, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- New research by College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors gives unique insight into the situations American families are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the largest employer of nannies, sitters and tutors in the United States, College Nannies is utilizing this research to reimagine its care to meet parents' evolving needs. "During these unprecedented times, it's crucial for us to understand families' circumstances and priorities," says Joe Loch, Brand President of College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors. "With nearly 200 College Nannies locations across the country, we are uniquely positioned to provide exceptional care that carries out our mission of building stronger families." The national poll uncovered four clusters of parents: Safety First parents (32%) are often more afraid and trying to get by day to day until the crisis passes. Their top childcare priority is a caregiver who wears a mask and practices social distancing. Head Off Chaos families (28%) are mostly managing without help and want things to go back to normal. They want a caregiver who helps the household run smoothly and adjusts to changing needs. Help With Chaos parents (22%) are used to dealing with uncertainty and often try to handle things on their own. They're seeking a caregiver who keeps children engaged in schoolwork and activities. Education First parents (19%) feel like they have a handle on childcare and safety and want to make sure their kids keep learning throughout the pandemic. Their biggest childcare priority is a tutor who can help children succeed. "Parents have never experienced anything like this -- working from home while simultaneously helping children with distance learning. This insight allows us to evolve our personalized care solutions to meet the changing needs of families across the nation," says Heather Hurley, College Nannies Director of Marketing. "We have been able to build a team of nannies, sisters and tutors to support four different parenting needs," says Laura Davis, College Nannies franchise owner. "No other agency can deeply understand the different situations families are facing and truly band together to offer the best care." The online survey was conducted from August 5 - 31st with a group of 827 participants from across the country with a household income minimum of $200,000 and at least one child under the age of 11. For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Allison Ortiz at [email protected] or 612.924.3788. About College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors: With nearly 200 territories in 29 states, College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors is the nation's most respected, complete and professional resource helping busy families raise smart, confident, well-adjusted kids. Since 2001, local professional teams across the country have helped thousands of busy parents carve out time for themselves with a sitter, have help on hand with a part-time or full-time nanny or get their college-bound student the tutoring they need to succeed. College Nannies is a wholly owned subsidiary in the Bright Horizons Family of Childcare Solutions and is ranked as one of the top 100 on Glassdoor's Best Places to Work 2020 . For more information, visit: collegenanniesandtutors.com Media Contact: Allison Ortiz 612.924.3788 [email protected] Collegenanniesandtutors.com SOURCE College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors Compulsory COVID-19 tests and physical checks of visitors to tourist destinations in Karnataka are among the guidelines being considered to prevent spread of the virus, Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said here on Tuesday. "Instructions have been given to officials to introduce new and improved guidelines to ensure that Coronavirus does not spread due to people visiting tourist spots in the state," he told reporters. The Minister was speaking after reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the district headquarters town of Kodagu and the steps taken by the administration to prevent its spread. "Guidelines like compulsory COVID-19 tests and physical checking of tourists, with the help of police, health and revenue department staff at tourist spots, are under consideration for framing new guidelines," Sudhakar added. To a question on reopening school as per the Centre's guidelines, he said the state was not considering it now in view of the surge of infections in Karnataka. On the COVID situation in the district, the minister there were certain shortcomings in the health services, which would be sorted out. Referring to the mortality rate in the district, it was earlier in the green zone, but was now in the red zone due to increase in COVID-19 deaths after unlock relaxations The minister directed the officials to ensure that the that a death audit be conducted every day. He also recommended that local people be inducted in the booth level task force committee. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dream season is officially open in the Pennsylvania Republican Party. With U.S. Sen. Pat Toomeys decision not to seek re-election to the Senate or to run for governor in 2022, the two top statewide elected offices that year are not only going to be open-seat elections, but on the GOP side especially, races with no obvious early front-runners who, just by getting in the race, have enough clout to scare others away. Toomey was that guy - a person many party leaders felt they could hitch their wagon to for the governors race, confident in his name recognition, campaign war chest and capability to take on a candidate like early Democratic Party front-runner Josh Shapiro, the current state attorney general. Instead, with Mondays announcement, the GOP is back to Square One. That means these next few months can be a time when would-be contenders from all stripes of political life - current elected officials, business leaders, those who have publicly embraced President Donald J. Trump and those who have kept him at arms length - can let their political fantasies run wild. Theres no clear-cut person right now that could be identified as a favorite for either nomination, said one top Republican fundraiser. He noted his phone history over the last 72 hours - with its list of diverse hopefuls who have asked him to stay uncommitted for the near-term future while they test the waters - proves the point. You have to go back at least to 1994 to find a parallel. In that year, with the term-limit departure of former Gov. Robert P. Casey, the Republican Party found themselves with a heated primary for governor that included the sitting attorney general, a congressman from Erie, an ambitious state senator and a wealthy Philadelphia businessman. The Congressman, Tom Ridge, won that race, and the rest is history. On the Senate side, meanwhile, there was a brash, young conservative congressman from western Pennsylvania who was in the race. But more moderate party elders searched long and hard for alternatives - Barbara Hafer, David or Julie Eisenhower, Theresa Heinz - who, they felt, might play better statewide. In the end, they could never coax those alternatives into the race, and the senatorial career of Rick Santorum was born. Thats kind of what its like for the GOP today. There are a bunch of names you can see as contenders and hopefuls for both of these seats, and its like the spin of a roulette wheel to see who among them emerges right now. Sources reached for this story said the list of contenders - for either governor or senator - would now include: William McSwain, the top federal prosecutor in Philadelphia and de facto law and order alternative in Philly and its suburbs to the citys reform-minded District Attorney Larry Krasner; Paul Mango, a retired Army officer who got his feet wet in electoral politics in an unsuccessful primary bid for governor in 2018, and currently serves in the Trump Administrations Department of Health and Human Services; Jim Cawley, a former lieutenant governor from southeastern Pennsylvania who has lots of residual popularity within the party and is seen as someone who could give Republicans a chance to win back some ground in the densely-populated Philly suburbs. State Sen. Doug Mastriano, little-known freshman senator Franklin County who has been making inroads within the partys populist wing as an outspoken foe of Gov. Tom Wolfs pandemic emergency policies. Others whose political fantasies got a shot of oxygen today include U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser from the Luzerne County area, with clear statewide ambitions; U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler from southwestern Pennsylvania, who could tap resources from his new D.C. connections for a Senate run; current Pa. Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre County, who may prefer to focus on maintaining his powerful perch in the state Senate; former state House Speaker Mike Turzai; and soon-to-retire Independence Blue Cross CEO Dan Hilferty. FInally, there are lots of other, fresher faces who may want to insert themselves in the conversation but need either: A) to become better known statewide; B) money; or C) both. Those faces include state Sen. Camera Bartolotta of Washington County and state Rep. Greg Rothman of Cumberland County, building state connections this year as head of the House Republican Campaign Commitee. Some in this latter group, according to the folks we heard from Monday, might not mind shooting for the moon and catching a star, like strong consideration for the partys lieutenant governors nomination. The first shake-out may be the results of the upcoming presidential election. If Trump wins Pennsylvania, then the partys task could be as simple as finding the next set of best standard-bearers for its platforms of less government regulation, school funding attached to students rather than systems, no tax increases and doubling down on Pennsylvanias fossil fuel resources. On the other hand, if Trump cant repeat his 2016 win here -- an average of statewide polls shows he is currently trailing Democratic Party nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden by about 6.5 percentage points - and Democrats show significant gains in the state House and Senate races, there may be more of a desire to shift away from the bombastic populism that has been such an energy source for the Republican Party in recent years. One thing that people inside the partys sphere say is not up for debate is its general bend toward conservatism. Im skeptical of the idea that if Biden were to prevail that somehow that would trigger a reimagining of the Republican Party in the aftermath, said Brock McCleary, a Harrisburg-based pollster whose political practice specializes in working for GOP campaigns and candidates. Will people push that idea out of political opportunism? Of course they will, he continued. But whether theres going to be an uprising among the grassroots thats like: Ive gotta find a candidate for Senate in Pennsylvania thats different from Trump. I want a whole different direction.' Man, the guy making that bet? I wouldnt quit my day job. If Trump doesnt win, McClearys soundings tell him, most Republican will ascribe that defeat to the intensity of the opposition Trump faced from day one from Democrats in Congress, and what they viewed as an extraordinary level of scrutiny from the press. Youre going to find few Republican voters who will feel that it was because of some underlying structural problem with the Republican Party in the Trump Era, the pollster said. Others in the party speaking to PennLive for this story agreed, arguing that even in the event of a big Democratic win this year, they feel confident in their ability to rebuild on a conservative platform that will stand in stark contrast to what they insist will be a Democratic Party that is turning harder left. More independent voices said Republicans may want to rethink that. Next months results, said John Kennedy, a political science professor at West Chester University, should give the party its next best sense of whether it is still viable in statewide elections in Pennsylvania - where the party is on a 2-11 skid in non-judicial statewide races since 2012. If Trump wins, Kennedy said, the party may rightly feel it still has the winning mix of policies and philosophies. If he carries Pennsylvania, then obviously the tradeoff thats been made, which is giving up some ground in the Southeast but gaining significant ground outside the Southeast (winning outright in places like Luzerne County, or driving GOP margins in traditionally red counties to levels like 80 percent) is well worth it for them. On the other hand, he said, a loss should prompt some self-reflection. If I was a Republican doing a reassessment after a significant defeat, I would look to see how you can reclaim the suburbs, and I dont believe the answer is going further to the right, said Kennedy. Particularly (for winning the votes of more) white, suburban women." Some party officials, speaking on background because they werent authorized to speak publicly on the topic, said while there is a sense of surprise and disappointment about Toomeys decision, theres also budding excitement about the search for its next marquee candidates. With the Democratic Party already boasting a stable of statewide office holders including Shapiro, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, as well as four freshmen women in the U.S. House that could emerge as future statewide candidates, they said this time of testing waters to see who can raise funds, connect with county leaders and hone a good message will be helpful. Its the primaries that get nasty that really hurt, one party staffer said. But no harm at all in some jockeying. Simone Biles in "A-Game" video The A-Game campaign is about the hard work, dedication, and evolution that is necessary for IT organizations to thrive in todays market, said Saar Shwartz, chief marketing officer BMC Software. Darling Agency New York has created and unveiled a new advertising campaign for long standing client BMC Software (San Francisco / Houston). The launch of BMCs new platform, The Autonomous Digital Enterprise, challenged Darling to create an idea that simplified a complex set of business solutions. The campaign titled The A-Game rolled out this month and will be running through May of 2021. The A-Game is an idea that celebrates the outcome of utilizing BMC solutions; The A-Game is business at its best. Who better to help tell this story than a record breaker, olympian and A-Gamer herself the worlds most decorated gymnast, Simone Biles. Designed to be a digital campaign targeted towards CIOs, CTOs and other IT decision makers, the A-Game campaign consists of videos, web banners and other digital sponsored content. The launch of this campaign aligns with BMCs Exchange, their annual conference on strategies and innovation for digital transformation, where the Autonomous Digital Enterprise will be a leading idea. "This campaign was certainly a feat for all involved given that it was connected, created and produced amidst a pandemic. Darling certainly rose to challenges of production with a safety-first approach that did not sacrifice the idea. The outcome was a campaign that all are very proud of," said Kelly Platt, Creative Director, Darling. The A-Game campaign is about the hard work, dedication, and evolution that is necessary for IT organizations to thrive in todays market, said Saar Shwartz, Chief Marketing Officer, BMC Software. Elite and Olympic-level athletes dont reach their highest level of performance overnight, but once they do, theyre unstoppable and prepared to take any challenge and competition head-on. We challenge and support our customers to achieve their A-Game, to reach their highest possible peak of performance as an Autonomous Digital Enterprise. Agency: Darling Creative Director: Jeroen Bours, Creative Director / Copywriter: Kelly Platt Production: Andrea Mitchell, Director: Jeroen Bours, Lorenzo DeGuia Director of Photography: Reuben Steinberg, Editor: Noah Hutton ABOUT DARLING Darling is a world-class creative boutique located in the West Village in NYC specializing in strategic brand and design and omni-channel creative. Recognized for long-lasting ideas and strategies for companies like American Express, Hamilton Breach, Morton Salt, American Red Cross, Thermo Fisher and New York State. Darling 181 Christopher Street, NYC 212 242 2000 Online abuse is driving girls to quit social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with nearly 60% experiencing harassment, a global study showed on Sunday. One in five girls and young women has abandoned or cut down on using a social media platform after being targeted, with some saying harassment started when they were as young as eight, the survey by girls rights group Plan International showed. Girls are being silenced by a toxic level of harassment, said the organisations chief executive, Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen. Attacks were most common on Facebook, where 39% of girls polled said they had been harassed, followed by Instagram (23%), WhatsApp (14%), Snapchat (10%), Twitter (9%) and TikTok (6%). The charity, which will share the report with social media companies and lawmakers around the world, said the abuse was suppressing girls voices at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was increasing the importance of communicating online. It called on social media companies to take urgent action to address the issue and urged governments to pass laws to deal with online harassment. The study found reporting tools were ineffective in stopping the abuse, which included explicit messages, pornographic photos and cyberstalking. Nearly half of girls targeted had been threatened with physical or sexual violence, according to the poll. Many said the abuse took a mental toll, and a quarter felt physically unsafe. It is time for this to stop. Girls should not have to put up with behaviour online which would be criminal on the streets, the report said. Facebook and Instagram said they used artificial intelligence to look for bullying content, constantly monitored users reports of abuse and always removed rape threats. Keeping women safe on our apps is critical and we invest heavily in keeping abuse off our platforms, said Cindy Southworth, head of womens safety at Facebook. She said Facebook was working with Plan International to better understand how it can support young women around the world. Twitter said it also used technology to catch abusive content and has launched tools to improve users control over their conversations. The survey polled 14,000 girls and young women aged 15 to 25 in 22 countries including Brazil, India, Nigeria, Spain, Thailand and the United States. Albrectsen said activists, including those campaigning for gender equality and on LGBT+ issues, were often targeted particularly viciously, and their lives and families threatened. Driving girls out of online spaces is hugely disempowering in an increasingly digital world, and damages their ability to be seen, heard and become leaders, she added. In an open letter to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter, girls from around the world called on social media companies to create more effective ways to report abuse. We use (your platforms) not just to connect with friends, but to lead and create change. But they are not safe for us. We get harassed and abused on them. Every. Single. Day, they wrote. As this global pandemic moves our lives online, we are more at risk than ever. Plan International also urged the companies to do more to hold to account those behind such abuse, and to collect data on the scale of the problem. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the world's most recognizable luxury brands, Moschino, led by Creative Director Jeremy Scott, introduces a limited-edition collaboration with Hudson's Bay in celebration of the company's 350th anniversary. Inspired by the iconic Hudson's Bay signature stripes, distinctive Moschino Couture pieces from the label's core collection are reimagined through the lens of the classic HBC red, green, yellow and indigo. Anchored by the premium wool Moto Jacket, the eleven-piece collection features street-style staples like loungewear, a keyring, belt, t-shirt, dress, waist bag and Moschino's Moto Jacket Shoulder Bag enveloped in HBC Stripes. The luxury collaboration will arrive at select Hudson's Bay stores and thebay.com on October 6. "The Room at Hudson's Bay has always been a destination for customers to find the most coveted designs from around the world," says Tyler Franch, VP, Fashion Director, Hudson's Bay. "This collaboration is the perfect marriage of Jeremy Scott's avant-garde and forward design aesthetic, with our famous Point Blanket fabrications that are rooted in Hudson's Bay Company's 350-year history." "I am thrilled to celebrate Hudson's Bay Company's 350th anniversary with this collaboration merging together their iconic striped planet with my Moschino world!," says Jeremy Scott, Creative Director, Moschino Couture. The collection is made in Italy and designed exclusively for Hudson's Bay and thebay.com retailing from $185 $1695 CAD. Collection Pieces: 350th Anniversary Wool Moto Jacket (Men's/Women's) - $1495 Wool cloth moto jacket with Stripes pattern. Gold-toned hardware with zip closure at front, a zipped pocket diagonally placed across left breast with three-quarter zip closure at wrists. Adjustable logo belt closure at waist. Unique Hudson's Bay Company + Moschino Couture collaboration logo embroidered on reverse. Calf Leather Waist Bag - $945 Soft calfskin macro belt bag with maxi zip and Stripes lettering logo on the front. Gold hardware with an adjustable belt with buckle. Calf Leather Belt (Men's/Women's) - $350 Grained calf leather belt in white. Stripes logo hardware at front, with adjustable pin-buckle fastening and gold-tone hardware. Fleece Hoodie (Unisex) - $895 Long-sleeve soft stretch fleece drawstring hoodie with allover Stripes print. Dropped shoulders with ribbed cuffs in a pullover style. Fleece Lounge Pants (Men's/Women's) - $745 Mid-rise tapered soft stretch fleece lounge pants with Stripes pattern. Rib elasticized waistband and ankle cuffs. Two-pocket styling with an embroidered patch on the left hip pocket. Jersey Logo T-Shirt (Men's) - $295 Short sleeve cotton jersey t-shirt in white. Rib-knit crewneck collar. Logo graphic printed with Stripes. Polo Dress (Women's) - $395 Cotton polo-collared dress with three buttons and three-quarter sleeves. Logo graphic printed with Stripes. Metal Key Ring - $185 Oversized gold hardware keyring featuring bold logo charms with Stripes and a lobster-claw clasp. Wool Moto Jacket Shoulder Bag - $1695 Wool cloth moto jacket shoulder bag with gold-tone hardware and Stripes. Dual pocket, zip closure with logo on the front exterior. Convertible chain-link strap is suitable for multi-length wearsingle pocket at interior wall and magnetic snap closure at the front flap. The Hudson's Bay Company Collection + Moschino Couture campaign was shot in Los Angeles by Moschino's creative team, featuring international supermodels Stella Maxwell and Denek Kania. About Hudson's Bay HBC, incorporated in 1670, is North America's oldest company. Hudson's Bay has grown to become Canada's most prominent department store, today operating 89 full-line locations and thebay.com. Hudson's Bay has established a reputation for quality, service, and style by offering well-edited assortments of exclusive and popular fashion, beauty, home and accessory designers and brands, as well as exclusive food concepts. It is part of the HBC brand portfolio. The signature stripes are a registered trademark of Hudson's Bay Company. About Moschino Moschino S.p.A. is the owner of the Moschino brands. The company, which was a licensor of AEFFE S.p.A. since the brand debut in 1983, was acquired by AEFFE S.p.A. in 1999. HUDSON'S BAY MEDIA OFFICE: Lauren Polyak Manager, Public Relations [email protected] 416-200-9823 Tiffany Bourre DVP, Communications and Heritage [email protected] 416-571-1301 SOURCE Hudson's Bay So far, the work that you have done has given considerable confidence to the majority of people in our country that in you and in the leadership of the Electoral Commission, we have people who are committed to a free, fair, credible and transparent process. These were the words of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs Jean Mensa when he filed his nomination forms for the December presidential election at the headquarters of the EC in Accra on Tuesday, 6 October 2020. The EC Chair has been heavily criticised and accused by the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and their flagbearer, Mr John Mahama, of scheming to rig the election for Nana Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). She has debunked such assertions multiple times. Mr Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that the EC Chair will be fair in conducting the polls, adding that he is not interested in any crooked results. He said: Ill like also to make a few remarks. First of all, I want to thank you very much for the expeditious process that Ive been subjected to today. My running mate and I represent a party that, from its very inception in 1947, has been committed to democratic governance. Weve been unwavering in our attachment to democratic values and principles. So, for us, the Ghana of today, the multiparty, open democratic system is a matter that responds to our deepest convictions and values. The step that is being taken today is a necessary incident in democratic governance. We are counting on you to be the arbiter and to hold the scales evenly to all contestants. What the Ghanaian people are expecting is that the election of the 7th of December will be an election that is conducted in peace, in freedom, in security, and in transparency so that the results of the election will reflect the will of the Ghanaian people. Elections are not meant to be decided by you or the officials that work for you. You are the referees of the contest. The election is supposed to be decided by the people of Ghana and we are hoping that the arrangements that you have put in place will enable the Ghanaian people to manifest their will on the 7th of December and choose the next government of the fourth republic. So far, the work that you have done has given considerable confidence to the majority of people in our country that in you and in the leadership of the Electoral Commission, we have people who are committed to a free, fair, credible and transparent process. We hope that that will mark the conduct of the elections of 7th December. I am not in interested in any crooked results. I do not want to be a president elected by deceit. I look forward to a contest that will be fairly conducted, so that if, indeed, by the will of the almighty, I am again, the choice of the Ghanaian people, it will be one that has been freely and openly demonstrated. I want to thank you very much for the opportunity this morning and what we all pray for is that may the best man win. ---Classfm RTHK: WHO chief says vaccine may arrive this year A vaccine against Covid-19 may be ready by year-end, the head of the World Health Organisation said on Tuesday. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for solidarity and political commitment by all leaders to ensure equal distribution of vaccines when they become available. "We will need vaccines and there is hope that by the end of this year we may have a vaccine. There is hope," Tedros said in final remarks to the WHO's Executive Board, without elaborating. Nine experimental vaccines are in the pipeline of the WHO's Covax global vaccine facility that aims to distribute 2 billion doses by the end of 2021. The two-day board meeting, which examined the global response to the pandemic, heard calls from countries including Germany, Britain and Australia for reforms to strengthen the UN agency. US President Donald Trump's administration has strongly criticised the WHO's role in the crisis, accusing it of being too close to China and not doing enough to question Beijing's actions late last year when the virus first emerged in Wuhan. Tedros has dismissed the suggestions and said his agency has kept the world informed. Three independent panels reviewing WHO performance including its 2005 International Health Regulations which set guidelines on trade and travel restrictions imposed during health emergencies gave updates on their work. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, led by former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, met for the first time last month. "We hope to get the real lessons that we can implement and prevent the same thing from happening," Tedros said. "But I would like to assure you that WHO is ready to learn from this and change this organisation. "During our transformation we promised this, we promised to keep change as a constant," he said, referring to his programme since taking the helm in 2017. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2020-10-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March, Marcel Banks has been eagerly anticipating the day he could let diners inside his Bayview restaurant again. But when San Francisco finally allowed indoor dining to resume last Wednesday, more than six months after the coronavirus closed every restaurant in the city, Banks was resolute: not yet. I dont want to take any chances of getting anyone sick in here, said Banks, who owns a small soul food spot called Frisco Fried on Third Street. Im looking forward to it. I want to do it. I just want to wait and make sure everything is safe, for just a little time. Slow and steady: That is the mantra Banks embraced, and it similarly guided San Francisco leaders through their first attempt at reopening the economy at the start of summer, and their second attempt now. The state seems to have picked up the same tune, with its new color-coded reopening guidance rooted in caution. Four weeks since California once again began to roll back shelter-in-place restrictions, reopening seems to be less fraught and chaotic, with no signs yet of an imminent surge. Thats true even as wide swaths of the economy, including places in the Bay Area that remained closed all summer, are allowed to reopen, and cases across the United States are ticking up once again. Several states are reporting record new cases, mostly in the Midwest. New York City, which had crushed its initial spring outbreak, is reissuing local restrictions. Perhaps most notably, the coronavirus has infiltrated the White House, with President Trump infected along with more than a dozen others. But daily new cases have plummeted across California and the Bay Area since they peaked midsummer, and they have hit a plateau over the past month. There is still a lot of virus circulating in the community much more so than in the spring but for the second time, it appears that California has flattened the curve. John Blanchard I think were in for less of a wild ride now, said Dr. Stephen Shortell, former dean of the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. Itll still be enough excitement. Were not going to get to zero cases. Well see little spikes because of one thing or another. But weve learned from seven, eight months of experience. If we social distance and wear masks, things arent going to be so bad. That is the hope. The Bay Area has reported 400 to 600 new cases a day for the past three weeks, or fewer than half the daily cases reported in August. Statewide, new cases have dropped from peaks of over 10,000 per day in July and August to 3,000 to 4,000 per day recently. Dr. Mark Ghaly, the head of the California Health and Human Services Agency, noted last week a worrisome uptick in cases in some parts of the state, and he said forecasts suggest hospitalizations could increase nearly 90% by the end of this month. But state numbers, as a whole, are steady, and Bay Area health officers said they havent seen any metrics that are cause for alarm. John Blanchard The pressing concern is maintaining the current low levels of disease, especially with pandemic threats looming: the reopening of elementary schools, the uncertainty of flu season, and the upcoming holidays and their associated social distancing pitfalls. California also is not an island, and is vulnerable as long as the virus is widespread in other parts of the country. The fall is coming, the winter is coming. We have to be very vigilant, and we have to be responsive if we start seeing things going in the wrong direction, said Dr. Grant Colfax, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Weve taken this cautious approach all along because we saw early on how aggressive this virus can be and how quickly it can get out of control. Back in May, cases began to spike even with the smallest shifts toward reopening, like letting construction resume and allowing curbside retail. Now, even in some of the most conservative counties like San Francisco, indoor dining is opening again. Alameda County is letting elementary schools resume in-person classes this month. Some Bay Area counties have opened movie theaters at limited capacity. Indoor nail salons and barbershops are back in business throughout the state. On Monday, Santa Clara County, which has taken the most cautious approach to reopening in the Bay Area, said it would finally allow some restaurants and other indoor activities to reopen in a week if its case numbers remained low. Whats changed between now and the first attempt at reopening in the spring is a better understanding, and acceptance, of how to manage the virus. The public, at least in the Bay Area, has become more agreeable to wearing face coverings and limiting their social interactions, public health experts say. Infectious disease experts are more confident that certain activities can be done safely as long as precautions are in place. Public health officials say theyre optimistic that society has learned hard lessons from the summer surge. They are hopeful that, this time, California will be able to strike a better balance between returning to some activities of so-called normal life and preventing spread of disease. Im more confident that we can move slowly and keep things from getting out of hand, said Dr. Nicholas Moss, the Alameda County health officer. That gives him some flexibility in deciding where to spend our risk chips, he added. As long as people follow basic protocols, he thinks the county can safely open elementary schools, for example. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. But we need to be on guard. When things start to accelerate again, we know from the summer it can happen pretty fast, he added. The summer surge was remarkable in California for how quickly it exploded. Average daily cases increased fivefold from early June to the peak in late July. The Bay Area fared better, with a gentler uptick, but cases still shot up quickly enough that many counties pulled back on plans to reopen. Gov. Gavin Newsom put the state back under more restrictive shelter-in-place orders in mid-July, and after two more weeks of climbing cases the numbers began to drop. When they began to hold steady in early September, the governor announced a new reopening plan based on a tiered approach, where counties are held to strict measures of the spread of disease in their communities. The guidance forces counties to move slowly toward lifting restrictions and triggers automatic shutdowns if cases start climbing again. A few health officers have said that the new reopening plans are overly restrictive. They argue that one important takeaway from seven months of pandemic response is that this virus is now endemic in California, and therefore people should be allowed more flexibility in how they choose to live with it. Public health, they say, can only do so much to control the spread of disease. I am not of the opinion that we need to stamp out the virus. I dont think thats realistic, said Dr. Scott Morrow, the San Mateo County health officer. I dont think weve achieved the right balance living with it yet. He questions why some businesses and activities remain tightly restricted, or even closed, with little or no evidence that they are a source of coronavirus transmission. This virus is spreading because of structural failures in our economy because people dont have sick leave, because they live in crowded multigenerational households. And its spreading because some people are careless, Morrow said. Its not spreading in gyms, probably not in restaurants to any great degree, and not on playgrounds. But Dr. Sara Cody, the Santa Clara County health officer who was critical of the states speedy reopening in May and June, said shes much more comfortable with the current pace and guidance. On balance, I think we are doing better the second time around, Cody said. The new state framework is informed by what didnt work with the old. The nice thing is that we have these automatic brakes in place. You dont want these really sharp upticks in cases. Getting out of trouble takes a longer time than getting into trouble. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday The government has abandoned its previous rule of offsetting all new spending, instead seeking to boost jobs and confidence until the unemployment rate is comfortably below 6 per cent. Loading Business Instant asset write-offs expanded to businesses with turnover of up to $5 billion until June 30, 2022, covering 99 per cent of businesses, costing $26.7 billion. Small and medium businesses can carry back losses incurred to June 30, 2022 to offset profits booked since 2018-19. What you should know The government is hoping the measures will add 50,000 jobs, but business owners have to have confidence in their future before they'll put up the cash or take on more debt. Income tax Tax cuts brought forward two years to be backdated to July 1 this year for more than 11 million Australians. Lifts the threshold for the 19 per cent tax rate to $45,000 and the 32.5 per cent threshold to $120,000. Keep the $1080 low and middle-income tax offset for an extra year. Third stage of the tax plan flattening the rate for everyone earning between $45,000 and $200,000 keeps its planned 2024 start date. What you should know The government is banking on everyone spending their tax cuts to inject $12.5 billion into the economy over the next year. Jobs The new JobMaker hiring credit aims to encourage businesses to take on young workers. Credit:Louie Douvis Overall, measures and economic growth forecast to create 950,000 jobs over four years. New JobMaker hiring credit to encourage businesses to take on young workers, paid for a year at $200 a week for those aged under 30, and $100 a week for those aged 30 to 35. New hires must work at least 20 hours a week to be eligible. Estimated to support 450,000 jobs. All businesses except major banks eligible. What you should know After coronavirus restrictions forced record job losses across the country, the government's top focus is how to get people back into work. Health $1.7 billion for COVID-19 vaccines plus $24.7 million to make sure there are enough syringes to deliver shots when they're available. Focus on mental health including doubling the number of Medicare-funded psychological services from 10 consultations to 20. 23,000 more aged care home care packages at a cost of $1.6 billion. What you should know Health spending has grown massively in response to the pandemic with the government promising to do what it takes to keep the virus under control. Education $1 billion in extra research funding for universities in the next year plus nearly $300 million for 12,000 new undergraduate places in 2021. Wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees will be extended for new hires at a cost of $1.2 billion over the next four years. $251.8 million over two years for 50,000 new higher education short courses in agriculture, health, IT, science and teaching. What you should know With young people bearing the brunt of the job losses this year, the government is trying to make sure they get enough opportunities to learn and find jobs. But at the very same time, the pandemic-era policies of many progressive jurisdictions are sabotaging basic civic goods, with anti-Trump zeal as an accelerant and with effects on minority communities that are likely to far outlast the Trump era. This means that for many African Americans and Hispanics, a key legacy of 2020 may be a well-intentioned liberal betrayal of their interests, a hollowing-out of the institutions that protect and serve them, and the deepening of Americas racial inequalities even if Trumpism goes down to defeat. The mother of a man who, along with his wife and newborn baby, had not been seen for two weeks made an urgent appeal for help just minutes before her family members were reportedly found interstate. Coree Stewart, 26, his 28-year-old partner Patricia Taylor and their 16-week-old baby Isaac were last seen at their home in Balcatta when the alarm was raised by family members on Monday evening. The couples car remained at their address, and a note saying the family was going to Adelaide to try to find peace and home was found by relatives. Its very concerning, Mr Stewarts mother, Michelle Smith, said. Its really unusual behaviour. Speaking to Nine News Perths Jerrie Demasi, Ms Smith said the young family had been overwhelmed in recent weeks with the birth of their son, and the couple were very scared with the pandemic. 1. President Trump to Americans: Dont be afraid of Covid. Mr. Trump announced that he would leave the hospital this evening and urged others to have no fear and not to let the virus dominate your life. He made no mention of the 209,000 Americans who have died from the virus. His doctors said that he met or exceeded all discharge criteria, but that he would be watched and treated this week by a team at the White House. Feeling really good! the president tweeted, three days after he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Above, Dr. Sean Conley, Mr. Trumps physician, briefing reporters today. The announcement was a drastic turn of events given that a day earlier, his medical team had presented mixed messages about his condition. The doctors said Mr. Trump had received a third dose of the antiviral drug remdesivir and continued to take dexamethasone, a steroid drug normally reserved for patients who were very sick with Covid-19. New bovine TB incidents in England are now at their lowest number since 2007, annual data from the government shows. Last year was the second consecutive year that new bovine TB incidents had fallen overall, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) report says. The data shows that the number of new bTB incidents in the High Risk Area (HRA) decreased for the second year in a row. It also shows that new bTB incidents in the Edge area decreased year-on-year for the first time since 2013. The report addresses the source of infection and shows that nearly 60% of infections within the HRA are attributed to badgers. NFU deputy president, Stuart Roberts said APHA's 'Bovine tuberculosis in England in 2019' report displayed 'encouraging' news. We are seeing bovine TB incidents falling overall across the country and is further evidence that the governments 25-year eradication strategy is beginning to have an impact," he said. It is critical that we continue with all the measures involved in this strategy, from wildlife control to enhanced biosecurity, to ensure that we continue to see the number of TB incidents decrease in the years to come." He added that while this was positive news, bovine TB continued to devastate farming families up and down the country, causing huge strain for farmers. "We must continue with this effective strategy to continue to deliver these reductions and reach what we all want to achieve, a TB free England. US President Donald Trump returned to the White House on Monday evening three days into his treatment for Covid-19 at a military hospital, and urged Americans not to be afraid of the disease. Dont let it dominate you. Dont be afraid of it, Trump said in a recorded video message. Critics saw it as an insensitive remark, given the damage inflicted by the deadly virus on Americans so far: 210,000 dead, more than 7 million infected, and several millions left jobless. Trump gave thumbs-up to reporters as he left the Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. At the White House, a 10-minute helicopter ride later, he took off his mask and posed for cameras from one of the stately balconies. He stood there for a while, gave a long salute to the departing presidential helicopter Marine One, and went inside. The US president returned to a White House that has turned into a hot spot of coronavirus cases, with a growing number of infections being reported among aides, officials, Trumps allies and reporters. First lady Melania Trump, who had tested positive for the virus along with the US president, was recovering in the residential wing of the White House. Others infected included Trumps close adviser Hope Hicks, former adviser Kellyanne Conway, former governor Chris Christie and press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. Trump had announced his intention to leave the hospital in a tweet earlier on Monday, saying he was feeling better than he did 20 years ago. In a video message he tweeted from the White House, Trump suggested that he was feeling better because maybe I am immune. Eager to project strength, the US president said in an earlier tweet that he intended to return to campaigning soon. He did not say when, though. Trumps medical team hasnt been forthcoming about certain key details of Trumps illness, and has given confusing and conflicting information. Sean Conley, the US presidents physician who has admitted to lending an upbeat twist to his updates on Trumps health, said on Monday that though Trump was not out of the woods yet, he met all the requirements for discharge. The president has continued to improve, he told reporters. Hes met or exceeded all standard hospital discharge. The team had planned to discharge Trump later after administering the fourth dose of remdesivir, an antiviral drug known to cut recovery time for Covid-19 patients. They did not say if he will continue to get dexamethasone, a steroid he was given earlier to prevent his oxygen levels from dropping. The medical team had said on Sunday that they had expected to discharge the US president on Monday because had been doing well. Trump was airlifted to the Walter Reed hospital on Friday after he showed severe symptoms of Covid-19, high fever and a rapid drop in blood oxygen levels. Her highly-anticipated movie, No Time To Die, has been pushed back to April 2021 after the release date was delayed due to the coronavirus crisis. And Bond girl Lea Seydoux looked effortlessly chic as she attended Louis Vuitton's Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021 show on Tuesday in the French capital. The actress, 35, showcased her toned figure in a pinstripe suit with an oversized blazer and cigarette style trousers. Effortlessly chic! Bond girl Lea Seydoux looked effortlessly chic as she attended Louis Vuitton's Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021 show on Tuesday in the French capital Lea layered the look with a black camisole underneath with a sparkly bit of embroidered detailing on the waist. The star made a bold style statement with her footwear as she opted for black and red patterned heeled cowboy boots. Lea finished her look with a small red and pink patterned Louis Vuitton clutch bag which added a pop of colour. The French actress styled her caramel tresses into a sleek sweptback hairdo and she added a slick of glamorous make-up which enhanced her stunning features. Work it: The actress, 35, showcased her toned figure in a pinstripe suit with an oversized blazer and cigarette style trousers Details: Lea layered the look with a black camisole underneath with a sparkly bit of embroidered detailing on the waist Lea joined the likes of Alicia Vikander, Georgina Rodriguez, Venus Williams and Laura Harrier - to name a few - at the glamorous event. Her appearance comes after co-star Daniel Craig defended James Bond producers' decision to delay the premiere of the new film - No Time To Die - until April next year. The actor, 52, who plays the title role in the franchise, is the most high profile star from the film to speak out on the move, which was announced on Saturday. The decision was followed by the news that Cineworld is set to temporarily close its theatres in the UK and Ireland as well as its 536 U.S. Regal cinemas, while Odeon announced around a quarter of its 120 venues will move to a weekend-only model. Sophistication: The French actress styled her caramel tresses into a sleek sweptback hairdo and she added a slick of glamorous make-up which enhanced her stunning features Details: Lea finished her look with a small red and pink patterned Louis Vuitton clutch bag which added a pop of colour as she posed with Melita Toscan du Plantier, left In recent weeks dozens of blockbusters have announced that they plan to push back their launch until next year or even 2022, amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Craig said: 'This thing is just bigger than all of us. 'We want to release the movie at the same time all around the world and this isn't the right time. So fingers cross April 2 is going to be our date.' Although Craig suggested the plan was due to an apparent worldwide release, James Bond films have never been premiered at the same time. Delayed! Her appearance comes after co-star Daniel Craig defended James Bond producers' decision to delay the premiere of the new film - No Time To Die - until April next year (pictured together in 2015 film Spectre) The films are typically shown in the UK a few weeks before the US opening, for example Spectre opened on October 26 in Britain and November 6 in America. Before the move was announced, No Time to Die was slated for a November 12 release in the UK and November 20 in the U.S. MGM Studios, Universal Pictures and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said in a statement on Friday that the film is now set for release on April 2 'in order to be seen by a worldwide theatrical audience.' 'We understand the delay will be disappointing to our fans but we now look forward to sharing 'No Time To Die' next year,' the companies and producers said. A WECA Electrical Apprentice Works and Learns on the Job WECAs daytime program is unique, and participantsapprentices and their sponsoring employers alikeappreciate the opportunity for apprentices to focus on their classroom and onsite lab education for these short, productive, and intense periods, rather than attending school in the evenings. Western Electrical Contractors Association (WECA), an industry leader in electrical training and apprenticeship and contractor business services in the Western United States, is pleased to announce the expansion of its electrical apprenticeship training program into Arizona. In partnership with Founding Arizona WECA Member Contractor Corbins Electricone of the largest electrical contractors in the Southwest and which has been a leader in quality, safety, innovation, efficiency, and technology for the industry since 1975WECA is bringing its lauded programs to meet workforce development needs in the region. WECAs newest training facility, based in Phoenix, will greet its inaugural Arizona apprenticeship class in 2021. Apprenticeship is a system of learning in the classroom and receiving on-the-job training while earning wages. WECAs apprenticeship programs are known for their high graduation counts; great reviews from apprentices and contractors alike; to-the-point, up-to-date curriculum and on-the-job training; and a dedicated, experienced instructional staff and administration. WECAs apprentices attend classes in an accelerated and intensive format consisting of full-time classroom and lab instruction for two consecutive weeks, twice a year. Each two-week session is equal to one semester. WECAs daytime program is unique, and participantsapprentices and their sponsoring employers alikeappreciate the opportunity for apprentices to focus on their classroom and onsite lab education for these short, productive, and intense periods, rather than attending school in the evenings in a tiring and drawn-out fashion. WECA has provided Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship, Residential Electrical Apprenticeship, and Low Voltage Apprenticeship Training programs since 1992, 1997, and 2005, respectively. The Commercial and Residential Electrical programs received credit recommendations from the National College Credit Recommendation Service in 2019. For 90 years, WECA has been honored to prepare thousands of the most skilled electricians in the American West for a competitive workforce. The association currently serves over 280 member contractors, over 800 apprentices, and approximately 4,000 non-apprenticeship electrical students. WECA is proud to bring its programs to Phoenix for the benefit of Arizonas electrical industry and the development of its skilled workforce. Interested Arizona apprenticeship applicants can submit their names to an interest list at https://www.goweca.com/Apprenticeship/WECAArizonaApprenticeship.aspx, and electrical contractors can explore membership at https://www.goweca.com/Membership/WECAArizonaContractorMembership.aspx. Learn more about WECA at http://www.goweca.com. Advertisement Britain today recorded 14,542 more coronavirus cases, with the number of people testing positive for the disease every day having tripled in a fortnight. Last Tuesday's data, which would normally be used to measure how much the UK's outbreak has grown in the last week, is unreliable due to a catastrophic counting error at Public Health England. It means Tuesday September 22 is the most recent point of reference there were just 4,926 cases on that date. The extraordinary meltdown caused by an Excel problem in outdated software at PHE meant almost 16,000 cases went missing between September 25 and October 2, meaning the scale of the escalating crisis was vastly underestimated last week. Health chiefs recorded 12,594 coronavirus cases yesterday, which was also triple the figure of 4,368 recorded a fortnight before. The rolling seven-day average of daily infections considered a more accurate measure because it takes into account day-to-day fluctuations has also risen by a similar amount over the same time frame. Another 76 coronavirus deaths were also recorded today, up 7 per cent on last week's 71 fatalities and more than double the number of victims posted the Tuesday before, when there were 35. Data also shows the rolling seven-day average number of daily deaths is 53, up from a record-low of seven in mid-August. Although the curves are clearly trending the wrong way, the number of Covid-19 deaths and infections are still a far-cry from levels seen during the darkest days of the pandemic in spring, when more than 1,000 patients were dying and at least 100,000 Britons were catching the disease every day. The spiralling statistics come amid fears the UK could face draconian new lockdown measures within days under plans for a local 'Covid alert' system. Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to unveil details of the three-tier set-up as early as Thursday in an attempt to make the existing patchwork of restrictions easier to understand. Government sources said the top tier would include tougher restrictions than those currently applied to millions of people living across the North and Midlands. A planned 'traffic light' system of measures will be redesigned after PHE's Excel bungle revealed that the virus was spreading much faster than previously thought in cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield. Ministers will meet in the coming days to thrash out exactly how far to go. Cities including Sheffield, Oxford and Nottingham are seemingly at risk of harsher restrictions as Boris Johnson tries to get a grip on local flare-ups. Options include the closure of pubs, restaurants and cinemas, a ban on social mixing outside household groups, and restrictions on overnight stays. Sources refused to rule out the possibility that some towns and cities could be placed immediately into the top tier, despite the fact that death rates remain low. Meanwhile, separate official statistics show the UK's coronavirus death toll has spiked for the third week in a row. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) a Government-run agency revealed there were 215 victims in the week ending September 25 in England and Wales, up 55 per cent on the 139 deaths recorded the previous week and more than double the 99 posted a fortnight ago. But, despite the climbing death toll, analysis shows the numbers of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 have levelled off in huge areas of England as data suggests the country is being dragged into panic by an out-of-control outbreak in the north. In London, the South East and the South West home to around half of the country's population of 55million daily admissions appear to be plateauing after rising in line with cases during September from a low point over the summer. However, admissions are still accelerating in the North West, North East and Yorkshire, where new local lockdowns are springing up every week and positive tests are spiralling to record numbers. It comes as separate government data yesterday revealed the number of Covid-19 hospital admissions in England has soared by 25 per cent in a day. NHS figures show there were 478 new admissions in England on Sunday the most recent day figures are available for. For comparison, the figure for Saturday was 386. Britain has recorded 14,542 more coronavirus cases as the number of people testing positive for the virus every day triples in a fortnight Another 76 deaths were also recorded today which is more than double the number of victims posted last Tuesday, when there were 35 fatalities Government data shows that the North West and North East and Yorkshire are the only regions to have seen a sustained and sharp increase in people being admitted to hospital (line graphs show daily hospital admissions between April and October). All regions saw a rise in cases, hospitalisations and deaths in September as people returned to offices and schools after the summer, but across most of the country these have since come under control Coronavirus cases in Scotland have been rising sharply since the beginning of September and Nicola Sturgeon has refused to rule out closing pubs and restaurants in hotspot areas or banning people from leaving cities and towns with high infection rates How do regional outbreaks compare to a fortnight ago? Almost every region in the UK has seen coronavirus cases spiral in the last fortnight, Department of Health data shows. Like today, the North West recorded the highest number of infections on September 22, logging 1,896 positives from samples taken that day. For comparison, today it reported 4,441 cases but not all of these occurred in the last 24 hours. The exact amount of infections that occurred today won't be known for at least five days because of a recording lag. The most recent up-to-date specimen date figure for the North West was 3,303 on October 1. Despite recording fewer cases on both dates, Yorkshire and the Humber has suffered one of the highest increases over the same period. The region had 721 infections two weeks ago but logged 2,437 today a rise of 238 per cent. Only Northern Ireland has experienced a steeper rise in cases than Yorkshire, though total cases are still relatively low. Some 176 people tested positive on September 22 compared to 669 today a rise of 280 per cent. Meanwhile, the rate at which the outbreak in the West Midlands is growing is somewhat slower than most parts of the UK. The region had 611 new positive tests on September 22, compared to 1,059 today, a rise of 73 per cent, one of the smallest jumps in that time. Only Wales has seen a less incremental rise (12 per cent). London and the North East of England were experiencing similar levels of infection on September 22, with 540 and 538 cases, respectively. But the North East has overtaken the capital in the 14 days since, suffering 1,233 cases today compared to Londons 916. The South East and South West which have been relatively unscathed during the crisis are both seeing case rates more than double. The former recorded 285 infections on September 22 and 659 today, while the latter saw cases climb from 161 to 401. A similar picture is playing out in Scotland, where infections have risen from 497 to 800 in a fortnight. REGION East Midlands East of England London North East North West South East South West West Midlands Yorks & the Humber Scotland Wales Northern Ireland CASES TODAY/SEP 22 888/286 492/218 916/540 1,233/538 4,441/1,896 659/285 401/161 1,059/611 2,437/721 800/497 425/379 669/176 The Department of Health says there was 14,542 cases reported today. Health chiefs have yet to reveal exactly when these cases were diagnosed but most will have occurred in the past four days. The figures for September 22 are based on specimen date, which is how many coronavirus samples taken on that day came back as positive. Specimen date figures lag by around five days because of a delay in analysing tests. National specimen date data shows around 13,000 cases are currently being spotted each day. Advertisement In other coronavirus developments today: Health Secretary Matt Hancock was hounded for claiming cancer patients will only be guaranteed treatment if Covid-19 stays 'under control'; Covid-19 deaths in England and Wales spiked by 55% with 215 victims last week - but are still only a fraction of the 8,800 recorded during the darkest seven-day spell of the crisis in April and account for just 2 per cent of fatalities from all causes; Number 10 refused to rule out shutting pubs after Professor Lockdown Neil Ferguson warned it might be the only way to keep schools open; All lectures for thousands of students at Manchester's two universities will be held online from tomorrow due to Covid, as 4,000 undergraduates have now tested positive for virus across UK; The UK is heading for three-tier lockdown announcement this week, with the Prime Minister preparing a new system of regional rules with Liverpool and Newcastle on alert for tougher curbs; Hospitalisations in the South are still only 6 per cent of levels seen at the peak but 30 per cent in the North, analysis shows. The startling new figures came as Nicola Sturgeon announced new restrictions would be announced for Scotland tomorrow, to come into effect from Friday. But the First Minister used her daily press conference to say the measures to be revealed at Holyrood would not amount to another full lockdown. She said the new measures will not include travel restrictions on the whole country - though such restrictions may sometimes be necessary in 'hotspot' areas - and the public will not be asked to stay in their own homes. Speaking at the daily briefing in Edinburgh, she said schools will not be closed 'wholly or even partially', and the Scottish Government will not 'shut down the entire economy' or 'halt the remobilisation of the NHS'. 'We are not proposing another lockdown at this stage,' Ms Sturgeon said. 'Not even on a temporary basis.' Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - warned this morning that pubs could have to shut altogether in parts of England to keep schools open. The Westminster government's Covid modelling guru said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. However, the problems the PM would face in pushing through such restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs. Asked if more restrictions are coming for Liverpool and Newcastle, the Prime minister's official spokesman said today: 'We keep the data under constant review by looking at a wide range of data in terms of the number of positive cases per 100,000 people, also the number of hospitalisations, the number of people who are moved into intensive care units and also sadly the number of deaths. 'We have always set out that if there is a need to go further on a local basis then we won't hesitate to do what is required to protect the NHS and protect lives.' An NHS source revealed last night to the The Sun they had been told another Scottish lockdown was coming. They added: 'We've been told to expect it from 7pm on Friday.' Figures published for the first time yesterday show 43 per cent of all cases across Scotland last week were in only two council areas - Glasgow and Edinburgh. The truth about England's second wave of Covid-19: Hospitalisations are 6% of peak levels in the South but 30% in the North The numbers of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 have levelled off in huge areas of England as data suggests the country is being dragged into panic by an out-of-control outbreak in the north. In London, the South East and the South West home to around half of the country's population of 55million daily admissions appear to be plateauing after rising in line with cases during September from a low point over the summer. However, admissions are still accelerating in the North West, North East and Yorkshire, where new local lockdowns are springing up every week and positive tests are spiralling to record numbers. But as talk grows of a second national lockdown when winter hits, figures suggests the south faces being lumped under rules it doesn't need. The picture is more complex in the Midlands and the East of England in the Midlands hospitalisations rose dramatically during September but there are signs they have peaked now, while admissions appear to still be rising slowly in the East, although at significantly lower levels than in the northern regions. Numbers of people in hospital in the worst affected areas have hit almost a third of what they were during the peak of the crisis in April, while in the south of the country they are still much lower at around six per cent. In the North West there are now an average of 107 people admitted to hospital with coronavirus every day, along with 94 per day in the North East. Both figures are the highest seen since May and do not show signs of slowing. For comparison, the rates at their peak for each region were around 2,900 and 2,600 per day, respectively. On the other hand in London, where officials are reportedly discussing tougher measures, there are just 34 admissions per day down from an average 39 on September 25 and just 4.5 per cent of the level seen at the peak of the crisis in April. And in the South West, which has been least badly hit throughout the pandemic, just eight people are sent into hospital each day six per cent of the peak number. Advertisement It sparked renewed calls for Ms Sturgeon to avoid imposing draconian restrictions on parts of the country with low virus rates. But a recent Government report warned there could be another 100,000 job losses by the end of the year. Tim Allan, of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Talk of a further blanket lockdown is unacceptable to Scottish businesses. 'It would damage consumer and business confidence, which have already taken an unprecedented economic hit throughout this crisis. 'Returning to national lockdown measures will take our economy back to square one - we simply cannot continue to keep switching the lights of the economy on and off. It risks not just jobs but the wellbeing of entire communities. 'Instead, we should focus on using the evidence we have to target problem areas. 'The data the Scottish Government now has is sophisticated and detailed and will show in which environments and geographical areas the virus is spreading. 'We know the virus will be with us for a long time. We must learn to manage it so we can carry on with our lives and protect livelihoods while keeping the risk of transmission as low as possible.' New data published by Public Health Scotland puts five councils in the 'red alert' category as they have had more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over the past week: Glasgow, Edinburgh, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire. Out of Scotland's 32 council areas, 43.4 per cent of all cases were in only two, Glasgow and Edinburgh, between September 27 and October 3. In Glasgow, there were 1,224 cases - or 193 per 100,000 people - while in Edinburgh there were 750 cases, or 143 per 100,000. There was not a single positive case in Orkney or Shetland. Moray had only five cases per 100,000, Aberdeenshire 14, Clackmannanshire 15, Perth and Kinross 20 and 26 in Angus. Murdo Fraser, Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: 'I don't believe there needs to be general nationwide restrictions when you see figures like this. 'We saw a local lockdown in Aberdeen when there was a recent spiking of cases there. If, as has been suggested, we see more restrictions introduced in coming days, then I feel it is essential that they are targeted at specific problem areas, instead of right across the country.' Asked yesterday if blanket measures will be introduced, Ms Sturgeon said that would be one of the 'key considerations'. She added: 'If we feel there are further restrictions needed, are they needed nationwide or are they needed on a local or regional basis? We haven't taken a decision on that. The number of coronavirus deaths in England and Wales has spiked for the third week in a row, official figures show Despite fatalities rising across the board, weekly deaths are still a fraction of what they was during the darkest days of the crisis, when there were 8,800 victims a week Registered deaths involving Covid-19 increased in every region of England, except the East Midlands, where the weekly total fell from 14 to 11 There are still 750 more people dying in their houses than medics would expect at this time of year, highlighting the negative knock-on effect the pandemic is having on the nation's health Cancer patients will only be guaranteed treatment if Covid-19 stays 'under control', Matt Hancock sensationally claims Cancer patients will only be guaranteed treatment if Covid-19 stays 'under control', Matt Hancock claimed today as he faced a roasting from MPs over an Excel spreadsheet blunder that has potentially led to tens of thousands of Britons being unaware they are infected with the virus. The Health Secretary claimed that it was 'critical for everybody to understand the best way to keep cancer services running is to suppress the disease', suggesting that hundreds of thousands of patients may face delays to planned surgery and chemotherapy, if the outbreak continues to spiral. Vital operations were cancelled and patients missed out on potentially life-saving therapy in the spring because tackling Covid-19 became the sole focus of the health service, instead of cancer and other cruel diseases. Almost 2.5million people missed out on cancer screening, referrals or treatment at the height of lockdown, even though the NHS was never overwhelmed despite fears it would be crippled by the pandemic. Experts now fear the number of people dying as a result of delays triggered by the treatment of coronavirus patients could even end up being responsible for as many deaths as the pandemic itself. Surgeons have worriedly called for hospital beds to be 'ring-fenced' for planned operations during the pandemic, to avoid the upheaval of spring where patients faced a 'tsunami of cancellations' as the health service focused on battling coronavirus. But in the House of Commons today, Mr Hancock warned Covid-19 could once again disrupt cancer treatment and told MPs that controlling the virus would allow the NHS to 'recover the treatment that we need to for cancer and other killer diseases'. He said: 'Its critical for everybody to understand that the best way to keep cancer services running is to suppress the disease, and the more the disease is under control the more we can both recover and continue with cancer treatments. Advertisement 'Although we're seeing in West Central Scotland and in Lothian particularly high numbers of cases and levels of infection, it would be wrong to suggest we're not seeing rising infection in pretty much every part of the country. We are.' Ms Sturgeon said that on most days over the past week there have been cases in every mainland health board area, as well as some islands. She added: 'There is a rising tide of infection across the country, albeit it is higher in some parts than in others. 'Part of our consideration about restrictions also requires us to take account of not just reacting to a problem that is there, but also are you wiser to take preventative action in areas where it might not look like there is as big a problem now, but if you act you can stop a problem developing.' Meanwhile, parts of the UK - including a number of university cities - could be plunged into local lockdown within days after 'missed' Test and Trace data belatedly revealed soaring infection figures. Cities including Sheffield and Oxford are among a dozen areas which have seen their coronavirus infection figures soar following the 'computer glitch', which meant 16,000 cases were missed off Public Health England's reporting system. Residents in Nottingham, which has two universities, have reportedly been told to brace for lockdown measures, according to the Telegraph. The city, which is home to Nottingham University and Nottingham Trent University, was previously not on the Government's Covid 'watch list'. But the updated data reveals the city would have been one of the worst areas in the country last week when compared with the pre-adujsted figures. The Department for Health insist the new figures do not impact its watch list or alter current restriction in the area, according to the paper. It comes as new figures today revealed that cases are rocketing in some of the North's biggest cities. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham have all seen huge jumps, in some instances to a rate of 500 cases per 100,000 people. That triggered a fresh round of frenzied speculation about tougher local lockdowns yesterday, with the threat of further restrictions later this week. Manchester's weekly rate more than doubled to 2,927 in the week to October 2 equal to almost 530 cases per 100,000 people. Liverpool was not far behind, with cases per 100,000 jumping from 306 to 487 in a week. Cases in Sheffield almost trebled from just over 100 per 100,000 to 286. In Newcastle, the rate leapt from 268 to 435. Many of the biggest rises are in cities with large student populations. Following the revelation that almost 16,000 'missed' cases had been added to the system, infection rates spiralled in every authority of the country except four at the weekend all of which were in the South. The cases have mostly been added to the North West of the country, with other areas in the North East and Midlands also hit badly Manchester, now the Covid-19 hotspot in England, saw its infection rate - expressed as cases per 100,000 people - increase by 80 per cent from 289.4 on October 2 to 529.4 on October 5. Leeds infection rate increased by 112 per cent from 149.3 to 316.8 in the same period Sheffield's rate shot up 160 per cent from 100.9 to 286.6. In Nottingham, East Midlands, the case rate jump up 3-fold, from 100.6 to 382.4 Scotland can be seen to have had increased infections that a lot of certain parts of England Professor Lockdown warns pubs might close to save schools as PM faces Tory mutiny The government's Covid modelling guru today warned pubs could have to shut altogether to keep schools open - as Boris Johnson faces a Tory revolt against the 10pm curfew. Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. However, the problems the PM would face in pushing through such restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs. Anger has been growing on the Tory benches over the government's refusal to exempt younger children from the Rule of Six - as happens in Scotland - while many believe that the curfew is causing more harm than good by fueling revelry on the streets and house parties. Advertisement Mr Hancock said outbreaks on campuses would not necessarily lead to tougher restrictions for the wider community if they could be contained. Meanwhile, Covid contact tracers were last night desperately trying to hunt down tens of thousands of potentially infectious Britons after the full impact of the IT blunder was laid bare. Ministers admitted yesterday that officials had managed to get in touch with only half of the 16,000 left off the Government's daily tally of confirmed virus cases last week. Estimates have suggested these people could have as many as 50,000 potentially infectious contacts needing to be traced and told to isolate. The 697 positive cases confirmed yesterday across Scotland amounted to 12.8 per cent of newly tested patients. The number of people in hospital with the virus increased by eight, to 218, while those in intensive care remained unchanged at 22, and there were no new deaths. Ms Sturgeon said there were more young people testing positive than at the start of the pandemic, but warned more older people had been catching the virus in recent weeks. She said: 'This is a very important point, and actually one of the key points in our consideration of next steps in the days to come. It risks wellbeing of entire communities' In the UK it is predicated that a number of university cities could be put into local lockdown days after a test and trace counting blunder rocked the infection logging system. Cities including Sheffield, Leeds and Oxford are among a dozen areas which have seen their coronavirus infection figures soar following the 'computer glitch', which meant 16,000 cases were missed off Public Health England's reporting system. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham have all seen huge jumps, in some instances to a rate of 500 cases per 100,000 people. That triggered a fresh round of frenzied speculation about tougher local lockdowns yesterday, with the threat of further restrictions later this week. Manchester's weekly rate more than doubled to 2,927 in the week to October 2 equal to almost 530 cases per 100,000 people. The truth about England's second wave of Covid-19: Hospitalisations are 6% of peak levels in the South but 30% in the North and deaths have flattened in all but the North West, North East and the Midlands The numbers of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 have levelled off in huge areas of England as data suggests the country is being dragged into panic by an out-of-control outbreak in the north. Covid-19 deaths in England and Wales spike by 55% with 215 victims last week The number of coronavirus deaths in England and Wales has spiked for the third week in a row, official figures show - as Britain recorded another 76 virus victims. Covid-19 was mentioned on 215 death certificates in the week that ended September 25, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marked a 55 per cent rise in the 139 deaths recorded the previous week and more than double the 99 posted a fortnight ago. Just two of the 215 victims were under the age of 50, once again highlighting how the virus disproportionately preys on older people. Registered deaths involving Covid-19 increased in every region of England, except the East Midlands, where the weekly total fell from 14 to 11. Deaths were highest in the North West (60). Despite fatalities rising across the board, weekly deaths are still a fraction of what they were during the darkest days of the crisis, when there were 8,800 victims a week. And flu and pneumonia are still killing more than five times the amount of people as Covid-19, with 1,172 people passing from the respiratory illnesses in the last seven days. Meanwhile, there are still 750 more people dying in their houses than medics would expect at this time of year, highlighting the negative knock-on effect the pandemic is having on the nation's health. Experts say many people are still too scared to use the NHS for fear of catching Covid-19, while others don't want to be a burden on the health service. Hospitals are still scrambling to get services back up and running and cut down record waiting lists after months of operating at a fraction of their capacity. Advertisement In London, the South East and the South West home to around half of the country's population of 55million daily admissions appear to be plateauing after rising in line with cases during September from a low point over the summer. However, admissions are still accelerating in the North West, North East and Yorkshire, where new local lockdowns are springing up every week and positive tests are spiralling to record numbers. But as talk grows of a second national lockdown when winter hits, figures suggests the south faces being lumped under rules it doesn't need. The picture is more complex in the Midlands and the East of England in the Midlands hospitalisations rose dramatically during September but there are signs they have peaked now, while admissions appear to still be rising slowly in the East, although at significantly lower levels than in the northern regions. Numbers of people in hospital in the worst affected areas have hit almost a third of what they were during the peak of the crisis in April, while in the south of the country they are still much lower at around six per cent. In the North West there are now an average of 107 people admitted to hospital with coronavirus every day, along with 94 per day in the North East. Both figures are the highest seen since May and do not show signs of slowing. For comparison, the rates at their peak for each region were around 2,900 and 2,600 per day, respectively. On the other hand in London, where officials are reportedly discussing tougher measures, there are just 34 admissions per day down from an average 39 on September 25 and just 4.5 per cent of the level seen at the peak of the crisis in April. And in the South West, which has been least badly hit throughout the pandemic, just eight people are sent into hospital each day six per cent of the peak number. The same picture is true of the numbers of people dying of Covid-19. 171 of the 219 deaths recorded in the third week of September (78 per cent) all came from the three worst-hit regions the North East, North West and the Midlands. Statistics have shown that coronavirus cases appear to rise in most areas that get put under local lockdown measures, raising questions about how well they work at containing smaller outbreaks. But Professor Neil Ferguson, whose work influenced the Government to start the first UK-wide lockdown in March, said today that the situation in Britain would 'probably be worse' if officials were not taking the whack-a-mole approach. He said there is still a risk that the NHS could become overwhelmed if cases aren't stopped even if infections have started to come under control it can still take weeks for people to get sick enough to need hospital treatment. The Department of Health yesterday announced a huge 12,594 new cases of Covid-19 after a weekend that saw Public Health England admit it had messed up a spreadsheet that meant 16,000 positive tests weren't counted last week. Officials have warned the public that coronavirus is now spreading faster than it was in summer in every region of England, estimating that around one in 400 people have the disease, falling to one in 200 in hard-hit areas. But Public Health England data shows the rate of cases in the North West and North East are around eight times higher than they are in the South West, South East and East of England. The region with the highest rate is the North West, where there are 136.1 cases for every 100,000 people, compared to the lowest rate in the South East where there are just 16.1 cases per 100,000. Professor Neil Ferguson, an Imperial College London expert, said on BBC Radio 4 this morning: 'We think that infections are probably increasing, doubling every two weeks or so in some areas faster than that, maybe every seven days and in other areas slower.' He said scientists 'always expected' cases to rise once lockdown was lifted and that now was a time for trial and error of local lockdown rules to see how well the virus can be controlled while schools and work return to normal. 'We're about 10 times lower in infection levels than we were just before the original lockdown,' he said, but he stressed keeping new infections under wraps is crucial. 'The death rate probably has gone down [since spring], we know how to treat cases better, hospitals are less stressed, we have new drugs,' Professor Ferguson said. 'But admissions to hospitals, hospital beds occupied with Covid patients, and deaths, are all tracking cases. They're at a lower level but they're basically doubling every two weeks and we just cannot have that continue indefinitely. 'The NHS will be overwhelmed again and you can see what's happening in Paris and what's happening in Madrid and measures there. It's being driven by hospitals gradually becoming overwhelmed. Over half of ICU beds [there] are now Covid patients and their death numbers are again creeping up inexorably.' Department of Health data shows that three quarters of all hospital patients who have Covid-19 (76.8 per cent) are in the North West, North East and Midlands regions. A third are in the North West alone. WHAT IS THE HOSPITAL SITUATION RIGHT NOW? As per to Department of Health data up to October 5: Region In hospital now / average daily admissions: Compared to peak: Of England total in hospital now: East England London Midlands NE & Yorks North West South East South West 111 / 15 312 / 34 449 / 57 656 / 94 889 / 107 115 / 15 61 / 8 7% / 7% 6% / 5% 14% / 10% 25% / 23% 32% / 26% 6% / 5% 7% / 6% 4.3% 12% 17.3% 25.3% 34.2% 4.4% 2.4% Advertisement Meanwhile, in the East, South East, South West and London home to at least 30million people there were just 318 patients with coronavirus yesterday, October 3. While the rates of people being admitted to hospital are clearing soaring in the northern regions, they appear flat or even declining in other ares. Every region experienced a surge in the numbers of people getting sent to hospital in September as cases rose in line with loosened lockdown rules, cooler weather and the return of schools and offices after summer holidays. But in four out of the six regions of the country this increase started to slow down and tail off towards the end of the month while it continued rising in the north. In the week leading up to October 3, the most recent data, the average daily admissions in the Midlands rose only from 52 to 57 after spiking into the 50s from below 10 a day at the end of August. In the same week, however, admissions in the North West continued surging and went from 79 to 107. In London and the South East admissions fell from 37 to 34, based on a seven-day average, while they stayed flat in the South West, increasing from seven to eight. They kept spiralling in the North East and Yorkshire from 70 to 94, while also rising in the East of England from 10 to 15, suggesting the situation may be worsening in the East, too. Comparing the numbers to peak levels from the spring outbreak shows that most of the country is nowhere near those levels. Closest is the North West, where the number of people in hospital right now is about a third as high as it was on April 13 889 compared to 2,890. In the North East the number of patients is at 656 compared to 2,567 on April 9 25.5 per cent as high. In other regions that are nowhere near as badly affected, however, hospital patients are hitting only six per cent of the levels they did at the height of the outbreak. In London there are just 312 compared to 4,813 on April 8 six per cent as many and in the South East just 115 compared to 2,073 on April 7. Deaths, which are also significantly lower than they were at the peak but are the last figure to rise in an outbreak, also vary dramatically across the country and are only rising in some regions. Coronavirus fatalities surged in September, rising from 41 in the week ending September 3 to 219 in the week ending September 28. The latter is the most recent week that NHS data is reliable because it can take weeks for death reports to be filed, meaning the number of victims placed on each day continues to rise for days and weeks after the date passes. Most of the rise came from hospitals in the North East, North West and the Midlands, the Health Service Journal reported, with all but 48 of the 219 happening in those regions. NHS trusts in Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Lancashire and Cheshire and Merseyside accounted for half of all the deaths in that last week of September, according to the specialist news website. But other regions have not seen a rise in deaths following the warnings of a national resurgence of Covid-19. Just one person died in the South West during that entire week and fatalities remain flat and low in London, the South East, South West and the East. In a speech in the House of Commons yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock acknowledged that the northern regions, Scotland and Wales were driving Britain's second wave. He told MPs: 'Here in the UK the number of hospital admissions is now at the highest it has been since mid-June. 'Last week the ONS [Office for National Statistics] said that while the rate of increase may be falling, the number of cases is still rising. Yesterday [Sunday] there were 12,594 new positive cases. 'The rise is more localised than the first time round, with cases rising particularly sharply in the North East and North West of England, and parts of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 'Now, more than ever with winter ahead we must all remain vigilant and get this virus under control.' Data for Scotland and Wales show they are proportionately worse affected than much of England, with the number of patients in hospital in Wales at 24 per cent of the levels seen in the peak in AprilNumbers are much smaller in Scotland and Wales, however, and combined they only have 393 patients in hospital fewer than the Midlands, North East or North West of England. Scotland's hospital admissions are at approximately 12 per cent of peak levels. SKANES FAGERHULT, Sweden, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The AGM has resolved that Concentric's Nomination Committee shall have five members which consist of the Chairman of the Board and one representative of each of the four largest shareholders. The members of the Nomination Committee have been appointed based on the ownership structure as of 31 August 2020. The members are: Goran Espelund, Lannebo Fonder, Chairman of the Nomination Committee, e-mail: [email protected] Erik Durhan, Nordea Fonder, e-mail: [email protected] Malin Bjorkmo, Handelsbanken Fonder, e-mail: [email protected] Per Trygg, SEB Fonder, e-mail: [email protected] The nomination committee also includes the Chairman of the Board, Kenth Eriksson e-mail: [email protected] Concentric's Annual General Meeting 2021 is planned to be held on 22 April 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden. Shareholders, who wish to submit proposals to the Nomination Committee, can do so by contacting the members of the Nomination Committee by e-mail or by telephone to the number below. For the committee to be able to consider the proposals received with sufficient care, proposals should be submitted as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than 6 January 2021. CONTACT: For further information, please contact Lennart Lindell, +46 766 104 004 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/concentric-ab/r/the-nomination-committee-for-concentric-s-annual-general-meeting-2021,c3211131 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Concentric AB Coral Genomics Logo Coral Genomics has been awarded a $2 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to fund research that will expand the clinical utility of genomics for diverse populations. The results of the study will not only improve patient outcomes, but lower costs for health systems. Specifically, the awarded grant aims to apply low depth applications for clinical germline sequencing, including low coverage whole genome sequencing (lcWGS) and whole exome sequencing (WES), through innovative library prep and analysis capabilities. Corals first study under the grant will focus on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and yield data to help healthcare practitioners select the optimal therapeutic option for each patient, ending the current trial-and-error process that can take years to find the correct treatment. The focus on diverse populations is due to the current lack of participation of minority populations in clinical studies, which has resulted in little available information upon which health practitioners can base selection of proper treatment of patients within a minority demographic. Coral will process patient samples in its recently certified CLIA lab and use its algorithms to determine the best therapeutic for IBD patients. The company is currently in the clinical state of development and enrolling patients. Initial results will be available at the end of 2020, but the study will continue for 2 years to improve the quality of data collected. Corals Phase II award follows a Phase I NIH SBIR grant to fund its innovative library preparation strategies. Since receiving the Phase I grant, Corals has extended its genomics workflows to include functional assays which improve medication selection predictions significantly across age, gender, and race compared to current practice. Coral Genomics, founded in 2018 in San Francisco, California, generates novel data sets to fill gaps in large-scale biobanks with clinical diagnostics that facilitate medication selection for diverse populations. Integrating molecular, functional, and clinical factors to optimize treatment for chronic disease, Coral works with healthcare systems to provide end-to-end precision medicine support from next-generation sequencing through patient/provider facing healthcare reports that create more personalized and efficient healthcare delivery. Coral is fueled by the largest diverse database functionally associating genetic variation to clinical outcomes. Coral has recently been registered as a CLIA lab by California. Blurring the lines between majority and minority populations of atomic species in a multiprincipal element alloy (right) leads to a rugged atomic landscape, opening up new pathways for defects to navigate. Credit: UC Santa Barbara The most significant advances in human civilization are marked by the progression of the materials that humans use. The Stone Age gave way to the Bronze Age, which in turn gave way to the Iron Age. New materials disrupt the technologies of the time, improving life and the human condition. Modern technologies can likewise be directly traced to innovations in the materials used to make them, as exemplified by the use of silicon in computer chips and state-of-the-art steels that underpin infrastructure. For centuries, however, materials and alloy design have relied on the use of a base, or principal, element, to which small fractions of other elements are added. Take steel, for instance, in which tiny amounts of carbon added to the principal element iron (Fe), lead to improved properties. When small amounts of other elements are added, the steel can be tailored for, say, enhanced corrosion resistance or improved strength. Dating back to an idea proposed in 2004, the past several years have witnessed the emergence of a new paradigm in alloy design, in which three or more elements are mixed in roughly equal proportions. Named multiprincipal element alloys (MPEAs), or often known as a subset of these alloys called high-entropy alloys, these materials blur the distinction between majority and minority populations of elements. This more perfect union of atomic partners that make up the collective material exhibit exciting properties that allow them to perform better than their traditional counterparts. "Some of these materials exhibit exceptional combinations of strength, ductility and damage tolerance," writes a team of UC Santa Barbara researchersincluding materials professors Dan Gianola, Tresa Pollock and Irene Beyerlein, and postdoctoral researcher Fulin Wangand their co-authors in a paper published today in the journal Science. "Refractory alloys [made from a group of nine metal elements on the periodic table that are highly resistant to heat and wear] are attractive candidates for use at extremely high temperatures associated with many technology applications." MPEAs motivated the development of refractory MPEAs, first made in 2010. But using multiple alloys almost infinitely increases the number of possible alloy "recipes." The sheer number of combinations that can be achieved sets the stage for the use of advanced computational screening and machine learning to target the materials subsets having the most interesting and desirable properties. "For these approaches to be successful, it is critical that the alloy design process is guided by an understanding of the origins of the specific properties that are desired," writes Julie Cairney, a professor at the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, at the University of Sydney, in Australia, in a companion piece. In their Science paper, the UCSB team and colleagues at the University of Kentucky, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, suggest a way to enhance the ability to predict which alloys might have valuable properties. Chief among such properties is an alloy's ability to deform, i.e. be molded or bent, without cracking and to maintain its material integrity under the excessive loads and the high heat found in extreme environments, such as in airplane wings, rocket engines and industrial turbines. "On the atomic level, a material deforms, or changes its shape, as a result of moving atoms," explained Wang, a postdoc in Gianola's lab. The crystalline structures of metals are made up of stacked planes of atoms organized into a highly regular grid. When a metal deforms, atoms move, or slide, over each other on the grid. The line separating the regions where atoms have moved and where they have not is called a dislocation. The properties of dislocations, including how easily and where they can move, therefore become very important to the deformation behaviors of the material. Despite the advantages of MPE alloys, progress in designing them has been slow. While traditional trial-and-error approaches are inefficient, from about 2017, more research efforts were devoted to developing theories to try to identify the underlying reason that a particular alloy had desirable properties. "But," Wang said, "there is a lack of experimental evidence to inform some critical elements of the theory. When I started working on this project, my immediate question was, what's special about the MPEAs compared to traditional alloys? Since we are interested in mechanical properties, we focus on the dislocations." In this study, the researchers used electron microscopy to investigate the configurations of dislocations and unveil the mechanistic origins that give rise to desirable properties in a model alloy. Combined with the atomistic simulations from the group of Irene Beyerlein, they showed that the random field of different elements unlocks multiple pathways for dislocation movements, features not available in conventional alloys. "For conventional dislocations, the force to break atomic bonds at a dislocation is single valued because all the atoms are alike," Beyerlein said. "For the MPE dislocation, this force cannot be deterministic. The structure of an MPE dislocation becomes redefined as it tries to move through randomly changing atomic environments. "With our atomistic calculations, we took the approach of expecting the unexpected and probed not only the usual modes but additional higher modes of slip, typically neglected in the literature to date," she added. "We also performed thousands of calculations, which exposed just how widely varying this critical dislocation force can be and how favorable alternative higher modes of slip are." The study is part of a larger collaborative effort led by Pollock and funded by the Office of Naval Research, named MPE.edu, that also involves UCSB researchers Carlos Levi and Anton van der Ven, aimed at gaining fundamental insights regarding how best to explore the vast refractory alloy space. "While compositionally complex alloys have long been of interest to us, progress in exploring the large compositional space has been slow," said Pollock. "With the MPE project, we brought together a team that used emerging computational, machine learning, and experimental tools, which have enabled us to uncover new behaviors and rapidly explore new compositional domains. The very high melting points of the refractory materials of interest have made them notoriously difficult to fabricate and study in the past, but our new approaches, combined with the possibility of 3-D printing, completely change the landscape." "This work is emblematic of the true power of combining experiments with simulation and theory," Gianola said. "Many researchers pay lip service to this synergy, but this study could not have gone as far as it did without the constant back and forth between the experimental and simulation groups. The future looks very bright." Explore further Using AI to predict new materials with desired properties More information: Multiplicity of dislocation pathways in a refractory multiprincipal element alloy, Science 02 Oct 2020: Vol. 370, Issue 6512, pp. 95-101, science.sciencemag.org/content/370/6512/95 Journal information: Science Multiplicity of dislocation pathways in a refractory multiprincipal element alloy,02 Oct 2020: Vol. 370, Issue 6512, pp. 95-101, DOI: 10.1126/science.aba3722 First Nations from B.Cs Coast and Central Interior came together for the first time in more than a century to witness the marriage of longtime Tsilhqotin Chief Joe Alphonse and First Nations communications consultant Chastity Davis. Under sunny skies with the colours of fall in full bloom, Alphonse, Tsilhqotin National Government Tribal Chair, and Davis wed on the traditional and sacred lands of Tletinqox (Anaham) on Thursday, Oct. 1. The couple said they could not have asked for a better day for the outdoor celebration at Anah Lake north of Alexis Creek that saw members of the Homalco, Kwakiutl and Tlaamin First Nations attend alongside members of the Tsilhqotin Nation. Davis is a member of the Tlaamin First Nation located north of Powell River, and her grandparents are from the Church House area that was once home to many Homalco people. Both are also of European ancestry. Were all inter-related so they came and did some really beautiful cultural sharing, Davis said, noting there is a long history of Homalco and Chilcotin peoples tying the knot. They had us up doing a traditional bride and groom dance in full regalia, and also did a blanketing ceremony during the wedding, she added. Amid COVID-19 precautions temperatures were taken of each guest upon arrival. Access to hand sanitizer and face masks was also made readily available. For Alphonse the wedding could not be put off despite the pandemic and his own health scare. I still wanted a reason to celebrate because Id be there and the woman I love would be there, so thats all that really mattered, he said. Five days after proposing to Davis earlier this year at the top of Potato Mountain near Tatlayoko Lake, Alphonse underwent emergency open-heart surgery following a heart attack. I jokingly tell people because she started planning the wedding that as a politician we never ask questions if we dont know what the answer is going to be, he said. Once members got word their Chief was engaged, Tletinqox elders told Alphonse that his wedding could not be a private individual event but one that involved the community. Many of the elders helped plan it. Otherwise we might have preferred to go to Vegas and marry there, Alphonse said with a laugh, adding the wedding was an opportunity to showcase his community which has some of the most caring individuals one will ever find. Were rich in culture and were open to sharing that, and thats what our wedding was, he said. With the wedding ceremony performed in partnership by Tletinqox spiritual leader Cecil Grinder and Chastitys father, Charles Davis who is an ordained minister, an ancient song from the Kwakiutl First Nation near Port Hardy was gifted back to the Tsilhqotin. Prior to contact the Tsilhqotin would travel to Kwakiutl for intermarriages and to trade goods such as oolichan oil. The Kwakiutl sang the song in memory of the Tsilhqotin who perished one dreadful winter trying to return back to the Chilcotin, and still sing it to this day as an honour song. One of the Kwakiutl chiefs brought it back to Tsilhqotin territory and gifted it back to them at our wedding, Chastity said. They also gifted two ancestral and traditional names to me and Joe from their nation which is a huge honour for us to carry. The last time a Tsilhqotin chief married a Homalco woman was centuries ago when head war Chief Lhatsasin (Klatsassin) married a Homalco woman whom he had a son with. He and his son were wrongfully executed during the Chilcotin War in 1864. Over the years Alphonse and Davis have both worked tirelessly on the recognition and rights of First Nations people, and incorporating their Indigenous culture, traditions and values into their everyday lives. Alphonse remains the longest elected chief of Tletinqox and has also been the tribal chair of the TNG since 2010. Among his many achievements, Alphonse played an instrumental role in getting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to attend their title lands in 2018 to personally exonerate the Nations six war chiefs who were hanged. In 2017, as wildfires raged in the Chilcotin, Alphonse and his community also stayed behind to fight the fires despite evacuation orders. Equally accomplished, Davis co-founded the Professional Aboriginal Womens Network and is the sole proprietor of her own consulting business, Chastity Davis Consulting. She works with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to help bridge the gap, and recently lead Indigenous cultural and historical training with Alphonse with staff of RBC Royal Bank in Williams Lake. The couple met at a Nation2Nation conference in March 2017 where they were both keynote speakers. Following the conference they became friends on Facebook where they would periodically exchange messages. She facebook stalked me, Alphonse said chuckling. It was not until 2018 their friendship would truly blossom when Davis helped lead Indigenous training awareness at the Alexis Creek RCMP detachment following the 2017 wildfires that saw a healing circle take place between the community and members of the RCMP. Once the successful project was completed their fondness for each other grew following a date that saw Alphonse fly to Vancouver where he took Davis to dinner and gifted her a pair of handmade embroidered deer hide gloves by Tsilhqotin Elder Madeline William. The marriage is a first for both, and Alphonse and Davis said they plan to divide their time at Daviss home in Vancouver and Alphonses two residences at 150 Mile House and Tletinqox. They plan to take their honeymoon next year on an Alaskan cruise and trek around the U.S. state. Read more about: A 61-year-old woman is fighting for her life after she was shot when a gunman opened fire on her house while she was inside. A number of shots were fired at the front of the house on in Coleraine in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, last night, according to police. The woman was taken to hospital and her condition was today described as critical. Police are currently investigating the shooting and trying to identify those responsible. A 61-year-old woman has been shot by guns firing at her home while she was inside. A number of shots were fired at the front of the house on in Coleraine in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, last night, according to police. Pictured: Police at the scene East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell condemned the shooting. 'There will be fear and shock among all age groups, but especially amongst those in the older community and there will be anger of course that something like this can happen,' he told the BBC. Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald added: 'No one wants to see reckless and very dangerous incidents like this in Coleraine. The woman was taken to hospital and her condition was today described as critical. Pictured: A forensic officer at the scene 'Those responsible have nothing to offer society and need to be taken off the streets and anyone with information on what happened should bring it forward to the PSNI.' The Police Service of Northern Ireland said detectives are working to establish a motive for the attack and to identify those responsible. 'Anyone who was in the area last night and who noticed anything that could assist the investigation, or anyone with any other information is asked to contact CID in Coleraine by calling 101, quoting reference 2174 05/10/20,' a PSNI spokesman said. Maharashtras ruling Shiv Sena on Tuesday hit out at the Centre over the rape and murder of the 19-year-old Dalit woman in Uttar Pradeshs Hathras, saying her family has been left to the mercy of God. In an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Sena warned of a Dalit backlash if injustice against the community continues. The editorial said the womans family is living under fear as they are getting threats. The Centre provides Y plus security to an actress from Mumbai but leaves the family of the Hathras victim to the mercy of God. This is not an element of equal law for all that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar provided in the Constitution, it said. The Centre last month granted actor Kangana Ranaut Y-plus category security, which involves deployment of around a dozen guards, amid her war of words with the Shiv Sena. The verbal duel began after Ranaut likened Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and said she feared Mumbai Police. The editorial called Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azads demand for 50% subsidy for the Dalits to buy guns for self-protection the first spark of Dalit backlash. It added former Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Rajveer Singh Pahalwan held a rally in support of the Hathras accused. All this adds to the terror in which the victims family is living. Besides that, it adds to the communal discord... The government should not add fuel to the fire. The editorial said Uttar Pradeshs Yogi Adityanath government handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) even as the family did not seek it. It added instead the family sought a judicial probe. Using the force of police, the voice of the victims family was muzzled. The dead body of the victim was burned in the night. Lathis were rained down on the political leaders who went to meet the family of the victim. When the public opinion started shifting, the Yogi government... handed over the case to CBI. Handing over the probe to CBI proves that Yogi Adityanath does not trust his police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Arielle Bernstein Pinsof, John Bianchi and Michael Heinley co-authored this article. In America today, we face two looming crises: the pandemic and systemic racism. And though they may appear unrelated, theyre closely interlinked. COVID-19 has hit those in poor health most severely; this means that Black and brown Americansalready less healthy, less well-paid, less securely employed and, consequently, less well-insuredbear the brunt of the coronavirus. According to Johns Hopkins, Black Americans are three times more likely to get COVID-19 than whites and twice as likely to die from it. Americans healthparticularly in communities of coloris now under assault from COVID-19 on a different front. A survey released by Civis Analytics and Finn Partners revealed an estimated 6.7 million Americans lost their health coverage between February and September as a result of COVID-19-related unemployment, and that Black Americans face a disproportionate risk of being uninsured. Civis survey reported that while eight percent of Americans overall lost their health insurance coverage due to COVID-19, more than a quarter (26 percent) of Black Americans were uninsured by September, rising from 17 percent in February. Latinx Americans uninsured rates also climbed, from 18 percent in February to 21 percent in September. In comparison, 11 percent of white Americans were uninsured in February, rising only slightly to 12 percent in September. This article is featured in O'Dwyer's Oct. '20 Healthcare & Medical PR Magazine (view PDF version) This loss of insurance leaves millions without access to healthcare in the midst of a global pandemic. Whats more, many may not realize it. The number of people confused over whether or not they lost health insurance increased, from 2.2 percent in February to 3.5 percent in Septemberan additional 3.2 million people. Among those aware that theyre uninsured, 46 percent now say they dont plan to purchase health insurance this year, a jump from 33 percent last February. The numbers add up to reduced access to care when people need it most, exacerbating and laying bare the effects of systemic racism on our nations and neighbors health. The health sector has a responsibility to act, communicating with clarity so that people have the information they need. All playerswhether product innovators, payers, or providersmust rally to their patient-care mission, backing up their good words with meaningful deeds. As communicators, we must support actors throughout the health ecosystem to make changes that will help stem these growing threats to individual, national, and economic health, and especially to our health equity. Here are five approaches for us to consider when counseling our health-sector clients: Help patients stay on their meds: With more than 10 million people estimated to lose their insurance coverage by years end, according to 2020 research published by the Urban Institute, product developers must seriously consider ramping-up patient-assistance programs. Rebates, coupons, and providing needed drug products free of charge in the short term to those who have become uninsured can help keep people on their medications. The needs of those without insurance are pressing right now, especially for Black Americans, so there is no better time for drug companies to be good corporate citizens. Ensure open doors for the uninsured: Hospital systems must marshal their public affairs divisions, intensifying efforts to help those whove lost their insurance. In this unprecedented emergency, hospitals can improve the health of local communities and aid in their economic recovery by offering free clinical care to those who have no job and no insurance; now is the time to be a good neighbor. Shift the fee model: Payers need to consider how fee-for-service is failing our most vulnerable, and how they can support patients immediate needs during this emergency, scaling up support for affordable care and moving to value-based care or primary care capitation. To stem confusion, they must also better educate subscribers so they understand their options for care. Approaches like these that increase affordability and access will help the millions of Americans whove become uninsured now and after the pandemic is over. Address mental health: its the epidemic within an epidemic. More than a third of Americans reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in July, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and National Center for Health Statistics, compared to about 11 percent in the first half of 2019, while Express-Scripts found prescriptions for anti-anxiety and insomnia medications and anti-depressants rose 21 percent in the first month of the pandemic. For many Black Americans, anxiety stems from two sourcesthe pandemic and racially-motivated violenceyet theyre less likely to seek help, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health. Our payer, provider and hospital clients can do much more here, lowering barriers to care for Black Americans, especially those who have lost insurance, and investing in community-based public health education to reduce stigma associated with mental-health needs. Close the digital divide: COVID-19 drove widespread adoption of telehealth, shifting the healthcare mindset to digital, and while Mc-Kinsey estimates a rise in telemedicine use from 11 percent in 2019 to 46 percent this year, many who could benefit most are too often left out. Many telehealth programmers assume patients have digital literacy or speak English, which isnt always true. Theres a digital divide; and to close it, we must urge our hospital and provider group clients offering virtual care to support patients with loaner smartphones and tablets, better interpreters and digital education to ensure access. We must urge payer clients to reimburse digital appointments at the same rates as in-person visits. Nows the time to think creatively, engage thoughtfully and act with purpose for a patient-centered industry to communicate with patients who need help. These and other health-sector responses must be undertaken genuinely; not because theyll boost reputation, but because, as gatekeepers to and providers of care, we have a responsibility to help. We must do it because its right. In adversity, our true natures shine through. This isnt the case only with people, but with companies as well. Right now, the twin crises of the pandemic and systemic racism require companies to act. As communicators, we must counsel our client partners to do so with responsibility and humanity. *** Arielle Bernstein Pinsof is Partner, John Bianchi is Vice President and Michael Heinley is Senior Partner at Finn Partners. Benidorm has launched a new all-inclusive deal as the Spanish resort town tries to tempt tourists back after being virtually shut down during coronavirus lockdown. For 245 per person, visitors can stay for six nights in one of 250 apartments in the city while eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at two dozens restaurants. Discounted packages starting at 127 are available for people who only want some of their meals catered, while 114 per person will buy an accommodation-only deal. Benidorm is offering visitors a six-night stay in any one of 250 apartments in the city along with breakfast, lunch and dinner at two dozen restaurants, all for 245 per person (file) Packages can be booked through the Benidorm Resort website - which is currently available only in Spanish, though bookings written in English are being accepted. The deals include food and drink, though alcohol is not included in the price. Bookings began being accepted on October 1, and the offer currently runs through until the end of March next year. Tourism is Spain's third-largest industry, accounting for more than 10 per cent of national GDP - which in 2018 translated to more than 160billion in revenue providing around 3million jobs. In regions such as the Costa Blanca, where Benidorm is situated, and the Balearic Islands, the situation is even more dire - with tourism accounting for up to a third of local income. The resorts were devastated by coronavirus lockdowns which effectively banned tourism across much of Europe through the lucrative summer season. In the first seven months of 2019, up to the end of July, 2.2million Britons visited Spain - the largest number of any foreign country. In the same period this year the figure had dropped to just 378,000, a fall of 82 per cent. Figures for Germany, Spain's second-largest tourist market, fell 65 per cent - from 1.24 million to 432,302. The deals - which include discounted accommodation-only packages (apartment pictured) and group deals - are designed to tempt tourists back after coronavirus lockdowns Pictured is one of the apartment complexes that is being included in the offer, which runs until March next year Overall, visitor numbers up to the end of July were 75 per cent down on last year. The Madrid-based Foundation for Applied Economics Studies has since warned that up to 70 per cent of Spanish tourism jobs could disappear in the next few years. The Benidorm scheme is just the latest in a series of moves designed to bring visitors back to Spain. A new 'Safe Tourism' seal, issued by the government's tourism agency, is designed to prove that hotels and resorts are complying with high standards of hygiene. Other rules - such as masks in public areas, time sunbathing slots on beaches, and social distancing - are also designed to bring infections down and tourists back. Even so, Spain has been one of the worst-hit countries with coronavirus, suffering more than 813,000 confirmed cases of the virus, and more than 32,000 deaths. It was among the first European countries to go into full lockdown, and implemented one of the strictest regimes on the continent. But since the economy began reopening in May cases have steadily trended upwards, with an average of more than 10,000 now being reported each day. She is one of the country's most famous female vocalists, and she has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Linda Ronstadt dubbed the "Queen of Rock" for her 1970s hits "You're No Good," "Blue Bayou" and "Hurt So Bad" is also fiercely proud and outspoken about her Mexican heritage. "Most people in rock 'n' roll come from blues or from traditional Black church gospel, but I learned rancheras," said Ronstadt, referring to the popular Mexican folk music genre. "I learned a lot of my singing from Lola Beltran," she said, speaking about one of Mexico's most acclaimed ranchera singers. Ronstadt spoke to NBC News ahead of an awards celebration that "feels more special because of my background." The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is honoring Ronstadt with its Legend Award and a special musical tribute during the 33rd annual Hispanic Heritage Awards, which will be broadcast Tuesday on PBS. Ronstadt retired in 2009 from her decadeslong singing career after she was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare and incurable brain disorder similar to Parkinson's disease. Since then, she has been receiving a bevy of honors, including the Kennedy Center Honors, lifetime achievement awards from the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy and the National Medal of the Arts. In a wide-ranging conversation, Ronstadt discussed how her background influenced her music, her alarm over the current state of politics and the parallels she sees between current times and darker periods in history. Rock songs and canciones Many saw Ronstadt as the quintessential American female pop singer and they had a hard time reconciling the fact that she was Mexican American, Ronstadt said. "I come from the Sonora desert, which exists on both sides of the border, and I've always felt very deeply affiliated with Mexican American culture," said Ronstadt, who was born in Tucson, Arizona. "Mexican music was a tremendous influence on my singing style. Story continues "One of the first few interviews I did with rock publications like Rolling Stone, they just were sort of dismissive about it," she said. Ronstadt remembers growing up in Tucson at a time when children would be punished for speaking Spanish publicly at school or on the playground. But that didn't discourage her from learning her father's Mexican canciones, or songs. Her father, Gilbert, knew a lot of beautiful Mexican love songs rooted in his childhood, and he would serenade her mother, Ruth, while attending college in Arizona. The songs were passed down to Gilbert by Ronstadt's grandfather Federico, who was born in Sonora, Mexico, in 1868 to a German father and a Mexican mother. He had moved to Tucson to work as a wagon maker, eventually forming his own wagon and carriage company in the state. Federico, who was also a guitarist and a vocalist, channeled his passion for music by founding what may have been Tucson's first professional orchestra, the Club Filarmonico Tucsonense, in 1896. Throughout her career, Ronstadt sang everything from new wave and rock to country ballads and opera. But her ultimate passion project was the 1987 album "Canciones de mi Padre" ("Songs of my Father"), a Spanish-language traditional Mexican music album paying tribute to the songs she learned from her dad. Ronstadt made the album despite her music label's disapproval. It sold over 2.5 million units and became the biggest-selling foreign-language album in the U.S. at the time, effectively helping pave the way for artists like Selena Quintanilla and Gloria Estefan in the 1980s, as well as others, like Ricky Martin, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, who became the central figures of the Latin music explosion during the 1990s and the 2000s. IMAGE: Linda Ronstadt on 'The Tonight Show' (Steffin Butler / NBC) The canciones from that album were the last ones she sang at her last live concert in November 2009 before she officially retired. Over the past 30 years, Ronstadt has been working with a cultural center in Richmond, California, called Los Cenzotles meaning "the mockingbirds" in Nahuatl, an indigenous language from Mexico to help Mexican American children connect with their heritage through music, dance and other forms of art. Ronstadt and Los Cenzotles will be featured in a documentary coming out this month documenting their trip to Mexico to reconnect with their roots. "They learn the true, deep traditions of Mexican music. And then if they want to, if they want to become professional musicians later on and they want to break the rules, they know how to break them," Ronstadt said. Pandemics and politics Ronstadt, like many Americans, is spending more time reading at home as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. Amid a national racial reckoning triggered by nationwide protests over George Floyd's death and presidential election, Ronstadt has been "reading everything I can about the current situation," as well as revisiting the history of Black people in the U.S. She has also been reading about the Weimar Republic the German government before Hitler's Nazi regime. The exercise, she said, has allowed her to see many parallels between the past and the present. "I think that anybody that has read Black history couldn't argue with the idea that reparations are in order," said Ronstadt, a longtime political activist. "I think that anybody who learns about the Weimar Republic can't disagree that the years before the Nazi takeover were alarming like ours right now, when you have people convinced that they were being screwed and they were being mistreated and that somebody was to blame. Back then, they blamed it on the Jews. Now, they're blaming Mexicans, and it's just so obvious." IMAGE: Linda Ronstadt in 2013 (Amy Sussman / Invision/AP) Ronstadt said that "once a democracy fails, it almost never reinstates itself." "It almost always goes into a totalitarian government, and there's nothing you can do about it," she said. She said, "It's time for Latinos to stop being invisible and to stop being dismissed as unnecessary, deficient or less than." Ronstadt, who grew up near the southern border, said recent changes in immigration policies have endangered the lives of many people trying to seek asylum in the U.S. That motivated her to get involved with the charity One Story at a Time. It works to help migrants who have been affected by the Trump administration's "Remain in Mexico" policies, which require those seeking asylum in the U.S. to wait in Mexico while their cases go through U.S. courts a process that could take years. "When you see injustices, when you see somebody being harassed on the street or children locked up in cages and separated from their families, thousands of children getting lost in the system," Ronstadt said, "when you see terrible irregularities you have to say you won't stand for it." Follow NBC Latino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Actor Eva Mendes does not really avoid Internet trolls. A troll on Instagram recently called out the Hitch actor, who urged her to "move out more." So she made sure not to let this person off the hook. Eva Mendes Should Get Out More? The ongoing coronavirus pandemic contributed to a full shutdown in several countries across the world. In day-to-day lives, this lockdown has contributed to significant lifestyle adjustments. Many actors have been using social media throughout the past few months to keep their followers updated on how they are enduring the continuing shutdown. Hollywood star Eva Mendes recently entered a throwback thread for this brigade. The Hitch actress took a photoshoot of herself 15 years ago on Instagram and shared a snapshot of herself. Her fans and followers enjoyed this breathtaking image. Yet its caption won the hearts of many rather than the photograph. Mendes narrated she went for a run on the beach on this picture. According to her, someone took the picture "at least 15 years ago." "Haven't seen a beach this year; haven't been on a run this year," she said. Many people poured in with the sweetest messages the moment the photo went up. But a bit of advice was added by one of Mendes' followers as well. However, this Instagram user commented and asked her husband, actor Ryan Gosling, to "get you out more." Eva Mendes replied with a brutal comeback the moment this comment was written. She said, "No, thank you, I'm all right." Be at home with my guy rather than somewhere else in the country.' Take a peek at the savage clap-back from Eva Mendes to this Instagram user here. "No thank you, I'm good. Rather be home with my man than anywhere else in the world," Eva told the troll. Eva Interacts with Fans It wasn't the only remark Mendes decided to respond to. She also remarked beautiful things to those followers who wrote positive things to her comment section. Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling are already together since 2011. The pair first starred in the film The Place Beyond The Pines. They have also welcomed two children, Esmeralda, six, and Amada Lee, four. Since then, they are incredibly private and seldom go out in public. The actress, who took some time off to raise her children, read on her Instagram account in April why she wants to keep her family life so intimate. She explained her children are still so little don't understand what posting their image really means. Mendes added she doesn't have the consent of her children to post anything. "I won't post their image until they're old enough to give me consent," she added. Vice President and his Democratic challenger Senator are all set for a debate in the Sal Lake City of Utah on Wednesday. This will be for the first time in the American history that an Indian origin person will be taking up the podium for a vice presidential debate. Political analysts believe that an aggressive Harris, 55, will easily prevail over Pence, 61, during the only vice-presidential debate and help her running mate Joe Biden, 77, to widen his lead over Trump, 74. Biden, in the last few days, has widened his lead over Trump by double digit. However, the Trump Campaign believes that Pence could come out with a stellar performance during the debate. The debate gains added significance, given the COVID-19 infecting Trump, triggering speculations that Pence may be taking over the reigns of the country temporarily. Also, many believe that Harris will be the real force in a Biden administration. Both Pence and Harris has said that they are well prepared for the debate, which would be moderated by journalist Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief, USA Today. According to media reports, plexiglass will be installed between Pence and Harris on the debate stage. "The debates are a crucial part of making our democracy work and I am honored to participate," Page said in a statement. The debate will be divided into nine segments of approximately 10 minutes each, said the Commission on Presidential Debate. The moderator will ask an opening question after which each candidate will have two minutes to respond. The moderator will use the balance of the time in the segment for a deeper discussion of the topic, it said. We're looking very much forward to the vice-presidential debate, Pence told reporters at the Andrews Joint Air Force Base here. The stakes in this election have never been higher, the choice has never been clearer, and I look forward to the opportunity to take our case to the American people for four more years for President Donald Trump in the White House, he said. Pence spoke over the phone with Trump before boarding Air Force Two. I spoke to the President a little while back and he sounded great. As the American people learned just a little while ago, President Trump is going home tonight. So, we're headed to Utah for the vice presidential debate, Pence said. According to his aides, Pence has some debate preparations. Harris is already in Utah. On Sunday Harris toured This Is The Place Monument, the location marking the end of the 1,300-mile trek to Utah by the early Mormons. Harris was led by former Utah State Senator Scott Howell on the tour of the monument, which was erected in 1847 and also honors the Native Americans, Mountain Men and Spanish Catholic priests who explored the land before the settlement was established. Vice-presidential debates can often be afterthoughts in a presidential race. But with President Trump in the hospital, and will now face an unusual amount of scrutiny and a tricky balancing act, The New York Times wrote. Former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg said it would be a real mistake to underestimate the skills of Pence. Buttigieg is apparently helping Harris in debate preparations. He was very effective in 2016. And also in his debates, if you look in 2012, when he was running for governor, it would be a real mistake to underestimate. Largely because he doesn't seem to have any qualms about defending what many of us would consider indefensible, even if it flies in the face of his own professed values, he told Indianapolis Monthly in an interview. (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 senior adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said that an international conference, in coordination with the Quartet the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia should take place in early 2021 regardless of who wins the US presidential elections on Nov. 3. In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Majdi Khaldi, the most senior diplomatic adviser to Abbas, reiterated the call made by the Palestinian president to the United Nations General Assembly Sept. 27, saying, We are open to dealing with whoever is elected as president of the United States. Khaldi conceded that a Biden administration would not be committed to the same issues as the Trump administration has been working on. However, Khaldi had a clear message to both leaders: We have said to the UN General Assembly that we are ready to attend an international conference in coordination with the Quartet and we would agree to that as soon as the elections are over regardless of the winner. We want to have this conference in early 2021 after the inauguration of the new [US] president." A member of one of Jerusalems respected families, Khaldi has been the senior diplomatic adviser to Abbas since 2006 in the rank of minister. He previously held senior posts in the Palestinian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. Khaldi said that Palestinians hold on to their sovereign and independent rights and will not change plans based on who is a leader in any country. But while he noted the total boycott by the Palestinian leadership of contacts with the US executive branch, since the move of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, he conceded that talks with Americans from both parties have never ceased. Contact with members of the Congress from both parties has never stopped, Khaldi said. He added that there has been no direct contact with the Biden team, but expressed optimism toward them. We know that all US administrations and presidential candidates support Israel in different ways, but we are certain that a Biden administration would be more committed to international law similar to that of President [Barack] Obama. This does not mean in any way that a Biden administration would be less supportive of Israel, he added. Khaldi reflected general Palestinian displeasure with some of the Arab countries that normalized relations with Israel, saying that their action will discourage Israel from carrying out any commitments to peace." He noted, All Arab countries have been under US pressure. But he added that those countries that normalized relations with Israel did not do it for Israels sake but for the sake of the United States and to help [President Donald] Trump, and out of concern as to who might come to the White House next. Khaldi rejected out of hand the idea of working with the leaders of the countries that normalized relations with Israel. The United Arab Emirates [UAE] has been negligent to the Palestine cause and they didnt even bother to coordinate with us before they made their move," he said. He scoffed at the idea that the UAE stopped the annexation attempts of the Israelis. It was lip service and it has since proven to be false, he added. The senior Palestinian diplomat also noted that US pressure had resulted in the near collective stop of Arab aid to Palestine. In the past we had times when countries would delay making their committed transfers, but this time it is a nearly collective decision under US pressure to stop aid with the aim of getting the Palestinians to accept the US plans, Khaldi said. He did, however, say that not all Arab countries have acceded to the pressure, hinting that some countries are continuing their support to Palestine quietly. Khaldi added that the current efforts to unite the Palestinians and hold elections will greatly increase the credibility and legitimacy of the Palestinian leadership and will help unify Palestinians at home and abroad. For the last few years, we have seen a movement of the diaspora community of getting together and working for Palestine instead of working for partisan affairs. Palestinian elections will help to strengthen internal Palestinian communal fiber, he said. Khaldi noted that there have been efforts since 2007 with Egypt and others, but these failed because of external forces. We are more optimistic now and we have a strong feeling that elections will have positive effects on all levels. This would help us internationally; the EU member states and the international community have been calling for this." he noted. Khaldi concluded, All Palestinian factions accept the leadership of President Abbas and the key role of the PLO as an umbrella for Palestinian nationalism. I hope that the [presidential] decree of parliamentary elections will be issued soon and that we can stand up to any outside pressure that will attempt to derail the unity efforts and attempt to stop elections. The New Jersey district judge whose son was shot dead by an anti-feminist lawyer has revealed she has managed to forgive her child's murderer, as she recalls the harrowing moment she found him dying on the family's doorstep. Daniel Anderl, 20, the son of US District Judge Esther Salas, was shot and killed at the family's North Brunswick home on July 19 by a gunman posing as a delivery driver. Roy Den Hollander, a disgruntled lawyer who had posted anti-feminist screeds, had allegedly set out to kill Salas, but ended up fatally shooting Daniel and wounding her husband Mark Anderl instead. Scroll down for video Three months on: US District Judge Esther Salas recalled the moment her 20-year-old son was shot dead at their North Brunswick, NJ home, after the family was targeted by a disgruntled anti-feminist lawyer Daniel Anderl, 20, took a bullet to his chest after he answered the door to the gunman dressed as a FedEx driver on July 19 Salas relived the horrific shooting in an interview with Good Morning America airing Tuesday, admitting she and her husband have forgiven the man who took away their only child. 'From the moment I did that, I felt lighter. You know, hate is heavy. Love is light,' Salas told GMA anchor Robin Roberts. 'I can't let him take anything else. I know that I'm going to strive every morning to be the best person that I can be. My son gave his life for his father and I.' Authorities said Hollander, a 72-year-old self-proclaimed anti-feminist lawyer, had disguised himself as a FedEx driver and ambushed the family after knocking on their door around 5pm. He killed himself in upstate New York three days after shooting Anderl. Salas revealed the family had been spending time together in the basement when they were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell that changed their lives forever. Salas' husband, Mark Anderl (pictured) was seriously wounded in the shooting and is recovering Pictured: Daniel (center) and his father, Mark (top), in a photo taken before the 20-year-old's death in July Authorities said Roy Den Hollander (pictured), a misogynistic and racist lawyer, ambushed Salas' family home this summer while dressed as a FedEx driver. He later committed suicide on July 22 with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and authorities discovered his body inside a car in Catskills 'Danny was downstairs talking to me. He said: "keep talking to me mom, I love talking to you." And it was at that exact second that the doorbell rang,' she said. 'Before I could tell him, "let Dad handle it", he shot up the stairs. And the next thing I hear is, "boom!" Then I hear: 'no!' Then I hear a series of bullets.' Salas said the sound of the gunfire was so loud she initially thought they were 'mini bombs' and ran upstairs. 'I saw Danny lying perpendicular to the door, holding his chest. I saw Mark on his hands and knees on the porch. He had crawled to the porch to try to get the license plate or something of the person. 'I just got on the floor and saw my son. I lifted [Danny's] shirt and I saw the bullet hole,' Salas said, choking back tears. 'Mark managed to crawl back and we were both just watching him fade away.' Mark Anderl had also been shot multiple times before Hollander fled. Salas is expected to make a full recovery but Salas said his 'hardest injury right now is to his heart' from the loss of his only son. 'They were so close. He talks about Danny as his best friend,' Salas said. 'Danny was the love of our life from the moment he was born. We struggled to have a baby. I had four miscarriages, three before him. One after him. From the moment that little boy came to this world, he was the center of our universe.' Hollander first came into contact with Salas in 2015 when he was hired to represent a 17-year-old girl who sued Selective Service System, claiming the military's male-only rule when enforcing a draft was discriminatory. There has not been a military draft for more than 40 years, and women are able to enlist in the military voluntarily if they are qualified. Daniel Andrel (left) was killed via gunshot wounds on July 19, while Mark A. Anderl (right) was shot several times and survived after being transported to a hospital Judge Salas allowed Den Hollander's case to proceed, which was a win for him. In 2019, Den Hollander was however removed from the case when his client replaced him for unknown reasons. Salas never ruled against Den Hollander, but he repeatedly complained about her in concerning online ramblings. Salas told GMA that she received threats in the past, but did not have any indication that they were related to Den Hollander. She said the shooting occurred 'months' if not 'a year' since the two last crossed paths. 'I know that he hated me because I was a woman. He hated me because I was Latina. And that was the source of hate. I had the "nerve" to become a judge,' Salas said. 'What I think happened was that our defenses were lowered. I was ordering packages every day. 'We play it back. "What if I would've stopped him?" The what-ifs. But after that FBI debriefing, there's peace. If he didn't do it that day, he was going to do it.' Salas's home in North Brunswick, N.J. In the wake of the fatal shooting of her 20-year-old son Weeks after he son's death, Salas had shared a statement via video in August that called for protections and greater privacy for federal judges. 'My son's death cannot be in vain, which is why I am begging those in power to do something to help my brothers and sisters on the bench. Now, more than ever, we need to identify a solution that keeps the lives of federal judges private,' she said. 'I know this is a complicated issue, and I dont pretend to know or have all the answers, but together we can find a way. 'Lets commence a national dialogue, lets work collaboratively to find a solution that will safeguard the privacy of federal judges.' The U.S. Marshals Service, which protects federal judges, reported that there were 4,449 threats and inappropriate communications against such public servants last year. That number was 926 in 2015. In his rambling, 1,700-page book titled Stupid Frigging Fool, Den Hollander referred to Salas as 'this hot Latina Judge in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey whom Obama had appointed.' He wrote: 'At first, I wanted to ask the Judge out, but thought she might hold me in contempt.' Elsewhere in the book, he called her a 'lazy and incompetent Latina judge appointed by Obama.' In one of his online ramblings, he complained that she was taking too long to rule on it. 'Just unbelievable, by now we should have been knocking on the U.S. Supreme Courts door, but lady unluck stuck us with an Obama appointee. 'Female judges didnt bother me as long as they were middle age or older black ladies. 'They seemed to have an understanding of how life worked and were not about to be conned by any foot dragging lawyer. 'Latinas, however, were usually a problemdriven by an inferiority complex,' he fumed. Den Hollander later committed suicide on July 22 with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and authorities discovered his body inside a car in Catskills. Authorities discovered the names of several other people they believed he wanted to target, including Judge Janet DiFiore, New York State's chief judge. More in What you need to know for Tuesday, October 6 (5 of 10) The family of a fourth-grade boy is suing a New Orleans-area school district that suspended him after a teacher saw a BB gun in his room during a virtual class. The incident happened Sept. 11 when 9-year-old Ka'Mauri Harrison, who is Black, was taking a test in the bedroom that he shares with his two younger brothers. During the class, the child's brother came into the room and tripped on a BB gun that had been lying on the floor, according to a lawsuit the family filed Friday in Louisianas 24th Judicial District Court. "Ka'Mauri picked up the toy BB gun, crossed it over his body (passing the screen) and moved it out of his younger's brother's way," says the lawsuit filed against the Jefferson Parish school district and some of its staff. The child, who attends Woodmere Elementary School in Harvey, then went back to taking his test, the suit says. Ka'Mauri Harrison. (Courtesy Chelsea Cusimano) "Ka'Mauri never pointed the BB gun at the screen, and he did not say a word to the class or his teacher. There is no evidence that Ka'Mauri was even aware that it had been seen," the lawsuit says. "Ka'Mauri believed he was doing the right thing, and he had no intent for his BB gun to appear on the computer screen." The incident led to Ka'Mauri's being suspended for six days for what the Jefferson Parish Public School System said was a violation of its policy forbidding weapons at school. A Louisiana Department of Education School Behavior Report, which was included in the lawsuit, said Ka'Mauri possessed a weapon prohibited under federal law. The child's teacher, who is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, told Ka'Mauri's mother that she thought she saw him with a rifle, according to the lawsuit. The behavior report states that during the class Ka'Mauri got up from his seat out of view of the teacher and when he returned "he had what appears to be a full-sized rifle in his possession." Story continues "He placed it on the side of his chair so that we could only see the barrel," the report states, adding that the teacher tried to get Ka'Mauri's attention but could not because his computer had been muted so he could concentrate on taking his test. After the teacher could not get a response from Ka'Mauri, the boy's computer screen suddenly went dark, the report said. The teacher then contacted the principal. A spokesperson for Jefferson Parish Schools said in a statement that it could not comment "on individual student records." "Regarding discipline, it is our policy that teachers and administrators may employ reasonable disciplinary and corrective measures to maintain order," the spokesperson said. Chelsea Cusimano, an attorney for the family, told NBC News on Tuesday that the school initially considered expelling the child, but during a Sept. 22 hearing decided to suspend him instead. "We have a child, who is a good child, that wasnt doing anything intentionally and the grown-ups in the room failed him," Cusimano said in a phone interview. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said he met with Ka'Mauri's family and is investigating the incident, adding that it was "appalling" the boy was not given a chance to appeal the suspension. Ka'Mauri is a bright young man with a great family; and the fact that he was recommended for expulsion, received a suspension, and not given his right to appeal is appalling, he wrote. KaMauri was not only deprived of educational instruction, he was also denied opportunity. Alanah Odoms, the executive director of ACLU of Louisiana, said in a statement that the suspension was an "excessive and unjustified punishment that reflects the deeply-rooted racism that criminalizes Black students and fuels the school-to-prison pipeline." This incident is a reminder of the systemic racism Black students experience each and every day and it cannot be tolerated any longer," Odoms said. The suit names the school board, the superintendent, the elementary school principal, a hearing officer and the district's attorney. It accuses the defendants of failing to provide Ka'Mauri the right to appeal his suspension, which ended Sept. 24. The family is seeking damages and asks that Ka'Mauri be allowed to make up the work he missed when he was suspended. They also want the school board to conduct a hearing on the administrator who disciplined Ka'Mauri. Emails seeking comments from individual defendants named in the lawsuit did not receive an immediate response Tuesday. Tanned skin, heroic lifeguards, espresso bars, bikini photoshoots, F45, Peronis; Bondi is everything an over-eager English backpacker could hope to find in Australia. But its more than the stereotypes, however, with a photo by lensman Sammy Blanchard showing Bondi beachgoers dont always display the entitled attitude the suburb is crudely known for. RELATED: Psychologist Explains The Mindset Of Living In Bondi Though Eastern Suburbs residents have been chided for their laissez faire approach to the worlds woes this year, it seems we have turned a corner, with the following photo, taken on Monday, demonstrating a hypnotic kind of social distancing that wouldnt look out of place in a beehive. Looks like a print on carpeting, one Instagram user wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sammy b (@sammyblanchard) on Oct 5, 2020 at 3:30pm PDT Too many people? Yes. Too close? Judging by NSWs a towels length guideline (and Mr. Blanchards exclusive comments to DMARGE), in most cases, no. Big crowds at Bondi over the weekend, Mr. Blanchard captioned the photo. Youd think corona didnt exist anymore! Comments beneath the post remarked (some ironically, some not) on the proximity of the sun seekers. Great shot!! Social distancing at its best. Speaking to DMARGE, Mr. Blanchard said he believes various media outlets have been using photographic tricks to exaggerate how close people are at the beach. However, he also believes its needed. We do need to be reminded that there still is a global pandemic and just because its a public holiday and 30 degrees doesnt make you immune. Mr. Blanchard told DMARGE, From what I saw, I think people were well behaved. There were a lot of people on the beach but the beach is 1 km wide! With lots of space comes lots of people. Mr. Blanchard said most people were following the towel length rule, too. In any case, things got heated on the weekend with Waverly council on Monday warning people to stay away from Bondi beach as the sand neared capacity. Access to Bondi Beach is set to be restricted from 2:00pm if crowds dont stop flocking to the sand. The beach is nearing capacity as people turn out for the public holiday. pic.twitter.com/9JyjWVN7o1 10 News First Sydney (@10NewsFirstSyd) October 5, 2020 Underneath a 10 News First Tweet, a similar story played out, with various users remarking some version of, Looks well spaced out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MORNING BONDI (@morningbondi) on Oct 2, 2020 at 6:14pm PDT This forms part of a broader debate around the benefits of shaming Those Enjoying 2020 (which, the logic goes, will encourage people to distance more seriously) as well as the disadvantages (if it is reported on with optic tricks and hysterical language, people may disregard the crucial messages underneath). It also exposes why it makes little sense to refer to the media as one singular beast. Danish news site reminds people of being skeptical of how news photographers take pictures. Here is the same place, one picture taken with a zoom lense, and the other with a wide-angle lense: https://t.co/lPMJDHXOfD pic.twitter.com/mOSpiFEsDx Thomas Baekdal (@baekdal) April 26, 2020 Though this pushing together of punters is a phenomenon seen on front pages all around the world (media analyst Thomas Baekdal pointed the same thing out in Copenhagen in April), it is particularly pronounced in Australia particularly Sydney where various publications play off the so-called latte line. Mr. Blancahrd told DMARGE this absolutely happens to Bondi. In true tall poppy style Aussies love to bring Bondi (and the East) down a few pegs. But then they flock down here when theres good swell or good tanning conditions. RELATED: Photographer Captures Australian Winter Ritual Americans Will Never Understand With summer fast approaching, Sydney councils are continuing to discuss and refine measures to keep beaches safe, including limiting parking and a host of other potential rules. Read Next NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / Strattner Group Corp. (OTC PINK:SCNG) also known as Strattners signs engagement letter with an independent business valuation firm to provide a Certified Business Valuation. The analysis will be conducted in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement on Standards for Valuation Services and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts' (NACVA) Professional Standards for a Valuation Engagement. The estimate of value that results from a valuation engagement is expressed as a conclusion of value. The engagement will use strategic value as the standard of value. Strattner Group Corp. CEO, Timo Strattner says that "we are entering a very exciting phase in our development. This valuation is an important step towards building shareholder value and thus build a valuation based on the strategic value of Strattner Group." About Strattners Strattner Group Corp. also known as Strattners is a publicly traded small-cap conglomerate and parent company of the Strattner portfolio of brands and subsidiaries. IR Contact: Strattner Financial Group investor.Relations@strattners.com press@strattners.com +1 (917) 210-1062 Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, to be materially different from the statements made herein. SOURCE: Strattner Financial Group View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609306/Strattners-Engages-Independent-Business-Valuation-Firm-To-Evaluate-Strategic-Group-Value With the government in facing flak over the Hathras incident in which a Dalit girl died after allegedly being gang-raped, the party on Tuesday hit back at the Opposition, saying it "picks" such cases selectively for "vote bank" considerations. The party also announced it will launch a campaign in support of farm and labour reform laws, on which the Congress and other opposition parties have been holding protests. After president J P Nadda chaired the maiden meeting of newly-appointed office-bearers of the party, its general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam told reporters that farmers across the country, except a few states, are in support of these measures and the protests in states like Punjab are politically motivated. Nadda said at the meeting that the party will undertake a nation-wide campaign to spread awareness among farmers, according to Gautam. Asked about crimes against Dalit women in places like Hathras in and Rajasthan, Gautam slammed the opposition for its "selective approach". Concern was expressed (at the meeting). Any crime; rape, murder, is committed against a daughter whether Dalit or poor.... is abhorrent irrespective of which government is there... "It is sad when people pick a crime looking at who is in power and which community the murderers or rapists belong to, what is the vote bank there, he said in an apparent attack on the opposition parties. The government in has drawn criticism over the Hathras incident, in which a 19-year-old Dalit woman died after being assaulted and allegedly gang-raped, and handling of the fallout. It has now recommended a CBI investigation. Gautam said similar crimes occurred at four places in Uttar Pradesh and also in other states, including in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, as he claimed that there is a conspiracy to divide the country. This love for Dalits for vote bank is harmful to the country, he said. Next year's assembly elections in states like Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu were also discussed at the meeting, he said, asserting that the BJP will form a government in West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic also came in for praise, he said, adding that the government has worked to minimise the harm caused by the virus. (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.) PHOENIX, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Televerde, the first and only fully integrated sales and marketing technology organization with a proven execution model for generating demand and accelerating sales, announced today that Christopher Daniels has joined the company as Global Head of Sales. In this role, Daniels will lead client retention initiatives and drive new client acquisitions. Daniels also joins the Televerde Extended Leadership Team and reports to Chief Executive Officer Morag Lucey. Daniels is a results-driven sales leader who brings more than 25-years' experience in customer success, growing revenue, and establishing strategic partnerships. As the Global Head of Sales, Daniels is tasked with leading the execution of sales plans and initiatives and implementing innovative sales methodologies to enrich the sales pipeline, retain and grow the company's existing customers, and secure new business. "Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our leadership team and we are looking forward to him taking our sales efforts to new heights," said Morag Lucey, CEO of Televerde. "Chris's unique combination of tech expertise and sales leadership, coupled with his proven ability to accelerate growth and build strong sales teams is bar none. We were looking for a sales leader with wide-ranging talent and capabilities and a background that aligns organically with our purpose-driven culture. There is no one more suited for this role than Chris." Daniels comes to Televerde from CallMiner where he served as Vice President of North America Commercial and Global Inside Sales. Prior to this, Daniels was Executive Vice President of Client Engagement and Marketing at Clickfox (now BryterCX). Daniels was also the Founder and CEO of Elevated, the first ever artificial intelligence-based all-in-one employee engagement, employment branding and job candidate matching platform. Daniels has also held leadership positions at Acertitude, NICE Systems, Nicom Technologies, and Avaya. "Televerde is a natural fit for a sales leader like me who is passionate about innovation and focused on driving new revenue. I've heard time and time again from clients that the Televerde team is best-in-class and the results that we produce for our clients are unlike anything in the industry," said Daniels. "To enter an organization that has such a strong foundation and a willingness to allow me to fine-tune and innovate is an ideal position for me. I'm excited to help our sales organization move forward." The hiring of Daniels comes at a time when Televerde is positioning itself for national and international expansion. The company announced in April that it will open operations inside the Homestead Correctional Institute, part of the Florida Department of Corrections. This will be the eighth prison-run engagement center in the United States. The company also has plans to expand operations in the United Kingdom during the first quarter of 2021 in HMP Styal in Manchester, England, marking its first prison-staffed engagement center abroad. Tweet This We're excited to welcome @CDaniels1103 to @Televerde as Global Head of Sales as we continue towards our mission to maximize value for clients while providing 10K life-changing opportunities to disempowered communities over the next decade. About Televerde Phoenix-based Televerde is the first and only fully integrated sales and marketing technology organization with a proven execution model for generating demand and accelerating sales. The company combines end-to-end sales and marketing solutions to drive engagement, pipeline and revenue for the world's leading B2B companies including SAP, Adobe-Marketo and Pulse Secure. Since the company began in 1995, Televerde has generated more than $10B in revenue for its clients. A purpose-built company, Televerde believes in second chance employment and strives to help disempowered people find their voice and reach their human potential. Seven of Televerde's 10 engagement centers are staffed by incarcerated women, representing 70 percent of the company's 600+ global workforce. The success of this model was documented in a recent study by the Arizona State University Seidman Research Institute. The results reveal that participants of Televerde's program go on to attain employment, earnings, and education at higher rates and reoffend at significantly lower rates than other formerly incarcerated females in the United States. The full study can be accessed here . For more information on Televerde, visit http://www.televerde.com or call 888-925-7526. Televerde is a registered trademark of Televerde, Inc. All other trademarks belong to their respective companies. Media Contact: Kellie Walenciak for Televerde +1 908 377 9969 [email protected] SOURCE Televerde Joey King 'cannot wait' for audiences to see The Kissing Booth 3. The 21-year-old actress is reprising her role as Elle Evans in the latest installment of the teen romantic comedy series and is keen for fans to see how she deals with the conclusion of the second film. 'It was so much fun to film, and I love getting to see things that were a great time in the moment pay off on camera, and for it to feel as much fun to watch,' she told Digital Spy. In the film she has to star as the love interest to her real life ex-boyfriend Jacob Elordi, who now dates 19-year-old Kaia Gerber. Check us out: Joey King 'cannot wait' for audiences to see The Kissing Booth 3, which she made with her ex-boyfriend Jacob Elordi Fun times ahead: 'It was so much fun to film, and I love getting to see things that were a great time in the moment pay off on camera, and for it to feel as much fun to watch,' she told Digital Spy Joey started dating 23-year-old Jacob in 2017 when she played Elle and he played Noah in the 2018 film The Kissing Booth. They split in 2018 but then had to make The Kissing Booth 2 and 3 in 2019. Earlier this year she told Howard Stern that she does not regret the relationship. 'I think its a good thing we dated in the first place,' King said. 'I learned the most Ive ever learned in my life from him.' She also said she put her emotions on hold for the franchise: 'Elle Evans needs her Noah Flynn, and whatever that means for my personal life, Ill do anything to make sure the story of my character who I care about so much is complete.' Was it love? Joey started dating 23-year-old Jacob in 2017 when she played Elle and he played Noah in the 2018 film The Kissing Booth. Seen in August 2018 She can't get rid of the guy! They split in 2018 but then had to make The Kissing Booth 2 and 3 in 2019 (seen in KB2) This week King told Digital Spy: 'I want to share literally everything with you, but I can't share too much! In Kissing Booth 2 she is forced to choose whether to go to university with love interest Noah or his brother and her best friend Lee. Kissing Booth 3 will pick up where that film left off. 'The Kissing Booth 3 is ... I mean, listen, we meet Elle with quite the dilemma at the end of The Kissing Booth 2,' said Joey. Answers ahead: In Kissing Booth 2 she is forced to choose whether to go to university with love interest Noah or his brother and her best friend Lee. Kissing Booth 3 will pick up where that film left off. 'The Kissing Booth 3 is ... I mean, listen, we meet Elle with quite the dilemma at the end of The Kissing Booth 2,' said Joey, seen in September 'With The Kissing Booth 3, we pick back up with that dilemma, and it presents some pretty serious challenges throughout the third movie. 'All the while, though, even though Elle is going through some very tough decisions, we are going to have even more fun with these characters than we did in the second one. 'I cannot wait. It was so much fun to film, and I love getting to see things that were a great time in the moment pay off on camera, and for it to feel as much fun to watch.' He has moved on: Elordi now dates 19-year-old Kaia Gerber; seen in September in NYC Her career is big: The model walks the runway during the Max Mara fashion show as part of Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020-2021 in Milan Joey also revealed that she's 'obsessed' with the dedicated fanbase of the Netflix film series. She told Digital Spy: 'I'm obsessed with (the fans). They're my favorite people in the world. 'What I love so much about the Kissing Booth fanbase is that a lot of them are newcomers to me, and a lot of them are people that have been following me from my Ramona And Beezus time, or even the Conjuring times, or anything like that. 'I felt such immense support, because I knew that not only were they just huge fans of the franchise and they wanted to see all things Kissing Booth, obviously, but I felt so supported and loved on a personal level because they were excited to see what else I had to do.' Mother of Iranian Astronomy: In Commemoration of Alenoush Terian 07/22/20 Source: Tehran Times TEHRAN - The 100th birth anniversary of the late professor Alenoush Terian, the mother of Iranian astronomy, will be celebrated on October 29. Concurrent with World Science Day for Peace and Development, the ceremony will take place in Tehran. Setting up the first solar physics observatory, launching the first solar telescope, Offering solar physics and astrophysics courses for the first time in the country, and dedicating her house to students are some of the most notable contributions of Terian to the growth of astronomy in Iran. The late Alenoush Terian at her 90th birth anniversary Photos: Mother of Iranian astronomy honored Iranian female astronomer Alenush Terian attends a ceremony held at the Ararat Club in Tehran on November 9, 2010, to celebrate her 90th birthday. She died on March 6, 2011. According to the Iranian Physics Association, the book "New Iranian Theater and the Terian Family" will be unveiled at the ceremony. Born in a Christian family in 1920 in Tehran, Terian graduated from the University of Tehran in 1947. She began her career in the physics laboratories at the same university and was elected chief of laboratory operations in the same year. She graduated in 1956 in atmospheric physics from Sorbonne University. She returned to Iran where she became an assistant professor in thermodynamics physics at the University of Tehran. She studied at the solar physics observatory for 4 months through a scholarship from the German government and finally became the first female professor of physics in Iran in 1964. Alenoush Terian In 1966, she became a member of the geophysics committee of the University Tehran. In 1969, she was finally elected as the chief of the solar physics studies at the university. She began working in the solar observatory of which she was one of the founders. Terian retired in 1979. In 2003, a film was made about her life entitled "Towards the Sun", in which the life of this first lady professor of stellar physics at the University of Tehran is portrayed. She died on March 6, 2011, and her body was then laid to rest at the cemetery for Iranian Christians in Tehran. HC Gupta's conviction in coal scam: Court to pronounce quantum of sentence on Dec 5 Former union minister, Dilip Ray convicted in coal scam case India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Oct 06: Former union minister, Dilip Ray has been convicted by a Delhi court in connection with the coal scam case. He was put on trial in 2017 in the coal scam case pertaining to alleged irregularities in the allocation of a Jharkhand coal block in 1999. Ray was Minister of State for Coal in the the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Banerjee was the then Additional Secretary in MoC and Gautam the Advisor (Projects) there. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News The charges were framed after the accused pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. The case pertains to allocation of Brahmadiha coal block in Giridih in Jharkhand to CTL in 1999. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 10:48 [IST] Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is extending the deadline that expired Monday until 7 p.m. EDT Tuesday. Read more TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis extended the states voter registration deadline Tuesday after he said heavy traffic crashed the states online system and potentially prevented thousands of enrolling to cast ballots in next months presidential election. DeSantis extended the deadline that expired Monday until 7 p.m. Tuesday. In addition to online registration, DeSantis ordered elections, motor vehicle and tax collectors offices to stay open until that hour for anyone who wants to register in person. He also said any forms postmarked by Tuesday will be accepted. Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee, who oversees the voting system, said the online registration system was accessed by an unprecedented 1.1 million requests per hour during the last few hours of Monday. Officials said many of the requests were likely repeated attempts by those who failed to get into the system. Lees office is investigating the overload, which began just before 5 p.m. Monday, seven hours before the deadline. It continued through the night. You can have the best site in the world, but sometimes there are hiccups, DeSantis said during a press conference at The Villages, a large retirement community in central Florida. If 500,000 people descend at the same time, it creates a bottleneck. CEO Matthew Prince of Cloudflare, the internet infrastructure company that protects Floridas elections website, tweeted that he has seen no indication that the system had been hit by a cyberattack. Still, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned elections officials nationwide last week that cyberattacks could disrupt their systems during the run-up to the election. They particularly noted distributed denial-of-service attacks, which inundate a computer system with requests, potentially clogging up servers until the system becomes inaccessible to legitimate users. READ MORE: Trump has put Philly on the front lines of his attack on voting The potential for outside meddling is an especially sensitive issue in Florida, a key battleground state in Novembers election between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden. The state has lingering questions about Russian hacking during the election four years ago. Biden tweeted Tuesday that the Republican governors decision to extend the deadline is a win for our democracy. Whatever caused the disruption, it threw up a roadblock for those trying to register. Sarah Dinkins, a Florida State University student, tried to help her younger sister register Monday night. They began trying about 9 p.m. and by 10:30 p.m. had not been successful. I feel very frustrated, she said. If the voting website doesnt work, fewer people potentially Democratic voters will be able to vote. The outage impacted many Florida felons, who just received the right to vote in a 2018 state referendum that passed overwhelmingly if they have completed probation and dont have any outstanding fines or fees. Murderers and sex offenders are still banned. READ MORE: Conor Lamb knows how to win Trump voters. Now hes trying to do it for Joe Biden. Desmond Meade, executive director of The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, said the group heard from dozens of felons who couldnt access the system. Meade wrote to DeSantis asking for a registration extension. This is not the first major computer shutdown to affect the state government this year. For weeks in the spring, tens of thousands of Floridians who lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic couldnt file for unemployment benefits because of repeated crashes by that overwhelmed computer system, delaying their payments. DeSantis replaced the director overseeing that system but blamed the problems on his predecessor, fellow Republican Rick Scott, who is now a U.S. senator. Democrats jumped on the latest issue, saying it and the unemployment fiasco show that the DeSantis administration is inept and accused it of trying to stop people from voting. The utter incompetence of Gov. Ron DeSantis in allowing the states voter registration website to crash on the very last day to register for the upcoming November election is, sadly, completely believable, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said. His administrative buffoonery in operating the states unemployment system telegraphed todays executive ineptitude. However, this particular blunder intimates a continuing pattern of voter suppression that the governor has become notorious for. A civil rights group had threatened to sue if the governor did not extend the deadline. The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law said the breakdown would unjustly deprive thousands of casting ballots for president and other offices. Kristen Clarke, the groups president, said after DeSantis' announcement that her group will push the state to extend the deadline even further, saying it failed the public when the system crashed. No Floridian should be disenfranchised because of the states ineptitude, she said. ______ Spencer reported from Fort Lauderdale. AP writers Adriana Gomez Licon in Miami, Christina Almeida Cassidy in Atlanta and Frank Bajak in Boston contributed to this report. Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan (Image: Twitter.com/@ichiragpaswan) The year was 2005. The Manmohan Singh-led UPA government was a few months into its term and as he put together his cabinet, Singh chose Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, a close ally of the Congress, as the railways minister, a position that many say was being eyed by Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) founder Ram Vilas Paswan. Paswan pulled out of the alliance with Prasads RJD in Bihar but stayed on with the UPA as the minister of chemicals and fertilisers as well as steel. The pullout was timed with Bihar assembly elections that were held in February of that year, with the LJP fielding 178 candidates. The LJP won 29 seats, RJD 75, JD (U) 55 and BJP 37 in the 243-member assembly. Bihar had voted a fractured House and Presidents Rule followed. In the fresh elections held in October-November 2005, the Janata Dal (United) bagged 88 seats and the BJP 55. Paswans LJP could win only 10 seats of the 203 it contested but it managed to split votes into several other constituencies, ending 15 years of Lalu-Rabri rule in Bihar. The RJD-Congress combined was reduced to 63 seats (54+9). JD (U) chief Nitish Kumar sworn in as the chief minister of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar, with the BJP and LJP as the junior partners. Cut to 2020 and it's 2005 all over again. Paswans son Chirag has pulled the LJP out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as Bihar votes for a new assembly, beginning October 28. The LJP, however, will remain a part of the BJP-led NDA at the Centre. Chirag has said his party will not field candidates against the BJP but has been unrelenting in his attacks against chief minister Kumar and his JD-U. The 37-year-old LJP chief, who also tried his luck in Bollywood, has gone by his fathers playbook but it remains to be seen if he can swing the elections as the senior Paswan did in 2005. A gamble or a calculated risk? In an open letter on October 5, Chirag urged people not to vote for the JD (U), saying the next government would be a BJP-LJP coalition. The winning LJP MLAs would work under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said. The LJP and JDU have many ideological differences The Bihar First Bihari First document has been prepared after suggestions from four lakh people. I am happy that the party has decided to fight the JD(U) based on your suggestions. The decision has been taken not to rule Bihar but to take pride in it, Chirag wrote. Voting has been staggered over three phases and counting will be held on November 10. Leading the NDA charge in the state, Kumar along with the BJP is aiming to retain power. The ruling coalition is being challenged by the Grand Alliance of the Tejashwi Yadav-led RJD, the Congress and other smaller parties. Tejashwi Yadav is the younger son of Lalu Prasad. With the LJP deciding to go solo, political equations are set to change in Bihar. In 2015, the JD (U) won 71 seats but as part of the Grand Alliance, with the RJD and the Congress among its partners. The BJP got 53 and the LJP only two of the 42 it contested, securing a vote share of 4.8 percent. The two parties had to sit in opposition until Kumar broke away from the Grand Alliance to go back to the NDA. The LJP has been at odds with Kumar over several issues, including his recent decision to join hands with former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, who is a rival for Dalit support in the state. Dalits account for 16 percent of Bihars voters. According to sources, the JD (U) and the BJP have arrived at a seat-sharing formula. The JD (U) will contest 122 seats and the BJP 121. Five seats from JD (U)s kitty will go to Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha. The BJP will give some seats to Mukesh Nishad's Vikassheel Insaan Party, sources said. The Grand Alliance will project RJD leader Tejashwi, Kumars former deputy, as the CM face. The RJD is to contest 144 seats, the Congress 70, the Communist Party of India (M-L) 19, CPI six and the CPI-M four seats. Chirag is keeping his options open, analysts say. He is ambitious and also wants to come out of his fathers shadow to emerge as a mass leader, they say. Senior Paswan recently underwent heart surgery and could need another procedure in a few weeks. If LJP performs well in the elections, he might as well bargain with NDA in Bihar or he might go with the maha gatbandhan, the Grand Alliance, NK Choudhary, a political analyst and a former head of the economics department at Patna University told Moneycontrol. The decision would also help LJP expand its footprint in Bihar, he said. You do not always need a majority to become CM. Remember, Madhu Koda who became Jharkhands CM despite being an independent legislator or HD Kumaraswamy in Karnataka and Uddhav Thackeray in Maharashtra, Choudhary said. The assembly elections are a big test for the LJP and he wants to expand the party in Bihar and beyond, Chirag has said. If I had to choose the easier path, I would have joined the gatbandhan but I choose the difficult path to give Bihar its due and bring back the states lost pride, Chirag told news agency ANI. Some analysts, however, take a different view. They think the solo move is aimed at helping BJP emerge as the bigger partner and cut Nitish Kumar to size. The LJP did it to Lalu Prasad in 2005. What if the BJP emerges as the single-largest party. That way JD(U) and Nitish Kumar can be managed, said a BJP party leader who did not want to be named. Founded by Ram Vilas Paswan in 2000 after a split with the Janata Dal on the issue of joining the NDA, the LJP could never win enough seats to rule on its own in Bihar. But, it has tasted power and made its presence felt by stitching as well as undoing alliances. As the party undergoes a generational shift, November 10 will tell us if Chirag will light up Bihars political scene. Project should increase the Companys reduction of CO 2 e to more than 1 million metric tons each year. SUGAR LAND, Texas, Oct. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CVR Partners, LP (CVR Partners) (NYSE: UAN), a manufacturer of ammonia and urea ammonium nitrate solution fertilizer products, today announced that its subsidiary, Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizers, LLC (CRNF), has generated its first carbon offset credits related to the Companys voluntary nitrous oxide (N 2 O) abatement efforts at its Coffeyville, Kansas, nitrogen fertilizer plant. CVR Partners has utilized similar technology to abate N 2 O at its East Dubuque, Illinois, nitrogen fertilizer plant since 2011. CRNF previously entered into a Joint Development Agreement with ClimeCo, a pioneer in the development of emission-reduction projects for nitric acid plants, to jointly design, install and operate a tertiary abatement system at one of its nitric acid plants in Coffeyville. The system was designed to abate 94 percent of all N 2 O in the unit while preventing the release of approximately 450,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) on an annualized basis. CVR Partners N 2 O abatement systems at its East Dubuque facilitys two nitric acid plants have abated, on average, the annual release of approximately 233,000 metric tons of CO 2 e during the past five years. With the Coffeyville system now operating at design capacity, CVR Partners two fertilizer facilities should abate more than 1 million metric tons of CO 2 e each year, in combination with the Coffeyville facilitys carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) sequestration efforts. As a leader in the production of environmentally friendly green nitrogen fertilizer, CVR Partners is proud to have generated its first carbon offset credits as a result of our voluntary nitrous oxide abatement project in Coffeyville, Kansas, said Mark Pytosh, Chief Executive Officer of CVR Partners general partner. Coupled with our Coffeyville CO 2 sequestration efforts, this facility is uniquely qualified to produce hydrogen and ammonia that is certified blue to a market that is increasingly demanding reduced carbon footprints. These efforts support our core Values of Environment and Continuous Improvement, and our goal of continuing to produce nitrogen fertilizers that feed the worlds growing population in the most environmentally responsible way possible. CVR Partners N 2 O abatement project is registered with the Climate Action Reserve (the Reserve), a carbon offset registry for the North American market. The Reserve employs high-quality standards and an independent third-party verification process to issue its carbon credits, known as Climate Reserve Tonnes. About CVR Partners, LP Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, CVR Partners, LP is a Delaware limited partnership focused on the production, marketing and distribution of nitrogen fertilizer products. It primarily produces urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) and ammonia, which are predominantly used by farmers to improve the yield and quality of their crops. CVR Partners Coffeyville, Kansas, nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing facility includes a 1,300 ton-per-day ammonia unit, a 3,000 ton-per-day UAN unit and a dual-train gasifier complex having a capacity of 89 million standard cubic feet per day of hydrogen. CVR Partners East Dubuque, Illinois, nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing facility includes a 1,075 ton-per-day ammonia unit and a 1,100 ton-per-day UAN unit. About ClimeCo ClimeCo is an Inc. 5000 company that is a respected advisor, transaction facilitator and trader of environmental commodity market products. Specialized expertise in regulated carbon, regional criteria pollutant trading programs, voluntary markets, and project development and financing of GHG abatement and mitigation systems complement ClimeCos diverse portfolio. For more information or to discuss how ClimeCo can drive value for your organization, contact them at (484) 415-0501, info@climeco.com or through their website at www.climeco.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. Statements concerning current estimates, expectations and projections about future results, performance, prospects, opportunities, plans, actions and events and other statements, concerns or matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, as defined under federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future: abatement of N2O at Coffeyville and East Dubuque and credits relating thereto, operation of tertiary abatement systems including performance thereof, CO2 sequestration, production of blue hydrogen and ammonia and certification thereof, market demand, environmental impact of CVR Partners activities, registration with the Reserve including standards and verification thereof, and other factors. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by our use of forward-looking terminology such as outlook, anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, might, plan, potential, predict, seek, should, or will, or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond CVR Partners control. Investors are cautioned that various factors may affect these forward-looking statements. For additional discussion of risk factors which may affect CVR Partners results, please see the risk factors and other disclosures included in CVR Partners most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its other SEC filings. These risks may cause CVR Partners actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made only as of the date hereof. CVR Partners disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. For further information, please contact: Investor Relations: Richard Roberts CVR Partners, LP (281) 207-3205 InvestorRelations@CVRPartners.com Media Relations: Brandee Stephens CVR Partners, LP (281) 207-3516 MediaRelations@CVRPartners.com Ireland must act now to prevent a damaging return to lockdown, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said on Monday after rejecting a surprise recommendation by his health chiefs to shut down the economy immediately and opting instead to tighten COVID-19 restrictions. The National Public Health Emergency Team called late on Sunday for a leap to the highest level of coronavirus curbs, Level 5, having told the government as recently as Thursday the current Level 2 status for most of the country was appropriate. Ministers faced sharp political and business resistance to what would have amounted to Europe's first major second-wave national lockdown and chose to move the whole country to Level 3, going against their health chiefs' advice for the first time. "What happens next is in our own hands," Martin said in a televised address, saying some businesses may not be able to recover from a disproportionate reimposition of more severe restrictions. "It's about protecting lives and livelihoods. ... If we all act now, we can stop the need to introduce Level 4 and 5 restrictions." Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, Ireland's leader during the first lockdown, went further and said the advice was not thought through, would have amounted to an "experiment" not tried elsewhere in Europe and that the body in charge of Ireland's hospitals disagreed with the health chiefs' capacity concerns. "Three very good reasons to say not yet," Varadkar told RTE. Under Level 5, people would have been asked to stay at home, except to exercise within 5 km (3 miles), with only essential retailers allowed to stay open - broadly similar to the initial seven-week lockdown that was among the longest imposed in Europe. All indoor restaurant dining is banned under Level 3, which has applied in the capital, Dublin, and the northwest county of Donegal for the past two weeks. Pubs can serve a limited number of customers outdoors with the exception of Dublin, where bars that only serve drinks have yet to be allowed to reopen. Those tighter local restrictions have kept the unemployment rate just below 15%. While Ireland reported the highest number of daily cases since late April on Saturday and a similar number on Monday, its 14-day cumulative case total of 104 per 100,000 people is only the 14th highest infection rate among 31 European countries monitored by the European Centre for Disease Control. But a health official who advised a lockdown said that with one of the lowest intensive-care unit (ICU) capacities among the advanced economies of the OECD, Ireland may run out of ICU beds in a month on the current trajectory. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie President Donald Trump's hospitalization for an apparently serious case of the coronavirus has sparked discussion of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, which clarified the rules of presidential succession. While some members of Congress began calling for changes following President Eisenhower's 1955 heart attack, it was the confusion and chaos surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, that inspired passage of the amendment in 1967. Before 1963, seven presidents had died in office, leaving the vice president to assume the powers of office. The pattern was set in 1841, when Vice President John Tyler filled the vacancy created by the death of President William Henry Harrison. Harrison had contracted pneumonia after just a few weeks in office and died on April 4. Tyler insisted that he take over both the title and the powers of the presidency, but many observers believed he should simply serve as "acting president," with limited authority. After spirited debate, Congress sided with Tyler, thus establishing the "Tyler precedent" in which a successor would inherit full presidential power. Less than a decade later, the nation lost another commander in chief Zachary Taylor, who became ill after eating milk and cherries at a celebration on July 4, 1850, and died after five days. After the death of Taylor, assassins felled three presidents between 1865 and 1901, starting when John Wilkes Booth dashed into Abraham Lincoln's box at the Ford Theater on the evening of April 14, 1865. Lincoln died of a head wound the next morning. In 1881, President James Garfield lingered for two and a half months after being shot before finally dying of blood poisoning. Similarly, William McKinley did not die for five days after Leon Czolgosz shot him in 1901. After McKinley, the next two presidents to die in office passed from natural causes. Warren G. Harding had been sick for a week before a heart attack ended his life on August 2, 1923. When Franklin D. Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, it had already been whispered in the White House that he would not survive a fourth term, so his death, while abrupt, was not unexpected. In all seven cases, whether death resulted from natural causes or from an assassin's bullet, the vice president had a chance, however brief, to ponder the moment, consulting with friends and colleagues. "I walked the floor all night long feeling a responsibility greater than I had ever felt before," Andrew Johnson wrote a friend after learning that Lincoln had been shot. However, things were quite different for Lyndon B. Johnson as the traumatic events unfolded on that tragic afternoon in Dallas. Never before had the transition of power been so sudden. With little constitutional guidance or precedent, and hindered by intense confusion at Parkland Hospital, and the grief of Kennedy's close advisers and friends, the nation was without a functioning head of state for nearly 45 minutes after Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy, leaving the president brain-dead. During this time, Johnson remained in the emergency room, isolated from the levers of power, having no contact with advisers in Washington or members of the Kennedy Cabinet many of whom were aboard a plane flying to Japan. Johnson's path to the presidency was clear if Kennedy died, but the Constitution was silent on the question of presidential disability. What if doctors managed to keep Kennedy's heart beating? The rules were so confusing that following President Woodrow Wilson's stroke in 1919, his wife Edith, and not the vice president, ran the country for the remaining 19 months of Wilson's term. Some semblance of a precedent had been established in 1957, after Eisenhower suffered a mild stroke. He and Vice President Richard M. Nixon agreed that the president would, if possible, inform the vice president of his disability, and the vice president "would serve as Acting President, exercising the powers and duties of the office until the inability had ended." If such communication were impossible, "the Vice President, after such consultation as seems to him appropriate under the circumstances," would make the decision and "serve as Acting President until the inability had ended." In either case, the president "would determine" when he was able to "resume the full exercise of the powers and duties of the Office." Kennedy and Johnson had assented in a memorandum of understanding to continue this practice. This document also established specific criteria about whom the vice president must consult before assuming the powers of the presidency the Cabinet, and crucially from Johnson's perspective, the attorney general Kennedy's brother Robert who would provide legal advice that the circumstances justified a transfer of power. This clause weighed heavily on Johnson. Given the animosity between him and Attorney General Kennedy, it must have crossed Johnson's mind that the president's brother might try to block his ascension, or at the very least conspire to limit his powers by attempting to disguise the seriousness of the president's injuries. Would Robert Kennedy assume the role of Edith Wilson, acting as de facto president while her stricken husband lay in seclusion? For that reason, Johnson refused to leave Parkland Hospital until he received definitive word from the Secret Service and Kennedy's de facto chief of staff that the president had died. Once Johnson finally left the hospital and boarded Air Force One, he was confronted with a second question. Article II of the Constitution stipulated that before the president "enter on the execution of his Office," he needed to take an "oath or affirmation." But Johnson did not know whether taking the oath was a ceremonial act, designed to convey a sense of unity and symbolize the power of the presidency, or a constitutionally mandated requirement. Even constitutional scholars were divided. Some argued that Johnson was president in title only until he took the oath. He could not initiate any action or sign any laws unless he did so. Others argued that it was unnecessary: He took an identical oath when he became vice president. There was no need to repeat it now. Johnson may have believed that he automatically became president as soon as Kennedy was declared dead, but he did not want any lingering ambiguity or uncertainty about his presidential powers during the three-hour flight back to Washington. He knew that every vice president had taken the oath, usually within hours of the death of the president. Johnson had been a congressman when Roosevelt died suddenly in 1945. He remembered Truman rushing to the White House, where he took the oath of office two hours and 34 minutes after Roosevelt's death. With these facts in mind, Johnson requested that Air Force One wait in sweltering Dallas heat for a federal judge to board the plane and administer the oath, a decision that infuriated Kennedy's loyal aides who already had deep skepticism toward Johnson. But even the Kennedy aides weren't certain. Top aide Kenneth O'Donnell believed the oath was unnecessary and that Johnson was being insensitive to a grief-stricken Jacqueline Kennedy's wishes to depart. "He is the president of the United States the minute they say, 'You're dead,' with all the powers of the presidency," he reflected. Back in Washington, however, the attorney general told friends that he opposed Johnson taking the oath in Dallas because he wanted his brother to return to Washington "one last time" as president. And this wasn't some procedural nicety at the height of the Cold War. Undersecretary of state George Ball recalled everyone in Washington was asking the same question: "Was it a plot? The beginning of a Soviet move? The first step in a coup attempt?" The United States needed a chief executive to reassure the nation, comfort allies and deter adversaries. That pushed Congress into action, hoping to avoid a repeat of the guesswork that had occurred in Dallas by passing the 25th amendment. The legislation, submitted in January 1965, sailed through Congress and was sent to the states for ratification in July of that year. The new amendment established clear procedures in the event the president becomes incapacitated or dies in office. The presidential disability provision of the amendment has been used only three times, and always when the president has undergone minor medical procedures that required anesthesia. Those who crafted the amendment never anticipated having to deal with a president like Trump, or with a disease about which we know so little. Successful use of the amendment requires transparency and truthfulness and open sharing of information about the president's health and state of mind. Conflicting accounts about Trump's health have only served to create confusion and uncertainty the very things that the amendment was designed to prevent. - - - Washington Post Gillon is a senior faculty fellow at the Miller Center at the University of Virginia and scholar-in-residence at HISTORY. He teaches history at the University of Oklahoma and is author of "America's Reluctant Prince: The Life of John F. Kennedy, Jr." July's Home Prices Increase by 5.5%, Breaking a Two-Year Record Entry-level priced homes, which continue to be in short supply, are, helping to drive strong price gains. CoreLogic says home prices nationwide, including distressed sales, increased year over year by 5.5 percent in July 2020 and were up 1.2 percent compared to the previous month. The annual increase was the fastest in nearly two years. The company said the "one-two punch of strong purchase demand - bolstered by falling mortgage rates, which dipped below 3 percent for the first time ever in July - and further constriction of for-sale inventory has driven upward pressure on home price appreciation." Dr. Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic's chief economist said, "Lower-priced homes are sought after and have had faster annual price growth than luxury homes. First-time buyers and investors are actively seeking lower-priced homes, and that segment of the housing market is in particularly short supply." CoreLogic Home Price Increase (HPI) Forecast is for home prices to increase from July 2020 to August 2020 by 0.1 percent and by 0.6 percent from July 2020 to the same month in 2021. The HPI report says growth will slow over the next year, reflecting the anticipated elevated unemployment rates during the next year. "This could lead to an increase of distressed-sale inventory as continued financial pressures leave some homeowners unable to make mortgage payments, especially as forbearance periods come to a close." "On an aggregated level, the housing economy remains rock solid despite the shock and awe of the pandemic," according to Frank Martel, CoreLogic president and CEO. "A long period of record-low mortgage rates has opened the flood gates for a refinancing boom that is likely to last for several years. In addition, after a momentary COVID-19-induced blip, purchase demand has picked up, driven by low rates and enthusiastic millennial and investor buyers. Spurred on by strong demand and record-low mortgage rates, we expect to see more home building in 2021 and beyond, which should help support a healthy housing market for years to come." Home prices were up year-over-year in every state. The greatest increases were in Idaho (9.8 percent), Maine (9.1 percent), and Arizona (9 percent). CoreLogic says even as the national rate of price increases accelerates, local markets continue to fluctuate. Homebuying activity is becoming more pronounced in traditionally affordable suburban and rural areas that allow for more space as schools and work remain online. The company points to Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island where prices grew 4.3 percent in July, as residents migrate away from more densely populated areas like the New York-Jersey City-White Plains metro, which recorded only a 0.4 percent increase. The HPI Forecast is for the disparity across metro areas to continue. In markets like Las Vegas, where the local tourism economy and job market continue to struggle from the effects of the pandemic, home prices are expected to decline 7.8 percent by July 2021 while the tight inventory in San Diego is predicted to drive prices up 5.8 percent. The CoreLogic Market Risk Indicator (MRI), a monthly update of the overall health of housing markets across the country, predicts that metro areas with an elevated resurgence of COVID-19 cases - like Prescott, Arizona and Miami, Florida - are at the greatest risk (above 70 percent) of a decline in home prices over the next 12 months. Other metro areas with a high risk of price declines include Lake Charles, Louisiana; Huntington, West Virginia; and Las Vegas. With the iPhone 12 launch due later this month, now is the perfect time for you to trade-in your existing iPhone or Android device to get the most value from it. This will help you in getting the most value from your existing iPhone and ensure that you dont end up burning a big hole in your pocket while upgrading to iPhone 12. Once the iPhone 12 is announced, expect prices for existing iPhones to crash by a fair bit. So the smart thing to do is that you sell or trade-in your iPhone before the event itself. However, this will only work if you have access to a spare phone. If not, your only option is to wait until the iPhone 12 is out so that you can then trade-in your existing iPhone against it. How to Prepare Your iPhone for Trade-In 1. Prepare for handover Before trading-in your iPhones you need to follow a few steps and ensure that all personal data is transferred. It is worth noting that customers prefer unlocked iPhones, so it might be wise to unlock your phone so that it is not locked to a single carrier. Most of the carriers will unlock your iPhone for free, however, some might charge a nominal fee, either ways its worth it. Before unlocking please make sure that the contract with your telecom carrier is over. You can find a list of the carriers that allow iPhone unlocking here. 2. Backup and Erase All Your Data Before you sell or trade-in your iPhone, you should back up all your data and then erase it. The backup will let you restore the entire phone along with settings on the new iPhone. In other words, you will be able to access data, contacts, photos, and other data on your new iPhone. If you have a paid iCloud account then it is advisable to backup your iPhone on iCloud. However, you can also use iTunes offline method and back up your iPhone data. Read: How to Backup Your iPhone and iPad with and without iTunes 3. Unpair Apple Watch If you have paired an Apple Watch with your iPhone, make sure to unpair it first. 4. Deactivate Find My iPhone and Factory Reset Your iPhone It is important to deactivate Find my iPhone so that the next buyer will be able to use your iPhone without any hassles. Stores that offer trade-in often mandate deactivating your iPhone and check for the same, however, if you are selling it to a private buyer then the chances are you might forget to do so. Read: How to Turn Off Find My iPhone After deactivating Find my iPhone you need to erase the device. This is one of the most important steps especially since your iPhone has years of private and personal data stored. We have already detailed How to erase your iPhones Data before selling it. Read: How To Erase Your iPhones Data Before You Sell It Switching to an Android Device? Are you considering switching from Apple to Android devices? If this is the case then make sure you turn off iMessage. The messaging platform is unique to Apple devices and cannot be used on Android. Here is how you can Deregister Your Number from iMessage even after selling. Best Places to Sell or Trade-in Your Old iPhone If you want the best value for your iPhone, your best option is to sell it to a friend, family, or use one of the classifieds websites. However, this is a time-consuming process and there is also a certain degree of risk involved here as classifieds sites are filled with scamsters. Cellphone resellers and stores are also an option, though again, they will not give you the best deal. Depending on your preference then, you can go with one of the many options listed below to trade-in your old iPhone. 1. Trade-In Websites Trade-in websites are a good alternative to direct selling. You may not get the highest price for your old iPhone compared to classified sites like Craiglist, but you dont need to worry about searching for the buyer, dealing with them, and ensuring that they dont scam you. They save you time and hassle. SellCell is one of the best places to sell or trade-in your old iPhone to get the best price as it compares the trade-in price across 30+ of the biggest buyback companies in the US including Gazelle, Decluttr, ItsWorthMore, BuyBackWorld & more. Take a look at the image below which shows just how much you can get from SellCell for trading in your existing iPhone. For iPhone 11 Pro Max, you can get as much as $821 which means you will only have to spend around $300-$400 to upgrade to the iPhone 12 Pro. 2. Carrier Stores Take your used iPhone to the Carrier store and trade it for a new iPhone. The store will automatically discount the price and help you save a couple of hundred dollars on the new iPhone. 3. Classifieds As we said earlier, your iPhone is almost certain to fetch a higher price when sold privately. If you are ready to take the risk and have the time to deal with low ballers then perhaps this is a good option. You can use Uncle Henrys in Maine for classifieds. However, keep your eyes open for scamsters. And as a thumb rule never ever meet your seller in a secluded place and it is always better to inform or ask your friend to accompany you. Furthermore, you can also try sites like eBay, they offer a lot of conveniences but charge you with service fees. 4. Amazon Every one of us has used Amazon in the past, but not many know that you can trade-in your iPhones. Amazon offers a decent trade-in program and a price-lock for 28-day. The best part is that you can ship off your iPhone to Amazon only after you get hold of the new iPhone. Amazons trade-in value greatly depends on the condition of your device. Scratches and phones that are not kept well will command a much lesser price. 5. Family and Friends Another great way of selling off your iPhone is to hand it over to family and friends. This way you will know that your device is in good hands and the chances of being scammed are very low. On the other hand, the buyer will be assured that the iPhone is not stolen or fake. 6. Apple Trade-In Apple has its own trade-in program where you can trade-in your iPhone, iPad, or just about any other Apple device and get an Apple Gift card that you can then use to buy anything from Apple be it a product or service. In case you do not have a spare phone, you have the option of trading in your existing iPhone or Android device while buying the iPhone 12 from Apples online store. Apple will then ship the new device to you and pick up your old iPhone after that. Post its inspection, the company will then credit the payment method or issue a gift card depending on your preference. Apples trade-in page currently states that you can get up to $450 for trading in an iPhone XS Max while an older device like the iPhone 8 or iPhone 7 will get you $170 or $110, respectively. The trade-in prices are lower than what you will get if you sell the device to your friends or use any classifieds website. 7. iPhone Upgrade Program The Upgrade Program is best if you want to upgrade to new iPhones every year. In this program, you buy an iPhone from Apple with a 2-year contract. As part of the contract, you are required to pay monthly installments. After the end of the 12-month period, you can trade-in your existing iPhone for a new device. The iPhone Upgrade Program is better than other trade-in methods as you will get free AppleCare+ coverage on devices. Additionally, you will only need to send your existing iPhone to Apple once you get the iPhone 12 in your hand which makes the entire process relatively hassle-free. Read: iPhone Upgrade Program FAQ Do drop a comment and let us know how you ended up selling your iPhone and for how much. It might just help our readers! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links so we may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for your support Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2020) - Golden Independence (CSE: IGLD) (FSE: 6NN) (the "Company") announces plans for a Q4 2020 exploration program at its Independence Gold project in Battle Mountain, Nevada (the "Independence Property"). The Company has secured the drilling contractor with a deposit and is securing additional support contractors. In addition, COVID19 protocols are being established and implemented. The Phase 1 program, fully permitted for over 160 drill holes from over 80 sites, is expected to commence later this month. The initial program is currently budgeted for over 12,000 feet of diamond and reverse circulation drilling, along with concurrent resource modelling and permitting for an open-pit heap-leach production scenario. The drill program will focus on confirming the historic resource estimate to current and expand the areas of known mineralization which will culminate in a resource estimate anticipated in early 2021. Tim Henneberry, CEO & Director, stated, "We are excited to have secured a drilling contract so quickly for the project given the high-demand for gold exploration at present. The data we aim to gather from the 12,000 feet of drilling, in in combination with the sixty-two holes drilled subsequent to the 2010 historic resource estimate, should allow us to advance the resource estimate significantly. Given the strategic location of our Independence Property, within ~3,000 feet from Nevada Gold Mines' Phoenix-Fortitude operation, we remain highly encouraged about the prospectivity of the project and the potential for further discoveries." About Independence The Independence property consists of 14 unpatented lode claims along with mill site mining claims totalling 960 acres and is located 0.5 miles (800 metres) southwest of the Nevada Gold Mines (Newmont/Barrick) Phoenix gold mine within Nevada Gold Mines' Phoenix mine plan of operation boundary. Golden Independence has the option to acquire up to a 75% interest in the property, through a series of cash payments and work programs. Highlights include: Significantly advanced project with over $25 million in past exploration, including the drilling of over 200 holes, metallurgical test work and site development; Host to a 2010 historical estimate (see 2020-Aug-28 News Release). Fully permitted for the drilling of over 160 holes on 80 drill sites for resource expansion and development drilling. About Golden Independence Mining Corp. Golden Independence Mining Corp. is an exploration company currently focused on exploring the advanced-stage Independence Gold Property located in the Battle Mountain-Cortez Trend, Nevada and the Champ precious metal property near Castlegar, British Columbia. The Independence Gold Property benefits from over US$25 million in past exploration, including over 200 holes drilled, and is located adjacent to Nevada Gold Mines' Phoenix-Fortitude mining operations in the Battle Mountain-Cortez trend of Nevada. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: R. Tim Henneberry, Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 1.250.715.5329 Email: t.henneberry@goldenindependence.co 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 plans and results of exploration and the magnitude and quality of the Independence Property, the Company's near term exploration plans and the preparation of an updated mineral resource statement for the Independence Property. 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 and the risk that such results cause the Company to elect to terminate the Option Agreement; (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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/65237 (Natural News) One of the many interesting stories that has gotten lost in the shuffle over the controversy over the horrible Trump-Biden debate and the presidents recent Covid-19 diagnosis is the recent allegation by The Federalists Sean Davis that CIA director Gina Haspel has been personally blocking the declassification of incriminating documents pertaining to the origins of the Trump-Russia collusion conspiracy theory known as Russiagate. (Article republished from CaitlinJohnstone.com) Davis claim may be true or false, but its worth earmarking for later reference given that we already know that longtime CIA insider Haspel has been actively persuading the US president to roll out cold war escalations against Russia, and given that we know the only real changes of consequence that have come about as a result of Russiagate are changes which advanced the longstanding agendas of the same intelligence agencies who started it. The mainstream Democratic partisan narrative has been that investigations into possible collusion between the Trump camp and Moscow were designed to ascertain whether the US government had been co-opted at its highest levels by a hostile foreign power, with countless human clickbait pundits claiming earlier in Trumps term that these investigations would result in Trump being dragged out of the White House in chains. The mainstream Republican partisan narrative has been that the president was the target of a soft coup attempt by the deep state using false allegations of Russian collusion in an attempt to remove him from office for standing up to the deep state. Like most partisan narratives, these are both false. It is correct that the conspiratorial allegations of Vladimir Putin secretly controlling the executive branch of the US government were bogus. It is also correct that Russiagate was a psyop advanced by forces in the US intelligence cartel who are sometimes collectively referred to as a part of the deep state, though that term has become largely meaningless in recent years due to Trumpists twisting its meaning into Democrats and anyone who doesnt like Trump. But both Republicans and Democrats are mistaken in believing that Russiagate had anything to do with removing Trump from office. Russiagate was never a deep state operation targeting Trump; Russiagate has always been a deep state operation targeting Russia. You may be sure this is true because while Russiagate has not had any significant negative effect on Trump, it has greased the wheels for the escalation of many new cold war aggressions against Russia. Russiagate wasn't an operation by the deep state against Trump, it was an operation by the deep state against Russia. That's why it resulted in no negative outcomes for Trump, but did facilitate mountains of cold war escalations against Russia.https://t.co/nxX7gHC14m Caitlin Johnstone (@caitoz) October 4, 2020 Anyone who was informed and unbiased knew that the Mueller investigation would never touch Trump (even as a newbie at the time I correctly called it back in 2017), and anyone who was capable of counting Senate seats knew impeachment would result in acquittal. As far as Trumps presidential career is concerned all Russiagate ever accomplished was galvanizing his Republican base around the completely false notion that he is fighting the establishment. But what has Russiagate accomplished in relation to Russia? The political pressure it placed on Trump to act tough on Moscow and the Democratic Partys baseless insistence that this administration is controlled by Putin have ensured that there is nothing but acceleration for a world-threatening new cold war which has seen nuclear treaties abandoned, a much more aggressive nuclear posture against Russia, weapons sent to Ukraine, many sanctions on Russia, airstrikes on Russias ally Syria, sanctions on Russias ally Venezuela, the Iran deal shredded against urging from Moscow, NATO expansionism and increased military activity at Russias borders. These aggressions were all planned years in advance. Obama initiated them, the frighteningly anti-Russia hawk Hillary Clinton was scheduled to continue and expand them, and then when that fell through the Russiagate contingency was rolled out to ensure the US intelligence cartel would get its long-sought campaign to shove Russia off the world stage and thereby hamstring its ally China. A dodgy intelligence assessment on 2016 Russian election meddling by a few operatives who were hand-selected by notorious Russophobe and known perjurer James Clapper combined with a steady stream of bogus leaks like the notoriously false Steele dossier to form the foundation of Russiagate, and it all came from the same spy agencies whose agendas benefitted from Russiagate. #Durham BREAKING: The primary sub-source for the Steele dossier was deemed a possible national security threat + the subject of 2009 FBI counter-intel probe. According to new records, those facts were known to Crossfire Hurricane team in December 2016. @LindseyGrahamSC pic.twitter.com/I6Gp4fv98C Catherine Herridge (@CBS_Herridge) September 24, 2020 Why were FBI agents talking about people "scrambling for info to support certain things" at a time US intelligence officers were putting together their report on Russian election interference? Pretty sure conclusions are supposed to come after investigations. https://t.co/OUQ5Z9pYg6 Caitlin Johnstone (@caitoz) September 24, 2020 The question Who benefits from this? is essential for understanding the world, and if you ask it of Russiagate there is one power structure which stands head and shoulders above everyone else. Yes, the mass media got a major ratings bump from Russiagate, which is why they played along with it. Yes, the Democratic Party got to neuter the progressive movement and distract from its 2016 scandals, which is why they played along with it. But in terms of actual changes that were implemented as a direct result of Russiagate, the ones who gained the most were the US intelligence collective whose pre-existing agendas were advanced by it. Not only were pre-existing agendas against Russia facilitated by Russiagate, but pre-existing agendas against the American left were facilitated as well. The burgeoning swell of progressive populism galvanized by the 2016 Sanders campaign would have made a lot of warmongers nervous, and the opaque government agencies which consistently ally themselves with status quo-loyal plutocrats have a vested interest in protecting the class with which they are allied. The fact that all oxygen was sucked from the progressive movement into baseless Russia conspiracy theories served the same intelligence cartel which initiated Russiagate. In January of last year a former Assistant Director for the FBI (the same FBI which wordlessly allowed the bogus Steele dossier to circulate despite knowing its intelligence had been compromised) admitted that his work with the FBI had included actively sabotaging leftist politicians in the United States to keep them out of government. This officers entire FBI career took place after J Edgar Hoovers death and after COINTELPRO had officially been ended. Uhhhhhhh.Fmr FBI Assistant Director just said "When I first got into the FBI one of the missions of the FBI in its counterintelligence efforts was to try to keep" progressives out of government pic.twitter.com/l1KqQMO914 Andrew Lawrence (@ndrew_lawrence) January 19, 2019 So thats two longstanding agendas of US spy agencies that were advanced by Russiagate, a psychological operation which was launched by those same agencies. And thats all you really need to know about Russiagate: that it was started by the same spy agencies which directly benefited from it. Unless you were born yesterday, this will tell you that weve been conned. And now were being told that the CIA director is forcefully obstructing transparency into the creation of that operation, even as the same Office of the Director of National Intelligence that James Clapper headed is promoting the narrative that Iran and China are seeking to influence the US election for Biden while Russia is seeking to influence it for Trump. US Intelligence: If Trump Wins Russia Did It, If Biden Wins It Was China And Iran "Lastly, the dumbest thing about believing foreign nations are interfering in American democracy is believing America has any democracy to interfere with."https://t.co/1BatXPtUut Caitlin Johnstone (@caitoz) August 8, 2020 This narrative that we are being primed for will enable these same spy agencies to sell the story that at least one of the governments they have targeted for sabotage can be accused of election interference regardless of who wins. And the most depressing thing about it is that they already know theyll be able to sell it successfully, because nobody has learned anything over the last four years despite the transparent scam of Russiagate. Democrats will happily keep pushing Russia conspiracy theories if Trump wins, and Republicans will cheerfully push conspiracy theories about China and/or Iran after a Biden win. Theres no reason to change strategies if its been immensely successful. If it aint broke, dont fix it. Watch them. Read more at: CaitlinJohnstone.com COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading provider of data-driven marketing, loyalty and payment solutions, will host a conference call on Thursday, October 29, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the Company's third-quarter 2020 results. Hosting the call will be Ralph Andretta, President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as Timothy King, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Conference Call/Webcast Information Analysts can register to receive the dial-in details in advance here. The conference call will also be available via the Internet at www.alliancedata.com. Additionally, there will be several slides accompanying the webcast. Please go to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary software. The webcast will be archived on the company website. If you are unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available. To access the replay, please dial (800) 585-8367 or (416) 621-4642 and reference conference ID number "9644767." The replay will be available two hours after the end of the call until 11:59 p.m. ET on November 12, 2020. Please contact AdvisIRy Partners by e-mail: [email protected] with any questions. About Alliance Data Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) is a leading provider of data-driven marketing, loyalty and payment solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions that measurably change consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today's most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its partners create and increase customer loyalty across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. A FORTUNE 500 and S&P MidCap 400 company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Alliance Data consists of businesses that together employ over 8,500 associates at more than 50 locations worldwide. Alliance Data's Card Services business is a provider of market-leading private label, co-brand, and business credit card programs. LoyaltyOne owns and operates the AIR MILES Reward Program, Canada's most recognized loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers. More information about Alliance Data can be found at www.AllianceData.com. Follow Alliance Data on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Investor Relations: Brian Vereb ([email protected]), 614-528-4516 Media Relations: Shelley Whiddon ([email protected]), 214-494-3811 SOURCE Alliance Data Systems Corporation Related Links http://www.alliancedata.com Egypt is playing a key role in preparation for the anticipated comprehensive talks on Libya, scheduled for October in Geneva, based on the outcomes of the Berlin Conference. For months, Egypt has been hosting preliminary Libyan meetings, the last of which took place in Hurghada in the attendance of the Libyan security committee charged with the ceasefire, military arrangements to unify the military institution and security apparatuses, and the security arrangements concerning moving the next Libyan government to Sirte, as a temporary capital. In the near future Cairo will host other Libyan events, such as that of the constitutional committee, which will draft the framework of Libyas constitutional document. Libyas economic committee, delegations from east and west Libya, prime among whom are political, security, and military leaders, figureheads and diplomats from countries involved in the settlement process, and the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSML) will also converge in Cairo. Egypts integral role in drawing a roadmap for the future of Libya post the Skhirat Agreement is a continuation of its efforts in the previous transitional phase, which were hampered by the complex crises Libya has endured since 2016. Flagrant foreign interventions fuelled political conflicts and military clashes during the Tripoli battle. These developments led Egypt to become more careful in dealing with the roots of the Libyan crisis through a set of basic principles based on the lessons learnt in the previous stage. These principles include the fair distribution of wealth and power. Moreover, the Cairo Declaration, followed by the Sirte-Jufra announcement concerning the western military zone, have put an end to armed clashes between Libyan factions, putting on the table the political path as the only means to settle the crisis. The UN Security Council, the UNSML, and the US have commended Cairos efforts in the Libyan file. The international communitys impression about Cairos role in settling the Libyan crisis reflects Egypts seriousness and ability to shift the course of events towards the internationally-agreed path the Berlin Conference outcomes. Egypt has been stressing joint coordination, which also reflects it is not seeking to achieve its own interests nor trying to impose a certain political authority on the Libyans. Egypt is seeking agreement between all the Libyan factions to stabilise the country torn by political and armed conflicts for a decade. Cairo has dedicated all its political, diplomatic, and security resources to support a political settlement for Libya. The Egyptian leadership, represented by President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, is paying attention to the minutest details concerning the Libyan file. Cairo has spared no effort, on the Libyan and international stages, to prevent obstacles aiming to hinder the political path. A number of parties active in the Libyan scene are seeking their own benefits. Cairo doesnt oppose foreign parties trying to serve their interests in Libya. It objects, however, to the mechanisms they are using to claim their interests, either through moving mercenaries into Libya or being militarily present on the Libyan ground. This is why Cairo, in coordination with other partners, is endeavouring to end these practices, highlighting this point at every event it hosts on Libya. Egypt is fully aware its role is not limited to drawing a roadmap for Libyas future. More important are the implementation of the roadmaps recommendations and overcoming challenges on the Libyan stage in the next phase. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: This is the hanged-for-a-sheep-rather-than-a-lamb budget. Realising the coronacession means it will be ages before he can deliver on his premature claim to have the budget Back in Black, Scott Morrison has decided to go for broke (if you'll excuse the expression). Many people have been anxious to see just how big Josh Frydenberg's expected budget deficit will be (a record $213 billion, dwarfing anything produced by the free-spending Kevin Rudd) and how much public debt it will leave us with (almost a net $1 trillion by June 2024, and continuing to grow every year until at least June 2031). Mr Frydenberg is right to say that, if we want to get the economy moving and unemployment falling, he has no choice but to spend in giant licks. More concerning is whether all the money added to the debt has been chosen to deliver the greatest possible gain in jobs. That's the problem. It hasn't. Although the plan to subsidise the wages of newly employed young people in their first year gets a big tick, the brought-forward and back-dated tax cut that is the centrepiece of this budget is among the least effective ways to create jobs. Locky Gilbert fell madly in love with nurse Irena Srbinovska on The Bachelor. And Irena, 31, has revealed that their next big milestone as a couple will be when Locky finally gets to meet her family in Melbourne. The former Survivor star wasn't able to meet the Srbinovskas in person while filming The Bachelor because of COVID-19 border closures. Meet the parents! The Bachelor winner Irena Srbinovska (right) has revealed that she can't wait for Locky Gilbert (left) to meet her family in Melbourne, after they were unable to on the show Irena revealed their plans during an Instagram Q&A with fans on Tuesday. 'Has Locky met your parents yet? As Victoria is still in lockdown?' one of her followers asked. 'Unfortunately Locky hasn't met my parents or my brother but they have spoken many times [online],' Irena replied. Family's waiting: 'Unfortunately Locky hasn't met my parents or my brother but they have spoken many times [online],' Irena said during an Instagram Q&A on Tuesday. 'As soon as the borders reopen it's happening' She explained that Locky had also struck up a friendship with her brother, Igor. 'My brother and Locky are always chatting. As soon as the borders reopen it's happening,' she added. Locky was supposed to meet Irena's family during The Bachelor, but the Srbinovskas couldn't fly to Sydney because Victoria closed its borders. He didn't have a chance to see them after filming either, because he was living in Perth. Coincidence: Since the Bachelor finale aired last month, Irena and Locky have been spending time together in Sydney and country New South Wales Since the Bachelor finale aired last month, Irena and Locky have been spending time together in Sydney and country New South Wales. On Sunday, Locky revealed they had 'randomly' ended up at the same swimming hole in Wollombi where they'd shared a passionate date on the show. He said on Instagram Stories that it was 'good to be back' and 'finally be able to go for a swim' with his girlfriend without the cameras around. 'So good to be back': On Sunday, Locky revealed they had 'randomly' ended up at the same swimming hole in Wollombi where they'd shared a passionate date on the show 'So funnily enough, we've been riding along the road. We've ended up somewhere we may have been before,' he told fans, while cuddling up to Irena. Without giving away the exact location right away, he continued: 'Random, very random. Can you guess where we are?' Stripping off his shirt and preparing to go for a dip, Locky then offered his followers a good view at his idyllic surroundings. Deja vu: He said on Instagram Stories that it was 'good to be back' and 'finally be able to go for a swim' with his girlfriend without the cameras around 'So we are back down at the swimming hole, where me and Irena had our little date! Good to be back here... finally able to go for a swim,' he added. During last month's Bachelor finale, Locky told both Irena and runner-up Bella Varelis that he was in love with them - but then had the tricky task of sending one home. After an emotional break-up with Bella, Locky composed himself and professed his love for Irena, telling her he couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with her. Torn: During last month's Bachelor finale, Locky told both Irena and runner-up Bella Varelis that he was in love with them - but then had the tricky task of sending one home 'Irena, every time I'm with you... I feel so safe and protected, and it's kind of weird, 'cause I'm a pretty big dude, and not many people can make me feel like that, but just when I'm with you, I feel so calm and comfortable,' he told her. 'When I think about our future together, I'm so excited and I can't wait to just travel the world and make all your dreams come true. 'Irena, I'm so in love with you. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.' ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Home Point Financial, one of the nation's leading mortgage lenders and servicers, today announced the appointment of Kristin Supancich to the new role of Chief People Officer. Supancich brings to Home Point more than 25 years of experience in the workforce and talent industry, with a history of creating business solutions and organizational growth through people, innovation and an inclusive culture. Under her leadership as the company's first Chief People Officer, Home Point will continue to scale toward becoming one of the nation's Top-10 overall mortgage lenders by continuing to enhance its people-focused initiatives as a great workplace and a top service provider to its mortgage broker and correspondent partners. "Home Point is experiencing tremendous growth thanks to the hard work our Associates put in every day," said Willie Newman, President and CEO of Home Point Financial. "We will continue to make our Associates the focal point of everything we do, and Kristin meshes incredibly well with our 'We Care' mindset. She brings decades of broad-based experience that will help enhance our company's focus on our most important asset." Supancich joins Home Point after serving as Senior Vice President and Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Kelly Services, a Fortune 500 company based in Troy, Michigan that specializes in workforce management solutions for employers worldwide. She led numerous parts of the organization throughout her 17 years at Kelly, combining years of operational, sales, service and human resources experience. At Home Point, she will be responsible for driving the company's initiatives related to culture, engagement, leadership development, recruiting, and diversity and inclusion. "I am thrilled to be joining Home Point, especially during such a transformational time of growth for the company," said Supancich. "From the first conversations I had with the leadership team, I was drawn in by their passion to care for not only our Associates, but the communities, partners and customers we serve. Being part of an organization that prioritizes its people and has a purpose beyond a transaction is essential to me. I look forward to being an integral part of Home Point's success by helping people throughout America secure the home of their dreams while achieving financial stability." Home Point has hired over 1,100 associates in the first nine months of 2020, bringing its headcount to more than 2,600, and is adding new positions daily. The company has also grown to become the third-largest wholesale lender and 12th-largest correspondent lender in the country. About Home Point Financial Home Point is on a mission to create financially healthy, happy homeowners. Our customer-first approach to lending starts with compassionate people that help eliminate the stress of getting a loan and owning a home. Beyond the loan, Home Point empowers customers to get the most value from their home investment by offering expert advice and exclusive savings. Home Point is the third-largest wholesale lender and the 12th largest correspondent lender in the U.S. The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, with over 2,600 associates and 265,000 serviced customers. For more information, visit homepointfinancial.com. NMLS #7706. MEDIA CONTACT: Brad Pettiford Director Public Relations, Home Point Financial [email protected] | Phone: (734) 356-3092 SOURCE Home Point Financial Corporation Related Links https://www.homepointfinancial.com A coffin has been left out for rubbish collection in a wealthy Melbourne suburb. The wooden coffin, with metal plating, was left in Toorak, in Melbourne's south-east, among other household items including a couch. The metal plating was left blank and was filled with plastic, according to Seven News. A coffin has been left out for rubbish collection in a wealthy Melbourne suburb Toorak is a wealthy suburb with a median house price of $4.4million. Social media users were left in stitches at the bizarre sighting, and revealed the coffin has been claimed. The other rubbish it was with remains. 'It will save someone money if they need one,' one person commented on social media. Another said: 'Quite shocking to see a coffin left out for hard rubbish collection!' One joker couldn't miss an opportunity to make other social media users laugh. The wooden coffin, with metal plating, was left in Toorak, in Melbourne's south-east, among other household items such as a couch The person commented: 'That's mine. I woke from the dead and don't need it yet.' Others chose to see coffin as a political statement instead. One person said: 'It's probably representing the state of Victoria under Dan Andrews.' Flash Three scientists share the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Nobel committee announced in Brussels on Monday. The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has today decided to award the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice "for the discovery of Hepatitis C virus." "For the first time in history, the Hepatitis C virus can now be cured. The 2020 Medicine Laureates' discoveries revealed the cause of the remaining cases of chronic hepatitis and made possible blood tests and new medicines that have saved millions of lives," the committee said. Thomas Perlmann, secretary-general of the Nobel Committee and the Nobel Assembly, told a press conference that he was able to reach two of the three laureates, and when they were informed of the news, they were "extremely surprised, happy, and almost speechless." This year's Nobel Prize is awarded to three scientists who have made a decisive contribution to the fight against blood-borne hepatitis, a major global health problem that causes cirrhosis and liver cancer in people around the world. Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice made seminal discoveries that led to the identification of a novel virus, Hepatitis C virus. Prior to their work, the discovery of the Hepatitis A and B viruses had been critical steps forward, but the majority of blood-borne hepatitis cases remained unexplained. The discovery of Hepatitis C virus revealed the cause of the remaining cases of chronic hepatitis and made possible blood tests and new medicines that have saved millions of lives, according a statement released by the committee. Harvey J. Alter, born in 1935 in the U.S., received his medical degree at the University of Rochester Medical School, and worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Michael Houghton, born in the UK, received his PhD degree from King's College London, and is currently a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Virology. Charles M. Rice, born in 1952 in the U.S., received his PhD degree from the California Institute of Technology, is working at the Rockefeller University, New York, according to a statement from the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet. According to the Nobel Foundation earlier, this year's prize is 10 million Swedish krona (about 1.12 million U.S. dollars), which will be equally shared among the three laureates. A Maine prison where nearly half of the inmates and correctional officers have been infected with coronavirus allegedly banned masks before being hit with an outbreak. The York County Jail became a coronavirus hotspot after an employee who attended an August wedding more than 200 miles away in the Katahdin region spread the virus. The number of infected inmates and corrections officers is approaching 90, and the number of cases linked to the wedding and reception has topped 170 with eight deaths. An email published by WMTV Monday reveals how the virus spread after inmates were not allowed to wear masks in housing units and corrections officers may have been barred from wearing them as well. York County Jail became a coronavirus hotspot after an employee who attended an August wedding spread the virus. A May 5 email published Monday revealed that the prison may have banned its inmates and guards from wearing face masks before the outbreak struck 'Inmates are allowed to remove the masks from their faces when in secured holding cell(s). Inmates that test negative for COVID-19 will dispose of their mask, in intake and in front of staff,' said the email sent on May 5. Sheriff Bill King told the Portland Press Herald last month that wearing masks in the jail was not mandatory, despite the governor mandating face coverings in public places in spring. Yet the latest email reveals that face coverings were in fact actively discouraged or banned. One corrections officer told the Herald that guards were told not to wear masks to avoid causing panic among the inmates. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocates mask-wearing to slow the spread of the coronavirus. It is thought that the policy taken by the prison likely exacerbated the outbreak once the infection was brought in by the corrections officer. Attorney Tim Zerillo, who represents an inmate who caught the virus, said in recent months he has received complaints from inmates and their families. 'Those complaints were always that there were no masks at the jail and neither the detainees or the guards were wearing masks and that people were scared and I don't think it's just the inmates who were scared,' Zerillo told WMTW-TV. Corrections officers reported that there was an 'an informal directive not to wear masks in the housing units for fear of creating hysteria amongst the inmates,' said William Doyle, an official with the union that represents corrections officers. As of Friday, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that there are a total of 87 cases in the jail: 48 inmates, 19 people who work in the building and 20 household contacts of employees. The tension in the prison heightened after the recent death of an inmate who previously tested positive for COVID-19. Officials say it was not coronavirus related but no official cause of detah has been released. 'We're all worried now,' Joshua Walker, an inmate, told the Herald. 'Who is going to be the next one to fall down on the ground and die?' On August 7 a wedding ceremony took place indoors at the Tri Town Baptist Church in East Millinocket and the reception was held at the Big Moose Inn Cabins and Campground in Millinocket (above). Now eight deaths and 176 COVID-19 cases are linked to the gathering The policy has likely also left the county open to legal action with at least two attorneys saying they are considering taking cases related to the outbreak. 'The whole thing could have been prevented,' one officer said. 'A lot of us could still be testing negative if they'd have just done something as simple as letting us wear (masks). That's all it took.' The outbreak in the jail is linked to a August 7 wedding in the Millinocket area. The ceremony took place indoors at the Tri Town Baptist Church in East Millinocket and the reception was held at the Big Moose Inn Cabins and Campground in Millinocket. In total about 65 people attended the event which violated Gov. Janet Mills' executive order limiting indoor gatherings to 50 people. By the time the corrections officer tested positive two weeks later, dozens more had been infected. Officials said Theresa Detremont (pictured) did not attend the Millinocket wedding before she was infected. She died from COVID-19 complications on August 21 The wedding also led to major outbreaks in other facilities. At least six of the deaths were reported at the Maplecrest Rehabilitation and Living Center in Madison, Maine. A patient at the nursing home attended the wedding but not the reception. The center has 39 active COVID-19 cases linked to the wedding - at least 24 residents and 15 workers. The state is also investigating whether an outbreak at Calvary Baptist Church, whose pastor Todd Bell officiated the wedding, is linked to the wedding. That church is tied to at least 10 cases. The church said that some of its members attended the wedding reception. Others deaths linked to the wedding include 88-year-old Theresa Dentremont, 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. None of the people who died attended the wedding or reception itself. An investigation was launched into the outbreak in the jail a month ago. According to WMTV, no one has yet faced disciplinary action. York County Manager Greg Zinser did say, however, that jail Superintendent Col. Lt. Michael Vitiello is on paid leave. He did not confirm the reason why he is on leave. The sheriff and the jail's deputy superintendent are handling the day-to-day operations, he added. No deadline has been set as to when the investigation will be complete. Six of the eight COVID-19 deaths linked to the August wedding happened at Maplecrest Rehabilitation and Living Center in Madison, Maine (pictured) The jail now requires masks to be worn and screen employees before their shift. After the first cases at the jail, the Maine Department of Corrections reviewed 14 other jails in the state and found that four did not require inmates to wear face masks. Corrections Commissioner Randall Liberty, whose department inspects jails, said any deficiencies are being addressed in all jails. 'When we brought to their attention the deficiencies that they have, they corrected them and are in the process of correcting them,' he said. 'At this time, they are not in jeopardy of losing that certificate.' Maine has reported 5,565 cases of the virus in total since March. There have been 142 deaths in the state. On Tuesday, Gov. Mills announced that the state is entering the fourth stage of the reopening of Maine's economy. Beginning on October 13, indoor seating capacity limits will be increased to 50 percent of permitted occupancy, or 100 people, whichever is less. This includes indoor dining, religious gatherings and movie theaters, according to WMTV. She also strengthened the state's face coverings mandate by requiring a broader set of entities, including private schools and municipal buildings, to ensure that employees and people in their buildings wear masks. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The October 5 October 6 night proceeded relatively calm at the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, the Armenian Defense Ministry spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan said. After numerous calls by the international community for immediately ceasing hostilities in the NK conflict zone, the night was relatively calm at the border," she said. "The Azerbaijani military-political leadership will bear the entire responsibility in the event of future escalations, Defense Ministry spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan said. The Azerbaijani military, strongly backed by Turkey, launched a massive attack on Artsakh since September 27. Stepanakert City and other civilian towns were heavily bombarded with missile, artillery and air strikes, leading to destruction and civilian casualties. The Azeri forces used internationally prohibited cluster munitions in the attacks. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan Absentee ballot election workers stuff ballot applications at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections office in Charlotte, N.C., on Sept. 4, 2020. (Logan Cyrus/AFP via Getty Images) Supreme Court Reinstates Witness Requirement for South Carolinas Mail-In Ballots The Supreme Court on Oct. 5 overturned a district court injunction that prohibited South Carolina from requiring mail-in ballots to have a witness signature. The order doesnt apply to ballots already cast by mail and those received within two days of the order, the brief ruling states. The Supreme Court order only rejected the preliminary injunction, and plaintiffs in the lower court can still prevail if the circuit court rules in their favor. Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch would have fully overturned the injunction. However, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that the federal courts shouldnt meddle in affairs, which are the responsibility of politically accountable state officials. He also noted that for many years, this Court has repeatedly emphasized that federal courts ordinarily should not alter state election rules in the period close to an election. By enjoining South Carolinas witness requirement shortly before the election, the District Court defied that principle and this Courts precedents, Kavanaugh wrote. South Carolinas Republican leaders and the state election commission in late September appealed a district judges order to immediately and publicly inform voters about the removal of the signature requirement. U.S. District Court Judge Michelle Childs issued the preliminary injunction upon determining that the signature requirement posed what was described as an unconstitutional burden on South Carolinians right to vote. South Carolina is one of few states that requires a witness signature on absentee ballots. Lawyers for the states Republican Party and top legislative leaders argued against removing the requirement, but the judge said their position was undercut by an utter dearth of absentee fraud. South Carolina is one of 23 states that legalized voting by mail for the 2020 election cycle, according to a tally maintained by The Washington Post. At least 84 percent of American voters can cast ballots by mail in the fall. The Supreme Court ruling is a victory for Republicans who are fighting similar legal battles related to mail-in voting across the United States with the goal of preventing voter fraud. Democrats argue that voter fraud is virtually nonexistent and are fighting against various requirements they say make it hard to cast votes by mail. The Democrats effort involves at least 600 lawyers, and it dwarfs that of the Republicans. More than 3.8 million people have already cast votes in the 2020 general election, according to the U.S. Elections Project. Data from states that report early voters party affiliation shows that more than twice as many Democrats have voted by mail compared to Republicans. President Donald Trump won South Carolina by more than 14 points in 2016. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Turkey has crossed the red line and is acting like a terrorist state. This is what deputy of the My Step faction of the National Assembly of Armenia Ruben Rubinyan told reporters today. The deputy said there was a favorable change for Armenia in the international community after the second or third day of the war, adding that that the world finally acknowledged the fact that Turkey is physically involved in the war and is even using terrorists against Armenia. The most important thing is to stand strong on the military front and in the rear. Armenian diplomacy can only succeed, if we as a nation and our armed forces stand strong. Asked what active steps allied states must take, Rubinyan said he is certain that the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and obviously Russia will play their major role in ensuring peace in this region. When told that the Russian foreign minister has declared that he is ready to organize the meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia and when asked if such a meeting is scheduled and what Yerevans stance is, the deputy said he doesnt have such information. The management of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano on Tuesday announced the death of its former Chief Medical Director and former commissioner of health in Jigawa state. The deceased, Mahmud Isah, was aged 60. Mr Isah, a professor, hailed from Sabalari community in Dutse, Jigawa State, died on Monday 5th October, 2020 at the hospitals intensive care unit. The AKTHs spokesperson, Hauwa Abdullahi, in a statement, said under Mr Isah, the hospital was rated as the best teaching hospital in terms of service delivery by SERVICOM, Abuja. The deceased served the Jigawa State Government between February 1992 and February 1994 as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the Government of the state under the administration of former governor Ali Sa`ad. PROFILE He attended Magwan Primary School and later proceeded to Rumfa College Kano, after which he gained admission into the School of Basic Studies, Zaria for his degree programme. He graduated with MBBS degree from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1982. He worked with the Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State from 1984 to 1987 where he rose to the position of Senior Registrar. He also worked at the Lagos University Hospital (Hematology Unit) from 1987 to 1988 and at the St. Bartholomews Hospital, and the Hammer Smith Hospital both in the UK in 1989. Late Mr Isa also served as a Consultant Physician at the Kano States two major hospitals Nassarawa and Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospitals between 1989 1991. He went back to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital as Acting Head of Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion. He then joined the services of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital as chief consultant in May 1994, and became the first Chairperson of the Medical Advisory Committee up to November 1997. In December 1998 he was appointed Dean Faculty of Medicine, Bayero University, Kano. In July 2003 he became the second Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital as approved by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo He became a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians in 2008 He was voted as the best Indigent Patients friendly CMD by the Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria at its Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Also, the hospital was voted as the best environmentally friendly hospital in Kano by the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria. During his tenure, Mr Isa was the Chairperson Committee of Chief Executives of Federal Tertiary Hospitals of Nigeria. He was also the chairperson Gunduma Health System, under the Jigawa State government during the administration of former governor Sule Lamido. He was buried on Tuesday 6th October 2020 after a funeral prayer at Al-furqan Jumaat Mosque in Kano. May his soul rest in perfect peace, Mrs Abdullahi said in a statement. A University of Queensland-led team of international researchers says supercharged clones of the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes are to blame for the resurgence of the disease, which has caused high death rates for centuries. UQs Dr Stephan Brouwer said health authorities globally were surprised when an epidemic was detected in Asian countries in 2011. The disease had mostly dissipated by the 1940s, Dr Brouwer said. Like the virus that causes COVID-19, Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria are usually spread by people coughing or sneezing, with symptoms including a sore throat, fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic scarlet-coloured, red rash. Scarlet fever commonly affects children, typically aged between two and 10 years. After 2011, the global reach of the pandemic became evident with reports of a second outbreak in the UK, beginning in 2014, and weve now discovered outbreak isolates here in Australia. This global re-emergence of scarlet fever has caused a more than five-fold increase in disease rate and more than 600,000 cases around the world. Co-author Professor Mark Walker and the team found a variety of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria that had acquired superantigen toxins, forming new clones. The toxins would have been transferred into the bacterium when it was infected by viruses that carried the toxin genes, Professor Walker said. Weve shown that these acquired toxins allow Streptococcus pyogenes to better colonise its host, which likely allows it to out-compete other strains. These supercharged bacterial clones have been causing our modern scarlet fever outbreaks. The research team then removed the toxin genes from the clones causing scarlet fever, and these modified 'knock-out' clones were found to be less able to colonise in an animal model of infection. For the time being, scarlet fever outbreaks have been dampened, largely due to public health policy measures introduced to control COVID-19. This year COVID-19 social distancing has kept scarlet fever outbreaks in check for now, Professor Walker said. And the diseases main target children have been at school less and also spending far less time in other large groups. But when social distancing eventually is relaxed, scarlet fever is likely to come back. We need to continue this research to improve diagnosis and to better manage these epidemics. Just like COVID-19, ultimately a vaccine will be critical for eradicating scarlet fever one of historys most pervasive and deadly childhood diseases. ### This research was a collaboration between UQ, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Wollongong, Western University (Canada), the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (University of Melbourne), University of Cambridge, University of California San Diego, The University of Hong Kong and the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. It has been published in Nature Communications (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18700-5). A judge ruled that Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva exceeded his authority in reinstating fired deputy Caren Carl Mandoyan, at left. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) A judge has ruled that Sheriff Alex Villanueva exceeded his authority when he rehired a fired deputy as part of a settlement agreement that sparked a bitter legal fight between Los Angeles Countys top elected leaders. In a 17-page ruling last week, Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff said the settlement, in which the sheriff had offered Caren Carl Mandoyan full back pay and benefits worth more than $200,000, was void because it wasn't approved by the Board of Supervisors. No statute grants the Sheriff the authority to control litigation or enter into settlement agreements on behalf of the County, Beckloff wrote. Later in the ruling, he wrote: Mandoyan was not rehired from a properly certified eligibility list in December 2018. Accordingly, the Sheriff's action to rehire Mandoyan was unlawful. Skip Miller, an attorney representing L.A. County, said the judges ruling is the right decision under the law. This person does not belong in the Sheriff's Department. We're pleased with the ruling and that it's the end of this case, Miller said in a statement. Lt. John Satterfield, a Sheriff's Department spokesman, said it would be premature to comment "as no judgment has been entered and the defendants are waiting for plaintiff to serve its proposed judgment." "The facts stated in the courts ruling are based on the unique facts in regard to Carl Mandoyan and whether, and under what circumstances, he may be included in a certified eligibility list. All parties are presently reviewing the court's ruling," he said. Greg Smith, an attorney representing Mandoyan, said he was disappointed by the decision and plans to appeal. We think that we will ultimately prevail at the appellate court level, Smith said. He also noted that Mandoyan also has a separate pending lawsuit in which he requests that a judge order Villanueva to conduct a new investigation into the domestic violence allegations against him and to reinstate him. Story continues In that suit, Mandoyan cited a 100-page Sheriffs Department report that concludes he was denied due process and that newly discovered exculpatory information was left out of his 2016 internal affairs investigation. The report says that if the information had been presented at the time, Mandoyan may not have been fired. The latest ruling comes after the Board of Supervisors last year took the unusual step of suing Villanueva, arguing Mandoyan's rehiring was unlawful because the settlement had not been signed by the county's attorneys or approved by the county's personnel director. Beckloff had issued a preliminary injunction, removing Mandoyan and ordering him to turn over his gun and badge, pending trial. Mandoyan was fired in 2016 by then-Sheriff Jim McDonnell after a fellow deputy he had dated alleged that he grabbed her by the neck, tried to break into her home and sent her harassing text messages. Video footage released in the case appeared to show Mandoyan trying to break into the womans apartment using a metal tool. Mandoyan has denied the allegations. Smith has said his client was just trying to get the womans attention and that it would have been impossible for him to break into the apartment through the fixed side of the sliding glass door. Mandoyan had volunteered as a driver during Villanueva's 2018 election campaign. Villanueva reinstated him as one of his first moves in office, stoking concerns that the sheriff was rolling back critical reforms. Villanueva has publicly defended his decision, saying the deputy was denied due process, while raising concerns about his accusers credibility. His position prompted complaints from advocates who work with domestic violence victims. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Right up to July this year, you could only ride an electric standing scooter on private property or risk a fine or points off your drivers license. Against public backlash and with the goal of helping with first- and last-mile issues, the government approved limited legislation of e-scooters.As of this moment, you can ride one such two-wheeler in the UK on dedicated bike paths and on low-speed roads and, as before, on private land at speeds no higher than 15.5 mph (25 kph). In order to keep the e-scooters in these areas, authorities are looking to U.S.-based Link for help, thanks to their electric scooter that turns itself off the second you go out of allowed zones The Telegraph reports.Current e-scooters use geofencing to turn themselves off too, but the response time is of about 30 seconds. Links are faster: one second after you mount a pavement, come off a road or cycle lane, or into a pedestrian area, they instantly turn off. They only need one second to deactivate and that second is used to offer the rider a warning of whats about to happen.According to the publication, bringing the Link e-scooters to the UK is meant to curb antisocial behavior involving e-scooters, while keeping the riders safety in mind. For the time being, only ride-share e-scooters are legal for use in the aforementioned areas, since they represent a sure way for authorities to check and determine whether theyre in compliance with safety standards.Link will be renting the e-scooters through two schemes, one in London and one in Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight. MAYFIELD, Ky., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- C&C Ag Solutions of Mayfield, Ky., today announced Mutiny Crop Performance, a new line of crop production solutions especially designed to serve farmers with the innovative tools needed to boost yields and improve return on investment. "Our mission of "Farmer First" is what this is about," said Patrick Conyea, co-founder of C&C. "We named it Mutiny because we want to lead a high-yield revolution with a bold new brand. We want to help growers make the most of every dollar they spend on inputs." Mutiny Crop Performance will initially offer ARTILLERYTM Plant Growth Regulator and K-BOOMTM Plant Nutritionals as well as UPRISINGTM Seed Treatments for soybeans and wheat. Each of these products have been specially formulated to drive higher yields and bring a better return on investment (ROI) to growers. "C&C has two core objectives," explains Justin Clark, co-founder. "We want to help growers increase profits and take care of their ground for years to come." C&C Ag Solutions also announced a new strategic supply agreement they've formed with Meristem Crop Performance Group, LLC (www.meristemag.com ). The Meristem Crop Performance product line will now become another important component of C&C's offering of crop inputs and grower solutions. "The Meristem team is working hard to help farmers cut costs and improve yields and we are proud to be able to work with them," says Patrick. He says C&C's objectives of boosting yields and helping farmers keep more of what they earn is one that fits well with Meristem's vision of "Driving Farm Business Success." "We love being able to help crop producers gain higher yields," says Clark. "It's what we're here to do. And farmers need a higher ROI for every input dollar if they are to be successful." C&C will now offer Meristem's initial product portfolio, including TRUTRACKtm drift control, AQUADRAFTtm water conditioners and surfactants and HOMESTRETCHtm nitrogen stabilizers and micronutrients. Conyea and Clark say they are looking forward to taking the benefits of both brands Mutiny and Meristem to farmers in Western Kentucky. "Justin and Patrick have a real desire to make farmers more profitable and that's why it makes perfect sense for us to partner," says Mitch Eviston, Founder and CEO of Meristem. "We've set up Meristem to be the lean provider of high-quality crop input additives to help top crop producers cut costs and increase yields. Now, with the help of C & C, we'll be able to connect with more of the farmers who can benefit." Meristem Crop Performance Group, LLC ( www.meristemag.com ) is a joint venture between Old World Specialty Products and a group of talented agriculturalists with extraordinary backgrounds in agronomy and global agribusiness. Meristem works with farm businesses to drive out cost of production, increase productivity, diversify income, and increase access to new technologies. Meristem is keenly focused on providing products that can save farmers up to 30% compared to traditional market prices. C&C Ag Solutions, LLC (https://www.facebook.com/ccagsolutions/) is an independent ag retail and agronomic consulting business devoted to putting the "farmer first" in all the services they provide. They serve farmers in Western Kentucky with high-quality crop inputs and crop consulting services geared to optimize crop yield and profit for their customers. They are based in Mayfield, Kentucky. Contact: K. Elliott Nowels Phone: 833-637-4783 ext. 703 SOURCE Meristem Crop Performance Group, LLC Related Links https://meristemag.com/ President of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Arayik Haroutyunyan has posted the following on his Facebook page: I call on creating a new international anti-terrorism coalition. Today Artsakh and Armenia are literally on the frontline to battle international terrorism. However, in our case, the peculiarity is that this enemy, which poses a threat to the existence of world civilization, is against our homeland under the veil of the national flag of a NATO member state, in the army of that state and very often instead of that army. In the modern world when it is literally impossible to hide anything from anyone, everyone saw and recorded the penetration of a network of global jihadists into Azerbaijan. It is no longer a secret for any country that the target of that monstrous network of terrorists is the peaceful populations of Artsakh and Armenia, our cities and villages and the right to live freely and to possess our destiny. Today, Turkey, which continues to sponsor and manage this network, upon the consent of the opportunistic authorities of Baku, is making Azerbaijan serve as a tool to create a new hotbed for global terrorism in the South Caucasus. I am certain that every responsible participant of world politics, state and international organization is clearly aware of the dangerous consequences of such developments. We all still remember the consequences of the aspirations of jihadists to create a unit in the form of a state in Iraq and Syria. All countries have to take action to make sure Turkey fails to turn Azerbaijan into a lair for terrorism in the South Caucasus. Today, Armenia and Artsakh are on the frontline in this battle because they have accepted the challenge with dignity, and we will fight until the ultimate victory, but this is not just a matter that concerns Artsakh and Armenia. As the president of a state leading a battle for its independence, I call on the civilized world to show active participation in this battle. The creation of an active and effective international anti-terrorist coalition is the imperative of our days. I am certain that victory will be ours. VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - CRH Medical Corporation (TSX: CRH) (NYSE MKT: CRHM) ("CRH" or the "Company"), today announced a start-up joint venture in North Carolina. CRH will initially own a 15% interest in Western Carolina Anesthesia Associates ("WCAA"), which is located in Hickory, North Carolina. WCAA went live on October 1, and provides services to a single ambulatory surgery center. "We are excited to announce our second de novo expansion this year," noted Tushar Ramani, CEO of CRH. "CRH and our WCAA partners possess a shared dedication to delivering consistent, high quality patient care." "WCAA expands our presence in North Carolina to 10 ambulatory surgery centers," commented Jay Kreger, President of CRH Anesthesia. "We anticipate having the opportunity to increase our interest in WCAA as the venture matures, and we look forward to executing additional business development initiatives over the remainder of 2020 and beyond." About CRH Medical Corporation: CRH Medical Corporation is a North American company focused on providing gastroenterologists throughout the United States with innovative services and products for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. In 2014, CRH became a full-service gastroenterology anesthesia company that provides anesthesia services for patients undergoing endoscopic procedures in ambulatory surgical centers. To date, CRH has completed 30 anesthesia acquisitions, and now serves 66 ambulatory surgical centers in 13 states. In addition, CRH owns the CRH O'Regan System, a single-use, disposable, hemorrhoid banding technology that is safe and highly effective in treating all grades of hemorrhoids. CRH distributes the O'Regan System, treatment protocols, operational and marketing expertise as a complete, turnkey package directly to gastroenterology practices, creating meaningful relationships with the gastroenterologists it serves. CRH's O'Regan System is currently used in all 48 lower US states. Non-GAAP Measures This press release makes reference to certain non-GAAP financial measures including adjusted operating EBITDA (in total and broken down as attributable to non-controlling interest and shareholders of the Company) and adjusted operating EBITDA margin as supplemental indicators of its financial and operating performance. Adjusted operating EBITDA is defined as operating income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation, acquisition related expenses and asset impairment charges. Adjusted operating EBITDA margin is defined as operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation, acquisition related expenses and asset impairment charges as a percentage of revenue. These non-GAAP measures are not recognized measures under US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("US GAAP") and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by US GAAP and thus the Company's definition may be different from and unlikely to be comparable to non-GAAP measures presented by other companies. These measures are provided as additional information to complement US GAAP measures by providing further understanding of the Company's results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analyses of the Company's financial information reported under US GAAP. Management uses non-GAAP measures such as adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin to provide investors with a supplemental measure of the Company's operating performance and thus highlight trends in the Company's core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on US GAAP financial measures. Management also believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-GAAP measures in the evaluation of issuers. In addition, management uses these non-GAAP measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets, and to assess its ability to meet future debt service, capital expenditure, and working capital requirements. A quantitative reconciliation of adjusted operating EBITDA, and operating EBITDA margin to the most directly comparable measures under US GAAP is presented below. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements Information included or incorporated by reference in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "plan," "intend" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Certain risks underlying our assumptions are highlighted below; if risks materialize, or if assumptions prove otherwise to be untrue, our results will differ from those suggested by our forward looking statements and our results and operations may be negatively affected. Forward looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the Company's future growth. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements currently contained in this report will in fact occur. The Company bases its forward-looking statements on information currently available to it. The Company disclaims any intent or obligations to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, estimates or options, future events or results or otherwise, unless required to do so by law. Forward-looking information reflects current expectations of management regarding future events and operating performance as of the date of this document. Such information involves significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking information, including, without limitation: Our ability to predict developments in the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact to our operations; changes to payment rates or methods of third-party payors, including United States government healthcare programs, changes to the United States laws and regulations that regulate payments for medical services, the failure of payment rates to increase as our costs increase, or changes to our payor mix, could adversely affect our operating margins and revenues; We are subject to decreases in our revenue and profit margin under our fee for service contracts and arrangements, where we bear the risk of changes in volume, payor mix, radiology, anesthesiology, and pathology benefits, and third-party reimbursement rates; We may or may not successfully identify and complete corporate transactions on favorable terms or achieve anticipated synergies relating to any acquisitions or alliances, and such acquisitions could result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures, or require significant management resources and significant charges; Our senior management has been key to our growth, and we may be adversely affected if we lose any member of our senior management; ASCs or other customers may terminate or choose not to renew their agreements with us; If we are unable to maintain or increase anesthesia procedure volumes at our existing ASCs, the operating margins and profitability of our anesthesia segment could be adversely affected; We may not be able to successfully recruit and retain qualified anesthesia service providers or other independent contractors; We may be unable to enforce the non-competition and other restrictive covenants in our agreements; We operate in an industry that is subject to extensive federal, state, and local regulation, and changes in law and regulatory interpretations; Changes in the medical industry and the economy may affect the Company's business; Our failure to comply with U.S. federal and state fraud and abuse laws, including anti-kickback laws and other U.S. federal and state anti-referral laws, could have a material, adverse impact on our business; A significant number of our affiliated physicians could leave our affiliated ASCs; Our industry is already competitive and could become more competitive; Unfavorable economic conditions could have an adverse effect on our business; The Company may not be successful in marketing its products and services; Failure to manage third-party service providers may adversely affect our ability to maintain the quality of service that we provide; Congress or states may enact laws restricting the amount out-of-network providers of services can charge and recover for such services; Adverse events related to our product or our services may subject us to risks associated with product liability, medical malpractice or other legal claims, insurance claims, product recalls and other liabilities, which may adversely affect our operations; Our dependence on suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations; We may need to raise additional capital to fund future operations; We are subject to various restrictive covenants and events of default under the Credit Facilities; The Affordable Care Act ("ACA") and potential changes to it may have a significant effect on our business; The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 ("MACRA") and potential changes to it may have a significant effect on our business; Government authorities or other parties may assert that our business practices violate antitrust laws; If regulations or regulatory interpretations change, we may be obligated to re-negotiate agreements of our anesthetists, anesthesiologists or other contractors; Despite current indebtedness levels, we may still be able to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with increased leverage; Failure to timely or accurately bill for services could have a negative impact on our net revenue, bad debt expense and cash flow; If we or some of our suppliers fail to comply with the FDA's Quality System Regulation and other applicable requirements, our manufacturing or processing operations could be disrupted, our sales and profitability could suffer, and we may become subject to a wide variety of FDA enforcement actions; If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, shareholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common shares; Our industry is the subject of numerous governmental investigations into marketing and other business practices which could result in the commencement of civil and/or criminal proceedings, substantial fines, penalties, and/or administrative remedies, divert the attention of our management, and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations; We may write-off intangible assets; If we are unable to manage growth, we may be unable to achieve our expansion strategy; The continuing development of our products and provision of our services depends upon us maintaining strong relationships with physicians; Significant shareholders of the Company could influence our business operations, and sales of our shares by such significant shareholders could influence our share price; We have a legal responsibility to the minority owners of the entities through which we own our anesthesia services business, which may conflict with our interests and prevent us from acting solely in our own best interests; Our common shares may be subject to significant price and volume fluctuations; Unfavorable changes or conditions could occur in the states where our operations are concentrated: We may be subject to a variety of regulatory investigations, claims, lawsuits, and other proceedings; Our anesthesia employees and third-party contractors may not appropriately record or document services that they provide; If we are unable to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property, our competitive position could be impaired; If there is a change in federal or state laws, rules, regulations, or in interpretations of such federal or state laws, rules or regulations, we may be required to redeem our physician partners' ownership interests in anesthesia companies under the savings clause in our joint venture operating agreements; Our employees and business partners may not appropriately secure and protect confidential information in their possession; Failure to protect our information technology infrastructure against cyber-based attacks, network security breaches, service interruptions or data corruption could significantly disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and operating results; If securities or industry analysts do not publish research, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research, about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline; We may be subject to criminal or civil sanctions if we fail to comply with privacy regulations regarding the protection, use and disclosure of patient information; Evolving regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses and continuing uncertainty; Anti-takeover provisions could discourage a third party from making a takeover offer that could be beneficial to our shareholders; We are an "emerging growth company" and a "smaller reporting company," and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to such companies could make our common shares less attractive to investors; We do not intend to pay dividends on our common shares, and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation, if any, in the price of our common shares; Tax reform could have a material adverse effect on us; Income tax audits and changes in our effective income tax rate could affect our results of operations; The patent protection for our products may expire before we are able to maximize their commercial value, which may subject us to increased competition and reduce or eliminate our opportunity to generate revenues; and We may face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. For a complete discussion of the Company's business including the assumptions and risks set out above, see the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report, which is available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml or on the Company's website at www.crhmedcorp.com. SOURCE CRH Medical Corporation Related Links www.crhmedcorp.com Google has rolled a series of security updates into the latest version of Chrome on Android and iOS, pushing the mobile browser toward parity with its desktop granddaddy. Chrome 86, the version that lands today, will support Safety Check on Android and iOS, Enhanced Safe Browsing on Android, and improved password-filling on iOS. Google is also implementing a program that not only recognizes when a password has been compromised, but will take users directly to the appropriate Change Password form. This feature will be active in both Android and iOS versions of Chrome. It ties into Googles Safety Check system, which scans for compromised passwords, ensures Chrome is up to date and checks whether Safe Browsing is on. Android versions of Chrome are getting Enhanced Safe Browsing, an option that hit desktop browsers in May. Enhanced Safe Browsing shares data with Google in real-time and proactively checks for malware and phishing attempts in webpages and downloads. Android and desktop editions of the new Chrome will also receive mixed form warnings, alerting users before they submit a non-secure form embedded in an HTTPS page. Chrome iOS security by Google. Meanwhile, iOS users will be able to authenticate Chromes auto-filled passwords using Face ID, Touch ID or their phone unlock code. OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 21, 2021 /CNW/ - The Honourable Mark Holland, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, will hold a news conference to discuss the new session of Parliament. Press Conference Date: November 22, 2021 Time: 10:00 a.m. EST Location: Room 125-B, West Block, Parliament Hill Ottawa, Ontario Participant dial-in numbers: Toll-free (Canada/US) dial-in number: 1-866-805-7923 Local dial-in number: 613-960-7519 Access code: 8958212# Note: To help ensure optimal sound quality, journalists are encouraged to use a microphone (headphones/headset) or, when possible, a landline, and to avoid using speaker mode for questions. SOURCE Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2021/22/c4497.html SAN ANTONIO - Prominent megachurch pastor and conservative activist John Hagee has been diagnosed with COVID-19, his son announced during services at the church his father founded. The 80-year-old pastor received the diagnosis Friday and was recovering after the illness was detected early, Matt Hagee said during Sunday morning services at Cornerstone Church. John Hagee founded a ministry that the church says now has 22,000 members. His sermons are broadcast throughout the United States and Canada and livestreamed online. Hagee has been a committed supporter of Israel, founding Christians United for Israel. He also is a stalwart backer of President Donald Trump, who with first lady Melania Trump also has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Trump was discharged Monday from Walter Reed Military Medical Center and returned to the White House, where his doctors said he would continue receiving treatment. State health officials reported 2,192 new Texas cases Monday of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, bringing to 769,303 the cases reported in Texas since tracking and tracing of the virus began in early March. Of those, the state estimates 71,074 cases are now active, with 3,318 requiring hospitalization. However, the health department said Monday in a note on its COVID-19 dashboard that the 1,217 older cases had been excluded from previous reports of newly confirmed cases. The true number of cases in Texas is likely higher though because many people havent been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick. The state also reported eight new COVID-19 fatalities Monday, bringing the Texas death toll for the pandemic to 16,033. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and a 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. Tennessee Wildlife Federation, one of the largest and oldest nonprofits dedicated to conserving the states wildlife and natural resources, invites Tennessee families to learn how to hunt deer. Six experiences have been announced for October. First-time or novice deer huntersor those interested in future experiences around turkey, dove, or fishcan sign up at tnwf.org/interest. The Federations Hunting and Fishing Academy program provides engaging, hands-on instruction in the art of being an outdoorsman through multi-day, immersive experiences. For hunters, this includes practical sessions about reading the land and understanding the species to pick the best location, how to create a blind, what to consider to ensure ethical harvesting, safely field dressing the harvest, and more. Participants are mentored by volunteer Hunt Masters, who are skilled, lifelong hunters and anglers. Dates, times and locations for upcoming deer hunting experiences in Tennessee: Near Dover, Tenn. on Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m. - Nov. 1, 12 p.m. Near Dunlap, Tenn. on Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m. - Nov. 1, 12 p.m. Near Greenfield, Tenn. on Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m. - Nov. 1, 12 p.m. Near Jackson, Tenn. on Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m. - Nov. 1, 12 p.m. Near Jackson, Tenn. on Oct. 31, 10:00 a.m. - Nov. 12 p.m. Near Jonesborough, Tenn. on Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m. - Nov. 1, 12 p.m. If youre interested in learning to hunt or fish but dont know a sportsman, getting started can be hard, said John Worthen, director of programs for the Federation. Hunting and Fishing Academy provides beginner outdoorsmen and women experienced mentors who serve as a resource long after their Academy experience. In addition to gaining proficiency in hunting and fishing, participants will have opportunities to learn core outdoor recreation skills such as campsite selection and set up, orienteering with a compass, and the principles of leave no trace outdoorsmanship. Participants will leave the experience with all of the basic skills and knowledge needed to go again on their own. Parents and guardians arent just present during these excursions. They are participants, learning and doing right alongside their child so they are prepared to lead your family into the great outdoors. The cost to attend a Hunting and Fishing Academy experience depends on the duration and covers all of the equipment you will need, meals, and lodging. Scholarships are available for participants who wish to attend an Academy experience but are unable to pay the full amount. Get started at tnwf.org/interest. The social circle is gone, just in time for Thanksgiving. With another 615 cases of COVID-19, Ontarios rapid pace of infections has spelled an end to the concept in which residents were allowed to have a group of 10 people including members of their own household for close contact including hugs and without precautions. Right now weve got a wave to flatten, chief medical officer Dr. David Williams told a news conference Monday, where he urged people not to have company for a turkey dinner this weekend. Given the current picture, were saying stick to your household, added associate chief medical officer Dr. Barbara Yaffe. The social circle at this point is not relevant. The new guidance drew swift criticism on social media, with Ontarians questioning why the province says its safe to sit at a restaurant table with six other people but not safe to have a few guests for dinner. The medical officers and Premier Doug Ford had been signalling the change for over a week, asking people to limit their close contacts, wear masks or physically distance with others, and imposing new restrictions such as shorter hours for bars and restaurants. Social circles were allowed in mid-June amid warnings that cheating on them was a no-no. Positive cases of COVID-19 are now yielding dozens and in some cases, hundreds of close contacts when the number shouldnt be bigger than 10, Williams said, a clear violation of the social circle spirit that has fuelled the surge in cases since the end of August amid the return to school. People became fairly liberal on their application of the social circle and having many circles, Williams noted. The 615 new cases reported Monday marked the eighth straight day with more than 500 new infections and a level that is consistently higher than the first wave peak of the virus in late April. It was an 8.7 per cent increase from the 566 cases revealed by the Ministry of Health the previous day as labs across the province continued to process a backlog of nasal swab samples, providing results on another 38,196 and leaving more than 46,000 people awaiting results. Assessment centres were closed to walk-ins on Sunday. They will resume full operations Tuesday on an appointments-only basis, to allow labs to work away at the thousands of tests that piled up. The snags left Fords government under fire again Monday after Toronto Public Health said the city has been so swamped with new cases that it is suspending contact tracing except for outbreaks, leaving individuals who test positive for COVID-19 to alert their own contacts about the need to self-isolate or get tested. They simply dont have the resources to keep up, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said in the legislatures question period, accusing the Progressive Conservatives of scrambling to catch up instead of getting out ahead. There will now be thousands more people awaiting tests because of the two-day pause in testing, she added, calling the situation chaos. Websites for bookings show appointments were filling up rapidly at some centres. Health Minister Christine Elliott said the province is providing an extra 200 contact tracing staff for Toronto and maintained we are ready for surges. She promised labs would have the capacity to process 50,000 tests daily in the next few weeks, but amended that estimate minutes later to the next week or so. In September, she had predicted that level would be reached in early October. Toronto had 289 new cases, almost half the daily total, and the city now has 2,271 active cases who tested positive in the last 14 days. Peel Region had 88, Ottawa had 81 and York Region had 47 as the virus remained centred in the GTA and the nations capital. Elliotts ministry reported five new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total across the province to 2,980 since last winter. There were 176 Ontarians in hospital for the virus, up from 58 on Sept. 5, with 43 requiring intensive care almost triple the level of a month ago and 26 on ventilators. But these numbers came with an asterisk from the ministry because 35 hospitals across the province did not provide their most recent patient counts over the weekend. On the weekend, the Ontario Hospital Association warned hospitals in Toronto and Peel Region are already operating above 90 per cent capacity, with gridlock in some emergency departments. Association president Anthony Dale called for more stringent restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in addition to new limits on crowds and hours of service for bars and restaurants. Ford said he cant bring in more widespread restrictions without data. I have to see the evidence before I take someones livelihood away from them, he told reporters, adding the Ministry of Labour has been asked to ramp up inspections of restaurants and bars that may be in violation. There were 56 new cases of COVID-19 in schools, raising the total to 449 in the last 14 days. Since Friday, another 17 schools have reported cases, bringing that tally to 334 or just under seven per cent of all schools in the province. Three schools remain closed. Five people have been rushed to hospital after being found unconscious at a house in a suspected drug overdose. Four men and one woman, all believed to be in their 20s, were found inside the home in Budgewoi, on the NSW Central Coast, on Tuesday. A NSW Ambulance spokesman told Daily Mail Australia that emergency services were called to Noela Place at 3pm. Paramedics found four men and one woman, all believed to be in their 20s, inside the home in Budgewoi, on the NSW Central Coast, on Tuesday (stock image) Paramedics treated the five young people at the scene. The four males were taken by ambulance to Gosford Hospital in a stable condition, while the woman is in a critical condition at Wyong Hospital. Police and detectives are on the scene talking to a number of people who have gathered at the house. New Delhi, Oct 6 : With an over 39 per cent rise in ransomware attacks in the past three months, India ranked second only to the US among the countries most impacted by the threats, said a study by cybersecurity firm Check Point on Tuesday. The research revealed a 50 per cent jump in the daily average of ransomware attacks in the last three months globally, compared to the first half of 2020. Ransomware attacks in the US doubled - about a 98 per cent increase -- in the last three months. Sri Lanka, Russia and Turkey were ranked third, fourth and fifth, respectively among the top five countries most impacted by ransomeware attacks during the study period. The percentage of healthcare organisations impacted by ransomware globally nearly doubled, making it the most attacked sector in the US, said the report. "Ransomware is breaking records in 2020. Ransomware trends began with the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, as organisations scrambled to enact remote workforces, leaving significant gaps in their IT systems," Lotem Finkelsteen, Check Point's Head of Threat Intelligence, said in a statement. "However, the last three months alone have shown alarming surges of ransomware attacks." Some of the primary drivers of the rise include more sophisticated attacks, such as Double Extortion, and people's willingness to pay. In a Double Extortion attack, hackers first extract large quantities of sensitive information, prior to encrypting a victim's databases. Afterwards, attackers will threaten to publish that information unless ransom demands are paid, placing substantial pressure on organisations to meet hackers. Finkelsteen said that hackers deliberately choose a ransom price that targets are more willing to pay. For the study, security researchers at Check Point leveraged their threat intelligence engine, Threat Cloud, and calculated a number of insights and observations around the latest global ransomware trends. Threat Cloud is derived from hundreds of millions of sensors worldwide that are supplemented with Artificial Intelligence-based engines and research data from Check Point Research. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text On Wednesday (7 October), the vice president of the United States Mike Pence and VP candidate Kamala Harris will face each other in a debate that has been highly anticipated by voters. The debate will kick off at 9pm East Coast time and run for 90 minutes, until 10:30. Moderator Susan Page will choose six debate topics and each one will be given 15 minutes to be debated. All the major news channels, including NBC, ABC, C-SPAN, CBS, Fox News, Fox News Business and Spectrum Networks will show the debate without commercial interruption. YouTube, Apple TV and Amazon Prime are among the online services expected to stream the debate. Who: Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris What: 2020 Vice Presidential debate Where: University of Utah, Salt Lake City When: 7 October 2020 Timings: 7pm-8:30 MDT (Salt Lake City, Utah) 9pm EST to 10:30 EST (New York, New York) 6pm-7:30 PDT (LA California) 2am-3:30 BST (London England) What: 90 minute debate, hosted by USA Todays Susan Page. Topics TBD After the 29 September debate between President Donald Trump and candidate Joe Biden, changes in the debate format have been flouted by the Commission on Presidential Debates., but no formal changes to the Vice Presidential debate has been yet announced. The debate was originally to be held at the University of Notre Dame, but the location was moved to Salt Lake Citys University of Utah after a coronavirus outbreak was reported at Notre Dame, including the schools president Rev. John Jenkins, who attended a White House function without a face mask. Interest is high for this debate, as the two candidates could not be more dissimilar. Former prosecutor Kamala Harris is known for her fierce rhetorical skills and direct lines of questioning. She was widely seen as the winner of her primary debate against now-running mate Joe Biden. Mike Pence is the former governor of Indiana, House Representative and a former conservative radio show host. He is known for a staid demeanor that doesnt crack under pressure, as evidenced by his performance in the 2016 debate against former VP candidate Tim Kaine. Furthermore, the two candidates disagree on multiple hot-button issues including abortion, the Supreme Court, climate change and the White Houses handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Mike Pence is a Evangelical, conserative Christian whose beliefs infamously do not allow him to spend any time alone with a woman who is not his wife, Karen Pence. He wrote in a 1999 op-ed on the animated Disney film Mulan: "Moral of story: women in military, bad idea." Kamala Harris public persona is steeped in an image of modern independence. Hers is a career defined by firsts, including first woman and first person of colour to be San Franciscos District Attorney, first South Asian woman to serve as a congressional senator and first WOC to run for vice president on a major ticket. Recently, footage of Harris walking to a campaign event dressed in slacks, a blazer and Chuck Taylor sneakers went viral and has since been used in a campaign ad encouraging young leaders of the future. Debate moderator Susan Page has not yet released the debate topics. This may be related to a breakneck news cycle that included a rash of coronavirus diagnosis in the White House, including the President, the First Lady, Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany and the Presidents personal aide Nick Luna. The NYPD Commissioner has called Black Lives Matter protesters 'spoiled brats' and 'knuckleheads' for 'wasting police resources' after 14 were arrested during last night's demonstrations over the cop killing of a black city worker in Texas. Commissioner Dermot Shea laid into protesters in an interview with NY1 Tuesday morning where he accused them of 'breaking windows, property damage, graffiti, lighting fires.' Protesters took to the streets of the Big Apple Monday night after white cop Shaun David Lucas gunned down black man Jonathan Price while he was trying to break up a domestic violence situation at a gas station in Wolfe City Saturday night. Price's death tops off a string of police killings of black men and women across America in recent months which have sparked nationwide protests demanding an end to police brutality and racism. NYPD Commissioner Shea (pictured) has called Black Lives Matter protesters 'spoiled brats' and 'knuckleheads' for 'wasting police resources' after 14 were arrested during last night's demonstrations over the cop killing of a black city worker in Texas Shea blasted protesters Tuesday morning as he said the NYPD had arrested 24 in connection to demonstrations across the city Monday night. 'Breaking windows, property damage, graffiti, lighting fires. I mean, that is the last thing that we as New Yorkers need right now,' he raged to NY1. 'And that's last night in New York City - 24 more arrests, you know, at a time when we have diminished resources, and we have a violent uptick with the courts and everything else going on. 'We don't need officers pulled away for these, sometimes I don't know what you call them - peaceful protesters - maybe spoiled brats at this point.' DailyMail.com was told by the NYPD that the department actually made 14 arrests and issued 10 summonses during Monday night's protests. Charges for those arrested included unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct, obstructing governmental administration, and one for petty larceny. Ten summonses were also issued for disorderly conduct. Footage on social media showed cops and protesters clashing, with one video showing officers lunge to detain a peaceful demonstrator. Protests - that began back in May after the death of George Floyd - ramped up again Sunday and Monday after Price, a 31-year-old unarmed city worker, was shot dead by Wolfe City police officer Lucas, 22, on Saturday night. Commissioner Dermot Shea laid into protesters in an interview with NY1 Tuesday morning where he accused them of 'breaking windows, property damage, graffiti, lighting fires.' Pictured NYPD cops tackling protesters Monday night Footage on social media showed cops and protesters clashing, with one video showing officers lunge to detain a peaceful demonstrator Witnesses said Price was trying to break up a fight between a couple outside an East Texas convenience store. Cops arrived on the scene and Lucas tasered and shot Price dead in the street. Lucas was arrested and charged with murder Monday. Shea's attack on protesters demonstrating in the wake of Price's killing and complaint of a lack of resources comes as he has repeatedly slammed New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio for axing $1 billion from the NYPD's budget back in June. This included a cut of $335 million, from $603 million to $268 million, to the NYPD's overtime budget. The NYPD is already on track to blow that overtime budget out, having spent $85.6 million in overtime already over the first three months of the fiscal year, according to the Independent Budget Office. Shaun David Lucas (right) shot dead Jonathan Price (left) when he was trying to break up a domestic violence situation at a gas station in Wolfe City Saturday night The data shows the department spent $13.8 million in July, $43.7 million in August, and $28 million in September. However the NYPD historically spends over budget on overtime, averaging $723 million in recent years and last year spending $823 million - more than $200 million more than its $603 million budget. The budget cuts came after shocking footage circulated on social media of NYPD cops violently attacking protesters as demonstrations erupted back in May. Thousands have taken to the streets nationwide demanding justice and calling for an end to police brutality and racism since Memorial Day when black man George Floyd was murdered 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 EMT Breonna Taylor, 26, who was shot six times while sleeping in her bed when three plain clothes officers performed a botched raid at her Louisville apartment on March 13. A protest in New York last month. Protesters took to the streets of the Big Apple Monday night after Lucas gunned down Price in Texas Last month, a grand jury decided not to bring any charges against the three cops involved in her death, with only one officer charged in connection to the incident - not for Taylor's death but for wanton endangerment for shooting into a neighboring apartment. 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. Then, in August, 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. In early September, footage was released by the family of Daniel Prude, 41, showing cops in Rochester, New York, putting a spit hood over his face and pushing his face into the ground for two minutes until he passed out and died on March 23. The Monroe County medical examiner listed the manner of death as homicide caused by 'complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint' but no charges have been brought against any of the cops. Bank chief executives have welcomed the business-focused federal budget, saying it will help rebuild the battered economy, but senior economists have cautioned the government's outlook may be overly optimistic. The big four banks are among the businesses excluded from the $27 billion investment allowance, that allows businesses earning less than $5 billion per year to deduct the full cost of any asset worth up to $150,000. The instant asset write-off scheme will cover 99 per cent of businesses employing 11.5 million people and National Australia Bank chief executive Ross McEwan said this will help drive the country's economic activity through the pandemic. NAB chief Ross McEwan says it is imperative the private sector helps spur the economic recovery. Credit:Eddie Jim "We must do everything we can to support and strengthen businesses right now and the budget measures announced by the government will certainly help to do that as we begin to transition from support to stimulus," Mr McEwan said. In this March 5, 2007 file photo, a bluefin tuna swims inside farming pens prior to harvest near Ensenada, Mexico. Countries involved in managing bluefin tuna fisheries are set to face-off over a Japanese proposal to raise its catch quotas for the fish, highly prized for sushi and sashimi. At an online meeting that began Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, Japan is seeking to raise its catch limits for both smaller and larger bluefin tuna by 20%. (AP Photo/Chris Park, File) Japan has proposed raising its catch quotas for Pacific bluefin tuna, a fish so highly prized for sushi and sashimi that its population is at less than 5% of historical levels. An online meeting of countries that manage the Pacific bluefin that began Tuesday is studying the proposal to raise Japan's catch limits for both smaller and larger bluefin tuna by 20%. A slight improvement in the spawning population for the fish has raised confidence that it can recover from decades of overfishing. But conservation experts say increasing catch limits too soon could undo progress toward restoring the species. Increasing harvests of such fish could also drive prices lower, making the industry less profitable in the long run, the Pew Charitable Trusts said in a report issued Tuesday. The report, Netting Billions 2020: A Global Tuna Valuation, put the market value of seven tuna species including bluefin at $40.8 billion in 2018. Despite increased catches, that was a decrease from $41.6 billion in 2012. "Just because increasing catch is sustainable does not mean it is always the right thing to do," said Grantly Galland, an officer in Pew's international fisheries team. Prices for most species of tuna have fallen due to oversupply of caught fish, he said. In this Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, file photo, a sushi chef holds up the head of a bluefin tuna at a restaurant in Tsukji market area in Tokyo, after it was sold at the first auction of the year at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market. Countries involved in managing bluefin tuna fisheries are set to face-off over a Japanese proposal to raise its catch quotas for the fish, highly prized for sushi and sashimi. At an online meeting that began Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, Japan is seeking to raise its catch limits for both smaller and larger bluefin tuna by 20%. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) The meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission includes more than two dozen countries that collaborate to manage fisheries on the high seas and curb illegal and unauthorized fishing and other activities that endanger highly migratory species such as the Pacific bluefin. The countries participating in management of the Pacific bluefin committed in 2017 to reducing their catches to help return the species to 20% of its historic size by 2034. Japan plays a critical role in the survival of the species not just because of its huge appetite for the fish. The Pacific bluefin spawns almost entirely in seas near Japan and Korea. Japanese fishermen also capture small tuna to be farmed to maturity, although the number of traditional artisanal fishermen has fallen in recent years as younger Japanese choose not to engage in such dangerous and difficult work. The latest data show the spawning stock biomass of the Pacific bluefin, an indicator of the fish's ability to reproduce at a sustainable level, rising to about 28,000 metric tons in 2018 from 10,837 metric tons in 2010. That is still less than half the estimate for 1995 of a spawning stock biomass of 62,784 metric tons. It puts the species at about 4.5% of the baseline level it would be at if there were no fishing at all, up from 4% several years ago. Demand for bluefin tuna is such that any progress draws pressure for bigger catches. Last week, the Marine Stewardship Council granted certification for a Japanese fishery's Atlantic bluefin, over conservationists' objections that such a move might hinder its long-term recovery. In this Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, file photo, a 422 lb. Atlantic bluefin tuna is hoisted from a boat at the South Portland, Maine. Countries involved in managing bluefin tuna fisheries are set to face-off over a Japanese proposal to raise its catch quotas for the fish, highly prized for sushi and sashimi. At an online meeting that began Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, Japan is seeking to raise its catch limits for both smaller and larger bluefin tuna by 20%. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File) In 2019, Japan reported a catch of 3,757 tons of smaller tuna and 5,132 of larger tuna, according to documents prepared for the online meeting. To comply with its limits, it transferred 250 tons of its catch quota for smaller Pacific bluefin to its limit for the larger ones, according to documents prepared for this week's online conference. The proposal to raise its catch limits would enable Japanese fisheries to catch 801 more tons of smaller fish, which weigh less than 30 kilograms, per year and 976 more tons of larger ones. A similar proposal was rejected last year. A key issue is the unpredictability of each year's rate of "recruitment," or reproduction for bluefin, among other factors. For this reason many experts favor a shift toward a more systematic method of managing fish catches that would use complex computer modeling to target specific objectives. Pew and other conservation groups are promoting this approach, which has been adopted for managing southern bluefin tuna, another threatened species. Explore further Fisheries to cut catch of endangered bluefin tuna 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria will increase investment in the refining business and facilitate exponential growth in the nations refining capacity. This was the submission of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, at the opening ceremony of the African Refiners Association (ARA) Week 2020 which held virtually with the theme: Towards Cleaner Fuels for Cleaner Air. A press release by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that the GMD delivered a keynote address entitled, Vision for the Downstream Sector on the Continent, at the event in which he advocated deeper collaboration among downstream players across the African continent to provide solutions to challenges of substandard fuels. Mallam Kyari said though the idea of price stabilization which led to the introduction of fuel subsidy in the 1970s was noble, it had grown into a huge financial burden on the nations treasury over the years, necessitating its removal in March 2020. He stressed that the move will not only free up much-needed cash to fund infrastructural development, but will also eliminate market distortion, foster competition between operators, get more private sector players to build refineries in the country and promote efficiency across the entire value chain. He said increasing Africas refining capacity as well as quality of fuel required respective refineries to implement sustainable, coordinated pan-African solutions that would meet the target fuel specifications and thus protect the health and wellbeing of African nations and their citizenry. It is important to note at this point that the future of our continent does not just lie in our ability to unlock value from our vast natural resources or powering an industrial and economic revolution, but also in our ability to implement proven refining solutions that consider the broader public health implications of our business decisions, the GMD stated. He said NNPC was making concerted efforts to carry out holistic rehabilitation of its refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, noting that it was also collaborating with relevant stakeholders to establish modular and condensate refineries as well as supporting private sector establishment of refineries. These projects will be in line with the AFRI standards of AFRI-4 specifications of 50 particles per million for diesel and 150 particles per million for gasoline by 2020, and AFRI-5 specification of 50 particles per million of sulphur in gasoline and diesel by 2030 respectively. Considering that revamp of petroleum products storage depots and associated pipelines is key to optimal operations of the refineries, the Corporation has decided to use a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) strategy to restore these facilities using private sector financing, Mallam Kyari informed. According to him, this process has progressed significantly as the process of partner selection was ongoing to ensure sustainability of the refineries post rehabilitation. He noted that Nigeria was intensifying the use of natural gas to ensure lower emissions, adding that natural gas has been identified as the fuel of choice for the future as it has the full credentials to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The NNPC helmsman also disclosed that the outlook for the downstream sector both in Nigeria and across the African continent looks bright with attractive market conditions, large market, significant crude distillation capacity additions from various refinery projects, improvement of the distribution network and the use of natural gas. He called on the refining professionals across the continent to utilize the abundant opportunities for strategic collaboration across the entire downstream value chain towards delivering value for the continent. On his part, the Executive Secretary of ARA, Engr. Anibor Kragha, applauded the NNPC for its efforts to bolster the continents refining capacity, assuring that the Association along with other stakeholders would support the Corporation to achieve its noble objectives. Dr. Kennie Obateru Group General Manager Group Public Affairs Division Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC Towers, Abuja. 6th October, 2020. The government and private sector are eyeing new methods of borrowing, including through green and sukuk Islamic bonds At a time when governments of both poor and rich countries as well as many corporates are suffering from the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, more means to finance their spending needs are being sought through borrowing. Green bonds, being bonds issued to finance climate-related or environmentally friendly projects, as well as sukuks, or Islamic Sharia-compliant bonds, are making the headlines in Egypt with the news of the oversubscription of Egypts first-ever green bond issue being pointed to by the Ministry of Finance and the Talaat Moustafa Groups sukuk issue, the first in Egypt, also having its debut on the local stock market last week. The two new financing measures have come as other sources of traditional financing are being exhausted. Resorting to international financial organisations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has noticeably increased since the outbreak of the pandemic, with more than 70 countries, Egypt included, applying for rapid credit facilities to face coronavirus-induced economic challenges. However, most of these facilities are linked to reform conditions that come at a social cost. And while issuing bonds locally or internationally is a means of raising funds that Egypt has been using for a while, the high yields it has had to pay investors in these instruments has also added much to the countrys fiscal burdens. International investors have pumped billions of dollars into Egypts sovereign debt market since the devaluation of the Egyptian pound in 2016. The overall value of foreign holdings of Egyptian sovereign bills and bonds rose to $16.9 billion by the end of August from $14.1 billion a month earlier. Egypt pays the second-highest yield on sovereign bills and bonds among the worlds emerging markets. The country has also been tapping the international debt markets through Eurobond issues, the latest of which was in May when it sold $5 billion worth of bonds, its largest-ever issue. Overall debt-servicing is now eating up more than 20 per cent of Egypts state revenues. Accordingly, the government is working on a new funding strategy aimed at locking in new sources of financing and broadening its investor base, explaining its interest in the newly adopted green and sukuk bonds. The $750 million green bond issue that will be used to finance environmentally friendly and renewable energy projects was five times oversubscribed. The sale had put Egypt on the map of sustainable financing, the Finance Ministry said, adding that interested buyers had included new investor bases from Europe, the US, East Asia, and the Middle East, as well as asset managers and pension, investment, and insurance funds. The ministry said that such diversified, long-term, and high-quality investors would reduce the price volatility of the bonds. The high demand is another manifestation of rising global interest in green investments. According to the US financial service Bloomberg, the value of assets covered by the US Morningstar Sustainability Index, which measures a companys compliance with environmental and social regulations, have doubled to $250 billion in the past three years. Egypt is riding this wave, as it is working on a $1.9 billion portfolio of potential green projects. Egyptian companies will soon join with the Commercial International Bank (CIB) planning a green bond issuance next month, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is set to snatch the first tranche of the $65 million five-year bonds offering. The Ministry of Finance is also planning its first sukuk, or Islamic bonds, issue in both the local and international markets during the current fiscal year. Sukuk will help us diversify our investor base as well as reduce borrowing costs, given that yields on sukuk are less than on [regular] bonds, Mohamed Hegazi, head of the Finance Ministrys debt-management unit, told Bloomberg. The investor targets are mainly Islamic banks and funds in Egypt and the Gulf, which Hegazi said keep asking us about Islamic products. According to the information service Investopedia, sukuk is a Sharia-compliant bond-like instruments used in Islamic finance. Since the traditional interest-paying bond structure is not thought to be permissible under Islamic Law, the issuer of a sukuk essentially sells the investor a certificate, and then uses the proceeds to purchase an asset that the investor has direct partial ownership interest in. Sukuk holders thus do not receive interest payments, but instead they receive a portion of the earnings generated by the associated asset. The issuer must also make a contractual promise to buy back the bond at a future date at par value. Local corporations have already tried their luck in this market. The Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG), the leading real-estate developer, is the first Egyptian company to have listed sukuk traded on the local stock exchange. Its exchange-listing committee two weeks ago approved the LE2 billion listing for the Arab Company for Projects and Urban Development, a TMG subsidiary. The decision came as part of TMGs plans to issue LE4.5 to LE5 billion sukuks to finance its real-estate projects. The sukuk offering was 2.5 times oversubscribed in April during the private placement, and the state-owned Banque Misr, Banque du Caire, and Suez Canal Bank alone cornered 97 per cent of the issue. The sukuk has a tenor of five years, is open for trading, is not transferable to shares, and each will have a nominal value of LE100. The proceeds of the subscription will be used to complete the Madinaty open-air mall and to improve the market value of the mall by the time of inauguration to LE8.5 billion. Investors will receive periodic payments based on the profits generated by the mall. The sukuk is now publicly traded. More sukuk offerings worth a combined LE4.5 billion are expected to go to market this year, including Sarwa Capitals planned LE2.5 billion issue and another LE2 billion issue by the Amer Group. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is holding talks Tuesday in Tokyo with his counterparts from Japan, Australia and India that are aimed at strengthening a regional initiative to counter Chinas growing assertiveness. The four top diplomats, including Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indias Minister of External Affairs dubbed in diplomatic circles as the Quad, will discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the creation of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific Initiative (FOIP) focused on economic and security cooperation. The four diplomats also will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as part of his first diplomatic effort since replacing Shinzo Abe last month, after Abe stepped down citing health issues. During a bilateral meeting with Motegi ahead of the Quad summit, Pompeo praised Prime Minister Suga as a powerful force for good serving as Abes chief spokesman and key ally during the former prime ministers tenure, and he said Washington has every reason to believe he will strengthen our enduring alliance in his new role." Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell briefed reporters by phone Friday on Pompeos upcoming trip. Stilwell said Pompeos first stop will be Tokyo and lauded the timing because Japans new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has just taken the helm. China has denounced the Quad as an attempt to contain its development. The visit comes at a low point for U.S.-China relations, and Pompeo has been a forceful and outspoken critic of the Chinese Communist Party and what he views as Beijings aggressive foreign policy. Tuesdays quadrilateral meeting in Tokyo was to be Pompeos first stop on a three-nation tour of Asia that included Mongolia and South Korea, but those visits were canceled after President Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19 last week and was briefly hospitalized. Cindy Saine contributed to this report. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said he is confident that Ireland still has the borrowing power required to finance the countrys deficits into 2021. Speaking on RTE Six One News, Minister Donohoe was keen to stress that the government had sufficient borrowing power in Europe due to the good credit built up on paying back debt in recent years. This comes as cabinet agreed to release 1.5bn from the rainy day fund in the governments coffers in advance of next weeks budget. Read More We will need to borrow more money this year, as we have been already, and we will have access to that as we have regained our ability to borrow. This will be to keep jobs, livelihoods and to keep people safe. I am confident Minister McGrath and myself will be able to outline a safe way of doing that next Tuesday, Donohoe said. The Finance Minister was also at pains to point out the government would do its best to look after those who will likely lose their jobs due to the increased nationwide restrictions which will significantly hinder thousands of businesses. We will factor that into the economic forecasting for next year. Its a really big ingredient in knowing how much we have to borrow and secondly to know what supports we will have to put in to keep jobs. We have already shown our ability to give help that can make a difference. At the depth of our issues earlier in the year we had 600,000 on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and now its approximately 200,000. Through the Wage Subsidy Scheme we have shown the ability to preserve 350 to 400,000 jobs. Our policies have already had a big impact. If we are going to prolong huge schemes that cost a large amount of money every week and sustain them for longer; we need to make some changes to do it. We are doing this all for the objective to keep people safe, he said. Speaking about the Tanaistes comments about NPHET on the Claire Byrne show last night, Minister Donohoe said Leo Varadkar was describing the gravity of the decision that we faced and that it reflected the huge difficulty of the choice the government faced. The cabinet member reiterated the governments confidence in their ability to borrow the funds that will be required but also insisted: Any politician that says there are certainties in anything we are dealing with isnt recognising the risk in all we are dealing with. We have been able to safely borrow the money we need and I am confident that we can continue to [borrow the money we need], as long as we have a policy-making framework about our public and economic health that is credible and that we can explain to those that we are borrowing money from. I am confident that if we make careful and graduated decisions about public health and in protecting lives; that will give me and the government the ability to borrow the money we need for this year and next year, he said. LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Felony rioting charges were dropped Tuesday against a Kentucky lawmaker and others arrested last month during protests demanding justice for Breonna Taylor. Prosecutors lacked evidence to continue pursuing the rioting charges against state Rep. Attica Scott and 17 others, Jefferson County Attorney Mike OConnell said during an arraignment hearing in Louisville, Kentucky. Afterward, Scott told supporters gathered outside that the arrests would not deter them from speaking out for Taylor, saying: We will turn our protests into policy. She has unveiled legislation to ban no-knock search warrants in Kentucky and impose new requirements on police practices. These charges will not stop us. It will not stop the revolution, Scott said Tuesday before leading the crowd in chanting: You cant stop the revolution. Police had said Scott was in a group last month that was ordered to disperse but failed to do so. Members of the group damaged multiple buildings, including setting fire to a library, police said. The Democratic lawmaker has called the charges ludicrous, telling reporters the day after her arrest that there was no way she would have tried to damage the library. During Tuesdays hearing, OConnell said there was evidence of property damage to buses and the library on the night of Sept. 24 when Scott and the others were arrested. But he added: We would need clear-cut evidence that these individuals before you today were working with those who committed that property damage. The evidence we have reviewed thus far does not support that. Proceeding with the rioting charges would not be a just outcome for these defendants, he said. Misdemeanour charges of unlawful assembly and failure to disperse are still pending against Scott and other defendants. Prosecutors need more time to review those charges, OConnell said. Scott said Tuesday that she and others will be back in court next month to fight these bogus misdemeanour charges. Scott was among hundreds of people protesting in downtown Louisville after grand jury hearings into Taylors death led to no charges against police officers for shooting into the Black womans apartment and killing her during a March drug raid. A single officer was charged for firing into a neighbouring apartment. No drugs were found in Taylors residence. Scott was arrested as she headed to a church that offered sanctuary to protesters. Scott, who is Black, has said her arrest makes her more determined to push for her criminal-justice legislation. The measure, if enacted, would be called Breonnas Law. She plans to offer the bill when Kentuckys Republican-controlled legislature reconvenes early next year. Another Democratic lawmaker, state Rep. Lisa Willner, has said shes working on legislation that would narrow the scope of Kentuckys rioting statute in response to her colleagues arrest. The proposal would protect people from being charged with first-degree rioting if theyre present but dont engage in destructive or violent actions. BAKU/YEREVAN -- Heavy fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces continues despite renewed international calls for a cease-fire in and around the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. A brief lull in overnight fighting was interrupted by a barrage of rocket fire on Nagorno-Karabakh's capital, Stepanakert (Xankandi), and a "large-scale attack" by Azerbaijani forces along the southern front, Armenian Defense Ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanian said. Azerbaijan said Armenian forces targeted several of its regions. Since fighting erupted on September 27, the two sides have reported at least 240 deaths, including dozens of civilians. The actual toll is expected to be much higher, as both sides claim to have inflicted heavy military casualties. Each side has accused the other of targeting civilians. The hostilities have increased concern that a wider conflict could drag in regional power Turkey, which is Azerbaijan's closest ally, and Russia, which has a defense pact with Armenia. WATCH: Explosions Rock Cities As Armenia-Azerbaijan Fighting Escalates On October 5, Russia, France, and the United States -- the co-chairs of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) so-called Minsk Group, which has spearheaded peace efforts over Nagorno-Karabakh since the early 1990s -- reiterated their call for an immediate cease-fire in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. The three powers described the escalating conflict as an "unacceptable threat" to the region's stability. Turkey has openly supported Azerbaijan, saying it will be at Baku's side "at the negotiating table and on the field" as the two Turkic countries seek to create facts on the ground to strengthen any negotiating position. Brushing off calls for a cease-fire, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on October 6, vowing to deepen the country's involvement as it criticized the Minsk Group. "There should be no doubt that when needed, we will act like one state. Turkey is Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan is Turkey," Cavusoglu tweeted on October 6. Cavusoglu said in Baku that any cease-fire proposal was "no different" from previous ones and would not address what he described as violations of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. "OK, let the cease-fire take place but what will be the result? Can you [the world] tell Armenia to immediately withdraw from Azerbaijani territories or can you produce solutions for its withdrawal? No," he said after a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ceyhun Bayramov. Azerbaijan has demanded Armenian forces withdraw from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding Azerbaijani territories, saying that it would not end military action until its demands are met. Those conditions would be nearly impossible for Armenia to accept. Some analysts have suggested Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is gambling that his support for Azerbaijan will change the dynamics of the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh and give Ankara greater say in the region, just as its military interventions in Libya and Syria have put it in a key position to deal with Russia. "Much like in Syria and in Libya, Erdogan may be hoping for a deal with Putin. The Turkish president is biding his time until the Azeris make, and consolidate, territorial gains," Dimitar Bechev, a nonresident fellow at the Middle East Institute's Frontier Europe Initiative Center, wrote in an analysis. "If and when that happens, he could propose a bilateral peace initiative to Russia. This would be a symbolic coup for Turkey, elevating the country to a major player in the South Caucasus, on par with co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group, Russia, the U.S., and France," he added. Meanwhile, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian discussed the fighting in a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin "once again stressed the need for ceasing hostilities." "So far the situation is deteriorating. People are still getting killed, which is absolutely unacceptable," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. Armenia announced that Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is expected in Yerevan on October 8, although the government said the planned visit was "completely unrelated" to the current fighting. Meanwhile, Britain and Canada said there was an "urgent need to end the continuing military action in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone" and called for all parties to return to the negotiating table. "We are particularly concerned by reports of the shelling of civilian areas and wish to express our condolences to the families of those who have tragically lost their lives," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Phillippe Champagne said. Azerbaijan and Armenia have accused each other of starting the fighting. Analysts say Azerbaijan had been engaged in a military build-up since a flare-up in fighting in July and had an incentive to disrupt the status quo amid long-stalled Minsk Group negotiations over the territory. The fighting is the most intense since a 1994 cease-fire, with ground troops, artillery, drones, rockets and tanks in action across the entire line of contact separating Armenian and Azerbaijani forces. Baku says Azerbaijani cities outside Nagorno-Karabakh have been hit, and Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of targeting densely populated areas. Both have denied targeting civilians, but rights groups have warned against the use of banned munitions such as cluster bombs. Amnesty International said on October 5 that its experts were able to identify cluster munitions that appear to have been fired by Azerbaijani forces into residential areas of Stepanakert, the largest city in Nagorno-Karabakh. "The use of cluster bombs in any circumstances is banned under international humanitarian law, so their use to attack civilian areas is particularly dangerous and will only lead to further deaths and injuries," the London-based human rights watchdog said in a statement. Azerbaijan and Armenia have been locked in a conflict over the mountainous region since the waning years of the Soviet Union. They fought a war that ended in 1994 with an uneasy cease-fire and an estimated 30,000 killed. Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory, but it is controlled by ethnic Armenian separatists with close ties to Yerevan. Armenian forces hold control over seven regions adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh. With reporting by Milliyet, AFP, dpa, Interfax, and Reuters Investigative docuseries Bad Boy Billionaires has been released on OTT platform Netflix after having its shares of controversies. The show is an investigative series on the rise and fall of Indias most infamous business tycoons like Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya who are accused in several money laundering cases. The episodes available on Netflix feature Nirav Modi, Subrata Roy and Vijay Mallya. The three episodes ready to stream are titled The King Of Good Times" (episode on Mallya), Diamonds Arent Forever" (Nirav Modi), and The Worlds Biggest Family" (Subrata Roy). The brief synopsis provided of the show by the website says: This investigative docuseries explores the greed, fraud, and corruption that built up and ultimately brought down Indias most infamous tycoons." The film landed in controversy much before its release and cases were filed against it in at least two courts and was originally slated to stream from September 2. Earlier, Bihar lower court had restrained the makers of the series from using Subrata Roys name. The Netflix then filed a plea in the Supreme Court against the order. However, the apex court on Wednesday refused to entertain the plea and granted the Netflix the liberty to approach the Patna High Court. With the release of the series, social media users are having a mixed response, with some are calling it a revelation. Watched Bad Boy Billionaires. Nothing new to see in the Vijay Mallya & Nirav Modi stories. Found the episode on Subrata Roy fascinating. Sahara Pranaam. pic.twitter.com/ZF8jnkBbPE Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) October 5, 2020 Watching #BadBoyBillionaires Anyone else furious? Vir Das (@thevirdas) October 6, 2020 Has anyone been watching Bad Boy Billionaires on @Netflix? Watch the Subrata Roy episode for @sharatpradhan21. He reminds us of what dedicated journalism is https://t.co/sqgdR5hYVT proud that he is my friend & former colleague. vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) October 6, 2020 Bad Boy Billionaires is nice. But amongst the three, if there was one certified crook, it was Subroto Roy Sahara. Everyone knew he was a fraud.Allowing him to roam free for such a long time and become some sort of Hero, Is one of India's greatest blunders. The Kaipullai (@thekaipullai) October 6, 2020 Mehul Choksi had filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court terming the series a prejudicial to the legal cases pending against him and also to his reputation and goodwill." Nirav is facing trial in nearly USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. In March 2018, Modi applied for bankruptcy protection in Manhattan, New York. In June 2018, Modi was reported to be in the UK and has applied for political asylum in Britain. Choksi is accused in nearly USD 2 billion PNB scam. Choksi and Nirav are accused in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. Choksi left the country last year and was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda. Roy is an Indian businessman and the Managing Worker and Chairman of Sahara India Pariwar. Roy and two other directors were arrested for failure of the groups two companies Sahara India Real Estate Corporation (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corp Ltd (SHICL) to comply with the apex courts August 31, 2012 order to return Rs 25,000 crore to their investors. Roy was sent to Tihar Jail by the apex court on March 4, 2014 and came out on parole after spending over two years in prison on May 6, 2016 to perform the last rites of his mother. He has been out of prison since then. Mallya is another Indian fugitive businessman and is accused in a bank loan default case of over Rs 9,000 crore involving his defunct Kingfisher Airlines. He is presently in the United Kingdom. Mallya was also found guilty of contempt of court in 2017 for transferring USD 40 million to his children. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announced that his government will soon introduce a new scholarship scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students. He alleged that the Centre had backstabbed SC students as it had abruptly ended the post- matric scholarship scheme for them. The Chief Minister said the new scheme would give an opportunity to students from weaker sections to pursue higher learning in various streams, which they had been deprived of due to the withdrawal of the scholarship scheme by the Centre. He said the state government was in the process of recasting this scheme with the aim of ensuring that no SC student is deprived of higher education. The CM also reiterated his administration's resolve to recruit one lakh youth in government jobs over next one and half year, of which 50,000 will be recruited till March, 2021, and another 50,000 by the end of its term. He was addressing a virtual programme on the culmination of the 6th State Level Mega Rozgar Mela from Patiala, along with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, according to a government release. Singh noted with satisfaction that his government had, in the past three and half years, successfully created job opportunities for 13.42 lakh youth through placement and self-employment assistance under the scheme. Of these, 50,000 government and 4.04 lakh private jobs had been given to the youth, besides facilitating nearly 8.80 lakh youths in taking up self- employment ventures, he said. The CM informed Gandhi that eminent multinational corporates like Microsoft, and other private companies of India, including Trident, Guru Gobind Singh Refinery (HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd.), Bathinda, had played a pivotal role in offering remunerative jobs to Punjab's youth. Complimenting the leadership of Amarinder Singh in facilitating gainful employment for youths through the scheme, Gandhi said it was the duty of any government to provide job opportunities for youngsters. Terming youths assets, he said employment opportunities for them could transform their destinies and lead to the nation's development. He described Punjab as a frontrunner state, with a hardworking, peaceful and resilient workforce committed to upholding the basic values of humanity. Pointing out that Punjab had once led the country in the SME (small and medium enterprise) sector, despite being a predominantly agrarian economy, Gandhi said the previous Akali-BJP government in the state had decimated it, just as they were now trying to ruin agriculture. However, under the present government, Punjab continues to nurture its cottage small and micro industrial units, which have an enormous potential to grow and result in job creation, 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.) Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. (Natural News) A report examining all 50 U.S. states fiscal health found that 39 of these do not have enough money to pay their bills. The eleventh edition of the Financial State of the States report, published by non-profit organization Truth in Accounting (TIA), showed that the total debt among all 50 states amounted to $1.4 trillion at the end of the 2019 fiscal year. Furthermore, it warned this amount would still balloon due to the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. For the report, TIA calculated states taxpayer burden the amount of money each taxpayer would have to shell out if the state were to pay off its debt and states taxpayer surplus the amount of money refunded to each taxpayer if in case the state still has leftover budget after paying off its bills. Based on these calculations, 11 states would be able to pay off their debts: Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Tennessee, South Dakota, Nebraska, Idaho, Oregon, Iowa and Minnesota. Taxpayers in Alaska, which the report named as the most fiscally healthy state, would be able to receive a $77,400 tax refund. Meanwhile, five states New Jersey, Illinois, Connecticut, Hawaii and Massachusetts made it to the bottom of the other 39 unable to pay their debts. In particular, New Jersey taxpayers will have to pay $57,900 from their pockets to pay off debt in Americas least fiscally healthy state. The report found that a large portion of debt incurred by states comes from unfunded retirement benefit obligations. These include pension plans and retiree healthcare liabilities. Pension debt amounted to $855 billion, and other post-employment benefits racked up to $617 billion at the end of the 2019 fiscal year. The TIA report warned that most of the states were ill-prepared for any crisis now that budget deficits in the 39 states have been uncovered. Bad policies by states rub salt into budget deficit wound Forty-nine states require their budgets to be balanced by law; for any deficit, states would have to rely on accounting tricks and ultimately federal bailouts. However, borrowing huge amounts of money to pay off debts and keep operations afloat is an equally terrible fiscal decision to make. Take the case of New York City, for example. New York state, where the Big Apple is located, ranked No. 41 in the TIAs fiscal report alongside other states unable to pay their obligations. The effects of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns mandated by state and local governments brought economic activity to a screeching halt and exacerbated the citys budget deficit issue. Even the office of Mayor Bill De Blasio was not spared. To save on costs and address the citys budget deficit, the mayors office originally planned to lay off as much as 22,000 city workers. An August report by the Epoch Times stated that these layoffs did not materialize after labor leaders convinced De Blasio not to ax city workers until state lawmakers approve a long-term borrowing plan for the city. Labor unions have been a historic constituency of the Democratic Party De Blasio is a member of and the long-term borrowing plan amounting to as much as $5 billion will go to the 22,000 employees who are part of different New York City labor unions. Before the planned layoffs, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo did not agree with granting New York City borrowing power commenting that borrowing is easy, paying back is hard. Cuomos words definitely ring true in this scenario. Borrowing is easy, paying back is hard especially when least fiscally healthy states such as New York and New Jersey resort to bad fiscal measures such as borrowing even more money and hiking up taxes on the rich. Find out more about individual state debts and measures to address the problem at DebtBomb.news Sources include: SchiffGold.com TruthInAccounting.org TheEpochTimes.com Mick Schumacher's uncle has hit back at doubts about the young German's talent. Ralf Schumacher's famous brother is Michael, whose son Mick will drive the Alfa Romeo in Friday practice this weekend amid strong speculation about a full race debut for 2021. But last week, another former F1 driver - Marc Surer - was quoted as questioning 21-year-old Mick Schumacher's talent, even though he is currently leading the Formula 2 standings. "He is not with his father in terms of talent, but he is very capable of improving and his ability to learn is incredible," Surer told AvD Motorsport Magazin. When told that Surer had played down Mick's talent, his uncle Ralf reacted to Sport1: "I'm amazed at how Marc Surer assesses that. "He doesn't have the talent? How should you judge that? I find the statement to be absolute nonsense." Many observers would agree that perhaps the most talented young driver in F1 today is Max Verstappen. But Ralf insisted: "Max was also lucky. He has great talent, but he was also promoted." The former six-time GP winner says it is more expensive than ever for any driver to break into Formula 1. "From today's perspective, even eight million is no longer enough. It's a hell of a lot of work. Money stands against talent," said Ralf Schumacher. "If someone can hardly afford to test, no matter how talented they are, they will lose to the one who has more money." (GMM) STORY LINK GBP/CAD Kept from Advancing as Trumps Return Calms Markets GBP Exchange Rates Lack Drive amid Concerns for UK Job Market Outlook We may need to look at the way the scheme is designed over the coming weeks, particularly if the crisis escalates over the winter months, and we do think that for certain sectors... we may need to see additional support. Ninety-one percent of our members said that the job support scheme ... wouldnt be able to help them retain jobs because of the additional costs and restrictions that they were facing CAD Exchange Rates Push Ahead as Markets Return to Commodities Oil prices raced higher overnight, as a combination of tailwinds combined to lift prices off the bottom of their one-month ranges, GBP/CAD Exchange Rate Forecast: Market Risk-Sentiment Remains the Focus Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: Global markets have been driven by developments regarding US President Donald Trumps health since last week, and the British Pound to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate is under pressure today as the Canadian Dollar benefits from some fresh market demand for riskier trade and commodity-correlated assets. Meanwhile, the Pounds movement has been comparatively limp, being driven more by rival movement as investors await bigger developments with Brexit and Britains coronavirus situation.Last week saw the Pound benefit from market trade aversion, as the Canadian Dollar was knocked lower by falling oil prices. GBP/CAD opened last week at the level of 1.7053 and spent the week trending higher. Ultimately, GBP/CAD closed the week at the level of 1.7207 over a cent and a half higher.This weeks movement has been mixed so far, with the pair briefly dipping, then jumping this morning, before trending closer to the weeks opening levels again.The Pound has seen mixed movement thus far this week. Investors are hesitant to make big moves on the British currency as the Brexit process has once again been thrust into yet another month of uncertainty.The Pound did see some relief yesterday as Brexit negotiations were extended, but these gains have been limited.Investors remain anxious about the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, and Britains economic outlook amid the coronavirus pandemic has also been concerning markets.Fears are rising that many UK businesses will see huge layoffs as the UK governments furlough scheme comes to an end.UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been defending the governments actions and plans to support economic activity and jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic today. However, some have said that the governments new plans do not go far enough.According to Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Economist at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI):Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive at UK Hospitality, said that there would be even more layoffs than previously expected. She said:The Canadian Dollar is a currency correlated to market risk and trade sentiment. As a result, it took a hit from last weeks news that US President Donald Trump had contracted the coronavirus Covid19.The news left investors hesitant to take risks, leaving the Canadian Dollar and oil prices weaker. Oil is Canadas biggest export, so CAD is highly correlated to oil prices as well.As a result of this though, a recovery in market sentiment since yesterday has helped the Canadian Dollar to recover today.US President Donald Trump was discharged from hospital yesterday. It boosted hopes that he was recovering from the coronavirus illness, which in turn boosted US political stability hopes.This made investors more willing to take risks. Commodities like oil prices rose, and so did the Canadian Dollar.Hopes for US fiscal stimulus is also boosting the US Dollar. According to Jeffrey Halley, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA:For now, GBP/CAD is trending lower as market sentiment recovers. However, will better market sentiment persist? The US political outlook remains dominated by uncertainties, so the Canadian Dollar could fall again.For example, if US President Donald Trumps health takes another turn for the worse, markets could panic. This could also weaken oil prices, which would only further weaken the Canadian Dollars appeal.While risk-sentiment and oil prices will remain the primary focus for GBP/CAD in the coming sessions, there is some notable news in the coming days that could influence the Canadian Dollar as well.Thursday will see Bank of Canada (BoC) Governor Tiff Macklem hold a speech. If there is a surprising stance on Canadian monetary policy this could have a big impact on the Canadian Dollar.Fridays data, including UK growth and trade stats, as well as Canadas anticipated job market report, will also be closely watched by Pound to Canadian Dollar exchange rate investors. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Canadian Dollar Forecasts 12-1. The political pressures generated by the post-war restabilisation of capitalism exhibited in the BLPIs liquidation found their theoretical expression in the emergence of a revisionist current within the Fourth International led by Michel Pablo and Ernest Mandel. What began with Pablos abandonment of Trotskys assessment of the counterrevolutionary character of Stalinism came to embrace a revision of all the fundamentals of Marxism, replacing the struggle for the political independence of the working class with the wholesale liquidation of the sections of the Fourth International into the agencies of the bourgeoisie operating within the workers movement in every country. 12-2. Only after careful deliberation had the Fourth International characterised the Stalinist regimes in the so-called buffer states of Eastern Europe as deformed workers states in response to their abrupt turn in 19471948 to the nationalisation of industry and commencement of bureaucratic state planning. Unlike the Soviet Union, which was the product of a proletarian revolution, these states were deformed from the outset. The changes to property relations did not issue from mass organs of proletarian power, Soviets, led by a Bolshevik-type party, but were imposed from above by Stalinist parties that suppressed any independent activity of the working class. Moreover, as the Fourth International explained: From the world point of view, the reforms realised by the Soviet bureaucracy in the sense of the assimilation of the buffer zone to the USSR weigh incomparably less in the balance than the blows dealt by the Soviet bureaucracy, especially through its actions in the buffer zone, against the consciousness of the world proletariat.[ 1 ] 12-3. As was later explained: The use of the term deformed places central attention upon the crucial historical difference between the overturn of the capitalist state in October 1917 and the overturns which occurred in the late 1940s in Eastern Europethat is, the absence of mass organs of proletarian power, Soviets led by a Bolshevik-type party. Moreover, the term implies the merely transitory existence of state regimes of dubious historical viability, whose actions in every spherepolitical and economicbear the stamp of the distorted and abnormal character of their birth. Thus, far from associating such regimes with new historical vistas, the designation deformed underscores the historical bankruptcy of Stalinism and points imperiously to the necessity for the building of a genuine Marxist leadership, the mobilisation of the working class against the ruling bureaucracy in a political revolution, the creation of genuine organs of workers power, and the destruction of the countless surviving vestiges of the old capitalist relations within the state structure and economy.[ 2 ] As early as 1949, however, Pablo transformed what had been a provisional characterisation of regimes of a transitory character into a long-term perspective for centuries of deformed workers states that imbued Stalinism with a historically progressive role. Adapting to the framework of the Cold War, Pablo replaced the struggle of the international proletariat against capitalism with a new objective reality that consists essentially of the capitalist regime and the Stalinist world. 12-4. This new reality excluded any independent role for the working class and the Fourth International. At the Third World Congress in 1951, Pablo drew out the liquidationist implications of his theories, declaring: What distinguishes us still more from the past, what makes for the quality of our movement today and constitutes the surest gauge of our future victories, is our growing capacity to understand, to appreciate the mass movement as it existsoften confused, often under treacherous, opportunist, centrist, bureaucratic and even bourgeois and petty-bourgeois leadershipsand our endeavours to find a place in this movement with the aim of raising it from its present to higher levels.[ 3 ] 12-5. In relation to Latin America, Pablo called for the liquidation of the Trotskyist movement into the anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist mass movements regardless of the class character of their leaderships. To label such movements, he declared, as reactionary, fascist or of no concern to us would be proof of the old type of Trotskyist immaturity and of a dogmatic, abstract, intellectualistic judgement of the mass movement Elsewhere, as in South Africa, Egypt, the North African colonies, in the Near East, we understand that the eventual formation of a revolutionary party now takes the road of unconditional support of the national, anti-imperialist mass movement and of integration into this movement.[ 4 ] This orientation represented a complete repudiation of the Theory of Permanent Revolution and the struggle for the political independence of the working class from bourgeois and petty-bourgeois leaderships in the backward capitalist countries. The implications of this program were already evident in Sri Lanka and India where Philip Gunawardena and N.M. Perera had been advancing similar arguments against the old Trotskyism of the dogmatic, abstract, intellectualistic BLPI to justify their adaptation to Bandaranaike. 12-6. In 1948, Pablo had cautioned the BLPI against entry into the Socialist Party of India. By February 1952, however, he was advocating entrism sui generis (entrism of a special type) across-the-board internationally. As in India, entrism now was not a temporary tactical manoeuvre, but a long-term perspective, justified on the assumption that any future radicalisation would and could only take place through the existing labour organisations. The outcome of entrism sui generis in India had already resulted in the demoralisation and disorientation of former BLPI cadres, who were trapped in an organisation that blocked any fight for a Trotskyist program. The application of this opportunist tactic internationally resulted in the destruction of more sections of the Fourth International. 12-7. The theoretical foundation of Pabloite opportunism was the method of objectivism. As was later explained: The standpoint of objectivism is contemplation rather than revolutionary practical activity, of observation rather than struggle; it justifies what is happening rather than explains what must be done. This method provided the theoretical underpinnings for a perspective in which Trotskyism was no longer seen as the doctrine guiding the practical activity of a party determined to conquer power and change the course of history, but rather as a general interpretation of a historical process in which socialism would ultimately be realised under the leadership of non-proletarian forces hostile to the Fourth International. Insofar as Trotskyism was to be credited with any direct role in the course of events, it was merely as a sort of subliminal mental process unconsciously guiding the activities of Stalinists, neo-Stalinists, semi-Stalinists and, of course, petty-bourgeois nationalists of one type or another.[ 5 ] 12-8. The objectivist method transformed the Theory of Permanent Revolution from a revolutionary guide to action for the sections of the Fourth International into an external description of an inexorable historical process that worked itself out through the medium of other parties and leaderships. Instead of providing the means for building Trotskyist parties in the working class, the Theory of Permanent Revolution was converted by the Pabloites into a method for glorifying movements led by bourgeois and petty-bourgeois parties. 12-9. The political struggle against Pabloite opportunism culminated in the publication of the Open Letter to the world Trotskyist movement on November 16, 1953 by James P. Cannon, the leader of the American Socialist Workers Party (SWP). The Open Letter was the rallying point for orthodox Trotskyists and led to the formation of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) with the support of the British and French sections. The letter summarised the fundamental principles of Trotskyism: 1. The death agony of the capitalist system threatens the destruction of civilisation through worsening depressions, world wars and barbaric manifestations like fascism. The development of atomic weapons today underlines the danger in the gravest possible way 2. The descent into the abyss can be avoided only by replacing capitalism with the planned economy of socialism on a world scale and thus resuming the spiral of progress opened up by capitalism in its early days. 3. This can be accomplished only under the leadership of the working class in society. But the working class itself faces a crisis in leadership although the world relationship of social forces was never so favourable as today for the workers to take the road to power. 4. To organise itself for carrying out this world-historic aim, the working class in each country must construct a revolutionary socialist party in the pattern developed by Lenin; that is, a combat party capable of dialectically combining democracy and centralismdemocracy in arriving at decisions, centralism in carrying them out; a leadership controlled by the ranks, ranks able to carry forward under fire in disciplined fashion. 5. The main obstacle to this is Stalinism, which attracts workers through exploiting the prestige of the October 1917 Revolution in Russia, only later, as it betrays their confidence, to hurl them either into the arms of the Social Democracy, into apathy, or back into illusions in capitalism. The penalty for these betrayals is paid by working people in the form of consolidation of fascist or monarchist forces, and new outbreaks of war fostered and prepared by capitalism. From its inception, the Fourth International set as one of its major tasks the revolutionary overthrow of Stalinism inside and outside the USSR. 6. The need for flexible tactics facing many sections of the Fourth International, and parties or groups sympathetic to its program, makes it all the more imperative that they know how to fight imperialism and all its petty-bourgeois agencies (such as nationalist formations or trade union bureaucracies) without capitulation to Stalinism; and conversely, know how to fight Stalinism (which in the final analysis is a petty-bourgeois agency of imperialism) without capitulating to imperialism.[ 6 ] 12-10. The Open Letter reviewed the role of Pablo in providing a political cover for Stalinism in the 1953 strike movement in East Germany and the French general strike. Turning to the fate of the Chinese Trotskyists at the hands of Pablo, the Open Letter declared: Particularly revolting is the slanderous misrepresentation Pablo has fostered of the political position of the Chinese section of the Fourth International. They have been pictured by the Pablo faction as sectarians, as refugees from a revolution ... Pablos line of conciliationism towards Stalinism leads him inexorably to touch up the Mao regime couleur de rose while putting grey tints on the firm, principled stand of our Chinese comrades.[ 7 ] 12-11. After a thorough consideration of the evolution of the Maoist regime that the Socialist Workers Party in the US and the ICFI designated China as a deformed workers state. In a resolution adopted at its 1955 national convention, the SWP provided a detailed analysis of the Chinese revolution: its impact on world politics and the transformation of class relations within China as well as of the Stalinist CCP and its policies. Summing up the process, the document concluded that after the 1949 revolution: The objective dynamics, the inner logic of the struggle against imperialist intervention forced the bureaucracy to break with capitalism, nationalise the decisive means of production, impose the monopoly of foreign trade, institute planning, and in this way clear the road for the introduction of production relations and institutions that constitute the foundation of a workers state, which China is today, even though a Stalinist caricature thereof. China is a deformed workers state because of the Stalinist deformation of the Third Chinese Revolution.[ 8 ] 12-12. The subsequent evolution of the Chinese regime, which restored capitalist property relations in the 1980s and transformed the country into the worlds premier cheap labour platform, has fully vindicated the International Committees principled position. In opposition to the Pabloites, the ICFI insisted that, without the overthrow of the CCP regime through a political revolution led by the working class, the Maoists guided by the nationalist perspective of Socialism in One Country would inevitably become the agents of capitalist restoration as was foreseen by Trotsky in The Revolution Betrayed. At the same time, the ICFI opposed various state capitalist tendencies that dismissed the enormous sweep of the Chinese Revolution, the subsequent nationalisation of private enterprises and the institution of economic planning, and in doing so, sided openly or tacitly with imperialism against the deformed workers state. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News N Augusta Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal New Mexico and Texas attorneys painted differing pictures before the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday as to why water was allowed to evaporate in Brantley Reservoir near Carlsbad instead of being delivered to Texas under the Pecos River Compact. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation held water in the reservoir after Tropical Storm Odile inundated the region in September 2014. Reclamation released the water in August 2015. By that time, 21,000 acre-feet, or about 6.8 billion gallons, had evaporated. The court-appointed river master later gave New Mexico delivery credit for about 16,000 acre-feet. Kyle Hawkins, solicitor general for Texas, said New Mexico should bear the evaporative losses because Reclamation stored the water for flood control, not for Texass eventual use. He said the river masters decision deprives the farmers and businesses of west Texas of a years worth of irrigation and threatens incalculable economic harm should New Mexico redeem those credits during a drought year. In response to a question from Justice Clarence Thomas about whether Texas was prepared to accept the water, Hawkins said the state made room in Red Bluff Reservoir in March 2015. But New Mexico objected to the release of the water at that time because of the ongoing disaster in Eddy County in southeastern New Mexico, Hawkins said. Thats why the Bureau held off until August. New Mexico attorney Jeffrey Wechsler said emails show the state didnt object, but asked that the water be released at a certain rate to protect bridges. Quite the contrary, New Mexico made clear that, but for the request from Texas, it would have released that water to the state line, Wechsler said. Masha Hansford, assistant to the Solicitor General for the U.S. Department of Justice, sided with New Mexico and said the decision was technically accurate and entirely fair. More rain means more water that New Mexico must deliver under the 1947 Pecos compact. Texas argued that the compact doesnt allow for deviation from that method, and that New Mexicos actions to account for the losses blind-sided them. But the way I read the record, really, everyone agreed that the issue would be postponed while the parties negotiated, Justice Elena Kagan said. And then, throughout negotiations, everyone agreed that the River Master was, in the end, going to make a one-time adjustment. So everybody agreed with this process. And then, you know, if you look at the record that way, its you lost, and all of a sudden you think the process isnt any good because you came out on the short side of the process. The courts opinion in the case could be handed down any time before the term ends in June 2021. Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal. Ayyanna Patrudu on Tuesday alleged that clear evidence was now available to show how Labour Minister Gummanuru Jayaram has resorted to a land grab of 204 in Aspari mandal in Kurnool district this year. Former Minister and senior TDP leader Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu on Tuesday alleged that clear evidence was now available to show how Labour Minister Gummanuru Jayaram has resorted to a land grab of 204 in Aspari mandal in Kurnool district this year. Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu showed the registration documents relating to the unauthorised transfer of this land property in the names of the Ministers wife, wives of his brothers and several other benamis. The land grab came to light after the Ittina Plantations Pvt Ltd, which owns these lands, filed a police case against the encroachers. Addressing a press conference here, the TDP leader said that Minister Jayaram committed clear fraud by grabbing these lands with forged and false documents. In a criminal conspiracy, the Ministers kin got these lands registered from one Manjunath, who stepped aside from the firm management a long time ago. A fake document was created that Manjunath was given power of attorney on these lands. The company owners signatures were forged for this purpose. Ayyanna Patrudu demanded Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy to order an impartial probe by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) into the land scam of Minister Jayaram. If the CM did not take any action despite having evidence clearly, the public would have to think that he was also a partner to this land grab. No action was taken even 13 days after the TDP gave a complaint to the ACB with evidence that Jayaram accepted a costly Benz car in the ESI scam. Also Read: YSRCP to join BJP? Days after meeting Shah, Jagan meets PM Ayyanna Patrudu demanded Minister Jayaram to explain how he could pay Rs. 1.63 Cr to Manjunath towards registration of these Ittina plantation lands. All the registrations for 204 acres took place on a single day on March 2 this year. Immediately, the Ministers benamis approached the Kurnool District Cooperative Bank for loans. However, their designs were foiled and the bank managers refused to sanction loans after Ittina company got the police notice issued to the bank about the land scam. Stating that a reign of terror was running in the State now, Ayyanna Patrudu said that the Ittina company real owners have not filed any police complaint in Kurnool fearing that they would face the ruling party harassment. Jayaram has plans to grab over 450 acres of lands belonging to the Ittina company there. The local farmers, who have equal rights, were now being terrified and not allowed to till the lands. Also Read: Hathras SP: Wont allow hold meeting, panchayat in village, victims family given enough security VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / Zimtu Capital Corp. (TSXV:ZC)(FSE: ZCT1) (the "Company" or "Zimtu") announces it has signed an agreement with Belmont Resources Inc. (BEA)(L3L2) to provide its ZimtuADVANTAGE program. Zimtu shall receive $6,000 per month for a period of 24 months, with the entire 24 months payable at the beginning of the contract. ZimtuADVANTAGE is a program designed to provide opportunities, guidance, cost savings and assistance to clients covering multiple aspects of being a public company. The services may include building financial networks, building business networks, shared costs with other public companies, building a social media presence, conference opportunities, media outlets and guidance and special group pricing provided by Zimtu's network of public company professionals. The program provides the flexibility to allow companies to customize the products and services to best support their needs. About Belmont Resources Belmont Resources is a British Columbia based company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the highly prospective Greenwood-Republic mining camps. The company has over a short period of time systematically acquired six past producing gold-silver and copper-gold mines: the Athelstan & Jackpot Gold mines (Athelstan-Jackpot property - 100%); the Bertha & Pathfinder Gold-Silver mines (Pathfinder property - 100%); the Betts Copper-Gold mine (Come By Chance property - 100%); and the Lone Star Copper-Gold mine (Lone Star Property - LOI). Belmont Resources is utilizing new technology and geological modelling in identifying rich and potentially higher grade mineralized feeder systems to these mines. For more information please visit https://belmontresources.com. About Zimtu Capital Corp. Zimtu Capital Corp. is a public investment issuer that invests with the objective of achieving long-term capital appreciation for its shareholders. Zimtu Capital companies may operate in the fields of mineral exploration, mining, technology, life sciences or investment. The Company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ZC" and Frankfurt under symbol "ZCT1". For more information please visit http://www.zimtu.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors ZIMTU CAPITAL CORP. "David Hodge" David Hodge President & Director Tel: 604.681.1568 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: Zimtu Capital Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/608968/Zimtu-Capital-Corp-Announces-Contract-with-Belmont-Resources-Inc By Express News Service Fahadh Faasil has donated 10 lakh from the profits of CU Soon to the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA). Fahadh, along with director Mahesh Narayanan, handed the sum to FEFKA member B Unnikrishnan. By handing over 10 lakh from the profits of CU Soon to FEFKA, Fahadh and Mahesh Narayanan have become role models, said B Unnikrishnan who expressed his gratitude to the duo for their love and solidarity to their colleagues in the film industry during these times of paucity and survival. Starring Fahadh, Roshan Mathew, and Darshana Rajendran, CU Soon was the first Malayalam film to be shot and completed during the lockdown. The screen-based film was produced by Fahadh and Nazriya under their Fahadh Faasil and Friends banner and released on Onam day on Amazon Prime Video. Police in Uttar Pradesh have claimed they have apprehended four people linked with the Popular Front of India (PFI) in Mathura, while they were on their way to Hathras from Delhi. The development comes amid allegations by chief minister Yogi Adityanath there is a big international conspiracy to defame his government and attempts to spark caste and communal riots over the murder and gang-rape of a 19-year-old Dalit woman in the states Hathras district. Heres what you need to know: 1. The four men, according to the police, are linked with the PFIs student wing Campus Front of India (CFI). They were identified as Atiq-ur-Rehman, Siddiqui, Masood Ahmed and Alam. 2. In a press release late on Monday, the police said the four were moving towards Hathras in a car and were detained as suspicion grew around their movement. The four are being interrogated, the release added. 3. On Monday, Adityanath alleged there is an international conspiracy to defame his government over the Hathras gang-rape incident. Attempts are being made to stoke sectarian violence in the state, he further alleged. 4. The UP police have filed 19 first information reports (FIRs) in seven districts, including those of sedition and promoting enmity between different groups, in this regard. 5. The woman was allegedly gang-raped by four upper-caste men in Hathras on September 14. She died in a hospital in Delhi on September 29 and was forcibly cremated by the police in the early morning hours of September 30. 6. Last week, there was a steady stream of political visitors to her village. Among those who met the victims family were Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday, two days after being stopped from going there. 7. The UP government is facing severe flak for its handling of the incident. It has set up a three-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case and also recommended a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Also, the case will be tried in a fast-track court. 8. The UP police too are under intense scrutiny for cremating the victims body against her familys wishes. It has also been accused of manhandling political leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Derek OBrien and Jayant Chaudhary, and misbehaving with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. 9.The PFI was formed in Kerala in November 2006 by merging three Muslim organisations, which were formed after the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya was demolished in 1992. In recent days, it has come under the scanner for its alleged role in anti-CAA (full version) protests in UP and communal riots in Delhi in February this year. Activists in Surabaya, Indonesia, protest against a job creation bill they say will curtail workers rights, Aug. 25, 2020. Indonesias parliament on Monday passed a job creation bill into law designed to attract investment, despite opposition from activists and labor rights groups who said it curtails workers rights. The bill was to be voted on later this week but the lawmakers moved up its passage after unions threatened to hold street protests Tuesday through Thursday to voice concerns about their rights not being protected under the legislation. The bill is needed to change or amend several laws that are hindering our efforts to create jobs. It also serves as an instrument to simplify the bureaucracy and make it efficient, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto told MPs after the House of Representatives (DPR) passed the bill. As for the protection of workers, the law advances tripartite relations between the government, workers and employers by providing the job termination insurance program, he said. Members of President Joko Jokowi Widodos administration and MPs spent the weekend in a hotel finishing work on the bill to bring it up for a vote on Monday. Two of nine factions in the parliament the Democratic Party and the Prosperous Justice Party rejected the bill. More than 3.7 million Indonesians have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus, bringing the number of unemployed in Southeast Asias biggest economy to 10.6 million, according to the Manpower Ministry. A World Bank report released late last month warned that Indonesias economy could shrink by 2.0 percent this year as its struggles to contain the pandemic. Union members who managed to reach the parliament complex in Jakarta to protest the action were forced to disband by riot police. Why did they decide the agenda abruptly? Are they trying to avoid our protests from Oct. 6 to 8? asked Arif Minardi, the head of the Metal and Electronics Workers Union. Parliament announced that it would be in recess beginning Tuesday through Nov. 8. National police spokesman Awi Setiyono said police took action to curb the spread of COVID-19. The police have an important role to manage the situation to prevent untoward events, Awi told reporters. Labor rights groups said the law would benefit employers at the expense of workers. Among its provisions, the law cuts maximum severance payments by employers from 32 months to 25. They take advantage of the pandemic to pass the law so that they have a pretext to ban street protests, Asfinawati, the chairwoman of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, told BenarNews. On Sept. 14, the Jakarta governor re-imposed large-scale social restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 after new cases soared more than two months after the country gradually reopened the economy. Environmental concerns The law removes a requirement for companies to involve the local population in assessing the environmental impacts of their operations, leaving the tasks only to certified organizations and government agencies, according to officials. Investments considered to be low risk can proceed without having to submit an environmental impact analysis report first. Government officials said the law was needed to attract investment by making it easier for foreign investors to do business in the country. Despite that claim, a group of 35 global investors managing $4.1 trillion in assets told the government that it could pose new risks to the nations tropical forest, Reuters news service reported. The investors include Aviva Investors, Legal & General Investment Management, the Church of England Pensions Board, Netherlands-based asset manager Robeco and Japans largest asset manager, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management, according to Reuters While we recognize the necessity for reform of business law in Indonesia we have concerns about the negative impact of certain environmental protection measures affected by the omnibus bill on job creation, Peter van der Werf, senior engagement specialist at Robeco, said in a statement. The investors said they feared the legislation could hamper efforts to protect Indonesias forests, which would in turn undermine global action to tackle biodiversity loss and slow climate change, according to Reuters. leader on Tuesday said that he feels he gets "beaten up so much in politics" because he instinctively stands with the weak. He was replying to a question by a journalist on why Punjabis should trust him. "Look at my actions, you will see that I am a person who, when I see some injustice is done, I feel for that person instinctively. If you see one strong man beating a weak man, automatically I am on the side of the weak. "In fact, this is why I get beaten up so much in I am also thinking to myself, why. But I have that inside me. If I feel injustice is being done to Punjab I will stand for Punjab, no matter what. If I feel injustice is being done to a Dalit girl in UP, I will go there, I will take two-three 'lathis', no problem. That is my nature, that is what I have been taught. I don't know any other way," Gandhi said. and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had recently travelled to Hathras in Uttar Pradesh to meet the family members of a 19-year-old Dalit woman who was gangraped. She died a fortnight later. He said his political path would have been easier if he did not have this trait. "Frankly, I can see right now that my political path would have been much easier, if I did not have this. But it is there how can I take it out. That is why the people of Punjab should trust me," he said. The former chief said that he had often been abused and beaten while fighting for the rights of sections of society as in the case of the Land Acquisition Bill and MGNREGA among others. "Now, I am standing with the people of Punjab against this farm bill," said Gandhi on the final day of his tractor rallyin Punjab. The leader also said that he owed a debt to Punjab and Punjabis. "I have learnt a lot from Punjabi people. Punjab has given me a lot... The people of this state have a particular spirit which has taught me quite a lot," he said. He recalled an incident when his grandmother Indira Gandhi lost the parliamentary election in 1977. "I remember in 1977, my grandmother lost an election. There was nobody in the house, but there were Sikhs in my house. She was protected by Sikhs in 1977. I will never forget that," he said. "In my mind, it is a strange thing. But there is a debt that I feel I owe to the people of Punjab. In a similar way, I have a feeling that I owe the people of Tamil Nadu. I do not know why but I have that feeling inside," 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.) Protecting civilians involved in the escalation in the Karabakh conflict zone should be a priority, Amnesty International reported in connection with the confirmation of the use of banned cluster bombs in the region. Their statement runs as follows: Protection of civilians caught in the escalating conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region must be prioritised, Amnesty International said today, after corroborating the use of banned cluster bombs in the region. Over the weekend, footage consistent with the use of cluster munitions in the city of Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, was published by the regions de facto authorities. They also reported an unidentified number of civilian casualties after further shelling in Stepanakert and the town of Shushi. Amnesty Internationals Crisis Response experts were able to trace the location of the footage to residential areas of Stepanakert, and identified Israeli-made M095 DPICM cluster munitions that appear to have been fired by Azerbaijani forces. The use of cluster bombs in any circumstances is banned under international humanitarian law, so their use to attack civilian areas is particularly dangerous and will only lead to further deaths and injuries, said Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty Internationals acting Head of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Cluster bombs are inherently indiscriminate weapons, and their deployment in residential areas is absolutely appalling and unacceptable. As fighting continues to escalate, civilians must be protected, not deliberately targeted or recklessly endangered. Amnesty International has called on all sides to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian law, and to protect civilians from the effects of hostilities. Hundreds of demonstrators protested against police brutality on Monday in the Chilean capital of Santiago. The protest follows up a string of demonstrations since a video showed what seemed to be a police officer pushing a young man off a bridge during a protest on Friday. The 16-year-old fell for 7 meters (22 feet) from the bridge to the Mapocho River bank, suffering several injuries. The incident is still being investigated, but the prosecution ordered the arrest of the officer implicated. The video has caused commotion in a country that is still dealing with human rights violations that occurred during the social unrest in 2019. This story has not been edited by www.republicworld.com and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed. At a time of transformation and slow reconstruction of the Middle East we have known for the last seven decades, a great Arab statesman left us. On Tuesday, 29 September, Sheikh Al-Sabah Jaber Al-Sabah, the former ruler of Kuwait from January 2006, passed away. With his death, the wise man among Arab rulers left the scene at a time when his policies of inter-Arab reconciliation are so badly needed. The late ruler of Kuwait belonged to an era in Arab politics that was shaped by strong nationalist sentiments across the Arab world. It was a period of liberation from more than a century of foreign domination, either by the British or by the French. This period saw the wax and wane of Arab solidarity and a political consensus on the way forward for Arab nations. It is true that during the Iraq-Iran War, that lasted eight years from 1980 till 1988, Gulf countries decided to get together in a Gulf subsystem called the Gulf Cooperation Council. It came into being as a counterweight to the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and to benefit from the financial windfall that came from oil proceeds that had skyrocketed after the 1973 October War. Still, Kuwait remained greatly involved in Arab affairs not out of expediency but rather out of firm conviction. The late Sheikh Sabah was the architect of this strategy. He was appointed foreign minister in the 1960s and occupied the post of deputy prime minister and foreign minister for more than three decades 30 years that saw turmoil, wars, threats to Kuwaiti independence and terrorist attacks by pro-Iranian groups. Aside from the threats posed by Iran of the Ayatollahs, and the stark choices that the Iraq-Iran War imposed on Kuwait, the most serious threat to the very existence of Kuwait as a state came on 2 August 1990, when Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait overnight, and the Iraqi government announced the annexation of Kuwait as the 19th governorate of Iraq. In exile, the late Sheikh Sabah campaigned and travelled the world over in search of a diplomatic solution whereby the Iraqi forces could withdraw from Kuwait. He found in Egypt, under the late president Hosni Mubarak, a true ally among Arab countries, some of which had sided with Iraq in indirect ways. Among the latter, surprisingly enough, figured the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) of the late Yasser Arafat. Despite more than 60 public appeals from Mubarak for Saddam Hussein to withdraw from Kuwait, Iraq rejected all diplomatic solutions. The Kuwaitis had preferred a political way out, particularly after the destruction brought about by Iraqi forces on their soil. However, war became inevitable through Desert Storm a coalition of American, foreign and Arab armies under the command of the United States Military. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait had been a serious setback for Arab solidarity and the willingness of Arab countries to work together. Another consequence of the invasion was its adverse impact on Gulf-Arab relations. However, the late Kuwaiti ruler remained committed to working diplomatically with other Arab countries in order to meet the challenges that had faced the Arab world after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the disintegration of the former Soviet Union. This period coincided with the Madrid Peace Conference of October 1991, a conference that had aimed to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict as well as the Palestinian question. Kuwait welcomed the convening of the conference, but adopted a reserved position. Kuwait has been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian people, and Kuwaiti diplomacy under Sheikh Sabah never tried to link Palestinian policies to its own interests; nor have the Kuwaitis interfered in Palestinian domestic politics, even though it has been a major benefactor of the Palestinian people. Before the Iraqi invasion, there were 400,000 Palestinians working in Kuwait, and their monthly remittance transfers to the West Bank and Gaza were tremendous, and this besides the generous financial aid that the Kuwaiti government earmarked for Palestinian institutions and the PLO. Because of the pro-Iraqi position of the PLO, in support of Saddam Hussein after the Iraqi invasion, things changed and a major source of hard currency for Palestinians in the occupied territories and the Gaza Strip dried up. However, and under his watch as the Emir of Kuwait, Kuwaiti diplomacy opened up to the Palestinians, particularly after the passing of Yasser Arafat at the end of 2004. But the largess of bygone days is history. One of the main features of this diplomacy has been the non-intervention policies of Sheikh Sabah in both Arab and Gulf differences. And this has been quite apparent during the last decade. Unlike other Gulf countries, Kuwait did not interfere, one way or another, in the domestic affairs of Arab countries that saw the popular uprisings of the so-called Arab Spring. And this was manifested quite clearly in Syria. Whereas three Gulf countries directly and publicly lent support to what is wrongly called the Syrian Revolution, in mid-March 2011, and their backing for bringing down a legitimate Arab government, Kuwait stood out as a country that chose not to destabilise an established government. Such a position is empowering in Arab politics if and when the times come to find political solutions to intractable Arab differences. In this context, the late Sheikh Sabah tried to mediate between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, on the one hand, and Qatar on the other after the former four cut off diplomatic relations with the latter in June 2017. His failing health, however, plus the economic and financial challenges that faced his country in the last year because of the fall in oil revenues, drove Kuwaiti mediation to a near standstill. Another major feature of the diplomacy of the late emir was the non-use of force in settling inter-Arab differences an opposite policy to the gung-ho diplomacy of other Gulf countries. And Yemen is a case in point. Similarly, Kuwait never tried to intervene in Libyan affairs by choosing sides. Last, but not least, Kuwait, while other Gulf countries chose to disregard the Arab Peace Initiative, with its built-in sequencing of establishing diplomatic relations with the Hebrew state, to its credit stood out as the last Gulf and Arab country that would have forsaken the common Arab strategy of establishing an independent Palestinian state before making any moves to normalise with Israel. The late emir of Kuwait was the last Arab statesman of a generation of leaders who sincerely translated popular aspirations into official positions vis-a-vis issues that have been, and still are, of utmost importance to Arab countries. While we mourn his passing, we are certain that his legacy will be an example for whoever comes next to take the reins of power across the Arab world. His diplomacy will remain an inspiration for those who seriously aspire to ensure security, stability and genuine peace in the Arab world. May you rest in peace, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. *The writer is former assistant foreign minister. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Indian market jumped to a seven-month high on October 6 led by gains in financials, realty, and auto stocks. The S&P BSE Sensex rose 600 points to close at 39,574 while the Nifty50 went past the crucial 11,650 level and ended 159 points higher at 11,662. Sectorally, the action was seen in finance, realty, Bankex, and auto stocks while mild profit-taking was seen in metals, oil & gas and power stocks. "The bulls were firmly in control on Tuesday as we saw spirited buying in pivotals as well as in sectors like mortgage & cement. Expectations of relief measures for sectors adversely impacted by the pandemic also lifted investor sentiments in the broader market," S Ranganathan, Head of Research at LKP Securities told Moneycontrol. The broader markets underperformed the benchmarks. The S&P BSE midcap index closed with gains of 0.59 percent while the smallcap index closed 0.5 percent higher. Top Nifty gainers included IndusInd Bank, Adani Ports and HDFC. Top Nifty losers included Tata Steel, Coal India and Britannia Industries. Stocks & Sectors Sectorally, the S&P BSE finance index rose 3 percent, realty index 2.4 percent and Bankex closed with gains of 2 percent. Profit-taking was seen in the S&P BSE metal index that was down 0.5 percent. The S&P BSE oil & gas index fell 0.2 percent and the power index was down 0.19 percent. A volume spike of more than 100 percent was seen in stocks like LIC Housing Finance, Dabur India, Tata Motors, and Berger Paints. Long buildup was seen in stocks like HDFC Life, Chola Finance, Ambuja Cement and LIC Housing Finance. Short buildup was seen in stocks like Britannia Industries, Exide Industries, and Shriram Transport. More than 150 stocks on the BSE hit a fresh 52-week high that includes TCS, Asian Paints, MindTree and Infosys. Technical View The Nifty formed a strong bullish candle on the daily charts. If the index sustains above 11,564 on a closing basis, then the bulls should remain hopeful of retesting the corrective swing high of 11,794 registered on August 31, suggest experts. However, almost a vertical run-up, from the lows of 10,790, in just seven trading sessions dragged the indices into overbought territory, which can be a cause for concern, though weakness in the indices can be expected only on a close below 11564 levels, Mazhar Mohammad of Chartviewindia.in told Moneycontrol. As there are no sell signals, as of now, traders can remain long with a stop below 11,590 levels on a closing basis and look for a target into the 11,750 - 800 levels where they should book profits, he said. : The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested two men in the early hours of Tuesday in connection with the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manish Shukla at Titagarh in North 24 Parganas district on Sunday night. The father of Muhammad Khurram, one of the arrested men, was murdered 10 years ago, said BJP leaders and police. Shukla, 39, an outgoing councilor of Titagarh municipality, was one of the accused in the murder case registered in April 2010. The charges against him were later dropped. Sheikh Gulab, the second man arrested by CID, is suspected to have followed Shuklas movements and passed on information to the hitmen. In Shuklas murder, nine people have been named in the First Information Report (FIR) on the basis of the complaint lodged by his father Chandramani Shukla, who is a doctor. The outgoing chairman of Barrackpore municipality, Uttam Das, and his counterpart in Titagarh municipality, Prashanta Choudhury, have been named in the complaint. The two Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders denied the allegation, saying the BJPs Barrackpore Lok Sabha MP Arjun Singh was blaming them because they campaigned to stop the BJP from making further inroads in the district before the 2019 assembly election in the constituency and 500 BJP supporters recently rejoined the TMC. There was an internal squabble in the district BJP unit because Shukla aspired to contest the assembly polls, said Das. Dismissing the claim, Singh said: It is not true at all. In the BJP, top leaders select candidates. People like us do not take such calls. The CID is pursuing the personal enmity angle in Shuklas murder, but not ruling out the involvement of powerful people, an officer told HT on condition of anonymity. Arjun Singh has alleged that the CID itself is involved in the conspiracy. We have evidence that Shuklas movements were monitored by some officers at the CID headquarters at Bhawani Bhawan in Kolkata on Sunday. We will move the Calcutta high court on Wednesday, seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), said Singh. Singh and Shukla both left the TMC and joined the BJP in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Singh made news by defeating TMCs sitting MP Dinesh Trivedi in the Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat in 2019. To prove Khurrams connection with the TMC, Singh showed the media the accused mans old photos with minister Bratya Basu, former minister Madan Mitra and Panihati legislator Nirmal Das. While Das denied having any link with the accused, Mitra and Basu could not be contacted despite several efforts. Khurrams father Muhammad Islam, who was a cloth merchant, was gunned down in April 2010 near Titagarh railway station. Khurram was very young at that time. Shukla was arrested and released after a few days. Police will find out whether Khurram is involved or not. I always told him revenge cannot be the answer to anything. Now that Shukla has been murdered our next generation will be in danger. There is no end of this, said Khurrams cousin, Raju Khan. Khurram, I and all members of our family are supporters of the TMC, said Khan. Attempts were made on Shuklas life four times since 2009, the year he joined the ruling party, leaving the Communist Party of India (Marxist). He survived without a scratch in the attacks carried out in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2018. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tanmay Chatterjee Tanmay Chatterjee has spent more than two decades covering regional and national politics, internal security, intelligence, defence and corruption. He also plans and edits special features on subjects ranging from elections to festivals. ...view detail PROVIDENCE, R.I., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TRWH) ("Twin River" or the "Company") today announced that it intends to offer in a private offering, subject to market conditions, $125 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.750% senior unsecured notes due 2027 (the "New Notes"). The New Notes would constitute an additional issuance of Twin River's existing 6.750% senior notes due 2027 and would be issued under the indenture dated as of May 10, 2019, pursuant to which Twin River previously issued $400 million in aggregate principal amount of notes due 2027. Immediately after giving effect to the proposed issuance of New Notes, the Company will have $525 million in aggregate principal amount of notes due 2027 outstanding. Twin River intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, which could include, in addition to funding operations, acquisitions and other transactions. The offering of the New Notes has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or any other applicable securities laws and the New Notes may not be offered, sold, pledged or otherwise transferred within the United States or to or for the account of any U.S. person, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes, nor shall there be any sale of the New Notes in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Preliminary Third Quarter Operating Results The following third quarter operating results are preliminary estimates based on the latest information available and are subject to change as the Company completes its quarterly closing procedures. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company currently expects: consolidated revenues will range from $100 million to $130 million ; and to ; and consolidated Adjusted EBITDA will range from $30 million to $40 million . The Company expects to be cash flow positive for the third quarter of 2020 (excluding the acquisition of Casino KC and Casino Vicksburg), and ended the quarter with liquidity in excess of $360.0 million inclusive of availability under its revolving credit facility. The Company anticipates reporting final third quarter results in late October or early November 2020. While carrying out quarterly closing procedures, the Company may identify items that would require it to make adjustments to the preliminary estimates of its operating results set forth above. As a result, the Company's actual operating results could be outside of the ranges set forth above and such differences could be material. About Twin River Twin River owns and manages nine casinos, two in Rhode Island, two in Mississippi, one in Delaware, one in Missouri and three casinos as well as a horse racetrack that has 13 authorized OTB licenses in Colorado. Twin River's properties include Twin River Casino Hotel (Lincoln, RI), Tiverton Casino Hotel Tiverton, RI), Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Biloxi, MS), Casino Vicksburg (formerly Lady Luck Casino Vicksburg in Vicksburg, MS), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (Dover, DE), Casino KC (formerly Isle of Capri Casino in Kansas City, MO), Golden Gates Casino (Black Hawk, CO), Golden Gulch Casino (Black Hawk, CO), Mardi Gras Casino (Black Hawk, CO), and Arapahoe Park racetrack (Aurora, CO). Twin River's casinos range in size from 603 slots and 8 electronic table games to properties with over 4,100 slots, approximately 111 table games, and 36 stadium gaming positions, along with hotel and resort amenities. Forward Looking Statements The statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the stated or expected results to be materially different from those anticipated. These risk and uncertainties include, among others, Twin River's ability to close the offering and uncertainty surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including uncertainty regarding its extent, duration and impact, on Twin River's business. For further discussion of factors that could materially affect the outcome of forward-looking statements and other risks and uncertainties, see "Risk Factors" in Twin River's Annual Report on Form 10K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 13, 2020, and the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, as filed with the SEC on May 14, 2020 and August 13, 2020, respectively. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Unless required by law, Twin River expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether because of future events, new information, a change in its views or expectations, to conform them to actual results or otherwise. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures The Company has included preliminary estimates of ranges for Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, in this press release. "Adjusted EBITDA" is earnings, or loss for the Company before interest expense, net of interest income, (benefit) provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-operating income, acquisition, integration and restructuring expense, goodwill and asset impairment, share-based compensation, professional and advisory fees associated with capital return program, CARES Act credit, credit agreement amendment expenses, gain on insurance recoveries, and certain other gains or losses. Management has historically used Adjusted EBITDA when evaluating operating performance because the Company believes that the inclusion or exclusion of certain recurring and non-recurring items is necessary to provide a full understanding of the Company's core operating results and as a means to evaluate period-to-period performance. Management also believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a measure that is widely used for evaluating operating performance of companies in the Company's industry and a principal basis for valuing resort and gaming companies like the Company. Management of the Company believes that while certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA may be recurring in nature and should not be disregarded in evaluating the Company's earnings performance, it is useful to exclude such items when comparing current performance to prior periods because these items can vary significantly depending on specific underlying transactions or events that may not be comparable between the periods presented or they may not relate specifically to current operating trends or be indicative of future results. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to GAAP net income as an indicator of the Company's performance. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA as used by the Company may not be defined in the same manner as other companies in the Company's industry, and, as a result, may not be comparable to similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures of other companies. Net income is the most closely comparable GAAP measure to Adjusted EBITDA, but the Company is unable to present net income at this time without unreasonable effort or expense given that, among other things, the Company is in the process of its quarterly closing procedures. Investor Contact Media Contact Steve Capp Liz Cohen Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Kekst CNC 401-475-8564 212-521-4845 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc. EDWARDSVILLE The National Trial Lawyers: Top 10 Asbestos/Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers Association has recently announced Chris Layloff as one of its top asbestos/mesothelioma trial lawyers. This honor is only given to a select group of lawyers for their achievements in the field. With his selection, Layloff has proven that he exemplifies superior qualifications, leadership skills, and trial results as a trial lawyer. Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, speaks at the daily coronavirus briefing at the White House on April 19, 2020 in Washington, DC. The Department of Health and Human Services is threatening to withhold U.S. funding from hospitals that fail to comply with federal requirements on reporting data about Covid-19 and influenza patients, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma announced Tuesday. Verma said on a conference call with reporters that hospitals will be given 14 weeks to comply with the requirements before enforcement is implemented. She said federal officials will work with hospitals over that time to help bring them into compliance. "Because this requirement is in the Medicare conditions of participation, noncompliance could result in termination from both Medicare and Medicaid, meaning the hospital would not receive reimbursement from these programs," Verma said. "We're going to do everything that we can to facilitate reporting." The withholding of Medicare and Medicaid funding would be a major blow to almost any hospital. But Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, emphasized that the data is "really critical" to guide the U.S. response to the pandemic. Among the data requested from hospitals is the number of Covid-19 patients in each hospital and availability of medical equipment such as ventilators and protective gowns for employees. Birx announced Tuesday that HHS will now begin requiring new data from hospitals in order to better track seasonal influenza patients across the country. The federal government uses the data to guide potentially lifesaving policy responses to the pandemic, such as how best to distribute scarce supplies of the antiviral drug remdesivir, which is one of the few treatments for Covid-19. Nancy Foster, vice president for quality and patient safety policy at the American Hospital Association, said in a phone interview with CNBC last week that withholding Medicare and Medicaid funding would be "too severe a penalty on a community." But she added that it's likely just a strategy to scare hospitals into compliance, a way of "holding the hospitals' feet to the fire, but not immediately booting them out of the Medicare and Medicaid program." "Losing your ability to participate in Medicare and Medicaid is a really big hammer," said Foster, who serves on a working group of national hospital representatives that have been advising HHS' effort to ramp up federal data collection. "It doesn't just affect the hospitals," she added. "It takes away that option of going to that particular hospital for Medicare and Medicaid patients." Verma said on the call Tuesday that CMS will send out multiple notices to hospitals that are out of compliance before making any threat of enforcement. She said there are just over 6,000 hospitals in the agency's system that will receive notices beginning Wednesday, telling them how well they're complying with the data-reporting requirements. Birx said on the call that about 86% of hospitals are reporting daily through the system and about 98% are reporting at least weekly. It's unclear what portion of hospitals are in compliance, but Dr. Janis Orlowski, chief health care officer at the Association of American Medical Colleges, estimates about 96% are reporting their Covid-19 data. "We do have most of our hospitals that are reporting generally," Verma said. "Not all of them are going to daily reporting so this is really to encourage them to report on a daily basis their data." Orlowski, who also serves on the working group, said the addition of seasonal influenza data to the reporting requirements could be a real burden on some hospitals that are already struggling to meet the requirements. She added that the rate of compliance is already high, so to make complying with the requirements a condition of participation in Medicare and Medicaid is drastic. "We got 96% of people reporting, and you guys are going to slap on a really draconian" measure, Orlowski said in a phone interview last week. She added, however, that hopefully HHS would include a long enforcement period before action was taken. Nonetheless, she said she and other hospital representatives have voiced opposition to the move. "We have had conversations with the administration, basically saying, 'You got to be kidding me. You know, we're working with you collaboratively, and you guys are going to slap a condition of participation on?'" she said. Birx's working group of national hospital representatives, which typically meets every Thursday, has not met in about three weeks, Orlowski and Foster said. In late July, hospitals across the country were left scrambling after HHS abruptly told them to stop reporting their data to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's longstanding National Healthcare Safety Network. Instead, hospitals were instructed to report the information to HHS through a new portal. At the time, HHS tied hospitals' cooperation with the reporting to the distribution of remdesivir, but the decision left many rural hospitals in the dark since they relied on the CDC to assemble and share that information because their states don't collect the data themselves. One of the most difficult requirements for some, especially smaller, hospitals is that they are required to report data every day, including on the weekend. However, the new guidance from HHS says that hospitals that don't have weekend staffing can submit their weekend data by end of day Monday. "At the end of the day this is about patients," Verma told reporters on the call. "We want to make sure the hospitals have supplies that they need, so all of this reporting just ensures that frontline health-care workers and patients have the supplies and the treatments that they need." HALIFAX - The Atlantic bubble wont reopen to the rest of Canada any time soon given the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, says Nova Scotias premier. Stephen McNeil wouldnt be specific about a timeline during a briefing Tuesday, but said no reopening was in the offing. I can tell you it wont be in the short term, McNeil told reporters. Im certainly concerned with what Im seeing in parts of the country with a large outbreak. Well be watching it, but it (reopening) wont be any time soon for sure. McNeil thanked the public for helping the province to keep its case numbers low. Nova Scotia currently has three active cases of COVID-19. That is not the case everywhere in Canada, he said. We are watching case numbers climb daily it happens fast, and its hard to control after it takes place. We dont want that to happen here and if you think it cant, think again. Strict isolation orders implemented across the four Atlantic provinces have been credited by health experts for the regions success in largely eliminating community transmission of the novel coronavirus. Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotias chief medical officer of health, pointed to the situation in Quebec and Ontario as a reason Nova Scotians should not get complacent and measures requiring visitors from outside of the Atlantic region to quarantine for two weeks should remain. Strang said the border restrictions are crucial. Weve seen the value of that over the last few months. Most of our cases have been isolating, and because of that weve had minimal spread from those cases, he said. Strang acknowledged that while many businesses are hurting because of the measures, they should understand that they are part of a bigger piece in the fight against the spread of the virus. He said the reality of living with the COVID-19 pandemic is that certain types of businesses will suffer an impact. We have to allow them to be COVID safe, Strang said. If we dont, then we run the very real risk of them having to close completely. Strang also warned the public about what he called mask fatigue, observing that health officials are aware of a creeping complacency because of lower infection numbers. Look at Ontario, look at Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal in Quebec we dont want to be there, Strang said. Once you get widespread COVID, its very difficult to stop the spread. You cant put the genie back in the bottle. Also Tuesday, McNeil announced his province would ramp up its testing capacity in an attempt to test people with symptoms as quickly as possible ahead of the flu season and a potential second wave of the novel coronavirus in the province. The plan would see the main lab in Halifax increase its capacity from the current 1,500 tests a day to 2,500 tests a day by mid-November. Equipment would also be added to a lab facility in Sydney, N.S., in early November so tests in Cape Breton can be processed there instead of sending them to Halifax. The IWK Health Centre in Halifax will also pilot testing of an easier gargle test for children aged four to 18 beginning Wednesday, with plans to expand it to all primary testing centres. The government also plans to extend hours and add staff at other primary testing sites across the province. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020 Read more about: Since July, the Graduate Student Organizing Committee (GSOC), which is affiliated with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and has over 2,000 graduate workers as members at New York University, has been involved in contract negotiations with the university administration. The previous contract, negotiated by GSOC and the university in 2015, expired on Aug. 31. GSOC has agreed to a second extension of the contract, which includes a no-strike clause, until Oct. 13. GSOC is affiliated with the UAW Local 2110, an amalgamated union that has repeatedly negotiated concessionary contracts for workers throughout New York City. GSOC granted these extensions to the university even though NYU has done nothing but stonewall university workers demands for higher stipends and wages, financial compensation for hardships that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, safe working conditions, proper health care coverage, and protection of international student workers. GSOC has also called for NYU to cut its ties with the New York Police Department (NYPD). New York University campus in Manhattan NYU only presented minor counterproposals in late September, including one on sending out appointment letters early (21 days before the job starts) and one on child care benefits, which has fallen far short of the needs of grad workers with children. This was to be expected. NYU, one of the largest and most expensive private universities in the United States, embodies the broader subordination of academia to private profit and the interests of the corporate-financial oligarchy. For decades, the university has exhibited complete disregard for the well-being of students, staff and faculty, carrying out vicious attacks on workers, subordinating student mental health and food insecurity to profit interests and repeatedly demonstrating utter contempt for the most basic democratic rights. The decision to reopen NYU on Sept. 2 under a so-called hybrid model against the advice of medical experts was likewise dictated by the interests of the millionaire administrators and collection of multi-millionaires and billionaires that make up the NYU Board of Trustees. It is endangering countless lives not just at NYU but throughout New York City. Already, there are 248 total reported COVID-19 cases across all NYU campus locations in New York and an explosion of cases is inevitable as a second wave of the virus in New York City is triggered by Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio and Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomos push to fully reopen schools and businesses. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at NYU fully support the struggle of graduate students for higher wages and stipends and better child care and health care benefits. We call upon graduate students to develop their struggle on the basis of the following demands: An end to all in-person classes! There can be no safe reopening under conditions of a raging pandemic. In a tragic proof of this fact, just a few days ago, Chad Dorrill, a 19-year-old student at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, died from neurological complications resulting from COVID-19, after taking classes under a hybrid model similar to the one being used at NYU. The university must meet all needs for technology by students and workers alike to enable remote learning. No student or worker must be allowed to suffer in their educational work from lack of technological equipment. Free tuition for all! Graduate student workers must receive a living wage and stipend. Education is a social right, not a privilege. Child care and health care for all university students and workers, including graduate workers, must be fully covered by the university. This includes additional needs and expenses from remote teaching and learning and COVID infections. Protect international students and immigrants! No to deportations and visa cancellations. Every worker and youth has the right to live, study and work wherever they choose, with full rights of citizenship. The fight for these demands cannot be conducted without a broader understanding of the socioeconomic and political crisis unfolding in the US and around the world. It requires a strategy that is oriented toward the broadest layers of the working class and has to be conducted in complete independence from the Democratic Party and trade unions like the UAW which have proven bitterly hostile to the interests of workers. NYUs decision to reopen is part and parcel of a much broader, homicidal policy that lies at the heart of the reopening of universities. The American ruling class, like its counterparts internationally, has fully embraced the murderous strategy of herd immunity, letting the virus rip through the population without restraint. Workers must be herded back into the factories to produce the surplus value needed to pay for the mountain of corporate and government debt that has resulted from trillion-dollar handouts to Wall Street and major corporations. This policy has been entirely bipartisan, backed by Republicans and Democrats alike. At every step of the way, it has been aided and abetted by the trade unions who have forced workers back into schools and factories. All these political forces bear responsibility for the 215,000 deaths and well over seven million that have been infected in the US alone. Health experts forecast that by the end of the year 410,000 people will be dead in the US from COVID-19; equal to the total number of American soldiers killed during World War II. While workers are suffering unprecedented mass death, social misery and unemployment, the rich have only gotten richer. These staggering levels of social inequality are incompatible with even nominally democratic forms of rule. These class tensions, and the growing resistance within the working class, underlie the open preparations by the Trump administration for a coup detat and the build-up of a fascist movement in the US. The administration is preparing to mobilize armed, fascist organizations across the country to intimidate and attack voters at the polls, while the police and sections of the military will be used to violently suppress mass opposition to Trumps refusal to leave office. The Wall Street Journal has already reported that the NYPD is training to suppress mass protests after Election Day. Trumps recent COVID-19 diagnosis has only temporarily obstructed the coup plot. The fundamental trajectory of the social and political crisis has not changed and the danger of the establishment of dictatorship remains very real. The Democratic Party has offered no opposition whatsoever to the Trump administration. On the contrary, its response has been to downplay the obvious and significant danger that exists and demobilize opposition to the coup. The utter fecklessness of Democratic Party opposition to Trump is not the result of mistaken policy or learned helplessness, but dictated by the class interests that it represents. As one of the oldest capitalist parties in the world, the Democratic Party solely defends the interests of Wall Street and American imperialism. Its opposition to Trump comes mainly from disagreements on how best to conduct great power conflict with Russia and China. However, far more than Trump or dictatorship, the Democrats fear a mass movement by the working class in opposition to capitalism. This fear also underlies their attempt to divide the working masses along racial lines through the endless promotion of racial and identity politics by the Democrats and their mouthpieces like the New York Times. In their efforts to quell working class resistance, the Democrats are aided by the trade union bureaucracies. For decades, the UAW has aided management in attacking the workers it supposedly represents in exchange for the enrichment of a small layer of union executives. Over the last year, more than a dozen top UAW officials pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges and many more are under investigation. NYU graduate student workers are not unaware of the treachery of the UAW. The three-day sick-out action in early May, organized by graduate students, was actively condemned by the UAW. The politics of GSOC, which is dominated by the perspective of upper-middle class politics of pseudo-left organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), subordinates workers and youth to the Democratic Party and offers no way forward. GSOC has not opposed in principle the dangerous reopening of NYU. Moreover, it has not called and prepared for a strike, even though it would enjoy broad support not just among grad students but the student body and workers at NYU and beyond. Instead, GSOC has advanced reactionary and divisive demands for racial quotas in the hiring of both faculty and graduate workers. In its negotiations with NYU, GSOC is demanding: The Union shall have the right to define additional social, economic, and identity categories (such as but not limited to sexual orientation, gender expression, income, family income, or religious background) to be used in the collection of data concerning graduate student application, acceptance, enrollment, and employment as part of the Universitys Affirmative Action Plan. Such demands have nothing to do with the interests of workers and students. Rather, they serve the social interests of aspiring layers of the middle class that seek to carve out more academic positions for themselves and divert the real social and political issues facing workers and students at NYU and beyond. They also aid the ruling class in its effort to divide the working class along racial and ethnic lines. Graduate workers at NYU must draw the lessons from the graduate student strike at the University of Michigan in September. Despite a courageous struggle for almost two weeks, the strike was ultimately betrayed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Graduate Employees Organization (GEO). Graduate students were pressured to go back to work with racialist arguments, including that the strike would put black and brown lives at risk. The deal reached between the GEO and the university ultimately included concessions on racialist demands advanced by the GEO, while abandoning grad students demands for remote-only teaching and leaving their social and economic needs unmet. The fight for the social and economic rights of graduate students can only be successful if it is based on the principles of social equality and connected to a powerful movement by the working class that is directed against the capitalist system as a whole. Such a movement has already begun to emerge. Rank-and-file committees, independent from the Democratic Party and the trade unions, have been built by auto and transport workers, students, and educators in the US, Germany, Britain and Australia. The struggle against the pandemic, the economic and social crisis, endless police killings and the dangers of fascism and war must be combined, and a political general strike prepared. The resources needed to satisfy social needs must obtained by expropriating the billionaires and reorganizing economic life on a socialist basis. We call upon graduate students to link up their struggle with that of workers in the US and internationally. Break from the Democratic Party and the trade unions! Form independent committees to prepare for a strike! We encourage all students and workers at NYU who want to take up this fight to contact the IYSSE at NYU today. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin M. Taufiqurrahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, October 7 2020 Responding to claims that some drugs used to treat COVID-19 patients are only available at exorbitant costs, the government has urged pharmaceutical companies to control prices. Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, who was tasked by President Joko Jokowi Widodo with monitoring COVID-19 policies in the country, said that the government would use its database of drugs and their prices and country of origin to monitor distribution and pricing. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Centre on Tuesday submitted before the Supreme Court that it should not tinker with the MSP, as it may not be in interest of the farmers during the hearing on a batch of pleas to stop stubble burning in the neighbouring states of the national capital. A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian agreed to examine a suggestion that instead of releasing full MSP to farmers, it should be released in portions, after verification that they did not burn the stubble. The suggestion was proposed by senior advocate Shyam Divan whose client has filed an application in the matter. However, the Chief Justice queried, "Who is going to supervise and verify if a farmer has indulged in stubble burning?" Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, submitted "Tinkering with the MSP may not be in the interest of farmers." Mehta contended that the Centre would file a reply in the matter. The apex court also sought the presence of chief secretaries to draw out a framework to address the menace of stubble burning, which contributes to 40 per cent pollution in Delhi. "Let the Chief Secretaries of the States viz., Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab, be present before this Court on the next date of hearing," said the top court. Advocate Charanpal Singh Bagri, representing farmers' association, objected to the suggestion of withholding MSP for stubble burning and cited the November 2019 order, where the top court had ordered compensation for small and marginal farmers, who did not burn the farm residue. In a bid to control stubble burning, Divan suggested to the court that measures adopted to control forest fires can be useful in controlling stubble burning incidents. He added that satellite imagery is used to capture forest fires and subsequently messages are sent to forest officials to take remedial measures. "Why can't such measures be adopted in connection with stubble burning?" argued Divan, insisting that his suggestions are based on an expert committee recommendations. A PIL has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Punjab and Haryana governments to ban stubble burning, which usually takes place between September and December every year, in the backdrop of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Despite a ban on stubble burning, farmers in Punjab and Haryana continue with this practice. Many have cited the absence of financial incentives to adopt environment-friendly farm waste management practices. Many intervening applications have been filed in the matter. The apex court is likely to hear the matter next week. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 01:48:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BISHKEK, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Kubatbek Boronov and Speaker of the Parliament Dastan Dzhumabekov resigned on Tuesday amid protests in the country. On the same day, the deputies of the Kyrgyz Parliament at an extraordinary meeting elected a new speaker of the parliament and acting prime minister of the country. Member of the parliament Myktybek Abdyldaev was elected as speaker of the parliament and opposition leader Sadyr Zhaparov became the acting prime minister. Zhaparov was released from the colony earlier amid protests to annul the results of parliamentary elections. He was serving time on charges of taking a hostage during the 2013 riots. On Monday, members of political parties, which lost the parliamentary elections, staged a protest in Bishkek. The protesters seized the Parliament building and several buildings of state bodies. The law enforcement agents used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse protesters. As a result of clashes between the police and protesters, 686 people received various injures, and one person died. Meanwhile, the Central Election Commission on Tuesday annulled the results of the parliamentary elections. Enditem After years of efforts to enroll more Black, Hispanic, and low-income students, one of the countrys top-ranked selective high schools is considering its most dramatic change yet: changing from a test-based admissions process to selecting most of its students by lottery among academically qualified 8th graders. The proposal to change the admissions process for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax, Va.T.J. to those in the communityreflects a nationwide debate over how best to diversify student enrollments in public schools advanced academic programs. The proposed change for Thomas Jefferson has already drawn both strong support and fierce criticism. The school board could vote on the change as early as Oct. 8; if approved, it would go into effect for the next school year. The reality today, if we are honestly leading with equity at the center, is that the talent at Thomas Jefferson currently does not reflect the talent in [Fairfax County Public Schools], said Scott Brabrand, the Fairfax schools superintendent, at a Sept. 15 work session introducing his proposal. We have applicants who have talent, who have merit, and those applicants are drained out in the semifinalist stage through the use of an admissions test. Admission to the school is currently determined by grades, standardized tests, student essays, and teacher recommendations. Fewer than 10 Black students and 16 Hispanic students were among the 486 freshmen in the class of 2024. Overall, about 72 percent of the schools 1,800 students are Asian, and around 19 percent are white. Approximately 3 percent are Hispanic, and fewer than 2 percent are Black. In comparison, the districts overall enrollment is about 38 percent white, 27 percent Hispanic, 20 percent Asian and 10 percent Black. (The majority of the schools student body comes from Fairfax County, but as a regional program, the school also offers some slots to students in neighboring jurisdictions.) Long Overdue The school also has imbalances in other areas; about 60 percent are male; 2 percent are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, compared to 29 percent in the district as a whole. Just a few days before the scheduled vote, Brabrand rolled out a modification of his first proposal. Instead of picking a 500-student freshman class entirely by lottery, all students would go through a holistic review of their applications and the top 100 would be offered seats. The remaining 400 would be chosen by lottery. I just think its long overdue, and its necessary to kind of open it up, said P. Arnzellique Harrison, who is Black and graduated from the high school in 1998. Harrison is also a board member of T.J. Alumni for Racial Justice. Just because theres diverse representation, that doesnt mean that the quality of the student goes down. Thats a false dichotomy. But many families, including the Asian families whose children make up the majority of the schools enrollment now, feel theyre being targeted by this proposal. They say the school would no longer be picking from the best students who apply, but would instead be relying on chance for selection, if the plan is approved. Fairfax needs to stop neglecting Black, Hispanic, and low-income students and instead provide them the education they need in the earlier grades to meet the rigorous admissions process, said Asra Q. Nomani, one of the leaders of a group, Coalition For T.J., opposing these changes. Her son is a senior at the high school. Theres a failure of education happening in those communities that the school district needs to address, said Nomani, who is of Indian descent. Instead, theyve used T.J. as a scapegoat. Glenn Miller, a parent of a junior at the school, said that every single person who is a member of the two warring coalitions thinks theres a problem. The disagreement between the two groups is on what is causing the enrollment disparities. The county is blaming Thomas Jefferson High School for the problem, saying the test is biased, its systemically racist. But at the end of the day, whats really been happening is that Fairfax has been neglecting some of its middle schools, said Miller, who is white. The Larger Conversation The fight over admissions at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, which regularly lands on lists of the best high schools in America, is emblematic of larger struggles with enrolling underrepresented groups in upper-level academic courses. Black, Hispanic, and low-income students are less likely to enroll in other types of rigorous school work, like gifted and Advanced Placement classes. And its not for lack of ability: Researchers have found that high-achieving, low-income students lose ground over the course of their schooling, compared to their high-achieving peers from more affluent families. Any educational institution that uses a test as part of its admissions process is going to see such disparities, because the tests are also measuring the opportunities a child had to learn the material, Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, the director of the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University. She is also a past president of the National Association for Gifted Children. Theres no pure test of inherent ability, Olszewski-Kubilius said. That doesnt mean that tests have no purpose, she said, but that they should be evaluated along with other factors. When it comes to selective high schools, policymakers have tried different ways of addressing the issue with different levels of success. For example, in 2010, Chicago scrapped an admissions program for its selective high schools that explicitly took race into account. Now, the city chooses 30 percent of students from a citywide pool, and the remaining 70 percent are drawn evenly from the top students at each of four socioeconomic tiers in the city. The tiers are ranked on factors such as median family income, neighborhood school performance, percentage of homeownership, and adult educational attainment. The result is a group of students that is more diverse than is typically seen in selective school populations. In 2019, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza fought for changes to the admissions process for the citys selective high schools, which currently relies on a single test. Facing strong opposition, primarily from Asian parents, state lawmakers declined to make any changes in the admissions process. In Fairfax County, Brabrand does not have to convince state legislatorsonly the school board. But groups are already mobilizing on each side of the issue. TJ Alumni for Racial Justice has hired the law firm Arnold & Porter to investigate admissions practices at the school. The firm is also representing Black Lives Matter D.C. in a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the use of tear gas to disperse protesters near the White House earlier this year. In the meantime, the Pacific Legal Foundation, which has sued New York City over selective school admissions, has sent a stern letter to the county, warning it that any changes explicitly designed to alter the schools racial makeup would have to meet the highest standard of judicial scrutiny. Building Better Pipelines Everyone involved in this particular controversyand in the issue of getting more underrepresented students in advanced coursessays that schools need to do a better job at developing high-potential students. Among the school-based policies that can help are detracking students, so that all students are offered access to rigorous classwork; removing prerequisites from classes that can serve as barriers to entry; and ensuring that all students enroll in some upper-level course before they graduate, said Kia Franklin, the chief program officer of Equal Opportunity Schools, a Seattle-based organization that partners with schools and districts nationwide to help them identify children of color and low-income children who qualify for but are not enrolled in advanced coursework like AP or International Baccalaureate. There are many students who had comparable indicators of success and aptitude that were being left out systematically, Franklin said. The only thing we could attribute that to was faulty practices. Those indicators themselves werent a wide enough net to capture who could do well. Another way to increase the numbers of children ready for advanced coursework is to start early, and to support them throughout school, particularly in the transition from elementary to middle and from middle to high school, said Olszewski-Kubilius. She pointed to Project Excite, a program designed to improve the number of underrepresented minority children enrolled in STEM courses. Project Excite identified cohorts of high-potential culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse children from the Evanston/Skokie district in Illinois when they were in 3rd grade. The program then provided those students more than 600 hours of math and science after school, on weekends, and during the summer through 8th grade. The program later expanded to support participants in high school as well. Olszewski-Kubilius led a study of outcomes that found Project Excite participants consistently outperformed their Black, Latino, and low-income peers, and they came close to the performance levels of White, Asian, and non-low-income students. They were more likely to be placed in above-grade-level math courses than their minority peers in 9th grade. After 14 years, though, the program fell victim to budget cuts, Olszewski-Kubilius said. But it offers a potential model for success. In my opinion, the best way to solve this is to create the pipelines before the kids apply, she said. That kind of extracurricular enrichment is what distinguishes students who are prepared for Thomas Jefferson, said Hilde Kahn, whose three children attended the school; her youngest graduated in 2017. Kahn, who served for nine years on the board of the schools private foundation, has written essays for Future Ed and Education Next on the schools lack of underrepresented minorities. In her own investigations, she notes that many parents of students at the school provide intensive extracurricular activities to their children starting in elementary school; chalking up the differences in enrollment numbers simply to test prep is too simplistic and inaccurate, she said. And, Kahn said, its also not accurate to say that the county has done nothing to try to support getting more students into advanced coursework; its just that it cannot yet match that level of family investment. I would love all kids to have free, or very low-cost, access to a preparation academy. Thats what you need if you want to perform at the T.J. level, she said. Theres no doubt in my mind that theres untapped potential out there. Im not sure that opening the gates at the high school level is going to be a great solution. Lottery Approach Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, another top-performing STEM school in Georgia, admits its student body entirely by lottery. Thomas Jefferson is currently ranked No. 1 among the nations high schools by U.S. News and World Report; Gwinnetts STEM school is ranked No. 12. Gwinnetts program is more ethnically and racially diverse than Thomas Jefferson: 48 percent of students are Asian, 22 percent Black, 15 percent white, and 10 percent Hispanic. However, its demographics do not perfectly mirror the Georgia district, which is 33 percent Hispanic, 32 percent Black, 20 percent white, and 11 percent Asian. One of the few requirements for the Gwinnett school is that students must have a B average in Algebra I in order to apply. That means that freshmen do enter with varying levels of math skill, but there are summer programs and support programs meant to give students a foundation for later coursework, said Steve Flynt, the districts associate superintendent for school improvement and operations. We have students of all ranges when they get in, Flynt said. But students that are interested in participating in the program and participate in all of the activities are almost always extremely successful with it. Ruth Metzel, a Thomas Jefferson alumna who graduated in 2006 and is also a board member for the racial justice alumni group, said that the pipeline is too often used as an excuse not to make any changes. I think thats a false crutch to stand on, said Metzel, who is white. This idea that there arent Black or Latinx students who can handle T.J.I just think thats just so preposterous. Michigans unemployment system is about to get trickier. When the Michigan Supreme Court essentially nullified Gov. Gretchen Whitmers executive orders last week, it included ousting an order that got rid of red tape, allowed more people to get benefits and extended the benefit length in the states unemployment system. Whitmer and others are urging the Republican-led Legislature to adopt Executive Order 2020-76 as law to protect the benefits of Michiganders. Without swift action, 830,000 Michigan workers and their families could start losing unemployment benefits in a matter of days men and women who have lost a job and are counting on expanded benefits to put food on the table for their kids, Whitmer said in a video. One of the key benefits of the order was adding six weeks of additional unemployment benefits making it 26 weeks instead of 20. Of the 50 states, 42 allow unemployed people to receive at least 26 weeks making Michigans limit one of the most restrictive in the country. The move also allowed Michiganders getting federally-funded Pandemic Unemployment Insurance like self-employed workers and gig workers to receive 26 weeks of funding instead of 20. The federal government provides additional weeks of pay. With Michigans executive orders in place, workers without a job due to COVID-19 could get unemployment pay for a total 59 weeks, while it would go down to 53 weeks without the order. All these economists have projected we are better off than we thought we were going to be because of these unemployment benefits, said Rachael Kohl, director of the Workers' Rights Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School. Michigan is better off because she (added) those six weeks. A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey couldnt be reached for comment. But Shirkey said on Saturday, I havent given it much thought because I just kind of rolled my eyes when it was done under an executive order, and I havent paid that much close attention to it, per Crains Detroit. He told Bridge Michigan, however, that the unemployment situation deserves attention from the Legislature. House Democrats have proposed four bills regarding unemployment, including bills that would extend state benefits back to 26 weeks and increasing the maximum weekly benefit above $362, among other things. Michigans unemployment system is full of holes, Kohl said. The executive order helped temporarily patch some up. It helped our state budget, it helped employers and it helped workers, Kohl said. (The orders) are whats keeping Michigans economy afloat. What else is affected? Many people who are eligible for unemployment benefits wont be anymore without the executive order. For example, anybody who has quit a job in the past 18 months is automatically disqualified, Kohl said. If you had a job in January you didnt like and you decided to quit that job, but you got a new job and then you get laid off from that job whether its due to COVID or not because you quit in January, youd be disqualified. Even though thats not the reason you were unemployed. Anybody whos unemployed because of child care responsibilities would also not get unemployment pay anymore. Michigan is one of the only states that lists child care as a disqualifier for unemployment eligibility, Kohl said, but Whitmers order waived that throughout the pandemic since many child-care facilities were closed. The order also waived the requirement that people must actively look for work. If there isnt state action, unemployed people will be required to submit a work search form every two weeks with details about which jobs theyve applied for in order to keep getting unemployment pay. The Supreme Court ruling against the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act made Whitmers orders after April 30 unconstitutional. Kohl is worried about what that might mean for residents who only were eligible for pay because of the orders. The Unemployment Insurance Agency hasnt been shy in the past about demanding residents to pay back money that shouldnt have been paid out. They were entitled to it at the time, Kohl said. So how does that work? There are also people who were eligible for unemployment pay under the executive order for past weeks who havent been paid yet because of complications in the UIAs system. Kohl wonders if those people will ever see those dollars. The fallout from losing this executive order still isnt fully understood among state officials. Gov. Whitmers Executive Orders were essential to expand and extend eligibility for unemployment benefits, including removing red-tape procedural requirements, UIA spokesman Jason Moon said. The UIA is working with the Office of Attorney General now to understand all of the ramifications of the Michigan Supreme Court advisory requirements. Its unclear when changes may go into effect since the Supreme Court still hasnt indicated when their ruling goes into effect. The order also expanded Michigans work-share program, which allowed employers to reduce their workers' hours, letting federal unemployment dollars made up the difference. Thanks to more employers being eligible, Michigan residents received more than $450 million in federal benefits, saved the states trust fund more than $200 million and kept more than 97,000 employees partially employed at the peak of the pandemic. The order also shielded employers from having to cough up money for some of the benefits paid to the workers they laid off. That goes away too if the executive order goes away, Kohl said. Ultimately, all of these changes and questions will only make the unemployment process more burdensome for Michigan residents, Kohl said on a system thats already been difficult to navigate since March. Michigan has paid out $23.9 billion in benefits since March to 2.2 million residents. Its a mess. And the agency was already behind because this was an unprecedented amount of cases all at once, Kohl said. Now, if theyre going to be forced to re-review 2.5 million claims while theyre still trying to process and get money paid out Im nervous for everybody and everybodys payments. RELATED STORIES Unemployed Michigan workers can get extra 20 weeks of benefits, state announces Second round of $900 unemployment checks from Trump order being sent to Michigan workers Michigan cut off unemployment for thousands of eligible residents. Its not the first time. Michigan health department issues order requiring masks, limiting gathering sizes statewide 7 factors that will determine how Michigans economy fares this fall 5 signs Michigans economy had a strong August and 8 numbers that cause concern Capping three days of protests against the new farm laws, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said his party will not allow the Centre to imperil Indias food security as he attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a host of issues, including the Hathras case. Claiming that several institutions, including the media, that protect the voice of the people have been captured" by the BJP-led Centre, he said, Give me free press and institutions which are free, this government will not last for long." A combative Gandhi also targeted the prime minister on the Ladakh standoff, demonetisation and GST, besides the farm laws, and asked why he was scared" of answering queries from mediapersons. The prime minister does not understand these farm laws, the Congress leader alleged on the final day of his tractor rally in Punjab and dared Prime Minister Modi to come to the state and stand with farmers if these new legislations were in the interest of the farming community. He had begun his Kheti Bachao yatra from Moga district on Sunday to protest against the laws. Striking an emotional chord, he said he owed a debt to Punjab and Punjabis and was standing with them against the farm laws. I remember in 1977, my grandmother (Indira Gandhi) lost an election. There was nobody in the house, but there were Sikhs in my house. She was protected by Sikhs in 1977. I will never forget that," he said. Gandhi also said he feels he gets beaten up so much in politics" because he instinctively stands with the weak. Calling the existing food security system a fortress for farmers, Gandhi said it needed improvement and reforms, which the Congress manifesto had also promised, but the new laws will destroy it. Why does not Modi ji hold a press conference like this and say these (laws) are in farmers interest. Why does he not come to Punjab and stand with farmers and say this," he said. After winding up his last rally at Sanaur in Patiala, Gandhi drove a tractor to reach the Haryana border where, after high-drama, Haryana authorities allowed the former Congress chief and a few party leaders to enter the BJP-ruled state to continue his rally against farm laws. Scores of Congress workers along with Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar and senior party leader Harish Rawat were accompanying Gandhi, but the rally was stopped on the highway near Teokar village on Pehowa border for an hour. The BJP-led Haryana government had on Monday said the Congress leader can bring a few people in the state but it will not permit a big crowd from Punjab which can disturb" the atmosphere. Addressing a rally in Pehowa, Kurukshetra, he asserted that his party will not back down an inch on its stand. He said mandis give employment to so many people, and if these are finished with these laws lakhs will be rendered jobless. Gandhi said that if farmers are hit with the implementation of the new laws, then Indias food security will be finished. And if that happens, the entire country will once again become a slave," he said. This fight is not just a fight of farmers and labourers, but this is Indias fight," he said addressing a public rally at Francewala village near Sanaur in Punjabs Patiala district on the concluding day of his Kheti Bachao Yatra. Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Modi is not bothered" about what is happening in the country and he only protects his image" They talk of Bharat Mata, but Narendra Modi gave 1,200 square km of Bharat Mata to China to protect his image. It is the reality," he alleged. Gandhi suggested that the media should call the prime minister to a press conference and talk to him openly. Why is he scared of you Modi ji is only interested in his image. He will go to (Atal) tunnel alone and then wave. The media, on which there is full monopoly, will show it. So, he has an obsession with his image only. What is happening in India, he is not bothered about it," he told reporters. Gandhi also said that Prime Minister Modi has not spoken a word" on the Hathras incident, where a 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gang raped and brutalised on September 14. She died a fortnight later. He said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should have the decency to call the alleged gang rape and killing of a Dalit woman in Hathras district a tragedy. Gandhi said that a child is raped and murdered, but the whole administration attacks the family and countrys prime minister does not utter a word". Rahul Gandhi and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had recently travelled to Hathras in Uttar Pradesh to meet the family members of the victim. The Congress leader said that with the new farm laws, not only farmers but consumers would also be affected. The Congress is opposing the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and the Farm Services Bill; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, which were passed by Parliament last month. The government has maintained that the laws will help the farmers get a better price for their produce. It has accused the Opposition of misleading farmers and protecting middlemen". To a question on a weak Opposition in the country, Gandhi said that the Opposition functions within a framework that includes the media, the judicial system and institutions that protect the voice of the people. In India, this entire framework that protects the voice of the people has been captured. The entire architecture has been captured and then to say that the opposition is weak is not a correct statement, he told reporters. Gandhi said he was committed to fighting against the Modi governments attack on farmers. The government had earlier targeted SMEs and small traders with demonetisation and GST, he alleged I will fight them and stop them," Gandhi said, pointing out that without minimum support price, Punjab, Haryana, and other agricultural states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan will have no future. Taking a dig at the BJP for criticising him for sitting on a gaddi (cushion) on a tractor, Gandhi quipped that the prime ministers Air India One did not just have a cushion but a whole lot of luxury beds for his comfort. Why dont you question them about this," Gandhi asked. He accused the prime minister of wasting" thousands of crores of rupees on the plane just because his friend Donald Trump (US President) has one (Air Force One)". On why he was not present in Parliament during voting on the new farm laws, Gandhi said he had a sons duty too and accompanied his mother for a medical check-up abroad. My mother (Sonia Gandhi) had gone for a medical check-up and my sister couldnt go with her because some of her staff members had COVID. So, that is why I was with my mother, I am her son also and I have to look after her," he said. Gandhi said that the Shiromani Akali Dal, which had worked with the BJP for many years, had helped the government in passing the contentious bills. Punjabs farmers know this," he said. Lindsays programmable end-to-end GPON & XGS-PON solutions include OLTs, ONTs, a Managed Node System, and an array of optical and powering products for a full end-to-end video overlay/xPON solution. Sweeting brings with him 20+ years of wireless and wireline global telecoms experience, most recently at Airspan Networks where he was VP of sales for Canada. Prior positions include Canadian national director of sales at Power and Telephone Supply, consultant at INO Consulting, account VP strategic sales Canada at Arris, customer team head Canada at Nokia Siemens Networks, and director of sales at Huawei. Lindsay president David Atman said: Kevin will be responsible for driving Lindsays expansion in the GPON/XGS-PON arena for diverse markets spanning telcos, cable operators, WISPs, utilities and municipalities. His wealth of experience with B2B telecommunications customers, along with his passion for providing exceptional customer satisfaction, will make him a valuable team member as we continue to expand our customer-driven solutions for next generation technologies. India on Monday rejected the United Nations criticism of the alleged rape and murder in Hathras and Balrampur in UP, saying the world body should refrain from making unwarranted statements while the investigation is underway. Some unwarranted comments have been made by the UN Resident Coordinator regarding some recent cases of violence against women. UN Resident Coordinator in India should be aware that these cases have been taken extremely seriously by the government, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava was quoted as saying by Indian Express. Since the investigation process is still underway, any unnecessary comments by an external agency are best avoided. The Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens of India. As a democracy, we have a time-tested record of providing justice to all sections of our society, he said. Calling for attention to cases of sexual violence against women and girls in India, the UN Mission in India said on Monday that the alleged rape and murder in UPs Hathras and Balrampur are a reminder that those from disadvantaged social groups are at greater risk of gender-based violence. In a statement, the UN said it is essential that authorities ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice speedily and families are empowered to seek timely justice, social support, counselling, healthcare and rehabilitation. The recent cases of alleged rape and murder in Hathras and Balarampur are another reminder that despite the impressive progress made on a number of social indicators, women and girls from disadvantaged social groups face additional vulnerabilities and are at greater risk of gender-based violence, it said. The steps being taken by the Indian government to strengthen safety measures for women and girls are welcome and urgent, the United Nations said. We support the Prime Ministers call for strict action against the culprits. Entrenched social norms and behaviour of men and boys that lead to gender-based violence must be addressed, it said. [Read our live updates on President Trumps coronavirus diagnosis.] WASHINGTON Top White House officials are blocking strict new federal guidelines for the emergency release of a coronavirus vaccine, objecting to a provision that would almost certainly guarantee that no vaccine could be authorized before the election on Nov. 3, according to people familiar with the approval process. Facing a White House blockade, the Food and Drug Administration is seeking other avenues to ensure that vaccines meet the guidelines. That includes sharing the standards perhaps as soon as this week with an outside advisory committee of experts that is supposed to meet publicly before any vaccine is authorized for emergency use. The hope is that the committee will enforce the guidelines, regardless of the White Houses reaction. The struggle over the guidelines is part of a monthslong tug of war between the White House and federal agencies on the front lines of the pandemic response. White House officials have repeatedly intervened to shape decisions and public announcements in ways that paint the administrations response to the pandemic in a positive light. That pattern has dismayed a growing number of career officials and political appointees involved in the administrations fight against a virus that has claimed more than 209,000 lives in the United States. FARMINGDALE, N.J., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dialight CEO Fariyal Khanbabi has been named the winner of a Silver Stevie Award in the Woman of the Year - Manufacturing category in the 17th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world's premier business awards. Winners will be celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony on Wednesday, December 9. Registration for the ceremony is now on sale. More than 1,500 entries were submitted this year for consideration in more than 100 categories, including Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Company of the Year, Startup of the Year, Women Helping Women, and Women Run Workplace of the Year. Fariyal has led the company through easily the most difficult times since its inception. Her leadership during challenging times helped steer the company through unimaginable events, including a difficult separation from an underperforming contract manufacturer, and bolstering the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her recent accomplishments include: increasing bank financing, instituting a global supply chain strategy to ensure business continuity, working with governments of Mexico and Malaysia to ensure safe and supportive working environments for Dialight factory workers. She also saw the opportunity for Dialight to do more in our local communities, creating the Dialight Foundation focused on Women and Children. In spite of constant challenges, she never hesitated to take the time to lead a women's leadership discussion with young, aspiring females on her staff, providing advice and insight into her career challenges and triumphs. Empowering other women is something Fariyal is incredibly proud of and she is thrilled to be welcoming a new female CFO to join her executive team in Q4 2020. She has remained committed to her employees and other Dialight stakeholders and has led the team with vision, grace and empathy, ensuring Dialight's current and future success against the odds. Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Women. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 180 business professionals around the world, working on seven juries. Maggie Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards, said, "In a year like no other in our lifetimes, we've produced a cohort of amazing, Stevie-winning women, organizations, and achievements like no other. At all times our winners show themselves to be fearless and indomitable, but their leadership and example are especially valued this year. We congratulate all of our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie winners. We look forward to celebrating them during our December 9 virtual ceremony, and to hearing from some of them during our Women|Future Conference on November 12-13." The Stevie Awards will stage its third annual Women|Future Conference virtually on November 12-13. Registration is just $99, or $49 for current students with an active student ID. Details and registration are available at www.WomenFutureConference.com. About Dialight Dialight is a global leader in improving sustainability, safety and operational efficiency for its customers by providing high-efficiency, long-lasting LED lighting technology for industrial applications. With over a million fixtures installed worldwide, Dialight's class-leading technology reduces energy use, cost and environmental impact for customers and is certified to a broad range of international standards. The company's operations are headquartered in the U.S., and it is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker DIA. Further information on Dialight and its products is available at www.dialight.com. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. Contact: Nicole Paleologus [email protected] SOURCE Dialight Related Links http://www.dialight.com Children from multiracial families participate in a Korean class at a school in Seoul, in this file photo. /Korea Times file By Bahk Eun-ji The number of students from multicultural families in Korea continues to grow, but many of them are in a blind spot for education and healthcare, according to data submitted to Rep. Kwon In-suk of the Democratic Party Korea by the Ministry of Education, Tuesday. The data showed a total of 147,378 students from multiracial families enrolled in elementary, middle and high school this year. The number increased by 15,013 year-on-year to 137,225 in 2019 from 122,212 in 2018. By grade, 107,770 or 73.12 percent were in elementary school, 26,850 or 18.21 percent were in middle school and 12,277 or 8.67 percent were in high school. Under the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which was ratified in 1991, the Korean government is required to provide education to all children living in the country regardless of nationality or eligibility to stay. Critics point out that most unregistered children from undocumented families are off the grid and denied the basic rights of education, healthcare and protection from violence. "In the case of undocumented immigrants, they either give up their children's admission to school or can't go to school because of their unstable status, but the education ministry does not even know the current status of their nonattendance or even the exact number of undocumented children here," Rep. Kwon said. "The ministry should actively step forward so that they can improve the reality that they are marginalized even in regard to basic education administrative services." In response to the concerns, the education ministry official said the ministry is cautious about investigating the exact number of undocumented migrant students in each school as it can be another form of discrimination for the students. "Currently, all children including undocumented children are free to enter schools if they can verify their place of residence. That means immigrant parents don't have to give any information as to whether they are permitted to stay or not in terms of sending their children to school," said an official at the ministry's student support bureau. "We have been actively promoting the fact that undocumented children can go to school regardless of their status through various related organizations and communication channels by translating the information into 13 languages for those who do not know about this," the official said. [October 06, 2020] Veeam Acquires Kasten to Accelerate Protection of Kubernetes-Native Workloads On-Premises and Across Multi-Cloud Environments Veeam Software, the leader in Backup solutions that deliver Cloud Data Management, today announced it has acquired Kasten, the market leader for Kubernetes Backup and Disaster Recovery, in a cash and stock transaction valued at $150M. According to 451 Research (News - Alert) , part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, nearly three-quarters of organizations are currently using or planning to use Kubernetes within the next two years.i Veeam believes this shift creates a massive opportunity for the future of data protection and the acquisition reinforces its commitment to support customers' business transformation to future-ready architectures. With this new acquisition, Veeam will integrate Kasten into its market-leading Cloud Data Management platform for modern data protection and radically simplify data management for enterprises. As applications using microservice-based architectures have quickly gained traction in the enterprise, this shift has established a new segment of application development methodology known as DevOps. Containers are a critical component of this DevOps-led infrastructure and application modernization, and Kubernetes has emerged as the dominant container orchestration platform - creating a significant opportunity for a single data protection platform that includes virtual, physical, cloud and Kubernetes environments. Veeam recognizes the strategic importance of this environment, the increasing importance of providing modern data management that is deeply integrated into Kubernetes, and the growth of DevOps to improve quality, increase scalability, and accelerate application delivery while reducing daily management. With the Kasten K10 Data Management Platform, Veeam will now be able to offer enterprise operations teams an easy-to-use, scalable, and secure system for Kubernetes Backup and application mobility with unparalleled operational simplicity. "Veeam was built on offering the best data protection for virtual and modern data infrastructures, and we have continued to expand our offerings to include industry-leading protection for physical and cloud environments," said Danny Allan, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Product Strategy at Veeam. "With the acquisition of our partner Kasten, we are taking a very important next step to accommodate our customers' shift to container adoption in order to protect Kubernetes-native workloads on-premises and across multi-cloud environments. This significant milestone strengthens Veeam's commitment t continue to deliver the industry's leading Cloud Data Management platform that will support data protection for container-based applications built in Kubernetes environments." While the Kasten K10 platform will continue to be available independently, it will also be integrated into Veeam Backup & Replication to offer a comprehensive data management solution. With Kasten's protection of container workloads and Veeam support for virtual machines, physical servers, SaaS (News - Alert) applications and cloud workloads, this best of breed technology will provide all organizations a single platform for modern data protection. "The enterprise landscape is shifting as applications rapidly transition from monoliths to containers and microservices," said Niraj Tolia, Chief Executive Officer at Kasten. "With Kubernetes at the core of this infrastructural shift, Kasten's innovation in Kubernetes-native data management combined with Veeam's expertise in Backup, both on-premises and in multi-cloud environments, will significantly advance the state of modern data management. Veeam's success has been a beacon of inspiration for the Kasten team and we are very excited to join forces with a company where there is so much philosophical alignment." Kasten will operate as a separate Kubernetes Business Unit (BU) within Veeam. Kasten's founders, Niraj Tolia and Vaibhav Kamra, will lead the business unit - Tolia as its President and General Manager, and Kamra as Chief Technology Officer, Kubernetes BU. All teams including sales, marketing, R&D, and customer service will stay intact to continue growing the business with increased investment in people and resources. Veeam's commitment to the Kubernetes community will also continue through the contribution to Open Source (News - Alert) and other community projects that Kasten has supported, including the Kubernetes Storage Special Interest Group and the Data Protection Working Group in Kubernetes, which aim to improve storage operations and promote data protection support for the Kubernetes user base. Additionally, Veeam will continue to support Kanister, Kasten's open source project that extends support for and execution of data management tasks in Kubernetes, and the development of kopia, a fast and secure open-source tool to manage Backups. For more information, visit https://www.veeam.com. Supporting Quotes "Containers in microservice architectures are foundational to many emerging cloud-native applications. Protecting and recovering containerized environments has very different requirements from virtual infrastructure alone. The Veeam-Kasten combination could allow enterprises to protect and recover Kubernetes-based cloud-native container applications along with virtual and physical workloads from a single cloud data management framework. With both vendors being part of the Insight Partner's portfolio, and Veeam already partnering with Kasten to enable application centric container data protection capabilities, this acquisition seems like a natural next step. Having Kasten now be a part of Veeam positions the combination very well to meet the majority of data protection and recovery needs for multi-cloud environments." - Phil Goodwin, research director, IDC "We are excited to see Veeam and Kasten coming together to deliver the leading Kubernetes-native Backup solution. Given our use of Veeam to protect our critical business data and infrastructure and the increasing footprint of Kubernetes in our environment, this combined solution will provide us with the flexibility to protect our applications and data, no matter what environment they are deployed in, and the ease-of-use to help scale our teams. Knowing that we have the right Backup and disaster recovery infrastructure in place for both virtualized and cloud-native environments will allow our teams to move faster and with confidence." - Markus Kretzer, Head of IT, Buhl Data Service About Veeam Software Veeam is the leader in Backup solutions that deliver Cloud Data Management. Veeam provides a single platform for modernizing backup, accelerating hybrid cloud and securing data. With 375,000+ customers worldwide, including 83% of the Fortune 500 and 68% of the Global 2,000, Veeam customer-satisfaction scores are the highest in the industry at 3.5x the average. Veeam's 100% channel ecosystem includes global partners, as well as HPE, NetApp, Cisco and Lenovo (News - Alert) as exclusive resellers. Veeam has offices in more than 30 countries. To learn more, visit https://www.veeam.com or follow Veeam on Twitter (News - Alert) @veeam. i 451 Research, part of S&P Global Market Intelligence - Voice of the Enterprise: DevOps Workloads and Key Projects 2020 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005540/en/ [ Back to the Next Generation Communications Community's Homepage ] Police in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday arrested four men aged from 34 to 65 for stealing a large number of motorbikes and selling them in the southern province of Long An. Officers in District 3 confirmed on Monday they had cracked the interprovincial motorbike theft ring and apprehended four suspects, namely Do Thanh Binh, 65, Tran Van Hong, 56, Nguyen Hoai Tam, 43, and Nguyen Minh Hoa, 34. Binh previously committed theft five times, while Hong was convicted of the same offense six times. The two men also committed several other violations and are both drug addicts. Preliminary investigation showed that Binh and Hong traveled on a motorbike to scout along local streets. After finding a potential motorbike, Hong would steal the vehicle while Binh kept watch. The money they got from selling the stolen property would be divided in half. At around 1:40 pm on September 29, the two men stole a motorbike on Tran Quoc Toan Street in District 3 and arranged a meeting with Tam in District 6 to sell the vehicle. Officers confiscate multiple motorbikes after breaking up a theft ring in Ho Chi Minh City in this supplied photo. After buying the stolen motorcycle at VND3 million (US$130), Tam took it to his home in Long An Province to repair and upgrade, before selling the vehicle to Hoa at VND8 million ($345). Hoa was aware that the motorbike was a stolen asset as there were no license plate and registration certificate. Police officers captured Hong later the same day and arrested Binh on October 2. Following the statements of Hong and Binh, officers continued apprehending Hoa and Tam on October 3. Police searched Hoa and Tams houses and found 18 motorbikes, many of which do not have license plates and legal documents. The two claimed they had been buying stolen motorcycles from Hong and Binh. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Rebel Tories could join forces with Labour in a bid to put an end to Boris Johnson's 10pm Covid curfew, according to reports. The group, made up of dozens of Conservative MPs, reportedly want to call last orders on the unpopular pub curfew - which has resulted in numerous mass gatherings at kick-out time as revellers spill out onto the streets together. The Tory backbenchers hope to vote it down on Wednesday and are due to meet today to discuss plans to join forces with Labour in order to do say, according to the Telegraph. It comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday expression of frustration at the measures - giving those the rebel Conservatives fresh hope. The group have also been boosted after Labour delayed backing the curfew until the opposition has seen the evidence behind it, the paper says. Labour are not expected to decide until the day of the vote if they will vote to carry on with the 10pm cut-off. Rebel Tories could join forces with Labour in a bid to put an end to Boris Johnson's (pictured) 10pm Covid curfew, according to reports The group, made up of dozens of Conservative MPs, reportedly want to call last orders on the unpopular pub curfew - which has resulted in numerous mass gatherings at kick-out time as revellers spill out onto the streets together (pictured: Revellers leave the pubs in Liverpool) The anti-curfew Tories are riding high, a week after a Conservative rebellion forcing the government to allow MPs to vote on any future national lockdown. Ministers are obliged to give MPs a simple yes or no vote on new restrictions weeks after they are introduced, One told the Telegraph: My sense is that a material number of MPs might vote against the 10pm. Another rebel said that if Labour does oppose the curfew there were enough Conservatives who would side with Sir Keir Starmers party to defeat the government, Former Brexit minister Steve Baker, who was a ringleader in the move to win a vote on any lockdown, told the Telegraph: Very few members of Parliament have constituencies which will bear voting against every infringement of liberty. However, there is a growing consensus that neither the 10pm curfew, nor including children in the rule of six, are well evidenced. 'I expect quite a few members of Parliament to take issue on those two points. Talk of the rebellion comes after Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson put on a united front yesterday after the Chancellor branded the 10pm pubs curfew 'frustrating' and insisted he had 'no regrets' about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The two politicians were pictured together visiting an energy firm after Mr Sunak mounted a staunch defence of his subsidies on dining out - despite the PM admitting they might have contributed to the sharp rise in coronavirus cases. In an interview ahead of his keynote speech to Tory conference, Mr Sunak said the scheme had propped up two million jobs. Cementing his status as the leading Cabinet 'hawk' on the need to get the economy running again, he told The Sun: 'I don't think it's wrong for people to want to strive for normality and I don't think it's wrong for the Government to want that for people.' Talk of the rebellion comes after Rishi Sunak (pictured) and Boris Johnson put on a united front yesterday after the Chancellor branded the 10pm pubs curfew 'frustrating' and insisted he had 'no regrets' about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme The two politicians were pictured together (above) visiting an energy firm after Mr Sunak mounted a staunch defence of his subsidies on dining out - despite the PM admitting they might have contributed to the sharp rise in coronavirus cases The intervention came after Mr Johnson came under fierce questioning over his handling of the crisis, with criticism of chaotic local lockdowns and shambolic testing. He admitted yesterday that he had dropped his 'buoyant' style during the pandemic because it was 'inappropriate'. By contrast, Mr Sunak has been praised for his tone talking about the impact of the disease, and the speed with which complicated bailouts including furlough were implemented. Mr Johnson tried to bridge the apparent gap between their messages yesterday by saying that he wanted the public to be 'fearless but use common sense'. Mr Sunak was dubbed Dishi Rishi after unveiling his August scheme of subsidised meals out to help a pub and restaurant sector badly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Treasury figures show more than 100million meals were eaten under the scheme, which gave diners a 50 per cent state-backed discount, up to a maximum of 10, on meals every Monday to Wednesday during August. Mr Johnson told BBC One's Andrew Marr Show yesterday that the Treasury incentive 'may have helped to spread the virus'. But in his interview Mr Sunak said the success of the initiative had helped prop-up two million jobs and that he had no regrets about paying for it. 'No, definitely not,' Mr Sunak said when asked if he held any regrets. 'We had an industry that I care deeply about because of employment. It's over two million people.' Mr Sunak pointed to the low rate of second-wave Covid infections in the South West, a region he claimed made the most use of the scheme, as evidence that the hospitality drive had not had an adverse health effect. The non-drinker also expressed sympathy over public anger at the 10pm pub curfew brought in as an attempt to curb infections. 'Everyone is very frustrated and exhausted and tired about all of this,' he told the paper. It comes as it was revealed that parts of the UK - including a number of university cities - could be plunged into local lockdown within days after 'missed' Test and Trace data belatedly revealed soaring infection figures - putting the areas over the threshold for a new three-tier alert system. A further 33 deaths were announced today, as the Government looks set to unveil a new system to manage lockdown restrictions nationwide As infections continue to rise, tighter measures than those already impacting on millions could be introduced in some of Britain's worst-affected areas Cities including Sheffield, Leeds and Oxford are among a dozen areas which have seen their coronavirus infection figures soar following the 'computer glitch', which meant 16,000 cases were missed off Public Health England's reporting system. Residents in Nottingham, which has two universities, have reportedly been told to brace for lockdown measures, according to the Telegraph. The city, which is home to Nottingham University and Nottingham Trent University, was previously not on the Government's Covid 'watch list'. But the updated data reveals the city would have been one of the worst areas in the country last week when compared with the pre-adujsted figures. The Department for Health insist the new figures do not impact its watch list or alter current restriction in the area, according to the paper. There were a further 12,594 confirmed cases of coronavirus reported yesterday, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to 515,571, while another 19 people lost their lives. As part of her 2020 budget, Lightfoot increased the amount of spending for mental health services but has been criticized by progressive groups for not following through on a campaign promise to reopen public mental health clinics closed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel during his first term. Facebook Too Slow At Removing Fake News Facebook ignored or was slow to act on evidence that fake accounts on its platform have been undermining elections and political affairs around the world, according to an explosive memo sent by a recently fired Facebook employee. A leaked internal memo data scientist Sophie Zhang, who was fired by Facebook, denounces the companys handling of misinformation and election interference by authoritarian governments around the globe. The 6,600-word memo, has concrete examples of heads of government and political parties in Azerbaijan and Honduras using fake accounts or misrepresenting themselves to sway public opinion. In countries including India, Ukraine, Spain, Brazil, Bolivia, and Ecuador, she found evidence of coordinated campaigns of varying sizes to boost or hinder political candidates or outcomes, though she did not always conclude who was behind them. Beyond specific examples from around the world, Zhang provided insight into the inner workings at Facebook. She criticised her teams focus on issues related to 99% of activity thats essentially spam. Mark Zuckerberg Facebook CEO has repeatedly cited free speech as the reason he continued to allow President Donald Trump to openly lie and incite violence on his platform. It is the reason he says he wont delete coronavirus anti-virus content even if it threatens the health of users. Its why right-wing disinformation continues to dominate the newsfeed. But when his own employees speak up about these issues and other social causes, like Black Lives Matter, Zuckerbergs belief in free speech appears to have reached its limit. Zuckerberg has told employees that from now on discussions about divisive topics would no longer be allowed to be posted just anywhere on the companys own internal version of Facebook, known as Workplace. From now on, discussions about political and social issues would only be allowed to take place in specific areas of Workplace and that these discussions will be strictly monitored. Facebooks management has faced unprecedented employee backlash in recent months over their handling of issues like political advertising and President Trumps actions on the platform, which include the spread of misinformation, outright lies, and incitement to violence. During that time there has been a flood of leaks from within the company. Employees at Facebook use the Workplace internal messaging platform to discuss issues they have with how the company is run and often to organise efforts to get the management to change their positions on certain topics. Facebook isnt the only Silicon Valley company to restrict what its employees discuss at work. Last year Google limited employee discussion of politics and other issues, telling staff they should avoid debating matters unrelated to their jobs. Vice: Buzzfeed: Yahoo: Gizmodo: Reuters: You Might Also Read: Hackers Targeting Both Trump & Biden Presidential Campaigns: YEREVAN. Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Artak Apitonian on Monday delivered remarks at the 71st session of the Executive Committee of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia informed. In his remarks the Deputy Foreign Minister referred to the large-scale military hostilities unleashed by Azerbaijan on September 27. He has also noted that Azerbaijans aggression with the unconditional support from Turkey threatens the global peace and security, while its consequences can lead to a regional humanitarian crisis. Artak Apitonian stressed that the Azerbaijani aggression resulted in casualties and numerous wounded among the civilian population, and the ongoing hostilities pose a direct threat to the existential security of the 150,000 people living in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). He stressed that Azerbaijan is deliberately targeting the civilian population and civilian infrastructures of Artsakh (hospitals, schools, roads, means of communication etc.) using cluster munitions and other weapons of varying calibers. The Deputy Minister added that these deadly actions of the Azerbaijani side are in gross violation of international humanitarian law, including Geneva Convention. Artak Apitonian has also touched upon the destabilizing policy of Turkey, noting that with the latters direct support, Azerbaijan is expanding the geography of hostilities to the territory of the Republic of Armenia, attacking the civilian and military infrastructure in the Vardenis region of Armenia and targeting the civilian population. He has also referred to the fact that Azerbaijan and Turkey are involving foreign terrorists fighters from Syria and Libya in the military operations against Artsakh. Apitonian added that such actions by the Azerbaijani-Turkish armed forces seriously undermine regional security and hinder the efforts of the international community to cease the hostilities. Artak Apitonian highly appreciated the call of the High Commissioner for de-escalation, adding that despite the calls of the international community and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, Azerbaijan and Turkey continue the full-fledged military actions to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by military means. The Deputy Foreign Minister assured that Armenia is committed to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and expressed confidence that provision of urgent humanitarian assistance to the population of Nagorno-Karabakh caught in crisis must be carried out regardless of the circumstances, including the status of Artsakh. Trevor Noah asked correspondent Jaboukie Young-White on Monday's Daily Show what he thought about the news President Trump caught COVID-19. Young-White said it made him angry. "You know, I hear you Jaboukie," Noah said. "Many Americans are angry with the president because they feel like he was irresponsible with his health and with the health of those around him, and now he's not only endangering his own life but threatening the operation of the entire federal government." Oh, sure, Young-White said, but he's really angry "because he is overshadowing the most important news story right now: Melania Trump hates Christmas." When Noah looked confused, he played the clip of the first lady's NSFW tirade against decorating the White House for Christmas. "Oh, man, I totally forgot that story," Noah laughed. "It was the greatest news story of all time, Trevor," Young-White said. "I love it so much, I made it my ringtone." He tried out some questionable jokes he had worked up in the two hours between the recording's release and the COVID diagnoses, ran through why the news is deliciously ironic, and suggested Fox News would not have greeted the recordings with total silence if the first lady trashing Christmas had been Michelle Obama. Watch below. More stories from theweek.com President Superspreader Trump is finally doubling down on COVID skepticism 5 worrying red flags from Trump's doctor Photo: (Photo : Jonathan Borba from Pexels) A pandemic baby bonus is a solution that the Singaporean government sees fit to avoid baby bust during the coronavirus pandemic. According to a report by BBC, Singapore is going to give a one-time payment to parents who will have babies during the coronavirus pandemic. Singapore has long been in the list of countries with the lowest birth rates. READ ALSO: Baby Bust, Not Baby Boom, After the COVID-19 Crisis [Experts Say] The foreseen baby bust The worry of the Singaporean government on the foreseen baby bust arose when there were reports that Singaporeans are planning to put off becoming parents because of the struggles during the coronavirus pandemic. The financial stress and layoffs in jobs are the primary reasons for such a decision. According to the Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat of Singapore, "We have received feedback that Covid-19 has caused some aspiring parents to postpone their parenthood plans." READ ALSO: 62-Year-Old Man Who Is COVID-19 Positive Suffers 4-Hour Erection Singapore's low birth rates The fertility rate in this country was in an eight-year-low in 2018. The birth rate for 2018 is at 1.14 births per woman. Because of this, the government has been using a baby bonus system. This way, eligible parents are given up to 10,000 US dollars of benefits. Aside from Singapore, other Asian countries are facing a similar problem in the possible baby bust. China also fell to its lowest birth rate this year. READ ALSO: Newborn Baby in Virginia Has No Immune System The new pandemic baby bonus On top of the baby bonus system that Singapore already implements, they are also willing to provide a pandemic baby bonus to parents who are eager to have a child during the coronavirus pandemic. There are no details yet as to how much the bonus will be. Deputy Prime Minister Heng said that it would be announced on a later date. Heng also said, "Our guiding principle is prudence, not austerity. We will continue to invest decisively in our national priorities, with a deep commitment to leave behind a better future for our children." READ ALSO: Ways on How to Bond with Grandchildren Despite the Pandemic: According to WHO The baby boom in Singapore's neighbouring countries Compared to the long-standing problem of low birth rates, Singapore's neighbouring country, the Philippines, is foreseen to face the opposite problem. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the unintended pregnancies in the Philippines are expected to spike to almost half. According to the UN, this spike is an epidemic in itself. In South-East Asia, the Philippines has the second-highest population. Aside from the Philippines, Indonesia is also expected to have a baby boom due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Indonesian government expects a surge of 400,000 births than usual. READ ALSO: Chicago Dad, an Immunologist, Develops a Screening Program for Coronavirus in Son's School Michelle Obama is going after President Donald Trump in a scathing new video that accuses him of willful mismanagement of the coronavirus crisis and of racism. She calls on Black and all young voters not to waste their votes. In the video, released Tuesday by Joe Bidens campaign, Mrs. Obama notes that more Americans have died from Covid-19 than died in the Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Korean wars combined. She charges that with respect to the virus, our commander in chief, sadly, has been missing in action. Mrs. Obama accuses Trump of being racist when he and other Republicans are lying about how minorities will destroy the suburbs, which she says is meant to distract from his breathtaking failures. She also calls on undecided voters to think about all those folks like me and my ancestors and have some empathy for what its like to walk around your own country scared that someones unjustified fear of you could put you in harms way. And to Black and brown voters, and all young voters, who are considering sitting out the election, Mrs. Obama urges them to make a plan to vote, because we dont have the luxury to assume that things are going to turn out okay. CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative Express Care , a Chicago-based urgent care that has performed over 100,000 COVID-19 tests to date, opened a second testing center in West suburban Downers Grove today. Dr. Rahul Khare, founder and CEO of Innovative Care , says the clinic is committed to helping the Chicagoland area screen for the virus and recover from the coronavirus pandemic. "We've been testing patients seven days a week since March, and we have no plans of stopping until this pandemic is under control," said Khare. "Extending our services to the suburbs is a natural next step for us." Khare teamed up with Jeffrey Bohmer, MD, a local emergency medicine physician, to manage the site at 4115 Fairview Avenue in Downers Grove. Innovative Express Care offers PCR swab testing , rapid COVID-19 testing and antibody testing currently, and expects to add saliva testing soon. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm, with extended hours coming soon. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms for testing and insurance is accepted. Uninsured patients can also be tested under the federal CARES Act. "The colder months and upcoming holidays will result in more people commingling indoors," said Khare. "Proactively testing and screening for COVID-19, even when no symptoms are present, can help identify cases early and prevent virus spread." Khare also added that the upcoming flu season will lead many people to question the cause of their symptoms. Innovative Express Care's COVID-19 testing centers will rule out COVID-19, while also testing symptomatic patients for flu and strep when necessary. Khare expects to administer more than 500 tests per day at the Downers Grove site. Appointments are required for testing. The testing center will operate outdoors until the weather dictates a move inside. Innovative Express Care also offers workplace virus testing . Khare and team have visited hundreds of area businesses, as well as schools in Chicago, to help maintain a safe and virus-free environment. For more information on COVID-19 testing, visit Innovative Express Care online . Jennifer Monasteri, [email protected] SOURCE Innovative Express Care On Monday, United Presidents Donald Trump posted on Twitter that he would be discharged from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at around 6:30 p.m. E.T. after being transferred to the hospital for the coronavirus since Friday. The Republican president was given several drugs that are not accessible by other citizens, such as Regeneron, which the FDA has not yet approved, as well as remdesivir and dexamethasone. Short hospitalization According to USA Today, Trump stayed a total of three days at the hospital after his announcement that he had coronavirus. Several doctors said that it was safe enough for him to go back to the White House. President Trump exited the front doors of the hospital wearing a face mask and covered in a suit with a blue tie. Before hopping onto his presidential armored SUV, the U.S. leader gave a thumbs up to the people watching him. White House Sean Conley, who is Trump's physician, later told reporters that the president would receive continuous treatment at the White House. He noted the Republican leader would receive world-class medical care and will continue his five-day course of remdesivir and steroid dexamethasone. Also Read: Trump's Latest Health Status: POTUS Enters Phase 2 of COVID-19 Condition, May Be Critical Next Days It was unclear whether Trump would quarantine inside his White House residence while continuing his treatment. However, Trump Campaign director of communications, Tim Murtaugh, said the president wished to participate in the second presidential debate on October 15. On Twitter, Trump posted that he would return to the Campaign Trail very soon after he was discharged from the hospital. However, Conley noted that the president was still at risk because he was given the unproven treatments so early in the stage of the virus. Taking off his mask Trump also posted on Twitter, saying Americans had nothing to fear with the coronavirus, which had already taken the lives of nearly 210,000 people across the United States, as reported by Rappler. When he arrived at the White House, the U.S. president walked up the steps to the South Portico's stately balcony and immediately removed his face mask before saluting Marine One, which made its way back to base. Experts believe that Trump's arrival at the White House was managed to show how physically fit the president is despite being infected with the coronavirus. The Republican's social media posts show how he is also suggesting that he beat the virus by himself and plans to do the same to the United States. According to the Wall Street Journal, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed her concern that Trump was going back to the White House for political agendas. Pelosi told reporters that it would be dangerous if the president continued to act frivolously with the virus as he has before. Trump's diagnosis of the coronavirus has led to a chaotic uncertainty within his campaign as several other high-profile individuals have tested positive for the disease. The cases forced Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell canceled scheduled votes but reassured the public that Judge Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation hearings would proceed starting October 12. Related Article: Pres. Donald Trump's Condition Raises Concerns After COVID-19 Diagnosis, Dropping Blood Oxygen Levels @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick has launched an investigation into a major data breach in which a rogue non-HSE employee leaked personal details belonging to more than 600 patients, including 95 children, to the internet, the Limerick Leader can exclusively reveal. According to a letter received by patients this week and seen by the Limerick Leader, the IT employee uploaded a file linkcontaining patients names, dates of births, and medications usedto Twitter. The incident was reported to the gardai and the Data Protection Commissioner, and involved a High Court injunction to stop the individual from publishing this private information any further. This data belonging to 630 patients, including 95 children, was taken from an automated system that is used at the Dooradoyle emergency department to dispense medication safely. The individual was an employee of a company that was supporting this automated system, from which personal data was extracted without HSE knowledge or approval. A spokesperson for the UL Hospitals Group said the data breach occurred between April 18 and 22 this year. When the hospital became aware of the data breach on May 29, the HSE and the hospital group took immediate actions, after which social media giant Twitter blocked the link to the data and disabled the account in question. A High Court order on June 5 restrained the individual from publishing this data any further, and directed the defendant to return all records and devices containing the confidential information. In addition to gardai, the Data Protection Commissioner was notified on May 28. However, the spokesperson said that all contacted patients are being advised that in spite of the High Court injunction there remains a residual risk of future unauthorised disclosure. He said that the UL Hospitals Group has apologised to our patients in writing for this data breach and for any distress this will cause. We are only now writing to patients as it has taken some time for UL Hospitals Group and the HSE to understand the nature and extent of the breach. We believe that the data has not been widely shared and that the manner in which it was published online would have taken a degree of technical knowledge to rebuild and make sense of. We have to date received no inquiries from any party who has accessed patient details online, he explained. The format in which the information was published was an SQL file, which can only be accessed using specific software. In addition to a special helpline for those affected, a serious incident management team has been established to investigate this incident at a local level and take any necessary actions to further secure patient data. Patients who have not been contacted are unaffected by the data breach. The company is no longer managing the automated system, and all passwords were changed immediately, the spokesperson added. For more Limerick news click here Alexander Slipchuk became the CEO of Ukrproduct Group Limited (LON:UKR) in 2018, and we think it's a good time to look at the executive's compensation against the backdrop of overall company performance. This analysis will also evaluate the appropriateness of CEO compensation when taking into account the earnings and shareholder returns of the company. See our latest analysis for Ukrproduct Group How Does Total Compensation For Alexander Slipchuk Compare With Other Companies In The Industry? According to our data, Ukrproduct Group Limited has a market capitalization of UK2.2m, and paid its CEO total annual compensation worth UK45k over the year to December 2019. That's mostly flat as compared to the prior year's compensation. It is worth noting that the CEO compensation consists entirely of the salary, worth UK45k. For comparison, other companies in the industry with market capitalizations below UK154m, reported a median total CEO compensation of UK281k. That is to say, Alexander Slipchuk is paid under the industry median. Component 2019 2018 Proportion (2019) Salary UK45k UK45k 100% Other - - - Total Compensation UK45k UK45k 100% On an industry level, around 71% of total compensation represents salary and 29% is other remuneration. At the company level, Ukrproduct Group pays Alexander Slipchuk solely through a salary, preferring to go down a conventional route. If total compensation veers towards salary, it suggests that the variable portion - which is generally tied to performance, is lower. A Look at Ukrproduct Group Limited's Growth Numbers Ukrproduct Group Limited's earnings per share (EPS) grew 110% per year over the last three years. Its revenue is up 25% over the last year. This demonstrates that the company has been improving recently and is good news for the shareholders. This sort of respectable year-on-year revenue growth is often seen at a healthy, growing business. While we don't have analyst forecasts for the company, shareholders might want to examine this detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. Story continues Has Ukrproduct Group Limited Been A Good Investment? Ukrproduct Group Limited has served shareholders reasonably well, with a total return of 26% over three years. But they probably don't want to see the CEO paid more than is normal for companies around the same size. In Summary... Ukrproduct Group pays CEO compensation exclusively through a salary, with non-salary compensation completely ignored. As previously discussed, Alexander is compensated less than what is normal for CEOs of companies of similar size, and which belong to the same industry. Meanwhile, EPS growth has been rock solid for the past three years. However, shareholder returns have failed to show the same level of growth. We would wish for better returns (whether dividends or capital gains) but we do admire the solidEPS growth on show here. So it's fair to say Alexander has done quite well despite modest compensation and shareholders might not be averse to a raise. CEO compensation is a crucial aspect to keep your eyes on but investors also need to keep their eyes open for other issues related to business performance. We did our research and spotted 2 warning signs for Ukrproduct Group that investors should look into moving forward. Arguably, business quality is much more important than CEO compensation levels. So check out this free list of interesting companies that have HIGH return on equity 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. Private nursing homes in the city have been directed to prominently display notices in case they do not offer Covid-19 treatment and move their patients testing positive to designated Covid facilities. An official health department spokesperson said the decision was taken at a meeting between Dr Amandeep Kang, director, health services, and Dr Vanita Gupta, president, Chandigarh Chapter of the Indian Medical Association. Private hospitals were directed to display a notice prominently indicating they were a non-Covid hospital and refer their patients testing positive during treatment to designated Covid facilities for better management. This must be implemented with immediate effect by all nursing homes. It would be made sure that the patient is aware of this advice. It could be done by mentioning the same as a stamp on the patient card, read the release. Dr Gupta said as a majority of private hospitals in Chandigarh did not have adequate infrastructure to manage Covid-19 patients, those who tested positive and their attendants will be guided to another facility for treatment and management. It was also important that the patient was not left in the lurch in case such a situation arose, she added. An alumna of Foothills Adventist Elementary School is raising money to rebuild its library, which was destroyed by the Glass Fire. Sarah Racker, who graduated from the small K-8 school in 2007, was saddened when she saw photos shot by Angwin photographer Craig Philpott showing the schools main building burning on the morning of Sept. 28. Her first thought was of all the books her mother, Holly Racker, had acquired for the school. During 13 years as volunteer school librarian, Holly Racker has revamped the library, organized a yearly book fair, and collected pillows and stuffed animals to make the library a cozier and more welcoming place for kids. She spent so much time and energy investing in that place, Sarah Racker said. To see it go up in flames so quickly was devastating. Racker knew the school operates on a tight budget and figured that book-buying wouldnt be the highest priority when it receives its insurance settlement, so she mounted a GoFundMe campaign Friday to raise money to rebuild the schools book collection. Racker said her mother instilled in her a lifelong love of reading, with weekly trips to the St. Helena Public Library. Its so important as a kid to have access to books and have people read to you, Racker said. I want to make sure these kids have easy, first-hand access to books at school. As of Monday, the campaign had raised $2,735. For more information about the library fundraiser, go to gofundme.com/f/help-us-rebuild-the-foothills-elementary-library. To donate directly to the Foothills Rebuild and Resilience Fund, go to app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/NorthernCaliforniaConferenceo/foothillsRRF.html. Watch Now: Deer Park decimated by Glass Fire You can reach Jesse Duarte at 967-6803 or jduarte@sthelenastar.com. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. AMA, Planned Parenthood urge SCOTUS to overturn HHS rule barring Title X funding for abortion providers Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The American Medical Association has partnered with the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and others to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Trump administration rule banning abortion providers from receiving Title X funding. The petition, submitted Thursday, comes as two U.S. appellate courts have reached different conclusions regarding the constitutionality of the Department of Health and Human Services Protect Life rule, which was implemented in 2019. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Richmond, Virginia, has found the rule invalid while the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco, California, has ruled that the Trump administration can continue to enforce it. The Trump administrations Protect Life rule prevents recipients of Title X funding from using the funds to perform, promote, refer for, or support abortion as a method of family planning. Last summer, Planned Parenthood withdrew from the Title X program rather than abide by the new requirements. Title X, first enacted 50 years ago, provides millions of low-income or uninsured Americans with a broad range of family planning and related preventative health services. According to the petition, the consequences of the rule are clear and starkand already occurring. Petitioners cited a decrease of nearly 1,000 Title X sites after Planned Parenthood and other abortion-affiliated clinics decide to close rather than cease referring or performing abortions at those clinics. Planned Parenthood and other providers' decision to close their abortion clinics resulted in a 21% drop in the number of annual patients in 2019, the AMA added, citing what it described as an example of the rules negative repercussions. Dr. Susan Bailey, president of the AMA, pleaded with the Supreme Court to overturn the rule. Our nations highest court must step in to remove government overreach and interference in the patient-physician relationship, she said. Restricting the information that physicians can provide to their Title X patients blocks honest, informed conversations about all health care optionsan unconscionable violation that is essentially a gag rule, Bailey argued. As physicians and leaders in medicine, we are fighting against the governments intrusion in the exam room while protecting open communication between patients and physicians, which is the foundation of high-quality medical care. Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, argued that the Protect Life rule has had a disproportionate impact on minorities and the poor. Since our health centers and others have been forced out, people who have always faced systemic barriers to health care including those in rural areas, as well as black, Latino, and indigenous communities have suffered the most. Health care should never come down to how much you earn or where you live. In a statement, Mia Palmieri Heck, director of external affairs at HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, promised to defend the rule. After dismissing the characterization of the Protect Life rule as a so-called gag rule, Heck stressed that HHS aims to ensure the integrity of the program so that more women and men are provided services that help them consider and achieve both their short-term and long-term family planning needs. Conservatives and pro-life activists have long explained that giving Title X programming subsidies to Planned Parenthood only subsidizes the abortion industry because the "money is fungible." Over the last several years, Planned Parenthood has received over $500 million in taxpayer funding each year. In August 2019, the Family Research Council released a brief on how the Title X "Protect Life Rule" works. The FRC brief explained: "Because money is fungible, this ensures that taxpayer dollars are not sent to programs where they end up subsidizing the abortion industry. ... "Trumps regulations also remove the abortion referral requirement put in place by [former President Bill] Clintons administration. This opens the door for pro-life and faith-based organizations to apply for Title X funds." Depending on the results of the presidential election, Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers could soon find themselves back in the Title X program. Democrat presidential nominee Joe Biden has vowed to reverse the Trump administrations Protect Life rule should he win the election. Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the fundraising arm of the abortion giant, has endorsed Biden for president and promised to triple its spending to benefit the Democratic Party in the 2020 election cycle. With contactless delivery to curb the spread of coronavirus, she added, you can't tell servers... Yessenia Estefania Alvarado (Facebook) The body of a young model and mother has been found in a mass grave after a gang of men snatched her away from family while shopping at a Mexican street market. Yessenia Estefania Alvarado, 24, was reported to be among the remains found in the shallow grave in the town of Cajeme, Sonora, on 20 September. Ms Alvarado had been shopping with her mother and cousin in Ciudad Obregon when the group of men stopped the women and forced the model into a van on 19 August. It was one of a number of kidnappings that led to several street marches in Sonora demanding justice. The Sonora prosecutor's office discovered the grave more than two weeks ago but only this week confirmed Ms Alvarado's identity after DNA and forensic testing, according to the local reports. Yessenia Estefania AlvaradoFacebook Her brother, Juan Carlos Alvarado Rivera, said on Tuesday he was going to miss his sister and that the family would take care of the young son she left behind. "Were going to take care of your son, just like you were doing," he said in a Facebook post. "With so much love. Hes going to miss you so much, but we will always remind him of what a wonderful mother you were. The Sonora prosecutor's office said investigators from the state unit to combat kidnapping found the bones of six bodies in the mass grave in the southern part of Cajeme; three female, two male and one whose gender wasnt determined. "Its worth mentioning that based on this investigation, the Sonora FGJE (the state's prosecutor's office) has been able to find, apprehend and get a court order to temporarily remand three presumed perpetrators," prosecutors said in a statement. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Americans not to be afraid of COVID-19 after he returned to the White House Monday evening after 72 hours of hospitalization for the deadly virus. In a show of fitness, he climbed the steps of the South Portico, standing on the Truman Balcony where he removed his mask, gave a double thumbs-up gesture and saluted the Marine One helicopter as it prepared to take off from the South Lawn. Without putting his facemask back on, the president then walked into the White House where others were awaiting his arrival. Earlier, as he walked out of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Trump said, Thank you very much, everybody. Stepping off the helicopter and walking toward the White House residence, the president paused to turn to the cameras, waved and gave a thumbs-up. Asked by VOA how he was feeling, a muffled reply of real good could be heard. Later in the evening, he tweeted out a recorded message about COVID19, saying "Don't let it dominate you. Don't be afraid of it. "We're going back, we're going back to work. We're going to be out front, he said. Don't let it dominate your lives. Get out there, be careful, he added. FILE - President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden participate in the first presidential debate, Sept. 29, 2020, at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland. Next presidential debate Trumps reelection campaign said the Republican president, trailing former Vice President Joe Biden in the polls, plans to participate in the Oct. 15 second debate against the Democratic Party nominee. Though he may not entirely be out of the woods yet, the team and I agree that all our evaluations, and most importantly, his clinical status, support his return home to the White House, which has medical facilities and practitioners to monitor the president around the clock, his primary physician, Dr. Sean Conley, told reporters Monday afternoon. Every day a patient stays in the hospital unnecessarily is a risk to themselves, he added. Right now, theres nothing being done upstairs here that we cant safely conduct down home. Before leaving the hospital, the president tweeted, "Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life, adding that he felt better than he did 20 years ago. I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling really good! Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2020 Dr. Sean Conley, physician to President Donald Trump, center, and other doctors, walk out to talk with reporters at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Oct. 5, 2020. Physicians 'cautiously optimistic' Speaking with reporters at the hospital, Conley, an osteopath and a commander in the U.S. Navy, declined to answer some questions, such as the condition of the presidents lungs, citing patient confidentiality. The president is taking a steroid, dexamethasone, which is typically not administered in mild or moderate cases of the coronavirus, along with a five-day course of remdesivir, an antiviral medication. Trumps physicians remain cautiously optimistic and on guard, because were in a bit of unchartered territory when it comes to a patient that received the therapies he has so early in the course, Conley said. If we can get through to Monday with him remaining the same, or improving, better yet, then we will all take that final deep sigh of relief. After tweeting a video on Sunday that he was getting great reports from his doctors, Trump promised a little surprise for his supporters outside the hospital where he is being treated. The president then briefly left Walter Reed in an armored SUV with Secret Service agents in tow to drive by a flag-waving, cheering crowd outside the hospital. President Donald Trump drives past supporters gathered outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Oct. 4, 2020. Drive by criticism His decision to do a drive-around for supporters Sunday evening was condemned by one attending physician at Walter Reed as irresponsible. Dr. James Phillips, who is also chief of disaster medicine at The George Washington University in Washington, tweeted that the special vehicle the president was riding in is sealed against chemical attack. The risk of COVID-19 transmission inside is as high as it gets outside of medical procedures. The irresponsibility is astounding. My thoughts are with the Secret Service forced to play, said Phillips, referring to the driver and an accompanying agent in the front seat who appeared to be wearing masks, face shields and gowns. That Presidential SUV is not only bulletproof, but hermetically sealed against chemical attack. The risk of COVID19 transmission inside is as high as it gets outside of medical procedures. The irresponsibility is astounding. My thoughts are with the Secret Service forced to play. Dr. James P. Phillips, MD (@DrPhillipsMD) October 4, 2020 Appropriate precautions were taken in the execution of this movement to protect the president and all those supporting it, including PPE, White House spokesman, Judd Deere, said. The movement was cleared by the medical team as safe to do. On Monday Conley said the drive was only for a short period of time, and the agents in the vehicle with Trump were adequately protected. Infection date unclear Earlier Sunday, the doctors treating the president revealed that their patient had earlier experienced two episodes of transient drops in his oxygen saturation. Conley received word last Thursday evening that both Trump and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the coronavirus after one of the presidents close aides, Hope Hicks, was confirmed to be ill with the infection. The doctor declined again on Monday, when pressed by reporters, to answer when Trump last tested negative for COVID-19, something considered important for doing adequate contact tracing to try to limit the spread of the virus. I dont want to go backwards, the physician said. The contact tracing, as I understand it, is being done. Im not involved with it. Trumps campaign on Friday put a hold on all previously announced events involving the presidents participation. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen, along with Sarah Pence and her husband Michael Pence and their daughter, right, arrive on Marine Two at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Oct. 5, 2020, as he departs for Utah. Return to campaign trail Vice President Mike Pence is making campaign appearances this week, as well as facing off Wednesday evening against Sen. Kamala Harris of California, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee. As far as travel goes, well see, Conley replied when asked how soon Trump could get back on the campaign trail with less than a month before the Nov. 3 presidential election. Doctors said it is important to ensure that the president is no longer shedding virus and that he is in good enough physical shape before getting medical permission to travel. Trump and Biden were about 4 meters apart on a debate stage last Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests at least 2 meters for social distancing purposes. Bidens campaign said the former vice president tested negative Friday for the coronavirus. A test on Sunday was also negative. The coronavirus has killed 210,000 people in the United States and infected nearly 7.5 million across the country, according to Johns Hopkins University data. And the public is catching on: more than 1 million people have streamed the hit track so far, and the numbers continue to climb more and more mainstream outlets take notice. "I've wanted nothing more than to bring my music to the masses, no matter what the language or background," said G Deep exclusively. "I'm thrilled to be able to do that with "Girl Next Door," and what's more, I'm bringing along Joe Alam for the ride. Through music, we've shown that anything is possible, and even two cultures that don't normally 'come together' can do so with the right beat." "Girl Next Door" features music by Harm Sandhu, with a video by The Sessionator, and is available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube Music. Check out the video below. https://youtu.be/UfUwPH63TGM G-Force Marketing & Publicity is a full-service company specializing in digital marketing, branding, publicity services, and more. Originally founded in 2004 as Akasha Multimedia, G-Force Marketing & Publicity has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter and has scored worldwide film, television, print, digital, and radio placements for both blue-chip and independent clients. To schedule a call to discuss your needs, please call (646) 701-5995 during regular business hours (9A-5P, M-F, EST). Or, you may e-mail [email protected]. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE G Deep [CLICK HERE FOR MORE RECENT NEWS ON HURRICANE DELTA] Delta has morphed into a formidable hurricane -- but its rapid strengthening may be on hold for now. Delta is still a Category 4 hurricane, but its winds decreased from 145 mph to 130 mph as of late Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Delta was closing in on the northern Yucatan Peninsula, and landfall there is expected overnight. Delta will then move into the Gulf of Mexico and eventually toward the Gulf Coast, with landfall expected sometime late Friday or early Saturday. But theres been an encouraging change for Alabama: The hurricane centers latest track map has shifted westward today. That doesnt mean Alabama is out of the woods, but it does mean that forecasters -- at least for now -- dont think the center will come ashore in Alabama. Alabama could still see some rough weather from Delta, however, both along the coast and well inland. Landfall is now expected anywhere from eastern Texas to Mississippi, with Louisiana in the bullseye right now. The hurricane center thinks Delta could be a Category 2 or 3 hurricane at landfall. The hurricane center said hurricane and storm surge watches will likely be issued for parts of the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday. But first Delta has to cross over part of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, which could suffer through Delta near its peak. Landfall could come there by late tonight or early Wednesday, according to the hurricane center. Delta is forecast to be a dangerous hurricane when it reaches the Gulf Coast, but it may not be a major hurricane by then, according to forecasters. Wind shear is expected to increase near the coast and water temperatures are cooler, which should help Delta to lose some of its intensity, although that is not a certainty. 12 Hurricane Delta However, forecasters noted that some of the forecast models are suggesting Delta could grow in size as it approaches the Gulf Coast, increasing the potential area that could see wind, storm surge and flooding rain. So regardless of Deltas final landfall intensity, the projected large size of the hurricane is likely to result in a significant storm surge and wind event for portions of the northern Gulf coast later this week, the hurricane center said. As of 10 p.m. CDT Tuesday, Hurricane Delta was located about 135 miles east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and was moving west-northwest at 16 mph. Deltas winds fell to 130 mph, but it was still a Category 4 hurricane. Category 4 winds begin at 130 mph. Delta could weaken some while over the Yucatan, but restrengthening is expected once it makes it into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. Delta is the third Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic so far this season. The others were Laura, which hit western Louisiana as a Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds, and Teddy, which peaked with 150 mph winds over the open Atlantic and later hit Nova Scotia as a post-tropical storm. The National Weather Service in Mobile continued to watch Delta very closely on Tuesday. Forecasters there said Delta is expected to turn northeast before making landfall on the Gulf Coast, but when that turn actually happens will greatly affect how it affects the Alabama coastline. Even if Delta makes landfall in Louisiana the storm will likely bring storm surge, dangerous surf, heavy rain and the threat of tornadoes to Alabama over the weekend. Delta is expected to move inland and could track near Alabama as a tropical depression on Saturday and into Sunday, bringing the threat of heavy rain, tornadoes and gusty winds well inland. The National Weather Service in Birmingham said Delta could bring 3 to 5 inches of rain to parts of central Alabama and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Forecasters are still assessing the tornado threat. Here are the warnings and watches for Delta as of Tuesday: * A hurricane warning is in effect from Tulum to Dzilam, Mexico, and Cozumel. * A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio and the Isle of Youth and from Mexicos Punta Herrero to Tulum and from Dzilam to Progresso. Delta could bring a devastating storm surge of 9 to 13 feet along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the hurricane center said. Potentially catastrophic hurricane conditions are expected in portions of the warning area on the Yucatan Peninsula late tonight and early Wednesday, forecasters said. Delta will also bring 4 to 6 inches of rain to the Yucatan through midweek. Representative image Many eyebrows were raised when Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president L Murugan, during the birth anniversary of Dravidar Kazhagam founder EV Ramasamy, respectfully addressed the latter as Periyar, a word generally used by the common people. It was surprising since Right-wing leaders have vowed not to refer to him as Periyar and address him only through his initials EVR. Leaders of the state unit were finding it a pleasure to run down the Dravidian icon as and when possible, and one of them, H Raja, who was the partys national secretary wanted all Periyar statues to be razed to the ground. In a major U-turn, Murugan also said We are ready to acknowledge and praise Periyar for his contribution to the state. No BJP leader in the past has spoken in such a manner, and, in fact, they vied with each other in coming out with humiliating and insulting comments against Periyar. The statues of Periyar were vandalised and desecrated in many parts of the state by mobs in the dead of night. Every party in Tamil Nadu has condemned the insults to the leader, but no state BJP leader has come forward to condemn such acts, giving the impression that the saffron party is behind such miscreants. Murugan also threw a major surprise when he condemned the vandalism of Periyar statue on September 27 in Tiruchy. This is the first time when a state BJP leader is condemning the vandalising of a rationalist leaders statue. When the national leadership nominated Murugan for the state leaders post, it was seen as a strategy to woo the Dalits, especially Arunthathiyars in the western belt of the state. Murugans commendations for Periyar have taken the other leaders, mostly from the upper castes, by surprise, and they were fuming at his newfound love for their declared enemy for decades. More shock was in store for them as the BJPs central leadership removed hardline Hindutva leader H Raja from the national secretarys post. Besides, P Muralidhar Rao, who was in charge of Tamil Nadu party affairs, has been removed, sending the message that Murugans acts are part of a well-devised strategy to change the partys image of belonging to and dominated by the upper castes. Rao, surrounded mostly by leaders from the elite groups, has openly approved the anti-Periyar tirade unleashed by the party. Rajas removal and the omission of all the state leaders from national posts have made Murugan, a Dalit leader, the BJPs face in the Dravidian heartland. His sudden praise for Periyar is neither an accident nor an individual opinion. With seven months to go for assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, the saffron party is moving to embrace the hues of black and blue, the colours symbolising the principles of Periyar and Ambedkar. For decades, BJP was trying to bulldoze Periyar and his ideals in its birthplace. Now, suddenly, it has found that its attempts to take on the rationalist leaders ideas have only boomeranged on it. Every word they had spoken against the iconic leader has only provoked peoples resentment, besides giving an upper caste and anti-Tamil image to the party. The partys upper caste leaders who were dominating it for decades are not happy with the new line taken by the central leadership. They assert that such a sudden volte face will only turn the party into a laughing stock, and erode the loyal upper castes sections backing it for years. The section of vernacular media supporting the saffron party is also seething with anger at the new line taken by the party, and openly advocating return to the earlier tough Hindutva stand. Murugan, who is a Dalit leader, finds himself at the receiving end of attacks from the Right-wing leaning media itself for showing respect to Periyar. The upper caste lobby within the party is working overtime to reverse the partys soft-Dravidian stance and accommodate some of them in the national organisation before the elections. It is to be seen if the central leadership bows to their pressure or not. Even if the central leaders remain firm, whether the new strategy, coming belatedly, will fetch electoral dividends is the major question in everyones lips now. However, the followers of the Dravidian icon are not pleased as they view this soft-pedalling as a ploy to capture votes in Tamil Nadu. They point out that the policies of Periyar and the RSS are diametrically opposite to each other. Comparing the BJPs tactics with Trojan horses, they contend that Tamil youth can easily recognise this red herring from the BJP. Victorian students in years 7-10 will begin to return to classrooms along with all other year levels from next week, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced. Year 7 students will return to school next Monday, October 12. Years 8-10 will return from Monday, October 26. Melbourne woke to a wet Monday morning, with 14 days to get average daily case numbers down to five in order for further lockdown restrictions to be eased. Credit:Chris Hopkins The staggered return is designed to manage movement across the community as Melbourne moves further out of stage four lockdown restrictions. However Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has said he believes it is a "line ball"at this stage, whether the state will meet its targets of fewer than five new cases on average per day and fewer than five mystery cases overall in two weeks time. Martin Seay's term as president of the Financial Planning Association has, to say the least, been an eventful one so far. Not only has the coronavirus pandemic changed just about everything in the advisory industry, but the Black Lives Matter movement and the nationwide protests that have followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis also present profound challenges to the White male-dominated financial advisory space. Seay, a certified financial planner, is also Department Head and Associate Professor of Personal Financial Planning at Kansas State University. More from FA 100: CNBC ranks the top-rated advisor firms of 2020 Advisory firms turn to tech to help clients amid pandemic Advisors adapt as pandemic changes connecting with clients The FPA, with 20,000 members, and the broader advisory space are undertaking a candid examination of the industry's business incentives, hiring practices and work environments in terms of how they support the inclusion or exclusion of women and people of color. To be sure, the scope of opportunities in the financial planning professional is quite broad and can be very rewarding. However, as varied as this profession is in the many types of job opportunities there are, the demographics of the industry do not reflect the diversity of the overall population. There's obviously a great deal of work to be done. Just 3.8% of the industry's more than 87,000 advisors who hold the CFP designation are Black or Latino, according to the Certified Financial Planners board, the industry body which sets standards in financial planning. This compares with the approximately 20% of U.S. workers who identify as non-white or Latino, according to 2019 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. What's more, overall less than 20% of advisors are women. Martin Seay of FPA Source: Financial Planning Association It is not an easy reckoning. Nor are there easy solutions to change that reality. CNBC spoke with Seay about the challenges of increasing diversity in the advisory industry. CNBC: How diverse is the financial advisory industry? Martin Seay: The numbers are pretty damning, when you look at them. Industry-wide, 82% of advisors are White and just 16% are women. Our numbers [at the FPA] are a bit better than industry average in terms of female CFPs (23%) but, at the end of 2019, just 3.8% of CFPs were Black or Latino. We want to see those numbers move up. CNBC: How can the FPA help to increase those numbers? Seay: Diversity is our challenge, and inclusion is the solution. We've been conducting listening tours with under-represented populations to understand the challenges they face with the intent to learn and take action. One individual shared a story with me about how her firm told her she had to change her name because they felt it was too ethnic. It's one thing to recruit a person of color to your firm that's critically important but inclusion doesn't stop there. If we want to face the challenge of a lack of diversity, the solution is intentional inclusion and an awareness of that at many different levels. We have to make it clear in what we say and do that all people are welcome in this industry and that they can get the support they need to have a sustainable career path. CNBC: As head of one of the premier financial planning departments in the country at Kansas State University, do you find it harder to pitch the idea of a financial planning career to students of color? Seay: It is a challenge. It often has to do with experiences that many people have had with advisors in the past and their distrust of institutions more generally. It's hard to change those attitudes after people get to college. In academia, we're now trying to influence the influencers like high school and college counselors to show this career path to students earlier. If firms and educational organizations aren't really intentional about this, we won't bring in more diverse candidates. CNBC: Have any particular strategies worked in recruiting women and minority candidates at Kansas State? Seay: We don't have it figured out yet. We have lots of things to learn about what works. For all students, we try to show them someone they could be in five years. We bring in successful advisors who look like them to show them that this is not just a hypothetical path but an achievable goal for them. We all have to lean into this and use our voices to demand support for inclusion. Martin Seay President of the Financial Planning Association Another thing that works is scholarships. It helps students go to college who otherwise might not be able to. But it also helps financial planning departments to leverage the whole recruiting process of a university. It activates a network of resources that amplifies the power of scholarships. I applaud all efforts to start new programs and diversity initiatives in our industry, but I think it's critically important that we leverage existing structures rather than recreate the wheel. CNBC: The advisory industry is notorious for its impatience with new hires to bring in business for firms. Are potential minority candidates to the profession particularly challenged by this incentive? Seay: Recruitment of more diverse candidates to the industry is not the most important part of this issue. It's the success rate of those people who have started on this path. Facilitating their success creates opportunities for others behind them. Our job is to leverage our networks to increase awareness of financial planning as a career and to help firms create sustainable career paths for people who can't bring in new business in year one. If the incentives in the industry don't change, it's going to be hard to do that. FG Trade | E+ | Getty Images The gang rape of a Dalit woman in front of her husband in Thanagazi in Alwar on April 26, 2019, when the couple was going on a motorcycle for shopping, generated political heat during the 2019 Lok Sabha election and also led to an important decision in Rajasthan. It was after this case that the state government announced that a deputy superintendent of police (DySP) in every district would monitor cases related to violence against women, and said FIRs could be lodged in the offices of superintendents of police (SP) if police stations did not register them. The Ashok Gehlot government had faced flak for the delay in the registration of FIR in the Thanagazi case because the local police station did not lodge the case for five days. It took them another five days to arrest the accused. According to the family of the gang rape survivor, the woman went to the Alwar SPs office with a complaint on April 30, 2019, after the local police station did not entertain her. The FIR was registered on May 2, 2019. The arrests took place on May 7, 2019. The family said video of the sexual violence began circulating on May 4, 2019, but police swung into action only on May 7. The family said the local police told them they would be able to act on the case only after the Lok Sabha election. Alwar went to the polls on May 6 in the fifth phase of the general election last year. The Rajasthan government also came under fire from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati during the election campaign, forcing the then Congress president Rahul Gandhi to visit the family on May 11, 2019, with Gehlot and the then PCC chief Sachin Pilot. Gehlot announced a government job to the survivor and compensation to the family. The survivor became a police constable on June 26, 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Kirodi Lal Meena courted arrest to demand resignation of the chief minister and action against Alwar superintendent of police and Thanagazi SHO. The Gehlot government ordered police and administrative inquiry against the police officers of the district over their alleged laxity. The then Alwar SP Rajeev Pachar was removed and Thanagazi SHO Sardar Singh was suspended on May 7. The police took the case under the case officer scheme, a special programme of Rajasthan police to monitor prosecution to take it to its logical conclusion. On June 7 last year, the state government ordered FIR against the SHO under section 166A(C) of the IPC, which covers a public servant failing to record any information given to him in relation to cognizable offence. Circle officer Jagmohan Sharma was transferred out of the district after presenting the charge sheet. Other staff of the police station was sent out of Jaipur police range. The administrative inquiry by Jaipur divisional commissioner KC Verma held Pachar guilty of negligence as he did not visit the spot within 24 hours of the incident after a police inquiry had given him a clean chit. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The controversy over the worm infestation in a patient has turned into a war of words between the Kerala government and doctors. A day after a thaw between the two parties was reached at a meeting with the health minister, fresh wounds were opened up with a scathing attack by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against the government. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan retorted sharply to the IMAs comment that the health department was maggot infested. The minds of people who make such allegations are worm infested. They may have nefarious intentions in doing so. But it will not work in Kerala, said the Chief Minister. The IMA and other organisations have come out against the suspension of health workers after relatives of a patient complained of maggot infestation due to poor care. A doctor who is the nodal officer for Covid-19 care in the Medical College at Thiruvananthapuram and two head nurses were suspended. The doctors body alleged that the poor care was the departments fault for not appointing enough staff. The IMA was also not happy with the government for ignoring its warnings on COVID-19 control. It complained of the supremacy of bureaucrats over health experts in dealing with the pandemic. The Chief Minister however said the government was ready to address the shortcomings. He expressed his displeasure over the public statement against the government by the IMA. Health Minister KK Shailaja admitted that there were not enough people for health care due to which the Covid-19 brigade could not function as expected. She had also assured the striking doctors that the penal action taken against health workers in the medical college would be reconsidered. A Black man was shot and killed by Texas police as he tried to intervene in a domestic violence incident. (Courtesy Photo) A vigil on Sunday night for a black man shot and killed by a white police officer in Texas descended into chaos when an armed white gunman arrived to protect my city. Jonathan Price, a 31-year-old motivational speaker, who worked for his hometown of Wolfe City, died on Saturday evening after a confrontation with Officer Shaun Lucas. Friends of Price say he was intervening in a domestic disturbance at a convenience store when the officer shot him. Lucas on Monday was charged with murder. Hundreds of people on Sunday night gathered in Wolfe City, a city of about 1,400 roughly 70 miles northeast of Dallas, for a candlelit vigil in memory of Price. But as the evening wore on, a white man armed with an AR-15 type assault rifle arrived on the scene. Mourners angrily confronted the gunman, yelling at him to leave. The moment an armed man appeared after the Jonathan Price vigil in Wolfe City. Things got out of control after he showed up with his firearm. Several protesters tried to tranquilize the situation. Police arrived minutes later, no arrests were made. pic.twitter.com/7JFsuVkDtv Benjamin Diez (@benjamindiez_) October 6, 2020 Videos posted on social media appeared to show coordinators of the vigil, in Black Lives Matter t-shirts, attempting to persuade the gunman to leave the scene. Hot-headed younger people attempted to confront the gunman, but were restrained by their friends and blocked by the other mourners. Police arrived, and the gunman spoke to sheriffs away from a crowd, who were yelling: Arrest him! The gunman could be heard saying: I never pointed my gun at anyone. Im just here to protect my city. No arrests were made, and the vigil ended peacefully. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE Tensions remained high after police arrived. Protesters wanted the armed man arrested. The man would be allowed to drive away after a long talk with local police in Wolfe City. #JonathanPrice pic.twitter.com/XjHtAqOAv1 Benjamin Diez (@benjamindiez_) October 6, 2020 Lucas is currently being held on a $1 million bond. Story continues Texas Rangers said in a statement detailing Saturday nights shooting that Price resisted in a nonthreatening posture and began walking away. Lucas fired a Taser before discharging his service weapon striking Price. Price was taken to Hunt Regional Hospital, where he died. The preliminary investigation indicates that the actions of Officer Lucas were not objectionably reasonable, the Texas Rangers said. The Texas Rangers have charged Officer Lucas with the offense of murder and booked him into the Hunt County Jail. Read more Breonna Taylor protests: NYPD criticised for charging at BLM demonstrators among diners in Manhattan Louisville police chief under fire for email saying BLM members should be washing her car From Kenosha to Portland, were reporting from the eye of Trumps law-and-order storm News and Info from our Community Partners Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?) Groups praise bill designating China's Communist Party as demonic, 'transnational criminal organization' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Religious and human rights groups are applauding a bill designating the Chinese Communist Party as a transnational criminal organization for posing an existential threat to American freedoms and liberties. On Thursday, Rep. Scott Perry, R-Penn., introduced the Designating the Chinese Communist Party a Transnational Organized Crime Group Act, which aims to Protect Americans from Chinese Criminal Activity. According to the press release on Perrys website, the legislation, co-sponsored by Reps. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., and Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., will add the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to the Top International Criminal Organizations Target (TICOT) List and provide the United States law enforcement agencies a strategic directive to target the CCPs malign activity. The bill, which would eliminate sovereign immunity for Chinese diplomats in the U.S. engaging in criminal activity, specifically cites the CCPs "coordinated and government-directed theft of American intellectual property, cyber-attacks on U.S. systems, espionage, and international fentanyl trafficking as top reasons the CCP qualifies to be on the TICOT List. Dede Laugesen, executive director of Save the Persecuted Christians, which worked alongside Perry to bring about the legislation, applauded the bill. Save the Persecuted Christians is very grateful for this legislation, says Laugesen. Its the first step in righting the injustices and making the world a safer place for all at-risk populations, which seemed to be multiplying exponentially as Chinas malign influence had continued unchecked but, no more. Sean Lin, of the Falun Dafa Association at Washington, D.C., also praised the bill. He noted that in the past seven decades, more than 80 million Chinese people have died due to waves of CCP-sanctioned politics persecutions. This bill tells the tragic reality that Chinese people, regardless of their race and ethnicity, are under the ruling of an evil gangster entity the Chinese Communist Party, he said. And, it also has highlighted the CCPs existential threat to global civilization and the free world. All congressional leaders must stand strong to support this legislation to name the CCP for what it is, as it presents an outcry for freedom for all people suffering under CCP. Perry introduced the bill following the Resist China demonstration held Thursday outside the U.S. Capitol. The event sought to bring attention to the CCPs crackdowns against freedom, democracy, and human rights, which have intensified across China, along with a gross increase on the assault on communities living under its rule. The CCP is an abject moral failure, Perry said in introducing the bill. You know this. It is decrepit, it is demonic, it is an institution that subjugates and enslaves the people it has dominion over. In the past hundred years, our world saw the rise of communism in the Soviet Union and we witnessed freedom imperiled by evil. And were witnessing it right now today. Right as we stand here, it is happening right now today. But it cannot be allowed to endure. In July, a coalition of over 600 human rights advocates and organizations penned an open letter to Attorney General William Barr asking him to officially condemn the CCP as a criminal outfit responsible for violating human rights, committing injustices around the globe, and causing millions of deaths worldwide. The CCP transnational criminal organization designation is clearly justified by the epidemic of American citizens victimized and killed by the Chinese manufactured and transmitted lethal synthetic drug, fentanyl. According to the CDC, deaths involving other synthetic narcotics, including fentanyl and fentanyl analogs continued to rise with more than 31,335 overdose deaths reported in 2018, the letter says. The letter adds, for decades, the CCP perpetrated and proliferated IP embezzlement and economic espionage on Americans and U.S. businesses, resulting in theft and loss of vast wealth and prosperity. The extent and breadth of the criminal reach of the CCP knows no bounds. Groups including MS-13, the 18th Street Gang, and the Laos-based Zhao Wei Network have been slapped with TOC designations by the U.S. Huge asteroid to fly past Earth today: Here's how you can track it Asteroid bigger than Boeing 747 to collide with Earths orbit On Oct 7; Will it be dangerous? International oi-Madhuri Adnal Washington, Oct 06: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday has warned that an asteroid bigger than a Boeing 747 jet is set to collide with Earth's orbit on October 7. NASA: Asteroid to fly into earth's orbit on October 7 | Oneindia News The asteroid officially called 2020 RK2, was discovered last month and classified as an Apollo asteroid, a group near the Earth's orbit known for this phenomenon. The asteroid is currently on a trajectory and is around 80 metres wide and travelling at 6.68 kilometres per second and is estimated to range from 36 metres to 81 metre in diameter, which is almost a width of 118-256 foot. Closest flyby on record! SUV-sized asteroid buzzes by Earth, above southern Indian Ocean Based on the estimated size, the US space agency believes that the space rock can be bigger than the wingspan of a Boeing-747 8 series aeroplane that is almost 68.5 metres wide. Is Asteroid 2020 RK2 dangerous? NASA has advised the public not to worry and that the chances of it causing any real damage is "extremely unlikely." The space rock will be 3,830,238 kilometers away from the planet, peacefully passing by, but close to the Earth and entering its orbit. However, despite coming in close to the Earth's orbit, astronomers are not likely to see it from Earth. The rock will be hurtling past our chunk of space rock, our home Earth, at about 1.12 PM in Eastern Standard time (United States) or 6.12 PM British Summer time. According to reports, the space rock once safely passes planet Earth, it will not visit our orbit again until August 2027. An asteroid officially called 2020 SX3 is also heading towards earth. The asteroid is between 38 and 86 metres across, according to NASA - that's about the size of three double-decker buses. On September 24, a small near-Earth asteroid, roughly the size of a school bus, zoomed past Earth at a distance of about 22,000 kilometres above our planet's surface. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 12:50 [IST] National chairman of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) Kelemen Hunor said in Arad on Tuesday that Romania will need a time of political stability after the general election, which UDMR is ready to ensure if it depends on it, adding that a centre-right majority would be preferable, according to Agerpres. Kelemen made a brief analysis of UDMR's prospects in the general elections, saying that he is optimistic about UDMR's results, which should be at least equal to those of 2016. "If in 2016 with 195 mayor's offices under our belt we won almost 7% of the vote in the general election, I am optimistic that after the result from the local elections, with 199 mayor's offices, we will have a similar result. (...) I am optimistic, but I know that we have a lot of work, a lot of work to do in the country and we have to come up with a credible manifesto about Romania's modernisation, about everything that means modernisation, economy, transparency and about the Hungarian community and preserving the identity of our community," said Kelemen. He added that "after the general election, Romania will need political stability." "We have been in a political crisis and permanent political instability for eight years, which can be demonstrated in one sentence: eight years, ten governments. What can be achieved with ten governments in eight years? You can't carry through projects, not to mention putting the projects into practice, so I think the next step must be political stability, because we have enormous possibilities if we think about European funds (....) but that cannot be spent efficiently. That is impossible without political stability. It has been shown in eight years with ten governments that we were not able to spend half of the funds under our operational programmes large infrastructure. Without projects, the EU will not come to do projects for you," said Kelemen. He also added that political stability will exist inasmuch as that depends on UDMR. "From our point of view, a centre-right majority would be desirable, but we must wait for the election result; until then we cannot say more," the UDMR leader added. Asked if UDMR would be interested in participating in the next government, he replied: "Any party wants that. If you find a party that says it is running for the opposition to stand in opposition, put the vote stamp on us, do not put on them. In politics, that is the goal, to implement the political manifesto with which you go before the electorate, there is no shame, but that does not mean that you will be able to join the executive after every election." Kelemen attended in the Romanian-Hungarian Reconciliation Park in Arad commemorations of 13 generals killed at the end of the 1848 - 1849 Revolution. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal The New Mexico Court of Appeals last week upheld a District Court ruling that Northern New Mexico College wrongfully demoted and then terminated the director of the colleges El Rito campus after she raised concerns about financial mismanagement at the college. Melissa Velasquez originally filed the lawsuit in 2015 under the states Whistleblower Protection Act. At trial, the jury awarded Velasquez $239,451 for back-pay compensation for the two years and 10 months between her termination in 2014 and the 2017 trial. The jury also awarded her $180,000 in damages for emotional distress and ordered the college to reinstate Velasquez in her former position, which has since been filled. The judge in the case later reduced the damages to $84,513 for back pay and $90,000 for emotional distress, a decision Velasquez appealed. The Court of Appeals reversed that decision but affirmed the other rulings the District Court made against the college. The court also remanded the case back to District Court to address Velasquezs litigation costs and attorney fees. It has been a long haul for Ms. Velasquez, her attorney, Chris Moody, said in a phone interview Monday. She is gratified that the Court of Appeals found in her favor on all issues in the case. She looks forward to being reinstated and going back to work for the college so she can help it in its mission to serve the people of northern New Mexico. Moody said he will argue in District Court that Velasquez should be paid for three years since the trial ended. Just how her reinstatement will be handled is unclear. Velasquezs is the last of a string of whistleblower lawsuits filed against the college during the administration of former NNMC President Nancy Rusty Barcelo. Settlements from five lawsuits have totaled more than $1 million. Current NNMC President Rick Bailey Jr. said the college hasnt started discussions or conversations with Velasquez about reinstatement, but it will honor the courts decision. He said the fact that there have been no new lawsuits filed by anyone who has worked at the college in the past four years speaks to how far the college has come. I am very proud of the journey the college has taken in the last four years, and I am confident that the allegations explained in this case are no longer a part of who we are or what we do, he said. As the chief executive officer, I need to take responsibility for everything that happens at the college, even things that happened in the distant past. Bailey said the college has worked hard to make sure every student and faculty and staff member feel theyre appreciated. According to court documents, while Velasquez was director of the El Rito campus, she sent emails to administration voicing her concerns that the college was mishandling grant funds. She also complained directly to administrators but said she was ignored. Soon after these meetings, she received a letter of reprimand and reassignment to another position. Whistleblowers need to be heard, and they need to be respected, Moody said. When someone like Ms. Velasquez, whos always been a very responsible member of the community, raises serious issues about federal grants and wasting of public money, those issues need to be taken seriously and public employers like Northern New Mexico College should in no way retaliate against people who bring forward valuable information. WASHINGTON Rick Bright, a senior vaccine scientist who said he was demoted this spring for complaining about cronyism and political interference in science, resigned his final government post on Tuesday, saying he had been sidelined and left with nothing to do. In a new addendum to the whistle-blower complaint he filed in May, Dr. Brights lawyers say officials at the National Institutes of Health, where he worked after his demotion, rejected his idea for a national coronavirus testing strategy because of political considerations. He also accused them of ignoring his request to join the $10 billion effort to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine, known as Operation Warp Speed. I long to serve the American people by using my skills to fight this pandemic, Dr. Bright wrote on Sept. 25 to Dr. Francis Collins, the director of the institutes, noting that he had 25 years of experience in vaccine development. The taxpayers who pay my salary deserve no less. Dr. Brights resignation from the Department of Health and Human Services comes six months after he was ousted as the chief of the departments Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and reassigned to a narrower job at the health institutes, which also fall under the health department. At the N.I.H, he was supposed to take the lead on developing novel point-of-care coronavirus tests. His lawyers said he did that, creating a team that awarded eight contracts to build up coronavirus testing and exhausted its budget. Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Albany International Corp. (NYSE:AIN) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. Check out our latest analysis for Albany International The calculation 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 discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$96.5m US$98.0m US$132.0m US$139.0m US$145.2m US$150.6m US$155.5m US$160.2m US$164.5m US$168.8m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 5.33% Est @ 4.4% Est @ 3.74% Est @ 3.29% Est @ 2.97% Est @ 2.74% Est @ 2.59% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 9.0% US$88.5 US$82.5 US$102 US$98.5 US$94.3 US$89.8 US$85.1 US$80.4 US$75.7 US$71.3 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$867m Story continues After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.2%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 9.0%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2030 (1 + g) (r g) = US$169m (1 + 2.2%) (9.0% 2.2%) = US$2.5b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$2.5b ( 1 + 9.0%)10= US$1.1b 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 US$1.9b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$51.8, the company appears about fair value at a 14% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. 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. 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 Albany 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 9.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.129. 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 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. For Albany International, we've put together three relevant factors you should explore: Risks: For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Albany International that you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does AIN'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 American 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. (Philadelphia, PA) - Like packaging designed to create a protective environment around a product, the mix of cells and fluids immediately surrounding human bone marrow provides critical protective and nourishing conditions for hematopoietic - or bone marrow-originating - stem cells. Immune cells and other specialized components native to this small-scale "microenvironment" ensure that newly emerged hematopoietic stem cells are healthy and functional. Nonetheless, the bone marrow microenvironment is vulnerable to manipulation, notably in the case of leukemia. Leukemia, a cancer of blood-forming tissues, modulates the bone marrow niche to protect and promote the survival of tumor cells. Now, in a highly collaborative research effort, scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) show that this protective environment also gives leukemia cells with insufficient expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes the ability to resist anticancer drugs known as PARP inhibitors. This resistance, the researchers discovered, hinges on overexpression of a molecule known as transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGFR) kinase, which is located on the leukemia cell surface. The new study, published online October 6 in the journal Cell Reports and involving researchers at multiple institutions in the United States and abroad, is the first to show that resistance to PARP inhibitors in leukemia can be overcome by combining PARP inhibition with blockade of TGFR kinase activation. "Leukemia cells usually reside in two environments in the body, the bone marrow and the blood," explained Tomasz Skorski, MD, PhD, DSc, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Associate Professor at the Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology at LKSOM, and senior investigator on the study. "Previous research has shown that leukemia cells displaying deficiency of BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins are sensitive to PARP inhibition while circulating in the blood. We discovered that the same leukemia cells are resistant to the inhibitors in the bone marrow microenvironment." PARP inhibitors trigger a phenomenon known as "synthetic lethality" in cancer cells. They kill malignant cells by shutting down a specific DNA repair mechanism and are effective especially against cells with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, in which the homologous recombination mechanism of DNA repair has already been disabled. Dr. Skorski and colleagues investigated the mechanistic impact of the bone marrow microenvironment on PARP inhibitor resistance in BRCA1/2-deficient leukemia cells derived from human patients and leukemia-bearing mice. The cells were grown in incubation conditions that mimicked the bone marrow microenvironment, enabling the malignant cells to establish drug resistance. Examination of factors in the replicated bone marrow microenvironment identified TGF-1 as an important player in resistance. TGF-1, a protein generated by stromal cells in the bone marrow niche, activates TGFR kinase. Leukemia cells in the bone marrow microenvironment were found to be highly responsive to TGF-1, owing to low oxygen levels that induce overexpression of TGFR kinase on their surface. With TGFR kinase levels noticeably elevated in leukemia cells, the researchers decided to test the effects of TGFR kinase inhibition. They observed that treatment with molecules that blocked TGFR kinase activation by TGF-1 not only halted signaling along the TGF-1-TGFR kinase axis but also rendered cells sensitive to PARP inhibitors. Those observations carried through in animals, where targeting of the TGFR kinase restored leukemia cell sensitivity to PARP inhibitors. Moreover, leukemia-bearing mice treated with a PARP inhibitor plus a TGFR kinase inhibitor survived longer than mice treated only with PARP inhibition. "We've now discovered a central and constitutive mechanism underlying PARP drug resistance in leukemia," Dr. Skorski said. "And we went a step further, showing that resistance can be overcome through a therapeutic strategy that combines inhibitors targeting PARP and TGFR kinase." Dr. Skorski and colleagues plan next to investigate this strategy clinically. "The drugs we experimented with in our latest research are already approved for use in patients," he noted. "We look forward to future collaborations that will allow us to translate our findings on combined PARP and TGFR kinase inhibitor therapy to the clinic." ### Other researchers involved in the study include Bac Viet Le, Silvia Maifrede, Katherine Sullivan-Reed, Margaret Nieborowska-Skorska, and Konstantin Golovine, Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center and Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, LKSOM; Paulina Podszywalow-Bartnicka, Julian Swatler, Katarzyna Piwocka, and Michal Dabrowski, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Juo-Chin Yao, Grant A. Challen, and Daniel Link, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis; Reza Nejati, Kathy Q. Cai, and Mariusz A. Wasik, Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center; Lisa Beatrice Caruso and Italo Tempera, Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology, LKSOM; Zhaorui Lian and Jian Huang, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, LKSOM; Peter Valent, Medical University of Vienna and Ludwig-Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology and Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Vienna, Austria; Elisabeth M. Paietta, Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York; Ross L. Levine and Martin S. Tallman, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York; Hugo F. Fernandez, Moffitt Malignant Hematology & Cellular Therapy at Memorial Healthcare System, Pembroke Pines, Florida; and Mark R. Litzow, Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $2.2 billion academic health system dedicated to providing access to quality patient care and supporting excellence in medical education and research. The Health System consists of Temple University Hospital (TUH); TUH-Episcopal Campus; TUH-Jeanes Campus; TUH-Northeastern Campus; The Hospital of Fox Chase Cancer Center and Affiliates, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center; Temple Transport Team, a ground and air-ambulance company; Temple Physicians, Inc., a network of community-based specialty and primary-care physician practices; and Temple Faculty Practice Plan, Inc., TUHS's physician practice plan comprised of more than 500 full-time and part-time academic physicians in 20 clinical departments. TUHS is affiliated with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple University Health System (TUHS) and by the Katz School of Medicine. TUHS neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents. It is the policy of Temple University Health System that there shall be no exclusion from, or participation in, and no one denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, level of education, or source of payment. President Trump and wife Melania test positive for Covi US President Donald Trump has tested positive for Covid-19, potentially halting his election campaign for the 2 November presidential poll and raising the prospect of a policy change for post-Covid Trump. Trump on Thursday said he and his wife Melania tested positive for Covid-19 and were in quarantine, after Hope Hicks, one of his closest advisers, tested positive for the disease. Trump and the first lady had attended a fundraising event in New Jersey on Thursday afternoon. We will get through this TOGETHER! 74-year-old Trump tweeted. President Trump has joined a growing list of world leaders who have been infected with the virus, along with more than 10 million people globally. The news had its impact on markets, with stocks falling in the US and Europe on Friday. S&P 500 futures fell as much as 2 per cent immediately after the news, while the Australian dollar and Treasury yields, dipped. "What might this news on President Trump mean? Some wires are reporting this as a risk-off event as it raises the prospect of a Biden victory and a Democrat victory is equity market negative. We are not convinced on that line of reasoning." Trumps catching Covid has big implications for the elections as he remains very competitive in key swing states ... and catching Covid is unlikely to alter his support much. If he quickly recovers it will play into his line of argument over getting the economy open being much more important. Also, the news of the President and his wife catching Covid comes in the wake of the US reporting its biggest jump in new cases in five days, including nearly 20 states reporting single day increases of more than 1,000 infections. World leaders wished the US President quick recovery. EU chief Charles Michel on Friday tweeted: Wishing @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a speedy recovery. COVID-19 is a battle we all continue to fight. Everyday. No matter where we live, Michel said in a tweet. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wished President Trump and his wife Melania a speedy recovery on Friday after they tested positive for COVID-19. My best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady, Johnson, who was the first world leader to be hospitalised after contracting COVID-19, said on Twitter. Hope they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Trump a quick recovery after the US president revealed he has tested positive for the coronavirus. Wishing my friend @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a quick recovery and good health, Modi said on Twitter. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wished Donald Trump and his wife Melania a speedy recovery from Covid-19. German Chancellor Angela Merkel wished US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump a rapid recovery after they announced they tested positive for the coronavirus. I send Donald and Melania Trump all my good wishes, her spokesman Steffen Seibert tweeted on her behalf. I hope that they recover well from their corona infection and will be quite healthy again soon. Russian President Vladimir Putin wished Donald Trump a speedy recovery in a telegram, saying he was sure the US leaders qualities would help him fight off the coronavirus. I am convinced that your vitality, good spirits and optimism will help you cope with this dangerous virus, the Kremlin quoted Putin as saying in the message. Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov had earlier wished Trump a speedy and easy recovery on behalf of the Kremlin. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Steve Holland and Doina Chiacu (Reuters) Washington, United States Tue, October 6, 2020 06:01 474 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c494aea4 2 World Donald-Trump,COVID-19,White-House,US-presidential-election,walter-reed-military-hospital,Joe-Biden,RepublicanCandidate,Democratic-party,Melania-Trump Free President Donald Trump on Monday left the military hospital where he has been treated for COVID-19 and boarded a helicopter to return to a White House hit by a wave of infections and a campaign further shadowed by the pandemic four weeks before Election Day. Wearing what appeared to be a white surgical mask, Trump pumped his fist and gave a thumbs up as he walked down the steps of the Walter Reed Medical Center outside Washington, responding to a reporter's question about how many people were infected at the White House by saying: "Thank you very much." The Republican president, running for re-election against Democrat Joe Biden in the Nov. 3 U.S. election, was admitted to the hospital on Friday after being diagnosed with the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. "Feeling really good!" he said on Twitter earlier. "Don't be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!" The disease has killed more than 1 million people worldwide and more than 209,000 in the United States alone -- the highest death toll of any country. Trump, 74, has not had a fever in more than 72 hours and his oxygen levels are normal, his medical team told reporters in front of the hospital. The doctors declined, however, to discuss any toll the disease could have on the president's lungs or disclose when Trump last tested negative for the coronavirus. The team added that the president had received supplemental oxygen twice in recent days. "He may not entirely be out of the woods yet," Dr. Sean. P. Conley, the White House physician, said. "If we can get through to Monday with him remaining the same or improving, better yet, then we will all take that final, deep sigh of relief." However, Conley said the medical team believed Trump was ready to leave the hospital, stressing he would have world-class medical care around the clock at the White House. Conley said doctors were in "unchartered territory" because Trump had received certain therapies so early in the course of the illness. Lahore, Oct 6 : A division bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) division bench has acquitted a convict who was sentenced to death on blasphemy charges in March 2014. The acquittal came on Monday after the division bench declared that the prosecution had failed to establish the convict's involvement in the case, reports The Express Tribune. The convict, Sawan Masih, had filed an appeal against the death sentence given by the trial court. The appellant raised several objections on the police investigation and prosecution. Masih told the court that police had registered the case 35 hours after the alleged occurrence, alleging that it showed mala fide intent in the case. There were contradictions in the story of the FIR and the one narrated by the complainant before the trial court, he contended. The appellant further said that the blasphemy charges were fabricated by elements who wanted to occupy land. SYDNEY, Australia Xi Jinping celebrates Chinas battle against the coronavirus as a success. But in the United States and other wealthy democracies, the pandemic has driven negative views of China to new heights, a survey published on Tuesday showed. The illness, deaths and disruption caused by the coronavirus in those countries have intensified already strong public distrust of China, where the virus emerged late last year, the results from the Pew Research Centers survey indicated. Unfavorable opinion has soared over the past year, said the survey on views of China taken this year in 14 countries including Japan, South Korea, Canada and Germany, Italy and other European nations. Today, a majority in each of the surveyed countries has an unfavorable opinion of China. The results illustrate how much negative opinions of China have taken hold around the world in recent years. To Chinas leaders, such wary attitudes could present obstacles for the Communist Partys ambitions of expanding Beijings influence. The tide of public distrust could make cooperation harder even on issues where national interests align. In a statement on Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said: "In line with Canada's robust export control regime and due to the ongoing hostilities, I have suspended the relevant export permits to Turkey, so as to allow time to further assess the situation. Ottawa, Oct 6 (IANS) Canada has suspended its arms export permits to Turkey after it was claimed that Ankara was using drone-sensor technology created by an Ontario company in the fight between Armenia and Azerbaijan. "Canada continues to be concerned by the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting in shelling of communities and civilian casualties." Champagne has also ordered a probe into a claim by Canadian peace research institute Project Ploughshares that it had evidence a Canadian-developed sensor technology was being used in Turkish military drones, CTV News reported. Ploughshares researcher Kelsey Gallagher told CTV News the decision showed that "Canada's arms control regime is working how it should". "These arms have posed a risk in Turkish hands for some time now and really should have tripped Canada's risk assessment a long time ago, this is kind of overdue," he added. Also in a briefing on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he has asked Champagne to travel to Europe to work with allies on the "developments in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, particularly in Nagorno-Karabakh". Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory, is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but but mostly governed by the Republic of Artsakh, a de facto independent state with an Armenian ethnic majority. Armenia and Azerbaijan went to war over the region in 1988-94, eventually declaring a ceasefire. However, a settlement was never reached. The current fighting is the worst seen since the ceasefire and the two former Soviet republics have been blaming each other. Earlier this week, Armenia said it stood "ready to engage" with mediators from France, Russia and the US to try to agree a ceasefire. But Azerbaijan, which is openly backed by Turkey, has demanded the withdrawal of Armenian troops from Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent areas seized by ethnic Armenian troops, the BBC reported. Since the latest conflict erupted on September 27, Nagorno-Karabakh authorities have confirmed that 201 of their personnel and a number of civilians have died. Azerbaijan has said that 22 civilians were killed, but did not provide information about military casualties. --IANS ksk/ Evangelists Paula White, Franklin Graham named among 'Israels Top 50 Christian Allies' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Evangelical leaders Paula White, Franklin Graham and David Jeremiah have been named as being among the leading defenders and advocates for Israel worldwide, according to a list released by the Israel Allies Foundation. On Thursday, IAF, an organization that coordinates 44 Israel Allies Caucuses worldwide to mobilize political support for Israel based on shared Judeo-Christian values, published its first list of Israels Top 50 Christian Allies, individuals the group said have conveyed their deep love and support for the State of Israel which stems from their faith. Released ahead of Sukkot the Feast of Tabernacles the list includes pastors, former politicians, organizational leaders and businessmen. The list is topped by the Rev. Paula White, the adviser to the White House on Faith & Opportunity Initiatives. She is also the chair of the evangelical advisory board in President Donald Trumps administration. White, who on her website says she stands with Israel and the Jewish people for peace and prosperity in the Holy Land, has publicly supported the Trump administration's pro-Israel policies. "My deeply held faith and conviction has aligned me to stand with and support Israel in every possible way. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob made a covenant with the Jewish people and promised them a nation," she said. "That nation, Israel, is the foundation and birthplace of my Christian faith. I also stand with Israel for geopolitical reasons. Since 1948, the nation of Israel has been Americas staunchest ally in the Middle East. I proudly support Israel and the Jewish people." Others named on the list include: John Hagee, Franklin Graham, Jentzen Franklin, Kay Arthur, Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Mike Huckabee, Alan Clemmons, Michele Bachmann, Tony Perkins and Gary Bauer. Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham and head of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, often uses his platform to urge evangelical leaders to back Israel. Last month, he praised the signing of the historic Abraham Accords between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, stressing that "Peace in the Middle East impacts the entire world." In a statement, IAF said it considers the moving of the U.S. and Guatemalan embassies to Jerusalem as well as the anti-BDS legislation now in 32 U.S states which made it official U.S. policy to oppose boycotts of Israel the direct result of the Christian supporters and politicians who have advocated for these issues along with Christian voters who have demonstrated that these issues will impact the direction of their vote. The list was authored by Josh Reinstein, president of IAF and author of Titus, Trump and the Triumph of Israel. Faith-based diplomacy has empowered Israel and its leadership to reach new heights, and it would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of these 50 unique individuals, Reinstein said. Recognizing the heroic work of our Christian supporters is an important display of our gratitude towards them. It is only due to the Christian political support for Israel, that Israel is welcoming embassies to Jerusalem and is now in the position to negotiate new peace deals on the basis of peace through strength. An open letter released today calls on the Pulitzer Prize Board to rescind the Prize for Commentary awarded to Nikole Hannah-Jones for her lead essay in The 1619 Project. The letter is signed by 21 Scholars and public writers. Among them are Victor Davis Hanson, Charles Kesler, Roger Kimball, Stanley Kurtz, Glenn Loury, Wilfred McClay, Peter Wood, and Jean Yarbrough. For reasons I discussed in this post, the 1619 Project would be better called The New York Times Hate America project. John attacked the Times slander of our country here. In this post, I took on the Projects absurd claim that the American Revolution was, in significant part, the result of a desire to preserve slavery in America. I believe the Pulitzer Board awarded its prize to Hannah-Jones and, in effect to the Project, precisely because her essay viciously attacked America, If anything, the Board likely regarded the distortions, inaccuracies, and half truths as a feature, not a bug. Thus, I very much doubt that the Board will revoke the prize. However, the open letter serves as an important rebuke. We should never stop reminding the public of the 1619 Projects errors and distortions, or of the way despisers of America have glorified this hateful attempt to rewrite our history. The open letter begins this way: When the Board announced the prize on May 4, 2020, it praised Hannah-Jones for a sweeping, deeply reported and personal essay for the ground-breaking 1619 Project, which seeks to place the enslavement of Africans at the center of Americas story, prompting public conversation about the nations founding and evolution. Note well the last five words. Clearly the award was meant not merely to honor this one isolated essay, but the Project as a whole, with its framing contention that the year 1619, the date when some twenty Africans arrived at Jamestown, ought to be regarded as the nations true founding, supplanting the long-honored date of July 4, 1776, which marked the emergence of the United States as an independent nation. Beginning almost immediately after its publication, though, the essay and the Project ran into controversy. It has been subjected to searching criticism by many of the foremost historians of our time and by the Times own fact checker. The scrutiny has left the essay discredited, so much so that the Times has felt the need to go back and change a crucial passage in it, softening but not eliminating its unsupported assertion about slavery and the Revolution. (Emphasis added) Stanley Kurtz has more on the stealth editing of the passage about slavery and the Revolution. He also points out that soon after President Trump began this summer to denounce attacks on our history, the Times Nikole Hannah-Jones, author of the Projects lead essay, began falsely to deny that she or the 1619 Project had ever asserted that the year 1619 was Americas true founding. In drive-by style, Hannah-Jones fired shots at America and then tried to flee, lest her screed become a campaign liability for the Democrats. The open letter continues: The Project as a whole was marred by similar faults. Prominent historians, most of them deeply sympathetic to the Projects goal of bringing the African American experience more fully into our understanding of the American past, nevertheless felt obliged to point out, in public statements beginning in September 2019, the Projects serious factual errors, specious generalizations, and forced interpretations. Hannah-Jones did not refute these criticisms or answer them in a respectful or meaningful way. Instead, she dismissed them. In December 2019 five prominent historians wrote a joint letter to The New York Times expressing their strong reservations about important aspects of the 1619 Project.1 The New York Times Magazines editor-in-chief Jake Silverstein brushed aside the letter with the explanation that historical understanding is not fixed; it is constantly being adjusted by new scholarship and new voices. True enough; but he refrained from also mentioning that the advance of historical understanding always involves the testing of new interpretations through a process of open criticism and the free exchange of ideas in honest debate, the very things that Hannah-Jones has consistently disdained. Despite this stonewalling, the criticisms of The 1619 Project continued, notably in another joint letter signed by twelve other historians on December 30. Mr. Silverstein again responded saying, that the Timess research desk had examine their criticisms and concluded no corrections are warranted. (Footnotes omitted) Perhaps most telling of all is this: On March 6, 2020, historian Leslie M. Harris, one of the Timess own fact-checkers, revealed that she had warned the newspaper that an assertion that the patriots fought the American Revolution in large part to preserve slavery in North America was plainly false. Harris identified numerous other mistakes that she had pointed out to the Times in advance of the publication of The 1619 Project, none of which was corrected. [After Harris revealed this] the false claims were erased or altered with no explanation, and Hannah-Jones then proceeded to claim that she had never said or written what in fact she has said and written repeatedly, assertions that the Project materials also made. Fortunately, we have a documentary record to the contrary, in the form of the original publication, in addition to extensive video footage of Hannah-Jones (and Silverstein) making precisely the claims that she now denies having made. The Times deserves a prize for duplicity and Hannah-Jones deserves one for outright lying. Instead, they have a Pulitzer Prize. The open letter concludes: The Pulitzer Prize Board erred in awarding a prize to Hannah-Joness profoundly flawed essay, and through it to a Project that, despite its worthy intentions, is disfigured by unfounded conjectures and patently false assertions. To err is human. But now that it has come to light that these materials have been corrected without public disclosure and Hannah-Jones has falsely put forward claims that she never said or wrote what she plainly did, the offense is far more serious. It is time for the Pulitzer Prize Board to acknowledge its error rather than compound it. Given the glaring historical fallacy at the heart of its account, and the subsequent breaches of core journalistic ethics by both Hannah-Jones and the Times, Our democracys founding ideals were false when they were written does not deserve the honor conferred upon it. Nor does The 1619 Project of which it is a central part, and which the Board seeks to honor by honoring Hannah-Joness essay. The Board should acknowledge that its award was an error. It can and should correct that error by withdrawing the prize. Absolutely. Im betting, though, that the Board wont withdraw it. The Fox Creek Community Resource Centre has unofficially taken on the clothing collection since the early 2000s and offered throughout the community to children and adults in need. The campaign became more of a collaborative effort a few years back when the Fox Creek CRC Home Visitation and In-Home Support Program partnered with the Fox Creek Fire Department. They hope to ensure everyone, especially children, have warm outerwear. The winters in Fox Creek can be brutally long with heavy snowfalls, gusting winds, and freezing temperatures, making it all that more crucial to be dressed appropriately. United Way started the Koats for Kids program over 30 years ago in Canada and the US, which operates from September to February each year. Since inception, more and more communities across the country have followed suit with their own community Koats for Kids campaigns. While these communities may not operate under the same umbrella as the United Way, their hearts are in the same place, to help those in need. The program name, Koats for Kids, was initially targeted towards children to ensure they stay warm. The reason being is children exposed to colder temperatures has a far greater risk of losing body heat and developing hypothermia than adults. The Koats for Kids donation drop box is located on the south side of the fire hall outside the fence. The bin stays in place and is available for donations year-round. Some of the items that are much needed include coats, snowsuits, ski pants, scarves, hats, and mittens for all ages. Jennifer Taylor, Seniors and Community Program Facilitator with the CRC, said, In light of COVID restrictions, any coats that are donated are kept bagged for three to five days. Once that period has passed, they are washed, dried and organized to give out to anyone in need. If you or anyone you know may need outerwear to stay warm this coming season, please reach out to the CRC at 780-622-3758. Read more about: LOS ANGELES A man who dressed up as the Hulk when he smashed President Donald Trumps star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last week turned himself in to Los Angeles police Monday. James Lambert Otis, a 56-year-old activist, had done the same thing before, police say. Otis was questioned and booked on suspicion of felony vandalism after police reviewed video footage of the incident that took place around 5:50 a.m Friday. Otis allegedly smashed the star with a pickax while he was dressed as the irascible Marvel hero. A Hollywood Chamber of Commerce spokesperson informed The Times on Friday that damage to the plaque was over $3,000, which made the crime a felony. It will be up to the chamber to again replace the star, just as it did in 2016 when Otis destroyed the mini-monument with a sledgehammer and pickax. That time he was charged with one felony count of vandalism. Otis, who was not available for comment on Monday, told The Times in 2016 he had an open disdain for the then-presidential candidate. I just sort of had enough with Mr. Trumps aggressive language toward women and his behavior, his sexual violence with women and against women, Otis said in regard to accusations of sexual assault made against the president. Ive had personally in my own family four people who have been assaulted or have had sexual violence happen to them. It all became very personal. In 2016, Otis was dressed as a construction worker complete with a hard hat and vest. By Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times (TNS) More: Council with no control over it votes for Trumps Hollywood star to be removed Bill Cosbys Hollywood Walk of Fame star vandalized with graffiti Lucknow: It is more the merrier for the BJP as whenever the saffron party is challenged by a number of Muslim rivals, a split in votes on communal lines helps turn the tide for its candidates in UP. Going by the past record, BJP was the major beneficiary of division of minority votes and polarisation during polls. While BSP has given ticket to 99 Muslims, SP-Congress are claiming to be the real sympathiser of the community to seek their votes. Besides, AIMIM has also fielded its candidates at a few seats. In 2012 polls, there were at least 26 seats where Muslim candidates lost due to division of votes due to fight between them. Among these seats, there were many where the margin of victory was very thin. In Nakud seat of Sahranpur, Dharm Singh Saini of BJP emerged victorious due to division of Muslim votes between Imran Masood of Congress and Firoz Aftab of Samajwadi Party. As Firoz secured over 30,000 votes, Imran lost by about 4,000 votes to Saini. There was an interesting contest on Thana Bhawan seat won by BJPs Suresh Rana, infamous for his alleged role in Muzaffarnagar riots. He scraped through by 265 votes only, while RLD candidate Ashraf Ali Khan and BSPs Abdul Waris secured 53,000 and 50,000 votes respectively. Former BJP state president Lakshmikant Bajpai won Meerut seat due to split in votes among Muslim candidates. Same was the case in Saharanpur City (BJP), Gangoh (Cong), Kairana (BJP), Bijnor (BJP), Noorpur (BJP), Asmoli (SP), Meerut South (BJP), Sikandaraband (BJP), Agra South (BJP) and Firozabad (BJP) seats. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Earth is not necessarily the best planet in the universe. Researchers have identified two dozen planets outside our solar system that may have conditions more suitable for life than our own. Some of these orbit stars that may be better than even our sun. A study led by Washington State University scientist Dirk Schulze-Makuch recently published in the journal Astrobiology details characteristics of potential "superhabitable" planets, that include those that are older, a little larger, slightly warmer and possibly wetter than Earth. Life could also more easily thrive on planets that circle more slowly changing stars with longer lifespans than our sun. The 24 top contenders for superhabitable planets are all more than 100 light years away, but Schulze-Makuch said the study could help focus future observation efforts, such as from NASA's James Web Space Telescope, the LUVIOR space observatory and the European Space Agency's PLATO space telescope. "With the next space telescopes coming up, we will get more information, so it is important to select some targets," said Schulze-Makuch, a professor with WSU and the Technical University in Berlin. "We have to focus on certain planets that have the most promising conditions for complex life. However, we have to be careful to not get stuck looking for a second Earth because there could be planets that might be more suitable for life than ours." For the study, Schulze-Makuch, a geobiologist with expertise in planetary habitability teamed up with astronomers Rene Heller of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research and Edward Guinan of Villanova University to identify superhabitability criteria and search among the 4,500 known exoplanets beyond our solar system for good candidates. Habitability does not mean these planets definitely have life, merely the conditions that would be conducive to life. The researchers selected planet-star systems with probable terrestrial planets orbiting within the host star's liquid water habitable zone from the Kepler Object of Interest Exoplanet Archive of transiting exoplanets. While the sun is the center of our solar system, it has a relatively short lifespan of less than 10 billion years. Since it took nearly 4 billion years before any form of complex life appeared on Earth, many similar stars to our sun, called G stars, might run out of fuel before complex life can develop. In addition to looking at systems with cooler G stars, the researchers also looked at systems with K dwarf stars, which are somewhat cooler, less massive and less luminous than our sun. K stars have the advantage of long lifespans of 20 billion to 70 billion years. This would allow orbiting planets to be older as well as giving life more time to advance to the complexity currently found on Earth. However, to be habitable, planets should not be so old that they have exhausted their geothermal heat and lack protective geomagnetic fields. Earth is around 4.5 billion years old, but the researchers argue that the sweet spot for life is a planet that is between 5 billion to 8 billion years old. Size and mass also matter. A planet that is 10% larger than the Earth should have more habitable land. One that is about 1.5 times Earth's mass would be expected to retain its interior heating through radioactive decay longer and would also have a stronger gravity to retain an atmosphere over a longer time period. Water is key to life and the authors argue that a little more of it would help, especially in the form of moisture, clouds and humidity. A slightly overall warmer temperature, a mean surface temperature of about 5 degrees Celsius (or about 8 degrees Fahrenheit) greater than Earth, together with the additional moisture, would be also better for life. This warmth and moisture preference is seen on Earth with the greater biodiversity in tropical rain forests than in colder, drier areas. Among the 24 top planet candidates none of them meet all the criteria for superhabitable planets, but one has four of the critical characteristics, making it possibly much more comfortable for life than our home planet. "It's sometimes difficult to convey this principle of superhabitable planets because we think we have the best planet," said Schulze-Makuch. "We have a great number of complex and diverse lifeforms, and many that can survive in extreme environments. It is good to have adaptable life, but that doesn't mean that we have the best of everything." Please follow Astrobiology on Twitter. RICHMOND, Va.: Virginias governor said he has developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus a little less than two weeks after he and the states first lady tested positive. Ralph Northam said Monday that he had a little bit of cold-like symptoms over the weekend and had lost his sense of taste and smell, The Washington Post reported. The Democratic governor said other than that, he felt fine. Northam, 61, said he learned on Sept. 25 that he and first lady Pam Northam had tested positive for COVID-19. Northam, who is a physician, said he was alarmed that President Donald Trump was playing down the severity of the virus even after the president himself tested positive for it last week. In a tweet Monday, Trump told the American people: Dont be afraid of COVID. Dont let it dominate your life. Northam said Trump sent the wrong message. The governor pointed out that more than 200,000 Americans have died and more than 7 million people across the globe have been infected. Its irresponsible to make a statement like that, Northam said. Northam is a former military doctor who served on the staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He noted that Trump has access to the best medical care, medications, treatments other people dont have access to. 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 Her mother Kate Moss is one of the world's most famous supermodels. And it seems that Lila is keen to follow her in mum's stylish footsteps, as she made her runway debut on Tuesday afternoon for Italian high fashion brand, Miu Miu. Lila, 18, who celebrated the milestone birthday just last week, appeared a natural fit for the catwalk as she strutted her stuff at the virtual event on Tuesday. Model material: It seems that Lila Moss is keen to follow her in mum Kate's stylish footsteps, as she made her runway debut on Tuesday afternoon for Italian high fashion brand, Miu Miu Lila cut a very fashionable figure in a dazzling pink sequined top, which was tied at the back with black straps and teamed with a similar style skirt. The thigh-grazing mini skirt featured orange beading and a red velvet waistband, which flashed her toned midriff as she walked the runway. Lila finished the look with a pair of pink sparkly crisscross heels, while keeping the attention on her ensemble with a paired back hairstyle and soft make-up. Lila's second look was a pretty blue babydoll style dress, tied together with a yellow ribbon belt across her waist. She also wowed in a structured black boyfriend blazer with colour block detailing, teamed with a blue blouse and beaded skirt. Mirror image: Kate made her runway debut at the same age as her daughter in 1992 (pictured), after being scouted as a 14-year-old in 1988 at JFK Airport in New York Work it! Lila, 18, who celebrated the milestone birthday just last week, appeared a natural fit for the catwalk as she strutted her stuff at the virtual event Dazzling: Lila cut a very fashionable figure in a dazzling pink sequined top, which was tied at the back with black straps and teamed with a similar style skirt Rather than sitting in the front row, as is typical at runway shows, the exclusive guest list watched the show virtually from home. Suki Waterhouse and Alexa Chung were among the A-list guests in attendance at the fashionable event. Kate, 46, made her runway debut at the same age as her daughter in 1992, after being scouted as a 14-year-old in 1988 at JFK Airport in New York. She first walked for Dolce & Gabbana in their spring show, in a blue brocade suit teamed with a matching wide-brimmed hat. Baby blue! Lila's second look was a pretty blue babydoll style dress, tied together with a yellow ribbon belt across her waist Kate became a stalwart on the runway during the nineties and regularly appeared for big name designers including Prada, Tommy Hilfiger and Stella McCartney. It was reported by the Mail On Sunday that fashionistas are suggesting that Moss senior is masterminding her daughter's style and her fledgling career. Industry sources reported that Kate's priorities have shifted from her own career to launching her only daughter onto the fashion scene. Lila is the principal client at the Kate Moss Agency, which also boasts singer Rita Ora and Game Of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie. Style: Lila's second look was a structured black boyfriend blazer with colour block detailing, teamed with a blue blouse and beaded skirt Lila has ditched her publishing executive father Jefferson Hack's surname and is now known simply as Lila Moss. Kate's work as a momager appears to be paying off, as last month Lila was unveiled as the face of the new Perfect perfume by Marc Jacobs. In a campaign for the fragrance Lila paid tribute to her mother for introducing her to the world of fashion and beauty. Wow! The thigh-grazing mini skirt featured orange beading and a red velvet waistband, which flashed her toned midriff as she walked the runway Like mother, like daughter: It was reported by the Mail On Sunday that fashionistas are suggesting that Moss senior is masterminding her daughter's style and her fledgling career A new alternative: Rather than sitting in the front row, as is typical at runway shows, the exclusive guest list watched the show virtually from home In the FROW: Suki Waterhouse and Alexa Chung were among the A-list guests in attendance at the fashionable event She said: 'I remember when I was two, my mum and I were staying in New York. She was getting ready to go out and I saw this super sparkly, deep black eye shadow on her dressing table. 'I made one of her friends apply it on me and spent the rest of the evening tottering around the room in a pair of my mum's high heels.' The teen has been working with Marc Jacobs since 2018 when she became the face of the brand's beauty range. Rising star: Lila is the principal client at the Kate Moss Agency, which also boasts singer Rita Ora and Game Of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie Strut: Lila has ditched her publishing executive father Jefferson Hack's surname and is now known simply as Lila Moss FORT WASHINGTON, Md., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Adventist HealthCare announced today plans to create a health destination that will offer comprehensive specialty and preventative care services in southern Prince George's County. The health system will occupy 73,000 square-feet of space at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The Harbor expansion aligns with Adventist's strategy to provide quality compassionate care throughout the metropolitan area. The health destination will serve as a link between nearby Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center and its new primary care facility, minutes away from the hospital. Together, the facilities will provide the critical services that are essential to meeting the healthcare needs of the community. Adventist will occupy space in Medical Pavilion I, which is already constructed at 251 National Harbor Boulevard and in the adjacent Medical Pavilion II scheduled to be constructed and occupied in the first quarter of 2022. Comprehensive services will include: an Ambulatory Surgery Center that will offer outpatient surgical services such as orthopedic, ophthalmic, cardiovascular, general surgery, and other surgical services; that will offer outpatient surgical services such as orthopedic, ophthalmic, cardiovascular, general surgery, and other surgical services; the ability to perform a full range of clinical services including Diagnostic Imaging Services using state-of-the-art equipment for faster and more detailed testing; using state-of-the-art equipment for faster and more detailed testing; a Cancer Center whereby surgeons can focus on breast, colorectal, prostate, and other cancer care; whereby surgeons can focus on breast, colorectal, prostate, and other cancer care; additional outpatient amenities that address critical healthcare needs in the community such as a Vascular Clinic, Cath Lab , Rehab Center, and a Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center. "We are in a unique position to respond to the chronic healthcare challenges that affect southern Prince George's County and extend to parts of Washington, DC," said Terry Forde, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare. "We must look to create more convenient healthcare experiences in the communities we serve that are lacking comprehensive care." The expansion adds to the $35 million earmarked for modernization and growth of Fort Washington Medical Center. The plan includes substantial upgrades to the hospital's existing campus, IT infrastructure, and surgical services, to culminate with a new facility. This investment is part of the commitment made by Adventist HealthCare when acquiring the community hospital in October of 2019. Already this year, the health system launched a primary care center in Fort Washington and simultaneously quadrupled its number of intensive care beds at the hospital. This project also marks Adventist HealthCare's latest collaboration with Trammell Crow Company and Seavest Healthcare Properties, the highly respected real estate team behind Medical Pavilion I and II at National Harbor. The organization also collaborated with those prominent national firms for the development of the 169,000 square foot Medical Pavilion at White Oak, which opened in August 2019 on the campus of the new Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. "It is a privilege for Seavest Healthcare Properties and Trammell Crow Company to have the opportunity to once again work with Adventist HealthCare, the area's foremost healthcare provider," says Seavest Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer John Winer. Eric Fischer, Managing Director with Trammell Crow Company and the developer behind National Harbor I and II and the Adventist HealthCare medical pavilion at White Oak, shared, "National Harbor represents an exciting expansion of our long standing relationship with Adventist HealthCare as well as our team's commitment to bringing exceptional medical services to the County and the region." Eunmee Shim, president of Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center, said "I am extremely hopeful about this multifaceted expansion. We are bridging healthcare gaps, improving health outcomes, providing our community with access to quality specialty services, as well as attracting highly skilled physicians and surgeons, and adding jobs to the economy. I am honored to help lead these efforts." About Adventist HealthCare Adventist HealthCare, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is one of the longest-serving health systems in the Washington, D.C., region. The system is one of the largest employers in Maryland and was recently named a top 20 Best-in-State Employer by Forbes and Statistia, Inc. It includes Shady Grove Medical Center, White Oak Medical Center, Fort Washington Medical Center, Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation, Home Care Services, Adventist Medical Group, Imaging and Urgent Care. Our mission is to extend God's care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing. For more information, please visit AdventistHealthCare.com CONTACT: Chantay P. Moye 252-258-2558 [email protected] SOURCE Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center Related Links www.fortwashingtonmc.org Audio Attachment: Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has cautioned Ghanaians not to sell their conscience to the political aspirants contesting the 2020 general elections. He urged the electorate to weigh the words of the aspirants and make a good judgement by voting for the right candidate who will improve their lives. Speaking on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Mr. Pratt bemoaned the culture where electorate are induced with money to cast their ballots for a specific candidate. According to him, this habit of collecting items or money or both to favour a candidate or political party must come to an end. He strongly held that the aspirants must be voted for or against on their ideologies, thus whether or not they will help the economy. ''Some people would ask to be given something to campaign or cast their ballot for a particular candidate. If you do this, remember you're selling your future. How many days can selling your future for Ghc 50 or 1 million buy for you?'' 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 Oil prices edged higher in early trade on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump returned to the White House from hospital after being admitted for treatment for Covid-19 last Friday, while another storm brewed in the US Gulf of Mexico. Prices fell sharply last Friday when Trump went into hospital, then climbed more than 5% on Monday after he said he would return to the White House and as hopes grew that a deal could be agreed for a US economic stimulus package to counter the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 2 cents to $39.24 a barrel at 0134 GMT. Also read Donald Trump arrives at White House after Covid-19 treatment, removes mask immediately Brent crude futures rose 8 cents, or 0.2%, to $41.37 a barrel. An expanding strike by workers in Norway, which shut six offshore oil and gas fields, and the evacuation of oil platforms in the US Gulf of Mexico ahead of Tropical Storm Delta heading toward Louisiana and Florida also helped support prices. "It's the supply-side factors that have changed in the last 24 hours and are contributing more to the uplift," said Lachlan Shaw, head of commodity research at National Australia Bank. The Norway strike will cut the country's total output capacity by just over 330,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, or about 8% of total production, according to the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association. Meanwhile hopes for a bipartisan US economic relief package grew as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke on Monday and prepared to talk again Tuesday, continuing a recent flurry of activity working towards a deal on legislation. "There's better (fuel) demand sentiment surrounding the potential for US fiscal agreement, and perhaps President Trump leaving hospital might drive a bit of impetus to conclude a deal there," Shaw said. Data from the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday and the US government on Wednesday will provide a picture of whether demand is picking up. Five analysts polled by Reuters estimate, on average, that crude stocks rose by 400,000 barrels in the week to Oct. 2, while gasoline inventories likely fell by 900,000 barrels and distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, likely dropped by 1.4 million barrels. President Donald Trump, at least five days into COVID-19 treatment, says hes eager to take the stage against Democratic challenger Joe Biden in the next scheduled presidential debate in Miami next week, where rules regarding safety remain unresolved. I am looking forward to the debate on the evening of Thursday, October 15th in Miami, Trump tweeted Tuesday morning. It will be great! Trumps tweet comes a day after his discharge from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. It remains unclear the last time the president tested negative, and while doctors maintain hes improving, the official messages offered to the media by the White House and doctors have frequently been incomplete or at odds with each other. Trumps blood oxygen levels dipped below normal at least twice last week and hes being treated with a steroid, dexamethasone, that health officials typically recommend only with severe cases of COVID-19. Trump is also on a five-day course of Remdesivir to treat the virus. FEELING GREAT! the president tweeted Tuesday morning. FEELING GREAT! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 6, 2020 Biden has said even if the president is not yet healthy enough, he would show up by himself at the town hall-style debate next Thursday if its deemed safe. Tim Murtaugh, Trump communications director, told CBS news Monday that its the presidents intention to debate. Next Thursdays 90-minute debate is set for 9 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. It was initially scheduled for the University of Michigan, but that plan was deemed unsafe. Steve Scully, the political editor for C-SPAN, will moderate. The last time the pair took the stage, the debate itself was panned by pundits and political observers, who criticized the freewheeling format and the presidents persistent interruptions of Biden and moderator Chris Wallace. The performance prompted the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates to say that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues. The CPD said it would consider and announce changes and additional tools to maintain order. The latest poll following the debate from NBC and The Wall Street Journal shows Biden up by 14 points nationwide. Related Content: The New Jersey Department of Corrections said it will once again allow visitors to their facilities after suspending visits in mid-March due to the coronavirus, the agency announced Tuesday. The department said visitations will resume Friday now that COVID-19 positive cases are holding steady at less than 1% among the staff and inmate populations. The announcement comes more than six months after the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) initially suspended visits as the coronavirus began greatly impacting the region and experts warned it could have devastating effects on correctional facilities. Even with suspending visits and limiting the number of people going into NJDOC facilities, the virus spread throughout the prison system with more than 3,000 inmates contracting the virus and at least 53 dying with it. More than 1,000 employees also tested positive for the virus, according to the department. An NJ Advance Media investigation found that early on in the pandemic the state was not proactive in addressing troublesome conditions described by inmates, officers and civilian staff within the states prison system. New Jersey continues to have the highest death rate in the country due to the coronavirus, according to an analysis of national data compiled by The Marshall Project, a nonpartisan news organization that covers the criminal justice system. But according to NJDOC data, the number of inmates and employees who have tested positive has drastically decreased in recent months, prompting the department to resume visitations. The announcement said visitors are required to call the prison in advance to schedule a visit, which will take place in an outdoor area to allow for social distancing. The reservations are scheduled on a limited, first-come-first-serve basis, the department said. The total number of visitors permitted per inmate is two adults and two children. All visitors, except children under the age of two or those with a valid doctors note, are required to wear a mask while on prison grounds. Visitors will have their temperature screened at the facility, answer a questionnaire regarding possible exposure to COVID-19 and must sign an agreement acknowledging the revised guidelines, according to the NJDOC. Even as the virus appears to have been mitigated in the states prison system, lawmakers and criminal justice advocates have pushed to decrease the prison population in order to decrease the risk even more for inmates and DOC employees. Last month, the Senate and Assembly approved a bill that could potentially free thousands of New Jersey inmates from prison through public health emergency release credits. Gov. Phil Murphy is expected to sign the bill into law, according to previous reporting by NJ Advance Media, but it is unclear when. If the proposal is fully approved, the first releases should begin within 16 days of Murphys signature. Staff writer Blake Nelson contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com. 06 Oct 2020, 9:47 AM GST compensation row unresolved; Council to meet again on October 12 The contentious issue of borrowing for plugging states' compensation gap could not be resolved at the 42nd GST Council meeting. The states have been given a week's time to arrive at a conclusion. The Council will now meet again on October 12 to take a final call on the matter. TCS becomes second Indian firm to cross Rs 10 lakh-crore market cap Tata Consultancy Services on Monday became the second Indian firm after Reliance Industries to scale a market cap of more than Rs 10 lakh crore. Market cap of IT bellwether on Monday stood at Rs 10.15 lakh crore. The development came after TCS shares hit a fresh all-time high earlier in the day after the firm said its board would consider a share buyback in a meeting to be held on October 7. RBI eyes major to rescue Lakshmi Vilas Bank The merger between Clix Group and Lakshmi Vilas Bank is on the table but the Reserve Bank of India wants to be sure about the large fund infusion that the bank needs to come back on its feet. While the 94-year old private sector bank has a balance sheet of only Rs 25,000 crore, it needs immediate infusion of capital. Experts believe there could be some interest from private sector banks as Lakshmi Vilas Bank has a good network of branches in the South. Paytm takes on Google Play Store, launches its own mini-app store Digital payments giant Paytm has launched its own mini app store which will allow Indian app developers to take their applications to the populace. This is seen as the digital payment provider's latest move to counter Google's monopoly in the app store space. Mini apps are custom-built mobile websites that offer app-like experience without having to download them, thus saving data and memory. London public transport watchdog bans Ola citing 'public safety' risks London's public transport authority stripped Indian ride-hailing company Ola of its London operating licence. It stated that it "cannot find it fit and proper to hold one after discovering a number of failures that could have risked public safety". Bengaluru-based Ola had entered the London taxi market in February this year. MG Motor launches personalised car ownership programme 'My MG Shield' for Gloster MG Motor India has introduced personalised car ownership programme for its SUV, Gloster. According to MG Motor, it is India's first personalised car ownership programme, which will provide flexible after-sales needs based on the ownership period, kilometers covered and other preferences. In another first, Gloster customers would be extended Rs 50,000 to customise their preferences. According to the 55-page complaint, Mr. McAfee was paid about half in Bitcoin and half in Ether, the virtual currency of the Ethereum network, a virtual cousin of Bitcoin, by the companies that were selling the securities. McAfee, the software company that bears his name, was once a household name in computer security software. Intel bought it in 2010 for $7.7 billion, but sold its majority stake six years later to the investment firm TPG. Mr. McAfee has not been associated with the company since the 1990s, and the recent indictment does not suggest that he has had any connection with it since. In 2012, Mr. McAfee who was born in Britain and raised in Virginia was at the center of a media frenzy surrounding the death in Belize of a neighbor and compatriot, Gregory Faull. Mr. McAfee disappeared after the police announced that he was a person of interest in the investigation but continued to blog and tweet. He insulted the Belize government and police, and said he had fled because he feared for his life. He sought asylum in Guatemala City. His lawyer said he was being persecuted because he had refused to give the authorities in Belize any more money. The prime minister of Belize, Dean Barrow, called Mr. McAfee bonkers. Mr. McAfees hiding spot in Guatemala was revealed inadvertently days later by a reporter and a photographer who had interviewed him at his hiding spot, and he was arrested in that country on immigration charges. There was little news of Mr. McAfee until 2016, when he announced that he was running for president of the United States as a Libertarian. Construction workers assemble a scaffold at a job site, as phase one of reopening after lockdown begins in New York on June 8, 2020. (Brendan McDermid/File Photo/Reuters) Job Gains, Possible Productivity Gains Point to Continued Speedy Economic Recovery Commentary The number of unemployed persons in the United States fell by 1 million last month, a pace that would put the nation back to pre-pandemic numbers in about six months. In September, there were 12.6 million unemployed persons. Thats an improvement from the 13.6 million reported in August and obviously substantially higher than the 6.8 million without a job in February, the month before the pandemic was declared. Of course, there are always seasonal factors, such as teachers going back to work in the fall, many construction jobs disappearing during the cold or wet winter months, and retail work vastly expanding during the traditional holiday shopping season. As the pandemic continues, all of these normally seasonal situations may be more muted or may be more exacerbated than normal. Meanwhile, average hourly earnings were up 4.7 percent from a year earlier. If these trends continue, along with increases in earnings that reflect productivity gains as a result of telecommuting and other such measures, its very possible that the U.S. economy might emerge from the lockdowns and related restrictions even stronger than before the World Health Organization declared the pandemic in mid-March. However, the government agency that compiles those numbers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), warns that the large employment fluctuations over the past several monthsespecially in industries with lower-paid workerscomplicate the analysis of recent trends in average hourly earnings. So economists and market participants are cautioned to see how average hourly earnings might be affected when lower-wage hospitality workers, restaurant servers, and retail store clerks all go back to work. It could be that the average wage growth is a function primarily of fewer people earning less. However, in a special set of questions, the BLS also learned and reported: In September, 22.7 percent of employed persons teleworked because of the coronavirus pandemic, down from 24.3 percent in August. These data refer to employed persons who teleworked or worked at home for pay at some point in the last four weeks specifically because of the pandemic. What we dont know, of course, is whether the percentage of people responding yes declined because they have now changed to a new normal of working from home, or whether they are back in the classroom or office or jobsite and no longer need to work remotely for health reasons. In either case, we can probably safely assume employers and employees are choosing the optimum solution for optimum worker efficiency and optimum protection from the coronavirus. Finally, we also have the survey of the purchasing managers of more than 300 industrial companies. These professionals buy and schedule deliveries of what their companies need from outside firms and have their finger on the pulse of what their firms are expecting in the near future. According to the results published by their professional association, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), some 32 percent of all respondents expect their firms to be able to increase prices over the next month versus the previous month. Only 6.8 percent indicate prices will have to be lowered. Firms only boost prices when they think their customers have the ability and willingness to pay. This might be the single most important factor in building a case that the U.S. economy is on a positive trajectory. Meanwhile, 19 percent of ISM respondents say their firms are going to increase hiringstill less than the almost 22 percent who think their firms are going to reduce the rate of hiring. Given the tepid rate of hiring over the past few months, it should come as no surprise that the rate of hiring would slow in the coming months. Of course, many factors will drive the continued economic recovery: first and foremost, whether its safe to travel and work, learn, shop, eat, and be entertained outside the home; second, the level of confidence regarding the future economy, and so on. Companies will invest and hire if executives have a positive outlook. For now, though, the pace of the recovery looks strong. Tim Shaler is a professional investor and economist based in Southern California. He is a regular columnist for The Epoch Times, where he exclusively provides some of his original economic analysis. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. This is the amusing moment a 'tough' American shorthair kitten showed its Corgi sibling who was the boss of the house. The four-month-old cat, 'Seventeen', is seen in a hilarious clip stopping the two-month-old pup, nicknamed Beng Beng or 'Bouncy', from leaving its cat house. Apparently, this is not the first time Seventeen has taught Bouncy a lesson. Other videos shared by their owner shows the feisty little feline wrestling and kicking the puppy during playful fights. This is the amusing moment a 'tough' American shorthair kitten from Lianyungang city of north-eastern China has shown its Corgi sibling who is the boss of the house The pet owner from north-eastern Chinese city Lianyungang of Jiangsu province shared the funny footage of Seventeen showing Bouncy who rules at home on Saturday The pet owner from north-eastern Chinese city Lianyungang shared the funny footage on Saturday. The pair of furry siblings were playing together inside Seventeen's cat house when Bouncy apparently had enough and wanted to get out. But the feisty kitten decided to teach the pup a lesson called 'we're done when I say we're done'. As the little Corgi tried to leave the cat house, Seventeen is seen holding Bouncy's neck to prevent it from moving. The kitten even stuck out its paw to cover the puppy's eyes and push Corgi's head back inside. Bouncy resisted for another few seconds before it gave in and stopped fighting. Apparently, this is not the first time Seventeen has taught Bouncy a lesson. Other videos shared by their owner shows the feisty little feline wrestling and kicking the puppy Hundreds of thousands of social media users were amused by the hilarious moment after the pet owner shared the footage on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok Hundreds of thousands of social media users were amused by the hilarious moment after the pet owner shared the footage on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok. One commenter wrote: 'So funny! This reminds me of when my girlfriend doesn't let me go out with my mates.' Another said: 'Hahaha what a feisty, bossy cat with its submissive, cute little puppy!' It seems that Seventeen has always ruled at home as other clips show the feisty little feline play fighting with the Corgi and winning every time. Although Seventeen and Bouncy have a lovehate relationship, another pet owner in China has documented the adorable friendship between his golden retriever 'Duo Duo' and cat 'Snowball'. Heart-warming footage shows the dog lovingly licking his best friend cat 'Snowball' as the pair cuddled up together at their home in Guangzhou. The Chinese owner, known by his surname An, told reporters that his two pets shared a strong bond after growing up together. It comes as another adorable video of a little girl taking a nap while snuggling up to her two furry friends has melted the hearts of millions in China. The three-year-old is seen holding her pet cat, 'Motor', in her arms while being spooned by her golden retriever, Dabao, as the trio enjoyed an afternoon snooze together. Other heart-warming clips shared by the girl's mother show her two pets acting as animal babysitters as they cuddled and played with her daughter. BRUSSELS (AP) The European Union pledged on Tuesday to push ahead with work on a free trade agreement with Ukraine and called on Russia to respect the peace agreement aimed at ending six years of conflict in eastern Ukraine. After talks in Brussels with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Council President Charles Michel, who represents the blocs 27 national leaders, said that the EU is and will remain Ukraines biggest and most reliable partner. We want to deepen our cooperation with Ukraine even further, he told reporters. The EU has given about 15 billion euros ($17.7 billion) in support to Ukraine since Russia annexed its Crimean Peninsula in 2014. During the meeting, three new financial agreements were sealed worth around 60 million euros to support Ukraines hard-hit eastern regions and civil society, as well as for climate sustainability. But the EU underlined that Ukraine must do more to tackle corruption and accelerate reforms, notably on ensuring the independence of the judiciary and on limiting the influence of wealthy oligarchs. We are not acting just (out of) charity. We are acting because it is in our own interest to help Ukraine to develop and to be a free, prosperous and secure country. This is the purpose of our help; it is conditional to reforms, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. In their summit joint statement, the EU and Ukraine called on Russia to immediately stop fueling the conflict by providing financial and military support to the armed formations it backs in the east of the country and to respect the agreement meant to underpin peace. Brokered in 2015 by France and Germany, the Minsk peace plan aimed to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Russia-backed separatists that flared in 2014 after Russias annexation of Crimea and its support for the separatists. The conflict has since killed more than 14,000. The EU imposed a raft of sanctions on Russia over the annexation and refuses to recognize Moscows authority in Crimea. The bloc has also frozen the assets and imposed travel bans on officials in Crimea and Sevastopol accused of undermining Ukraines sovereignty. She became a wife and mother in the space of the last year. And Jodie Turner-Smith is opening up about the experience of mothering her five-month-old daughter, whom she shares with her Fringe actor husband Joshua Jackson. In the October issue of Vogue, the British model and actress, 34, confirms her child's name as Janie for the first time in print, and reflects on what it's been like to parent a newborn in the midst of the pandemic. Parents to baby Janie: Jodie Turner-Smith is opening up about the experience of mothering her five-month-old daughter, whom she shares with her Fringe actor husband Joshua Jackson; pictured together November 14, 2019 in Hollywood at AFI Fest 'I had to learn how to breastfeed and how to be a mumit really worked out for my baby,' Turner-Smith said of the past few months during lockdown with her baby and husband, 42. The article reports that after giving birth in April, Jodie's mother Hilda came to stay with them for three months amid the pandemic, and while protests began erupting around the world in the fight of social justice and racial equality. The Queen & Slim star reflected that it was a 'comfort' to have both her mother and husband with her and the baby during that time, without the outside pressures of work and amid a time of change and upheaval. 'I had to learn how to breastfeed and how to be a mumit really worked out for my baby,' Turner-Smith said of the past few months during lockdown with her baby; pictured February 2, 2020 in London at the British Academy Film Awards 'It doesnt make sense that we still have to be screaming to the world that our lives matter. It doesnt make sense that Black people are being senselessly mowed down by the police,' Jodie said, expressing her feelings on the Black Lives Matter movement. 'It doesnt make sense, this countrys response to the global pandemic,' she went on. 'It doesnt make sense that so many people are unemployed, and the government is bailing out corporations. 'But what did make sense, inside of that, was the love of my family,' she concluded. What's important: The model, who is the new face of Gucci's fragrance Bloom, talked about some of the lessons she hopes to one day pass down to her daughter; seen on Instagram The model, who is the new face of Gucci's fragrance Bloom, also talked about some of the lessons she hopes to one day pass down to her daughter. In particular, Jodie says she hopes to impart to Janie that true beauty isn't only skin deep. 'That self-assuredness is what is going to help her navigate life,' she shared. 'Its important to impart to my daughter what is beautiful about her, and about who she comes from and where she comes from, and what is powerful about that.' This fall, chef Peter Cho and partner Sun Young Park, the duo behind destination Korean restaurant Han Oak, will head across the river with Toki, a new restaurant and market in the former Tasty N Alder space in downtowns West End neighborhood. What will the new restaurant look like? We wont really know for months, if not years. Cho and Park have brainstormed a handful of inspired ideas, from a Korean-influenced pizzeria to a hip downtown KBBQ joint, but they have no plans to dive back into dine-in service anytime soon, perhaps until theres a coronavirus vaccine. For now, Tokis menu will stick to comforting dishes with creative twists, plus convenience store-inspired grab-and-go items, beer and wine, all available for takeout only. In the months after the pandemic-forced closure of dining rooms across Oregon, few restaurants took a more cautious approach to reopening than Han Oak. In part, thats because Cho, Park and their two young sons had just moved out of their home of the last four years, a small apartment tucked behind one of the restaurants walls. And then the virus hit close to home. In April, as the family remained isolated at their new house in Southeast Portland, Park learned that her grandmother had died of complications from COVID-19. But as the weeks turned into months, the couple, who continued to pay health insurance for their laid-off staff, soon burned through their reserve funds and a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan. According to Park, a turning point came when they returned to the space with older son Elliott, who described his former home as feeling broken. Thats when I realized, I cant just shelter my children, Park said. I have to show them how to fight through a pandemic, and show them courage over fear. That pushed us out of doom and gloom and hopelessness. We got back and started cleaning everything up and waded into the waters of reopening again. Han Oak launched takeout service at the beginning of August, offering their signature fried chicken wings, set barbecue plates and a new pan-seared bao burger filled with two dry-aged beef patties, American cheese, onions and secret sauce in a steamed sesame bun. Expect that bao burger to make an appearance downtown, along with marinated meats you can take home and grill, kimbap rolls and a small selection of wines picked out by Ross Maloof of Maloof Wines. Though Cho once swore he would never serve bibimbap, the ubiquitous rice dish that ranks among Koreas best-known exports, he has found himself working on a version for Toki, only this one is upside down, with local farm vegetables and meat under a dome of crispy rice ala the Persian rice dish tahdig. Were not expecting things to be gangbusters like they were before COVID, Cho said. (Toki) will give us time to figure things out. Because Han Oak has only ever been open four days a week, not for any other reason than we just didnt want to work like crazy, I think weve always been inaccessible. Right now is a time for us to be more accessible, be open more hours and give more opportunity for people to enjoy our food. Park said shes found herself reflecting on how the duo have handled the past six months, moving past the initial fear to now, when economic circumstances have forced the couple to expand. I think the reality of COVID hit me really hard because my grandma died, Park said. At first, I felt really alone in the choices I was making. I couldnt get out of bed. And then with BLM (Black Lives Matter), which is the most important thing thats happened for us, especially having children who are not white, completely consumed our headspace, and the restaurant just didnt seem to matter. It was about family, COVID, BLM, and our children. And then the money starts to run out. You cant afford health insurance month after month to care for your staff. Despite the virus still being prevalent, we had to get back to work. Cho and Park had discussed the possibility of opening a new restaurant in one of Portland developer Greg Goodmans buildings over the years, but had never pulled the trigger. Then came the Facebook outburst that toppled prominent Portland chef Johns Gorhams restaurant empire. In July, just after The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that Gorhams Toro Bravo Inc. was dissolving, Goodman reached out to Cho about taking over one of the restaurant groups former flagship restaurants, Tasty N Alder, offering a deal that included rent tied to a portion of sales and two months free to prep the turnkey space. (The new lease also means were unlikely to see Pocha, the pint-sized drinking-food restaurant Cho and Park had hoped to open in a micro restaurant space just around the corner from Han Oak. At least for now.) We have no choice, Park said. Our backs are against the wall. Taking another space will give us the opportunity to take back more staff, and our landlord is offering us an opportunity to do that at a lower risk. And Greg is taking a risk on us by putting a small minority-owned business there. That means a lot to us. Were all putting our necks out on the line for each other." Toki hopes to open as soon as next month at 580 S.W. 12th Ave. For more information, keep an eye on Han Oaks Instagram page. -- Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell Members of President Trump's family await the first presidential debate at the Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 29. (Jim Watson / AFP via Getty Images) As the guests arrive at the vice presidential debate Wednesday evening, my guess is that theyll not only be directed to wear face masks but theyll actually have to do it. That would be a nice change. At the presidential debate last week at Case Western Reserve University and the renowned Cleveland Clinic, the Trump family and several top aides not only sat in the audience unmasked, but they also rejected masks when offered by a clinic staffer. Yet masks were among the rules set down for the event. No real surprise these are people who routinely think the rules werent made for them. But what is surprising is that the staff let them get away with it. They probably figured that with every attendee being tested no more than 72 hours before the debate, risks were low. They certainly were intimidated by the big-name guests and the trouble that might ensue if they tried to compel the VIPs to don masks. But we know or at least everyone should know that COVID-19 tests are not a reliable indicator of infections that have only recently taken root. Instead, they are best able to detect infections that occurred at least four or five days beforehand. It takes a while for virus in the infected persons body to rise to detectable levels. The bigger and simpler point, whether youre front row at a debate or visiting a newly reopened museum, is that masks work. Perhaps youve heard of the study involving two infected and symptomatic hairdressers who wore masks at their salon and worked on 139 clients between them, indoors and close up? None of the clients became infected. Neither did any of the other stylists or their customers. Yet when one of the hairdressers was at home with family, mask off, her relatives got sick. So she was clearly able to transmit the disease. Masks prevent virus-carrying droplets from landing on people and surfaces, and they reduce aerosol transmission. Theyve made it possible for people to shop more safely, fly more safely, go to the doctor more safely. And they make attendance at a debate safer. Story continues Not that the Trump family should have been compelled to wear masks that evening. No, not at all. They simply should have been escorted out of the room when they refused. Along with anyone else who cant seem to get the importance of wearing masks. Sadly, the Trumps are just a more spoiled and haughty version of what were seeing in many places around the country. Even when there are rules about masks, the rules are only as good as the number of people willing to follow them. Enforcement is near nil. We see it all the time on local streets. Or even at my local drugstore, where the cashiers had their masks on firmly under their noses. Including the one behind the prescription counter. A shopper there with a broken mask held it up to her face with one hand until she saw cosmetic displays she wanted to touch, at which point the hands shed been using to hold her mask were used to handle the items while the mask dangled usefully from her wrist. I recently needed to travel to Washington, D.C., where, in contrast to my local neighborhoods, almost everyone wore masks on the street. Even college students, generally thought to be heedless. Even people who were at least 100 feet from the nearest human. Not the people in the White House, obviously, but the people of the city. In the airports, the situations were reversed. People in the Los Angeles International terminal were masked. But no matter where I tried to sit at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in D.C., someone would plunk themselves down within a couple of feet without a mask, or with a mask halfway off their faces. Or they would eat a small bag of chips, which is allowed without a mask. For 45 minutes, though? One. Chip. Every. Four. Minutes. After my fourth seat change, when I was running out of places to sit, a man plopped down across from me, his mask hanging from one ear. I asked politely if he would mind masking. He stared at me. So I walked off again this time to ask an airport employee whether Id gotten the rules all wrong. (In fairness, most of the people in the airport had their faces covered.) She wasnt interested in getting involved as she glanced at the man 10 feet away without his mask. Those people hes sitting near might be relatives, she said. Maybe hes getting ready to eat or drink something. He wasnt, and it doesnt matter who the people near him were. I cant blame her, though. Store employees have been shot for asking customers to put on masks. Why create a scene when that person, or any other unmasked person in the enclosed space of an air terminal, probably isnt infected? Why embarrass the Trumps by requiring them to mask up or get out? Because of this: We now know that too often someone we didnt expect to be infected like, say, the president or his wife might well have the illness when they venture out in public. And since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has finally acknowledged the science and admitted that COVID-19 also is spread by aerosols that can remain suspended in the air for hours, we know that social distancing is not enough, not in enclosed spaces with less-than-stellar ventilation. Indoors, its not just about the distance a droplet can travel before it falls to the ground. Masks have offered us a major reprieve. As someone with somewhat elevated risk, I wouldnt have felt reasonably safe flying without them. People would be far less safe in stores. Masks are allowing our economy to reopen, albeit slowly. And wearing them up to the bridge of the nose is an important part of the equation. Theres a reason why so many tests for COVID-19 involve a swab up the nostrils. In infected people, the sinus cavities are loaded with virus. Masks will make the vice presidential debate in Salt Lake City safer as well. The new protocols include plexiglass partitions for candidates Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Vice President Mike Pence, 12 feet of separation between their podiums and blue surgical masks for everyone in the audience, to be worn at all times. This time, and for any future debates, there should be no exemptions. VIPs are just as capable of spreading this potentially deadly infection as anyone else. The same should go for settings where masks are required. Shorter days, inclement weather and thus more time spent indoors are coming soon. Were in for a rough winter if people keep thinking they cant possibly be putting others at risk or dont care if they do. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. CLEVELAND, Ohio The Ohio Republican Party is campaigning against the Republican-backed nuclear energy bailout at the center of a federal corruption probe in an attempt to preserve a competitive state House seat. The digital ad for state Rep. Dave Greenspan, a Westlake Republican, touts Greenspans record of voting twice against House Bill 6. An attached photo lists him as the primary sponsor of repealing the now-tainted bill. The ad is accurate. Greenspan not only opposed the bill, but assisted the FBI during the investigation. And he is one of the primary sponsors of the bill to repeal the bailout, which current GOP Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp has declined to move forward on so far. The party spent only around $100 on it, a far cry from the at least $4,500 theyve spent attacking Greenspans opponent, Democratic Lakewood City Councilwoman Monique Smith. However, the state party also ignored some pretty relevant information, most notably that it was the brainchild of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, a Republican, who federal authorities say wielded a massive slush fund to crush any opposition to the ratepayer-funded bailout of two nuclear power plants formerly owned by a subsidiary of Akron-based FirstEnergy. Nor does it mention the other Republican connections, including a top aide for Householder Jeff Longstreth, GOP power lobbyist Neil Clark and Matt Borges, former chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, who were all arrested along with Householder. (Juan Cespedes, a lobbyist who is a Democrat, was also arrested.) And it also failed to mention the reason the Ohio Republican Party has taken over fundraising and other campaign operations for the House Republican caucus: Householder allegedly funneled bribery money into the House Republican Campaign Committee, leaving its operation in limbo as the U.S. Justice Department continues its investigation. During his stint as speaker, Householder was one of the most powerful Republican politicians in the state, with even GOP Gov. Mike DeWine hesitant to challenge him head on. Republican lawmakers loyal to him benefited to the tune of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions and dark money support in elections. But since Householders arrest, Republicans have tried to distance themselves from the scandal even, at times, blaming Democrats, some of whom voted for Householder for speaker and for HB6 as well. In August, the Cuyahoga County Republican Party tweeted a photo of five Democrats standing with Householder, attempting to blame them for the alleged corruption by association. Happily pictured here with Larry Householder are @OHHouseDems @EmiliaSykesOH, @Juanita_Brent, @StephanieHowse, @Boyd4OH_D9, & @EricaCCraley They broke with tradition to vote for Householder as Speaker over the objections of a majority of House Republicans. pic.twitter.com/ICZTms9Hi4 CuyahogaGOP (@CuyahogaGOP) August 3, 2020 That same month, U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, a Dayton Republican, tried tying his Democratic challenger, Desiree Tims, to the scandal. Tims has no connection to FirstEnergy or Householder while Turner has taken money from both. The Ohio Republican Party has also been very quiet about the arrests, though Chairman Jane Timken did call for Householders removal upon his arrest. ORP spokesman Evan Machan said the ad was not tantamount to an endorsement for repeal as they were simply tailoring it to Greenspans district. The Ohio Republican Party campaign operations are not in the business of legislating, and as so, our focus is on campaigns - not pieces of legislation, Machan said. Greenspan declined to comment on the ad. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yiming Woo (Reuters) Paris, France Tue, October 6, 2020 09:08 474 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c49527ab 2 Art & Culture colonialism,Africa,art-and-culture,arts,Congo,France Free In June, Mwazulu Diyabanza stood in a Paris museum next to a 19th century funerary post from central Africa, and berated France for taking it and tens of thousands of other art works from its former colonies. He and an associate prized the carved wooden ornament from its stand in the Quai Branly museum as a third man live-streamed the act on social media. Diyabanza was stopped by a security guard as he made for the exit. "My mother used to tell me that when the Europeans arrived, they pillaged these artifacts, they pillaged our patrimony," he told Reuters. "We're in a fight to recover our (cultural) wealth." A Congolese who has lived in France for 20 years, Diyabanza belongs to a pan-African movement that is pressing France to return those artifacts and make reparations for acts of slavery. He appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted theft. Prosecutors demanded a fine, and a verdict is due on Oct. 14. Diyabanza's case has led to renewed scrutiny of France's history in a year in which anti-racism protests have forced developed nations to re-examine how they remember their colonial pasts. Diyabanza, who faces a second theft charge for removing an artifact from a Marseille museum and taking it to a police station, considers his actions politically justified. Read also: France names first indigenous director of top museum "Who is the real thief in this story? The thief is he who takes something fraudulently. I'm the legitimate inheritor," he said. A huge part of Africa's cultural heritage is on display in Europe. The Quai Branly Museum in Paris holds some 70,000 African objects, with Londons British Museum holding thousands more, French art historian Benedicte Savoy told Reuters in 2018. That year, Savoy co-authored a report with Senegalese economist Felwine Sarr recommending the widespread return of cultural artifacts removed from Africa, identifying 46,000 objects that would qualify at the Quai Branly. The museum declined to comment for this article. Also in 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron said "African heritage cant just be in European private collections and museums". Diyabanza wholeheartedly agrees. "People see beautiful buildings. We hear the cries of women and children," he said. So far, however, records indicate that fewer than 30 African artifacts in French collections have been handed back. An office bearer of John Wilson Education Society that runs Wilson College has filed a first information report (FIR) after a person claiming to be an official from the office of undersecretary, home ministry, New Delhi, demanded 10 crore extortion for settling up various police and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) complaints against him. The accused claimed that the trust was involved scams worth 10,000 crore and also threatened to kill the complainant if he refuses to pay the amount. The complainant Prem Masih, 68, a resident of August Kranti Marg (Kemps Corner), is also managing director of United Church of North India Trust Association. Masih in his statement to the Gamdevi police has stated that on July 21 he received a call from a person who identified himself as Udaybhan Singh, told him that he is calling from the office of undersecretary, North block, Home Ministry, New Delhi. Singh told Masih that their department has received various complaints against him and his trust. He asked him to come to Delhi and to carry trusts original documents, for inquiry. Masih, however, told him that he cannot come to Delhi due to spread of Covid-19. This didnt go well with Singh who yelled at him over phone saying that United Church of North India Trust Association and Church of North India (CNI) do not exist and you (and your associates) have done scams worth 10,000 crore under the name of trusts. Singh also threatened saying if he wants to settle the matter or lose life. He also threatened Masih if wouldnt come to Delhi then CBI officers would arrest him from Mumbai and throw him in jail for life term, said the complaint (a copy of which is with HT). Masih told the accused (Singh) that he wouldnt be able to come to Delhi as his trust have not indulged in any illegal activities and have records of all government and court documents. Later Singh also offered to settle the matter and demanded 10 crore - 5 crore to be given to Prime Ministers Office (PMO) and 5 crore to the CBI. Masih then suspected that Singh is not from any government office and is a private person trying to extort money. Later he stopped answering Singhs calls, said an officer requesting anonymity. On July 27, a man tried to meet Masih, but was stopped at the society gate by the guard. When Masih enquired, he told him that he is Thakur and has been sent by the department from Delhi. The person threatened Masih and his son and asked them to comply with their demands, the officer added. Later, Masih learnt that his trusts chairman Premchand Singh and his nephew Navdeep Gill also received threat calls for extortion. Masih then registered an FIR with the Gandevi police. The police have registered a case under sections 384 (extortion), 385 (putting person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion) and 34 (common intention) Indian Penal Code. Police sources said that two people have been arrested in the case, but they are just henchmen. The main accused is yet to be arrested. Masih was not available to comment on the matter. HOUSTON, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI), an international, Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today reported preliminary financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Group 1 expects diluted earnings per common share to be between $6.25 and $6.65, and adjusted diluted earnings per common share between $6.40 and $6.80. Adjusted earnings per share reflects the exclusion of the $3.3 million pre-tax expense or approximately $0.15 EPS impact of redeeming all previously issued 5.00% bonds due June 2022. This represents a 206% to 226% increase on a GAAP basis and a 112% to 125% increase on an adjusted basis as compared to third quarter 2019 results of $2.04 and $3.02, respectively. This earnings increase represents a continuation of the solid profit performance of May and June 2020. Group 1 believes that new and used vehicle gross margins in the U.S. have more than offset reduced vehicle sales volumes stemming from low inventory levels, resulting in year-over-year gross profit growth. U.S. SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit continues to be well below historical levels and was generally consistent with second quarter 2020 reported non-GAAP results. Group 1 expects a material percentage of these cost reductions to be permanent. Group 1's U.K. operations also contributed to the significant third quarter profit improvement with vehicle sales and service levels recovering from the extensive lockdowns that occurred over April and May. U.K. new vehicle same store sales increased approximately 20 percent over 2019 and used vehicle sales were up mid-single digits. U.K. SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit will be well below 2019 levels, and we expect a significant portion of those cost reductions to be permanent as well. Additionally, Group 1's Brazilian operations were profitable for the quarter despite severe traffic reductions in Sao Paulo due to the pandemic. The foregoing estimated results are based on preliminary information as of this date and are subject to change following completion of the quarter-end review process and other developments arising between now and the time financial results are finalized. In addition, these preliminary unaudited results are not comprehensive financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2020, should not be viewed as a substitute for complete GAAP financial statements or more comprehensive financial information, and are not indicative of the results for any future period. Additionally, Group 1 is announcing a new $200 million share repurchase authorization. Purchases may be made from time to time, based on market conditions, legal requirements and other corporate considerations, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The company expects that any repurchase of shares will be funded from cash from operations. Repurchased shares will be held in treasury. Furthermore, the company expects to reinstate a quarterly cash dividend following its board meeting in mid-November payable in mid-December. About Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Group 1 owns and operates 186 automotive dealerships, 242 franchises, and 49 collision centers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil that offer 31 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. Investors please visit www.group1corp.com, www.group1auto.com, www.group1collision.com, www.facebook.com/group1auto, and www.twitter.com/group1auto, where Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are statements related to future, not past, events and are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. In this context, the forward-looking statements often include statements regarding our strategic investments, goals, plans, projections and guidance regarding our financial position, results of operations, business strategy, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "should," "foresee," "may" or "will" and similar expressions. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. Any such forward-looking statements are not assurances of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, (a) general economic and business conditions, (b) the level of manufacturer incentives, (c) the future regulatory environment, (d) our ability to obtain an inventory of desirable new and used vehicles, (e) our relationship with our automobile manufacturers and the willingness of manufacturers to approve future acquisitions, (f) our cost of financing and the availability of credit for consumers, (g) our ability to complete acquisitions and dispositions and the risks associated therewith, (h) foreign exchange controls and currency fluctuations, (i) our ability to retain key personnel, (j) the impacts of COVID-19 on our business, (k) the impacts of any potential global recession and (l) our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity to operate. For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, please see our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investor contacts: Sheila Roth Manager, Investor Relations Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 713-647-5741 | [email protected] Media contacts: Pete DeLongchamps Senior V.P. Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 713-647-5770 | [email protected] or Clint Woods Pierpont Communications, Inc. 713-627-2223 | [email protected] SOURCE Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Related Links http://www.group1auto.com McDonalds, along with other giant British food companies are asking the government to impose more stringent rules to ensure the protection of rainforests as ministers are considering of crafting a new law that prohibits large corporations from patronizing products from illegally forested lands. (Photo : Pixabay) Like other giant British food companies, McDonald's is asking the government to impose stricter regulations to ensure the protection of rainforests as ministers are considering crafting a new law that prohibits large corporations from patronizing products from illegally forested lands. In August, a government measure in the UK proposed that large companies be penalized with substantial fines if they fail to prove that their supply chains are not linked to illegal deforestation. Minister launched a six-week consultation on the said measures. Under the legislation, businesses in the UK above a specific size that sourced their commodities on lands that have been deforested illegally will be considered illegal. Deforestation, which releases a large amount of carbon into the air and causes global warming became a pressing issue in the UK and EU, prompting the institutions to consider a measure to outlaw commodities produced from illegally deforested areas. READ: Amazon Fires in Pantanal Threaten Jaguars and Reserves McDonald's and Large Food Companies Responds McDonald's and 21 companies, including Unilever, Tesco, Lidl, Nando's, Nestle, Greencore, and Pilgrim's Pride, wrote a letter to the government on the day of the consultation forest protection was closed. In the letter, they stipulated their recommendations. The companies said that the law should apply to all forms of deforestation, whether legal or illegal. As per the letter, the effect on the "climate and on nature is the same whether the trees are felled legally or not." The letter came as a surprise to environmental activists. The proposed measure plans only to cover large companies. Still, the letter said that doing so would allow mid-sized companies to continue importing a substantial amount of products from the previously forested lands. The 21 signatories call for a level playing field to ensure that small operators are not given a competitive advantage. Environmentalists have argued that ingredients in the UK, such as beef, cocoa, soy, rubber, and palm oil, have contributed to environmental destruction. Limiting food sources' restriction to areas where deforestation is illegal would allow rampant deforestation to regions like Indonesia and Brazil, where deforestation is permitted. "With the Amazon in flames and forests felled at an alarming rate, nature fails to recognize the difference between legal and illegal deforestation," Robin Willoughby, Green Group Mighty Earth said. According to a government spokesperson, no ecosystems must be damaged by agricultural expansion, and ministers should find ways to avert the "displacement effect." READ ALSO: Brazil Records Big Increase in Amazon Forest Fires Consumers Concerned About Deforestation Government efforts to protect the fragile ecosystem are not enough, Chris Brown of Director of Sustainable Procurement at Asda said. Meanwhile, many UK consumers are alarmed by the sharp increase of deforestation in the Amazon this year. Cutting down trees and clearing lands for agriculture and other activities accounts for 11 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. A recent survey of the World Wildlife Fund showed that 67 percent of UK consumers want the government to address the deforestation problem. Almost 81 percent of respondents said they wanted more transparency on where the UK's imported products are sourced. READ NEXT: Largest Meat Company JBS Linked to Amazon Farm Conducting Illegal Deforestation Check out more news and information on Amazon on Nature World News. The CEOs of Facebook, Google and Twitter are expected to testify before the Senate on October 28 for a hearing on tech companies' control over hate speech and misinformation on their platforms. The Senate Commerce Committee voted last week to authorize subpoenas for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai of Google, and Twitters Jack Dorsey to force them to testify if they didn't agree to do so voluntarily. Spokespeople for the companies said Monday that the CEOs will cooperate. The Silicon Valley trio will appear virtually to discuss the reformation of Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which protects the firms from liability over content posted on their platforms while allowing them to moderate it. Lawmakers from both parties have called for changes to the legal liability shield, claiming the provision enables toxic and harmful content to proliferate. Additionally, the CEOs will each likely be grilled over claims of anti-conservative bias, their efforts to tackle disinformation and online scams, and internet safety for children and teenagers on each of their respective platforms. in the spotlight: Mark Zuckerberg is one of the three big tech CEOs hit by the subpoena Also being questioned: Jack Dorsey of Twitter and Sundar Pichai of Twitter will be questioned The hearing will come less than a week before Election Day. It marks a new bipartisan initiative against Big Tech companies, which have been under increasing scrutiny in Washington and from state attorneys general over issues of competition, consumer privacy and hate speech. Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the Commerce Committee, said the executives' testimony is needed to reveal the extent of influence that their companies have over American speech during a critical time in our democratic process. Wicker had originally requested the CEOs testify on October 1 on a voluntary basis but said, I regret that they have again declined to participate and answer questions about issues that are so visible and urgent to the American people. On Thursday, he said Section 230's 'sweeping liability protections' are stifling diversity of political discourse on the internet. 'We have questioned how they are protecting and securing the data of millions of Americans, we've explored how they're combating disinformation fraud and other online scams, we've examined whether they are providing a safe and secure internet experience for children and teens.' Wicker added that the panel wants to know 'how they are removing content from their sites that encourages extremism and mass violence... their use of secret algorithms that may manipulate users and drive compulsive usage of the internet, among our youth.' The panel's top Democrat Maria Cantwell, who opposed the move last week saying she was against using 'the committee's serious subpoena power for a partisan effort 40 days before an election,' changed her mind and voted to approve the move. 'I actually can't wait to ask Mr. Zuckerberg further questions,' Cantwell said. 'I welcome the debate about 230.' In a post on its policy page, Twitter urged lawmakers that the hearing must be constructive and focused on what matters most to the American people: how we work together to protect elections. Republican President Donald Trump has made holding tech companies accountable for allegedly stifling conservative voices a theme of his administration Republican President Donald Trump has made holding tech companies accountable for allegedly stifling conservative voices a theme of his administration. With Trump leading the way, conservative Republicans have kept up a barrage of criticism of Silicon Valleys social media platforms, which they accuse without evidence of deliberately suppressing conservative views. However, data has shown that conservative sites and pundits regularly generate content that garner the most interactions of any outlets online. Facebook, meanwhile, is expanding restrictions on political advertising, including new bans on messages claiming widespread voter fraud. The new prohibitions laid out in a blog post came days after President Donald Trump raised the prospect of mass fraud in the vote-by-mail process during a debate last week with Democratic rival Joe Biden. I generally believe the best antidote to bad speech is more speech, but in the finals days of an election there may not be enough time to contest new claims, so, in the week before the election, we wont accept new political or issue ads, Zuckerberg wrote in a post last month. In May, Twitter began adding fact-checking labels to tweets to stop the spread of misinformation. The policy extended to tweets authored by the president himself. The president has accused Twitter of stifling free speech after it included fact-checking links on a series of his misleading tweets, and claimed the social media giant was interfering in the 2020 presidential election, warning he will not allow it to happen. The Justice Department has asked Congress to roll back long-held legal protections for online platforms, putting down a legislative marker in Trumps drive against the social media giants. The proposed changes would strip some of the bedrock protections that have generally shielded the companies from legal responsibility for what people post on their platforms. Trump signed an executive order earlier this year challenging the protections from lawsuits from the 1996 telecommunications law that has served as the foundation for unfettered speech on the internet. Democrats, on the other hand, have focused their criticism of social media mainly on hate speech, misinformation and other content that can incite violence or keep people from voting. They have criticized Big Tech CEOs for failing to police content, homing in on the platforms role in hate crimes and the rise of white nationalism in the US. Perceptions of a failure to tackle such content spurred the Stop Hate for Profit advertising boycott campaign earlier this year, which saw thousands of companies temporarily cease marketing their products on Facebook to spur reform. This will be the second time that Zuckerberg and Pichai have faced US lawmakers this year. In July, they, along with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Apple Boss Tim Cook, appeared before the House Judiciary Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee. The tech bosses refuted accusations that their respective companies abuse market dominance and limit competition. Combined, the companies have a joint-market value of more than $5 trillion. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, left, talks to Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, during their meeting in Tokyo, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, ahead of the four Indo-Pacific nations' foreign ministers meeting. AP U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday hailed new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as a "force for good" and said he believes Suga will work to strengthen the relationship between Washington and Tokyo. Speaking at start of his meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Tokyo, Pompeo said he agreed with Suga that a free and open Indo-Pacific was the foundation of regional peace and stability. "Prime Minister Suga was a powerful force for good, and for this relationship, too, when he was the chief cabinet secretary," Pompeo said, referring to Suga's more than 7 years in former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet. "The United States has every reason to believe he will strengthen our enduring alliance in his new role." Suga, who replaced Abe last month as premier, faces a tricky task balancing the need to maintain working ties with bigger neighbour China and U.S. demands for a tougher stance. Pompeo is in Japan for the Quad grouping of foreign ministers the United States, Japan, Australia and India and is scheduled to meet Suga later in the day. Pompeo's visit to Japan, his first to East Asia since July 2019, comes at a time when the ties between the United States and strategic rival China are at their worst in decades and as Washington looks to solidify support among Asian allies against Beijing. Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne, who met Pompeo earlier on Tuesday, said on Twitter she had spoken with him about "our ongoing cooperation to promote peace, stability prosperity in our region". Pompeo's trip has been shortened to only include a full day in Japan after visits to South Korea and Mongolia were scrapped when President Donald Trump tested positive for coronavirus and was hospitalised. Trump has since then returned to the White House after a three-night hospital stay to be treated for the virus. Washington and Beijing, the world's top two economies, are at loggerheads over a wide range of issues from Beijing's handling of the coronavirus to its imposition of a new security law in Hong Kong and ambitions in the South China Sea. Most Asian allies have been pleased with Washington's toughness toward their regional rival China, but have not so eagerly welcomed Trump and Pompeo's highly charged recent rhetoric and remain wary of going too far in antagonising China. The Unites States greatly values the meeting of the Quad grouping of foreign ministers as a platform to strengthen its solidarity against China with regional allies. "We're hoping to have some significant announcements, significant achievements," Pompeo told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in the United States before departing for Tokyo, but he declined to say what they would be. China has denounced the Quad as an attempt to contain its development. While the Quad meeting is unlikely to yield a specific action plan, the very fact of its gathering would serve as a warning to China and play to its fears that it might one day grow into a formalised grouping as NATO, experts have said. The agenda for the Quad meeting is expected to include economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains, disinformation, critical minerals, infrastructure investment in the region and counter-terrorism, officials involved in preparation for the meeting said. A joint communique is not expected to be issued, because the Quad is not a formal alliance, but foreign ministers are expected to release separate statements after the meeting. Indian foreign ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said the foreign ministers are likely to emphasise their support for a free and open Indo-Pacific region at the meeting. Earlier on Tuesday, Pompeo met with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne at the U.S. Ambassador's Residence in Tokyo. The duo posed in front of their respective flags sporting face masks and with no handshake. (Reuters) Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General-Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has described Mr John Peter Amewu, Minister of Energy and Parliamentary Candidate as a good man who was in the wrong political party. I know Amewu very well and he is from this town, but whatever good he has done as an individual can never change policies of the Akufo-Addos government. He will go to Heaven because of his good deeds. He will not go to Parliament. Mr Asiedu Nketia addressing party members in Wli and Hohoe Zongo, all in the Hohoe Constituency at the weekend, thanked them for being with the NDC party since 1992 till date and urged them to vote for the parliamentary candidate and also the partys flagbearer to win back the Presidential seat. He is my friend so, dont insult him. What we want is to convince him to come and join the NDC, his government believes in prosperity for few family and friends, so, even if you are in his government, you could be helped to become rich, but not same as helping your community to also become rich. He said changing political parties had never encouraged the development of communities in the country. I dont think that changing political parties has ever helped any community in Ghana. You are better off staying with your party by voting for the Presidential and Parliamentary candidates in the elections. You all know we have been under this government for close to four years or so, and you dont need anybody to tell you how the New Patriotic Party (NPP) governs. You may have a very good person, who is your brother in NPP but he alone cannot change the NPP policies. The General Secretary noted that the NDC party stood for prosperity for all because it was better for a government to create conditions for everybody in the community to earn a living rather than making individual rich. NDC would create conditions to make the youth to be able to make their own living hence the partys two major policies including; free technical and vocational education to empower the youth. He noted that the party would make sure that people who do not have the chance to go to school, were also empowered to earn a living under the partys free national apprenticeship programme. When we come to power, we will recruit at least 500,000 youth nationwide and also select master apprentices and craftsmen, register them and assign these recruits to them under various vocations, while government pays for their services. Mr Asiedu Nketia said the NDC government would provide sets of tools and initial capital for apprentices who completed their trainings under the programme. The General Secretary who revealed that the next NDC government would continue the works of all past governments, urged the members of the party to conduct their campaigns devoid of insults and fights in the Constituency. We heard Amewu is building classroom blocks for schools as an individual, but that should be the work of the government. Let him know that we will complete the blocks when we win power. However, Mr Anthony Kondobrey, Hohoe Constituency Chairman of NPP, briefing the media later, said the statements by the General-Secretary of the NDC made in relation to Mr. John Peter Amewu, should be regarded as tacit endorsement of the NPP candidate as against the NDC candidate. He said the level of development activities being carried out in the Constituency, championed by Mr. Amewu is legendary and that electorates of the Hohoe Constituency have noticed that beyond party colours, there must be commensurate development projects to acknowledge loyalty, saying "Asiedu Nketia and the NDC should be ashamed of themselves for using the people for their parochial interests." He said the electorates in Hohoe have seen the fruits a single man and decided who their next member of Parliament should be and that Mr. Asiedu Nketia's description of Amewu as a friend and a good man is long known to the people, who have decided to vote for him. Mr. Kondobrey disagreed with the NDC General-Secretary that even though Mr Amewu is a good man, his good deeds would only cushion him to enter heaven, but not Parliament insisting that a candidate for heaven is a better candidate for Parliament than the NDC candidate. He said politics had changed from colonising the minds of the people to only following political colours without bringing the needed development to them, a preserve of the NDC, which it continued to demonstrate since 1992 saying "modern politics bridges the under-development gap, which the NPP is doing and Mr Amewu is serving as the pillar between government and the people, utilising the skills of lobbying for the relevant development of the Hohoe Constituency." The Hohoe NPP Chairman said the changing trend of politics is what the NDC and Asiedu Nketia failed to understand and were still thinking that the people are still supporting parties that fail to honour loyalty, would be chasing the wind. He continued that Mr Amewu is an integral part of NPP government and whatever he did should be seen as part of government's support to the people in the area adding "how can Amewu use his personal resources to do government work, these monumental development projects cannot be funded by Amewu, that Asiedu Nketia should know better." 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 New deal for three payloads announced; follows successful launch of GHGSat's second satellite 'Iris' on Sept. 2, 2020, and $30 million Series B financing Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2020) - GHGSat has signed an agreement with the leading global technology company ABB to deliver the payloads for GHGSat's next three methane detecting satellites - a significant milestone in the firm's plan to have a constellation of 10 spacecraft in orbit by the end of 2022. GHGSat is unique in operating satellites able to detect greenhouse gases (GHG) in high-resolution, a technology the company has demonstrated in space since 2016. While government GHG sensors in orbit provide regional-scale measurements and global trends, GHGSat's satellites are specifically designed to detect and quantify methane emissions from individual facilities. GHGSat's sensor technology enables unprecedented leak monitoring capability as detection of sources 100 times smaller is possible with a resolution that is 100 times higher. Accurate, cost-effective monitoring is vital as methane has a global warming potential c.84 times greater than that of carbon dioxide over 20 years. GHGSat's space-based data and analytics enable regulators and operators in sectors such as oil and gas, waste management, mining, energy, and agriculture to properly assess and track methane emissions, and take prompt action to address leaks. This capability will be further enhanced as GHGSat's fleet expands in the coming years. "Iris" (GHGSat-C1), the company's second satellite, launched successfully on Sept. 2, 2020, joining technology demonstrator "Claire," in orbit since 2016. ABB delivered the payload for "Hugo" (GHGSat-C2), GHGSat's third satellite, which is scheduled to launch by the end of the year. Announcing the new agreement, Stephane Germain, CEO, GHGSat, said, "With GHGSat-C2, ABB has proven that they have the technical expertise and manufacturing capacity to support GHGSat's growth. We are looking forward to this next phase of our partnership with ABB to rapidly expand our constellation." Marc Corriveau, General Manager ABB Measurement & Analytics Canada, commented, "We are currently seeing extensive innovation brought about by private initiatives in the space industry. At ABB, we have built up a unique heritage in this sector over the decades helping scientists better understand the composition and evolution of our atmosphere. Our expertise in space optics and sensor development for industrial applications means that we are exceptionally well-positioned to play a key role in GHGSat-C2. We are looking forward to collaborating on this exciting new project." For further information, interviews and imagery, please contact Leidy Ojeda at leidy.ojeda@franc-parler.ca. Notes to Editors GHGSat uses its own satellites and aircraft sensors to measure greenhouse gas emissions directly from industrial sites, providing actionable insights to businesses, governments, and regulators. With proprietary remote-sensing and patented technology, GHGSat enables strategic decision making through monitoring and analytics services, with better accuracy, more frequently and at a fraction of the cost of other technologies. www.ghgsat.com ABB (SIX: ABBN) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation, and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB's success is driven by about 110,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/65329 In its bid to develope the Kanhoji Angre Island as a toursit spot, the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) will prepare a restoration and conservation plan for the place that includes a fort wall, water bodies and cannons. The port trust, which owns the island, is looking for a consultant to prepare a site management plan on the ancient remains of the island, located 20 km south of Mumbai. According to MbPT documents accessed by HT, the island has a peripheral dry stone masonry wall that has collapsed at many places. A prominent structure on the island is the 22-feet lighthouse, built by the British in 1867. The fort also has old metal cannons, the tomb of local saint Daud Pir, a temple of Sri Betal, where local fishermen from the nearby villages perform rituals, and four wells. The whole island has an area of about 16 acres. The island is named after the great Maratha navy commander Kanhoji Angre who fought and won many a battles against the Portuguese and the British. A senior planner from MbPT said, The idea is to undertake restoration work since many parts of the fort wall have collapsed. We are also on the lookout for a firm to maintain the place once we open it as a tourist spot. MbPT is looking at transforming the island by developing camp sites, gazebos, amphitheatre, cafeteria, pathways, food courts and light and sound shows there. It is also planning to build a resort on the island to facilitate overnight stays. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tanushree Venkatraman Tanushree Venkatraman is a Multimedia Correspondent covering civic issues and governance in Mumbai. ...view detail DUBLIN, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- FlowForma, the leading provider of Process Automation tools for Microsoft Office 365, today announced an exciting new partnership with Pontem Innovations, to deliver the award-winning FlowForma Process Automation tool to organizations in Canada and the greater North American region. With increased challenges for business leaders in today's world due to disconnected and complex data, Pontem Innovations helps clients to make informed decisions by automating reporting and identifying gaps in an organization's workflow and data management. To further strengthen their process automation offerings, Pontem Innovations sought the services of the FlowForma Process Automation tool as a solution for its clients to automate processes with speed and agility. The FlowForma Process Automation's unique 100% no-code capabilities were a considerable factor for Pontem Innovations, as they wanted a powerful tool which could be easily onboarded and quickly rolled out across organizations. The tool's 3-in-1 toolset combining forms, workflow, and document generation together in a single product enables business users to quickly deploy digital processes for better remote working, customer experiences and compliance. Utilizing the familiar SharePoint platform as a repository for data and sitting on top of Office 365, FlowForma Process Automation also tied in with Pontem Innovations preferred system and platform solutions, with the potential to maximize their clients existing investment in Microsoft software. As they look to add to their ever-increasing portfolio of successful process automation projects, Pontem Innovations knew that facilitating a powerful no-code process automation tool for their client base was imperative to add to their list of services. The partnership comes as FlowForma continues to see a steady increase in demand for its digital process automation solutions across Canada. From the outset, it was clear that both FlowForma and Pontem Innovations service similar industries such as Construction, Energy & Engineering, Education, Financial Services and more, making the partnership an easy decision. "We are delighted to be working alongside FlowForma to bring process automation to our clients across Canada and North America, to digitize their business processes, and ensure they have all the tools available to them in their digital transformation endeavours. It's clear that FlowForma and our business share a similar passion to transform processes to be more efficient, so the decision to partner up with them was easy!" said Cameron Fox, Process Solutions, Pontem Innovations. Olivia Bushe, CEO, FlowForma added: "We are pleased to announce this strategic partnership with Pontem Innovations for the Canada and North America area. The opportunities in this region excite me, and I'm sure we can assist and support organizations across all industries to digitize their business processes to enhance remote working and productivity, during what is a difficult time for businesses in this current climate." Supporting Resources: To find out how the FlowForma Process Automation tool works visit: www.flowforma.com/how-it-works T o download a free 14-day trial of FlowForma Process Automation visit: www.flowforma.com/start-your-flowforma-trial To learn more about FlowForma Process Automation, book a demo with one of our experts: www.flowforma.com/book-a-demo To find out how FlowForma Process Automation compares against its peers visit: www.g2crowd.com/products/flowforma-process-automation/reviews About FlowForma FlowForma, the leading provider of Process Automation tools for Microsoft Office 365 has been revolutionizing the traditional BPM space with an innovative approach to developing award winning products that empower users to create and streamline processes smarter and faster, utilizing the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding. FlowForma is a Gold Microsoft Partner, with over 150,000 users across Europe, America, and Asia. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Boston and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve, and achieve with employees, customers and partners. For further information or a 14-day free trial, visit www.flowforma.com About Pontem Innovations Pontem Innovations helps organizations make sense of their data and build a competitive advantage using analytics and process automation. This approach ensures that leaders will have timely, accurate, and digestible information available to them to assess performance and make strategic decisions. They assist clients to bridge data and strategy by integrating subject matter expertise in operations, accounting, and computer science with new technologies to arm businesses with clear, actionable insights linked to business objectives. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1168762/Olivia_Bushe_CEO_FlowForma.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/715823/FlowForma_Logo.jpg Meanwhile, the outbreak at the White House continued as more staff members tested positive. U.S. President Trump left Walter Reed Medical Center on Monday, hours after the medical team treating him for COVID-19 cautioned that he's "not out of the woods yet." He got back to the White House, where he gave a thumbs up before walking inside, taking off his mask as he did, CBS News reported. Then Trump tweeted a minute-long video from the balcony, saying he'd "learned so much about coronavirus" and believes he might be immune to it. "One thing that's for certain: Don't let it dominate you," he said of COVID-19. "Don't be afraid of it. You're going to beat it." The president's stance rang alarms among many medical experts, who said he should have stressed precautions Americans should take to try to avoid getting the coronavirus. Earlier Monday, Dr. Sean Conley, the White House physician, told reporters Donald Trump will be "surrounded by world-class medical care, 24/7" at the White House. Read alsoZelensky wishes Trump, First Lady "fast and full recovery" from COVID-19He's being treated with dexamethasone, a powerful steroid recommended for use in severe cases of COVID-19. The drug can carry serious psychological side effects, but Conley said the president hasn't exhibited any of them. He repeatedly declined to provide specifics about the president's lung condition or the last time Mr. Trump tested negative for the virus, citing federal privacy laws. Meanwhile, the outbreak at the White House continued as more staff members tested positive. Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Monday that she'd tested positive for COVID-19, and sources with knowledge of the matter confirmed to CBS News that one of her deputies had tested positive, as well. "It is inexplainable that the President of the United States, who is actively shedding virus in millions of particles, would walk into that building with an enormous number of staff, unmasked," said Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a professor at George Washington University School of Medicine, according to CNN. The U.S. president, CNN adds, has a pressing political interest in proving that he is better 28 days from an election in which he is trailing Joe Biden. His campaign said Monday that he fully planned to debate the Democratic nominee in their second head-to-head clash a town hall event with members of the public in Miami next week. When it comes to making decisions about investments, medical treatment, or insurance policies, we are more worried about financial loss than we are confident about monetary gain. But the intricacies of how our brain functions to bring about these sentiments are not clear. New York University neuroscientist Christine Constantinople will examine this process under a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health--a project that will shed new light on this every-day, but not well understood, phenomenon. The work will also enhance our understanding of how the brain makes mathematical calculations, with the findings having potential implications for education and related fields. Constantinople's grant (DP2 MH126376-01) is a New Innovator Award, which supports innovative research from early-career researchers and is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research program, which backs studies with the potential for broad impact in the biomedical, behavioral, or social sciences. "The High-Risk, High-Reward Research program catalyzes scientific discovery by supporting research proposals that, due to their inherent risk, may struggle in the traditional peer-review process despite their transformative potential," NIH said in announcing this year's recipients. "The breadth of innovative science put forth by the 2020 cohort of early career and seasoned investigators is impressive and inspiring," said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. "I am confident that their work will propel biomedical and behavioral research and lead to improvements in human health." Constantinople's research will specifically focus on how neurons perform arithmetic for economic decision-making, including integration and summation of information as well as subtraction and multiplication. "This type of exploration is crucial because our aversion to loss is often not based on actual probabilities--in fact, we often overestimate the likelihood of a negative outcome and make sub-optimal choices as a result," explains Constantinople, an assistant professor in NYU's Center for Neural Science. "With a better grasp of the neural mechanisms underlying our often-misguided economic judgments, subsequent work can begin to address how to improve them." # # # ### North Carolinas Senate race, which had been playing out for months as a case study in how a Generic Democrat would do against a Generic Republican this cycle, was disrupted over the weekend by two opposing, extremely specific events. First, the Republican incumbent, Thom Tillis, joined the ranks of party members whove tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the White Housecentered outbreak, leading him to close his campaign headquarters. Then his Democratic challenger, Cal Cunningham, confessed to exchanging extramarital sexts with a Democratic strategist. Advertisement For Tillis, the infection was just one more setback in a sagging campaign. For Cunningham, the sexting scandal seemed like a crack in his carefully crafted sapless public personauntil, that is, one considered the actual leaked messages. Would make my day to roll over and kiss you about now, one reads. And that roll over, with its implication that the two people would be lying down somewhere near each other, may have been the spiciest thing in the whole leak. In another message, Cunningham tells the woman he will kiss back and says she is historically sexy, whatever that means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sexts seem unlikely to affect Cunninghams chances at winning, based on the first poll following the scandal. A new poll from Public Policy Polling has Cunningham up 4842 overall. And only 12 percent of non-Trump supporters who participated in the poll said the sexts would make them less likely to cast a ballot for Cunningham. It really is just Trump voters already predisposed against Cunningham who care about this episode, the poll write-up argued. Advertisement Advertisement Its unfortunate that he cheated, but his family is who should hold him accountable for this, Tania De Los Santos, a Raleigh resident, told Slate. His personal love life seems pretty insignificant in comparison to the harm done by Tillis to marginalized communities. Such mild textual exchanges may not have become national news if North Carolina werent this elections most important all-around battleground. The outcome of the Cunningham-Tillis race would be a major contributor to deciding which party controls the Senate, while the presidential election could end up hinging on the states results. Swings in party control within the states General Assembly could result in a political trifecta similar to Virginias, which would have major implications for policy and voting rights. Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his bid for Senate, Cunningham has showcased himself as a tried-and-true North Carolinianan Army vet who took church mission trips into Appalachia as a child to aid the less fortunate who live up in the mountains, who knows backbreaking work thanks to logging hours on his familys brickyard, who graduated from UNCChapel Hill and moved back to his hometown to start a family. They now live in Raleigh. When juxtaposed against such an image, the messages are still as scandalous as vanilla frozen yogurt. In the midst of betraying his own family, Cunningham wholesomely wishes his extramarital partners son a happy birthday. The way he cooks barbecue is potentially more scandalous. (Hes from Lexington; he knows better.) And while affairs are generally taken as measure of a persons shortcomings of character, its unlikely to sway voters away from Cunningham when the opposition wants to bust health care, and when Tillis lack of seriousness surrounding the coronavirus pandemic led to his being infected as well. Over the weekend, Cunninghams campaign confirmed the validity of the messages. They also sent an apologetic statement to the News & Observer: I have hurt my family, disappointed my friends, and am deeply sorry. The first step in repairing those relationships is taking complete responsibility, which I do. I ask that my familys privacy be respected in this personal matter. President Donald Trump instructed Republican senators on Tuesday to give up on the idea of another coronavirus stimulus package in favor of dedicating all their time to confirming his Supreme Court pick before Novembers election. In a string of tweets, the coronavirus-infected president sought to blame House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for the failure to deliver more aid to American workers, small businesses and cash-strapped local governments amid the economy-crushing pandemic. We made a very generous offer of $1.6 Trillion Dollars and, as usual, she is not negotiating in good faith, Trump posted, referring to a pared-down stimulus proposal floated by his White House negotiators. I am rejecting their request, and looking to the future of our Country. The president claimed he will instead pick up the stimulus negotiations immediately after I win the Nov. 3 election. We will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business, he wrote. In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., should fast-track his nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I have asked Mitch McConnell not to delay, but to instead focus full time on approving my outstanding nominee to the United States Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett, Trump wrote. Trumps final nail in the stimulus coffin immediately prompted a free-fall on the stock market, which had rebounded somewhat in recent days amid signs that Congress was potentially on a path to pumping some more federal aid into the coronavirus-ravaged U.S. economy after months of gridlock. 2020 New York Daily News Visit New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 21-1. The advent of the UNP government in Sri Lanka was part of broader global economic and political processes. Following the defeat of the wave of revolutionary struggles in the period of 19681975, the ruling classes launched a counteroffensive against the working class, marked politically by the coming to power of the Thatcher government in Britain in 1979 and the Reagan administration in the US in 1980. The following year Reagan, with the complicity of the AFL-CIO, smashed the PATCO strike by dismissing 11,000 air traffic controllers. Monetarist, pro-market policies replaced Keynesian economic regulation as the new benchmark for governments around the world. Beginning in East and South East Asia, a turn was made towards the creation of cheap labour platforms. Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan, which were to become the Asian Tigers of the 1980s, all offered incentives to foreign investors to take advantage of their low-wage labour. In China, Deng Xiaoping announced his openly pro-market program in 1978. 21-2. In adopting these policies in Sri Lanka, the UNP government drew definite conclusions from the 197577 upheaval provoked by Bandaranaikes tentative turn to a free market agenda. As he began to encourage foreign investment, cut social spending and carry out privatisations, Prime Minister J.R. Jayewardene prepared for war against the working class by strengthening the state apparatus and raising communal tensions to fever pitch to shore up his own social base and divide working people. In 1978, the UNP used its overwhelming parliamentary majority to rewrite the constitution, establishing an executive presidency with sweeping anti-democratic powers, and to install Jayewardene as president. In July 1979, the government rammed through the Prevention of Terrorism Act giving the police powers of arrest and imprisonment without trial. 21-3. While the UNP had promised during the election campaign to address Tamil grievances, Jayewardene rapidly turned to anti-Tamil racialism. In 1976, the TULF had adopted the Vaddukodai resolution calling for a separate Tamil state of Eelam consisting of the northern and eastern provinces of the island. Anger among Tamil youth over the discrimination they faced had led to the formation of various small armed groups. Jayewardene used a minor attack on police in August 1977 to order the army into Jaffna and encouraged a vicious pogrom elsewhere. The government denounced the TULF, which insisted that its electoral successes gave it a mandate to negotiate a separate Eelam. In parliament, the prime minister provocatively declared: If you want a fight, there will be a fight. Jayewardene had set the pattern for the rapid descent into civil war. At each stage, the UNP exploited isolated attacks on police to respond with massive state repression and pogroms against the Tamil minority. 21-4. The RCL consistently campaigned for the withdrawal of the security forces from the North and East and to unite the working class. The party insisted that the proletariat was the only social force capable of resolving the outstanding democratic tasks and preventing a rapid slide into civil war. In the climate of communal reaction created by the UNP and supported by the SLFP, LSSP and CP, the RCLs stand required considerable courage. In 1979, leading RCL member R.P. Piyadasa was brutally murdered for opposing the governments policies by UNP-organised thugs working with the police. 21-5. Opposition to the UNP governments program of privatisation and restructuring reached a high point in July 1980 when a broad general strike movement for higher pay erupted. President Jayewardene immediately declared the strike illegal and threatened to sack anyone who joined it. The LSSP and CP declared the strike non-political and refused to challenge the UNP governments emergency powers or to call for it to be brought down. LSSP (R) leader Bala Tampoe did not call his CMU out on strike. The NSSP declared that the strike was simply a pay dispute and bitterly attacked the RCL campaign to transform it into a political movement against the government. As a result of the treachery of these leaderships, the UNP government was able to sack 100,000 public sector workers virtually unopposed, thereby inflicting a devastating defeat on the working class. 21-6. The defeat of the 1980 General Strikethe last major strike by the Sri Lankan working classopened the door to full-scale civil war. The UNPs response to any political challenge or crisis was to resort to anti-Tamil provocations that culminated in horrific pogroms in July 1983. After the killing of 13 soldiers by Tamil militants, the UNP government deliberately inflamed communal sentiment by bringing the bodies to Colombo. The following day anti-Tamil violence, in which UNP thugs were prominent, erupted throughout much of the island and on an unprecedented scale. The homes and shops of Tamils were torched and hundreds of people were killed. The government and police allowed the rampage to continue unimpeded for four days and imposed draconian censorship to block any news. 21-7. The murderous pogrom marked the beginning of a full-scale civil war that was to devastate the country for the next quarter of a century. On August 4, in what amounted to a declaration of war, the UNP government rammed through a constitutional changethe sixth amendmentbanning the advocacy of a separate Eelam and imposing a loyalty oath on all public servants. For refusing to take this oath, all TULF parliamentarians lost their seats. By December 1983, the Jaffna peninsula had been declared a war zone. Outraged by the actions of the UNP government, Tamil youth in their thousands flocked to join the ranks of the various armed Tamil groups. 21-8. In the course of the pogrom, the RCL was targeted for particular attack. The home of Kamkaru Mavatha editor K. Ratnayake was burned to the ground and an attempt to destroy the party print shop was narrowly averted. The RCL defied government censorship. It published a lengthy statement indicting the government and opposition parties and calling on the working class to come to the defence of Tamils. The RCL opposed the war, exposed the complicity of the LSSP, CP and the Indian government, and demanded the withdrawal of the military from the North and East. In May 1984, Ananda Wakkumbura, who was legally responsible for the RCL newspapers, was arrested for violating the sixth amendment and held by police for two weeks. Confronted by a vigorous RCL campaign, the government backed away from prosecuting Wakkumbura. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A new voice in Black American literature, Kelvin Parker's debut poetry collection serves as both a call to action and an examination of what it feels like to navigate the Black experience in America. Inspirational, painful, and complex, Me in America shines a scrutinizing light on the complex realities of a country divided. Head shot of author Kelvin Parker Me in America book cover No matter who you are or what you look like, Me in America will leave you with a thorough understanding of racial identity in America. A collection of poems that speak to the conflicting realities of living as a Black man in a country founded on the pain, creativity, and courage of Black Americans, Parker shares a deeply personal story. Crucial themes of oppression, racism, and inequality are examined as the author celebrates how far we've come and how far we have left to go. "Black life endures. It is an everlasting flame that lives on in all generations. It is a power that can't be stopped," shares Parker. "This book is my gift of inspiration and healing. Though oppression in America is a challenge, it's a challenge we can, and must, face together. With Me in America, I share my own story, both painful and inspirational, and ask readers to take a stand and advocate for lasting social change." In his debut poetry collection, Kelvin Parker documents the pendulum swing from loss to love, trauma to triumph, and oppression to opportunity the repetitious movement that has come to define Black life in America. In three parts, Parker's collection humanizes the often-generalized stories defining the Black experience. Through Parker's dreams, desires, goals, and experiences from a traumatic childhood to questioning how he fits in the collection both personalizes and makes very real for readers the effects of racism and discrimination in America. "The America we experience is largely dependent on the identities we hold. As Black Americans, we must constantly reaffirm our identity, adjusting ourselves to deflect from negative stereotypes that restrict our access to the 'American Dream.' As soon as we prove one stereotype wrong, we're met with another. My experience as a Black man is a testament to this," says Parker. Offering reflections on history, scholarship, criminal justice, childhood psychology, and more, Me in America is a lesson on Black identity accessible to all readers. It will leave you with a thorough understanding of racial identity in America. The poetry collection captures the resilience, survival, and humanity of Black experiences. Though Me in America exposes discrimination, it also gives a sense of hope. In Parker's work, Black life endures. Available at Amazon in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle formats. About Kelvin Parker Kelvin Parker is a poet, fashion designer, and marketing professional from Little Rock, Arkansas. He found his way to poetry as a teenager, winning his school district's annual poetry slam. Poetry is Parker's avenue for healing, and his poems speak to those that feel forgotten, unimportant, and unheard. The craft of poetry also inspires his career as a fashion designer; he meticulously uses shape and form, color, texture, and patterns for conceptual storytelling. Parker received his BFA in Fashion and MFA in Luxury and Fashion Management from Savannah College of Art and Design. Currently, Parker currently lives and works in the New York tri-state area. For more information, go to www.authorkelvinparker.com. Media Contact: Kelvin Parker 201.528.3206 [email protected] SOURCE Kelvin Parker Related Links http://www.authorkelvinparker.com Charlie Teo's 'miracle girl' who survived brain cancer against all odds has been rushed on board a mercy flight to spend time with her family following her latest surgery. Amelia 'Milli' Lucas received devastating news in April that her cancer had returned after the high profile neurosurgeon wiped out 98 per cent of her tumour during a procedure in Sydney in June 2019. The 13-year-old flew from Perth to Sydney with her father Grant so Dr Teo could perform an eight-hour surgery that doctors in Western Australia refused to attempt - deeming it too dangerous. Since then, the teenager has undergone a string of surgeries to remove the recurring tumour - the latest of which was in September. On Friday the brave teenager was flown from Sydney, with a decision made it was time she was with her family in Perth, where she will continue to receive treatment. Dr Charlie Teo (pictured with Milli last year) performed a second operation on Milli after he wiped out 98 per cent of the growth on her brain stem following a life-saving procedure An anonymous donor paid for the Royal Flying Doctor Service to pick the brave teenager up on a stretcher at 8pm on Monday and make the ten-hour trip to Perth Children's Hospital, The West reported. The Lucas family said: 'After undergoing surgery in Sydney, Milli was flown home by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, arriving in Perth on Monday evening. 'She was transferred to the Perth Children's Hospital for further treatment.' Last week, Mr Lucas wrote on social media that the family were looking for a way to get Milli home. Her mother Monica Smirk revealed her daughter defied the odds after her gruelling surgery 'Please keep Milli in your thoughts, prayers and wishes as we look for a way to get our incredible girl home to be with her family - your positive energy has been felt across the country but it is time to come home to WA,' he said. Her mother Monica Smirk cried when she was told a generous donor had paid for the flight to bring her daughter home. RFDS general manager health service delivery James Sherriff said the family were 'ecstatic'. 'Her mother did cry on Friday when I was speaking to her just thanking RFDS and also the Health Department for making this happen. It is really important for them at this point in time,' he said. Milli and her father Grant Lucas travelled from Perth to Sydney on April 7 for her latest surgery performed by Dr Teo (pictured together last year) On the mercy flight was a specialist doctor, a nurse and a host of special equipment to ensure Milli was able to continue receiving medical attention in the sky. Before her first surgery with Dr Teo in April, Milli was wheeled in knowing she may not walk, talk or see ever again. But against all odds, the brave young schoolgirl proved to be a fighter following the 'hugely successful' operation. 'Charlie was very very worried that when she came out of surgery she may not walk, she may not talk and she may not see,' her mother Monica Smirk told 6PR radio. 'So we were nervous but she comes out of ICU on Thursday morning - talking, walking and basically told her dad that the food in the hospital wasn't the best and asked him to "go and get me a steak please". Amelia 'Milli' Lucas (pictured before her surgery on April 8) was able to walk and talk after undergoing a gruelling eight-hour brain tumour surgery 'Charlie had tears in his eyes, he's like "Milli, you're amazing, you are incredible". He couldn't believe that she woke up so well.' Ms Smirk said when scans revealed their worst nightmare last month, her daughter was 'extremely upset' to hear her cancer had returned. 'As a mum, I held it together for as long as I could but said to her "we will fix it" so we've done it again, we've fixed her for now,' she said. Milli's older sister Tess (pictured together) was also diagnosed with brain tumour but she has since been given the all-clear Her story made headlines last year after generous family, friends and strangers raised more than $170,000 to help pay for the life-saving operation. Many doctors declined to perform the operation on Milli - who was told she had just 12 weeks to live - as the tumour was in a high risk 'no go zone' of the brain. However, Dr Teo offered to do the procedure, in which he was able to successfully remove 98 per cent of her tumour before she travelled to Germany to get rid of the remaining two per cent. Milli incredibly returned to school just weeks after her surgery. The schoolgirl's rare condition puts her at risk of developing various types of cancer, which has also affected her older sister Tess, her mother and cousin Beau. Her older sister Tess was also diagnosed with brain tumour but she has since been given the all-clear, while their mum - who has a family history of cancer - underwent a double mastectomy after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Republicans traditional edge in early mail voting returns could disappear in California this year as Democrats rush to cast ballots against President Trump, a voter expert believes. While the first batch of mail ballots arriving at local election offices typically comes from older, Republican-leaning voters, thats likely to be very different in 2020, said Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data Inc., which provides information on voting and voters. This election cycle there are Democrats who will use an early vote as virtue signaling, saying that the vote shows they believe in the safety of voting by mail, Mitchell said. Its a way of pushing back against Trumps baseless allegations that the growing use of mail ballots is a Democratic plot to rig the election. There are unpublished polls showing that as many as 57% of California voters say they will return their ballots within days after they receive them, far more than usual, Mitchell said. Typically, Democrats vote last, he said, with many of their mail ballots arriving in the final days of the campaign or being turned in at the polls. In California and across the nation, thats resulted in whats been dubbed the blue shift, as ballots counted in the days after the election become increasingly Democratic, sometimes shifting races Republicans thought they had won. In 2018, Democrats flipped four California congressional districts where Republicans were winning on election night, prompting howls from GOP leaders. But this year, other early voting states have seen Democrats with an advantage over Republicans in the first group of ballots returned. In seven states that report mail ballots by party registration, including the battlegrounds of Florida, Iowa, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, 882,798 Democrats have already returned their mail ballots, compared with 370,981 Republicans, according to data compiled by the U.S. Elections Project, which tracks early voting and voter turnout. The importance of mail ballots is also shown by the 4.2 million that already have been returned, compared with about 75,000 at about the same point in 2016. Polls show there is higher voter engagement than ever this year, Mitchell said, and that enthusiasm is bringing out more early votes. But the growing partisan divide in California and the nation also could be responsible for a flood of early ballots, since for the many voters who already have picked a presidential candidate, theres no reason to wait, Mitchell added. A CNN poll released Tuesday found that 91% of likely voters say their minds are already made up in the presidential race, with the rest saying they still could change their choice. John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth The Narendra Modi government has quietly approved induction and deployment of 700-km range surface-to-surface supersonic Shaurya strategic missile even as forward movement has been recorded in development of 5,000 km range K-5 submarine-launched ballistic missile. Shaurya is the land version of the submarine-launched BA-05 missile and has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The land version was discreetly tested for the final time before induction as part of user trials in Odishas Balasore on October 3. According to top missile experts, Shaurya is a delivery system stored in a composite canister for rapid deployment and minimum interaction with the elements for a long period. The strategic missile flies at a supersonic speed of Mach 7, or 2.4 km per second, at a height of 50 km (within atmosphere) and hits the designated target at Mach 4. The missile will be soon deployed at locations identified by the Indian Strategic Forces Command under guidance from National Security Council. The missile has a warhead weighing around 160 kg. While the Modi governments decision to go for a land version is significant as the missile can be launched by a single vehicle, the DRDO is also making rapid strides in the development of a 5,000 km version of the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). With a range equivalent to Agni-5 land-based ballistic missile, the K-5 will be deployed on Arihant class of nuclear submarines. While missile scientists are tight-lipped about the K-5 SLBM, the weapon system is expected to be tested in the next 15 months and then deployed on the 6,000-tonne Arihant class of SSBNs. The second Arihant-class nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, is to be operationalised within the next six months. The consecutive testing of hypersonic missile (September 7), Shaurya missile (October 3) and supersonic missile assisted release of torpedo (October 5) by DRDO from Balasore are clear signals from the government to the countrys adversary that India will not cow down to any coercion. The 800 km-range subsonic Nirbhay cruise missile will be tested in the next couple of weeks and will be inducted into the Indian Army and Navy. The tactical missile has already been deployed in limited numbers in response to the Chinese build-up in Tibet and Xinjiang. Coming at a time when India is engaged with a belligerent Chinese Army in Ladakh sector, a senior government official said the testing and deployment of short-range delivery platforms clearly conveys Modi Governments intention of not backing down to any aggression or cartographical expansion plan of any adversary in the neighbourhood. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The number of people waiting for dementia services in Northern Ireland has soared by almost 300% in just over one year, it can be revealed. Official figures have laid bare the devastating impact of Covid-19 on some of the most vulnerable people in society. It has emerged that 1,302 people across Northern Ireland had been waiting longer than nine weeks to access diagnostic services for people with suspected dementia in July this year. This compares to 331 people in July last year. Bernadine McCrory, the director of Alzheimer's Society in Northern Ireland, has branded the waits "unacceptable". "The figures don't shock me," she said. "Everything has been set aside in some sense throughout the pandemic and I would imagine that none of the services for long term diseases are any different. "However, I think there are particular difficulties for people with dementia as telephone assessments and remote communication don't tend to suit them. "It's much easier to give someone time to answer if you are in the same physical space as opposed to across Skype or Zoom. "Let's be clear, Covid-19 isn't solely responsible for the increase in numbers of patients waiting to access services, the waits were already bad but there's no doubt that the pandemic has exacerbated the issue. "It is always ideal for a person to get a diagnosis early on as this not only means they can get treatments, but they can also access support and start to make decisions about how they want to live." Waiting times for dementia services were already creeping up before the pandemic. In November last year, it emerged that patients with cancer and dementia were among those enduring delays for appointments and treatments as a result of changes to doctors' pensions. Senior doctors were dramatically scaling back the hours they were working after reforms to their pensions meant they were being severely financially penalised for running extra clinics to help the health service cope with demand. By the time services were being widely disrupted due to Covid-19 in March, there were 746 people waiting longer than nine weeks for an appointment to establish whether they have dementia. A spokeswoman from the Health & Social Care Board said: "Throughout the pandemic, health trusts have worked hard to maintain essential services to the most vulnerable people in our society. "This includes individuals who are living with dementia and their families. "However, infection control requirements such as social distancing have meant that access to some specialist services such as memory clinics have had to be temporarily suspended. "Given the nature of this disease, it is not always appropriate to use technology as a substitute for face-to-face contact during the assessment period. "This has resulted in some people having to wait longer for a formal diagnosis of their dementia." It has been an eventful and interesting summer for Main Street in Grimsby. With the downtown street hit hard by the ongoing pandemic, and several longtime businesses forced to close their doors, an extended patio along the north side of Main Street was approved by council on July 20. Now, that pilot project is set to expire on Oct. 31. Sandy Jaskula, co-owner of Teddys, said the installation of the extended patio, which allowed them to add about 10 additional seats, was of great help while they prepared the inside of the restaurant with new health and safety protocols before opening. When we first extended it, we still had nobody inside yet. So that kind of helped us get on our feet again serving people. After the barriers were installed, and the new patio went up on July 24, Juskula said the effect on Main Street was immediate. Not only to their own business at Teddys, but to the life and activity on the streets of downtown Grimsby. Up until that time, the parking behind Teddys was basically empty, and as soon as that all happened. The parking lot was full again. For a street in much need of recovery and revitalization as local businesses look to get back on their feet, and find new ways to attract customers, Jaskula said the patio project has done a great deal to renew interest on Main Street not only for local restaurants and bars, but for retail businesses as well, many of which have utilized the sidewalk space to set up tents along with street. Just to see that there was something uptown, I do believe it brought people uptown to shop as well. You would be on the patio and people would be walking on the sidewalk. It was a ghost town before that. That sentiment is shared by other businesses on Main Street. Mark Wood, owner of The Forty Public House, went so far as to suggest the town should consider continuing the project in future years, and establish a bigger and better extended patio program moving forward. The expansion project was quite successful. It definitely created some interest around downtown, it brought more bodies in, people seem to hang around. It wasnt just useful for seats on the patio, but it was also useful for all the businesses along the north side of the street. One of the options both the town and the downtown improvement area (DIA) considered was the possibility of extending this years project into November. Harry Schlange, chief administrative officer for the town, said after much consultation with the DIA, the idea was abandoned with most businesses showing little interest in continuing the operation into months where temperatures will continue to drop. Overall, Schlange said the initial run of extended patios on Main Street was a great success, with much positive feedback coming from both the community and businesses. He said between nine and 11 Main Street businesses took the opportunity to utilized the outside space. It certainty was successful during the summer months, giving businesses the opportunity to expand their patio, and it seems to be working really well. We got a lot of positive feedback. Credit should definitely be given to the DIA and council for making this happen. Wood agreed that while the project was successful in drumming up renewed interest on Main Street, the idea of a patio in November isnt appealing to either business owners, or customers. I dont think it is worth it past Nov. 1. Cold is still cold and people dont want to be cold and wet. Nobody wants to sit outside in November. Jaskula agreed, and said Teddys wouldnt be interested in extending the length of their patio season either, even with the introduction of heaters. She said moving into the cooler months, the restaurant will work with what it has when it comes to indoor dining. Right now we can comfortably sit 70 people spaced out, so we are lucky to have that. But a sense of uncertainty about the winter and the coming months still remains for many restaurants and bars on Main Street, as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise across the province, leaving many, including Jaskula worried about the future holds. It is stressful waking up in the morning, wondering what is going to be the new rules. What is Doug Ford going to do tomorrow? Is he going to shut us down? As a business owner you just dont know what is going to happen. While Republicans on the committee sought documents from ComEd pertaining to its communications with Madigan and close associates, Welch has requested a decades worth of documents detailing the companys dealings with the administration of Pritzker and his two predecessors and with current and former leaders of all four caucuses of the General Assembly. North Penn School District parents take board to task over mask-taping incident Gain access to a library of yoga classes led by certified yoga instructors from around the world, all for just 99 cents per class. By offering full courses for 99 cents and with no subscription required, we are sharing quality yoga classes at an affordable price. Yogapose.com, a leader in yoga pose tutorials searchable by symptoms, has just launched 99 Cent Yoga. These subscription-free yoga classes are available for only 99 cents per class, and individuals can pay-per practice. The yoga classes feature certified yoga instructors that teach yoga at a variety of difficulty levels. Individuals can find the yoga classes that they enjoy and view new classes each week. Individuals only pay for the classes that they take, which are all led by notable, certified yoga instructors from around the globe. 10% of all proceeds from the 99 Cent Yoga classes are donated to Mental Health America. 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Unlike other yoga and wellness publications, yogapose.com works with esteemed yoga professionals and medical experts to create research-based, informational content that the yoga community can trust. To learn more about yogapose.com and 99 Cent Yoga classes, please visit https://yogapose.com/99-cent-yoga. About Yoga Pose YogaPose.com is an entirely free online yoga resource created by Cindy and Cobb Rogers focused on ailment relief through individual yoga poses. The website features a comprehensive library of yoga pose tutorials, all searchable by symptoms, that showcase the physical and mental benefits of each pose. http://www.yogapose.com Motorists may notice an increase in morning school bus traffic in the coming days as public schools ratchet up the pace to return students back to their buildings for in-person learning. While most Catholic schools across the county returned Sept. 9 in a hybrid model, public schools delayed in person re-opening as health officials urged caution in opening schools until positive COVID-19 cases in the county had decreased after a potential surge following Labor Day. Over the past few weeks, a small number of special education students have returned to schools but most student have been learning virtually for the past month. In the Wallingford Swarthmore School District, kindergarten through second grade students returned this past Thursday. Third through fifth grade students came back yesterday and upper grades will return next week. Its going great. Teachers so far are feeling excited and positive about kids back in the classroom, said Deidre Abrahamsson, spokeswoman for the Wallingford Swarthmore School District. Heath officials at the Chester County Department of Health have been issuing a weekly update of COVID-19 cases in individual school districts as a whole by examining the cumulative incident rate in the community populations. Last week, Interboro had the lowest rate, 4.24, in the county, while Chester Upland had the highest with 111.46. Those numbers are a total number of confirmed cases divided by the population of that district for a specific time period. Interboro welcomed kindergarten, first and second grade students back five days a week last week. Some high school students also returned last week in a hybrid schedule. All other students returned on Monday. They are really doing a great job, wearing their masks and respecting the 6-feet social distancing, said Interboro Superintendent Bernadette Reiley. Reiley estimated 1,200 students are in their two cyber programs, a third of their overall enrollment. One program offers in-synchronous education with teachers all day while the iCyber allows students to learn at their own pace with benchmarks. Im happy to have our students back and our parents have been wonderful, said Reiley. The teachers have been great and everybody has been putting in a lot of time and preparation for this. We are very glad to have students back. Reiley said all students, including cyber students, in the district are eligible for free USDA breakfast and lunch through December. Other districts also have free lunch programs for all students as part of pandemic recovery efforts from the federal government. At Penn-Delco, kindergarten to grade two began a hybrid schedule Monday with grade six returning Oct. 8 and all other students Oct. 12. Marple Newtown brought elementary students back Monday while the high school hybrid model begins next week. Rose Tree Media School District kindergarten students began attending school five days a week on Monday, as did students new to their buildings (incoming first, sixth and ninth grades). All grades will be back in school by Oct. 14 with most in a hybrid format. The School District of Haverford Township welcomed kindergarten through grade 3 back Monday with the remaining elementary and middle students returning next week and high school students the following week. Within our hybrid model, students will come to school in two cohort groups (A/B) with half of our students attending Monday and Wednesday, and the other half attending on Tuesday and Thursday, said Anna Deacon, district spokeswoman. Friday will be a virtual learning day, including a variety of live, synchronous instruction and recorded or self-paced assignments. Middle and high school students will be dismissed for lunch then continue with virtual learning in the afternoon. Deacon said elementary students will remain for a full school day at school, eating lunch at school. The district is using both the cafeteria and the school gymnasiums to allow for proper social distancing. Springfield will welcome most elementary students back Oct. 8, with high school students back the following week. Were a brick and mortar institution and we miss our students, and we want to see them in person, said Springfield Superintendent Anthony Barber. Were going to do everything we can possibly do (to remain safe) and according to our health and safety plan. Thankfully we have a really good team and all the districts have been supportive of each other. Our district solicitor, the Chester County Health Department everybody has been such a good team. Im really humbled to be part of that team, he said. Chichester School District has had low incidence disabilities students back since Sept 21, according to Superintendent Dan Nerelli. Kindergarten through fifth grade students will return beginning Oct. 19 and high school freshmen two days later. All students will return the following week. In Garnet Valley, kindergarten through second grade students returned last week five days a week. Were beginning with these students for several reasons, district officials wrote in a letter to parents. Educationally, it is incredibly complex to educate these children online. Lack of literacy skills, limited ability to work independently, and shorter attention spans are just a few of the many issues that our teachers and our parents are facing. All other Garnet Valley students will return in a hybrid schedule beginning next week. In Radnor, students in grades kindergarten through second grade and those new to their buildings (grades six and nine) returned for the districts modified in-person learning program Sept. 29 with all others back at the end of the week. Upper Darby School District will return kindergarten through grade five students on Nov. 5 for in-person/flexible instruction with the option to remain in the virtual learning model. The remaining grades will return a week later. William Penn School District will remain virtual through the end of the first quarter in November and Chester Upland will remain virtual through the end of 2020. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of medical research has been on tracing the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was first reported in Chinas Wuhan city, at the end of 2020. Image Credit: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.02.323519v1.full By June 2020, all African countries had reported cases of COVID-19. A recent study reported in the preprint server bioRxiv* in October 2020 follows the spread of the virus from China to Europe and then to West Africa. The sequence of the viral RNA has changed considerably over its spread, and these have led to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 clades. These are found to be specific to different regions. Earlier studies described the possible effect of the D614G mutation that is linked to clade G, as being linked to the higher mortality in the US East coast states relative to the West coast. The mechanism of increased virulence is thought to be due to the increased adherence of the virus to the cell membrane, possibly because of a hydrogen bond between the spike protein S1 unit and the S2 region on the cell membrane. Some evidence of this has come from mouse studies. Other researchers have shown the rapid rise to the dominant position of clade G in any region where it makes an entry, as it replaces all other clades with the D614 amino acid. In the middle of March 2020, this clade was confined mostly to Europe but was quickly introduced to other countries. Of four Chinese G clade samples, one had the A23403G substitution which induces the D614G mutation, but the other two commonly associated mutations were lacking. Three with the D614G mutation were traced back to the German sample first sequenced in January 2020. This sample has the A23403G mutation and a C-to-T mutation at position 3037 but the one at position 14408 is missing. The earliest sample to have all three mutations as well as another one in the Untranslated Region (UTR) was found in Italy. Also, a C14408T mutation found in the G clades next to the sequence encoding the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is thought to increase the rate of mutation. A phylogenetic tree constructed for the viruses circulating in France showed that the first virus introduction did not cause community spread, and clade G was introduced long before the first case was recorded. This belonged to the same clade but occurred in a patient without a history of travel or contact with a traveler. One of the advantages of the African population concerning this virus is the very large proportion of young people, with a median age of ~20 years in Sub-Saharan Africa, who are expected to have mild disease. Secondly, the risk of transmission from China via air traffic was found to be quite unlikely during the early outbreak, except for South Africa and Ethiopia. In the later phase, however, researchers have found that containment measures are essential given the high infection rates that are estimated. The current study explores the region of Africa from where the first SARS-CoV-2 sequences were isolated, to construct a phylogenetic tree. This could help understand how the virus was transmitted between countries and whether different clades have varying severities. The sequences being studied come from the West African countries of Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. These are very similar to those from China as well as from Europe. The phylogenetic tree is shown to divide into two at the level of the D614G mutation, that indicates the importance of this single-nucleotide point mutation in viral diversity. The lower branch thus lacks this mutation and is linked to the earliest Wuhan sequences, containing the Nigerian viral sequences as well. The top branch has the sequences circulating in Europe, shared by those from Senegal. Samples from Ghana cluster equally with both branches. The three Gambian samples belong to three different clades (V, GR, and GH). Clade-Mutation Association The researchers found that the samples from West Africa are found in all the clades, which could be because they were introduced from China and European countries equally. However, the samples from each country show a characteristic cluster distribution as shown above. The S clade has two important mutations, C24370T and G22468T, which appear to be specific to West Africa. The Ghana samples cluster in the branch emanating from the former mutation, while the latter may give rise to a branch that is the result of the migration of the virus, as shown by the presence of Mali and Tunisia strains in this branch. Senegal strains related to the French sequences are found to arise from both these branches, while others are closer to those from Spain at the end of February, belonging to early clade S. This indicates that the virus was introduced multiple times into Senegal from France, Spain and other regions of Africa. Timeline of Clade Distribution When the clades are mapped concerning time, it is obvious that the European sequences of the G clade play a major role in the African outbreak, including the D614G mutation. An unexpected pattern was seen in which the G clades belonging to the later part of the pandemic in Europe, namely, G, GH, GR, are seen to have been in circulation before those belonging to the early European outbreaks, namely, L, S, and V. One explanation is that the French strains introduced into Senegal displayed the founder effect, being closely related to the Senegalese strains and with a similar clade distribution. Another is that migration and travel routes affected the circulation of the various strains, as seen in the first case reported in Nigeria, which originated in Italy. The earlier clades may have come by a slower route, for instance, by ship, while the later clades traveled faster and reached these countries earlier. Again, the sample sequences from the early European clades came from the middle of March at which point the Chinese share of the epidemic was drawing to an end, indicating the possibility that the virus had passed through and within several countries before the early samples were sequenced. An unexpected finding was that the S clade is very abundant mainly because of the strains from Nigeria and Ghana. When these strains are excluded, the pattern of strain abundance is close to that seen worldwide, with a lag of 2-4 weeks. Clade Distribution by Country The early clades seem to have spread mostly in Nigeria which yielded the highest proportion of these sequences. Ghana-sourced samples come almost equally from China and Europe, while those of Senegal come mostly from France with a few early Chinese clades. Gambia had two sequences from Europe and one from China, a pattern that resembles the Italian spread, but where the G clade is replaced by the GH clade. This change, however, associates it with Chinese and European clades. The Gambian distribution is similar to the UK pattern, which is also, however, related to that of the Ghana clade distribution because of the presence of China clades. Finally, the US West Coast and East coast states show different distributions, with the former being similar to the Nigerian pattern, containing a large proportion of clades from China, but the latter yielding more GH clades like French and Senegalese strains. Geographic Distribution The map shows that the China-based clades L, S, and V spread through Europe and the West coast of the US and make up a high percentage of Nigerian strains. These clades are found along with the later European clades G, GH, and GR in almost equal proportions, like the West coast. Senegal has the same pattern of viral distribution as France, but some exceptions belong to the early China-based clades, making for some similarities with the East coast. The researchers propose that this pattern arises from a combination of two explanations: the early clades may not have been active during the early period of viral circulation in West Africa, or they may have been introduced later than the early strains. The later clades may also have been more virulent, leading to their earlier detection. The conclusion is that while Senegal and Gambia hosted multiple introductions from Europe, due to a low level of air traffic from and to China. Ghana and Nigeria received the virus from Europe, as well as from China both directly and indirectly via Asian or European countries. Most cases from which the strains were retrieved for sequencing came from the period when Wuhan was still locked down, between January 23rd and April 8th, 2020. Possibly, investigators say, the strains from the very early clades were transmitted very early in the pandemic, or via other countries, or from provinces in China other than Wuhan. As in other regions, the researchers predict that the later G clades will become predominant in Nigeria and Ghana, but it is not clear whether this will also lead to higher mortality. Some researchers feel that the D614G mutation is linked to a higher case fatality rate, but others say the evidence points to higher infectivity and a higher viral load but not increased disease severity. As of now, the case fatality in these countries is low, at 0.6 in Ghana but 3.2 in Gambia. The researchers hint that sunlight, vitamin D levels, and the climate, may also play a role in the outcome following infection with the virus. Again, some researchers predict that the continuous occurrence of mutations will eventually cause the virus to become endemic with a low mortality rate. The researchers hope this pioneering study will be followed by more wide-ranging analyses using a larger number of sequences. However, the G clades in West Africa do not appear to correlate with mortality, thus disproving fears that the pandemic would massively overwhelm the health systems in Africa. It is not yet time to relax, despite this, and measures to prevent future outbreaks must balance both the financial stability of the region and the necessity to protect the health of the inhabitants. *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. Rhonda Margolies has been registered to vote in New Jersey for 48 years. Shes always been registered as Rhonda, even though her birth name is Ronnie. I changed it because I was always mistaken for a boy, Margolies said. She never legally changed her name, but shes been using Rhonda since she was 13 years old, the Middlesex County woman said. Its on her marriage certificate and her Social Security checks. After 9/11, she said, when she went to the Motor Vehicle Commission to renew her drivers license, she was forced to use the name Ronnie because thats what her birth certificate said. She renewed her license again in December 2019. Then last week, she received two mail-in ballots: one for Ronnie and one for Rhonda. I will only vote once, she said, noting she will use the ballot for Rhonda, which is how she has always voted. Her experience receiving a duplicate ballot after a transaction at the Motor Vehicle Commission is not uncommon, voters and election officials said. The duplicate registrations have created new challenges for election officials as they rushed to send ballots to every voter amid an unprecedented pandemic. We have had phone calls from voters who received two ballots because of a duplicate registration from MVC, said Rita Fulginiti, the Cape May County clerk. We send the information right away to the Board to resolve it. Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi previously said a lot of duplicate ballots were sent by her office, including to married women whose maiden names were not removed from the voter rolls. Many of the new registrations probably came in because of information sent by the Motor Vehicle Commission, election officials said. In 2018, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law that automatically registers people to vote if they apply for a drivers license or non-driver ID card. When customers do any license transaction including change of name or address their voter registration information is electronically transmitted to the Division of Elections from the Motor Vehicle Commission, unless they opt out or are not eligible to vote, said William Connolly, a spokesman for the Motor Vehicle Commission. This happens regardless of whether they are already registered or not; that way any changes are automatically updated to their voter record. The updates, meant to register more voters, have wreaked havoc with the voter rolls, election officials said. Prior to 2006, there was no requirement that you register to vote using a Social Security number, state identification number or drivers license, said Alicia DAlessandro, spokeswoman with the State Division of Elections. It was the honor system, she said. That led to many people being on the voter rolls without these identifying numbers or even a birth date on file. So when the law passed requiring MVC to share its information with the Division of Elections, there were fewer data points to show someone might have been a duplicate voter, therefore it created new registrations for people already on the rolls, DAlessandro said. WHAT THE COUNTIES ARE DOING ABOUT IT Its the responsibility of each county to eliminate ineligible voters from the rolls, including removing duplicate registrations, people who have moved and dead people. But people dont often notify the counties about moves and deaths of relatives, county officials said, and they often toss official election mail such as sample ballots that come for the voter who should be taken off the rolls rather than return it to the county. So it takes time two federal election cycles, or four years for these inactive voters to come off the rolls. And this year, because of the coronavirus pandemic, every active voter is getting a mail-in ballot. County officials have raced to get them out by the Oct. 5 deadline, which wasnt enough time for every county to thoroughly cull the rolls before the mailing deadline, officials said. Plus, the addition of online voter registration means counties are dealing with huge volume during a condensed time period to find duplicates and correct them, said Beth Thompson, the supervisor of the Hunterdon County Board of Elections. Youre in a pandemic with time crunches, Thompson said. I know some counties are processing tens of thousands of online voter registrations. Were getting a combination of paper registrations, some from MVC and online voter registrations and its extremely overwhelming. With unprecedented numbers of new registrations in the system, there wasnt enough time to fully research each one before the ballot mailing deadline, she said. I dont think any county was prepared for the volume. How can you keep up when they are uploading new registrations every hour? she said. While a person who receives two ballots or a ballot for someone who has died or moved can technically send them both in, the counties are taking steps to make sure the ballots would not both be counted, Thompson said. They are running non-stop data scrubs to reveal any duplicates and ballots wrongly sent to people who died or moved, she added. Weve got experts who are running the queries on the data to find these duplicates and correct the situation so we can make sure no one votes twice. If we do find two accounts for the same person we will contact that person and say we made a mistake, please vote with this voter ID number and destroy the other ballot, Thompson said. In her county, she said, out of 100,000 voters, they may have had 20 duplicates. Her staff is working 14-hour days on weekdays and 9 to 10 hours on weekends to make sure the rolls are right and that everyone who is eligible has the right to vote, she said. If you receive a duplicate or a ballot for someone who has moved or died, contact the county so they can make the correction. If youve been accepting official election mail such as sample ballots over the years, the county has no way to know that the person should be off the rolls unless you tell them. Instead of tossing the mail, return it to the county and let them know the voter doesnt live there anymore. People are angry at us for not knowing their children moved across the county six years ago, Thompson said. But theres no way for us to know unless they tell us. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Flash The Iranian judiciary will sue 46 U.S. nationals for their alleged role in sanctioning Iran, Ali Baqeri, the secretary of Iran Judiciary Human Rights Bureau, said on Monday. "With the collaboration of relevant bodies, including the Intelligence Ministry, 46 American people were identified to be sued by the prosecutor general of Tehran for their role in exerting oppressive anti-Iran sanctions," Baqeri was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency. The judiciary will respond to the "hostile and criminal" measures of the United States over its sanctions, he stressed. Mukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance Industries said a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will inject Rs 5,512.5 crore into its retail division, becoming the latest marquee name to join a rush of global investors. The investment by ADIA in Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) in exchange for a 1.2 percent stake values the company, Indias largest retailer, at a pre-money equity value of Rs 4.285 lakh crore. RRVL has now raised a combined Rs 37,710 crore from leading global investors such as Silver Lake, KKR, General Atlantic, Mubadala, GIC, TPG and ADIA in less than four weeks, RIL said in a statement on October 6. Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, said, We are delighted with ADIAs current investment and continued support and hope to benefit from its strong track record of over four decades of value creation globally. The investment by ADIA is a further endorsement of Reliance Retails performance and potential and the inclusive and transformational New Commerce business model that it is rolling out. Reliance Retail, a subsidiary of RRVL, operates India's largest, fastest growing and most profitable retail business serving close to 640 million footfalls across its nearly 12,000 stores nationwide. Oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries has been diversifying its business and shoring up its retail presence ahead of a big-bang listing. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, it pushed the grocery business heavily and also launched JioMart, rivalling the likes of Amazon and Walmart backed Flipkart. Recently, it also made a foray into online pharmacy and acquired a majority stake in Netmeds for Rs 620 crore. Established in 1976, ADIA is a globally-diversified investment institution that invests funds on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government through a strategy focused on long-term value creation. ADIA has invested in private equity since 1989 and has built a significant internal team of specialists with experience across asset products, geographies and sectors. Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, executive director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, said, Reliance Retail has rapidly established itself as one of the leading retail businesses in India and, by leveraging both its physical and digital supply chains, is strongly positioned for further growth. This investment is consistent with our strategy of investing in market leading businesses in Asia linked to the regions consumption-driven growth and rapid technological advancement. The transaction is subject to regulatory and other customary approvals.Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Reliance Retail and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Davis Polk & Wardwell acted as legal counsels. Disclosure: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. TCN News President of the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), Ahsan Khan condemned the recent Uttar Pradesh governments mishandling of the Hathras rape case that has sparked outrage in the country. Support TwoCircles Through an official statement, Khan expressed that the Uttar Pradesh government led by Adityanath should be ashamed that it failed to protect the girl. He highlighted how this is not an isolated incident, as another Dalit woman, aged 22, was raped few hundred miles away from Hathras and that more than 500 Dalit women were raped in UP under Adityanath regime in 2019. IAMCs official release came after The Wire reported that the Yogi government had denied rape and instead had ordered the girls family to undergo narco and polygraph test along with the perpetrators. IAMC expressed concern on the way police barricaded the village and barred leaders from meeting the 19-year-old Dalit victims family, showing how insecure Adityanaths government is. Khan also objected to the police action of locking the victims family in a room and cremating her body without their consent, resonating that the perpetrators of the brutal act belong to the same caste as Adityanath hence giving a clue as to why his government failed to protect the girl and why he is yet to ensure swift justice in the case. He raised questions on police response in the case and accused Adiyanath of sanctioning police brutality on the victims family to provide impunity to the state police in killing members of Muslim and lower caste in illegal encounters. Speaking about the current handling of the Hathras case, Khan concluded that There is no distinction if the police is the protector or the oppressor of the people it is supposed to protect. Mohammed Jawad, national general secretary of the IAMC extended his fury over the governments response stating that the Yogi administration is bent on focussing less on the Hathras crime and its perpetrators and more on the alleged conspiracy to push the state into a caste turmoil. It would be naive and preposterous to expect him to ensure justice, said IAMC, demanding that the Modi government must step in to ensure justice to the aggrieved family as Yogis state regime has refused to accept that the Dalit girl was raped, despite medical and legal experts confirming the crime. A Mississauga man has been charged with second-degree murder after his wife was found dead inside their family home following a disturbance Tuesday morning. Police said a woman in her 50s was found inside the home on Galbraith Drive near Winston Churchill Boulevard and Highway 403 with obvious signs of trauma. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The couples adult daughter was also inside the home at the time of what police called an isolated domestic-related incident, said Peel Regional Police Const. Kyle Villers. Police have identified the victim as 53-year-old Belynda Kerelchuk, of Mississauga. Police received a call regarding the disturbance inside the home at around 6:30 a.m. We did receive a call from inside the residence regarding the disturbance, Villers told media Tuesday afternoon. There was an older teenager inside the residence at the time of the incident. She was not injured. Villers said the trauma to the womans body seem to indicate that some form of struggle occurred within the residence. He said the cause of the disturbance is still unknown. Police did not disclose if any weapons were involved. Police did not initially release the victims name out of respect for the family and everything theyve gone through, Villers said Tuesday. Police have charged Stephen Kerelchuk, 53, of Mississauga with second-degree murder. Police are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them. Domestic violence calls have more than doubled in the last five years in Peel Region, according to police statistics. Occurrences for intimate partner disputes rose from 5,107 in 2014 to 10,818 last year. Darian Hailey Henderson-Bellman was shot dead in July, allegedly by her former boyfriend Darnell Reid, who was on bail at the time. Henderson-Bellmans July 28 death is the third homicide in Peel Region this year in which a current or former partner, or a family member has been charged. There were 13 such homicides in the area last year. The rise in domestic homicides last year prompted Peel police to launch a Family and Intimate Partner Violence pilot project earlier this year, police say. The pilot project has a specialized team with seven investigators, who take over probes from uniformed officers. Police also increased outreach to ethnic groups in languages such as Punjabi, Urdu, Mandarin and Arabic. In the wake of Henderson-Bellmans death, Sharon Floyd, executive director of Interim Place, which runs two Mississauga womens shelters, told the Star less than six per cent of clients facing violence report their cases to police. Peel has registered 14 homicides to date. There were 31 homicides in that jurisdiction last year. Jason Miller is a Toronto-based reporter for the Star covering crime and justice in the Peel Region. His reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. Reach him on email: jasonmiller@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @millermotionpic Read more about: Leading bedding manufacturers and vendors have been asked to get behind British wool and support the fibre as a sustainable bedding product. The sheep sector is celebrating the start of Wool Week (5 October - 18), and farmers are calling on politicians and green activists to back British wool. The annual event aims to put a spotlight on wools natural performance qualities and ecological benefits. A new, long-term market for the fibre is being sought as wool prices have fallen substantially below the price of shearing for many producers. Now calls have been made for bedding manufacturers to support the product, as its properties are 'perfect' for bedding and duvets. The Welsh Conservatives Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Janet Finch-Saunders has written to numerous bedding firms asking them to use wool. Ms Finch-Sauders said: When you examine the virtues of Welsh wool, its properties are perfect for bedding and duvets. The natural fibres are crimped, and when tightly packed together, form millions of tiny pockets of air. "This unique structure allows it to absorb and release moisture without compromising its thermal efficiency." She noted that wool was not known to cause allergies, adding that the fibre was also anti-bacteria. "At the end of its useful life, this fibre can also be returned to the soil where it can decompose, releasing valuable nutrients into the ground. "It takes only a very short time to break down when compared to most synthetics," she said. She has written to a variety of leading bedding manufacturers and vendors to ask that they actively promote Welsh Wool as a sustainable bedding product: "With their support, Welsh wool can play an instrumental role in the sustainable bedding industry. Last month, Ms Finch-Saunders launched her Welsh Wool Pledge which urged the Welsh government to consider making the use of wool mandatory when furnishing public buildings. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has commenced a mission to tout and lay bare the Akufo-Addo-led governments achievements in the cocoa industry, some two months to the December general elections. According to the party, President Akufo-Addo has demonstrated high level leadership in the cocoa sector, far better than the erstwhile Mahama administration. Addressing the media in Accra on October 5, 2020, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Communications Director of the NPP said the president, together with the Ghana Cocoa Board have built a self-sustaining cocoa sector with substantive reforms since the NPP took over the helm of affairs in January 2017. He said, President Akufo-Addo has demonstrated better understanding of the needs of the country and the direction in which to take in order to meet those needs. Cocoa sector is another area where the president has demonstrated strong leadership and initiative leading to the creation and sustenance of the first ever African-inspired International Community pricing support system Buaben Asamoa noted amongst other things that under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama, unfettered acts of corruption affected the progress and productivity in the cocoa sector. A situation which he wittingly claimed even affected cocoa leaves. This means that through the sustained and uncompromising joint efforts of President Akufo-Addo and the Ivorian leader, our partners are now preferred on an additional income through the US premium ., he explained. 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 Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, Jaf Momoh, on Tuesday advocated routine screening for breast cancer on women, saying that early detection guarantees 100 per cent cure. Mr Momoh said this during the commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Day, organised by Breast Imaging Society of Nigeria (BISON), National Hospital branch in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Breast Cancer Awareness Month is marked in countries across the world every October, which helps to increase awareness and support for early detection and treatment, as well as palliative care of the disease. The theme of the 2020 Breast Cancer Awareness day is Go Pink Day, Save a breast, save a life. The CMD explained that early detection of the diseases still remained the best way to control breast cancer, noting that if detected early, with adequate diagnosis and treatment, there was a good chance of being cured. This is a disease that we know that if diagnosed early is 100 per cent curable as currently there was no sufficient knowledge on the causes of the diseases. If you want to stem down these diseases as early as possible, routine screening is what we must encourage all women, whether young or old, to undertake. We will therefore encourage and support any department that comes up with a programme that is in the best interest of our patients, he said. The chief medical director encouraged BISON to continue in their effort in creating awareness to the public on breast cancer as well as their service to humanity. Similarly, Feyisayo Daji, the Consultant Radiologist and Head of Department Radiologist Department, National Hospital Abuja, recommended that individuals above 40 years of age should go for routine mammogram screening every two years. She advised those of lower age to undergo breast ultrasound, while those above 50 years should screen yearly and regularly undertake self-breast examination. Mrs Daji further advised women to at all-times to check for changes in the breast, nipple discharge, lump, skin texture, swelling and discoloration. She urged women to visit the hospital, if any of the symptoms is detected. The consultant said the breast cancer awareness day was also to show and support patients with breast cancer, saying the disease is not a death sentence. Mrs Daji advised Nigerians not to believe religious and traditional myths associated with cancer, adding that such always delay patients presentations at the hospital. The President, Association of Radiologist, Jimoh Kamaldeen, solicited for the support of men in the fight against breast cancer. Mr Kamaldeen advised men to support women financially, emotionally and psychologically by encouraging them to go for breast cancer screening, revealing that women established with breast cancer need financial, emotional, psychological support mostly from government, organisations, families and concerned citizens. Most of the women you see die because of lack of support that alone takes a toll on the women folks than the disease itself. If we continue to do this, we will be able to stem the tide, he said. Mercy David, a 34-year old cancer patient at the National Hospital, said being a victim of breast cancer was not a death sentence for her, saying that there is still hope for her to be healed and live a normal life. As many that are having this disease, dont look down on yourself and dont say this sickness will kill me because it is the thinking and stigma that kill faster. I encourage everyone going through this difficult time to believe in themselves, the experts and medication, she said. (NAN) Street sellers and traders in the Tamale Central Constituency have expressed their deepest gratitude to the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Tamale Central Constituency, Dr Ibrahim Anyars for setting up a trade fund to support businesses. According to the traders, the Tamalepreneurship (TPS) Fund is a timely intervention and will go a long way to make them more financially dependent and secured. On Saturday 3rd October 2020, Dr Anyars launched the Tamaleprenuership (TPS) Fund as one of his flagship programs designed to support innovation in entrepreneurship for the people of Tamale Central Constituency. The TPS fund will provide support for start-ups to grow and help create more jobs in the constituency. Through my NGO, The Repairer Foundation I have invested Two Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis as seed money for the Fund. The seed money is the first step in raising support from partners, individuals, corporate bodies, and organizations to the tune of 1 million Ghana Cedis in few years, Dr Anyars revealed during the launch. He further added that his loan facility knows only businesses, not party colours. With the established commitment to creating jobs for the youth, the NPP government, under the leadership of His Excellency the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has subscribed to the goal of securing the future of youth through job creation. As the Chief Executive Officer for NABCO, one of the government projects aimed at equipping graduate youth with employable skills, Dr Ibrahim Anyars has proven to be a true nation builder not just on the professional paper, but through his noble act of selfless sacrifice. Present at the event was Lawyer Amma Dwumah CEO SIC Life Savings and Loans, Hon. Salifu Saeed the Northern Regional Minister, Dr Fred Asamoah CEO of COTVET, Dr Sulemana Alhassan Anamzoya CEO Northern Development Authority, Dr Sulemana Abdulai Development Specialist, Regional Coordinators of NABCO, Emmanuel Ansah Amprofi COO of Trotro Tractor, members of hairdressers and beautician association, smock weavers association, People Living with Disability, market women, tailors and seamstresses, young graduates, youth groups, street sellers, NPP council of elders and many others. Harish Murali By Express News Service CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday censured the Chennai city corporation for blocking houses of COVID-19 patients in the city by raising tin sheets without any scientific evidence. A division bench of the Madras High Court raised several queries on the practice and directed the Chennai Corporation Commissioner to appear before it by November 10 to explain the reasons. The two-member bench of justices M Sathyanarayana and R Hemalatha issued the directives based on the plea filed by R Priyanka, an advocate who sought better facilities in all the COVID-19 care centres managed by the city corporation. According to the petitioner, her husband GE Balaji, who tested positive with mildly symptomatic conditions in August, was soon quarantined in a facility at Guru Nanak College. Although he had only mild fever with no co-morbidities, the corporation confined him to the facility, she added. "Though our house had five rooms, the sanitary inspector who visited the house had already made his assumptions and filled the forms by himself and blocked the house with tin sheets," argued the petitioner. Recording the submissions made by the petitioner, the court asked the counsel for the city corporation to explain the rationale behind such a move. The bench wondered under what guidelines such tin sheets are being placed in front of houses of the patients. Justice Sathyanarayana also said that when he tested positive for the virus, not a single corporation official turned up. The corporation counsel sought time to file a detailed report on the queries raised. The judges issued notices to the Chennai district collector, Health and Family Welfare Department and the Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner. The judges asked each of them to file individual status reports on the plea and also directed the Chennai Corporation Commissioner to appear before it to explain the reasons for raising tin sheets. Thousands of students demonstrated last Thursday in several Greek cities, including Athens and Thessaloniki, against the right-wing Greek New Democracy (ND) governments criminal handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The mask is not the only protectionspend money on education! And We are not costs, we are the future! were some of the slogans chanted and displayed on banners. Along with the protests, general assemblies and protest actions were organised at schools. Students demonstrate on 1 October, 2020, for measures to protect them from the coronavirus and for higher spending on education.(Source : Facebook/COVID-19 Solidarity/Menoume energoi ) Since the homicidal reopening of schools two weeks ago, students, with the support of parents and teachers, have been fighting against the attempt to force them back into dilapidated school buildings, where they face the deadly threat of the coronavirus without adequate protection. According to the Education Ministry, 141 schools have either been partially or fully closed due to coronavirus outbreaks. Hundreds more schools have been occupied by students. Pupils are demanding much smaller classes with a maximum of 15 students, more teachers and cleaners, shorter lesson times, the use of additional buildings, as well as safe, affordable and regularly-operating transportation. Growing numbers of students are participating in the protests. Universities are supposed to open over the coming days in spite of rapidly increasing coronavirus figures in Greece. On Monday, students occupied the president's office at Aristotiles University in Thessaloniki to demand safety measures, including restrictions on numbers of students, the making available of additional buildings and lecture halls, free coronavirus testing, and the hiring of more teaching staff and cleaners. The readiness of the students to fight has taken the government by surprise. Hundreds of the 700 schools originally occupied remain under occupation. The government is attempting to suppress the movement with brutal force so that it does not spread to the entire working class. They are not only relying on media propaganda and right-wing agitation to do this, but are also employing blackmail and physical violence. At the central rally in Syntagma Square, the police fired tear gas at the students and arrested two demonstrators, aged 17 and 20. In addition, a new order from the Education Ministry, introducing compulsory online classes for all schools currently under occupation, came into force on Thursday. The lesson hours missed out on due to school occupations are to be performed on Saturdays, public holidays, and on field days. ND Education Minister Niki Kerameus went a step further on the day of the demonstrations. She announced that all students involved in school occupations would be excluded from the online classes and marked as having missed class. These missed classes would be included in the behavioural evaluation of the students' report cards, even though this behavioural evaluation was ruled in September to be in violation of data protection and the constitution. The repressive measures could result in students not being allowed to move on to the next year of their education. After a student misses more than 114 hours of class time, secondary school students in Greece (including the gymnasium classes 7 to 9 and lyceum classes 10 to 12) have to repeat a year. Kerameus intends to use head teachers at schools to identify and denounce the most active students. She stated, Every head teacher has a good idea of which students are disrupting in-person classes. Reports revealed that in Chania on the island of Crete, the police wrote to schools demanding detailed information about the students involved in the occupations, as well as details on their legal guardians. Police officers are using ruthless violence against students. Police units have been sent to occupied schools on numerous occasions. The Greek Facebook page COVID-19 Solidarity (Menoume energoiWe will stay active) reported on a case last week at the 46th lyceum in the Athens district of Exarcheia, where students were attacked by the police as they tried to hang a banner in their school. The students were chased around the school on Asklipiou and Ippokratous streets by plainclothes officers and members of the special OPKE unit. The students were beaten by the police and told us that they were forced to go to the police station under threat of weapons being deployed against them. There they were held for two hours, without their legal guardians being informed, stated the Facebook post. This frontal attack by the government and its police thugs has been met with widespread outrage and anger. The students have vowed to continue the occupations and hold online general assemblies. The student coordinating committees, which organised student protest actions prior to the pandemic, have called for further protests on Wednesday and Friday. Xanthos Germanakos, a member of the Athens student coordinating committee and a lyceum student in the Pirama district near the capital, told an interview on the ANT1 television channel last Friday that the police's actions were totally unacceptable. We will not tolerate the repression and terrorising, he added. At his school, 125 students out of the 170 who attended the general assembly voted in favour of the occupation. He rejected the media propaganda against the school occupiers and stressed, Every young person has the right and the duty to society to fight for his and his family's health, as well as education at a high level. Due to the catastrophic social conditions facing many families in Greece, the students are demanding substantial investments in schools and the education system, instead of just a transition to online learning. As is well known, 30 percent of students don't have internet access, but the ministry just ignores this, noted Germanakos. It is not the students, but the government that is withholding the students' right to an education. A banner from the students stating, The mask is not the only protection, spend money on education! (source: Facebook /COVID-19 Solidarity/Menoume energoi ) While the students remain unintimidated and are bravely demanding their rights, the trade unions are desperately seeking for ways to bring the situation under control. The secondary school teachers union, OLME, has announced it will strike between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and refuse to participate in online classes. This is above all a response to the angry mood among teachers. The trade unions are attempting to contain the mounting opposition and block a broader mobilisation against the government's deadly reopening policy. A revealing example of OLME's right-wing orientation was the interview given by its president, Theodoros Tsouchlos, to the right-wing extremist journalist and ND parliamentary deputy Konstantinos Bogdanos. Bogdanos previously denounced the students as snakes and described the occupations as illegal. This time around, he accused the students of criminality and violence. Tsouchlos, who is a member of ND's trade union wing, DAKE, praised Bogdanos as an excellent sociologist, graduate of the Panteion University, and member of parliament from whom he hoped to receive support in solving the problems of school occupations. Tsouchlos insisted that OLME's main concern was ensuring schools stayed open. However, the government's measures would require teachers to carry out surveillance on students. Tsouchlos fears this could trigger more resistance and is pushing for an end to the protests. We should ensure classes for students so that the whole situation can calm down. At the end of the interview, he admitted that OLME opposes the school occupations, and said the union had been waiting to hold talks with Kerameus for two weeks. Only if OLME is involved in talks could it play a positive role in reaching solutions to the situation said Tsouchlos. The references to a positive role and a solution can mean only one thing: OLME is ready to suppress and control the protests so that they don't spread like wildfire and draw the working class into struggle. The fact that Tsouchlos talks extensively with the right-wing extremist Bogdanos and even appeals for his help and advice speaks volumes about the trade unions and the organisations affiliated with them, including the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and pseudo-left Syriza. The youth organisations of these parties are seeking to win influence in the protests so they can confine them to an entirely nationalist outlook. Although opposition to the deadly return to school and work is growing everywhere, the unions are not calling for a Europe-wide general strike or making appeals to students and workers around the world. The publications of the sister organisations of the KKE and Syriza across Europe have remained just as silent about the occupations as their bourgeois counterparts. And we know why that is the case. Parties like Podemos in Spain and the Left Party in Germany are themselves involved in reopening schools and workplaces so that the capitalist economy can keep running. They fear nothing more than a revolution from below, which would endanger the privileges and interests of the middle class for whom they speak. Students at schools and universities, and workers must draw the necessary lessons from these experiences. They can only wage their struggles for safe conditions at schools and workplaces, and against social inequality and war independently of and in opposition to the trade unions and pseudo-left parties. They must arm themselves with an internationalist and socialist programme and fight for the overthrow of the capitalist system. In Greece in particular, the pandemic has brought to the surface and accelerated the social decline of recent decades. In the public education sector, 20,000 jobs were eliminated and the budget was cut by 27 percent. This onslaught has resulted in the devastation of schools and impoverishment of families. One particularly extreme example is a school in Heraklion, Crete, with 100 disabled children, which has been occupied by parents. They are protesting against the catastrophic conditions in the building, which was only intended as a temporary solution but has been home to the school for 10 years. Maria Merkoulidi, one of the mother's affected, told television channel Mega TV, These are third world conditions. Our children are expected to go to school in a building without building permission, without heating and with no infrastructure for disabled people. Every winter, there is a flood in the building and the school has to close because the electricity is inadequate and there is a risk of electric shocks. And the roof leaks. The mother explained how the coronavirus has worsened the situation. But as the students have repeatedly emphasised in their protests, the government is not spending billions on education and health care, but in rearmament and war. It has announced the purchase of 16 Rafale fighter jets from France for almost 4 billion, and is stepping up its threats against Turkey. In addition, military service is to be extended to 10 months and the age for service reduced to 18 years. Last week, Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos presented a new agreement with the United States that will strengthen NATO's Souda base on Crete. The deal was supported by votes not only from ND and Kinal, the former social democrats, but also Syriza, which prepared the ground for the agreement with the Trump administration when it was in power from 2015-19. During Syrizas period in government, the US navy's activities on Crete grew significantly. The base plays a key logistical and geopolitical role for NATO operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, where the war danger continues to mount. Other news: In the final days of the census, Chicago-area outreach workers struggle against apathy and distrust: The reason people are hard to count is because they dont trust the system, said state Rep. La Shawn Ford, who has been involved in census efforts on the West Side of Chicago. People dont believe they should participate because our communities suffer, and they believe they are never going to spend the money on our neighborhoods anyways. Yet the push continues with federal funding at stake for the next decade and Illinois at risk of losing as many as two seats in Congress if the records show the head count has shrunk more dramatically than expected. The Tribunes Sophie Sherry and Jessica Villagomez have the full story here. D uring the lockdown the pace of life for nearly all of us slowed, offering us time and space to reflect on the beauty of the natural world, and on what really matters in our lives. The disappearance of traffic from our roads gave us a glimpse of how clear the air can be, how riotous the birdsong, how rich with wildflowers road verges left unmown. We were reawakened amidst the unfurling of a spring that seemed especially vibrant this year to the central importance of wild nature in our lives. But just when we find ourselves most in need of nature, we find the natural fabric of our country catastrophically depleted. The UK now ranks amongst the most nature impoverished nations on Earth. Most of us, happy to find a solitary robin serenading us from the windowsill, arent able truly to grasp quite how bereft of wildlife our country has become. Weve lost countless species altogether, and those that do remain exist in isolated, often tiny fragments of remnant nature, largely thanks to the care of a handful of dedicated nature-friendly farmers and conservation organisations. Personal accounts from earlier centuries describe meadows and woodland glades carpeted in wildflowers and hedgerows and woodland thronged with songbirds. Thats why rewilding has captured the public imagination. It offers a route, for the first time, to meaningful, landscape-scale nature restoration; a way to start reversing the losses. Across much of Britain, especially in our upland landscapes, intensive farming is simply not viable without subsidies. The environmental cost of trying to make it work has been catastrophic. Millions of sheep have almost entirely stripped hills and valleys of their green mantle. With the exception of small pockets, trees, scrub, wildflowers, birdsong are largely absent. People think of our National Parks as havens for wild nature, but sadly they are not. Often there is less wildlife inside them than in surrounding areas. Quite simply, we have lost our wild places. Covid reawakened a yearning for wild nature but we need to change the way we treat our ecosystem Seen in this light, Boriss pledge to restore and protect nature across 30% of Britain is significant. Environmentalists suggest that just 10% of Britain currently is in a decent natural state. Britain doesnt have the vast publicly-owned lands enjoyed by other countries. Our landscapes have been farmed for millennia. So how do we go about fixing nature here? Well, native long-horn cattle, like their wild predecessors the aurochs and bison, are a keystone species in our ecosystem, sculpting dynamic wood-pasture mosaics that are some of the richest habitats for nature in Britain. The key is for the Governments flagship new Environmental Land Management Scheme to reward farmers in our remoter landscapes for moving away from intensive livestock to the extensive grazing of native cattle. Recently I visited the Pennines, as bleak a landscape as youll find anywhere in Britain, until you arrive at a place called Geltsdale, where the tenant farmer decided ten years ago to swap his intensive sheep enterprise for a herd of native long-horn cattle. The family that farms Geltsdale had observed how the land had become what some nature-lovers have described as a green desert. Managing several thousand sheep had been hard, relentless work, and there was no longer a decent living to be made in that kind of intensive upland sheep farming anyway. So this family decided to do something new, selling off the sheep, and switching to traditional, native cattle. Now Geltsdale is painted in technicolour, amid a landscape that remains black and white. It is as if the hills and valleys here are reawakening after a long sleep. The landscape is dotted not only with beautiful, shaggy longhorn cattle, but also with emergent hawthorn, dog rose and blackthorn scrub. Little rowan, birch, oak and trees of all kinds are popping up through the grass everywhere, and a small river fringed with the fresh growth of willow, aspen and alder babbles through a valley-bottom vivid with wildflowers. Amidst the melancholic call of curlews wheeling overhead, a sound that has all but disappeared from much of Britain, the birdsong from one patch of scrub at Geltsdale to the next is cacophonous. The place just teems with life in a way that is quite different to most of upland Britain. Another key element in returning landscapes to abundant nature is the reintroduction of species which have often been missing for centuries. Already beavers are now breathing life back into river systems in Devon, white storks are wheeling over Sussex and white-tailed eagles are dive-bombing bass on the Solent. Calls are even growing for the return of the mysterious lynx. But handled clumsily as I have discovered personally such reintroductions can backfire! Given most of us living in towns and cities, why stop at nature restoration in our remote national parks? Why not aspire to thriving nature everywhere, in and around our towns and cities and along our streams and rivers? The Wildlife Trusts are calling for a new planning designation: the Wild Belt, which will create corridors of nature right to our doorsteps. In a famous quote AJP Taylor said When we peer into the future we see the past. Geltsdale offers a glimpse not only of a past steeped in tradition and rich natural abundance, but of a future in which a wilder way of farming breathes new life Britains remoter landscapes. Lawyers for E. Jean Carroll, who accused Donald Trump of raping her in a department store dressing room 24 years ago, argued that the president cannot use his job as a shield from the advice columnist's defamation suit in a new court filing. 'Only in a world gone mad could it somehow be presidential, not personal, for Trump to slander a woman who he sexually assaulted,' Carroll's lawyers wrote in a Manhattan federal court filing viewed by DailyMail.com on Monday. 'There is not a single person in the United States - not the President and not anyone else - whose job description includes slandering women who they sexually assaulted.' The filing was in response to a Justice Department's attempt to substitute the US as the defendant in Carroll's suit, which alleges that Trump defamed her in 2019 when she came forward to accuse him of sexually assaulting her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in New York City in 1996. Lawyers for E. Jean Carroll (left), who accused Donald Trump (right) of raping her in a department store dressing room 24 years ago, argued that the president cannot use his job as a shield from the advice columnist's defamation suit in a new court filing The DOJ sought the substitution last month, arguing that courts have recognized that elected officials 'act within the scope of their office or employment when speaking with the press, including with respect to personal matters'. The move would put taxpayers on the hook for any potential payout in a lawsuit seeking damages and a retraction of the statements. Carroll's lawyers, Roberta Kaplan and Joshua Matz, asked a judge to refuse the DOJ's request to replace Trump as the defendant or force it to prove that defaming Carroll three times in June 2019 with a 'slew of lies' was part of his job. They wrote that the defamatory attacks included assertions that Carroll had falsely accused other men of rape, that she lied about him to advance a secret political conspiracy and sell books and that he had never met her even though they'd been photographed together. The lawyers noted that Trump also had said: 'She's not my type.' Trump claimed that he had never met Carroll, but the advice columnist and author submitted photographic evidence that they had in the lawsuit. The photo above shows Trump and first wife Ivana (left and right) with Carroll and her then-husband John Johnson (center) Kaplan and Matz's argument centered around the assertion that the Federal Torts Claims Act, a statute that assumes liability for the wrongful acts of government employees and was cited by the DOJ in its request, does not apply to the president. 'The bottom line is that the President enjoys absolute immunity from damages claims based on conduct within the outer perimeter of his official responsibilities, but is not shielded by the FTCA for tortious acts committed within the scope of his employment,' the filing states. Furthermore, they argued that Trump was not acting within the scope of his employment when he defamed Carroll. 'Trump acted for decidedly personal reasons unrelated to furthering any interests of the United States,' the lawyers wrote. 'Moreover, it is inconceivable that Trump's employersa.k.a., the American peopleexpect his job to include viciously defaming a woman he sexually assaulted. 'In asserting otherwise, the Justice Department opines that elected officials always act within the scope of their office when speaking with the press, even about personal matters.' The filing also asserts that the DOJ's attempt to substitute the US as defendant and move the case from state to federal court was part of a pattern of maneuvers designed to delay progression of the case, including Carroll's effort to get a DNA sample from Trump to see if it matches male genetic material on a dress she says she wore the day of the alleged attack. A spokesperson for Trump lawyer Marc Kasowitz and the Justice Department did not immediately return requests for comment. Above is an excerpt from the motion filed by Carroll's lawyers in federal court on Monday Carroll's lawyers said Trump's legal team is attempting to delay progression of the case, including Carroll's effort to get a DNA sample from Trump to see if it matches male genetic material on a dress she says she wore the day of the alleged attack (pictured) Carroll, who was a longtime Elle magazine advice columnist until being fired last December amid her legal battle with Trump, first aired her rape allegation in her book What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal in July 2019. She wrote in the memoir, which had an excerpt featured in New York Magazine, that it happened after they ran into each other at the store and Trump recognized her from her column. After asking her to help him pick out a gift for a woman, Carroll said he took her to the lingerie department and asked her to try on an item he chose. Then, Carroll said Trump shoved her against a wall, unzipped his pants and forcibly penetrated her in an attack she claims lasted three minutes. Carroll detailed her allegations against Trump in New York magazine, appearing on the cover (pictured) in the very same coat dress that she claims she was wearing on that day in the Fall of 1995 or Spring of 1996 when Trump allegedly assaulted her Trump said Carroll was 'totally lying' to sell a memoir and that he'd never met her, though a 1987 photo showed them and their then-spouses at a social event. He said it just captured a moment when he was standing in a line. 'She is trying to sell a new book - that should indicate her motivation,' he said in one of various statements on the matter, adding that the book 'should be sold in the fiction section'. Carroll is trying to get a DNA sample from Trump to see whether it matches as-yet-unidentified male genetic material found on a dress that she says she was wearing during the alleged attack and didn't don again until a photo shoot last year. 'The dress has been tested. We have the results. My attorney @kaplanrobbie has served notice to @realDonaldTrump's attorney to submit a sample of Trump's DNA,' Carroll tweeted in January. A lab report taken on the black wool coat-styled dress found DNA on the sleeves mixed with at least four people, including one man. Carroll's suit seeks damages and a retraction of Trump's statements, saying they hurt her career and reputation. Trump's legal team has repeatedly tried - and failed - to have the suit dismissed, arguing that Carroll's rape allegation is false and that the president did not defame her. Read the full Monday filing from Carroll's lawyers: By PTI NEW DELHI: The process for procuring two VVIP aircraft, over whose acquisition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Modi government on Tuesday, had begun under the UPA government, and the current dispensation has only brought it to a logical conclusion, government sources said. They noted that the exercise had begun in 2011 and an Inter-Ministerial Group submitted its recommendations in 2012 after meeting for 10 times. Taking a swipe at Gandhi, they said like most other initiatives of the Congress-led UPA government, he perhaps wants to "disown" this procurement too. During his campaign in Punjab against the farm reform laws, the Congress leader accused the prime minister of "wasting" thousands of crores of rupees on the aircraft. When he was asked about the BJP's criticism of him for using a cushion to sit in a tractor, he said the prime minister's 'Air India One' did not just have a cushion but a whole lot of luxury beds for his comfort. "Why don't you question them about this," Gandhi asked the media. In a swipe at the Congress leader, the government sources said he is entitled to his "disregard" for the UPA government but not entitled to his own facts. They added the two aircraft are not the prime minister's aircraft as Gandhi dubbed them and but they will be used for other VVIPs. These aircraft belong to the Indian Air Force and not the prime minister, the sources said. Sharing the chronology of the process of their acquisition, a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) which met on the direction of Group of Ministers (GOM) in 2011, had decided that an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) would examine the available options for long term arrangement of VVIP aircraft. The IMG recommended two options: convert an existing B777 ER, or use one of the new ones that were ordered by Air India but yet to be delivered, the sources said. The Cabinet Secretariat also recommended transfer of the aircraft to the Indian Air Force in August, 2013. The Modi government has only brought that process to its logical conclusion, they added. They noted that the aircraft used for the VVIP travel till now, the famed Air India jumbo jets, are more than 25 years old. Not only are they incapable of long, trans-Atlantic flights, forcing halt enroute for refuelling and replenishment purposes, they are also fuel guzzlers of "epic proportions", they said. A custom-made B777 aircraft, which will be used to fly the president, vice president and prime minister, arrived in Delhi from the US on last week. Another custom-made B777 plane for the travel of VVIPs is likely to be received from Boeing during a later date. Officials said the total cost of purchase and retrofitting the two planes has been estimated to be around Rs 8,400 crore. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - The Burkinabe Army has rescued a non-commissioned officer from the Water and Forests service of Niger, kidnapped since March 2020 by terrorists, the army announced in its weekly bulletin By PTI NEW DELHI: A journalists' organisation has moved the Supreme Court against the arrest of a scribe by UP Police in Mathura while he was on way to Hathras, home to a Dalit woman who died after being allegedly gang-raped by four upper-caste men. The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has filed a habeas corpus petition in the top court against the arrest of the journalist, Sidhique Kappan. Terming the arrest as illegal and unconstitutional, the journalists' body has filed the petition seeking his immediate production and release from "illegal detention". The Uttar Pradesh police had on Monday said it has arrested four people having links with the Popular Front of India and its affiliate in Mathura. The PFI had been accused of funding protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act across the country earlier this year and the UP police had sought a ban on the outfit. The police had identified the arrested persons as Siddique from Malappuram, Atiq-ur Rehman from Muzaffarnagar, Masood Ahmed from Bahraich and Alam from Rampur. Hours after the arrest, the prominent journalist body of Kerala identified Malappuram native Siddique by his full name as Siddique Kappan, saying he is "a senior Delhi-based journalist. The plea states that the arrest was made in violation of the mandatory guidelines laid down by apex court and with the sole intention of obstructing the discharge of duty by a journalist. The petition alleged that family members or the colleagues have not been informed of the arrest of his arrest. Hathras has been in the news following the death of a 19-year-old Dalit woman who was allegedly gang-raped on September 14 in a village in the district. Her cremation at night by the authorities, allegedly without the parents' consent, has triggered widespread outrage. Ending days of intense speculation, the National Democratic Alliance on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for Bihar assembly polls under which Janata Dal-United will contest on 122 seats and Bharatiya Janata Party 121 out of a total of 243 seats. IMAGE: JD-U president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with BJP senior leader and Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi during a press conference ahead of Bihar assembly election, in Patna, on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI Photo BJP backed to the hilt Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as its leader in the state and rebuffed a rebellious Chirag Paswan, while acknowledging his Lok Janshakti Party as an ally 'at the Centre'. At a press conference which was attended by top leaders of the JD-U headed by Kumar and the BJP, it was made clear that 'only those who accept the chief ministers leadership will be deemed to be a part of the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar'. The two parties have settled for a formula wherein each constituent gets almost an equal number of seats and misgivings about the BJP changing its mind post-polls in the event of a better strike rate than the JD-U were summarily dispelled. "We have agreed to a formula under which the JD-U has got 122 seats and the remaining 121 have gone to the BJP. "The JD-U will part with seven from its quota to accommodate Hindustani Awam Morcha. The BJP will accommodate Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), the new entrant in the NDA, Kumar said. In the outgoing assembly, Rashtriya Janata Dal was the largest party with 73 MLAs followed by JD-U 69, BJP (54), Congress (23), Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist (3), LJP (2), HAM and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen of Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi one each and Independent (5). A total of 12 seats are vacant. Incidentally, HAM, led by former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, had on the previous day made public the names of candidates for the seven seats it will fight. Manjhi himself will be seeking re-election from Imamganj (reserved SC) seat in Gaya district. VIP, floated a couple of years ago by former Bollywood set designer Mukesh Sahni, was with the opposition Grand Alliance till last week. Sahni announced an abrupt exit in protest against 'backstabbing' by RJD, which helms the opposition coalition, and its de facto leader Tejashwi Yadav. His entry into the NDA followed his visit to New Delhi over the weekend during which he is said to have been in talks with top leaders of the BJP. The crowded press conference was held nearly two hours after a marathon meeting held at the Chief Ministers official residence which was attended by top leaders of the BJP, including its national general secretary in-charge for the state Bhupendra Yadav, election in-charge Devendra Fadnavis and state president Sanjay Jaiswal. After the meeting was over, Jaiswal appeared at a media centre set up by the party at a city hotel to give a soundbite, less than a minute long, wherein he reaffirmed the NDAs full support to Nitish Kumar. Notably, the saffron party's cryptic silence over the belligerence of LJP chief Chirag Paswan, who had been taking potshots at the JD-U chief for quite some time and openly revolted against him a couple of days ago, is said to have raised suspicions in the JD-U camp. The BJP, on its part, is said to have grown uncomfortable with Paswan's talk of helping formation of a government headed by the saffron party besides his insistence on using the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and slogans seeking to drive a wedge between BJP and JD-U. The saffron party is also said to have been riled by a development earlier in the day when Rajendra Singh, a senior BJP leader from Bihar with deep roots in the Sangh Parivar, was inducted by Chirag into the LJP at New Delhi. Expressing rejoice over the development, Chirag had announced that Singh will be fielded from Dinara constituency in Rohtas district, from where the JD-U has fielded sitting MLA and minister Jai Kumar Singh. Kumar, as well as Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and Sanjay Jaiswal both of whom spoke on the BJP's behalf expressed their fondness for Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan who had founded the LJP, but sought to make light of his sons antics. "Did Ram Vilas Paswan become a Rajya Sabha member without the JD-U's support?" asked Kumar in response to a query about Chirag's allegation that the chief minister's party never gave allies their due. "I believe in doing my job. I wish to take forward the growth trajectory that began under my stewardship 15 years ago.....I do not have anything to say about inconsequential things which some people may utter to derive some pleasure", Kumar said dismissively, seeking to attach little importance to Chirag's agenda of Bihar First Bihari First. The 37-year-old LJP president has sought to pit his agenda against 'saat nishchay' (seven resolves) programme of the Chief Minister. Journalists present at the press conference also posed a question about whether the BJP will insist on having its own chief minister if it performed better than the JD-U in the October-November polls. Speculations in this regard have grown strong since the Lok Sabha polls of last year wherein both BJP and JD-U contested 17 seats each and the former won all but the latter settled with all but one. "Please be rest assured. Nitish Kumar will be our chief minister irrespective of which party gets how many seats," Sushil Kumar Modi said in reply to the question. Asked whether the LJP would cease to be a part of the NDA following the developments in Bihar, Sushil Modi replied cryptically 'as Sanjay Jaiswal has already said, LJP is our ally at the Centre'. BJP releases first list for Bihar polls, names 27 candidates The BJP on Tuesday released its first list of 27 candidates for the three-phase Bihar assembly polls, starting from October 28. The names include international shooter Shreyasi Singh from Jamui constituency and former MP Hari Manjhi from Bodhgaya. Singh, daughter of former union minister Digvijay Singh, had joined the saffron party on Sunday. All the candidates are for the election's first phase in which 71 seats of the 243-member assembly will go to polls. The list of candidates include three ministers in the Nitish Kumar's cabinet-Prem Kumar, Ram Narayan Mandal and Vijay Kumar Sinha. The BJP has named Munni Devi from Shahpur assembly seat in the Buxar district. There was speculation in the media that former Bihar Director General of police Gupteshwar Pandey, who took VRS and later joined the JD-U, will enter into fray from this seat. Former state minister and the RJD's old timer Raghvendra Pratap Singh finds place in the BJP's list from his traditional Barhara constituency in the Bhojpur district. Singh was denied ticket by Lalu Prasad's party in 2015 elections despite being a sitting member of the assembly. The RJD had given ticket to Saroj Yadav, who won the seat in the previous election. Following its 300,000 sales milestone last August, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the local authorized distributor for the Japanese commercial vehicle maker, announced that they have numerous promotions and other activities lined up till end of the 2020. First off is the 300K Thank You Big Discount Promo. This promo, slated to run until December 31, will provide customers an added P30,000 discount to D-MAX RZ4E and TRAVIZ S that would increase the total discount to P180,000 and P130,000 respectively, while other variants still enjoy the current discount offering. Isuzu 300k Aside from that, Isuzu buyers shall also receive free Shell GO+ welcome kit with fuel cards courtesy of Isuzus official fuel partner. IPC will also run a parts-and-service promo, dubbed as Drive the 300K promo. Valid until October 31, all Isuzu vehicles with odometer readings between 300,000 and 310,000 kilometers will automatically enjoy a 30-percent discount on parts and labor. Further, frontliners with out-of-warranty Isuzu vehicles may avail the Arigato Frontliners promo, wherein a quick-change oil service in any Isuzu dealer would only cost P1,700. The promo period is from October 1 to December 31, 2020. Isuzu 300k promo Further, to touch base with loyal Isuzu owners and their families, IPC will hold a virtual meet/hangout with the three biggest and most active owners clubs, namely the Mu-X Owners Philippines on October 10, Team ICE (Isuzu Car Enthusiast) on October 17, and Team Isuzu Pilipinas on October 24. While the threat of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic continues, IPC intends to continue to help medical frontliners by donating medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical facemasks and gloves to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, and the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro. isuzu 300k promo Since March, the company has been lending vehicles to different hospitals to service frontliners as part of their Isuzu Kasama Mo campaign. Charitable institutions like Philippines Red Cross and Caritas Manila are also regular beneficiaries of their drive to donate PPEs and medical supplies. Story continues In August, IPC achieved its 300,000-unit sales when the Isuzu Leyte dealership concluded the sale of an Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E pickup. Thus, in the course of 24 years since IPC began operations in 1996 up until the end of August 2020, a total of 300,133 units have been sold. Breakdown of which as follows: AUV, 113,475; Pick-up, 64,245; SUV, 63,669; and Trucks, 58,744. Photo/s from Isuzu Philippines Corporation Also read: Here is the upcoming Isuzu D-Max Boondock 4x4 Isuzu PH, Dealers Bring More Vehicles for Frontliners, Deliver Goods Isuzu PH Powers BFP Modernization program In the upcoming Nov. 3 Missouri City City Council election, incumbent Vashaundra Edwards is challenged by Reginald Pearson in the race for the Position 1 At-Large council seat. We invited both candidates to participate in survey covering some of the most challenging election issues via email. Note: Vashaundra Edwards did not respond to our invitation. What issues do you consider the most crucial ones facing the city in the next 12 months? What future measures would you propose or support to address these issues? Reginald Pearson: As a former Councilmember and a P&Z Commissioner. I would say ensuring a continuance of Economic Development/Redevelopment and financial sustainability. With the lingering impacts of Covid-19 on our residents, particularly our businesses. I would say that getting our city to be even more resilient financially sustainable is imperative. Measures for making us better on the other side include: ensuring companies and businesses see us as open for business and not anti- development for all areas of our city; making sure that all of our small businesses have access to federal, state and local resources; continuing to solidify our fund balance while also finding ways to reduce waste and unnecessary expenditures and playing on our strengths. Proximately to Beltway 8, the Ports and the Houston Medical District to boost our distribution and manufacturing sectors. We should also follow the roadmap for redevelopment in our Economic Development Plan. One of my other priorities would be to address the concerns of the citizens in the most recent survey and I would also look at the most recent study on infrastructure. Streets we are a 60 + year old city and the recent study shows that we have streets in need of repair and or complete replacement. As an AT-Large Councilmember I will. We cant keep kicking the can down the streets on aged infrastructure. On HoustonChronicle.com: It's not about us': New generation seeks police, school reforms in Fort Bend What future measures would you support or propose to increase transparency and accountability to voters? Reginald Pearson: Missouri City has previously had a longstanding commitment to transparency and accountability which is affirmed through the State of Texas Comptrollers office. But we can do more. I would support an Ethics Commission that is made up of Missouri City citizens., employees and officials. Having sat on the Planning& Zoning Commission here in Missouri City. I understand how useful these types are Commissions are. I propose taking the mystery out of government and have regular updates on whats going on in our city. On HoustonChronicle.com: Missouri City Council OKs new $1.7M business incentive program for Texas Parkway corridor area The city council recently approved a $1.7 million economic incentive package as part of next years budget. The specific guidelines for the program, which city leaders said is intended to help minority and women-owned businesses in the Texas Parkway and Cartwright Corridor, have not been yet defined. What measure(s) would you support or propose for this program? Reginald Pearson: It is too early to say, however I am concerned that Council voted on an incentive without meat on the bones, criteria or requirements. Good fiscal stewardship would have called for that. Small businesses are the engine to our economy, not just nationally but locally as well. The plans laid out spoke of a revolving loan program. Not being a part of the budget. I would support measures that would limit the loan administration costs and puts more of those dollars in the hands of the business owners. I would also, support a selection-criteria that is fair, free of bias and mitigates against possible defaults. If elected, would you support a charter change measure that would allow Missouri City to adopt a strong mayor form of government? Reginald Pearson: No, I would not support a charter change adopting a strong mayor form of government. For cities our size and larger, most of those cities are council forms of government. Our citizens, through this form of government allows them to have multiple elected voices advocating on their behalf and a professionally trained City Manager. Influencers and special interest would be minimized. On HoustonChronicle.com: Candidates for Missouri City Council At-Large Position 2 speak out Is there anything else youd like to share with our readers? Reginald Pearson: Missouri City can do better. We should have representation that listens to the people. After all we are elected by the people. I have been a resident and tax paying citizen of Missouri for over 25 years and having been appointed to the Planning & Zoning commission in 2016 and while in my 2nd two - year term I was appointed to become the Councilmember for District A. I currently serve on the Campus Based Leadership Team at Thurgood Marshall High School. I also currently serve as the HOA President of my subdivision 5 years. I am also a member of the Fountain of Praise for the past 23 years where I serve as a Deacon. I understand how important it is to govern in a transparent and accountable manner. Send me back to City Hall with your concerns in hand for a brighter tomorrow. Vote Reginald Pearson for the At-Large, Position #1. knix@hcnonline.com Bexar County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday reaffirming an earlier commitment to build 26.2 miles of trails connecting to the city of San Antonios greenway trails network. County leaders said theyll look at priorities in April for construction of up to eight trail projects totaling $83.5 million as part of the countys $240 million package of river and creek ecosystem restoration projects and other improvements that commissioners supported in March as a long-range commitment before the COVID-19 pandemic put the economy on a downward spiral. The citys Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System, which envisions 180 miles of creek-side trails, has about 70 miles built and another 39 miles in design, construction or land acquisition phases. But the funding for that program, generated from a 1/8-cent city sales tax, is expected to run out in mid-2022, leaving the citys program in limbo with another 71 miles to be built. Trails in the countys program, developed in coordination with the San Antonio River Authority, would connect with the citys network. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases Commissioners authorized county staff and SARA to update cost estimates, set priorities and perform an economic impact analysis for the program, including an outlook on jobs creation, and report back to Commissioners Court in April. County officials hope by then to know how the county is doing financially, based on property tax revenues and 2021 values. The resolution directs county staff to conduct a thorough financial analysis including revised economic forecasts and present funding options. But commissioners also repeated concerns they raised in March about other spending priorities for other areas, including hospitals, housing, roads and youth centers. Commissioners asked staff to include an assessment of the countys overall needs and funding capacity in its April update. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said county leaders will know more in April about what capacity we have to support greenway trails, augmenting the city program, which has been popular in the community as a means of promoting health, recreation and environmental protection. There will probably be some other issues that will be raised. But this is an important one, Wolff said. Commissioners also approved a $1.5 million contract with the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for a one-year pilot program to address 911 mental health related calls in unincorporated areas more effectively, by responding with a trained multidisciplinary team to divert individuals experiencing a mental health crisis away from outcomes that land them in jail. The teams are composed of a licensed mental health care professional, peer support specialist, paramedic and specially trained mental health law enforcement officer, according to the agreement. The program took effect Monday, and is being developed and expanded. It seeks to reduce emergency calls, provide specialized care on-scene and limit use of law enforcement to detain people with mental illness. On ExpressNews.com: County takes steps to improve mental health calls The agreement says sheriffs deputies and other law enforcement will offer scene safety as well as last resort options of completing emergency detentions as needed. The county included the program in the fiscal 2021 budget in the wake of the Aug. 25 death of combat veteran Damian Lamar Daniels. Daniels was fatally shot by a sheriffs deputy while experiencing mental distress that prompted four calls to the Sheriffs Office in a span of 25 hours prior to the shooting. Prior to Daniels death, county officials had sought to provide therapeutic responses to non-violent individuals with mental health issues, as an alternative to putting them in jail, where several have died while awaiting a court hearing. Scott Huddleston covers Bexar County government and the Alamo for the San Antonio Express-News. To read more from Scott, become a subscriber. shuddleston@express-news.net | Twitter: @shuddlestonSA By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday extended by two years the mandate of investigators who have documented executions, disappearances and torture in Venezuela that they say may amount to crimes against humanity https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2671UQ. It condemned "widespread targeted repression and persecution" by security forces and called on the government of President Nicolas Maduro to cooperate with a preliminary examination opened by the International Criminal Court (ICC). "We continue to see new cases of arbitrary killings, torture and other serious violations of human rights in that country," said Silvia Elena Alfaro Espinosa, Peru's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, as she presented the resolution. Venezuela's ambassador Jorge Valero rejected the text, which was also backed by the European Union, as "a clear display of manipulation and politicisation of this Council". "President Maduro would like to ask the European Union are you going to continue with the battered, beaten, and failed script of Donald Trump against Venezuela?," Valero asked. The resolution was adopted with 22 countries in favour, three against (including Venezuela) and 22 abstentions (including Mexico). U.N. investigators, in a report in September, said that the Maduro government had committed systematic human rights violations. "The gravity of human rights violations, the erosion of rule of law and the dismantlement of democratic institutions in the country continue to merit the scrutiny of this Council," Germany's Ambassador Michael Freiherr von Ungern-Sternberg, speaking on behalf of the EU, told the Council. Brazil's Ambassador Maria Nazareth Farani Azevedo said that the U.N. findings had "renewed the hope for justice" among Venezuelans. "Of particular alarm is that many of these violations were planned, made widespread and systematic under the command of individuals at the highest levels. The goal being to hang onto power at all cost," she said. Earlier, the forum adopted a separate resolution brought by Iran and Syria on continuing U.N. technical cooperation with Venezuela on human rights. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; editing by Grant McCool) Four Nashville residents have been charged with assaulting a female clerk at a store in Cleveland, Tn., while stealing shoes. Last Thursday, Cleveland Police Department officers were dispatched to Rack Room Shoes at 300 Paul Huff Parkway in reference to a robbery. According to witnesses, one male and three females entered Rack Room Shoes, proceeded to the womens section, grabbed stacks of Timberland boots and put them into bags. The suspects made their way toward the exit, pushing a female employee who was trying to stop the theft from occurring. The employee was punched in the face by the male and then hit in the head with a box of shoes by one of the suspects. The suspects then got into a Nissan Altima and headed toward I-75 south. Officers in unmarked vehicles assigned to Cleveland Police Departments Crime Suppression Unit had contact with the vehicle on I-75 heading toward Hamilton County. Information was relayed to surrounding agencies, however, officers lost contact with the vehicle. Officers from neighboring agencies re-established contact, leading into a pursuit of the suspect vehicle. After a lengthy pursuit, the suspects were taken into custody. A portion of the stolen items were recovered. The suspects have been identified as Tavarus Crutcher, Mykia Crutcher, Desiree Logan and Rodera Butler. They have been charged with criminal conspiracy, theft over $1,000, and assault. Kolkata, Oct 6 : The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in West Bengal has arrested two persons in connection with the recent murder of BJP councillor Manish Shukla in Titagarh in North 24 Parganas district. "We have arrested two persons in connection with the case. More people are involved in the killing. The duo was picked from their residences in the district on Monday night," police sources said. Shukla was shot dead by bike-borne assailants on Sunday night on BT Road, barely few metres away from the local police station. Shukla was shot multiple times in the back and upper torso. Meanwhile, Shukla's father Chandramani Shukla on Tuesday lodged an FIR naming seven people, including two outgoing Mayors of the Barrackpore and Titagarh municipality, with the Titagarh police station. The FIR named Titagarh municipality's ex-Mayor Prasanta Chowdhury and Barrackpore municipality's outgoing Mayor Uttam Das as the masterminds behind the murder. Police sources said that Chandramani Shukla has lodged a written complaint against Chowdhury, Das and five others -- Md Kurram Khan, Bhola Prasad, Ranjit Pal, Arman Mondal and Bantul. Mesut Ozil handed Arsenal a dilemma by offering to dip into his own pocket to keep the man inside their Gunnersaurus mascot costume in a job while he remains at the club. Jerry Quy, who filled the role for 27 years alongside a series of other jobs around the club, lost his job as part of Arsenal's recent Covid-19-related cost-cutting drive. His position, which he has carried out since Gunnersaurus was introduced in 1993, was deemed no longer essential with games currently being played behind closed doors and no supporters to entertain. Mesut Ozil has offered to pay the salary of the man inside the Gunnersaurus costume after Arsenal axed the furry mascot as part of cost-cutting measures Ozil has offered to pay the salary of Jerry Quy for as long as he remains at the club Ozil pictured shaking hands with Gunnersaurus ahead of a match at the Emirates Stadium Arsenal's loveable mascot Gunnersaurus has been sacked after 27 years of service at the club Jerry Quy, who has played the role since 1993, has been let go as part of a cost-cutting process Arsenal fan Piers Morgan responded to the news, tweeting: 'Ozil finally puts a shift in' However Quy and Gunnersaurus were both hugely popular around the club and Ozil, whose contract runs out next summer, said: 'I was so sad that Jerry Quy aka our famous and loyal mascot and integral part of our club was made redundant after 27 years. 'As such, I'm offering to reimburse Arsenal with the full salary of our big green guy as long as I will be an Arsenal player so Jerry can continue his job that he loves so much.' News of his sacking has not gone down well. Just like the announcement of the 55 redundancies earlier in the summer, which came just before Willian joined on a deal worth up to 220,000-per-week, three-year deal, it has also been ill-timed. Details of Quy's exit emerged on transfer deadline day on Monday which ended with Arsenal activating Thomas Partey's 45m buyout clause and signing the midfielder on a 230,000-per-week four-year deal. Ozil's offer is intriguing and has put pressure on Arsenal to reinstate Quy. Holly Willoughby has joined the celebrities rallying support for mascot Gunnersaurus Comedian Jack Whitehall has also shown his support for the sacked Arsenal mascot online Piers Morgan had led the outcry against the decision, calling for a reversal of the decision And while some have also viewed it as a clever PR move the gesture was sincere and an example of a willingness to use his wealth to help those less fortunate that Ozil has displayed previously. Ozil and his wife Amine Gulse marked their wedding last year by announcing they were going to pay for 1000 children to have life-saving surgery. After winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany Ozil donated his winnings of around 250,000 to pay for 23 children from host country Brazil to have vital operations. Ozil is on 350,000-per-week but was among a small group of Arsenal players against taking take pay cuts while he awaited further details of the financial impact of the pandemic on the club, a stance that invited criticism. He is currently frozen out of manager Mikel Arteta's plans which has shone added spotlight on his earnings especially compared to his current contribution even if his omission is out of his hands. Though now he has emerged as a potential saviour of a well-liked figure and character with a gesture which will boost his image among Arsenal supporters and beyond. It is unclear if Arsenal would take up Ozil's offer. They insisted Gunnersaurus is due to return when supporters are allowed back in stadiums. Morgan has also been joined by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright in expressing his sadness What has yet to be decided is if it will be Quy or someone else inside the dinosaur costume. Celebrities including Holly Willoughby, Jack Whitehall and Piers Morgan joined the campaign to save Gunnersaurus earlier on Tuesday. Morgan responded to Ozil's tweet in humorous fashion, saying: 'BREAKING: Ozil finally puts a shift in.' In response, an Arsenal spokesperson insisted: 'Gunnersaurus is not extinct and will return to action when fans are allowed back at matches.' Morgan had led the outcry against the decision, calling for Arsenal to reconsider and pleading with boss Mikel Arteta and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to intervene. And he was joined by This Morning presenter Willoughby and comedian Whitehall in trying to stop the mascot becoming 'extinct'. The Gunnersaurus suit has been at Quy's home since lockdown which led to a series of photos The mascot 'worked from home' like the rest of the nation during the Covid-19 lockdown Quy was a much loved figure with Arsenal fans and the decision is not likely to be popular Willoughby wrote on Instagram: ' Very very sad to hear the news that @officialgunnersaurus has been released by @arsenal. He was at my son Harry's 1st birthday and he's a hero in our house! 'He'll never be extinct in our eyes. Bring back Gunnersaurus!' Whitehall meanwhile added: 'The streets will never forget,' with a picture of the mascot while former Arsenal forward Ian Wright said: Terrible news. Love you Jerry. 'Surely Jerry comes back when the fans come back????,' Wright added. Good Morning Britain presenter Morgan also tweeted on Monday, saying 'You're going nowhere @Gunnersaurus. I refuse to let @Arsenal sack you. Come on @m8arteta @Aubameyang7 - this is not what our club is about. #savegunnersaurus,' he tweeted along with a series of angry emojis. Former Speaker of the House of Commons and fellow Gunners fan John Bercow also got behind the movement, appearing on a Good Morning Britain interview with a poster of the dinosaur mascot in the background. The mascot watched the Gunners' games from home with fans unable to attend matches The mascot has been a huge part of the club's journey including all of Arsene Wenger's reign Sevilla appeared to make a late deadline day swoop for the sacked mascot by tweeting a picture of Gunnersaurus in response to a post asking: 'Which player would you like your club to sign today?' After several hours of intense negotiations later and with little time to spare, Sevilla got their dinosaur - returning to Twitter to share a shot of Gunnersaurus dressed in a Sevilla shirt and cap. But they were not the only foreign club to express their support, with Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon quoting the famous Toy Story line 'You've got a friend in me @Gunnersaurus', with the picture of their mascot and Gunnersaurus. Intelligencer file photo The Edwardsville Branch NAACP and Fourward, an Edwardsville community group are cosponsoring voter registration drive-thru events. The final drive-thru event is from 4 to 6 p.m., today, Tuesday, at St. John United Methodist Church, 7372 Marine Road. The first two events took place on Sept. 29 and Oct. 3 at Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Churchs parking lot. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Investopedia ( www.investopedia.com ) announced the winners of its "2020 Best Robo-Advisors Awards," across eleven categories, based on an analysis of 51 parameters. This year's winners improved their platforms and added products to meet the increased demand brought by millions of new investors searching for returns, guidance, and stability during economic uncertainty amid the pandemic. The Investopedia Best Robo-Advisors Awards categories include Best Overall, Best for Beginners, Best for Sustainable Investing, and more. Top honorees include Wealthfront, Interactive Advisors, Betterment and M1. To see the complete list of winners and rankings by category, visit the Investopedia 2020 Best Robo-Advisors Awards page here . This year's winners provide excellent solutions in a time of market uncertainty. "It's a breakout year for robo-advisors as the volatility and uncertainty around the pandemic drove investors to look for platforms that helped them ride through the storm," said Caleb Silver, Investopedia's Editor-in-Chief. "Our reviews and rankings reflect the winners' abilities to offer solutions to guide their customers with helpful advice, useful products, and great technology." Theresa W. Carey, Investopedia's Brokerage and Investing Expert, who led the evaluation process for over 20 robo-advisor platforms, said: "We saw a push from robo-advisors to consolidate all of an investor's financial accounts in 2020, and given low returns in traditional savings and money market accounts, we put a special emphasis on robos' cash management capabilities." The winners of the Investopedia 2020 Best Robo-Advisors Awards are: Best Overall: Wealthfront Best for Beginners: Betterment Best for Low Costs: M1 Finance Best for Goal Setting: Wealthfront Best for Sustainable Investing: Interactive Advisors Best for Sophisticated Investors: M1 Finance Best for Portfolio Construction: Interactive Advisors Best for Cash Management: Betterment Best for Portfolio Management: Personal Capital Best for Education: Merrill Guided Investing Best for Mobile Experience: E*TRADE Core Portfolios About Investopedia Investopedia helps its more than 17 million monthly U.S. users (Comscore August 2020) learn how to understand complex financial concepts, improve their investing skills, and learn how to manage their money. Whether in a classroom, a boardroom or a living room, Investopedia editors and its network of financial advisors and experts have answered questions and earned readers' trust since 1999. Investopedia is part of the Dotdash family of brands. SOURCE Investopedia Related Links http://www.investopedia.com President Trump, who was diagnosed with the Wuhan virus on Thursday and sent to the hospital on Friday, returned to the White House on Monday evening, looking like his usual self. Upon his arrival, he gave a Twitter address to the American people. Although it's short, it may be one of the most important and powerful statements he's made as president. In it, Trump talks about a leader's role, and he urges the American people once again to live without fear. Here is President Trump's statement: The speech echoed a tweet the president had sent out shortly before leaving Walter Reed Medical Center: I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling really good! Dont be afraid of Covid. Dont let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2020 There is a chance that Trump will have a relapse. We can only hope and pray that he won't. Regardless of what happens, the principles that Trump espoused, both about leadership and living life without fear, are tremendously important. Since February, thanks in large part to Democrats hoping to drive Trump out of office by weaponizing the Wuhan virus, Americans have allowed the Wuhan virus to dominate every aspect of their lives. We've entered a form of purgatory, where we're just marking time until we finally, passively, get sent to some final destination, whatever the heck it might be. This attitude is utterly foreign to what America has been since its inception. Starting with the original thirteen colonies, America has been defined by its energy, enthusiasm, and courage. Collectively, we march bravely forward yet we've spent this year cowering. This needs to stop. At a certain point and the left is counting on this helplessness becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Because we believe ourselves helpless, we lose the will, desire, and skill to help ourselves. On Monday night, Tucker Carlson had as his guest Alex Berenson, who has been one of the loudest voices fighting the media's and the Democrat establishment's efforts to hype the horrors of the Wuhan virus. Rather than talk, again, about the virus, Berenson asked if he could comment on Trump's insistence that Americans should not let their fear of the Wuhan virus dominate them: "That might be the most presidential thing this president has ever said," Berenson began. "He's not actually saying 'Don't be afraid of Covid.' He's saying don't be afraid of one another. Because this is a respiratory virus. It spreads between people. And the only way to make it go away permanently is to lock us all away permanently. And that can't happen. That is not compatible with life." [snip] "Six months ago, even then, that response really didn't make sense but there were reasons for it," Berenson explained. "But we are six months on and we know that if you believe the [World Health Organization] and 750 million people have been infected with this, that the death rate is about 1 in 1000... if you believe in the CDC numbers, it might be 997... it is a tiny death rate. And we have gone crazy and we have sacrificed our kids and we have sacrificed society and Donald Trump walked out of that hospital today and said what needed to be said. We have to stop being so afraid of this." He continued, "This country- we put people on the moon! We're the first manned flight in 1903. What has happened to us that this rather dismal virus has scared everyone to death? I do not understand it and we have to get out of this." It's time for Americans to find a balance, one that allows them to live again without exposing themselves to undue risk. Indeed, young people need to get back into the world. We older folk can do so, too, provided that we scale our response to the risks we face. In the grand scheme of things, looking at pandemics that have swept through the world since recorded history began, this one is something we can handle. Image: President Trump back at the White House. Twitter screen grab. The seeds of thoughts Namak Haraam planted in my young head are the reason why it is on my list of films that set me thinking about cinema in ways that ultimately led me to my profession. (Editors Note: This is Part 4 of a series by film critic and consulting editor, Anna M.M. Vetticad) Diya jalte hai / phool khilte hai / Badi mushkil se magar duniya mein dost milte hai, Somu sings with his eyes twinkling and fixed firmly on Vickys face. (Lamps burn, flowers bloom, but it is hard to find friends in this world.) Vicky (Amitabh Bachchan) is filming Somu (Rajesh Khanna) as the song flows from his lips. When he lowers the camera, Somu winks, and still singing with eyes locked on Vicky, wanders over to a table to pick up food that he feeds his friend. Jab jis waqt kisi ka / yaar judaa hota hai / kuchh na poochho yaaron dil ka haal bura hota hai, he continues. (Whenever one is separated from a friend, dont ask about the terrible state of the heart.) Dil pe yaadon ke, jaise teer chalte hai. (The memories strike the heart like arrows.) Serious students of Hindi cinema would immediately recognise this scene. Hrishikesh Mukherjees Namak Haraam (1973) is, after all, iconic. Among other things, it is a watershed in both Khanna and Bachchans careers. For Khanna, the reigning superstar of the time, it marked the beginning of the end since it showcased to his disadvantage his screen presence versus Bachchans searing charisma in a year in which Prakash Mehras Zanjeer had already signalled his arrival as a box-office phenomenon. When I first watched Namak Haraam as a little girl in the 1980s, I knew none of this. Historians tend to record the beloved classic in these terms, and as a buddy flick about class conflict against a backdrop of the mill workers unions in 1970s Mumbai. The description is apt, but what branded the film on to my brain in my childhood was the possibility of an individual rising above his upbringing, conditioning and apathy to develop empathy for a people he once ignored. The seeds of thoughts Namak Haraam planted in my young head are the reason why it is on my list of films that set me thinking about cinema in ways that ultimately led me to my profession. Somu in Namak Haraam lives with his widowed mother (Durga Khote) a staple of 1970s cinema and unmarried sister. Vicky steers clear of his millionaire fathers business. Somus lower middle class family is of limited means and Vicky finances the day-to-day running of their home. The closeness of their bond is indicated by scenes in which they wear identical shirts, get jobs at the same firm, drink together, visit nautch girls and misbehave with their other patrons. That is, until circumstances force Vicky to work for his father. The turning point of the plot comes when the tempestuous Vicky insults the workers union chief Bipin Lal Pandey (A.K. Hangal), and his Dad advises him to apologise to the man with a long-term divide-and-rule strategy in mind. Unable to bear Vickys humiliation and tears, Somu goes undercover as a worker to win his colleagues trust and defeat Bipin Lal in the next union elections. However, when he witnesses the workers poverty and problems up close, he finds himself unable to return to his previous life and becomes a genuine advocate of their rights. In Vickys eyes, Somu thus becomes a namak haraam (traitor). Of all the films I have included in this series, Namak Haraam is the most flawed. For one, Somu and Vickys initial leeriness is given indulgent treatment by the director. Women have a token presence in the narrative in formulaic roles: dependent mother, dependent sister, nautch girl, love interest. Rekha plays the latter, a fussy creature whose relationship with Somu kicks off with a silly, contrived clash, the sort that was deemed mandatory at one time to spark off any man-woman romance in a Hindi film. Simi Garewals character at least got to have thoughts that went beyond her attraction towards a man: Nisha is the woman that Vickys Dad is trying to set him up with; Vicky sneers at her socialist values that he considers oxymoronic since she is a crorepatis daughter, but she is unwavering in her convictions however, she never gets to elaborate on her position and has barely any screen time. Mukherjee was a stalwart of middle-of-the-road Hindi cinema. That he had the workers welfare at heart in Namak Haraam is not in question, but the middle path he walked between larger-than-life commercial cinema and the stark realism of what was categorised as art cinema meant that the concerns of the poor were shown here to an extent that, while possibly making middle class and wealthy viewers uncomfortable, avoided the depth that could turn their discomfort into animosity. Towards this end perhaps, Namak Haraam does not discuss caste. And a question Vicky asks Bipin Lal while refusing to pay compensation to a worker injured in his factory did I stick his hand into that machine? is never fully addressed. Instead, monetary reparation for work-related accidents is positioned as a gesture the rich should extend to the poor out of a sense of duty (Bipin Lals choice of words), and the culpability of owners for faulty work conditions is never examined. Of course this does not mean that Namak Haraam should be brushed aside. It is a powerful film that served its intended purpose, using an entertaining format complete with song and dance to highlight two issues for a mass audience: economic conditions that make it impossible for hard-working blue-collar job holders to live with dignity and the governments responsibility to keep businesses in check. Vickys fathers suspicion of the middle class also offers a wonderful insight into real-life class divides and is a sample of fabulous writing (credits: story Mukherjee, screenplay Gulzar and D.N. Mukherjee, dialogues Gulzar). The middle class are a dangerous and untrustworthy lot, he explains, driven as they are on the one hand by aspiration, thus making them prone to betrayal, but on the other hand, by their conscience, thus making them prone to turning against the rich at any moment. Through all this, Namak Haraams fulcrum remains Vicky and Somus friendship. In a 2014 article I wrote on the history of LGBT+ portrayals in Bollywood, Ruth Vanita and Saleem Kidwai, co-editors of the book Same-Sex Love In India, cited the yaari-dosti films of that era as examples of coded messaging aimed at closeted members of the community and designed for a conservative audience that would not openly acknowledge their existence. Films that have come up in my discussions on the subject with several academics, activists and contemporary filmmakers over the years include Dosti (1964), Sangam (1964) with Raj Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar, Anand (1971) and Namak Haraam (1973), both starring Khanna and Bachchan, and Sholay (1975) with Bachchan-Dharmendra. Vanita said: Ive shown these films to my students here (at the University of Montana, the US), and all of them commented on the fact that the men are singing romantic songs to each other like Diye jalte hai and the songs from Dosti. If you played those songs without knowing that a man is singing to a man, it sounds like a man is singing to a woman. The way they look into each others eyes while singing, put food into each others mouths, all these gestures have meaning within the economy of cinema. My students say, and I agree, that in Hollywood you have the buddy movie but buddies dont behave in this intense romantic way. The intensity of the male bonding in those old-time yaari-dosti films could be attributed to multiple factors. First is Hindi cinemas penchant for over-statement combined with its inclination from the 1970s Bachchan era onwards to marginalise women and centralise men in every way possible. The homo-erotic undertones of these films cannot be ignored though, and it is just as likely that writers and directors of the time were quietly reaching out to gay men in the audience through unstated elements in their storylines. I have sometimes wondered, however, whether this view of such films does not also indicate a different form of conservatism: an inability to view any close relationship outside the lens of romance. An indicator of Mukherjees intent comes from watching British director Peter Glenvilles 1964 film Becket that inspired Namak Haraam. Becket is a fictionalised, factually inaccurate account of the relationship between two historical figures from 12th century Europe: King Henry II of England (played by Peter OToole) and his close friend turned foe, Thomas Becket (Richard Burton). Using his powers as the monarch, Henry names Becket the Archbishop of Canterbury in a bid to tighten his control over the Catholic Church. Becket had until then been unswervingly loyal to Henry, despite being one among the people conquered and oppressed by Henrys dynasty. The moment he gets his new title though, he starts acting solely in the interests of the Church, thus leading to a bitter rivalry between the two men. In terms of its main plotline, Becket is far removed from Namak Haraam. Until they split, for instance, Henry is shown to be extremely condescending towards Becket despite his fondness for him; this is unlike Vicky who does not display an iota of condescension towards Somu. Besides, Becket is well aware of the dishonour in his indifference to his own community. Somu is oblivious to the harshness of class inequity, and frankly, his ignorance reflects the contemporary discourse about such matters among upper-caste urban Indians who, firstly, equate caste with class, and second, insist that there is no caste system any more, at least among people like us. That said, Somus change of heart is a believable, gradual transition that results from exposure to a less privileged people, whereas Beckets transformation is abrupt and comes from an inexplicably sudden devotion to God and the Church. The telling parallel between Namak Haraam and Becket though comes from the personal equation between them. In Namak Haraam, Vicky and Somus emotions are a constant but never publicly expressed with a passion implying anything more than fealty to a friend and thus are never viewed with suspicion by a homophobic society. In Somus case there is a perfunctory romance with Rekhas Shama and some teasing, but he never looks at her with the warmth he reserves for Vicky. In Becket though, the extent of Henrys feelings for Thomas is revealed only after they fall out, there is a possibility that his love is unrequited, and the end of their friendship leads Henry married and a father to unravel in the presence of his courtiers, his family and the help, raging on and on about his love for Becket. Though a romantic interest is not clearly declared, during one particular rant his mother admonishes him for what she calls his unhealthy obsession with Becket. Later, almost wilting under a combination of rage, heartbreak and a bruised ego, Henry breaks down before a handful of courtiers, admitting that he loves Becket, shedding tears as he tells them that he is as useless as a woman. So long as he (Becket) is alive, I tremble, I shake. Though Henry in 12th century Europe could not explicitly articulate the A-Z of his sentiments, he could, within his royal circle, afford such an outlet, and a late 20th century Western film could afford to be more overt in its portrayal of Henry and Becket than Namak Haraam could be in 1970s India, where even the whisper of such a truth could destroy a man. Considering the nature of film censorship in India, the violent tendencies of conservative political parties and social hypocrisy, the likes of Mukherjee might have deemed it safest to have his hero gazing at his male friend and singing of memories striking at the heart like arrows while having nominal girlfriends on the periphery of the narrative. Either that, or this is an over-reading of Namak Haraam. Thats the thing about great cinema, of course: you can never stop thinking about it or trying to peel off the layers. Namak Haraam, intriguing, gripping and moving as it is, with its likeable cast, towering performances by Bachchan and Om Shivpuri (as Vickys father), an excellent soundtrack by R.D. Burman and lyrics by Anand Bakshi, is one of Mukherjees finest. ALSO READ: A notice at a local health clinic in Seoul announces a halt to the government's free flu vaccination program, Sept. 22, after a storage mishap. Korea Times file By Kim Se-jeong The government said Tuesday that it is planning to resume its free flu vaccination program on Oct. 12, as vaccines refrigerated improperly during transport in September turned out to be safe. "The test results and following consultations with experts made us conclude that the vaccines in question have no safety problems," Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), said during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. "We need additional meetings, but we now have the plan to resume the free shots program on Oct. 12. We will update you when we have more details to share." More than 5 million doses of the flu vaccine were exposed to room temperature on Sept. 21, which made the government halt the free vaccination program temporarily. The program later resumed partially for children up to 12 years old and pregnant women. Although the vaccines have been proven safe for the most part, Jeong said the authorities will still discard 480,000 doses as a precaution. An official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety explained details of the tests conducted and how the mishandling of the vaccines during transport took place. Contrary to what was previously known, not all affected vaccines were collected, the official said. Instead, samples were collected and tested to verify their safety, checking how much antigen protein was left and if they could still trigger an exothermic reaction. The test results showed most of them were fine, and others will be discarded. The investigators also looked into how long the vaccines were improperly stored at room temperature and found for 93 percent of delivery trucks, the average time of exposure was less than three hours. They also did a lab test to determine that flu vaccines exposed to 25 degrees Celsius for 24 hours were still fine. The ministry official also explained Shinsung Pharm and DL Pharma took care of the transport using many trucks and the affected vaccines were exposed to room temperature while being transferred to different trucks when they arrived in Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces and Jeju Island. It remains to be seen if Tuesday's announcement will alleviate public distrust of the flu shots amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the KDCA reported 75 new cases of COVID-19 for Monday, pushing up the total number of cases to 24,239, including 422 deaths. The daily total remained under 100 for the second consecutive day, although the quarantine authorities warned a sudden spike could happen at any time and that they will stay on alert. Among the 75, 14 were reported at a rehabilitation center in Uijeongbu, northern Gyeonggi Province, marking another local hotbed. Thirteen people were confirmed to have the virus after gathering in Bupyeong, Incheon, during the Chuseok holiday, along with seven others who contracted the virus after a family gathering during the long weekend in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province. The government said Tuesday it will soon decide the scope of social distancing rules for the period after Oct. 11. Tightened restrictions imposed for the Chuseok holiday will end that day. The National Police Agency (NPA) said it will repeat measures taken Oct. 3 to thwart a scheduled anti-government protest at Gwanghwamun in Seoul, Oct. 9. On Oct. 3, the police mobilized 10,000 officers and 300 police buses to block people from accessing the protest site. Also, the NPA set up almost 900 checkpoints within Seoul to randomly inspect vehicles, while subway trains did not stop at stations near the site to discourage protesters from using public transport. "We are happy to announce that the health of the president is decidedly better, the disease with which he was afflicted having assumed a more favorable aspect," a Washington newspaper reported. The president was William Henry Harrison, who had been sworn in on March 4, 1841. On the day the news article was published, April 1, 1841, Harrison actually was fighting for his life. Just as reports on President Donald Trump's condition and treatment for the coronavirus were incomplete and contradictory before his release Monday from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, so were the reports on Harrison's illness. The White House didn't issue public statements about Harrison's condition. The varying reports came from leaks to newspapers from people who had contacts in the White House. A common myth is that Harrison died because he caught a cold after giving the longest inauguration speech in history on a freezing and rainy day without wearing a coat and hat. He did give the longest inaugural speech ever - one hour and 45 minutes. But it wasn't raining. And he didn't come down sick until three weeks later. At age 68, Harrison, a general in the War of 1812, was America's oldest president to that point. (Trump is 74.) Harrison had just completed an exhausting presidential campaign and a long trip to Washington from his farm in Ohio. As president, he had to deal with the constant demands of job seekers, who in those days could barge right into the White House. But Harrison seemed fine until Wednesday, March 24, when he went on his daily sunrise walk to the local food markets without wearing a coat or hat. He got caught in a sudden rainstorm, but didn't change his wet clothes when he got back to the White House. Harrison's immune system already was weakened, making him vulnerable to germs. On Friday, he called a doctor. Harrison, who had once studied medicine, said he hadn't felt well for several days. But he told the physician he was feeling better after taking medicine for "fatigue and mental anxiety." The next day the doctor was called again and arrived to find Harrison in bed with a "severe chill" after another early morning walk. The doctor applied mustard plaster to the president's stomach and gave him a mild laxative. That afternoon Harrison was feeling better. Then at 4 a.m. on Sunday, the doctor was summoned again. Harrison had severe pain in his side. The physician started a typical remedy of the day, bleeding a patient. But he stopped when Harrison's pulse dropped. He applied heated "cups" to the president's skin to induce blisters and improve the blood flow. He gave the president castor oil and medicines to induce vomiting. He diagnosed Harrison as having pneumonia in the right lung. On Monday, a team of doctors was called in. Harrison was still in pain. The treatment this time expanded to include opium, a brandy toddy and an Indian remedy containing snakeweed. The public wasn't told anything about the president's illness, but word was starting to leak out. Finally, on Wednesday, March 31, the National Intelligencer newspaper in Washington reported, "Rumor having already spread the news of the indisposition of the President, it is deemed proper to say here" that his ailment was a severe pneumonia, "which we are gratified to learn, had, at a late hour last evening, been in a great measure subdued." The newspaper was wrong. By the next afternoon, Harrison was so weak that members of his Cabinet and family were summoned to be with him. The president's wife, Anna, was still in Ohio dealing with her own illness. On April 2, Harrison rallied, generating a new round of upbeat reports. The Baltimore Sun, however, reported that the president's illness "had assumed a much more dangerous character than the 'bulletins' and the Washington papers would have the public to understand." The Sun quoted a man who said, "I had a conversation a few minutes since with a gentleman direct from the president's house, and his information is anything but encouraging." The main worries were the president's age and fatigue. By this time, public concern was rising in Washington. "At the president's house the hall is crowded with citizens anxiously expecting intelligence of the president's condition," a reporter for the New York Commercial wrote. "I happened to be in the Central Market at an early hour this morning and noticed that the country people . . . were deeply distressed and many of them in tears," he wrote. "It was only one week ago last Saturday morning that General Harrison taking his morning walk passed through the market at sunrise with the elastic step of bright eyed manhood." On the evening of April 3, Harrison developed severe diarrhea and became delirious. About 8:30 p.m. he uttered his final words, which apparently were meant for Vice President John Tyler, who was at his home in Williamsburg, Va.: "Sir, I wish you to understand the true principles of government. I wish them carried out. I ask no more." Harrison died at 12:30 a.m., on April 4, 1841, after 31 days in office. It was Palm Sunday. He was the first president to die in office, setting off constitutional confusion about succession. The country was in shock. "A nation mourns its chief!" said the Baltimore Republican. "We have never seen such a universal gloom thrown over the people." Harrison's doctors reported the official cause of death as pneumonia. "The age and debility of the patient" made recovery impossible, they said. Debate soon arose about the medical treatment. In August, the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal - the forerunner to the New England Journal of Medicine - issued a report critical of Harrison's care. The report concluded that the doctors actually had only treated Harrison for a common winter cold instead of "insidious pneumonia." The report suggested that the president might had survived "had timely and active measures been used, instead of cups, mustard plasters" and powders. One newspaper put it more bluntly: Harrison's doctors had "quacked him out of existence." In 2014, Philip A. Mackowiak, in a book on medical mysteries, argued that Harrison died of a "deadly bacteria" contracted through the White House water supply, which may have been contaminated by raw sewage that flowed into the ground nearby. Whatever the cause, Harrison was dead, and Vice President John Tyler suddenly was the president. He was called "His Accidency." Dean of the School of Performing Arts of the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Kofi Agyekum, popularly known as Opanyin Agyekum has warned journalists in the country against giving wrong reports during the general elections on 7th December. Making a comment on this year's Presidential and Parliamentary elections, Opanyin Agyekum expressed worry about the media professionalism that is practiced in the nation. He postulated that the peace of the nation as it depends on the political party aspirants also primarily relies on the media, hence it is incumbent on media practitioners to give accurate reportage, come December. He advised the journalists to refrain from receiving kickbacks to influence their work. ''You must give accurate report without fear or favour; make sure what you tell the public is precisely what is happening on the field . . . It will not argur well for the nation should there be a case where media practitioners receive kickbacks to skew their reportage in favour of a candidate',' Prof. Kofi Agyekum said on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo''. He further counseled the aspirants who lose the elections to peacefully accept their defeat without causing mayhem. 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 ASCAP Lab Seed Project Together with New York City Media Lab (NYCML), The ASCAP Lab sponsored an 11-week open university challenge for graduate students and faculty in creative tech, music, design and technology. Five selected teams, all from NYU, engaged in early-stage R&D to explore new ways to create and experience music using emerging technologies such as spatial audio, computer vision and machine learning tools for object detection. Two of these teams, CHILLER and MADD by Team MiDi , will present their prototypes on Oct. 8 at this week's New York City Media Lab Summit . NYCML is a public/private partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation that connects media and technology companies with New York City's universities to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and talent development. CHILLER developed a tiny device that adds another dimension to the experience of music. Based on the small, low-cost Raspberry Pi computer, their Computer Human Interface for Live Labeling of Emotional Responses (CHILLER) can read the body's physical and emotional reactions to music (e.g. goosebumps), converting them into data that can then be leveraged in a multitude of ways by emerging technologies. LEDs light up when emotional reactions are detected and provide a new way for performers and audiences to interact, whether the performance is virtual, recorded or live in the same room. Using the 30-year-old keyboard-based MIDI input as a starting point, MADD by Team MiDi created a revolutionary new device for audio sampling and editing that features a 21st-century, user-friendly interface powered by a sensor that the team built from scratch. Compared with traditional keypad interfaces, the soft-surface sensor captures nuances in a user's touch, allowing for increased expressiveness and customization of sound. "Collaborating with these five incredible university teams and seeing them apply their imagination and ingenuity to the ASCAP Lab Seed Project has been inspiring," said Nick Lehman, ASCAP Chief Strategy and Digital Officer. "We're excited to nurture this type of emerging talent who will push the envelope of music creation tools and experiences to benefit ASCAP members and drive innovation in the music industry. We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated and to the NYC Media Lab for their partnership." A highlight video on all the ASCAP Lab seed project teams is available at https://youtu.be/rpoc-mVn7Gg. More information on the NYCML Summit is at https://www.nycmedialab.org/upcoming-events/summit2020 . Living Colour's Vernon Reid Joins as Artist in Residence The ASCAP Lab, which guides ASCAP's explorations of new technologies, business approaches and creative collaborations, welcomes Grammy-winning guitarist and songwriter Vernon Reid to the group as Artist in Residence. Reid is a solo artist and lead guitarist for renowned rock group Living Colour, who debuted to massive critical acclaim in 1988 with the album Vivid, including the Grammy-winning hit "Cult of Personality." The group would go on to release Time's Up (1990) and Stain (1993) before temporarily disbanding in 1995. Reid released his first solo record in 1996, Mistaken Identity, and has gone on to record and release albums with a variety of collaborators including DJ Logic and Masque. He is an active session artist and producer, including work on two Grammy-nominated albums: Papa (1999) by the African vocalist Salif Keita and Memphis Blood: The Sun Sessions (2001) by guitarist James "Blood" Ulmer. Reid continues to record and tour with Living Colour and appears on Bruce Hornsby's latest album, Non-Secure Connection. Reid will appear at the NYCML Summit on Friday, Oct. 9 in a keynote conversation with Brooke Eplee of The ASCAP Lab and finalists from The ASCAP Lab Seed Project. The panel, "A Musician's Perspective on Innovation and its Role in the Creative Process," will explore what's next in technology and music creation and experience. ASCAP Lab Speaker Series On October 15, ASCAP Lab will present "Can We Learn to Stop Worrying and Love AI?," a virtual session with Hod Lipson, artificial intelligence expert and Professor of Engineering and Data Science at Columbia University. Lipson will explain why, with a combination of increased investment, computing speed and more, we will soon enter an era of AI "chaos and amazement," and how this could affect the future of music. Registration for the free virtual session, which is open to ASCAP members, is available at https://bit.ly/3l7pDNa . Lipson is the second in a series of speakers presented by ASCAP Lab. Previously, ASCAP Lab hosted Daniel Belquer, Co-Founder and Chief Technologist of Music: Not Impossible, which is a wearable technology inspired by the deaf community that translates sound onto the skin through vibration to provide all users a unique and nuanced music experience. For more information on The ASCAP Lab, visit www.ascaplab.com . About ASCAP The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a professional membership organization of songwriters, composers and music publishers of every kind of music. ASCAP's mission is to license and promote the music of its members and foreign affiliates, obtain fair compensation for the public performance of their works and to distribute the royalties that it collects based upon those performances. ASCAP members write the world's best-loved music and ASCAP has pioneered the efficient licensing of that music to hundreds of thousands of enterprises who use it to add value to their business - from bars, restaurants and retail, to radio, TV and cable, to Internet, mobile services and more. The ASCAP license offers an efficient solution for businesses to legally perform ASCAP music while respecting the right of songwriters and composers to be paid fairly. With more than 775,000 members representing more than 11.5 million copyrighted works, ASCAP is the worldwide leader in performance royalties, service and advocacy for songwriters and composers, and the only American performing rights organization (PRO) owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. Learn more and stay in touch at www.ascap.com, on Twitter and Instagram @ASCAP and on Facebook. SOURCE ASCAP Related Links http://www.ascap.com An exhibition in Hanoi, displaying photos -- featuring the Vietnamese capital city between 1967 and 1975 -- taken by world-renowned German photographer Thomas Billhardt has already attracted a large number of visitors. The exhibition, co-organized by Goethe Institute, Camera Work, Nha Nam Publisher, and Manzi Art Space, is on display at the Manzi Exhibition Space at No. 2 Hang Bun Lane and at the Manzi Art Space at 14 Phan Huy Ich Street from October 3 to November 15. One hundred and 30 black-and-white and color photos taken during Billhardts trips to Vietnam between 1967 and 1975 provide viewers with an unfiltered view into the daily activities of local people in Hanoi. Photos taken during the American war in Vietnam in the late 1960s gave Billhardt world renown and critical recognition. Thomass photos held up a mirror to the world while strengthening hope. They tell stories of the worlds social inequalities, of poverty, of suffering, of war, but also of the life and laughter of the people who live in it, Wilfried Eckstein, director of Goethe-Institut, said during the opening ceremony of the exhibition on Saturday. People visit an exhibition featuring photos taken by German photographer Thomas Billhardt in Hanoi, October 3, 2020. Photo: Thien Dieu / Tuoi Tre Speaking via a live video during the event, Billhardt shared his experience with Vietnamese people at that time and his love for the country and Hanoi. On the occasion, the Goethe Institute and Nha Nam Publisher also announced the release of a photo book titled Hanoi 1967-1975, in addition to a series of talks and film screenings. Below are some notable images from the exhibition. A man carries a baby on a bicycle in Hanoi in this photo taken by German photographer Thomas Billhardt during the 1970s. The photo book titled Hanoi 1967-1975. Photo: Thien Dieu / Tuoi Tre A man cycles on a street in Hanoi in this photo taken by German photographer Thomas Billhardt during the 1970s. A woman and her son are seen in this photo taken in Hanoi by German photographer Thomas Billhardt during the 1970s. This photo taken by German photographer Thomas Billhardt in 1975 captures Hong Ly a girl in Hanoi. This photo taken by German photographer Thomas Billhardt during the 1967-75 period captures a girl after school. A man cycles past a propaganda wall painting in Hanoi in this photo taken by German photographer Thomas Billhardt during the 1967-75 period. German photographer Thomas Billhardt poses for a photo with Doan Trang the baby girl he captured in a photo in 1975 in 1999. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - Swedish telecom company Telia Co. (0H6X.L, TLSNY.PK) announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Polhem Infra for the sale of its international carrier business, Telia Carrier, for a value of 9.45 billion Swedish kronor on a cash and debt free basis. Telia also entered a long-term strategic partnership with Telia Carrier, securing continuous network solutions to Telia's customers. Further, Telia Board of Directors has decided to propose an additional dividend of 0.65 SEK/share, bringing the total dividend for 2019 back to 2.45 SEK/share which was originally proposed in January this year. Regarding the proposed sale of Telia Carrier, the deal is subject to regulatory approvals in, inter alia, the EU and the US, and is expected to be completed during the first half of 2021. As of September 30, the Telia Carrier operation will be regarded as assets held for sale in Telia Company's accounting. Telia noted that the change of ownership will enable Telia Carrier, with its 530 employees, would drive a level of investment in network development, services and customer care programs. The company said the majority of the proceeds from the sale will be used to strengthen balance sheet. In Stockholm, Telia shares were trading at 38.74 kronor, up 4.7 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Regulatory News: AKKA (Paris:AKA) (BSE:AKA) (ISIN:FR0004180537) announces that it has received all necessary regulatory approvals to proceed with its 200M reserved capital increase. The Board of Directors will therefore meet on 30 December 2020 to proceed with the Capital Increase under the authorised share capital regime and allow for the transaction to be finalised by the end of the financial year 2020. Terms and conditions of the Capital Increase Number of shares issued and amount of the capital increase: 8,888,889 shares will be issued for a gross amount of 200,000,002.50, including issue premium, corresponding to 39.8% of the Company's share capital and an issue price of 22.50 per share, including issue premium. Beneficiaries of the reserved offer, this reserved capital increase will be subscribed: up to 150M by Compagnie Nationale Portefeuille SA through Swilux S.A., a Luxembourg holding company wholly owned and controlled by. CNP is one of the two pillars of the Belgian Frere-Bourgeois Group, an investment group with family assets exclusively controlled by members of the Frere family and with net assets of ~5.5 billion; and up to 50M by the Ricci consortium bringing together certain members of the Ricci family (including their management companies): Mauro Ricci, Jean-Franck Ricci, Cecile Monnot, Benjamin Ricci, Charlotte Ricci, Nicolas Valtille (including his management company) and Nathalie Buhnemann (including her management company). Nature and characteristics of the new shares: the shares are of the same class as the Company's existing shares and bear current dividend rights. The rights attached to these new shares will be identical to those attached to the Company's existing shares. Admission to trading of the new shares on Euronext Paris and Euronext Brussels will be along the same lines as the existing AKKA TECHNOLOGIES shares (ISIN code FR0004180537), as soon as they are issued. Information for the public: in accordance with Article 3(3) of Regulation 2017/1129/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the new shares will be admitted to trading only after publication of a prospectus approved by the Autorite des Services et Marches Financiers (FSMA), and published within 90 days following the date of completion of the capital increase. The availability of the prospectus will be announced in due course. The announcement required by the related party rules was set out in the appendix of the press release issued 6 October 2020. WARNING This press release, and the information contained herein, does not constitute, and shall not be deemed to constitute, an offer to the public to sell or subscribe, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe, shares of AKKA Technologies SE in any country and is not intended to solicit the public interest in a public offering. The distribution of this press release may, in certain countries, be subject to specific regulations. Consequently, persons in such jurisdictions into which this press release is released, published or distributed must inform themselves and comply with such laws and regulations. About AKKA AKKA is the European leader in engineering consulting and R&D services in the mobility segment. As an innovation accelerator for its clients, AKKA supports leading industry players in the automotive, aerospace, rail and life sciences sectors throughout the life cycle of their products with cutting edge digital technologies (AI, ADAS, IoT, Big Data, robotics, embedded computing, machine learning, etc.). Founded in 1984, AKKA has a strong entrepreneurial culture and is pursuing its fast-paced growth and international development in line with its CLEAR 2022 strategic plan. With 22,000 employees, who are passionate about technology and dedicated to advancing the future of industry, the Group recorded revenues of 1.8 billion in 2019. Following the completion of the friendly take-over bid of Data Respons launched in January 2020, AKKA now holds 100% of the company's shares; with the success of this operation, AKKA leverages the most comprehensive portfolio of digital solutions in Europe to harness the growing demand from its customers in the mobility sector. AKKA Technologies is listed on Euronext Paris and Brussels Segment A ISIN code: FR0004180537. For more information, please visit www.akka-technologies.com Follow us on: twitter.com/AKKA_Tech Suivez-nous sur twitter.com/AKKA_Tech View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201223005404/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations Stephanie Bia Group Communications Investor Relations Director Tel: +33(0) 6 47 85 98 78 stephanie.bia@akka.eu FTI Consulting akka@fticonsulting.com Media Relations, France Emily Oliver Lea Truchetto Tel.: +33(0) 1 47 03 68 15 I flew 4,725 miles coast to coast last week during the coronavirus pandemic for a simple reason. I missed my mom. And she missed me. I had not seen her in nearly a year. I talk with her by phone every Sunday night, but there have been no Zoom or Skype video chats. She has never owned a computer or used the internet and she does not intend to start now. She will turn 89 in December and, although she is in good health, I did not want to wait another year to see her. My dad died three years ago at 88 and I am grateful for the quality time spent with him during visits out to Tacoma in his final years. Of course, I was worried about COVID-19 and commercial airline travel. I was not cavalier about the risks. I wrote in a previous column about the severe health problems I experienced in June that required four days of hospitalization and initially stumped physicians with lung symptoms that mirrored COVID-19. After five negative tests for the novel coronavirus, I was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. Antibiotics worked quickly and I made a speedy and full recovery. Would commercial airline travel put me at heightened risk for COVID-19? I read a lot of background material from many sources, including news articles and travel advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and New York state. The most helpful I found was from the MIT Medical website, which noted: At first thought, a narrow metal tube in which strangers are crammed together for hours might seem like a flying petri dish, especially during a pandemic ...While there are risks associated with flying, it may be safer than you think. The MIT experts went on to note that air quality in a commercial airliner is quite high, with the air volume in the cabin being completely refreshed every two to four minutes. It talked about a commercial jets high-efficient particulate air (HEPA) filters, similar to those used in hospitals, that filter out 99.9 percent of virus-sized particles. None of the sources said airline travel was without risks. I would mitigate them as much as I could. I was traveling to Washington state, where the reported cases of COVID-19 were considerably lower than New York state (outside New York City) in the past seven days and it was not on New Yorks quarantine list. I also paid more to fly Delta out and Alaska back because they block out all middle seats, allowing for better social distancing. Not all airlines do that. Also, I came armed with multiple high-quality face masks, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and a reporters street savvy. Let me give you a brief snapshot of what I encountered. Overall, it felt like the safest, cleanest and friendliest plane flight I have ever made between Albany and Seattle in the past 39 years. It felt a little like a flight I took not long after 9/11, which also felt safer, more vigilant and at peak quality-assurance. In the terminals, airline and TSA personnel all wear face coverings, latex gloves and are behind protective Plexiglass dividers. Every other seat is taped off in the airport waiting area, making for a six-foot spread between passengers. There were hand sanitizer stations every 50 yards. I did not see any passengers without a face mask. A couple cowboys and frat boys are still going with the bandana look, which is not smart. I saw a few people with full PPE, including plastic face shields and gloves. The TSA agent makes you pull down your mask when checking your drivers license photo. Passengers have never seemed kinder and gentler. Being wary has that effect, I suppose. There was no crowding at the security checkpoint, no puddling up in pre-boarding and no scrum for overhead bins. Both Delta and Alaska loaded from the back of the plane first, which always made more logical sense to me and even more so with COVID-19. Also, both flights I took were about 30 percent full, which meant no tussles for overhead bins. The planes get disinfected after each flight. They never felt or looked cleaner. The cabin crews were especially courteous and handed out hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes along with single-serve water, soda and bag of snack mix. No alcohol is served or allowed, except in first-class. Thats a bad optic. I saw flight attendants tell passengers to pull their face mask over their nose if they were seen not wearing it properly. Nobody was allowed on the plane if they werent wearing a mask. In Tacoma, just being able to hug my mom made it all worthwhile. We both wore masks. I tilted my head off to the side and held her close. She seems tinier every time I see her. She felt like a sparrow in my arms. I savored that hug. Nominate your favorite people and places now Its the 25th anniversary of our Best of the Capital Region readers survey. Nominate your favorite people, places and businesses between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. The visit struck a deep chord of feeling grounded. I was like a salmon returning to its native stream. As I jogged through Point Defiance Park, etched by sunlight filtering through a canopy of tall cedar and fir trees, I ran past tangled mounds of wild blackberry bushes. I was too late for blackberry season, a staple of childhood summers spent at our beach cabin on the Puget Sound. Most all the blackberries were gone, picked by people or eaten by birds and deer. The few overripe ones that clung to vines had mildewed after days of hard rain. A favorite summer childhood memory was picking wild blackberries with my mom. I would bring a small bowl along with her large pail and we would hike the steep hillside behind the cabin where the hot August sun ripened the berries into thumb-sized marvels. We worked until our arms were scratched and fingers were stained a deep purple, like printers ink. My mom made delicious blackberry pies, cobbler and blackberry jam. I had accepted the fact that I was not going to be able to savor any wild blackberries on this late-September visit. At the end of my run, I began a long, slow trudge up a steep roadway out of the park. Exhausted after six miles, I slowed to a shuffle and finally stopped to walk. Off to the left, I noticed a blackberry bush cascading over a wooden fence. I spied a few clusters of ripe berries. I stepped in, pulled off a beautiful blackberry and popped it in my mouth. It was bursting with a sublimely sweet and tart flavor, a taste of the Pacific Northwest. Deep, happy remembrances of boyhood came flooding back with every gulp. Here was my madeleine de Proust. I wolfed down a couple handfuls. My hands were blotched with blackberry stains. I was in no hurry to wash them off. Paul Grondahl is the director of the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany and a former Times Union reporter. He can be reached at grondahlpaul@gmail.com Voters will head to the polls, or have to have their ballots mailed, by Nov. 3 to select a president, U.S. representatives and the state Legislature. For those who choose to vote in person, some locations have changed. Below, we offer a map and database of polling locations for the 2020 general election in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, Lancaster, Perry and York counties. Some of these locations are to-be-determined, and the list will be updated as changes are made. It is current as of Oct. 1. To find out what your voting district, precinct and/or ward is, click here. If you are unable to see either embed, please click here for the database and here for the map. PennLive also offers a complete voters guide to this election. Follow this link to the voters guide and learn more about the candidates. Online editorial board endorsement meetings begin today via Facebook Live. You can see the full schedule here. Plenty of Engadget staffers are already well-acquainted with working from home, but it took on a whole new meaning in 2020. Now, instead of an occasional perk, it became the new normal. So, some of us took the opportunity to make our WFH lives a little easier, either by purchasing new office furniture or simply a fun little gadget. Here are just a few of them. Elgato Key Light Elgato Key Light My apartment is best described as dingy. I don't mind writing in complete darkness, but there are other parts of my job -- product shoots, livestreams and podcast recordings -- that demand a brighter and generally more professional setup. So I ended up buying Elgato's Key Light, an expensive (roughly $200) but popular solution used by countless YouTubers and streamers. It sits on a single clamp arm that can be adjusted to various heights and angles, minimizing clutter on my desk and kitchen-table-turned-photography-studio. The square-ish panel, meanwhile, contains 160 powerful LEDs, and you can fine-tune their brightness and color temperature through a companion app. The light has made a huge difference to the clarity of my shots and takes up less space than a traditional photography softbox. I wish there were physical controls, because sometimes the app will 'forget' the light exists and force me to go through the pairing setup again. Otherwise, though, the software is great for fine-tuning the brightness and temperature. I also like that you can buy more Elgato lights -- including a smaller but cheaper (roughly $130 Key Light Air) -- and control them all independently through the same portal. That means you can easily set up a two or three-point lighting system for even better-looking calls and streams. Nick Summers, Senior Editor Buy Elgato Key Light at Amazon - $199 Purple Double Seat Cushion Purple Double I had initially purchased the $99 Purple Double Seat cushion to help boost my sitting height, but I kept using it even after I bought a new standing desk. After all, I do still spend a significant amount of time on my rear end, and when I do, I want to be comfortable. The Double Seat cushion has the same rubberized comfort grid found on the companys mattresses, which I find gives great support without adding any extra pressure to my lower back. It can be used on either soft or hard surfaces, and it has a non-slip cover so it wont go sliding around my chair. Nicole Lee, Senior Editor Story continues Buy Purple seat cushion at Bed Bath and Beyond - $99 KOIOS air purifier KOIOS air purifier While I've tried to keep my extraneous purchases to a minimum during the pandemic, there are a couple of items I've purchased for my home that have proven invaluable. One of them is an air purifier, but I'll confess here and now that COVID-19 wasn't the only reason I bought one I also wanted something that could reduce the amount of cat hair floating around our two-bedroom apartment. We're relatively new cat parents (a little over one year) and we only have one cat. However, when we took her in, we really didn't realize how much rogue fur we'd be dealing with. Vacuuming only takes care of the fur that's settled on the floor, but there's plenty to go around, swirling in the air. As for COVID-19, I knew an air purifier could help clean (to a certain extent) the often recirculating air in our small apartment. While remote work isn't new for me, my partner also started working from home more regularly once the pandemic hit, so keeping the air as clean as possible was a priority for both of us. While I'm not counting on our air purifier to remove all potential COVID-19 particles, I certainly feel better having one in my home than not (and I've definitely noticed much less cat hair wafting through the place since I've put the device to work). I ultimately chose the KOIOS air purifier because it had good reviews on Amazon and didn't break the bank. While those two things can sometimes be misleading, this air purifier has worked as promised. It has two modes, high and low, for filtering air and while the machine makes a constant whirring noise when on high, you can barely hear it when on low. It usually stays on the latter setting for hours at a time, perched on my side table in my living room, and I've grown to like the cool blue ring of light that surrounds the cylinder. It's even better that I can just press the huge top button to turn it on and off, and the replacement filters aren't too expensive. Valentina Palladino, Commerce Editor Buy KOIOS air purifier at Amazon - $50 Pylones Studio Phone Holder Pylones phone stand Ive worked from home on and off for several years, so I was lucky enough that I already had a pretty good setup when the pandemic hit. But after more than six months in my bedroom office, my favorite desk accessory is also the silliest: an $8 silicone phone stand shaped like a cat. Yes, its fun to look at. But its also useful. It allows me to prop up my phone next to my monitor so I can keep an eye on all my incoming notifications while I work. And, as someone with a perpetually messy desk, it ensures I always know where my phone is when I need it. But most importantly, the silly, grinning cat (the company makes several other characters, too) makes me smile every time I look at it. Karissa Bell, Senior Editor Buy Cat phone holder at Pylones - $8 Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer HL-L2350DW Brother Ive had a love-hate relationship with printers over the years, leaning more towards the hate end of the spectrum. A major problem is that inkjet cartridges eventually dry up if you dont use them often enough, and I only really used my printer (which I no longer have) maybe three or four times a year. For a while, I simply relied on the office printer, but of course, thats no longer an option these days. And during lockdown, I found myself needing to print several return labels while stuck at home. So I decided to bite the bullet and purchased the $120 Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer HL-L2350DW. Sure, it only prints in black and white, but I dont need anything fancier than that. Laser toner also generally has a much longer lifespan than ink, which means I can go for months without using it. It supports WiFi so I can print from anywhere in the house, and I like that it doesn't take up much room in my office. Nicole Lee, Senior Editor Buy Brother printer at Amazon - $120 Lenovo ThinkVision M14 USB-C monitor Lenovo Thinkvision My travel gadgets havent seen any action since the pandemic took hold, save for the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 USB-C monitor. Those of us stuck at home in tiny city apartments might not have the luxury of a dedicated home-office with space devoted to a second screen for our computers. Thats where a travel-friendly gadget actually comes in handy. The thin and light 14-inch monitor connects conveniently via USB-C, offers pass-through power to your laptop and renders colors vividly on its matte screen. Its bezels are pleasantly thin and the built-in kickstand makes it easy to prop this up wherever you can find the space to work, like your coffee table, TV console or even your couch. Plus, when we get back to traveling for work again, this will be pretty useful on those trips. Cherlynn Low, Reviews Editor Buy ThinkVision M14 at Amazon - $219 Elon Musk's SpaceX has won a $149 million contract to build missile-tracking satellites for the Pentagon, the US Space Development Agency (SDA) announced. SpaceX will use its Starlink assembly plant in Redmond, Washington, to build four satellites fitted with a wide-angle infrared missile-tracking sensor supplied by a subcontractor. The announcement also includes another $193 million going to technology company L3 Harris Technologies, which will build another four satellites - both firms are set to launch their devices by fall 2022. The awards are part of the SDA's first phase to procure satellites to detect and track missiles like intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which can travel long distances and are challenging to track and intercept. Scroll down for video Elon Musk's SpaceX has won a $149 million contract to build missile-tracking satellites for the Pentagon with the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA). The firm will build four satellites fitted with a wide-angle infrared missile-tracking sensor supplied by a subcontractor SpaceX, known for its reusable rockets and astronaut capsules, is ramping up satellite production for Starlink, a growing constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites that Musk hopes will generate enough revenue to help fund SpaceXs interplanetary goals. This is also not the first government contract SpaceX has received. In 2019, the firm was awarded $28 million from the Air Force to use the fledgling Starlink satellite network to test encrypted internet services with a number of military planes, though the Air Force has not ordered any Starlink satellites of its own. The US Army has also showed interest in Musk's satellite constellation, which has more than 700 devices. SpaceX, known for its reusable rockets and astronaut capsules, is ramping up satellite production for Starlink, a growing constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites that Musk hopes will generate enough revenue to help fund SpaceXs interplanetary goals The military group is exploring the notion of transforming the internet beaming satellites into a navigational network that it says is better and more secure than GPS, according to MIT Technology Review. Engineers at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin, who published a paper describing the technology and has been working with the Army, wrote: 'New commercial broadband low-Earth-orbiting (LEO) satellites could provide a positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service far more robust to interference than traditional Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).' The team also states that such a navigational system would be 10 times more precise than traditional GPS and less vulnerable to interference. The US Army has also showed interest in Musk's satellite constellation, which has more than 700 devices. The military group is exploring the notion of transforming the internet beaming satellites into a navigational network that it says is better and more secure than GPS UT at Austin engineer Todd Humphreys told MIT that using Starlink satellites would improve GPS data down to centimeters, compared to the current technology's signals which become weaker as they travel to Earth. SpaceX's devices, however, are designed to reach 100 megabits per second - GPS satellites only achieve fewer than 100 bits per second. Coauthor Peter Iannucci told MIT Tech Review: 'If you have a million times more opportunity to send information down from your satellite, the data can be much closer to the truth.' On October 5, paramedics were called to La Sainte Union Catholic School in Highgate, Camden, after students had fallen ill. Around 13 teenage girls were immediately rushed to the hospital, and it was revealed that they ate Gummy Bears that were laced with cannabis. Cannabis-laced sweets Scotland Yard has confirmed that the Gummy Bears contained THC, which is the active component in cannabis. On October 6, a parent told MailOnline that the teenagers ate too many Gummy Bears, and then they started feeling sick when they went into class. The teacher became concerned because one of the girls vomited, and the other girls felt as if they were about to. According to another parent, there were also other cannabis-laced sweets in the school, and not just the Gummy Bears. A statement released by Met Police officers in Camden read that they are waiting for tests to establish the quantity of THC in each sweet. There has been no arrest, and inquiries are ongoing. Also Read: Scientists Who Discovered Hepatitis C Virus, Awarded With Nobel Prize for Medicine Some of the girls spent the night at a hospital in Barnet, with the school asking parents to obtain a written statement on how the drug-laced sweets were brought into school, according to Metro.UK. The girls were headed back to class when they reported feeling dizzy, while some vomited. A witness told MailOnline that they saw the girls outside the ambulances crying and one throwing up. What is THC? Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive element of cannabis that causes a high. Taking anything that contains a high level of THC can be dangerous, and it has several negative side effects. In the UK, it is illegal to sell items containing THC, while cannabidiol or CBD is legal to sell and is available on the high street as a health treatment, according to The Scottish Sun. Headteacher Sophie Fegan wrote that they are working with the police to identify the origin of the sweets. Once the girls have recovered, they will need to tell the school how they came into possession of the sweets and what they thought they were. According to Fegan, they already know the name of the student who brought the sweets in, but they need to know more about how and why they were shared. The students were treated at the scene after suffering from a sugar rush and taken to hospital, but police said that none are believed to be seriously unwell, and they are expected to recover in the next few days. A spokesman for the school said that the contents of what the students ate are being investigated. Meanwhile, a police spokesman said that the police were called by London Ambulance Service at around 11:45 am on October 5, to reports of children feeling unwell having eaten Gummy Bears. As a precaution, the 13 teenage girls have been taken to the hospital and their parents were immediately informed of the incident. The police confirmed that the school did not need to be evacuated as a result of the incident. A London Ambulance Service spokesman said that as soon as they got the call from the school, they dispatched a number of resources, including a clinical team leader, five ambulance crews, medics in cars, and incident response officers. Related Article: Tapeworm Larvae Lives in Woman's Brain Who Suffered Migraines for Years @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Libraries Open All locations of the Burke County Public Library are now open to the public on a limited, appointment only basis. Libraries have returned to their regular operating schedules. Based on the governors most recent order masks will be requested to be worn while at the library. The number of people allowed into the libraries will be limited and social distancing will be required. You may call the library at 828-764-9261 (Morganton), 828-874-2421 (Valdese), or 828-764-9283 (C.B. Hildebrand) to schedule an appointment. Appointments may be made to use computers (non-recreational use), browse the stacks for books, read the newspaper or a magazine in the reading areas, use a study room, or to research in the North Carolina room. Appointments are time limited so more people can have access to the libraries. If you have materials to return, the book boxes are open at each library location. Materials should not be returned inside. All returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours before going back on the shelves. Until further notice, the library will not be accepting donations of materials except for items for the Most Wanted List. For those wanting books but not wanting to come inside, the Books2Go curbside service is available. The global agriculture seeder market in North America size is poised to grow by USD 1.08 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 4% throughout the forecast period, according to the latest report by Technavio. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Download a Free Sample of REPORT with COVID-19 Crisis and Recovery Analysis. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005306/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Agriculture Seeder Market in North America 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) The low operational cost of agriculture seeders is one of the significant factors driving agriculture seeder market growth in North America. Agriculture seeders are easy to operate and offer increased efficiency while simultaneously reducing the operation cost. These seeders have the high production capacity, and technological innovations have facilitated agriculture seeders to complete the sowing, planting, and fertilizing operations in reduced time. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Report Highlights: The major agriculture seeder market growth in North America came from air seeders and seed drills segment. The air seeders available in the market deliver seeds and fertilizers. The seed drills sow the seeds at equal distances and proper depth, ensuring that the seed is covered with soil. The presence of a large agricultural land in the US, an increase in agricultural land in Canada, and the rise in availability of agriculture equipment products such as air seeders are the key factors for the growth of the air seeders and seed drills segment during the forecast period. The US was the largest agriculture seeder market in North America in 2019, and the region will offer several growth opportunities to market vendors during the forecast period. Technological developments, the commencement of various agriculture-based trade shows and exhibitions, and contribution to precision farming will significantly drive agriculture seeder market growth in North America over the forecast period. The global agriculture seeder market in North America is concentrated. AGCO Corp., Bourgault Industries Ltd., Clean Seed Capital Group Ltd., CNH Industrial NV, Deere Co., Gandy Co., HORSCH Maschinen GmbH, Kubota Corp., Morris Industries Ltd., and Salford Group Inc. are some of the major market participants. To help clients improve their market position, this agriculture seeder market in North America forecast report provides a detailed analysis of the market leaders. As the business impact of COVID-19 spreads, the agriculture seeder market in North America 2020-2024 is expected to have Negative and Inferior. As the pandemic spreads in some regions and plateaus in other regions, we evaluate the impact on businesses and update our report forecasts. Read the full report here: https://www.technavio.com/report/report/agriculture-seeder-market-in-north-america-industry-analysis Development of Smart Seeders will be a Key Market Trend Vendors are focusing on developing advanced seeding equipment that is higher capacity machines and requires low maintenance. Vendors are introducing varying innovations based on cropping practice, tillage strategy, crop residues, soil type, and the level of investment. The development of smart seeders will be one of the critical agriculture seeder market trends that will gain traction during the forecast period. Such factors will drive agriculture seeder market growth at a CAGR of almost 4% during the forecast period. 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 Agriculture Seeder Market in North America 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist agriculture seeder market in North America growth during the next five years Estimation of the agriculture seeder market in North America size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the agriculture seeder market in North America Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of agriculture seeder market in North America vendors Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2019 Market outlook: Forecast for 2019 2024 Five Forces Analysis Five forces summary Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by Product Market segments Comparison by Product Air seeders and seed drills Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Seed planters Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Product Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison US Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Canada Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Impact of COVID-19 on North America Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market drivers Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Overview Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors AGCO Corp. Bourgault Industries Ltd. Clean Seed Capital Group Ltd. CNH Industrial NV Deere Co. Gandy Co. HORSCH Maschinen GmbH Kubota Corp. Morris Industries Ltd. Salford Group Inc. Appendix Scope of the report Currency conversion rates for US$ Research methodology About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005306/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ Conservative plans for a new social care funding model have been repeatedly delayed both under Boris Johnson and Theresa May, but Mr Johnsons comments suggest an announcement could be close - PA/PA Boris Johnson has given his first clear hint that social care will be funded through a form of national insurance as he said the "magic of averages" would solve the problem. The Prime Minister deliberately chose a phrase coined by his idol, Sir Winston Churchill who used it when talking about welfare taxes to point the way forward. He promised to "fix the injustice of care home funding" as he said coronavirus had "shone a spotlight" on the problems care homes face. In his speech to the Conservative Party Conference, Mr Johnson used another Second World War analogy as he said Britain should now, as then, strive to build a "new Jerusalem" as it emerges from the virus crisis. He said it was "not good enough" to restore the 2019 status quo and Covid-19 should instead be used as an opportunity to reshape the economy for the better. Mr Johnson announced new plans for one-to-one teaching for "exceptional" children, and confirmed a target for every home in the country to be powered by wind farms by 2030. Conservative plans for a new social care funding model have been repeatedly delayed both under Mr Johnson and Theresa May, but Mr Johnson's comments suggest an announcement could now be close. The Prime Minister said: "We will fix the injustice of care home funding, bringing the magic of averages to the rescue of millions." Churchill first spoke of the "magic of averages" being used to help "millions" in 1911, when he introduced the concept of National Insurance, and used the same phrase many times when talking about welfare, including dole money. In July, Sir Andrew Dilnot, the economist who was commissioned by David Cameron to suggest a new model for social care funding, also used the phrase when he urged Mr Johnson to take inspiration from Churchill and reform social care. He said at the time: "It's well known that Boris Johnson has a high regard for Winston Churchill, and one of his great contributions was to get social insurance going. He used the great phrase about the magic of averages in 1911 and again during the war in 1943, and what it means is that risk pooling is a great thing." Story continues Sir Andrew recommended a lifetime cap on care costs of 45,000, together with an 8,000 per year cap on the "hotel costs" of living in a care home. The remainder would be paid for by the state. At present, elderly people needing care must pay for it themselves until the value of their assets including their house fall below 23,250, meaning there is no upper limit on how much they must pay. Downing Street declined to comment on the Prime Minister's use of the phrase, but sources close to the Prime Minister confirmed that he was fully aware of how the phrase would be construed. Mr Johnson added: "Covid-19 has shone a spotlight on the difficulties of that sector in all parts of the UK and to build back better we must respond, care for the carers as they care for us." Options that have been considered by the Government include a ring-fenced social care tax which would sit alongside the National Insurance system that funds the NHS. Opinion polls suggest the public would be broadly supportive of such a measure. Another possibility is a form of compulsory private social care insurance which the public would have to pay into. Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, is understood to be an advocate of charging over-40s through one system or another in order to avoid loading a greater tax burden on the young. Successive governments have shied away from trying to fix social care funding after Mrs May's attempt to even out the burden by making people receiving care at home pay was attacked as a "dementia tax". Mrs May dropped the policy, and a green paper on funding social care has been promised for years without ever seeing the light of day. Sir Andrew has argued that the problem over social care funding historically arose because there was little need for it when the NHS was founded in 1948. But there has been an explosion in the elderly population, and their care needs, since then. Christopher Wray (L), director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Gina Haspel (R), director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), testify on Worldwide Threats during a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 29, 2019. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Only Full Transparency Will Save CIA, FBI Now Commentary If The Federalist co-founder Sean Daviss informants are even half-right, CIA Director Gina Haspel is making a big mistakefor herself, for the agency, and, above all, for the country. Davis wrote: Haspel is personally blocking the declassification and release of key Russiagate documents in the hopes that President Donald Trump will lose his re-election bid, multiple senior U.S. officials told The Federalist. The officials said Haspel, who served under former CIA Director John Brennan as the spy agencys station chief in London in 2016 and 2017, is concerned that the declassification and release of documents detailing what the CIA was doing during the 2016 election and the 2017 transition could embarrass the CIA and potentially even implicate Haspel herself. What Haspel seems to be missing here is that the CIA, and the FBI, of course, have already been embarrassed, greatly, their reputations tarnished almost beyond recognition with tens of millions of U.S. citizens by the Spygate/Russiagate scandal. She and FBI Director Christopher Wray, deluding themselves that they are protecting vital institutions of our society, are apparently waiting with the proverbial bated breath for a Biden administration, so that all revelations and potential indictments that might come via John Durham and William Barr are flushed down the equally proverbial memory hole. It wont work. The only way to resuscitate those reputations is for Haspel and Wray to be fully transparent, now, before the election. Even if everything Durham and Barr are investigating is flushed away before reaching fruition, and even if the BidenHarris administration instantly installs a new attorney general and cleanses the Justice Department and the intelligence agencies of all remnants of the dreaded Trump overnight, tens of millions of Americans already know. They have already seen at least parts of the story and they wont forget. How could they? They would know that their new president, Joe Biden, and many allied with him had been implicated in a treasonous plot of previously unheard of proportions to upend the prior administration. These same people, these millions, now distrust the CIA and the FBI, and, to a great extent, their government. They consider these pivotal institutions their enemies, working against their interests and, more importantly, the interests of the country. And these people are some of the most deeply patriotic of all Americans. What a situation for our county! How can we then function as a democratic republic? Did Haspel think about that? Did Wray consider that as he withholds or endlessly redacts documents, allegedly to protect who exactly? (Wray has taken his desire for a Biden victory to such lengths that he tried to downplay the importance of Antifa.) Haspel and Wray are doing the reverse of safeguarding their vital institutions. They are increasing public distrust of them, a distrust so great that many of us see our society moving inexorably in the direction of China, a high-tech tyranny of social credit scores and obedience to a Big Brother that Orwell could never have conceived. What is the road back from that? We should be heartened, however, by reports as Trump was exiting Walter Reed National Military Medical Center that the president was planning on declassifying and releasing many of these documents himself within days. His chief of staff, Mark Meadows, was said to have a briefcase stuffed with them. Perhaps, by the time you read this, you will know more. If so, Haspel and Wray, to use another old proverb, will have missed the boat. Everyone will know that their agencies need a thorough house cleaning and it will be done, as it should be, without them. And I will add, although the media will shout the contrary to the hills, though this is October, revealing these documents is in no way an October Surprise. This is information We the People (remember them?) were owed years ago. When you have been deliberately deceived, thats no October Surprise. Thats justice. Roger L. Simon is an award-winning author, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, co-founder of PJMedia, and now, a columnist for The Epoch Times. Find him on Parler and Twitter @rogerlsimon. Buy (and enjoy) his books on Amazon. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. New Delhi, Oct 6 : An engineering professionals body has written to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari alleging that foreign companies are flouting the MSME tendering norms. The Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI), in a letter to Gadkari, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has drawn the attention of the government towards flouting of the MSME tendering norms by "the powerful foreign companies". "The Union Government had recently changed the tendering system to benefit the small and medium enterprises in the country by limiting tenders below Rs 200 crore for Indian companies only. But the provisions are being flouted by powerful foreign companies wherein they set up business operations in India by incorporating a company under Companies Act 2013 either as Joint Ventures or Wholly owned subsidiaries or a Liaison/Representative Office. "These entities operate as an Indian Company, duly complying with the provisions of the Indian Company Law and Indian tax laws. The current definition allows such companies to enjoy all benefits provided to Indian companies, especially the MSME's," said Amitabha Ghosal,President, Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI). "At present for all practical purposes, these foreign companies become Indian company under the ACT, do their business and after paying due taxes, accrue the profits after tax to their parent company abroad, there by depleting the country of precious Forex reserves. The parent company in turn assists them with low interest funds in comparison to a home-grown Indian Company which borrows from banks for their operations at relatively higher rates of interest. This is clearly not a case of providing equitable and fair opportunities to the Indian Companies whose contribution, besides to the country's economy is also towards developing skilled workforce, and providing employment" said K.K. Kapila, Chairman, Infrastructure Committee, CEAI. "Therefore, in line with the philosophy of growth of the rightful stakeholders, the evolving global scenario during Covid-19 when every country is focused on promoting their own business community and economic growth, there is an urgent need to address the country of origin to be eligible to bid for the government Tenders. Taking a leaf out of practices in the West and Middle-East, the definition of the Indian company must take into account the Nationality of the stakeholder," said Kapila. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The Kent County Clerks Office has redesigned its elections website to make voter information and resources more accessible and in one place. The page includes polling and ballot drop boxes locations for every municipality, an absentee voter application form, a viewable list of every candidate and proposal on Nov. 3 ballots across the county and a link to the state website that allows voters to check their registration status and follow the progress of their submitted absentee ballot. The page is accessible through the URL KentCountyVotes.com, which redirects to the countys redesigned elections page. The redesign comes four weeks ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons announced the redesigned page as well as a voter education campaign called Kent County Votes during a Tuesday, Oct. 6, press conference. Kent County Votes and KentCountyVotes.com offers Kent County voters new resources to find the information and answer the questions theyll need to vote safely and securely up to, and including. Nov. 3, Lyons told reporters. This effort, and KentCountyVotes.com, empowers voters with the information and the resources they need -- from how to register to vote to where to turn in and how to turn in their absentee ballots and how to track their absentee ballots and so much more so that they can they can cast their ballots safely and securely with confidence. Lyons said the voter education campaign will happen via radio and digital ads and focus on the number of ways residents can cast their vote this fall safely and securely. She talked about plans for a digital town hall later on where residents can ask questions of her and other officials about the upcoming election. Lyons sought to reassure the public that voting in-person as well as via absentee ballot are safe and secure options during the pandemic. Countywide, 173,302 voters have requested an absentee ballot, Lyons said. As of Tuesday morning, 39,778 of the ballots have been returned. Elections workers are not able to process absentee ballots in any way, including voter verification, until the day of the election. The influx of absentee ballots to avoid the polls has many expecting delayed results across the United States. Lyons said a delay shouldnt be seen as a problem. She said poll workers will be processing absentee ballots as fast as possible but that they arent going to sacrifice security and accuracy for speed. Counting absentee ballots is not a delay in the process; it is the process, she said. It will take time. We do ask for patience. Lyons said she believes a full tally of results wont be available until at least Nov. 4, given that full results from previous elections typically come in the morning after the election. She did not give an estimate of when she thinks a final tally will be had this November. Were going to take all the time that we need to count ballots securely and accurately and were going to do it as efficiently and effectively as possible, she said. For those mailing in their absentee ballots, Lyons urged that voters wait no longer than seven to 10 days before the election to mail them in. And while same-day voter registration is allowed at each residents respective clerks office, Lyons again said the sooner this can be done the better. Read more: Kent County urges residents to follow coronavirus safety measures amid statewide order confusion Migrant couple with COVID-19 could have benefited from $1K workers now paid to self-isolate Current, former Grand Rapids officials speak out against even-year election ballot proposal A boy's scream was heard coming from bushland near where Frank Abbott lived shortly after three-year-old William Tyrrell went missing, an inquest has heard. Anna Baker was tending to strawberries on her Herons Creek property on the NSW mid-north coast in September 2014 when she heard a child scream out. '(It was) not very long, it sounded like maybe he was hurt,' Ms Baker told William's inquest, which resumed on Tuesday. 'It was a scream and it was silence pretty quickly ... I had no reason to think it was William.' William Tyrrell went missing from his foster grandparents' home in Kendall, on the NSW mid-north coast in September 2014 Her large property is about four kilometres from Kendall, where William's foster grandmother lived. William was playing at his foster grandmother's home on the morning of September 12, 2014, when he disappeared. No trace of him has ever been found and no person has ever been charged. The inquest heard Ms Baker learned years later that the bushland behind her home had been home to Frank Abbott, a convicted criminal widely regarded in the community as a creep and danger to children. That new information prompted her to report the scream to police. She told coroner Harriet Grahame on Tuesday she was '100 per cent' certain it was a boy's scream. 'I stood up, looked in the direction of the cry and listened,' she said. 'But I didn't hear anymore. 'It was pretty thick bush.' Anna Baker, who lived near person of interest Frank Abbott, told an inquest on Tuesday that she heard a scream coming from bushland near the convicted paedophile's home. Pictured: Police searching bushland at Batar Creek in 2018 The friend who told Ms Baker about Abbott's residence in the bushland said 'all the children' in nearby Johns River were warned to stay away from him. Abbott is not listed on the witness list and is not expected to give evidence to the inquest. A bid to add high-profile former detective Gary Jubelin to the witness list failed on Tuesday after an application by William's foster parents. The former detective chief inspector led the police search for William from February 2015 until early 2019. But Ms Grahame said she already had a significant amount of material based on Jubelin's investigations and he'd responded twice to written requests to present any further evidence he held on the case. 'In my view, there is little that can be gained that is already not contained in the written material,' she said. She added Jubelin's giving of evidence 'at this point' could be a 'significant distraction'. Her inquest was concerned about admissible evidence on the September 2014 disappearance, not opinions about how the police investigation had been run. Jailed paedophile Frank Abbott,79, lived in the caravan of a tradesman who worked on the home where William Tyrrell vanished from The court was told the foster family believed Jubelin was best placed to shed light on particular lines of investigation over the years and what lines of inquiry were still outstanding when he departed. But counsel assisting the coroner Gerard Craddock SC said police ran a criminal investigation 'from the get-go' and the suggestion otherwise was 'completely and utterly wrong'. Mr Craddock said the former detective had been 'absolutely dedicated' to finding what happened to William and unsurprisingly had 'opinions', but wouldn't be able to add anything new. Jubelin was sidelined from the Tyrrell investigation in early 2019 and quit the force entirely in May 2019 after investigations began into illegal recordings he'd made while interviewing a person of interest. He was later convicted and fined $10,000 for breaching of the surveillance devices act. The inquest also heard from a handyman who worked on William's foster grandparent's home before the toddler vanished who claimed Abbott spoke about 'the smell of death' in bushland. Tradesman Geoff Owen was cross-examined in the Coroners Court on Tuesday about his ties to the now-locked up paedophile. Abbott - who was then a free man - lived in Mr Owen's caravan at Herons Creek and the tradesman occasionally gave him a lift, the court heard. This is a caravan Abbott lived at on the mid-north coast of New South Wales following William's disappearance William Tyrrell on the deck Mr Owen worked on, in one of the final photos of the boy Gerard Craddock QC, the counsel assisting the inquest, asked Mr Owen: 'There were occasions where you would give Frank Abbott a lift in a car to a bus stop or something of that nature. On those occasions in the car, he pointed out an area and said that he'd encountered a really bad smell there?' 'That's right, he did say that to me, yes,' Mr Owen replied. Mr Craddock asked: 'Did he say he could smell 'death'?' 'Yes, he did, that was the words he used,' Mr Owen said. Asked by counsel for William's foster family, barrister Justine Hopper, how he had reacted to the bizarre alleged remark, Mr Owen said he had 'shrugged' it off. 'You didn't think it was unusual?' Ms Hopper asked. 'No, not of Frank Abbott - nothing was unusual about Frank Abbott.' During the hearing, Mr Owen said Mr Abbott had come to live at his property after Martin Parish, the local baptist minister, asked the local church congregation words to the effect of: 'Does anyone have any accommodation for Frank?' Abbott is currently serving a 16-year jail sentence for unrelated sex crimes. He was once acquitted of the 1968 murder of a schoolgirl at trial in the 1990s. Priest Martin Parish (on right) has given evidence at the inquest into William Tyrrell's disappearance. He runs a small church in the area where Frank Abbott lived He has been attending the inquest via audio-visual link from Hunter Correctional Centre. Under questioning, Mr Owen said he 'might've' been at a community centre on the day William vanished, September 12. Lawyer for the foster family, Justine Hopper, asked Mr Owen: 'Is it the case you didn't go to the community on the 12th of September even though you said you went there, you actually didn't go?' Mr Owen said: 'I don't know - I actually can't remember ... I've contracted Parkinson's' Disease and my memory is shot to pieces.' The court earlier heard from a police officer, Senior Constable Daniel Dring, about searches around Herons Creek and Logans Crossing, where Abbott had lived since William vanished. Abbott has denied playing a role in William's disappearance. The inquest continues. Reliance Retail raises a total of Rs7,350 cr from GIC, TPG A day after Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and its subsidiary Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) announced Rs5,512.5 crore investment by GIC into RRVL, Reliance Industries today said global investment firm TPG also is investing Rs1,837.5 crore into RRVL. These investments value Reliance Retail at a pre-money equity value of Rs4.285 lakh crore. Post investment, GIC will own 1.22 per cent equity stake in RRVL while TPGs investment will translate into a 0.41 per ent equity stake in RRVL on a fully diluted basis. Reliance Retail Limited, a subsidiary of RRVL is currently India's fastest growing and most profitable retail business, claiming close to 640 million footfalls across its 12,000-odd stores nationwide. Reliance Retail is working on an inclusive strategy of galvanising millions of farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the Indian retail sector to better serve millions of customers. Reliance Retail, through its New Commerce strategy, has started a ransformational digitalisation of small and unorganised merchants to expand the network to over 20 million of these merchants. This will enable the merchants to use technology tools and an efficient supply chain infrastructure to deliver a superior value proposition to their own customers. Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, welcomed the two investors to the Reliance Retail family. GIC is pleased to partner with Reliance through this new investment, which will enable the company to position Reliance Retail for the strong secular growth in Indias retail market. We believe Reliance Retail will continue to use its extensive supply chain and store networks, as well as strong logistics and data infrastructure, to add value to its customers and shareholders, Lim Chow Kiat, chief executive officer of GIC, said. There is a significant opportunity to transform the Indian retail ecosystem for the better. Through their New Commerce initiative, Reliance Retail continues to lead the industry by creating a retail platform that meets the demands of a new generation of Indian consumers. We are excited to work with Reliance Industries as they reimagine the retail experience across the value chain, Puneet Bhatia, co-managing partner and country head, India of TPG Capital Asia, said. TPG is making the investment from its TPG Capital Asia fund. RIL said both transactions are subject to regulatory and other customary approvals. Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Reliance Retail and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Davis Polk & Wardwell acted as legal counsels for RIL in both investments. Local CCP Organizations in Inner Mongolia Reduced to Criminal Groups: Leaked Reports Corruption has become rampant among local Chinese Communist Party (CCP) organizations, according to a series of leaked documents obtained by The Epoch Times. The reports reveal that in Chifeng city, Inner Mongolia, local CCP authorities buy their votes, collude with criminal groups, and steal government funds. Local Authorities Involved in Crimes A notice dated August 2019 from the Organization Department of the Inner Mongolia Party committee revealed the scope of gang-related activities among low-level officials in Chifeng city. According to the document, 2,743 candidates were disqualified in administrative village elections and 505 current members of residential committees were ineligible for public offices. The Organization Department admitted that it failed to crack down on illegal gang activities and lacked oversight in grassroots organization management in certain areas. According to data compiled in June 2018, the major members of the villagers committees and Party branches in Chifeng city were involved in unlawful activities such as theft, gambling, embezzlement, vote buying, organizing and colluding with mafia groups, human trafficking, beating, and even murder. A list of major members in villagers committees and local Party branches involved in crimes in Chifeng city, Inner Mongolia, June 2018. (Provided by The Epoch Times) Vote Buying in Village Leadership Election Another leaked document revealed that Liang Shaofei, the party chief of Lianghou village, Yihegong town, Ongniud Banner, was reported to have been successfully elected in June 2018 by buying votes at 1,000 yuan ($147) each. Evidence includes a recorded testimony of Zhang Dianjin, who helped Liang lobby for votes. Liang had also helped her husbands brother, Bi Shizhang, get elected into the local Party branch by buying votes. A letter from a whistleblower accusing Liang Shaofei, party chief of Lianghou village, Yihegong town, Ongniud Banner, Chifeng city, Inner Mongolia, June 2018. (Provided by The Epoch Times) Another vote buying case involved Guan Cheng, the head of Sandaogou village, Wuduntaohai town, Ongniud Banner. Guan was elected at the cost of 200 yuan ($29) for each vote. Afterwards, he turned into a local despot with the help of his family influence. In return, he became their protective umbrella, indulging them in a variety of illegal activities. Guan himself beat fellow villagers, seized land and collective assets, according to leaked reports. A whistleblower claimed that he had reported Guans unlawful acts to the local police, but they have not yet opened an investigation. A whistleblower accusing Guan Cheng, Head of Sandaogou village, Wuduntaohai town, Ongniud Banner, Chifeng city, Inner Mongolia, January 2019. (Provided by The Epoch Times) Commentator Li Linyi said that vote buying has become widespread and that new guidelines are needed to curb the illegal practice. In July this year, the CCP rolled out a new regulation on electoral activities. Under article 35, the law prohibits forming political factions (the CCP fears being outnumbered or opposed by other factions), buying votes or leaking state secrets. Stealing Public Funds Another leaked document revealed a corruption case in Daxiying village, Qiaotou town, Ongniud Banner, which involved party secretary Wang Shuhai, party committee accountant Zhang Ju, and party committee member Wang Yan. The whistleblower was the former head of the same village committee, Zhang Rong. Zhang accused them of pocketing several million yuan of government poverty relief funds or benefits. Zhang also claimed they falsified records to gain benefits in the name of deceased fellow residents. A letter from a former village head accusing Wang Shuhai, party secretary of Daxiying village, of pocketing government funds, on Dec. 16, 2018. (Provided by The Epoch Times) Zhang claimed that he took a risk in reporting their illegal activities because he was repeatedly turned away by all levels of government offices that tried to conceal or downplay the severity of the case even after they reluctantly agreed to look into the matter. Even the local watchdog and procuratorate authorities were no exceptions, according to Zhang. The Epoch Times has so far not found evidence of the above suspects being brought to justice after searching through records available to the public. Beijing launched its campaign to sweep away blackness and eliminate evil in January 2018. Authorities announced that it would be a three-year campaign to eliminate mafia and gang organizations across the country. In reality, the campaign is focused on local officials who have provided protection to local mafia and criminal groups. In China, its common for officials to protect criminal groups from prosecution, in exchange for bribes. It is reported, though rarely, that even some CCP officials and public servants themselves admit that the CCP is a mafia group. According to a video posted on the official Weibo (a Chinese microblogging platform) account of state-run weekly Bulletin for All Walks of Life (Ge Jie Dao Bao in Chinese), on June 7, 2018, a Communist Party secretary at Zhenan county, Shangluo city, Shaanxi Province, wrote: The CCP is the largest mafia group of all! Like it or not, you must obey it. When youre told to head east, you mustnt head west! New Delhi: The national capitals air quality was recorded in the moderate" category on Tuesday morning, but it is likely to worsen in the coming days due to a spike in farm fires in Punjab, Haryana and neighbouring border regions. The Ministry of Earth Sciences air quality monitor, SAFAR, said the citys air quality index (AQI) will remain in the moderate" category on Wednesday and Thursday and will start deteriorating thereafter. The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 177 at 10.30 am which falls in the moderate" category. On Monday, the 24-hour average AQI was 179. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe. A sharp increase in stubble burning was observed around Punjab, Haryana, and neighbouring border regions. Boundary layer wind direction is favorable for transport (of pollutants). It will start impacting Delhi in the coming days," the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said. Also, there is a marked dip in minimum temperatures recorded in Delhi. On Tuesday, it settled at 18.2 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal. Low temperatures and stagnant winds help in accumulation of pollutants near the ground, affecting air quality. 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 Chinese Spy Operations in US Are Off the Scale, Analyst Says The Chinese regimes espionage operations around the world have been accelerating over the past decade and are now off the scale, an analyst warns. His comment comes at a time when U.S. federal prosecutors announce a new China-related case almost every week. In the past two months, a New York City police officer was arrested and accused of spying on the Tibetan community for the Chinese Consulate; five Chinese nationals were charged with allegedly hacking more than 100 companies and entities worldwide; a Chinese researcher at UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) was charged with destroying evidence (a hard drive) to hamper an investigation into whether he had transferred sensitive software to China; a NASA researcher was arrested and accused of hiding his funding from China; and a former CIA officer was arrested for allegedly spying for China for a decade. Nicholas Eftimiades, a former senior U.S. intelligence official who has been analyzing Beijings spy activities for about three decades, detailed his findings in a 1994 book, Chinese Intelligence Operations. When I wrote the first book, it was noticeable and it was active. And it was mostly ignored by the United States and other Western countries, Eftimiades told The Epoch Times. But now, its sort of off the scale, he said, noting that a database he maintains on Chinese espionage cases reported worldwide currently lists more than 600 casesmost of them recorded in the past 10 years. The cases broadly span theft of trade secrets, illegal export of technologies critical to national security, cyberhacking, and traditional spying. The analyst recently published a monograph, the first in a series of three, as an update to his book. Theres almost no way of knowing the true scale of the regimes global espionage program, Eftimiades said, noting that it could range from easily in the tens of thousands of cases to even hundreds of thousands. Unlike traditional espionage, the Chinese regime has adopted a whole-of-society approach to acquiring foreign intellectual property (IP), as it energizes all of society to support national, economic, and military development goals, Eftimiades said. Collectors range from state agencies and state-owned enterprises to private enterprises and researchers. Much of the IP theft has concentrated on advanced technologies in the fields of aerospace, information technology, energy, and new materialssectors mentioned in the regimes Made in China 2025 industrial policy. The plan tags 10 sectors for aggressive development to transform the country into a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse by 2025. Waking Up Eftimiades, who has been sounding the alarm on the Chinese threat since the 1990s, said that at the time, nobody cared about the issue, save a few members of Congress. This concern didnt catch on within U.S. administrations, which had been focused on Russia, and, following the Sept. 11 attacks, on terrorism, until the Trump administration, he said. So for decades, we have been lacking in any type of response to Chinas extremely aggressive economic actions, he said. As the focus didnt shift to China until about four years ago, U.S. intelligence and enforcement agencies have had to play catch-up, Eftimiades said. The FBI now has more than 2,000 investigations connected to China, Director Christopher Wray said in July. In the past decade, theres been roughly a 1,300 percent increase in economic espionage cases linked to the regime, Wray added. Eftimiades pointed to multiple instances of Western intelligence officers being recruited by the Chinese regime as an indication that we have not been very good in our response to Beijings espionage. For instance, former CIA officer Jerry Chun Shing Leea naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Hawaiiwas sentenced in November 2019 to 19 years in prison; he pleaded guilty to conspiring to deliver classified information to Chinese intelligence after he left the agency in 2010. In September 2019, former Defense Intelligence Agency officer Ron Rockwell Hansen was sentenced to 10 years for attempted espionage on behalf of China. In France, two former officers of that nations foreign intelligence agency (equivalent to the CIA) were sentenced in July to lengthy prison terms for spying for China. One of them reportedly served as the station chief in Beijing in the 1990s, before being recalled to France after he had an affair with the then-French-ambassadors Chinese interpreter. The likelihood is were still very, very deeply penetrated, Eftimiades said. But he said the United States is beginning to understand the threat. Last week, Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee released a report in which they concluded that U.S. intelligence agencies have failed to adapt to the Chinese regimes tactics. The stakes are high. If the IC does not accurately characterize and contextualize Beijings intent, Americas leaders will fail to understand the factors that motivate Chinese decision-making, the report stated, referring to an acronym for the intelligence community. The regime hasnt only been exploiting human operatives, it has also innovated to combine human and cyber espionage, in many cases, masterfully executed, Eftimiades noted. For instance, a branch of Chinas top intelligence agency, the Ministry of State Security, allegedly coordinated a network of hackers, security researchers, and Chinese nationals working at foreign companies to steal aviation secrets, including from General Electric, according to a 2019 report by U.S. cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike. The U.S. Justice Department announced three related indictments, including one against a former GE engineer for allegedly stealing the companys turbine technology to benefit Beijing. Meanwhile, the gradual awakening across government agencies hasnt occurred in the commercial sector, Eftimiades said. He says hes routinely surprised by the lackadaisical response of industries, particularly companies that dont work in defense, such as Silicon Valley firms. Western industries as a whole remain quite ignorant of whats happening, he said. The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded for discoveries about black holes. Three researchers will share the prize, for two discoveries that each brought new understanding of what the committee called one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe. Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez were recognised for discovering that there was an invisible and extremely heavy object at the centre of our galaxy, which could be seen affecting the orbits of the stars that surrounded it. A supermassive black hole is the only known explanation, and that mysterious object has become known as Sagittarius A*. Roger Penrose will share the award for breakthroughs in mathematical methods that led to the exploration of the general theory of relativity developed by Einstein, who himself did not believe that black holes really exist. Professor Penrose showed that the theory leads to the formation of black holes. Physics has often been one of the most prominent of the Nobel awards, and Einstein perhaps its most famous winner, with an award that recognised his work on the nature of the universe, including the theory of relativity. The committee said that Professor Penroses work was the most significant contribution to that theory since Einsteins work. Recommended 2020 Nobel Prize for Medicine awarded for discovery of Hepatitis C virus The discoveries of this years laureates have broken new ground in the study of compact and supermassive objects, said David Haviland, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, in a statement. But these exotic objects still pose many questions that beg for answers and motivate future research. Not only questions about their inner structure, but also questions about how to test our theory of gravity under the extreme conditions in the immediate vicinity of a black hole. Professor Penrose was born in the UK and is based at the University of Oxford. Professor Genzel was born in Germany, and Professor Ghez was born in the US, and both are now based at universities in California. They will together share the prize of 10 million Swedish kronor, or about $1.1m. Professor Penrose will receive half while Professor Genzel and Professor Ghez will share the other half. Professor Ghez is only the fourth woman to be recognised with the prize for physics. She follows Marie Curie in 1903, Maria Goeppert Mayer in 1963 and Donna Strickland in 2018. Democrats must now win the popular vote by three, four or even five percentage points to be assured of winning the Electoral College. They must achieve that margin in the face of a strenuous Republican effort to ensure that many Democratic ballots are not counted. And even if they overcome both of those obstacles, Mr. Trump may still not concede. Thats why Du Boiss appeal to the world remains so relevant. By impeding Black voters, the United States still violates the democratic principles it has helped enshrine into international law. After observing Americas 2018 midterm elections, a team from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe cataloged a long list of undemocratic practices, from the disenfranchisement of former prisoners to the District of Columbias lack of congressional representation to discriminatory voter identification laws, and concluded that, in critical ways, American elections contravene O.S.C.E. commitments and international standards with regard to universal and equal suffrage. What Mr. Trump is doing this year, the election-monitoring expert Judith Kelley, the dean of the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, recently told The Boston Globe, is the kind of activity that international election observers would go to countries and write up huge reports about and say, Red flag! Red flag! Democrats should spend the coming weeks working to ensure that this years O.S.C.E. observer mission despite being banned from many states, especially in the Deep South can do exactly that. Then, if Mr. Trump and his allies halt the counting of ballots, or disregard them altogether, Democrats should use the O.S.C.Es report as evidence in an appeal to the same body where Ms. Tikhanovskaya made hers: the U.N. Human Rights Council. They should also lodge a complaint with the Organization of American States, a regional organization that has pledged to respond rapidly and collectively in defense of democracy, and which in 2009 used that mandate to suspend Honduras after its government carried out a coup. To professed political realists, this may sound laughably naive. In practice, international do-gooders at the United Nations and Organization of American States are virtually powerless against the most powerful government on earth. But thats not the point. While appealing to international bodies may not change the elections result, it could change the Democratic Party itself. Today, many prominent Democrats remain enthralled by the very myths about American exceptionalism that Black activists have long challenged. BERLIN Germanys security services recorded more than 1,400 cases of suspected far-right extremism among soldiers, police officers and intelligence agents in the three years ending in March, according to a government report released Tuesday. The report, compiled by the domestic intelligence service, is a first attempt to document the extent of far-right infiltration of the security services. It comes as the number of cases of extremists found in police forces and the military has multiplied. Dozens of police officers have been suspended for joining far-right chat groups and sharing neo-Nazi propaganda. In June, the defense minister disbanded a whole company of Germanys special forces after explosives, a machine gun and SS memorabilia were found on the property of a sergeant major. Horst Seehofer, the German interior minister who presented the new report flanked by intelligence and police chiefs, said Tuesday that there should be no tolerance for extremists and that every case was shameful. Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google engaged in anti-competitive, monopoly-style tactics to evolve into four of the world's most powerful corporate behemoths, according to US congressional investigators, who called in a wide-ranging report released on Wednesday AEDT for sweeping changes that regulators could bring Silicon Valley back in check. The roughly 450-page report, capping a 15-month investigation by the House of Representatives' top antitrust committee, found the four tech giants relied on dubious, harmful means to solidify their dominance in search, smartphones, social networking and shopping; and in the process evaded the very regulators whose primary task it is to ensure that companies do not grow into such corporate titans. Investigators faulted Facebook for gobbling up potential competitors with impunity, and they concluded Google had improperly scraped rivals' websites and forced its technology on others to reach its pole position in search and advertising. Lawmakers' report labelled both of those companies monopolies while faulting the US government for failing to crack down on them sooner. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg were subjected to a public grilling by US lawmakers in July. Credit:AP Amazon and Apple, meanwhile, exerted "monopoly power" to protect and grow their own corporate footprints. As operators of two major online marketplaces a world-leading shopping site for Amazon, and the powerful App Store for Apple the two tech giants for years set rules that essentially put smaller, competing sellers and software developers at a disadvantage, the report found. WATERLOO REGION The Catholic school board needs to move about 30 teachers from in-person learning to virtual school next week to accommodate an influx of elementary students switching to remote learning. We need to have teachers to support those students, said Loretta Notten, director of education for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Elementary students were able to request a change from learning virtually and in person at the end of September. The switch of students comes into effect after the Thanksgiving long weekend when the St. Isidore virtual school will gain nearly 780 more elementary students. At that point, the virtual school will have just over 3,850 students, while about 20,400 learn in person. To fill the needed teaching spots in the virtual school as a result of the change, the board is looking for teachers at schools students are leaving. One to two teachers from those schools will have to move to virtual learning. In most cases its one teacher from the school thats being removed to now teach at St. Isidore, said Notten. Most teachers heard the news on Monday, as the board is first looking for teachers who want to volunteer to make the switch, said Patrick Etmanski, president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association for Waterloo. Theres a lot of angst about that because if Im the kindergarten teacher, theres no guarantee that Im going to the virtual school to teach kindergarten, he explained. I could be going to teach Grade 5 if Im qualified for Grade 5 and they need a Grade 5 teacher. Notten acknowledges the move of students and teachers is disruptive, however the province made a commitment to parents allowing them to choose virtual or face-to-face learning. Now we are doing our best to honour that commitment, she said, adding the board does not have the funding nor the number of teachers to avoid the moves. Teachers in the virtual school are telling Etmanski theyre exhausted. Theyre working extra hours and at a pace they never have before as they try to keep up with the technology they need to use. I mean the curriculum, theyve known that forever, but now theyve got to figure out new ways to do their lessons, he said. As for teachers in the brick and mortar schools, theyre happy their classes are smaller, but theyre also uncertain of what their classes will look like as students shift schools. We pull a teacher out of a school it means reorganizing the whole school, Etmanski said on Monday. (Theres) a lot of angst, a lot of uncertainty about whats going to happen today, tomorrow and the next day. Arizona Native and Operations Vice President Returns Home to the Company Where He Started His Homebuilding Career James Attwood, new president at Maracay Attwood returns home to lead the company where he started his homebuilding career Attwood returns home to lead the company where he started his homebuilding career Andy Warren, former president at Maracay A 33-year homebuilding veteran, Warren served as president at Maracay for 11 years A 33-year homebuilding veteran, Warren served as president at Maracay for 11 years SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maracay, a member of the TRI Pointe Group family of premium regional homebuilders, has named James Attwood as president of the Arizona-based homebuilding brand. Attwood joins Maracay after serving as vice president of operations of Pardee Homes San Diego, another of TRI Pointe Groups homebuilder brands. He brings more than 14 years of construction, sales, operations and leadership experience to his new position with Maracay. The native Arizonan started his career at Maracay and has played an integral role in maximizing homebuilding growth for TRI Pointe Group across multiple markets in the West. Attwood succeeds Andy Warren, who served as president for 11 years. James strong leadership, communication skills, business acumen and operational experience, coupled with his deep connection to TRI Pointe Groups culture, make him the perfect fit for this position, said TRI Pointe Group CEO Doug Bauer. He has dedicated his career to learning all aspects of the homebuilding process and has taken every position he has held within the company as an opportunity to grow. Over his years with the company, he has advanced and gained the trust of the leadership team along the way. We are very excited to promote James, as he demonstrates an ideal balance of humility, confidence and strategic thinking. Starting with Maracay as a construction intern in 2005, Attwood showed himself to be a super-motivated self-starter, according to Warren, moving from assistant superintendent to superintendent to construction area manager. He then pivoted to sales, served as sales manager, and ultimately was promoted to vice president of the divisions Tucson market, where he led all sales, construction and warranty operations for an office responsible at the time for more than 200 sales and closings a year. Story continues As vice president of operations of Pardee Homes San Diego for the past three years, Attwood has been responsible for all of the companys purchasing, customer care, construction and warranty operations across a broad range of attached and detached product segments and sales prices from the $400,000s to well over $2 million. He holds an MBA from Arizona State University. The chance to lead a company with this kind of talent and this level of resources in any market would be an amazing opportunity, but getting to return home both to Arizona and to the company where I started my career is especially exciting for me, Attwood said. I return to Arizona with not only more homebuilding insight and experience, but also with a deep appreciation for the opportunity at hand and what Andy Warren has done to position Maracay for success. James embodies all of the core values that have driven Maracays success through the years, and as a homegrown talent is the perfect choice to lead the team to new levels of volume, execution and profitability, Warren said. Being able to lead this company has been nothing short of a joyride for me. While weve accomplished much together over the years, I leave feeling excited that there will be even more phenomenal success for Maracay in the future. A 33-year homebuilding veteran, Warren spent 16 years in various leadership capacities at Winchester Homes, also a TRI Pointe Group brand. Before being named president of Maracay in 2009, he also spent six years as a partner at EYA, an urban-infill development company in the Washington DC area. He has earned a multitude of accolades during his career, specializing in pushing sales to new heights while investing heavily in talent development. As chairman of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Home Builders Association of Central Arizona Board Member and Urban Land Institute Arizona Advisory Board Member, he worked tirelessly with the senior leadership team to position Maracay for future success, including a targeted growth of 800+ deliveries anticipated over the coming years. I am very thankful and appreciative of Andys extraordinary leadership, insight and contributions to the company, and wholeheartedly support him and wish him all the best in his future endeavors, Bauer said. He leaves Maracay primed to build on its strong foundation with a substantial land pipeline. Attwoods responsibilities will include overseeing two large Maracay-developed master plan communities in Phoenixs coveted East Valley sub-market. The only large-scale master-planned community actively selling in Gilbert, and one of the fastest selling communities in the homebuilders history, Waterston sold more than 100 homes in the first four months of opening, and upon completion is expected to include approximately 1,400 homes. Maracays picturesque gated community, Canopy in Chandler, Arizona opened in July and is expected to deliver approximately 241 homes upon completion. Designed to mirror the natural beauty of the neighboring Veterans Oasis Park landscape, the community is centered around a linear park that stretches across the entire community and is complemented by a wide array of additional outdoor amenities. In addition to the East Valley communities, Maracay anticipates bringing Phase II of its rapidly selling Avance master-planned community to market soon. Located in the scenic South Mountain sub-market with the nations largest municipal park as its backdrop, Avance is only a 15 minute drive from downtown Phoenix. When complete, Avance is expected to include approximately 650 homes. About Maracay For more than 25 years, Maracay has been a leader in the Arizona real estate industry, providing homebuyers with smarter choices that serve both their lifestyle and the environment while constructing more than 11,000 homes for families throughout Phoenix. Maracays exclusive FlexDesign program gives homebuyers the ability to tailor their new home to the life they want to live. The companys Energy Star, LEED and Indoor airPLUS certified homes feature the latest generation of high-efficiency technologies and sustainable building materials and practices, while the LivingSmart program continues this comprehensive approach to green living. In 2019, Maracay ranked No. 1 in Top Companies to Work For in Arizona by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com; Green Home Builder named Maracay Builder of the Year; and the company was awarded an Indoor airPLUS Leader Award by the EPA. Maracay has earned numerous design honors including an Eliant Homebuyers Choice Award 2019. Maracay also won the 2019 Champions of Energy Efficiency Award and a 2019 Best in American Living Award. It was named a 2018 LEED Homes Power Builder, awarded 2020 and 2017 Nationals Silver Awards by the NAHB National Sales and Marketing Council, and back-to-back Major Achievements in Merchandising Excellence (MAME) Awards by the Homebuilders Association of Central Arizona in 2016 and 2017. It was previously named Builder of the Year by the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association. Maracay is a member of TRI Pointe Group (NYSE: TPH), a family of premium regional homebuilders. For more information about Maracay, please visit www.MaracayHomes.com. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/677a36e3-2254-4c6d-b14a-d1c50d5cb375 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a9251892-1fe2-4bf5-9cd1-bf7c05277afe CONTACT: Contact Katy Biggerstaff NewGround PR & Marketing 562.761.6338 / kbiggerstaff@newgroundco.com October 06 : Shruti Haasan just took to her social media and cleared the air about her controversial interview where she compared North and South films, claims her quotes are misinterpreted and the publications running the articles arent true. Actress Shruti Haasan tweeted, Certain Telugu publications have misinterpreted a quote from a national interview I gave and are writing articles that are untrue. Just to clarify I am extremely proud of having been a part of films like race gurram and Gabbar Singh- GS with Pawan Kalyan Garu was life changing!! Certain Telugu publications have misinterpreted a quote from a national interview I gave and are writing articles that are untrue. Just to clarify I am extremely proud of having been a part of films like race gurram and Gabbar Singh- GS with Pawan Kalyan Garu was life changing !! shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) October 6, 2020 The second tweeted read, Being a part of Telugu and South Indian film industry is a part of my heart, truly. That interview was given in context to the Hindi films I did and perception of north VS south in Indian films which in itself Ive never liked - hope that clears things up for the everyone Cont..being a part of Telugu and South Indian film industry is a part of my heart, truly.that interview was given in context to the Hindi films I did and perception of north VS south in Indian films which in itself ive never liked - hope that clears things up for the everyone shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) October 6, 2020 Meanwhile on the work front, Haasan will soon collaborate with her father on the trilingual adventure film Sabaash Naidu, a spin-off involving one of the characters in the 2008 film Dasavathaaram. She made her American television debut in 2019 with the action drama series Treadstone in which she has a recurring role. Shruti is also part of Krack, directed by Gopichand Malineni also starring Ravi Teja, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Samuthirakani. Renowned SAP and IT consulting expert, Dr. Haihong Xin, joins Syntax' Executive Leadership team as head of its Asia region MONTREAL, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Syntax , a global managed cloud provider for mission-critical applications, today announced Dr. Haihong Xin as CEO of Syntax Asia. With more than two decades of SAP and IT consulting experience throughout the APAC region, Dr. Xin joins Syntax at a pivotal time of accelerated growth in Asia, where it has already established a 15-year legacy of helping customers meet their global business needs through best-in-class technology solutions and services. Syntax Asia is trusted by enterprises expanding their APAC business to pair the convenience and flexibility of the cloud with the reliability of ERP solutions. The company's services include system, network and client IT setup, solution design and architecture, security and compliance audits, Application Management Services (AMS), Managed and Client Services, SAP consulting and more. "As Asia continues to grow as a hub of innovation, global companies need an IT partner that understands both their business' goals and industry best practices, as well as the nuances of the market," said Christian Primeau , Global CEO of Syntax. "In addition to his vast experience, Dr. Xin is notoriously relentless in his commitment to providing customers the best possible solutions and support, and we couldn't be more excited to have him lead Syntax Asia through its next era of growth." Prior to joining Syntax, Dr. Xin led the APAC arm of CDK Global as a Vice President and Managing Director, where he not only achieved profitable growth for a decade, but also doubled the company's business in China and APAC. Dr. Xin also previously spent more than ten years at SAP in Development, Consulting, Managed Services and various Service Delivery Leader roles before joining EDS-HP as an IT outsourcing executive. Dr. Xin is fluent in Mandarin, Japanese and English, and holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, Masters in Science & Technology and a Ph.D. of Engineering in Industrial Systems and Engineering. He replaces Reto Bless, who, after achieving several milestones as Syntax Asia CEO for seven years, will now return to Europe to join the Syntax team there as Global Account Manager for Freudenberg Group Companies. For more information on Syntax Asia services, please visit https://www.syntax.com/fit/zh/ About Syntax: Since 1972, Syntax has been providing comprehensive technology solutions to businesses of all sizes with thousands of customers around the globe trusting Syntax with their IT services and ERP needs. Today, Syntax is a leading Managed Cloud Provider for Mission Critical Enterprise Applications. Syntax has undisputed strength to implement and manage ERP deployments (Oracle, SAP) in a secure, resilient, private, public or hybrid cloud. With strong technical and functional consulting services, and world class monitoring and automation, Syntax serves corporations across a diverse range of industries and markets. Syntax has offices worldwide, and partners with Oracle, SAP, AWS, Microsoft, IBM, HPE, and other global technology leaders. Learn more about Syntax at www.syntax.com . SOURCE Syntax Related Links http://www.syntax.com Eight men, including five in Meerut and three in Varanasi, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in betting in ongoing the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, police said on Tuesday. In Meerut, the police nabbed five people, including the manager and the owner of a hotel, from a hotel in Civil Lines area on Monday evening. The arrested, all in their 30s, were allegedly involved in betting across different districts of western Uttar Pradesh. Confirming the arrests, circle officer, Civil Lines area, Suraj Rai said the hotel was raided after receiving inputs about organised betting there and five people, including kingpin Ram (he goes by single name), were arrested. A case of betting has been registered against the arrested with the Civil Lines police station. The manager and the owner of the hotel prima facie helped in operating illegal betting racket from their hotel, the circle officer added. The police also recovered 10 mobile phones, a laptop, a register and other material used in betting from their possession. The gang allegedly purchased a software from a Delhi-based bookie identified as Bunty for Rs 10,000 which provided them access to other bookies in Mumbai and Lucknow, he said. Also read: Ex-IPS officer, accused in Assam police job scam, nabbed on Indo-Nepal border They were betting in different districts of western UP and money was being rerouted online or through Paytm by some other person, Rai added. The police surveillance team first tracked their activities before taking action. The arrested members of the betting racket were sent to jail. In Varanasi, three people were arrested for their alleged involvement in betting from Kailashpuri colony under Lanka police on Monday night, police said. They added that Rs 6.23 lakh cash and six mobile phones were recovered from their possession. A senior police officer said the police received an input about a betting racket being operated from a house in Kailashpuri colony. Subsequently, a police team led by superintendent of police, city, Vikas Chandra Tripathi raided the house and arrested the three persons identified as Diwakar Agarwal, Siddharth Mishra and Abhay Pratap Singh, all residents of Varanasi. The SP city said a case was registered against the arrested trio under Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Gambling Act and further investigation was in progress. The money recovered from those arrested was collected from the people interested in betting in the ongoing IPL matches. The IPL 2020, which got underway on September 19, will continue till November 10 across three venues in the UAE - Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai. Voters will cast ballots in the 2020 presidential race in the fall, but primary elections across the US to select the Democratic nominee, along with a host of local elections, have been postponed or moved or held under potentially dangerous conditions as the coronavirus pandemic has altered the course of candidates' campaigns. Following those contests and nomination convention, the Democratic nominee will participate in presidential debates against Donald Trump this fall. Republican parties in several states have cancelled their party primaries, presuming the incumbent will be on the ballot. Here's an amended schedule of key election events and a recap of what has happened so far in the 2020 race. 14 January Five candidates qualified for the seventh Democratic debate, which will be hosted by CNN and The Des Moines Register at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. On the stage will be Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. 3 February Bernie Sanders won the largest share of votes but was narrowly defeated by Pete Buttigieg for state delegate equivalents in the Iowa caucus, which captured the first votes cast in the Democratic primary race. After a chaotic release of the vote totals that ultimately led to the resignation of the state's Democratic party chair, there was heavy scrutiny over the results of the primary season's opening contest, leading to speculation for the candidates' futures as larger state primaries followed, and as the campaigns and donors strategised ahead of the election's crucial next few months. 7 February ABC, WMUR and Apple News at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire hosted the eighth Democratic primary debate. 11 February After winning the state in a landslide in 2016, Senator Sanders won the popular vote in the New Hampshire primary, followed by a second-place finish from Pete Buttigieg and a surprise third from Amy Klobuchar. Andrew Yang, Michael Bennett and Deval Patrick later dropped out. 19 February NBC News, MSNBC and The Nevada Independent hosted the ninth Democratic primary debate in Las Vegas, Nevada. 22 February Senator Sanders won the Nevada Democratic caucus, which offered a glimpse of candidates' success outside the East Coast in a key state with a large Latino voting population. The senator received 24 delegates to the former vice president's nine. No other candidate passed the threshold for delegate consideration. 25 February CBS News, Twitter and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute at The Gaillard Center hosted the 10th Democratic debate in Charleston, South Carolina. 29 February Joe Biden won nearly 49 per cent of the popular vote in South Carolina, the first southern state to enter the primary contest, serving as a test of the strength of African-American support among the Democratic candidates. The former vice president captured 39 delegates to Senator Sanders 15. Following the primary, Tom Steyer who came in third place dropped out of the race. Republicans cancelled their party's primary in the state, with the incumbent president as the presumed nominee. 3 March Fifteen states across the US held primary contests on Super Tuesday, including California, which has the largest delegate count in the US, with 415 delegates pledged to the Democratic nominee, and Texas, the second-largest delegate trove, with 228 delegates pledged to the Democratic nominee. After Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar withdrew from the race and endorsed Joe Biden, his resurgent campaign won nine states, including Texas, while Bernie Sanders won California and three other states. After disappointing finishes throughout the primary, including no victories on Super Tuesday, Elizabeth Warren ended her campaign two days later. Billionaire Michael Bloomberg also dropped out and endorsed Biden. 3-10 March US citizens living abroad cast their votes in the Democrats Abroad primary. Bernie Sanders received nearly 60 per cent of the vote, securing nine delegates. Joe Biden received 22 per cent of the vote and four delegates. 10 March As the coronavirus pandemic gripped the US, campaign events and rallies were cancelled, though voting was still on in in Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Washington and Michigan, a crucial battleground state for the two-man race. While Bernie Sanders won North Dakota, Joe Biden won the remaining states, with a narrow victory in Washington state. 15 March The public health crisis framed the election's unprecedented 11th debate, hosted by CNN and Univision and giving Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders and audience-free platform from Phoenix. 17 March Ohio postponed its primary to 2 June as Arizona, Florida and Illinois held their elections as states across the US began ordering residents to stay at home and public health warnings urged people to avoid crowds, beginning a series of controversial election events in the thick of the crisis. Joe Biden ultimately won 296 delegates by sweeping the three states. Tulsi Gabbard ended her campaign two days later. 7 April Wisconsin held its Democratic party despite calls from voters and the state's governor to postpone. Republican lawmakers and conservative majorities on the state and US supreme courts ultimately blocked those efforts, which also prevented absentee or mail-in ballots from being cast at a later date, forcing thousands of voters into a small number of open polling sites during the pandemic. Joe Biden ultimately won in the state, as Bernie Sanders's supporters and other critics painted the election as illegitimate. The next day, the senator announced he was suspending his campaign. 10 April Alaska moved its primary from 4 April with candidates competing for a share of 19 delegates. Joe Biden received 55 per cent of the vote and eight delegates, while Bernie Sanders received 45 per cent and seven delegates. 17 April Wyoming moved its primary from 4 April with candidates competing for a share of 18 delegates. Joe Biden received more than 72 per cent of the vote and 10 delegates. 2 May Joe Biden received more than 76 per cent of the vote in the Kansas primary, with all Democrat voters participating by mail using a ranked-choice method. 12 May Joe Biden also received more than 76 per cent of the vote in the Nebraska primary. 19 May Joe Biden received 67 per cent of votes in Oregon's primary, followed by Bernie Sanders, who received 20 per cent. 22-24 May The Libertarian Party had planned to host its convention in Austin, Texas from 22-25 May as delegates selected their candidate for the ballot from among the party's declared candidates. The convention has instead held virtually, with Jo Jorgensen emerging as the nominee the first woman in the party's history to receive the nomination. Spike Cohen was selected as the nominee for vice president. 23 May In Hawaii's primary, Joe Biden received 63 per cent of the vote, followed by Bernie Sanders, who received nearly 37 per cent. Biden received 16 pledged delegates. Sanders received eight. 2 June Several primaries scheduled across the US came on the heels of growing protests against racial injustice and policy brutality as well as renewed fears of coronavirus and spikes in cases as states began to reopen. Joe Biden won each primary in Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota and Washington DC, as well as in Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, which had initially postponed their elections due to the coronavirus crisis. Controversial Republican congressman Steve King of Iowa also lost to Randy Feenstra in a primary for his House. 5 June The former vice president clinched the Democratic Party nomination, with delayed delegate tallies pushing him past the 1,991 delegates needed to become the nominee. 6 June Joe Biden won nominating contests in the US Virgin Islands and Guam, which participate in the primary process but not the general election. 9 June West Virginia held its primary, originally scheduled for 12 May. Joe Biden received 65 per cent of the vote and 28 delegates. 23 June Joe Biden received 67 per cent of the vote in New York, one of the largest delegate states behind California and Texas. Democratic Commissioners on the state's Board of Elections initially sought to strip non-campaigning nominees from the ballots, effectively cancelling the election, but a federal judge halted the decision. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of Queens and The Bronx handily defeated Democratic primary challengers in her House district and is likely to win in a re-election bid. In Kentucky, the former vice president received 68 per cent of the vote. 30 June Amid a wave of progressive candidates holding primary challenges against moderate Democrats, Jamaal Bowman defeated longtime New York Democrat Elliot Engel, pending absentee ballot counts. Following mail-in ballots in Kentucky, Amy McGrath with a slim lead over progressive challenger Charles Booker has secured the Democratic slot to face against Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell. 7 July Joe Biden took nearly 90 per cent of the vote from his home state of Delaware, and he received more than 86 per cent of the vote in New Jersey. Both states moved their election dates a second time from 2 June. 9-12 July Green Party co-founder Howie Hawkins and running mate Angela Nicole Walker were selected as the third party's nominees at its convention, which was held virtually after an initial plan to hold its event in Detroit, Michigan. 11 July Joe Biden received nearly 80 per cent of the vote in Louisiana, after election officials postponed the date a second time from April to 20 June. 12 July Puerto Rico's primary was postponed twice over coronavirus concerns. Joe Biden collected 56 per cent of the vote. 17-20 August Democratic delegates were scheduled to convene in Milwaukee for 2020's Democratic National Convention, where presumptive nominee Joe Biden was officially selected as the party's nominee to face Donald Trump in November. The event was originally scheduled for July but was postponed due to the coronavirus crisis. Most the event was held virtually. 11 August Joe Biden received more than 84 per cent of the vote in Connecticut's primary, rescheduled twice following the pandemic. It was the last state to hold a presidential primary. 24-27 August Republicans initially planned to hold the party's nominating convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, but the party moved the event to Jacksonville, Florida over social distancing disputes. As cases surged, officials in Jacksonville announced they would require attendees to wear masks indoors after the president and his campaign sought to avoid similar precautions. That prompted GOP officials and the president to announced that the Florida event will be cancelled all convention events will remain in Charlotte, while the president and campaign used the White House as a backdrop for partisan speeches, flouting federal law. 1 September In Massachusetts, a heavily scrutinised primary challenge to incumbent Democratic senator Ed Markey from Joseph Kennedy III ultimately failed, with an incumbent win buoyed by progressive support. 29 September The University of Notre Dame was scheduled to host the first 2020 presidential debate, but the university withdrew from the event over health concerns. The debate is now scheduled for Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. 7 October Republican and Democratic nominees for vice president will debate at the University of Utah, which hosts the only debate between the running mates. 15 October The second presidential debate will take place at the Adrienne Arsht Centre for the Performing Arts in Miami. 22 October Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee will host the third and final presidential debate. 3 November Election Day voters across the US will participate in a general election to select the next president, along with other candidates that appear on local ballots. 14 December Electoral college representatives meet in state capitols to formally cast votes. 6 January 2021 Congress enters electoral votes into the record, and the Senate president announces vote tallies. 20 January 2021 Inauguration Day the president-elect will be formally sworn into office. Get ready, folks! Dust off those debit cards. Pay off those credit card bills. Get your Amazon Pay wallet topped up. Amazon has confirmed that the Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale will start on October 17. This is the confirmation of the resumption of online shopping battles ahead of the festive season. As always, the Amazon Prime members will get to shop with these deals a few hours before everyone else, on October 16. Incidentally, there is no specific last date for the Great Indian Festival Sale, and Amazon insists this is a month long celebration" for sellers and consumers. Earlier, Flipkart had already confirmed that the Flipkart The Big Billion Days Sale will run through October 16 to October 21. Amazon has earmarked $1 billion to enable medium and small businesses in India, and as many as 10 million small businesses are expected to join the digital platform by the year 2025. Amazon has also helped smaller businesses return back to normalcy as far as business is concerned, after a tough last few months because of the coronavirus pandemic. One of the Amazon initiatives includes Local Shops, which brings local offline retailers become online stores, in an attempt to compensate for the lack of footfalls in physical stores. These stores will also get a virtual shop window allowing customers to browse the products as close to possible as they would on an offline store. Amazon will also be adding support for shopping in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada languages for the users in Southern India. Amazon also says that there will be a 10% instant discount on HDFC Bank credit and debit cards as well as EMI. There will also be No Cost EMI on credit and debit cards via Bajaj Finserv with credit limit up to Rs 1 lakh, depending on your eligibility. There will also be Amazon Pay Daily Shopping Rewards which could see you save up to Rs 500 every day of the Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale days. The Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale will, among the new launches, feature the upcoming OnePlus 8T 5G smartphone. The OnePlus 8T is expected to launch on October 14. In the meantime, there remains a slow reveal of offers, schemes and discounts that shoppers can expect during the Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale, ahead of the Dussehra and Diwali festivals. Also listed among the launches is the upcoming Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite with Alexa Voice Remote Lite. This goes on sale on October 15 and is up for preorder now. The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite with Alexa Voice Remote Lite is priced at Rs 2,999. Amazon had already given us a sneak peek, in the past few days, at what all offers to expect during the Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale. Amazon says there will be No Cost EMI options as well as exchange offers on smartphones, laptops as well as other electronics and accessories. There will be deals on phones from OnePlus, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Nokia, Honor and also the Apple iPhone line-up. The laptop deals could include offers on the Xiaomi Mi NoteBook 14 and the Mi NoteBook 14 Horizon Edition, the Microsoft Surface devices and more. There will also be similar offers on appliances including TVs for your home. The Amazon Echo, Fire TV and Kindle devices will also have special offers running, including combo schemes, as well as offers on new launchesthe new Echo and Fire TV devices are expected to get some offers as they go on sale for the first time. At this time, you can also out to Amazon Alexa and say Alexa, what is Great Indian Festival to know more about the sale and also avail exclusive Alexa deals on accessories and devices such as the Wipro Smart Bulb, the Echo Flex and the Amazon Smart Plug. NIGERIA: Justice Olusegun Odusola of the Ondo State High Court has sentenced the Founder of Sotitobire Praising Chapel, Pastor Samuel Babatunde, also known as Alfa Babatunde, to life imprisonment over the disappearance of a one-year-old boy, Gold Kolawole, in his church. The one-year-old boy was declared missing on November 10, 2019, during a church service at the childrens section of Sotitobire Praying Ministry located at Oshinle Quarters in Akure, the state capital. The clergyman was arrested, alongside seven other members of the church, and were arraigned before a magistrates court on six counts. The matter was later transferred to the state High Court. Delivering his judgment in the case today Tuesday, October 6, Justice Odusola said based on the evidence provided by the prosecution team, the clergyman and the five others were found guilty of two counts of kidnapping, and aiding and abetting to kidnap. He thereafter sentenced them to life imprisonment. 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 COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sovereign Lending Group, Mortgage Company Hiring , is proud to announce that they are hosting a virtual job fair on October 13th from 10 am-3 pm (PST) for those looking for a career in the mortgage industry. Sovereign Lending Group is in a crazy hiring spree, and now is the time to get your foot in the door and grow with an amazing company. The company is hiring for remote and in-office roles with locations in Southern California, Las Vegas, and Dallas. For Sales Roles- MLO-Entry, MLO, SM visit https://events.indeed.com/event/63054 . For Post Closer, Mortgage Doc Drawer, Customer Service Rep, Corporate Trainer- Mortgage visit https://events.indeed.com/event/63858 . For Senior Mortgage Underwriter, Junior Mortgage Underwriter, Senior Loan Processor, Mortgage Processor-Entry, Funder/Closer visit https://events.indeed.com/event/63859/ As a mortgage company hiring , Sovereign Lending Group is reaching out to potential employees by hosting a virtual job fair on October 13th. Jobs are tough to come by in this pandemic and especially finding flexible jobs. Luckily, Sovereign Lending Group is hiring for all positions with roles that are in-house and remote. As a flexible business, Sovereign Lending Group can accommodate you if you are a hard-working individual looking to make a difference. Sovereign Lending Group, mortgage company hiring , is expanding their team not only in Orange County but also in Dallas, Texas. Not only is Sovereign Lending Group hiring positions for those with mortgage experience, but also for those who have no mortgage experience at all. About Sovereign Lending Group Sovereign Lending Group is a mortgage company hiring for all positions. Whether you have mortgage experience or not, Sovereign Lending Group can help launch your career and make you successful in the mortgage industry. If you are interested in working for Sovereign Lending Group, there is a virtual career fair on October 13th from 10 am-3 pm (PST). For Sales Roles- MLO-Entry, MLO, SM visit https://events.indeed.com/event/63054 . For Post Closer, Mortgage Doc Drawer, Customer Service Rep, Corporate Trainer- Mortgage visit https://events.indeed.com/event/63858 . For Senior Mortgage Underwriter, Junior Mortgage Underwriter, Senior Loan Processor, Mortgage Processor-Entry, Funder/Closer visit https://events.indeed.com/event/63859/ The company is hiring for remote and in-office roles with locations in Southern California, Las Vegas, and Dallas. If you want to learn more about Sovereign Lending Group, mortgage company hiring, visit www.slgmortgage.com . Get more updates and follow us on Facebook and Instagram . SOURCE Sovereign Lending Group Inc. Related Links http://www.slgmortgage.com AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FileTrail, the leader in next-generation information governance and records management software for law firms and highly regulated industries, announces its continued support of key partners and professional associations with sponsorship investments in their upcoming events, all of which are virtual due to the ongoing pandemic. The company is also expanding its long-standing commitment to community outreach, with continued support of select charitable organizations in its former headquarters location of San Jose, California, and initiatives being launched in its recently announced new headquarters of Austin, Texas. Celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2020, FileTrail has a long history of supporting partners and professional organizations alike with sponsorships and exhibiting investments as well as providing thought leadership as part of their educational programs. In August FileTrail participated in ILTA>ON; this month it will participate in NetDocuments Elevate 2020 on October 6-7 and ARMA InfoCon 2020 on October 26-30, both being held virtually for the first time this year. The company also has an upcoming webinar planned to continue its tradition of providing education on the latest trends and technology impacting legal IG and records management. Despite having moved its corporate headquarters from California to Texas earlier this year, FileTrail is committed to continuing its advocacy for Second Harvest Food Bank, San Jose Day Nursery, and Sacred Heart Community Service, all organizations the company has supported for a number of years. FileTrail is also identifying outreach programs to support in its new home of Austin that align with its values and those of its local employees. In addition to our core business values centered around building trust in our customer relationships and delivering exceptional service, we believe strongly in giving back to our local communities and in supporting our partners and the professional associations on which our clients rely, says FileTrail CEO Darrell Mervau. Never has it been more important to demonstrate that commitment by doing whatever we can to help our partners and communities through this unprecedented and difficult time. FileTrail is the leading provider of comprehensive IG solutions for law firms and corporations seeking a holistic and rigorous approach to information governance and compliance. Its flagship platform, FileTrail GPS, currently offers three core modules (Policy Manager, Records Manager and Mobility Manager) that can be adopted separately or as an integrated solution working together to advance IG. FileTrail GPS helps organizations save money and reduce risk and enables law firms to improve client retention and business development by providing the competitive advantage of effectively addressing ever-changing client and regulatory compliance obligations. FileTrail will offer online demonstrations of its latest software release, FileTrail GPS 5.0, as part of its participation in this months virtual conference. To learn more or to schedule a private demo, visit www.FileTrail.com. About FileTrail FileTrail is reshaping the information risk management landscape, enabling firms to meet urgent client demands, pass audits and address new compliance rules with a modern approach to records management, data retention and information governance. FileTrail centralizes, simplifies and automates the IG life cycle, including policy management, document review and dispositionintegrating across physical records and electronic repositoriesso firms can address OCGs, lateral intake, matter mobility and client audit response. Its time to move beyond records management, and FileTrail is leading the way. For more information about FileTrails records management and information governance software, visit www.filetrail.com. Media Contact Vicki LaBrosse Edge Legal Marketing 651-552-7753 vlabrosse@edgelegalmarketing.com Setting up 'COVID-19 free' hospital areas for surgical patients could save lives during the second wave of the pandemic - reducing the risk of death from lung infections associated with coronavirus, a new global study reveals. Researchers working together around the world found that that patients who had their operation and hospital care in 'COVID-19 free' areas had better outcomes. 'COVID-19 free' areas improved the safety of surgery by having a strict policy that no patients treated for COVID-19 were mixed with those undergoing surgery. 'COVID-19 free areas' were set up both in smaller independent hospitals and large hospitals with emergency departments. For fear that patients may contract COVID-19 in hospital, millions of operations around the world were cancelled during the first wave of the pandemic. As a second wave approaches, more patients face delays. When operations for cancer and other time-dependent are delayed, they can progress to be untreatable. This research has shown, for the first time, that hospitals around the world can continue safe surgery by setting up COVID-19 free areas to minimise the risk from the coronavirus. Researchers examined data from 9171 patients in 55 countries, across 5 different continents from the start of the pandemic up the middle of April 2020. Experts have discovered that pulmonary complication (2.2% vs 4.9%) and rates of death after surgery (0.7% vs 1.7%) were lower for patients who had their hospital treatment in 'COVID-19 free' areas. However, in this study, just 27% of patients had their care in these protected areas. It is estimated that around 4.7 million operations take place in the UK each year, of which around 550,000 are for removal of a cancer. Setting up COVID-19 free hospital areas could prevent 6,000 unnecessary COVID-related deaths after cancer surgery in the UK alone over the next year. Led by researchers at the University of Birmingham, the COVIDSurg Collaborative comprises of experts from over 130 countries. The group has published its findings today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, which is a leading global cancer research journal. Collaborative lead Dr. Aneel Bhangu, from the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery, at the University of Birmingham, commented: "As health providers restart elective cancer surgery, they must look to protect cancer surgery patients from harm by investing in dedicated COVID-19 free hospital areas. These can be tailored to the resources available locally, ensuring that patients treated for COVID-19 are not mixed with patients needing surgery. "However, this represents a significant challenge to many hospitals around the world. Governments and hospital providers must help to fund this major international redesign of surgical services and provide protection for patients. COVID-19 free areas could save many lives during future waves, by allowing surgery to continue safely despite high rates of infection in the community." The study was funded by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Unit grant. It covered adult patients undergoing elective surgery with curative intent for a range of suspected cancers including bowel, gullet, stomach, head and neck, lung, liver, pancreas, bladder, prostate, kidney, womb, cervix, ovarian, breast, sarcoma and brain tumours. Dr. James Glasbey, the study lead at the University of Birmingham, commented: "Major reorganisation of hospital services to provide COVID-19 free areas for elective surgery must be justified by evidence like this, as it redirects time and resources away from other services. We have proved that those efforts are essential in protecting patients undergoing surgery during the pandemic. "Our data showed that COVID-19 free hospital areas were beneficial when the rate of infection in the community was both low and high. We recommend that COVID-19 free areas are set-up in all countries currently affected by the pandemic, including those likely to suffer from future waves. "However, overcoming the challenges of setting up such pathways, including separate hospitals to provide elective surgery, may lead to unintended consequences. Consequences for hospitals must be carefully monitored to achieve the best balance of healthcare for patients." Data included in this study represented a wide variety of different surgeries for patients of all ages, genders and ethnicities. ### For more information, interviews or an embargoed copy of the research paper, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0)782 783 2312 or t.moran@bham.ac.uk. For out-of-hours enquiries, please call +44 (0) 7789 921 165. Notes for editors * The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world's top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries. * 'Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19 free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multi-centre, comparative cohort study' - Glasbey JC, Nepogodiev D, Simoes J, Omar O, Li E, Venn M, Abou Chaar M, Capizzi V, Chaudhry D, Desai A, Edwards J, Evans J, Fiore M, Flavio Videria J, Ford S, Ganyli I, Griffiths E , Gujjuri R, Kolias AG, Kaafarani H, Minaya-Bravo A, McKay S, Mohan H, Roberts K, San Miguel-Mendez C, Pockney P, Shaw R, Smart N, Stewart G, Sundar S, Vidya R, Bhangu A; COVIDSurg Collaborative is published by Journal of Clinical Oncology. * The countries that participated in the study include: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, China, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay. * The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) awarded 7 million to the University of Birmingham to establish the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery. This unit is engaged in conducting multi-country randomised controlled trials testing interventions to reduce SSI across a range of low- and middle-income countries. It has established sustainable partnerships with the aim of leveraging global policy change: * Benin - University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou * Ghana - University of Development Studies, Tamale * India - CMC Ludhiana, Punjab * Mexico - Hospital Espanol, Veracruz * Nigeria - Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos & Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals, Ile-Ife * Rwanda - University of Rwanda; University Teaching Hospital, Kigali * South Africa - Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg * The NIHR is the UK's largest funder of health and care research. The NIHR: * Funds, supports and delivers high quality research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care * Engages and involves patients, carers and the public in order to improve the reach, quality and impact of research * Attracts, trains and supports the best researchers to tackle the complex health and care challenges of the future * Invests in world-class infrastructure and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services * Partners with other public funders, charities and industry to maximise the value of research to patients and the economy * The NIHR was established in 2006 to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research, and is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. In addition to its national role, the NIHR commissions applied health research to benefit the poorest people in low and middle-income countries, using Official Development Assistance funding. DANBURY In recognition of National Fire Safety Month, the citys fire department and a local insurance agency will hold a drive-thru fire safety event this Thursday. The event will take place outside State Farm Insurance agent Maria Ordonezs office at 9 Padanaram Road from 3 to 5:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn informed fans and followers on social media that his brother Anil Devgan has passed away. Sharing a picture of his brother, Ajay wrote on Twitter, I lost my brother Anil Devgan last night. His untimely demise has left our family heartbroken. ADFF & I will miss his presence dearly. Pray for his soul. Due to the pandemic, we will not have a personal prayer meet (sic)." Ajay did not disclose the cause of his brothers death. It was reported recently that Kajol and the couples daughter Nysa are in Singapore for the latters studies while Ajay is staying in Mumbai with their son Yug. I lost my brother Anil Devgan last night. His untimely demise has left our family heartbroken. ADFF & I will miss his presence dearly. Pray for his soul. Due to the pandemic, we will not have a personal prayer meet pic.twitter.com/9tti0GX25S Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) October 6, 2020 As per a website, Anil began his journey as an assistant director on Raj Kanwars Jeet in 1996 and went on to be the assistant on films like Jaan, Itihaas and Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha. He made his directorial debut with Raju Chacha and directed films like Blackmail and Haal-E-Dil. On the work front, Ajays war movie Bhuj: The Pride Of India is all set for OTT release and will premiere digitally soon. He will also feature in Maidaan and Kaithi remake. A drunk police officer racially abused bar staff after they refused to serve her alcohol, a disciplinary hearing has been told. PC Gemma Street allegedly showed her warrant card to a Colombian bar worker, called her a drug dealer and told a security guard to 'go back to Poland and learn English'. When police were called to the We Are Bar in Bishopsgate, PC Street questioned how long they had been in the force and asked to speak to them 'colleague to colleague', the hearing was told. The 38-year-old was said to be off duty when the alleged incident happened in central London in January 2019. PC Street denied two counts of gross misconduct at a police disciplinary hearing in the City of London. PC Gemma Street was said to be off duty when the alleged incident happened the We Are Bar in Bishopsgate (pictured) in central London in January 2019 PC Street, based at the Metropolitan Police Central Communications Command Centre in Lambeth, was approached by staff after she 'tossed a plastic table topper behind her which struck another customer.' The situation was resolved but the officer began intimidating staff when they realised she was drunk and refused to serve her more alcohol, it was said. The bar worker, referred to as Ms A, said: 'I could see her just staring at me directly and she was just not looking away. She was just angry that she was not getting served. It was a very, very dead stare towards me.' The hearing was told PC Street beckoned Ms A over to her table and asked if there was a problem before showing her police warrant card underneath the table. Ms A said: 'She took it out after I said she was not getting served. 'She then reached over and held the badge out and said, 'do we have a problem now?' Looking at me straight in the eye. She got really, really abusive towards security.' Kevin Baumber, counsel for PC Street, suggested the officer showed her badge to reassure Ms A that 'there would be no trouble because she was a police officer.' But Ms A said: 'She accused me of drugging her the whole night and of being a drug dealer. 'She said she was going to return in three days to see me. She said we had better get her a drink. She was saying it aggressively. 'I asked 'are you on duty?' and she said 'I am always on duty' and that is when I said that is another reason not to serve you. 'She tried to take a picture of the waitress and myself. She was shouting at the waitress. She was very close to my personal space. It was worrying. It was very offensive to myself and my culture.' In evidence played to the court, PC Street can be heard saying: 'Everyone is going to lose their jobs. She is English, the rest are all Polish.' Ms A also claimed the officer made racist comments towards security staff before she called police to diffuse the situation. But Mr Baumber suggested Ms A never heard such comments and asked why she did not mention them on the phone to police. PC Street denied two counts of gross misconduct at a police disciplinary hearing at the International Dispute Resolution Centre on Fleet Street in the City of London (pictured) Julien Walters, counsel for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), described PC Street's behaviour as 'racist' and 'discriminatory' and amounting to gross misconduct. He told the hearing: 'You said to a member of the security staff "this is England and you have to go back to Poland and learn English." 'If members of the public knew that a police officer had conducted herself as above, this would bring the police service into disrepute.' PC Street denies breaching the standards of professional behaviour in relation to equality and diversity and discreditable conduct. Mr Baumber suggested the only comment about drugs was made by the doorman who told the officer that drugs 'would be planted on her.' Referring to City of London police body cam footage, he suggested uniformed officers did not take PC Street seriously when she claimed she had intelligence regarding drugs. In the footage, she is heard asking officers to speak 'colleague to colleague' and telling of 'wronguns and thugs who tried to push drugs down her throat.' PC Street denies two counts of gross misconduct relating to disorderly behaviour and racist remarks. The hearing continues. Ukraine government "never gives up" and is set to move forward no matter what to achieve peace in Donbas, the president stressed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is convinced that without engaging directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, it will never be possible to end the war in Donbas and get all temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories back. The statement came in an interview with Politico, the President's Office reports. "I'm sure that we'll never stop the war if we don't speak with Russia. A separate case is the support of our Western partners. But if we don't talk with President Putin, we won't be able to fully restore Ukraine, get all our territories back," Zelensky said. At the same time, certain media outlets "are doing everything to disrupt any opportunities for dialogue, even within the framework of the Normandy format or the Minsk process," the President's Office reported. Read alsoZelensky ahead of summit: Ukraine's course toward EU unchanged"This applies precisely to those media that belong either to large financial structures or politicians who were in power, holding senior positions before me. They all have their media outlets. They own them unfortunately. Although we never give up and believe that no matter what, on the issue of ending the war, we will be moving forward, talking with partners and with Russia in order to get our people and territories back," Zelensky added. Zelensky's talks with Putin The last time the two presidents spoke over phone was July 26 when leaders discussed the implementation of the agreements reached at the Normandy Summit (Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia) in Paris on December 9, 2019. Minsk Agreements: Background Josh Frydenberg has tonight abandoned his long-held beliefs to deliver Australia's biggest-ever peacetime budget deficit - and a record level of government debt. Australia's budget deficit for 2020-21 of $213.7 billion as a proportion of the economy is the steepest outside of war thanks to the worst global pandemic in 100 years. 'Our economic response has come at a huge cost,' the Treasurer told Parliament on Tuesday night. Gross government debt will surpass $1trillion by June 2022 for the first time ever - and make up more than half the economy - following a swathe of spending measures to combat the economic devastation of the COVID-19 shutdowns. 'This is a heavy burden but a necessary one,' Mr Frydenberg said. Josh Frydenberg has tonight abandoned his long-held beliefs to deliver Australia's biggest-ever peacetime budget deficit - and a record level of government debt A decade ago, the Treasurer told Parliament in his maiden speech: 'Our government is too big.' The Coalition under Tony Abbott's leadership was railing against the big-spending programs of Kevin Rudd's Labor government to tackle the Global Financial Crisis. As the new Liberal member for Kooyong, in Melbourne's wealthy inner-east, Mr Frydenberg objected to unnecessary government intrusion into the lives of Australians. 'For problems large and small, bureaucratic outcomes always seem to be the default option. This comes at a priceparalysing monopolies and a culture of dependence,' he told the House of Representatives in October 2010. A decade ago, the Treasurer told Parliament in his maiden speech: 'Our government is too big' This was after one of Mr Frydenberg's Labor predecessors Wayne Swan had unveiled in 2009 a budget deficit of $54.8billion, which comprised 4.2 per cent of gross domestic product. A year earlier, Labor had promised to deliver a Budget surplus but the GFC stopped that. Fast forward to October 6, 2020 and Mr Frydenberg has unveiled a budget deficit of $213.7 billion, making up 11 per cent of GDP - the steepest since World War II. Like Labor in government, the Coalition has also been forced to jettison a budget surplus pledge, this time because of COVID-19. The Treasurer last year used the word surplus seven times in his inaugural Budget speech in April 2019 - a month before the election. For the first time ever, Australia's gross government debt is forecast to hit $1.016billion making up 50.5 per cent of GDP - also the biggest since World War II. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- IntSights , the threat intelligence company focused on enabling enterprises to Defend Forward, announced today the availability of the new certified IntSights Application for Splunk. This partnership between the market's only all-in-one External Threat Protection Suite, IntSights, and Splunk, provider of the Data-to-Everything Platform, empowers joint customers to seamlessly access enterprise-specific threat intelligence from IntSights directly within existing Splunk deployments. Effective cyber defense extends beyond the corporate perimeter. Understanding how, when, and where attacks are likely to strike is critical. When organizations augment SIEM solutions with integrated threat intelligence, they can proactively defend and neutralize threats at the source. The new IntSights App for Splunk introduces a revolutionary approach for connecting threat intelligence from multiple sources across the clear, deep, and dark web with a customer's Splunk environment. The IntSights app is a unique bidirectional integration that correlates, enriches, and manages organization-specific vulnerabilities, and offers the ability to easily conduct comprehensive IntSights-driven investigations all within Splunk. "With this robust app, security teams can directly access IntSights-enriched IOCs from within their Splunk environment. This gives those on the front line vital real-time context for informed and prioritized risk management," noted Yaron Paryanty, VP of Product Management at IntSights. IntSights for Splunk enables SOC teams to: Expand real-time visibility of threat actors and malware targeting the enterprise's digital assets Generate automatic alerts for relevant active indicators in an organization's network environment Seamlessly conduct advanced IntSights investigations from within the app Accelerate informed decision-making and automate incident response Instantly identify and rapidly remediate critical threats before business impact Download the IntSights App for Splunk , which can be installed either in the cloud or on-prem for both Splunk Enterprise and Splunk Enterprise Security (ES). For additional information, watch the IntSights for Splunk demo . Stay tuned for additional enhancements to the IntSights App for Splunk. In the near future, mutual customers will be able to continuously access IntSights organization-specific threat alerts and risk-scored CVEs from within their Splunk environments. About IntSights IntSights is revolutionizing cybersecurity operations with the industry's only all-in-one external threat protection platform designed to neutralize cyberattacks outside the wire. Our unique cyber reconnaissance capabilities enable continuous monitoring of an enterprise's external digital profile across the clear, deep, and dark web to identify emerging threats and orchestrate proactive response. Tailored threat intelligence that seamlessly integrates with security infrastructure for dynamic defense has made IntSights one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity companies in the world. IntSights has offices in Amsterdam, Boston, Dallas, New York, Singapore, Tel Aviv, and Tokyo. To learn more, visit: intsights.com or connect with us on LinkedIn , Twitter , and Facebook . Media Contact: Jonathan Beaton IntSights +1-727-902-8412 [email protected] SOURCE IntSights Related Links https://intsights.com Muranga Governor Mwangi Wa Iria has announced he will now be in charge of all political functions in the county. Speaking on Monday following a deadly clash at Kenol on Sunday, Wa Iria said in his absence, Senator Irungu Kangata or Woman Rep Sabina Chege would take over. All meetings by outsiders held in Muranga except those by President Uhuru Kenyatta must be approved directly by his office. All political meetings involving outsiders shall have one uniform Master of Ceremony who happens to be Governor Mwangi Wa Iria. In his absence, Senator Irungu Kangata or Woman Rep Sabina Chege will be taking over, a memo read in part. It added: All political fundraisers from outsiders shall be conducted by Governor Mwangi Wa Iria. In his absence, Senator Irungu Kangata or Woman Rep Sabina Chege will be taking over. Wa Iria noted that Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro and his Kandara counterpart Alice Wahome have a history with violence. He declared that all National government development projects in their respective constituencies shall henceforth be conducted under the office of the governor. The proposed visit (by DP Ruto) on 16th is highly welcome in Mathioya Constituency. Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, Senator Irungu Kangata and Woman rep Sabina Chege will arrive very early and wait for the visitors, the governor said. Any kind of violence shall be handled carefully by Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, Senator Irungu Kangata, Woman Rep Sabina Chege and all the leaders in Muranga County. The boss of the Nurburgring is unsure whether this weekend's race will be a one-off for the former Formula 1 venue. Alongside Mugello, Portimao, Imola and Istanbul, the German circuit is among those who are filling in the gaps in F1's hastily-compiled 'corona calendar'. One criteria for the inclusion of some of those circuits is that local authorities have green-lighted the return of spectators, following the early 'ghost races'. However, Istanbul's plans for up to 100,000 spectators has fallen through, with the government now announcing that fans will no longer be allowed at the 15 November event. "As part of the efforts to combat the coronavirus epidemic, and in accordance with the recommendation of the Istanbul Provincial Pandemic Committee, the Turkish GP will take place without spectators," read a statement. 20,000 fans will be at the Nurburgring this weekend, though - even though the weather in the Eifel region in October is typically inclement. "Even snow is not impossible," commented German former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. "The weather is promising to be very entertaining for the audience." As for the circuit's chances of returning to the calendar in 2021, Nurburgring boss Mirco Markfort is not so sure. "Of course we will try to keep Formula 1 in the future, but that also depends on the general conditions in the world - whether that is corona or the economic consequences of corona," he told Sport1. "Doors can open for us, but that's all speculation." (GMM) NSW has recorded no recent cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 for the 11th day in a row, but health authorities remain concerned about local spread with low testing numbers and traces of the virus appearing in sewage. Low testing numbers and sewage detection could also affect Queensland's decision on the border, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. The testing clinic at Bondi Beach was empty on Monday afternoon, despite the crowds at the beach. Credit:Edwina Pickles NSW recorded 11 new cases to 8pm on Monday, all in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine. It brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4057. As Queensland recorded no new cases on Tuesday morning, Ms Palaszczuk said NSW would have to record widespread community transmission before the border was again slammed shut. A three-member special investigation team probing the gang rape and murder of a 19-year-old Dalit woman visited her village in Uttar Pradeshs Hathras district on Tuesday even as police accepted the familys request for round-the-clock security and claimed the victims relatives feeling safe again. Union minister of state for social justice Ramdas Athawale and a delegation of left parties met the family of the victim, whose death and subsequent forced cremation a week ago sparked widespread protests. Athawale offered Rs 5 lakh as monetary help to the family and promised to take up the issue with chief minister Yogi Adityanath. This incident is heart-wrenching. This puts humanity to shame. We told the family that we are with them. Whatever CM has assured them should be implemented. The culprits should be hanged, Ramdas said. A joint delegation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) spent around two hours with the family. We have been told about the brutal gangrape... and that her cremation was done in the middle of the night without informing the family. These sort of things are unheard of in the 21st century and are a blatant violation of the Indian Constitution and the guarantees it gives to our people. We expressed our solidarity with her family, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said. On September 14, the victim was raped by four members of the Thakur caste in Hathras district when she had gone to the fields to collect cattle fodder. She was partially paralysed in the attack. Also Read | Hathras fallout: Yogi Adityanath smells international plot to destabilise UP govt As her condition deteriorated, she was moved to Delhis Safdarjung hospital on September 28 and died in the early hours of September 29. At 2.30am the next day, the police forcibly cremated the body without the familys consent in a field near the village. Since then, political leaders have made a beeline to the village even as the government has denied she was raped, citing the forensic report. Five police officials have also been suspended in line with preliminary recommendations of the special investigation team (SIT). On Tuesday, the SIT, which visited the village earlier, went to the site where the victim was cremated at 2.30am on September 30. The team comprising home secretary Bhagwan Swaroop, deputy inspector general of police Chandra Prakash and commandant of the Agra provincial armed constabulary Poonam-- also went to the site of the crime and interacted with people in the village. Superintendent of Police (SP) Vineet Jaiswal said two women sub-inspectors (SIs) and six women constables have been stationed at the victims house. Two security personnel have been deployed for the security of the victims brother. He said all aspects of the familys security were being looked after by the police. Also Read | UP police arrest PFI-linked men on their way to Hathras from Delhi: All you need to know One and half-section PAC is permanently camping there and is on duty 24 hours. Apart from this, three SHOs and a Deputy SP rank officer, in charge of the security, are also deployed, Jaiswal told ANI. The officer said he personally met the victims and assured them that all their security concerns, even if it arises in the future, will be taken care of. They seemed confident after our assurances, I also gave them my personal mobile number to reach out at any time, he added. He said that the police department will not allow holding any meetings, or panchayat in the village and its immediate vicinity in view of the security concerns. This came days after Brahmin and Thakur communities held a mega gathering or mahapanchayat two kilometres from the village and expressed support for the four men accused in the case. Almost a million Australians aged over 35 have been left out of the new wage subsidy scheme as the government instead focuses on getting young people back to work. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's blueprint for getting Australia through the coronavirus recession includes a JobMaker 'hiring credit' which pays businesses for employing young Australians. The payment - which will cost taxpayers $4billion - is $200 a week for employees aged 16 to 29, and $100 a week for people aged 30 to 35. University of Melbourne economist Professor Mark Wooden has questioned the focus on age, which he says could result in young people being prioritised over older workers. He told the Australian Financial Review young people tend to suffer through recessions but they also do better in the recovery too. Labor has claimed that about 928,000 jobless Australians over the age of 35 will be excluded from the scheme. Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said too many workers had been 'left out and left behind'. The government's JobMaker 'hiring credit' will pay businesses for employing young Australians (Stock image pictured) The payment is $200 a week for employees aged 16 to 29, and $100 a week for people aged 30 to 35 (pictured: A young woman working a store in Sydney) University of Melbourne economist Roger Wilkins noted that older workers whose skills were redundant typically found it harder to reskill and re-engage with the labour market. HOW DOES JOBMAKER WORK? The payment goes to the businesses creating the new jobs. Businesses will get $200 a week for each new employee aged between 16 and 29. For new employees aged 30 to 35, they'll get $100 a week. About 450,000 jobs are expected to be created from the scheme. New employees must have been receiving either JobSeeker, Youth Allowance (Other) or the Parenting Payment in the past three months to qualify. They must also work at least 20 hours a week. Advertisement 'That's what we saw for middle to older aged, low-skilled men in the 1990s.' Welfare groups have also slammed the scheme for failing to give older jobless Australians certainty for the future. Australian Council of Social Service chief executive Cassandra Goldie said the scheme should be urgently extended to people of all ages who have been unemployed for at least a year. 'People without paid work will see no benefit from the income tax cuts brought forward in the budget, which mainly go to people who are lucky enough to have jobs,' she said. 'The government will need to do more to ensure that we are all in the recovery together.' Mr Frydenberg said the scheme was designed to drive down unemployment. 'We settled on 35, because young people have been particularly impacted by this crisis,' he told ABC. About 700,000 workers aged up to 35 had been forced to ask for government handouts by the end of August due to restrictions on the retail and hospitality sectors. The budget made no mention of what the government intends to do with the Jobseeker dole payment. Its boosted level is due to end in December, with many concerned it could return to its previous level of $40 a day. Welfare groups have also slammed the scheme for failing to give older jobless Australians certainty for the future (Pictured: A young woman working at a store in Sydney) 'We settled on 35, because young people have been particularly impacted by this crisis,' Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Anglicare Australia's Kasy Chambers said with 1.6 million people out of work and the downturn to last for years, some simple solutions were ignored. 'Raise the rate of JobSeeker for good and invest in social housing,' she said. Council on the Ageing's Ian Yates said it was disappointing not to see an increase in the 'inadequate' Commonwealth rent assistance maximum rate, and that older unemployed people will still have their savings 'plundered' by the liquid assets test. He welcomed the 'huge range and depth' of economic stimulus measures. 'But we are disappointed there is no parallel support to keep older Australians in work.' Young Australians will also benefit from a temporary change to eligibility criteria for Youth Allowance and Abstudy. From the start of 2021 all applicants will be deemed to have worked over the six months from March 25 to September 24. This will go towards meeting the workforce participation criteria for the payments, which is 30 hours of work a week for at least 18 months within a two-year block. The budget confirms $7.6 million in bereavement payments for parents of stillborn children. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 17:24:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines reported 2,093 new daily COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, pushing the number of confirmed coronavirus disease cases in the country to 326,833. The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) said that the number of recoveries also rose to 273,313 after 209 more patients recovered. Meanwhile, 25 more patients died from the viral disease, bringing the death toll to 5,865. The Philippines' capital Metro Manila topped the regions in the country with the highest number of daily confirmed cases on Tuesday with 557. The DOH said over 3.71 million people in the Philippines, which has a population of about 109 million, have been tested so far. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, World Health Organization (WHO) country representative in the Philippines, said the Philippines is seeing "a gradual decline in transmission." "The Philippines has been very proactive in the enforcement of non-pharmaceutical interventions and in ensuring the mobility restrictions," he said in a virtual media briefing. However, in the absence of a vaccine, he stressed the need "to implement a comprehensive response that includes solidarity across regions, across cities, across countries." "We need to ensure that besides the non-pharmaceutical interventions we need to have in place mechanisms for early diagnosis, contact tracing, and management of positive by early isolation and quarantining of close contacts," he said. Enditem English German SIKA EXPANDS MORTAR PRODUCTION IN CHINA With the commissioning of a new production facility in Chengdu, Sika has further expanded its capacity in the rapidly growing mortar market in China. In addition to profiting from the strong demand, Sika can also benefit from the launch of new products and the expansion of the distributor network offering Sika solutions directly to craftsmen and DIY customers. Mike Campion, Regional Manager Asia/Pacific: "The expanded mortar production in China enables us to address our customers' needs on an even more targeted basis. With a population of 15 million people, Chengdu is one of the most important economic urban centers in Western China. Here we see a growing demand for Sikas Building Finishing solutions due to large investments in the construction sector. The strong business trend following the corona-related lockdown shows that we are on the right track: our mortar sales have increased significantly this year despite the crisis. We will continue to expand the business and bring two additional plants onstream in the growing Chinese market over the next eighteen months." STATE INVESTMENT DRIVING GROWTH China's construction industry is expected to see further growth this year, despite COVID-19. The expansion will be driven by major levels of investment spending on the part of the government, with investment in transportation and energy infrastructure, better intercity connections, and the reduction of environmental pollution. According to estimates, China's construction industry is expected to grow by 6.1% in 2021, with annual growth averaging around five percent until 2029. CONTACT Dominik Slappnig Corporate Communications & Investor Relations +41 58 436 68 21 slappnig.dominik@ch.sika.com SIKA CORPORATE PROFILE Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 100 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories. Its 25,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 8.1 billion in 2019. At the end of 2019 Sika won the Swiss Technology Award for a groundbreaking new adhesive technology. The media release can be downloaded from the following link: Media Release Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Supreme Judicial Council on Monday rejected agreements reached by parliamentarians at talks in Bouznika, Morocco, stressing the need to follow certain mechanisms in choosing the President of the Supreme Court and Attorney General CLEVELAND, Ohio Cuyahoga Countys former IT general counsel and assistant law director Emily McNeeley received a one-year probation sentence on Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to a handful of misdemeanor charges that stem from her work on county projects connected to her family members. In exchange, McNeeley agreed to testify on behalf of the state in the trial of former jail director Ken Mills, who is under indictment on charges that accuse him of lying to Cuyahoga County Council and creating unsafe conditions in the jail before nine inmates died in 11 months. Special prosecutors who spent more than two years investigating corruption in county government dropped more than a dozen felony charges against McNeeley as part of the plea bargain that saw her plead guilty to obstructing official business and three counts of dereliction of duty. Mills has pleaded not guilty and his trial is set for February. Visiting Judge Patricia Cosgrove imposed a six-month jail sentence that she suspended. If McNeeley does not carry out her end of the plea bargain, Cosgrove can order her to serve the jail sentence. Matthew Meyer, a special assistant prosecutor working for the Ohio Attorney Generals office, said in court Tuesday that McNeeley has already provided extensive cooperation about the inner workings of the highest levels of Cuyahoga County government, and has pledged to continue to do so. McNeeley is also cooperating with an investigation being led by the U.S. Attorneys Office and the Pittsburgh FBI and any administrative hearings that stems from that investigation, Meyer said. Meyer did not provide any further details about what investigation that might be and declined to comment after the hearing. McNeeleys attorney, Donald Malarcik, also declined to elaborate on an ongoing investigation." A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney Office in Pennsylvania declined to comment. McNeeleys first attorney, Roger Synenberg, recused himself from the case after he acknowledged sending an anonymous mailing calling former Cuyahoga County internal auditor Cory Swaisgood a snitch. Swaisgood, who since left to become the finance director in the city of Huron, is credited with discovering the activity that led to McNeeleys indictment. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley, who originally oversaw the corruption investigation until he agreed to hand it over to Attorney General Dave Yosts office, deferred to Erie County Prosecutor Kevin Baxter to investigate whether Synenbergs letter may have amounted to any criminal activity. Baxter has not responded to requests for comments on the investigation. Meyer and Malarcik said that McNeeley fears that she could face threats of intimidation over her cooperation with investigators in the case. Cosgrove warned that she will not tolerate witness tampering and told McNeeley to go directly to the police if anyone attempts to intimidate her. McNeeley told Cosgrove that she is glad to put the long and difficult journey behind her. McNeeley was charged in a January indictment alongside Mills and then-human resources chief Douglas Dykes. Like McNeeley, Dykes was originally charged with several felony only to have investigators agree to let him plead guilty to misdemeanor charges in exchange for the promise of testimony against Mills and other investigations. Cosgrove sentenced Dykes to two years on probation. Malarcik and Meyer told Cosgrove during Tuesdays hearing that prosecutors offered a similar plea bargain to Synenberg in 2018, before a grand jury handed up its 17-count indictment. Both Meyer and Malarcik said that Synenberg turned down the deal without consulting McNeeley. Synenberg did not return a voicemail seeking comment on Tuesday afternoon. Our prosecutors continue to untangle the snarl of public corruption in Cuyahoga County, Yost said in a statement released after the hearing. Taxpayers deserve honest, clean, transparent government the kind that works for the people, not themselves. The obstructing official business charge stems from McNeeleys failure to tell Cuyahoga County Council during a September 2016 meeting that a company seeking a $9 million contract as part of the countywide IT overhaul known as the ERP project was involved in a prior bribery case in Pennsylvania. McNeeley knew about the case because Ciber employees were convicted of bribing her father, who at the time was a Pennsylvania turnpike commissioner, according to court records. McNeeley told Law Director Robert Triozzi about the information. Triozzi, who resigned from his position, never told county council either. Plante Moran, an IT consultant who was paid $123,510.10 to help the county screen vendors for the ERP project, including Ciber, agreed in January to repay that money to the county in a deal with prosecutors that allowed the company to deny any wrongdoing. The three counts of dereliction of duty relate to McNeeleys work on projects that were connected to Hyland Software, the Westlake-based software development firm where McNeeleys wife served as manager of proposal services and government contracts. McNeeley used her position in Cuyahoga County to set up meetings between county officials and Hyland employees. McNeeley also balked at a suggestion from former court Chief Information Officer James Hay to bow out of a discussion with Hyland employees about a contract proposal, according to prosecutors. There is no evidence that McNeeleys wife or Hyland Software committed any wrongdoing, Meyer said in court. McNeeley also informed County Executive Armond Budish and Inspector General Mark Griffin of her wife, Lisa McNeeleys, position at Hyland, Malarcik said. Griffin told Emily McNeeley in a 2016 legal opinion that she had no conflict of interest as long as the county did not contract directly with Hyland Software and her wife did not work on county procurement contracts. In a second opinion two months later, Griffin wrote that McNeeley could not work on Hyland Software projects until after the contracts were awarded. Malarcik said that, had the case gone to trial, he and defense attorney Noah Munyer would have argued that Emily McNeeley believed that she fulfilled her duties in reporting her wifes position and her fathers prior conviction to her immediate supervisor and other county officials. She was relying on their guidance and their consent to move forward, Malarcik said Tuesday. Today, Emily is accepting responsibility for unreasonably relying on those individuals. The county placed McNeeley on unpaid leave in April 2018, after corruption investigators repeatedly named her and her boss IT Director Scot Rourke in subpoenas served on the county seeking records related to several IT projects. She ultimately resigned in January, weeks before a grand jury indicted her. Investigators also seized the personal cellphone, computers and documents from Cuyahoga County headquarters and Budishs office in February 2019 as part of the probe. Budish has not been accused of any wrongdoing, and evidence from the raid is still being screened by Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul Gaines' office. Court filings in Mills' case indicated that prosecutors are set to receive the last of that evidence in November. Read more stories Prosecutors to receive evidence from Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budishs phone seized in 2019 raid, court filing says Former Cuyahoga County HR chief Doug Dykes pleads guilty, gets probation, will cooperate with corruption probe Cuyahoga County IG report suggests cozy friendship between indicted former jail director, state inspector led to lax jail inspections Ex-Cuyahoga County Jail director lied to investigators to protect Armond Budish and those in his inner circle, prosecutors say IT vendor named in subpoena by Cuyahoga County corruption investigators was involved in Pennsylvania bribery case Lawyer Roger Synenberg acknowledged sending snitch letter mocking Cuyahoga County auditor who criticized his client Corruption investigators release new details in case against Cuyahoga Countys indicted ex-IT dept. lawyer A Habeas Corpus petition was filed before the Supreme Court on Tuesday seeking the release of a journalist from Kerala who was detained by the Uttar Pradesh police near Hathras, when he was on his way to cover the rape and murder of the 19-year-old Dalit woman. The term Habeas Corpus literally translates to produce the body and it is a plea seeking directions to be issued to the government to produce a detained person before the court and to release such person if the detention is found to be illegal. The plea moved by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists, a registered union of journalists based in Kerala and having operations in Delhi sought the release of Sidhique Kappan, a journalist with more than 10 years of experience presently working for a news portal, www.azhimukham.com. Kappan, who is also the secretary of the New Delhi unit of KUWJ was arrested at the toll plaza near Hathras while he was travelling to Hathras to report about the incident. Despite best efforts, the petitioner (KUWJ) could not gather any information about the place of detention or other details. Neither the family members nor colleagues of Kappan were informed about his arrest or place of detention, the petition said. The arrest was made with a view to obstruct Kappans discharge of duty in his capacity as a journalist, the plea added. The petitioner submitted that Kappans mobile phone is switched off and his family members or others are not able to gather any information regarding Kappans arrest due to restrictions on movement due to Covid-19. Issue orders directing the Central and UP government to release Sidhique Kappan from illegal detention, the petitioner prayed. Joe Biden has found himself being criticized for saying that he had the luxury of staying at home during the pandemic because 'some black woman was able to stack the grocery shelf'. The Democratic presidential nominee made the comments last month, but the clip went viral on Monday after it was picked up by a pro-Trump group, and retweeted by Donald Trump Jr. He was speaking to a group of veterans in Tampa, Florida, on September 15 and was asked about the pandemic. Joe Biden is pictured at the Tampa roundtable, where he made the remarks September 15 Biden said he was optimistic, despite the challenges facing the United States. 'And they say: "Well, why in the hell would you say that Biden? You just talked about all these difficulties,"' he told the audience. 'Well, I'll tell you why. Because the American public, the blinders have been taken off. 'They've all of a sudden seen a hell of a lot clearer. 'They're saying: "Jeez, the reason I was able to stay sequestered in my home is because some black woman was able to stack the grocery shelf. Or a young Hispanic is out there, these dreamers are out there, 60,000 of them acting as first responders and nurses and docs." 'Or all of a sudden people are realizing: "My Lord, these people have done so much. Not just black, white, across the board, have done so much for me. We can do this. We can get things done." 'And I think they're ready.' The remarks were seized upon as further evidence of Biden's tendency to make gaffes. Some said it showed racial prejudice. 'My GOD' said Rob Smith, a contributor to Turning Point USA, a pro-Trump student movement. Donald Trump Jr retweeted the clip on Monday, which Rob Smith captioned: 'My GOD' One Twitter user said Biden was a liability and Trump should let him speak more Another mockingly referred to Biden needing 'unconscious bias training' Conservative author Dave Rubin said it echoed Biden's much-mocked comment that 'you ain't black if you vote for Trump'. Rubin tweeted: 'You ain't black if you aint stocking a grocery shelf for Joe Biden.' His tweet was retweeted by Trump Jr. 'Today's clips prove that Trump's strategy last week was a poor one. The more you let Biden speak the better,' noted one. 'He will be fine after the unconscious bias training course,' said another. The Biden campaign is yet to comment. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 13:06:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Brazil announced on Monday it has extended a ban on foreigners entering by land, sea or river, in a bid to contain its COVID-19 outbreak. Arrival by air has been allowed since Sept. 25. According to the government's official gazette, the measure effectively bars tourists from entering Brazil through its borders with Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guyana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. However, the ban makes an exception for foreigners in a neighboring country who want to enter Brazil by land to take a return flight home, though they should submit an official request from the embassy or consulate of their country and the corresponding air tickets. The ban does not apply to Brazilians or resident foreigners returning to the country. Brazil closed its borders on March 19 to prevent new cases of COVID-19 from entering the country. The ban does not affect the transport of cargo or humanitarian aid. Enditem EIB EIB provides EUR 47m loan to Swedish battery tech company Nilar International AB with backing from the EUs InnovFin Energy Demo Projects guarantee programme. Financing will support Nilar in scaling up production of its unique and safe battery system as well as boost R&D in innovative battery technology. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a EUR 47 million (SEK 482 million) with Swedish battery innovator Nilar. The financing is supported by the InnovFin Energy Demonstration Projects of the European Commission, funded by the Horizon 2020 budget. This loan will support the expansion and upgrading of Nilar's manufacturing lines at its facility in Gavle over the coming years, as well as boost its R&D in order to demonstrate commercial viability of technology. Nilar produces batteries that can be used by homeowners and industrial customers to power their buildings or charge electric vehicles with stored renewable energy (e.g. from rooftop solar panels). The support of InnovFins Energy Demo Projects window will help Nilar to rapidly commercialise its battery production and achieve further cost reduction through scale. EIB Vice-President Thomas Ostros, noted: After the Banks recent support to Northvolt, were glad to be able to get behind another Swedish project to further heighten the awareness around new European battery technology. Nilars innovative solution can really make a difference in helping to mainstream the use of renewable energy in our everyday lives. As the EUs climate bank, were happy to support that. European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said: This InnovFin and Horizon 2020 supported project brings us one step closer to a sustainable energy system. Technologies that were just theory a few years ago are becoming our daily routine. Homeowners will be able to store excess renewable energy and use it later, for example to power their electric vehicles. Research and innovation pays off and is definitely a critical element of our decarbonisation strategy. Michael Obermayer, Chairman of the Board of Nilar, said: Nilar is fully integrated, from cell to system, including electronics and sophisticated control software, and does not rely on import of cells from Asia. Close cooperation with highly skilled European academic researchers forms the basis for further rapid innovation. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the EIB and the European Commission for this unprecedented and critical support to Nilar as a high-growth European battery innovator start-up. Nilars Hydride Battery Energy Storage systems are non-flammable, making them inherently safe. They can thus be installed in-house and in offices, next to critical installations. The manufacturing process is much less energy intensive than todays Lithium Ion technologies. Nilars batteries are Nickel based and do not contain scarce materials. They also have the added advantage of being easily and fully recyclable. Nilars home boxes can help maximise the utilization of energy from solar panels on private homes and contribute to rapid EV charging. The scale-up of its business will allow Nilar to focus on the commercial & industrial market, with similar applications to households, but for office and factory buildings with larger storage capacity needs. Background information: Nilar International AB is the globally leading manufacturer of advanced Hydride batteries (NiMH) for energy storage. Its modular, low lifetime cost solutions offer unique safety benefits and are environment-friendly, making them ideal for use in private households, commercial properties and industrial plants. With production based on 100 percent renewable energy at the manufacturing plant in Sweden, Nilar is revolutionizing energy and power supply technology, and is taking automated battery production to the next level. Read more at: www.nilar.com InnovFin Energy Demonstration Projects (InnovFin EDP) is a venture financing instrument designed to support the demonstration of innovative clean energy projects in the fields of renewable energy, energy storage, smart energy systems and carbon capture, use and storage. The aim is to bridge the gap from demonstration to commercialisation and thus contribute to the deployment of the next generation of innovative low-carbon energy technologies. Given the high risk involved, these EIB loans are guaranteed by the European Commission in the event of default. InnovFin EDP is financed by Horizon 2020 and NER 300 funds. Joe Biden and Donald Trump speak during the first U.S. presidential debate on Sept. 29, 2020. Kevin Dietsch/UPI | Bloomberg | Getty Images SINGAPORE Stock market analysts in Asia clearly do not agree on who will win the U.S. presidential election. But they're pretty unified on how they plan to play it. CNBC asked 30 strategists a series of questions about the U.S. election and their current investments, offering them anonymity in exchange for their views. All 30 respondents were based in the Asia-Pacific region. CNBC carried out the email-based early last week, and subsequently followed up with the strategists to ask if they had changed their outlook following the first presidential debate and the news that President Donald Trump tested positive for coronavirus. (Of the 30 respondents, three modified their predictions on the election's outcome.) Who will win the U.S. presidential election? The Asia-based investors were sharply divided on the central political question. Twelve analysts predicted a victory for former Vice President Joe Biden, 11 predicted a contested election, and seven picked Trump to win. The Democrats have given no indication that they will be any easier on China than the GOP. Asia-based market strategist "This (diagnosis) news adds some uncertainty, and Biden has gained a bit with market predictors," one analyst said via e-mail. "But too much is still unknown to expect a change yet." How strategists are playing the vote A clear majority of market analysts polled by CNBC are raising cash and buying relatively safe assets such as gold ahead of the Nov. 3 vote. Nineteen of the 30 strategists said they are increasing their cash holdings, including the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen. They're also moving into gold and U.S. Treasurys. We are constructive for 2021 outlook and expect Asian markets to bounce back eventually, should we see volatility in the next couple of months around U.S. elections. Asia-based strategist Ten of 30 said it's a good time to rotate out of expensive stocks such as technology shares and into less popular sectors: They identified travel and tourism, as well as stocks that track the wider economy including banks and industrials. Buying more "defensive" stocks like health care, consumer goods and dividend stocks is another investment strategy that was identified. Only one of the 30 market players polled by CNBC sees value in alternative investments including real estate investment trusts (REITs), infrastructure bonds, or the much-discussed "ESG" funds that factor environmental, social and governance factors into their holdings. China tech vs U.S. tech Asked which they find more attractive between U.S. technology stocks or Chinese tech names, a clear majority 18 of the 30 Asia-based analysts cited Chinese companies as their preferred choice. "Asian tech is cheaper than the U.S., less risk of tradable options, and less regulatory risk," said one, who explained that speculative options trading linked to U.S. tech names makes them more volatile than their Asian counterparts. Another strategist said that "a Biden win could subject U.S. technology to greater regulation." The IPO markets in Hong Kong, mainland China and South Korea have drawn much investor interest in 2020, and "that interest is only set to grow," said another respondent. The scheduled initial public offering of Chinese financial technology company Ant Group "will spur upward revaluations in tech" in Asia, said another analyst. Alibaba affiliate Ant Group, which is still controlled by Alibaba founder Jack Ma, operates the wildly popular Alipay mobile payment app in China. Outlook for Asia markets Sixteen of 30 market experts said they're bullish on Asian markets, despite the near-term volatility. Those respondents said they believe Asia has more upside once the election risk is out of the way, given the apparent fading of the coronavirus in Asia and signs of economic recovery. "We are constructive for 2021 outlook and expect Asian markets to bounce back eventually, should we see volatility in the next couple of months around U.S. elections," said one strategist. "That said," the strategist continued, "Asian equities will likely outperform U.S. equities in the near term," especially if Biden wins the election, "which could weigh on U.S. equities but will likely have limited direct fundamental impact on Asian equities." Biden vs Trump: Which countries benefit? The strategists said a Biden victory would be most positive for China, Japan and South Korea, while a Trump win would be beneficial for India, Vietnam, the Philippines and also Taiwan. Biden as president would be expected to take a more moderate approach toward China, whereas a Trump reelection would be seen strengthening India's position in order to counterbalance China's dominance. "India always needs a common enemy for political purposes, and recent altercations with Pakistan and China have been politically popular," one analyst said. "Continuing this, Trump's blessing has only strengthened [Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi's position. Taiwan also will find more support from the U.S. under Trump this is China's red line, and Trump knows when to push this button." U.S.-China relations But a moderate tone toward China from a President Biden may not translate into less tension between the world's two biggest economies. "The Democrats have given no indication that they will be any easier on China than the GOP" has been, said one of the participants. RICHARDSON, Texas, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) announced today that it will take further action to support its members, customers and communities during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing approximately $104 million in relief to fully insured Texas employer customers in the form of a premium credit. The premium credits are the latest relief action BCBSTX, its parent company Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) and associated health plans have taken, totaling more than $930 million in response to the global health crisis. The purpose of these actions is to lessen the financial hardships many may be experiencing. In addition to the premium credit, other relief steps taken by BCBSTX include: Adjustments made to initial 2021 individual and group rates to provide further financial relief for group plans, individuals and their families delivering approximately $109 million in savings in savings Extensions of the waivers of cost-sharing for telehealth services as well as COVID-19 testing and treatment delivering approximately $181 million in savings for members and their families "Providing meaningful support to our members, customers and the communities we serve in Texas has been our primary focus," said Jeff Tikkanen, Senior Vice President, HCSC Markets and interim BCBSTX president. "Supporting our customers through this public health crisis by providing additional support and financial relief is not only right, but a commitment we take seriously. In these critical times, we need to stand together to meet the needs of Texas families and our customers." In addition to these actions in response to the COVID-19 crisis, BCBSTX recently issued rebates totaling approximately $250 million to individuals and small groups this fall who were eligible under the MLR rebate consumer protection process under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) relating to their 2019 coverage. While there continues to be uncertainty concerning health care spending and the impact of deferred care for the remainder of the year, BCBSTX will continue to closely monitor the evolving health pandemic and health care claim trends to determine how best to support customers, communities and health care delivery partners in Texas. The premium credit and other relief actions are intended to continue to assist members and businesses across Texas to help expand access to care and to offer members some relief during this difficult time. About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with nearly 80,000 physicians and healthcare practitioners, and 500 hospitals to serve more than 5 million members in all 254 counties. BCBSTX is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) (which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Montana, Oklahoma and New Mexico), the country's largest customer-owned health insurer, and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSTX.com | Twitter.com/BCBSTX | Facebook.com/BlueCrossBlueShieldOfTexas | YouTube.com/BCBSTX BCBSTX Community Highlights SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Related Links www.bcbstx.com When Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan welcomed his latest recruit Rajendra Singh into the party on Tuesday, he set off a fresh round of speculation about the reality of his split with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar. Singh, 53, has been with the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) for decades and fought the last elections from Dinara on a BJP ticket. Unlike other turncoats, the former BJP vice-president has nothing but praise for his former party. I dont want to go into why I joined the LJP. I want to just say that Amit Shah continues to be my leader and my party and my personal belief are two different things. I continue to believe in the Ram Temple and everything that the BJP stands for, he said. Singh isnt the only person with strong BJP connections now hoping to figure in the LJPs list of 143 candidates who will fight against Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United), or JD (U). There are others like him waiting to contest on the LJP ticket. While the official position of the LJP is that they are all drawn to the partys successful Bihari First campaign, this is fuelling the theory that the BJP encouraged the LJP to fight against the JD (U). LJPs Khagaria MP Mehboob Ali Kaiser said he objected to the decision to oppose Nitish Kumar. I thought we should contest as NDA in all its sanctity and not side with one part of the NDA (the BJP) and oppose another {the JD (U)}. That doesnt send a good signal. But we authorised Chirag Paswan to take the best decision for the party. When asked about whether his party and the BJP have an understanding, he said: Isnt it now in the open? We have said that we will support the BJP but not JD (U). Incidentally, Kaisers son Yusuf Salahuddin has quit the LJP for the Rashtirya Janata Dal (RJD). Its totally wrong to say that, and it is all rumour mongering and speculation, said BJPs general secretary in-charge of Bihar, Bhupender Yadav. We tried to keep Chirag Paswan in the NDA but he decided to go the other way. We have also forbidden him from using PMs images. We will win 3/4th of the seats in the state. Also Read | Chirag Paswan makes important announcement as CM Nitish Kumar puts up united front with BJP But the younger Paswan isnt doing anything to quell those rumours. When contacted by HT, he said that he couldnt speak as he is in hospital with his ailing father Ram Vilas Paswan, but he did tweet that the BJP and the LJP would form the next government in the state. If the Congress and the Shiv Sena can form government, then anything can happen but its not happening here, said KC Tyagi, JD (U) leader and former MP. Its just rumour-mongering and we dont have to refute it but as you will see soon enough, BJP leaders will be coming to campaign in JD (U) seats against the LJP. Tyagi said that this would stop speculation that the BJP is trying to limit the JD (U)s performance, aiming to curb the number of seats it wins. The LJP and the JD (U) have never fought an election together, but with this move, Paswan has added yet another unknown element to the always-surprising Bihar polls. Analysts said the complex equations could benefit the BJP. If they wanted to reduce anti-incumbency, then the BJP had to distance itself from JD (U). However, it was a tightrope since they didnt want JD (U) changing its alliance partners altogether. I wont be surprised if the BJP does manage to transfer its votes to LJP in JD (U) constituencies. You can expect some changes post-poll too, said DM Diwakar, former director of AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies. We all understand why the federal government refuses to release documents that could implicate national security or put people's lives at risk. However, it's different when agencies refuse to produce documents only because of the malfeasance that puts their employees' careers at risk. The Russia hoax documents fall into the latter category, and, on Monday, Trump had enough. While still in the hospital, he ordered that many more Russia hoax records must be declassified. It's been clear for some time that the federal government is dragging its feet about releasing documents that would provide even more evidence showing that the Obama administration, from President Obama on down, was complicit in an attempted coup. Agency personnel colluded with the Hillary Clinton campaign and a Russian spy to create false allegations against Trump and then, relying on those allegations, spied on him. That Americans are not more shocked is itself shocking. What's also maddening is that, while the Trump administration (including the DOJ), the House (from 2017 through the end of 2018), and the Senate have all known about what happened, they have not been able to get federal agencies to declassify relevant documents. Indeed, a few days ago, intelligence sources leaked that the current CIA director, Gina Haspel, is slow-walking any declassification because she's hoping Trump will lose. If Biden wins, those documents get buried in the vault forever: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Gina Haspel is personally blocking the declassification and release of key Russiagate documents in the hopes that President Donald Trump will lose his re-election bid, multiple senior U.S. officials told The Federalist. The officials said Haspel, who served under former CIA Director John Brennan as the spy agency's station chief in London in 2016 and 2017, is concerned that the declassification and release of documents detailing what the CIA was doing during the 2016 election and the 2017 transition could embarrass the CIA and potentially even implicate Haspel herself. "Haspel and [FBI Director Christopher] Wray both want Trump to lose, because it's the only chance they have of keeping their jobs," one senior intelligence official told The Federalist. "They're banking on Biden winning and keeping them where they are." In simple terms: The head of the CIA refuses to make public documents showing criminal wrongdoing in the government because she's scared of losing her job or going to jail. That's despicable, irrespective of whether she's a good administrator or has otherwise handled her job in exemplary fashion. If you participate in an attempted coup, you pay the price. It might be that this report about Haspel's despicable behavior is what motivated President Trump, while he was still in Walter Reed hospital, to order that more documents get declassified: President Donald Trump has directed White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to begin the process of declassifying more documents tied to the Obama administration's investigation and spying on the Trump 2016 presidential campaign. "He's already tasked me with getting some declassification rolling, in a follow up to some of the requests that Devin Nunes and others have made," Meadows told "Fox and Friends" on Oct. 5, referring to House Intelligence Committee ranking member Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) That's all well and good, but there are only 29 days left before the election. Unless those documents get declassified immediately, there's a chance that the Deep State's gamble will pay off. Therefore, it seems appropriate for Trump to call in whatever legal firepower he has and have his staff walk over to the FBI and the CIA, and clear out their files. Otherwise, those files may vanish. The Deep State will have dragged its feet long enough that it will have gotten away with the greatest crime in the history of our American government. Image: Gina Haspel. YouTube screen grab. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) - Suspension of the session in the House of Representatives today has left Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco no opportunity to challenge the leadership of Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano in the chamber until November 16 when congressmen resume work. Velasco expected to assume the post of Speaker on October 14 as provided for in a term-sharing agreement with Cayetano but with this development, he and his allies would have no chance to declare as vacant the top post in the chamber on that date. Session was suspended today after Cayetano cut short deliberations of the 2021 General Appropriations Act, which was subsequently approved on second reading by the plenary. The move blocked any attempt by Velasco and his supporters to try to assume the speakership before session resumes in November. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque shared earlier that the Marinduque lawmaker sought for President Rodrigo Dutertes approval to continue his bid for the Speakership post. Roque recalled that Duterte told Velasco that it is within his right under the term-sharing deal. Furthermore, Velasco said that Cayetano's move to "maneuver" the House Rules and calendar shows that he is avoiding the Speakership turnover on Oct. 14. "Maneuvering of the House Rules and Calendar which is obviously an aftermath of Speaker Cayetano's failure to secure full support of President Duterte during our recent meeting and evade the October 14, 2020 peaceful transition of House Speakership to this representation based on the term-sharing agreement," he said in a statement. Meanwhile, Cayetano apologized to Duterte and to the people for the Speakership row. I sincerely apologize to the President that he had to hear that. Just like Cong. Velasco, I'm sorry to our people that we have to do this at this time, he said in a speech. Velasco also made an apology last week over the dispute. Panic mode With the suspension of the plenary sessions for more than a month, Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza believes that Cayetano is on panic mode that he might lose his post to Velasco very soon. Obviously, he is on a panic mode. He does not want to reach Oct. 14, because he knows he will be removed by the body. Marami ng congressman ngayon ang sawa na sa antics niya. Nakakahiya na, nahihiya na kami sa nangyayari sa Kongreso (Many congressmen are already fed up with his antics. Its already embarrassing, we feel ashamed of whats happening in the Congress) , Atienza told CNN Philippines. Atienza said that Cayetano is just doing everything for his own benefit. Ayan ang hirap, Cayetano is only for himself, with himself, by himself. Wala siyang sinusunod na payo, kahit ang Presidente ayaw niyang sundin (He does not follow any advice, even from the President), he said. He is all about the Speakership...He doesn't care about the budget. Furthermore, Atienza said that no voting among members is needed if Cayetano will just simply step down and follow the deal. Kung siya ay tunay na maginoong miyembro ng Kongreso, meron siyang ipinangako, hindi kailangan ng eleksyon (If he is truly a decent member of this Congress, he made a promise, so an election is not needed). On Oct. 14, if he is a real gentleman and an honorable member of the Congress, he should just step down, he said. But Atienza warned that the Taguig-Pateros lawmaker should be prepared if a voting would happen. Pero kung ayaw niya at gusto ng mayorya ng showdown vote, so be it. Harapin niya ang katotohanan (But if he does not want to step down and the majority wants a showdown vote, so be it. He should face the truth). Atienza added. I strongly feel that there are more members of the Congress now who are accepting the fact that we should defend the word of honor given in July 2019. For his part, political analyst Julio Teehankee said that things would not have been complicated if the term sharing deal was just followed. It would not have been a complicated arrangement had they followed the terms of agreement, Teehankee told CNN Philippines. This settlement was brokered by the President himself. Any refusal to agree to this term-sharing agreement is an affront to the leadership of the President, he added. But Teehankee pointed out that Velasco should have enough support from fellow congressmen if he wants to secure the Speakership post. It depends whether Lord Allan can muster enough numbers, he said. Jill Biden was taking no chances with the coronavirus on Monday, steering her husband Joe away from reporters in Delaware when she felt he was not maintaining enough distance for safety. The couple were headed for the campaign trail in Florida, and Joe stopped to talk to reporters before flying to Miami. As he was speaking, Jill walked up behind him and grabbed his arms, pulling him away from the reporters. 'I'm sorry,' Joe said, as Jill repositioned him. Jill Biden on Monday repositioned her husband so he was further away from reporters Jill was concerned that her 77-year-old husband was not far enough from the press Biden on Monday said he was still hoping to debate Donald Trump on October 15 Get you a partner that looks out for you like @DrBiden does for @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/sNxhKVnoXt Drew Heskett (@DrewHeskett) October 5, 2020 Both of the Bidens, as well as all of the staff members and reporters visible, were wearing face coverings. They had both tested negative for COVID-19 on Monday. Biden indicated that he would show up at the next debate, in Miami on October 15, if he can do so safely. 'Listen to the science. If scientists say that it's safe, then I think that's fine.' He added: 'I'll do whatever the experts say is appropriate for me to do.' Asked about Trump's car ride outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to wave at supporters despite being hospitalized with coronavirus, Biden said: 'I'm reluctant to comment on the president's health, what he's doing or not doing. I'll leave that to the doctors.' Later on Monday evening Biden addressed an NBC town hall in Florida, and said he was not worried about himself having contracted the coronavirus from Trump. Trump debated him on the same stage in Cleveland on Tuesday, when the president may have already been infected with COVID-19. Biden blasted the 'macho' refusal to wear masks just minutes after President Trump staged a photo-op and returned to the White House from the hospital and then removed his own mask He told NBC's Lester Holt he wasn't worried about his own safety. 'Ive been fastidious about the social distancing,' he said. But he did take to task the president's family. Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Lara Trump all took off their masks inside the debate hall. 'It was a little disconcerting to look out and see that his whole section no one had masks on,' he said. Dr. Jill Biden speaks at a 'Women for Biden' drive-in rally at Century Village in Boca Raton yesterday in Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Biden joined the Women for Biden drive-in rally to support her husband and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, who was participating in an NBC town hall in Miami Dr. Jill Biden (centre), wife of Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Joe Biden, speaks during a campaign event at Utepils Brewery on October 3, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota 'You could see people coming in and a lot of people didnt have masks on.' Biden told Holt he was unimpressed by people who don't wear them. 'Now what is this macho thing Im not going to wear a mask,' he said. Asked about Trump's dramatic arrival back at the White House, Biden said: 'I would hope that the president having gone through what he went through, and Im glad he seems to be coming along pretty well, would communicate the right lesson to the American people.' He continued: 'Masks matter. These masks, they matter. It matters. It saves lives. It prevents the spread of the disease.' A hotel in Hai Phong City has been locked down since October 5 after a Japanese man who stayed there tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The patient is an employee at VSIP Industrial Park and stayed at the 20-storey Roygent Parks Hotel on Vo Nguyen Giap Street. He stayed alone on the fifth floor of the hotel. The hotel received 91 customers since April 18 and 10 out of 13 rooms were occupied. The man arrived in Vietnam on June 26, 2018, to work at Kanata Company in VSIP Industrial Park. On October 4, the patient went to work on the hotel bus with 13 other people and the driver. He returned to the hotel at 4.30 pm. He had a farewell party. At 7.30 pm he checked out and went to the airport to return to Japan. He tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 after landing in Japan. Kanata Company said they had received the news via a phone call and there was no official document yet. They are reviewing the patient's travel history and will report to the authorities. The company also kept contact with the patient in order to be updated about his next tests. The fifth floor has been locked down and will be disinfected with the reception area. Six hotel employees have been quarantined for more viral tests. As of 9 pm on October 5, they had found 162 people that had made contact with the patient. 125 samples have been taken for testing. Foreign experts return to Binh Duong after Covid-19 Up to 2,600 experts have arrived in the southern province of Binh Duong to work as Covid-19 has been brought under control in Vietnam. The experts from China and the Philippines who entered the country through Moc Bai Border Gate in the southern central province of Tay Ninh have been quarantined at Dau Tieng District Health Centre. According to Huynh Thanh Ha, deputy director of Binh Duong Provinces Health Centre, more than 3,000 other experts are scheduled to come to the province in the coming time. Nguyen Khoa Hai, Director of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that the province will use six local hotels namely Dai Nam, The Mira 2, Saigon Park Resort, New Hotel Luxury, Lavender and Tran 2 as paid quarantine sites. To date, Binh Duong has found no Covid-19 community infection case, but only six patients from abroad. Among the six, one has tested negative for the virus for five times, while the others are being treated and in good health condition. Total tally rises to 1,097 after another imported case confirmed Vietnams overall number of COVID-19 infection has increased to 1,097 after one imported case from Dubai was diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the Ministry of Health said on October 5. The newly detected case is a 57-year-old female French expert who entered Noi Bai International Airport on September 19 on flight EK394 from Dubai. She was immediately put into isolation in Soc Son district of Hanoi immediately after entry. Her test result at the Hanoi Center for Disease Control on October 5 was positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Currently, the patient is being isolated to undergo treatment at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanois Dong Anh district. Among the total figure for infections, 691 are locally transmitted cases, 406 are imported into the nation which were immediately placed in quarantine upon arrival. Furthermore, the total number of infections linked to Da Nang, the countrys most serious COVID-19 outbreak hotspot since July 25 remains at 551. The same day, an additional two coronavirus patients were released from hospital after going on to make a full recovery, raising the countrys total number of recoveries to 1,022. The confirmed fatality count caused by COVID-19 and serious underlying health illnesses stand at 35. Among the remaining patients in treatment, 10 have tested negative for the virus at least one or multiple times. More than 16,360 people who had close contacts with COVID-19 patients or came from pandemic-hit areas are under health monitoring across the nation. Vietnam has gone through 33 straight days without recording any single case of local transmission so far. No new COVID-19 cases confirmed on October 6 morning Vietnam has entered the 34th consecutive day without COVID-19 community infections as no new cases were reported on October 6 morning, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. The national count remains at 1,097, including 691 locally-transmitted cases. A total of 1,022 have been given the all-clear so far. The fatalities are unchanged at 35. Some 14,370 who had close contact with COVID-19 patients or came from pandemic-areas are under health monitoring nationwide. Among the active patients, two have tested negative for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 once, two twice and six thrice. There are no patients in critical conditions./. Hanoian man tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 upon arrival in Japan A 23-year-old Vietnamese national who had flown from the nation to Japan on flight NH898 has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) after taking a quick test upon arrival at the airport in the Far East country on September 30. Information regarding the positive case was first reported by CDC Hanoi on October 10 after the Japanese airport informed them about the infection case. Moving forward, the man will be tested for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) over the course of the next six days. Upon receiving news regarding the latest positive COVID-19 case, CDC Hanoi were swift to collect samples from nine individuals who had come into close contact with the Hanoian man and sanitised the surrounding areas. According to a statement made by a representative from CDC Hanoi, among the 10 cases who tested positive for COVID-19 after flying from Hanoi to Japan, nine cases were later confirmed to be negative for the virus after undergoing RT-PCR tests. Japanese expert suspected of COVID-19 infection in Vietnam Authorities in the northern port city of Hai Phong has locked down a hotel after a Japanese expert of an industrial park in the locality first tested positive for the virus. The Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in Hai Phong said October 5 it has received a phone call from Osaka, saying the Japanese man who worked for a company in the VSIP Hai Phong had tested positive upon his arrival in Japan. The 1987-born man had undergone a PCR test for COVID-19 at Osaka airport and Japanese authorities had notified the positive case to Vietnam. The VSIP company scrambled to review the mans travel history in Hai Phong. Accordingly, the man was sent to Vietnam to work on January 26, 2018 and he returned to Osaka (Japan) on October 5. In Vietnam, he had stayed at a hotel in Vinh Niem ward, Le Chan district, Hai Phong city. Local authorities isolated the hotel and disinfected the facility according to regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control. They quarantined 10 people on the fifth floor where the Japanese man had stayed together with those who had come into contact with the suspected case. Local authorities are waiting for the result of the mans second test result. More than 350 Vietnamese citizens brought home from Taiwan More than 350 Vietnamese citizens were taken home from Taiwan (China) on two flights arranged by Vietnamese authorities, the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, Bamboo Airways and Taiwanese competent agencies on October 5. The passengers included the elderly, pregnant women, workers whose visas expired, students with ended training programmes, people with illnesses; and those having disadvantages. The Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei sent staff to the airport to assist them with boarding procedures. The carrier strictly implemented in-flight security and disease prevention measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Upon landing at the Da Nang International Airport in the central province of Da Nang, all crew members and passengers were given heath checkups and put into compulsory quarantine in accordance with regulations. In the future, more flights are set to be conducted to repatriate Vietnamese citizens with disadvantaged circumstances, depending on their need and quarantine capacity at home./. Nearly 340 Vietnamese citizens flown home from Europe, Africa National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on October 3-4 safely repatriated nearly 340 Vietnamese citizens left stranded in European and African nations due to the impact of the COVID-19. Passengers on board the flight were minors under 18, elderly people, students without accommodation, guest workers with expired visas and labour contracts, and other special cases. Vietnamese representative agencies worked closely with relevant agencies of the host countries to facilitate the citizens travel to an airport in Paris (France). The Vietnamese Embassy in France sent staff to the airport to assist the citizens with necessary procedures before their departure. Vietnam Airlines implemented necessary epidemiological measures during the flight to prevent possible spread of the virus. All passengers were also examined and quarantined according to regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control as soon as the plane landed at Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh province, northern Vietnam. Vietnamese authorities are arranging more repatriation flights to bring home more Vietnamese citizens stranded overseas in accordance with the epidemic situation and isolation capacity in the country. Vietnam, Argentinas lawmakers discuss womens rights in time of COVID-19 Vietnamese and Argentine parliamentarians on October 5 held a virtual discussion on womens rights and challenges to the protection of womens rights during the COVID-19 outbreak. In his remarks at the event, Deputy Head of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA)s External Relations Committee Nguyen Manh Tien said the virtual discussion aims to exchange experience between the two national assemblies on protecting womens rights during the COVID-19 as women are those most vulnerable during the unprecedented crisis. Vietnam stands ready to deepen cooperation and share experience in COVID-19 response with Argentines National Congress and Government, he said. He expected the two legislative bodies to increase delegation exchange and bilateral meetings on the sidelines of multilateral parliamentary forums, and to accelerate experience exchanges in parliamentary affairs as well as global and regional issues of mutual concerns. Le Thi Nguyet, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnamese NAs Social Affairs Committee, said about 30.8 million workers have been laid off or had working hours cut in Vietnam as of June this year, 17.6 million of them women. The number of unemployed female workers was 2.14 percent higher than that of male labourers. Meanwhile, women accounted for a majority of frontline healthcare workers in the fight against the coronavirus, Nguyet noted, adding that women had to work from home and do household chores at the same time, doubling the burdens put on them in the time of COVID-19. She urged the two parliaments to strengthen partnership and share experience in COVID-19 response and ensuring social welfare for people. Female legislators should ramp up experience exchanges and law making in gender equality and empowerment of women and girls./. Malaysia PM self-quarantines, Philippines reopens public schools Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will undergo a 14-day home quarantine, after being in contact with Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri who tested positive for COVID-19, he said in a statement. The leader met with Zulkifli in a high-level meeting on virus developments. The minister has since tested positive for COVID-19 and is seeking treatment in a hospital. Muhyddin said he would undergo self-quarantine at his residence for 14 days based on the Ministry of Health's advice. However, this will not affect government affairs as he will continue to work from home and have video calls for meetings, he said. Over the last 24 hours, Malaysia confirmed a record 432 new infections, the highest daily spike since restrictions were imposed in March. The country has seen a steady climb in cases in the past week. Meanwhile, over 22 million students in the Philippines from public schools returned to classes on the same day after months of distance learning to stem the spread of the COVID-19. The Philippines is the last in Southeast Asia to reopen schools. The country will not allow COVID-19 to destroy education and childrens future, Philippine Education Secretary Leonor Briones told the press. Her department intended to resume classes on June 1 but the plan was postponed. President Rodrigo Duterte congratulated the Department of Education for finally opening the school year. The Philippine health ministry on October 5 reported 2,291 new coronavirus infections and 64 more deaths. Total confirmed cases in the country have increased to 324,762, while death toll reached 5,840./. Hue issues set of criteria to assess COVID-19 prevention and control A set of criteria to assess COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control in karaoke parlours, bars, discos and movie theatres was issued on Monday by the Thua Thien-Hue Peoples Committee. The set includes 10 criteria. Specifically, restaurants must provide disinfection hygiene products, arrange a convenient hand-washing place with clean water and soap for guests and have measures to monitor and remind users to wash their hands. Customers and restaurant employees must wear face masks and check body temperatures before entering restaurants. They should also have a monitoring book for service users to record their name, address, phone number, accommodation, health status and updated daily information. If reaching from 80 points or more, the establishment is certified as ensuring COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control safety and can operate. From 65 points to less than 80 points means they relatively ensure COVID-19 pandemic prevention and can operate but must immediately overcome the failed criteria. If reaching from 50 points to under 65 points, the establishment is relatively safe for COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control can operate but must fix the failed criteria within seven days of the assessment results. Then they will be re-checked periodically. When the score is below 50 points, the establishment does not ensure COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control, must temporarily suspend its operation and must correct the flaws immediately. Restaurants, bars and cafes reopened dine-in facilities on Monday, after six months of lockdown in the city. In at least two areas of the city housing several restaurants, Fergusson College road and Koregaon Park, customers were seen waiting patiently outside restaurants for their turn to be seated. Dine-in facilities are allowed with 50 per cent capacity and restaurants and bars have to adhere to several restrictions and guidelines issued by the local authorities and the state government. At the Chaitanya Paratha restaurant on Fergusson College road, customers were welcomed by owners with a traditional aarti. We are happy that our restaurant is now open to the public after almost six months. We make sure that the customers are safe and follow all safety precautions. The variety of Punjabi food is reduced to a certain extent, but all types of parathas are available, said Samira Jangira, owner. We have reduced the number of tables from 50 to 16 so that social distance is maintained. We thermal scan each customer who comes to dine-in and provide them sanitisers and disposable masks, she said. Our staff also follows all safety precautions and we have provided them with masks and gloves. After every order we sanitise every table and chair with hydrochloride solutions, she said. During the lockdown period, all our staff stayed back here in Pune and we provided them with all the necessary requirements, she added. We received a good response today, she said. Amar Kumar, a student who was waiting for a parcel, said, I didnt know restaurants are reopening. The food here is amazing and they are taking all safety precautions. Similar arrangements were seen at another prominent restaurant Wadeshwar on FC Road. Hanuman More, manager, Wadeshwar, said, Safety of the customers is our topmost priority and so we have reduced the tables form 44 to 22. All other safety measures are also followed strictly. We have made arrangements for digital QR code menu card at the tables so that the customer just has to scan the code and see the menu and place the order, he said. Our staff is provided with necessary safety gear and we sanitise the place often, he said. At a restaurant bar in Katraj hard disposable glasses are provided to customers and cashless payment is encouraged. We have made special sitting arrangements and alternate tables are in use so that social distancing is maintained. As we are using special types of glasses which are disposable for safety reasons, said Vikrant Kenge owner of the restaurant bar. WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZERO TO THREE, the leading nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life, announced today the first-ever winners of the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Emerging Leadership Award, honoring two emerging leaders in the field of infant and early childhood mental health. The organization presented Markita Mays of California with the Practice Award and Kerrie Schnake of South Carolina with the Policy Award. "In order to ensure the growth of infant and early childhood mental health in the field, we need to recognize new leaders who are making incredible advances for babies and toddlers," stated Matthew Melmed, Executive Director at ZERO TO THREE. "Markita and Kerrie are leading the way in ensuring that IECMH services for young children and their families not only better support relationships, but are inclusive, equitable, culturally relevant, and fiscally accessible and sound. We wholeheartedly congratulate them on this honor and look forward to following their bright careers moving forward." Markita Mays, LCSW, is the clinical supervisor for the University of California-San Francisco's Child Trauma Research Program at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. In her work, she co-created EMBRACE, a primary care/mental health collaboration for the treatment of Black pregnant women and their partners. She also co-founded the Alameda County Children of Incarcerated Parents Initiative, an anti-racist curricula used at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Department of Psychiatry, and created a learning partnership curriculum for entry and mid-career level clinicians to provide case-based reflective supervision that raises awareness and knowledge about racism and structural and systemic inequities affecting infants, young children, and families. Kerrie Schnake is the Director of the South Carolina Program for Infant/Toddler Care at the University of South Carolina. She championed the establishment of the South Carolina Association for Infant Mental Health, striving to strengthen the IECMH workforce in her state by integrating policies and systems that promote the use of IECMH Competency Guidelines and Endorsements. She also created the innovative "Be Well, Care Well" program to support the well-being of caregivers in early childhood settings. Kerrie was also a member of the 2018-20 ZERO TO THREE Fellowship Class. The IECMH Emerging Leadership Awards acknowledge the efforts of early to mid-year career professionals (5-15 years of experience) who have made significant contributions to the field of infant and early childhood mental health. Recipients demonstrate significant visionary and cutting-edge work to transform practices, policies, and systems at the local, state, or national level in promoting IECMH. The recipients will be honored with ZERO TO THREE's Emerging Leadership Awards on Tuesday, Oct. 6 and Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the organization's annual conference, which is being held virtually this year for the first time. To learn more about ZERO TO THREE's work to advance Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, click here. About ZERO TO THREE ZERO TO THREE works to ensure all babies and toddlers benefit from the family and community connections critical to their well-being and development. Since 1977, the organization has advanced the proven power of nurturing relationships by transforming the science of early childhood into helpful resources, practical tools and responsive policies for millions of parents, professionals, and policymakers. For more information, and to learn how to become a ZERO TO THREE member, please visit zerotothree.org, facebook.com/zerotothree, or follow @zerotothree on Twitter. MEDIA CONTACT Max Samis [email protected] (o) 202-857-2658 (c) 202-268-2528 SOURCE ZERO TO THREE Related Links https://www.zerotothree.org By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Tuesday voiced concern over reluctance of police to arrest and produce lawmakers against whom criminal cases are pending and termed it as a "serious" matter. The top court said that number of cases are pending against Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies (MPs and MLAs) as police officers often do not enforce laws due to pressure from the legislators. "We have been told that sometimes the police is not enforcing the laws, in light of pressure of legislators accused. We understand this is a serious matter," observed a bench headed by Justice N V Ramana, which also noted that various High Courts have been asking for video conferencing facilities for disposal of pending cases. The bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Aniruddha Bose, also sought fresh details of cases against lawmakers and the high courts have to provide the details with regard to number of video conferencing facilities in states for speedy disposal of cases. Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, who has been appointed as amicus curiae, said despite monitoring of cases, the number of cases pending against legislators is increasing and monitoring at micro level, by the High Courts is necessary to ensure expeditious disposal. Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who is the original petitioner, urged the bench to issue notice on the issue of "life time ban" on the legislators accused of serious crimes. However, the apex court said that it is currently dealing with the issues at hand. The apex court was earlier told that criminal cases against sitting and former lawmakers have increased over the last two years therefore strict monitoring, at micro level, by the High Courts is necessary to ensure expeditious disposal of the cases against legislators. The top court was apprised that the total number of cases against sitting and former lawmakers as per the latest reports are 4,859 while the total number of cases as per earlier reports filed in March 2020 were 4,442. "The number of cases pending against MPs/ MLAs (sitting and former) have increased over the last two years despite monitoring for expeditious disposal in the present proceedings. "It is, therefore, submitted that strict monitoring, at a micro-level, by the High Courts is necessary to ensure expeditious disposal of the cases against legislators," the report filed by senior Hansaria, assisted by advocate Sneha Kalita, had said. The report was submitted in a petition which was filed in 2016 and raised the issue of inordinate delay in disposal of criminal cases against former and sitting lawmakers. Commenting on the action plan submitted by high courts to ensure expeditious disposal of the cases, the report stated that some of the High Courts favoured constitution of Special Courts in each District, both at Sessions and Magisterial level. And, stretching the definition of "emergency use", Beijing reportedly has allowed its state-owned Sinopharm to distribute its vaccine candidate to some 350,000 people in China and is preparing to issue it yet more widely. Priority is given to people who need to travel abroad, such as aid workers and business people. Is it irresponsible for China's authorities to allow a vaccine to be handed out before its phase three trials are finished? Yes, it is. Is it an effective way of pushing the pace in its contest with the West and getting attention in other countries? You bet. The West may yet triumph in the quest for a vaccine, but whoever wins will attain a lot of bragging points. Even more influential will be which country can not only come up with a vaccine but distribute it widely around the world. This is what China's President Xi Jinping promised once again in his virtual address to the UN General Assembly last month while ignoring Donald Trump's complaints about the "China virus" at the same forum. Illustration: Dionne Gain Credit:SMH This is the culmination of a contest of models China versus the US that China has been promoting for over a decade. In 2009, after the US had led most of the Western world into banking failures and economic collapse, the Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily boasted of China's economic success and editorialised: "The 'China model' has created miracles, opened a unique path of development and superseded the belief in a superior 'American model', marking its demise." A year later Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state at the time, agreed that China held considerable appeal for many countries. "There are those who look at China and say, 'Well, gosh, they're growing at 9, 10 per cent a year and they're keeping the lid on.' And if you're an authoritarian mindset then that might be attractive," she told me in an interview. By JustLuxe Oct. 5th, 2020 The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has been recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) with Top Honors in AZAs Exhibit Award for 2020, for the Walkabout Australia experience. The award was announced Sept. 16 at the 2020 Virtual AZA Annual Conference, in a presentation recognizing the achievements of more than 20 AZA member facilities in conservation, education, research, habitat design, marketing, diversity, research and volunteer engagement. San Diego Zoo Global is extremely proud of receiving this top design honor from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, for Walkabout Australia, stated Paul A. Baribault, president/CEO, San Diego Zoo Global. The experience at the Safari Park does more than connect people with unique wildlife it also represents an ongoing connection between the San Diego community and dedicated conservationists in Australia." San Diego Zoo Global has a long history of working with Australian wildlife. The 3.6-acre Walkabout Australia experience opened at the Safari Park in May 2018. Walkabout Australia takes guests on a backcountry road through four types of Australian habitats: grassland, rain forest, wetlands and desert. Key features include a walk-through habitat where guests can see western gray kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, radjah shelducks, freckled ducks and magpie geese. Other featured wildlife include southern cassowaries and Matschies tree kangaroos. In November 2019, in a ceremony that included representatives of the Yugambeh (pronounced you-gum-bear) Language Peoples of the Gold Coast of Australia and the consul general of the Australian Consulate in Los Angeles, the Nelson M. Millsberg Platypus Habitat was added to Walkabout Australia. This habitat features the only two platypuses currently living outside of Australia. Animal ambassadors such as a kookaburra, an echidna, a blue-tongued skink, a rose-breasted cockatoo (also known as a galah) or a sugar glider may also be present for encounters with guests on any given day. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mardika Parama (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 6, 2020 09:32 474 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4956860 1 Business REI,Real-Estate-Indonesia,property-sector,mortgage-subsidy,COVID-19,Sinar-Mas-Land,office-space Free Property developer association Real Estate Indonesia (REI) has urged the government to provide an additional stimulus that includes mortgage payment deferrals for developers and homebuyers as the current mortgage interest subsidy program is projected to falter. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati signed on Sept. 25 Ministerial Regulation No. 138/2020 on procedures for the National Economic Recovery programs subsidy disbursement plan, which details provisions on the mortgage loan interest subsidy. The interest subsidy, which ranges from 3 percent to 25 percent in the first three months of the loan depending on the debtors loan ceiling, is available for a maximum property size of 70 square meters. The program also limits the loan ceiling to Rp 10 billion (US$673,000). The interest subsidy will only result in substantial effects because it lasts for around three months. Meanwhile, many people now are being furloughed without a severance payment, REI chairman Paulus Totok said during an online discussion held by marketing firm Markplus on Friday. Paulus said mortgage forbearance would enable laid-off and furloughed workers to keep their mortgage despite losing their source of income, preventing massive defaults and house order cancellations. The government needs to take a meticulous look at the microeconomic data to understand the current conditions and implement the right policy, he said. Indonesias unemployment rate is projected to soar to 9.5 percent this year, up from around 5.2 percent last year, as millions of people lose their jobs amid the prolonged pandemic, according to Fitch Solutions. Household spending fell 5.51 percent year-on-year (yoy) in the second quarter as the countrys gross domestic product contracted 5.32 percent during the period, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data show. The combination of soaring unemployment and plummeting purchasing power has greatly affected the housing market, according to Bank Indonesias quarterly Residential Property Prices Index (IHPR) survey. According to the central banks survey, residential property sales remained in the negative territory with a 25.6 percent yoy decline in the second quarter. The housing property price also saw a continuous slowdown with only 1.59 percent yoy growth booked in the second quarter, down from the previous quarters yoy increase of 1.69 percent. Property developers needed additional stimulus from the central government and local administration in the form of tax cuts for final income tax (PPh), value-added tax (PPN), land and building tax (PBB) and land and building rights acquisition tax (BPHTB), Paulus said. There are 30 million workers that are employed in industries that are directly or indirectly linked to the property sector. Therefore, we have submitted a proposal [to the government] to rescue the property developers cash flow, he said. However, some developers have seen a silver lining to the economic turbulence. Developer PT Sinarmas Land managing director Alim Gunadi said during the discussion that while office and retail property sales continued to decline, landed property had found its new equilibrium and was projected to become the first segment to rebound. If we take a look at the property cycle, the landed house industry is set to rebound quicker than the office and retail sectors, he said. The companys subsidiary, PT Bumi Serpong Damai (BSDE), recorded Rp 2.9 trillion in marketing sales during the first half of the year, a 6 percent yoy increase, according to the companys data. Alim said young first-time homeowners aged 22 to 39 years old had become market drivers during the pandemic as property with a middle-lower price tag topped the demand. During the 2003 SARS epidemic, property sales dropped but they rebounded by 147 percent the next year. Hopefully we can see a similar V-shaped recovery, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 03:02:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TASHKENT, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan is seriously concerned over the political crisis in neighboring Kyrgyzstan and hopes for the earliest possible stabilization of the situation, the Uzbek foreign ministry said Tuesday. "The stability and sustainable development of Kyrgyzstan is an important factor in the security and prosperity of the entire Central Asian region," the ministry said in a statement. It added that Uzbekistan, as the closest neighbor and strategic partner of Kyrgyzstan, hopes for a peaceful settlement of the tense situation in accordance with the norms of the country's constitution and the national legislation. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its strong commitment to further development and strengthening of Uzbek-Kyrgyz relations of friendship, good-neighborliness and multifaceted cooperation. Kyrgyzstan's Central Election Commission annulled the results of the parliamentary elections held on Sunday after clashes between police and protesters. Enditem The prestigious Carousel Of Hope Ball has been a longstanding biennial tradition. And the event is not letting the COVID-19 pandemic get in the way, it was learned on Tuesday. The virtual benefit, which occurs Saturday, October 10, has just announced a slew of stars set to appear for the special evening. The star-studded lineup will include Tom Hanks, Jennifer Hudson, Usher and Lionel Richie, to name a few, with proceeds going to a very good cause. Carousel of Hope: The prestigious Carousel of Hope Ball which raises funds for diabetes research and clinical care is set to feature celebrities including Tom Hanks (pictured), Jennifer Hudson, Maria Shriver, Usher and Lionel Richie at the virtual benefit, occurring on Saturday, October 10 This year's event, which will stream on People, aims to raise funds for diabetes research and clinical care, for the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and Childrens Diabetes Foundation Due to the pandemic, the event will now be streamed online and available for public viewing, for the first time in the event's history. In addition to the usual tribute, the event is also set to celebrate Davis' 90th birthday and the foundation's 40th anniversary. JHud: Oscar winner Jennifer is one of the many celebrities set to be included in the virtual lineup on Saturday; seen in 2009 Usher: Las Vegas' newest residency holder, Usher is due to appear at this year's special event which will feature a slew of celebrity performances for a good cause; seen in 2019 The biennial ball, which honored Robert De Niro with the Brass Ring Award in 2018, will continue to feature a slew of celebrity performances this year, as well as appearances from major players like George Clooney, Samuel L Jackson, Oprah and Jane Fonda. For its 2020 installment, Jay Leno will operate as the master of ceremonies and David Foster will serve as musical director. Also on the operations committee are music vets, Clive Davis and Quincy Jones, who will jointly be music chairman. The event will also feature a virtual auction, with upscale donors like The Beverly Hills Hotel and celebrity jeweler XIV Karats. Exclusive performance: Rod Stewart is one of the many musical acts scheduled to perform at the event this Saturday Grand honors: David Foster and Jay Leno are on the committee this year for the event that has raised over $105M to date Powerhouses: Boss lady Oprah is also set to make an appearance at the event which raised over $1.9M last time The event raised over $1.9M in 2018, with all the events having raised over $105M to date with all proceeds going to the noble cause. Since the event's start in 1978, the night has been a Hollywood favorite, uniting celebrities from all walks of life for a special evening. The event will air virtually via PeopleTV, Youtube, Facebook and Twitter on Saturday at 9PM ET/ 6PM PT and will feature a special performance by Rod Stewart. For more information go to Childrensdiabetesfoundation.org Japanese yakuza often sport distinctive tattoos - -/- One of the most fearsome yakuza underworld groups in Japan has been told it cannot hand out sweets to trick-or-treating children at Halloween. The local government of Hyogo Prefecture, in central Japan, on Monday unanimously approved a new provision to existing anti-gangster legislation that makes it illegal for members of the Yamaguchi-gumi to hand out treats at its headquarters in the city of Kobe on Halloween. The local authority was acting on a proposal from the prefectural police, which has been waging a war of attrition against the largest yakuza group in Japan. The gang operates across Japan, earning millions every year from extortion, underground gambling, the sex industry, weapons trafficking, drug sales and kickbacks in the property and construction sectors. Despite their reputation as violent criminals, members of the gang have been enthusiastic participants in Kobes Halloween festivities for many years, with gangsters in costumes handing out sweets outside their offices. The new ordinance makes that illegal, with children also banned from entering the gangs offices. Members are also banned from giving money or gifts to children, and contacting minors by phone or email with the intention of encouraging them to join the group. Any gangster found guilty of violating the ordinance faces a sentence of up to six months in prison and fines of as much as 3,640. The authorities are acting to deprive the Yamaguchi-gumi of any good public relations that might make them appealing to young people, said Jake Adelstein, author of 'Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan' and an authority on the nations underworld groups. They have been trying to ostracise this gang from society for some years and this is just the latest measure to do that." By clamping down like this, they are hoping to deprive them of new blood because the average age of a yakuza is now 50 and theyre struggling to attract new members, he said. Authorities are also attempting to keep people away from the gangs facilities out of concern that passers-by might be injured or killed in the Yamaguchi-gumis ongoing feud with a rival group. In October last year, two members of an affiliated group were shot dead on a street in Kobe, while a senior member of the splinter group, the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi, was killed in November 2019 in the nearby city of Amagasaki. In the last five years, police say there have been 127 incidents of violence involving gangs in and around Kobe. The French National Assembly votes today on whether to return key works of art to Benin and Senegal, amid a wider debate over the restitution of artworks. Many judge the move to be just a first step towards the rightful return of numerous works of art to their countries of origin. For others this restitution is the tip of an iceberg that could lead to the emptying of some of Frances world famous museums. The proposal before the French lower house today concerns artworks from western Africa, in line with President Macrons 2017 pledge in Ouagadougu to work towards creating the conditions for the restitution of African cultural treasures held in France. Paris proposes the return to Benin of 26 pieces from the so-called Treasure of Behanzin, seized by French troops when the Abomey Palace was pillaged in 1892 and currently held by the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac in Paris. Senegal would see the return of a sabre and its sheath, attributed to El Hadj Omar Tall, a key religious and military figure in western Africa in the 19th century. The sabre is part of the collection at the Museum of the Army in Paris but it is currently on long-term loan in Dakar. 'Strict minimum' Mindful of the debate around the subject, French culture minister Roselyne Bachelot insists the proposed restitution of these particular artworks is neither an act of repentance nor reparation, nor a condemnation of Frances cultural model, but the beginning of a new chapter in cultural links between France and Africa. She told the French Commission for Cultural Affairs that returning the artworks allowed France to help give the youth of Africa access to major pieces of their own heritage. Benin president Patrice Talon recognized what he described as first steps from Paris, but told the weekly magazine Jeune Afrique recently that todays proposal was not enough. He said it was a strict minimum, and called for a general law allowing a comprehensive return of artworks, based on a precise list. Story continues Growing demand for restitutions But critics of todays bill fear that the return of these objects could trigger a wave of similar demands from other countries, complicating international relations. How are we going to refuse Egypt now? What about the artworks which were taken by Napolean, the crowning artefacts of some French museums? wonders Yves-Bernard Debie, a lawyer specialising in cultural property. A study prepared for MPs on the impact of returning artworks also raised concerns that the international art market might suffer as buyers worry about legal disagreements. The question of restitution has gathered momentum in recent years and led many museums, many of which house artefacts stolen during conflicts, to examine their role. Art Historian Julien Volper worries about the clamour for restitutions, pointing out in Tuesday's Le Figaro newspaper that all countries pillaged and looted during wars and that the practice was only declared a crime in 1899 as part of the Hague Convention. Frances minister of culture says the subject of returns raises ethical, philosophical and political questions but she recently reminded the Cultural Affairs Committee that Paris has already returned artworks to different countries, using various legal frameworks. A statue stolen from Egypt was returned in 1981, 21 Maori heads have been sent back to New Zealand and 32 gold plaques were returned to China. Meanwhile, French MP MJid El guerrab has put forward a new proposition, that the cloak which belonged to Emir Abdelkader, a hero of Algerian resistance to colonization in the 19th century be returned to Algiers from Paris. Members of the Quad on Tuesday pushed for a rules-based global order and peaceful resolution of disputes in the face of Chinas growing aggression across the Indo-Pacific, even as the US indicated it wants to formalise and expand the informal grouping that includes India, Australia and Japan. Though US secretary of state Mike Pompeo was the only one of the four foreign ministers to name China in his opening remarks, it was evident the shadow of Beijings assertive actions hung large over the second ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue in Tokyo. Against the backdrop of the five-month border standoff with China, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said in his opening remarks that India and the other members of Quad remain committed to a rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Pompeo was particularly scathing in his criticism of China, saying it was critical for partners in the Quad to collaborate to protect our people and partners from the [Chinese Communist Partys] exploitation, corruption, and coercion that had been witnessed in the South and East China Sea, the Mekong, the Himalayas [and] the Taiwan Straits. He also said the crisis created by the pandemic that came from Wuhan was made infinitely worse by the Chinese Communist Partys cover-up. The US will support the others in the Quad to counter the pandemic and rebuild their economies, Pompeo added. Australian foreign minister Marise Payne, in her opening remarks, said her country believes in a region governed by rules, not power. She added: We believe in the fundamental importance of individual rights and in a region in which disputes are resolved according to international law. In a separate statement issued after the meeting, Payne said the ministers reiterated that states cannot assert maritime claims that are inconsistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) a reference to Chinas actions in South China Sea. Ahead of the foreign ministers meeting, Pompeo said in an interview with Nikkei Asia that the US wants to formalise and expand the Quad. Once weve institutionalised what were doing the four of us together we can begin to build out a true security framework, he said, adding that the Quad is a fabric that can counter the challenge that the Chinese Communist Party presents to all of us. Other nations can become part of this fabric at the appropriate time, he suggested. Pompeo also said that Chinas actions in the region amounted to bullying. He added, This is the Chinese using coercive power. This isnt how great nations operate. So our mission is to reduce that. Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegis remarks at a news conference on Tuesday, too, hinted at the possible expansion of the Quad. Japan wants a free and open Indo-Pacific based on rule of law and freedom of navigation, and like-minded countries [which] share these values can participate in this vision, he said. This time we are having a quadrilateral meeting, Japan, US, Australia and India... if [other] countries can share these values and rules, I think we can expand the framework, Motegi said. The remarks of the Quad ministers are certain to irk China, whose officials have likened the grouping to a mini NATO and said its activities are aimed at targeting third parties. A statement issued by Chinas foreign ministry in Mandarin on Tuesday evening called for peace and win-win cooperation instead of forming exclusive cliques. It said multilateral cooperation should be open, inclusive and transparent, as well as conducive to mutual understanding and trust between regional countries instead of targeting third parties. We hope the relevant countries can think more of the regional countries common interests and contribute to regional peace, stability and development rather than doing the opposite, the Chinese statement added. Despite the US push to formalise the Quad, the grouping continues to be loose and informal in nature, which has raised questions among experts as to whether it can effectively work as a counterweight to China. Following Tuesdays meeting, there was no joint statement and the four countries issued separate readouts. Jaishankar said in his opening remarks that the events of 2020 have demonstrated how imperative it is for like-minded countries to coordinate responses to the various challenges that the pandemic has brought to the fore. He added, As vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values, our nations have collectively affirmed the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The significance of the four foreign ministers meeting in person, at a time when foreign travel by world leaders is rare, was highlighted by Jaishankar, who said the gathering in Tokyo is testimony to the importance that these consultations have gained, particularly in recent times. A statement issued by the external affairs ministry said the foreign ministers discussed the post-Covid-19 world order and sought a coordinated response to the challenges, including financial problems, emanating from the pandemic. They discussed the sharing of best practices to combat Covid-19, increasing the resilience of supply chains, and enhancing access to affordable vaccines, medicines and medical equipment, the statement said. The ministers exchanged views on regional issues, connectivity, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, health security and counterterrorism, and reiterated their support to the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and their readiness to work towards realising a common vision for the Indo-Pacific, the statement added. A readout from Japans foreign ministry said that during the three-hour meeting, including a working dinner, the ministers agreed on broadening cooperation with more countries for a free and open Indo-Pacific as well as practical cooperation quality infrastructure and maritime security. The four sides also agreed to hold regular consultations. Former ambassador Neelam Deo, director of the foreign policy think tank Gateway House, highlighted the significance of the Quad foreign ministers holding a second meeting within a year as well as Japans new government hosting the event. As an expert pointed out, China was the godfather of the Quad at the time of its inception and it remains the motivating factor for the Quad even today, since it has been going everywhere picking a fight, she said. But now the parties in the Quad are not the only ones who realise China has become more difficult to deal with. This meeting will result in greater focus on economic cooperation and collaboration on issues such as critical materials to reduce over-dependence on one source, and all of this is good for India, Deo said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A PureGym personal trainer has apologised 'whole heartedly' after posting an 'ill-judged' 12 Years a Slave workout for Black History Month. Matt Simpson, a black man, posted a new workout for his clients on the PureGym Luton and Dunstable Facebook page, saying: 'Slavery is hard and so is this'. He has since removed the post from social media and apologised 'to all whom I offended or angered in any way, shape or form'. In a post to Instagram, Mr Simpson wrote: 'For those who are coming across me this morning for the first time I am the individual who posted the 12 Years Of Slave workout yesterday morning via the PureGym Luton and Dunstable Instagram account.' Personal trainer Matt Simpson has apologised 'wholeheartedly' for his 'ill-judged' post that compared his intense workout to slavery He said it was a 'very ill judged post which I am responsible for' and added that he was 'a proud black man wanting to bring his history together with his passion and profession'. 'Unfortunately as a result have been vilified and branded racist. The branding of puregym as racist couldnt be further from the truth in my experience,' he added. Mr Simpson, the assistant general manager of PureGym Luton, was criticised yesterday 'During my time at the company I have never experienced any racial prejudice and have always been given the tools and support needed. 'This is a very hard lesson for me and I whole heartedly apologise to all affected. I am deeply sorry.' In the original Facebook post, published yesterday, Mr Simpson shared an image of a workout titled '12YearsOfSlave'. He wrote: 'Entitled '12YearsOfSlave' (after the epic movie) this is our workout of the month designed by @mattsimpt to celebrate black history month. 'Slavery was hard and so is this. The twist to this is 1 rep of your 1st exercise, 2 of the second but before you move on to the 3rd exercise which is also 3 reps you must start at the beginning to move on. 'AND thats how the entire workout goes.' MailOnline has approached PureGym for comment. Mr Simpson, a black man, posted a new workout (pictured) for his clients on the PureGym Luton and Dunstable Facebook page, saying: 'Slavery is hard and so is this' It is not known whether any disciplinary action was taken against Mr Simpson following the removal of the post. A source familiar with the matter told MailOnline: Its very sensitive and the company must do the right thing. 'Theres a process it will have to go through to investigate the circumstances of the post which definitely breached the social media protocols and only once it is through this can it take a course of action.' The source revealed the backlash has been 'traumatic' and Mr Simpson is 'taking time away from the business'. Most social media users were happy to forgive his error in judgement. One wrote: 'Chin up, mate. You were coming from a good place.' Another said: 'You seem like a good honest man thats just made a misjudgement.. will blow over fella keep you head up, its nothing in the grand scheme of things.' One penned: 'In life we all make mistakes and we all say stuff that in hindsight we regret. Focus on doing what you do helping others and as we should all try learning and growing from our mistakes.' Other's weren't so convinced, as one said: 'Oh please. You're only sorry because of the backlash Sambo. Cancelled.' Most social media users (pictured) were happy to forgive Mr Simpson today for his error in judgement. One user said it was important to 'focus on doing what you do helping others' Other's weren't so convinced, as one said: 'Oh please. You're only sorry because of the backlash Sambo. Cancelled' Another added: 'I feel so disappointed right now, I can't even lie.' Mr Simpson was asked to delete the post and a spokesman for PureGym yesterday told MailOnline the fitness brand 'apologises unreservedly'. On Instagram yesterday Mr Simpson reposted the caption, adding: 'This is the post caption along with this very picture i posted to celebrate black history month on the work social media and was ordered to remove it.' In a lengthy apology post Mr Simpson said it was a 'very ill judged post which I am responsible for' and added that he was 'a proud black man wanting to bring his history together with his passion and profession' Mr Simpson's workout was named after the 2013 film 12 Years A Slave starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup and Benedict Cumberbatch as William Ford. Furious social media users blasted Mr Simpson for comparing a workout to the transatlantic slave trade. Aoife Meny-Gibert wrote: 'This is not it. You might be hoping that people pointing out your monumental error in judgement is at least "engagement", but it is really not worth it.' Jaye Bonser added: 'Wow, just wow, I'm gobsmacked that someone thought this was okay to post. 'hope you've seen and are taking appropriate action against this.. Maybe an apology follower by some diversity training to start with.' [sic] Mr Simpson was asked to delete the post and a spokesman for PureGym told MailOnline the fitness brand 'apologises unreservedly' Mr Simpson's workout was named after the 2013 film 12 Years A Slave starring Chiwetel Ejiofor (pictured right) as Solomon Northup and Benedict Cumberbatch as William Ford (left) Furious social media users blasted Mr Simpson for comparing a workout to the transatlantic slave trade Mr Simpson later revealed he was asked to delete the post and a spokesman for PureGym told MailOnline the fitness brand 'apologises unreservedly' Matt Elcock penned: 'I dont even know where to start on this one. Wrong, insensitive and horrendous on all levels. You have no idea what Black History Month actually represents. You should be ashamed.' Jack McGurran said: 'How many people did this pass through without anyone asking the question "wait, isn't this incredibly offensive?"' David JW Woods said: 'This is one of the most tasteless marketing ads Ive ever seen. Shameful!' Confused social media users did not understand how a black man could compare his workout with the transatlantic slave trade MailOnline has contacted Mr Simpson for comment. A spokesman for PureGym said: 'PureGym apologises unreservedly for a post made today by our gym in Luton. Laurence Fox (pictured in January) has said he will not be shopping at Sainsbury's 'This post is wholly unacceptable, was not approved or endorsed by the company and was removed as soon as it was brought to our attention. 'Each of our 271 gyms has its own social media channels which are run locally. 'We take this matter extremely seriously and are urgently investigating how and why this post was made.' Black History Month, originating in the US, recognises the role of black people in society. The month-long celebration was brought over to Britain in the 1980s. It comes after Laurence Fox accused Sainsbury's of 'promoting racial segregation and discrimination' and said he would be boycotting the supermarket chain after they promoted Black History Month. The actor, who recently announced he was launching his own political party to 'reclaim British values', denounced the supermarket on Twitter. Sainsbury's said anyone who is not happy with 'an inclusive retailer' is welcome to shop elsewhere as it says it is proud to celebrate Black History Month with their communities He said: 'Dear Sainsbury's 'I won't be shopping in your supermarket ever again whilst you promote racial segregation and discrimination. I sincerely hope others join me. RT' It came after Sainsbury's announced they would be marking Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements of the black community, recognising the central role black people have played in history. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act court (NDPS) has extended the judicial custody of actor Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik till October 20 on Tuesday. Moreover, the custody of 18 others arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in the case has also been extended. The NCB arrested Rhea on September 9 over the charge of procuring banned drugs for her boyfriend and late actor Sushant. The siblings have been in jail for nearly a month on drugs-related charges linked to the Sushant Sigh Rajput's death case. Their bail applications were turned down by a special NDPS court on September 11, 2020. Following this, Chakraborty and her brother had moved the Bombay High Court for bail. Thereafter, the Bombay High Court, on September 29, reserved the order on the bail applications. Meanwhile, the AIIMS panel, who re-evaluated Sushant Singh Rajput's post-mortem and viscera reports, said that the actor's death was a case of suicide and the murder angle has been completely ruled out. After the AIIMS report, Bollywood actor Swara Basker called for the release of Rhea. In a tweet supporting leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Chowdhury's calls for Rhea's release, Swara wrote, "Well done sir!" using the hashtag #ReleaseRheaChakraborty. Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14. The Mumbai police launched a suicide probe but weeks after the actor's family appealed to the Supreme Court to allow CBI to resolve the case. The NCB is probing the drug angle in this case under criminal sections of the NDPS Act after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) shared with it a report following the cloning of two mobile phones of Rhea.Various angles surrounding the death of Rajput are being probed by the NCB, ED, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). During the NCB's probe, WhatsApp chats retrieved from Rhea's phone revealed conversations involving drugs. Also read: 'No women officers during interrogation; denied legal advice': Rhea Chakraborty in Bombay High Court Also read: 'Sushant took advantage of those closest to him to sustain drug habit': Rhea Chakraborty MEA responds to Khalistan militant row, says 'don't know how the visa was issued' LeT commander behind killing of Army Major among two militants dead in Kashmir encounter Self styled militant of UPRF gunned down in encounter India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Guwahati, Oct 06: Martin Guite, the self- styled 'chairman' of militant outfit United People's Revolutionary Front (UPRF), has been killed in a night-long encounter in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, police said on Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off, a police team launched a search operation in the forests of Singhasan Hill on Monday night, a senior police officer from Karbi Anglong said. The UPRF militants opened fire on the police team, to which the personnel retaliated, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted till early in the morning, he said. Bodies of slain trio in Shopian fake encounter exhumed "When we searched the area after sunrise, we found Guite lying there," the officer said. Confirming the development, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Gyanendra Pratap Singh tweeted: "Late last evening, Martin Guite, SS Chairman of UPRF, an insurgent group active in Karbi Anglong, was wounded and later declared dead in exchange of fire with team of @assampolice in Manja PS area of Karbi Anglong." Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News The police team also seized a 7.65 mm pistol and four cartridges from the spot, the district police officer said. A search operation is underway to nab more militants of the outfit, he added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 15:36 [IST] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) Philippine Health Insurance Corporation President and CEO Dante Gierran assured Tuesday that complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation will not hamper the operations of the embattled state health insurer. In a statement, Gierran welcomed the complaints filed against the nine previous and incumbent PhilHealth officials, including resigned chief Ricardo Morales, over "questionable" cash advances given to hospitals earlier this year. "PhilHealth assures the public that the case and those that will be filed henceforth will not in any way affect the operations of the agency," Gierran said. "It appeals to everyone to let the said complaint take its due course without casting undue conclusion and judgment to those involved." "The matter will now be properly heard and looked into by the Ombudsman, and that the concerned officers will now have the opportunity to be heard and defend themselves against allegations of fund misuse," he added. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Friday that the Department of Justice endorsed to the NBI the filing of charges of graft, malversation of public funds or property and violations of the National Internal Revenue Code before the Ombudsman against the officials. Aside from Morales, they were Arnel De Jesus, PhilHealth Chief Operating Officer; Renato Limsiaco, Jr., Senior Vice President on Fund Management Sector; Israel Pargas, Senior Vice President on Health Finance Policy Sector; Gregorio Rulloda, Area Vice President for Area II South Luzon and NCR; Lolita Tuliao, Branch Manager of PhilHealth Regional Office in NCR; Imelda Trinidad-De Vera; Gemma Sibucao; and Lailani Padua. The charges were linked to the implementation of PhilHealth's interim reimbursement mechanism scheme which allowed prepayments to hospitals affected by a "fortuitous event" such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A task force under the DOJ earlier held its own investigation into PhilHealth and issued its recommendations September 15 stating that the agency's executives were found to be negligent after cash advances were given to hospitals even before the circular for its implementation became effective and without taxes being held. President Rodrigo Duterte previously approved the recommendations and floated the idea of either abolishing or privatizing the PhilHealth, but said he will first attempt to reorganize the agency by deeming all its personnel resigned. However, Gierran opposed privatizing the agency, saying that it will only send a "wrong signal" that people distrust government officials. Kim Kardashian looked incredible when she was pictured exiting her car in Malibu on Monday night. The reality TV star and businesswoman, 39, showed off her incredible figure wearing a red leather ensemble which clung perfectly to her curves. Her sleeveless top had a cut-out section at the waist which showed off her toned abs and her matching trousers were cropped to just above the ankles. Wow! Kim Kardashian looked sensational in a form-fitting red leather cut-out top and matching trousers, as she sported a long braid on a night out in Malibu on Monday She wore a pair of perspex heels which had a matching red sole. Kim's trademark brunette tresses were slicked back into a wet look braid reaching down past her famous derriere. She did not appear to be with husband Kanye West, 43, on the night, nor any of her famous siblings as she headed out. There's no business like shoe-business: She wore a pair of perspex heels which had a matching red sole Kim has revealed that she took care of Kanye while he recovered from COVID-19 back in March. She opened up about helping her husband at a time where not much was known about the novel coronavirus in a cover story interview with GRAZIA released on Monday. She explained: 'Kanye had it way at the beginning, when nobody really knew what was going on. Going solo? She did not appear to be with husband Kanye West, 43, on the night, nor any of her famous siblings as she headed out She said: 'It was so scary and unknown. I had my four babies and no-one else in the house to help' 'It was so scary and unknown. I had my four babies and no-one else in the house to help.' Kardashian said that he had tested positive around the same time that Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson revealed that they had it in mid-March. However, during his infamous Forbes interview from July, Kanye revealed that he had it in February. Health woes: Kardashian said that he had tested positive around the same time that Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson revealed that they had it in mid-March Regardless of the timetable, Kim stepped up to the plate to take care of her ailing husband. She explained: 'I had to go and change his sheets and help him get out of bed when he wasnt feeling good. It was a challenge because it was so unknown. 'Changing his sheets with gloves and a face shield was really a scary time.' The MEA said the government was taking both cases extremely seriously, but external agencies should avoid such comments as investigations are still underway New Delhi: India on Monday termed unwarranted the UN Resident Coordinators statement on the alleged rape and murder in Uttar Pradeshs Hathras and Balrampur, and asserted any unnecessary comments by an external agency are best avoided as the investigation process is still underway in the cases. The Ministry of External Affairs also said these cases have been taken extremely seriously by the government. Calling for attention to cases of sexual violence against women and girls in India, UN Resident Coordinator in India Renata Dessallien said the alleged rape and murder in Hathras and Balrampur are a reminder that those from disadvantaged social groups are at greater risk of gender-based violence. In a statement, she said it is essential that authorities ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice speedily and families are empowered to seek timely justice, social support, counselling, healthcare and rehabilitation. The UN in India is profoundly saddened and concerned at the continuing cases of sexual violence against women and girls in India, the statement said Responding to a media query on the UN Resident Coordinators statement, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said some unwarranted comments have been made by the UN Resident Coordinator regarding some recent cases of violence against women. UN Resident Coordinator in India should be aware that these cases have been taken extremely seriously by the government, he said. Since the investigation process is still underway, any unnecessary comments by an external agency are best avoided, Srivastava said. Underlining that the Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens, Srivastava said as a democracy we have a time-tested record of providing justice to all sections of our society. In her statement, the UN Resident Coordinator said, The recent cases of alleged rape and murder in Hathras and Balrampur are another reminder that despite the impressive progress made on a number of social indicators, women and girls from disadvantaged social groups face additional vulnerabilities and are at greater risk of gender-based violence. The steps being taken by the Indian government to strengthen safety measures for women and girls are welcome and urgent, the United Nations official said. We support the Prime Ministers call for strict action against the culprits. Entrenched social norms and behaviour of men and boys that lead to gender-based violence must be addressed, the statement said. The recent case of violence and sexual assault of a Dalit woman in Hathras has led to nation-wide protests and agitations. A 19-year-old woman was allegedly raped at a village in Hathras by four men on 14 September. She was admitted to Aligarh Muslim Universitys Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital and later shifted to a Delhi hospital in an extremely critical condition with spinal injuries, paralysis, and cuts in her tongue. She breathed her last Tuesday. Her body was cremated in the early hours of Wednesday, with her family alleging the local police forced them to conduct the last rites in the dead of the night. Local police officers, however, had said the cremation was carried out as per the wishes of the family. In Uttar Pradeshs Balrampur district, a 22-year-old Dalit woman died after allegedly being raped by two men. The victims mother has alleged that the rapists broke the legs and back of her daughter, but the police did not approve the charge. Boris Johnson was hit by a business backlash after devoting a major speech to a rose-tinted vision of the distant future, rather than offering solutions to the expected wave of Covid-driven job losses and the impending threat of a no-deal Brexit. Business groups welcomed the prime ministers promises to invest in wind-power and infrastructure and to rely on the private sector to deliver a boost to national productivity once the pandemic is over. But they warned that companies need immediate help to get them through a precarious period ahead, when chancellor Rishi Sunaks support for workers through the furlough scheme is withdrawn on 1 November and the UK switches to post-Brexit trading relations with the EU on 31 December. Labour accused the PM of bluster after he largely ignored the immediate challenges of preventing job losses and scaling up coronavirus testing to instead focus on his hopes for a Britain of hydrogen-powered trains and zero-carbon jets in 2030. In his keynote speech to the Conservative Partys virtual annual conference, Mr Johnson said that the end of the pandemic must not mean a return to the normality of 2019, but should usher in an acceleration of social and economic change to deliver a bright future in a decades time. The prime minister promised to press ahead with manifesto plans to introduce long-term fixed-rate mortgages on 5 per cent deposits to reverse the disgraceful decline in home-ownership among the under-40s over the past decade. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 14 January 2022 Ecologist Emma Smart (left) and retired GP Dr Diana Warner outside HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey, following their release from the prison where Emma undertook a 26-day hunger strike during her incarceration. Ms Smart was sentenced in November, along with other members of Insulate Britain, to serve four months for breaking a High Court injunction by taking part in a blockade at junction 25 of the M25 motorway during the morning rush hour on 8 October last year PA UK news in pictures 13 January 2022 A TV presenter holds a copy of a newspaper outside 10 Downing Streetafter the Prime Minister apologised for attending a gathering of colleagues in the Number Ten garden in May 2020, while the UK was in strict lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic Getty UK news in pictures 12 January 2022 Fitness guru Derrick Evans after receiving an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 11 January 2022 A couple walk underneath an umbrella during wet weather on Westminster Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 10 January 2022 A jogger passes the Covid Memorial Wall in London AP UK news in pictures 9 January 2021 The sun rises over horses at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 8 January 2022 Riders compete during the Veterans Men's race at the UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships 2022 in Ardingly, south of London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 7 January 2022 A dog looks out of a car window at the wintry conditions in Killeshin, Co. Laois PA UK news in pictures 6 January 2022 People walk through frost and mist alongside a frozen lake during sunrise in Bushy Park, London REUTERS UK news in pictures 5 January 2022 A skier jumps on the slopes at Allenheads in the Pennines to the north of Weardale in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 4 January 2022 Freshly-fallen snow covers houses in Corbridge, near Hexham in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 3 January 2022 Dean Morrison, 13, receives his Covid-19 vaccine from student nurse Anthony McLaughlin during a vaccination clinic at the Glasgow Central Mosque PA UK news in pictures 2 January 2022 Konastantinos Tsimikas of Liverpool with Chelseas Mason Mount during the Premier League match at Stamfrod Bridge Liverpool FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 January 2022 New Years Eve Lasers, drones and fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich shortly after midnight in London EPA UK news in pictures 31 December 2021 Competitors in fancy dress run across the Pennine tops near Haworth, West Yorkshire, in the annual Auld Lang Syne Fell race which attracts hundreds of runners every year PA UK news in pictures 30 December 2021 Sunrise at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 29 December 2021 The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, looks at Becket, a six month old red-billed chough as he visits Wildwood Wildlife Park in Kent on the anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket PA UK news in pictures 28 December 2021 Troops of the Household Cavalry are seen reflected in a puddle during the changing of the Queens Life Guard, on Horse Guards Parade, in central London PA UK news in pictures 27 December 2021 A pedestrian walks past a winter sale sign outside a John Lewis store on Oxford street in London Getty UK news in pictures 26 December 2021 Riders take their bikes through the snow near Castleside, County Durham PA UK news in pictures 25 December 2021 Patrick Corkery wears a santa hat and beard as waves crash over him at Forty Foot near Dublin during a Christmas Day dip PA UK news in pictures 24 December 2021 People stand inside Kings Cross Station on Christmas Eve in London Reuters UK news in pictures 23 December 2021 Christmas shoppers fill the car park at Fosse Shopping Park in Leicester PA UK news in pictures 22 December 2021 The sun rises behind the stones as people gather for the winter solstice at Stonehenge. Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty UK news in pictures 1 December 2021 Meerkats at London Zoo with an advent calendar PA UK news in pictures 30 November 2021 Workers put the finishing touches to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree ahead of the lighting ceremony later in the week PA UK news in pictures 29 November 2021 Home Secretary Priti Patel is greeted by a police dog at a special memorial service for Met Police Sergeant Matiu Ratana Getty UK news in pictures 28 November 2021 Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City battles for possession with Aaron Cresswell of West Ham United during a match at the Etihad during snow Manchester City/Getty UK news in pictures 27 November 2021 Residents clear branches from a fallen tree in Birkenhead, north west England as Storm Arwen triggered a rare red weather warning AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 26 November 2021 A killer whale (orca in the fjord of Skjervoy, northern Norway AFP/Getty He said the government would explore the possibility of one-to-one tuition in schools both for pupils who have fallen behind and those of exceptional abilities. And he pledged to invest 160m in wind turbine manufacturing to help the UK become the world leader in low-cost, clean power generation, with offshore wind powering every home in the country by 2030. But there was little flesh on the bones of his pledges, and business groups raised concerns about the imminent crisis facing many firms. CBI director general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: "Too many firms are overwhelmed by the enormity of the Covid impact on their cashflow and confidence. Government can act today to show a clear and consistent rationale on restrictions, delivering targeted help as the virus impact evolves, and ramping up mass testing for the critical months ahead. "And theres no avoiding the importance of delivering a new trade agreement with the EU for our economy. The British Chambers of Commerce welcomed the PMs commitment to invest in clean, renewable energy. But director general Adam Marshall said: Businesses continue to face challenges in the here and now, and the economy remains on a knife-edge. The prime minister must take similarly bold measures to support jobs and improve the test and trace system to shore up business confidence in the months ahead. And the Institute of Directors Roger Barker said that, while business leaders would welcome the PMs vow to put wind in the sails of enterprise, they were also "acutely aware of the precarious state of the economy, with the impending end of the furlough scheme and the conclusion of the Brexit transition period. Frances OGrady, general secretary of the TUC, said: We have an unemployment crisis with more job losses being announced every day. Yet this reality was missing from Boris Johnson's sunny speech. Setting out his plans to build back better after the Covid crisis, Mr Johnson said: After all we have been through it isnt enough just to go back to normal. We have lost too much. We have mourned too many. We have been through too much frustration and hardship just to settle for the status quo ante to think that life can go on as it was before the plague; and it will not." History showed that events like wars, famines and plagues are more often than not the trigger for an acceleration of social and economic change, he said. Rather than contenting themselves with a repair job after such catastrophes, people tend to see them as a time to learn and to improve on the world that went before. The PM said that the UK was suffering from chronic underlying problems even before the virus struck, with poor skills, inadequate transport infrastructure, insufficient homes and far too many people who felt ignored and left-out. We cannot now define the mission of this country as merely to restore normality, he said. That isnt good enough. Mr Johnson effectively admitted that he had been wrong to scoff at green energy, claiming that some people 20 years ago said that it wouldnt pull the skin off a rice pudding. However the phrase was in fact used by Mr Johnson himself seven years ago in 2013, when he was Mayor of London. Reeling off previous pledges to build or renovate 48 hospitals, improve road and rail links, recruit 50,000 nurses and 20,000 police officers and fix the injustice of care home funding, Mr Johnson said: We are resolving not to go back to 2019 but to do better. And he said that the key to a more prosperous future was to raise the overall productivity of the country. He compared the situation to 1942, when a wartime government prepared to build a new Jerusalem when peace returned. In the event, the war was followed by the creation of the NHS and modern welfare state by Clement Attlees Labour government, after they ousted Churchills Conservatives in the 1945 election. Mr Johnson rejected the argument that the failings of the private sector-led test and trace system meant that the public sector should drive the UKs rebuilding after the pandemic. He said that the tough lockdown restrictions and the massive taxpayer support provided by chancellor Rishi Sunak went against Conservative instincts but were adopted because there was no reasonable alternative. Maintaining high state spending after the pandemic would lead to disaster, he warned, adding: We must be clear that there comes a moment when the state must stand back and let the private sector get on with it We must build back better by becoming more competitive, both in tax and regulation. Boris Johnson tells conference young, first-time buyers should have access to a 'long-term fixed-rate mortgage' The PM also took a culture war swipe at Labour, saying: We are proud of this countrys culture and history and traditions they literally want to pull statues down, to rewrite the history of our country, to edit our national CV to make it look more politically correct. And he claimed that an unidentified they were secretly scheming to overturn Brexit and take us back into the EU. Labours deputy leader Angela Rayner said Mr Johnson had offered bluster in place of a plan to deal with the countrys immediate challenges. "The British people needed to hear the prime minister set out how he and his government will get a grip of the crisis, said Ms Rayner. We end this Conservative conference as we started it: with a shambolic testing system, millions of jobs at risk and an incompetent government that has lost control of this virus and is holding Britain back. The Scottish National Partys leader in Westminster, Ian Blackford, said: "The prime minister offered absolutely nothing to the millions of people who stand to lose their jobs, and see their incomes slashed, as a result of Tory cuts to the furlough scheme and the reckless decision to impose an extreme Brexit in the middle of a pandemic. And Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "The prime minister's speech utterly failed to deliver a credible plan to beat coronavirus. With the government's tracing system in meltdown, a quarter of the UK in lockdown and millions set to face unemployment, this speech was nothing more than a pipe dream. People and business need not only reassurance from the prime minister, but concrete measures to help them face the next six months of this pandemic. They got neither. M argaret Ferrier attended a church service and gave a reading to the congregation the day after she developed coronavirus symptoms, according to reports. The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP developed coronavirus symptoms and took a test on Saturday, September 26. She breached rules by travelling to London the following Monday to deliver a four-minute speech in the Commons, and taking a train back to Scotland on the Tuesday after receiving a positive result. Ms Ferrier also attended a Mass at St Mungos Church in Townhead, Glasgow on Sunday, September 27, the Daily Record newspaper reports. She is said to have given a gospel reading from the altar. The Archdiocese of Glasgow said: "For the good of the whole community, it is important that anyone who is required to self-isolate does so in accordance with the Governments guidance, so anyone in that situation should not attend mass. "It is disappointing if this has not happened but we would like to reassure people that we fulfil all the Government and church guidelines." The churchs website states public mass is limited to 50 people and those who are shielding, self-isolating or feel unwell should not not attend. SNP MP Margaret Ferrier 'very sorry' for attending Commons before positive Covid-19 test result Coronavirus rules state that anyone who develops symptoms must self-isolate as they await their test result. The SNP withdrew the whip from Ms Ferrier on Thursday evening after she admitted breaching the rules saying she was "very sorry" for her mistakes. Her admission provoked outrage from across the political spectrum, with many calling for her to step down as an MP. Nicola Sturgeon accidentally says 'Margaret Covid' again Nicola Sturgeon said she spoke to Ms Ferrier and made it crystal clear she should resign as an MP, however she remains the member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West. Ms Sturgeon said Ms Ferrier's actions were "utterly indefensible". "Its hard to express just how angry I feel on behalf of people across the country making hard sacrifices every day to help beat COVID. The rules apply to everyone and theyre in place to keep people safe," she tweeted. On Monday, Ms Sturgeon suffered another slip of the tongue and accidentally called Ms Ferrier "Margaret Covid". "The SNP didn't know last Monday or Tuesday that Margaret Covid had suspected of confirmed Covid," she said at the daily briefing. Ms Sturgeon made a first mix-up during a daily press briefing on October 2 while discussing when she knew the MP had breached the rules. She said: "The first I knew about Margaret Covid, er, Margaret Ferrier having Covid was yesterday afternoon. "I think people can imagine my reaction to hearing that." WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump returned to the White House Monday night after spending four days at a military hospital where he was treated for coronavirus. Trump, 77, looked healthy. Showing his fitness, Trump in an unusual decision climbed up the South Portico stairs, instead of the elevators, to go to his residence. He waived at reporters. The president, after taking off his mask, stood up in the portico facing South Lawns for a few minutes and saluted Marine One. Earlier, he was discharged from the Walter Reed National Medical Center after doctors treating him found that he was fit enough to go back home. "Will be back on the Campaign Trail soon!!! The Fake News only shows the Fake Polls," Trump said in a tweet moments before leaving Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, a Maryland suburb of Washington DC. His former White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the president was strong and upbeat. "He's a fighter and will not quit battling this virus or surrender to the liberal mob and forces out to destroy our country," Sanders said in a tweet. Before boarding Marine One at Walter Reed, Trump told reporters that he was feeling good. White House physician Dr Sean Conley told reporters at the Walter Reed National Military Center, Trump has exceeded all standard hospital discharge criteria and has received another dose of remdesivir drug in his treatment of COVID19. "Over the past 24 hours, the president has continued to improve. He's met or exceeded all standard hospital discharge criteria. He has received another dose of remdesivir you're here today, and then we plan to get him home," he said. "It's been more than 72 hours since his last fever. Oxygen levels, including ambulatory saturations and his work of breathing or all normal though. He may not entirely be out of the woods, yet the team and I agree that all our evaluations and most importantly, his clinical status support the president's safe return home, where he'll be surrounded by world-class medical care 24 seven," Dr Conley said. Dr Sean Dooley, a pulmonary critical care physician, told reporters that the president continues to do very well. His vital signs this morning, temperature was 98.1, his blood pressure 134 and 78 and respiratory rate 17 per minute. His heart rate was 68 beats per minute and his last Oxo hemoglobin saturation was 97 per cent on room air, he said. He currently does not endorse any respiratory complaints, the physician said. According to Dr Brian Garibaldi, director of Johns Hopkins Biocontainment Unit, on Sunday evening, the president received his third dose of remdesivir and he tolerated that infusion without difficulty. His kidney and liver function continued to be normal, he said. "Our plan is to give the fourth dose of remdesivir this evening, before he goes back to the White House, and we've made arrangements to deliver the fifth and final dose of his treatment course at the White House tomorrow evening," Garibaldi added. "He continues on dexamethazone and again. The plan for today is to continue to be up and out of bed, eat, and drink and work as he is able," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 21:47:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Palestinian farmers in the central part of the Gaza Strip have been harvesting dates, hoping to see profits despite the COVID-19 crisis. The Hamas-run agriculture ministry said in a press statement that the coastal enclave has about 250,000 palm trees. Some 150,000 of them bear fruits. This year, the palm trees would produce around 9,000 tons of dates, 500 tons of which will be exported to the West Bank through Kerem Shalom, the only commercial crossing bordering Israel, the ministry said. New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reviewed the Centralised Bio-Decomposer System set up by Delhi Government to prevent stubble burning in the capital, in New Delhi on Oct 6, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reviewed the Centralised Bio-Decomposer System set up by Delhi Government to prevent stubble burning in the capital, in New Delhi on Oct 6, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reviewed the Centralised Bio-Decomposer System set up by Delhi Government to prevent stubble burning in the capital, in New Delhi on Oct 6, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Delhi government on Tuesday started preparing a liquid solution for spraying over the 700-hectare farm fields in the national capital to curb stubble burning. The spraying of this solution will start from October 11. The Delhi government will provide the mixture and the entire spraying system to the farmers free of cost. The process of preparing the solution goes on for nearly seven days. The Delhi government said it has started the work and nearly 1,200 farmers who want to adopt this technique have registered. It will start spraying solutions on the farm lands of the registered farmers soon, the Delhi government added. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal earlier on Tuesday visited Kharkhari Nahar village to review the bio-decomposer process, under which capsules produced by Pusa Agricultural Institute are mixed with readily available inputs to create a fermented liquid solution for spraying on the farm fields. Kejriwal said the entire cost of creating the liquid solution for spraying on 700-hectare farm fields in Delhi is just Rs 20 lakh. "I hope this will prove to be an effective alternative for the neighbouring states as well," added the Delhi Chief Minister. "Today (Tuesday) onwards, the Delhi government has started the process of preparing this solution under the guidance of Pusa Research Institute and will be starting the process of spraying it on the fields across Delhi from October 11." Kejriwal also met farmers and scientists to discuss the working and efficacy of the process. Addressing the media, Kejriwal said,"The harvesting of paddy leaves behind hard stubble on the farm fields. One of the main issues faced by farmers was to get rid of the stubble on the farm fields owing to the less time between the harvesting and sowing season of the crops." The farmers would resort to stubble burning due to which the healthy bacteria on the farm fields would be damaged. The smoke came as a health hazard for the farmers and their families and people living in those villages and would cover entire north India with haze. "As per the statement by Delhi government, the stubble burning in the city is significantly less than in the neighbouring states. The stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and other states, however, contributes nearly 45 per cent to air pollution in Delhi," it said. BERLIN - The first historic meeting between the foreign ministers of Israel and the United Arab Emirates took place on Tuesday at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. Gabi Ashkenazi and Sheik Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan greeted each other by touching elbows, in line with anti-coronavirus measures. It was the first face-to-face meeting after their countries, once long-time enemies, in mid-September signed a US-mediated deal to normalise relations. Most voters do not believe the U.S. will quickly rebound from the recession caused by the effects of coronavirus pandemic. In fact, about 65% of registered voters expect the U.S. economy to take more than a year to recover. That's according to a new survey bill pay service doxo released on Tuesday that polled 1,500 U.S. voters last week. While Americans expect it to take a while for the entire economy to recover, they're more optimistic about their personal wealth. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards More than half of voters say it will take seven months or more for their households to bounce back from any financial effects of the pandemic. About a third, however, expect it to take longer: more than a year. "Consumers struggle to pay their bills. Their confidence in a quick economic recovery for both the country, and themselves remains very low," said Jim Kreyenhagen, vice president of marketing and consumer services at doxo. Kreyenhagen says the difference in optimism levels between the overall economy and personal finances is likely due to the fact that there's a whole section of the country still in financial trouble. The restaurant industry and the travel sector are still struggling to recover, and many employed in those fields are facing unemployment or reduced work hours. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A federal judge has ruled Ohios system of verifying signatures on absentee ballot applications is not burdensome enough to be struck down as illegal, rejecting arguments made by a coalition of voting-rights groups that sued the state. U.S. District Judge Michael Watson wrote that while Ohios signature-matching requirements impose a moderate" burden on voters, they have other options to cast a ballot if their vote is improperly rejected, including casting a provisional ballot on Election Day. He agreed with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose that the state has a legitimate interest in promoting an orderly and secure election, justifying that burden. Additionally, the Court believes that changing the rules regarding verification of signatures on ballots at this time would be particularly damaging, Watson, a President George W. Bush appointee, wrote in an order issued Sunday evening that rejected the voting-rights activists' request to issue whats called a preliminary injunction. Some public officials have unfortunately regularly cast doubt on the security and legitimacy of voting by mail. A federal court enjoining part of the States procedure for maintaining the security of mail-in voting in the weeks leading up to the election could further undermine public confidence in elections. Watsons ruling is technically just an early loss for the voting-rights groups, which could continue to seek a trial or appeal to a higher court. But it makes it significantly less likely their case will succeed, especially given that the election is only 37 days away. The League of Women Voters of Ohio, one of the groups that filed the lawsuit, is still reviewing the ruling and deciding what its next legal steps might be, said Jen Miller, the groups president. She said regardless of how the case ends up, the League of Women Voters will continue to push back against Ohios signature-matching protocols for absentee ballot applications. While were disappointed in the ruling, we do agree with the judge that the signature protocols in place are burdensome on voters, she said. Maggie Sheehan, a spokeswoman for LaRose, said: Ohioans know that election accessibility and security are not mutually exclusive. Were pleased Judge Watson recognized that as well. In Ohio, a voter who wants to cast an absentee ballot must fill out a paper application form, providing personally identifying information and signing it before delivering it to their county board of elections. Elections officials then match the signature with a signature contained in that voters file before deciding whether to send back an absentee ballot. The voting-rights groups contend the states system of verifying signatures is unreliable, saying the practice of verifying signatures is subjective, especially since voters signatures change over time. They also contend the states system of notifying voters of a signature problem doesnt offer enough time for the voter to fix the issue in time for their ballot to be counted. The groups said the coronavirus pandemic, which is expected to lead to a record number of voters to cast absentee ballots, is making the issue especially important. The groups, which also include the A. Philip Randolph Institute, sued on July 31, seeking that the system be struck down or changed. Three other elections lawsuits continue in Ohio, including a federal lawsuit filed by many of the same voting-rights groups challenging LaRoses order permitting only a single drop box for completed absentee ballots per county. A different federal judge said Friday he would await the results of a state lawsuit filed by the Ohio Democratic Party that also challenges the ballot drop box limit before deciding whether to step in. That case received an appellate hearing late last week following an initial ruling from a Franklin County Common Pleas judge that sided with ODP. The ODP also has filed a state lawsuit seeking to force Ohio officials to accept electronically submitted absentee ballot requests. After ODP won with a Franklin County Common Pleas judge, LaRose appealed the case, and is awaiting a decision. Here is a copy of Watsons ruling: ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, has earned an international Gold award for their response to the coronavirus pandemic. Squaremouth was named the Most Customer Friendly Company of the Year by Best in Biz in recognition of the company's commitment to its customers amidst the pandemic. Squaremouth's dedication to travelers during the COVID-19 crisis has also earned them a spot as a finalist for ITIJ's International Intermediary/Affinity Partner of the Year. Proactive Response to an Unprecedented Situation Once COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in early March, Squaremouth activated emergency response action from every department. The first course of action was to contact all customers with an upcoming trip, in anticipation that their travel plans would be impacted. Squaremouth reports upwards of 30% of their customers were unable to take trips as scheduled following the pandemic declaration and subsequent travel bans. "The travel insurance industry as a whole is trying to do right by travelers, by providing premium refunds or vouchers for a future trip, even though most policies were already in use," said Megan Moncrief, CMO of Squaremouth. Solutions for the New Future of Travel Traveler fears have changed following the COVID-19 pandemic, and potentially forever. Squaremouth's data shows that coverage for contracting coronavirus and extensive cancellation protection are now top of mind for travelers. Amidst the pandemic, over a third of travelers are searching for a policy that includes coverage for contracting coronavirus. Purchases of pricey "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage have increased 552% from last year. To help travelers pinpoint exactly what policies include the coverage they need for these new concerns, Squaremouth developed additional quote prompts and coronavirus-specific filters, that have been implemented throughout their search process. "So many travelers have already lost experiences, money, or both, this year. They are also hyper-aware of the vulnerability of travel. We never want them to spend even more money on a policy that isn't going to help them if they need it," adds Moncrief. Squaremouth has also received regional and national recognition for its commitment to employees amidst the pandemic. After COVID-19 caused sales to decline over 90% earlier this year, Squaremouth took cost-saving measures which allowed them to retain their staff, earning them a Best Companies to Work For award from Florida Trend for the sixth consecutive year. ABOUT SQUAREMOUTH SQUAREMOUTH compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth's comparison engine and third-party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare travel insurance policies side-by-side . More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com. Available Topic Expert: Kasara Barto [email protected] SOURCE Squaremouth Related Links http://www.squaremouth.com After hanging off an airplane and the Burj Khalifa, Tom Cruise is now ready to risk his life once again for Mission Impossible 7. On Monday, the internet was flooded with videos of Tom perched on top of a high-speed train, performing yet another daredevil stunt for the hit movie franchise. Multiple fans spotted Tom and the movies crew in Norway, riding on the roof of a train amid some really stunning scenery. Lush green valleys and snow-covered mountains can be seen as Tom prepares to shoot the scene. He is secured with some harnesses as is the rest of the stunt crew. A video even showed a bunch of excited fans making videos of Tom from their car while chasing the train. Tom smiles and then laughs at the screaming fans, ultimately giving them a wave. Director Christopher McQuarrie too shared a picture of Tom performing a stunt. Norways scale and beauty have left an indelible and defining imprint on our film and reminded us that anything is possible. On behalf of everyone working on Mission: Impossible, our sincerest thanks to The Norwegian Film Incentive, The Norwegian Railway Museum, the infinitely patient Stranda and Rauma Municipalities, our endlessly enduring Norwegian crew, along with everyone who supported our filming here. And, of course... The Mountain. Most of all, we give thanks to the warm and welcoming people of Norway. Your kindness and consideration are nothing less than an inspiration. Well miss you dearly and look forward to seeing you again. Tusen hjertelig takk. Buckle up, Roma. Here we come, he wrote. He had been sharing multiple picture of Norways stunning landscapes on Instagram since the last week. Also read: Bigg Boss 14: Sara Gurpal calls Sidharth Shukla Punjab ka jeeja, leaves him blushing at the thought of Shehnaaz Gill Tom was last seen out and about in August when he caught a screening of Christopher Nolans Tenet. The Hollywood star documented his journey to the theatre amid the coronavirus pandemic and shared the video clip on Twitter. His post was captioned: Big Movie. Big Screen. Loved it. Big Movie. Big Screen. Loved it. pic.twitter.com/DrAY5tRg5P Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) August 25, 2020 Great to be back in a movie theater everybody, he said after the film finished. When a fellow moviegoer asks about Tenet, Cruise replied that he loved the film. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The office of policy think tank Danquah Institute (DI) at Labone, Accra has been burgled. A statement issued by DI signed by Executive Director Richard Ahiagba, said that unknown persons raided the offices and absconded with some valuables on Saturday morning, 3 October 2020 The offices of the Danquah Institute at Labone, in Accra, have been broken into by unknown persons in the early hours of Saturday, 3 October 2020 and valuable items were taken away by the thieves. Initial observation is that the Institutes premises was rummaged, marauded, and pillaged by some unknown persons who are suspected to have done so in search of some information. Items stolen included critical and vital documents, as well as laptops, flash drives and the sum of GHS12,000.00, the statement said. The statement further read: This incident appears to follow a similar break-in which occurred in 2016, during which the trespassers also made away with very important documents. This indeed is very abhorrent. Management of the Danquah Institute notes that the laptops and flash drives contain proprietary data, draft research treports and minutes, which are always kept safe in the office. The statement also noted that the matter has been reported to the police, while the Danquah Institute intensifies security. The management of the Danquah Institute also appealed to the general public to provide assistance to the police in the course of investigations. The incident has been reported to the police while investigations are currently underway to unmask the perpetrators since it is not clear who they are, who sent them and what they needed the information to accomplish. Management of the Danquah Institute has therefore taken precautionary measures to beef up security at the Institute and also appeals to the general public to assist the police while they carry out their investigations into the matter. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 'The SJM has requested the government to bring a change in the law which will ensure MSP as the floor price for all farmers below which nobody should buy anything from them.' IMAGE: Farmers block rail tracks near Multania in Bathinda, Punjab, during their agitation over the new farm laws, October 1, 2020. Photograph: PTI Photo. Described by Prime Minister Narendra Damodaras Modi as a watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture, Parliament approved, amidst vociferous protests from the opposition, three new farm bills -- The Farmers (Empowerment & Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, The Essential Commodities Act (Amendment) Bill and Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill last week, and which soon became a law with the President assenting to them. The legislation has drawn fire not only from farmers in Punjab and Haryana, but from other states as well. Non-BJP ruled states have made clear their intention to block the new laws, too. Not only the Opposition but even the Swadeshi Jaagran Manch, aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, has some objections to the laws. Professor Ashwani Mahajan, the SJM co-convenor, lists the changes that the Manch wants made in the laws, in the first part of an interview to Shobha Warrier/Rediff.com. When the prime minister calls the passing of the farm bills a watershed moment, why is it that farmers are unhappy and rioting, and burning the effigy of the prime minister? What we at Swadeshi Jaagran Manch feel is, the intent of the farm bills is good. If the farmers are unhappy, it is the duty of the people and society at large to indicate what changes are needed. That is why we are raising certain issues to be addressed. The problem in present-day agriculture is that farmers are subjected to various types of exploitation. The major problem farmers face is, they do not get a good price for their produce. So, what the government has done by announcing an MSP which is the cost of production plus 50% or more, is wonderful. It was mainly to encourage agricultural production and improve the economic condition of the farmers in the country. The government announced in 2017 to increase the farmers's income by 2022. Now, to the Bills. When you look at the Essential Commodities Act (Amendment) Bill which is taking out some agricultural items from the Essential Commodities Act. Agricultural products were placed under the Essential Commodities Act to stop the prices of some of the products going up due to black marketing, hoarding, etc. That was because we were living in an era of shortage of agricultural products. Today, we have surplus production... Yes, because we have surplus production, the problem has shifted to storage. To encourage people to create infrastructure for storage, you need to change the law that penalised people for storage. Such a law doesn't serve any purpose now. That was why the Essential Commodities Act has been amended. It is a welcome step. The next bill is about the mandis, the APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) mandis. Earlier also, farmers used to sell their produce outside the mandis. But those who were purchasing then could not do so in large numbers as they had to purchase through APMC. In the APMC mandis, there are various charges the farmers had to pay which in turn reduced the income of the farmers. The new bill intends to keep the mandis intact, while allowing the farmer to sell outside if he wants to do so. When the trade outside the APMC mandis goes unregulated, will it not destroy the level playing field between the APMC market and other traders? When farmers can sell outside the APMC mandis, even if they are selling at the same price as in mandis, they will, in fact, be getting 6%-7% higher price. That is because they do not have to pay the mandi fees, commission, etc. Yes, the cause of concern for us is that there wont be a level playing field. What we are saying is, when the procurers work outside the mandi, the interest of the farmers should be protected. When the number of mandis come down, it will be an incentive for the buyers to buy outside the mandi. In turn, the farmers will be forced to sell outside the mandi because buyers are only there. Won't this lead to exploitation of the farmers? Yes. Since farmers have very little bargaining power, there are chance of them getting exploited. So, the Swadeshi Jaagran Manch feels that we must ensure at least a Minimum Support Price (MSP) to the farmers outside the mandis. Till now the procurement is done only by the government, and they were given a minimum support price. Even while passing the bill, the government went on to say that MSP will continue. Our concern is, the procurement by the government is only 6% of the total agricultural production. For the rest 94%, it will be outside the mandis and outside MSP. So, we feel that the laws should be with those who have less bargaining power, and those who are economically less privileged. And farmers come in this category. Therefore, we need to protect them. See, the corporates sell the products at a price decided by them which is irrespective of the cost of the production. And consumers purchase at the MRP decided by them even though there is no justification for that MRP. Every authority, from the government to the income tax department, accepts this. Deals are made on MRP which has no scientific basis. Is that not how the free market works? Yes. That is exactly what we want to stress upon. The very first resolution SJM passed was that corporates or companies should announce their cost of production. But they don't announce the cost of production and they decide the MRP. If this is how free markets work, how do you expect a farmer who has a small holding to know the moods of the market? Those who have the money, govern the market. What should the government have done; announce more APMC markets and restrict the trade outside the mandis? No. There are two ways. One is, farmers should have more options. Sometime back, the government had announced the opening up of 22,000 farmers's markets where farmers can sell their produce. More of these markets should be developed the government. They should not be left to the mercy of the corporates. What is happening today is, traders may come or may not come, they may buy or not buy. They may give a price decided by them. Totally unregulated... Yes, unregulated. So, the SJM has requested the government to bring a change in the law which will ensure MSP as the floor price for all farmers below which nobody should buy anything from them. It means, whether it is the government or the private entity, everybody is obliged to pay the MSP when they buy a product from the farmers. I will give you an example. Australian wheat comes at Rs 1,600 per quintal after paying all the taxes. In India, the government purchases wheat at Rs 2,000 from the farmers. If the free market is allowed to function, more and more Australian wheat will come to India, and Indian farmers will be forced to sell their produce at less than Rs 1,600. Since the farmer is less privileged, the government should fix a minimum floor price which will be a scientific one. You should also remember that the corporates are allowed to sell agri produces at a price that is not scientifically decided. Nobody knows how they decide the MRP. But the MSP is scientifically calculated because the government can calculate each and every element of the cost. Such an MSP is more egalitarian, pro-farmer, pro-poor and scientific. So, you should put it in the law that anybody purchasing any produce from a farmer has to pay the MSP, and anyone purchasing below the floor price should be penalised. Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty ImagesBy LIBBY CATHEY, ABC News (WASHINGTON) -- What exactly did President Donald Trump mean when he said Monday, after spending three nights in the hospital dealing with a severe case of COVID-19: "I knew there's danger to it -- but I had to do it." In a video Trump tweeted soon after returning to the White House Monday evening, he spoke directly to the camera -- still without the mask he had just dramatically taken off -- and seemed to argue his getting sick was a necessary risk to show he was a strong leader. "As your leader, I had to do that," said Trump, flanked by American flags atop the South Portico with the Washington Monument in the distance behind him. "I knew there's danger to it -- but I had to do it. I stood out front. I led. Nobody that's a leader would not do what I did. And I know there's a risk, there's a danger -- but that's okay," he said. Trump's language seemed to suggest his contracting COVID-19 -- a disease that has now killed more than 210,000 Americans -- was an act of political courage to help him lead the fight against the virus, not the result of his continued refusal to always wear a mask and social distance throughout the pandemic. Trump didn't mention any COVID-19 public health guidance in the video. Instead, seeking to project a triumphant image, he repeatedly told American instead not to let COVID-19 "dominate" them. He sent a tweet with the same message -- "Don't be afraid of Covid -- announcing his departure from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday. At least twice since announcing his COVID-19 diagnosis Friday morning, he has required supplemental oxygen -- at the White House Friday and at Walter Reed Saturday -- after dangerous drops in his blood oxygen level. "I learned so much about coronavirus. And one thing that's for certain: Don't let it dominate you. Don't be afraid of it. You're gonna beat it," Trump said in the video. "We have the best medical equipment. We have the best medicines, all developed recently." "Don't let it dominate. Don't let it take over your lives. Don't let that happen," Trump continued. "But don't let it dominate your lives. Get out there. Be careful." Trump did not acknowledge that he has experienced unparalleled medical care few other Americans receive and that the antiviral cocktail he's being treated with has only been issued to fewer than ten people outside of a clinical trial setting. Trump also claimed in the video, taped four days after testing positive for the virus, "Maybe I'm immune -- I don't know." The science on whether recovering from COVID-19 confers immunity has not yet been established, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trump previewed his new political strategy -- that contracting COVID-19 was the best way for him to learn about it -- in another video he tweeted from Walter Reed Sunday, just before he briefly left the hospital in the presidential motorcade to wave to supporters despite still being contagious. "It's been a very interesting journey. I learned a lot about COVID. I learned it by really going to school. This is the real school. This isn't the, 'Let's read the book school.' And I get it. And I understand it," Trump said. "It's a very interesting thing, and I'm going to be letting you know about it." But nearly 3 out of every 4 Americans say Trump took failed to take steps necessary to avoid contracting the virus, according to an ABC News/Ipsos poll released Sunday which was conducted on Friday and Saturday, following Trump's positive test early Friday morning. In two separate questions, an identical 72% said that Trump did not take the "risk of contracting the virus seriously enough," nor "the appropriate precautions when it came to his personal health." Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 00:32:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ACCRA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted sanctions on Mali following the installation of a civilian-led transitional government, according to a communique received here on Tuesday. The communique acknowledged the steps taken towards a return to democracy in Mali, including the appointment of a civilian-transitional president and a prime minister, as demanded by the sub-regional group, after the military mutiny in August. "Taking into consideration these important decisions for the normalization of constitutional order in Mali, ECOWAS has decided to lift the sanctions," the communique signed by ECOWAS Chairman and Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said. The sub-regional body added that the decision was also in view of the need to support the transitional process in the Sahelian country, urging bilateral and multilateral support for the politically unstable country. ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Mali after the National Committee for the Salvation of the People military junta overthrew the constitutionally-elected government led by Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in the middle of August, calling for a return to constitutional rule. Enditem The identity of Sen. Kamala Harris, who will debate Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday, is part of a long discussion of who gets to be considered Asian American and who is too often left out of the group. Harris' Asian American ethnic background she is multiracial hasn't always been recognized by the American public. When Joe Biden announced Harris, D-Calif., as his running mate in August, The New York Times and the Associated Press noted that Harris would be the first Black woman to be on a major party presidential ticket in social media posts, but left out the possibility that she could be the first Asian American vice president in the nation's history. Similarly, a BuzzFeed article published on Tuesday examines how Harris will become the first Black woman at a vice-presidential debate on Wednesday, but makes no single mention of her Indian descent or Asian American identity. Image: Shyamala Gopalan and Kamala Harris (George Nikitin / AP file) The failure of many to acknowledge Harris' Asian American identity has left many South Asian American women feeling that their heritage isn't being properly recognized. But as research points out, Asian America itself hasn't always been inclusive of those of South Asian descent. Scholars argue that by disregarding more inclusivity in the Asian American community, people seek to restrict the potential strength and unity in the group. The South Asian American population is one of the fastest-growing segments within Asian America, according to AAPI Data. However, about 15 percent of Asian Americans believe Indians are less likely to be Asian American. When asked about Pakistanis, 27 percent shared that belief, as well. But when looking at Koreans and Filipinos, about 6 percent hold that view. The exclusion of South Asians in the Asian American community is further apparent when looking at attitudes among non-Asians. About 42 percent of whites, 35 percent of Latinx people and 34 percent of Black Americans don't identify Indians as Asian, with even higher percentages recorded when they are asked about Pakistanis. Story continues Perhaps one of the more glaring examples of exclusivity from the Asian American label is the disparity between how Harris and fellow former presidential hopeful Andrew Yang were seen in the public's eye. Some have erroneously referred to Yang as the "first Asian American candidate," when not only have others, like former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who's of Indian descent, have run in the past, but Harris herself was also in the same candidate class. In Harris' case, Pawan Dhingra, a sociologist and a professor of American studies at Amherst College, acknowledged that Harris hasn't always been seen as Asian American in part because of how she has presented herself throughout the election cycle. She emphasized her experience as a young Black girl who integrated into a majority-white class, in the tradition of many other Black children at the time, Dhingra said. In contrast, Yang leaned into aspects of the "model minority" stereotype, joking on the debate stage that "I am Asian, so I know a lot of doctors." However, Dhingra said, that the overall hesitance to always include South Asians as part of the larger Asian American identity played into how many people framed Harris' experiences. Much of the messiness of Asian America as a label stretches back centuries, with the early beginnings of the category lying in part in a legal framework that ostracized those of Asian descent from citizenship and a place in America, said Karthick Ramakrishnan, a professor of public policy and political science at the University of California, Riverside. Among the earliest legislation to codify naturalized citizenship was the Naturalization Act of 1790, which restricted citizenship to "any alien, being a free white person" who had been in the U.S. for two years, keeping other populations of color ineligible for citizenship. After the Civil War, citizenship was expanded to "aliens of African nativity and persons of African descent"; however; those of Asian descent remained ineligible. The concept was further emphasized by the establishment in 1917 of an "Asiatic Barred Zone," which demarcated areas of Asia as those from which immigrants weren't allowed admission into the U.S. A few years later, the Supreme Court ruled that immigrants of Japanese descent were excluded from naturalization, and soon after, the courts declared the same for Indian immigrants, largely due to their non-whiteness. "It was exclusion from whiteness," Ramakrishnan said. "What it meant to be Asian was defined over time historically through laws on Asian exclusion on immigration and then also Asian exclusion from citizenship." Ellen Wu, director of the Asian American Studies Program at Indiana University, said the late 1960s marked a watershed moment for activists who made the conscious decision to take on the "Asian American" label as a statement. They aimed to signal their shared histories of racism, as well as imperial domination. Dhingra emphasized that the movement was led by U.S.-born East Asian Americans who fought to distance themselves from the word "Oriental." "Inspired by the Black Power movement, they recognized the significance of how we label ourselves and are referred to by others," Dhingra said. Wu added that with "America" as part of the label, movement participants declared their place in the country while remaining cognizant of the U.S.' history of oppression and exploitation. "Nonetheless, the United States was where they considered home," she said. Over the next decade, Asian Americans would seek to be recognized by this label, approaching government agencies and engaging in dialogue with policymakers to show that the communities were worthy of attention and assistance, Wu said. With time, the group expanded to include newer arrivals from Samoa, Guam, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, as well as Southeast Asian refugees and South Asian populations. "What these communities had in common at the time were what we might call social welfare struggles in need of attention: elder care, health care, bilingual education and hiring discrimination, to name a few," Wu said. Some say that with so many subgroups under one umbrella, the term risks obscuring the diversity of experience among Asian Americans, Wu said, particularly because mainstream U.S. culture doesn't allow room for people of color to be seen as unique individuals as it is. "So Black and brown people get lumped together, treated as interchangeable, often with only a token presence," she said. "So it's difficult to get through that there are multiple 'Asian American' positions or voices on any given issue, for example. That Asians don't all move in lockstep, act or think or look alike." Due to the stereotype of the East Asian-centric model minority myth, the struggles of specific groups have been papered over, advocates say, with data lumping all groups together, while East Asian "success stories," like Nicholas Kristof's 2015 article "The Asian Advantage," have become the dominant narrative. "The model minority myth chooses to highlight the successful immigrant examples and brush aside the high rates of poverty," Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the social services nonprofit Asian American Federation, previously told HuffPost. However, the recognition of an "Asian America" has its perks, given how the distribution of power, resources and opportunities correspond with race in the U.S., Wu said. Furthermore, Dhingra said there are indeed commonalities and relevant shared histories that could lead to more unity and combined power. The killing of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American who was fatally beaten by two white autoworkers who thought he was Japanese, for example, finds a parallel in the attacks committed by the hate group Dotbusters of New Jersey, which targeted Indian Americans. The hate crimes that followed the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, are connected to Covid-19-related racism in the way both are "rooted in the sense of Asians as inherent threats," Dhingra said. While it's important to identify unique, meaningful differences in experiences among subgroups, Dhingra said including all Asian Americans fosters more solidarity. "I spent years researching the lives of Korean and Indian Americans. I learned that while there are religious, cultural, linguistic and historical differences, what connects them is even stronger. They faced similar stereotypes in the workplace, had similar upbringings in their parents' small businesses, had similar experiences in the home and more," he said. "We can create more unity within Asian America by recognizing the similarities as Asian Americans that lie beneath the surface of our differences." Ramakrishnan said the concept of Asian American representation can be divided into "descriptive," meaning physically representative of a group, and "substantive," meaning representative of the interests of a group. During the Democratic National Convention in August, Harris spoke about her childhood growing up with an Indian immigrant mother. Yang didn't refer to his Asian American heritage, but he did make a nod to his "MATH" slogan, a rallying cry that divided Asian Americans. "Andrew Yang, he represented Asian America descriptively," Ramakrishnan said. Harris "actually brought up her Indian upbringings. She talked about her 'chittis.' So it seems that she wasn't running away from any of that identity. And she brought up issues like immigration that are high-priority for Asian American advocacy groups." Yang divided many Asian Americans throughout his run, particularly when he invoked Asian stereotypes onstage. He drew further controversy after writing an op-ed in The Washington Post urging Asian Americans to "show our Americanness." "We need to step up, help our neighbors, donate gear, vote, wear red white and blue, volunteer, fund aid organizations, and do everything in our power to accelerate the end of this crisis," he wrote. For Ramakrishnan, talking about the Asian American community requires specificity when it comes to issues that disproportionately affect certain subgroups or illustrate the stances of certain subgroups. Affirmative action, for example, is overwhelmingly supported by Asian Americans; however, a large segment of Chinese Americans oppose those programs. Strength, intercommunity allyship and inclusion come with showing up for one another, he said, citing Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council and an outspoken advocate against Covid-19 hate incidents who is South Asian, as an example, as well as the work of the Japanese American Citizens League. "What Japanese Americans and the Japanese American Citizens League have done is to consistently show up for different groups," he said. "They consistently show up on the side of justice when communities are being attacked." This story was originally published by Searchlight New Mexico and is posted here as part of an ongoing collaboration with Rolling Stone. SHIPROCK, N.M. In the fertile northeast corner of the Navajo Nation, fields that only months ago were traditional open-air corn farms are now stuffed with hundreds of industrial-size greenhouses, each glowing with artificial lights and brimming with emerald cannabis plants. Security cameras ring the perimeters and hired guards in flak jackets patrol the public roads alongside the farms. Every weekday throughout the summer, a group of local kids woke at sunrise and arrived at the farm by 7:30, ready for a 10-hour shift of hard labor under the high desert sun. Many were teenagers, 13- and 14-year-olds lured by offers of quick cash. A few were as young as 10. Joining them were scores of foreign workers an estimated 1,000 people, many of them Chinese immigrants brought to New Mexico from Los Angeles, according to Navajo Nation Police Chief Phillip Francisco. Seven-foot-tall black fencing shields the activities inside these greenhouses, but farmworkers, neighbors, and law enforcement officers have provided an inside view. Chinese managers oversee the day-to-day logistics, they say, bringing in diesel generators on freight trucks to power the greenhouses, installing dozens of cheaply built trailers to house the immigrant workers, and drilling unpermitted wells to irrigate thousands of thirsty cannabis plants. Some of the Chinese carry guns, said Darren Gipson, 19, one of seven farmworkers interviewed by Searchlight New Mexico. One time a couple of them got into a knife fight. We just basically do what they tell us and keep to ourselves. The cannabis crews arrived in Shiprock last year, at the invitation of the local farm board president, a charismatic and divisive political figure named Dineh Benally. Together, they leased plot after plot of traditional farmland for what they said was an economic development project. The land now totals more than 400 acres, according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Story continues The crops, according to Benally, are merely hemp plants a type of cannabis that is grown for its fiber and processed into over-the-counter health products. Hemp, a common agricultural crop, looks and smells identical to regular marijuana but contains only trace amounts of psychoactive THC. But according to the seven employees interviewed by Searchlight, the farms are not only growing hemp: Theyre also producing high-powered, black-market marijuana. Irving Lin, a Los Angeles-based real estate agent who is one of Benallys primary business associates, acknowledged that this was true. A few places are growing marijuana, Lin told Searchlight, adding that most of the crops are hemp. Some people might want to give it to their friend or something, or maybe they can sell it for a higher price, he explained about the marijuana. About 1,000 workers are involved in the operation, he said, verifying the police estimate. In little more than a year, Benally and his associates have built an audacious empire of unlawful farms in one of the most remote landscapes in the state a place where law enforcement can find it a struggle to fight routine crimes, let alone investigate what appears to be a sophisticated international cannabis network. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency told Searchlight that Chinese-run marijuana operations are popping up in rural and urban areas around the West some located just a short drive from the Navajo Nation. In August 2018, agents from the DEA, the U.S. attorneys office, and local law enforcement raided a large black-market marijuana growing operation in Cortez, Colorado, 40 miles north of Shiprock. The raid was part of a federal investigation into a California-linked Chinese drug trafficking network in Colorado. It culminated in May 2019 with the seizure of more than 80,000 marijuana plants the biggest black-market marijuana bust in state history, the U.S. attorneys office said. There are literally thousands of Chinese-operated [illegal marijuana] grow sites throughout Colorado, said Wendi Roewer, field intelligence manager for the DEAs Denver field division. Many of them masquerade as hemp farms, she added. Would they move beyond the borders of Colorado if they felt safe doing so? Yeah, it seems possible. So alarming are the operations in Shiprock that the FBI, New Mexico attorney generals office, Department of Homeland Security, Navajo Nation Police, and San Juan County sheriffs office have joined forces to investigate, emails obtained by Searchlight reveal. Shiprock is a unique, water-rich oasis in the Navajo Nation, a fertile sliver of lush farmland along the San Juan River that cuts through the harsh high desert. Its family-run farms have long been a breadbasket, providing corn a food staple and a critical part of Navajo ceremonies as well as melon and squash crops to communities across the sprawling reservation. Many residents see the cannabis farms as a threat to that tradition. Corn is a sacred plant, said Bea Redfeather-Bennally, whose home borders a large hemp farm that was until recently a corn field. You cant eat hemp and marijuana. It hurts me to see how much disharmony and dysfunction this cannabis has brought to our people. Heated confrontations have erupted between cannabis farmers and throngs of Shiprock residents frustrated with the tribal governments slow response. On at least half a dozen occasions, angry protesters have marched to the gates of the farms, sometimes blocking roads, shouting at the workers, and carrying placards reading Stop the Asian Invasion, No Human Trafficking and This is Navajo Land, Not China. Local media have reported greenhouses being set on fire. Benally was charged with aggravated assault after allegedly attempting to ram his car into a group of protesters, Police Chief Francisco said. (Benally and his attorney, David Jordan, declined to answer numerous requests for comment; as of press time, it was not known whether Benally had entered a plea to the charge.) Some neighbors say they have begun carrying weapons, vowing to shoot any cannabis farmworker who steps onto their property. The tensions have become so extreme that when a corn farmer died of natural causes in his field on September 19th, rumors quickly spread that he had been beaten to death by Chinese cannabis farmworkers. Expecting a showdown, a group of armed corn farmers rushed to the neighborhood where the man had died, prepared for a shootout. This is our home, and were going to fight to defend our way of life even if that means we have to shoot someone, said Joe Ben, a prominent corn farmer and outspoken opponent of the cannabis farms who now harvests his crops with a loaded shotgun and a Glock 9mm at the ready. Its a miracle nobody has gotten killed over this yet already. Dangerous Jobs Most mornings this summer, the Navajo kids said they spent an hour or so cleaning up the trash from the raucous parties that were an almost nightly occurrence on the farms, then awaited orders from their shift bosses. The work was grueling employees hauled 60-pound bags of soil throughout the labyrinthine networks of greenhouses, handled dangerous chemicals, and operated heavy machinery. The hourly cash pay was $5. At least two kids on the work crews were 10 years old, employees said. They always give the Navajos the dangerous jobs, said Gipson, the 19-year-old employee, recalling an instance in which he and his uncle fumbled an unlabeled container of acid they were told to carry, splashing some of it on their hands and on the ground, where it frothed like the blood from Alien vs. Predator. On good days, their supervisors assigned them to the dark room, where they trimmed buds with the sharp blades of a whirring, mechanized metal fan, getting piles of dope ready to load onto the moving trucks that arrived weekly. Theres Blue Cookie, Northern Lights, Skywalker OG, Blueberry Kush, Sour Diesel, Jet Fuel, said Amber Brown, 20, ticking off the marijuana strains she and other workers said were written on plastic labels tucked into the pots. Ever since the large greenhouse operations began appearing on the reservation in 2019, Benally has described the farms as legal hemp enterprises. As farm board president, he also claims he has the authority to license hemp farms. Hemp cultivation is against the law without approval from the federal government, and Benally does not have that approval, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also lacks the authority to grant hemp licenses or to independently lease farmland on the reservation, according to a lawsuit filed against him in June by Navajo Nation Attorney General Doreen McPaul. The suit charged Benally and his businesses, Native American Agriculture Company and Navajo Gold Company, with illegally growing industrial hemp and unlawfully issuing land use permits for his industrial hemp project, putting the people of the Navajo Nation at risk. On September 18th, a Navajo court issued a temporary restraining order requiring Benally to halt all operations on his farms. Weve lost minimum $20 million because of the restraining order, Irving Lin said, explaining that he and his partners had built almost 1,000 greenhouses at $10,000 apiece, and invested $10 million in farm infrastructure. We have spent so much money for our community, he said. He couldnt understand why the people on the reservation didnt appreciate it, he added. Father of Native Hemp A marijuana enthusiast who has dubbed himself the father of Native American hemp, Benally has frequently advocated for more tribal investment in cannabis. In 2017, he tried and failed to get medical-marijuana cultivation legalized in the tribal legislature. He ran for tribal president in 2018 and in the 2020 Democratic primary for U.S. Congress; he lost both times. In 2019, Benally partnered with a Las Vegas-based financier named DaMu Lin, CEO of One World Ventures Inc., a publicly traded company that says it invests in cannabis projects on Native American land. DaMu Lin (no relation to Irving), who describes himself on Facebook as an international man of business, appointed Benally to the One World Ventures board of directors in March 2019, according to a company press release. The Shiprock operation also obtained funding from SPI Energy Co., a publicly traded company based in Hong Kong. This is about sovereignty, Benally told Searchlight in an interview in August. The tribe has been failing us. These farms belong to the people, and so the people control what they want to grow, he said, explaining that the crops being grown were hemp. Yeah, right, one worker, Ven Yazzie, laughed when told about Benallys explanation. All I know is, you smoke it, it gets you high. Reaching into his backpack, he pulled out three containers of purple and lime-green buds that he said were given to him by a farm supervisor a common incentive offered to the Navajo workers, according to multiple employees. He reached out his hand. Here, why dont you go see for yourself? Although the origin of those samples could not be confirmed, Searchlight took them to a state-certified laboratory for analysis. Each contained between 20 percent and 27 percent THC a higher concentration than the THC content of many marijuana strains sold in recreational dispensaries. Thats a very good plant, Lin said, adding that he did not know any specifics of the strains tested by Searchlight. Describing the plants on the farms, he said, I think about 80 [or] 90 percent is 1.4, 1.5 percent [THC]. But some could be higher. Parking Lot Payday On August 6th, Dineh Benally parked his white Cadillac Escalade in front of the City Market grocery store, the busiest parking lot in the town of Shiprock, where a reporter watched as he reached his arm out of the dark tinted windows and palmed fist-size rolls of cash to cannabis farmworkers. It was a cavalier way of doing business, given the growing tensions between anti-hemp Shiprock residents and Benallys supporters and crew. The week before, at least 100 community members and activists from the American Indian Movement had converged in protest, shouting through megaphones for Benally to resign from the farm board. Several traditional corn farmers, some claiming the cannabis farms had disrupted their irrigation lines and stolen their water, carried guns. Other community members have described seeing Asian farmworkers apparently trying to flee the farms, sometimes standing on the dusty reservation roads with suitcases trying to catch a ride out of town; sometimes waiting outside of gas stations asking for help getting home. One resident, Marlene Frank, recounted how back in June a Vietnamese woman had appeared at her family home in a remote part of Shiprock lost, disoriented, begging for water, and asking for help to get back to Saigon. Such scenarios raise clear red flags for labor trafficking and severe exploitation, said Stephanie Richard, senior policy adviser at the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Human Trafficking, a Los Angeles-based human rights group. Authorities would be remiss not to investigate it as such, she added. Law enforcement has in fact voiced concerns about possible human trafficking on the cannabis farms. In July, San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari was so suspicious that he requested an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An agent from ICE reviewed the immigration status of a group of farmworkers and did not investigate further, Ferrari said, leaving the trafficking question unresolved. Cracks in the Law From the beginning, law enforcement has believed that Benallys farms were trafficking in illegal marijuana, emails obtained by Searchlight show. But investigators say they have been hampered by a tangle of tribal, state, and federal jurisdictional issues and a confusing legal landscape around hemp and marijuana cultivation. This type of hemp cultivation is not specifically singled out as a criminal offense under tribal statutes, which has kept Navajo police from obtaining a search warrant, according to Chief Francisco. His Navajo Police department has limited jurisdiction over crimes committed by non-Natives on the reservation. Most of the sheriffs departments authority ends at the reservation boundary. We have some very high suspicions that the large majority of what [Benally] is growing is marijuana, Francisco said. Hes probably got millions of plants, and its very frustrating because we havent been able to prove that its not hemp. Ive never seen anything like it, said San Juan County Sheriff Ferrari, who is part of the group of federal, state, and tribal law-enforcement officers investigating the farms. Hes out there doing all this in the open, and meanwhile were all scratching our heads wondering where the hell do we find this on the books? On at least one occasion they came close to a bust. At around 3:30 p.m. on June 15th, San Juan County sheriffs deputies responded to an anonymous report of a large marijuana grow in an old industrial building in Kirtland, New Mexico, just beyond the northeast border of the reservation. The building had been rented by Irving Lin. Inside the Kirtland grow house, the deputy found nearly 2,000 marijuana plants, tended by a Chinese man who did not speak English, according to sheriffs reports. When the deputies field-testing kit picked up elevated levels of THC, they told the man they would be back the next day with an investigator from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Just a few hours later, a group of men pulled up to the building in a U-Haul, loaded the plants inside, and drove away, never to be seen again, according to Sheriff Ferrari. The building burned in a large fire a little more than a week later. Law enforcement labeled the incident a negligent arson; no arrest was made. In the days since the tribal court issued its restraining order, workers have been instructed to leave the farms. Navajo police are attempting to enforce the courts order, even as some farms continue operations, Francisco said. Neighbors describe seeing the Asian workers sleeping in fields and ditches, shivering through the night and unsure of where to go. Mr. Benally brought these workers here under false pretenses, Francisco said. They transplanted their lives here thinking they were going to be working on a legitimate project, only to find out that its all illegal. Theyre really victims too. More from Rolling Stone See where your favorite artists and songs rank on the Rolling Stone Charts. Sign up for Rolling Stones Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A DUP councillor has slammed the hosting of a special council meeting at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on Tuesday morning to discuss Ian Paisley's constituency dinner in 2017. The DUP MP for North Antrim was fined 1,300 by the Electoral Commission last month over breaches in finance rules related to the fundraising dinner which took place at the Tullyglass hotel in Ballymena in September 2017. The council took a table at the event. However the commission ruled it was a political donation, which public bodies are not permitted to do. The DUP leader on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has claimed the meeting, called by the Alliance group on the council, will cost ratepayers around 5,000. Councillor McKeen said: This matter has been subject to extensive scrutiny, including Freedom of Information requests and much more. The councils actions were examined by the Audit Office who are satisfied and the matter is considered closed. Nevertheless, Alliance insisted on a special council meeting today in order to rehearse once again the North Antrim Annual Business and Community dinner three years ago." Councillor McKeen said 1,300 has been returned to the council by Mr Paisley and that the matter could have been discussed at a full council meeting on Monday night. This was turned down and the party insisted it went ahead today (Tuesday) at a cost of approximately 5,000," he added. I am totally disgusted that at a time when people are losing jobs and council is under financial strain, working hard to provide services in a state of emergency and with around 180 staff furloughed, that Alliance would not only waste 5,000 but also divert the chief executive and senior officers from the vital job of dealing with the recovery of our economy and council services for our community. A council motion said the meeting was called: "In light of the Electoral Commission findings that a dinner attended by council officers and representatives in September 2017 was a party political Fundraiser." The penalty imposed by the Electoral Commission relates to Mr Paisley accepting money from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Council to purchase tables at the event. Both councils paid 1,300 each. The Commission ruled that each payment was a political donation. Mr Paisley was fined 1,300 for failing to return donations from impermissible donors within a legal time limit of 30 days. The commission said Mr Paisley offered to return the donations to both councils. He was given until October 8 to pay the fine. The DUP said the event was not organised by the party but by Mr Paisley as MP for North Antrim. The Alliance Party has been approached for a response. MUMBAI : Piramal Pharma Ltd, a subsidiary of billionaire Ajay Piramal-promoted Piramal Enterprises Ltd (PEL), on Tuesday said it has completed the sale of a 20% stake to US-based private equity giant The Carlyle Group for 3,523.40 crore. CA Alchemy Investments, an affiliate of CAP V Mauritius Ltd, an investment fund managed and advised by The Carlyle Group Inc completed the stake purchase, valuing the firm at $2.78 billion with an upside component of up to $360 million depending on the companys FY2021 performance," said a joint statement by Piramal and Carlyle. On 26 June, Piramal Enterprises announced the stake sale for an amount of up to $490 million ( 3,705.8 crore). Carlyles actual investment amount would vary according to net debt, exchange rate and performance against the pre-agreed conditions at the time of closing of the deal, it said. The proceeds from the sale will be used as growth capital for the groups pharma businesses to expand existing capacities as well as to tap attractive acquisition opportunities within and outside India, Piramal said on Tuesday. The revenue of Piramals pharma business for the financial year ended 31 March was 5,419 crore, contributing 41% to the companys overall revenue. The business delivered 41% growth in Ebitda at 1,436 crore during FY20, at an Ebitda margin of 26%. On 7 April, Mint first reported that the pharma businesses of the group will be demerged from PEL and combined into a new entity, 20% of which will be owned by a private equity player, while at least 25% will be owned by the public and the remainder will remain with the promoters. Piramal Pharma includes Piramal Pharma Solutions, an end-to-end contract development and manufacturing business; Piramal Critical Care, a complex hospital generics business; Consumer Products Division, a consumer healthcare business; and Piramals investment in the joint venture with Allergan India, which is engaged in the business of ophthalmology and Convergence Chemicals. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics Bengaluru, Oct 6 : As part of its farmer outreach programme, Karnataka Congress Pradesh Committee (KPCC) on Tuesday decided to organise farmers conference on October 10 in Mandya and will launch a statewide signature campaign also to highlight the plight of farmers and workers in the state. Speaking to reporters here, KPCC president D. K. Shivakumar said that the party is organising such a programme as per the AICC directions. "We are asked to organise a state level farmers conference (Kisan Sabha) in which six prominent state farmers' leaders will participate and they would guide the party to chalk out strategies to fight for the cause of farmers and workers," he explained. According to him, although there are several farmer leaders in the state, they should not feel bad for not been invited as there is a space constraint in Ambedkar Bhavan, in Mandya district. "All farmers' leaders are friends and this is not a Congress party programme but a programme to highlight their problems and issues faced by them due to adopted new laws by the union government recently," he explained. He further added that though this meeting was scheduled in Davangere district but now the party has dropped it after the Election Commission of India's model code of conduct has come into force in that state, therefore, at the last minute, the party decided to organise in Mandya district. The KPCC president said that the party would also be part of a signature campaign launched by the AICC to collect more than two crore signatures across the country. "We aim to collect maximum number of signatures in this campaign from the state as this memorandum will be submitted to the President demanding repeal of these laws," he added. Slavoj Zizek says Hegel doesnt need to be a prophet to point us to a better tomorrow. The claim I want to defend is that Hegel is the philosopher most open to the future precisely because he explicitly prohibits any project of how our future should look. As he says towards the end of the Preface to his Philosophy of Right (1820), philosophy can only paint grey on grey, and The owl of Minerva begins its flight only with the falling of dusk. That is, philosophy only retrospectively translates, into a grey (lifeless) conceptual scheme, a form of life which has already reached its peak and has entered its decline which is becoming grey itself. To put it simply and brutally, this is why we should reject all those readings of Hegel which see in his thought an implicit model of a future society reconciled with itself, leaving behind the alienations of modernity. I call those readers the not-yet-Hegelians. With his most recent masterpiece The Spirit of Trust (2019), the American philosopher Robert Brandom asserted himself as perhaps the most prominent not-yet-Hegelian. For him, Hegel outlines an ideal which we have not yet reached: The principal positive practical lesson of Hegels analysis of the nature of modernity, the fruit of his understanding of the One Great Event in human history, is that if we properly digest the achievements and failures of modernity, we can build on them new, better kinds of institutions, practices, and self-conscious selves ones that are normatively superior because they embody a greater self-consciousness, a deeper understanding of the kind of being we are. (p.456) Along these lines, Brandom proposes three stages of historical ethical development. In Stage One traditional societies we get Sittlichkeit (a Hegelian term meaning a customary moral order accepted as a fact of nature) but no subjectivity in the modern sense (or as we might call it, individuality). In Stage Two, we get alienation : modern subjectivity gains its freedom, but is alienated from the ethical foundations of its society. Finally, in Stage Three, which is apparently on the horizon, we get a new form of Sittlichkeit, compatible with free subjectivity: As he is writing the Phenomenology, Hegel sees Geist [the World Spirit] as beginning to consolidate itself at Stage Two. The book is intended to make possible for its readers the postmodern form of self-consciousness Hegel calls Absolute Knowing, and thereby to begin to usher in Stage Three. The new form of explicit philosophical self-consciousness is only the beginning of the process, because new practices and institutions will also be required to overcome the structural alienation of modern life (p.458). Really? So what about Hegels insistence that philosophy can only paint grey on grey, since, like the owl of Minerva, it only takes off at dusk meaning that it can only understand history after it has happened? Here Brandom talks not like Hegel but like Marx: Absolute Knowing is for him like the singing of a Gallic cock in the new dawn (as Marx put it about revolutionary thinking). It ushers in a new social age, when new practices and institutions will also be required to overcome the structural alienation of modern life. Brandoms three stages are generated along two axes: Sittlichkeit or no Sittlichkeit and modern free subjectivity or no subjectivity. That gives traditional society (Sittlichkeit without free subjectivity), modern society (free subjectivity without Sittlichkeit), and the forthcoming postmodern society (Sittlichkeit with free subjectivity). Brandom immediately raises the question of the status of the fourth possibility, which fits none of these three stages: the situation with no Sittlichkeit and no free subjectivity. He asks, What is wrong with the idea of premodern alienation? (p.458). But why does he automatically read the absence of free subjectivity as premodern? What about a properly postmodern option of losing free subjectivity and nonetheless remaining alienated from societys morality? Is this not what totalitarianism is about? And is this also not the state we are approaching with our digitalized authoritarianism? Would this not be a real Hegelian insight into a dialectics of modernity? We want to overcome the gap between a societys morality and a free subjectivity which no longer recognizes the morality as its own; but instead of bringing them together in a kind of higher synthetic unity, we lose both. For instance, did Stalin not promise to implement a synthesis between a strong communal spirit and free individuality, promising actual freedom? And wasnt the result the loss of freedom itself, in conditions of total alienation? Offence & Forgiveness Brandom sees the key to the Third Stage of society free subjectivity integrated with morality in the notion of forgiving recollection deployed by Hegel towards the end of the chapter on Spirit in his Phenomenology of Spirit (1807). The gap that alienates the acting subject from their severe judge is overcome through reconciliation, achieved not only by the agent confessing his sin but by the judge also confessing his participation in what he condemns, since, as Hegel says, Evil is also the gaze which sees evil everywhere around it. Brandoms notion of forgiving recollection is especially useful today. It enables us to see what is false in some of those who advocate tolerance and reject hate speech. Is not a Politically Correct person who sternly condemns those who are accused of practicing hate speech an exemplary contemporary case of a rigid moral judgment? We all know how swift and cruel such judgments can be one wrong word, one joke considered inappropriate, and your career can be in ruins. Remember what recently happened to the film critic David Edelstein. Apropos the death of Last Tango in Paris director Bernardo Bertolucci, Edelstein made a rather tasteless joke on his private Facebook page, accompanied by a still of the films most notorious scene with Maria Schneider and Marlon Brando. He quickly deleted it before the public outcry broke out, not as a reaction to it! But the actress Martha Plimpton immediately tweeted to her followers, Fire him. Immediately. which happened the next day: Fresh Air and NPR announced that they were cutting ties with Edelstein because his post had been offensive and unacceptable, especially given Maria Schneiders experience during the filming of Last Tango in Paris. So what are the implications of (or, rather, the unstated rules to be understood from) this incident? Laura Kipnis notes that, first, theres nothing inadvertent about inadvertent offence (The Guardian 22/12/18). In other words, such things cannot be excused as momentary mistakes; rather, they are to be treated as revealing the true character of the offender. This is why just one such offence is a permanent mark against you, however apologetic you might be: One flub and youre out. An unthinking social media post will outweigh a 16-year track record. The only thing that might help is a long process of self-critical self-examination: Failure to keep re-proving it implicates you in crimes against women. You have to prove it again and again since, as a man, you are a priori not to be trusted (Men will say anything). What would recollective forgiving mean here? The accusers would not just have to forgive the offender the hate speech act for which he was responsible; they must also confess and renounce their own hatred. And great hatred is easily discernible in such inexorable Politically Correct demands for swift punishment in this case, definitely more hatred than in the condemned act itself. A paraphrase of Hegels dictum about Evil fits perfectly here: Hatred resides in the gaze which recognizes hatred everywhere. Much hate speech definitely displays patronizing arrogance, brutal irony, and so on, but only rarely pure hatred. It is against this that harsh PC condemnation misperceives itself as a well-grounded exercise of justice. Such condemnation doesnt bother to reconstruct the reasoning that guided the offender. Edelstein, for instance, maybe perceived his Facebook post as a tasteless but not offensive display of humor. This means we get a duality: of how things were for the offenders consciousness, and how they were in themselves meaning, in the eyes of the judge or person offended. The same gap is also at work in the PC judges condemnation itself, although here it is a gap between how things stand for her consciousness (I am just passing a righteous judgment), and how they are in themselves (a display of hatred aimed at destroying the life or career of the offender). Lets take another example. In December 2016, upon learning of the sudden death of Carrie Fisher, Steve Martin tweeted: When I was a young man, Carrie Fisher was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. She turned out to be witty and bright as well. There was an immediate backlash. Martin was accused of objectivising Fisher, of focusing on her physicality instead of on her talents or her impact one user on Twitter replied: I think she [ought to be] apprised to be something higher than just being pretty. How do you want to be remembered? So Martin deleted his tweet But its easy to reconstruct Martins reasoning here: he wanted to show his respect for Fisher beyond her beauty: he locates his fascination with Fishers beauty in his first encounters, then immediately moves in witty and bright the whole point of his tweet is that she was more than just beautiful. A recollectively forgiving stance would reprimand him for not taking into account the effect of his tweet, but still forgive him, demanding of him only that he should sublate (a Hegelian term) his homage to Fisher by formulating it in a more appropriate way. Nothing like this happens in the quick condemnation which sees in his tweet just a male-chauvinist objectification of women. The Limits of Forgiveness But there are clear limits to the notion of forgiving recollection. Again to be brutally simple: can we recollectively forgive Hitler? And if the answer is no, is this because Hitler cannot be forgiven, or because we ourselves are not yet at a high enough level of ethical reflection to do so? The only way to do so which avoids regressing to the position of a beautiful soul who passes judgement from a position of disinterested separateness, is to endorse the second option that our castigation of Hitler as evil must be a reflexive determination of the evil that persists in ourselves that is, it shows the non-reflective state of the position from which we pass judgments. Let us note that many far right revisionists today do try to enact a recollective forgiving of Hitler. Yes, they say, he made terrible mistakes; he committed horrible crimes; but in doing this he was ultimately just fighting for the good cause (against the capitalist corruption embodied in the Jews), albeit in a wrong way. Revisionists also try to balance responsibility in a pseudo-Hegelian way: were Hitlers crimes not mirrored in the one-sidedness of the Jewish position their exclusive stance, their unwillingness to integrate themselves into the German nation? Yet its easy to construct a more rational, non-Rightist-revisionist version of how we who condemn Nazism should also ask for forgiveness for the evil in our own perspective. For example, not only was anti-Semitism by no means limited to Germany, it was very strong in the nations which were at war with Germany, including our own; or, the obvious injustice of the Treaty of Versailles an act of revenge against the Germans defeated in WWI contributed to the Nazi rise to power; or, at a more general level, fascism grew out of the dynamics and antagonisms of Western capitalism. While we should totally reject this line of reasoning, the solution is definitely not to draw a line between sins that can be recollectively forgiven and those sins that are too great to forgive. Such a procedure introduces a duality totally at odds with Hegels approach. What we should do instead is to change the very notion of recollective forgiving: to deprive the notion of any echoes of you are now forgiven, you are no longer really bad. Brandom, of course, raises this problem: Some things people have done strike us, even upon due reflection, as simply unforgivable. In these cases, though we might try to mitigate the consequences of evil doings, we have no idea at all how to go about discerning the emergence of a governing norm we could ourselves endorse (p.716). His immediate response to this is: But now we must ask: Whose fault is it that the doing, or some aspect of it, is unforgivable the doer or the forgiver? Is the failure that of the bad agent or of the bad recollector? Is whose fault it is a matter of how things anyway just are? Or is it at least partly reflective of the recollectors failure to come up with a more norm-responsive narrative? But, again, in the case of the Holocaust should we acknowledge at least equal responsibility on the part of the unsuccessful forgiver (p.717)? And should we also claim with Brandom that one must trust that this recollective-recognitive failure, too like the failure of the original, inadequately forgiven doer will be more successfully forgiven by future assessors (who know more and are better at it) (p.718)? Furthermore, what about cases such as female genital mutilation, or torture, or slavery, which we today experience as horror, but for which it is easy to reconstruct the thinking which makes these things acceptable not only to those who perform them, but sometimes even to their victims? And what about cases where the retroactive view makes actions more unacceptable than they were in their original context? If we sternly judge such cases, we not only make new norms and impose them onto the past acts, in some sense we also find that such acts were always unacceptable, even if they appeared acceptable to the agents. Slavery is an obvious example where this applies. Lets again take the example of Hitler and the Holocaust. The way to deal with it is perhaps indicated by the biblical story of the prophet Habbakuk, the most poignant expression of what one might call the silence of the gods of the big question addressed to God from Job onwards: Where were you when that horror happened? Why were you silent, why didnt you intervene? Here are the words of Habbakuks complaint: How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, Violence! but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. (Habbakuk Ch.1) How does God answer? One should read the reply very carefully: Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. This is no simple teleological justification in the style of Be patient; strange are the ways of the Lord; your suffering serves a purpose in the wider divine plan that you cannot grasp from your narrow, finite standpoint. Indeed, from a Christian perspective, to say that the Holocaust (or similar suffering) serves some higher purpose unknown to us, is an anti-Christian obscenity, since the point of Christs compassion is unconditional solidarity with those who suffer. Rather, to use Giorgio Agambens expression, one should gather here a full courage of hopelessness. So what does it mean, that we should be utterly amazed, and that something will happen that we would not believe, even if we were told? The unbelievable thing is plausibly the return of the Jews to the Promised Land, which, one might surmise, would not have happened without the Holocaust. Perhaps then only with regard to the existence of Israel, which his crimes contributed to creating, could Hitler be retroactively forgiven. But, again, one has to be very precise here: this in no way justifies the Holocaust as the sacrifice the Jewish people needed to pay for the return to their land (the thesis of some anti-Semites); neither is it the claim that the Holocaust was part of a secret divine plan to make possible the return of Jews to their homeland (the thesis of some other anti-Semites). It just means that the founding of Israel was an unexpected, unplanned consequence of the Holocaust. It also says nothing about other injustices that resulted from this set of acts. For instance, the land to which the Jews returned has for a long time been inhabited by other people, and cannot be so simply designated as theirs. The main trap to be avoided here is holistic teleology. This is the idea that something which appears to us as a horror can, from a larger perspective, be an element which contributes to global harmony, in the same way that a stain on a large painting contributes to its beauty if we look at the painting from a proper distance. The legacy of Job, who did not receive from God an explanation of his suffering, prohibits us from taking a refuge in the standard idea of a transcendent God as a secret Master who knows the meaning of what appears to us as a meaningless catastrophe the God who sees the entire picture, in which what we perceive as a stain contributes to global harmony. When confronted with an event such as the Holocaust, or the more recent death of millions in the Congo, is it not obscene to claim that these stains contribute to the harmony of the Whole? Can there be a Whole which can justify and thus redeem an event such as the Holocaust? Christs death on the cross means rather that one should drop without restraint the notion of God as a transcendent caretaker who guarantees the happy outcome of our acts the guarantee of holistic teleology. Christs death on the cross is the death of that God. Rather, it repeats Jobs conclusion, by refusing any deeper meaning that obfuscates the brutal reality of catastrophes. Even a strong version of this logic the idea that forgiving does not mean the erasure of the particular content, but the recognition that that particular content is necessary for the actualization of universal good is not strong enough. Parsing the Past Recollective forgiving remains an ambiguous notion. In the ethical sphere it can be read as trying to understand what appears to us as evil that is, reconstructing a hidden positive motivation which got expressed in a perverted way. However, retroactivity implies a much more radical dimension of contingency: that things are not what they are, they are what they will have been. Their truth is decided after they have happened: Concrete practical forgiveness involves doing things to change what the consequences of the act turn out to be. For example, one might trust ones successors to make it the case that ones inadvertent revelation, ones sacrifice, or the decision to go to war, was worthwhile, because of what it eventually led to because of what we made of it by doing things differently afterward. Something I have done should not be treated as an error or a crime, as the hard-hearted judge does, because it is not yet settled what I have done. Subsequent actions by others can affect its consequences, and hence the content of what I have done. The hardhearted judgment wrongly assumes that the action is a finished thing, sitting there fully formed, as a possible object of assessment independent of what is done later the role of a given event in the evolving plan depends on what else happens. (The Spirit of Trust, p.602) At the level of immediate facts, things are what they are. In the Holocaust millions died. Nothing can retroactively change that. The past can only be changed at the level of its symbolic mediation what it means to people thinking about it. But here, things get complicated. What about the case evoked by Hegel himself, in which an agent acts with the best intentions, but the unpredictable consequences are catastrophic? How does recollective forgiving work here? Can the judge construct a partial forgiving by proving that the most probable consequence would have been benevolent, and that the catastrophe was due to unpredictable accidents? And what if we introduce a third level on the top of the duality of my subjective intention in performing an act and the actual outcome of my act the unconscious motivations? This third level should in no way be limited to considering base motives as the concealed truth of the publicly-professed noble motives for instance, when a person who claims to perform an act out of a sense of duty was actually motivated by revenge it should also include the opposite case for instance, while I thought I acted out of some private pathological inclination, a deeper sense of justice actually motivated me. If we concede that the actual significance of an act is what it will have been, we touch here a paradoxical nerve of morality, which was baptized by Bernard Williams moral luck (Moral Luck, 1981). Williams evokes the case of the painter Gauguin, who left his wife and children and moved to Tahiti in order to develop his artistic genius. Was he morally justified in doing this, or not? Williams reply is that we can only answer this question in retrospect, after we learn the outcome of his risky decision: Did he develop into a genius artist, or not? Exactly the same holds for Immanuel Kant for the legal status of a rebellion: the proposition, What the rebels are doing is a crime which deserves to be punished is true if pronounced when the rebellion is still going on; but once the rebellion wins and establishes a new legal order, this statement about the legal status of the same act, now past, no longer holds. Here is Kants answer to the question, Is rebellion a legitimate means for a people to employ in throwing off the yoke of an alleged tyrant?: no injustice befalls the tyrant when he is deposed. There can be no doubt on this point. Nevertheless, it is in the highest degree illegitimate for the subjects to seek their rights in this way. If they fail in the struggle and are then subjected to severest punishment, they cannot complain about injustice any more than the tyrant could if they had succeeded (Perpetual Peace, 1795, p.4). Does Kant not offer here his own version of moral luck, or, rather, legal luck? The legal status of a rebellion is decided retroactively: if a rebellion succeeds and establishes a new legal order, then it brings about its own vicious circle: it erases into the void its own illegal origins as it enacts the paradox of retroactively grounding itself. Kant states this paradox even more clearly a couple of pages earlier, where he writes: If a violent revolution, engendered by a bad constitution, introduces by illegal means a more legal constitution, to lead the people back to the earlier constitution would not be permitted; but, while the revolution lasted, each person who openly or covertly shared in it would have justly incurred the punishment due to those who rebel. One could not be clearer: the legal status of the same act changes with time, and what is, while the rebellion goes on, a punishable crime, becomes, after a new legal order is established, its opposite. More precisely, the crime simply disappears, as a vanishing mediator which retroactively erases itself in its result. Such retroactive interpretations consistently happen in the dimension of the symbolic order. When I say or do something, my words or acts never just express my inner intention. Rather, their meaning is decided retroactively, through their incorporation into the big Other. Italo Calvinos story, A Beautiful March Day (1993) focuses on the unintended consequences of the act of killing Julius Caesar. While the conspirators wanted to kill a tyrant and thereby restore Rome to its republican glory, their act abolishes the very conditions which sustained its intended meaning. As Molly Rothenberg writes, The very world in which it made sense to get rid of Caesar also vanishes with those dagger strokes not because Caesar held that world together, but because the assassins could not foresee that their act would also transform the way the act would be judged. They could not factor in the historicity of their action: neither they nor anyone else could predict or govern how the future would interpret the assassination. Put another way, we could say that there simply was no way for them to take into account the retroversive effect of future interpretations (The Excessive Subject, 2010, p.7). Lets take an extreme case of a forgiving recollection (without too much forgiving more with retroactive attribution of responsibility and guilt). Someone makes the perspicuous observation that most sex, till sometime around the early or even mid twentieth century, would count as rape by todays standards and says this is a definitive sign of some kind of progress Robert Brandom clearly happy at mastering the struggle with Marx for the title of Biggest Beard in Philosophy Portrait Barbara Wendefiorm Brandom Add caption What we encounter here is the key feature of the Symbolic: it displays the fundamental openness the Symbolic introduces into reality. In other words, once we enter the Symbolic, things never simply are, they all will have been: they as it were borrow part of their being from the future. This decentering introduces an irreducible contingency. There is no deeper teleology at work here, no secret power that guarantees the happy outcome. Due to his knowledge of Hegel, Brandom has to admit this retrospective aspect of the nature of historical progress: The progression is retrospectively necessary. It is not the case that a given stage could have evolved in no other way than as to produce what appears as its successor. Rather, that successor (and ultimately, the final so far triumphant, culminating conception) could not have arisen except as a development from the earlier ones. Necessity is always retrospective in Hegel: the Owl of Minerva flies only at dusk (p.608). So far so good. But Brandom continues, The passage closes with Hegels expression of trust: his summons to the next generation to do for its time what he has done for his: to take on the forgiving recollective labor of explication that makes a rational history. I find this jump to the future, this faith in progress, totally unwarranted, and at odds with Hegels basic metaphysical stance. Why? Because it implies a gap between two levels: between Hegels actual thought (constrained to the knowledge of its time; painting grey on grey), and a view which locates Hegels thought in a progressive series which Brandom styles a recognitive cycle of confession, trust, and recollective forgiveness, followed by confession of the inadequacy of that forgiveness and trust in subsequent forgiveness of that failure (p.610). And what Hegel did for the entire past up to his time (recollecting it into a rational totality), Brandom himself tries to do to Hegel (paraphrasing his thought in contemporary terms, etc); and he invites his future readers to do the same with his work. We are back to what Hegel called spurious infinity. There is another aspect to the inconsistency. If historical necessity is always retrospective, what legitimizes Brandom to read Hegels idea of Absolute Knowing as going well beyond painting grey on grey and pointing towards an emancipated social future beyond the antagonisms of alienated modernity towards what Brandom calls the Third Phase? He says, Hegels astonishing aspiration is [to] guide us to a new age of Geist whose normative structure is as much an improvement over the modern as the modern was over the traditional (p.614). But wouldnt a proper Hegelian move be instead precisely to leave the space open for a retroactive realization that this bright(er) future, this Third Phase, brings out new, unpredictable antagonisms and forms of violence? Furthermore, what if we should be forgiven for exactly this for the illusory hope that we can do more than just paint grey on grey and instead outline the basic contours of a new future epoch of full emancipation where progress will go on? Would it not be much more in Hegels spirit to presuppose that this phase will also somehow go terribly wrong, as it did with Fascism, Stalinism, and so on? For example, its not enough to play the usual game of how Marxs noble vision was misused, and of how he shouldnt be held accountable for this misuse. Rather, what Marx needs to be forgiven for, is that he remained blind to how his vision of Communism could inspire new forms of oppression and terror. Conclusion So, to conclude: should we not turn around Brandoms motif of the spirit of trust? Is not the deepest feature of a true Hegelian approach a spirit of distrust? That is to say, Hegels basic axiom is not the holistic teleological premise that, no matter how terrible an event is, in the end it will turn out to contribute to the overall harmony of the world and of history. Rather, his axiom is that no matter how well-planned and well-meant an idea or a project is, it will somehow go wrong: the Greek organic community of the polis turns to fraternal war; the medieval fidelity based on honor turns into empty flattery; the revolutionary striving for universal freedom turns into terror. Hegels point is not that this bad turn could have been avoided say, if only the French Revolutionaries had constrained themselves to realize concrete freedom for various estates instead of trying to realize abstract freedom and equality for all, the bloodshed could have been prevented. Rather, we have to accept that theres no direct path to concrete freedom; that our reconciliation resides instead in the fact that we resign ourselves to the permanent threat of destruction which is a condition of our freedom. Hegels vision of the state is that of a hierarchical order of estates held together by the permanent threat of war. So what if we consider a progress which goes further than that towards a post-Hegelian liberal democracy? Its easy to imagine the glee with which Hegel would have analyzed how a liberal society leads to Fascism, or how a radical emancipatory project ends up in Stalinism. It would also have been easy for Hegel to point out how the unheard-of carnage of the Great War emerged as the truth of the nineteenth centurys gradual peaceful progress. THIS, indeed, is the task of us Hegelians today. Prof. Slavoj Zizek 2020 Slavoj Zizek teaches Philosophy at the University of Ljubljana and is international director of the Birkbeck Institute for the Humanities of the University of London. His latest book is Hegel in a Wired Brain, published by Bloomsbury. The Bob Johnson Auto Group has raised $18,280 to help pet rescue organizations in a campaign called Dog Days of Summer that ran during the month of August. We are pleased to contribute to these seven organizations that better our community through their undying love for animals, and their commitment to find foster and forever homes for dogs and other domestic pets, Marketing Director Buddy Baur said in a statement. We thank all our valued customers who helped make this donation possible. Bob Johnson representatives proudly confirmed that seven checks for $2,612 each made their way to seven chosen local pet rescue groups with a placement rate of 90 percent or higher. (Illustration Peter Kramer/Getty Images) The grateful recipients of the cash were G.R.A.S.P. of Greece, Rescued Treasures, The Mia Foundation, Pitty Love Rescue, and New 2 U Rescue, all from Rochester, K9 Orphans of Penfield, and SusieQ Dog ResQ of Conesus. The auto group shared their campaigns success with their followers on Facebook on Sept. 17, posting photos of the check handovers. August 2020 marked Bob Johnson Auto Groups first Dog Days of Summer event. The company had contributed $10 to the fund for every vehicle sold during the course of the month. They sold 1,828 vehicles, raising $18,280, a game-changing amount for local pet rescue groups. We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc - President Uhuru Kenyatta made a stopover at Egypt on his way back home from France for a courtesy call to President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi - Uhuru also took time to behold the beauty of Egypt's famous Pyramids of Giza - However, as he jetted back home on Monday, he was met by a chaotic Jubilee Party and will also need to give directions on schools reopening PAY ATTENTION: Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.kes Patreon programme President Uhuru Kenyatta made a stopover at Egypt on his way back from France for a courtesy call to the country's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. President Uhuru visited Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Photo: This is Wonderful Egypt. Source: Facebook Besides holding talks with his Egyptian counterpart, the head of state also took time to relax and behold the beauty of the North African country. In photos shared by This Is Wonderful Egypt, Uhuru visited the Pyramids of Giza and marvelled at the greatness of the ancient pyramids. "Kenya's president visits the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt and being amazed by its greatness," the page captioned the photos. Uhuru visited Egypt on his way back home from France. Photo: This Is Wonderful Egypt. Source: Facebook The president donned a white shirt and black trousers in the sight-seeing occasion and he was all smiles for the camera. Messes back home The first in command jetted back into the country on the night of Monday, October 5, and some of the messes he will have to focus on are in his Jubilee Party which is currently in chaos. Ruto held a closed-door meeting with his allies a day after Uhuru left the country. Photo: William Samoei Ruto. Source: Facebook A day after he left for France where he signed three bilateral agreements, Deputy President William Ruto stormed the Jubilee headquarters in Pangani for a closed-door meeting with his allies. PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB feed Though the details of the meeting were not divulged, his allies rubbished claims that they were grabbing power from the head of state. The ruling party's secretary-general Raphael Tuju expressed his displeasure in Ruto's meeting and recommended the removal of DP as the deputy party leader for "attempted power grab". Tuju recommended the removal of Ruto as deputy party leader. Raphael Tuju. Source: UGC Additionally, the political antagonism in his own party snowballed into an all-out war on Sunday, October 3, leading to the death of two people in Murang'a moments before Ruto's visit to the area. Uhuru will also need to demystify the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of schools as teachers enter their second week in schools and the pressure to recall learners heightens. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. Heroine ruined my life and put my children at risk - Whitney Wanjiku | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke File image Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic US senator Kamala Harris will be separated by a plexiglass barrier during their debate on October 7 in a bid to curb the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the commission overseeing the event told news agency Reuters. After US President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis, Democrats are extra careful about being anywhere near him or those in his orbit in the remaining days until the election. The first of three scheduled debates took place last week, just two days before Trump tested positive for COVID-19. His diagnosis has also raised questions about the safety of staging the debates for the upcoming November 3 polls. The debate, the only one scheduled between the vice presidential candidates, is scheduled for Salt Lake City, six days after Trump announced he had contracted the virus. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Both Harris and Pence have tested negative in recent days, with the vice president working from home over the weekend. A number of White House staffers and prominent Republicans, including three US senators, have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The Commission on Presidential Debates also said the two candidates would be seated more than 12 feet (3.7 m) apart. There will be a limited number of guests at the debate, all of whom will undergo testing, and anyone who does not wear a mask will be escorted out. At the first presidential debate between Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden last week, several members of Trumps family did not wear masks while sitting in the audience. In a statement, Pences spokeswoman Katie Miller said: If Senator Harris wants to use a fortress around herself, have at it. In response, Sabrina Singh, a spokeswoman for Harris, wrote on Twitter: Interesting that @VPComDir Katie Miller mocks our wanting a plexiglass barrier on the debate stage, when her own boss is supposedly in charge of the COVID-19 task force and should be advocating for this too. Miller herself had COVID-19 in the spring. Joe Biden said on October 5 that he was willing to participate in next weeks scheduled debate with Trump as long as health experts say it would be safe, reported Reuters. (With inputs from Reuters) Media Release Basel, October 6, 2020 Results of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Dufry AG on October 6, 2020 The Extraordinary General Meeting of Dufry AG was held at the offices of Dufry AG at Brunngasslein 12, 4052 Basel, Switzerland, on October 6, 2020 at 14.00 hrs. The meeting was held without the presence of shareholders based on Article 27 of the Ordinance 3 issued by the Swiss Federal Council on measures to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) of June 19, 2020, validly convened and constituted, and shareholders duly registered in the share register of the Company representing 23,316,224 shares and 41.96% of the total share capital of Dufry AG were represented at the meeting. All proposals of the Board of Directors have been approved by the Extraordinary General Meeting. The Board of Directors' proposal to elect Mr. Yves Gerster, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as chair of the Extraordinary General Meeting has been approved by 99.74% of the votes represented. The Board of Directors' proposal of an ordinary increase of the share capital of the Company from currently CHF 277,835,830 by up to CHF 123,482,580 to a maximum amount of up to CHF 401,318,410 through the issuance of up to 24,696,516 fully paid-in registered shares, has been approved by 99.57% of the votes represented. The Board of Directors' proposal to increase the maximum size of the Board of Directors from nine to eleven members and to amend Article 13 para. 1 of the Articles of Incorporation has been approved by 94.93% of the votes represented. The Board of Directors' proposal to elect Mr. Ranjan Sen as a member of the Board of Directors for a term of office extending until completion of the next Ordinary General Meeting has been approved by 95.89% of the votes represented. The Board of Directors' proposals to delete Section X. "Contribution in Kind" and Article 30 of the Articles of Incorporation has been approved by 99.44% of the votes represented. For further information, please contact: Dr. Kristin Kohler Renzo Radice Global Head Investor Relations Global Head Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Phone: +41 61 266 44 22 Phone: +41 61 266 44 19 Mobile: +41 79 563 18 09 Mobile: +41 79 461 23 34 kristin.koehler@dufry.com renzo.radice@dufry.com Dufry Group - A leading global travel retailer Dufry AG (SIX: DUFN) is the leading global travel retailer operating over 2,400 duty-free and duty-paid shops in airports, cruise lines, seaports, railway stations and downtown tourist areas, in more than 420 locations in 65 countries across all six continents. The Company, founded in 1865 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is offering customers a first-class shopping experience, global brands a unique market access and landlords a reliable, value-enhancing partnership. To learn more about Dufry, please visit www.dufry.com Social Responsibility Dufry cares for children and supports social projects from SOS Kinderdorf in Brazil, Cambodia, Mexico, Morocco and Ivory Coast. SOS Children's Villages is an independent, non-political and non-demonstrational organization established for orphaned and destitute children all over the world. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Anti-government protesters stormed the Kyrgyz presidential office building, known as the White House, early on October 6. Protests and clashes broke out in Bishkek a day after parliamentary elections that shut out most opposition parties, which they claimed were rigged. Despite widespread concerns, Kepco will move ahead with Vung Ang 2 coal power plant in Vietnam The state-run power company said its board members agreed to participate in the $2.2 billion Vung Ang 2 project to build two 600MW coal-fired power plants in Ha Tinh province, Vietnam. With the approval from the board, the project is expected to start in the first half of 2021. The $2.2 billion power plant project was originally conducted by Mitsubishi Corporation and Hong Kong's China Light & Power (CLP), each holding a 40 per cent stake in the project with Japan's Chugoku Electric Power Co. holding the remaining 20 per cent stake. However, after CLP announced it would withdraw from the project due to its newly-adopted coal exit policy, Mitsubishi proposed KEPCO acquired CLP's stake. After obtaining approval from its board members, KEPCO will acquire the 40 per cent stake from CLP. If KEPCO's participation is finalised, Korean companies such as Samsung C&T and Doosan Heavy Industries are expected to join the project as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors. According to Korea Times, KEPCO is facing growing opposition from investors who are concerned that the project will cause the power company to fail to meet its environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards and changing global energy standards, which put more importance on renewable energy. The Korea Development Institute's pre-feasibility study, revealed by Kim Sung-whan of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) in June, estimated the net present value of the Vung Ang 2 project at minus $158 million. This means outgoing cash is expected be greater than incoming cash during the project period of 2020-2048. In spite of such criticism, KEPCO said joining the construction project will help the company and other participating Korean firms create a stable profit structure as KEPCO will operate the plant for 25 years. Scientists have warned that a wet face mask is less effective because water restricts airflow and cuts the amount of viral filtering. The World Health Organization says dry three-layer mask worn over the mouth and nose can protect people from catching the coronavirus. However, a former senior WHO official urged the public to change their face covering if it gets wet because moisture makes masks "porous." Keeping face masks dry Professor Tim Spector warned the Government that the public is not aware of the risks involved with a wet face mask. He said that it would be useful if clear advice were issued to the public. The warning comes as the UK is about to enter the autumn season, with rain showers and storms expected. The Met Office has forecast more rainy days and periods of prolonged rainfall. A former official in the WHO's cancer program, Karol Sikora, told The Times that moisture makes masks porous and because of this, all types of masks are essentially vulnerable in damp weather. Dr. Simon Clarke, an associate professor of Cellular Microbiology at the University of Reading, told MailOnline that a damp mask is no different from a dirty handkerchief tied to the face. Also Read: Scientists Who Discovered Hepatitis C Virus, Awarded With Nobel Prize for Medicine Dr. Clarke said that if the mask becomes damp from the water vapor in the breath or through sneezing and coughing, this is a good sign that you need to put a new or cleanly laundered replacement mask on anyway. Clarke added that the advice on wearing face coverings mentions that those made of cloth should be constructed of a material that is as densely woven as possible to prevent any droplets from escaping while still allowing you to breathe. Also, depending on how wet the material is, there could be an impact on the size of the holes in the fabric, either it makes them too large to prevent droplets getting in or out, or it makes them too narrow to allow you to breathe properly. Dr. Clarke said that he always makes sure that he has at least one spare, clean facemask with him whenever he goes out so that he can replace the one that he is wearing if it gets wet or if he has been wearing it for a while, and he encourages everyone to do the same. Resistance to airflow According to The Nursing Times, wet face masks suffer from increased resistance to airflow, and are therefore less efficient at filtering bacteria and has increased venting. Venting is when more air and droplets are expelled by the mask. The WHO backed up this warning from medical experts and stated online that all masks should be changed if it is wet or if it is visibly soiled. According to WHO, a wet mask should not be worn for an extended period of time. Replace masks as soon as they become damp with a new clean, dry mask. Other experts also called for the Government to warn the public about the dangers of using wet and soiled face masks. Related Article: COVID-19 in the White House: Concerns of an Outbreak Rise as McEnany Adds to List of West Wing Cases @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has chosen the site of one of Americas most brutal battles to make an appeal for healing and unity. Biden, the former vice president, delivered a speech in Gettysburg Tuesday afternoon. You can watch below. LIVE: Battle for the Soul of the Nation- Joe Biden Speech in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania We are engaged once again in a battle for the soul of the nation. Its a battle weve been in before and we can win again. Tune in as I deliver remarks from Gettysburg. Posted by Joe Biden on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 There is no more fitting place than here today in Gettysburg to talk about the cost of division about how much it has cost America in the past, about how much it is costing us now, and about why I believe in this moment we must come together as a nation, Biden said. Biden acknowledged racial injustices and inequities that have divided America. There is no place for hate in America, Biden said. Itll be given no license. Itll be given no oxygen. Itll be given no safe harbor. The speech took place at The Lodges of Gettysburg. Biden spoke behind a podium with the message: Battle for the soul of the nation. If he is elected, Biden said hed work to turn division into unity. We can disagree with how we move forward," Biden said. "We must take the first steps. It starts with how we talk to one another. He pointed to the historic setting of Gettysburg. The promise of Gettysburg is a new birth of freedom is at hand, Biden said. I think thats at risk. He also talked about inequities in America and said, Injustice is real. He said inequities are a product of Black people being brought here in chains in 400 years ago. While Biden said he didnt support defunding police, he acknowledged instances of excessive police force, heart-wrenching cases of racial injustice and lives needlessly and senselessly lost. But he also denounced violence and destruction that have emerged. I do not believe we have to choose between law and order and racial justice in America, Biden said. And Biden also pointed to the coronavirus pandemic as another area of division. He called setting partisanship aside and following science. Wearing a mask is not a political statement, Biden said. Its a scientific recommendation. This pandemic is not a red state or blue state issue," Biden said. This virus doesnt care where you live. Biden said the nation must focus on economic solutions that offer opportunities for all, not some. We cannot and will not walk way from our obligation to at long last face the reckoning on race and racial justice in this country, Biden said. Everybody deserves a shot at prosperity, he said. Bidens appearance comes just four weeks before Election Day. Some Pennsylvania voters have already begun casting ballots by mail or taking them to county election offices. He talked about the power of voting as an instrument of change and a step toward transforming the nation. Earlier today in Delaware, Biden spoke about his hopes for his speech in Gettysburg, according to press pool reports. Im making a speech that Ive worked and worked and worked on about how the soul of America and racial equality and what significant trouble were in right now, Biden said. Some people may think its a little dramatic, but I think its appropriate. We have to unite this nation and Ive decided to do it from Gettysburg. A Scranton native, Biden has made several appearances in Pennsylvania in recent weeks. He visited Harrisburg and Lancaster on Labor Day and pledged to be an ally of union groups. Last week, he did a train tour in western Pennsylvania. President Donald Trump has also visited Pennsylvania repeatedly. He spoke before an enthusiastic crowd of thousands at Harrisburg International Airport on Sept. 26, just days before he announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus. Trump left a military hospital Monday and returned to the White House, but its unclear when he will resume public campaign rallies and events, although he has pledged to be back on the trail as soon as possible. Pennsylvania is widely considered one of the most important battlegrounds in the presidential election. Some political analysts have said the Keystone State will determine who wins the election. Trump narrowly won Pennsylvania in 2016 but Biden is aiming to move the commonwealth back to the blue column. Trump was the first Republican presidential candidate to win Pennsylvania since George H.W. Bush did it back in 1988. More from PennLive Pa. Republicans' Summer of Toomey gives way to a political spring for gubernatorial and Senate hopefuls The orders announced Tuesday come as hospitals are bracing for a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and flu season, which state officials say led to roughly 8,000 hospitalizations last season. The orders apply to workers, contractors and volunteers at nursing homes, rest homes, assisted living residences, adult day health programs and dialysis units outside of hospitals. Immunization is the most effective method for preventing infection of the flu, and staff at long-term care facilities and other health care providers serving vulnerable populations play an important role in stopping its spread," the news release states. Under the orders, workers must get their flu shots by Dec. 31 unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption. The long-term care facilities are required to keep records of the vaccinations and submit a report to DPH by Jan. 15. The mandate comes more than a month after Gov. Charlie Baker ordered schoolchildren get a flu vaccine, sparking protests from parents who called the move government overreach. Hundreds protested the governors flu mandate Monday outside Boston federal court. 11 Protesters blast flu vaccine mandate for Massachusetts schoolchildren The pair of orders was among several changes the Baker administration announced Tuesday, along with new requirements for nursing homes and surveillance testing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among residents. Under the latest guidance, nursing home and rest home workers must get tested for COVID-19 at least once a month. Additional testing is required in facilities with new cases or in high-positivity areas. The state says nursing homes and rest homes have been reimbursed for staff surveillance testing since the policy first came out in June. Assisted living residences are recommended, but not required, to undergo surveillance testing. The Baker administration said it will fund two rounds of testing for all staff at assisted living residences every 30 days when an employee tests positive for COVID-19. Gov. Charlie Baker, who delivered remarks at the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association annual conference last week, told viewers that continuous testing and contact tracing is crucial to getting infection rates low enough so family visits can continue at long-term care facilities. The challenges that COVID creates for anybody who takes care of seniors are profound, he said at the time. I think in some ways one of the most insidious elements of the virus is the pressure that it puts on not just people generally, but on some of the rituals that are fundamental to the way we relate to each other as individuals and to the way we relate to each other across generations. The Baker administration announced a series of reforms that they say will hold long-term care facilities to higher standards of care and infection control. The changes include requiring homes to eliminate rooms with more than two residents and strengthening criteria for nursing homes' isolation spaces, among other changes. Related Content: Tracee Ellis Ross fluffed her wig, did a little shoulder shimmy and became a Florida retiree from the 1980s. Just below her on the screen, Alfre Woodard, in a gray hairpiece of her own, threw shade and spun tales from the old country Sicily. Afterward, the two of them talked about the census. This was The Golden Girls, reimagined for the Zoom era and aiming to galvanize the citizenry in an unparalleled political season. You dont even miss the laugh track. Created by a whos who of Black women in Hollywood, including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Issa Rae, Tessa Thompson, Rashida Jones, Regina King and Channing Dungey (the vice president of original content at Netflix), the series, called Zoom Where It Happens, produces a weekly live event, usually a script read of a throwback sitcom, with an all-Black cast, and hosts like Lena Waithe and Gabrielle Union-Wade. At the end of the show, they stick around to talk about making a voting plan or filling out government paperwork. Inside of escapism, I really love this idea this call to action, said Thompson, the Creed and Marvel star. It was about finding a joyful way into really talking about and normalizing the idea of being civically engaged, she added in a recent Zoom interview alongside a co-producer, the actress Ryan Michelle Bathe. The performers are able to do that in a way that feels authentic you can finish an episode of Friends and then you hear Sterling and Ryan talk about their voting plan with Kendrick. (Bathe and Sterling K. Brown, who are married, were Ross and Rachel on the Friends virtual watch party, and Kendrick Sampson played Joey.) The producers expect episodes to appear regularly until the election. The next show, on Tuesday night, is 227, the 80s series set in a Washington apartment building, with Wanda Sykes, Keke Palmer and one of the original stars, Jackee Harry, as the host. Hub International Ltd., a Chicago-based global insurance broker, announced it has acquired Canadian benefits firm, Clearpoint, which comprises Clearpoint Advisory Group Inc., Clearpoint Retirement Solutions Inc. and Canwest Group Benefits Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, with additional locations in Grande Prairie and Fairview, Clearpoint is a benefits and retirement consulting firm that provides strategic group benefit advisory services and retirement solutions to employers. Clearpoint is a great addition to our employee benefits and retirement team, said David Moon, president and CEO of Hub International Canada West (Hub Canada West). Their experience and depth of expertise will complement our existing capabilities, expand our services and drive continued growth. The principals of Clearpoint, Darren Smith, Sid Swick and Jim Yih, will join Hub Canada West and report to Kevin Rome, president of Employee Benefits for the region. Hubs dedicated commitment to employee benefits and retirement solutions fits well with our mission. said Smith. We are keen to help continue to grow the practice and to provide clients with genuinely unique and tailored services. This deal reinforces Hubs ongoing Canadian employee benefits growth and services strategy to expand its best-in-class employee benefits and retirement solutions to address the challenges clients are facing. About Hub International Hub International is a full-service global insurance broker providing property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. With more than 12,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hubs vast network of specialists provides peace of mind on what matters most by protecting clients through unrelenting advocacy and tailored insurance solutions. Source: Hub International Topics Mergers Canada India remains committed to upholding rules based international order: Jaishankar at Quad India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Oct 06: India remains committed to upholding rules based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar said during the opening remarks at the QUAD Ministerial meeting at Tokyo, Japan. Our objective remains advancing the security and economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region. It is a mater of satisfaction that the Indo-Pacific concept has gained increasingly wider acceptance. The Indo-Pacific Ocean's initiative that we tabled at the East Asia Summit last year is a development with considerable promise that context, Jaishankar also said. On Quad meet, China says it opposes exclusive cliques The fact that we are meeting here today, in person despite the global pandemic is a testimony to the importance that these consultations have gained, particularly in recent times. Our world is significantly different today that what it was when we last met in New York in September 2019. The pandemic has brought about a profound transformation globally, the External Affairs Minister also said. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News You are all aware that India assumed membership of the UN Security Council next year. We look forward to seeking collective solutions to global challenges, including global recovery form the pandemic and reform of multilateral institutions, Jaishankar further added. The meeting is also being attended by Japan's foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, Secretary of State, United States, Mike Pompeo and Australia's foreign minister, Marise Payne. ContractPodAi has hired former Apttus GM, IBM Emptoris World Wide Leader Edward Chick as Chief Growth Officer and former Reis, Law.com executive Rich Hollister as Chief Revenue Officer, to help lead a new era of growth ContractPodAi, the award-winning provider of AI-powered contract lifecycle management solutions, today announced two strategic C-Suite appointments to kickstart a new phase of growth. ContractPodAi has seen digital transformations take an increasingly strong hold in organizations this year, leading to Q3'20 being the best quarter in the company's history. The company is now looking ahead to exponentially increasing client impact via blitzscaling, pursuing rapid and reputation-setting growth in the still-nascent legal tech market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005178/en/ Edward Chick, Chief Growth Officer, ContractPodAi (Photo: Business Wire) ContractPodAi's razor-sharp focus on growth necessitates a team dedicated to its management. As Chief Growth Officer (CGO), Edward Chick will focus on reaching customers where they are through sharpened market positioning, and making impact for them at scale through leadership of a fully revamped partnership strategy. A unified approach to revenue and customer success is key to sustaining big growth and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Rich Hollister will oversee a deep integration of the Direct Sales and Customer Success teams at ContractPodAi for the first time, building on the company's known existing strengths around client delivery. "A key precursor to success for blitzscaling to exponential growth is organizational capacity: hiring the right leaders at the right time," said Sarvarth Misra, CEO and Co-Founder. "Edward and Rich bring decades of experience in legal and contracting technologies, so they acutely understand ContractPodAi's customers and what they need. Edward and Rich also bring decades of experience aggressively growing SaaS and legal tech companies like ours by systematizing our shared core values of operational excellence and outsized client impact. Since securing Series B funding in 2019, ContractPodAi has seen hyper growth in unprecedented times. With the onboarding of Edward, Rich, and our CTO Anurag Malik earlier in 2020, we now have the leadership team we need to get into overdrive growth mode and lead digital transformation in the legal tech market." CGO Edward Chick is one of the most well-known names in the contract lifecycle management (CLM) market. His previous roles as CLM GM at Apttus and World Wide Leader of Emptoris at IBM have led him to over 3,000 enterprise CLM deployments over 3,000 successful customer stories leveraging legal, sourcing, and compliance technology to support greater efficiency and reduced risk for businesses. His deep and nuanced understanding of the legal tech ecosystem and its customers make him uniquely suited to lead ContractPodAi's market positioning, channel strategy, and strategic accounts. Edward has also held senior leadership roles at SAP, Siebel, and Janna the latter of which was the first of three exits he has overseen or participated in during his storied career. "I'm excited for the opportunity to empower legal teams to work smarter, not harder," says Edward. "Representing a platform that is one of the fastest growing legal tech companies with a solution built in partnership with some of the most trusted technologies, is an important foundation to explore partner-enablement and expansion that leads to measurable results for customers." Richard Hollister arrives as ContractPodAi's CRO with 20 years of success leading Sales and Customer Success teams of SaaS and legal industry companies. Over Rich's experience as SVP Sales for Watermark and Reis, and VP Sales for Law.com, Lawyers.com, and LexisNexis, he has honed salesforces to be consultative partners for clients defining success as client impact, not a deal won. This is an organic fit with ContractPodAi's approach to digital transformation for clients and uniquely prepares Rich to more deeply integrate the Sales and Customer Success teams at ContractPodAi under his leadership. Rich's experience building global sales teams will also help him lead the expansion of ContractPodAi's salesforce into the Asia Pacific region in 2021. "My focus has always been in getting into the trenches and ensuring salesforces are seen as partners in the customer relationship experience," adds Rich. "I am eager to work with Edward, Sarvarth and the entire ContractPodAi team to expand and cement our position as a leader in the global legal tech business." This investment in growth-focused talent rounds out the international executive team at ContractPodAi and marks an important shift to ramp up customer and partnership development. In this quickly growing market, ContractPodAi is positioned to truly lead the charge in Legal Technology adoption. To learn more about how ContractPodAi is using artificial intelligence to power the contract lifecycle management process globally, visit ContractPodAi.com. About ContractPod Technologies (ContractPodAi) A pioneer in the legal transformation space, ContractPodAi is now one of the world's fastest growing legal tech companies. Customers include some of the world's largest and highly regarded corporations. ContractPodAi is an award-winning easy to use, intuitive and affordable end-to-end contract lifecycle management solution aimed at corporate legal departments. It enables users to assemble, automate, approve, digitally sign and manage all their contracts and documents from one place. Our platform is built in partnership with some of the most trusted technologies in the industry including IBM Watson AI, Microsoft Azure, DocuSign and Salesforce. ContractPodAi is headquartered in London and has global offices in San Francisco, New York, Glasgow, Mumbai and Toronto. More information is available at ContractPodAi.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005178/en/ Contacts: Media: Sara Zammit Communications Specialist sara.zammit@contractpodai.com +1 (647)-405-3197 California governor Gavin Newsom has been ridiculed online after urging diners to wear their masks in between bites. The Democratic governor's office tweeted on October 3: 'Going out to eat with members of your household this weekend? Don't forget to keep your mask on in between bites. Do your part to keep those around you healthy.' Three cartoon images then showed a diner in their mask at a table before a second picture of the person eating without a mask. In the third image the diner was back in their face covering. But the post also warned: 'Minimize the number of times you take your mask off.' California governor Gavin Newsom, pictured, has been ridiculed online after urging diners to wear their masks in between bites The Democratic governor's office tweeted on October 3: 'Going out to eat with members of your household this weekend? Don't forget to keep your mask on in between bites. Do your part to keep those around you healthy' Pedestrians are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing when visiting Main Street in downtown Ventura. Diners eat nearby without masks The message sparked ridicule from a number of California residents. Journalist Matthew Fuhrman tweeted: 'I'm very confused by this tweet. The image suggests you should only take your mask off once when you begin a meal but the text suggests you should put it back on between bites. Adam Pilder added: 'This has got to be the most ridiculous statement I have ever heard.' Pamela Seley wrote: 'Not only do I live in a state with the highest taxes in the country, it's confirmed, I live in the dumbest state.' Diners in the state are able to enjoy limited indoor dining. San Francisco allowed indoor dining limited to 25 per cent capacity from last Wednesday. The message sparked ridicule from a number of California residents In September Newsom had a flu jab during a live press conference to urge people to get vaccinated to prevent a 'twindemic' of influenza and Covid-19 this winter. California saw its worst day of the pandemic on July 21 when the state piled up 12,807 new infections at the height of the second wave. The state saw a record 219 deaths on July 31, but that figure has since fallen to an average of around 80 per day. California has seen more than 820,000 positive cases of the virus; it has a death toll of 16,149. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday announced the seat-sharing plan among the constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the Bihar Assembly election. The BJP will contest 121 seats while Nitish's JD-U has 122 seats. In a joint NDA press conference here, the Chief Minister said that the BJP has been given 121 seats, while the JD-U has got 122 seats. He said that JD-U has given 7 seats to Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) from its quota, while BJP will give seats to Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) from its quota. He said that talks between BJP and VIP are in the final stages. He said, "We are not concerned with what someone speculates. We are working together and will do so." Earlier, Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal reiterated that the NDA is contesting the Bihar polls under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Several leaders including Jaiswal, BJP Bihar in-charge Bhupendra Yadav, BJP's Bihar poll in-charge Devendra Fadnavis, JD-U state chief Vashisht Narayan Singh and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi were present at the joint press meet. President Akufo-Addo has submitted his nomination forms to contest in the 2020 presidential elections. The President is hoping to be cleared to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the polls slated for December 7, 2020. He is seeking a second term in office after defeating John Mahama in the 2016 election by about a million vote margin. Nana Akufo-Addo submitted the forms today, Tuesday, October 6. He was accompanied by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to be fair and transparent in the electoral process. What the Ghanaian people are expecting is that the election of December will be an election that will is conducted in peace, in freedom, in security and in transparency so that the results of the election will reflect the will of the Ghanaian people. Elections are not meant to be decided by you, or the officials that work for you. You are the referees in the contest. The forms were received by the Returning Officer, Jean Mensa. The Electoral Commission started receiving nomination forms from presidential and parliamentary aspirants from yesterday, Monday, October 5, 2020. The exercise is expected to end on October 9. Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama is expected to present his nomination forms on Wednesday. Independent candidate submits forms Two-time independent presidential candidate, Jacob Osei Yeboah also submitted his nominations forms today, October 6, 2020. Mr. Yeboah disclosed to the media moments after submitting the forms that he is going into the December polls as a running mate to one Alfred Kwame Walker, a yet-to-be unveiled candidate. Receiving the nomination forms, the Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, disclosed that two vetting teams have been set up to audit the nomination forms of all the aspirants for later confirmation. ---citinewsroom Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday (October 6) told the Supreme Court (SC) that Hathras victim was cremated in the middle of the night "to avoid large-scale violence". The UP government added in its affidavit to the SC that "extraordinary circumstances forced district administration to take the extraordinary step of cremating the victim at night in presence of and with the consent of family members." "The district administration at Hathras had been receiving several intelligence inputs since the morning of September 29 on the manner in which the dharna had taken place at Safdarjung hospital and the whole issue was being exploited and a caste/communal colour was being given," said UP government. Uttar Pradesh government said it had received specific inputs that lakhs of protesters "of both communities/castes" along with leaders and workers of different political parties and the media would assemble the next morning at the village, "which is likely to turn violent and will lead to major law and order problems." "In such extraordinary and severe circumstances, the district administration took the decision to convince the parents of the deceased to cremate her with all religious rites at night to avoid large scale violence in the morning to cremate the body of the victim that was lying for almost more than 20 hours after her death and post-mortem," said the UP government. The state government told the apex court that once the post-mortem had been done, "there cannot be any bad intention" to speed up the cremation "except to obviate the potential violent situation resulting from the planned caste divide by certain vested interests". Live TV Uttar Pradesh government also said in its afidavit that opposition parties are hatching conspiracies to to discredit and defame the incumbent BJP government in the state. It has said a "deliberate and planned attempt is being made to invite caste/communal riots" in the state. The affidavit also said that the state government has recommended a CBI probe in Hathras case and requested the SC to direct the CBI to probe the alleged rape and assault of the 19-year-old girl in Hathras. Unfavorable views of China have soared to historic highs in many countries in a new global poll by Pew Research Center, with the highest in Australia. A majority of those polled in each of the 14 advanced economies had negative views of China. But in nine of them, Chinas unpopularity was at the highest Pew had recorded since it started tracking this subject more than a decade ago-- in Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, Spain, Sweden and South Korea. A median of 73% of those polled in 14 countries (Belgium, Japan, Italy, Denmark and France in addition to the nine named above) had unfavorable views of China. Australians had soured the most, with 81%, going up by 24 points over 2019; the last year has seen a sharp deterioration in ties between the two countries. Negatives views of China went up by double digits in the last one year in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the US, South Korea and Spain. And Chinas handling of the Coronavirus epidemic appeared to be central to its record unpopularity. A median of 61% of the respondents across all 14 countries polled said China had done a bad job dealing with the epidemic, worse in every case than their own country and global bodies such as WHO. Chinas Covid-19 failure reflected in the way people in these countries perceived President Xi Jinping. A median of 78% had no confidence in Xis ability to do the right thing in world affairs seven-in-10 in every country. But Xis unpopularity was overtaken by President Donald Trump in some countries. While 78% of the Germans, for instance, had no faith in Xi, 80% said the same for Trump, who was more distrusted than Xi, Germanys Angela Merkel, Russias Vladimir Putin, Frances Emmanuel Macron and Britains Boris Johnson. In a sign of an upswing in India-Canada ties, India is likely to join a group of foreign ministers from several countries that is being led by Canada and is aimed at forging a common strategy to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ministerial Coordination Group on Covid-19 (MCGC) was formed by Canadian foreign minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on March 15 and has held 10 calls so far between the participating nations. A senior Indian official said that India is likely to join the conversation on multilateral cooperation when the next monthly meeting takes place later this month. This is an opportunity to coordinate on issues with several countries, and another piece in the coordination with Canada, the official said. Among the countries that have joined the MCGC are the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, South Africa, Morocco, Brazil, Peru and Australia. Two nations conspicuous by their absence from this grouping are the US and China. In a statement after a monthly meeting in April, Champagne had said, The Covid-19 pandemic is a global challenge. Maintaining strong coordination with our international partners is critical to mitigate the repercussions of the ongoing challenges we face. Keeping people, goods and services moving is key in both addressing these issues and ensuring the transition to a strong recovery. The ministers provided an update on their response to the coronavirus pandemic. Among its objectives are focusing on the importance of multilateral vaccine research and development and ensuring equitable vaccine access to developing countries and vulnerable health systems as well as the ongoing need for coordination and multilateralism in response to the economic effects of Covid-19. In a release, Global Affairs Canada said the MCGC was proving to be a valuable forum to discuss, coordinate and act together on global challenges related to Covid-19 and beyond in a world increasingly characterised by interdependence, speed and complexity. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON District Attorney Neal Pinkston has concluded that a county deputy's use of force was justified in his fatal shooting of a man in an incident at Sale Creek following receipt of a TBI report. Hays later died. Officials said Monday, "The Hamilton County District Attorney's Office has finished reviewing a TBI investigation involving an officer-involved shooting. The incident occurred on May 18 at 16295 Crestview Dr. in Sale Creek. During a traffic stop at that location, Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Ross-Long shot Tyler Hays after Hays reportedly fought with the deputy.Hays later died. "Not long after the incident, District Attorney General Pinkston asked the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to investigate the officer-involved shooting. This morning, General Pinkston released the results of his review, stating that the use of force in this incident was justified." DA Pinkston said, "After reviewing the TBI's investigative file and applicable state law, there is no evidence of criminal liability on the part of the involved HCSO officer." Traditional owners fighting to protect thousands of trees along the Western Highway are taking the federal Environment Minister to court for a third time in a move that threatens to further delay the road project, which is already running two years late. The Andrews government is pushing ahead with work on the $157 million highway duplication between Buangor and Ararat, north-west of Melbourne, resisting calls for them to wait until the court case is resolved. Trees were felled along the Western Highway, as the state government resisted traditional owner calls for works to halt until an upcoming court case is resolved. Contractors started felling a number of trees last week as protesters were forced to remain home under stage four lockdown restrictions. Construction crews have marked several trees in red paint to identify which will be felled, as they advance towards centuries-old trees considered sacred by the Djab Wurrung. The International Energy Forum (IEF) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) conducted the first virtual meeting between new IEF Secretary General Joseph McMonigle and Yury Sentyurin to review ongoing and future cooperation. The GECF and IEF have had a close relationship dating back to 2010 and cemented further in 2011 with the MoU, focused on exchange of data and market research, as well as joint high-level activities and events. In the area of high-level activities, Yury Sentyurin participated in the 16th IEF Ministerial Meeting, held under the auspices of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India in New Delhi in 2018. The GECF leadership also attended the 7th and 8th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtables in 2017 and 2019, respectively, which typically gather both IEF and GECF Energy Ministers, heads of the major international organisations and expert community. On a reciprocal basis, the IEF leadership attended some of the major GECF events, including the 4th and 5th GECF Summits. Further, at the launch ceremony of the GECF Global Gas Outlook in 2019, the organisation was awarded with a Friend of the GECF token, marking yet another milestone in the relations between the Forums. During the meeting, McMonigle invited Sentyurin to attend the next IEF Ministerial Meeting scheduled to take place in 2021. Furthermore, the upcoming 7th IEF IGU Ministerial Gas Forum, hosted by Malaysia on December 3 in 2020, represents another significant opportunity for mutual engagement in a virtual setting. In turn, Sentyurin invited McMonigle to be a keynote speaker at the signature GECF Monthly Gas Lecture Series. These lectures feature policymakers and experts who share their knowledge and insights on contemporary issues related to the gas industry and its interconnected influencers of geopolitics and economy. Both IEF and GECF officials discussed their respective participation in the recently held G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting and exchanged views on the importance of the stability of energy markets in the economy recovery from the pandemic. With the annual GECF Global Gas Outlook attracting attention on a global scale, the heads of both organisations also discussed the growing presence of the GECF at the IEA-IEF-Opec Symposiums on Energy Outlooks, where the GECF successfully added value at the 9th and 10th editions in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Sentyurin said: We are looking to ramp up our participation in the IEA-IEF-Opec Symposiums on Energy Outlooks. This is an area where the GECF is ready to demonstrate our hallmark capability of energy forecasts and become a full-fledged partner organisation. McMonigle said: The GECF actively participates in the Joint Organisations Data Initiative (Jodi) and the IEF energy dialogue at ministerial and senior expert level meetings, including in the context of the trilateral programme of work with the International Energy Agency and Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Data and statistics are another hallmark of the GECF and both McMonigle and Sentyurin reiterated their shared belief in the importance of data to inform scientifically grounded analyses. Jodi - a data transparency and exchange programme, coordinated by the IEF and extensively supported by the GECF - occupies a special place within this information-driven dialogue. Among other participants of the Initiative are Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Statistical Office of the European Communities (Eurostat), the International Energy Agency (IEA), Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE), Opec, and UN Statistics Division (UNSD). The GECF became the only gas organisation to join Jodi-Gas in 2014 when it became an official partner of the programme. Sentyurin highlighted the GECFs engagement at the 6th Meeting of Heads of Jodi in 2018 and Jodi Inter-Secretariat Meeting, as well as other Jodi and Jodi-Gas events, as a showcase of the GECFs commitment to this important programme. Sentyurin noted: I am proud of our association with the IEF and would like to reiterate our intention to continue supporting the IEF and the Jodi initiative into the future for the benefit of our respective stakeholders. McMonigle added: I look forward to expanding our engagement into new areas and strengthen our collaboration during my Secretariat. The GECF regularly organises Jodi training sessions for its members, in addition to presenting speaking opportunities to IEF officials in its thought leaders meetings. To promote the initiative furthermore, an invite to jointly organise a Jodi-Gas Information Session for the Mena region on the sidelines of the 6th GECF Gas Summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held in Qatar in 2021, was extended and welcomed. -- Tradearabia News Service BRUSSELS: The European Parliament turned up the heat on Bulgaria on Monday as lawmakers debated a resolution that highlights flaws by the EUs poorest member in respecting the rule of law, combating endemic corruption and supporting media freedom. A vote is expected later this week on the resolution that challenges Prime Minister Boyko Borissovs governance after almost three months of anti-graft protests in Bulgaria that seek his resignation. Thousands of Bulgarians have been rallying daily since July, accusing three-times premier Borissov of eroding democratic rules and allowing corrupt practices that support oligarchs and businesses close to his centre-right GERB party. In a heated debate, lawmakers from the socialist party family, as well as the Greens and liberals slammed Bulgarias government for backsliding on democratic values and abuse of EU funds. MEPs from the centre-right group EPP, to which Borissovs own party belongs, defended Borissov as a pro-European leader. Bulgaria ranks as the blocs most corrupt member state according to Transparency Internationals index. The country has dropped to 111th position in terms of media freedom from 51st in 2007, when it joined the EU, according to Reporters Without Borders. Bulgarian citizens will deal with their government, but we need to stop feeding the vampires that are sucking the life blood out these wonderful people," said Clare Daly from the group of the European United Left-Nordic Green Left. EPP chair Manfred Weber said the protests showed that democracy works in Bulgaria. Borissov has refused to step down and on Monday Weber said protesters could have their say at an election scheduled for next March. A European Parliament resolution rapping Bulgaria for shortcomings in respecting the rule of law would have no practical consequences except political embarrassment for Borissov. But it would also be a signal that Brussels is not turning a blind eye. Unlike Hungary and Poland, Bulgaria has managed to avoid a formal EU process checking if rule-of-law is observed, by promising changes and setting up bodies to combat graft and overhaul the judiciary, while dragging its feet on delivering results. Last week the European Commission, in a milder tone, criticised Bulgarias shortcomings on courts independence and the lack of senior officials jailed on corruption charges in its first report on rule of law in the EU. Speaking on Monday, the EUs top democracy official, Commissioner Vera Jourova said the EU Commission would press ahead in monitoring Bulgaria until it sees tangible results in fighting corruption and overhauling of the judiciary. There is still unfinished business. And we want to see the job done," she 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 WASHINGTON For decades, Robert E. Lighthizer, the United States trade representative, was reliably one of Washingtons toughest critics when it came to China and its trade practices. But since brokering a trade deal with Beijing in January, he has become one of Chinas biggest defenders within the administration, emerging as an obstacle to lawmakers and other top White House officials who want to punish China over its treatment of ethnic Muslims and begin trade talks with Taiwan. Over the past several months, Mr. Lighthizer has pushed back on several proposed policy measures that rankled Beijing, arguing those efforts could disrupt the U.S.-China trade pact that he and President Trump spent more than two years trying to forge, according to several former government officials and other people familiar with the conversations. Mr. Lighthizer has also curtailed his public criticisms of China, instead touting Beijings efforts to uphold the trade pact and live up to its end of the deal. TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Primo Water Corporation (NYSE: PRMW) (TSX: PRMW) (the "Company" or "Primo"), a leading provider of water direct to consumers and water filtration services in North America and Europe as well as a leading provider of water dispensers, purified bottled water, and self-service refill drinking water in the U.S. and Canada, today announced that the Company will release its third quarter ended September 26, 2020 financial results before the markets open on Thursday, November 5, 2020. Primo will host a conference call, to be simultaneously webcast, on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A question and answer session will follow management's presentation. To participate, please call the following numbers: Third Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call North America: (888) 231-8191 International: (647) 427-7450 Conference ID: 1031839 This is a live, listen-only dial-in telephone line. Webcast for Third Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call A live audio webcast will be available through the Company's website at www.primowatercorp.com. The webcast will be recorded and archived for playback on the investor relations section of the website for two weeks following the event. ABOUT PRIMO WATER CORPORATION Primo Water Corporation is a leading pure-play water solutions provider in North America, Europe and Israel and generates approximately $2.1 billion in annual revenue. Primo operates largely under a recurring razor/razorblade revenue model. The razor in Primo's revenue model is its industry leading line-up of sleek and innovative water dispensers, which are sold through major retailers and online at various price points or leased to customers. The dispensers help increase household penetration which drives recurring purchases of Primo's razorblade offering. Primo's razorblade offering is comprised of Water Direct, Water Exchange, and Water Refill. Through its Water Direct business, Primo delivers sustainable hydration solutions across its 21-country footprint direct to the customer's door, whether at home or to commercial businesses. Through its Water Exchange and Water Refill businesses, Primo offers pre-filled and reusable containers at over 13,000 locations and water refill units at approximately 22,000 locations, respectively. Primo also offers water filtration units across its 21-country footprint representing a top five position. Primo's water solutions expand consumer access to purified, spring and mineral water to promote a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle while simultaneously reducing plastic waste and pollution. Primo is committed to its water stewardship standards and is proud to partner with the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) in North America as well as with Watercoolers Europe (WE), which ensure strict adherence to safety, quality, sanitation and regulatory standards for the benefit of consumer protection. Primo is headquartered in Tampa, Florida (USA). For more information, visit www.primowatercorp.com. SOURCE Primo Water Corporation Related Links http://www.cott.com In less than a year since announcing that he and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex were resigning from their roles as senior working members of the British royal family, Prince Harry is in a very different headspace. The Duke of Sussex had gotten candid about how taxing it was to watch his wife endure constant bullying and scrutiny. This also came amid some confirmed tension between Prince Harry and Prince William. In fact, it has been reported that Prince Harry was struggling to find his place in the royal family for several years. Now, the duke is living a carefree life as an independent citizen in California with Meghan and their son, Archie. However, one royal biographer believes Megxit happened because the prince had a revelation about what being royal truly means. Why Prince Harrys Recent Election Comments Don't Break Royal Protocol https://t.co/90NzH6FcvJ Harper's Bazaar (@harpersbazaarus) September 23, 2020 Prince Harry was apparently unhappy in the royal family for years Its no secret that Prince Harrys teen years and early 20s were riddled with instances of rebellion. The red-headed prince often made headlines for some of his choices. However, he has since credited therapy for helping him to resolve lingering issues stemming from his mother, Princess Dianas tragic death. However, as hes matured, the prince continued to resent the medias intrusion in his life, especially after meeting Meghan. It didnt help that his path became increasingly different than his brother, Prince William. As the future Crowned King, the older prince was suddenly on a very different journey than his brother. The truth is Harry had been unhappy for a long, long time, a source told The Sun. He wanted to move in the direction that they did and had been considering it for more than a year. Meghan supported Harrys decision. But there was more than one occasion where she asked him if he was certain it was what he wanted. And she always made it clear she would support him in whatever he did. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex mark the start of Black History Month in Britain with a focus on the country's need to build a more representative and inclusive society, @scobie reports. https://t.co/8n6SQQjtAB Harper's Bazaar (@harpersbazaarus) October 1, 2020 RELATED: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Warned the Royal Family About Megxit Several Times, Source Claims Prince Harry felt like the royal family was using him and Meghan Markle After marrying Meghan, the prince hoped to build out his own household focusing on unique causes that he and the former actor were passionate about. Unfortunately, the structure of the royal family doesnt really work that way. Instead, many of the Sussexes ideas were reportedly shelved or put on hold in favor of things the Cambridges wanted to take on. In Finding Freedom, Carolyn Durand and Omid Scobie wrote, He felt at once used for their popularity, hounded by the press because of the publics fascination with this new breed of royal couple, and disparaged back within the institutions walls. Prince Harry surprised virtual @LondonMarathon runners in LA, including cancer survivor Chudney Espiritu (who's running for her mom's brain cancer battle) and Eric Schneider, who has run six marathons with three titanium screws in his spinal chord. Details via @HarpersBazaarUS https://t.co/yekOin9KJV pic.twitter.com/ecapgykEvJ Omid Scobie (@scobie) October 4, 2020 Prince Harry thought there was something rotten about being royal, biographer claims Now, with a Netflix deal underway and a platform that isnt censored by certain royal rules and regulations, the prince has been more outspoken than ever before. Hes urged Americans to vote and spoken up for Black Lives Matter and against racism and colonization. Though many royal fans and the royal family are reportedly shocked by Prince Harrys behavior, a royal biographer says this makes sense. In his new book, Battle of Brothers, royal historian Robert Lacey claims the royals got it wrong with their treatment of the Sussexes when they handled Meghan like a routine royal. Lacey claims that the rift between Prince Harry and Prince William as well as watching Meghan endure all that she did helped shift the Duke of Sussexs perspective on royal life. [Prince Harry ]realized there was something rotten at the heart of royalness that is not for him and so he found a new destiny, Lacey claims. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The euro slipped against its most major rivals in the European session on Tuesday, after European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned that a second wave of infections across Europe could delay economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, Lagarde said that the containment measures that had to be implemented by authorities would have an impact on the rebound. 'So instead of that V shape that we all long for and hope for, we fear that it might have that second arm of the V a little bit more shaky,' she cautioned. The ECB chief said that the central bank is prepared to use all the tools that will deliver the most effective outcome. European stocks fell as investors fretted about the impact of a second wave of coronavirus on the economy. Data from Destatis showed that Germany's factory orders grew at a faster pace in August on robust foreign demand. Factory orders climbed 4.5 percent month-on-month, which was faster than the 3.3 percent rise in July and the 2.6 percent increase economists' had forecast. The euro edged down to 124.20 against the yen, 1.0768 against the franc and 1.1765 against the greenback, from its early highs of 124.69 and 1.0790 and a fresh 2-week high of 1.1800, respectively. The next likely support for the euro is seen around 119.5 against the yen, 1.06 against the franc and 1.16 against the greenback. The euro eased off to 1.5610 against the loonie and 1.7700 against the kiwi, after rising to 1.5646 and a 6-day high of 1.7796, respectively in previous deals. On the downside, 1.52 and 1.74 are possibly seen as its next support levels against the loonie and the kiwi, respectively. In contrast, the euro recovered to a 4-day high of 0.9092 versus the U.K. currency, from a low of 0.9061 set at 4:45 am ET. The euro is likely to find resistance around the 0.92 mark. Survey from IHS Markit showed that the UK construction sector registered a sharp expansion in September as new business grew the most since before the pandemic-induced lockdown. The IHS Markit/Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply construction Purchasing Managers' Index rose unexpectedly to 56.8 in September from 54.6 in August. The euro held steady against the aussie, after having risen to a 6-day high of 1.6490, from a low of 1.6363 seen in the previous session. At Monday's close, the pair was worth 1.6308. Looking ahead, U.S. and Canadian trade data for August will be out in the New York session. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is due to participate in a virtual panel discussion at an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the European Stability Mechanism at 9:00 am ET. At 10:40 am ET, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will deliver a speech about the US economic outlook at the National Association of Business Economics annual meeting, via satellite. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Despite decades of warnings about the fragility of the supply lines that brought protective gear from overseas factories to Americas health care workers, the U.S. was unprepared for the coronavirus pandemic and failed to react quickly. With the death toll at over 210,000 and rising, the collapse of medical supply chains continues to cost lives. Nurse Sandra Oldfield in Fresno, California, was among the first to become sick with COVID-19 after caring for an infected patient. She had asked for more protection, but was only provided a flimsy surgical mask. Oldfield is one of more than 1,700 health care workers who have died from COVID-19, according to a National Nurses United study released in September. __ EDITORS NOTE This story is part of an ongoing investigation by The Associated Press, the PBS series FRONTLINE, and the Global Reporting Centre that examines the deadly consequences of the fragmented worldwide medical supply chain and includes the film Americas Medical Supply Crisis, premiering on PBS and online Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. CST. Full Coverage: Deadly Shortages ___ Internal memos show administration officials were concerned about the countrys ability to meet urgent medical supply needs as early as January. It wasnt until late March that the White House used the Defense Production Act a law that allows the government to compel companies to increase manufacturing and prioritize federal contracts to ramp up production of N95 masks and other supplies. Yet hospitals and healthcare workers say theyre still lacking. And both the Food and Drug Administration and the Government Accountability Office contradict White House claims that the U.S. now has all the medical supplies needed to keep nurses and doctors safe from the virus. Shortages of certain types of personal protective equipment and testing supplies remain due to a supply chain with limited domestic production and high global demand, said the GAO report, published Sept. 21. And now new studies show healthcare workers without adequate personal protective equipment, or PPE, are more likely to catch the virus from their patients. The global medical supply chain began to fracture in January, when Chinese factories that supply the U.S. with the majority of its N95 masks and other medical supplies shut down. Then, in the weeks that followed, those factories kept supplies for domestic use. The impact was catastrophic, but not unpredicted. Fifteen years ago, newly appointed Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt began ringing pandemic alarm bells after a disturbing briefing from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He told President George W. Bush, who rolled out at $7.1 billion pandemic preparedness plan. Leavitt, a Republican, spent the next three years traveling to all 50 states, warning health officials to stockpile masks, gloves and other supplies. If Americas supply chains were crippled or compromised, he cautioned, it would exacerbate the devastation of a pandemic. Over time, when the snake is not at your ankle, youre worried about other things that are dangerous, said Leavitt. The AP and FRONTLINE spoke with members of the Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump administrations who were responsible for pandemic preparedness. All said they had worried and warned about inadequate supply chains. Outbreaks grow exponentially. You pay a tremendous penalty for inaction, said Christopher Kirchhoff, who wrote a lessons learned study for the White House after the 2014-16 Ebola crisis. Among his 26 specific findings: The U.S. government needed to buy and stock protective equipment, in the event that traditional supply chains failed. During the Obama-Trump transition period, a group of newly appointed Trump aides gathered for an exercise in disaster preparedness hosted by top members of the Obama administration, including Dr. Nicole Lurie, whod served as assistant secretary for preparedness and response. They discussed the supply chain, and the importance of securing necessary supplies in case of a pandemic. One didnt have the sense coming in that this was going to be high on the priority list, Lurie said. So many thousands of people have died needlessly, and it didnt need to be this way. Domestic manufacturers have also for years been signaling disaster and begging for government support. In 2010, Prestige Ameritech, a Fort Worth, Texas, medical mask maker, was on the verge of bankruptcy after rapidly ramping up their factory to respond to needs for the H1N1 flu just a year before. The people that wed hired, these hundreds of people that step in to save the United States, to save America, they were rewarded by getting in an unemployment line. I lost everything that I owned. Literally hocked the farm, said president Dan Reese. As the pandemic rolled in this year, expected shipments of testing swabs, surgical gowns, protective masks and hand sanitizer didnt arrive just as demand was soaring. Countries that did make personal protective equipment were keeping it for their own citizens, and U.S. governors found themselves in a bidding war for what was left. In March, the Prestige Ameritech founders were furious to see the CDC advise health care providers might use bandannas when caring for patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. I felt that the government was intentionally misleading the people because they had not prepared as they should have, and the products are not available, said Reese. This year, Prestige Ameritech and other domestic manufacturers of medical supplies have grown. Hospitals and labs, even public libraries, used 3D printers to make swabs. Needle and syringe factories are working overtime. Apparel companies are now making gowns. Alcohol distillers produce hand sanitizer. But Chinese and Asian manufacturing has ramped up even more quickly, continuing to flood U.S. markets with less expensive alternatives. There were more than 2,000 shipments of N95 from Asia over the past month, up from 20 shipments during the same period a year ago. A massive investment in U.S. manufacturing would allow existing companies to expand, and guarantee a long-term market for medical supplies that are more expensive than Asian competitors. Both presidential candidates have said they will bring that manufacturing home. But experts say that doesnt seem realistic. Its just not going to happen. Manufacturing, as we know it, is never going to return, said Cameron Johnson, a trade consultant based in Shanghai. ___ Contributors to this story included AP writers Candice Choi in New York, Matthew Perrone in Washington, D.C., and Allen G. Breed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Global Reporting Centre executive director Peter Klein in Vancouver, Canada, and FRONTLINE co-producer Kate McCormick in Stamford, Connecticuty. ___ Contact APs Global Investigative Team at Investigative@ap.org ___ Contact the reporters on Twitter at @mendozamartha and @JulietLinderman 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 ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey says discussions about the future of an oil refinery in Come By Chance, N.L., are ongoing. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/10/2020 (474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The 14th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Andrew Furey addresses the audience following the swearing-in ceremony on the grounds of Government House in St. John's on Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey says discussions about the future of an oil refinery in Come By Chance, N.L., are ongoing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey says discussions about the future of an oil refinery in Come By Chance, N.L., are ongoing. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Furey tweeted Monday night, saying he recognized that these are difficult and uncertain times for the refinerys workers. A statement emailed Monday night on behalf of Industry, Energy and Technology Minister Andrew Parsons says refinery owner Silverpeak, a U.S.-based investment firm, is working on its options. The statement says the province has been in regular talks with Silverpeak and will support the company as it can. Silverpeak and Irving Oil announced in May they had signed an agreement for Irving Oil to acquire North Atlantic Refining Corp., the company which operates the Come By Chance facility. North Atlantic's assets include the 135,000 barrel-per-day refinery and a network of retail sites. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 5, 2020 1 EVENT TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR The Down Syndrome Association of the Brazos Valley will have a virtual Buddy Walk kickoff event on Facebook Live on Oct. 23. Community members are encouraged to complete a 5K walk on their own on Oct. 24, and a car parade will follow at First Baptist Church Bryan on Oct. 25. Registration for the virtual 5K is $25, which includes a T-shirt. There will be a raffle, silent auction, scavenger hunt and other activities. For more information, visit dsabv.org or email dsabv@dsabv.org. The town of Leicester this week joined three other communities in Massachusetts in canceling door-to-door trick-or-treating ahead of Halloween due to health concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Springfield, Worcester and Lawrence have also restricted in-person trick-or-treating this year because of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Due to COVID-19, trick or treating in the Town of Leicester has been cancelled, the town announced in a social media post Monday night. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Town officials did not provide any more information about their decisions to call off door-to-door trick-or-treating. Unlike the other three Massachusetts communities that have banned such activities this year, Leicester has not been deemed high risk of transmission of the virus. As of Sept. 30, the town had reported a total of 178 coronavirus cases, less than five of which were identified in the previous two weeks. The communitys infection rate stood at 1.9 COVID-19 patients per 100,000 residents, according to Massachusetts Department of Public Health data. Those numbers are a far cry from those of the three cities that banned door-to-door trick-or-treating, each of which has been labeled high risk of the spread of the virus. Both Springfield and Worcester had infection rates of 8.3, while Lawrences stood at 25.4. Boston, the biggest city in the state, has also been deemed high risk but has yet to cancel door-to-door trick-or-treating. Several communities across the state, while not canceling in-person trick-or-treating, have called off large-scale Halloween events or issued public health guidance for residents who want to participate in festivities. The city of Chicopee canceled the communitys annual downtown Halloween bash and recommended residents avoid traditional trick-or-treating following guidelines released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that said the activity may be too much of a health risk. Northampton city officials last week released guidelines for residents wishing to participate in Halloween activities amid the pandemic. The guidelines urged trick-or-treaters and parents to stay home if they feel sick, remain 6 feet apart from people not in their household, wear masks that cover both their mouth and nose, use hand sanitizer frequently when venturing outside and wash their hands as soon as they return home. The CDC released guidance for the upcoming holiday which ranks the risk level associated with many traditional activities, such as trick-or-treating and costume parties both of which the guidance says to avoid. The list also offers ideas for how to adapt some of the activities to limit risk during the pandemic and lower risk of contracting COVID-19. Related Content: Egypt is committed to providing security and all services to refugees and asylum seekers in the country, an assistant to the foreign minister said, affirming the need to maintain equality among all refugees, regardless of their nationalities. On Monday, the Egyptian foreign ministry held an event to launch a regional strategy to respond to and support Syrian refugees residing in Egypt and to empower communities hosting them. The ministry also launched a 2020-2021 plan to respond to refugees and asylum seekers from subsaharan Africa, Iraq and Yemen. Egypt has received refugees and asylum requests from 58 countries, including Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Iraq, the ministry said in a Monday statement. Ehab Fawzy, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs and International Security, called for international aid to be allocated to Egypt to take care of the refugees it hosts. He said that Egypt has hosted millions of people who were forced to flee armed conflicts in their countries, adding that these people benefit from all the services provided by the Egyptian government, just like Egyptian citizens. Fawzy said that international aid for refugees and host communities is in line with commitments to the Global Compact on Refugees of 2018, which highlights the principle of sharing responsibility and supporting host countries in bearing the burden of hosting refugees. Richard Dictus, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, and Karim Atassi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Representative to Egypt, also participated in the event along with a number of ambassadors to Egypt, and representatives of international organizations and civil society groups. Atassi hailed the efforts by the Egyptian government to host refugees and ensure they enjoy basic services. He said that Egypt has not yet received international assistance consistent with the cost it bears to receive refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Dictus asked donor states to provide support to Egypt and said the UN is keen to coordinate with all agencies available in Egypt to ensure access to the most vulnerable categories of refugees and migrants, especially in light of the coronavirus crisis and its critical implications on the economy and society. Egypt hosts 249,709 registered refugees and asylum-seekers from 57 countries, according to a fact sheet published by the UNHCR in August 2019. Syrians represent more than half of the figure with a population of 130,371, followed by Sudanese at 45,106 and South Sudanese at 17,197. The agency said funds requested for refugee operations in Egypt were $104.2 million as of August 2019. Search Keywords: Short link: Officials of Italy and France reported finding nine bodies in the French-Italian border after Storm Alex swept the two countries' border regions, causing record heavy rainfall and massive floods that swept at least 100 homes destroyed roads. Storm Alex brought fierce rains and howling gales in several villages in the city of Nice on the French Riviera. The storm brought massive devastation that after an aerial survey, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi dubbed it as the worst flooding in the area for more than a century. READ: Tropical Storm Delta: A Potential Tropical Storm that Maybe A Danger to US Gulf Coast this Week Record Rainfall In the Piedmont region, rainfall in 24 hours was at 630 mm (24.8 inches) in Sambughetto near Switzerland, more than half its annual average rainfall. The Piedmont regional chief, Alberto Cirio, called for declaring the region in a state of emergency. The River Po water level increased to three meters (9.84 feet) in just 24 hours. Italian firefighters also rescued at least 25 people on a high mountain pass on the French side. Venice was spared from flooding due to the flood barrier system. Weather experts recorded the rainfall in Saint-Martin-Vesubie at 500 mm (19.69 inches) of rain over 24 hours. In other towns, rainfall was recorded to almost 400 mm. The recorded rainfall of Storm Alex was equivalent to more than three months of rain at this time of the year. READ ALSO: Rare Event: Hurricane-Like Storm in the Mediterranean Makes Landfall in Greece Damage of Storm Alex As of October 4, authorities reported that they found seven bodies within Italy and France's borders on Friday. Authorities discovered five more bodies on Sunday in northwestern Italy. Four of which were found in the shores between the towns of Ventimiglia and Santo Stefano al Mare. Authorities said that the total fatalities as of Sunday evening totaled to nine. In France, two bodies were found. Among which did the Italian rescue team found a shepherd. A body was also found in a vehicle that was swept away by floods in Saint-Martin-Vesubie village. According to French firefighters, 21 people are still missing, eight of which due to the storm's direct impact since Sunday. About 1,000 firefighters, four military helicopters, and numerous troops were deployed to search for missing people. Firefighters concentrated their rescue efforts in Roya Valley, searching for survivors and assisting people whose homes were damaged or inaccessible. The French energy company reported that about 10,500 homes did not have electricity as authorities call for a region's declaration as a natural disaster zone. The storm caused damage worth millions of euros, as several bridges in. Streets became litters with debris, mud, and overturned cars. Floods destroyed several bridges in Italy. Floods swept a three-story house into a river in Limone Piemonte. Floodwaters damaged the village of Tanaro, sweeping dozens of coffins. Saint-Martin-Vesubie, several villages n the steep-sided valley of the mountainous region, isolated one of the deeply affected areas. READ NEXT: Hurricane Sally Landfalls in Alabama as Category 2 Check out more news and information on Hurricanes on Nature World News. U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered two immigrants inside a compartment where the temperature was recorded above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, authorities said. A pickup approached the checkpoint located on Farm to Market Road 1017 southeast of Hebbronville on Saturday afternoon. Then, a K-9 unit allegedly alerted to the rear of the pickup during the immigration inspection of the driver and front seat passenger. Hi Im due to fly to Cyprus on Oct 14th from Manchester. Can i use the nhs COVID test or will it get rejected ? My issue is we travel 7am Wednesday morning so the private test wouldnt get sent until the Monday 12th as it needs to be within the 72hr period- I dont imagine the results would be back on time. Whereas if I have the nhs test I could have it done early Sunday morning which leaves more time to get result. Many Thanks Myriam Borzee/iStockBy MORGAN WINSOR, ABC News (NEW YORK) -- A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 1 million people worldwide. Over 35.5 million people across the globe have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. The criteria for diagnosis -- through clinical means or a lab test -- has varied from country-to-country. Still, the actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to testing shortages, many unreported cases and suspicions that some national governments are hiding or downplaying the scope of their outbreaks. Since the first cases were detected in China in December, the virus has rapidly spread to every continent except Antarctica. The United States is the worst-affected country, with more than 7.4 million diagnosed cases and at least 210,237 deaths. California has the most cases of any U.S. state, with more than 835,000 people diagnosed, according to Johns Hopkins data. California is followed by Texas and Florida, with over 794,000 cases and over 717,000 cases, respectively. More than 190 vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are being tracked by the World Health Organization, at least seven of which are in crucial phase three trials. Here's how the news is developing Tuesday. All times Eastern: Oct 06, 8:39 pm Florida State president tests positive days after attending football game Florida State University President John Thrasher has tested positive for COVID-19 just days after attending the school's football game against Jacksonville State. Thrasher's wife, Jean, also tested positive for the virus, the school announced. "President Thrasher learned of his positive result at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday after taking a PCR test earlier in the day," the school said in a press release. "Mrs. Thrasher learned of her positive diagnosis late Monday night after a recent stay in the hospital and a local rehabilitation facility for an unrelated condition." The school president, 76, attended Saturday's football game, but the school said he had tested negative on Friday as part of routine regular testing. The school also said he "took appropriate precautions," though they did not offer further details other than saying he's been a big proponent of mask-wearing and social distancing. Both are isolating, feeling well and Thrasher will continue to work remotely. "We are feeling well at this time and truly appreciate everyones support and well wishes!" the president tweeted. Florida State actually plays Notre Dame in football this weekend, with Notre Dame President John I. Jenkins testing positive for COVID over the weekend after attending the Rose Garden ceremony for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. Oct 06, 8:08 pm Country saw 1.1% increase in new cases week over week: FEMA COVID cases are trending slightly up week-over-week, according to an internal FEMA memo obtained by ABC News. There were 306,965 new cases confirmed between Sept. 29 and Oct. 5, which was a 1.1% increase from the previous seven-day period, according to the memo. The national test-positivity rate rose to 5% from 4.5% in week-to-week comparisons, according to FEMA. The memo stated that 34 states and territories are in an upward trajectory of new cases, six jurisdictions are at plateau and 16 states are going down. The FEMA memo also said there were 4,962 deaths recorded during that time period, which was a 3.4% decrease in newly recorded deaths from the previous week. ABC News' Josh Margolin contributed to this report. Oct 06, 7:55 pm Pence doctor says VP tested negative in afternoon test The vice president's office released a memo from White House physician Dr. Jesse Schonau that said Pence was tested for COVID-19, with a PCR test, Tuesday afternoon, and that his result was negative. "Vice President Mike Pence is encouraged to go about his normal activities and does not need to quarantine," Schonau wrote. Pence's office had told ABC News earlier that he and his wife Karen had tested negative Tuesday morning. This new memo was released after news broke that Stephen Miller, the husband of Pence's communications director Katie Miller, had tested positive. It was unclear why the vice president was tested a second time. Katie Miller was in Salt Lake City with the vice president, but has reportedly left the trip according to a pool report. ABC News' Ben Gittleson and Justin Gomez Oct 06, 7:51 pm California congressman tests positive for COVID-19 Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., has tested positive for COVID-19. Carbajal said in a statement that he took a test upon learning he had contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. That initial test came back negative, and he began quarantining and self-monitoring for symptoms. After experiencing mild symptoms, he took another test Tuesday, which came back positive, he said. According to his staff, Carbajal had been in contact with Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the Supreme Court nomination ceremony at the White House Rose Garden on Sept. 26. Carbajal did not attend that event. In his statement, Carbajal said he will continue to work virtually. Staff members he interacted with have tested negative or are still pursuing testing. "I hope this serves a reminder of how easily this virus can spread," he said. "I followed every precaution, including wearing a mask, social distancing and hand-washing and unfortunately was still exposed. It is incumbent on every single one of us to take careful precautions in order to protect the health and safety of those around us." ABC News' Jennifer Watts contributed to this report. Oct 06, 7:20 pm 125 Hill workers have tested positive for COVID-19 Since March, 125 Capitol Hill workers have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a House Administration Committee spokesperson. That number includes nearly 50 Capitol Police officers, according to the chairman and first vice-chairman of the Capitol Police union. Forty-three of those officers have since recovered. The union has been requesting mandatory testing for officers on the Capitol complex since March, but it has yet to be implemented. ABC News' Benjamin Siegel and Allison Pecorin contributed to this report. Oct 06, 7:13 pm Top Trump aide tests positive for coronavirus Top Trump aide Stephen Miller has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He is married to the vice president's communications director, Katie Miller, who tested positive in May and was one of the first aides in the White House to contract the virus. With the addition of Stephen Miller, it now means six out of the nine attendees in the Trump debate session from last Monday have tested positive. Oct 06, 6:20 pm Now 23 COVID-19 cases with White House ties Two members of the White House press shop and a military aide have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the number of cases with ties to the White House to 23 so far, according to a tally by ABC News. Harrison Fields, assistant press secretary, and Jalen Drummond, deputy assistant press secretary, bring the total number of White House press shop members to test positive for the virus to five, ABC News has learned. U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jayna McCarron also tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, ABC News confirmed. McCarron traveled with President Trump on Thursday to a campaign event in New Jersey. ABC News' John Santucci, Katherine Phelps and Ben Gittleson contributed to this report. Oct 06, 5:55 pm Green Bay Packers place indefinite hold on fans at games The Green Bay Packers announced Tuesday that they will continue to play without fans at historic Lambeau Field indefinitely this season, as Wisconsin sees a jump in coronavirus cases. Since Sept. 5, when the NFL season began, the state has recorded 48,847 new coroanvirus cases, according to the state Health Department. The state's seven-day average for percent positive tests per person has increased from 10% on Sept. 5, to 17% on Oct. 5, according to the Health Department. "We are trending in the wrong direction in terms of hospitalization and positive cases, and based on recommendations from community healthcare and public health officials, hosting fans at the stadium for games is not advisable at this time," Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy said in a news release. Murphy said the team will continue to evaluate the situation and alert fans to any future updates. In the meantime, he urged them to wear masks, social distance and take other health precautions. "When watching our games, please limit the people with whom you cheer to your small circle of family or close friends," he said. The Packers have gotten off to a tremendous start this year, beating the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night to start the season 4-0. Oct 06, 4:40 pm Royal Caribbean extends cancellations through Nov. 30 Royal Caribbean said its extending cruise cancellations through Nov. 30 following consultations with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Cruise Lines International Association. The cruise lines says it hopes to resume sailing on Dec. 1. Oct 06, 3:29 pm Wisconsin limits capacity at restaurants, stores to 25% as virus surges As daily cases and hospitalizations surge to record highs in Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers has issued a new order limiting restaurants, stores and other businesses to no more than 25% capacity. "We are continuing to experience a surge in cases and many of our hospitals are overwhelmed, and I believe limiting indoor public gatherings will help slow the spread of this virus," Evers said. "The sooner we get control of this virus, the sooner our economy, communities, and state can bounce back." During the week of Sept. 27 to Oct. 3, Wisconsin had 14,936 new cases -- the third-highest total number of new cases in the nation, according to the state. Wisconsin now has over 136,000 cases of coronavirus. The new rule goes into effect on Thursday and will last until Nov. 6. ABC News' Arielle Mitropoulos contributed to this report. Oct 06, 12:35 pm Cruise lines to test all passengers and crew before boarding Cruise lines around the world have agreed to test all passengers and crew, if the ship carries 250 or more passengers. The new policy goes into effect immediately. This is a travel industry first and an example of the cruise industry leading the way, Cruise Lines International Association said in a statement. CLIA ocean-going cruise line members have agreed to conduct 100% testing of passengers and crew prior to embarkation - a travel industry first. #WeAreCruise pic.twitter.com/DtBxaN3hnB Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) (@CLIAGlobal) October 6, 2020 Oct 06, 12:18 pm UK reports over 14,000 new cases There were 14,542 new cases of COVID-19 and 76 fatalities confirmed in the United Kingdom over the past 24 hours. The latest daily tally is just short of the record set over the weekend when Public Health England revealed that 15,841 cases between Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 were not included in the United Kingdom's reported daily case counts due to a technical issue. The unreported cases were added retroactively to reach Saturday's count of 12,872 new case and Sunday's 22,961 -- the country's highest single-day rise yet. The cumulative total is now at 530,113 cases with 42,445 deaths, according to the latest data from the U.K. government. The United Kingdom is among a handful of European countries grappling with an uptick in COVID-19 cases, as a second wave of infections hits the region. More than 1,000 students and staff at two U.K. universities -- 583 at the University of Sheffield and 433 at the University of Nottingham -- are currently isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. Oct 06, 11:54 am WTO sees less severe slump in goods trade this year The World Trade Organization (WTO) now predicts a 9.2% drop in global merchandise trade this year. The Geneva-based trade body released the estimate Tuesday, revising its forecast in April of a 12.9% decline this year, following "strong trade performance in June and July." The WTO also now expects a 7.2% rise in merchandise trade next year, compared to the previous estimate of 21.3% growth. "Whether the recovery can be sustained over the medium term will depend on the strength of investment and employment," the WTO cautioned. "Both could be undermined if confidence is dented by new outbreaks of COVID-19, which might force governments to impose additional lockdowns." Oct 06, 11:33 am 15 clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines underway in Africa There are 15 clinical trails of potential COVID-19 vaccines underway across the African continent, according to a comment by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that was published Tuesday in the journal Nature. Five trials are being carried out in South Africa, four in Egypt and one each in Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. "Weve seen a scramble for access to therapies before," the Nature comment said. "It happened with HIV and H5N1 influenza, for example. And Africa has ended up at the end of the queue every time. Yet the global economy depends on the continent for its exports of raw materials, food, energy and labour." "This experience -- and the fact that other infectious diseases will surely emerge -- is why Africa needs a coordinated strategy to develop, finance, manufacture and deliver vaccines across the continent," the comment added. For the past few months, the Africa CDC has been working with African leaders and global health officials on a "whole of Africa" coordinated approach to do just that. "Infectious agents span the globe in weeks: vaccinating people on one continent is essential to the health, wealth and well-being of those on the others," the Nature comment said. "No region can be immune until a meaningful and equitable share of the worlds population is protected -- by the tenets of good basic public health as well as a vaccine." Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 1.5 million people across the African continent have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and nearly 37,000 of them have died. South Africa accounts for nearly half of all confirmed cases on the continent, according to the latest data from the Africa CDC. Oct 06, 8:47 am Italy on verge of making face masks mandatory outdoors Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said Tuesday the government is working on a proposal to make the use of face masks outdoors mandatory nationwide, as COVID-19 infections have steadily increased in recent months. Italy, once the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, gradually loosened restrictions during the spring and summer, following a nearly three-month lockdown that helped get its COVID-19 outbreak under control. But now the country -- like several others across Europe -- is seeing an uptick in infections. On Saturday, Italy reported 2,844 new cases of COVID-19, its highest single-day jump since April, but still far less than the daily figures being recorded in France, Spain and the United Kingdom as Europe grapples with a second wave of infections. "We must raise our guard with the awareness that our county is better off than others," Speranza told the lower house of parliament on Tuesday. The government is expected to announce the new measures by Wednesday. Several regions in Italy have already made mask-wearing compulsory, but there is currently no nationwide mandate. "Italy, together with Germany, is the one that in the EU is holding up the second wave better," Speranza said. "But we must not have any illusions." Since the start of the pandemic, Italy's civil protection agency has recorded at least 327,586 confirmed cases with 36,002 deaths. Oct 06, 7:54 am EU agency fast-tracks process on 2nd COVID-19 vaccine candidate The European Union's drug regulator has started reviewing a second potential vaccine for COVID-19, which is being developed by Germany's BioNTech in collaboration with American pharmaceutical company Pfizer. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced Tuesday that it has begun a "rolling review" of the latest vaccine candidate in an accelerated regulatory approval process, examining the data as it becomes available rather than waiting for the trial to end. "The start of the rolling review means that the committee has started evaluating the first batch of data on the vaccine, which come from laboratory studies (non-clinical data)," the EMA said in a statement. "This does not mean that a conclusion can be reached yet on the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, as much of the evidence is still to be submitted to the committee." The agency added that its decision to start the expedited approval process for the vaccine candidate was based on preliminary results from non-clinical and early clinical studies in adults which suggest that the drug triggers the body's immune system to fight COVID-19. Last week, the EMA began its first review process of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate -- a rolling review of one being developed by U.K.-based pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in collaboration with England's University of Oxford. Oct 06, 6:55 am India records lowest single-day rise in cases since August India confirmed another 61,267 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, its lowest single-day increase since Aug. 25. An additional 884 coronavirus-related fatalities were also recorded. The country's cumulative total now stands at 6,685,082 confirmed cases with 103,569 deaths, according to the latest data from the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. India is only the second country to surpass six million total cases, after the United States. The vast nation of 1.3 billion people has the highest COVID-19 infection rate of anywhere in the world, although it is now on a downward trend. India is on track to become the pandemic's worst-hit nation within weeks, overtaking the United States, where more than 7.4 million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19. India also has the highest number of recovered COVID-19 patients in the world, with nearly 5.7 million people who have survived the disease. The country's recovery rate stands at 84%, according to the health ministry. Oct 06, 6:15 am Sacred Heart University suspends over 100 students for violating COVID-19 policies Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, has suspended more than 100 students for violating the school's COVID-19 policies, according to a report by New Haven ABC affiliate WTNH-TV. University officials confirmed to WTNH that there have been at least 109 suspensions since the start of the fall semester due to various health and safety violations that include not wearing face masks, not social distancing and having unauthorized visitors in residence hall rooms. The suspended students were informed that they cannot come back to campus for periods ranging from one week to the rest of the semester. They will continue to attend classes remotely in the meantime, according to WTNH. University leaders hope the suspensions send a clear message that the coronavirus pandemic remains a very real threat and that safety is the number one goal for a successful semester back on campus. "We want everyone to protect themselves and protect each other so that we can end the semester here on campus and have a full semester of on-campus, on-ground learning," Larry Weilk, dean of students at Sacred Heart University, told WTNH. "Prior to the start of the year, we developed what we call a pioneer promise where we asked all students faculty and staff to promise to protect themselves, the campus community, and the greater Bridgeport and Fairfield community as well." "Were all in this together," he added. "Were all trying to protect each other and stay healthy." Oct 06, 5:12 am 33 US states and territories in upward trajectory of new cases, FEMA memo says An internal memo from the Federal Emergency Management Agency obtained by ABC News on Monday night shows that 33 U.S. states and territories are in an upward trajectory of COVID-19 infections, while four jurisdictions are at a plateau and 19 others are in a downward trend. Both the number of new cases and the number of new deaths reported across the United States were down Monday in week-over-week comparisons. There were 301,308 new cases confirmed during the period of Sept. 28-Oct. 4, a 2.5% decrease from the previous week. There were also 4,871 coronavirus-related fatalities recorded during the period of Sept. 28-Oct. 4, a 8.2% decrease compared with the week prior, according to the memo. However, the national positivity rate for COVID-19 tests increased slightly from 4.4% to 4.7% in week-to-week comparisons. Currently, 20% of hospitals across the country have more than 80% of beds full in their intensive care units. That figure was 17-18% during the summertime peak, the memo said. In Alabama, COVID-19 cases accounted for 9.2% of the state's inpatients during the week ending Sept. 29. The number of new cases nearly tripled in the western city of Tuscaloosa -- from 562 to 1,549 -- between the weeks ending Sept. 22 and Sept. 29, according to the memo. In Colorado, there was a 42.2% relative increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases in Adams County between the weeks ending Sept. 22 and Sept. 29, driven by people under the age of 20. Meanwhile, nearly 80% of cases recorded in the northern city of Boulder since Aug. 24 have been linked to the University of Colorado, the memo said. In Hawaii, there was a cluster of nine COVID-19 cases confirmed at the University of the Nations Kona campus in the town of Kailua-Kona, according to the memo. Oct 06, 4:22 am US reports nearly 40,000 new cases There were 39,562 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the United States on Monday, according to a real-time count kept by Johns Hopkins University. Monday's tally is far below the countrys record set on July 16, when there were 77,255 new cases in a 24-hour-reporting period. An additional 460 coronavirus-related fatalities were also recorded Sunday, down from a peak of 2,666 new fatalities reported on April 17. A total of 7,458,549 people in the United States have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the pandemic began, and at least 210,195 of them have died, according to Johns Hopkins. The cases include people from all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C. and other U.S. territories as well as repatriated citizens. By May 20, all U.S. states had begun lifting stay-at-home orders and other restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. The day-to-day increase in the country's cases then hovered around 20,000 for a couple of weeks before shooting back up and crossing 70,000 for the first time in mid-July. The daily tally of new cases has gradually come down since then but has hovered around 40,000 in recent weeks. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Catalent, the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for drugs, biologics, cell and gene therapies, and consumer health products, today announced that it will be participating in several roundtables alongside other leading industry experts at the CPhI Festival of Pharma, which is taking place virtually between Oct. 5 16, 2020. On Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. CET, Julien Meissonnier, Chief Scientific Officer, Catalent, will participate in a roundtable session titled, Innovation in Oncology Development. Moderated by Yasemin Karanis, Consultant, Thought Leadership, IQVIA, the roundtable panelists will discuss the current drug pipeline as well as new approaches to drug development for oncology, including nanotechnology, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. On Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. CET, Thomas VanCott, Ph.D., Global Head of Product Development, Catalent Cell & Gene Therapy, will participate in the Cell & Gene Technology roundtable session. Alongside the other panelists, Dr. VanCott will discuss innovative technologies and process platforms across the cell and gene scale-up and production process, and product development. The panelists will also consider how technology integrators can increase efficiency and standardization in cell and gene production. On Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. CET, Cornell Stamoran, Ph.D., Vice President of Corporate Strategy, and founder of the Catalent Applied Drug Delivery Institute (Catalent Institute - http://www.drugdeliveryinstitute.com), will join other invited participants in an Executive Leadership Roundtable, titled Facing the COVID-19 Crisis: Leadership and the Future of Pharma, moderated by Stephanie Sutton, the Editor of The Medicine Maker. The panelists will discuss the strategies implemented to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses, and consider the future outlook of the pharmaceutical industry. The Festival of Pharma will include the annual CPhI Awards, and this year, Catalent has been shortlisted in the Innovation in Response to COVID-19 category. On Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. CET, Kay Schmidt, Senior Vice President, Technical Operations, will present an overview of the companys COVID-19 response. During the show, Catalent will also participate in the virtual exhibition and showcase its multiple drug development and delivery technology solutions. Mr. Meissonnier leads the companys scientific community and its customer advisory partnerships. He is responsible for Catalents new product development and technology innovation programs, and co-chairs the Catalent Institute, which leverages emerging new therapeutic modalities. Mr. Meissonnier holds an engineering degree in physico-chemistry from the ENSI in Caen, France. Dr. VanCott joined Catalent through its acquisition of Paragon Gene Therapy in 2019. Prior to Paragon he spent 14 years as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Bioscience Laboratories Inc. (ABL), and previously held several positions at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine. Dr. VanCott received a doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of Virginia, and a bachelors degree in chemistry from Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Dr. Stamoran leads Catalents strategic planning, market intelligence and government affairs efforts. He also founded and serves as Co-Chair of the Catalent Institute. He has spent more than 30 years engaged in the healthcare industry, including more than 25 years in advanced drug and biologic delivery and outsourcing. Ms. Schmidt joined Catalent in 2009 and has held several leadership roles in product development across multiple drug delivery dosage forms. Most recently, she provided leadership to Catalents senior, multi-disciplinary Coronavirus Response Team. She is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, and has a bachelors degree from Carroll University, Wisconsin and a masters degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. For more information about the event, please visit https://www.catalent.com/events/cphi-festival-of-pharma/. About Catalent Catalent is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for drugs, biologics, cell and gene therapies, and consumer health products. With over 85 years serving the industry, Catalent has proven expertise in bringing more customer products to market faster, enhancing product performance and ensuring reliable global clinical and commercial product supply. Catalent employs approximately 14,000 people, including around 2,400 scientists and technicians, at more than 45 facilities, and in fiscal year 2020 generated over $3 billion in annual revenue. Catalent is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.catalent.com More products. Better treatments. Reliably supplied. New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) forensic chief Dr Sudhir Gupta has allegedly said that it's difficult to reach to a conclusion whether Sushant Singh Rajput death is a case of suicide or murder, adding that the panel submitted its report to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the basis of the evidence. He also said that there is a need for another forensic investigation in the case. Dr Gupta's alleged statement comes just a couple of days after the AIIMS ruled out the murder angle in Sushant's case. The medical board has ruled out murder in Sushant's death over the weekend, terming it "a case of hanging and death by suicide". However, on Monday, the AIIMS said in a statement, "A medical board was constituted by Dr Sudhir Gupta, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology AIIMS, New Delhi as per request received by him from CBI for providing expert opinion in the case relating to the death of Sushant Singh Rajput." "The medical board has submitted the report directly to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as required. Being a legal matter, any inputs on the report submitted by the medical board would have to be obtained from the CBI," it said. Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was found dead in his apartment in Mumbai's Bandra on June 14. The CBI had taken over the probe from Bihar Police into the alleged abetment to suicide case filed by the actor's father KK Singh in Patna against Rajput's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and her family. (With PTI inputs) LONDON, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Gerald Group ("Gerald"), the world's largest independent, employee-owned metals trading house, is pleased to announce the renewal of its North American syndicated borrowing base credit facility. Despite global market challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Gerald's North American trading hub, GT Commodities LLC ("GTC"), closed its US$ 240 million facility with a significant oversubscription from an initial launch amount of US$ 175 million. This facility supports Gerald's existing metal trading, logistics and merchant activities in North America, while incorporating an accordion feature to accommodate GTC's growth and expansion. ING Capital LLC ("ING") was Lead Lender and Administrative Agent for the facility on behalf of GTC. Rabobank served as Lead Arranger while Credit Suisse joined at the top participation level. The syndication included increased participation from Credit Agricole and HSBC, and continued support from Deutsche Bank. Mital Patel, Global Head of Finance & Banking, Gerald Group, commented, "The successful renewal of this facility, which was significantly oversubscribed, underlines our lending partners' strong appreciation of the Group's business model, which continues to show strong resilience and performance, as it has done over the last 58 years. Led by ING, our financing group reinforces Gerald's position in the North American metals market, where the Group is continuing to expand and develop its business with our partners." "The success of this syndication, amidst unprecedented global economic conditions and a very challenged commodity finance market is a reflection of Gerald's established position in the diversified metals space. The financial flexibility that this facility provides will support well the company's ambitions in the North American region," said Matthew Rosetti, Head of Commodity Finance for ING in North America. For further information, please visit www.gerald.com or contact: About Gerald Group Gerald Group aims to contribute to world trade and economic development in a sustainable and responsible manner. Founded in 1962 in the United States, the Group is the world's oldest and largest independent and employee-owned metals trading house. Headquartered in London, the Group is led by Chairman and CEO Craig Dean. Gerald is a dedicated and trusted partner to leading miners and processors, industrial consumers and major financial institutions and has market presence in all regions of the world. The Group operates trading hubs in Shanghai, Stamford and Switzerland for the merchanting of non-ferrous, ferrous and precious metals and related concentrates and raw materials. Gerald's global footprint, conservative risk management culture, expert market intelligence, deeply experienced and innovative trading desks combined with logistics, storage and structured finance solutions, are complimented by strategic relationships, enhancing the business' capability to provide customers access to a diverse and steady supply of resources. SOURCE Gerald Group Related Links http://www.gerald.com Schools Boosted Graduation Rate Last Year read the Times Free Press banner headline, front page above the fold on this Monday, Oct. 5. Hamilton County reported the improvement was from an 86.7 percent graduation rate to a 87 percent graduation rate. That 0.3 percent improvement occurred during the mandated COVID-19 School at Home time period. Is it love to tell children they graduated, accomplished the objectives successfully, when they did not attend anything like normal school from April 2 to May 21? Is it responsible to parents and those who pay for the school, namely taxpayers? Does this serve future employers with integrity? Isn't it prevarication to celebrate - in bold headlines on the front page - that three tenths of one percent is significant improvement? It would not be considered significant in the world of science, only in the world of PR spin. Isn't HCS celebrating at least an exaggeration, and at most a lie? I have read Tennessee guidelines that it was policy not to give students a lower grade than the one they had when they finished normal classroom schooling. According to State Guidelines, Students will receive a final course grade no lower than the grade earned in the course through the end of the Third Quarter (March 16) but can improve their overall grade for GPA calculations by completing remote learning credit opportunities in the course. How, with any certainty, can a declaration of success be celebrated? HCS belies accuracy without any scrutiny by the Times Free Press. Douglas Daugherty, Sr. * * * Mr. Doughtery, I read your latest opinion piece commenting on whether you feel Hamilton County Schools should be celebrating the success of the 2019-2020 school year graduations or not, and I have to admit - I was shocked. Mainly because as I sat at the physical graduation events held by the high schools in my district, not once did any of the questions or 'lies' you're suggesting come to my mind. Maybe that's because not a single parent sitting in the stands watching their student graduate felt that their student's hard work was undeserved? Or maybe it's because, by May, not a single parent could say that the teachers and administrators in their students' school weren't giving it their all as we all sheltered in place and tried to adapt to the new normal during a pandemic? Maybe those thoughts did not cross my mind because, well, who in the world could possibly think of anything as absurd as the idea of pointing fingers or placing blame during one of the most important times of a student's life, simultaneously coupled with survival during a pandemic? I think actually the answer is that your comments and questioning of the matter is a form of fear mongering and gaslighting. But here is the truth of what took place: In the midst of a pandemic, teachers, leaders and staff stepped up to serve our children and community. When students, mainly high school students, could have fallen through the cracks and chose to simply end their high school career, just months before graduation, Hamilton County made a point to make sure that students were not left behind. It's easy for us all (including you Mr. Daughtery) to imagine that every teenager during the pandemic was willing and able to do the school work being given to them from home, but the reality is that teachers and school leaders had to work ten times harder to engage even the strongest student. That is because the world was literally on fire, home life was stressful, health was on the line and no one knew what tomorrow would bring. Parents, students and teachers were in crisis mode. If you had children at home during this time, you can absolutely relate. By the way, in the middle of the pandemic and spring semester, a tornado hit our community - again, another reason for students to say 'forget it' and throw in the towel. But instead, HCS dug in deeper. Students dug deeper. So you asked these questions: Is it love to tell children they graduated, accomplished the objectives successfully, when they did not attend anything like normal school from April 2 to May 21? This is an absurd question. Are you claiming that the previous 12 years a student has put into their education counts for nothing? What an undermining assumption to make and what an insult to the hard work parents, teachers and students put in up until HS graduation. Is it responsible to parents and those who pay for the school, namely taxpayers? My same question remains - are you undermining the work leading up to April 2 of a student's educational career? Are you claiming that 60 days of untraditional school (i.e. remote learning) should cause these students to not claim a diploma? Again, shocked is a very good way to describe how I read your piece and my continued feelings about your thoughts. And laughable. Does this serve future employers with integrity? And this is where your fear mongering and gaslighting tactics come in. Well played. But again, I find this question to be absurd. Are you telling me and other readers that 60 days of untraditional learning should make an employer question whether the student's diploma is valid? This is just unlogical. Mr. Daughtery, I know that you and your followers believe that your 'work' in transforming our schools is commendable and should be praised. But I would appreciate it if you looked deep down into your heart and really asked yourself, 'What good am I doing for my community through this work?'. I continue to see nothing but the spread of false 'facts', fear mongering and a desire to ruin a ship that has finally taken a turn in the right direction. I, too, get jealous of people that I see succeeding - this is human nature. I often overcome this by jumping in and joining the team. It's like that old saying, 'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em'. I invite you to join us on the bright side. Maybe we can find a way to collaborate on how to do what's right for students and the greater community around public education. Tiffanie Robinson School Board Member, District 4 -- Tiffanie Robinson -- Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden delivered what could well be remembered as the signature speech of his 2020 campaign so far, calling on Americans to ditch the fierce partisanship that has gripped the nation during the Donald Trump era and turn division into unity. Speaking on the site of the Civil War battlefield at Gettsyburg, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, the former Democratic vice president shelved any talk about specific policy proposals in favour of a more grandiose, yet elemental speech about American ideals. As president I will send a clear, unequivocal message to the entire nation. There is no place for hate in America, Mr Biden said, standing before six American flags on a hill with the battlefield in the background. It will be given no licence. It will be given no oxygen, he said, contrasting himself with the Trump campaigns unwillingness after the first presidential debate last week to categorically denounce white supremacist groups such as the far-right, so-called Proud Boys. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany clashed with reporters last week about Mr Trumps order for the white supremacist Proud Boys to stand back and stand by, arguing that the administration has repeatedly denounced white supremacist groups. The White House press corps pushed back that the presidents record rebuking white supremacists is checkered. Mr Biden once again denounced the violence and looting and burning that was set off in several American cities over the summer amid racial justice protests after the deaths and police shootings of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and others. The vast majority of racial justice protests are peaceful, although some have wrought significant economic destruction in some pockets of Portland, Oregon, as well as Kenosha, Chicago and elsewhere. The former vice president has focused most of his campaign messaging surrounding the racial justice protests on the longstanding plight of communities of colour in the US that historically have not been treated as fairly or equitably as white Americans. I do not believe we have to choose between law and order and racial justice in America. We can have both, Mr Biden said on Tuesday, echoing his comments from the debate the week before that he believes in law and order with justice, where people get treated fairly. He continued on Tuesday: This is a nation strong enough to both honestly face systemic racism and strong enough to provide safe streets for our families and small businesses that too often bear the brunt of this looting and burning. The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from 1 to 3 July 1863, is one of the most famous military bloodbaths in US history, with more than 50,000 cumulative casualties between the Confederate and Union troops. The eventual Union victory at Gettysburg marked the turning point of the war whose conclusion resulted in the emancipation of enslaved blacks in America. In the decades since the battle, Gettysburg has been the site of several momentous speeches by US politicians. Roughly four months after the battle, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address, which is engraved in full on the walls of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. President Lyndon B Johnson memorialised the 100-year anniversary of the battle with a speech in 1963 lamenting the slow progress for black Americans in the years since the Civil Wars conclusion. One hundred years ago, the slave was freed, Mr Johnson said at the battlegrounds cemetery. One hundred years later, the negro remains in bondage to the color of his skin, Mr Johnson said, just a year before he signed the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act into law as president. On Tuesday, Mr Biden repeated his well-worn campaign pledge to represent even those Americans who dont end up voting for him, saying hes running as a proud Democrat but that he would govern as an American president. That is not something Mr Trump has done, Mr Biden indicated. In dark undertones, he suggested the president has instead sought to exploit partisan and ideological divisions over his three and a half years in office. You don't have to agree with me on everything, even on most things, to see that what we're experiencing today is neither good nor normal, he said. There's something bigger going on in this nation than just our broken politics. Something darker, something more dangerous. I'm not talking about ordinary differences of opinion. Competing viewpoints give life and vibrancy to our democracy. No, I'm talking about something different, something deeper. Too many Americans seek not to overcome our divisions, but to deepen them, Mr Biden said. We must seek not to build walls but bridges, he said. We must seek not to have our fists clenched, but our arms open. UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed visited the Holocaust memorial in Berlin on Tuesday with his German and Israeli counterparts, a significant public gesture that comes two weeks after the signing of a normalization deal with Israel. Why it matters: Bin Zayed is one of the first senior Arab officials to ever visit a Holocaust memorial. The historic visit came at his initiative and was intended to send a message to both Israelis and Jews around the world, German officials tell me. Bin Zayed wrote in the memorial's visitors' book that the UAE is committed to the values of tolerance, coexistence and acceptance of others. Never again will this happen," he added. The big picture: The Holocaust is a very sensitive issue in many Arab countries due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many Arab students don't learn about the Holocaust, and some prominent officials have downplayed or even denied it took place. Flashback: Two Arab leaders have previously made high-profile visits to Holocaust museums: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat became the first Arab leader to ever visit a Holocaust memorial during his historic visit to Israel in 1977. Sadat visited Yad Vashem Holocaust museum alongside then-Prime Minister Menachem Begin. In 1998, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat wanted to visit the Holocaust museum in Washington but the board of the museum refused to invite him. Two months later, Arafat visited the Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam instead. Behind the scenes: Bin Zayed and Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi took part in trilateral meetings in Berlin organized by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who coordinated with the Trump administration in advance of the meetings. The Germans also notified Palestinian leaders about the visit and asked if there were any issues they wanted Maas to raise with his Israeli and Emirati counterparts, but the Palestinians didnt respond, according to sources involved in the planning. During a press conference with both counterparts, the German foreign minister said he hopes the momentum that was created by the Israel-UAE treaty will help to relaunch the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Maas said all relevant parties need to take confidence-building steps to help make that possible. Ashkenazi called on the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table, and he said that without a breakthrough in this generation, "future generations face a more difficult reality." Between the lines: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has refused to meet with the Trump administration ever since Trump announced he was moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. Activision Blizzard is shutting down its office in Versailles, France, after plans to relocate the site collapsed. As reported by Bloomberg, which has spoken with three people "familiar with the plans," the Call of Duty and World of Warcraft publisher had originally planned to move half of the Versailles team to London, but has now decided to shut down the site after those plans fell through due to Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. The office, which among other things handled marketing, customer support, and localization, reportedly employed around 400 people as of early 2019, but that number has dwindled over the past two years due to a series of job cuts made by Activision Blizzard. It's unclear how many people will be laid off due to the closure, as some workers could be given the chance to relocate internally. Bloomberg also notes that French labor laws allow those caught up in mass layoffs to negotiate significant severance packages, potentially giving those affected some degree of protection. We've reached out to Activision Blizzard for more information. Update: Activision Blizzard has told Gamasutra its Versailles office is being reorganized as the company looks to better leverage its "talent, expertise, and scale" to adapt to the needs of a "digitally focused industry," and added that it plans to support its employees throughout the process. Over the past year we have been exploring how we might best integrate our capabilities across the business, enabling us to better leverage talent, expertise and scale as we adapt to the needs of a fast-paced, highly-competitive, digitally focused industry," said an Activision Blizzard spokesperson. "In the context of our Versailles office, the management of Blizzard France has informed its employee representatives of a proposed project to reorganize its activities. Supporting our employees through this process is our number one priority. We are working through various processes related to this and a CSE meeting is scheduled for October 13th and 14th. Until then, as there is a prescribed legal process, we cannot provide further comment." Michelle Scherwinski, CNO, We are honored Dr. Taormina has joined us. Our collective work is unending and our quality focus remains unwavering." Villa Healthcare, a leader in skilled nursing, would like to welcome Mia A. Taormina, DO, FACOI, as an Infection Prevention consultant for COVID-19 mitigation responses and general infection control principles and practices. Dr. Taormina is a double board certified physician in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease with significant, relevant experience in infection control and antibiotic stewardship. She has been in practice for 13 years and is also a chair of an Infection Control Task Force in DuPage County and co-chair of the Medical Utilization Management Committee at AMITA Health. Dr. Taormina completed her education at Michigan State University and her residency and fellowship at Botsford Hospital where she specialized in infectious disease. Dr. Taormina was recognized as one of Chicagos Top Docs in Infectious Disease and received recognition by Crains Chicago as a Healthcare Hero during this pandemic response. Dr. Taorminas role at Villa will include consultation with the 34 centers about all aspects of infection prevention and control, including COVID-19. Michelle Scherwinski, Chief Nursing Officer says, We are honored Dr. Taormina has joined us. Our collective work is unending and our quality focus remains unwavering. The wealth of expertise and experience that she brings will enhance our infection control practices, implemented in-line with guidance from the CDC, CMS and the local health departments. Were Villa, and we make people better. Of course, were focused on quality care and good outcomes. But were here to do so much more. Villas leadership has a vision of rising above the status quoof never settling, and of shattering the old image of this industry. Weve always wanted to be a part of something greater, and were making that a reality. Our commitment to our people, our environment and clinical programs will allow us to fulfill our mission of making people better. For more information, please visit http://www.VillaHC.com. The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard a petition seeking an investigation into the role of the police in the alleged gang-rape case of a Dalit woman by the four upper-caste men in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. During the hearing, the court described the crime as horrible and an extraordinary incident. It also asked the Uttar Pradesh government to clarify whether adequate protection is being given to the witnesses in the case. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI), SA Bobde, was hearing the petition. The woman succumbed to the brutal injuries on September 29 at Delhis Safdarjung Hospital. She was cremated by the state authorities in the dead of the night triggering massive outrage and criticism across the country. Here are the key highlights of the hearing: 1. We want to know from you (UP government) whether the witness protection plan is in place. File an affidavit, CJI Bobde told solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who was representing the state government. 2. The top court also sought details of the scope of proceedings before Allahabad High Court. We want to widen the high court proceedings and make it more relevant, CJI Bobde said. 3. It also asked the state to ascertain whether or not the family of the victim has access to a lawyer. 4. It questioned the locus of some petitioners and said it is hearing them as the Hathras case is of huge importance. 5. Narratives after narratives being spread in Hathras case, this needs to be stopped, Solicitor Mehta informed the court. 6. Mehta on the states behalf informed the Supreme Court that a probe in Hathras gang-rape case may be conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of the top court. 7. CBI probe in Hathras case will ensure no vested interests will be able to create fake, false narrative with oblique motives, said Mehta. The Bishop of Chinhoyi has sharply criticised a decree proclaimed by Zimbabwes Vice President to enlist doctors into the military. Vatican News English Africa Service Vatican City They bring bloodshed; they kill. Instead of freedom, they bring prison. They bring violence and imprison all those who oppose them. The only thing they know is violence, This is the unflinching assessment of the Bishop of Chinhoyi on the governments way of dealing with citizens. Repression to genuine concerns deplored In a sign of widespread disenchantment, especially among church leaders, with the Zimbabwe Governments policies, the Bishop of Chinhoyi, Raymond Tapiwa Mupandasekwa, C.Ss.R., has criticised the governments heavy-handedness in dealing with protests. The Bishop also deplored the way the government has gone about managing the COVID-19 emergency. In particular, he condemned the Government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa for prolonged arrests and the denial of bail to political activists and journalists accused of 'lotting the unconstitutional removal of the government.' Vice Presidents decree to recruit doctors into military The Bishop further criticised a recent decree by the countrys Vice President to enlist junior doctors in the army. Labour Unions say the move is aimed at stopping doctors from going on regular strikes due to unresolved pay disputes. Zim.Live Online reports that the countrys Health Minister and Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, a former army general, has decreed that junior doctors be recruited as military doctors, or they would not be allowed to work in government hospitals. About 230 medical students completed their final examinations recently. They were due to be sent to public hospitals as Junior Resident Medical Officers (JRMOs) for three years of on-the-job-training. The three years is required before one can be allowed to practice in the private sector. The decree is unconstitutional Bishop Mupandasekwa said the Government has failed to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and was resorting to measures that are causing great distress to doctors with this unconstitutional proposal. The freedom party (ZANU-PF) has refused to give freedom of choice to young doctors, said the Bishop. The prelate cautioned that if the decree is not reversed, the country would find itself with insufficient doctors. Strikes and demands for better conditions Medical personnel in Zimbabwe regularly stage strikes due to low wages, poor conditions of service and to seek improvement to the inadequately resourced public health facilities. Zimbabwes public hospitals face constant shortages of medicines and vital equipment. With the onset of COVI-19, essential PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) were also said to be in short supply. Senior government officials, including Vice President Chiwenga, often seek medical assistance outside the country. The countrys 2,000 junior doctors have gone on strike twice in the past 12 months, denouncing wages of up to Z$ 9,450 (About US$ 115) per month. Many are ready to leave if they find better-paid jobs in the region or elsewhere. Bishops Pastoral Letter The message of the Bishop of Chinhoyi comes in the wake of a Pastoral Letter released on 14 August 2020 by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) entitled, The march is not over. Pastoral Letter asked Government to stop suppression of citizens Following the Zimbabwe Governments 31 July crackdown on national protests, the countrys Catholic Bishops criticised the constant unleashing of the police and military on the people. In reaction to the Bishops Pastoral Letter, Zimbabwes Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa issued a strong and personal statement attacking the Catholic Church leadership. Personal attack on Archbishop Ndlovu Although all Catholic Bishops in Zimbabwe had signed the Pastoral Letter, the Information Minister chose to isolate and target Archbishop Robert Christopher Ndlovu for a personal attack in the Statement she released. Archbishop Ndlovu is the current President of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference. Senator Mutsvangwas criticism on Archbishop Ndlovu met with an unprecedented backlash from citizens, various local Church leaders who all expressed solidarity with Archbishop Ndlovu and the all the countrys Bishops. The Holy Sees Apostolic Nuncio to Zimbabwe, Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, was among the first to offer his solidarity to the Archbishop of Harare. Later, several regional and international Catholic Bishops bodies and rights groups also joined with messages of solidarity for Zimbabwes Catholic leadership. (Source: Agenzia Fides) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released a list of candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh and Telangana bypolls. The BJP named 28 candidates for Madhya Pradesh bypolls and one candidate for by-election in Telangana. Voting on 28 assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh bypolls will take place on November 3 and the results will be declared on November 10, the Election Commission of India had announced. Out of the 28 seats, 27 were won by the Congress in the 2018 state elections. The last date for filing the nomination papers is October 16. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place the next day, while nomination papers can be withdrawn by October 19, according to the bypoll schedule. The bypolls were necessitated on three of the seats Joura, Agar and Biora due to death of the MLAs - two from the Congress and one from BJP - and on the remaining seats due to resignation of the then Congress MLAs. Out of the 25 Congress MLAs, 22 resigned in March this year in an act of rebellion against the then chief minister Kamal Nath. The remaining three resigned later. All of these leaders who resigned from the state assembly subsequently joined the BJP. In the 230-member assembly, the BJP has 107 MLAs and the Congress 88. There are 4 independent MLAs, 2 from BSP and a lone Samajwadi Party MLA. The majority mark in the assembly post the bypolls will be 116. The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana on Monday announced that Solipeta Sujatha, wife of late Solipeta Ramalinga Reddy, would be its candidate for the November 3 bypoll in Dubbak. Chief Minister and TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao named Sujatha as the partys nominee for the bypoll, a TRS press release said. Sujathas candidature was decided after consultations with party leaders in Siddipet district, in view of the bond Ramalinga Reddys family has with people of the constituency, it said. No10 today defied a Tory revolt by refusing to rule out shutting pubs altogether after the government's Covid modelling guru said it might be the only way to keep schools open. Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' after his grim warning of 500,000 deaths plunged the country into curbs in March - said the extra cases added to the UK's tally following an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. Downing Street declined to rule out making the trade-off this afternoon, saying that all measures were kept 'under review'. However, the problems the PM would face in pushing through such restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs. Anger has been growing on the Tory benches over the government's refusal to exempt younger children from the Rule of Six - as happens in Scotland - while many believe that the curfew is causing more harm than good by fueling revelry on the streets and house parties. Neil Ferguson (right) - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - said pubs might need to close to keep schools open. Steve Baker (left) is leading a Tory revolt against the existing restrictions The problems the PM (pictured in Downing Street today) faces in pushing through tougher coronavirus restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs 'Professor Lockdown' who broke his own rules to romp with married mistress and predicted Covid could kill 500,000 Britons Neil Ferguson is the high-profile academic who heavily influenced the UK's heavy initial lockdown - before breaking the rules himself to see his married lover. He was dubbed 'Professor Lockdown in the spring when the crisis began because he convinced Boris Johnson to order millions to stay at home. Matt Hancock has admitted that his advice, which included apocalyptic warnings of 500,000 UK deaths, had heavily influenced the Government's policies. But he was later publicly shamed after it emerged that the 51-year-old had asked his mistress Antonia Staats, 38, (below) to travel across London from her 1.9million home at least twice. This was despite lecturing 66 million in Britain on the need to stay apart to stop the spread of the killer virus and stop the NHS being overwhelmed with patients. The Imperial College London academic apologised and quit the influential SAGE committee and the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group [NERVTAG]. But he has continued to speak out on the pandemic despite questions over his work so far. Advertisement A series of retrospective votes on the restrictions are expected in the coming days, with the Rule of Six up for approval as early as tonight - although the vote could be deferred until tomorrow. The rebels do not believe they have the votes to overturn the government's 80-strong majority. The motions will be a simple yes or no choice and cannot be amended, and Labour is unlikely to oppose the measures outright. However, a significant rebellion could send a stark message to Mr Johnson that patience is wearing thin with the draconian restrictions on his own benches. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Prof Ferguson said the addition of 16,000 missed cases meant there was a 'slightly more sobering sense of where the epidemic is in the UK than we had late last week'. 'We think that infections are probably increasing, doubling over two weeks or so. In some areas faster than that, maybe every seven days in some areas slower,' the Imperial College academic said. He said the UK was in the 'same situation as many other European countries' and all policymakers were 'struggling with what to do'. Prof Ferguson - who stepped back from the government's SAGE meetings after it emerged he had broken lockdown rules to see his married lover - said it was still too early to detect whether the Rule of Six and 10pm curfew were working. But he suggested that the key factor in the rising cases was education resuming. 'The thing that is different across the whole of Europe is that schools are open and universities are open,' he said. 'While we don't think primary schools are a major vector of transmission, older teenagers do transmit the virus. 'We don't yet know whether we can control the virus with high schools open.' Prof Ferguson said that extending half term this month for a tough 'circuit breaker' lockdown of perhaps a fortnight in length 'should be considered'. He added: 'I'm certainly not one to say we should close schools. It was highly disruptive for children's education and social wellbeing. 'But we just have to accept that in other areas we might have to give up more in order to keep them open.' Asked if that could mean closing pubs altogether, he said: 'Indeed.' 'We see from data collected by the government that if you look at the risk factors for becoming a case in the last few weeks attending bars and hospitality venues is a risk,' Prof Ferguson said. 'Yes, we may need to, particularly in hotspot areas where case numbers are increasing fast, we may need to consider those measures.' Prof Ferguson said it was clear the risk was 'quite low' if people were 'sensible meeting outdoors', and the main issue was in 'meeting indoors and in closed environments'. Asked about Prof Ferguson's suggestion about shutting pubs, a No10 spokesman said: 'The PM has set out that we keep all the measures that we put in place under review but we have recently set out a package of measures with the specific intention of reducing the R rate and limiting the spread of the virus and you are very familiar with what they are.' Tory rebel Steve Baker has organised a meeting with like-minded MPs this lunchtime to discuss tactics for the looming lockdown votes. He said he does not expect to defeat the Government, but instead wants to pressure ministers to shift ground. He said: 'Consensus among Conservative MPs seems to be around two points that children should be excluded from the rule of six and that the 10pm curfew is not justified by evidence. 'I wouldn't expect to win a vote on either issue. The reality is we need to persuade the Government on all these matters. 'With Labour and the SNP missing in action we won't be defeating the Government in any rebellions.' Mr Baker said hard negotiations were happening in order to 'keep the Conservative Party together'. Many believe that the 10pm pubs curfew is causing more harm than good by fueling revelry on the streets and house parties (pictured, Soho on Saturday night) PM channels Maggie to reveal home ownership drive, promises to pull back state and vows to defend UK's history Boris Johnson pleaded for Tories to keep faith in his instincts and handling of the coronavirus crisis today, setting out a true blue vision for Britain after the disease is defeated. The PM admitted 2020 'has not been the year we imagined' but insisted the devastating effects of the pandemic would not prevent the government pushing its 'levelling up' agenda after Brexit. In an address to the 'virtual' Tory conference, Mr Johnson - deprived of his usual interaction with a live audience - said he was 'working for the day when life is back to normal', appealing for people not to let the gruelling lockdown 'get us down'. Nodding to rising Conservative anger about infringement of civil liberties and lockdown strangling the economy, he said he 'deeply regretted' the restrictions the government was imposing - but he warned there was 'simply no reasonable alternative'. Scrambling to reassure those questioning his Tory values, he promised to roll back the state as soon as possible, slamming the idea that the taxpayer could be 'Uncle Sugar' and keep funding every part of the economy, and praising entrepreneurs. Mr Johnson also channeled the spirit of Thatcher's 1980s revolution by pledging to save the dream of home ownership for a new generation with 95 per cent mortgages. And he lashed out at those calling for the country to paper over its colonial past, saying he was 'not embarrassed' to sing Rule Britannia. He said returning to the same way of doing things would not be enough, and the government was determined to 'build back better'. It was 'in crises like this' that real change could be made, and he would seize the moment to do so. The premier delivered a angry response to claims that he has 'lost his mojo' and not fully recovered from his own brush with coronavirus, offering to 'arm wrestle or leg wrestle' to prove them wrong. Advertisement Rebels expect Health Secretary Matt Hancock will promise a review of the pub curfew and the Rule of Six in a bid to defuse the mutiny. Mr Baker said: 'The reality is now that we are in to a long hard business of negotiating with the Government trying to keep the Conservative Party together. 'And trying to persuade the Government to have restrictions which don't do more harm than good.' Chancellor Rishi Sunak, seen as the leading hawk on protecting the economy in Cabinet, has voiced 'frustration' with the 10pm pub curfew. But in an interview with BBC Breakfast this morning he insisted it was 'better than having places closed'. 'The curfew was something we were told by our advisers could well make a difference to the spread of the transmission. We know social contact is how the virus spreads,' Mr Sunak said. 'In common with many other countries around the world this is thought to be something that can help suppress the spread of the virus. We are not an outlier in having a curfew. 'As a tool we have at our disposal to try and suppress the spread of the virus, it is one that is advised across the board can make a difference. 'What I would say is it is better than having places closed.' Mr Sunak also hinted at Cabinet tensions over lockdown measures, saying politicians were not just 'robots'. 'A Cabinet is not a collection of robots. A cabinet is a collection of people who are going to come, debate the issues,' he said. 'These are really difficult judgments. There is no precise way to come to a mathematically correct answer.' The disquiet on Tory benches comes as the Government is embroiled in major controversy over the performance of the coronavirus test and trace system as thousands of positive coronavirus cases were initially not recorded in England due to a technical glitch. Mr Johnson has acknowledged some people are 'furious' with his approach, but urged MPs to back the restrictions ahead of the Commons vote. The PM's official spokesman said the ban on more than six people mixing was a 'sensible and helpful' measure. Mr Johnson suggested it would soon become apparent whether the tougher measures introduced in recent weeks were helping to slow the spread of coronavirus. The PM told reporters: 'The crucial thing is that in the next few days, week, we'll see more clearly whether some of the restrictions that we put in the extra enforcement of the rule of six, the extra enforcement of self-isolation, the rules on masks and so on all the stuff that has come in, we'll see whether that starts to work in driving down the virus.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 21:30:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LAGOS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government has announced a special salary scale for teachers while also increasing the years of service from 35 years to 40 years in a bid to motivate teachers. During a ceremony marking the World Teachers Day on Monday, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari announced this gift to teachers across the country in a speech presented by the Minister of Education Adamu Adamu. Buhari said the move is in recognition of the roles of teachers in nation-building and to encourage them in delivering better service. The new approvals include a special salary scale for teachers in basic and secondary schools, automatic employment for graduates from universities and colleges of education, building of low-cost housing for teachers in rural areas, increasing service for teachers from 35 years to 40 years and among others. "The future of this country will be a function of quality education delivered to our children today and this depends on the quality of our teachers and the quality of our teachers depend on the motivation and their motivation depends on how happy they are doing what they are doing," Buhari said. On the same occasion, Minister of State for Education Chukuemeka Nwajuiba identified the teaching profession as the greatest profession in the world which must be accorded adequate recognition and respect. He said having a day to celebrate the teacher is just but a token gesture of recognition to the sacrificial contribution of teachers. Mike Ene, the general secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, told media in Lagos that all teachers would be very happy with the announcement by the president, as they have been hard hit since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out after the shutdown of schools. John Dare, a secondary school teacher in Lagos, commended in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday the president's gesture, adding that teachers in the nation's primary and post-primary schools identify with the giant strides of the Buhari administration. "We hope this will be implemented as soon as possible at the federal level to guide state governments to adopt it before members start calling for a strike," he added. Enditem We have the ability to deal with two-fromt war along the northern and western borders, says IAF Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said on Monday there is no question that in any conflict scenario China can get the better of "us and asserted that Indian Air Force is prepared to even deal with a two-front war along the northern and western borders. He said that integration of Rafales along with upgraded operational capabilities of current fighter jets gives us the ability to shoot first and strike deep and hard, even in contested airspace. If you are asking me whether we came close to striking? No. Were we prepared? Yes, he said on India-China stand-off during his annual Air Force Day press conference. However, he added that there is no question of underestimating the adversary which has invested heavily in its defence in the last few years. Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said the Air Force is deployed at all relevant operational locations. "We are deployed at all relevant operational locations, required to access this area. Be rest assured that we have deployed strongly and firmly to handle any contingency," he said. Let me share with you with confidence that operationally we are amongst the best, said Air Force chief. He said that Indian Air Force immediate offensive deployment of combat ready units in response to the stand-off along the LAC is indicative of our operational state today. Our airlift capability was also brought into focus as we supported the Indian Army in rapid mobilisation of troops and equipment to operational areas at a pace which our adversary didnt expect, he said. Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said that the Air Force has operationalised the recently acquired Rafale, Chinook, and Apache aircraft and integrated them into its current concept of operations in record time. Asked about the scenario over the next three months in eastern Ladakh, the Air Chief said it depends on how the talks progress. "We hope that the talks will progress along the lines that are expected. Current progress is slow, what we see is an increase in the effort to dig-in for winter, in terms of forces on the ground, in terms of deployment of air assets in airfields close by. Defence forces see the ground reality. Our further action will depend on ground realities," he added. He said that IAF is transforming at a rapid pace and over the years it has grown from being a tactical force to a strategic one with trans-oceanic reach. In the next three years we will see the Rafale and LCA MK1 squadrons operating with full strength, along with additional Su-30 and Mig 29 aircraft, that are being ordered in addition to the current fleets. The mid-life operational upgrade of Mirage-2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar fleet would add to our capability in this period, thereby further enhancing not only their operational capability but overall operational potential, said Air chief. He said that Air Force also plans to digitise its older Air Defence systems and seamlessly integrate them along with the latest acquisitions. Spains government forecast on Tuesday a worse-than-feared contraction of the coronavirus-battered economy this year, but a strong rebound in 2021 with a possible return to pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Economy Minister Nadia Calvino told a news conference the government now foresees GDP to fall 11.2 per cent in 2020, down from a previous prediction in May for a 9.2 per cent slump. Spain is experiencing a second wave of Covid-19 infections, with the highest caseload in Western Europe. With the economy suffering its deepest recession since the civil war, and the worst in ... NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- REDD Intelligence ("REDD"), an online fixed-income intelligence and analytics platform focused on emerging markets, today announced that award-winning journalist Ilya Timtchenko has joined as Head of Ukraine, overseeing all coverage in that region, effective immediately. Ilya is based in Kyiv and reports into David Orbay-Graves, Managing Editor of REDD Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (CEEMEA) coverage. "We are delighted to welcome Ilya as Ukraine offers exciting opportunities for emerging market investors, both in performing high-yield credit and distressed and restructuring situations," said Orbay-Graves. "Ilya's wealth of experience analyzing and reporting on the local business environment will prove invaluable for investors to successfully navigate the dynamics in Ukraine and the region." REDD recently announced the launch of its new CEEMEA coverage and the team has quickly grown to include reporters and analysts in London, Istanbul, Cape Town, and now Kyiv. "This is an opportunity to shed more transparency on the country's markets and put Ukraine firmly on the radar as investors assess Ukraine's investment potential," said Timtchenko. "REDD's objective reporting will highlight the development of a free and fair market in Ukraine." "Our success globally is a testament to our incredible talent and boots on the ground in local markets to work side-by-side with our teams in the financial centers. David is building out an all-star CEEEMA team and we have no doubt that Ilya's contribution will add invaluable and actionable intelligence for our clients," said Valeria Morozovsky Girimonte, Group CEO and Co-Founder of REDD. Ilya Timtchenko boasts a long history of award-winning journalism in his native Ukraine, including positions as the Kyiv Post's business editor from 2017-2019 and business reporter from 2014-2016. He has also contributed to The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, and the Atlantic Council's UkraineAlert. Ilya graduated from Gordon College in Massachusetts with a double major in international affairs and economics. During his studies, Ilya concentrated his research on Ukraine's relations with the European Union and Russia, while contributing to the Kyiv Post. About REDD Intelligence Headquartered in New York, Risk Event Driven Distressed Intelligence (REDD Intelligence) is a leading provider of material intelligence on emerging market event driven special situations. Through an online platform and mobile applications, REDD delivers real-time news and analytics on more than 1,400 emerging market companies. REDD's recognized team of journalists and analysts continuously reports on trading catalysts, allowing bankers, asset managers and advisers to focus on opportunities relevant to their unique market or business needs. For REDD Intelligence Christie Tan contactus@reddintelligence.com Media Contact: Matt Yemma + 1 (909) 633-9396 myemma@PeaksStrategies.com (Natural News) A new player has joined the race to develop a coronavirus vaccine: New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson has commenced tests on a new vaccine candidate that protects with only one dose. The company gave vaccine doses to about 60,000 volunteers who participated, with results from the late-stage human trials expected by the end of the year. J&J Chief Scientific Officer Paul Stoffels said in a Sept. 23 interview that the company could seek emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by early 2021 if everything goes according to schedule. The companys vaccine is the fourth candidate currently in phase three human trials following vaccines made by AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer. Stoffels touted J&Js coronavirus vaccines advantages, developed by its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, over its competitors in the same interview. According to him, animal models and early human studies showed that one dose of its vaccine generated a strong immune response in just 15 days. This fast-acting single dose, he added, could be a very efficient tool to combat the pandemic. Editors note: These data are self-reported by the vaccine manufacturer, which has an obvious conflict of interest and a history of deception, so take this news with all appropriate skepticism. Aside from the speedy effects, the new J&J coronavirus vaccine does not require people to return for a second dose. Competitor vaccines, such as Moderna and Pfizer, require two shots to provide full protection. The J&J vaccine can also be stored at refrigerator temperatures for three months compared to the Pfizer vaccine that calls for deep freezing if stored long-term. In countries where there is less health-care infrastructure, it can be much better used at a very large scale, Stoffels said. J&Js coronavirus vaccine is made from an adenovirus, which is responsible for the common cold. This adenovirus is then modified to make copies of the novel coronavirus spike protein, which the latter uses to enter human cells. The altered adenovirus cannot replicate itself in the human system, but it triggers an immune response that prepares the body for an actual COVID-19 infection, according to claims from the manufacturer. The vaccine was developed with Harvard University researchers who have years of experience working on the adenovirus vaccine platform. J&J also used this same platform for its Ebola vaccine, which the European Commission approved in July. Can the new entry prove to be a game-changer? Johnson & Johnson is the fourth pharmaceutical company to receive federal backing under Operation Warp Speed, an effort by President Donald Trump to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine. So far, the president himself has suggested that Pfizers vaccine could secure FDA approval in the coming weeks. Trump mentioned in a Sept. 21 interview that Pfizer was doing really well with its vaccine, and commented that J&Js vaccine would come a little later. National Institutes of Health (NIH) director Francis Collins said on Sept. 22 that despite the accelerated timeline, Operation Warp Speed would not cut corners in confirming if a vaccine is safe or effective. He added that any attempt to undermine the coronavirus vaccines safety or efficacy would not be allowed to happen. Meanwhile, Stoffels said the company would continue to cultivate partnerships with other manufacturers to meet its 2021 production goal of one billion doses. The company struck a $1 billion deal with the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense in August to create 100 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine. Regardless of the pharmaceutical company leading the race, rushing the development of a vaccine against the coronavirus comes with significant safety risks. Drugmaker AstraZeneca, whose coronavirus vaccine is also in phase three trials, suspended its vaccine testing efforts in September after two subjects developed a serious adverse reaction. Both volunteers experienced transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord, after injecting with the experimental vaccine. AstraZeneca has consistently denied that the rare neurological condition stemmed from its coronavirus jab. According to Johns Hopkins University, the U.S. currently has the highest coronavirus caseload at 6.9 million, with 202,762 fatalities and 2.7 million recoveries. Learn more about the ongoing Wuhan coronavirus pandemic at Pandemic.news. Sources include: Bloomberg.com JnJ.com Reuters.com HHS.gov Actor Alia Bhatt has resumed shoot of her upcoming film Gangubai Kathiawadi with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. All work on the film had stopped owing to the coronavirus lockdown. Alia plays a gun-wielding brothel owner in the film. The first-look of the film has been unveiled in January this year. The films shoot had commenced as well and an elaborate set had been created at Mumbais Film City. All of it came to a grinding halt in March after the pandemic-related lockdowns came into place. According to a Mid Day report, after nearly seven months, the shoot has resumed with Alia and crew reporting on the sets at 7 pm. An unnamed source told the publication that Bhansali has been filming night sequences before the lockdown. To maintain continuity, Sanjay sir picked up the shoot exactly from where he had left it. Since October 1, Alia and the team have been reporting to the set by 7 pm, and the stint goes on till the wee hours of the morning. Although a part of the grand set had been pulled down ahead of the monsoons, the portion resembling Kamathipura had been left untouched. So, the director has been able to shoot without any hiccup. The film has been adapted from one of the chapters of Hussain Zaidis book, Mafia Queens of Mumbai. The biographical drama will see Alia as Gangubai Kothewali, a fierce brothel owner who was rumoured to have had gangsters as her clients. Also read: Mukesh Khanna confirms Shaktimaan film trilogy, says it will be bigger than Krrish and Ra.One Speaking about Alias preparation for the role, an earlier report in the same publication had quoted a source who had mentioned, Alias paternal grandfather Nanabhai Bhatt was a Gujarati Brahmin who hailed from Kathiawad. But Alia is not familiar with the dialect as it is rarely used outside of the pocket in Gujarat. Since the filmmaker is meticulous in his prep, he wants a tutor who is fluent in the dialect. Bhansali has reached out to some of Mumbais famous Gujarati theatre personalities, including actors Manoj Joshi and Supriya Pathak, to help him in his search. The film will be shot simultaneously as she undertakes the month-long diction class. The dialect has a strong Sindh influence as the region was inhabited by the Kathis and Rajputs from present-day Rajasthan and Sindh. Follow @htshowbiz on Twitter Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-05 10:56:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Monday reported two new imported COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections in the kingdom to 280, said a Health Ministry's press statement. One case was a 27-year-old French man, who arrived in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Sept. 20 from France, with a connecting flight in Singapore, the statement said. The man was first allowed to quarantine for 14 days at his home in Northwest Siem Reap provincial town after testing negative for the COVID-19 upon his arrival. "However, on the 13th day of home quarantine, his samples were taken for a second test and the result showed on Sunday that he turned out to be positive for the COVID-19," the statement said. He is undergoing treatment at the Siem Reap provincial referral hospital and a total of 13 people have been found having direct and indirect contacts with him. The second case was detected on a 34-year-old Indian woman, who landed in Cambodia on Sept. 20 from New Delhi, the statement said, adding that the woman turned out to be positive for the virus on Sunday during her second test on the 13th day of her self-quarantine. She has been admitted to the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in the capital for treatment, while her two children and brother, who have direct contact with her, have also been sent to the hospital for quarantine. The Southeast Asian nation has so far recorded a total of 280 confirmed COVID-19 cases, it said, adding that none have died and 275 have recovered. Enditem After 12 years of selling colorful macarons around the Bay Area, Chantal Guillon is closing its doors. On Sunday, founder and owner, Chantal Guillon said that her namesake business would shutter and thanked her customers and team for their support. The final business day is Oct. 10. As all good things must come to an end, after twelve wonderful years, Chantal Guillon is closing its doors, Chantal Guillon wrote. Obviously, it wasnt easy every day," Guillon added, "but my customers, my friends, my team, and my adoptive community; YOU were the reason for all my passion and entire dedication over the years. ALSO: After selling $6 sandwiches for 21 years, this Lower Haight deli needs help Its unclear whether the ongoing coronavirus pandemic played a role in the decision to close. On April 22, Chantal Guillon updated its Yelp business pages with COVID-19 information that indicated its location at 1309 Howard St. was the only store open for pick-up orders. Meanwhile, its Hayes Valley and Palo Alto stores closed temporarily. The store was also offering deliveries amid the pandemic, but with the forthcoming closure, Chantal Guillon wrote on its website that it will only accept orders for pick up and will now discontinue shipping and deliveries. When Chantal Guillon first opened its Hayes Valley shop in 2008, customers were dazzled by an assortment of seasonal and classic macaron flavors such as salted caramel, earl grey and almond amaretto, among others. A typical feature of the store also included a vibrant macaron tower. Four years later, Chantal Guillon debuted a second location on University Avenue in Palo Alto, and then a third outpost in San Franciscos SoMa neighborhood. ALSO: Castro restaurant Miyabi Sushi closes after 33 years We needed a bigger and upgraded kitchen to respond to the demand, the business website notes regarding the SoMa expansion. In Chantal Guillons closing message, she added that every single flavor and creation was deeply important to us, as it's reflected our team's quality, diversity, beauty, and dynamic. ... Thank you for giving me the chance to treat you with little pleasures, to be part of all your lifes events, shared with your family, friends and colleagues. SFGATE reached out to Chantal Guillon for comment but did not hear back by the time of publication. Joe Bidens wife made sure the Democratic presidential nominee remained socially distanced as she pulled him back from reporters. Dr Jill Biden took her husbands arm and moved him back from a press gaggle as he was asked about the future of his debates with Donald Trump. Come back, said Dr Biden to her husband as she repositioned him at a greater distance. Im sorry, Mr Biden told his wife before continuing to talk to the press in Miami, Florida. If the scientists say that its safe and the distances are safe, then I think thats fine. Ill do whatever the experts say is the appropriate thing to do, said Mr Biden. The former vice president and his wife have both repeatedly tested negative for the coronavirus after Mr Trump was hospitalised over the weekend. The White House rivals are due to debate again in Miami, Florida, on 15 October, but it remains uncertain if it will go ahead. Kamala Harris and Mike Pence will be separated by a plexiglass shield at the vice presidential debate in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday. That move came after a request from the Biden-Harris campaign for extra protection from potential virus spread. New Delhi : For the first time since the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to come face-to-face virtually at the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) annual summit to be held on November 17. Russia, the chair of the five-nation BRICS, announced on Monday that the annual summit of the bloc will be held on November 17 via video conference. The BRICS is known as an influential bloc that represents over 3.6 billion people, or half of the world's population. The BRICS countries have a combined GDP of $16.6 trillion. 'The theme of the meeting of the leaders of BRICS countries is 'BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth',' the Russian government said in a statement. Both Prime Minister Modi and President Xi have attended all summit meetings of the BRICS in the last few years. Modi and Xi are attending the virtual summit, said a diplomat, involved in the arrangements for the multilateral event. Last year, the BRICS summit had taken place in Brazilia, the capital city of Brazil. Modi and Xi also held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit. India and China are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh since early May that has significantly strained the bilateral ties. Both sides have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff. The Russian statement also said, 'this year the five countries have continued close strategic partnership on all the three major pillars: peace and security, economy and finance, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.' Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said despite the current global situation due to the spread of the coronavirus infection, the activities under Russia's BRICS chairmanship were consistent. "Since January, more than 60 events have been organized, including via videoconferencing. The BRICS Summit will be the jewel-in-the-crown event of the Russian BRICS chairmanship, which will provide impetus for further strengthening cooperation together with our partners to ensure the well-being of BRICS countries," Kobyakov said. Many in New York City's Orthodox community are feeling unfairly singled out by the new Covid-19 lockdown. (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) New Yorkers have been watching in alarm as Covid-19 cases have begun to rise again in the city. In particular, neighborhoods with large Orthodox Jewish populations have seen startling surges in coronavirus cases and test positivity rates in recent weeks, but many community members feel the city is unfairly singling them out. Tensions rose on Monday when Gov Andrew Cuomo signed an order re-imposing a Covid lockdown that will close schools and nonessential businesses in many Orthodox-dense areas. Mayor Bill de Blasio made the announcement on Sunday, the second day of the Sukkot holiday, when Orthodox Jews do not use electricity and thus would not have got word about the closures until sundown. Yosef Hershkop, a Hasidic Jew from Brooklyn, told the Associated Press that tensions are high among Orthodox members who say the city has failed to work collaboratively with the community. "People are very turned off and very burned out," Mr Hershkop said. "It's not like we're the only people in New York getting Covid." In recent weeks, Mr Cuomo has targeted several ZIP codes, mostly in the city's boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, where positive tests have risen. In an effort to fend off a second wave of infections, the city is sending out mobile-testing units to those hotspots, as well as contact tracers and city employees who will distribute masks. Mr Cuomo said it's clear the hotspots "overlap with large Orthodox Jewish communities." "That is a fact," Mr Cuomo said last week. "This is a public health concern for their community. It's also a public health concern for surrounding communities. I've said from day one, these public-health rules apply to every religion, atheists it just applies to every citizen of the state of New York, period." Still, the emphasis on the Orthodox communities has angered many of its members, who believe they're being targeted with restrictions that aren't being forced elsewhere in the city. Story continues David Ben Hooren, publisher of The Jewish Voice, told the AP, "The Jewish community feels they're being singled out and there's some element of antisemitism. Not that I agree with it, but that's the sentiment in the street. Tensions are running high." That sentiment is nothing new Monday's lockdown order is just the latest in a string of incidents that have frayed the relationship between the NYC Orthodox community and their local government. Last year, Mr de Blasio angered residents when he ordered measles vaccines after an outbreak in Orthodox Jewish communities. And in April, he criticised the Jewish community after thousands of Orthodox Jews attended a funeral for a rabbi who died of Covid-19. The mayor apologised the next day, but some people accused him of a double standard after he supported large gatherings held in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Addressing the new closures in a tweet on Sunday, Mr de Blasio said, "We're providing these areas with additional resources, but when presented with new information, we must act. We won't risk the progress we've made." In New York City holding a briefing. Watch Live: https://t.co/hmdYiiMZHG Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) October 5, 2020 Meanwhile, Mr Cuomo reiterated his plan to stop large gatherings including religious ones across all faiths during a briefing on Monday. The governor said he planned to meet with Orthodox leaders this week to "see if they will agree to live by the rules," which he acknowledged was an uncomfortable conversation to have. "You're dealing with government saying to religions, 'You shouldn't have more than X people in your church or your mosque or your temple.' That's a politically uncomfortable situation. I have to say to the Orthodox community tomorrow, 'If youre not willing to live with these rules, then I'm going to close the synagogues." He continued, "I have had a 30-year relationship with the Orthodox community. I have a very close personal relationship with them. This is the last thing I want to do. Forget the politics, I don't care about that anymore. Personally, I don't want to have this conversation. It's a difficult conversation. And you're right on the line of government intrusion on religion. So it's hard." Read more New York will conduct extra review of any Trump-approved coronavirus vaccine, Cuomo says New York mayor Bill de Blasio turns back on bakery manager pleading for help after business hit by pandemic New York City to close schools and businesses after uptick of Covid-19 cases in nine neighbourhoods Orthodox Jewish areas in NYC may get virus-related fines The astrophysicist and Leopoldina member Reinhard Genzel is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. Genzel receives this distinction together with US-American astronomer Andrea Ghez for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Both scientists are jointly awarded one half of this year's Nobel Prize in Physics. The other half is given to the British mathematician and physicist Roger Penrose for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity. The President of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina Gerald Haug extends his congratulations to Reinhard Genzel on this prestigious award: "With this year's Nobel Prize, groundbreaking research results in the field of experimental astrophysics are recognized. We are particularly pleased that a Leopoldina member is being honored for his pioneering scientific discoveries, which shows that the Harnack Principle of the Max Planck Society is still valid". Reinhard Genzel is considered one of the world's leading researchers in the field of infrared and submillimeter astronomy. His interests include the formation, evolution, and nuclei of galaxies, as well as the formation and evolution of black holes and stars. To study the structure and dynamics of such objects, Genzel and his colleagues have developed a number of new observation techniques and instruments in the field of infrared, submillimeter, and millimeter astronomy. For example, through 20 years of award-winning observations, Genzel was able to prove that there is a black hole of 4.3 million solar masses at the center of our Milky Way. He thus succeeded in providing the most substantial empirical evidence to date for the existence of black holes, which had been postulated by Albert Einstein at the beginning of the 20th century as part of the general theory of relativity. Reinhard Genzel has been a member of the physics section of the Leopoldina since 2002. ### The Nobel Prize for Physics is currently endowed with a total of ten million Swedish kronor (equivalent to around 950,000 euros). All Nobel Prizes are traditionally bestowed on the laureates on 10 December, the anniversary of founder Alfred Nobel's death. The Leopoldina has more than 1,600 members, with a current 33 Nobel laureates among them. The member profile of Reinhard Genzel can be found here: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/members/list-of-members/list-of-members/member/Member/show/reinhard-genzel/ About the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina As the German National Academy of Sciences, the Leopoldina provides independent science-based policy advice on matters relevant to society. To this end, the Academy develops interdisciplinary statements based on scientific findings. In these publications, options for action are outlined; making decisions, however, is the responsibility of democratically legitimized politicians. The experts who prepare the statements work in a voluntary and unbiased manner. The Leopoldina represents the German scientific community in the international academy dialogue. This includes advising the annual summits of Heads of State and Government of the G7 and G20 countries. The Leopoldina's members come from more than 30 countries and combine expertise from almost all research areas. Founded in 1652, the Leopoldina was appointed the National Academy of Sciences of Germany in 2008. It is committed to the common good. Well check their vitals, usually get some imaging like a chest X-ray to see if there is a clear pneumonia developing, and check some bloodwork to see how their markers of inflammation and immune function are doing, OHoro said. Based on that, the sum total of looking at all of those things, plus the questions about their ability to continue this kind of care at home, a decision can be made to admit the patient to a special covid unit. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a Category 4 with 130 mph winds on Tuesday and is on course to hammer southeastern Mexico, then hit the US Gulf Coast later this week. On Tuesday Delta strengthened from a Tropical Storm into a roaring Category 4 'major' hurricane in the Caribbean Sea and is forecast to hammer Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula by Wednesday. However, it will weaken before spiraling up towards the US Gulf Coast, potentially hitting Louisiana or Florida's panhandle as a formidable Category 2 hurricane by Friday. Delta is currently 315 miles east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, moving west-northwest at 16 mph, according to the National Hurricane Centers 11am update Tuesday. Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane with 130 mph winds on Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea and will hammer Mexico's Yucatan peninsula Wednesday before spiraling towards the US Gulf Coast with storm surge and rain by Thursday evening or Friday. Delta may potentially make landfall in the US Friday night This NOAA satellite image shows Delta as a compact Category 4 in the Caribbean on Tuesday before noon This satellite image shows Delta moving northwest in the Caribbean on Tuesday at 11.20am EST as it intensified into a catastrophic Category 4 'The hurricane is in the midst of a very impressive rapid intensification episode, having strengthened over 50 [knots] during the past 24 hours,' NHC senior hurricane specialist Eric Blake said. Early Monday Delta was just a tropical depression. It exploded from a 40 mph tropical storm to a 130 mph Category 4 in just over 27 hours. Shocking satellite images showed that Delta to be an intensely compact hurricane on Tuesday morning, with hurricane force winds only extending outward 25 miles from the center. Resort spots including Tulum and Cozumel are now under a hurricane warning and the region is forecast to experience hurricane conditions Tuesday night and landfall early Wednesday. Delta threatens to bring 'extremely dangerous storm surge' that will raise water levels by as much as six to nine feet above normal tide levels. The hurricane presents 'an important danger for the coastal regions' because of the storm surge in the lower parts of Quintana Roo, such as the resorts of Cancun, Holbox island or Isla Mujeres, Jorge Zavala, head of Mexico's meteorological service, said in a press conference late Monday. Zavala said preventative evacuations would begin Tuesday morning. This could be the strongest hurricane to ever hit Cancun since Hurricane Wilma, according to Weather.com. As of Tuesday Tulum and Cozumel are still experiencing heavy rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Gamma that passed through Saturday. Delta is expected to head west before spiraling north, northeast to hit anywhere between Louisiana to the Florida panhandle Hurricane warnings are active for the resort towns of Cancun and Cozumel as Delta draws nearer, predicted to hit the Yucatan peninsula by Wednesday This graphic shows Delta's track history since October 4 when it was a tropical depression, developed into a storm then into a hurricane on Tuesday Cuba's westernmost province and the Cayman Islands were under tropical storm warnings on Tuesday as well as Delta spirals west. After hitting Mexico the storm is predicted to spiral west then curl north and northeast, with the potential to make landfall on the Louisiana coast Thursday evening to Friday. But Delta will weaken to a predicted Category 2 hurricane due to increasingly unfavorable upper-level winds and cooler Gulf water as it draws closer to the US. Weather experts warn there is 'large uncertainty' in the storm's trajectory, but forecasts show it is likely to hit Louisiana the hardest. 'While there is large uncertainty in the track and intensity forecasts, there is a significant risk of dangerous storm surge, wind, and rainfall hazards along the coast from Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle beginning Thursday night or Friday,' the NHC said. 'Residents in these areas should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place and monitor updates to the forecast of Delta,' NHC added. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards tweeted a warning to his constituents to brace for impact. 'Now is the time for Louisianans to prepare Hurricane #Delta. This storm will affect Louisiana and everyone needs to prepare accordingly,' he shared Tuesday Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey tweeted: 'Folks, with the threat of storm #Delta nearing the Gulf Coast, I ask that if you can secure your boats and other personal property that you do so. We are still cleaning up from #Sally and want everyone to be as safe as possible with more bad weather headed our way' Louisiana is still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Laura on August 27 that forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate and power outages. Gov. John Bel Edwards tweeted a warning to his constituents to brace for impact. 'Now is the time for Louisianans to prepare Hurricane #Delta. This storm will affect Louisiana and everyone needs to prepare accordingly,' he shared Tuesday. Beach communities on the Alabama coast are still clearing away the damage from Hurricane Sally, which made landfall at Gulf Shores on September 16, as they warn people to be ready for Hurricane Delta. Erosion from Sally, which gnawed away at beaches and dunes, still hasnt been repaired and could worsen the flooding threat from Delta, since there's less sand to stop the water, according to an update from the town of Gulf Shores. Tropical Storm Gamma: People rescue their belongings after a flood due to heavy rains at Las Gaviotas colony in Tabasco, Mexico on Sunday View of the damage caused by flooding from the constant rains from Tropical Storm Gamma in Nacajuca, Tabasco, Mexico on October 2 Inhabitants are evacuated due to the flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Gamma in Nacajuca, Tabasco, Mexico on October 2 above A view of waves in Cancun in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico on Saturday above Dump trucks have removed about 190,000 cubic yards of splintered buildings, docks and trees in neighboring Orange Beach, but the remaining debris could complicate preparation and recovery from Delta, said Mayor Tony Kennon. 'I worry about this one. I think we're all snake bit,' he told a town gathering Monday night. On narrow Dauphin Island, a barrier south of Mobile that was swamped by rising sea water and falling rain during Sally, officials said debris from fallen trees and splintered homes had been cleared off of only 25 percent of the disaster area by Sunday. Work replacing shattered docks and boardwalks was nearly complete at a boat landing and fish pier on the eastern end of the island when the town, again, began offering sand bags to residents. Gov. Kay Ivey also urged locals to secure their property before the hurricane comes. 'Folks, with the threat of storm #Delta nearing the Gulf Coast, I ask that if you can secure your boats and other personal property that you do so. We are still cleaning up from #Sally and want everyone to be as safe as possible with more bad weather headed our way,' she tweeted Monday. If it makes landfall in the US later this week, Delta would be the 10th named storm to hit the US in a single season - which would be an all-time record. 2020 is already tied 1916 for recording nine landfalling tropical systems in the US. Delta is the earliest 25th named storm in an Atlantic hurricane season. The Hurricane Center this year turned to the Greek alphabet for naming storms after more than 21 named storms formed, running through the pre-approved name list. FBI Agents Immune From Lawsuit Over No-Fly List, Supreme Court Told Several Muslim men who claim they were wrongfully placed on the no-fly list for refusing to act as informants for the FBI shouldnt be allowed to sue individual federal officials personally for damages, the Trump administration told the Supreme Court. Muhammad Tanvir and other plaintiffs claim their names were placed on the no-fly list as retaliation after they refused to serve as informants, conduct they said would have violated their sincerely held religious beliefs. The no-fly list contains about 81,000 names, fewer than 1,000 of which belong to U.S. citizens, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said in June 2016. Although the FBI eventually took the names of the New York City area men off the list, the men are suing for damages, claiming their First Amendment rights were violated. The Trump administration argues that claims for such damages are barred because theyre not appropriate relief under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993. The RFRA prohibits the federal government from substantially burden[ing] a persons exercise of religion unless application of the burden is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest. The Supreme Court cited the RFRA in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014) when it allowed business owners not to offer birth control coverage to employees if the owner is opposed to contraception on religious grounds. Lawsuits against individual government employees shouldnt be allowed because they will have the effect of deterring officials from performing their duties by the prospect of litigation and potentially severe personal financial consequences, according to the government. Whether such lawsuits should be permitted raises fundamental separation-of-powers concerns with a significant impact on Executive Branch operations nationwide, warranting this Courts review, the government stated in its petition filed with the court. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit disagreed, ruling the statute allows such lawsuits and gave the plaintiffs permission to pursue their lawsuit against more than two dozen FBI agents. Eight justices heard oral arguments telephonically in the case known as Tanzin v. Tanvir on Oct. 6. The high court bench is under-strength since Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs death on Sept. 18. On Sept. 26, President Donald Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit to replace her. The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to begin a confirmation hearing for Barrett on Oct. 12. The oral arguments didnt go off without technical difficulties. At one point during the hearing, which was broadcast on C-SPAN, the voices on the call were lost and replaced by a dial tone for more than a minute. Deputy Solicitor General Edwin S. Kneedler told the court that when Congress enacted the RFRA, it did not subject federal employees throughout the government to a new cause of action for damages in their personal capacity. The statute provides only for appropriate relief against the government, and damages against an individual employee in his personal capacity are not relief against the government. In other legislation, Congress has spelled out when personal damages should be allowed against government officials, but when it comes to the RFRA he said, We have nothing express here. Justices questioned whether the ability to seek damages was implied in the statute. In thinking about what the text means here, look at the words, but also look at the words that arent there, Justice Brett Kavanaugh told Kneedler. The words appropriate relief in the law is not the same as saying only appropriate injunctive relief, he said. Kneedler replied that Congress would have used the words money damages in the statute if it had wanted to. The absence of a mens rea, or intent, requirement in the law for FBI special agents could lead to those agents being liable for substantial damages, the justice added. Were trying to find out what the term appropriate means, [and whether it] subjects FBI agents to life-altering damages, Kavanaugh said. I think this would be a first among a very small handful [of cases] where damages were awarded against federal officers in their individual capacities without the statute explicitly saying so. Tanvirs lawyer, Ramzi Kassem, told Kavanaugh that damages are needed to deter bad behavior. And, here, federal agents put my clients on the no-fly list because they refused to spy on innocent co-religionists, in violation of their Islamic beliefs. My clients lost precious years with loved ones, plus jobs and educational opportunities, Kassem said. Without damages as a deterrent, petitioners and other agents remain free to repeat what they did here, flout RFRA until challenged in court and then back off. The offer received bids for 4.84 crore shares as against 51 lakh shares on offer. The initial public offer (IPO) of Likhitha Infrastructure received bids for 4.84 crore shares on Tuesday, 6 October 2020, as against 51 lakh shares on offer, as per the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) website data at 17:00 IST. The issue was subscribed 9.50 times. The issue opened for bidding on Tuesday, 29 September 2020. It was set to close on 1 October 2020. However, due to weak participation from the qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), the IPO was extended till 7 October 2020. The company also revised its price band to Rs 116-120 from Rs 117-120 set earlier. As on 5 October 2020, the portion allotted to the QIBs was subscribed only 45%. The response from retail investors was robust, and the portion reserved for them was subscribed 23.90 times. The non-institutional investors category was subscribed 5.44 times. The public issue comprised a fresh issue of 51 lakh equity shares, representing 25.86% of post issue paid up equity. The company proposes to utilize the IPO proceeds towards meeting the working capital requirements (Rs 47 crore), general corporate purposes and issue expenses. The company recorded sales of Rs 161.24 crore and profit after tax of Rs 19.88 crore in the year ended on 31 March 2020. Likhitha Infrastructure (LIL) is an oil & gas pipeline infrastructure service provider in India. Its operations include three principal business lines: (i) cross country pipelines and associated facilities; (ii) city gas distribution including CNG stations; and (iii) operation & maintenance of CNG/PNG services. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The in-person meeting of the foreign ministers of the 'Quad' comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia is taking place in the backdrop of China's aggressive military behaviour in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea and along the LAC in eastern Ladakh New Delhi: In the midst of growing global concern over China's expansionist behaviour, India on Tuesday said it remained committed to a rules-based world order, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes. In his opening remarks at a ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral coalition or 'Quad' in Tokyo, External Affairs Minister Subahmanyam Jaishankar said advancing security and economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the Indo-Pacific remained a key priority. The in-person meeting of the foreign ministers of the 'Quad' comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia is taking place in the backdrop of China's aggressive military behaviour in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Besides Jaishankar, the meeting is being attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Japan's Toshimitsu Motegi. "As vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values, our nations have collectively affirmed the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar said. "We remain committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said. The evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of China's increasing military muscle flexing has become a major talking point among leading global powers in the last few years. The US has been favouring making Quad a security architecture to check China's growing assertiveness. In his address, Jaishankar also said that it was a matter of satisfaction that the Indo-Pacific concept has gained increasingly wider acceptance. "Our objective remains advancing the security and the economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region," he said. Jaishankar also mentioned about the Indo-Pacific Ocean's Initiative which was presented by India at last year's East Asia Summit. At East Asia Summit in Bangkok last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed setting up of the Indo-Pacific Ocean's initiative to conserve and sustainably use the maritime domain and to make meaningful efforts to create a safe and secure maritime domain. On the sidelines of the Quad meeting, the external affairs minister held bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during which ways to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific also figured. "Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar tweeted. At the Quad meeting, Jaishankar also referred to COVID-19 and said the events of this year have clearly demonstrated how imperative it is for likeminded countries to coordinate responses to the various challenges that the pandemic has brought to the fore. "As we collectively navigate these uncharted waters, we seek to emerge from the pandemic more resilient than ever before," he said. "You are all aware that India assumes membership of the UN Security Council next year. We look forward to seeking collective solutions to global challenges, including global recovery from the pandemic and reform of multilateral institutions," he added. Jaishankar also mentioned about key issues such as connectivity, infrastructure development, security including counter-terrorism; cyber and maritime security. In November 2017, the four countries gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. The first meeting of foreign ministers of the four countries under the 'Quad' framework had taken place in New York in September 2019. The second ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral coalition on Tuesday is expected to collectively affirm the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of growing Chinese assertiveness in the region. Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs said the meeting of the foreign ministers of the four countries is expected to collectively affirm the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Dune is one of the most anticipated upcoming movies in Hollywood. But like many other projects, it is now facing a release date issue due to coronavirus pandemic. The film has been delayed by Warner Bros. Studio and has been provided with a new release date as per latest updates. Also Read | 'Dune' New Footage Arrives With First Trailer Release Date; WATCH 'Dune' delayed to October 2021 Warner Bros. Pictures has recently announced that Dune will not be heading to theatres this year. The movie was initially scheduled to release on December 18, 2020. It has now officially been moved to October 1, 2021. The project has been delayed by around 10 months. The update can be seen on the Dune movie official social media handle. Also Read | 'Dune' Trailer Released; Timothee Chalamet Dominates Denis Villeneuve's Epic Sci-fi Dune delay came after Warner Bros. pushed several of its projects. It was expected as the company previously shifted the release date of Wonder Woman 1984 from October 2, 2020, to December 25, 2020. It was around the seventh time when WW84 was moved. Now, the change in Dune release date is raising questions on The Batman premiere, another Warner Bros project. The upcoming Robert Pattinson starrer is currently set for October 2, 2021 release, and is expected to be delayed in order to avoid a clash with Dune. However, an official confirmation on The Batman release date is yet to be made. Also Read | 'Dune': Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Issac, Josh Brolin's First Looks Are Out; See Dune cast and characters Dune cast has Timothee Chalamet in the lead character of Paul Atreides. It features Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica; Oscar Issac as Duke Leto Atreides; Zendaya as Chani; Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck; Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho; and Javier Bardem as Stilgar. It also has Stellan Skarsgard as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen; Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban; David Dastmalchian as Piter De Vries; Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat; Charlotte Rampling as Gaius Helen Mohiam; Chang Chen as Dr Wellington Yueh; and Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Dr Liet-Kynes. Also Read | Dune 2020 Cast List: Know The Characters & Cast Of The Upcoming Science Fiction Film Dune plot Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune is an epic science fiction film. It is based on Frank Herberts 1965s novel of the same and is a reboot of the 1984 movie with the same name. The plot centres around the son of a noble family who is entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy. The story will be divided into two parts, so a second instalment is also confirmed. It has become one of the most-anticipated projects due to its stellar cast and acclaimed director. Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. In 1970, Omega received the coveted Silver Snoopy Award from the astronauts at NASA, recognising the brands unique contributions to space exploration, as well as the Speedmasters vital support during the rescue of Apollo 13. Exactly 50 years later, a special timepiece has been created in the occasions honour. Combining animation with watchmaking art, this Snoopy tribute has taken the Omega Speedmaster to new realms of design. Speedmaster Omega Snoopy plays a prominent role within the timepiece, first appearing as an embossed silver medallion on the blue subdial at 9 oclock. Here, he is shown wearing his famous spacesuit, in the exact style of the silver pin that NASA astronauts give to award recipients. The dial itself is also silver and laser-engraved with Ag925. It includes two more blue subdials, as well as blue PVD angle-shaped hour markers and hands. On the caseback, the fun really begins! This time, Snoopy has gone into orbit, thanks to his animated black and white Command and Service Module (CSM) on a magical hand. When the chronograph seconds hand is in use, Snoopy takes a trip around the mysterious far side of the moon just like the Apollo 13 crew with the lunar surface being decorated on the sapphire crystal using a unique micro-structured metallisation. In the distance, a vision of our home is included. This Earth disc rotates once per minute, in sync with the watchs small seconds hand, and symbolises the precise rotation of the Earth. The iconic quote, Eyes on the Stars, is included within the black universe. The NAIAD LOCK keeps all caseback engravings in the correct, upright position, including the date in 1970 that Omega received the Silver Snoopy Award, as well as a tribute to the imperilled Apollo 13 mission that same year. Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary Omega Showing Omegas superb attention to detail, the watchs blue nylon fabric strap matches the other blue elements of the watch, and even features the trajectory of the Apollo 13 mission, embossed on the lining. This strap is attached to a 42 mm case in stainless steel, which is inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster style (the first watch worn on the moon in 1969). The tachymeter scale, with the iconic Dot over Ninety, is shown in white enamel on a blue ceramic [ZrO2] bezel ring. In a superb display of watchmaking skill, the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary watch is driven by the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. This ground-breaking movement has taken the legendary Moonwatch calibre to new standards of excellence, with anti-magnetic innovation, as well as Master Chronometer certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary Omega The timepiece comes with Omegas full 5-year warranty, and will not be a limited production. Eager fans will receive the watch in its own Apollo 13 presentation box, with a microfiber cleaning cloth, a brochure, and a magnifying glass to help you get up close to the details. Anthony Wintheiser, Senior Vice President of Personalization at antuit.ai, a Goldman Sachs company and leader in SaaS AI solutions for forecasting, merchandising, pricing and personalization, is speaking this week at NVIDIA's GPU Technology Conference (GTC). GTC is a digital event for developers, researchers, engineers and innovators looking to enhance their skills, exchange ideas and gain a deeper understanding of how AI will transform their work. Wintheiser is leading a session titled Learn How Personalized Marketing is Advancing in Today's Digital Era, which will be held online at 1pm PT on October 7, 2020. The presentation showcases how the bleeding edge of one-to-one personalization has evolved with the latest advances in data science, cloud technology and computing power, as well as what the future holds. Wintheiser will also highlight recent breakthroughs in decisioning, as well as the data science and technology that enables it, and specific applications that are on the horizon with these new technologies. This session is relevant to a technical audience interested in accelerated data science, cloud technologies and developer tools, as well as a business audience interested in marketing, customer relationship management, loyalty and analytics. The information Im sharing will help managers understand how AI is changing the world of personalization and how to take advantage of these innovations, said Wintheiser. Wintheiser is responsible for product management and delivery for the antuit.ai personalization solution and has a long history of working with Fortune 500 companies on big data analytics and marketing attribution measurement projects. Prior to antuit.ai, he was with Nielsen in consumer and media roles, including leading client consulting for Nielsens big data single-source precision targeting and measurement business. He has spoken at media and marketing conferences, and has authored several pending patents. Wintheiser holds an M.B.A. from Kellogg School of Management in Illinois and a B.S. from Cass Business School in London, England. Note to editors: The presentation Wintheiser is delivering is available. About antuit.ai Antuit.ai, a Goldman Sachs company, is the leader in AI-powered solutions for Forecasting and Merchandising. World-class retailers and consumer products companies leverage antuit.ai solutions to digitally transform their business and achieve outsized business results for supply chain, merchandising, pricing, and marketing. To learn more, visit http://www.antuit.ai. Media Contacts: Mary Pitzer antuit.ai +1 214.618.0939 mary.pitzer@antuit.ai Ronald Margulis RAM Communications +1 908.272.3930 ron@rampr.com Sources aware of the alleged threats said they included reference to a person connected to Israel's national intelligence agency, Mossad, and their capacity to threaten the businessman. Sources aware of the conversations said those discussions included spending tens of thousands of dollars on securing the mans family home. The Age and Sydney Morning Herald have chosen not to name the businessman, a leading private equity executive, to respect the privacy of his family. The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald have confirmed the high profile businessman was so concerned by the 2015 emailed threat that he sought advice from leading Victorian QC Philip Dunn and criminal defence solicitor Bill Doogue to document the allegations and discuss hiring private security. The threatening emails were raised in the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Commission's probity inquiry on Tuesday, but the details were not made public. Mr Packer's lawyers asked that they be discussed in a private session because of concerns about Mr Packer's state of mind at the time of writing the messages. However The Age and Sydney Morning Herald has confirmed details of the emails and how seriously the recipient took them. This masthead has attempted to contact the businessman involved over the past six months but he has declined to discuss the matter. Mr Packer told the inquiry on Tuesday it "came as a surprise" to him that the businessman, whose name was withheld, might have been put in fear by the threat. But under questioning he agreed the emails were shameful and disgraceful. The billionaire attributed his actions to mental illness and bipolar disorder, which he is now being treated for. He also told the inquiry his medication for the condition made it difficult to remember details from his time as Crown's chairman and director. The inquiry referred to the businessman involved only as Mr X, who was a representative of "Z Co", a company with which Mr Packer discussed privatising Crown in 2015. There was a proposal for Z Co to put $1.5 billion into the privatisation, but the firm came back to Mr Packer saying it could only provide $400 million. Dell Technologies announces several infrastructure portfolio innovations for VMware environments, designed to help customers better protect, manage and support traditional and modern applications across edge locations, core data centers and hybrid clouds. Customers looking to accelerate their digital transformation need trusted, proven solutions that can help them navigate todays multi-cloud landscape while managing their IT and business needs, said Jeff Boudreau, president and general manager, Infrastructure Solutions Group at Dell Technologies. Dell Technologies and VMware are raising the bar with tightly integrated solutions, designed to help customers and partners better manage and protect traditional and modern applications. These latest advancements across our infrastructure portfolio are a testament to our joint commitment to innovation. Powerful IT infrastructure is the key to unlock the value of data, drive personalized customer experiences, develop smarter products and ultimately, gain a competitive business advantage, said Grainger Wallis, Senior Vice President, APJ Sales, Storage, Platforms & Solutions, Dell Technologies, Asia Pacific & Japan. These new Dell Technologies infrastructure innovations will enable our customers in Asia Pacific and Japan to get the most of their data, be it in edge locations, data centers or hybrid cloud environments. Bringing the latest VMware innovations to life As VMware delivers its latest releases for vSphere, vSAN and VMware Cloud Foundation to support Tanzu, Dell Technologies is extending support of these technologies across the Dell infrastructure portfolio, with tightly integrated solutions including Dell Technologies Cloud, Dell EMC VxRail, Dell EMC PowerProtect, Dell EMC PowerEdge and more. Dell EMC VxRail, the only jointly engineered HCI system with VMware, is the first system to be integrated with VMware vSphere with Tanzu, allowing customers to adopt Kubernetes quickly and easily with automated deployment and provisioning. Dells broad infrastructure portfolio lets customers deploy VMware Tanzu in the way that best aligns with their IT strategy, whether through a validated architecture, VxRail cluster and/or the Dell Technologies Cloud Platform. Dell Technologies Cloud Platform with subscription pricing makes it easy to get started with VMware Tanzu in hybrid clouds for as low as $70 per node, per day. By eliminating upfront costs and forecasting risks, organizations can budget their IT spend without surprises or hidden costs. With the industrys fastest hybrid cloud deployment, customers can get started in as few as 14 days, and expand deployment in as few as five days. Storage innovations for VMware environments Dell Technologies storage innovations are designed to help customers easily manage and access traditional and modern applications in VMware environments: Dell EMC PowerMax Simplifies VMware Management Dell EMC PowerMax replication is now integrated with VMware vSphere Virtual Volumes (vVols) and VMware Site Recovery Manager, simplifying VMware management by reducing time needed for provisioning, replication and service level policies. Customers can modernize their infrastructure while protecting their most important applications. The new Cloud Mobility for Dell EMC PowerMax feature offers simple movement of data from on-premises to public clouds. Customers can reduce the cost per GB for long-term data retention by up to 50 percent while freeing up capacity for PowerMax to support higher priority applications on-premises, extending the life of the array. The worlds fastest enterprise storage array improved security features and Smart DR for data resiliency and efficiency. Dell EMC ObjectScale Brings Object Access to VMware Cloud Foundation Dell Technologies is previewing its next generation, Kubernetes-based object storage platform, Dell EMC ObjectScale, currently available in an early access program. ObjectScale will allow developers to provision S3-compatible, cloud-scale storage for modern stateful applications on demand. By enabling object storage a critical component of cloud-native application architectures to be deployed directly through vSphere, Dell Technologies and VMware are equipping customers to deliver modern application experiences and more closely align development and IT operations. Designed with a scale-out, geo-distributed architecture with global accessibility, ObjectScale delivers enterprise storage across edge, core and hybrid cloud environments. Delivering modern VMware data protection Dell Technologies adds advanced management and backup capabilities to PowerProtect Data Manager in VMware environments with the introduction of new data protection updates: PowerProtect Data Manager Support for Tanzu To help support and protect a customers critical modern applications, Dell EMC PowerProtect Data Manager now supports the VMware Tanzu portfolio, including Tanzu Kubernetes clusters, Kubernetes clusters in vSphere, Tanzu Kubernetes Grid (TKG) and Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Integrated (TKGI) on-premises and in public clouds. VMware Storage Policy-Based Management and VMware Cloud Foundation Protection New PowerProtect Data Manager integrations make it the only solution to provide native vCenter Storage Policy-based Management integration for VM protection. This allows VI admins to save time by using well-known workflows from within their vSphere environment to assign data protection policies. Additionally, this latest release of PowerProtect Data Manager offers a VMware-certified solution to protect the VMware Cloud Foundation infrastructure layer. Enhanced Protection of Mission-Critical VMs Dell Technologies is previewing a new feature in PowerProtect Data Manager that will eliminate the need to pause a VM during backup. With new snapshot and data movement technologies, teams can back up mission-critical VMs without business disruption. They no longer have to choose between availability and security since all VMs are protected and active, even during backup. Build clouds faster with Dell Technologies Cloud and VMware Dell Technologies and VMware are making it easier for Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) to quickly build and scale hosted cloud environments through tighter integration between VMware Cloud Director and Dell Technologies Cloud Platform (DTCP). Thanks to new integrations, CSPs can enjoy significant cost savings by reducing the time it takes to provision and manage multi-tenant cloud environments, creating virtual data centers in minutes that can be built once and deployed everywhere in seconds. New automation capabilities further streamlines service deployment and lifecycle management of the software-defined data center. CSPs running VMware Cloud Director on DTCP can offer customers rapid access to a more reliable and consistent cloud experience across their DTCP environments and off-premise instances. Democrat Jaime Harrison is running virtually even with Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina. (Getty Images) Senator Lindsey Graham is mired in the most difficult re-election campaign of his political career, virtually tied with a Democratic opponent, Jaime Harrison, who challenged him at a debate over the weekend over his allegiance to Donald Trump and for going back on his word on several key issues. The South Carolina Republican has cruised to victory in his three previous Senate races in 2002, 2008 and 2014, winning by an average of roughly 15 percentage points, and never falling below a 13 per cent edge. But recent polling from CBS News/YouGov and Quinnipiac University showed Mr Graham 1 percentage point ahead of Mr Harrison or tied with him with just five weeks until the 3 November election. That was before the two candidates appeared at a contentious debate over the weekend, where Mr Harrison lit into the incumbent known for decades for his bipartisan disposition for succumbing to partisan politics by allying himself with Mr Trump these last three and a half years. Case in point: Mr Graham repeatedly sought to tie Mr Harrison to the radical wing of the Democratic party that he claims has overtaken it, even though, Joe Biden won the presidential nomination on a more moderate platform than most of his challengers in the primaries earlier this year. Your grandparents Democratic party is no longer around. The people running the Democratic party today are nuts, Mr Graham said, accusing them of wanting to pack the Supreme Court with liberal judges, provide free health care and open borders to undocumented immigrants, and institute socialised medicine. Both Mr Biden and Mr Harrison have repeatedly and explicitly said they do not support open borders. No, we should not decriminalize illegal border crossings. Our goal should be to protect our borders and our national security, while instituting humane policies that reflect our values as a nation of immigrants, Mr Harrison said at the South Carolina debate on Saturday. Story continues Mr Harrison also admonished Mr Graham for calling Democrats nuts, saying it was unproductive for bipartisan discussions that are necessary to cut deals for the American people. The first step in terms of working with the other side is not to call the other side nuts, Mr Harrison said. Sometimes people come from different backgrounds and they see the world a little differently, but that doesnt make them bad because of it. Mr Harrison, a former state Democratic party chairman, talked about his good friendship with the former GOP state party chair, Matt Moore, saying they respected each other and worked together. Thats the foundation for how we get things done, he said. After polls in 2016 and 2017 showed Mr Graham with flagging support among registered Republicans in the state, the senator lurched to the right and embraced some of Mr Trumps hardline rhetoric on immigration and economic policy. As the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee over the last year and a half, he has also fiercely defended the president against accusations he is cozy with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr Grahams committee has been holding public hearings this summer examining the conduct of the Justice Department and FBI officials who headed up the investigations into the ties between Russia and Mr Trumps 2016 campaign and transition teams. The strategy worked in the GOP primary earlier this year, with Mr Graham trouncing his three Republican challengers. But it has left him more vulnerable in the general election to accusations from Mr Harrison that he has gone back on his word on several key issues, such as his newfound support for confirming a Supreme Court justice in a presidential election year. As chairman of the judiciary panel, Mr Graham will lead confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett beginning on 12 October. Mr Trump has has every right to do this, Mr Graham said on Saturday, regarding the presidents Constitutional authority to appoint justices. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died just seven weeks out from the 2020 election. Mr Graham opposed Barack Obamas nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court in 2016 seven months out from that years election. At the time, he said the following: I want you to use my words against me. If there is a Republican president in 2016 and a vacancy occurs in the last year of the first term, you can say Lindsey Graham said lets let the next president, whoever it might be, make that nomination, and you could use my words against me and you'd be absolutely right. Now, he has said he changed his position because of how Democrats treated Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearing. Thats political flimflam, Mr Harrison said on Saturday. Just be a man about it, he said, and stand up and say, You know what? I changed my mind. Im going to do something else. But dont go back and blame it on somebody else for a flip-flop that youre making yourself, the Democrat said. Read more President Trump has created the situation the 25th Amendment tried to prevent Trump news live: Hospital discharge expected following Covid-19 diagnosis as president bombards Twitter One month out, battered Trump campaign faces big challenges Dexamethasone: What is the new coronavirus drug Trump is taking? Lindsey Graham hammered by Democrat opponent who tells him to be a man and likens him to a cheating child in election debate As Delhi continues to record fewer cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Tuesday that the situation is now under control and the national capital is past the second wave of the pandemic. Delhi hit the peak of the second wave of Covid on September 17 when 4,500 cases were reported across the city. The situation has been controlled to a large extent, news agency PTI quoted the chief minister as saying. Click here for full Covid-19 coverage Delhi was reeling under the second wave of Covid-19 as it recorded more than 4,000 cases for several days. The number has now dipped below 2,000. On Monday, Delhi reported 1,947 cases, pushing the total tally to over 292,000. While 32 new fatalities were also recorded in the Capital which pushed the death toll to 5,542. As of Monday evening, the total number of cases in Delhi stood at 2,92,560. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader also informed that 10,000 beds are now unoccupied in Covid-19 hospitals. He hoped that the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic will slowly pass, reported PTI. The number of hospitalisations has also reduced over the last 10 days from just over 7,000 to 5,802 as on Monday. With this, over 63% of the beds earmarked for the patients of the coronavirus disease are vacant. Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain on Monday held a meeting with medical directors and medical superintendents of all Delhi government hospitals to review the status of testing. "Ukrainians want to live in European Ukraine," Zelensky said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of the EU-Ukraine summit has said Ukraine's course toward the European Union remains unchanged. "Ukrainians want to live in European Ukraine," Zelensky said in an interview with POLITICO. "They understand that this is the way to be a member of the EU. I believe that we are mentally more European than, sorry, some EU countries," Zelensky said. Zelensky leads a country at war, and in the interview he said he will arrive to meet with EU leaders on Tuesday, bearing a request and an offer. Read alsoEU-Ukraine summit to be held in Brussels on Oct 6The request is that the EU continue, or even step up, its support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia by maintaining tough sanctions against Moscow, and further developing economic and political ties with Kyiv. The offer is to help manufacture a coronavirus vaccine once an effective immunization is ready for mass production. Zelensky believes Ukraine has come very well prepared for the strategically important event, the President's Office says. "We have finally voted in bills on electronic communications, blood donation. A draft law on water transport in Ukraine is already being considered. We have also voted important laws on concession and deregulation. They are not populist bills. Also, there are complex reforms supported by the EU, in particular land reform. You do not know how difficult the implementation of the land reform is. For 30 years, throughout the years of our independence, no one could pass this reform. I think we are ready for this summit," Zelensky summed up. EU summit with Ukraine: Background The previous EU-Ukraine summit took place in Kyiv on July 8, 2019. The EU was represented at the summit by the then presidents of the European Council Donald Tusk and the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, and Ukraine by President Zelensky. Earlier, the 22nd Ukraine-EU summit was scheduled to be held in Brussels on October 1, but was slated over a delay in EU leaders' meeting. On September 22, Zelensky said that representatives of Ukraine and the European Union would discuss the creation of a negotiating platform for the de-occupation of Crimea. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen was self-isolating the day before the annual Ukraine-EU summit was to begin. One of Sean Rausch's victims bought him a chicken roll and a soft drink in Centra after he was threatened by him, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Rausch (22) told the 19-year-old victim that he was carrying out the robbery because he was hungry. He said he was sorry he had to threaten him but he believed the victim would not have given him anything otherwise. Rausch wrote a letter of apology to the court in which he said he had been asking people on the street for help and they passed him by. He said he felt bad about making his victims afraid. Rausch, of Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, Dublin pleaded guilty to two robberies and false imprisonment at Wellington Quay and Aston Quay on February 7th, 2020. He has no recorded convictions. Advertisement Judge Karen O'Connor suspended the final year of a four-year prison term on condition that Rausch engage with the Probation Service and with a victim awareness programme. She said she was taking into consideration his youth and lack of relevant convictions at the time. Garda Fionnula Lawlor told Tony McGillicuddy BL, prosecuting, that Rausch first took part in the robbery of a 19-year-old Latvian student that morning with a co-accused in which the victim described Rausch holding a blade inches from his face. The scared young man, who said he felt his life would be taken at any moment, handed over his wallet and ran from the scene. He described how he no longer feels safe in the city centre. Gda Lawlor said Rausch later took part in a second robbery of another 19-year-old man. This victim described how Rausch approached him and put his arm around him. He saw Rausch had a knife and told him he did not have money but that they could go to Centra and get something. He said he wanted to give Rausch something so he would not do anything to him. Rausch put the knife away and proceeded to tell the young man about his life and how bad it was. The victim still felt threatened and afraid about what Rausch was going to do. Advertisement He said he noticed a second man watching and thought he might be a back-up but Rausch said he was not with him. The victim said they walked into Centra with Rausch talking as if we were best mates about how bad his life was and saying if had not threatened him he would not have got anything. Rausch told him: Sorry about this I am just hungry, but the victim still felt threatened and was aware Rausch still had the knife. He bought a chicken roll and a soft drink. Rausch thanked him and walked out of the shop. Rausch, who was caught on CCTV on both occasions, was later arrested Pieter Le Vert BL, defending, said Rausch had grown up in chaotic home situation and drugs had been very much a feature of his life. He said his client had suffered the bereavement of two family members and his behaviour deteriorated to the point where he was put out of his home by his mother. He lost his job and no longer received his social welfare payments. Counsel said Rausch found himself homeless living in an underground car park for three to four weeks prior to these offences. He also had a drug problem which he could no longer fund. Mr Le Vert said Rausch had written a letter of apology in which he outlined that he was robbing for food and drugs and felt so bad about putting people in fear. He said prior to the robberies he had been asking people passing on the street to help him but most people had just walked past him and that was why he committed these offences. Rausch said he wanted to build a different life and he was not a bad person, it was just a bad time in his life. I am here today to own up to my mistakes and get a fresh start in life, he wrote. Generosity, consideration, concern for others. This is kindness, and perhaps, the boiled-down definition of the credit union difference. Credit unions around the world have worked to bring awareness to the credit union difference, the compassionate banking alternative, through charitable events, open houses and over 70 years of International Credit Union Days. Credit unions are proud of the difference they bring to a community, and yet good work often goes hand-in-hand with humility. Shouting giveback from the rooftops is hardly in the charitable spirit, and certainly not in that of the credit union, but perhaps, as we enter the Giving Season a time when one-third of all individual gifts are given for the year we should give credit to the credit union kindness difference, and a pay it forward movement that is growing quickly. MN: Trendsetters of Kindness Minnesota CU FORWARD Day Organically but with intention. This is how Minnesota Credit Union Network describes the goals of their annual giveback day, and this is exactly how it began. In 2012 Affinity Plus conceived of Plus it Forward; a unique way to support the community it served, and give back in a meaningful way. The second Monday of October has widely been treated as a bank holiday, and while branches were open for members, Affinity Plus saw an opportunity to close all branches and sponsor employees to go out into the community, celebrate and support those that they serve. Seeing great success and a warm reception, the credit union suggested growing this into a state-wide concept, credit unions coming together to spread kindness. In 2017, Affinity Plus gifted the one-day initiative to Minnesota Credit Union Network, an organization already committed to serving as an unbiased third-party, advocating for and dedicated to showcasing the true differences of credit unions. The newly minted CU FORWARD Day brought the credit unions together, across the state, to spread kindness in the community. Having grown significantly, 2019 saw a day of magnificent impact with participation from 60 credit unions partners. Over 4,000 employees, family members and friends participated in over 20,000 hours of volunteerism, with an estimated 300,000 individuals impacted in this single day through both organized and random acts of kindness. CU FORWARD DAY is an opportunity to offer that surprise and delight that were all looking for said Ben Hering, Director of Engagement for Minnesota Credit Union Network. Whether paying for groceries for a family at the checkout line, or making a charitable donation, giving is often intangible, random acts of kindness and everyday giving is hard to quantify, but every gesture by a credit union employee made a difference. In 2019, MnCUN arranged for credit unions to come together in collaborative initiatives. Second Harvest Heartland, a food bank able to provide 3 meals from every $1, hosted over 180 volunteers from 15 credit unions and industry partners, who came together for the simple activity of packing up food. Food which is then distributed to food shelves across the state, Our aim was to offer an activity that any credit union could feel an attachment to, not only based on the initiative, but knowing that the food was going into their communities throughout MN, says Ben Hering. Spreading that kindness further Mark Cummins, CEO of MnCUN has put to his team a call of action, to share the knowledge, resources and support developed for CU FORWARD Day, openly, generously and freely. We gain the greatest impact as an industry if we can find initiatives like CU Forward Day to share, with all credit unions, to advance the credit union mission, says Cummins. The concept has begun to take hold in other states. To an outsider, Missisippiss Day of Service and Illinois marking of the same day might seem isolated events, but these individually branded days are developed with and supported by resources, logistics and guidance from Minnesota Credit Union Network. At the end of 2018, Illinois Credit Union League started preparation for their first CU Kind Day. When we saw the awesome stuff that Minnesota was doing, we thought how cool is that?! We could do that, why arent we doing that?! says Staci Hering, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator for the Illinois Credit Union League. The inaugural CU Kind Day in 2019 celebrated giving in all forms, from cash donations, to cleaning up state parks, working on building restorations, or volunteering at community centers. The league then created an online photo album to share these stories, across the state, and showcase credit unions supporting their communities in ways that they valued. In the creation and planning of the day, Illinois Credit Union League reached out to the Minnesota Network, and in the cooperative spirit of credit unions, worked together to create a sister program. Wed experienced our own bumps and bruises in the creation and growth of CU FORWARD Day. As a movement we thrive on collaboration and at the network, we saw this as an opportunity to gain national participation said Ben Hering. 2020: Continuing the spread of kindness From Minnesota, to Illinois, the movement of focussed kindness continues to grow. Representatives from the two states met some amazing young leaders from Mississippi and they were fired up to make it happen, shared Staci, and she was enthused. Lets talk about it! It is important for each program to develop their own identity, but the focus remains the same; People Helping People. These days arent just about giving back, but also an opportunity to create awareness, a chance to showcase what credit unions do every single day. By highlighting one day a year, credit unions, their partners, and their leagues can maximize both exposure and impact. The story is old but true, the impact is magnificent when working cooperatively. Even with continuing growth and excitement, maintaining kindness when faced with personal threats is obviously difficult whatever the source. This year has been unpredictable, and generosity, consideration and concern for others sometimes isnt the first thought of the morning. However, credit unions persist, and as Staci Hering says, Were reminding everyone that the People Helping People philosophy knows no bounds. We dont view obstacles as reasons to not do good, but a motivation to do even better. Our credit unions have taken to that, and nobody has taken the easy way out. Credit unions are sometimes characterized as the white hats of banking, and this year whether masking-up or staying socially distanced, credit union kindness persists and grows. For Illinois, 2020s CU Kind goal was to turn the initiative into a year-round celebration, and to use CU Kind Day as an opportunity to celebrate all the good work that credit unions do every single day with one really big blow-out. Now, with a party off-limits, CU Kind Day is championing charities across the state, creating shopping wishlists with diverse and valuable nonprofit organizations. This years goal is to engage the credit unions in purchasing all items from all wishlists by the end of the day on CU Kind Day. Our communities are facing many challenges this year beyond the virus, but people helping people knows no bounds. That is why we were very intentional with the organizations we selected with the hope that CU Kind Day will reach and support a broad spectrum of needs. The giveback however isnt limited to this one act, and the league is launching an app to capture and share all the ways in which people are caring for their community, placing credit union kindness at the forefront of helping people feel comfortable and confident. Minnesota has had to put on hold their in-person volunteering events, especially those planned with Second Harvest Heartland, and the handling of food. This year the focus will be two-fold, handing the reins to the employees and their charitable instincts, and tapping into the power of the expansive membership. That is really where the potential is for the greatest impact, said Ben Hering of MnCUN. We certainly have many more members than we have employees. If we can get our members on board who are generally as passionate if not more passionate than some of us I wouldnt be surprised if our members are the ones helping to lead and create a positive impact in their communities. Engaging the power of membership This year, the Minnesota Credit Union Network is launching a giving campaign called CU FORWARD + Member Giving, to engage members in social-distanced giving by partnering with NetGiver. NetGiver is an exclusive-to-credit unions charitable giving app enabling credit union members to make donations to any 501(c)(3) nationwide, directly from their credit union account, anytime and anywhere, fee-free. NetGiver aligns with the Networks give back philosophy by starting engagement that will mobilize our members. When were looking at the quantifiable ways in which were able to capitalize on our members participation, NetGiver is a unique and powerful tool that helps our members understand what credit unions are trying to do. says Ben Hering. Kindness is often unquantifiable, so often these moments are hard to capture, but to be able to use an app like NetGiver to track donations and impact, we can meet our members where they are; which is on their phones. NetGiver helps credit unions live out the People Helping People promise, every single day, says Eric Berg, President of the NetGiver CUSO. This years emphasis will be to support two organizations; Second Harvest Heartland and the two area-chapters of Ronald McDonald House. Second Harvest Heartland provides assistance to those struggling with food scarcity and Ronald McDonald House supports families with immunocompromised children. NetGiver credit unions will be featuring these causes in the giving app and supporting this with messaging from the Minnesota Credit Union Network, NetGiver and the participating credit unions. Every contribution from a member is valuable. By showcasing our support, we can prove our commitment to our community in a new and unique way. Partnering with nonprofits like Second Harvest Heartland and Ronald McDonald House gives members the option to not only give back, but to give back as a community to some hard-hit organizations, said Berg. Donations made through NetGiver are given freely and fully, with 100% going to the nonprofit of choice, at no cost to the member or the charity. If we can help our members engage in CU FORWARD and the credit union movement, we can provide an opportunity for our members to look deeper, at all the other things that were doing through the initiative, and every day at a credit union. Future of CU FORWARD As the compassionate banking alternative, credit unions are accountable to their members. If spreading acts of kindness better helps people understand what it is to be a member of a financial cooperative, there is an opportunity to reach more people within our communities. Ben Herings vision for the future is to continue the facilitation of similar initiatives, and he eventually hopes to see all 5,000 plus credit unions across the nation coming together to give back. The creation and running of these days of awareness and generosity are not only an empowering opportunity for those participating, but a truly great way to make a mark on a movement that youre passionate about. said Staci Hering. Were always looking for ways to continue growing our outreach efforts and make giving back simple and fun for our credit union members. I am always so inspired by the dedication our credit unions demonstrate when giving back to their communities, and am excited to see how CU Kind Day will continue to grow from year to year. Minnesotas role in the growth continues by genuinely providing guidance for other credit unions and other states that want to get involved. It is a call to action of the CEO of MnCUN, Mark Cummins, to advise other leagues, share resources and provide guidance to facilitate new iterations of CU FORWARD. At this point, credit unions are a small slice of the financial services pie, but thinking about the significant impact that could be made if we came together as a nation of credit unions, a nation together with our members. One thing I keep with me day in and day out in my work in the credit union space is something that somebody once asked me: why isnt everyone a member of a credit union? I dont have an answer for that. Credit unions are the lighter side of financial institutions, and by leading the way with CU FORWARD, generosity, consideration, and concern for others, perhaps everyone will see the value of a credit union. Oman's oil production, including condensates, stood at 233.57 million barrels during the period from January to end of August 2020, according to the latest data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Of the total production, crude oil production fell by 7.5% at 190.91 million barrels while condensates production rose by 45.2% to touch 42.66 million barrels, said an Oman News Agency report quoting NCSI data. Oman recorded a daily average crude oil production of 957,300 barrels at the end of August 2020, against 970,500 barrels over the same period of 2019, the NCSI report added. The average price of Oman Crude fell by 26.3% to reach $47.7 per barrel till the end of August 2020, from $64.7 per barrel in the same period of 2019. The sultanate exported 193.63 million barrels of crude oil till the end of August 2020, against 196.59 million barrels for the same period of 2019, falling by 1.5%. In terms of exports, China retained its position as the leading destination for sultanates crude oil exports till the end of August 2020, with the country importing 171.06 million barrels of crude oil from Oman. This was followed by India (6.67 million barrels), South Korea (4.99 million barrels and Japan (1.60 million barrels). Oman produced 354.3 million barrels of oil and exported 310.3 million barrels in 2019. The countrys daily oil production stood at 970,900 barrels last year. Omans natural gas production and imports fell 1.3% to 30,348 million cubic metres (MNCM) at the end of August 2020, from 30,737 MNCM for the same period of 2019. Of this, non-associated gas and imports rose by 1.3% to 25,587 MNCM and associated gas production fell 13% to 4,760 MNCM, added the NCSI report. The use of natural gas in industrial projects fell by 6% to reach 18,095 MNCM at the end of August 2020, against 19,251 MNCM for the same period of 2019. As much as 7,158 MNCM of natural gas was used in oil fields, against 6,229 MNCM units consumed for the same period of 2019. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Scores of avid supporters of President Donald Trump made clear on Saturday that a vocal portion of Staten Island stands with him and his bid for reelection. The Staten Island Republican Party estimated 2,500 people, many of them unmasked, packed into the parking lot of the Bricktown Commons in Charleston for an event titled the Triumph Rally in support of the president and his party. Many were decked out in Trump gear -- shirts, hats, masks. There were flags and signs, a life-sized Trump cutout, and a massive poster reading, The Fight of the Century: Law and Order vs. Anarchy that superimposed the presidents image over Muhammad Ali in the famous photo of his knockout punch during his title defense in Ali-Liston II. S.I. GOP Chairman Brendan Lantry said the rally was about getting their message out in favor of their candidates, and in support of small business and law enforcement. What an excellent event it really exceeded our expectations," Lantry said. Right now, its my hope and belief that weve energized Staten Island today energized people for our Republican ticket. President Trumps health was on the mind of many in the crowd after his COVID-19 diagnosis and transport to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday. One man, Kevin Collins, held a sign inviting people to pray with him for the presidents recovery. Im concerned that he has the disease, but Im not worried about his eventual recovery. Hes a strong person, Collins said. I wanted to be here, because I wanted to offer people an opportunity to publicly pray for the president. On stage, a slew of speakers, including Republican candidates for many of the Islands legislative seats, addressed the crowd on why they should vote Republican. Artist Scott LoBaido, one of Staten Islands most vocal Trump supporters, echoed Collins in expressing his confidence that the president would make a full recovery following his COVID-19 diagnosis. I predict some mild symptoms, couple of rough days, lay low for 12 days, then come out bucking like the wild bull at the rodeo," he said. I dont care that people make fun of me that I think this guy is a hero. He is a hero. On Saturday, conflicting reports surfaced about the presidents condition. His physician at Walter Reed said Trump is doing very well, but, according to multiple reports, an official told White House reporters that the presidents vitals over the last 24 hours were very concerning. LoBaido depicted Staten Island as more similar to small conservative towns in Wyoming and West Virginia than the other four, more liberal, boroughs of New York City. While long-perceived to be a conservative bastion, the Island has alternated between voting for Democrats and Republicans in borough-wide elections over the past 15 years. There is a Democratic District Attorney in Mike McMahon, and the Island elected Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) in the 2018 election. Former President Barack Obama narrowly won the Island in his 2012 bid for reelection, but President Trump dominated the borough in 2016, winning approximately 56.1% of the popular vote. Other non-elected officials who addressed the crowd included keynote speaker and Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch, and Joe OToole the owner of Joyces Tavern, which recently had its liquor license reinstated after the state suspended it for alleged violations of coronavirus mandates. Even thought Im optimistic, I must stand here and say Im worried. Im worried because every day youre bombarded with crazy ideas, Lynch said before presenting his vision for the U.S. We should salute our flag, we should work hard, we should get a job, we should work to make our city better, we should applaud for what we stand for, we should be proud of our families." The PBA has endorsed multiple Republican candidates, including the president and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/South Brooklyn) in her bid to unseat Rose in the Nov. 3 general election. She was among the candidate and elected official speakers at Saturdays rally that included City Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore), who is not up for reelection, Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-South Shore), who is running unopposed, Ron Castorina, who is running for a court seat, Anthony DeGuerre, who is running against Assemblyman Mike Cusick (D-Mid-island), and Mike Tannousis, who is the Republican candidate to replace Malliotakis. This election is truly about whether we are going to preserve the American dream, Malliotakis said. That is what is on the ballot in November. Getty Images After roughly six months on unemployment and struggling to find a new job amid the coronavirus crisis, Aaron Heaps, a New York-based actor and waiter, finally thought he'd found something. Automattic, a publishing company that owns and operates WordPress.com, reached out to Heaps via a startup job site called AngelList and encouraged him to apply for a customer service position using a special application code. "It was a very long application," said Heaps, 28, adding that all communication was through an online app called Telegram. But the questions were typical for a job interview, so he thought "it seems legit, they're not asking anything too personal, I don't have much to lose," he said. He also kept researching Automattic during the process and learned that the company does communicate online and has many remote employees. So, he kept going forward until he was sent a new hire form and contract that asked for more personal information including government identification and proof of address. Aaron Heaps, standing, discovered a job he'd applied to was a scam. Aaron Heaps It was then he saw multiple red flags. The pay of $45 an hour seemed too high for the position and didn't line up with other company salary information he found online, Heaps said. And, he hadn't had any face-to-face contact with the company, something that would usually accompany a job offer. He followed his gut and asked for a video meeting to go over some questions he had. He never heard back neither AngelList nor Automattic had anything to do with what turned out to a fake job listing. Now, any time another company reaches out to Heaps in a similar fashion, he worries it's also a scam. "It's really defeating," he said. He reported the fake listing to both AngelList and Automattic, both of which have taken measures to address false postings. AngelList has seen an increase in fake job postings amid the pandemic, and some do end up on the site though there's a team actively detecting and catching fraud, said Kapil Kale, chief operating officer of talent products at AngelList. Automattic's actual job site not the link Heaps was given now lists a warning about the scam. Scams and unemployment are on the rise Complaints about scams for certain business and job-related opportunities have spiked this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Federal Trade Commission data. Reports about fraudulent employment agencies, job counseling, overseas work, multi-level marketing schemes and chain letters increased in the second quarter of 2020, according to the latest available FTC data. Complaints about fraudulent business opportunities and work-at-home plans are also elevated compared to last year. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards The uptick comes as the U.S. grapples with the worst recession since the Great Depression. More than six months into the pandemic, roughly 26 million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits and there are nearly 11 million few jobs than there were before the crisis. "Whenever we see times of great financial distress and high unemployment, unfortunately we do see an uptick in scams that are targeting people that have financial distress," said Kati Daffan, an attorney and assistant marketing director in the FTC's division of marketing practices. There are a few major red flags that many scams share, according to Daffan. Fraudulent listings may ask for payment upfront, for example, seek the applicant's bank or credit card information, or guarantee outsized earnings or a luxurious lifestyle. Too good to be true Kaitie Gibbs, 30, a single mother of three from Florida, was the victim of a scam claiming guaranteed earnings. Desperate to find another job after being furloughed from her account executive position at car rental giant Enterprise Holdings in March, she applied for a remote shipping agent role she found online. The job, at a company called Supreme Purchase, promised to pay $3,500 the first month and $1,750 on a bi-weekly basis after that. Gibbs started in June, receiving packages, replacing the outside label and shipping them from UPS. Kaitie Gibbs, a single mother of three daughters, wasn't paid the $3,500 she was owed after working for a reshipping scam for a month. "As a single mom, in my mind I was like, I can do this from home, this is super-easy," she said. Near the end of her first month, Gibbs' manager, whom she'd only communicated with virtually, asked if she'd like to be paid through direct deposit or PayPal. Gibbs wasn't comfortable giving them her bank information, so opted for PayPal. She never got paid, and after attempting to contact the company, discovered it had given her a fake phone number and address. The company has her driver's license information and Social Security number. "I feel used and abused," she said. "I did not get paid. "I worked an entire month during Covid-19 expecting pay," she added. Gibbs wrote to the Better Business Bureau when she reported the company. Several calls by CNBC to Supreme Purchase for comment were not returned. What happened to Gibbs is called a reshipping scam, and it's been on the rise, according to Daffan. "Some people with the best of intentions get involved in this and then in addition to contributing to something they don't want to contribute to, probably don't get paid," she said. What to do if you see a scam or are a victim of one D39s focus has been and remains the health and safety of all staff and students, Finkel said. "The district has been communicating with the families of those who came in close contact with either students or staff who have tested positive for COVID, as well as the entire school. Former Vice President Joe Biden vowed to enact legislation codifying Roe v. Wade if Republicans install Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court and strike down the landmark law protecting abortion rights. Biden fielded a question about abortion rights Monday night at an NBC town hall from a young woman who called access to abortion and brith control 'imperative,' and wanted to know his plans for protecting reproductive rights amid President Donald Trump's nomination of Amy Coney Barrett. 'Number one, we don't know exactly what she will do, although expectation is that she may very well move to overview overrule Roe,' Biden said, days after it was revealed that Barrett had signed onto an ad in 2006 that called the law 'barbaric' and a 'raw exercise of judicial power.' Former Vice President Joe Biden said he would seek to turn Roe v. Wade's abortion protections into law if a conservative Supreme Court strikes it down How Joe Biden plans to protect abortion rights Abortion rights activists fear that the elevation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court would give the conservative wing the decisive vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, which protects abortion rights. Democratic contender Biden says he would push for federal legislation protecting abortion rights were Roe v. Wade struck down. Such an effort by the Democrats would likely fail in a Republican-led Senate but would also be subject to a GOP filibuster should Democrats take control of the chamber. Then a super majority of 60 senators would be needed to advance legislation. However, some on the left are pushing Biden and Congressional leadership to eliminate the filibuster tool in the event the Democrats take the White House and the Senate. With no filibuster, a possible Democratic chamber would be able to push through Biden's agenda, including legislation addressing abortion rights, on a simple majority vote. Advertisement 'And the only thing, the only responsible response to that would be to pass legislation making Roe the law of the land. That's what I would do,' he said. Biden didn't follow up with a second point in his answer, and host Lester Holt then went to commercial. Any legislative move enshrining abortion rights into law would be certain to meet a Republican filibuster in the Senate, even if Republicans lose control of the chamber. However some Democrats are pushing their party's leadership to act to end the filibuster in order to allow Biden to ram through his agenda without it falling prey to obstruction. If that were to happen, under a scenario where Democrats seize control of the Senate, the majority could push through a whole range of Biden action items on abortion and other issues. If the Senate confirms Barrett to fill the seat of the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, conservatives would have a 6-3 majority on the court, even if Biden were to capture the White House. Senate Republicans are pushing ahead with their plan to try to confirm Barrett before the November 3 elections, despite three Senate Republicans testing positive for the coronavirus. The Judiciary Committee, chaired by Trump loyalist Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, is set to kick off four days of hearings Oct. 12, just weeks before the election. Biden made a similar vow during the primaries, as a series of states have sought to chip away at abortion rights through their own laws. Earlier in the town hall in Florida, Biden called out President Donald Trump's family for opting to take off their masks at last week's presidential debate in Cleveland while blasting a 'macho' attitude that avoids mask wearing. Biden spoke Monday night just minutes after Trump left Walter Reed medical facility to reenter the White House taking off his own mask to be photographed and then reentering the White House. Biden said he was not worried about himself having contracted the coronavirus from Trump, who debated him on the same stage in Cleveland on Tuesday, when the president may have already been infected with COVID-19. Biden spoke about Judge Amy Coney Barrett and predicted she would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade. The White House event where Trump announced her nomination featured a raft of guests who later tested positive for the coronavirus, raising the possibility it was a superspreader event He told NBC's Lester Holt he wasn't worried about his own safety. 'Ive been fastidious about the social distancing.' But he did take to task the president's family. Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Lara Trump all took off their masks inside the debate hall. 'It was a little disconcerting to look out and see that his whole section no one had masks on,' he said. 'You could see people coming in and a lot of people didnt have masks on,' Biden explained but did not identify Trump's family members by name specifically. Biden spoke after President Trump's dramatic return so the White House while still infected with COVID-19 The president left Walter Reed hospital and flew to the White House after spending three nights away getting treated for the coronavirus epa08707093 Members of the Trump family (L-R) Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr. in the audience shortly before US President Donald J. Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden participate in the first 2020 presidential election debate at Samson Pavilion in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, 29 September 2020. Biden said he could see them without their masks from the debate stage It was revealed Wednesday that members of the Cleveland Clinic, who cosponsored it, offered the Trump family members masks inside the event venue but they declined. With Trump revealing early Friday that he tested positive for COVID-19, he may well have been exposed during the debate. Later during the town hall, Biden teed off on people who don't wear them. 'Now what is this macho thing Im not going to wear a mask,' he said. Biden was on stage for the town hall format just days before he is scheduled to debate Trump October 15th in Miami for the second presidential debate which will feature a similar format. It was arranged in an outdoor venue that featured occasional traffic noise, and the candidate couldn't always hear his masked questioners. He told a voter he's 'not putting up with it' if Trump goes after him again. She said she was concerned the president bullied him. Monday's event took place outdoors with undecided voters. Biden was seated in a chair feet away from host Lester Holt. He called last week's debate 'embarrassing for the nation. Biden said he himself 'would communicate the right lesson to the American people' and said emphatically that 'masks matter.' Asked about Trump's photo-op return from the hospital, Biden said: 'I hope no one walks away with the message thinking that its not a problem. Its a serious problem. Its an international pandemic and we have 4 percent of the population and 20 percent of the deaths.' But he declined to go after Trump's medical team for holding back information. He said that 'moment to moment Im not sure that that is an absolute requirement' to reveal all information about the president's health. He said it had national security implications. 'You cannot mislead about certain things,' Biden said. After blasting Trump on a variety of issues during the pandemic, Biden said: 'Im not being critical of the fact that every single detail was not released.' That came despite a media pile-on for White House physician Sean Conley's refusal to divulge critical information about the president's condition, including the state of his lungs and precise levels of oxygenation while he battles the coronavirus. How to Pick a Reputable Double Glazing Window Company Today, there are thousands of companies producing double glazing windows and doors. You may therefore find it hard choosing the right company for your needs. You really want to make sure that the company you pick is transparent and reliable. Here are simple tips to help you choose the best double glazing company. Online Reviews Reputation is extremely important. Its what defines a company. So, be sure to review your choices carefully. Ask for customer testimonials, as well as, references. This will go a long way in helping you find out what others have to say about their products and services. You may also want to consider visiting the companys website for online reviews. Homeshield offers high-quality services. Contact them for quality double glazing windows. Accreditation Dont settle for an unregistered company. When it comes to double glazing companies, FENSA is the most trusted industry standard. Its approved by all local authorities, industries, governments, and homeowners. Ask your chosen company to produce documented evidence regarding their certification. Dont just rely on verbal claims. You really want to make sure that the company you choose is qualified and experienced to deliver high-quality products, as well as, services. Guarantees Most companies will offer a guarantee. And the industry standard is usually ten years. This warranty will cover you in several aspects. So, be sure to ask whats included before you can make your purchase. Experience Look for a company with extensive experience in the double glazing industry. And be sure to ask for a written quotation. This will help you understand the scope of their work and prices. The prices offered by the company also speak a lot about the quality of their services. Very low prices can mean low quality work, whereas overly high prices can be suspicious. When comparing different double glazing manufacturers, make sure that theyre offering top-notch product quality. Request them to show you their products in a showroom and then compare different designs. Types Of Materials Used Not all double glazing companies are the same. There are those that utilize high-quality materials and those that cut corners in certain areas of the manufacturing process. Poor quality materials can quickly degenerate and start to fail, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. Ensure that the company you choose offers top quality designs, and utilizes a leading UPVC window supplier. Free Site Surveys A good double glazing company will be more than ready to inspect your projects location before offering you a set price. They wont be in a hurry to take your money. Theyll carefully evaluate the amount of work that needs to be done and ensure that your property is correctly measured. Theyll do everything they can to ensure that your double glazing doors and windows fit perfectly. The Bottom-Line When it comes to choosing a double glazing company, there are several things you should take into consideration. For instance, youll want to make sure that the company is accredited, experienced, and offers high-quality products. A reputable company also offers guarantees, as well as, free site surveys. By Helen Bell 2020 Helen Bell - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. The government deployed round-the-clock security outside the house of the Hathras victim, accepting her family's demands on Monday. As per Superintendent of Police (SP) Vineet Jaiswal, two women sub-inspectors (SIs) and six women constables have been stationed there. "Two security personnel have been deployed for the security of the victim's brother. Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel are also camping outside the house." Apart from them, 15 police personnel, three station house officers (SHOs) and one deputy superintendent of police (DySP)-rank officer have been deployed in the village to prevent any untoward incident, he said. The victim's brother told ANI they feared for their safety. "We are afraid of threats (from the well-wishers of the four accused arrested in the case). The coming days will be more challenging for us." Earlier he had stated that they had sought protection from the government. "The family largely fears receiving threats for speaking up. Also, they fear that they might have to leave their home," a relative said. On October 2, the government had suspended the then SP, DSP, an inspector and some other officials on the basis of the first report of a Special Investigation Team probing the matter, even as it handed over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The 19-year-old Hathras woman succumbed to brutal assault injuries in Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital last month. The post-mortem report said that the victim suffered a fracture of "cervical vertebra". Amid enormous outrage by the opposition parties and civil society since the teen's death on September 29, social media too erupted in protests after a video, purportedly showing the administration cremating the body without the presence of family members, went viral. (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 top scientist today urged ministers to let 'small ship' laboratories help tackle the UK's Covid testing backlog and accused the government of thwarting their efforts to help. Sir Paul Nurse, chief executive of the Francis Crick Institute, claimed health bosses have hoarded vital equipment needed to bolster swab capacity for the government's seven Lighthouse Labs. He once again called for Downing St to rope in universities and research bodies with spare laboratory space to help process thousands of Covid-19 tests each day, urging ministers to let 'lifeboat labs' come to the rescue and criticising the government's centralised system for being 'too slow'. The Nobel Prize-winning geneticist claimed smaller labs could easily scale up testing capacity in their local areas if they could get hold of equipment, saying it would help protect vulnerable people in hospitals and care homes. It comes after Sir Paul urged Boris Johnson to summon the Dunkirk spirit and let the 'small ships' help process tests at the start of April. But his pleas for the UK to adopt a German-style mass network of labs appear to have gone unanswered. The Government is staring down the barrel of catastrophe as infections continue to spike and officials struggle to cope with more than 200,000 swabs being processed each day. Matt Hancock is facing calls to resign. The Health Secretary said today demand for tests was once again outstripping supply and the government would need to start rationing swabs so the most vulnerable groups get access first. He admitted it would take weeks to correct the problem. It is the latest fiasco in a long line of testing failures and comes just a day after an Excel bungle led to 16,000 Covid-19 cases being lost in Government systems. As well as under-estimating the scale of the outbreak in the UK, critically the details were not passed to contact tracers, meaning people exposed to the virus were not tracked down. Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner this morning called for Mr Hancock to stand down as health secretary for his 'disgraceful' handling of the crisis. She described Mr Hancock as a 'total disaster for the country' and said the latest swabbing errors had made the UK a 'laughing stock' around the world. Sir Paul Nurse, chief of London's Francis Crick Institute, said there was a network of universities and research bodies on standby to save Britains chaotic testing system from collapse Mr Hancock said today that demand for tests was outstripping supply and the government would need to start rationing swabs so the most vulnerable groups get access first. He admitted it would take weeks to correct Labour's deputy leader Angala Rayner this morning called for Mr Hancock to stand down as health secretary for his 'disgraceful' handling of the crisis Sir Paul, whose lab at the Crick has been turning around tests for the local University College London Hospitals Trust and other hospitals since the start of the pandemic, said a localised approach was the only way out of the mess. He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'I think it has to be a different approach from the centralised labs, not substituting for them but additional to them. 'The big Lighthouse Labs do have capacity, but they have a long line of communication, they don't always work optimally and they can be too slow and get plagued by false positives and false negatives and the like. WHAT ARE THE LIGHTHOUSE LABS? What is a Lighthouse Lab? The laboratories are set up to process the swab tests that are used to diagnose people with coronavirus. They contain machines capable of a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which magnifies DNA samples from people's saliva and mucous to look for signs of the virus. Samples taken at swab testing centres are delivered to the labs where technicians analyse the samples and file the result into a database, which then sends the result back to the person who took the test and logs it in the Government's data. Where are the Lighthouse Labs? Milton Keynes (Run by UK Biocentre) Alderley Park, Cheshire (Medicines Discovery Catapult) Glasgow (University of Glasgow & local hospital) Cambridge (University of Cambridge, AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline) Antrim, Northern Ireland (Randox) Newport (PerkinElmer & Welsh Government) Loughborough (PerkinElmer & Charnwood Campus) Newcastle (planned; partners not confirmed) Bracknell (planned; partners not confirmed) Who runs the Lighthouse Labs? The lab system is ultimately controlled by the Department of Health, which hand-picks existing laboratories around the country and pays them to process Covid-19 tests in a standardised way. There is not a threshold a lab must meet to become a Lighthouse Lab, but all are capable of processing tens of thousands of tests per day and have capacity to expand. No new labs have been built, but institutions at universities and pharmaceutical companies are given new equipment, improved lab spaces and money to hire their own qualified staff to cope with the demand. Some of the labs use existing staff. Labs being used so far include ones at pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, the universities of Cambridge, Glasgow and Dundee, and the scientific organisations UK Biocentre, Medicines Discovery Catapult and US-based PerkinElmer. Alongside the Lighthouse Labs, the Government also uses facilities run by Public Health England, the NHS and other smaller universities and institutions known as 'surge labs'. Advertisement 'So, what I suggested early on, and I still in fact do, is that we need to look at more local solutions, just as Jeremy Hunt has said, because we have hospitals and care homes which have vulnerable people, and we need to protect them in the coming winter because it's them who are going to die. 'Of course we need the large labs, particularly for community testing. But small labs ramped up could provide up to 100,000 tests with a much more efficient turnaround but they need to be encouraged, they need to get support.' Sir Paul added: 'For example, the NHS has just asked us to up our output to 10,000 tests a day, 50-60,000 a week. We can easily do that but we need equipment. 'When we try to buy the equipment, we're told we can't buy it because it's all ear-marked for the Lighthouse Labs, so the NHS wants us to up our game but then the Department of Health puts blocks in the way that prevent us from doing it. It has to be better joined up, which is not the strategy we have at the moment.' A staggering 98 per cent of Britons who take at-home coronavirus tests do not get results within 24 hours, according to latest NHS Test and Trace figures. The longer they go without a diagnosis, the less likely they are to isolate and risk passing the disease onto others. Sir Paul said small labs like his had been turning around the majority of tests in 12 hours. He added: 'What we've done in the Crick is to re-purpose our academic research laboratories to actually provide testing for 10 hospitals in North London, and 90 care homes. 'We've set it up so that we have a 12-hour turnaround, mostly, all within less than 24 hours. And it works very effectively. 'Now that allows the information to be got back very quickly to patients, to those working in hospital environment and for the most vulnerable so that isolation can take place. 'The way we set it up is that we have some full-time researchers there who are running it, but we also have a cohort of volunteers who will spend maybe a day a week working there but can continue their normal work otherwise because they are only spending one day a week in the testing. 'This has been really effective. I've started calling it, following the boats analogy, the lifeboat labs because they are small, they are local, they are manned by volunteers and those volunteers have a sense of civic duty.' The lack of tests has seen Britons being told to drive hundreds of miles, sometimes to different countries within the UK, to get a swab. There have also been reports of surgeons having to cancel operations because patients can't access a test. It came as Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner called for Mr Hancock to resign after a 'disastrous' string of errors during the crisis. Speaking on Good Morning Britain about the most recent Excel bungle, Ms Rayner said he should 'hang his head in shame' and step down. She added: 'It's completely unbelievable, they [the Government] have made us a laughing stock across the world. 'This used to be one of the democracies that everyone was proud of and yet know it's a joke.' Pressed on whether the health secretary should resign, she said: 'Well, yes, he's a disgrace. The Government is. I'd get rid of him tomorrow. I believe that the whole of their frontbench is an absolute disaster for this country.' Earlier this month, Boris Johnson begged university leaders to send him hundreds of academics to save Britains testing system from collapse. The Prime Minister wrote to the bosses of more than 50 top universities and medical schools to request their urgent support to man the Governments new mega-labs, which are short of staff as demand surges. He appealed for 400 technicians, post-docs or graduate students with molecular biology experience to staff the Lighthouse laboratories in Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Manchester, Newport and Glasgow, and for qualified technicians/post-docs with management experience, to join the Test and Trace Laboratory Team to help manage our overall lab capacity. He also urged the academics to sign up for six to 12 months starting as soon as possible and promised the Government would reimburse them at their current university rates. Having already received and deployed the first lot of around 72,500 Sig Sauer assault rifles from the US for counter-terrorist operations, the new batch of these assault rifles would be given to the soldiers deployed on the front with China in Eastern Ladakh. IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inspects a Pika machine gun during a recent visit to Stakna, Leh. Photograph: ANI Photo. A recent Defence Acquisition Council meeting held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the acquisition of the second batch of around 72,500 Sig Sauer assault rifles from America under fast track procedures for the Army. "The first lot of these assault rifles was provided to the troops deployed in the counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The second lot of the guns would be for the troops deployed on the China front in Eastern Ladakh and other areas," government sources told ANI. The idea is to provide the best of equipment facing the enemy on the frontline, they said. The new rifles will replace the existing Indian Small Arms System (Insas) 5.56x45mm rifles used by the forces and manufactured locally by the Ordnance Factories Board. As per the plan, around 1.5 lakh imported rifles were to be used by the troops in the counter-terrorism operations and frontline duties on the Line of Control (LoC) and the newly-activated Line of Actual Control (LAC). The remaining forces would be provided with the AK-203 rifles, which are to be produced jointly by India and Russia at the Amethi ordnance factory. Amid the ongoing dispute with China over the boundary issue, the Indian Army is going to place another order for 72,000 Sig 716 assault rifles from the United States. The Indian Army had been trying to replace their standard Insas assault rifles for many years but the attempts failed due to one reason or the other. Recently, the defence ministry placed an order for 16,000 light machine guns (LMGs) from Israel to do away with the shortage of these guns. Law Offices of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP If you would like to know more about the Metal Container Corporation lawsuit, please contact Attorney Nicholas J. De Blouw today by calling (800) 568-8020. The Riverside employment law attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Metal Container Corporation, failed to provide their California employees with meal and rest periods as required by California law. The Metal Container Corporation class action lawsuit, Case No. RIC2003235, is currently pending in the Riverside Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here. According to the lawsuit filed in the Riverside Superior Court, Metal Container Corporation allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to reimburse employees for required expenses (e) failed to provide PLAINTIFF accurate itemized wage statements, and (f) failure to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in Labor Code Sections 201, 202, 203, 226, 226.7, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. The complaint further alleges Metal Container Corporation committed acts of unfair competition in violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17200, et seq. (the UCL), by engaging in a company-wide policy and procedure which failed to accurately calculate and record all missed meal and rest periods by PLAINTIFF and other CALIFORNIA CLASS Members. As a result of DEFENDANTs intentional disregard of the obligation to meet this burden, DEFENDANT allegedly failed to properly calculate and/or pay all required compensation for work performed by the members of the CALIFORNIA CLASS and violated the California Labor Code. If you would like to know more about the Metal Container Corporation lawsuit, please contact Attorney Nicholas J. De Blouw today by calling (800) 568-8020. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** The Goa government will file a fresh contempt plea against Karnataka for diverting waters of the River Mahadayi even as the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Monday. Sawant, who said that the issue of Mahadayi was close to his heart, accused previous regimes - both BJP and Congress - of having neglected the issue but assured that there was ample photographic and video evidence, which he said would be placed before the top court. A contempt petition is being filed before the Supreme Court either tomorrow or the day after along with all photographic evidence, pursuant to reports of diversion being carried out by the State of Karnataka. This contempt is in addition to an earlier contempt filed in the Apex court in the Month of August 2018, when the state of Karnataka had engaged in a similar mischief, Sawant told reporters at a special press conference. Photographs published in local media showed that Karnataka has already dug trenches to divert the flow of the River Mahadayi, which begins as a stream in the upper reaches of the western Ghats in North Karnataka before flowing into Goa via a brief detour into Maharashtra. On account of the trenches, the waters of the Mahadayi now flow eastwards and into the east flowing Malaprabha river in Karnataka rather than westwards into Goa from the point of diversion. The Sawant government has been on the backfoot over its inability to prevent Karnataka from diverting the water, and the support the central government is giving the Karnataka government to go ahead with the project. However, Sawant said it was the fault of earlier regimes that matters have come to this. The Karnataka government built trenches and canals to divert the water but nothing was done to stop it back then. The Congress government of the time, from the beginning, failed to object to in-basin utilisation of waters of Mahadayi by the riparian states, Sawant said. He also blamed the government, led by his predecessor Manohar Parrikar, for claiming as a victory the decision of the tribunal to allow Karnataka only 13.42 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) water. Karnataka had claimed 36.55 TMC water from the Mahadayi basin. The diversion project involves the construction of three dams, two canals to divert water and the diversion of 499.13 hectares of forest land including submergence of 406.60 hectares of forest land. The plan involves diversion of west flowing streams in the Mahadayi basin to the allegedly water deficit Malaprabha basin by construction of dams across the Haltara, Kalasa and Banduri streams. The project proposes to divert 7.56 TMC of water during monsoon season through Inter connecting gravity canals for crossing the ridges at the cost of Rs 840.52 crore. In its verdict passed in 2018, the tribunal awarded Karnataka 3.45 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) from their total claims of 7.56 TMC. According to the breakup, Karnataka has been allowed to divert 1.18 TMC from the Kalasa Nala and 2.27 TMC from the Banduri Nala from their claims of 3.56 and 4 TMC respectively. The award is yet to be notified by the central government and all states -- Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa -- have challenged various portions of the award before the Supreme Court. There was no decision taken to challenge this award at the relevant time for 10 months. When I took charge as the chief minister, and appointed new Advocate General, it was realised that the diversion of water from Mahadayi basin to outside basin is required to be challenged as the same is against the interest of the State, Sawant said, indirectly blaming the government led by his predecessor Manohar Parrikar for the lapse. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and, as the director for the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Staten Island, I would like to urge your readers to get their mammograms. Regular cancer screenings can help find cancer early when treatment may be easier. And now that COVID-19 infection rates in New York state are low, it is time to talk to your doctor about missed preventive care. Scheduling your mammogram is a good start. Some women may have lost their jobs and their health insurance because of the pandemic. So how can these women get cancer screening? This is where the Cancer Services Program of Staten Island can help. The CSP offers free breast cancer screenings to uninsured women ages 40 and over. The program also offers free cervical cancer screening to women ages 40 and older, and free colon cancer screenings to uninsured men and women ages 50 and over. If any follow-up tests are needed, the CSP will provide those tests too. If breast, cervical or colon cancer is found, our program will help enroll people who are eligible in the NYS Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program for full Medicaid coverage during treatment. Call the CSP at 718-226-6447 to find if youre eligible for the program or to get more information. (Barbara OBrien, R.N. is director of the Cancer Services Program of Staten Island.) D onald Trump has tweeted to say he is "feeling great" and looking forward to next week's debate with Joe Biden despite doctors saying he is still contagious with coronavirus. The US president was diagnosed with the virus last week and was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre where he received an unprecedented level of care for Covid-19. But he staged a dramatic return to the White House, entering the building without a protective mask. He immediately ignited a new controversy by declaring that, despite his illness, the nation should not fear the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans. Landing at the White House on Marine One, Mr Trump gingerly climbed the South Portico steps, removed his mask and declared: I feel good. Now he has tweeted to say that he is "feeling great" and that he is looking forward to taking on his Democratic rival in the next debate in Miami on Thursday next week. It comes after Mr Biden criticised Mr Trump for downplaying the severity of coronavirus, saying there is "a lot to be concerned about". He also said the president should be communicating the "right lesson" on masks and social distancing. Mr Trump left Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre, where his doctor Navy Commander Sean Conley, said earlier on Monday that the president remains contagious and would not be fully out of the woods for another week. He added that Mr Trump had met or exceeded standards for discharge from the hospital. The president is expected to continue his recovery at the White House, where the reach of the outbreak that has infected the highest levels of the US government is still being uncovered. Donald Trump returns to White House following hospital treatment for Covid-19 Still, Mr Trump indicated he will not be kept from campaigning for long, tweeting before leaving the hospital: Will be back on the Campaign Trail soon!!! For more than eight months, Mr Trumps efforts to play down the threat of the virus in hopes of propping up the economy ahead of the election have drawn bipartisan criticism. US Elections 2020: Trump v Biden First Presidential Debate 1 /20 US Elections 2020: Trump v Biden First Presidential Debate Getty Images AP Getty Images AP AP AP AP AFP via Getty Images Getty Images POOL/AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images AP We have to be realistic in this: Covid is a complete threat to the American population, Dr David Nace of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, said of Mr Trumps comments. Dr Sadiya Khan of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine said: Its an unconscionable message. I would go so far as to say that it may precipitate or worsen spread. Republican Senator John Cornyn told the Houston Chronicle editorial board that Mr Trump had let his guard down in his effort to show that the country was moving beyond the virus and had created confusion about how to stay safe. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19 can be contagious for as many and should isolate for at least 10 days. Mr Trumps discharge raised new questions about how the administration was going to protect other officials from a disease that remains rampant in the presidents body. Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany announced she had tested positive for the virus on Monday morning and was entering quarantine. LANSING, MICH. -- If 2020 was the year you became a birder, youre not alone. Birdwatching got a big boost this year, putting it on the list of outdoor activities that saw a large increase in interest on account of stay-home orders and social distancing during the pandemic. Google searches for birds reached an all-time high in the U.S. in early May, while searches for the best binoculars for birdwatching increased 550%, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. To encourage all these new birders in Michigan, the DNR has launched a weekly text alert called Winged Wednesday to update birdwatchers on birds being spotted in state parks. A new bird and new park will be highlighted each week. The text alerts could be particularly helpful for novice birders during this years fall migration, currently underway, when many previously unseen birds ranging from little songbirds to impressive raptors pass through Michigan communities on their way to winter destinations. Users can sign up for the DNR alerts online at this link, or by texting BIRD to the number 80888. RELATED: How to see the thousands of hawks, eagles and other raptors that fly over a Michigan park each fall Michigan nature preserve to hold fall night sky events for Halloween Blue Moon, meteor shower How to level up your Michigan birdwatching Think you know about Great Lakes birds? This new short film will amaze you Panaji, Oct 6 : Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that his government has filed a contempt petition before the Supreme Court alleging Karnataka of illegally diverting water from the Mhadei river basin via the newly constructed Kalasa-Banduri canal. "Contempt Petition has been filed in the Hon'ble Supreme Court today against Karnataka for illegal diversion of #Mhadei water. We will continue to fight for our right," Sawant tweeted. The announcement comes a day after Sawant during a media interaction on Monday, said that his government has collected enough evidence to prove that Karnataka has started diverting water from the inter-state river, Mhadei, to the deficit basin of the Malaprabha river in Karnataka. "We are filing a contempt petition with evidence to show how they have diverted water. There is no pressure on us from the Centre. There will be no injustice on Goa from the Centre. For me the Mahadayi (Mhadei in Goa) is not a political issue, it is an issue linked to my heart," Sawant said on Monday. The contents of the contempt petition filed by the Goa government, claims that Karnataka has committed contempt against the apex court, by already diverting water from the Mhadei river, despite a special leave petition (SLP) filed by the Goa government pending with the top court. The SLP, which was filed in July last year, also challenges the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal award in 2018, which allowed Karnataka to divert 13.42 TMC water from the river basin. The SLP had also said that Karnataka was diverting more water than what allotted by the Award. Sawant has maintained that the contents of the award were "damaging to Goa" and the diversion of water would cause "ecological devastation in Goa". Mhadei also known as the Mandovi river in Goa and Mahadayi in Karnataka, is considered as a lifeline in the northern parts of Goa. It originates in Karnataka and meets the Arabian Sea in Panaji in Goa, while briefly flowing through Maharashtra. While the river runs 28.8 km in Karnataka, it is over 50 km in length in the state Goa. Goa, Karnataka are battling out a two decade-long dispute over the sharing of the Mhadei river. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text (CNN) Only four European countries countries are now measuring below a crucial level of COVID-19 cases, according the latest figures Monday, as the continent struggles to contain fresh outbreaks. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's (ECDC) coronavirus alarm threshold is 20 cases per 100,000 people on a seven-day average. Beyond that, the agency says, the risk of Covid-19 is high, with a very high probability of infection, while vulnerable individuals face a "very high impact" from the disease. And the situation is looking precarious. Only Germany (18.4 cases per 100,000), Finland (15.5), Cyprus (14.6) and Norway (13.9) fall below this case threshold, ECDC data showed on Monday. At the other end of the scale are the Czech Republic (167.6), the Netherlands (140.3) and France (120.3). The death rate has also been rising in Europe and sustained increases in case levels have been recorded in 27 countries, the agency said Thursday in its weekly report. Countries are also introducing new restrictions in order to curb the spread: In Ireland, the National Public Health Emergency Team has reportedly recommended placing the whole country on the highest level of restrictions Iceland has brought in a range of new rules, including restrictions on gatherings and the closure of some leisure facilities. France's capital is on the verge of a fresh lockdown, with the greater Paris area classified as a "maximum alert" zone. The Czech Republic has entered a state of emergency. Central districts in Berlin have been classified as risk areas by Germany's health body. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is self-isolating after participating in a meeting that was attended by a person who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. She tested negative for the virus for the second time on Monday. And the health authority in England admitted that thousands of infections had not been included in the UK's coronavirus case tally due to a "technical issue." Paris faces new lockdown Paris is on the verge of a fresh lockdown as coronavirus cases surge in France. Prime Minister Jean Castex confirmed that the greater Paris area will be classified as a "maximum alert" zone, forcing bars to close, with measures in effect from Tuesday. A press release from Castex's office said the region has crossed the three thresholds that would put it in such an alert category: disease incidence rate, incidence rate for the elderly and occupancy rate of resuscitation beds by Covid-19 patients. As part of measures expected to stay in place until October 16, restaurants will remain open providing they respect new health measures, but gyms will stay closed and the sale and consumption of alcohol in public spaces after 10 p.m. will be forbidden, Paris police chief Didier Lallement said. Organized public gatherings of more than 1,000 and gatherings of more than 10 will be banned, although demonstrations will be allowed, Lallement said. On Saturday, the country recorded 16,972 new COVID-19 cases over 24 hours, surpassing last week's previous daily record. According to Aurelien Rousseau, the head of Paris' health authority, more than 36% of ICU beds in the region are currently occupied by Covid-19 patients. Ireland mulls highest restrictions Ireland's chief medical officer Dr. Tony Holohan will on Monday meet the COVID-19 Oversight Group of top civil servants to discuss the latest National Public Health Emergency Team recommendations, which suggest placing the placing country under Level 5 restrictions the highest level of measures, RTE reports. If introduced, Level 5 restrictions would see all retailers except those deemed essential closed, while social gatherings would be restricted and people restricted to exercising within 5 kilometers of their homes. EU leader enters self-isolation European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is self-isolating after participating in a meeting that was attended by a person who subsequently tested positive for Covid-19, she announced on Twitter. Von der Leyen said on Monday that she tested negative for the virus, and would continue to self isolate until Tuesday evening, having previously announced that she tested negative for the virus last Thursday. Under Belgian government rules, von der Leyen is required to quarantine for seven days after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive person. Eric Mamer, the EU Commission's chief spokesman, said von der Leyen would not be able to attend Tuesday's European Parliament plenary session or the EU/Ukraine summit. Czech Republic in state of emergency A state of emergency has been introduced in the Czech Republic which saw some initial success in curbing the spread of the virus to help to curb the country's accelerating growth of new COVID-19 cases, and to to relieve pressure on the health care system as a total of 1,841 new cases were recorded on Sunday. The 30 days of measures the second state of emergency implemented this year will enable the authorities to legally declare and enforce various anti-coronavirus measures without government approval, according to the health ministry. According to the restrictions, which are not as as draconian as they were during the first state of emergency from March to May, primary schools will remain open but secondary schools will close in the most affected areas for two weeks. Singing is banned in all schools, while no more than six people are allowed at tables in bars and restaurants, which can remain open until 10 p.m. Indoor events are limited to 10 people and outdoor events to 20 people, while operas, musicals and other singing performances are banned for two weeks. Religious services are limited to 100 people and singing is banned during religious services. No more than six people are allowed at tables in bars and restaurants in the Czech Republic, which has implemented a second state of emergency. No more than six people are allowed at tables in bars and restaurants in the Czech Republic, which has implemented a second state of emergency. Thousands of cases were missed off UK figures The number of reported coronavirus infections in the UK jumped on Sunday to a new daily record of 22,961 on Sunday, nearly double the previous record for a single day, as it emerged that thousands of infections were not included in previously published daily figures, according to Public Health England (PHE). The agency admitted that they failed to report a further 15,841 positive cases between September 25 and October 2 because of a "technical issue," it said in a statement. The majority of these cases occurred in recent days, PHE said. The UK's opposition Labour Party criticized the government's failure to report the infections at a time when a second wave of positive cases are being seen across the country, calling the mistake "shambolic." Sunday's significant increase in reported cases means the UK's total has now surpassed more than half a million infections since the start of the pandemic. Sections of central Berlin at risk Large parts of central Berlin have been classified as risk areas after the areas surpassed the country's crucial incidence rate of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The districts Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Mitte, Tempelhof-Schoeneberg and Neukoelln have been labeled red on the website of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the German agency for disease control and prevention. As of Monday morning, Germany has more than 300,000 coronavirus cases, according to the RKI. The death toll has climbed to 9,534. On Friday, Germany reported 2,673 new coronavirus infections -- its highest number of daily infections since April 18. New rules in Iceland New restrictions came into effect in Iceland on midnight on October 5, as virus cases have continued to rise since mid-September. According to the restrictions, in force until October 19, gyms, pubs, clubs and casinos are to be closed, and no more than 20 people can gather, with some exceptions including for parliament and funerals. Primary and secondary schools will remain open as usual, but colleges and universities will not permit more than 25 people in the same space. CNN's James Frater reported from Brussels. Amy Woodyatt wrote from London. Inga Thordar, Sharon Braithwaite, Frederik Pleitgen, Stephanie Halasz ,Tomas Etzler, Pierre Bairin, Jonny Hallam and Livia Borghese contributed reporting. This story was first published on CNN.com "Only four countries in Europe are below a critical coronavirus threshold" President Donald Trump is being treated for COVID-19 with a steroid that is recommended for severe cases of the illness and that comes with risks of serious side effects, including mood swings, aggression and confusion. Trump's medical team on Sunday said the president was started on dexamethasone, a generic steroid long and widely used to reduce inflammation associated with other diseases. The steroid was begun after Trump experienced low oxygen levels. 'The president is going to get a short course so Im not worried about long-term effects of dexamethasone,' Dean of Brown University's School of Public Health, Dr Ashish Jha told Fox News. 'But we definitely see in 30-40 percent of people pretty substantial effects...[of] the anxiety, the agitation.' Research has shown that just a few days on dexamethasone can leave patients with memory and cognitive deficits. Corticosteroids - the class of drugs dexamethasone belongs to - may cause psychiatric side effects in anywhere from 1.8 to 57 percent of patients taking them. Experts' first worry was that the use of dexamethasone to treat Trump suggested he was very sick, since the $6 steroid may be dangerous to people with mild COVID-19. But because it's been linked to everything from mania to memory problems, and aggression to psychosis, some are also concerned that the president's judgement could be impaired as he reportedly continues to work through his illness. Experts are concerned that Trump could develop 'roid rage' due to his treatment for COVID-19 with the steroid dexamethasone. Agitation, mood swings and even confusion are relatively common side effects of the class of corticosteroids to which the drug belongs Dr Ashish Jha, former Harvard Global Health Institute Director, said he is 'concerned' about Trump becoming agitated and aggressive as side effects of dexamethasone when asked about 'roid rage' on Fox News Trump tweeted Tuesday morning that he is 'FEELING GREAT!' in all caps that might suggest anger, but are rather standard fare for him 'Steroids are always very dangerous medications to use,' Dr Edward Jones-Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles told Reuters. 'That is why it [dexamethasone] is used in severe to critical patients...There can be neuropsychiatric side effects. These are medications that we use verdy, very carefully.' White House officials have painted a rosy picture of Trump's condition, saying he could be discharged from the hospital as soon as Monday. But dexamethasone has typically been reserved for more serious cases. A study in June that was hailed as a breakthrough showed that use of the steroid reduced death rates by around a third among the most severely ill hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Dexamethasone is used to treat immune system disorders, inflammatory conditions, breathing issues and other conditions by decreasing the body's natural defensive response, which can overreact causing additional problems. The Infectious Disease Society of America says dexamethasone is beneficial to people with critical or severe COVID-19 who require extra oxygen. But studies show the drug may be harmful in people with milder COVID-19 because it can suppress their natural immune response. In addition, side effects can include physical problems such as blurred vision and irregular heartbeat, as well as personality changes and difficulty thinking, according to the International Myeloma Foundation. Dexamethasone is also a member of a group of long-acting glucocorticoids that comes with a particularly high risk of delirium, confusion or disorientation, as well as depression caused by withdrawal when treatment is over, compared to short-acting steroids. The receptors that dexamethasone and other steroids target are not only key to combating dangerous inflammation, but play central roles in our memory cognition and the synaptic activity that keeps our thoughts flowing clearly and quickly. White House physician Dr Sean Conley disclosed that Trump had been treated with dexamethasone - but not how much, or how many times he'd been dosed A 2019 case report on a man who developed psychosis after an injection of dexamethasone to his scrotum, describes steroid-induced psychosis 'a well-documented phenomenon,' although an 'uncommon' one. The report, from Baylor University Medical Center, also notes that research on the mental disturbances linked to dexamethasone or other steroids is sparse. So there are not exact statistics for how many people treated with the steroid develop mood swings, aggression or any other psychiatric issues. But these are considered 'more common' side effects of the drug and at least 79 instances were already recorded in 1985. Most of those 79 people somewhat lost touch with reality, about 40 percent became depressive, 28 percent became manic and about 10 percent of people who had the bizarre reaction became delirious. For most people, these strange mental disturbances appeared within less than two weeks after they received dexamethasone. They subsided within a few days for some, but lasted weeks for others (the most intense symptoms went away more quickly, while depression and mania lingered a bit longer). The main risk factor for psychiatric effects is taking a high dose of steroids. According to a Mayo Clinic study on steroids and psychiatric effect, the risk of having delirium, depression or other psychiatric side effects is 'minimal' so long as someone is getting 40mg or less a day. White House physician Dr Sean Conley has not disclosed what dose of dexamethasone Trump got or is getting, but it was given to COVID-19 patients at a dose of just 6mg per day, so it's highly unlikely Trump's dose puts him in a high risk category. However, dexamethasone is a common steroid used in many patients who have low oxygen as a result of COVID-19 and is typically harmless, said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. WHAT ARE THE DRUGS TRUMP IS BEING TREATED WITH AND WHAT ARE THEIR SIDE EFFECTS? President Trump has been given at least three potent drugs since announcing he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday night: Regeneron's cocktail of lab-made antibodies, the antiviral remdesivir, and the steroid dexamethasone. Two of those medications are still experimental for treating COVID-19, and have given emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And White House physician Dr Sean Conley admitted on Monday that he would not disclose every single medication that the president is currently receiving (citing HIPAA patient privacy laws, which suggests that Trump himself gave Dr Conley permission to disclose some of his medications, but not all of them). Remdesivir, dexamethasone and the antibody cocktail are all in ongoing trials - but it's unclear if anyone besides the US Commander-in-Chief has ever been treated with all three. Those three drugs are 'as much as we know [about the president's treatment regimen] - but I found it all really confusing, based on the reports,' Dr Mark Poznansky, an infectious disease specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital told DailyMail.com. When asked if there was any precedent for treating a COVID-19 patient with all three drugs, Dr Poznansky replied, 'no.' 'But the individual decisions are based on the individual patient, and all bets are off when you're dealing with the president, the commander-in chief,' he added. 'The implication is that the doctors believe that the risk of using these is outweighed by the potential benefit.' And while we have some clarity on the potential side effects of each of the drugs, how they might interact is a mystery, 'because they just haven't been used frequently enough...we don't know about the combination,' Dr Poznansky said. But even on their own, the side effects of these drugs could be particularly concerning for the president, considering that the steroid can cause mood swings, confusion and aggression. The drugs he was treated with and their potential side effects are: REGENERON'S EXPERIMENTAL ANTIBODY COCKTAIL DRUG WHEN HE GOT IT: Trump received a single 8 gram dose of Regeneron's cocktail of lab-made antibodies on Friday. WHAT IT DOES: REGN-COV2 is a combination of two lab-made versions of antibodies that help block the coronavirus from entering cells. One of the antibodies in the 'cocktail' is based on an antibody that mice produce in response to coronavirus, while the other is based on an antibody isolated from the one of the first US COVID-19 patients. The hope is that the treatment drives down viral load, keeping it from overrunning the body and sending the immune system haywire, and preventing the infection from becoming severe. WHAT THE DATA SAYS: REGN-COV2 is still in early trial phases, but the first data from its clinical trial found that it dramatically lowered viral load within a week and cut recovery time in half in patients that weren't sick enough to be hospitalized. Regeneron has not yet studied the drug in severely ill patients. THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: The main concern is these types of treatment occasionally trigger 'antibody-dependent enhancement,' which means the intended therapeutic actually helps the virus invade cells. So far, the trials don't suggest that REGN-COV2 is causing this phenomenon. Antibody treatments can also cause allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, as well as fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, headache and low blood pressure. REMDESIVIR, GILEAD'S ANTIVIRAL DRUG WHEN HE GOT IT: President Trump was given his first dose of a five-day treatment course on Friday evening, after he was transferred from the White House to Walter Reed National Medical Center. He has since received his second and third dose of the drug. WHAT IT DOES: Remdesivir is an antiviral therapy originally designed to treat Ebola. Scientists are not entirely sure why, but it helps to prevent coronavirus from making more copies of itself. WHAT THE DATA SAYS: Late-stage clinical trials of remdesivir found that patients treated with the drug were more likely to recover within 11 days than those who did not get the drug. Their survival odds were about 40 percent better. In May, the drug became the first to get emergency use authorization from the FDA for treating severely ill patients. That approval has since been expanded to any hospitalized patients. THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: It can cause nausea, vomiting, chils, sweating or light-headedness. The drug also may harm liver function, meaning that patients have to be closely monitored. There was some suggestion the Trump's liver and kidney function were suboptimal last night, but Dr Conley said Monday the president was just 'dehydrated.' DEXAMETHASONE, THE $6 STEROID WITH COMMON PSYCHIATRIC SIDE EFFECTS WHEN HE GOT IT: The president got a dose of dexamethasone on Saturday after he developed a high fever and his blood oxygen levels dropped below 94 percent on two occasions. WHAT IT DOES: Dexamethasone is a cheap steroid known to tamp down inflammation. It's already approved for use in other conditions in the US. WHAT THE DATA SAYS: Although it hasn't yet been given emergency approval in the US, dexamethasone is the most promising treatment yet for coronavirus. In a major UK study, the steroid cut the risk of death by 36 percent for patients sick enough to need breathing machines and by 18 percent for patients needing just supplemental oxygen. However, it seemed harmful at earlier stages or milder cases of illness: 18 percent of those on the drug died versus 14 percent of those given usual care. For that reason, many doctors were alarmed to see President Trump treated with the drug because using it suggested either that he was very sick, or that doctors were taking a risk in giving it to him early. THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: The steroid is potent, and can cause swelling, headaches, stomach pain, nausea, weakness, dizziness sleep problems, vision changes, skin problems, severe allergic reactions including mood changes. These mood changes include aggression, agitation and confusion. 'Steroids are always very dangerous medications to use,' Dr Edward Jones-Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, told Reuters. 'That is why it (dexamethasone) is used in severe to critical patients... There can be neuropsychiatric side effects. These are medications that we use very, very carefully.' Advertisement Significantly, Trump has been given dexamethasone, a steroid. Doctors prescribe that drug for COVID-19 patients to combat lung damage caused by inflammation, which is one of the major ways the disease can kill patients. Experts had said previously that a decision to put Trump on the drug would be a major development. It was the second straight day of confusion and obfuscation from a White House already suffering from a credibility crisis. And it raised more doubts about whether the doctors treating the President were sharing accurate, timely information with the American public about the severity of his condition. Trump waves as he drives past supporters. Credit:AP Pressed about conflicting information he and the White House released on Saturday, Navy Commander Dr Sean Conley acknowledged that he had tried to present a rosy description of the President's condition. "I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude that the team, the President, that his course of illness has had. Didn't want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction," Conley said. "And in doing so, you know, it came off that we were trying to hide something, which wasn't necessarily true. The fact of the matter is that he's doing really well." Medical experts said Conley's revelations were hard to square with the doctor's upbeat assessment and talk of a discharge. Loading "There's a little bit of a disconnect," said Dr Steven Shapiro, chief medical and scientific officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre. At the same time, Trump's drive-by greeting was reminiscent of the moment in 2016 when he emerged from Trump Tower in the midst of the Access Hollywood tape scandal to greet his supporters on the street below. But this move potentially exposed several people in his security detail to COVID-19. According to CDC guidelines, "In general, transport and movement of a patient with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection outside of their room should be limited to medically essential purposes." Some Secret Service agents have expressed concern about the lackadaisical attitude towards masks and social distancing inside the White House, but there isn't much they can do, according to agents and officials who spoke to the AP. This close to the election, thousands of agents are engaged on protective duty so they can be subbed out quickly should someone test positive. Loading Concern over the drive capped a day that was focused squarely on the President's health. Asked about Conley's lack of transparency, White House aide Alyssa Farah suggested the doctors were speaking as much to the President as to the American public, saying, "When you're treating a patient, you want to project confidence, you want to lift their spirits and that was the intent." Trump's Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, pulled his attack ads off the air during Trump's hospitalisation and, on Sunday, dispatched senior aides to deliver a largely friendly message. "We are sincerely hoping that the President makes a very quick recovery, and we can see him back out on the campaign trail very soon," Biden adviser Symone Sanders said on CNN's State of the Union. Loading She added, "This is a glaring reminder that the virus is real." Biden was at home in Wilmington, Delaware, with no plans for in-person campaigning or other public appearances. He has tested negative for the virus for a third time since he was potentially exposed at last week's presidential debate and his campaign has pledged to disclose all other future test results for the 77-year-old candidate. Trump's medical team indicated that his hospital stay could end soon. "Our plan for today is to have him eat and drink, to be up out of bed as much as possible, to be mobile," Dr Brian Garibaldi said. "And if he continues to look and feel as well as he does today, our hope is that we can plan for a discharge as early as tomorrow to the White House where he can continue his treatment course." Loading More than 209,000 Americans have been killed by the virus, by far the highest number of confirmed fatalities in the world. In all, nearly 7.4 million people have been infected in the United States, and few have access to the kind of around-the-clock attention and experimental treatments as Trump. First lady Melania Trump has remained at the White House as she recovers from her own bout with the virus. Several White House officials this weekend expressed frustration with the level of transparency and public disclosure since the President announced his diagnosis early on Friday. They were particularly upset by the whiplash between Conley's rosy assessment on Saturday and Meadows' more concerned outlook. They privately acknowledge that the administration has little credibility on COVID-19 and that they have unnecessarily squandered what remains of it with the lack of clear, accurate updates on Trump's condition. Many in the White House are also shaken and scared nervous that they have been exposed to the virus and confronting the reality that what seemed like a bubble of safety has become a COVID-19 hotspot. There has been no mass directive sent to staff on how they should respond. With Trump fighting the virus, his ever-loyal No. 2 is expected to play an increasingly prominent role in the weeks ahead. He will take a leading role in campaigning around the country in the final stretch before the November 3 election, aiming to defend the President and keep his supporters energised. Daniel Cameron accused Megan Thee Stallion and others of targeting him because hes a Black Republican Daniel Cameron has taken offense to Megan Thee Stallions Saturday Night Live performance after she blasted the Kentucky Attorney General for his handling of the Breonna Taylor case. Megan, 25, took exception to Camerons conduct after a grand jury he convened decided last month not to press any charges against the officers involved in her death. Cameron defended them, claiming their actions that night were justified. Megan Thee Stallion in her first SNL performance (via NBC) Read More: Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron responds to repugnant critics, defends his handling of the Breonna Taylor case As theGrio reported, the rap star made her SNL debut over the weekend where she performed the remix of her smash hit Savage featuring Beyonce. Megan and her dancers wore black and white zebra print outfits, dancing in front of a backdrop that read Protect Black Women. A voiceover of Malcolm X making his famous statement that Black women are the most disrespected, unprotected, neglected person in America, played, then segued into the voice of activist Tamika Mallory, a co-founder of the Womens March who had strong words for Cameron in a fiery speech after the grand jury decision came down. Daniel Cameron is no different than the sellout Negroes that sold our people into slavery, Mallorys voiceover said as the words appeared on the screen behind Megan and she and her dancers raised their fists in the air to punctuate the moment. Cameron responded to the insinuation during an appearance on Tuesdays Fox & Friends. I agree that we need to love and protect our Black women but the fact that someone would get on national television and make disparaging comments about me because Im trying to do my job is disgusting. But its not the first time we see this, and it certainly wont be the last time we see this, Cameron said. Cameron also claimed that he was being targeted because hes a Black Republican. Story continues Because I stand up for truth and justice as opposed to giving in to a mob mentality, and those are the sorts of things that will be hurled at me in this job. He went on to accuse Megan Thee Stallion and other celebrities of not being tolerant as they preach. The fact that a celebrity that I never met before wants to make those sorts of statements, they dont hurt me but what it does is it expose the type of intolerance, and the hypocrisy because obviously, people preach about being intolerant, he continued. You hear a lot of that from the left about being tolerant. But what you saw there is inconsistent with tolerance. In fact, its her espousing intolerance because Ive decided to stand up for truth and justice. The attorney general also addressed an open letter from the lawyers representing Taylors family. They are requesting a new special prosecutor because Cameron was not unbiased in his behavior. Read More: Fact check: AG Daniel Cameron not married to Mitch McConnells relative This is the Ben Crump model. He goes into a city, created a narrative, cherry-picks facts to prove that narrative, creates chaos in a community, misrepresents the facts and then he leaves with his money and asks the community to pick up the pieces, Cameron said. It is terribly irresponsible on his part to push such narratives, such falsehoods. As the attorney general, I dont have the luxury of falsehoods I have the responsibility to the truth, the law and justice. Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! The post Daniel Cameron blasts Megan Thee Stallion as disgusting for calling him out during SNL performance appeared first on TheGrio. NORRISTOWN An emergency disaster declaration was extended for the fourth consecutive time during a Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The order was first established on March 8, according to the proclamation. Officials cited widespread outbreak of coronavirus that overwhelmed first responders, healthcare providers and businesses within Montgomery County. The legislation instructs the countys Office of Public Health and the Department of Public Safety to coordinate the activities of the emergency response; to take all appropriate action needed to alleviate the effects of this disaster; to aid in the restoration of essential public services; and to take any other emergency response action deemed necessary to respond to this disaster emergency. It was extended in April, in June and once again in August. The most recent extension is set to lapse on Oct. 6. The additional authority would cover a 60-day window, expiring on Dec. 6. According to county Solicitor Josh Stein, the order would coincide with the states disaster declaration. Obviously the pandemic is still with us and this declaration does [bring] a certain flexibility and privileges , he said. That will also align nicely with the commonwealths most recent disaster proclamation which runs through Nov. 30, so at that point we will know whether the state is continuing the statewide proclamation, and we may choose to follow suit at that point as well. While the extension was narrowly approved in a 2-1 vote, Republican Commissioner Joe Gale doubled down on his opposition to the initiative, citing that the declaration would delay a return to a sense of economic normalcy. He has disagreed with the extension on numerous occasions. It creates too many hardships for too many families that are suffering because of this and they shouldnt be suffering to the degree of which they are, Gale said. However, Montgomery County Commissioners Vice Chairman Ken Lawrence Jr. sought clarification from the countys legal counsel about how the declaration does not apply to reopenings or shutdowns, but instead, this declaration allows us to apply for reimbursements for expenses. To which Stein affirmed his questions and statements. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present economic challenges, the commissioners authorized up to $1 million in federal grants to assist food pantries in Montgomery County. As part of the Montgomery County Food Pantry Assistance Program the monies, obtained through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, would go to purchasing food, supplies and equipment for facilities, according to Chief Financial Officer Dean Dortone. During the meetings public comment portion, Bridgeport resident Mark Jones suggested that there be more uniformity when it comes to testing and reopening Montgomery Countys 22 public school districts. We should have a robust testing strategy so that people can feel safe reopening schools, he said. Montgomery County Commissioners Chairwoman Valerie Arkoosh praised her constituents on their abilities to comply with a number of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines including wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and getting tested. She added the areas positivity rate since Sept. 25 was at 2.36 percent, its lowest since cases were first reported back in March. So great job everybody, but we need everyone to stay the course, Arkoosh said. Arkoosh stressed the importance of observing instances in other cities, states and countries who have experienced low case-rates before seeing a larger uptick, which she attributed to a lack of vigilance as people relax[ed] when case numbers dropped. She warned Montgomery County residents not to make the same mistake. We know we can see a lot of spread because the virus is still out there and that is evident by the fact that every single day we get anywhere from the high 20s to the low 50s in numbers of new cases, Arkoosh said. So it is still out there in a big way. In other business, the commissioners authorized more than $39,000 in contracts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A $36,752.70 agreement between the countys Information and Technology Solutions Department and CDW Government, of Chicago, covers computer accessories for teleworking county employees, and was made available through a Sourcewell cooperative contract, according to the contract. A $3,018 amendment to a previously approved contract with the countys commerce department and Paper Mart Inc., of East Hanover, N.J., allows for the distribution of 12,000 COVID-19 kits to a number of businesses in Montgomery County, according to the contract. The kits include printed folders, inserts, window clings, floor stickers, and informational tear-sheet pads, but the additional $3,018 request is for chipboard inserts to print packets, which will provide stability. The contact now stands at $90,430. The next Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 15. New Delhi: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday said that 'fake social media accounts' set up after actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death are under cyber cell radar and a probe into the case has been launched. He said that the fake accounts were seeking justice for Sushant and the people of Maharashtra will not forgive them. Deshmukh's statement comes hours Mumbai Police sources said that there may be around 80,000-1,00,000 such 'fake accounts' created on various social media platforms after Sushant's death on June 14. "Several social media account holders are trolling Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh on different platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and are using abusive language against him and the force," Deputy Commissioner of Police, cyber cell, Rashmi Karandikar said. Meanwhile, the Home Minister also praised the Mumbai Police for its investigation into Sushant's death and said that they are now waiting for the CBI report. "There was no foul play in Sushant's death. Seven senior doctors at AIIMS and five doctors from Cooper Hospital too also submitted their report. We are now waiting for CBI's final report," Deshmukh said. He also attacked the BJP saying, "US Michigan University has given a report that in Sushant's case, the BJP created a conspiracy along with a few channels. The state government feels that the work has been done to defame Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's state and the Maharashtra Police. The Mumbai Police has done its job well, this is also in the order of the Supreme Court." "A puppet from another state also tried to malign the image of the Maharashtra government and the Mumbai Police. Will Devendra Fadnavis campaign for former Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey?" Home Minister Anil Deshmukh asked. (With agency inputs) A special court for SC/ST cases is likely to pronounce the judgment in the Thanagazi gang rape case in Rajasthans Alwar on Tuesday. A 19-year-old Dalit woman was gang raped by five men in front of her husband on April 26, 2019, in Thanagazi in Alwar. The Rajasthan government drew criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bahuajan Samaj Party chief Mayawati during the Lok Sabha election campaign for the delay in lodging an FIR in the case and not taking action until the purported video of the sexual assault began circulating on social media. According to the FIR lodged on May 2, 2019, four men and a juvenile took turns to rape the woman near Duhar Chaugan between Thanagazi and Talvrikash for three hours after beating her husband while another man filmed the assault. The accused demanded Rs 10,000 from the victim for not putting the video of the gang rape on social media. The FIR was registered on the day the video of the ghastly crime went viral on social media. Police filed the charge sheet against the accused on May 18, 2019, 16 days after the FIR. Chhote Lal (22), Hansraj Gurjar (20), Ashok Kumar Gurjar (20) and Indraj Singh Gurjar (22) were charged under sections 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 327 (Voluntarily causing hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act), 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354B (outraging the modesty of a woman), 365 (Kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person), 376D (gang rape), 384 (extortion), 395 (dacoity) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Police also invoked different sections of the SC/ST Act and the IT Act in the FIR. The fifth accused Mukesh Gurjar, 28, was charged under different sections of the IT Act for circulating the video. The prosecution produced 32 witnesses. The trial of the minor is currently on in the district and sessions court. The state government removed the then superintendent of police Rajeev Pachar and suspended the Thanagazi SHO Sardar Singh for alleged laxity. On June 7 last year, the Rajasthan government ordered FIR against the SHO under section 166A(C) of the IPC, which covers a public servant failing to record any information given to him in relation to cognizable offence. Circle officer Jagmohan Sharma was transferred out of the district after the charge sheet was filed. Other staff of the police station was sent out of Jaipur police range. HT has earlier reported the findings of an administrative inquiry into the case in which Pachar was found guilty of negligence as he did not visit the spot within 24 hours of the incident. A police inquiry prior to this had given him a clean chit. The state government ordered an administrative inquiry by Jaipur divisional commissioner KC Verma on May 9, 2019 to fix accountability of police officers in the case. Dr. Collins stated that chimpanzees are our closest relatives and deserving of special attention, and activists embraced what seemed to many of them an act of courage. Kathleen Conlee, vice president for animal research at the Humane Society of the United States, said, Ill always think of Dr. Collins as having a legacy of doing whats right by the chimps. Shes not so sure any longer, now that the agency has reneged on its pledge to retire the animals at Chimp Haven. The chimps, she said, deserve that opportunity after all theyve been through. Senator Tom Udall, Democrat of New Mexico, is more blunt: N.I.H. has dropped the ball. An advocate of the chimps well-being for more than 10 years, the senator added, I dont have any faith that the N.I.H. is using taxpayer resources wisely for the humane treatment of these chimps. According to the most recent N.I.H. information on the cost of maintaining chimpanzees, the agency spent about $7.6 million in the 2019 fiscal year. Senator Udall and Animal Protection of New Mexico say the N.I.H. pays Alamogordo roughly three times what it pays Chimp Haven, which is around $42 a day per chimp. The N.I.H. offered a different calculation, based on a nine-year average rather than 2019, putting the Alamogordo cost at about $75 a day, and Chimp Haven at about $45 a day in federal funds, with another $15 per day raised by Chimp Haven from donations. Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, Democrat of California, another supporter of chimp retirement, said she was deeply disappointed in Dr. Collinss actions. The lab facility cannot meet the complex physical and psychological needs of the chimpanzees, she said, and she urged Dr. Collins to do the humane thing and release these chimpanzees to sanctuary. There is no question that the lives of the Alamogordo chimps have improved since the days when they were medical research subjects, subject to biopsies and other procedures as Montessa was. The chimps now at Alamogordo are not locked away inside and dont suffer invasive experiments. They are with caretakers and veterinarians who have looked after them for years. But information in real time about their well-being is difficult to unearth. Ms. Bonar, of Animal Protection of New Mexico, has had to file Freedom of Information requests to get some medical records, and obtained others through congressional staff members. Malahide Township is considering a proposal that would see the municipality drop Elgin OPP as its police service provider and switch to Aylmer police. The proposal outlines cost savings and improved service as benefits of making the change. An ad-hoc group of councillors and municipal staff found switching to Aylmer police would save Malahide almost $600,000 over 10 years. (Our analysis) indicated we would get a better price and better service from Aylmer, said Malahide Mayor Dave Mennill, who is also the Elgin County warden. The municipality currently pays more than $1 million annually for OPP services. The estimated 10-year cost would be $10.7 million with Aylmer, compared to an estimated $11.3 million with the OPP. Initial costs in Year 1 would be higher with Aylmer, due to the costs associated with expanding, but after that, the price drops. Aylmer police have committed to a three per cent yearly rate increase. While the yearly savings work out to only around $50,000, Mennill said its important for Malahide to look at ways to cut down expenses in the coming years, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Were probably looking at an economic tsunami coming down the tubes from both the province and the feds, he said. We are kind of tightening our belts ahead of time, thinking that if they pull back, where are we going to get the money? Aylmer police have also promised enhanced visibility in Malahide, with a dedicated officer in the area 24/7 something not currently provided by the OPP. The report also states the switch will provide quicker response to calls. Mennill said he has been pleased with the service from OPP, but supports the switch. I am certainly leaning toward Aylmer, just based on our service delivery review, he said. In its contract with Elgin OPP, Malahide must provide a one-year notice to terminate the agreement. Elgin OPP did not respond to requests for comment. If approved, it would be a first for Aylmer police to extend its service to a neighbouring community. With the fact that we have so many similarities between the two areas, it would work well for both us and for Malahide, said Aylmer police Chief Zvonko Horvat. It would result in efficiencies and cost savings for both areas. Small towns and rural areas switching from OPP to other police services is not unknown. In 2018, the Town of St. Marys shifted its law enforcement from Perth County OPP to Stratford police. For small municipalities, the two biggest expenditures are policing and fire service, said Christian Leuprecht, a political science professor at the Royal Military College and Queens University. Since police services are paid for by property taxes, many areas that arent seeing significant rises in property values cant keep up with inflating policing costs. Leuprecht estimates OPP costs have been rising at a rate of about three per cent a year. That means that the cost of providing the police service grows more rapidly than your ability to generate more revenue, he said. Effectively providing police and fire service eventually ends up cannibalizing your entire budget. Police services are legally mandated by the province, with a minimum standard that must be ensured. Municipalities may create their own police force, hire services from a neighbouring community, or contract out to the OPP. There are pros and cons to each: the OPP has more investigative capacity and access to provincial teams, while local forces may better understand their communities. Leuprecht said its common for municipalities to think about making the switch, but relatively few go through with the change. He said there needs to be broader discussions on how municipalities can find innovative solutions to improve the quality and quantity of policing they receive. The business model for policing in this province is breaking the bank for small and medium-sized municipalities, and its not sustainable, he said. The options are very, very limited. maxmartin@postmedia.com The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. The global generator rental market for oil and gas industry is expected to grow by USD 153.87 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 3%. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005840/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Generator Rental Market for Oil and Gas Industry 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) For the Right Perspective Competitive Insights- Request Free Sample Report on Pandemic Recovery Analysis Read the 120-page report with TOC on "Generator Rental Market for Oil and Gas Industry Analysis Report by Product (Diesel generator and Gas generator), Geography (MEA, North America, Europe, APAC, and South America), Application (Onshore and Offshore), and the Segment Forecasts, 2020-2024". Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders. Track key industry opportunities, trends, and threats. Information on marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales, and supply functions. https://www.technavio.com/report/generator-rental-market-for-oil-and-gas-industry-analysis The generator rental market for oil and gas industry is driven by the need for consistent power. In addition, the increasing focus on unconventional oil and gas E&P activities is anticipated to boost the growth of the generator rental market for oil and gas industry. Many oil and gas E&P companies are shifting to smaller, deep or ultradeep reserves, and unconventional reserves due to depleting conventional oil gas reserves. This has increased the use of power tools and additional tools and technologies as extracting oil from such reserves requires more power. In addition, processes such as production, processing, and refining in the oil and gas industry are energy-intensive and require a continuous supply of power. Any downtime in these processes will lead to significant monetary losses for oil and gas E&P companies. Hence, oil and gas E&P companies are exhibiting high demand for rental power as it serves as a backup to assist them during emergency and maintenance. It also helps them reduce downtime, operational costs, and ensures the safety of crew members. All these factors are positively influencing the growth of the global generator rental market for oil and gas industry. Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing Major Five Generator Rental for Oil and Gas Industry Companies: Aggreko Plc Aggreko Plc operates its business through segments such as Rental Solutions, Power Solutions Industrial, and Power Solutions Utility. The company provides diesel and natural gas rental generators ranging from 20 kVA to 1,375 kVA. APR Energy APR Energy operates its business through segments such as Power solutions and Mobile technology. The company provides mobile containerized generators and diesel and natural-gas power module packages. Ashtead Group Plc Ashtead Group Plc operates its business through segments such as Sunbelt US, A-Plant, and Sunbelt Canada. The company offers rental power generators under the Sunbelt Rentals brand for industrial applications. Atlas Copco AB Atlas Copco AB operates its business through segments such as Compressor Technique, Vacuum Technique, Industrial Technique, and Power Technique. The company offers a wide range of mobile diesel generators and rental power generator models. Caterpillar Inc. Caterpillar Inc. operates its business through segments such as Resource Industries, Construction Industries, Energy and Transportation, and Financial Products. The company offers rental generators to oil and gas industry through its subsidiary, Energyst. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Generator Rental Market for Oil and Gas Industry Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020-2024) Diesel generator Gas generator Generator Rental Market for Oil and Gas Industry Geography Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020-2024) MEA North America Europe APAC South America Generator Rental Market for Oil and Gas Industry Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020-2024) Onshore Offshore Are you a start-up willing to make it big in the business? Grab an exclusive Report Related Reports on Industrials Include: Global Low Voltage (LV) Diesel Generators Market Global low voltage (LV) diesel generators market by geography (APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America) and end-user (commercial, residential, and industrial). Global Mobile Power Generation Equipment Rentals Market Global mobile power generation equipment market by product (generator and turbine) and geography (APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America). 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005840/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-25 07:50:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A man wearing a face mask waits at a bus station in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sept. 24, 2020. Brazil on Thursday said 831 deaths from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours pushed the death toll to 139,808. According to the Ministry of Health, tests have detected 32,817 new cases of COVID-19 infection since Wednesday, bringing the total caseload to 4,657,702. (Photo by Rahel Patrasso/Xinhua) RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Brazil on Thursday said 831 deaths from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours pushed the death toll to 139,808. According to the Ministry of Health, tests have detected 32,817 new cases of COVID-19 infection since Wednesday, bringing the total caseload to 4,657,702. The state of Sao Paulo, the most populated in the country, is the epicenter of the national outbreak, with 958,240 cases of infection and 34,677 deaths, followed by Rio de Janeiro, with 257,985 cases and 18,037 deaths. Also on Thursday, Brazilian Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo said that in the last six months, the government has deployed 28,729 soldiers around the country to help fight the pandemic. In addition, the armed forces delivered 1 million food kits and 627,917 face masks, produced 24,555 liters of gel hand sanitizer, and disinfected 6,249 public sites, among other actions, Azevedo said at a press conference. Enditem SHELTON A team of assessors from the Police Officers Standards and Training Council will examine the Shelton Police Departments policies and procedures as part of the departments voluntary re-accreditation timeline. The team will determine whether the Shelton Police Department meets the POST Councils state accreditation standards a move needed for the departments re-accreditation. As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments. A copy of the state accreditation standards is available at the Shelton Police Department, 85 Wheeler St. The local contact is Lt. Brian Yerzak, the departments accreditation officer, at 203-924-1544, Ext. 4471. The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from across the state. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed. Once the POST Council accreditation assessors complete their review, they report back to Council Accreditation committee who will recommend if the agency is to be re-accredited. Accreditation is for three years. The agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with the standards. For more information regarding the POST Council accreditation program or to offer comments, send to William Tanner, POSTC Accreditation Division, 285 Preston Ave., Meriden, CT 06450, by telephone at 203-427-2602, by fax at 203-238-6643 or by email at Accreditation.Compliance@po.state.ct.us. Enter Shelton Police Department in the subject line of the email. More information is available at the Police Officer Standards and Training Council/Accreditation Division website at http://www.ct.gov/post Rebranding 6 October 2020 Marriott International announced today the long-awaited opening of the Buenos Aires Marriott Hotel. Previously operating as the Hotel Panamericano Buenos Aires, the property underwent an extensive conversion to meet Marriott's elevated quality standards. Located in the heart of the city, with convenient access to must-see attractions such as the Teatro Colon, the Obelisk and the Palace of Justice, the hotel is well positioned to become a favorite among business and leisure travelers visiting this South American destination. The Buenos Aires Marriott Hotel will be managed by Gotel Hotel Management, a company belonging to Grupo Hoteles Panamericano, which was created to strategically collaborate in the expansion of other Marriott brands in the Southern Cone and operate its own, as well as third-party hotels. Offering a unique 360 panoramic view of some of the city's most emblematic neighborhoods, such as Recoleta, Puerto Madero and San Telmo, the property features an eclectic porteno design, including two towers inspired by the classic French-influenced architecture that still prevails in the city today. In keeping with the Marriott Hotels brand's ethos to create spaces that inspire and nurture guests' creativity, each room is thoughtfully designed to create a balance of functionality, style and comfort. The rooms feature creative work spaces and state-of-the-art amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, HDTV and the exclusive Mobile Check-In, Mobile Check-out service, which minimizes person-to-person interaction during waiting time; Mobile Key, where cell phones will serve as access keys; Mobile Chat and Mobile Guest, from which services can be managed and requests addressed before, during and after the stay. Gastronomic offerings available for our guests include the Lobby Bar located on the first floor, La Luciernaga restaurant that offers Argentine and Mediterranean cuisine with an a la carte menu and Celtic Pub, an Irish bar with sophisticated decor that offers quick meals and delicious cocktails. Among other amenities of the property, there is "Nivel 23 Club & Spa," a 24-hour gym with the latest equipment and an incredible panoramic view of the city. The MClub, reserved exclusively for Marriott Bonvoy members, is known for its warmth and its impressive backdrop that overlooks the emblematic 9 de Julio Avenue. "We are proud to be working with Marriott International in the development and management of all its brands as a Strategic Partner in the Southern Cone," said Marcelo Ubach, CEO of Grupo Hoteles Panamericano. For more information, please visit www.buenosairesmarriott.com Diwali 2020: Know all the legends behind the 5-day celebrations India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Oct 06: Deepawali, Deepavali, or Diwali is the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It is the festival of lights. Diwali is marked by four days of celebration, which literally illuminates the country with its brilliance and dazzles people with its joy. As per Hindu calendar, the five day festival of Diwali is centered on the new moon day that ends the month of Ashwin and begins in the month of Kartika, beginning on the 13th day of the dark half of Ashwin and ending on the 2nd day of the bright half of Kartika. The main day of celebration varies regionally. 'Mask wali puja, mask wali Diwali': Govt advisory to curb COVID-19 The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhan Teras. The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi. It is the fourteenth lunar day (thithi) of the dark forthnight of the month of Kartik and the eve of Diwali. Diwali is celebrated with earthen lamps and artificial lights illuminate up the place. According to the Skanda Purana, the earthen lamps or the Diyas symbolise the Sun, describing it the cosmic giver of light and energy. Return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya: As per the Hindu epic Ramayana, Diwali is the day when Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman returned to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in forests. Many Hindus also believe that Goddess Lakshmi was born on Diwali during the churning of cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan). Hence, Diwali is observed to celebrate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Lakshmi Puja: On the auspicious new moon day, which is 'Amavasyaa' of the Hindi month of Kartik, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity - Lakshmi was incarnated. She appeared during the churning of the ocean, which is known as 'Samudra Manthan', by the demons on one side and 'Devataas' (Gods) on the other side. Therefore, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Lakshmi Pujan, on the day of Diwali, became a tradition. Narak Chaturdashi In northern India, Narak Chaturdashi is observed as part of Diwali festivities and also known as Chhoti Diwali. The day takes its name Narak Chaturdashi from the legend of Narakasura and his eventual execution at Lord Krishna's hand. Demon king Narakasura, spread his reign all over the universe including the 'Swargalok' the kingdom of Indra. He also stole the jewelry of Aditi, the mother of Gods and abducted 16000 girls and women. Lord Krishna killed Narakasura and restored the reign of Indra and honour of Aditi and freed and married the abducted 16000 women. Thus, the day is celebrated to mark the deliverance of Narakasura at the hand of Lord Krishna. Govardhan Puja To mark the day when Lord Krishna saved the citizens of Gokul from the torrential rains under the mount Govardhan carrying on his little finger, Govardhan Puja is observed on the next day of Diwali. The rains was the manifestation of the wrath of Indra, when Krishna asked the citizens of Gokul to worship Govardhan hill instead of Indra in anticipation of better rains and farm yield. When, Krishna didn't deter even after continuously carrying the hill for many days, Indra conceded defeat and stopped the rains. Thus, in honour of Govardhan hill and the victory of lord Krishna over Indra, the day is celebrated in many parts of the country. A small hill of cow dung is made and worshipped on the day. Farmers also worship their cattle and feed them special feast on the day. Bhai Dooj Bhai Dooja is celebrated two days after Diwali and culminates the five days festivities of Diwali celebrations. One of the most famous legends around Bhai Dooj narrates the story of Yamraja and Yamuna. Yamraja visited his sister Yamuna on this day. Pleased by her love and affection, Yamraja gave his sister a Vardhan (boon) that whosoever visits her on this day, shall be liberated from all sins. The rituals involve sisters putting 'Tilak' on brothers' forehead and performing of 'Aarti' while praying for the happiness and fortunes for their brothers. The rituals involve sisters putting 'Tilak' on brothers' forehead and performing of 'Aarti' while praying for the happiness and fortunes for their brothers. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 12:58 [IST] A 10-year-old boy was flown by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital after falling of his bike and suffering injuries to his face Monday afternoon, officials said. The child fell off his bike around 2:40 p.m. on David Lane off Washington Street in East Bridgewater, according to authorities. Firefighters located the boy who suffered facial trauma due to the fall, East Bridgewater Police Chief Paul OBrien and Fire Chief Timothy Harhen said in a joint statement. The boy was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken via MedFlight to a Boston hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. He is currently alert and stable, according to the statement. Islamabad, Oct 6 : The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance comprising 11 of the country's opposition parties, will formally launch its anti-government campaign with a public meeting in Gujranwala on October 16, instead of Quetta. The PDM's steering committee at its meeting on Monday released a schedule of six public meetings in the four provinces as part of the first phase of its movement in line with decisions taken at the September 20 multiparty conference (MPC) in Islamabad, reports Dawn news. The decisions taken by the steering committee were announced by its convener Ahsan Iqbal of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with leaders of other PDM component parties at a media briefing. According to Iqbal, the PDM would hold its second public meeting in Karachi on October 18, third in Quetta on October 25, fourth in Peshawar on November 22, fifth in Multan on November 30 and the last one in Lahore on December 13. While the alliance has appointed Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman as its first phase President, Iqbal said that members of the steering committee had unanimously elected Raja Pervez Ashraf of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as senior vice-president, whereas PML-N's Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had been nominated as its secretary general. The PDM was created last month in an effort to oust the incumbent Imran Khan-led government over its "failures in all sectors". By PTI KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced jobs and financial aid as compensation to families of those who lost their lives or are missing for more than a decade owing to Maoist violence in the Jangalmahal area of the state. Banerjee also announced jobs as special home guards to a member of each of the families who lost their next of kin to elephant attack. "Family members of those who died or are missing for over a decade in Maoist violence will be given financial compensation of Rs 4 lakh and one of the next of kin will be provided job as a special home guard," she said. The Janglemahal area spread over the districts of Paschim Medinipur, Purulia, Bankura and Jhargram had witnessed Maoists insurgency from 2008 to 2012. "We have taken a policy decision that assistance will be provided to the families of those who die in elephant attacks and the next of kin of the victim will be provided with a job as a special home guard," she said. Addressing an administrative meeting at Kharagpur area of West Midnapore district, the chief minister said that people die in elephant attacks in some parts of the state, mainly in Jhargram, Purulia, Medinipur, Bankura and in some districts of North Bengal. Banerjee handed over the appointment letter to one person, a family member of whom died in elephant attack in the forests of Jhargram. She also announced that junior constables who have completed five years in service, numbering 4,284 this year, will be promoted as constables. She handed over promotion letters to four of them. Banerjee asked the state director general of police to hand over the promotion letters to others before the Durga Puja, to be held in the last week of October. On the implementation of the central flagship health scheme, Ayushman Bharat, in the state, she said, "We already have our own Swasthya Sathi health scheme in the state. If the Centre wants us to implement the Ayushman Bharat, then it should be fully funded by them. " Billed as the world's largest government healthcare programme, Ayushman Bharat is funded with 60 per cent contribution coming from the central government and the remaining from the states. Banerjee had also written to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan last month saying that Ayushman Bharat would be implemented in West Bengal if it is fully funded by the Centre and the funds are routed through the state government. The chief minister said that the West Bengal government introduced Swasthya Sathi programme two years before the central government's Ayushman Bharat. The chief minister said that with an aim to strengthen the existing system of disseminating information on various schemes, the state government has decided to set up around 2,744 'Bangla Sahayata Kendras' (BSK) across the 23 districts of the state in the first phase. The BSKs will be set up in the offices of SDOs, BDOs and more than 800 libraries and all primary health centres. Each BSK will have two data entry operators with computers, she said. She said that tourism projects through private investment will create 8,000 jobs. With migrant workers returning to the state due to COVID-19 pandemic, these projects will provide much-needed employment to people, Banerjee said. The chief minister said that Norton will invest Rs 15 crore to set up a chemical plant at Vidyasagar industrial park in Paschim Medinipur district and the company was provided with 10 acre of land. She said that 12,000 km of roads are being either newly laid or repaired in the state under a new project which will be completed by December, giving the rural economy a boost. Banerjee said that more than 10 crore people in the state are getting ration through the Khadya Sathi scheme of the state government. She said that an initiative will be taken to ensure that women in red light areas, transgenders and backward people get ration cards. Regarding the Ghatal Master Plan, which was formulated to overcome the perennial problem of floods in Ghatal block of the district, the chief minister said that sanction of this project by the central government has been pending since 2015. "I am tired of asking the Centre for sanction of the project," she said, adding that the state government has been working to complete parts of the project on its own. Felicitating the principal of Sabang College for introducing Santhali language in the curriculum, Banerjee said that the subject is being taught in eight colleges in Paschim Medinipur district. New Delhi: In connection with a coal scam case pertaining to alleged irregularities in the allocation of a Jharkhand coal block in the year 1999, a special CBI court convicted former Union Minister Dilip Ray for criminal conspiracy and other offences here on Tuesday (October 6). Dilip Ray was a former Minister of State for the Ministry of Coal during the then NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The case pertains to the allocation of the Brahmadiha coal block in Giridih of Jharkhand to CTL in 1999. The Rouse Avenue court also convicted two then senior officials of the Ministry of Coal (MoC) -- Pradip Kumar Banerjee and Nitya Nand Gautam, Castron Technologies Ltd (CTL), its director Mahendra Kumar Agarwalla and Castron Mining Ltd (CML). Special Judge Bharat Parashar is hearing the coal scam cases. The court will hear arguments on the quantum of sentence against them on October 14. The Central Bureau of Investigation, in its chargesheet, had booked these accused under Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating), and 409 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. First lady Melania Trump can be heard calling Stormy Daniels a "porn hooker" in a secretly recorded tape. The tape was recorded by Ms Trump's former aide and confidant, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, and played on an episode of Michael Cohen's Mea Culpa podcast on Monday. During the conversation between the two women Ms Trump, 50, can be heard telling Ms Wolkoff, 50, about a photoshoot Ms Daniels did with Annie Leibovitz for Vogue magazine. "If you Google, go Google and read it, Annie Leibovitz shot the porn hooker, as she will be in one of the issues, September or October," Ms Trump can be heard saying. Ms Wolkoff, who left the White House under a cloud in 2018, then asks the first lady what she means by "porn hooker", to which she replies: "Stormy". Shut the f*** up," Wolkoff responds on the tape. For what? "Oh you didn't read it," the first lady continued. "It was yesterday when it came out. For Vogue. She will be in Vogue. Annie Leibowitz shot her." Stormy Daniels, an adult film performer, claims to have had an affair with the president, 74, while he was married to Ms Trump. The president continues to deny the claims, though his campaign team through Mr Cohen made a "hush money" payment to Ms Daniels, 41, during the 2016 race for the White House. The Independent has contacted Ms Daniels for comment. Ms Wolkoff recently published a tell-all book Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady about her relationship with the first lady, with whom she had a falling out before leaving the White House in 2018. Ms Daniels claims to have an affair with the president while he was married to Melania (Getty Images for XBIZ) She shared a second recording with Mr Cohen, Mr Trump's former lawyer and fixer, in which she can be heard claiming the president is the "most popular Republican president ever". "He goes there and you see those people," she told Ms Wolkoff. "He has such a base. He, you know, when he travels. Of course he's the most popular Republican president ever." It is the second embarrassing leak for the first lady in just days. Last week, Ms Wolkoff released a separate recording in which the first lady swore while downplaying a row over her husband's policy of separating children from the parents at the US border. "Secretly taping the first lady and willfully breaking an NDA to publish a salacious book is a clear attempt at relevance," Ms Trump's chief of staff Stephanie Grisham told CNN in a statement. "The timing of this continues to be suspect as does this never-ending exercise in self-pity and narcissism." Ms Wolkoff, who previously worked as a director of special events for Vogue magazine, reportedly met Ms Trump on the New York social scene. She had a short stint as an unpaid special government employee, and helped with the presidents inauguration, which reportedly made millions for a company she owned. Ms Wolkoff was last year subpoenaed over her role in the inauguration amid claims of excessive spending. Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady was released earlier this year. (Natural News) Never has a case of such obvious sedition been ignored by so many people who ought to be concerned about it: Ranking federal law enforcement officials; the media; and members of Congress. But because it happened to President Donald Trump, the traditional order of society and the application of our laws dont apply, apparently. For years since the Russian collusion investigation was clearly revealed to be every bit the witch hunt and grand hoax that President Trump said it was, many a wise political sage speculated that there was no way the FBI and U.S. intelligence agencies could have mounted a counterintelligence operation against a political rival for the Oval Office without the current occupant knowing about it. And it turns out they were right. Big League Politics notes: Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe declassified intelligence on Tuesday indicating that the Obama administration knew the Russian collusion story was a campaign operation by the Hillary Clinton team but pursued the investigation anyway despite its obviously dubious nature. [The] Ratcliffe letter indicates that former President Barack Obama was briefed by former CIA director John Brennan on the alleged approval by Hillary Clinton on July 26, 2016 of a proposal from one of her foreign policy advisors to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by Russian security services. Did you catch that, by the way? Yes, the name Hillary Clinton was mentioned; and in the context that she was the one who devised the Russian collusion hoax to begin with. So hard to believe, isnt it? This is literally Democrats doing what they have regularly accused the president of doing, which goes beyond simple projection and dishonesty. Naturally, Democrats are claiming what they always do: That muh Russia is behind it all. This is Russian disinformation, Rachel Cohen, the spokeswoman for Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), said in a tweet. She believed the so-called Russian disinformation was laundered by the Director Of National Intelligence and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This is extraordinary. So, basically, this statement is coming from Warner himself, who is the ranking member (as in, essentially, the co-chair) of the Senate Intelligence Committee, so were supposed to believe her. Got it. That said, Ratcliffe a former federal prosecutor who, until Trump selected him to become DNI earlier this year was a U.S. congressman from Texas anticipated the Democrat pushback in his letter. To be clear, this is not Russian disinformation and has not been assessed as such by the Intelligence Community. Ill be briefing Congress on the sensitive sources and methods by which it was obtained in the coming days, he wrote. Ranking members of the Senate are taking the information seriously, mostly because they know its true. This latest information provided by DNI Ratcliffe shows there may have been a double standard by the FBI regarding allegations against the Clinton campaign and Russia, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said. Frankly, this is Sedition 101: A sitting president conspired with his former secretary of state and major party presidential contender, as well as his top intelligence and federal law enforcers, to plot a coup against a president, Trump. BREAKING: According to handwritten notes, Brennan briefed Obama on Hillary's approval of a proposal to attack Trump in the 2016 election by tying him to Putin pic.twitter.com/lnwTFwjoAf Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) September 29, 2020 It would rise to the level of treason if we were formally at war with another nation (which makes this a great time to push Congress to reassert its power to declare war instead of delegate it out to presidents who order troops into war zones at their whim, seemingly). Then again, we were at war in Afghanistan and Syria, to name just a few places. These actions should never go unpunished. But alas, were betting they probably will because Queen Hillary and King Obama are too high up there on the food chain to warrant the kind of legal actions reserved only for underlings (and Republican presidents named Donald Trump) in our two-tiered system of justice. Sources include: BigLeaguePolitics.com NaturalNews.com The government has reiterated its commitment to the teacher licensure examination, saying it is a sure way to enhance standards and elevate the dignity of the teaching profession. The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, said the licensure examination was a credible means of achieving that and his government remained committed to it. "If we are to elevate the dignity of the teaching profession, as we must, then it stands to reason that we must guard the gates jealously and ensure that robust standards are met before a person can call himself or herself a teacher and enter the classroom to teach, he explained. That, he said, would help teachers acquire skills, knowledge, values and attitudes to meet national and global teaching standards to deliver effectively in schools. The President said this in a speech read on his behalf at this year's Ghana Teacher Prize Day in Cape Coast yesterday. Teacher Prize Day A 39-year-old teacher of the Naylor SDA Basic School, Tema, Mr Eric Asomaning Asante, was adjudged the Best Teacher. For his prize, he receives a three-bedroom house worth GH1.8 million. The first runner-up, Ms Anima Junior of the Aboabo Number 4 Presbyterian Primary School, will receive a double cabin pick-up, while Ms Sandra Osei of the Akwatia Technical Institute, the second runner-up, also received a Toyota saloon car. The event The awards ceremony, scheduled to coincide with this year's World Teachers Day, was on theme: Teacher leadership in developing crisis education responses. Hundreds of teachers and educational workers thronged the New Examination Centre of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the venue for the programme, to participate in the event. In spite of the fact that they wore masks, and notwithstanding COVID-19 protocols, the joy on the faces of the award winners, their families and friends could not be hidden when their loved ones won awards. While many of the award winners and their guests tried hard to make elbow shakes the order of the day, a few people found themselves hugging their loved ones who had won awards. The policy President Akufo-Addo noted that it was in line with promoting standards in the teaching profession that the government, through the Ministry of Education and its agencies, was collaborating with the Norwegian Teacher Initiative to develop a comprehensive teacher policy which had, among other things, established the Ghana Teacher Task Force to promote and ensure the attainment of high learning outcomes. He indicated that the policy critically took into consideration the welfare, professional development and growth, conditions of services and all that was needed to enable teachers to compete with their counterparts from across the world. The President said it would further influence teachers training and growth and ensure improved learning outcomes. Again, he noted that the Education Act, 2008 (Act 778), which, among others, led to the establishment of the National Teaching Council, which is overseeing enhancing professional standards, had worked to put in place mechanisms, including the teacher licensure examination. He pledged to work to ensure that the COVID-19 pandemic did not truncate the education or jeopardise the future of children, adding that that had informed the government's decision to allow some students to return to school. He noted that for the nation to be successful, attention must be paid to teachers. "It is only a crop of well-trained, self-confident and contented teachers who can deliver the educated and skilled workforce we require to transform our economy," President Akufo-Addo said. Congrats He commended teachers for their cooperation which had helped final-year JHS and SHS students to successfully write their final examinations. "In spite of the genuine concerns of safety, coupled with the doom-mongering trumpeted by some in the political space, the teacher unions cooperated with the Ministry of Education in the discussions and plans, leading to the phased reopening of schools," he said, adding that teachers rose to the occasion and supported the effort. Teachers deserve better "Beyond praising our teachers for their valour and dedication and the important role they play in our national life, it is important that this reflects in how we treat them. "Teaching must no longer be seen Source: Graphic.com.gh 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 DETROIT -- Detroit rapper Trick Trick is offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or person responsible for the murder of 6-year-old Tairaz Moore. Trick Trick, whose real name is Christian Mathis made the announcement as police continue to search for answers in why the boy was murdered execution-style last week. Tairaz was discovered on Oct. 1 in a home in the 2000 block of Otis Avenue near 9 Mile Road along with a 28-year-old woman who was also killed. Tairazs father -- who has been identified as Tukoyo Moore -- was found burned beyond recognition in a car in Detroit earlier in the day. Police found Tairaz after going to the home to alert the family of Tukoyo Moores death. The Warren Police Department says it may ask for federal assistance in the case so the death penalty can be sought in the case. The death penalty has been banned in all forms in Michigan since 1963 and was abolished in 1847 for all crimes except treason. However, if the case moves to a federal level a death penalty sentence is possible. When you murder a 6-year-old innocent baby, the person or persons responsible deserve the death penalty, said Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer during a press conference last week. Police have not publicly identified any suspects or motive in the case yet, but Dwyer said it could be drug related. READ MORE How to tour one of Michigans most terrifying places, the abandoned DPD 6th Precinct Michigans first giant vehicle vending machine opens What pending changes to expungement laws mean for setting aside criminal records in Michigan You will have to fill a PLF to enter Greece: see The Ukraine is not mentioned there for know - no issues. The IATA page only mention "nationals" not from where they are travelling into Greece - no issues. From what i understand, if you've got a flight going from Ukraine to Greece, you will fill the PLF as Dutch citizen with permanent adress in NL, having stayed in the Ukraine in the last 14 days before entering Greece. Sounds like no issues as well. However that's all theoretical. Have you thought of contacting a Greek Embassy to ask whether travel from Ukraine to Greece is possible at all? Ukraine Airlines does not have any flights to Greece currently... WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Rule changes to the massively abused H-1B guest worker program issued by the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security have been long overdue, and are critical to the welfare of American workers amidst the current unemployment crisis in the United States, says the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). "The changes that go into effect immediately will ensure that U.S. companies will use H-1B workers to augment our domestic labor force, not replace it, as had been the case for far too long. FAIR, and millions of American workers who are in crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, applaud the changes being implemented by Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia and Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf," stated Dan Stein, president of FAIR. Among the pro-American worker reforms that will go into effect as a result of these rule changes: A redefinition of "specialty occupation" that will ensure that H-1B workers who are admitted possess unique skills and qualifications that are not readily replicated by American workers. Dramatically curtail the "body shop" business model under which foreign labor contractors snap up tens of thousands of H-1B visas and then subcontract those workers to American employers. Under the new rules U.S. employers will have to petition for workers directly and demonstrate that there is an actual job that requires a uniquely qualified foreign worker. Enhancing scrutiny of companies employing H-1B workers to ensure that guest workers are filling the roles for which they were petitioned. In addition, employers found to be abusing the program could be fined or barred from participation. Implement needed increases to the "prevailing wage" levels, making it more difficult for companies to undercut American workers. "FAIR has been pointing out the abuses in the H-1B program for decades, and FAIR's public interest legal advocacy arm, the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI), has filed numerous lawsuits on behalf of American workers who have been harmed by the flagrant abuse of the program. Just this week, FAIR issued a detailed report laying out needed reforms to guest worker programs and the immigration system as a whole. In fact, the Immigration Reform Blueprint for the American Worker explicitly called for the policy changes being promulgated today," Stein noted. "While the current unemployment crisis triggered these regulatory reforms to the H-1B program, we expect that these changes will be long-lasting. Once these protections for American workers are firmly in place, it will be very difficult for any future administration to reinstate the ability of employers to deny jobs and undermine the wages of U.S. workers. "There is still much to be done in terms of reforming U.S. immigration policies to better protect the interests of American workers. The rules announced today are an important step in the right direction," concluded Stein. Contact: Matthew Tragesser, 202-328-7004 or [email protected] ABOUT FAIR Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced. SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) Related Links http://www.fairus.org With New York City and other districts across the United States starting to bring children back to school in person, at a moment of heightened medical complexity, school nurses are being asked to do their regular jobs, but also to take on new responsibilities. Kenya Brown, the school nurse for a public school in Jamaica, Queens, for grades six through 12, said that before the school reopened on Oct. 1, she had planning meetings with the building management team, the custodians, and the people in charge of food and school safety. They were figuring out new protocols for how students would enter the building, for security checking temperatures, for isolation rooms where children who developed symptoms during the school day could go for evaluation. With many families opting to continue with remote learning, her school had relatively few students returning last week. They all were scanned for fever on entering the school. One student who was alone in a classroom had her head down on the desk and was sent to the nurse for another temperature check. But Ms. Brown said, actually she was not sick, just a little bored, wondering, what am I doing here? School nurses have also been staying in touch with families by phone, Ms. Brown said, in order for us to make sure the students are well taken care of, even at home, we have to keep calling, touching base with parents, with students. Theyve already called many families: Some students have lost parents and grandparents, she said. Its a humbling situation. A Mumbai court here on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of actress Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik Chakraborty till October 20. The duo was arrested by the (NCB) in connection with a probe related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case last month. A special NDPS court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of the actress, her brother and other accused arrested by the NCB till October 20, special public prosecutor Atul Sarpande said. The special court had earlier rejected the bail pleas of the actress and her brother. They then moved the Bombay High Court to seek bail. The HC has reserved its order on their pleas. The NCB began its investigation after the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which was probing money laundering charges linked to the case, shared some social media chats retrieved from Rhea Chakraborty's mobile phone, hinting at the alleged use of banned Rajput (34) was found hanging at his residence in suburban Bandra on June 14. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is separately probing a case against Rhea Chakraborty and others for allegedly abetting the actor's suicide. (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.) This is one in a series of stories that are part of Swing County, Swing State, a collaborative project between lehighvalleylive.com and nj.com that explores Northampton Countys critical role in the upcoming presidential election. Take a walk through one of the more diverse neighborhoods in Northampton County and youll notice a plurality of homes have neither a Trump-Pence sign or a Biden-Harris sign in their front yard. But that doesnt mean the residents in those homes are apathetic or undecided when it comes to this upcoming presidential election -- an election in which the bellwether county will likely play an outsized role in predicting who will be the next president. For more than a month, weve been interviewing dozens of county residents, some who proudly display political signs and others more inclined to decorate their yards in celebration of Halloween instead of a certain candidate. Although those who spoke with us are not representative of a scientific sampling of county voters, we do believe they offer some insight about the makeup of the electorate. This much is clear: Its hard to find county voters who havent already decided how theyre going to vote. Some are for Trump, some are for Biden and some are for neither. And the lack of a political sign in someones front yard is no indication of how strong that residents opinion is about this race. In such a hotly contested election, even between two unfavorable candidates, it is unusual to find an undecided voter not only in the county, but nationwide. Only 3% of voters are undecided and only 2% said they would vote for a candidate other than Trump or Biden, according to a recent Quinnipiac poll. The voter profiles below back up those figures. They are part of our Swing County, Swing State project, a collaborative effort that seeks to provide a comprehensive account of why Northampton County is one of the most crucial swing counties in the nation. It backed President Obama twice before backing President Trump in 2016. And its very much in play in 2020. Among the project collaborators is Syracuse Universitys S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. We tasked journalism students there to contact Northampton County voters and report back with what they learned. Their work helped us identify voters who illustrate the countys vast diversity of life experiences and political viewpoints. Those voters' stories will be told later this month by a team of reporters at lehighvalleylive.com and nj.com. But the work of the journalism students also produced fascinating stories about why others in the county are voting a certain way. Here are some of those stories. Get the latest updates from the Swing County, Swing State project sent to your inbox. Jean Versteeg, 45, of Bethlehem. Jean Versteeg After becoming disabled in October 2016, Jean Versteeg waited two-and-a-half years to be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance. Versteeg, 45, a Bethlehem resident since 1996, was born with Marfan syndrome, which causes connective tissue to weaken throughout the bodys systems. Because of her genetic condition, Versteeg knew she would be reliant on government programs like Social Security. I knew growing up and I knew as an adult to always support these things because there will come a day, she said. Versteegs condition has mostly affected her cardiovascular system and it has also influenced her political views. Versteeg previously worked in project management at FLSmidth Inc. before going on disability. With payments from her long-term disability benefits, Versteeg was able to afford health insurance under COBRA. When her coverage ran out, she began paying for marketplace health care until April 2019 when she was approved by Social Security and placed on Medicare. Because of her disability, Versteeg said health care is her top priority issue. Versteeg, a registered Democrat married with three step-daughters, said she will only back candidates who support the Social Security program or some alternative. For her, thats Biden. Maybe theres flaws with Social Security or maybe theres flaws with the marketplace. Fine, lets fix the flaws, or lets find systems that work better, she said. I will not support getting rid of something simply because it has flaws. Steven Krause, 42, of Easton. Steven Krause Steven Krause said he and his family were eager for something different ahead when they voted in the last presidential election and Trump represented a marked difference. Krause, a 42-year-old mortgage loan originator who moved to Easton this March after spending more than a decade living in Allentown, voted for Trump in 2016 and intends to vote for him again. Krause has been affiliated with the Republican Party most of his life and has voted Republican in past elections, but his familys reasons for supporting Trump arent entirely rooted in party allegiance. We got really sick and tired of seeing the same old type of candidates and the status quo happening in the country, Krause said. So, we decided, lets vote for an outsider, something different, maybe a business guy that can do things a little different. Krause said he believes Trump has handled the economy well, pre-COVID-19. He also pointed to other accomplishments such as the removal of unnecessary regulations and the brokering of Middle East peace agreements. Krause said hes open to debate over Trumps presidency and wishes others would also be more receptive to political discourse. I think its healthy, Krause said. I think too many people put themselves in a bubble and they dont talk to people from the other side, and I think it keeps you more ignorant than you should be. Nick Giglio Nick Giglio wouldve voted for Trump in 2016, but the 24-year-old from Bethlehem said he missed the opportunity because he was unaware of his eligibility for an absentee ballot as a college student. He acknowledged that he has no one else to blame but himself. I was lazy, said Giglio, a Democrat. I didnt really know too much, in all honesty. Four years later, he said hes more educated not only on the voting process but on where Trump and Biden stand on the issues. He will be voting this time around and he plans to cast his vote for Biden. As a construction inspector for a state consultant, Giglio said infrastructure is one of his top issues, and he believes Biden will listen to qualified advisors on such matters. Joe Biden will be more likely to act in terms of looking out for the country rather than just thinking about it in a money perspective, or whether or not itll look good for him or if itll get him good ratings, he said. While he described his change of heart as a slow run-up, Giglio pointed to Robert Muellers investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election as a tipping point. The more I looked into it, the more I saw reasons why I wasnt happy with how Trump was handling things, Giglio said. His moral compass wasnt really there. Giglio said hes grown increasingly jaded with the presidents political strategies. It seemed to be just another dirty game of politics that him and his campaign were playing, Giglio said. It made me realize hes really not much different than the other dirty politicians that people tend to complain about. George DiFiore, 27, of Easton. George DiFiore Easton resident George DiFiore is still conflicted on who to vote for, but is leaning towards writing in green party candidate Howie Hawkins. Im not satisfied with the options were being given, DiFiore said. I think the responsibility should be on the candidates that are running to appeal to us, rather than us to fall in line. DiFiore, 27, currently works in crisis intervention and de-escalation at a residential mental health facility for children and has lived in Easton for 18 years. DiFiore said he has friends, family, and neighbors all over the political spectrum, with some who venerate Trump and others who volunteer as medics in the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests. He said there are not many ways this presidency would affect him in the short term, but does acknowledge the same cannot be said for a lot of his friends and co-workers. DiFiore also expressed concern regarding climate change, referencing friends he has in California who cant leave their apartments due to the wildfires. You cant have civil rights without having a world to live in, he said. DiFiore identified climate change, Medicare for all, and the widespread dissemination of fake or untrustworthy news as his top issues. He has shifted official party registration from Republican to Democrat to Independent since he was 18. If DiFiore does decide to vote for Hawkins, he said hell be doing so more in protest of the Democratic and Republican candidates than in support of Hawkins. I dont feel the two candidates have our interests in mind, he said. Im still more comfortable doing that than not voting entirely. At least with this Im saying something. James Daniels If theres one thing that makes James Daniels uneasy, its expressing his political views. Daniels, 32, works in cybersecurity and has lived in the city of Easton for his entire life, now with his grandmother and son. Its unpopular to be a Republican, Daniels said, and he doesnt know a lot of conservatives his age. I grew up a metalhead, so all of my friends were and are real hard core Trump haters with the stretched out ears and tattoos, Daniels said. Im straight-edge, but now Im the counterculture as a conservative. Although he hates President Trump as a person, Daniels reluctantly voted for him in 2016, and plans to do so again this November. My main concern is economic policy, Daniels said. The overarching theme for Democrats is universal healthcare. I work in the healthcare industry, so that would potentially jeopardize my job. Yard signs and a Trump hat signify his support, although Daniels said he would never wear the red hat in public or leave it in his car unattended. Weve already had signs in the neighborhood be vandalized, so I dont feel comfortable sharing (my views), Daniels said. I cant risk it. I cant talk about it online and advertising your political views only creates divisiveness between family and friends. Kelly Conway, 59, of Bethlehem. Kelly Conway Biden was not Kelly Conways first pick. Actually, he was far down on the list of Democratic presidential primary candidates. But now that he is the nominee, Conway is casting her vote for him -- a man she believes is inherently good and cares deeply about the country. Conway, 59, said shes always voted Democrat and arguing with Trump supporters wont influence the election -- only voting will. Anyone who is a Trump supporter is a Trump supporter, said Conway, a Bethlehem resident. Youre not gonna argue them out of that. Conways energy is palpable. She has started phone banking, is involved with the Pennsylvania Women for Biden, and participates in the MomsRising get-out-the vote postcard writing campaign. MomsRising is a grassroots organization that advocates for moms and families. When Democrats decided against door knocking because of the threat of the coronavirus, Kelly said she was dismayed but she continues to look for alternatives to connect with voters. Im a little disappointed in the Democrats' choice not to go door-to-door, Conway said. I understand it, but you know, just looking for other ways to kind of get people involved. Formerly a retail executive, Conway has been a stay-at-home mom since her daughter was born. She and her husband are recent empty nesters, since their only daughter started college. AJ Loquasto, 49, of Easton. AJ Loquasto Easton resident AJ Loquasto is no stranger to conversations about politics. Working in consumable parts sales for the automotive and autobody industry, Loquasto, 49, said his customers are eager to talk about national events and share their political views. I can say 100%, everybody that Ive talked to, thats within the capacity of my work, the customers that I am around on a daily basis, have the same views when it comes to supporting Trump, he said. Loquasto, a territory manager for Wurth, USA, interacts with up to 50 employees of independent service centers, auto dealerships and auto collision centers per week. Loquasto said his own support for Trump is in service to his beliefs in Second Amendment protections, low taxes, small government and policies in place to curb illegal immigration. I would say 90% of my thoughts go towards the Republican Party, more so now than ever, Loquasto said. ...The reason would have to be because the Democratic Party is not what the Democratic Party was 30 years ago, 20 years ago and even 10 years ago. Loquasto, married with no children and a lifelong resident of Northampton County, said a big problem in the country right now is the lack of civil conversation about politics. I welcome conversations from Democrats and people with other political views, Loquasto said. I think a healthy, educated conversation is good, and keep it civil. Unfortunately, these times and whats going on today, that hasnt been the case, and its a shame. Jordan Lazinsk, Isabelle Tavares, Cyera Williams, Brendan Scanland, Gianna Prudente, Kate Minutillo, Darasha Singleton, Evan Beebe, Victoria Decoster, Michael Garcia, Adriana Rozas, Violet Lazarus and Patrick McCarthy contributed to this report. The Swing County, Swing State project is being generously supported in part by a $25,000 grant from The John Farmer Memorial Journalism Fund. Read more about it here. And please consider supporting ambitious local news like this with a subscription to lehighvalleylive.com. Delhi Police have filed a supplementary charge sheet against nine people in connection with one of the north-east Delhi riot cases and added sections of promoting enmity between different groups in the name of religion. Police have cited messages that the nine arrested people had shared on a WhatsApp group -- Kattar Hindu Ekta-- that was created during the riots to attack members of the other community. HT has seen the supplementary charge sheet that police filed before chief metropolitan magistrate Purushottam Pathak on September 26. The charge sheet is related to the murder of Hashim Ali during the riots in Gokulpuri area. Earlier, in June, the police had filed their first charge sheet in the case against nine accused Lokesh Kumar Solanki, Pankaj Sharma, Sumit Chaudhary, Ankit Chaudhary, Prince, Jatin Sharma, Vivek Panchal, Rishabh Chaudhary and Himanshu Thakur. The nine were allegedly active members of the WhatsApp group in which they had plotted the violence during the riots. They were then charged under sections of murder, unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapon, rioting, causing disappearance of evidence, among other sections of the Indian penal Code (IPC). In the supplementary charge sheet, police have added sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language etc) and 505 (public mischief) for targeting victims on the basis of their religious identity. Also Read: How the Delhi riots probe polarised society | Analysis During the investigations and data retrieved from seized mobile phones has revealed that in the Whatsapp group Kattar Hindu Ekta, there were averments for promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion and acting in a way that is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony, the charge sheet read. According to the charge sheet, some of the messages sent by the group members were Do not give them flats on rent and we will burn everything of theirs like we burned the madrasa today, Do not leave them, kill them. As per the chat of Whatsapp group, the accused persons... conspired to teach Muslims a lesson for attacking the Hindus. They equipped themselves with sticks, swords, firearms etc and killed nine innocent Muslims, including Hashim Ali and his brother Aamir Khan. It is prima facie revealed that there was a well-hatched conspiracy among the accused persons, the charge sheet said. The group members lost their individuality and started working with a mob mind, police said in their charge sheet. Another chat that police have attached in the charge sheet was by a man, who has claimed that some people from the RSS had come to support them. Also Read | Delhi riots case: Police file over 17,000-page charge sheet, name 15 people In their charge sheet, police have told court that they applied for obtaining sanction from concerned authorities to charge the arrested persons under sections of promoting enmity on basis of religion. The court will take cognizance of charges and proceed to start trial only when the state government gives its sanction. Under section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure , the police have to take prior sanction from the department of prosecution, Delhi government for prosecuting anyone under section 153 A. According to the chargesheet, the WhatsApp group was allegedly created on February 25 to take revenge from the other community. Riots between Hindus and Muslims had broken out in different parts of north-east Delhi earlier this year, which left 53 dead and over 400 injured. The riots had started after a clash between supporters and protesters of the Citizenship Amendment Act. David Tudehope has been the CEO of Macquarie Telecom Group Limited (ASX:MAQ) since 2014, and this article will examine the executive's compensation with respect to the overall performance of the company. This analysis will also look to assess whether the CEO is appropriately paid, considering recent earnings growth and investor returns for Macquarie Telecom Group. View our latest analysis for Macquarie Telecom Group Comparing Macquarie Telecom Group Limited's CEO Compensation With the industry Our data indicates that Macquarie Telecom Group Limited has a market capitalization of AU$1.0b, and total annual CEO compensation was reported as AU$1.7m for the year to June 2020. That's a notable increase of 34% on last year. We think total compensation is more important but our data shows that the CEO salary is lower, at AU$569k. On examining similar-sized companies in the industry with market capitalizations between AU$558m and AU$2.2b, we discovered that the median CEO total compensation of that group was AU$1.7m. This suggests that Macquarie Telecom Group remunerates its CEO largely in line with the industry average. Furthermore, David Tudehope directly owns AU$553m worth of shares in the company, implying that they are deeply invested in the company's success. Component 2020 2019 Proportion (2020) Salary AU$569k AU$548k 34% Other AU$1.1m AU$686k 66% Total Compensation AU$1.7m AU$1.2m 100% Talking in terms of the industry, salary represented approximately 47% of total compensation out of all the companies we analyzed, while other remuneration made up 53% of the pie. It's interesting to note that Macquarie Telecom Group allocates a smaller portion of compensation to salary in comparison to the broader industry. If total compensation is slanted towards non-salary benefits, it indicates that CEO pay is linked to company performance. Macquarie Telecom Group Limited's Growth Macquarie Telecom Group Limited has reduced its earnings per share by 2.1% a year over the last three years. Its revenue is up 7.9% over the last year. Story continues Its a bit disappointing to see that the company has failed to grow its EPS. The modest increase in revenue in the last year isn't enough to make us overlook the disappointing change in EPS. These factors suggest that the business performance wouldn't really justify a high pay packet for the CEO. Looking ahead, you might want to check this free visual report on analyst forecasts for the company's future earnings.. Has Macquarie Telecom Group Limited Been A Good Investment? We think that the total shareholder return of 231%, over three years, would leave most Macquarie Telecom Group Limited shareholders smiling. This strong performance might mean some shareholders don't mind if the CEO were to be paid more than is normal for a company of its size. In Summary... As we touched on above, Macquarie Telecom Group Limited 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. Some investors may take issue with this, especially considering shrinking EPS for the past three years. On the flip side, shareholder returns have been strong over the same time, which is certainly a positive sign. We're not saying CEO compensation is too generous, but shrinking EPS is undoubtedly an issue that will have to be addressed. CEO compensation is a crucial aspect to keep your eyes on but investors also need to keep their eyes open for other issues related to business performance. That's why we did some digging and identified 1 warning sign for Macquarie Telecom Group that investors should think about before committing capital to this stock. Arguably, business quality is much more important than CEO compensation levels. So check out this free list of interesting companies that have HIGH return on equity 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. The infamous 'Cheers' replica bar in Boston closed during the pandemic, leaving world-class memorabilia from the 1980s sitcom behind. On Oct. 6 the bar auctioned off these keepsakes to the highest bidders. Not an item was left unsold. The Cheers bar was one of many forced to close during the coronavirus pandemic because of suffering business. It shut down on Aug. 30 after serving Boston locals and tourists for 20 years in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The original "Cheers" location, the Bull & Finch Pub in Beacon Hill, remains open. "Cheers," was inspired by that pub and eventually ran for 11 seasons on NBC. Here are some of the items auctioned off and how much they went for. "You don't need an office to make you successful in Alaska real estate." Tweet this Aspire Realty Group was attracted to Real's mobile technology and to Real's recently launched an agent compensation plan, which incentivizes real estate agents who contribute to the company's continued growth and success. "You don't need an office to make you successful in Alaska real estate, and the pandemic has really driven that point home," said Justin Millette, founder of Aspire Realty Group and recipient of the Alaska Journal of Congress's 2019 Top Forty Under 40 award in 2019." For Baer, Real's commitment to building a strong agent culture outside of an office-centric model was key. "All real estate brokerages have issues with culture right now. You go into the office and it's empty. The fact that Real is so focused on culture that has a chief culture officer is really something, and I look forward to helping to build that culture," said Baer. Frank Zellers will serve as Real's managing broker in Alaska. Prior to joining Real, Zeller led eXp Realty, LLC's pacific broker team and was the broker and owner of F&M Property Developing, Inc. Separately, Real has granted an aggregate of 5,000 restricted share units (each, an "RSU") to certain senior officers. The RSUs were awarded based on the closing price of Real's common shares on October 1, 2020 and will vest in their entirety on October 1, 2023. About Real Real (www.joinreal.com) is a technology-powered real estate brokerage in 21 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Real is on a mission to make agents' lives better, creating financial opportunities for agents through higher commission splits, best-in-class technology, revenue sharing and equity incentives. Forward-looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "likely" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing, information relating to 2020 results for the Aspire Realty Group and Nate Baer and eligibility to receive performance-based incentives under Real's agent compensation plan. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to Real's business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. 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, and the OTCQX has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Media contact: Lynda Radosevich, [email protected] SOURCE The Real Brokerage Inc. Related Links https://www.joinreal.com/ Dave Shaffer became the CEO of EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) in 2016, and we think it's a good time to look at the executive's compensation against the backdrop of overall company performance. This analysis will also evaluate the appropriateness of CEO compensation when taking into account the earnings and shareholder returns of the company. See our latest analysis for EnerSys Comparing EnerSys' CEO Compensation With the industry According to our data, EnerSys has a market capitalization of US$3.0b, and paid its CEO total annual compensation worth US$5.2m over the year to March 2020. That is, the compensation was roughly the same as last year. While this analysis focuses on total compensation, it's worth acknowledging that the salary portion is lower, valued at US$940k. On examining similar-sized companies in the industry with market capitalizations between US$2.0b and US$6.4b, we discovered that the median CEO total compensation of that group was US$5.2m. This suggests that EnerSys remunerates its CEO largely in line with the industry average. Moreover, Dave Shaffer also holds US$16m worth of EnerSys stock directly under their own name, which reveals to us that they have a significant personal stake in the company. Component 2020 2019 Proportion (2020) Salary US$940k US$900k 18% Other US$4.3m US$4.3m 82% Total Compensation US$5.2m US$5.2m 100% Speaking on an industry level, nearly 29% of total compensation represents salary, while the remainder of 71% is other remuneration. EnerSys sets aside a smaller share of compensation for salary, in comparison to the overall industry. If total compensation is slanted towards non-salary benefits, it indicates that CEO pay is linked to company performance. EnerSys' Growth Over the last three years, EnerSys has shrunk its earnings per share by 8.2% per year. It achieved revenue growth of 3.0% over the last year. Few shareholders would be pleased to read that EPS have declined. The fairly low revenue growth fails to impress given that the EPS is down. So given this relatively weak performance, shareholders would probably not want to see high compensation for the CEO. Looking ahead, you might want to check this free visual report on analyst forecasts for the company's future earnings.. Story continues Has EnerSys Been A Good Investment? EnerSys has generated a total shareholder return of 7.4% over three years, so most shareholders wouldn't be too disappointed. But they probably don't want to see the CEO paid more than is normal for companies around the same size. To Conclude... As we noted earlier, EnerSys pays its CEO in line with similar-sized companies belonging to the same industry. EnerSys has had a poor showing when it comes to EPS growth, and it's tough to say that shareholder returns have done much to excite us. This doesn't compare well with CEO compensation, which is largely in line with the industry median. We wouldn't go as far as saying CEO compensation is inappropriate, but we don't think the executive is underpaid. CEO compensation is a crucial aspect to keep your eyes on but investors also need to keep their eyes open for other issues related to business performance. We've identified 2 warning signs for EnerSys that investors should be aware of in a dynamic business environment. Arguably, business quality is much more important than CEO compensation levels. So check out this free list of interesting companies that have HIGH return on equity 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. Fine Gael Senator John McGahon has said that approving Urban Regeneration Funding for Bridge Street/Linenhall Street in Dundalk is "vital and should be strongly considered" by the Department of Housing and Local Government. The aim of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) URDF is to support more compact and sustainable development, as set out in Project Ireland 2040, through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Irelands large towns. Louth County Council submitted additional documentation in May 2020 to support their original application and it is extremely strong. The vision for the area is to radically transform the perception of the area while building on it rich history and to create a new streetscape that will be more attractive to businesses, residents, investors and tourists. Senator McGahon added: "We must ensure a thriving, functioning town with inclusivity for all members of the community. The application aims to create a townscape which links to and mirrors other areas of town while at the same time redefining the northern access point to Dundalk town. "I am absolutely committed to making sure the Government are aware of how important this funding is for the northern part of Dundalk town. We need to rejuvenises this area of Dundalk to make it more sustainable and successful for businesses and residents alike." Four Additional Board Members Appointed to Complement Founding Expertise Neogene Therapeutics, Inc., a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering a new class of fully personalized neo-antigen T cell therapies to treat cancer, today announced the appointment of Franz B. Humer, Ph.D., as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. A world-renowned pharmaceutical industry trailblazer, Dr. Humer served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Roche Holding, Ltd. over a period of 16 years before retiring in 2014. As a result of the recent Series A financing, Rachel Mears of Jeito Capital, Elisa Petris, Ph.D., of Syncona Investment Management Ltd., Caroline Stout of EcoR1 Capital, and Katherine Wood of TPG Capital, also have joined the Neogene Board. "We are honored to welcome Franz as Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors. His vast experience in the development of ground-breaking therapies and decades of unparalleled leadership as a pioneer in the pharmaceutical industry will be invaluable as we advance the development of a novel class of engineered T cell therapies," said Carsten Linnemann, Ph.D., President, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Neogene Therapeutics. "With the recent completion of our $110 million Series A financing, I am looking forward to working closely with Franz and the Board to advance our differentiated technology and realize a new paradigm of personalized cancer treatment for patients." Dr. Humer joined Roche in 1995 as Head of the Pharmaceuticals Division and Member of the Board. He was appointed CEO in 1998 and Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO in April 2001. From March 2008 to March 2014, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Roche Holding Ltd. Prior to Roche, Dr. Humer spent more than a decade at Glaxo Holdings, where he was appointed Managing Director of Glaxo Pharmaceuticals UK, Ltd. in 1987. He was elected to the Board in 1989 and became Chief Operating Director of worldwide operations (excluding the United States) in 1992. He earned a doctorate in law from Innsbruck University and an M.B.A. from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. "I'm excited to join Neogene and its world-class team of cell therapy experts as they look to advance the development of neo-antigen T cell therapies and lead innovation in cancer treatment," said Dr. Humer. "The company has already made impressive progress as it develops therapies that have the potential to make a true difference for cancer patients. I look forward to contributing my experience in biopharma drug development, working closely with Carsten and the executive leadership as well as my fellow new board members to help grow the company and bring fully personalized engineered T cell therapies to patients living with advanced solid tumors." Dr. Humer currently serves as an independent Director of Allogene Therapeutics, a company developing novel allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies. In addition, he holds private Board appointments across industries and serves as a non-executive Director of Cydar, Chairman of HMNC Holding, a healthcare advisor to a number of international institutions, and Chairman of the Board of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children and the Humer Foundation. Newly Appointed Members of Neogene Board of Directors Rachel Mears is a Partner at Jeito Capital. She has more than 20 years of transactional, operational and legal experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Ms. Mears led Strategy and International Business Operations at Forest Laboratories, where she worked on the successful development and commercialization of over 10 U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs and spearheaded the company's integration with Allergan (then known as Actavis). Previously, Ms. Mears served as Chief Business Officer and General Counsel at Modern Meadow and as Senior Counsel, Chief of Staff, to PepsiCo's General Counsel. Ms. Mears began her career as a patent attorney, first with Morrison Forester and later with Kirkland Ellis, specializing in complex intellectual property strategy and litigation. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Hackley School. Ms. Mears received a B.S. with honors in chemistry from Stanford University and a J.D. from New York University School of Law and was admitted to the U.S. Patent Bar. Elisa Petris, Ph.D., is a Partner at Syncona Investment Management Ltd., a Director on the Board of Quell Therapeutics, and an observer on the Board of Achilles Therapeutics. She previously served on the Board of Blue Earth Diagnostics. She has been closely involved in the foundation of these companies, including their operational and strategic set-up. Previously, she was a Senior Associate at Michel Dyens Co., where she worked on transactions covering the healthcare industry, and a member of the Life Science team at L.E.K. Consulting. While at L.E.K., she worked on projects for biotech, pharma and private equity clients. Dr. Petris earned a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Imperial College and an M.B.A. from London Business School. Caroline Stout is a Principal at EcoR1 Capital. She also serves as Chief Investment Officer of Panacea Acquisition Corporation. At EcoR1 Capital, Ms. Stout focuses on investing in private and public biotechnology companies. She has led multiple investments in the cell and gene therapy space. She serves as a Board observer for Accent Therapeutics and Neurogene Inc. Previously, she served as a Board observer for Prevail Therapeutics. Prior to EcoR1, Ms. Stout was a healthcare investment banker at Credit Suisse, where she worked on a variety of transactions across the healthcare and biotechnology sectors. Ms. Stout graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University with a B.A. in economics. Katherine Wood is a Principal at TPG Capital, where she focuses on investments in the healthcare sector. She currently serves on the Boards of LifeStance Health, Convey Health Solutions, Kadiant, AskBio and Ellodi Pharmaceuticals and was previously on the Board of Adare Pharmaceuticals. She was involved in TPG's investments in Allogene Therapeutics, Aptalis, EnvisionRx, IASIS and Par Pharmaceutical. Prior to joining TPG, Ms. Wood worked in healthcare investment banking at Goldman, Sachs Co. She received a B.S. with honors in molecular and cell biology from Stanford University and an M.B.A. with distinction from Harvard Business School. Existing Neogene Board members include the following: Raul Jain, M.D., is a Director at Vida Ventures. He has more than 20 years of experience in science, medicine and academia, including in cell therapy and oncology development. Prior to Vida Ventures, he held roles of increasing responsibility at Kite Pharma, most recently as Vice President and Head of Development, where he oversaw the development and regulatory approvals of multiple CAR and TCR-engineered T cell programs. Previously, Dr. Jain served as Global Development Lead at Amgen, where his role included overseeing the development and regulatory approvals of small molecules and biologics in oncology. Dr. Jain currently serves on the Board of Directors for InnoSkel and Quanta. He completed his post-doctoral training in biophysics at Rockefeller University, and fellowship training at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he was Chief Fellow. He completed a B.A. in chemistry and biochemistry at Rice University. He earned an M.D. and completed his internal medicine internship and residency at UT Southwestern Medical School, where he was a Howard Hughes Fellow. Carsten Linnemann, Ph.D., is the President, Chief Executive Officer, and a Co-Founder of Neogene. Before Neogene, Dr. Linnemann served as Associate Director, Next Generation T Cell Therapies? and Managing Director of Kite Pharma EU B.V. He has co-founded several biotech companies, including T-Cell Factory B.V. (acquired by Kite Pharma, Inc. in 2015). He has co-authored several publications in the field of genetic engineering of T cells, and done seminal work on human neo-antigen biology. Dr. Linnemann has been awarded numerous professional honors including the Thesis Prize from the Netherlands Society of Gene and Cell Therapy and the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Career Achievement Award from The Netherlands Cancer Institute. Dr. Linnemann is an alumnus of the German Academic Foundation and the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds Foundation for Biomedical Research. He received a Ph.D. with honors for his work on engineering T cell immunity by TCR gene transfer in the laboratory of Dr. Ton Schumacher at The Netherlands Cancer Institute. Ton N.M. Schumacher, Ph.D., is a Co-Founder of Neogene and Principal Investigator at The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute member, and Professor of Immunotechnology at Leiden University Medical Center. Dr. Schumacher previously co-founded AIMM Therapeutics, Neon Therapeutics and T Cell Factory and served as Chief Scientific Officer of Kite Pharma EU. In addition, Dr. Schumacher serves as Venture Partner at Third Rock Ventures. He is an internationally renowned researcher in the areas of cancer neoantigens and TCR therapies, and in recognition of his work in these areas, he has received, among others, the Amsterdam Inventor Award, the Queen Wilhelmina Cancer Research Award, the Meyenburg Cancer Research Award, the William B. Coley Award, and the Stevin Award of the Dutch Research Council. David M. Tanen is Corporate Secretary of Neogene and a Partner and Co-Founder of Two River Consulting, which specializes in creating, operating and financing development-stage life science companies. Mr. Tanen is also a Co-Founder of Kite Pharma, where he served as an officer and General Counsel from its inception until its acquisition by Gilead Sciences; a Co-Founder of Kronos Bio, where he serves as an officer and member of the Board of Directors; and a Co-Founder and Officer of Allogene Therapeutics. He also serves as an advisor to Vida Ventures. Mr. Tanen received a B.A. from The George Washington University and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, where he has served on the Dean's Planning Council for more than 10 years as well as the Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council. About Neogene Therapeutics Neogene Therapeutics, Inc. is a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of next-generation, fully personalized engineered T cells therapies for a broad spectrum of cancers. The Company's engineered T cells target mutated proteins found in cancer cells due to cancer-associated DNA mutations, or neo-antigens, that render tumor cells vulnerable to detection by T cells. Neogene's proprietary technology platform aims to identify TCR genes with specificity for neo-antigens from tumor biopsies. Neogene's novel approach intends to deliver a tailored set of TCR genes for each individual patient, which will be engineered into patient-derived T cells directing them towards neo-antigens in tumor cells, with the goal of providing a fully personalized engineered T cell therapy for cancer. For more information, please visit www.neogene.com, and follow Neogene Therapeutics on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005477/en/ Contacts: Investor Contact: Carsten Linnemann, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer cl@neogene.com Media Contact: Sheryl Seapy W2O Group 949-903-4750 sseapy@w2ogroup.com Members of the Bellows Falls, Vt., and North Walpole, N.H., Fire Departments hold an active fire training and mayday rescue at an abandoned building on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. The fire was set with Christmas trees that the Bellows Falls Fire Department collected earlier in the year. DENMARK -- Voorhees College was recently awarded $13.3 million for three years to implement Rigorous Instruction Supports Equity (RISE). RISE and 12 other programs were awarded U.S. Department of Education grants as part of the Supporting Effective Educators Grant (SEED) annual competition. SEED supports evidence-based educator development models that prepare teachers, principals and other school leaders serving students in high-need schools. According to the Department of Education, the purpose of these grants is to increase the number of highly effective educators by supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices that prepare, develop or enhance the skills of educators. Voorhees President Dr. W. Franklin Evans said the funds will make a major difference in the lives of students who wish to pursue a career in teaching. The RISE initiative demonstrates our commitment to impact South Carolinas and the nations increasing lack of qualified candidates who will enter the teaching profession," he said. According to Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, co-project director and provost/vice president for academic affairs, RISE will also build a network of support for educators to improve in practice, raise retention of exemplary teachers and promote student achievement in high-need schools in South Carolina Federal Opportunity Zones. Our planning team that consists of Voorhees and public school educators and leaders in the field of improving educator practice conducted a thorough needs assessment, completed an extensive review of teacher quality research and assessed the impact of evidence-based practices to build RISE, he said. Dr. Tywana Chenault-Hemby, co-project director and chairperson of the Department of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, said most uniquely, RISE will improve student academic performance and prepare students for employment. Additionally, these students will achieve responsible citizenship and fulfilling lives by better preparing the educators who are responsible for their success, she said. In South Carolina, there are 135 Opportunity Zones. RISE educators will be eligible to be placed and serve in any school district within schools in federal opportunity zones. The critical objectives of RISE will support existing teachers as they strive to become exemplary and create new teachers who will have in-depth knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and other subjects, all while offering traditional and non-traditional alternative certifications resulting in South Carolina teaching licenses through multiple partnership arrangements with approved educator preparation providers. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Natural Resources Limited ("Canadian Natural" or the "Company") announces that the previously announced acquisition by Canadian Natural of all the issued and outstanding common shares of Painted Pony Energy Ltd. ("Painted Pony") pursuant to a plan of arrangement has been completed. Canadian Natural welcomes Painted Pony employees to its Northeast British Columbia and Calgary head office teams. The acquired production, infrastructure and land compliments Canadian Natural's natural gas assets in key operating areas, providing opportunities to leverage synergies with a significant amount of pre-built infrastructure and transportation available. Canadian Natural is a senior oil and natural gas production company, with continuing operations in its core areas located in Western Canada, the U.K. portion of the North Sea and Offshore Africa. CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 2100, 855 - 2nd Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta, T2P4J8 Phone: 403-514-7777 Email: ir@cnrl.com www.cnrl.com TIM S. MCKAY President MARK A. STAINTHORPE Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice-President, Finance Jason M. Popko Manager, Investor Relations Trading Symbol - CNQ Toronto Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange Certain information regarding the Company contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Such statements are subject to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Refer to our website for complete forward-looking statements www.cnrl.com A week after Jill Biden visited Traverse City on behalf of her husbands presidential campaign, area residents will see television ads highlighting the visit. The campaign is targeting voters the Traverse City-Cadillac media market with an ad featuring a fruit farm Biden toured in Central Lake on Sept. 29. Biden visited Antrim County and Traverse City last month to stump for her husband Joe Biden and discuss the impact of President Donald Trumps environmental record on Northern Michigan farms. Read more: Northern Michigan Democrats hope Jill Biden visit puts us on the map Its not uncommon for campaigns to record promotional materials during events on the trail. Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris also posted footage from her September visit to Flint on Twitter. The ad features John King, co-owner of King Orchards in Central Lake, and his family as they discuss their concerns about how late spring frosts, flooding and droughts caused by climate change impact Northern Michigan cherry farmers. I feel very strongly that we need to take action now on climate change, King says in the ad. So we need leadership to address the problems were facing every day so we can continue to produce food for America and the whole world. Trump won Michigan by 10,704 votes in 2016, the tightest margin in the country and the closest result of a presidential election in Michigans history. Democrats have targeted rural parts of the state in the four years since Trump flipped Michigan, hoping to peel off votes in places the president won. Were working hard to earn the votes of Michiganders everywhere, including throughout Northern Michigan," said Eric Hyers, the Biden campaigns Michigan state director. Were having conversations with voters all across the state -- listening to their concerns and sharing Joe and Kamalas plans to help them recover. The Traverse City-Cadillac media market covers much of the northern part of Michigans Lower Penninsula. Trump handily won counties in the region four years ago, driving up Republican votes throughout Northern Michigan. The Biden campaign has increased its presence in Michigan over the last month. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., campaigned for his former Democratic primary rival in Ann Arbor and Warren Monday. The former Second Lady was in the state on Sept. 15, when she toured Kids' Food Basket in Grand Rapids and attended an event with military families in Battle Creek. Joe Biden visited Grand Rapids Oct. 2 and stopped in Warren and Detroit on Sept. 9. Harris stopped in Flint and Detroit on Sept. 22. READ MORE ON MLIVE: For Michigan evangelicals, Trump represents babies saved, Supreme Court seat Joe Biden urges patriotic national mask mandate at Grand Rapids campaign stop Trumps positive COVID-19 test upends final stretch of 2020 presidential race Bernie Sanders criticizes economy under Trump in Macomb County car rally for Joe Biden Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) identify a gene associated with symptoms of two severe genetic conditions Tokyo, Japan - Temple and Kagami-Ogata syndromes are serious genetic conditions that can lead to a variety of health problems with neonatal lethality, and in the case of Temple syndrome, severe growth problems occur. However, the genetic mechanisms of these illnesses are not well understood. But now, researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) have identified a gene that appears to be responsible for symptoms of both conditions, with important implications for human evolutionary genetics. In a study published last month in Development the research team has revealed that deficiency and overproduction of Retrotransposon Gag like 1 (Rtl1), which is a mouse ortholog of the human RTL1 gene, is significantly associated with muscle symptoms in models of Temple and Kagami-Ogata syndromes, respectively. Temple and Kagami-Ogata syndromes are characterized by unique postnatal muscle-related symptoms and prenatal placental problems. Although Rtl1 has previously been found to be responsible for prenatal placental malformations in mouse models of these conditions, the causative gene for the muscle-related symptoms has not been identified. The researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) aimed to address this in their recent study. "Although Rtl1 is essential for maintaining placental fetal capillaries," says lead author of the study, Moe Kitazawa, "Little is known about the role of Rtl1 in other forms of muscular abnormalities." The researchers extensively examined the role of Rtl1 in fetal muscle development at both the cellular and tissue level. They used two previously generated mouse models, one with a loss of Rtl1 to model Temple syndrome, and one with an overproduction of Rtl1 to model Kagami-Ogata syndrome. "Our data clearly demonstrate that RTL1 is of critical physiological significance," explains Fumitoshi Ishino, senior author. "In the mouse models of both Temple and Kagami-Ogata syndrome, we detected severe but distinct abnormalities in the neonatal muscles that are necessary for respiration, such as the intercostal, abdominal, and diaphragm muscles." Particularly, the overproduction of Rtl1 in the mouse model of Kagami-Ogata syndrome led to respiratory problems and muscle damage, resulting in neonatal death and the loss of Rtl1 was a major cause of abnormal muscle tone, such as hypotonia, and likely to be associated with feeding difficulty/poor sucking function in Temple syndrome patients. Thus, RTL1 appears to be the major gene responsible for muscle and placental defects in these two genetic conditions. "This is the first demonstration that a form of RTL1 specific to eutherians (placental mammals) plays an important role in fetal and neonatal muscle development," says Kitazawa. "This work demonstrates that LTR retrotransposons, which are a specific type of mobile DNA from which RTL1 originated, have influenced a variety of eutherian-specific traits, including the skeletal muscles, placenta, and the brain. Thus, these findings have important implications for understanding the acquisition of genes throughout the process of eutherian evolution", say senior authors Kaneko-Ishino and Ishino. ### The article, "Deficiency and overexpression of Rtl1 in the mouse cause distinct muscle abnormalities related to the Temple and Kagami-Ogata syndromes" was published in Develpment at DOI:10.1242/dev.185918 DOHC One things for sure: theres absolutely no shortage of ambitious workshops and talented aftermarket surgeons in Italy! Over the years, their fascinating works of two-wheeled art never ceased to amaze the custom moto realm, thanks to the bikes intricate designs and sheer level of authenticity. Cerbara-based GiaMi Motorcycles is one of these revered enterprises and their one-off Suzuki Inazuma 400 does a pretty neat job at demonstrating the teams outstanding abilities.Before we go into any details, well take a minute to remind ourselves of the donors main characteristics. The 1997 model in Suzukis Inazuma 400 family is brought to life by a four-strokeinline-four powerplant, with a compression ratio of 11.2:1 and a displacement of 399cc.At around 11,000 rpm, the oil-cooled mill is capable of generating up to 52 hp, while a solid torque output of 27 pound-feet (36 Nm) will be achieved at 9,500 rpm. This force is channeled to a chain final drive by means of a six-speed constant mesh transmission.As to GiaMis unique piece of machinery, the team began by treating its suspension to an extensive overhaul, using a pair of aftermarket telescopic forks at the front, along with top-grade dual shock absorbers from the almighty Ohlins on the opposite end.Next, Inazumas brakes were honored with a selection of Brembo components, as well as wave rotors and braided brake lines. To round out the handling improvements, a Biturbo steering damper was also added. Furthermore, the workshop went as far as fabricating a complete stainless-steel exhaust system in-house. The four-into-one module is equipped with a Gianelli muffler that allows the inline-four engine to breathe a little more freely.Additionally, you will find a neat custom subframe, which supports a fresh neoprene saddle, bullet-style turn signals and a new taillight unit. Up front, GiaMi installed a Lucas 7-inch (178 mm) headlight, an eccentric gauge and clip-on handlebars, complemented by rear-mounted footpegs on the other end. To top it all off, they outsourced a vintage fuel tank and tweaked it to match the double cradle frames proportions.Wouldnt you just love to take this baby out for a spin? Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 18:47:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The total number of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in Africa has reached 1,518,662 as of Tuesday with the death toll reaching 36,921, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said. The Africa CDC also said the number of people who have recovered from the infectious virus across the continent has reached 1,256, 284 so far. Amid the uneven impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on African countries, the Africa CDC disclosed that the African countries most affected by the disease in terms of the number of positive cases include South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. South Africa currently has the most COVID-19 cases, which hit 682, 215. The country also has the highest number of deaths related to COVID-19, at 17,016. Morocco comes next with 134,695 confirmed cases and 2,369 deaths, followed by Egypt with 103,781 confirmed cases and 5,990 deaths, Africa CDC said. The continent's total COVID-19 cases represent about 4.4 percent of the global tally, according to the Africa CDC. The average continental fatality rate is currently around 2.4 percent. Enditem Its our seven-year anniversary and we just came down to just have a little time out, Kristen Varrassi said. "We were walking around and we saw this and we were like, 'Oh, this is awesome. If you have to sneeze, youre in trouble, Bill Johnson said of wearing the Air, an acrylic visor that evokes 1960s Soviet cosmonaut culture. Mr. Johnson, 44, a voice and video engineer in Utah, had tested an early model of the device on an airplane from Salt Lake City to Seattle to Ketchikan, Alaska, then on a three-hour ferry ride and a floatplane to reach his bush cabin. I flew with my older brother, and he couldnt have been any more embarrassed, he said. Most of the time, he didnt realize it was on, except when people started to stare. Kids would point and laugh, Mr. Johnson said. They were the most honest. The Air, which features built-in HEPA filters, four hours of power on a lithium battery and a removable washable fabric, is one of the new space age-style wearables being marketed as the evolution of mask culture. Theres also the BioVyzr, a pressurized, anti-fog face shield with two adjustable fans that run for up to eight hours on a single USB charge. The creators describe the device, which looks a bit like the weather shield of a baby carriage, as a new form of P.P.E.: a powered air-purifying respirator, or PAPR, which they say can remove as much as 95 percent of particulate matter, such as droplets and aerosols. Americas Racial Reckoning: What you need to know Full coverage: Race & Reckoning Demographic changes: How the racial makeup of where you live has changed since 1990 Newsletter: Subscribe to About US to read the latest on race and identity George Floyds America: Examining systemic racism through the lens of his life Resources: Understanding racism and inequality in America AOGCC posts decisions on 2 bonding appeals In May 2019, AOGCC raised its bonding requirements for plugging and abandoning wells, formerly $100,000 for a single well and $200,000 for multiple wells, to $400,000 per well for one to 10 wells; $6 million for 11-40 wells; $10 million for 41-100 wells, $20 million for 101-1,000 wells; and $30 million for more than 1,000 wells. Companies with permitted wellheads received notification last July of new bonding requirements and a number requested reconsideration: AIX Energy, Alaskan Crude, Amaroq Resources, Cook Inlet Energy, Malamute Energy and Savant Alaska. The commission issued a decision on the AIX appeal earlier in the year. Earlier today it issued decisions on the Cook Inlet Energy and Malamute Energy requests. CIE agreed that the new bond amount of $6 million would be the cost to plug and abandon its wells, AOGCC said, and requested an offset because its $500,000 dismantlement, removal and restoration bond with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources includes an unspecified amount for P&A of the wells. It also requested an offset for a $324,000 bond it has in place with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a bond dedicated to P&A of two disposal wells. The commission denied a reduction for the DNR bonding, saying it "is for the DR&R of the surface of DNR's leases to a condition acceptable to DNR. As of the date of this order, no evidence has been offered that any of the DNR bond is exclusively dedicated to the costs to properly P&A CIE's wells." But the commission did accept an offset for the $324,000 EPA bond because it is exclusively dedicated to P&A. CIE has an existing $200,000 bond with AOGCC, and that amount, along with the $324,000 for the EPA bond, is deducted from the $6 million, leaving CIE with a revised additional bond requirement of $5,476,000, the commission said in its order. Malamute Energy has two permitted wellheads at Umiat in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska; its new bonding requirement is $800,000. The company has a $200,000 bond in place with the Bureau of Land Management; AOGCC is requiring an additional $600,000. The company told AOGCC its total cost to P&A the wells would be $2.9 million. Malamute's BLM bond has been increased to $1.25 million, exceeding the $800,000 bonding level AOGCC is requiring and because of that Malamute requested a reduction of $600,000, leaving it with the $200,000 bond already in place. AOGCC said Malamute has not yet posted the new BLM bond, leaving its bonding at the existing BLM $200,000 bond. Because of that the commission is requiring the additional $600,000 bond. - KRISTEN NELSON See story in Oct. 4 issue of Petroleum News, available online Friday, Oct. 2 at www.PetroleumNews.com For information on PN's news bulletin service, call 907-522-9469. PO Box 231647, Anchorage AK 99523-1647 Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani welcomes Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ahead of their meeting in the capital Doha Afghan President Ashraf Ghani called on the Taliban to "have courage and declare a national ceasefire" on Tuesday as he visited Doha where peace talks between government and Taliban negotiators have stalled. At the end of a two-day trip, his first to Doha since the talks began, Ghani gave a lecture where he said Afghanistan's long conflict had to be resolved through negotiation, "not under the barrel of the gun". "Nobody is going to wipe you out," he said in front of a socially distanced crowd of diplomats and academics, three weeks after the launch of peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Talks between the two sides, hosted by the Gulf state and aimed at ending Afghanistan's 19-year war, have slowed over disagreements on how to frame a code of conduct that will guide the broader talks. Headline issues, including a ceasefire or the type of governance that will shape Afghanistan's future, have yet to be discussed. Meanwhile violence continues to rage in Afghanistan, with a suicide attack targeting a provincial governor killing at least eight people on Monday. Earlier Ghani met with Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, with Doha reaffirming its commitment to facilitate the peace process. The talks, which began with much fanfare, have made little progress but Ghani sidestepped questions over whether they have stalled. "We cannot end 20 years of war in 20 days," he told reporters as he left the lecture. Earlier, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Muhammad Hanif Atmar reiterated that no agreement had been reached by the two sides on the code of conduct that will govern the talks. The Taliban and the Afghan government are struggling to agree on common language on two issues before they can establish an agenda. The Taliban, who are Sunni hardliners, are insisting on adherence to the Hanafi school of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence, but government negotiators say this could be used to discriminate against Hazaras, who are predominantly Shiite, and other minorities. Another contentious topic is how the US-Taliban deal will shape a future peace deal and how it will be referred to. "The Afghan team have presented a number of counter proposals to find common ground," Atmar said, but "they have not reached an agreement on the two issues". No official meetings have taken place between the two sides in almost a week. However, both have insisted they continue to informally discuss ways to move forward. Also in Doha, Zalmay Khalilzad, the US negotiator on Afghanistan, tweeted after a meeting with Ghani that the "president should not let the opportunity for peace to slip away" and that the United states remains ready to assist. Global online revenues in Q2 of this year declined two per cent quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) driven by sequential slump in both paid and ad-based revenues, according to a Counterpoint Research report on Tuesday. However, compared to the same period last year, global online revenues grew 13 per cent in Q2 at $6.7 billion, said the report, adding that this is the first-ever QoQ decline in terms of revenues as has been gaining strength with every passing quarter. Paid subscriptions grew 29 per cent year-over-year compared to 35 per cent YoY in the previous quarter. "The music streaming platforms came up with some discount offers (like free subscription for some months) and also lowered the prices for paid subscriptions to dissuade consumers from leaving the platform or shifting to a free plan," Research Analyst Abhilash Kumar said in a statement detailing the reasons for the decline. "Also, the advertisement revenues saw a dip since many opted to cut expenditure in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, podcasts related to different genres were able to keep people glued, offsetting some of the decline." In terms of monthly active users (MAUs), Tencent Music (with its subsidiaries QQ Music, Kuwo and Kugou) led the chart in Q2 with 26 per cent share, followed by Spotify and YouTube Music with 12 per cent and 10 per cent shares, respectively. However, in terms of paid subscriptions, Spotify continued to lead with 34 per cent share, followed by Apple Music (21 per cent) and Amazon Music (15 per cent), said the report. "The social media platform and free availability of music help Tencent Music maintain the No. 1 spot in terms of total MAUs. For similar reasons, YouTube Music is also one among the top three. "Strong brand presence, attractive offerings, presence in more than 90 countries, continuous product improvisation and focus on podcasts have helped Spotify. In Q3, Spotify entered Russia, which gives it an opportunity to tap more than 250 million music fans there," Kumar said. The findings showed that regional players like Anghami in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), Melon Music in South Korea and Yandex Music in Russia reported almost flat growth quarter-over-quarter. "On the other hand, India's largest platform, Gaana, grew 19 per cent QoQ to reach more than 180 million monthly listeners. Interestingly, while the listening hours plunged for global platforms, they grew for regional brands due to the presence of local content," Kumar said. The music streaming industry was almost immune to the ill-effects of Covid-19 in Q1. In fact, the streaming hours increased as people stayed at home. Starting Q2, the market witnessed a slowdown in growth. However, starting June-end, the growth is slowly coming back on track and the traffic has started to rebound, said the report, adding that growth is expected to be back to pre-Covid-19 levels by Q4 of this year. --IANS gb/ (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.) File image India, the US, Japan and Australia on October 6 agreed to step up coordination in creating a free and open Indo-Pacific, amidst China's growing assertiveness in the strategically vital region. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne affirmed strengthening of a free, open and rules-based international order, the Japanese government said in a statement issued after a meeting in Tokyo. The four major Indo-Pacific democracies, collectively known as the Quad, vowed to coordinate in ensuring peace and stability of the region, Kyodo news agency quoted the statement as saying. The in-person meeting of the foreign ministers of the 'Quad' hosted by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi took place in the backdrop of China's aggressive military behaviour in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Addressing the 2nd Quad ministerial meeting, Prime Minister Suga said a free and open Indo-Pacific is "widely recognised by the international community as a vision of peace and prosperity of this region," and that his government's basic policy is to "further continue advancing our members to this end." Suga, who assumed the premiership last month, underscored the need to deepen quadrilateral ties, particularly as the novel coronavirus has spread globally. "The international community is facing multiple and various challenges. This is exactly why right now is the time that we must further deepen our coordination with as many countries as possible that share our vision," he said. In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said that as vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values, the four nations have collectively affirmed the importance of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. "We remain committed to upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said, amidst growing global concern over China's expansionist behaviour. "Our objective remains advancing the security and the economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region," Jaishankar said. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years. Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan. The South China Sea and the East China Sea are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources. They are also vital to global trade. Although the US lays no claims to the disputed waters, it has challenged China's growing territorial claims in the South China Sea by deploying warships and fighter jets to assert freedom of navigation and overflight patrols in the strategically vital region. Meanwhile, Japan has lodged a protest against China's creation of a digital museum laying out its claims to a group of Japan-controlled islets in the East China Sea, the government's top spokesman said on Monday. "The Senkaku Islands have been recognised historically and under international law as an inherent part of Japan's territory and we maintain effective control over them," Kyodo news agency quoted Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato as saying at a press conference. China is "not in a position" to create such a website regarding the islets, Kato said, adding that Japan has demanded through diplomatic channels that it be taken down. The dispute over ownership of the uninhabited islets, which China calls Diaoyu, has often strained Japan-China relations. China frequently sends coast guard or government ships to nearby waters in a bid to push its claims to them, the report said. The Centre is set to issue Aadhaar-linked unique registration numbers to migrant workers, months after millions of them, left in the lurch without jobs (and in some cases, a roof over their head), returned home amid a federal lockdown imposed to slow the coronavirus pandemic triggering one of the biggest humanitarian crises of independent India. The numbers are expected to help maintain the first-ever data base of the countrys migrant workforce, something that will help push targeted welfare measures more effectively. In a May interview, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke of the difficulty of targeting welfare measures at migrant workers when no one, not the Centre, nor the states, had a database. The Social Security Codeone of the three key labour reform laws passed during the last monsoon sessionincluded a key provision to register every unorganised worker, gig worker or platform worker. The original version of the bill didnt have any such provision, but after the standing committee on labour stressed on the importance of doing this in the wake of the migrant workers crisis, the government reworked the law. Clause 113(2) of the Social Security Code said: Every eligible unorganised worker, gig worker or platform worker shall make an application for registration in such form along with such documents including Aadhaar number as may be prescribed by the Central Government and such worker shall be assigned a distinguishable number to his application. Also Read | Govt to disburse compensation cess worth Rs 20K cr to all states tonight, announces Nirmala Sitharaman Indeed, even in the just-ended monsoon session of parliament, because it lacked any independent headcount of migrant workers, the labour ministry could not furnish any data to queries by MPs on how many workers lost their jobs, or how many died on the way back home. Union labour minister Santosh Gangwar replied no such data is maintained leading to furious protests by Opposition parties. The minister also stated that 10.4 million migrant workers returned home, but maintained that the ministry had only railway ministry data to go by and didnt have a count of the workers who tried to return by bus, trucks and other means. According to news reports, many workers and their family members died while trying to walk or travel in overloaded trucks in their desperate effort to reach home. Pitching for a unique number for workers, the labour standing committee pointed out that this would help the state clearly identify unorganized sector workers including migrant workers. It also asked for a wider definition of migrant workers to include those who are hired through contractors, come to their place of work independently, and even long-term labourers as opposed to seasonal migrants. Also Read | Open to one more stimulus if necessary: Nirmala Sitharaman The linkage with Aadhaar will help maintain portability of the registration number and ensure the workers receive government assistance, no matter where they are. As migrant workers move frequently, it is necessary to link their registration with Aadhaar, said Bhartruhari Mahtab, the chairman of the standing committee of labour in parliament. The Centre has already rolled out schemes for the unorganised sector including unemployment benefits and free ration apart from 50,000 crore worth of work across 25 schemes. Former rural development secretary Jugal Kishore Mohapatra feels merely having a new law is not good enough. There had been many recommendations that unorganised workers should be registered and the government should know who they are. But just having a new law is not good enough. We can only hope that there will be effective implementation and even if the government can register 80% migrant workers, it will do a good job. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New gas pipeline could heat up Azeri-Russian rivalry FILE PHOTO: Military conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, in Stepanakert By Olesya Astakhova and Vladimir Soldatkin MOSCOW (Reuters) - Azerbaijan's ties with Russia, already strained by conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, face further pressure from the launch later this year of a gas pipeline that is poised to squeeze Moscow's diminished gas sales to Europe and Turkey. The $40 billion Southern Gas Corridor will draw from Azerbaijan's giant Shah Deniz II field in the Caspian Sea and has the backing of the European Commission as it seeks to curb Europe's dependence on Russian energy. It also has the support of Turkey, which has sided with Baku in the deadliest fighting since the 1990s between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The fighting has spread to Azeri cities close to the Southern Gas Corridor, but BP in Azerbaijan, part of a consortium of companies involved in the project, told Reuters it was going ahead as planned. "As of now, all our business operations in the region continue as normal and our plans remain unchanged," a BP spokeswoman said. At the same time, Russian ambitions to expand its pipeline capacity to Europe risk being thwarted by U.S. sanctions. Analysts say Moscow has good relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan and a pragmatic relationship with Turkey that has overcome past crises and differing stances on Syria. Competition for gas sales, however, is particularly unwelcome as Russia's economy suffers because of the impact on oil and gas demand of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken repeatedly to the Armenian prime minister, but not to the leaders of Azerbaijan or Turkey. ECONOMIC STRAIN Russia's central bank said gas exports by value fell to $11.44 billion in the first half of this year from $18.65 billion in the corresponding period of 2019. The country's pipeline gas exporting monopoly Gazprom plans to ship at least 170 bcm of gas to Europe this year, down from 199 bcm in 2019. Story continues In the first half, natural gas exports from Gazprom to Europe, including Turkey, fell 18% to 78.94 bcm. To Turkey alone, they declined by more than 40%, to 4.7 bcm. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, has pumped almost 7 bcm to Turkey over the last two years via the existing TANAP pipeline, part of the Southern Gas Corridor. From the fully completed Southern Corridor, expected to become operational in the last part of this year, Turkey will receive 6 bcm of Azeri gas per year, while 10 bcm is earmarked for Europe. Dmitry Marinchenko, an analyst with Fitch, said the Azeri gas was unlikely to replace all of Gazprom's sales to Europe but poses a significant threat. "However, with other factors, most of all an increase in liquefied natural gas imports, the start of gas supplies from Azerbaijan leads to heating up of the rivalry," he said. Gazprom did not respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin and Olesya Astakhova in Moscow, Editing by Katya Golubkova and Barbara Lewis) General Court dismisses challenge of antitrust ruling in Croatia 06 October 2020 HeidelbergCement and Schwenk have reportedly lost their challenge of the European Commissions antitrust veto of their joint bid for Cemexs Croatian operations, after Europe's second-highest court backed the decision. The European Commission said in its 2017 ruling that the companies' offer to grant competitors access to a cement terminal in southern Croatia was not sufficient to address competition concerns that the deal would push up cement prices in Croatia. The companies subsequently appealed to the General Court, which has now dismissed their arguments and lawsuit. Published under Cooke and Stiner are both former Army aviators. Cook said eight of the 11 cameras have infra-red (IR) capability. IRs great. It works with a temperature difference so it can work in total darkness, Cooke said. The problem is, it doesnt see lights. If theres car lights or natural light that the human eye would pick up instantly in a dark environment, the IR doesnt see lights. This is multi-spectral. It has IR, so it has all those advantages, plus it has low-light cameras. Theyre stitched and fused together pixel for pixel so it has the best of both worlds. You can see in the darkness with the infra-red and it you can see in the light. But its not the technology, its the speed at which is it is processed and displayed, that is the eye-opener. It takes the feed from that sensor, we rotate, crop it and put in on the helmet. You also have to compute the pilots head position, because what you show him has to be where hes looking and it has to happen in less than 20 milliseconds, Cooke said. If theres a lag, if I move my head and the picture has to catch up, it makes you sick. | By Deborah Kotz Thomas Longden, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), has received the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Directors New Innovator Award. The award provides $2.3 million to support an exceptionally creative early career investigator as part of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program of the NIH Common Fund. The award is reserved for scientists at the beginning of their independent research careers, before receiving other research program funding from the NIH. We are very honored to receive this award, said Longden. I am confident that the upcoming research that this enables will lead to advances in our understanding of brain plasticity, and may help in finding new treatments for brain disorders with a blood flow component, such as Alzheimers disease and stroke. Thomas Longden, PhD Longdens laboratory focuses on the control of blood flow in the brain, specifically on the moment-to-moment regulation of blood flow in response to nerve activity a process that is important for normal brain function to deliver enough nutrients and oxygen to cells. When blood flow is disrupted, this can result in nerve cell dysfunction due to these cells not getting the energy supplies they need. This complex phenomenon, which forms the basis of functional MRI, involves a dynamic interplay between the cells of the neurovascular unit, including neurons, astrocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and arteriolar smooth muscle. He plans to apply the NIH award funds to develop new tools and approaches to study a novel form of plasticity his group has identified in the mechanisms that underlie an increase in blood flow in the brain called functional hyperemia, for which Longden has coined the term vascular signaling plasticity. The overall goal of the work is to understand this new dimension to brain plasticity from the molecular to whole-animal level, which may have implications for our understanding of how learning and memory work, and how the neuronal function is lost in disease. Thus, the team will also explore how vascular signaling plasticity becomes disrupted in dementias such as Alzheimers disease. Longden came to UMSOM in 2019 after performing post-doctoral work at the University of Vermont. He received his PhD in Pharmacology in 2010 from the University of Manchester (UK), and received his bachelors degree in 2006 from the same institution. I am so proud that the NIH has once again recognized the innovative talents of our young scientists, said E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, executive vice president for medical affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore, the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and dean, UMSOM. We are grateful that the federal government values their work and is willing to invest in potential new discoveries. I am excited to see what new insights we learn about the brain from this high-impact research. The NIHs High-Risk, High-Reward Research program catalyzes scientific discovery by supporting highly innovative research proposals that, due to their inherent risk, may struggle in the traditional peer review process despite their transformative potential. Program applicants are encouraged to think outside the box and to pursue trailblazing ideas in any area of research relevant to the NIH mission. The breadth of innovative science put forth by the 2020 cohort of early career and seasoned investigators is impressive and inspiring," said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD. I am confident that their work will propel biomedical and behavioral research and lead to improvements in human health. As President Trump battled the coronavirus on Monday, Joseph R. Biden Jr. ventured onto the campaign trail, where he wished the president a speedy recovery but criticized his leadership, suggesting that he bore some responsibility for his positive test after flouting public health guidelines around masks and social distancing. During campaign stops in Miami and later at a town hall event hosted by NBC News, Mr. Biden sought to draw contrasts with his rival on some of the most searing matters of the day for South Florida voters, denouncing Mr. Trumps stewardship of the pandemic and lashed him for embracing autocrats. Anybody who contracts the virus by essentially saying masks dont matter, social distancing doesnt matter, I think is responsible for what happens to them, Mr. Biden said at the town hall, asked whether Mr. Trump shouldered some responsibility for contracting the virus. Quite frankly, I wasnt surprised, he said in response to another question. Mr. Biden, whose campaign said he had tested negative for the coronavirus on Sunday, traveled to Miami to speak to Haitian-Americans, Cuban-Americans and others from immigrant backgrounds, working to strengthen his standing with a range of constituencies in a state widely regarded as a must-win for Mr. Trump. WINDSOR LOCKS The Connecticut Airport Authority announced Tuesday that Conde Nast Traveler readers have ranked Bradley International Airport among the top 10 airports in the U.S. It was the fourth consecutive year it has made the top-10 list. Bradley was ranked eighth, dropping from No. 5 in last years rankings. More travelers have discovered Hartford, Connecticuts airport now New Englands second-busiest airfield after Boston Logan thanks to a surge in new flights in recent years, Conde Nast Traveler wrote. Customers praise the airport's convenient on-site parking, plentiful charging stations and free Wi-Fi, decent restaurant options, and an overall relaxed atmosphere, making this mid-sized facility an attractive alternative to flying out of New Yorks and Bostons monster hubs. Another New England airport T.F. Green in Rhode Island was ranked No. 4 in the U.S. The full list can be found here. More than 715,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers submitted a number of responses, rating their travel experiences across the globe. Last month, JetBlue announced it will add four, nonstop flights between Bradley to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Cancun, Mexico. The new service to Cancun, Mexico is slated to begin Nov. 19, while service to Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco will start on Dec. 18. This award is a tremendous honor during a challenging year for the travel industry, and we are proud to once again be recognized among our nations best airports, Kevin A. Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, said in a statement. We thank the travel community for their continued vote of confidence in Bradley International Airport and for underscoring the value of traveling through a smaller airport. Now more than ever, Bradley Airport stands out by always offering a clean, safe, and convenient travel experience. In response to COVID-19, Bradley International Airport has heightened its commitment to its passengers with the introduction of a comprehensive safety program called BDL Cares. Elements of the new program include a face covering requirement for employees and passengers, additional cleaning, physical distancing reminders, Plexiglass shields at customer interaction points, and hand sanitizer stations throughout the terminal. Most recently, the airport has also launched a COVID-19 testing site for passengers, conveniently located in baggage claim. For more information, visit www.BDLcares.com. Benaulim gangrape case: Goa CM faces flak for asking parents of victims why were their daughters out so late Alwar gang rape: All five accused pronounced guilty India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Oct 06: The five accused in the Alwar rape case have been pronounced guilty by a special court on Tuesday. The verdict was pronounced by a special court hearing cases under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The woman in Rajasthan's Alwar was raped by five men in front of her husband on April 26 2019. There was a lot of criticism of the government for the delay in lodging the FIR. Action was taken after the purported video of the gang-rape began circulating on the social media. UP seeks court monitored CBI probe in Hathras case The husband of the victim claimed that he had approached the Thanagaji police station SHO and the SP with his complaint, but he was asked to wait as they were busy with the elections. He alleged that an FIR was registered only on May 2. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News The victim's husband alleged that the police officers did not heed his request for action against the culprits. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 12:40 [IST] Astronomers using twin 8.1-m telescopes at Gemini Observatory in Chile have captured the most detailed near-infrared image yet of the Carina Nebulas western wall, the well-defined edge of the nebula. The Carina Nebula, also known as NGC 3372 and Caldwell 92, is located an estimated 7,500 light-years away in the constellation of Carina. Discovered in the 1750s by French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, the nebula is a dynamic, evolving cloud of thinly spread interstellar gas and dust. The massive stars in its interior emit intense radiation that causes the surrounding gas to glow. By contrast, other regions contain dark pillars of dust cloaking newborn stars. Spanning over 300 light-years, the nebula is one of the Milky Way Galaxys largest star-forming regions and is easily visible to the unaided eye under dark skies. Star-forming regions are shrouded in dust but it is possible to see through the shroud of dust by observing in infrared light, said Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan and colleagues. The researchers used the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager, a near-infrared adaptive optics camera, to peer through the outer layers of dust to reveal a huge wall of dust and gas glowing with the intense ultraviolet light from nearby massive young stars. This region is a great example of such a wall and this image provides a very clear view of a star-forming region in the near-infrared. With a resolution 10 times higher than it would be without adaptive optics from the ground, the image reveals a wealth of detail never observed before. The results are stunning, Dr. Hartigan said. We see a wealth of detail never observed before along the edge of the cloud, including a long series of parallel ridges that may be produced by a magnetic field, a remarkable almost perfectly smooth sine wave and fragments at the top that appear to be in the process of being sheared off the cloud by a strong wind. There is also evidence for a jet of material ejected from a newly-formed star. The image provides the sharpest view to date of how massive young stars affect their surroundings and influence how star and planet formation proceeds. It is possible that the Sun formed in such an environment, Dr. Hartigan said. If so, radiation and winds from any nearby massive stars would have affected the masses and atmospheres of the Solar Systems outer planets. A paper on the findings was published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. _____ MOSCOW -- Surfers on Khalaktyr beach, a popular stretch of sand on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, knew something was wrong when, in early September, dips in the ocean resulted in stinging eyes and nausea. "I almost went blind one day after surfing on Khalaktyr beach. Everything before my eyes was blurry and foggy," surfer Maksim Ionov wrote on Instagram. "Then the same thing began happening to other surfers." The water had become foul-smelling and changed color, with a milky foam floating on its surface. Within days, dead sea creatures began washing up on Khalaktyr and nearby beaches along the Pacific Coast, jolting the local community into action. "We began wondering what had happened, and posting images from the scene," Kristina Rozenberg, a local tour guide, told RFE/RL by phone. "It really scares us, because we live right on the ocean front." Almost a month on, the cause of what many fear is Russia's latest environmental disaster remains unclear. Some suspect a fuel leak from one of the many ships that traverse the remote waters off Kamchatka, near the Bering Sea, with local ecologists citing a fourfold rise in the volume of petroleum products detected in the area. Warnings Of 'Ecological Catastrophe' The Russian branch of the World Wildlife Fund said the decimation of marine animals suggests not only a surface contamination of the ocean but the release of a chemical that diluted in the water, threatening all life within it. Greenpeace has warned of an ecological catastrophe. The presence of two military bases in the area prompted some to suggest rocket fuel had leaked into the sea. In a social media post on October 5, regional Governor Vladimir Solodov said a state laboratory in Moscow had found no traces of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine -- the chemical used as a rocket propellant -- in water samples from Kamchatka. He announced that a task force would study the situation. But government accounts have been vague, with officials citing seismic activity, seasonal storms, and toxic algae as possible factors. Russian Environment Minister Dmitry Kobylkin dismissed the likelihood of a manmade disaster in interviews with Russian media, and suggested that the effects were not so dire. "There's no catastrophe. No one has died or been injured," he said on October 5. The same day, Kamchatka's Health Ministry reported that at least eight people had received medical attention after coming in contact with the seawater. In an interview with RFE/RL from one of the affected sites on Kamchatka, Greenpeace Russia's climate project leader Vasily Yablokov, who was spearheading the organization's fact-finding expedition, said the situation looked troubling. "We saw foam on the ocean, and a strange film on the Nalycheva River," he said. "Weather permitting we'll continue gathering samples and send those we already have to Moscow, as soon as possible, so they can shed light on what happened here." Latest Disaster The alleged spill in Kamchatka is the latest in a series of recent environmental disasters in Russia that have prompted calls from green groups for an end to reliance on military and heavy industry in areas of the country vulnerable to ecological disasters and climate change. Just last week, an oil spill prompted officials in northern Siberia to introduce a state of emergency while a cleanup operation took place. In May, another fuel spill near Norilsk, a city above the Arctic Circle, was blamed by officials on thawing permafrost that had caused pillars supporting a storage tank to collapse, releasing 20,000 tons of diesel into waterways and turning nearby rivers crimson. Greenpeace denounced what it said was negligence by officials and compared the Norilsk accident, in scope, to the 1989 Exxon Valdez tanker spill in Alaska. The organization contended that inadequate precautions were primarily responsible for the spill. For locals like Rozenberg, the notion that toxic chemicals may have contaminated the waters around them -- and even more the lack of reliable official information -- is fueling fear that Kamchatka's entrancing nature, the health of which they rely on for a living, may be in danger. "We don't know how this affects us now or will affect us, our food sources, and our health," Rozenberg said. "We're all waiting for results of the laboratory tests. And some kind of information from the government." Two men have been killed by a tribe of warring monkeys after the primates caused part of a house to collapse on to them in northern India. Laxman Tulisiani, a gold dealer and owner of the house, and a labourer named only as Veera, were killed in the city of Agra on Monday evening. Police said the pair were inspecting the dilapidated property which was under construction and was due to have a wall on the third flood removed. Two men have been killed after a fight that broke out between two groups of monkeys in the Indian city of Agra caused a wall to collapse on them (file image) Tulisiani and Veera was standing underneath the wall on the second floor of the property, when a mass brawl suddenly broke out between 35 monkeys. The fighting primates knocked into the wall, causing it to collapse and fall 10ft on to the men below, Indian news agency IANS reported. Rescuers managed to pull the pair from the rubble and they were taken to a nearby medical centre, but both were pronounced dead from head injuries. It is not the first time that monkeys have killed people in Agra. In November last year, two fatal attacks claimed the lives of a 12-day-old baby and a 58-year-old woman. During the first attack, a troop of monkeys broke into a woman's home while she was breastfeeding her child in the Kachhara area, and snatched the baby away from her. Locals chased the monkey which was carrying the infant and tried to tempt it with food, but it bit the child as people approached before fleeing. The baby was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Home owner Laxman Tulisiani and labourer Veera were inspecting a property under construction the the city of Agra on Monday evening, when they were killed In the second attack, a 58-year-old woman was bitten by monkeys as she went to relieve herself outside her home on the outskirts of the city at night. She was set upon by a group of monkeys who left her 'bleeding profusely' through a series of bite wounds. She was taken to hospital, but later died from her injuries. Tourists in Agra, which contains the Taj Mahal, have also been attacked by the monkeys in recent years, while locals complain of frequent, non-lethal encounters. Agra is home to thousands of rhesus macaques whose population has been soaring thanks to the abundance of food that is typically thrown their way by tourists and locals who venerate them because of their links to Hinduism. However, as their population has increased so have territorial disputes and violent encounters with humans. The monkeys have also seen large portions of their natural habitat destroyed by the expanding city, forcing them into close contact with one-another. City workers have attempted to curb the population boom by relocating some monkeys to the countryside and sterilising others, though efforts have so-far proved largely ineffective. Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) is seeking more volunteer mentors as it continues to provide a Both Sides of the Gate support service to people leaving prison in Norfolk. Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) is seeking more volunteer mentors as it continues to provide a Both Sides of the Gate support service to people leaving prison in Norfolk. New chief executive for Aylsham Care Trust Philip Macdonald has been appointed chief executive of the Aylsham and District Care Trust (ACT) which has been providing care and support for older people in the community for over thirty five years. Read more Pandemic drove Norfolk church community online New figures show that across the height of the pandemic lockdowns in 2020, churches across the Diocese of Norwich saw their in-person congregations halve but they retained 94% of their worshippers with the help of online and church-at-home services. Read more Why we need the water of life Regular columnist James Knight explains why water is so important in our lives, especially the spiritual variety. Read more Norwich church needs Outreach Weekend Cafe Manager St Stephens Church is seeking an Outreach Weekend Cafe Manager to become part of its successful and dynamic Cafe team, serving the community and city. Read more Trustee treasurer role at King's Lynn foodbank Kings Lynn Foodbank are urgently seeking a new Trustee Treasurer to work with a fun, friendly, team who are all passionate about combating food poverty in Kings Lynn. Read more Christian pregnancy charity gets Yarmouth hub TimeNorfolk, the Christian pregnancy loss charity, has opened a space dedicated to counselling for bereaved parents in Great Yarmouth. Read more Family days at Norwich Cathedral The schools and families learning department at Norwich Cathedral are holding two sessions morning and afternoon for a Family Activity Day at the Cathedral on Wednesday February 16. Read more Churches prepare Queen's Platinum Jubilee plans Churches, Christian charities and youth organisations are working together to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee over the four-day Bank Holiday from June 2-5 and a new website has been created to celebrate the Queen's 70 years of faith and service. Read more Eckling Grange cares for the elderly Despite some bad press, there are some Care Homes where 'Care' really does mean 'what it says on the tin', and a star example of this is the Norfolk Christian residential care home, Eckling Grange, at Dereham. Read more New Commission to look at use of Norfolk churches A new Church Buildings Commission has been launched with the purpose of looking at the church buildings across Norfolk and Waveney in terms of their use and sustainability. Read more Norfolk link to teaching opportunity with TCKs A Norfolk couple working in Asia have been helped by teachers of Third Culture Kids, and a programme is now inviting more people to get involved with it. Read more Norfolk charity seeks mentors for prison leavers Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) continues to provide a Both Sides of the Gate Mentor support service to people leaving prison in Norfolk. Read more Prayer and Worship week for Sheringham church Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham has launched a Prayer and Worship week as they seek Gods guidance for 2022 Read more South Norfolk church schools are set to merge The Diocese of Norwich St Benets Multi Academy Trust has been given the green light to amalgamate Harleston CE Primary Academy and Archbishop Sancroft High School into one All Through School. Read more Norwich conference looks at how to tackle spiritual abuse Following a series of revelations about high-profile Christian leaders, a group of Norfolk churches is organising a conference to look at spiritual abuse and godly leadership. Read more Revelation vacancy for Centre Manager The Revelation Christian Resource Centre and Cafe is seeking to appoint a Centre Manager. Read more Gardening morning at N Norfolk Christian centre The Pleasaunce Holiday Centre in Overstrand is holding a work-party morning on Saturday February 5 and would like as many people as possible to join in to help get the gardens ship-shape. Read more LOS ANGELES, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With October designated as Italian American Heritage Month, and today marking the one-year anniversary of the Historic Little Italy sign unveiling in downtown San Pedro, the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association (LILAA) is celebrating and offering the public a host of free public events. In honor of the rich history of achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans, and to support and encourage the sharing of its culture and of Italians coming together for the common good, LILAA is adding to its monthly offerings two exclusive events: "La Storia di Te" - an interactive workshop to teach Italians how to tell their stories and leave their legacies; and an old-fashioned drive-in experience showing the Academy Award-winning Cinema Paradiso (1988) and introducing young Italian Director, Brando Benetton, Nightfire (2020). "Italian-Americans are the fifth largest ethnic group in our nation, with Los Angeles being the 4th largest of all U.S. cities," said Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino. "With more than 26 million Americans of Italian descent contributing what we are best known for a love of family, friends, and living 'la dolce vita,' I, for one, have never been prouder to be Italian, especially with how we have modeled for the world our spirit of hope and solidarity throughout these challenging times. I'm excited at the program LILAA has put together and to be celebrating our great heritage together with LA's diverse community," Buscaino added. The two highlighted LILAA events for Italian American Heritage Month are: " La Storia di Te " - This virtual event takes place on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 5:30 pm PST | 8:30 pm EST |2:30 am CET. Hosted by award-winning author and first-generation Sicilian Paolina Milana, this workshop promises to be FUN and full of storytelling the Italian way. Registrants will learn the "how-to" of getting in touch with their memories, collecting their histories, and putting themselves on the path to telling their stories in a way that's realistic and possible. The "6 Secrets to Telling The Story of You" follow-along guide may be printed out here. The discussion that includes Q & A will last 90 minutes. Register for FREE here. " - This virtual event takes place on at | |2:30 am CET. Hosted by award-winning author and first-generation Sicilian Paolina Milana, this workshop promises to be FUN and full of storytelling the Italian way. Registrants will learn the "how-to" of getting in touch with their memories, collecting their histories, and putting themselves on the path to telling their stories in a way that's realistic and possible. The "6 Secrets to Telling The Story of You" follow-along guide may be printed out here. The discussion that includes Q & A will last 90 minutes. Register for FREE here. Cinema "Sotto le Stelle" Drive-in Weekend Oct. 16-18, 2020 Enjoy a weekend of films "Under the Stars" at the drive-in. Gates open 6pm , Film Starts @7:30pm. Location: Battleship IOWA parking lot: 250 South Harbor Boulevard San Pedro, CA 90731.Tickets are REQUIRED. Register for the event here. Enjoy a weekend of films "Under the Stars" at the drive-in. Gates open , Film Starts @7:30pm. Location: Battleship parking lot: 250 South Harbor Boulevard 90731.Tickets are REQUIRED. Register for the event here. Friday Oct. 16 : Moonstruck (1987) : (1987) Saturday Oct. 17 : Cinema Paradiso (1988) with an introduction from young Italian Director, Brando Benetton , Nightfire (2020) : (1988) with an introduction from young Italian Director, , (2020) Sunday Oct. 18 : Up! (2009) The full calendar with latest additions of LILAA's October events may be found here. These include weekly Friday farmers markets, our popular podcasts featuring celebrities and local VIPs, online Italian language lessons, and more. Sign up here for LILAA's free newsletter to be among the first to know about all our happenings. ABOUT LITTLE ITALY OF LOS ANGELES ASSOCIATION (LILAA) Little Italy of Los Angeles Association (LILAA) is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to the development of arts and culture programming in the newly designated Little Italy district of Los Angeles in downtown San Pedro along 6th street. To learn more about LILAA visit us at https://www.lilaa.org/. Follow LILAA on Facebook and Instagram @littleitalyofla. SOURCE Little Italy of Los Angeles Association Related Links https://www.lilaa.org The state of Texas has a voter suppressor in the Governors Mansion. In a year in which Texans who are eligible to vote absentee are expected to do so in unprecedented numbers because of fears of COVID-19 and Postal Service delays, Gov. Greg Abbott has made fulfillment of their civic duty more difficult. On Thursday, Abbott signed an executive order limiting absentee ballot drop-off locations to one per county. Bexar County, which had only one drop-off location, isnt impacted, but Harris County, the states most populous county at nearly 1,800 square miles, must close 11 of its 12 sites. Travis County, roughly 1,000 square miles, had to close three. These are also counties more likely to vote for Democrats. Texas is one of only five states in which voters must cast their ballots in person unless they can provide a reason not related to fear of contracting coronavirus. The states strict eligibility limits for mail-in voting mean the voters most harmed by Abbott are those who are 65 or older, or those who are sick and disabled some, with no reliable means of transportation who might travel great distances to deliver their ballots, if they choose not to mail them. All for no legitimate reason. Abbott has said his order was to strengthen ballot security protocols throughout the state. Neither the governor nor anyone from his office offered any examples that the integrity of our elections was being violated. Ballot drop-off locations are staffed, and voters must have an approved form of identification when dropping off their ballots. Voter fraud in the state and throughout the nation is nearly nonexistent. Lawsuits have been filed against the executive order. We hope they succeed in overturning the governors blatant attempt to suppress the votes of Texans. In a time when voting should be made easier, Abbott chose to make it harder. Beirut: Up to 25,000 Syrians mostly women and children are to be released from a detention camp for Islamic State affiliates and their families in a "general amnesty" aimed at relieving overcrowding and appeasing local Arab communities, a Kurdish official said on Monday. The sprawling and overpopulated al-Hawl camp in northern Syria is home to some 65,000 people and has been a burden to the Kurdish-led US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and Kurdish police who are in charge of security at the facility. The wives and children of Islamic State fighters in the al-Hawl camp is northern Syria in 2019. Credit:Kate Geraghty Crime rates have been high inside the camp and some of the women have tried to escape. A decision will be taken to empty Syrians from the camp completely, said Ilham Ahmed, president of the executive committee of the Syrian Democratic Council, the self-administration body in north-east Syria in a video released on social media. He did not say when they would be released. The Prairie Doc: Do your part for the person across the table columns WASHINGTON - Three scientists - Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez - have been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics for their discoveries involving the "darkest secrets of the universe." Roger Penrose, Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, UK, was recognized "for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity." The other half of the physics prize was awarded jointly to Reinhard Genzel, Acting Director, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Germany and University of California, Berkeley, USA; and Andrea Ghez, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, USA "for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the center of our galaxy." The observations of Genzel and Ghez were enabled by infrared speckle imaging and, subsequently, adaptive optics. They used high spatial resolution imaging techniques such as the adaptive optics system at the Keck Observatory telescope and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope. The telescopes have near-infrared instruments that allowed observations through interstellar dust and an adaptive optics system that compensated for the turbulence of the atmosphere, enabling the observation of stars orbiting around the galactic center. The use of adaptive optics dramatically shortened the exposure time needed for the observations. "The contributions of adaptive optics in providing a razor-sharp view of the cosmos have been critical to these extraordinary discoveries," said Stephen Fantone, 2020 OSA President. "The pioneering work on real-time active correction of telescope optics and the use of laser guide stars were among the many optical developments that have revolutionized the tools of modern astronomy." Ghez is the fourth woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physics. Nobel Laureate and 2013 OSA President Donna Strickland, the third woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physics, shared the 2018 prize with OSA member Gerard Mourou for groundbreaking discoveries in the field of laser physics. They were honored for "their method of generating high-intensity, ultra-short optical pulses." The late Arthur Ashkin was also awarded the physics prize that year for inventing optical tweezers that use laser fields to move particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells in studying biological systems. To date, 38 OSA members have been awarded a Nobel Prize in Physics, Chemistry or Physiology or Medicine. ### To learn more about the role of infrared telescopes and adaptive optics in the award-winning discoveries, read the story at Optics & Photonics News. About The Optical Society Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org. Media Contact mediarelations@osa.org Panaji, Oct 6 : Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that his government has filed a contempt petition before the Supreme Court alleging Karnataka of illegally diverting water from the Mhadei river basin via the newly constructed Kalasa-Banduri canal. "Contempt Petition has been filed in the Hon'ble Supreme Court today against Karnataka for illegal diversion of #Mhadei water. We will continue to fight for our right," Sawant tweeted. The announcement comes a day after Sawant during a media interaction on Monday, said his government has collected enough evidence to prove that Karnataka has started diverting water from the inter-state river, Mhadei, to the deficit basin of the Malaprabha river in Karnataka. "We are filing a contempt petition with evidence to show how they have diverted water. There is no pressure on us from the Centre. There will be no injustice on Goa from the Centre. For me the Mahadayi (Mhadei in Goa) is not a political issue, it is an issue linked to my heart," Sawant said on Monday. The contents of the contempt petition filed by the Goa government, claims that Karnataka has committed contempt against the apex court, by already diverting water from the Mhadei river, despite a special leave petition (SLP) filed by the Goa government pending with the top court. The SLP, which was filed in July last year, also challenges the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal award in 2018, which allowed Karnataka to divert 13.42 TMC water from the river basin. The SLP had also said that Karnataka was diverting more water than what allotted by the Award. Sawant has maintained that the contents of the award were "damaging to Goa" and the diversion of water would cause "ecological devastation in Goa". The Congress in Goa in the meanwhile has demanded a white paper on the Mhadei issue, while taking objection to the Chief Minister's comments on Monday, in which Sawant accused past Congress-led government for playing into Karnataka's hands vis a vis the water sharing conflict. "Pramod Sawant must first come clean on the blanket approvals given by the BJP Government to Karnataka in last two years... He should also answer why Karnataka government petition to notify the Mhadei Tribunal award was not objected to by the Goa government," state Congress Girish Chodankar said on Tuesday. Mhadei also known as the Mandovi river in Goa and Mahadayi in Karnataka, is considered as a lifeline in the northern parts of Goa. It originates in Karnataka and meets the Arabian Sea in Panaji in Goa, while briefly flowing through Maharashtra. While the river runs 28.8 km in Karnataka, it is over 50 km in length in the Goa. Goa and Karnataka are battling out a two decade-long dispute over the sharing of the Mhadei river. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on during the state funeral service for former Canadian prime minister John Turner at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica in Toronto on Oct. 6, 2020. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press) State Funeral for Former PM John Turner Held in Toronto TORONTOA state funeral was held on Tuesday for former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner who passed away last month at the age of 91. Turner, who served the Canadian Prime Minister for just 11 weeks and led his Liberal Party to a massive electoral defeat in 1984, died in his Toronto home. The funeral took place at the St. Michaels Cathedral Basilica in Toronto and was attended in person by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Trudeau. He knew we could rise to any challenge, and meet any momentif we believed in one another and stood together, Justin Trudeau said during the funeral. Today, more than ever, we need people like John. Turner served as Canadas 17th prime minister after winning the Liberal party leadership in 1984. He also served in the cabinets of prime ministers Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Trudeau. Turner was a lawyer by training and served as finance minister from 1972 to 1975 but quit amid disagreements over policy with Pierre Trudeau. After serving as leader of the official opposition he retired from politics in 1993. He is survived by his wife Geills and four children. Prior to his political life Turner was an accomplished athlete, qualifying for Canadas 1948 Olympic team as a record-breaking track sprinter. He received a Rhodes scholarship after attending the University of British Columbia. John Turner believed in taking the high road, Elizabeth Turner, his daughter, said, making reference to her fathers way of handling negative commentary from the media and his colleagues. From Reuters Reporting by By Mahad Arale U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo poses prior to his meeting with Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne (not seen) in Tokyo on Oct. 6, 2020 ahead of the Indo-Pacific nations' foreign ministers meeting. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday hailed new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as a "force for good" and said he believes Suga will work to strengthen the relationship between Washington and Tokyo. Speaking at start of his meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Tokyo, Pompeo said he agreed with Suga that a free and open Indo-Pacific was the foundation of regional peace and stability. "Prime Minister Suga was a powerful force for good, and for this relationship, too, when he was the chief cabinet secretary," Pompeo said, referring to Suga's more than 7 years in former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet. "The United States has every reason to believe he will strengthen our enduring alliance in his new role." Suga, who replaced Abe last month as premier, faces a tricky task balancing the need to maintain working ties with bigger neighbor China and U.S. demands for a tougher stance. Pompeo is in Japan for the Quad grouping of foreign ministers the United States, Japan, Australia and India and is scheduled to meet Suga later in the day. Pompeo's visit to Japan, his first to East Asia since July 2019, comes at a time when the ties between the United States and strategic rival China are at their worst in decades and as Washington looks to solidify support among Asian allies against Beijing. Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne, who met Pompeo earlier on Tuesday, said on Twitter she had spoken with him about "our ongoing cooperation to promote peace, stability & prosperity in our region." Pompeo's trip has been shortened to only include a full day in Japan after visits to South Korea and Mongolia were scrapped when President Donald Trump tested positive for coronavirus and was hospitalized. Trump has since then returned to the White House after a three-night hospital stay to be treated for the virus. Washington and Beijing, the world's top two economies, are at loggerheads over a wide range of issues from Beijing's handling of the coronavirus to its imposition of a new security law in Hong Kong and ambitions in the South China Sea. Most Asian allies have been pleased with Washington's toughness toward their regional rival China, but have not so eagerly welcomed Trump and Pompeo's highly charged recent rhetoric and remain wary of going too far in antagonizing China. The Unites States greatly values the meeting of the Quad grouping of foreign ministers as a platform to strengthen its solidarity against China with regional allies. "We're hoping to have some significant announcements, significant achievements," Pompeo told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in the United States before departing for Tokyo, but he declined to say what they would be. China has denounced the Quad as an attempt to contain its development. While the Quad meeting is unlikely to yield a specific action plan, the very fact of its gathering would serve as a warning to China and play to its fears that it might one day grow into a formalized grouping as NATO, experts have said. The agenda for the Quad meeting is expected to include economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chains, disinformation, critical minerals, infrastructure investment in the region and counter-terrorism, officials involved in preparation for the meeting said. A joint communique is not expected to be issued, because the Quad is not a formal alliance, but foreign ministers are expected to release separate statements after the meeting. Indian foreign ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said the foreign ministers are likely to emphasize their support for a free and open Indo-Pacific region at the meeting. Earlier on Tuesday, Pompeo met with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne at the U.S. Ambassador's Residence in Tokyo. The duo posed in front of their respective flags sporting face masks and with no handshake. Prominent megachurch pastor and conservative activist John Hagee has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Hagee, 80, tested positive for the virus on Friday, around two weeks after he last delivered a sermon at his Cornerstorne Church in San Antonio, Texas. The church boasts more than 22,000 members and Hagee's sermons are broadcast throughout the United States and Canada. News of his diagnosis was announced during Sunday's service by his son, Matt Hagee. Prominent megachurch pastor and conservative activist John Hagee, 80, has been diagnosed with COVID-19. He is pictured at the pulpit last year 'It was... discovered very early and his medical team has him under watchful care,' Hagee Jr. told the crowd of congregants who were packed close together. Many were not wearing face masks. 'He's feeling well enough to be frustrated by anyone in a white coat with a stethoscope,' Hagee Jr. continued. He did not divulge whether his father had been hospitalized for the disease. John Hagee has been a committed supporter of Israel, founding Christians United for Israel. He also is a stalwart backer of President Donald Trump, whom he reportedly met during a visit to The White House in 2017. According to The Daily Beast, Hagee was welcomed into the Oval Office after taking a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence. News of his diagnosis was announced during Sunday's service by his son, Matt Hagee (pictured) Congregants were seen packed close together inside Many were not wearing face masks In addition to founding the Cornerstone Church, Hagee has also founded Cornerstone Christian Schools, which serves 2,400 students. The organization just completed construction of a new $100 million dollar campus. Back in August, Hagee filed a lawsuit against San Antonio officials in a bid to begin in-person instruction before Labor Day. Authorities had sought to delay school reopenings in the midst of the coroanvirus pandemic. Hagee's suit stated that such attempts 'unconstitutionally infringe on the religious freedoms of private religious schools'. Gov. Greg Abbot later stepped in, saying local officials did not have the authority to delay reopening until after Labor Day. Hagee founded the Cornerstorne Church in San Antonio, Texas. It boasts more than 22,000 members Hagee has a history of making controversial comments. He is ictured at a Christians United for Israel event in Washington, DC While Hagee's lawsuit hit headlines, it's not the first time he has been in the spotlight. The pastor has previously made controversial comments anti-Catholic comments, and hit out against gay marriage, stating: 'It will open the door to incest, polygamy, and every conceivable marriage arrangement demented minds can conceive.' He additionally claimed that it was impossible for Christians to support homosexuality. 'Homosexuality means the death of society because homosexuals can recruit, but they cannot reproduce,' he once stated. Meanwhile, Hagee's diagnosis comes as Texas still struggles to contain the spread of COVID-19. State health officials reported 2,192 new cases of the virus on Monday, bringing the Texas total to 769,303 since tracking and tracing began back in early March. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Three scientists share this year's Nobel Prize in Physics for their discoveries that helped understand the black hole. Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez have been awarded the coveted prize for the discovery that an invisible and extremely heavy object governs the orbits of stars at the center of the galaxy. Sir Roger Penrose won the award for the discovery that 'black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity.' The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said one half of the prize money, 10 million Swedish kronor ($1.12 million), will go to Penrose and the other half jointly to Genzel and Ghez. Penrose, 89, is a Briton, and is Professor at University of Oxford. Genzel, 68, is German. He is Director at Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching, and also Professor at University of California, Berkeley. Ghez, 55, is American. A professor at University of California, Los Angeles, she is only the fourth woman to win the Nobel in physics, out of more than 200 laureates. Penrose used ingenious mathematical methods in his proof that black holes are a direct consequence of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. Einstein did not himself believe that black holes really exist. Black holes are super-heavyweight monsters that capture everything that enters them. Nothing can escape, not even light. In January 1965, ten years after Einstein's death, Penrose proved that black holes really can form and described them in detail; at their heart, black holes hide a singularity in which all the known laws of nature cease. His groundbreaking article is still regarded as the most important contribution to the general theory of relativity since Einstein. Using the world's largest telescopes, Genzel and Ghez developed methods to see through the huge clouds of interstellar gas and dust to the center of the Milky Way. Stretching the limits of technology, they refined new techniques to compensate for distortions caused by the Earth's atmosphere, building unique instruments and committing themselves to long-term research. 'Their pioneering work has given us the most convincing evidence yet of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way,' the Academy said in a press release. 'The discoveries of this year's Laureates have broken new ground in the study of compact and supermassive objects', said David Haviland, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics. 'But these exotic objects still pose many questions that beg for answers and motivate future research. Not only questions about their inner structure, but also questions about how to test our theory of gravity under the extreme conditions in the immediate vicinity of a black hole,' he added. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in many parts of the world, and resurgences are occurring in some countries where the virus was thought to be successfully contained. A recent paper published in the preprint server bioRxiv* in September 2020 discusses the clinically relevant variation in the expression of COVID-19-related genes, which is associated with the host and environmental factors, as well as host genetic factors. Some of these factors which predispose to severe COVID-19 include advanced age, male sex, being Black American, smoking, and chronic conditions such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic airway diseases as well as host genetic factors. The researchers used bronchial epithelium brushing samples to carry out RNA sequencing since this is the target tissue for the virus. The brushings came from three cohorts of healthy individuals. 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 Smoking, Obesity, and Hypertension Increase ACE2 Levels They found that the presence of active smoking, obesity, and hypertension was related to higher levels of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) that is the host cell receptor for the virus. These are known to exacerbate the severity of COVID-19, and, they say, current smoking, when compared to non-smoking, had the largest overall effect on ACE2 expression of any phenotypic feature. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was not found to be associated with higher ACE2 levels, and neither was the Black American race independent of the higher occurrence of comorbidities in this group. Both obesity and hypertension were linked to higher ACE2 expression, but this was reduced in the case of the latter condition by the use of medications to bring down the blood pressure. The use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and diuretics was specifically linked to this phenomenon, but not ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers. This was partly an effect of smoking. Suppressed Airway Immunity in Chronic Illness Inflammation is often found in many airway diseases, and this can contribute to gene expression levels. The researchers found that the presence of obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease produces a pattern of gene expression that indicates a lessened ability to mount innate and adaptive airway immune responses in the early phase of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that is not seen with other viruses. This could be the reason for the increased viral load and long pre-symptomatic period in this infection. This immunosuppressive state may mediate increased susceptibility to the virus and the increased risk of severe COVID-19 in these conditions. The presence of a shortened form of the ACE2 molecule, which fails to bind to the virus but activates interferon pathways, was found to be linked to the induction of one type of inflammation in COVID-19. IL-17 inflammation was also linked to higher ACE2 levels. Older patients and men had a small reduction in ACE2 expression. Overall, however, the truncated ACE2 isoform does not seem to be related to the higher risk of severe COVID-19 in individuals with these conditions. Host Genetic Factors The researchers found that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were not significantly regulated and probably did not contribute to the genetic effect of the host on COVID-19. The expression of TMPRSS2 was only slightly affected by current smoking, and was higher in asthmatics but not in COPD, and went down in individuals who used steroids for control. Several other variants of regulatory genes that may play an important role in COVID-19 were found to be associated with immune response or respiratory illness, and their interactions with other factors could play a role in this disease. Implications The researchers thus conclude that the variations in the clinical presentation of COVID-19 are caused by complex interactions of host and environmental factors, rather than simply being driven by elevated expression of ACE2. Current smoking, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, and advancing age, are linked to reduced mucosal immunity, which creates an airway microenvironment in which SARS-CoV-2 can gain a foothold before an effective host response is mounted, by increasing the susceptibility of the patient to the virus and the severity of the clinical phenotype. On the other hand, inflammatory conditions of the airway like COPD typically trigger airway immunity and thus help prevent the worsening of the underlying airway disease when exposed to other viruses. However, this response is not seen in SARS-CoV-2. The genetic make-up of the host also plays a role in the expression of many genes potentially involved in COVID-19. Many genes that interact with this condition have regulatory variants that are linked to both immunological and airway-related outcomes. This genetic profile may affect the risk of the infection as well as its clinical course. This knowledge could help identify relevant targets for the therapy of the disease. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Close Biden V Trump: US election opinion polls The historic vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris has wrapped up with contentious exchanges over the coronavirus response, the environment, Trumps taxes, the economy, and foreign policy. Pence repeatedly went over his allotted time and interrupted Harris on multiple occasions, leading the senator to reprimand him with the words: Mr Vice President, I am speaking. Pence accused Harris of undermining confidence in a Trump coronavirus vaccine, while Harris demanded to know to whom Trump owes money. Twitter meanwhile was particularly distracted by a large fly that landed on Pences head and appeared to stay there for about a minute. There is also speculation that the vice president might be suffering from pink eye. The VP nominees were face-to-face for the first time in Salt Lake City in what was billed as the most anticipated clash between two running mates in recent memory. The debate was given approval to go ahead after both candidates returned negative coronavirus tests on Wednesday, and the CDC said Pence was not a "close contact" of Donald Trump. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister on Tuesday reached out to farmers, mostly from protest-hit Punjab and Haryana, and met them at his residence here to discuss about the new farm laws. The meeting with the farmers came in the backdrop of protests against the laws by opposition parties, including the Congress. Singh along with Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar sat with the farmers for more than an hour and discussed at length all issues related to farming sector, including the farm laws. After the meeting both the ministers and the farmers, many of whom are Padma Shri recipients, applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led government at the Centre for bringing these legislations. They said that these laws will open more avenues for farmers to sell their produce and were needed to reform the farm sector. Kanwal Singh Chauhan, a farmer from Haryana, claimed that attempts are being made to create misunderstandings about these legislations. "Farmers and their organisations were demanding reforms in the agriculture sector and with these three bills, the Modi government has brought much needed reforms, and we welcome this," Chauhan said. When asked why some farmers are protesting against these legislations, Chauhan claimed that they are not aware about these laws and misunderstanding has been created among them by some elements. The government has already made it clear that the Minimum Support Price system will stay so now there should not be any fear and concern among farmers, he said. Echoing similar sentiments about the farm bills, Bijendra Singh Dalal, president, Haryana Farmers Self-Help Group, said there is a need to create awareness about these farm bills among farmers. These legislations will be beneficial to farmers in the long run, he said. Last week, Singh had assured farmers that the Minimum Support Price will stay and it will continue to rise. He had also said that he will talk to farmers to clear all their apprehensions about these three farm related bills. Besides farmers, MJ Khan, Chairman of Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture, was also present in the meeting. (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.) Horse Well Drilling Update Melbourne, Oct 6, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cohiba Minerals Limited ( ASX:CHK ) is pleased to announce that drilling on its first hole (HWDD02) at the Horse Well prospect is complete and the second drill hole (HDWW03) has passed the 1,000m mark.HWDD02 was completed at 1,013m and the drill core has been sent back to Adelaide for further technical review and assaying. HWDD02 encountered black shales from 684 - 890m which showed evidence of sulphide mineralisation and will be analysed in 1 metre intervals for copper, lead, zinc and gold (Figure 2*). The remainder of the hole was drilled in porphyritic, coarse-grained granite with variable degrees of HWDD03 is currently underway and despite delays from localised flooding has passed the 1,000m mark and is progressing well. HWDD03 encountered coarsely crystalline (3-150mm) basement material from 890m which is strongly altered quartz-earthy hematite-K-feldspar-epidote-chlorite-(muscovite) rock. An open space pyrite vein was encountered at 990m (Figure 4*).In the sediments directly overlying the basement material there were a number of small veins of native copper (Figure 5*).At the end of the last shift the HWDD03 had reached 1,040m where it encountered a 2 m wide zone (fault zone?) of red earthy, hematitic ironstone with disseminated sulphide mineralisation (Figure 6*).Cohiba's CEO, Andrew Graham said, "We are excited about what we have seen to date and are looking forward to reporting definitive results to the market as they are received. We will continue drilling at HWDD03 and in light of the current progress will complete the drilling at Horse Well, which comprises an additional 2 holes, prior to commencing drilling at Pernatty Lagoon. In addition, we have identified another key target area and will be seeking approval to drill test that target in the future."*To view tables and figures, please visit:About Cohiba Minerals Limited Cohiba Minerals Limited (ASX:CHK) is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with the primary focus of investing in the resource sector through direct tenement acquisition, joint ventures, farm in arrangements and new project generation. The shares of the company trade under the ticker symbol CHK. The Company recently acquired 100% of the shares in Charge Lithium Pty Ltd, which holds exploration licences in Western Australia. "There is no doubt that we are living in an unusual time that has disrupted all of our lives. It is well known that having a daily routine is important during times of stress and isolation, so we launched Viking.TV to livestream at a set hour each day, when our guests, crew and other curious people can continue to explore the world and have a daily session of positivity and learning," said Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Viking. "After just six months, we are honored to have welcomed so many esteemed viewers on Viking.TV and to have received such positive feedback. We look forward to once again traveling together, but in the meantime, we are pleased to continue fostering the Viking.TV communitywith daily livestream sessions and conversations with some of the world's most fascinating people." Viking.TV Highlights Since its launch, Viking.TV has featured exclusive interviews and live Q&A with remarkable explorers, museum curators, musicians, astronauts, actors, artists, performers, photographers, filmmakers and more. Highlights include: Museum Mondays Museum directors, curators and experts have hosted virtual Privileged Access to cultural institutions around the world, including Oslo's Munch Museum and The Viking Ship Museum, The British Museum in London , the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Iowa . Museum directors, curators and experts have hosted virtual Privileged Access to cultural institutions around the world, including Munch Museum and The Viking Ship Museum, The British Museum in , the Hermitage Museum in and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in . Tuesdays Viking Resident Historians, who typically provide a destination-specific curriculum on every ocean cruise itinerary, have shared Iconic Lectures about world history, including "Greek Civilization," "The History of France ," "The Italian Renaissance," and "The Vikings." Additionally, Viking Resident Photographer Alastair Miller has hosted conversations with notable individuals such as filmmaker Ric Burns , wildlife filmmakers Amos Nachoum and Gavin Thurston and artists Magne Furuholmen and Alexander Talbot-Rice . Viking Resident Historians, who typically provide a destination-specific curriculum on every ocean cruise itinerary, have shared Iconic Lectures about world history, including "Greek Civilization," "The History of ," "The Italian Renaissance," and "The Vikings." Additionally, Viking Resident Photographer Alastair Miller has hosted conversations with notable individuals such as filmmaker , wildlife filmmakers and and artists and . (Explorer & Music) Wednesdays In the spirit of exploration, Viking has hosted sessions with explorers from around the world including, Thor Heyerdahl, Jr., whose father famously crossed the Pacific Ocean on the Kon-Tiki raft; anthropologist Benedicte Ingstad , who has written biographies about her parents, famed Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad and archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad ; and Paralympic skier Cato Zahl Pedersen . Other Wednesday sessions have been dedicated to arts and music and have included interviews with Los Angeles Opera Maestro James Conlon; Royal Academy of Arts curator Ann Dumas ; and composer and conductor Debbie Wiseman , OBE. In the spirit of exploration, Viking has hosted sessions with explorers from around the world including, Thor Heyerdahl, Jr., whose father famously crossed the Pacific Ocean on the Kon-Tiki raft; anthropologist , who has written biographies about her parents, famed Norwegian explorer and archaeologist ; and Paralympic skier . Other Wednesday sessions have been dedicated to arts and music and have included interviews with Opera Maestro James Conlon; Royal Academy of Arts curator ; and composer and conductor , OBE. Guest Speaker Thursdays Every week since the launch of Viking.TV, iconic British broadcast journalist Anne Diamond has interviewed significant figures, including Xander Parish , principal ballet dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre; the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon ; the Duke of Devonshire; explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison , OBE; former PBS MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton; Downton Abbey's "Mrs. Patmore," actress Lesley Nicol ; polar explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft ; and classical musicians Alma and Helen Deutscher . Every week since the launch of Viking.TV, iconic British broadcast journalist has interviewed significant figures, including , principal ballet dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre; the Earl and Countess of ; the of Devonshire; explorer , OBE; former PBS MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton; "Mrs. Patmore," actress ; polar explorers and ; and classical musicians . At Home Fridays The Countess of Carnarvon has led more than a dozen virtual Privileged Access tours and glimpses of life at her home, Highclere Castle, widely recognized as the filming location of Downton Abbey. Additional "At Home" sessions hosted by members of the Viking family have provided insight into their local life in Basel , Reykjavik , Amsterdam , Sydney , Prague , Budapest , Russia , the Orkney Islands and more. The Countess of has led more than a dozen virtual Privileged Access tours and glimpses of life at her home, Highclere Castle, widely recognized as the filming location of Additional "At Home" sessions hosted by members of the Viking family have provided insight into their local life in , , , , , , , the and more. Wellness Weekends Yoga instructor Mona Therese has led Mind & Body yoga sessions every week since the launch of Viking.TV. Yoga instructor has led Mind & Body yoga sessions every week since the launch of Viking.TV. Sissel Sundays Sissel Kyrkjeb, a Norwegian National Treasure and one of the world's most beautiful voicesand Viking Jupiter godmotherwill by Christmas have performed 52 songs for Viking.TV viewers. Livestream sessions on Viking.TV start every day at 2 p.m. Eastern Time / 11 a.m. Pacific Time, and all content is archived and available on-demand for anyone who cannot view at the original time of the broadcast. Also on Viking.TV there are more than 200 original short-form Destination Insight documentaries and 60 additional pieces of content in from Viking Cultural Partners, with programming from TED, BBC's Wonderstruck, Libera and more. This WeekSpace Week on Viking.TV As Viking.TV continues to plan new content, each month will feature one week dedicated to a single theme. This week is dedicated to taking viewers out of this world with space-themed content. Beginning today, "Space Week" features Viking Resident Astronomer Ray Arvidson speaking about the exploration of Mars; a conversation with photographer Benedict Redgrove, creator of the book NASA: Past and Present Dreams of the Future; and Anne Diamond will interview retired NASA veteran Charles Armstrong, who worked on a variety of projects including the Space Shuttle. The week will be capped by a special At Home Friday"When Space is Home"with broadcast journalist Lynn Sherr hosting a conversation between Dr. Anna Fisher, godmother of Viking Orion, and three additional astronauts: Colonel Jack Fischer, Richard Linnehan and Barbara Morgan. Viking.TV Viewer Feedback Many travelers continue to write Viking with comments of appreciation for this new opportunity to explore the world in comfortfrom home. Examples of viewer feedback include: " We can't thank you enough for the wonderful 24 weeks of programs-one more interesting than the last!...We have loved every day of programs and have learned so much while whetting our appetites to once again begin cruising with Viking." Bob and Maryann O . . " As a lifelong learner, I look forward to being able to access and view more from your library of weekly programs." Henriette and Klaus Henriette and Klaus " Since I cannot be with you on board one of your fabulous ships, the next best thing is attending an enrichmentI only wish that I was sitting in the Star Theater or having success cake and tea or a glass of Prosecco in the Explorer's Lounge." Brenda G. Brenda G. " I have learned and seen so many new things. My world during this lockdown has been opened." Valerie Valerie "I just wanted to say thank you again for offering your weekly yoga sessions through Viking tv. I have been following them since day 1 and enjoy the gentle spirit and guidance that Mona provides. I have done yoga before but I feel that this series is perfect for the challenging times we are experiencing because they are instructive, relaxing and geared to different levels and abilities. Please pass on my heartfelt thanks and Namaste!" Jennifer A. Jennifer A. "This has been such an enjoyable way to 'travel' and educate ourselves during the pandemic crisis - - - truly one of the "silver linings" in the clouds of our difficult and uncertain daysThis is armchair traveling at its finest!" Patti F. About Viking Viking was founded in 1997 and now offers scenic cruising on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for discerning travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests "the thinking person's cruise" in contrast to mainstream cruises. In its first five years of operation, Viking has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure's 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 "World's Best" Awards. In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been honored multiple times on Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" as well as recognized by Cruise Critic as "Best Overall" Small-Mid size ship in the 2018 Cruisers' Choice Awards, "Best River Cruise Line" and "Best River Itineraries," with the entire Viking Longships fleet being named "Best New River Ships" in the website's Editors' Picks Awards. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking's experience channel, visit www.viking.tv. SOURCE Viking Related Links www.viking.com -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. When Instagram first launched a decade ago, it was nothing like Facebook. The app, which began as a Foursquare-like check-in network, had one purpose: to make photo sharing easy (and make those pictures prettier in the process). Its easy to forget now, but that was a relatively novel concept in 2010. The iPhone was only three years old, and most smartphones took grainy, low-resolution photos. While apps like Camera+ and Hipstamatic popularized photo filters, they didnt have many social features. Meanwhile, Facebook was still years away from a decent mobile app, much less one that prioritized photo sharing. Then came Instagram, which made boring photos seem interesting, beautiful and easy to share. Thanks to early hype and a well-connected founder, it was an overnight success. It racked up 100,000 users in its first week, and millions more soon followed. FAIRFAX, CA - DECEMBER 18: An Instagram news feed is displayed on an Apple iPhone on December 18, 2012 in Fairfax, California. Users of the popular photo-sharing app Instagram are angered over language in Instagram's new terms of service that states that a business may use any of the users photographs in advertising without compensation to the user. The policy is set to go into effect on January 16, 2013. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) The rest is well-documented: Mark Zuckerberg, always attuned to potential threats, scooped up the app in 2012, just as Instagram was closing in on 80 million users. The billion-dollar price tag raised some eyebrows (the app had exactly zero revenue at the time). But, like many of Facebooks other big bets, Zuckerbergs instincts proved right. Fast forward to today and Instagram might just be the most important part of the Facebook family. It has more than a billion users and reportedly made more than $20 billion in ad revenue last year. Its more popular with younger users than Facebook, and it has been central to the companys strategy against rivals like Snapchat and TikTok. But as Instagram began to grow bigger and bigger, Facebooks influence became more powerful. Clashes with Zuckerberg, who was reportedly jealous of Instagrams success, drove out Instagrams founders in 2018. Facebook-sized growth also brought Facebook-sized problems. Memes and doctored photos have proven to be an even more efficient vehicle for viral disinformation than Facebook posts. So much so that a report from the Senate Intelligence Committee on Russias meddling in the 2016 election concluded that Instagram was the most effective tool used by the IRA [Russias Internet Research Agency] to conduct its information operations campaign." Story continues Instagram is testing three new designs for its home screen. The company later took steps to limit misinformation with fact checking, but anti-vaxxers and QAnon and conspiracy theorists of all stripes continue to thrive. And influence campaigns continue to target Instagram. Today, Instagram is almost unrecognizable from the simple photo sharing app it once was. The feed is still there, but now theres also Stories, and Direct, and Shopping, and Reels, and IGTV. The company has been testing new home screen designs and hiding like counts. Its pushing commerce into just about every corner of its app, and doing more than ever to appease its legions of influencers creators. Facebook, facing threats of antitrust action in the US and Europe, is also aggressively pursuing a plan to make its apps interoperable. The company has been vague about exactly what that looks like, but were beginning to get an idea. New features, like Messenger Rooms and Facebook Shops are built for both services. At the same time Facebook is encouraging account linking, cross-posting and messaging between the two apps. Instagram may still be its own service, but the once clear lines separating it from Facebook are starting to get very, very blurry. Kyrgyzstan is in the midst of its third major political upheaval since 2005 and the same important questions have arisen: Who will the new leaders be and how will they move the country forward? This time however, it seems the "old" ways will not work. Many supporters of the 12 opposition parties that took part in the October 4 parliamentary elections went to the polls to vote for changes in the leadership and changes in the way the country was run. These voters were naturally disappointed that of the 16 parties competing, three of the four parties that won seats in those elections were pro-government parties that many in Kyrgyzstan felt attained victory by buying votes and using state resources. One thing seemed sure to the Kyrgyz people and that was there wouldn't be any positive changes coming from a parliament packed with people loyal to the president or shadowy business figures and suspected criminal groups. Barely 24 hours after the announcement of preliminary results from the vote, angry protesters had stormed the parliament building and state television headquarters, ransacked the president's office, and freed some high-profile prisoners. On October 6, a group of opposition leaders met and announced the formation of a Coordination Council comprised of representatives from eight of the 16 political parties that competed in the parliamentary elections. The leader of Butun (United) Kyrgyzstan, Adakhan Madumarov, was chosen to head the council and standing beside him in photos were familiar faces from other political parties. In some ways, maybe too familiar. Familiar Faces, Yet Again In March 2005, a genuine, popular revolution swept Kyrgyzstan's first president, Askar Akaev, from power. Akaev had been gradually concentrating power into his hands and when two of his children ran for seats in parliament in the 2005 elections and a series of obstacles were thrown in the way of other candidates, it was too much for many Kyrgyz people to endure any longer. No opposition parties led the protests that broke out. It was all accomplished by ordinary citizens with help from civil society groups and it eventually engulfed the entire country. Opposition leaders tried to catch up and "ride the wave," so to speak, but when March 24 came and Akaev fled the country no leader leader had emerged as a guiding force for that revolution. But it was opposition leaders who formed a new government. In a process that is still unclear, a handful of these leaders selected former Prime Minister Kurmanbek Bakiev to be acting prime minister and later the main presidential candidate in early elections that Bakiev easily won in June 2005. Bakiev in turn appointed other opposition leaders and veteran politicians to key posts in government. But it was not long before many people saw there was no real change, as Bakiev began acquiring many of the same corrupt practices as the man he had replaced. Some people even said Kyrgyzstan had simply exchanged "A," meaning Akaev, for "B," meaning Bakiev. Kyrgyzstan did not seem to be any better off under Bakiev than it had been doing under Akaev, and Bakiev's habit of bringing cronies and family members into government -- such as putting his then-32-year-old son Maksim in charge of the country's economy -- made people start clamoring for change. But the people generally making the decisions were the same names and faces people in Kyrgyzstan had known for many years. Bakiev was ousted in the revolution of April 2010. That revolution was localized and primarily took place in two northern cities -- Bishkek and Talas -- in the span of a little more than 48 hours. It had been stoked by opposition figures such as Ata-Meken leader Omurbek Tekebaev and Social Democratic Party leader Almazbek Atambaev, and once Bakiev fled the capital and eventually the country, Tekebaev, Atambaev, former Foreign Minister Roza Otunbaeva, and some other familiar top opposition figures took control. The constitution was amended to give Kyrgyzstan a parliamentary form of government and some progress was made toward that end, but the overall system of government stayed mostly the same. Kyrgyzstan plodded along from 2011 to 2017, when Atambaev was president, and the country continued on that course after Sooronbai Jeenbekov was elected president in 2017. All that time those making the decisions were, once again, mostly the same names and faces people in Kyrgyzstan had known for many years. Kyrgyz Revolution 3.0? October 6 was a chaotic day in Bishkek. It is apparent no one is truly in control of the situation at the moment. But in the confusion, there is also a danger that the changes many wanted when they voted will be ignored and that the new government could return to business as usual in Kyrgyzstan. The Coordination Council shown in photos on October 6 is virtually all men. Most of the politicians who dominated the news on that day were men and most were older men, some of them politicians released from prison earlier that morning -- such as disgraced former President Atambaev -- more than a few of whom were convicted for having committed crimes. The old crowd seems to be rising to the top again, and once again many of them are the same names and faces people in Kyrgyzstan have known for many years. It is no wonder, then, that several youth groups held a gathering on October 6 where supporters called for lustration and urged the people trying to form a new government to include more young people in the decision-making process. The Bishkek Feminists wrote on Twitter that at least half of the population is women and they should therefore have 50 percent of the posts in any new government. Business as usual has not helped Kyrgyzstan advance, and when the dust finally settles from this recent revolution it won't help the country achieve greater things. There are some talented young men and women in politics in Kyrgyzstan. Now is their moment and they need to be consulted and included in decisions being made during these days that will guide Kyrgyzstan well into the future. It's starting to feel like fall across much of the country, which means it's time for pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and thankfully for readers, the announcement of the shortlist for the Financial Times and McKinsey's annual Best Business Book of the Year award. As ever, the list offers those interested in business reads a direct route to some of the year's best and most thought-provoking titles. "In a year marked by disruption and uncertainty, the judges have selected a shortlist, which addresses critical business issues, from the future of work to the importance of technology, in original, enjoyable, and provocative ways," commented Roula Khalaf, editor of the FT. So pick up a couple of them and curl up to enjoy the cooler weather with a book that's bound to make you think. 1. Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism by Anne Case and Angus Deaton The basic premise of the American dream is that every generation does a little better than their parents. In 2015, Nobel prize-winning economist Angus Deaton and fellow economist Anne Case discovered that America was no longer living up to that promise. Deaths among working class whites in the country were actually rising and life expectancy declining. The main culprit was so-called "deaths of despair" caused by suicide or substance abuse. This bestseller digs into what's gone wrong and what we should do about it. 2. No Filter by Sarah Frier Described as the "definitive inside story of Instagram," this book by Bloomberg reporter Sarah Frier actually widens out to offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how Silicon Valley really works. "No Filter pairs phenomenal in-depth reporting with explosive storytelling that gets to the heart of how Instagram has shaped all of our lives, whether you use the app or not. It's so much more than a business story; it's a story about culture, fame, and, ultimately, human connection," raved Taylor Lorenz in The New York Times, calling it "the most entertaining book I've read in years." 3. No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer This deep dive into the unique and much discussed culture at Netflix by its CEO and a business school professor won a recommendation from no less than Satya Nadella. "I had the privilege of learning from Reed personally and studying the Netflix culture. The insights in this book are invaluable to anyone trying to create and sustain organizational culture," Microsoft's CEO said of No Rules Rules. 4. Reimagining Capitalism: How Business Can Save the World by Rebecca Henderson With the world both literally and metaphorically on fire right now, just about everyone is desperate to figure out how to save the situation, including capitalists. They might want to pick up this book by a Harvard professor, which attempts to outline how making a profit can be reconciled with a healthier society and a healthier earth. 5. If Then: How the Simulmatics Corporation Invented the Future by Jill Lepore You may not have heard of Simulmatics, but the Cold War-era company did much to build the modern world we live in. It "mined data, targeted voters, manipulated consumers, destabilized politics, and disordered knowledgedecades before Facebook, Google, and Cambridge Analytica," explains Amazon. Jill Lepore's If Then excavates the forgotten history that presages the problems of today's Silicon Valley giants. 6. A World Without Work by Daniel Susskind The robots are coming for our jobs. Will that be a nightmare or a utopia? Susskind's even-minded book guides the reader through this question, examining the arguments of thinkers on both sides of the debate and laying out the challenges of a world where machines do more so humans need to do less. In the past two decades, scholars and practitioners in the field of transitional justice have explored the potential of the application of the historical method of analysis as a tool for clarification of the past in settings where contested memories continue to perpetuate social division. Societies emerging from conflict are often left rooted in a complex ground of competing narratives, transforming the past into a space of contestation. The engagement with specific historical accounts that deny or justify the past wrongs can perpetuate violent confrontation, threaten and disrupt peace-building processes and negotiations. This is what historical clarification commissions (HCC) are made to address. Through their work, HCCs have the potential to create new historical frames that can contribute to transform the publics perception of the past through shifting away from accusatory accounts to explanatory ones based on accurate and contextualized historical facts. HCCs are temporary bodies officially established through presidential or parliamentary decree, set to investigate specific events of the past that are the object of interpretative disputes. Thus, these commissions are tasked with the re-evaluation of already existing historical knowledge, the conduct of original analysis based on new evidence, and the revision of long-held assumptions and paradigms about the violent past as Eva-Clarita Pettai, a scholar on transitional justice and historical commissions, wrote. Facing contested legacies In the framework of transitional justice, HCCs work toward the production of historical narratives constructed to give meaning to the past with a vision toward a peaceful future. HCCs thus carry out a diagnosis of the past, presenting a comprehensive historical account that, while giving meaning to the experiences of the past, serves as a narrative frame for the visualization of a new future. Through the acknowledgment of the past wrongs, HCCs promote an integrating platform for dialogue, and the recognition of moral, social and political responsibilities. Despite their role in changing the publics perception of a contested past, it is important to take into consideration some of the limitations of HCCs. First, not all contested legacies are founded on misrepresentation of past events or ill-informed historical accounts, and thus cannot be resolved in a process of clarification. Second, governments, political parties, or other groups may use specific rhetorical discourses as a means for legitimation, thereby using the work of HCCs as a mechanism to reinforce (new) accusatory narratives or to privilege specific approaches to the inquiry of particular events for a strategic political end. Born under Alvaro Uribes Justice and Peace Law Since 1958, with the establishment of the first historical commission in Colombia known as the Investigative Commission (Comision de Investigacion), the Colombian state has resorted, on several occasions, to these bodies of inquiry, with the objective to inform and assist various administrations in their efforts to end the conflict in the country. Following this tradition, the Historical Memory Group (GMH for its initials in Spanish) was established in 2007 under Alvaro Uribes administration with a similar purpose: the government tasked the GMH with producing a historical analysis that would contribute to the understanding of the complexities of the five-decade conflict. The GMH was part of the National Commission for Reparation and Reconciliation (CNRR for its initials in Spanish), a bigger governmental institution set to regulate the regional demobilization of the armed groups, and to evaluate the process of reparation to the victims. Both the GMH and the CNRR were established in the framework of the Justice and Peace Law (Ley de Justicia y Paz n975. 2005), which was approved to enable a process of national reconciliation between the government and the armed groups. However, the political context was complex. On the one hand, Uribes administration sought the reincorporation of individual members or collectives of armed groups to the civil life, guaranteeing the victims rights to truth, justice and reparations although, effectively, it mainly focused on the demobilization of right-wing paramilitaries. On the other hand, Uribe had put in place a national political strategy known as Democratic Security, which used military strategies to defeat the armed groups operating within the county. Against this backdrop, the GMH had to draft a report on the reasons for the emergence and evolution of illegal armed groups. While its mandate established a clear area for investigation, the GMH team took a broader approach and placed the reconstruction of historical memory as a central axis of its research strategy. This way, the GMH, for the first time, shed a light on the memory of the victims of the conflict through the narration of their experiences. Victims testimonies take center stage Typically, HCCs operate distant from the events under investigation, which usually results in limited access to oral witnesses and testimonies and leaves written documents as their main source of information. However, in contexts in which HCCs interrogate events that have taken place in the relatively recent past, access to oral testimonies allows them to combine archival research with the compilation of witness oral accounts and testimonials. This was the context in which the GMH operated. Its research methodology combined the use of the historical method of analysis through authentication and triangulation of written sources, and the collection of the witnesses and victims narratives. This was important for two reasons. Firstly, for the first time in Colombia, the experiences of those who bore the consequences of the conflict were at the center of the investigation. Secondly, it allowed the GMH to overcome the challenges of restricted access to sources. In cases in which the historical investigation takes place in contexts of ongoing conflict or in immediate post-conflict, access to archival sources, and official and governmental documents, may be limited to the researchers. This may be due to national security reasons, or the destruction or absence of written records as a result of a deliberate intention not to leave written proof of the acts of violence. Furthermore, in the contexts of interstate conflict, like the Colombian case, the archives are highly imbalanced because, in the majority of cases, rebel groups do not keep a record of their actions. In the case of the GMH, access to the testimonies of victims and witnesses was key to collect crucial information that otherwise would not be available. The recovery of witnesses and testimonies gave opportunity to integrate different perspectives of victims, perpetrators, bystanders and third parties, together with empirical evidence emerging from the available documentary sources archives and others, into a historical account about the past. Allowing social and political dialogue The GMH operated in a context in which the Colombian state had not defined the violence in Colombia as reaching the threshold of internal armed conflict and had not yet recognized its responsibility for the crimes it had committed. Although the Santos administration (2010-2018) had already shown signs of a shift in the national reconciliation policies towards a potential political negotiation with the guerrilla groups in view of ending the conflict, the publication of the GMHs general report Basta ya! In 2013 represented a turning point in public policy on the conflict, said Marta Cecilia Herrera. Adopting the recommendations made by the GMH, the new national political project advanced by Santos for the first time recognized the existence of an internal armed conflict, accepted the states responsibility for the crimes its agents had committed during the previous years, and, through the work of historical memory, located the victims at the center of the debate. The GMH conducted a process of clarification of the past through factual reconstruction: investigating particular case studies that documented existing knowledge, bringing unknown facts to light, challenging the accounts based on historically inaccurate data. By undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the impact that the conflict had had on Colombian society, the GMH challenged some of the already established narratives and discourses about the violence, offering a historical narrative framework for social and political dialogue. An Oswego County court stenographer this week admitted to stealing more than $187,000 over the years by adding zeros to invoices she used to bill her clients. Laura Hayes, 47, of Phoenix pleaded guilty to felony second-degree grand larceny in Oswego County Court Monday, New York state officials said in a news release. Hayes, who owns and operates Quality Court Reporting, schemed over multiple years to overbill four workers' compensation insurance carriers for her stenography services, the New York State Inspector Generals Office said in the news release. The New York Inspector General opened an investigation after receiving multiple complaints about her billing practices, according to the news release. Investigators found Hayes regularly charged 10 times the appropriate value of her services by adding a zero to the end of an invoice, the IG said. Over the years, she took an additional $187,700, officials said. Hayes overbilling may have negatively affected workers compensation premiums for those companies, the IGs office said. Hayes is scheduled for sentencing before Judge Donald Todd in Oswego County Court on Dec. 10. The case was prosecuted by Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro with assistance by New York State Police and Oswego County District Attorney. Reporter Julie McMahon can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992 Bahrain has temporarily suspended travel to destinations which can adversely affect national efforts to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), a senior official said. Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs at the Ministry of Telecommunications Mohammed Thamer Al-Kaabi said the temporary suspension had been recommended by the National Taskforce for Combating Covid-19 to protect citizens and residents health and safety, said a Bahrain News Agency report. The report did not mention the names of the destinations affected. Think its tough trying to get things done in Springfield? Try Barrington Hills. When Republican Marty McLaughlin became mayor in 2013, the Village Board split on issues was 5-2 and McLaughlin was one of the two minority votes. Still, he got his initiatives through, including a consolidation of 911 services that saved taxpayers millions of dollars. As an investment manager, he knows money. And he knows that because of the pandemic, revenue from state taxes will be a sliver of what they were before. Other states, he says, have decided to slash spending to brace for less money coming in. Thats the course Illinois should take as well, McLaughlin says. His opponent, Island Lake Democrat Marci Suelzer, is a business executive and a licensed mental health counselor. Her skill set is extensive, but McLaughlin is endorsed. Also running is Green Party candidate Alia Sarfraz. WARSAW, Poland: Poland and Lithuania have recalled their ambassadors from neighboring Belarus, where hundreds of people have been detained during massive protests against the authoritarian president who won a sixth term in office in an election widely seen as rigged. The foreign ministries of Poland and Lithuania, nations that offer support to the Belarusian opposition, have said they were recalling their ambassadors from Minsk for consultations. Poland suggested ambassadors from some other European Union nations were also being recalled. The move by Poland and Lithuania followed Fridays announcement by Belarus that it was recalling its ambassadors from the two countries and urging them to do the same. Belarus also demanded that Poland and Lithuania scale down their missions in the country because of their destructive activity. Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau tweeted late Monday to say that in coordination with EU bodies weve made a joint decision to recall for consultations some of the ambassadors accredited to Belarus. Rau thanked EU partners for an unequivocal expression of solidarity with Poland and Lithuania. Support for Belarusians and their efforts to democratize the country remains a priority to us." Poland and Lithuania are hosting some leaders of the Belarusian opposition and are taking steps to win EU and international support for efforts toward a democratic Belarus. Unprecedented mass protests have rocked Belarus ever since Aug. 9 presidential election that gave authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, a sixth straight term, with 80% of vote, but which the opposition says was rigged. 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 Since July, COVID-19 outbreaks have killed nine patients at Piedmont Geriatric Hospital in Nottoway County, about 55 miles from Richmond, and a nurse at Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Danville. Commissioner of Behavioral Health Alison Land temporarily stopped admissions at four facilities to reduce pressure on institutions already operating near or in some cases beyond their capacity. Those four facilities are Piedmont, Southern Virginia, the Commonwealth Center for Children & Adolescents in Staunton and Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Falls Church. We have not halted admissions at Central State, but we are working closely with [the Virginia Department of Health] and following their guidelines for admissions, Cunningham said. The state subsequently has lifted the moratorium on admissions at Piedmont, Southern Virginia and Northern Virginia, while allowing a limited reopening at the Commonwealth Center, which has had 27 employees test positive . All have recovered, but Cunningham said the hospital has been particularly challenged by reduced staffing numbers throughout the outbreak, so we are working closely with CCCA to increase the workforce and ensure it has the resources it needs . 06.10.2020 LISTEN Some 12 political parties and three independent presidential aspirants have so far downloaded the Electoral Commission's nomination forms to contest the 2020 Presidential Election. A source at the Electoral Commission said after a meeting on Friday afternoon, eight political parties, including the National Democratic Congress, New Patriotic Party and Ghana Union Movement had indicated their dates of submission. The source said it was hopeful all the parties and independent presidential aspirants would file their nominations in time after downloading the forms successfully. According to the Commission's timetable, presidential and parliamentary aspirants for the December 7, 2020 General Election would file nominations from Monday October 5, to Friday October 9. Presidential aspirants are expected to present their completed nomination forms and a banker's draft of GHS100,000 to the Electoral Commission at its head office in Accra. Parliamentary aspirants will submit their forms and a bankers' draft of GH10,000 to the Commission's offices in the constituencies. The Electoral Commission on September 15, 2020, opened nomination for presidential and parliamentary aspirants for the December polls. The aspirants are to download the forms from the EC's website and submit same as part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. In past elections, filing of nominations was done in two days but it has been increased to five days for the 2020 polls. The filing fee is refundable if a presidential candidate gets 25 per cent of the total valid votes cast. For parliamentary candidates, refund will be given to candidates who get 12.5 per cent of total valid votes cast. However, aspirants who are disqualified after filing nominations will not be given any refund. The EC Chairperson at a press conference to open the filing of nomination, said to Ensure the security and integrity of the nomination process, each political party will be provided with a unique password to enable them access the password protected nomination forms ---GNA STEVENSVILLE, Md., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, October 2nd, Sealing Technologies, Inc. (SealingTech) held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their Integration Facility, located in Queen Anne's County, to celebrate the 10,000 Sq Ft expansion. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held both virtually through a YouTube Livestream and with limited physical attendance and safety measures in place. The catered event offered physical tours of the facility that highlights SealingTech's signature hardware products, and secure warehouse space with access-controlled clean rooms. Video compilation of highlights from SealingTech's Integration Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held October 2nd, 2020. Chief Executive Officer of Sealing Technologies Inc, Ed Sealing (center), Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Whalen (right), and Chief Financial Officer, Daniel Zick (left), officiate the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the SealingTech Integration Facility in Stevensville, MD. Director of the Integration Facility, Jen Jenkins, said, "I have the honor of working at this newly expanded facility with an amazing team," as she opened the ceremony speech concluding with a few administrative announcements and safety precautions. Chief Financial Officer, Daniel Zick, and Chief Executive Officer, Ed Sealing, emphasized on the economic, job, and capability growth since their first contract, and concluded with the historical significance of the land. "Queen Anne's county has been a great partner in helping make the investment to bring more employment opportunities to the county. The state of Maryland has been very good at bringing new technology jobs with places like Fort Meade, the NSA, DISA, and other areas that are leaders in DoD technology," Chief Executive Officer, Ed Sealing states, as he looks back on SealingTech's progression. In 2016, SealingTech had its first contract to deploy a major DoD system across all 50 states. They were able to provide innovative engineering services with an emphasis on automating software deployment and speeding up production time. This reduced the 3-year-long turnaround time to less than 6 months and saved nearly $2M in labor and travel costs. Since then, the Integration Facility has provided efficient and secure customer solutions as they process tens of thousands of IT systems and custom-built hardware. With the help of SealingTech's logistics partners, Commercial Carpet Logistics, LLC., they can provide a fleet of dozens of trucks to ensure customers receive secure, expedited, and dedicated GPS-tracked delivery across the East Coast for their secure supply chain needs. As SealingTech expands its customer base, service capabilities, and warehouse inventory, they can provide job growth in the technology sector to Maryland's Eastern Shore. Ed Sealing concluded the ceremony explaining how the property was once a part of the now defunct Chesapeake Bay Hydraulic Model built by the US Army Core of Engineers in 1978. "The advent of modeling and simulation technology made that obsolete and took away the jobs and tourism that is supported here in the county. It's only fitting that this property once again supports the Army and DoD, only now technology is bringing the jobs in, rather than taking them away." SealingTech offers modern and secure technology solutions to the federal government and private sector through custom hardware, software, and engineering services. SOURCE Sealing Technologies Inc. Related Links www.sealingtech.com I have been wondering what active party politics really means. I have also, over these past few days been asking myself the kind of politics that our chiefs have been barred from taking a part in. I have read section (1) of Article 276 of the constitution but I still want to know if the active politics is all about supporting NDC/ NPP or running for a political office. I am asking this question because for the past few days I have read statements of chiefs from Anlo, Peki and even from the president of the National House of chiefs talking against a political movement in favour of the another. Yes, your guess is as good. I mean the Western Togoland Movement some even categorically mentioned the Homeland Study Group Foundation. I remember just around November 2019 in this country, the entire Volta Region was excluded from the national budgetary allocation. I remember how the youths in the region agitated, spoke about being sidelined and recounted their pain of living in a region without decent jobs where after graduation they would have to pack bag and baggage and head for other regions to find jobs. I also remember when the Ministry of Transport announced that it was considering a cable transport project along the coast. The project was to extend from Accra all the way to Takoradi. Again, there was no mention of the coast of the Volta Region. I remember how I watched the minister announce this and smiled to myself in shame. The comment of the Hon. Member of Parliament of the republic of Ghana -KT Hammond, that sought to imply that a significant number of those who vote in the Volta Region are not Ghanaians. We all watched how the security forces mainly non-Evhes were deployed to the Volta Region during the recent registration for voter ID cards and we equally heard of the unwarranted beatings, the invasion of homes and home searches without warrant. I remember how Ervhe people in the Banda district suddenly became aliens in Ghana. Last but not the least, I remember my travel through the dusty, pot hole riddled Peki roads. I dont want to talk about the referendum that divided the Volta Region and how Ervhe people were cursed and beaten in some instances for trying to ensure that the vote represented the will of the people. I dont want to mention the age-old problem of police, immigration and Ceps check points numbering more than ten just between Aflao and Ada on your way to Accra which makes it feel like we live in two separate countries. Throughout the period that we have been in these situations, the people of the Volta Region were obviously expecting to hear from their chiefs. There were moments that the Evhe people wished for just a comment from even a sub chief or just any recognized leader among the Evhe people, but got nothing. Those moments get me wondering if we really had leaders that had our interest at heart. At certain points those with access to social media even call out Jerry Rawlings to say something. But usually in such situations whatever we get as Evhe people either comes too late or never at all. Prior to the Western Togoland brouhaha, just about a few weeks ago, the sorry stories of the Ervhe people of Ghana was the trend on social media, the stories about how their inability to speak twi was interpreted as being Togolese. Stories about how getting an accommodation in Accra or Kumasi to rent can be a challenge just because one was Evhe. I dont want to touch on the aspect on employment and how even Prof. Avoke had to be removed simply because they said he wasnt from Winneba. Maybe our chiefs are of a privilege class and so cannot relate with our problems. But we as citizens have gone through and are still going through a lot. And we would wish that our leaders listen and speak on our behalf at all times and not just against us when we feel we have had enough and begin to react as a result of persistent injustice meted out to us. If the chiefs couldnt speak when the region was left out of the national budget because it is political, couldnt speak about the obvious fraud going on in the name of the Keta port because it is political, and cannot speak about the terrible Peki road and the abandoned Ho airport because it is political, I equally expected that they would know that the Western Togoland Movement is political. Unless politics, in the context of the constitution only stands for anything under the banner of the NDC and the NPP. I However suggest that if it is the violence that we wish to condemn, let us condemn the violence and wait until the perpetrators are arrested and identified to be actual members of the Western Togoland Movement then we accuse the group of the act. That would be wiser than basing our press releases on what we have heard on radio or seen on television sets from the comfort of our homes. The Media is made of people, and not above reproach. But should the chiefs continue to publicly condemn the various movements calling for secession, I would wish to state that should there be the need for negotiation, they should equally not present themselves on the side of the secessionist, because so far neither have they spoken on the side of the people nor have our wise chiefs adopted a neutral approach. Author M.A.Y Kulewosi Email : [email protected] Restored financial flexibility The Belgian group Compagnie Nationale Portefeuille SA ("CNP") (Groupe Frere) is to acquire a stake in AKKA and become new long-term partner Reinvestment by the Ricci Family Group demonstrates its confidence in AKKA's prospects and keeping the majority of the voting rights Reinforcement of shareholder equity Features of the operation Subscription of CNP to 150M and of the Ricci family group to 50M Subscription price of 22.50 per share, issue premium included A premium of 43% over the last quoted price on October 5, 2020 and 33% over the weighted average price over the last 30 trading days Regulatory News: For several months, the management of AKKA (Paris:AKA) (BSE:AKA) (ISIN:FR0004180537) has been communicating its desire to strengthen the Company's balance sheet, which was brutally impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in the first half of 2020. While the transformation of the company has been accelerated, the Board of Directors has examined various options to ensure that the Group benefits from a strengthened financial structure and greater agility in the aftermath of the crisis. In this context, the Board of Directors, which met on 5 October 2020, approved a 200 million reserved capital increase under the authorised share capital regime. This reserved capital increase will be subscribed for 150 million by Compagnie Nationale Portefeuille SA ("CNP") and 50 million by the Ricci family group at a subscription price of 22.50 per share, issue premium included. This subscription price represents a premium of 43% over the closing price on 5 October 2020 and 33% over the weighted average price over the last 30 trading days. Compagnie Nationale Portefeuille SA and the Ricci family group are two family groups with shared values that invest jointly to support AKKA's operational and financial development over the long term. "I am delighted to welcome CNP as a partner of AKKA and its managers, for a long-term collaboration. CNP is a long-term investor, whose share capital is family-held, which accompanies the development of European sector leaders." "AKKA's Board of Directors considered that a reserved capital increase was in the interest of all shareholders. Thanks to its rapid implementation, management can remain focused on the Group's path out of the crisis and on its objective of restoring the Group's operating profitability by 2020. It also provides an equity injection at a subscription price representing a significant premium over the average share price over the last thirty trading days." "With CNP's investment and the renewed commitment of the Ricci family, which keeps the majority of the voting rights, AKKA will benefit from a stronger balance sheet and additional resources to continue its transformation and accelerate its development," commented Mauro Ricci, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AKKA. "We are pleased to invest alongside the Ricci family group in AKKA, a major player in the engineering and digital sector in Europe that has demonstrated strong financial performance over the cycles. We share and wish to support the strategic vision of AKKA and its management, and are convinced that CNP Group has the necessary assets to support AKKA's operational and financial development to continue the work undertaken by AKKA and its shareholders for more than 35 years." added Xavier Le Clef, Chief Executive Officer of CNP S.A. Upon completion of the transaction, Compagnie Nationale Portefeuille will hold 6,666,667 AKKA shares and voting rights, representing 21.4% of the share capital and 17.3% of voting rights respectively. The Ricci family group will hold 12,024,355 shares, or 38.5% of AKKA's share capital compared to 43.9%. It will hold 19,951,842 voting rights, or 51.9% of the total voting rights, compared to 59.9%. The Ricci family group and Swilux S.A., an investment company wholly owned and controlled by Compagnie Nationale Portefeuille, entered into a shareholders' agreement. Under the terms of this agreement, Compagnie Nationale Portefeuille has the right to submit the appointment of a Director to the Board to the General Assembly for approval as well as various provisions that do not affect the conduct of day-to-day business. The Ricci family group will retain exclusive control of the AKKA Group. Terms and conditions of the Capital Increase Number of shares issued and amount of the offer: 8,888,889 shares will be issued for a gross amount of 200,000,002.50, including issue premium, corresponding to 39.8% of the Company's share capital and an issue price of 22.50 per share, including issue premium. Beneficiaries of the reserved offer, this reserved capital increase will be subscribed: up to 150M by Compagnie Nationale Portefeuille SA through Swilux S.A., a Luxembourg holding company wholly owned and controlled by CNP and with net assets of c.800M. CNP is one of the two pillars of the Frere Group, an investment group with family assets exclusively controlled by members of the Frere family and with net assets of ~5.5 billion; and up to 50M by the Ricci consortium bringing together certain members of the Ricci family (including their management companies): Mauro Ricci, Jean-Franck Ricci, Cecile Monnot, Benjamin Ricci, Charlotte Ricci, Nicolas Valtille (including his management company) and Nathalie Buhnemann (including her management company). Nature and characteristics of the new shares: The shares are of the same class as the Company's existing shares and bearing current dividend rights. The rights attached to these new shares will be identical to those attached to the Company's existing shares. Admission to trading of the new shares on Euronext Paris and Euronext Brussels will be on the same line as the existing AKKA TECHNOLOGIES shares (ISIN code FR0004180537), as soon as the prospectus mentioned below is published. Regulatory authorisations: The completion of this reserved capital increase is subject to certain customary regulatory authorisations. Indicative timetable for the Capital Increase: It is currently anticipated that the transaction will be completed by the end of the financial year 2020. Information for the public: The new shares will be admitted to trading only after publication of a prospectus approved by the Autorite des Services et Marches Financiers (FSMA), and published within 90 days following the date of completion of the capital increase. The availability of the prospectus will be announced in due course. The announcement required by the related party rules is set out in the appendix. WARNING This press release, and the information contained herein, does not constitute, and shall not be deemed to constitute, an offer to the public to sell or subscribe, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe, shares of AKKA Technologies SE in any country and is not intended to solicit the public interest in a public offering. The distribution of this press release may, in certain countries, be subject to specific regulations. Consequently, persons in such jurisdictions into which this press release is released, published or distributed must inform themselves and comply with such laws and regulations. About CNP CNP is an investment firm founded by Mr. Albert Frere and exclusively controlled by the Frere family. CNP invests its permanent capital in European listed and private industry leaders and acts as an active partner to drive sustainable value creation alongside the founders, management and families it associates with. Together with GBL, CNP is one of the 2 pillars of Groupe Frere that manages net assets of approximately 5,5Bn. www.cnp.be About AKKA AKKA is the European leader in engineering consulting and R&D services in the mobility segment. As an innovation accelerator for its clients, AKKA supports leading industry players in the automotive, aerospace, rail and life sciences sectors throughout the life cycle of their products with cutting edge digital technologies (AI, ADAS, IoT, Big Data, robotics, embedded computing, machine learning, etc.). Founded in 1984, AKKA has a strong entrepreneurial culture and is pursuing its fast-paced growth and international development in line with its CLEAR 2022 strategic plan. With 22,000 employees, who are passionate about technology and dedicated to advancing the future of industry, the Group recorded revenues of 1.8 billion in 2019. Following the completion of the friendly take-over bid of Data Respons launched in January 2020, AKKA now holds 100% of the company's shares; with the success of this operation, AKKA leverages the most comprehensive portfolio of digital solutions in Europe to harness the growing demand from its customers in the mobility sector. AKKA Technologies is listed on Euronext Paris and Brussels Segment A ISIN code: FR0004180537. For more information, please visit www.akka-technologies.com Follow us on: twitter.com/AKKA_Tech Mauro Ricci, Chairman Chief Executive Officer and Nathalie Buhnemann, Chief Financial officer, are pleased to invite you to a webcast dedicated to our reserved capital increase Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 at 09:30 AM (CET) To register join the webcast please click here: JOIN THE WEBINAR THE WEBCAST WILL BE DELIVERED VIA THE VOICEBOXER PLATFORM: If you already have a VoiceBoxer account , click on the link to join the webinar. If you have forgotten your password, simply renew your credentials here. , click on the link to join the webinar. If you have forgotten your password, simply renew your credentials here. First time users will receive their credentials automatically by email. Use them to access the webinar. NEED TO KNOW! For the best experience, use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browser or browser Before the conference, run a check of your settings here: https://portal.voiceboxer.com/check For any registration issues, please contact support@voiceboxer.com or contact despina.tsani@akka.eu. Appendix to the press release of 6 October 2020 07:00 Regulated information Inside information AKKA TECHNOLOGIES Societe europeenne Avenue Louise 235 1050 Bruxelles Numero d'entreprise: 0538.473.031 Registre des Personnes Morales de Bruxelles Public announcement pursuant to article 7:97, 4/1 of the Companies Code and Associations relating to a related party transaction The Board of Directors of the Company held on 5 October 2020 decided to enter into a subscription agreement between (i) the Company, (ii) Swilux S.A., (iii) Swilux S.A. and (iv) the Company. (a subsidiary of Compagnie Nationale Portefeuille SA (CNP)) and (iii) [Mauro Ricci, Jean-Franck Ricci, Cecile Monnot, Benjamin Ricci, Charlotte Ricci, Nicolas Valtille (including his management company) and Nathalie Buhnemann (including her management company) ("Ricci Family Group "). Swilux S.A. is not a related party to the Company. However, the members of the Ricci Family Group are related parties of the Company within the meaning of article 7:97 of the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations (the "Code"). In this context, the Board of Directors applied Article 7:97 of the Code, relating to decisions and transactions concerning a party related to the Company. This provision implies, among other things, the intervention of a committee of independent directors to give an opinion to the Board of Directors. The conclusions of this opinion are set out at the end of this communication. In addition, this provision provides that when the decision or transaction involved a Director, he or she does not take part in the deliberations or vote of the Board of Directors. The Directors which are concerned are: Mauro Ricci, Jean-Franck Ricci, Nicolas Valtille, Charlotte Ricci and Cecile Monnot. These Directors are part of the "Ricci family group" concerted action and are parties to the subscription agreement (and the shareholders' agreement referred to below). These directors therefore did not participate in the deliberations or votes. The Company has also applied Article 7:96 of the Code, relating to decisions in which one or more Directors have a direct or indirect interest of a proprietary nature that is opposed to the interest of the Company. This provision also provides that these Directors do not participate in the deliberation or voting. The Directors concerned are those indicated in the preceding paragraph. The subscription agreement was signed on 5 October 2020. It contains a subscription undertaking on the part of Swilux S.A. and the Ricci Family Group. It also provides for representations and warranties on the part of these parties and the Company, sets the subscription amounts and determines the other terms and conditions of subscription. The subscription agreement provides for a capital increase in the amount of 200,000,000, including the issue premium, through the issue of new ordinary shares (the "Capital Increase"), at the issue price of 22.50 per share, including the issue premium. This price is fixed. The new shares will be subscribed for by (i) the Ricci Family Group for 50,000,000 (including issue premium) and (ii) Swilux S.A. for 150,000,000 (including issue premium). The Capital Increase will strengthen the Company's capital structure and improve its financial ratios. It will support and accelerate the Company's transformation and growth, including possible future external growth opportunities. In addition, it will enable the Company to attract a reputable investor, CNP. The effective completion of the Capital Increase is subject to the receipt of customary regulatory approvals, as indicated in today's press release. The Capital Increase will take place within the framework of the authorised capital. It will necessarily imply a cancellation of the preferential subscription right of the existing shareholders in favour of these subscribers, who are specific persons. This will enable the new shares to be allotted to the subscribers in accordance with the subscription agreement. The subscription price represents a premium of 41% over the closing price on 2 October 2020 and 33% over the weighted average price over the last 30 trading days. This subscription price is the result of a negotiation between the new investor, the Ricci Family Group and the Company. It is therefore a market price, to the extent that a party unrelated to the Company or the Ricci Family Group has intervened. Without the agreement of this independent party, the Capital Increase could not take place. The Subscription by the new investor is three times greater than that of the Ricci Family Group. To the extent that the Subscription Agreement provides for a premium, existing shareholders who do not participate in the Capital Increase will see the economic value of their share portfolio increase as the premium paid by the Subscribers will benefit all shareholders. In addition, the undertakings and representations and warranties of the Company resulting from the subscription agreement are in line with market practice and do not impose any excessive burden on the Company. The conclusions of the opinion of the Committee of Independent Directors are as follows: "The Committee is of the opinion that the subscription by the Ricci Consortium in the context of the contemplated Capital Increase is in accordance with the interests of the Company, including the interests of the minority shareholders." "The Committee is of the opinion that the subscription does not entail any disadvantage for the Company. In particular, the subscription is not manifestly abusive." "The Committee therefore issues a favourable opinion on the subscription by the Ricci Consortium in the context of the Capital Increase." The Committee therefore delivered a favourable and unqualified opinion. The above constitutes the "decision" of the Committee within the meaning of the above-mentioned article 7:97. The Board of Directors followed the opinion of the Committee. The auditor's assessment of the committee's opinion and the minutes of the board meeting is as follows: "Based on our limited review, conducted in accordance with IEMR 2410 "Limited review of interim financial information by the entity's independent auditor" and applicable standards of the "Institut des Reviseurs d'Entreprises Instituut der Bedrijfsrevisoren", nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the financial and accounting information contained in the minutes of the Board of Directors' meeting of October 5, 2020 and in the report of the committee of independent directors in accordance with article 7: 97 of the Companies and Associations Code would contain significant inconsistencies with the information available to us in the context of our assignment. However, we do not express an opinion on the values included in these documents, nor on the appropriateness of the decision of the board of directors." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201005005911/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations Stephanie Bia Group Communications Investor Relations Director +33(0) 6 47 85 98 78 stephanie.bia@akka.eu FTI Consulting akka@fticonsulting.com Media Relations, France Emily Oliver Lea Truchetto +33(0) 1 47 03 68 15 Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central, Hon. Henry Quartey has charged his constituents to vote massively for President Akufo-Addo and himself to continue the governments infrastructural developments in the constituency. According to Hon. Henry Quartey, who doubles as the Deputy Minister for National Security, the governments construction of the roads as well as a children hospital in the constituency among other projects speaks volumes that the President deserves another term in office. Hon. Henry Quartey made this call when Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia visited Ayawaso Central as part of his four-day tour of the Greater Accra Region. Dr. Bawumia commended the Ayawaso Central MP for his good leadership qualities and further asked Ghanaians to give the Nana Addo administration a second term, stressing the government is committed to developing the nation. Source: Pious Baidoo Banson/Peace News Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Florida congressman has been mocked online for responding to Donald Trumps return to the White House with the words: "I will never love another President again!" Matt Gaetz, 38, made his declaration after the president posted a video of his Monday night discharge from the Walter Reed hospital. Trump ordered his aides to film him on the Truman Balcony of the White House, so he could deliver a message to the American people. As the sun was setting he removed his face mask and announced that he was going back to work, saying he became infected with coronavirus because he was on the front lines, out front. As your leader, I had to do that, Trump said in the video. "I knew theres danger to it, but I had to do it. I stood out front. I led. Nobody thats a leader would not do what I did. And I know theres a risk. Theres a danger. But thats okay, and now Im better. Maybe Im immune. I dont know. But dont let it dominate your lives. Get out there. Gaetz was evidently moved by the presidents rousing speech. His gushing declaration sparked amusement online, however. The Lincoln Project, a coalition of anti-Trump Republicans campaigning to unseat Trump, tweeted: Its getting weird. Other social media users described his response as embarrassing and ludicrous. One said it took weird, creepy and inappropriate to a whole other level. Another said it made the White House look like a cult. Gaetz, whose Twitter bio boasts that he was described by Trump as a machine...handsome and going places, faced further ridicule the day before. On Monday morning, when doctors were weighing up releasing the president from Walter Reed, Gaetz tweeted: President Trump won't have to recover from Covid. Covid will have to recover from President Trump. The quote was a riff on Chuck Norris famous declaration, sparking a surge in search for the 80-year-old martial arts experts most famous lines. Gaetz was laughed at for the fawning quote. Joe Biden won't have to recover from Covid, one responded. Because Joe Biden took the necessary steps to avoid becoming infected. RAISE 2020: Over 15,000 register for virtual global summit on Artificial Intelligence Over 15,000 representatives have registered themselves to participate in a virtual global summit on artificial intelligence (AI), RAISE 2020 (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020), being organised from 5 to 9 October 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the summit, which is being organised by the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) and NITI Aayog. Minister of electronics and IT, communications and law and justice Ravi Shankar Prasad, eminent global AI expert, Turing awardee, Padma Bhushan awardee and former co-chair of US President's Information Technology Advisory Committee Raj Reddy, MD and chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd Mukesh Ambani and CEO of IBM Arvind Krishna among other dignitaries will grace the occasion. Professor Raj Reddy will hold a session on developing voice-enabled AI that removes linguistic barriers on 6 October, the second day of the summit. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, and president and legal head of Microsoft Global Brad Smith will also participate in these sessions. Pai will share his views about developments in data and AI-powered financial services in India, which have been key to driving financial inclusion. Smith will shed light on the regulatory framework for developing responsible AI that is trustworthy and non-discriminatory. RAISE 2020 will have a dedicated session on building inclusive AI that empowers one billion plus Indians. This session will have Jenny Lay Flurrie, chief accessibility officer of Microsoft, sharing her views. Flurrie has vast experience of research and is an expert at formulating IT strategy. Anita Bhatia, assistant secretary general, deputy executive director, UN Women, will also deliver a keynote address in this session, which will have an all-women panel and is being curated by UN Women. On the afternoon of 6 October, there will be a fireside chat between Ajay Prakash Sawhney, secretary, ministry of electronics and IT, and Noshir Kaka, senior partner at Mckinsey, who will talk about the need to integrate AI while building public digital platforms. Kaka is the managing director of McKinseys India offices and the founder of its global outsourcing and offshoring practice. This will be followed by a session on Education and Awareness for Responsible AI by Urvashi Aneja, founding director, Tandem Research, and Rahul Sharma, president, Amazon Internet Services Pvt Ltd, Public Sector, India & South Asia. A session on Unlocking Maps for Societal Impact will then be headed by Lalitesh Katragadda, founder, Indihood and Rohan Verma, CEO and executive director, MapmyIndia. So far, more than 15,000 stakeholders from across academia, the research industry and government representatives from across the world have registered to participate in RAISE 2020. Home to the worlds third largest startup ecosystem, elite science and technology institutions like the IITs, robust and ubiquitous digital infrastructure, and millions of newly-minted STEM graduates every year, India is well-positioned to become a global leader in the development of artificial intelligence. Industry analysts predict that AI could add up to $957 billion to Indias economy by 2035. In the spirit of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to leverage AI for inclusive development in line with the country's 'AI for All' strategy. From agriculture to fin-tech and healthcare to infrastructure, artificial intelligence can be a truly transformative force. India is uniquely positioned to become the AI laboratory of the world and contribute to inclusive development and growth through empowerment. The RAISE 2020 Summit (http://raise2020.indiaai.gov.in/) will serve as a platform for discussion and consensus building to help create a data-rich environment, which is a stepping stone to eventually transform lives globally. The summit will facilitate an exchange of ideas to create mass awareness about the need to ethically develop and practice AI. The Delhi legislative assembly told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that it had summoned Facebook India vice-president and managing director Ajit Mohan as a witness to ascertain the social media platforms views on whether it contributed in any way to the build-up of the February, 2020 communal violence in the Capital. The Delhi Assemblys Peace and Harmony Committee wanted to elicit suggestions on how social media platforms could be used to strengthen unity among citizens in the future and Facebook executives were summoned as witnesses, not as accused, an affidavit filed by deputy secretary Sadanand Sah said, adding that no coercive action was intended. It is the inherent right of the legislature to examine matters of public importance and for that purpose to require the presence of persons who are performing a duty of public importance or who has expertise in the matter, before the committee, the affidavit said. Consequently, Mohan cannot claim right to remain silent or to be left alone in response to the summons to depose before a lawful committee of an empowered legislature, and such right is not a fundamental right except when the person is an accused under Article 20 of the Constitution, it added. Article 20 states that no person can be compelled to be a witness against himself. Petitioner No.1 (Ajit Mohan) is not an accused. The right to remain silent is relevant only in a criminal investigation. The proceedings before a committee are not criminal or judicial proceedings. There is no accused before a committee. All persons who appear before it are witnesses and are subjected to the examinations by its members as per rules of the house, it was submitted. The affidavit was in consonance with the stance of the Delhi assembly during the hearing of the case on September 23, when senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi representing the Delhi assembly, had clarified that Mohan was not summoned as an accused. Also Read | Facebook set to tighten rules on what its staff can discuss He was called as a witness, not as an accused. No coercive steps were intended. It had come to light that Facebook was misused (in connection with communal riots). So, we want to get suggestions from them and devise mechanism so that Facebook is not misused, Singhvi had submitted during that hearing. Mohan and Facebook moved the Supreme Court on September 22 challenging the September 10 and September 18 notices issued by the Delhi Legislative Assemblys Peace and Harmony Committee. The summons stem from the committees decision to look into Facebooks role following several foreign media reports that purported to show the social media company may have acted in a political partisan manner. The first of such reports showed Facebook refused to act against a Telangana BJP MLA who made Islamophobic remarks. He has since been banned from the service. Mohan had submitted in his petition stated that the subject matter under investigation by the Delhi assembly falls within the exclusive domain of the Union government and a state legislative assembly cannot compel witnesses to appear and provide evidence on such subjects. He was first summoned by the committee for its meeting of September 15 in connection with the complaints alleging deliberate omissions and inaction by the social media company in removing hateful content and posts. The committee earlier said that in its meeting of August 31, it had prima facie found Facebook India was allegedly complicit in aggravating the communal violence in north-east Delhi in February that left at least 53 people dead and over 400 injured. The Delhi assembly affidavit filed on Tuesday also claimed that various witnesses who deposed before it had alleged inaction by Facebook against hateful material on its platform during Delhi riots. They pointed out among other things that Facebook essentially refuses to take down the hateful and divisive content off its platform but at the same time deliberately removes or lowers the visibility of content which aims at promoting unity and amity amongst communities, it was submitted. Mohan has maintained before the top court that a state legislative assembly cannot compel non-members to appear before it for an investigation into a subject matter which is beyond its jurisdiction. The affidavit by Delhi assembly, however, pointed out that Mohan has already deposed before the Parliament on some other issues and employees and representatives of Facebook regularly depose before legislatures across the world including in the United States of America where Facebook is incorporated. Therefore, the attempt to press and engage some fundamental rights in the present facts is prima-facie not genuine or bonafide (in good faith), and the fundamental rights claimed are not at all engaged in the present facts. The petitioners cannot be allowed to pick and choose which Constitutionally empowered body they will appear before, as per their own convenience, the affidavit stated. Toronto police say an arrest warrant has been issued for a man in a weekend shooting in the citys northwest. Police say 33-year-old OKeal Brown is wanted for first-degree murder. Hes also wanted on two counts of attempted murder. Police say they found three people shot inside an apartment at about 5:15 a.m. on Saturday. They say one man was killed, while the others were taken to hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening. Police have identified the dead man as 36-year-old Gary Gallant. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Hundreds of people, including women and children, on Monday protested in Hunza Valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region demanding the release of 14 activists who have been in jail for nearly a decade on charges of rioting and damaging public property in 2011. The activists, including Baba Jan, a leader of the Awami Workers Party, were given multiple life sentences by an anti-terrorism court. They were arrested over rioting that took place in the region after a man and his son were reportedly killed by police while demanding compensation after they lost their homes due to flooding and landslide on the Hunza river. Sher Ullah Baig and his son Sher Afzal, who were reportedly killed by police, were residents of Shishkat in Gojal Valley. Following protests over their deaths, police had arrested Baba Jan and several others from the area. While most were let off, 14 activists were singled out, say supporters, and were given multiple life sentences. All the accused deny the charges and call the decision a political ploy to stifle dissent in the region. Baba Jan is a popular leader in the area. If he is allowed to contest in mid-Novembers legislative assembly elections in GB, as planned by the Pakistan government, he is likely to win a seat. The Indian government has firmly rejected Islamabads recent plans to hold legislative assembly elections in GB on November 15 and then turn the region into a Pakistani province. Rob Mills was banned from attending his close friend Michael Falzon's funeral in July. Despite testing negative for coronavirus days earlier, he claims COVID-19 agents in New South Wales turned him away. The former Australian Idol star, 38, has explained how a confusing rule change at the time sent him down a spiral of heartache and sadness. Scroll down for video Former Australian Idol star Rob Mills (pictured) has revealed his secret heartache after COVID-19 agents turned him away from a friend's funeral despite testing negative for the virus Before New South Wales closed its border to Victoria in July, Rob drove from Melbourne to Sydney with a friend to attend the service for Michael. Not requiring to self-isolate at the time, they both voluntarily tested for COVID-19 in Sydney and received negative results. Appearing on Ali and Cameron Daddo's podcast, Separate Bathrooms, Rob said: 'I lost a few friends to cancer (and) couldn't get to their funerals. Had a run in with New South Wales Covid agents up in NSW. Was told I couldn't attend a funeral even though I tested negative. 'Anyway it was a pretty tough time Cam, for me and your mate Ash Pike. That drive home was pretty sad,' he said, adding: 'I got pretty sad for a bit and I found myself not being able to get out of bed.' Rob said he hid his pain and sadness from people at the time. 'I couldn't attend a funeral even though I tested negative': Rob said a new rule was implemented after he crossed the border, preventing him from attending the funeral despite testing negative for coronavirus In an interview with the ABC in August, Rob said despite testing negative for coronavirus, the NSW government had implemented a new rule which blocked him from attending the funeral. A new restriction had been put in place after he crossed the border, ordering anyone who had entered from Victoria in the past 14 days to self-isolate. 'I got an email saying under no circumstance are you allowed to go the funeral, even if you are performing at the funeral,' he said. 'So my friend and I drove back to Melbourne. We cried a lot.' 'I got pretty sad for a bit and I found myself not being able to get out of bed': After returning to Victoria he found out New South Wales had backtracked on its decision, and if he had stayed in Sydney, he could have attended Michael's funeral Saying goodbye: Rob was able to live stream Michael's funeral and watch it at home with his partner, Georgie Tunney, in Melbourne. Pictured: Rob Mills, Michael Falzon and Matt Lee However, he told the publication that after returning to Victoria he found out NSW had backtracked on its decision, and if he had stayed in Sydney, he could have attended Michael's funeral. Rob was able to live stream the service and watch it at home with his partner, Georgie Tunney, in Melbourne. 'Thankfully my friend is an exceptional human who has incredible humans around him who had organised a massive streaming service but I would have loved to share those moments with my friends on stage or together,' he said. Australian performer Michael Falzon died at the age of 48 in June after a year of fighting against a rare form of germ cell cancer. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 19:05:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Ministry of National Food Security and Research said on Tuesday that no locust was found during a survey conducted by special teams in affected areas of the country. The National Locust Control Center (NLCC) surveyed around 129,072 hectares of land during the past 24 hours, and the presence of locust was not reported in any of the affected areas of Pakistan, said a statement released by the ministry. Earlier in September, while declaring the country's eastern Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces locust-free, the ministry said that one district each of the southern Sindh and southwest Balochistan provinces witnessed the presence of locusts during the NLCC survey. Anti-locust spraying operations have been carried out on around 1.13 million hectares of land across the country over the last six months to eradicate the pests and save agriculture land from their harmful impacts, the ministry said on Tuesday. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has also lauded Pakistan's massive control operation to bring the menace of locust under control. FAO National Coordinator for Locust Control Operation in Pakistan Mubarik Ahmed told a weekly meeting of the NLCC on Friday that the FAO was quoting the locust control operation in Pakistan as ideal, according to local media reports. Enditem CASTELVECCHIO PASCOLI, Italy, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Italy's Kedrion SpA on Monday named veteran pharmaceuticals industry executive Val Romberg as its new CEO. Mr. Romberg has had a long and international career in the pharmaceuticals sector, and especially in plasma-derived therapies. His most recent role was as Executive Vice President of Operations for CSL Behring. A chemist by training, Romberg's career has spanned nearly forty years in companies such as West Pharmaceutical Services, Aventis Behring, ZLB Behring and lastly CSL Behring. His leadership skills and experience particularly in Operations, R&D and Manufacturing make him a great fit with the mission and values of the company. "I am very excited to be joining Kedrion, which produces and distributes important therapies for patients around the world. I am especially pleased to be joining Kedrion just as it pushes ahead with the development of new anti-COVID therapies together with its research partner Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York," said Mr. Romberg. Paolo Marcucci, the Kedrion group chairman, said that both he and other board members believe that the naming of Romberg "is a great fit with a top manager who shares our strategic vision for the future." Marcucci said: "I am glad to welcome Val Romberg to Team Kedrion, and I am pleased that he recognizes our work with Columbia University, which we regard as a priority project." The Kedrion chairman added: "Val's experience will help us during an important period of growth. Kedrion is committed to serving patients everywhere. Our presence in the United States market is important to us, as is our sense of responsibility in the Italian health sector and our commitment internationally." In July Kedrion announced it was forming a research partnership with Columbia University Irving Medical Center that is aimed at helping to develop a new plasma based anti-COVID therapy. Kedrion Biopharma Kedrion is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the development, production and distribution of plasma-derived therapeutic products for use in treating serious diseases, disorders and conditions such as immune system deficiencies and coagulation disorders. The company operates through a fully integrated business model from the collection of plasma in its own centers in the United States and Hungary to fractionation and production in its manufacturing facilities located in Italy, Hungary and the United States. Headquartered in Castelvecchio Pascoli (Lucca, Italy), Kedrion has over 2,700 employees and a commercial presence in 100 countries worldwide. Kedrion S.p.A.'s share capital is held by Sestant S.p.A. (Marcucci Family) with a stake of 55%, CDP Equity through FSI Investimenti S.p.A. (25%) and FSI SGR S.p.A. (20%). CONTACTS: Kedrion Biopharma: Forrest McCaleb Director Global Communications-US [email protected] SOURCE Kedrion Biopharma Related Links kedrion.us KYODO NEWS - Oct 6, 2020 - 17:15 | All, Coronavirus, Japan Japan and South Korea will resume business travel between the countries starting Thursday following a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, in a move that may help to improve relations which have sunk to a historic low over wartime labor. "Currently, the Japan-South Korea relationship is in an extremely severe situation so exchanges of people from both countries, starting with businesspeople, are important," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told a press conference. Under the bilateral agreement, travelers on short-term business trips will not be required to observe 14-day self-isolation periods if they test negative for the novel coronavirus and submit travel itineraries, among other preventive measures. Expatriates and other long-term residents will be allowed to enter on condition that they remain in isolation for two weeks. The bilateral agreement on the resumption of business trips follows a similar deal reached with Singapore in August. Relations between Japan and South Korea have frayed since a series of South Korean court rulings ordering Japanese companies to pay compensation for wartime forced labor and Japan's apparent retaliation by controlling exports of materials used to manufacture semiconductors. Japanese and South Korean officials had been negotiating since July on the resumption of business travel, with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and President Moon Jae In last month agreeing in a telephone call to speed up the negotiations. Around 5.58 million South Koreans visited Japan in 2019, the second-highest number, following around 9.59 million from China, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Of the visitors from South Korea, about 310,000 traveled for business purposes. Japan, which began imposing entry bans on foreign nationals in February to curb the spread of the coronavirus, has recently started to reopen its borders as part of efforts to boost the domestic economy. Eddie Van Halen, considered one of rock music's greatest guitar players and a founding member of the hugely successful rock band named after him and his drummer brother, died of cancer on Tuesday, his son said on Twitter. He was 65. "I can't believe I'm having to write this but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning," Wolfgang Van Halen, a bass player who played with his father in the band, said in the tweet. "He was the best father I could ever ask for," Wolfgang Van Halen said on Twitter. "Every moment I've shared with him on and off stage was a gift." Eddie and his brother Alex founded Van Halen in the early 1970s in Los Angeles and the hard rock band became a staple of the famed Sunset Strip before releasing their eponymous debut album in 1978. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal Momentum today announced the two 2020 individual honorees for its Aiming High Awards, which celebrate the achievements of highly successful business leaders who are dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls. The organization will also present its inaugural Corporate Champion Award to Citi. The Legal Momentum 2020 Aiming High Honorees are Tonit Calaway, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, BorgWarner Inc. and Christine DeBiase, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. The Aiming High Award recognizes business leaders who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the advancement of women in the workplace and whose commitment to excellence inspires women and girls to pursue their dreams with passion and courage. Legal Momentum will also recognize Citi with the Corporate Champion Award for its track record of elevating senior women business leaders. Citi is the first recipient of the award. The event will feature a conversation among three prominent business leaders on the intersectionality of gender inequity and racial inequity in a discussion entitled, "Forging Inclusive Equality: Centering Race and Gender Justice." Since 2001, the Aiming High Awards Luncheon has been Legal Momentum's premier fundraising event. The organization encourages the business community and broader New York community to support this event and the vital work of Legal Momentum. The organization has been on the front lines of championing and defending America's women and girls for 50 years, with an unwavering dedication to its mission. About Legal Momentum Legal Momentum is the nation's first and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to advancing gender equality through the law. Originally founded in 1970 as the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund, Legal Momentum has been at the forefront of the gender justice movement for nearly five decades. Legal Momentum also recognizes that the fight for gender equality is also a fight for racial justice. We understand that to tackle gender discrimination, we must also address the institutional racism faced by people of color in the country. Our mission is to secure equality and opportunity for women and girls through targeted litigation, innovative legislation, policy advocacy, and education. Contact: Carol Baldwin Moody (212) 925-6635 [email protected] SOURCE Legal Momentum Slate's Who Counts? series is made possible by the support of Slate Plus members and readers like you. On a recent episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick reconvened Rick Hasen, an election law professor at UCIrvine, and Carol Anderson, the Charles Howard Candler professor of African American studies at Emory University, who had both joined her earlier this year for the Election Meltdown series, to discuss the latest threats to the November election, from Donald Trump to voter depression. A portion of their conversation, which has been edited and condensed for clarity, is below. Dahlia Lithwick: Rick, Election Meltdown was the title you chose for your book published Feb. 4. That was a million years ago. What did your elections crystal ball fail to flag that has arisen since then? What is melting down today more intensively than anything you even anticipated? Advertisement Rick Hasen: No. 1: coronavirus, which even in the best of times would have made holding a successful election in the United States a challenge. Its much more expensive to run elections in a pandemic, both in person and vote by mail, and one of the early things we talked about in our series was pockets of election administrator incompetence. Well, were full of pockets now because to ramp up the scale of mail and balloting is just really, really tough to do. In the best of circumstances, it takes years to roll it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the other thing that changed is that as Donald Trump has been flailing in the polls, he has been ramping up his attacks on voting. Remember this is a guy who claimed there was massive voter fraud in the election he won back in 2016. But now, much of it is targeted at the use of mail-in balloting, but its not only that. Hes talking about sending poll watchers to places. When he says that in a debate at the same time hes talking about the Proud Boys standing by, its very worrisome. And he wont commit to a peaceful transition to power. Advertisement Advertisement I think were still in a situation where the elections going to have to be very close for any of this to matter, but in terms of the statements that Trump is making that undermine democratic elections and the rule of law, were kind of off the charts. Its hard to imagine any U.S. presidential candidate or president from a major political party making the kind of incendiary, unsupported statements undermining our election process like Donald Trump has done. Carol Anderson: Trump has never really been about democracy and thats one of the fundamental, foundational pieces we need to understand. And we see that in terms of the way that he kneecapped the post office, knowing that mail-in ballots would be absolutely crucial in the midst of a pandemic. You see it with Louis DeJoy, who went in and gave the order as postmaster general to dismantle sorting machines. And then you add to that the judge who released the RNC from that consent decree on poll watchers. And then you add to that the incendiary refusal to say that white supremacists are bad. So youre mixing all of this together and what you have is this toxic stew. What Trump does is that he puts a kilo of pure uncut white supremacy on the table, and he has his minions just snort it up and it empowers them. It makes them feel strong. It makes them feel invincible, while everything around them is being destroyed. And the more that he gets in trouble, the more kilos he puts on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so we have got to be prepared for this. Youve got this very bifurcated system happening here in the United States. Those who care about elections and are trying to figure out how to hold them in the middle of a pandemic that Trump let run wild and those who are echoing Paul Weyrich, the co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, who basically said, I dont want everybody to vote because frankly, our leverage goes up as the voting populace goes down. And thats what were seeing as the election strategy coming out of Trump and the Republicans. From the beginning, Donald Trump has drawn some kind of distinction between absentee ballots, mail-in balloting, solicited mail-in balloting, unsolicited mail-in balloting. He seems to be saying, I want you to vote like they vote in Florida, but not like they vote in all those other states that vote exactly like Florida. Rick, can you please, to the extent that you can, clarify. What kind of mail-in ballots he is objecting to? Advertisement Advertisement Hasen: I think hes objecting to mail-in ballots that are sent in by people who dont vote for him. Trying to make sense of what Donald Trump is saying about any topic is challenging. Trying to make sense in this area, it just makes no sense because not only do Trump and his allies regularly vote by mail. I have a friend in Georgia who got four absentee ballot notices from the Trump campaign. Hey, you should apply for absentee ballot. Its time to vote. Theyre really pushing absentee balloting hard among their own supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Anderson: And Ive got to say, somehow I ended up on some national Republican committee list, and it says, We hear youre one of our staunchest supporters and we really need you because the Democrats are going to try to steal this election with mail-in ballots. This is the message thats going out there, and what its designed to do is to create confusion. It is designed to cast an air of illegitimacy on the election results, and this is why we also hear Trump say that hes going to win the election on Election Day, and then the Democrats are going to steal it with mail-in ballots because of the time that it takes to count those ballots. And again, remember Paul Weyrich: I dont want everybody to vote. Our leverage goes up as the voting populace goes down. So if you can narrow who youre counting, whose votes youre counting, that is about power. Its not about democracy. Advertisement Advertisement I think its really important for you to point out the thing you pointed out last time, which is that it is quite enough in poor communities, in minority communities, certainly in the Black community, that has fought tooth and nail even to get to this place to just depress confidence. Sending people out to be poll watchers, thats its own thing to terrorize minority and vulnerable communities. But I think your point is deeper and its really worth pulling on. Sending out the message that your vote is not going to count, so dont even bother, thats a very storied tradition in this country as well. Advertisement Anderson: A key element of voter suppression is voter depression. So we have these suppressive techniques: voter ID, poll closures, massive voter roll purges, eliminating early voting days. All of those things that just make voting harder. But what it begins to do when you begin to see these five-hour lines, and the research is clear on this: It is designed to make folks think, Oh, this is just too much, and the word goes out into the community, and the voter turnout goes down. But also what we know is that confusion and a sense that the whole system is rigged and my vote wont count and it doesnt matter what I do. All of that is targeted at key communities to again lower the voter turnout rate. Advertisement At the debate Tuesday, there seemed to be a few key components to Donald Trumps election strategy: pollute the water, sow doubt, sow confusion, depress voters from having any confidence. Thats the totality of the playbook, right? Hasen: Certainly the idea is to scare people away from voting in person and by mail, and cast doubts over the illegitimacy of the election if Trump doesnt win. To what end? is what we need to ask. Theres the benign story, which is not benign, and the scary story, the one that caused me to write that we have a five-alarm fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hope is powerful. It is without hope that the abusers win. It is with hope that you find the transformation in this system. Carol Anderson So the benign explanation is Trump knows hes likely to lose. Hes reading the polls like everyone else. It doesnt look good for him, and so hes trying to have an excuse for explaining why he lost. Fake news was against him. They put in that fake story about his taxes, and the election was stolen by Democrats. And then he goes off, starts Trump TV, starts his government in exile, whatever it is he does. I dont think he goes quietly, but he goes away. Advertisement The less benign potential here happens only if we have a close enough election that it comes down to a state or two in the Electoral College, and in those states, theres something that could be pointed to as evidence of fraud or chaos that could lead to someone other than voters being the ultimate deciders of who gets those Electoral College votes from that state. All of this is meant to discourage voting. If it doesnt work to discourage voting, but it makes it close enough, then there are lawsuits and political maneuvers that are possible to try to take this election away from the voters themselves. Advertisement I want to talk about something that we dont talk about nearly enough. Knowing that 200,000 people have died because of COVID, and innumerable people have lost their jobs, are struggling with child care, struggling to take care of parentspeople just arent where they were in 2016, and for some of them, the drumbeat of hoops to jump through and the paralysis around just getting through the day is overwhelming. How would you respond to people who are struggling to register or to vote? Advertisement Anderson: This is hard. This is an abusive relationship. Let me put it in the terms of African American history. Imagine being enslaved and having virtually no control over your life, your family, your labor, your body. So much of that system was designed to break you. Imagine the strength that you pull upon in the midst of the system designed to break you. And that vision, that fight, in the midst of everything that degrades and debases you, you pull upon community, you pull upon cultural power, you pull upon your spirituality, and you pull upon hope. Hope is powerful. It is without hope that the abusers win. It is with hope that you find the transformation in this system. This is why we dont have chattel slavery, because the enslaved refused to be enslaved. This is how Jim Crow broke, because those that were deemed as second-class citizens or lower said, Son, you dont know my name. And where we are right now, we are being told that we are nothing, and all of those people who are out in the streets. All of those people who are phone banking. They said, Son, you dont know my name. Because I have a vision of a much better life. I have a vision where we have trust in the scientists and the data that can bring this thing under control. Where all of the enormous resources of this incredible nation are used to empower and support people. Where we have a real justice system. That vision is based on hope and that hope is based on work, and the work that were doing now is to reclaim this democracy. It can be done. It will be done. We saw that in 2018. Were seeing that with the massive voter turnout. Were seeing with people banging on the doors of Louisville, saying, Let me in so I can vote. Were seeing it in the people in the five-hour lines here in Atlanta in the midst of a pandemic. Thats what we pull upon. We pull upon that history and that strength, and we get the America we deserve. We get the democracy we deserve. To hear the rest of their conversation, listen below, or subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tops the list of political parties in Bihar in non-disclosure of crucial information, including PAN details, mode of payment for donations, and names and addresses of donors. This has been found by the Association for Democratic Reforms following analysis of data available with the Election Commission of India. In a recently released report, ADR analysed the status of submission of contribution reports of national and regional parties (that contest elections in Bihar) for the period of financial year 2014-15 to 2018-19 focusing on the incomplete disclosure of information made by political parties. An analysis of donations statements filed by 11 parties with the EC showed there is incomplete, incorrect or non-disclosure of details of donations in some cases as declared by national and regional parties each year, said the report of ADR. PAN Column Blank According to Form 24A of the Election Commission, political parties are required to provide the details of the contributions received by them. They are required to prepare a report providing details of contributions in excess of Rs 20,000 from any donor in a financial year (between April 1 and March 31) to the Election Commission, every year by September 31. This is required under Section 29C (1) of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, to avail 100 per cent tax exemption. The total amount of donations, above Rs 20,000, declared by the 11 political parties analysed in their contribution reports was Rs 2,777.97 crore. The analyses found that between FY 2014-15 and 2018-19, the 11 parties declared 3,468 donations to the tune of Rs 325.23 crore without declaration of PAN details. The party-wise donations (above Rs 20,000) declared without PAN details of donors show the BJP declared the highest such contributions 1,837 amounting to Rs 237.22 crore or 72.94% of the total such donations followed by the Congress (Rs 81.87 crore) and CPI (Rs 5.04 crore). The data also revealed that between FY 2014-15 and 2018-19, PAN details of a total of 3,468 donations were not declared, while the details provided in case of 128 donations were incorrect. The highest number of such donations having undeclared or incorrect PAN details were declared by BJP (1,899) followed by INC (678) & RLSP (558). The highest value of such donations (705) at Rs 275.75 crore were declared by these parties during the FY 2014-15 when the Lok Sabha elections were held that brought Narendra Modi to power as the prime minister. The 11 political parties analysed in this report declared 128 donations worth Rs 15.75 crore with incorrect PAN between FY 2014-15 and FY 2018-19. The BJP constituted 60.19% or Rs 9.48 crore of the total such donations, followed by the Congress (Rs 5.88 crore) and CPM (Rs 35.70 lakh). The parties declared the highest donations with incorrect PAN worth Rs 6.88 crore in the FY 2014-15. Recommendations by ADR The report raises concerns about the democratic processes in the country despite the Supreme Court judgment on September13, 2013, that read declaring that no part of a candidates affidavit should be left blank. Similarly, the report suggested, no part of the Form 24A submitted by political parties providing details of donations above Rs 20,000 should be blank. The ADR further recommended that incomplete contributions reports having missing or incorrect PAN/mode of payment details must be returned to the parties by the ECI, to deter them from providing incomplete information. The national and regional political parties must provide all information on their finances under the Right to Information Act. This will go a long way in strengthening political parties, elections and democracy, it added. It is proposed that the ECI upload on its website a status of submission (including the names of parties that submitted on time, delayed the submission and failed to submit at all) of the contribution reports of all registered political parties for the respective financial years for the information of the general public. It also urged the Election Commission to publish on its website details of the action taken (if any) against political parties that fail to provide required details (such as name and address) of individuals, companies or entities making donations in cash. Stating that national and regional parties lead by example, ADR said they should file complete and correct statements of donations to the ECI well in time for public scrutiny to encourage financial transparency. Parties not adhering to the dead line fixed by the ECI should be penalised by making them liable to pay tax on 100% of their income from various sources, it said. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo has emerged the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO). Mr Ndaeyos appointment was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Aniediabasi Udofia, the Registrar and Secretary, Governing Council of the institution. Mr Udofia said that the governing council appointed the new vice-chancellor at its special meeting on Monday. The Governing Council of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) had, at its special meeting on Monday, approved the appointment of Professor Nyaudoh Ukpabio Ndaeyo as the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University. Ndaeyo is a Professor of Farming Systems; holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Farm Systems and a Masters degree in Agronomy both from the University of Ibadan, Mr Udofia said. He said that prior to his appointment, the new vice-chancellor was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and immediate past Dean, Faculty of Agriculture. Mr Ndaeyo is taking over from Prof. Enefiok Essien, who is completing his five-year tenure at the end of November. Bussinessday Newspaper had reported in August that 20 candidates jostled for the vice-chancellorship position. The publication listed the contenders to include Professors Ini Akpabio, Lydia Abia-Bassey, Edet Udoh, Gabriel Umoh, Emmanuel Udoh, EnoAbasi Urua, Lawrence Etim, Effiong Johnson, Idara Akpabio, and Nyaudoh Ndaeyo. Under Nigerian law, a vice-chancellor of a federal university is entitled to a five-year non-renewable term. The Federal government of Nigeria converted what used to be the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) to a federal university on October 1, 1991, and renamed it the University of Uyo [UNIUYO] (after the capital of oil-rich Akwa Ibom State, where it is located). The university, according to Wikipedia, inherited students, staff, academic programmes and the entire facilities of the erstwhile University of Cross River State established by the Cross River State government in 1983. Academic activities commenced during the 1991/92 academic session, with UNIUYO now having 12 faculties, a postgraduate school and a school of continuing education. It also now has a teaching hospital located a few kilometres away from its main campus. Since its establishment, the university has had five vice-chancellors. They are Professors Fola Lasisi, Akpan Hogan Ekpo, Akaneren Essien, and Comfort Memfin Ekpo, who handed over to the incumbent, Enefiok Essien. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Continuing unsuccessful attempts to achieve any of the set military goals and suffering serious losses in manpower and equipment, the armed forces of Azerbaijan, under the direct control and command of Turkey, continue with a rapidly growing intensity attack against the peaceful population and civilian infrastructure of the Republic of Artsakh, the Foreign Ministry of Artsakh said in a statement. The cities of Stepanakert, Shushi, Martakert, Martuni, Hadrut and other communities across the republic continue to be under massive missile and bomb attacks. The ongoing attacks on civilians and civilian objects leave no illusion the that the real purpose of the aggressive war unleashed by Azerbaijan and Turkey, with support of the terrorist organizations fighters from the Middle East is the extermination of the people of Artsakh in continuation of the policy of the Armenian genocide. We emphasize that countries providing military support to the criminal triple alliance, in particular those providing offensive weapons and ammunition, which is being used against peaceful population and civilian infrastructure, undoubtedly bear their share of responsibility for the ongoing crime against humanity. Particularly egregious is the fact that the supply of arms is taking place during the evolving military aggression, and while the entire civilized world has condemned the use of force and called for an immediate end to hostilities. We call on the governments of the respective countries to stop feeding the ongoing aggression against Artsakh by two rogue states and international terrorists, as well as to suspend the supply of weapons to the criminal triple alliance, and not to provide their territory and airspace for military supplies to Azerbaijan and Turkey. We once again call on the international community to recognize the independence of the Republic of Artsakh, which will allow eliminating the existential threat looming over the people of Artsakh, stop the inhuman aggression against Artsakh and restore long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus, the statement reads. New Delhi: The Supreme Court will on Tuesday (October 9, 2020) hear a PIL seeking a CBI probe or SIT investigation under a sitting or former Supreme Court or a High Court judge in the gruesome gang-rape and murder of a 19-year-old woman in Uttar Pradesh`s Hathras district recently. According to reports, a bench, headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde and comprising Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, will take up the PIL filed by social activist Satyama Dubey and advocates Vishal Thakre and Rudra Pratap Yadav. The petitioners have urged the apex court to pass appropriate orders for a fair investigation - either by the CBI or the SIT under a sitting or retired Supreme Court or High Court judge - and transfer the case to Delhi. The plea alleges that the Uttar Pradesh authorities had failed to take proper actions against the accused persons in the case. Live TV The plea said the victim was first raped and then brutally assaulted when she was in the field to collect fodder for her cattle, and according to a medical report, her tongue was chopped and her neck bone and backbone was also broken by the accused, who belonged to the upper caste. The victim subsequently succumbed to her injuries at Safdarjung hospital in Delhi. They also noted that the police had hurriedly cremated the body, and had maintained that the cremation was being carried out as per the wishes of the family, "which is not true" as police personnel themselves lit fire to the pyre, while even media persons had also been banned as per information received. The plea claimed the police have not performed their duties towards the victim, and were, instead, trying to shield the accused persons. "Because no arrest was made in this matter, the accused persons are moving freely and they have no fear at all... the family of the victim has been victimised by the upper caste persons and no action has been done by the authorities/police officials," the plea said. Meanwhile, the states Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath had on Monday said that his opponents were conspiring to spark caste and communal riots in Uttar Pradesh for political gains. Yogi alleged that a conspiracy was made to trigger caste and communal riots through international funding. The Chief Minister said "For last one week, opposition parties were keen to see riots. We need to move forward amidst all these conspiracies," adding "Anti-social and anti-national elements find it difficult to accept the state's development as they always wanted a riot-stricken Uttar Pradesh. So they are hatching conspiracies now." CM Yogi Adityanath cautioned BJP workers of conspiracies against his government and asked them to expose those who want to incite caste and communal riots in the state while attending a review meeting for upcoming byelections in seven Assembly seats. The Spanish Foreign Ministry has tasked a group of experts with improving the countrys international image, which has been damaged by the fallout of the coronavirus crisis. Spain is one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic in Europe, reporting more than 800,000 infections and 32,000 official fatalities since the virus broke out in March. In a bid to improve Spains reputation, the government intends to focus on an element that is often perceived as a weakness within the country: its diversity. Ten experts including sociologists, political scientists and researchers will look at how diversity defines Spain and how this feature can be used to boost the countrys standing internationally. The group will also analyze other strengths and defining characteristics of Spain, Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya explained on Monday. According to the minister, Spain can use its linguistic, cultural and gastronomical diversity to represent itself on the global stage. The government also wants to focus on promoting Spain as an open and modern country that supports multilateralism at a time when many important nations are calling it into question. The Foreign Ministry wants the project to be completed by the beginning of next year. If Spain learns how to [make diversity an international selling point] and is successful, it could be a laboratory that inspires others that are facing these same challenges, said Gonzalez Laya in a discussion on Europe organized by the European Association of Journalists, as reported by news agency Europa Press. According to government sources, the expert group will be made up of historian and former education minister Mercedes Cabrera; the head of Spains National Research Institute (CSIC) Rosa Menendez; former secretary of state Jose Maria Lassalle; political scientist Mariam Martinez-Bascunan, who is a member of the EL PAIS opinion section; philosopher Adela Cortina; sociologist Xabier Barandiaran; historian Carrie Gibson; philosopher Daniel Innerarity; head of CIDOB ideas laboratory Pol Morillas; and political science professor Sami Nair. Once the group is formally established, the professionals will begin analyzing how to use diversity to improve Spains international image. From Catalonia to coronavirus This is not the first time that the Foreign Ministry has set up a project aimed at boosting the countrys global reputation. Since Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez launched the Global Spain initiative, the Foreign Ministry has been working to counter negative messages about Spain that have made an impact overseas. The first phase of the initiative targeted ideas against the state of Spanish democracy spread by the Catalan independence movement in neighboring European countries. Although these messages hold much less currency now, Gonzalez Laya sought to further undermine their place in Europe. The response to diversity in the 21st century cannot be balkanization, she said on Monday. The Global Spain initiative, however, has since come up against an unexpected challenge: how to defend the Spanish governments handling of the pandemic on the international stage. In recent days, the Foreign Ministry has been trying to rebuild confidence in countries that traditionally provide the largest source of tourists to Spain, such as Germany and the United Kingdom. In an effort to attract visitors ahead of summer, the ministry launched the campaign Spain For Sure, which included the participation of Spains royal family. But the high incidence of the coronavirus in the country destroyed all hopes of a rebound in international visitors. Now, as well as negotiating safe travel corridors with the Canary and Balearic Islands, the Foreign Ministry is organizing sessions with foreign correspondents to explain how the government is managing the coronavirus pandemic. By the end of the year, the experts of the new initiative are expected to come up with a document outlining what defines Spain and what role it can play in the world. From these ideas, a campaign will be designed to strengthen the countrys international image in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Sources from the government say that polls show that the opinion of Spain among foreigners is much more positive than could be expected. English version by Melissa Kitson. Riga City, Latvia -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/06/2020 -- Foresight aims to address one of the core issues currently faced by cryptocurrency investors: exit scams. According to CipherTrace, in 2019 US$3.1 billion was lost as a direct result of cryptocurrency projects which vanished with the money raised from their investors. Foresight imitates the standard insurance policy that is prevalent in traditional markets. However, it does everything on the crypto network and uses a community-based model to compensate investors. In an era when the scams and tricks have become commonplace, Foresight is designed to protect the investor. Foresight explains that as long as cryptocurrency is a global, largely anonymous, and less-regulated asset class, scams and victimization will occur. The aim of Foresight is not to try preventing these scams from occurring but to protect investors' funds from the losses they may suffer from the scams. Foresight plans to leverage the collective intelligence of DAO and smart contracts to undertake this mission. With Foresight, users who are scammed while they have active insurance cover will get due compensation. In other words, whatever investment a user has made on any other platform and lost in an exit scam, Foresight will return the value of their investment to them. How Does Foresight Work? In traditional insurance, a user's claim is reviewed by a claims assessor and either approved or denied according to a strict set of rules (the insurance policy). When it comes to cryptocurrency, where decentralization is important, this approach will not work. Instead of a single middle-man deciding on insurance claims, Foresight will instead leverage the power of DAOs for assessing and ruling on insurance claims. Not all cryptocurrency projects will be approved for insurance cover. With the help of the DAO, Foresight will also scrutinize cryptocurrency projects to assess the exit scam risk. Projects which are deemed too high a risk will not be covered. All projects approved for cover will be assigned a risk score which will dictate the premium a user will pay when requesting insurance on their investment. The premium rates will be between 2% and 15% of the total investment, with a lower percentage indicating a lower risk project, and vice versa. The DAO is the sole authority to identify the fraud and compensate the user. Any user can become a DAO member and participate in the functioning of the platform. To do this they will be required to buy Foresight's token, FORS, and lock this in the platform. Foresight utilizes a two-tiered DAO structure. To join the Common DAO requires an investment of 5,000 FORS and becomes a member of the Supreme DAO that requires 50,000 FORS. The Common DAO mainly is involved with claims assessment and project vetting, whereas the Supreme DAO has additional roles in governance and moderation. Once a claim is filed, the DAO comes into action and starts deliberating over the claim in a secure and private chat room. Evidence about the alleged scam is presented to them, such as blockchain records and liquidity information, and each member votes whether to approve or deny the claim, a bit like a jury in a court of law. The DAO is given 72 hours to discuss and vote on the claim, at the end of which, if more than 65% of the votes are in favor of the victim, the initial investment amount as stated by the user at the time of buying the insurance plan is paid back in full. If less than 40% of the Common DAO members vote in favor, then the claim case is denied and close. If there is an equivocal vote of between 40-65% the claim will be forwarded to the Supreme DAO to review the evidence and they to be given 72 hours to deliberate over the issue. Their word is final and binding. To support the DAO and reward them for their participation in the platform, Foresight has also provided users with a payout system utilizing the native token, FORS. FORS Tokenomics and Rewards System The DAOs are rewarded with FORS tokens for their work every two weeks. There is a dedicated token allocation for this purpose called the DAO Fund. Furthermore, DAO members can also become a part of the weekly lottery system which rewards 5,000 FORS to one lucky member. Lastly, the DAOs also receive discounts when they take out insurance on the Foresight platform themselves (20% off for the Common DAO and 40% off for the Supreme DAO). Until the Foresight platform goes live in Q1 2021 the team has established a pool-based staking activity through UniFyre wallet. This allows multiple investors to become a part of a single staking contract. Also, the staking mechanism is flexible, meaning it allows users to withdraw their stakes early, but not without a cost. If an investor leaves the pool early their remaining unclaimed rewards will be distributed among all investors who remain in the pool. At this time FORS can also be bought from Uniswap, Probit and FatBTC. In total, there are 100,000,000 tokens minted and 20,000,000 are in circulation. The entire platform is based on ERC-20 technology. Out of the total pool, 30% is the insurance payout fund, 20% is kept for liquidity provisioning and sales, 15% is the DAO fund, 5% each is allocated for the legal and development team. Lastly, 15% and 10% tokens are kept for founders and marketing purposes, respectively. 45% of the total FORS supply is locked for up to 2 years that provides assurance towards the authenticity of the token. For Investors and Project Teams Apart from protecting the investors, Foresight can also allow the cryptocurrency project teams to buy insurance for their project on behalf of potential investors. Initially, the investors will be provided with an insurance guarantee, which makes them more welcoming, and they can invest without hesitation. Secondly, having pre-planned insurance for investors helps the altcoin under consideration get a better trust score. Such a move helps regain investor confidence, which sees a decline due to the increasing prevalence of exit scams and frauds. Conclusion All in all, Foresight is a much-needed tool in the cryptocurrency space. It will bring confidence, assurance, and give users the freedom to engage with the cryptocurrency community knowing that their investment is protected. In this way, they can more easily lend the benefit of the doubt to new cryptocurrencies where there is potentially a significant return to be made. However, having such an insurance mechanism does not always mean that the investment will be paid back. Everything is in the hands of the DAOs who have the power to decide according to the evidence presented to them. Their ability to pre-vet the altcoin projects is also a welcome step. In the future, Foresight will also allow the users to speculate over the success or failure of a project with the use of non-fungible tokens. The Foresight platform is anticipated to go live in Q1 2021. Media Contact https://cryptoshib.com/investment-retrieval-foresight-insurance/ State health officials confirmed another 454 coronavirus cases on Tuesday, bringing the statewide tally to at least 133,359. Thats based on 12,785 new molecular tests reported by the Department of Public Health. Officials also announced eight more COVID-related deaths, for a total of 9,323 across Massachusetts since the beginning of the pandemic. There are currently 494 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Massachusetts, including 85 people in intensive care. The seven-day weighted average of positive tests remains elevated at 1.1% compared to the last couple months, when its dipped to as low as 0.8%, according to DPH data. The latest numbers come as state health officials announced two executive orders requiring that employees of long-term care facilities get a flu shot this year to remain employed. Under the orders, workers must get their flu shots by Dec. 31 unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption. The long-term care facilities are required to keep records of the vaccinations and submit a report to DPH by Jan. 15. The new requirements come a little more than a month after Gov. Charlie Baker mandated that all school age children in Massachusetts receive the flu vaccine. Hundreds protested the mandate Monday outside Boston federal court. Baker on Tuesday the state will be putting out COVID-related health and safety guidance ahead of Halloween, but added that the state will be asking local leaders to make their own decisions about how to keep people safe on Halloween during the pandemic. The reason were not canceling Halloween is because that would have turned into thousands of indoor Halloween parties, which would have been a heck of a lot worse for public safety and the spread of the virus than outdoor, organized and supervised trick-or-treating, Baker said. Nearly half of U.S. states have seen a sustained increase in cases over the last week, where daily new infections are at or above 15 per 100,000 people, according to New York Times data. Over the last seven days, Massachusetts has averaged 627 new daily cases, which is up 62% from the average over the prior 14-day period, the Times reports. States hard hit by the pandemic early on in the spring are beginning to climb again, like New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Medical experts stress that its hard to predict the course of the virus heading into the winter, but are urging even more caution as people spend more time inside during the colder months. Here are the number of coronavirus cases in each Massachusetts county: Barnstable County: 1,832 Berkshire County: 725 Bristol County: 10,386 Dukes County: 67 Essex County: 20,672 Franklin County: 420 Hampden County: 8,574 Hampshire County: 1,333 Middlesex County: 28,392 Nantucket County: 124 Norfolk County: 10,608 Plymouth County: 10,007 Suffolk County: 25,117 Worcester County: 14,791 Unknown location: 311 Related Content: Stormy Daniels has lashed out at Melania Trump a day after secret tapes emerged in which the First Lady referred to the adult entertainer as a 'porn hooker'. In a scathing tweet on Tuesday, Daniels denied being paid for sex as she hit out at Melania. 'Hahaha! Although I wasn't paid for sex and therefore technically not a 'hooker' I'll take being that over what you are any day,' the porn star tweeted in response to Melania's leaked tape. 'You sold your p***y AND your soul... Keep talking about me. I like your new t*ts btw. Post (more) nudes? #bebest lol'. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, referenced the First Lady's anti-cyber bullying campaign Be Best with her hashtag. The scathing tweet came a day after secret tapes were released by Melania's released by her ex-best friend and aide Stephanie Winston Wolkoff. In the tape, the First Lady can be heard telling Wolkoff about a photo shoot that Daniels participated in for Vogue by acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz. Scroll down for video Stormy Daniels lashed out at Melania Trump on Tuesday and accused her of selling herself a day after secret tapes emerged in which the first lady referred to the adult entertainer as a 'porn hooker' 'If you Google, go Google and read it Annie Leibovitz shot the porn hooker, as she will be in one of the issues, September or October,' Melania can be heard saying in the tape. Wolkoff asks: 'What do you mean, she shot the 'porn hooker?'' 'Stormy,' the First Lady responds. Wolkoff can be heard saying: 'Shut the f*** up. For what?' 'Oh you didn't read it. . It was yesterday it came out. For Vogue. She will be in Vogue. Annie Leibowitz shot her,' Melania said. She rose to fame after claiming to have had an affair with Donald Trump in 2006 when he was already married to Melania. Trump denies the affair. His personal lawyer at the time, Michael Cohen, paid $130,000 to Daniels in a hush money deal brokered 11 days before the 2016 election to keep her quiet about their alleged sexual relationship. Daniels rose to fame after she claimed to have had an affair with Donald Trump in 2006 The scathing tweet came a day after secret tapes were released by Melania's released by her ex-best friend and aide Stephanie Winston Wolkoff The tape in which Melania referred to Daniels as a 'porn hooker' were played on Cohen's podcast Mea Culpa on Tuesday. Wolkoff left the White House in February 2018. Daniels and her then-lawyer Michael Avenatti were featured in Vogue in August 2018. Wolkoff, is a former Vogue magazine staffer who oversaw the Met Gala and other converted events, had been friends with Melania for a decade before they fell out. She was Melania's first hire for the East Wing when she was appointed a senior adviser to the first lady. Wolkoff helped write Melania's speeches and helped craft her Be Best initiative. Wolkoff, who published her tell-all book 'Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of my Friendship with the First Lady' on September 1, has released several tapes of her conversations with Melania in recent weeks. Wolkoff has suggested that she started taping her conversations with Melania when they were already in the outs. 'I only started pressing record once I had already been severed and accused of criminal activity,' she told Cohen. 'I really didn't plan on ever playing these tapes or ever releasing them because they were for my protection.' As per section 1.4.2 (iii) of the Directive on Access to Information: "For Projects approved by Bank management where the Board of Directors has delegated the approval authority, the PSD shall be disclosed at the start of the relevant no-objection notification period to a member country of the Bank in accordance with Article 13 (iii) of the Agreement Establishing the EBRD." Project Description A senior loan of up to EUR 25 million to the Communal Enterprise "Dniprovska Municipalna Energoservisna Kompanya", the municipal energy management company, owned by the city of Dnipro. The loan is expected to be co-financed by up to EUR 5.5 million investment grant from the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P), subject to grant approval by the E5P Assembly of Contributors. The local contribution of up to EUR 2.5 million will cover additional energy conservation measures and capital repairs. The project proceeds will finance a pipeline of works contracts with elements of an Energy Performance Contract (EnPC") for energy efficiency investments in 98 public buildings, including 67 kindergartens, 27 schools and 4 outpatient clinics. The loan will be a sub-project under the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Financing Framework, consisting of municipal-guaranteed loans to municipal energy management companies in Ukraine to facilitate critical improvements in energy efficiency measures in public buildings in a number of cities across Ukraine. Project Objectives The proposed investment will enable the city to finance energy efficiency measures through EnPCs implemented by private contractors selected by competitive tender. The investments are expected to result in strong improvement of buildings' condition through renovation of facilities and meeting heating requirements, improved comfort level and reliability of services at kindergartens, schools and clinics, as well as reduction of energy and maintenance costs of the buildings and decrease of CO2 emissions. Transition Impact ETI score: 64 Green through support of energy savings and reduction of CO2 emissions and support of further development of Ukraine's ESCO market through an EnPC and associated policy dialogue and legal reform. Competitive through enabling the involvement of private sector resources to design and implement energy saving projects taking part of the risk of achieving energy savings. Client Information ENERGY EFFICIENCY COMPANY OF THE CITY OF DNIPRO Communal Enterprise Dniprovska Municipalna Energoservisna Kompanya is the municipal energy management company, which develops, tenders and finances EnPC sub-projects on behalf of the city. EBRD Finance Summary EUR 25,000,000.00 A senior loan to the company of up to EUR 25 million to be provided in euro. Loan maturity: Up to 13 years, including up to 3 years grace, with 20 equal semi-annual repayments. The loan will be secured by a full municipal guarantee from the city. Total Project Cost EUR 33,000,000.00 EBRD loan to be complemented by up to EUR 5.5 million of investment grant and the local contribution of up to EUR 2.5 million. Additionality Terms: The market for long-term borrowing for municipal energy efficiency projects in Ukraine is very limited; local bond and loan markets offer short maturities, other IFI facilities require sovereign backing. Attributes: The Bank is uniquely positioned for the dialogue with the government and the local authorities aimed at improvement of legal and business environment for increasing private sector participation. Conditionalities: EBRD conditionalities significantly exceed commercial banks' requirements. Environmental and Social Summary Categorised B (2019 ESP). Environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) of the proposed investment was undertaken by independent consultants as part of a feasibility study. The ESDD showed that the energy efficiency measures including insulation of internal and external walls, roofs and basements, installation of new windows, ventilation systems and LED lighting, lagging of heating pipes and the introduction of automated temperature controls will bring substantial environmental and social benefits. The ESDD confirmed that the project is structured to meet the EBRD's Performance Requirements (PRs) and that the city has the institutional capacity to implement in compliance with the Bank's PRs and with national legislation. ESDD also concluded that any adverse environmental and social impacts of the project will be site-specific, mainly restricted to the construction phase. These include occupational health and safety risks, waste management and temporary loss of access to parts of public buildings, and they will be addressed through appropriate mitigation measures. An Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) has been developed and agreed with the client. ESAP includes requirements to appoint environmental and safety managers and develop Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) and waste management plans. Information on sub-projects will be disclosed at sites and online and will include grievances mechanism. For buildings where asbestos is identified, an asbestos management plan will be developed and implemented as part of the project. Monitoring of the project and ESAP implementation will be carried out via annual environmental and social reports provided by the client. Technical Cooperation and Grant Financing Pre-signing: Feasibility study covering technical, environmental and social due diligence of the company and the city. Post-signing: Project implementation support to the company and the city to prepare and procure EnPCs, monitor implementation of energy efficiency measures and verify achievement of guaranteed energy savings. Company Contact Information Golovakha Tymur Anatoliiovych golovaha.tim@gmail.com +380 56 778 63 17 75 Dmytra Iavornytskogo Avenue Dnipro, 49000, Ukraine PSD last updated 06 Oct 2020 Understanding Transition Further information regarding the EBRDs approach to measuring transition impact is available here. Business opportunities For business opportunities or procurement, contact the client company. For business opportunities with EBRD (not related to procurement) contact: Tel: +44 20 7338 7168 Email: projectenquiries@ebrd.com For state-sector projects, visit EBRD Procurement: Tel: +44 20 7338 6794 Email: procurement@ebrd.com General enquiries Specific enquiries can be made using the EBRD Enquiries form. Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) The ESP and the associated Performance Requirements (PRs) set out the ways in which the EBRD implements its commitment to promoting environmentally sound and sustainable development. The ESP and the PRs include specific provisions for clients to comply with the applicable requirements of national laws on public information and consultation as well as to establish a grievance mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of stakeholders concerns and grievances, in particular, about environmental and social performance of the client and the project. Proportionate to the nature and scale of a projects environmental and social risks and impacts, the EBRD additionally requires its clients to disclose information, as appropriate, about the risks and impacts arising from projects or to undertake meaningful consultation with stakeholders and consider and respond to their feedback. More information on the EBRDs practices in this regard is set out in the ESP. Integrity and Compliance The EBRD's Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO) promotes good governance and ensures that the highest standards of integrity are applied to all activities of the Bank in accordance with international best practice. Integrity due diligence is conducted on all Bank clients to ensure that projects do not present unacceptable integrity or reputational risks to the Bank. The Bank believes that identifying and resolving issues at the project assessment approval stages is the most effective means of ensuring the integrity of Bank transactions. OCCO plays a key role in these protective efforts, and also helps to monitor integrity risks in projects post-investment. OCCO is also responsible for investigating allegations of fraud, corruption and misconduct in EBRD-financed projects. Anyone, both within or outside the Bank, who suspects fraud or corruption should submit a written report to the Chief Compliance Officer by email to compliance@ebrd.com. All matters reported will be handled by OCCO for follow-up. All reports, including anonymous ones, will be reviewed. Reports can be made in any language of the Bank or of the Bank's countries of operation. The information provided must be made in good faith. Access to Information Policy (AIP) The AIP sets out how the EBRD discloses information and consults with its stakeholders so as to promote better awareness and understanding of its strategies, policies and operations following its entry into force on 1 January 2020. Please visit the Access to Information Policy page to find out what information is available from the EBRD website. Specific requests for information can be made using the EBRD Enquiries form. Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM) If efforts to address environmental, social or public disclosure concerns with the Client or the Bank are unsuccessful (e.g. through the Clients Project-level grievance mechanism or through direct engagement with Bank management), individuals and organisations may seek to address their concerns through the EBRDs Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM). IPAM independently reviews Project issues that are believed to have caused (or to be likely to cause) harm. The purpose of the Mechanism is: to support dialogue between Project stakeholders to resolve environmental, social and public disclosure issues; to determine whether the Bank has complied with its Environmental and Social Policy or Project-specific provisions of its Access to Information Policy; and where applicable, to address any existing non-compliance with these policies, while preventing future non-compliance by the Bank. Please visit the Independent Project Accountability Mechanism webpage to find out more about IPAM and its mandate; how to submit a Request for review; or contact IPAM via email ipam@ebrd.com to get guidance and more information on IPAM and how to submit a request. Priti Patel wants a police watchdog to closely examine whether forces have wrongly allowed hugely disruptive rallies to be mounted even though they interfere with other peoples daily lives The tactics used by police dealing with protesters face a major review amid frustration that Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter demonstrators have been allowed to run amok. Priti Patel wants a police watchdog to closely examine whether forces have wrongly allowed hugely disruptive rallies to be mounted even though they interfere with other peoples daily lives. One aspect of the review will seek to ensure protesters who cause extreme disruption are punished to the full limits of the law. It could ultimately mean the ringleaders face jail time rather than a slap on the wrist such as a fine, Government sources said. The Home Secretary is concerned police are too timid in tackling large-scale protests that deliberately cause long-term disruption. In particular, Home Office sources highlighted the shut down of Westminster by Extinction Rebellion (XR) last summer, as well as similar protests in Londons Oxford Street last October and a blockade of printing presses last month which affected distribution of newspapers including the Daily Mail. In particular, Home Office sources highlighted the shut down of Westminster by Extinction Rebellion (XR) last summer, as well as similar protests in Londons Oxford Street last October Details published yesterday show the review by Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) will scrutinise how well the police balance the rights of protesters with the rights of other people, and the impact on communities and minorities. The HMIC will also look at whether police need additional powers to deal with protests, how they manage intelligence about protest groups and how they prepare for major demos. We want to understand before we consider new powers whether police could be charging people under existing laws, such as public nuisance, said a Whitehall source. Its no good carrying on like they are at the moment where problematic protesters are handed a 100 fine which is then paid by mummy or daddy and theyre straight out to cause chaos again. At the moment groups such as XR are treated like other protests, such as a trade union march. But normal protests do not hold the country to ransom. ...as print blockade duo get slap on wrist Two Extinction Rebellion protesters yesterday admitted obstructing roads as part of a protest that stopped the distribution of millions of newspapers. Eleanor McAree, 26, and Will Farbrother, 39, were among dozens of activists who blockaded the Newsprinters printworks in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, last month. McAree, a 41,000-a-year project manager from Brentwood, Essex, was fined 500 and told to pay a 50 victim surcharge at St Albans Magistrates Court. She was also fined 150 for breaching a nine-month conditional discharge imposed over another XR protest. Farbrother, a 39,000-a-year civil servant from Walthamstow, north-east London, was given a six-month conditional discharge and told to pay 105 costs and a 22 victim surcharge. The blockade hit the distribution of 3.5million newspapers and magazines including the Daily Mail, The Sun, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. Advertisement In her speech to the Conservative Party Conference on Sunday Mrs Patel criticised indefensible actions by XR and Black Lives Matter protesters. This Government will always defend the right to protest. That right is a fundamental pillar of our democracy, she said. But the hooliganism and thuggery we have seen is not. It is indefensible. There is no excuse for pelting flares at brave police officers. There is no excuse for throwing bikes at police horses. There is no excuse for disrespecting the Cenotaph or vandalising the statue of Sir Winston Churchill. Meanwhile, co-founders David Moore and Colm Power will continue to drive the business under the leadership of NFP managing director for the UK and Ireland Matt Pawley. It is very much our stated intention to support NFP in their growth strategy to build a greater presence and market share in Ireland and to follow their very successful US and international expansion model of targeted acquisitions, said Power. To that end, we will be proactively identifying further suitable acquisition targets in Ireland, particularly in the area of corporate commercial insurance, that will complement our business. Our plans are to acquire the right business at the right time for NFP. Pawley added that it is strategically important to invest in Ireland as NFP continues to plan for Brexits impact both on clients and the brokers ability to serve them. He stated: Ireland is well placed to become a European hub for our business as we continue to expand into new geographic territories, but the local market also provides great domestic business opportunities and potential with many US and global corporate HQs based here. For chair and chief executive Doug Hammond, integrating NFPs acquisitions in the UK and Ireland gives the group momentum as it pursues what he described as tremendous opportunities in the region. With 120 employees in Europe, focused leadership from Matt, David, and Colm, and their colleagues, and an unwavering commitment to delivering value to clients, we will build from our success and continue our growth in ways that distinguish us in the market, asserted Hammond. Lately though, I have taken to blocking better than Chuck Bednarik on one of his better days, because people have simply lost their minds. The number of folks who either have wished death on the president or engaged in some sick sort of schadenfreud because he is now infected with a deadly virus is scarier than the virus itself. They are not the faceless shadows that populate the comments sections of some online newspapers. They are not folks who have used pseudonyms to create online personalities that bear no relation to their actual selves. They are people I have actually met, or at least, would have liked to have met in kinder times. You might argue, as some have, that social media is a distortion of the real world. I would have agreed before social media became the real world for so many people who were trapped in the fabricated amber of the COVID shutdowns. Classrooms have become virtual for many children. Good friends have been told that they will not be returning to their offices until at least the beginning of next year, so their kitchen tables and their laptops are now their conference rooms. Online shopping has bumped the thrill of walking through an aisle in a Hazmat suit to search out the perfect tomato. Sam Armytage has grilled Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk over her decision to not reopen the state's borders to all of New South Wales until after the election. The Sunrise host began asking the tough questions moments after the premier appeared on the program on Wednesday morning. The borders will reopen on November 1, the day after the Queensland election, if NSW records 28 consecutive days of zero community transmissions of coronavirus. 'Why wait so long when the 28 day period you require for no community transmission could be met sooner?' Armytage began the live interview. Sunrise host Sam Armytage (left) took Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (right) to task over border closures on Wednesday morning Ms Palaszczuk replied: 'I did have to make some strong decisions about those borders and they were tough. They were tough on a lot of people. We have put in place a road map right until December to give everyone a certainty.' NSW has recorded 11 consecutive days of no community transmissions and currently remains on track to achieve its goal on October 22, nine days before the Queensland election. Armytage interrupted the Premier to demand why the borders can't reopen before the election. 'Why November 1? Why is that the day you have chosen? What you say to people who say you're playing politics during a pandemic,' she asked. Ms Palaszczuk responded: 'We've been very consistent. All of our decisions have been made at the end of each month. That is what we have said. We're going to stick with that. We have put in place the road map and everyone can see that know it is there, in black-and-white.' Queensland reopened its borders to 152,000 far northern NSW residents last week. Residents in 41 postcodes including Byron Shire, Ballina, Lismore, the Richmond Valley including Casino and Evans Head, and Glen Innes are free to cross the border Queenslanders are also able to travel in far northern NSW. The Queensland borders will remain closed to Victorian residents in the wake of the recent horror wave of the virus. Ms Palaszczuk come under constant fire over her refusal to reopen state borders, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, federal Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian among the most outspoken critics. The Queensland Premier remained firm on her position to not reopen the borders to all of NSW until November 1, the day after the election Ms Palaszczuk acknowledged the strict border closures had taken a toll on businesses but added the state's economy was able to open up because Queensland has managed to keep the virus under control. 'We have had people out and about, supporting Queensland people and supporting Queensland businesses,' she said. 'This is happening right across the length and breadth of Queensland and hopefully it is going to continue.' The Premier was also grilled about Queensland's 7.5 per cent unemployment rate. The state had the highest unemployment rate in Australia before pre-COVID-19. 'Where are the jobs going to come from now?' Armytage questioned the Premier. Ms Palaszczuk disagreed with the Sunrise host. The Queensland borders will remain closed to most NSW residents until at least November 1. Pictured is the state border checkpoint at Coolangatta 'That is not correct. Over the last five years we've have been in office, we've created more than 250,000 jobs in Queensland. We delivered five surpluses,' the Premier fired back. 'We were on the path to prosperity. What happened was we were hit with coronavirus, we had to go into that lockdown, and businesses have struggled.' Ms Palaszczuk admitted Queensland had been hit hard by the loss of international tourism due to the pandemic. 'We have offered small business grants, we have launched tourism campaigns, and we have other states that can come to Queensland to support the tourism industry,' she said. 'It's going to take time for the tourism sector to recover. Queenslanders spend $10 billion going overseas. If they spent that amount of money in Queensland, it will go a long way to start to starting to help our tourism sector.' Elizabeth Tse, Chief Operating Officer at Side As a respected leader and senior executive, Elizabeth brings unparalleled expertise in operations management that will significantly enhance our teams ability to continue providing best-in-class service and support to our agent partners in lockstep with the growth of our company and community Side, the only real estate brokerage platform that exclusively partners with high-performing agents, teams and independent brokerages to transform them into boutique brands and businesses, today announced the appointment of technology industry veteran Elizabeth Tse as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective September 2020. Working alongside Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Guy Gal, Tse will be responsible leading Sides onboarding, brokerage operations, people operations and IT teams, as it continues its momentous growth in partnering with thousands of top-performing real estate professionals to accelerate their business. With proven expertise in scaling fast-growth businesses, Tse will play a critical role in ushering a new chapter for Side as it continues to modernize the real estate brokerage industry. As a respected leader and senior executive, Elizabeth brings unparalleled expertise in operations management that will significantly enhance our teams ability to continue providing best-in-class service and support to our agent partners in lockstep with the growth of our company and community, said Gal. We are delighted to welcome Elizabeth to our team to help take Side to new heights. Tse brings over 20 years of industry experience in senior leadership positions, as well as advisory and board member roles for ultra high-growth global companies including Upwork, eBay, Zuora, Samasource, and Providian Financial Corporation. Most recently, Tse served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Upwork for seven years, where she helped drive high-quality outcomes that led to business growth, differentiation and ultimately, IPO. Additionally, Tse served as president and board member of Upwork subsidiaries including Upwork Escrow, Upwork Talent Group and Elance. With her specialty in advising companies on the future of work, marketplace management, customer success, and digital transformation, Tse is a vital asset to the Side leadership team. Previous to her role at Upwork, Tse served as COO of Samasource in San Francisco, Calif, where she led day-to-day operations of the award-winning non-profit, overseeing marketing, sales, engineering and business operations. In one year, Tse grew Samasources active workforce by 195 percent, representing about 900 people across 10 centers in five countries. During her time as VP of Global Billing, Payments and Collections at eBay, she saved the business 60 percent in payment processing costs and improved customer satisfaction by 40 percent. I am passionate about improving peoples livelihoods and it was personally important for me to join a company with a mission that closely aligned with mine, said Tse. I look forward to working with Sides talented team to further empower great real estate agents across the country to create and grow their own businesses. Side is led by experienced industry professionals and world-class engineers who develop technology designed to improve agent productivity and enhance the client experience. Based on its belief that homeownership is a fundamental human right, Side is on a mission to improve the public good by providing top-performing real estate agents, teams and indie brokerages with the best system, support, service, experience, and results. About Side Side transforms high-performing agents, teams and independent brokerages into successful businesses and boutique brands that are 100 percent agent-owned. Side exclusively partners with the best agents, empowering them with proprietary technology and a premier support team so they can be more productive, grow their business and focus on serving their clients. Side is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://www.sideinc.com. Media Contacts Emily Warner | Vanessa Villatoro | Brandon Muratalla Murphy OBrien sidepr@murphyobrien.com Say what you will about the Trump years, but in carrying out what Steve Bannon had wished I want to bring everything crashing down the current White House administration has, by exposing weaknesses in U.S. governance, given Americans the opportunity to build back better, or dare I say, to make America great again. From the way politicians are elected, to the way they execute their jobs, to the partisan way in which judges are selected, the three branches of government upon which the entire U.S. system is based executive, legislative and judiciary branches are flawed. One might even say that the house divided Abraham Lincoln warned of in 1858 cannot stand and what is required, now that it has fallen to its foundation, is a new build. We might agree that the concrete is sound. We have seen this in the exportation of U.S.-style democracy and its use in other countries. But there are termites in the beams, like gerrymandering and corporate money in elections that threaten the soundness of the construction. I suggest the following fixes for the administration, whether Democratic or Republican, that succeeds this present one. I do not mean to address climate change, health care, immigration, gun rights, abortion or race or any other such issue that currently divides the United States. These, if I can hammer one more nail into the construction metaphor, can only be addressed once more foundational issues are dealt with. The studs go up before the walls. Voting is the heart of a democratic republic such as the U.S. But too often state and federal legislatures and the courts have put up roadblocks to the one-person, one-vote system Americans claim they have. Lets start with instituting compulsory voting. I can hear the First Amendment arguments already, but mandating a vote by every U.S. citizen above the age of 18 guarantees that every person has a say. Its certainly better than a system where someone can win the presidency with less than half the number of votes cast, which, in 2016, was just above the total number of eligible voters. Compulsory voting would also override laws that prohibit people in prison from voting, which restricts minorities from voting. Limit the election time frame. Candidates for the presidency announce sometimes as early as 18 months before an election. Donald Trump announced he was running for re-election the day after his inauguration in 2017. Allowing campaigning to begin in January of the year of an election, thus allowing 11 months for primaries and the general election, is ample time for voters to decide and for candidates to campaign. Use a ranked ballot system so voters choices are clear and a true majority winner emerges. Dispense with computerized ballots. Elections were held for decades by pencilling in choices. No one was worried about hacking or hanging chads then. Limit spending by moving toward a public funding of political parties. Enough with the corporate donors. At the executive level, eliminating the electoral college is another way to ensure majority rule and that every vote counts. At the legislative level, eliminate gerrymandering, the pernicious realigning of congressional districts along racial or demographic lines that ensures Republican domination. Currently, representatives run for re-election every two years and senators every six. In some districts, a political machine can guarantee re-election for years. Institute term limits to a maximum of six two-year terms in the House of Representatives and two six-year terms for Senate, thus ensuring regular turnover and fresh blood and fresh ideas in Congress. At the judicial level, judges at all levels should be appointed from a bipartisan list of names chosen by an independent panel. The size of the Supreme Court should grow from the current nine to a significantly larger number, 21 for example or 27 as an opinion column in Time magazine recently suggested. It would run along the lines of a circuit court, where justices hearing an appeal are chosen at random, ensuring some fairness in terms of political leanings. The size of such a court would also allow more cases to be heard. Finally, amend the Constitution, Section 3, regarding appointments of federal judges to institute term limits and age limits. The current court may have to be grandfathered, but theres no reason for lifetime appointments. All this is doable. And theres no time like this fraught, but opportune, moment to start on the rebuild. Raymond Beauchemin is a Torstar editor and dual U.S.-Canadian citizen. Read more about: Actress Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer Satish Maneshinde has issued an official statement in which he has expressed his concern with regards to late actor Sushant Singh Rajput's family and their lawyer Vikas Singh. In his statement, Satish Maneshinde has claimed that Sushant's family and its lawyers are interfering and tampering with the investigations in the actor's death case. The statement read, "It is disturbing to learn that the family of SSR and its lawyers are interfering and tampering with the investigations by bringing pressure on the AIIMS team of Doctors by speaking to them during investigations and releasing purported audio recoded conversations and information to the Media in order to bring pressure and tamper with potential witnesses. The SSR family lawyer is supposed to have said that he is going to meet the CBI Director to get the family's pre-determined path of investigations in SSR death. It is very disturbing to read such information in the Media as attempts are being made to get a pre-determined result in the case." He also said that any further interference might invite legal trouble. Maneshinde said in his statement, "Any further attempts to interfere and tampering in the investigations would be brought to the notice of the appropriate courts." Rhea's lawyer also addressed the FIR filed by the Bandra police, based on Rhea Chakraborty's complaint against Sushant's Priyanka and Meetu Singh, and added, "The Bandra Police registered a case on the allegations of Rhea Chakraborty against the sisters of SSR in relation to illegal administration of medicines on the basis of forged prescription which could be the cause of Sushant's death and transferred it on 9th Sept 2020 to the CBI as per the orders of the SC. Therefore, the family also stands to face investigations in the case." The SC on August 19, 2020 had approved a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, registered in Patna and directed transfer of any case registered on the death of SSR into the circumstances of his unnatural death to CBI. Expressing faith in the Central Bureau of Investigation's probe, the senior advocate added, "The CBI is independently and impartially investigating both the cases. The CBI is supposed to be an insulated and free from any interference." Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer Satish Maneshinde's statement arrives after a leading news channel leaked an audio of AIIMS forensic head Dr Sudhir Gupta in which he reportedly claimed that Sushant was murdered. For the unversed, the actor was found dead in his Bandra flat in Mumbai on June 14, 2020. Currently, the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Narcotics Control Bureau is investigating his death case. ALSO READ: Rhea Chakraborty, Showik Chakraborty And Others To Remain In Judicial Custody Till October 20 Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 00:15:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close People walk by the River Thames in front of the Tower Bridge in London, Britain, on Oct. 6, 2020. Another 14,542 people in Britain have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 530,113, according to official figures released Tuesday. (Xinhua/Han Yan) LONDON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Another 14,542 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 530,113, according to official figures released Tuesday. The coronavirus-related deaths rose by 76 to 42,445, the latest data showed. Meanwhile, coronavirus is spreading across London with more than 1,000 new cases a day, according to official figures. London was declared an area of concern last month when there were just more than 600 new cases a day. The figure has now risen to 1,027 on Sept. 30 and 1,029 on Oct. 1, with data for more recent days incomplete. Still, COVID-19 levels in the British capital are far below the northern part of England, one of the areas hit hardest by coronavirus. The latest figures were revealed after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to transform Britain over the next decade. "Even in the darkest moments we can see the bright future ahead. And we can see how to build it and we will build it together," Johnson said at the virtual annual conference of the ruling Conservative party, which is overshadowed by a sharp rise of COVID-19 cases in Britain. He said the coronavirus pandemic could not "hold us back or slow us down." "It is not enough to go back to normal. We have lost too much. We have mourned too many...We will not content ourselves with a repair job," he added. Previously, Johnson has warned that Britain's fight against coronavirus pandemic may be "bumpy through to Christmas" as the country continues to see a sharp rise in infections. In another development, to bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Russia and the United States, are racing against time to develop coronavirus vaccines. The British government's Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance has said that it is possible that some vaccine could be available in small amounts later this year, but it is more likely that a vaccine will be available early next year, although that is not guaranteed. Enditem Dani Harmer is officially back as Tracy Beaker. The actress began playing the iconic role in 2002 when she was just 12 years old, but on Monday she was pictured on set for day one of filming on a new series featuring the beloved character from Jacqueline Wilson. Dani, 31, is reprising her role in the BBC series My Mum Tracy Beaker which sees Tracy raising her daughter Jess. She's back! Dani Harmer is officially back as Tracy Beaker. On Monday she was pictured on set for a new series featuring the beloved character from Jacqueline Wilson Dani was seen filming in Manchester alongside her onscreen daughter as well as a handsome male co-star. Tweeting over the weekend the actress admitted she was nervous to return to the role that launched her acting career, especially as lockdown restrictions in Manchester meant she was had to stay away from her family. Dani shares four-year-old Avarie-Belle Betsy with boyfriend Simon Brough, and tweeted that they would be apart for the duration of filming. 'Off to Manchester I go! Stupid virus means I cant see my family for 5 weeks which is going to be beyond tough! But needs must! 'The mum guilt is off the scale! Lets hope these 5 weeks go super quick! Thank goodness for FaceTime,' she told her followers. Family ties: Dani, 31, is reprising her role in the BBC series My Mum Tracy Beaker which sees Tracy raising her daughter Jess In August Dani revealed how she was excited to take on the role of Tracy again in the upcoming series. Dani said: 'I cannot wait to return (again) to the role of Tracy! I'm just like a fan myself and want to know what happens next and where this next journey will take her. 'I absolutely adore playing the character and I'm looking forward to taking on the challenge of portraying her as a first time mum.' Dani explained how she was eager to know how Tracy has developed since becoming a mum. Changing roles: Dani is reprising her role but Tracy is now a mum to a daughter Jess after a difficult childhood, as depicted in the original books and TV series 'Being a mother myself I know how much it changes you so I'm looking forward to seeing how it's changed Tracy but still keeping her the same feisty strong female lead that people know and love,' she added. The book My Mum Tracy Beaker was published in 2018 by author Wilson and sees the heroine struggling to make ends meet on a 'tough' housing estate in London. 'Tracy has been a character that's haunted me, she's the sort of person who sticks in your mind,' the critically-acclaimed author, 72, revealed in 2018. Who's that? Dani was seen filming in Manchester alongside her onscreen daughter as well as a handsome male co-star Back on set: Tweeting over the weekend the actress admitted she was nervous to return to the role that launched her acting career 'When I realised just how long ago it was since I wrote the first Tracy Beaker book, I thought 'if we were in real time, Tracy herself would be in her 30s.' 'And I've always thought that, even though Tracy had lots of problems in her life and a pretty rubbish mum who was never there for her, Tracy herself would be a good mum, no matter what.' The story, which is aimed at both adults who loved the book and seven to 11-year-old children, is told from Tracy's daughter, Jess' perspective. The family are living on a 'hand-to-mouth existence' when Tracy meets up with someone from her past and their 'whole lives turn upside down'. Role of a lifetime: In August Dani said she was 'looking forward to taking on the challenge of portraying her as a first time mum' And while fans will remember Tracy as a loud, mischievous 10-year-old, her daughter is 'quieter, more timid and worried about what other people think of her'. In 2018 Dani appeared in a one episode special of the CBBC show which also starred EastEnders' favourite Michelle Collins. The episode told the story of carer Mike's wedding day with a missing groom and the cast set to track him down. Jacqueline's breakthrough in children's literature was with The Story of Tracy Beaker back in 1991, which she followed on with popular books such as Double Act, Bad Girls and The Illustrated Mum. The novel, and subsequent TV series, dealt with hard-hitting themes including fostering, neglect and social services. The pair of novels follow the exploits of former two-time Kentucky Governor Bentley Wellington, coal baroness Abigail Prescott Wellington and their son, Beauregard, operator of Lexington-based Triple-B Racing Stables. As 1983 unfolds, vulnerabilities of "The Commonwealth's first family" are at work as Kentucky's alcohol of choice, the sport of kings and power politics provide the combustible combination that embroils the Wellingtons in an expanding web of scandal involving illicit sex, shady financial dealings, brushes with the underworld and murder. Another prominent family, the Cutters of Leesburg, Virginia, is led by Thomas Jefferson Cutter III, a youthful Virginia horseman whose fateful meeting with his Kentucky-based counterpart leads to a dueling dance of equine-industry elites. Their interaction has consequences not simply for members of their immediate families, but for a widening circle of friends and associates. "For my first work of fiction, I borrowed from my youth in New Jersey and years as a student at the University of Virginia, along with a lifetime of experiences in thoroughbred racing; a professional career that took me from Wall Street, Madison Avenue and the Motor City to business centers throughout Europe and the Asia-Pacific region," explained Hilliard. He went on to note the sequel was simply a result of the love affair he developed with the initial book's characters. "I was curious to see how these people would navigate life's challenges," he said with a laugh. Meanwhile, the author's blog, thoroughbredrailbirds.horse, debuts with a spirited take on the mayhem brought to the past two years' Kentucky Derby by an historic disqualification and a global pandemic. For pricing information and to order paperbacks and e-books, visit Jerzey Wahoo Media, LLC (https://www.jerzeywahoomedia.com/order-form.html) or publisher Outskirts Press (https://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781977233561). E-versions may also be ordered via Amazon Kindle. CONTACT: Rob Hilliard (248-320-1846) SOURCE Jerzey Wahoo Media LLC Related Links http://www.jerzeywahoomedia.com/ A 19-year-old Dalit gang rape victim was cremated in the dead of the night last week to avert an extraordinary law-and-order problem posed by protesters and political parties intent on stoking caste clashes, the state government told the Supreme Court, which on Tuesday described the incident as horrible and extraordinary. A three-judge bench of the apex court was hearing a public interest litigation seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde, directed the state government to place on record the steps taken to ensure protection of witnesses even as the UP government acquiesced to a top court-monitored CBI probe into the September 14 incident and the womans death on September 29 that triggered nationwide protests. It is a horrible incident. It is extraordinary. We want to know from you whether witness protection plan is in place. File an affidavit, CJI Bobde told solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who was representing the UP government. The court also asked the state to ascertain whether the family engaged a lawyer and sought details of the scope of proceedings relating to the incident before the Allahabad high court. The next hearing is on October 8. The court proceedings came a day after the state government ordered a probe into an international conspiracy to destablise the administration. In a 129-page affidavit, the state government contended intelligence inputs pointed to political parties and organisations trying to exploit the situation on September 30 a day after the victim died at Delhis Safdarjung hospital, triggering street protests. Intelligence inputs were specifically received late at night on September 29 that lakhs of protestors of both communities (communities of the accused and victim) along with supporters of some political parties and media will assemble in the morning of September 30 at the village which is likely to turn violent and will lead to major law-and-order problems. The [Hathras] district administration took the decision to convince the parents of the victim to cremate her with all religious rites at night to avoid large scale violence in the morning, the affidavit said. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of not saying a word on Hathras gang-rape The affidavit also noted that the district was on high alert because of the Babri Masjid demolition verdict, which was pronounced on September 30, and large gatherings were banned under central government guidelines to curb the spread of Covid-19. In such extraordinary and severe circumstances, the district administration took the decision to convince the parents of the deceased to cremate her with all religious rites at night to avoid large scale violence in the morning, the affidavit contended. The victims family has repeatedly said their consent was not taken before the cremation and that no member was present at the last rites, which was conducted at 2.30am without traditional rituals. Along with the affidavit, the state attached screenshots and materials recovered from a website it is investigating for criminal conspiracy. The attachments, allegedly recovered from justiceforhathrasvictim.carrd.co, showed details of protests, trending hashtags, and resources to avoid detention and police action which made several references to Black protesters, American cities such as Phoenix and New York, and asked protesters to wear ski masks appeared to have been lifted from the Black Lives Matter movement in the US. The affidavit also said that there could not have been any bad intention in hastening the cremation because the victims post mortem examination was already done at Safdarjung hospital. Activists and opposition politicians have alleged that the police cremated the body to destroy evidence of the crime. The affidavit went on to blame a vicious propaganda unleashed on social media and by sections of the media and some political parties to deliberately mislead the public and to create caste and communal disharmony. There have been orchestrated efforts to malign the image of government on social media by attributing baseless comments and building up a distorted narrative on the Hathras case, the affidavit read. The state also sought a CBI investigation into the alleged criminal conspiracy to spread caste conflict, instigate violence, and into the propaganda unleashed by certain sections of media and political parties. Also Read | UP police arrest PFI-linked men on their way to Hathras from Delhi: All you need to know The Dalit woman was allegedly gang raped by four members of the Thakur caste on September 14 and the assault left her partially paralysed. She was rushed to the hospital in Aligarh town, and when her condition deteriorated, shifted to Delhi on September 28. She died the next day. The state governments handling of the case has come under sharp criticism from activists and opposition parties, who alleged that the victims kin were intimidated. The state government has denied the woman was raped, citing a forensic report, though experts have raised doubts about the examination conducted eight days after the crime. The Allahabad high court took suo motu cognisance of the incident on October 1 and ordered the states additional chief secretary/principal secretary (Home), director general of police, additional director general, law and order, district magistrate, Hathras, and superintendent of police, Hathras, to appear before it on October 12. What is the present scope of the proceedings before the high court and how can we widen it and make it more relevant? asked the bench, also comprising justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, directing Mehta to respond to the same at the next hearing. Mehta told the top court the state government was not opposing the plea for CBI probe but requested that it should be done under the supervision of the SC. We (UP government) are not treating this as an adversarial litigation. There are different narratives in the public domain. One innocent life has been lost. It should not be sensationalised, Mehta said. Senior counsel Indira Jaising, representing a few woman lawyers, asked the SC to ensure that witnesses are protected. She also pointed out how certain lawyers were trying to secure the brief of the victims family and asked the top court not to allow that. The villas have sea views and an area of up to 220 square metres (about 2,400 square feet). The fabric coatings on the interior have been removed so that all parts are made of wood or plastic to facilitate the sterilisation process. The resort also has a security camera system. The hotel staff has also undergone training at the hospital, and were provided with individual protective equipment so that they could bring food to guests and place them at their room doors. Alma Zaragoza-Petty and Jason Petty are teaching daughters Soul, 5, and Luna, 15, to be proud of their parents' Mexican American and Black heritage. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) After the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, Nandi Zavala urged her Instagram followers to sign petitions and attend Black Lives Matter protests. As a Black woman, Zavala felt a personal responsibility to do this. As a Mexican American woman, she was also anxious: Would the Latino side of her family think she was ignoring her other half? Zavala, whose mother is Black and father is from Mexico, mined Instagram for pro-immigration infographics and anything else she could share to demonstrate solidarity with Latinos. She felt an internal pressure to balance out" her social media feed. I want people to know that I am these things, and Im proud to be these things, because theyve all shaped who I am as a person now, said Zavala, 21, a student taking the semester off because of the pandemic. Zavala and others with both Black and Latino heritage have been performing this cultural juggling act all their lives. Now, with one crisis in public health and another in police brutality, the shared struggles, as well as the misunderstandings, between the two cultures have moved front of mind. The challenges faced by Black and Latino people in this time of illness and protest overlap significantly. Coronavirus has killed them at disproportionately high rates. Poverty, crowded housing and chronic health issues were already more prevalent in their communities. Many have lost their jobs or are essential workers braving hazardous conditions. In L.A. County, they also bear the brunt of police violence 80% of those killed by law enforcement in the last two decades were Black or Latino. But some mixed-race people say the lifetime effort to bridge the gap between their two halves has intensified in recent months, particularly in helping the Latino side understand what it's like to be Black. They have fielded questions from family members, such as, "Why have the peaceful protests turned violent?" With the new focus on racial accountability, they are also more determined to address the anti-Blackness coming from some friends and relatives, which can necessitate conversations including "No, you can't say the N-word" and "Stop making offensive comments about my hair." Story continues The pressure to explain, and the pain of seeing people like them in so many devastating situations, has made a stressful time even more stressful. And there is the existential issue of feeling once again in the middle: "Where do I fit in?" With interracial marriage in the U.S. on the rise from 3% of couples in 1967, when the U.S. Supreme Court decided the landmark Loving case, to 17% in 2015 more young people are wrestling with these issues. Ebony Bailey's Mexican American mother, a hair stylist, was told this summer by a Latino client: I know that your husband is Black and that your kids are Black but I think people are marching for nothing. Slavery was a long time ago. Growing up in the conservative central California town of Porterville, which is two-thirds Latino with few Black residents, Bailey was singled out for her dark skin and Black features. She tried to prove to her peers that she had Mexican roots, too. Now, she feels validated by the number of Latino people supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. In Mexico City, where Bailey lives, she has attended and spoken at protests against police brutality, where people held up signs that said Tu lucha es mi lucha" your fight is my fight. According to a poll by the New York Times and Siena College, 21% of Latino voters said they marched in support of Black Lives Matter nearly identical to the 22% of Black voters who said they did. Im an incarnation of Black and brown unity, said Bailey, 29, a filmmaker who formerly worked for The Times as a web producer. As the COVID-19 pandemic escalated, Bailey worried about her parents, who still live in Porterville and have underlying medical conditions. Her dad worked in a chicken factory before stopping out of fear for his safety. Her mom was unemployed for several months before returning to her salon in September. With the physical and financial well-being of both their cultures threatened at the same time, some mixed people feel hit by a double whammy. Thats the burden of being Black and brown, said Bailey, 29. If its not something with health, then its something with your economics. Youre not in a safe space through the pandemic. Like Bailey, Zavala grew up in a community with few other Black people. She often got comments about her tight curls. "It looks like you have spiders in your hair," a relative once said in Spanish. She had to explain to Latino family and friends that just because they were people of color didn't mean they had a pass to say the N-word, even when the intent wasn't racist. Conversely, her Black classmates wondered if she was adopted when her tia picked her up from school in Lakewood. She has found herself doing a lot more explaining this year. A cousin said he didn't understand why people were breaking into stores during what were supposed to be peaceful protests. That set off a series of discussions, with Zavala explaining the genesis of the movement. While it was about George Floyd, there was also pain in the Black community that spanned centuries, she told her cousin. "For someone who doesn't necessarily understand what it's like [being Black and] seeing Black people in the headlines all the time being killed or injured, it feels less serious if you can't relate to it," she said. After learning more about police brutality against other Black people, including the killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ky., the cousin wrote to Zavala: "I get it. It's [messed up] that this keeps happening." There are particular joys that come with being bicultural. Zavala points to her playlist, where Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion and Guadalajaran rock en espanol band Mana coexist in harmony. But the last few months have been exhausting, between curating her social media posts to reflect both sides of her heritage, explaining Black struggle to Latino family members and keeping track of developments in both worlds. This year has made model and nonprofit founder Geron McKinley even more dedicated to standing up for both his Black and Mexican American cultures: "If either side needs me to ride, then I'm riding." (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Growing up mixed in the mostly Black and Latino neighborhood of Willowbrook, near Compton, Geron McKinley recognized a common thread in both of his cultures, which have been oppressed but remained proud. But some of his own family members couldn't see the similarities. Sometimes, they brought up stereotypes in front of him, as if they had forgotten that he is both races. His usual response was to bluntly remind them that they were talking about him and in the case of his mom's Mexican family, some of his cousins who are also part Black. "As mixed people, it's our job almost to be correcting our family," McKinley said. "And if you're not correcting your family, you're letting them perpetuate stereotypes. You're part of the problem." As for law enforcement, they see him as a threat, no matter how they peg his race. In the L.A. area, Latino officers are common, making up about half of both the Los Angeles Police Department and the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. But there are relatively few Black officers patrolling neighborhoods with large Black populations, where relationships with law enforcement are the most fraught. " 'Hes either Black or hes Mexican. Either way, get him, " said McKinley, 25, a model and founder of a clothing brand and nonprofit called Concreet, which offers sports, arts, music and entrepreneurship programs for children. After the events of this year, McKinley is even more determined to support both Black and Latino causes. Now more than ever, even if Ive felt like Im not Black enough to be Black or Im not Mexican enough to be Mexican, if either side needs me to ride, then Im riding," he said. For parents of mixed Black and Latino children, passing on knowledge and pride about both cultures can be a challenge that now feels even more crucial. Since their daughter Soul was born five years ago, Alma Zaragoza-Petty and Jason Petty have engaged in a good-humored rivalry, reflected in the wall decorations both African masks and Loteria-style prints in their Boyle Heights home. Zaragoza-Petty, 38, who is Mexican American, advises first-generation college students. Petty, 41, who is Black, is an activist and rapper under the name Propaganda. Together, they host The Red Couch Podcast, where they discuss topics including social justice and systemic racism. Soul may be too young to understand why people are protesting in the streets, but her parents take every chance to underline the richness of her dual heritage. "The reality is that she has to be prepared for a world that is going to have some feelings and thoughts about her as a mixed Black Latina woman," Zaragoza-Petty said. In L.A. County, which is nearly 50% Latino and 8% Black, the future may look something like Soul. The couple are also raising a 15-year-old daughter, Luna, who is full Latina and from Zaragoza-Petty's previous relationship, with similar values as her little sister. Petty believes the world will view Soul as Black, despite being mixed. He is making Black Girl Magic a movement started by social media influencer and writer CaShawn Thompson that celebrates resilience, beauty and joy in Black women a key part of her upbringing. As she prepared to attend a racial justice protest with her parents this summer, Soul made a sign a heart and some squiggles. It was about the coronavirus. I dont want anyone to get sick," she said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Hyderabad, Oct 7 : The COVID-19 recovery rate in Telangana crossed 86 per cent as the state continued to report more recoveries than the daily count of positive cases. The state on Tuesday reported 2,381 new recoveries, pushing the total number of people recovered to 1,74,769. With this the recovery rate rose to 86.26 per cent against the national average of 84.7 per cent. A total of 1,983 new cases were reported during the last 24 hours ending Monday 8 p.m. With the fresh cases, the state's tally has jumped to 2,02,594. Ten more people succumbed to the virus during the same period. The fatality rate stands at 0.58 per cent against the national average of 1.6 per cent. Officials said percentage of death due to COVID-19 was 44.96 while remaining 55.04 had co-morbidities. The state now has 26,644 active cases including 21,784 who are in home/institutional isolation. Of the fresh cases, 292 were recorded in Greater Hyderabad. The daily count dropped to below 300 in the state capital for last few days. Rangareddy district recorded second highest number of cases at 187 followed by Medchal Malkajgiri (145), Khammam (117), Karimnagar (109), Nalgonda (105), Siddipet (89) and Bhadradri Kothagudem (85). During the last 24 hours, 50,598 tests were conducted. With this the cumulative numbers have gone up to 32,92,195. Seventeen government-run laboratories, 44 private laboratories and 1,076 Rapid Antigen test centres are conducting the tests. According to a media bulletin from the office of the director of public health and family welfare, out of 50,598 samples tested during last 24 hours, 22,263 were primary and 6,071 were secondary. Samples tested per million population ratio improved further to 88,452. The daily testing target for the state is 5,600 per day as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) benchmark of 140 per million per day. Out of 2,02,594 total positive cases so far, 70 per cent (1,41,816) were asymptomatic while remaining 30 per cent (60,778) were symptomatic. The data also shows that 64.13 per cent of those tested positive are in the age group of 21-50 years while 22.76 are above 51 years of age. Those below 20 years are 13.13 per cent. Officials said 64.28 per cent of those tested positive were male while the remaining 38.72 per cent were female. Officials said only 25 per cent of the beds in government-run COVID hospitals are occupied. A total of 62 government hospitals have 8,868 beds, of which 6,802 are vacant. As many as 231 private hospitals treating COVID patients have 9,196 beds, of which 6,402 are vacant. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Former first lady Michelle Obama is urging Americans to vote for Joe Biden in a 24-minute video that casts the election in existential terms. Think about what would possibly compel you to accept this level of chaos, violence and confusion under this president and be willing to watch our country continue to spiral out of control. Because we can no longer pretend that we dont know exactly who and what this president stands for, Obama says in the video, which was posted by the Biden campaign Tuesday morning. Search your hearts and your conscience, and then vote for Joe Biden like your lives depend on it. In the video, Obama praises Biden who served as vice president under her husband while still delivering a withering critique of President Trump, citing his mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic and attempts at stoking racial division. Obama begins her video by discussing COVID-19, which has killed more than 210,000 Americans and has recently infected the president, along with a number of his staffers and Republican lawmakers. She says Republicans have dragged their feet on passing economic relief legislation and criticizes Trumps continued aversion to wearing a mask despite his infection. Michelle Obama's Closing Argument | Joe Biden for President 2020 (Joe Biden via YouTube) The worst part is it didnt have to be like this, Obama says. Look around the world. So many other countries arent experiencing this level of extended suffering and uncertainty. These countries were hit by the same virus as we were, they had the same kind of resources to contain it as we did, but what they didnt have to contend with was this president. A man who had every resource at his disposal. The finest medical experts. Our best intelligence. And yet ignored all of the advice and failed to produce a plan to provide enough tests for worried families or protective equipment for our health care workers. A man who knew how deadly this virus is but who lied to us and told us it would just disappear. We simply cannot trust this president to tell us the truth about anything, she adds. Story continues A CNN poll released Monday found that only 12 percent of Americans said they trusted almost all of what they heard from the White House about Trumps health, versus 69 percent who said they trusted little of what they heard. Meanwhile, a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll found Biden leading Trump by 8 points nationally. Obama also speaks at length about race and attempts to appeal to white voters who support Trump. We must all empathize with those who might not look like us or vote like us, she says. Youve worked hard all your life, and for too long youve watched the rich get richer, Obama says. Youve lost your farms and your livelihoods to corporate greed, youve seen your beloved towns shattered by joblessness. Youve watched families destroyed by drug addiction and mental health challenges. Joe Biden at a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pa., on Sept. 30. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) All of this, long before this virus hit and it is frustrating to hear some folks say youve been the beneficiary of privilege, that the color of your skin gives you a head start. That is the reality for far too many hard-working, decent Americans. But right now the president and his allies are trying to tap into that frustration and distract from his breathtaking failures by giving folks someone to blame other than them, Obama continues. Theyre stoking fears about Black and brown Americans, lying about how minorities will destroy the suburbs. Whipping up violence and intimidation, and theyre pinning it all on whats been an overwhelmingly peaceful moment for racial solidarity. Obama then pivots to discussing the difficulties faced by people of color in this country, citing her experience as a Black woman. Living with the knowledge of how hard we try, how much good we do in the world, there will be far too many who will never see our humanity, she says, who will project on us their own fears of retribution for centuries of injustice and thus only see us as a threat to be restrained. And we know what happens next: A racial slur from a passing car, a job promotion that never comes, a routine traffic stop gone wrong, maybe a knee to the neck. Racism, fear, division. These are powerful weapons, and they can destroy this nation if we dont deal with them head on. In her pitch for Biden, Obama also says the Democratic nominee would appoint Supreme Court justices who follow in the steps of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, judges who understand that justice and equality arent theoretical ideas but concrete matters that affect our health care, our livelihoods and our bodies. Following the death of Ginsburg last month, Democrats donated tens of millions of dollars to campaigns up and down the ballot. Obama concludes her remarks by urging Americans to vote as soon as they can, and if they cant vote early or by mail, to set aside time on Election Day. Michelle Obama is one of the Democrats most popular and sought-after surrogates. A poll conducted by Morning Consult and Politico in August found she had a 60 percent approval rating among registered voters, higher than the response for Trump (39 percent), Biden (46 percent) or her husband (58 percent). _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Los Angeles, Oct 6 : Hollywood star Chris Evans has reacted to a Covid related comment by Donald Trump, saying the US President just does not care. Evans called Trump "reckless" after Trump told his followers not to be afraid of the novel coronavirus, reports people.com. Responding to Trump's announcement about his release from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center three days after being hospitalised for Covid-19, Evans tweeted: "Don't be afraid of Covid?! You've been under round-the-clock care by the best doctors using the best drugs. Do you really think everyone has access to that?!" "Sadly, I'm sure you're aware of that disparity, you just don't care. This is reckless to a shocking degree, even for you," the "Avengers" star wrote. In his tweet, Trump has stated: "Feeling really good! Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!" Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Former Vice President Joe Biden said President Donald Trump is 'responsible' for his COVID-19 infection and blasted the 'macho' attitude that avoids mask wearing. Biden spoke Monday night just minutes after Trump left Walter Reed medical facility to reenter the White House taking off his own mask to be photographed and then reentering the White House to cut a video. 'Anybody who contracts the virus by essentially saying, 'masks don't matter, social distancing doesn't matter,' I think is responsible for what happens to them,' Biden said. At an NBC town hall in Florida, Biden again lobbied for mask wearing and blasted those who refuse to do so. 'What is this macho thing, 'I'm not going to wear a mask?' What's the deal here? Big deal, does it hurt you? Be patriotic for god's sake! Take care of yourself, but take care of your neighbors,' Biden said. Former Vice President Joe Biden blasted the 'macho' refusal to wear masks just minutes after President Trump staged a photo-op and returned to the White House from the hospital and then removed his own mask. He was asked about a poll showing nearly two-thirds of Americans think the president bears some responsibility for contracting the coronavirus. Biden said he was not worried about himself having contracted the coronavirus from Trump, who debated him on the same stage in Cleveland on Tuesday, when the president may have already been infected with COVID-19. He told NBC's Lester Holt he wasn't worried about his own safety. 'Ive been fastidious about the social distancing.' But he did take to task the president's family. Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Lara Trump all took off their masks inside the debate hall. 'It was a little disconcerting to look out and see that his whole section no one had masks on,' he said. 'You could see people coming in and a lot of people didnt have masks on,' Biden explained but did not identify Trump's family members by name specifically. Biden spoke after President Trump's dramatic return so the White House while still infected with COVID-19 The president left Walter Reed hospital and flew to the White House after spending three nights away getting treated for the coronavirus Members of the Trump family (L-R) Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr. in the audience shortly before US President Donald J. Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden participate in the first 2020 presidential election debate at Samson Pavilion in Cleveland, Ohio. Biden said he could see them without their masks from the debate stage It was revealed Wednesday that members of the Cleveland Clinic, who cosponsored it, offered the Trump family members masks inside the event venue but they declined. With Trump revealing early Friday that he tested positive for COVID-19, he may well have been exposed during the debate. Asked about Trump's dramatic arrival, Biden said: 'I would hope that the president having gone through what he went through, and Im glad he seems to be coming along pretty well, would communicate the right lesson to the American people,' the former vice president said. 'Masks matter. These masks, they matter. It matters. It saves lives. It prevents the spread of the disease.' Biden was on stage for the town hall format just days before he is scheduled to debate Trump October 15th in Miami for the second presidential debate which will feature a similar format. It was arranged in an outdoor venue that featured occasional traffic noise, and the candidate couldn't always hear his masked questioners. He told a voter he's 'not putting up with it' if Trump goes after him again. She said she was concerned the president bullied him. Monday's event took place outdoors with undecided voters. Biden was seated in a chair feet away from host Lester Holt. He called last week's debate 'embarrassing for the nation.' He said when asked that he had inquired about whether he should call Trump following his diagnosis. 'The decision was that would probably be intrusive,' he said. 'But I'm truly happy that, if he appears to be if things are really moving along like he said, and particularly the first lady as well, I'm very happy for that.' Biden said he himself 'would communicate the right lesson to the American people' and said emphatically that 'masks matter.' Asked about Trump's photo-op return from the hospital, Biden said: 'I hope no one walks away with the message thinking that its not a problem. Its a serious problem. Its an international pandemic and we have 4 percent of the population and 20 percent of the deaths.' But he declined to go after Trump's medical team for holding back information. He said that 'moment to moment Im not sure that that is an absolute requirement' to reveal all information about the president's health. He said it had national security implications. 'You cannot mislead about certain things,' Biden said. After blasting Trump on a variety of issues during the pandemic, Biden said: 'Im not being critical of the fact that every single detail was not released.' That came despite a media pile-on for White House physician Sean Conley's refusal to divulge critical information about the president's condition, including the state of his lungs and precise levels of oxygenation while he battles the coronavirus. [Read our profile of Kamala Harris, the first woman elected U.S. vice president.] As a former state attorney general, Senator Kamala D. Harris, the Democratic nominee for vice president, has received significant scrutiny of her record on law enforcement, facing questions and criticism about uneven prosecutions of killings by police officers. But she is less known for another role she took on, opposing the consolidation of institutions in the health care industry, which has become a major force driving the cost of medical care higher for consumers. She challenged proposed mergers between industry behemoths and anti-competitive behavior by powerful hospital systems and drug makers. She oversaw multimillion-dollar settlements with major health care corporations like Quest Diagnostics and McKesson, which were the subjects of whistle-blower lawsuits accusing them of fraud against the state Medicaid program. And she took the lead among state attorneys general in opposing an anti-competitive merger between a big hospital group and a large physician practice. She joined the Justice Department lawsuit that stopped two of the nations largest health insurers, Anthem and Cigna, from joining together. The All-Africa Students Union (AASU) stands in solidarity with Educational International and UNESCO to celebrate teachers for their tireless contribution to world education. The purpose of the World Teachers Day is to acknowledge the achievements of Teachers and raise awareness around challenges facing them and their role in the achievement of global education targets. And so, today, the All-Africa Students Union, recognising the importance of Teachers, the great impact of Teachers in the lives of students and the great sacrifices Teachers make for students, especially amidst the COVID-19, joins UNESCO to celebrate the World Teachers Day under the theme, Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future. The relevance of Teachers resulted in the signing of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, because of which UNESCO celebrates World Teachers Day (WTD) every year on 5 October since 1994. The Recommendation covers the rights and responsibilities of teachers, their professional development, employment, teaching, and learning conditions. Again, it contains recommendations for Teachers participation in decision-making in the educational setting through social dialogue and negotiation with educational authorities. WTD also memorialises the adoption of the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel in 1997, which provides for the rights and responsibilities of higher-education teaching and research personnel. Again, Target 4.c of Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognises teachers as a key contribution to the achievement of the 2030 Education Agenda. According to UNESCO, the COVID-19 has caused nearly 1.6 billion learners more than 90% of the worlds total enrolled student population to be affected by school closures and has affected over 63 million primary and secondary school teachers. Being responsible for students, the crisis has called for Teachers demonstration of leadership, innovation, ingenuity, and adaptation to prevent the exacerbation of the already existing educational gaps in the world. Teachers have had to prepare and provide study materials for students; adjusting the curriculum to be able to cover all topics and using all means possible to achieve the desired learning outcomes. They have had to adjust to online learning and tried as much as possible to make the same or similar academic impact on students, as it would have been in the classroom or lecture halls. As one of the purposes of the commemoration of the World Teachers Day is to identify the challenges teachers face, it is of much importance that with respect to this years theme, teachers are supported to adapt to the remote learning systems through the provision of resources and training on new technologies for remote learning. Also, Teachers must be prioritised and considered as front-line workers amidst this pandemic, to qualify them for the benefits of a front-line worker in their various countries. Having more qualified and professional teachers will mean an increase in the delivery of quality education, hence a better future for all. The role of the Teacher must never be undermined or ignored. As was said by the Historian Henry B. Adams, A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. The All-Africa Students Union, by this Release, congratulates and appreciates all Teachers for their immense contribution to the development and the educational sector. We also place a call on governments and all educational stakeholders to consider Teachers as key groups in setting up back-to-school measures. We wish you a happy World Teachers Day! Signed: Peter Kwasi KODJIE Secretary-General All-Africa Students Union (AASU) FOR Further Information Contact: ALL-AFRICA STUDENTS UNION (AASU) Headquarters, Accra - Ghana No. 7 New Road, Madina, Accra - Ghana P. O. Box M274, Accra - Ghana Email: [email protected] | [email protected] Website: www.aasuonline.org | Tel/Fax: +233 302 547 128 Mobile: +23324 287 9028 All-Africa Students Union (AASU) Overview The All-Africa Students Union (AASU), formed in 1972, organizes all students in Africa from the basic level to Institutions of higher learning. The Union has presence in all 54 African Countries, albeit, headquartered in Ghana under a headquarter agreement with the Government of Ghana. AASU's core activities are focused on a broad range of issues affecting students or have the tendency to affect students, including but not limited to the 7 strategic priorities of the Union - Education & Students Rights, Capacity Building, Gender Advocacy, Environment & Climate Action, Pan-Africanism & African Culture, Migration & Mobility, Democracy & Good Governance. AASUs Strategic Priorities are fully aligned to the UN and AUs development priorities as articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 respectively. In addition, these priorities complement the global efforts to build a relevant contemporary human capital, capable of fitting into the global citizen ecosystem. In the year 2000, the UN awarded AASU a certificate of merit in recognition of the Unions efforts at advancing students rights and championing the democratization of education across the African Continent. See: http://www.un.org/press/en/2000/20000410.dev2241.doc.html For further information please refer to our website at www.aasuonline.org Follow AASU on: Twitter: aasu_72 Instagram: aasu_72 Facebook: All-Africa Students Union (AASU) You Tube: All-Africa Students Union (AASU) Patiala/New Delhi, Oct 6 : Rahul Gandhi has been trolled by the BJP for using a cushion while riding a tractor on the third day of his tractor rally in Punjab on Tuesday. But the former Congress president countered the trolls for not asking questions about the Prime Minister's recently refurbished aircraft. In a press conference in Patiala, Rahul hit back saying "no question will be asked why PM Narendra Modi bought planes for Rs 8,000 crore" and there are no cushions in the plane but beds ("Ek nahi 50 palang hain usme"). "Nobody says that Modi bought planes because his friend Trump has planes and he also wanted it," said Rahul. He said that there is always talk of cushions on tractors because Rahul Gandhi and Amarinder Singh sat on a tractor. Rahul was mentioning two Boeing B777 aircraft, which have been specially retrofitted with the latest self-defence protection suite for VVIP transport duties, which landed at the IGI Airport last week. The aircraft, which were originally owned by Air India, will now be handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF), which will use it to ferry the Prime Minister, the President and the Vice President. In response to a question on Modi making fun of his protests in Punjab and Haryana, Rahul shrugged it off, pointing out they had done that in February too, when he had first warned about coronavirus. But the truth is there for all to see now, he said, adding that six months on, everyone will know the truth of what he is saying now on the farm laws too. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Modi's earlier statement that India will win the war against coronavirus in 22 days, the Congress leader said, "You can see for yourself who talks more sense -- Modi or me." "You (media) can decide who is joking," said Rahul. Noting that all systems are connected, and destruction of one leads to the ruin of others, Rahul said that the farm laws will end up destroying the MSP and the PDS (public distribution system) for the poor too. "The danger is real and cannot be negated just because Modi and Company are making fun of me," he remarked. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The Ukrainian border should be controlled by the government, the head of state believes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that holding local elections in the temporarily uncontrolled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Donbas (eastern Ukraine) is impossible without Ukraine regaining full control over the uncontrolled section of the border with Russia. The head of state made the comment in an interview with Politico Europe, which the President's Office published on its website on October 6. Asked whether local elections could take place in the territories of Donbas that are now beyond Ukraine control, Zelensky replied: "No." "I can give a more detailed answer. I told President Macron, German Chancellor Merkel and President Putin that we will not have observers there if there is no border [under Ukrainian control], and we will not be able to control the elections. None of the Western observers will be able to come there. Therefore, elections will never be transparent there. From the point of view of security situation there will be no free access for all [political] parties. And this's what must be out there there must be a free choice of the Ukrainian people. The law enforcement system will not work there. We don't know what will happen if there is no border [controlled by Ukrainian government] between Ukraine and Russia," he said. Read alsoLocal elections could be postponed on one condition senior health officialZelensky stressed that Ukrainian authorities must regain control of the border in Donbas. "I say it openly. I believe that it can't be otherwise." According to Zelensky, one of the clauses of the Minsk agreements stipulates a withdrawal of all illegal armed groups from the Ukrainian territory. "How they will be withdrawn, where they should be taken out ... Then, the transfer of control over the border to us. And then we'll see that nothing else is happening, that there are no other militarized groups and that they are not heading back," he said. Idea of local elections in occupied territories: Background Russia sees the Minsk agreements as tools with which to break Ukraine's sovereignty. Its interpretation reverses key elements in the sequence of actions: elections in occupied Donbas would take place before Ukraine had reclaimed control of the border; this would be followed by comprehensive autonomy for Russia`s proxy regimes, crippling the central authorities in Kyiv. Ukraine would be unable to govern itself effectively or orient itself towards the West, according to Chatham House. On July 15, 2020, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution scheduling local elections across Ukraine for October 25. Legislators note that the elections in the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas shall not be scheduled or held. On August 19, at a meeting of the delegates to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, Ukraine's delegation chief, first president of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk informed the team members of the appeal he had submitted to the Verkhovna Rada to consider the issue of the resolution's compliance with Law "On a special procedure for local self-government in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions" and a Package of Measures for the implementation of Minsk agreements. On August 20, journalist Serhiy Harmash, another member of Ukraine's delegation representing certain areas of Donetsk region, opined that by "leaking" to the media a document demanding to cancel the decision of the Verkhovna Rada on local elections, Moscow, makes it impossible to fulfill the requirement or even put the relevant question before Parliament. Harmash believes that in this way Russia has deliberately driven the settlement process into a dead end, thus blocking a meeting of advisors to the Normandy Four (Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia) leaders earlier scheduled for late August. On the same day, Kravchuk said that Russia was blocking the TCG work with a demand to repeal the resolution of the Verkhovna Rada on the impossibility of holding local elections in the occupied territories. At the TCG meeting on August 19, he said, representatives of the Russian Federation and their proxy forces in Donbas stated that they "do not object to the elections being held throughout Ukraine," but demand that the paragraph on the impossibility of voting in the occupied territories be repealed. On September 11, Berlin hosted a meeting of political advisors to the leaders of the Normandy Four member states. According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, the advisors supported Kyiv's call to take exhaustive measures to extend a sustainable and comprehensive ceasefire in Donbas. A call for official auditors to carry out an investigation into a councils decision to attend a dinner hosted by North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has been defeated. Alliances proposal for the NI Audit Office to probe the decision-making process by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was rejected at a special meeting on Tuesday morning. Coast Road councillor Gerardine Mulvenna had requested the meeting in light of the Electoral Commission findings that a dinner attended by council officers and representatives in September 2017 was a party political fundraiser. Speaking after the meeting, she said that she also wanted to ensure that this debacle does not happen again. Ms Mulvenna also stated that the council had failed to answer legitimate questions but welcomed an undertaking by Chief Executive Anne Donaghy to provide answers. Alliance councillors said that they were disappointed by the vote which saw 18 votes against their proposal and eight abstentions, with Sinn Fein and an Ulster Unionist saying they would like questions answered. Ms Donaghy told the meeting that she would come back with answers to all the questions in writing. Alliance is demanding to know how the invitations were made, who was invited, and if the council did not suspect it was a fundraiser. The request for the meeting was supported by TUV, Ulster Unionists, Sinn Fein and SDLP councillors. Last month, Mr Paisley was fined 1,300 for failing to return donations from impermissible donors within 30 days. It must be paid by October 8. The guest speaker at the dinner at Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena was Conservative MP Michael Gove. After the Electoral Commission findings, the DUP said: This event was not organised by the party but by Ian in his capacity as Member of Parliament for North Antrim and the associated donations were received on that basis. Mr Paisley co-operated fully with the investigation and, while acting in good faith, he accepts the outcome of the report. In a statement issued after the meeting, Alliance councillor Patricia OLynn said Mid and East Antrim Borough Council made repeated attempts to block councillors asking key questions regarding the Councils appearance at a fundraising dinner for Ian Paisley MP. Ms OLynn also said DUP councillors had questions to answer, after voting against an Audit Office investigation and against reinstating a cap on the councils expenditure for corporate events. She said that the meeting was an attempt to gain clarity and transparency for ratepayers across the borough. It only happened after repeated attempts by the Council to block it, she claimed. We are extremely disappointed that rather than answer legitimate and key questions, the Council and DUP did not allow a full and open debate on behalf of the public, who rightly want to know the Councils role in a political fundraiser. The message coming out of todays meeting and indeed this entire episode is the DUP and Mid and East Antrim Council do not think openness and transparency is an important enough issue to debate. The DUP leader on the council, Gregg McKeen, claimed that yesterdays meeting will cost ratepayers around 5,000. He said: This matter has been subject to extensive scrutiny, including Freedom of Information requests and much more. The councils actions were examined by the Audit Office who are satisfied and the matter is considered closed. The subject was also raised at a meeting of the borough council on Monday night. Speaking at the meeting, TUV councillor Timothy Gaston said: Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Two years since the event we now have had Audit Office recommendations. We have also had serious findings from the Electoral Commission." DUP Mayor Peter Johnston replied: Im content the question has been answered. I am going to move on. NORWALK When Norwalk Public Schools announced their plans to have middle and high school students return to school in a hybrid model this fall, many working families were left wondering what to do with their children on days they werent in the classroom. Last week, some found a solution: The district, in partnership with the Norwalk Public Library and the Carver Foundation, launched learning pods, where students can go on their virtual learning days to remain under the supervision of a paraprofessional during the school day. Superintendent Alexandra Estrella said the learning pods were designed to serve families of essential workers and those who dont have the means for private tutors or child care during the work day. The learning pods aim to provide that care, as well as tech and academic support for students. One of the things we wanted to do as a district is really make sure we were providing opportunities for parents who didnt have resources for child care and additional support while they were working, Estrella said. It serves as an equalizer for children who might not have the same means as other to have resources at their fingertips for them within the hybrid model. There are currently four learning pods throughout the district: One at the Norwalk Public Librarys main branch, one at the South Norwalk branch, one at the Rowayton branch and one at the Carver Community Center. In total, they can accommodate 104 students across the four facilities. All pods are full with wait lists in place. Chief of Digital Learning and Development Ralph Valenzisi said about 200 families applied for the learning pods before the district closed applications. Over 100 applications came within the first day. Of the 200 total applications, about 115 were for middle school students. While the program is open to middle and high schoolers, the district said they prioritized middle schoolers when accepting applications. Estrella said the schools also prioritized families of essential workers, those in need of child care and those who were economically disadvantaged. Students who hit all three criteria would get seat and then the district went down the list from there. The interest in the learning pods was so great that the district is working with the after-school program, ASPIRE, to create additional pods with 27 seats. Plans should be finalized within the next week as the district continues to work with other community partners to open as many pods as possible. For the Norwalk Public Library, hosting the learning pods was a no-brainer, said Alex Knopp, president of the Norwalk Librarys Board of Trustees. The learning pods was an obvious answer to how to strengthen that collaboration, he said, referring to the librarys new strategic plan is to strengthen its collaboration with the citys public schools. The learning pods were an excellent opportunity to use the library resources to support this important initiative from the school system. In many communities, the use of learning pods has been set up by wealthy parents to make sure their students had learning opportunities. Those were not available to every student. The great thing about this program is every student who needs it is eligible. Board of Education member and NPL Assistant Director Sherelle Harris was instrumental in the collaboration between the two groups, said Estrella. Harris, along with Library Director Christine Bradley and Norwalks Community Services Chief Lamond Daniels helped with the partnership and establishing safety guidelines for the pods which are maintained by the district. I couldn't be happier with this arrangement, Harris said. I believe Norwalk may be the first city in Connecticut to have such a model. This is beneficial in so many ways, particularly with equity and leveling the playing field for families that may not, otherwise, have an opportunity like this. The district hired specialized paraeducators for the learning pods who can help students and serve as an IT help desk for parents who can hop on during the day if their child needs help with virtual learning. Theyre doing a dual service, Valenzisi said. We knew parents in remote learning had a lot of questions on technology and the actual applications, so we brought in a number of paraprofessionals. Any parent interested in using the pods can contact their school principal for more information. erin.kayata@hearstmediact.com In the opening moments of Definition Please, a young Monica Chowdry wins the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2005. Now, 15 years later, she tutors prospective young spellers and lives with her mother, Jaya, who still joyously watches old news segments celebrating her daughters victory. Through this, the film juxtaposes the model minority myth associated with the South Asian diaspora, specifically when it comes to achievements like winning a spelling bee and the success thats bound to follow. As Monica reconnects with her estranged brother Sonny on the one-year death anniversary of their father, the 90-minute drama also tackles loss and identity with an acute, empathetic focus on the still-taboo topic of mental health. Sujata Day, best-known for her work as Sarah in the HBO comedy Insecure, wrote, directed and stars in the movie. It will make rounds at the film festival circuit as part of Asian CineVisions Asian American International Film Festival from Oct. 9-10 and it is the centerpiece for the Center for Asian American Medias Fest Forward on Oct. 17. The film also stars Ritesh Rajan, Anna Khaja, Jake Choi, Lalaine, Sonal Shah, Sunkrish Bala and Parvesh Cheena. Emphasis on mental health Definition Please is a catalyst for open discussions about mental health for audiences of the diaspora and beyond. I really wanted to start a conversation, Day told NBC Asian America. There is always chatter [in the South Asian communities] of successes, whether it was a second masters degree or med school or a Wall Street job. No one talked about their failures, stresses, second chances or even therapy. In the film, Monica and her mother's reunion with Sonny leads to the unraveling of long-simmering truths, including Sonnys battle with mental illness based on his childhood trauma. As a gym trainer, he has followed an untraditional career path and often feels like a screw-up deep down. Sujata Day and Ritesh Rajan in a still from South Asian kids are often expected to go into fields like math, science, law, or engineering, Day said. So much pressure at such a young age can be harmful. Story continues The film speaks to certain detrimental realities on mental health while trying to meet familial or societal demands. The Journal of American College Health published a study which noted that Asian American students are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than white or Black students. The characters in the film deal in disparate ways with their tensions. Monica and Jaya encourage Sonny in their own ways to seek help but he is reluctant to even admit there is a problem, which addresses the fact that Asian Americans consistently underutilize mental health services because of stigma, misconceptions of Western treatment, and cultural interpretations of mental health problems, according to a research study published in the NCBI. The advantage of both my parents being doctors was that I was able to discuss ideas and personal experiences with them, Rajan said about preparing for and doing justice to Sonnys illness. I consulted heavily with a friend of mine who is a physiatrist about his experiences. I asked how patients differed if they had support from the family, things of that nature. Subverting the conventional narrative The film uses the spelling bee as a storytelling device to propel an original narrative that aims to subvert stereotypes associated with Indian Americans, who have emerged as groundbreaking winners over the years. A study by New American Economy states that 84 percent, or 26 out of 31 of the most recent spelling bee winners, including those from years with multiple champions, came from Indian American families. The report goes on to cite examples of the successful careers of some of these winners. Esha Chundru as a young Monica Chowdry in Day who grew up watching the spelling bee came up with the concept of exploring the psyche of a winner with an ultimately inefficacious career in 2015 while at a UCB improv sketch-writing class. In the years since, she developed this idea into a nuanced and full-fledged script that tackles the varying degree of importance of the Scripps National Spelling Bee for Indian immigrants through her character, as well as the students she teaches. The need for authentic representation Definition Please navigates the task of portraying the aspects of the Chowdry familys hyphenated identities on-screen. The characters are munching on local snacks like Masala Lays (a spicy Lays flavor originating in India) or drinking Thums Up, an Indian cola brand. Monica and Sonny visit Patel Bros. for grocery shopping, an Indian-American supermarket chain with 57 stores across the U.S. Day said that all of this was written directly into the script. These things are a part of my, and many South Asian folks day-to-day lives but its just that most people arent aware of it," she added. "I wanted to depict an Indian family that isn't actually out of the box but it's just that audiences haven't seen them on TV or film before." This is a major driving force of this movie, to increase awareness of the desi (referring to immigrants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) culture, whether its through small moments like the siblings playing thr Indian-origin tabletop game carrom or with weighty speeches like Jayas doctor lecturing her children about the sacrifices made by their parents. Connecting with mainstream audiences While the film acts as a love letter to the South Asian American community, its handling of the characters overcoming grief, self-doubt and barriers concerning mental health makes it instantly resonate with all audiences. Day said that she made a film with these universal themes so that everyone can hook into it even if they are not brown. The beautiful thing is that this movie is about an Indian family but its an Indian American family, and ultimately such an American story, Rajan added. A day after an Army JCO was killed in firing from across the Line of Control in Rajouri district, the unit of on Tuesday condemned for frequent ceasefire violations and demanded a "befitting response" to send a clear message to Islamabad. It also condemned the attack on a CRPF party near Srinagar on Monday that left two jawans dead and three others injured and claimed that the policies of the central government have led to further deterioration in the security situation in the valley. "The government should give a befitting response to Pakistan's mischief and silence its guns as a lot of our jawans and officers have been martyred in the recent years due to surge in Pakistani shelling (on the LoC and the International Border)," Pradesh Committee (JKPCC) chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said in a statement here. Sharma expressed shock over the killing of a junior commissioned officer (JCO), Subedar Sukhdev Singh, in Pakistani firing in Nowshera sector on Monday and condemned for its continuous mischief and misadventures on the borders. "The government of India should send a clear signal to to desist from such illegal activities otherwise it would be taught a lesson," the leader said, conveying his sympathies to the bereaved family of the JCO. He said the party has also expressed shock over the killing of two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans and injuries to three others in the attack in Kashmir on Monday. "Such cowardly attacks will not deter the determination of our forces to eliminate the terrorism from the soil of India," Sharma said. However, he questioned the Centre and the Union Territory administration for the "increased activities" of terrorists in the valley and elsewhere in during the past few years. "Although, the Army and security forces, including Jammu and Kashmir police, have been bravely fighting the terrorism but the policies of the central government have led to further deterioration in the situation and rise in the challenge for the forces," 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.) PM Modi to inaugurate world's longest tunnel at Rohtang on Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Atal Tunnel, the worlds longest tunnel, at Rohtang at 10 am tomorrow. The 9.02 km-long tunnel connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. Earlier, the valley was cut off for about 6 months each year owing to heavy snowfall. The tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) from the mean sea level (MSL). The tunnel reduces the road distance by 46 km between Manali and Leh and the time by about 4 to 5 hours. The South Portal (SP) of Atal Tunnel is located at a distance of 25 km from Manali at an altitude of 3,060 metres, while the North Portal (NP) of the tunnel is located near village Teling, Sissu, in Lahaul Valley at an altitude of 3,071 metres. It is horse shoe shaped, single tube double lane tunnel with a roadway of 8 metres. It has an overhead clearance of 5.525 metres. It is 10.5-metre wide and has a 3.6 x 2.25 metres fire proof emergency egress tunnel built into the main tunnel itself. Atal Tunnel has been designed for traffic density of 3,000 cars per day and 1,500 trucks per day with max speed of 80 km/hr. It has the state-of-the-art electromechanical system, including semi transverse ventilation system, SCADA controlled fire-fighting, illumination and monitoring system. The tunnel has ample safety features built into it. Some of the key safety features are: Tunnel entry barriers at both portals. Telephone connections at every 150 mtrs for emergency communication. Fire hydrant mechanisms at every 60 mtrs. Auto incident detection system with CCTV cameras at every 250 mtrs. Air quality monitoring at every 1 km. Evacuation lighting / exit signs at every 25 mtrs. Broadcasting system throughout the tunnel. Fire rated dampers at every 50 mtrs. Cameras at every 60 mtrs. The historic decision to construct a strategic tunnel below the Rohtang Pass was taken on 3 June 2000 when late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. The foundation stone for the access road to the South Portal of the tunnel was laid on 26 May 2002. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) worked relentlessly to overcome major geological, terrain and weather challenges that included the most difficult stretch of the 587-metre Seri Nalah Fault Zone. The breakthrough from both ends was achieved on 15 October 2017. The Union cabinet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 December 2019 decided to name the Rohtang Tunnel as Atal Tunnel to honour the contribution made by the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. After attending the inauguration function of the Atal Tunnel at South Portal, Manali, Prime Minister Modi will be participating in public functions at Sissu in Lahaul Spiti and at Solang Valley. A combination of surging demand for dogs along with price rises for some breeds since the start of coronavirus lockdown has seen the number arrive from overseas more than double. Animal charity, the RSPCA, says licenses issued for commercial import of dogs rose 113 per cent from 5,964 between June and August 2019 to 12,733 in the same period this year. It comes as competition for dogs sold by rescues centres and breeders has become fierce thanks to more people working from home and wanting a pet - some breeders are charging as much as ten times the adoption rate of some rescues. Prices vary among breeders but Amy Ockelford, spokeswoman for the RSPCA, says that some are charging extortionate amounts of up to 3,000 for some of the more popular 'designer' pooches such as cockapoos. Local rescue centres like the RSPCA have been flooded with adoption requests creating long waiting lists. Some have been too impatient and are instead looking to adopt dogs from abroad Adele Pember founder of dog friendly holiday accommodation directory Dog Furiendly, who herself adopted a dog from Romania, says: 'Cost is a factor as it was a lot cheaper to adopt abroad through the charity we chose. 'Their total fee was 250 whereas some British rescues charge twice that amount around 400 and breeders about four times that.' A spokesperson from Last Chance Rescue Romania says adoption enquiries have gone up dramatically. 'Everyone wants a dog at the moment. 'We used to be lucky if we got two a week but now we get 20 a day. One woman sent in seven applications for seven different dogs.' However, it is important for people to do their research before committing to adopting a dog from overseas and to take their time - especially if snapping one up from a private seller. Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, says: 'Buying an imported puppy leaves new owners open to the very real risk they are supporting cruel puppy farming, with the parents kept in awful conditions, used as breeding machines with sick and dying pups - and there is no real way of checking. 'Travelling long distances as a young pup is stressful and a real welfare issue. There are also risks of serious disease and future behaviour problems which can leave owners distraught. 'We in this country are used to being able to order exactly what we want which means if the breed of puppy is not available here, buyers go abroad. 'We want to encourage people to take their time and wait for the right animal and realise the benefits of rescuing a dog where great efforts are made to make sure you get the animal which is right for your family and circumstances.' How can you ensure you're buying from a legitimate organisation? 1. Draw up a contract: The RSPCA says to avoid falling victim to poor breeders and unscrupulous puppy farms you should use a puppy contract. You can download this from puppycontract.co.uk. It's a free tool kit that helps to promote responsible buying and selling of puppies. 2. Make sure the charity is registered: Amy Ockelford says: 'Get a dog from a reputable rescue charity that is registered. 'It's important that the organisation follows the right processes like making sure the pets have the right paperwork, right vaccinations and vet checks. 'A lot of them are street dogs and come from countries with diseases like rabies that we don't have in the UK. 'It's important they have a clean bill of health for that animal's welfare and others. They should be registered with the Charity Commission and be able to give you their charity number.' 3. Do your own research: Amy says: 'Be extremely careful. Research the breeders as there is a lot of people cashing in on the demand and spikes of puppy interest which are typically at the beginning of summer holidays, the lead up to Christmas, and now lockdown.' 4. Get references: Amber Pember adds: 'All legitimate ones will offer references and do home checks and forms otherwise they will probably be a scam.' Where are families adopting dogs from? Families are typically adopting pets from countries in Europe like Romania, Greece and Cyprus but some are adopting from as far afield as Thailand. Caroline Wilkinson, who runs her own canine behaviourist business, Barket Place, says she's seen clients adopt a number of dogs from Romania, Cyprus and Hungary. She adds: 'Costs of puppies in the UK have risen exponentially - it's really putting a cost barrier in place for many potential pet parents.' Adoption fees through charities and organisations that bring dogs vary but the ones This is Money talked to range from 300 to 350. This drastically undercuts the extortionate fees that some local breeders charge. However, some have seen incredible demand and waiting lists. While you might find that costs are much lower in adopting from abroad, in the long-run you may have higher bills once the dog is living with - as you may require veterinary care or behavioural support Caroline Wilkinson - Barket Place Caroline Wilkinson - Barket Place There is a perception among some that local charities cost more but Ockelford points out that the RSPCA charges start from a reasonable 150 depending on the type and age of dog. She says: 'Prices from our various centres fluctuate but you can get an older dog from 150. 'They are vaccinated, chipped and have a clean bill of health. 'We tend to charge more for puppies because of the demand and that starts from 250.' She adds some centres can offer continuous treatments for older dogs with ongoing conditions like diabetes. 'Some centres rehome elderly animals with medical problems like diabetes or epilepsy but will offer support for medical costs. 'Some run a scheme whereby instead of paying adoption fee the owner will pay 10 a month and we'll pay for all medical expenses for the dog for the rest of its life. The last thing we want is elderly dogs sat in kennels.' Strict re-homing rules enforced by local rescues have also forced families to look elsewhere. Wilkinson explains: 'During lockdown, many rescue centers had also ceased rehoming due to being unable to do the proper home checks. 'Many rescue centres in the UK have quite strict rehoming criteria - such as the humans not being able to work more than four hours a day (even if they employ a dog walker) or rehoming into families with young children. 'The difficulty here is that many unsuitable dogs are now finding their way into homes with young children.' Dogs at local rescues were gone in an instant so I adopted from abroad Adele Pember, founder of Dog Furiendly adopted her dog mixed breed collie, Minnie from Romania after she was disappointed with the long waits with local rescues. She says: 'We really wanted a rescue dog. We tried loads of different British rescues and the queue for so many of them were so long. Dogs would be gone within an instant and we really wanted one as soon as possible.' Pember adopted her dog for 250 through non-profit organisation Broken Paws Second Chances. 'When I saw her on the Facebook page and read her story she was found in a back-alley cafe - I knew we had to bring her home. 'We applied to have her and it took about six weeks after our house check, which they did a week after I applied. Minnie has been on dog-friendly trips to ensure she's been properly socialised. She's pictured her at the dog friendly holiday Eastbury Hotel in Sherborne Change in the law? It may soon be harder to adopt puppies from abroad as there's mounting concern about the impact on animal welfare. Following the exponential rise in puppy imports the RSPCA says it's calling for a change to the law to increase the age from which puppies are allowed to be adopted form abroad. It said the rise in demand could fuel a potentially exploitative and damaging trade which causes suffering to young dogs. Many are street dogs and come from countries with diseases like rabies that we don't have in the UK Amy Ockelford - RSPCA Amy Ockelford - RSPCA Ockelford says: 'A lot of them are bred in puppy farms in poor conditions. They end up with bad health and behavioural problems. 'Increasing the age won't affect legitimate rescues that are helping bring them abroad. 'It will only affect those trying to make money importing puppies and selling them without welfare as a first priority.' Caroline Wilkinson further warns that while it may be cheaper to adopt from abroad the ongoing costs may end up being higher. She says: 'Many dogs from abroad who are looking for adoption have either been abandoned by humans - and spent some time on the streets - or they have been raised on the streets. 'This can mean they find the transition into a UK home quite tricky. 'While you might find that costs are much lower in adopting from abroad, in the long-run you may have higher bills once the dog is living with - as you may require veterinary care or behavioural support.' Beware the scams Earlier in the year, This is Money warned over potential scams when it comes to getting pets in lockdown. When Dogs Trust restarted homing dogs in mid-April, it reported a 87 per cent rise in calls and more than 1,000 emails about rehoming. However, households are being urged to be mindful of buying pets from unresearched sources, especially those adverting on marketplace websites. Not only only could they be part of a disreputable home-breeding cottage industry - whether that is in Britain or elsewhere - that has little or no regard for animal welfare, they could also con buyers out of their money. Action Fraud reported that in March and April, 669 people lost a combined total of 282,686 after paying deposits for pets they'd seen advertised online that didn't exist. The over-arching rule is: the welfare of the animal comes first. So if you have done your research into the reputation of the breeder and seller with that in mind, then the chances of you being scammed are minimal. Action Fraud has put together a list of other top tips to help protect against pet sale scams: 1. Before buying online, check reviews for the website, or person, you are buying from. If you are unsure, ask trusted friends or family for advice. 2. If you can't physically see the animal in person, ask for a video call. If the seller declines, ask them why. If you have any suspicions, don't go ahead. 3. Avoid paying by bank transfer as it may offer you little protection. Instead, consider using a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal. 4. If you think you have fallen victim to a fraud, contact Action Fraud as soon as possible. Biden in Florida on Last Voter Registration Day On the last day of voter registration in Florida, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden headed to the battleground state to win over Haitian and Cuban-American voters. He also encouraged first-time voters to register. Biden touched down in Miami where he and his wife Jill visited the Little Haiti Cultural Center. They were greeted by Haitian-American community leaders, and watched a cultural dance performance. Biden encouraged the Haitian community to get out and vote, reminding them it was the last day to register. Credit: CC0 Public Domain There is a drive to displace fossil fuels in power generation and transport with sustainable alternatives. One approach that has been discussed over the last few decades is a future zero-carbon, hydrogen economy wherein hydrogen is generated from renewables and used to feed fuel cells in cars. Fuel cells are essentially electrical batteries that can be fed chemical energy continuously to generate electricity. Unfortunately, hydrogen gas is a hazardous substance and so safe storage in a fuel tank in such a vehicle has been a roadblock to advances in this area. Now, Saumen Dutta and Sri Harshith Dosapati of Vellore Institute of Technology at VIT University, in Tamil Nadu, India, have discussed how hydrogen storage might be integrated into the vehicular fuel cell itself. Writing in Progress in Industrial EcologyAn International Journal, the team explains how switching to renewable is now of paramount importance given carbon emissions and their impact on climate as well as the likelihood that fossil fuel sources will become increasingly scarce or inaccessible for geological and political reasons. The team's work focuses on carbon nanotubes as a storage option for hydrogen as opposed to simply pressuring the gas which comes with the risk of explosion. Carbon nanotubes would provide a vast surface area within a small volume on to which hydrogen molecules would be adsorbed into a much more stable form than pressurized gas. They write that they have achieved uptake at a level of just over 1.14 weight percent at 50 megapascals of pressure at the relatively mild temperature of 283 Kelvin, nominally about 10 degrees above room temperature. The team used germanium-doped carbon nanotubes to achieve this. They then coupled this storage system to a fuel cell and could demonstrate a constant flow rate of hydrogen into the fuel cell. The cell could consume this chemical energy source and steadily develop more than 10 kilowatts of power. In a working vehicle, the team explains that lightweight composite materials could be used to contain the doped carbon nanotube powder and to ensure the pressure is maintained to facilitate storage. Some of the power generated would be required to maintain the contents of the integrated fuel tank at the requisite storage temperature of 283 Kelvin. Obviously, in hotter climates this would require a far smaller proportion of the fuel cell output than would be needed when driving in the cold. Optimisation of the synthetic and fabrication procedures for such a storage method would bring it closer to economic viability. Explore further Hydrogen economy with mass production of high-purity hydrogen from ammonia More information: Saumen Dutta et al. Hydrogen storage system integrated with fuel cell, Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal (2020). Saumen Dutta et al. Hydrogen storage system integrated with fuel cell,(2020). DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2020.109851 Belinda Bardwell will discuss her documentary, Ngiiwe - Shaping Narratives on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. through a virtual presentation hosted by Hope College. Bardwell, who is from Grand Rapids, produced the documentary for WGVU. In it, she is reclaiming her Native traditions by interviewing and connecting with her community. As she discovers her way to be a 21st century Native American, she explains the process. A discussion will follow the short episode. The public is invited to view this virtual discussion and can register in advance to be a part of the livestreamed discussion by visiting the events listing at calendar.hope.edu. Advanced registration is required. Admission is free. Belinda Bardwell holds a Master of Public Administration degree in public management (Grand Valley State University, 17) and a Bachelor of Science degree in liberal studies (GVSU, 14), and is an accomplished community leader. She served as a commissioner for the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission (five years), currently serves as president for the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (three years) and serves on the Native American Advisory Council for GVSU. She is the Native American program coordinator, and has served as project coordinator and as spokesperson for the "Gi-gikinomaage-min (We are all teachers): Defend Our History, Unlock Your Spirit oral history project. She began her work in the community as parent/student coordinator for the Native American Education Program for the Grand Rapids Public Schools. She is also a proud citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians located in Harbor Springs and has served her tribe as an elected official. The presentation and discussion are sponsored by the colleges Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Kyrgyzstans electoral commission has declared the results of Sundays parliamentary vote invalid after protesters stormed the parliament building in a night of violence that left one person dead and hundreds injured. Similar rallies broke out on Monday night in several cities across the country in outrage at what demonstrators and opposition parties called a rigged election. Initial results have handed victory to establishment parties, one of which is close to sitting president Sooronbai Jeenbekov. About 4,000 people took part in a protest outside the seat of both government and parliamentary power in Bishkek on Monday night, which police said they had successfully dispersed using water cannon, tear gas and stun grenades. But many returned in the small hours of Tuesday morning and breached the perimeter gate of the White House - the seat of both parliament and government in the capital. Local media said fires were seen at the building, though these later appeared to have been put out. The head of the Central Election Commission, Nurzhan Shaildabekova, told the Interfax news agency that the decision to cancel the vote was made to prevent tension in the country. Protesters have taken over several more buildings, including the mayors office, and also broken into the headquarters of the State Committee on National Security and freed former president Almazbek Atambayev, who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term this year on corruption charges after falling out with Jeenbekov, his successor. Russia's FM laments sanctions at UN amid tension with West Russias foreign minister has complained about countries using sanctions to meddle in the domestic affairs of other nations A leader of the opposition Mekenchil Party said protesters plan to appoint their own interim prime minister, and ultimately oust the president and form a new government. They have already named their own acting head of national security, acting prosecutor general and a commandant of Bishkek. Speaking early on Tuesday, President Jeenbekov described the unrest as an attempt by opposition political forces to seize power illegally after the election though he did not rule out the possibility of holding a new vote. And after the health ministry said one person had been killed and 590 wounded in the overnight clashes, the president said he had ordered security forces not to use live fire and not to shed blood. Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian nation of 6.5 million people closely allied to Russia, is no stranger to political unrest in the last 15 years, two administrations have been toppled by revolts. But the election monitoring body of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe said in a report on Monday that "fundamental rights and freedoms were overall respected" in this year's election in Kyrgyzstan, although "credible allegations of vote buying remain a serious concern". The preliminary results released on Monday showed the pro-government Birimdik party received more than 26 per cent of the votes, and the Mekenim Kyrgyzstan party, linked to a former top customs official, won over 24 per cent. Three more parties passed the 7 per cent threshold to gain seats in parliament, but another 11 parties which contested the election were seen as failing to win a single seat. A coalition of at least 12 parties signed a document on Monday demanding the authorities cancel the results of the election and hold a new one. Klara Sooronkulova, leader of the Reforma opposition party, said: We all have witnessed a true lawlessness during the election campaign and the election day yesterday. Pressure on the voters, intimidation of the voters, bribing. Zhanar Akayev, a legislator with the Ata Meken party, was quoted by the Kyrgyz service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty as saying that "a new prime minister and the people's government need to be appointed", and then "a popular election" needs to be held. Prior to the overnight violence, President Jeenbekov had called for a meeting of all 16 parties involved in the election for Tuesday morning. It was unclear whether the meeting would now go ahead. Additional reporting by agencies NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Unqork , the leading enterprise no-code platform, today announced it has secured $207 million in Series C funding, raising the company's valuation to $2 billion. The round is led by funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, and joined by Eldridge, Fin Venture Capital, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Schonfeld Strategic Advisors and Sunley House Capital Management, a subsidiary of Advent International. Existing investors including CapitalG, Alphabet's independent growth fund, Goldman Sachs, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Aquiline Technology Growth and World Innovation Lab (WiL) are also participating. Unqork invented the first completely visual, no-code application platform that helps large enterprises build complex custom software faster, with higher quality and lower costs than traditional approachesall without a single line of code. Unqork's platform was designed to meet the complexity, scale and security required to support mission-critical applications at the world's largest enterprises. "At Unqork, we pride ourselves in fearlessly taking on huge challenges with our customers. That's an important characteristic to have when your mission is to completely change the way enterprises create software by offering a better way without code," said Gary Hoberman, founder and CEO, Unqork. "The same scale that cloud computing brought to infrastructure, Unqork is now bringing to all enterprise software in every industry. That places Unqork in a unique position to capture the $500 billion wasted annually on custom enterprise code and this funding will accelerate our efforts." Unqork has seen rapid growth as leading organizations in financial services, insurance, government, health care and other industries are increasingly turning to its cloud-based, enterprise no-code platform to solve their most challenging business problems. Unqork has reached a number of milestones in 2020, including: Increasing headcount more than 100%, from 165 to over 350 Growing annual recurring revenue (ARR) at a triple-digit rate for the third year in a row, driven by new customer acquisition and ARR expansion within its existing customer base Expanding into EMEA markets with the opening of a London office and operating in North and South America , Europe and Asia office and operating in North and , and Adding to senior leadership with the hiring of the company's first chief financial officer Partnering closely with leading municipalities to leverage Unqork's no-code platform to help combat issues caused by COVID-19 "Unqork has reimagined the way enterprise software is created," said Michele Trogni, operating partner, Eldridge. "As a no-code platform that is designed to simplify and digitize mission-critical and often highly complex business functions at large organizations, Unqork is uniquely positioned in the market. It makes the buy versus build decision a no-brainer." Unqork's customers include Aon plc, The District of Columbia, Goldman Sachs, Liberty Mutual, Montgomery County, New York City, Nippon Life, Pacific Life, Rethink Food, Vault and more. New customer, Maimonides Medical Center, is the largest hospital in Brooklyn and at the forefront of innovative medicine. "We are committed to providing optimal experiences for our patients and the clinicians we work with. As we move to support modern care delivery, Unqork's broad capabilities made them an ideal technology partner on our digitization journey," said Ken Gibbs, president and CEO, Maimonides Medical Center. "We are confident that Unqork's ability to easily integrate with complex internal and external systems, its ability to securely handle health care data, and its support of a high-fidelity user interface that meets the expectations of our patients will give us a unique way to connect with those we serve. Unqork will use the new funding to further execute on a number of ongoing initiatives, such as: Growing its global salesforce to meet increasing demand for Unqork's platform Investing further in the company's technology created by its world-class engineering team Expanding training and go-to-market partnerships with the world's leading services firms and systems integrators including Capco, Cognizant, Deloitte, EY, KPMG and Virtusa To learn more about how Unqork is shaping the future of enterprise software, visit unqork.com . About Unqork Unqork is the industry pioneer no-code enterprise application platform that helps large companies build, deploy, and manage complex applications without writing a single line of code. Organizations like Goldman Sachs, Liberty Mutual, the Cities of New York and Washington, DC and Maimonides Medical Center are using Unqork's drag-and-drop interface to build enterprise applications faster, with higher quality, and lower costs than conventional approaches. To learn more, please visit: https://www.unqork.com. SOURCE Unqork Related Links https://www.unqork.com Connecticuts coronavirus infections continue to increase slightly, but not enough for Gov. Ned Lamont to delay Thursdays Phase 3 reopening of more indoor dining and private gatherings. However in a candid admission, Lamont said Monday its still too early for him to consider going inside at a restaurant. Look, Ill get there. I think so, Lamont told reporters. Ive been pretty impressed with the restaurateurs. Ive seen how careful they are. I see how careful they are about distancing. Ill probably look in. If I see some of those plastic partitions, that would probably give me a little bit of confidence. The Department of Public Health on Monday reported an increase of four fatalities over the weekend, bringing the states pandemic total to 4,517. There was a net increase of 19 hospitalizations, for a total of 129. In the seven-day total released on Monday, the total of 2,438 infections out of 169,305 tests is a 1.44 percent rate. If you go back to last week we had some catch-up data from some of the university test results that dated back beyond the prior week, Josh Geballe, Lamonts chief operating officer who has led the governors response to the virus said, noting that national website have not recorded them. In the region, Connecticuts 1.6 percent rate compares to 1.5 percent in New Hampshire, 1.3 percent in New York, 1.0 percent in Massachusetts, and eight tenths of a percent in Vermont and Maine. Lamont, who at 66 is in an age group that is susceptible to COVID, said he has eaten inside on a single occasion in the pandemic. I have, yep, once, next to a really big window, Lamont said in his daily news briefing from the State Capitol. If I can be outside, I am going to be outside as long as I can. Being outdoors for the last few months has been a big plus for our state and a big plus for our region, and I think that as we move from an outdoor culture to an indoor culture thats going to be the variable that we have to watch like a hawk. Lamont said that in discussing the pandemic with fellow governors throughout the nation, its clear that restaurants do not represent the kind of threat to accelerate the spread of COVID-19 of bars, which were ordered closed in March and have not been allowed to reopen. Certainly compared to bars, restaurants have managed themselves pretty well, Lamont said, noting that outdoor dining started on May 20 and partial-capacity indoor eating a month later. I think our restaurants here in Connecticut have managed that very professionally. The infection rate over the last week will not preclude the new 50 percent openings of indoor performing arts venues, the increase to three-quarters capacity in restaurants and 100-person gatherings at indoor events such as catered weddings. We think the event planners, just like the restaurants, are going to be much more careful about making sure the protocols are followed because they want to be able to keep their event venue open, Lamont said. If we see a big change were not afraid to change strategies, Lamont said. Geballe said the states rapid-response team focused on southeastern Connecticut last weekend, including New London, Norwich and Groton, where about 3,000 tests were performed. The positive rate was about 3.3 percent. Theres still a ways to go before we are out of the woods, Geballe said. In the region, Connecticuts 1.6 percent rate compares to 1.5 percent in New Hampshire, 1.3 percent in New York, 1.0 percent in Massachusetts, and eight tenths of a percent in Vermont and Maine. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT The BJP on Monday hit out at the ruling TMC in West Bengal following the killing of one of its political workers in the state while also targeting the RJD on the murder of a Dalit leader. The party also raised the issue of incidents of rapes in Congress-ruled Rajasthan. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said there had been several incidents of political killings in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee has been raising questions on the law and order in other states. When will she send a delegation to the house of Manish Shukla? asked Patra, who addressing a press conference also put the question in Bengla. Manish Sukla, a BJP councillor, was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants on Sunday in Titagarh of North 24 Parganas district.The BJP has demanded a CBI inquiry into the killing. At the press conference Delhi, Patra said he would like to ask Mamata Banerjee -- Is this the democracy in Bengal? He said over a hundred BJP workers were killed in Bengal. West Bengal has become the killing fields of BJP workers under the TMC government, he said. Attacking the RJD in poll-bound Bihar, Patra said a young Dalit leader, Shakti Kumar Malik, was killed after he left the RJD. Patra claimed that Maliks wife has accused top RJD leaders of demanding money from him. He said the names of top RJD leaders were in the FIR. I want to ask Tej Pratap and Tejaswi ji, you talk about social harmony and justice. Why are you silent on this incident? he said. The BJPs attack came at a time when the opposition parties have been targeting the saffron party over the Hathras incident in which a Dalit girl succumbed to injuries after allegedly being gang raped by four men. Patra also claimed that incidents of rape had been happening in Rajasthan. He asked when those who indulge in political tourism will visit the victims in Rajasthan or the families of Manish Shukla or Malik. Quench, a leading provider of filtered water solutions for businesses and dealer partners across the United States and Canada, announced today that it has acquired Pure Water Technology of San Diego (PWT of San Diego), a commercial drinking water solution provider based in San Diego, California. This is Quenchs ninth acquisition in the last year. PWT of San Diego was established in 2009 and was named PHSI Sustainable Dealer of the Year in 2012. The company went on to become one of the most successful dealer partners in the PHSI dealer network, which was acquired by Quench in 2018. This acquisition more than doubles Quenchs presence in the high growth San Diego market. This acquisition demonstrates our continued success in partnering with our extensive and growing network of Pure Water Technology, Wellsys and Bluline dealers, said Todd Peterson, COO of Quench. We are committed to supporting our independent dealers throughout their stages of development from start-up through growth to exit. Tina Scherr, co-owner of Pure Water Technology of San Diego, said: Quench has been a great partner in growing our business as well as during the acquisition process. We are excited to join forces with the industry leader in filtered commercial water solutions, and I am confident our customers will be thrilled as well. About Quench Quench USA, Inc. offers bottle-free filtered drinking water solutions for healthy and environmentally conscious consumers outside the home, through direct sales and independent dealers across North America. Our bottle-free water coolers, ice machines, sparkling water dispensers and coffee brewers, purify a users existing water supply to provide reliable and convenient filtered water to a broad mix of businesses, including government, education, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and other large commercial customers, including more than half of the Fortune 500. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, Quench has sales and service operations across North America to serve our 60,000+ customers, and a network of over 250 independent dealers selling products under the brand names Pure Water Technology, Wellsys and Bluline. Quench is a Culligan Company. For more information, please visit https://quenchwater.com. About Culligan Founded in 1936 by Emmett Culligan, Culligan is a world leader in delivering water solutions that will improve the lives of its customers. The company offers some of the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art water filtration and treatment products. Culligan's products include water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems and solutions for businesses. Culligan's network of franchise dealers is the largest in the world, with over 900 dealers in 90 countries. For more information visit: http://www.culligan.com. China bans 1,000-member church in Beijing, demands members vow not to attend Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An influential house church in Beijing was shut down Saturday after 20 government and police officials raided Bible classes at two different locations, changed the locks and demanded congregants vow never to worship as a congregation again. Chinas crackdown against underground house churches continued last Saturday with the forced closure of Beijings Shouwang Church, according to the Chinese persecution watchdog organization China Aid. Shouwang Church is one of the most prominent among thousands of unregistered house churches in the city and is said to be attended by over 1,000 people. As the congregation has suffered through years of challenges and persecution at the hands of the government for refusing to join the state-sanctioned church, it was accused of refusing to register with the government as a social organization. But according to the nonprofit run by prominent Chinese human rights leader Bob Fu, the church had previously submitted an application to the Haidian District Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau in 2006 but was rejected because founding Pastor Jin Tianming was not officially ordained by the state. Christians attending the Bible classes had planned to meet around 1 p.m. but instead were taken by policy to a nearby school where they were held for hours, questioned and told that the church had been shut down. The nonprofit NGO International Christian Concern reports that another group of Christians affiliated with the church were detained from another location and also taken to the school. Officials reportedly switched out the locks at both locations of the raids. The number of Christians detained by police for hours before being released is believed to be between 20 and 30, reports China Aid. According to ICC, officials read out a document formally banning Shouwang Church and demanded that those in attendance sign a letter vowing that they will no longer attend the church. However, the detainees reportedly refused. Additionally, authorities were said to have demanded that Pastor Zhang Xiaofeng sign a document admitting that the church conducted activities as an organization without registering with the government. The closing of Shouwang Church comes after authorities made headlines last September for banning Beijings largest house church, Zion Church, and confiscating illegal promotional materials. Zion Church had previously rejected requests from government authorities to install closed-circuit cameras. Officials in Beijing argued that the church had held events without registering. Shouwang Church in the past has been forced to meet in outdoor locations as government pressure made it difficult for the congregation to secure rented or purchased space. As previously reported, the churchs founding pastor was placed under house arrest in 2011 and many church members were arrested after the church began worshiping outdoors after its eviction from a building. Last July, at least 34 house churches in Beijing signed a joint statement to Chinas Communist Party officials decrying what they called an ongoing and worsening crackdown against believers. "The normal religious lives of believers have been violated and obstructed, causing serious emotional harm and damage to their sense of patriotism, as well as causing social conflict," the statement read, according to Radio Free Asia. Beijing churches are not alone in facing persecution as dozens upon dozens of members of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu have been arrested for worshiping after government officials closed the church last December. China ranks as the 27th worst nation in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs World Watch List. This ranking reflects the increasing implementation of regulations on religion in China that are now much harsher across the country. During his trip to Hong Kong earlier this month, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, said he believes the Chinese government is at war with faith. Its a war they will not win, Brownback declared during a speech at the Foreign Correspondents Club. The Chinese Communist Party must hear the cry of its people for religious freedom. The former Kansas governor and U.S. senator criticized the Chinese governments treatment of Christians as well as its imprisonment of as many as 1 million Uighur Muslims in internment camps. ICC Regional Manager Gina Goh stated in a press release that Chinas disregard of religious freedom is deplorable. Christians outside of the state-sanctioned churches can no longer worship without fearing of harassment, detention, or even imprisonment, Goh stressed. Even official churches face increasing pressure to exalt the Communist Party over God. The international community should continue to press China over its human rights abuses until it is willing to make positive change. China Aids Fu had previously warned members of Congress that religious freedom in China has reached the worst level that has not been seen since the beginning of the Cultural Revolution by Chairman Mao [Zedong] in the 1960s. He also warned about a five-year plan to make Christianity more compatible with socialism. That plan, he says, features a "rewrite" of the Bible to reflect Chinese ethics of Confucianism and socialism. Y category security for Kangana, Hathras Family left 'Bhagwan Bharose': Shiv Sena India oi-Briti Roy Barman Mumbai, Oct 06: Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana on Tuesday slammed the government over the security arrangements for the family of Hathras alleged gang-rape victim. Comparing the treatment given to the actress Kangana Ranaut, in a Saamana editorial Shiv Sena said while an actress like Kangana Ranaut is given Y category security, the family of Hathras victim is left in the mercy of god ("bhagwan bharose"), India Today reports. Hathras case: Security beefed up at Jantar Mantar as hundreds gather to protest Kangana Ranaut had been sanctioned Y-plus category of CRPF security by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in the wake of her spat with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut over Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, and after she said she feared for her life. Shiv Sena also hit out at the decision of transferring the case to CBI when the victim's family had sought a judicial probe into the case. "Family of the victim was asking for judicial enquiry. Even then, in a hurried manner, the government transferred the case to CBI, which means there is an attempt to hide the shortcomings in the case," said the Saamana article. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News Notably, the UP government has recommended CBI probe into the Hathras case amid criticism over its handling following the late night cremation of the victim's body. Talking about the protests and action against politicians visiting the Hathras family, Shiv Sena has said, "Till date, politicians who are visiting the family home are being lathicharged. If the Dalit community will be treated in such unjust manner than they will soon come out on roads." Meanwhile, Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear a PIL seeking CBI probe into the Hathras case. A PIL has been filed demanding CBI or SIT probe into the incident that triggered massive protests and outrage against the state govt and rape. The petitioners have urged the apex court to pass appropriate orders for a fair investigation either by the CBI or the SIT under a sitting or retired Supreme Court or High Court judge, and transfer the case to Delhi as Uttar Pradesh authorities "had failed to take action against the accused". Debris which may be from a commercial aircraft has been found on a remote beach in Australia's far north - raising fresh hopes of finding missing aircraft MH370. Mick Elcoate was fishing on a remote beach about seven killometres north of Cape Tribulation, in Far North Queensland, when he spotted wreckage washed ashore on Monday morning. 'My initial thoughts were that it was either part of a yacht's rudder, or possibly a trim tab from an aircraft,' Mr Elcoate told Daily Mail Australia. Debris found on a remote beach in Far North Queensland (pictured) could lead to a new twist in the search for missing aircraft MH370 Mick Elcoate was fishing on a remote beach (pictured) about seven killometres north of Cape Tribulation when he spotted wreckage washed ashore on Monday morning The avionics technician snapped pictures of the wing-like structure, which was covered in sand and shells. Mr Elcoate said he doesn't have expertise in aircraft structures so he decided to share the photos with the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Facebook group 'to see if anyone could ID it'. 'That's when several people started contacting me,' he said. Mr Elcoate was encouraged to contact Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which he did. He shared pictures of the debris with the federal agency on Tuesday. MH370, a Malaysia Airlines plane, vanished from radar screens carrying 239 people, including six Australians, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014. However, it's unlikely the remains unearthed on Monday belong to the missing Boeing 777 - as a part of a wing was found on Reunion Island, east of Madagascar, in 2015, which is more than 10,000km away. The avionics technician snapped pictures of the wing-like structure, which was covered in sand and shells (pictured) Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Australia shared Mr Elcoate's pictures to their Facebook page on Tuesday. 'Has another piece of the MH370 puzzle washed ashore?' they wrote. 'Reported today on Facebook, a mysterious component that appears similar to either a B737 or B777 trim tab has washed ashore north of Cape Tribulation. 'The item was not recovered from the beach, by those who discovered it.' A fishing rod on top of the debris helps to show the size of the finding Aviation researcher Mick Gilbert told The Australian he did not think the discovery was from the doomed Malaysian Airlines flight. 'The part shows nowhere near enough weathering, has relatively sparse barnacle growth and is almost certainly the wrong colour,' he said. 'If it is indeed an aircraft component it is more likely to be a piece of Air Niugini flight 73 that landed short of the runway at Chuuk International airport back in September 2018.' Actor-model Natashaa Iyer, who is a well-known name in the digital world, made her debut with a music video titled Sauda. The video was released on the Knockking Beats YouTube channel. The music video is shot in various locations across Mauritius. Sauda tells the story of an adventurous newly wedded bride who goes on a self-exploration because she is ignored by her workaholic husband even on their honeymoon. Natashaa Iyer has starred in over 50+ television and digital commercials. Sauda marks the start of her full-fledged acting journey. Also read | Tejasswi Prakash, Shivin Narang Stun Fans In New Music Video 'Sunn Zara', Watch Also read | Ileana D'Cruz Featured In A Music Video In 2017? Read To Know More In a media statement, Natashaa shared her experience by saying that acting makes you live many lives in one. She added that having worked in television commercials for a long time, this digital transition was a satisfying experience. She also shared that commercials are a more purpose-driven kind of communication, music videos have more scope for an actor. She also added that she is trying to make the most of it and is eager to explore more as well. Also read | Niti Taylor's Career Graph: From Her Shows, Music Videos To South Movies, Know It All Here Speaking about the concept of the song, Natashaa Iyer shared that Sauda is an excellent combination of folk music with a touch of chic. The song is dedicated to all the free-spirited women. Explaining the concept of the song, Natashaa Iyer shared that the song is about a girl who leaves her husband who is working even on their honeymoon and goes out to explore the city all by herself. Also read | Megan Fox And Machine Gun Kelly Share A Passionate Kiss In 'Drunk Face' Music Video She also added that she doesnt know if it is appropriate to say this but the song felt like it had an essence of Kangana Ranauts character Rani from the film Queen. Natashaa felt an adrenaline rush when the director was narrating the story to her. This project felt like a moment of epiphany to her. Viewers have commented on the video that they loved the song and are even listening to it on loop. Some have even congratulated Natashaa and the director for their work in the song. Natashaa Iyer has worked television commercials for top brands like Pizza Hut, Byjus, Royal Enfield, TVS, B4u Network, Big Bazaar, Hyundai, and many more. The song is inspired by Punjabi folk. The composition of the song is done by Samir Saptiskar and is directed by Samir Khan. Natashaa Iyer and the crew shot the song in Mauritius for three days. See the song here: Image courtesy- PR agency Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. Delaware County voters who requested a mail-in or absentee ballot should start keeping an eye on the mailbox. The Delaware County Bureau of Elections sent out more than 100,000 requested vote-by-mail ballots Saturday, with another 9,000 scheduled to be released later this week. Those ballots represent all applications received by Sept. 20, including voters who opted to receive a vote-by-mail ballot when they applied to vote by mail prior to the June Primary Election. Bureau of Elections employees will continue to process additional vote-by-mail applications as they come in ahead of the Oct. 27 deadline. The Bureau is reminding voters to carefully review the instructions before returning their ballots, paying special care to place the ballot into the smaller secrecy envelope marked Official Election Ballot before placing that envelope into the larger mailing envelope. The outer envelope is addressed to the Bureau and marked Voters Declaration on the back. Voters must use both envelopes. Any ballot that arrives without the inner secrecy envelope will not be counted. Ballots may be returned for free through the United States Post Office or through a private mail carrier, which may charge a fee. The ballots can also be returned by hand to any Delaware County Voter Service Center in Media, Upper Darby and Chester, which can be located on the county website. Third-party returns in person for the disabled or emergency absentee voter are permitted, but only with a declaration signed by the voter that the person returning the ballot is providing assistance. Voters can use the Pennsylvania Department of States Election Ballot Status lookup tool at pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/BallotTracking.aspx to track the status of their ballot. A new Delaware County Election Hotline is also up and running to provide assistance at (610) 891-VOTE (8683). The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Hotline staff can provide answers about things like voter registration, mail-in ballots, vote-by-mail applications, polling place locations, ballot boxes, deadlines and more. The new Delaware County website Delco Votes! is also online at delcopa.gov/vote to provide the latest news about the 2020 election, including election process changes and equipment updates, forms and applications, deadlines and other information. While at first it would seem odd to create an overlanding vehicle from the basis of a highly luxurious machine, the LX570 fits the bill here we have a classic exponent of the dying body-on-frame breed that has ample V8 power even in stock form.What else do you need to survive in the wilderness a raft of accessories, and youre off to confront the wilderness. Actually, thats exactly what this build is supposed to do along with defending Rebelle Rally champions, Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley of The X Elles team.The trio will debut on October 8th during the 2020 edition of the Rebelle Rally, the 10-day-long women-exclusive adventure that will see the ladies and their tough machines put through all sorts of adventurous challenges across more than 1,243 miles (over 2,000 km) of California and Nevada outback.In case you are wondering how Lexus and its partners came up with the J201 designation for this special example, we can only tell you they took the odd decision of using just part of the internal designation code (URJ201) for the model and its platform...On the other hand, we are more at ease with skipping the philosophical talk that fills Lexus announcement (you can check it out attached below, if you want to) and redirect our attention to the handy work performed by the specialists from Expedition Overland. They were responsible for assembling this unique LX570 with lots and lots of premium components from some of the biggest names in the industry.Thus, we could easily call out CBI (a whole bunch of elements), Warn (winch), Rigid (all the additional lights), Magnuson Supercharger (all those 550 hp and 550 lb. ft. of twist come from somewhere), ARB (an entire raft of components), or Icon Vehicle Dynamics (suspension with up to 4.8 / 4.1 in. front and back lift), just to name a few... Black holes are at the center of every galaxy, and smaller ones are dotted around the universe. Just their existence is mind-bending, taking what people experience every day on Earthlight and time and warping them in such a way that seems unreal. Time slows and even stops in black holes. (Petrona Winton via AP) ED court directs Andhra CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy to appear on Jan 11 Is Y S Sharmila planning to launch a regional party in Telangana? Andhra Pradesh: Ruling YSRC rebel MP, who sought cancellation of CM Jagans bail, held for sedition How To Apply For Amma Vodi Free Laptop Scheme Online: Registration Link, Eligibility and Documents Required Amid speculation of YSR Congress joining NDA, Jagan meets PM Modi India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Oct 06: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues related to the state, including release of pending funds for Polavaram irrigation project. Reddy's meeting with Modi comes after eight months, amid strong rumours of his party YSR Congress joining the NDA. It is not known whether political issues were discussed during the meeting. In the 40-minute meeting, Reddy discussed the pending dues and approvals for various projects like Kadapa Steel plant, according to official sources. YSR Congress open to talks on joining NDA: Senior leader The CM requested Modi for early release of pending revenue grant of Rs 10,000 crore, Rs 3,250 crore funds for the Polavaram project besides setting up of a high court in Kurnool district, the sources added. Bihar Polls 2020: NDA seat sharing announced, JDU gets 122 while BJP gets 121|Oneindia News After his meeting with Modi, Reddy will attend the Apex Council meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao over Krishna-Godavari river water sharing issue via video conference. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 20:54 [IST] A Black man was shot and killed by Texas police as he tried to intervene in a domestic violence incident. (Courtesy Photo) A Black man was shot and killed by Texas police as he tried to intervene in a domestic violence incident. The family of Jonathan Price say he was trying to break up a fight when he he killed outside a gas station in Wolfe City, Texas, on Saturday. Price, 31, a city employee in the town an hour outside of Dallas, reportedly had a Taser used on him before an officer shot him. His mother told news channel WFAA she rushed to the scene of the shooting when she received a call. "They wouldnt let me get close to my baby. I just wanted to hold his hand and they wouldnt let me do that," said Marcella Louis. "I just wanted to crawl over there to him." This one hurts... for so many reasons. pic.twitter.com/Z1gTYJFXuX Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) October 4, 2020 Ms Louis said that she was not surprised her son had tried to help out. "Thats what he always did, tried to help others. I taught him that all the years, she told WFAA. Mr Price was reportedly assaulted by a male when he tried to intervene in the brawl and when police arrived they used the Taser on Price before he was shot. Witness Kyla Sanders told WFAA that she was at a store across the street and heard three gunshots. Philadelphia-based civil rights lawyer Lee Merritt says he has already spoken to the family about the killing. "When police arrived, Im told, he raised his hands and attempted to explain what was going on," Mr Merritt wrote on Facebook. "Police fired tasers at him and when his body convulsed from the electrical current, they 'perceived a threat' and shot him to death." The Texas Rangers have not confirmed Mr Prices identity, but have placed an unidentified officer on administrative leave. The Rangers are probing the shooting at the request of the citys police department and routinely investigate officer-involved shootings for law enforcement bodies across Texas. Story continues Everybody loves Jonathan, everybody, Black, white, Mexicans, everybody. It don't matter, he loved everybody, and they loved him, said Prices sister, April Louis. Mr Prices family will hold a vigil for him on Monday night. Read more Texas police officer shoots son after mistaking him for intruder Texas police who led black man down street by rope will not face criminal probe Texas police officer shoots and kills man after mistaking his home for her own Five dead after Texas police chase car full of immigrants 'suspected of smuggling' A disability worker who stabbed a grandfather in the neck during a violent neighbourhood row has been jailed. Shanelle Govan, 27, knifed Laurie Dobson, 64, in front of his two-year-old granddaughter on May 22 at his son's home in Banksia Grove, Perth. Mr Dobson was dropping off a teddy bear for his young granddaughter when he attempted to stop a brawl between his son, Matthew, and Govan. Laurie Dobson (left) was dropping off a teddy bear for his young granddaughter (right)when he attempted to stop a fight The pair were arguing about Govan spraying the family's washing with her hose. Matthew and his wife had previously called police 50 times to alert them about arguments between Govan and her boyfriend, the court was told. Moments before the attack, Mr Dobson tried to calm his son down and pushed Govan into her home before her boyfriend got involved. Matthew was holding the boyfriend by the throat when Govan grabbed a 15cm knife and viciously stabbed Mr Dobson, The West reported. Doctors said the victim was lucky Govan didn't hit an artery after suffering a 5cm cut to the left of his neck and another cut to his ear. Judge Martin Flynn said the images of Mr Dobson's injuries were 'shocking', before blasting Govan for her actions. 'What is serious about this offending ... was the fact that you used a weapon. It's the fact you used it twice. It's the area of the body you used that weapon,' he said. 'This was in a neighbourhood where there were other people around, including (Mr Dobson's) grandchildren who were next door.' Shanelle Govan (pictured), 27, stabbed Mr Dobson, 64, in front of his family including his two-year-old granddaughter, on May 22 Mr Dobson was stabbed twice by Govan who was sentenced to two years' jail (pictured: scene of the stabbing) In Mr Dobson's impact statement, the court heard he continues to suffer from 'chronic and constant pain'. The grandfather explained he has trouble getting dressed and holding his grandchildren. Govan's lawyer Paul Meyer told the court his client was 'scared' after being ganged up by the two men. He said that caused her to lose 'control' and unintentionally stab Mr Dobson. 'I'm very sorry for what I have done. I was in such fear and scared that day. I panicked.'I'm sorry Mr Dobson, I'm sorry for your family,' Govan said. Judge Flynn noted that she uses cannabis and suffers from mental illness, but said it was her anger management issues and low-self esteem which led to the stabbing. Govan pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful wounding and was sentenced to two years jail. She will be eligible for parole in May next year. Tokyo: Japan and South Korea have agreed to recommence business travel between the countries starting Thursday, in an attempt to improve their historically poor relations. The bilateral agreement states that visitors on short-term business trips will not be required to observe 14-day self-isolation periods provided they test negative for the novel coronavirus and submit travel itineraries, among other preventive measures, Kyodo News reported. Foreigners and other long term settlers will only be allowed to enter after completing a two-week quarantine period. Speaking at a press conference, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said, "Currently, the Japan-South Korea relationship is in an extremely severe situation so exchanges of people from both countries, starting with businesspeople, are important." A similar deal was also reached with Singapore in August. Several South Korean courts in the past have ordered Japanese companies to pay compensation for wartime forced labour. In response, Japan has tried to control exports of materials used to manufacture semiconductors. Since then, relations between the two countries have become sensitive. Japanese and South Korean officials had been negotiating since July on the resumption of business travel, with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae last month agreeing in a telephone call to speed up the negotiations, Kyodo News said. In 2019 alone, about 5.58 million South Koreans visited Japan, out of which about 310,000 traveled for business work. In an effort to boost its domestic economy, Japan has been reopening its borders following an entry ban on foreigners imposed as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. Professional services firm, KPMG in Bahrain, is gearing up to host the first Tax Summit in the kingdom, to be held virtually. The Summit themed Reimagining Tax in the Kingdom of Bahrain, will be held between October 12 and 14, 2020 and is designed not only to provide practical business-relevant industry updates through sector break-out sessions but also recommendations on best practice approaches for efficient tax management and what to expect for Tax in Bahrain in the months to come. The summit will also include answers from the Bahrain National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) on burning questions from Taxpayers. The Summit will be an ideal platform for Tax and Finance professionals across all sectors to learn more about leveraging technology for Value-added Tax (VAT) reporting, in alignment with the National Bureau for Revenues (NBR) ongoing compliance requirements. Traditional methods of compliance including entrenched manual processes, require tax professionals to spend a tremendous amount of time on collection, compilation and validation of data and documents. Manual processes typically involve a higher rate of risk due to human error in relation to the accuracy of data and information during the reporting process. This could potentially lead to disruption in operations and significant regulatory penalties. Philippe Norre, Partner and Head of Tax and Corporate Services at KPMG in Bahrain, commented on the upcoming event and said: In the current business environment most organisations are looking to re-engineer their core processes. Business strategies for digitalisation and digital transformation are being accelerated, and the priority for automation of processes and protocols are rising. As businesses look towards considering automation of the VAT processes to help navigate through the complexities throughout their entire supply chain, they will need to consider issues pertaining to accuracy, compliance, resource optimisation and how the overall technological intervention can contribute towards their operational excellence. Mubeen Khadir, Tax and Corporate Services Partner at KPMG in Bahrain added: Data management and Tax accounting require an inevitable switch to tech-based solutions, more than ever before. Our team have coupled practical working knowledge and subject matter expertise to develop a market leading tech-based compliance and reporting solution KPMG Enara. Our IT enabled tax solution has been specifically designed to meet the needs and requirements of any business to ensure compliance with NBR, while also providing reliable end-to-end automation in the organisations processes. The Summit will host key knowledge sessions across three days facilitated by the KPMG leadership team. The Summit will also feature the Managing Partner of KPMG in Bahrain, Jamal Fakhro, and the Global Head of Indirect Tax for KPMG International, Lachlan Wolfers as guest speakers. Participation in the first virtual Tax Summit will be complimentary for all registered participants. While the sessions are focused towards Heads of Finance, Finance and Tax managers, Head of Internal Audit, CIOs, and COOs across all business sectors in Bahrain, it will also be a unique learning opportunity for aspiring Tax and Finance professionals in the Kingdom of Bahrain. -- Tradearabia News Service San Antonio-based USAA Federal Savings Bank has received a failing grade from a bank regulator over evidence of discriminatory or other illegal credit practices. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency lowered USAA Banks overall Community Reinvestment Act performance evaluation rating from satisfactory to needs to improve after uncovering evidence of 600 violations involving customers. The CRA, enacted in 1977, requires regulators to assess a banks record of helping to meet the credit needs of the community, including in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. On ExpressNews.com: Virginia woman sues USAA Bank for calling her at least 130 times to collect overdue bill The OCC found evidence of 546 violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, including failure to provide protections to military reservists as the act requires, wrongful repossession of vehicles and the filing of inaccurate affidavits in default judgments in civil court cases. The act provides protections for service members in the event their military service impedes their ability to meet financial obligations. Among other things, it protects them from default judgments. The regulator also found evidence of 54 violations of the Military Lending Act relating to collection of past due amounts from members. The act protects service members and their families from lending practices that could pose a threat to military readiness and hurt service member retention. We are committed to serving every USAA member with excellence and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, USAA spokesman Matt Hartwig said in an email Monday. The rating by the OCC does not reflect our ongoing commitment to lend to and invest in local low- and moderate-income communities, he added. Our mission calls us to help ensure the financial security of all our members. We have higher expectations of ourselves and are focused on restoring our CRA ratings to previous levels. The OCC oversees all national banks and federal savings associations. It is an independent bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department. USAA Bank had about $100.8 billion in assets as of June 30, which places it among the 35 largest banks in the country. SA Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox The OCC completed its evaluation of USAA Bank last year, but the findings were released only last week. The bank is a subsidiary of insurance and financial services giant USAA, which has about 13 million members made up of current and former members of the military and their families. Kenneth H. Thomas, a Miami banking analyst who is president of Community Development Fund Advisors, said USAA Banks CRA evaluation was rare and surprising because only 2 percent of banks receive a failing grade. USAA gets an A for its ubiquitous television advertisements to bring in members of the military as customers but gets an F for compliance with regulations, Thomas said. The ads tout that its doing right by its members. Theyre spending a lot of money on TV ads, huge amounts of money, he said. They need to spend a lot more money in the area of compliance. Were in banking. Were the most heavily regulated industry in the world. That regulation means youve got a license, and as part of that license, youve got to go along with the compliance laws. Theyre just not doing a good job of that. The violations were especially egregious because of the number and those who were affected members of the military, Thomas said. The bank needs to be held to a higher standard, he added. Its not just a big bank its a big bank that takes care of our military, he said. We always talk about vulnerable populations now. This is a very vulnerable population not just because there are a lot of minorities, (but many are of) low to moderate income. For that reason, we have to be extra careful in dealing with them. Blue Star Families, a nonprofit organization that supports military families, conducted a survey in 2018 that found enlisted servicemen and servicewomen experience financial barriers, including lower wages than the civilian population. That hurts their ability to save for emergencies, manage debt and qualify for loans. The survey, sponsored by USAA, was mentioned in the OCCs report. The failing grade marks the latest black eye for USAA Bank. Earlier this year, as the federal government sent stimulus checks to Americans as a small financial cushion during the widening coronavirus crisis, USAA Bank kept portions of the checks deposited into some customer accounts that were overdrawn or had negative balances. On ExpressNews.com: USAA reverses course on seizing federal stimulus checks Criticism of USAA Banks harsh stance erupted on social media after news reports, leading the bank to reverse course. It said it would allow members with negative account balances to access the full amount of their stimulus checks. For members with overdrawn accounts at the bank, it said it would postpone collection for 90 days from the date the stimulus check was deposited. Last year, the bank had two run-ins with regulators, including the OCC. In January 2019, about two months before the CRA evaluation of USAA Bank, the OCC issued a cease-and-desist order against the bank for engaging in unsafe and unsound practices. USAA Banks internal controls and information systems did not comply with certain guidelines, the OCC determined. The bank also failed to implement and maintain a Risk Management Program equivalent with its size and risk profile. That action followed by days the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau directing the bank to pay a $3.5 million penalty and $12 million in restitution to settle charges that it violated banking laws. The bank failed to honor customers stop-payment requests on electronic fund transfers and had reopened customers previously closed deposit accounts without their authorization, the CFPB found. The bank and the consumer protection watchdog agency entered into a consent order to settle the matter. The bank did not admit or deny the agencys findings in agreeing to settle. USAA Banks CRA evaluation wasnt all bad. Its lending levels reflect an excellent responsiveness to credit needs in its assessment area, the OCC found. The bank ranked in the top 1 percent of all lenders in originating home mortgage loans. But the OCC concluded that USAA Banks geographic distribution of consumer loans was poor during the evaluation period in 2017 and 2018. The proportion of vehicle loans in low- and moderate-income communities was well below the proportion of such households in those areas, the OCC said. Patrick Danner Patrick Danner covers banking, insurance, business litigation and bankruptcies. To read more from Patrick, become a subscriber. pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPD America has been blessed with some of the most dynamic and impressive leaders in world history: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln, to name a few. But none of them were perfect people. Criticism of many of our past leaders has increased dramatically over the last few years, particularly our Founding Fathers, and the driving force behind that criticism is the positions they held on slavery. While most of todays militant left has diverted their attention from tearing down statues of historic leaders to burning down courthouses and churches, they will surely be coming back for more. We must remember how absurd their actions had become, and consider that in late-June they went so far as to bring down a statue of Ulysses S. Grant. Evidently the logic of those rioters was to ignore the fact that Grant was largely responsible for winning the Civil War, thereby ending slavery. Grant was a white man, and apparently that was the only justification the rioters needed. Carefully examining the deeds and misdeeds of leaders such as Jefferson and Washington through the prism of 21st-century enlightenment, it now becomes clear to the Left that our Founders were bad people. We must loudly reject this narrative. To illustrate the point, lets consider some of the similarities between two U.S. presidents George Washington and Jimmy Carter. (Now theres a sentence we dont see every day.) Jimmy Carter was our nations 39th president, and very few people even try to pretend that his presidency was an effective one. Instead, a common talking point from Democrats nowadays is this: Jimmy Carter may not have been a very good president, but hes been a terrific ex-president, referring to his charitable works. Try to come up with a similar situation where apologists go out of their way to prop up someones legacy, and youll probably fail. Well, Joe may have been a lousy doctor, but as a bartender hes been a fantastic ex-doctor. You should try one of his margaritas. But with all of Carters flaws, we dont find many people that attack his character, even on the Right. When it comes to ranking presidents, most agree that Washington is in the top two, along with Lincoln, whereas Jimmy Carter is most likely in the bottom ten of any rankings; if not the bottom five. That doesnt mean Carter is a bad person, however. George Washington owned slaves throughout his life, and even though he grew to oppose slavery and then freed his slaves upon his death, his stance on slavery deserves consideration when evaluating him. But we must also consider the context of time and culture. Slavery in 18th-century Virginia -- where Washington was born, lived, and died -- was an accepted part of the culture, part of everyday life. Slavery during Washingtons lifetime wasnt unlike abortion in America during the 1970s and 1980s. There were many people who opposed it, but they were in the relative minority. Abortion, like slavery, was legal, and its detractors were largely ignored. In the cases of both slavery and abortion, in the back of peoples minds they perhaps thought there was something not right with the institution, but a majority of people thought it was acceptable, so they just shrugged their shoulders. Slavery was a despicable, moral abomination, not just in America but throughout the world; no one disputes that. Its an absolutely shameful part of American history. But abortion is no less despicable, and we see increasing scientific evidence to support that statement. We now have babies being born as premature as 22 weeks and not just surviving but thriving, while Democrat politicians pass laws legalizing abortion up to the moment of birth; undeniable infanticide. We are now over 220 years removed from the death of George Washington, and the fact that he did not do more to address the evils of slavery is unthinkable to our friends on the Left. Therefore, Washington could not have been a moral man, they tell us. But what will people say about current America in 220 years? Due to his efforts with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for the underprivileged, Jimmy Carter is largely considered to be a good, moral person; a humanitarian. But Carter is pro-abortion. We are in the midst of a dramatic shift in public opinion regarding abortion, with more people switching to the pro-life side every year. In the year 2240, after 220 more years of scientific clarification and common sense, it seems highly likely that mankind will look back at our generation with equal shame. They may point to people like President Carter and scoff. It is difficult to comprehend how anyone could have been complicit in the enslavement of human beings, even if it was so long ago. But we have the benefit of centuries of analysis, consideration and philosophy on the matter, benefits that Washington did not have. Judging Washington based on todays morals and culture is no more reasonable than 23rd-century Americans holding us up to their standards, whatever they may be. We exist in our times, and we should be assessed within that context. And the fact is, everyone is flawed, even our greatest leaders. In 1861 at the onset of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus, a fundamental human right that ensures due process for a prisoner or detainee. Lincoln did not have the authority, but did it anyway, and deprived American citizens of their basic rights in doing so. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who led us to victory in World War II, abused his power by unsuccessfully attempting to increase the number of Supreme Court Justices to pack the court with like-minded thinkers, and then violated the human rights of thousands of Japanese-Americans by placing them in internment camps. Lincoln and Roosevelt were not perfect but that does not take away from their greatness, it just makes them human. We must reject the current trend toward insisting on purity; demanding that our leaders, past and present, be free of any transgressions. It is an impossible standard, and a dangerous one. There has never been a man more worthy of being called the father of his country than George Washington. He was a remarkable military mind, and an even more remarkable statesman and president. His flaws, including his failings with slavery, should remind us of his humanity. He is not a mythical figure; he was a person with imperfections. Just like Lincoln, just like Roosevelt, and just like every other great leader we have had. Let us acknowledge and learn from their shortcomings, but let us also continue to celebrate their accomplishments. As Americans, we are standing on the shoulders of giants, and the least we can do is show our gratitude. P.F. Whalen is a conservative blogger at TheBlueStateConservative.com. His work has appeared in multiple publications, including American Thinker, the Western Journal, and Human Events. Follow him on Twitter at @pf_whalen. Image: Pixabay Indias tally of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) increased by 61,267 in a single day, lowest in a week, and now it has 6,685,082 infections, Union health ministrys dashboard showed on Tuesday morning. The countrys death toll mounted to 103,569 as 884 people succumbed to the respiratory disease, the ministrys dashboard showed. The number of deaths due to the coronavirus disease across the country has also been the lowest in a week, according to the health ministrys data at 8am on Tuesday. There were 1,179 fatalities on September 30 and 903 on Monday. Of the 903 deaths on Monday, 82% were reported from 10 states and Union territories and 36% reported from Maharashtra with 326 fatalities followed by Karnataka with 67 deaths. The number of active cases, which shows a countrys disease burden nationally, stands at 919,023. India has for two straight weeks recorded less than 1 million active cases. The active cases contribute only 14.11% to the positive caseload of the country and 10 states and Union territories account for 77% of the active cases, the health ministry had said on Monday. The health ministry said on Tuesday India has steadily maintained the positivity rate of Covid-19 cases below 10% and that the cumulative positivity rate stood at 8.28% while the daily figure was at 7.52%. Also read | 5 states saw big surge in Covid-19 cases despite fall in national average There were 75,787 recoveries in the last 24 hours in the country. As the new recoveries have been exceeding the new cases in recent days, Indias total recoveries stand at 5,662,490 on Tuesday morning. The recovery rate is currently pegged at 84.70%. The health ministry said on Monday that 75% of new recovered cases were recorded in 10 states and Union territories. Maharashtra has added more than 15,000 to the new recovered cases followed by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh with more than 7,000 cases each, it said. Also read | Dr Reddys asked for fresh application, patent suit against Regenerons antibody cocktail: Latest on Covid-19 vaccine According to the government on Monday, 78% of the new Covid-19 cases are concentrated in 10 states and Union territories and that Maharashtra reported more than 12,000 of the new cases. Karnataka contributed more than 10,000, it added. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Tuesday that 10,89,403 samples were tested for Covid-19 on Monday and 8,10,71,797 have been samples tested in the country till date. OTTAWAAs a veteran of Torontos womens shelter system, Silvia Samsa has seen a lot. But shes never seen the level of sustained anxiety that has accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic among the women and families she works with in Etobicoke. Ive been doing this work for a long time. I think Im pretty seasoned, Samsa, the executive director of Womens Habitat in Etobicoke, told the Star in an interview on Monday. (But) the level of anxiety amongst the women that we are privileged to work with, the women in our shelter and outreach programs, is just so heightened. The federal government responded to the first wave of COVID-19 with billions of dollars in funding for pretty much anyone in need including Samsas shelter, which relied on the federal wage subsidy and targeted supports to keep the lights on among all the uncertainty of the early days of lockdown. More of that funding was still flowing as recently as last week. Moving with unusual speed, the federal government made policy on the fly to deal with the emergency. The results were, at times, messy. But now that the second wave has hit the countrys largest provinces, the federal Liberals are under pressure to get the second round of relief right the first time. For Samsa, that means more money for and access to affordable housing, as well as a guarantee of child care to help the women and children she works with. For businesses, it could mean more clarity around how the governments revamped commercial rent subsidy will work. For the government itself, it means how it will tweak its emergency supports designed in a rush, among great uncertainty to be effective in the second wave and sustainable in the long term. We are in a very different space now a second wave is here, said a senior government source, who requested anonymity to speak about internal government discussions. But you also have a lot of businesses that (the situation) isnt the same as the spring. Not everything is entirely shut down. You have a lot of businesses that are open, and their fixed cost remains fixed costs, but perhaps theyre only operating at 20 per cent, 40 per cent, 60 per cent of revenue. Another difference between the first and second wave is that the provinces have different restrictions. In Ontario and Quebec, the talk is about a return to more restrictions as COVID-19 infections surge. In Atlantic Canada, where there are few new cases, people are celebrating the effectiveness of their Atlantic Bubble and living something closer to normal life. The source said that the government is considering targeted, temporary supports for cities or public health authorities that are forced back into lockdown a strategy hinted at in last months throne speech. As an example, lets say theres a real outbreak in Kingston and the local public health authority really shuts everything down there, the source said. What kind of localized, targeted benefit could we provide to get small businesses through, lets say hypothetically, a four-week period? What do we do to support people through that more urgent, complete lockdown? The federal Liberals have already revamped their direct support to individuals winding down the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), the $2,000 a month stipend for Canadians forced to stay home from work due to COVID-19. Instead, those who still cant work or who will be sent home due to the second wave will be transitioned over to an enhanced Employment Insurance program. The government has also already extended the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) until next summer, covering up to 75 per cent of workers salary in a bid to keep them on businesses payrolls. Those two programs, along with an array of other direct supports and transfers to provinces, have ballooned the federal deficit to unprecedented levels $328.5 billion in 2020-21, or 15 per cent of GDP, according to the latest projection by the Parliamentary Budget Office. Benjamin Tal, the deputy chief economist with CIBC Capital Markets, said the governments second wave of support was better designed than its first which, he acknowledged, was developed in an emergency. But Tal said Ottawa needs to think harder on the long-term sustainability of supports. We are still in a crisis. And I think the prime minister said this is no time for austerity, and to an extent hes right, said Tal in an interview. We are not fully there, and I think with time we will have to redesign (the supports) in order to ensure that we are much more effective, in terms of assistance, at the minimum cost. Jennifer Robson, a former public servant and Carleton University professor, is also thinking about the long term albeit from a different perspective. Amendments demanded by the opposition New Democrats ensure that Canadians will still get the same level of support they relied on under CERB, at least temporarily. But Robson told the Star that the federal government needs to think about what comes next for those people after income supports eventually, necessarily, wind down. In the coming months, its likely that rates of personal insolvency might go up, and the whole process, even if its not a full declaration of bankruptcy is not super easy for a lot of folks to navigate and make sense of, she said. I see the need for a service there, and maybe some alternatives that are a little simpler, maybe a little more affordable. There are non-government organizations that help Canadians in financial distress navigate that process, she said, and the federal government could help scale up those services to make them more widely available. Robson said another gap in the federal response has been clear communication about how to navigate the benefits available to Canadians a concern echoed by the business community. Its getting the details out as soon as possible as soon as a program is announced. Its going to be very important, said Trevin Stratton, chief economist with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. To use the commercial rent (subsidy) for example, for businesses, rent was due last week, Stratton said. It was the beginning of the month, they had to pay their rent. We know that theres a new plan in place, or something new coming, but businesses are making decisions right now without knowing the details of what that program will be. A spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said the government understands businesses are still facing uncertainty even eight months into the pandemic. We are committed to continue helping businesses with wages, rent and other fixed costs, Kat Cuplinskas said in a written statement. Freelands office could not say when the updated commercial rent subsidy would be unveiled, however. Read more about: The murder occurred in Bihars Purnea district on Sunday. RJD leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav leave after the grand alliance press conference ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections, in Patna. PTI Photo PATNA: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, his elder brother Tej Pratap along with four others were booked on Monday for the murder of former RJD leader Shakti Malik. The incident occurred in Bihars Purnea district on Sunday. The police investigating the case said that Shakti Malik was at his residence when he was gunned down by three armed men. Others who have been named in the FIR are Anil Sadhu, Kalo Paswan, his wife Sunita Devi, and Manoj Paswan. Anil Sadhu is son-in-law of Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. He was earlier with the LJP. The deceased's wife, Khushboo Devi, in her complaint to the police also pointed at a serious political conspiracy behind the murder of her husband. Sources said that Shakti Malik was trying for a ticket from Raniganj seat in neighbouring Araria district. Soon after his murder on Sunday, a video clip surfaced in which the deceased was seen making allegations against Tejashwi Yadav and Anil Sadhu for demanding Rs 50 Lakhs for a ticket to contest on RJD ticket. A case has been registered and the investigation is underway, Purnea SP Vishal Sharma said. Sources from Purnea told this newspaper that the police were also analyzing Shakti Maliks phone records, his source of income and bank details. They said that during the initial probe police found that he was expelled from the RJD in September after he levelled serious allegations against top RJD leaders. The probe also revealed that he had political enmity with a local leader Kalo Paswan who was also interested in contesting from Raniganj seat on RJD ticket. Meanwhile, the incident has raised the political temperature in Bihar ahead of Assembly elections. The NDA leaders while demanding an explanation from Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap said, CBI probe should be ordered to find out the truth behind the incident. However, the RJD called the allegations and FIR an attempt to tarnish the image of Tejashwi Yadav in view of the Assembly elections. All this is being done in view of the Assembly elections. The allegation against Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap is political motivated and baseless, RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary said. Seneca Snack Company of Washington has recalled two brands of apple chips that may be contaminated with salmonella. Clancys Cinnamon Apple Chips sold at Aldi and Seneca Cinnamon Apple Chips sold through Amazon are recalled. Seneca was notified by an ingredient supplier that it shipped one lot of ingredients containing cinnamon that has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, according to an announcement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The salmonella organism can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, infections in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting in the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis, according to the FDA. The recalled product details are: Clancys Cinnamon Apple Chips , 2.5 ounce package, individual package codes - 26JUN2021 and 27JUN2021. Seneca Cinnamon Apple Chips , 0.7 ounce package, UPC No. 0 18195-70140 4, individual package code - 26JUN2021. Seneca Cinnamon Apple Chips, 2.5 ounce package, UPC No. 0 18195-70100 8, individual package code - 28JUN2021. For more information, call Seneca Foods Consumer Affairs at 800-872-1110. READ MORE In 1988, a group of South Fork naturalists formed a membership organization called the South Fork Natural History Society, better known as SOFO. The objective of this organization was to increase public awareness about the past, present, and future of eastern Long Islands natural history and to share their joyful experiences of exploring and learning with others in the community. SOFO used to operate out of a small building referred to as the Nature Clubhouse where children gathered to examine different species, research for school projects, and just hang out. The Clubhouse served as a prototype... Connecticuts coronavirus infections continue to increase slightly, but not enough for Gov. Ned Lamont to delay Thursdays Phase 3 reopening of more indoor dining and private gatherings. However in a candid admission, Lamont said Monday its still too early for him to consider going inside at a restaurant. Look, Ill get there. I think so, Lamont told reporters. Ive been pretty impressed with the restaurateurs. Ive seen how careful they are. I see how careful they are about distancing. Ill probably look in. If I see some of those plastic partitions, that would probably give me a little bit of confidence. The Department of Public Health on Monday reported an increase of four fatalities over the weekend, bringing the states pandemic total to 4,517. There was a net increase of 19 hospitalizations, for a total of 129. In the seven-day total released on Monday, the total of 2,438 infections out of 169,305 tests is a 1.44 percent rate. If you go back to last week we had some catch-up data from some of the university test results that dated back beyond the prior week, Josh Geballe, Lamonts chief operating officer who has led the governors response to the virus said, noting that national website have not recorded them. In the region, Connecticuts 1.6 percent rate compares to 1.5 percent in New Hampshire, 1.3 percent in New York, 1.0 percent in Massachusetts, and eight tenths of a percent in Vermont and Maine. Lamont, who at 66 is in an age group that is susceptible to COVID, said he has eaten inside on a single occasion in the pandemic. I have, yep, once, next to a really big window, Lamont said in his daily news briefing from the State Capitol. If I can be outside, I am going to be outside as long as I can. Being outdoors for the last few months has been a big plus for our state and a big plus for our region, and I think that as we move from an outdoor culture to an indoor culture thats going to be the variable that we have to watch like a hawk. Lamont said that in discussing the pandemic with fellow governors throughout the nation, its clear that restaurants do not represent the kind of threat to accelerate the spread of COVID-19 of bars, which were ordered closed in March and have not been allowed to reopen. Certainly compared to bars, restaurants have managed themselves pretty well, Lamont said, noting that outdoor dining started on May 20 and partial-capacity indoor eating a month later. I think our restaurants here in Connecticut have managed that very professionally. The 1.6 percent infection rate over the last week will not preclude the new 50 percent openings of indoor performing arts venues, the increase to three-quarters capacity in restaurants and 100-person gatherings at indoor events such as catered weddings. We think the event planners, just like the restaurants, are going to be much more careful about making sure the protocols are followed because they want to be able to keep their event venue open, Lamont said. If we see a big change were not afraid to change strategies, Lamont said. The Department of Public Health on Monday reported an increase of four fatalities over the weekend, bringing the states pandemic total to 4,517. There was a net increase of 19 hospitalizations, for a total of 129. In the seven-day total released on Monday, the total of 2,438 infections out of 169,305 tests is a 1.44 percent rate. Geballe said the states rapid-response team focused on southeastern Connecticut last weekend, including New London, Norwich and Groton, where about 3,000 tests were performed. The positive rate was about 3.3 percent. Theres still a ways to go before we are out of the woods, Geballe said. In the region, Connecticuts 1.6 percent rate compares to 1.5 percent in New Hampshire, 1.3 percent in New York, 1.0 percent in Massachusetts, and eight tenths of a percent in Vermont and Maine. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 01:31:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HELSINKI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- As COVID-19 continues to take its toll in Finland, the collateral damage caused by the restrictions on businesses is becoming an increasingly divisive issue. Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin pledged on Tuesday that "wide-ranging measures" are being prepared in the country to limit the spread of the coronavirus. She gave no details but said that the matter would be discussed next week. At the same time, Jan Vapaavuori, mayor of the capital Helsinki, spoke out against restrictions on businesses that would impact the economy. Appearing jointly with other mayors from the metropolitan area surrounding Helsinki in a press conference, Vapaavuori said that the crisis was "not only a health issue, but also an economic and social issue." He said there was need for better communication with the prime minister. Krista Kiuru, minister of family affairs and social services, said on Tuesday that "no one wants to return" to a situation where the government has emergency powers, like in spring this year. Talking to reporters in parliament, she said the government supported the regions "in their task to apply the laws on communicable diseases." On Tuesday, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) said that the national incidence rate was around 30 cases per 100,000 inhabitants within two weeks. In the Helsinki area, it was 53 cases per 100,000. Nearly all of the country's 20 health districts had entered, or were near to, the acceleration phase of the pandemic. Tuesday's number of new infections, 227, was the highest since the spring, THL Director Mika Salminen said. The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Finland stands at 10,929 with 346 deaths. The closing time of restaurants has become a subject of debate nationwide, creating a conundrum of how to balance health and economic interests. While restaurants throughout country must stop serving alcohol at 12 midnight from Thursday, this blanket rule comes coupled with another regulation, which obliges restaurants in "areas of acceleration" to stop serving alcohol at 10 p.m. It is up to regional coordination groups comprising medical experts and state and local politicians to determine the "phase of the epidemic" in their areas. The groups are expected to come to a conclusion and inform the THL, Taneli Puumalainen, the institute's chief physician, said. Meanwhile, several districts have published recommendations on face mask use in public spaces for the whole or part of their regions. Finnish laws do not allow public authorities to enforce mask use, but private shop owners can mandate it. Enditem Figure 1 QMX 2020 Drill Target Areas QMX 2020 Drill Target Areas Figure 2 QMXs extensive and target-rich land package QMXs extensive and target-rich land package TORONTO, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QMX Gold Corporation (QMX or the Company) (TSX:V:QMX) is pleased to announce it is increasing its drilling plans to more than 45,000 metres, from 35,000m, by year end, and is pleased to provide an update on its current exploration activities. QMX continues to be extremely active with four drill rigs on three different projects located on its nearly 200 km2 Val dOr Camp property located east of the city of Val dOr in the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt in Quebec (Figure 2). Highlights include: At least 45,000 m wi ll be drilled before the end of 2020 , up from 35,000m . N ew 9,000m exploration program west of New Louvre an d to the south of the Bonnefond deposit . A 4,000m deep exploration program on the Bonnefond intrusive to follow up on recently released deep target zone . 8 ,500m to be drilled on the River Target Expanding the initial 5,5 00m program. Commenced a 3,000 m reconnaissance drilling program on th e Poulmaque area. Planning a 35,000m winter drilling program on the East Zone focusing on the Bevcon intrusive and the 5km trend between Bonnefond and Bevcon. We are delighted to report our recent exploration successes, says Dr. Andreas Rompel, Vice President Exploration of QMX, and are looking forward to our increased exploration program for the rest of this anomalous year. We have identified the targets and designed the programs to both expand Bonnefond, our flagship project, and add more substance to our other target areas. Following on very successful results throughout 2020, QMX is increasing its drilling plans for the year to over 45,000m, from 35,000m. Focus will remain on growing the Bonnefond deposit on the eastern side of the property and drilling the River and Poulmaque targets on the Bourlamaque Zone. QMX is currently operating four drill rigs with two in the Bonnefond deposit area, one on the River target and one in the Poulmaque area (Figure 1). Story continues Figure 1: QMX 2020 Drill Target Areas https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b811e762-7f3a-482e-85ac-ca003aaf72a7 Bonnefond Deposit Expanding in all directions Early in 2020, all drilling efforts were focused on QMXs most advanced project, the Bonnefond deposit, in order to expand and upgrade the initial 2019 resource. Once the infill drilling campaign within the intrusive was completed, 2 drill rigs were mobilized to test Bonnefonds extent in all directions. To date this effort indicates that Bonnefond extends to the South, West and East and also at depth. A 10,000m exploration program was recently completed to the north of the intrusive and is awaiting assay results. Currently one of the two drill rigs has commenced a 9,000m exploration program to the south of Bonnefond testing the western extension of the New Louvre target (Figure 1). The other drill rig is on the Bonnefond intrusive following up on the deposits depth potential. At the end of the summer exploration campaign, QMX completed a 1,200m hole through the Bonnefond intrusive to test its potential at depth. Based on the success of DDH 121 (press release August 18, 2020), QMXs exploration team designed a 4,000m follow up drilling program focusing on deep exploration in the Bonnefond intrusive. This program is ongoing and expected to be completed later this fall. The Bonnefond resource update is progressing and is expected to be available shortly. River Target Follow up drilling In 2019, QMX drilled a 1,100m reconnaissance program on the River Target to evaluate the geometry and potential of the mineralized zone. Based on the success of the initial program, a 5,500m broader second phase exploration program was initially developed. Drilling commenced during the summer and assays are pending. The River Target program was recently expanded to 8,500m and is expected to completed this fall. Poulmaque Area Reconnaissance program A 3,000m reconnaissance drilling program began mid-September on the Poulmaque area. The objective of the program is to identify potentially mineralized structures on the eastern side of the Bourlamaque Batholith. Poulmaque is a prospective target area extending on a 3.5km north-south strike in the south eastern part of the Bourlamaque batholith. The Poulmaque target area is located 3km west of Probe Metals Courvan gold trend and 5km from the Pascalis gold trend. The northern end of the target hosts the F-Zone and the southern end the Callahan deposit on QMX Golds Beacon property. The F-Zone is located in the eastern end of the Ferderber shear and has returned 10.93g/t Au over 1.4m and 28.45g/t Au over 1.6m according to the MERN Sigeom database. The Callahan deposit was drilled by QMX in 2017 and DDH 17319-17-005 intersected quartz veins grading 32.6g/t Au over 1.0m and 7.6g/t Au over 3.0m (press release May 23, 2017). 2021 Winter drilling program Bevcon intrusive The QMX exploration team is currently planning the 2021 winter drilling campaign. The campaign will focus primarily on areas accessible only during the winter months, which include the Bevcon Intrusive area and the eastern part of the Bonnefond project. QMX currently plans to utilize seven drill rigs for a total of 35,000m over the winter months. The additional rigs have already been sourced and will be provided by our current supplier Orbit and G4 Drilling. We welcome our new supplier and anticipate a high-quality cooperation. A large portion of the winter program will be on the Bevcon intrusive in order to follow up on the successful results from the 2019 drilling campaign. Highlights from the Bevcon Target (press release September 24, 2019): DDH 17311-18-015 returned 84.8 g/t Au over 6.0m, including 137.5 g/t Au over 3.7m and DDH 17311-18-017 returned 10.8 g/t Au over 4.3m. An exploration program testing prospective exploration targets to the east of the Bonnefond project will also be included in the winter program. Figure 2: QMXs extensive and target-rich land package https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9f742bf-4f5a-467c-b2ee-4b4d5743cdc7 Quality Control During the drilling program, assay samples were taken from the NQ core and sawed in half. One half is sent to Swaslab Ltd., a certified commercial laboratory. The other half of the core is retained for future reference. A strict quality assurance and quality control program was applied to all samples, which included insertion of mineralized standards, blank samples and duplicates inside each batch of 20 samples. The gold analyses were completed by fire-assay with an atomic absorption finish on 50 grams of material. Repeats were carried out by fire-assay with a gravimetric finish on each sample containing 5.0 g/t Au or more. The gold analyses were undertaken by fire-assay on 50 grams of pulp with an atomic absorption finish. Repeats were carried out by fire-assay with a gravimetric finish on each sample containing 5.0 g/t Au or more. Further to our ongoing cooperation with the Swaslab, we have joined forces with AGAT Laboratories to handle the additional samples resulting from our increased exploration effort. Qualified Persons The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed, prepared and approved by Melanie Pichon, P.Geo, M.Sc, Exploration Manager, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Stock Option Grant The Company has granted a total of 8.875 million stock options to certain officers, directors, consultants and employees of the Company pursuant to the Companys stock option plan. Half of the stock options vest immediately, with the remainder vesting one year from the date of grant, and may be exercised at a price of $0.18 per option for a period of five years from the date of grant. This grant of options is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. About QMX Gold Corporation QMX Gold Corporation is a Canadian based resource company traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol QMX. The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property position in the Val dOr mining camp in the Abitibi District of Quebec. QMX Gold is currently drilling in the Val dOr East portion of its land package focused on the Bonnefond Deposit and in the Bourlamaque Batholith. In addition to its extensive land package QMX Gold owns the strategically located Aurbel gold mill and tailings facility. Contact Information: Brad Humphrey Louis Baribeau President and CEO Public Relations Tel: (514) 667-2304 Toll free: +1 877-717-3027 Email: info@qmxgold.ca Website: www.qmxgold.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This press release contains or may be deemed to contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding future plans, operations and activities, planned drilling programs, expansion of drilling programs, projected mineralization, timing of assay results, and the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, its properties and/or its projects to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to those risks described in the disclosure documents of the Company filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 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. Poitou, or Baudet du Poitou is a French donkey breed known primarily for their large size and their distinctive coat which, if left ungroomed for long periods of time, will form dreadlocks. Originally bred in the Poitou region of France, Baudet du Poitou was once highly sought after all over the world, because of its size and strength. Before the industrial revolution, Poitou donkeys were raised to be used in breeding large mules known as Poitevin, once regarded as the finest and strongest in France, and exported to various countries for the development of other donkey and mule breeds. In the former province of Poitou, donkey breeders would traditionally leave the animals coats ungroomed, causing their long locks to form shaggy lumps known as cadenettes or dreadlocks. These would sometimes grow so long that they reached the ground. Photo: Pere Igor/Wikimedia Commons By the half of the 20th century, mechanization had become so widespread that breeding work mules no longer made financial sense, so many breeders abandoned or killed their animals. The Poitou was particularly hard-hit by this turn of events, and in 1977 a survey found that there were only 44 specimens left in the entire world. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JGS-Fotografie Jurgen Schmitt (@jgsfotografie) on Apr 6, 2018 at 8:25am PDT Thanks to conservation efforts kickstarted by a number of public and private breeders and organizations, the Poitou was brought back for the brink, and today there are hundreds of them living in various countries around the. Dr. Giorgia Podico, a veterinarian pursuing specialization in theriogenology, told the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign that the breed is still classified as endangered, as the population currently sits at under 500 worldwide. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jill Rouse Turski (@turskijill) on Sep 27, 2020 at 8:04pm PDT Today, Baudet du Poitou donkeys are primarily bred for their beauty and historical importance. The coat that was once treasured for its long dreadlocks is nowadays sheered by breeders for hygienic purposes, but there are still those who let their animals grow their traditional cadenettes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virginia P VP (@virginiaartanddesign) on Aug 28, 2020 at 1:38pm PDT Apparently, the shaggy coat is such a dominant trait that even a 1/8 Poitou donkey may exhibit it. Researchers have found that it is caused by two recessive mutations in the FGF5 (fibroblast growth factor 5) gene. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dyana Hesson (@dyhesson) on Aug 5, 2020 at 3:38pm PDT View this post on Instagram A post shared by Moraig and Brian Minns (@workingwithenglish) on Jun 11, 2020 at 1:42am PDT View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabine Glinke (@schimminski) on Apr 26, 2020 at 11:08am PDT View this post on Instagram A post shared by SG (@sg_outdoor85) on Apr 15, 2020 at 12:31am PDT View this post on Instagram A post shared by SG (@sg_outdoor85) on Apr 15, 2020 at 12:28am PDT View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabine Glinke (@schimminski) on Mar 2, 2020 at 12:36pm PST The new emir of Kuwait, who ascended the throne following the death of his half-brother last week, has asked the Cabinet to continue performing its duties despite the prime minister's offer to resign, the state-run news agency reported Tuesday. The prime minister and his Cabinet made the offer in a nod to the new emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, giving him the chance to appoint a replacement as custom dictates. But Sheikh Nawaf ``affirmed his great confidence'' in the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, according to Kuwait's state-run news agency, KUNA. He asked the same government to ``continue carrying out its tasks'' ahead of parliamentary elections tentatively set for late November. The move may signal Sheikh Nawaf's desire to follow the political path charted by his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, and also allows Kuwait to avoid the difficulties of forming a new government ahead of elections, when the Cabinet will end its term anyway. Parliament speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim announced that the legislature would dissolve itself Thursday to set the stage for elections, according to the state-linked al-Qabas newspaper. Despite Sheikh Nawaf's high praise for the current Cabinet, 10 lawmakers last month submitted a no-confidence motion against Kuwait's deputy prime minister and interior minister amid growing dissatisfaction over the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and budgetary problems. Kuwait's treasury is running out of cash, prompting a major credit agency last month to downgrade the wealthy country for the first time in its history. As crown prince, Sheikh Nawaf was not known for making any major policy decisions, and at age 83, his greatest impact may be in his choice of a successor. Following the death of Sheikh Sabah, who commanded great respect in the region as a seasoned diplomat, speculation has mounted over the next crown prince, especially as top contenders in the past have feuded over corruption allegations. The emir has a full year to select the crown prince, but Tuesday's statement from al-Ghanim, the parliament speaker, suggested the decision may be discussed during the final legislative session this week. Kuwait's empowered and outspoken parliament can reject the emir's pick. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announces that it is participating in Telecoms World Middle East Virtual 2020, which will be held from October 13 to14, 2020. As a silver sponsor for the online event, the company will highlight evolving industry trends and flagship IFS Service Management solutions among other insights. As one of the key speakers on the first day of Telecoms World Middle East Virtual 2020, Marne Martin, President at IFS Service Management Business Unit, will shed light on how businesses can accelerate their digital goals and amibitions with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Martins presentation, titled Accelerating Growth and Moving Past Covid with Artificial Intelligence, will explore how organisations can place AI at the heart of their digital transformation strategies and make the technology central to their long-term success. Through business best practices, and smart technology adoption, Martin will illustrate how businesses can thrive in a post-Covid service landscape, set themselves up to manage any future uncertainty, and lead with transformational service experiences. She will further discuss how AI can aid in a higher rate of digital success and enhanced customer experiences for the telco industry. Martin said: Artificial Intelligence is a key enabler for digital transformation projects. Over the past several months, service businesses have shown their resilience and their willingness to adapt, helping them survive. Looking ahead, businesses will need to make smart decisions in order to move past the current crisis, build a system of operational efficiencies, and use those gains to win, serve, and retain newly-empowered customers. We deliver unmatched service capabilities to our customers supporting them to deliver amazing customer experiences and outcomes. Service is complex and to achieve first time fix, predictive maintenance and asset uptime goals, IFS is a leader optimising people, parts and processes to drive exponential growth via digital transformation for our customers. Service Matters Always at IFS, and our customers need and expect a vendor that is a partner driving their service revenue and capabilities forward via software, emerging technologies and the use of data, Martin added. Martin will also share insights into how the company addresses challenges faced by the field service industry through market-leading offerings such as IFS Field Service Management (FSM). IFS offers world-class scheduling and optimisation along with unrivalled breadth in service management capability. The companys objective is to equip service management industry businesses to tackle even the most complex use cases and choose between cloud or on-premises deployments through its FSM solution. AI can power automation of work order lifecycles resulting in seamless workflow and enhanced customer experiences. Telecoms World Middle East serves as the ideal platform for IFS to showcase our industry-leading offerings such as our flagship FSM solution, added Martin. IFS Vice President Services Management Andrew Vlachiotis will feature in the panel session titled The Internet of Things as a path to growth a transformative industrial revolution for telco companies. The panel will discuss IoT industry trends and the key role it can play for business growth for the telecom sector. Senior executives from the company will also be available from its virtual booth at Telecoms World Middle East Virtual 2020, to share global success stories and interact with customers and partners through live virtual networking sessions. -- Tradearabia News Service Alhaji Eliasu Moro Ipala a.k.a Kasa Nnipa Ho 06.10.2020 LISTEN The Co-ordinator for Suame, Bantama and Aboabo Nasara wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Eliasu Moro Ipala a.k.a 'Kasa Nnipa Ho' says he pities former President John Dramani Mahama for his reelection bid. According to him, he wonders what convinced the former President to contest President Akufo-Addo whose economic policies have widely been embraced and resonates with the aspirations of the ordinary Ghanaian. "I pity this NDC leader for seeking re-election whilst he knows for sure that his vicious campaign in his quest to win the election will be in vain come December 7. He will again lose the elections 'potorrr,'" he stated. Speaking to Modernghana correspondent in Kumasi, Alhaji Ipala indicated Mr Mahama and his NDC launched and intensified a campaign against the policies of Akufo-Addo particularly the Free SHS programme. He said after all the heavy attacks on the Akufo-Addo's flagship programme the Free SHS and the massive defeat in the 2016 general elections, nobody ever thought Mahama would one day dream of ever contesting an election in Ghana especially when the very policies he claimed are not achievable have been implemented. According to Ipala, Mahama who is hunting for anything promisable just to hoodwink Ghanaians truly confirms the notion that he has completely run out of campaign messages. Touching on the NDC manifestos he said, the NDC's peoples manifesto launched gives a clear indication that Mahama has nothing new to offer Ghanaians. He indicated that most parts of the peoples manifesto are imitations of NPPs manifesto. He is appealing to Ghanaians to renew President Akufo-Addo's mandate to make Ghana a better place to live. The Tata Motors Group global wholesales in Q2 FY21, including Jaguar Land Rover, were at 2,02,873 nos., lower by 16%, as compared to Q2 FY20. Global wholesales of all Tata Motors' commercial vehicles and Tata Daewoo range in Q2 FY21 were at 56,614 nos., lower by 29%, over Q2 FY20. Global wholesales of all passenger vehicles in Q2 FY21 were at 1,46,259 nos., lower by 9% as compared to Q2 FY20. Global wholesales for Jaguar Land Rover were 91,367 vehicles (**JLR number for Q2 FY21 includes CJLR volumes of 17,916 units). Jaguar wholesales for the quarter were 18,189 vehicles, while Land Rover wholesales for the quarter were 73,178 vehicles. **CJLR - It is a JV between JLR and Chery Automobiles and is an unconsolidated subsidiary for JLR Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nuvoola's Luke AI Health Screening and Protection solution Teledyne DALSA's Calibir GXF thermal camera is a critical component within the Nuvoola Luke AI HSP solution Teledyne DALSA's Calibir GXF thermal camera is a critical component within the Nuvoola Luke AI HSP solution WATERLOO, Ontario, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teledyne DALSA, a Teledyne Technologies [NYSE:TDY] company, and global leader in digital imaging technology, is pleased to provide its new Calibir GXF thermal camera as a critical component within Nuvoolas LUKE AI Health Screening and Protection (HSP) solution. The new Calibir GXF model is optimized for elevated skin temperature detection with measurement accuracy and thermal stability better than +/-0.3C with an external reference (as recommended by IEC80601-2-59). Like Calibir GXM models, the new GXF camera is NDAA, Section 889 compliant with IEC 80601-2-59-2017 certification pending. Nuvoolas LUKE AI Health Screening and Protection (HSP) solution is unique in using their artificial intelligence platform to screen employees, suppliers, customers and visitors in just a few seconds. The solution, which benefits from the power of Teledyne DALSA's Calibir infrared camera, includes an app that employees use to assess their health status before arriving at work, in addition to an onsite, touchless kiosk (using natural language interactions in English or French) that rapidly screens people for symptoms of COVID-19 as they enter buildings. It also includes analytics and predictive insights capabilities, meaning that it can alert on trends or changes in someones condition. We believe our system is a great way for companies to protect their employees. The threat of shut down due to employees spreading COVID-19 is real and will continue for some time, said Martin Reniere, President of Nuvoola. Our expertise in computer vision, natural language processing and speech recognition provide our LUKE AI kiosk with the ability to automate and reinforce safety measures. It is ideal for companies in manufacturing, and distribution, or other places where there is a lot of coming and going, he added. Story continues We are thrilled to play a part in the innovation Nuvoola has demonstrated with the adoption of our Calibir GXF camera in their state-of-the-art solution, commented Jean Brunelle, Product Manager at Teledyne DALSA. The accuracy and flexibility of this newest Calibir GX camera will be leveraged in this novel new health screening system. We wish them all the very best. For more information and availability please contact: Arnaud Crastes, Business Development Director arnaud.crastes@teledyne.com, +33 607 151 297 Teledyne DALSA is part of the Teledyne Imaging group and a world leader in the design, manufacture and deployment of digital imaging components for the machine vision market. Teledyne DALSA image sensors, cameras, smart cameras, frame grabbers, software, and vision solutions are used in thousands of automated inspection systems around the world and across multiple industries including semiconductor, solar cell, flat panel display, electronics, automotive, medical, packaging and general manufacturing. For more information, visit www.teledynedalsa.com/mv. Teledyne Imaging is a group of leading-edge companies aligned under the Teledyne umbrella. Teledyne Imaging forms an unrivalled collective of expertise across the spectrum with decades of experience. Individually, each company offers best-in-class solutions. Together, they combine and leverage each others strengths to provide the deepest, widest imaging and related technology portfolio in the world. From aerospace through industrial inspection, scientific research, spectroscopy, radiography and radiotherapy, geospatial surveying, and advanced MEMS and semiconductor solutions, Teledyne Imaging offers worldwide customer support and the technical expertise to handle the toughest tasks. Their tools, technologies, and vision solutions are built to deliver to their customers a unique and competitive advantage. Nuvoola is an artificial intelligence firm based in Montreal, Chambly and Ottawa, that transforms and enhances organizations by using solutions that integrate with existing infrastructure and management systems. Our LUKE AI platform uses artificial intelligence to automate and make real-time decisions, suggesting preventive actions that not only optimize but surpass operational goals. Nuvoola is a Select Consulting Partner in the AWS Partner Network (APN), providing solutions that are integrated with AWS for the supply chain, logistics and transportation industries. All trademarks are registered by their respective companies. Teledyne DALSA reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice. Media Contact: Geralyn Miller Global Media Relations 519-886-6000 ext. 2187 geralyn.miller@teledyne.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ac93ed9b-27c3-4a6e-8e67-95216a7c3102 Emily Atack poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2020 in London on February 18, 2020. (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images) Emily Atack believes the sexual harassment she receives online is "getting worse". The Inbetweeners star has said the number of sexual messages she's sent increased after she left the I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! jungle in 2018 and the content is now getting more and more concerning. Writing for Grazia, Atack claimed she once woke up to 12 messages from a 53-year-old married man who called her a "filthy sl**" and said he wanted to "impregnate her" in his explicit comments. Read more: Rihanna apologises for use of Islamic text in fashion show "My Instagram DM section has now become a realm of sexually abusive comments, pictures, videos (yes- videos!) that I have absolutely no control over. Ive tried blocking people, they create new accounts, and blocking one person doesnt stop 27 new reprobates from joining the dick pic queue," she explained. The Celebrity Juice panellist added that while she tries to laugh them off as a coping mechanism, it isn't always so easy to do so. "Ive screen-shotted a few, laughed at them with friends, shared them on my story with silly captions so we can all have a good old laugh at it. Emily Atack attends the Virgin Media British Academy Television Award 2020 at Television Centre on July 31, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) "But it's not always a joke. It seems to be getting worse, as well as noticeably more disgusting and sexually aggressive," she said. Read more: Rod Stewart says Elton John snubbed his reconciliation attempt Atack remarked that while she has reported real-life sexual harassment incidents to the police, she doesn't feel as though she can do the same when it happens online. She added that although she feels able to "get on" with life, there are women "crippled with anxiety" over lewd comments and images. Watch: Kate Robbins embarrasses daughter Emily Atack on live TV Reba McEntire is ready to go public with the new man in her life. The country music star shared on her "Living & Learning" podcast released on Monday that she has been dating actor Rex Linn, 63, who previously starred in "CSI: Miami" and most recently has been part of "Better Call Saul" and "Young Sheldon." 53rd Academy Of Country Music Awards - Red Carpet (Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for ACM) Watch TODAY All Day! Get the best news, information and inspiration from TODAY, all day long. The two have been together since meeting for dinner in January. "Then February on, it was the COVID pandemic, and we were talking, texting, FaceTime," McEntire said on the show. "And that's a really good way to get to know people." McEntire, 65, revealed last November that she and boyfriend Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo broke up in May after nearly two years together. She was previously married for 26 years to manager Narvel Blackstock, with whom she has son Shelby Blackstock, 30, before splitting with him in 2015. Linn first hinted at their budding romance in January when he posted a shot on Instagram of them together. "Had a fantastic dinner with this Oklahoma girl," he wrote. "Tater Tots and Ketchup included." "It's good to have a person to talk to, laugh with, get into subjects about what's going on," McEntire said on her podcast. "Discussions about our past, our family, funny stories, him being an actor, me being an actress. And he's very into my music. I'm very into his career. "It's just great getting to talk to somebody who I find very interesting, very funny, very smart and is interested in me, too." McEntire added that "this year's been a lot of fun" and that Linn is "a very, very sweetheart of a guy." The couple shares some southern roots, as Linn is a native Texan who spent his teens living in Oklahoma City and graduated from Oklahoma State University. McEntire is a native Oklahoman who attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University before deciding to move to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a country music career. "He's very special," McEntire said. "We're having a blast and still getting to know each other. I put myself in his shoes, and I said if he was doing this podcast and he didn't mention me, I would be crushed. "Whatever happens in the future, at this point we're very stable and it's been a good six months, and I look forward to having more things to look forward to." AVON, Conn., Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rounding out employers top five reasons for selecting a voluntary carrier are the price/value of the products offered, ease of administration for billing and service, and carrier support of claims integration across all products, according to Eastbridges The Employer Viewpoint MarketVision Report. The importance of several voluntary carrier selection criteria has increased for employers since 2016. Some of these criteria include availability of tools, calculators and benefits advice; the range of voluntary products available from the same carrier; carrier help with developing a communications and enrollment strategy; and the recommendation of the broker or agent. Whats more, other areas of carrier support became significantly more important in selecting a voluntary carrier as the size of the employer increases. Two of these areas were financial support from the carrier to build their products on my ben-admin system and the availability of a carrier website giving employees access to claims forms, status and coverage information. The Employer Viewpoint is an Eastbridge MarketVision Report. Eastbridge Information Partners as well as report sponsors have exclusive access to the MarketVision Reports. For more information regarding the Information Partner program or about Eastbridge reports, call today at (860) 676-9633, email Eastbridge at info@eastbridge.com, or visit the website at www.eastbridge.com. Eastbridge Consulting Group, Inc. is a marketing advisory firm serving companies focused on the voluntary/worksite benefits market in the United States and Canada. ROME - The coronavirus pandemic is having heavy repercussions on millions of people in Yemen, where international aid has been cut by half, while an ever-increasing portion of the population depends on this aid for survival, said Oxfam on Tuesday. It is appealing to the international community to reactivate funding, which has been reduced to 25 cents on a dollar per day for each of the 24.3 million Yemenis, compared to 46 cents per person in 2019. "The dramatic cut has caused more than a third of the UN's humanitarian programmes to be cut back, if not completely shut down, with the result that food is no longer distributed in the country and vital services to 300 health facilities have been interrupted," Oxfam said in a statement. "Even more absurd and serious in a country where the hospitals are on the verge of collapse, is that there are nearly 150,000 new cases of cholera since the start of the year and over 2,000 Covid-19 infections registered in 11 governorates, a number that is underestimated, given the almost total lack of tests," it said. "More than five years of conflict generated the worst humanitarian emergency in the world," said Paolo Pezzati, Oxfam policy advisor for humanitarian emergencies. "The exponential increase of food prices and the lack of jobs have brought 80% of the population to depend on humanitarian aid. Right now, over 20 million people don't have access to clean water and health and hygiene services, and over seven million people are on the verge of famine, including 2.1 million children and 1.2 million pregnant women," Pezzati said. Currently, the United Nations' appeal to respond to the emergency is financed at less than 40%, or 1.6 billion dollars, compared to the more than four billion allocated last year and more than five billion in 2018. All of the donor countries, including the four largest - the US, Great Britain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates - allocated less aid. "Italy, which in the conference of donor countries in June promised an increase in aid of just 160,000 euros in addition to the five million already allocated in 2019, can and must do much more," the non-profit organisation said. "It's an extremely low figure, able to provide just two months of humanitarian aid to an organisation like Oxfam in the country," it said. It said, meanwhile, "many donor countries from the start of the conflict made billions from the sale of weapons". - Sudi was arrested on September 14 and charged with incitement - He was released on a cash bail of KSh 500, 000 four days later but his security was not reinstated - The MP argued he was a public figure and feels insecure walking in public without protection PAY ATTENTION: Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.kes Patreon programme Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has filed a petition before a High Court in Nakuru seeking reinstatement of his security detail. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi addressing the press in a past briefing. Photo: Oscar Sudi. Source: Facebook The lawmaker's security was withdrawn by the state after he delivered a highly polarising public tirade that saw him arrested and charged with incitement. Sudi who was later released on a cash bail of KSh 500, 000 returned to the court on Tuesday, October 6, to challenge the withdraw of his bodyguards. The youthful legislator through his lawyer Isaac Terer argued he was an elected leader who meets the status of a public figure thus the withdraw of his security was likely to put his life in danger. The matter will be determined on Wednesday, October 7. Rabble rousing outbursts Sudi caused a stir on September 6 when he descended on President Uhuru Kenyatta and the former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta with verbal insults that portrayed the two as the source of Kenya's problems. The outspoken MP who is a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto blamed the first family for the frustrations the second in command is facing in Jubilee government. "We have a lot of pain and bitterness seeing how Ruto is being treated and humiliated by Uhuru Kenyatta. You have disrespected Ruto and the Kalenjin community. Kenya belongs to all Kenyans," Sudi ranted in a video clip that evoked emotions. Oscar Sudi leaving police cells at a Nakuru prison. Photo: Lamiso Sato. Source: UGC The sentiments rattled the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) officials who called for the arrest of the MP. Police officers went for the lawmaker at his Kapseret home but were confronted by armed youths who caused a scene for hours. Sudi later surrendered to Langas police station from where he was he airlifted to Nakuru. Presidential escort security The elite officers attached to the deputy president were arrested at Sudi's home during the fracas that ensued where the police tried to gain entrance into Sudi's home. According to the police statement that was realised thereafter, Chief Inspector Ekiru and Constables Isaack Dida and Simon Siengo were arrested in Sudis compound. Ekiru reportedly aided the lawmaker in evading police arrest. Dida and Siengo were later transferred from Eldoret to Migori county. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. Heroine ruined my life and put my children at risk - Whitney Wanjiku | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Two near-infrared composite images showing a 33 trillion-mile section of the Western Wall, a cloud of gas and dust in a star-forming region of the Carina Nebula. Each image was taken by Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan and colleagues from telescopes at the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab observatory in Chile and shows hydrogen molecules at the cloud's surface (red) and hydrogen atoms evaporating from the surface (green). The left-hand image was taken with the four-meter Blanco telescope's Wide-Field Infrared Imager in 2015. The right-hand image was taken with the 8.1-meter Gemini South telescope's wide-field adaptive optics imager in January 2018 and has about 10 times finer resolution thanks to a mirror that changes shape to correct for atmospheric distortion. (Images courtesy of P. Hartigan/Rice University) NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is still more than a year from launching, but the Gemini South telescope in Chile has provided astronomers a glimpse of what the orbiting observatory should deliver. Using a wide-field adaptive optics camera that corrects for distortion from Earth's atmosphere, Rice University's Patrick Hartigan and Andrea Isella and Dublin City University's Turlough Downes used the 8.1-meter telescope to capture near-infrared images of the Carina Nebula with the same resolution that's expected of the Webb Telescope. Hartigan, Isella and Downes describe their work in a study published online this week in Astrophysical Journal Letters. Their images, gathered over 10 hours in January 2018 at the international Gemini Observatory, a program of the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab, show part of a molecular cloud about 7,500 light years from Earth. All stars, including Earth's sun, are thought to form within molecular clouds. "The results are stunning," Hartigan said. "We see a wealth of detail never observed before along the edge of the cloud, including a long series of parallel ridges that may be produced by a magnetic field, a remarkable almost perfectly smooth sine wave and fragments at the top that appear to be in the process of being sheared off the cloud by a strong wind." The images show a cloud of dust and gas in the Carina Nebula known as the Western Wall. The cloud's surface is slowly evaporating in the intense glow of radiation from a nearby cluster of massive young stars. The radiation causes hydrogen to glow with near-infrared light, and specially designed filters allowed the astronomers to capture separate images of hydrogen at the cloud's surface and hydrogen that was evaporating. An additional filter captured starlight reflected from dust, and combining the images allowed Hartigan, Isella and Downes to visualize how the cloud and cluster are interacting. Hartigan has previously observed the Western Wall with other NOIRLab telescopes and said it was a prime choice to follow up with Gemini's adaptive optics system. "This region is probably the best example in the sky of an irradiated interface," he said. "The new images of it are so much sharper than anything we've previously seen. They provide the clearest view to date of how massive young stars affect their surroundings and influence star and planet formation." Images of star-forming regions taken from Earth are usually blurred by turbulence in the atmosphere. Placing telescopes in orbit eliminates that problem. And one of the Hubble Space Telescope's most iconic photographs, 1995's "Pillars of Creation," captured the grandeur of dust columns in a star-forming region. But the beauty of the image belied Hubble's weakness for studying molecular clouds. "Hubble operates at optical and ultraviolet wavelengths that are blocked by dust in star-forming regions like these," Hartigan said. Because near-infrared light penetrates the outer layers of dust in molecular clouds, near-infrared cameras like the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager can see what lies beneath. Unlike traditional infrared cameras, Gemini South's imager uses "a mirror that changes its shape to correct for shimmering in our atmosphere," Hartigan said. The result: photos with roughly 10 times the resolution of images taken from ground-based telescopes that don't use adaptive optics. But the atmosphere causes more than blur. Water vapor, carbon dioxide and other atmospheric gases absorb some parts of the near-infrared spectrum before it reaches the ground. "Many near-infrared wavelengths will only be visible from a space telescope like the Webb," Hartigan said. "But for near-infrared wavelengths that reach Earth's surface, adaptive optics can produce images as sharp as those acquired from space." The advantages of each technique bode well for the study of star formation, he said. "Structures like the Western Wall are going to be rich hunting grounds for both Webb and ground-based telescopes with adaptive optics like Gemini South," Hartigan said. "Each will pierce the dust shrouds and reveal new information about the birth of stars." Hartigan is a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice. Isella is an associate professor of physics and astronomy and of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences at Rice. Downes is a professor of mathematics and astrophysics at Dublin City University. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. IRVINE, California, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Agendia Inc., a world leader in precision oncology for breast cancer, announced today the availability of local testing for its CE-marked MammaPrint BluePrint Breast Cancer Recurrence and Molecular Subtyping tests, provided by PathoNext lab in Leipzig, Germany. Breast cancer patients in Germany will now have access to state-of-the art genomic profiling in their own country. The trend towards precision oncology ensures that more physicians than ever before are integrating genomic testing into their routine clinical practice. This essential information helps them to truly individualize how they manage their patients' treatment regimen to minimize unnecessary treatment, retain quality of life and ensure the best possible outcomes. MammaPrint analyzes 70 genes most associated with breast cancer recurrence to provide a binary Low or High Risk of cancer recurrence result, while BluePrint analyzes 80-genes which classify a patient's breast cancer into functional molecular subtypes. These tests have historically been perfomed via microarray at Agendia's laboratory in Irvine, California, and Agendia continues to provide a centralized testing service. However, more and more countries request local testing for reimbursement of tests. To address the specific need for testing in other countries outside of the Agendia central laboratory, the next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based MammaPrint BluePrint Breast Cancer Recurrence and Molecular Subtyping Kit has been developed. This CE-marked kit is an RNA-sequencing based version of the existing microarray-based MammaPrint and BluePrint tests. Analytical and clinical validity of the NGS-kit have been demonstrated and published in peer-reviewed journals. PathoNext in Germany will partner with Agendia to run the tests and co-partner with HiSS, Agendia's distributor in Germany. PathoNext will leverage its existing infrastructure to run MammaPrint and BluePrint in its own labs, using NGS instruments to analyze patient samples. HiSS covers a broad range of specialties, including oncology and cell biology. Both companies will work together to offer patients in Germany access to MammaPrint and BluePrint testing. Mark Straley, CEO of Agendia, commented, "We are very pleased to have our NGS-kit available in the German market. We are confident that PathoNext will deliver the same high-quality performance as they do with their other tests. Together, we will bring Agendia's high-quality testing to the nearly 25,000 women annually diagnosed with breast cancer in Germany." Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, affecting one in eight in Europe with 355,000 new cases per year. The quality-of-life and cost benefits of identifying women who may not have significant benefit from chemotherapy are considerable. Providing both centralized and decentralized testing options increases patient access to the MammaPrint and BluePrint tests. Prof. Dr. Jorg Gabert, CEO of PathoNext, added, "With the growing breast cancer burden globally, and increasing incidence of diagnoses, Agendia's MammaPrint and BluePrint are a perfect complement to our molecular pathology division. We are pleased to help breast cancer patients, both in obtaining an appropriate diagnosis, and in the choice of a fully personalized treatment." About PathoNext PathoNext GmbH is a biotechnology company which specializes in the new techniques of high throughput DNA sequencing. They are generally summarized under the term next-generation sequencing (NGS). The methods are used to identify genetic changes for the detection of relevant point mutations, insertions, deletions, translocations and microsatellite instabilities and revolutionized wide areas of pathology and oncology. Diseases can be better differentiated using NGS and the therapeutic success of medication - for example in the case of tumor diseases - can be better assessed. In addition, PathoNext is concerned with the bioinformatic evaluation of big data and the development of special gene panels for reliable detection of genetic changes. The company is accredited according to DIN ISO 17025. For information about PathoNext please visit www.pathonext.de. About HiSS HiSS Diagnostics GmbH in Freiburg, Germany with 30 years of experience as a trusted supplier of diagnostics products for oncology and molecular biology and is a long-standing distribution partner of Agendia. Previously a competent advisor for German patients regarding the realization of MammaPint and BluePrint Tests, HiSS was looking for a suitable laboratory to perform the tests within Germany and found a competent partner in PathoNext. Thus, the legal requirements for reimbursement are met. HiSS Diagnostics is accredited according to ISO 13485:2016. For more information about HiSS Diagnostics please visit www.hiss-dx.de. About Agendia Agendia is a precision oncology company headquartered in Irvine, California, committed to bringing early stage breast cancer patients and their physicians the information they need to make the most effective treatment decisions. The company currently offers two commercially-available genomic profiling tests, supported by clinical and real world evidence. MammaPrint, the 70-gene breast cancer recurrence assay, and BluePrint, the 80-gene molecular subtyping assay, provide a comprehensive genomic profile and the data physicians need to make more informed decisions in the pre- and post-operative treatment settings. By developing evidence-based novel genomic tests and conducting groundbreaking research while building an arsenal of data that will help treat cancer, Agendia aims to improve patient outcomes and support the evolving clinical needs of breast cancer patients and their physicians every step of the way, from initial diagnosis to cancer-free. For more information on Agendia's assays and ongoing trials, please visit www.agendia.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1002892/Agendia_Logo.jpg Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In a time when there is so much handwringing over the loss of control in government, a group of concerned parents garnered enough signatures to put Referendum 90 on Washington States Novembers ballot. This move by citizens allows the voters to have a say in the sexual education of the states publicly educated children. Whitney Holz of Informed Parents of Washington was overwhelmed by the support and willingness to get the needed signatures in time to make the November ballot, It was a state record during a global pandemic. If voters reject Referendum 90 then it would overrule the explicit comprehensive sexual education mandate overwhelmingly passed last March by Washingtons Democratically controlled legislature and signed into law by Democrat Governor Jay Inslee. Referendum 90 will give Washington State voters the opportunity to weigh in on the choice of how and when to teach children about sex. While it may be a bit confusing to some, this move by concerned parents, puts before the voters exactly what the legislature made into law. Voting Yes for Referendum 90 means a citizen agrees with the move to mandate comprehensive sex-education in K-12. Voting No indicates that parents and local communities should determine the timing and the best curriculum for its young students. Proponents of Referendum 90 use convincing words like age-appropriate and safe and healthy to assure parents that their children will not be exposed to information or images they arent mature enough to comprehend. The premise is that comprehensive sexual health education curriculum will allow children to have more power with their own bodies. Courtney Normand, with Planned Parenthood explains that, Knowing that private parts are private, and who are your trusted adults that you can go to. Pediatrician Dr. Grace Yelland says that young children need to learn about good touch, bad touch, so that they can be aware of sexual abuse. She said that 34% of sexual abuse occurs before the age of 12. Teaching young children about their sexuality will help fight abuse. Yelland also indicates that when tweens/teens are given cell phones, most are exposed to pornography. Children need to get fact-based sexual education so they realize, what you see in pornography is not how a relationship should be handled; this is not how it happens. Informed Parents of Washington are not against sex education in school but disapprove of the early sexualization of children. Holz encourages parents to take the time to examine the actual information that their children will be learning. She encourages parents to be partners with their school and select the best curriculum. If voters reject Referendum 90, then local school districts will have increased control over the content and the timing for sex education. Even if there are not enough votes to reject Referendum 90, parents can still opt to have their children removed from the sex education classes. Hopefully, Informed Parents of Washington will encourage citizens in other states to become active participants in the laws that impact todays students. DES MOINES Five Cedar Valley organizations were recently awarded coronavirus relief fund employer innovation grants by the state of Iowa. They include Waterloo employers UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital, $69,707; One City United, $63,997; and Hawkeye Community College, $100,000. In Cedar Falls, they include Apprenticeship America, $95,590, and Community Educational Outreach, $33,000. Grants will assist employers, nonprofits, community colleges, high schools, and private and public universities provide post-secondary training and education to Iowans whose employment has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Local awardees were among 65 across the state receiving $4.35 million in grants through the Future Ready Iowa initiative, according to a news release. State officials said the Future Ready innovation fund focuses on grassroots efforts to solve local employment challenges. Along with assisting those impacted by COVID-19, the grants are intended to help diversify the workforce. Allen Hospital intends to recruit and train 70 new patient safety technicians and nurse residents. The effort will provide additional training in crisis intervention to 100 existing team members. One City United provides job and life skills training to unemployed and underemployed Iowans facing two or more barriers to employment. With the new funding, the nonprofit will include wrap-around supports for participants while they obtain training leading to job placement in warehouses or manufacturing. Hawkeye Community College has partnered with John Deere and Waterloo Community Schools to create IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing. The program is designed with multiple stackable, industry-recognized noncredit training credentials that can be offered online, as a hybrid learning model, or in a classroom setting. The project intends to enroll 25 participants. Apprenticeship America will create an online platform that provides online pre-apprenticeship training and placement services for high-demand careers. A minimum of 21 Iowans will receive training and a stipend along with additional support services via community-based partners. Community Educational Outreach will provide access to online training, hot spots and additional support for participants as they work toward attaining certifications in high-demand fields. The Future Ready Iowa goal is to have 70 percent of Iowans in the workforce with education and training beyond high school by 2025. Approximately 60 percent of Iowas current workforce meets this education and training criteria. Go online to FutureReadyIowa.gov for more information. Architectural drawings of the planned new Cedar Falls High School Architectural drawings of the planned new Cedar Falls High School contributed Cedar Falls High School aerial drawing An architect's drawing shows a view of the planned Cedar Falls High School with a pool addition that boosters are currently fundraising for. site-plan-this The Cedar Falls High School site plan was presented to the Cedar Falls Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday. contributed New CFHS exterior entryway An architect's drawing showing the front of the planned new Cedar Falls High School. contributed New CFHS entryway and lobby An architect's drawing showing the entryway and lobby of the planned new Cedar Falls High School. contributed New CFHS learning studio An architect's drawing of a classroom, or "learning studio," in the new Cedar Falls High School. contributed New CFHS commons exterior An architect's drawing of the back exterior wall of the commons area at the planned new Cedar Falls High School. contributed New CFHS co-learning studio An architect's drawing of a "co-learning studio" in the planned new Cedar Falls High School. These flexible breakout spaces will be outside of 030720ho-cf-school-working-space A photo rendering from Invision Architecture in Waterloo shows a collaborative working space planned in the new Cedar Falls High School set to contributed New CFHS commons interior An architect's drawing of the commons area at the planned new Cedar Falls High School. contributed New CFHS gymnasium An architect's drawing of the gymnasium in the planned new Cedar Falls High School. contributed New CFHS learning wing An architect's drawing of the entryway to the "learning wing," or classroom area, of the planned new Cedar Falls High School. contributed New CFHS main corridor An architect's drawing of the main corridor at the planned new Cedar Falls High School. contributed New CFHS office An architect's drawing of the office at the planned new Cedar Falls High School. contributed Cedar Falls High School pool drawing An architect's drawing shows a view of a future pool planned for the new Cedar Falls High School. 030720ho-cf-school-front-entrance This rendering from Invision Architecture shows the planned front entrance of the new Cedar Falls High School building. 030720ho-cf-schools-lunchroon This rendering from Invision Architecture shows the planned lunchroom, now called a commons area, in the new Cedar Falls High School. Artist rendering of solar panels on new Cedar Falls High School An artist rendering of possible placement of solar panels on the roof of the new Cedar Falls High School were presented at the Cedar Falls Uti 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. Officials with the Wyoming Department of Health said that a number of concepts suggested by lawmakers earlier this year to lower the cost of prescription drugs in Wyoming including importing cheaper drugs from Canada are likely unfeasible. The long-awaited study, approved by the Legislature in the 2020 Budget Session, evaluated a number of avenues to lower the cost of prescription drugs, including the potential to purchase drugs in bulk or in conjunction with another state as a group purchasing option. While promising at face value, however, officials within the department said none of the options would work in Wyoming. This is largely due to the states small population, numerous complications in the United States menagerie of private insurers and their relationships with state and federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and preexisting problems with pharmaceutical companies themselves, including the high cost of researching and developing those drugs and the profit-driven nature of the publicly traded companies that produce them. Group purchasing, the report read, could also potentially cause some legal issues by commingling Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients. And even then, the number of clients taking advantage of those programs would be too small to make a tangible difference. Wyomings small population likely precludes it from implementing any effective state-level solutions to lower overall drug costs for payers, the report read. These drug costs are mostly the product of price negotiations between payers (or their agents) and manufacturers, and the result of those negotiations hinges on how much market leverage payers have, and how willing they are to use it. Arguably the most feasible proposal covered in the study was a plan initially sponsored by Rep. Tim Salazar, R-Riverton, in this past years legislative session to import large quantities of generic prescription drugs from Canada where costs are lower in an effort to circumvent this problem, using a similar principle to the wholesale and warehousing model already employed by the State Liquor Division. Since the Florida Legislature adopted its own version of the program in 2019, several other states have looked to importation programs as a means to get around issues in American supply chains and potentially take a bite out of the overall cost of health care. However, the report notes that prescription drug costs often constitute only a fraction of ones average personal health care costs. Though state health officials initially estimated such a plan could save the state approximately $10 million per year in meetings with lawmakers over the summer, analysts with the Wyoming Department of Health have already informed lawmakers that the proposal was unlikely to work in Wyoming due to the complex economics of the pharmaceutical industry and the inability to guarantee long-term price sustainability for those drugs. Mondays report, however, offered the first explanation of why. While the Food and Drug Administration created guidance in an effort to allow importation programs in response to the Florida legislation earlier this year, the report noted that any drug importation plan would likely run into a number of regulatory hurdles before becoming feasible, including repackaging and testing those drugs to comply with federal guidelines. States like Vermont have already drafted white papers describing that process and Wyoming, with a similar model for liquor sales, would likely have no problem adapting. The biggest problem, however, is simple economics, which has already alarmed the Canadian government to the point it strongly advised the states policy makers to not pursue the idea, saying in a letter to the Wyoming Department of Health it could potentially threaten the countrys supply of prescription drugs and, ultimately, cause the costs of prescription drugs for Canadians to increase. The reason is clear: Canadas pricing system is significantly different that of the United States, allowing the country to keep costs low. The internal pricing models of the pharmaceutical companies themselves are already subject to very little government oversight. With increased demand for the cheaper Canadian drugs, rather than more expensive American drugs, supply levels could be tightened, leading to increased demand and, therefore, higher costs. Instead of looking to importation of prescription drugs, Canadas Acting Head of Mission Kathryn Burkwell wrote, we urge Wyoming to focus on domestic solutions to address this crisis of pharmaceutical costs in the United States and in the Equality State. Wyoming, the report read, may also simply be too late to the party to see any benefit from such a program. If price differences are exploited on any kind of scale, economic fundamentals imply they will likely disappear, the report reads. Because states like Florida, Vermont and Colorado are well ahead of Wyoming in setting up drug importation programs, it is unlikely that we could exploit this kind of arbitrage for very long. With three market-based solutions off the table, the report concluded that more feasible options to lower prescription drug costs would likely need to address the realities of the market by creating incentives for physicians and pharmacies to prescribe the most cost-effective drugs possible. However, there is another solution: Most cases of high prescription drug costs, the report read, are likely due to a large number of uninsured or indigent individuals, a problem the report read could be addressed by solutions like Medicaid expansion. The likelihood of that is low, however. The Legislature twice rejected efforts to expand Medicaid in this past winters legislative session, while Gov. Mark Gordon has long expressed his opposition to expansion. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Two conservative justices mounted a fresh attack on Monday on the landmark 2015 ruling that legalized gay marriage nationwide even as the U.S. Supreme Court rebuffed a bid by a former Kentucky official to avoid lawsuits over her refusal to grant marriage licenses to two same-sex couples. The court turned away an appeal by Kim Davis, who had served as Rowan County clerk, of a lower court ruling that let the lawsuits accusing her of violating the constitutional rights of the couples proceed. In an opinion accompanying that action, Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Justice Samuel Alito, wrote that the same-sex marriage ruling, known as Obergefell v. Hodges, continues to have ruinous consequences" for religious liberty. Thomas and Alito both dissented in the Obergefell ruling. Davis may have been one of the first victims of this courts cavalier treatment of religion in its Obergefell decision, but she will not be the last," Thomas wrote. Thomas and Alito agreed on technical grounds with the decision to reject the Davis appeal. But Thomas took the opportunity to assert that the Obergefell decision has left those with religious objections in the lurch" and made it easier to label them bigots merely for refusing to alter their religious beliefs in the wake of prevailing orthodoxy." The court has created a problem that only it can fix," Thomas added. LBGT advocacy groups took those comments as an ominous sign for same-sex marriage and gay rights on a court moving further rightward. These comments made clear that the war on marriage equality, against the lives of same-sex couples, is alive and well," said Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign LGBT advocacy group. If the Senate confirms President Donald Trumps nominee Amy Coney Barrett, a favorite of Christian conservatives, the court would have a 6-3 conservative majority. With Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs death and Justice Anthony Kennedys retirement, only three of the justices who comprised the courts 5-4 majority in the Obergefell ruling still serve on the bench. Jim Obergefell, a lead plaintiff in the 2015 case, said the opinion by Thomas and Alito signaled that the justices are willing to overturn the right to same-sex marriage. It is unthinkable that Alito, Thomas and others on the Supreme Court would want to take away that right and the dignity that comes along with it," Obergefell said. The Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that Davis could be sued in her individual capacity as the former county clerk. It rejected her argument that she is protected by a legal doctrine called qualified immunity, which can shield government officials from liability in certain cases. Davis was jailed for five days for defying court orders in the aftermath of the Obergefell decision to issue licenses to same-sex couples. The couples - David Ermold and David Moore, and Will Smith and James Yates - sued Davis in 2015, accusing her of violating their constitutional right to marry as recognized in the Obergefell ruling. Both couples received licenses while Davis was jailed. In the ruling, the court found that the Constitutions guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law meant states cannot ban same-sex marriages. A number of cases have arisen around the country testing the Obergefell decisions scope and the rights of people to object to gay marriage on religious grounds. On Nov. 4, the justices are due to hear a religious rights case involving Philadelphias refusal to place children for foster care with a Catholic agency that bars same-sex couples from serving as foster parents. 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 Manali: Motorists are tunnelling their way to accidents by combining selfies with reckless driving while zooming through the 9.02-km long horseshoe-shaped Atal Tunnel, the world`s longest motorable tunnel, in Himachal Pradesh`s Kullu district. A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the tunnel, beneath the majestic Rohtang Pass on October 3, three accidents were reported with the motorists driving recklessly. WATCH | First Indian Army convoy passes through newly-inaugurated Atal Tunnel The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a wing of the Defence Ministry that excavated the tunnel at an altitude of 3,000 m or 10,000 feet with sheer hard work and determination in a decade, on Monday blamed the local authorities for not deploying the police to monitor the movement of motorists. However, with the raising of serious objections by the BRO, the state government has now deployed the police after 48 hours. BRO Chief Engineer KP Purushothaman told IANS that an official communication to provide forces to regulate the movement of the traffic was sent to the Chief Minister`s Office on July 3 and to the local administration on October 3. The letter, accessed by IANS and addressed to the Advisor-cum-Principal Private Secretary to the Chief Minister, clearly specified the requirement of police. Also, the BRO asked the civil authorities to station fire brigade personnel at the tunnel. "Three accidents were reported in a single day on October 4. The cause of the accidents was largely reckless driving," he said. He said the CCTVs recorded that a few motorists stopped their vehicles midway while crossing the tunnel to take selfies. "No one is allowed to stop the vehicle midway and no overtaking is allowed despite the tunnel being double-lane, Purushothaman added. The BRO in another missive to the local authorities on October 3, the day the tunnel was to be inaugurated, reminded them to deploy security and fire engines at the tunnel. To prevent a "lone-wolf" attack, the BRO has not allowed the movement of vehicles through the tunnel carrying inflammable items such as petroleum, oil, lubricants and liquefied petroleum cylinders and explosives. The tunnel will be closed daily for two hours for maintenance -- in the morning from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and in the evening from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. During the closure period, traffic will not be allowed beyond Dhundi, near here, from the south portal and ahead of the Chandra bridge at the north portal to avoid congestion near both the tunnel ends. The 9.2 km-long horseshoe-shaped single-tube, two-lane tunnel has been constructed under the 3,978 metre Rohtang Pass in the Pir Panjal range, some 30 km from here. The Atal Tunnel, a dream of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and named after him posthumously, has shortened the distance between Manali and Keylong, the headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti, by 46 km, reducing the travel time by nearly three hours. It has also ensured all-weather connectivity. With a maximum speed limit of 80 km per hour, the tunnel is capable to take the traffic of 3,000 cars and 1,500 trucks per day. People in the landlocked Lahaul Valley, who are largely Buddhist and earn their livelihood by growing a single crop of potatoes, peas and exotic vegetables, believe the Atal Tunnel will bring economic prosperity to the otherwise snow-bound, inhospitable region. V ictims of a disgraced Harley Street dentist who was kicked out of the profession for a catalogue of botched procedures have launched a legal bid for compensation. Fraser Pearce, 51, was left with a pierced sinus from faulty dental work by Dr Shahram Sahba, while Helen Pitt, 55, had 10,000 of veneers fitted in a negligent attempt to fix a receding gum line. Dr Sahba, who ran the Lister House Dental Clinic in Londons famous medical district, was struck off last year after his professional regulator found him guilty of more than 400 charges of misconduct, negligence, and dishonesty. A first attempt by his patients to sue for damages was blocked, as the disgraced dentist had left England and his insurers had no obligation to pay out when their client was not co-operating. Fraser Pearce Mr Pearce and Ms Pitt, represented by law firm Devonshires, are now using the Consumer Credit Act to bring fresh legal action, to get money back via the credit card transactions used to pay for the botched procedures. William Collins, a specialist medical negligence lawyer from Devonshires, called situation outrageous and called for the government to close the legal loophole. Mr Pearce, a business consultant from Sandwich, Kent, needed an operation to try to repair his sinus after work by Dr Sabha, and also discovered the dentist had applied a crown to a perfectly health tooth. I felt physically violated, he said. I was really angry as I felt like he had breached the relationship between a doctor and his patient. Helen Pitt (Submitted) Ms Pitt, who was treated by Dr Sahba for six years, may need to have her veneers replaced every ten years. She said: I was so angry as I would never have had them fitted if Id known that was the case. She added: Dentists are in a position to do serious damage to their patients, so how can it be that dentists are allowed to have insurance that is discretionary and does not protect patients? Dr Sahba, who ran his practice just off Harley Street between 2009 and 2015, did not return from Sweden for a General Dental Council disciplinary hearing last year, when he struck off the professional register. As well as botched procedures, he was found to have charged patients for work they did not receive and also lied about his qualifications. Locals in Sydney's most affluent beachside suburbs have suggested building walls to keep people out to help stem overcrowding during the summer months. Thousands of beachgoers flocked to Sydney's eastern and northern beaches across the long weekend, prompting calls from health officials to remember COVID-19 protocols. New South Wales on Tuesday recorded its 11th day without any community transmission of the deadly respiratory virus, but there are concerns large crowds gathered at beaches could be the ideal breeding ground. In one community Facebook group discussing the crowds at Balmoral Beach, one resident suggested they 'build a wall' to keep the amount of beachgoers down. There was hardly room to move on Coogee Beach as thousands flocked to the water on the 31C public holiday (pictured on Monday) Locals in Sydney's most affluent beachside suburbs have suggested building walls to keep people who live beyond Neutral Bay out to help stem overcrowding during the summer months In one community Facebook group discussing the crowds at Balmoral Beach (pictured), one resident suggested they 'build a wall' to keep the amount of beachgoers down 'We need to build a wall! No one past Neutral Bay,' one user posted in the Mosman Living group on Tuesday. Others suggested installing video cameras on days that are expected to be busy to ensure people are doing the right thing. 'Video cameras on busy days. High fines. Ranger control. People must be informed,' they said. Mosman councillor Simon Menzies has vowed to try to implement a beach management plan for the summer, particularly after beachgoers on the long weekend left rubbish behind. 'Managing waste on collection days like today is never easy. Even more bins may reduce the problem but the real challenge is getting more visitors to actually use them, rather than littering,' he said. 'At a council meeting to be held tomorrow night (Tuesday) we are discussing a summer beach management plan during the pandemic. Bondi Beach heats up as crowds descend on the famous beach during New South Wales' public holiday Monday (pictured) Electronic signs at the beach warned visitors that the allowed capacity was close to being reached (pictured at Bondi on Monday) 'I will raise the issue of waste management in the hope that some fine tuning of the system can take place to minimise the negative impacts caused by high visitor numbers.' North Cronulla beach was shut off to new visitors on Monday afternoon because the capacity under current COVID-19 restrictions had been reached. Similar threats were made at Bondi and Coogee beaches in Sydney's east, were tens of thousands of people lined the sand as the mercury soared to 31C. Lifesavers at Coogee warned beachgoers of the need to keep 1.5 metres between them and others, both in the water and on the sand. The massive crowds led to NSW Police patrolling the beaches in the early afternoon. 'If people continue to come to Bondi Beach and crowds grow further, restricted access to the sand is likely to be implemented within the next hour 2-3pm,' Waverley Council said in a statement. 'If you haven't left for the beach yet, please rethink your trip and check on capacity later in the day.' Thousands of beachgoers flocked to Sydney's eastern and northern beaches across the long weekend, prompting calls from health officials to remember COVID-19 protocols Mosman councillor Simon Menzies has vowed to try to implement a beach management plan for the summer, particularly after beachgoers on the long weekend left rubbish behind Randwick City Council, which controls Coogee and Maroubra Beaches, advised keen swimmers to make other plans. 'Many of our beaches are approaching capacity, so please make alternate plans if you're heading to our coastline,' the council tweeted on Monday. 'If you're already in the area, enjoy the warm weather at our beachside parks and reserves, or support local businesses by visiting stores in our town centres.' Despite concerns, NSW reported its 11th day with no new community transmission of COVID-19, bolstering hopes of holidays to Queensland this summer. Lifesavers at Coogee warned beachgoers of the need to keep 1.5 metres between them and others, both in the water and on the sand The welcome figures come despite fears that thousands flocking to the beach over the long weekend could be a source of coronavirus transmission. The state recorded 11 new cases of the deadly respiratory infection on Tuesday, but all new cases were found in returned travellers completing their mandatory hotel quarantine. NSW Health conducted 5,385 tests in the 24-hour reporting period to Tuesday. There are just 50 active cases in NSW, including three in intensive care, and none of the patients require ventilation. Authorities are calling on people from the Hawkesbury region and south west Sydney to seek testing after fragments of the virus were detected in the region's sewage system. Study demonstrates that RNA terminated by Hepatitis C Drug Sofosbuvir is more resistant to SARS-CoV-2 proofreader than RNA terminated by Remdesivir, and supports the use of Sofosbuvir with other antivirals for COVID-19 clinical trials New York, NY--October 6, 2020--Columbia Engineering researchers report that Sofosbuvir-terminated RNA is more resistant to the proofreader of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, than Remdesivir-terminated RNA. The results of the new study, published today by the Nature Research journal Scientific Reports, support the use of the FDA-approved hepatitis C drug EPCLUSA--Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir--in combination with other drugs in COVID-19 clinical trials. The SARS-CoV-2 exonuclease-based proofreader maintains the accuracy of viral RNA genome replication to sustain virulence. Any effective antiviral targeting the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase must therefore display a certain level of resistance to this proofreading activity. "We found that the RNA terminated by Sofosbuvir resists removal by the exonuclease to a substantially higher extent than RNA terminated by Remdesivir, another drug being used as a COVID-19 therapeutic," says the team's lead PI Jingyue Ju, Samuel Ruben-Peter G. Viele Professor of Engineering; professor of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacology; director, Center for Genome Technology & Biomolecular Engineering. The new study builds upon earlier work the researchers have conducted. Last January, before COVID-19 reached pandemic status, the team posited that EPCLUSA might inhibit SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Their reasoning was based on the analysis of the molecular structures and activities of hepatitis C viral inhibitors and a comparison of hepatitis C virus and coronavirus replication. In a subsequent study, the researchers demonstrated that the active drug Sofosbuvir triphosphate is incorporated by SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 polymerases, shutting down the polymerase reaction. Other investigators have since demonstrated the ability of Sofosbuvir to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung and brain cells; currently, COVID-19 clinical trials with a number of hepatitis C drugs such as EPCLUSA and the combination of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir (which is similar to Velpatasvir) are ongoing in several countries. Ju notes that a recent preprint from UC Berkeley indicates that a combination of Remdesivir and EPCLUSA increases Remdesivir's efficacy 25-fold in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19: "These results offer a molecular basis supporting the study of EPCLUSA in combination with Remdesivir for COVID-19 clinical trials." ### About the Study The study is titled "Sofosbuvir terminated RNA is more resistant to SARS CoV 2 proofreader than RNA terminated by Remdesivir." Authors are: Steffen Jockusch1,4,5, Chuanjuan Tao1,2,5, Xiaoxu Li1,2, Minchen Chien1,2, Shiv Kumar1,2, Irina Morozova1,2, Sergey Kalachikov1,2, James J. Russo1,2 & Jingyue Ju1,2,3 1Center for Genome Technology and Biomolecular Engineering, Columbia University 2Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia Engineering 3Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University 4Department of Chemistry, Columbia University The study was supported by Columbia University, a grant from the Jack Ma Foundation, a generous gift from the Columbia Engineering Member of the Board of Visitors Dr. Bing Zhao, and Fast Grants. The authors declare no competing interests. LINKS: Paper: http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73641-9 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73641-9 http://engineering.columbia.edu/ https://engineering.columbia.edu/faculty/jingyue-ju https://cheme.columbia.edu/ https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-02-hepatitis-drug-epclusa-potential-inhibit.html https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00392 https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.18.302398v1 Columbia Engineering Columbia Engineering, based in New York City, is one of the top engineering schools in the U.S. and one of the oldest in the nation. Also known as The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School expands knowledge and advances technology through the pioneering research of its more than 220 faculty, while educating undergraduate and graduate students in a collaborative environment to become leaders informed by a firm foundation in engineering. The School's faculty are at the center of the University's cross-disciplinary research, contributing to the Data Science Institute, Earth Institute, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Precision Medicine Initiative, and the Columbia Nano Initiative. Guided by its strategic vision, "Columbia Engineering for Humanity," the School aims to translate ideas into innovations that foster a sustainable, healthy, secure, connected, and creative humanity. The ancient port town of Elmina in Ghanas Central Region is dominated by a Portuguese-built 15th century castle. Black kites hang in the thermals above the fish market, which is confined on its northern edge by a deep channel that cuts up to a brackish lagoon fed by the Benya lagoon. Doing my best to look like a tourist, I move awkwardly through the market, shooting short clips and snapping pictures with a DSLR. A hidden camera captures the scene from a button on my shirt. Fishmongers weave through the crowds with large aluminium bowls packed with fish balanced on their heads, shushing me aside as I make my way to the quayside. There, fish are passed along chains of workers from the holds of the canoes that pack the channel. Steam rises from the bellies of the wide ocean-going canoes, where thousands of blocks of frozen fish are beginning to thaw in the morning light. These canoes do not have the equipment on board to freeze fish at sea; only industrial vessels have that capacity. They do not even have fishing nets on board. As I lift my camera to capture the scene, a man quickly bats it down. He asks who I am and what I am doing there. Delete all the pictures, he instructs. Whats happening in Elmina and in port towns up and down the Ghanaian coast is known as saiko. It began as an informal system of trading between the industrial trawlers that are licensed to fish in Ghanas waters, and the local canoes that target small open water fish, such as anchovies and sardinella. The trawlers would sometimes catch these smaller species unintentionally while targeting the high-value, export-oriented seafood they were licensed to fish. So they would freeze this by-catch and trade it with local canoe fishers for supplies: fresh water, fruit, even livestock. As the commercial species dwindled from overfishing, trawlers began to intentionally target the smaller fish on which local canoe fishers had traditionally depended and sell it back to fishing communities for profit. Eventually, as small fish populations were decimated, some of the local fishers stopped bringing nets to sea at all, and would simply meet with the trawlers, fill their canoes with frozen fish, and return to port. In time, unscrupulous businessmen began to muscle in, investing in specially-adapted canoes capable of carrying tens of thousands of kilos of fish per trip. The illegal trade boomed. Saiko is the word used by fishers to describe this illegal transfer of fish between boats (known as trans-shipment at sea). Its an industry thats worth over US$50 million annually, and its pushing Ghanas marine ecosystems to the brink of total collapse. According to recent assessments, Ghanas small pelagic fishery could collapse within five ye ars unless urgent and drastic interventions are made. As it stands, the country is now forced to import well over half of the fish consumed. The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) works across West Africa and around the world, to document illegal fishing and empower fishing communities to protect the resources that they depend upon for food and income. To date, the information gathered by EJF teams and the local communities we work with, has led to scores of official investigations , the delisting of illegal vessels, criminal charges being brought against operators, and millions of dollars of fines levied against ship owners. In Ghana, EJFs local staff and extensive network of community mobilisers, work to strengthen fisheries monitoring at a grassroots and political level. Speaking to Ekuwa, a fishmonger in the town of Ankaful to the north of Elmina, its clear what a catastrophe saiko has been. There was a lot of fish when I became a fishmonger. Then saiko came and the canoes stopped catching all kinds of fish. Saiko has destroyed our ocean. The trawlers catch all the fish meant for our husbands and use it for saiko. Ekuwas husband Kweku, a fisherman himself, is just as concerned. I am worried about my children. There wont be any fish left in the sea during their lifetime. For Ekuwa and the many thousands of women like her along Ghanas 540km coastline, fish is their livelihood. And for the many millions more who buy fresh and processed fish in Ghana, its a key source of animal protein vital for health and food security. For the industrial fleet, its a race to the bottom. Illegal fishing is systemic, and sanctions are rare, in spite of a recently improved and fairly rigid legal framework. There is an open secret in Ghanas industrial fishing industry that undermines any kind of regulatory deterrent; around 90% of trawlers are operated by Chinese companies, despite foreign ownership of vessels being banned. Most are owned by Ghanaian front companies, but the profits from their illegal fishing activities flow out of the country. This system of hidden beneficial ownership makes it almost impossible to sanction the true beneficiaries of illegal fishing. There are systems in place to try and deter illegal fishing but speaking to those on the front line of the fight to regulate the trawlers reveals deep flaws. In late January 2020 the EJF team rented a small apartment near Tema, the deep-water port where the industrial fleet is based. From here, we interviewed six fisheries observers who worked aboard Chinese-owned vessels. Kwesi was one such observer. It had taken many weeks of back and forth on WhatsApp for him to trust us enough to meet in person, and even when we met he was visibly wary. The observer program was established in 2015 to monitor the industrial fleet and was initially funded by the World Bank. Every trawler licensed to fish in Ghana was mandated to have an observer like Kwesi on board to document illegal activities. The captain sees you as a bad person... When you see certain things and you try to take pictures or video, it becomes a problem. Sometimes the captain will even try to fight you on board. The captain will say to you, I don't need you on the bridge again, walk out, out of my bridge. If you refuse, he will start pushing you. The fear among the observers we met was palpable. In July 2019, one of their colleagues, Emmanuel Essien, went missing from the trawler Meng Xin 15. Many we spoke to suspect foul play. Observers are isolated and alone when theyre on the trawlers, where the captains and senior crew are openly hostile. They are wary of reporting any illegalities they witness. Before that time [Essiens disappearance], if I was on board the vessel, I did challenge the captains, but from that time until now I don't challenge them. Because I don't know what will happen. If I'm taking a video or a picture, I'm also trying to protect myself so that nobody can see what is going on, especially the captain, I don't want him to see. If he sees something like that happening, I become disturbed. I started thinking that something can happen to me. Since World Bank funding dried up in 2018, the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA) was tasked with paying observer salaries. GITA is the industry body that represents the very vessels that the observers are placed on. Kwesi told us: Now observers are paid by the Chinese; by the captains. The captains can tell you, 'you are no good, I will not pick you for my vessel anymore', and that ends it. 'I want this observer on board, I don't want this observer'. When it comes to the reporting, if they realise that you have taken pictures or video, they will call the managers at the shore... They will then call you and say, 'ok this is what we have for you' [a bribe]. You have to say yes. If you say no Kwesi paused, looking pained. You are still at sea; you have no option. So, if you don't agree with them and they decide to do something to you at the sea, what are you going to do? They say, 'if you don't take the bribe here, your bosses will take it'. The observer program was promoted as a shining example of progressive and effective fisheries management in a region plagued by illegal fishing. This clear conflict of interest has now rendered it completely ineffective. Having documented the unloading of the frozen trawler-caught fish in Elmina, the next step was to film the trans-shipment itself. Fishing vessels of a certain size are fitted with Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) which allow for marine traffic monitoring and help prevent collisions. Months of daily satellite monitoring data gave us a good idea of where we might be able to document a saiko trans-shipment. EJFs Ocean Campaigns teams in Ghana and the UK were tracking a number of vessels that regularly moved from the deeper fishing grounds along the edge of the continental shelf to the edge of the zone reserved for small-scale fishers, around 12 nautical miles off Elmina, in the early hours of the day. They would spend a few hours within this trans-shipment zone, before heading back out to sea before dawn. Presumably, the saiko trans-shipments were taking place in this window. The team had arranged the charter of a 15m semi-industrial fishing trawler from Takoradi, a port town to the west of Elmina. After explaining our objectives to the largely disinterested captain, we loaded the camera gear onto the vessel disguised in non-descript plastic bags and waited as the crew made ready and fetched fuel. The ancient diesel truck engine below whined and turned over as a cloud of acrid smoke billowed from the exhaust above the wheelhouse, before it died completely. After an increasingly tense 30 minutes, the engineer appeared from below and declared that a spare part was needed. It would have to come from Cape Coast, 100km up the coast. We waited on board as the sun sank below the horizon of gently creaking trawlers. At around 6:30pm, the part appeared and was taken below. Just 10 minutes later, we were emerging from the flat-calm harbour mouth as the last light faded over the Gulf of Guinea. Back in Elmina, the rest of the team watched the canoe port from the hotel window at the mouth of the channel to the fish landing site. The saiko crews were busy lining canoes with thick blankets to keep the fish frozen for as long as possible on the return journey. Outboard engines with colourful handmade covers were brought out and carefully clamped to the sterns of the lumbering canoes as the crew boarded. As they set out, I got the call from the team at the hotel; we knew that saiko trans-shipments would be going ahead tonight. The sea was rough and our trawler, light without gears or catch, rose and fell heavily with the waves. The moon was full and bright, and lit the deck in front of us as a shooting star streaked slowly across the sky over the Atlantic. Gas platforms flared on the horizon. The small trawler was infested with cockroaches which scuttled into the folds of our clothing and deep into the camera bags, where I continued to find them for days afterwards. At around midnight, we began to see the lights from the trawlers in the distance. Via satellite phone, the AIS monitoring team told us they could see multiple trawlers moving towards the trans-shipment zone. At around 3am, we were approaching the closest vessel. It appeared stationary as we circled from a distance. We advanced slowly with the navigation lights off. At a hundred metres, we could discern the dark shape of a canoe tied alongside the trawler; we had arrived in the middle of the trans-shipment. We could see the chain of workers moving the blocks of fish from the hold of the trawler and into the blanket lined canoe. The rough sea made it hard to get stable shots and I braced myself in the doorway of the wheelhouse, shooting photos at the apex of the vessels swing when it was momentarily stationary. But I could not make out the vessel ID or name. I asked the captain to make one close pass to get shots of the markings and we edged closer until we could see the faces of the crew and hear them working. Now we could clearly make out the vessels IMO number (which would later give us its name: the Meng Xin 10) and see the Chinese captain under the work-light keeping count of the blocks coming up from the hold. This trans-shipment was one of hundreds that EJF estimates take place every month. During a one-month period of data collection in mid-2017, the team found that an average saiko canoe in Elmina landed around 2,400 slabs of fish (around 26.4 tonnes) per trip. In a single day, 73,000 slabs (803 tonnes) of saiko fish can be landed by over 30 canoes in Elmina alone. At least 100,000 metric tonnes of fish were landed through saiko in 2017 thats 60% of the officially recorded catch, with a value in port of over $50 million. In the past three years, EJF has submitted 35 illegal fishing or suspicious activity alerts to the Ghanaian Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD). Some are based on satellite monitoring and are harder to verify. Some are accompanied by geotagged photographs of illegal activities taking place. Government investigations are rare, prosecutions even more so. The Meng Xin 10 has not faced sanctions, despite having been documented trans-shipping illegally in Ghanaian waters. In the six years I have been travelling to Ghana to meet with fishing communities and hear from those on the front lines of this environmental catastrophe, the situation has deteriorated drastically. Fishmongers no longer see the range of species they used to. The fish they are able to get is smaller and, in the case of saiko fish, lower quality. Its never been harder to make a living as a fisher in Ghana and the future does not look promising. Unless urgent interventions are made, the ecological crisis that illegal saiko fishing is driving will have a dire human cost, as many millions of people will be at risk of losing their livelihoods and a vital source of nutrition. Writer: Tim Young, Investigative Filmmaker EJF Originally published in Issue 14 of Oceanographic . STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 17-year-old male told police that the luxury car he was driving was shot at in West Brighton early on Tuesday morning. The confirmed drive-by shooting where no one was injured occurred around 2:20 a.m. on the 100 block of Broadway near Henderson Avenue, according to a spokesman for the NYPD. The 17-year-old was behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz when an unknown individual driving a dark sedan shot several rounds at the Mercedes, the police spokesman said. The suspect fled the scene in a dark gray or black Honda Accord. The police spokesman was unable to provide a description for the suspect or information about damage to the Mercedes-Benz. SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Springboard, a mentor-guided online learning platform that prepares people for in-demand careers, today announced their annual RISE conference for 2020 to begin online Monday, October 5, and continues through Friday, October 9. The virtual conference features a broad range of speakers from big tech like Google, Netflix, and Linkedin to Fortune 500s like The Walt Disney Company and Cisco to civil rights activist DeRay McKesson. Springboard's annual RISE conference The week-long event gathers technology evangelists, professionals and others interested in learning, networking and connecting with leaders in the fields of data and design. RISE's line-up includes Dan Shapero, Chief Business Officer at Linkedin; DeRay McKesson, Co-Founder of Campaign Zero; and over 40 other experts who will speak about how to leverage relevant skills for the current times, as well as how to develop careers in tech. Springboard is doubling down on their commitment to student employability in response to the current economic downturn. RISE 2020 offers current and prospective technology professionals an opportunity to connect with employers and mentors and meet others in the industry. "We understand that now more than ever, we need to rise together to meet the challenges in the workplace and beyond. While our students learn online, what sets Springboard apart is our emphasis on human connection and support," said Gautam Tambay, CEO and co-founder of Springboard. "Rise has typically been our annual event where students can meet each other, their mentors, alumni and potential employers face-to-face, but this year we're virtual so we've expanded the event to a full week with a robust lineup of speakers and workshops, offering more ways to grow, engage and get inspired. While we'll miss sharing a physical space and handshakes and lunch, being in a virtual conference levels the playing field so many more are able to be a part of Rise this year, regardless of ability to travel, or family responsibilities." Registration for the event is $19.99, and Springboard will be donating all ticket proceeds to Code2040, a nonprofit dedicated to improving racial equity in the tech sector a cause aligned with this year's conference theme of Rising Together and Springboard's mission to transform one million lives by 2030. Since its inception, Springboard's programs were designed to be entirely online, yet heavily supported by human interactions with mentors and a network of career experts. RISE highlights this focus by bringing together students with a network of talented professionals in the same field to develop relationships and foster growth. Topics in the 25+ panels will include: Transforming Your Career for a Post-Pandemic World : Springboard CEO and co-founder Gautam Tambay speaks with LinkedIn's CBO, Dan Shapero , about the economic recovery, the post-pandemic job market and the importance of career resilience during economic downturns. : Springboard CEO and co-founder speaks with LinkedIn's CBO, , about the economic recovery, the post-pandemic job market and the importance of career resilience during economic downturns. Using Data to Drive Social Movements, Campaign Zero: Friday at 12:30 p.m. PST , DeRay Mckesson, activist and co-founder of Campaign Zero will be discussing the importance of understanding and implementing data in the pursuit of sustainable social change. Friday at , DeRay Mckesson, activist and co-founder of Campaign Zero will be discussing the importance of understanding and implementing data in the pursuit of sustainable social change. Data Science and Design Collaborations for Innovation: Utilizing design to share data can provide more impact to consumers. IDEO data scientist and designer Lisa Nash and interaction designer Takashi Wickes share what they've learned about data science and design collaborations. To learn more about Springboard RISE, please visit: learn.springboard.com/rise-2020/ About Springboard Springboard is on a mission to transform one million lives by 2030. More than 20,000 students across 100+ countries have used Springboard to advance their careers. The company offers mentor-guided online programs that empower students to shape their future. Graduates have landed jobs with employers like Microsoft, Facebook, and Boeing. Springboard has also trained corporate teams at the likes of Visa, Gusto, and The North Face. The San Francisco-based company is backed by leading venture capital firms: Telstra Ventures, Vulcan Capital, SJF Ventures, Costanoa Ventures, Pearson Ventures, Reach Capital, International Finance Corporation (IFC), 500 Startups, Blue Fog Capital, and Learn Capital. Media Contact: Jayson Lynn Ditto PR [email protected] Related Images springboard-rise-2020.png Springboard RISE 2020 Springboard's annual RISE conference Related Links Springboard RISE 2020 SOURCE Springboard Related Links https://www.springboard.com/ As the Kabul government sits down with the Taliban in ongoing peace negotiations in a day that many did not think would come, one group of Afghans in particular is watching the country's historic political journey unfold from a birds eye view. The Afghan diaspora in the United States, exiled from their nation because of war and persecution, find themselves witnessing their home country grappling with the idea of concluding nearly four decades of war in a meaningful manner. For many Afghan-Americans, the current peace talks elicit mixed feelings, concerns, and questions of legitimacy. Despite the distance from their homeland, diaspora Afghans are keen to voice their opinions on the future of Afghanistan. Many have lived their whole lives outside of Afghanistan, while others have only recently left. Baktash Ahadi, an Afghan-American in Washington D.C, was born into the war, escaped the war, and later found himself going back to the war as a combat interpreter with the U.S. Marines for three years. His biggest concern about the peace talks is the need for a comprehensive reduction in violence above anything else. Reduction of violence will do many things, Ahadi told RFE/RLs Gandhara website. It will show good will on behalf of the Taliban -- they have an interest in actual peace in Afghanistan -- [and] it will demonstrate that the Taliban leadership has command and control of their troops, which will give them true legitimacy and give the entire peace process legitimacy. A country without a sense of physical security will continue to live with a scarcity mindset, which will continue to halt human progress, including democratic values. Recounting his time as an interpreter, Ahadi says local and international interpreters sacrificed their personal safety in the hope for a conclusion in sight, which is why the current negotiations are so important. Our lives were in danger on and off the battlefield, especially if our identities were known, he said. Fortunately, I am a U.S. citizen, so I was able to come back to the United States after my service. That isn't the case for local interpreters, who risked their lives to serve the needs and interests of the U.S. government on combat missions against the Taliban and other insurgent groups across the country. He adds that he is hopeful about the intra-Afghan peace talks, which began in Doha on September 12. Every war comes to an end, he said. But others in the diaspora community arent as optimistic. Ajmal Stanikzai, a civil engineer who lives in the United States, says the talks are just for show, a cat-and-mouse game with little potential to end the bloodshed in the country. These peace talks have only strengthened the Taliban, and we will notice this strength in their spring 2021 offensive, he told RFE/RL Gandhara, referring to the beginning of the Talibans annual violent campaign, which typically sets off in April. Instead of peace talks, he says, further military action is required. The Taliban can only be defeated with brute force, he said. As long as Pakistan is allowed to harbor them, this menace will not disappear from the region. Islamabad, however, has mostly rejected claims that it supports the Taliban insurgency militarily. But in March 2016, Sartaj Aziz, Pakistani PMs foreign affairs adviser, said his country had considerable leverage over the Taliban because its leaders lived in the country. In a recent op-ed, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed full support for the Afghan peace process. Pakistan will continue to support the Afghan people in their quest for a unified, independent and sovereign Afghanistan that is at peace with itself and its neighbors, he wrote in the Washington Post. Protecting Rights Lida Azim is the co-founder of the Afghan Diaspora for Equality and Progress, a grassroots nonprofit in the United States that aims to empower young Afghans toward a more equitable future. She says she and her organization are particularly concerned about the rights of the most vulnerable people amid the talks in Doha. We are particularly worried about the protection and rights of women, minorities, and people with disabilities, she told RFE/RL Gandhara. The first step toward securing rights and protections for these groups is having meaningful representation at the negotiating table, which is not currently happening. Azim says that if they are willing and active in the process, Afghans abroad are uniquely positioned to effect change in the peace agenda. Afghan-Americans have a responsibility to use their position in the diaspora and as citizens of the U.S. to leverage and pressure their representatives and politicians on behalf of Afghans in the homeland whose voices are silenced or sidelined, she said. It is important to uplift the voices on the ground, to ensure a seat at the table, and guarantee any peace is led and owned by the Afghan people themselves, not the United States, not the Taliban, she added. Azim says true peace can only be achieved alongside justice. Afghans have seen conflict and violence for far too long now, including a failed 19-year American occupation that contributed to that violence, she said. We believe in a peaceful resolution of the conflict that is led and owned by the Afghan people. Any other outcome imposed by the Taliban or the West will not be legitimate or address the grievances of those most affected by violence, including the Hazaras and the dwindling Sikh population in Afghanistan. Afghans began to migrate to the United States in large numbers during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. Washington then supported and celebrated the Islamist mujahedin as freedom fighters for taking on the Red Army. But the 9/11 attacks by Al-Qaeda once again drew the United States into another Afghan war with the avowed aim of replacing the hard-line Taliban Islamist regime with a pluralistic democracy. This prompted many from the diaspora to return to Afghanistan. Current Afghan President Ashraf Ghani renounced his U.S. citizenship to run in the 2009 presidential election. These days, the global dialogue around Afghanistan has largely shifted, and peace has become the new buzzword. Kabuls ongoing negotiations with the Taliban represent a new chapter for the country, and Afghans abroad are witnessing the process with desperation, hoping that perhaps one day they can return to a safe and prosperous nation that they were forced to abandon years ago. How to protect yourself from the risks of a cashless future COVID-19 has caused a radical shift in the way millions of Americans do their shopping. Online buying has become more popular than ever especially among bargain hunters and visiting a brick-and-mortar store now requires a slew of safety measures, from mandatory masks to 6-foot spacing. The way we pay for goods and services also is changing during the pandemic. Although its illegal in some parts of the U.S. to refuse legal tender (including in the states of New Jersey and Massachusetts, and the cities of San Francisco and Philadelphia), lots of businesses across the country have stopped accepting cash, to help reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus. And, many consumers expect cashless transactions will become the new normal. Nearly half (49%) of respondents in a recent survey done by Travis Credit Union said theyd like to see cash phased out permanently after the pandemic, and 69% said they foresee a completely cashless future. What if youre not ready to let go of bills and coins? Going cashless is not without its concerns. But the biggest pitfall of switching to contactless payments can be avoided with the help of a simple tool. The price of going cashless Sergey Nivens / Shutterstock On the surface, the shift away from cash may seem like a no-brainer, especially as COVID cases continue to spike. However, while contactless payments may make you feel better about your personal safety, they may raise concerns about the safety of your personal information. Travis Credit Unions survey found 7 in 10 respondents were worried about potential privacy breaches when using a digital payment method, and 61% of those who didnt make digital payments cited privacy or trust issues as their reason for avoiding them. And not without good reason: 8.4 billion records were left exposed by cybercriminals in the first quarter of 2020 alone, according to the analytics firm Risk Based Security. But if youre worried about risks that cashless payments might pose, theres a simple way you can protect your sensitive data when you shop online: by using a virtual card. Story continues How to spend securely in a cashless world MaximP / Shutterstock Virtual cards let you conceal your real credit card number and contact information every time you shop online. Instead, a temporary, disposable number is generated for each transaction. With a browser extension called Privacy, you can create virtual cards on your computer, tablet or smartphone with just one click. Not only will your personal info be protected from scammers and data breaches, but youll also be able to avoid being charged for subscription services you dont want. If you sign up for a free trial of a streaming service using a virtual card, you can simply disable the card before your trial period ends, and the subscription wont be able to auto-renew. Privacy uses state-of-the art data encryption and follows the same security standards as all the big banks, so you can feel confident about its safety. Its also free to use, and takes only a few minutes to install. If youre planning to go cashless, Privacy can help safeguard your data. Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2020) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Auryn Resources (TSX: AUG) (NYSE American: AUG) ("the Company") after the completion of its successful shareholder vote in support of spinning out Auryn's Peruvian projects to shareholders, acquiring Eastmain Resources and renaming as Fury Gold Mines ("Fury"), a Canadian-focused gold exploration and development company. The vote also approved of a C$23M financing for Fury, which will fund the inaugural 50-thousand-meter drill program planned to commence in November at the newly acquired Eau Claire project in Quebec. Auryn's Executive Chairman and Director, Ivan Bebek, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly. "What we've just announced is that we are splitting Auryn into three companies, and we are taking over Eastmain," shared Bebek. Auryn entered into an agreement at the end of July to acquire Eastmain Resources in an all-share deal set to close on October 9, 2020. "Auryn is going to change its name to Fury Gold Mines [and] it's going to be led by a CEO of the name Mike Timmins," he added. Timmins formerly worked at Agnico Eagle as the VP of Corporate Development and has a similar vision for the growth of Fury, which Bebek says will begin trading as soon as next week. "The other two entities will be Sombrero Resources and Tier One Metals," said Bebek, speaking of the two companies spinning out from Auryn and holding the Peruvian assets. "For Sombrero Resources I'll be the CEO and for Tier One Metals I'll be the Chair," he added. "Sombrero's focus will be on the big gold and copper district we haveA once in a lifetime chance we're describing to go find one of the world's largest copper discoveries in Southern Peru," said Bebek, before elaborating on the potential of the project. He then shared that Sombrero Resources should be able to secure drill permits in Q1, and investors can expect to see Sombrero trading at that time as well. Bebek then expanded on Tier One Metals, including the potential of multi-kilo silver discoveries. "In the spirit of wanting more for shareholders, we've identified a couple of other assets that are silver and gold acquisitions that we want to go and pursue before Tier One Metals resumes trading, which is expected in February of 2021," shared Bebek. "It's a pretty awesome transformation event." "When can investors take advantage of this deal?", asked Jolly. "Our personal advice to ourselves and our friends and family is to buy shares prior to the spin out so that you get all three. The last day that we are aware of to do that is by the end of business this Thursday, October 8th," explained Bebek. "What do you think this deal is going to create for the shareholders?", asked Jolly. Bebek elaborated on the potential of the Company's divisions, "Ultimately, yes, I'm saying that all three companies should add up to 3x Auryn's value by the time they get trading." The conversation then turned to the Company's strategy for Fury Gold Mines Limited. "I would have to go with drilling first," said Bebek. "The 50,000-meter drill program that we're starting on November 1st is going to be substantial," he continued, noting that the project currently represents a 1.1-million-ounce deposit. "With this program, our goal is going to be to see if at the very least we can double it, which would be a tremendous value to shareholders," said Bebek. "Fury is going to become a drilling company essentially." To close the interview, Bebek expressed his confidence in the Company's potential and value as they reorganize at the beginning of a bull market. "I think investors should take away the chance of a lifetime for us to create substantial shareholder value going forward," said Bebek. To hear Ivan Bebek's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7698940-auryn-resources-discusses-upcoming-reorganization-into-three-companies-acquisition-of-eastmain-r. Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/. About Auryn Auryn Resources Inc. is a technically-driven, well-financed junior exploration company focused on finding and advancing globally significant precious and base metal deposits. Auryn built a portfolio of six projects in Canada and Peru containing gold, silver and copper resources and exploration targets. On July 29, 2020, Auryn announced its intention to spin out its Peruvian assets into two new companies and acquire Eastmain, creating a Canadian gold-focused exploration and development company to be renamed as Fury Gold Mines Limited. Auryn's two flagship Canadian properties are the Committee Bay gold project in Nunavut and Homestake gold project in British Columbia for which an amended preliminary economic assessment was filed effective June 24, 2020. Upon closing of the Transaction, Fury Gold's three core assets will comprise of Eau Claire in Quebec, Committee Bay and Homestake Ridge. Auryn shareholders, invested prior to the completion of the Transaction, will become shareholders of Fury Gold and will also receive shares in the two new Canadian spin out companies, one holding the Sombrero copper-gold project, and the other holding both the Curibaya silver-gold project and Huilacollo gold project. Auryn's technical and management teams have an impressive track-record of successfully monetizing assets for all stakeholders and local communities in which it operates. Auryn conducts itself to the highest standards of corporate governance and sustainability. For more information on Auryn and the Transaction, please visit www.aurynresources.com. Forward-Looking Information and Additional Cautionary Language This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking information is information that includes implied future performance and/or forecast information including information relating to or associated with the Transaction, including the approval of the Transaction at the Meetings and the benefits of the Transaction. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different (either positively or negatively) from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers should refer to the risks discussed in Auryn's Annual Information Form and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2019 and subsequent continuous disclosure filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators available at www.sedar.com and Auryn's registration statement on Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and in Eastmain's continuous disclosure filings available at www.sedar.com. Contacts Auryn Resources Natasha Frakes Manager of Corporate Communications 778-729-0600 info@aurynresources.com About The "Stock Day" Podcast Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America. Stock Day recently launched its Video Interview Studio located in Phoenix, Arizona. SOURCE: Stock Day Media (602) 821-1102 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/65326 ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ESAC, Inc. is pleased to announce that it was awarded a 5-year, $24M contract to continue supporting the Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs) Standards and Resource Center by CMS. ESAC is teamed with partners Battelle, Mathematica, Dynamic Content Group, and Mettle Solutions. The work includes providing support for existing clinical quality measurement standards for reporting, transitioning to new standards, as well as maintaining the eCQI resource center - a 'one-stop shop' for all eCQM related information. eCQMs use data electronically taken from electronic health records (EHRs) and health information technology systems to measure the quality of health care provided. CMS uses eCQMs in quality reporting and other value-based programs. "The ESAC team shares CMS' goals of improved health outcomes using eCQMs," said ESAC President, Anand Basu. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with CMS." "This is an important initiative for CMS and for the greater healthcare community," said ESAC Project Manager, Traci Psihas. "We have a strong, hardworking team committed to advancing the use of eCQMs and we are thrilled to continue support of it." According to Michael Holck, Vice President of Software Engineering at ESAC, the eCQM Standards are evolving to support increased interoperable data exchange between payers and providers to facilitate improved quality of care. "It is very satisfying being a part of an effort that applies technology to improve healthcare," he said. ESAC, Inc. provides research data management, bioinformatics, and healthcare information technology solutions for government, commercial and academic clients. We are dedicated to improving human health and the healthcare experience worldwide through our expertise in life sciences, engineering, research, and medicine. Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, we are committed to delivering advanced technological solutions and scientific expertise. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Eleni Antoniou at 301.979.7444 or [email protected]. LinkedIn: @ESAC, Inc. Twitter: @ESAC, Inc. SOURCE ESAC, Inc. A Bethlehem man says his obsessive compulsive disorder led to an out-of-control fire in his city apartment that resulted in an officer rescuing a woman and her three children from flames and smoke, police said. Joseph Matacavage, who lives on the second floor of 125 E. Third St., reportedly told police he cleans items he has touched with a cigarette lighter, and has used that method for more than 10 years. This, even after previously causing a fire in his apartment where he was burned, police said. Matacavage stated that he knew what he was doing was dangerous but could not help himself, police said in court records. Matacavage is facing a handful of charges stemming from the Saturday afternoon fire at the apartment building, including arson, reckless burning and causing a catastrophe. Matacavage was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest after the blaze for treatment of smoke inhalation, and was then arraigned Sunday and sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail. Bethlehem police officer Matthew Steidel was stopped at East Third and Webster streets when he smelled smoke and was told by people on the street there was a fire at 125 E. Third St. Heavy smoke was coming out of a second-floor apartment, and Matacavage was standing in a common area by the main entrance, police said. The officer asked Matacavage what started the fire, and he reportedly said, Me. Steidel was told people were possible trapped on the third floor. The officer went to the back of the building and climbed steps to the third floor to find heavy smoke, flames and a woman and her three children, ages 7, 6 and 3, police said. The officer helped get the family out and to a safe area, police said. Authorities say the fire started in the living room of Matacavages second-floor apartment, moved to the bathroom and then spread to the third floor. Firefighters found numerous plastic bottles and containers, as well as charred paper and other items in his home. The drop ceiling was completely burned away, police said. In an interview at the hospital, Matacavage said on Saturday he was using a lighter to clean a six-pack of water bottles that were wrapped in plastic. The plastic was melting and dropping to the floor, where it ignited papers and other discarded items, police said. The fire got bigger, and Matacavage tried to extinguish it with his bare feet, police said. He also tried to carry some of the burning debris to the bathroom, but this caused other items to ignite, police said. For 10 minutes Matacavage tried to put out the fire, police said, before calling 911 and yelling fire in the hall, police said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Episcopal Church panel rules against bishop who banned gay marriage in diocese: He 'violated canon law' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A disciplinary panel of The Episcopal Church has ruled that a bishop who refused to allow the blessing of same-sex marriages in his diocese violated canon law. Bishop William Love of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany was punished last year with a restriction on his ministerial duties after he refused to allow same-sex marriages in his diocese. Love had refused to allow for the enforcement of Resolution B012, a measure passed in 2018 requiring that all Episcopal dioceses allow for the blessing of same-sex unions. A Title IV Hearing Panel, which focuses on issues of ecclesiastical discipline when a clergy is accused of misconduct, released a unanimous opinion last Friday finding Love guilty. Loves actions in issuing a Pastoral Direction to his clergy that they refrain from performing same-sex marriages violated the Discipline and Worship of the Church as Bishop Love promised in his ordinal vows. His actions, therefore, constitute a breach of Canon IV.3.2(a), ruled the panel. The panel added that Resolution B012 allowed for bishops and clergy who oppose same-sex marriage to be exempted from blessing such unions, as long as a replacement could be found. Importantly, an accommodation is offered to diocesan bishops who oppose same sex-marriage to invite another bishop into the diocese to provide pastoral support for same-sex couples who seek to be able to utilize the rites in their local congregation or worshipping community, continued the panel. Depriving same sex couples of access to matrimony materially and substantially impacts their spiritual, emotional and physical well-being as people of God. The expression of love changes dramatically when it is recognized, welcomed and witnessed. The loss of a public ceremony impacts the couple, the family and friends and the community. In a letter sent to his diocese on Monday, Love said he was very disappointed and strongly disagree with the Decision of the Hearing Panel. Unfortunately, given the nature of this case, I have no reason to believe that appealing the Hearing Panels Decision would result in any different outcome, wrote Love. Love went on to note in his letter that an additional hearing will take place within the month regarding the terms of discipline to be carried out. Whatever the final outcome, it will severely impact not only me and the ministry entrusted to me as Bishop of Albany, but it will also seriously impact the life and ministry of the Diocese. I continue to pray that somehow God will use all of this for His purposes, he continued. In response to the decision, Jeff Walton of the theologically conservative Institute on Religion and Democracy wrote a blog post that quoted theologian Richard John Neuhaus. Where orthodoxy is optional, orthodoxy will sooner or later be proscribed, read the Neuhaus quote. Orthodoxy, no matter how politely expressed, suggests that there is a right and a wrong, a true and a false, about things. When orthodoxy is optional, it is admitted under a rule of liberal tolerance that cannot help but be intolerant of talk about right and wrong, true and false. It is therefore a conditional admission, depending upon orthodoxys good behavior. In July 2018, the Episcopal Church General Convention passed Resolution B012, mandating that all dioceses must bless same-sex unions, even ones where leadership objects. In addition to the Diocese of Albany, the new resolution impacted the dioceses of Dallas, Texas; North Dakota; Springfield, Illinois; Tennessee; the U.S. Virgin Islands; the Diocese of Florida, and the Diocese of Central Florida. In November 2018, Love sent out an official letter stating that same-sex weddings were not going to be allowed in his diocese in spite of Resolution B012. "Jesus is calling the Church to follow His example. He is calling the Church to have the courage to speak His Truth in love about homosexual behavior even though it isn't politically correct," Love wrote at the time. "Sexual relations between two men or two women was never part of God's plan and is a distortion of His design in creation and as such is to be avoided." In January 2019, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry officially restricted Loves ministry, preventing him from enforcing his opposition to the resolution. A Title IV Hearing Panel regarding whether Love was rightfully restricted in his ministry was held in June via online teleconference, centered exclusively on whether his actions violated canon law. Paul Cooney, who represented The Episcopal Church, explained to the hearing panel in June that Love was obligated to follow the new resolution. Canon 118 provides that wherever permitted by secular law and the dioceses of The Episcopal Church, opposite sex and same-sex marriage both may be solemnized by Episcopal clergy, argued Cooney. We contend that the Albany marriage canons limitation of access to holy matrimony to couples who are a man and a woman is in conflict with the standard of access in Canon 118. Image President Trump announced Tuesday that he was ending talks with Democrats on a stimulus bill. Credit... Michael A. McCoy for The New York Times As the coronavirus upended the top echelons of the U.S. government on Tuesday leaving President Trump convalescing in the White House, the Capitol eerily empty after lawmakers tested positive and most of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in quarantine the president abruptly ended talks on a stimulus bill intended to shore up the nations pandemic-stricken economy. Mr. Trumps announcement Tuesday that he was ending talks with Democrats on the bill, which aimed to send more aid to Americans grappling with high unemployment and to help state and local governments stay afloat as tax collections plummet, sent the stock market sliding. It came after Jerome H. Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, warned that failing to inject more federal help into the economy would risk weakening the tenuous recovery. In multiple tweets later Tuesday, Mr. Trump appeared to backtrack on his assertion that an agreement would wait until after Election Day, at one point urging both chambers to IMMEDIATELY Approve a lapsed loan program for small businesses, funds to prevent airlines from furloughing or laying off workers and another round of stimulus checks. It was unclear if his tweets, which came after stocks fell, reflected a willingness to restart negotiations with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Both provisions have bipartisan support, but several lawmakers have pushed for them to be included in a broader package. Taken together, the events showed the extent to which the coronavirus is continuing to dominate life in America with less than a month to go before the presidential election. The outbreak at the White House has raised concerns in the city that surrounds it. New cases are surging in the upper Midwest. The average of new reported infections across the country is creeping up again, after a late-summer decline. In New York, which was the center of the pandemic early on but has since seen a marked decline in cases, several worrisome outbreaks led Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to temporarily close nonessential businesses and schools in some parts of New York City and its northern suburbs. And Mr. Trump, who left the hospital to convalesce at a White House that has become a virus hot spot, announced on Twitter that he wants to face off against his opponent, Joseph R. Biden Jr., in person next week when he could still be contagious. Mr. Trump said he planned to attend the debate in Miami, which is scheduled for Oct. 15. It was unclear if the debate commission would permit the debate to go ahead, given his illness, or whether Mr. Biden would agree to share the stage with him. And as both campaigns prepared for a vice-presidential debate on Wednesday, aides to Vice President Mike Pence raised objections to plans to put plexiglass dividers between him and his opponent, Senator Kamala Harris of California. Mr. Biden, in a speech in Gettysburg, Pa., where a Civil War battlefield serves as a symbol of a country divided against itself, called for national unity and said that what were experiencing today is neither good nor normal. Facebook removed a post from Mr. Trump on Tuesday that violated its policy against sharing misinformation about the virus, one of the few times that the social network had taken down one of his posts. In Mr. Trumps message, he falsely suggested that the flu was deadlier than the coronavirus. And hopes that a new vaccine could be authorized by Election Day which Mr. Trump has relentlessly pushed for faded after the Food and Drug Administration released updated, stricter guidelines for vaccine developers. The guidelines had been blocked by White House officials, including Mark Meadows, the chief of staff. In pulling the plug until after the election on talks for a new bill to send aid to needy Americans, Mr. Trump accused Ms. Pelosi in a tweet of not negotiating in good faith and urged Senate Republicans to focus solely on confirming his nominee to the Supreme Court in the coming weeks. Mr. Trump said that he had instructed Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, to stop negotiating, sending the S&P 500 down as much as 1 percent in the immediate aftermath of his tweet. It had been up more than half a percent in the moments before. The index closed down 1.40 percent for the day. Our Economy is doing very well, Mr. Trump tweeted as the market fell. The Stock Market is at record levels, JOBS and unemployment also coming back in record numbers. We are leading the World in Economic Recovery, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Mr. Biden countered on Twitter that the President has turned his back on you. Mr. Trump was recovering in the White House residence, as a number of advisers and other officials stayed home, because they had either contracted the coronavirus or been near people who had. Image The White House press briefing room. Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times On Tuesday night, senior administration officials confirmed that Stephen Miller, Mr. Trumps top speechwriter and policy adviser, had tested positive for the virus. The Capitol, normally a beehive of a workplace for 535 legislators and thousands of staff members, was eerily empty on Tuesday after Senate leaders agreed to adjourn for two weeks beginning Monday, even as Republicans were trying to fast-track Judge Amy Coney Barretts nomination to the Supreme Court. More than 40 senators, along with more than a dozen congressional aides and reporters, have been tested for the coronavirus since late last week, officials said on Tuesday. Three Republican senators Mike Lee of Utah, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin have tested positive in recent days. At the highest level of the military, Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and several of the Pentagons most senior uniformed leaders were quarantining after being exposed to the coronavirus, a Defense Department official said Tuesday. The official said that almost the entirety of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including Gen. James C. McConville, the Army chief of staff, was quarantining after Adm. Charles Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, tested positive for the virus. Inspection videos for the 237 Hanover Shoe Farms yearlings that will be selling at the Standardbred Horse Sale in Timonium, Maryland are now being posted. The videos can be found both on the farm website (www.hanoverpa.com) and the sale company website (www.theblackbook.com). The inspection videos will feature each yearling walking, as well as stationary views from the front, each side and behind. In addition, the approximate height and length of each yearling will be displayed on their video. As is always the case, Hanover encourages and welcomes your visit to the farm. The yearlings are available for your inspection now and will remain available every day except Sundays until Saturday, October 31. After a day off for shipping, inspections will resume at the fairgrounds in Timonium on Monday, November 2. Please call or text Dr. Bridgette Jablonsky at 717-578-7395 for a farm appointment (she can also be reached at [email protected]). No appointment is necessary to inspect the yearlings at the sale. (Hanover Shoe Farms) Ford F-150 With 3.5Liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid Powertrain The 3.5-liter PowerBoost in the 2021 Ford F-150 is the only full hybrid powertrain available in a pickup and the only one Built Ford Tough; generating 430 horsepower and 570 lb.-ft. of torque, it can tow up to 12,700 pounds The PowerBoost hybrid is tested to the extreme standards the rest of the F-150 powertrain lineup endures; engineers punished the all-new F-150 PowerBoost in grueling real-world proving grounds and laboratory conditions A special laboratory test rig was specifically built to abuse the 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery used in the PowerBoost system, simulating 10 years of pummeling in just 82 hours DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 6, 2020 The all-new 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid powertrain is available in the all-new F-150 and is the only full-hybrid powertrain available in a pickup. PowerBoost was created by the Ford team to deliver years of dependable, hardworking service with 430 horsepower 570 lb.-ft of torque - the most torque ever in an F-150. Just because its a hybrid doesnt mean we treated PowerBoost with kid gloves, said Craig Schmatz, F-150 chief engineer. To earn Built Ford Tough certification, PowerBoost went through the torture testing we put all of our powertrains through. No F-150 powertrain gets a pass, we have one standard for quality and durability. The full hybrid powertrain is the most powerful engine in the all-new F-150 lineup, delivering 430 horsepower and 570 lb.-ft. of torque. To prove it will deliver the long-term performance customers demand, it also had to pass the same tests all other F-150s must complete. Tests included towing fully loaded trailers over desert mountain passes in 100-plus degree temperatures, withstanding punishing terrain off-road, conquering frozen tundras, and enduring high-humidity chambers, salt baths and roads designed to destroy. Engineers added a unique durability test specifically for PowerBoost. Ford built a custom testing machine using multi-axis hydraulic actuation to violently shake the powertrains 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery simulating conditions like hitting the harshest of potholes and washboard roads, then subjecting it to even more daily abuse. Putting the battery through just 82 hours on this machine is the equivalent of 10 years of life. This thing is like a mechanical bull on steroids, said Jack Parnoutsoukian, high-voltage application engineer. In combination with the modular hybrid transmission, the battery enables the operation of Pro Power Onboard to deliver a standard 2.4 kilowatts of exportable power or available 7.2 kilowatts 18 times more power than what the nearest competitor can manage. That was in addition to the battery of Built Ford Tough testing that spans America. For instance, Davis Dam in the Mojave Desert of Arizona is a massive 11.4-mile slope that climbs 3,500 feet with an average 6 percent grade and harsh heat. It is one of the toughest places in the United States to test towing performance. PowerBoost trucks loaded to the maximum available tow rating of 12,700 pounds climbed and descended the Davis Dam pass over and over and over again to prove the full durability of the engine, modular hybrid transmission, cooling systems and towing technologies. At the Ford Michigan proving grounds, PowerBoost was tested on road surfaces too punishing for test drivers. Robots repeatedly drove PowerBoost over a continuous series of man-made potholed and grooved roads at the unique Silver Creek test course. Silver Creek includes a dozen distinct types of metal-edged chuckholes repeated for almost a quarter mile. Fully loaded to the maximum available payload of 2,120 pounds, PowerBoost successfully ran the course hundreds of times. It also proved itself against the extreme inclines of the proving grounds, on high-speed ovals, and in water intrusion events. Part of pushing F-150 to the extreme means putting it through punishing off-road adventures, so engineers traveled to the unrelenting terrain of the Anza-Borrego Desert in Southern California. By subjecting PowerBoost-equipped trucks to mountainous sand dunes, slippery and jagged rocks, high-speed trails and mud walls, engineers ensured the hybrid system can deliver the power and capability F-150 owners need for work or recreation. The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall. It is proudly built and assembled in America at Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri. Statistics and Research Methods We offer statistical consulting to researchers, faculty and student involved in research at Boston College. We provide consultation on all aspects of data collection, analysis and interpretation. We seek to promote high-quality use of statistical methods and presentation of data in grant proposals, manuscripts, and dissertations. We recommend that you contact us at the very earliest stage of your research. We aim to play an effective role as a member of your research team. We can assist in the following areas: Grant Preparation This is an important and valued part of our mission to aid in high-quality research at Boston College. Our staff includes statisticians that have been funded currently and in the past by the NIH. Grant Preparation is in iterative process between the statistician and principal investigator and therefore we recommend contacting us in the early stages of your grant preparation. For grant submissions we provide power analyses, experimental design, and data analysis plans written by our statisticians. We also provide grant review for proposals. We can also provide statistical services once your grant in funded and our statisticians can be listed as co-investigators or key personal. Data Management We provide guidance on all aspects of data management. This includes the development of Case Report Forms, data structures, and coding of data appropriate for your analysis. Our goal is to ensure that you collect data in a meaningful way so that your research questions can be properly analyzed. In modern studies data cleaning should be minimized by effective data gathering. We also provide assistance with popular data capturing software. Currently we specialize in Qualtrics and REDCap. Experimental Design We assist in the effective collection of your data, designing the experiment to minimize bias. We aid with randomization procedures and guide you regarding the most appropriate statistical methodology. Data Analysis and Statistical Modeling Through our professional statisticians and statistically strong graduate students we are qualified to provide you with consultation and guidance. Our aim is to be current with all modern statistical methods while providing aid with standard procedures. We will discuss your data, experimental design, and research questions so we can provide you a data analysis plan. After your data is analyzed we will help with the interpretation of results so that you can report your findings responsibly and accurately. For larger datasets we will work with members of the Research Services on the use of the Linux cluster for analyses that are computationally intense. After your data has been analyzed we will assist you in presentation of the data for the manuscripts, posters, and dissertations. Our statisticians can write or aid in the writing of methods and results sections. We will help and offer advice on graphical presentations of your data and findings. We hope to work with you to produce publication level graphics. We can work with graduate students to review their dissertations so that they report statistical analysis reports accurately. Software Support Our staff has expertise in several statistical software packages. This include R, SAS. SPSS, Matlab, Stata, and Excel. We have some knowledge of other software as well. We can answer your questions and provide support on the use of these programs. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has allocated 30,000 of EU funding to a cross-community project aimed at "redressing and challenging the legacy" of a nationalist who supported slavery. A statue in Newry of John Mitchel, who was associated with the Young Ireland movement and was also in support of the US slave trade in the 1800s, was at the centre of controversy in June this year. In response to the Black Lives Matter campaign, petitions were launched, receiving over 1,200 signatures from the local community, calling for the statue to be removed and the street in which it sits, John Mitchel Place, to be renamed. The noted nationalist was originally from Dungiven but later lived in Newry, where his father, also called John, was a Presbyterian clergyman. Expand Close John Mitchel / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John Mitchel He wrote for a number of nationalist publications, such as the Nation and the United Irishman, most significantly on the Famine, as well as a number of journals which were praised by Patrick Pearse. After being convicted of treason in 1848, Mitchel was exiled to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania), from where he escaped to the US, where he was a supporter of the pro-slavery Confederate states. Two of his sons died fighting for the Confederacy in the American Civil War. The Co Down council has now responded to the controversy surrounding Mitchel and tendered for an education programme which is set to include a number of workshops, the production of a virtual exhibition detailing his life and legacy and the production of a new interpretative panel to be placed close to the statue, which is to remain where it is. The tender outlines that the council wants to "provide a means of expression for the Black Lives Matter campaign supporters throughout the council area". The programme is being designed specifically to investigate and address the sensitive and controversial issues raised by Mitchel's life. It will also "inform the public and the council on the way forward when it comes to dealing with these controversial issues and the legacy of John Mitchel in the area." CASS CITY Developing a canoe and kayak launch site in the Cass City area is being pitched again. Cass City resident Nancy Barrios, who is a former Cass City Village Council trustee, sent a letter to the Novesta Township Board of Trustees about the poor condition of a former dumpsite and how it would make a perfect launch site for watercraft. She included photos of debris on the former dump site located at the forks of the Cass River East of Cemetery Road on Elmwood Road. She included information showing the dump has been an eyesore for decades, as well as several news articles. One was a December 1968 editorial recommending the village clean up the site, and the other was a copy of the May 1970 photograph that showed Lyle Clarke, a retired Cass City ag teacher, and a group of FFA members who were proposing a clean up of the site for a riverside park. Its been over 50 years since those individuals brought the issue to light; yet, the site remains untouched with what appears to be a 50 gallon metal drum, coiled wire, a hot water heater, metal debris and trash on the surface with broken glass, tires, and other debris which have fallen into the river during periods of high water over the years, explained Barrios. It was also pointed out the village dumpsite on Koch Road in the township was properly closed in the 1980s. For whatever reason, the dumpsite along the Cass River was left untouched, she said. Barrios and Lyle Clarke, who was in that 1970 photo and now in his 90s, attended the village parks and recreation meeting Aug. 26, along with former township Supervisor Dale Churchill. They spoke about cleaning up the site and developing it for water recreation. Well known outdoor writer Tom Lounsbury, Gene Suuppi a member of the Cass River Greenway Committee and Barrios also made a presentation to the village council at its committee of a whole meeting on Aug. 12. They proposed the site be remediated and converted to a canoe/kayak launch site, and to pursue a state of Michigan recreation grant to clean the property up and make it a water access park site, but no action was taken. Regardless, the dump site needs to be cleaned up, according to Barrios. The letter didnt ask the township to do anything," said township Supervisor Chad Daniels. "It was informational. She is hoping we support it. I dont see why we wouldnt support it. And, the board did. Also, two years ago when Barrios was still on the village council, she pitched a similar plan to have a canoe and kayak launch site, but at the wastewater treatment plant. At that time, the village council was not interested in doing that despite Cass River Greenways 12-year effort to use the river to develop eco-tourism by cleaning the waterway of debris, adding more recreational opportunities and trails. For two years, the clean up of the river by volunteers had focused on the river in the Cass City area. The Cass River Greenways hope is to try to get enough interest and support to get a canoe and kayak launch near Cass City to bring the National Water Way Trail designation to the upper Cass River. The Cass River Greenway Committee, which is a grassroots volunteer effort to clean up the river, started over a decade ago near Birch Run and went on to Vassar, Tuscola, Caro, and then Cass City. So far the clean up effort resulted in a series of canoe and kayak launch sites built on public property in Caro, Vassar, Tuscola and Frankenmuth. Besides the launch sites, the water trail project includes parking and restroom facilities, along with promotional material and informative signage along the river. The Cass River Water Trail is 37.5 miles long. Along the rivers edge there are rest stops and picnic areas, wildlife, maps and brochures with information on wildlife and plants in the area. The goal of the Cass River Greenway Committee is to develop recreation opportunities along the rivers corridor, to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality, promote good environmental stewardship practices and develop ecotourism opportunities. The Cass River is in the Saginaw Bay Watershed, which runs through Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac and Huron counties. For more information, go to the website www.cassriver.org. A tanning salon boss who flouted Covid 19 lockdown regulations claiming she was offering medical treatment has been fined 1,000. Brogan Hayes, 27, continued to pack in customers to sun beds in her beauty parlour 'Hotter Than Hell' despite police and council warnings. Locals repeatedly complained the salon, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, was breaching emergency coronavirus regulations and sun-worshippers were flocking to her business. Brazen Hayes boasted of how busy she was on the Hotter Than Hell Facebook page, posting on June 22: 'Open until 8pm. If the shop phone is saying mailbox full it's because we've taken it off the hook due to being at maximum capacity in the shop. Brogan Hayes leaves Bradford Magistrates Court where she was fined for keeping her tanning salon Hotter Than Hell open during lockdown despite warnings from both police and council Court heard Hayes was 'aggressive and irate' when council staff visited the salon to investigate 'You'll need to hang about 10 mins or so and try again.' The post was punctuated with smiley faces and flames. On July 3 Hayes wrote: 'Evening Guys, just to let you all know we are closed tomorrow (Saturday 4th July). 'The beds need a good rest and tbh so do we. I'm sure you will understand the level of custom there last few weeks has been phenomenal See you Monday.' Ironically, July 4 was the day that the Government lifted the Covid-19 restrictions on tanning salons. Bradford Magistrates' Court heard that Hayes operated Hotter Than Hell 'during the height of lockdown'. The court was told how in early May, Bradford Council received complaints about customers flocking to the beauty parlour. At the time, police advised Hayes to close the salon, but she told officers she had a 'medical exemption' for providing clinical facilities, and was providing 'narrow beam UVB therapy' to sufferers of skin conditions. However, when police asked if the salon was registered with the British Medical Association and whether she was medically qualified, Hayes could not provide evidence. She continued to operate the salon, and on May 15 the salon was visited by Environmental Health officials, who noted it was open and had customers. Hayes was not present, but a member of staff phoned her, and Hayes was 'aggressive and irate' and told the council staff she would 'continue to operate and if they didn't leave the premises she would come down and remove them'. Hotter Than Hell was open during lockdown and Hayes bragged on Facebook about how it was busy. The business has now been sold and the Facebook page has apparently been deleted The business was issued a prohibition notice on May 19 saying it must shut down, and was revisited on June 15 and the business was found to still be open with customers on the premises. On this occasion, Hayes was present at the salon and told her customers not to leave and she would continue to open. A Council representative, prosecuting in court said: 'Despite repeated warnings, Ms Hayes remained open, and the Council continued to receive complaints.' Hayes, wearing a face mask attended court to plead guilty in writing, but left before her case was heard. Hayes pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to close business during emergency period; two counts of obstructing a person carrying out a function under the coronavirus regulations and two counts of failing to comply with a prohibition notice. The charges were all brought under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020. Sentencing magistrate Reverend George Williams said: 'Despite several warnings, Brogan Hayes continued to open her business in contravention of the regulations. 'The offences were committed at the height of the lockdown, and her actions were deliberate and wilful. 'She did not comply with the coronavirus regulations. 'She is no longer working but could have indeed made some profit during that period, but we have no evidence to show how much she may have made.' Hayes was fined 250 for each offence of obstructing Council officials, and 250 for failing to close her business when it was not permitted to open. No separate penalty was given for the offences of failing to comply with a prohibition notice. She was also ordered to pay 250 in costs to the Council and a 75 surcharge, for a total of 1,075. Hayes, 27, was ordered to pay 1,075 when she appeared at Bradford Magistrates Court The court heard that it is unknown how much money Hayes made by illegally operating Hotter Than Hell during lockdown and she has since sold the business and is on universal credit. After the case, Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said: 'We will always take action where we find that a business is operating in contravention of COVID-19 regulations. 'Our priority has to be to protect the public's health at this time of rising infection. 'The vast majority of businesses in the Bradford district are following the regulations to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) despite the economic hardship this is causing, and we are very grateful for their support during the pandemic.' DARPin Candidates Demonstrate 100% Survival in an Aggressive Viral Challenge Model Data Support Utility of Anti-COVID-19 DARPin Candidates As Potent Therapeutics First-in-Human Clinical Trial Initiation of MP0420 Planned for November 2020 ZURICH-SCHLIEREN, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / Molecular Partners AG (SIX:MOLN), a clinical-stage biotech company that is developing a new class of custom-built protein drugs known as DARPin therapeutics, today announced supportive preclinical data from in vivo assessments of its DARPin candidates targeting SARS-CoV-2. These candidates show robust activity in an aggressive viral challenge hamster model, supporting potential efficacy as therapeutic options in patients with late-stage disease. In a highly susceptible COVID-19 challenge model developed by expert virologists at Freie Universitat Berlin, hamsters were first infected with SARS-CoV-2 and then administered either select doses of the anti-COVID-19 DARPin candidates, MP0420 or MP0423, or placebo, at either 0, 6, or 24 hours. In the five-day experiment, all animals treated with DARPin molecules recovered and survived, while 83% of animals in the placebo group had to be euthanized due to severe disease progression. "The clinical efficacy observed in both prophylactic and post exposure settings, especially in the context of the severity of disease displayed by our novel COVID-19 model, holds promise for this class of virus-neutralizing inhibitors in later line settings," said Jakob Trimpert, DVM, Ph.D., Freie Universitat Berlin, Institute of Virology, who served as lead investigator of the study. "These recent data underscore the potent mechanism of action of our DARPin therapeutic candidates in both prophylactic and therapeutic animal models, opening the door for clinical trials in both settings. We now have evidence that our candidates may offer therapeutic benefit for patients receiving intensive care or in rapid decline," said Patrick Amstutz, Chief Executive Officer of Molecular Partners. "We would like to thank our collaborators in Berlin for pioneering this novel hamster model to test COVID therapies. This model might be the only one that mimics a severe disease progression in humans, as most hamsters become terminally ill as early as day two after viral infection." First-in-human studies for MP0420 are anticipated to begin in November 2020, and clinical studies for the second antiviral candidate, MP0423, are expected to initiate in H1 2021. About Molecular Partners' anti-COVID-19 program Molecular Partners has developed a series of tri-specific antiviral DARPin candidates with strong binding and neutralizing potency targeting multiple epitopes on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that are crucial for infection. The source of these constructs is a pool of hundreds of mono-DARPin binders which individually bind and inhibit the virus with high potency. The construction of multi-specific candidates from monospecific proteins is the foundation of Molecular Partners' drug discovery engine and has yielded multiple clinical candidates in other indications. These building blocks are designed to target different sites on the virus for multiple concurrent effects. These include blocking viral binding to the human ACE2 receptor (Receptor Binder Domain or RBD), the primary docking mechanism to host cells, as well as allosteric inhibition or "molecular handcuffing", of the spike protein, preventing the conformational change it undergoes prior to injection of viral RNA into the human cell. The formatting as tri-specific candidates is designed for cooperative binding, extremely high potencies and prevention of viral escape via mutations. The candidates are formatted with a half-life enhanced DARPin domain that binds to human serum albumin (HSA) to support long-acting activity. All DARPin candidates are constructed to benefit from high-yield and low-cost microbial manufacturing. Molecular Partners is investigating whether the high thermal stability of DARPin molecules can be used to overcome cold-chain requirements. The ability of DARPin products to be produced in E.coli-based biofermentation is a major advantage over antibodies, which often require substantial manufacturing process optimization and protein modification, significantly increasing cost and complexity. By contrast, DARPin molecules are much smaller molecules that do not require glycosylation or extensive post-translational modification by producer cells, making simple, highly scalable bacterial fermentation feasible. Molecular Partners is collaborating with AGC Biologics to support development of its anti-COVID-19 program, and has reached an agreement with the Swiss Government regarding rights to purchase up to 3.2 million doses of MP0420, if it is approved in Switzerland. About Molecular Partners AG Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biotech company developing a new class of custom-built protein drugs known as DARPin therapeutics, designed to address challenges current modalities cannot. The company has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development with a focus on oncology. Molecular Partners has formed partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies to advance DARPin therapeutics across multiple therapeutic areas. For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to: www.molecularpartners.com For further details, please contact: Seth Lewis SVP IR, Comms, & Strategy seth.lewis@molecularpartners.com Tel: +1 781 420 2361 Stefan Riley U.S. Media stefan@tenbridgecommunications.com Tel: +1 617 461 2442 Thomas Schneckenburger IR & European Media thomas.schneckenburger@molecularpartners.com Tel: +41 79 407 9952 Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to the company and its business. Although the company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, all statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the company's control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by, or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim," "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could", and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. Except as required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. SOURCE: Molecular Partners AG View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609221/Molecular-Partners-Demonstrates-Reduction-of-Mortality-and-Potent-Therapeutic-Activity-of-Anti-COVID-19-DARPinR-Candidates-in-Advanced-COVID-19-Disease-Model New York, Oct 6 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday reviewed efforts by the two countries to combat the COVID-19 pandemic while stressing on the need to work together to advance security in the Indo-Pacific region, according to State Department Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown. Meeting on the sidelines of the India-US-Japan-Australia Quadrilateral Consultations in Tokyo, "They reaffirmed the strength of the United States-India relationship, reviewed our efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and asserted the need to work together to advance peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe," Brown said in a statement. They discussed bilateral and multilateral cooperation on topics of international concern at the meeting, he said. Jaishankar tweeted, "Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific." Pompeo said that they were combatting the coronavirus pandemic together. He tweeted, "Productive meeting today with Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar. Together we are advancing U.S.-India relations, combatting COVID-19, and ensuring a secure and prosperous #IndoPacific for all." There was no mention in Brown's statement of China and the border confrontation in Ladakh but speaking at the opening of the Quad ministerial meeting, Pompeo mentioned the Chinese Communist Party's "coercion" in the Himalayas. Pompeo said, "As partners in this Quad, it is more critical now than ever that we collaborate to protect our people and partners from the CCP's exploitation, corruption, and coercion. We've seen it in the south, in the East China Sea, the Mekong, the Himalayas, the Taiwan Straits." When "India assumes membership of the UN Security Council next year," he said, "we look forward to seeking collective solutions to global challenges, including global recovery from the pandemic and reform of multilateral institutions." Along with Jaishankar and Pompeo, Foreign Ministers Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan and Marise Payne of Australia attended the Quad consultations. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis) Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday visited Toyko to meet with some of Washington`s closest allies in Asia, Japan, Australia and India, to shore up support against what the United States says is China`s dangerous and growing regional influence. The visit, which was supposed to include trips to Mongolia and South Korea, was cut short after President Donald Trump was diagnosed with COVID-19. It is Pompeo`s first trip to East Asia since July 2019 and comes as ties between the United States and strategic rival China are at their worst in decades. The one-day visit includes a meeting of foreign ministers of the Quad grouping of nations: the United States, Australia, India and Japan. While Washington has been looking to build support among Asian allies against Beijing, analysts have said China`s neighbours want to avoid a direct confrontation because of economic ties. Following a meeting between Pompeo and his Australian counterpart, Marise Payne, the U.S. State Department said the two discussed worries about China`s regional "malign activity" - language likely to elicit a response from Beijing. "The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed their shared concerns regarding the People`s Republic of China`s malign activity in the region," a State Department official said in the statement. However, Payne`s statement did not even mention China. "Whether it is individual human rights, market-based economies, countering disinformation or building greater resilience into our supply chains, our common values and interests mean we share a vision for a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific," she said on social media. When Pompeo met Japan`s foreign minister he said new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was a "force for good" and would strengthen the relationship between Washington and Tokyo. He was due to meet Suga later on Tuesday. China has denounced the Quad as an attempt to contain its development. REGIONAL RIVAL The Quad meeting is unlikely to yield a specific action plan, although the gathering itself may serve as a warning to China and play to its fears that the grouping might one day grow into a formalised structure like NATO, experts have said. Washington and Beijing, the world`s top two economies, are at loggerheads over a wide range of issues from Beijing`s handling of the coronavirus to its imposition of a new security law in Hong Kong and ambitions in the South China Sea. Most Asian allies have been pleased with Washington`s toughness toward their regional rival China, but have not so eagerly welcomed Trump and Pompeo`s highly charged recent rhetoric and remain wary of going too far in antagonising China. Part of the problem for Washington`s Asian allies is their dependence on China for trade. China was the top destination for Australian exports in 2019, the No.2 destination for Japanese exports and the No.3 destination for Indian exports, according to IMF direction of trade statistics compiled by Refinitiv. Japan told the United States it would like to deepen cooperation in the field of cyber security, according to a statement from Tokyo`s foreign ministry. The Unites States has said it greatly values the meeting of the Quad grouping of foreign ministers as a platform to strengthen its solidarity against China with regional allies. "Were hoping to have some significant announcements, significant achievements," Pompeo told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in the United States before departing for Tokyo, but he declined to say what they would be. Joe Biden's campaign will begin airing a TV ad in Michigan markets today about climate-related harm and risks to farmers. Driving the news: The ad running in the Traverse CityCadillac media market shows a family of fruit farmers discussing the topic. "Were really proud to be cherry farmers. If we are unable to do that based on the climate, it would really strip away what is so unique about this area," Mike King, a farmer featured in the ad, says. Why it matters: It's Biden's first climate-themed general election ad and it's airing in a big swing state that President Trump narrowly won in 2016. Where it stands: Per the campaign, the King family is trying to adapt as their cherry harvests have "been decimated by extreme weather in recent years." What we don't know: The cost of the buy, though it's part of the campaign's $280 million TV and digital ad campaign targeting 15 states. DALLAS, Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Your Store LLC, a leading e-commerce software company, today announced the launch of Outsource 2.0, an enhanced version of its Outsource.com e-commerce platform that allows businesses worldwide to offer web-based marketplaces for single and multiple sellers. Using Your Store's latest software developments, Outsource.com can help small businesses launch their e-commerce site in as little as one hour, medium-sized companies in up to four days, and large enterprises in approximately one to two months. Despite the presence of the Do-It-Yourself offerings in the market, it is difficult to build a professional and multi-functional online shop and/or marketplace that serves all the needs and requirements of a business without a certain level of customization and adjustments. Outsource.com aims to solve this problem by providing extensive customization through robust technological features of its React.js and Node.js based software platform and under the supervision of knowledgeable project managers, web designers and software developers. Outsource.com provides hundreds of built-in features and many apps to help its customers create their online stores within minutes. With the current launch, Outsource.com has introduced multiple new features that will deepen the relationships of enterprise clients and their preferred vendors and valuable customers around the globe. In the current macroeconomic environment, it is crucial to establish a convenient and reliable virtual mall experience for buyers while offering sellers all the necessary technological tools to achieve success. Outsource.com is on a mission to exceed both buyer and seller expectations with its set of newly launched e-commerce solutions. In addition to Node.js and React.js, Outsource.com uses AWS hosting and mySQL bootstrap sass technology to enhance its customers' operations through real-time inventory management and costing capabilities. Outsource.com's sister company, AuctionSoftware.com, is a leader in the auction software space with a comprehensive portfolio of solutions covering forward auctions, reverse auctions, penny auctions, silent auctions, live video conference auctions and other, allowing users to organize, manage, and conduct auctions through a centralized medium that facilitates business transactions as well as fundraising efforts. AuctionSoftware.com is using a similar technology to Outsource.com and has completed more than 500 auction marketplaces for its clients. Rajesh Rajaram, CEO and founder of Your Store LLC, commented, "An idea can change the world, at least in the business world where your own business needs to stand out and shine, and Outsource.com is built just for that! The multi-vendor e-market capability differentiates us from our competition, and well-positioned to capture a significant market share in the e-commerce space. I strongly believe that Outsource.com's solutions for multi-vendor marketplaces and B2B marketplaces are better than any other e-commerce marketplace platforms available. In addition, our pricing beats all the current competitors in the market, including the largest players, so customer gets the best of both worlds!" To facilitate its expansion plans, the Company has received a capital investment from Awection Inc, an investment firm focused on the software sector. The terms were not disclosed. About Your Store LLC Your Store LLC is a Dallas, TX-based software solution company providing its customers with customizable single and multiple vendor e-commerce marketplaces through its Outsource.com web platform. For more information, visit - www.Outsource.com Media Contact: Rajesh Rajaram Phone: 972-200-5516 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Outsource.com Related Links http://www.Outsource.com Unless he is able to transform rhetoric about reform into meaningful change, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi will not be able to unblock his countrys future When Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi came to power in May, he made broad promises to reform his countrys dysfunctional political system and to improve the governments performance so it could respond to the needs of its citizens. The changes were also seen as necessary to strengthen Al-Kadhimis hand in the face of the powerful ruling oligarchs and Iran-backed militias that have been eroding the states power and resisting change. Al-Kadhimi has since been engaged in all sorts of reforms that are now moving from a dire base. But that does not mean he has yet been able to turn the corner. To many of his critics, Al-Kadhimi seems powerless to enforce his reform programme, widely seen as Iraqs last chance to change a status quo laden with long running crises and distorted by the influence of the countrys ruling oligarchs. Upon taking office, Al-Kadhimi promised to fight widespread corruption, tackle bureaucratic incompetence and restructure an economy that had plummeted due to mismanagement, the decline of oil prices and the Covid-19 pandemic. Al-Kadhimi also vowed to bring those responsible for the deaths of nearly 600 protesters and activists since last October to justice and to address other grievances associated with the crackdown on the popular protests. The measures also included restructuring Iraqs security forces, reining in rogue militias under a broad-banner policy of restoring state sovereignty, and preventing the country from becoming a battleground for clashes between the US and Iran. One of Al-Kadhimis main tasks was to hold early elections, a key demand of the anti-establishment protesters who have been pressing for a new election law and free-and-fair voting that could bring hope to a country in need. However, over the course of the last six months Al-Kadhimi has stumbled in tackling all these problems, as well as stabilising the country and ensuring his own long-term political survival. Among his notable shortcomings has been his failure to downsize the countrys entrenched political class and to rein in the Iran-backed militias that continue to defy the governments efforts to subjugate them to the state. This has left Al-Kadhimi floundering and has prompted renewed protests from within to pressure him to fulfill his pledges and from without to push him to curb the unruly militias and bring lasting stability to the country. At home, his critics are worried that reports of government reforms, fighting corruption, prosecuting the killers of the protesters, improving public services, fixing the economy and dealing with the coronavirus crisis amount to nothing but empty rhetoric. What has further fed into an overall feeling of anger and frustration is the failure of Al-Kadhimis government thus far to push the countrys parliament to pass a new law that will clear the way for early and credible elections. The pressure from abroad has come from many countries and the United Nations but primarily from the United States, which has threatened to close its embassy in Baghdad if Al-Kadhimi fails to prevent Iranian-backed militias from firing rockets at the Green Zone in the capital that hosts the American and other foreign missions. The warning has apparently come from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has issued an ultimatum to Al-Kadhimis government that all US personnel will leave Iraq unless it puts a stop to the rash of attacks against them. Such a move could jeopardise Baghdads crucial relationship with Washington and lead to further pullouts by the embassies of other Western nations that have been offering essential support to Iraq, including help training its security forces. Furthermore, any additional US drawdown would threaten to airbrush Al-Kadhimi out of the picture and damage his governments ability to access badly needed international aid to face spiralling economic challenges including a looming budget crisis. Increasing foreign frustration at Al-Kadhimis failure to end the deadlock in Iraq will undermine his standing on shaky ground abroad, and popular discontent at home will likely lead to further social distress and possibly political upheaval. Al-Kadhimis lack of action has also once again put Iraqs political leadership during the post-US invasion period under the microscope. Its leaders have proved again and again that they are ill-equipped to deal with the transitional period and to work to rebuild Iraq into a stable and democratic state. Governance and leadership under the five Iraqi prime ministers who have held power since the overthrow of former dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003 have been replete with tales of failure when considered within the ambit of state and nation-building. Al-Kadhimi is no exception. The way he has been conducting his duties has shown that his leadership is missing executive capacities, and he has showed himself to be incapable of taking bold and innovative measures to tackle such woes. Six months after he assumed office, Al-Kadhimi is still surrounding himself with corrupt and inefficient cronies and greedy elites empowered by the US occupation authorities. Although Al-Kadhimi has made minor reshuffles in the security forces, ordered an investigation into the killings of protesters, and created a committee to investigate corruption, critics are worried that the measures amount only to lip service and fall short of strengthening Al-Kadhimis position. Militias supported by Iran continue to fire rockets targeting American sites in Iraq. In one such incident on 28 September, rockets targeting American troops killed seven civilians near Baghdad International Airport. Two days later, several rockets fell in the vicinity of Erbil Airport in Iraqs autonomous Kurdish Region, also a base used by the US-led International Coalition to fight the Islamic State (IS) terror group. It is true that the volume and scope of Iraqs chronic crises in the post-Saddam era pose extraordinary challenges for any leader in managing the countrys grim and brewing conflicts. Yet, it is not easy to understand how and why Al-Kadhimi has missed so many opportunities for decisive action to make changes and fulfill his reform promises. To understand him fully, one would need to know his background, his level of education, his public-service expertise, his political commitments and the period in which he entered the political arena. Nothing in that background testifies to the fact that Al-Kadhimi is a strong and a visionary national leader guided in his actions by an urgent need to transform the way the country has been run by a handful of sectarian oligarchs. Such leadership traits are considered to be indispensable if Al-Kadhimi is to free himself more effectively from the yoke of the countrys kleptocracy and form a national consensus that will form the foundations of a true nation. A good place to start in understanding Al-Kadhimi is from the fact that he was a junior member of the Shia anti-Saddam opposition in the Iraqi diaspora that has been handling the management of political power since 2003. This kleptocracy has paralised the country and imposed its hegemony on the government, the security forces, the economy and the public space in order to run the country as fiefdoms and plunder its resources. Al-Kadhimi, whose only previous experience in government was his short tenure as intelligence chief, is not an elected politician, and he lacks a political bloc. He was nominated by the ruling Shia oligarchs to be the figurehead of an interim government run by them. He has so far failed to offer any alternative platform that can be used to rally the Iraqis around a national project, apart from the vague slogan of respecting state sovereignty and prestige, which does not amount to a functional strategy. After more than 18 years of decline, the state in Iraq is now the problem and not the solution, which means Al-Kadhimi needs to fix a long list of wrongs committed by successive governments if he wants to generate applause rather than disdain. In the absence of transforming empty rhetoric into meaningful change, Al-Kadhimi will not be able to inject the strength and confidence that the leadership needs, and Iraq will remain blocked with regard to its future. What the countrys ruling Shia elites are doing now is to try to outmanoeuvre Al-Kadhimi until the end of his term in office or until he calls off his reform efforts. The real objective behind the militia rocket attacks is not the US interests in Iraq as much as Al-Kadhimi himself. If Al-Kadhimi wants to make it his goal to fix the problems of the past 18 years, he will need to make the oligarchs work for him rather than vice versa, if not overhauling the whole system altogether. Perhaps Al-Kadhimi is simply biding his time as he waits for his shot at the next elections, but this will nevertheless be the only way he can restore order and prestige to the battered Iraqi state. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Hotel prices shot up, ride-hailing apps crashed, tickets to the Great Wall sold out: after more than nine long, housebound months, almost half a billion Chinese people are taking a vacation. With the Covid-19 pandemic largely under control in China, the Golden Week holiday is putting on display the countrys confidence in its economic rebound and its public health measures. Through the first four days of the week-long holiday that started Oct. 1, some 425 million people travelled domestically, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, nearly 80% of last years throngs. The surge of activity stands in stark contrast to the rest of the world -- the global tourism industry is expected to lose at least $1.2 trillion in 2020 -- and underscores the relative strength of Chinas economic recovery. As of September, the OECD forecast a 1.8% expansion this year, putting China alone among the Group of 20 on pace to expand. That positive outlook assumes the country can avoid another wave of coronavirus and the aggressive lockdowns Chinas used to quash it. As millions crisscross the country during the holiday that marks the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949, no virus tests or quarantines required, the risks grow. Late last month, China opened its borders to foreign nationals holding valid residence permits. There is undoubtedly a risk in allowing mass tourism to resume and, in some ways, this is an early exercise in what the rest of the world will have to go through as global travel restarts next year, said Nicholas Thomas, associate professor in health security at the City University of Hong Kong. China hasnt reported any local virus infections since August 15, though it found two asymptomatic cases in late September, and the government has eased almost all of its peak-Covid travel restrictions. The ban on group tours was lifted in the middle of July, every district in every city has been designated low-risk, and coronavirus test results are no longer required for cross-province travel. We have gone at least six weeks without reporting a single confirmed case domestically, which means the environment accessible by ordinary people is virus free, said Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center of Disease Control and Prevention, at a briefing in Beijing last week. The chance of you running into an asymptomatic person is very very low, almost negligible. Other countries are more reluctant to endorse a return to 2019-style vacationing. South Korea, for example, which has seen daily new cases hover around 100 a day, tightened social distancing rules for two weeks of back-to-back holidays starting in late September. European cities and countries are instituting new restrictions in an effort to fight a new wave of the pandemic sparked by summer travel. In China, tourists seem confident. Im not worried about the virus, said 35-year-old Zora Li, who plans to fly Beijing to the southern Chinese province of Guangxi with her two children and her parents, their first trip of 2020. I dont have a choice. The kids can only travel during vacation. Sold Out She wasnt the only one ready for a change of scenery. Flight bookings for the holiday were up 11% compared with 2019, according to a report from travel data and analytics agency Cirium. Reservations for domestic hotels began rising near the end of August, and prices soared: As of Sept. 10, the average hotel booking cost around 20% more this year compared with last year, according to data released by travel booking site Qunar.com Inc. Ride-hailing apps Didi and Dida crashed as the holiday period began on Sept. 30, according to local news agency Xinhua. Some 11.7 million passengers travelled by train on October 3, down just 15% from 2019. Tickets at the Badaling section of the Great Wall sold out by mid-morning on October 3, the first time daily tickets have sold out since late March. Popular sites from the Forbidden City in Beijing to the Mogao Grottoes in Gansu province were fully booked before the holiday started. Other Chinese destinations saw an influx of domestic tourists who might have otherwise spent the week abroad. While foreign travel isnt explicitly banned, the lack of flights and onerous quarantine and testing requirements for re-entry has discouraged most people. Tibet, Xinjiang and Ningxia were among regions where spending rose fastest on October 1 and 2, based on China Unionpay data reported in Xinhua. Hotel spending in Tibet more than doubled from a year earlier, and food-and-beverage spending jumped 49%. Beach Holidays for Some in China, Belt Tightening for Others Kick-starting economies hobbled by the pandemic has been tricky. In the U.S., Japan and almost everywhere else, eagerness to reopen the economy -- or reluctance to close it -- has led to new waves of infection, often worse than the first. Since the coronavirus emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, the government has used its unchecked authority to lock down cities, require testing and track the movements of infected people. Still, as recently as late last month, Qingdao, a coastal city, found two asymptomatic coronavirus cases, the first in five weeks without local transmission. Some frozen seafood imports have also been banned, after the virus was found in some samples. We will only know how successful China has been 2-3 weeks after the holidays as we see how many new infections emerge, Thomas said. If they manage to avoid an upsurge in cases, it will be evidence that China is truly moving into a post-Covid period. The spectre of Covid and the fragile recovery are still taking a toll. Even travellers may not be ready for a Golden Week spree. Through the first four days of the holiday, tourism revenue was 312 billion yuan, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, down 31% from the same period last year. And plenty of people are still staying home. Shirley Zhang, a 29-year-old auditor in Shenzhen, cancelled her travel plans this year, including a long-planned trip to Japan. This year is so difficult for everyone, she said. Some of my friends lost their jobs lately. For first time in my life, I feel I need to save some money for future uncertainties. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.) Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter By Express News Service LUCKNOW: In an immediate impact of Hathras rape and murder case, a woman of Nepali origin, 22, managed to flee from the clutches of her boyfriend turned-tormentor in Lucknow and travelled to Nagpur in Maharashtra covering 900 km in a taxi and registered an FIR against him with the help of her friend settled there. As per the sources, having come to India to earn livelihood two years back, the woman came in contact with a software engineer Praveen Yadav through a common Nepali friend Sufi Vishwakarma early this year. Yadav, who was initially based in Dubai, came down to Lucknow just before the COVID-19 driven lockdown and then started a trail of sexual harassment and torture. He befriended with her while being in Dubai and lured her by promising her financial stability but on coming back to Lucknow, his reality came to the fore when he started exploiting her during the lockdown. He would even allegedly threaten her with dire consequences if she opened her mouth as he claimed to have a high connection in the police department. The sources claimed that Yadav used to rape and film the woman during the act and would post the videos on her social media account so that it reached her relatives in Kathmandu, Nepal, said the sources. In fact, the victim was brought to Lucknow by Vishwakarma who she had met in Surat. In Lucknow, the victim shared accommodation with Vishwakarma. After a few days, Vhsiwakarma started thrashing the woman and picking up fights. He had allegedly duped her of Rs 1.50 lakh. During this, the victim had been talking to Praveen Yadav, who arranged a hotel room for the victim asking her to shift there. After a couple of days, Yadav flew down to Lucknow from Dubai and met the victim at her hotel room. He started frequenting her and exploiting her initially in the hotel room and then at his friend's room. As Yadav used to film her and upload her pictures on her social media account, she decided to escape and contacted her Nepali friend who was settled in Nagpur along with her husband. As the victim narrated her tale of woes to a friend, she and her husband asked her to come to Nagpur. They even arranged a cab for her, said the sources. The victim allegedly left Lucknow by convincing Yadav that she was going to Ahmedabad to meet a friend. After filing an FIR against Yadav and a case of criminal breach of trust and robbery against Vishwakarma, the Nagapur police transferred the case to Chinhat police station in Lucknow, said the sources, adding that the woman was also being brought under police protection back to Lucknow. L ed Zeppelin have triumphed in a long-running court battle, putting an end to claims they copied the opening riff of Stairway to Heaven. The band were sued for copyright in 2014, with the allegation that the opening guitar part from one of their most famous tracks had been stolen from another song called Taurus, released by the American band Taurus in 1968. Led Zeppelin won the original case in 2016, although it was reopened on appeal in 2018. The court of appeals upheld the original verdict earlier this year and now, the US Supreme Court has declined to hear the case, which means all possible legal avenues have been exhausted. Had they lost the battle, Led Zeppelin could have been forced to pay back all the money the song was estimated to have earned during the five-year period at issue during the trial, which came to more than $3.4m (2.6m). The 20 greatest British rock bands of all time 1 /26 The 20 greatest British rock bands of all time 20. Joy Division It's incredibly rare for a band to have such an impact in such a short space of time. Joy Division were one of the most influential bands of the late 1970s, despite the life of Ian Curtis being cut tragically short at the age of just 23. Factory Records changed the face of British music and Joy Division were a huge part of its success. Rex 19. Super Furry Animals The finest Welsh proponents of weirdo rock since... well, ever. The group, pictured above on a bad hair day, have created some of the most interesting albums of the last few decades and they're also one of the first commercially successful acts to record entire albums in the Welsh language. This is modern psychedelic rock at its finest. Polly Thomas/REX 18. The Jam Not only did Paul Weller and the Jam create some of the most urgent and essential rock albums of the 1970s, but they also inspired an entire style movement. The mod revival the band helped to spark a whole subculture just shows how influential they were: everyone wanted to look like them and everyone wanted to buy their records. Getty Images 17. T. Rex Marc Bolans hugely influential rock act started off as a pastoral psychedelic folk group. They released four albums under the name Tyrannosaurus Rex before shortening the name, reinventing themselves as glam rock behemoths and releasing a string of incredible singles such as Ride A White Swan, Get It On, Metal Guru and Children Of The Revolution. Sadly, Bolans career was cut short following his death in a tragic car accident in 1977, but his musical legacy lives on. Getty Images 16. Roxy Music Roxy Music are fondly remembered by fans as one of the most eccentric and unusual rock acts of the 1970s and their self-titled first album is widely regarded as one of the best British debuts of all time. The group brought us Bryan Ferry, one of the most interesting frontmen of the era, as well as Brian Eno, one of the most influential electronic artists of all time, whod go on to create a series of revered instrumental albums and produce records for the likes of Talking Heads, U2 and Coldplay. 15. The Who They might be best known by many for proving the CSI themes these days, but the Who are, without doubt, one of the best British rock bands of all time. Pete Townshend proved himself to be one of the most expressive British songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s while Roger Daltrey was one of the most commanding frontmen of the era. They were also one of the first British bands to introduce the idea of a concept album, too, with 1969s hugely successful Tommy. Whos Next is one of the great UK rock albums, too, and the band are still talking about their generation five decades on. Georgie Gillard/Daily Mail 14. Black Sabbath Ozzy Osbourne teamed up with fellow Brummies Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Tony Iommi in the late 1960s to form the hugely influential Black Sabbath and pretty much invented heavy metal in the process. The group released era-defining classics like Paranoid, War Pigs and Iron Man, and influenced the outlook of British rock music more than most bands before or since. Getty Images 13. Blur So much is made of the Blur vs Oasis rivalry that ran throughout the height of Britpop and its certainly true that they were two of the most important bands of the decade. Blurs impressive back catalogue boasts a wealth of indelibly British songwriting with some of the wittiest lyrics of the 1990s, and also some of the simplest (see Tender). Damon Albarn would go on to create music with Gorillaz and pursue a number of other intriguing projects, but the real star of the show was Graham Coxon, who remains one of the most criminally underrated British guitarists of the 20th century. Jim Dyson/Getty Images 12. Queen No one put on a show quite like Queen. Freddie Mercurys unmatchable live vocals and the bands incredible sense of spectacle made them one of the most celebrated live acts the UK has ever seen. The masters of bombast and excess, Queen created some of the most widely known and popular music of the 1970s and 1980s. Mercurys premature death in 1991 shocked the music world but the bands legacy is as strong today as it has ever been. 11. The Kinks So many bands owe a huge amount to the work and influence of The Kinks. You Really Got Me is one of the greatest rock riffs of all time, and let's not forget that Dave Davis of the band actually invented distortion after slashing the cones in his amplifier with a razor blade; a sound which has been integral to the sound of rock and roll ever since. Their songs and their methods influenced entire generations of musicians and they remain one of the UK's ever rock bands. Hulton Archive/Getty Images 10. The Stone Roses Who cares if they only really released one good album, the Stone Roses have carved out a groove in the British zeitgeist unlike anyone else before or after them. Their self-titled 1989 debut is quite rightly regarded as one of the most influential British records ever made; if you walk into any indie bar across the country on a Friday night, you can guarantee itll be playing through the speakers and going down a storm. Steve Gillett/Livepix 9. The Clash From the angsty exuberance of their self-titled debut to the ambitious genre-bending efforts of London Calling and Sandinista, The Clash put out a succession of classic albums between 1977 and 1985. The band stood up for admirable causes, famously performing at Rock Against Racism and embracing lefty politics in their writing too. Forget the Sex Pistols, The Clash are the greatest punk band the UK has ever produced. John Ingham 8. The Cure Robert Smiths the Cure are one of most iconic British bands of the 1980s and 1990s, and hold a special place in the hearts of many music fans up and down the country. From the the stark and intense nature of albums like 1982s Pornography, through to the more flamboyant and playful records like Wish, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me and Disintegration - arguably the bands masterpiece - Smith created some of the greatest alternative British music of his generation. Theo Wargo/Getty Images 7. Oasis How many times has someone picked up a guitar and performed a dodgy rendition of Wonderwall at a party? Or how many times has someone murdered a rendition of Dont Look Back In Anger at karaoke? Oasis's songs themselves are some of the most accessible and instantaneous British songs ever written and thats before you even consider the charisma of the band that performed them: The Gallagher brothers were at war most of the time during Oasiss career, but out of that tension came the most iconic songs of the 1990s and some of the most culturally significant British music ever made. 6. The Smiths They might have inspired more terrible student bands than any other artist, but the Smiths remain one of the greatest bands Britain has ever produced. Morrisseys unmistakable vocals and the chime of Johnny Marrs beautiful guitar playing made them one of the most distinctive bands of the 1980s, and a hit with indie fans ever since. Its almost scary to think that Marr formed the Smiths, released four incredible studio albums and quit the band all by the time he was 24: a staggering achievement at such an early age. 5. The Rolling Stones Without doubt one of the most influential British rock bands of all time, the Rolling Stones could easily top any list of iconic British rock groups. Childhood friends Mick Jagger and Keith Richards formed an iconic musical partnership as kids in the 1950s before forming the Stones with Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman and Ian Stewart. The group developed on their early covers of tracks by the likes of blues legends Howlin Wolf and Chuck Berry to produce more and more expansive sounds, but still kept blues-rock at the absolute core of their music. The reductive Beatles vs Stones argument will always persist amongst music fans, but the swagger and the sheer riffage on display on classic Stones albums Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street is irresistible. Michael Ochs Archives 4. Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Wish You Were Here... the list of classic albums goes on. Pink Floyd have created some of the most accomplished and successful UK rock music ever made and always maintained a distinctively British sense of eccentricity and idiosyncracy. The prog rock legends are one of the most commercially successful British bands ever and David Gilmour remains one of the most revered guitarists of his generation too. Getty Images 3. Radiohead Radiohead could have carried on making albums like The Bends and OK Computer and become the biggest British band of all time in the late 1990s. However, they challenged themselves to change their sound, and with Kid A they showed the benefits of never standing still as an artist. They're a great band who refuse to settle, but still manage to create weird and wonderful music. They're beyond doubt one of the very, very best British rock bands of all time. Getty Images 2. Led Zeppelin Rock monsters Led Zeppelin are one of the greatest, hardest rock bands ever, and the four individual members are all some of the best players of their generation too. Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, John Bonham, and Jimmy Page stand head and shoulders above their contemporaries as individual musicians, and their talents combined to create some of the heaviest rock of their generation. In fact, Communication Breakdown is often cited as the first heavy metal song. Whether you believe that or not, the bands influence is undeniable and their status as British rock gods is untouchable. Getty Images 1. The Beatles Battle hardened in the clubs of Hamburg, the fab four transformed from squeaky-clean pop sweethearts to rock monsters during the course of their career, and produced some of the best music ever made along the way. They constantly pushed boundaries, took their sound to places you'd never think possible and together with pioneering producer George Martin used the studio as an instrument unlike ever before. Their story and their music is legendary, and you just can't look past them as the greatest British rock band of all time. Getty Images The dispute was brought forward by journalist Michael Skidmore on behalf of the estate of Randy Wolfe, the frontman of Spirit who passed away in 1997. Lawyers for Wolfes estate claimed Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant saw Spirit at a club in Birmingham in 1970, two years after the release of Taurus and a year before Stairway to Heaven came out. It was argued Plant first heard the opening riff on this night. However, Plant claimed he had no memory of the evening, due to being involved in a car crash on the way home. Guitarist Jimmy Page, meanwhile, said he had not heard the song until 2020 when people started making comparisons online. Musicologists argued that the descending pattern used by both songs was widely used in music. Stairway to Heaven is broadly considered to be one of the best rock songs in music history. Not originally released as a single, it featured on the bands untitled 1971 album, which went on to sell more than 37 million copies worldwide. Hathras district which is in national focus following the death of a teen witnessed yet another protest on Tuesday after a six-year-old alleged rape victim died. The Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh, which is in national focus following the death of a teen because of a brutal assault last month, witnessed yet another protest on Tuesday after a six-year-old alleged rape victim died. As per Superintendent of Police (SP) Vineet Jaiswal, the six-year-old girl died at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on Monday, 15 days after being allegedly raped by her maternal cousin in Aligarh. She used to stay with her maternal aunt in Aligarh, while the family belonged to Hathras. Following her death, the family members and villagers blocked a road in the district, alleging inaction by a station house officer (SHO) of Aligarh. Taking prompt action, the Aligarh administration was informed about the grievances, which were addressed with appropriate actions against the SHO. Jaiswal said she was allegedly raped by her minor cousin about 15 days ago. The boy is also mentally unsound. A case was registered in the local police station, following which the accused was detained and produced before a juvenile court, he said. The SP added that her family had grievances against the local SHO, which was addressed, following which they lifted the Hathras roadblock. Also Read: Hathras case: Supreme Court asks UP govt for affidavit on protection of family,witnesses Unfortunately the girl died yesterday (Monday) at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. The family brought the body to Hathras for last rights, following which they blocked a road. They had some complaints against the SHO. The Aligarh administration was informed about it and they took appropriate actions against the SHO. Now the situation has been brought under control and the family has performed her last rites, he said. Also Read: Midnight cremation to avoid violence, family aware, UP Govt tells SC A trio of campaigns aimed at convincing San Antonio voters in November to put sales tax dollars toward training workers for new jobs, expanding public transit and continuing the citys early childhood education program raised more than $1 million since July, campaign finance filings released Monday show. Of the three campaigns, Keep Pre-K 4 SA pulled in the largest haul raising nearly $770,000 and spending more than half a million dollars from July 1 to Sept. 24, according to their latest campaign finance report. At that time, the Pre-K campaign sat on a war chest of more than $360,000. Yes for Mobility the political action committee backing VIA Metropolitan Transits sales tax push for greater bus service raised more than $52,425 and spent $45,483 from July 1 to Sept. 24. But they had nearly $169,000 on hand at that time, according to their latest report. Ready to Work SA, the campaign for Mayor Ron Nirenbergs workforce development proposal, had the least runway of the three camps to raise money. The plan to use a 1/8-cent sales tax to pay for college degrees and job training for 40,000 San Antonians who lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic only took shape in August, after Nirenberg struck a deal with VIA leaders over how they could each tap the tax for their own purposes. The workforce campaign raised $183,000 and spent more than $97,000 from Aug. 13 to Sept. 24, according to its campaign finance report filed Monday. That fundraising haul came from a handful of large donors $75,000 from H-E-B, $50,000 from Frost Bank, $25,000 from tech entrepreneur Graham Weston and $15,000 from philanthropist and real estate developer Gordon Hartman, among others. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio mayor, business leaders strike uneasy alliance to convince voters to pass sales tax for workforce development As of Sept. 24, the campaign reported more than $121,000 in the bank. Typically, these campaigns you have a lot more time and you raise a lot more money, campaign manager Jorge Urby said. Were doing what we can. San Antonio voters in November will be asked to renew Pre-K 4 SA for eight years using a 1/8-cent sales tax. Voters also will decide whether to use a separate 1/8-cent sales tax to pay for Nirenbergs proposal to the tune of $154 million over four years. After that, that tax would go to VIA Metropolitan Transit for new buses and expanded services if voters approve a separate proposition. Given how little time Ready to Work has had to raise money, the campaign is in a good spot, said Christian Archer, a veteran political strategist who ran the Pre-K 4 SA campaign in 2012. All three propositions enjoyed majority support among respondents to a recent poll by the nonpartisan non-profit Bexar Facts, run by Archer. Absent a well-funded opposition campaign, Archer expects all three to pass. Its pretty clear theyve got a lot of support, Archer said. On ExpressNews.com: Mayor and supporters launch workforce development program Thats not to say opposition is non-existent. Former City Councilman Greg Brockhouse, who nearly ousted Nirenberg in last years contentious mayoral race, has dipped his toes into the proposition fight with plans to rally opposition to the VIA and workforce proposals. In recent weeks, Brockhouse has blasted those two initiatives as new taxes though there would be no net tax increase if voters approved them and said that voters could give themselves a tax break by shooting them down at the November ballot box. Urby rejected those arguments. The way we look at it is were trying to help people, Urby said. This is a way to help people. We need to build a knowledge-based economy, which is something that has held San Antonio back a little bit when it comes to competing with other major cities in Texas. We want to invest in our people so heres a way to do it. To make the case before voters without the risk of exposing them to the virus, the workforce campaign plans to invest heavily in online ads. So far, Ready to Work has dropped at least $25,000 on digital ads, according to its latest campaign filing. The campaign also has held three video conference events with business and community leaders on Facebook rather than hold in-person events. Were not knocking on peoples doors because we just dont feel like thats the right thing to do, Urby said. In this time, I dont think people want to answer their door and talk to a stranger. But details about the workforce program are still scarce a week before the start of early voting Oct. 13. The campaign plans to release a more detailed outline later this week, Urby said. Joshua Fechter is a staff writer covering San Antonio government and politics. To read more from Joshua, become a subscriber. jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports COVID-19 really put a stop to the hallowed tradition of a post-budget liquid blowout this year. Social-distancing restrictions have made Parliament House off-limits to everyone bar MPs, their political staff and media. And with the lobbying crowd locked out, did the budget even happen? In the vacuum, its no wonder political fundraisers got creative trying to drum up some donations with a slew of Zoom events. A Budget whine... Credit:Illustration: Matt Golding Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and the man of the hour, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, capped off the day with an 8pm Zoom forum hosted by the NSW Liberal Party and sponsored for the fifth year running by PwC. In Canberra, Labor leader Anthony Albanese and shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers were to take centre stage at an intimate dinner hosted by the Federal Labor Business Forum. Other MPs got creative with their own online events, including Latrobe Liberal Jason Wood, who invited members of the Liberal Partys Pinnacle fundraising group for an online wander through Parliament. Were not joking. "We won't be able to celebrate with our usual drinks, food and beautiful selfies with the Ministers BUT we will be able to take a sneak peek into the behind the scenes of budget night," an invitation advised. "We're going to set Jason up on his iPad and send him off in Parliament House during one of the most busy times of year and see who he bumps into!" Thrilling stuff, no doubt. But not as thrilling as the distribution list inadvertently sent with the email. It featured celebrity chef Shannon Bennett, former Liberal Victorian director Julian Sheezel, Haileybury College principal Derek Scott and Swisse Vitamins government affairs boss Justin Howden. Not a bad crowd to pull. Bobby Deol Had Injured Himself Badly While Shooting His Entry Scene In Barsaat The actor was quoted as saying, "In my first movie Barsaat, my brother wanted to make my introduction more interesting. We were in the Lake District of England. My first shot itself, I collided with another horse and broke my leg. It was a pretty bad injury. I still have a rod in my leg. It did not heal and I had to do another surgery where eventually it became fine." Bobby Deol On Completing 25 Years In The Film Industry On Monday, the actor had penned a post on his Instagram page in which he reflected back upon his journey and wrote, "It's been 25 years at the movies for me.. A journey that started in October of 1995.. an overwhelming and emotional one. I proudly say, I've seen the highs and the lows. The one thing these 25 years have taught me is, to never give up; always bounce back and keep moving ahead! Looking forward to another 25 years with my colleagues at the movies with a promise to be worthy of all your love and support and to entertain you till my end credits roll out!" Bobby Deol 2.0 After a smashing debut with Barsaat, Bobby Deol gave many successful hits in the 90s and early 2000s. However, soon, he witnessed a dull phase in his career and almost disappeared from the celluloid. The actor made a comeback with Salman Khan's Race 3 in 2018. This year, Bobby appeared in two projects- Netflix film Class of 83' and MX player web series Ashram. Franklin D. Roosevelt (D), who bravely declared at his first inaugural address as the 32nd president during the depths of the Depression in 1933, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself," spoke from experience, as 12 years earlier, he was stricken with polio, leaving him partially paralyzed. Echoing his predecessor, President Donald J. Trump (R), another state of New York native, walked out of Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. yesterday after treatment for the Wuhan coronavirus, COVID-19, declaring: I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling really good! Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago! Once back in the White House, he added: I stood out front, I led. Nobody that's a leader would not do what I did. I know there's a risk, there's a danger, but that's ok. Now I'm better, and maybe I'm immune, I don't know. But don't let it dominate your lives. Get out there, be careful. Contrast their attitude to that of Trump's Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, who usually places a lid, the arcane term reporters use when a politician is done traveling for the day 1:02 P.M. Friday; 9:20 A.M. Thursday; 9:22 A.M. Tuesday, and 8:34 A.M. Saturday. Biden's early turn-ins provoked the Twitter set, professionally nervous Democrats (OK, bed-wetters) and, notably, Donald Trump to scratch their heads or rain down ridicule. Although Biden does occasionally venture forth on the campaign trail, he more often hunkers down in his campaign bunker, where he tries to connect with his potential voters by reciting words seemingly prepared by others with little input from him. And when he is campaign out in the fresh air, face to face with people, and needs to speak spontaneously when questioned by usually friendly reporters, his wife saves him, gently pulling him away. Hmm, now who could better confront an enemy, be it a pandemic or North Korea or Hamas or China or Antifa, all of which do not follow rules, whether from the Commission on Presidential Debates or the U.N. or the Wuhan coronavirus or the U.S. government? A president who has faced fear but doesn't allow it to conquer him or one whose wife has to protect him from friendly reporters? Now go vote. Fearlessly but carefully. Image credit: Pixabay public domain. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 17:54:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- During a recent European tour in Greece, Italy, the Vatican and Croatia, from the COVID-19 fight to religious "freedom," from 5G to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's relentless China-bashing rhetoric was met with criticism from senior officials in these countries and solemn condemnations from the Chinese embassy. -- On Wednesday, Pompeo hosted a symposium on religious freedom at the U.S. embassy to the Holy See in Rome. Pope Francis was invited to the event but did not attend, fearing that the Trump campaign would use him as a political tool in the 2020 presidential election. -- As a response to Pompeo's suspicions over the BRI during a joint press conference, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic called the China-proposed global development initiative "smart." by Xinhua writers Yu Shuaishuai and Guo Fengqing ATHENS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, long notorious for firing baseless accusations against China, moved up another notch in his China-smearing campaign during a five-day European tour in Greece, Italy, the Vatican and Croatia. From the COVID-19 fight to religious "freedom," from 5G to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the top U.S. diplomat's relentless China-bashing rhetoric was met with criticism from senior officials in these countries and solemn condemnations from the Chinese embassy. SELF-CENTERED POLITICAL MOTIVATION Pompeo began his tour in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, where he was received by nearly 2,000 protesters carrying signs reading "The hawk of war is not welcome in our country" and "The murderers of the peoples are not welcome." On Wednesday, Pompeo hosted a symposium on religious freedom at the U.S. embassy to the Holy See in Rome. Pope Francis was invited to the event but did not attend, fearing that the Trump campaign would use him as a political tool in the 2020 presidential election. Asked if the event "amounted to exploitation of the Pope" by Italy's ANSA news agency, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's secretary for relations with states, said "Yes, that is precisely why the Pope will not meet American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo." Pompeo renewed his smearing of China at the event, claiming "Nowhere is religious freedom under assault more than it is inside of China today," while blaming "the Chinese Communist Party" and "all communist regimes." Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (R) talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo before a meeting at Palazzo Chigi, Rome, Italy, Sept. 30, 2020. (Alberto Lingria/Pool via Xinhua) The Chinese embassy in Italy, as a response, condemned Pompeo's statements in a press release on Thursday, saying his statements "overflow with ideological prejudice and ignorance about China." "Today, Chinese citizens of all ethnic groups enjoy an unprecedented sense of satisfaction, happiness and security. The assessment of whether the situation of human rights, religious freedom, and cyber security in China is good or not is up to those with the foremost right to speak on the matter -- namely the 1.4 billion Chinese citizens, and certainly not any foreign politician," the embassy's statement said. Quoting an Italian proverb that says "Sow the wind and you shall reap the whirlwind," the Chinese embassy urged Pompeo to stop his grandstanding as soon as possible. To cover up Washington's slow response to the COVID-19 pandemic and deflect U.S. public attention from other pressing domestic issues, Pompeo has once again made China a scapegoat during the trip. "Recovering from the virus should also mean accountability for the Chinese Communist Party," said Pompeo in a press conference with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, attempting to shift the blame for inability of his own government in protecting the American people from the novel coronavirus. Two days ahead of Pompeo's visit to Croatia, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for ruining the international reputation of the United States and called him a "rabble-rouser," Croatian national news agency Hina reported. "Donald Trump has ruined it all. He incites hatred, provokes, and that's it," Milanovic said, adding that Pompeo's visit was to sell war planes. In an analysis article titled "How the world will look after the coronavirus pandemic" published by Foreign Policy in March, Kori Schake, deputy director general of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said "the United States will no longer be seen as an international leader because of its government's narrow self-interest and bungling incompetence." ILL-FOUNDED ANTI-CHINA SENTIMENT Pompeo has long sought to persuade European countries to avoid deeper economic cooperation with China and Chinese companies, citing unfounded charges of China's economic presence in other countries as "not for sincere partnerships" and that Huawei's 5G technology poses high security risk. In response, Di Maio said that "Italy is well conscious of the need to ensure the security of 5G networks. It is our absolute priority." On Thursday, Huawei Italy announced it will open a Cybersecurity and Transparency Center in Rome next year, allowing customers, the government, and independent third-party testing organizations to perform fair, objective, and independent security tests, according to the company's spokesperson. "I am speechless that a country the size of the United States attacks another country through the demolition, via groundless accusations, of a company of that country," Huawei Italy president Luigi De Vecchis said at the event on Thursday. In his interviews with Croatian media, Pompeo continued peddling his anti-China cliches, which was described by Hina as "working on globally reducing the Chinese influence." Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (R) and visiting U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attend a joint press conference after their meeting in Dubrovnik, Croatia, Oct. 2, 2020. (Grgo Jelavic/Pixsell via Xinhua) As a response to Pompeo's suspicions over the BRI during a joint press conference, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic called the China-proposed global development initiative "smart." "They were very smart to devise this format of the relationship and the political dialogue and the economic framework with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe," Plenkovic said. "We are fully aware of all the aspects of this policy and our objective is to have a level playing field when it comes to both the relationship between Croatia and the other members of the European Union and China and its market, as well as the Chinese presence here in accordance with the rules that exist on the global level and which put us in the same market position," Plenkovic said, rebutting charges that Chinese investments in the region are "predatory." In March last year, Italy and China signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly advance the construction of the Belt and Road during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country, a sign of the increasing popularity of the development initiative in Europe. Stephen Orlins, president of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, warned last month that the current U.S. administration "needs to stop distorting and exaggerating China's actions," and stop viewing China as a strategic competitor because China "does not pose an existential threat to Americans, our country or our way of life." He called on the world's two largest economies to work together against such common threats to mankind as climate change, terrorism, global economic crisis and the current COVID-19 pandemic. (Xinhua correspondents Relja Dusek, Gao Lei and Juraj Korbler in Zagreb also contributed to the story.) (Video reporters: Gao Lei, Ji Li, Yu Shuaishuai, Lin Jing, Zhao Yuchao, Han Chong; video editor: Chen Sihong) U.S. millionaire John McAfee gestures during an interview with AFP on his yacht anchored at the Marina Hemingway in Havana, on June 26, 2019. (Adalberto Roque/AFP via Getty Images) Anti-Virus Software Creator John Mcafee Indicted for Tax Evasion Cybersecurity pioneer John McAfee has been indicted for tax evasion, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Monday. An indictment dated June 15 was unsealed by federal prosecutors against McAfee, creator of the eponymous anti-virus software, over charges that he evaded taxes and willfully failed to file tax returns. The tech entrepreneur, 75, was arrested in Spain where he is pending extradition. According to the indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, McAfee evaded taxes on millions of dollars of income from 2014 to 2018, from promoting cryptocurrencies, consulting work, speaking engagements, and selling the rights to his life story for a documentary. He did not file tax returns despite receiving considerable income from these sources, authorities said. John McAfee Indicted for Tax Evasion Allegedly Hid Cryptocurrency, a Yacht, Real Estate and Other Properties in Nominee Names to Evade Taxeshttps://t.co/6hcFNmLhBW Justice Department (@TheJusticeDept) October 5, 2020 The indictment alleges that the 75-year-old evaded his tax liability by directing his income to be paid into bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchange accounts in the names of others. It also alleges that McAfee attempted to evade taxes by using the names of others to conceal his assets, including real property, a vehicle, and a yacht. It does not allege that he received any income or had any connection with the antivirus software company bearing his name during those years. The indictment does not specify the amount McAfee owes. If convicted, McAfee faces a prison sentence of up to five years on each count of tax evasion and up to one year for each count of willful failure to file a tax return. According to the indictment, the software creator also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and at least $350,000 in monetary penalties. The Securities and Exchange Commission also brought civil charges against McAfee, alleging that from at least November 2017 through February 2018, he made over $23.1 million in undisclosed compensation from recommending seven cryptocurrency offerings on Twitter that were materially false and misleading. McAfee leveraged his fame to make more than $23.1 million in undisclosed compensation by recommending at least seven initial coin offerings or ICOs to his Twitter followers, the SEC said. The agency is attempting to fine McAfee, and wants to prohibit him from serving as an officer or director of any company that reports to the SEC. Reuters contributed to this report. Consider the tweets from Loeffler and Gaetz. Covid will have to recover from him! Covid stood no chance! Would these have been appropriate jokes to make in private or on a family text thread? Sure. Theres nothing wrong with bucking each other up with hopeful flattery in the face of a scary diagnosis. But Trump did not get to go home to the White House because he knows how to body-slam a submicroscopic infectious agent. (Hes still in the throes of an unpredictable illness; arguably he shouldnt be going home at all.) If the president is leaving the hospital because he is strong, did more than 200,000 other Americans not get to go home because they were a bunch of weenies? Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Tue, October 6, 2020 07:12 474 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c494b482 2 World Mike-Pence,Kamala-Harris,US-presidential-election,debate-sessions,Republican,Democratic-party,Donald-Trump,Joe-Biden Free Plexiglass will separate US Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris at Wednesday's debate, a campaign aide said, reflecting changes aimed at protecting the rivals against the spread of the coronavirus. The Commission on Presidential Debates has reportedly approved the plans, with backing of the Cleveland Clinic which is helping set debate health protocols, after President Donald Trump announced Friday that he had contracted Covid-19. Amid negotiations over debate terms, Harris, a US senator from California who is Democrat Joe Biden's running mate, was said to have supported the plexiglass addition while Pence's camp opposed. "Plexiglass will be used" between the candidates on stage in Salt Lake City, Utah, a Harris campaign aide told AFP Monday. Politico first reported the barrier news, also writing that the commission changed the layout so that the candidates will be seated 13 feet (four meters) apart instead of seven feet. "If Sen. Harris wants to use a fortress around herself, have at it," Pence spokeswoman Katie Miller told Politico. Pence and Harris have each tested negative for Covid-19 since the Trump-Biden debate last Tuesday in Cleveland. Democrats have expressed fear that Trump might have been contagious when he debated Biden, though the ex-vice president has since tested negative. The White House has not stated whether Trump will be available for the next debate, set for Oct.15, given his diagnosis. Biden signaled he would be willing to participate in the second debate, provided health experts approve. "I'll do whatever the experts say is appropriate for me to do," he told reporters Monday. "If scientists say that it's safe... then I think that's fine," Biden said, adding that "we should be very cautious." COVID-19 measures have added more than $16 billion to the federal health budget, including $1.7 billion aimed at securing a COVID-19 vaccine for 25 million Australians - a crucial gamble that underpins the Morrison government's entire fiscal strategy. The $1.7 billion is allocated over two years for agreements to access two leading vaccine candidates being developed by Oxford University in the United Kingdom and the University of Queensland, if successful, with both deals including CSL as the manufacturer in Australia. The federal government's budget is underpinned by an assumption a COVID-19 vaccine will be available in 2021. Credit:Bloomberg "The COVID-19 crisis has confirmed how vital it is to have a strong economy that can continue to guarantee the delivery of essential services," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in his budget speech. "We have secured access to more than 80 million doses of potential vaccines for COVID-19." As many as 32 people were murdered Monday in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, marking it the second deadliest day of 2020 in a state that has been engulfed by cartel violence. The most gruesome attack took place in the municipality of Jaral del Progreso approximately at 12pm local time when an armed gang arrived in two vehicles and opened fired at a home where a funeral service was being held. The shooting left five men dead and four others wounded. Local media outlets reported the service was held for one of the 11 victims who died in a September 27 bar massacre in Jaral del Progreso. Images of the carnage uploaded to social media showed several bodies lying along the sidewalk in the neighborhood of Emiliano Zapata. Pictured on the bottom right corner is one of five individuals who were shot dead by a gang at a home where a funeral service was held Monday in Guanajuato, Mexico. Monday marked the second deadliest day of 2020 in Guanajuato with 32 murders Pictured above are two of the five men who were executed by an armed gang outside a home in the Guanajuato municipality of Jaral del Progreso on Monday. Authorities reported 32 homicides throughout the central Mexico state on Monday A man's vitals are checked after he and another male were shot dead at a hardware store in the Guanajuato municipality of Salamanca on Monday At least 92 people have now been murdered during the first five days of October in Guanajuato. Monday was the second deadliest day of 2020 in the state after 33 homicides were registered July 1. At least 27 people were murdered September 27, making it the third deadliest day of the year. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel reportedly claimed responsibility and placed a banner in the background, warning its rivals against the act of extorting local businesses throughout the state. A third mutilated body was discovered inside a garbage bag at a supermarket parking in Celaya, too. Authorities reported four people were also assassinated in the city of Leon, including three at a liquor store. Two men were also killed at a hardware store in Salamanca. Authorities also discovered four dead bodies on farmland located between the towns of Las Adjuntas and La Clavada. Known for its rich culture and history and one of the most beautiful states in Mexico, Guanajuato's day-to-day life has been turned upside down due to an ongoing war between the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, an organization which crime experts have coined as the most dynamic. Pictured a male victim who was executed inside a hardware store in Guanajuato, Mexico, on Monday Since 2017, Jose Antonio 'El Marro' Yepez (left), who commands the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, has been at odds with Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel Both cartels are involved in a tug of war over the lucrative drug trade and fuel theft businesses. At least 343 have been killed in Guanajuato since August 2, when the military arrested Jose Antonio 'El Marro' Yepez, leader of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, who in December 2017 declared war on Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Murders in Guanajuato increased by 222 percent in 2019 with 3,540 homicides after 1,096 were reported in 2016. At least 2,250 murders were reported through August 31, 2020. Flash Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Monday presided over a Political Bureau meeting to discuss preparation for celebrating the founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) on Saturday and for the 8th Party congress in January. "Today all the Party members and working people are dynamically waging the final all-out campaign to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the Party," the Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday. It also reported the 19th meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the WPK discussed the issue of welcoming the Eighth Congress of the Party by waging a dynamic 80-Day Campaign of the entire Party, the whole country and all the people. The meeting stressed that the remaining days till the Eighth Congress of the Party is the period of year-end struggle and the last phase of carrying out the five-year strategy for national economic development put forth at the Seventh Congress of the Party, so that the entire Party and the whole country should wage another all-out campaign. At the meeting, Ri Pyong Chol, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK and vice chairman of the Central Committee of the WPK, and Pak Jong Chon, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, were promoted to the Marshal of the army, the report said. OurCrowd, the worlds largest global venture investing platform and Israels most active venture investor, today announced the appointment of Dr. Sabah al-Binali as UAE-based venture partner and head of the Gulf region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201005005723/en/ Dr. Sabah al-Binali, Emirati investor and seasoned executive, has been appointed as UAE-based venture partner and head of the Gulf region for Jerusalem-based OurCrowd. (Photo: OurCrowd) Dr. al-Binali will oversee the development of OurCrowds business in the region. OurCrowd plans to meet the growing demand for meaningful ties with Israel expressed by the investment and entrepreneurial communities in the UAE and neighboring states following the signing of the Abraham Accords. Dr. al-Binali is a seasoned financial services executive with 22 years of experience in investments and an entrepreneurial leader with a track record of financing, building and exiting companies in the MENA region. He was instrumental in facilitating the sale to Credit Suisse of a Saudi investment bank and the acquisition of the Zawya news agency by Thomson Reuters. OurCrowd CEO Jon Medved said: Just two weeks after the Abraham Accords were signed, we are pleased to appoint Dr. al-Binali as head of the region for OurCrowd. Dr. al-Binali is one of the first senior Emiratis to be hired by an Israeli firm as a partner. Dr. al-Binali brings incredible energy and skills to our growing business. He will effectively build bridges between the tech and financial communities in the UAE and Israel. I look forward to leading OurCrowds expansion in the UAE and the Gulf region at this historic turning-point in Middle East diplomacy, said Dr. al-Binali, OurCrowd Venture Partner and Head of Gulf Region. OurCrowds global platform provides a perfect meeting-point for startups, entrepreneurs and investors from the vibrant tech ecosystems in Israel and the UAE. There are already signs that OurCrowds success in Israel, the U.S. and other markets will be extended to include the Gulf region. Dr. al-Binali has rich experience in governance and company leadership at the highest levels. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Investment and Strategy Committee of The National Investor, Chief Investment Officer and CEO of Credit of Shuaa Capital, Director of the Board at Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia, Vice Chairman of Shuaa Capital Saudi Arabia, Vice Chairman of Gulf Finance Co., Chairman of Gulf Installments Co., Chairman of Zawya, Director of the Board at Visa International CEMA Region, founding CEO and CIO of Saffar Capital and Head of the Treasury and Investment Division at Union National Bank. Dr. al-Binali received his Ph.D. from Columbia Universityand his B.S.E from Princeton University. Founded by Jonathan Medved, OurCrowd, Israels most active venture investor, is a global leader in equity crowdfunding with $1.5B of committed funding. OurCrowd will support UAE-based startups seeking growth and development in Israel, as well as leverage its diverse portfolio to enhance business development for UAE startups seeking to collaborate on innovative solutions. OurCrowd plans to open an office in the UAE by the end of 2020. Dr. al-Binali will speak at the UAE Tech Investment Landscape: Introduction for the Israeli Ecosystem on October 13, hosted by OurCrowd and Emirates Angels. About OurCrowd: OurCrowd is a global venture investment platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. The most active venture investor in Israel, OurCrowd vets and selects companies, invests its capital, and provides its global network with unparalleled access to co-invest and contribute connections, talent and deal flow. OurCrowd builds value for its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycles, providing mentorship, recruiting industry advisors, navigating follow-on rounds and creating growth opportunities through its network of multinational partnerships. With $1.5 billion of committed funding, and investments in 220 portfolio companies and 22 venture funds, OurCrowd offers access to its membership of 55,000 individual accredited and institutional investors, family offices, and venture capital partners from over 183 countries to invest alongside, at the same terms. OurCrowds portfolio is diversified across sectors and stages, ranging from seed and series A through late stage and pre-IPO firms. Since its founding in 2013, OurCrowd portfolio companies have been acquired by some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Microsoft, Uber, Canon, Oracle, Nike, and Intel. To register and get involved, visit http://www.ourcrowd.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201005005723/en/ Sacred Heart University has suspended more than 100 students for not wearing masks, breaking social distancing rules or having unauthorized visitors in their residence hall rooms. The university, in Fairfield, Connecticut, announced that 109 students have been suspended for violating rules put in place to slow the spread of the deadly virus. Colleges across America have been grappling with welcoming students back for the fall semester while trying to prevent outbreaks among students and faculty on campus grounds. The clampdown at Sacred Heart comes as Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont revealed the state is facing its highest number of hospitalizations since June. Sacred Heart University has suspended more than 100 students for not wearing masks, breaking social distancing rules and having unauthorized visitors in their residence hall rooms Sacred Heart University officials announced the suspensions Monday as the institution vowed to take a zero tolerance approach to anyone found flouting COVID-19 safety policies. The suspensions were due to violations including people not wearing masks, not social distancing or having unauthorized visitors in their dorm rooms. Two of the 109 students were suspended for the remainder of the semester because it was their second violation, while others ranged from one week to one month in duration. Ousted students will continue to attend classes remotely. Dean of Students Larry Weilk told News 8 the move wasn't designed to punish rule-breakers but that the university was committed to keeping staff and students safe as the pandemic rumbles on. 'We want everyone to protect themselves and protect each other so that we can end the semester here on campus and have a full semester of on-campus, on-ground learning,' he said. 'Prior to the start of the year, we developed what we call a pioneer promise where we asked all students faculty and staff to promise to protect themselves, the campus community, and the greater Bridgeport and Fairfield community as well.' The university, in Fairfield, Connecticut, announced that 109 students have been suspended for violating rules put in place to slow the spread of the deadly virus. Pictured Dean of Students Larry Weilk Sacred Heart welcomed students back for the fall semester last month with several COVID-19 restrictions in place including signs around campus, restrictions on off-campus gatherings and 'scent tents' He added: 'We're all in this together, we're all trying to protect each other and stay healthy.' One SHU student, Anthony Mellow-Valle, told News 8 he understood the move was necessary to protect people on campus. 'It's rough but you gotta do what you gotta do. You have to be considerate of others and people's families,' Mellow-Valle said. 'This is not the most ideal situation but just take the time to be considerate for others. The quicker we can move on and get back to normal life.' However, Maheen Qureshi, a senior at the university, said some students had been getting 'bored' with the restrictions in place. One SHU student, Anthony Mellow-Valle, told News 8 he understood the suspensions were necessary to protect people on campus However, Maheen Qureshi, a senior at the university, said students had been getting 'bored' with the restrictions in place 'I like to see things from everyone's point of view. So while I think it's very important for people to wear their masks, do your social distancing, I can also see that for some people they're getting bored, it's getting tiring,' said Qureshi. 'Going to the gym with this thing on? It's nuts. You can't, but the important thing is to muscle through it.' Sacred Heart welcomed students back for the fall semester last month with several COVID-19 restrictions in place. Students are banned from having visitors in their residence halls unless they are classmates living in the same halls. Signs reminding people to social distance are displayed all around campus, and off-campus gatherings of more than 12 people are banned. 'Scent tents' have also been set up around campus where students are tested to see if they can smell roses, helping detect early symptoms of the virus including loss of smell. Daily COVID-19 cases in Connecticut, where 4,517 people have died and 59,120 have now been infected with the virus Sacred Heart University President John Petillo issued a warning to students last month to take 'the pandemic seriously' or he would shut it down after a number of outbreaks rocked the campus after students returned for the fall semester. 'We need to turn the tide and get the spread of the virus under control,' he said in a video to the student population in September. Concerns about outbreaks at the university come as Connecticut recorded its highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations Monday since June 23, with 19 new patients hospitalized between Friday and Monday. This takes the current number of hospitalizations across the state to 129 while the positivity rate has also inched up to 1.64 percent. Overall, 4,517 people have died and 59,120 have been infected with the virus in Connecticut. Nationwide, more than 210,000 Americans have been killed and 7.46 million infected. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed his readiness to hold a meeting in Moscow between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia with the participation of the Minsk Group co-chairs on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. His remarks came during phone talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov expressed serious concern over the ongoing hostilities on the line of contact and the increase in casualties among the civilian population. The Russian side highlighted the need for an early ceasefire. Russia, together with other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, will continue to promote the resumption of the negotiation process based on the basic principles of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. Lavrov confirmed their readiness to hold a meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Moscow with the participation of the Minsk Group co-chairs. Background In common with most other countries, Switzerland is involved in the arms industry. Swiss companies produce weapons or parts for weapons, while Swiss investors finance war material manufacturers both here and abroad. In Switzerland, war material is subject to strict regulations, and a licence is required to manufacture and export it. Nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, cluster munitions and anti-personnel mines are banned: they may neither be manufactured nor traded. And it is also illegal to fund the production of such weapons. The proposal The initiative committee takes the view that this ban on financing does not go far enough. It wants to make it illegal to finance any form of war material, including, for example, the manufacture of assault rifles, tanks and their components. The ban will not only cover granting loans to war material manufacturers but will also make it illegal to hold shares in such companies or to invest in funds that contain their shares. The ban would affect the Swiss National Bank, foundations, the state old age and invalidity pension schemes and other pension funds. In addition, Switzerland would be required to take action around the world to enforce the ban against banks and insurance companies. The economic effects would be felt not only by arms manufacturers, but also by their suppliers, which include many small and medium-sized businesses. Mandatory Credit: Photo by CLEMENS BILAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (10913046ak) Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (L) speaks during a protest against the political situation in Belarus, as a protesters raises a cardboard reading 'Lukashenko get lost' (R), referring to Belarusian President Lukashenko, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, 05 October 2020.Tsikhanouskaya is on a visit to Berlin for a meeting with German Chancellor Merkel scheduled for 06 October 2020. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visits Berlin, Germany - 05 Oct 2020 - CLEMENS BILAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Angela Merkel in Berlin on Tuesday as European leaders sought to keep up the pressure on the regime of Alexander Lukashenko. In a clear message to Minsk, Mrs Tsikhanouskaya was given a working visit usually reserved for visiting heads of government. We need mediation in Belarus between the opposition and the regime, Mrs Tsikhanouskaya said ahead of the meeting. Protests in Belarus are not about a fight against Russia or in favour of Europe: they're a result of an internal Belarusian crisis. Mrs Tsikhanouskaya, who was forced to flee Belarus following Augusts presidential election, is touring Europe as she seeks to maintain international pressure on Mr Lukashenko. Her meeting with Mrs Merkel follows talks with Emmanuel Macron in France last week. Britain and the European Union have refused to accept the official results of Augusts election, which Mr Lukashenko claims to have won by a landslide. Mr Tsikhanouskaya said her main aim remains is to persuade him to hold fresh presidential elections. A governemt handout shows German Chancellor Angela Merkel meeting Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, October 6, 2020. Bundesregierung/Jesco Denzel/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. - Jesco Denzel/via REUTERS Its important that they should be held as soon as possible since people have been living under pressure for 26 years and now they dont want to do that any longer," she said. She is also understood to have asked Mrs Merkel asked for international pressure on the Lukashenko regime in secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus. Among them are her husband, the blogger Sergei Tsikhanousky, who has been held in pre-trial detention for four months, and her fellow opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, who was jailed last month. Ahead of the meeting, Mrs Tsikhanouskaya visited the former site of the Berlin Wall and compared its fall 31 years ago to the situation in her own country. The first thing I did in Berlin was to come and see the Berlin Wall, she said. I was shown a picture of people from the eastern side standing on the wall. It's the same in Belarus: we are on this wall and we are going to tear it down. Story continues Mrs Merkel did not comment publicly following the meeting. But in a sign of a deepening rift between the EU and Belarus, Poland confirmed that it had recalled its ambassador from Minsk. Zbigniew Rau, the Polish foreign minister, said on Twitter that several European countries have decided to withdraw their ambassador for consultations. The move comes after Belarus recalled its ambassadors from Poland and Lithuania and ordered the two countries to cut their embassy staff, accusing them of fomenting unrest. "Choice Hotels has a longstanding, deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we strive to make every associate, franchisee and guest feel welcome, wanted and respected that's our brand promise," said Patrick Pacious, president and chief executive officer, Choice Hotels. "As part of that pledge, our emerging markets franchise development team is constantly working to help extend the opportunity of hotel ownership to those who have historically been less represented in the hospitality industry." "For nearly 15 years, our emerging markets department has been working to help make small business ownership a reality for underrepresented minority entrepreneurs," said John Lancaster, regional vice president, emerging markets, franchise development and owner relationships. "We are extremely proud of our history as the only lodging company with a team dedicated exclusively to growing a diverse franchisee base, and this multi-unit agreement, which is the largest we have ever entered, is a great example of how we are trying to accomplish that." The agreement with Washington, who is managing partner of Southern Accommodations, LLC and previously served as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development lead in Florida under Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, includes the following six hotels: Sleep Inn St. Augustine, Florida Comfort Suites Fort Myers, Florida Sleep Inn Fort Myers, Florida MainStay Suites Fort Myers, Florida Sleep Inn Ocala, Florida MainStay Suites Ocala, Florida "It's historically significant that the first hotel in this multi-unit deal is owned by an African American in St. Augustine, where there have been several prominent acts of racial discrimination in this industry," said Washington. "This is a welcomed step forward and I appreciate the sincere collaboration with Choice Hotels to help address the racial divide that exists in our country by promoting African American hotel ownership. Choice leads the industry in creating true equity participation, and now I've experienced firsthand why the company is not satisfied with hanging banners and coming up with logos, but they live inclusiveness and diversity every day." Choice Hotels' emerging markets program has awarded and financially supported over 250 franchise agreements with underrepresented minority and veteran entrepreneurs in the program's history, including 34 deals last year alone. This year, the company has yielded 17 contracts so far, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including two additional contracts with Washington for a Comfort Suites and MainStay Suites in St. Augustine. For more information about the program and development opportunities, visit choicehotelsdevelopment.com/incentives. About Choice Hotels Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With more than 7,100 hotels, representing nearly 600,000 rooms, in over 40 countries and territories as of June 30, 2020, the Choice family of hotel brands provide business and leisure travelers with a range of high-quality lodging options from limited service to full-service hotels in the upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments. The award-winning Choice Privileges loyalty program offers members benefits ranging from everyday rewards to exceptional experiences. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com. Forward-Looking Statement This communication includes "forward-looking statements" about future events, including anticipated development and hotel openings. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including construction delays, availability and cost of financing and the other "Risk Factors" described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, any of which could cause actual results to be materially different from our expectations. Addendum This is not an offering. No offer or sale of a franchise will be made except by a Franchise Disclosure Document first filed and registered with applicable state authorities. A copy of the Franchise Disclosure Document can be obtained through contacting Choice Hotels International at 1 Choice Hotels Circle, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850, [email protected]. 2020 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved. SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc. Related Links www.choicehotels.com Challenging a 75-year-old notion about how and when reptiles evolved during the past 300 million-plus years involves a lot of camerawork, loads of CT scanning, and, most of all, thousands of miles of travel. Just check the stamps in Tiago R. Simoes ' passport. Simoes is the Alexander Agassiz Postdoctoral Fellow in the lab of Harvard paleontologist Stephanie Pierce. From 2013 to 2018, he traveled to more than 20 countries and more than 50 different museums to take CT scans and photos of nearly 1,000 reptilian fossils, some hundreds of millions of years old. It amounted to about 400 days of active collection, helping form what is believed to be the largest available timeline on the evolution of major living and extinct reptile groups. Now, a statistical analysis of that vast database is helping scientists better understand the evolution of these cold-blooded vertebrates by contradicting a widely held theory that major transitions in evolution always happened in big, quick (geologically speaking) bursts, triggered by major environmental shifts. The findings are described in a recently published paper in Nature Communications. In it, researchers show that the evolution of extinct lineages of reptiles from more than 250 million years ago took place through many small bursts of morphological changes, such as developing armored body plans or wings for gliding, over a period of 50 million years instead of during a single major evolutionary event, as previously thought. They also show that the early evolution of most lizard lineages was a continuously slower and more incremental process than previously understood. "It wasn't a sudden jump that kind of established the wide diversity that we see today in reptiles," Simoes said. "There was an initial jump, but relatively small, and then a sustained increase over time of those rates [of evolution] and different diversity values." Evidence of this has been seen in other types of animals, but this is the first time it's been seen in reptiles -- one of the most diverse animals on the planet, with more than 10,000 different species and a dizzying variety of abilities and traits. Consider how some lizard species can freeze solid overnight then thaw the next morning, or how turtles grow protective armor. The findings run contrary to the evolutionary theory of adaptive radiation that Harvard paleontologist George G. Simpson popularized in the 1940s, which sought to explain the origins of the planet's biological diversity. Adaptive radiation has been the focus of intense investigation for decades, but wasn't until recent years that the technology, methods, and data have existed to precisely measure rapid rates of evolution in the fossil record in terms of different animal species, morphologies, and at the molecular level using DNA. Researchers of this study also included Pierce, the Thomas D. Cabot Associate Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and curator of vertebrate paleontology in the Museum of Comparative Zoology; Oksana Vernygora, a graduate student from the University of Alberta in Canada; and Professor Michael Wayne Caldwell at Alberta. Simoes traveled to almost all of the world's major natural history museums to collect the data for the study, including the national natural history museums in London, Paris, Berlin, Ottawa, Beijing, and Tokyo. In the U.S., he visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology. The scientists believe that by understanding how animals evolve over longer periods of time, they can glean a number of lessons on ecology and how organisms are affected by environmental changes. Using the database, researchers can determine when major reptile lineages or morphologies originated, see how those changes affected reptile DNA, and learn important lessons about how species were impacted by historical events. Reptiles, for instance, have survived three major mass extinction events. The biggest was the Permian-Triassic mass extinction about 250 million years ago that killed about 90 percent of the planet's species, earning it the moniker the Great Dying. It's believed to have been caused by a buildup of natural greenhouse gases. The timeline researchers created found that the rates at which reptiles were evolving and the anatomical differences among them before the Great Dying were nearly as high as after the event. However, it was only much after the Great Dying that reptiles became dominant in many ecosystems and extremely diverse in terms of the number of different species. That finding cemented that fast rates of anatomical change don't need to coincide with genetic diversity or an abundance of species (called taxonomic diversity), and further rebutted adaptive radiation as the only explanation for the origin of new animal groups and body plans. The researchers also note that it took reptiles almost 10 million years to recover to previous levels of anatomical diversity. "That kind of tells you on the broad scheme of things and on a global scale how much impact, throughout the history of life, sudden environmental changes may have," Simoes said. Further evidence that contradicted adaptive radiation included similar but surprising findings on the origins of snakes, which achieved the major aspects of their skinny, elongated body plans early in their evolution about 170 million years ago (but didn't fully lose their limbs for another 105 million years). They also underwent rapid changes to their skulls about 170 to 165 million years ago that led to such powerful and flexible mouths that today they can swallow whole prey many times their size. But while snakes experienced the fastest rates of anatomical change in the history of reptile evolution, these changes did not coincide with increases in taxonomic diversity or high rates of molecular evolution as predicted by adaptive radiations, the researchers said. The scientists weren't able to pinpoint why this mismatch happens, and suggested more research is needed. In particular they want to understand how body plans evolve and how changes in DNA relate to it. "We can see better now what are the big changes in the history of life and especially in the history of reptile life on Earth," Simoes said. "We will keep digging." ### BREIL-SUR-ROYA, France - The grim job of searching for flood victims in Alpine villages and on the nearby French and Italian coasts has grown even more gruesome: Along with storm casualties, authorities say corpses from cemeteries have also been found around the Mediterranean shore, apparently swept down the mountain by violent rains. A total of 12 deaths have been reported since the storm pounded Frances Alpes-Maritimes region and Italys northwestern regions of Liguria and Piedmont starting Friday four on the French side, eight on the Italian side. Prime Minister Jean Castex said French rescuers were still searching Tuesday for 21 people missing. My thoughts go to grieving families, those who are waiting to hear from their relatives or who have lost everything, he said at the National Assembly. Castex said more than 900 rescuers, 500 police officers and some troops were involved in the emergency operation in the mountainous region, which is home to 12,000 residents. He added that about 700 people were staying in hotels or other accommodation sites after being evacuated from their homes. French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the area Wednesday. Corpses unearthed from cemeteries have washed up on the Italian side, a spokeswoman for the Alpes-Maritimes regional administration told The Associated Press. She could not say how many or where they came from, and it was unclear whether the bodies were among the eight reported dead in Italy from the storm. Italian local authorities could not immediately be reached for comment. The cemetery corpses were in such an advanced state of decomposition that they were clearly distinguishable from recent storm victims, the French spokeswoman said. Local authorities have said cemeteries in the French towns of Saint-Martin-de-Vesubie and Tende were partially washed out by the floods. Tende Mayor Jean-Pierre Vassallo told Le Parisien newspaper that the village cemetery was cut in two and bodies were unearthed. Forensic police working to identify the dead are among the security forces, firefighters, rescue divers and others helping Tuesday in the continuing search and cleanup effort, according to a spokesman for Frances national gendarme service. Police are going door-to-door to check on people reported as missing in hamlets where roads, electricity, communications and water supplies were cut off by the storm, the spokesman said. Neither spokesperson was authorized to be publicly named according to official policy. In Breil-sur-Roya, the river that runs through the village of 2,000 residents, usually known for trout fishing, turned during the storm into a torrent of mud, rocks and debris. Longtime residents describe the damage in biblical terms, saying theyd never seen anything like it. Some have started to clean up, spending their whole day shovelling mud out of shops and homes while trucks hauled away felled trees to clear streets and roads. Cars coated in caked mud were piled on top of each other. Its a catastrophic situation, said Georges Pomarede, a retired police officer clearing out his home in Breil-sur-Roya. All of that is gone, no more campground, no stadium, no more swimming pool, no more shops, a hotel is gone ... entire houses swallowed by the floods. Its a phenomenal disaster. Some roads were still blocked by debris Tuesday, so helicopters were delivering supplies to stranded populations, like in the village of Saint-Martin-Vesubie. Alain Gallo, 74, said a big wave came down river. The trees started flying around and when I saw this (my wife and I) got into the car and left. Another resident, Alain Pallanca, was evacuated in a bus to the city of Nice. The water, it was as fast as a Formula 1 (car), faster than 300 kilometres per hour and it wiped away everything in its path, he said. ___ Sylvie Corbet and Angela Charlton in Paris, and Colleen Barry in Milan, contributed to this report. Read more about: The August Complex fire burns near Lake Pillsbury in the Mendocino National Forest, Sept. 16. (Noah Berger / Associated Press) It was mid-August and California was experiencing yet another bout of extreme weather. In Death Valley, the thermometer at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center displayed one of the hottest if not the hottest temperatures ever recorded on Earth: 130 degrees. Up in Northern California, an unusually fierce lightning storm lighted up the skies and ignited numerous wildfires, stretching from the Salinas Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains north into the Mendocino National Forest and beyond. More than 12,000 lightning strikes were recorded over the next 96 hours. In the weeks that followed, 37 of those small fires morphed and merged into what was to become the largest wildfire California had ever seen: the August Complex. On Monday, it reached "gigafire" status, burning more than 1 million acres, setting a new record for the state and offering what experts say is a terrifying window into how climate change and other factors such as mismanaged forests are worsening the state's fire danger. Its almost just kind of like a debt that weve accrued, and that were finally paying on it, said Brandon Collins, a fire scientist at UC Berkeley. In the 50 days since that lightning storm set the area ablaze, the August Complex has expanded into seven counties, including Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, Tehama, Glenn, Lake and Colusa. Even Monday, it continued to threaten communities as firefighters struggled to gain greater control of the inferno. The sheer size of the fire is hard to fathom. "It makes up more than all of the fires that occurred between 1932 and 1999," Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday. "If that's not proof-point testament to climate change, I don't know what is." The August Complex has contributed to the worst fire season California has ever recorded: 4 million acres in California have burned to date far exceeding the previous record of more than 1.8 million set in 2018. One firefighter, Diane Jones, 63, lost her life trying to battle the blaze. Story continues "This is a wake-up call," said Bill Patzert, a climatologist who spent several decades at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge. "California burns every year, but it didnt burn a half a century ago like it is today. The stage is evolving. Increased global temperatures driven by carbon emissions also contributed to 2020's extreme fire conditions. California saw its hottest August on record, only to break at least six more temperature records in September. Fourteen of the last 21 years have also seen below-average rainfall in the state. Combined, the factors were a recipe for creating the vast swaths of bone-dry vegetation that have fed the August Complex for weeks. The fire has burned its way through three national forests, including Mendocino, Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers. "I can't remember when we got any rain last," said Mendocino National Forest spokeswoman Punky Moore. Moore described an endless string of hot, dry, smoky days for fire crews battling the blaze, often amid low visibility and steep, rocky terrain. Nearly 4,000 aerial and ground personnel from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the U.S. Forest Service as well as 138 National Guard personnel and crews from as far away as Montana, Texas, Washington and New Jersey are on hand to assist in the fight. "There were several times when the fires doubled in size," Moore said of the August Complex's growth. "When they doubled in size, we knew it was going to get large." There are a number of reasons why the blaze got so big. Severe bouts of lightning have struck Northern California and caused a huge number of wildfires before; it happens roughly every 15 years or so, such as during the lightning-sparked fires of June 2008 and those that formed around September 1987, said Scott Stephens, professor of fire science at UC Berkeley. But while the 1987 and 2008 fires happened to hit mostly remote country, like in the Sierra Nevada and Klamath mountain ranges, this year the lightning also extended to the urban Bay Area. The result was that the state was particularly stretched for firefighting manpower, and much of the firefighting attention was focused on the Bay Area, and officials could not afford more resources on more rural fires like the August Complex. "It was just an overwhelming number of fires early. And then resources that were then stretched thin," Stephens said. "And this one, just based on a prioritization, was given a lower priority, and it continued to get bigger and bigger." The mix of widespread dry lightning with the hottest August on record in California that dried out the vegetation primed the landscape for disaster. The August Complex fire perimeter on Monday. (Swetha Kannan / Los Angeles Times) "Climate change is predisposing the fuels into drier conditions," Stephens said. "We know the fire season length is also increasing ... so it's absolutely right that climate change is making this more challenging." A recent report in the journal Environmental Research Letters said that climate change was increasing the likelihood of extreme autumn wildfire conditions across California. "We found that climate change has already more than doubled the frequency of extreme autumn wildfire conditions in California over the past 40 years," coauthor Daniel Swain, a UCLA climate scientist, wrote recently. Despite its rural origins, the legacy of the August Complex fire has been acutely felt by millions of Californians sending huge amounts of smoke and ash that blotted the sun across the north and led to apocalyptic skies that left the San Francisco Bay Area in an orange, toxic twilight for much of Sept. 9. The Bay Area experienced a record 30 consecutive "Spare the Air" days warning of unhealthful air quality. The plumes of smoke even "were getting down to Southern California; it's getting to Arizona," said Collins, the UC Berkeley fire scientist. But the legacy of the August Complex fire may also end up being partly positive. The blaze has received less public attention not only because of the lack of destruction in major urban areas, but also because of its relatively slow rate of growth. Unlike the North Complex fire which killed 15 people and raced across Butte County in a single day or the Creek fire in the Sierra National Forest, which spurred the evacuation of campers by helicopter, the slower spread of the August Complex fire may mean the flames burned less intensely and left more surviving trees. That would set the stage for relatively more ecological benefits than a hotter, more intense fire that burns virtually everything to a moonscape, as has been the case in other California wildfires this year. If that hypothesis ends up being true, it could show how a large but not particularly intense fire can be used to help sustainably manage forests. Scientists have long warned that the unnatural suppression of forest fires for decades has caused forests to become overgrown, meaning that when fires do burn, they burn so intensely there are large expanses of wildlands that are virtually incinerated, instead of allowing the largest trees to live on, as happened more commonly before the modern era. Scientists have long advocated for better management of forests with more prescribed burns and logging not of the most lucrative large trees, which are fire resistant and anchor the ecosystem, but the smaller trees that have far less economic value. The unhealthy states of California's other forests led to horrific lasting damage to their ecosystems, possibly in ways that won't be healed in our lifetime, if ever. In the North Complex fire, where swaths of land of 5,000 to 10,000 acres of forest have been destroyed, conifers may have been destroyed permanently and won't return naturally. When giant stretches of forest land are decimated by intense fire, what was once forest can end up converting into another type of landscape, such as one dominated by shrubs. And shrubs can burn more often, worsening the fire risk to California. The hope among experts is that the devastating wildfires will help spark U.S. and state officials to enact sweeping changes needed to reduce fuels from forests so they burn less intensely. A major challenge will be dealing with the nearly 150 million dead, drought-stressed trees in California, which fueled the rapid spread of the Creek fire in the Sierra National Forest. The burning vegetation generated a cloud so heavy with smoke and moisture it collapsed downward, causing the fire to spread in many directions. "It's going to require some careful but deliberate burning intentional burning," Collins said. The August Complex fire is just over 50% contained and will probably continue to burn for several weeks to come. Everybodys ready for a break, but everybodys doing what they have to do, said Christine McMorrow, a spokeswoman for Cal Fire. As for what the record-breaking gigafire means for the future of the state so many call home experts say it probably isnt good. Now that the climate is changing, fire season is not just in the fall its year-round, Patzert said. That means more flames, more smoke and more lost acreage are very likely in store. The all-natural California of John Muir is definitely in the rearview window, he said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. 06.10.2020 LISTEN An Accra High Court presided over by Justice Amos Wuntah Wuni has declined request from lawyers of the Medical Doctor of Holy Trinity Medical Center/Spa and Health Farm, to hear his testimony in-camera. Dr Kennedy Kwabena Addo was summoned to appear before the court on Monday, after Ken Agyapong, who is a subject of contempt was said to have suffered complications of Covid-19 condition when he was supposed to appear before the court. Lawyer C H Chamber, counsel for Dr Addo when the case was called for the doctor to address the court on the excuse duty form he issued to give Kennedy Agyapong 14 days rest said the doctors responses could bring out confidentiality issues between a doctor and client relationship. According to him, he wanted the matter heard in-camera instead of open court since it will end up with the doctor speaking on Mr Agyapongs medical conditions. The court while declining the request said the summons was for the doctor to come and speak to the excuse duty form he issued giving the contemnor 14 straight days excuse. The court said the excuse duty form was brought up in open court and assured the Lawyer that, the court was not going to delve into issues regarding his medical conditions. Dr Addo has since been called to the witness box to speak in open court. ---starrfmonline Malibu Beach Inn, a five-star boutique hotel where the Pacific Ocean meets Californias seaside haven, has been recognized today by the coveted Conde Nast Traveler annual Readers Choice Awards, ranking as the #1 Hotel in Southern California. Located along an iconic strip of Californias coastline, Malibu Beach Inn is a 47-room boutique hotel offering breathtaking oceanic panoramas, refined design, and luxury experiences inspired by Malibus effortless ambiance. More than 715,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers submitted an incredible number of responses rating their travel experiences across the globe. It is an honor to be voted by the discerning readers of Conde Nast Traveler as the #1 hotel in Southern California, says General Manager Gregory Day. Our recognition on the list is a testament to the admirations of our guests, hard work of our dedicated staff, and our commitment to offering the highest level of service and creative experiences, even during the challenges of recent times. The results of this years survey, conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, are a testament to the lasting power of a meaningful travel experience, said Jesse Ashlock, U.S. Editor of Conde Nast Traveler. The winners represent the best of the best for our audience and offer plenty of trip-planning inspiration for all the adventures we cant wait to have next. The Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. The full list of winners can be found here. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Southern Californias Pacific Coast Highway, the five-star boutique hotel is set on the exclusive sands of Carbon Beach in Malibu offering breathtaking oceanic panoramic views and a coveted retreat for the most discerning traveler. The 47 well-appointed guestrooms and suites each with an ocean view are thoughtfully designed with clean, contemporary lines and luxurious natural materials that perfectly reflect Malibus seaside haven. The hotels exemplary service is driven by a highly anticipatory culture, bespoke details and one-of-a-kind amenities that are interwoven with real personal connection fostered between the dedicated staff and long-standing guests. The 2020 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Conde Nast Traveler's website at http://www.cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Conde Nast Traveler US and UK print editions. This years award marks the fifth consecutive year Malibu Beach Inn has been recognized by the publications coveted Readers Choice Awards. About Malibu Beach Inn Malibu Beach Inn is located off the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, lies Malibu Beach Inn, a five-star boutique where the Pacific Ocean meets Californias seaside haven. Positioned along a strip of coastline famously nicknamed Billionaires Beach, the 47-guestroom property offers panoramic ocean views, coastal inspired design and a revered art collection from owners Mani Brothers Real Estate Group. This Leading Hotels of the Worlda and Virtuosoa property is also home to CBC-Malibu (Carbon Beach Club), which serves locally sourced California cuisine, world-renowned wine selections and cleverly crafted cocktails. For more information, please visit http://www.malibubeachinn.com or on Facebook and Instagram. About Conde Nast Traveler Conde Nast Traveler is the worlds most distinguished travel title providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers. Authoritative and influential, Conde Nast Traveler is a multi-platform, transatlantic brand. Publishing US and UK print editions under Editor-in-Chief Melinda Stevens, Conde Nast Traveler offers award-winning expertise in luxury travel from around the world. For more, visit http://www.cntraveler.com. For press inquiries, please contact: awards@condenasttraveler.com The U.S. Supreme Court decided Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case that made same-sex marriages legal across the land, on June 26, 2015. In the five years since, it can sometimes be difficult to remember that there were folks who were adamantly, sometimes wildly, opposed to the very notion of gay marriage. Their claim, put plainly: Defining marriage as anything other than the union of one man and one woman would mark the end of the world as weve known it. How wrong such folks were. The ruling changed the definition, but the sky didnt fall. While most have long since moved on and noted that no ones traditional marriage has suffered in the least because same-sex marriages are now lawful, and fairly commonplace, not everyone has climbed on board. Notably, Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, perhaps the most fervently right-wing members of the current court, appear willing to continue the old battles, acting as though Obergefell hadnt been decided. Both, of course, were on the losing side of the 5-4 decision. On Monday, the Supreme Court wisely decided not to hear a case brought by a Kentucky clerk who cited her own religious objections as her reason for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples -- despite the high courts 2015 ruling. Clerk Kim Davis just couldnt abide putting her Jane Hancock on a license affirming the marriage of two men, or two women -- because of her religious beliefs. She had the absolute right, as a citizen, to believe whatever her heart instructed her to believe. But not as a government employee. In that role, she was there to serve the law, not the Lord. Though the high court, as is its practice, didnt detail its reasoning for declining to hear Davis' case, that didnt stop Thomas from issuing a caustic dissent about the threat to religious freedoms from the Obergefell decision. Herewith, a reminder for both Thomas and Alito: The First Amendment not only prohibits the government from establishing any particular religion, but also endeavors to keep the government from favoring one religion, or no religion at all. Such decisions are left to us as individuals. One can understand that some could have missed that lesson in school, as Davis apparently did, but those on the Supreme Court have got to know better. Trade: A No Border No Brexit sticker can be seen close to the Hands Across the Divide peace statue at Craigavon Bridge in Co Derry. Photo: Getty Images A hard border in Northern Ireland is "highly likely" to increase terrorist threats with security checkpoints anticipated to become targets for dissident republican groups, the UK government has been warned. MPs on the Commons Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has released a report into Northern Ireland terrorism after Intelligence Agency MI5 investigated the potential threat of installations or infrastructure at the border. The ISC said it would not support the use of any hard border infrastructure and has called for ministers to take the risk into account. The committee also warned that these dissident republican groups - which includes the New IRA - are recruiting significant numbers of young people. The ISC added that a harder border would also be symbolic for groups like the New IRA and could draw in young recruits. The report also says that Brexit could reignite the threat from Loyalist groups that have previously held a ceasefire. MI5 has said it fears the New IRA could become a more dangerous threat in the future after Brexit is fully implemented. The report, which was published on Monday, referenced evidence from a study conducted by MI5 in February. The report states that this threat from dissident Republican groups is rated as severe, meaning that further attacks are highly likely. Any infrastructure erected at the Irish border to handle customs or security checks would immediately become a target for DR [dissident republican] attacks, the report stated. The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism requires sustained pressure and resources must be maintained - this is more important now than ever, it added. MPs stated that the New IRA is the most widespread of the four dissident republican groups. Read More MPs on the ISC has warned that although there was an initial backlash against the New IRA after the murder of Lyra McKee MI5s investigation suggests that the group had rallied almost immediately. In a statement, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that although the issue "is in no way comparable to the troubles" the government would consider its findings in full and respond formally. However, he didnt mention the border issue. Despite significant pressure from the police and security forces, demonstrated by the recent arrests targeting the New IRA, the terrorist threat they pose is enduring, he said. The lines are often blurred between those involved in terrorist activity, paramilitary activity, and organised crime. In one way or another, these groups exert control over and exploit those communities for their own criminal ends. The 300-mile border between Northern Ireland and the Republic will be the only point that the UK and EU will meet on land. Goods will not need to be checked when crossing this border and will follow EU customs rules, it was decided under the Northern Ireland protocol negotiated last year, however, there has been no agreement on how this will be implemented and it is due to come into force on January 1, 2021. Mallam Yakubu Tahiru, Western Regional Chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC) says the party is determined to secure five parliamentary seats in the December 7, Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. I know for sure that the party cannot win the Presidential race for now and that is my opinion. If you want to be great, you need to come down first, so I am ready to work hard for the party , he stressed. Mallam Yakubu who spoke in an interview with the GNA expressed the optimism that the current elected candidates would ignite some passion and enthusiasm among leadership and membership of the party to give it a facelift. When asked whether the party would present parliamentary candidates for the Western Region, he could not confirm and said due to the lateness of the partys delegate conference, it was now expecting members to open up and pick nominations to contest in the elections. He noted that the lack of hardworking and good leaders to lead the party in both the region and national was the challenge the party had been struggling and wallowing behind and called on the rank and file of the party to work hard to bring all the scattered members together. He advised members of the party to desist from politics of insult and avoid factionalism which would not enable the party to achieve any meaningful thing, instead resort to hard work, dedication, and commitment without inducement. The PNC, which follows the Nkrumah-Egala-Limann tradition, had originally planned to hold the national congress earlier in the Western Region in honour of Ghanas first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who is a native of the region. The plan was rescinded due to the restrictions imposed on mass gatherings. More than 4,000 delegates across the 16 regions were expected to participate in the exercise in their respective regions. 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 Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden gestures as he speaks during a town hall while campaigning for president in Miami, Fla., on Oct. 5, 2020. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters) Joe Biden Suggests Trump Is Responsible for Getting COVID-19 Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Monday suggested President Donald Trump was responsible for contracting the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19. Look, anybody who contracts the virus, by essentially saying masks dont matter, social distancing doesnt matter, I think is responsible for what happens to them, Biden, 77, said during a town hall in Miami, Florida. Trump, 74, tested positive for COVID-19 last week. If these people took off their masks, and theyre all having them on, I noticed, and just all of a sudden got in a gaggle and started talking to one another, well, theyre taking responsibility that in fact, they should notthey should be held responsible for, Biden continued. Because every major scientist and doctor and immunologist has said, thats a very dangerous thing to do. The particles and droplets can stay in the air for a long time, longer than they thought, it can go beyond 10 feet. Theres all kinds of things theyve learned and know. Courtney Parella, a spokeswoman for Trumps campaign, told The Epoch Times via email, President Trump has been working tirelessly to lead the American people through this unprecedented pandemic and never stopped doing his job, even when he contracted and fought off the coronavirus. Will Joe Biden also blame the many Americans who unfortunately contracted COVID-19 and tell them its their fault? Biden appeared to be referring to updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that says that in rare cases, the virus can spread beyond 6 feet. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden speaks at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex in Miami, Fla., on Oct. 5, 2020. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo) The Democrat then repeated his description of wearing a mask as an act of patriotism. Biden often wears a mask in public but at times has posed for pictures or closely interacted with people in recent months while not wearing one. Federal health guidance states that wearing a mask can help lower the risk of contracting the CCP virus but should be combined with social distancing and other measures. Trump has rarely worn a mask. Trump has encouraged Americans to wear masks and follow federal guidance, but hes also mocked Biden for wearing a mask before. I dont wear a mask like him. Every time you see him, hes got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away from him and he shows up with the biggest mask Ive ever seen, Trump told the audience at last weeks presidential debate. President Donald Trump poses on the Truman Balcony of the White House after returning from being hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center for COVID-19 treatment, in Washington on Oct. 5, 2020. (Erin Scott/Reuters) An expert told The Epoch Times earlier Monday that the CCP is responsible for Trumps infection, and Trumps lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, on social media used the term CCP virus. Trump said in a video filmed at the White House Monday following his discharge from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center that he learned so much about the new virus. Urging people not to be afraid of the virus, Trump said he was aware of the danger he was in during recent months. Dont let it dominate you, dont let it take over your lives, Trump said. Were going back to work, were going to be out front. As your leader, I had to do that. I knew theres danger to it, but I had to do it. I stood out front, I led. Nobody thats a leader would not do what I did. And I knew theres a danger, theres a risk, but thats OK. On Monday Governor Greg Abbott hinted that bars, which have been closed for months, may be soon allowed to reopen their doors. Abbott suggested an imminent reopening, stating in a cryptic tweet that he might be announcing more reopenings across Texas soon. Texans have continued to keep COVID under control," Abbott tweeted. "The hospitalizations, number of new positive cases, and positivity rate remain contained. Today was one of the lowest for fatalities in a long time. I will be announcing more openings soon. Cheers!" FIRST FLIGHT OUT: What it's like to fly for the first time since the pandemic began On June 26, Abbott ordered bars in Texas to be shut down for a second time after allowing them to reopen for only a few weeks between mid-May and mid-June. Bars in Texas were first ordered to be shut down on March 19 due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, as a mandate of Gov. Abbott's executive order. During that time period, COVID-19 cases escalated across the state. In a June press release, Abbott referred to the spike in cases due to Texans "congregating in bars." "At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars," Abbott stated about the closure. Abbott didn't reveal when an announcement would be made or what it would be. In his recent round of reopenings, Abbott said restaurants, gyms, office buildings, retail shops and factories could increase capacity to 75 percent beginning on September 21. During September's announcement, Abbott ordered bars to remain closed as they are still considered places where COVID-19 spreads. Not everyone is happy about the prospect of bars reopening soon in Texas. In a direct reply to Abbott's tweet, Dallas County's Clay Jenkins stated that the county's health committee discouraged the possibility of reopening bars, stressing the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. "The Dallas County Public Health Committee, made up of experts in infectious disease and public health, strongly discourages the reopening of bars at this time," Jenkins tweeted. "Unfortunately we are now seeing the increase in daily new cases and hospitalization in North Texas." In August, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission allowed Texas bars to reclassify as restaurants with certain conditions in an emergency amendment. One caveat: bars will not be allowed to make more than 51 percent of their revenue from alcohol under the revision. "The TABC has received approximately 2,200 applications from businesses seeking to reclassify," TABC's Chris Porter told Chron. "So far about 1,800 have been processed and issued." The state government in an affidavit further recommended a CBI probe into the case as it would obviate hindrance being created by certain 'vested interests' in the fair and impartial investigation The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the body of the 19-year-old Dalit woman, who was brutally tortured and gang-raped allegedly by four upper-caste men in Hathras district, was cremated at night to avoid large-scale violence. The apex court, terming the rape as 'horrible', directed the Uttar Pradesh government to inform it by 8 October about the steps taken to protect witnesses, as per PTI. The state government said that despite its diligent probe into the Hathras case, different false narratives started gaining momentum at the behest of some vested interests. The Yogi Adityanath government in an affidavit further recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case as it would obviate hindrance being created by certain vested interests in the fair and impartial investigation. The state government said an investigation by the Central agency in the case will ensure that no vested interests will be able to create a fake and false narrative with oblique motives The affidavit said the state government has already requested the Central government to take over the investigation through CBI. In the affidavit to the apex court, the state also claimed the victims family was present for the cremation and agreed to attend to avoid further violence, Indian Express reported. As per NDTV, the state government justified the 2.30 am cremation by saying there was a high alert in the district because of the Babri mosque verdict a day later and coronavirus safety rules. The cremation was performed with full rites and customs at night only to maintain law and order, the affidavit claimed. It told the Supreme Court that the district administration of Hathras had been receiving several intelligence inputs since the morning of 29 September of the manner in which the dharna had taken place at Safdarjung hospital and the whole issue was being exploited and a caste/communal colour was being given. The state claimed it had received specific inputs that lakhs of protestors of both communities/castes along with supporters of political parties and media would assemble the next morning at the village which is likely to turn violent and will lead to major law and order problems, reported NDTV. 'Inform on steps to protect witnesses' The apex court directed the Yogi Adityanath government to file an affidavit regarding and also ascertain whether the victim's family has chosen a lawyer, as per PTI. A bench comprising Chief Justice SA Bobde and justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian said it will ensure that the investigation is smooth. The top court also told all parties appearing before it to give suggestions on the scope of proceedings before the Allahabad High Court and how the apex court can make it more relevant. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for few intervenors, asked the top court to provide protection to the victim's family. Jaising said the family has expressed that they are not satisfied with the CBI taking up the case and said an SIT, monitored by the apex court, should probe the case. At this point, the bench asked Jaising what her locus standi was. You don't have any locus in this matter. But we are hearing you because the case is such and of huge importance. We are hearing your because this a shocking incident, but we are still pondering over your locus in this case," said the bench. Advocate Kirti Singh, appearing for few woman lawyers, said the probe should be under the supervision of the court. The apex court said this is a horrible incident but it does not want repetitive arguments in court. It is horrible incident but the question is how many similar arguments should we hear? Please understand that there is no need to duplicate concerns in the court of law," the bench said. Court of law need not hear the same argument by every party. This is not a comment on the incident but please understand our point of view, it added, as per PTI. SIT visits crime scene Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team investigating the case, visited the crime scene on Tuesday morning. The panel, formed by the Yogi Adityanath government, will submit its report on Wednesday. The state government has also sought a CBI probe into the FIR related to the alleged criminal conspiracy to spread caste conflict, instigating violence, incidents of vicious propaganda by sections of media and political interests. On Monday, chief minister Yogi Adityanath accused the Bharatiya Janata Partys political opponents of attempting to conspire against it by trying to lay a foundation for caste and communal riots through international funding, reported ANI. The state government filed an FIR against unknown persons for attempting to trigger 'caste-baste conflict'. The Dalit teen died of grievous injuries in a Delhi hospital on 29 September, a fortnight after she was gang-raped allegedly at her village by four upper-caste men. With inputs from PTI 32080 Coupling the power of the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud with Speedcast core connectivity will increase several Speedcast products' reach. FREMONT, CA: Speedcast International Limited, the worlds most trusted communications, and IT services provider, announces a long-term agreement with Nokia to implement its industrial-grade private wireless solutions internationally via the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud. Through this new partnership, Speedcast offers remote backhaul, data, and voice connectivity to customers, covering areas up to 30 km, and helping hundreds of users from a single cell. The network will also help critical, high-bandwidth applications with low latency demands. Nokia Digital Automation Cloud meets stringent needs across multiple industries to provide network coverage, capacity, mobility, reliability, quality service, security while connecting a wide variety of devices. By integrating with Speedcast, it can significantly improve local connectivity in remote locations. Nokias 5G-ready Digital Automation Platform offers industrial-grade high-bandwidth private wireless networks to increase efficiency and productivity for manufacturing, mining, utilities, oil and gas, and large enterprises outside of standard cellular connectivity. Acting as a private wireless network that enables IoT to enterprises, the Nokia private LTE/ 4.9G solution opens up new avenues like smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, remote operations, and machine-to-machine communication, in addition to critical-voice and data solutions. Nokias cloud solution offers high reliability and security in conditions. Leveraging the future-proof solution, users can accelerate and down according to needs. The solution provides for flexible business models to match the enterprise requirements. Speedcast IoT Solutions with LTE-powered devices solutions from the Speedcast IoT portfolio, customers can seamlessly connect to headquarter locations and the Internet. Speedtalk voice app enables users to catch live footage from remote sites and provides communications with remote teams. Private LTE/ 4.9G will widen the coverage of remote camp areas compared with standard WiFi, letting for better access to Speedtalk through smartphone apps. Nokia Private LTE solution will also provide a higher bandwidth capacity for Speedcasts IPTV solutions to handheld devices. Speedcast International Ltd is delivering critical communications solutions to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a hybrid satellite, microwave, fiber, cellular, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to the public cloud. Sustainable Ocean Alliance With nearly 300 applications to the 3rd cohort, the latest wave of applications demonstrates that ocean solutions are an ever-growing urgent priority among global innovators, founders, and entrepreneurs. Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), a global non-profit organization that advances the impact of ocean leaders and ocean solution startups, today announced its 3rd ocean tech cohort. In the Sustainable Development Goals developed by the United Nations, SDG14 outlines the need to conserve and sustainably use ocean, sea and marine resources. However, since the publication of the 17 Development Goals in 2015, SDG14 remains one of the least addressed SDG solutions with a lack of recognition, corporate sponsorships and solutions. SOA was founded in response to the United Nations SDG 14, and we view it as our responsibility to identify and uplift the voices that are shaping the oceans future, says Daniela Fernandez, Founder and CEO of SOA. We launched one of the first oceans solutions accelerators to address ocean threats and to ensure meeting the goal of protecting Life Under Water. As the pace of climate change accelerates, and ocean pollution and acidification reach perilous levels, the need to develop sustainable solutions for the ocean has become life threateningly critical. With nearly 300 applications to the 3rd cohort, the latest wave of applications demonstrates that ocean solutions are an ever-growing urgent priority among global innovators, founders, and entrepreneurs. SOA remains committed to supporting these solutionists by accelerating companies dedicated to preserving and restoring the health of our ocean. "Having overseen our past accelerators, I was particularly encouraged by this year's applicant pool to see the varying types of solutions, as well as an increase in the number of entrepreneurs that are actively building technologies to address the critical challenges that face the ocean. This year, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw our largest and most diverse applicant pool to date," says Craig Dudenhoeffer, Chief Innovation Officer at SOA and Co-Founder of the Ocean Solutions Accelerator. The companies accepted into the cohort represent SOAs global presence and address a wide range of ocean threats using technological advancements in areas of habitat destruction, seafood supply chain, water treatment systems and plastic pollution. Over 50% of the cohorts startups are led by female CEO's. The nine accepted startups will begin SOAs Virtual Program on October 5th and will run for a full four weeks, culminating in a virtual demo day on November 5th, where the founders of each company will showcase their solutions before the media and investors. Aquaai: Norway. Aquaai US/Norway: Aquaai is a data and marine robotics company with a vision to help keep humanity alive through sustainable and environmentally friendly practices by combining risk management and biomimicry. Aquaai has developed a specialized, flexible, fishlike Autonomous Underwater Vehicle loaded with cameras and sensors that "swims" close to the source unobtrusively for superior data acquisition then transmit the visual and environmental data in near real-time to an online dashboard for customer access. AKUA: Brooklyn, New York. The Beach, Our Planet. AKUA creates plant-based foods that can feed us sustainably while reversing climate change, and restoring health to our world's oceans. Products like their award winning Kelp Jerky and forthcoming Kelp Burger are made from ocean-farmed kelp, which is one of the most healing and healthy forms of food on the planet. ARC Marine: Brixham, UK. ARC Marine is a eco engineering company pioneering nature inclusive design & accelerating reef creation. ARC Marine have developed Reef Cubes, the patented building blocks for the ocean which provide sustainable habitat & nursery and spawning grounds whilst performing a useful subsea and/or coastal asset protection role. Reef Cubes are made from 95% recycled materials, do not contain any plastics and are carbon neutral. Desolenator: Maastricht, the Netherlands. Desolenator is pioneering low-cost, ocean-safe desalination with a technology powered 100% by solar energy, and without the use of harmful chemicals. Desolenator supports the resilience of communities and thought-leading businesses experiencing high water stress. FlyWire: Lexington, Kentucky. Flywire aims to increase the percentage of wild-caught seafood that is harvested sustainably using required fishing gear, fair labor, and data-driven fisheries management. FlyWire has built the worlds first Fitbit for fishing boats to give customers the operational insights they need to achieve efficiency comparable to other industries and boost profitability. microTERRA: Mexico City, Mexico. Alternative protein for animal feed grown in aquafarms, reducing waste water output and fresh water input for farms and allowing the uptake of more sustainable aquaculture methods. Oceanworks: Los Angeles, CA. Oceanworks is the largest global marketplace for recycled ocean plastic. Oceanworks mission is to accelerate the market for recycled ocean plastic to clean-up the ocean, reduce the use of new virgin plastic, and eliminate demand for new plastic production. PlanetCare, Ljubljana, Slovenia. PlanetCare has designed the only purpose built microfiber filter that has been independently tested to capture over 90% of the fibers of all size ranges before they leave the drain pumps. The filter is installed as an external attachment to washing machines. As part of a closed loops system, cartridges are collected after use and reused/recycled. Trademodo: Vancouver, Canada. Supporting sustainable trade by providing a platform for users to easily find, research and connect with ethical seafood businesses throughout all levels of the supply chain. Trademodo is the trusted source for great seafood industry businesses and makes data gathered from governments, NGOs, and seafood professionals digitally accessible. For more information, please contact Haley Steinhauser: Haley@soalliance.org About Sustainable Ocean Alliance Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is a global non-profit organization that advances the impact of startups, social enterprises, and initiatives that are developing solutions to protect and sustain our ocean. SOAs pipeline of ocean leaders is cultivated through a hub-based model, led by students at the collegiate and young professional levels. Founded in 2014 as a college-room idea, SOA has created the worlds largest network of young ocean leaders through establishing a presence in over 165 countries, launching the first-ever Ocean Solutions Accelerator in 2018 to support ocean tech startups, and partnering with corporations and governments to develop technological solutions that can address the greatest threats facing our planet. To date, SOA has accelerated 20 ocean solutions through the Accelerator and granted 72 microgrants towards ocean grassroots projects through our Leadership Program in an effort to complete their commitment to accelerate 100 ocean solutions by 2021. Connect with Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using handle @soalliance. ST. LOUIS, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Twain Financial Partners announced the successful financing of $5.4MM in Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Financing in connection with the ground-up construction of two rear load industrial buildings in West Valley City, Utah. This is Twain's second C-PACE project in Utah. Twain's funding will provide state-of-the-art clean energy improvements to the buildings. The buildings will total approximately 206,800 and 198,000 square feet. Typical C-PACE improvements include HVAC upgrades, improvements to windows, measures to ensure efficient use of water, and more. Construction will begin in the spring of 2021 and is expected to complete in January 2022. "Twain Financial is thrilled to announce the closing of C-PACE Financing on the new West Valley Industrial project," said Karl Koch, Business Development Officer at Twain Financial. "This project is the second of its kind in Utah for Twain. We could not be more pleased to bring more jobs and clean energy to this area." St. Louis-based commercial real estate firm Sansone Group will serve as the developer for the project. Sansone Group is a nationally recognized commercial real estate firm that specializes in full-service property management, brokerage, development and redevelopment of retail, industrial, office and multi-family properties. Twain Financial Partners is an investment management firm located in St. Louis, Missouri with over $4 billion in assets under management within the public-private partnership sector. The firm works with a wide variety of investment types, specializing in tax credit, structured debt and real estate transactions. Twain works closely with financial institutions and corporations to structure and manage investments that offer both attractive economic return and social benefits. SOURCE Twain Financial Partners Justine McMinn at Stockport Magistrates' Court in Greater Manchester yesterday An intensive care nurse was facing the sack today after being caught drink driving on a motorway while on her way home from her first night out with friends since the start of lockdown. Justine McMinn, 36, who works at Manchester Royal Infirmary, was stopped by police after she was seen swerving around the M6 near Knutsford in Cheshire following a 'post Covid' party. Officers found a Bargain Booze bag containing alcohol inside McMinn's Alfa Romeo car and a breath test showed she was above the alcohol limit. She was more than 20 miles from her home in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire. At Stockport Magistrates' Court, McMinn who admitted drink driving, broke down in tears as she apologised for her conduct and said a road ban would mean losing her job at the hospital. McMinn, who is thought to be engaged, claimed she was trying to steer onto the hard shoulder as she was on a smart motorway. Magistrates disqualified her from driving for a year. The incident on September 7 occurred after McMinn had been working for six months since Britain's coronavirus lockdown began in March. At the time of her arrest, Manchester was recording infection rates of 66 cases in every 100,000. Officers found a bag containing alcohol inside the car being driven by McMinn (pictured) At Stockport Magistrates' Court yesterday, McMinn (left and right) broke down in tears McMinn (pictured) apologised for her conduct and said a road ban would mean losing her job Gemma Zackrzewsi, prosecuting, said: 'An officer was driving along the M6 in an unmarked vehicle when their attention was drawn to this defendant's vehicle as it was swerving between two lanes. 'The defendant was stopped, the officer spoke to her and the defendant identified herself. The officer noticed she had a Bargain Booze bag with alcohol inside. 'She was asked to provide a specimen. and when police found 47 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millliltres of breath was the lowest reading she was arrested. 'This offence falls in a lower category however the prosecution say the fact she was on a motorway was an aggravating feature.' The legal alcohol limit in breath for driving is 35mcg. The timing of the arrest was not specified but it is believed to have occurred the morning after the party. McMinn (above) was more than 20 miles from her home in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire A breath test carried out by police showed McMinn (pictured) was above the alcohol limit McMinn (pictured) was fined 438 and offered a place on a drink driving awareness course Magistrates said McMinn (above) would have faced a bigger fine if she had not pleaded guilty McMinn appeared unrepresented in court. She said: 'I am appalled with myself. I am an intensive care nurse and manager at Manchester Royal Infirmary and we had a 'post-Covid' party where we got drunk. 'I am very sorry. I am so, so, sorry and, in a way, I am glad I was stopped as I was swerving a lot. 'I have been a working nurse for my whole life and I didn't think I would ever end up drink driving. 'I have seen the fallout from drink driving and I will probably lose my job automatically when I am banned. McMinn (pictured) appeared unrepresented in court and said she was 'appalled with myself' McMinn (pictured) said she will 'probably lose my job automatically when I am banned' Magistrates disqualified intensive care nurse McMinn (pictured) from driving for a year McMinn works at Manchester Royal Infirmary (file picture) in the intensive care unit 'Me and my friends had far too much to drink after we had not been able to see each other due to Covid. We stayed up too late and drank too much. 'I had to pick up my dogs at a certain time and I was swerving and squeaking in the car. It was a smart motorway and I was trying to get onto the hard shoulder.' McMinn was also fined 438 and ordered to pay 129 in costs. She was offered a place on a drink driving awareness course. Sentencing, chair of the bench Alison Edwards said: 'We can clearly see your remorse. We are grateful for your early guilty plea. The fine would have been a lot more if you had not pleaded guilty.' (TNS) Drones will be able to buzz around Outer Banks bridges in hard-to-see places thanks to a new federal ruling.The Federal Aviation Administration approved a waiver Friday that allows North Carolina to operate drones out of sight from the operator during bridge inspections statewide, according to a release from the states Department of Transportation.North Carolina is the first state to get the waiver, the release said.The state has already been using drones regularly for its inspections since 2016, but only when theyve been in sight of the pilot, which is federal law. Bridges must be inspected at least every two years.Several high-traffic bridges span wide waterways in the Outer Banks. Strong currents and storms with winds full of sand and salt are harsh on the structures.The new Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet has columns that rise 70 feet off the water, which are among the highest in the region. When its regular inspections begin, drones will be able to fly high for close looks at the support structures and bearings under the road bed, said Pablo Hernandez, the state engineer who oversaw construction of the span.The state will use Skydio drones powered by on-board artificial intelligence that allows the craft to fly in hard-to-reach places and take high resolution photos even where the GPS signal is unreliable, the release said.The inspections will go more quickly and traffic lanes will not have to be closed as long, Ben Spain, the states unmanned aircraft systems manager, said in the release.Without drones for the out-of-sight spots, inspectors have been repelling over the side of bridges or riding the bucket of a snooper truck that sends a boom over the side and underneath, said highway department spokesman James Pearce. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 21:41:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COPENHAGEN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- As countries across the European region are reporting rising levels of COVID-19 fatigue, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe on Tuesday shared regional experience and called for collective commitment to addressing the pandemic fatigue. "Based on aggregated survey data from countries across the region, we can see, not surprisingly, that fatigue among those surveyed is increasing," said Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, in a statement released here on Tuesday. "Although fatigue is measured in different ways, and levels vary per country, it is now estimated to have reached over 60 percent in some cases," he noted. Convened by WHO Europe on Monday, chief medical officers and director generals of health from over 30 countries in the region discussed solutions to help reinvigorate and revive efforts to tackle the alarming rise in COVID-19 fatigue. In the statement, Kluge advocated for engaging expertise beyond the medical and public health sectors to discuss measures and restrictions. Meantime, Kluge cited innovations in Denmark and Norway that were addressing "individual experiences and cultural nuances" as courageous approaches, with empathy at their core, saying these innovations are able to "get us through this crisis." Kluge said that the needs of citizens should be met in new and innovative ways while combating the fatigue with the approaching of celebration season in the region. "We have seen the effectiveness of floating cinemas, new format cultural events, and social bubbles. By balancing science, social and political needs we can develop precautionary measures that are culturally accepted," said Kluge. In a newly released framework of "Pandemic fatigue -- Reinvigorating the public to prevent COVID-19," WHO Europe provides key considerations for the planning and implementation of national and subnational strategies to maintain and reinvigorate the public support to prevent COVID-19. "WHO will establish an ongoing forum to drive action and inform local COVID-19 responses that engage communities and meet the needs of our populations," said Kluge. Enditem Butterfly Medical's non-surgical implant is helping transform treatment for aging men suffering from enlarged prostate (BPH) symptoms. We dont believe in a one-size fits all approach to BPH treatment. We believe weve developed a simpler, safer device to complement existing therapies and offer a less invasive alternative to patients. Israeli medical device company, Butterfly Medical Ltd., has raised $7 million in a Series B financing led by Philadelphia-based New Rhein Healthcare Investors. Butterfly Medical successfully completed the enrollment of 49 patient to its multi-center clinical study testing the companys novel implantable device in patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. Follow up results to date are positive and support initiating a pivotal registration study. The Series B round was raised on the back of encouraging Feasibility Stage (initial safety and efficacy) data. Butterfly Medical will apply the proceeds, $5 million of which was invested by New Rhein funds and $2 million of which was invested by the companys existing stockholders, to fund its pivotal US clinical trial and open US headquarters. BPH affects half of all men between the ages of 51 and 60, and up to 90% of men who are 80 or more years old. It occurs when a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland encroaches on the urinary tract, increasing urethral resistance and obstructing the bladder. Symptoms include frequent need to urinate, especially through the night, and pain, among others. Medications are the first line of treatment for BPH and, while helpful, they can affect male sexual function, may not eliminate symptoms, and frequently lose their benefit over time. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been considered by many urologists to be the gold standard of BPH surgical treatment. While efficacious, TURP's side effects include bleeding, incontinence, and erectile dysfunction. Newer ablative technologies include radiofrequency, laser, and hot steam. However, all these technologies may also result in complications such as pain, bleeding, and/or erectile disfunction. Given the growing number of older men who live active social lifestyles, the demand for safer procedures is growing. In the US, it is estimated that 12 million men suffering from BPH are delaying treatment, waiting for their symptoms to get worse before undergoing invasive procedures. Butterflys device offers a minimally invasive solution: a nitinol implant anatomically shaped, and positioned in the prostatic urethra in order to open the space and relieve BPH symptoms. The device comes in multiple sizes to provide best-fit for the individual, and, unlike other more invasive approaches, Butterflys procedure does not require any resection, cutting, or burning of prostatic tissue. The procedure can be completed in under six minutes in the urologists office. In clinical trials to date, the Butterfly device showed a lasting effect on quality of life of patients suffering from BPH symptoms: improvement in IPSS (International Prostate Symptoms Score- symptoms severity questionnaire) was observed as early as 2 weeks after the procedure and ranged from 35% at 1 month to 42% improvement for the 17 patients who already completed 12 months. Idan Geva, CEO of Butterfly Medical, said, We dont believe in a one-size fits all approach to BPH treatment. We believe weve developed a simpler, safer device to complement existing therapies and offer a less invasive alternative to patients. Mr. Geva added, With this financing, and our new partnership with the New Rhein team, we can accelerate our US clinical trials and initiate commercialization in a market eager for simple and safe solutions for this medical condition. Initial institutional support and funding for Butterfly was provided by Alon Medtech Ventures, a leading Israeli medical device venture capital firm. New Rhein Managing Partners, Greg Parekh and Ivan Gergel, will join the Butterfly Board of Directors. Butterfly Board chairman and Alon Medtech founder, Shimon Eckhouse, added: Butterfly is an excellent example of an entrepreneurial company that has been able to efficiently develop and clinically test an innovative product to address a gap in medical treatment. New Rheins complementary support is a positive indication of Butterflys results and the size of the market. We look forward to collaborating with New Rhein in advancing the programs and building a successful US business. About Butterfly Medical: Butterfly Medical was founded in late 2014, as part of the portfolio of Alon Medtech Ventures incubator, with the goal of developing a non-surgical treatment for men suffering from BPH symptoms. The company was founded by Mr. Yehuda Bachar, a seasoned entrepreneur in the medical device space. The technology developed by the company allows for the procedure to be transferred from the operating room to the clinic, eliminates the need for hospitalization, and significantly shortens recovery time. For more information, see http://www.butterfly-medical.com. About New Rhein Healthcare Investors: New Rhein is a venture capital/early growth stage fund manager whose investment strategy focuses on proven molecules used in new ways, such as new delivery forms and potential new uses and indications. In this way, New Rhein limits science-based risk and concentrates on development and execution. Prior investments have included medicines for Alzheimer's disease, ophthalmic disorders, respiratory disease, and molecular oncology diagnostics. New Rhein's partners, associates, and advisors are knowledgeable former industry executives with solid track records of operational, investment, and transactional experience. New Rhein combines significant deal-making expertise with deep operating experience, allowing it to tailor the right deal for the right situation and work with its portfolio companies to achieve maximum value for their products. For more information, see http://www.newrhein.com. New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged gang-rape and murder of a 19-year-old woman in Hathras district. In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the UP government sought its directions for a CBI probe into the shocking incident, which has become a massive talking point these days. The Supreme Court should also monitor the CBI investigation into the Hathras case by keeping the public interest litigation (PIL) pending before it, the affidavit said. The affidavit said that a "vicious campaign" has been unleashed on social media, TV and print media to defame the Uttar Pradesh government. "As the matter has caught national attention, it must be probed by a central agency," said the affidavit filed by Rajendra Pratap Singh, Special Secretary, Home Department, Uttar Pradesh. Live TV The affidavit explained in detail the investigation carried out by the police so far in the alleged gang-rape and murder of the woman in Uttar Pradesh`s Hathras district saying that vested interests are attempting to ascribe motive to derail a fair probe. "The district administration at Hathras had been receiving several intelligence inputs since the morning of September 29 of the manner in which dharna had taken place at Safdarjung hospital and the whole issue was being exploited and a caste/communal colour was being given," the affidavit said. "The district administration took the decision to convince the parents of the deceased to cremate her with all religious rites at night to avoid large scale violence in the morning to cremate the body of the victim which was lying for almost more than 20 hours after her death and post mortem," it added. The affidavit said that the cremation of the Hathras victim was performed with full rites and customs to maintain law and order in the area. The state government`s affidavit came on a PIL seeking directions to transfer the Hathras case from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi and to direct a CBI or SIT probe into the matter under the supervision of sitting or retired Judge. The top court is slated to hear the PIL later today. The Supreme Court then asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, to inform it how the witnesses in the Hathras case are being protected. Supreme Court also adjourned the matter for next week. The 19-year-old Hathras woman had succumbed to brutal assault injuries in Delhi`s Safdarjung Hospital last month. The post-mortem report said that the victim suffered a fracture of "cervical vertebra". The police have claimed that the forensic report has revealed that the woman was not raped. Amid enormous outrage by the opposition parties and civil society since the teen`s death on September 29, social media too erupted in protests after a video, purportedly showing the administration cremating the body without the presence of family members, went viral. When Dalyss Tomayer found out three of her relatives had had breast cancer, it was enough to qualify her for the genetic testing which showed she had a high risk of breast cancer herself. Tomayer was able to discover the gene early due to getting tested at HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress High Risk Breast Clinic, where they offer genetic testing for those who qualify to see if they may have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene which puts people at higher risk for breast cancer. On HoustonChronicle.com: Willowbrook breast cancer support group still meeting virtually I had known for years that two of my dads sisters had breast cancer, and it was in speaking with one of my aunts that I then found out also one of my cousins had breast cancer, Tomayer said. So, it was at that time that I realize that I did qualified for the genetic testing and I decided to go ahead and do it. Janet Pollard, the coordinator for the High Risk Breast Clinic, said the breast center began as a full program under HCA Houston North Cypress CEO Jim Brown, who she said was passionate about having this resource. On HoustonChronicle.com: Memorial Hermann rolls out breast cancer prevention program as screening rates plummet Most of the time people think about genetic testing after you get cancer, Pollard said. It can drive the type of surgeries, it can change treatment regime, but basically its getting it done prior. Its screening people when they come in for their annual mammograms, talking with primary care doctors, educating them on what makes patients meet criteria. Criteria established by the American Cancer Society for genetic testing includes people who were diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, those diagnosed with breast cancer a second time, people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, people with a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer or prostate cancer, and people with a known family history of BRCA mutation. Before the pandemic, Pollard said the center was testing around 30 people a month, men and women, with about 10 percent of people testing coming back positive. BRCA1 and 2 genes are huge red flags, Pollard said. Theyre the original genes and theyve been testing those genes for two decades. The process Tomayer chose to go through after being tested was to have a double mastectomy to virtually remove all chance of breast cancer, as well as a hysterectomy to eliminate her chances of ovarian cancer. Even though you do a double mastectomy, theres no way to get 100 percent of every breast cell in my body, so there is still a slight chance, but it is incredibly slight, she said. Tomayer said she would continue to have ultrasounds for what remaining breast tissue she has left. Im so very thankful they have the test, Tomayer said. It saved my life. paul.wedding@hcnonline.com Watches of Switzerland has said revenues soared by a fifth over the late summer despite travel restrictions damaging trade at its Heathrow and Gatwick airport stores. Shares in the luxury goods seller shot up 25.2 per cent as it revealed revenues rose above 200million in the first ten weeks of the second quarter due to 'exceptionally strong' results in the USA, where year-on-year sales climbed 43.4 per cent. Sales in its domestic UK market grew 12.6 per cent with online demand continuing a rising trajectory during lockdown to rise by half. Watches of Switzerland now expects it could make between 888million and 910million in revenue this year compared to previous guidance of 840million to 860million This counterbalanced the loss in earnings from tourists and airline travellers due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the decline in footfall at its London-based showrooms, which include venues on Bond Street and Regent Street. The company, which is Britain's biggest Rolex and Tag Heuer seller, now expects to make between 888million and 910million in revenue this fiscal year compared to previous guidance of 840million to 860million. Chief executive Brian Duffy said he was 'very pleased' his firm performed well in 'unprecedented market conditions. Our teams have done a fantastic job, responding positively and enthusiastically to these conditions.' He added: 'Furthermore, the strong momentum we have established in the US has further accelerated. All US regions are contributing to this positive trend. 'Our guidance for the balance of the fiscal year assumes that the positive trend experienced in Q2 will be moderated by the impact of pandemic related retail disruption in the UK and the US and uncertainty in the US economy, impacting mainly in Q3.' Watches of Switzerland operates six outlets at Heathrow Airport and one at Gatwick Airport's North Terminal. Before the pandemic, the two airports served around 127 million passengers. Watches of Switzerland is the UK's biggest seller of Rolex (above) and Tag Heuer watches But international travel numbers have plummeted this year and strict quarantine rules have been put in place for those entering the UK to try and prevent the virus from spreading. People in England can now visit only seven countries without restrictions. Many Britons have decided to take a staycation instead, which is partly why August passenger levels at both Heathrow and Gatwick were around 80 per cent down on the same month in 2019. This has had a massive knock-on effect on Watches of Switzerland's airport and tourism business. They now constitute only 9.2 per cent of second-quarter sales to date, against 32.5 per cent of group sales in the same period last year. Airline travel has plummeted this year. This has had a massive knock-on effect on Watches of Switzerland's sales, which now constitute only 9.2 per cent of second-quarter sales to date Its earnings have continued to climb in spite of the lockdown though. Two months ago, Brian Duffy noted that the drop in tourism enabled the firm to better stock its provincial stores in cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Brighton. He also remarked that wealthy Britons were taking advantage of the savings they built up during the lockdown period to splash out on luxuries. Analysis published in late May by the New Policy Institute think tank estimated that the richest 20 per cent of households will have cut their spending by 23billion by mid-June with the next wealthiest fifth saving 14billion. 'The very wealthy typically ride out uncertain economic times better than most so it is not a shock that the group is performing well,' wrote David Madden, an analyst at CMC Markets. Although breast cancer does not discriminate between race or gender, research suggests that there is increased breast cancer mortality and poorer health-related quality of life in female African American and Black survivors of the disease. Investigators at Rutgers University recently conducted a study to determine the association of pre-diagnostic allostatic load, which is a composite measure of cumulative physiological stress and wear and tear on the body, with health-related quality of life in this population. Senior and corresponding author Adana A.M. Llanos, PhD, MPH of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Rutgers School of Public Health along with author Elisa V. Bandera, MD, PhD of Rutgers Cancer Institute, Rutgers School of Public Health and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School share more about the findings published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. Why is this topic important to explore? African American and Black women are known to experience higher psychosocial stress than other groups, which has a negative impact on various health outcomes. They also experience poorer quality of life and increased risk of death following a breast cancer diagnosis. Cumulative stress, which we can measure using allostatic load scores, has been studied extensively in the context of cardiovascular disease and in recent years has also been shown to be associated with cancer. Given all of this, we hypothesized that higher allostatic load before a diagnosis of breast cancer might be associated with poorer quality of life after a diagnosis of breast cancer among African American and Black women. Can you describe the work and tell us what the team discovered? In the Women's Circle of Health Follow-Up Study (WCHFS), which is a longitudinal study of African American and Black survivors of breast cancer, we computed allostatic load scores using medical record data from up to 12 months before breast cancer diagnosis. Examples of the clinical data included in the computation of allostatic load scores are: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose levels, albumin levels, body mass index, and use of medications to control hypertension, diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia. We assessed quality of life measures using a validated questionnaire (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer [FACT-B]), which was completed by WCHFS participants at 24 months post breast cancer diagnosis. Using these data, we assessed whether there were significant associations between pre-diagnostic allostatic load scores and measures of quality of life among 409 WCHFS participants. We found that higher allostatic load scores were significantly associated with poorer functional well-being and lower general quality of life (based on symptoms and concerns in relation to breast cancer treatment). What are the implications of these findings? The results of this study suggest that poorer quality of life is one of the potential consequences of higher cumulative physiologic stress before breast cancer diagnosis among Black women. These novel findings might be useful for identifying women who could be at greater risk for impaired quality of life and who might benefit from tailored survivorship care. These findings might also inform the development and implementation of targeted preventive strategies to improve allosteric load and health-related quality of life among Black breast cancer survivors in the near future. San Francisco Mayor London Breed nominated small-business owner Manny Yekutiel on Monday to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agencys board. Yekutiel, owner of restaurant, bookstore and political event space Mannys in the Mission, is also a member of the citys Small Business Commission and board member of the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association. The nomination, which requires Board of Supervisors approval, would fill the sixth of the seven SFMTA board positions. In August, the Board of Supervisors rejected Breeds nomination of transit advocate Jane Natoli and approved nominee Sharon Lai, a former city planner. Breed called the boards rejection of Natolis appointment a deeply cynical move that represents what is wrong with San Francisco politics. Natoli would have been the first transgender woman to serve on the board that oversees a huge swath of the citys transportation and transit infrastructure, including Munis budget, parking and safe bike lanes. The SFMTA board now has five members, still short of the full seven. The mayor nominates all members. Yekutiel, who is gay and a regular public transit rider, has a small-business and political background, in contrast to other board members, who have mostly planning and transit backgrounds. SFMTA Chair Gwyneth Borden is also a restaurant consultant. Im excited and proud to nominate Manny to serve on the SFMTA Board of Directors, Breed said in a statement. I am confident in his ability to bring a fresh perspective to the Board and represent the needs of San Francisco small businesses and residents alike. The nomination comes as Muni is facing a financial crisis and could permanently cut the majority of its bus lines due to a budget deficit sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. Yekutiel said in a statement that transit and small business are entwined, and decisions like SFMTAs temporary Shared Spaces street closures to cars to allow outdoor dining, such as on Valencia Street, have given small businesses a fighting chance to survive this crisis. If given the opportunity to serve, I promise to be a fierce advocate for all San Franciscans and will bring my perspective and my passion as a small-business owner to the board, he said. Yekutiel said in an interview that he supports expanding street closures for outdoor dining in the near term in areas where merchants support it. He plans to meet with riders, advocates and SFMTA staff before adopting other policy positions, such as how to address Munis deficit. 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. Mannys has also faced challenges during the pandemic, shifting from in-person gatherings to online debates and events, including one with state Sen. Scott Wiener and challenger Jackie Fielder on Oct. 3. The space previously hosted SFMTA Director Jeff Tumlin and events around transit such as biking and congestion pricing conversations. Yekutiel had to lay off 11 of his 14 employees, but Mannys has opened for outdoor dining in booths where customers also do election phone banking and write letters to swing states. Yekutiel was born in Los Angeles and worked for President Barack Obamas 2012 re-election campaign and Hillary Clintons presidential campaign during 2015. He opened Mannys on Nov. 6, 2018, the day of the midterm elections. I consider myself an activist turned small-business owner, he said. Id like to think of myself as a bridge builder. Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf Speaking to reporters in Chennai today, she said MSP had been introduced only for rice and wheat initially, despite the fact that about 20-22 commodities had been notified. The mechanism was later extended to other agricultural produce after the BJP Government took over in 2014. These included coarse grains, oil seeds and spices, as the intention was also to reduce ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor The sample is placed outside the integrating sphere and onto an aluminum plate connected to a cooling device. Credit: Tohoku University Tohoku University researchers have improved a method for probing semiconducting crystals with light to detect defects and impurities. The details of their omnidirectional photoluminescence (ODPL) spectroscopy set-up were published in the journal Applied Physics Express, and could help improve the fabrication of materials for electric cars and solar cells. "Our technique can test materials at very low temperatures and can find even small amounts of defects and impurities," says Tohoku University materials scientist Kazunobu Kojima. Kojima and his colleagues demonstrated their approach using gallium nitride crystals. Gallium nitride is a semiconducting crystal that has been used in energy-saving light-emitting diodes (LEDs) since the 2000s. It has interesting optic and electronic properties, making it attractive for many applications, including power-switching devices in electric vehicles. But it can develop defects and impurities during its fabrication, which can affect performance. Currently available methods for testing these crystals are expensive or too invasive. The ODPL spectroscopy, on the other hand, is a non-invasive technique that can test the crystals, but only at room temperature. Being able to change the crystal's temperature is important to properly test its properties. Kojima and his colleagues found a way to set up an ODPL instrument so that the crystal can be cooled. The process involves placing a gallium nitride crystal on an aluminum plate connected to a cooling device. This is placed under an "integrating sphere," which collects light coming from many directions. External light is shone through the sphere onto the crystal, exciting it. The crystal emits light back into the sphere in order to return to its initial unexcited state. The two lights, from the external source and the crystal, are integrated within the sphere and measured by a detector. The result reveals the crystal's "internal quantum efficiency," which is reduced if it contains defects and impurities, and can be measured even at very low temperatures. The team's modificationplacing the crystal outside the sphere and connecting it to something that cools itmeans the temperature change crucially happens only within the crystal and not within the sphere. The scientists were able to measure the internal quantum efficiency of gallium nitride samples using this technique at temperatures ranging from -261C to about 27C. "We next plan to use our method for testing other materials, such as perovskites for use in highly efficient solar cells and boron nitride as an atomically thin two-dimensional material," says Kojima. Explore further Breakthrough made in detecting carbon impurities in gallium nitride crystals via light More information: Kazunobu Kojima et al. Temperature dependence of internal quantum efficiency of radiation for the near-band-edge emission of GaN crystals quantified by omnidirectional photoluminescence spectroscopy, Applied Physics Express (2020). Kazunobu Kojima et al. Temperature dependence of internal quantum efficiency of radiation for the near-band-edge emission of GaN crystals quantified by omnidirectional photoluminescence spectroscopy,(2020). DOI: 10.35848/1882-0786/abb788 PLANTATION, Fla., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Socialite Magazine has chosen to feature BG Capital Group Chairman Bobby Genovese for its October 2020 cover story. "We are thrilled to feature an industry leader who epitomizes the essence of entrepreneurial success and business savvy with such joy and passion," said Publisher Nataly Stuart. "We chose Mr. Genovese because he represents the classic success story that we pride ourselves on showcasing to our discerning readership. We are delighted to have him on our cover." Socialite Magazine is produced by Russian Global Media House, a leading luxury media group targeting the most sophisticated consumers of Russian speaking communities. "It's an honor to be featured in this iconic lifestyle publication and to connect with its international readership," said Genovese. "I am awed by the field of industry giants who have been featured in the past and feel honored to be in such good company." With more than 25 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, Genovese's BG Capital Group is based in the Bahamas with associate management offices in Fort Lauderdale, Barbados, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver. In 2013 Genovese created BG Signature to represent his portfolio of private luxury retreats, yachts and equestrian centers, including the flagship BG Ocala Ranch a 100-acre, year-round luxury equestrian retreat. For the latest updates follow us on Instagram bobby_genovese_ CONTACT: JDMEDIA, [email protected] SOURCE BG Capital Group Related Links http://www.bgcapitalgroup.com 11-1. The waning of the post-war revolutionary movements and the granting of formal independence to Britains South Asian colonies generated enormous political pressures on the BLPI to adapt to the new national framework and state structures. For layers of the middle classes, independence opened up opportunities in the political sphere of parliament and careers in the expanding state bureaucracy and state-owned corporations. The stabilisation of global capitalism and the post-war boom led to rising prices for export commodities and enabled the bourgeoisie in the former colonies to make concessions, albeit of a limited character, to the working class. This was especially true in Sri Lanka where a weak capitalist class confronted a militant proletariat, sections of which were under the BLPIs revolutionary leadership. Temporary economic gains fostered reformist illusions that a socialist revolution was not necessary and that the lot of workers could be improved piecemeal through a combination of parliamentary manoeuvre and militant trade union action. 11-2. Central to the BLPIs liquidation between 1948 and 1950 was its retreat into nationalism. The opening section of the BLPIs Program for Ceylon published in 1946 had argued powerfully that the socialist revolution in Ceylon and India were intimately entwined. Even at its highest point of mobilisation, the revolutionary mass movement in this island alone could not, unassisted from outside, generate the energies required to overcome the forces which the imperialists would muster in defence of their power in Ceylon, which is for them not only a field of economic exploitation, but a strategic outpost for the defence of the Empire as a whole On the other hand, the complete emancipation of India itself is unthinkable while Ceylon is maintained as a solid bastion of British power in the East. From this point of view, we may say that the revolutionary struggle in Ceylon will be bound up with that on the continent in all its stages, and will constitute a provincial aspect in relation to the Indian revolution as a whole. Despite the BLPIs critique of the partition of India and the independence of Sri Lanka, the party began to draw back from its internationalist perspective and accommodate to the framework of the newly-formed states. While it was not an issue of principle that the BLPI in India and Sri Lanka remain organisationally united, the formation of new sections of the Fourth International should involve intensive discussion on the way in which the unified revolutionary perspective would be fought for and close organisational collaboration maintained. Instead a de facto division emerged as most Sri Lankan Trotskyists returned to the island, which became the focus of their political activities at the expense of the party in India. As the political difficulties created by the post-war restabilisation of capitalism came to bear, the BLPI was liquidated into petty bourgeois radical parties on the false assumption that entrism and left unity offered a means of growing quickly. 11-3. It was the opportunists of the LSSP in Sri Lanka who initiated the push for the BLPI in India to enter into the Socialist Party of India, the party formed by the Congress Socialists in 1948 after they split from Congress. The LSSPs supporters inside the BLPI in India argued their entry tactic corresponded to the method advocated by Trotsky in the 1930s to win over important layers inside the Socialist Party of America (SPA) and the French Section of the Workers International (SFIO) to the incipient Fourth International. Entry in the 1930s had taken place as a brief tactical manoeuvre under conditions in which, due to the rise of fascism and the betrayals of Stalinism, these social democratic organisations had become a pole of attraction for workers and young people moving toward revolutionary politics. The Trotskyists retained significant freedom inside these parties to fight for their revolutionary internationalist perspective and won over important layers of workers and youth. None of these conditions applied to the Socialist Party of India, which was evolving, not to the left, but along a rightward, nationalist course to parliamentarism. Although the question of entering the Congress Socialists was debated and defeated at the BLPIs 1947 conference, supporters of the tactic pressed the issue, arguing for long-term entry into the Socialist Party in the hope of a future radicalisation in its ranks. The BLPI ignored the warnings of the International Secretariat of the Fourth International in Paris against any precipitous move and voted, at a special convention in Calcutta in October 1948, to proceed with entry. 11-4. Entry into the Socialist Party was a disaster from the outset. BLPI members had to apply for membership on an individual basis, could not form a separate internal faction and could not circulate discussion bulletins. At the same time, the Socialist Party exploited the talents and prestige of former BLPI members to build up their party apparatus, particularly in cities like Madras where none previously existed. As the Socialist Party leadership shifted further to the right, it increasingly blocked any criticism or debate. In 1952, the former BLPI members finally broke away from the Socialist Party, following its poor showing in the general election of that year and its merger with the bourgeois Kisan Mazoor Praja Party. By that stage, however, an opportunist current led by Michel Pablo and Ernest Mandel had emerged within the Fourth International reflecting political pressures similar to those to which the BLPI had adapted. Pabloism rapidly destroyed what remained of the BLPI in India. 11-5. In Sri Lanka, pressure mounted on the BLPI to merge with the LSSP, especially after a by-election in 1949 in which the split left vote enabled the UNP to win the seat. The by-election became an argument for unity to strengthen the party in the parliamentary and trade union arenas. The merger of the BLPI and LSSP in June 1950 is presented in the various LSSP histories as a fusion of two Trotskyist parties. In reality, it was the liquidation of the BLPI into what was an opportunist formation that was rapidly accommodating to parliamentarism and syndicalism. As a result of the merger, N.M. Perera, head of the largest bloc of opposition seats, became the parliamentary opposition leader. Unwilling to accommodate to the framework of the merged LSSP, Philip Gunawardena took a further step to the right, broke from the LSSP completely and formed his own partythe Viplavakari LSSP or VLSSP. 11-6. The program of the unified LSSP was confined to Sri Lanka. It was a collection of abstract truisms designed to avoid any examination of the critical strategic experiences through which the BLPI and the Fourth International had passed. It made no reference to any of the post-war political experiences of the working class in Sri Lanka, let alone elsewhere in Asia or internationally. The Chinese Revolution that had taken place less than a year before was not mentioned. The program made no explicit reference to the Theory of Permanent Revolution. None of the political differences that had emerged in the previous five years were discussed. The program declared that the party stood uncompromisingly opposed to all forms of chauvinism but did not discuss the LSSPs adaptation in 1947 to the communal politics of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. Likewise it referred to the need for real national independence but did not deal with the LSSPs abstention on the independence vote in 1948. In reality, the fusion amounted to a return to Samasamajism, that is, to the national tradition of Sri Lankan radicalism. The failure to discuss these issues demonstrated the real relations in the new party: the rightwing headed by N.M. Perera was in charge, while the former BLPI leaders provided him with Trotskyist credentials. Far from intervening to demand a political clarification and to oppose this unprincipled unification, the International Secretariat under Michel Pablo gave its blessing and accepted the LSSP as the Sri Lankan section of the Fourth International. Laying stress on the need of protecting the world against weaponistion of Artificial Intelligence by non-state actors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the government is keen that India becomes a hub of AI and many Indians are already working on this.Inaugurating the RAISE 2020 virtual summit, he said that the national programme on artificial intelligence will be dedicated towards rightful use of AI for solving problems of society. The Prime Minister said he sees a big role for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in empowering agriculture and healthcare. He said people have experienced in India that technology improves transparency and service delivery. We are home to the worlds largest unique identity system- Aadhaar. We also have the worlds most innovative digital payments system-UPI. This has enabled providing access to digital services, including financial services, like Direct Cash Transfers to the poor and marginalised. In the pandemic situation, we saw how Indias digital readiness was of great help, he said.Now, we want India to become a global hub for AI. Many Indians are already working on this. I hope many more do so in the times to come. Our approach to this is powered by core principles of teamwork, trust, collaboration, responsibility and inclusivity, he added.He said at every step of history, India has led the world in knowledge and learning. In todays age of IT as well, India is making outstanding contributions. Some of the brightest tech leaders belong to India. India has also proved to be the power-house of the global IT services Industry. We will continue to digitally excel and delight the world, he said.The Prime Minister said that artificial intelligence is a tribute to human intellectual power.It remains our collective responsibility to ensure trust in how AI is used. Algorithm Transparency is key to establishing this Trust. Equally important is accountability. We must protect the world against weaponistion of AI by non-state actors, he said. ALSO READ: MAE calls UN officials comments on rape cases unnecessary, unwarranted The Prime Minister also said that people should think about simple and effective ways of how AI can empower Divyang sisters and brothers.He said that human creativity and human emotions continue to be Indias greatest strength.They are our unique advantage over machines. The smartest of AI cannot solve mankinds problems without blending with our intellect and empathy. We should also think of how we will retain this intellectual edge over machines? We should ensure that we take care so that human intelligence is always a few steps ahead of AI. We should think about how AI can help humans to increase their own capacities. I want to state again:- AI will unlock the unique potential of each person. It will empower them to contribute more effectively to the society, Modi said. The Prime Minister said the power to think enabled humans to make tools and technologies. Today, these tools and technologies have also acquired the power to learn and think! In this, one key emerging technology is AI. The teamwork of AI with humans can do wonders for our planet, he said.The Prime Minister said that India has recently adopted the National Education Policy 2020 which focuses on technology-based learning and skilling as a major part of education.E-courses will also be developed in various regional languages and dialects. This whole effort will benefit from the Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities of AI platforms. We launched Responsible AI for Youth programme this year in April, under this programme, more than 11000 students from schools completed the basic course. They are now building their AI projects. He said that the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) is being formed that will create an e-education unit to boost the digital infrastructure, digital content, and capacity.Virtual labs are being established to provide hands-on experience to learners. We have also launched the Atal Innovation Mission to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Through these steps, we aim to keep pace with emerging technologies for peoples benefit, Modi said.RAISE 2020 is a first of its kind, global meeting of minds on Artificial Intelligence to drive Indias vision and roadmap for social transformation, inclusion and empowerment through responsible AI. The event will witness participation from global industry leaders, key opinion makers, government representatives and academia. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and NITI Aayog are organising the mega virtual summit AI from October 5 to 9. ALSO READ: With spike of over 61k cases, Indias Covid-19 count crosses 66L mark A total of six Parliamentary candidates of the opponation Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta region have filed their nominations on Monday to contest the upcoming Parliamentary election slated for December 7. They are Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzra, Ho West; Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, North Tongu; Dela Sowah, Kpando; Dzifa Gomashie, Ketu South, James Klutse Avedzi, Ketu North and Professor Margaret Kweku, Hohoe. Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Secretary of the Party who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said the race would be a smooth one for the aspirants in the Region as candidates for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were not competent to lead the people. He said the Region always witnessed rapid development under NDC led administration and based on that track record of the party, he was optimistic that the people would vote massively for it to secure all the 18 parliamentary seats in the region during the December polls. Mr Gunu said the NPP is not the right party that can meet the aspiration of the people saying the region had been starved for development since this administration came to power as no development projects had been carried out in the region to transform the lives of the people. He enumerated the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho Teaching Hospital, Ho market, construction of roads among others as some achievements of the NDC in the region, and based on these achievements the party was on a victory path of securing the seats. The Secretary said the Party's manifesto which emanated from the people was a solution to the numerous challenges that bedeviled the nation's quest for development and urged the electorates to come out in their numbers to exercise their franchise to bring the party back to power to continue with its good work. Mr Gunu said the next NDC government would work industriously to fix the economy, unite the people against poverty, develop the human resource base, provide massive infrastructure for growth, enhance good governance, accountability, and anti-corruption. Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu who was ushered in by 'Okada' riders during the time of filing his nomination said he would win the seat for the NDC due to the life-changing projects he had done in the constituency. He said during the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he paid the salary for all private teachers in the constituency, adding that North Tongu had seen massive socio-economic transformation under him. The MP said the constituency would see more life transformational projects under the next NDC-led government and therefore called on the people to come out on December 7 to cast their votes to bring the party back to power. GNA A Chinese-Thai furniture factory is moving most of its operations out of Thailands insurgency-wracked Deep South less than a year after it set up shop there, because it could not secure a government subsidy to help reduce high shipping costs, a senior company official told BenarNews. Superb Creation Furniture (Thailand) Co. Ltd.s move from the Pattani border province to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) near Bangkok will lead to layoffs of 180 local workers as well as a loss of millions of dollars that the company paid in land acquisition, company director Sumet Sukphanphotharam said. We have been loading equipment onto trailers to move to Lam Chabang in Chonburi, Sumet told BenarNews Monday, referring to an industrial estate in the Eastern Economic Corridor, situated to the east of Bangkok. The company was promised but hasnt received U.S. $500 in subsidy for each container of goods it has shipped out, he said. The southern province has no deep sea ports and depends on expensive land transportation to ports in central Thailand. The Southern Border Province Administration Center (SBPAC), the government body that administers the Deep South, confirmed to BenarNews that it was unable to get approval for the subsidy from the Ministry of Finance and the House committee on economy, despite Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-chas signature approving it in an initial agreement. The company a joint venture between Shenzhen, China-based Superb Creation Limited and Thai businessmen was set up last December in Pattanis Nong Chik district, and anticipated creating 3,500 jobs over three years. It currently employs 200. Sticky subsidy The venture had initially considered a location in Laos or the EEC, but decided to come to Pattani because of the quality of the provinces workforce and an invitation from local authorities, who along with regional military commanders agreed to the transportation subsidy, Sumet said. But its been almost a year now and we havent received the subsidy of $500 per container, said Sumet. The company has already shipped some 200 containers packed with around 7,000 furniture items to the United States, Sumet said. That means it has not received about $100,000 in promised subsidies, according to his figures. Sumet said the SBPAC, in March 2019, sought approval from Prayuth for the transportation subsidy. The prime minister approved the subsidy before the factory opened, according to an SBPAC progress memo Sumet showed BenarNews and that was signed by the prime minister. We saw the document so we were confident and went ahead with the project, he said. Chanathan Sangpum, SBPAC deputy director, told BenarNews on Monday that his office had tried its best to negotiate for the subsidy. After the premiers initial agreement, we sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance requesting the subsidy because the SBPAC is not authorized to pay it, but the ministry replied that it is not possible to reimburse the company in cash and the house committee on economy said such a subsidy goes against ASEAN trade rules, Chanathan told BenarNews. He did not elaborate on what rules of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations would have been violated had a subsidy been approved. The Finance Ministrys stated reason for not approving what it said would have been a cash subsidy was that other firms may complain about preferential treatment, Chanathan said. For his part, Sumet said he had no knowledge about subsidy criteria but believed the prime ministers endorsement should allow it. Whether it is breaching ASEAN trade rules or not, we dont know, its a matter for the government, but when the SBPAC gained the prime ministers endorsement, then it must be doable, he said. Blow to local economy Meanwhile, the company also counts as a loss the 400 million baht ($12.7 million) it spent on a 99-acre plot it bought to set up its factory, Sumet said. Thats because the province has not been able to designate it as suitable for industry, which will make it difficult for the company to sell it, he added. The Malay-speaking and Muslim-dominant Deep South is one of the most impoverished regions in Buddhist-majority Thailand, fueled by a 16-year separatist insurgency that has killed more than 7,000 people. The Thai government has attempted to boost the economy in the region, which sits on the border with Malaysia. Now, Superb Creation Furnitures move has caused some concern in the region. Two hundred of us still went to work today but we dont know what will happen tomorrow, we and our families are in a dire situation, Summari Bin Jemu, a worker at the company, told BenarNews. Alameda County prosecutors said Monday they would reopen their investigation into the fatal shooting of Oscar Grant by a BART police officer more than a decade ago, a stunning decision that came amid a national reckoning over police shootings of Black people. We are re-opening our investigation, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalley said in a statement. I have assigned a team of lawyers to look back into the circumstances that caused the death of Oscar Grant. OMalley did not say what part of the shooting at the Fruitvale Station in Oakland she would re-examine. Johannes Mehserle, the BART officer who pulled the trigger on New Years Day in 2009, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2010 and served a jail sentence. Mehserle had said he thought he was shocking Grant with a Taser, not shooting his pistol. Other officers involved in the arrest and shooting were not charged, a continued source of grievance for Grants family. One officer, Anthony Pirone, pulled the 22-year-old Grant from a train aggressively and knelt on his neck before he was shot, according to court testimony and video of the incident. Pirone was fired but never charged in the case, which was captured on video and became an early rallying point for calls to end police brutality against Black people. OMalleys announcement came as Grants family gathered Monday in front of the Fruitvale BART Station to demand OMalley charge Pirone. Oscar was denied his full justice, said Grants mother, the Rev. Wanda Johnson, under a mural of her son at the station where he was killed. I am calling for the district attorney to bring charges against (Pirone) and charge him for his actions that escalated instead of de-escalating the situation and caused the loss of my sons life. After OMalleys announcement, Johnson said she was grateful that OMalley re-opened the case, that she kept her word from years ago when she said she would. Johnson questioned whether that decision would have come had the family not held the news conference Monday. I think maybe she thought that we mightve forgotten, Johnson said. Why else would you make this announcement, 11 years later? Johnson said she wants Pirone to be charged with accessory to murder. Pirones lawyer Bill Rapoport died in 2018. Pirone did not answer a phone number listed under his name. The incident began on a BART train. Grant was on his way home from San Francisco, surrounded by friends and packed among New Years revelers, when he fought with another passenger. Police were called, and Grant and four friends were detained by Pirone at Fruitvale. Court testimony and video showed that Pirone pulled Grant and his friends off the train so aggressively that other riders loudly objected. Pirone got physical at least two more times with Grant, kneeing him and pulling him violently to the concrete platform. At one point, apparently angry at being called a profane name, Pirone leaned in close to Grant and shouted back at him, Bitch-ass n, right? Bitch-ass n, right? After Pirone and Grant shouted profanities at each other, Pirone told Mehserle who had arrived after driving to the station in a patrol car to arrest Grant for resisting, announcing that this motherfer is going to jail. After being instructed to arrest Grant and one of his friends, Mehserle struggled to handcuff Grant while forcing him from his knees onto his chest. After about 10 seconds, Mehserle who later testified he feared Grant might pull a gun, though he was unarmed unholstered his service pistol, stood up and fired a single shot into Grants back. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. A BART internal investigation found Pirone lied repeatedly to investigators, telling them he felt he was fighting for my life when in fact he was the aggressor. Pirone was, in large part, responsible for setting the events in motion that created a chaotic and tense situation on the platform, setting the stage, even if inadvertent, for the shooting of Oscar Grant, the 2009 report concluded. The report cited Pirones repeated, unreasonable and unnecessary use of force, his manifest lack of veracity and his use of the word n while arguing with Grant in recommending the officers firing. Attorney John Burris, who has represented family members and friends of Oscar Grant in multiple federal civil rights lawsuits, acknowledged that this is an unusual move for OMalley, who in the past was not known for aggressively prosecuting police officers. Last month, OMalley charged a San Leandro police officer with voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Steven Taylor at a Walmart earlier this year. That officer, Jason Fletcher, was the first officer in Alameda County to be charged in an on-duty shooting since Mehserle. Burris has long advocated for Pirone to be prosecuted for use of force, because he took Grants friend Michael Greer to the ground with a leg sweep and got physical with Grant multiple times. I dont see her (OMalley) prosecuting (Pirone) for murder, Burris said. The question is whether the statute of limitations had run on the issue of force the beating of these two guys. Pirone is the instigator of this entire event. It was his actions that caused the entire series of events to occur. Chronicle staff writer Rachel Swan contributed to this report. Michael Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email Michael.Williams@sfchronicle.com Twitter @michaeldamianw COVID-19 virus survives on skin for 9 hours India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Oct 06: A new case study suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can survive for up to several hours on human skin, much longer than a strain of influenza A virus (IAV). A study in Clinical Infectious Disease indicates that the long survival time on human skin may increase the contact-transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 compared to other viruses, but finds hand hygiene is highly effective at neutralizing the virus. They found that the virus survives for nine hours, four times longer than the influenza A virus can live for. Centre to roll out renewed campaign for COVID-19 with further opening up of activities Contact transmission is considered a significant risk factor in the spread of COVID-19, highlighting the critical need for information about survival of the virus on skin. Previous studies have identified higher stability for coronaviruses compared with other enveloped viruses-those bearing a protective, fatty outer wrapping-like IAV. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News The stability of viruses on human skin is not well understood because of the dangers of exposing test subjects to pathogenic viruses. The study authors developed a model for testing viral stability using human skin obtained from autopsy specimens and compared viral survival of SARS-CoV-2 to a common strain of IAV that is transmitted through droplets and contact transmission. They recorded survival times for viral samples in human mucus and culture medium on a variety of surfaces (human skin, stainless steel, glass, and polystyrene plastic), and evaluated the effectiveness of 80% ethanol on viral survival on human skin. The researchers found that both types of virus were inactivated faster on skin than on other surfaces, suggesting that human skin is a less hospitable environment for viruses. The study also found, however, that SARS-CoV-2 survived on skin significantly longer than IAV: 9.04 hours (95% confidence interval, 7.96 to 10.2 hours) versus 1.82 hours (1.65 to 2.00 hours), leading to the possibility of a higher risk of contact transmission for COVID-19. Notably, the study authors also found that SARS-CoV-2 was completely inactivated within 15 seconds of exposure to 80% ethanol-the type of alcohol found in many over-the-counter alcohol-based hand sanitizers-highlighting the importance of proper hand hygiene for the prevention and spread of COVID-19. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 60% to 95% alcohol in hand sanitizers for COVID-19. The 9-hour survival of SARS-CoV-2 on human skin may increase the risk of contact transmission in comparison with IAV, thus accelerating the pandemic. Proper hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 10:52 [IST] A US judge has ordered Iran to pay $1.45billion to the family of a former FBI agent believed to have been kidnapped by the Islamic Republic while on an unauthorized CIA mission in 2007. The judgment this month comes after Robert Levinson's family and the US government now believe he died in the Iranian government's custody, something long denied by Tehran, though officials over time have offered contradictory accounts about what happened to him on Iran's Kish Island. Tensions remain high between the US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program. And though the US and Iran haven't had diplomatic relations since the aftermath of the 1979 US Embassy hostage crisis in Tehran, America stills holds billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets that could be used to pay Levinson's family. Scroll down for video A US court has found Iran owed missing FBI agent Robert Levinson's family $1.35billion in punitive damages and $107million in compensatory damages for his kidnapping. Levinson is pictured on the right in a proof-of-life photo released a decade ago In this March 6, 2012, file photo, an FBI poster showing a composite image of Levinson, right, of how he would look like now after five years in captivity, and an image, center, taken from the video, released by his kidnappers, and a picture before he was kidnapped, left In a ruling handed down on Thursday, the US District Court in Washington found Iran owed Levinson's family $1.35billion in punitive damages and $107million in compensatory damages for his kidnapping. The court cited the case of Otto Warmbier, an American college student who died in 2017 shortly after being freed from captivity in North Korea, in deciding to award the massive amount of punitive damages to Levinson's family. 'Irans conduct here is also unique, given that - astonishingly - it plucked a former FBI and DEA special agent from the face of the earth without warning, tortured him, held him captive for as long as 13 years, and to this day refuses to admit its responsibility,' the ruling by Judge Timothy J. Kelly said. 'And his wife and children, and their spouses and children - while keeping Levinson's memory alive - have had to proceed with their lives without knowing his exact fate. These are surely acts worthy of the gravest condemnation,' the judge added. Iranian state media and officials in Tehran did not immediately acknowledge the ruling in a case in which Iran offered no defense. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Levinson, a former FBI agent, went missing in March 2007 on Iran's Kish Island Levinson traveled to the Gulf as part of an unsanctioned mission masterminded by CIA analysts who were not authorized to run spy operations Timeline of events in the disappearance of Robert Levinson Some key dates in the disappearance of Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who vanished while in Iran on an unauthorized CIA mission: March 9, 2007 - Robert Levinson is detained by suspected Iranian security agents in the lobby of his hotel on Kish Island, Iran, a Persian Gulf resort area and free-trade zone for which no Iranian visa is required. April 2007 - Levinson's disappearance becomes public knowledge as the U.S. tries to ask Iran for information. Authorities end up describing him as a former FBI agent investigating cigarette smuggling for a private client. December 2007 - Levinson's family flies to Tehran and Kish Island and speaks to Iranian authorities, who promise to send a report to them on their investigation into his disappearance. No report ever comes. January 2009 - During a confirmation hearing for Hillary Clinton to become U.S. secretary of state, Florida Sen. Bill Nelson brings up Levinson's case and says: 'We think he is being held by the government of Iran in a secret prison.' September 2010 - Then-Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad disavows any knowledge of Levinson's whereabouts in an interview. He adds: 'Of course if it becomes clear what his goal was, or if he was indeed on a mission, then perhaps specific assistance can be given.' March 2011 - The AP reports that Levinson's family has received proof of him being alive. Clinton releases a statement saying the U.S. had evidence he was being held 'somewhere in southwest Asia'. Months later, the AP reports that proof includes photographs and a video of Levinson. March 2012 - The FBI offers $1million for information leading to the safe recovery and return of Levinson. December 2013 - The AP reports that Levinson was in Iran on an unapproved CIA mission. The AP also reports that the CIA paid Levinson's family $2.5million to head off a revealing lawsuit, while three veteran analysts were forced out of the agency and seven others were disciplined. March 2015 - The FBI raises its reward for information on Levinson to $5million. January 2016 - A prisoner swap between Iran and the U.S. amid the nuclear deal fails to include Levinson. A White House spokesman later says U.S. officials believe Levinson may no longer be in Iran. March 2017 - Levinson's family mark 10 years since his disappearance and ask President Donald Trump to draw on his background as a dealmaker to bring him home. November 2019: Trump Administration offers $20million reward for information about Levinson. November 2019: Iranian government unexpectedly responds to a United Nations query by saying that Levinson was the subject of an 'open case' in Iranian Revolutionary Court March 2020: US federal judge finds Iran 'in no uncertain terms' responsible for Levinson's 'hostage taking and torture.' March 2020: US officials receive information, purportedly from Iran's foreign minister, that Levinson has dies 'some time ago' in Iranian custody Advertisement In a statement, Levinson's family called the court's award 'the first step in the pursuit of justice.' 'Until now, Iran has faced no consequences for its actions,' the family said. 'Judge Kellys decision wont bring Bob home, but we hope that it will serve as a warning against further hostage taking by Iran.' In March, US officials concluded that Levinson died in Iranian custody 'some time ago,' according to a statement from White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien. According to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity, the information about Levinson had come from Iran's foreign minister. President Donald Trump made seemingly contradictory statements about Levinson, saying during a press briefing at the time, saying 'I won't accept that he's dead,' but also that 'it's not looking promising.' The White House later issued a new statement designed to remove some of the uncertainty expressed by the president, and calling on Iran to tell the truth about the former FBI agent's presumed death. Levinson was last seen on Kish Island with Daoud Salahuddin (right), an American Islamic militant who fled to Iran while facing charges in the assassination of an Iranian embassy official based in Maryland in 1980 (right) This undated handout photo provided by the family of Robert Levinson after they received it in April 2011, shows him in an orange prison jumpsuit and chains This undated photograph obtained January 8, 2013 courtesy of the Levinson family shows the former FBI agent in captivity 'It is impossible to describe our pain,' Levinson's family said in a statement. 'Our family will spend the rest of our lives without the most amazing man, a new reality that is inconceivable to us. His grandchildren will never meet him. They will only know him through the stories we tell them.' Levinson, a married father of seven and a grandfather, disappeared on March 9, 2007, after flying from Dubai to Iran-controlled Kish Island in the Gulf. There he met with Daoud Salahuddin, an American Islamic militant who fled to Iran while facing charges in the assassination of an Iranian embassy official based in Maryland in 1980. For years, US officials would only say that Levinson, a meticulous FBI investigator credited with busting Russian and Italian mobsters, was working for a private firm on his trip. In December 2013, the AP revealed Levinson in fact had been on a secret mission for CIA analysts who had no authority to run spy operations. Levinson's family had received a $2.5million annuity from the CIA in order to stop a lawsuit revealing details of his work, while the agency forced out three veteran analysts and disciplined seven others. In a statement, Levinson's family called the court's award 'the first step in the pursuit of justice' Christine Levinson (C), wife of Robert Levinson, her son Daniel Levinson (L) and her sister Suzan attend a news conference at Switzerland's embassy in Tehran in December 2007 Since his disappearance, the only photos and video of Levinson emerged in 2010 and 2011. He appeared gaunt and bearded with long hair, and was wearing an orange jumpsuit similar to those worn by detainees at Guantanamo Bay holding a sign that read: 'This is the result of 30 years serving for USA.' The video, with a Pashtun wedding song popular in Afghanistan playing in the background, showed Levinson complaining of poor health. Iran repeatedly has said that it has no information about Levinson, though US diplomats and investigators have long said they thought he was taken by Iranian government agents. Supporters gather during a rally for Robert Levinson at the Center for the Arts in Coral Springs, Florida, on March 5, 2016, three months after he was left out of a prisoner exchange with Tehran In November 2019, the Iranian government unexpectedly responded to a United Nations query by saying that Levinson was the subject of an 'open case' in Iranian Revolutionary Court. Although the development gave the family a burst of hope, Iran clarified that the 'open case' was simply an investigation into his disappearance. Earlier this year, a federal judge in Washington held Iran liable for his disappearance, saying the country was 'in no uncertain terms' responsible for Levinson's 'hostage taking and torture.' From left to right, Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pose for a picture before a four Indo-Pacific nations' foreign ministers meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, on Oct. 6, 2020. (Nicolas Datiche/Pool Photo via AP) Pompeo Calls on Indo-Pacific Nations to Unite Against Chinas Exploitation, Corruption and Coercion U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that Chinas increasingly assertive actions across the region make it more critical than ever for four Indo-Pacific nations known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) to cooperate to protect their partners and their people from Chinese exploitation, corruption, and coercion. Pompeo attended the Quad ministerial meeting during his visit to Tokyo, Japan, from Oct. 4 to 6. In his remarks at the meeting, he said, It is more critical now than ever that we collaborate to protect our people and partners from the CCPs exploitation, corruption, and coercion. Weve seen it in the south, in the East China Sea, the Mekong, the Himalayas, the Taiwan Straits. These are just a few examples, he added. Also, the Chinese regimes coverup of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus outbreak worsened the crisis caused by the pandemic in the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, the diverse nations of the region need new determination to protect their freedoms and sovereignty, Pompeo said. Weakness provokes bullies, that is appeasement rewards those who act in ways that are coercive and use military might as opposed to diplomatic tools to resolve conflict, Pompeo said in an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK. The answer to that is to be forceful in our response, and to work with like-minded nations all across the world to oppose those who want to use military power or coercion, Pompeo added. America stands with each of you as we work to achieve victory over this horrible pandemic and rebuild our economies together, Pompeo told Quad meeting participants. Im looking forward to our meetings and to more concrete steps with the Quad going forward. When we exchange ideas openly and work together, good things follow, Pompeo concluded. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said that Australia believes that the region should be governed by rules, not power and disputes should be resolved according to international law with respect to individual rights. Australia also cooperates with other regional organizations in the Indo-Pacific such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nation and the Pacific Islands Forum, Payne said. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that India remains committed to upholding the rules-based international order underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in international seas, and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said after the talks the nations had confirmed they would advance with practical talks on infrastructure, cybersecurity, and other areas. Japan, meanwhile, is concerned about Chinas claim to the Japanese-controlled Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands in the East China Sea. Japan also considers Chinas growing military activity to be a security threat. Japans annual defense policy paper in July accused China of unilaterally changing the status quo in the South China Sea, where it has built and militarized manmade islands and is assertively pressing its claim to virtually all of the seas key fisheries and waterways. Japans Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, right, and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, left, greet prior to their meeting at the prime ministers office in Tokyo on Oct. 6, 2020. Pompeo is in Japan to attend the four Indo-Pacific nations foreign ministers meeting. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool) Earlier Tuesday, new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said in a meeting with the Quad diplomats that their Free and Open Indo-Pacific security and economic initiative is more important than ever amid challenges from the coronavirus pandemic. Suga took office on Sept. 16, vowing to carry on predecessor Shinzo Abes security and diplomatic stance. Abe was a key driving force behind promoting the Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative (FOIP), which Suga called a vision of peace and prosperity of this region and pledged to pursue. Suga, who had been chief Cabinet secretary under Abe, told Japanese media Monday that he will pursue diplomacy based on the Japan-U.S. alliance as a cornerstone and strategically promote the FOIP, while establishing stable relations with neighbors including China and Russia. Japan sees the FOIP as crucial for assuring access to sea lanes all the way to the Middle East, a key source of oil for the resource-poor island nation. Part of the problem for Washingtons Asian allies is their dependence on China for trade. China was the top destination for Australian exports in 2019, the No. 2 destination for Japanese exports, and the No. 3 destination for Indian exports, according to IMF direction of trade statistics compiled by Refinitiv. Beijing has denied allegations of covering up the pandemic, denies human rights violations in its handling of Hong Kong and minority Muslims in Xinjiang, and accuses Western nations of meddling in its internal affairs. The Quad The Quad consists of Japan, the United States, India, and Australia and is a forum for government officials to discuss regional security issues. The Quad was originally established in 2007 at the initiative of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the support of then-U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, but it fell apart in 2008. Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a press conference at his official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on May 4, 2020. (Eugene Hoshiko/AP Photo) The Quad was reestablished in 2017 after Abe retook the office amid growing concerns due to Chinese regime coercive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region, according to a report by Patrick Gerard Buchan, a director and fellow at the Center for the Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Benjamin Rimland, a research associate with CSIS. China officially protested the initial establishment of the Quad in 2007 and its revival in 2017 and views the group as a threat to its interests, Buchan and Rimland wrote for Washington-based CSIS. Quad membership is driven by shared interests, not binding obligations, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell told the press at a briefing on Oct. 2. The Quad seeks to establish, promote, and secure Indo-Pacific principles, especially as [People Republic of China] (PRC) tactics, aggression, and coercion increase in the region, Stilwell said. The Quad members focus on issues such as maritime security, cyber and critical technology, infrastructure, counterterrorism, and the Mekong regional cooperation, he added. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Berlin Process aims to channel local actors towards an effective and lasting political solution to the Libyan crisis. Whether it can, amid competing international interests, remains to be seen On Monday, the UN relaunched the Berlin Process for a comprehensive settlement to the Libyan crisis, picking up efforts that began at a world summit on 19 January in the German capital. The Berlin track faltered due to developments on the ground in Libya when the military campaign of General Khalifa Haftar failed to seize the Libyan capital Tripoli, which is under the control of the Government of National Accord (GNA), as well as the Covid-19 outbreak. These factors obstructed progress on the international track to resolve the crisis and deflated the momentum needed for success. On Monday, the UN and the German government, which are spearheading the Berlin Process, hosted a ministerial meeting on Libya attended by relevant countries in order to revive international support for a comprehensive solution that includes parallel political, security and economic tracks under the auspices of the UN. Meanwhile, diplomatic action on Libya has once again picked up, especially by the US where Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised last week that Washington will use its diplomatic arsenal on the issue. Ministers gathered as part of a global follow-up to the decisions of the Berlin Process and on the heels of several meetings since early September in Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Russia and Switzerland in support of UN efforts to make progress on the peace process in Libya. However, it seems Libyan actors involved in the settlement process appear to be pulled in different directions between the multiple capitals, agendas and positions of domestic players and their strategic outlooks. This dilemma was also present at this weeks meeting. In his address to the Berlin group, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on all parties to fulfil their commitments made at the January summit, and urged all parties to become involved in a constructive way in a comprehensive political process which the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has prepared as part of a three-track (political, security, economic) solution. US Undersecretary of State David Hale said Washington will continue involving all domestic and foreign stakeholders in the Libyan conflict to end the fighting, and reach a peace agreement. Hale called on all parties to the Berlin Process to uphold their commitments by respecting the UN arms embargo, support the Libyan-led ceasefire and political agreement, and take all necessary steps to achieve this. He added that the peace process aims to create a new transitional government and chart the path to national elections. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri asserted that Libya today is facing an ideal opportunity to reach a political settlement that takes into consideration all aspects of the political, security and economic crisis, as well as the fair distribution of power and wealth. Also, to end any foreign interference, eliminate the presence of terrorists, mercenaries and foreign forces in Libya. Shoukri noted that any real political solution in Libya must be founded on an exclusively Libyan national vision without dictations and malicious pressure from here or there. Acting Special Representative of UN Secretary General Stephanie Williams told journalists after the meeting that participants asked for a comprehensive political process that represents all of Libyas political and social elements and urged for the creation of a demilitarised zone in Sirte and the surrounding area. That as well as a permanent ceasefire as part of discussions of the joint military committee (5+5), which Williams expects will meet again in the coming weeks. In Morocco, Libyan parliamentarians and the State Supreme Council (SSC) discussed how to implement Article 15 of the political agreement regarding senior political positions, urging Berlin participants to support the Bouznika talks which have made positive progress, according to a statement by Moroccos Foreign Ministry. In an address delivered on behalf of the two sides participating in the talks, MP Idris Omran said everyone agreed that the talks hosted by Morocco took place in a positive atmosphere and spirit of optimism that resulted in unifying visions regarding the remaining criteria for seven key positions in Libya. Participants at Bouznika are deliberating the criteria for choosing appointees to key positions, with a focus on how to pick the new board of the Central Bank, which will be chosen if the process is successful under the supervision of the IMF and World Bank, which will make recommendations to parliament on the position of governor of the Central Bank. Abdel-Razek Al-Aradi, who attended meetings in Montreux, said participants agreed to begin the preliminary phase for a comprehensive solution, the timeline of which will be decided by the political track but will be no longer than 18 months. Al-Aradi continued that participants agreed that the political track must amend the political agreement, most importantly: restructuring the executive power (presidential council to have one head and two deputies, and an independent prime minister); choosing members of the presidential council through an electoral college vote for each region; addressing the legislative deficit by transferring the tasks of parliament and the SSC to the dialogue team if they fail to issue laws on time. The prime minister will be chosen by the dialogue team, and must form a cabinet within one month and present plans to parliament for ratification and a confidence vote within 10 days. Otherwise, this task will be assigned to the dialogue team. Meanwhile, a technical committee will decide the powers of the presidential council, GNA and prime minister, and UNSMIL will oversee this committee and the dialogue team will ratify its decisions. International agreements and treaties will be reviewed after new bodies are elected following the preliminary phase. If there is consensus, executive bodies (presidential council and cabinet) and parliament will move to Sirte during the preliminary phase, as soon as security and logistical conditions allow. Then the path of conciliation will begin. The UNs Berlin Process incorporates both top down and bottom up efforts. In Morocco, the UN is focused on local Libyan actors, which will eventually evolve into including international players, while the political forum is working from top down and is expected to begin this month, possibly in Malta, Tunisia or Morocco, due to expected closures in Switzerland caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced Tuesday the state will extend the voter registration to 7 p.m. tonight after its online system crashed on Monday from an uptick in volume. The big picture: The state is investigating the crash, which may have prevented thousands from registering before the original deadline, AP reports. Investigators are now working to determine if the crash was a "deliberate act." Floridians can still register to vote online, at the elections office, a highway safety and motor vehicles drivers license offices or any tax collector's branch office. Why it matters: Florida is a key battleground state in November's election. Republicans have significantly cut into the Democrats' lead in Florida voter registration in recent months, per AP, putting pressure on an already close race. What they're saying: "During the last few hours, the RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov website was accessed by an unprecedented 1.1 million requests per hour. We will work with our state and federal law-enforcement partners to ensure this was not a deliberate act against the voting process," Secretary of State Laurel Lee said in a statement Tuesday. Update: This story has been updated with Gov. DeSantis announcing that voter registration would be extended. Even teleprompter could not take so many lies: Rahul's dig at PM Modis Davos speech Rahul Gandhi breaks silence over his absence in recently held monsoon session India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Chandigarh, Oct 06: Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday responded to Akali Dal's criticism over his absence during the passage of the three controversial farm bills in Parliament and said that he was his mother for her medical check-up. Rahul Gandhi, who is in Punjab for his three-day anti-farm laws protest "Khetri Bachao Yatra", said that he could not attend the monsoon session of the Parliament as he was with his mother during her aborad visit for her routine medical check-up. Fact check: Did Rahul, Priyanka joke on their way to Hathras Earlier, the Shiromani Akali Dal which has snapped its ties with BJP-led NDA after sharp differences over the farm laws, had asked Rahul Gandhi what was he doing abroad when the bills were passed. Responding to the question, Rahul said, "My mother had gone for a medical check-up and my sister couldn't go with her as a few members of her staff had COVID-19. I was there with my mother. I'm her son also after all and have to look after her." Rahul Gandhi a 'VIP kisan', sits on sofa on tractor: Smriti Irani Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News The three farm bills that have been facing staunch protests by farmers and opposition were passed in Parliament last week amid huge ruckus by the leaders of the opposition parties. Rahul Gandhi, who can be seen attacking the Narendra Modi government over the laws, could not attend the monsoon session of Parliament as he had accompanied party chief and his mother Sonia Gandhi for her medical check-up abroad. Rahul and Sonia had gone to the United States for her routine medical check-up on September 12, two days ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 14:39 [IST] A former Trump staffer on Monday compared the president to the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini after the commander-in-chief appeared on the White House balcony to wave to the American people upon his release from hospital. Anthony Scaramucci, who served as White House director of communications in 2017, appeared on CNN to discuss Mr Trump's release from Walter Reed Medical Center, where he had been recieving coronavirus treatment. Referring to the president's balcony stunt, Mr Scarmucci told CNN's Chirs Cuomo: "And you've got, I don't know, the American Mussolini, standing on the balcony ... we've never had a president stand on that balcony and do what he just did." Mr Trump, 74, returned to Washington DC on Monday evening insisting that he was feeling well and in good spirits, following a weekend in which he received supplemental oxygen and a cocktail of drugs to treat his coronavirus infection. In a highly staged performance, the president who is likely still contagious posed for photos after exiting Marine One on the South Lawn. He then headed for the Truman balcony, where he ripped off his face mask and gave a thumbs-up to the waiting media. After pausing for a few moments, the president then turned and entered a room full of aides, still without wearing a face covering. Mr Scaramucci himself an Italian-American was among a number of critics who compared the president to Mussolini, who often used a balcony above the Piazza Venezia, a public square in Rome, to address his followers. The White House and the president's reelection campaign was thrown into chaos after the commander-in-chief confirmed his positive Covid test late on Thursday. With less than a month to go before election day, a number of his key aides have been diagnosed with the disease, which has so far killed some 210,00 Americans. According to Mr Scaramucci, who lasted less than a month in the White House, Mr Trump's handling of the pandemic and his own infection makes him a danger to the American people. He also claimed the president had put his staff at risk and suggested the White House could use Mr Trump's illness for political gain: "Of course, that's going to be their whole bumper sticker, that's going to be their whole manipulation." Mr Scaramucci also used the CNN interview to hit out at GOP politicians and officials whom he claimed enable the president's behaviour. "The thing that worries me the most ... what about the people that are helping him ... a demagogue can only be powerful if they have willing accomplices," he said. "What does it say for guys like Mitch McConnel ... Kevin McCarthy ... what are you guys doing? You swore an oath to the constitution of the United States and to protect the American citizens." CityServe & Gold Star Foods, Inc's Unique Collaboration Delivers Food in the 'Last Mile of Need' NEWS PROVIDED BY CityServe Oct. 6, 2020 WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2020 /Standard Newswire/ -- In round two of the United States Department of Agriculture Farmers to Families Food Box Program, CityServe, a faith-based nonprofit, and Gold Star Foods Inc., one of the nation's leading nutrition providers to K-12 schools and USDA approved contractor, collaborated in a unique partnership to feed families. Occurring from July 2 through September 18, 232,116 food boxes were distributed to food insecure households in Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming. "Gold Star Foods was proud to collaborate with CityServe on the expansion of this critical program," said Sean Leer, CEO, Gold Star Foods. "The partnership coupled Gold Star's logistic capabilities and nutrition supply chain with CityServe's established community HUBs ensuring resources that made a difference got where they were needed most. It's a really unique and powerful model." During the COVID-19 pandemic. The Farmers to Families Food Box Program not only supplied communities with needed nutrition, but it also provided farmers and companies like Gold Star Foods, a division of GS Foods Group focused on school nutrition, a boost and helped secure jobs during a challenging economic landscape. As the nation's leading school nutrition provider Gold Star was uniquely positioned to collaborate with the USDA on this fast-action and expansive program. Large-scale operations, deep supplier relationships and expertise in the nutrition supply chain allowed Gold Star to distribute food efficiently and safely during times of crisis. Due to its successful emergency response when schools across the nation began to shut down, Gold Star was prepared for round one of the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program as the distribution arm in Southern California. However, in round two of the food box program, Gold Star was awarded a contract as a vendor to deliver food boxes in underserved regions. Gold Star partnered with CityServe in this effort and found the HUB to POD distribution model a powerful and effective system they had yet seen to supply food to families living in the "Last Mile of Need." The CityServe distribution model is based on a HUB & POD supply chain. A CityServe HUB is a church with the capacity to be a distribution center of food boxes to local churches, also known as PODs (point of distribution), in its geographical region. A CityServe POD is a local church coordinating with CityServe to receive resources from its assigned HUB and meet the needs of its neighborhood with compassionate giving and relationship building. "Households living in the 'Last Mile of Need' are now able to have food for their families because Gold Star, a private business, was willing to utilize the faith community as a distribution arm of the food box program," commented Dave Donaldson, CityServe chairman and co-founder. "It's been incredible to see what can be accomplished when private enterprise and the public sector work with the faith community." As a private business working with the faith community, the collaboration between Gold Star and CityServe in the food box program is unique and proven effective. Hundreds of thousands of families who had fallen between the gaps of hunger relief were given food quickly. It's a new, time-sensitive approach to ensure food insecure families, most particularly households with small children, are fed with fresh, nutritious foods rather than be at risk of malnutrition or starvation. For more information about the CityServe and Gold Star collaboration with the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program, please contact media contacts to set up an interview. About CityServe CityServe is a collaborative network of churches and community leaders connected to help those in need to live better lives. CityServe empowers the local church to fulfill its purpose to overcome despair and transform lives by resourcing them with tangible goods and capacity building. CityServe brings the church to the table to address community challenges by offering long-lasting relationships that lead to transformation and has been designated a "Community of Faith and Opportunity" by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since the launch of the food box program, the CityServe collaborative network has distributed over 4 million Farmers to Families food boxes to the "Last Mile of Need." For more information about CityServe and its initiatives, please visit https://cityserve.us or on social platforms @cityservehq. About Gold Star Foods, Inc. Founded in 1978, Gold Star Foods Inc. is the nation's leading nutritional food distributor to K-12 schools with operations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Mid-Atlantic, Louisiana, Colorado and Idaho, supplying more than 900 school districts and serving more than 6 million meals per day. Headquartered in Ontario, California, Gold Star manages a comprehensive supply chain for Schools and Institutions that ensures the reliable delivery of fresh bread and produce, as well as refrigerated, frozen and dry menu items. For more information about Gold Star Foods, visit: www.goldstarfoods.com. SOURCE CityServe CONTACT: Crissy Cochran, 661-472-7305, crissy@cityserve.us It's time to bid farewell to your favorite summer sandals. But rest assured, fall's trending footwear is just as comfortable. With no big parties or events to attend this season, sexy sky-high stilettos are on pause for more functional and practical footwear. Stars like Willow Smith and Irina Shayk are stepping out in combat boots. And with clever styling tricks, they are making the '90s-inspired bada** booties their own. Feel can breathe a sigh of relief: Stars like Willow Smith and Irina Shayk are stepping out in combat boots Grunge with a twist Before walking the catwalk at Rihannas Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 in Los Angeles, California, Willow Smith strutted her stuff on the carpet looking fierce. The 19-year-old daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith rocked a mostly all-black ensemble consisting of shorts, a graphic tee and an overcoat. Her edgy and of-the-moment getup was made complete with the ultimate sign of youth rebellion: Dr. Martens '1B60 Virginia' lace-up boots. Unlike short styles, the shaft of the tall boot hits just below the knee elongating the look of the leg. A full face of makeup softened Willow's overall appearance and added just the right amount of feminine flair to her grunge look. Daydreamer Elton John Tee, $72; shopbop.com Leather Belted Shorts by Karen Millen, now $184; karenmillen.com Luxe Lounge Jacket by The Group by Babaton, $248; aritzia.com 1B99 Virginia Leather Knee High Boots by Dr. Martens, $180; drmartens.com Sweet and tough: Irina Shayk had her toned legs on full display in a floral mini dress and combat boots while out and about in Manhattan Feminine + edgy Irina Shayk had her toned legs on full display in a floral mini dress while out and about in Manhattan. The mom of one added a semblance of toughness to an otherwise feminine look with the J BRAND Elsa Birthday Blazer in black leather from the J BRAND X @HOSKELSA capsule collection. Dr. Martens 1490 Quynn Boots featuring buckles and oversized slot eyelets took the 34-year-old's flouncy frock from uptown girly to downtown chic. Ditsy Floral Ruffle Tie Front Swing Dress, now $15.40; boohoo.com Lilias Lace Up Hiker Boot by JustFab,VIP $39.93, REG $64.95; justfab.com Warm Braw by ic! berlin, ic-berlin.de Faux Leather Blazer Jacket by MSGM, $635; saksfifthavenue.com In theme: Combat boots undoubtedly have a throwback feel to them, and one way to lean into the trend is like the supermodel in a '90s inspired frock '90s perfection Bradley Cooper's ex is a fan of juxtaposition, and pulled out the style savvy move once more while walking to Pilates class in Tribeca. All eyes were on her in her cobalt blue motorsport-inspired mini dress with a top-to-bottom zipper down the front. Irina accessorized the body-hugging number with a By Far bag, rectangular sunglasses and lace-up GAO High Boots. Combat boots undoubtedly have a throwback feel to them, and one way to lean into the trend is like the supermodel in a '90s inspired frock. Button Front Sleeveless Denim Dress by Boohoo, $28; boohoo.com Clear Lottie Boots by Dolce Vita, $170; dolcevita.com Prism by ic! Berlin, ic! berlin, ic-berlin.de Ina Mini Crossbody Nappa Taupe by Behno, $445; wolfandbadger.com Street style: Actor, model, and activist Indya Moore was spotted in Soho looking downtown cool in a DKNY sweatshirt and boots Casual cool Actor, model, and activist Indya Moore was spotted in Soho looking downtown cool. The 25-year-old 'Pose' star was wearing a DKNY Sweatshirt from the brands Fall 2020 #DKNYSTATEOFMIND campaign. The custom black hoodie reads 'You own everything of yours and you own nothing of yours' with DKNY letters highlighted in white throughout. Billy Porter, Cynthia Erivo, Kerry Washington, Kim Kardashian West, Lais Ribeiro, Nick Wooster and Storm Reid are just few other celebs who also own a pullover featuring an empowering statement. Indya teamed her graphic hoodie with light-wash ripped denim shorts and black chunky sole leather boots. While she could have worn sneakers with her casual everyday separates, boots turned the fashion dial of her errand-running outfit up a notch. The Risk Takers Hoodie by DKNY, $69; donnakaran.com AE Ne(x)t Level High-Waisted Denim Short Short, now $24.97; ae.com Gwen Leather Ankle Boot by Cougar, $170; cougarshoes.com Flipkart and Nokia have launched six new Nokia branded Smart TV in India. These include 32-inch HD, 43-inch Full HD and 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch 4K Ultra HD TV. These feature a diamond-cut bezel design, Micro Dimming and a MaxBrite Display for crisp detail with vibrant colours and Sound by Japanese brand Onkyo with 39W speakers that includes 24 W QuatroX speakers, along with 15 W tweeters in the 32-inch HD, 43-inch HD and Full HD models. Other 4K models also feature Sound by Onkyo, but these have 48W speakers that boasts 30W QuatroX speakers, along with 18 W tweeters, to deliver a 360-degree audio projection. All these run Android 9.0 with support for Google Assistant, Chromecast in-built and lets you download more apps via Googles Android Play Store. These feature Zee5 Hotkey in the remote, in addition to Netflix. These are equipped with Pronto Focal AI Engine which enables a full AI experience in pictures, sound, and interaction for a seamless TV-viewing experience. Nokia 32-inch HD / 43-inch Full HD Smart TV specifications 32-inch ( 1366 x 768 pixels) HD / 43-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels) Full HD display with 178-degree viewing angle, 325 nits brightness, 3000:1 (Static) contrast ratio, Micro Dimming, Max Brite Quad-core Cortex A53 processor with Mali 470 MP4 GPU 1.5GB RAM, 8GB storage Android TV 9.0 Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, 3x HDMI (2 x HDMI in 43 FHD model), 2 x USB, Ethernet 39W Speakers (24 W QuatroX speakers, along with 15 W tweeters), Sound by Onkyo, Dolby Audio Nokia 43-inch 4K Smart TV specifications 43-inch (3840 x 2160 pixels) 4K display with 178-degree viewing angle, 350 nits brightness, 3000:1 (Static) contrast ratio, Micro Dimming, Max Brite Quad-core Cortex A55 processor, Mali 470 MP4 GPU 2GB RAM, 16GB storage Android TV 9.0 Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, 3x HDMI, 2 x USB, Ethernet 39W Speakers (24 W QuatroX speakers, along with 15 W tweeters), Sound by Onkyo, Dolby Audio Nokia 50 / 55 / 65-inch 4K Smart TV specifications 50-inch / 55-inch / 65-inch (3840 x 2160 pixels) 4K display with 178-degree viewing angle, 380 (50) 420 (55) 450 (65) nits brightness, 5000:1 (Static) contrast ratio, Micro Dimming, Max Brite Quad-core Cortex A55 processor, Mali 470 MP4 GPU 2GB RAM, 16GB storage Android TV 9.0 Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, 3x HDMI, 2 x USB, Ethernet 48W Speakers (30 W QuatroX speakers, along with 18 W tweeters), Sound by Onkyo, Dolby Audio Pricing Nokia 32-inch HD TV Rs. 12,999 Nokia 43-inch Full HD TV Rs. 22,999 Nokia 43-inch 4K TV Rs. 28,999 Nokia 50-inch 4K TV Rs. 33,999 Nokia 55-inch 4K TV Rs. 39,999 Nokia 65-inch 4K TV Rs. 59,999 These new Nokia smart TVs will be available from Flipkart starting from October 15th. Commenting on the launch, Vipul Mehrotra, Vice President, Nokia Brand Partnerships, said: We have been delighted with the response to Nokia branded Smart TVs since they first debuted in India last year. Extending the Nokia brand with Flipkart to a full new Smart TV range is a testament to the success of our ongoing relationship and also ensures there will be a Nokia Smart TV to suit every taste and budget. I am very concerned that Indiana is a state that is wishing that COVID were over, and its not, Dr. Allison Arwady, Chicagos public health commissioner, said during an unrelated Tuesday news conference. I would encourage Chicago residents if they are going to be traveling to Indiana, do the things that you know work. Wear your mask. Keep your distance, wash your hands. Be especially careful. Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: LaSalle Investment Management has completed the first close of its fourth fund in its flagship LaSalle Real Estate Debt Strategies series (LREDS). The real estate debt fund has so far raised 435m ($512m) and is on track to reach its 1bn fundraising target, said the real estate investment manager with $65 billion of assets in a press note. LaSalle said the capital raised by the LREDS IV fund at the first close was received from both existing and new clients, made up of pension funds and insurance companies across Europe and Asia. The previous fund, LREDS III, exceeded its initial GBP750m target to raise over GBP800m of commitments in 2017. LREDS IV's investment strategy focuses on mezzanine debt investments secured on real estate across Western Europe with a focus on Germany, Netherlands, UK, France, and Spain offering compelling risk-adjusted returns with downside protection and high cash-on-cash yields, said the release. In addition to mezzanine debt investments, LREDS IV offers whole loans, Capex, and development financing solutions, it added. LaSalle's European Debt & Special Situations platform has been investing across both the traditional asset classes such as office, logistics, and residential, as well as alternative asset classes such as student housing and self-storage. Since 2010, the platform has committed 3.4 billion to investments across 78 individual transactions. The launch of LREDS IV is also complementar...................... To view our full article Click here Russias Civic Chamber proposes broader monitoring of elections abroad RAPSI 13:49 06/10/2020 MOSCOW, October 6 (RAPSI) Russias Civic Chamber is ready to form a group of observers, which is to include compatriots and foreign experts, to monitor elections held abroad, the press service of this consultative and advisory body informs RAPSI on Tuesday. Acting on instructions of Russias President, the Civic Chamber in cooperation with political parties and NGOs has conducted an analysis of the results of monitoring of the All-Russian voting on amendments to the Constitution and developed certain proposals and recommendations aimed at the improvement of the institution of public monitoring. The Civic Chamber has performed fundamental work as to development of the public monitoring institution in Russia since 2012, raising this institution to a qualitatively new level and incorporating it in all electoral procedures, the bodys Secretary Lydia Mikheyeva said. The public monitoring institution developed by the Civic Chamber is a unique instrument facilitating transparency and legitimacy of elections held in Russia; moreover, the body could gain broad experience in following elections abroad, for instance, in the U.S. in 2012. Basing on this experience, the Civic Chamber proposes that the practice of participation of observers from Russia in foreign elections is to be continued and broadened. Stressing the importance of forming of a group of observers to monitor elections in foreign countries, the Civic Chamber press service says the body already has enough experience to aid foreign states in organizing monitoring of elections. The pandemic, Civic Chamber experts believe, was a factor facilitating the development of electoral institutions as there were introduced and approved new methods in organization of electoral procedures with the use of digital technologies, which are to be developed even further. The body proposes that its powers as well as those of regional Chambers to send monitors to electoral commissions of all levels since the start of electoral campaigns need to be fixed by law in order to ensure transparency of electoral procedures. Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines Now available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audiobook Now available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audiobook NEW YORK, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RosettaBooks announced today the publication of Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines by Jamie Merisotis a roadmap for the large-scale, radical changes we must make in order to find abundant and meaningful work in the 21st century. We are living through a time of upheaval and social unrest, with increasing threats to global health, democratic institutions, and the worlds economies. But behind the alarming headlines is another issue that must be quickly addressed: the role of workers is being transformedand often rendered obsoleteby automation and artificial intelligence. Merisotis, the president and CEO of Lumina Foundation, argues we canand mustrise to this challenge by preparing to work alongside smart machines doing that which only humans can: thinking critically, reasoning ethically, interacting interpersonally, and serving others with empathy. His vision centers on developing our unique capabilities as humans through a lifetime of learning opportunities that are easy to navigate, deliver fair results, and offer a broad range of credentialsfrom college degrees to occupational certifications. By shifting long-held ideas about how the workforce should function and expanding our concept of work, he argues that we can harness the populations potential, encourage a deeper sense of community, and erase a centuries-long system of inequality. Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines is available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Praise for Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines Jamie Merisotis takes concepts too often used to justify exclusioncredentials, skills, and technologyand repurposes them to provide an ambitious but pragmatic blueprint for dismantling long-standing systemic disparities. HUMAN WORK is required reading for anyone committed to the future success of our increasingly diverse nation. Spencer Overton, Professor of Law, The George Washington University, and President, The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Americas Black Think Tank Story continues HUMAN WORK reminds us that no matter how technologically advanced our culture becomes, we will always need human morality and will require human beings to make ethical decisions. Jamie Merisotiss persuasive new book is a call not to abandon our ethical intelligence in favor of an artificial one. James Martin, Jesuit Priest, Editor at Large, America magazine, and author of the New York Times bestseller JESUS: A PILGRIMAGE? As a leader who understands that talent is at the very heart of our national economic success, Jamie Merisotis insightfully explains how we must transform ourselves into a society of lifelong learners and build a new human work infrastructure. This book is a must read and provides a smart roadmap to create more inclusive opportunities for more Americans. Penny Pritzker, Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Entrepreneur, and Civic Leader Artificial intelligence and the age of robots and smart machines are often seen as threatswhich could make modern economies even less fair, and further drain decency and connectedness from social life. This book is a practical guide to a more desirable human and technological future. James Fallows, National Correspondent for the Atlantic and co-author of the bestseller OUR TOWNS: A 100,000-MILE JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF AMERICA About the Author: Jamie Merisotis is a globally recognized leader in philanthropy, education, and public policy. Since 2008, he has served as president and CEO of Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. He previously served as co-founder and president of the nonpartisan, Washington, D.C.-based Institute for Higher Education Policy and as executive director of a bipartisan national commission on college affordability appointed by the U.S. president and congressional leaders. Merisotis is the author of America Needs Talent, which was named a Top 10 Business Book of 2016 by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association. Merisotis is a frequent media commentator and contributor. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, National Journal, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Politico, Roll Call, Washington Monthly, and other publications. For more information, jamiemerisotis.com. About RosettaBooks: RosettaBooks is a leading independent publisher headquartered in New York City. Launched in 2001, it pioneered by building an 800-eBook catalog of iconic titles. For the past five years, RosettaBooks trade program has focused on high profile thought leadership titles including Leadership in a Time of Crisis compiled by Marshall Goldsmith and Scott Osman, Digital Transformation by Thomas M. Siebel, A Crisis Wasted by Reed Hundt, Journeys compiled by Andrew Tisch and Mary Skifadis, The Promise and the Dream by David Margolick, and The Wright Stuff by Bob Wright. For more information, visit RosettaBooks.com. CONTACT: Leah Paulos, Publicist at Press Shop PR, Leah@PressShopPR.com Michelle Weyenberg, Director of Marketing at RosettaBooks, mweyenberg@rosettabooks.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e57c99d5-65d5-42a2-909b-4d987413d117 TOUBA, Senegal - Tens of thousands of Muslims descended upon Senegals holy city this week for the annual Grand Magal pilgrimage, a tradition in West Africa that some fear could become a super-spreader event for COVID-19. The Magal honours the founder of the Mouride Brotherhood, Senegals most influential religious order. In previous years, as many as 3 million people have travelled to the city of Touba during Magal, with many coming from neighbouring Gambia. With Senegals land borders still closed, fewer pilgrims attended the main events Tuesday. Closely packed lines queued up to enter the Grand Mosque of Touba, though hand sanitizer and masks were required to enter. Mam Thierno, 41, has lived in Italy for nearly a decade but chose to travel home to Senegal for Magal even amid the pandemic, calling it a deeply moving experience for him and his family. To go a year without Magal would be too much for me, he said. With the pandemic there are people who say we shouldnt hold the Magal in Touba ... I know the disease is here, COVID-19 exists, but I still came. Even with the precautions taken, some are fearful that Touba could now see a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the weeks after Magal. Many people crowded into homes due to limited accommodations in town during the pilgrimage. The virus also could potentially spread to communities far from Touba via people returning home on public transport. Buses only leave for their destination once completely full. Senegal was among the first African countries to report a confirmed COVID-19 case but has avoided the high death tolls seen elsewhere, in large part due to widespread required mask-wearing and restrictions on travel. The country has had more than 15,000 confirmed cases and 312 confirmed deaths from the coronavirus. ___ Associated Press writer Abdoulie John contributed to this report. An immediate Vat cut to 9%, the establishment of a 120m loan scheme to help ailing businesses, and the introduction of a new bank holiday in the off-season are among the key recommendations to help save the tourism and hospitality sector. Resuming international travel and removing quarantine restrictions are also viewed as key elements in the sector's recovery by the (scroll down for full plan), which has published its tourism recovery plan Tourism Recovery Taskforce following widespread consultation with stakeholders in the industry. The taskforce, which includes representatives from the tourism, hospitality and travel sectors, met 16 times since it was established in May with the purpose of identifying ways to sustain and strengthen the sectors worst affected by the Covid-19 lockdown. The report found that of the 260,000 jobs in the sector prior to the pandemic, 180,000 are either lost or vulnerable. Among the recommendations of the taskforce are: Deliver business continuity grants of 120m to help tourism businesses survive; Facilitate the resumption of overseas tourism to Ireland as soon as is practicable; Remove the period of quarantine for arrivals and replace it with rapid testing and tracing; Adopt the EU 'traffic light' travel system; Reduce Vat for tourism and hospitality from 13.5% to 9%; Consider the merits of introducing an additional bank holiday in the off-season; Review Ireland's tourism product to identify gaps or weaknesses in the offering. Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, welcomed the report. "I am under no illusions about the scale of the challenge and the many competing priorities facing Government," she said. "However, as we work towards the Budget and the National Economic Plan, I will be pushing hard for further support for the sector following on from the measures I introduced as part of the July Stimulus package. Ruth Andrews, chairperson of the taskforce, said: "The impact of Covid-19 on tourism has been existential, devastating employment, businesses, and livelihoods across the sector. Nevertheless, even in these incredibly difficult times, I and my colleagues on the Taskforce are confident that the Irish tourism industry can recover and develop as a world leader in sustainable tourism practices." The report comes as aviation representatives, including Aer Lingus, Ryanair, the daa, and Shannon PLC prepare to appear before the Dail's Committee on Transport and Communications Networks. Among the key priorities for the committee is scrutiny of Irelands connectivity. Eva Longoria is addressing 'mom-shamers' head on. The 45-year-old actress, who has son Santiago, age two, spoke to Anna Faris on her podcast, Unqualified, and revealed the struggle of navigating motherhood. On Monday, she told Anna that since becoming a mother, she discovered that the 'mom shamers of the world are real.' Mom-shamers: Eva Longoria, 45, told Anna Faris on her podcast Unqualified that since becoming a mother, she has noticed that the 'mom shamers of the world are real.' The actress has a two-year old son, Santiago, with her husband Jose Baston Continuing the discussion, Eva revealed that she never wants to be that person on a podcast who makes other mom's feel bad about their different methods of parenting. 'I am never going to tell someone how to parent,' she said, adding that she is 'in no way an expert of being a mom.' The Desperate Housewives actress continued, 'That question of how do you do it all, even answering it makes other women feel less than sometimes.' Unqualified: Eva talked to Anna on her podcast, as Anna shared a snap of the two having a virtual conversation due to social distancing mandates She continued, 'I'll hear it, and I'll hear women go, oh my God its great blah blah blah,' which makes her think other moms have it more together than she does. The star got candid about having assistance, adding that she has a 'village' - as in a 'huge family' - that gives her a lot of help. She cited her 'amazing husband' as being an integral part of raising their child and supporting her, as well as sisters and girlfriends who have kids of the same age. 'We all chip in and get it done,' she said with a laughing sigh of relief. Santiago: Eva is mother to one son, Santiago, who she shares with her husband of four years Coparenting: The star shared that her husband Jose has been sharing the load when it comes to parenting in quarantine as she said 'it's just about having a good partner'; pictured on Santiago's birthday When asked about parenting during the pandemic, Eva shared back in August with Parade that she and her husband take turns. 'If I have a call he goes with Pepe in the pool. If Pepe has a Zoom call, hes with me playing in the yard,' she shared. The actress continued, 'Its just about having a good partner in not only yourself, but within your family. Children need social bonding and so, just making sure that we have balance.' The star also added that her son is 'at the perfect age when it comes to pandemic parenting as 'he's not in school, so theres no homeschooling and hes not too small...so we just play all day and laugh.' Village: The Desperate Housewives actress got candid, saying that she had a 'village' when it comes to raising her child, as she cited her husband and sisters for being a huge part In addition to being an amazing mother, the 'She Se Puede' co-founder is incredibly outspoken when it comes to real world matters. Just last week, the staunch democrat - who even moderated this year's virtual Democratic National Convention back in August - walked with a caravan of cars in Miami, to support Democratic nominee Joe Biden. The actress, almost daily, takes to social media to remind her 8M followers of the importance of voting. Her organization, She Se Puede, aims to engage Latino voters ahead of the 2020 election, by empowering them to have consistent civil discourse about the world and the future. Oil climbed the most since May in New York, rallying in tandem with equity markets on optimism over the potential for more U.S. fiscal relief that could provide a sorely needed boost to energy demand. U.S. benchmark crude futures advanced 5.9 percent on Monday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday that President Donald Trumps Covid-19 diagnosis might change the tenor of the talks on new stimulus. The U.S. president said on Twitter that he is leaving the hospital later on Monday after being treated for the virus. Over the weekend, he tweeted that a stimulus bill needs to get done. Whats driving the overall trade today is general optimism around the stimulus measures, said Josh Graves, senior market strategist at RJ OBrien & Associates. Its going to directly translate into the demand side. Prices are still recovering from a selloff in recent weeks amid worries that a resurgence of the pandemic in major economies may derail the fragile recovery in oil demand. Reopening plans across the world are being thrown into question, with Governor Andrew Cuomo saying New York City public and private schools in viral hot spots must close Tuesday and Ireland debating a return to full lockdown. Mondays rally may be short-lived until refinery utilization returns to normal levels and a stimulus deal actually gets passed, Graves said. There has to be a number of factors that line up to give traders the confidence to step in. Trump will receive a fourth dose of an antiviral drug, Remdesivir, at Walter Reed before hes discharged and a fifth dose at the White House, his medical team said. They said that both Trump and people around him at the White House would be safe. With prices heading lower for the year, U.S. output is expected to remain muted as the industry struggles with layoffs and bankruptcies. Almost three-quarters of the pandemic-driven jobs losses in the U.S. petroleum and chemical sectors may not come back before the end of next year, according to Deloitte. The U.S. is not going to cap a rally in crude, said Peter McNally, global head for industrials, materials and energy at Third Bridge. Its not like any company is sitting there with a war chest full of capital, able to opportunistically invest in North America and increase drilling activity at low rates. Elsewhere, a strike in Norway will cut about 330,000 barrels a day of oil and gas production, about a third of which is oil, lending some immediate support to oil markets. Meanwhile, Total SE Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne said fuel consumption in Europe is almost back at last years level. In the U.S., gasoline demand rose 3.2% in the seven days ending Saturday from a week earlier, reversing three consecutive weeks of declines, according to GasBuddy. Focus is also shifting to storms in the U.S. Tropical Storm Delta is forecast to become a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico later this week. Its winds could reach 105 miles per hour as it crosses the Gulf, making it a Category 2 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Monday. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most universities across the United States transitioned from face-to-face classes to remote learning, closed campuses and sent students home this past spring. Such changes, coupled with social distancing guidelines, have altered social interactions and limited our access to fitness facilities, parks and gymnasiums. This is concerning as positive social interaction and access to exercise facilities both promote physical activity. Recently, a group of Kent State University researchers sought to examine the impact of these pandemic-related changes upon physical activity and sedentary behavior, specifically sitting, across the university population. Kent State's College of Education, Health and Human Services professors Jacob Barkley, Ph.D., Andrew Lepp, Ph.D., and Ellen Glickman, Ph.D., along with current and former Kent State doctoral students Greg Farnell, Ph.D., Jake Beiting, Ryan Wiet and Bryan Dowdell, Ph.D., assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and sedentary behavior. More than 400 college students, faculty, staff and administrators reported their typical physical activity and sedentary behavior before the COVID-19 pandemic and after the transition to remote learning and the closure of campus. In this before-and-after comparison, participants reported nearly eight hours more sitting per week after transitioning from face-to-face classes to remote learning. Changes in physical activity were not so straightforward. Those participants who were not highly active before the pandemic actually increased physical activity after the closure of campus and the transition to remote learning, while participants who were highly active before the pandemic experienced a decrease in overall physical during the pandemic. "It appears that the participants who were most physically active before the pandemic may have been the most negatively affected," Barkley said. "This makes sense as these active individuals are more likely to utilize the fitness facilities that were closed when the pandemic hit. However, the increases in physical activity in participants who were less active before the pandemic were surprising. Perhaps the elimination of a daily commute left them with more time for physical activity. Or perhaps, they started walking just to get out of the house for a bit. Independent of the changes in physical activity, the sample-wide increase in sitting by over an hour per day is concerning as excess sitting is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even a greater risk of dying earlier." The authors suggest that while many, like those on university campuses, experienced and may continue to experience challenging, pandemic-related changes to their daily routines, it is important that we all work to maintain positive health behaviors despite these challenges. The Kent State researchers recommend the following: Try to minimize sitting for extended periods of time, and when possible, add in some exercise at home or outside. For those who are still working or taking classes remotely, try to incorporate a standing desk into your routine and/or plan breaks where you get up and move away from your computer. During those breaks, try to do some light activity, like taking a walk. Breaking up your sedentary activity by adding some physical activity will not only benefit your physical health; it can improve cognition, productivity and reduce stress. "There are likely lots of us that could use some stress relief right now," Barkley said. "Getting up and moving can provide just that." ### The Kent State study, titled "The Acute Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in University Students and Employees," is published in the International Journal of Exercise Science. For more information about Kent State's College of Education, Health and Human Services, visit http://www.kent.edu/ehhs. Photo Captions: Photo of Jacob Barkley: Jacob Barkley, Ph.D., professor in Kent State University's College of Education, Health and Human Services, co-authored a study examining COVID-19's effects on physical activity and sedentary behavior in university students and employees. Photo of Andrew Lepp: Andrew Lepp, Ph.D., professor in Kent State University's College of Education, Health and Human Services, co-authored a study examining COVID-19's effects on physical activity and sedentary behavior in university students and employees. Media Contacts: Jacob Barkley jbarkle1@kent.edu 330-672-0209 Andrew Lepp alepp1@kent.edu 330-672-0218 Emily Vincent evincen2@kent.edu 330-672-8595 New Delhi, Oct 6 : : The Health Ministry on Tuesday issued the standard operating procedures (SOP) on preventive measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus during ensuing festivities and urged people in containment zones, and vulnerable populations to celebrate festivals at their homes. "Festive events shall be permitted only outside the Containment Zones. Organisers, staff and visitors from Containment Zones shall not be permitted. People residing inside Containment Zones may be encouraged to observe all festivals inside their homes and not move out," the ministry added. It said that the festivals, fairs, rallies, exhibitions, cultural functions, processions and concerts associated with the festivities are mass events and advised the administrative requirement such as identification of spatial boundaries and preparation of a detailed site plan in compliance with thermal screening, physical distancing, sanitisation etc. "In case of events that run for days or weeks, the crowd density doesn't remain the same throughout and usually peaks around certain hours of the day and some previously known auspicious days. Planning for the event should specifically factor this so that crowds are regulated and managed to ensure physical distance and frequent sanitisation," the guidelines added. In case of rallies and immersion processions, the number of people should not exceed the prescribed limit and proper physical distancing and wearing of masks must be ensured. In any case, the number of such rallies and the distance covered by them may be kept within manageable limits. The Health Ministry said that the events such as rallies, and processions spread over long distances would require support of ambulance services. Events planned to last for many days or weeks such as exhibitions, fairs, puja pandals, Ramlila pandals or concerts and plays should have adequate measures to ensure a cap on physical numbers. "Staggered timings and restricted entry may be considered. Volunteers should be appropriately stationed to ensure thermal scanning, physical distancing and wearing of masks. The guidelines issued for theatre and cinema artists will apply to stage performers. Adequate supplies of sanitisers, thermal guns and physical distancing floor markings to be ensured," the Centre added. Close circuit cameras would be considered to monitor compliance of physical distance norms, wearing of masks at each venue. "In case of rallies and processions, route planning, identification of immersion sites, ensuring cap on numbers, physical distancing etc. must be planned beforehand and measures for enforcement outlined." Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The workers of the Congress party and activists of the Bhim Army clashed in Janjgir-Champa district of Chhattisgarh on Monday while holding a protest against the Hathras incident in which CBI probe has been ordered after a 19-year-old girl succumbed to injuries on September 29, a fortnight after allegedly being gang-raped. The clashes took place after Bhim Army members started sloganeering against Congress members, said police. Congress workers were protesting against Hathras case. Meanwhile, Bhim Army members went there and started sloganeering against them, leading to the clash. Later police dispersed them, said Lakhesh Kevat, Station House Officer of Kotwali police station while talking to the media. Maeneka Pradhan, Sub District Magistrate (SDM) of Janjgir said, We have received complaints from Mahila Congress demanding strict action against Bhim Army members. We are investigating the matter and strict action will be taken against all those who created ruckus here. The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). STEP is a grant supplied through the U.S. Small Business Administration. All Texas small businesses currently exporting or interested in exporting products and services are encouraged to learn more about this program. The deadline to apply for STEP is Oct. 29. The objective of the program is to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to increase the value of exports to those small businesses that are currently exporting. The STEP program takes businesses through the necessary steps to create or expand their export capacity and provide financial assistance along the way. The Export Stipend program provides post-completion reimbursements to eligible small businesses for specific export-related expenses up to $10,000. To learn about the eligibility requirements for the program, visit https://www.texasagriculture.gov/GrantsServices/GrantsandServices/StateTradeExpansionProgram.aspx. BAMAKO, Mali - Relatives of a prominent Malian politician and a French aid worker held hostage by Islamic extremists said late Tuesday that both had been freed and would soon be on their way to the capital, Bamako. An official with Soumaila Cisses political party told The Associated Press that the parliament members relatives had been informed of his release along with that of aid worker Sophie Petronin. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to journalists. Petronins nephew told Frances BFM-TV the family had received the news after his aunt spent nearly four years in captivity in northern Mali. We can serenely tonight say shes free even if French authorities have not confirmed it yet, Lionel Granouillac said. There was no independent confirmation in the remote northern town of Tessalit where the pair were reportedly freed in exchange for nearly 200 jihadists who had been in Malian government custody. There was no immediate comment from the French or Malian governments, though relatives of both the hostages had arrived in Bamako earlier Tuesday by plane from Paris. News of Cisses reported release led groups of his young supporters to shout Soumaila! Soumaila! in the streets of Bamako while other thronged the airport in anticipation of his arrival. Speculation about a prisoner exchange had heightened in recent days after the government freed more than 180 Islamic extremists over the weekend and put them on a plane to the north. In December 2016, militants seized Petronin from the city of Gao, where she was helping orphans as an aid worker. She appeared 18 months later in a video released on Telegram by the al-Qaida-linked group known as JNIM. There was no immediate word on whether a Colombian nun also shown as a hostage in that video was released. Cisse, a three-time presidential candidate, was travelling with his entourage in the north in March while campaigning for re-election as a member of parliament. Extremists ambushed his vehicle, killing his bodyguard, witnesses said. Cisse, 70, was injured by shattered glass, but little else has been known about his conditions in captivity. The only proof that he was still alive was a handwritten letter delivered in August. Negotiations for his release had appeared to stall after a military coup overthrew democratically elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who beat Cisse in both the 2013 and 2018 elections. While a transitional civilian government has been chosen, new elections are being organized with a 2022 deadline, providing a possible new political avenue for Cisse. Petronin, 75, was believed to be the last known French citizen held hostage abroad, though abductions are sometimes kept under wraps while negotiations are ongoing. She was last seen in the video released in 2018. Earlier this year, French media reported in March that the French foreign ministry had informed her family of a reliable proof of life but no other details have been disclosed. ___ Associated Press writers Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Krista Larson in Dakar, Senegal, contributed to this report. Read more about: Digital marketing agency Disruptive Advertising was named on Inc. Magazines annual Inc. 5000 list which features the fastest-growing, privately held companies across the US. The company has made the list for the fourth consecutive year, following growth of 33% in revenue and 27% in employees in 2019. The company saw formidable growth and activity thanks to an array of initiatives and accomplishments by the Disruptive Advertising team. To deliver the highest quality to clients, Disruptive Advertising reorganized the client services and product team, launched their 30-day Client Strategies and increased their Client Criteria standards. The talented team published 242 industry blog posts, participated in 59 service activities and 19 podcasts. Launches throughout the year included Enterprise Teams, internal finance course for employees and their Lifecycle Marketing product which brings email, SMS and chatbots to their clients. More than 80 graduates took part in Disruptive Advertisings Personal Development and Leadership course. Illustrating the success of the organization, the sales team hit two record-setting net new sales months and they hit their $20 million run rate. The many launches and activities that led to these impressive metrics contributed towards Disruptive Advertisings ranking in the Inc. 5000. What we accomplished in 2019 really prepared us for COVID and 2020, said Chief Marketing Officer, Saunder Schroeder. We doubled down on who we are and improved on the foundational items of our client experience to provide a win-win-win for our clients, employees and Disruptive Advertising as a whole. Ranking in the Inc. 5000 is an immense privilege and I credit the hard work of our team with getting us there for the fourth year in a row, said CEO, Jacob Baadsgaard. Continuing to focus on creating the best client service experience has been the key to our growth and we remain dedicated to providing the highest quality of service. About Disruptive Advertising: Disruptive Advertising, a Digital Marketing Agency, is committed to partnering with their clients to help them achieve their digital marketing and business goals through Paid Advertising, Website Optimization, Lifecycle Marketing and Analytics. Disruptive Advertising employs ~150 full-time employees, partners with 500+ world-class businesses, manages $200M+ in ad spend, sends millions of emails and texts, optimizes websites for millions of website visitors and analyzes millions of data points annually. About Inc. Media: The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com. This is the second part in a five-part series on the Legacy of Willow Creek Community Church [WCCC]. The first post was about seeker-friendly services. Much can be learned from WCCCs influential approach to church in the late 20th Century and early 21st Century. In our study A Church called Tov (pronounced as I dove into the water, so tov) we discuss how this term tov describes the goodness of Gods creative designs and how tov also is used for beautiful, excellent, gorgeous. WCCC was committed to this kind of tov: they wanted services to be tov, they wanted sermons to be tov, and they formed an approach to the performing arts that was routinely tov. So, WCCC made space in its services for the performing arts. The classical form of art in churches, beside architecture and paintings, has always been music hymns, choirs, classical performances but that shifted under the influence of the Willow seeker-friendly service. The shift underway (and WCCC was a part, perhaps a big part) was from worship to performance, from congregational singing to solo performance, from choirs to worship bands. Hymns were devalued and up the charts rose praise and worship songs. Nancy Beach became an international Christian thinker on the performing arts. For years she led an annual Willow conference to help other churches find a way to use the arts back home. She and her team of talented creative types turned scripts into skits that were seeker-friendly and relevant to common human interests. One began to find their skits in church services across the globe. Many had more impact and were more memorable than the talks that followed. A worship leader like Greg Ferguson both wrote and performed with various worship teams music that was creative and catchy. At times a dance was performed on the stage and at other times an artist would draw or paint during the service under the observant eye of a distant camera that was projected onto a large screen for all to see. Obvious especially to the trained eye was the staging and color formations. Those who were to perform on the stage were required to wear colors that made the person more (or less) attractive, and at least one person has told me that she was required to send to a production manager or to Hybels a picture of what they would wear on the stage that weekend. If not approved the person would have to change the outfit. (Thats not tov.) Sermons, too, were performatively exceptional. Bill knew how to tell the right story at the right time in the right way, John Ortberg was a master of intelligent humor and accessible Christian life principles, Lee Strobel could offer compelling reasons to believe the faith, and Nancy Beach offered timely, pastorally-sensitive Christian principles from the Bible that could reshape the lives of ordinary suburbanites. Add to these an array of gifted speakers with moving stories and compelling messages and you have nothing less than another dimension of performing arts the arts of communication and persuasion. What struck me when I first began to attend Willows services was the exceptional quality of the acting in the dramatic skits. We once attended another church that boldly attempted to show the congregation what a Willow model would be like and put a person on stage singing and dancing in dazzling, shiny clothing under rented lights and itwell, it did not go tov and the church to this day is as traditional as it was before that wannabe Willow night. All this was both seeker-friendly and capable of being done in other churches, which leads to our next observation about what I think the legacy of Willow will be: international influence. Time Out Magazine says the community spirit of the area helped it place 27th on the 40-strong list. It also says Phibsoboro had the edge over its neighbour Stoneybatter which was ranked 42nd last year. The magazine describes the area of Dublin City as: "combining old-school charm and contemporary buzz, Phibsboro feels at once lived-in and lively." The Esquerra de lEixample district in Barcelona made it to the top spot this year followed by Downtown LA and Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong. Dennistoun in Glasgow was the only area in the UK to make the top ten, claiming eighth. London's famous Soho area only managed to make the 31st spot, the top placed English area. Tesla announced Tuesday that an employee was fired last month after he 'maliciously sabotaged' a part of a factory in Fremont, California. Al Prescott, Tesla's vice president of legal and acting general counsel, sent a memo about the incident to Tesla employees at the Fremont auto plant. According to the email, which was obtained by Bloomberg News, Tesla officials responded to the alleged incident rapidly. Tesla announced Tuesday that an employee was fired last month after he 'maliciously sabotaged' a part of a factory in Fremont, California Operations at the facility were disrupted briefly, Prescott said in the email. 'Two weeks ago, our IT and InfoSec teams determined than [sic] an employee had maliciously sabotaged a part of the Factory,' Prescott wrote in the email. 'Their quick actions prevented further damage and production was running smoothly again a few hours later.' Tesla has not identified the individual who allegedly tried to 'cover up his tracks' by blaming another co-worker. The individual is said to have destroyed a company computer during the incident. 'Ultimately, after being shown the irrefutable evidence, the employee confessed. As a result, we terminated employment,' the email reads, according to Bloomberg. Tesla cars are loaded onto carriers at the Tesla electric car plant in Fremont, California In the email, Prescott said that the company will not tolerate unethical behavior. 'We place tremendous trust in our employees and value everyone's contribution. However, whatever the personal motivations of the attacker were, these are crimes, violations of our code of conduct, and are unfair to other employees,' Prescott wrote. 'We will take aggressive action to defend the company and our people.' Tesla employs more than 10,000 people at the Fremont auto plant. The company makes the S, X, 3 and Y models in Fremont. Just last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the company's Nevada factory was targeted in a cyberattack by a Russian tourist. The FBI arrested Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov, 27, who investigators say offered a Tesla employee $1million to infect company computers with malware in a scheme to steal data and extort payment from the company. Kriuchkov was federally charged with conspiracy to damage a protected computer, after the Tesla employee alerted the company and the FBI. 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: 801,290 cases in Texas, including 16,444 deaths. 205,120 in the Houston region, including 3,508 deaths. More than 7.4 million in the U.S., including 210,812 deaths. Click here to see a U.S. map with state-by-state death tolls and the latest coronavirus case counts. More than 35.6 million in the world, with 1,047,731 deaths. More than 24.6 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: 7:15 p.m. Texas on Tuesday saw an increase of 5,825 COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 801,290, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis of state data. Another 109 deaths brings the statewide fatality count to 16,444. The new cases were higher than 75 percent of all other days in the pandemic, and deaths were higher than 74 percent. The state's seven-day rolling average for new cases is now at 4,580.7. The Houston region's case count is 205,120, up 887 from yesterday. Harris County added 534 cases today, and is at 148,769 cases total. There have been 3,508 deaths in the Houston region, up 7 from yesterday. The positive test rate is now at 6.43 percent. The rolling average of viral tests is at 62,203. Statewide, there were 3,394 patients hospitalized for lab-confirmed COVID-19. There are 58,969 total staffed hospital beds, 14,230 beds available and 1,358 ICU beds available. There are 7,366 ventilators available. - Matt Dempsey 6 p.m. Stephen Miller, senior policy adviser to President Donald Trump, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to reports. A senior administration official said Miller had previously tested negative as White House officials have tried to contain an outbreak on the complex that has infected Trump, the first lady and more than a dozen other aides and associates, the Associated Press reported. Miller is an architect of the presidents America First foreign policy and restrictive immigration measures. His wife, Katie Miller, who serves as communications director to Vice President Mike Pence, previously had the virus and tested negative after the last time she saw him. Katie Miller had been in Salt Lake City with Pence, where he is preparing to debate Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, but she left as soon as she found out about her husbands diagnosis. 4:54 p.m. A fourth White House aide working in the press secretary's office has tested positive for COVID-19. 4:08 p.m. More White House aides have tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday afternoon, including Assistant Press Secretary Jalen Drummond, reports Bloomberg News. Drummond was at the White House Rose Garden Amy Coney Barrett event. 3:50 p.m. Two football games involving Pearland and Dawson have been postponed because of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the Alvin Independent School District. Dawsons Oct. 15 game at Shadow Creek will try to be rescheduled, as will Pearlands Oct. 16 home game against Alvin High. -Reporter Ted Dunnam 3:15 p.m. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas said Wednesday that it will lower health insurance premiums next year and issue credits to employers who purchase group plans as the coronavirus pandemic reduced visits to medical providers and spending. The insurance company said the deceases to individual and group health insurance rates for next year will save plan holders $109 million. The company said it would issue $104 million in rebates in the form of credits to fully insured Texas employers. Health care spending has dropped dramatically during the pandemic, as patients avoided physicians offices and medical providers were forced to reschedule elective procedures. Theres still a lot of uncertainty about whether spending will ounce back later this year, said James Campbell, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas spokesperson. -Reporter Gwendolyn Wu 2:57 p.m. Francis Suarez, the Republican mayor of Miami, told POLITICO that President Donald Trump should not come to the city for his Oct. 15 debate against Joe Biden if he is still testing positive for COVID-19. I dont think its safe, not for him and anybody else, anywhere or anyone he interacts with, Mayor Francis Suarez said. 2:53 p.m. There are 123 front-line workers at the Capitol who have tested positive or are presumed positive for COVID-19, reports Roll Call. 2:06 p.m. The Dow has fallen 240 points in the U.S. stock market after President Trump ended stimulus talks, reports CNBC. 2:03 p.m. President Donald Trump has ended stimulus talks in Congress, reports Bloomberg News. 1:56 p.m. The list of senior military officers exposed to COVID-19 is growing after the announcement Gen. Mark Milley, the top general in the U.S., was exposed to the virus and that Adm. Charles Ray, the vice command of the U.S. Coast Guard tested positive. Now the list includes Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John Hyten, Army Chief of staff Gen. James McConville, Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Michael Gilday. Air Force chief of staff Gen. C.Q. Brown, CyberCom Commander Gen. Paul Nakasone and Space Force chief Gen. Jay Raymond, reports CBS News. 1:48 p.m. Vice President Mike Pence is asking that no plexiglass dividers be placed on his side of the vice presidential debate stage Wednesday night, reports the Washington Post. 1:27 p.m. The Food and Drug Administration laid out updated safety standards Tuesday for makers of COVID-19 vaccines after the White House blocked their formal release, the Associated Press reported Tuesday, the latest political tug-of-war between the Trump administration and the governments public health scientists. In briefing documents posted on its website, the FDA said vaccine makers should follow trial participants for at least two months to rule out safety issues before seeking emergency approval. That requirement would almost certainly preclude the introduction of a vaccine before Nov. 3. 1:06 p.m. Up to 14 military officials, including top leaders, are under self-quarantine after a senior Coast Guard official tested positive for the coronavirus, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. The officials, who came in contact with Adm. Charles W. Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, have been tested, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. None have exhibited symptoms or have so far tested positive. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, was among those affected. 12:27 p.m. Congressional Democrats are denouncing the White House's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak the day after President Donald Trump returned from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center while still showing symptoms of the virus. "This is no time for publicity stunts that put people at risk, or for playing down the seriousness of this pandemic, they said. The American people will never trust the Administration to keep them safe if the White House cannot protect its own staff, the statement reads. 12:20 p.m. Adm. Charles Ray, the vice command of the U.S. Coast Guard, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to press release from his office. He will be self-quarantined, according to the statement. 12:11 p.m. Gen. Mark Milley, the top general in the U.S., is quarantining after being exposed to COVID-19, CNN reports. Several other senior Pentagon officials are also self-quarantined after recent exposure, according to the report. 11:23 a.m. Food Network superstar Ina Garten had no idea her new cookbook would arrive at a time when Americans would desperately need comfort foods-- during the pandemic, reports the Chronicle's Greg Morago. Two years ago, when she began work on Modern Comfort Food, Garten knew her 12th cookbook would be published just before the November elections itself a screaming need for a giant slice of chocolate cake and a bowl of butter-logged mashed potatoes. I knew that was going to be a stressful time, she said. But layered on top of everything else, its a terrible time. Comfort, she presciently saw, is in high demand. 10:34 a.m. A statement President Donald Trump made this morning has been flagged by Twitter for violating the website's rules on spreading misleading and potentially harmful information related to COVID-19. The tweet, posted at 7:03 a.m., falsely claimed that more than 100,000 people have died in a single year in the U.S. from the common flu in the past. 10:15 a.m. Attorney General William P. Barr is planning on returning to work at the U.S. Justice Department before the end of the 14-day quarantine period the Centers for Disease Control recommends, reports the New York Times. Barr was at the White House Rose Garden event on Sept. 26 linked to an outbreak of COVID-19. He self-quarantined over the weekend and was at home on Monday with no symptoms, according to his spokespeople. They said Barr could return because he is a critical worker and exempt from CDC guidelines. 9:57 a.m. With travel plans stymied by COVID-19, a sizeable group of people in the Houston area have invested in turning Lake Conroe into their backyard vacation destination, reports Jose R. Gonzalez. Its a crowd seeking fresh air and socially distant leisure on the 22,000-acre lake surrounded by parts of Conroe, Montgomery, Willis and the Sam Houston National Forest. At first it was just memories in a boat, and now we have this fantastic house, said Bruns Powers, whose other summer 2020 purchase for the lake was a 23-foot-long Moomba. 9:35 a.m. Hess Corp. plans to sell its interest in a Gulf of Mexico deepwater project to BHP Billiton for $505 million. The New York oil and gas company on Monday said the proceeds from selling its 28 percent interest in the Shenzi Field project to the Australian company will be used to fund its operations in offshore Guyana. The sale is expected to close before the end of the year. This sale is aligned with our strategy to preserve cash and preserve the long-term value of our assets in the current low oil price environment, Hess CEO John Hess said in a statement. Oil and gas companies are expected to sell billions of dollars of assets in the coming years to weather the current industry downturn brought on by COVID-19 and prepare for a societal shift to renewable energy sources. Rystad, a Norwegian energy research firm, forecasts eight oil giants -- Exxon Mobil, BP, Shell, Total, Eni, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Equinor -- could sell some $111 billion worth of oil and gas assets in the coming years. -Reporter Paul Takahashi 8:55 a.m. President Donald Trump returned to the White House Monday night after leaving Walter Reed National Medical Center for COVID-19 treatment. He immediately ignited a new controversy by declaring that despite his illness the nation should not fear the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans and then he entered the White House without a protective mask, the Associated Press reports. 8:45 a.m. Women in Houston face more mental health impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic than men, according to a new study from the University of Houston, which found that woman disproportionately reported increased anxiety levels. The study, released Tuesday by the Hobby School of Public Affairs, analyzed survey results from 1,063 participants who live in the Houston-area. Among them, nearly 34 percent of women and 25 percent of men said they felt anxious nearly every day or more than half of each week. About 26 percent of women reported feeling no anxiety at all, compared to 43 percent of men. -Reporter Julian Gill 7:54 a.m. Texas counties reported 3,112 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 795,465, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis of state data. Another 15 new deaths brings the state's fatality count to 16,335. The case increase is higher than 52 percent of all other days in the pandemic, while the death increase is higher than 18 percent. The state's rolling average for new cases is now at 4,375.4. The Houston region's case count is 204,233, up 659 from yesterday. Harris County added 427 cases today, and is at 148,235 cases total. There have been 3,501 deaths in the Houston region, up 3 from yesterday. The positive test rate is now at 6.23 percent. The seven-day rolling average of viral tests is at 57,132. Statewide, there were 3,318 patients hospitalized for lab-confirmed COVID-19. There are 56,979 total staffed hospital beds, 13,855 beds available and 1,419 ICU beds available. There are 7,468 ventilators available. - Matt Dempsey Deployment of Shaurya, a sign that India is unwilling to backdown to Chinese aggression India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Oct 06: The Indian Strategic Forces Command under the guidance of the National Security Council will soon identify locations for the surface-surface supersonic Shaurya strategic missile to be deployed. The 700 kilometre range missile was approved for induction and deployment by the Narendra Modi government. Shaurya is the land version of the submarine launched BA-05 missile and has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile can be launched by a single vehicle. The DRDO is also making rapid strides in the development of a 5,000 kilometre version of the submarine launched ballistic missile. DRDO successfully flight-tests 'SMART', Rajnath Singh congratulates team These developments come at a crucial time when India is locked in a standoff with China. The approving of the induction and deployment is a clear sign that India is unwilling to backdown to Chinese aggression. On October 3, India successfully test fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable hypersonic missile 'Shaurya' with a strike range of around 1,000 km from a test range in Odisha, defence sources said. 'Shaurya', which is the land variant of Indias K-15 missile, has a strike range of 700 km to 1000 km and is capable of carrying payloads of 200 kg tO 1000 kg, the sources said. The surface-to-surface tactical missile was blasted off from a canister strapped to the ground launcher from launch complex 4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in the APJ Abdul Kalam Island around 12.10 pm and covered the desired range, they said. It is 10 metres long, 74 cm in diameter and weighs 6.2 tonnes. Its two stages use solid propellants. Describing the trial as successful, the sources said that the state-of-the-art missile performed a manoeuvre in the closing stages of its flight and hit the impact point in the Bay of Bengal with precision and accuracy. A gas generator at the bottom of the canister pushed the missile out it. Its first stage ignited then and fell off. DRDO successfully test fires laser-guided anti-tank guided missile The second stage went into action after this, a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official said. During the test flight, the missile was tracked by various telemetry stations and radars and performed well, he said. DRDO officials rate Shaurya as one of the top 10 missiles in the world in its class with its high performance navigation and guidance systems, efficient propulsion systems, sophisticated control technologies and canisterised launch," sources said. The missile can be launched from silos and canisters mounted on a truck and fixed on the ground, they said adding that it can be easily moved around. A truck itself can become a launching platform. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News "Shaurya" missiles can kept in locations where the enemies would not be able to detect them. Besides, it cannot be detected by satellite imaging, the sources said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 15:50 [IST] State regulators repeatedly failed to properly oversee a poorly maintained stretch limousine with corroded brakes that hurtled down a hill at more than 100 mph and crashed in a ravine, killing 20 people, federal investigators said. National Transportation Safety Board members unanimously voted to accept a final report that found widespread fault in the 2018 crash in upstate New York. The NTSB found that the crash was likely caused by Prestige Limousines egregious disregard for safety that resulted in brake failure on a long downhill stretch of road and that ineffective state oversight contributed. NTSB Chairperson Robert Sumwalt also criticized the local prosecutor and state police for what he said was a lack of cooperation with the agencys crash investigation. The crash killed 17 family members and friends, including four sisters and three of their husbands, along with the driver and two bystanders outside a country store. It was the deadliest transportation disaster in the United States in a decade. Seventeen young people made the smart, safe decision to arrange for sober transportation when celebrating, board member Michael Graham said during an online hearing. They put their trust and safety into system designed to protect them, and it failed. Lee Kindlon, a lawyer for Prestige operator Nauman Hussain, said his client tried to maintain the limousine and relied on what he was told by state officials and a repair shop that inspected it. Staff members told the board that the brake system was corroded and that a brake line was crimped, which would have restricted the fluid flowing to the right rear brake. Parts of the line were coated in brake fluid, indicating a leak. The NTSB last month released a cache of documents indicating Prestige repeatedly changed the listed number of seats in the 2001 Ford Excursion limo and took other steps to avoid safety regulations. The NTSB on Tuesday faulted the state for letting it happen. The board said the New York Department of Transportation knew of Prestiges out-of-service violations and lack of operating authority. The board said the state Department of Motor Vehicles failed to properly register the limousine, allowing Prestige to circumvent safety regulations and inspection requirements. The two state agencies said they ordered that vehicle off the road multiple times. The limousine had been rented to take a group of young friends and siblings to a 30th birthday celebration at a brewery near Cooperstown on Oct. 6, 2018. The vehicles brakes failed on a downhill stretch of a state route in Schoharie, 30 miles west of Albany. It blew through a stop sign at a T intersection and crashed shortly before 2 p.m. Hussain faces 20 charges each of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. He has pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to stand trial in May, but the trial was delayed because of the pandemic. His lawyers have been meeting with prosecutors to discuss a possible plea deal. We have known a lot of the very granular detail of this investigation for a long time, so nothing caught us by surprise, Kindlon said. The NTSB documents released last month indicate Prestige took pains to avoid more stringent inspection rules intended to ensure a modified vehicle has the braking capacity and other requirements for carrying a heavier load. When it registered the limo, it didnt disclose to the DMV that it had been stretched, as required, and falsified the seating capacity from 18 down to 11. The company further reduced the seating capacity to 8 when it registered the vehicle in 2017, and listed the capacity as 10 in 2018, documents show. Any vehicle with 15 or more seats is defined as a bus under state regulations and is subject to semi-annual inspections. Thomas King, who lost four daughters in the crash, said he agreed with the NTSB that all the parties dropped the ball. Kevin Cushing, who lost his son, said as difficult as it was to read the NTSB report, it was good to see all the facts laid out. Theres certainly not any closure, by any stretch, Cushing said. Does it reopen wounds? Im not sure that the wounds have closed. Sumwalt said a lack of cooperation from law enforcement delayed the completion of the investigation to almost two full years after the crash. Unfortunately, the parallel criminal investigation conducted by the Schoharie County District Attorneys Office and the New York State Police significantly impeded and curtailed our typical investigative efforts, Sumwalt said in his opening statement. Particularly early in our investigation, some NTSB investigators were outright blocked from even viewing, let alone examining, critical evidence. State Police spokesman William Duffy said the NTSB has been fully aware that the criminal case is the priority, and noted that an in-court agreement was reached on January 2019 regarding NTSBs access to the limousine. As part of the report, the NTSB issued limousine safety recommendations to federal and state officials and to the National Limousine Association. Associated Press writer Mary Esch contributed to this report. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Auto New York President Donald Trump has ordered all federal agencies to immediately stop funding any training that teaches or suggests that the United States is a racist country, and he explicitly called out critical race theory as anti-American propaganda. In addition, he has called for the formation of the 1776 Commission and a National Commission to Promote Patriotic Education to encourage educators to teach our children about the miracle of American history . The Trump administration is clearly ignoring the nations history and how critical race theory can be used to address racial injustice. While the policy to eliminate critical race theory does not directly include public schools, it does include the U.S. Department of Education, which in turn monitors state, district, and school compliance with civil rights mandates. Trump has also attacked the Pulitzer-Prizewinning New York Times 1619 Project and has threatened to withhold federal funding for public schools that incorporate it into their curriculum. Thus, schoolswhich can be the first place many students will personally experience racismmay be affected by these misguided policy changes. Critical race theory, which presupposes that racism is embedded within society and institutions, is not propaganda or anti-American; it is a toolkit for examining and addressing racism and other forms of marginalization. Rather than rejecting this toolkit, the Department of Education should ensure principals and teachers learn how it can be applied to address long-standing educational inequities. The Trump administration would benefit from learning about the origins of critical race theory and its application. Derrick Bell was a Harvard Law School professor who wrote about how hard-fought battles of the civil rights movement were rolled back as racism evolved to maintain segregated schools. Bell used critical race theory to explain why desegregation was curbed over time, which clarifies why most children still attend racially segregated schoolsalmost 70 years after Brown v. Board of Education outlawed school segregation. Scholars Kimberle Crenshaw, Richard Delgado, and Jean Stefancic continued to use critical race theory to examine racial injustice in the criminal-justice system and in schools. The Trump administrations policies ignore the persistence of racial segregation in schools as well as disparities in educational opportunities and funding between majority-Black and majority-white schools. Moreover, BIPOCBlack, Indigenous, and people of colorstudents are disproportionately suspended and funneled into special education programs. Clearly, race does matter in the schools. We have seen firsthand how critical race theory tenets can improve schools." The majority of principals and teachers are white (even as their students are not), which means many are unable to fully perceive how racism operates without specific training. BIPOC educators can also benefit from applying critical race theory to the institutions in which they operate. Education scholars Gloria Ladson-Billings, William Tate, and others have noted that critical race theory calls upon principals and teachers to examine how history, politics, culture, and economics inform our understanding of race, racism, and other forms of marginalization. By recognizing how race and racism shape our institutions, principals and teachers can find innovative ways to value the lived experiences of BIPOC families, prioritize the recruitment and retention of BIPOC faculty and staff, elevate the voices and experiential knowledge of BIPOC, adopt culturally responsive teaching practices and historically accurate U.S. history curriculum, and embrace the traditions of the communities in which they work. Without this framework, principals and teachers may be committed to racial justice but be unable to translate their commitments into action. For example, in one of our research projects, a group of principals was interviewed about suspension practices. Prior to the study, a research team reviewed suspension data for each principals school and district. In most cases, Black students were more likely to be suspended than white students for similar offenses. Racial disproportionality in discipline has been a well-documented phenomenon spanning decades. Most principals in the study recognized that individual teachers could be biased, but few understood how racism operated in their schools and in their own decisionmaking processes. Consequently, several principals suspended Black students at higher rates than their white peers partly because they relied solely on teachers accounts to inform their disciplinary decisions. Other principals rigidly adhered to discipline policies without considering context and circumstances. One principal admitted to making quick disciplinary decisions so he could get back to other pressing issues. Principals who acknowledge that racism exists, and that a mindset of racial neutrality is not the same as pursuing equity, may be less likely to thoughtlessly take the teachers word and instead ensure cultural misunderstandings between teachers and students are not an underlying cause of disciplinary referrals. Principals who reject the idea of racial neutrality and acknowledge how several categories (including race, poverty, immigration status, LGBTQ identity) can create additional layers of marginalization might be able to question their own practices. They might then avoid disciplining students sleeping in class who are experiencing homelessness, just lost loved ones to deportation, or are working after school to support their household, for instance. Principals in underfunded schools may work closer with communities and amplify the needs of historically marginalized families to ensure their schools receive adequate resources. As professors who train aspiring principals and former school leaders, we have seen firsthand how critical race theory tenets can improve schools and help caring individuals of all backgrounds create more racially and socially just schools. As a white man who was a school administrator and now researches and teaches aspiring principals, IDavidhave seen how critical race theory can provide educators with a new lens for seeing their schools and rethinking their practices. I wish I had understood the full value of critical race theory when I was a school administrator in a racially segregated middle school in the District of Columbia. As a Black woman who understands the effects of racism in schools, ITerriknow we must see the whole child, including the challenges those children face, based on the color of their skin. To deny their truth is to miss the bigger picture and our roles as educators. If the Trump administration truly seeks a more just nation, it will repeal its order and encourage federal agencies and public schools to embrace critical race theory. A Supreme Court that has been friendly to religious interests took up a case Tuesday involving Muslim men who claim their religious rights were violated when they were placed on the governments no-fly list because they refused to serve as FBI informants. The justices, in arguments by telephone, wrestled with whether the men can seek to hold the FBI agents financially liable under a 1993 religious freedom law for trying to persuade the men to spy on other Muslims. In recent years, the court has ruled in favor of people and companies asserting claims under the law at issue, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or the Constitutions guarantee of religious liberty. The three foreign-born men claim in the lawsuit that their religious convictions led them to rebuff agents who wanted them to inform on people in their Muslim communities. This is a clear prohibition in the Islamic faith, Ramzi Kassem, the mens lawyer, told the justices. The men claim the agents then placed or kept them on the list of people prevented from flying because they are considered a threat. The men have since been removed from the no-fly list. Questions from the court did not even touch on the mens Islamic faith or the actions of federal officials. Instead, the justices focused, in an often technical way, on the wording of the federal law to figure out if the lawsuit could proceed. They asked both sides whether Congress should have written the law differently if it wanted to clearly rule in or out suits for money damages against federal officials. In thinking about what the text means here, I look at the words but also look at the words that arent there. And this is a relatively short and heavily-focused-upon statute by Congress at the time. And when it says appropriate relief, it does not, of course, say appropriate injunctive relief. And its hard to imagine that that didnt escape the attention of the members of Congress who were focused on this, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said to Justice Department lawyer Edwin Kneedler, who argued that the men should not be able to seek damages. Justice Elena Kagan, questioning Kassem, suggested lawmakers should have been clearer if they wanted to allow lawsuits like this one. Certainly, we havent interpreted any statutes, with this little specificity, to permit damages against federal employees personally. So the question is, why shouldnt we take that as signaling what we should do here, that we should say, you know, Congress really has to be clear to do this, and Congress hasnt been so clear? Kagan said. A decision in Tanzin v. Tanvir, 19-71, is expected by spring. Their budgets just don't add up anymore. Oil-rich Arab nations are in the throes of a deep economic crisis and facing gaping holes in their finances. Saudi Arabia needs the price of Brent crude to rise to $76 dollars a barrel while UAE needs it to hit $69, Bahrain $96, and Oman $87 to balance their books. Save for tiny Qatar, no Arab oil producer can balance its books at the current price of $40/barrel. GCC nations are now facing huge fiscal deficits, with Kuwait's deficit of ~40% of GDP the highest in the world. To make matters worse, once free-flowing credit lines have started to shut down for some. A good case in point is Oman, which is struggling to borrow after credit-rating agencies listed its debt as junk. Jordan had to plead to receive a $2.5bn aid package from the Gulf, only half of what it got eight years ago. Meanwhile, no one from the Gulf appears willing to bail out cash-strapped Egypt or Lebanon. In short, the countries are being forced to take pretty drastic steps. Saudi Arabia has tripled its sales tax, raised petrol prices, and suspended a cost-of-living allowance for state workers. Still, its budget deficit could exceed $110bn this year (16% of GDP). The Algerian government has said it will slice spending in half while Iraq's new prime minister has vowed to take an ax to government salaries. Yet, not all GCC states are facing the same level of pain. Specifically, nations rich in natural gas are faring much better thanks to improving commodity prices. Indeed, Qatar, the largest exporter of LNG in the world, needs only $39/barrel to balance its books. Natural gas prices have surged from their June low of $1.48/MMBtu to trade at $2.60/MMBtu due to increasing demand and falling inventories. Related: Oil Markets Brace For Tough End Of Year Source: Business Insider Fighting for market share Jousting for market share at a time of massive supply/demand imbalances was the key reason why oil markets recently entered uncharted waters after dipping into negative territory. Leading natural gas producers have, however, been treading on the same path despite natural gas recently sinking to multi-year lows due to a major supply overhang. Indeed, back in May, Qatar remained adamant that it will not curb its LNG exports as it battled for market share against the likes of Australia, the United States, Russia, and Norway. Related: Can Kuwaits New Ruler Reform The Country? Qatar began sending its LNG exports to northwestern Europe in February after the coronavirus pandemic engulfed its main Asian markets and crippled demand. However, it was not long before Europe itself started feeling the heat of the health crisis with demand sharply plummeting in April. The Persian Gulf state even borrowed a leaf from its oil brethren by storing its excess LNG cargoes--with the country's NOC, Qatar Petroleum, storing LNG inventories at Belgium's Zeebrugge import terminal where it has booked all the import capacity till 2044. Never mind the fact that storing LNG is much more expensiveand therefore a much shorter-term solutionthan storing crude oil due to the former's "boil-off" rate, which can lead to daily losses in the range of 0.07% to 0.15%. Qatar's low production costs, especially at its Ras Laffan plant, allow it to be the "most efficient" LNG producer and leaves it better placed than other producers in a battle for market share. Qatar exited OPEC in January 2019 as it sought to play a more prominent role on the global scene. Though a member of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), the organization lacks the decisiveness of OPEC, usually preferring to take a hands-off approach. But Qatar has not stopped there. The country has recently announced that it will go ahead with its massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity expansion. In effect, Qatar is betting that it can beat other LNG producers through low production costs and co-production of condensates and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). But Qatar will soon have to contend with fierce competition from closer to home as Saudi Arabia and the UAE join the fray. Last year, Saudi Arabia launched the biggest shale gas development outside of the United States with Saudi Aramco unveiling plans to pump $110 billion over the next couple of years to develop the Jafurah gas field, which is estimated to hold 200 trillion cubic feet of gas. Meanwhile, the UAE plans to become self-sufficient in gas supply by 2030 by developing the giant Jebel Ali reservoir, the world's largest discovery of its kind in 15 years. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: TOKYO, Oct 6, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation, a leader in IT and network technologies, and NEC X, the innovation accelerator for NEC's emerging technologies, today announced that new windowInguo.io is the first graduating company from NEC X's Corporate Accelerator Program (CAP). NEC X guided Inguo.io's entrepreneur-in-residence (EIR) participants through the steps of customer discovery and development, along with business model validation. This CAP process allowed Inguo.io to systematically determine its problem-solution fit, conduct its product-market discovery, and then clearly define its target market within the U.S. As a result, Inguo.io now has a clear path for success from today's official launch as a startup company in New York City, home to many cutting-edge marketing businesses that can greatly benefit from its offerings."We are honored to be the first graduate of the NEC X corporate accelerator program," said David Wolfe, CEO and founder at Inguo.io. "Not only did the CAP give us access to truly groundbreaking technology from NEC, it also helped us develop a unique business model and begin refining it with actual customers in a matter of months. This combination of innovative technology access with a well-resourced and clearly defined mentoring process for commercialization provided us with a greater chance for rapid success than we found with any other incubator program.""Our NEC X CAP accelerates the development and success of startup businesses by pairing them with NEC's cutting-edge technologies in fast-fail batch cycles," said Shige Ihara, CEO of NEC X. "As the first graduate of our program, we are happy to announce Inguo.io's spinout, which will provide a broad range of organizations, such as market research firms and academia, with an easy way to make sense of their data and use it to make profitable improvements."The NEC X CAP process begins by introducing prequalified EIRs, who have the right mix of business acumen and technology aptitude, to researchers from NEC Labs, who present and demonstrate the technologies they would like to commercialize. After these group sessions, such as the invite-only NEC X Tech Showcase events, prospective EIRs can apply to participate in the projects that interest them. Those selected as EIRs then drive the CAP's structured commercialization process, including strategic positioning definition, customer development, and other business and marketing activities. NEC X funds each CAP project and can also provide other resources, such as engineers, designers, and domain advisers.In addition to EIRs, NEC X has a growing ecosystem of partners who participate in the CAP, including business development consultants and EIR advisors. Partner participation can also come in the form of complementary technologies. A fundraising phase is also included as part of most CAP projects, except in the cases where NEC is the sole investor.Those interested in participating in the NEC X Corporate Accelerator Program as entrepreneurs in residence, partners or investors can visit https://nec-x.com or email contact-us@nec-x.com to request a meeting.About NEC XNEC X, Inc. accelerates the development of innovative products and services through the strengths of NEC Laboratories' technologies. The organization was launched by NEC Corp. in 2018 to fast-track technologies and business ideas selected from inside and outside NEC. For companies launched by its Corporate Accelerator Program, NEC X supports business development activities to help achieve revenue growth. NEC X also provides options for entrepreneurs, startups and existing companies in the Americas to use NEC's emerging technologies. The company is centrally located in Silicon Valley for access to its entrepreneurial ecosystem and strong high-technology market. Learn more at https://nec-x.com or by emailing marketing@nec-x.com.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness, and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.About Inguo.ioInguo.io, Inc. provides automated Causal Discovery and Causality Analysis tools--a first for the data science industry. For more information, please visit new windowhttps://www.inguo.io.Source: NEC CorporationCopyright 2020 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) PH Resorts Group is relying on sustained appetite for casino and gaming as it looks to raise as much as 1.125 billion for its integrated resort in Mactan, Cebu. The gaming firm owned by businessman Dennis Uy briefed investors on Tuesday days ahead of its follow-on offering of up to 450 million common shares at the Philippine Stock Exchange. It is hoping to woo market players to cash in on future revenues of the Emerald Bay integrated resort and casino located minutes away from the Mactan Cebu International Airport. The shares will be priced next week and will range between 1 and 2.50 apiece. PH Resorts stocks are currently priced at 3 each as of Tuesday's trading. Investors must subscribe at least 10,000 common shares to participate in the offer. Raymundo Martin Escalona, president and chief executive officer of PH Resorts Group, said the Philippine gaming industry remains "robust," having grown by 20 percent from 2010 to 2019. However, gross gaming revenues are seen to slow this year due to "access restrictions" amid the COVID-19 pandemic as gaming establishments are closed under strict community quarantine rules. Escalona said growth may recover to 4.2 percent in 2021 to match last year's level, coming from a soft 1.7 percent increase this year. By 2022 or the year when Emerald Bay is set to open revenues are seen to rise by a record 5.1 percent. The Philippines is also seen as a viable gaming destination due to lower dealer labor costs and competitive gaming tax rates compared to other Southeast Asian destinations, with Escalona also pointing out that Filipino hospitality is also a plus. RELATED: Only over 20 POGOs left in PH Jose Angel Sueiro, chief operating officer of PH Resorts Group, added that the Mactan project is on time and on budget for a soft opening in December 2021. However, full opening of the phase one of the project was pushed back to the second quarter of 2022, he added. Sueiro said a COVID-19 vaccine is likely ready by then, adding that the group does not expect any "significant" change in the behavior of casino players once gaming tables are reopened. He also said that the 2022 opening gives enough time for the company to reconfigure the floor plan if there is still a need for social distancing, such as the spaces between slot machines, as well as additional health and safety standards. The 12.5-hectare Mactan property that will feature five-star hotel facilities mainly targets Filipino players, but it is also "well-positioned" to cater to foreign tourists and even junket gamers and VIPs, he added. The integrated resort will have 4,514 square meters of gaming floor area under its first phase, with 270 hotel bays and 122 tables and a 300-meter beach strip view. Apart from the stock market, the group's chief financial officer Lara Lorenzana added that PH Resorts will also secure debt to sustain Emerald Bay, which will be capped at 70 percent of total capital. Bulk of future revenues will be derived from gaming, while a tenth will be drawn from non-gaming activities. Meanwhile, Uy's plan to build a similar casino complex in Clark, Pampanga remains on the table, the listed firm said. A committed farmer took her own life after she was wrongly accused of neglecting one of her sheep, an inquest heard. 43-year-old Emma Watson, who lived in Oakamoor, Staffordshire, was found dead by her mother in a wooded area near the farm in August 2019. According to Stoke-onTrent Live, an inquest into the farmer's death highlighted that she was upset following a complaint to the RSPCA. The anonymous report made to the animal welfare charity regarded the condition of one of Miss Watson's sheep. However, when a council official visited the farm he found no evidence of animal welfare breaches - and the sheep in question was in 'good condition'. Council inspector Paul Mills told the inquest: "An anonymous complaint had been made regarding a sheep covered in maggots. "It was referred from the RSPCA. When I arrived I saw Emma Watson. I explained the reason for my visit and she started to get upset. "She said she checked the sheep every day and was only aware of one sheep with flystrike and was adamant it had been treated. "After I reassured her I was only following up the complaint, she became calmer." He added: "I was happy there were no welfare concerns for the animals." Miss Watson's mother, Isabel, noticed her daughter was still concerned following the inspection. She told the inquest: "Emma was always a very dedicated worker. She was very committed to the farm. She seemed down. An inspector had made an appointment to come and check the animals. Things seemed to be getting on top of her." After Mrs Watson returned home from work one day, she discovered that Miss Watson was not at home. She searched around the farm and the nearby area, and found her daughters body in woodland. The cause of death was recorded as hanging. Senior coroner Andrew Barkley told the inquest that Miss Watsons death was 'a total tragedy'. The only clear indication from the evidence as to why this happened appears to be the anxiety caused by this inspection, caused by a complaint to the RSPCA about the condition of one sheep," he added. Flystrike will strike very quickly and that is no indication of a lack of care. The inspector indicated he clearly had no concern for that sheep or any other. It played disproportionately on her mind. Her mother said she was anxious about this and having to check animal records. UK rural charities such as the the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I), the Farming Community Network (FCN) and the Addington Fund all aim to shine a light on mental health in agriculture. Farming Community Network The Farming Community Network is a UK network of volunteers from the farming community and rural churches. FCN provides a Helpline and a visiting service to farming people and families who are facing difficulties. FCN's volunteers provide pastoral and practical support for as long as it is needed, helping people to find a positive way through their problems. Callers to the Helpline who need FCN support are put in touch with a local volunteer. A farmers wife from Devon said about FCN: "I never realised what help was available until FCN listened to my problems and signposted me to the support I needed. I only wish I'd called sooner." Addington Fund The Addington Fund provides homes for farming families who have to leave their farm and by doing so will lose their home. In times of emergency, and where hardship prevails, Addington may be able to support a farm business through its Trustees' Discretionary Fund with a short term grant. In certain counties the Fund may be able to accommodate farm workers through its Affordable Rural Housing Scheme. R.A.B.I. R.A.B.I is a grant-making charity that provides confidential help to retired and working farming people in financial difficulty. Support covers all ages and is tailored to the individual, including one-off and regular grants, replacing essential household items, funding for disability equipment, care home fees, relief farm staff and training grants to help people develop skills to bring in off-farm income. A farming family from Yorkshire said about R.A.B.I.: "A big thank you to the Addington Fund and R.A.B.I for helping us with our housing and financial problems. One call made all the difference and gave us hope." All three charities have teamed up to create a singular hotline, called Farming Help. It's website states: "Struggling to get by and not sure where to turn? Times can get hard for everyone but the good news is that farmers can reach three farming charities, with just ONE CALL." From lawyering to campaigning, former Charlottesville City Councilor and legal aid attorney John Conover worked hard to bridge the gaps between people all while never forgetting to have fun. Conover, who was on the council from 1980 to 1984 and served as city Democratic Party chairman at a time local Republicans were viable competition, sat on numerous boards, helped to create and build the Rivanna Trail system and worked for economic and racial equality. Conover, 74, died Sunday morning after a long bout with cancer. John was a strong and compassionate progressive Democrat with a generous sense of humor, said Bob Gibson, who covered Conover and the council as a reporter for The Daily Progress. He could make anyone laugh. Conversations with John were not somber, as he approached life with a smile. Former Charlottesville Mayor Kay Slaughter said of Conover, He was active in the community, serving on the [Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society] up until he died. He was funny, smart and a great personality. He was a man for all seasons. He was a terrific man. Conover served for more than two decades with the local Legal Aid Justice Center, working with tenant landlord disputes and other cases. Lots of people can be trusted friends, dear colleagues, wise mentors and fellow troublemakers, but only John could be all of those at the same time, said Angela Ciolfi, executive director of the center. He had a Gandalfian way of showing up in places you never expected just when you needed someone to dispense some wisdom or take you on an adventure. Weve been sobbing and laughing since we heard the news, recalling all of the ways that John influenced the way we see the world and our work, she said. Conover attended the University of Virginia in the early 1970s as the Vietnam War raged, civil rights advocates marched in the streets and a youth movement threatened change. His wife, Virginia Daugherty, served on the City Council from 1992 to 2000, including two years as mayor. In the 1970s, the two were often seen driving an old delivery van converted to an RV and began working with a company called Black Flag Press. The company later changed its name to Papercraft Printing, and Conover and Daugherty purchased it, running it for 24 years in downtown Charlottesville. A lot of people who served this community in office started out as active in the civil rights and anti-war movements, as they did, Jim Heilman, current secretary of the Albemarle County Electoral Board and a former county registrar, said of the couple. I first knew John and Virginia when they had Black Flag Press. If you wanted to print a protest flyer or a newsletter, you went to Black Flag. I attended their wedding. They had tarot card readings and a lot of activity. They are a lot of fun and theyre also very civic minded. John had a great sense of humor, loved having a good time and worked to make the area a better place, Heilman recalled. Conover was elected to the City Council at a time when the Republican Party in the city controlled the majority of seats. He joined the Virginia State Bar in 1978. He was part of the council when it voted to lend a developer $9.5 million to build a hotel and conference center, now the Omni Charlottesville Hotel, and floated a 3% meals tax and an increase in the city lodging tax to help pay for it. Controversial at the time, the move helped to revitalize downtown. Conover served as a board member for a variety of nonprofits and social organizations, including the Rivanna Trails Foundation. He not only helped found the foundation but did much of the work on building the trails. He was named a Charlottesville Bridge Builder in 2002, a high honor given to those who work to bring people together. John has built bridges throughout the community through his expansive and engaging personality, including physical bridges with the Rivanna Trails Foundation, and a safe place at the Blue Ridge House for persons with mental health issues, his biography on the Charlottesville Bridge Builders website states. He was also a good neighbor. John was on City Council when they hired me in 1983, recalled former council Clerk Jeanne Cox, who retired in 2010. We soon became friends, and when we moved four doors down from him and Virginia, our families became friends. Their daughter, Joey, and my daughter, Ara, became best friends even though our daughter was almost five years older. Although few knew it, Conover also served as an ordained wedding officiant for stuffed toys. [The girls] spent a lot of time at the Conover household and John and Virginia indulged their creative activities, printing stationery with their drawings and publishing their own newsletter at Papercraft, Cox recalled One particularly sweet memory I have is that John officiated, very seriously, at a teddy bear wedding put on by the girls. John was honest, honorable, funny, sometimes whacky, generous and passionate in his beliefs, though he never seemed to hold a grudge, Cox recalled. After my husband and I moved away from Charlottesville 10 years ago, we didnt see John often. When we did, it was as if no time had passed since our last visit. I shall miss him very much. When being honored as a Bridge Builder, Conover said, I came as a 17-year-old on the train from New Jersey to move into the dorms, and Charlottesvilles a lot better town today than it was then. If Ive had a small part to do with that, [well], its been fun. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Coronavirus Update: As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), with a spike of 61,267 new cases and 884 deaths in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count on Tuesday reached 66,85,083. New Delhi [India], October 6 (ANI): With a spike of 61,267 new cases and 884 deaths in the last 24 hours, Indias COVID-19 count on Tuesday reached 66,85,083, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). As per the MoHFW, the count includes 9,19,023 active cases, and 56,62,491 cured and discharged or migrated cases. With 884 deaths, the toll due to the disease in the country now stands at 1,03,569. Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected by the pandemic with 2,52,721 active cases, 11,62,585 cured and discharged cases and 38,347 deaths. Karnataka with 1,15,496 active cases is the next on the list. While 5,22,846 patients have been cured in the State, the disease has claimed 9,370 lives so far. Kerala, with 84,958 active cases, is also severely affected, however, 1,49,111 patients have been cured in the State and 859 people have died due to COVID-19. In Andhra Pradesh, there are 51,060 active cases while 6,66,433 patients have been cured of the disease. Moreover, 6,019 people have succumbed to the virus in the State. Also read: Chirag Paswan accuses Nitish Kumar of not fulfiling Bihars expectations, backs PM Modi Also read: Vendetta against me: DK Shivkumar as CBI files 75 cr disproportionate assets case against him As many as 2,63,938 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged in the national capital, which has reported 5,542 deaths so far. Delhi currently has 23,080 active cases. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 8,10,71,797 samples have been tested up to October 5 for COVID-19 in the country. Out of these 10,89,403 samples were tested on Monday. Also read: Sushant Singh Rajput death case LIVE news updates: Shiv Sena seeks apology after AIIMS report OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PharmaCorr, a leading healthcare company with deep supply-chain experience and a track record serving state and local governments as well as large organizations throughout the U.S., today announced the launch of a division selling personal protective equipment (PPE) to organizations in long-term care, education, law enforcement, and other public entities. Agreements with protected supply sources have supported PharmaCorrs PPE business to date and will enable ongoing expansion of this service. Leaders in these critical organizations need certainty that their PPE supplies will arrive on time and meet their quality requirements, said Peter Lee, president of PharmaCorr. Historically, our sourcing relationships and distribution capabilities for both medical supplies and PPE have helped us to achieve 99 percent fulfillment rates on order versus delivery, even during the height of COVID-19 PPE demand. These supply arrangements also enable us to scale for larger orders and offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. PharmaCorr is currently responsible for the pharmaceutical needs of over 100,000 patients across the U.S. In addition to providing regulated pharmaceuticals and controlled drugs, PharmaCorr has been providing PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic to healthcare provider locations across the U.S. PharmaCorrs fulfillment rates are among the highest in the industry, thanks to its protected supply chains. While continuing to handle large procurement orders through the headquarters team, the company has expanded these efforts with the launch of an e-commerce site for direct ordering, which public-entity purchasing leaders can find at www.pharmacorr.com. For a quarter-century, PharmaCorr has provided quality, cost effective pharmacy services to meet community and national standards of care across the United States. That same track record of stability and certainty in pharmacy now extends to the PPE needs of these critical community organizations. We are committed to earning long-term customer relationships with key service providers by going the extra mile and offering reliable quality and fulfillment for PPE at a fair price, said Lee. We are ideally suited to serve the needs of large community organizations; we do not sell to the consumer market. In addition to history and experience serving national companies, PharmaCorr offers customers the benefits of strong logistics. The company completed construction of an automated warehouse facility in early 2020, which now serves as the distribution hub for both PharmaCorrs pharmaceuticals and PPE businesses. From this centralized location in Oklahoma City, PharmaCorr ships by common carrier to any U.S. location. The company will accommodate same/next day order deliveries on request. All PharmaCorr PPE products meet FDA, NIOSH and/or CDC guidelines and required approvals. To discuss PPE needs, product availability, or any additional questions, contact PharmaCorr Director of Sales Kent Cheese at 405.839.7773 or Kent.cheese@pharmacorr.com. About PharmaCorr PharmaCorr has provided clinical services in its pharmaceuticals business since 1996, supporting more than 1,500 facilities and two million patient lives. PharmaCorr has established a recognized track record of science-based discipline, evidence-based guidelines, and innovative technology solutions, creating a holistic approach to patient wellness and community needs. MEDIA CONTACT: Corporate Communications media@pharmacorr.com Alexander said that in September alone, his brokerage encountered nearly 30 such cases. He said that this is placing sellers in a grave position, as while they can pursue legal remedies against bogus buyers, they would have to wait until the offers closing date before they can even begin their court actions. The remote transaction environment brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has made fraud detection even more important. Brokers need to be particularly careful of application scams, especially when it comes to overstated income and other exaggerated qualifications. Theres a correlation between income and employment levels and the ability for one to qualify for a mortgage, said Mitch Stolarchuk, vice president at Canadian Western Bank (CWB) Optimum Mortgage. And especially as we all go through very trying times amidst the COVID-19 crisis with employment and income levels impacting a lot of people, there will be some who may be just a bit more desperate feeling the need to embellish their income or employment status, in order to qualify for that mortgage. Stolarchuk said that brokers must be eagle-eyed for any gaps and basic mistakes such as typographical errors or mismatched/unusual fonts on job letters. P remier Oil today struck a deal with the North Seas biggest operator to merge in a deal that will see shareholders in the group massively diluted but will fix the companys vast debt problem. The struggling oil explorer is to be bought for nearly $3 billion by privately owned Chrysaor in a move that will see a woman take over as chief executive of a major stock market quoted energy group for the first time. Linda Cook is chief executive of Chrysaors owner, the US private equity backed business, Harbour. The former Shell executive will move to London to head up the group. The deal will see Chrysaor reverse into Premier and combine the two companies operations. It will effectively pay out Premiers $2.7 billion debt holders and creates a London-based business producing 250,000 barrels of oil a day. While the deal is complex, it is thought effectively to value Premiers equity at about $280 million against $180 million before the deal was announced. Creditors, who have long been trying to find a way to get back the money they lent the struggling Premier, will get a cash payment of $1.23 billion plus shares in the combined business. Premier share and bondholders will end up owning up to 23% of the combined group, making it a reverse takeover of the listed company. Premier shareholders will end up with 5.45% of the enlarged business. Premier fought a long running battle with one of its bondholders, the Hong Kong hedge fund ARCM, for much of last year. ARCM, along with six others holding 45% of the companys debt, have agreed to todays deal already. A further 50 or so banks and funds holding the remainder of the debt are still to approve it. Chrysaor has about 200,000 barrels a day coming out of the North Sea at the moment and will add in Premier's smaller production plus its overseas reserves. Tony Durrant, Premier chief executive, told the Standard: "This is a sensible industrial and financial fit that takes away the risk of being a small company. Our shareholders have lots to look forward to: Chrysaor has lots of current production and we have future resources including internationally. This is a much better vehicle for our shareholders to invest in." Cook said of the deal: "It significantly advances our leading position in the North Sea, where we will continue to reinvest, and expands our geographic footprint to Asia and Latin America. We are excited by the Premier assets in these regions and view them as the foundations upon which to build material portfolios and further diversify the company." Harbour is a US business set up by fund manager EIG to build oil businesses around the world. It set up Chrysaor as its North Sea player in 2007 but built the business most rapidly through two big acquisitions in 2017 and 2019, buying big North Sea operations from Shell and ConocoPhillips for more than $6 billion combined. Chrysaor employs around 800 staff onshore in Aberdeen, 400 offshore. It has a further 400 contractors plus around 50 head office staff in London. Phil Kirk, Chrysaor's chief executive, will move to become president of the combined group and chief executive of Europe. He said: "This is a set of assets we like and it brought us the potential of a stock market listing. It was at times a difficult situation but we have a big group of creditors supporting us and the Premier board has approved it. "This is going to create a business in the upper reaches of the FTSE-250, knocking on the FTSE-100. The combined group will be in a better position. We have the ability to invest and think about paying a dividend." The New Jersey federal judge whose 20-year-old son was shot dead by a racist and misogynistic lawyer allegedly dressed as a FedEx driver said the tragedy inspired her to be 'a better person.' In a gut-wrenching interview with Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, Judge Esther Salas recalled her son, Daniel Andrel, and the tragedy that took place this summer. 'I know that I'm gonna strive every morning to be the best person that I could be. My son gave his life for his father and I. I have to look at that and say, "What a gift,"' Salas told GMA. 'I can't squander it. And I'm gonna strive for betterment. I wanna be a better judge. I wanna be a better person. I just wanna be better.' Judge Esther Salas (pictured) of North Brunswick, New Jersey, spoke with Good Morning America about her son's death in an interview scheduled for Tuesday On July 19, Roy Den Hollander allegedly disguised himself as a FedEx driver and targeted Salas' family home in North Brunswick. Authorities said Den Hollander, a 72-year-old self-proclaimed anti-feminist lawyer, ambushed the family's home after knocking on their door around 5pm. Salas revealed in August that her son and her husband went to the door at the same time and that Daniel stepped in front of his father to take the first bullet. 'Daniel being Daniel protected his father. And he took the shooter's first bullet directly to the chest,' Salas said. 'The monster then turned his attention to my husband and began to shoot at my husband. One shot after another,' she said. The young man's father, Mark A. Anderl, was shot multiple times before Den Hollander fled. Daniel Andrel (left) was killed via gunshot wounds on July 19, while Mark A. Anderl (right) was shot several times and survived after being transported to a hospital Authorities said Roy Den Hollander (pictured), a misogynistic and racist lawyer, ambushed Salas' family home this summer while dressed as a FedEx driver Salas told GMA that Den Hollander 'took the most important thing in my life.' 'I can't let him take anything else. I love my job. I'm proud to be a United States district judge. I can't let him take that from me. And I know that I'm gonna be an even better judge,' she added. Salas and Den Hollander first came into contact in 2015 when he was hired to represent a 17-year-old girl who sued Selective Service System, claiming the military's male-only rule when enforcing a draft was discriminatory. There has not been a military draft for more than 40 years, and women are able to enlist in the military voluntarily if they are qualified. Judge Salas allowed Den Hollander's case to proceed, which was a win for him. Salas (pictured): 'I'm proud to be a United States district judge. I can't let him take that from me. And I know that I'm gonna be an even better judge' Den Hollander (pictured) later committed suicide on July 22 with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and authorities discovered his body inside a car in Catskills In 2019, Den Hollander was however removed from the case when his client replaced him for unknown reasons. Salas never ruled against Den Hollander, but he repeatedly complained about her in concerning online ramblings. Salas told GMA that she received threats in the past, but did not have any indication that they were related to Den Hollander. In August, Salas shared a statement via video that called for protections and greater privacy for federal judges. 'My sons death cannot be in vain, which is why I am begging those in power to do something to help my brothers and sisters on the bench. Now, more than ever, we need to identify a solution that keeps the lives of federal judges private. Pictured: Daniel (center) and his father, Mark (top), in a photo taken before the 20-year-old's death in July 'I know this is a complicated issue, and I dont pretend to know or have all the answers, but together we can find a way. 'Lets commence a national dialogue, lets work collaboratively to find a solution that will safeguard the privacy of federal judges.' The U.S. Marshals Service, which protects federal judges, reported that there were 4,449 threats and inappropriate communications against such public servants last year. That number was 926 in 2015. In his rambling, 1,700-page book titled Stupid Frigging Fool, Den Hollander referred to Salas as 'this hot Latina Judge in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey whom Obama had appointed.' He wrote: 'At first, I wanted to ask the Judge out, but thought she might hold me in contempt.' Elsewhere in the book, he called her a 'lazy and incompetent Latina judge appointed by Obama.' Pictured: FBI and Federal Marshals process the scene at Federal Judges Esther Salas home where her husband was shot and her son was killed by an unknown gunman In one of his online ramblings, he complained that she was taking too long to rule on it. 'Just unbelievable, by now we should have been knocking on the U.S. Supreme Courts door, but lady unluck stuck us with an Obama appointee. 'Female judges didnt bother me as long as they were middle age or older black ladies. 'They seemed to have an understanding of how life worked and were not about to be conned by any foot dragging lawyer. 'Latinas, however, were usually a problemdriven by an inferiority complex,' he fumed. Den Hollander later committed suicide on July 22 with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and authorities discovered his body inside a car in Catskills. Authorities discovered the names of several other people they believed he wanted to target, including Judge Janet DiFiore, New York State's chief judge. Salas' interview with Good Morning America will air on Tuesday at 7 a.m. ET. 06/10/2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed how the interconnectedness of our global systems can turn local crises into planetary emergencies. Social, economic and environmental crises interact and amplify each other. Rising inequality, a hyper-complex financial system, increasing digitalisation, the concentration of critical capacities, climate change and biodiversity loss, all increase the risk of systemic failures, according to the OECDs New Approaches to Economic Challenges (NAEC) initiative. The OECD is bringing together a range of experts, including leading political figures, to address the need for new thinking and policy action to address these challenges at a NAEC conference on Confronting Planetary Emergencies solving human problems on Friday 9 October. The conference will include discussions on how countries are responding to the current pandemic and how prepared we are to confront global emergencies in the future. Opened by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria and the Irelands President, Michael Higgins, speakers will include, among others, Thomas Piketty, Esther Duflo, Kenneth Rogoff and Andrew Haldane. Discussions will also cover recent NAEC reports: Beyond Growth: Towards a New Economic Narrative; The Financial System and Systemic Thinking for Policymaking. The conference is open to the media via the conference webcast. Enquiries about the conference or to register to connect via the Zoom platform should be made to NAEC@oecd.org or via the OECD Media Office (tel: +33 1 4524 9700). Working with over 100 countries, the OECD is a global policy forum that promotes policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The White House will sign off on the stricter guidelines for emergency approval of coronavirus vaccine proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. Trump administration officials have decided to drop their objections to new requirements that would make it nearly impossible for a shot to get approved before Election Day in a reversal of the roadblock the Trump administration had planned, according to a Monday night New York Times report. Coronavirus vaccine makers will have to collect two months of data on trial participants after they get their second doses before submitting data for emergency or full FDA approval under the new guidelines. Pfizer and Moderna only launched their late- stage trials in late July, with shots given 28 days apart, making it nearly impossible for them to collect that data BEFORE Election Day. It's perhaps the final nail in the the coffin of Trump's hopes to have a COVID-19 vaccine by November 3. Tuesday brought a quick succession of blows to that possibility. The first 'readout' of data on coronavirus vaccine efficacy will not be available before November, Operation Warp Speed chief Dr Moncef Slaoui said separately on Tuesday. In other words, the vaccine czar does not expect to be able to deliver a shot before November 3. It's unclear if the availability date for a data readout was due to the new guidelines or other factors. 'The vaccines are coming momentarily,' Trump said on Monday night in a video posted to his Twitter account, upon his return to the White House from Walter Reed National Medical Center. With his administration's approval of the new FDA guidelines, it's next to impossible for any vaccine to come sooner than a month from now. However, Dr Slaoui said he feels 'comfortable' that one or two vaccines will have proven effective within the next two months, and will have enough doses for about 30 million people, he said during a Johns Hopkins webinar on Tuesday. The White House will sign off on the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee guidelines recommending that any coronavirus vaccine have two months of safety data before being approved for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), according to a Tuesday Wall Street Journal report (File image: The first patient enrolled in Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial receives an injection, May 4) Earlier on Tuesday, an advisory committee at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that any coronavirus jab have two months of safety data before being approved for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The agency posted briefing documents for the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee's meeting on COVID-19 immunizations scheduled for October 22, in the hopes that seeing the proposal 'helps the public understand our science-based decision making process that assures vaccine quality, safety and efficacy for any vaccine that is authorized or approved,' regulators said. In addition to the safety data requirements, the committee has asked vaccine makers to submit their manufacturing process and controls information no less than one month prior to submitting an EUA request. Although the recommendations have not been made official, and the FDA is not bound to accept them, they all but assure a shot for the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans will not be made available before Election Day. It comes on the heels of a report that the Trump administration blocked the approval of stricter COVID-19 vaccine approval guidelines. DailyMail.com has reached out to the FDA for comment. The US will not have enough information for the first 'readout' on coronavirus vaccine until November at the earliest, Operation Warp Speed vaccine czar Dr Moncef Slaoui (pictured, file) said on Tuesday 'The likelihood of an EUA happening before Election Day is zero,' Professor Peter Pitts, former FDA Associate Commissioner, told DailyMail.com. 'Even if these guidelines ultimately do not become accepted, I dont think youre looking at any type of EUAs before the end of the year, at the earliest.' For a vaccine to be approved prior to November 3, its manufacturing process information would have had to have been submitted to the agency earlier this month. Pitts said it is very important that the FDA be careful before approving any jab because many of the vaccines are using technology that has never been used on a mass-scale. Vaccine makers will also have to submit manufacturing process and controls information to the FDA no less than one month prior to submitting an EUA request Among them is mRNA, which tricks the body into producing some of the viral proteins, which the immune system then recognizes and builds a defensive response against. 'The urgency of the FDA understanding the validity of the manufacturing data is always crucial and even more crucial now,' Pitts said. He adds that it is important to watch not the infection rates from COVID-19 but the death rates, which are continuing to remain stable. 'The lesson learned there is we've got a lot to keep the at-risk population alive and that will also, I think, factor into the FDA's decision relative to EUAs for a vaccine,' Pitts said. 'When the death rates are low and stable, that reduces the rationale for a hasty decision.' President Donald Trump, who is now battling COVID-19 himself, has continually hinted that a vaccine could be available by Election Day, raising concern that the FDA and vaccine makers might bow to political pressure rather than prioritize shot safety. It comes as the Trump administration reportedly blocked the FDA's proposed, stricter guidelines, putting Trump's desire to get emergency approval for a shot ahead of Election Dat odds with his appointed FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn (right) According to a report by The New York Times, his administration has already blocked the approval of stricter coronavirus vaccine approval guidelines proposed two weeks ago. Since being submitted for approval by the Office of Management, sources told the Times that the proposed changes have been 'stalled' by White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Operation Warp Speed itself already has recommended the vaccine candidates it is supporting observe 'a two-months follow-up after completion of the immunization process before the company will consider filing for an emergency use authorization,' vaccine czar Dr Moncef Slaoui said last month. 'We completely agree with it,' Slaoui said, referring to the stricter FDA regulations during a virtual Town Hall event on last month organized by the Rainbow Push Coalition in Atlanta. But the White House does not agree with the more protracted timeline. The new recommendations from the advisory committee are expected to escalate already high tensions between regulators and the White House. According to a Pew Research Center survey last month, only 32 percent of Black adults said they would definitely or probably get a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 52 percent of White adults, 56 percent of Hispanics and 72 percent of Asians. At that rate, it seems nearly impossible either company's shot could get approval before the election, although Moderna anticipates it will know whether its shot works by November, and Pfizer plans to announce its results in late-October. FDA Commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn, has not addressed the possibility of new vaccine approval standards. Trump himself handpicked Dr Hahn to ascend to the head of the FDA, over-stepping presumptive commissioner Ned Sharpless. Dr Hahn, plucked from his position as an executive at Texas's renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center, has since found himself caught between politicians and scientists with regularity. He's been in Trump's crosshairs after refusing to endorse the president's claims that most coronavirus case are 'harmless,' while drawing the ire of scientists after his agency gave emergency approval to the use of coronavirus survivors' plasma to treat those who were still sick, against the advice of the National Institutes of Health. After that controversial approval, Dr Hahn inaccurately pulled the statistic that plasma saved more than one-third of people treated with it from an unpublished, poorly-designed study and had to apologize. Dear Amy: I am irritated with both my husband and 22-year-old daughter. Our daughters girlfriend recently moved in with us for a trial run. She has a pet rabbit that she brought with her. I shared my concerns about a rabbit living in the house with everyone, but my husband and daughter assured me it would be fine. The rabbit had already chewed some baseboards in the house, but I went along with their wishes. A few weeks later, my husband called to let me know that the girlfriend had bought another rabbit to keep the first rabbit company. She had spoken with my husband, and he approved the second rabbit without asking me. I texted the girlfriend and told her that the second rabbit was not OK with me. My husband says that the conversation should be between the two of us and not involve the girlfriend. Neither my husband, daughter, nor her girlfriend contribute anything to the house expenses. If Im the one paying for everything, shouldnt I be the one to decide such things? I am so angry that I have started to look for another place to live. Irritated Dear Irritated: The level of disrespect demonstrated by members of your household toward you is extreme. Even if you werent the sole support of the entire household, any living thing brought into the home should be approved by every human living there. Im not sure why YOU are looking for another place to live, however. In my opinion, the household leave-taking should commence in this order: Rabbits + Girlfriend Daughter Husband. Dear Amy: I was close friends with a woman, B, for 10 years. Around six months ago, our friendship began to unravel because of her sudden racism, spreading rumors about me, her husband being incredibly grossly sexual toward me, her narcotic addictions, and the amount of time I spent watching her children while she and her husband were in the next room, fighting. Leaving that friendship was the best thing I could have ever done. The minute I began to focus on bettering my own life, everything fell into place. A few weeks ago, a mutual friend sent me a link to a pornographic video that involved her husband and a different woman. I was stunned, grossed out, and my first thought was, OMG, we have to tell her. Since I dont have a relationship with her, I asked our friend to deliver the bad news but she does not want to. I emailed the website hosting the video and asked them to take it down. It seemed wrong for this to be put online. Regardless of how awful he is, he doesnt deserve that, nor does his wife or the woman in the video. The website responded that unless I was a participant (and could prove it) they couldnt take it down. This could ruin a lot of lives. His wife works in marketing, where image is everything. I just feel like it would be weird to email her out of the blue with this really bad news. Plus, she will definitely shoot the messenger. I would want someone to tell me, but I also dont talk to her. I dont want to be dragged into her wild drama or somehow get blamed for this. I just dont want to see this ruin her life. Upset and Worried Dear Upset: The person to contact is the person who is actually in the video, not his wife. It doesnt seem to have occurred to you to do that. Why should his behavior harm her reputation, and how can she alter or fix what he has done? (It shouldnt, and she cant.) So far, this video has been shared through a mutual friend; dont attempt to solve this problem by spreading it further, and dont involve more people. Put this information into the hands of the person who has the greatest incentive (and the responsibility) to deal with it. If this was uploaded without his (and the other persons), knowledge and permission, then yes he should contact the sites administrator and insist that it be removed. Dear Amy: I dont always agree with you, but I thought your response to Not From Wales whose husband spoke Welsh on the phone with family members was truly inspired. Your defense of keeping heritage languages alive made me want to learn more. Sometime Fan Dear Sometime: I was so intrigued by this question, I started learning Welsh online. So Diolch yn fawr (thank you very much). You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. WASHINGTON - Russia is the country most aggressively trying to inflame social and racial tensions in the United States, and white supremacists pose "the most persistent and lethal threat" to the country, the Department of Homeland Security said in a new report Tuesday. In its first-ever homeland threat assessment, the department described a landscape that mostly aligns with the views of career intelligence analysts in other agencies and outside national security experts. But while the body of the report makes clear that Russia is the primary foreign threat to the 2020 elections - an assessment shared across the intelligence community - the acting homeland security secretary, Chad Wolf, offers a different emphasis in the foreword, stating that China, Russia and Iran are all seeking to disrupt the election. That sentiment has renewed criticism that the Trump administration is seeking to draw a false equivalency between Russia and China's efforts to affect the vote for president. In general, though, the report's contents steer clear of politics, analysts said. "Given the politicization that has occurred on so many issues within the department, it's encouraging that the homeland threat assessment takes a much more objective and nonpartisan perspective on cataloguing all these threats," said Javed Ali, a former DHS senior intelligence analyst now teaching public policy at the University of Michigan. The former acting head of DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Brian Murphy, in a whistleblower complaint last month accused Wolf of directing him to play down intelligence reports on Russian interference to avoid making "the president look bad," and of seeking to modify the draft assessment's section on white supremacy to make the threat appear less severe. Wolf in testimony to the Senate last month denied that he had sought to politicize intelligence or downplay the threat. "Certainly white supremacist extremists . . . particularly when you look at 2018, in 2019, are certainly the most persistent and lethal threat when we talk about domestic violence extremists," he told the Homeland Security Committee. Though former DHS officials have said the administration suppressed discussion of domestic terrorism and Russian election interference, career staff have consistently assessed the threats accurately, those officials said. The report, for instance, states that white supremacists have "demonstrated long-standing intent" to target racial and religious minorities and members of the gay and lesbian community, among others. Since 2018, they have conducted more lethal attacks in the United States than any other domestic terrorist threat, it said. That's in line with a counterterrorism strategy released in September 2019 by then-acting secretary Kevin McAleenan, who said that white supremacy was one of the most potent drivers of domestic terrorism. The report casts Russia's election influence efforts as broader than a preference for one political candidate over another. "We assess that Moscow's overarching objective is to weaken the United States through discord, division, and distraction in hopes that America becomes less able to challenge Russia's strategic objectives," the report said, a finding in line with intelligence community assessments dating back to 2016 that Russia wants to undermine faith in democracies and challenge the global leadership of the United States and its allies. The disconnect between Wolf's statement in the foreword, however, and the body of the report was troubling, former senior officials said. "It seems designed a bit to try to appease the president in case he sees the report," said Elizabeth Neumann, former DHS assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat prevention. Wolf, for instance, wrote, "While Russia has been a persistent threat by attempting to harm our democratic and election systems, it is clear China and Iran also pose threats in this space." Said Neumann, who left in April: "That's true, but misleading. It makes it sound like China and Iran are on the same level as Russia, and the body of the document makes clear they are not." The report also avoids any mention of what intelligence agencies have privately concluded - that the Kremlin prefers to see President Trump win over his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, in the November election. Members of the Banditos are recognized by skull and sombrero tattoos L.A. County's Inspector General's Office has produced a damning report into a 'gang-like' secret society of cops, known as the Banditos, who it claims are protected by a code of silence among officers including L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. The Inspector General's Office launched an investigation into the allegedly violent group amid claims they and other fractions of L.A. cops had operated like gang-sects for years, wielding their influence over co-workers and the public. It also came after the sheriff's department was told to pay $55million in settlements to people who had been victimized by the groups. Among claims in the various lawsuits was that the Banditos are 'a group of approximately 90 deputies who are inked with matching tattoos of a skeleton with a thick mustache, sombrero, pistol, and bandolier'. In a report released on Tuesday, the Inspector General's Office claims that the Banditos' influence in the county sheriff's department resulted in 'favoritism, sexism, violence and racism'. It is also claimed that Sheriff Villanueva turned a blind eye to the their antics. The report makes mention of an incident at an 'off training' party in September 2018 where multiple people were injured by members of the Banditos. Among the perpetrators are sergeants who go by the nicknames Bam Bam and G-Rod, the report claims. When investigators tried to probe allegations of violence, the report claims they were met with silence. 'Substantial evidence exists to support the conclusion that the Banditos are gang-like and their influence has resulted in favoritism, sexism, racism, and violence. 'Despite all this, the majority of the witnesses interviewed in the ICIB investigation were not asked any questions about the Banditos. Sheriff Alex Villanueva has been accused of promoting a 'code of silence' to protect the gang 'Even when the witnesses brought up the Banditos there was little or no follow up by ICIB investigators. It appears from the interviews that ICIB did not want to delve into the Banditos involvement in the fight or their control over the East LA Station,' the 32-page report claims. The incident in September involved one of the alleged gang members approaching another cop and telling him he was 'not good' at the station. Complainers can face retaliation. Some who have resisted the Banditos have seen the word 'rat' written on their windshield or received a dead rat Another alleged gang member then called him a 'p***y' and a 'rat', and that he had 'no problem slapping him or anyone because nobody is going to say anything.' He then allegedly told the cop if he couldn't get to him, he could 'get to his family'. The investigation found that members of the Banditos got away with behavior that other cops would not have. 'Some of the information told to the ICIB investigators suggests that the Banditos act in ways that are comparable to a criminal street gang and some witnesses described the veterans as OGs, which is the term used for older gang members who have paid their dues and earned the respect of the younger members. 'Much like those who refuse to join a gang, Victim Deputy D was concerned that if he did not obey the orders of the veteran deputies, they might refuse to respond to his aid if he put out a call for help while on duty. 'One of the suspects, Suspect Deputy X, was described as having the aura of a person in charge, the way one might describe an OG. 'At least two of the suspects were referred to by monikers, G-Rod for Suspect Deputy W, and Bam Bam for Suspect Sergeant Z; using monikers is common in gang culture. 'Another witness referred to this group as thugs and Deputy 1 mentioned that the older group used manipulation, like a gang,"' the report reads. It has previously been claimed that the gang leaves dead rats on the doorsteps of people they want to threaten. In August last year, Villanueva fired dozens of deputies for their alleged involvement for it. However the report claims he 'continues to promote a Code of Silence regarding these sub-groups.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 13:42:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SARI PUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- A total of 150 Taliban militants have given up fighting and handed over their weapons to police in Kohistanat district of Afghanistan's northern Sari Pul province on Monday, said a statement of provincial police released here Tuesday. A number of commanders including Ahmad Muradi, Khadim Razmunda and Hamid Sadeqi are among the surrendered militants, the statement said. The surrender of the militants is taking place amid an ongoing massive cleanup operation launched in the restive district a couple of days ago, the statement further said. Several villages have been cleared from the insurgents during the ongoing operation, according to the statement. Enditem It's easy to match the overall market return by buying an index fund. But if you buy individual stocks, you can do both better or worse than that. Investors in Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESS) have tasted that bitter downside in the last year, as the share price dropped 35%. That contrasts poorly with the market return of 23%. At least the damage isn't so bad if you look at the last three years, since the stock is down 18% in that time. On the other hand the share price has bounced 6.9% over the last week. View our latest analysis for Essex Property Trust While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. During the unfortunate twelve months during which the Essex Property Trust share price fell, it actually saw its earnings per share (EPS) improve by 53%. It could be that the share price was previously over-hyped. It's fair to say that the share price does not seem to be reflecting the EPS growth. But we might find some different metrics explain the share price movements better. Essex Property Trust's revenue is actually up 9.2% over the last year. Since we can't easily explain the share price movement based on these metrics, it might be worth considering how market sentiment has changed towards the stock. The image below shows how earnings and revenue have tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail). We're pleased to report that the CEO is remunerated more modestly than most CEOs at similarly capitalized companies. It's always worth keeping an eye on CEO pay, but a more important question is whether the company will grow earnings throughout the years. So it makes a lot of sense to check out what analysts think Essex Property Trust will earn in the future (free profit forecasts). Story continues What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. As it happens, Essex Property Trust's TSR for the last year was -33%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. A Different Perspective While the broader market gained around 23% in the last year, Essex Property Trust shareholders lost 33% (even including dividends). However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Longer term investors wouldn't be so upset, since they would have made 1.6%, each year, over five years. It could be that the recent sell-off is an opportunity, so it may be worth checking the fundamental data for signs of a long term growth trend. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Essex Property Trust better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with Essex Property Trust (including 2 which is can't be ignored) . For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US exchanges. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com. The horrifying case of a young womans alleged gang-rape and murder in India has become the centre of both national and international political rows, drawing expressions of alarm from the Supreme Court of India and the United Nations. Four upper caste men have been arrested after the death of a 19-year-old woman from the village of Hathras in Uttar Pradesh, but police in the state have been criticised for their initial handling of the attack, their swift cremation of the victims body, their heavy-handed approach with protesters and their attempts to block opposition politicians from meeting with the victims family. The UNs representative in India, Renata Dessallien, the case was a reminder of how women and girls from disadvantaged social groups are at greater risk of gender-based violence. The UN in India is profoundly saddened and concerned at the continuing cases of sexual violence against women and girls in India, she said. According to the most recent government figures, more than 405,000 cases of crimes against women were registered in 2019 an increase of more than 7 per cent on the previous year. Of these, almost 30 per cent were registered by police as cases of sexual assault and rape. Upper caste men rally 'in support of accused' in gang-rape case that has horrified India Opposition leaders have repeatedly clashed with police in Uttar Pradesh as they have tried to meet with victims family in a case which has sparked protests across the country The Indian government has rejected the UNs intervention, however, calling it unwarranted. [The] UN resident coordinator in India should be aware that these cases have been taken extremely seriously by the government, government spokesperson Anurag Srivastava told the Indian Express. Since the investigation process is still underway, any unnecessary comments by an external agency are best avoided, he added. The attack in Hathras took place on 14 September, with the victims mother finding her naked and bleeding in fields near their village. The victim was later transferred to a hospital in Delhi, where she succumbed to her injuries on 29 September. The incident has sparked protests by groups calling for justice and criticising both state and central governments Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist BJP is in power in both for failing to protect members of lower caste communities. The Supreme Court of India said on Tuesday that it was concerned by the case, calling it shocking and horrible. A bench of judges led by chief justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde promised to oversee the investigation of the alleged gang-rape and murder, and ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to set out in detail what measures were being taken to protect witnesses. But the Uttar Pradesh authorities have continued to take a heavy-handed approach, issuing 21 initial charge sheets to protesters on Monday who, officials said, had attempted to incite caste and communal tension and defame the state government, alongside the colonial-era charge of sedition. Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of the state, blamed anarchists as well as an international conspiracy for the unrest surrounding the alleged gang-rape. State officials said they were investigating a website with the address justiceforhathrasvictim.carrd.co, which hosted information about protests before it was taken down. An unnamed state government official was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying the website involved people based in some foreign countries. Speaking to party workers on Monday, Mr Adityanath also criticised opposition leaders, including the Congress partys Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, for travelling to the state to meet the victims. Our opponents are conspiring against us by trying to lay a foundation for caste and communal riots through international funding. For the last one week, opposition parties were keen to see riots. We need to move forward amidst all these conspiracies, he said. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Developments (EBRD) annual meeting for 2020 will be entirely centred on discussing COVID-19s impacts on the 38 emerging economies where it invests and how the bank will support them to recover. The meeting is scheduled to kick off virtually from London on Wednesday and will be held over two days. The meeting is also expected to witness the election of the EBRDs new president, who will succeed Sir Suma Chakrabarti. In addition, the EBRDs governors are expected to approve the banks strategy for the next five years (2021-2025). In this regard, three candidates are standing for election: Polish Finance Minister Tadeusz Koscinski, former Italian Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan, and Director General of the French Treasury Odile Renaud Basso. As our regions start to recover, our goal will be to support an acceleration of transition, helping our countries build a more resilient, sustainable future, acting EBRD President Jurgen Rigterink said. The banks 2021-2025 strategy will be on delivering green, low-carbon economic growth, promoting equality of opportunity and accelerating digital transition. It also confirms the EBRDs interest in a limited and incremental expansion of its activities to sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq during the next five years, as the banks governors are expected to consider an update on this issue in 2022, reflecting guidance from the 2021 Annual Meeting. Moreover, the EBRD governors are expected to decide on whether Iraq should become a shareholder in the bank. Given that COVID-19 has been hitting the emerging markets severely, the EBRDs investments rose to just over 5 billion in the first six months of 2020, up from 3.7 billion in 2019 and from a previous first-half record of 3.9 billion in 2016. Representing Egypt, Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat is going to participate in the EBRDs annual meeting. On Thursday, the EBRD announced that Egypt is the only economy across the 38 countries in which the bank invests that is expected to escape recession in 2020, with projected growth of 2 percent. Associate director and deputy head for Egypt at the EBRD Khalid Hamza told Ahram Online that Egypt is the biggest market in which the bank invests in the region. Hamza said that the EBRD governors are expected to raise investments in green projects to reach 50 percent of total EBRD investments in the region, up from 40 percent, to meet the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic. He add that the bank will be in intensive talks with the Egyptian government to expand green investments and low carbon projects in the country. Hamza also said that the EBRDs outlook for the regions economy is expected to be reviewed by 2021. Search Keywords: Short link: Reuters (Reuters) - Facebook Inc and Twitter took action on posts from U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday for violating their rules against coronavirus misinformation by suggesting that COVID-19 was just like the flu. Facebook took the post down but not before it was shared about 26,000 times, data from the company's metric tool CrowdTangle showed. "We remove incorrect information about the severity of COVID-19," a company spokesman told Reuters. The world's largest social media company, which exempts politicians from its third-party fact-checking program, has rarely taken action against posts from the Republican U.S. president. Twitter disabled retweets on a similar tweet from Trump on Tuesday and added a warning label that said it broke its rules on "spreading misleading and potentially harmful information related to COVID-19" but that it might be in the public interest for it to remain accessible. During the 2019-2020 influenza season, the flu was associated with 22,000 deaths in the United States, according to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (https://bit.ly/30ByG1m) Since the first case of the novel coronavirus was recorded in the United States at the beginning of this year, more than 210,000 people in the country have died of the disease caused by the virus, the world's highest death toll. On Monday, Trump told Americans "to get out there" and not fear COVID-19 as he returned to the White House after a three-night stay in a military hospital outside Washington where he was treated for COVID-19. "Silicon Valley and the mainstream media have consistently used their platforms to fearmonger and censor President Trump to serve their own agenda, even now during this critical moment in the fight against coronavirus," Trump campaign spokeswoman Courtney Parella said. Twitter, which has been using labels to flag tweets with misinformation - including from the president - told Reuters it is currently trying to respond more quickly and more overtly. Facebook removed a Trump post for coronavirus misinformation for the first time in August. The post included a video in which the president falsely claimed that children were "almost immune" to COVID-19. (Reporting by Elizabeth Culliford in Birmingham, England, Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Bernard Orr, Sonya Hepinstall and Paul Simao) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Russian authorities say they have detained a serviceman and his brother for having allegedly passed state secrets to neighboring Estonia. A criminal case has been opened for high treason, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said in a statement on October 6. It did not provide details of any information that had been passed on to the Estonian special services. "There hasn't been any official correspondence with Russia on that issue," Reuters quoted Estonia's Foreign Ministry as saying in a statement. The serviceman was detained in the western Russian city of Smolensk, while his brother, a permanent resident of Estonia, was detained in Pskov, near the Estonian border. The men could face up to 20 years in jail, if convicted. Based on reporting by Reuters, TASS, and Interfax Strikes and high school occupations by tens of thousands of students are spreading across Greece, against criminal back-to-school and herd immunity policies of right-wing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the European Union (EU) on the COVID-19 pandemic. Two weeks after this struggle began, French and international media are maintaining a deafening silence on it. The Revolution Permanente web site, put out by the faction of Frances New Anticapitalist Party (NPA) linked to the Socialist Workers Party (PTS) in Argentina and its Izquierda Diario web site, is complicit in this guilty silence. The NPA and its Latin American allies are lining up with mass media hostile to the struggles of workers and youth against the pandemic. More than 700 educational establishments have been occupied across Greece. Sections of workers have gone on strike in solidarity while also demanding improved working conditions. Workers at the port of Piraeus in Athens blocked all shipping for 24 hours, and a strike forced Olympic Air to cancel 58 flights from Athens serving the Greek islands. Hospital doctors also marched in front of the Health Ministry to demand more staff and a scientific approach to fighting the pandemic. Students demonstrate on 1 October, 2020, for measures to protect them from the coronavirus and for higher spending on education.(Source: Face-book/COVID-19 Solidarity/Menoume energoi) The NPAs silence is all the more remarkable in that it has numerous contacts in Greece. The OKDE-Spartakos party is directly affiliated to the NPA, and is part of the middle class Antarsya coalition, whose leaflets on the high school occupations appear online. The NPA supported and hailed the election of the pro-austerity Syriza (Coalition of the Radical Left) in 2015; it is still tied to Syriza through the Spanish Anticapitalistas, who are affiliated to the pro-austerity government of Podemos, Syrizas principal European ally. The NPA is not silent on this movement because the NPA is unaware of its existence, but rather because the NPA has decided not to draw attention to a struggle of capital importance. The struggle in Greece has the potential to develop into a European-wide and international struggle against a premature back-to-work and back-to-school policy imposed by the banks and ruling class, even as virus is rapidly spreading across Europe. However, the silence of Revolution Permanente will surprise no one who has attentively followed the NPAs rightward evolution since its foundation in 2009. The NPA launched this site in 2015, shortly after the debacle of its support for the Islamist forces in the NATO proxy wars in Libya and Syria. After NPA spokesman Olivier Besancenot appealed to Paris to arm revolutionaries who were in fact CIA-backed Islamists, the NPA backed NATOs fascist-led putsch in Ukraine in February 2014 and supported the election of Syriza in Greece in January 2015. After Syriza betrayed its electoral promises to end austerity, imposing billions of euros in social cuts that devastated Greek public hospitals and schools now threatened by COVID-19, the NPA sensed a danger on its left. It founded the Revolution Permanente web site, in a cynical attempt to give itself a clean bill of health by collaborating with the Argentinian PTS. In a cynical attempt to cover up its previous political crimes, the NPA even dishonestly denounced on the Revolution Permanente web site the wars that the NPA had itself previously applauded. Thus, without mentioning its previous support for the war in Syria, Revolution Permanente wrote in one article that from the point of view of the workers movement, of youth and all the oppressed in France it is a question first and foremost of denouncing the machinations of French imperialism in Syria and the region, of opposing any French military intervention. Any success for French imperialism in Syria is success for our exploiters and oppressors at home. Our main enemy is at home! The only thing Revolution permanente did not raise was that the main enemy of the workers and the oppressed had been receiving the NPAs enthusiastic support in Syria throughout this period. Thanks to these cynical declarations and their role in the union bureaucracy, supporters of Revolution Permanente joined in organising strikes and demonstrations by railway workers and Paris mass transit last winter. They drove the strikes into a dead end, providing them with no perspective. After the longest strike in France since May-June 1968, Macron rammed through his destruction of the rail workers job and wage guarantees, opened up the rail system to competition and partially privatized the National Railways (SNCF). This autumn, they gave left cover to the back-to-school drive led by the ruling class and the unions, channeling opposition among youth behind a bankrupt perspective of improving the health protocols used in the back-to-school drive. Despite these apparently militant demands, like free masks and testing, they had only minor differences with official policy. They essentially agreed with President Emmanuel Macron that it is necessary to learn to live with the virus. Revolution Permanente represents the same privileged social base in the trade unions and academia as the rest of the NPA. It shares the same class orientation of a Besancenot, who joins a protest march in the afternoon and then in the evening negotiates with an imperialist party like the French Socialist Party (PS). It seeks to disorient workers and youth who are looking for an alternative to the old bureaucracies discredited by decades of betrayals, and thus mislead and strangle any mass movement that could escape the control of the union tops and their political advisors. Behind their support for a reactionary public health policy that is leading to thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of infections across Europe, lie material class interests of the bureaucrats and academics. Aware that the EUs trillion-euro pandemic bailouts will be disbursed through works council meetings to the unions and research councils to the universities, they support EU policy. By supporting a deadly policy against the workers, they will maintain their usual financing. In short, they are totally corrupt and have had their snouts in the trough for years. The Parti de legalite socialiste, PES (Socialist Equality Party) reiterates its warnings on the role played by the NPA in the COVID-19 pandemic. Eruptions of the class struggle and of youth protests are proceeding throughout the world against the criminal policies pursued by the capitalist ruling classes. It is urgent for workers and youth to organize independently of the unions on an international scale, forming rank-and-file safety committees at their workplaces or schools, in preparation of a general strike aiming for the transfer of power to workers. Only such a perspective will ensure that workers take control of the international resources necessary to combat the virus. To meet such a struggle, the necessary revolutionary leadership of the PES is paramount, not that of the NPA which is a tool of the state machine and of French imperialism. Name: Rohit Khanna Company: Smarsh Job Title: Chief Customer Officer Location: San Francisco, USA Rohit Khanna serves as Chief Customer Officer for Smarsh, leading the Professional Services, Center of Excellence, Training, Global Technical Support, Data Management and Outcome Management (renewal) teams. Khanna has a demonstrated track record of running global customer success, support, and services at scale for cloud software providers, working with customers ranging from small businesses all the way to Fortune 500 customers. What was the most valuable piece of career advice that you received? Make sure to stay connected to revenue side of the business. Top line growth and successful customers drive the posture of any company. So, whatever skills I develop, I want to make sure that they will help the business generate more revenue by developing additional products in additional markets for successful outcomes for my customers - that, in the end will increase the value of the company. This is the advice that Ive made sure to follow throughout my career, because staying connected to the front-end of the of the business has served me well and allowed me to grow. What was the worst piece of business advice that you received? I work in the high-tech industry, and when I was at the beginning of my career, one of my team leaders told me that I wouldnt have to continue being technical when I transitioned into management. Now, having been in management for several years, I think this is the worst advice for an executive in the technology world, because if you dont have technical skills, you wont be viable in the industry you are working in. Because of this, it is important that even management continues to build on their technical skills, especially if you are in the high-tech industry. What advice would you give to someone starting their career in IT? My advice for anyone that wants to have a career as a technology executive would be to always sharpen your technical skills to stay viable. Because if youre able to mix those management and technical skills, you will have a successful career path specifically in the high-tech world. Did you always want to work in IT? I always knew that I wanted to work in technology, except for a short period of doubt when I was 18 years old and I thought I might want to become a medical doctor. I had applied for medical school and was accepted, but at the last moment I decided that I wanted to go into a technology career, because I have always had a very analytical mind and love to solve complex problems. I even use my technical background in my main hobby modern architecture where Frank Lloyd Wright is my main influence. What was your first job in technology? My first job in technology was as a developer in the early 90s for a company called Premenos in California. The internet had just come out, or it was coming out, and we were on the forefront of creating technology to send and receive electronic data over the internet that was encrypted securely which I was able to do as a software engineer. What are some common misconceptions about working in technology? Im sure there are many, but top of mind for me is that many people feel that its possible to understand everything about technology. In this industry, todays knowledge is going to be obsolete tomorrow. Every single day technology is changing, so what you know today will be obsolete tomorrow. What tips would you give to someone aiming for a c-level position? First off: believe in a cause, have meaningful relationships and be authentic do not fake it! I would also say that its very important to be consistent, and to go back to the best advice Ive ever received, make sure to stay close to your customers as well as the revenue. What are your career ambitions, and have you reached them yet? My ambitions are always continuing to grow with the different stages of life that Im in, as all humans need to grow. As somebody said, if you are not growing, you are dying. Have I reached all my career ambitions? No Im sure theres a lot more to achieve and a lot of room to grow, as well as a lot more to learn. I will always continue learning. This is one of the reasons that I keep working. So, the short answer is no, I havent reached my career ambitions yet. But am I content with where I am? Absolutely. Do you have a good work life balance in your current role? Work-life balance does not exist in technology only work-life harmony exists (I stole that from Jeff Bezos and Satya Nadella as I agree with them on this topic). I would advise everyone to somehow harmonise their life and work so that no part of your life feels like it is taking over more than the other. But in my current position at Smarsh, I do feel that I have good work-life harmony absolutely. However, I think that its not about the company you work for, its more about the individual creating their own harmony, because a company will not create your harmony for you. There are a lot of people Ive heard throughout my career blaming their employer for their work-life balance or harmony, but I believe that this harmony really must come down to the individual creating it for themselves. So, the answer is yes, I do have good work-life harmony, but I have learned in my career how to put that in place for myself and I have a lot to thank my family (especially my wife) for. What, if anything, would you change about the route your career path has taken? I wouldnt change anything about my career path. As a Chief Customer Officer, I am doing exactly what I wanted to do, and this is exactly what my career has been all about. My career path has allowed me to do exactly what my earlier advice was about to be closer to the customer and closer to the revenue. And I love what I do, which is meet global customers all around the world. Yesterday I was in Paris meeting customers, today Im in London, next week Ill be in New York, Portland, and San Francisco. So, Ive been very fortunate to have a career where I can meet many of our large customers all around the world, and this has also given me the opportunity to associate myself with various cultures and various people from all places and all walks of life. Which would you recommend: A coding bootcamp or a computer science degree? Neither. What I would recommend is to create a passion for something. You dont need a degree to create that passion and you dont need a bootcamp to have that passion. And that knowledge is not just going to a 4-year or 6-year college or doing a week or two weeks at a bootcamp. That knowledge comes from continuous improvement because youre passionate about what youre doing. How important are specific certifications? I dont believe specific certifications are important. Again, passion comes from within, and it comes from having something that you want to really do. There is enough knowledge out there to get you where you want to go if thats what you want. You dont need a specific certification to get there. What are the three skills or abilities you look for in prospective candidates? Personally, its about: attitude and energy; passion and purpose - the answer to the question, why do you want the work?. Then its experience. The reason that I list attitude and energy first is that you may have a passion or a purpose, but if you have a victim mentality, you will never be able to reach your goals and/or purpose. A positive attitude, which drives the energy and passion is very critical. If somebody shows up at work and is lacking that fire, or if somebodys eyes are not wide open, and they are not grateful for the opportunities they have, they will never be able to be successful wherever they go. For me, its very important that I see that spark in their eyes and see that energy and attitude: that whatever it is I will love it and I will get stuff done, because Im passionate. What would put you off a candidate? A candidate that would put me off is one that has low energy, a negative attitude and is not being true to themselves or not being authentic. What are the most common mistakes made by candidates in an interview? How can those mistakes be avoided? One of the biggest mistakes Ive seen is when a candidate is trying too hard to be somebody theyre not. By going back to the three qualities that I listed previously by having the right attitude and having energy, having the passion and being true to themselves, you can avoid making the mistake Ive seen most when interviewing candidates. Do you think it is better to have technical or business skills or a mix of both? I think you really need to have a mix of both technical and business skills, especially in the high-tech world. Because if you have one without the other, no matter whether thats on the business or technical side, it becomes dangerous for your business strategy, because you dont have the adequate skills to understand how to run your business. You need technical skills to make sure you understand the product you are trying to monetise, and you need business skills to understand how to monetise the product that youve built and bring a purpose to your technology. ONE of the qualities that our politicians or public officials, elected or appointed to a high post in government or, however, you may call it, is that they respect science and medicine and submit to the opinions of the experts on issues that involve security of the state and health of the people, like this coronavirus or Covid-19 that enveloped the world in pandemic. If my memory serves me right, when Covid-19 landed into our shores sometime in late January 2020 and later became profound in the early part of March 2020, not a single public official or even President Rodrigo Duterte, who is known for his fiery and sometimes vulgar language, ever said that this virus is a hoax by the administration's critics. And, it's not our culture to speak ill against those suffering from an illness, especially those who are stricken by Covid-19, whether they are our worst enemies or have had bad bloods. There are some few misguided souls, though, who privately wag their tongues against a sick person, who is their enemy or a politician they hate. Now we know, although we've known it from the time the World Health Organization (WHO) and our Department of Health (DOH) warned the people that Covid-19 is a deadly virus compared to the several viruses that came before it. It's just unfortunate that USA President Donald Trump, before he was infected with Covid-19, called the virus a hoax and refused to abide by the health protocols that his government's experts advised, like the wearing of face mask in public and social distancing. While confined at the Walter Reed Medical Center for the virus, President Trump went out on a joyride with a face mask on and his secret service escorts in full PPEs to see his supporters who were outside hospital that outraged some US medical experts. President Trump also posted a video taken inside the hospital admitting that he now learned about the virus. The recent stunt of President Trump is understandable because it's the campaign period for next month's presidential elections and to show to his supporters that despite of his age, he could still beat the virus that he called China virus and a hoax. Take note of this that despite the intense political rivalry in the upcoming US presidential polls, presidential candidate Joe Biden, wished Trump and his family well. First Lady Melania Trump also has the virus. Story continues We should be glad that our President Duterte, even with his sometimes-inappropriate language and style, and the other elected officials and opposition leaders, even if they vary in their opinions on the issue, showed their leadership during this pandemic by showing to us as models in wearing the face mask, the first defense against the transmission of the virus. Even if there are those that President Duterte described as "mga gahi'g ulo" (hardheaded) here in Cebu, particularly Cebu City when the Covid-19 infection rate was high, but the vast majority of us complied with and observed the minimum health protocols that the DOH implemented and enforced by the uniformed men and women of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assisted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Now that Trump, the world's powerful president, has inarguably admitted in a video post that he now learned that the virus is real and presently on medication at the hospital, who are we not to follow and observe the imposed minimum health protocols to avoid the infection when most of us could not even afford private the hospitals? Sa ato pa, motuman ug magmatngon na ta! (Newser) A day after President Trump's discharge from the hospital, his doctor is providing an upbeat assessment of Trump' prognosis. The president "had a restful first night at home, and today he reports no symptoms, wrote White House physician Sean Conley in a Tuesday memorandum, reports the Hill. "Vital signs and physical exam remain stable, with an ambulatory oxygen saturation level of 95-97%. Overall he continues to do extremely well." The AP notes that Conley did not offer any details about what medication the president is taking. Trump himself earlier tweeted that he was "FEELING GREAT!" story continues below The president was diagnosed with COVID less than a week ago, meaning he remains at risk. Dr. Anthony Fauci said it's possible Trump could yet suffer a "reversal, meaning going in the wrong direction and get into trouble," reports USA Today. However, Fauci said that is unlikely. Conley has said Trump has not had a fever since Friday, the day he was transported to Walter Reed hospital in Maryland. (A Trump post about COVID on Tuesday was deleted by Facebook.) Officials of the National Assembly Secretariat check video call connections in a meeting room of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, Tuesday, a day before the National Assembly commences its annual audit of government departments and agencies. The committee's audit into diplomatic missions abroad will be held online as officials there cannot come to the country in person amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Yonhap Travelers arriving from Vietnam will no longer be forced to self-isolate for a two-week period upon arrival in several countries, including Singapore, South Africa, and the UK. Vietnamese citizens are exempted from COVID-19 self-isolation when travelling to several countries. Singapore has unilaterally removed border restrictions for visitors from Vietnam starting October 8 due to the nations effective control of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Individuals traveling from Vietnam can register themselves to the Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) for free between seven and 10 days before entering the island state. South Africa has also opened up to welcome tourists from several countries, including Vietnam. The African nation requires visitors to present a negative COVID-19 test that is less than 72 hours old. In addition, South Africa will try to limit the arrival of tourists from countries that are considered high risk, including the United States, the UK, Russia, and Brazil. Meanwhile, the UK Government has permitted quarantine-free international travel to approximately 60 lower risk countries, including Vietnam, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong (China), Taiwan (China), and Macau (China). Elsewhere, India and the US are also among the countries excluded from the list of nearly 60 low-risk nations. The new measures, which had originally came into force on July 10, mean that people arriving from several green or amber destinations will be able to enter the UK without the need to self-isolate, unless they have been in or have transited through non-exempt countries 14 days prior. Moreover, the Maldives has been open to all global tourists since July 15 without the need to go through a mandatory quarantine upon arrival at Velana International Airport. However, due to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, since September 10 tourists visiting the island nation have needed a negative COVID-19 certification 72 hours ahead of their arrival. Dubai has also reopened to foreign tourists since July 7, with all arrivals required to produce a medical certificate showing a negative COVID-19 test result within four days prior to arrival, or alternatively undergo a mandatory PCR test at the airport in the Emirate. In Africa, Tanzania first began to welcome tourists back in June. Since September 15, the country does not require any foreign travelers to show negative COVID-19 test results. At present, Brazil is welcoming tourists from around the world with no restrictions, aside from being required to have health insurance for the duration of their trip. VOV Ukraine regrets that war has broken out in Karabakh again, we are ready to act as a mediator, and, moreover, in principle we support the territorial integrity of any country, including Azerbaijan. This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in an interview with BBC News in Russian. Asked about the Turkish drones that are manufactured together with a Ukrainian company, Kuleba said that Ukraine and Turkey are strategic partners and that bilateral cooperation is very useful for both. "As a country that has occupied territories as a result of a military conflict, we are in favor of the territorial integrity of any state, and it does not matter whether it is Armenia, Azerbaijan or another country. Ukraine has always supported Azerbaijan in this regard, and AzerbaijanUkraine; there is even nothing to say here," Kuleba said. The Ukrainian company Motor Sich produces engines for the Turkeys Bayraktar Akinci strike drones, which may soon appear in the Turkish army and in the international market. According to experts, the Azerbaijani army widely uses the Bayraktar drone of some other modifications during the current hostilities at the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. Asked what will happen with the cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey in this domain, the Ukrainian FM said his country plans intends to actively develop this cooperation. According to him, Ukraine, like Russia, has sold weapons to both Azerbaijan and Armenia. In this regard, Kuleba noted that neither Azerbaijan nor Armenia is under an arms embargo and has the right to buy weapons, and Ukraine sells them without violating any international norms. Kuleba also said that Ukraine is ready to mediate in the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict if the parties request it. "For that, there must be a request that must be answered. That is why we are now following the conflict, we hope it will end and the death toll will be minimal," added the Ukrainian FM. The district attorney in Alameda County, Calif., said on Monday that she would reopen an investigation into the 2009 killing of Oscar Grant III, an event that spurred mass protests in Oakland and more than a decade of calls for justice after he was fatally shot in the back by a transit officer. As one of the first fatal police shootings to be filmed on cellphone cameras and spread widely on social media, the death of the 22-year-old Mr. Grant, who was Black, has long festered in the Bay Area and beyond as an example of police brutality. Responding to a fight on a Bay Area Rapid Transit train, a white transit officer, Johannes Mehserle, shot Mr. Grant on New Years Day while he was lying facedown, unarmed, on a train platform at the Fruitvale Station. Mr. Mehserle was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 2010 and served 11 months in prison. Supporters of Mr. Grant, including his family, have long felt that justice was not achieved. The district attorney, Nancy OMalley, said in a statement Monday that her office had listened closely to the requests of the family of Oscar Grant. LOS ANGELESThe congressional campaign to roll back online free speech protections under the law known as Section 230 continued this week, as a Senate Committee sent subpoenas to CEOs of three of the largest and most influential tech firms Facebook, Twitter, and Alphabet, which is the parent company of Google. The three CEOs will be required to testify just six days before the 2020 presidential election, according to a Politico report. "On the eve of a momentous and highly-charged election, it is imperative that this committee of jurisdiction and the American people receive a full accounting from the heads of these companies about their content moderation practices," Senate Commerce Committee Chair Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican said last week, announcing the subpoenas for Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg, Twitters Jack Dorsey, and Googles Sundar Pichai. The three are expected to testify virtually, via teleconference, on October 28. Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act protects platforms from legal liability over content posted by users. Those protections allow online content providers who allow a nearly unlimited range of views and topics a provision that is especially important for the online adult industry. Wicker and Tennessee Republican Marsha Blackburn have co-sponsored one of the numerous bills aimed at curtailing protections under the 1996 law widely described as The First Amendment of the Internet. Last week, Republican Ohio House Rep Jim Jordan introduced his own version of anti-Section 230 legislation, the Protect Speech Act. His bill joins a Senate bill sponsored by Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, and another pushed by Missouri Republican Josh Hawley, and a bipartisan Senate bill known as the PACT Act sponsored by Hawaii Democrat Brain Schatz, and South Dakota Republican John Thune. But perhaps the most prominent bill aimed at rolling back Section 230 is the EARN IT Act, authored by South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham. EARN IT not only rolls back Section 230 protections, it also places strict limits on internet encryption technologies. The bill could lead to increased government and law enforcement surveillance of sex workers in particular, experts say. A version of the EARN IT Act was introduced in the House of Representatives last week, co-sponsored by Texas Democrat Sylvia Garcia, and Missouri Republican Ann Wagner. Wagner was also a primary sponsor of the 2018 FOSTA/SESTA Act which stripped Section 230 liability protections from platforms suspected of promoting sex trafficking another law that had had a damaging effect on sex workers. A major rollback or elimination of Section 230 would effectively upend the business models of Facebook, Twitter and even Google, an issue that the CEOs are expected to address in their October 28 testimony. Photo By ABC News YouTube Screen Capture Archaeologists from Tel Aviv University, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Geological Survey of Israel have excavated a Chalcolithic-period (5th millennium BCE) copper-smelting workshop at the site of Horvat Beter in Beer Sheva, southern Israel. The excavation revealed evidence for domestic production from the Chalcolithic period, about 6,500 years ago, said Talia Abulafia, an archeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority. The surprising finds include a small workshop for smelting copper with shards of a furnace a small installation made of tin in which copper ore was smelted as well as a lot of copper slag. Abulafia and colleagues unearthed multiple fragments of furnaces, crucibles and slag at the Horvat Beter site. Typological and chemical analyses revealed a two-stage technology: furnace-based primary smelting followed by melting/refining in crucibles. A lead isotope analysis indicated that the ore originated exclusively from Wadi Faynan, more than 100 km away. Its important to understand that the refining of copper was the high-tech of that period, said Professor Erez Ben-Yosef, an archaeologist in the Jacob M. Alkow Department of Archeology and Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations at Tel Aviv University. There was no technology more sophisticated than that in the whole of the ancient world. Tossing lumps of ore into a fire will get you nowhere. You need certain knowledge for building special furnaces that can reach very high temperatures while maintaining low levels of oxygen. The archeology of the land of Israel shows evidence of the Ghassulian culture, he added. This culture was named for Tulaylat al-Ghassul, the archeological site in Jordan where the culture was first identified. The culture, which spanned the region from the Beer Sheva Valley to present-day southern Lebanon, was unusual for its artistic achievements and ritual objects, as evidenced by the copper objects discovered at Nahal Mishmar and now on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The people who lived in the area of the copper mines traded with members of the Ghassulian culture from Beer Sheva and sold them the ore, but they were themselves incapable of reproducing the technology. Even among the Ghassulian settlements along Wadi Beer Sheva, copper was refined by experts in special workshops. At the beginning of the metallurgical revolution, the secret of metalworking was kept by guilds of experts, Professor Ben-Yosef said. All over the world, we see metalworkers quarters within Chalcolithic settlements, like the neighborhood we found in Beer Sheva. At the first stage of humankinds copper production, crucibles rather than furnaces were used, he added. This small pottery vessel, which looks like a flower pot, is made of clay. It was a type of charcoal-based mobile furnace. Here, we show that the technology was based on real furnaces. This provides very early evidence for the use of furnaces in metallurgy and it raises the possibility that the furnace was invented in this region. The teams paper appears in the October 2020 issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. _____ Dana Ackerfeld et al. 2020. Firing up the furnace: New insights on metallurgical practices in the Chalcolithic Southern Levant from a recently discovered copper-smelting workshop at Horvat Beter (Israel). Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 33: 102578; doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2020.102578 Arise and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time. Winston Churchill Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof. Inscription on the Liberty Bell The Sri Lankan has government urged people in the country to strictly follow measures issued by the health authorities to contain the spread of coronavirus after it imposed an indefinite curfew on two western provincial towns following the detection of a community case after a gap of nearly six months, officials said. The island nation has so far recorded 3,395 coronavirus cases and 13 fatalities due to the disease. As part of new measures, the public transport are to ask commuters to wear face masks while passengers would only be taken according to the seats available, transport authorities said. The railway authorities said that strict measures such as compulsory face masks, washing hands and temperature checks would be in place from tomorrow at all railway stations, a senior official said. In another urgent measure the government advanced the mid-year school vacation by four days. The schools throughout the country would be shut for the second term school vacation firm tomorrow. The vacation was to start only from October 9. An indefinite curfew has been imposed on Divulapitiya and Minwangoda towns in the suburbs of Colombo after a Covid-19 positive patient was detected on Sunday, Army Commander and Covid-19 prevention task force head Shavendra Silva said. He said a female from Divulapitiya who works in an apparel factory was found positive for coronavirus after she was admitted to a hospital in Gampaha for fever. Nearly 50 people from her workplace and the hospital have been sent for home quarantine after she was detected positive for Covid-19. According to officials, this is likely the first Covid-19 community case detected since April. Recent infections have come from foreign returnees. The Sri Lankan government on June 28 completely lifted the curfew imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus after no new case of community infection was recorded for nearly two months. However, international flights are yet to be resumed. The island nation was under a continuous lockdown since March 20. Initially, a nationwide blanket curfew was imposed but it was later eased for about two-thirds of the country and was mostly confined to nighttime. The government had ordered partial opening of offices and businesses mid-May. From early June, the restrictions were further relaxed with public transport being allowed. The government further relaxed the Covid-19 curfew, which was in force from 11 pm to 4 am, to only four hours from midnight to 4 am daily from June 14 onwards. According to the new government orders, the public day on Monday at all ministries where the public was able to visit respective ministers to seek urgent attention to problems has been cancelled. India on Monday criticised certain unwarranted comments made by the UN Resident Coordinator on crimes against women including the recent Hathras gang-rape and murder case, saying that since the investigation process is still underway, any unnecessary comments by an external agency are best avoided. New Delhi also said that the UN Resident Coordinator in India should be aware that these cases have been taken extremely seriously by the government. The MEA said, Some unwarranted comments have been made by the UN Resident Coordinator regarding some recent cases of violence against women. UN Resident Coordinator in India should be aware that these cases have been taken extremely seriously by the government. Since the investigation process is still underway, any unnecessary comments by an external agency are best avoided. The Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens of India. As a democracy we have a time-tested record of providing justice to all sections of our society. According to news agency reports, a UN representative in India was quoted as stating, The recent cases of alleged rape and murder in Hathras and Balarampur are another reminder that despite the impressive progress made on a number of social indicators, women and girls from disadvantaged social groups face additional vulnerabilities and are at greater risk of gender-based violence. We support the Prime Ministers call for strict action against the culprits. Entrenched social norms and behaviour of men and boys that lead to gender-based violence must be addressed. The UN representative was also quoted as saying, The UN stands committed to providing continued support to the government and civil society to address violence against women. As we fight the challenge of COVID-19 with the determination to build back better India, building respectful relationships devoid of prejudices and gender biases is a top priority, it added. Deputy Country Representative and Officer in Charge, UN Women, Nishtha Satyam was quoted as saying, We fully stand by and wholeheartedly support the statement given by our Resident Coordinator regarding the brutal rape and murder of two girls in Hathras and Balrampur. We unequivocally condemn the heinous act and demand that perpetrators be brought to book, that justice is fast-tracked and the safety of the victims family is ensured. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Union of Working Journalists has approached Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking to immediately release Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan, taken into custody by the UP police from Hathras toll plaza. "Kappan was trying to do his duty as a reporter," said a letter to the Chief Minister by KUWJ New Delhi Unit president Miji Jose. It said efforts to contact the journalist were unsuccessful. The Hathras Police Station and the state police department have not provided any information on his custody. Siddique Kappan, secretary of KUWJ Delhi unit and a senior Delhi-based journalist working for several Malayalam media houses including azhimukham.com, had gone to Hathras on Tuesday morning to cover the present situation in the area. "We understand that he was taken into police custody by Uttar Pradesh police from Hathras toll plaza. Our efforts and the efforts by some advocates based in Delhi to contact him were not successful. The Hathras Police Station and the State Police department has not provided any information so far on taking him into custody," KUWJ's letter addressed to Adityanath read. ALSO READ | Civil society members, eminent citizens seek CM Yogi Adityanaths removal Meanwhile, the UP government on Tuesday urged the Supreme Court to direct a CBI probe into the alleged gang-rape and death of a Dalit woman in Hathras, saying it will ensure that no vested interests is able to create a fake and false narrative with "oblique motives". In an affidavit filed in response to a PIL, which has been listed for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, the state government said it is important that the investigation is carried out by an independent central agency. Kappan was among four people who were arrested today morning due to their suspected links with the Popular Front of India, an alleged radical group, and its affiliate in Mathura when they were on their way to Hathras district. The PFI has been accused of funding protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act across the country earlier this year and the UP police had sought a ban on the outfit. Hathras has been in the news following the death of a 19-year-old Dalit woman who was allegedly gangraped on September 14 in a village in the district. And her cremation at night, allegedly without the parents' consent, has triggered an outrage. Police said the four men with PFI links were taken into custody at Math toll plaza in Mathura Monday after a tip that suspicious people were heading to Hathras from Delhi. The four were in a car and identified themselves as Atiq-ur Rehman from Muzaffarnagar, Siddique from Malappuram, Masood Ahmed from Bahraich and Alam from Rampur, they said. Their mobile phones, laptop computer and some literature, which could have an impact on peace and order, were seized, officials said. ALSO READ | Heading to Hathras, Dalit leader Udit Raj briefly halted by Ghaziabad police During interrogation, it came to light that they had links with PFI and its associate organisation Campus Front of India, police said. The Popular Front of India (PFI), an alleged radical group, has been accused of funding certain protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that took place across the country earlier this year. The Uttar Pradesh police had earlier sought a ban on the organization. Hathras has been in news after a 19-year-old woman was allegedly raped on September 14 in a village in the district and she succumbed to her injuries a fortnight later at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Her hurried cremation in the dead of the night, allegedly without the parents' consent, created further outrage. Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath referred to "recent incidents" and said "anarchist elements" are trying to trigger communal and caste violence in the state. The development comes a day after Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday claimed to have busted an international conspiracy to foment caste conflagration in the state to defame the Yogi Adityanath government. Police had already registered 19 FIRs across the state in connection with spreading rumours and trying to vitiate the atmosphere. At least six persons, including two in Lucknow, have been arrested in connection with the alleged conspiracy. The police sources earlier claimed that intelligence agencies have indicated alleged involvement of the organisations such as Amnesty International, PFI, and SDPI along with workers and leaders of a number of mainstream political parties in the conspiracy to tarnish the state governments image in the garb of seeking justice for Hathras victim. Moreover, the evidence of international funding has also come to the fore in this regard. Interacting with media persons, UP Additional Director General of Police (Law & order) Prashant Kumar claimed on Monday that conspiracy was hatched to push the state into caste conflagration and turmoil which was unearthed by the cops. "Some specific groups used social media platforms to spread hatred and incite people for creating conflict on caste lines by organising unlawful gatherings in times of Covid-19 pandemic," said the officer. He added that the police department was in possession of proof and the audio and video clips suggesting that some of these groups even offered Rs 50 lakh to the victim's family to speak against the state government. ALSO READ | Congress wants Hathras DM dismissed, asks why SIT probing when CBI inquiry sought The officer confirmed that police had lodged 19 FIRs regarding the matter and it will be too early to reveal names or more details without proper investigations. A website -- justiceforhathrasvictim.carrd.co -- which had information on how to protest safely by avoiding the police, has been linked to the conspiracy. The site has now been taken down and is currently unavailable. It also listed dos and donts on how to stay safe during riots and in situations when police fire tear gas. The ADG further said that police teams were checking the veracity of those messages and the website. Action will be taken against if anything comes up in our investigation," he added. Police claimed that six FIRs in connection with Hathras cases were lodged in Bijnor, Bulandshahr, Lucknow, Prayagaraj, Mathura, Shamli, and Saharanpur for unlawful protest, breaching Section 144 of CrPC and inciting hatred on social media. In one of the FIRs lodged at Chandpa Police station of Hathras, unidentified groups were booked under IPC sections pertaining to sedition, inciting caste violence, promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, imputations, and assertions prejudicial to national integration, forgery, forgery for purpose of cheating, forgery for purpose of harming reputation, along with other sections of IPC and IT Act were also invoked against 400-500 unidentified people. Even Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, Samajwadi Party, and RLD (Rashtriya Lok Dal) workers, who created a ruckus at Boolgarhi village on Sunday, were mentioned in different FIRs lodged in Hathras. In Lucknow, six FIRs were lodged against people who posted fake messages or morphed images of CM Yogi Adityanath on social media platforms in connection with the Hathras incident to incite caste violence. (With Agecnies Inputs) FIVE local food producers are celebrating this week after scooping prestigious Blas na hEireann awards. Glenstal Foods Ltd, Murroe; Kearney's Home Baking Ltd from Ballyhahill; Murphys Home Bakery from Abbeyfeale and the Old Irish Creamery based in Effin were all in the winners enclosure. Of these, Kearney's Home Baking Ltd. won the best in county. Sadly, the winners were not able to travel to Dingle this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, so they learnt of their win online. But staff at the Bank of Irelands branch in 125 OConnell Street were on hand this Tuesday to present their trophies. While staff from Murphys Home Bakery could not make the presentation, the others were joined by another local winner, Kathy McAndrew-Wallace of Bramble Cottage in Clonlara, who won her maiden blas award. Now in their 13th year, the awards recognise the very best Irish food and drink products, and are led by a blind tasting of produce across the country. The award is considered to be as the Oscars of the Irish food industry. Tom OConnell, Glenstal Foods, which supplies butter and cheese to retailers, as well as customers across Europe and North America, says he is a veteran of Blas awards, having scooped many awards in recent years, including the Supreme Champion title back in 2017. Thankfully we win nearly every year. Our butter in particular has won gold and silver over the last number of years. We've won gold and silver over the last number of years. We won silver this year. We got gold for our vintage cheddar this year which we are delighted about. It's a big testament to the work that all the guys are doing at Glenstal, that we are keeping the quality at the highest standard, he told Business Leader. There was another award for James ODoherty of the Old Irish Creamery in Effin. He took gold for new a cheddar product the firm brought out this year. Home-baking firm Kearneys Home Baking, which employs 22 people in West Limerick, won a gold award for their produce. Its something Maura Kearney, who founded the firm with her sister Siobhan in 1992, is very proud of. Getting a gold is like something to celebrate really. It's like getting the holy grail, and we are very proud of it. It's good recognition, and it's great for our team back at base. They are the ones putting in the work, and they are the ones making the bread each day. It's a great boost for them, and our sales. People do follow the Blas na HEireann trademark as a standard. Even to be in the final for any company is a great boost, she said. Kathy McAndrew-Wallace, Bramble Cottage in Clonlara, meanwhile won her first Blas award for her spiced beetroot relish. It means a lot. It's one thing to have for your friends and family to tell you you've a nice product. But when you enter something like this and you get the recognition, you know you've a good product then. There's always great feedback on the spiced beetroot relish. I was delighted, absolutely delighted. I knew I was finalist, but you're up against a load of very established businesses. I was up against a load of stiff competition, so I was delighted to win it, she said. Products from every county in Ireland were entered into this years competition to win gold, silver or bronze Blas na hEireann awards in over 140 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like supreme champion and best artisan producer. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, foreground left, and Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn, foreground right, kneel for a moment of silence at a rally to honor George Floyd in Sacramento, California, on June 3, 2020. Rich Pedroncelli/AP Twenty-one police departments in America's 50 biggest cities are currently led by Black men and women. Oftentimes a Black police chief is brought in after a high-profile conflict between the Black community and the police. But now those chiefs find themselves walking a tightrope in a post-George Floyd world, struggling to bridge a gap between Black communities and police departments. Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn recently told Insider how he has been pushing for reform in his own department and the challenges he's faced as a Black law-enforcement leader. We also spoke to experts on race and policing who explained the challenges that Black police chiefs have to navigate two communities that don't fully accept them. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn never wanted to be a cop. Growing up in Oak Park, a historically Black, working-class neighborhood of Sacramento, his early interactions with the police were largely negative. At 16, he was arrested for assaulting an officer in his living room when he and his mother got into an argument, and she called the police. Prostitutes also held court on the street corners of his neighborhood, where he witnessed a murder and regular drug deals. "Officers weren't held in high regard in my neighborhood," Hahn told Insider in a recent interview. After turning down a police recruiter several times, Hahn took the entrance exam on a whim. When he learned it paid $5 more an hour than what he was making at the time, he decided to join just long enough to pay for college. He was 19 when he joined. "Thirty-three years later, I still haven't quit," Hahn said. What changed his mind, Hahn said, was working as a neighborhood police officer and teaching at a local high school as a rookie. It made him realize all the good could do as an officer, he said. The rise of Black police chiefs Policing in America remains an overwhelmingly white, male profession. In 2016, 71% of officers surveyed by the Bureau of Justice Statistics were white, and 87.7% were male. Story continues Yet it has become increasingly common to see Black men and women leading police departments across the country. Hahn is among 21 Black police chiefs serving in America's 50 biggest cities, according to Insider's calculations. They include Minneapolis, where the police killing of George Floyd in May prompted national protests calling for law-enforcement reform. Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best, left, talks to an activist on June 9, 2020. Best resigned from the police in early September. Elaine Thompson/AP The rise of Black police chiefs has in part been a political response to historic tensions between the police and the Black community. Oftentimes a Black police chief is hired by a mayor or city manager after a high-profile conflict between the African-American community and the police. After the 1992 Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, and the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, both cities hired their first Black police chiefs. Hahn himself was tapped after a series of controversial police shootings in Sacramento, including the 2016 killing of a mentally-ill Black man. More pressure Black police chiefs often find themselves under more pressure than their white counterparts to enact change, and on the firing line when their visions aren't realized immediately. Since Floyd's death, there has been a flood of resignations from Black police chiefs: Dallas Police Chief Ulysha Renee Hall announced her resignation on September 8, after her department was criticized for its use of force against Black Lives Matter protesters in May and June. That same day, Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary resigned after his department was accused of covering up the death of Daniel Prude, a Black man who died of asphyxiation after an arrest in March. Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best announced her resignation in August, hours after the city council voted against her advice to cut her department's budget. Hahn said the fact that so many Black police chiefs have quit recently shows they are under unique pressures. "They are all brought in as progressive police chiefs to change culture and things in the department. They are all in more liberal cities and they've all been run out of office," he said. "I don't see any conservative police chief holding the line being run out of office. So yeah, I would say there's some uniqueness to being a Black police chief." The reformers Jacinta Gau, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Central Florida, said Black police chiefs are often hired because they are seen as "reformers" who can "clean things up and alleviate or eliminate racial tensions." Black police chiefs are believed to be able to bridge two communities historically at odds with one another. "There is an added benefit of someone who has had that lived experience, who has connections to the community," Tracie Keesee, cofounder of the Center of Policing Equity, told Insider. A man is seen yelling at a Metropolitan Police officer in Washington, DC, during a George Floyd demonstration on June 23, 2020. Jacquelyn Martin/AP But Keesee said it's "troubling" that the public expects Black police chiefs to "change the culture within four years or overnight." "They think the unrest that's happening in the streets is going to stop because a person of color is there. It's not going to happen," Keesee said. Black police chiefs like many other Black officers also struggle with being fully accepted by these two communities. "They face a lot of challenges that white officers do not face in part because they have these dueling identities and face discrimination within their own ranks," Gau said. "Every Black police officer out there has been discriminated against by white police officers. They also face racism from the outside world." Hahn said members of the Black community have called him "a sellout" and an "Uncle Tom," officers have questioned his loyalty, and white people have told him he only got the job as chief because of his race. "If I don't use strong language in supporting an officer, I often get [comments] that I'm not supporting my officers," he said. "But if a white police chief says the same thing, they don't get that response." "It's one thing to be disparaged because of a profession, it's a whole different thing to have your own community say you're no longer one of us, because of the shirt you wear." "I often feel that there's a segment of our society that doesn't believe you can be Black and be a police chief, that it's in conflict. I don't believe that," Hahn said. "I'm Black when I take my uniform off. My daughters are Black, my wife is Black, my family is Black. I'm extremely proud about being Black and being a police officer, and 110% believe I can be both." The first big test Hahn was sworn in as police chief of Sacramento in August 2017, becoming the first Black person ever to hold the position. His biggest challenge came seven months into the job, when he had to answer for the police shooting of a young Black man. While investigating a report of broken vehicle glass in a neighborhood, two officers got into a foot chase with a suspect, and ended up shooting 22-year-old Stephon Clark seven times. The officers said they believed Clark was armed, but he was actually holding a phone and standing in his grandparents' backyard. The officers one of whom is Black were never charged with a crime and were allowed to keep their jobs. Stevante Clark, the brother of Stephon Clark, pictured with Hahn before a city council meeting on April 10, 2018. Rich Pedroncelli/AP Hahn was generally praised for his leadership during this crisis. He released footage of the shooting within 72 hours, and changed his department's policy on foot chases. But he wasn't without critics. When the Sacramento Police made several arrests at a protest marking the one-year anniversary of Clark's death, Rev. Shane Harris, founder of the civil-rights group People's Alliance for Justice, called for Hahn's firing. Sacramento Bee columnist Marcos Breton wrote that Hahn deserved "way more heat" for Clark's killing, and that Hahn had not "ironed out structural, tactical and training problems" in his department. And when Hahn announced that the two officers would be returning to full duty, just minutes after federal officials closed the civil-rights investigation into the shooting, Clark's brother, Stevante, told the Sacramento Bee the decision was "f---ed up." When approached for comment, a Sacramento Police spokesman referred Insider to a January 2019 op-ed from Hahn, where he listed various changes the department had made in the year since Clark's death, like creating a new training division and equipping officers with body cameras. Why having a Black chief isn't enough Hiring a Black police chief can be seen as a political leader's show of commitment to addressing a toxic police culture, but experts say that's just one factor of law-enforcement reform. "Hiring someone at the top is one tiny, tiny part of what you need to do to change police behavior," James Forman Jr., a professor at Yale Law School and expert on race and policing, told Insider. Other changes are needed to address the culture that results in regular police brutality against Black people, Forman said, including spotting bad cops early and training officers to be guardians instead of warriors. And until a department has accomplished all of these factors, "you're going to see very little change," Forman said. "There are very few departments that have ever been able to get all of those pieces together for any period of time, which is why we have the crisis that we have right now," he added. Hahn speaks at a rally in honor of George Floyd on June 3, 2020. Rich Pedroncelli/AP Dwayne Crawford, executive director of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, said it would help to have a national body for the police in the way the military has the Pentagon to help lead from the top. "It's so important to get national laws in place that at least force the 18,000 [law-enforcement agencies in America] to have some consistency and if nothing else, some components like a ban on chokeholds," Crawford told Insider. 'I'll be damned if we did not take a knee' When Hahn first saw footage of Floyd's killing in May, he said he was struck by how much Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, looked like one of his own. "It makes you cringe that a human being can do that to someone else for that length of time," he said. "It was extra impactful in that he basically represents what I represent." After seeing a Floyd march in New Jersey that included local law enforcement, Hahn contacted Sacramento community leaders and asked if they could work together on something similar. Hundreds of people took part in their June 3 march, where Hahn and the mayor took a knee during a moment of silence for Floyd. "Some didn't necessarily agree with us taking a knee," Hahn recalled. "I'll be damned if we did not take a knee." A makeshift memorial honoring George Floyd at the spot where he was taken into custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 1, 2020. Reuters The long road of progress Hahn said that as police chief, he's focused on improving relations and dialogues between his officers and Sacramento residents. He said he has "multiple organizations, either reviewing our department or teaching history and bias in our department." "Only when we expand and understand each other better can we work together and come up with a solution to what ails us," he said. Hahn knows the work he's doing now isn't going to produce immediate results, and that it's going to take years to see significant improvement in the relationship between the police and Black America. "I am confident we can get to the right place in Sacramento. It's not going to be completed in my career or the chief after me's career. We didn't get here overnight. We have a long, long history, and it's much broader than law enforcement," Hahn said. "My job is to drive the bus down the right road as long as I have this position and hopefully hand it off to another person who believes in getting to a better place." Read the original article on Insider By overwhelming margins, voters in Pennsylvania and Florida were repelled by Donald Trumps conduct in the first general election debate, according to New York Times/Siena College surveys, as Joe Biden maintained a lead in the two largest battleground states. Overall, Mr Biden led by 7 percentage points, 49 per cent to 42 per cent, among likely voters in Pennsylvania. He led by a similar margin, 47-42, among likely voters in Florida. The surveys began on Wednesday, before the early Friday announcement that Mr Trump had contracted coronavirus. There was modest evidence of a shift in favour of Mr Biden in interviews on Friday, including in Arizona, where a Times/Siena survey is in progress, after controlling for the demographic and political characteristics of the respondents. One day of interviews is not enough to evaluate the consequences of a major political development, and it may be several days or longer before even the initial effects of Mr Trumps diagnosis can be ascertained by pollsters. The debates long loomed as one of the presidents best opportunities to reshape the race in his favour. He has trailed in Pennsylvania and Florida from the outset of the campaign, and he does not have many credible paths to the presidency without winning at least one of the two and probably both. Instead, a mere 21 per cent of likely voters across the two pivotal states said Mr Trump won the debate on Tuesday. It leaves the president at a significant and even daunting disadvantage with less than a month until Election Day. In follow-up interviews with half a dozen, mainly Republican, respondents, none said the presidents coronavirus diagnosis was affecting their voting decision. But some said the debate did affect the way they were thinking about the election, with all but one using the word bully to describe the president. Voters disapproved of the presidents conduct in the debate by a margin of 65 per cent to 25 per cent. More than half of voters said they strongly disapproved of his conduct. I think that Donald Trump acted like a big bully on the stage, said Cindy Von Waldner, a lifelong Republican from Titusville, Florida. The president began to lose her support when the pandemic hit, and she said she did not believe he took it seriously enough or was transparent enough with the American people. She said she would most likely vote for Mr Biden, her first time casting a Democratic ballot. The revulsion against Mr Trumps performance extended well into his reliable base. One-third of the presidents supporters said they disapproved of his performance, including 11 per cent who did so strongly. A modest but potentially significant 8 per cent of people who backed him in the survey said the debate made them less likely to support Mr Trumps candidacy. The debate didnt change the mind of Peralte Roseme, an independent in West Palm Beach, Florida, who voted for Barack Obama and now plans to vote for Mr Trump. Mr Roseme, who is black, said it felt horrible that he refused to directly condemn white supremacists and told one far-right group to stand by, but he supported Mr Trump in the survey. Trump supporters await Republican celebrities Mark and Patricia McCloskey to arrive in Scranton, Pennsylvania last month (AFP via Getty Images) I dont think hes racist or anything like that, he said of Mr Trump. Instead, he said he thought Mr Trump was thinking: I just dont want to lose votes. These are people in my corner - why would I put them down? In a direct comparison with a Times/Siena survey of Pennsylvania conducted before the debate, the presidents personal ratings slumped across the board. The share of voters who thought Mr Trump had the temperament and personality to be president dropped by more than a net 10 percentage points. The president and his allies had long argued that Mr Biden would disqualify himself with a poor performance in the debates, creating an opening for the president to reassemble his winning coalition. But Pennsylvania voters were about as likely to say Mr Biden had the mental sharpness to serve effectively as president as they were before the debate. More voters said Mr Trump didnt have the mental sharpness it takes than said the same of Mr Biden. While Mr Trump failed to capitalise on a rare opportunity to claw back into the race, the findings suggest that the debate did not shift the contest decisively in Mr Bidens direction, either. The results were close to the average of pre-debate surveys in both states, another reflection of the unusually stable polling results before the election. In Pennsylvania, the race was even somewhat closer than it was in a Times/Siena poll conducted before the debate, which found Mr Biden ahead by 9 percentage points. The lack of additional gains by Mr Biden after the first debate might have been all but inevitable in a deeply polarised country. But it might also suggest that Mr Biden, like the president, failed to capitalise on opportunities of his own. Overall, voters split roughly evenly between whether the debate made them more or less likely to support Mr Biden or whether the debate made no difference at all. While most voters approved of the way he handled himself during the debate, his personal ratings nonetheless held steady or even declined compared with the survey taken before the debate in Pennsylvania. After the debate, Pennsylvania voters were less likely to say that Mr Biden was a strong leader, perhaps reflecting that the president tended to dominate the discussion even if it was often to his disadvantage. Voters were also somewhat less likely to say Mr Biden had the temperament to be an effective president. Biden gets support at Pittsburgh Union Station during a campaign stop in Pennsylvania (Getty) Only 37 per cent of likely voters thought Mr Biden won the debate, with an even larger number 42 per cent refusing to confer victory on either candidate. Carl Notarianni, a retired UPS worker, called Mr Bidens performance terrible, partly because he wouldnt answer the question about whether he planned to add Supreme Court justices. Hes a Democrat who has grown disillusioned with the party and supports Mr Trump. Voters said they supported the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court by a margin of 44 per cent to 34 per cent across the two states in the first Times/Siena surveys conducted entirely after her nomination. But voters continued to trust Mr Biden over the president to select the next Supreme Court Justice. The polls found that voters in Florida and Pennsylvania remained deeply divided along the familiar demographic lines of the Trump era, with the president leading among white voters without a college degree and Mr Biden countering with a significant lead among nonwhite voters and white, four-year college graduates. Mr Biden led among voters 65 and older in both states, continuing one of the more surprising electoral shifts of this election cycle in two of the oldest states in the country. In Pennsylvania, Mr Trump faces a large deficit among white college-educated voters, who back Biden, 59 per cent to 31 per cent. Mr Biden held a similar 60 per cent to 32 per cent lead in the suburbs of Philadelphia, doubling Hillary Clintons margin of victory in the region four years ago. Mr Trump nonetheless remained at the edge of competitiveness in Pennsylvania, thanks to a significant lead among white voters without a college degree. Overall, Mr Trump led Mr Biden, 58 per cent to 34 per cent, among white voters without a degree, who represent around half of likely voters in the state. Surveys have tended to suggest a closer race in Florida, with pollsters showing Mr Trump with surprising strength among Hispanic and particularly Cuban American voters. The Times/Siena poll found no signs of any significant gains by Mr Trump among the states Hispanic voters, however, with Mr Biden leading among that group, 58-34. In Miami-Dade County overall, Mr Biden leads, 61-30. In both cases, the results are comparable to or better than Ms Clintons margin four years ago, though the estimates for smaller subgroups carry a considerable margin of sampling error. Mr Biden narrowly led an even smaller sample of less than 50 Cuban American voters, who were registered as Republicans by nearly a 2-to-1 margin. The margin of error due to sampling on the full survey was plus or minus 4.2 percentage points in Florida and 4.1 percentage points in Pennsylvania. New York Times A veteran Hoover police officer and his wife have been arrested on felony drug charges in Birmingham. Birmingham police arrested Barry Erskine Stamps, 56, and Mary Stamps, 34, on Monday afternoon. Barry Stamps has served with the Hoover Police Department for just over 25 years. He was assigned to the Patrol Division. The Pelham couple was arrested about 3 p.m. Monday during a traffic stop by Birminghams Interdiction Unit. Sgt. Rod Mauldin said the violations were speeding and failure to signal on Interstate 459 northbound at Exit 10. During the traffic stop the passenger Barry Stamps identified himself as a Hoover police officer. The traffic stop yielded 27 grams of cocaine, 5 grams of marijuana, and two handguns, Mauldin said. Barry Stamps and Mary stamps were charged with possession with intent to distribute, second-degree possession of unlawful possession, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Barry Stamps and Mary Stamps will be transported and held at the Jefferson County Jail. Formal charges are pending from the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office. Hoover police said Stamps was put on leave following his arrest pending an internal investigation. "No one is above the law and criminal activity by police officers will certainly not be tolerated,'' said Hoover police Chief Nick Derzis. This type of conduct tarnishes the reputation of all officers who serve honorably, protecting and serving our community. When an officer betrays their oath and the laws they are sworn to uphold, they must face the consequences of their actions. "The fact that [the outbreak] can go from Frankston to Benalla all the way up in the north-east, that just speaks as to how wildly infectious this virus is. "One only has to spend a moment to imagine, if Chadstone were open at the moment, just how many more cases we might well be dealing with." Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said anyone who visited the Oddfellows Cafe between September 30 and October 3 was classified as potential close contact and should come forward for testing, "even if you don't have any symptoms at all". Professor Sutton also urged Chadstone shoppers to be on high alert for even the mildest symptoms. "We need to ensure these numbers don't get any higher, so I would call on anyone who was at the shopping centre between September 23 and October 1 to get tested if you have even the mildest of symptoms," he said. "We have a shared responsibility to do what we can to stop this outbreak from getting any bigger. "And if you have a permitted reason to travel from metropolitan Melbourne to regional Victoria, please remember the current restrictions in Melbourne follow you into regional Victoria. That means take away only from cafes and restaurants." Testing is available at: The Kilmore and District Memorial Hospital, Anderson Road, Kilmore, 9am-7pm. Kilmore Soldiers Memorial Hall, 4pm-7pm on Tuesday and 10am-6pm on Wednesday. Chadstone Shopping Centre level 2 car park, outside Coles. Oddfellows Cafe confirmed a staff member had tested positive after being exposed to the customer with COVID-19. Cafe owner Kim Short said she had made the decision to close her business until further notice, with all staff in quarantine after the "devastating" news. "Please stay safe everyone, we are a small community that this could spread very quickly. If unsure stay home, get tested, I can't stress it enough." On Monday, Ms Short expressed her frustration that her employees and other customers had been put at risk. "We've worked so hard to keep our business open and following all the guidelines through the whole pandemic, to say I'm upset this has happened when it shouldn't is an understatement," she said. Chief Health Officer 'unhappy' to see 15 new cases Professor Sutton said he was unhappy to see 15 new coronavirus cases recorded in the state on Tuesday, but moved to reassure the public most were linked with known outbreaks. "I don't like to see a number that's in double figures and not in single figures, and no one obsesses over the daily numbers more than me or my team," he said. "They are, again, predominantly related to known cases, to outbreaks, and we have to get on top of the outbreaks to really drive these numbers down." Three cases are linked to the Butcher Club-Chadstone cluster, while two are linked to Estia aged care home in Keilor. Embracia nursing home in Moonee Valley and the Oddfellows Cafe in Kilmore have each been connected to one new case. The seven remaining cases remain under investigation. Three cases emerged in the Greater Dandenong and Wyndham council areas and two in Brimbank and Frankston, while single cases were recorded in Darebin, Melbourne, Moonee Valley, Moreland and Mitchell. The state's death toll rose to 807 after a previously unrecorded death of a woman in her 90s was reported. There are now 216 active cases in the state and 21 people fighting the virus in hospital, including one in intensive care. Anyone who has spent any time at any of the exposure sites listed below and develops symptoms should come forward for testing. Tuesday's numbers bring Victoria's rolling 14-day case average to 10.9. That number needs to be lower than five and there also needs to be fewer than five mystery cases for Melbourne to take the next step out of lockdown on October 19. On Tuesday there were 13 active mystery cases. Two teenagers, 15, stabbed a police woman in the stomach as she tried to stop a corner shop robbery, a court heard today. Allegedly armed with knives, the boys were accused of hiding their faces before attempting a raid on Pimlico Grocery in Chapter Street, Westminster. Two plain clothed police officers - one male and one female - were attacked when they tried to detain two alleged thieves on Sunday. The shopkeeper at Pimlico Grocery had managed to push the suspects out of the store shortly after 3.30pm, a judge at Highbury Corner Youth Court heard. Despite being stabbed in the stomach the policewoman, named only as PC Clarke, chased them along Vauxhall Bridge Road. Allegedly armed with knives, the boys were accused of hiding their faces before attempting a raid on Pimlico Grocery (pictured after the alleged attack) in Chapter Street, Westminster Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. The two youths are also accused of attacking the male officer and threatening a person with a blade. They were remanded into youth detention accommodation until next Monday. Beata Murphy, prosecuting, said PC Clarke and her colleague, PC Walker, were in their unmarked car when they witnessed the youths behaving suspiciously outside the shop. The defendents allegedly chased store keeper Akmed Kumi behind the counter and drew their knives. Mr Kumi jumped over the till and locked the door to the shop behind him, but the pair are said to have started kicking it off its hinges. The shopkeeper at Pimlico Grocery had managed to push the suspects out of the store shortly after 3.30pm, a judge at Highbury Corner Youth Court (pictured) heard 'As this was going on officers Clarke and Walker saw the commotion, exited the vehicle and ran into the store,' said the prosecutor. One of the youths managed to break free during a struggle but the other teenager 'struggled with the officers before stabbing PC Clarke in the abdomen,' said Ms Murphy. 'PC Clarke only then realised that she was stabbed then and stopped pursuing them. They ran into Pret and they were attempting to hide in the toilet. Two knives were found on them.' The suspects were detained with the assistance of firearms officers. Police said the officer was taken to hospital, adding that her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening and she had since been discharged. A forensic officer dusts a door frame at Pimlico Grocery on Sunday inside the police cordon District Judge Julia Newton told the youths: 'You're both facing a charge of violence, that is section 18 (GBH with intent) and both face a charge of attempted robbery. 'You have both armed yourselves with knives and attempted to rob a shopkeeper, threatened him with a knife. 'Then attempted to escape and stabbed a female officer in the stomach. 'The officer wasn't wearing a stab vest.' One of the 15-year-old suspects, from Barking, was charged with grievous bodily harm against a police officer and assault by beating of an emergency worker. He was also charged with attempted robbery, threatening a person with a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place, assault by beating and criminal damage. The second boy, from Hampshire, was charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker, attempted robbery and assault by beating. In addition, he was charged with criminal damage and threatening a person with a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place. They did not enter pleas, were remanded into youth detention accommodation and will appear at the same court on 12 October. Chief Inspector Simon Brooker said: 'This shows precisely the kind of danger officers face every single day as they work to keep the public safe. The injured police officer has been commended for her bravery during Sunday's incident 'For this officer to be stabbed on duty is unacceptable but, fortunately, she does not appear to be seriously injured. 'I applaud her bravery in responding to this call. This courage is typical of Met officers as they go about their duties.' On Sunday, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: 'My thoughts and prayers are with this brave police officer who is receiving treatment in hospital after she was stabbed while on duty, intervening in a robbery, this afternoon. 'Every day our courageous police officers put themselves in harm's way to keep Londoners safe. 'I am sure all Londoners will join me in wishing her a speedy recovery. 'Attacks on our police are utterly unacceptable and perpetrators will feel the full force of the law.' The trial continues. Sri Lanka needs sincere and genuine friends. They should prove their qualitative friendship through their actions, not by beautiful but empty words or deceptive emotions. Editorial A sly strategy of the Ambassador of the United States has been successful. Thats diplomacy. Well-experienced diplomat, as the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Alaina B. Teplitz threw remarks on China in recently. Consequently, Chinese embassy officials' eyes were reddened, like wasps stirring after throwing a stone at their cage. We feel that the response from the Chinese Embassy was not appropriate and less-professional. The problem is why Chinese diplomats choose anger when they have a path to respond impartially and constructively. No matter how economically developed, this emotional behaviour can cause that development to collapse in a very short period. Alas, if so, the century of Asia could only be a myth. A few weeks ago, the acting Chinese Ambassador (charge d'affaires) gave his usual anti-US remarks in an "interview" with a Sri Lankan daily. In response, the US ambassador gave an "interview" to the same newspaper, presenting the American ideology. It can be observed that both these interviews are based on the same level of very carefully selected questions and very carefully crafted answers. However, both countries are well aware of the importance of Sri Lanka. At present, every possible effort is being made by them to extend its power to the maximum possible throughout the country. This is the reality that is being explained to us by the city being built on the reclaimed land at the periphery of old Colombo city as well as the huge embassy premises being built on the US property in Colombo. If Sri Lanka is more efficient and strategic, it is possible to seize the most of this opportunity. But if this opportunity is spoiled by short-sighted extremists, Sri Lanka will inevitably fall prey to the powers that be. The bitter truth is that Sri Lanka has suffered for decades as a victim of Indian politics. Unfortunately, regarding the bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka, India has changed its bottle but never thought of changing the old rotten wine. If Sri Lanka becomes a gambling den of several other powerful states within a short period, this country will be even more helpless. However, the Chinese Embassy's response to the key points flagged by the US ambassador was neither successful nor diplomatic. It is a written attack based merely on sentimentality. It does not show any professionalism. Unfortunately, almost all the relevant points required explanations were omitted. Development projects, especially those offered by China, were awarded only to Chinese companies and the lack of transparency in the financial transactions of those projects was highlighted by the US Ambassador. China, we believe, should respond to such an allegation based on data. But the Chinese embassy has forgotten that basic financial principle in its response. It is laughable to accuse the American Ambassador of violating diplomatic protocol merely for quoting the data published on the public domain. We must emphasize here that the incumbent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made it very clear that Sri Lanka pursues its longstanding neutral foreign policy. Also, Sri Lanka has reiterated the importance of maintaining the Indian Ocean as a peace zone. Subject to these basic principles, Sri Lanka needs important and disciplined friends. Different countries may have conflicts for various political reasons. But we respect the fact that those conflicts are kept away from this beautiful island and its territorial waters. Sri Lanka does not need opportunists who are harassing the country and creating ugly political turmoil. At the same time, Sri Lanka does not want those who bribe the worst thieves in the country and have ulterior motives to weaken the country economically and turn it into a country that depends only on the manipulator. A country that has lived with blood and tears for decades, Sri Lanka needs sincere and genuine friends. They should prove their qualitative friendship through their actions, not by beautiful but empty words or deceptive emotions. NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Task & Purpose , a leading digital media website for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families, announced today it was joining the Brookline Media network of sites, immediately creating one of the largest footprints in the military-focused media market. "I launched Task & Purpose to give a platform and voice to our remarkable servicemen and women," said Zach Iscol, Task & Purpose co-founder. "And I could not be prouder of all the team has achieved, from taking on difficult topics like sexual harassment and how we care for our sick and wounded to supporting Gold Star families and telling the stories of unsung heroes and fallen warriors, and so much more." "With Brookline's expertise in digital media, complementary audiences, and passion for supporting our nation's troops, I couldn't think of a better team to be working with moving forward to take Task & Purpose to the next level." The addition of Task & Purpose to the Brookline Media portfolio immediately creates one of the largest digital media footprints in the military market, with Task & Purpose dedicated to bringing news and engaging content to current and former service members, its sister site Military Spouse Fest connecting and supporting military families, and The War Zone covering the intersection of defense, military technology, and foreign policy. Together these sites reach more than 11 million unique visitors and deliver more than 15 million page views each month. Task & Purpose was founded in 2014 with a mission to inform, engage, entertain, and stand up for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. The site quickly became one of the most trusted news and investigative journalism sources for the military, with its journalists reporting everywhere from the Pentagon to The White House and beyond. Since its founding in 2012, Military Spouse Fest has supported military spouses by connecting them with valuable resources within the military community and helping them build a support system through nationwide events. It offers modern military spouse content, a thriving live event series in partnership with USAA, and an engaging online community for military spouses who need resources at their fingertips and face-to-face connections in a digital world. "We're thrilled to be adding Task & Purpose to Brookline Media and to be pairing them with The War Zone," said Andrew Perlman, managing partner at North Equity, the parent company of Brookline Media. "Their reputation within the military community is second to none, and we're excited about expanding their mission of supporting those who serve and put their lives at risk for our country." About Brookline Media Brookline Media is a digital media holding company that uses a proprietary combination of operational, data, and technology expertise to build and grow its portfolio of digital media properties in the automotive and military markets. Brookline is backed by North Equity, a leading venture equity firm, and is part of a portfolio that currently focuses on the automotive, home, military, and specialty verticals and includes The Drive, BobVila.com, Kitchenistic, The War Zone, Car Bibles, and Task & Purpose, among others. About Task & Purpose Founded in 2014, Task & Purpose provides authentic reporting and perspectives on stories that matter to the Post 9/11 military, veterans, and the broader American public. Reporting from the Pentagon to The White House and beyond, Task & Purpose journalists extensively covered the Standing Rock protests in North Dakota, shed light on American veterans being forced to work for Mexican cartels, and drew national attention to a longstanding legal rule barring service members from suing the government. Contributing writers to Task & Purpose have included Medal of Honor recipients, President Barack Obama, Sen. John McCain, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and hundreds of military veterans, leading influencers, authors, and experts. About Military Spouse Fest Founded in 2012, Military Spouse Fest offers modern military spouse content, a thriving live event series in partnership with USAA, and an engaging online community for military spouses who need resources at their fingertips and face-to-face connections in a digital world. Just like the community they serve, the Military Spouse Fest team consists of military spouses getting through another PCS, another deployment, setting up another house, and building new friendships along the way, building a global community that feels like a neighborhood. Military Spouse Fest is dedicated to empowering military spouses and families by providing them with information and the community support they need in their daily lives. SOURCE North Equity Related Links https://taskandpurpose.com FAIRFIELD A temporary cleaning worker at Roger Ludlowe Middle School and two students in the district have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said. The employee had been in close contact with people on the custodial staff, some of whom have been asked to quarantine, Superintendent of Schools Mike Cummings said in a message to families and staff Tuesday. At this point we are not aware of any infected staff custodians, only that the custodians were potential close contacts of a positive case among the temporary cleaning staff, Cummings said. In a separate update on Tuesday, Cummings said one student enrolled at Fairfield Ludlowe High School and another doing remote learning had tested positive. He said the Ludlowe student was in quarantine and had not been in the building since Sept. 29, meaning the high school would remain open and no additional people need to quarantine. This individual has not been in contact with anyone in the school community and no physical location is impacted, he said of the student in remote learning. Regarding the temporary cleaning employee, Cummings said all known potential close contacts were asked to quarantine and present no further risk to the staff and students going forward. A close contact is anyone who was within six feet of the person who tested positive for at least 15 minutes. These people were determined through interviews done with the person who tested positive and the custodial staff. A recent close contact with another staff custodian does not constitute an exposure and does not require quarantine. The superintendent said enhanced cleaning will continue to be done Tuesday afternoon and evening by replacement staff to ensure surfaces are properly disinfected. Cummings said health and safety protocols were followed in consultation with Health Department Director Sands Cleary and Nursing Supervisor Jill Mitchell. He said investigation and private health information would not be shared. According to the districts COVID-19 dashboard, seven Roger Ludlowe High School students and one staff member have tested positive for the virus while 15 students have recovered. It also notes 70 students and 14 staff members are in quarantine, including people at Ludlowe High, Warde High, Ludlowe Middle School, Tomlinson Middle School, Holland Hill, McKinley, Mill Hill, Osborn Hill, Riverfield, Sherman and Wardes Early Childhood Center. The safety of our community is our priority, Cummings said. We are monitoring this situation closely and will continue to keep you informed of any changes or additional information. Joshua.LaBella@hearstmediact.com Whenever you come up with a promising innovative concept of a new application there must be no doubt it has real potential, to become the next big thing. For sure, one of the first steps you'll take is talking to your team and planning the development process. However, you have to make sure that your in-house team can handle your project. Why You Should Take Software Development Seriously Applications have made stark improvements to our day-to-day lives. They enable us to do many things with a touch on the screen or just a click of the mouse. According to BuildFire, there are 2.8 million apps in the Google Play Store in 2020. That's a huge number for just one platform without mentioning the other mobile platforms. With so many apps available for download, why couldn't you name at least a hundred of them? Primarily, because only the good apps are worth remembering and using. When In-House Talent Isn't Making the Cut If you want to be good at business, you need to make sure that your product is worth your customer's time. It's a great advantage if you have in-house resources to create apps. At the same time, if you don't think your team can do it, there's no reason to give up on a project. It's about time you consider outsourcing your custom software development needs. To help you make this big decision, here are a few signs that indicate you'd better outsource your custom software development project. 1. You don't have an in-house dev team You can have the most innovative idea for an application ever and still achieve nothing if you don't have a team equipped with the skills and experience required for a certain custom software project. There are two ways you can fix this. First, you can start creating your own project team. While this is good if you have long-term plans as a developer, the catch is that you would have to invest a lot of time and efforts in the recruitment process. The other way is to outsource a project to your development partner. In this case, you won't have to worry about the team competence working on your project, as custom software development companies typically hire and train accomplished professionals and ramp up your project team with the most fitted candidates. 2. Your team isn't achieving planned goals You can face the underperformance of your team. It can be a result of many different reasons, such as low qualification, lack of tools, or staff overload. You can wait it out and allow the team to learn as they do the project. Maybe they're just in a slump. However, if you want your company to thrive, you need to meet your goals. Outsourcing will allow you to relieve them from the project and let them focus on things that they're better at while you have a team of software development professionals fine-tuning your product. 3. You're short on time If you're short on time and need to meet a strict deadline, you'll want experts working on your project. It ensures that the end-product will be delivered on time and will meet all the requirements. Yes, you can trust your team to grind their way to meet the deadline, but make sure they are not distracted with any other initiatives. If you can't guarantee that, you should consider the safer and more effective choice, outsource your software development needs. 4. You're already overloaded and under pressure When your team is already working hard on other projects and achieving your goals, it's never good to give added pressure. Not only will it cause additional stress on the team, but it will also risk some of your goals not being met and some of your projects failing. Outsourcing is a good thing for this kind of situation. After you find a good custom software development partner, all you need to do is sit back, let the outsourcing company do the work, and make them handle the added pressure and load. 5. You don't have the tools and licenses for the project The infrastructure and requirements for application software development vary depending on its concept, features, and target users. To work on an app you're going to need various tools and devices, such as mobile devices, software development environment, access to different tools and frameworks, certifications, and other resources. Outsourcing companies provide all of these tools and devices for your project. They also support licenses needed for your app, depending on where it's going to be deployed, the operating systems it will run on, and other factors. With the outsourcing company working on the project and taking care of all these needs, it's a win-win situation. You're saving money, and all you have to do is sit back, plan the application's release, and focus on other projects as experts work on your app. Do You Have All the Signs? If you do, then you're in need of extra help. Software development continually evolves, applications get more sophisticated year by year, and they become more complex to develop. That's why you want to have competent and seasoned experts who are up to date with current trends in custom software development. That's also why you need to partner with an IT outsourcing company that understands your vision and goals and will help you meet them in the best way possible. Why do you need to outsource your software development needs? Because it's easier to realize your vision when you have a dedicated team of professionals with years of proven experience. Velvetech is a Chicago-based custom software development company. They provide business and technology solutions for companies across different industries - healthcare, fintech, insurance and others If you've decided that you want to outsource and don't know where to start look at their custom software development services and contact Velvetech for a consultation. By PTI BENGALURU: Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar's brother and MP from Bengaluru Rural D K Suresh on Tuesday claimed that the CBI has accounted for only Rs 6.78 lakh cash seized at their premises, though it said Rs 57 lakh was recovered during the searches. In a series of tweets, he sought a clarification from the CBI on the remaining Rs 50.22 lakhs. The investigating agency had on Monday claimed that the searches at the premises of Shivakumar and others led to recovery of cash of Rs 57 lakh and several incriminating documents including property documents, bank related information, computer hard disk. The CBI has registered a case against Shivakumar for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets worth Rs 74.93 crore. "I also would like to clarify that the CBI has accounted for a total cash of Rs 6.78 lakhs between my brother's and my premises," Suresh tweeted. He said, "In my Delhi residence cash Rs 1.57 lakh, my brother's residence in Bengaluru cash Rs 1.71 Lakh, his home office in Bengaluru cash Rs 3.5 lakh was accounted for. No cash was accounted for in my brother's Delhi residence nor in my residence in Bengaluru." ALSO READ: A day after CBI search, Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar's brother Suresh tests COVID positive Pointing out that CBI has declared cash Rs 57 lakh was seized during the searches Suresh sought clarification with regard to balance Rs 50.22 lakhs "this amount was not found and accounted for in our premises". Shivakumar too on Monday disputing the CBI's claim of Rs 57 lakh recovery, had said, "I have panchnama with me...How will I know if something has been recovered from houses not related to me? I'm answerable to what is in my house." The central agency on Monday conducted searches at 14 locations linked to Shivakumar, including Karnataka, Delhi and Mumbai, in connection with the allegations of possession of disproportionate assets. Further stating that Jewellery and ornaments assessed by the IT and ED earlier were re-assessed by CBI, Suresh said the CBI officials have collected all the documents submitted to IT and ED officials. Suresh also complimented the CBI officials for their professional conduct during search at his premises and that of his brother on Monday "without any harassment." "We will continue to cooperate in every way possible with all authorities to clear our names. We will come out of this with your blessings and good wishes," he added. Shivakumar on Monday had termed searches conducted by CBI on properties linked to him at 14 places as "politically motivated" and said he would not bow down to "conspiracies or pressure tactics to shut him up". He was earlier arrested on September 23 last year by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the money laundering case and was lodged in the Tihar jail under judicial custody. The Congress leader was released from the jail on October 23 after the Delhi High Court granted him bail. 'It's to do with the release of the hostage Soumaila Cisse and the Frenchwoman, Sophie Petronin,' the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. A second batch of jihadists has been freed in Mali, sources said Tuesday, boosting speculation that a French charity worker and Malian politician held by the insurgents may be freed in a swap. About 30 "jihadist prisoners were released" late Monday and early Tuesday "and were flown north," a Mali security source said. "It's to do with the release of the hostage Soumaila Cisse and the Frenchwoman, Sophie Petronin," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. More than 100 suspected or convicted rebels were released at the weekend, an official in charge of the negotiations said on Monday. They were released in the central region of Niono and the northern region of Tessalit after arriving by plane. Cisse, a 70-year-old former opposition leader and three-time presidential candidate, was abducted on March 25 while campaigning in his home region of Niafounke ahead of legislative elections. Petronin, a French charity worker who is now 75, was abducted by gunmen on December 24, 2016, in the northern city of Gao. She is the last French national held hostage in the world. Her son, Sebastien Chadaud, who lives in Switzerland, flew to Paris on Tuesday "and should be in (the Malian capital) Bamako in the early afternoon," Petronin's nephew, Lionel Granouillac, told AFP. "He went there on his own initiative. He left this morning," Granouillac said, speaking in southwestern France, adding, "You have to be very cautious" about the outcome. The last video in which Petronin appeared was received in June 2018. She seemed tired and emaciated, and appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron for help. In another video in November 2018, in which she did not appear, her kidnappers said her health had deteriorated. Malian authorities suspect an Al-Qaeda-linked group in central Mali led by militant cleric Amadou Koufa is responsible. "We are doing everything to get some good news. They (the negotiators) have been out in the bush (the desert) since yesterday. We are waiting," an official in Tessalit who is close to the mediators told AFP. An official in the northern town of Timbuktu said "the problem is that the two hostages are not in the same place. They have to be brought together in order to have them released." Mali is in the grip of a double crisis. An eight-year-old jihadist insurgency that began in the north of the country has since spread to the country's fragile centre and now rattles neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. The country is also in the aftermath of a military coup that toppled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on August 18. Keita has been replaced by an interim president, Bah Ndaw, a former foreign minister and retired colonel selected by the junta. He appointed a 25-member government on Monday, of which four key posts have gone to colonels. Mali's former colonial ruler France has 5,100 soldiers deployed across the Sahel region as part of its anti-jihadist Operation Barkhane. Search Keywords: Short link: By PTI PATIALA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "not bothered" about what is happening in the country and he only "protects his image", Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday as he attacked the Centre on the new farm laws. Gandhi was in Punjab as part of his three-day 'Kheti Bachao Yatra', during which held a series of tractor rallies, to protest against the three new agriculture-related laws, which, he claimed, will not only affect farmers but also consumers. The Centre has asserted that the laws will be beneficial for farmers and increase their income. Claiming that several institutions, including the media, that protect the voice of the people have been "captured" by the BJP-led Centre, Gandhi said, "Give me free press and institutions which are free, this government will not last for long." The prime minister does not understand these farm laws, the Congress leader alleged on the final day of his yatra in Punjab and dared Modi to come to the state and stand with farmers if these new legislations were in the interest of the farming community. Gandhi also raised the Ladakh standoff issue while addressing the media here. He claimed that Modi had said no one "snatched" India's land. Then how was "1,200 square km" taken away by China, the Congress leader asked without substantiating his claim. "They talk of 'Bharat Mata', but Narendra Modi gave 1,200 square km of 'Bharat Mata' to China to protect his image. It is a reality," he alleged. Gandhi suggested that the media should call the prime minister to a press conference and talk to him openly. "Why is he scared of you Modi ji is only interested in his image. He will go to (Atal) tunnel alone and then waive. The media, on which there is full monopoly, will show it. So, he has an obsession with his image only. What is happening in India, he is not bothered about it," he said. Prime Minister Modi on Saturday inaugurated the strategically important all-weather Atal Tunnel at Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh. To a question on a weak Opposition in the country, Gandhi said the Opposition functions within a framework that includes the media, the judicial system and institutions that protect the voice of the people. "In India, this entire framework that protects the voice of the people has been captured. The entire architecture has been captured and then to say that the opposition is weak is not a correct statement, he said. "Give me a free press and institutions that are free, this government will not last long," Gandhi said. The BJP-led government at the Centre has captured the "soul" of the country, he said and accused it of destroying the food security system with the three "black laws". He said if farmers were to benefit from these farm laws, then why did the prime minister not debate on this in Parliament. "Why were the bills passed when he knew farmers would not be able to come out during the coronavirus pandemic," Gandhi asked. "Why does not Modi ji hold a press conference like this and say these (laws) are in farmers' interest. Why does he not come to Punjab and stand with farmers and say this," he said. The Congress leader said that with these laws, not only farmers but consumers would also be affected. Gandhi was flanked by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh who informed the media that his government will soon bring a special session to scuttle these legislations. These laws are crafted to "destroy not just farmers but the entire agricultural system, and the state", Singh claimed. President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, the Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and the Farm Services Bill; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, which were passed by Parliament last month. Gandhi said he was committed to fighting against the Modi government's attack on farmers. The government had earlier targeted SMEs and small traders with demonetisation and GST, he said. "I will fight them and stop them," Gandhi said, pointing out that without minimum support price, Punjab, Haryana, and other agricultural states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan will have no future left. Taking a dig at the BJP for criticising him for sitting on a 'gaddi' (cushion) on a tractor, Gandhi quipped that the prime minister's 'Air India One' did not just have a cushion but a whole lot of luxury beds for his comfort. "Why don't you question them about this," Gandhi asked the media in response to a question about him sitting on a 'gaddi' on a tractor during his Punjab 'Kheti Bachao Yatra'. He accused the prime minister for "wasting" thousands of crores of rupees on the plane just because "his friend Donald Trump (US President) has one (Air Force One)". It is strange that nobody is seeing or questioning the VVIP Boeing 777 purchased for this whopping amount, but everyone is being quick to point to the 'gaddi', the Congress leader said without giving a specific amount. He said that some well-wishers had put the cushion. On BJP's claims that the farm laws, just like demonetisation and GST, were major achievements of the Modi government, Gandhi told the media to go and ask small traders and businessmen, and farmers, whether they considered these actions to be accomplishments or failures. "If the farm laws are an achievement, then why are the farmers not celebrating, why are they not bursting firecrackers with joy," he asked. Gandhi slammed the Modi government for "destroying" key systems such as SMEs and small businesses. They have "ruined" the structure of employment by "destroying" small and medium businesses and now they are "destroying" the foundations of agriculture, he said. Calling the existing food security system a fortress for farmers, Gandhi said it had needed improvement and reforms, which is what the Congress manifesto had also promised. Assembly Member for CP Electoral Area in the Awutu Senya East Constituency, Hon. Daniel Dotse has joined calls by the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to legalize Okada business in the country. According to him, legalization of Okada business will curb robbery in the area. In an exclusive interview, the Hon. Member said, Okada business has minimized unemployment rate in the electoral area. "Assessing the youth unemployment rate in the electoral area has declined due to Okada operations. To the large extent, Okada business has improved the lives of many youths in the constituency and its legalization will mean it will be backed by law," he said. "I believe that, legalizing Okada will generate more jobs for the youth in CP electoral area and the constituency at large because being backed by law will encourage other unemployed youths to engage in this business decently. Since the announcement of the legalization of Okada business, the NPP and the government has kicked against the policy. The NPP and its government argued the viability is unsustainable, as it becomes fertile for road accidents. However, it had initially argued that the government was committed to legalizing the business with contradictory statements. Meanwhile, the opposition NDC believes legalizing will reduce road accidents toll and provide livelihood for riders. It explained that government will train and regulate the business to ensure its sustainability. Okada riders across the country in a series of press conference has said, the fear of being arrested by law enforcement agencies. "Most of the accidents happen because we fear being arrested by the police. The moment you stop at the traffic light, they will pass behind and arrest you, that is why Okada riders don't stop at the traffic. According to the Hon. member, crime rate has reduced due to the employment okada business has generated for youths in the constituency and the electoral area. The Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists behind Mondays attack on a CRPF road-opening party in the Nowgam area on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Jammu and Kashmir, in which two personnel were killed and three were injured, have been identified, a senior police official said on Tuesday. We have identified the militants behind the attack. They are from the Lashkar, led by a Pakistani terrorist named Saifullah. We are on the job and they will be neutralised soon, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar said. He was speaking to reporters after the wreath-laying ceremony for the two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans, who were killed in the attack. Two terrorists came on a scooter, most probably from the Pampore side, and opened indiscriminate firing from an AK rifle, the IGP said. He admitted that the module of the Pakistan-based militant outfit had carried out an attack earlier in the Chadoora area of Budgam district as well, in which an assistant sub-inspector of the CRPF was killed. We are conducting operations and soon, they will be neutralised, the officer said. Responding to a question on terrorists using two-wheelers to carry out attacks, Kumar said it is easy for the ultras to move around on motorbikes on roads where the vehicle movement is heavy. We cannot check every vehicle, vehicles are checked based on information mostly. Checking every vehicle will cause traffic jams, he said. The IGP sought to assure people, saying there is no need to panic and the situation is under control. On the use of virtual phone numbers by terrorists, he said this technology is a cause of concern but it has been used for subversive activities for years now. Virtual numbers have remained challenging since the beginning. It is challenging across the world. We are trying to find technological answers, Kumar said. Advertisement Keep an eye on your wardrobes ladies - according to Gucci, the latest must-have trend for men is a dress you can style with jeans. Last week the Italian luxury brand unveiled an eye-catching new addition to its menswear collection - a 1,700 orange check frock. The 'Tartan cotton long smock shirt,' which comes with mother of pearl buttons, satin bow detailing and a contrast Peter Pan collar, is inspired by grunge looks from the Nineties. The fashion house advised styling it 'over ripped denim jeans', adding that it is intended to reflect 'the idea of fluidity' explored for its Fall Winter 2020 fashion show, and 'disrupt the toxic stereotypes that mold masculine gender identity'. Before you go adding it to your other half's Christmas list, FEMAIL asked a brave volunteer to give his verdict on the controversial look and whether he feels it lives up to Gucci's aspirations. Presenter Simon Thompson, 32, from Southampton, donned a replica from ASOS for a stroll around west London. Here he reveals what it's like to spend a day in the dress, and his experience was not what you might expect. Keen to see whether it lives up to Gucci's aspirations, presenter, actor and comedian Simon Thompson, 32, from Southampton, donned a replica from ASOS for a stroll around west London Last week Italian luxury brand Gucci unveiled an unusual new addition to its menswear collection - a 1,700 orange check frock (pictured) When I first saw this dress, I was surprised to hear that it was made for men. In my head as progressive as I am - it still looks like a women's dress. From the way it's cinched in at the waist to the cut of the shoulders and the tartan pattern, it's a feminine style, and while I agree we need to blur the lines, it's not cut for men. Even the slim male model in the photo doesn't have a particularly wide frame, but it doesn't look right. The male and female bodies are so different and it's a shame they didn't cater to this more. It just didn't fit properly; my chest looked absurdly broad, whereas most of the clothes I wear day-to-day that are made for men accommodate my chest and my shoulders. When Simon first saw the dress, he said he was surprised to hear that it was made for men. 'In my head as progressive as I am - it still looks like a women's dress,' he admitted. Pictured enjoying a pint of Guinness in the pub While Simon didn't notice a great deal of reaction from passersby at first, soon heads started to turn in his direction - this group of charity workers appreciated his look Simon said he wondered if people might have assumed he was dressed up for Oktoberfest and out on the razz, or that he'd lost his stag do but it was a Tuesday morning If you're going to make something for men it needs to accommodate their figure much the same as the cut of a woman's size six dress is going to vary from a size 16 or 18 dress. The reception I received wearing it out on the streets of west London was really interesting. In the beginning I wondered if it was an invisibility cloak, because no one was reacting. It crossed my mind that people might have assumed I was dressed up for Oktoberfest and out on the razz, or that I'd lost my stag do but this was a Tuesday morning. Then I thought, well, this is Kensington, there's a lot of haute couture fashion going on and people here are generally pretty liberal. Had we gone to say, Lewisham, where people are traditionally more working class and tend to wear more stereotypical clothing for each gender, I wonder what the reactions might have been there. But after a while, I did start to notice people's heads turn. In a local supermarket, Simon noticed several people do a double take - pictured browsing in the the tea and coffee aisle Simon, pictured in the replica Gucci gown while browsing a food outlet, said the fit of the dress made him look uncomfortable 'I definitely noticed a generation gap,' Simon observed. 'I strolled through the menswear section of a number of clothing stores (pictured), and while many of the older men in there were speaking a different language, I one hundred per cent know they said something about what I was wearing. I don't think we're going to change their minds any time soon' One of the most surprising reactions I received was while walking past Japan House. The security guard came running out and started talking to me and, I'll put my hands up here, he came across as traditionally masculine and I totally pre-judged what he was going to say. So I was shocked when he exclaimed: 'This is fabulous! I've not seen anything like this before, is this made for men?' He went on to explain that they'd had kimonos in there a little while ago and they'd proved really popular. He added: 'But THIS is another step on and I really like that!' I guess a kimono can blur the lines because it doesn't have a female shape to it much like the sarong David Beckham once wore to the beach. I was also quite bemused by the reaction I got from builders. When I walked past one or two, zero reaction one even stepped aside to let me through without batting an eyelid. Simon was bemused by the reaction he got from builders. 'When I walked past one or two, no reaction one even stepped aside to let me through without batting an eyelid,' he said - but it was a different story when it was a group of them (pictured pointing and shouting) When Simon strolled past one group of builders in Kensington, some were brazen enough to take out their camera phones and take pictures Speaking about the reaction from the gang of heckling builders, Simon said: 'It was like they felt they needed to make it clear they weren't OK with it, when deep down they probably couldn't care less' But when I walked past a group of six or eight, I got pointed at and heckled; I heard one say, 'Yo, he's wearing a dress!' and another shout, 'You can't wear that!' It revealed that it's only when you get a group of them together that the mob mentality and toxic masculinity can really show itself. It was like they felt they needed to make it clear they weren't OK with it, when deep down they probably couldn't care less. I definitely noticed a generation gap, too. I strolled through the menswear section of a number of clothing stores, and while many of the older men in there were speaking a different language, I one hundred per cent know they said something about what I was wearing. I don't think we're going to change their minds any time soon. But although younger generations, particularly staff in the shops, were definitely looking at me more than average, it was probably intrigue as opposed to distaste more, 'Oh what's that guy wearing, is it men's, women's or what?' Then there was a woman outside a cafe; I'd noticed her eyeing me up and down before she stopped me and said: 'Can I ask you why you're wearing a dress?' While he sat outside a cafe and enjoyed a coffee, a number of people passing by couldn't help but stop and look him up and down Simon told how one woman outside a cafe who stopped to chat to him assumed he was a gay model when he explained the dress was Gucci I replied: 'Yeah, it's Gucci,' and she went, 'Oh, OK!' as if it suddenly all made sense. She went on: 'But are you some kind of model or an advert for it... a gay model?' While I tried to point out I was advertising a dress, not homosexuality, she'd clearly conflated the two things and assumed any man in traditionally women's clothing must be gay. It was really interesting having that conversation with her. I think she kind of settled in when she realised I didn't particularly mind, as she then started questioning if orange was the right colour for me. If a dress was properly tailored, I'd probably wear it out if I liked it. Heck, Muslim men wear long tunics called thawbs which are essentially a dress over jeans all the time, and Scottish men rock kilts. Personally, I don't know why men don't wear open crotches skirts make sense for blokes. I wear drop crotch trousers a lot because it's freedom. Us men have got junk that a seam makes uncomfortable, whereas ladies don't. Skirts aren't genital specific, so I don't understand why there's so much stigma around it. Simon said if a dress was tailored for him, he'd probably wear it out if he liked it. 'Heck, Muslim men wear long tunics called thawbs which are essentially a dress over jeans all the time, and Scottish men rock kilts,' he explained It wasn't just the builders who whipped out their phones to snap a picture - this female passerby also couldn't resist a cheeky snap of Simon's frock While Simon said he would willingly wear a dress out and about, he stressed it would have to be the right shape and cut for him Simon concluded: 'My question to Gucci would be, are you really trying to challenge gender stereotypes and show you can make dresses for men as well as women or, are you actually trying to see what happens when you put a man in a woman's dress?' But I don't like this dress. I don't like the pattern, I don't like the cut of it. It looks like I'm not comfortable, which is a shame because I could absolutely be comfortable wearing something similar. A lot of my mates look at what I wear and go, 'I couldn't get away with that,' and it's because they'd feel self-conscious in it. The reason I get away with what I wear is because I don't give a damn what people think. My question to Gucci would be, are you really trying to challenge gender stereotypes and show you can make dresses for men as well as women or, are you actually trying to see what happens when you put a man in a woman's dress? Sadly I suspect it's the latter. Follow Simon on Instagram - @thatsimonthompson or @thatlondoncouple. Tuesday, October 6, 2020 Johanna Hoffman, a member of our Emerging Fellows program detects the breaking points of the conflicts that may be raised by refugees migration due to climate change in her tenth blog post. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the APF or its other members. When you follow the links between climate change, refugee migration and conflict, North Africa, the Middle East, the US Mexican border, and the Andean regions of South America continually arise. All are likely to be key flashpoint areas for conflict. While they in no way constitute a comprehensive list, they share a few common characteristics, in particular their vulnerability to water scarcity. In North Africa, climate shifts are creating increasingly arid conditions. As the Sahel grows drier, more subsistence-based communities are forced to leave for urbanized areas in other regions, to destinations that are not always welcoming. Geopolitical instability in Sudan, for example, on the northern edge of the Sahel, has created huge numbers of refugees since its most recent civil war began in 2013, with nearly 2.3 million people fleeing to neighboring countries. Rather than providing active safe haven, many of these nations, from Kenya to Ethiopia, have grown progressively more hostile, with ethnic enmities and resource strains creating mounting tensions. On the North American continent, the last two decades have seen increasing militarization of the US border with Mexico. Climatic shifts across Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and portions of Mexico have created an increasingly dry corridor, pushing more rural farmers into urban areas, exacerbating political instability and inequality and motivating more humans to migrate north. The governmental upheaval and climatic pressures driving these movements will likely grow. Depending on the warming scenarios and adaptation levels assumed, researchers anticipate that by 2080 up to 6.5 million adults will attempt to emigrate to the United States from Mexico alone, as a result of water scarcity and agricultural declines. The Middle East has long been both an area of limited water and site of bitter conflict. With climate change bringing increasingly hot and arid conditions to the region, these water issues will only become more severe. Such mounting scarcity will only compound existing instabilities, long-standing enmities and strife into conditions far direr. While often overlooked in international media, the Andean region of South America is also particularly vulnerable to the interplay of climate change, refugee migration and conflict. This is a region where water security, agricultural production and power generation all rely on glacial cover and snowfall. As climatic patterns change, those conditions are beginning to disappear. According to the World Glacier Monitoring Service, glacial melt has doubled just in the past few years. Refugees fleeing countries reliant on these ecosystems will migrate to neighboring countries, many of which such as Columbia -- are already experiencing huge refugee crises already. Adding millions more to these mass departures will make tensions across the region spike. These specific areas are regions that researchers have emphasized as particularly vulnerable for years. Yet the current and continuing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic are broadening the geographic spans about which warning signs are beginning to sound. As a result of the coronavirus and its associated economic, social, environmental and geopolitical devastations, many developing areas of the world are under direct and more long-term threats. From Djibouti to Venezuela, countries across the world are already stressed from poor waste management, pollution, and weakened governmental oversight. All these factors threaten their chances of recovering from the direct and indirect impacts of the virus. A recent UN report predicts an increasingly dire situation playing out the globe. Nearly half of all jobs in Africa could be lost because of Covid-19. The crisis and its fallout are slated to disproportionately affect developing nations, particularly in Africa, severely impacting education, human rights, basic food security and nutrition all factors that contribute to stable, healthy populations. These are the same factors that enable communities and governments to weather the increasingly stressful conditions that climate instability brings. Without them now, these countries will be left weaker and their populations more vulnerable to the conflicts that will soon arise, creating larger numbers of refugees, greater degrees of forced migration and augmenting the likeliness of ensuing conflict in the spaces towards which they flee. To navigate these shifts in humane, equitable ways, mediating factors like economic opportunity, infrastructural investment, access to health services and legal protections must be investigated and supported. Doing so demands an essential shift in our understanding of why migration occurs. Rather than viewing climate refugees as direct threats, we can promote a different take, one where those forced to move are seen as proactively adapting to stressful and dangerous environmental change, and the conflicts that arise as a result. Johanna Hoffman 2020 By Express News Service BELAGAVI: Hours after Goa government filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against Karnataka for allegedly diverting the Mahadayi river water, state water resources minister Ramesh Jarkiholi said that they will initiate the necessary measures to respond to Goa's allegations in the court. The government never resorted to any illegal activities when it came to Mahadayi issue, Jarkiholi told TNIE, further adding that he was not aware of the petition filed by the Goa government and the allegations. The minister further said that his government had initiated several measures to expedite the implementation of Kalasa-Banduri project (part of Mahadayi project) after obtaining all the required permissions from the Centre. Goa Chief Minister had tweeted to confirm the filing of the contempt petition against the Karnataka in the apex court. "We (Goa government) will continue to fight for our rigths," CM Pramod Sawant wrote. He further stated that his government had produced visual evidence to prove that Karnataka had diverted the Mahadayi water despite the matter being sub-judice. Karnataka government's advocate in the Supreme Court, Mohan Katarki told TNIE that the Goa's contempt petition would not make any impact and said, he was yet to get the details of the plea and the charges. A top official from the Water Resources Department, Karnataka, said, "I am sure that the contempt petition filed by the Goa government will not be admitted in the Supreme Court in the first place as the Centre has already issued a gazette notification for implementation of Mahadayi project. And also, the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT) has awarded Karnataka its share of water.'' The state government termed the Goa government's petition as a "delaying tactic'' adopted by the coastal state and said that the Goa government was trying needlessly to put obstacles at a time when the Centre had already okayed this project. "We will discuss the issue with our legal team in New Delhi and respond firmly to Goa government's move. The petition will not have any significance after the gazette notification of the MWDT award,'' sources in WRD added. Meanwhile, the BJP government in Goa has come under fire from Opposition parties for failing to curtail Karnatakas moves to divert Mahadayi. GPCC President Girish Chodankar has challenged CM Sawant to sack cabinet minister Filip Neri Rodrigues, who was WRD Minister during Congress Rule. He also dared CM to show guts and release White Paper on Mahadayi project. The nation's most populated state will have nearly half-a-million fewer people than expected by 2022 as the COVID-19 pandemic throttles migration. The population of New South Wales will drop by about 2,000 by the end of the 2021 financial year, according to predictions in the federal budget on Tuesday. The state's population was forecast in the 2019 budget to hit 8.65 million by the end of 2022. But that number was on Tuesday night revised down to 8,186,000 people, some 464,000 less than expected. New South Wales will suffer a drop of about 2,000 people by the end of the 2021 financial year (Sydney pictured) The slow in growth is also expected to slow the rate of the state's economy (pictured: commuters in Sydnye) The decline in growth is also expected to slow the state's economy, sparking concerns congestion and overdevelopment could impact Sydney's livability. Australia's population growth is also expected to slow to its lowest rate in more than a century as international migration comes to a standstill as borders remain closed. But the budget papers said there were also other factors at play. 'Lower population and slower growth in the near term is also due to the assumption that some families will delay having children because of the uncertainty associated with COVID-19,' the papers say. 'The total fertility rate is assumed to drop from 1.69 babies per woman in 2019-20 to 1.58 in 2021-22, but then rise again to 1.69 in 2023-24 as the delayed births take place in later years.' Pictured: Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a press conference inside the Budget lockup ahead of handing down the Budget 2020/21 Meanwhile, NSW revenue will be cut by more than $6billion over the next four years due to a fall in GST collection - which adds about 22 per cent to the state's bottom line. About $2.7billion will be received by the NSW government over the next ten years for regional infrastructure projects. The government will give $40.6million to the Sydney Harbour Bridge Federation for repairs and safety improvements, along with planning for Cockatoo Island and North head Sanctuary. The government expects every state border to be open by Christmas. Pictured: People waiting for the light rail in Sydney in October The budget papers predicted the entire nation will not be vaccinated against coronavirus until the end of 2021, meaning overseas travel will 'remain low' until then. In a boost for local tourism, the government expects every state border to be open by Christmas, except Western Australia which it believes will remain closed until the day after its election on March 31. Social distancing is likely to be kept in place through to 2022. VANCOUVER - The New Democrats are promising a one-time $1,000 COVID-19 recovery benefit for families and $500 for individuals as part of an election platform in British Columbia that largely banks on voters wishing to stay the course. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. NDP Leader John Horgan speaks during a physically distanced outdoor discussion with former post-secondary students, during a campaign stop outside Langara College, in Vancouver, on Thursday, October 1, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck VANCOUVER - The New Democrats are promising a one-time $1,000 COVID-19 recovery benefit for families and $500 for individuals as part of an election platform in British Columbia that largely banks on voters wishing to stay the course. NDP Leader John Horgan said the party's platform unveiled in Vancouver on Tuesday builds on progress already underway during his government's 3 1/2 years in office. Additional pledges include a rent freeze until the end of next year, an expansion of $10-a-day daycare and the creation of British Columbia's second medical school at a location that has yet to be determined. "Today's platform includes 154 commitments, 60 of which are brand new, the rest building on the work we've already started," Horgan said. "We have three basic priorities: better health care for you and your family, affordability and security in your home and in your community, and good jobs and livelihoods in a clean-energy future." The B.C. Liberals and Greens have not yet released their platforms. The Liberals accused the NDP of "bribing" voters, while the Greens suggested they were stepping on their own policy toes. The NDP platform promises would push the anticipated $12.8-billion deficit for this fiscal year to $15 billion. They would cost about $2.2 billion in 2020-21, $2 billion in 2021-22 and $2.7 billion in 2022-23. An additional $3 billion would be spent each year for three years on a new Recovery Investment Fund to build schools, hospitals and other capital projects. "This plan will create 18,000 jobs a year and put people back to work who have been affected by COVID-19," Horgan said. The new recovery benefit would come in the form of a one-time $1,000 direct deposit to families whose household income is under $125,000 annually, with a sliding scale up to $175,000. Single people earning less than $62,000 annually would be eligible for $500, with a sliding scale up to $87,000. Horgan called the election just days after releasing his government's $1.5-billion economic recovery plan. He said the recovery benefit wasn't left out of that plan so he could save it as a campaign promise. "We did not contemplate this until after we were putting together the platform, which was not until after the election was called," he said. Horgan accused the B.C. Liberals of giving tax breaks to the rich and said the NDP benefit would help those who need it most while stimulating local economic activity. "I think this is prudent economics and it makes sense right now," he said. Additional promises in the plan include free transit for kids up to 12, free prescription contraceptives for all and the return of the renter's rebate for households earning up to $80,000 annually that are not already receiving other rental support. The B.C. Liberals countered by accusing the NDP of withholding the recovery benefit unnecessarily and providing temporary solutions to long-term problems. Jas Johal, the B.C. Liberal incumbent candidate for Richmond-Queensborough, questioned why the NDP didn't provide it in March after all parties unanimously approved $5 billion for COVID-19 response and recovery spending. "It's a naked attempt to bribe B.C. taxpayers with their own money," he said. Ready, Pet, Go! Leesa Dahl looks at everything to do with our furry, fuzzy, feathered, fishy (and more!) pet friends. Arrives in your inbox each Monday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. He accused the NDP of offering short-term solutions instead of long-term plans. He denied that the Liberal's $7-billion promise to eliminate provincial sales tax for a year falls in the same camp. "In the case of the PST announcement, the relief is immediate, yes, it puts money in the hands of British Columbians. They spend the money where they want and at the end of the day it gets people spending on small businesses that desperately need the help," Johal said. Missing from the NDP platform is the promise of a second Surrey hospital, a Richmond acute care tower, more support for the beleaguered tourism industry and a plan to replace the Massey tunnel between Delta and Richmond, he said. Green Leader Sonia Furstenau said the NDP platform mirrors policies that her party has been pushing for. The Greens directly petitioned the NDP on some of the items in the platform over the past three years, including moving child care under the Ministry of Education and removing PST from electric bicycles, she said. "There was no reason to trigger this election. We were ready to work on all of those proposals. Indeed, many of them come from our platform and our work in the last three and a half years," Furstenau said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Pakistan is setting up surface-to-air missile sites with the help of China in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), officials with the knowledge of the matter said on condition of anonymity. The Chinese and Pakistan armies are reconnoitering the areas along the disputed India-Pakistan border to set up additional military infrastructure. Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, had said on Monday that Pakistan and China have increased their bilateral exercises in the recent past. "There is nothing to suggest collusive threat," he said on Monday during an annual press conference in Delhi and added that India is keeping a close watch. The Indian military has for long flagged the threat of two-front war. With the disputed borders with China and Pakistan active at the same point of time, the armed forces are stretched to the maximum. A top official said: "Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops were also seen in joint reconnaissance in forward areas at Deolian and Jura in PoK along with Pakistan's 12 infantry brigade as well as the Minimarg-based forces under Force Commander Northern Areas (FCNA), the division size formation of the Pakistan Army." The official said that construction work for installation of surface-to-air missile defence system is being carried out by the Pakistan Army and the PLA at Pauli Pir near Lasadanna Dhok in PoK. "Approximately 120 Pakistan Army personnel and 25 to 40 civilians are working on the construction site," said the source, adding that the control room for the system will be located at the headquarters of PoK. "Ten PLA troops, including three officers, will be deployed at the control room," the source said. "Similar constructions have also been reported at Chinar village and Chakothi village in Hattian Bala district of PoK," the source said. It was further noticed that a road is being constructed by engineers from China from Jaglot to Gauri Kot and is likely to be extended till Gultari. The PLA troops were also observed in general areas of Jaglot with the Minimarg-based 80 infantry brigade of the FCNA. (Sumit Kumar Singh can be reached at sumit.k@ians.in) Looking for a local face mask vendor online, you scrounge Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace and come across a seller advertising personal protective equipment at a fair price. You inquire, and quickly hear back theyd be happy to send goods your way, but require payment upfront preferably through e-transfer or a cryptocurrency. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/10/2020 (474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Looking for a local face mask vendor online, you scrounge Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace and come across a seller advertising personal protective equipment at a fair price. You inquire, and quickly hear back theyd be happy to send goods your way, but require payment upfront preferably through e-transfer or a cryptocurrency. While the conversation would end there for many, the Winnipeg Police Services financial crime unit has received reports of COVID-19-related scams "in the hundreds" during the pandemic, according to WPS Sgt. Allan Bell. "(COVID-19) helps to reinforce the separation between the victim and the scammer," Bell told the Free Press on Monday. "So that the victim thinks, Oh, that sounds reasonable, I cant do what I usually do because of COVID, so this must be the way theyre doing it, and theyre sending remote payments to people that they may not have ordinarily done so." Potential scams run the gamut from online to over the phone to in-person, and businesses and people alike have fallen to fraud attempts. Bell recounted situations where fraudsters will call employees using openly-available information to "prove" they are from the head office of their company, and will say the business is under threat of closure unless the employee pre-pays for PPE allegedly incoming. "Young employees, being young and somewhat impressionable, they don't want the restaurant to close down. Theyre dedicated employees, and they will send the money away only to find out theres no such shipment or no such testing going on," Bell said. Even those who may consider themselves media savvy are liable to fall for some scams, he said. "Were seeing a demographic shift, where the youngsters who have grown up with it, its almost like, Well, it says so on the internet, so it must be true," Bell said. "They see it as gospel." The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which gathers data on scams, has collected 4,141 reports, 2,963 victims, and an estimated $5.6 million lost to domestic COVID-19-related fraud since Aug. 31. A spokesperson for the group said it has logged an increase in reports in March and April, and a plateau in July. Bell said reports to Winnipeg police had "come in waves" in the last eight months. The largest fraud increase reported to the CAFC is tied to identity theft and fraud related to CERB payments namely, scams that result in redirected benefits payments. Bell said similar CERB scams had been reported to Winnipeg police. While acknowledging many of the fraud attempts are typical scams seen pre-COVID-19, but with a new angle, Bell expected a net increase of scamming attempts reported to city police by the end of the year. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "The people who are doing these frauds, they see an opportunity to take advantage of somebody, they do it," he said. "So whether you want to call it COVID, or whether you want to call it SARS, whether you want to call it some other issue thats going on, they seize on that opportunity because they look at it from a different angle than the regular, honest person does." Both Bell and the CAFC had similar advice for the public: disengage, reassess, and listen to your gut. "Research, research research," the CAFC spokesperson said in an email. "Take time to verify, dont react to urgent, high-pressure or coercive demands. Contact local police, visit the CAFC website, talk to family members and friends, use the internet to verify to some extent." malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ NORWALK Three new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Norwalk Public Schools this week, bringing the total number of cases in the district to nine. Schools spokesperson Brenda Wilcox Williams said individuals at Nathan Hale Middle School, West Rocks Middle School and Brien McMahon High School tested positive for the coronavirus. The district was notified of the new cases on Monday. She said neither individual at Nathan Hale or West Rocks was in the building recently, so the Health Department did not recommend any closures or quarantines. Students or staff potentially exposed at Brien McMahon will be asked to quarantine until Oct. 16. Norwalk schools have now reported at least nine cases of COVID-19. Last month, the district said three people tested positive for the virus including two students at P-TECH. As a result, the districts P-TECH program went virtual for two weeks, as did a classroom and several staff at Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School. Several bus routes were impacted as well. Since then, theyve revealed there have also been cases at Columbus Magnet School and Kendall Elementary School, as well as two cases among staff not affiliated with a specific school. Parents at the middle schools expressed concerns on social media Tuesday about the lack of quarantining and information on the cases. West Rocks parent Kimbery Roland was so alarmed that she moved her son from hybrid to virtual learning. She hadnt known about the case until she received an email from the school on Monday saying someone had been infected and was last in the building Sept. 29. I dont trust it, she said. I have all the hand sanitizers and all the good stuff and I tell (my son) to be careful and not go near anybody. ... Hes in middle school so I felt safer about it, but now its like who had the virus I dont know. Did they teach my son? Was it a classmate of his in his class? Coronavirus cases are increasing across the city. Since June, Norwalks coronavirus cases have been low with sometimes fewer than 10 new cases a week. But the latest data from Norwalk officials shows at least 37 people tested positive for coronavirus last week. The week prior, 25 people tested positive for coronavirus, making it the first time since May that more than 20 people were diagnosed in a week. So far this week, there have already been 25 new cases reported, plus eight additional cases from people who were tested last week. Norwalk also reported a new death from coronavirus on Monday, its first since Sept. 10. Since March, 149 Norwalk residents have died with COVID-19. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling attributed the increase one predicted by medical professionals to the relaxing of coronavirus restrictions across the country along with college students returning to campus. Its not unexpected, but we also feel if we continue to do the things weve done, the increase will not be as large as other areas, Rilling said. I would encourage people to continue to wear masks, dont go out in public unless you have to, dont go out if youre not feeling well and get tested. Hopefully, we can get through this. Its scary to see some of the things happening in other parts of the country or other parts of the state. We need to continue to do the things that have worked in the past. Rilling added that large gatherings, like the one at the White House marking the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, are also spreading the disease. At least 10 people at the event have since tested positive for coronavirus along with many others who were in close proximity to President Donald Trump There were probably 100 people or more sitting in close proximity to each other, Rilling said of the event. Very few, if any, were wearing masks and you saw the results. Its obvious these kinds of things, where you have a relaxing of protocol and large gatherings, theres going to be a chance for an increased number of cases. ... I would encourage people not to get complacent. We are not out of this situation yet. If people start to relax and not follow proper protocols, then its going to take a longer time to get on the other side. erin.kayata@hearstmediact.com HOUSTON, Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics ("BBR") today is providing information about a recent event that may impact the privacy of some personal data related to current and former patients. What Happened? On August 6, 2020, BBR became aware of suspicious activity on its computer network. BBR immediately launched an investigation, with the assistance of third-party computer forensic specialists, and determined that its network had been infected with malware which prevented access to certain files on the system. The investigation determined that the malware was introduced into the system by an unauthorized actor who also accessed and acquired certain files within BBR's system. The potential unauthorized access occurred between July 27, 2020 and August 6, 2020. BBR then began a lengthy and labor-intensive process to identify sensitive information that may have been contained within impacted files, and to identify the individuals whose information may have been impacted. That review completed on September 24, 2020. What Information Was Involved? The information contained within the files at issue varied by individual, but contained name, address, phone number, date of birth, driver's license number, payment card information, medical information, treatment information, diagnosis information, medication details, Social Security Number, health insurance information, and photograph. We have no evidence any information was subject to actual or attempted misuse. What BBR Is Doing. BBR takes this incident and the security of personal information seriously. Upon discovery, BBR immediately launched an investigation and took steps to secure its systems and investigate activity. BBR worked diligently to investigate and respond to this incident and to identify and notify potentially impacted individuals. BBR is also reviewing and enhancing existing policies, procedures, and processes related to storage of and access to personal information. BBR is also reporting this incident to relevant state and federal regulators as required. BBR is notifying potentially impacted individuals so that they may take further steps to best protect their information, should they feel it is appropriate to do so. BBR is also providing credit monitoring for potentially affected individuals. What You Can Do. While BBR has no evidence that any personal information was subject to actual or attempted misuse, it encourages anyone who thinks their information may have been impacted to monitor financial accounts and notify their bank immediately if they detect unauthorized or unusual activity. You can also review the below Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Your Information. For more information. If there are additional questions, BBR established a dedicated assistance line at 1-833-752-0852, 8am to 8pm Central Time. Those individuals who believe they are impacted may also contact this number to enroll in the complimentary credit monitoring services. Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Your Information BBR encourages potentially impacted individuals to remain vigilant, to review your account statements, and to monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. Under U.S. law, individuals with credit reports are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. You may also contact the three major credit bureaus directly to request a free copy of your credit report. The credit reporting agencies may be contacted as follows: Experian PO Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com TransUnion P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016 1-888-909-8872 www.transunion.com Equifax PO Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348 1-888-298-0045 www.equifax.com/personal You can further educate yourself regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, security freezes, and the steps you can take to protect yourself, by contacting the consumer reporting agencies, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. The Federal Trade Commission can be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should be reported to law enforcement, your Attorney General, and the FTC. You can also further educate yourself about placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit file by contacting the FTC or your state's Attorney General. SOURCE Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Church groups in UK call for jubilee fund to pay off coronavirus debt of low-income families Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Churches in the United Kingdom are urging their government to help pay off or cancel debts for low-income families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Baptist Union of Great Britain, Church Action on Poverty, The Church of Scotland, The Methodist Church and The United Reformed Church recently released a report, titled Reset the Debt: A fresh start for families in Britain swept into debt by Covid-19, highlighting that low-income families with children were particularly badly hit" during lockdowns this year. About six million people in the U.K., mostly those living on low incomes or with little or no savings, are estimated to have gone into debt as a result of COVID-19. "These households saw their wages fall fastest while their cost of living increased. However, lockdown tended to have the opposite financial effect on higher-income families, who on average were able to increase their savings and reduce their credit card and other debt," the report states. For the poorest fifth of households, median earnings fell by 15%, or roughly $200 per month, within two months of lockdown and low-income families are turning to friends and family as well as to credit cards and overdrafts to make ends meet." According to the report, one in five households borrowed to buy food or other essentials in July; six million people have fallen behind on rent, council tax and other household bills because of the coronavirus; and 174,000 tenants have been threatened with eviction during the lockdown. The church denominations have proposed that the chancellor (the chief financial minister) create a Jubilee Fund. This would provide grants to pay off and cancel unavoidable debt accrued by households during the lockdown period, giving them a more stable platform from which to face the future. The churches say they are inspired by the biblical principle of Jubilee. In the Old Testament, they explain, Jubilee meant a resetting of debts and obligations, allowing relationships to be rebuilt, communities to be re-balanced and peoples dignity to be restored. We believe people swept into debt by Covid-19 now need a Jubilee. The churches say compassionate government action is needed to offer a just future for all. The Rev. Richard Teal, president of the Methodist Conference, told Premier Christian News, The fact that COVID debt has disproportionately affected low-income families demands a compassionate and just response. For the benefit of families and wider communities, the aim of this campaign is to bring stability and a more hopeful future for millions of people currently struggling to cover the basics of life. These people cannot be forgotten as we move into what will be a challenging winter ahead. The Joint Public Issues Team, of which these churches are all a part, stated, As Christians, we see Jubilee as being about more than just economics. SPOKANE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / KBG Insurance & Financial of Spokane is becoming well-known for finding ways to save their clients' significant dollars on their home insurance quotes. This is something that has come into play due to the many years of experience that those working at this company have in the insurance business. They don't take no for an answer when helping their customers find a reasonably priced homeowner's insurance solution and many times this effort results in savings for their clients that can be as high as $600. More on how this highly rated insurance company goes about doing this can be read about here at https://local.google.com/place?id=6417183344472810012&use=posts&lpsid=1385114959512397280. Joshua Loera, the spokesperson for KBG Insurance & Financial, says, "We are definitely not the type of homeowners insurance provider that just asks for a couple of quotes from our insurance providers and then passes on the results of that small search to our customers. Our agents explore every option available to them to maximize a client's homeowner's insurance savings. Those at our company like to get a break when we are customers out shopping for products and services, so we make sure that we adopt this same attitude when exploring insurance discounts for our customers. This is not something that we do once in a while in a while either. We do this for every customer that comes to us looking for a new homeowner's insurance policy." Loera explained that one of the reasons that they have had so much success saving their customers money on their home insurance is because of all the different insurance options the company has available to them. They can do this because they work with so many insurance providers. Among the big-name insurance companies that they work with include Travelers, Safeco, Grange Insurance, Liberty Mutual, Allstate. He says that many times when they shop for homeowner's insurance options for a client, they will find something specific to that customer which will enable them to qualify for a big policy discount with one of their insurance providers. According to Loera, another way they can get their clients' significant savings on their homeowners' insurance is that they find ways to bundle it with other insurance coverages that they have. Many times, when combining a customer's homeowners' policy with such things as their auto insurance, this changes their rate category which can result in some very good savings on each type of insurance. They have repeatedly enjoyed great success with this way of establishing discounts on their clients' homeowner's insurance policies. The company spokesperson added that they can get good discounts for their clients on their homeowner's insurance whether they have just purchased a new home or own a previously built home. More on how this insurance agency gets big homeowners insurance discounts for their customers can be found under the services section on their Facebook page. This Facebook page can be seen here at https://www.facebook.com/kbgagency. Leora also said that they do a very good job helping their customers find other affordable insurance solutions too. That includes auto insurance coverage for people not only in Spokane but also in any other part of the state of Washington. Their auto insurance coverage can be obtained for both standard and collector type vehicles. He says that they also specialize in all sorts of life insurance policies. They do a nice job of matching policy amounts with each client's family's future financial needs and budget. According to the company spokesperson, they also work very closely with both large and small Spokane businesses to get them the important insurance coverages that they need. For those that would like more information on KBG Insurance & Financial's reasonably priced homeowners insurance options or their other insurance services can call them, send them an email, or click on the 'make an appointment link' on their website's homepage. Loera says people are also welcome to stop in at their Spoken office and chat with them in person. The location of their office can be seen here at https://g.page/kbginsuranceagency?gm. For more information about KBG Insurance & Financial, contact the company here: KBG Insurance & Financial Joshua Loera 5092423244 joshua@kbgagency.com 601 W 1st Avenue Suite 1400 Spokane, WA 99201 SOURCE: KBG Insurance & Financial View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609339/Spokanes-KBG-Insurance-Financial-Establishing-a-Reputation-for-Saving-Their-Customers-Money-on-Home-Insurance-Quotes Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham speaks during an interview in Raleigh, N.C., Jan. 27, 2020. (Gerry Broome/AP Photo) Senate Democrat Nominee Cunningham Owes Voters Explanation After Sexting Scandal: Sen. Tillis The Democrats North Carolina Senate nominee owes voters an explanation for the sexually suggestive text messages he sent a woman who is not his wife, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said Tuesday. Cal Cunningham, the nominee, is trying to beat Tillis in the upcoming election. Cunningham, 49, admitted last week that he sent the text messages to a cannabis consultant. I have hurt my family, disappointed my friends, and am deeply sorry, Cunningham said in a brief statement. The first step in repairing those relationships is taking complete responsibility, which I do. I ask that my familys privacy be respected in this personal matter. Tillis said during an appearance on Fox & Friends that Cunningham is trying to finesse it as an errant text, but we now have a second report. I think Cal owes the people of North Carolina a full explanation. On the debate stage last week, Cal said its about integrity and I agree. His family should be kept private, hes got teenage children but Cal owes North Carolinians, all of the voters a full and thorough explanation for what we now know are two separate events, the senator added. And he is an officer in the military. Hes subject to disciplinary action. The website National File initially published the texts. The website published a second allegation on Monday. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) speaks during the Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing to examine the Crossfire Hurricane Investigation in Washington on Sept. 30, 2020. (Stefani Reynolds/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) A lawyer said that a good friend of hers, a different woman than the consultant, was having an affair with Cunningham since 2012. Cunninghams campaign didnt respond to a request for comment. According to WUNC, Cunningham pulled out of a town hall that was scheduled for Oct. 5. Im disappointed for the organizers who worked hard to put this together; also that we will not hear from Cunningham about sexually suggestive texts he sent to a woman (not his wife, nor mother of his children). Fascinated to see when he publicly addresses this, Jeff Tiberii of WUNC wrote on Twitter. Tillis, 60, was speaking on Fox remotely. He tested positive for COVID-19 last week and is isolating at home. Tillis said he is showing no symptoms and feels great. The senator says he will likely participate in the Senate Judiciary Committee vetting of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, which begins on Oct. 12, remotely for several days but should be able to travel to Washington for the vote on advancing the nomination later in the week. Afghanistans top peace negotiator Abdullah Abdullah arrived in India on Tuesday afternoon for a five-day visit during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Abdullahs visit is part of an outreach to key countries in the region for support for the negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban at Doha in Qatar, people familiar with developments said. He will meet Modi at the prime ministers official residence on Thursday and Jaishankar on Friday. Abdullah will also participate in an interaction at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) on Thursday. Abdullah is also expected to have interactions with key members of Indias security setup, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, though details could not immediately be ascertained. Interactions with the Afghan community in New Delhi are also on the cards. The chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation in Afghanistan is travelling to India after a three-day visit to Pakistan last week. In Islamabad, he had met Prime Minister Imran Khan, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa. Also Read: Where India stands on peace in Afghanistan | Opinion Abdullah told the Pakistani leadership that a message about reducing violence and showing greater flexibility in negotiations should be communicated to the Taliban leadership participating in the negotiations in Doha. This is Abdullahs first visit to India after the formation of a new government in Kabul following last years troubled election. The people cited above said on condition of anonymity that Abdullah is expected to seek the Indian leaderships support for the intra-Afghan negotiations. India had sent an official delegation to Doha to attend the event marking the launch of negotiations. The event was also addressed via video conference by Jaishankar, who said any new dispensation which emerges from the intra-Afghan dialogue process must ensure that Afghanistans soil is never used for anti-India activities. Senior Afghan leader Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum visited India on September 25 and held talks on the peace process with Jaishankar, who told him New Delhi remains committed to Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled negotiations. India, the regions largest provider of development aid to Afghanistan, has expressed concern at a recent spike in violence by the Taliban and terror attacks on minorities such as Sikhs. It has said the intra-Afghan negotiations must ensure the interests of minorities, women and vulnerable sections of society and reduce violence across Afghanistan and its neighbourhood. Since 2001, India has undertaken projects worth $3 billion in Afghanistan, including $1 billion pledged in 2016 under the new development partnership scheme for five years. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The homeless encampment on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia is pictured on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Read more Maria Gonzalez knows firsthand that the development of low-income housing can take a while, especially in areas that typically see little investment. Gonzalez, president of Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises, (HACE), worked for four years to get the federal tax credits she needed to sell to fund much of a $15 million rental development for low-income seniors in North Philadelphia. The federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program is a major driver of the creation and rehabilitation of low-income rental housing nationwide, which means its a competitive program. If HACE, a community development corporation, ever hopes to meet the great need for affordable housing in the North Philadelphia communities it serves, Gonzalez said, we cant wait that long to develop 50, 60 units at a time. Many people have lost income because of the pandemic, which is highlighting and worsening the stubborn lack of affordable housing nationwide. Especially in many neighborhoods in Philadelphia, theres certain long-term residents who are at risk of being displaced as their communities become too expensive, she said. So we need additional resources to provide affordable housing, so residents can remain living in their neighborhood. She and other developers and advocates are placing their hope in a Pennsylvania bill that would create a state version of the federal housing tax credit program to incentivize developers to build and preserve more housing that residents can afford. The Keystone State would join 21 others, including New York, in offering housing tax credits, according to the National Council of State Housing Agencies. Pennsylvanias bill passed unanimously in the Senate and is awaiting a vote in the House, which has four more scheduled session days this year. The bill dies if it doesnt pass the House this year. In Pennsylvania, for every 100 households that earn 50% of the area median income $48,300 for a household of four in the Philadelphia region the state has roughly 68 available housing units that they can afford, according to the nonprofit National Low Income Housing Coalition. That number drops to 59 units in Philadelphia. For every 100 Pennsylvania households that earn 30% of area median income $29,000 for a Philadelphia family of four the state has roughly 38 housing units available and affordable. That number drops to 29 units in the city. READ MORE: Low incomes make Philadelphia homes less affordable, Pew study finds Throughout the state, home prices are increasing 1.8 times faster than wages, according to a report by Construction Coverage, a group of technology and finance experts that conducts research for the construction industry. The lack of housing that people can afford is an issue in poorer and wealthier communities alike, said State Sen. Tom Killion (R., Delaware), who introduced the bill. He pointed to communities such as Chester Countys Kennett Square, which is in one of Pennsylvanias wealthiest counties, but a lot of workers cant afford to live in the community where they work. To protest Philadelphias lack of affordable housing, residents experiencing homelessness formed encampments in North Philadelphia and on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the summer. To end the months-long protest outside the Philadelphia Housing Authoritys headquarters, the city agreed on Monday to get the 20 residents of the encampment into vacant houses in Strawberry Mansion. Phyllis Chamberlain, executive director of the nonprofit Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, compares the lack of housing for low-income residents to a losing game of musical chairs. There isnt enough affordable housing for the households that need it," she said. "When you lose in that game of musical chairs, what happens is you have to pay too much of your income for rent. If youre paying too much of your income for rent, you dont have enough to pay for other basic necessities. READ MORE: City and activists reach an agreement to close the homeless encampment outside PHA headquarters in North Philly She said state tax credits would help fill funding gaps for developers of low-income housing. We really see it would make developments happen a little bit easier and a little quicker, along with other resources, including the federal Community Development Block Grant Program, the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, and home repair programs, she said. Pennrose, a Philadelphia-based developer, helped write the Pennsylvania bill. Pennrose has significant waiting lists for all our properties, including lists of hundreds of people in Pennsylvania, said its president, Mark H. Dambly. Selling state housing tax credits would help developers offset higher construction costs due to increased prices of building materials and labor shortages. In other states in which Pennrose operates, we saw the difference this state credit makes in terms of the ability to produce affordable housing, Dambly said. This bill couldnt come at a more important time both at a state and a national level, he said. The demand for affordable housing has never been greater. READ MORE: How Phillys summer of protests revitalized the affordable housing movement Nick Bailey, chief customer officer at RE/MAX, said pandemic-induced permanent closings of retail and office buildings have created an opportunity to flip some of the commercial space in high density markets into affordable housing. Although he expects more investors to take advantage of this in the near future, this approach cant meet the demand. Ben She, a volunteer with 5th Square, an urbanist political action committee, agreed that more funding is needed to build housing residents can afford, but he pointed to the role that zoning plays. In an attempt to ensure housing obligations are spread throughout Philadelphia, the group is asking Mayor Jim Kenney to veto a bill City Council passed last week that would restrict development in much of Society Hill. The mayor had rejected such legislation last year. The city cant let certain places off the hook because they have the clout or political power, said She, who worried other registered community organizations in high-income areas will become empowered to produce their own local downsizing as overlay districts and keep from absorbing their fair share of housing. READ MORE: When did Society Hill become a city state unto itself? | Inga Saffron Before City Council voted unanimously to approve the bill Thursday, Councilmember Mark Squilla, the bills sponsor, rejected activists characterizations of the bill. The concern that were hearing about, you know, this being a pressure on other neighborhoods and also racist in a way that would make the neighborhood more white, is not true," he said during the Council meeting. He said he compromised with Society Hill residents, who didnt get everything they wanted as far as this, because the bill narrowed down the area in which certain building height restrictions are in effect. It was hard to go through and manage the community needs, the historic needs, the affordability needs," Squilla said. "And so we think we did the best we can to make this overlay possible. WASHINGTON The Department of Homeland Security warned on Tuesday that violent white supremacy was the most persistent and lethal threat in the homeland in an annual assessment that a former intelligence chief had accused the agency of withholding in deference to President Trump. The intelligence chief-turned-whistle-blower last month accused the department of blocking the report and directing analysts to play down the threat of violent white racism as well as Russian election interference to align the agencys message with the presidents. But the final report appeared to do no such thing. The threat assessment highlighted white supremacists as the most deadly among domestic terrorists in recent years and Russia as the primary threat to spreading disinformation. I am particularly concerned about white supremacist violent extremists who have been exceptionally lethal in their abhorrent, targeted attacks in recent years, Chad F. Wolf, the acting secretary of homeland security, wrote in the foreward to the assessment. The threat report also stated that Russia is the likely primary covert influence actor and purveyor of disinformation and misinformation within the homeland. New York state will reinstate restrictions on businesses, churches and schools in and near areas where coronavirus cases are spiking, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday, saying the severity of shutdowns would vary by proximity to the hot spots. Set to take effect no later than Friday, the new rules would be imposed in parts of Brooklyn and Queens in New York City, sections of Orange and Rockland counties in the Hudson Valley, and an area within Binghamton in the Southern Tier. New York City and some other locales around the state where officials have been anxiously watching clusters of virus cases sprout up. This is about protecting people and saving lives, said Cuomo, a Democrat. In the hearts of the hot spots colour-coded as red zones schools would close to in-person learning, only essential businesses could remain open, houses of worship would be limited to no more than 10 people, and restaurants could offer only take-out and delivery. Those areas would be surrounded by orange-coded zones where schools also would be remote-only, and high-risk non-essential enterprises such as gyms and personal-care businesses would be closed. Religious institutions would be restricted to 25 people, and restaurants would be allowed limited outdoor dining. A wider yellow caution zone would have schools and businesses open, and restrictions would be lighter than in other zones. State health officials have drawn up the maps in consultation with public health experts and expect to release them Tuesday, said Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi. Rockland County Executive Ed Day said he backed the governors plan and would do what he could to help implement it. The restrictions he announced are measured and clearly focused on the areas where this disease is spreading, said Day, a Republican, urging residents to embrace their civic duty to do what is right, not only for ourselves but for our entire community. In Broome County, where part of Binghamtons west side will be subject to yellow zone rules capping mass gatherings at 25 people and restaurant seating at four people per table, County Executive Jason Garnar said the restrictions could benefit an area that went from about 60 active cases 10 days ago to 458 on Tuesday. A lot of what weve seen is spread through the restaurants and the bars, said Garnar, a Democrat. He added: Just as quick as we got into this, we can get out of this. New York City will be engaging with communities affected by the new rules, with implementation likely to begin Thursday, according to a tweet from Bill Neidhardt, a spokesman for Mayor Bill de Blasio. A message seeking comment was left with officials in Orange County. Cuomo ordered the closing of schools in nine Brooklyn and Queens ZIP codes on Monday. De Blasio had also proposed to close nonessential businesses in those areas, but Cuomo suggested that the boundaries needed to be drawn differently to be effective. De Blasio on Tuesday pressed for a quick answer. We are at a crucial moment in our fight against the coronavirus, the Democratic mayor said at a virtual news briefing. We have to bring everything we can to bear. We have to be tough about it. He and Cuomo have often been at odds over the pandemic response and previous issues. The affected areas in the city are largely Orthodox Jewish strongholds, and some community members have complained of being singled out for enforcement. De Blasio said Sunday that about 100 public schools and 200 private schools would be shut down in the nine ZIP codes. The move came just days after the citys public schools opened for in-person learning. The nine ZIP codes where schools were closed have accounted for more than 25% of all new infections in the city over the past two weeks, though they represent just 7% of the population. North of the city, the health commissioner in Orange County ordered school closures for at least two weeks in an Orthodox Jewish community in the Hudson Valley. Dr. Irina Gelman ordered the closure of public and private schools serving the village of Kiryas Joel, also known as the Town of Palm Tree, where an average of nearly 28% of coronavirus cases have come back positive over the last three days. Statewide, the daily average has been around 1% in recent days. Most Kiryas Joel children attend private schools. A spokesman for the village said schools there are already closed through Oct. 13 because of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The superintendent of the Kiryas Joel public school district, which serves students with special needs, said it has strictly adhered to health screening and mask rules. There is no substitute for in-person instruction and therapy, and we look forward to getting back as soon as its safe to do so, said the superintendent, Joel Petlin. ___ Villeneuve reported from Albany, and Associated Press writer Michael Hill contributed from Albany. 'Modi has visited all these three countries (the UAE more than once, inexplicably) but has left out Kuwait and Oman, the two Gulf countries that are closest to India in their political, cultural and civilisational ethos,' notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar. Image: Kuwait's new Emir Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah takes the oath of office at the parliament, in Kuwait City, Kuwait September 30, 2020. Photograph: Stephanie McGehee/Reuters The political transition in Kuwait with the departure of Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Sabah is a timely reminder that the Gulf Cooperation Council region is a complex mosaic not only in geography, but in politics and religion as well, although the world opinion is accustomed to regard it through the prism of two regional states, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Kuwait is particularly distinctive for its religious tolerance -- roughly 35 percent of the Muslim population are of the Shia faith -- and its unique brand of pluralism and consensual politics -- Kuwait has an elected parliament as a deliberative forum -- which makes it something of an outlier in a conflict-stricken region. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand why Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif travelled to Kuwait to personally hand over a message to the new emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from President Hassan Rouhani expressing the hope (external link) that the two countries could look forward to further expansion of friendly bilateral relations and seek the development of stability and security in the region. The Shia-Sunni divide that used to be the axis of violence in the Middle East for most of the recent decades went right through Kuwait. Yet, the roughly 35 percent who are Shia in that majority-Sunni nation openly practice their faith and don't hide their religious affiliation, something that is inconceivable in most of the other Gulf states (with the solitary exception of Oman, perhaps) Kuwait, incidentally, has enacted a national unity law that explicitly prohibits 'stirring sectarian strife'. One way of explaining such humanistic traits is that religious strife is bad for commerce, and Kuwait thrives on 'business'. The Kuwaitis are the nearest to the Marwaris of Rajasthan in their enterprise and resilience and their fine grasp of credit and trading network. The ruling Al Sabah family has had a relationship with Kuwaiti Shia merchant families that goes back several centuries -- and when we speak of Kuwaiti Shia families, we are often talking about Iranian families who still can converse in Persian after domicile in Kuwait for generations. Image: The late Emir of Kuwait, Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah attends the Gulf Cooperation Council's 40th summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 10, 2019. Photograph: Bandar Algaloud/Reuters Kuwait is the complete antithesis of Saudi Arabia, where Shias, who make up 10 to 15 percent of the population, are targeted by the state, and the impact of intolerance compels them to live in hiding under the Wahhabi monarchy. The late Kuwaiti emir was extremely wary of Saudi policies that might push his tiny city State and other Gulf States into wars they didn't want. He marked a careful distance from the intra-Arab squabbles and disputes, the most notable instances in the recent times being the Saudi-Emirati conspiracy to overthrow the regime in Qatar, the bloody conflict in Syria to overthrow the Assad government and the horrific Saudi-Emirati expansionist policies in Yemen and Libya. Without doubt, the late emir's independent regional policies translated as friendly relations between Kuwait and Iran in a regional milieu where the US-led regional strategy was riveted on the containment of Iran. Tehran appreciated this in full measure and indeed reciprocated. The strong likelihood is that the the new Emir, Nawaf Al-Ahmad will follow his predecessor's wise policies. This is partly due to necessity but partly also stemming from the dynamic role that the Kuwaiti parliament wields in rationalising Kuwait's politics and directing the country's political forces. The point is, although Kuwait does not conform to Westminster-style parliamentary democracy, the country enjoys an appreciable degree of freedom, pluralism and democratic choices. Kuwait's constitution calls for elections to be held for the national assembly (parliament) once in four years (if not earlier if the constitutional court or the emir chooses to dissolve the elected body). The system provides for universal adult suffrage and allows political groups and parliamentary voting blocs, although the law does not recognise political parties as such. In the last election in 2016, Salafist and the Muslim Brotherhood candidates posing as independents won a total of 24 seats (out of 50), and, curiously, one female candidate was elected too! Clearly, Kuwait's internal situation, which provides for certain media freedom and public opinion, virtually rules out the possibility of the country joining the UAE's path of normalisation with Israel. All this brings us to the strange priorities of the Modi government in choosing its friends and partners in the GCC region. The Modi government has handpicked three of the most reactionary and repressive regimes in the Gulf region as its preferred partners -- Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain. PM Modi has visited all these three countries (the UAE more than once, inexplicably) but has left out Kuwait and Oman, the two Gulf countries that are closest to India in their political, cultural and civilisational ethos. In their political tolerance and pluralism, Kuwait and Oman are beacon lights for a New Middle East some day. This aberration in Modi government's Gulf policies is incomprehensible. It is illogical. Delhi should have deputed a special envoy to Kuwait to convey our sympathy over the departure of the emir who is often described as the 'prince of diplomacy and humanity'. The foreign leaders who travelled to Kuwait in recent days included King Abdullah of Jordan, Oman's Sultan Haitham, Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Iraq's President Barham Salih. Curiously, Britain's Prince Charles visited Kuwait on Sunday to extend condolences; so indeed US Secretary of Defence, Mark Esper representing the Trump administration. When I was deputed post-haste to Kuwait as Charge'Affaires to reopen the embassy just a week after the 1991 Gulf War ended (on the basis of an assurance given to the parliament by then external affairs minister I K Gujral). Over half of Kuwait's expatriate population used to comprise of Indian nationals totalling a quarter million. Kuwait was such a priority relationship for India that then commerce minister in the Chandrasekhar government Subramanian Swamy came as special envoy to the war-torn, ravaged country under curfew -- with the great oil fields set on fire by the fleeing Iraqi occupation troops -- simply to greet the Kuwaiti leadership returning from exile after the First Gulf War ended in 1991. Those were halcyon days in India-Kuwait relations. The recent reports mention that when the pandemic arrived, 14.5 lakh Indians were living in Kuwait (total population: 43 lakhs), which was half of the entire expatriate population. The figures still speak for themselves. It shouldn't take more time to travel to Kuwait from New Delhi than it takes to visit Thiruvananthapuram. It is not too late for Modi government to make amends. Paying respects to a bereaved family is an ancient Indian custom. Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar served the Indian Foreign Service for more than 29 years. He has served as India's ambassador to Turkey and Uzbekistan and has been a contributor to Rediff.com for well over a decade. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com TORONTO - Balancing the fight against COVID-19 with efforts to jump-start the economy in Ontario has highlighted communications problems that have sown confusion and could erode trust in public health advice, experts say. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Ontario Premier Doug Ford holds a press conference regarding new restrictions at Queen's Park during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on Friday, October 2, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette TORONTO - Balancing the fight against COVID-19 with efforts to jump-start the economy in Ontario has highlighted communications problems that have sown confusion and could erode trust in public health advice, experts say. Steven Hoffman, a professor of global health, law and political science at York University, said much of the fault falls at the feet of the provincial government. "The rules are complex and they haven't been communicated as clearly as needed," he said. "And some of them just don't make sense." In Ontario, social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors. But the indoor capacity for businesses such as casinos, bars and restaurants is 100 people, as long as they follow all public health guidelines. "If it's in our homes, then we're allowed to do one thing but if we all go to a casino then more of us can hang out together," Hoffman said. He pointed to Thanksgiving as a perfect example that highlights the unclear and conflicting messages authorities are giving to the public. On Monday, Dr. Barbara Yaffe, the province's associate chief medical officer of health, advised Ontarians against celebrating the holiday with people outside of their immediate household. But on Tuesday, Premier Doug Ford told reporters he had told is wife they would not have more than 10 people over for Thanksgiving. He backtracked moments later, tweeting that they would stick to their "immediate household" on the holiday. Ontario has been experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases recently and brought in tighter restrictions to deal with the second wave of the pandemic, including asking people to pause their social bubbles. So the public is left with rules and guidelines that aren't congruent, Hoffman said. "Maybe I shouldn't have Thanksgiving at home, but maybe we go have it at a casino," he said. Hoffman said the messaging in Ontario shifted in June when the politicians began talking about easing restrictions and the province came up with a numeric stage system. "I was quite concerned in June when the rhetoric around the reopening of society was framed as getting back to business," Hoffman said. "Stage 1, Stage 2 , Stage 3 implies that it only goes in one direction." The public has not been properly prepared through communications to expect a rollback of restrictions, thereby making behaviours difficult to change. "It is going to be hard to reimpose those layers of protection, and indeed, unfortunately, we're seeing that right now and it's been really confusing," Hoffman said. Maya Goldenberg, a philosophy professor at the University of Guelph who examines communications and has a book coming out about vaccine apprehension, said the public needs clear directions from the government. "People want consistency and to know that this is part of a plan and not a random smattering of directives," she said. "Without being able to find that common thread, we get suspicious this is not being directed very well." Ford defended his team's communications on Monday when asked if the public was tuning him out. "I totally disagree with that because I'm out there and talking to the people," he said. Goldenberg said the province's messaging had been strong and clear through much of the pandemic until about a month ago when schools reopened and mixed messaging led to confusion about what symptoms required tests for students. That in turn led to massive lineups at assessment centres and overwhelmed laboratories where the tests are processed. The province said it never directed school boards to demand COVID-19 tests, but recently changed its testing protocols. Boards have since handed out decision trees that parents are supposed to follow, which is different from the rules sent out last month. The overwhelming demand for COVID-19 tests in the province over the past month also led to changes at assessment centres. People seeking a test must now make an appointment rather than simply show up. Public health officials and epidemiologists across the country have long espoused the need for massive testing in order to stop the spread of the virus. "But when the government comes out and says our testing centres are overwhelmed and we're going to change the criteria for children being tested, it sounds like a resource problem and not a public health directive," Goldenberg said. "We're at this point where science was upheld on how to get out of this problem and when it's not followed, it creates a lot of mistrust and even confusion from the public about who's directing our pandemic response right now." She said decisions are being made on resources and cost concerns, which is not wrong, but is different than what much of the public wants at the moment. "Right now people want to put health as the first priority, not spending," she said. Goldenberg said politicians deferring to public health officials to justify certain rules in the first few months of the pandemic led to a great amount of trust with the public. "The way to do it well is to have consistent messaging and clear justification for actions being made," she said, "but that's not happening right now." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2020. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 01:27:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on all Kyrgyz actors to engage in dialogue and agree on a way forward "within the constitutional framework." "The secretary-general encourages all Kyrgyz actors to engage in dialogue and agree on a way forward within the constitutional framework. The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution of the current situation, including through the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia," according to a statement issued by the UN chief's spokesman Stephane Dujarric. "The secretary-general is closely monitoring the situation in the Kyrgyz Republic, where protests erupted yesterday in the aftermath of the Oct. 4 parliamentary elections, reportedly leaving one person dead and over one hundred injured," said the statement. "The secretary-general regrets the loss of life and urges all involved to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from violence," it added. Parliamentary elections were held in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday with the participation of 16 political parties. Preliminary results showed that four parties crossed the 7 percent threshold to enter the parliament. Some parties which failed to meet the voting threshold organized nationwide protests on Monday demanding the election's annulment, claiming gross violations. Kyrgyzstan's Central Election Commission on Tuesday annulled the results of the elections after clashes between police and protesters caused at least 590 injuries and one death. Enditem A new interim government has been installed, which will operate for 18 months to organize new elections. President Keita, the previous president, was forced to resign, along with all his ministers, by the military on August 18th. The many nations which imposed sanctions after the August coup have demanded that there be new elections within twelve months and a new elected government installed. The August coup was the second one since 2012 and the third since Mali became independent in 1960. The 2020 coup got the same hostile reaction from the neighbors, international organizations and Western supporters as did the 2012 one. The prompt installation of the temporary government, with 21 of 25 ministries led by civilians, is an attempt to get local and international sanctions lifted. So far, no official response from the nations imposing sanctions but indications are that the new government is acceptable as long as it is temporary. The sanctions have disrupted trade and been a bonanza for smugglers. Islamic terrorist groups control a lot of the smuggling so as long as the sanctions remain in force the Islamic terrorists make more money. The March 2012 coup was triggered by the lack of financial and political support for the troops stationed in the thinly populated north, which was being taken over by a Tuareg rebellion led by Islamic terrorist groups. Elections were held in 2013, after a French-led force advanced into the north in January and quickly defeated the Taureg rebels and their Islamic terrorist allies. Eight years later the Taureg tribes are still waiting for the government to deliver the economic aid promised when the Tauregs agreed to a peace deal. The Islamic terrorist groups are still up there and have spread to central Mali, partly to support their smuggling operations (drugs and people) that finance the terror groups. Eight years later and the corruption and mismanagement are still prominent and the target of growing popular anger. Despite all the peacekeepers and counterterror forces, there will be no peace until a competent and a lot less corrupt government is installed. Since 2013 the Mali military has been rebuilt, a task carried out largely by French trainers and advisors. Currently the army has about 7,000 troops. Another 800 personnel serve in the air force and riverine navy. There are also nearly 5,000 paramilitary troops, including the 2,000-man Republican Guard stationed in the capital to protect government officials and facilities. Most of the paramilitary personnel act as national police and serve throughout the country. Overall, the rebuilt army is a more effective force than it was in 2012. But the Mali troops are still considered the least effective in the region. The 2020 army has a few units that are first-rate and often operate with the French counterterrorism forces. But these elite Mali troops account for less than ten percent of the army. The 2020 coup was triggered by the inability of the government to agree to reforms and cooperate with the opposition parties. There had been over a month of fruitless negotiations with president (since 2013) Keita, who seemed to believe he could wait it out. After all Keita had been reelected in 2018 amid accusations of voting fraud. The opposition produced many proposals but few Keita was willing to accept. Mediators from ECOWAS (Economic Community of 15 West African States) kept the negotiations going but Keita refused to consider resigning and the opposition saw curbing Keitas power as essential if there was to be any hope of peace and prosperity. The army leaders, who were not formally part of the opposition, seemed to agree and carried out a coup that had more popular support than the 2012 one. Demonstrations had been going on since June 5th and that led to an unexpected coalition, called the June 5Movement (J5M), containing political, economic and religious groups that rarely agree with or work with each other. The coalition held together to the present but past experience shows that such coalitions have a difficult time implementing sustained change. Faction leaders and Malians in general understand that without a much less corrupt government they will be stuck in a cycle of economic decline and inability to deal with tribal, religious and political rebels in central and northern Mali. Foreign aid donors are backing away because of the corruption and the waste of so much aid via theft and mismanagement. The main leader o J5M is Moslem cleric Mahmoud Dicko. He has been the de-facto spokesman for J5M. Dicko is a popular senior imam (Moslem cleric) who studied Islam in Saudi Arabia and came to be chairman of Malis High Islamic Council. Despite (or because of) his education in Saudi religious schools (which stress the need for Islamic law) Dicko openly backs a secular government, but one run by honest (or a lot more honest than now) politicians and officials. Imams like Dicko are one reason Islamic terrorist beliefs have not spread to the majority of Malians, most (95 percent) of them Moslem. Many foreign students in Saudi religious schools note that for all its piety Saudi Arabia is very corrupt as are most other Arab oil states. There were some exceptions but without all that oil wealth many Arab governments would be undergoing the same political pain Mali is suffering. Many Mali politicians and economic leaders dont trust Dicko, feeling that he must be in touch with Islamic terror group leaders and actually willing to try a religious government. Dicko has never expressed support for that and more and more Malians are believing that. Corruption has long been a major problem for Mali. Corruption and misuse of foreign aid are the main reasons for many other problems. International surveys of corruption put Mali in the bottom third of nations, but not at the bottom of the list like Somalia, Yemen, Syria, and South Sudan. In contrast most of the least corrupt nations are the industrialized ones. The least corrupt are Finland, New Zealand and Denmark. Keita and his associates were supposed to be the cure for the current mess, which began after France intervened in January 2013, leading a military operation to clear Islamic terrorists out of northern Mali. Aided by Chad and a growing number of other African peacekeeping contingents, this effort continues and is somewhat open ended. The French acted because in 2012 Tuareg tribal rebels (with the help of al Qaeda affiliated Islamic terrorists) in northern Mali chased out government forces and declared a separate Tuareg state. The Mali army mutinied because of lack of support from the corrupt government down south and took control of the capital. The army soon backed off when neighboring nations threatened to intervene. The elected government was soon back in charge and more corrupt than ever. In April 2020 parliamentary elections were conducted after nearly two years of delays. These were the first such elections since the military coup in 2013. Fewer than 15 percent of eligible voters participated. Most of the 19 million people in Mali dont have to deal with the Islamic or tribal terrorism found mainly in thinly populated central and northern Mali. Everyone knows about this problem and how it has spread from the north to central Mali in the last five years. The main reason for the spread of this violence is corruption. It has been a problem ever since Mali became independent after the French left in 1960. It is a problem common throughout Africa and many other parts of the world. Voters are discouraged because it seems that whoever they elect, they just get another bunch of corrupt and incompetent leaders. Lots of corruption often produces rebels and in Moslem majority nations that often means Islamic terrorism. There are several of these groups in Mali and largest of them is JNIM (Jamaah Nusrah al Islam wal Muslimin, or Group for the support of Islam and Moslems). This is an al Qaeda coalition formed in early 2017 to consolidate the many separate Islamic terror groups in Mali. In part this was a reaction to the growing threat from ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant), which is hostile to everyone who is not ISIL and will attack or recruit from the JNIM members like AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb), Ansar Dine, FLM and several other smaller groups. Another reason for the merger was to make it easier to pool resources, especially information and practical advice, and coordinate with other Islamic terror groups in the region. This reduces friction and destructive feuding. Making a coalition like this work is always difficult, especially considering the importance of ethnic differences. The FLM is Fulani (the largest local tribal contribution) while the other groups are largely Tuareg or Arab and some have a lot of foreigners. Note that JNIM did not incorporate all the AQIM groups in the area, just local groups that had long been identified with al Qaeda. The income from the drug trade keeps a lot of these factions in business and the Islamic terrorists know that business and religious fanaticism do not mix and keep it that way. Those groups that did not went broke and withered to nothing. Meanwhile the Islamic terror groups evolved with more radical JNIM members joining more radical groups like ISIL, which is universally hated by other Islamic terrorists and Moslems in general. By 2018 there were two ISIL provinces in central Africa when the smaller one, ISGS (Islamic State in Greater Sahara), showed up. ISGS is currently active in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The other, slightly older and larger, ISIL province was ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province). ISWAP was actually a faction of the Nigerian Boko Haram Islamic terrorists who had been around since 2004. ISWAP personnel are mostly in northeastern Nigeria as well as smaller numbers in Chad, Niger and northern Cameroon. There are also a lot of tribal conflicts in central Mali but these have been active for decades and are made worse by the corruption. The tribal war between Dogon and Fulani has been particularly bloody since 2019. As long as Mali suffers from the high levels of government corruption and mismanagement, there will be Islamic terrorism and the threat of separatism succeeding, as it did in 2012-13. France wont always be willing to move in the deal with the problem. Many in France are questioning the wisdom of remaining in Mali and the Sahel. What keeps the French forces there is past experience. When Islamic terrorists are left free to expand the terror groups will do just that. Nearly all the mayhem will be local but some of it will show up in the West, triggering demands that something be done. At the moment the French, aided by the Americans and a coalition of Sahel states, are doing something and it forces the Islamic terrorists restrict their activities and spend a lot of time avoiding detection and attack (on the ground or via airstrike). The War On Terrorists The counter-terror operations by France, the G5 Sahel states, UN peacekeepers and the Mali Army has been successful but it has only suppressed Islamic terrorist and tribal violence, not eliminated it. There are fewer large-scale terror attacks or tribal raids. But there is still lots of low-level activity that does not kill, but rather intimidates and extorts financial and other support for the armed groups. As long as there is so much corruption and mismanagement in the government there will always be willing new recruits for Islamic terror groups or tribal militias. This is why the there is so much pressure by neighbors and donor states for Mali to reform itself. That is possible but it isnt easy and does not happen quickly. For decades Mali and it leaders have put off making the changes needed. Now it is clear that life will only get more dangerous, chaotic and unpredictable the longer the culture of corruption is allowed to persist. There is not a crippling amount of Islamic terrorist and tribal militia violence throughout the country. Where there is such violence it indicates Islamic terror groups are seeking to intimidate local security forces into neutrality or getting locals to actively work with the Islamic terrorists in their economic (mostly smuggling), or political/ideological (attacking schools and local government facilities) activities. The tribal violence is mainly about economic issues, usually involving land and resource disputes. A key government objective should be to eliminate Islamic terrorist revenue sources and make it easier for legitimate enterprises to flourish. October 4, 2020: The government released nearly two hundred imprisoned Islamic terrorists in order to get a prominent politician and a foreign aid worker released. The politician, Soumaila Cisse, was taken on March 25 2020 while i n the north (outside Timbuktu). Cisse was campaigning for upcoming the parliamentary elections when he was taken by unidentified gunmen. There was no ransom demanded and later it was revealed that JNIM, the local al Qaeda affiliate, was negotiating with the government to trade Cisse, and a foreign aid worker kidnapped in 2016, for over a hundred imprisoned Islamic terrorists. The prisoners have been moved to locations in central and northern Mali in preparation for the exchange. No date on when the exchange will take place. September 30, 2020: In central Mali (Mopti province), outside the town of Boni, a dozen or so Islamic terrorists ambushed an army convoy, killing two soldiers and wounding six. This area has been the scene of frequent Islamic terrorist violence since 2015. September 25, 2020: In the capital Bah NDaw, a retired army officer, was sworn in as the interim president. The army officers who had taken control of the government after removing the Keita government on August 18th, are turning over power to an interim government. NDaw now has to select suitable people to run the 25 ministries. That led to 21 of those ministers being civilians. September 12, 2020: In the southeast (Sikasso) a roadside bomb was used against an ambulance, killing six civilians and wounding one. This took place about 500 kilometers east of the Mali capital and near the main road into Burkina Faso, a major base area for local Islamic terror groups. September 11, 2020: In central Mali (Mopti) Islamic terrorists on motorbikes attacked a village, killing eight villagers and wounding at least three others. The attackers fled when soldiers arrived in the area. September 5, 2020: In the north (outside Kidal) a French army vehicle was hit with a roadside bomb, killing two French soldiers and wounding another. Since 2013 French troops have been operating in Mali and adjacent countries. So far 45 French soldiers have died. September 3, 2020: In central Mali (Mopti) Islamic terrorists ambushed an army supply convoy, killed at least ten soldiers and looted the convoy until army reinforcements closed in. (Natural News) MIAMIA diverse group of supporters gathered outside President Donald Trumps hotel in Doral, Florida, hoping to catch a glimpse of him during a recent Latinos roundtable event. Many were exiles from socialist or communist regimes such as Cuba and Venezuela. (Article by Bowen Xiao republished from TheEpochTimes.com) This personal backdropmany having fled to Americaand the notion that the Democratic Party has been shifting further left, are key factors behind their support. The administrations repeated sanctions against the regimes of Venezuela and Cuba helped solidify their decisions. Jorde Lewis, a Venezuelan American, said he couldnt comprehend why anyone from his home country would vote for the Democratic Party, since he believes they are offering socialism. A majority of Venezuelans live in poverty and millions have fled the regime. We left socialism to come to a capitalist state, Lewis told The Epoch Times on Sept. 25. I know exactly what its like to live under socialism, not to have food, not to have electricity. The minimum salary in my country is a joke, he said. Its $5and a bottle of ketchup is $1. In July, presidential candidate Joe Biden said he would be the most progressive president in American history. His agenda has also been described as progressive by left-wing media. Lewis said he fled to America because of the opportunities it presented as a capitalistic society. He doesnt want a big government, he wants a small one, so we can have the freedom to be human beings. This year, Lewis wont be voting by mail: I come from a socialist country and they always cheat in the elections. We dont want this country to become the country that we left behind, he said. We want institutions, we want freedom, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms. Dozens in the crowd that had gathered outside Trumps hotel expressed similar sentiments. Florida, which has 29 electoral votes out of the 270 needed to be elected president, is a key battleground state. Virginia Mancur, a Nicaraguan American, said the support from his community for Trump is stronger than it was in 2016. What do they want, something like Venezuela here? Mancur told The Epoch Times. Most Nicaraguans and Ecuadorians are supporting Trump. Voting registrations paint a picture as well. According to Sept. 1 voting registration statistics in Miami, 301,317 Hispanics have registered for the Republican Party of Florida, while 273,129 have registered for the Florida Democratic Party. The Trump administration has been courting Latinos and Cuban Americans in Florida through advertisements and other means. Democrats, meanwhile, have expressed concern that Biden is rapidly losing ground among Cubans. Alex Gubanos, a Cuban American, told The Epoch Times hes voting for Trump because the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan he received greatly benefited his business of about 600 employees. Gubanos says he 100 percent supports the sanctions against Cuba by the administration, adding that he has family living there. From what hes seen, he says most Cuban Americans around him are voting for Trump. The top four counties in the United States with the highest concentration of Cubans are all in the state of FloridaMiami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, and Palm Beachaccording to the Migration Policy Institute. Renzo Lopez, who was born in Peru and moved to the United States when he was 8 years old, said he knows what its like living in a Third World country. My parents [worked hard] to come [to] this country to give us a better life, he told The Epoch Times. I dont want this country to turn out the same way my country was. Lopez also said hes seeing more individuals in the Latino community switching from the Democratic Party to Trump this year. A lot of my family members actually switched, he said. I see a lot more support from the Latino community. I would probably say over 50 percent of the community Im in contact with on my Facebook, and in Miami. We are tired of the riots Lopez added. We stand for family values. Im tired of people calling us racists, or sellouts. Leyla Celly told The Epoch Times that shes seeing 90 percent of her fellow Lebanese Americans in Miami voting for Trump. Even American Syrians, they are voting for Trump for sure, Celly said. Minorities need someone who is sincere and supportive. On Sept. 23, Trump added new sanctions against the regime in Havana, including new restrictions on Cuban exports and the barring of Americans from staying at regime-owned properties. He said the sanctions are part of our continuing fight against communist oppression. Trump said the new sanctions will ensure U.S. dollars do not fund the Cuban regime. The president has also repeatedly sanctioned Venezuela. Polls meanwhile have indicated that more Latinos are voting for Trump. One recent NBC News/Marist poll revealed that 50 percent of likely Latino voters of Cuban descent favor Trump, compared to 46 percent for Biden. Read more at: TheEpochTimes.com New Delhi: In a major move, it is reliably learnt that India has also proposed to construct a petroleum refinery in the Thanlyn region of Myanmar near Yangon city to boost energy security, with the likely investment expected to be about US$ 6 billion. India on Monday expressed its appreciation to Myanmar for handing over 22 insurgents to India, with the two sides also discussing maintenance of security and stability in their border areas and reiterated their mutual commitment not to allow their respective territories to be used for activities inimical to each other. The discussions happened during the two-day joint visit of Army chief Gen. M.M. Naravane and Foreign Secretary (FS) Harsh Vardhan Shringla to Myanmar that culminated on Monday. As a mark of Indias solidarity with Myanmar in fighting the Covid pandemic, both also presented 3000 vials of Remdesivirused in anti-Covid treatmentto the Myanmar side. New Delhi conveyed Indias willingness to prioritise Myanmar in sharing vaccines as and when these become available. The Rohingya issue and Indias assistance to development programmes in Myanmars Rakhine province was also discussed, with India conveying its support for ensuring safe, sustainable and speedy return of displaced persons to the Rakhine State. Gen. Naravane and FS Mr. Shringla called on Myanmars State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Commander in Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Gen. Naravane also met Vice Senior General Soe Win, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Armed Services while the FS also met U Soe Han, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar. India also announced a grant of US$ 2 million for the construction of the border haat bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in Chin State that will provide increased economic connectivity between Mizoram and Myanmar. Both sides also discussed progress in the ongoing Indian-assisted infrastructure projects such as the Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both sides agreed to further strengthen their partnership in connectivity projects, capacity building, power and energy, deepen economic and trade ties, further facilitate people to people and cultural exchanges, and broad-base their defence exchanges across all the three services. The visit is in accordance with Indias neighbourhood first policy. Myanmar is also a member of south-east Asian grouping ASEAN. The visit comes at a time of Sino-Indian military tensions in the Ladakh sector. Myanmar has enjoyed extremely close ties with China in the past and still retains strong ties with Beijing although it has gradually strengthened ties with India too significantly in the past 15 years. A quota of 1.5 lakh tonnes of Urad (Vigna mungo) for import from Myanmar till 31 March 2021 was also announced. The Centre of Excellence in Software Development and Training in Myitkyina, was virtually inaugurated. FS also inaugurated the Embassy Liaison Office in (Myanmars Capital) Nay Pyi Taw along with U Soe Han, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, during the visit, the MEA said. Myanmar meanwhile appreciated Indias decision to provide debt service relief under the G-20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative, for the period up to December 31, 2020. The MEA also noted, Both sides noted the considerable progress made under the Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP) and proposed finalising projects under Phase - III of the Programme, including setting up of a skills training center. During the visit, the Project Agreement on the upgrading of agricultural mechanization under the RSDP was also signed. FS conveyed Indias support for ensuring safe, sustainable and speedy return of displaced persons to the Rakhine State. The two neighbours also exchanged views on an early initiation of work on fresh initiatives such as the upgradation of Yamethin Women's Police Academy, Basic Technical Training School and measures to provide long term sustainability to projects such as the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology. They agreed to work towards operationalisation of Sittwe Port in the Rakhine State in the first quarter of 2021. The Myanmar side expressed appreciation for Indian assistance in the preservation of cultural heritage, including the repair and conservation of Bagan pagodas that had been damaged in the 2016 earthquake. The two sides discussed plans to install a bust of Lokmanya Tilak in Mandalay to commemorate his 100th death anniversary as it was during his incarceration in Mandalay jail that Lokmanya Tilak wrote Gita Rahasya, an exposition of the Bhagavad Gita. Other areas of cooperation in culture discussed included translation of Indian epics into the Burmese language, the MEA said. Both sides have been in discussion to establish a High Capacity High Voltage Grid Interconnection between the Indian power grid and the Myanmar grid. Discussions on the low voltage radial interconnections between North-Eastern states and Myanmar have also progressed. ... Initiatives like the successful implementation of the Land Border Crossing Agreement and ongoing discussions at the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Motor Vehicles Agreement, have been moving forward, the MEA added. Seamless coordination ensured that there are just 38 local terrorists active in Kashmir Salim Parray gone: Cops gun down Kashmirs most dreaded terrorist J&K youth being tricked into joining terror ranks by Pakistan: Officials Terrorists open fire on BJP leader in Ganderbal, personal security guard killed; 1 ultra also dead India oi-Deepika S Srinagar, Oct 06: Terrorists attacked a BJP leader in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, leaving his personal security guard dead, while an ultra was also killed in the retaliatory action, police said. They shot at on Ghulam Qadir, a district vice president of the BJP, near his residence at Nunner in Ganderbal, a police official said. Highly radicalised Kashmiri terrorists arrested, major attack averted in Delhi Bihar Polls 2020: NDA seat sharing announced, JDU gets 122 while BJP gets 121|Oneindia News The injured security guard was rushed to SKIMS hospital at Soura for treatment, but he succumbed to injuries, the official said, adding the BJP leader was safe. In the retaliatory action by the security personnel, one terrorist was also killed, the official said. The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza mall in Los Angeles as seen from the intersection of Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Jr. boulevards. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) New buyers have emerged for Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, a sprawling regional mall that has been a focal point of the South Los Angeles community since shortly after World War II but has struggled for business in recent decades. New York real estate companies LIVWRK and DFH Partners have been selected by the current owners to acquire the 40-acre property at Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Jr. boulevards, the sellers said. The sale is expected to close before the end of the year. No price was disclosed, but offers to buy the mall earlier this year, including one from Los Angeles developer CIM Group, exceeded $100 million. CIM Group agreed to buy the mall in April but backed out of the deal in June in the face of resistance from neighborhood activists who objected in part because CIM's plans didn't add housing to the complex, which was approved by the city for previous owners, and would focus instead on converting vacant department stores to offices for rent. The founder of LIVWRK, Asher Abehsera, said he will talk to local residents before deciding on a makeover plan. "A project of this scale affords a mix of uses," he said. The 869,000-square-foot mall with a Cinemark movie theater has been mostly closed since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the struggling center had previously lost anchors Walmart and Sears, which together occupied about a third of the malls total space. Its Macys department store and IHOP restaurant are not included in the pending sale. The mall site received city approvals in 2018 for an additional net 2 million square feet of new development, including apartments, condominiums, a 400-room hotel, office space and additional stores. Abehsera said he named his company LIVWRK, a shortening of "live-work," because he believes neighborhoods thrive best when they are home to commercial and residential uses that engage people day and night. An underground light-rail stop is set to open next year at Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Jr. boulevards. Story continues The company he founded in 2013 concentrates on mixed-use urban developments such as Dumbo Heights, a six-building warehouse complex built by the Jehovah's Witnesses to manage its publications that is now being converted to an office and retail center. Another Brooklyn project involved converting a former Wild Turkey whiskey distillery to condominiums. LIVWRK has active real estate projects with CIM Group, Abehsera said, but Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza is not one of them. Abehsera has also partnered with Jared Kushner on past real estate ventures. "Neither Jared nor his family have any investment in my company or this deal," Abehsera said. "I have had no involvement with Jared since he went to work with his father-in-law," President Trump. Absehra, 37, said he grew up in Los Angeles and moved on to start his real estate business in New York. He returned to Los Angeles about a year ago. His financial partner in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza project is DFH Partners, a commercial real estate investment firm based in New York. We see a singular opportunity to invest and participate in this very special property in the heart of the Crenshaw corridor, said Rochelle Dobbs, founding principal of DFH Partners, in a statement. We are excited to work hand in hand with LIVWRK and leaders throughout the area to ensure this property remains a vibrant community anchor for decades to come. The most high-profile opponent of the previous planned sale to CIM Group was Crenshaw Subway Coalition, a local activist group that filed a lawsuit claiming the city entitlements granted in 2018 for development on the site violated the California Environmental Quality Act and federal housing laws. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff dismissed the CEQA claim last year and granted a judgment in September that in effect dismissed the remaining challenges to the city entitlements. One of the activists behind the lawsuit is Damien Goodmon, who is part of Downtown Crenshaw Rising, a Los Angeles group that submitted a proposal that included financing to buy the mall and redevelop it into a 21st century sustainable urban village known as Downtown Crenshaw. "The bottom line is that this battle is not over, it is simply the latest saga to wrestle control of the Crenshaw Mall out of the hands of those who would do the Crenshaw community harm and into the hands of the community, according to a statement by Downtown Crenshaw Rising released by Goodmon. Were going to focus our energy on continuing to organize the people, further strengthening our offer and the people-supported plan. A representative of the Baldwin Hills Estates Homeowners Assn. said he has had discussions with LIVWRK and is optimistic that improvements to the mall won't turn into "a gentrification bomb" for the neighborhood. "We do not want this to be tied up," John Gonzales said of the pending sale. "The key is to protect the neighborhood and make it as beneficial to everyone as it can be." Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza traces its roots to 1947 with the opening of Broadway and May Co. stores, complemented by shops and restaurants. In the 1980s, Mayor Tom Bradley wanted to see a major shopping center in the neighborhood and encouraged linking the stores to create an indoor mall that was completed in 1988. Capri Capital Advisors of Chicago bought the mall for $136 million in 2006 and spent more than $35 million on upgrades, including a makeover of the movie complex formerly operated by retired Lakers star Magic Johnson. The mall has been controlled since 2019 by a Chicago private equity fund of institutional investors called Capri Urban Investors. For the record: 11:21 AM, Oct. 07, 2020: A previous version of this article reported that a group that had submitted a bid to buy the mall was seeking funds to finance the purchase. The group, known as Downtown Crenshaw Rising, said in a statement issued on its behalf by Damien Goodmon that its proposal already includes financing. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. T ravel bosses are urging ministers to introduce a two test system for travellers that could cut the quarantine period to just four days after polling found it was far more popular with passengers than a single test requiring up to eight days at home. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is said to be looking at both options ahead of an expected Commons statement on Monday aimed at making it easier for Britons to travel abroad this winter. However, he is also likely to remove Sweden, Italy and Greece from the green list of countries that can be visited without 14 days of quarantine on return to the UK. The system preferred by the travel industry would require passengers to obtain a negative test while on their overseas trip up to 48 hours before travelling home. They could present their negative test certificate alongside the Passenger Locator Form that every traveller has to fill in on arrival in Britain. They would then quarantine for four days before taking a second private test on the fifth day. A second negative result would allow them to leave home. The other option is a single test on arrival followed by a longer quarantine of up to eight days. Polling carried out by travel industry consultancy The PC Agency shows that more than 90 per cent of travellers prefer the four-day option even though it would be more expensive. Currently private swab tests cost around 150 but this is expected to fall to about 35 when saliva-based LAMP tests start becoming widely available this autumn. Paul Charles, chief executive of The PC Agency, said: The proposed two test system would not cost the Government anything. Avoiding a test on arrival would also save passengers having to queue. Thrissur : Oct 6 (IANS) Mahesh, the live-in partner of Sona, was on Tuesday arrested by the police for stabbing her to death following a quarrel. Sona was a practising dentist and ran her clinic, near here while Mahesh was a contractor. According to the police, following a rift between the two over sharing the proceeds from her dental clinic, there was an altercation between at the clinic on September 28. Mahesh stabbed her in front of her relatives and ran away. Sona succumbed to her injuries on October 3. The police took Mahesh into custody early Tuesday after days of manhunt. Sona was previously married and has a daughter from the earlier marriage. Meet the women who paints human baby dolls and makes them look so life-like, that she sometimes struggles to let them go. Susan Gibbs, 49, a silicone artist from Canada, has been painting newborns since 2010 and said she feels like a 'proud mama' when she sees the finished result even keeping three recent creations for her personal collection after bonding with them 'big time'. Susan told Jam Press: 'I always loved dolls when I was little and I wished they made them more realistic. Precious: Artist Susan Gibbs, from Canada, creates incredibly realistic-looking baby dolls, known as newborns Spot the difference: The 49-year-old paints silicone dolls to make them look just like real-life babies, and ends up with such lifelike results that people can't tell the difference Creative: Susan began painting the dolls back in 2010, having discovered 'reborns' online and buying a few for herself Pricey: The dolls can cost thousands of dollars a pop, so Susan decided to try her hand at making her own 'Proud': The creative woman says she struggles to sell the dolls sometimes because they look so lifelike and she forms a close bond with them 'I saw reborns for the first time in 2009 and I couldn't believe how real they looked. I purchased my first one that same year, then added two more after a couple of months. 'I realized they were expensive dolls to collect, so I tried my hand at making them myself. 'First I was only making them for my family and me. Then it took off, especially when I made the switch to silicone dolls. Now I teach worldwide how to paint silicone dolls.' Susan spends up to four weeks finessing her 'babies' with layers of paint to achieve the mottled skin of a newborn, and then inserts the hair follicle by follicle, which can take a painstaking 30 hours. She said: 'Each doll I try to make better than the last one. 'When I do my online class, I finish painting a doll in five days, but on average, I make one or two newborns a month. 'I don't take custom orders. I sell what I finish. 'Some are more expensive than others, depending on the price of the doll and quality of the kit I use. Time-consuming: Susan spends up to four weeks finessing her 'babies' with layers of paint to achieve the mottled skin of a newborn Individual: Each doll is different, and Susan says the price varies depending on the amount of work and the unique elements that go into each one Going, going, gone! The artist says her dolls tend to sell out before they are even finished, thanks to her dedicated social media following Detail: Each doll comes with a Bassinet-bag, an array of clothes, a stuffed toy, a pacifier, an empty bottle, a blanket, a Certificate of Authenticity, a birth certificate, and a dolly passport Emotional: Susan says each doll serves a different purpose. Some are made for grieving mothers who have lost a baby, while others are used as therapy tools in nursing homes 'I get a lot of inquiries daily. I can't keep up with the messages. I always tell them that I will post photos on my social media when I'm done but usually my dolls sell before I start painting them. 'People message me what my line-up of kit is, then they secure the doll that they want to adopt.' Susan's stunningly life-like creations come equipped with a Bassinet-bag, a wide array of clothes, a stuffed toy, a pacifier, an empty bottle, a blanket, a Certificate of Authenticity, a Birth certificate, care instructions and a dolly passport. Customers buy Susan's dolls for a range of different reasons, she explained. 'Most of these dolls are used as therapy tools in nursing homes,' she said. 'Some are memorial dolls for mothers who have lost their babies or had a miscarriage. While some are just collectors' items. 'They are also used as special effects props in the film industry, especially birthing scenes.' Susan was able to share a particularly sentimental moment with her mother in 2011 when she gifted her a special doll. Big screen: The artist says her dolls are also used as props in movies particularly in birthing scenes when they need the prop to look lifelike Special: Susan says she takes comfort in knowing that her intricately designed babies will be in safe hands, once she passes them on Details: Some of the dolls come with accessories like baby bottles, or car seats, depending on what the customer is looking for Connection: Susan says that she doesn't want to sell her dolls on a major website like eBay because she wants to get to know as many of her customers as possible Art: The dollmaker says she isn't worried if a certain doll doesn't sell - she would rather make them based on what she wants to do rather than working to custom requests 'She never had a doll as a child,' the doll-maker explained. 'So on Christmas, I gave her a doll that I made to look like me when I was a baby. 'It was her very first doll and she was 83. She squealed like a little girl and cried happy tears. That was priceless.' Susan takes comfort in knowing that her intricately designed babies will be in safe hands, once she passes them on. She added: 'I know most of my customers. Interestingly, they are young mothers between [the ages of] 30 [and] 40 from the USA. 'I don't have a big clientele like eBay users do and I don't like selling on there because I want to know where my babies go. 'I don't do custom orders.' For passionate doll-makers like Susan, reborn is an art form. She said: 'I paint my dolls how I envision them. Then I sell. If they sell, great. If not, great too because I get to keep them.' Baby boy: 'I paint my dolls how I envision them. Then I sell. If they sell, great. If not, great too because I get to keep them,' she said One by one: Susan makes baby dolls at different ages, from newborn until a few months old Fan club: Susan's Instagram is filled with her work, and the dolls regularly attract comments from fascinated users who are left stunned by their lifelike features Astonishing: Commenters are stunned by just how realistic the dolls look, with many confusing them for real babies Susan's Instagram is filled with her work, and the dolls regularly attract comments from fascinated users who are left stunned by their lifelike features. Many people have commented on a post that shows a doll with striking similarities to a newborn reclining in a baby chair. One person commented: 'Oh my goodness. He's so perfect in every way.' This was followed by someone else, who wrote: 'I'm obsessed with him.' Another person wrote: 'I just want to give him a cuddle.' Another photo shows a hyper-realistic newborn complete with a freshly-cut umbilical cord stump. 'Wow... your skills are unbelievable,' gushed one fan. Another person was blown away by the intricate details and wrote: 'She is soo amazing. Hard to believe she is a doll.' Step by step: The dolls are incredibly detailed, with Susan considering every single aspect of them, from their skin to their mouths Transformation: Susan gets the dolls in a very basic form, and she then paints them with intricate detail Unremarkable: When they arrive with Susan, the dolls don't look different to many other toys Process: Susan then paints them and adds hair follicle by follicle, sometimes spending weeks on the process The Congress has put on hold at least three names suggested for selection as party candidates in the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, pending further scrutiny following objections by some leaders over their alleged involvement in sexual exploitation cases, people familiar with the development said. The move is seen as an immediate fallout of last months Hathras gang-rape and murder case in Uttar Pradesh on which the Congress leadership has taken a strong stand, a party functionary said on condition of anonymity. We have further tightened our nomination process. The names had been forwarded by our state poll panel. We have decided to keep these on hold till we conduct further scrutiny, said the functionary, a screening committee member. He said there were objections to these names from some sections of the party after which it was decided to put them on hold pending greater scrutiny. He refused to disclose the names. We are going through each and every name that is coming to us in a detailed manner and these will be cleared only after proper scrutiny. It is a longstanding resolve of the Congress leadership to keep those with criminal background and also rape accused out of the nomination process, added the person quoted above. At a press briefing on Tuesday, Congress leader Sushmita Dev said political parties should not field rape accused in elections. As the Mahila Congress president, I have absolutely no hesitation in saying that I am totally against giving nomination to anybody who has been accused of any serious moral turpitude. I feel that we should have a veto power against such people. Thats my view and I have spoken about it internally in the party, she said. A screening committee shortlists the party candidates and forwards the list to the central election committee (CEC) for final selection. On Monday, a meeting of the CEC, chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, is said to have cleared some names for the Bihar polls. Partys screening committee chairman Avinash Pande said the CEC discussed the names of candidates for 46 seats on Monday. These will be cleared after further scrutiny and the CEC will meet again soon in this regard, he added. Bihar will go to polls in three phases. While the first phase of elections will be held on October 28, the second phase is on November 3. The third and final phase of polling will be held on November 7; votes will be counted on November 10. As per the seat-sharing agreement among the constituents of the mahagathbandhan, or grand alliance, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will contest 144 seats, the Congress 70 and the Left parties 29. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aurangzeb Naqshbandi Aurangzeb Naqshbandi covers politics and keeps a close watch on developments in Jammu & Kashmir. He has been a journalist for 16 years. ...view detail A look at some of todays biggest headlines. That should never have happened: Inside Trumps Walter Reed parade Pacing the well-appointed presidential suite at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center between intravenous doses of remdesivir and near-hourly checks of his vitals, President Donald Trump has told more than one well-wisher hes desperate to fly the coop. Heres who has tested positive and negative for Covid-19 in Trumps circle At least 10 people in President Donald Trumps family, the US government and circle of advisers and recent contacts have recently tested positive for Covid-19. The race inside Russias coronavirus vaccine laboratory Alexander Gintsburg bats away criticism over the development of Russias Sputnik V vaccine for Covid-19, saying his goal is to save lives. He and his entire staff have had shots of the vaccine. Designer Kenzo Takada, founder of Kenzo, dies of Covid-19 aged 81 Written by Martin Goillandeau, CNN Paris-based Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, famous for creating the international luxury fashion house Kenzo, died in Paris on Sunday due to Covid-19 related complications, a spokesperson for Takadas luxury K-3 brand said in a statement sent to CNN. Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to US-UK trio for discovery of hepatitis C virus The Nobel Prize in Medicine has been jointly awarded to Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice for the discovery of hepatitis C virus. Venice holds back the water for first time in 1,200 years Venice, Italy (CNN) Sebastian Fagarazzi is used to moving his belongings around. As a Venetian who lives on the ground floor, every time the city faces acqua alta the regular flooding caused by high tides he must raise everything off the floor, including furniture and appliances, or risk losing it. London refuses to give Indian ride-hailing app Ola a new license London transport officials have refused to grant a new license to Ola over safety concerns, saying the Indian ride-hailing app is not fit and proper to hold one. Gay men have taken over the Proud Boys Twitter hashtag The Proud Boys hashtag, which members of the far-right group have been using, was trending Sunday after gay men on Twitter hijacked it and flooded the feed with photos of their loved ones and families and with memes. Elon Musk doubles down on Covid-19 skepticism and says he wont take future vaccine Elon Musk is once again publicly downplaying the risks of Covid-19. Big scary chasm opens up in Microsoft Flight Simulator reboot (CNN) Microsoft released its rebooted Flight Simulator program in August 2020, immediately wowing gamers with its hyper-realistic scenery, digitally distilled from satellite imagery. The sim gives its users the ability to fly anywhere in the world, with our planet reconstructed with real-time weather conditions using Microsoft Bing mapping technology. Africa Live: Ethiopia bans flights over Nile Dam BBC News Liberias President George Weah has revealed in a church sermon that he receives a barrage of insults via text message from people claiming to be his supporters who are angry that he is not helping them. Covid-19: Trump appears outside hospital in surprise drive-past BBC News The US Attorney General Bill Barr will self-isolate for now but will probably return to work this week, according the Department of Justice. Barr has tested negative for coronavirus four times since Friday morning. He was one of the officials who attended a White House event last week that has come under scrutiny after half a dozen people there tested positive for coronavirus. Hepatitis C discovery wins the Nobel Prize Three scientists who discovered the virus Hepatitis C have won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology. The winners are British scientist Michael Houghton and US researchers Harvey Alter and Charles Rice. The Nobel Prize committee said their discoveries ultimately saved millions of lives. The British queen who unashamedly loved sex BBC Reel Comedian Russell Kane shares a rather different side of one of the worlds most famous monarchs. Follow BBC Reel on Twitter and Facebook for all our latest videos. Worlds best airport warns of prolonged crisis Singapores Changi Airport has warned of a daunting period ahead as the impact from the Covid-19 pandemic shows no signs of abating. The Asian transit hub is regularly voted worlds best airport for the 60m to 70m passenger range. Changi has suspended operations in two terminals as flights have dropped to the lowest levels in its history. Meteorologist Eric Holthaus believes we can reverse climate change effects by 2050. Is it possible? Eric Holthaus, a climate reporter and meteorologist, wants to remind you that you are born at exactly the right time in history to help reverse the damage we have caused our planet. The Crown reveals first look at Princess Dianas wedding dress The Crown fans are eating well this week. This time, we get to devour a delectable glimpse at Season 4s portrayal of Princess Diana in her iconic wedding dress. Played by new talent Emma Corrin, the show debuted her look as Princess Di on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Jaime Harrison brought his own plexiglass divider to debate Lindsey Graham If theres one word that can perfectly describe Jaime Harrison in his first debate against Sen. Lindsey Graham, its prepared. On Saturday, Harrison South Carolinas Democratic Senate candidate spent the debate masterfully discussing key issues such as the Supreme Court nominee, COVID-19, and more with the Republican senator. Citizens of Alabamas Black Belt face a number of hardships, and many of the counties that make up the region are hollowing out. That population loss feeds into a cycle of problems, from lack of educational opportunities to unemployment to limited healthcare. And theres a surprising roadblock slowing down any efforts to tackle some of these issues - the state doesnt actually know which counties are in the Black Belt. We found no consistent definition of the Black Belt," said Stephen Katsinas, head of the Education Policy Center at the University of Alabama. You cant improve what you cant measure, and we cant measure [the Black Belt] right now. AL.com this year partnered with the Education Policy Center for a project called Black Belt 2020, which aims to shed light on many of the problems, and potential solutions, facing the region. But before any of those issues can be confronted, Katsinas said, the state has to know where to focus its resources. That requires coming up with a definition of the region. In the latest entry to the Black Belt 2020 series, the Education Policy Center tries to do just that. Katsinas, Noel Keeney, Emily Jacobs, and Hunter Whann authored an issue brief titled Defining Alabamas Black Belt Region." [Cant see the map? Click here.] The lack of a consistent Black Belt definition isnt necessarily from a lack of trying. The Encyclopedia of Alabama has a definition that includes pieces of 17 counties in the Black Belt. Former Alabama Gov. Bob Rileys Black Belt Action Committee looked at 12 counties. In lieu of deciding which counties were in the Black Belt, we would use the most inclusive definition we could, because there was no reason to exclude anybody, Katsinas said in a panel on the subject on Monday. The Education Policy Centers list includes 24 counties, taken from six federal, state and institutional programs that outline the region in some way. The list includes 18 primary Black Belt counties, and six secondary counties, and stretches from Lamar County in central-northwest Alabama down to Escambia County on the Florida border. At the panel on Monday, Wayne Flynt, university professor emeritus in the department of history at Auburn University, and one of the states most renowned historians, explained a number of criteria that might determine whether a county fits in the Black Belt. There is a geological definition of the Black Belt, said Flynt, who lives in Lee County. That definition has to do with receding sea levels in south Alabama many thousands of years ago, which in turn created the dark, fertile soil for which the Black Belt was named. By that definition, some of the counties included in the Education Policy Centers list dont fit the criteria. Conecuh and Escambia counties dont have that kind of soil, Flynt said. Most of Monroe County doesnt, either. But there are parts of Lee County that do have that type of soil. And since Lee County was part of Macon County during the civil war, he says there are geological and historical arguments that should make Lee County a Black Belt County. The same fertile soil that may have given the Black Belt its name also led to cotton plantations, owned by some of the richest white families in America and worked by enslaved people before the Civil War. You cant leave out the fact that a lot of people identify the Black Belt not by soil type... its the population thats Black, because that population was heavily slaves, and disproportionately African American at the time of the Civil War, and remains so to this day, Flynt said. The region has been dealing with the ramifications left over by slavery ever since, according to Art Dunning, who is from the Black Belt and who was one of the first Black students to graduate from the University of Alabama. My memory of the Black Belt is around the issues of politics, economics and social structures, Dunning said. He said there are a lot of things about the Black Belt specifically that have led to the huge outmigration the region has has experienced in the last few decades. One was the dehumanization and stigma that was tied to the politics, history and culture of the region. The other was terror and violence. And lastly, the belief that theres inherent superiority and inherent inferiority, he said. People like me couldnt wait to leave... The Alabama Black Belt lost a lot of human capacity from my generation. That outmigration is one of the key factors in examining any issue facing the region today - as reported throughout the Black Belt 2020 series. What you lose are the youngest, the brightest, the healthiest and the greatest risk-takers, Flynt said. Those are the ones who leave. The ones you leave behind are the ones who are the sickest, the oldest, the poorest, the least educated. Is that what you want? And that affects the entire state, as the Black Belt makes up as much as a third of all Alabama counties. If you think you have a future when you hitch yourself to an anchor, you aint never sailed a sail boat," he said. But even as the Education Policy Center sought to start with an inclusive definition, and some at the panel tried to add to it, others argued for a more granular approach. Perhaps you need a more refined definition, said John Zippert, co-publisher of the Greene County Democrat in Eutaw, Alabama, and a longtime activist in the Black Belt. Maybe even to the level of census tract. Zippert said some parts of many counties, including Montgomery, would fit multiple criteria that would make a county part of the Black Belt, but other parts simply dont. And its especially important when defining the Black Belt will ultimately decide which areas get state and federal aid to help fix some of the existing problems. When you put a county like Montgomery into your definition, it would be better to select census tracts within Montgomery, census tracts within Tuscaloosa, census tracts within Lee County to really have a definition that could say, When is the state of Alabama going to address these real problems of racism, white supremacy... and the historical pattern of outmigration?'" Zipper said. I would just say that the broadest definition possible, which you have adopted, will not give you the measurement of, are you reaching the poorest and most needy?" Flynt echoed Zipperts assessment. If you want to telescope assistance to the people that need it the most, you would pick a census tract and not a county," he said. He mentioned Notasulga and Loachapoka, both poor towns in southern Lee County. Lee County is not by any means a disadvantaged county, but Loachapoka is a disadvantaged part of Lee County. Coming to a consensus Katsinas and Flynt both agree that coming to a consensus on which counties make up the Black Belt would actually be fairly easy. I think it would be easy to reach a consensus even in the governors office about this, Flynt said. Were talking about 4/5ths of the Black Belt about which there is no disagreement about geography, geology, economics, history or anything else. So what youre doing is having a conversation about Escambia and Conecuh counties, and thats pretty much it... I think it would be a pretty easy problem to work out. Katsinas said if the governor could get a few bright people in a room for a day, they could probably hammer it out. But why does it matter? Because in order to get a program in place to bring grants to the Black Belt, entities like the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, as Katsinas mentioned, need to know where their money is going. Whatever comes out isnt going to be perfect, he said. But it might be a heck of a lot better than what weve got right now, which is no functional definition at all... If youre going to marshal resources, you have to decide what youre going to be shooting at." Black Belt 2020 is an ongoing series by AL.com and the Education Policy Center at the University of Alabama examining demographic, economic, and education issues, challenges, concerns, and options facing the Black Belt in Alabama. BROOKFIELD Thousands of Connecticut cemeteries are struggling to find the next generation to take over for their aging volunteers, raising concerns about what that means for the millions of dollars in their charge and the care of those interred there. Theres a huge gap here, said Jeff Nolan, Central Cemetery Associations treasurer. The question is why is that gap remaining? Central Cemetery Association in Brookfield, which oversees Laurel Hill Cemetery, has spent three years trying to address the issue, but keeps hitting walls when seeking help. The remarkable indifference to this is a concern, Nolan said. The unsurety surrounding the future has led the association to consider forgoing volunteers moving forward and hiring full-time staff members that can oversee the cemeteries using the needed technology and training. They hope to do this by having associations partner up, join cemeteries that already have these resources or have regional government organizations take them over. Connnecticut has about 5,000 cemeteries scattered throughout the state, many of which are handled by individual nonprofit associations or religious groups working independently without state oversight. 3 1 of 3 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 3 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less Some cemeteries have full-time employees overseeing them, while others only have part-time employees, solely volunteers, or in some cases no one. Its handled on an ad hoc, piecemeal manner that isnt cogent at all, Nolan said. So far, all of the associations requests have been rejected, including from the Danbury Cemetery Association and the Bridgeport Diocese. We know how difficult it is to solicit volunteers and we, like you, continue to network within our community for fresh volunteers, Gail Spencer, president of the Dambury Cemetery Association said in a letter to the Central Cemetery Association. She offered other resources to meet their needs. The association is trying to join other cemetery associations to create a professional organization, as well as encourage regional government organizations take over the mapping tasks, if not all of the responsibilities. If that fails, the board plans to dissolve and go to the state Superior Court to determine a succession plan. The Western Connecticut Council of Governments already maps different aspects of its member towns, so Nolan thinks adding the cemeteries is a natural fit. Each town has different land use codes though, complicating how to properly track the states cemeteries on a large scale. Nolan said each cemetery should be digitally mapped so that cemeteries can better keep track of their records of who is buried there and in which plot. Right now, many of these records are kept by hand and the caretaker physically goes out to the cemetery to find the location of a callers ancestor or loved one. There are more burial locations in one cemetery than there are parcels of land in any town, he said. These inquiries are on the rise as the popularity of ancestry websites grow and people, including those from outside the area, try to learn more about their family trees. The GIS mapping of plots could be expensive though for each cemetery on its own, costing about $30,000 in some cases. Nolan said the cemeteries joining together can reduce the individual expenses for each group and make operations more efficient by allowing them to share technology and accounting services. Nolan said its costing the association about $8,000 for an accountant to oversee the books, a big chunk of the $20,000 the cemetery generates each year, not counting the landscaping costs. He said this can be a burden on many smaller associations. Its too expensive, he said. You have organizations holding peoples money who cant afford to account for it properly. Even if they could find volunteers to take over the responsibilities, Nolan said the scope of the work and liability is no longer something volunteers should be handling, especially because the state or trade groups dont offer the needed finance and legal training. For example, record-keeping errors are classified as a Class D felony, yet Nolan said proper training isnt available for volunteers. Most trade associations require people to be full-time employees who have spent at least five years at a cemetery, preventing volunteers from getting certification. About 90 percent of those who qualify are landscapers, Nolan said. Our theme of regionalize, professionalize, modernize is really about trying to achieve economies of scale that are essential for survival, he said. That requires technology and skills that are simply not available in the pool of volunteers we have out there. kkoerting@newstimes.com Gardai are bracing themselves for a possible repeat of the violence from far-right extremists that was witnessed at an anti-mask protest three weeks ago. It comes as detectives are said to be making good progress in their investigation into an assault during that protest outside the Dail and hope to submit a file to the DPP soon. Separately, gardai have identified suspected organisers of last Saturdays protest on Dublins Grafton Street, during which hundreds of anti-mask protestors staged a sit down on the pedestrianised street. Gardai in the city centre are worried that there could be similar violence this weekend to that which occurred on the edges of an anti-mask demonstration outside Leinster House on September 12. There is a big concern at the extreme right, said one senior source. They did not appear this Saturday, but they are expected next Saturday, when there is another protest planned. The source said: The fear is it could be like three weeks ago and the fascists may be there, up to cause trouble. There could be confrontation between them and the Antifa side and we need to get between them. Gardai say the far-right groupings latch on to other protests, such as the anti-mask movement. They are gougers," said a source, "up to cause a bit of mayhem. We know a lot of them. Read More Why people have had just about enough of lockdowns Gardai make progress on assault investigation and in identifying protest organisers Meanwhile, detectives conducting an investigation into an assault on a well-known anti-fascist protestor Izzy Kamikaze outside the Dail on September 12 are said to be making good progress in their inquiries. Gardai dismissed allegations from far-right groups that there was no assault and that fake blood was used. There was an assault and she got a bad belt to the head, said one source. It is suspected that her assailant struck her on the head with a plank of wood that had a tricolour wrapped around it. Ms Kamikaze was one of four counter-protestors, three of them women, who were surrounded by a larger group of mainly men, many hooded and masked. Members of the group pushed the counter-protestors and shouted verbal abuse and chanted offensive slogans at them. It is understood detectives are hopeful of a positive outcome to their investigation and a file is due to go to the DPP in the coming weeks. Separately, a criminal investigation is underway into the organisers of last Saturdays anti-mask protest, at which hundreds of people packed Dublins pedestrianised Grafton Street and staged a sit down. The Irish Examiner understands that a shortlist of suspected organisers has been identified. Sources said these individuals will be interviewed and other evidence gathered, and a file prepared for the DPP. Under Covid-19 legislation, it is a criminal offence to organise an outdoor event for more than 15 people. Images of the protest on Dublins premier shopping street were circulated online, including by staff at shops along it. Gardai said protesters had gathered at Customs House Quay, after which a smaller group headed for an ESB depot in Dublin Port, apparently to protest over rising electricity prices. A larger group walked across to the southside and up towards Trinity College. But instead of taking Nassau Street towards the Dail, as usual for protests, they entered Grafton Street. Garda sources stressed they had no power to prevent them, pointing out that taking part in an organised event is not an offence. Protests can go anywhere, said one garda. We have no power to stop them. Ghaziabad: With the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh nearing, Prime Minster Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed an election rally in Ghaziabad, where he attacked UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and the ruling Samajwadi Party. On Congress-SP alliance, PM Modi said that Akhilesh has kept his feet on a drowningA boat. Uttar Pradesh is going to polls between February 11 and March 8 in seven phases. Here are the highlights: #Some people are in a problem because of my fight against black money and corruption, even after so many days they still talk about it #Akhilesh Yadav has kept his feet on a drowning boat by joining hands with Congress #Why should builders harass citizens who are keen to buy a house and have saved money for that #Why are traders and small business harassed in Uttar Pradesh? We will protect the business community #Unemployment is a cause of concern in UP. Youth are not given chance to prove their expertise #We need to make Uttar Pradesh corruption-free and for this the corrupt govt needs to be removed #UP's law and order situation needs improvement but the state government is not bothered #This is so unfortunate for Uttar Pradesh that here women can not step out of home in evening #When Kalyan Singh Ji and Rajnath Singh got a chance to serve, criminals did not get a free hand #When Akhilesh Yadav won in UP, the expectations were huge. We thought a young CM will do good but UP is disappointed #Akhilesh ji, the public knows what you did with your father, uncle and brothers #The ruling party in UP has to give an account of their work but why aren't they doing that #This UP election is to end the 'Vanvas' of development #Prime Minister begins his speech at the rally in Ghaziabad PM Narendra Modi addresses a rally in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh pic.twitter.com/FulGJbq3to a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 8, 2017 Uttar Pradesh: PM Narendra Modi to address an election rally in Ghaziabad, shortly pic.twitter.com/BHXhaH0FRl a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 8, 2017 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has devastated many countries, leaving more than a million people dead. Now ten months into the pandemic, more than 35.48 million people have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with the United States reporting the highest number of cases. COVID-19 may lead to severe disease in high-risk populations, including older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, among others. Septic shock and multiple organ failure represent the most common immediate causes of death in patients with severe COVID-19. These deaths are mostly due to suppurative pulmonary infection, a direct attack on many organs, and the onset of cytokine storms. A new study published on the preprint server bioRxiv* aimed to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on people with various illnesses. Specifically, the researchers at the Rockefeller Cancer Institute, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences wanted to see the effects of COVID-19 on patients with cancer and other infectious diseases. The study, which is not yet peer-reviewed, revealed that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, encoded proteins and some drugs used against the infection can induce lytic reactivation of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Patients with KSHV in areas where COVID-19 is actively spreading or undergoing treatment against the coronavirus have an increased risk of developing virus-associated cancers, even if they have already recovered from COVID-19. 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 What is Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)? Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), with taxonomical name human gammaherpesvirus 8, is a phylogenetically old human virus that co-evolved with human populations. However, it became common in some parts of South America, around the Mediterranean Sea, sub-Saharan Africa, and some ethnic communities. The infection can cause three human malignancies or cancers, including primary effusion lymphoma, Kaposis sarcoma, and some cases of the plasmablastic form of multicentric Castlemans disease (MCD). It has also been tied to other diseases such as bone marrow failure and hepatitis. Kaposis sarcoma (KS), cancer caused by the KSHV, is the most common cancer in HIV-infected people. Mostly, KSHV is seen in people who are immunocompromised or those with weak immune systems. Further, the oncogenic virus belongs to the human herpesvirus subfamily, with two alternating life cycle programs after the primary infection the latent and lytic phases. During the latent stage, viral genomes thrive as circular episomes with no progeny virion produced, and only a few latency-associated genes are expressed. Meanwhile, as the infection enters the lytic stage or phase, almost all viral genes are already expressed, then replication and release of mature virions occur. Many previous studies have revealed that both viral latent and lytic proteins play important roles in the initiation and progression of virus-associated cancers. The study The new study aimed to provide a better understanding of the current COVID-19 infection, and the related treatments may affect the replication of the KSHV, which may increase the risk of developing virus-associated cancers. To arrive at the study findings, the research team transfected the iSLK.219 cell lines, which carry a recombinant rKHSV.219 virus encoding a fundamental GFP reported and an RTA-inducible RFP reporter in the viral genome, aiding the monitoring of viral maintenance and lytic reactivation. To do this, the team used a vector control encoding two of SARS-CoV-2 major proteins, the spike protein, and the nucleocapsid protein, and KSHV-RTA, which is the key viral protein controlling the latency to lytic switch. The team found that SARS-CoV-2 may induce the lytic reactivation of KSHV, and from there, they examined whether drugs used in the fight against COVID-19 patients may affect it. The team tested six drugs, including Chloroquine diphosphate, Azithromycin, Hydroxychloroquine sulfate, Remdesivir, Nafamostat mesylate, and Tocilizumab. They revealed that two of the drugs, namely Nafamostat and Azithromycin, promoted the production of mature virions, potentially inducing KSHV lytic reactivation. Further, the team tested the drugs on the KSHV+ PEL cell line and found that all of the drugs except Tocilizumab showed inhibitory effects on the BCP-1 cell growth at high concentrations. When the team used non-toxic concentrations of Azithromycin and Nafamostat mesylate, they found that these drugs increased viral lytic gene expression from BCP-1 cells. Interestingly, one drug, Remdesivir, manifested induced effects on the BCP-12 cells, which were not seen on iSLK.219 cells. These events may facilitate KSHV dissemination as well as initiate viral oncogenesis in those KSHV+ patients exposed to COVID-19 and the related treatments, especially in the case of immunosuppressed patients, the team concluded. Therefore, these patients need follow-ups to monitor KSHV viral loads and virus-associated malignancies development risks, even after they have fully recovered from COVID-19, they added. *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. Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label. PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday alleged a plot by Zanu PF insiders to oust him from office after agreeing to pay white commercial farmers US$3,5 billion in compensation for land expropriated by government for resettlement to landless blacks at the start of the millennium. The Global Compensation Agreement between government and the white former commercial farmers, for improvements and equipment, signed in July had been in the works since 2016, but has met with stiff resistance, with some Zanu PF elements challenging the deal.A group of war veterans have challenged the agreement in court. In August, Mnangagwas government was forced to offer land as compensation to local blacks who lost their farms during the often chaotic land reform exercise under the late former president Robert Mugabe and to companies whose farms were protected under the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements. The decision has been met with hostility from various quotas, with many accusing Mnangagwa of trying to reverse the land reform programme that allegedly empowered natives, but alienated Zimbabwe from her traditional Western donors and plunged the country into a deep economic mess. Some war veterans, a critical wing in the ruling Zanu PF, which often views itself as the stockholder of the former liberation party, immediately accused Mnangagwa of selling out and reversing the gains made of the liberation struggle. Mnangagwa told mourners at the burial of national hero Brigadier-General Ruphus Chigudu that he was aware of a plot by some elements from within the party to try to use the land issue as an excuse for regime change. The land has come and it has now been united with its people. It has come forever and is irreversible, he said. Mnangagwa was apparently referring to critics who accused him of seeking to reverse the programme that benefited millions of Zimbabweans, mostly Zanu PF supporters. There are those in our midst who are misreading what the government constitutionally seeks to achieve in pursuit of a narrow agenda, he said. They think they have now found a credible platform for mobilising against our administration and its government. They are desperate, but let me assure you, they are bound to fail. Mnangagwa, who came to power through a military coup in November 2017, has claimed several plots against his rule in the three years he has been in power. In May 2018, ahead of the July 30 elections, Mnangagwa said he had unearthed a plot by some Zanu PF MPs working with MDC Alliance to use their numbers in Parliament to impeach him.In June, Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe, claimed there was a coup plot against Mnangagwa involving the opposition and civil society. That same month, Mnangagwa admitted there were some wolves in sheeps skins in his party.Last week, State Security minister Owen Ncube said there were rogue elements that included MDC Alliance and G40 members that had been conniving with some Western nations to smuggle guns into the country and set up democratic resistance committees to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe. Several MDC Alliance officials have in recent months been arrested for allegedly plotting to subvert a constitutionally-elected Zanu PF government. Mnangagwas government has also accused the exiled members of the G40 faction of plotting from South Africa to oust his administration. Zanu PF has been involved in fierce internal fights, with some members allegedly aligning themselves with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who is said to be angling to take over from his boss, although he has publicly denied harbouring such ambitions. Mnangagwa yesterday endorsed Chiwengas decision to suspend the holding of by-elections until the COVID-19 pandemic is over, saying there was no need to be complacent as the threat of the disease remained real. Chiwenga, in his capacity as Health minister, last week suspended by-elections, a move that legal experts said was unconstitutional and, therefore, a nullity. Voting and democracy are enjoyed by the living, not by the sick nor those dying or dead, Mnangagwa said while urging people to observe laid down COVID-19 preventive measures. He also said government had put security agents on high alert to curb the rise in ritual murders and armed robberies. This came after the suspected ritual murder of a seven-year-old Murewa boy allegedly by his uncle and a domestic worker. Let me reiterate that all stakeholders in our justice delivery system deal with this so that this evil trend is expunged from our society, Mnangagwa said. Equally worrisome are the growing cases of armed and violent crimes. We must draw lessons from the late Brigadier-General who knew the use of guns was to protect the nation. He said Zimbabweans should remain peaceful and united in the wake of machinations by the countrys detractors. Given the onslaught, machinations and clandestine shenanigans by our detractors, let us be united in defence of our hard won independence, he said. In this regard, I commend us the people of Zimbabwe for upholding peace, harmony and love which our late national hero fought for. Violence, destruction of property and making Zimbabwe ungovernable can never be democratic and it is not what we fought for. Newsday Take heart, Houston families. Not all of our Bayou City Halloween celebrations are lost due to the pandemic. Yes, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has strictly advised against door-to-door trick-or treating this year due to the coronavirus concerns, but there are still a few festivities that both parents and kids can enjoy. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is rolling out a week-long event for children and families October 19-24 called "Science Spooktacular: A Week of Halloween Fun!" Science Spookacular is actually being held in lieu of the Arboretum's popular ArBOOretum fall festival, which won't happen in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Science Spooktacular promises a cool Halloween alternative for kids with activities ranging from spooky bedtime stories to creating slime in a fun science show in both virtual and socially distant on-site offerings. EERIE HALLOWEEN FAVORITES: The best Halloween movies to stream on Netflix, Hulu and more While we are disappointed that we cant welcome our usual crowds to the beloved ArBOOretum Fall Festival, we believe Science Spooktacular will be an excellent alternative, spreading out science education and the fun of Halloween over six days, Houston Arboretum Executive Director Debbie Markey said. We hope kids will enjoy all the creative activities we have planned, similar to our virtual summer camp, which was hugely successful. Here's a lineup of the events for Houston families: October 19, Songs & Stories: Virtually-lead spooky songs and bedtime stories Virtually-lead spooky songs and bedtime stories October 20, Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt: Do-it-yourself scavenger hunt in your own backyard or neighborhood Do-it-yourself scavenger hunt in your own backyard or neighborhood October 21, Crafts and Pumpkin Decorating: Learn more about Arboretum critters and decorate your pumpkin virtually with Arboretum naturalists Learn more about Arboretum critters and decorate your pumpkin virtually with Arboretum naturalists October 22, Halloween Trail & Photo Op at the Arboretum: Time to explore the Arboretum in a whole new way by imitating wildlife, search for critters, and finish the Halloween Trail for a special treat Time to explore the Arboretum in a whole new way by imitating wildlife, search for critters, and finish the Halloween Trail for a special treat October 23:, Science Show: Conduct spooky experiments while watching a fun, interactive science show Conduct spooky experiments while watching a fun, interactive science show October 24, Animal Encounter & Activity Replay: If you missed other activities, the Arboretum features a cool replay and a grand finale of an animal encounter with special reptile friends Families can access the full week of Science Spooktacular virtual programs, which is free for members and $10 per family for non-members. Advance registration is required and you can register here. The officer who killed Grant in 2009 was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served only 11 months. The investigation into the 2009 shooting death of Oscar Grant will be reopened nearly 11 years after he was shot by a Bay Area Rapid Transit cop. Grants killing, on New Years Day at Fruitvale Station in Oakland, sparked national outrage. The incident was the centerpiece of the acclaimed Fruitvale Station, the 2013 film written and directed by Oakland native Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan. This January 2009 photo shows protesters with signs picturing slain 22-year-old Oscar Grant III, who was shot in the back by a Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer as he lay face down on the ground, during a demonstration at Oakland City Hall. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) The Grant family was holding a press conference Monday at the station when Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalley issued a statement that announced she had assigned a team of lawyers to look back into the circumstances that caused the death of Oscar Grant. Grants family pointed out that the circumstances surrounding the 22-year-olds death were similar to that of George Floyd in Minneapolis, who died after an officer pressed a knee to his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. Read More: Ohio woman calls police on Black man loading groceries into his own car The BART officer who shot Grant, Johannes Mehserle, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served a mere 11 months in prison. The Grant family is demanding charges against another officer, Anthony Pirone, who was the first officer to arrive on the platform the night of the shooting. They allege that Pirone created the climate of violence by pinning Grant down with a knee to his neck, swearing at him and using racial expletives. Pirone was terminated following an internal investigation into Grants shooting. Read More: Bodycam footage of police dog mauling Black man released Were not holding our breath, the slain mans uncle, Cephus X Johnson, said about OMalleys announcement to The Mercury News. But we definitely will be praying that she sees the truth in this issue. We have listened closely to the requests of the family of Oscar Grant, OMalley said in her written statement. The murder of Oscar Grant greatly impacted the county and the state. Story continues During Mondays press conference, Grants mother, Wanda Jackson, said the family should not have to wait another 11 years. Justice delayed, she said, is justice denied. Have you subscribed to theGrios Dear Culture podcast? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku. Download theGrio.today! The post Oscar Grant police shooting investigation will be reopened 10 years later appeared first on TheGrio. Pelosi: Testing Is Available on Capitol Hill for Those Who Need It Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a recent interview that testing for the CCP virus is available for any one of the over 20,000 people working on the Capitol Campus if they should need it. But I also am in close touch with the Housethe Capitol Attending Physician, for the entire Capitol, and, basically, people who have reason to be tested are given the opportunity to be tested and on Capitol Hill, its 20,000 workers. Its not just 435 Members of Congress, said Pelosi. On Sept. 20, Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) was diagnosed with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. She said she would like to see members tested regularly and make it easier for her staff to be tested when they feel its needed. Contrary to popular belief, [members of congress] do not get tested regularly. In fact, we are not mass tested at all in DC. Masks, social distancing & frequent floor cleanings are the precautions that are taken in the House. I have taken every possible precaution and still contracted coronavirus, wrote Hayes on Sept. 20. But I think even more than Members, I had staffers who had such a hard time getting tested. Some of them had to drive to Virginia or to Maryland, to pay out of pocket, and that just should not happen, Hayes said in a TV interview last week. Referring to the difficulty Hayes staff had in getting tested, Pelosi said those in charge of testing will have to do a better job getting the word out that tests are available for anyone on Capitol Hill who think they have been exposed. So, that opportunity is there and Im sorry that her staff people were not aware of that. We have to do the outreach to make sure that they are, added Pelosi. As Speaker, I was not tested because I had no symptoms, I had no exposure. When I had the exposure to the White House people who came over to testifynot to testify, but to negotiate on the billthen it was decided that out of an abundance of caution that we would have the test, and we had another one today, said Pelosi. Pelosi made it clear that everyone working on the Hill including thousands of workers, reporters, and lawmakers will be protected by enacting the scientific guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control including social distancing, wearing masks, and frequent hand washing. Pelosi suggested that those who have contracted the virus have probably gotten it in other social interactions, and not from the Capitol, as in the case of the members of Senate and House who have contracted the virus. According to a report by NPR, 18 Senate members have quarantined or tested positive for the virus and 56 members of the House have either self-quarantined or tested positive. So, its about their family lives, how they are at home and socially interacting. Its other events that they may participate in. Its in transportation getting to the Capitol, said Pelosi. Hayes said her husband, who is a police officer, also tested positive and she first tested negative, then tested positive. Pelosi also emphasized that it is not possible or needed, at this point, to test all the workers on Capitol Hill on a regular basis. So, this is a tall order for the number of people that we are talking about, and I trust the judgment of science in this as to when and how we should be tested, whether its sampling or whethertheyre preparing a report, a scientific report on this. The Church of England 'failed' to protect children and young people from sexual predators within their ranks for decades because it cared more about its own reputation than the victims, a damning report published today claims. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) found that nearly 400 people who were clergy or in positions of trust associated with the Church have been convicted of sexual offences against children from the 1940s to 2018. In the past year there were 2,504 safeguarding concerns reported to dioceses about children and vulnerable adults, and 449 concerns about recent child sexual abuse. However, the Inquiry into whether the Church of England and the Church in Wales protected children from sexual abuse in the past found that both institutions 'failed' to take reports of abuse seriously for the best part of eight decades. Its scathing report found that 'many allegations were retained internally by the Church, rather than being immediately reported to external authorities' as a culture of secrecy, deference, tribalism and naivety allowed abusers to hide. Responses to disclosures of sexual abuse 'did not demonstrate the necessary level of urgency, nor an appreciation of the seriousness of allegations', the report states. It found 'non-recent sexual abuse allegations' were 'overlooked' due to a 'failure to understand that the passage of time had not erased the risk posed by the offender and a lack of understanding about the lifelong effects of abuse on the victim.' Meanwhile, alleged perpetrators were given more support than victims of sex abuse while those who reported the abuse were 'actively disbelieved' by the Church. Citing the case of former bishop Peter Ball, the Inquiry suggests that ex-Archbishop of Canterbury Lord George Carey 'simply could not believe the allegations against Ball or acknowledge the seriousness of them regardless of evidence'. The report adds that Carey was 'outspoken in his support of his bishop' and 'seemingly wanted the whole business to go away'. It recommends overhauling CoE safeguarding, including stripping bishops of their powers to investigate and punish Church members accused of child sex abuse. In a written statement to Parliament, Home Secretary Priti Patel said the Government will review the report and 'consider how to respond to its content in due course'. The IICSA is investigating claims against local authorities, religious organisations, the Armed Forces, public and private institutions, and people in the public eye. Following the death of BBC presenter Jimmy Savile in 2011, hundreds of people came forward to say he had abused them as children. It was established in 2015, following claims from a complainant known as 'Nick' of a murderous Westminster paedophile ring connected to Parliament. Nick, whose real name is Carl Beech, was later discredited and jailed for 18 years for what a judge called his 'cruel and callous' lies. The IICSA also found: Church 'neglected wellbeing of children in favour of protecting its reputation'; A culture of secrecy and 'deference to the Church' allowed sex predators to hide; There was 'disproportionate loyalty' to church members, meaning that individual priests refused to condemn or investigate alleged perpetrators; Church members 'naively' thought that child sex abuse by priests was 'unlikely or impossible' because of their religious beliefs and 'moral code'; The 'moral authority of the Church was widely perceived as beyond reproach'; Church's failure to respond to alleged sexual abuse added to victims' trauma; Significant number of offenders in the Church involved downloading child porn; Stripping bishops of powers to investigate and punish priests could stop abuse. The Church of England 'failed' to protect children from sexual predators within their ranks while a culture of secrecy allowed abusers to hide, a damning report published claims (stock) The Inquiry examined the case of Victor Whitsey (left), who was Bishop of Chester between 1974 and 1982. Thirteen people complained to Cheshire Constabulary about sexual abuse by Whitsey and the Church is aware of six more complainants. He died in 1987. Among sex abuse cases to recently trouble the Church was that of former bishop Peter Ball (right), jailed for 32 months in 2015 for sex abuse against boys carried out over three decades Reverend Trevor Devamanikkam took his own life in June 2017, the day before his court appearance for three counts of buggery and three counts of indecent assault in 1984-85 The report highlights the excessive attention paid to the alleged perpetrator of sexual abuse in contrast to that given to the victim. For example, it notes that the former Dean of Manchester Cathedral, Robert Waddington, was the subject of a number of child sexual abuse allegations over many years. Despite this, his permission to officiate was allowed to continue on the grounds of his age and frailty, 'seemingly without any consideration of the risks to the children with whom he came into contact'. The Inquiry found that a 'significant amount of offending involved the downloading or possession of indecent images of children'. Its report examined a number of cases relating to both convicted and alleged perpetrators, 'many of which demonstrated the Church's failure to take seriously disclosures by or about children or to refer allegations to the statutory authorities'. These included Timothy Storey, a youth leader in the Diocese of London from 2002 to 2007, who used his role to groom teenage girls. Timothy Storey, a youth leader in the Diocese of London from 2002 to 2007, used his role to groom teenage girls. He is serving 15 years in prison for several offences against children Storey is currently serving 15 years in prison for several offences against children, including rape. He had admitted sexual activity with a teenager to diocesan staff years before his conviction, but denied coercion. The Inquiry also examined the case of Victor Whitsey, who was Bishop of Chester between 1974 and 1982. Thirteen people complained to Cheshire Constabulary about sexual abuse by Whitsey and the Church is aware of six more complainants. The allegations included sexual assault of boys and girls while providing them with pastoral support. He died in 1987. Another key case examined by the Inquiry was Reverend Trevor Devamanikkam, who was a priest until 1996. In 1984 and 1985 he allegedly raped and indecently assaulted a teenage boy, Matthew Ineson, on several occasions in his house. From 2012 onwards, Reverend Matthew Ineson made a number of disclosures to the Church and has complained about the Church's response. Devamanikkam was charged in 2017 and took his life the day before his court appearance. The victims were provided with little or no pastoral support or counselling, while their perpetrators enjoyed assistance from those in senior positions of authority. Until as recently as 2015, the Church failed to properly fund safeguarding, and advice given by safeguarding staff was often overlooked or ignored in favour of protecting the Church's reputation. According to the Inquiry, church 'culture' including the widespread 'deference to the authority of the Church and to individual priests' helped to 'facilitate it becoming a place where abusers could hide'. Among sex abuse cases to recently trouble the Church was that of former bishop Peter Ball, jailed for 32 months in 2015 for sex abuse against boys carried out over three decades Inquiry chair Professor Alexis Jay said: 'Over many decades, the Church failed to protect children and young people from sexual abusers, facilitating a culture where perpetrators could hide and victims faced barriers to disclosure that many could not overcome' 'Bishops have too much power and too little accountability': Lawyers for 20 victims of CoE child sex abuse demand 'huge change' to safeguarding as 'damning report' finds Church failed to protect children from sex predators Lawyers representing 20 survivors of child sex abuse within the Church of England have blasted religious authorities for 'failing victims'. Richard Scorer, Slater and Gordon's lead lawyer at the Inquiry, said 'bishops have too much power and too little accountability'. He demanded 'huge change' including 'proper support for survivors and removing Bishops' operational responsibility for safeguarding'. Mr Scorer said: 'This is a very damning report. It confirms that despite decades of scandal, and endless promises, the Church of England continues to fail victims and survivors. Bishops have too much power and too little accountability. 'National polices are not properly enforced. Sexual offending by clergy continues to be minimised. It's clear from the report that huge change is still required, including proper support for survivors and removing Bishops' operational responsibility for safeguarding. 'To make change happen, we also need mandatory reporting and independent oversight of church safeguarding. It is imperative that IICSA recommends these in its final report next year.' Andrew Lord, a solicitor for Leigh Day representing an alleged victim of abuse within the church, said: 'The report makes clear just how significant an issue abuse within the Anglican Church has been. 'The recommendation that bishops do not hold operational responsibility for safeguarding is welcomed, given that in the past there were offerings of public support to offending clergy such as to Bishop Ball. 'The above will, of course, need to be adequately funded. The report notes that there has been a significant increase in funding of safeguarding activities since 2015, but that this began from a very low base. 'Some survivors may be pleased to see the condemnation brought by IICSA's report, but others may believe that more measures should be implemented to ensure that safeguarding failures of the past will not continue into the future.' Advertisement In examining the Investigation Report into the conduct of paedophile Ball, the former Bishop of Lewes and Gloucester sentenced in 2015, the Inquiry highlighted five areas of concern: clericalism, tribalism, naivety, reputation and sexuality. The report states: 'Power was vested chiefly in the clergy, without accountability to external or independent agencies or individuals. A culture of clericalism existed in which the moral authority of clergy was widely perceived as beyond reproach. 'They benefited from deferential treatment so that their conduct was not questioned, enabling some to abuse children and vulnerable adults.' The Inquiry said of tribalism: 'Within the Church, there was disproportionate loyalty to members of one's own 'tribe'. This extended inappropriately to safeguarding practice, with the protection of some accused of child sexual abuse. 'Perpetrators were defended by their peers, who also sought to reintegrate them into Church life without consideration of the welfare or protection of children'. The report is based on a public hearing in July 2019, which examined the response of the Church of England and the church in Wales to allegations of child sexual abuse, as well as the adequacy of current safeguarding policies and practices. The report accused members of the Church of naivety, suggesting 'there was and is a view amongst some parishioners and clergy that their religious practices and adherence to a moral code made sexual abuse of children very unlikely'. It claimed that the 'primary concern' of many senior clergy was 'to uphold the Church's reputation, which was prioritised over victims and survivors'. 'Senior clergy often declined to report allegations to statutory agencies, preferring to manage those accused internally for as long as possible. This hindered criminal investigations and enabled some abusers to escape justice,' the report states. It even states that there was a 'culture of fear and secrecy' about sexuality, with some Church members 'wrongly conflating homosexuality' with child sex abuse. The report adds: 'There was a lack of transparency, open dialogue and candour about sexual matters, together with an awkwardness about investigating such matters. This made it difficult to challenge sexual behaviour.' The Inquiry suggests that all this often led to 'entirely inappropriate' responses to authentic or alleged cases of child sex abuse. It cites the case of Bishop Peter Forster, who told a hearing that convicted paedophile Reverend Ian Hughes had been 'misled into viewing child pornography'. More than 800 of the 8,000 indecent images downloaded by Hughes were graded at the most serious level of abuse. The IICSA report states: 'The culture of the Church of England facilitated it becoming a place where abusers could hide. Deference to the authority of the Church and to individual priests, taboos surrounding discussion of sexuality and an environment where alleged perpetrators were treated more supportively than victims presented barriers to disclosure that many victims could not overcome. 'Another aspect of the Church's culture was clericalism, which meant that the moral authority of clergy was widely perceived as beyond reproach. 'As we have said in other reports, faith organisations such as the Anglican Church are marked out by their explicit moral purpose, in teaching right from wrong. The Archbishops of York (right) and Canterbury (left) issued a grovelling apology for the 'shameful failures' to act on allegations of child sex abuse ahead of the report's publication 'In the context of child sexual abuse, the Church's neglect of the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of children and young people in favour of protecting its reputation was in conflict with its mission of love and care for the innocent and the vulnerable.' The Church's failure to respond consistently to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse often added to the victims' trauma, described by Archbishop Justin Welby as 'profoundly and deeply shocking'. Meanwhile, the Inquiry found that the Church in Wales has never had a programme of external auditing meaning there has been no independent scrutiny of its safeguarding practices. The report highlights 'record-keeping' as a significant problem for the Church. 'We are truly sorry for our shameful failings': Archbishops of Canterbury and York's open letter in full The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, IICSA, will publish its overarching investigation report into the Church of England (and Church in Wales) on Tuesday (6th October). For survivors, this will remind them of the abuse they suffered and of our failure to respond well; it will be a very harrowing time for them. Some have shared courageously their story at the IICSA hearings or in other forums. For others this report will be a reminder of the abuse they have never talked openly about. We are truly sorry for the shameful way the Church has acted and we state our commitment to listen, to learn and to act in response to the report's findings. We cannot and will not make excuses and can again offer our sincere and heartfelt apologies to those who have been abused, and to their families, friends and colleagues. We, as the Church of England, are ready to support anyone who comes forward. We must honour our commitment to change. Survivors have told us that words without actions are meaningless; we are taking action but we are also aware that what we have done has neither been soon enough nor sufficient. Please pray for all those who will be affected by the publication of the report on Tuesday and that as a Church we are able to respond with humility and a shared determination to change. We must listen carefully and reflect honestly on all that the report says and continue to drive change towards a safe Church for all. At this point, we know that the report is based on the main public hearing in July 2019, which examined the response of the Church of England and Church in Wales to allegations of child sexual abuse, as well as the adequacy of current safeguarding policies and practices. The report will also focus on common themes and issues identified by the overall investigation which included the case studies into Bishop Peter Ball and the Diocese of Chichester, both held in 2018. The report will identify failings that we are already working to change, and failings that we will need to work harder to change. There will no doubt be strong recommendations and we welcome that. We make an absolute commitment to taking action to make the Church a safe place for everyone, as well as to respond to the needs of survivors for support and redress. Safeguarding is valuing every person as one who is made in God's image. It is the prevention of harm, and the promotion of well-being. It is about responding compassionately to victims and survivors, addressing issues of justice with regard to survivors, other complainants, respondents and all others affected and helping them to rebuild their lives. Safeguarding is fundamental to our faith. Whatever part we play in the life of the Church, safeguarding is the responsibility of each one of us, guided and advised by our safeguarding professionals. Church leaders have a particular responsibility to work together to bring about the change in culture and practice that we need to see and has simply been too slow. Advertisement The report also considers attitudes to forgiveness, noting that many members of the Church regard it as the appropriate response to any admission of wrongdoing. The Inquiry has made eight recommendations covering areas such as clergy discipline, information-sharing and support for victims and survivors. It also suggested the more radical approach of stripping bishops of safeguarding roles, saying: 'We concluded that diocesan safeguarding officers not clergy are best placed to decide which cases to refer to the statutory authorities, and what action should be taken by the Church to keep children safe. 'Diocesan bishops have an important role to play, but they should not hold operational responsibility for safeguarding.' Professor Alexis Jay, Chair of the Inquiry said: 'Over many decades, the Church of England failed to protect children and young people from sexual abusers, instead facilitating a culture where perpetrators could hide and victims faced barriers to disclosure that many could not overcome. 'Within the Church in Wales, there were simply not enough safeguarding officers to carry out the volume of work required of them. Record-keeping was found to be almost non-existent and of little use in trying to understand past safeguarding issues. 'To ensure the right action is taken in future, it's essential that the importance of protecting children from abhorrent sexual abuse is continuously reinforced. 'If real and lasting changes are to be made, it's vital that the Church improves the way it responds to allegations from victims and survivors, and provides proper support for those victims over time. 'The panel and I hope that this report and its recommendations will support these changes to ensure these failures never happen again.' Lawyers representing 20 survivors of child sex abuse blasted religious authorities for 'failing victims'. Richard Scorer, Slater and Gordon's lead lawyer at the Inquiry, said 'bishops have too much power and too little accountability'. He demanded 'huge change' including 'proper support for survivors and removing Bishops' operational responsibility for safeguarding'. Mr Scorer told MailOnline: 'This is a very damning report. It confirms that despite decades of scandal, and endless promises, the Church of England continues to fail victims and survivors. Bishops have too much power and too little accountability. 'National polices are not properly enforced. Sexual offending by clergy continues to be minimised. It's clear from the report that huge change is still required, including proper support for survivors and removing Bishops' operational responsibility for safeguarding . 'To make change happen, we also need mandatory reporting and independent oversight of church safeguarding. It is imperative that IICSA recommends these in its final report next year. ' The Archbishops of York and Canterbury issued a grovelling apology for the 'shameful failures' to act on allegations of child sex abuse ahead of the report's publication today. In their open letter, Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell said: 'For survivors, this will remind them of the abuse they suffered and of our failure to respond well; it will be a very harrowing time for them. Some have shared courageously their story at the IICSA hearings or in other forums. For others this report will be a reminder of the abuse they have never talked openly about. 'We are truly sorry for the shameful way the Church has acted and we state our commitment to listen, to learn and to act in response to the report's findings. 'We cannot and will not make excuses and can again offer our sincere and heartfelt apologies to those who have been abused, and to their families'. Responding to the findings on behalf of the Church, Jonathan Gibbs, Bishop of Huddersfield, said: 'The report makes shocking reading and while apologies will never take away the effects of abuse on victims and survivors, we today want to express our shame about the events that have made those apologies necessary.' 'The whole Church must learn lessons from this Inquiry.' In September the Church of England set up a multi-million-pound compensation fund designed to funnel money to victims of historical sex abuse by bishops, clergy and lay church workers. Its 'interim pilot support scheme' will make the first payouts from a compensation process expected to cost the Church 200million. The fund was approved by the Church's Cabinet, which also said that in the future it would invite outside authorities to run independent inquiries into allegations against Church figures. Officials declined to disclose the scale of the new fund, but Church documents earlier this year said that the final bill was likely to come to 200million. 'Portraits of predators': How CoE 'mishandled child sex abuse allegations against their members' Victor Whitsey: Bishop of Hertford accused of sexually assaulting 19 victims who had a 'reputation for odd behaviour in general' Victor Whitsey was ordained in the Diocese of Blackburn in 1949. Between 1955 and 1968 he was a priest in the Diocese of Manchester and the Diocese of Blackburn Victor Whitsey was ordained in the Diocese of Blackburn in 1949. Between 1955 and 1968 he was a priest in the Diocese of Manchester and the Diocese of Blackburn. He was appointed the suffragan Bishop of Hertford in the Diocese of St Albans in 1971 and then the Bishop of Chester in 1974, a position which he held until his retirement in early 1982. He continued to officiate in the Diocese of Blackburn until his death in 1987. In January 2016, an adult male disclosed to a vicar that he had been indecently assaulted by Whitsey as a child in the early 1980s. The diocesan safeguarding adviser (DSA) was immediately informed. In addition to offering pastoral support to the complainant, she alerted the Bishop of Chester, Peter Forster (who said he 'had little more to do with the matter') and referred the case to the National Safeguarding Team. The complainant also stated that he had disclosed his abuse to Bishop Forster in 2002. He was offered counselling but said that no further action was taken. Bishop Forster had a 'vague memory of somebody saying that Victor Whitsey had put his arm around him'. He said that this 'didn't register at the time' because Whitsey 'did have a reputation for odd behaviour, in general'. Bishop Forster did not make any written record or undertake any additional enquiries. This was contrary to the Church of England's Policy on Child Protection (1999), which stated that the recipient of an allegation of abuse 'must keep detailed records of their responses', including 'the content of all conversations all decisions taken and the reasons for them'. In July 2016, the DSA received disclosures from two further males who alleged that Whitsey had sexually abused them as children, between 1974 and 1981. She informed Cheshire Constabulary, which subsequently commenced an investigation Operation Coverage. It focussed on incidents between 1974 and 1982, during Whitsey's time as the Bishop of Chester. It identified a further 10 potential victims, including teenagers and young adults of both sexes. Police enquiries showed that it was 'clear that those who reported abuse had previously disclosed details of their allegations to the Church'. In October 2017, Cheshire Constabulary concluded that, had he been alive, there was sufficient evidence to interview Whitsey in relation to 10 allegations. By the time of our third hearing in July 2019, a total of 19 individuals had disclosed that they were sexually abused by Whitsey. Robert Waddington: Dean of Manchester Cathedral accused of child sexual abuse in Australia told by Archbishop of York after denying allegations: 'I'm pleased to note that the case has now closed' Robert Waddington was accused of sexual abuse in Manchester and Australia. Further allegations were made between 2003 and 2005 and Lord Hope revoked his permission to serve in 2004, but no further action was taken. Waddington denied the abuse and died in 2007 Robert Waddington was the Dean of Manchester Cathedral from 1984 to 1993, as well as a member of the governing body of Chetham's School of Music, which provided choristers for Manchester Cathedral. Upon his retirement in September 1993, Waddington was granted permission to officiate in the Diocese of York. In 2013, Archbishop John Sentamu received an allegation of sexual abuse by Waddington in the 1950s. The male complainant also said that Waddington had told him falsely that he could not disclose the abuse, as Waddington had been 'absolved of sinful child abuse in the context of the sacramental ministry of reconciliation'. Although Waddington's explanation was clearly inaccurate it is only the priest who is bound by any seal this case was a significant factor in the establishment of the Church's working group on the seal of the confessional in 2014. According to the report, in January 1999, the Bishop of North Queensland informed the then Archbishop of York, David Hope (now Lord Hope) of a 'serious allegation' of child sexual abuse by Waddington between 1961 and 1971, when he was headmaster of a school in Australia. In February 1999, Archbishop Hope said that he had met with Waddington who 'was deeply sorry for anything he may have done to offend'. As Waddington was now 'severely debilitated' by ill-health, Archbishop Hope said he had 'no doubt whatever that there is simply no possibility of his acting as has been alleged of him'. Archbishop Hope considered that this referred to Waddington's current ability to pose a risk to children, not whether he had committed offences in the past. At the time, the Church's practice guidance Policy on Child Protection: A Policy Document by the House of Bishops (1999) stated that a person who received a report of abuse should inform the bishop's representative whose role it was to advise the bishop on procedures in cases of alleged child abuse. Archbishop Hope did not do so, nor did he seek further information from the Bishop of North Queensland about the allegation. Meeting personally with Waddington was contrary to the policy that the Church 'will not conduct investigations on its own'. Archbishop Hope did not, as required, consider with his representative whether Waddington's permission to officiate should be suspended pending the outcome of enquiries. Waddington continued to officiate in the Diocese of York. Between August 2003 and June 2005, other senior members of the Church (including the Bishop of Manchester's chaplain and the Dean of Carlisle Cathedral) received disclosures of child sexual abuse against Waddington. The allegations related to his time in both Manchester and Australia. In November 2004, Archbishop Hope withdrew Waddington's permission to officiate. Waddington was also interviewed by the diocesan child protection officer but denied all allegations of sexual abuse. No further action was taken by the Church. In December 2004, Archbishop Hope wrote to Waddington stating that he was 'very pleased to note the matter is now closed'. Waddington died in 2007. Timothy Storey: Youth worker in the Diocese of London jailed for rape who received care from the CoE even during his sentencing Timothy Storey, a youth leader in the Diocese of London from 2002 to 2007, used his role to groom teenage girls. He is serving 15 years in prison for several offences against children Between 2002 and 2007, Timothy Storey was employed as a youth and children's worker in the Diocese of London. He also acted as a youth leader for a missionary organisation. In September 2007, with the sponsorship of the Diocese, he commenced ordinand training at a theological college in Oxford. A senior leader of the missionary organisation received four disclosures of sexual abuse against Storey between 2007 and 2009. They were made by girls and young women between 13 and 19 years old, known to Storey through his youth work and leadership roles in the Church. In February 2009, the senior leader of the missionary organisation informed the Diocese of London of the allegations of abuse. Reverend Jeremy Crossley, the Director of Ordinands in the Two Cities Area, met with Storey in March 2009 'to ask for his response'. This meeting was inconsistent with the Church's own policy at the time (Protecting All God's Children, 2004), which stated that a member of the Church should 'never speak directly to the person against whom allegations have been made'. During the meeting, Storey admitted to Reverend Crossley that he had sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old girl, who he met through a residential Christian event that he attended in a position of leadership. According to Church policy, these disclosures should have been reported immediately to the police and social services. Following his meeting with Storey, Reverend Crossley told Reverend Hugh Valentine, the Bishop's Adviser for Child Protection, that Storey 'was basically a good man who could be an effective priest'. The matter was referred to the local authority designated officer (LADO) who said it was not a live matter for them. Reverend Valentine then concluded that he did not believe the circumstances to be 'a child protection matter'. A subsequent review concluded that this was 'hugely short-sighted it takes no account of the risk that Storey may have posed to others, who may have been within his sphere of influence and under the age of 18'. Later in March 2009, Reverend Valentine discussed the matter with the police, but on an informal basis by telephone. No further action was taken by the police because the girl was aged 16 at the time. However, 'if there had been any suggestion of coercion mentioned, then it is possible that the advice would have been very different'. The police were not informed about the full history of allegations against Storey or that emails received by the Diocese of London, including Reverend Valentine, showed that the complainants considered there to have been coercion. A subsequent review concluded that this conversation was a 'missed opportunity' by the Diocese, as the police 'did not have all the available information that they should have had to make a proper assessment'. The police considered that Storey had not abused a position of trust because he was a volunteer and therefore did not fit the 'strict legal criteria' required to prove this offence. In 2014, after Storey's conviction for unrelated grooming offences, further contact by a number of victims prompted a review of the diocesan case files. As a result, the London DSA contacted the police. In February 2016, Storey was convicted of three offences of rape and one offence of assault by penetration. These offences took place during 2008 and 2009, and related to two of the female victims (aged 16 and 17 years) who had been in contact with the Diocese. Storey was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. During his sentencing remarks, the judge severely criticised the Diocese of London for its 'utterly incompetent' handling of the case and the 'wholesale failure by those responsible at that time for safeguarding, to understand whose interests they should have been safeguarding'. Storey received ongoing care and supervision from the Church, while some of his victims 'did not feel they were believed and felt on their own with no support'. The Diocese commissioned two independent reviews of the Storey case, in relation to its handling of the victims' original disclosures. Both reports identified a number of inadequacies in the Diocese's response between 2009 and 2014, including its failure to implement the policies and procedures that were in place at that time. A further review in 2019 by the independent chair of the Diocese of London Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group reiterated the diocesan failings. It also stated that the senior leadership within the Diocese of London should have taken responsibility for the failings in this case rather than allowing Reverends Crossley and Valentine to be the focus of public 'censure'. Reverend Trevor Devamanikkam: Priest of Ripon and Leeds who killed himself the day before his court appearance for molestation Trevor Devamanikkam took his own life in June 2017, the day before his court appearance for three counts of buggery and three counts of indecent assault between 1984 and 1985 Trevor Devamanikkam was ordained in 1977 as a priest in the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds. In March 1984, he moved to a parish in the Bradford diocese, where he remained until 1985. Devamanikkam retired in 1996 but between 2002 and 2009 had permission to officiate in the Diocese of Lincoln. Matthew Ineson is a former priest in the Church of England. During his teenage years, he had difficulties with his parents and went to live with his grandparents. His family were religious and attended church regularly. Matthew Ineson was a member of the church choir and an altar server. As his grandparents were struggling, a local priest organised a respite placement living with Reverend Devamanikkam. In 1984, aged 16, Ineson went to live with Devamanikkam and his housekeeper. On his second night, Devamanikkam came into Ineson's bedroom, put his hand underneath the covers and allegedly played with his penis. When asked if he liked it, Ineson said no. This continued for two or three nights, and then progressed to Devamanikkam telling Ineson to share his bed with him. Devamanikkam made it plain that, if he did not do so, he would be thrown out of the vicarage and would have nowhere to go. While sharing a bed over a number of weeks, Devamanikkam allegedly raped Matthew Ineson at least 12 times and also sexually assaulted him. After approximately two months, Ineson's grandmother came to the vicarage and spoke to Devamanikkam. Matthew Ineson was not part of that conversation and his grandmother left without talking to him. The next day, Ineson said that the Bishop of Bradford visited the vicarage and told him that he had to leave, saying that 'It's not my problem where you go but you have to leave here'. No reason was given. Bishop Roy Williamson (who was then Bishop of Bradford) said that there was 'disquiet about the arrangement' between Ineson and Devamanikkam but he did not remember visiting the vicarage. A licensed deacon at Devamanikkam's church said that it was the then Archdeacon of Bradford (David Shreeve) who had visited the vicarage. There was no written record of this visit. Ineson went to the police first in 2013 and then again in 2015. In 2017, the police investigated and charged Devamanikkam. Devamanikkam took his own life in June 2017, the day before his court appearance for three counts of buggery and three counts of indecent assault between March 1984 and April 1985, all relating to Ineson. ABC NewsBy HALEY YAMADA, ABC News (NEW YORK) -- A New Jersey judge whose 20-year-old son was killed in a racially motivated assault this summer opened up about her life since the tragic attack. Salas told ABC News' Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts in an exclusive interview that the attack from Manhattan lawyer and self-described antifeminist Roy Den Hollander motivates her to be an even better judge. This man took the most important thing in my life. I can't let him take anything else. I love my job. I'm proud to be a United States district judge. I can't let him take that from me. And I know that I'm gonna be an even better judge, said Salas, who sat before Den Hollanders case in 2015. Salas said the attacks were gender and racially motivated, but its unclear if there were any other reasons why he targeted her. Daniel Anderl, Salas son, was killed in the familys home on July 19 after answering the door to a man allegedly dressed as a FedEx delivery person. Her husband, attorney Mark A. Anderl, was also shot multiple times. Salas said that she had received threats in the past, but did not have any indication that they could have been from Den Hollander. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, which is tasked with protecting federal judges, there were 4,449 threats and inappropriate communications against protected persons in 2019 -- up from just 926 in 2015. My sons death cannot be in vain, which is why I am begging those in power to do something to help my brothers and sisters on the bench. Now, more than ever, we need to identify a solution that keeps the lives of federal judges private, Salas said in a videotaped statement in August. I know this is a complicated issue, and I dont pretend to know or have all the answers, but together we can find a way. Lets commence a national dialogue, lets work collaboratively to find a solution that will safeguard the privacy of federal judges. After the attack, Den Hollander was found on July 22 in Sullivan County, New York, about two hours north of the judges home. He had died by suicide. With him, authorities discovered the names of several other people they believe he wanted to target, including at least one other judge. Salas told Roberts that she is going to strive to be the best person she can be for the sake of her son. I know that I'm gonna strive every morning to be the best person that I could be. My son gave his life for his father and I. I have to look at that and say, 'What a gift,'" she said. "I can't squander it. And I'm gonna strive for betterment. I wanna be a better judge. I wanna be a better person. I just wanna be better. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Priti Patel has been accused of putting the lives and safety of lawyers and court staff at risk after she branded those defending migrants as lefties and do-gooders. The president of the Law Society said that the home secretarys comments, in a speech to the Conservative conference, had undermined the legal system. And the chair of the Bar Council said that Ms Patel was seeking to demonise people carrying out a vital public service. Immigration barrister Simon Cox of Doughty Street Chambers said that the Home Secretary had endangered the safety of anyone working in the court system. In her speech on Sunday, Ms Patel promised to reform the broken asylum system by curtailing endless legal cases and making immediate returns easier. And she attempted to lump immigration lawyers in with people-traffickers as she attacked those who she claimed were defending a system which they profit from. UK news in pictures Show all 51 1 /51 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 January 2022 Fitness guru Derrick Evans after receiving an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 11 January 2022 A couple walk underneath an umbrella during wet weather on Westminster Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 10 January 2022 A jogger passes the Covid Memorial Wall in London AP UK news in pictures 9 January 2021 The sun rises over horses at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 8 January 2022 Riders compete during the Veterans Men's race at the UK Cyclo-Cross National Championships 2022 in Ardingly, south of London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 7 January 2022 A dog looks out of a car window at the wintry conditions in Killeshin, Co. Laois PA UK news in pictures 6 January 2022 People walk through frost and mist alongside a frozen lake during sunrise in Bushy Park, London REUTERS UK news in pictures 5 January 2022 A skier jumps on the slopes at Allenheads in the Pennines to the north of Weardale in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 4 January 2022 Freshly-fallen snow covers houses in Corbridge, near Hexham in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 3 January 2022 Dean Morrison, 13, receives his Covid-19 vaccine from student nurse Anthony McLaughlin during a vaccination clinic at the Glasgow Central Mosque PA UK news in pictures 2 January 2022 Konastantinos Tsimikas of Liverpool with Chelseas Mason Mount during the Premier League match at Stamfrod Bridge Liverpool FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 January 2022 New Years Eve Lasers, drones and fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich shortly after midnight in London EPA UK news in pictures 31 December 2021 Competitors in fancy dress run across the Pennine tops near Haworth, West Yorkshire, in the annual Auld Lang Syne Fell race which attracts hundreds of runners every year PA UK news in pictures 30 December 2021 Sunrise at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 29 December 2021 The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, looks at Becket, a six month old red-billed chough as he visits Wildwood Wildlife Park in Kent on the anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket PA UK news in pictures 28 December 2021 Troops of the Household Cavalry are seen reflected in a puddle during the changing of the Queens Life Guard, on Horse Guards Parade, in central London PA UK news in pictures 27 December 2021 A pedestrian walks past a winter sale sign outside a John Lewis store on Oxford street in London Getty UK news in pictures 26 December 2021 Riders take their bikes through the snow near Castleside, County Durham PA UK news in pictures 25 December 2021 Patrick Corkery wears a santa hat and beard as waves crash over him at Forty Foot near Dublin during a Christmas Day dip PA UK news in pictures 24 December 2021 People stand inside Kings Cross Station on Christmas Eve in London Reuters UK news in pictures 23 December 2021 Christmas shoppers fill the car park at Fosse Shopping Park in Leicester PA UK news in pictures 22 December 2021 The sun rises behind the stones as people gather for the winter solstice at Stonehenge. Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty UK news in pictures 1 December 2021 Meerkats at London Zoo with an advent calendar PA UK news in pictures 30 November 2021 Workers put the finishing touches to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree ahead of the lighting ceremony later in the week PA UK news in pictures 29 November 2021 Home Secretary Priti Patel is greeted by a police dog at a special memorial service for Met Police Sergeant Matiu Ratana Getty UK news in pictures 28 November 2021 Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City battles for possession with Aaron Cresswell of West Ham United during a match at the Etihad during snow Manchester City/Getty UK news in pictures 27 November 2021 Residents clear branches from a fallen tree in Birkenhead, north west England as Storm Arwen triggered a rare red weather warning AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 An aerial picture shows a worker using a quad bike and trailer to transport freshly harvested trees at Pimms Christmas Tree farm in Matfield, southeast England AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 26 November 2021 A shopper browses Christmas trees for sale at Pines and Needles in Dulwich, London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 November 2021 A murmuration of hundreds of thousands of starlings fly over a field at dusk in Cumbria, close to the Scottish border PA UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty No doubt those who are well-rehearsed in how to play and profit from the broken system will lecture us on their grand theories about human rights, said the Home Secretary. Those defending the broken system the traffickers, the do-gooders, the lefty lawyers, the Labour Party they are defending the indefensible. Her attack on lefty human rights lawyers and do-gooders was repeated by prime minister Boris Johnson in his speech to conference today. Law Society president Simon Davis - who had previously written to the Home Office to complain about a video attacking activist lawyers - said: The fact that a lawyer represents an asylum seeker does not make them a lefty lawyer. It simply makes them a lawyer. Slinging insults at lawyers undermines the rule of law in an area where views are already hotly held on all sides and risks leading not just to verbal abuse but to lawyers being physically attacked for doing their job. It undermines a legal system which has evolved over many centuries, which helps ensure that power is not abused and that - where there are legal questions to be decided - citizens have access to legal advice and recourse through the courts, and will receive a fair hearing, no matter how their case is perceived publicly or by government. Attacks on members of the legal profession for doing their jobs do our country no credit. Government ministers must be unequivocal in their support for the rule of law. And Bar Council chair Amanda Pinto said: Attempting to paint lawyers with the leftie brush seeks to demonise the very people helping constituents every day, without agenda, simply because they provide a vital public service. "Lawyers carry out their duty and apply the law, irrespective of political persuasion, in accordance with our professional standards. Given our duty to the court and our commitment to justice more generally, barristers, as well as solicitors, must do just that. It is not the job of lawyers to limit parliaments own laws in a way that the government of the day finds most favourable to its political agenda. The law, not politics, is what matters to a profession that upholds the rule of law. Ms Pinto pointed out that Ms Patels cabinet colleague Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland had said only a few days ago: It is wholly wrong for any professional to be threatened, harassed or worse, attacked simply for doing their job we must call it out and deal with it. And make the point that those who attack people providing a professional service will be subject to that very same rule of law. Mr Cox said that Ms Patel was ready to throw lawyers under a bus. He said: Patel doesnt care if immigration lawyers - or staff who work with us - get murdered. She will have been warned of the risks. She deliberately chooses to take them, while the Lord Chancellor, Attorney General and Solicitor General are silent. Barristers arent allowed, under our rules, to turn away clients because of what theyve done. Ive represented convicted murderers and victims of terrible crimes. Our job is to try and ensure the law is upheld by the powerful: the courts and the state. Thats why Patel hates us. My fellow lawyers and support staff - paralegals, secretaries, barristers clerks, cleaners, receptionists, IT staff, accountants, managers - we make sure justice works for all of us. Our safety matters. Our judges and support staff - clerks, ushers, security staff, court lawyers , cleaners, receptionists - are essential, of course. The Home Secretarys inflammatory speeches endanger their safety too. Does she think her most extreme followers wont attack immigration courts? Theres one more group of public servants Patel is recklessly endangering - her own staff and her own lawyers. They are at courts and tribunals every day. Patel doesnt care. Like Trump spluttering coronavirus over people who protect him, shell throw anyone under the bus. Mr Davis challenged Ms Patels claims that lawyers are to blame for opposing reform of the asylum system. He pointed out that 53 per cent of asylum applications are granted on initial application, rising to 73 per cent when appeals are taken into account. And he said: The Law Society has long called for improvements to the UK asylum and immigration system, which is beset with delays and poor decision-making. A Home Office spokesperson said: Lawyers play an important role in upholding the law and ensuring people have access to justice, and we are absolutely clear that any form of violence against them is utterly unacceptable. We will continue to return those who have been through the legal system, had their application for asylum refused and have no legal right to remain in the UK, and look forward to working with the legal sector to reform our immigration and asylum system. The Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spelled out the details of their alliance for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections on Tuesday. The two parties addressed a joint press conference, with Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Modi, Devendra Fadnavis, Sanjay Jaiswal and Bhupendra Yadav present from the BJPs side and chief minister Nitish Kumar representing the JD(U). JD(U) has been allotted 122 seats. Under that quota, we are giving 7 seats to HAM. BJP has 121 seats. Talks are underway, BJP will allot seats to Vikassheel Insaan Party under their quota, Kumar said at the press conference. Both Kumar and Modi reiterated that the two parties are contesting the assembly elections together. They also lashed out at Oppposition parties for spreading lies about a rift in the NDA. They also slammed Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan who had recently said that his party will contest independently against the JD(U). Both the parties (BJP and JD-U) have decided that election will be fought under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. He will be the CM face. Whoever accepts this will be part of NDA, said Modi. The same was confirmed by Jaiswal, who is the chief of the Bihar unit of the BJP. The LJP is our ally at the Centre and we pray for early recovery of its founder and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. But there should be no confusion with regard to the fact that in Bihar the NDAs leader is Nitish Kumar. Our alliance with his party is unbreakable. Kumar did not mention Chirag but remarked sarcastically, I believe in doing my job. If some people derive pleasure out of saying something inconsequential, they are most welcome to do so. It does not bother me. The press conference was held after a meeting of the NDA at Kumars official residence in Patna. Elections to the 243-seat Bihar assembly will be held in three phases--October 28, November 3, and 7 and the counting of votes will take place on November 10. In the 2015 assembly polls, JD(U), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress had fought the elections together under the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) banner. The BJP-led NDA had fought the elections with LJP and other allies. The RJD, with 80 seats, had emerged as the single largest party in 2015 polls. However, the BJP got the largest vote share (24.42 per cent). Differences later emerged between the RJD and JD(U) in 2017, resulting in chief minister Nitish Kumar returning to the NDA. (With inputs from agencies) The Congress on Tuesday accused the Uttar Pradesh government of trying to cover up" the Hathras incident through an affidavit in the Supreme Court and demanded immediate dismissal of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Addressing a joint press conference, Congress leaders Sushmita Dev, Rajani Patil and Supriya Shrinate also demanded that all officers including the Hathras district magistrate be dismissed, alleging they are part of a conspiracy for a cover-up of the case. Dev said the entire country has seen the manner in which the Uttar Pradesh government has handled the Hathras incident. The Uttar Pradesh government has again and again done injustice to the victim, she alleged. Every step taken by the Uttar Pradesh government was to cover up the entire Hathras episode. Today this has been exposed in the form of the affidavit filed by Uttar Pradesh government. The purpose of this affidavit is not for a court-monitored CBI probe but to cover up the incident," she told reporters. Dev alleged that this affidavit is nothing but a culmination of a cover up that started on September 14. Stop the cover up. Congress party stands by its demand that Chief minister Yogi Adityanath should be dismissed with immediate effect. The district magistrate and every officer who is part of this conspiracy to hush up such a brutal case of rape should be dismissed and not given any other responsibility pending investigation," she said. Former MP Rajani Patil said the Uttar Pradesh governments act of a cover-up of the incident is shameful and asked people to not allow more atrocities against women and pack up the BJP government in the state. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate lamented that there is no official notification of the CBI inquiry into the Hathras incident as announced by the government and the SIT probe is going on. The manner in which victim-shaming is being done as part of a conspiracy and she is being trolled by the BJP and the government and the police, there should be a probe into this," she said. She also cited the change in rape laws done by the UPA government that presence of semen or penetration is not necessary now and even an attempt is considered as rape. Shrinate also alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government is trying to make it a case of international conspiracy through fabricated evidence" and perpetrate caste violence in the state. She read out certain parts of the affidavit submitted by the Uttar Pradesh government before the court which mentions about black people and cities like San Diego and Phoenix, which are in the US. She said a mention of the New York police department is also made out in the affidavit. Shrinate said the same evidence attached as annexures in the affidavit has been fabricated" by the Uttar Pradesh government and has been copied from the Black Lives movement in US. It is happening as the entire media and opposition are asking questions and the government is talking of a cover up and international conspiracy. Stop those FIRs based on these concoctions," she said. Dev asked the Uttar Pradesh government to prove to the victims family that the body cremated in a hurry by the police at 2.30 am actually is of their daughters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should dismiss Yogi Adityanath as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh," she demanded. The Mahila Congress chief alleged that it is shameful" that the Uttar Pradesh government is claiming that no rape took place and that her last rites were done in front of the family with proper rituals, and condemned it. This is a case for contempt. There should be a case of contempt of court," she said. Dev said while the government has cited reports saying there is no sign suggesting rape of the victim, the teenager in her dying declaration said she was gang-raped. A stenographer who participated in workers compensation proceedings in central New York has admitted a years-long practice of overbilling for services that authorities said amounted to theft of more than $187,000. New York State Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro said in Tuesday news release that Laura Hayes, 47, of Phoenix, pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny Oct. 5 in Oswego County Court before Judge Donald E. Todd. Hayes is the owner and operator of Quality Court Reporting, a stenographic service. Court reporting fees are paid by the carrier in workers compensation proceedings, and Tagliafierro said the workers compensation fraud inspector general received multiple complaints from insurance carriers alleging that Hayes was overbilling for services provided. Tagliafierro said an investigation found that Hayes regularly submitted bills to the carriers for approximately 10 times the appropriate value by simply adding a zero at the end of her invoices (e.g. $150 would become $1,500). The inflated costs were passed on to workers compensation insurance carriers, which in turn may have negatively impacted premiums. In all, the Inspector Generals Office found that Hayes overbilled four insurance carriers for $187,700. This stenographer engaged in a brazen and illegal scheme to steal from the workers compensation system, Tagliafierro said in a statement. She was paid money she didnt earn by grossly inflating charges for her services, and she is now being held accountable for her actions. Tagliafierro thanked the New York State Police for assisting in the arrest and the office of Oswego County District Attorney Gregory S. Oakes for handling the prosecution. Hayes is due back in court for sentencing on Dec. 10. Love 11 Funny 3 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 5 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the presidential cabinet evaluation meeting at the Bestepe National Congress and Culture Center in Ankara on July 21, 2020. (Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images) After Signs of Rapprochement, Turkey-EU Ties Sour Again ANKARA/ISTANBULTurkeys relations with the European Union appeared to take a turn for the worse on Tuesday, as Ankara voiced dissatisfaction with the result of last weeks EU summit and the bloc said the countrys bid for membership was evaporating. Tensions between the EU and Ankara had eased in recent weeks as Turkey and EU member Greece agreed to hold exploratory talks to solve several longstanding disputes, including a standoff over maritime claims in the eastern Mediterranean. Last Friday EU leaders assuaged concerns raised by Cyprus, which had been pushing for sanctions on Ankara, by assuring it that the bloc would punish Turkey if it continues oil and gas drilling in disputed areas of the eastern Mediterranean. But President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the outcome of last weeks EU summit was not sufficient to overcome the problems in Turkey-EU ties. Erdogan stated that the EU had succumbed to pressure and blackmail from Greek Cypriots and Greece despite Turkeys good faith, the Turkish presidency said in a statement. Cyprus, France Tensions were further stoked on the island of Cyprus on Tuesday when Erdogan and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar announced the reopening of a beach in the abandoned town of Varosha in northern Cyprus. The move is likely to anger Greek Cypriots, 39,000 of whom once lived in Varosha before fleeing advancing Turkish forces 46 years ago during a Turkish invasion that split the island. Announcing the move, Erdogan accused the EU of stalling Turkeys membership bid for years and said the same had occurred during last weeks summit. We know this will disturb a lot of places but some people have to know that it was the Turkish Cypriots who were patient until today, he told a news conference. Turkey began negotiations in 2005 to join the EU but they have long been stalled amid disagreements over human rights, Cyprus, and other issues. The European Commission accused Erdogans government on Tuesday of undermining Turkeys economy, eroding its democracy, and destroying independent courts, and said this record left Ankara further away than ever from EU membership. In a further sign of fraying ties, Erdogan upbraided French President Emmanuel Macron over comments he made last week promising to fight Islamist separatism. He said the remarks showed the French leaders impertinence. By Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ali Kucukgocmen (Natural News) Pope Francis has endorsed globalist communism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, blaming capitalism for the damage caused by disastrous and unnecessary lockdown policies. (Article by Shane Trejo republished from BigLeaguePolitics.com) He claimed in a statement that it was the magic theories of market capitalism that failed throughout this crisis. He also threw out some general bromides against war as well. It is very difficult nowadays to invoke the rational criteria elaborated in earlier centuries to speak of the possibility of a just war, Francis wrote in his encyclical. He wrote that globalism is the answer to the pandemic, as national sovereignty prevents complete and uniform obedience of the masses during a crisis. Aside from the differing ways that various countries responded to the crisis, their inability to work together became quite evident, Francis wrote. Anyone who thinks that the only lesson to be learned was the need to improve what we were already doing, or to refine existing systems and regulations, is denying reality. Even though it was government officials who shut down society and destroyed the economy because of a virus that turned out not to be particularly deadly, Francis conveniently places all of the blame on market capitalism. The fragility of world systems in the face of the pandemic has demonstrated that not everything can be resolved by market freedom, he wrote. It is imperative to have a proactive economic policy directed at promoting an economy that favors productive diversity and business creativity and makes it possible for jobs to be created, and not cut. Francis shamelessly recited Democrat talking points verbatim during his encyclical, even going full commie and rejecting property rights at one point. Neo-liberalism simply reproduces itself by resorting to magic theories of spillover or trickle without using the name as the only solution to societal problems, he wrote. There is little appreciation of the fact that the alleged spillover does not resolve the inequality that gives rise to new forms of violence threatening the fabric of society. Big League Politics has reported on how Francis is focusing on the evils of capitalism while protecting and rehabilitating child rapists throughout his tenure as pontiff: CARBONDALE Research by a Southern Illinois University instructor and her graduate student indicates the Mississippi River is more than three times older than previous records suggested. Sally Potter-McIntyre, an associate professor in SIU's School of Earth Systems and Sustainability, said in 2013 her then-graduate student, Jeremy Breeden, wanted to date deposits of sedimentary rock in his native Southern Illinois. So, she led a team of researchers, including Breeden, to begin dating sedimentary rock found at Illinois' southernmost tip. To do this, Potter-McIntyre said the researchers separated particles, called zircons, from bags of sedimentary rock collected by her team. These particles are found as grains of sand. After separating the zircons from the other sedimentary materials, Potter-McIntyre said she and Breeden went to the University of Arizona to perform the dating analyses. A Thursday news release from SIU announcing the research said the uranium found in zircons eventually breaks down and forms lead. By calculating the amount of uranium and lead in the zircons, the researchers were able to date the particles, which Potter-McIntyre said produces a specific fingerprint based on the different ages and formation of the sand grains. She said this fingerprint was statistically compared to other rock units and it was determined that the closest match was to older rocks in the Illinois Basin a geographic area centered in Illinois that contains significant deposits of coal and other minerals. Potter-McIntyre said this suggests that a river was eroding those rocks and transporting the grains to the south. Summarizing this, Potter-McIntyre said what her teams research showed was that the Mississippi River was flowing long before it was commonly believed to have been. Initially, it was believed the Mississippi River began flowing about 20 million years ago. However, because of Potter-McIntyre's and Breeden's work, it is now believed to have started flowing 70 million years ago. The discovery was significant enough to earn a nod from Smithsonian Magazine last month. The article said the extraordinary new findings are helping us better understand the monumental events, beginning in late Cretaceous North America, that gave rise to the Mississippi, swelling it to gargantuan proportions. In practical terms, Potter-McIntyre said this could have implications for the oil industry in the region. What it says is that the oil could have ... become mature in places that they really wouldnt have thought prior to this, she said. Potter-McIntyre said this research was a good example of how science works. This isnt something that we go out, 'oh hey, look at this,' and 10 minutes later its a thing. Its a yearslong process of trial and error, she said. She said the research didnt start until 2013, wasnt completed and published until 2017, and wasnt even recognized until this year. Science is a long process, she said. However, no matter how long it took, Potter-McIntyre said there was still joy and excitement in realizing they had found something significant. It was pretty cool to go, Wait a minute wow, weve got something here, she said. Mayor Bill de Blasio says he is ready to shut down non-essential businesses in nine New York City neighborhoods from tomorrow but is just waiting for state approval as the citywide daily positive infection rate hits 1.9 percent. De Blasio plans to shutter non-essential business and limit restaurants to only take-out for at least two weeks in nine zipcodes in Brooklyn and Queens where COVID-19 positive test rates are surging. The action of shutting down businesses follows on from the state's decision on Monday to close hundreds of schools in those nine zip codes. The approval for de Blasio's plan needs to be signed off by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Bill de Blasio plans to shutter non-essential business and limit restaurants to only take-out for at least two weeks in nine zipcodes in Brooklyn and Queens where COVID-19 positive test rates are surging 'I'm urging the state to move quickly and be decisive,' de Blasio said at his daily press briefing on Tuesday. 'We're at a moment when we need action.' De Blasio said Cuomo and state officials were in the process of reviewing details of his proposed restrictions. New York City, overall, continues to see the virus spread at relatively low levels compared to much of the rest of the country but a handful of areas in Brooklyn and Queens have seen infection rates rising. The nine ZIP codes singled out for restrictions have been responsible for more than 20 percent of all new infections in the city over the past four weeks despite representing only 7 percent of the population. The citywide positive infection rate is now at 1.9 percent. Rates in those nine hotspot zip codes is as high as eight percent in some neighborhoods. Most of the neighborhoods targeted by the restrictions are home to part of the city's large Orthodox Jewish community. POSITIVE TEST RATE: The citywide positive infection rate is now at 1.9 percent. Rates in those nine hotspot zip codes is as high as eight percent in some neighborhoods Rates in those nine hotspot zip codes is as high as eight percent in some neighborhoods De Blasio had asked the state for permission to reinstate restrictions on schools and businesses in the nine zip codes in an attempt to halt coronavirus flare-ups. Cuomo ruled that schools, both private and public, would close from Tuesday for an unspecified amount of time. De Blasio's plan also called for nonessential businesses to close and force restaurants to go back to offering takeout, just a week after they were cleared to begin welcoming diners back indoors. Cuomo said he wanted more information before ruling on that request. De Blasio said the closures would need to be in effect for at least two to four weeks to see if the positive test rate declined. 'That should show us that enough of the trouble has passed that we can lift the restrictions,' he said. 'People have to take this seriously. If they don't do the work, if the people in every community don't do the work, it could go on longer, and no one wants that.' Cuomo was scheduled to meet with Orthodox leaders on Tuesday to seek their help with getting people to comply with social distancing rules. In the nine hotspots areas, many religious schools resumed in-person instruction in early September and large religious gatherings have continued to occur despite rules limiting attendance at such events. Cuomo said schools and religious institutions were currently the main priority because they have greater potential for mass spread. Cuomo said schools in the areas where the virus was spreading hadn't been doing enough testing of students and staff to identify possible outbreaks and he could no longer guarantee they were safe. The governor and mayor have repeatedly squabbled over government responses to the spread of COVID-19. Cuomo again chastised de Blasio on Monday for what he said was lackluster enforcement of social distancing rules. It comes after the NYPD were called to a Brooklyn neighborhood on Monday following reports of overcrowding at an Orthodox event for children to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Hundreds of children watched an indoor play to celebrate the Jewish holiday. An NYPD spokesperson said the gathering was religious in nature and was operating at 50 percent capacity, which is permitted. "And that's why the tax cuts that will drive investment and support these businesses, the loss carry-back some of the COVID losses of this year: all of that is going to ensure a stronger economy in Australia." Youth focus Mr Frydenberg has defended his focus on young people in the budget. A new JobMaker hiring credit was announced that will establish a wage subsidy for new hires paid for a year at $200 a week for those aged under 30, and $100 a week for those aged 30 to 35. Mr Frydenberg was asked whether the initiative, which requires new hires to work for a minimum of 20 hours a week, would discourage businesses from employing older workers. "We've got a series of other programs [so] this should not be seen in isolation from the broader context of measures that we've undertaken," he said, pointing to the governments job training program and 50,000 places for short courses. "And of course, we've got record investments in infrastructure, which are designed to boost job creation across the economy," he said. Mr Frydenberg admitted though that young people were front and centre in the budget due to the danger that they will be out of work for a long time. "Our focus on apprentices and our focus through the JobMaker hiring credit is focusing on those workers who may not have had the fully developed experience in the workforce [who] have not had that length of time where they can develop the skills as some of the senior members of the workforce and therefore, they are at a disadvantage," he said. Loading "And if they stay out of the [unemployment] lines, then that could be a long-term proposition for them. And that's not good news for them, personally, and certainly not good news for the economy." Mr Frydenberg said the tax cuts included in the budget will only reach their full effect as states and territories ease coronavirus restrictions, and that the budget overall was based on the assumption that Victoria will move out of its lockdown as scheduled and reopen by the end of the year. "The savings ratio has increased as a function of what has happened with the health restrictions," he told Sunrise. "People have not been able to go to their local cafe or their local restaurant all their favourite holiday destination, because of those health restrictions. As we have success in suppressing the virus, and those restrictions are eased, more people will spend." The federal government has also assumed Western Australia will have completely reopened its borders by April, and other states with hard boarders such as Queensland will do so by the end of the year. The Treasurer said the ATO was confident the cuts, which are backdated to July 1, would begin to feed into pay packets before Christmas. The backdated cuts would then be paid with next year's tax returns. Labor, ACTU says budget leaves too many behind "If you are over the age of 35, you will lose your wage subsidy in March ... and you'll be competing for a job with someone under 35 who is being subsidised for work," Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said. "If you are a woman, half the population ... [who] are being particularly adversely affected by the pandemic ... there is nothing really there to support you, and it is almost like it was an afterthought: a women's economic statement, throw it into the speech." Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said the federal government "fell down" in creating a vision for the future in its budget. "Central to having confidence in the future is having a government that has a plan for the future and a vision and can explain to people where they fit in that vision," he said. The Australian Council of Trade Unions has cast doubt on the JobMaker program, claiming it could incentivise businesses to churn through employees and discourage long-term employment. The problem with this subsidy is that it can be for casual, insecure, short term and part time jobs, ACTU President Michelle ONeill told ABC Radio Nationals Breakfast program. In fact, the employer can get double the subsidy by giving two people a part-time job than if they gave one person a full-time job, and for many young people, particularly those on youth wages, you can't live on a job that gives you 20 hours a week, it's just not enough to put food on the table. Businesses, banks rejoice Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott said the budget would drive job creation through spurring investment and subsidising wages. "Well I think we can be pretty confident that businesses will hire. For a couple of reasons. First of all, there's a huge package to drive extra investment and we know that when businesses invest that they create jobs," she told the ABC. "So I think Australians can be very confident that those initiatives last night will see investment and will see job creation." Ms Westacott said the asset write-off for businesses would encourage spending. "The beauty of what the government has announced last night is that it will cover the entire economy. And those businesses often say, look I've still got all of the demand, I've got the demand for meat productions I just need new equipment. I need to make that stack up," she said. "So they start putting on extra plant and equipment. That means they create a work order for someone who builds that equipment. They create a work order for someone to deliver it. They upgrade their IT. They upgrade all their systems. If you're a tradie, you buy new tools, you buy a new ute. Suddenly, you're getting back in business." National Australia Bank chief executive Ross McEwan has praised the instant asset write-offs, tax cuts, research funding and stimulus measures in the budget. "The tax incentives to encourage businesses to invest and wage subsidies to create more jobs will be significant contributors to rebuilding Australias economy," Mr McEwan said. Getting businesses going again isnt just the responsibility of governments. Companies like NAB must also step up. We all have a responsibility to do our part to ensure Australia emerges as a stronger global player on the other side of this. Health funding Former Australian Medical Association president Tony Bartone says, while funding for the nation's pandemic emergency response, aged care and mental health were among a number of positive announcements, there are "still things that need to be addressed". "If we look at public hospital, elective surgery waiting lists and emergency department waiting times ... [there] were record wait times in a number of our states and jurisdictions [before the pandemic]," he told Today. "During the COVID pandemic, obviously we had elective surgery frozen in many states and, indeed, in Victoria, for a significant period of time. That's going to put back pressure on people waiting for elective surgery." Asked for his thoughts the budget assumption that all Australians would be vaccinated against coronavirus by the end of next year, Dr Bartone said a mid-2021 vaccine arrival was "probably the best approximate time frame", but "there is no guarantee". "In the immediate outlook, it is steady as she goes and positive signs at this stage," he said of public health funding in the budget more generally. JobSeeker The Australian Council of Social Service said the budget ignored the unemployed and those on low-incomes, with tax breaks given to those who already have a job. "It's a crushing letdown for people on JobKeeper who are facing the prospects of no confidence, no certainty, no adequacy of their incomes coming to the end of the year," the council's chief executive Cassandra Goldie said on ABC Radio National. "There's nothing in the budget beyond the end of the year in terms of fixing the level of social security for people who are affected the worst by this pandemic." Mr Frydenberg said JobSeeker recipients will need to wait until the end of the year to see what happens to their payments, denying the absence of an announcement about the supplement on Tuesday night means it will definitely disappear in December. "Both the Prime Minister and I have made clear that, closer to the end of the year, we will make a decision about the future level of that payment," Mr Frydenberg told Ben Fordham on 2GB. Loading "And that will be based on an understanding of where the labour market dynamic is, because obviously you want to get that payment at the right level so that it encourages mobility in the labor market and people moving into jobs where they're available." The JobSeeker payment replaced the Newstart allowance of about $40 a day in March. Last month, the JobSeeker rate dropped by $300 a fortnight, due to a reduction in the extra coronavirus supplement available to those who received the payments. Ms Goldie also highlighted a lack of attention for those on temporary visas who are not entitled to any government support, and little investment in affordable housing. JUNEAU Dodge County may enact a Public Health Ordinance, but it will involve a lot of legal wrangling, and may not be particularly effective. It will likely not be in place before December or possibly January. Supervisor Jeff Schmitt said although he does not favor such an ordinance, the process has taken far too long. He warned against politicization, and court challenges falling on Dodge County to defend. He said issues might be better resolved through state action, avoiding all the trials and tribulations of local approval. This all started in February or March, Schmitt said. So here we are, octeen months away from the start and were still deciding whether we need an ordinance. For 170 years prior to that we never saw cause to have one or justify one to begin with. Were wasting a lot of oxygen and creating a lot of carbon dioxide over nothing if you ask me. Action was, in part, delayed by a strong public outcry in June, when a draft ordinance was shared for discussion only. Cournyers $90M book of business brings konvergent Wealth Partners to over $200M in assets under managementkonvergent operates under the RIA-only model within the Integrated advisory ecosystem, using Fidelity as its custody partner Melissa Cournyer Melissa Cournyer Sierra Utti, Melissa Cournyer, Matthew Ferguson Sierra Utti, Melissa Cournyer, Matthew Ferguson Boston, MA, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integrated Partners , a national financial planning and registered investment advisory firm, is pleased to announce that financial advisor Melissa Cournyer has joined konvergent Wealth Partners, Integrateds Seattle, WA regional office, led by Homer Smith. Cournyers addition to the konvergent team adds $90M in AUM to the rapidly growing northwestern advisory group. The deal represents Integrateds commitment to growing advisory partner firms both organically, and inorganically by way of identifying ideal partnerships for regional offices already in existence. The RIA side of the business continues trending as the fastest growing segment of the organization. I met Homer Smith and the konvergent team while working together on a clients complex financial situation by way of the Integrated Business Alliance, said Cournyer. And the value of the Integrated/konvergent model became crystal clear to me I needed to be a part of this group, and I knew my clients needed it as well. A private wealth advisor whose career spans almost two decades in the financial services industry, Cournyer provides financial wellness counsel for her multigenerational client base, including high net worth individuals, families, and business owners. When you know, you know, said Homer Smith, principal, konvergent. We had multiple joint client meetings together and it was clear from the outset that our values and commitment to client service were closely aligned. Melissa immediately bought in to our model and the power of the RIA approach to fiduciary client service. I am thrilled to welcome her to our team! Story continues The konvergent team has consistently grown since joining Integrated Partners in 2019, and now counts ten team members among its ranks: Smith and Cournyer are joined by Dave Stuehling, Leah Hortin, Mary Wotherspoon, Dwight Anderson, Karen Chen, Max Graber, Matt Ferguson, and Sierra Utti. konvergent focuses on working with business owners and families with complex financial service needs. At Integrated, we focus squarely on advisor growth, evolution and advancement, said Rob Sandrew, head of advisor recruiting, Integrated. Melissas addition to Homers team adds an adrenaline shot to the konvergent business above and beyond the already thrilling growth trajectory the team has been on in the year since they came aboard. They embody everything special about the Integrated model. Media inquiries: Jason Lahita jason@streetcredpr.com To discreetly inquire about what joining our growth-oriented culture can look like for you as a financial advisor, please contact: Rob Sandrew rob.sandrew@integrated-partners.com or Keith Frasier keith.frasier@integrated-partners.com ### About Integrated Partners Since 1996, Integrated Partners has been helping financial advisors to achieve their entrepreneurial vision. We offer comprehensive business building services, designed with the truly independent advisor in mind. With one hundred and fifty advisors, one hundred and twenty-seven CPAs and forty-five regional offices across the United States, and more than eight billion in brokerage and advisory assets, Integrated has built our reputation advisor by advisor, client by client. Constructed and grown upon a foundation of empowerment, integrity, and trust, we believe in the incredible power that financial advisors have to make a positive impact on peoples lives. Integrated supports advisors by offering a completely customizable open architecture business environment: technology, investment management, advanced planning, CPA partner program, family office platform, custody, marketing, public relations, M&A, succession planning and comprehensive business counsel. Investment advice offered through Integrated Financial Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity. We believe in advisors. Let us prove it to you. # # # Attachments CONTACT: Jason Lahita Integrated Partners 9734607837 jason.lahita@integrated-partners.com Former Married At First Sight star Ashley Irvin has revealed a table she recently purchased exploded. In a series of shocking posts shared to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, the 31-year-old highlighted how the circumstances could have been potentially dangerous for her as she revealed two crates full to the brim of broken glass. The reality star went on to blast luxury furniture store company, Nick Scali, for offering her little assistance and claimed that they told her the explosion was 'not their problem'. Scroll down for video 'It's been two weeks since my table exploded': Former Married At First Sight star Ashley Irvin has revealed a table she recently purchased exploded Sitting on the floor next to crates full of what used to be her brand new table, Ashley said: 'It's been two weeks since my table exploded. 'I tried to get in contact with Nick Scali, [and] they pretty much told me it's not their problem. They've wiped their hands clean. 'They said the table could have been moved or [blamed the explosion on] the temperature - which I think is a massive cop-out because it gets up to 40 degrees here in Queensland, so I just think it's a b******* excuse for them.' Frustrated, Ashley continued: 'I honestly think, if it's a table exploding, surely, they've got a duty of care. They didn't even apologise, they just said, "Sorry this isn't the outcome you were expecting"'. 'Surely there's a duty of care?' Ashley shared a picture of the table when it had just exploded, which saw a massive amount of the broken furniture scattered across the floor Shocking: In a series of posts shared to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, the 31-year-old highlighted how the circumstances could have been potentially dangerous for her as she revealed two crates full of broken glass Ashley also shared a picture of the table when it had just exploded, which saw a massive amount of the broken furniture scattered across the floor. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Nick Scali for further comment. It has been a tough few months for Ashley, who was among the thousands of airline staff out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic. 'Wiped their hands clean': The reality star went on to blast luxury furniture store company, Nick Scali, for offering her little assistance and claimed that they told her the explosion was 'not their problem' In April, she shared a post which read: 'Missing my Virgin family more than I ever thought I would... Hope to be back in the air soon.' It is unclear whether Ashley has resumed work as a flight attendant. The blonde beauty shot to fame on Married At First Sight in 2018 when she 'wed' Troy Delmege. They are no longer together. CORONA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / ADOMANI, Inc. (OTCQB:ADOM) a provider of advanced zero-emission vehicle drivetrain solutions and purpose-built electric vehicles, is pleased to announce that on August 31st, the Child Nutrition Services Department of the Pittsburg Unified School District (USD) in Contra Costa County, California, awarded bid EQ#2020 to ADOMANI for a Class 5 electric box truck. Pittsburg USD received a grant from the California Department of Education for $86,000 under its 2019 National School Lunch Program, (NSLP), Equipment Assistance Grants program to help defray the cost of the electric vehicle. This Class 5 electric truck will replace a diesel truck that the Child Nutrition Services Department is currently operating to deliver food to schools in the Pittsburg, California area. The new zero-emissions truck will be delivered in early 2021. ADOMANI entered the commercial electric vehicle market in 2018 with the introduction of their class 3 and 4 all-electric trucks and vans. In June, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) took a bold step in adopting a first-in-the-world rule that requires truck manufacturers to move from diesel trucks and vans to all-electric, zero-emission trucks starting in 2024. The CARB rule, combined with California governor Gavin Newsom's recent executive order N-79-20 dated September 23, 2020, which requires all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California be zero-emission by 2035, has re-ignited the EV market in the state. ADOMANI is just one of a few national commercial EV distributors that has production models in inventory, ready to deliver to the market. In 2016, the ADOMANI all-electric school bus drive train powering the Blue Bird all-electric school buses was ADOMANI's entry into the education market with an EV product. In recent years, Californians, specifically the over 6.1 million school aged children who are at risk due to poor air quality from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. "Implementing all-electric school buses was an important step in helping reduce toxic pollutants for California school-aged children riding diesel-powered buses," said Jim Reynolds, President of ADOMANI. "We are continuing to push forward by helping school districts reach the full financial and health benefits of all-electric vehicle ownership through our commercial EV truck and van products," Reynolds concluded. Pittsburg Unified School District is one of several school districts in California that are leading the movement to replace ICE vehicles with all-electric vehicles. The district took delivery of their new all-electric Blue Bird-built school bus Powered by ADOMANI in October 2019. ADOMANI has since shifted its focus to helping school districts transition their commercial vehicle fleets with new zero-emission, all-electric white fleet vehicles. "This is exciting news not only for ADOMANI, but for the residents of Pittsburg as well," said Matt Essex, Director of Sales for ADOMANI. "Pittsburg USD has areas that are classified as Disadvantaged Area Communities and having a zero- emission vehicle operating in these areas where the residents' health is more challenged is great news for the community, especially the children." The Pittsburg USD Board of Trustees had previously approved a cooperative bid for the ADOMANI ZEV Sales zero-emission, all-electric line of products in November 2019, that includes the Class 3-5 Electric Cab over truck chassis, Class 3 and 4 electric cutaway van chassis, and Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. This cooperative purchase bid allows over 1,000 California schools, in addition to numerous other Community Colleges, municipalities, and other governmental entities, to purchase the ADOMANI line of electric vehicles without going out to bid themselves. The terms of the NSLP grant required a separate bid, and ADOMANI is proud to be the vendor of choice for these electric commercial vehicles for Pittsburg USD. About ADOMANI ADOMANI, Inc. is a provider of zero-emission electric drivetrain systems for integration in new school buses and medium to heavy-duty commercial fleet vehicles, as well as re-power conversion kits for the replacement of drivetrain systems in combustion-powered vehicles. ADOMANI is also a provider of new zero-emission electric vehicles focused on reducing the total cost of vehicle ownership and helps fleet operators unlock the benefits of green technology and address the challenges of traditional fuel price cost instability and local, state and federal environmental regulatory compliance. For more information visit www.ADOMANIelectric.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this press release that relate to future plans, events, financial results, prospects or performance are forward-looking statements as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While they are based on the current expectations and beliefs of management, such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in this press release, including the risks and uncertainties disclosed in reports filed by ADOMANI with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available online at www.sec.gov. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including statements containing the words "planned," "expects," "believes," "strategy," "opportunity," "anticipates," "outlook," "designed" and similar words. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, ADOMANI undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, changed circumstances or unanticipated events. Investor Relations Contacts: ADOMANI, Inc. Kevin Kanning, VP Investor Relations Telephone: (650) 533-7629 Email: kevin.k@ADOMANIelectric.com ADOMANI, Inc. Michael K. Menerey, Chief Financial Officer Telephone: (951) 407-9860 ext. 205 Email: mike.m@ADOMANIelectric.com SOURCE: ADOMANI, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609247/ADOMANIR-Enters-Class-5-Electric-Truck-Market-with-First-Order-from-Pittsburg-Unified-School-District-Child-Nutrition-Services-Department OMAHA, Neb., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Midwest law firm, Sodoro + Mooney + Lenaghan , continues to grow its highly capable team by adding two new attorneys. MaKenna J. Stoakes and Mikayla Hoffman will help the firm provide clients with even greater support on workers' compensation, insurance defense and general liability cases. Stoakes has represented clients on a number of issues, including wrongful death, breach of contract, general negligence and insurance coverage disputes across all levels of exposure. Her clients depend on her to deliver fast and favorable outcomes by building a strategic and creative defense. Hoffman has extensive experience handling insurance defense and corporate representation matters. Prior to joining Sodoro + Mooney + Lenaghan, Hoffman worked with the in-house legal team of a major manufacturing corporation. There, she reviewed hundreds of contracts with domestic and international businesses focusing on liability mitigation and exposure; she also played a key role in negotiating these contracts. This experience only strengthens her litigation skills and also provides her insight into what Clients may be dealing with from a contractual standpoint when disputes arise. "We're thrilled to have MaKenna and Mikayla joining our team, and I know our clients will benefit greatly by having them handle their cases," says Patrick Sodoro, Managing Partner of SML. "Their firsthand litigation experience, background in in-house legal support, and strong communication skills align perfectly with the value we provide as a firm." By bringing Stoakes and Hoffman on board, Sodoro + Mooney + Lenaghan continues to build its reputation as one of the most trusted and reliable law firms in the Midwest, especially in the General Liability , Workers' Compensation , Professional Liability, and Medical Malpractice , arenas. Sodoro + Mooney + Lenaghan is a full-service law firm answering to the legal needs of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. For more information, or to contact the team at Sodoro + Mooney + Lenaghan, go to smllawoffice.com or email Kelsey Gazda at [email protected] or (402) 504-9346. SOURCE Sodoro + Mooney + Lenaghan A Nairobi court has sentenced a parking boy to one year in jail for assaulting a security guard. Appearing before Nairobi Senior Principal Magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot, Thomas Nyagwoka Ogoro pleaded guilty to assaulting and injuring Rodgers Omukanga on September 25, 2020 at Naivas Supermarket on Moi Avenue. The court heard that Rodgers was directing vehicles to a parking space when the accused obstructed him, demanding to direct the vehicles to another yard. When the complainant declined, the frustrated parking boy descended on him with blows. A police report indicated that the security guard working with Blue Armour Security firm sustained a cut on his face from a metallic ring the assailant was wearing on his finger. Rodgers reported the incident at the Central Police Station leading to the suspects arrest and subsequent arraignment. The parking boy, a resident of Pipeline Estate in Nairobi, will serve one in jail if he cannot pay a fine of Sh200,000. If this is part of the safety, then so be it, one of the workers, who declined to provide his name for fear of repercussions, said. You know, no one wants any more property vandalized or anything like that. They dont want the same things to keep happening, and theyre doing the best they can. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 22:09:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization in the Western Pacific region on Tuesday called on the 37 countries and areas in this region to join hands in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic, saying no one is "safe until every country is safe." "It's essential to remember that we are in this together, and we can only get out of this together," Takeshi Kasai, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, told the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific. Kasai said the coronavirus disease is the most challenging public health event the world has seen in 100 years - and it is testing not only the capacity of the health systems but also the resilience of societies and economies. As of Oct. 5, the WHO said approximately 630,000 people in the Western Pacific region have contracted the virus, including 13,700 deaths. Kasai lauded the "the spirit of solidarity that has characterized interactions between countries of our region over the past 9 months," adding that as long as the virus is circulating in the world, no country is safe. And there is no sign that this virus is going away quickly. "In these difficult times, countries have come together in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration - borne out of a recognition that no country in our region is safe until every country is safe," he said. "With that in mind, there are two important things. One: we must continue to make every effort to build and sustain the "new normal", and two: to maintain the principle of solidarity," Kasai added. Babatunde Olowokure, Regional Emergency Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Program, said countries and areas in the region continue to be at different stages of the pandemic. "Some Pacific Island countries and areas have seen no cases but must remain vigilant as they open borders because the virus is still circulating globally," he added. Enditem Back-to-school season has not yielded an increase in COVID-19 transmission, said provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. What were not seeing is schools amplifying transmission in the community, she said during an update today. With 500,000 staff and students back in school across BC, Henry said children under 19 still make up less than 10 per cent of new cases. Children under age 10 represent 10 per cent of the population, but only five per cent of positive cases are people in this age range, said Henry. She added that youth aged 10 to 19 are also under-represented in new cases. There have been no deaths in people under age 19, no critical care admissions, and less than one per cent of these cases have required hospitalization. The testing rate is four times higher for kids aged five to 12 and two times higher for youth aged 13 to 18. Six in 10 tests in school-aged children are now spit and gargle tests, and only seven in 1,000 are positive. Henry said some school-aged children are having symptoms caused by other things rather than only COVID-19. Prior to Oct. 1 there were 50 school exposures, split roughly evenly between elementary and secondary schools. Most school exposures are in Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, where the largest school districts are located. Since Oct. 1 there have been an additional 14 exposure events, including the first on Vancouver Island. We have seen an increase (in cases in school-aged children), but it has levelled off and its not been a large increase, said Henry. Read more about: A prominent journalists' union has said the police has arrested a senior scribe, also its office-bearer, while on his way to Hathras to cover the situation there and demanded his release at the earliest. Siddique Kappan was trying to do his duty as a reporter, the Delhi unit of Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) told Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Kappan was its Secretary, a letter signed by KUWJ's Delhi unit President Miji Jose to Adithyanath said. It added that he was on is way to cover the 'situation'at Hathras, where a 19 year-old Dalit woman, assaulted and allegedly gang raped, later died in Delhi, with the incident causing outrage. In its letter, KUWJ said Kappan, "a senior Delhi based journalist working for several Malayalam media houses, including azhimukham.com, had gone to Hathras on Monday morning to cover the present situation in the area." On Monday, police had arrested four people, said to have links with alleged radical group Popular Front of India (PFI) and an associate outfit, at Mathura while they were on their way to Hathras from Delhi. The four were in a car and identified themselves as Atiq-ur Rehman of Muzaffarnagar, Siddique of Malappuram, Masood Ahmed of Bahraich and Alam of Rampur. "We understand that he (Kappan) was taken into police custody by Uttar Pradesh police from Hathras toll plaza. Our efforts and the efforts by some advocates based in Delhi to contact him were not successful," KUWJ said. The Hathras police station and the state police have not provided any information so far on having taken Kappan into custody, it added. "Mr Kappan was trying to do his duty as a reporter. We urge you to get him released at the earliest," KUWJ urged the UP chief minister. Hathras has been in news after the 19-year-old woman was allegedly raped on September 14 in a village in the district and she succumbed to her injuries a fortnight later at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Her hurried cremation in the dead of the night, allegedly without the parents' consent, created further outrage. Several Chinese films are being aired on Kazakhstan's Astana TV station through October in honor of the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Astana TV's program director Yerbol Begimbetov has said. "The Composer," a China-Kazakhstan co-produced film featuring the life story of late Chinese composer Xian Xinghai, was screened on Oct. 3. The film highlights the friendship between Xian and Kazakh composer Bakhitzhan Baykadamov, who took care of Xian when he was stranded in Alma Ata after the Soviet Union was invaded by Nazi Germany in 1941. Kazakh actress Aruzhan Jazilbekova, the film's heroine, congratulated the Chinese people on the 71st anniversary of the founding of the PRC last week on her Instagram account. She wished every Chinese person good health and new successes in building a modern and prosperous motherland. Begimbetov added that another three Chinese films, namely, "Go LALA Go!", "I Do" and "Driverless," which have been dubbed in the Kazakh language, will be screened this month. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump, said to be making progress in his recovery from COVID-19, tweeted his eagerness to return to the campaign trail Tuesday even as the outbreak that has killed more than 210,000 Americans reached ever more widely into the upper echelons of the U.S. government. As Trump convalesced out of sight in the White House, the administration defended the protections it has put in place to protect the staff working there to treat and support him. Trump again publicly played down the virus on Twitter after his return from a three-day hospitalization, though even more aides tested positive, including one of his closest advisers, Stephen Miller. In one significant national coronavirus action, Trump declared there would be no action before the election on economic-stimulus legislation an announcement that came not long after the Federal Reserve chairman said such help was essential for recovery with the nation reeling from the human and economic cost of the pandemic. Stocks fell on the White House news. As for Trumps own recovery, his doctor, Navy Cmdr. Sean Conley, said in a letter that the president had a restful Monday night at the White House and reports no symptoms. Meanwhile, Trump was grappling with next political steps exactly four weeks from Election Day. Anxious to project strength, Trump, who is still contagious with the virus, tweeted Tuesday that he was planning to attend next weeks debate with Democrat Joe Biden in Miami and It will be great! Biden, for his part, said he and Trump shouldnt have a debate as long as the president remains COVID positive. Biden told reporters in Pennsylvania that he was looking forward to being able to debate him but said were going to have to follow very strict guidelines. Elsewhere in the government, the scope of the outbreak was still being uncovered. On Tuesday, the nations top military leaders including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, and the vice chairman, Gen. John Hyten, were in quarantine after exposure to Adm. Charles W. Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard. It was not known how Ray contracted the virus, but he attended an event for military families at the White House on Sept. 27. The Coast Guard said in a statement that Ray felt mild symptoms over the weekend and was tested on Monday. Also testing positive Tuesday was Miller, a top policy adviser and Trump speechwriter, who has been an architect of the presidents restrictive immigration measures. Millers wife, Katie Miller, who serves as communications director to Vice President Mike Pence, had the virus earlier this year. She had been in Salt Lake City with Pence where he is preparing to debate Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, but she left as soon as she found out about her husbands diagnosis, officials said. She tested negative on Tuesday. Trump on Monday made clear that he has little intention of abiding by best containment practices when he removed his mask before entering the White House after his discharge from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Waiting aides were visible when he entered the Blue Room without a face covering. Trumps attitude alarmed infectious disease experts. And it suggested his own illness had not caused him to rethink his often-cavalier attitude toward the disease, which has also infected the first lady and more than a dozen White House aides and associates. Republican Sen. Susan Collins said Tuesday, When I saw him on the balcony of the White House, taking off his mask, I couldnt help but think that he sent the wrong signal, given that hes infected with COVID-19 and that there are many people in his immediate circle who have the virus,. Trump, for his part, falsely suggested that the virus was akin to the seasonal flu. Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu, he tweeted. Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!! In fact, COVID-19 has already proven to be a more potent killer, particularly among older populations, than seasonal flu, and has shown indications of having long-term impacts on the health of younger people it infects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that influenza has resulted in far fewer yearly deaths than Trump said between 12,000 and 61,000 annually since 2010. Trump was working out of makeshift office space on the ground floor of the White House residence, in close proximity to the White House Medical Units office suite, with only a few aides granted a face-to-face audience. The West Wing was largely vacant, as a number of Trumps aides were either sick or quarantining after exposure to people infected with the virus, or otherwise working remotely as a precaution. First lady Melania Trump was isolating upstairs in the White House. On Tuesday, her office released a memo outlining extensive health and safety precautions that have been put in place in the executive residence, including adopting hospital-grade disinfection policies, encouraging maximum teleworking and installing additional sanitization and filtration systems. Residence staff in direct contact with the first family are tested daily and support staff are tested every 48 hours. And since the president and Mrs. Trump tested positive, staff have been wearing full PPE. Despite Trumps upbeat talk about the disease, his own treatment has been far from typical, as his doctors rushed him onto experimental antiviral drugs and prescribed an aggressive course of steroids that would be unavailable to the average patient. On Tuesday he was to receive his final dose of the antiviral drug remdesivir. It was not known whether he was still being administered the powerful steroid dexamethasone, which was prescribed Saturday after he suffered a second drop in his blood oxygen levels in as many days. Dr. Conley said Monday that because of Trumps unusual level of treatment so early after discovery of his illness he was in uncharted territory, adding that Trump would not be fully out of the woods for another week. The coronavirus can be unpredictable, and Conley has noted it can become more dangerous as the body responds. Days seven through ten can be the most critical in determining the likely course of this illness, he said over the weekend. There were also lingering questions about potential long-term effects to the president and even when he first came down with the virus. Conley has repeatedly declined to share results of medical scans of Trumps lungs, saying he was not at liberty to discuss the information because Trump did not waive doctor-patient confidentiality on the subject. ___ Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard and Jonathan Lemire in Washington, and Bill Barrow in Wilmington, Delaware, contributed to this report. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE price in India has been officially announced. The premium smartphone under the Galaxy S20 series has been launched in India for Rs 49,999. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE sale starts on October 16 during the Flipkart Big Billion Days. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE price in India Samsung Galaxy S20 FE price in India is set at Rs 49,999 for the single 8GB + 128GB storage variant. Galaxy S20 FE will be available for purchase in India in Cloud Red, Cloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, Cloud Navy, and Cloud White. Samsung is only bringing the 4G variant of the Galaxy S20 FE to India and the Galaxy S20 FE 5G with Snapdragon 865 processor may not make its way into the country. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE sale in India Samsung Galaxy S20 FE sale begins on October 16 during the Flipkart Big Billion Days sale. The smartphone will also be available via the Samsung E-Store and offline markets after the launch. As part of Samsung Galaxy S20 FE pre-order offers, HDFC Bank credit and debit cardholders can avail Rs 4,000 cashback. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE specifications Samsung Galaxy S20 FE features a 6.5-inch Full HD+ Infinity-O punch-hole Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone features a polycarbonate back and comes in a variety of colour options - Cloud Red, Cloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, Cloud Navy, and Cloud White. Under the hood, Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G features Samsungs own Exynos 990 SoC. The models pack up to 8GB RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 internal memory. The smartphone packs a 4,500 mAh battery with 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and also comes with IP68 water resistance. In optics, Samsung Galaxy S20 FE features a triple-camera setup on the back with a 12MP primary lens with optical image stabilisation (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom. For selfies, there is a 32MP front camera on the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE boots on Android 10-based One UI 2.0. Other features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/ A-GPS, NFC, etc. The Midland ISD board of trustees has authorized Board President Rick Davis and legal counsel to negotiate and finalize possible settlement terms with Orlando Riddick as discussed in closed session. The move came Monday after closed session Monday evening. Elana Ladd, the districts spokeswoman, told the Reporter-Telegram of the development as the board deals with termination proceedings with the outgoing superintendent. This authorizes the board president to engage legal counsel without having to come back to the board for authorization each time, MISD stated in an email to the Reporter-Telegram on Monday night. The Reporter-Telegram reported last week that Riddick has requested an independent hearing, following the boards vote to propose termination. Midland ISD stated last week that a hearing examiner has been assigned to the case, and the next step will be setting times and dates for the hearing. Midland ISD also stated, Both sides are still trying to see if a mutually agreeable resolution can be reached. Riddicks salary is $275,000. His contract is set to expire on June 30, 2022. In August, Board President Rick Davis wrote in an op-ed that the decision to terminate the contract had to do with the districts academic performance. In short, because the district was making either no progress, little progress or even worse, regressing on a majority of the goal progress measures regarding student academic performance on which Mr. Riddick understood and agreed he would be evaluated, we made the unanimous decision to take the first step in seeking a new academic leader for our district, Davis wrote. Amid high drama at Haryanas border with Punjab, authorities allowed former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and a few party leaders to enter the BJP-ruled state as part of his rally against farm laws. After winding up his last rally at Sanaur in Patiala, Gandhi drove a tractor to reach the Haryana border on the final day of his Kheti Bachao Yatra, accompanied by Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar and senior party leader Harish Rawat. A number of Congress workers accompanied Gandhi from Patiala, but the procession was stopped on the highway near Teokar village on Pehowa border for an hour. Before Gandhi arrived at the Punjab-Haryana border, senior Haryana police officials at the spot said they would not allow more than 100 people to gather at one place as per the guidelines in place due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Gandhi and a few Congress leaders were later allowed to enter Haryana where the former Congress chief has a couple of programmes scheduled. On the Haryana side, state Congress chief Kumari Selja, senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Kiran Choudhary, Ajay Singh Yadav and partys Haryana affairs in-charge Vivek Bansal were present. Ahead of Gandhis rally in Haryana, the BJP-led government on Monday had said the Congress leader can bring a few people in the state but it will not permit a big crowd from Punjab which can disturb" the atmosphere. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Gandhi has the right to put forth his views but if he comes with a big procession from Punjab, we wont allow it". Haryanas Home Minister Anil Vij had said if Gandhi comes with a big crowd from Punjab to disturb Haryanas atmosphere, then we will not permit it. We are not going to allow that". Gandhis attack on Centre Gandhi on Tuesday kept up the attack on the Centre over new farm laws, saying the fight against these legislations was not of farmers or labourers alone, but it was Indias fight". Addressing a gathering on the concluding day of his Kheti Bachao Yatra, which started from Moga district on Sunday, Gandhi said if these measures are implemented, farmers and labourers will become the slaves" of a few corporates. He said in one or two years, their land would be taken over by these few chosen" corporates. Whether you want to believe it or not, do remember that Rahul and Amarinder Singh once told you that your land will be snatched," he told the gathering where a number of farmers were present along with their tractors. This is the time to take action. If you wait for six months or one year, then it will be of no use," said Gandhi, adding that the loss was not just of farmers, farm labourers and small traders, but it was of the entire country. Gandhi said if farmers are hit, which he claimed will become a reality with the implementation of the new laws, then Indias food security will be finished. And if that happens, the entire country will once again become a slave," he said. This fight is not just of farmers and labourers, but this is Indias fight." He told farmers that corporates will dictate the terms and they will have to accept the price that they want to give. "When your land goes, they will build malls and flats. We do not want such a thing to happen. The Congress will not allow this to happen. I can guarantee that we will not go back by an inch and we will carry on this fight. When our government will be formed, we will revoke these laws," Gandhi said. Attacking the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, Gandhi said that for six years this dispensation did nothing for the poor, weaker sections, farmers and small shopkeepers. "For six years, they did nothing for farmers. Whatever they did was for the rich class," he said, adding that the Centre waived Rs 3.50 lakh crore worth of loans of rich industrialists, but not of farmers. He said in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, this government brought in the three farm bills. "What was the hurry? Why not bring them six months or one year later," he asked and then added that they did so because the BJP-led government thought during COVID, the farmers of Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan cannot stand and this is the right time to bring in these measures. "But he (PM) does not know that farmers are strong and will fight against these laws," he said. The Congress leader also asked that if these laws were in favour of farmers, then why did the government not debate them in Parliament. Gandhi said that MSP, Food Corporation of India and the mandi system are there to protect farmers, and this entire structure gives them security, but the Centre wants to break it. The food distribution system and mandi system, are like a fort which protects farmers, he said, adding he agreed there are a few shortcomings in the present system, but those need to be corrected, and breaking an entire system like the Centre was doing was not the right way to go about it. Among others present on the occasion were Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Congress leaders Harish Rawat, Pratap Singh Bajwa, Sunil Jakhar, Manish Tewari and Preneet Kaur. (With inputs from PTI) NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will meet with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing tensions with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Greek Foreign Ministry said. Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias will host a working breakfast for NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday, 6 October. Minister of National Defence Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos will also attend the meeting, the ministry said in a statement on Monday. According to Athens, the ongoing regional tensions, which flared up as Turkish vessels conducted seismic exploration surveys in waters that both Greece and Cyprus claim to be part of their respective exclusive economic zones, will top the agenda of the meeting. Stoltenberg visited Ankara on Monday to hold talks on the matter with Turkeys foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. During the meeting, the secretary-general praised Turkeys contributions to NATO and reiterated the alliances commitment to defusing the tensions in the region, according to a press release. NATO has established a military de-confliction mechanism to aid negotiations between Athens and Ankara, and military leaders from both countries have held talks at the alliances headquarters in Brussels. The proportion of severely ill Covid-19 patients needing to be hooked up to ventilators has more than halved since the peak of the pandemic in the spring, figures reveal. Twenty-six per cent of intensive care patients received invasive ventilation up to 24 hours after being admitted to hospital last month. But this figure was as high as 76 per cent when the pandemic first struck, according to data collated by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre. The data bolsters suggestions that doctors are getting better at treating the disease, with scientific breakthroughs boosting the survival odds of patients. Medics can now use drugs such as dexamethasone a steroid that cuts the risk of death in the most critically-ill by up to a third, and remdesivir which can speed up recovery. It means they are no longer having to rely on ventilators to treat every severely-ill patient, experts say. Twenty-six per cent of intensive care patients received invasive ventilation up to 24 hours after being admitted to hospital last month. But this figure was as high as 76 per cent when the pandemic first struck, according to data collated by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre This map shows the North West and Midlands have had the most patients placed on ventilators since September 1. It is from a report by Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre . The number of patients being given ventilators 24 hours after they were admitted to hospital has fallen from 76 per cent in the spring to 26 per cent last month (Stock) Survival rates after entering critical care also appear to be improving, official data shows, although the final outcome for many patients is yet to be revealed. The rate has risen from 61 per cent of those in critical care up to August 31, to 88 per cent of those admitted from September 1, figures show. But 66 per cent of the 211 patients admitted to hospital last month for whom data was provided remained in intensive care or in hospital when the data was gathered for the report. The North West and Midlands have seen the most patients admitted to critical care since September 1, at 126 and 93. They are followed by the North East and Yorkshire, at 90, London, at 73 and the South East and Wales, with 17 each. Professor of surgery and data science at the University of Edinburgh, Ewen Harrison, told The Times doctors have realised even patients that look 'very sick' can avoid the need for ventilation. 'At the peak of the first wave, which was about April 1, about one in six men and one in ten women (admitted) were (intubated),' he said. 'That dropped off quite quickly - at the beginning of June it was only about one in twenty people. 'If anything has changed, it's a realisation that even when patients look very sick they can potentially get away without having to be ventilated.' Doctors are reportedly also shifting away from the ventilators involving intubation to less invasive forms of breathing support. This includes CPAP machines, where a constant flow of air is delivered through a mask ensuring there is enough pressure to keep the lungs open. Downing Street initially invested heavily in ventilators, spending almost 600million on 30,000 machines most of which are now tucked away in storage. It comes after an Oxford University analysis in June found the risk of dying from coronavirus after being hospitalised has plummeted since the peak of the outbreak. Six per cent of people admitted to hospitals in England with the virus died at the beginning of April. But the figures show by June 15, just 1.5 per cent of Covid-19 patients were dying of the disease a quarter of the level at the peak of the crisis. Statisticians couldn't pin down exactly why survival rates had fallen so much - but they said doctors may have become better at treating the virus. In April there was no approved medicine to treat Covid-19, a disease still shrouded in mystery after jumping from animals to humans at the end of 2019. One of the researchers admitted the newly-approved drugs may have been partly behind the fall, but he said there would be other factors at play. Dr Jason Oke admitted a less optimistic explanation may have been a large number of mild to moderately ill patients were turned away from hospitals in April. If only the sickest - who are more likely to die from Covid - were treated, then it could skew the death rate upwards, even if there was no difference in the actual survival rate. The above flow chart shows the outcomes for 211 Covid-19 patients in UK hospitals. They were admitted after September 1 Scientists say face masks are less effective in the rain. (PA) Face masks are less effective in the rain at stopping the spread of coronavirus, health experts and scientists have warned. The UK government and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both instructed users to replace their masks if they get wet. The effect of wet weather on the spread of COVID-19 has become a key issue after heavy rainfall across Britain in the past week. On Tuesday, Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at Kings College London, told The Times that the public should be given new advice on wearing face masks in the rain. Watch: How to remove a face mask correctly Prof Spector, who is leading the COVID Symptom Study app, told the newspaper: It would now be useful if clear advice were issued to the public. Masks need to be changed regularly and this is particularly important to understand in damp and wet weather. Prof Spector previously revealed that thousands of people in the UK are suffering from so-called long COVID, where coronavirus symptoms persist for longer than a month. In their respective guidelines, both the WHO and the Department of Health and Social Care currently advise people to replace their masks if they become damp. While masks are not mandatory in the UK while outside, many people choose to keep them on even when they are not indoors. Dr Aseem Malhotra, a consultant cardiologist, told The Times: It is obvious that masks will get damp as people shop and travel in bad weather. There has been no public campaign to make people aware that this can make their masks ineffective. In its guidance on face coverings, the UK government says users should change the face covering if it becomes damp or if youve touched it. Health officials say masks should be replaced if they get damp. (PA) The WHO advises people to replace masks as soon as they become damp with a new clean, dry mask. It also warns of the potential self-contamination that can occur if medical masks are not changed when wet, soiled or damaged. When a face mask is wet, the moisture can result in an increased resistance to airflow. Story continues Professor Karol Sikora, a former head of the WHO cancer programme, also told The Times: Moisture makes masks porous and because of this all types of mask are essentially vulnerable in damp weather. Watch: Why are UK deaths so low as cases rise? Coronavirus: what happened today Click here to sign up to the latest news and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter Beginning Tuesday, Delhi government is set to start preparation of a biochemical solutiona new technology that decomposes crop stubble so that it doesnt need to be burnt. The technology could prove to be a solution for farmers who otherwise end up burning paddy stubble causing fumes that add to air pollution during winter. As per government figures, at least 800 hectares of farmland in the rural belt of Delhi is under cultivation where crop stubble burning is practised. Here are five things you need to know about the technology and what it aims to do What is a bio-decomposer? The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, Delhi has developed a decomposer capsule, which could be converted into a liquid solution and sprayed on fields with crop stubble. The solution, once sprayed on the fields, will decompose the stubble, which can be used by farmers to treat the fields. How and where does the Delhi government plan to prepare the biochemical solution? The liquid biochemical solution can be formulated by mixing the capsules with jaggery and several other ingredients. The mixture needs to be fermented over three or four days before its ready to be sprayed. The Delhi government has set up a centralised plant for large-scale production of the solution at Najafgarhs Kharkhari Nahar village. From Tuesday, operations will begin at 400 different camps here under the supervision of IARI scientists. How much time does it take for the stubble to decompose after the chemical has been sprayed? IARI scientists said that it takes over 20 days for the stubble to decompose into compost. How can farmers use this scheme? Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai had said that the chemical will be sprayed in the fields free of cost. Agricultural development officers at all districts will lead the task of filling up forms for farmers with details of their village and area under cultivation, among others. Once the forms are submitted, officials will be deployed to spray the chemical at the designated location. The district officials will also be creating awareness about the same. How much will it cost the government? From preparing the mixture to spraying it across 800 hectares of farmland, the entire process will cost the government 20 lakh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services on Monday issued an order requiring mask use, limiting social gatherings and safeguarding nursing homes. "Our order today flows from a legal authority not at issue in Friday's case," stated MDHHS Director Robert Gordon in a statement Monday referring to the state's high court action Friday. The court struck down a 1945 law repeatedly used by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The law, declared unconstitutional, put months of restrictions in jeopardy while COVID-19 continues to be active. "It is important we stay the course we've been on," Gordon stated. "When it comes to defeating COVID-19, we're all in this together. "The science is clear: Wearing masks can reduce the chance of transmitting COVID by about 70%," Gordon continued. "Even with masks, transmission is likeliest when people are within 6 feet of each other for 15 minutes, especially indoors." Prior to the announcement, Midland County Department of Public Health Director/Health Officer Fred Yanoski told the Daily News it was a wait-and-see game on how the state Supreme Court decision will affect Midland County. "We're still sorting it out on what it means at the local level," Yanoski said Monday afternoon. "We are going under the current understanding that the executive orders are still intact and active and we encourage folks to follow all of the practices and policies established in the executive orders." He said the court order does not affect the state Department of Health and Human Services epidemic orders, which reinforce the governor's executive orders that include wearing masks, limiting certain types of gatherings and activities, and establishing workplace safeguards. Gordon's statement was issued along with the state's announcement about the epidemic order requiring mask use, limiting social gatherings, and protecting nursing homes. "We absolutely urge for everyone to stay the course," Yanoski said. Yanoski encouraged people and business and restaurant owners to follow safety precautions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, which include the wearing of masks whenever in indoor public spaces and at crowded outdoor spaces, as well as social distancing. He also said businesses open to the public can continue to refuse entry or service to people not wearing coverings. Messages seeking comment were phoned and emailed to Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and State Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, respectively, but neither was available for comment for Tuesday's print edition. The Midland Daily News will be following up with both lawmakers later this week. Health director fields calls from concerned residents Yanoski said the health department has received over a half dozen phone calls from the public with the vast majority supporting and encouraging the continuation of mask wearing. He said all the county's recent cases can be traced to people not following mitigation practices, with some cases stemming from another's negligence. "Some people are paying the price for other's irresponsible behavior," he said. Yanoski, who said he expects more clarification on the court ruling to come from the state this week, said it is his department's responsibility to protect public health. "The responsibility of public health doesn't stop with an executive order going away," he said. The state's public health code gives the local public health officer the authority to enact any local ordinance to protect the public health, Yanoski said. "We are prepared to craft local orders if needed to address the pandemic," he said. If that ever is needed, he said the department would work with the county prosecuting attorney's office as well as local law enforcement system to support the orders. Midland Public Schools has no plans to change COVID-19 health protocols As far as COVID-19-related health protocols in Midland Public Schools are concerned, Superintendent Michael Sharrow says the Michigan Supreme Court's ruling on Friday hasn't changed anything. MPS is one of at least two local school districts that have no immediate plans to change those protocols in light of the Supreme Court's vote that nullified Whitmer's emergency powers after April 30. In his weekly communique emailed to all district stakeholders Monday morning, Sharrow wrote the following: "On Friday, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Whitmer does not have authority to issue or renew executive orders related to COVID-19. This ruling does not impact current Midland PS practices and procedures. The districts Return to Learn Plans are MPS Board of Education approved and continue in effect. To continue the districts commitment to health, safety and transparency with all stakeholders, MPS will continue to work closely with the Midland County Health Department." In an interview with the Daily News early Monday afternoon, Sharrow noted that MPS's policies have been approved by its school board and will not change without action taken by the board. Furthermore, he added that regardless of the validity of Whitmer's emergency powers, the requirement of wearing masks in the schools and other health measures have been effective in keeping the spread of COVID-19 fairly low in MPS. "We communicate with the local health department and we very much (rely on) their guidance," Sharrow said. "Our health department has commented that the numbers have been low in our schools compared to the overall numbers in the community and our practices have been working very well. "Our whole goal is to keep kids in school, in face to face learning, as we know it's best. And whatever protocols will work toward that (end), we're supportive of." Monday's COVID-19 daily update from the Midland County Department of Public Health on the Midland Public Schools website, midlandps.org, reported the following: "15 MPS Staff/students in COVID-19 related isolation or quarantine; 0 are a close contact to a confirmed COVID-positive tested individual within MPS; 15 are close contacts to a COVID-positive tested individual outside of MPS; 0 MPS staff/student is a current positive-tested individual." The school board reviews the MPS Return to Learn plan each month, Sharrow said, and will do so at its next meeting on Monday, Oct. 19. But the superintendent feels confident that what the district is doing is working. "Are we going to abandon that at this point in time, when the pandemic is still very relevant and maybe even increasing? I don't think that's a good practice," Sharrow said. He also said that Thrun Law, which advises MPS, is recommending that the district not make any changes in its health protocols at this time. Meanwhile, Bullock Creek School District Superintendent Shawn Hale told the Daily News in an email reply that his district is also not making any changes in its health protocols at this point in response to the Michigan Supreme Court decision. "(The) bottom line is that we are holding to our return to learning plan and expectations until we receive additional guidance from the legal authority. I really do not have changes at this time," Hale wrote. "We need legal guidance to determine what this all means and when it takes effect. We are operating under the authority of our school board and the Midland County Health Department," he added. Businesses urged to await for more guidance before altering their practices The Midland Business Alliance has been the go-to resource for business owners when it comes to the ever-evolving executive orders. President and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance Tony Stamas took the time Monday to address the latest state update. He said the consequences for businesses are still unclear, as there are many layers to the decision and its affects. He pointed out that the court ruling wasnt about the content of the executive orders, but rather the law upon which Gov. Whitmer made her decisions was unconstitutional. We would caution businesses to be patient and await more guidance before altering their practices, he said. However, we do need to acknowledge that the governor has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to delay until Oct. 30, the effective date of its ruling, to facilitate an orderly transition. And, state Attorney General Dana Nessel has already signaled that she will no longer enforce the executive orders. Until more information is made available, Stamas said they recommend businesses continue operations as they have been, without making any drastic changes to protocols. He also recommended they continue to follow best practices and recommendations from credible organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We are continuing to gather information and will issue a recommendation when we have new information, he said. ... Business owners still have an obligation to keep their employees and customers safe. Its important to remember that private business owners have always been free to have requirements to enter their establishment to adhere to health and safety standards, so they are still free to require masks. Of course, as Stamas pointed out, some businesses may opt to seek their own legal advice, especially on specific situations. The MBA provides a listing of member attorneys on its website. Some business owners took to social media on Monday to tell customers how they planned to move forward with the decision. On Instagram and Facebook, Owner of LaLondes Market Scott MacNellis said theyve done research and have chosen to keep enforcing face coverings in their establishment. LaLondes stance has been and will continue to be that we cater to the highest level of anxiety in our customers and employees to make them all feel comfortable and safe and that means that to shop in our store, youre going to need to put a face covering on, he said in his video. He explained they have free masks available for customers, and he also asked that those who come into the store with differing opinions on the mask wearing to be respectful of the employees, as they werent the ones who made the decision. Please dont make my store a battle ground for your own opinions, he said. Similarly, Pizza Sams posted a video on Facebook Monday letting patrons know they would still ask customers to wear a mask inside and would still host just 50% occupancy. Right now, we just have to make sure were taking care of everybody, said Gus Wojda, general manager. Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this report. Kamala Harris said she told her mother that she wanted 'fweedom' when she was a child and had just fallen out of her stroller at a civil rights march in Oakland, California, and revealed that her favorite way to greet people is with an African saying as part of an interview for ELLE this month, on which she appears on the cover. The Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee also revealed how she prefers to greet people with the African saying 'I see you' than by saying 'nice to meet you', because she feels it demonstrates people seen as 'their full selves'. Harris, 55,i s Joe Biden's running mate in the forthcoming election. She would is the first African American woman on a presidential ticket. In the ELLE interview, she recalled growing up having to defend her ideas at the dinner table which she says puts her in good stead as a political candidate now. Kamala Harris, the Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee, in one of a series of portraits in the latest issue of ELLE Harris is shown as a child, left, with her younger sister Maya, center, and mother Shyamala Gopalan, who was a biomedical scientist. She grew up in Oakland, California The stroller incident happened at a civil rights march in Oakland, California. She told the magazine she was being wheeled through the march with her parents and uncle when she fell out. The adults, she said, did not notice immediately. 'My mother tells the story about how Im fussing. And shes like, "Baby, what do you want? What do you need?" And I just looked at her and I said, "fweedom,"' Harris said. Harris' mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a biomedical scientist and Indian native. She died in 2009. Her father Donald is an 82-year-old economist. She also has a younger sister who is a lawyer. She credits her family with her passion for politics and equality. Now, she says her favorite way to greet people is with the African saying 'I see you', because she says it affords them more 'dignity'. 'When you [are introduced] for the first time, the greeting is not Pleased to meet you. The greeting is "I see you." Harris, left, with her mother and right, with her younger sister Maya. She credits her parents with her passion for equality and 'justice' and said she grew up having to defend her ideas around the dinner table 'I see you as a complete human being. At this moment in time, it is so critically important in our country for all people to be seen in their full selves, in a way that gives them the dignity they deserve.' 'There was no question that you had to dedicate yourself to fighting for justice on some level or another. 'That the measure of you is so much bigger than you; its the impact you have, its what you do in service to others. And thats how I was raised. I was raised that it is not about charity and benevolence, its about your duty. No ones going to congratulate you for itits what youre supposed to do,' she said. Nowhere in the interview did Harris speak about Biden. She did recall holding her seven-year-old godson on the eve of Trump's 2016 election win, when his victory was becoming apparent, and soothing him. His trauma over Trump's win inspired her speech after she was elected to the Senate. 'My godson, Alexander, who was seven years old at the time, came up to me, crying, and said, "Auntie Kamala, theyre not going to let that man win, are they?" And you know the babies in your life... The candidate on the cover of this months's ELLE magazine 'I held him. I mean, it still brings me pain to remember how he felt, and what it made me feel, which is that I needed to protect this child. I had one way, in my mind, I thought the evening would go. And then there was the way it turned out. And so by the time I took the stage, I had ripped up my notes, and all I had was Alexander in my heart. 'And I took the podium and I said, "I intend to fight. I intend to fight,"' she said. Harris and Vice President Mike Pence will debate one another tomorrow in Salt Lake City. They will be separated by plexiglass and there will be a 12ft distance between them. Both Harris and her husband have repeatedly tested negative for COVID-19, as has Biden and his wife Jill. Trump returned to the White House on Monday evening after three days in Walter Reed Medical Center. He removed his mask on the Truman balcony after his return, and claimed to be in good health despite appearing to be slightly out of breath. In this week's TravelSkills on SFGATE newsletter... After a lengthy delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, American Airlines opened its highly anticipated new Admirals Club in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport on Tuesday with some modifications to keep passengers and airline staff safe. American gave SFGATE an exclusive first look inside the new lounge, a space many frequent SFO Admirals Club visitors have been eager to see. Read: Exclusive first look inside SFO's new American Airlines Admirals Club In airline news, Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines set plans to resume many Hawaii routes; new COVID-19 testing options are available from Hawaiian, Alaska, American and JetBlue; JetBlue founders new low-cost domestic airline eyes a spring start; United may return to JFK next year; route news from Delta, United, SAS; Customs preclearance coming to Brussels; San Francisco International starts CBP photo recognition program for arriving passengers; Mineta San Jose speeds Uber pick-ups; Berlins new airport finally opens nine years late; and Denver International debuts a reservations-only TSA screening line. Read: Routes: Hawaii route revivals, COVID-19 testing; UA to JFK? + Breeze, SFO, SJC, Berlin, Denver Grounded fliers feeling nostalgic about walking through airports will find some solace in Walmart's new store designs. The giant retail chain is getting inspiration from airports as it revamps the layout and signage of its stores to speed up shopping and better cater to smartphone-armed customers. Read: Why your local Walmart will soon look like an airport U.S. airlines face a winter test of their finances and question marks over the reach of their domestic flight networks after failing, for now, to win fresh federal aid. U.S. airlines are collectively burning about $5 billion of cash a month as passenger traffic has stalled at around 30% of 2019 levels. After tapping capital markets, they say they have enough liquidity to last them at least 12 months at that rate. Read: U.S. airlines face grim winter, with or without a bailout French authorities placed the Paris region on maximum virus alert on Monday, banning festive gatherings and requiring all bars to close but allowing restaurants to remain open, as numbers of infections increased rapidly. Paris police prefect Didier Lallement announced the new restrictions would apply at least for the next two weeks. Read: Paris on maximum virus alert, closing bars, not restaurants Michelle Parker, a San Francisco-based flight attendant for a U.S. carrier, with a house, a spouse and three kids living in Sydney, Australia, really wants to go home, and stay home. But she can't. That's because of Australia's stringent quarantine rules that are currently allowing a very measured number of citizens and permanent residents to trickle back into the country. Currently, that number is set at just 6,000 per week. Read: A long way home to Australia for stranded flight attendant Following recent announcements from both United and Hawaiian Airlines that they will make COVID-19 testing available at San Francisco International for Hawaii-bound travelers for a hefty fee, Oakland International Airport (OAK) has come out with its own plans for passenger testing which will be free. Read: Oakland airport will offer free COVID-19 tests for Hawaii-bound travelers Amidst Californias wildfire season, we all could use some beauty in our lives. National Geographic Adventure magazine posted a video taken by photographer Greg Harlow on its Twitter account last week, showing the first rays of light and the spray from Yosemite Falls coalescing into a radiant rainbow mist. Wow! Read: Photographer captures rainbow mist at Yosemite Falls Tell your friends about TravelSkills on SFGATE and have them sign up for our FREE weekly email alerts or forward this email to them! This past August was the hottest ever in Palm Springs, with high temperatures rising to 110 degrees or above on 24 days, and once even hitting an astonishing 120 degrees. That kind of heat would normally keep away all but the most intrepid desert rats, but not during a pandemic. Since June, after county and state leaders allowed hotels and home rentals to re-open, Palm Springs has enjoyed a relative surge of visitors and that interest should extend into the cooler fall and winter months. Read: Why is Palm Springs so hot these days? Chris McGinnis is SFGATE's senior travel correspondent. Email: chris@travelskills.com. Get up-to-the-minute travel news via Chris's social feeds: Twitter: @cjmcginnis | Facebook: @TravelSkills SIUEs Jon Klingensmith, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Engineerings Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Our long-term goal is to use non-invasive imaging to predict and characterize any underlying coronary artery disease based on imaging and measuring the cardiac fat. In support of his focus on the non-invasive assessment and possible detection of underlying coronary artery disease, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is accelerating the research program of Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles Jon Klingensmith, PhD, with a $433,376 award. The NIH grant supports Klingensmiths latest research project, Model-based assessment of cardiac adipose tissue volume and distribution, which aims to develop a system to make a comprehensive assessment of cardiac fat using only 2D ultrasound, an inexpensive and portable imaging modality. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, noted Klingensmith, an assistant professor in the School of Engineerings Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and head of ECEs Biomedical Imaging Research Lab. Broadly, my research goals are to develop imaging-related technologies and algorithms to aid in the assessment of heart disease, he explained. More specifically, this project focuses on using 3D image analysis and deep learning to quantify the layer of cardiac fat around the heart with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. This layer of fat influences the development of coronary artery disease. Our long-term goal is to use non-invasive imaging to predict and characterize any underlying coronary artery disease based on imaging and measuring the cardiac fat. According to Klingensmith, a previous grant from the American Heart Association (AHA) allowed for the purchase of a specially-outfitted ultrasound system to conduct preliminary studies on whether spectral analysis of the raw ultrasound signals could differentiate cardiac fat from muscle. This NIH grant facilitates expanding on this idea of fusing the 2D ultrasound with 3D cardiac MRI, Klingensmith explained. It allows use of the 3D MRI to help train machine-learning algorithms to recognize cardiac fat using only the ultrasound, and make a 3D assessment of the cardiac fat using only a few 2D ultrasound images. SIUEs Maria Fernandez del Valle, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behaviors Department of Applied Health, is lending her expertise in obesity, exercise and cardiac fat reduction to complement Klingensmiths work in cardiac imaging and coronary plaque quantification. Our research areas are a perfect match, said Fernandez del Valle, who also partnered with Klingensmith on the AHA funded initiative. Our interdisciplinary collaboration has opened new opportunities of study at SIUE, including the use of cardiac MRI to quantify and map cardiac fat, development of ultrasound-based algorithms for identification of cardiac fat, and studies on the effects of high intensity exercise (aerobic versus strength exercise) in cardiac fat and visceral fat in women with obesity. These efforts would not be possible for either of us alone, and the interdisciplinary nature of our work allows us to pursue different ideas and funding that would not otherwise be possible. Klingensmiths commitment as a teacher-scholar also opens mutually beneficial opportunities for SIUE undergraduate and graduate students. His work aligns with the NIH R15 program, which facilitates the training of new scientists to pursue careers in medical research. With this program, the research partners will be able to attract young, talented engineers involved in medical applications and problems as they move toward building their own careers. A team of graduate students is supported by the NIH grant, including Michaela Kulasekara, Brad Bates and Colin Gibbons, all of whom are pursuing an advanced degree in electrical and computer engineering. In the Department of Applied Health, graduate student Alexa Agne is also a contributing member of the research team. Ive always been interested in finding interdisciplinary applications of engineering, so I was thrilled to join Dr. Klingensmiths research group as an undergraduate, said Gibbons. Working in the lab has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic career. The NIH grant has helped make it possible for me to continue this engaging and important research at the graduate level. As a graduate assistant in the Biomedical Imaging Research Lab at SIUE, I am in a position that allows advancement of my skills as an engineer while also performing research and developing tools that can be used in the medical field to help others, added Kulasekara. Its hard to quantify the ability to pursue ones dreams, noted Bates. Simply, I am thankful for such an amazing opportunity. This gifted research opportunity is met with gratitude. Klingensmith also mentors six undergraduate students involved in this work through the Universitys Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program. His URCA assistants include Nick Roberts, Brianna Witherell, Vu Dinh, Chandler Scott, Jackie Corral and Ethan Boulanger. Additional research partners include Abdul Moiz Hafiz, MD, with the SIU School of Medicine; John Gao, MD, PhD, of Memorial Medical Center in Springfield; and Pam Woodard, MD, with the Washington University School of Medicine. *Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R15HL145576. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. By preparing the next generation of leaders in a knowledge-based economy, SIUEs Graduate School fulfills the regions demand for highly trained professionals. Graduate school offerings include arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, nursing and interdisciplinary opportunities. SIUE professors provide students with a unique integration of theoretical education and hands-on research experiences. Students can obtain graduate certificates or pursue masters degrees, and be part of a supportive learning and rich intellectual environment that is tailored to the needs of adult learners. The Graduate School raises the visibility of research at SIUE, which ranks highest among its Illinois Board of Higher Education peers in total research and development expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation. Doctoral programs are available in the Schools of Education (EdD) and Nursing (DNP). The School of Engineering and the Department of Historical Studies feature cooperative doctoral programs (PhD), and the College of Arts and Sciences features an Environmental Resources and Policy cooperative PhD. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has pulled up the for non-inclusion of sizing charges in the Run-of-Mine price of coal during assessment, resulting in short levy of royalty of Rs 112.26 crore. Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, provides that the holder of a mining lease shall pay royalty in respect of any mineral removed or consumed by him from a lease area at the specified rate, the said in its report on revenue sector for the year ended March 2018. In terms of a 2012 notification of the Ministry of Coal, royalty on coal is leviable at the flat rate of 14 per cent ad-valorem on the price of coal as reflected in the invoice excluding taxes, levies and other charges, said the report tabled in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday. As per the notification of Coal India Limited of December 2013 on price of coal, if the top size of coal is limited to 100 millimetres through manual facilities or mechanical means, sizing charge at the rate of Rs 79 per tonne shall be added to the price applicable for Run-of-Mine (ROM) coal, it said. Further, under Mining Concession Rules (MCR), 1960, in case processing of ROM minerals is carried out within the leased area, then, royalty shall be chargeable on the processed mineral removed from the leased area, it said. Stating that the mention was made in earlier audit reports regarding short-levy of royalty on sized coal in different mining circles, the report said that scrutiny of relevant records revealed that similar irregularity persisted in three mining circles in the year 2017-18 as well. It was observed that one lessee despatched 10.15 crore MT of sized coal of less than 100 mm size relating to 15 during April 2016 to February 2017. The lessee paid royalty at the rate applicable to the price of ROM coal and not on the price of coal, including sizing charges, it said. The Deputy Director of Mines (DDMs) concerned during assessment did not calculate the royalty on the price of coal including sizing charges. The sizing charges notified by the Coal India Limited were Rs 79 per tonne and the royalty on sizing charges worked out to Rs 11.06 (14 percent of Rs 79) per tonne. This resulted in a short-levy of royalty worth Rs 112.26 crore, it said. "Thus, by not adhering to the prescribed guidelines and notifications during assessment of royalty on coal, the DDMs deprived the state exchequer of royalty worth Rs 112.26 crore," the report said. Similarly, dead rent of Rs 155.95 lakh by 65 lessees and Surface Rent of Rs 16.67 lakh by 14 lessees were neither paid nor were they demanded by the Deputy Director of Mines, it said. The CAG report further pointed out that the salary component of Rs 51.26 lakh in respect of the government staff posted in private weighbridges was not realised by the Deputy Director of Mines and deposited in the government account. (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.) Miami: As President Donald Trump left a military hospital on Monday after three days of COVID-19 treatment, challenger Joe Biden attacked the President for downplaying the seriousness of the disease even after contracting it. "Now that he's busy tweeting campaign messages, I would ask him to do this: listen to the scientists," Biden said during a campaign speech in Miami's Little Havana neighbourhood. "Support masks." Democratic presidential candidate former vice-president Joe Biden has implored Trump to listen to the science on coronavirus. Credit:AP Biden, the Democratic former vice-president, also spoke in the city's Little Haiti neighbourhood and planned to appear at a NBC News town hall in the evening from Miami. Florida is seen as a must-win for Trump's re-election campaign, which has almost no path to victory if he fails to collect the state's crucial 29 electoral college votes. WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / To mark the 17th annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) has launched a redesign of its website for its Cyber & Jihad (CJL) project. Since 2007, the CJL has been monitoring, tracking, translating, and researching cyber jihad originating from the Middle East, Iran, South Asia, and North and West Africa. Consistently on the forefront of research into terrorist use of encryption, social media, drone technology, and hacktivism, it works with Capitol Hill, the Department of Justice, and other government agencies, as well as with tech companies and technology industry leaders. With a focus on innovating and experimenting with possible solutions for stopping cyber jihad, it works to advance legislation and initiatives on the federal and state level, supporting the drafting and enforcement of measures that will serve as precedents for further action. The redesigned CJL website features a new section showcasing the latest analysis reports by MEMRI's top experts. The seminal CJL August 2019 study The Coming Storm: Terrorists Using Cryptocurrency preceded, and impacted, the U.S. government's August 2020 seizure of millions in cryptocurrency from Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Hamas fundraising campaigns. Recent CJL research publications include Jihadi Use Of Bots On The Encrypted Messaging Platform Telegram and Documenting Jihadi Use Of Encrypted Messaging App WhatsApp - Part II: October 2018-June 2020. CJL research has been frequently cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, CNN, WIRED, Foreign Policy, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Military Times, Politico, Newsweek, Axios, VICE, Forbes, MarketWatch, The Cipher Brief, PYMTS, AMBCrypto, Canaltech Hipertextual, The Block, Fox News, Washington Examiner, Washington Times, The Hill, New York Post, VOA News, Sydney Morning Herald, France24, National Post, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Sun, and South China Morning Post, among other leading media. SUPPORT THE CYBER & JIHAD LAB (CJL) To continue bringing its groundbreaking work to government, legislatures, media, academia, and the general public, the CJL needs your help. Please consider donating today to support the MEMRI Cyber & Jihad Lab (CJL). NEW WEBSITE FEATURES With the redesign of the CJL website, visitors have an optimally responsive experience across all devices - desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Overhauled and streamlined, the new website makes it faster and easier than ever for users to access CJL content and customize its delivery for their needs. Speedy Page Loading The website redesign provides a completely responsive platform, allowing users to navigate MEMRI CJL content in a new, highly efficient landscape. The mobile site has been enhanced for on-the-go, real-time access, with heightened responsiveness to match users' needs in real time. Enhanced Search Results That Present Customized And Relevant Content Site visitors will gain a more cohesive and centralized view of resources. This translates into the best possible search engine results, fully tailored to the individual user's needs. Expanded Social Sharing Capabilities Allowing Even Easier Access To Multiple Platforms At the top of each CJL report, MEMRI has integrated unique features for sharing and reposting informative content across the web via a wide range of platforms - allowing users to easily update friends and family. The CJL On Twitter You can keep up with the latest research from the CJL on Twitter as well. ABOUT MEMRI Exploring the Middle East and South Asia through their media, MEMRI (https://www.memri.org/) bridges the language gap between the West and the Middle East and South Asia, providing timely translations of Arabic, Farsi, Urdu-Pashtu, Dari, and Turkish media, as well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, social, cultural, and religious trends. Founded in February 1998 to inform the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East, MEMRI (https://www.memri.org/) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. MEMRI's main office is located in Washington, DC, with branch offices in various world capitals. MEMRI research is translated into English, French, Polish, Japanese, Spanish and Hebrew. In all 50 U.S. states and Washington, DC, lawmakers and other decision-makers, as well as counterterrorism officials, law enforcement, and other first responders turn to MEMRI for its research. In the U.S. Congress, MEMRI meets regularly with staff of leading Republican and Democratic members of Congress and committees, sharing the latest MEMRI research on the Middle East and terrorism and discussing ways of helping to stop online terror recruitment and funding. MEMRI provides all its latest research on emerging terrorism threats and trends, anti-Semitic incitement, and more to the White House and federal agencies - Departments of State, Homeland Security, and Justice, the National Counterterrorism Center, the TSA, and others. In the U.S. and worldwide, MEMRI research has prevented terrorist attacks. We also assist academia, including 700+ universities, colleges, and other institutes of higher learning, in the U.S. and worldwide. MEMRI research is regularly used by leading U.S. print and broadcast media outlets - including The Washington Post, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and CNN, as well as by foreign media. MEMRI - Middle East Media Research Institute: www.memri.org MEMRI TV - www.memri.org/tv Jihad & Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) - www.memri.org/jttm Cyber & Jihad Lab (CJL) - www.memri.org/cjlab MEMRI In the Media - www.memriinthemedia.org Contact Information: MEMRI media@memri.org 202-955-9070 www.memri.org SOURCE: Middle East Media Research Institute View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609311/MEMRI-Launches-Redesigned-Cyber-Jihad-Lab-CJL-Website--For-National-Cybersecurity-Awareness-Month SKOPJE, Macedonia - Five men have been arrested in North Macedonia, accused of running a smuggling ring that brought migrants from neighbouring Greece. The five Macedonian nationals, including two brothers, are accused of smuggling at least 100 migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and elsewhere over several months from the Greek border northward to Serbia, police said Tuesday. The ring allegedly operated a network of transit houses in southern border villages that were used by the migrants who were each charged 700 euros ($825) for the trip north. The Greek border with North Macedonia has been closed for months because of the coronavirus pandemic but trafficking networks remain active. Police say border authorities have prevented nearly 25,000 attempts by migrants to illegally enter North Macedonia from Greece in the first nine months of this year. EFE Latam Videos Roma, 22 ene (EFE).- Tras dias de reuniones y expectacion, Silvio Berlusconi renuncio hoy a su aspiracion a la Jefatura del Estado italiano, su ultimo gran sueno, pero exigio que Mario Draghi, principal apuesta para el cargo, siga donde esta, al frente del Gobierno. La decision de Berlusconi llega "in extremis", a dos dias del inicio de las votaciones en el Parlamento y despues de una semana como total protagonista en la que, telefono en mano, ha tratado de recabar el apoyo de diputados y senadores, aunque sin exito. Su marcha atras fue confirmada con elogios por su socio, el ultraderechista Matteo Salvini: "Una eleccion decisiva y fundamental, Berlusconi ofrece un gran servicio a Italia y al centroderecha, que ahora tendra el honor y la responsabilidad de poner sobre la mesa sus propuestas sin vetos de la izquierda". UN OBSTACULO LLAMADO SILVIO El proximo lunes el Parlamento italiano, reunido en sesion conjunta -630 diputados, 320 senadores y 58 delegados regionales-, sera convocado para empezar a votar al sucesor de Sergio Mattarella en la Jefatura del Estado durante los proximos siete anos. El controvertido magnate, de 85 anos, habia confesado su deseo de alcanzar la mayor distincion del pais y habia pedido -y obtenido a reganadientes- el apoyo de sus aliados: Salvini, la jefa de los ultras Hermanos de Italia, Giorgia Meloni, y otras pequenas formaciones conservadoras y democristianas. Esto lo convertia en un escollo en las posibles negociaciones ya que, por un lado, la coalicion de derechas se veia comprometida a seguir sus suenos mientras que la izquierda lo consideraba "inaceptable", y el acercamiento de posturas es obligatorio porque ningun bloque suma por si solo para imponer un nombre. Berlusconi, atrincherado en su mansion de Arcore (norte), reunio por videoconferencia a sus ministros y colaboradores para que le aconsejaran y despues convoco a sus socios de coalicion, Salvini y Meloni, entre otros, para informarles de su decision. No lo hizo el, que no participo en el encuentro, un gesto sin duda sintomatico, sino su senadora Licia Ronzulli: el exCavaliere renunciaba "por responsabilidad nacional", ya que su propuesta era sin duda la mas divisoria y polemica que la derecha podia lanzar. No en vano tanto Salvini como Meloni venian subrayando que si antes del domingo no habia desvelado sus planes, ellos habrian propuesto otro nombre, un Plan B. Ahora, como ha avanzado Salvini, sera el momento de que la derecha, que cuenta con la mayoria relativa del hemiciclo, proponga un nombre "de alto nivel" que agrade a la izquierda. UN NO A DRAGHI Pero la decision del veterano Berlusconi tiene letra pequena: una de sus exigencias fue que el actual primer ministro, Mario Draghi, cuyo nombre es la principal apuesta para el cargo, siga al frente del Gobierno y lleve la legislatura a su termino natural, 2023. El economista es el preferido porque cuenta con un gran apoyo y prestigio internacional y de hecho dirige desde febrero del 2021 un Gobierno para gestionar la pandemia sostenido por todos los partidos menos por los ultras Hermanos de Italia de Meloni. El expresidente del Banco Central Europeo habia dejado caer su disponibilidad a acceder al mayor cargo del pais en la tradicional rueda de prensa de fin de ano, pero su "ascenso" es temido por algunos partidos porque podria derivar en un adelanto electoral. Su llegada al Quirinal implicaria tener que buscarle un sustituto en el Ejecutivo como primer ministro y no esta claro si los partidos lograrian encontrar una figura "imparcial" para continuar con las funciones gubernamentales. En juego estan, alegan los expertos, la gestion de la pandemia, para lo que fue convocado Draghi hace un ano, y la inversion de los fondos europeos del Plan de Recuperacion, pero en el futuro del economista tambien se proyecta la sombra de los sondeos electorales. La realidad es que nadie quiere un adelanto electoral, pues el Parlamento de la proxima legislatura vera sus escanos reducidos en un tercio y muchos de los actuales legisladores se quedaran sin plaza. De hecho solo quiere elecciones Meloni, alentada por el viento favorable de las encuestas como unica oposicion. En definitiva, si la derecha se mantiene compacta en su "no" a Draghi para la Jefatura del Estado, sus opciones se reducen considerablemente. SE DESATASCAN LAS NEGOCIACIONES En cualquier caso, el paso atras del multimillonario a buen seguro desbloqueara las negociaciones entre derecha e izquierda. Asi se desprende del alivio con el que reacciono el lider del mayor grupo parlamentario, el Movimiento Cinco Estrellas, Giuseppe Conte: "Con su retirada demos un paso adelante y emprendamos un debate serio entre fuerzas politicas para ofrecer al pais una figura de alto perfil, respetable y ampliamente compartida", tuiteo. Y desde el Partido Democrata, el mayor de centroizquierda, habian exigido un presidente "super partes" y "elegido por una mayoria, la mas amplia posible, en nombre de la unidad nacional y del interes general". Los partidos tendran la ocasion de buscar un nombre en la jornada de este domingo, llamando a filas a sus asambleas y a los "grandes electores" que votaran desde el lunes al decimo tercer presidente de la Republica italiana. Gonzalo Sanchez (c) Agencia EFE Netflix has just cancelled a show that users called its "funniest" when it was released earlier this year. Despite receiving high praise from viewers, Teenage Bounty Hunters has fallen victim to the streaming services pandemic-related culling. Production on popular series GLOWs fourth and final season has also been called off. Teenage Bounty Hunters follows twins Sterling and Blair Wesley, who find jobs as bounty hunters so they can pay to fix their fathers truck. While many seemed to initially write the show off due to its corny title, viewers were pleasantly surprised after deciding to give it a go. The fact that a show called Teenage Bounty Hunters is one of the funniest, most touching, best-cast shows of the year, with genuinely nuanced takes on religion, forgiveness, and being a teenager, is just another 2020 oddity, one fan wrote on Twitter. If youd have told me 50 seconds before I hit play that Teenage Bounty Hunters was this f***ing good, I might have slapped yall into next Tuesday, another wrote, adding: But here the f*** we are... Reflecting upon its cancellation, one person on Twitter called the series "absolutely one of their best, which had positive representation for LGBT & Black people. Itll go down as a cult classic loved by many." Somebody else tried to get the hashtag "#SaveTeenageBountyHunters" trending. Okay hey guys, I really need your help! Teenage Bounty Hunters is a really good, well-represented Netflix show and it just got cancelled. Now please if you could watch the show on Netflix and tweet #SaveTeenageBountyHunters that would mean so much. The first season, produced by Orange is the New Blacks Jenji Kohan, is available to stream now. Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu arrived in Baku Tuesday, where he is scheduled to meet Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev. The trip comes as Armenia accused Azerbaijan of firing missiles into the capital of the separatist territory of Nagorno-Karabakh on Monday, while Azerbaijan said several of its towns and its second-largest city were attacked. The region of Nagorno-Karabakh lies inside Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994. Armenian officials allege Turkey is involved in the conflict on the side of Azerbaijan and is sending fighters from Syria to the region. Turkey, a NATO member, has denied sending arms or foreign fighters, while publicly siding with Azerbaijan. This story has not been edited by www.republicworld.com and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed. (Representative Image) The proponents of a new onshore gas project in WAs Mid West region are facing a revolt over its environmental approval by the state regulator. The Waitsia project attracted controversy in August after it was exempted from a new domestic gas policy that bans the export of gas extracted from onshore wells to the eastern states and overseas. That exemption drew criticism from the peak oil and gas body APPEA over the state government's lack of consultation with the wider industry, and raised questions about why the Japanese conglomerate Mitsui and Co and Kerry Stokes-backed Beach energy joint venture was the only onshore project to gain an exemption. The Waitsia stage 2 project has overcome its environmental hurdle. Credit:Karl Schwerdtfeger Now the Environmental Protection Authority's decision on the Waitsia stage 2 project being built 16 kilometres south-east of Dongara has drawn a deluge of criticism from green groups, attracting 21 appeals, the highest number of any project currently being assessed by the appeals convenor. Markos Tekle, Ethiopias new ambassador to Egypt, says his mission is to promote bilateral relations despite the ongoing dispute over GERD Markos Tekle, the new Ethiopian ambassador to Egypt, has been in Egypt for just under two months. Since arriving in the country he has visited several governorates, and immediately after being introduced as Ethiopias ambassador the first word he would hear was water. Speaking to Al-Ahram Weekly a few days after presenting his accreditation to President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi on 23 September, Tekle said he was keenly aware that his new posting will never escape the shadow cast by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). During the past two years Egypt and Sudan have strived hard to reach an agreement with Ethiopia over the filling and operation of GERD, the giant dam with a reservoir capacity of 74 billion cubic metres (bcm), that Addis Ababa is constructing on the Blue Nile. A seemingly endless round of three-way negotiations, at first conducted independently, then in Washington with the mediation of the US and World Bank, and most recently via video-conference due to COVID-19, with South Africa, in its capacity as the current chair of the Africa, mediating, all ended without securing an agreement. There is no clear roadmap for the future of negotiations. Since the last round of talks collapsed eight weeks ago Sudan has refused to resume negotiations in the absence of a clear pathway capable of ensuring movement towards a deal. Khartoum spurned an offer from Ethiopia to resume talks on 14 September. South Africa, meanwhile, has not put forward an alternative date for the resumption of negotiations. Speaking to the Weekly, Tekle said that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been in touch with his Sudanese counterpart Abdalla Hamdok in an attempt to find a way forward. We are still waiting for Sudan, he said. We are hoping that there will be a date soon but we dont know. South Africas presidency of the African Union ends in February, and nobody is holding their breath that the dispute will be resolved before Congo takes over at the helm of the AU. Tekle says Addis Ababa appreciates the efforts South Africa has exerted to bring the three countries together without imposing any views. It is up to the three countries to decide what they will do and what they can agree on. It is not for any third part to decide on their behalf, he says. According to Tekle, Ethiopia is committed to reaching a negotiated agreement that, as Ethiopias prime minister has repeatedly said, will not inflict significant harm on Egypt. Egypt, which already suffers from a shortage of water, depends on the Blue Nile for 80 per cent of its already insufficient share of Nile water. But while Cairo and Khartoum have been demanding a legally binding agreement that guarantees a minimum water flow, in the most recent round of talks Ethiopian officials talked only of setting rules and guidelines. Tekle said that this remains Addis Ababas position, arguing that it is what was agreed in the 2015 Declaration of Principles that the three countries signed in Khartoum. During this years wet season, from mid-July to mid-August, Ethiopia unilaterally began the first filling of the reservoir, withholding 4bcm of water. Tekle said it was fortunate because the volume of rain this year was much higher than usual. We would have wanted to have an agreement before the filling, Tekle said, and argued that Ethiopia is just holding water during an excessively rainy season. Asked whether Addis Ababa intends to pursue a second filling in 2021 in the absence of an agreement, Tekle says only that we are hoping to get an agreement. Tekle spoke before the president of Ethiopia announced on Monday evening that the Ethiopian authorities will prevent civil aviation over the GERD area. He sees his job as working to create an atmosphere that will help the process of negotiations, insisting he is here to focus on the positives. One thing Tekle is keen to avoid is provoking any rhetoric that might hinder talks. It is a very delicate situation and we dont want statements that negatively affect relations on either side, he says. Instead, his focus is to promote cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt across a range of sectors which he believes will help push forward a deal. Many friends told me I was coming to Egypt at a critical moment. What I told them was that I was arriving at a time when we need to work harder in order to achieve something. Tekle is convinced that Egypt and Ethiopia can overcome their current disputes and work towards the future. We are linked spiritually, naturally and geographically. By better understanding each other we can overcome our differences. Trade, investment, tourism and education are all areas ripe for future cooperation, which Tekle believes will promote greater understanding and help promote an agreement over GERD. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Ukrainian MP is a "Russian agent," diplomats stress. On September 10, the United States imposed sanctions on Andrii Derkach and other Russian agents for attempting to influence the U.S. electoral process, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. "Derkach maintains close connections with the Russian Intelligence Services and has served as an active Russian agent for over a decade, employing manipulation and deceit to attempt to influence elections in the United States and elsewhere around the world. Today, we would like to remind individuals and businesses what these sanctions mean," reads the statement by Embassy Spokesperson Daniel Langenkam." A message on the implications of U.S. sanctions on Russia-linked individuals for attempting to influence the U.S. electoral process from Spokesperson Daniel Langenkamp. For the full statement: https://t.co/vDnYOu5fnDpic.twitter.com/mily0vsI7m U.S. Embassy Kyiv (@USEmbassyKyiv) October 5, 2020 Persons who provide material support to designated individuals and/or entities could themselves become subject to designation, the statement elaborates. Also, entities owned by a blocked person "may also be considered blocked persons." The explanation adds that the property and interests in property of such an entity are blocked regardless of whether the entity itself is sanctioned. "The United States will remain vigilant in its efforts to uphold the integrity of our democracy, and the United States will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to counter these activities similar or linked to those of Andrii Derkach or other sanctioned individuals," the statement concludes. Derkach sanctions: Background On September 10, U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach. It said Derkach had "directly or indirectly engaged in, sponsored, concealed, or otherwise been complicit in foreign interference in an attempt to undermine the upcoming 2020 U.S. presidential election." The move to introduce sanctions, U.S. officials say, is focused on "exposing Russian malign influence campaigns and protecting our upcoming elections from foreign interference. Derkachs "election influence efforts," as per U.S. Treasury New Delhi, Oct 6 : In the wake of the Uttar Pradesh government's affidavit in the Supreme Court on the cremation of the Hathras gang rape-murder victim due to fear of law and order problem, the Bhim Army on Tuesday questioned if the rights of anyone could be curtailed on this ground. "Will the rights of the people be terminated in the name of security? What is the use of law and order then?" asked Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad while talking to IANS. "When security arrangements can be made for people leaving Delhi, then those who incite violence can also be stopped. Who wants to commit violence? So far, no violence has been resorted to by the victim's family. Will the rights of the people be curtailed due to security?" The Bhim Army chief -- who met the bereaved family in Boolgarhi village in Hathras district on Sunday -- also flayed the police's functioning. "For the first time, I have seen how the police operates in Ram Rajya. The police's job across the country is to collect evidence. But the work of the police in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, is to destroy evidence. The victim's family did not give their signatures to take the body away. The victim's family was in Delhi but the body went to UP. How is this possible?" Azad further asked. "Why was no attention paid to the demands of the aggrieved family? They were ready to accompany the police. It is a crime to take the body away without the consent of the victim's family." On Tuesday, the Supreme Court, while hearing a PIL in the Hathras gang-rape and murder case, termed the matter "horrible", "shocking" and "extraordinary". The state had filed an affidavit before the hearing, claiming that the administration persuaded the victim's family to cremate the body at night on September 30 due to possibility of law and order problem in the wake of intelligence inputs. China is the first major economy to spring back to its feet with its exports currently being higher than ever, according to a research released Monday. "World trade rebounded to 94 percent of its 2019 average in July but not everybody is sharing in this recovery equally," said the British think tank Oxford Economics. Tamara Basic Vasiljev, senior economist in Oxford Economics, who compiled the study, said China has beaten its previous record in exports value. According to figures issued on Sept. 30 by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China, the sub-index measuring new export orders gained 1.7 points in September from the previous month to 50.8, above the boom-bust line of 50 for the first time this year. With the implementation of policies on stabilizing foreign trade, the export and import of the manufacturing sector saw further improvements, said NBS senior statistician Zhao Qinghe. Vasiljev said at the begining of the pandemic outbreak, most expected that the advanced countries with larger services share would be more resilient to lockdowns blow, but "this hasn't played out so far." "Tourism losses have certainly played a role, putting countries like France, Spain and Italy in precarious positions," Vasiljev added. By comparison, China's tourism witnessed a robust recovery in particular during the country's first National Day holidays starting Oct. 1 since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic. China saw 425 million domestic tourist visits in the first four days of an eight-day national holiday, with total tourism revenue hitting 312 billion yuan (about 45.8 billion U.S. dollars), according to a report issued Sunday by China's Meituan Research Institute, a social science research agency under major e-commerce platform Meituan. Consumption at tourist attractions nationwide during the holiday is expected to rebound to around 90 percent of that in the same period last year, added the Meituan. Given renewed lockdown measures across Europe and fears of a second pandemic wave more widely, "there is little in global trade trends to suggest that the AEs (advanced economies) recovery will be swift or pervasive," noted Vasiljev. "With tourism income gone and services trade wobbling, AEs are bracing for more scarring on global markets this winter," added Vasiljev. The study came as countries, such as Britain, China, Russia and the United States, are racing against time to develop coronavirus vaccines. According to a recent report from the World Bank, China's economy is expected to grow by 2 percent in 2020, up from the 1-percentage growth projection released in June. German English Santhera will hold a conference call today at 13:00 CEST, 12:00 BST, 07:00 EDT. Details are at the end of this statement. Pratteln, Switzerland, October 6, 2020 Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) announces the discontinuation of its Phase 3 SIDEROS study with Puldysa (idebenone) in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who are in respiratory decline and receive concomitant glucocorticoid treatment. Data from an interim analysis conducted by the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) concluded that the study was unlikely to meet its primary endpoint. As a consequence, Santhera will discontinue the study, withdraw the European marketing authorization application and end the global development program for Puldysa. The Company intends to initiate a restructuring plan for the business with a focus on retaining key functions for bringing DMD drug candidate vamorolone to patients and execute on its other pipeline programs. Based on the now completed interim analysis which tested for efficacy, the DSMB has recommended the SIDEROS study be discontinued due to futility. The interim analysis was based on the primary endpoint of the study, the change of forced vital capacity % predicted (FVC%p) from baseline to 18 months of treatment. The outcome revealed that the probability of reaching the primary endpoint at the end of the study is too small to merit the continuation of the study. There were no safety concerns noted by the DSMB. Santhera will stop the SIDEROS trial (including extension) and participants who are enrolled in the study will discontinue study medication and complete the studys follow-up evaluations. Furthermore, following up on the recommendation from the DSMB, Santhera will discuss the impact of ending the SIDEROS study on ongoing expanded access programs with the corresponding regulatory bodies. "We would like to thank the patients and the families, as well as investigators and medical professionals, who participated in the SIDEROS study. Without their contributions we would not be able to advance DMD research, said Dario Eklund, Chief Executive Officer of Santhera. While this is obviously not the outcome we expected, all our efforts in DMD will now be focused on progressing the promising drug candidate vamorolone which we recently licensed from ReveraGen to its next inflection point, the readout of 6-month topline data from the pivotal VISION-DMD study planned for the second quarter of 2021. In connection with this decision, Santhera intends to start a restructuring process, aligning its operations to focus on progressing vamorolone for DMD, lonodelestat for cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases and its discovery-stage gene therapy approach for congenital muscular dystrophy. Conference Call Santhera will host a conference call today at 13:00 CEST / 12:00 BST / 07:00 EDT. Dario Eklund, CEO of Santhera, will discuss this update. Participants are invited to call one of the following numbers 10-15 minutes before the conference call starts (no dial-in code is required): Europe: +41 58 310 50 00 UK: +44 207 107 06 13 USA: +1 631 570 56 13 About Santhera Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) is a Swiss specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines for rare neuromuscular and pulmonary diseases with high unmet medical need. Santhera has an exclusive license for all indications worldwide to vamorolone, a first-in-class anti-inflammatory drug candidate with novel mode of action, currently investigated in a pivotal study in patients with DMD as an alternative to standard corticosteroids. The clinical stage pipeline also includes lonodelestat (POL6014) to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) and other neutrophilic pulmonary diseases, as well as omigapil and an exploratory gene therapy approach targeting congenital muscular dystrophies. Santhera out-licensed ex-North American rights to its first approved product, Raxone (idebenone), for the treatment of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) to Chiesi Group. For further information, please visit www.santhera.com . Puldysa and Raxone are trademarks of Santhera Pharmaceuticals. For further information please contact: public-relations@santhera.com or Eva Kalias, Head External Communications Phone: +41 79 875 27 80 eva.kalias@santhera.com Disclaimer / Forward-looking statements This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning the Company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. # # # Attachment Telecom major Reliance Jio on Tuesday entered into a partnership with USP Studios to strengthen the platform's offering for kids in India. Through this partnership with USP Studios, Jio users will now have access to eight edutainment apps including Kids First, Kids TV India, Junior Squad Kid Songs, Top Nursery Rhymes, Kids Channel India, Bob the Train, Little Treehouse Rhymes, and Farmees Nursery Rhymes. USP Studios fun learning apps will be available for Jio users in English and other regional languages for free, the company said. "Providing kids with content that is differentiated and resourceful is at the heart of what we do at USP Studios," Uday Singh Phoolka, Founder, USP Studios, said in a statement. "While we have been reaching out to over 130+ million subscribers, we believe it's time that we further expand this reach to the next 100 million in India and our partnership with Jio will help us achieve this goal." A few of USP Studios popular creations include Bob the Train, Supremes, Boom Buddies, Little Treehouse, Farmees, Junior Squad, and Baby Toot Toot, among others. Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), a joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic, will produce lithium-ion batteries for hybrid cars at a plant in Tokushima, Japan, from 2022 to coincide with expected growth in electric vehicle (EV) demand globally, the company said on Tuesday October 6. PPES commenced operations in April; it is 51%-owned by Toyota Motor Corp, while the remaining stake is owned by Panasonic Corp. The joint venture aims to develop, manufacture and sell automotive batteries to contribute to transport electrification. PPES expects to supply approximately 500,000 hybrid vehicles per year initially and to gradually expand production output. In August, PPES signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Australian lithium miner Orocobre for the long-term supply of battery-grade lithium carbonate and hydroxide. Lithium is a critical component for EV batteries. The MOU involves the supply of as much as 30,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), starting from 2021, for use in PPES battery production supply chain. Low lithium prices Despite medium-term optimism for EV uptake and thus battery raw material prices, the lithium market has been on a downtrend for the past two years. Prices for lithium surged over 2016 and 2017, but additional capacity expansions outstripped demand growth between 2018 and 2019, triggering a slump in prices. The Covid-19 pandemic added further bearish pressure to lithium prices over the first half of 2020. For the next few years, because of idle capacity and next-in-line expansion projects, were going to see prices capped, William Adams, head of battery raw materials research at Fastmarkets, said during a virtual lithium market presentation hosted by investment bank Morgan Stanley on September 24. Fastmarkets assessed the lithium hydroxide monohydrate, 56.5% LiOH.H2O min, battery grade, spot price, cif China, Japan & Korea at $8.50-9.50 per kg on October 1, down by 25% year on year from $11-13 per kg on October 3, 2019. Join the lithium industrys biggest annual networking event Lithium Supply & Markets taking place on October 26-28. Find out more here. Frances Koncilja, a former president of the Colorado Bar Association and Denver lawyer, recently finished a term on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and practices law at Koncilja Public Utilities Law and Policy, LLC. DUBLIN, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Publishing for the PreK-12 Market 2020-2021" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report addresses the opportunities in the PreK-12 school market and the strategies at work in the industry that provides instructional materials to schools. The report defines the major segments of the instructional materials industry - core basal curriculum, courseware, state-level tests, digital supplements, print supplements, manipulatives, trade books, video and classroom magazines - and sizes the individual segments and the overall instructional materials industry, which are projected to come in at $8.6 billion in 2020. This report provides detailed information on the state of the industry, particularly in 2019, as well as the drivers of change in 2020 and for the future through 2023, including the most significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics in Publishing for the PreK-12 Market 2020-2021 include: Drivers of and challenges to industry growth by segment - including cyclical nature of instructional materials adoption. Latest enrollment and market data for public, private, charter school students and those attending home schools and virtual schools. Up-to-date policy initiatives at the state and federal levels. Trends in state and federal funding for education. Drivers behind the change in the pace of the uptake of courseware and digital supplements in schools. The resurgence of interest in literacy, history and civics and the growing interest in and need for social and emotional learning, as well as professional development for teachers. Trends in mergers and acquisitions in the educational publishing/ed-tech industry. Competitive analyses of 13 leading publishers: Cambium Learning Group, Cengage (National Geographic Learning), Discovery Education, Goodheart-Willcox, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, K12 Inc., McGraw Hill, Renaissance, Rosetta Stone , Savvas Learning, Scholastic, School Specialty, and Scientific Learning. , Savvas Learning, Scholastic, School Specialty, and Scientific Learning. Market segment projections through 2023. Companies Mentioned Cambium Learning Group Cengage (National Geographic Learning) Discovery Education Goodheart-Willcox Houghton Mifflin Harcourt K12 Inc. McGraw Hill Renaissance Rosetta Stone Savvas Learning Scholastic School Specialty Scientific Learning For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1qfn01 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com The federal grant also will pay for personal protective equipment and mini drop boxes required for each polling station to hold vote-by-mail ballots dropped off on Election Day, Sandman said. Thousands more have been spent on large computer monitors and work stations that will allow one Democrat and one Republican to sit together 6 feet apart. One person of each party must work on processing the ballots together to assure fairness. In spite of the extra work, officials are excited by the level of interest in the election. We are thrilled with the popularity of it, Bugdon said of the website at state.nj.us/state/elections/voter-registration.shtml. It is an extraordinary amount of data, and we are working feverishly to get it in in time to get mail-in-ballots out to people. People only need to register if they have not registered in the past for other elections. Check registration status at voter.svrs.nj.gov/registration-check. Private schools in Edo State have resumed academic activities after six months of lockdown, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) monitored the resumption in Benin City metropolis on Tuesday. The correspondent observed that most private schools pupils and teachers complied with the Federal Governments directives of wearing face masks and sanitising their hands in order to curtail the spread of the disease. NAN observed that the schools made available buckets of water, hand sanitiser and liquid soaps for parents and students to wash their hands before entering their school premises. The schools headteachers who spoke to NAN said their students and pupils resumed in large numbers with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols. The proprietor of Standard Academy School, Ugochi Okocha, said the school was complying with the Federal Governments directives on COVID-19 protocols. She said the school management had fumigated the classrooms and the entire premises as well as provided wash-hand basins, running water, liquid soap, and hand sanitiser dispensers at the entrance points and in the classrooms. We have spaced the seats in all our classrooms with less students in each class. We have also provided infrared thermometers to check the temperatures of every pupil and student at the school entrance. All staff, parents and visitors must wear their face masks or face shields within the school premises, she said. Also, Philomena Imama, a teacher at Excel Montessori School, said that majority of the children in the foundation and pre-nursery classes were yet to resume. She said that majority of the students who resumed in her school were primary and secondary class students. She said that about 50 percent of the pupils that resumed school wore their face masks and came with their hand sanitiser. Ms Imama said that majority of the schools in the state are working according to the directives of the Edo Government with respect to the reopening of schools. According to her, the schools have provided all the necessary materials for everyone to remain safe while within the school environment. She, however, welcomed the children back to school and advised them to concentrate on their studies. A Winnipeg immigration lawyer has been disbarred after he defrauded his clients out of $6.5 million and dashed their dreams of immigrating to Canada. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Winnipeg immigration lawyer has been disbarred after he defrauded his clients out of $6.5 million and dashed their dreams of immigrating to Canada. Paul Hesse was disbarred Monday and is no longer allowed to practise law in Manitoba after he was found guilty of 29 counts of professional misconduct for stealing from 27 different clients over the course of three years. Paul Hesse, a Winnipeg immigration lawyer and former Manitoba Liberal President, has been disbarred after he was found guilty of 29 counts of professional misconduct for stealing $6.5 million from 27 different clients over the course of three years. (Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press files) He convinced some to invest in a business owned by his then-romantic partner without disclosing the personal relationship, and put other clients' money into sham investments, the Law Society of Manitoba found. Overall, Hesse outright stole $3.5 million from clients and obtained another $3 million by deceiving them. He lied and told them their immigration status depended on the investments, in some cases. The law society made the decision after a Sept. 16 hearing Hesse did not attend. The disciplinary committee found him guilty in absentia because he was personally served with a 129-page document that laid out all of the allegations against him, and he didn't respond. Anyone who doesn't respond to such a notice within 20 days is considered to have admitted all of the allegations contained in it, according to Manitoba's Court of Queen's Bench rules. "The evidence is overwhelming and shows a deliberate, multi-year scheme to steal from and defraud 27 different clients for the member's own benefit and for the benefit of his close personal associate," dating back to 2016, the law society's decision states. Most of those 27 clients had their immigration plans ruined by Hesse's fraud and deceit, the disciplinary panel found. The Law Society has ordered him to pay $40,000 in costs from the disciplinary investigation. Most of Hesse's clients were from China and were particularly vulnerable because they didn't speak English. Several of them are now suing him. Haokuang Tan launched a proposed class-action lawsuit against Hesse in August, alleging he stole $350,000 from Tan by telling him he was required to make an investment as part of his immigration application. Unbeknownst to Tan at the time, the numbered company he invested in was owned by Hesse and his former romantic partner, Patrick Maxwell. Those allegations haven't been proven in court. The Free Press first reported last year that Hesse, a partner at Pitblado Law at the time of his misconduct, was stripped of that title in June 2019 after the firm found out Hesse was encouraging clients to invest in businesses associated with Maxwell. Maxwell was the owner of White Lotus Pet Spa in Osborne Village, which closed three weeks after Hesse was removed as a partner at Pitblado. Maxwell was also associated with a number of other businesses run out of the same Scott Street office, including a real estate firm. Pitblado managing partner Benjamin Hecht released a statement following the disciplinary panel decision. "In June 2019, our firms management was appalled to discover a pattern of irregular activity by Mr. Paul Hesse that did not live up to the standards we set for ourselves, or that our clients expect and deserve. We immediately removed Mr. Hesse from the firm and have fully cooperated with the Law Society of Manitoba in its investigation of the matter," Hecht wrote. "As we continue working to serve our clients with the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and compassion, we hope the Law Societys decision is seen as an important step towards holding Mr. Hesse accountable." Kris Dangerfield, CEO of the Law Society, said Hesses misconduct was "absolutely egregious and very disturbing." Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The Law Society began investigating Hesse after Pitblado reported his behaviour in June 2019. Dangerfield said the law society "stepped in quickly to ensure the conduct couldnt continue," suspending Hesse shortly thereafter. His former clients have been notified that they can claim reimbursements through a fund set up by the society, paid for by other lawyers. Hesse is believed to be living out of province, and Dangerfield confirmed he was not in Manitoba when he was most recently served with the law societys evidence against him. As to whether the law society has any hope of being repaid by Hesse including the $40,000 he now owes and any costs incurred via the reimbursement fund Dangerfield said that "remains to be seen." Hesse was a former president of the Manitoba Liberal party. He stepped down in 2016. He did not respond to a Free Press request for comment Tuesday. Staff An author with ties to Alabama is among 21 newly announced MacArthur Fellows, the program widely known as the MacArthur Foundations genius grants. The Foundation describes Brooklyn-based N.K. Jemisin as a speculative fiction writer known for Pushing against the conventions of epic fantasy and science fiction genres while exploring deeply human questions about structural racism, environmental crises, and familial relationships. Jemisin has won or been nominated for many of the top awards in science fiction and fantasy. When her novel The Fifth Season won the Hugo Award for best novel in 2016, it made her the first Black writer to win the category. When its sequels The Obelisk Gate and The Stone Sky won in 2017 and 2018, that made her the first author ever to win the award three years in a row. Her Emergency Skin won the 2020 Hugo for best novelette. An in-depth profile published in January by the New Yorker described Jemisins Alabama roots: Her father was born in Birmingham, and her parents met at Alabama State University. They married after graduation and moved to Iowa City, where their daughter was born, and later to Brooklyn. Her parents divorced when she was five and her mother brought her to Mobile, where she grew up. Once touchstone of her time in Mobile was the lynching of Michael Donald when she was in the fourth grade. Growing up in Mobile while spending summers with her father in Brooklyn gave her an outsiders view of social structures built on racial division. Comedian W. Kamau Bell, who is her cousin, told New Yorker writer Raffi Khatchadourian that as children the two had bonded over the fact that we felt like aliens in Mobile. MacArthur Fellows receive a no strings attached stipend of $625,000, paid out over five years. The stated goal of the program is to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations. Recipients may be writers, scientists, artists, social scientists, humanists, teachers, entrepreneurs, or those in other fields, with or without institutional affiliations, according to the Foundation. "They may use their fellowship to advance their expertise, engage in bold new work, or, if they wish, to change fields or alter the direction of their careers. Although nominees are reviewed for their achievements, the fellowship is not a lifetime achievement award, but rather an investment in a persons originality, insight, and potential. Indeed, the purpose of the MacArthur Fellows Program is to enable recipients to exercise their own creative instincts for the benefit of human society. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5) President Rodrigo Duterte said stored value or "Beep" cards should be distributed to commuters for free, especially as many Filipinos continue to struggle to survive amid the pandemic. "Ibigay na 'yan [nang] libre. Bakit babayaran pa? We have been wasting so many billions to corruption, tapos 'yan 'di pa maibigay," Duterte said in his virtual address to the nation on Monday. [Translation: Give it for free. Why should people pay for it? We have been wasting so many billions to corruption, but we're not able to provide the public with free Beep cards?] Duterte said he will talk to Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade to raise this possibility. In his address, the President also hit what he described as the lack of information dissemination on the new policy among the public, after several commuters were caught unawares by the "No Beep card, no ride" rule on the first day of its implementation. He said that while there were news reports notifying the public about the new measure, most were communicated in English and aren't understood by many Filipinos, especially indigents. In view of this, Duterte ordered that provisions be made for those who cannot afford the 80 card, as well as for those who do not have access to getting information about the shift to cashless payment. Earlier, his spokesperson Harry Roque already said the President is against additional fees in purchasing Beep cards, citing the expensive costs incurred by commuters amid these difficult times. "Nahabag po talaga ang Presidente dun sa isang balita na maraming mga naghihirap na ating mga kababayan ang nagulat dahil ang pera nila ay sapat lamang sa pamasahe at sa pagkain para sa araw na yun," he said. [Translation: The President was moved with pity with the report that many of our impoverished people were surprised (with the cost), as they only had enough cash both for food and transport to get by for the day.] Transportation Assistant Secretary Bert Suansing also told CNN Philippines on Monday that customers should not bear the costs of systems in place for cashless payments, adding passengers should only pay for their fares. The Department of Transportation suspended on Sunday the mandatory use of the Beep cards in the EDSA Busway effective this week until further notice after card service provider AF Payments, Inc. refused to waive the 80 cost of the card on top of the fare load. READ: DOTr suspends mandatory use of Beep cards in EDSA Busway With this, the review of the contract for the use of Beep cards is ongoing, added Roque. However, AFPI also announced on Monday that it will issue 125,000 free Beep cards to commuters after its shareholders pledged donations. EDSA Busway passengers are using a dual payment system for now, meaning they can either use Beep cards or cash for fare payments. At the beginning of last May, when the conclusive versions of the government unity agreement between Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were being finalized, a group of several hundred Black Flag demonstrators arrived in Tel Aviv in an attempt to prevent the agreement. Some of the demonstrators had voted for Blue and White under Gantz in three election campaigns and believed his promise that he would not serve with criminal defendant Netanyahu. As we all recall, the March 2 elections were inconclusive, the COVID-19 crisis erupted, and Gantz decided to break his promise and "sacrifice" himself for the common good. This was a huge breaking point for hundreds of thousands of Gantz voters who felt helpless as they watched their dream shatter into pieces. They then directed their anger toward the section of Blue and White that had decided to join Netanyahus government. Their two central targets were the homes of Blue and White Knesset members living in Tel Aviv who identified with the partys left-wing flank: Tourism Minister Asaf Zamir, who had served in the past as deputy mayor, and Miki Haimovich, a former top-level television presenter and current environmental activist and vegan proponent. The protesters wore black shirts, carried black flags and hunkered down under the prestigious building where Zamir lives. Using loudspeakers, they cried out to him messages such as To the corrupt Asaf Zamir: Come and show your face and listen to what the public has to say that you stole our votes. They also read out loud sections of Netanyahus indictment. But Zamir did not make an appearance. Neither did Haimovich, who lives within the same radius in Tel Aviv and could also hear the demonstrators shout You stole our votes. Despite all of this, the unity government rose. Forty-year-old Zamir was appointed tourism minister in the unity government, and Haimovich began to serve as chairwoman of the Environment Committee. On Oct. 2, less than five months after the unity government was sworn in, Zamir announced his resignation from it. The trigger for this was the governments decision to limit demonstrations in Israels second lockdown. In a scathing Facebook post, Zamir wrote that he is very worried about his country, as important government decisions made by Netanyahu seem to be infected with bias. The COVID-19 issue is only number two on his priority list and Im being optimistic, he wrote. Haimovich added fuel to the fire when she said that Zamir is not alone in his viewpoints and that a large number of Blue and White Knesset members are considering dismantling the alliance with the Likud. More so, in recent days, Haimovich has been spotted in the stormy, mass demonstrations in Tel Aviv. She was seen offering demonstrators support vis-a-vis the police. Clearly, the battle over anti-government demonstrations in the past two weeks between Netanyahu and Blue and White has exposed the rift between the coalition partners. It might even be leading to the beginning of the disintegration of the unity government. Netanyahu and the Likud led the hawkish view and claimed that mass demonstrations cause a rise in morbidity. Therefore, they said, protests should be restricted as part of the emergency regulations just as prayers are restricted for the same reason. Meanwhile, Blue and White tried to block these steps after the protest groups inflicted massive pressure on them. They (Blue and White) were accused of capitulating to Netanyahus dictatorship the criminal defendant who is trying to halt demonstrations against him, opposite his home on Balfour Street. Ultimately, Blue and Whites struggle bore fruit and a compromise outline was formed. It seems that Blue and Whites ministers and Knesset members some of whom are young and politically inexperienced found themselves under tremendous pressure from the protest movements that demonstrated against them. But it wasnt just the demonstrations. They were also flooded with telephone calls and WhatsApp messages. Meanwhile, the polls pointed to the collapse of Blue and White altogether. All of this intensified the partys internal unrest and agitation. A large part of the credit for undermining the unity government under Netanyahu goes to the Black Flag movement. This movement was founded last March by four siblings after the third set of elections. It is amazing to see how a small, familial protest movement succeeded in gaining so many fans and so much public strength. One example is the weekend of Oct. 3, when Black Flags succeeded in spurring tens of thousands of Israelis, young and old alike, to leave their homes and protest despite the lockdown limitations. It all started in the Schwartzman family living in northern Israel, where the four siblings expressed their frustration and anger in their family WhatsApp group regarding the recent elections. The four of them one sister and three brothers ranging in age from their 30s to their 40s work in hi-tech, engineering and science. They felt that the state they grew up in is being destroyed in front of their eyes by none other than Netanyahu, whom they feel violates basic democratic values. Several days later, they tore off some pieces of black fabric from clothes, tied the black fabric to sticks and appeared in Tel Avivs Rabin Square a site that is the ultimate symbol of liberalism and secularism. This small family demonstration quickly turned into a protest rally. Several hundred people who heard about the demonstration via social media joined them. Within two weeks, the Black Flags accumulated thousands of active supporters, while simultaneously establishing active mechanisms for fundraising, legal aid to fight the closure on demonstrations, finding spokespeople, acquiring accessories for rallies and, last but not least, lots and lots of black flags. By the end of March, they had created a buzz in the media. At that point in time, the Knesset was paralyzed due to actions taken by the Likud to prevent the replacement of Knesset Chairman Yuli Edelstein by Blue and White. Israel was then under a severe lockdown, with millions of people removed from their workplaces who sat at home and worried about their livelihoods and health. Despite all this, each day saw convoys of cars and other vehicles on the way to the Knesset building, brandishing black flags and demonstrating. Simultaneously, they sent out an appeal on social media, calling on people to hang black flags on porches and balconies to protest the harm being inflicted on democracy. This was an authentic protest by a strong social group people who are patriotic, serve in the army, pay taxes and are productive, and who decided to get up and take a stand. Later on, more well-known, senior personalities joined, such as former Shin Bet director Carmi Gillon and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. According to the media, Barak contributes to the Black Flag movement in financing its activities. After the Black Flags began to operate, additional protest movements arose to join the existing ones. They are the engine behind the anti-Netanyahu protest movement that continues to function even during the closure. The big question is: Will they succeed in attracting people from the right wing? So far this has not happened. Thus, Netanyahu continues to portray the protesters as members of the radical left. SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The pursuit of an effective therapeutic intervention for dementia has inspired interest in the class of medications known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). TKIs demonstrate potential to reduce inflammation, improve disposal of damaged cells and accelerate the removal of the toxic proteins that accumulate with dementia and related disorders. More recently, it has also been suggested that this class of drugs may inhibit the initial aggregation of toxic proteins that cause such disorders in the first place. Dr. Sheldon Jordan, Neurologist and Director, The Regenesis Project In Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, there is an abnormal accumulation of toxic proteins which cause the nerve cell to shrink and become dysfunctional. In Alzheimer's disease, it's tau proteins which accumulate in structures called neurofibrillary tangles. Sheldon Jordan, M.D., Chief Investigator for The Regenesis Project, conducted a multi-institutional study to evaluate the effectiveness of one TKI in particular, bosutinib in treating early forms of dementia. This study specifically used a Pfizer drug, Bosulif (generic name bosutinib) which was previously approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chronic leukemia. In collaboration with Dr. Santosh Kesari at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, an affiliate of Providence Health Systems, and a number of independent neurological clinics, thirty-one patients with probable Alzheimer dementia or Parkinson spectrum disorder with dementia completed 12 months of bosutinib therapy and an additional 12 months of follow-up. Initially, the study was designed to see if TKIs such as bosutinib could prevent further memory loss or a worsening of dementia over time. Surprisingly, Bosulif actually produced a significant improvement by an entire level of dementia on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, (as estimated by the Quick Dementia Rating System [QDRS]) in almost half the subjects taking this drug over the course of one year. Further investigation of bosutinib as a therapeutic agent for dementia will be conducted by The Regenesis Project. For more information on this study, please refer to research published in the September, 2020, online issue of Neurology Clinical Practice, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology or visit www.neurologysantamonica.com . Media Contact: Victoria Venkatraman 310-829-5968 [email protected] SOURCE The Regenesis Project Related Links http://www.neurologysantamonica.com "After a while, I started thinking to myself, I wanna kill myself," Harry told me. "What's the point of living life gonna be suspended gonna not have anything to do and having the worst life." At the age of seven, Harry was repeatedly suspended from school. When he returned to class, the other children called him a "disgrace" and a "dummy". He was excluded from the other students and "not even allowed to look at them". Loading It's a common misconception that students with challenging behaviours are violent. In reality, this is a vulnerable cohort of students, often with neurological disabilities. Recent figures revealed that of the suspended population of primary school students, almost three out of four have a disability. Seven out of 10 kindergarten suspensions are students with disabilities. Five-year-old violent thugs? I don't think so. The experience of being suspended or expelled doesn't fix the problem. It can make it worse. The right response when children like Harry, who has a complex set of problems, including an acquired brain injury from encephalitis, as well as ADHD, autism and dyslexia, are showing challenging behaviours is to make reasonable adjustments to teaching and behaviour management. As clinical psychologist and author Dr Ross Greene says, children want to do well; all behaviour is communication. Teachers need training to understand this and learn how to collaborate with the child to solve problems. There is funding available a pot of money provided to all schools for low-level disability as well as targeted funding for individual children based on diagnosis. But many of the changes needed cost nothing beyond teacher training. It's about a change in mindset. Too often children with disabilities find teachers who either frame them as a problem to be contained or actively work to push them out of the school. Harry, who is now eight and home-schooled, remembers it like this: "I was allowed to say what happened but they would say No, you did something else' and then they made me write a report about what happened. Then they made me write saying I punched a kid in the face when I just did a little hit on the shoulder, they make it sound so violent like something else like something in an MA15 movie. Eddie Van Halen has died at the age of 65 after being diagnosed with throat cancer. His son Wolfgang Van Halen announced the news on Twitter on Tuesday, paying tribute to the best father I could ever ask for. Van Halen, a native of the Netherlands who moved to Pasadena, California, made rock and roll history as one of the most celebrated guitarists of all time. He co-founded the band Van Halen with his brother Alex. I cant believe Im having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning, the musicians son wrote on social media. He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment Ive shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I dont think Ill ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop. The Van Halen brothers founded the namesake hard rock band in the early 1970s. In 1978, Van Halen released a self-titled first album, which shot to number 19 on the Billboard charts and became one of the decades most successful debuts. It was followed several years later by the blockbuster record 1984 (named after the year of its release), which includes classics such as Jump, Panama, and Hot for Teacher. Van Halen has lived on as one of the most iconic rock acts in the industry. The band is among the 20 best-selling artists of all time and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Eddie Van Halen himself landed in eighth position on Rolling Stones list of the 100 greatest guitarists. An autodidact, Eddie Van Halen created some of the most distinctive guitar riffs in rock history. He, his drummer brother, vocalist David Lee Roth, and bassist Michael Anthony were members of rival high school bands, then attended Pasadena City College together. They originally combined to form the band Mammoth, but changed the name to Van Halen in 1974 after finding out another band had already used the name Mammoth. The bands 1978 debut contained the track Eruption, a 1:42 minute guitar solo that revealed the magnitude of Eddie Van Halens talent to the world. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up In Rolling Stone, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam likened listening to the track to hearing Mozart for the first time, commenting: "He gets sounds that aren't necessarily guitar sounds a lot of harmonics, textures that happen just because of how he picks." Between Van Halen and 1984, the band released a new album almost every year: Van Halen II in 1979, Women and Children First in 1980, Fair Warning in 1981, and Diver Down in 1982. Rolling Stone gave 1984 the 81st spot on its ranking of the 100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s. Eddie put the smile back in rock guitar, at a time when it was all getting a bit brooding. fellow rock virtuoso Joe Satriani told Billboard in 2015. He also scared the hell out of a million guitarists around the world, because he was so damn good. And original. Eddie Van Halen was treated for a form of mouth cancer in the 2000s. His son Wolfgang replaced Michael Anthony as Van Halens bassist in 2006. Additional reporting by agencies YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Parliament is debating the bill submitted by the government which proposes to enable the government with the authority to confirm the mobilization plan of the economy in its defense sector powers. Deputy defense minister Gabriel Balayan introduced the bill on making amendment to the Law on Defense during the Parliaments session. He informed that currently the respective plan approved under the presidential decree is in force. The deputy minister said the adoption of the bill will allow to approve a new mobilization economy plan by the decision of the government, in light of the current military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and Turkey. The government proposed to consider the adoption of the bill as urgent. The deputy defense minister also informed that the bill is already drafted and agreed with the ministry of economy. It will be submitted for the governments approval immediately after its adoption. Reporting by Anna Grigoryan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan CHANTILLY, Va., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Perspecta Inc. (NYSE: PRSP), a leading U.S. government services provider, announced that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and U.S. Representative Rick Allen will welcome the company to Augusta with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new facility in the Georgia Cyber Center today at 2:00 p.m. EDT. The office is strategically located close to the Perspecta's U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) customer, headquartered nearby at Fort Gordon. Georgia Cyber Center With the move to Augusta, Perspecta will create 178 job opportunities in support of ARCYBER's headquarters relocation from Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The company is actively recruiting engineers, analysts, investigators and solution architects to join its growing team of innovators that is providing comprehensive cyberspace operations support. In addition to ARCYBER headquarters, other organizations that will benefit from this expertise are Joint Forces Headquarters-Cyber, ARCYBER subordinate components, service components of U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) and other Department of Defense cyber mission partners. Perspecta, an industry leader in mission-essential cyber expertise, also holds a prime position on the cyberspace operations support and services contract for USCYBERCOM and is one of the top cyber research and development partners supporting the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. "The Georgia Cyber Center offers the perfect environment to attract the highly skilled cyber professionals needed to solve mission-critical, complex cyber challenges," said Mac Curtis, chairman and chief executive officer of Perspecta. "We are excited to make the move to Fort Gordon alongside our ARCYBER customer and are honored to support them as they defend our nation in this critical domain." The $100 million Georgia Cyber Center was created by a public and private partnership among state and federal governments, academia and the private sector. By cultivating a cyber ecosystem, the center fulfills a vision for solving complex cybersecurity challenges, developing the region's cyber workforce and offering unbiased advice to policy makers. About Perspecta Inc. At Perspecta (NYSE: PRSP), we question, we seek and we solve. Perspecta brings a diverse set of capabilities to our U.S. government customers in defense, intelligence, civilian, health care and state and local markets. Our 280+ issued, licensed and pending patents are more than just pieces of paper, they tell the story of our innovation. With offerings in mission services, digital transformation and enterprise operations, our team of nearly 14,000 engineers, analysts, investigators and architects work tirelessly to not only execute the mission, but build and support the backbone that enables it. Perspecta was formed to take on big challenges. We are an engine for growth and success and we enable our customers to build a better nation. For more information about Perspecta, visit perspecta.com. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Perspecta and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Perspecta undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Perspecta believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. SOURCE Perspecta Inc. Related Links perspecta.com New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Delhi traffic police has cautioned commuters to avoid Ashram Chowk towards Bhogal on Mathura Road during night hours between 10 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. from Tuesday to Thursday. "Construction of underpass is going on at Ashram Chowk. Due to leakage of water on Mathura Road, a portion of the road is slowly sinking causing uneven potholes which hinder the smooth flow of traffic. This problem is endemic on Mathura Road between Ashram Chowk and Bhogal flyover," a senior traffic police officer said. According to Delhi traffic police, in order to prevent further deterioration of the road, Delhi Jal Board will be carrying out emergency repairs from Tuesday to Thursday. "Due to ongoing work of Delhi Jal Board, from 10.00 p.m. to 6.30 a.m. traffic will not be allowed from Ashram Chowk towards Bhogal on Mathura Road. Besides, commercial vehicles and buses would be diverted from CRRI onto Modi Mill flyover. They will take a u-turn from below Kalkaji flyover, take Capt Gaur Marg, Ring Road to cross Ashram flyover," the officer added. Some encounters have also turned deadly. In New York City, a woman died in April after she wandered the emergency room of a Brooklyn hospital and was shoved by another patient, who had apparently become irate that she had broken social distancing guidelines. And in Michigan, prosecutors said a security guard at a Family Dollar store was fatally shot in May after he told a customer that her daughter needed to wear a mask inside the store. John J. Flynn, the Erie County district attorney, said he believed the confrontation between Mr. Sapienza and Mr. Lewinski who apparently had exchanged terse words before the shove was one of the first disputes over face coverings that had led to someones death in New York State. He said preliminary autopsy results showed that Mr. Sapienza died from blunt force trauma to the head. Its beyond sad, Mr. Flynn said. These kinds of situations have continued to escalate, and this should cause everyone to pause and think twice now about how we as a society want to conduct ourselves during this pandemic. Mr. Sapienza and Mr. Lewinski were regulars at Pamps Red Zone Bar & Grill in West Seneca, and both men had been at the bar for a few hours on Sept. 26 when they clashed around 7:45 p.m. over Mr. Lewinskis failure to wear a mask, according to Capt. James Unger of the West Seneca Police Department. In New York State, customers at bars and restaurants are required to wear face coverings when they are not seated. Debbie Ehlers, the owner of Pamps, did not respond to multiple requests for comment, but said in a statement to WKBW that Mr. Sapienza was a part of our Red Zone family and loved by all. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday recommended the use of common Ayurvedic formulations such as Guduchi, Ashwagandha, AYUSH-64 in treating mild and asymptomatic Covid-19 patients even though the clinical trials to ascertain their efficacy against the infectious disease are still underway. In the national clinical management protocol for Covid-19 based on Ayurveda and Yoga, released by Union health minister Harsh Vardhan and AYUSH minister Shripad Naik, specific measures were also been prescribed for preventing the disease in high-risk people and primary contacts of infected people. Also, measures have been laid down for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic people apart from those who are suffering from post-Covid complications. The guidelines, however, stay away from prescribing anything for moderate or severe disease. ALSO READ | Ayurveda in demand to fight Covid-19 Ayurveda and Yoga can certainly play a pivotal role to augment preventive measures provided in the guidelines by the ministry, the government said in a statement adding that the current understanding of Covid-19 indicates that good immune status is vital to prevent and to safeguard from disease progression. This protocol dealing with preventive and prophylactic measures is a significant step in not only in the management of Covid but also in making traditional knowledge relevant to solving problems of the modern time, the Centre said. The recommendations are based on the report by an interdisciplinary committee for integration of Ayurveda and Yoga Interventions in the headed by Dr V M Katoch, former director-general of the ICMR. The government maintained that the report was based on acceptable experimental and clinical data and these findings, indicating potential benefits and safety of the medicines, were presented before the National Task Force on Covid-19 and Joint Monitoring Group and subsequently developed into the protocol on the recommendations of NITI Aayog. Based on their recommendations, the ministry of Ayush constituted a national task force which, in consensus from expert committees from various Ayush research organizations which in turn developed the protocol. Experts, meanwhile, pointed out that it is not clear from the protocol if these recommendations can be used concurrently with allopathic treatment protocols. If they are going to be used together, there is a need to monitor for interactions and adverse events, said public health researcher Dr Oommen John. Since the post-marketing surveillance systems are still evolving in India there is an urgent need to ensure that active surveillance for adverse events and drug-drug interactions. ALSO READ | Is Ayurveda magic working? Study focuses on quarantined persons He added that post-Covid symptoms are being reported across the globe and it is not just limited to pulmonary fibrosis. A range of symptoms suggestive of autoimmune-mediated responses have been seen and therefore how these agents interact with an immune-mediated inflammatory response in case of long Covid will need to be closely monitored and evaluated. Dr John also added that since most of these interventions will be administered at home, standardized patient-reported outcomes will be helpful in contributing to the body of evidence. But in presenting the report Tuesday, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said that while the cases already under investigation need closer examination, he would not put the other 99 percent of employees of the countrys security agencies under suspicion. He has resisted calls for an independent study to examine police racism calls that have grown alongside the proliferating scandals and the global Black Lives Matter movement. Christine Anderson (left) and Ron Contrady reunite with their son, R.J. Contrady, 6, at the end of the day at the Swarthmore-Rutledge Elementary School in Swarthmore on Monday. Read more Howard Colliers empty school bus beckoned. The 73-year-old retired SEPTA man had just parked his baby, School Bus No. 17, alongside Swarthmore-Rutledge elementary school. I peeked inside from the sidewalk through open accordion doors. Ive been on this route for five years, Collier said Monday afternoon. The kids know me. The parents know me. When theyre on my bus, theyre my kids. For children inside the school at that moment, Monday was the first time they had been back inside a classroom since the coronavirus shut down schools in March. Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is among a select number of suburban Philadelphia districts that have begun reopening to partial-week instruction. It is momentous for children and parents alike in this ever-so-disorienting pandemic year. A fraction of what so many of us have lost during this terribly managed coronavirus pandemic was visible right there inside Colliers idled school bus. A bus that, in a normal year, is packed with spunky kids who like to needle and be needled by the driver they all call Mister Howard! I had two brothers this morning, Collier said, and for a moment I thought he was singling out a pair on a reasonably full bus. I was wrong. He had two kids total on the whole bus Monday morning. I dont see any relief from this whole mess, he said of the pandemic and its effect on our lives, still. I had dropped off my own sons at school in a different district Monday for their own stab at two days a week of in-person instruction. Its all that crowded public schools can manage without turning classrooms into the kind of petri dish that President Donald Trump apparently has been presiding over at the White House. What I saw in both districts was, like so much else in this crazy year, a confusing if also welcome scene: Kids and adults wearing masks without flinching. A crowd at less than half capacity. Everyone marching through a New Normal that does not feel normal, even though the numbness of this terrible year makes today feel slightly better than yesterday, and last week, and the month before that. For six long months (and counting in Philadelphia and other districts that have yet to reopen their actual classrooms at all), schools had been shuttered. The sound of them back on the scene, if in shockingly fewer numbers due to staggering of schedules and decisions by other families to stay home, was glorious. READ MORE: Zoom and gloom: Virtual schooling has begun, and it is unsustainable | Maria Panaritis They launched like a rocket! I heard a teacher say from beneath a canopy of trees just outside the Swarthmore elementary schools front doors. I was sitting on a wooden bench nearby, eavesdropping. She held open a hardback book and dangled it over eight masked first graders seated on the grass in criss-cross applesauce style. They were reading The Awful Aardvarks Go to School. The children chirped. It was like a burst of oxygen in a smothering forest fire. I kept turning my eyes toward a nearby mylar balloon tied to a wooden bench. It swayed in the sunny, crisp pre-Halloween air. WELCOME BACK, it said. Now listen carefully, my first graders, the teacher continued. Were going to go back into the classroom. Were going to wash our hands, and then its time for a snack. The children marched past me at six-feet-apart intervals. One little boy appeared to be talking animatedly about a tiny creature. I learned about it on Wild Kratts, he told a classmate as they breezed past. Its the size of a tip of a pin! The return of children to even just some of our regions suburban schools, while a huge milestone, was also bittersweet given the backdrop of drama in the White House. Our mask-averse president was hospitalized until Monday evening with COVID-19. He had been whisked to the hospital Friday via helicopter, for all the world to see, a portrait of hypocrisy and ineptitude. The fearless leader who spent much of the year talking down masks and doing little to nothing to help public schools reopen with resources to do so safely, was in the hospital while children finally began to squeeze out a few hours of school again, no thanks to his incompetent administration. Im happy for my son, Christine Anderson said of 6-year-old first-grader R.J. Contraday, moments before he emerged from his first day back since March. He shed a couple of tears this morning. READ MORE: Lansdowne grandparents struggle with virtual schooling: Its rough on us | Maria Panaritis All around, parents and kids were wearing masks. No one was whining about personal liberty or politics. They were acting, in other words, like grown-ups act when a common goal is identified that requires a touch of communal sacrifice. I asked Cora Alessi, 43, after she greeted her fifth- and first-grade children, what she thought of the year. Her attention turned to Trump. I thought it was ironic that he got sick, Alessi said. The one person opposed to a mask got sick. Principal Angela Tuck and kindergarten teacher Ellen Coopersmith said they heard children laughing all through the halls. We played Welcome Back Kotter on the public address system, Tuck said. Children were so glad to be back, they couldnt believe they could see each other again in the flesh. One little girl actually said, I wish there wasnt any COVID, Coopersmith said. But and here is where the light of this dark time can, indeed, be found: The kids are not scared. The kids, she added, are happy. NORWALK, Conn., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 365 Data Centers ("365" or the "Company"), a leading provider of hybrid data center solutions, today announced that Stonecourt Capital LP ("Stonecourt") has acquired the Company and original investors Lumerity Capital and Longboat Advisors have reinvested into the new partnership. Under the leadership of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Bob DeSantis, 365 has developed into one of the largest privately owned data center solutions providers offering a comprehensive set of services to over 650 customers in the eastern United States. 365 currently operates 230,000 square feet of data center space and 22 MW of available power, along with a fully redundant 100G network interconnecting its 12 data centers, 21 other points of presence, and over 400 peering partners. Mr. DeSantis will continue to lead the Company as CEO, a Board member, and investor. He has led the transformation of the Company from a strictly colocation business operating 8 data centers with an aggregate of 125,000 square feet and 9MW of available power, into a network-centric, full-service, hybrid data solutions provider. Since inception in 2017, the Company has acquired, financed, and fully integrated four complementary businesses. "We are pleased to welcome Stonecourt as a partner in 365 Data Centers," said DeSantis. "Stonecourt has a proven reputation of supporting growth businesses with financial and strategic resources, and we are excited to partner with them to foster the next phase of the Company's expansion. The 365 team will remain fully intact, and this partnership will enhance our ability to execute on our organic and acquisition growth strategies. On behalf of the entire 365 team, I want to thank our outgoing investors, Chirisa Investments and Turning Rock Partners, and our outgoing Board members Colm Piercy and Maggie Arvedlund, who have supported the Company and me since the beginning." Lance Hirt, Managing Partner at Stonecourt, commented, "We are very impressed by the portfolio of data center and fiber assets that Bob and the 365 team have successfully integrated. The Company's blue chip enterprise and carrier customer base creates a unique platform. We are excited to partner with Bob, Lumerity Capital, Longboat Advisors, and the 365 team to deploy significant additional capital to accelerate the Company's growth trajectory. We are already engaged on several near-term acquisition opportunities which will meaningfully enhance the Company's service offerings." Matt Kim, Managing Partner of Lumerity Capital and a continuing Board member of 365, stated, "This transaction represents an important milestone for the Company as it recognizes the unrivaled achievements of the team to significantly scale and transform the business into a leading provider of hybrid data infrastructure services. We look forward to partnering with Stonecourt to support Bob and the 365 team in executing on the Company's growth strategy and in enhancing the Company's value to its customers." Bank Street Group LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to both 365 Data Centers and Stonecourt Capital in connection with the transaction. Shipman & Goodwin LLP acted as legal counsel to 365, and Polsinelli PC acted as legal counsel to Stonecourt. About 365 Data Centers 365 Data Centers is a leading provider of hybrid data center solutions in 12 strategic, primarily edge, markets. With Data Centers in Boca Raton, Bridgewater (New Jersey), Buffalo, Chicago, Commack (Long Island), Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Indianapolis, Nashville, Philadelphia, New York City, and Tampa, the Company operates facilities aggregating 230,000 square feet and 22 MW of power, along with an interconnected, resilient, low latency, nationwide fiber network. 365's robust, carrier neutral ecosystem and secure, reliable edge colocation, network, IP, DRaaS, BaaS, cloud compute and storage, and business continuity services help organizations reduce costs, drive innovation, and improve their customer experience. 365 Data Centers supports mission-critical application infrastructure by providing industry leading Service Level Agreement protections and adhering to industry standards such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2, SSAE 18, and ISAE 3402. 365 Data Centers' corporate office is located in Norwalk, Connecticut. Visit 365datacenters.com for more information. About Stonecourt Capital Stonecourt Capital is a private investment firm focused on providing financial and strategic resources to facilitate the transformational growth of companies across a broad array of industries. Stonecourt is backed by some of the largest family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional investors. Over the last 20 years, its team has invested over $4 billion of equity capital, partnering with exceptional managers in the growth of their companies. Stonecourt's flexible mandate allows it to customize the term and structure of each investment to create a bespoke solution for sellers, management teams, and strategic partners. SOURCE 365 Data Centers Related Links http://www.365datacenters.com JEE Advanced topper Chirag Falor has decided to study at United States' Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) despite also getting selected in IITs. Falor had secured admission in MIT in March and was studying online from India due to the COVID-19 outbreak. "I have secured admission in MIT and I will go ahead with it. The classes have already begun and I am attending them online, " Falor told PTI news agency. "I used to attend MIT classes online during the night and then prepare for IIT exams in the day," he added. Falor said he had prepared for four years for JEE exams. He said JEE is one exam but with vast syllabus, while MIT evaluates a candidate on personality and potential and checks how much one can leverage from opportunities, Falor said. Yesterday, Falor topped this year's JEE Advanced, and scored 100 percentile in the JEE-Mains. The Pune-based boy scored 352 out of 396 marks in JEE Advanced. Falor, however, said the JEE exam was tougher than MIT. "The exam has given hm a different confidence altogether," he said. Falor said he had planned to go back to the US in January next year. Falor received a gold medal at the 13th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) in Hungary in 2019. He also bagged the first rank at American Mathematics 2019. He also won accolades at Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik competition, where he was awarded the Bal Shakti Puraskar 2020 by President Ram Nath Kovind. He also received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the time. JEE Advanced was conducted on September 27 and Mains was conducted between September 1-6. In total, 1.6 lakh students registered for the exam and 1.5 lakh appeared for it. Over 43,000 candidates, including 6,707 girls cleared the exam. Also read: IIT-JEE results: Who is Chirag Falor, the topper of JEE-Advanced exams 2020? I struggled as a kid in school because I didnt have access to the resources that I needed to learn that worked best for me Chef Marc Murphy Braintrust, an online marketplace that connects certified educators with families for private tutoring, today announced that celebrity chef and Food Network Judge, Marc Murphy, will join the company as an ambassador and advocate for children with learning disabilities. This role will further solidify his commitment to creating better learning outcomes for children who learn differently, an issue that is especially important during the pandemic. Chef Murphy is a celebrated Chef & television personality, cookbook author and host of the Food 360 podcast with iHeartRadio. Murphy has navigated his life with dyslexia for as long as he can remember, and now, during Dyslexia Awareness Month, he will officially become a Braintrust ambassador. In his role at Braintrust, Chef Murphy will focus on advocacy, outreach, fundraising events, and philanthropy, including work with the Braintrust Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Braintrust dedicated to creating better learning opportunities for the 1-in-5 underserved children with a learning disability. Dyslexia Awareness Month, which occurs from October 1st through October 31st, is a time to come together and raise the profile of this learning challenge, share resources and victories about overcoming language obstacles. I struggled as a kid in school because I didnt have access to the resources that I needed to learn that worked best for me, says Chef Marc Murphy. Learning should be explorative and joyful--kids with learning issues need to know they can succeed. Braintrust connects certified educators who are trained in language remediation and thats why Im excited to join, so we can make a long-lasting meaningful difference in childrens lives. Without having the proper tools or intervention when he was younger Marc learned to deal with dyslexia in his own way throughout his entire education. He has overcome his challenges and gone on to a successful career in the hospitality industry. Chef Murphy made his way through the ranks at several fine dining restaurants in New York City, worked as the Executive Chef in some of the finest kitchens and eventually opened his first solo enterprise, Landmarc Tribeca in 2004 and today is one of New Yorks most celebrated chefs. Marc shines when talking about dyslexia. You can see his passion for the cause from his personal experiences, said Jen Mendelsohn, co-founder of Braintrust. Marc is a true role model because children need to know they are going to get through this, and that with the right support, they will reach their full potential. About Braintrust Braintrust is an online tutoring marketplace where parents can connect with certified teachers and learning specialists for private tutoring and learning interventions for students who learn differently. Our mission is to empower teachers, support families, and create a better tutoring experience. Braintrust is a progressive tutoring company designed by expert teachers and seasoned parents who know there is a better way to help kids capture their spark and discover their love of learning. For more information, visit http://www.braintrusttutors.com and follow @braintrusttutors on Instagram and Facebook. About Chef Marc Murphy Marc Murphy is a Chef & Restaurateur who has been cooking for over thirty years. He is a judge on Food Networks top-rated shows, Chopped and Chopped Junior and has appeared on Guys Grocery Games, Guys Ranch Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay, The Today Show, Good Morning America and the Rachael Ray Show among others. Today Murphys involvement in the industry moves beyond the kitchen and television. He is both a Food Council & Board Member of City Harvest, New York Citys largest food rescue organization. He also sits on the Leadership Council for Share our Strengths No Kid Hungry campaign. In 2012, Marc joined the U.S. Department of States Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, where he took part in public diplomacy programs, and today he continues that work through the Culinary Diplomacy Project as a Chef Diplomat traveling to destinations around the world as a representative of American culture and cuisine. He is the author of Season with Authority: Confident Home Cooking his top selling cookbook and launched his hosting duties with his debut podcast, Food 360 with Marc Murphy produced by iHeartRadio. Chef Marc Murphy Contact: Emily Karpin emily@benchmarc-restaurants.com 516-319-5083 SAN DIEGO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Petco today announced it has stopped selling specific electronic "shock" collars, strengthening its commitment to positive reinforcement training methods and solidifying the company's evolution from a leading pet specialty retailer to a category-defining health and wellness partner for pets and pet parents. Recognizing the opportunity to create real change, the company is calling on the industry and consumers to join its movement via an online petition aimed at creating responsible regulation for the retail sale of shock collars to general consumers. "Electricity may be critical to powering your microwave, but it has no role for the average pet parent training their dog," said Petco CEO Ron Coughlin. "Shock collars have been shown to increase fear, anxiety and stress in dogs, and we believe there's a better way Positive Reinforcement Training. As a health and wellness company, our mission is focused on improving pet lives and we think selling shock collars does the opposite. It's our responsibility to ensure that we, and others, aren't putting potentially harmful products in the wrong hands." The decision, which was confirmed in consultation with the Petco Pet Wellness Council (PPWC), includes all human- and bark-activated electronic pet collars, commonly referred to as "shock" collars, which have been removed from Petco's in-store and online assortment as of today. Pet parents will be encouraged to try products and services rooted in positive reinforcement training methods backed by experts, including a newly launched online training program, as well a suite of private and in-home training classes, all led by more than 1,200 Petco Certified Dog Trainers. "Shock collars are misguided, antiquated, harmful equipment," said Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, MS, PhD, a member of the PPWC and senior research fellow, adjunct associate professor and head of the Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College. "It's great to see Petco taking the lead in removing this merchandise from their stores, in support of their advocacy of positive reinforcement training." The change also reflects concerns pet parents have today on shock collars. According to a recent study*, 70% of dog parents feel shock collars have a negative impact on their pet's emotional or mental well-being, while 69% consider shock collars a cruel training method. In fact, 59% of dog parents say they would rather shock themselves than use a shock collar on their dog. In line with Petco's push to affect change on this issue, the same study also found that seven in 10 (71%) dog parents feel there should be limitations on the retail sale of shock collars to prevent human error or abuse, while more than half (51%) say they should only really be used by professionally trained dog trainers. To underscore its commitment to positive reinforcement training methods, Petco is offering a free introductory online training class to pet parents interested in exploring positive reinforcement training. "Science shows animals will learn a new behavior faster and more successfully if they are allowed to voluntarily participate in the learning process and are rewarded for preferred behaviors," said Dr. Whitney Miller, Head of Veterinary Medicine for Petco. "Punishment is not only less successful in changing unwanted behaviors, shock collars have been known to actually reinforce negative behaviors and create anxiety within pets." In connection with this announcement, the company launched a new look that boldly declares "Petco, The Health + Wellness Co." and reflects Petco's more than 55-year journey to becoming a health and wellness company. A major marketing campaign highlighting the company evolution is slated for early 2021. Since its founding as a pet specialty retailer in 1965, Petco has led the industry in doing what is right for pets and as a champion for pet health and well-being. In 2014, Petco became the first national specialty retailer to discontinue the sale of China-made treats following consumer concerns about the safety of such products and other retailers quickly followed. In May of 2019, the company became the first and only national retailer of pet food to stop selling dog and cat food and treats with artificial ingredients, raising the bar for the entire pet retail industry. As an essential retailer during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Petco has served as the grocery store, the doctor's office and the pharmacy for America's pets, delivering on its promise as a partner to pet parents within a dramatically changed landscape. In addition to today's decision to end the sale of shock collars, Petco will continue to expand services and resources aimed at helping pet parents care for the complete health and wellness of the pets they love, including: Providing accessible, affordable and convenient veterinary care via its rapidly growing network of more than 100 full-service in-store vet hospitals which the company expects to grow to more than 140 by January 2021 . . New and expanded healthcare solutions to minimize costs and encourage comprehensive nose to tail pet wellness for all, including Vital Care a paid annual plan helping pet parents proactively cover routine pet wellness needs while earning rewards and growing pet insurance offerings to ensure pets are covered for the unexpected. a paid annual plan helping pet parents proactively cover routine pet wellness needs while earning rewards and growing pet insurance offerings to ensure pets are covered for the unexpected. A complete redesign of petco.com and the Petco app to support digital-first health and wellness resources and solutions for pets and pet parents, including online appointment booking, curbside pickup, same day delivery and more. A digital "Right Food Finder" to help pet parents determine optimal foods for their pets' nutritional needs. Completing the removal of artificial colors, preservatives and flavors from food for aquatic life and small animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles and more, by the end of 2021 a commitment the company made when it implemented the same industry-leading nutrition standards for dogs and cats in 2019. (Exceptions include some bird and ferret foods, which will take longer to find suitable alternatives.) Continued review of Petco's business, products, solutions and services to ensure alignment with its mission to improve lives for pets, pet parents and Petco partners. For more information about Petco's decision to remove shock collars from shelves, visit petco.com/stoptheshock. To download high-resolution images and video content, click here. About Petco, The Health + Wellness Co. Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and our own Petco partners. Since our founding in 1965, we've been trailblazing new standards in pet care, delivering comprehensive wellness solutions through our products and services, and creating communities that deepen the pet-pet parent bond. We operate more than 1,500 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including a growing network of more than 100 in-store veterinary hospitals, and offer a complete online resource for pet health and wellness at petco.com and on the Petco app. In tandem with The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, we've helped find homes for more than 6.5 million animals. * From Sept. 15 Sept. 17, 2020 Edelman Intelligence fielded a 5-minute online quantitative survey that included 1000 nationally representative U.S. dog parents, ages 18+. Dog parents are defined as dog owners who either possess or share primary responsibility for buying products and services for their pets. The margin of error for this study is 2.8 at the 95% confidence level. Edelman Intelligence is a global, full-service market research firm that provides corporate, non-profit and government clients with strategic intelligence to make their communications and engagements with stakeholders the smartest they can be. Contact: Ventura Olvera [email protected] (858) 453-7845 ext. 222820 SOURCE Petco Related Links http://www.petco.com Canadian fund Brookfield Renewable Partners is in talks to invest up to $700 million in the renewable power investment trust (InvIT) of Tata Power Company Ltd (TPCL), India's oldest power producer, said two people close to the development. The company has started the process of separating books of renewable energy business to complete stake sale by end of this financial year. "The deal negotiations are at the initial stage and there are about 3-4 foreign funds who have evinced interest in partnering in InvIT. Brookfield is likely to invest up to $600 million, besides one or two other partners," said a Mumbai-based investment banker. Brookfield declined to comment, while TPCL didn't respond to the query. Earlier media reported that Malaysia's state-run oil and gas company, Petronas is looking to acquire around 10 per cent stake in Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL). The power major has also shortlisted Mubadala, KKR and Canadian pension fund CDPQ for negotiation. The company plans to sell 49 per cent stake in the InvIT to investors and retain the rest. It looks to transfer about Rs 11,000 crore of debt, which is part of the renewable portfolio, along with the assets to the InvIT. Morgan Stanley Research values the 2,630 megawatts (MW) renewables portfolio of TPCL between Rs 18,500 crore and Rs 20,400 crore. Tata Power targets to drastically cut its gross debt, launching infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) in the second half of this financial year. According to the estimates of experts, the company wants to reduce the debt by at least Rs 18,000-20,000 crore on its books through the process. N Chandrasekaran, chairman, Tata group told the shareholders at the recent annual general meeting that the company would reduce its gross debt to Rs 25,000 crore from Rs 48,000 crore. He wants to achieve it through the sale of non-core assets, equity infusion from Tata Sons and formation InvIT and stake sale in it. TPCL plans to increase the share of renewables in EBITDA to 50-60 per cent by FY25 from 30 per cent. Chandrasekaran said, "The company aims to be one of the leading players in renewables. The company will scale both its manufacturing of solar cells and modules as well as the solar EPC business. The company intends to add additional capacity of 10 gigawatts in the next five years." TPCL has sold its stakes in Cennergi and shipping business for Rs 2,300 crore. The company targets another Rs 2,100 crore from sales of other non-core assets by March 2021. Moreover, the promoters Tata Sons has approved to infuse equity of Rs 2,600 crore in the company. Chandrasekaran said TPCL will end FY21 with a debt of around Rs 25,000 crore, bringing down the debt to equity ratio to 1 from 1.99 in March. "This will also move the Net Debt to EBITDA ratio closer to 3, strengthening the balance sheet and lowering financing costs," he added. The consolidated revenue of TPCL decreased by 3.5 per cent to Rs 28,948 crore in 2019-20. The profit before exceptional items stood at Rs 1,231 crore as against Rs 1,274 crore in the previous year. The major liability on the books is its ultra mega power plant in Mundra. The 4,000 MW plant, which was built at a cost of Rs 16,000 crore, is making losses for years because of low electricity price realisation. Also read: Tata Sons looks to buy Mistrys' stake; not keen on new stakeholder Also read: Mukesh Ambani's Reliance plans to raise Rs 40,000 crore via InvIT route US Supreme Court justices denounce 2015 same sex marriage decision with statement on Monday (AFP via Getty Images) An unexpected statement by two Supreme Court justices dennouncing same sex marriage has caused alarm over the courts direction even before Donald Trumps appointment, Amy Coney Barrett, arrives on the bench. Associate justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito argued on Monday that a landmark decision in 2015 enabling same sex couples to marry created bigots of religious adherents. Their remarks came as the court declined to hear a a case brought by a former Kentucky county clerk, Kim Davis, who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and was sued. Agreeing with the courts decision not to hear Daviss appeal on the matter, Mr Thomas and Mr Alito called her request a stark reminder of the consequences of the courts decision in Obergefell v Hodges, which paved the way for same sex marriage in the United States. By choosing to privilege a novel constitutional right over the religious liberty interests explicitly protected in the First Amendment, and by doing so undemocratically, the Court has created a problem that only it can fix, wrote Mr Thomas. Until then, Obergefell will continue to have ruinous consequences for religious liberty, he continued, whilst claiming that Davis may have been one of the first victims of this courts cavalier treatment of religion in its Obergefell decision and warned: She will not be the last. The voluntary four-page statement prompted dismay amongst LGBTQ campaigners, legal experts and lawmakers on Monday, with Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, telling the Washington Blade that the Court believed LGBTQ rights to be ruinous. [It] proves yet again that a segment of the Court views LGBTQ rights as ruinous and remains dead set against protecting and preserving the rights of LGBTQ peoples, he argued. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, argued that Republicans were trying to remove LGBTQ rights and marriage equality. Referring to Republican attempts to fast-track the confirmation of president Trumps Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, Mr Schumer wrote on Facebook that voters should "Make no mistake Story continues This is what's at stake with Republicans trying to force through this illegitimate process. People's rights. Ending marriage equality. Stripping away LGBTQ+ rights. We are fighting to stop it." Read more Alumni at Amy Coney Barretts undergrad school sign letter of concern over Supreme Court nomination 'My bad': White House press secretary corrected in real time as she claims Amy Coney Barrett is Rhodes scholar Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett tests negative for Covid-19 Amy Coney Barrett spoke at training programme that inspires distinctly Christian worldview in every area of law CLEARWATER, Fla., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Depression is a debilitating disease currently affecting up to 6.7% of adults in the US. The current therapies can take weeks to months to take effect, creating a significant lag time in treatment. Doctors have long been searching for a better, faster alternative. For decades, Ketamine has been used as a safe and effective anesthetic for surgery, but now clinical evidence has supported the drug as a treatment for severe depression, PTSD and suicidal ideation. Intravenous ketamine is now considered by many to be one of the most important breakthroughs in mental health in recent years. Many prominent psychiatrists describe Ketamine as fast and effective with results in a matter of days or hours which is a huge advantage over traditional SSRIs. Dr. Ashraf Hanna, a board certified anesthesiologist and director of pain management at the Florida Spine Institute in Clearwater, Florida discusses PTSD and Treatment-Resistant Depression: "There are many forms of depression that can be treated by a psychiatrist with various modalities, anti-depressants and psychotherapy. IV Ketamine therapy is only reserved for those patients that have treatment-resistant depression and have failed conventional therapy. IV Ketamine infusion therapy has offered a new hope to patients that had no hope." One of Doctor Hanna's patients battled severe depression for over 20 years. During this time, she was admitted to a psychiatric clinic for attempted suicide. Her psychiatrist referred her to Dr. Hanna's IVKetamine.com clinic for IV Ketamine treatment. Dr. Hanna's new protocol included a five day treatment with Ketamine infused over 4 hours per day. The patient's Hamilton depression index score went from a 36 (out of 50, with a score greater than 23 considered severe) to a '0' within 1 month and this effect was maintained for more than 5 months. The results with this new protocol were so dramatic that Dr. Hanna published his findings in an international medical journal to share this information to a worldwide audience. When asked what prompted his use of IV Ketamine for PTSD and Depression and if any universities were involved in its development, Dr. Hanna went on to say: "There have been multiple universities involved in the research such as Harvard, Yale and Stanford that have proven the success rate of IV Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression. I was already successfully using IV Ketamine for CRPS/RSD, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuropathy, and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, with over 10,000 infusions to date, making us the most prolific Ketamine clinic in the world. I then wanted to expand the treatment for PTSD, depression, bipolar depression and obsessive compulsive disorders. Since I am not a psychiatrist, I do not treat depression, but I work with qualified psychiatrists, and if he or she feels the patient has failed other treatment modalities, I then administer IV Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression." Dr. Hanna recently teamed up with The Tampa Bay Foundation for Mental Health in a conference to support crisis services and to advance suicide prevention at the Armature Works in Tampa, Florida. "We owe it to our great veterans and severely depressed patients to help them cope with this terrible disease, and give them hope in their critical time of need," Dr. Hanna stated. "I would also like to announce that we accept most insurance for our Ketamine infusions, which will help many more people to have access to this treatment," stated Dr. Hanna. For over 25 years, Dr. Ashraf Hanna and the Florida Spine Institute have been the leader in pain management and most trusted medical facility in the Tampa Bay area, providing the latest advancements in chronic pain treatment, spine surgery, and the treatment of spine and joint pain. For more information regarding IV Ketamine Infusion therapy for Depression and PTSD, please visit: https://www.ivketamine.com or call 727-538-2646 SOURCE ivketamine.com Related Links https://www.ivketamine.com We are following the events in Brussels, the European Union High Representative has made his comments, and we are also in direct contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. This is what Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin told reporters in parliament today. We have clearly stated that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructures is not tolerable in any case, she said. When told that neither Azerbaijan nor Turkey is responding to such calls and continue the bombardments, including the bombardments against the civilian population, the EU Ambassador fell short of giving an answer and said the following: You need to ask them, not me. As far as the possibility of the EU imposing sanctions against Turkey is concerned, Wiktorin said she couldnt speak on behalf of everyone since this is a decision that all 27 EU member states must take. Donald Trump has left hospital after being treated for coronavirus. He is now back at the White House after being flown there by helicopter. Shortly before leaving the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland he tweeted: Will be back on the Campaign Trail soon!!! The Fake News only shows the Fake Polls. Mr Trumps doctors had said he was doing well enough to go home but may not entirely be out of the woods yet. The president has not had a fever in more than 72 hours and his oxygen levels are normal, they added. Hes back Dr Sean Conley, Mr Trumps personal doctor, said of the presidents progress, adding that he had been a phenomenal patient. The presidents medical team confirmed he had twice received extra oxygen but no longer has any respiratory problems. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Observations of cells moving through small channels shed new light on cell migration in 3D environments, researchers report October 6 in Biophysical Journal. The findings also reveal how cancer cells may penetrate tissues and spread throughout the body. "Our results describe how cells can migrate and deform through confined spaces, providing potentially new ways to envision cell motility in small blood capillaries in vivo," says senior study author Daniel Riveline of the University of Strasbourg in France. Cell migration plays a key role in a variety of biological phenomena, ranging from early development to disease processes. But cell motility has mainly been studied on flat surfaces rather than in 3D environments similar to blood vessels and other structures commonly found in the body. To address this gap, Riveline and his collaborators studied cell motion in microfabricated channels that had either open or closed configurations (i.e., confined by three or four walls, respectively). In addition, some channels were straight, whereas others had various bottlenecks to mimic cell blockage in small veins. As expected, fibroblasts moved freely in straight channels. But in the presence of bottlenecks, the nucleus sometimes prevented cell passage, causing pauses in cell motion. Other times, the cells anchored and pulled locally to deform the nucleus and allow cell passage. Additional results suggested that cells would not be able to change their direction of motion when entering a sufficiently small capillary, and that chemical gradients can induce directional motion. The researchers also studied the movements of oral squamous epithelial cells, including some with mutant keratin protein implicated in squamous cancers. In normal cells, keratin accumulated at the rear of the nucleus during passage through bottlenecks, potentially to facilitate deformation of the organelle. By contrast, the mutant cells could not pass through bottlenecks, indicating that defects in keratin impair motion in confined spaces, possibly by preventing the nucleus from deforming. The findings also suggest that squamous cancer cells could be blocked within small capillaries, potentially allowing them to penetrate tissues. "Because initial arrest in the capillary is critical for tumor cells to metastasize to secondary sites in distant organs, blockage by mutant keratin may provide advantages for tumor seeding, survival, and proliferation," Riveline says. "Future studies could take this channel strategy to identify signaling networks that are modified in the context of cancer." ### This study was supported by a French state fund through the Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Region Grand Est, Alsace contre le cancer, the University of Strasbourg, the CNRS, and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)/Taiwan. Biophysical Journal, Le Maout and Lo Vecchio et al.: "Ratchetaxis in Channels: Entry Point and Local Asymmetry Set Cell Directions in Confinement" https://www.cell.com/biophysj/fulltext/S0006-3495(20)30678-0 The Biophysical Journal (@BiophysJ), published by Cell Press for the Biophysical Society, is a bimonthly journal that publishes original research and reviews on the most important developments in modern biophysics--a broad and rapidly advancing field encompassing the study of biological structures and focusing on mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels through the concepts and methods of physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and computational science. Visit: http://www.cell.com/biophysj/home. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com. Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has again blamed President Vladimir Putin for the poisoning incident in August that nearly took his life and confirmed his plans to return to Russia after he fully recovers in Germany. It was the first video interview given by Navalny since he fell ill after ingesting what international experts say was a chemical agent from the Novichok group while he was in Siberia, Navalny told Russian journalist Yury Dud on Dud's popular YouTube channel on October 5 that he believes he was poisoned on Putin's order and that most likely Russia's Federal Security Service or the Foreign Intelligence Service were involved. "They understood that there were big, big problems threatening them ahead of elections for the State Duma," Navalny, who was accompanied by his wife Yulia, said during the interview. Russia will hold national parliamentary elections next year. Navalny collapsed aboard a flight from Siberia, where he had been working on his latest corruption investigation, to Moscow on August 20 and spent nearly three weeks in an induced coma. After 48 hours in a hospital in Omsk, where Russian doctors said they found no trace of any poisoning, Navalny was transferred to the Charite hospital in Berlin. Doctors there found traces of a Novichok-like nerve agent in his body. Their findings were independently confirmed by labs in France and Sweden, sparking international condemnation. The Kremlin has firmly denied allegations of involvement and accused Western leaders of launching a disinformation campaign over Navalny's illness. Navalny, 44, told Dud that his health continues to improve since being released from a Berlin hospital on September 22. Navalny said that it is unclear at the moment how exactly he was poisoned, but stressed that its clear that he was poisoned in a hotel in the Siberian city of Tomsk, adding that it is most likely that he touched an item on which the poison was placed, but it is still not clear which item it was. According to Navalny, many factors, including the act that Novichok can be available only to secret services, indicate that Putin was involved in his poisoning. Navalny also emphasized that no probe has been launched in Russia into his poisoning. Navalny's initial claim in an interview with the German media outlet Der Speigel that Putin had ordered his poisoning has been vehemently rejected by Russian authorities. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirmed on October 5 that Russia had requested the global watchdog dispatch experts to the country amid the accusations that the Kremlin was behind Navalny's poisoning. Yulia Navalnaya said in the October 6 interview that she decided to take her husband out of Russia for treatment because of what she called "administrative pressure" imposed by the Russian authorities on her and her family and because, according to her, it would be impossible to find the real cause of Navalny's illness if he remained in Russia. Navalny said that if he stayed in a Russian clinic he would not have survived the poisoning or would have never fully recovered. Navalny added that he is confident that Russian authorities were reluctant to allow his transfer to a German clinic because they expected him to die or waited hoping that the poison would fully disappear from his body. He rejected one of the Kremlin's statements saying that he might have been poisoned by homemade vodka, known as samogon. Hindi cinemas actor Ayushmann Khurrana has shared a glimpse of his preparation for upcoming movie on Instagram. In his recent post on the social media platform, Khurrana can be seen lifting weights at a gym. Captioning the image, Khurrana said, Its going to be a different me in this different film. Movie prep going strong. He also tagged director Abhishek Kapoor who will be directing his next movie. For the untitled movie, Khurrana is going through a physical transformation to fit his role. In an interview to Bombay Times, the actor had said how Abhishek has a distinct voice in cinema, and that he is glad that he finally got the opportunity to work together on a project that is close to his heart. The movie also stars Vaani Kapoor and is a love story. The Befikre actress in a statement to Deadline said, Its a lovely, heartrending film. I have always wanted to work with Abhishek Kapoor, being so inspired by his films. This feels like an amazing opportunity to be part of his vision. She also called Ayushmann one of the most talented actors of the generation. Director Abhishek Kapoor is known for directing some well-known movies like Kedarnath, Kai Po Che, Rock On and Fitoor. Meanwhile, Khurrana has carved a niche for himself in the Hindi film industry for portraying characters which resonate with the audience. His recent movie Gulabo Sitabo, which was released on Amazon Prime due to the coronavirus lockdown, was enjoyed by the critics and audience alike. This year, Khurrana also made it to the Time magazines 100 Most Influential People in the World list. His achievements as an actor breaking the stereotypes associated with masculinity especially in the Indian society were hailed by actress Deepika Padukone who wrote a note for the magazine. A mural on the exterior of Self Help Graphics & Art in Boyle Heights. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) The opening of the Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA art exhibitions in fall 2017 was a night to remember, said John Echeveste, chief executive of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, a downtown L.A. cultural center and museum. Thousands of people mingled under the stars on the Getty Center's vast travertine courtyard, filling the dance floor and noshing on hors d'oeuvres from Puerto Rico, Brazil, El Salvador, Argentina and Colombia while celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of Latinx and Latin American arts. "Just to see that kind of recognition and celebration of our Latinx arts community the artists, the history it was really awe-inspiring," Echeveste said. It was like: 'They finally recognized what were all about.' But when the spotlight faded, the question was: 'Where do we go from here?' said Betty Avila, executive director of Self Help Graphics & Art, a PST participant. The answer came last month with the formation of the Latinx Arts Alliance, five L.A.-area cultural organizations including LA Plaza and Self Help Graphics who have joined forces to advocate for underrepresented Latinx artists and institutions. The other founding organizations are the Museum of Latin American Art, the Vincent Price Art Museum and the Social and Public Art Resource Center, better known as SPARC. The timing of the alliance's debut during a national reckoning over racial inequality that has sparked an examination of longstanding biases and imbalances in the arts world is not by accident, said Avila, who serves as the group's president. Were in the midst of this incredible racial justice movement coming out now, it will be the reason things get done, that they change, Avila said. Latinx Arts Alliance launched with $35,000 in seed money from Bank of America, some of which went to the creation of a website that will cross-promote exhibitions and keep readers up to date on Latinx events across the city. Story continues What was important for me was the possibility for power building, Avila said. Latinx cultural organizations and POC cultural organizations are not the mainstream, not well-funded and systemically undercapitalized; but when we come together, were amplifying our voice. A Day of the Dead altar, "Altar for Carlos Zaragoza," at Self Help Graphics' community arts workshop last year. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times) Addressing inequities facing the Latinx creative community across the culture sphere particularly pertaining to funding is a chief concern of the alliance, Avila said. Philanthropy for Latinx arts organizations across the U.S. has been on the steady decline, with about $14.9 million in grants given to such organizations in 2017, down from $40 million in 2013, according to the most recent data from Hispanics in Philanthropy, an Oakland-based nonprofit. By contrast, overall foundation assets and foundation giving in the U.S., according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, was rising during that period. Despite constituting an estimated 18.5% of the population in the U.S. as of 2019, Latinx communities received only 1% of the countrys total foundation funding between 2013 and 2017, according to LatinxFunders.org, a data project run by HIP and Candid, a data collection and research nonprofit in New York. Often your grant is based off of your current budget size, not your impact, Avila said. It keeps small organizations small. The 47-year-old Self Help Graphics & Art, a community arts center in Boyle Heights that grew out of the 1970s Chicano movement, has a $1-million annual operating budget, but its funding, which comes primarily from grants, donors and earned income, doesnt reflect its impact in the community, Avila said. It didnt matter that, only five years ago, we had a staff of three people and a $350,000 annual operational budget; we were serving an audience of 25,000 to 30,000 people coming to exhibitions and participating in events and workshops. Were bigger now, with an administrative staff of six, but were still catching up to our output. This 1970s mural, by Sergio O'Cadiz Moctezuma, was part of the 2017 "Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA" exhibition, "Murales Rebeldes! L.A. Chicana/o Murals Under Siege," cocurated by LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes and the California Historical Society. (LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes) Securing funding for historical exhibitions is particularly challenging, said Echeveste, who describes the 9-year-old LA Plaza as a museum of SoCal area Latinx history, art and culture. Historical exhibitions, theyre not as sexy, but its part of our mission, and were committed to doing that, Echeveste said. But its hard we have been chronically underfunded for a long time. LA Plaza receives about $1.7 million in county funds toward its $3.5-million annual operating budget. While it has received financial support from local philanthropic organizations, including the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts, the Annenberg Foundation and the Keck Foundation, its not had success capturing the attention of deep-pocketed arts funding foundations that are farther afield. We still have a long way to go to open the doors with some of those larger, national foundations based on the East Coast, Echeveste said. The Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, the Warhol Foundation they have little awareness of us and may have a mistaken perception of who we are and the role that we play. So by telling our story together, we can make a greater impact with those organizations." A view of the galleries at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Key issues for the Museum of Latin American Art, said President and Chief Executive Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas, are equity and visibility. The 24-year-old Long Beach museum is seeing increased media attention and donations this month, she said, because it is Hispanic Heritage Month; but that should be the norm, not a siloed response to an annual event, she said. The door is open in many different ways because theres a celebration attached to it, Ramos-Rivas said. But instead of stereotyping or working within a specific time frame, were looking for support on a more permanent basis. We have to really work on this transition, where its not an exception to be a sponsor or give support to a Latinx art organization. Even the citywide excitement over 2017s PST for which the museum staged Relational Undercurrents: Contemporary Art of the Caribbean Archipelago was fleeting, Ramos-Rivas said. At that moment we were relevant, she said. It emphasized Latinx and Latin American culture for a specific period of time in museums. But thats not gonna happen with the next PST [in 2024]. They did not take our proposals this time. Is the Latinx art experience represented across the board or just waiting for that special moment? The Getty said it's still early in the planning process for PST and there will be additional opportunities, over the next four years, for organizations to participate; it said it hopes to work with MOLAA in the upcoming Pacific Standard Time: Art x Science x L.A. "The Great Wall of Los Angeles," the mural by SPARC co-founder Judith F. Baca, in the Studio City/Valley Glen neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Public art is a unique challenge said Carlos Rogel, executive director of the 44-year-old Venice-based SPARC, which produces, preserves and presents public art and activist art around L.A. County as well as stages exhibitions. Its regularly conflated with community service programs or childrens painting programs and not fine art commissions, Rogel said. That identity struggle is compounded when granting gatekeepers have preconceived notions of the often low-income neighborhoods that SPARC serves, Rogel said, citing South L.A. and Pacoima as examples. When we face resistance from public and private funding sources to investing in new commissions or advocating for maintenance and conservation of these works, some of what comes up is, Oh, it will just get damaged or destroyed a few months later, as if its not going to be taken care of by these communities. Its almost like the idea of placing fine art in low-income neighborhoods and communities is an incongruous idea. A goal with the alliance, Rogel said, is to have conversations with policy makers about funding for community-based arts organizations and "for the audience that follows us at the alliance to better understand these challenges we face, individually and collectively. "Digital self-portrait," 3D rendering, 2019, by Gabriela Ruiz. From the artist's solo exhibition, "Gabriela Ruiz: Full of Tears," at the Vincent Price Art Museum at East L.A. College. (Gabriela Ruiz) The scale and diversity of L.A.s cultural scene can seem daunting to a small museum located on a college campus, even one doing ambitious, culturally-relevant programming. The Vincent Price Art Museum, which is part of East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park, is hoping the alliance will boost awareness of its very existence, said Vincent Price Art Museum Foundation board member Norma Fabian Newton. L.A. is very big and has so many amazing dynamic cultural institutions, but sometimes it can be a little easy to get lost, Fabian Newton said. Our main hope as a member of the alliance is that it will act as a springboard to really help elevate the work. Vincent Price receives funding from the college and has held exhibitions in partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and its foundation has made joint acquisitions with LACMA. But being situated on a college campus also comes with unique challenges, Fabian Newton said. The campus and museum will be closed because of COVID-19 at least through the spring 2021 term. So while other organizations may open their doors and use other mechanisms, like timed visits, to continue to be in dialogue with their communities and to continue to showcase the work, we wont be able to do that, Fabian Newton said. How do we continue to bring awareness to the type of work were doing, which is also work around inclusion and equity in the art world? The communications and press that the alliance can help bring is critical. The Latinx Arts Alliance is brainstorming ideas for collaborative exhibitions and programming. Its receiving new member requests and will start developing the membership program next year. As soon as we launched, folks were like, Sign me up. The enthusiasm was exciting, Avila said. But in some ways, its good to start small and scale up so that it is sustainable. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Nirbhaya: None of the four convicts slept at night Squirmed for a bit before going still: The final moments of Nirbhayas killers Nirbhaya convicts lawyer AP Singh to defend Hathras gang-rape, muder case accused India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Hathras, Oct 06: In what comes as a recent development, AP Singh, the lawyer who fought in defence of all convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape case, is likely to defend the four men accused in the Hathras gang-rape and murder case. According to reports, Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha, an upper-caste body, allegedly reached out to Singh to fight the accused in the ongoing gang-rape of the 19-year-old girl, who died during medical treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital. Hathras gangrape case: 4 men with PFI links arrested in Mathura for plotting to create unrest In a recent press release, AP Singh has mentioned that the body had collected a lot of money to hire him as they thought the SC/ST objective was being 'misused' to slander the upper caste community. The decision was taken by former Union Minister Raja Manvendra Singh, who is the national president of Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News Notably, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that a conspiracy was being hatched in the state by politicising the incident in order to organise an ethnic riot. The State Police had also filed a lawsuit under IPC sections in Lucknow. Amid a nationwide outrage over the growing number of caste-led rape cases, the Hathras case has started receiving support from upper-caste groups who are demanding an 'unbiased' probe. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 10:19 [IST] - President Buhari's aide on social media, Lauretta Onochie has faulted the recent outcry against SARS - The media aide to the president noted that the call to scrap SARS is a coordinated attack by cybercriminals - The renewed call for the end of SARS is coming after some operatives were accused of shooting a young man in Delta state PAY ATTENTION: Win a prize of N115,000, N75000 or N38000: participate in Big Naija Independence contest by Legit.ng Lauretta Onochie, the personal assistant on social media to President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the call for the end of Nigeria Police Forces Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) following the outcry for their alleged brutality and harassment against Nigerians. In a tweet she posted on Sunday, October 4, Onochie said the way some staff of SARS are unprofessional in their dealings is identical to the unprofessionalism amongst the army, police, civil service, public service, traders, lawyers, doctors, journalists, teachers, and pastors, etc. According to the presidential aide, the recent outcry is a coordinated attack by cybercriminals who have been joined by unsuspecting innocent citizens. Onochie said that though this is not the time for Nigerians to call for SARS to be scrapped, we must stand by our national institutions while working to improve their effectiveness. Lauretta Onochie, personal assistant on social media to President Buhari. Photo credit: Hallmarknews Source: UGC PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerians once again descended massively on SARS after some operatives were accused of shooting dead a young man in front of a hotel in the Ughelli area of Delta state. On the evening of Saturday, October 3, a video surfaced online showing some young men chasing a police van and white Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle. According to the men in the video, the officers shot an unnamed young man and escaped with his SUV. This news renewed the attacks on SARS which has been accused of extrajudicial killings of Nigerian youth severally. Nigerians are calling for an end to SARS with various hashtags on Twitter, such as #sarsbrutality and #EndSARS. SARS officers pressed my yansh while arresting me - Pregnant woman laments | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng Mistakes of 2021 being repeated; unnecessary medication, tests should be avoided: Doctors tells Centre Will schools in Maharashtra reopen next week amid rising Omicron cases? Proposal sent to CM Schools in Mumbai to reopen with rest of Maharashtra on Monday Cyber fraudster held in Mumbai India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Mumbai, Oct 06: A 31-year-old man has been arrested from Delhi for allegedly duping people online, a Mumbai police official said. The accused Himanshu Luthra had allegedly cheated a resident of Dadar in central Mumbai by posing as a representative of a bank, he said. Spurt in cyber attacks from China, over 40,000 cases in 5 days: Maha cyber dept Luthra allegedly contacted the victim under the pretext of helping him encash "bonus points" earned on his ATM card and fraudulently withdrew Rs 71,000 from his bank account, the official said quoting the complaint. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News Police suspect Luthra is part of a racket involved in committing such crimes and his role is limited to opening accounts with various banks where the crime money can be parked and transferred to other accounts. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 8:48 [IST] A massive wave of federal testing supplies may provide Oregon its best chance to drive down coronavirus spread low enough to eventually reopen schools to on-site learning, according to the states top health administrator. The federal government has pledged to give Oregon 60,000 to 80,000 tests each week through the end of the year, presenting state officials with a limited window to identify more infections that sow new cases. State officials say theres no way those testing supplies would enable serial testing at schools and a full-scale, immediate reopening. But they hope expanding testing and eligibility will allow them to identify and quarantine more spreaders of the virus, eventually curbing new cases to meet school reopening metrics set by Gov. Kate Brown. We really think focusing these tests on driving down the prevalence rate will get us to where we can open schools for the long haul, and do it safely, said Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority. But that optimism will be challenged on several fronts. Public health officials across the country worry spread could increase during the fall, as happened during the 1918 flu pandemic. Oregon lacks new screening sites to more easily access tests. And the tests have a shelf-life of only about five months, leaving the state unable to stockpile supplies. It is going to be a big challenge, Allen acknowledged. As The Oregonian/OregonLive first reported last week, state officials learned only recently theyd receive an influx of tests as part of a commitment from the Trump administration to provide 100 million tests across the country. Oregons governor called the new supply of tests from the federal government huge during a news conference Tuesday. But she also tried to set expectations. We absolutely cannot test our way out of this pandemic, Brown said. State officials say their first step will be expanding testing criteria. The state this week will begin recommending testing for anyone exposed through close contact to a confirmed or suspected coronavirus infection, even if the person lacks symptoms. That change will ensure Oregons testing guidance matches the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which established more aggressive testing recommendations. Its unclear how many more Oregonians will be tested as a direct result of the expanded criteria. But state officials said each person who is infected has, on average, 10 close contacts who would now be eligible for testing. I think it remains to be seen how many people will agree to be tested, said Dr. Melissa Sutton, the states medical director for respiratory viral pathogens. Oregon has relatively few coronavirus cases and deaths compared to other states. Oregon also has one of the nations lowest per capita testing rates, with only about 30,000 tests completed each week. Allen said hed like to see the state use at least half of the federal governments allotment on top of the states existing benchmark, meaning at least 60,000 Oregonians should be tested weekly during the fall. If were not using more than half, Im going to be asking the question of, What do we need to do to get more of the testing deployed, or, in fact, are we deploying all of it that we can? Allen said. But that will be my threshold for wondering, Whats up? Kristen Donheffner, the agencys testing strategy manager, said testing 60,000 Oregonians a week is doable. I think that is definitely our expectation, she said, adding that it will take a few weeks to hit the target. State officials would also like to expand the locations where tests will be available but that poses challenges. For now, the state expects to distribute tests to county health departments, tribes, federally qualified health centers, rural hospitals and existing mobile sites. Our goal is not to have these tests collecting dust, Donheffner said. We want them used. The new technology, called the Abbott BinaxNOW, is an antigen test that provides results within 15 minutes. In many ways its similar to the diagnostic tests most people are familiar with samples are collected by a medical professional using a nasal swab. But an antigen test detects proteins on the surface of a virus rather than detecting the underlying genetic material, which is how molecular PCR tests work. Antigen tests, while inexpensive and easy to administer, arent always as accurate. State officials worry that the tests may produce a higher rate of false negatives, giving infected people the wrong impression they dont have the virus. Its really important to note that testing is not infallible, Sutton, the director for respiratory viral pathogens, said. I want all Oregonians to know that false negative test results are not uncommon, she added. That means if you get a negative test result, you cant stop wearing your mask; you cant stand closer to your friends; you cant attend gatherings or a wedding; or visit a vulnerable family member. The new tests come at a key time for Oregon. The average daily case count for the past week is on the upswing, at nearly 300. State modeling suggests the number will increase this month. Allen, the health authority director, said the state is reviewing its school reopening criteria and may make changes in the coming weeks. He said the state is likely to keep requirements that a county must have fewer than 10 cases per 100,000 residents in recent weeks to fully reopen to on-site learning, or 30 cases per 100,000 residents to reopen kindergarten through third grade. But he said officials may nix a statewide requirement that would block full reopenings if the states weekly test positivity rate is above 5%. What were really trying to avoid is this whipsawing back and forth between open and closed, he said of reopening schools. Because as tough as distance learning is, I think that would be even worse on kids and families and schools. -- Brad Schmidt; bschmidt@oregonian.com; 503-294-7628; @_brad_schmidt Dissenting Goods and Services Tax Council members cannot stop 21 states from borrowing against their respective future compensation cess proceeds, and their borrowing plan will kick-off even if there is no unanimity at the councils meeting on October 12, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said. According to the Attorney General of Indias legal opinion on this matter, a state can borrow even on the strength of future receipts from the compensation fund. As the GST Council on Monday extended the levy of compensation cess beyond June 2022 for such period as may be required to meet the revenue gap, individual states can now monetise it with the help of the Reserve Bank of India and the department of expenditure (DoE), even without the Councils approval, they said, requesting anonymity. The GST Council meeting on Monday deferred a decision on compensating states for the shortfall in their share of the indirect tax revenue by a week after states governed by opposition parties insisted that the Centre must borrow the entire Rs 2.35 lakh crore deficit and reimburse them. Also Read: States should stand firm, reject Centres options on GST compensation cess: Chidambaram The Centre had placed two options before the statesborrow Rs 97,000 crore (the amount was raised to Rs 1.10 lakh crore on Monday) to bridge the shortfall in revenue from GST, equal to the shortfall resulting from issues related to its implementation, without repaying either principal or interest, or alternatively, borrow the entire Rs 2.35 lakh crore (the remaining deficit caused by the Covid-19 pandemic) and bear significant interest costs. While 21 state governments opted to borrow Rs 1.10 lakh crore to repay the funds that would come out of the cess, states like Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal, rejected both the options. They instead proposed a third optionthe Centre should borrow the entire shortfall, compensate states in full and retire the debt from the compensation cess fund. It is unlikely that the ten [dissenting] states will agree to the Centres preposition at the GST Councils meeting on October 12 unless the central government comes forward and share the burden, said the finance minister of a state ruled by a non-BJP party who did not wish to be named. West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra said the Centres arguments that borrowing would have adverse macro-economic consequences is untenable. Why, borrowing by cash-strapped states would not have macro-economic consequences? he said. The Centre must understand that rating agencies consider the aggregate borrowing [by both the Centre and states] to downgrade... its arguments are erroneous, he said, adding that states are facing acute financial crunch and the Centre should help them to come out of this difficult situation. Also Read: Maharashtra government unwillingly accepts option of borrowing Rs 97,000 crore to make up for GST losses In fact, the third option is more practical as the Centre is better position to borrow, he said. Centre has an institutional mechanism with RBI, we dont have; it gets loans about 2% cheaper than the market rate and RBI will be saved from dealing with 31 entities [states] rather than one [the Centre], he added. The state finance minister quoted above said the 10 states opposing the Centres move to thrust huge loan burden on them would be constrained to seek division of vote on October 12 if the Central government insists on its two options. One of the persons mentioned above said, The GST Council has jurisdiction to extend the levy of cess to compensate for the shortfall in the compensation. It has done that. Now the ball rests in the court of individual states, not with the GST Council. When something which is not under the jurisdiction of the GST council, how can any voting or division be permitted on the subject. Voting can occur in GST council only on those matters which are under the express jurisdiction of the GST council, the person added. Ayush Mehrotra, partner at law firm Khaitan & Co, said, In terms of the Constitutional framework, the Union governments intervention is required for borrowings from Consolidated Fund of India and not from the market. However, to ensure that the union government stands firm on its commitment pertaining to this market linked borrowing option, the states may require this to be blessed by the GST Council and approved by the union government. Abhishek Jain, tax partner at consulting firm EY India, said it is the Constitutional obligation to compensate states for a period of five years and to ensure that the GST Council extended the levy beyond June 2020. For deficits and other unforeseen situations impacting such collections, various avenues would need to be explored for meeting immediate requirements/handling short term requirements, he said. Katherine Cortez marked her 18th birthday Monday alongside hundreds of other Bexar County residents, standing in line on the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election. Shell be among the youngest voters casting a ballot in Bexar County. In Texas, voters must be at least 18 on Election Day. Cortez, a Southside High School senior attending early college education at Palo Alto College, decided after doing a class assignment on last weeks presidential debate to ask her grandfather to take her downtown to register. Standing in a socially distanced line of people at the Bexar County Elections Department, she said she wants to have a voice in politics and government. I feel good. I feel like I have a say, Cortez said. The county is on pace to register 1,175,000 voters a 12 percent increase since the last presidential election by the time all the registration forms arrive in the mail in the week ahead, said Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen. To qualify to vote Nov. 3, the forms had to have been postmarked no later than Monday. On ExpressNews.com: 2020 election a legal and logistical roller coaster Weve seen lots of activity, she said. My only hope my prayer is that the people who are coming to register to vote will come back to vote. About 3,700 people registered Saturday and Sunday, raising the number of voters in the county to 1,170,389 as of Monday morning. The were 1,049,089 registered for the last presidential election in 2016. The department at 1103 S. Frio St. stayed open two extra hours Monday to process registration forms in person in the foyer of the building. Some people also were in line to hand-deliver a mail-in ballot. By noon Monday, the department had processed about 250 mail ballots. Voters were required to sign in and show a photo ID. The ballots were time-stamped and marked hand-delivered. Voters were given an I voted sticker, and that just makes their face light up, Callanen said. The bulk of the 10,000 mail ballots that have been returned, out of the 91,000 that were sent out, have arrived by mail. As soon as theyre getting them, theyre sending them back, Callanen said. We want to tell people to rest assured that the post office is working. From here on out, I think were going to be busy, she added. County staff also are sending mail ballot applications to all registered voters who are 65 or older and havent signed up to vote by mail more than 100,000 people. Callanen is urging voters not to send a second application if theyve already sent one. Mail ballot applications must reach the department by Oct. 23. The parking lot at elections headquarters was humming with traffic at a level few have seen since the department moved there in 2015. Some standing in line were registering after moving here from outside Bexar County. Others were young and have never voted. Ethan Samford, 21, and his sister, Michaela Nelson, 18, signed up to vote for the first time. Both are graduates of East Central High School. Its something thats important for each of us to do, Samford said. You should at least figure out what ideals suit you, and them apply them to your vote. Eventually, the countrys going to change for worse or for better, he said. It just depends on what you think. Thats why we vote. We vote for our leaders, so that they can make the decisions that we want. So that they can change the world for us in a better way for us, in a way that we view as better. Samford didnt mind waiting in the line, which moved quickly. The buildings shadow kept most of the visitors in the shade on a warm October afternoon. His sister, Nelson was less enthusiastic. She said their grandma made her register alongside her brother. On ExpressNews.com: Officials bracing for late surge in early voting I really didnt want to vote at all. I dont like politics, Nelson said. Cortez, who observed the rite of passage on her 18th birthday, didnt need to be cajoled by her grandfather, Severo Campos, 71. She told me, Grandpa, I want to vote. I said, OK, Campos said. He recalled being 18 himself when he registered to vote in 1968, shortly before he was drafted into the military and sent to serve overseas in Europe. Campos said he was heartened to see his granddaughter get involved in the political process, part of a new generation of American voters. Im very proud of her, he said. All my kids are registered to vote. I dont tell them which way to vote. I just say, Follow your conscience. Early voting is set for Oct. 13-30 at 48 sites countywide. Scott Huddleston covers Bexar County government and the Alamo for the San Antonio Express-News. To read more from Scott, become a subscriber. shuddleston@express-news.net | Twitter: @shuddlestonSA - Peter Mbothu, 15, and Christopher Kariuki, 21, were killed during a political confrontation at Kenol town in Murang'a county - The fracas ensued when Deputy President William Ruto visited the area for a church function - Families of the two victims called on police to speed up investigations and bring perpetrators to book - Ruto's allies and those opposed to him have been to trading barbs over real plotters of the violence with each camp distancing itself from any blame PAY ATTENTION: Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.kes Patreon programme - https://www.patreon.com/tuko Disgruntled families of two youthful Kenyans who were killed during a melee that ensued at Kenol town in Murang'a county have appealed for justice. 15-year-old Peter Mbothu was killed during political confrontations witnessed in Murang'a town on Sunday, October 4. Photo: Jeff Kuria. Source: Facebook Peter Mbothu, 15, and Christopher Kariuki, 21, were killed in the fracas that erupted ahead of Deputy President William Ruto's visit to the area for a church function. Mourning Mbothu Mbothu's parents who reside in Kiang'ombe area in Thika said they were still in disbelief after losing their only son to violence organised by political leaders. Lucy Njoki, the deceased's sister, called on police officers to speed up investigations and ensure all perpetrators of the deadly chaos are arrested as soon as possible. "He was my only brother, it is unbelievable that he is no more. I don't have another brother and my parent are old, I can't get another. I really appeal for justice even though I won't see him again." Mbothu's family was taken aback when it received a call from the police on Sunday, October 4, informing them about what had happened to their son. The officers asked the family to swiftly proceed to Thika Level Five Hospital to sign a transfer form to Kenyatta National Hospital. On arrival, they found the lifeless body of their son lying inside police Land Rover. Kariuki's family For the family of Kariuki, the pain of losing their promising son is still tormenting them. Christopher Kariuki was murdered during the Kenol skirmishes. Photo: Jeff Kuria. Source: Facebook The 21-year father of one had left his Kaindutu home in Thika and boarded a bus to Kenol town ostensibly to clean a venue where the DP's meeting was to be held. PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB He was, however, killed in the skirmishes a few minutes before Ruto arrived. The family was informed about his demise by Kenneth Matiba Hospital where police had rushed him to. "We were called by the hospital and told that Christopher (Karuiki) had been severely injured and was in a critical condition. We were asked to go and sign transfer form so he could be taken to Kenyatta National Hospital theatre," said Lydia Wangui, Kariuki's wife. Blame game Leaders allied to the deputy president who accompanied him to church function which was preceded by chaos accused his critics from Mt Kenya region of planning the violence. Kandara MP Alice Wahome who was the host and her Kiharu counterpart Ndindi Nyoro maintained the fracas was staged by ant-Ruto team led by Murang'a woman rep Sabina Chege. The two also refused to honour police summons requiring them to record statements regarding the confrontations. "I am not a mad man, I know what Im saying. If anyone is aggrieved they can take me to court. A group of around 30 men met at Edgewood hotel to plan chaos, I informed the Muranga County Commissioner and his reply was Thanks," said Nyoro during an interview with Citizen TV. Chege, however, dismissed the allegations saying the DP's camp could have stage-managed the scene in order to gain public sympathy. Opposition leader Raila's allies John Mbadi and Junet Mohamed accused Ruto's team of attempting to use violence in his quest to ascend to power in 2022. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. My father-in-law won't let me bury my wife of 16 years or see my two children- Victor Odonda Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke In the latest development, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) expert panel has directed the pharma giant Dr Reddys Laboratories (DRL) to submit a revised protocol for performing phase 2,3 clinical trials of the Russian Covid-19 vaccine (Sputnik V) in India, a government official said. Recently, Dr Reddys lab had submitted an application to the top drug regulator seeking their approval to conduct clinical trials for the Russian Covid-19 vaccine in India. Click here for complete coronavirus coverage The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) had a thorough evaluation of the application submitted by Dr Reddys lab. The SEC has sought revised protocol from Dr Reddys lab along with more information and now Dr Reddys lab has to furnish a fresh protocol to the DCGI, a Government official said. The Indian Drugmaker (Dr Reddys Lab) has joined hands with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine as well as its distribution. As per RDIF, it will supply 100 million doses of its potential Covid-19 vaccine to Indian drug company Dr Reddys Lab. Before giving permission, the drug regulator will conduct a technical evaluation of the application submitted by Dr Reddys lab to conduct phase 2, 3 clinical trials in India of Russian covid19 vaccine, said the official. Also Read: 62.5% hospitalised Covid patients under age of 40, shows govt data Last month, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the RDIF informed that Russia is in close dialogue with the Indian government and drug manufacturers of India regarding the localization of production of its Sputnik V vaccine in India. Also, a prestigious medical journal The Lancet has published the results of clinical trials of Phase I-II of the Russian vaccine demonstrating its safety and efficacy. 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 worlds first registered vaccine against Covid-19. According to Russian researchers, Sputnik V is a human adenoviral vector vaccine that fights against coronavirus disease. 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. Tessy Antony De Nassau, 34, has unveiled new fashion brand Human Highness Former royal has launched label for 'warrior women' after 'years of preparation' Officially showcased collection at Luxembourg Fashion week over past few days Comes after Tessy spent months in lockdown homeschooling her children Former royal Tessy Antony de Nassau has given a nod to her previous princess title as she unveiled her new fashion brand Human Highness for 'warrior women' at Luxembourg Fashion Week. The ex-royal, 34, who lives in London and spent much of lockdown with her two sons Prince Gabriel of Nassau, 14, and Prince Noah of Nassau, 12, launched her label at the Fashion Week on Monday. ADVERTISEMENT She posted photographs as she prepared models and strutted along the catwalk on Instagram, saying the collection had been taken 'years of preparation'. Sharing snaps of her label online, Tessy commented: 'That is a wrap for today...Beautiful show, warrior women, years of preparation. Stay tuned for the shop.' Former royal Tessy Antony de Nassau, 34, who lives in London, has unveiled her new fashion brand Human Highness for 'warrior women' at Luxembourg Fashion Week In snaps taken in rehearsals ahead of the show, the former royal could be seen wearing a mask as directed models into position The mother-of-two went on to share several pictures of her show online, revealing she has been working on the line for years The mother-of-two went on to share several pictures of her show online, revealing she has been working on the line for years In photographs taken ahead of the fashion show, Tessy could be seen fixing model's clothing and directing the group on where to stand. The former royal appeared in high spirits as she corrected collars and buttoned coats up ahead of the show. Click here to resize this module In another post, Tessy wrote: 'A super long and exciting first day at Luxembourg Fashion Week came to an end.' She continued: 'Milli and I are grateful for all the love and support towards our first collection and dream...Human Highness is all about empowerment, more collaboration, more love towards one another, more happiness in a chaotic world. The mother-of-two could be seen fixing model's clothing and directing the group on where to stand Tessy posed for snaps alongside her models as she thanked her Instagram followers for their 'beautiful messages of support' Tessy posed for snaps alongside her models as she thanked her Instagram followers for their 'beautiful messages of support' 'Thank you all for your beautiful messages of support!' Born a commoner, Tessy joined the Luxembourg Army in 2002 at the age of 18, rising to the rank of corporal. Two years later, when she was one of a handful of female UN peacekeepers in Kosovo, she met Prince Louis, who was visiting the army. His family only became aware of their love affair when Tessy fell pregnant and gave birth aged 19, and unmarried, in September 2005, providing Grand Duke Henri with his first grandson. The royal, who said she has been working on the line for years, said the focus of the collection would be 'empowerment' It infuriated the royal family, and Prince Louis renounced any claim to the title of Grand Duke due to the constitutional crisis they had created by having a child out of wedlock. ADVERTISEMENT When Tessy married Prince Louis in September 2006, six months after giving birth in a modest country church wedding, the Grand Duke stripped her of any claim to his title. The couple's fairytale marriage broke down in 2016, and they were granted a decree nisi in February last year. The mother-of-two stepped out onto the runway at the end of her fashion show as the audience applauded her collection Tessy, who in 2017 was named Woman of the Decade by the Women Economic Forum for her work in women's empowerment, now lives in London with Gabriel and Noah, while Louis lives in Paris - though she appears to be in isolation somewhere more rural. The philanthropist is the co-founder of social enterprise Professors Without Borders which aims to improve access to higher education across the globe. She also works as a consultant, public speaker and is a UN Association patron. Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. WASHINGTON: Public Schools in Washington, D.C., will partially reopen their buildings to select students beginning Nov. 9 in a multi-pronged approach as the nations capital struggles to return to normalcy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser had planned to start the 2020 school year offering a hybrid model combining distance learning with two days a week of in-school instruction. But the city was forced to abandon that plan in late summer amid strong safety objections from the teachers union. Bowser said Monday there was a real urgency to get students back to school buildings safely. She has repeatedly cited the schools issue as a fundamental step in the Districts return from a pandemic-fueled shutdown. We shouldnt expect life to go back to normal until kids are back in school, she said in September. The new plan, announced Monday, brings back certain students from pre-K through fifth grade. D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said students in sixth grade and above would continue with full-time distance learning until the next school term, which starts in early 2021. Our youngest students have been the most challenged" by the long-distance computer instruction, Ferebee said. Those students offered the chance to return to school buildings would be classified in two primary groupings. Students in the in-person learning classroom" level would receive traditional classroom instruction from a teacher. This would be offered to students with special-education needs, those learning English, and students experiencing homelessness or otherwise deemed to be at-risk. Ferebee said the program would begin on Nov. 9 and there would be one such class per grade level at every elementary school. The second grouping, dubbed the CARE model, would bring in groups of students who would continue to work virtually via laptop under adult supervision. The students would be able to socialize safely with their peers during breaks, recess and lunch. Priority here would be given to the children of DCPS teachers and staff, and to students whose siblings have already been accepted. But it would otherwise be open to the wider student body and participants will be selected via randomized algorithm. Pre-K though first grade for CARE students would begin on Nov. 16. Second through fifth grades would start on Nov. 30. Ferebee said the school administration would select students for both programs and offer seats to parents. We will reach out to the families, he said, adding there was no need for parents to apply. Students who are not chosen for either program or who prefer to continue full-time distance learning will continue to participate from home. Instead of the original two-day-a-week hybrid model, students will be in school all five weekdays, with Wednesday as a half-day. The in-person classroom model appears to resemble that pursued by a handful of local charter schools. About a dozen public charters, which are largely independent and educate about 46 percent of public school students, have been bringing in select groups of students using similar criteria for in-person instruction. 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 Watch: Highlights of Boris Johnsons Conservative Party conference speech UK prime minister Boris Johnson has promised the biggest increase in home-ownership in decades, vowing that new low-deposit mortgages will help two million more people buy their own homes. Johnson used a major speech on Tuesday at the Conservatives annual conference, held virtually for the first time, to tap into the partys traditional focus on home ownership. We will help turn generation rent into generation buy, he said. The prime minister vowed to hand aspiring buyers new long-term, fixed-rate mortgages with just 5% deposits, in the biggest expansion of home ownership since the 1980s. The right-to-buy policy in that decade helped many council tenants buy their own homes. The Conservative leader said it was disgraceful that owner-occupation had plummeted, with renters forced to pay through the nose and unable to even carry out minor DIY. The speech gave few details on what, how or when any reforms would take place, however, almost a year after the Conservatives first floated plans to encourage a new market in long-term, fixed-rate mortgages in their 2019 manifesto. Many banks have withdrawn lower-deposit products since the pandemic hit, amid greater fears of bad loans and instead focused on support for existing customers. READ MORE: UK chancellor deflects talk of tax hikes, saying jobs the overwhelming focus Johnson also used the speech to underline the governments build back better mantra. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson promises the 'biggest expansion of home ownership since the 1980s.' Photo: Alberto Pezzali/AP He said major events like the coronavirus dont just come and go, adding: They are more often than not the trigger for an acceleration of social and economic change. Johnson argued the country not only could not, but should not seek merely to restore normality. Instead Britain had to tackle chronic underlying problems, including a deficit in skills, a lack of affordable homes, inadequate transport infrastructure and the fact too many people felt left out. Story continues Britains economy had also suffered 12 years of relative anaemia despite recent record employment and rising exports, he added. The country must increase the trend rate of growth, incomes and its ability to deal with future crises by lifting overall productivity, he added. The speech contained few new major announcements bar 160m ($206.8m) of funding for upgrading ports and infrastructure to boost the offshore wind industry, a measure briefed in advance. The prime minister pledged the UK government would become the world leader in offshore clean power generation. We believe that in 10 years time offshore wind will be powering every home in the country. READ MORE: UK government warned firms face job cut cliff edge after Christmas A green industrial revolution will create hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of jobs, added Johnson. A Downing Street spokesperson also told PA the measures would only create around 2,000 construction jobs in the short-term, and enable the sector to support up to 60,000 jobs directly and indirectly by 2030. Johnson highlighted public investment in adult training, job protection efforts, transport infrastructure and the NHS, but stressed the importance of free enterprise. There comes a moment where the state must stand back and let the private sector get on with it. Watch: Why job losses have risen despite the economy reopening The speech received a mixed reaction from business leaders, amid fresh warnings employers face a cliff edge as government support is cut back this winter, risking a fresh wave of job cuts. Roger Barker, director of policy at the Institute of Directors, said firms would welcome investment in a greener economy, skills, and infrastructure But they are also acutely aware of the precarious state of the economy, with the impending end of the furlough scheme and the conclusion of the Brexit transition period, he added. Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, echoed the welcome for renewable energy investment. He said member firms in coastal areas wanted offshore wind farms ti integrate local firms into supply chains, creating local jobs critical for economic recovery from the pandemic. He warned the economy remained on a knife-edge with more pressing challenges, however. The prime minister must take similarly bold measures to support jobs and improve the Test and Trace system to shore up business confidence in the months ahead. Heavy fighting between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces in the region since Sept. 27 has killed scores of both servicemen and civilians Turkey's top diplomat traveled to Baku on Tuesday in a show of solidarity with Azerbaijan in its decades-old conflict with Armenia over the separatist territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Heavy fighting between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces in the region since Sept. 27 has killed scores of both servicemen and civilians. Nagorno-Karabakh lies inside Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994. The clashes have continued despite numerous international calls for a cease-fire. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu criticized calls for a truce and urged the international community to stand by Azerbaijan, saying that previous cease-fires had failed to end what he called Armenia's occupation of the Azerbaijani territory. ``Let's have a cease-fire, OK, but what will happen after that? Will you be able to tell Armenia to immediately withdraw from Azerbaijan's territory? Or are you able to draw up a solution for it to withdraw? No,'' Cavusoglu said after a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov. ``We have supported efforts for a peaceful resolution, but Armenia has enjoyed the fruits of the occupation for 30 years.'' Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who also met with Cavusoglu, thanked Turkey for its support. ``This support inspires us, gives us additional strength and at the same time plays an important role in ensuring stability and prosperity in the region,'' Aliyev said. Azerbaijan said that Armenia's withdrawal from the separatist region was the sole condition to end the fighting. Armenian officials alleged that Turkey' was involved in the conflict and supplying Azerbaijan with weapons and fighters from Syria. Turkey has publicly backed Azerbaijan in the recent flareup of violence but denied sending arms or foreign fighters. Nagorno-Karabakh was a designated autonomous region within Azerbaijan during the Soviet era. It claimed independence from Azerbaijan in 1991, about three months before the Soviet Union's collapse. A full-scale war that broke out in 1992 killed an estimated 30,000 people. By the time the war ended in 1994, Armenian forces not only held Nagorno-Karabakh itself but also substantial areas outside the territory borders. The recent fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh marks the biggest escalation in the conflict. According to Nagorno-Karabakh officials, about 220 servicemen on their side have died in the clashes. The state-run Armenian Unified Infocenter said 21 civilians have been killed in the region and 82 others wounded. Azerbaijani authorities haven't given details about military casualties, but said 27 civilians were killed and 141 wounded. Search Keywords: Short link: Armenia accused Azerbaijan of firing missiles into the capital of separatist territory of Nagorno-Karabakh on Monday, while Azerbaijan said several of its towns and its second-largest city were attacked Yerevan: Armenia accused Azerbaijan of firing missiles into the capital of the separatist territory of Nagorno-Karabakh on Monday, while Azerbaijan said several of its towns and its second-largest city were attacked. Iran, which borders both countries, said it was working on a peace plan for the decades-old conflict, which reignited last month and has killed scores of people on both sides. The region of Nagorno-Karabakh lies inside Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994. Armenian military officials reported missile strikes in the territorial capital of Stepanakert, which came under intense attacks all weekend. Residents told the Russian state RIA Novosti news agency that parts of the city were suffering shortages of electricity and gas after the strikes. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, in turn, accused Armenian forces of shelling the towns of Tartar, Barda, and Beylagan. Ganja, the country's second-largest city far outside the conflict zone, also was under fire, officials said. Hikmet Hajiyev, aide to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, tweeted that Armenian forces attacked densely populated civilian areas" in Ganja, Barda, Beylagan, and other towns with missiles and rockets." Armenia's Foreign Ministry dismissed allegations of attacks being launched from Armenia's territory as a disinformation campaign by Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabakh officials didn't comment on the accusations but warned on both Sunday and Monday that the territory's forces would target military facilities in Azerbaijani cities in response to strikes on Stepanakert. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalating violence and again urged an immediate halt to hostilities, stressing that there is no military solution to the conflict, his spokesman said. The UN chief is gravely concerned by reports of the extension of hostilities, including the targeting of populated areas," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, He urges a return to negotiations led by Russia, France, and the United States co-chairs of the so-called Minsk Group, which was set up by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1992 to resolve the conflict. The fighting erupted on 27 September and has killed dozens, marking the biggest escalation in the conflict. Both sides have accused each other of expanding the hostilities beyond Nagorno-Karabakh. According to Nagorno-Karabakh officials, about 220 servicemen on their side have died in the clashes since then. The state-run Armenian Unified Infocenter said that 21 civilians have been killed in the region and 82 others wounded. Azerbaijani authorities havent given details about military casualties but said 25 civilians were killed and 127 wounded. Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of targeting civilians and have reported damage to nonmilitary infrastructure. Azerbaijani President Aliyev said his troops liberated several more villages in the Jabrayil region. A similar report about the town of Jabrayil and its surrounding villages on Sunday was denied by Nagorno-Karabakh officials. Nagorno-Karabakh was a designated autonomous region within Azerbaijan during the Soviet era. It claimed independence from Azerbaijan in 1991, about three months before the Soviet Unions collapse. A full-scale war that broke out in 1992 killed an estimated 30,000 people. By the time the war ended in 1994, Armenian forces not only held Nagorno-Karabakh itself but also substantial areas outside the territory borders, like the Jabrayil region where Azerbaijan claimed to have taken a town and several villages. Aliyev has repeatedly said Armenias withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh is the sole condition to end the fighting. Armenian officials allege Turkey is involved in the conflict on the side of Azerbaijan and is sending fighters from Syria to the region. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said, a cease-fire can be established only if Turkey is removed from the South Caucasus. Turkey, a NATO member, has denied sending arms or foreign fighters, while publicly siding with Azerbaijan. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated that Turkey will stand with its ally Azerbaijan until it reaches victory. He also maintained that it was the international communitys silence in the face of what he called past Armenian aggression that encouraged it to attack Azerbaijani territory. After talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters that the military alliance is deeply concerned by the escalation of hostilities, and urged Turkey to use its considerable influence to calm tensions. Cavusoglu repeated calls for Armenia to withdraw from the region in line with international laws, U.N. Security Council resolutions and Azerbaijans territorial and border integrity. The Foreign Ministry of Iran, which has nearly 760 kilometers (470 miles) of the border with Azerbaijan and a short border with Armenia, said it is working on a peace plan. Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh did not elaborate but said Iran is talking to all related parties. Iran has prepared a plan with a specific framework containing details after consultations with both sides of the dispute, Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as regional states and neighbors, and will pursue this plan," he said. Khatibzadeh also warned both sides against expanding the hostilities into Iranian territory. Any aggression against the borders of the Islamic Republic, even inadvertently, is a very serious red line for the Islamic Republic that should not be crossed," he said. Since the beginning of the conflict, stray mortar shells have injured a child and damaged some buildings in rural areas in northern Iran, near the border with Azerbaijan. : The on Tuesday issued the standard operating procedures (SOP) on preventive measures to contain the spread of during ensuing festivities and urged people in containment zones, and vulnerable populations to celebrate at their homes. "Festive events shall be permitted only outside the Containment Zones. Organisers, staff and visitors from Containment Zones shall not be permitted. People residing inside Containment Zones may be encouraged to observe all inside their homes and not move out," the ministry added. It said that the festivals, fairs, rallies, exhibitions, cultural functions, processions and concerts associated with the festivities are mass events and advised the administrative requirement such as identification of spatial boundaries and preparation of a detailed site plan in compliance with thermal screening, physical distancing, sanitisation etc. "In case of events that run for days or weeks, the crowd density doesn't remain the same throughout and usually peaks around certain hours of the day and some previously known auspicious days. Planning for the event should specifically factor this so that crowds are regulated and managed to ensure physical distance and frequent sanitisation," the guidelines added. In case of rallies and immersion processions, the number of people should not exceed the prescribed limit and proper physical distancing and wearing of masks must be ensured. In any case, the number of such rallies and the distance covered by them may be kept within manageable limits. The said that the events such as rallies, and processions spread over long distances would require support of ambulance services. Events planned to last for many days or weeks such as exhibitions, fairs, puja pandals, Ramlila pandals or concerts and plays should have adequate measures to ensure a cap on physical numbers. "Staggered timings and restricted entry may be considered. Volunteers should be appropriately stationed to ensure thermal scanning, physical distancing and wearing of masks. The guidelines issued for theatre and cinema artists will apply to stage performers. Adequate supplies of sanitisers, thermal guns and physical distancing floor markings to be ensured," the Centre added. Close circuit cameras would be considered to monitor compliance of physical distance norms, wearing of masks at each venue. "In case of rallies and processions, route planning, identification of immersion sites, ensuring cap on numbers, physical distancing etc. must be planned beforehand and measures for enforcement outlined." -- IANS aka/ash (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.) STOCKHOLM - Three scientists won this years Nobel Prize in physics Tuesday for advancing our understanding of black holes, the all-consuming monsters that lurk in the darkest parts of the universe. Briton Roger Penrose received half of this years prize for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity, the Nobel Committee said. German Reinhard Genzel and American Andrea Ghez received the second half of the prize for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the centre of our galaxy. The prize celebrates one of the most exotic objects in the universe, black holes, which have become a staple of science fact and science fiction and where time seems to stand still, according to the committee. Black holes are perhaps the most mysterious and powerful objects in astronomy. They are at the centre of every galaxy, and smaller ones are dotted around the universe. Nothing, not even light, can escape their incredible gravity. They are the ultimate cosmic dead end. Black holes, because they are so hard to understand, is what makes them so appealing, Ghez told The Associated Press Tuesday morning. I really think of science as a big, giant puzzle. Penrose proved with mathematics that the formation of black holes was possible, based heavily on Albert Einsteins general theory of relativity. Einstein did not himself believe that black holes really exist, these super-heavyweight monsters that capture everything that enters them, the committee said. Nothing can escape, not even light. Martin Rees, the British astronomer royal, noted that Penrose triggered a renaissance in the study of relativity in the 1960s, and that, together with a young Stephen Hawking, he helped firm up evidence for the Big Bang and black holes. Penrose and Hawking are the two individuals who have done more than anyone else since Einstein to deepen our knowledge of gravity, Rees said. Sadly, this award was too much delayed to allow Hawking to share the credit. Hawking died in 2018, and Nobel prizes are only awarded to living scientists. It wasnt until the 1990s that Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez, each leading a group of astronomers, trained their sights on the dust-covered centre of our Milky Way galaxy, a region called Sagittarius A(asterisk), where something strange was going on. They both found that there was an extremely heavy, invisible object that pulls on the jumble of stars, causing them to rush around at dizzying speeds. It was a black hole. Not just an ordinary black hole, but a supermassive black hole, 4 million times the mass of our sun. Now scientists know that all galaxies have supermassive black holes. In 2019, scientists got the first optical image of a black hole, and Ghez, who was not involved, praised the discovery. Today we accept these objects are critical to the building blocks of the universe, Ghez told an audience at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences by phone shortly after the announcement. Ghez is the fourth woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize for physics, after Marie Curie in 1903, Maria Goeppert-Mayer in 1963, and Donna Strickland in 2018. I hope I can inspire other young women into the field. Its a field that has so many pleasures. And if youre passionate about the science, theres so much that can be done, Ghez said. The Nobel Committee said black holes still pose many questions that beg for answers and motivate future research. It is common for several scientists who worked in related fields to share the prize. Last years prize went to Canadian-born cosmologist James Peebles for theoretical work about the early moments after the Big Bang, and Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz for discovering a planet outside our solar system. The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and prize money of 10 million Swedish kronor (more than $1.1 million), courtesy of a bequest left 124 years ago by the prizes creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel. The amount was increased recently to adjust for inflation. On Monday, the Nobel Committee awarded the prize for physiology and medicine to Americans Harvey J. Alter and Charles M. Rice and British-born scientist Michael Houghton for discovering the liver-ravaging hepatitis C virus. The other prizes, to be announced in the coming days, are for outstanding work in the fields of chemistry, literature, peace and economics. ___ Borenstein reported from Kensington, Maryland. Associated Press writer Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report. ___ Read more stories about Nobel Prizes past and present by The Associated Press at https://www.apnews.com/NobelPrizes Manchester's two largest universities will teach students only online from tomorrow to try to stem the spiralling number of coronavirus cases. The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University will detail the move to staff and pupils later today. The decision was made alongside the city's public health department and Public Health England and will last until at least October 30. It comes as nearly 4,000 students at more than 50 universities across the UK have tested positive for coronavirus - with Durham the latest to see a surge in cases. Outbreaks have been sweeping campuses and forcing students to isolate despite the new term only starting weeks ago. Other universities to report a spike in infections include: Newcastle's universities have about 850 students positive and they are all now self-isolating; Nearly 500 people were revealed to have tested positive for coronavirus at Sheffield University; More than 400 students and eight staff members have it at the University of Nottingham; Queen's University Belfast is 'closely monitoring' 166 students and staff who have the disease; And 177 University of Liverpool staff and students have tested positive as of last week. Outbreaks have been sweeping campuses and forcing students to isolate despite the new term only starting weeks ago A sign in a window at The Forge student accommodation at Sheffield Hallam University which has seen a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases among its students Students remain in their rooms at The Forge student accommodation at Sheffield Hallam University The only courses at the two Manchester universities that will be taught in person are 'accredited and professional programmes, for on-campus laboratory, clinical and practice-based teaching'. Director of Public Health at Manchester Council David Regan told the MeN: 'This is the right thing to do and supports our approach using data and a local approach to contain outbreaks so that we reduce the possibility of further infection. 'More online teaching will protect staff, students and the wider community, which is what we want and need. 'As people will no doubt know from the news our current Covid figures are high - and in particular the rate of infection in the last seven days for our 17-21 year-old category is almost six times higher than in the rest of the community. 'Today's announcement, plus following all our local restrictions means that we have a consistent approach.' Which UK universities have the 4,000 Covid cases? Stirling: 14 Glasgow: 172 Salford: 56 Liverpool University: 177 Nottingham University: 425 Swansea: 32 Oxford Brookes: 47 Kent University: 11 De Montford: 9 Manchester University: 382 Newcastle/Northumbria: 850 Sheffield University: 500 Queen's University Belfast: 166 *Some universities have not disclosed figures Advertisement Durham University released its figures as part of its weekly update on the number of cases reported by students or staff through its own system. A total of 69 students and one member of staff had the virus in the week leading up to October 4 at the prestigious institution. It takes the overall total of cases since the start of term to 79, made up of three members of staff and 76 students. A university spokesman said: 'Since the beginning of Term 1 we have had a small, but growing, number of positive cases which were handled in conjunction with Durham County Council Public Health colleagues. 'All affected staff and students are self-isolating in accordance with NHS guidance, and are receiving our full support. 'When we are notified by students or staff of a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19, or that someone is having to self-isolate because of close contact or being in the same household as someone else with a confirmed case of Covid-19, we follow detailed processes and procedures to ensure their health and wellbeing, and to reduce onward transmission. 'When a member of the university community tests positive, they self-isolate with their household in line with Government guidelines. 'We are in regular contact with Durham County Council, Public Health England and other partners to make sure that we are sharing information (not personal information) about the local situation and responding to the latest guidance.' It comes as more than 850 students at Northumbria and Newcastle universities were told to self-isolate after testing positive for coronavirus. On October 2, Northumbria University confirmed 770 of its students have contracted Covid-19, with 78 of those displaying symptoms. All students who have tested positive were told to self-isolate along with their flatmates and anyone they have been in contact with, the university confirmed. A further 94 confirmed Covid-19 cases were also recorded among students at Newcastle University, bringing the city total to 864. University and College Union (UCU) said it warned Northumbria University that it was 'far too soon for a mass return to campus'. Students Peter and Ell at The Forge student accommodation at Sheffield Hallam University which has seen a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases among its students More than 850 students at Northumbria (pictured) and Newcastle universities were told to self-isolate after testing positive for coronavirus In a statement the UCU said: 'We told Northumbria University they had a civic duty to put the health of staff, students and the local community first and we take no pleasure in now seeing another preventable crisis play out. 'We warned last month that, given the current restrictions in the region, the direction of the infection rate and the problems with test and trace, it was clearly far too soon for a mass return to campus.' Meanwhile nearly 500 people have tested positive for coronavirus at the University of Sheffield in a mass outbreak of the disease. According to an online tracker on the university's website, 474 students and five staff members have tested positive for Covid-19 since September 28. Sheffield University has around 8,000 staff members and usually hosts 29,000 students on its campus every academic year. A spokesman said those affected by coronavirus were following Government guidelines and that support is available. It is understood that no whole student accommodation blocks are in lockdown at the moment. Students Lauren Watson (left) and Olivia Austin (right) at The Forge student accommodation at Sheffield Hallam University which has seen a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases among its students Nearly 500 people have tested positive for coronavirus at the University of Sheffield (pictured) in a mass outbreak of the disease The spokesman said: 'We recognise how difficult it is for students who are new to Sheffield and need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 cases. 'To make sure we are supporting students in the best way possible, we will contact all students who are self-isolating to check on their welfare and offer practical and emotional support.' The weekly coronavirus rate in Sheffield for the seven days to October 1 now stands at 233.1 new cases per 100,000 people. There have been new fears over tighter restrictions in Sheffield after nearly 300 Covid-19 cases were recorded in a single day. Last night the University of Nottingham revealed it had recorded 425 cases of the deadly disease, among staff and students. A staggering 400 students and eight staff at the East Midlands institution are now self isolating. A spokesman said the number would be 'higher than other universities' due to its unique asymptomatic testing regime. Most of the students who had the virus lived in private accommodation but 106 were in university halls of residence and 93 were in purpose-built student flats. Last night the University of Nottingham (pictured, students in the city at their freshers) revealed it had recorded 425 cases of the deadly disease, among staff and students The spokesman said: 'Alongside the national Pillar 2 testing regime for people with symptoms of Covid-19, the university is also running its own asymptomatic testing programme which identifies cases earlier and more quickly. 'While this means our case data will be higher than other universities, it means that we can identify cases that otherwise would remain undetected and thereby reduce asymptomatic transmission and the number of future cases.' Institutions in Northern Ireland are also bearing the brunt of the crisis, with Queen's University Belfast 'closely monitoring' an increase in coronavirus cases. It has been reported that 166 students and staff at the south Belfast university have tested positive for Covid-19. Around 25,000 students started back last month for the new academic year. In a statement the university said the safety and wellbeing of staff and students is its 'first priority', and a 'range of interventions' have been made across campus. 'The university is liaising with the Public Health Agency (PHA) on a daily basis to ensure the university is continuing to apply the correct measures to limit the spread of infection,' a spokesman said. 'Although the number of staff and students affected remains a minority, the increase in number of positive cases is a concern and the university fully appreciates that this may cause anxiety for students, staff, and their families. 'Queen's is closely monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to apply additional measures to further protect members of our community as considered necessary in discussions with the PHA.' Institutions in Northern Ireland are also bearing the brunt of the crisis, with Queen's University Belfast (pictured) 'closely monitoring' an increase in coronavirus cases The university went on to detail that evidence gathered through contact tracing has indicated that transmission of the virus is happening in social or accommodation settings. Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd has urged the university authorities to ensure their messaging is clear. 'Queen's University must do all within its powers to ensure students in its accommodation are informed of all procedures in place to keep students and others safe,' he said. 'Effective communication is key and I would urge university authorities to ensure their messaging is clear and being received and understood by students.' Mr O'Dowd also urged Economy Minister Diane Dodds and Health Minister Robin Swann to bring forward Covid-19 advice for students through the Public Health Agency. Back across the Irish Sea, Liverpool University has seen 177 staff and students have tested positive as of last week. Liverpool University (pictured, a party in Cambridge Halls last week) has seen 177 staff and students have tested positive as of last week Messages are seen pasted inside the windows of the Cambridge Halls student accommodation at Manchester Metropolitan University The University of Manchester - where there have been 382 cases of Covid-19 since September 21 - apologised for 'conflicting information' given to students from some residential staff about isolation. Universities vow to ensure students can access essentials during self-isolation Vice-chancellors have pledged to support students who have to self-isolate in university halls when campus outbreaks occur. Universities UK (UUK), which represents 139 institutions, has published a checklist to help universities support student wellbeing in the autumn term as they face a variety of challenges amid the coronavirus pandemic. Universities should ensure that students have access to basic necessities during self-isolation, including food, laundry services, cleaning materials, bin bags, tissues and toilet rolls, the guide says. It comes after students have hung signs out their windows claiming they did not have food. More than 50 universities in the UK have confirmed cases of coronavirus as students return to campus. A surge in cases has led to thousands of students having to self-isolate in their halls, including Manchester Metropolitan and Glasgow University. Nearly 500 students and staff at Sheffield University have tested positive for Covid-19 since the start of term, and more than 750 students are self-isolating at Northumbria University after testing positive. But UUK president Professor Julia Buckingham, vice-chancellor of Brunel University, said that the vast majority of students are being 'looked after extremely well' by universities during lockdown measures. When asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme about students who say they have no food, she said: 'I am sure there are cases where things haven't gone quite as well as we would have hoped. 'But I am confident that the vast majority of students are being very, very well supported by their university.' The checklist suggests that universities should encourage students to disclose any pre-existing or current mental health issues, and encourage them to use student wellbeing and mental health support services. Institutions could provide a Covid-19 contact, where affected students can report symptoms and seek support, and offer online activities to help maintain social interactions during self-isolation. A fresh commitment from the UUK, also published on Tuesday, says: 'We reject any attempt to blame or single out students and will work closely with student unions to support safe behaviours and social interactions. 'We will ensure that, when outbreaks occur, students are fully supported to self-isolate.' Alistair Jarvis, chief executive of UUK, said: 'Self-isolation is key to containing the spread of Covid-19. 'Where it is necessary for students to self-isolate, university staff and students' unions are making huge efforts to take care of both their physical and emotional wellbeing, including access to testing and health care, mental health support, continuing learning online, safe social interaction, food deliveries, laundry, and financial support.' Advertisement The BBC reported students were told a member of an isolating home could go to the shops for food if they could not get deliveries, and they could use laundry services as long as they wore a mask. A university spokesman said: 'The safety and wellbeing of our students is our main concern. We are proud of the work carried out by our Residential Life Team who live in halls alongside our students. 'If some members of that team have issued conflicting information, we apologise. All students have now been sent a single clear message.' The highest number of cases among students and staff appear to be in northern cities in England as well as Scottish universities - which reopened first - but there have been cases at institutions across the UK. There have been 47 cases among students at Oxford Brookes university, while at Sussex University one member of staff and 10 students are self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, a survey showed. But not all cases among students and staff have been reported 'on campus'. Some have occurred in local communities or in private halls of residence. Over 4,000 Covid-19 cases have now been identified among university students and staff. Around 56 universities across the UK have had at least one confirmed case of Covid-19, an analysis of university responses and media reports suggested this week. More than 2,600 positive cases of Covid-19 were identified at these universities, the analysis found, before more cases were confirmed today and yesterday. Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, vice president for higher education at the National Union of Students (NUS), said: 'The rise of Covid rates at universities needs drastic action now. 'It is deeply irresponsible to continue with business as usual and the government and universities must be honest with students about what the pandemic can mean for their university experience.' She said: 'Fully accessible online education must become a reality immediately and we need digital investment at a national scale to make this happen.' Speaking at an independent Sage meeting on Friday, Professor Christina Pagel from University College London (UCL) said: 'I think we have to acknowledge that students need to be supported at university and it shouldn't kind of be a blame game.' She added: 'If you stuck me in the house with seven strangers, I'm much more likely to get Covid than I am where I am now, and I think that has to be acknowledged.' Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), said: 'It is a stressful and difficult time for students at the moment and no one would have wished this particular start to the academic year. 'But we also need to recognise that the number of students with positive tests and also the number self-isolating is a tiny proportion of the total UK student body. 'Universities do need to support students that are self-isolating and, much - but not all - of the time, that support seems to be getting to where it is needed.' Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), said: 'It is an outrage that ministers and universities spent the summer talking up a student experience that the science and staff said was never likely.' She added: 'The priority for ministers now must be a support package that underwrites lost income for universities and provides vital protection for staff and students.' A Universities UK (UUK) spokesman said: 'The priority for all universities is to support the health and wellbeing of their students, staff and local communities and ensure that students can continue with their education during this pandemic. 'This is a very challenging time with Covid-19 cases rising in many communities. 'All universities are working in partnership with their local authorities and public health bodies to adapt to the changing local circumstances, to effectively implement outbreak response plans to protect their communities and to continue to ensure measures are in place to reduce risks. 'Where students are self-isolating, universities are taking care of both their physical and emotional wellbeing including access to testing and health care, mental health support, continuing learning online, safe social interaction, food deliveries, laundry, and financial support.' A Government spokesman said: 'We recognise this has been a really challenging time for students, particularly for those having to self-isolate at the start of their university journey. We have asked universities to make sure those that are isolating have all the support they need. 'Universities are well prepared for a local outbreak, and we have worked with them to help draw up plans for measures in the event of positive cases on campus, or a rise in cases locally.' With President ill with COVID-19, Vice President took the lead role in campaigning on Monday, starting a swing through key states to bolster the president's chance for reelection. Trump left Walter Reed Military Medical Centre and returned to the White House on Monday evening, but it's unclear when he'll be able to travel. I spoke to the president a little while back. He sounded great," Pence told reporters at Joint Base Andrews before heading west to Utah for this week's vice presidential debate. When the president told me that he was headed back to the White House, he told me to head to Utah. And we're looking very much forward to the vice presidential debate, he said. "The stakes in this election have never been higher and the choice has never been clearer. Pence wants to keep the president's supporters energised and deflect criticism of the administration's handling of a virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans. Trump's positive diagnosis on Friday has intensified scrutiny of the administration's cavalier approach to the pandemic. The spotlight on Pence will be especially bright Wednesday when he participates in the vice presidential debate with California Senator Kamala Harris. Pence will almost certainly be pressed to explain shifting accounts of the president's health over the weekend and justify Trump's decision to hold large in-person campaign rallies during a pandemic events that often flouted public health guidelines by congregating thousands of mostly mask-less supporters. Normally, the vice presidential debate is inconsequential. That is not the case in 2020, said Alex Conant, a Republican strategist who worked on Florida Senator Marco Rubio's 2016 presidential bid. The public has so many questions about how we got here and it's an opportunity for Pence to answer some of those. Pence has often been called upon to smooth over fallout from Trump's messy decision making and divisive policies. Since the 2016 campaign, he has served as a bridge of sorts between a brash, thrice-married former reality television star who long bragged about womanizing and the more traditional branch of the Republican Party, particularly conservative evangelicals. The smooth diction and humble demeanor Pence brings to the role was honed in the 1990s as a conservative talk-radio host in Indiana, when he referred to himself as Rush Limbaugh on decaf. His approach hasn't always been successful. As Indiana's governor from 2013 to 2017, he was so relentlessly on-message that he sometimes struggled to contain fallout from fast-moving crises. That includes his handling of backlash over a 2015 law he signed that allowed business owners to deny service to gay people for religious reasons, which was later amended as a result of the uproar. During an interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC when he was governor, Pence grew flustered after failing to answer direct questions about whether discrimination against gay people should be legal. George!" Pence protested before letting out an audible sigh. C'mon. The debate with Harris will be a major test. The former California prosecutor's political rise was fuelled by searing exchanges with political rivals during major congressional hearings. And she is certain to press the issue of the virus and Trump's diagnoses when the two meet in Salt Lake City. That will be his challenge. But it is one he is well-suited for, said Cam Savage, a veteran Republican strategist from Indiana who has closely observed Pence's political career. With Pence you get a very disciplined leader who is not likely to make mistakes. One major uncertainty is what sort of condition Trump will be in during the weeks ahead. His administration has offered rosy assessments of his health, but Trump's blood oxygen level abruptly dropped twice in recent days and he was given supplemental oxygen before his hospitalisation. There are also concerns that Pence could himself could catch the virus while campaigning, a troubling scenario that raises serious questions about national security and the transfer of power if either he or Trump took a turn for the worse. After the debate, Pence says, it's back to business as usual and the campaign has appearances planned for him, as well as Trump's children and other top surrogates, in an effort billed as Operation MAGA. Pence is slated to visit Arizona and Florida and will return to Indiana on Friday to vote early. We've got a campaign to run, Pence said Saturday on a call with staff. I promise you, this president, as soon as his doctors say so, he's going to be back out there. Pence often evokes faith when describing his approach to public office, citing the biblical concept of servant leadership. He has been a faithful servant to Trump since he was plucked from a difficult bid for reelection as governor to join the presidential ticket in 2016. Though Pence has long-held presidential ambitions, his own political career was on the ropes. The former congressman turned governor had a dismal approval rating. His enthusiastic support for religious conservative cultural issues alienated moderate Republicans and drew threats of boycott of the state. And he faced a difficult reelection battle against the same Democrat that he narrowly beat in 2012. (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.) HOUSTON: Energy companies on Monday began evacuating offshore oil platforms as the 25th named storm of the year formed in the Caribbean and was forecast to become a major hurricane before it entered the Gulf of Mexico and threatens the U.S. mainland. Tropical Storm Delta was expected to rapidly strengthen and become a Category 3 hurricane with up to 120 mile per hour (194 kilometers per hour) winds. It was about 160 miles south southwest of Negril, Jamaica, on Monday evening and moving west at 8 mph. Delta will bring rain, winds and a storm surge to the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle beginning Thursday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. If Delta makes a U.S. landfall, it would be the 10th named storm to do so this year, breaking a record that dates to 1916. Delta is the 25th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. This could become one of the more impactful storms" this year, said Jim Foerster, chief meteorologist at DTN, an energy, agriculture and weather data provider. This is going to be a quite concerning storm for Louisiana and points east." A major hurricane on the five step Saffir-Simpson scale can deliver devastating damage to onshore properties. Delta should intensify rapidly because of its projected path over warm water and a lack of wind shear aloft, Foerster said. This years named storms so far have cost about $9 billion in insured losses, compared with $75 billion in 2017, according to Andrew Siffert, a vice president at reinsurance brokerage BMS Group. The prior figure included hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey. BP and BHP began evacuating non-essential personnel from their offshore platforms, the companies said. BHP also plans to shut production at its facilities by Wednesday. Occidental Petroleum , the third largest offshore producer by volume, said it was taking steps to protect its people and facilities. Royal Dutch Shell and Murphy Oil Corp said they were monitoring the storm.Offshore production in U.S. Gulf of Mexico accounts for 17% of total U.S. crude oil production and 5% of total U.S. dry natural gas production. Delta was forecast to move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico Tuesday night and begin sweeping across the prime oil-producing region on Wednesday. The projected storm track has Delta making landfall on the central Gulf Coast later this week. Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards urged the states residents to prepare for the storm. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor The Minister of Communications, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has discounted media reports that she flew on a private jet to campaign in the northern part of the country. In a Facebook post, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful denied the media reports and posted her boarding pass for a commercial flight dated September 28. She posted: "I didnt know Africa World Airline is now a private jet!!! I flew to Tamale on 28th September, last week Monday, en route to the Upper East Region for a campaign tour primarily to assist the female candidates in Navrongo and Bawku. I also went to Garu, Tempane, Pusiga, Zebilla, Binduri and Bolgatanga. "Here is my boarding pass and I actually changed seats and sat in 4 D. Some people have developed a penchant for lying through their teeth". Reports The reports of her said trip to the Upper East and Upper West regions had suggested that Mrs Owusu-Ekuful and two other persons were flown by a crew of two on a mid-sized Challenger CL 604 private jet. The reports indicated that the flight departed the Kotoka International Airport on October 3, 2020, around 6 am and landed in Tamale around 7 am the same day. The private jet was said to have flown back empty to the KIA around 7.40 am and afterwards jetted off to Haiti. Read her entire statement below; SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT: I FLEW TO TAMALE WITH AFRICA WORLD I didnt know Africa World Airline is now a private jet!!! I flew to Tamale on 28th September, last week Monday, enroute to the upper East Region for a campaign tour primarily to assist the female candidates in Navrongo and Bawku. I also went to Garu, Tempane, Pusiga, Zebilla , Binduri and Bolgatanga. Here is my boarding pass and I actually changed seats and sat in 4 D. Some people have developed a penchant for lying through their teeth. After 28 years of voting for the NDC, the lovely people of this incredibly beautiful part of Ghana have very little to show for it. They are determined to vote for the NPP for development, progress and prosperity, having seen what three and half years of focused dedicated and visionary leadership of NANA Akufo-Addo has done to transform every aspect of our lives. This feeble attempt to change this fact through half truths, lies and innuendos will fail. I met people who have decided to vote NPP for the first time because of the impact our Planting For Food and Jobs has had on their livelihoods. Others are voting for free SHS. The Pwalugu dam is a major hit with them. The Bolga-Bawku road construction is ongoing, and they can see Bawku-Polimakom road construction with their own eyes!!!!! NPPs footprint is in every home. We were welcomed with open arms for the first time ever in Natugnia and other NDC strongholds in Navrongo Central. Binduri, Pusiga, Garu, will fall this time and vote massively for NPP. Hawa Yakubus seat will once more be occupied by an NPP woman, Gabiana, inshallah!! The women of Bolgatanga Central are fired up to sweep Adongo away. I walked the streets and alleyways with them and felt their passion and zeal. NDC, be very afraid for you will lose massively. I SHALL RETURN!! Source: Graphic.com.gh 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 County Mayor Jim Coppinger on Tuesday said he was extending the mask mandate for Hamilton County another 45 days. It now runs through Nov. 22. He said there are encouraging signs that COVID-19 numbers are leveling off here, and he said wearing masks has been a major factor. County Mayor Coppinger said, "You don't want to get this virus. You may breeze through it, but who knows the health effects three years, five years or 10 years down the road." He said another person here has died from the virus, bringing the total to 99. The county mayor said mask wearing is allowing county residents to get back to some sort of normalcy and get the economy going again. He said the county employment rate at one point topped 15 percent and is now down to 7.7 percent. At a press conference, Dr. Mark Anderson said, "It is looking better as far as the numbers - in spite of school starting back and a major holiday. But we are concerned that complacency might set in and people will let their guard down." He said, "We who treat people with COVID fear this virus. Most people who get it don't get very sick, but a lot do. Its effects can last a long time - perhaps for the rest of their lives." Dr. Anderson said, "Watching COVID patients, I can tell you I don't want it." Dr. David Bruce said of those who contract COVID "even if you don't have symptoms, it can damage your lungs." He said an examination of some of those who got the virus on a cruise ship and did not have symptoms showed that there was damage to many of their lungs. He said one high point of all the safety precautions in place is that the flu is down 90 percent. "It is the lowest in reported history in the U.S." Dr. Bruce said there is also a promising new medication believed to be four times as strong as the Remdesivir that President Donald Trump was recently given. He said, "It may be a game changer." Dr. Lisa Smith pointed out that COVID can be harmful to children and sometimes kill them. She said the first instance of a child death from the virus in the country was a child from North Georgia at a local hospital. She said another child death here was the sixth one in the nation. Dr. Smith said, "Both adults and children need layers of protection" - including masks and social distancing. She warned, "Sharing food and drinks is a great way to get the virus." Solidaridad, an international Civil society, is partnering the Ghana COCOBOD to introduce farm service support to cocoa farmers in a bid to boost output of the sector now facing challenges of pests and diseases. Operating under the Cocoa Rehabilitation and Intensification Project [CORIP II] through the Cocoa Health and Extension Division [CHED] of COCOBOD, and various Rural Service Centres [RSCs] established by Solidaridad in hard- to-reach cocoa areas in the Ahafo, Western North, and Central regions, the Civil society is expected to leverage private sector investments by matching public funds from commercial banks and impact investment in cocoa rehabilitation and intensification. The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Accra, through Solidaridad, is funding CORIP II in Ghana, and three other West African countries, namely, Cote dIvoire, Sierra Leone and Liberia Mr Hammond Mensah, Programmes Manager, Solidaridad, who led a team of journalists to tour some RSCs and demonstration farms in Goaso, Sefwi Wiaso Dunkwa on-Offin, in the Ahafo, Western North and Central regions respectively, explained that the CORIP II programme, which spanned from 2017 to 2021, had four components, namely, policy plans, the access to finance, women and youth in farming, and the Resilient Cocoa production component. Interacting with officials of COCOBODs CHED at Goaso, Sefwi Wiaso and Dunkwa, Mr Mensah, said the Resilient Cocoa production programme, also promoted climate smart cocoa production and all its associated activities, of which entrepreneurs were being supported by Solidaridad, to develop service providing companies within the cocoa land scape, adding that there were six of such service centres in the Western North Region alone. The RSCs, he said, were established as a private-sector-driven vehicle to deliver production and marketing services for smallholder cocoa farmers. The RSCs, also serve as a one-stop-shop that delivers services, such as improved planting material, agrochemicals, fertilizer, and crop protection, as well as extension and financial services. We train the service providers so that they can provide services to the farmers and help increase their yields. Mr Mensah said the Service providers had been positioned in a way that they could effectively participate and support the recently launched National Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme, which President Akufo-Addo launched in Sefwi Wiaso a fortnight ago, also geared towards saving the cocoa sector from the swollen shoot disease. He argued that farmers could not relay entirely on central government to transform the cocoa sector, saying, We need private capital to pour in to support governments efforts. And that is precisely, what we aim to do with the service providers within the landscape so they become effective vehicles for attractive private capital for investment into the cocoa sector. He explained the interactions with officials of CHED was also to enable Solidaridad, look for business from COCOBOD for the trained service providers so they could work effectively, and deliver services. The journalists were taken to some COCOBOD model farms and RSCs in Diaso in Upper Denkyira West Municipality, Nsuansua in Sefwi Wiaso Municipal, Dunkwa in the Upper Denkyira East, Mim in the Asunafo North Municipal, among other areas to see at first hand, how the CORIP programme was impacting on the lives of cocoa communities. Mr Samuel Addae-Boadu, Progamme Officer, Solidaridad, said CORIP II was also expected to speed and scale up within the cocoa supply chain, the creation of SMEs to deliver market-based intensification and rehabilitation services to farmers in the targeted countries. He said in Ghana alone, 70,000 cocoa farmers were expected to be trained on best cocoa practices, including cutting down diseased cocoa trees, weeding and planting other crops like plantain and cocoyam to rejuvenate the land for about a year, and then planting cocoa seedlings. The farmers are given compensations for their cut trees, while the chiefs and other landowners were also compensated to relief them of the loss of their cocoa for sometime. He said all those arrangements were worked out though the RSC providers and CHED. Mr Isaac Adu, Deputy Regional Manager, Cocoa Health Extension Division, Western North Region, commended Solidaridad for its strategic partnership with the government, which would help the region to regain its Cocoa strength once more. He said the region, which used to produce one third of Ghanas cocoa, was now experiencing decline in production, and expressed the hope that the CORIP intervention, together with the National Cocoa Rehabilitation and Intensification programme, would save the sector for Ghana. Mr Kwaku Oppong, a 54 year old farmer, Ms Leticia Adu Yankey, Madam Faustina Sarpong, all cocoa farmers, whose farms had been chosen as demonstration farms, all expressed their gratitude to Solidaridad for intervening in their seemingly hopelessness. 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 Srinagar, Oct 6 : One terrorist was killed and a policeman was injured after terrorists attacked a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker at Nunar area in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Tuesday evening, officials said. Police said the BJP worker fired upon by terrorists at Ganderbal is safe. One Personal Security Officer (PSO) of the BJP worker was injured during the firefight. The injured PSO has been rushed to the hospital. Police said one unidentified terrorist was killed in retaliation by the PSO. "The terrorists fired upon one BJP worker at Nunar, Ganderbal. He is safe. However, one of his PSOs was injured in this incident. One unidentified terrorist was killed in PSOs retaliation," police said. The United States Postal Service is investigating after bundles of mail were found dumped at a shopping center in Bergen County, authorities said. North Arlington police said they received a 911 call shortly after 3 p.m. Friday reporting mail found near a dumpster at a shopping center at 19 Schuyler Avenue. The dumpster is located behind a Santander Bank and Jacks Super Foodtown grocery store. Officers responded and once on scene did observe several loose, rubber-banded, bundles of mail, as described by the caller, police said in a statement posted to Facebook. Police said they alerted the U.S. Postal Service, which was handling the investigation. The mail that was recovered in North Arlington was reported, collected and delivered, said U.S. Postal Service spokesman George Flood told NJ Advance Media. This matter was then turned over to our Office of Inspector General. We are unable to comment further at this time. A New Jersey Globe reporter asked Gov. Phil Murphy about the dumped mail during Mondays coronavirus briefing. A photo of the bundles of mail tweeted by the websites editor appeared to show mail-in ballots among circulars, magazines and other regular mail. "We were notified by USPS over the weekend. Its a matter of its under investigation, the governors Chief Counsel Matt Platkin said. "The mail was recovered from the trash receptacle and has been put back in the mail stream. Hey, @USPS: mail found dumped in North Arlington -- more than 200 pounds of it, according to the man who found it -- includes ballots for the upcoming election. The destination for the mail is West Orange. Man says he reported it to local police. Transparency is key here. pic.twitter.com/ctXkcX9vEh David Wildstein (@wildstein) October 4, 2020 NJ Advance Media staff writer Karin Price Mueller contributed to this report. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Lawyers say they have presented German prosecutors with new evidence that a suspected chemical attack on Khan Shaykhun in 2017 was carried out by the Syrian government - AFP A criminal complaint filed in Germany is the first to seek to apply universal jurisdiction to Syrian officials accused of killing hundreds of civilians in chemical attacks on rebel-held areas during the countrys nearly decade-long civil war. Lawyers representing victims of chemical weapons attacks in Syria filed the complaint with German federal public prosecutors on Tuesday, saying it outlined new evidence showing the Syrian government carried out the attacks. Germany has universal jurisdiction laws that offer a rare legal avenue against the government of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. Russia and China have previously vetoed attempts at the United Nations Security Council to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court. Tuesdays complaint is the first to pursue action over the alleged use of chemical weapons by Damascus on Eastern Ghouta in 2013 and Khan Shaykhun in 2017. The attacks, which the complaint attributes to the Syrian government, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1,500 Syrians. The Syrian government denies using chemical weapons against its own civilians. A UN-commissioned investigation concluded in 2016 that Syrian government forces had used chlorine and sarin gas. The complaint was the result of a two year investigation by three organisations; the Open Society Justice Initiative, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, and Syrian Archive. Weve brought prosecutors evidence that we think significantly extends what was previously available with regards to these attacks, said Steve Kostas, lead counsel with the Open Society Justice Initiative. This included tracing the chain of command for the 2017 Khan Shaykhun attack to the highest level of the Syrian government, he said. Other countries, including the UK, recognise the principle of universal jurisdiction, under which courts can prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity anywhere in the world, regardless of where they were committed. Story continues But activists have favoured German courts because prosecutors have proved willing to bring cases to court in recent years. In April, two alleged Syrian intelligence officers went on trial in Germany on charges of crimes against humanity, murder, torture and rape. The prosecution is ongoing. German prosecutors have also opened an ongoing structural investigation into crimes committed during the Syrian civil war, which started in 2011. German prosecutors have said they will accept this complaint and incorporate it into their ongoing investigation, Mr Kostas said. If German prosecutors proceed with an investigation they could eventually seek arrest warrants against individuals named in the complaint. This is an important first step. Achieving justice for these crimes will be a long process. But we think its essential for prosecutors to begin compiling evidence and building cases now so high level officials can be prosecuted in the future, Mr Kostas said. We represent 17 victims of these attacks. Its important for our clients that these horrific attacks are not forgotten, that these crimes are seen as the atrocities that they were, and that the perpetrators are held accountable, he concluded. - A Ghanaian police officer & musician named Corporal Dennis Nketia Boateng is helping in the fight against drug abuse through sensitization - The officer, also known as Condemn, indicated that illicit substances such as tramadol have permanent long-term effects on the youth & they should make it a point to desist from such - Condemn urged other stakeholders to also join in with sensitization exercises that would help lower the growing rate of substance abuse among the youth Trending topics on the go: How we write news at YEN.com.ghHow we write news at YEN.com.gh Corporal Dennis Nketia Boateng, popularly known as Condemn in the police service, is helping in the fight against drug abuse with his sensitization campaign. As confirmed by a news report sighted by YEN.com.gh on Medium.com, Condemn made the statements on the Voice of Ghana Media. According to the police officer and musician who is stationed at Ghana Highway Patrol Unit of the Ghana Police Service (GPS), the use of illicit drugs has adverse and often permanent effects on the abusers. Meet Ghanaian police officer & musician helping in fight against drug abuse Source: Medium.com Source: UGC He has advised the youth to totally desist from the use of such substances as they are harmful to the health, sanity and development. In furtherance, the corporal urged those who took such drugs to stop, as the long-term implications could have dire consequences on their health. Mr Nketia Boateng also stressed the need for concerted efforts from the public to address the problem before it depletes the countrys human resources. In conclusion, he also urged various stakeholders to engage in regular sensitisation programmes as they would go a long way to alert students on the dangers of the use of drugs like tramadol and, therefore, make them desist from using them. Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh also reported that some top Ghanaian personalities have been pouring their hearts out regarding an undeniably defamatory and racist report on Thomas Partey by the United Kingdom's TheSun.co.uk. The UK Media reported that Thomas Partey enjoyed a massive welcome to Arsenal and went on to say that he had come a long way from a "poverty-stricken existence in Ghana". The piercing unprofessional nature of the lede was toned down at the time YEN.com.gh filed this report as the existence the talented footballer has now been described as "humble". Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Ghanaian multi-instrumentalist Dela Jackson has charged the youth in Africa to wake up | #Yencomgh Share your stories and news by getting interactive on our Facebook page! Source: YEN.com.gh Cai Xia, a retired professor of the Central Party School of the Chinese Communist Party, was expelled from the party and had her pension stripped on August 17 for serious violations of political discipline of the Party following her criticism of the increasingly authoritarian policies of Xi Jinping, party chief and state president. The dissident in-house scholar called the CCP a political zombie and likened Xi to a gang boss. Widely known as one of the Hereditary [Second Generation] Red, descendants of founding members or important figures of the CCP, the 68-year-old spoke to Vienna Tang of RFAs Mandarin Service recently about her hopes for a peaceful political transformation in China. RFA: Some said that the Hereditary Red Cai Xia has brought us a new catch phrase, Remove the person but not the system. How would you respond to this comment? Cai: I dont agree with this statement. People may have heard about the recording of my conversation in May. In that recording, I did begin with the most urgent matter now is to get a new person (in power). Because you know, if you want to change the system, you must first break the deadlock. If Xi remains in office, there is no way to resolve the impasse. So, you have no choice but to remove Xi, then you may be able to remove the deadlock. Therefore, replacing Xi with someone else is only the first step. Unbeknownst to many, there was a second part of that conversation. The first part was the 20-minute recording, in which I talked about having someone new in office. The second clip was about nine minutes long, and I talked about how we must abandon the system. RFA: Speaking of a new system, you were once a professor at the CCP Party School. What is your observation of the various political clans within the Chinese Communist Party? Cai: From the start of the reform and opening-up period until now, there have been approximately three different political views within the Party. One is the reformists. Earlier reformists included Zhao Ziyang and Hu Yaobang, who stood with the people. Rather than saving the Party, they pushed for reform so China could progress towards modern civilization. Meanwhile, Deng Xiaoping felt the party would not be able to stay in power if CCP did not change. There were two examples in which Deng demonstrated his historical limitations, however. One was in the 4,000 Officials Meeting in 1980, when the party was to review on Mao Zedongs historical status and on the Maoist ideology. Deng prevented the party from further reflecting on Maos responsibility (in the Cultural Revolution). Therefore, following this precedent, when Deng Xiaoping ordered the crackdown on protesters in Tiananmen Square, we said that he had made great contribution to the reform but was guilty of the violent use of force. RFA: You mentioned that there are three different views. Other than the reformists, what are the other two? Cai: One is the Helpless faction, which is the majority of the party members. Everyone knows about the reformists, whove existed throughout the generations, including Ren Zhiqiang. However, not many people paid attention to the Helpless. We could also call them the Silent Majority within the Party. I categorize the Helpless into two groups: the local bureaucrats including governors, provincial party secretaries, mayors, city party secretaries, minister, and deputy ministers. Meanwhile, the other branch of the Helpless is made up of staffers. They are the many workers in the central and local, provincial and municipal agencies. The government workers who do the real work. The Helpless ones are held hostage (in power struggles), and they lean towards whichever side that is in power. RFA: What about the Political Jockeys that you have mentioned? Cai: I also categorize the Political Jockeys into two groups. One is Xis Clan, or what we call the Zhejiang New Army, referring those holding provincial and local posts while Xi was the Communist Party Secretary of Zhejiang province. RFA: Right, he was the governor of Zhejiang. Cai: Some of those moved with him to Zejiang from Fujian, where Xis political career began. Some of Xis closest allies came from Fujian, some others from Zhejiang, and yet others from Shanghai. The political jockeys are in Xis inner circle; they are those who he has brought with him. Additionally there are Xis classmates from Tsinghua University. These are one group of the jockeys. Members of the other group of political jockeys have never worked with him on the local level, but they want to join Xis Clan. These include (The Tianjin Municipal Party Secretary) Li Hongzhong and (XUAR Party Secretary) Chen Quanguo. Hard-core political jockeys make up approximately 10 percent of the party at most. RFA: You mentioned that the reformists have existed throughout the generations in the party. You also mentioned your friend, Ren Zhiqiang. However, some observers maintain that there have been no more reformists after Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang. What would you say about this? Cai: I do not necessarily agree with this comment. In fact, after Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang, there were many reform endeavors pushing the party forward. Let me put it this way. Locally, there are officials who strive to explore opportunities to reform on the local level. Take Zhejiang for example. The small goods market in Yiwu, Zhejiang was the result of the then County Party Secretary of Yiwu. Or, look at Shenzhen. I believe in the 1990s, Shenzhen kept moving forward. RFA: The examples of reform are at local levels. What about the top party officials? If there was healthy opposition within the party, then how did Xi manage to emerge from the power struggle and achieve ultimate authoritarian rule? Why was there no one to stop him? Cai: This is not a matter of a person. Its a matter of the CCP political system. No one could control Mao Zedong, because there was no system set up in the party. Therefore, Deng Xiaoping later stressed the establishment of the system in the party. However, the structure of power is the fundamental element in the system. When power is highly centralized, any effort to reform technical, local, or applications of the system is just moot. If you do not divide the powers and establish checks and balances, then you can never solve this problem. Therefore, when Xi took office, he could easily grasp power, both from the country and the party, and centralize it in his own hands. And there is no other power to constrain him. RFA: Earlier you said that it is a consensus in the party that Xi be replaced. Should he really be removed, who do you think is the best fit to take over? Cai: This is a lot more complicated. Why? I think removing Xi from office is a popular consensus, especially among mid- to top-level officials. I feel that, other than the Xis clan, we all know we cannot keep going like this. However, there may not have been a consensus within the party about who would be a good fit. That is, if we openly name someone as a suitable candidate, that person will certainly be eliminated by Xi. RFA: You have also mentioned that there is no power to constrain Xi. Do you think the current political system is able to remove Xi from office? If not, then what is the solution? Cai: I think they are incapable of removing Xi through the normal procedures. In my earlier discussion, I talked about whether the former Standing Committee members and the former Politburo members, current Standing Committee members, and current Politburo members could all sit down to have a meeting, in which the minority respects the decision made by the majority, and ask Xi to step down. Id say, in fact, it is impossible to follow those rules. However, todays China is complex and dynamic, both domestically and internationally. Maybe an emergency of some sort or an unexpected accident could trigger explosive changes. Maybe he would step down unexpectedly. Who knows? RFA: In your talk, you mentioned that the elites inside and outside of the system may form a new political party. However, you also talked about how the CCP shell should be discarded during the transformation. What do you mean by the political shell? Cai: The idea of the party has become a sacred symbol that cannot be challenged. The Chinese Communist Party is great, glorified, and correct; no one shall challenge the party. Therefore, we said that a hard shell like this has prohibited people from reflecting and discussing political issues in China. Therefore, I believe we need to crush this shell and break apart its privileged political correctness. I believe only when we take it down can we truly discuss Chinas current situation, what issues we need to address, and how we can solve these problems. RFA: You also mentioned that no one can question the party. Under such circumstances, how do you realistically form a new party? Cai: The forming of a new party should happen when a major political transformation in society occurs. Once the sacred shell of the CCP is broken, those Helpless ones within the party who are keen to reform and those who wish to see China do well and evolve into to modernized civilization will break free, too. Then we can move beyond conceptual talks and let those in the party who want to push the country forward to put their abilities to good use. RFA: I understand that you have been reflecting on how to realize peaceful political transformation in China. You have said that the word reform should be replaced with change. Can you elaborate on the change? My discussion about change and reform was based on my reflection on the system. A political transformation in China is in fact a fundamental change of the system. Why would we have called it a reform in the past? Because we could see that in Maos era, the Chinese Communist Party rule that he had established after 1949, whose system lead national development under planned economy, could no longer support him in the Cultural Revolution. Therefore, once they swept Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, and Yao Wenyuan away, they had to propose a new set of ideas different from that of Mao Zedongs so as to keep the party in power. From 1978 to 1989, China gradually evolved from a totalitarian regime towards authoritarian rule. Yet like weve said earlier, Deng Xiaoping had his limitations, in that he wanted to save both the party and the regime. So, when you advocated for a democratic political system and elections in 1989, Deng wouldnt have it. In the 1990s, what did Jiang Zemin do in the first three years after he took office? He was all about anti-peaceful evolution. He was aligning himself with the far-left, fighting hard against the waves of democratic movements prevailing domestically and internationally. However, Deng Xiaoping had a better vision than Jiang did. Deng was aware that if China continued down this path, the regime would not be able to sustain itself. So, he went on the Southern Tour and asserted the development of market economy. Had the party gone along with Jiangs Anti-Peaceful Evolution, it would have had offset what Deng Xiaoping had achieved in that 10 years of opening up. How come Deng Xiaoping could still have his legacy etched in history then? When we talked about the 1990s, you could call it an era of Totalitarianism 2.0. In this version 2.0, elements of totalitarianism and authoritarianism were intertwined. You could still talk about reforms. Especially when Jiang talked about the Three Represents, he intended to push China towards democratic socialism. But why would I want to discuss change now? Its because ever since Xi took office in 2012, the party had wobbled unsteadily under his leadership. Whatever hopes for reforms we had were reversed. It has regressed back to totalitarianism. And in this new totalitarianism under Xis rule, there is one distinction that clearly differs from that of the 1990s and that of the Mao era. That is, the use of advanced technology. Strict surveillance enabled by big data. He can precisely monitor everyone. He can put you under 24/7 close surveillance. Translated by Min Eu. CHESTERFIELD, MO, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ouriginal partnership with Foundation for California Community College Ouriginal Plagiarism Prevention Alternative Available Through CollegeBuys. OURIGINAL, Europes leading provider of text-matching solutions for plagiarism prevention and text-similarity detection, announces a multi-year partnership with the Foundation for California Community Colleges. The three-year agreement enables the 116 community colleges the opportunity to receive greater cost savings and increased service reliability while strengthening their students original voice. Ouriginal seamlessly integrates into the colleges Canvas learning management system and uses advanced machine learning to deliver test-winning accuracy analysis. The software will be available through the Foundations purchasing program, CollegeBuys. Our newly launched partnership with Ouriginal will provide our colleges greater breadth of choice, opportunities for cost savings, and instill service delivery standards across the state, said J.C. Sales, Executive Director, Program Development of the Foundation for California Community Colleges. This is especially integral as we rely on technologies to keep our community colleges aligned to their missions. We are beyond excited to be selected by the Foundation, said Eric Gibbs, President, North America for Ouriginal. Our commitment to providing an optimized and affordable solution is something we hear time and again as being pivotal in the selection process for customers and partners alike. To learn more about Ouriginal, visit www.ouriginal.com or contact press@ouriginal.com. About CollegeBuys CollegeBuys is a program of the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the official nonprofit foundation to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and Chancellor's Office. CollegeBuys aggregates the California Community College systems' buying power that empowers districts to realize cost savings, equitable service delivery, and overall value-based relationships with the vendor community. CollegeBuys is used by all 73 California Community College districts. Since its founding in 2001, CollegeBuys has delivered $500MM in cost savings, and paved the way for greater Institutional efficiency in the realm of contracts and procurement. For more information about CollegeBuys, visit www.CollegeBuys.org Story continues About Ouriginal Ouriginal is a text-matching software used to assess the originality of any given text. It was born out of the fusion of PlagScan and Urkund to offer a bold solution that enhances students potentials to think original and save teachers time in evaluating written work. With over 3 decades of combined knowledge and expertise, we deliver cutting edge technology, catering to our customers needs. Currently, Ouriginal provides its services to more than 7,700 organizations in over 80 countries with global headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, and offices in Cologne, Germany, and Chesterfield, MO, USA. Contact Head of Marketing Verena Kunz-Gehrmann Verena heads up marketing and communications at Ouriginal. She is the person to get in contact with if you want to know more about the Ouriginal story. press@ouriginal.com +49 (0) 1522 990 8956 Moscow is concerned over the escalation of tension surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh. For Russia, a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, a new war in the region is unacceptable. We are also concerned about the fact that representatives of the friendly Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples are dying during the hostilities. This is stated in the commentary made by Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation Sergey Naryshkin and posted on the official website of the Services press bureau. There have been clashes on the line of contact of Nagorno-Karabakh in the past. The current escalation of the situation is troubling in terms of not only scale, but also the impact of external factors. Turkey has clearly and unequivocally supported Azerbaijan. In addition, the armed conflict escalating in Nagorno-Karabakh is pulling militants from various international terrorist organizations like a magnet. Based on the data of the Service, hundreds and even thousands of radicals are being transferred to the conflict zone with the hope of making money at the expense of the new war in Nagorno-Karabakh. We have no doubt that the sides to the conflict will eventually cease fire and sit at the negotiating table with the help of the international community. Nevertheless, Russia is concerned that the Transcaucasia may become a new platzdarm for international terrorist organizations and that militants can penetrate into the neighboring states of Azerbaijan and Armenia, including Russia in the future. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of business and academic interests today released a report that provides alarming new data from a Morning Consult study that shows Americans' deteriorating abilities to discuss difficult issues. The report, called The Dialogue Project, also covers promising initiatives from the business world and recommendations from prominent CEOs and other thought leaders to kick start initiatives that bridge the communications gap. The Dialogue Project describes an America that seems to get angrier and more polarized by the day, bruised this year by a pandemic, the eruption of a movement to address racial and social justice and an anxiety-ridden presidential election. Based on a survey of 5,000 adults in five countries (Brazil, Germany, India, the U.S. and the UK), the new survey findings show: While having respectful conversations with those of differing opinions is seen as a significant problem across the world, the issue is especially acute in the U.S. (57%), Brazil (64%) and India (49%). (64%) and (49%). In the U.S., more than three fourths (82%) of respondents said people need to be more respectful when talking with those who hold opposing views, but only half said they would spend more time doing so. Many more women than men (63% to 51%) in the U.S. see the inability to engage in respectful dialogue as a serious problem. Rural U.S. residents (72%) said they were more comfortable talking with other people who have different perspectives than urbanites (58%) and suburbanites (61%). These survey results anchor the premise of the nonpartisan Dialogue Project: to explore what business can do to improve civil discourse and reduce toxic polarization. "We must find a way to break out of the paralysis of tribal politics, information bubbles, suspicion and incivility in which we find ourselves," says Bob Feldman, the communications executive who founded the Dialogue Project last October. "American business is one of the few places where people from different nationalities, religions, political beliefs often encounter others with differing opinions. The success a number of businesses have had in helping employees and communities discuss difficult issues is intriguing and shines a light on how these initiatives provide potential solutions." Stepping Into the Void: Case Examples The report describes more than two dozen programs offered by businesses, nonprofits and universities, often in collaboration. These programs give people the skills and often, the forum, to have difficult, civil conversations to manage disagreement, and achieve consensus and progress. Many of these initiatives can be readily adopted by other organizations and used for community, neighborhood and in-home discussions. Two such cases: The Better Arguments Project is a national civic initiative launched by the Aspen Institute, in conjunction with Allstate and Facing History and Ourselves, a global education program. Participants gather in cities to hear speakers on a controversial topic and then move into smaller groups. Before starting the conversation, they pledge to respect five core principles of productive discussion: 1) take winning off the table, 2) be present and listen to learn, 3) connect and respect, 4) be honest and welcome honesty from others, and 5) make space for new ideas and room to transform. At General Mills, the Courageous Conversations series, now in its fifth year, demonstrates that people are willing to talk about tough topics if they feel heard and respected. During a Courageous Conversation event, General Mills employees gather to listen to a speaker and then break into tables of ten. Each table is assigned an employee-facilitator who is trained to keep the discussion both respectful and on point. The first Courageous Conversation attracted only 30 participants. Now, the conversations attracts as many as 3,000 employees and are conducted online. Employees report "bringing home" the techniques learned through Courageous Conversations to smaller gatherings and even to family dinners. Stepping Into the Void: Executive Perspectives The new report also features original articles from 20 prominent leaders of businesses, universities and other organizations, with insights on issues ranging from civility as a competitive advantage to ways to bridge the digital divide. Some key excerpts: Doug McMillon , CEO of Walmart: "Especially recently, we have seen companies like ours those with cultures built on collaboration and sharing ideas come together with a shared mission. We all agree that that the strength of our businesses is dependent on a healthy workforce. That's why the 181 companies that form the Business Roundtable joined to adopt a new Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation, one that declares we should not just serve shareholders, but also deliver value to our customers, associates, suppliers, communities and the planet. These stakeholders are the heart of our business and it's possible for us to serve, listen to and care for all of them not one or the other." Mary Barra , CEO of General Motors: "Discord and divisiveness are not new conditions in America. But the degree to which this country is divided and polarized today is unprecedented. Even the global COVID-19 pandemic hasn't united us. Then the world saw the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, and a dialogue about systemic racism in this country rose to the forefront, as the streets filled with nightly protests and rallies. And still, rather than unite in the fight to purge our nation of racism and injustice, we remain divided. There may not be a precise roadmap to repairing the divide our country is experiencing, but listening is an important step. Listening leads to awareness, and as I told the team at General Motors: awareness leads to dialogue, dialogue leads to understanding, and understanding leads to change." Jamie Dimon , CEO of JP Morgan Chase: "For too long, too many have fought to use regulation and legislation to further their interests without appropriate regard for the needs of the country. Plain and simple, this is a collective failure to put the needs of society ahead of our personal, parochial and partisan interests. If we do not fix these problems, America's moral, economic and military dominance may cease to exist." Gary Kelly , CEO of Southwest Airlines: "It's not always easy to try and understand another perspective, but we must. It challenges us, and it also opens our minds and our hearts. We have to listen to one another to achieve understanding." About The Dialogue Project The Dialogue Project was conceived by Bob Feldman, vice chair of global consulting firm ICF Next, who believes business needs to take a more active role in solving societal problems, including paralyzing polarization. He quickly gained the support and participation of companies and organizations including Google, Chevron, Bristol Myers Squibb, Southwest Airlines and Chick-fil-A. (See full list below.) This effort comes on the heels of The Business Roundtable acknowledging in 2019 that business must be more purpose-driven and have consideration for the impact of its work on multiple stakeholders. Methodology Integral to The Dialogue Project, Morning Consult conducted an online survey between July 5-July 6, 2020 among a sample of 1,000 adults per country in the U.S., UK, India, Brazil and Germany. The data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults in each country based on age, gender, educational attainment, race and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 1%. Results from each country has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1%. Results were segmented by demographics such as gender, age, political affiliation and ideology, community status, employment categories, and marital status. Participating Organizations Title Sponsors : University of Southern California , Institute for Public Relations, ICF Next : , Institute for Public Relations, ICF Next Sponsors: Google, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Chevron, Southwest Airlines, Corteva, California Resources Corporation, Chick-fil-A, Arthur W. Page Society Google, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Chevron, Southwest Airlines, Corteva, California Resources Corporation, Chick-fil-A, Arthur W. Page Society Participants: AARP, Abridge, Allstate, American University, Business For America, California Resources Corporation, Center for Study of Liberty , Civic Health Project, Coop & the Enigma Museum, Cortico, Open Mind Project, Essential Partners, General Mills, General Motors, Gettysburg College , Institute for Political Innovation, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase, K1 , Leadership Now, Listen First Project, Lloyds, MIT , Pfizer, Presidential Leadership Scholars Program, Spaceship Media, Southern Company Gas, The University of North Carolina , Tesco, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Walmart For more information, contact Jill Totenberg of The Totenberg Group, 917-697-6900 or [email protected]. SOURCE The Dialogue Project Related Links https://www.dialogueproject.study Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the country have been moving to states with lower COVID numbers. Due to this, the Nutmeg State has seen an influx in the number of people moving into the state. In a new report by United Van Lines, Connecticut is the third most-popular state for people to move into during the ongoing pandemic. Approximately 20 percent of all people who moved into Connecticut between March and August moved due to COVID-19 being an issue in their state, according to the report. The current coronavirus positivity rate sits at 1.6 percent in Connecticut, while the national average hovers at 4.7 percent, which is a contributing factor to the number of people moving into the state. On the other end of the spectrum, Washington D.C. and New York were the top two locations that saw the most migrations out due to COVID-19. In the nation's capital, 37.5 percent of people saying that the virus was a major contributor, and in nearby New York, approximately 16 percent of the moves were attributed to the virus. Image credit: Saturday Night Live/NBC/YouTube/Twitter) An embarrassment for a newspaper was a triumph for a hairstylist. In 2017, El Nacional, a newspaper in the Dominican Republic, carried a picture of the actor Alec Baldwin thinking he was Donald Trump. Baldwin often plays the US President on the comedy show Saturday Night Live. Jodi Mancuso, the hair designer at SNL, and one who does Baldwins Trump hairdo, was amused. "Alec showed me that (the paper) and we were laughing, we couldn't believe it," Mancuso said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. As political satire amps up its game before the US elections, the contribution of hair and makeup artists has come to the forefront. Recently, Jim Carrey joined the SNL lineup, went into makeup and emerged some hours later as an ageing and smarmy Joe Biden. Maya Rudolph appears as the vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris, and Beck Bennett plays vice-president Mike Pence. Beyond SNL, Sacha Baron Cohens Borat 2 will release on Amazon Prime on October 3. Count on Borat, the fictional Kazakh journalist played by Cohen, to shock and mock Americans in his own way as he travels through the country and gatecrashes events, including a real Mike Pence rally. Such acting roles require skilled hair and makeup professionals. Baldwins Trump wig alone takes two days to prepare, for example. On show day, we paste down his hair, spray it and put the wig on top of his hair. It takes about 50 hours to build a wig; each hair is sewn in," Mancuso said. Next, Louie Zakarian, SNLs make-up department head, had to hunt for the right shade of orange for Baldwins face. The trick was creating that orange [skin tone] and the light around his eyes, topped off with a crazy pair of eyebrows," Zakarian said in an interview. The challenge is tougher for Cohen, who has to wear his makeup and then step out into the real world playing someone else. While working on Who is America?, where he played four vastly different characters, Cohen asked makeup and special effects designer Tony Gardner, Do you think you could create prosthetics good enough that they would exist in the real world? Because I can't be touched for three hours." The question captured how good the makeup had to be. Also Read: What Navjot Singh Sidhu learnt from presidential debates There is not much material on Borats makeup process on the internet. But the experiences of Cohen and his team while making Who Is America reveal the challenges of the job, such as 3 am to 11 pm workdays and secret hand signals if a disguise is slipping off, like Amol Palekars in the original Golmaal. In an interview with vulture.com, Gardner, whose claims to fame include appearing in Michael Jacksons Thriller video, said, The night before we check into the hotel and our room turns into a makeup trailer. Dozens and dozens of luggage have to be unloaded and ready by 3 a.m., and then the makeup process would, on average, take about three hours. After that the team would be with Cohen till he shot. On an average day, wed be working 3 a.m. to 11 p.m, Gardner said. Im lucky that my kids are in college. In the past, I wouldnt be able to take a call and leave my house in a few hours notice to go to a random city. I had a Sacha Go Kit ready at all times. From Ali G to Borat to Who is America, Cohens work hinges on his ability to convince people that his alter ego is genuine. The disguise has to be foolproof. There was an instance during Who is America where his beard started to come off. He was covertly summoned to the bathroom, where the beard was fixed again. It is understandable Cohen does not wish to reprise the Who Is America characters. "It is grueling. I'm too lazy to do this [anymore]," he said. At least there is Borat and SNL to look forward to. (CNN) The Nobel Prize in Medicine has been jointly awarded to Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice for the discovery of hepatitis C virus. The Nobel Assembly said in a news release Monday that the three scientists "made seminal discoveries that led to the identification of a novel virus." It said the trio had "made a decisive contribution to the fight against blood-borne hepatitis, a major global health problem that causes cirrhosis and liver cancer in people around the world." The 2020 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded at Sweden's Karolinska Institutet on Monday. Globally, an estimated 71 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus infection, according to the World Health Organization. A significant number of those who are chronically infected will develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. When it comes to iconic sneakers, heck, when it comes to the entire history of footwear, youd be hard-pressed to come up with a more beloved or influential shoe than the Superstar "It's long overdue. Hep C arguably has caused just as much, if not more deaths, than the current coronavirus pandemic," Gilbert Thompson, professor emeritus of clinical lipidology at Imperial College London, told CNN. "It was a major problem and this (work) was an enormous step forward." Secretary of the Nobel Assembly Thomas Perlmann said he had to call the winners several times before he finally reached Alter and Rice. close dialog Covid-19 Your local resource. Set your location and log in to find local resources and information on Covid-19 in your area. Set Location "I woke them up and they were very surprised, they were definitely not sitting by the phone because I called them a couple of times before without any answer," he said after making the announcement. "But once I reached them they were extremely surprised and really happy and speechless almost, so it was really fun to talk to them." Cinderella story The discovery of the hepatitis C virus has been described as a Cinderella story in modern medicine -- a relatively overlooked achievement. In the 1960s, it was a great source of concern that a significant number of people receiving blood transfusions developed chronic hepatitis from a mysterious infectious agent. US scientist Alter, of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, showed that blood from these hepatitis patents could transmit the disease to chimpanzees. The mysterious illness became known as "non-A, non-B" hepatitis. Houghton -- a British scientist now working at the University of Alberta in Canada -- used an untested strategy to isolate the genetic sequence of the new virus that was named hepatitis C while working at Chiron Corporation in the 1980s. Rice, another American who's based at Rockefeller University in New York City, provided the final piece of the puzzle, showing that hepatitis C virus alone could cause hepatitis. Thanks to their discoveries, the Nobel committee said that highly sensitive blood tests for the virus are now available and these have essentially eliminated hepatitis being spread through blood transfusions in many parts of the world. Their research also paved the way for the rapid development of antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis C. However, Dr. Claire Bayntun, clinical consultant in global public health and director of Global Leadership Programmes at the UK's Royal Society of Medicine, said that the disease still kills 400,000 people each year. "This is a stark reminder that our developing understanding of the transmission of Covid-19, and the possibilities on the horizon for vaccines and treatment, are not on their own enough to end this global-wide pandemic," she said. In the United States, the most common route of transmission for the disease today is through injection-drug use. Life-changing discoveries The three laureates will share 10 million Swedish kronor, or about $1.07 million. Thomas Perlmann (right), the Secretary of the Nobel Committee, announces the winners. Alfred Nobel -- the inventor of dynamite -- in 1895 created a fund that would give the largest portion of his fortune to those who serve humanity. Today, the Nobels recognize outstanding achievements in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economic Sciences. Between 1901 and 2019, almost 600 awards were given. Nobel's will stated that one part of his fund would be dedicated to "the person who shall have made the most important discovery within the domain of physiology or medicine." The main inscription on one side of the Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Literature Nobel Prize medals is the same: "Inventas vitam juvat excoluisse per artes," loosely translated as: "And they who bettered life on earth by new found mastery." The Nobel Prizes for Medicine, Physics and Chemistry are the acme of scientific achievement -- honoring great minds and life-changing discoveries. The latter two will be announced Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, followed by the Nobel Prize for Literature on Thursday, Peace on Friday and the Prize in Economic Sciences next Monday. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 00:42:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COPENHAGEN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday proposed pumping 1.6 billion U.S. dollars into a "green transition" initiative. Speaking at the opening of the Danish Parliament, the prime minister said the economic recovery in the wake of the lockdown of society earlier this year could help fuel the "promise of an ambitious green transition." "We, therefore, propose a new green margin of two billion Danish kroner (about 316.7 million U.S. dollars) annually until 2025, so that together we create certainty about the green investments in the coming years," she said. In total, approximately 1.6 billion dollars are required until 2025. Part of the money will come from the EU Recovery Fund, according to the prime minister. Frederiksen emphasized the necessity of new affordable technology to make the green transition sustainable. The PM reiterated that her government has three crucial consideration on making climate decisions: creating jobs, not increasing inequality, and affordable welfare in the society. Enditem CHICAGO: Private contractors hired by Moderna Inc to recruit volunteers for its coronavirus vaccine trial failed to enroll enough Black, Latino and Native American participants to determine how well the vaccine works in these populations, company executives and vaccine researchers told Reuters. To make up for the shortfall, Moderna slowed enrollment of its late-stage trial and instructed research centers to focus on increasing participation among minority volunteers, the company said. The effort is being bolstered by academic researchers who have longstanding relationships with organizations in Black and other minority communities. Five investigators working on the Moderna trial said in interviews that commercial site investigators quickly filled a large portion of the 30,000-person study with mostly white volunteers. But COVID-19 infects Blacks in the United States at nearly three times the rate of white Americans, and they are twice as likely to die from the virus, according to a report by the National Urban League and other studies. And communities of color count prominently among healthcare workers and populations at high risk of COVID-19 complications, making them among the first likely to be eligible for a new vaccine, experts said. Dr. Paul Evans, chief executive of Velocity Clinical Research in Durham, North Carolina, whose company was hired to test the Moderna vaccine at five sites, said efforts to enroll volunteers from diverse backgrounds to provide proper population balance is notoriously difficult in any clinical trial. If theres a problem with recruiting minorities, and there is, you cant fix that overnight," he said. Black Americans made up only about 7% of the trial as of Sept. 17. That should be closer to 13% to reflect the actual U.S. population. During the last two weeks of September, Moderna said it increased the proportion of Black enrollment, but declined to provide details. Increased trial participation could help address distrust between communities of color and the medical industry after years of underrepresentation in pharmaceutical research, historical horror stories of medical experimentation without consent, and socioeconomic and health access inequities, vaccine experts and public health officials say. One-fourth of Modernas 100 trial sites are run by academic centers that are part of the National Institute of Healths (NIH) COVID-19 Prevention Trials Network (CoVPN), while the rest are largely commercial subcontractors. A contract research organization called PPD was hired by Moderna to oversee the trial sites. We are essentially making up" for the commercial sites, said one CoVPN investigator not authorized to speak publicly. Dr. Larry Corey, co-leader of CoVPN, said the NIH has invested in clinical trial sites with outreach programs staffed by doctors and nurses with ties to minority communities. Thats not something that is part of the business model of commercial research organizations," Corey said. Moderna is one of the furthest along in the U.S. race for a vaccine seen as essential to ending a pandemic that has claimed over a million lives worldwide. It received more than $1 billion in government funding to develop and produce its candidate, and another $1.5 billion to supply it to the American public. ENTRENCHED BARRIERS, VACCINE HESITANCY PPD referred requests for comment to Moderna. But two of the commercial firms said they had received overwhelming trial participation interest from white volunteers. Several researchers said they struggled to overcome the entrenched barriers that traditionally limit minority enrollment. Moderna planned from the start to recruit a racially diverse group of volunteers, Chief Executive Stephane Bancel told Reuters. The results were decidedly mixed, and recruitment at some underperforming sites was halted, he said. On Modernas website, as many as 17 of the 100 participating trial sites are listed as active but not recruiting, without listing a reason. Bancel said the enrollment slowdown, announced in early September, will not keep the company from seeking emergency use authorization (EUA) for its vaccine in the United States, provided initial results show it to be safe and effective. Moderna could seek an EUA for inoculating high-risk groups such as healthcare workers as early as November. The company said it will provide complete data on the more diverse trial group in its formal application seeking commercial approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration next year. Even with that approval, there are likely to be hurdles to convincing Black Americans to take the vaccine. According to a Pew Research Center survey released in September, only 32% of Black adults said they would definitely or probably get a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 52% of white adults, 56% of Hispanics and 72% of Asian Americans. Some trial investigators attributed the minority recruitment shortfall in part to the demands of testing a coronavirus vaccine at unprecedented speed. It essentially was becoming first-come, first-served, and it was skewing towards not getting enough minorities, said Dr. Rambod Rouhbakhsh, a lead researcher at the MediSync Clinical Research Hattiesburg Clinic in Petal, Mississippi, a commercial site hired by PPD for the Moderna trial. Dr. Moncef Slaoui, who runs the U.S. Operation Warp Speed program that has funded Modernas vaccine and others, joined a virtual town hall last week organized by civil rights leader Jesse Jacksons Rainbow Push coalition in Atlanta. He told Black leaders that minority enrollment in Modernas trial had fallen short and appealed for help in encouraging volunteers from the community. Developing a vaccine that is not used in a fraction of the population is the same as having no vaccine," Slaoui said. It is absolutely useless. 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 WASHINGTON - Two admitted Islamic State militants are expected to be flown on Wednesday from Iraq to the United States, where they will become the first defendants to face prosecution in a U.S. court in connection with the beheadings of American and British hostages, U.S. officials said. Charges against El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey are expected to be unveiled Wednesday in crimes related to the brutal executions of journalists and aid workers by the Islamic State in Syria, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the matter's sensitivity. They will be prosecuted in federal court in Alexandria, Va., the site of many past high-profile national security cases. Officials would not detail the planned charges, but possible counts include conspiracy to commit homicide, hostage-taking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death and homicide. The pair are being flown to the United States by the U.S. military, which has been holding them at an air base in Iraq since October 2019. The mother of one of the men had sought to block a U.S. prosecution because of the prospect of the defendants facing execution if convicted. But a British court last month effectively ended her efforts, paving the way for the two militants, whom Britain earlier stripped of their citizenship, to be tried in the United States. "We appreciate Britain's providing the evidence in support of prosecution and we look forward to seeing these defendants in a U.S. courtroom to face justice in the near future," Justice Department spokesman Marc Raimondi said. He declined to comment on the charges. Attorney General William Barr in August agreed to set aside the possibility of a death sentence if British authorities promptly transferred evidence to aid a U.S. prosecution. That evidence was shared two weeks ago as soon as the British court issued its ruling. The pair were part of a four-member cell dubbed "the Beatles" by their prisoners because of their British accents, and are accused of helping stage the beheadings, which were posted online, as the Islamic State was taking control of Iraq and Syria in 2014. The most infamous of the four was the masked man who carried out the grisly killings, known as "Jihadi John," and identified as Mohamed Emwazi not long before he was killed in 2016 in a U.S. drone strike. A fourth member of the cell is imprisoned in Turkey. Elsheikh and Kotey were captured by Kurdish forces in Syria in 2018. They were transferred to Iraq by the U.S. military in October 2019 amid Turkey's invasion of northeast Syria. All four traveled to Islamic State territory from homes in London, and British authorities have amassed substantial evidence related to those journeys as well as voice analysis connecting the suspects to the hostages. But the British government was reluctant to try them in domestic court, fearing that even if the men were convicted, British law would not guarantee a sufficient sentence. Barr had given British officials until Oct. 15 to provide the evidence or, he warned, the men would be transferred from U.S. custody to the Iraqi government for prosecution. Such a move, human rights activists said, would be tantamount to a death sentence. Former hostages said the group subjected them to repeated beatings, waterboarding and mock executions. A number of Western European hostages were released after their governments paid ransoms. The British and U.S. governments refused to do so. Emwazi beheaded American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff on camera, as well as British aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning. Peter Kassig, an American aid worker, was slain before his severed head was displayed in an ISIS video. Kayla Mueller, an American human rights activist, was also killed while being held by the group, but her body has not been found. In interviews from Kurdish custody with The Washington Post and other news organizations, Kotey and Elsheikh acknowledged interacting with those hostages, saying it was their job to extract information, sometimes violently, that could be used in ransom negotiations. But they said they didn't participate in the executions. - - - The Washington Post's Missy Ryan contributed to this report. New Delhi, Oct 7 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday said six districts of his state, including Rayalaseema and Prakasam, are dependent on the Srisailam project, as they require at least 600 TMC water to meet their drinking water and irrigation needs and alleviate the backwardness of the region. "Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts continue to reel under drought for not having even 50 TMC of water per district. It is generally agreed that a minimum of 100 TMC of water is required for each district to sustain itself," said Reddy in the apex council meeting, with Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekawat and his Telangana counterpart K. Chandrasekhar Rao, aimed at resolving the Telugu states' water disputes. "It is a fact that critical and chronically drought-prone areas of Rayalaseema, Kurnool, YSR Kadapa, Anantapuram, Chittoor, including SPSR Nellore and Prakasam districts are mainly dependent on Srisailam project for their drinking, industrial and irrigation needs," he said. According to Reddy, these areas receive very low rainfall with erratic distribution in time and space. Likewise, there are also no reliable water sources to provide drinking water and irrigation. He said these six districts are among the most backward places in Andhra Pradesh. "It is not out of context to mention that Ananthapuram receives the second lowest rainfall in the country after Thar desert and falls under Desert Development Programme (DDP)," Reddy noted, adding that Kurnool, YSR Kadapa, Chittoor and Prakasam districts fall under Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), showing their backwardness and acute need of water for sustenance and development. Due to the parched conditions and underdevelopment, the Chief Minister said people from these six districts are migrating to faraway places in search of livelihood, impacting the region's socio-economic conditions. "I, respectfully, would like to submit that the Minister of Jal Shakti and CM, Telangana would appreciate that it is the moral responsibility of the elected governments, to ensure that the minimum basic needs of the people are fulfilled in the backward areas in order to instill confidence in overall growth of those regions," he said. Though Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda and Rangareddy districts in Telangana are on the same page, availability of irrigation facility above 30 per cent of commandable area with 142 TMC and 104 TMC in both the districts respectively, along with industrialisation in Rangareddy have put them out of the DPAP, he noted. Reddy said these three districts are better placed from an overall growth perspective while Rayalaseema and Prakasam continue to reel under drought without even 50 TMC water per district. Appealing to Shekhawat to chalk out a national policy to treat water resources as national wealth to balance the needs of the backward and flourishing areas, he said: "Further, the sharing mechanism in all the reservoirs in a basin may be considered on a proportionate sharing basis on a fortnightly basis so that all extreme conditions will be shared by all the stakeholders in the basin together." Courts and mediators around the world have been slowly adopting ODR technology for several years, but the pandemic has really made this a necessity... were excited to provide RDO technology to our existing customers and to new customers in the USA and Canada," said Scott Bade, ImageSoft President. Announced today, ImageSoft is proud to add award-winning online dispute resolution technology to our existing paperless technology solutions. Courts and mediators around the world have a clear mandate to resolve legal cases online and to improve fairness and access to justice for all. ImageSoft has established a comprehensive partnership with Resolve Disputes Online (RDO) a successful UK based software company, with offices in Australia and India. ImageSoft will provide RDO technology to the USA and Canada markets. RDO was designed and developed by a team of international lawyers, UN Justice Leaders, judges, mediators, and legal IT professionals who share a passion for improving access to justice. ImageSoft will combine its 25 years of justice technology experience with RDOs best-in-class Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform to allow cases to be processed more quickly with better outcomes for the parties. ImageSoft will leverage its existing full-service team of technology professionals in the USA and Canada and will host the technology in the USA. ImageSoft understands the unique integration and security requirements that courts demand. The RDO platform streamlines the interactions between case parties with a clean and intuitive approach to dispute resolution that is quickly deployed as a secure Cloud application. RDO is unique in offering courts and mediators a configurable solution that provides processing paths for: Negotiation, Mediation, and Arbitration. Read more about the RDO platform and opportunities at http://www.ResolveDisputes.com. Were very excited to partner with ImageSoft in the USA and Canada. They bring tremendous knowledge of the justice market having served courts throughout the US, and they also have a large team of professionals that is known to provide exceptional service and support to customers, said Joe Al-Khayat, Co-Founder of RDO. RDOs mission is to improve access to justice, and we have been very successful in Asia and Europe. Having ImageSoft on the team will allow us to grow to meet the surging market demand. With ImageSoft, we believe weve found great alignment in our shared core values and approach that puts customers first. Courts and mediators around the world have been slowly adopting ODR technology for several years, but the pandemic has really made this a necessity. said Scott Bade, President and Product Visionary at ImageSoft. The technology has been proven; it makes the court better and it improves fairness and access to justice for the citizens. We share a passion with RDO for helping people and providing great service theyre good people doing good work, and were excited to provide RDO technology to our existing customers and to new customers in the USA and Canada. His wife Kim Kardashian recently revealed that it was 'so scary' single-handedly aiding his COVID-19 recovery back in March. And Kanye West appeared to be taking precaution as he grabbed lunch at Nobu restaurant in Malibu on Monday afternoon. The 43-year-old rapper donned a medical grade face mask as he made his way into the swanky beachfront establishment. Cautious: Kanye West appeared to be taking COVID-19 precautions as he grabbed lunch at Nobu restaurant in Malibu on Monday afternoon Due to the overcast weather conditions, West made sure to layer a denim jacket over his blue t-shirt. The Stronger hitmaker finished off his ensemble by throwing on some black Adidas sweat pants and a pair of his personally crafted adidas YEEZY 'Foam RNNR' slip-ons. As for jewelry, he appeared to be wearing his gold wedding band and nothing else. Kanye's outing comes hours after Kim opened up about helping him at a time where not much was known about the novel coronavirus in a cover story interview with GRAZIA. Masked up: The 43-year-old rapper donned a medical grade face mask as he made his way into the swanky beachfront establishment 'Kanye had it way at the beginning, when nobody really knew what was going on,' explained the 39-year-old KUWTK star in the interview published Monday. 'It was so scary and unknown. I had my four babies and no-one else in the house to help.' Kardashian said that he had tested positive around the same time that Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson revealed that they had it in mid-March. That's love: Kim Kardashian has revealed that she took care of Kanye West while he recovered from COVID-19 back in March, as they are seen together in Wyoming back in June However, during his infamous Forbes interview from July, Kanye revealed that he had it in February. Regardless of the timetable, Kim stepped up to the plate to take care of her ailing husband. She explained: 'I had to go and change his sheets and help him get out of bed when he wasnt feeling good. It was a challenge because it was so unknown. 'Changing his sheets with gloves and a face shield was really a scary time.' Back in July, Kanye described his symptoms as he said: 'Chills, shaking in the bed, taking hot showers, looking at videos telling me what I'm supposed to do to get over it. 'I remember someone had told me Drake had the coronavirus and my response was Drake can't be sicker than me!' Tough times: Back in July, Kanye described his symptoms as he said: 'Chills, shaking in the bed, taking hot showers, looking at videos telling me what I'm supposed to do to get over it,' as he is seen at a presidential rally in South Carolina 'I remember someone had told me Drake had the coronavirus and my response was Drake can't be sicker than me!': The 33-year-old Canadian rapper (seen in October) later tested negative in March The 33-year-old Canadian rapper later tested negative in March. Meanwhile Kanye sent his condolences to the Commander In Chief and First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday, as they recover from COVID-19 following the announcement of their diagnoses Thursday night. The 43-year-old wrote on Twitter: 'Theres a crying need for civility across the board. We need to and will come together in the name of Jesus. 'Im praying for President Trumps and Melanias full recovery, just as I would for Joe and Jill Biden if they were stricken, as well as everyone else with COVID-19.' Best buds: The 21-time Grammy winner is continuing to keep cordial with his friend-turned-opponent Trump, after announcing his bizarre campaign over the summer Thoughts and prayers: The 43-year-old wrote on Twitter: 'Im praying for President Trumps and Melanias full recovery, just as I would for Joe and Jill Biden if they were stricken, as well as everyone else with COVID-19' Matt and Angie Schaitel opened a tap room Sept. 11 in their Alchemy Brewing Co. brewery at 20710 Jameson Road, along Hwy. 27 in the unincorporated community of Leon, south of Sparta. Its just south of The Cotter Pin, which is owned by Matts cousin, Neil Schaitel, and shares a parking lot with that business. The tap room is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays. Matt brews beer on Sundays. Matt and Angie both have full-time jobs elsewhere. The tap room occupies about half of the brewerys 24-by-24-foot building, and has inside seating as well as outside seating under a new pergola. It will be open year-round, Matt said last week. Matt said he typically will have six different beers on tap. The brewery has been making its beers since last December, and theyve been available on tap at The Cotter Pin, which shares a parking lot with the brewery. Theyre not available at The Cotter Pin at the moment, but will be soon, once Matt boosts beer production. Matt said he and his wife decided to open the tap room because the small brewerys beers have gone over so well at The Cotter Pin. With so many requests (for its beers), we decided to open a tap room a couple days a week, he said. Matt has been brewing beer for about 20 years, mostly as a home brewer. Well see what happens with it, Matt said, when asked about the brewerys prospects for growth. Its a hobby that I ended up getting a lot of expensive equipment for. I thought Id just go for it. So far its been going over very well. For more information, call Matt at 608-633-0170 or visit the brewerys Facebook page. Timeless Treasures opened Sept. 10 at 1233 Caledonia St. in La Crosse and will have its grand opening celebration from Thursday through next Sunday. The business was known as the La Crescent Upscale Flea Market and was only open on Saturdays and Sundays, until it moved to the new location from the former Commodore Restaurant & Lounge building at 215 S. Chestnut St. in La Crescent. At the new La Crosse location, Timeless Treasures has 10 vendors and sells such things as antiques, vintage items, furniture, crafts and some new merchandise. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 608-792-8193 or visit the stores Facebook page. Cheap Andys LAX neighborhood bar and grill opened Monday in the former My Place bar at 3201 South Ave. in La Crosse. The new business has a full bar and its food menu includes appetizers, sandwiches and pizza, bar manager Kiana Kohlmeier said. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. A grand opening celebration is expected to be held sometime in October, Kohlmeier said. The building has been remodeled, and an enclosed patio has been added. Cheap Andys LAX is one of several Wisconsin bars and restaurants owned by Andrew Schmitz. For more information, call 608-796-2891 or visit www.ourfavoritebar.com or the Cheap Andys LAX Facebook page. Fully Promoted of La Crosse branded products and marketing services has opened in Suite B at 3629 Mormon Coulee Road in La Crosse. The new franchised business opened Aug. 3, is owned by Janice Tieu and will hold its grand opening celebration on Oct. 30 with prizes, trick-or-treat bags, refreshments and other items. Fully Promoted offers marketing and branding solutions, promotional products and personal protective equipment services, said Eric Kemble, general manager of the new La Crosse location. We offer embroidery, screen printing, direct-to-garment, heat-press, promotional handouts, marketing materials and much more. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call the office at 608-881-8752 or visit www.fullypromoted.com/lacrosse-wi or the offices Facebook page. Owner and practitioner Laura Wieczorek opened Healthy 4 Life, LLC, a new holistic alternative health care practice, on July 22 in Suite 100 in the Boulder Park Center at 100 Majestic Drive in Westby. She said the practice is for anyone who may have chronic health conditions, autoimmune disorders, allergies or suffer from insect bite residuals. She applies Intention-Based Field Resonance Testing principles while using her previous education and experience as a registered nurse. The testing done is a priority-based evaluation for the entire entity of each person mind, body, spirit and frequency, Wieczorek said. This is done by assessing levels of coherency for each client including organ/tissue/cells within the body that have unbalanced frequencies, causing a compromised state of function. Then the key factors or toxins that block normal cellular frequencies of each compromised organ/tissue/cell are identified. A gentle touch of the lower leg, such as ankles, is applied to receive a response and give the intent acceptable for each client, she said. Imbalanced organs and causative factors are treated with vials containing frequency energetic information imprinted into a water medium for each client to take in a specific order and timing. The body responds to the drops by raising its own frequency and expelling the causative key factors (toxins), thus restoring optimal frequencies creating targeted restoration of the person, resulting in homeostasis (balance). Wieczorek said she has found through her own experience with Intention-Based Field Resonance Testing that the body is an intelligent, self-managing system. When a client is given the opportunity to participate fully in their journey in health and is given the right information to restore frequencies, the body can heal itself, she said. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and are by appointment. For more information, call 608-634-4422 or visit Facebook. Steve Cahalan can be reached at stevecahalan.reporter@gmail.com or 608-791-8470. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Hispanic business and community leader, and former White House advisor, Leonard Rodriguez, is renewing San Antonios La Prensa publication with a commitment to honoring Latino heritage. We have the responsibility of communicating with the next generation of San Antonios Latino leaders, said Leonard Rodriguez, Interim Chairman of the Board for La Prensa. To achieve this in a meaningful way that improves lives, we remain mindful of where we have come from and where we are going. Hispanic business and community leader, and former White House advisor, Leonard Rodriguez, is renewing San Antonios La Prensa publication with a commitment to honoring Latino heritage. Of special emphasis will be growing La Prensas digital presence to address an evolving demographic of bilingual families and businesses, and continuing the print version of the publication to ensure news reaches all audiences regardless of their access to technology. Joining Rodriguez on the La Prensa Board of Directors is former President of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Dr. Ricardo Romo; Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner, Tommy Calvert; attorney and public policy advocate, Louis Escareno; My Optical and Barchester Properties President, Dr. William Elizondo; Reyes Automotive Group and Reyes Amtex Automotive President, Fernando Reyes; and marketing and strategy consultant, Yvette Tello. The new leadership team is committed to propel La Prensa into a new age of communications that will connect the Latino community in San Antonio and will build upon what the Duran family has brought to our city for decades. We have the responsibility of communicating with the next generation of San Antonios Latino leaders, said Leonard Rodriguez, Interim Chairman of the Board for La Prensa and former CEO of the City of San Antonio Westside Development Corp. To achieve this in a meaningful way that improves lives, we remain mindful of where we have come from and where we are going. We are chipping away at the disparity between income, race, health, gender, education and opportunity to unite the Latino community for a better future. Established in 1913, La Prensa is Texas first and oldest English and Spanish newspaper. The legacy of the publication has been giving diverse community voices a meaningful platform to share information that impacts lives. After the death of Tino Duran, much respected publisher and community leader, his son and La Prensa publisher, Steve Duran, converted the newspaper to a nonprofit to continue its legacy of serving San Antonios Latino community before recently stepping down as publisher and chairman of the board to devote more time to other interests and his family. La Prensa continues to be a vital community resource for the people of San Antonio, said Dr. Ricardo Romo. Strengthening La Prensa is an ideal way to support the people of San Antonio by giving them access to news and resources to make informed decisions. The Board leadership will work to provide oversight, fundraising support and editorial direction with La Prensas staff to ensure San Antonios Hispanic community is equipped with necessary and vital information regarding the citys actions, current events and important news. Part of how we will usher progress in our community is through major corporate partnerships that cultivate a more informed community, said Yvette Tello who is also serving as Executive Vice President of Operations and is familiar with the day-to-day publishing of the paper. Additionally, we provide businesses with an affordable way of market their goods and services to San Antonios Latino community. La Prensas leadership team includes: Leonard Rodriguez - Interim Chairman of the Board & Contributor Louis Escareno - Board Secretary & Spokesperson Yvette Tello - Board Treasurer & Executive Vice President of Operations (Interim Publisher) Dr. Ricardo Romo Board Member & Contributor Tommy Calvert - Board Member Fernando Reyes - Board Member Dr. William Elizondo - Board Member Roxy Eguia - Editor & Chief Marc Rodriguez Executive Vice President. Growth & Development Nicodemus Gonzalez - Graphic Designer Ramon Chapa - Community Liaison Jose Franco - Spanish Editor & Contributor The Social Being - Internet & Social Media Management Team About La Prensa Established in 1913, La Prensa is Texas first and oldest English and Spanish newspaper. For more than a century, it has given diverse community voices a meaningful platform to share information that impacts lives. In 2020, La Prensa became a non-profit, growing its reach to help the Latino community overcome the divides of income, race, language, gender, and education. For more information, visit laprensatexas.com. In upcoming articles and blog posts, Amy will be writing on the current mentorship scheme, which follows Nampet Sae-Heng and Tobias Zijlstra on their exciting educational journeys, as well as how the pandemic has changed both attitudes and practices of contemporary tutoring. In addition to this, she will, of course, be covering Tutors International's unique, innovative and quality-first approach to private tutoring. Originally from Essex and currently based in Glasgow, Amy has lived in Scotland for three years, after moving there for her Masters degree in Literary Modernism at the University of Edinburgh. She describes herself as a lover of the arts and has enjoyed being creative in a variety of avenues from a young age. "I'm really excited to be joining the Tutors International team," says Amy. "It's a company that is completely unmatched in its field and its approach to tutoring, so it's a real privilege to be a part of this special organisation. It's particularly interesting to be joining at such a strange time for the wider world; being unable to travel and spending much more time indoors, the COVID-19 pandemic has made my individual world feel much smaller than usual, so being inducted into an organisation that offers a global interpersonal service has meant my sense of international perspective and connectivity has been revitalised." Tutors International was ahead of the curve, with a core team that has always worked from home. Its employees are located all across the UK, with some also based in Russia and America. As well as meaning employees have always experienced the bonuses of a home office setup (no commute, flexibility, great communication facilities) it also allows recruitment from a global talent pool. In keeping with Tutors International's ethos, it enables hiring of not just the best candidate in the UK, but the best candidate internationally. Founder of Tutors International, Adam Caller, comments on the recruitment process: "Whether we're hiring for a tutor or our internal team, the volume of applicants is staggering. Often, we have candidates apply for positions that they only partially meet the criteria for. The quality checks in place at Tutors International means we can't accept these applications. We write detailed specifications for a reason, and candidates that meet every requirement are then interviewed for their suitability for the role. We only consider applicants that meet all the requirements of our job advertisements, and after successfully completing our recruitment process as the most suitable candidate, we're very happy to welcome Amy to the team." Amy is most looking forward to being fully engaged in the ever-changing landscape of education, especially at a point in history where innovations and modifications to traditional classroom formats are having to be made. The recent Tutors International mentorship programme is a particular point of interest, and she is excited to see how Tobias and Nampet progress. About Tutors International Tutors International provides an unparalleled bespoke service that matches the right tutor with the right child, in order for the student to fully reach their personal potential and academic excellence. Providing a service for children of all ages at different points in their educational journeys, Tutors International is founded on a commitment to find the perfect tutor to realise the specific goals and aspirations of each student. Tutors are available for full-time tutoring positions, after-school assistance and home-schooling. Contact details Web: www.tutors-international.com Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0) 1865 435 135 Tutors International, Clarendon House, 52 Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3HJ UK SOURCE Tutors International William Joseph Dankesreiter Jr, a 60-year-old from Derry Township, was charged with attempted murder A Pennsylvania man has been detained after local authorities claim that he plotted to kill his wife by rigging a tripwire at the top of a flight of stairs leading to a basement. William Joseph Dankesreiter Jr, a 60-year-old from Derry Township, was charged with attempted murder and has been held on $500,000 bond. The intended target was the man's 59-year-old wife, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. 'Mr. Dankesreiter put a tripwire at the top of the steps,' trooper Stephen Limani explained to KDKA. Police said that the man tried to use a fishing line to kill the woman. While she tripped, she managed to quickly save herself. 'If she had fallen, there were about 10 steps she would have fallen down and there is a small landing area. And then another few steps, she would have been landing on concrete. I can only imagine how catastrophic her injuries would be,' Limani added. Laura Dankesreiter told authorities that it wasn't the first time that her husband tried to hurt her. Pennsylvania State Police said that he tied a tripwire on the top of his stairs in an effort to trip his 59-year-old wife 'That's one of the things with domestic violence,' Limani said, 'it usually increases. It starts at a low level, with verbal abuse, and escalates to physical violence.' As troopers were talking to the woman, the suspect pulled up to the home in his pickup truck. 'It was obviously thought through,' Limani said. 'I don't know how long he was thinking this through. You could definitely see there was a line tied across. There was nothing accidental about this.' Laura has filed a protection from abuse order from her husband. Police currently do not have a motive. U.S. Navy Commander Dr. Sean Conley, the White House physician, is flanked by other doctors as he speaks to the media about U.S. President Donald Trump's health after the president was hospitalized for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) treatment, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, U.S., October 4, 2020. REUTERS/Erin Scott Donald Trump's doctors finally admitted yesterday that his oxygen levels dropped for two days running and that he is taking a steroid treatment to fight Covid-19. They also admitted to giving an "upbeat" assessment of his health on Saturday. Dr Sean Conley, the US president's physician, said Mr Trump's health had improved yesterday and he could be discharged as early as today. Dr Conley admitted giving an overly rosy picture of Mr Trump's health in a Saturday briefing, where he did not admit the president had received supplemental oxygen. Mr Trump was said to have been out of bed and moving unaided in the presidential suite in Walter Reed Medical Centre, where he is being treated for Covid-19 after a positive test on Thursday, and that his heart, kidney and liver appeared to be normal. However, doctors disclosed that Mr Trump was given dexamethasone on Saturday, a steroid treatment that the World Health Organisation recommends is used only for patients with "severe and critical Covid-19". The US National Institutes of Health has issued similar guidance. Dr Conley triggered fresh confusion by saying there were "some expected findings" on Mr Trump's lungs after tests, but declined to give more clarity despite repeated questions from reporters, save for saying that the president performed well on breathing tests. He also declined to say exactly how low Mr Trump's blood oxygen levels had dropped, both on Friday - when the president was given supplemental oxygen - and on Saturday, when the steroid treatment was first used. The responses meant there remained a lack of clarity yesterday about the exact state of Mr Trump's health as he battled the illness, even as doctors gave an upbeat portrayal and said he could be discharged today. Dr Brian Garibaldi, another doctor treating Mr Trump, told the briefing: "Today he feels well. He's been up and around. If he continues to look and feel as well as he does today, our hope is that we can plan for a discharge as early as tomorrow to the White House where he can continue his treatment course." Yesterday, Mr Trump briefly left hospital in a car to wave to supporters. The president's journey came shortly after he promised his supporters "a surprise" in a video posted on Twitter. "It's been a very interesting journey," Mr Trump said in the video. "I learned a lot about Covid. I learned it by really going to school. This is the real school. This isn't the let's-read-the-books school. And I get it, and I understand it. And it's a very interesting thing." Earlier in the day, Mr Trump's doctor said the president's blood oxygen level dropped suddenly twice in recent days, but he "has continued to improve" since then. The update from Dr Sean Conley added a new layer of confusion to the president's fight with Covid-19 as he also suggested Mr Trump could be discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre as early as Monday. Mr Trump's doctors, speaking on the steps of the military hospital where he was being treated for a third consecutive day, refused to disclose the specific timing of the president's dip in oxygen or whether lung scans showed any damage. Dr Conley acknowledged he was trying to downplay the severity of the president's condition the day before. "I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team, that the president, that his course of illness has had. Didn't want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction," Dr Conley said. "And in doing so, came off like we're trying to hide something, which wasn't necessarily true. The fact of the matter is that he's doing really well." Dr Conley said the president had a "high fever" and a blood oxygen level below 94pc on Friday and during "another episode" on Saturday. He was evasive when asked whether Mr Trump's level had dropped below 90pc: "We don't have any recordings here on that." The level currently stands at 98pc, Mr Trump's medical team said. Mr Trump offered his own assessment of his status the night before in a video from his hospital suite, saying he was beginning to feel better and hoped to "be back soon". And he was back on social media early Sunday morning, sharing a video of flag-waving supporters, most not wearing masks, gathered outside the medical centre. The changing, and at times contradictory, accounts created a credibility crisis for the White House at a crucial moment, with the president's health and the nation's leadership on the line. Yesterday's briefing revealed that the state of his health on Friday and Saturday was much more concerning than White House doctors and officials briefed at the time, adding to critics' claims of a "credibility gap" in their contemporary public statements. ( Daily Telegraph, London) The vice presidential debate will feature new safety measures to make sure everyone is safe when Mike Pence and Kamala Harris face off on Wednesday. The vice presidential debate between Pence and Harris will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah. During the debate, a plexiglass barrier will separate Harris and Pence from one another, reported Politico. In a statement released Monday, the Commission on Presidential Debates said it was an "approach to overall health and safety". The request for the vice presidential debate safety measures were made by the Biden-Harris campaign and was approved by the CPD, CBS News reported. On the other hand, the Trump-Pence campaign opposed the barrier. Candidates will not be given time to make opening or closing statements. "If Sen. Harris wants to use a fortress around herself, have at it," said Katie Miller, Pence's communications director. She has contracted COVID-19 herself in May. A spokesperson from Harris' camp did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The plexiglass barrier was erected due to concerns of coronavirus transmission. This is especially important now that several staffers from the White House have tested positive of the virus. Other Safety Measures A barrier will also be put between the two candidates and moderator Susan Page. Cleveland Clinic, which is setting protocols for the forum, also supported the plans. Apart from the barrier, the candidates will also be standing 12 feet and three inches apart for the run of the debate. The original plan was to put Pence and Harris at least seven feet apart, said CNBC. Once they are on stage, they will not wear masks. The distance is bigger than during the first presidential debate that was at least six feet. Both candidates also didn't wear masks during that event, USA Today noted. For everyone in the debate hall, there will also be a variety of safety measures in place. There will be COVID-19 testing and the use of masks. CPD said those who refuse to wear a mask will be escorted out of the venue. The debate will take place from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday without commercial breaks. It will be nine segments of 10 minutes each. The vice presidential debate on Wednesday will be Harris and Pence's first and only face-to-face showdown. There will be a "small number" of ticketed guests at the debate, added the CPD. Plexiglass has also been used in a weekend debate between Republican senator Lindsay Graham and challenger Jaime Harrison. Harrison put a barrier between himself and Graham. Pence Leaves for Utah Vice President Pence has already left for Utah to prepare for the debate. He departed from Joint Base Andrews on Monday. Before going on board, he told reporters that he had spoken with the president. "He told me to head to Utah and we're looking very much forward to the vice presidential debate," Pence said. Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden had their first presidential debate on Tuesday last week. Later that week, Trump announced that he had been infected by coronavirus. Pence tested negative of the virus on Monday. Check these out! Trump Leaves Hospital to Receive COVID-19 Treatment at White House Election: What Happens if Trump Becomes Too Sick to Lead the US? Who Won First Presidential Debate? Experts Evaluate Trump, Biden Brawl The National Federation of Journalists (FENAJ) is proposing a new tax on digital platforms and the creation of a Fund to Support and Promote Journalism and Journalists . The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) welcomes the initiative of its Brazilian affiliate which is designed to guarantee the financing of quality journalismand joins its call for an open debate on a new tax on digital giants. On October 6, FENAJ will present the Manifesto For the Taxation of Digital Platforms in a virtual event that will bring together IFJ leaders, representatives of the journalists' unions and will be hosted by the General Secretary of FENAJ, Beth Costa. FENAJ's proposal was born from the IFJ World Platform for Quality Journalism, which argues that democratic societies need to think about new ways to fund journalism. It calls for taxes to be levied on the tech giants - Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Microsoft, commonly refered to as GAFAM - who pay little or no tax in the majority of countries where they collect revenues, estimated at $900 billion worldwide, to build a Fund to Support and Promote Journalism and Journalists. A matter of justice: #TaxTheTechs FENAJ is basing its proposal on data and an analysis of the power and influence of big digital platforms and their exploitation - without paying - of journalistic work to obtain enormous revenues. It also takes into account the fact that these companies pay virtually no taxes in several countries around the world, including Brazil. The union has called for the urgent adoption of public policies that can protect the production and financing of journalism. FENAJ proposes taxing big digital platforms in the following ways: Creation of a CIDE (Contribution for Intervention in the Economic Domain), through legislation of the Congress; Allocation of CIDE resources to build the Fund to Support and Promote Journalism and Journalists, a public managed fund with the independence to allocate resources to the journalistic production of public and/or private organizations /companies and of independent journalists; Limiting access to the resources of the Fund to newspaper companies that respect working conditions, collective agreements and salary levels, working hours as well as measures to restrict unwarranted dismissals (Convention 158 of ILO) and who respect journalists' independence. Use of resources from the fund to increase the democratization of the media, with the effective prohibition of monopolies in the sector; recognising the value of local and regional content in journalistic production; the end of the so-called news deserts (cities where there are no local media); and respect of public interest and democracy as guiding criteria for the production of Brazilian Journalism. IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: We welcome and praise FENAJs call for taxes on digital companies that benefit from journalists work for free and avoid paying their fair share for it. We believe that developing strong national digital services tax schemes are a robust solution to the current crisis of the media sector. After Saul Sanchez tested positive for the coronavirus at a hospital in Greeley, Colo., he spoke to his daughter on the phone and asked her to relay a message to his supervisors at work. Please call JBS and let them know Im in the hospital, his daughter Beatriz Rangel remembered him as saying. Let them know I will be back. The meat-processing company JBS had employed Mr. Sanchez, 78, at its plant in Greeley for three decades. He was one of at least 291 people there who tested positive for the coronavirus, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. On April 7, Mr. Sanchez became one of at least six employees at the plant to die of Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. My dad was a very hardworking, happy-go-lucky, selfless person, Ms. Rangel said. Its a great loss. The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to hand over investigation into the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Bhopal to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), said an official communique released by the home department on Tuesday night. The communique states, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has decided to hand over the investigation of the incident of rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl at Manuabhan Tekri, Koh-eFiza, Bhopal that took place on April 30, 2019 to CBI. The chief minister has said that the criminals will be punished severely in cases of crimes against girls. In this connection, the home department has sent the approval of the state government to the CBI. The state government has also granted approval for investigation related to the crime, inducement of crime and conspiracy, said the communique. As per the official information, the crime no. 276/19 was registered in connection with the rape and murder under Sections 363, 366, 376 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 5(R) 6 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. According to police officials, two persons were nabbed in connection with the crime but the police team failed to collect any corroborative evidence against them so far. Highlights In the Great Indian Sale, Amazon India is going to sell the iPhone 11 for less than Rs 50,000. This price will be for the iPhone 11 64GB variant. There are reasons to buy the iPhone 11 now at this price and not wait for the iPhone 12. In the upcoming Great India Sale, dates of which will be revealed today, Amazon India is going to sell the iPhone 11 for under Rs 50,000. There is already a deal teaser on the website about it, noting that the iPhone 11 will be available at a discounted price of Rs 4x999 in the upcoming sale. This will be the lowest ever price on this phone, claims Amazon. While the deal sounds enticing and it is one question many people may have is this: should I buy the iPhone 11 or wait for the iPhone 12. Now, there is no denying that the iPhone 12 is coming soon. The launch of the next iPhone is expected this month, which is this October, reportedly on October 13, and it is expected that the iPhone 12 will be available in India towards the end of October. But the iPhone 11 under Rs 50,000 is such a deal that you should not wait for the iPhone 12. You won't regret getting the iPhone 11 for under Rs 50,000, which is if you can get it because over here at the India Today Tech we expect a huge rush for this deal when Amazon starts selling the iPhone 11 in the Great Indian Sale and we expect that there aren't going to be too many units available. All of that for later, though. For now, it is clear that the iPhone 11 under Rs 50,000 is something not to be missed even if iPhone 12 is coming. Let us explain in five reasons. Reason One: The iPhone 11 is a great phone. And it is a great phone at its regular price, which is close to Rs 65,000. To get this phone for less than Rs 50,000 is the deal of the month, or even year. The phone is fast with its A13 Bionic processor, it has a fantastic screen and long battery life, it runs the iOS 14, and its two cameras are among the best you can buy in the market. To put it another way, it is a 90 per cent phone of the iPhone 11 Pro at almost 50 per cent price if you are getting it for less than Rs 50,000. Reason two: There is not going to be a huge difference in terms of features and capabilities for the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12. Understand that Apple believes in incremental updates. It doesn't change phones in a significant way every year. Instead, the updates to iPhones continually push them forward, but without a break from the past. So, we expect the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12 to have similar designs. The iPhone 12 will also likely come with two rear cameras and a similar screen. It will likely get a faster A14 Bionic chip, but then A13 in itself is so fast that it doesn't matter that much. To cut the long story short, iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 for all practical purposes are going to be fairly close to each other. Like iPhone 11 and iPhone XR. Reason 3: iPhone 12 will be definitely more expensive. Something like close to Rs 70,000. In other words, if you are getting the iPhone 11 for under Rs 50,000 go for it. Reason 4: All right, we understand that the iPhone 12 is coming soon. But we don't have an official date yet. So maybe, don't miss a deal for something that doesn't exist for now. Reason 5: While the launch of the iPhone 12 series will make the iPhone 11 previous-gen, do understand that Apple supports iPhones for at least 3 to 4 years. So even if you end up getting the iPhone 11 in 202 and not the iPhone 12, you are bound to get software support until 2023 or 2024. The 2013 ordeal of a 5-year-old Alabama boy abducted from a school bus and held hostage for days in an underground bunker will be featured in the series premier of a new CBS show. The networks The FBI Declassified will air Tuesday, Oct. 6 and chronicle the saga of Ethan Gilman, who was rescued after being held hostage for a week. Ethan was kidnapped off his school bus by gunman Jimmy Lee Dykes on Jan. 29, 2013 and his plight captured the nations attention before his dramatic rescue on Feb. 4. It was just after 3:30 p.m. when Dykes boarded a school bus stopped in Midland City and told the driver, 66-year-old Charles Albert Poland Jr., he wanted to take two children from the bus. Poland refused and ultimately was shot and killed by Dykes. Authorities said Dykes left with only Ethan and took the boy to a 6-foot by 8-foot underground bunker that he had spent months building. It was equipped with a PVC ventilation pipe through which hostage negotiators communicated with Dykes to try to secure Ethans release. On Feb. 4, 2013, just before 3:15 p.m., the FBIs Hostage Rescue Team breached the roof of the bunker after negotiations broke down and they feared for Ethans life. They threw stun grenades into the bunker and exchanged gunfire with Dykes before killing Dykes and rescuing Ethan. The FBI said Dykes' mission was to take hostages to use as pawns in attempt to share his anti-government grievances with the world. Photos taken after Ethans rescue showed how cramped the space was and how Dykes sealed all of the cracks in the bunker with caulk. Two bunk style beds with thin mattresses were stacked one atop the other with a ladder across from the beds leading up to a hatch to the outside. Visible PVC plumbing pipes and exposed electrical outlets are also visible as are the unfinished walls and nails in the rafters to hang things. On the new CBS show, FBI agents and analysts will take viewers inside the real-life race against the clock mission to save Ethan. The episode, Saving Ethan is narrated by Alana De La Garza from CBS' drama series FBI and will air at 9 p.m. Kidnappings are incredibly difficult for a number of different reasons, says Steve Richardson, the FBI special agent in charge of the case. Theres a childs life at stake. Emotions are high. Time is of the essence. THE FBI DECLASSIFIED features FBI agents and analysts taking viewers behind the scenes of some of the biggest cases theyve solved during their careers. Through never-before-seen footage and in-depth interviews, each episode will focus on a different investigation and showcase the cooperation between the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. When the entire FBI machine spins up on one case acting in concert, it takes your breath away, says FBI profiler Molly Amman. There was no mountain that the FBI would not have moved to save Ethan. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Congress on Tuesday said that the affidavit filed by the Uttar Pradesh government in the apex court on the Hathras case was clearly a poor effort by the state administration to distract from the many glaring questions in the matter. It also demanded a judicial inquiry into the case while accusing the state government of "trying to hush up the case". Addressing a press conference here, Congress leaders Rajni Patil, Supriya Shrinate, and Sushmita Dev asserted that the opposition party would continue to protest till justice was meted out to the 19-year-old gang rape-murder victim and her family. "It is a clear proof that the entire affidavit is fabricated and a poor effort by the Uttar Pradesh government/administration at distraction from the glaring questions (that remain unanswered) in the Hathras case," Shrinate remarked. The Congress again questioned about the CBI inquiry into the case. "What is the Special Investigation Team doing there now? Whom are they trying to save?" the party leaders said. The Congress also rejected the state's claim that there was an attempt to create caste riots on the issue. In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, the Uttar Pradesh government has told the Supreme Court that the Hathras victim was cremated in the night due to intelligence inputs that lakhs of people from the communities of both the woman and the accused along with political workers would assemble at her village, which could lead to a major law and order problem. The state also maintained that the Hathras district administration had received several intelligence inputs since September 29 morning on the manner in which a dharna was held at the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and that "the whole issue was being exploited and a caste and communal colour was being given to it" -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. As the 2020-2021 academic year gets underway amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in New York City, Catholic and private schools on Staten Island say they are seeing an uptick in inquiries and enrollment. Parents who are making the switch out of the citys public school system cite various concerns, including the delay in opening campuses, random coronavirus testing, and no guarantee of live instruction for blended learners on remote days. Moscow: Kyrgyzstan's parliamentary election results have been annulled by its election commission hours after protesters stormed parliament, claiming the voting was rigged and throwing the Central Asian country into an apparent leadership crisis. President Sooronbay Jeenbekov portrayed the post-election unrest as an attempted coup in a country pulled in two directions: seen by Moscow as part of its political sphere but also increasingly linked to Beijing through Chinese investments. People protest during a rally against the results of a parliamentary vote in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Credit:AP Opposition groups claim they now hold power after seizing the building known as the White House, which holds the country's legislature and the offices of the President. Protest leaders began announcing changes in government posts, replacing Jeenbekov's backers with their own loyalists. The opposition, however, does not appear to have one unifying leader. Parliament has split into two factions which convened at two different locations in Bishkek, the capital. This is the first in a series of blogs featuring key findings from the new Lloyd's Register Foundation World Risk Poll report. Climate scientists almost unanimously agree that climate change is a serious threat to people and is associated with human activities. While the severity of the problem will affect people in various countries differently, the new Lloyd's Register Foundation World Risk Poll finds that the majority of people globally believe climate change poses a threat to the next generation in their countries. More than four in 10 (41%) people interviewed for the global risk survey in 2019 said that climate change poses a "very serious" threat to people in their countries in the next 20 years, and another 28% said it poses a "somewhat serious" threat. About one in eight (13%) said it was "not a threat at all." Circle chart. This shows the perceived threat that people worldwide perceive from climate change in the next 20 years. The majority of people worldwide said that climate change would be a very serious or somewhat serious threat to people in their countries in the next 20 years. The World Risk Poll, the first global study of worry and risk, provides a global snapshot of people's perceptions of the threat that climate change and other risks pose to their countries and themselves. Overall, the survey of more than 154,000 adults in 142 countries and territories conducted throughout 2019 paints a picture of the universal experiences of risk worldwide. Majorities in Every Region of the World Perceive Some Threat While views of climate change as a very serious threat varied widely across regions, most people -- at least 60% -- in every region said climate change is a somewhat serious or very serious threat to people in their country in the next 20 years. People in Southern Europe and the Latin America and Caribbean region were the most likely to say climate change is a very serious threat to people in their countries, with more than seven in 10 people (73% and 71%, respectively) expressing this opinion in each region. Chart. This shows the perceived threat that people worldwide perceive from climate change in the next 20 years across all major global subregions. The majority of people in each region said that climate change would be a very serious or somewhat serious threat to people in their countries in the next 20 years. Education, Gender Shape Attitudes Toward Climate Change Risk A multitude of factors, including education and gender, help shape attitudes toward climate change. But none more so than education. More than half (54%) of people with 16 or more years of education said they thought climate change is a very serious threat in the next 20 years, compared with nearly one in three (30%) of those with zero to eight years of education. Bar chart. This shows the perceived threat that people worldwide perceive from climate change in the next 20 years by their level of education. The perceived threat from climate change is highest among people with 16 or more years of education. Men generally viewed climate change less seriously than women. While men and women were about as likely to believe climate change represents a very serious threat to people in their countries in the next 20 years, men were more likely than women to say that climate change is not a threat at all. However, these gender patterns varied by region. In Northern America, Europe and Australia/New Zealand, more women than men said climate change is a very serious threat to the next generation in their countries. In most other regions, more men than women said this. One exception was the Middle East, where equal percentages of men and women indicated climate change is a very serious threat to people in that time frame. Top Carbon Emitters and Oil Producers More Skeptical According to the International Energy Agency, the U.S. is the second-biggest carbon emitter in the world, behind China. The U.S. had the highest percentage of climate change skeptics among high-income countries; 21% of people in the U.S. viewed climate change as not a threat at all. Still, nearly half (49%) viewed climate change as a very serious threat, and another 24% viewed it as a somewhat serious threat. Interestingly, people in China appeared less concerned about climate change than those in the U.S., primarily because many people in China did not express an opinion on the matter. Slightly fewer than one in four people (23%) in China thought climate change is a very serious threat, 36% said it is a somewhat serious threat, and 12% believed it is not a threat at all. Nearly 30% of people in China said they did not know. People in India, the world's third-biggest carbon emitter, were roughly as skeptical about climate change as people in the U.S. Nineteen percent of people in India said climate change is not a threat at all, versus 35% who think climate change is a very serious threat. In four of the top seven oil-producing nations, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, at least one in five of the population stated that climate change posed "no threat," placing them within the top 20 most skeptical countries across the world. Bar graph. This graph shows the top countries where people are most likely to say that climate change is not a threat at all to people in their countries over the next 20 years. No Answer on Climate Change Paralleling a study Gallup undertook in 2009, Gallup found more than 1 billion adults (18% of the global adult population) unable or unwilling to express their view about the potential effect of climate change. Although this represents a smaller figure than in previous years, the top 20 list largely consists of low- and middle-income countries. These include several that are likely to be disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change, such as Bangladesh, where slightly more than one-third of the population did not provide a response to the question. Bar graph. This graph shows the top countries where people are most likely to say they do not know or refused to answer the question about whether climate change poses a threat to their countries over the next 20 years. Implications Efforts to address climate change will be aided by understanding how people across the world think and feel about the risks of climate change and the factors that contribute to their perceptions. While the World Risk Poll findings suggest that the efforts to communicate the risks from climate change are being understood, a significant proportion of people remain skeptical or have no opinion on the issue. Therefore, to further raise public awareness of climate change risks to health and livelihoods globally and for each country, scientists and others can use the World Risk Poll results to support their engagement with different communities, recognizing the differences between different demographic groups in society. Read more about how the world views risk in Lloyd's Register Foundation World Risk Poll report. Andrew Rzepa is a Partner at Gallup. Julie Ray is a writer and editor for Gallup. Upcoming political events in the Bay Area. Events take place online unless otherwise noted: WEDNESDAY Debate watch party: Online watch party for vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris. Hosted by Mannys. 5:30 p.m. More information is here. Ballot measures: A nonpartisan analysis of San Francisco and state ballot measures, hosted by the League of Women Voters. 6 p.m. More information is here. THURSDAY Rep. Ro Khanna: Fremont Democrat holds a town hall meeting. Noon. Submit questions in advance here; join meeting here. Eric Holder: Former U.S. attorney general on voter suppression and the election. Hosted by Mother Jones. 1 p.m. More information is here. Immigration and public health: Writer Giuli Alvarenga shares his accounts as a volunteer at the U.S.-Mexican border in discussing how conditions there among immigrants is a public health concern. Hosted by the Commonwealth Club. 3 p.m. More information is here. Boozy ballot breakdown: A rundown of everything thats on the ballot, with Luna Reclipse and Tonya Turmeric. Hosted by Mannys. 7 p.m. More information is here. FRIDAY RBG vigil: In honor of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. 7 p.m. in person at Market and Castro streets, San Francisco; online here. More information is here. MONDAY Oakland City Council race: A virtual town hall forum with candidates for the Oakland City Councils at-large seat. Hosted by Project Inquire. 4 p.m. More information is here. TUESDAY Reuniting the U.S.: The authors of The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again, Harvard public policy Professor Robert Putnam and social entrepreneur Shaylyn Romney Garrett, talk about the lessons the U.S. can draw from earlier eras of reform. Hosted by the Commonwealth Club. 10 a.m. More information is here. Ibram X. Kendi: Antiracism author in conversation at the Commonwealth Club. Noon. More information is here. Antiracism rally in Martinez: Hosted by Together We Stand and East Bay Resistance. Noon, Contra Costa County courthouse, 725 Court St., Martinez. More information is here. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier: Concord Democrat hosts a town hall meeting. 1 p.m. Submit a question in advance here. Join meeting here. OCT. 14 John Judis: Editor-at-large of Talking Points Memo and author of The Socialist Awakening: What's Different Now About the Left, in conversation at the Commonwealth Club. 10 a.m. More information is here. OCT. 15 Debate watch party: For the second debate between President Trump and Joe Biden. Hosted by Mannys. 5:30 p.m. More information is here. OCT. 17 Womens march: March for Our Rights social distance march. Hosted by Womens March San Francisco, League of Women Voters San Francisco chapter, NARAL Pro-Choice California, Planned Parenthood Norther California, San Francisco Womens Political Committee and the Womens Building of San Francisco. 11 a.m., Civic Center Plaza, 335 McAllister St., San Francisco. More information is here. OCT. 19 Who gets to vote? A forum on voter suppression and how to fight it. Panelists include California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Ari Berman, senior reporter at Mother Jones. Hosted by the Commonwealth Club. 3 p.m. More information is here. Fareed Zakaria: Host of CNNs Fareed Zakaria GPS and Washington Post columnist on lessons for a post-pandemic world. Hosted by the Commonwealth Club. 6 p.m. More information is here. OCT. 20 Gov. Andrew Cuomo: New York governor in conversation at the Commonwealth Club. Noon. More information is here. OCT. 21 Sean Spicer: Former White House press secretary under President Trump in conversation at the Commonwealth Club. 10 a.m. More information is here. OCT. 27 Driving while Black: Gretchen Sorin, director of the Cooperstown Graduate Program of the State University of New York, discusses her book, Driving While Black, African American Travel & the Road to Civil Rights. Hosted by Marcus Books and KPFA-FM. 7 p.m. More information is here. NOV. 10 Chris Hedges: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Chris Hedges in discussion with Project Censored Director Mickey Huff on the culture of despair. Hosted by Project Censored and KPFA-FM. 7 p.m. More information is here. To list an event, please email Chronicle politics editor Trapper Byrne at tbyrne@sfchronicle.com The former government adviser Professor Neil Ferguson has said that further restrictions may be necessary to stop the NHS being "overwhelmed again, as the UK struggles to contain the growing rate of coronavirus infection. The epidemiologist and former Sage adviser told the BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Tuesday morning that the number of Covid-19 cases are probably doubling every two weeks or so and some areas faster than that, maybe every seven days. While acknowledging that hospitals are now treating cases better and are less stressed, the Imperial College London professor suggested that the NHS would not be able to cope if the current rate of transmission continues. Referring to the doubling of admissions to hospital every fortnight, Prof Ferguson said: We just cannot have that continue indefinitely, the NHS will be overwhelmed again. "If we allow the current trend to continue, all the modelling done by multiple groups for the government at the moment is indicating that there is a risk of the NHS being overwhelmed, he added. The epidemiologist pointed to new Covid-19 restrictions imposed in Paris and Spain, which he said were introduced because of the strain that rising coronavirus cases were having on hospitals there. Speaking about how the UK might stem the spread of coronavirus, Prof Ferguson, whose modelling contributed to the decision to impose a nationwide lockdown in March, said the most important measures were reducing contact between members of different households. He added that the closure of hospitality venues and an extended half term were also potential options to be considered. "You will have heard measures being discussed across society as a whole such as extended half terms where we try to reduce transmission for a concerted period. I think those measures should be considered, he said. His comments came as the number of deaths from the virus in England and Wales has risen for a third successive week, with 215 deaths recorded in the week ending September 25, compared to 138 the week before and 99 a fortnight ago. Amnesty: UK gov't violated human rights of care home residents during COVID-19 Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Over 18,562 residents of care homes in England died with COVID-19 in a little more than three months and many of these deaths could be due to the U.K. governments pandemic policies, which violated the human rights of vulnerable older people, says a report by Amnesty International. The U.K.-based group looked at the number of residents of care homes who tested positive for the novel coronavirus and died between March 2 and June 12 and found that they represented almost 40% of all deaths involving COVID-19 in England during this period. Of these deaths, 13,844 (76%) happened in care homes themselves; nearly all of the remainder occurred in a hospital. During the same period, 28,186 excess deaths were recorded in care homes in England, representing a 46% increase compared with the same period in previous years. These excess deaths likely include undiagnosed COVID-19 deaths, and underscore the broader impact of the pandemic on older people in care homes, says the report. The UK government, national agencies, and local-level bodies have taken decisions and adopted policies during the COVID-19 pandemic that have directly violated the human rights of older residents of care homes in Englandnotably their right to life, their right to health, and their right to non-discrimination. These decisions and policies have also impacted the rights of care home residents to private and family life, and may have violated their right not to be subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment. The group said care home managers told its researchers that they were pressured in different ways to accept patients discharged from hospital who had not been tested or who were COVID-19 positive. According to the guidance issued by the government on April 2, care homes needed to make their full capacity available, the group pointed out. Managers of care homes where local authorities had block-purchased beds in their facilities who were uncomfortable about accepting patients discharged from hospital felt that they had no choice but to honour their contractual obligationeven though the COVID-19 risk intervened after they had signed the contract, it explained. There have also been reports of financial pressure being put on homes to receive people with coronavirus, including care homes being offered cash to take people patients discharged from hospital, and local authorities making additional funds conditional on care homes accepting patients discharged from hospital untested or COVID-19 positive. Warning that the pandemic is not over, Amnesty International urged that no effort be spared to establish the factors that resulted in such disproportionate impact on older people in care homes. The report stated, Lessons must be learned; remedial action must be taken without delay to ensure that mistakes are not repeated; flawed decision-making processes must be reviewed and rectified, and those responsible for negligent decisions must be held to account. From discharging 25,000 patients, including those infected, into care homes; to denying care homes residents admission to hospital and imposing do not attempt resuscitation orders on them without due process, to failing to provide PPE and testing to care homes older persons living in care homes were abandoned to die. The U.K. currently has over 518,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 42,459 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, there are over 35 million cases and 1,038,958 deaths as of Monday. National Honours - Call for Nominations The Gibraltar Honours Board, under the Chairmanship of the Governor, will meet in November to consider nominations for The Queens Birthday Honours List 2021 and The Gibraltar Award. Nominations should be submitted to recognise those people, from any section of the Gibraltarian Community, that have made an exceptional contribution or given exceptional service in the progression of either the well-being, achievement or reputation of Gibraltar. Nominations should be submitted no later than Friday 30th October 2020 on a GHB Nomination Proforma for the attention of: GHB Secretary, Office of the Governor, The Convent, Main Street, Gibraltar GX11 1AA. Nominations can be submitted by anyone. A copy of the GHB Nomination Proforma, along with detailed guidance on its completion, can be obtained at The Convent Reception or by email to the GHB Secretary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Nominations can be supported by up to two letters of endorsement from people with a personal knowledge of the nominees contribution or service. Nominations received after the deadline will be deferred until the next call for honours. Nominations will be considered by the GHB for the following Honours albeit nominations should not recommend someone for a specific award as this is decided by the GHB. Companion of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) and Commander of the British Empire (CBE) Awarded for having made a most prominent, distinguished and decisive contribution/service up to International level within a certain field or discipline; a contribution/service that has led to the enhancement of life/outcomes for the Gibraltarian Community up to International level. Officer of the British Empire (OBE) Awarded for having made a most prominent, distinguished and decisive contribution/service at National level within a certain field or discipline; a contribution/service that has led to an all-encompassing enhancement of life/outcomes for the Gibraltarian Community. Member of the British Empire (MBE) Awarded for having made a most distinguished and decisive contribution/service at local level within a certain field or discipline; a contribution/service that has led to the enhancement of life/outcomes for the Gibraltarian Community. British Empire Medal (BEM) Awarded for a most distinguished and decisive hands-on contribution/service at a local level within a certain field or discipline; a contribution/service that has led to the enhancement of life/outcomes for the Gibraltarian Community. Gibraltar Award (GA) Awarded for a most distinguished and decisive hands-on contribution/service at a local level within a certain field or discipline; a contribution/service that has led to the enhancement of life/outcomes for the Gibraltarian Community. EXCLUSIVE: The veteran actress was motivated to create the project following the death of George Floyd Lorraine Toussaint has taken on tons of important roles throughout her illustrious career in Hollywood, but none as important as her real-life role as a mother to her 15-year-old daughter. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, immediately compounded by the killing of George Floyd, she found herself in a similar position as so many parentsdesperate to protect her child and to do something. The actress decided that something would be MothersandSons2020, a project that highlights just how important Black lives are and how crucial it is to utilize our power to vote. Read More: Lorraine Toussaint joins Queen Latifah in The Equalizer pilot at CBS The project features several sets of mothers and their famous sons, including Blair Underwood and his mother, Marilyn; Edwin and Aldis Hodge and their mother, Yolette; and Jovan Adepo and his mother, Lola, among others. Their commentary is interwoven with historical footage of the abuse hurled at Black Americans, resulting in a truly powerful piece. theGrio caught up with Toussaint to learn more about the message behind the star-studded video and how shes using art as activism. Lorraine Touissant attends the AMC Summit at Public Hotel on June 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for AMC) At the beginning of the outbreak it was just such a scary time. There was so much we didnt know, she explains. In the midst of that, the George Floyd case unfolded and started looming extremely large in ways that were and continue to be very disturbing to me as a Black woman. As a mother, and all of the frustration that I felt and still feel centered around, What can I do? While the world was protesting and a lot of violence was breaking out, I didnt necessarily feel safe taking my daughter into the middle of that, but I wanted us to be proactive in some way. I felt that frustration primarily as a mother and I know how much my daughters life matters. My heart would break every time for the mothers of these victims. Story continues Read More: Aldis Hodge on his heartbreaking role in Clemency: This is something of value Toussaint enlisted the help of her manager and reached out to some of her famous friends, and together they decided that featuring grown men would be the best route. Most of the world think that celebrity Black men and women, including myself, are exempt from profiling and violence at the hands of police. Every Black actor that I know has had an encounter and a violent encounter at that. If not physically violent, certainly psychologically and emotionally violating, she continues. The dominant culture doesnt necessarily recognize themselves in us. We are saying that we are human beings, that our children matter to us as much as your children matter to you. I do believe in my soul that every single Black life matters and so Im there with that intention at the core of this piece. I hope it drives home the point that we must take back the power. One of the ways we do that is by going out to the polls in numbers that cannot be denied. Check out MothersandSons2020 below: Have you subscribed to theGrios new podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! The post Lorraine Toussaint launches MothersandSons2020 featuring Blair Underwood, Aldis Hodge appeared first on TheGrio. PHOENIX, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix-based AeroGuard Flight Training Center joined The Spirit of Liberty Foundation for its 'America's Operation Thank You' a 36-day, multiple-flight, tour of the U.S. visiting 98 cities to recognize veterans, healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. AeroGuard Flight Training Center During Operation Thank You, aircraft will fly a flag reading "Love Healthcare Heroes" and carry the Spirit of Liberty Torch across all 50 states in an effort to show respect for the brave veterans and individuals in the healthcare industry. AeroGuard Flight Training Center partnered with the Spirit of Liberty Foundation, donating a plane and pilot to fly these items from Las Vegas to Phoenix, where they will then continue their trip across the states. "AeroGuard is extremely proud to support this operation and pay tribute to these individuals for all they have done in helping to fight COVID-19" said AeroGuard CEO Joel Davidson. "When the opportunity arose to be part of such a great effort, we jumped at the chance to help and show our support and appreciation." he continued. AeroGuard Flight Training Center has five flight school locations across the U.S. in AZ, TX, CA and FL, and trains students for a career as an airline pilot. While this industry has recently been impacted due to COVID-19's effect on travel, there is an expected pilot shortage looming over the coming decades as airline travel increases and current pilots reach the FAA required retirement age. "We realize the aviation industry has been hit hard by the virus, but in large part due to the efforts of those on the front lines, the industry will recover quickly and people will travel as they were before." The Spirit of Liberty relay continues across the country giving thanks to dedicated healthcare workers, first responders and veterans who muddle through these challenging and unprecedented times. To learn more about the Spirit of Liberty Foundation and The Relay in the Sky visit this link. About AeroGuard AeroGuard Flight Training Center is one of the country's most successful flight schools, offering accelerated commercial pilot training to candidates from all over the world. With a commitment to safety and student success, AeroGuard has a proven track record of training airline-ready pilots, with over 1 million flight hours of training experience and graduating over 6,000 cadets. Corporate Headquarters Deer Valley Airport 530 W Deer Valley Road Phoenix, AZ 85027 https://www.flyaeroguard.com Phone: 800-322-1526 Contact: Kiara Jovicevic [email protected] Related Images image1.jpeg SOURCE AeroGuard Flight Training Center A proliferation of flights between the two countries is linked to the renewal of the fighting in the region by Yossi Melman Ben-Gurion Airport is quiet with civilian flights almost at a standstill. However, cargo flights on the Azerbaijan route have been very busy over the last two weeks. The high number of flights is a direct result of the renewal of fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. No fewer than four Ilyushin-76 planes, operated by the Azeri cargo airline Silk Way, which serves the Azeri defense ministry, have touched down and taken off from the Uvda air base in southern Israel two, before the outbreak of fighting, and two, afterwards. According to flight regulations, that is the only airport from which planes loaded with explosive material are allowed to take off. Armenian soldiers in the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.Credit: A.P. The monitoring of takeoffs and landings and the movement of planes across the Middle East and outside the region is done by professionals and amateurs alike. One of these is my colleague Avi Scharf, the editor-in-chief of the English edition of Haaretz. The four Azeri planes flew directly from Baku to Uvda and back, their flight path documented on various open websites that monitor air traffic. Some of these planes also flew from Baku to Ankara and Istanbul and back over the last two weeks. The fighting resumed on September 27 with a surprise Azeri attack along the entire front. At least 300 people, including men in uniform and civilians, have been killed so far. Both sides are using artillery, tanks and airstrikes (by helicopters and drones) against towns and villages. People are in shelters or cellars; some have already moved to more secure locations, while others are still fleeing. Nagorno-Karabakh is a 4.400-square-kilometer (1,700-square-mile) enclave with a population of 150,000. It is situated in the heart of Azerbaijan, but most of the population are Christian Armenians, with only a minority of Azeris or Turks. The enclave is a result of a Soviet tradition, the aim of which was to pursue a policy of divide-and-rule. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Armenia tried using peaceful methods in order to transfer the enclave to its sovereignty, but this met with opposition. War broke out between the two countries in 1988 over control of this enclave. This intensified in 1991 and lasted for three years, and included ethnic cleansing and a massacre of Armenians in Baku. Thirty thousand people died, and one million lost their homes. A cease-fire was declared in the enclave in 1994, with borders determined, but since then, all international efforts to reach a permanent solution have been in vain. The Armenians in the enclave declared an independent state called the Republic of Artsakh, which has not been recognized by any country except Armenia. The relative quiet reigning there over the last 25 years was breached from time to time with border incidents flaring up, or with short exchanges of fire. This is not the case this time, not in the extent of forces involved or in the intensity of fighting. This conflict is a classic geographical, historical, religious and ethnic one, but it exceeds the boundaries of the Caucasian region, interfacing with the battle between Shiite Iran and Turkey over regional hegemony, all under the eyes of Big Brother, namely Russia. Strange bedfellows In trying to describe the conduct of the parties involved in this fight, a cynical observer might quote from The Tempest, Shakespeares last play: Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows. This is how Turkey and Israel, currently hostile to one another (with Recep Tayyip Erdogan stating only last week that Jerusalem belongs to the Moslems), find themselves both supporting Azerbaijan, a Shiite Moslem country. On the other side, Iran, a third of whose population is of Azeri extraction (including its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei), is supporting Christian Armenia and, according to some reports, supplying it with weapons. Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, is trying to please everyone, arming Azerbaijan as well. The same pattern of behavior characterizes the Kremlins policy in Syria, with Vladimir Putin assisting the regime of Bashar Assad and the Iranians, while providing Israel with silent encouragement for carrying out air strikes against Iranian positions, Hezbollah and Shiite militias. Greece, a strategic ally of Israel, currently in conflict with Turkey over the transport of natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean basin, is supporting Armenia. This is indeed a seriously muddled issue. One other issue that should worry Israel and any other conscientious Jew is that Israel, the state of a people that was murdered in the Holocaust, is refusing to recognize the massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I, a genocide avant la lettre. For years, this position was adopted in order not to annoy Turkey, which for 50 years was Israels strategic ally against Syria and, later, Iran. The Mossad and Turkish intelligence cooperated with each other, with Israels defense industries selling arms to Turkey for billions of dollars. Ironically, among the systems sold to Turkey were drones and technology which helped Turkey build a comparable industry. Turkish Bayraktar drones are now in action in Nagorno-Karabakhs battlefields, as well as in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Turkey, which declared a policy of zero-conflict with its neighbors in the past, is currently in conflict with all of them, or at least involved in their wars. The dismantling of the strategic alliance between Turkey and Israel is a systematic and deliberate process, begun by Erdogan a decade and a half ago. Yet Israel has not used this as an opportunity to fulfill its historic duty and follow its conscience and values regarding the Armenian genocide. The reason for this is Azerbaijan. At the same time that Erdogan started distancing himself from Israel, Azerbaijan and Israel grew closer. It soon became clear that the two countries had set up a strategic alliance centered on their mutual hostilities towards Iran. Four years ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went on a snap visit to Baku, during which the Azeri president, Ilham Aliyev, a tyrant who violates human rights and harshly suppresses any opposition, revealed that Azerbaijan had purchased weapons from Israel to the tune of $5 billion. Mossad keeps an eye on Iran from Azerbaijan Moreover, according to foreign sources, the Mossad established a station in Azerbaijan, serving as the eyes, ears and a springboard for monitoring Iran. According to these reports, Azerbaijan prepared an airfield that would assist Israel in case it attacked Iran. Other reports claimed that the Iranian nuclear archive that was stolen by Mossad agents in Tehran two and a half years ago was smuggled to Israel through Azerbaijan. According to some reports, Israels aerospace industries, Elbit, Rafael and other smaller companies are selling Baku just about anything. This includes artillery (a few years ago I discovered a questionable revolving deal between Elbit and the Czech Republic and Slovakia; this too involved the Uvda airport); missiles, naval vessels, intelligence equipment and a large number of drones. Almost all the Israeli companies that make drones, including attack or self-destructing (kamikaza ones), have sold their wares to the Azeri army. Armenian spokesmen have said in the past that some of these, including ones made by Aeronautics Ltd., were downed during incidents along the border with Azerbaijan. For you this is trading in arms, but for us these are death weapons, Armenias foreign minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan told me in an interview a year and a half ago, when I visited Armenia. Despite this, he expressed his wish for improved relations with Israel, hoping that this would lead to an Israeli recognition of the Armenian genocide. At that time, there was some warming in relations. Armenia opened an embassy in Tel Aviv, with a non-resident Israeli ambassador appointed to Armenia. Charter flights between the two countries were launched and there was some attempt to promote trade. These attempts are now imploding with the resumed fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenias ambassador to Israel, who was on home leave, was told to remain there, in a typical act of diplomatic censure. Armenias President Armen Sarkissian called President Reuven Rivlin on Monday, expressing his concern over the continued sale of Israeli weapons to Azerbaijan. Rivlin expressed his regret over the outbreak of hostilities and noted that Israel has had a long-dstanding relationship with Azerbaijan, adding that their cooperation was not directed at any other country. Yesterday, the Armenian foreign ministrys spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan had this to say, in conversation with Haaretz: Armenia has consistently raised the issue of arm supplies from Israel to Azerbaijan. Most recently, during the July aggression of Azerbaijan against Armenia, the Foreign Minister stated clearly that Israel should stop this deadly business with Azerbaijan. For sure, the provision of modern weapons by Israel to Azerbaijan is unacceptable for us. We have repeatedly informed our Israeli counterparts about this through diplomatic channels; it should be noted that it is especially painful at a time when Azerbaijan, with the support of Turkey, is carrying out a large-scale aggression against Artsakh and Armenia. Instead, these days, when the whole international community calls on the Azerbaijani side to stop hostilities, the Israeli side continues to supply weapons to Azerbaijan. These armaments are being delivered against the civilian populations and civilian infrastructure of Artsakh and Armenia.These kind of actions are unacceptable for us, especially in this period. Based on the current situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to recall the Ambassador of Armenia to Israel for consultations. Its hard to expect that Israel, which always decries rockets launched against civilians by Hezbollah and Hamas, will change its ways. Another country may have declared a suspension of shipments, even temporarily. In anything related to the Holocaust, to historical memory and to the sale of weapons, the hypocrisy of Israeli governments over the years is nothing new. The governments current silence on the matter speaks volumes. The ministries of defense and foreign affairs adamantly refused to relate to the issue. ( The writer works for Haaretz where this piece first appeared) Farmers in B.C.s Kootenay region will be dealing with drier fields in 50 years. Theyre not alone. Environment Canada predicts the upcoming decades will transform Canadas climate, forcing farmers to re-evaluate everything from which seeds to buy to which pastures their livestock graze. Thats a huge challenge for farmers with no time to pore over scientific studies and models charting how the climate crisis will transform their land. Its a challenge advocates say could be addressed with a glance to the past. In the 1930s, drought, economic depression, and ill-suited farming practices forced thousands off their farms while dust storms blackened the skies. The crisis led the federal government to create the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), an institution that brought together agricultural researchers, engineers, and extension (community outreach) staff to help farmers use their land sustainably a sort of Medicare for farms. It became a body of expertise and understanding of grassland ecosystems, and grazing relationships, and biodiversity. In more recent years they were really looking into how the pasture land sequestered carbon, said Cathy Holtslander, director of research and policy at the National Farmers Union. The PFRA endured for the next 77 years, helping Prairie farmers deal with water supply issues, develop drought and flood resilience plans, diversify their crops, and farm sustainably. Researchers with the organization also restored failed farmland into ecologically vibrant grasslands and offered free tree seedlings to farmers who supported native pollinators, slowed wind erosion, and captured carbon. The organization was dismantled by Stephen Harpers Conservative government in 2013. (Harper government members were) market fundamentalists where the only thing that mattered was profit, and (who viewed) anything that isnt making money for a business as not legitimate, Holtslander said. They had to take away the good example. An example that offers useful lessons for today. Those things include helping farmers access independent agronomists and agrologists (independent agricultural experts) who can help them with everything from replacing greenhouse gas-intensive artificial fertilizers with low-emissions alternatives to sharing cutting-edge agricultural research, developing sustainable irrigation systems, and restoring grassland pastures. (We need) a proactive agency that would manage and assist in the (agricultural) transition we need to make between now and 2050, he said. Such an agency doesnt exist. Farmers rely on a patchwork of extension services offered by everyone from scholars working on a specific project to product marketing boards to seed and fertilizer companies whose financial interests might not align with low-input, climate-friendly agricultural practices. Its inefficient, like reinventing the wheel, said Rachael Roussain, co-ordinator at the Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors, an agricultural extension program in southeast B.C.s rugged Kootenay and Boundary regions. A lot of farmers are trying to adapt (to climate change). Theyre increasing their soil moisture-holding capabilities (which helps build resilience against drought). Theyre preparing for more variable weather events. But when they can share that with a greater circle of people, they grow and learn faster and it livens spirits, which is so important in agriculture, she said. For instance, her organization supports farmers in parts of B.C. that are far removed from universities, provincial or federal agricultural experts, and other farmers. The lack of co-ordination results in research projects being unnecessarily repeated and the loss of knowledge-sharing opportunities between people across Canadas agricultural sector, she explained. And so far, there have been no indications the federal government intends to create an institution that could lead that co-ordination. We recognize farmers, foresters, and ranchers as key partners in the fight against climate change, and we will support their efforts to reduce emissions and build resilience, said Agriculture and Agri-food Canada in an emailed statement. That support has included pledging to create a new Canada Water Agency, funding provincial-federal grants to help farmers adapt to climate change, and supporting agricultural research not co-ordinating efforts within the agricultural sector, Canadas sixth-largest greenhouse gas emitter, to reduce emissions and adapt to a rapidly changing climate. These projects are appreciated, Qualman said, but the need remains for an institution that has staff in the field working with farmers as they adapt. The bottom line is we need a lot of help with the big project of maintaining yield and food supplies while cutting (fertilizer and pesticide) use and emissions, he said. Fulton Bank is the latest financial institution to announce a consolidation plan. The Lancaster-based company confirmed on Tuesday that it will close four of its 51 branches in central Pennsylvania on Jan. 8. The four branches are located in Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. Those branches are located at: 20 McGovern Ave., Lancaster 433 S. Kinzer Ave., in Earl Township near New Holland, Lancaster County 1333 E. Lehman St., Lebanon 3183 Susquehanna Trail, Manchester Township near York In each case, Fulton Bank says that there is another financial center within about one to three miles. In addition to the four closings in central Pennsylvania, Fulton Bank plans to close 17 other branches as well, according to the Central Penn Business Journal. After the consolidations, the bank will have 202 locations in five states. While its never easy to close one of our financial centers, its sometimes necessary after we evaluate factors including how many customers use the center and how often, as well as whether there are other Fulton Bank financial centers nearby, Steve Trapnell, VP, senior communications at Fulton Bank said in an e-mail. We are making these changes to align our services with trends in how customers conduct their banking, including growth in online and mobile banking that is reducing transactions conducted in financial centers across our industry. As less people are banking in-person especially during the pandemic, Fulton Bank is not alone in closing banking branches in the near future. Mid Penn Bank recently announced it is closing three of its branches in Pillow, Dauphin County; Malvern, Chester County and Vanderbilt, Fayette County as part of a consolidation. And Northwest Bank recently announced it will close 42 of its 205 full-service offices in December. Orrstown Bank has said it will close three branches in Cumberland and Lancaster counties and three branches in Maryland. --Business Buzz You can follow Daniel Urie on twitter @DanielUrie2018 and you can like PennLives business page on Facebook at @PennLiveBusiness AFERX FUSION AFWERX, the catalyst for fostering innovation within the U.S. Air Force, selected DISCUS Software in the Enabling Technologies for Reverse Engineering and Additive/Agile Manufacturing Challenge. DISCUS Software Company was competing in the Enabling Technologies for Reverse Engineering and Agile Manufacturing Challenge alongside 150 diverse teams - originating from the vast regions of North America, Europe, Australia and other allied countries that represent entrepreneurial startups, small businesses, large enterprises, academic institutions and research labs all vying to offer solutions for reverse engineering and additive manufacturing. DISCUS Software was one of three companies selected for a round of funding by the U.S. Air Force. We are proud and excited that the Air Force has selected DISCUS Software as one of the winners for this AFWERX Showcase. We are looking forward to working with Renaissance Services in collaboration with the Air Force and Department of Defense on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support reverse engineering, technical data package (TDP) generation, and first article inspection (FAI) said Chris Lininger, Director of Product Development at DISCUS Software. DISCUS has an existing software tool for analyzing TDPs, which is used by nearly 2,000 companies in the aerospace and defense industry, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and GE Aviation. As evidenced by this success, DISCUS has vast experience with transforming 3D models, 2D drawings, and specifications into useful information. In the current state, the DISCUS software tool provides a semi-automated approach for extracting critical information from the 2D drawing using optical character recognition. DISCUS will be adding artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to its current software to further enable automation and digital engineering. This will enhance the current tool to focus on greatly improved automation in extracting requirements from legacy part drawings. To visit DISCUS Software go to http://www.DISCUSsoftware.com To try out DISCUS 2020, Download the free trial installer by clicking here. For questions or a demo, contact sales@DISCUSsoftware.com or call 614-360-2424 ext. 1. DISCUS Software Company specializes in the development of software tools for accelerating manufacturing and quality engineering. Its software products are productivity solutions that dramatically reduce the time it takes to complete first article inspection reports, in-process inspection planning and process planning. DISCUS was the first software product to automate engineering drawing annotation and manufacturing inspection requirement extraction. DISCUS is the innovator, not the imitator, in the First Article Inspection Reporting automation market. DISCUS is compatible with many of the requirements used by companies such as Boeing, Ford, GE, Lockheed, and Siemens. For more information visit https://www.discussoftware.com/. Lucknow: The campaigning for the first phase of the high-stake Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections will come to an end tomorrow in 73 constituencies spread over 15 districts including riot-scarred Muzaffarnagar and Shamli. Polling in these constituencies will be held on February 11. BJP had won just 11 of the 73 seats in 2012, but improved its performance significantly in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The party has gone all out this time to woo the electorate. The saffron brigade was led by none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah, both of whom hopped from one venue to another in a race against time. Modi asked people to rid the state of SCAM - S for Samajwadi (party), C for Congress, A for Akhilesh (Yadav) and M for Mayawati, saying they have to choose between development agenda of BJP and those who give shelter to criminals, indulge in vote bank politics and encourage land and mine mafias. Not to take the comment lying down, Samajwadi Party President and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in his rallies told the electorate that SCAM actually stood for Save the Country from Amit Shah and Modi. Hitting back at Modi, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi alleged that one who is in the wrong, sees scam in everything and said S infact stands for service, C for courage, A for ability and M for modesty. Both Modi and Shah slammed Congress and Samajwadi Party, saying Rahul ran a campaign against the SP government and wondered as to what happened overnight that they were embracing each other. Taking potshots at Rahul and Akhilesh, the BJP chief said both are khoobsurat shehzade (good-looking princes) who are out to mislead the public... Mother is fed up with one and father is fed up with the other. How will they help UP? One has looted the country, while the other has looted the state. In his no-holds-barred attack, Shah said, Congress-SP alliance is an alliance of corruption and criminalisation. Rahul, on the other hand, harped on the issue of note ban and attacked Modi, saying, Demonetisation has hurt the poor most. There would be a three-cornered fight between BJP, BSP and SP-Congress alliance in UP. Out of the 403 assembly seats, SP would be contesting 298 and Congress the rest 105. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. When a New Hampshire man finds out his wife was having an adulterous affair, he kills her lover. His wife beheads the man at bidding and disposes of the other man's head by burying it deep in the woods. When a furious husband discovers his wife's secret affair, he kills the paramour and made her abuse the corpse of her lover. Ordering her to remove his head from the body, and bury the severed head in the woods. The authorities believe this is what happened when the adulterous man was slain. Police named in a warrant for the arrest of Armando Barron, 30, and Britany Barron, 31, who were involved in the slaying and severance of 25-year-old Jonathan Amerault's head in Manchester, New Hampshire. After her enraged spouse ended the victim's life, he told to his wife to chop the offender's head off. After his wife was done beheading, she was ordered to bury the head in a campsite deep in the Northwoods, reported Meaww. Reports say that a violent killing happened last weekend, and the headless remains were found last Tuesday. The wife told the police when her spouse knew of the affair, he beat her for it. While very angry, he shoved a loaded gun's barrel into her mouth forcefully. Armando was not done yet and planned a worse fate for his wife's co-adulterer. Calling the victim on her mobile phone, he lured the other man to the park. Armando attacked his victim and forced her to gun down her paramour, putting his fingers over hers. This was according to the police affidavit by Hampshire State Police Detective Stephen Sloper, cited The Sun. Also read: Request of Tennessee Man Accused of Parricide To Not Reveal Crime Photos Denied by Court He wanted his wife to step on the victim's neck, but she refused. Instead, she cut his wrists at his insistence. Next, the victim got shot three times, Britany's ordeal got worse, taking the dead man to the Errol camping site. Ordered to use a saw to lop off the dead man's head, she had it buried like trash. The headless corpse was placed in a tarp and buried close to a brook. The crime was exposed when Britany saw several wildlife conservation officers at the campsite. She told them everything about the unspeakable murder of Jonathan Amerault. She showed them where the headless remains were hidden. Officers did see the bloody tarp and the injuries suffered by the victim before dying, said the Daily Beast. Armando was apprehended in Coos County last Thursday for the gruesome slaying of Jonathan Amerault. Other charges are assault and battery on his wife linked to the murder investigation, stated a document filed in Cheshire Superior Court. The spouses are charged for murder, even if Britany did not kill the victim actively. The accused man is charged with murder of the victim with kidnapping, said the Attorney General's Office. The co-adulterer was guilty of tampering with the evidence or falsifying it, which is still pending investigation. Both spouses are in jail with no bail allowed. When Amerault did not report for work last Monday, his mother told the police that he was missing. It was mentioned by the New Hampshire State Police Detective Matthew Anderson. Soon after the police tried to find the absent man. Employees at the office said that both Britany and the victim was knocking boots, mention Press From. The shooting and beheading of Amerault is still in the courts, while the woman's guilt is still under investigation. Related article: Hartford Man Decapitates Roommate With Samurai Sword Over Heated Argument @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Newser) COVID has brought an unexpected change to India: Suddenly, everyone seems to want a dishwasher in their kitchen. As a post at daijiworld.com explains, the kitchen appliance has never been a big seller in the nation, in part because cheap domestic labor is so plentiful. But the pandemic has changed that almost overnight. First, a strict government lockdown in March barred domestic workers in much of the country. But even now, with lockdowns being lifted, many families are leery about having workers come into their homes, reports Quartz. story continues below The result? One leading seller of the appliances has seen a 230% increase in sales since March, Amazon India reports a fivefold increase in dishwasher searches, and companies are struggling to keep the appliances in stock. "It is safe to say that the sales of dishwashers have finally taken off in India, making them the low-key heroes of the lockdown," an exec with a home appliance firm says, per daijiworld. Of course, this doesn't bode well for the approximately 20 million domestic workers who've traditionally taken care of such household chores by hand. What's more, the daijiworld post suggests the change appears to be permanent, with dishwasher sales expected to continue surging in the coming years. (Read more India stories.) Alwar's special court likely to pronounce verdict in 2019 gang-rape case today India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Alwar, Oct 06: A special court for SC/ST cases is likely to pronounce the judgment in the Thanagazi gang-rape case in Rajasthan's Alwar on Tuesday. In April 2019, a 19-year-old Dalit woman was gang raped by five men in front of her husband in Thanagazi in Alwar. The Rajasthan government drew criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bahuajan Samaj Party chief Mayawati during the Lok Sabha election campaign for the delay in lodging an FIR in the case and not taking action until the purported video of the sexual assault began circulating on social media. According to the FIR lodged on May 2, 2019, four men and a juvenile took turns to rape the woman near Duhar Chaugan between Thanagazi and Talvrikash for three hours after beating her husband while another man filmed the assault. Chinese PLA commissions modern barracks, station heavy artillery near disputed border with India The accused demanded Rs 10,000 from the victim for not putting the video of the gang-rape on social media. The FIR was registered on the day the video of the ghastly crime went viral on social media. Police filed the charge sheet against the accused on May 18, 2019, 16 days after the FIR. Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News Chhote Lal, Hansraj Gurjar, Ashok Kumar Gurjar and Indraj Singh Gurjar were charged under sections 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 327 (Voluntarily causing hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act), 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354B (outraging the modesty of a woman), 365 (Kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person), 376D (gang rape), 384 (extortion), 395 (dacoity) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Police also invoked different sections of the SC/ST Act and the IT Act in the FIR. The fifth accused Mukesh Gurjar, 28, was charged under different sections of the IT Act for circulating the video. The prosecution produced 32 witnesses. The trial of the minor is currently on in the district and sessions court. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 8:51 [IST] Susan Lodge - Portlaoise The death took place on Monday, October 5 of Susan Lodge (nee Muldowney) of Stradbally rd, Portlaoise. Peacefully at Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home. Susan, beloved wife of the late Oliver. Dearly loved mother to Crevan and Kealan. Dearly loved grandmother to Crevan and Kealan. Cherished great grandmother to Oliver. Deeply regretted by her loving family, sisters Sheila and Mary, brothers John and Oliver, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Given the current exceptional circumstances and to protect the welfare of everyone who knew her, a private funeral, with immediate family only, will take place at 12 noon on Thursday in St. Peter and Paul's Church, Portlaoise and will be streamed on the webcam http://www.portlaoiseparish.ie/web-cam/. Burial afterwards in SS Peter and Paul's Cemetery, Portlaoise. Bernard Grady - Coolrain The death took place on Sunday, October 4 of Bernard (Benny) Grady of Derrynaserra, Coolrain. Peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Joan and father of Breda, Deirdre, Fiona, Paula, Colette, Caroline, Brian, Aidan, Kevin, Brendan, and Declan. Sadly missed by his wife and family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. Bennys funeral cortege will leave his residence on Wednesday to arrive at St. Fergals Church, Camross, for funeral Mass at 2pm, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Bennys Funeral Mass will be live streamed on Camross Community Pastoral Council facebook page. In accordance with Covid-19 guidelines numbers are restricted to the immediate family and close family friends in the church, but people are welcome to stand outside the church and cemetery, please adhere to HSE guidelines in relation to social distancing. Peter McEntee - Mountmellick The death took place on Saturday, October 3 of Peter McEntee of Stillorgan, Dublin and formerly of Mountmellick. Peacefully. Beloved son of Mary and the late John, deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving family, son Gareth, brothers Gerry, Sean and Mark, partner Nicola, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. In line with Government and HSE advice regarding funeral gatherings, a small private funeral to the maximum of 25 family and friends will take place on Tuesday morning at 10am. Live streaming of the Funeral Mass can be viewed by clicking on the following link https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/church-of-st-laurence-otoole-kilmacud. To limit possible coronavirus exposure, Pettorini only leaves the house to go grocery shopping. As she sat down to talk about the election, she had a lot on her mind: About tyranny taking hold in the United States and nobody doing anything about it. The super spreader events across the street, where maskless neighbors gather for concerts. The guilt and shame she feels as she reads Caste, a new book about racism in America. A hotly debated statue of Christopher Columbus in Boston that was beheaded this summer in the wake of protests against systemic racism is expected to be moved to a new location in the city, news outlets reported. The statue in the North End was removed in June after police discovered its head had been taken off. It was put into storage so officials could assess the damage and take time to discuss the historic meaning of the statue," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said at the time. In August, the Boston Arts Commission voted to continue studying the controversial legacy of the Columbus statue in the North End and establish a group to determine an appropriate review process, gathering input from the public. In a virtual meeting with the North End/Waterfront Council on Monday, it was announced the statue will be repaired and moved to a new development being built by the Knights of Columbus, WBZ reported. "It will be visible for everyone who wants to see it, Walsh said about the repaired Columbus statue, according to WBZ. It will still be an important part of the fabric of the neighborhood. During the meeting, Walsh noted the city will work with residents to create a new statue for Columbus Park, the original location of the statue. The new monument will aim to highlight the contributions of the North End Italian immigrant community, the news outlet reported. The beheading of the Columbus statue came less than a month after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The unarmed Black mans death at the hands of a white police officer sparked worldwide calls for racial justice. Statues across the country - in particular those dedicated to Columbus as well as members of the Confederacy during the American Civil War - were taken down by demonstrators, who called into question the legacies of such figures. Columbuss reputation solely as an explorer and the founder of the New World has been increasingly debated in recent years, with people pointing out his role in the genocide of Native Americans after the colonization of the Americas by Europeans and his involvement in the international slave trade. Monuments dedicated to Columbus have been defaced or taken down throughout the U.S. and Massachusetts, with statues in Springfield and Worcester also vandalized. Bostons statue in the North End has been damaged multiple times in recent years. In 2015, it was dosed in red paint with Black Lives Matter spray painted onto its base, and in 2006, Columbuss head was removed and remained missing for several days. Related Content: Woodbine Mohawk Park hosted a compact, six-race qualifying session on Tuesday morning (Oct. 6) that was contested over a 'fast' track. One of the most notable miles from the session was recorded by two-year-old American Ideal colt Right Idea, who was pacing his first charted mile over Canadian soil. The bay was participating in just his second-ever qualifier (his previous effort came on June 24 at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono). Right Idea's trainer/driver/co-owner Rick Zeron was in the sulky and the duo lined up in Post 6 for Race 3. The $70,000 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase was out and shooting for the lead as the field raced into the first turn. Right Idea raced on the front end in the opening half of the mile, which saw the quarter cut in :29.2 and the half-mile timer flash to life in :59.4. Zeron and Right Idea tracked from second along the final turn and past the 1:28.2 three quarters pole. The duo were still second at the head of the lane, but Zeron called on Right Idea in the straightaway and the colt responded. Right Idea erased his one-length deficit and pulled away to win by three and one-quarter lengths in 1:57.4. Zeron co-owns Right Idea along with Howard Taylor and War Horse Stables. Darkest Secret (1:53.2), Yes (1:58.4), Up And Trending (1:58.2), A Positive Hanover (1:56) and Power N Strength (2:00.4) won the session's other races. To view the results for the Tuesday qualifying session at Mohawk, click the following link: Tuesday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers). During the current pandemic, we've all been advised to protect ourselves from infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 by masking, physical distancing and frequent hand-washing. In the Sept. 17 issue of JAMA Ophthalmology, a research team in China suggests that a fourth defensive measure also might be helpful: eye protection. However, according to an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins Medicine, the team's findings don't yet mean everyone should don a pair of Clark Kent spectacles to enhance their "superpowers" during a coronavirus attack. In their paper, published online Sept. 16, Weibiao Zeng, M.S., at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, and colleagues at three other Chinese medical institutions describe a retrospective study of 276 people in China's Hubei Province who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the beginning of the pandemic. The researchers found that the proportion of patients who wore eyeglasses more than eight hours per day was significantly lower than in the general population. From these data, the researchers claim that wearing eyeglasses more than a third of the day may provide some protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, and that eyeglasses may act as a partial barrier to help keep people from touching their eyes. "The findings, although intriguing, should not be considered as conclusive proof that the general public should begin wearing face shields, goggles or other ocular personal protective equipment -- along with wearing masks and not touching their eyes -- to obtain any substantial protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection," says Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention at the Johns Hopkins Health System, associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and author of a commentary on the study that appears in the same issue of JAMA Ophthalmology. Maragakis says there are several reasons for her caution. "The study looks at a time very early in the pandemic before universal masking and physical distancing became common prevention practices. There may be confounding variables or an alternate explanation for the apparent protective effect of eyeglasses, and the data on the general population -- against which the eyeglasses-wearing habits of the study patients are compared -- were collected years ago in a different region of China," she explains. However, Maragakis says more studies -- using data from both people who previously had COVID-19 and from patients newly diagnosed with the disease -- would be valuable to confirm the study's findings and to better define any benefit for the general public by adding eye protection as a defensive practice. Maragakis is available to discuss this topic with the media. ### ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- It's difficult enough to obtain a land loan. Add the COVID-19 pandemic into the mix, and the prospect seems downright impossible. Not so for New Jersey-based Kennedy Funding, announcing today that it has closed a $1.96 million land loan to Plaza Tierra Caliente, Inc., based in Fort Worth, Texas. Loan proceeds will be used to cash out on two tracts of land totaling 11.59 acres, located at 850 and 1000 Oak Grove Road in Fort Worth, that are already owned by the borrower. Funds will be used toward the acquisition of 19.8 acres located at 6250 Old Hemphill Road, which is near the Oak Grove Road properties. The borrower is under contract to sell the Oak Grove Road properties for $2 million and is under contract to acquire the Hemp Hill Road property for $1.75 million. "The borrower came to us with an unusual set of circumstances, but we were able to find a way to secure the funding he needed," said Edwin Urrego, executive loan officer, Kennedy Funding. "As a direct private lender, we have the freedom and flexibility to examine every deal as it stands on its own merits." According to Jerry Price of Austin, Texas-based JPF Capital Partners and the broker on the deal, Urrego and Kennedy Funding were "very quick to respond" to Plaza Tierra Caliente's needs. "He and the Kennedy team were able to overcome a number of obstacles we encountered throughout the closing process and make the deal happen," Price said. According to Kevin Wolfer, CEO of Kennedy Funding, the $1.96 million loan to Plaza Tierra Caliente is the second land loan closed in one week. The first closed land loan was for $3 million toward the acquisition and development of a 101.46-acre commercial and recreational site in Port Charlotte, Florida. Wolfer called both closings a "feat," considering how challenging it can be for borrowers to secure loans on land in the first place. "Lenders simply will not consider land loans, especially during a period as tumultuous for real estate as COVID-19," Wolfer said. "Kennedy Funding works closely with borrowers to find ways to approve their applications. We are here to help borrowers obtain the funding they need." According to Wolfer, the buyer of the two Oak Grove Road properties plans to construct multifamily housing on the site. Currently, the property has a single-family residence and a small storage building noted to be in poor condition. "The city of Forth Worth has wanted to construct multifamily housing in this area for quite some time, so there was significant support to see this deal advance," Wolfer said. Wolfer noted that the Old Hemphill Road property was considered an "eyesore" by the city of Fort Worth for some time. "The Old Hemphill Road property was once a flea market and 18-wheeler parking area, but it sat idle for a long time and did not provide any value to the city or the community," Wolfer said, adding that the city had a special-use permit zone for the property which allowed events to take place there. "The buyer has plans to transform this property into a rodeo and events center for live events." Wolfer called the deal a "win-win" for Fort Worth. "These new developments will bring jobs, housing, and revenue to the city and its residents," Wolfer said. "We are glad that we could help Plaza Tierra Caliente secure the funding needed to advance projects that will beautify and bring value to this area of Fort Worth." About Kennedy Funding Kennedy Funding is a global direct private lender specializing in bridge loans for commercial property and land acquisition, development, workouts, bankruptcies, and foreclosures. Kennedy Funding has closed more than $3 billion in loans to date. Their creative financing expertise provides funding up to 75% loan-to-value, from $1 million ($3 million international) to more than $50 million in as little as five days. The company has closed loans throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, and Central and South America. www.kennedyfunding.com SOURCE Kennedy Funding Related Links https://www.kennedyfundingfinancial.com UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has called on Iran to release human rights defenders, lawyers, and political prisoners held in the country's overcrowded prisons, amid worsening sanitary conditions during the coronavirus pandemic. "Shortages of water, hygiene products, and disinfectant, insufficient protective equipment and testing kits, as well as a lack of isolation spaces and inadequate medical care have led to the spread of the virus among detainees and have reportedly resulted in a number of deaths," Bachelet said in a statement on October 6. Iran is the country worst hit by COVID-19 in the Middle East, with nearly 480,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 27,000 deaths, according to the country's Health Ministry. Some 120,000 inmates have been temporarily released to avoid further infections, according to official figures, though many have been required to return and people serving longer sentences for national security offenses were excluded from the release policy. As a result, "most of those who may have been arbitrarily detained -- including human rights defenders, lawyers, dual and foreign nationals, conservationists, and others deprived of their liberty for expressing their views or exercising other rights -- have been placed at a heightened risk of contracting the virus," according to Bachelet. Bachelet cited the case of prominent human rights lawyer and women's rights defender Nasrin Sotoudeh, whom she described as a "persistent and courageous advocate for the rights of her fellow Iranians." The 57-year-old Sotoudeh was arrested in 2018 and later sentenced to a total of 38 1/2 years in prison and 148 lashes over her defense of political prisoners, including women protesting the compulsory hijab law. Last month, she was transferred from a prison cell to a hospital north of Tehran following a hunger strike for better prison conditions and the release of political prisoners. Days later, she was taken back to Tehran's Evin prison and ended her hunger strike after nearly 50 days due to deteriorating health, according to her husband. "I am very concerned that Nasrin Sotoudeh's life is at risk," Bachelet said, reiterating her call for the authorities to "immediately release her and grant her the possibility of recuperating at home before undergoing the medical treatment of her choice." "It is time for the government to cease violating her own rights because of the efforts she has made on behalf of others," Bachelet said. The UN rights chief also expressed concern about the persistent "use of the criminal justice system as a tool to silence civil society" in Iran. "Expressing dissent is not a crime. It is a fundamental right that should be protected and upheld," she said. As I looked up at the enormous frame, it seemed to resemble the carcass of a humpback whale. I was standing on the floor of the Airbus aircraft manufacturing facility in Hamburg, Germany, witnessing one of the first Airbus A380s in production. It was early 2007, and an ideological battle between Boeing and Airbus was taking place. On one side, Airbus was backing the hub-and-spoke transportation model with the largest passenger aircraft ever built, the A380. On the other side, Boeingwith its sleek B787was betting on point-to-point travel, taking people directly from A to B on thinner routes. At stake was some $50 billionthe combined cost of both programs. About 13 years later, Boeing was announced the victor. On June 20, 2020, Airbus transported its last A380 fuselage to the final assembly line in Toulouse, France. The Battle Over Credit Data Credit unions currently have a ring-side seat for a similar battle over credit data. In the hub-and-spoke camp are TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, the three major credit reporting agencies that receive and aggregate credit data from thousands of lenders across the U.S. Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has convened an inclusive meeting involving senior immigration officials and ports of entry managers to address challenges arising from the implementation of regulations pertaining to travel into the country. Image via 123RF Visa free status Guideline regulating movement of goods Visa services resume Covid-19 business travel List of high-risk countries This also includes the opening of the tourism industry and promoting trade in order to stimulate economic recovery.Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane was consulted prior and during the meeting and fully endorses its outcome.The visa free status of citizens of some countries and territories was temporarily suspended at the start of the lockdown period.In line with government commitment to take urgent steps to address the economic and tourism stagnation brought about by the outbreak of Covid-19, the visa free status of citizens from the following countries and territories has been re-instated: South Korea Spain Italy Germany Hong Kong Singapore USA UK France Portugal and IranHowever, the visa free status does not alter the current Covid-19 regulations.Minister Motsoaledi has instructed officials to communicate this decision to the aviation industry, embassies and other stakeholders as a matter of urgency."The port managers have been instructed to adhere to the SADC protocol and guidelines regulating the movement of essential goods under Covid-19 regulations."The guidelines regulating truck drivers travelling across the border will continue to apply as has been the case for the past seven months," the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.The department said in view of the confusion regarding the 72 hours negative test requirement, it reiterated that business persons providing services across the borders of SADC are allowed multiple entry subject to producing a certificate of negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours from the time of departure. This certificate is valid for 14 days.Minister Motsoaledi is fully aware of the issue of airline and maritime crews and he has been informed that the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, is resolving the matter and a statement to that effect will hopefully be issued by the Minister of Transport today."Immigration officers will be required to assess the movement and place of origin of the traveller and not the country of origin of the airline concerned."Transit travellers through South Africa by air will be allowed to connect to their destinations, subject to them complying with applicable health protocols but need not produce the 72 hours negative certificate," the department said.As communicated on 30 September 2020, visa services, including submission of applications through VFS Global, have resumed in the following categories:Visitors visas, study visa, treaty visa, business visa, crew visa; medical treatment visa, relatives visa, general work visa, critical skills work visa, intra-company transfer work visa, retired person visa, corporate visa, exchange visa, waiver of prescribed requirement, as contemplated in section 31(2)(c) and appeals or reviews contemplated in section 8 of the Immigration Act.Any person from a country listed as having a high Covid-19 infection and transmission rate, who wishes to undertake a business travel into South Africa, may, in writing, apply to the Minister of Home Affairs and demonstrate reasons for their request to enter the Republic for business purposes during the period of the national state of disaster.Such applications must be directed to email az.vog.ahd@levarTssenisuB91divoC and supported by:(a) A copy of passport and/or temporary residence visa(b) Proof of business activities to be undertaken in the Republic(c) Proof of travel itinerary and(d) Proof of address or accommodation in the RepublicThe list of high-risk countries as published on 30 September 2020 is as follows:1. Albaninia2. Argentina3. Armenia4. Austria5. Bahrain6. Belgium7. Bolivia8. Bosnia and Herzegovina9. Brazil10. Chile11. Columbia12. Costa Rica13. Croatia14. Czech Republic15. Denmark16. Ecuador17. France18. Georgia19. Greece20. Guatemala21. Guyana22. Honduras23. Hungary24. Iceland25. India26. Iran27. Iraq28. Ireland29. Israel30. Jamaica31. Jordan32. Kuwait33. Lebanon34. Luxemburg35. Maldives36. Malta37. Mexico38. Moldova39. Montenegro40. Nepal41. Netherlands42. North Macedonia43. Oman44. Palestine45. Panama46. Paraguay47. Peru48. Portugal49. Puerto Rico50. Qatar51. Romania52. Russia53. Slovakia54. Suriname55. Switzerland56. Ukraine57. United Emirates58. United Kingdom59. USA60. VenezuelaThe list of these high risk countries will be updated fortnightly and can be accessed on the Home Affairs website: www.dha.gov.za Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yulia Savitri (The Jakarta Post) Palembang Tue, October 6, 2020 14:23 473 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4963a61 1 Business food-estate,South-Sumatera,expert,forest-conversion,environmental-damage Free The governments food estate program in South Sumatra could harm the environment, as an estimated 26,000 hectares of forest zones might be converted into farmland, experts have warned. Ida Banjumi Wahab (IBA) University rector and public policy expert Tarech Rasyid told The Jakarta Post on Sept. 9 that while the province had the potential to become a food supplying region due to its sheer acreage of agriculture land, especially to prevent a food crisis during the COVID-19 outbreak, the government should find a way to use the land while minimizing the environmental damage. The province currently has 980,000 ha of rice harvest areas that produce 4.7 million tons of rice per year, according to Agriculture Ministry data. The food estate program is expected to take up a total of 235,000 ha of land. We shouldnt clear land for new agriculture zones, because it will worsen the environmental damage. The food estate program should have an integrated strategy to prevent negative impacts on other sectors, he said. The government is pinning its hopes to bolster the nations food security on developing food estates in several provinces, including South Sumatra, North Sumatra and Central Kalimantan, as the COVID-19 crisis has aggravated Indonesias food security issues. In late April, a month after the outbreak in the country, President Joko Jokowi Widodo reported that key commodities, such as garlic, sugar, chili and chicken eggs, were in short supply in more than 20 provinces, while rice, a staple food for Indonesians, was lacking in seven provinces. The World Food Programmes (WFP) office in Indonesia has estimated that the country experienced a 13.2 percent year-on-year decline in rice production to 16.1 million tons in the first half of 2020. The projects are also aimed at overcoming food distribution issues across the archipelago, land use change, especially in Java, and the increase of the countrys population, according to the Agriculture Ministrys Food Security Agency (BKP). Read also: Explainer: All you need to know about the govts food estates South Sumatra Forestry Agency head Panji Tjahjanto told the Post on Sept. 24 that the Environment and Forestry Ministry would revoke the forest status of the 26,000 ha of land. Panji argued that the forest zone conversion into farming areas would not affect South Sumatras total forest zones of 3.46 million ha, or around 39 percent of the provinces land area. Some of the existing production and protected forest zones are already opened. Therefore, we are only waiting for the ministrys instruction, he said. The executive director of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) in South Sumatra, Hairul Sobri, rejected the governments notion to redesignate forest land for the food estate program, urging the government to instead protect existing food producing areas from agrarian conflicts. Many forest zones in South Sumatra have been transformed and do not function as forests anymore. Dont pile up more problems by damaging the existing forest ecosystem, he said. Hairul further said that the government could redesignate failing oil palm plantation areas for the food estate program rather than forest zones, so as to prevent further environmental damage. (mpr) NICOSIA, Cyprus - Cyprus and Lebanon on Tuesday reaffirmed an agreement for Lebanese authorities to take back migrants aboard boats trying to reach Cypriot shores. Cypriot Interior Minister Nicos Nouris said Lebanese and Cypriot police and naval forces will intercept migrant boats departing from Lebanon. He said European Union member Cyprus and Lebanon would also seek assistance from the blocs border agency Frontex in coastal surveillance. Were sending out a clear message that we wont tolerate anyone engaging in the trafficking of human beings and that were defending the interests of our two states, Nouris said after talks with Major-General Abbas Ibrahim, a senior official from Lebanons Interior Ministry. The two officials said all migrants aboard boats attempting to reach Cyprus will be returned. Any person who leaves Lebanon, in accordance with the deal reached with Cyprus, should be returned home in co-ordination between the two countries, Ibrahim said. In recent weeks, numerous boatloads of migrants have sailed to Cyprus approximately 107 miles (172 kilometres) from Tripoli, Lebanon alarming Cypriot authorities that say the island cant handle any more migrants seeking asylum for economic reasons. Ibrahim said that most of the migrants trying to reach Cyprus by boat arent Lebanese and may be trying to flee worsening economic conditions in Lebanon. Living conditions in Lebanon have become more difficult because of the economic crisis that we are passing through and this is what is maybe making these people migrate to nearby countries, Ibrahim said. The Lebanese official said international agencies usually praise Lebanon for the way it treats more than 1 million migrants now living on its territory, but a worsening economy may be prompting many to flee. Cyprus has come under fire by Human Rights Watch for allegedly pushing back 200 migrants and refugees arriving from Lebanon aboard boats last month without heeding their claims for asylum while in some instances using violence and coercive tactics. Nouris said the Cypriot government has received no such complaints and that Cypriot authorities acted lawfully and in line with EU directives. He said all migrants were returned to Lebanon safely under a Cypriot police escort. First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo today Tuesday donated medical logistics to the Tema General Hospital to complement healthcare delivery to residents. The donation also forms part of the Rebecca Foundation's mission to support the country's health sector. The items include bedsheets, diapers, blankets, nose masks, sanitizers, hospital beds among others. Mrs Akufo-Addo said the Rebecca Foundation had, since 2017, been working to augment government's efforts at improving healthcare delivery. She said the Foundation had, donated medical equipment and consumables to various hospitals in all the 16 regions of Ghana as well as renovated some health facilities in the country. The Foundation had, in partnership with well-meaning organisations, funded the construction of the Paediatric Intensive Care and the Mother and Baby units of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. She stated that the health of women and children would always be her priority and expressed the readiness of the Foundation to work with other organisations and individuals to deliver quality healthcare to them. The Medical Director of the Tema General Hospital, Dr. Richard Anthony who received the items, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for the assistance. He thanked the first lady for her kind gesture, especially for children and maternal health in the country. ---Daily Guide A businesswoman was left stranded at an airport 1,500 miles away from home after getting stood up by a man she'd met online seven days before. Jasmine Triggs, 23, decided to fly from her hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Houston, Texas, last week to meet a man she'd been talking to online. But the minute she'd stepped on the plane, the mystery man, identified only as Jamal, blocked her number and Jasmine was left heartbroken and stranded in the airport. Jasmine, the owner of a baking company, said: 'I was talking to this guy for about a week and he asked me to come out to Texas. Jasmine Triggs, 23, decided to fly from her hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Houston, Texas, last week to meet a man she'd been talking to online 'We were talking to the morning I was due to go. 'We were talking and talking and talking every day, about where he went to school, how he'd been a cheerleader and had a robotics company. 'I liked him. We'd been getting to know each other but it was sexual as well. 'He was asking me sexual stuff and he was saying he couldn't wait to see me and that he'd cleaned his living room for me.' The pair had been introduced via an iMessage group chat by a mutual friend who had also never met the man in person. Jasmine had forked out $380 for the five-hour round trip and as soon as she landed at the airport, she tried to contact the man who had already blocked her number. The minute she'd stepped on the plane, the mystery man blocked her number and Jasmine was left heartbroken and stranded in the airport She said: 'When I was on the plane, all my messages were sending to everyone apart from him so he'd obviously blocked me. 'I didn't hear from him all morning and once I landed, I called him, but I realised he'd blocked my number and I was panicking. 'People from the group chat were calling him and he blocked them as well.' Luckily, Jasmine managed to get hold of a friend who lived close by and went to stay with her for a few days but she still has no idea why she was left stranded at the airport. She later shared her story to Twitter to warn other people of the dangers of meeting up with people they've never met. Jasmine shared screenshots of messages she was sent by her online love, telling her to come visit him She said: 'Either he thought it was funny or he could have had a wife or girlfriend because he started saying he didn't know me but he shouldn't have left me at the airport. 'I posted it on Twitter and it went viral so he unblocked us and came back in the chat saying he didn't know me but everyone knew he'd asked me to go to meet him. 'He had people messaging me saying they were his sister, it was just a big conundrum. 'I don't even know if he does live in Texas. He has the area code but he has three different numbers. Pictured: Texts on the morning of Jasmine's flight. As soon as she boarded the plane her partner blocked her Jamal left the group chat where they'd met after Jasmine arrived on the plane from Indiana 'If you're going to meet up with someone, make sure you FaceTime them first and make them buy the ticket. 'I don't believe in someone paying for everything which is why I bought my own ticket but if you're going to see them, make sure they buy it because I'm $380 out of pocket and he's said he was going to pay for everything when I got there. 'Make sure they aren't going to leave you there because if it wasn't for my friend, I don't know what I would have done.' The tweet has racked up almost 70,000 likes and some people have even offered to pay for Jasmine's plane ticket. She said: 'A lot of people have been super kind but I've had the occasional troll. 'Guys have been hitting on me, people have been supportive and offering to pay for my ticket but people have been saying that I'm super dumb.' Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Tuesday said that there is no misunderstanding among NDA partners in the state and they will work together in the Bihar assembly polls. Janata Dal-United has been allotted 122 seats. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday said that there is no misunderstanding among NDA partners in the state and they will work together in the Bihar assembly polls. Janata Dal-United (JD-U) has been allotted 122 seats and BJP has got 121 seats for Bihar Assembly polls. Addressing a joint press conference with BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Kumar said while JD-U will give seven seats to Jitan Ram Manjhi-led HAM from 122 seats allocated to it, the BJP will give some seats to Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) from its share of 121 seats. JD(U) has been allotted 122 seats. Under that quota, we are giving 7 seats to HAM (Hindustan Awami Morcha). BJP has 121 seats. Talks are underway, BJP will allot seats to Vikassheel Insaan Party under their quota, Kumar said. We have been working together for 15 years. Those who were in the government before us what did they do? Bihars budget used to be Rs 24,000 crores and now we have taken it to Rs 2,11,000 crores We will work together and will contest polls. There are no misunderstandings, he added. Responding to a question on attacks by Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan against him, the JD-U chief said he has no interest in what someone is saying about him. Elections to the 243-seat Bihar assembly will be held in three phasesOctober 28, November 3, and 7 and the counting of votes will take place on November 10. The Chief Minister said that Bihar is ahead in coronavirus testing and Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is also low. Recovery is more than 93 per cent, he said. Also Read: YSRCP to join BJP? Days after meeting Shah, Jagan meets PM He said that Rs 1,000 were given to 21 lakh people of Bihar during the lockdown. We spent Rs 5,300 per person in quarantine centres in 14 days. We will seek to serve people again on the basis of works we have done, Kumar said. Sushil Kumar Modi said only those parties will remain in NDA who will accept Nitish Kumar as NDA leader in Bihar. In a veiled message to LJP, he said if NDA emerges victorious, Nitish Kumar will be the Chief Minister again irrespective of seats any party in the alliance won. Sushil Kumar Modi also said BJP may write to the Election Commission to prevent any other party except NDA partners from using Prime Minister Narendra Modis photograph in their posters. On Sunday, the LJP announced that it will not be part of NDA alliance in Bihar. The party said it will contest from seats being fought by JD-U but not those fought by BJP. Also Read: Hathras SP: Wont allow hold meeting, panchayat in village, victims family given enough security - Growing urbanization, towering demand for residential and commercial buildings, and increased inclination in construction sector to use green materials are key factors that are likely to boost the demand opportunities in the roofing market - Asia Pacific presents lucrative avenues for market players on the back of increased construction activities in this region ALBANY, N.Y., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Roof is an important part in the construction of any building. It is intended to protect people living in house from any climatic conditions and natural factors. Roofing materials refers to outer layers applied on a building roof. There are different types of roofing materials including natural products like slates and thatches. Similarly, tiles, plastic sheeting, and bituminous are some instances of commercially available roofing materials. According to TMR analysts, the global roofing market is foreseen to expand at promising CAGR of around 4.9% in the assessment period of 2019 to 2027. Growing government support for construction activities in the developing countries across the globe will stimulate promising demand avenues for vendors working in the roofing market. Request for Covid-19 Impact Analysis on Roofing Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Covid19.php Key Findings of Roofing Market Report The global roofing market was accounted for the valuation of US$ 96,135.03 Mn in 2018. in 2018. The market is predicted to show CAGR of 4.9% in assessment period of 2019 to 2027. Of various product types, metal roofing is one of the lucrative segments. Another product type gaining popularity across the world is tiles. Asia Pacific is projected to show dominance in the global roofing market in the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php Roofing Market: Key Driving Factors and Promising Avenues In recent period, there is remarkable increase in demand for laminated asphalt shingles with textured surface. This is one of the key factors attributed to promising growth of roofing market. Tile roofing is found to be useful in minimizing the requirement of air conditioning. As a result, it helps in consumption of less amount of electricity. Owing to this factor, the global roofing market is foreseen to experience upward curve of demand for tiles during the forthcoming years. With growing trend of using green construction material, metal roofing is gaining popularity across the globe. Metal roofing is known for its property of excellent durability. As a result, the lifecycle cost of this product is remarkably low. In addition to this, metal roofing contains around 30%-60% of recycled metal content. It is totally recyclable product when its service life is completed. All these factors suggest that the global roofing market will experience upward graph of the metal roofing sales during 2019 -2027. Growth in urbanization in developing countries has resulted into increased need for residential as well as commercial buildings. This is one of the important factors driving expansion avenues in roofing market. The government bodies of several emerging economies are offering support for construction activities in the form of tax benefits and subsidies. Thus, the market for roofing is projected to show promising development avenues on the back of growing government initiatives to support construction activities. Apart from this, the government bodies in developed as well as developing economies are focused on offering incentives to people for the replacement of their existing roofs with energy-saving ones. This factor may boost the market growth in the forthcoming years. View Detailed Table of Contents at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/48603 Roofing Market: Competitive Assessment The global roofing market experiences high competition levels. This scenario is result of presence of many well-established players in the market. Several players in the market for roofing are constantly engaged in the launch of superior quality products. This move is allowing them to gain a strong hold in the light of high level of competition. Purchase Premium Research Report on Roofing Market @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php The list of important players operating in the roofing market includes CertainTeed Corporation, GAF Materials Corporation, Braas Monier Building Group, Owens Corning Corp., and Carlisle Companies Incorporated. Browse Latest Reports by TMR: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/latest.htm The roofing market can be segmented as follows: Type Tile Roofing Elastomeric roofing Metal roofing Bituminous roofing Others Application Residential Commercial Non-commercial Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America 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, Acoustics Market - A report by Transparency Market Research (TMR) finds that the global acoustics market would expand at a steady CAGR of 6.1% over the period between 2019 and 2027. Furthermore, the global market for acoustics had a net value of US$ 11.1 Bn in 2018, and this figure is expected to escalate by multiple times in the years to come. On the basis of end-use industry, the constructions sector has been a key consumer of acoustic materials. North America hosts a huge consumer base for the global market for acoustics due to the presence of a sophisticated commercial and industrial sector in the region. Redispersible Polymer Powder Market - The global redispersible polymer powder market for 1k cementitious waterproofing & self-levelling mortar was valued at US$ 122.5 Mn in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of ~6% during the forecast period. Rise in usage of redispersible polymer powder for waterproofing systems in the global construction sector is expected to drive the redispersible polymer powder market for 1k cementitious waterproofing & self-levelling mortar. Asia Pacific accounts for major share of the global redispersible polymer powder market for 1k cementitious waterproofing & self-levelling mortar. Expansion in the construction industry in Asia Pacific due to rapid urbanization and growth in infrastructure development activities is driving the redispersible polymer powder market for 1k cementitious waterproofing & self-levelling mortar in the region. Industrial Rubber Products Market - The global industrial rubber products market was valued at ~US$ 106 Bn in 2018, and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of ~6% from 2019 to 2027. The demand for synthetic rubber has increased in industrial, automotive, and performance-demanding applications due to their unique properties. In terms of volume, the automotive industry is a major consumer of industrial rubber products, which are used in various dynamic and static seals, belts, and hoses. Thus, rise in the demand for rubber products in various industries is driving the global industrial rubber products market. Waterproofing Membranes Market - The global waterproofing membranes market was valued at ~US$ 19 Bn in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of ~7% during the forecast period. The global waterproofing membranes market is primarily driven by growth in the construction industry and rise in the need to improve the quality of construction. Emerging and developed economies across the globe are carrying out infrastructure developments such as roadways, railroads, and river bank protection projects to sustain economic growth. These civil construction projects boost the consumption of waterproofing membranes, which are commonly accepted as durable and long-lasting products. Explore More Upcoming Reports: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/upcoming.htm 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. Contact Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Press Release Source: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/roofing-market-2018-2026.htm Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1085206/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg Allentown, PA (18103) Today Not as cold with limited sunshine. A flurry or snow shower late in the day can't entirely be ruled out, mainly north and west of the Lehigh Valley.. Tonight A passing snow shower or flurry possible early; otherwise, clouds initially will give way to clearing late. The Proud Boys hashtag, which members of the far-right group have been using, was trending Sunday after gay men on Twitter hijacked it and flooded the feed with photos of their loved ones and families and with memes. The Proud Boys recently made headlines by celebrating President Trump's reply at last week's debate, when he was asked to condemn white supremacists. The president used his allotted time to blame what he called "antifa and the left" for violence and to tell the Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by." But gay men on Twitter made the group's hashtag known for entirely different reasons. Matt Dechaine, one of the men who pitched in with photos of himself and his husband in efforts to overtake the hashtag, said his goal was simply to spread joy. "Seeing the hashtag was so uplifting," Dechaine, who is from England, told CNN. "It feels like the movement for positive change for all is gathering momentum all the time and I'm glad to be a small part of it. By coming together rooted in respect and love for each other, the world can be so much better!" Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, a Cuban American who is also the leader of the group Latinos for Trump, said he doesn't see what the men are trying to accomplish. "I think it's hysterical," Tarrio told CNN. "This isn't something that's offensive to us. It's not an insult. We aren't homophobic. We don't care who people sleep with. People think it's going to bother us. It doesn't." Taking over #ProudBoys Since Saturday night, the #ProudBoys hashtag has been inundated with photos of gay men, ranging from pictures of couples to memes and videos of gay men dancing. Many people tweeted their support for the men who hijacked the hashtag. "Good morning to nobody except the gays who highjacked the #ProudBoys hashtag," tweeted Jane Lytvynenko. Other people used the opportunity to share their stories of love. "Next year my husband I will celebrate 25 years together. We had to move to Canada to legally marry and adopt 2 of our sons. We're back in the US. Our family has grown. And we're fighting to save this country. Here's us voting for Biden, Harris and a Blue ticket. #ProudBoys," Bryce Tache tweeted. Dechaine also shared a picture of him and his husband. "The reclaiming of #ProudBoys is wonderful. Here's me and my husband. Together for 20 years and married for 3. Both very proud boys," he tweeted. Many Twitter users posted photos with their partners, calling themselves "the real #ProudBoys." 12 important moments in gay rights movement Here are 12 important moments in the pride movement and the fight for LGBTQ rights. The-CNN-Wire & 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Colombo, Oct 6 : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that failure to brief him on an intelligence report led to the coordinated 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, adding that all preventive measures would be in place had be been informed. He made the remarks on Monday before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI), which is probing the terror carnage, the Daily Financial Times newspaper reported. "If I had been briefed of these intelligence reports, I would have called off my overseas trip and taken all measures to prevent such heinous attacks from taking place. This calamity could have been averted if those entrusted with the responsibility of following up on intelligence reports had done their job diligently," Sirisena told the the COI during nearly six hours of questioning by the Attorney General's representative to the Commission Additional Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena P.C. The COI was appointed on September 20, 2019 by Sirisena when he was in office, Its term has been extended till December 20 this year by incumbent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Sirisena further said that he had left the country on April 16, 2019 for Singapore with a stopover at Tirupati, India, noting that it was during his absence the unfortunate incidents took place and that he had been kept in the dark on the serious threat facing the country. He said before the trip, he had held meetings with then IGP Pujith Jayasundera, former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, chief of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) and other and senior police officers. "At none of these meetings was I told of the foreign intelligence report received on 4 April with a specific threat of terrorist attacks," the Daily Financial Times newspaper quoted the former leader as saying. Had he been aware of the intelligence report, "I would have focused all attention on dealing with such a threat". "I would have informed the Cardinal and consulted with the security establishment to have these attacks stopped. These incidents are the worst black mark in my political career and personally it has left me greatly aggrieved." Sirisena is expected to continue providing evidence before the COI till October 12, while former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will appear before it on Tuesday. The former President's remarks came after Jayasundara told the PCoI late last month that Sirisena should take the sole responsibility of the well-planned carnage, reports The Daily Mirror newspaper. The former IGP said that although he had given specific instructions about the possible terror attack to all the senior police officers, during investigation it was found that all his call records were deleted. On April 21, 2019, three churches in Negombo, Batticaloa and Colombo and the hotels -- Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand, Kingsbury and Tropical Inn -- in the capital city were targeted in the series of coordinated suicide bombings, which killed over 250 people and injured more than 500 others. Sri Lankan authorities attributed the attacks to little-known local Islamist extremist groups, National Thowheeth Jama'ath and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim. However, the Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks. T oday should have been a victory parade for Boris Johnson it is his second party conference speech as Prime Minister, now with an 80-seat majority. Instead he approached the podium not as a triumphant figure but as one under siege. The coronavirus has ruthlessly exposed his weaknesses and those of some of his Cabinet, and as we report today there is a growing perception in his party that he has failed to rise to the occasion. Mr Johnson may wish things were different. He must nevertheless grasp the nettle and deal with matters as they are. Today, in a speech heavy on the rhetoric of hope and light on detail, he spent time talking about windfarm plans for 2030. Yet now is hardly the time for such fair-weather schemes. His full attention should be on the most pressing issue: leading the country through the pandemic. That is the Governments central role, which at present divides into three major tasks. One is to get to grips with test and trace, which as the Evening Standard has repeatedly pointed out is not up to scratch. Despite a series of promises by the Health Secretary that it will be fixed, the same problems have dogged the system from the beginning: there are too few tests available and it takes too long for people to receive their results. Yesterday it was revealed that a monumental technical glitch had seen nearly 16,000 Covid-19 cases go unreported. The second concerns communication. The Government has not been clear enough on its new rules in the pandemic or on the scientific reasoning behind them. Mr Johnson has meanwhile tended to over-promise. The country does not need to hear that another world-beating or moonshot solution is on the way it needs clarity. The third is to address the next big challenge: how to handle a vaccine should it come. This week it was reported that less than half the population can expect to be vaccinated against the virus, and it would be provided according to age. That came as a surprise to many. The Government must get its plans straight now, and then make them clear to the rest of us. Loading.... Call the lifeboats The director of the Francis Crick Institute, Sir Paul Nurse, has repeated his call for small labs to be mobilised to process Covid tests from care homes and hospitals. We join him. In September a Standard investigation highlighted the Governments failure to involve the UKs small laboratories in universities, research centres and private facilities to boost the nations testing capacity. The problem dates back to the Governments decision in April to establish a network of privately run mega-labs rather than branch out to existing ones. Now there is an effort to include small labs, but Sir Paul claims some of these lifeboat labs are not able to get the equipment they need, which the Department of Health has requisitioned for the mega-labs. Yet smaller labs can be more efficient with faster turnaround times. Test and trace is still plagued with capacity problems. It needs all the help it can get. The lawyer couple who aimed guns at Black Lives Matter protesters marching past their home in a private St. Louis neighborhood have been indicted by a grand jury on felony weapon and evidence tampering charges. The announcement came just hours after Mark and Patricia McCloskey attended a short hearing inside the Carnahan Courthouse in downtown St. Louis this morning. The McCloskeys were each issued one count of exhibiting a weapon and one count for tampering with evidence, following the confrontation with demonstrators outside their mansion in June. Grand jurors found probable cause on both counts, the second of which involves Patricia McCloskeys pistol, which was turned over to police in July, according to reports. During the earlier hearing, a judge delayed the case until October 14 because the grand jury had not yet rendered a decision on whether to indict them and needed more time to deliberate. The decision was eventually made on Tuesday afternoon, according to the McCloskeys' attorney, Joel Schwartz. He had speculated earlier in the day that a determination would be reached by next week. 'I am not surprised that the grand jury indicted them but I'll certainly be interested in what was presented to the grand jury,' Schwartz told the Post-Dispatch, adding he plans to request a transcript or recording of the hearing if such records were made. Scroll down for video Mark and Patricia McCloskey attended a short hearing inside the Carnahan Courthouse this morning, in downtown St. Louis, where a judge announced the case was continued until October 14 The McCloskeys were both later issued two charges each by a grand jury: exhibiting guns at protesters and for tampering with evidence. The McCloskeys, who are both lawyers, became the target of national media attention in the summer after they emerged from their $1.15 million mansion, in Portland Place, with guns on the night of June 28 when a procession of protesters veered onto their private street Kimberly Gardner, the citys chief prosecutor, filed felony unlawful use of a weapon charges against the couple in July before bringing the case to a grand jury, which indicted the couple on unlawful use of a weapon and tampering with evidence felonies, their attorney said. 'It is illegal to wave weapons in a threatening manner at those participating in nonviolent protest, and while we are fortunate this situation did not escalate into deadly force, this type of conduct is unacceptable in St. Louis,' Gardner said in a statement when she filed charges. The McCloskeys, who are both personal-injury lawyers, received national media attention when they emerged from their $1.15 million mansion with guns on June 28, after a procession of protesters veered onto Portland Place, a private street. The couple said the demonstrators knocked down an iron gate near their home and ignored a 'No Trespassing' sign, leaving them feeling threatened. Mark, 63, came out wielding an AR-15 rifle and Patricia, 61, displayed a semiautomatic handgun, according to court records. No shots were fired, but they were both later initially charged by Gardner with one count each of unlawful use of a weapon, a class E felony. The grand jury added the charge of tampering with evidence on Tuesday. In announcing the originally charges in July, Gardner said the guns created the risk of bloodshed. A police probable cause statement said protesters feared being injured due to Patricia McCloskeys finger being on the trigger, coupled with her excited demeanor. The basis of the evidence tampering charge is not immediately clear, but it involves Patricia McCloskey's pistol. Schwartz said he hasn't received any details on the charge. Mrs. McCloskey told police in July the handgun she used during the confrontation was inoperable because she had previously used it as a prop during a trial against a gun manufacturer. Schwartz said the McCloskeys intentionally misplaced the firing pin on the gun so it couldn't discharge, and that it was in that condition when Patricia McCloskey waved it at protesters - and when she subsequently later turned it over to investigators. Documents obtained by 5 On Your Side in July showed Gardners Assistant Circuit Attorney Chris Hinckley ordered crime lab workers to reassemble the gun so it could be fired. Missouri law states that a gun must be 'readily capable of lethal use' in order for someone to be charged with unlawful use of a weapon. Hinkley later wrote in a criminal complaint against Patricia McCloskey that the weapon was readily capable of lethal use. Schwartz said at the time that it was 'disheartening to learn that a law enforcement agency altered evidence in order to prosecute an innocent member of the community.' Gardners office has not yet responded to a DailyMail.com request for comment on the tampering charge. While walking outside the courtroom Tuesday, the McCloskeys and Schwartz stopped to speak with reporters gathered outside Mark McCloskey said he and his wife are victims of violent trespassers who he claims were shouting death threats and threats of rape against his wife. He blamed the left, Democrat government of the city for the charges and said he and his wife were doing no more than exercising our Second Amendment rights. Mr McCloskey also criticized a recent decision made by the City Counselors Office to not prosecute the nine protesters who trespassed into Portland Place en route to Mayor Lynda Krewsons home, who lives a few houses away from them While walking outside the courtroom Tuesday morning, the McCloskeys and Schwartz stopped to speak with reporters gathered outside. Mark McCloskey said he and his wife are victims of violent trespassers who he claims were shouting death threats and threats of rape against his wife. He blamed the left, Democrat government of the city for the charges and said he and his wife were doing no more than exercising our Second Amendment rights. Mr. McCloskey also criticized a recent decision made by the City Counselors Office to not prosecute a group of protesters who trespassed into Portland Place en route to Mayor Lyda Krewsons home, who lives a few houses away from them. The government chooses to persecute us for doing no more than exercising our right to defend ourselves, our home, our property and our family and now we're getting [dragged] here time after time after time and for what? Mr. McCloskey said. We didn't fire a shot. People were violently protesting in front of our house and screaming death threats and threats of rape and threats of arson. Nobody gets charged but we get charged. 'Were charged with felonies that could cost us four years of our lives and our law license,' he continued. Sources told 5 On Your Side the grand jury met at least once to discuss the McCloskeys' case. Grand jurors reportedly heard testimony from several witnesses, including from the protesters whose trespassing charges were dismissed by attorneys for the city. If there is a true bill returned for either Mr. or Mrs. McCloskey we will do everything we can to fight those charges, Schwartz assured reporters outside the court, before the indictment was announced. Patricia McCloskey and her husband Mark McCloskey drew their firearms on protestors, including a man who held a video camera and microphone, as they entered their neighborhood during a protest against St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson Patricia McCloskey described how protesters 'broke an iron fence down' before 'trying to set fire to the mayor's house' The McCloskeys first appeared in court on August 31, where the judge continued their case until October 6. The McCloskeys did not speak to reporters after that court hearing. Schwartz reiterated their claims that no laws were broken. 'We are simply anxious to remove all the noise from this case, move the case forward, and have the facts heard by a jury and let the jury decide whether or not the McCloskeys committed any felony offenses because we are convinced with absolute certainty that there was no felony committed here,' Schwartz said at the time. The case drew the attention of leading Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who has expressed his support for the McCloskeys, as well as Missouri Governor Mike Parsons and other leading Republicans. Trump considered the charges an 'egregious abuse of power,' his press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, said. Parsons, meanwhile, called the charges outrageous and has said pledged to pardon the couple if they are convicted. In August, the couple made an appearance during the opening night of the Republican National Convention in which they made the case that they had a God-given right to defend themselves and their property. The couple touted Trump's defense of the Second Amendment and also warned Americans of the 'mob'. 'At this moment in history, if you stand up for yourself and for the values our country was founded on, the mob spurred on by their allies in the media will try to destroy you,' Mark said as he sat beside his wife and addressed the camera in remote remarks. Protesters gathered outside the home of Mark and Patricia McCloskey during a protest against racial inequality in St Louis, Missouri Mark and Patricia McCloskey are seen confronting protesters marching to St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson's house on June 28 The McCloskeys bemoaned the charges against them and warned others about the wider implications in an interview with Fox News ahead of their RNC appearance. 'You cannot have freedom and an opportunity to advance unless you have basic safety and security, and that it is not just limited to big cities. They are bringing it to a neighborhood near you,' Mark told the outlet. Patricia added: 'You think you have a right to defend yourself and your family and it's shocking that we are still having the fallout. We have years of this following us.' She described how protesters 'broke an iron fence down' before 'trying to set fire to the mayor's house'. Around 300 protesters gathered outfront of their home on June 28. The couple, who met when they were at Southern Methodist University law school, moved into the palazzo at One Portland Place having filed a lawsuit in 1988 to obtain the property. They sued a man who sold them a Maserati they claimed was supposed to come with a box of hard-to-find parts, the paper reported. In November 1996, Mark McCloskey filed two lawsuits, one against a dog breeder whom he said sold him a German Shepherd without papers and the other against the Central West End Association for using a photo of their house in a brochure for a house tour after the McCloskeys had told them not to. For years the couple have been at war over the rights to a small patch of land bordering their property. The McCloskeys, according to the paper, have also constantly sought to force their neighborhood trustees to maintain the exclusivity of Portland Place. They accused the trustees of selectively enforcing the written rules for living in the neighborhood, known as the trust agreement, and in particular failing to enforce a rule about unmarried couples living together. Their insistence was seen as an attempt to force gay couples from the community. The $1.15 million home of the McCluskey's is seen above. The case drew the attention of leading Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who has expressed his support for the McCloskeys, as well as Missouri Governor Mike Parsons and other leading Republicans The trustees voted to impeach Patricia as a trustee in 1992 when she fought an effort to change the trust indenture, accusing her of being anti-gay. In 2002, the Portland Place Association sued to foreclose on the McCloskeys' house because they were refusing to pay dues. On a second property, in Franklin County, the couple had disputes with their neighbors over a gravel path, and sued for squatters rights to a section of land. The McCloskeys also evicted two tenants from a modular home on their property in a period of just over two years. He sued his employers for wrongful dismissal, and then turned on his own family, in particular after his father largely wrote him out of the will in 2008, sparking a family feud that would last eight years. Mark filed a defamation case against his father and sister in 2011, dismissed it in 2012, and refiled it in 2013. By the time of the final filing, Bruce McCloskey was living in a memory care unit in Ballwin; he died in 2014. In March 2013 McCloskey sued his father and his father's trust over a gift of five acres, promised in 1976, which never materialized. A judge ruled against him in 2016. T he University of Nottingham is the latest higher education institution to report soaring numbers of new Covid-19 cases on campus. Figures posted on the universitys website showed 425 of its students had been diagnosed with active cases of Covid-19 within a week. The figures, dated to the week ending last Friday, included 226 students in private accommodation and 106 others living in halls of residence. Eight members of staff were also classed as "active confirmed cases" over the same time frame. Sheffield University reported 108 new cases among its student body on Monday alone / Ewan Somerville A spokesperson for the university, which has around 35,000 students, said that the high numbers are in part due to its own additional testing programme for asymptomatic cases. The spokesperson said: "Alongside the national Pillar 2 testing regime for people with symptoms of Covid-19, the university has also commenced its own asymptomatic testing programme which will identify cases earlier and more quickly. "While this will mean that our case data will be higher than other universities, we can identify cases that otherwise would remain undetected and thereby reduce asymptomatic transmission and the number of future cases." It is the latest university to report a surge in cases. More than 50 universities in the UK have confirmed cases of coronavirus as students return to campus, and thousands of students are now self isolating. Large clusters have been reported at Manchester Metropolitan and Glasgow University. Nearly 500 students and staff at Sheffield University have tested positive for Covid-19 since the start of term, with 108 new student cases reported on Monday alone, and more than 750 students are self-isolating at Northumbria University after testing positive. More than 750 students are self-isolating at Northumbria University after testing positive / Getty Images On Friday, the Standard reported the first known outbreak of Covid-19 at a London university. Students are self-isolating after a small cluster of cases were found at the Royal College of Music. Around 50 students have been told to self-isolate in the Prince Consort Village student accommodation in Hammersmith. A spokeswoman for the university said no other buildings have been affected. It comes as Universities UK, which represents 139 institutions, published a new checklist stating that students should be given access to basic necessities during self-isolation - including food, laundry services, cleaning materials, bin bags, tissues and toilet rolls. The National Union of Students (NUS) has also warned that undergraduates being "trapped in halls" could exacerbate mental health issues. Despite the outbreaks and warnings that infection rates among young people on campuses continue to rise steeply, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to get university students back to their families for Christmas. COLUMBUS, Ohio The Ohio Business Roundtable, an organization that seeks to work with the governor and General Assembly on policies to make the state more business-friendly, suggested that CEOs send their employees a series of emails that emphasize the importance of a conservative state Supreme Court. The seven emails, intended to go into employees' inboxes through October, are to underscore the importance to your business and their job security of having a stable Supreme Court, according to a message to the CEOs sent by Pat Tiberi, a Republican former member of Congress who is the Business Roundtables president and CEO. The Ohio Business Roundtable represents some of the states highest profile and largest companies. That includes FirstEnergy, Wendys and Honda. Tiberi said in his email the organizations membership represents about 400,000 employees. Its unclear how many actually are receiving emails. The effort underscores how important the Ohio Supreme Court races have become ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The court currently has five Republicans and two Democrats. With Republican Justices Judith L. French and Sharon L. Kennedy up for re-election, Republicans could lose their majority just before a congressional redistricting case could come before the court, following the 2020 Census. In addition to the effort from conservatives, the races have drummed up money and interest from the left as well. French is being challenged by Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat and former Ohio secretary of state. Kennedy is being challenged by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John P. ODonnell. The Ohio Business Roundtables suggested email campaign ties peoples employment to the results of the Supreme Court election. You value stability in your job, just as we value stability in our business, says email No. 3, which the business roundtable suggested CEOs send to their employees on Sept. 28. When our justices do that job well, our economy is stronger and our job security is greater, says email No. 7, which is supposed to be sent out Oct. 28. Its just that simple. Bosses tying the Supreme Court races to their employees' ability to keep their jobs is a scare tactic, said Michael McGovern, managing director of left-leaning ProgressOhio, which is working to highlight what it perceives as a failed record for French and Kennedy. I think its really disappointing and shows the level of desperation from them to keep their friends in the Supreme Court who they think will look out for them, McGovern said. Rob Nichols, a spokesman for the Ohio Business Roundtable, said it stands by its campaign and a website it created called Ohio Prosperity, which is devoted solely to the Ohio Supreme Court races. It should come as no surprise that the Ohio Business Roundtable supports judicial candidates who show judicial restraint and who do not attempt to legislate from the bench, Nichols said. The Ohio Prosperity Project provides employers with objective, nonpartisan information about the candidates and how the Court can profoundly impact Ohios jobs climate, should they want to share the information with their stakeholders. The Ohio Business Roundtable emails dont mention any Supreme Court candidate by name or political party, instead using the words conservative vs. activist" judges. The Ohio Prosperity website, which the roundtable says is nonpartisan, provides biographical information on each candidate, mentioning it supports French and Kennedy. Its unclear which Ohio CEOs and leaders have participated in the Business Roundtables campaign. A spokesman for Cleveland-based Key Bank, for instance, said the company didnt participate. Cleveland Clinic also didnt participate, a spokeswoman said. Representatives from other Cleveland institutions, such as Cleveland State University, didnt respond whether they sent the emails out to employees. More coverage: Ohio Supreme Court unanimously upholds felony murder conviction in death of 5-year-old TaNaejah McCloud Workers cant claim invasion of privacy if employers have them watched during urine drug tests: Ohio Supreme Court Ohio Chief Justice Maureen OConnor blasts her party, Ohio GOP, for irresponsible criticism of judge On Monday, attackers assaulted the capital of the ethnic Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, Stepanakert, when both sides fired devastating, long-range weapons. According to The New York Times, 53-year-old Ruzanna Avagyana, a social worker from the ethnic Armenian enclave, was taking stock of the region's rapidly increasing military conflict with Azerbaijan while taking shelter inside her basement. Devastating conflicts The destructive conflicts are considered to be the worst in the region of the Nagorno-Karabakh area since the beginning of the war in the early 1990s. The fighting began one week ago and forced Avagyana to seek refuge underground. During the first days that she hid inside her basement, she counted half a dozen explosions ravaging her hometown. She experienced several more on Sunday and on Monday, she heard so many that she was not able to keep track. Later on, the apartment building built on top of her took a direct hit from one of the explosions. During a telephone interview, Avagyana said people in the region were afraid for their lives. She detailed how she heard whistling sounds during the artillery strikes on her city and was not able to discern where they fell on, but she later heard a loud boom. As the building above her collapsed to the damage, Avagyana was able to escape her basement relatively unharmed. Also Read: 'Deadly Collision' Footage Shows F-35B Jet Clip Wings With Refueling Plane and Crashing to the Ground Long history of war For years, devastating conflicts have been common at the front lines of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is controlled by ethnic Armenian separatists. However, globally, the area is recognized as a part of Azerbaijan. But several analysts and experts believe the recent conflict is unique because of the direct support from Turkey to Azerbaijan and the sheer scale of the fighting. Both sides have been assaulting each other using armed drones and devastating rocket artillery. Previously a city of beautiful and well-maintained boulevards, Stepanakert has been left scattered in ruins after the devastating assaults. Armenia's military said that the city was subjected to a second round of bombings on Monday, as reported by 24News Order. Authorities from Azerbaijan said that rockets had landed in the residential area of Ganja, which is considered the second-largest city in the region. The recent conflicts have resulted in the death of more than 250 people in the area, including several dozens of civilians from both sides. Several observers and diplomats were alarmed by the explosions that Avagyana heard ravaging her home town which struck her apartment building, which was across the street from a military headquarters. Avagyana believes her location was vulnerable because of its proximity to the base. Experts are concerned that the weapons show the risks of direct conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are two former Soviet states. The two regions have been divided by an ethnic dispute and both sides' claims to the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The fighting along the front lines has been relatively masked and mysterious as reports from both Armenia and Azerbaijan are difficult to verify, much more so for independent parties. Related Article: Armenia Officials Accuse Turkish Fight Jet of Shooting Down Aircraft in Its Airspace @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Armenia needs to revise fiscal forecasts and the budget until the end of the year 2020. This is what Minister of Finance of Armenia Atom Janjughazyan said during a discussion on the bill on making amendments and supplements to the Law on the 2020 State Budget of Armenia held as part of todays special session of the National Assembly. The minister said it is clear that the martial law will have an impact on the countrys economic growth and added that the government envisages increasing current expenditures by AMD 40,000,000 due to the hostilities and that economic indicators will drop by 6.8%. Economic performance for the year 2020 will also drop by 6.8% instead of the 2% underlying the amendments to the law on the budget. Moreover, the nominal GDP will drop to AMD 6,170,000,000,000. Based on the current evaluations, in 2020, the ratio of debt of the Armenian government to the GDP will approach 67%. On September 27, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, in gross violation of the existing norms of international humanitarian law and the logic of the process of peaceful negotiations over the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, launched an offensive along the entire length of the line of contact with missiles and air forces, targeting the military positions of the Defense Army of Nagorno-Karabakh and peaceful settlements. A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice NJ Jamadar was hearing a PIL filed by BJP leader Ashish Shelar Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday said families of who died of COVID-19 due to medical negligence of state or civic run hospitals, would be entitled for compensation. The court reminded to the state government that state has duty towards its citizens. A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice NJ Jamadar was hearing a public interest litigation filed by BJP leader Ashish Shelar, who alleged that state run hospitals are not properly following norms of the central government while handling and disposing of bodies of COVID-19 patients. Shelar in his petition pointed out 11 instances where patients died due to negligence of hospital staff. The High Court directed the state government to initiate inquiry in those 11 cases and file a detailed affidavit on November 23. The court said, If the instances are true and there is negligence on the part of hospital authorities then victim's family members would be entitled to compensation. The bench also said even if the hospital concerned is run by a civic body, no one prevents the state government from seeking details. Dont rely on a civic body. The state government has an overriding duty and responsibility. If someone dies in a train accident, then the victims family members are given compensation. Similarly, in these cases too, the government should give compensation, Chief Justice Datta said. The High Court said in addition to guidelines prescribed by the Union government on March 15 on disposal and management of bodies of COVID-19 patients, the Maharashtra government shall also follow nine guidelines laid down by the Calcutta High Court last month. The Calcutta High Court had said bodies of COVID-19 patients where post-mortem is not required shall be handed over to relatives for completion of last rites following safety precautions. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Media and academics often equate assimilation with the process of immigrants becoming more similar to U.S.-born populations over time and across generations, says University of Arizona researcher Christina Diaz. "But assimilation is likely a two-way street. And we see this, but there have been no tests done," said Diaz, an assistant professor in the School of Sociology in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In a new study, Diaz and co-author Peter Ore, a graduate student in sociology, looked for evidence that the U.S. community is impacted by minority populations. They used ethnic restaurantsboth national chains and local eateriesas test cases. The study, "Landscapes of Appropriation and Assimilation: The Impact of Immigrant-Origin Populations on U.S. Cuisine," is published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. A portion of the research was conducted while Diaz was a 2018 Career Enhancement Fellow through the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. The researchers found strong evidence that Asian and Hispanic populations are important contributors to local food culture. Those populations predict the number of Hispanic and Asian local ethnic restaurantsbut not chainsin a given county. The size of local Hispanic and Asian populations also is linked to non-ethnic ownership of ethnic restaurants, and the availability of local Asian and Hispanic cuisine is strongly associated with education levels of the white majority population. Focusing on Food Diaz says the study was a unique effort to investigate, on a national level, whether Asians and Hispanics exert cultural influence on local populations. Assimilation is difficult to empirically test, she said. To tackle that problem, Diaz and Ore pooled county-level data from the U.S. census, the American Community Survey, the Economic Research Service, the Voting and Elections Collection from CQ Press, Reference U.S. and Nielsen marketing data. "This paper was a big introduction to me of the complexities of creating this whole architecture of data from a lot of different sources," Ore said. Diaz and Ore included both immigrants and U.S.-born persons in the ethnic groupings, because, "oftentimes those outside of the ethnic group tend to code ethnic people as foreigners regardless of where they're born, and also because food is an enduring cultural attribute that gets passed down through generations," Diaz said. Diaz added that data analysis revealed the same pattern of findings when the ethnic grouping only included immigrants. Why focus on restaurants to test assimilation? Assimilation scholars argue that cuisine is among the first markers of ethnicity to become absorbed in local communities, Diaz said. "If we do not observe patterns that suggest Asians and Hispanics are associated with local tastes via restaurants, it is unlikely these populations will transform other dimensions of social life," Diaz said. Diaz acknowledges that just because someone enjoys Mexican and Asian food doesn't mean they welcome immigrants. "A greater acceptance of food ways is not going to be reflective of increasingly positive intergroup relations or dynamics," Diaz said. "This is a small initial step to provide spaces for people across different ethnic groups and different racial categories to potentially interact." Models of Assimilation Diaz and Ore tested three competing models of assimilation: relational assimilation, appropriative assimilation, and racial or ethnic threat. With relational assimilation, the demand for ethnic products is linked to the ethnic population; when one increases, the other increases. "This theory suggests ethno-racial hierarchies may potentially weaken with prolonged intergroup exposure," Diaz said. With appropriative assimilation, an increase in ethnic products is unrelated to the growth in the ethnic population, suggesting that ethnic goods are being appropriated by the dominant groups without minority involvement. "This would expand mainstream food preferences and possibly bolster the economic status of majority populations while doing very little to reduce structural disadvantages faced by minority populations," Diaz said. In the third scenario, racial or ethnic threat, ethnic restaurants would be lower in areas with the highest concentration of immigrants. Some research suggests there is a "tipping point" when increased immigration results in "natives shying away from immigrant food or culture because of perceived political threat or competition for employment," Diaz said. Diaz and Ore primarily found evidence for relational assimilation. Counties with proportionally larger numbers of Asians and Hispanics had significantly more Asian and Hispanic restaurants. They ran various tests to ensure that the relationship between ethnic groups and ethnic restaurants was not driven solely by the Hispanic or Asian demand for ethnic cuisine. "We found that restaurant availability is also highest in really diverse areas, so we have reason to believe that there really is something about these intergroup interactions that are fertile for ethnic restaurant demand," Diaz said. Analysis of restaurant ownership resulted in an interesting finding: Those outside of the ethnic community were more likely to own Hispanic or Asian restaurants in densely Hispanic or Asian populated areas. "We interpret this as evidence that ethnic populations can transform tastes, demands and opportunities for those outside of the ethnic community," Diaz said. Might this also be evidence of appropriation? "We are agnostic about whether non-ethnic ownership is necessarily appropriation," Diaz said. "We are interpreting high rate of ownership among non-ethnics as relational assimilation because we see evidence of a heightened relationship in areas with a dense co-ethnic population." The same cannot be said of fast-food ethnic chain restaurant ownership, where non-ethnic ownership was unrelated to the actual size of the ethnic community, suggesting appropriative assimilation. Diaz and Ore did not find evidence of racial or ethnic threat. "We suspect that restaurant spaces may be less likely to invoke hardened protest by majority groups than other markers of ethnicity, such as foreign-language programs in schools or employer preferences for specific skills," Diaz said. Education's Impact Another key finding is that the availability of local Asian and Hispanic restaurants in a community is strongly associated with the share of the majority populations with a college degree. Research has shown that educated populations may be more likely to engage in cultural exchanges with immigrant and minority communities, particularly as consumers of ethnic products and services. "More educated people tend to signal their status by presenting themselves as being eclectic or omnivorous," Ore said. Diaz and Ore also analyzed Nielsen grocery data to obtain a secondary indicator of the impact of ethnic groups on food consumption and found the same pattern. An increase in the ethnic population resulted in an increase in ethnic grocery purchases by the majority population. Diaz emphasizes that the study does not illustrate any decrease in the assimilation of immigrant groups. "We're trying to shift the focus to demonstrate that the fabric of U.S. culture can transform as a result of immigration," Diaz said. "This doesn't mean that immigrants are assimilating any less." Explore further Food prices for consumers in ethnic enclaves could explain difference in assimilation rates More information: Christina J. Diaz et al, Landscapes of appropriation and assimilation: the impact of immigrant-origin populations on U.S. cuisine, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (2020). Christina J. Diaz et al, Landscapes of appropriation and assimilation: the impact of immigrant-origin populations on U.S. cuisine,(2020). DOI: 10.1080/1369183X.2020.1811653 Moreover, increased demand for treatment of urothelial carcinoma is a key driver for increasing revenue inflow from diagnostic tests and procedures. However, development of effective urothelial carcinoma screening methods will play a significant role in the early detection and subsequent reduction in mortality rates. Furthermore, technological advancements in diagnostic methods such as the adoption of diagnostic imaging procedures, rapid molecular diagnostic kits, and use of biomarker testing in urothelial carcinoma screening programs are some other factors that will aid the growth of the urothelial carcinoma diagnostics market. According to the latest report published by PMR, the Global Urothelial Carcinoma Diagnostics Market Was Valued At US$ 1 Bn In 2020, And Is Expected To Progress At A CAGR Of Over 11% During The Forecast Period (20202030). Key Takeaways from Urothelial Carcinoma Diagnostics Market Study The reagent and kits segment, under product type, is expected to contribute more than 70% of revenue share in the urothelial carcinoma diagnostics market. By test type, molecular diagnostic tests accounted for the highest revenue in 2019. Rapid and sensitive detection is anticipated to drive demand for urothelial carcinoma diagnostics. Based on end user, the hospitals segment accounts for a major revenue share in the urothelial carcinoma diagnostics market. Leading players launching rapid diagnostic products with advances technology are expected to dominate the urothelial carcinoma diagnostics market space. Governments of various countries are organizing cancer screening programs and are spreading awareness, which is creating significant demand for urothelial carcinoma diagnostics. The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in manufacturing disruptions and also decreased demand, which is projected to impede market growth in the near term. Get PDF Brochure for Research Insights at: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/14128 "Rise in prevalence of urothelial carcinoma and demand for early detection for preventive treatments will boost the global urothelial carcinoma diagnostics market," says a PMR analyst. Acquisitions and Partnerships - Key Strategies amongst Market Players Key players in the urothelial carcinoma diagnostics market are looking forward to strengthening their product portfolios through the launch of new products. For instance, in 2017, Roche received FDA approval for the complementary PD-L1 (SP263) biomarker test in urothelial carcinoma. In August, 2018, Agilent Technologies, Inc announced that the US Food and Drug Administration approved its Dako PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay for expanded use as a companion diagnostic test for Merck's anti-PD1 immunotherapy Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for urothelial carcinoma. Need more information about Report Methodology? Ask here: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/14128 Various players in the urothelial carcinoma diagnostics market are focusing on growth strategies such as acquisitions and partnerships. For example, in 2020, Thermo Fisher Scientific signed an agreement with Janssen to co-develop companion diagnostics for cancer. What Does the Report Cover? Persistence Market Research offers a unique perspective and actionable insights on the urothelial carcinoma diagnostics market in its latest study, presenting historical demand assessment of 20152019 and projections for 20202020, on the basis of product type (reagents and kits, instruments), test type (urinalysis test, molecular diagnostic test, biomarker test, imaging test, cytoscopy, ureteroscopy), and end user (hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research and academic institutes, clinical research organizations), across seven key regions. Request for Full Report Access: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/14128 PMR's Expertise in Life Sciences and Transformational Health Our expert team of industry analysts comprising management graduates, medical professionals, engineers, and project managers provides insights on emerging therapy areas, diagnostic tools, medical devices and components, reimbursement and market access, biotechnology, and life science research products and services to equip decision makers with sound inputs and strategic recommendations. Click here to learn more about how we zero in on the critical aspects of this industry. 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Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance. To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes. Contact Rajendra Singh Persistence Market Research U.S. Sales Office: 305 Broadway, 7th Floor New York City, NY 10007 +1-646-568-7751 United States USA - Canada Toll-Free: 800-961-0353 Web Site: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Email: [email protected] Recent Development in top 25 sectors: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/recent-development-in-top-25-sectors Content Source: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/mediarelease/urothelial-carcinoma-diagnostics-market.asp SOURCE Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The current escalation of the situation in Nagorno Karabakh is concerning for Russia not only in terms of its scale, but also of the impact of new external factors, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) head Sergei Naryshkin said in a statement. For the first time Turkey acted on Azerbaijans side in such an open manner. The flaring up armed confrontation in Karabakh, like a magnet, attracts militants from various international terrorist structures, he said. The SVR head said he has information that mercenaries from international terror groups, such as the Nusra Front, the Firqat al-Hamza, the Sultan Murad Division, fighting in the Middle East, actively converge in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. Moreover, the talk is about hundreds or even thousands of extremists who seek to profit from the new Karabakh war. We have no doubt that the conflicting parties will eventually stop the use of force and will sit around the negotiation table by the support of the international community, he said. Sergei Naryshkin added that Russia follows with concern the escalation of the situation around Nagorno Karabakh. He said the new war in the region is unacceptable for Russia, as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair country. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll is fighting the Justice Department's attempt to substitute for President Donald Trump as the defendant in her defamation lawsuit. In a court filing Monday night, Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, argued that President Trump is not covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act, which assumes liability for the wrongful acts of government employees. Carroll, who served as an advice columnist at Elle magazine for more than 20 years, has accused Trump -- who has denied ever meeting her -- of raping her in the 1990s. She is suing him for defamation, arguing he damaged her reputation and career by denying her story and claiming she took money from political opponents to fabricate it. Last month the Justice Department argued that Trump was "acting within the scope of his office" at the time he made those statements, and asked the court to substitute the United States for Trump as the defendant in the lawsuit. PHOTO: Advice columnist E. Jean Carroll poses for a photo in New York, June 23, 2019. (Craig Ruttle/AP, FILE) Monday's filing argues that Trump isn't entitled to be represented by the government. "There is not a single person in the United States -- not the President and not anyone else -- whose job description includes slandering women they sexually assaulted," the filing said. Carroll's lawsuit was on the verge of the evidentiary stage before the Justice Department intervened and moved the case into federal court. A state court had rejected the president's argument that he's immune from Carroll's accusations, clearing the way for him to sit for a deposition. MORE: Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit "There is no merit to the Justice Department's certification that Trump acted within the scope of his employment as President in defaming Carroll," Monday's filing said. In a June 2019 interview with The Hill, the president said Carroll was "totally lying" about her accusation, adding, "I'll say it with great respect: No. 1, she's not my type. No. 2, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" Story continues Carroll's lawsuit asserts this statement, as well as two others made during the same time period, were false and defamatory. "Trump acted for decidedly personal reasons unrelated to furthering any interests of the United States. Moreover, it is inconceivable that Trump's employers -- a.k.a., the American people -- expect his job to include viciously defaming a woman he sexually assaulted," Monday's filing said. ABC News' Alexandra Svokos contributed to this report. Trump accuser E. Jean Carroll files motion against Justice Department originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Eva Mendes may have over two million followers on Instagram, but if you leave a comment for the actress, theres a pretty good chance shell respond. And she might even mention longtime partner, Ryan Gosling, too. Mendes, 46, has been vocal about using her Instagram as a way to connect with other women, often injecting a bit of humor into her posts and comments. On October 4, Mendes shared a glamorous throwback photo of herself running on the beach in a dress. Went for a run on the beach this morning, Mendes captioned the black and white shot, before confessing, No I didnt. This picture was taken at least 15 years ago. Havent seen a beach this year, Mendes relatably added, Havent been on a run this year. One of Mendes followers didnt seem to get the joke (or remember that theres an ongoing pandemic thats kept most of us from enjoying beach days), leaving the comment, You need to tell Ryan to get you out more. Mendes didn't appear to be bothered in the least, and according to the Instagram account, Comments By Celebs, she even wrote back. No thank you, Im good, she responded. Rather be home with my man than anywhere else in the world. Mendes and Gosling have kept their relationship private since they began dating in 2011 after working together on The Place Beyond The Pines. The couple now have two daughters together, and while you wont see Gosling (or the couples daughters) in any candid shots on Mendes Instagram, they do occasionally come up in her comments. Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling in 2012 / Sonia Recchia/Getty Earlier this year, Mendes responded to a fan who asked if she or Ryan enjoyed cooking. Ryan is an amazing chef AND baker, she shared. For reals. Incredible. No joke. Im not sure that what I do is cooking, she added of her own culinary skills. Its more like steaming veggies and juicing and making rice. Mendes has also previously explained why you wont see photos of Ryan or their children on her Instagram account. Ill only post flashbacks of things that are already out there (like pics from movies we did or stuff like that), Mendes said in response to a fan who mentioned theyd like to see pictures of Ryan on her Instagram account, too. My man and kids are private. Thats important to me, so thanks for getting that. Last night, after more than three months of stand-offs, the city and activists reached an agreement to empty the homeless encampment outside the headquarters of the Philadelphia Housing Authority. In exchange for leaving, the encampments residents will begin a process that will eventually move them into now-vacant houses in Strawberry Mansion, my colleague Alfred Lubrano reports. As for the much larger encampment on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Mayor Jim Kenney said he hoped that last nights agreement would lead to a resolution. Josh Rosenblat (@joshrosenblat, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) The story of a political outsider beating the establishment has become increasingly common in Philadelphia. And the Bangladeshi community is trying to break into the citys insular political scene, which has long been Black and white despite a growing portion of the city not falling into either category, my colleague Juliana Feliciano Reyes reports. Sen. Pat Toomey officially announced yesterday his decision not to run for reelection in 2022 or for Pennsylvania governor, a decision he said was personal, not political. Because of that, the Republican primaries for both that Senate seat and for governor could be the first post-2020 test for the Pennsylvania GOP. Will the GOP opt for someone who echoes Trumps brand of politics? Or will someone more like Toomey emerge by focusing on conservative policy? My colleague Patricia Madej spoke with experts who anticipate an uptick in traffic congestion when more people return to the workplace and activities that have been shuttered for months. Because of that, they said that now is the time to talk about potential solutions to traffic in the region. What you need to know today Through your eyes | #OurPhilly These trees seem hesitant to fully embrace fall. I feel you, trees. Thanks for the pic, @tominphilly. 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 Good things happen in Philadelphia in every minute of every hour of every day. They happen in our medical centers, universities, schools, churches, community centers, businesses, neighborhoods, homes, and through the hands, hearts, and minds of the six million people who call this metro region home. write Pedro A. Ramos, the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Foundation, and Kate Allison, the chair of the board of managers of the Philadelphia Foundation, write about the unprecedented philanthropy in Philly. Columnist Will Bunch writes about what Americans should learn from the coronavirus outbreak in President Trumps White House. Will Herzog, the chair for the SEPTA Youth Advisory Council, writes about the safety of SEPTA and transit access. What were reading Your Daily Dose of | Inspiration Tom Quinn is a longtime Central High School social studies teacher who also works with Philly Youth Vote!, a group that wants to get more students registered to vote by connecting activists and teachers with each other. Quinn has been doing this for years, but he told my colleague Rita Giordano that this is a year like no other." Today, the Journal begins its endorsements for the 2020 general election, starting with contested races in the metro area for the New Mexico House of Representatives. For information including candidate Q&As, district maps and news stories as they are published, go to ABQJournal.com/election2020. District 10 Democratic incumbent, G. Andres Romero Romero is a social studies teacher at Atrisco Heritage Academy High School with a firsthand understanding of the difficulties of remote learning. His real-world experience can be invaluable as lawmakers grapple with addressing educational inequities that come with at-home learning. Romero is quickly rising through the ranks after taking office in 2015. He is the chair of the House Education Committee and prides himself on working to reach bipartisan legislation, such as a bill he co-sponsored in 2019 that increased funding for at-risk students, expanded the K-3 Plus extended school year program to K-5 Plus, and increased the minimum salaries for teachers and principals. Romero also supports expanding career and technical training, and partnerships with businesses to prepare a ready, skilled workforce. Romero faces Republican Dinah Vargas in the general election to represent the district that covers Albuquerques South Valley. District 11 Republican, Adrian Anthony Trujillo Sr. Trujillo, a trade-school trained sheet-metal worker, understands that not all young people want to go the college route and appreciates the value of technical training. His voice and perspective would be helpful in a public body largely populated by lawyers and community organizers. Trujillo, who struggled with addiction a decade ago, has a personal understanding of the underlying causes of much crime. Tackling addiction which is one of the biggest drivers of crime in our communities should be a top priority, he said in his Journal Q&A. He supports tougher sentencing to keep repeat offenders off the streets. Trujillo supports investing in telecommunication and internet infrastructure to ensure every student has equal access to remote learning, opening primaries to allow Independents and third-party voters to participate, and implementing a sales tax to replace GRTs. Trujillo faces incumbent Democrat Javier Martinez in the general election to represent the district that includes Downtown Albuquerque from I-25 to the Rio Grande. District 12 Democratic incumbent Art De La Cruz, write-in candidate De La Cruz was chosen last month by the Bernalillo County Commission to fill the seat after former state Rep. Patricio Ruilobas ballot petition signatures were disqualified and he resigned to run for Bernalillo County sheriff. De La Cruz has 46 years of government experience, including two terms as a Bernalillo County commissioner. He cites among his achievements bringing significant development to the South Valley, including the Admiral Beverage Corp. distribution warehouse and the US Foods distribution center. De La Cruz brings experience to this position, and has shown he is willing to listen to others before charting a course. He favors open primaries and aggressively recruiting out-of-state businesses. He faces Brittney Barreras and David Grijalva, both who declined to state a party affiliation, in the general election to represent the South Valley district from Unser Boulevard to the Rio Grande. District 13 Republican, Kayla Renee Marshall Marshall, owner of a real estate rental management company, supports reducing state government spending rather than increasing taxes. She understands a pandemic is no time to place extra burdens on already struggling families. It would be disrespectful to New Mexicans to raise taxes after so many have lost jobs due to monthslong business closures that led to many permanent closures, she said in her Journal Q&A. Marshall also supports holding failing public schools accountable. She says school districts should be empowered to make decisions locally that best serve their students. Marshall also says New Mexico can do better attracting companies by improving education, reducing crime and replacing GRTs with a sales tax. She opposes a moratorium on fracking, saying renewable energy mandates remove customer choice and drive up costs. Marshall faces incumbent Democrat Patricia Roybal Caballero in the general election to represent the West Mesa district centered around Westgate Heights. District 15 Democratic incumbent Dayan Day Hochman-Vigil Hochman-Vigil is a third-generation pilot who is a strong advocate for locating the Space Command in Albuquerque. Shes well-positioned to take a leading role in the endeavor as an attorney who specializes in aviation and space law. Hochman-Vigil says New Mexico is in an ideal position to become a global powerhouse in space commercialization with Spaceport America, the national labs and three Air Force bases. We need a lawmaker with her vision to help lead us there. Hochman-Vigil says theres been a communication breakdown between the Governors Office and state lawmakers during the pandemic, and lawmakers should come together in a bipartisan fashion in January to address weaknesses in the 2003 Public Health Emergency Response Act and ensure checks and balances are in place. She faces Republican Ali Ennenga and Libertarian Ranota Banks in the general election to represent the North Valley district. District 16 Democratic incumbent, Antonio Moe Maestas Maestas, a former violent crimes prosecutor, is one of the states most effective state lawmakers when it comes to criminal justice. He was instrumental in legalizing medical cannabis as a freshman lawmaker in 2007 and has been instrumental since then in bills outlawing the isolation of the mentally ill, tax reform and legalizing hemp production. The chair of the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee has numerous other initiatives he wants to pursue, including liquor license reform, a gas tax for roads and infrastructure, and getting better infrastructure on the west side of Albuquerque. Maestas also supports updating the Public Health Emergency Response Act. It must also specifically mention masks, social distancing and when to close and open businesses, he explained in his Journal Q&A. Maestas faces Republican Antoinette Taft in the general election to represent the West Mesa district between the Rio Grande and Petroglyph National Monument. 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. GARRISON, N.Y., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement herald the release of Pope Francis's new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, "On Fraternity and Social Friendship," signed at the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, on Oct. 3, 2020, and released to all of humanity on the Saint's feast day, Oct. 4. Franciscan Friars of the Atonement Together with the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, the Friars share common founders in Servant of God, Fr. Paul Wattson, SA, and Mother Lurana White, SA, who co-founded the Society of the Atonement in 1898 as a Franciscan congregation in the Episcopal Church at Graymoor in Garrison, N.Y., as a witness to the unity of the whole Church and the "at-one-ment" of humanity with God, of humanity among itself and for personal human reconciliation. In 1909, with the approval of Pope St. Pius X, the Society of the Atonement was admitted into full communion with the Catholic Church. Fr. Paul founded the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 1908. As with his preceding encyclical, Laudato Si', "On Our Common Home" in 2015, Pope Francis invokes the words, teaching and example of his namesake, Francis of Assisi, in sharing the gospel message of fraternity, social friendship and human solidarity as part and parcel of the social teaching of the Catholic Church, hoping it may also have roots in the gospel witness of other Christian churches and communities, as well as foundations in other world religions. In the eight chapters of Fratelli Tutti ("All Brothers"), the Pope stresses human relationships of equality, reconciliation and friendship as a key to human advancement, alleviation of suffering and world peace. These are themes of unity and healing very dear to the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, as they should be for all who proclaim faith in God through Jesus Christ, as well as persons of other religions or no religion as people of good will. The Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Atonement particularly see their contribution or charismatic gift to the Church as witnessing to the gospel imperatives of welcoming the stranger, the outcast, the poor, the addicted, the broken and the lost. Added to that is the Franciscan command to rebuild the Church through ecumenical and inter-religious reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation so well emphasized by the writings, teaching and prophetic lives of Fr. Paul and Mother Lurana and their spiritual sons and daughters. Several of the friars and their lay collaborators in ministry have done an initial reading of the text and have contributed excitement to its release on October 4. Their input forms the basis of this statement on behalf of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Far from being a collection of related teachings on contemporary social challenges, Fratelli Tutti begins with a courageous assessment of our present situation but then digs beneath that situation by way of deep discussions of scripture, theological anthropology and the ancientand more recently, too readily forgottenintegrity of ethics and politics. The Pope is addressing the problems facing the world globally. In Laudato Si' he looked at the global issues that are contributing to environmental degradation. In Fratelli Tutti he is looking not merely at issues of environmental degradation, but instead at systems of human degradation, including but by no means limited to the environment. If he sees the necessity of a global response to Covid-19, he also sees the necessity for global responses to other systematic problems such as racism, global poverty, oppression and exploitation of women, children and the poor. Francis realizes that these are not discrete and isolated phenomena but rather part of a complex fabric of global systems. Chapter 8 of the encyclical focuses on the contribution of ecumenism and interreligious relations. It represents a certain maturity in dialogue and fraternity that seem to suggest such a natural and easy feeling that Christian confessions and even people of different faiths would join in fraternity and social friendship as described by Pope Francis. There was an observable passion felt in the encyclical's presentation and also a certain urgency and pastoral concern. His themes of fraternity and social friendship rang throughout in a very consistent way, always taking one step deeper in their significance if the world was to be saved. There is an urgent call to change our lifestyle in paragraph 166 and our ways of thinking in paragraph 127, which, because of Pope Francis's personal charisma, might "make the difference' and resonate efficaciously in the readers' minds, as it has been for Laudato Si'. In the development of the magisterium or teaching of Pope Francis, we see a leader who is an example of gospel witness which is also a prophetic witness. This encyclical will be loved and yet may make many feel discomfort, as does the message of love of God and love of neighbor so excellently retold in the encyclical in its focus on the story of the Good Samaritan. The Friars of the Atonement, as well as the whole Church, and hopefully all people of faith and good will, will find Fratelli Tutti both inviting and challenging. Inviting because we are all God's children of equal dignity. Challenging because discomfort requires us to ask ourselves serious questions. For more about the Friars, please visit www.atonementfriars.org Contact: Jonathan Hotz Director of Communications (845) 424-2122 [email protected] Related Images image1.jpg SOURCE Franciscan Friars of the Atonement The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is fully behind the recent Western Togoland secessionist activities in the Volta Region, General Secretary of the biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has alleged. Speaking to party supporters in the region, Mr Nketia said: As far as Im concerned, what is being hyped as the Western Togoland issue is a 100 per cent NPP orchestration. Not 90, not 95, not 98 but 100 per cent NPP orchestration because NPP will want to do everything to make sure that you dont participate fully in the December elections, he claimed. According to him, the invasion of the military in the area during the voter registration exercise, was part of that plan. They deployed the military here and told the rest of Ghanaians that they were fighting COVID. When the military came here, I came around myself. Did you see the military fighting COVID, or fighting prospective registrants? Are people from the Volta Region COVID people? he asked. So, we all saw what happened. Now, if they had come here to fight COVID at the Ghana-Togo border, what were they doing terrorising the Voltarians in Banda? If Banda anywhere near Togo? he questioned. Mr Asiedu Nketia, thus, urged the people of the region to be vigilant during the 7 December polls. So, let us open our eyes. These are people with an agenda that they will never and I say never, allow the full participation of Voltarians in this election and we have seen enough of that to be convinced that they are hell-bent on implementing that agenda, he warned. What they are doing with the Western Togoland issue is to find some small grievances of a few people and hype them and use it as a decoy to create problems for the region in the December elections. Their game plan is simple: they send people to the bushes to go and train and they themselves went to the bushes with cameras to capture these training camps to come and show the international community that Voltarians are training in the bush for subversive activities. If they genuinely were chasing subversionists, what happened to the people they arrested? Where are they? he asked. He added: They just wanted to create that first impression in the minds of everybody that there are a significant group of Voltarians who dont want Volta to be part of Ghana and, so, they will not allow Voltarians to participate in the elections. Their simple thinking is that if Voltarians dont participate in the elections, then they may secure a cheap victory without thinking about the consequences of what they themselves are planting. As I stand here, Im fully aware of military uniforms having been prepared so on December 7, these uniforms will be put on vigilante people to come round Volta Region, in all polling stations to create problems and then they will deploy more military and then Volta Region becomes a battleground from where no election can take place, Mr Nketia further alleged. Meanwhile, the leader of secessionist group Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF), Mr Charles Kormi Kudzordzi, popularly known as Papavi, has released a video message denying any involvement whatsoever of the group in the recent violence staged by people purporting to be Western Togolanders. In their first attack on Friday, 25 September 2020, the secessionists seized two police stations, took the officers hostage and stole weapons from the armouries after blocking entry and exit points in the Volta Region. Subsequently, they torched two buses at the Ho STC yard on Tuesday, 29 September 2020. Papavi, however, said HSGF had no hand in both incidents. The Homeland Study Group Foundation is a peaceful group, Mr Kudzordzi, who is in his 80s said, stressing in his Ho address that it is a peace-loving group, a peace-generating group, a peace-making group. According to him, he has been cooperating with Ghanas security authorities following his arrests in the past together with some of his followers. I have made myself available to the police and to the security agencies on several occasions. Anytime they wanted me, I went there, we had a discussion and then I came home. He also noted that his peaceful overtures to the government of Ghana have drawn blanks. I have, on two occasions, written to the government of Ghana and the President to have us sit down and have this matter discussed at a round table conference. No attention has been paid to the letter, he complained. In his view, Ghana should intensify its level of investigations against people who do things and not just suspect and arrest people. A few days ago, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said his government will deal with the secessionist groups. Speaking for the first time about the attacks launched by these groups in some parts of the Volta region in recent times, Nana Akufo-Addo said: It is just a handful of people; these secessionists". "We will deal with them". "I have no doubt about it but there is no value for this country if I start making hysterical statements". "I trust the security agencies, the armed forces, the police, I trust their leadership and intelligence agencies and I know they are all working very hard to make sure that this matter is dealt with as quickly as possible, the President said in an interview on Accra-based Hello FM in Kumasi on Wednesday, 30 October 2020. Also, Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia described them as mere criminals chasing after a nonexistent nation. He told Osei Bonsu on Asempa FMs Ekosiisen political talk show on Wednesday, 30 September 2020, that: We are a very peaceful nation, adding: In fact, the most peaceful nation in West Africa, according to the global peace index and weve been independent since 1957 and generally, Ghana has not been a place where youd find these sorts of issues coming up. But recently, youve heard people talking that Ghana is not truly Ghana and I dont understand it, a perplexed Dr Bawumia said. I want to understand where they are coming from. Thats why I think its just criminal because the history doesnt support what they are purporting, he asserted. Also, Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah denied claims that the government had a hand in the violence. He told journalists at a press conference on Sunday, 27 September 2020 that speculations to that effect are flat-out untruths. We dont want to believe that there are any political groups behind it. here are those who, you have heard, suggest that it appears there are some political groups behind what is going on. We dont even want to go that route, he said. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video HONOLULU, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hotels and Resorts of Halekulani, the hotel development and management division of Honolulu-based Halekulani Corporation, is pleased to announce that Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani and Halekulani have earned top ratings by the Conde Nast Traveler 2020 Readers' Choice Awards, with Halepuna Waikiki garnering the title of the #1 Hotel in Hawaii. Halepuna's achievement follows its designation as the #1 Resort Hotel in Hawaii by the Travel + Leisure 2020 World's Best Awards, signaling the first time in seven years for Hawaii and the third time in the history of the awards that one hotel has received both achievements. In addition to this rare achievement, Halekulani also earned a top spot on the list, receiving the award for the #3 Hotel in Hawaii. "It is an honor to be recognized by the discerning readers of Conde Nast Traveler and we are humbled by the continued support of our two beloved properties," said Peter Shaindlin, Chief Operating Officer of Halekulani Corporation. "This is the second time Halepuna has been named the #1 hotel in Hawaii in 2020 according to travelers around the world and is a true reflection of the persevering commitment of our teams and the signature service they deliver." The Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as "the best of the best of travel." More than 600,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers spanning the globe submitted a record-breaking number of responses, rating their travel experiences. The 2020 Readers' Choice Awards are celebrated in the November issue of Conde Nast Traveler US and UK print editions. They are also published on Conde Nast Traveler's website at www.cntraveler.com/rca. Having first opened its doors less than a year ago, Halepuna Waikiki debuted in October 2019 as the first boutique hotel in Waikiki. Embodying the Hawaiian translation of its name, the 'House of Welcoming Waters' is a refined retreat that offers an elevated urban resort experience and incorporates the culture of Hawaii indigenous surroundings, culture, and aloha spirit of the islands throughout every aspect of the property. Halepuna delivers the highest standards of quality and personalized service alongside 284 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, an eighth-floor oasis for wellness and relaxation and the acclaimed Halekulani Bakery & Restaurant, a full-service venue featuring a locally inspired menu and chocolate-viewing kitchen. Located just steps from its sister property, Halekulani remains one of the most award-winning hotels in Hawaii with more than 500 awards since opening in 1984. Renowned for its distinguished service, luxurious accommodations, celebrated cuisine and prestigious SpaHalekulani, the oceanfront hotel is an unparalleled destination for enriching, immersive experiences. With a strong commitment to local arts and culture, guests of Halekulani receive exclusive access to the "For You, Everything" program, which provides special and complimentary admission to some of Oahu's finest art and cultural venues and events. The Hotels and Resorts of Halekulani portfolio also includes Halekulani Okinawa, which opened in July 2019 on the main island of Okinawa, Japan and has already been named an award-winning hotel. Situated on one mile of coastline within the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, Halekulani Okinawa offers guests a lush natural landscape from which they can experience the rich culture and heritage of the region. For more information, please visit www.halepuna.com , www.halekulani.com & www.okinawa.halekulani.com/en. About Halekulani Corporation Halekulani Corporation owns and operates the globally acclaimed luxury resort Halekulani and the new luxury boutique hotel Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani in Hawaii. Halekulani represents a luxury hospitality legacy of unique and iconic proportions and has received more than 500 awards. Halekulani is home to award-winning SpaHalekulani, House Without A Key, Lewers Lounge, Orchids and La Mer, Hawaii's longest, consecutively ranked AAA 5 Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant. Following a multi- million-dollar transformation, Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani debuts with the Halekulani Bakery & Restaurant. The hotel, which is situated in close proximity to its iconic sister property and was designed by acclaimed New York City-based firm Champalimaud providing hospitality hallmarks of the Halekulani brand such as innovative guest experiences and gracious service. About Halekulani Since its inception in 1984 as one of the world's finest and most acclaimed independent luxury hotels, Halekulani has received more than 500 awards such as the recent Travel + Leisure readers' poll, the "Best Service in North America," as well as voted one of the Best Hotels in Hawaii by USA Today's 10Best. Halekulani is home to SpaHalekulani, House Without A Key, Lewers Lounge, Orchids, Cattleya, and La Mer, Hawaii's longest, consecutively ranked AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant. For twenty years, Halekulani has maintained a strong commitment to arts and culture through exclusive alliances with Oahu's most iconic cultural venues. Halekulani is operated by the Hotels and Resorts of Halekulani, a brand management division of the Honolulu-based Halekulani Corporation, which also oversees the newly opened Halepuna Waikiki. Halekulani is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and is aligned with Tokyo's legendary Imperial Hotel. For further information, please visit www.halekulani.com. About Halepuna Waikiki By Halekulani Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, located steps away from Waikiki Beach and directly across from sister property Halekulani, Hawaii's most venerated hotel, appeals to Oahu visitors who are looking to be in the heart of it all. Opened as the first luxury boutique hotel in Waikiki, the "House of Welcoming Waters" encompasses 284 guest rooms, four suites, the first-ever Halekulani Bakery & Restaurant, the hotel's full-service, all-day casual dining concept, a dramatic eighth floor pool deck and bar and fitness studio. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.X.V. collection, Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani provides each guest with the highest standards of quality and personalized service, while celebrating the indigenous surroundings, culture and aloha spirit of the islands of Hawai'i. For more information, please visit www.halepuna.com. SOURCE Halekulani Corporation Related Links http://www.halekulani.com TTC bus riders finally have a lane of their own. The first bus-only lanes installed under Torontos RapidTO program are now up and running on Morningside Avenue in Scarborough, part of a wider installation on the Eglinton East corridor that should be complete next month. Reserved lanes for buses are common in other cities, but Toronto has historically been reluctant to embrace them. That changed this summer when city council approved a plan to accelerate their implementation, with proponents arguing that improving bus service would reduce crowding on TTC vehicles and help limit the spread of COVID-19. Ahead of the bus lanes official inauguration on Oct. 11, heres what you need to know about the latest addition to Torontos transit network. The Star is offering free digital access on select COVID-19 stories. Misinformation is plentiful and dangerous and coronavirus news and knowledge evolves. Star reporters are working to bring you clarity, context and responsible facts. To help you get the information you need, articles that provide a public service will live outside our paywall. Where are the new lanes? The lanes are being installed on an 8.5-kilometre corridor between Brimley Road and the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, via Eglinton East, Kingston Road, and Morningside Avenue. They will eventually be extended from Brimley Road to Kennedy station once the Scarborough subway extension is complete. The city and TTC plan to install bus lanes on at least four more corridors, starting with Jane Street, between Eglinton Avenue and Steeles Avenue next year. Lanes on Dufferin Street, Steeles Avenue West, and Finch Avenue East would come later. Bus routes on these corridors serve lower-income communities in Torontos inner suburbs where transit ridership has remained high during the pandemic as a result of employees in essential sectors like health care, manufacturing and food distribution relying on the TTC to get to work. Some of the neighbourhoods have also been hardest hit by COVID-19. We need to support communities in the suburbs of Toronto who really do rely on surface transit to get around, said Coun. Brad Bradford (Ward 19, Beaches-East York), who sits on the TTC board and advocated for the new lanes. The Eglinton lanes are expected to cost almost $8 million, and are being installed as permanent infrastructure, not a pilot project. How will the lanes affect bus service? Prior to COVID, four bus routes operating on the Eglinton corridor carried about 47,000 people per weekday. Crowded buses were frequently stuck in a sea of single-occupancy private cars, which experts say is an inefficient use of road space. The TTC projects that by giving buses their own lanes, the Eglinton East project will reduce travel times on local and express routes by 16.5 and 6.5 per cent respectively. For example, riders on the 905 Eglinton East Express would save 4 to 5 minutes on a trip from Kennedy station to UTSC. The lanes should also help alleviate crowding by ensuring buses operate at regularly spaced intervals. The goal is to get to more evenly distributed crowding so that a packed bus isnt quickly followed by a half-empty one, said TTC senior planner Eric Chu. The TTC doesnt plan to add service to routes operating in the bus lanes. Instead, the agency hopes the lanes will allow it to operate the same number of bus trips per hour using fewer vehicles. As a result, the city expects the lanes to generate $2.5 million in annual savings for the TTC. According to Chu, that will allow the agency to reintroduce express bus routes that were cut earlier in the pandemic as ridership plummeted. Why is the TTC removing stops? The TTC plans to consolidate, or remove, 24 of the 69 stops along the Eglinton corridor. Transit agency officials say removing some less busy stops is necessary to allow buses to move quickly through the new lanes. But with fewer stops people will have to walk farther to catch a bus, and transit could become less accessible for some riders, warned Shelagh Pizey-Allen, director of the TTCriders advocacy group. Chu said the TTC takes those concerns seriously, and the agency is consulting on the stop-removal plan. But he said there are always tradeoffs when the TTC changes its service. What we try to achieve is the balance that overall more people will benefit from these changes than people that are inconvenienced, he said. How were the lanes designed? As of Friday, the section of bus lanes on Morningside between Kingston Road and UTSC that are already operational were marked with signage and eye-catching red pavement treatment. Diamond and bus only pavement markings, as well as RapidTO pole banners, are being added. Striped red pavement treatment designates sections of the lanes where drivers are allowed to enter in order to access driveways or make right turns. The design is based on provincial and national standards, and doesnt currently include physical barriers to separate the bus lanes and regular traffic. That means it will be up to car drivers to pay attention and obey the rules. The penalty for improperly driving in a bus lane is a $110 fine and three demerit points. Allan Abrogena, project lead with the Torontos transportation department, said the city is open to tweaking the design if necessary, but its priority was to get the project operational. We want to get this rolling first, he said. On Friday, compliance was spotty, and a minority of drivers consistently occupied the bus lanes on Morningside. The city and TTC are planning an education and enforcement campaign to alert drivers to the changes. Its not something we can just roll out and expect people to figure it out on their own, said Bradford. Ben Spurr is a Toronto-based reporter covering transportation. Reach him by email at bspurr@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @BenSpurr Read more about: YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh says its countermeasures against the ongoing Azeri attack are inflicting significant losses of manpower and military hardware. As a result of the Defense Armys powerful counterstrikes the enemy has significant manpower and military hardware losses, Artsakh presidential spokesperson Vahram Poghosyan said on social media. While the massive attack launched by the Azeri forces few hours ago in the southern wing are their last, unavailing attempts to achieve some kind of result, he said. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan Certified public accountants (CPAs) hold a rally in front of the Government Complex in Seoul to protest the increase in the number of new CPAs, in this January file photo. / Yonhap By Park Jae-hyuk A record-high supply of newly certified public accountants (CPAs) this year has become a major headache for the so-called Big Four accounting firms here which need fewer workers due to digitization and the COVID-19 pandemic. Industry insiders said the four firms decided to reduce hiring this year and to delay promotions of some of their employees, as part of efforts to cut payroll costs amid the oversupply. According to industry officials, Tuesday, Samil PwC, Samjong KPMG, EY Hanyoung and Deloitte Anjin will collectively hire around 770 new CPAs this year, far fewer than 1,060 in 2019. This decision was made despite their solid earnings last year and huge salaries given to executives. The four were able to offer jobs to all 1,009 new CPAs last year, when they collectively posted nearly 2 trillion won ($1.7 billion) in sales due to growing demand for external audits and consulting. Their 38 executives also earned annual salaries of over 500 million won each that year. These factors led more CPAs to stay at the Big Four, rather than moving to smaller firms or other industry sectors. The unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, however, has caused a sudden contraction in the tax accounting and consulting markets. The continuous digitization drive in the accounting industry has also lowered demand for new accountants. As a result, the four firms have been unable to guarantee all 1,110 new CPAs jobs this year. Samjong, which hired 380 last year, recently recruited 267 new CPAs. Samil decided to reduce the number of CPAs to hire to 220 this year from 279 last year, citing its digitization. Anjin and Hanyoung each plan to hire less than 200. Sources said one of them even postponed promotions of senior associate-level employees who receive relatively higher salaries. "They joined the firm when CPAs were in demand," an industry insider said. "Their employer seems to have made the decision because it is difficult to cut their salaries." As concerns have grown throughout the industry, Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants President Kim Young-sik said he would call on the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to reduce the supply of news CPAs. The financial regulator said it is considering reducing the supply from 2022, taking into account the decline in population of those in their 20s and 30s. Some industry officials expect the number of new CPAs will decrease to 1,050 next year. The United States authorities have postponed until next year the sentencing of a Nigerian businessman, Obiwanne Okeke, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The 36-year-old and Chairman of Abuja-based Invictus Group, before his arrest in 2019, was listed by Forbes as one of the influential young entrepreneurs in the world. Also known as Invictus Obi, Mr Okeke was nabbed by the American Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for conspiracy with some individuals, some of whom remain at large, to defraud American companies and individuals over a period of at least four years. A single scheme that targeted Unatrac, a subsidiary of American heavy equipment manufacturer, Caterpillar, saw the syndicate walk away with up to $11 million in spurious wire transfers, court documents showed. In June 2018, representatives of Unatrac Holding Limited, the export sales office for Caterpillar heavy industrial and farm equipment headquartered in the United Kingdom, contacted the FBI. They reported that Unatrac had been scammed through an email compromise, which ultimately resulted in fraudulent wire transfers of nearly $11 million. The representatives explained that on or about April 1, 2018, Unatracs Chief Financial Officer (CFO) received a phishing email containing a web link, purportedly to the login page of the CFOs online email account hosted by Microsoft Office365. When the CFO opened the link, it instead led him to a phishing website crafted to imitate the legitimate Office365 login page. Believing the page to be real, he entered his login credentials, which were captured by an unknown intruder who controlled the spoofed web page, FBI documents read. Logs indicated that between April 6 and April 20, 2018, the intruder accessed the CFOs account at least 464 times, mostly from Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in Nigeria. The IP addresses were traced to Mr Okeke and his co-conspirators. Agents of the American security agency obtained an arrest warrant and intercepted the suspect at the airport while returning to Nigeria after a brief visit to the U.S. in 2019. Guilty plea However, after months of denying his involvement in the crime before a federal judge in the U.S. and argument over jurisdiction, Mr Okeke pleaded guilty to the allegation of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to cooperate with the American authorities in June. The guilty plea helped Mr Okeke, who was indicted on two counts of computer and wire fraud, to secure the withdrawal of the second charge that carries lesser sentence and fines. As part of his deal with the U.S. government, he would enjoy immunity from prosecution on the same matter in the U.S. Eastern District of Virginia. The district would also confirm the validity of the plea agreement in case Mr Okeke is charged over the same offence in another jurisdiction. Consequently, his sentencing was initially scheduled for October 22. The conviction could see him spend 20 years behind bars with up to $250,000 in fines amongst other potential penalties. Postponement On Monday, the U.S. court sitting in the Eastern District of Virginia, said it has reset Mr Okekes sentencing to February 16, 2021. The sentencing, according to court records obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, will take place by 11 a.m in Norfolk before District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith. Before then, Mr Okeke will be remanded in a U.S. federal prison. Suna East member of parliament Junet Mohamed has sensationally claimed that DP Ruto and his allies are responsible for the violence that left two people dead in Kenol town, Muranga county on Sunday. Speaking in a presser on Monday, the National Assembly Minority Whip said Ruto is angry, bitter and entitled. According to the outspoken lawmaker, the Deputy President is orchestrating another political clash in Kisumu ahead of his planned visit. Ruto is running a dangerous narrative of hustler that intends to divide this country into the haves and the have nots. Grouping the hustlers is in preparation of anarchy in this country. Ruto is planning similar violence in Kisumu. He has sent one (Eliud) Owalo to meet youth the whole weekend with aims of causing chaos in his visit to Kisumu, Junet said. Adding: This unnecessary violence is testament to a presidential pursuit built on entitlement that theres a political debt certain regions owe Ruto. Ruto believes its either him or nothing. We call the government to ensure the safety and security of the people are guaranteed. The ODM MP said Ruto should be tamed lest he plunges the country into chaos. Ruto is a bitter man. He is fueling chaos with his money and he must be stoppedwe condemn the violence meted out on the people in Muranga the violence was initiated in the name of RutoRuto is too angry, too bitter and too entitled to be the President, unless we want to spoil this countryHe thinks he is owed Presidency. Junets remarks were echoed by his Suba South counterpart John Mbadi, who urged Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to probe DP Ruto for alleged use of State resources to cause violence. Ruto is a violent man, we are aware of the mayhem in Muranga, we are aware that he is planning another round of violence in KisumuWe will not allow itThe church should not accept blood money, its the least we can demand, said Mbadi. A recent joint operation by the SDF and International Coalition has resulted in the capture of three ISIS leaders and around 20 other people reports North Press. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the support of the International Coalition, arrested three Islamic State (ISIS) leaders at dawn on Sunday in the town of Thiban in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria. The International Coalition provided air support during the operation that resulted in the arrest of the Emir of al-Zakat, the Emir of Finance, and the leader in charge of the assassinations before ISIS military defeat, a source from the SDF said. The operation also resulted in the arrest of about 20 persons, including ISIS sleeper agents and collaborators, the source told North Press. The source pointed out that the operation took two hours, and that there were clashes with machine guns, without casualties reported. The operation took place in the neighborhoods of al-Latwa, al-Bu Ezzeddin and al-Hajjaj, and the militants possessed machine guns and newly equipped devices for detonation. On Sept. 25, 2020, in cooperation with the International Coalition, the SDF launched an operation targeting ISIS tunnels and trafficking routes in Wadi al-Ajij in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor. Early on Sunday, the International Coalition announced that it launched a series of airstrikes on ISIS camps in a remote area in the Syrian desert in the early hours of the morning. This came in a statement by the International Coalition spokesperson, Col. Wayne Marotto, in which he said, The Badia desert is a known terrorist safe haven. ISIS uses these desolate war-torn spaces to train fighters and plot their malicious terrorist attacks throughout the region and abroad, Marotto said. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Updated at 11:40 a.m. ET on 2020-10-07 The Malaysian government announced targeted lockdowns in various parts of the country on Tuesday as it scrambled to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases linked to prison clusters and a state election held last month. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the measures as Malaysia reported a daily record-high of 691 coronavirus cases and the death of a 1-year-old from the disease, and while he and 13 ministers were under home quarantine orders. The ministers had attended a meeting with a government official who later tested positive for the virus. So far, we are not considering implementing a nationwide movement control order (MCO) or total lockdown, the prime minister said in a nationally televised speech on Tuesday. This, if implemented again, can cause the countrys social system and economy to collapse. On March 18, the government established a total lockdown but began easing restrictions in May. Responding to social media posts that questioned if officials were treated differently, Muhyiddin assured the public that the government did not practice double standards in enforcing quarantine compliance. I myself am under home quarantine after chairing a meeting attended by a COVID-19 positive minister, he said. As the prime minister, Im not exempted from the SOPs [standard operating procedures] set by the Health Ministry. The government plans to implement what it calls a targeted enhanced movement control order focusing on specific areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, Muhyiddin said. Apart from the cluster set off by the Sabah state election in late September, clusters have been recorded at several prisons across the nation. Muhyiddin did not name what areas would face quarantine orders, but the government on Wednesday reported targeted lockdowns will go into effect on Friday in Klang in the state of Selangor along with three districts in Sabah state Sandakan, Papar and Tuaran. Previously, officials announced targeted lockdowns in Kunak, Lahad Datu, Tawau and Semporna districts in Sabah through Oct. 12 and in the state's Kota Kinabalu, Putatan and Penampang districts beginning Wednesday. New surge The coronavirus cases reported on Tuesday brought the nationwide number to 13,504 since the pandemic began in the Southeast Asian nation. The death of the baby and three others brought that number to 141. Globally, more than 35.5 million have been infected by COVID-19 and more than 1 million have died, according to disease experts at U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University. We do not call this surge of cases a result of failure. This is a third wave. Meaning, this is not continuity from the previous cases, but a new surge, said Shahrizal Azwan Samsudin, secretary-general of the Malaysian Relief Agency, a local NGO. So, this does not mean that the movement control order had failed, but this is a spike of new cases. Because prisons are confined spaces infections spread like wildfire, according to Shahrizal, who is a doctor. The Prisons Department announced it was taking measures to stem the COVID-19 spread. And, second, is the spread of COVID-19 from the Sabah election to the Peninsula. I believe this has yet to peak because that is usually two to three weeks after, Shahrizal told BenarNews, adding that Malaysians could not let down their guard. In his address to the nation, Muhyiddin acknowledged that the Sept. 26 state legislature election in Sabah, one of two states in Malaysian Borneo, had contributed to the rise in COVID-19 cases. I am aware that the Election Commission had set certain SOPs to contain the spread of the disease, but unfortunately, not all were followed, he said. For instance social distancing when I was campaigning, I observed that many people were not complying with this measure. Although almost everyone was wearing face masks, many were seated close to each other in cramped places, he said. Since the Sabah outbreak, the government stepped up measures including increasing the number of security personnel and mobilizing naval assets to safeguard borders, Muhyiddin said. Prisons Department measures Meanwhile, the Prisons Department said that along with outbreaks in facilities in Sabah and Kedah, COVID-19 cases were recorded in Penang, Selangor, and a correctional center in Perak. At the moment, the number of active COVID-19 cases among prison inmates and staff nationwide stands at 1,126 cases up 453 cases from yesterdays 673 cases, the department said in a statement. Prisons Department director-general Zulkifli Omar announced the implementation of drastic measures, including sending light drug offenders to national service camps and releasing prisoners with short sentences, subject to conditions Inmates who have been sentenced to less than one year in prison and have less than three months to be served will be released, the statement said, noting they must pass certain criteria including testing negative for the coronavirus. More than 11,000 inmates could be considered for release. Noah Lee in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. Clarification: This story was updated to list locations of targeted lockdowns. Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (27) The Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Center, under the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, has launched the Dance Group Festival, the second of its kind, to encourage dancing spirits in young people. The festival will take place from October 30 to November 22, organizers announced at a press conference at M.PLEX Studio and Theater in District 1 on Tuesday morning. Themed 'Suc Bat Tuoi Tre' (Youths Resilience), the event is a dance contest open to all professional and non-professional dance groups in Ho Chi Minh City. Registration is open until October 26. Contestants will be divided into three groups for teenagers engaging in clubs and cultural centers around the city; students from local high schools, colleges, universities, and vocational schools; and self-managed clubs. All dance styles are allowed for the teenager and self-managed groups, while the flashmob category is fixed for the student group. An attendant has a query for the organizers of Ho Chi Minh Citys Dance Group Festival at a press conference announcing the launch of the contest, October 6, 2020. Photo: Bao Anh / Tuoi Tre News Peoples Artist Ha The Dung, principal of Ho Chi Minh City Dance School, famed choreographer Viet Max, and Lam Vinh Hai, 2012 winner of TV dance show 'Thu Thach Cung Buoc Nhay' the Vietnamese version of U.S. show 'So You Think You Can Dance' are on the jury. Speaking at Tuesdays press conference, the organizers said that the number of registrations for the contest has been nearly double that of its first edition in 2018. The organizers aim to continue to hold the dance contest in the upcoming years, so as to make it a branded event of Ho Chi Minh City and expand its scale to the national and regional levels to attract participants from neighboring countries. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Patrick T. Harker, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, delivers the keynote address at the Inquirers Influencers of Finance event on Feb. 28, 2019, at the Crystal Tea Room. On Tuesday he spoke at a conference entitled Pandemic: Accelerating AI and Machine Learning? hosted by the Global Interdependence Center in Philadelphia. (Photo: Paul Coker) Read more The coronavirus continues to have a profound impact on the U.S. economy, which has rebounded faster than expected, Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank president Patrick Harker said in a speech Tuesday. His forecast is for U.S. employment to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, Harker said at a conference titled Pandemic: Accelerating AI and Machine Learning? hosted by the Global Interdependence Center in Philadelphia. The good news is that the economy has rebounded faster than many of us had projected, he said in the online presentation. About half of the 22 million Americans who were suddenly unemployed earlier this year are now working again, enough to nudge the unemployment rate down to 7.9% from 10.2%, which he called still disastrously high. I expect this recovery to continue, though not fast enough that, by the end of this year, GDP will have returned to where it was before the pandemic struck. In fact, there have been a few recent signs of plateauing, suggesting that a return to the baseline will take quite some time, he said. Harker took office in 2015, as the 11th president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. He sits on the central banks Federal Open Market Committee, which formulates the nations monetary policy. Because of the United States' inability to control the virus, "weve experienced approximately 21% of the worlds deaths, despite housing only about 4% of the worlds population. Infection rates have come down from the highs we saw in the spring and summer, but the virus is still circulating widely in large swaths of the country. And in recent days, weve even seen alarming spikes in some big cities, Harker noted in his speech. Racial minorities, particularly Black Americans and Hispanics, have been sickened from the coronavirus at a far higher rate than other groups. They have also died at a higher rate. And in the ensuing economic contraction, they have lost their jobs at a higher rate, Harker said. Harker qualified his forecast, saying it is freighted with uncertainty because, once again, of COVID-19. The scenario of continued growth that I have presented depends on a sustained decline in the rate of new infections probably a result of nearly universal mask wearing, especially indoors. Were also assuming that a vaccine becomes widely available sometime mid- to late next year and an additional $1 trillion in stimulus, which has yet to be passed by Congress. ASK US: Do you have a question about the coronavirus and how it affects your health, work and life? Ask our reporters. And so the path of the economy largely depends on the path of the virus," he added. It depends in no small part, too, on the path that the federal government chooses to take. In questions afterward, Harker was asked why he believes another fiscal rescue package of $1 trillion is necessary. Americas GDP is 70% consumer spending. Im not advocating [for $600 checks] per se, but we cant have a cliff effect like we do now. Forbearance is running out on housing and rent and auto loans. Once that starts to run out, well have a severe cliff effect. We need to give people money to transition out of a bad situation, Harker said. What keeps him up at night? The one looming largest is climate change its the ultimate public good. If we dont deal with that we know the economic repercussions. Im an optimist. There are interesting innovations that would make an enormous difference. We dont have to live in the past. Thats the frustration I have. Were not talking enough about the future. Harkers speech was similar in tone to that of Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell, who spoke at the annual meeting of the National Association for Business Economics on Tuesday. As more time passes, people with jobs in service industries including restaurants, entertainment or travel risk being permanently detached from the labor force, Powell said, in remarks reported in the Washington Post. That is a lot of the urgency weve been feeling to do what we can as quickly as we can, so we can avoid those problems, Powell said. Its now, when we need to be working on that problem. Once youre permanently laid off, its just more difficult. The data are really clear. Its just more difficult to get back into the workforce. Too little support would lead to a weak recovery, creating unnecessary hardship for households and businesses, Powell said. Over time, household insolvencies and business bankruptcies would rise, harming the productive capacity of the economy, and holding back wage growth. By contrast, the risks of overdoing it seem, for now, to be smaller. Even if policy actions ultimately prove to be greater than needed, they will not go to waste. Both Harker and Powell made their comments before President Donald Trump announced that he told his representatives to stop negotiations with Democrats on a federal stimulus package until after the election. This article contains information from the Washington Post. Cardinal George Pell's attorney has demanded an investigation into allegations that Vatican funds were used to secure his client's sex abuse conviction. Robert Richter, QC, who defended Pell against charges of molesting choirboys, spoke after reports from Italy accused Giovanni Angelo Becciu, a senior Vatican cardinal, of wiring 700,000 (635,000) to Australia to secure evidence. Cardinal Pell spent more than 400 days behind bars after being convicted of abusing two 13-year-old choir boys in the 1990s, before the verdict was overturned on appeal. 'These are grave allegations... which require the most thorough investigation seeking to establish a money trail,' Mr Richter said to The Times newspaper. Cardinal George Pell's attorney Robert Richter has called for an investigation into claims that another Cardinal used Vatican funds to secure his client's 2019 conviction. Pictured: Cardinal Pell enjoys a drink in a bar near the Vatican upon his return to Rome following his acquittal 'I would hope that both Australian and international law-enforcement money trackers do their job professionally and with complete independence so that we all get to know what the true facts were.' Cardinal Becciu has strongly denied the reports, stating: 'I categorically deny interfering in any way in the trial of Cardinal Pell'. Pell's accuser has also denied receiving any bribe in the case. Pell, brought in by Pope Francis to bring accountability and transparency to the Vatican's opaque finances, was convicted but ultimately absolved by Australia's High Court of allegations he molested two choirboys in St. Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne while he was archbishop in the 1990s. He was released in April this year after spending 13 months behind bars, and upon his release, he claimed that other officials at the Vatican believed opposition he faced to financial reform were later linked to the later sex-abuse charges. 'Most of the senior people in Rome who were in any way sympathetic to financial reform believed that they were [linked],' he said at the time. 'I dont have any evidence of that but if I could just say: one of my fears was that what we had done would remain hidden.' Italian newspapers have accused Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu (pictured) a senior Vatican cardinal, of wiring 700,000 (635,000) to Australia to secure evidence against Cardinal Pell The Italian newspapers La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera reported Vatican investigators suspected that Cardinal Becciu hoped to stop Pell from exposing his allegedly corrupt management of Vatican cash. The Corriere report had no sourcing, attribution or details and the report appeared more an effort to discredit Becciu and distract attention from the shortcomings of the Vatican prosecutors' primary investigation into a London real estate venture. Vivian Waller, a lawyer for the prosecution's key witness whose testimony led a jury to initially convict Pell in 2018, said on Monday her client hadn't been bribed. 'My client denies any knowledge or receipt of any payments,' Waller said in a statement. 'He won't be commenting further in response to these allegations.' Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported that the accusation that Becciu channelled cash to Australia was made by Father Alberto Perlasca, a former assistant to the cardinal, who according to The Times is co-operating with investigators after his office was raided. Ed Condon, an editor at the Catholic News Agency, told the newspaper: 'Theres never been a shortage of people at the Vatican noting the coincidence of the timing of Pells departure, but that doesnt make it a conspiracy. 'We need to wait and see,' he said, noting that a trail is always left when large sums of money are moved around the globe. 'If those reports are accurate, they have to be investigated,' Richter (pictured in 2019) said on Tuesday. 'I want these reports to be thoroughly investigated by both Australian and international authorities' Cardinal Becciu resigned last month amid separate accusations he misappropriated Catholic funds while working as the deputy secretary of state between 2011 and 2018. Among a raft of suspicions - all denied by Cardinal Becciu - are claims he may have funnelled Vatican cash to charities and businesses run by his three brothers. Cardinal Becciu's supposed feud with Cardinal Pell goes back to 2016 when Pell ordered an audit of Vatican finances by an external accountancy firm. That audit was quickly blocked by Cardinal Becciu. The Corriere della Sera report alleged Cardinal Becciu often used journalists and contacts to discredit his rivals. 'It is precisely in this vein that the payment in Australia would have been made, possibly in connection with Pells trial,' the article claimed. Victoria Police said it had not received a complaint about the allegations and was not investigating. Cardinal Pell returned to Rome last week after securing a travel exemption from the Australian government and on Saturday, he was seen enjoying a refreshing iced drink with a colleague at a cafe in Rome. Cardinal George Pell (right) is escorted in handcuffs from the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne last year after being convicted of sexual abuse. He was later acquitted The reason for his trip to Rome remains unclear but he said shortly after his release from jail he would at some point return to the city to pack up his apartment. A Pell aide said his stay in Rome was a 'private visit'. At their last face-to-face meeting in June 2017, Pope Francis gave Cardinal Pell an extended period of leave to return to Australia and clear his name. Last week, Pell was furiously heckled by a woman outside his apartment in Rome. 'We hate you, we hate you,' the woman from Melbourne said as the cardinal entered his apartment building. Experts on the workings of the tiny city state said a reunion between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the man he once appointed as his trusted anti-corruption tsar was inevitable. Cardinal George Pell arrives at his residence in Rome, Italy, on September 30 'He will meet Francis. He'll do it as a free man,' Italy's Repubblica newspaper said. 'It will be Pell's chance for a redress, after many in the Vatican rejoiced at his removal.' Vatican prosecutors have been investigating the secretariat of state's 350 million-euro (320 million) investment in a London real estate venture for over a year, but to date no indictments have been handed down. Becciu was involved in the initial investment, but his successor actually authorized payments of tens of millions of euros in fees to the middlemen most implicated in the money-losing venture. Becciu has denied any wrongdoing and he was fired last week by Francis over another scandal: allegations that he wired 100,000 euros (90,300) in Vatican funds to a charity headed by his brother. He has denied wrongdoing. Ahead of elections, Pakistan pumping in huge number of IEDs into India The drone threat from Pakistan that India faces is immense What bonds the Khalistanis and the Pakistanis Pakistan to challenge India's application for exclusive GI tag to Basmati rice in EU International oi-Deepika S Islamabad, Oct 06: Pakistan has decided to file its opposition in the European Union in response to India''s application for an exclusive Geographical Indications (GI) tag to Basmati rice in the 27-member bloc, a media report said on Tuesday. This was decided during a meeting chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Razak Dawood on Monday. The meeting was attended by Secretary Commerce, Chairman, Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO-Pakistan), representatives of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), and the legal fraternity, the Dawn newspaper reported. During the meeting, REAP representatives were of the view that Pakistan was a major grower and producer of Basmati rice and India''s application for exclusivity is unjustified, it said. India has said that it is an Indian-origin product in its application, published in the EU''s official journal on September 11. After Pak allows access, India says yet to decide on opening Kartarpur Corridor Dawood said that Pakistan will vehemently oppose India''s application in the European Union and restrain New Delhi from obtaining an exclusive GI tag of Basmati rice. He supported the concerns of REAP and relevant stakeholders and ensured that their claim for Basmati rice as GI will be protected, the report said. Bihar Polls 2020: NDA seat sharing announced, JDU gets 122 while BJP gets 121|Oneindia News Pakistan enacted the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act in March this year, which gives it the right to oppose Indian application for registration of Basmati rice''s exclusive rights. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 21:07 [IST] SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - His shooting on New Year's Day more than a decade ago provided the nation an early look at the Black Lives Matter movement to come. Now the case of Oscar Grant, 22 and unarmed when he was fatally shot by a Bay Area Rapid Transit officer in 2009, might get another day in court. Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley announced Monday that her office would reopen the Grant case at a time when Oakland, where the shooting occurred, and much of the country is engaged in an argument about the policing of minority communities. O'Malley, who has enjoyed strong support from law enforcement in her election campaigns, did not outline in her statement the direction that the new investigation would take. The BART officer who pulled the trigger, Johannes Mehserle, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2010 and served less than a year in prison. Grant's family for years has called for other BART officers to be held accountable for his killing, which still serves as a raw, unsettled moment in Oakland's recent history. They asked again for accountability as recently as Monday, before O'Malley officially reopened the case. One officer who was fired but was never charged after the incident was Anthony Pirone, who was shown in video presented in court pulling Grant off the train with such force that some riders protested. Pirone also knelt on Grant's neck, according to a cellphone video recording of the incident, and shouted racist language at him during the struggle. Grant's family has called for Pirone to be charged in the past and recently compared Grant's death to that of George Floyd, the Black man who in May was filmed while a White Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck, leading to his death. On Monday, the Rev. Wanda Johnson, Grant's mother, said that "Oscar was denied full justice." She spoke at Oakland's Fruitvale Station, where Grant was killed and which was the name of the award-winning 2013 film based on the event. Johnson repeated her call for Pirone to be charged, saying he "escalated - instead of de-escalating the situation - and caused the loss of my son's life." O'Malley's term as district attorney ends in 2023. But the politics around police behavior have shifted nationwide since Floyd's recent death, giving energy and evidence to those demanding changes in the way law enforcement agencies engage minority communities. Grant's name is one of many that have been painted on Oakland's urban landscape during a summer of marches in support of change to the justice system, including calls to cut funds from the police department. Floyd's name has joined it on those walls. The Oakland City Council made a modest reduction to the police budget in the weeks after Floyd's killing. But it stopped short of making a second round of cuts, angering many of the city's civil rights activists, some of whom have been working on policing issues since Grant's shooting. O'Malley's opponent in the 2018 election, Pamela Price, vowed to prosecute police officers involved in civilian shootings more aggressively. The issue of police behavior and funding is central in this year's races for five of Oakland's nine city council seats, including one that represents the Fruitvale Station neighborhood. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam defended disciplining teachers for promoting anti-China views, after the Asian financial center for the first time revoked an educator's registration over the content of their lessons. Lam told reporters Tuesday she was obliged to protect students from being drawn into the political disputes that have fueled a historic wave of unrest in the former British colony. She was responding to questions about the Education Bureau's decision to deregister a teacher accused of giving his class of 10- and 11-year-olds a lesson about independence and freedom of speech. "If there is a very tiny fraction of teachers who are using their teaching responsibilities to convey wrong messages to promote misunderstanding about the nation, to smear the country and the HKSAR government without basis, then that becomes a very serious matter," Lam said, referring to Hong Kong's status as a special administrative region of China. The Professional Teachers' Union said in a statement posted on its Facebook page late Monday that it would help the teacher appeal the decision. The bureau's allegations were "totally not in line with the facts," the union said. The move is latest in a series of disputes over Hong Kong's education system, as the Beijing-backed government attempts to gain greater control over what it views as a hotbed of dissent. Students have long made up a large share of protesters on the city's streets, and people under 18 years of age represented almost one-fifth of the roughly 9,000 arrests as of May. Chinese authorities in Hong Kong have urged officials to "cut off" the "black hands" influencing the local education system. The nation's top legislative body in June imposed a security law on Hong Kong requiring the local government to promote national security in schools and universities, which have maintained a reputation for academic freedom, which is ensured under the city's Basic Law. The deregistered teacher asked primary school students to answer questions about freedom of speech after giving a lecture on independence activist Andy Chan's banned National Party, Deputy Secretary for Education Chan Siu Suk Fan told a briefing later Tuesday. The incident occurred earlier in 2019, but a complaint wasn't filed until September of that year. "The removal of his teaching registration for 'spreading pro-independence messages' illustrates how freedom of expression is increasingly being eroded in Hong Kong," said Joshua Rosenzweig, China head for Amnesty International. "The Hong Kong authorities must not use national security as a pretext to unnecessarily censor educational activities, and they should not reprimand teachers for encouraging students to think about legitimate questions related to Hong Kong affairs." While education officials argued the punishment was "proportionate," Lam highlighted its unprecedented severity, saying it was the first time a teacher had been stripped of the essential credential without allegations of sexual improprieties or other crimes. Five other staff members, including the headmaster and other colleagues who used the same materials, were issued warnings. Earlier: Hong Kong Radical Becomes Test Case in China Bid to Limit Speech The Education Bureau said the teacher's materials were "not in line with the constitutional and legal status of Hong Kong," calling the move a "planned act" that caused harm to students. "The department will make deregistration decisions after investigations into misconduct to take out bad apples and to safeguard the teaching profession and students' interests," the bureau said. (Newser) An anonymous bidder got a gem of a deal Monday when they snapped up a flawless 102-carat diamond for $15.7 million, experts say. The sale of the diamond found in northern Ontario in 2018 broke multiple records, the CBC reports. It broke the record for a diamond sold at an auction that involved online bidding by more than $13 million, and the gem was the most expensive Canadian diamond ever sold. It was also sold without a minimum bid price, apparently in an attempt to spark a bidding war. Tobias Kormind at online jeweler 77 Diamonds calls the rare move a "brave decision that has come back to bite" the seller. The buyer has "bagged a bargain," says Kormind, who is disappointed the stone didn't fetch a higher price. story continues below Before online bidding began a month ago, price estimates ranged from $10 million to $30 million. Sotheby's said it was "difficult to overstate" the "rarity and beauty" of the gem, which is around the same size as an egg. Only seven other flawless, colorless diamonds over 100 carats have been sold at auction beforeand none before now were sold without a reserve price. The stone is among several enormous diamonds unearthed in recent years in Canada, where diamond-rich areas weren't discovered until the 1990s. "Canadian diamonds, often found in the remote northern reaches of the country, have a reputation for being conflict-free and more sustainably sourced than stones from some other nations," notes Jessica Murphy at the BBC. (Read more diamond stories.) He plays a 14th century knight who embarks on a fight to the death with a former acquaintance in his latest historical drama. But Matt Damon took a quick break from his role as Jean de Carrouges as he made a phone call on the set of The Last Duel at Bective Abbey in Ireland on Monday. The Oscar-winning actor, 49, got into character as he donned a black robe and sported a mullet-inspired hairstyle and beard, while surrounded by extras clad in period garb. Not sure they had those in the 14th century! Matt Damon took a quick break from his role as Jean de Carrouges as he made a phone call on the set of The Last Duel in Ireland on Monday Bringing a very modern addition to the set, the star whipped out his smartphone to make the brief call. The Good Will Hunting actor was also seen chatting to a crew member while holding what appeared to be a mask. In line with COVID-19 regulations, the crew were wearing masks as they filmed dramatic new scenes. Extras were seen rowing a boat behind Damon with another actor tending to some goats. Who's that? The Oscar-winning actor, 49, got into character as he donned a black robe and sported a mullet-inspired hairstyle and beard, while surrounded by extras clad in period garb Chat: The star was seen chatting to a crew member as he held what appeared to be a mask Adapted from Eric Jager's book of the same name, The Last Duel follows the true story of Jean de Carrouges (Damon), a 14th century knight who embarks on a fight to the death with former friend Jacques Le Gris (Driver) after accusing him of raping his wife. Jodie Comer plays Marguerite de Carrouges, the woman at the centre of the fight in the Ridley Scott-directed epic. The Last Duel marks the first return of Damon's writing partnership with Ben Affleck since their award-winning script for Good Will Hunting. Matt co-wrote the screenplay alongside Nicole Holofcener and his longstanding writing partner Ben, the latter is also starring in the film, although he wasn't seen on set. Gritty role: Jodie Comer plays Marguerite de Carrouges, the woman at the centre of the fight in the Ridley Scott-directed epic (pictured on set last month) Originally, Matt and Ben were set to play the two leading roles in the film, but they ran into scheduling conflicts because of Ben's film Deep Water, so he is now set to play King Charles VI, while Adam Driver was cast to take over the role of Le Gris. Filming began on the movie in February in France but the set was shut down in March due to the pandemic and travel restrictions in Europe. Matt was at the film's next location in Ireland when lockdown began and amid the travel ban ended up isolating in the seaside resort of Dalkey, an affluent suburb of Dublin with his wife and four children for a few weeks. The Last Duel had a scheduled released date of December 2020 but it has now been pushed back to October 15, 2021. 5-1. From the outbreak of hostilities in September 1939 between Britain and France, on one side, and Nazi Germany and its allies on the other, the LSSP categorically opposed any support for the war. When CNC leader D.S. Senanayake moved a resolution in the State Council giving whole-hearted support to the British government, Philip Gunawardena denounced the war between the two imperialist camps, declaring: We refuse to be a part of any imperialist war. We are against all imperialist wars and exploitation. The class struggle has refused to stop because a country is at war.[ 1 ] The LSSP played the leading role in a wave of strikes among plantation workers that began at the Mooloya Estate in December 1939 where police shot dead a tea factory worker, Govindan. As the strikes spread, culminating in the formation of a workers council on the Wewessa Estate in May 1940, prominent planters demanded action against the LSSP, warning that the aggravating situation in Ceylon might lead towards bloodshed and rioting with undoubted repercussions of the utmost seriousness in India. Police unleashed a reign of terror throughout the tea estates. On June 18, just days after the fall of Paris to the Nazi armies, the LSSP was banned and four leadersPhilip Gunawardena, N.M. Perera, Colvin R. de Silva and Edmund Samarakkodywere arrested. The party had already made preparations for illegality and continued to function in Sri Lanka throughout the war, despite the imposition of martial law. 5-2. In May 1940, the LSSP began sending members to India to contact groups of Trotskyist sympathisers and lay the groundwork for an all-India party. The LSSP gained the support of three groupingsin Calcutta led by Ajit Kumar Mukherji Roy and Kamalesh Banerji; in the industrial city of Kanpur led by Onkarnath Verma Shastri; and in Bombay led by Chandravadan Shukla. Both Shastri and Shukla had been members of the Communist Party of India (CPI) but opposed the turn to Popular Frontism and broke from the party in the late 1930s. Under conditions of illegality, the LSSP convened two secret meetings in Kandy in December 1940 and March 1941 to lay the basis for a single Trotskyist party of India, Burma and Ceylon. Both meetings were attended by the jailed LSSP leaders, who had recruited their jailer. The second involved delegates from India. Recognising that a politically explosive situation with profound revolutionary implications was developing in India, most LSSP leaders moved to the mainland. On April 7 1942, the four LSSP leaders walked out of their Kandy prison, with their jailer, and successfully evaded a police dragnet to reach India. In May 1942, a meeting of LSSP and Indian Trotskyist leaders formally established the Bolshevik Leninist Party of India (BLPI), adopted a program and sought affiliation to the Fourth International. 5-3. The founding of the BLPI represented a milestone in the struggle for revolutionary Marxism in South Asia. Nothing that they subsequently did can detract from the achievement of the BLPI leaders in introducing Trotskyism into the Indian subcontinent. In marked contrast to the LSSPs amorphous 1935 platform with its limited call for socialism in Sri Lanka, the BLPIs program was firmly rooted in proletarian internationalism. It was based on the recognition that the struggle against imperialist oppression and for socialism in Sri Lanka was completely bound up with socialist revolution in India and internationally. The program made a comprehensive analysis of British rule in India, the emergence of capitalism, the role of the various classes and of all the political parties, and elaborated a series of transitional demands based on the founding program of the Fourth International. 5-4. The BLPI exposed the politics of compromise of the Indian National Congress, its close connection to the landlords and its betrayal of the mass civil disobedience movements of the early 1920s and 1930s. Turning to Gandhis non-violence, it explained that through this doctrine the bourgeoisie have attempted to ensure their control of the national movement by restricting the form and scope of the struggle and insuring against its moving into revolutionary channels. The BLPI denounced as flagrant deception the attempts of the Stalinists to justify their collaboration with the INC by declaring it to be a multi-class party. Congress was, it warned, above all in its political leadership, akin to the bourgeois Kuomintang in China that crushed the 192527 revolution. 5-5. The close connection of the Indian bourgeoisie to the landlords meant that Congress was organically incapable of meeting even the most elementary needs of the peasantry. The leadership of the revolution, which the peasantry cannot provide for itself, can come only from an urban class. But the Indian bourgeoisie cannot possibly provide this leadership, since in the first place, it is reactionary through and through on the land question itself, sharing as it does so largely in the parasitic exploitation of the peasantry. Above all, the bourgeoisie, on account of its inherent weakness and dependence on imperialism itself, is destined to play a counter-revolutionary role in the coming struggle for power.[ 2 ] The BLPI elaborated a series of demands starting with the abolition of landlordism without compensation and including the slogans land to the tillers of the soil and the liquidation of agricultural indebtedness as the means for mobilising the peasantry, particularly its most oppressed layers, behind the working class in the struggle for power. 5-6. The BLPI exposed the role of the CPI, founded in 1920, which had been thoroughly corrupted by Stalinism. As it had done in China, the Comintern instructed the CPI in the 1920s to pursue an alliance with the so-called revolutionary sections of the bourgeoisie, organised in the Indian National Congress. With a view to prodding Congress to the left, the CPI was further directed to focus its energies on building dual class worker and peasant parties with a bourgeois-democratic program, thereby further eroding its class independence and rendering it incapable of boldly fighting for the leadership of the working class. In the early 1930s, following the Third Period line, the CPI coupled continued advocacy of the Stalinist-Menshevik two-stage theory of revolution with rhetorical denunciations of the Indian National Congress. It stood aloof from the second mass civil disobedience movement, refusing to directly challenge the Congress leadership. With the turn to the Popular Front in the mid-1930s, the CPI even more openly and crudely promoted the INC as the protagonist of the struggle against British rule, even as Congress accepted the 1935 constitutional reforms and became a partner in colonial rule by forming ministries in a majority of the provinces of British India. The latter part of the 1930s saw a militant upsurge of the working class that came into open conflict with the Congress ministries, and a wave of peasant struggles, including the rapid growth of Kisan Sabhas (peasant associations). The Stalinists strove to harness these movements to the INC, constraining the struggles of the working class to economic demands and dropping the call for the abolition of the zamindari landlord system for fear it would lead to a confrontation with the Congress leadership. 5-7. After the signing of the Hitler-Stalin pact in August 1939, the CPI shifted from support for the democratic powers against fascism to opposition to the war. In another about-face following the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, the CPI gave its full support to Britain and acted as the chief strike-breaker and advocate of the imperialist war in the working class. Summing up the CPIs treachery, the BLPI declared: Today, this attitude is the most shameful and callous of all, since in servile obedience to the counterrevolutionary Kremlin clique, they are openly advocating unconditional and active support of the imperialist war. With its false theory of the National Front, the CPI is making ready to repeat the betrayal of the Chinese Revolution by handing over the leadership of the revolutionary struggle to the treacherous bourgeoisie. The Communist Party of India, because of the prestige it seeks to obtain from the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union, is today the most dangerous influence within the working class of India.[ 3 ] 5-8. Turning to the Congress Socialist Party, the BLPI declared that it had from the beginning followed a policy of utter subservience to the Congress bourgeoisie, and remains today completely without a base within the working class. Surrendering its claim to an independent existence, the CSP has been split wide open by the Communists who worked within it, and is today an empty shell, devoid of political substance. It insisted that only the BLPI, with its revolutionary strategy based on the accumulated experience of history and the theory of Permanent Revolution in particular, can lead the working class to revolutionary victory.[ 4 ] 5-9. The BLPI firmly supported the Fourth Internationals defence of the Soviet Union against imperialist intrigue and attack. On the outbreak of World War II, Trotsky had waged a political struggle against a faction inside the American section, the Socialist Workers Party (SWP), led by Max Shachtman, James Burnham and Martin Abern, who argued that the Soviet Union could no longer be considered a degenerated workers state and that the Fourth International should not call for its defence in the event of it being drawn into the war. The USSR, however, still rested on the nationalised property relations established by the Russian Revolution despite the impact of the Stalinist bureaucracy and its betrayals. Behind Burnhams redefinition of the Soviet Union as bureaucratic collectivism was the pessimistic conclusion that it represented a new form of society, not foreseen by Marxism, dominated and run by a managerial elite. This acceptance of the Stalinist bureaucracy as a permanent feature of society, rather than a temporary, cancerous excrescence on the workers state, flowed from a rejection of the revolutionary role of the working class and the nature of the imperialist epoch as the death agony of capitalism. The arguments advanced by Burnham and Shachtman were to foreshadow a long line of attacks on Marxism that emerged after World War II. While their conclusions varied, all of these revisionist groupingswhether in the form of various theories of state capitalism or Michel Pablos centuries of deformed workers statesregarded the Stalinist regimes as having historical validity and wrote off the working class as a revolutionary force. JOHANNESBURG Fifteen clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines are underway across the African continent, according to a comment published in the journal Nature by Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Five trials are occurring in South Africa and four in Egypt, with a single trial each in Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe. African nations have teamed up to combat the pandemic, with painful memories of millions of Africans dying in the decade it took for affordable HIV drugs to become available on the continent. Africa has ended up at the end of the queue every time in the race for disease therapies, the Nature comment said. But COVID-19 has jolted the African Union into jointly pursuing vaccine trials and even vaccine manufacturing. The Africa CDC estimates the continent will need 1.5 billion vaccine doses, enough to give 60% of the population the two doses likely required. Vaccines and delivery could cost up to $10 billion, and delivery across the vast continent will be a major challenge. The Nature comment indicates that authorities are willing to partner with beverage companies, noting that refrigerated bottles of Coca-Cola are available in even the remotest areas of Africa. ___ HERES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK: Trump staged a dramatic return to the White House after leaving hospital where he received unprecedented level of care for COVID-19 Trumps return to the White House puts focus on people who could be further exposed if he doesnt abide by isolation protocols Some survivors and kin of those who have died are angry over Trumps advice not to fear COVID-19 White House blocks FDA guidelines on bringing potential vaccines to market that would almost certainly prevent approval before election Ultra-Orthodox Jews account for over one-third of Israels virus patients as non-compliance tests govt and public health officials About 25 residents from Easter Island stranded 6 months in Tahiti will finally be able to return home this week on French military plane Follow APs pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak ___ HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING: ROME Italys health minister says the government is examining a proposal to make masks mandatory outdoors as the country enters a difficult phase of living alongside COVID-19, with the number of infections growing steadily for the last nine weeks. Roberto Speranza told the lower house of parliament on Tuesday that as infections spread, it is necessary to return to restrictions that were gradually loosened over the spring and summer months after Italys strict nearly three-month lockdown. We must raise our guard with the awareness that our county is better off than others, Speranza said. The government is expected to pass new measures by Wednesday making it necessary to wear masks outdoors and limit gatherings. The government also wants to extend the state of emergency put into place on Jan. 31, while the epidemic was still believed confined to China, until the end of January 2022, making it easier to enforce new measures on a national level. Speranza said the recent uptick in cases has been primarily from gatherings of friends and acquaintances, making it even more pressing for people to wear masks in the presence of those not living in the same household. He noted that there are currently 58,900 cases of the virus in Italy, compared with 12,600 two months ago, an indication of how it is spreading even if it is well below the peaks of last March and April. LONDON The European Medicines Agency has begun reviewing a second potential coronavirus vaccine in an expedited process that could grant approval earlier than normal if it proves safe and effective. In a statement Tuesday, the EU regulator said it has started examining early laboratory data from a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by BioNTech and Pfizer. This does not mean that a conclusion can be reached yet on the vaccines safety and effectiveness, as much of the evidence is still to be submitted to the committee, the EMA said. It added that the agencys decision to start the expedited approval process was based on preliminary results from studies in adults which suggest the vaccine triggers the bodys immune system to fight COVID-19. Advanced tests involving thousands of people getting the vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer are ongoing and results will likely become available in the coming months. Last week, EMA announced it had begun a similar fast-track approval process for a coronavirus vaccine still being tested by Oxford University and AstraZeneca. The expedited process means an approval could be granted in weeks rather than months. ___ TOKYO Japan and South Korea have agreed to resume business travel between them starting Oct. 8, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. South Koreans will be able to enter Japan for business and conduct work but will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine after entry, the ministry said in a statement Tuesday. South Korea has reported slightly more than 400 deaths from the coronavirus, while Japan has confirmed about 1,600. Japan has imposed an entry ban on people from many countries because of the pandemic. The ban has been gradually relaxed, including for travellers from Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam, although a 14-day quarantine is required. ___ MANILA, Philippines Philippine Airlines has called on its employees to apply for voluntary separation as part of a retrenchment plan that may affect up to 35% of its 7,000 workers. PAL said it resorted to furloughs and flexible working arrangements at the height of the pandemic to preserve jobs. But it is operating only 15% of its normal flights and says collapsing demand and ongoing travel restrictions make retrenchment inevitable. The retrenchments would involve voluntary and mandatory steps to be carried out in the remaining months of the year, PAL said. It assured employees of fair treatment. PAL, one of Asias oldest commercial airlines, is among the largest Philippine companies reeling from COVID-19. The disease has infected nearly 325,000 Filipinos, the highest number in Southeast Asia, and caused 5,840 deaths. ___ NEW DELHI India has registered 61,267 new coronavirus cases, its lowest daily increase since Aug. 25. The country with nearly 6.7 million reported infections has had the highest single-day increases in the world for nearly 45 days. The last three weeks, however, have seen a gradual decline. The Health Ministry on Tuesday also reported 884 deaths in the past 24 hours. The death toll now stands at 103,569. India has the second-highest number of reported infections and is on track to exceed the caseload in the United States within weeks. Indias recovery rate is more than 84%, the highest in the world, and nearly 5.7 million people have recovered, according to the Health Ministry. ___ COLOMBO, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has confirmed that more than 300 garment factory workers have been infected with the coronavirus, after reporting its first community infection in two months. The health ministry said 321 cases have been identified in the cluster as of Tuesday after the first patient was diagnosed at a hospital two days ago. To contain the outbreak, the government imposed a curfew in two suburbs of the capital where the majority of patients live, closed schools and universities, and imposed restrictions on public transport. For more than two months, Sri Lanka health officials have said they have prevented a community spread of the virus and that all diagnosed patients had belonged to two known clusters. The country has reported 3,471 patients with 13 deaths. Of the total patients, 3,259 have recovered. In the backdrop of the horrific rape and murder of a 19-year-old Dalit girl in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, and the recently released data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), politicians and organisations have demanded for more proactive steps from the government to bring down the crime rate. Apart from enactment of the much-promised law to fast track justice in cases of crimes against women within 21 days on the lines of Andhra Pradeshs Disha Act, the stakeholders, during a meeting with Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday also demanded for installation of CCTVs, a dedicated police force at local level and speedier action in cybercrimes. Deshmukh met elected women representatives, officer-bearers of women cells of ruling parties and organisations representing women on Tuesday to discuss steps to be taken to keep cases of crime against women in check. During the meeting, the home department made a presentation and stated that Maharashtra ranked eighth in the country in crimes against women, though it was the second largest populous state. According to the presentation made by the police department before us, the recently released NCRB data has revealed that Maharashtra has the third most number of rape cases in the country, but in overall cases of crimes against women, the state ranks eighth. The conviction rate in these cases has improved in the past few years and the number of cases has reduced. The number of the women police personnel and officials deployed is on the rise, the department said during the presentation. The women representatives gave their suggestions and demanded that they be implemented in a time-bound manner, said an official from the department, who was present at the meeting. Some of the prominent politicians who attended the meeting were Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) parliamentarian Supriya Sule, legislative Councils deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe, Congresss women wing chief Charulata Tokas and Shiv Sena legislators Manisha Kayande and Yamini Jadhav. In response to the demand for a law on the lines of the Disha Act, Deshmukh said that the draft is ready and being studied by the sub-committee appointed for it. He said that the bill would be introduced at the earliest. Gorhe demanded for suo motu action by the police in cybercrimes against women. The police should take suo motu action on objectionable materials on social media hurting the dignity of women. Section 66A of the Information Technology Act dealing with cybercrimes should be made non-bailable. Immediate assistance and guidance in cases of rape, domestic violence and molestation is important and dedicated contact numbers and email ids of the senior officers should be published for such cases, she said. Some of the leaders called for the constitution of protection committees in local bodies and more recruitment of women in the police force. We were told that there are 29,000 women in the state police force of 2.33 lakh personnel. Deshmukh said that their endeavour is to take the percentage of the women personnel to 30% to match the reserved positions meant in recruitments. We were also told that police help can be reached within 10 minutes on complaints made to the dedicated helpline 112, said Vidya Chavan, former legislator from NCP. Tokas said that she has called for the inclusion of the information about the legal remedies in the crime against women in school and college syllabus. During the meeting Vishwas Nangare Patil, joint police commissioner (law and order), Mumbai, shared his experience of how polices special squads in plain clothes were deputed to nab offenders, at spots with high cases of eve-teasing in Nashik, where he served as commissioner. The spread of this disease currently is intense and it is community-wide. We absolutely see transmission among indoor gatherings, DHS Secretary Andrea Palm said. I think when youre talking about something like a bar or restaurant where you need to remove your mask to partake in the activity that you went to the location to do, you increase the risk for people around you in that establishment. Evers chief legal counsel, Ryan Nilsestuen, said the order will be enforced by local officials and violating the order could result in a $500 civil forfeiture. However, like most COVID-19 measures taken by the state this year, officials ask that the public comply willingly. Nilsestuen said the latest order falls under powers granted to DHS not addressed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court when it ruled in May to strike down the states stay-at-home order, which included restrictions on businesses across the state. At the same time, Nilsestuen said he absolutely anticipates Republicans to challenge the order in court, as they have with previous public health orders. BEAVERTON, Ore., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tektronix, Inc. , a leading worldwide provider of test and measurement solutions, today released the new Keithley S530 Series Parametric Test System with KTE 7 software and other enhancements. The S530 platform enables semiconductor fabs to add parametric test capacity for high-growth new technologies while minimizing CAPEX investment and maximizing wafers per hour efficiency. This reduced overall cost of ownership profile helps manufactures meet aggressive price pressures in competitive new markets. Tektronix releases the new Keithley S530 Series Parametric Test System with KTE 7 software and other enhancements. New semiconductor products based on emerging wide bandgap (WBG) technologies such as GaN and SiC offer the promise of faster switching speeds, wider temperature ranges, better power efficiency, and other benefits. To meet testing needs for these products, the KTE 7-based S530 platform boasts lab-grade measurement performance with minimal set-up and test time. High-speed, fully flexible configurations up to 1100V can evolve as new applications emerge and requirements change. This allows chip manufacturers to cost-effectively and efficiently expand into high-growth power and WBG devices (including the automotive market), with minimal test/set-up time, on a single system, and with minimal investment. "Analog and mixed-signal semiconductor manufacturers continue to experience strong demand from new end-use applications in 5G communications, automotive, IoT, medical, green energy, and other markets," says Chris Bohn, vice president and general manager at Keithley/Tektronix. "This significant test platform update helps those customers bring new products to market more quickly and cost-effectively, while giving them the agility to adapt to new requirements in the future." Innovations to the S530 Series maximize tester utilization over a wide product mix, and easily migrate existing test software, probe cards and other items, while offering full data correlation along with significant speed improvements. The S530-HV model enables testing up to 1100V on any pin to boost throughput by 50 percent or more over competitive systems in power and WBG applications. Chip manufacturers can test a wide mix of products with a single system, including automotive products per the IATF-16949 quality management standard. Calibration can be performed with minimal downtime in-house or through Tektronix's service organization for worldwide, high-quality, personal support. The KTE7-based platform offers semiconductor manufacturers the easiest and most cost-effective migration path from legacy S600 and S400 systems, preserving full data correlation along with throughput improvements up to 25 percent faster than the S600. Significant Enhancements and Industry Firsts Optional Testhead for the S530-HV eliminates the operator time needed to change the instrumentation, probe card, and cabling test setup when moving from low voltage (<200V) to high voltage (>200V) wafer-level tests. The testhead enables probe card compatibility with multiple models from multiple vendors for faster probe card changing and to-the-pin calibration per ISO-17025, while maintaining backward compatibility. This minimizes migration costs and protects customer investment, while supporting new requirements such as automotive standard IATF-16949. The S530-HV enables testing up to 1100V on any pin to boost throughput by 50 percent or more over competitive systems in power and WBG applications. Operators can connect any test resource to any test pin in any sequence to quickly and easily support production requirements without reconfiguring or re-tooling signal paths. KTE software compatibility greatly simplifies and speeds up the migration path from legacy systems such as the S600, achieving full correlation with up to 25 percent faster throughput. Built-in transient over-voltage / over-current protection prevents accidental damage to probe cards, needles, and instrumentation - which is especially critical in high speed WBG applications. During system calibration, the new 5880-SRU System Reference Unit automatically switches all DC and AC reference standards, thus eliminating the need to manually connect, disconnect, and reconnect. This fully automated process greatly reduces system downtime and resulting support costs when performing calibration, resulting in a lower COO profile. Availability S530 Series Parametric Test System is now available worldwide, with pricing provided upon request. For more information, visit tek.com/keithley-semiconductor-parametric-test-systems. About Tektronix Tektronix, Inc., headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, delivers innovative, precise and easy-to-operate test, measurement and monitoring solutions that solve problems, unlock insights and drive discovery globally. Tektronix has been at the forefront of the digital age for over 70 years. More information on our products and solutions is available at Tek.com . Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn to stay connected. Learn more from our engineers on the Tektronix blog and read our latest announcements in our Newsroom . Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. SOURCE Tektronix, Inc. Related Links http://www.tektronix.com Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Bern, 05.10.2020 - On 6 October Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Tomas Petricek at the Lohn Manor. The meeting focused on the strength of Swiss-Czech bilateral relations and included discussions on possible areas for further collaboration. Mr Cassis and Mr Petricek also addressed a number of European and international issues. Switzerland and the Czech Republic maintain excellent economic relations and enjoy close cultural and social ties. At the meeting, Mr Cassis and Mr Petricek highlighted the extensive relations between both countries. The Czech Republic is one of Switzerlands main trading partners among the new EU member states and is an important destination for Swiss investment in Central Europe. The two countries also share strong and diverse cultural ties. "Our bilateral relations have grown steadily over the years and become ever closer," said Cassis. The Swiss and Czech foreign ministers discussed areas in which their collaboration could be further enhanced, such as in the context of the United Nations and the 2030 Agenda. European policy, COVID-19, multilateralism The two ministers also exchanged views on Switzerland's European policy. Mr Cassis underlined the importance of maintaining good and stable Swiss-EU relations and explained the upcoming decisions on European policy. Another topic of discussion was both countries' post-Brexit relationship with the United Kingdom. During lunch, the two ministers discussed the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They each commended the high level of cooperation between the two countries, such as in the repatriation of their respective citizens, and the overall level of cooperation in Europe. They agreed on the continued importance of close dialogue with all European countries. Finally Mr Cassis and Mr Petricek discussed the situation in Belarus and other international issues of geostrategic concern. Mr Cassis stressed Switzerland's commitment to a strong and effective multilateral system. Switzerland also has a major interest in a rules-based international order and a robust and future-oriented UN. Special relationship since the Prague Spring The excellent political and economic ties between Switzerland and the Czech Republic are underpinned by close human relationships. Around 13,000 Czechoslovak refugees came to Switzerland following the Prague Spring of 1968 and built a new life for themselves. Trade between the two countries in 2019 was worth approximately CHF 4.6 billion. There are some 120 Swiss companies operating in the Czech Republic, employing around 28,000 people. Address for enquiries FDFA Communication Federal Palace West Wing CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53 Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55 E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch Twitter: @SwissMFA Publisher Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html Italy, Greece and Sweden could be added to the UK's quarantine list this week amid the continued surge in coronavirus cases across Europe. The countries would be added to the 'red' list of high-risk destinations, but it comes as the Government is considering slashing quarantine from 14 days to eight days. A negative test on the eighth day after returning from a high-risk country would allow the period of self-isolation to end. Italy, Greece and Sweden could be added to the UK's quarantine list this week amid the continued surge in coronavirus cases across Europe. Pictured: tourists outside St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City Italy's cumulative number of cases over seven days - a key metric watched by Downing Street - hit 25.6 per 100,000 residents But the shortened isolation will be of little solace to families looking to take half-term holidays as the number of 'red' countries grows. Italy's cumulative number of cases over seven days - a key metric watched by Downing Street - hit 25.6 per 100,000 residents. In Greece, it is 22.3 and Sweden, which adopted fewer restrictive lockdown measures, is 31.7. The Government's threshold is said to be 20. The Daily Mail's Get Britain Flying Again campaign is calling for an air passenger testing regime to rescue the aviation sector and boost the virus-ravaged economy. It is hoped the new eight-day quarantine could come into effect before Christmas, and the tests would be paid for by travellers, according to The Telegraph. Speaking at the Tory party conference yesterday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he would be saying more about testing 'shortly' The Government is said to be sceptical about testing on the fifth day, a model adopted by Germany and Iceland, because 15 per cent of infections would be missed. Testing on the eight day results in a 95 per cent accuracy, Ministers say. Speaking at the Tory party conference yesterday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he would be saying more about testing 'shortly'. He said: 'The next stage of course is to enable testing, which people sometimes wrongly think is a very straightforward thing, why don't you just test people at the airport? You know they're clear; let people in, job done. 'The answer is that in somebody who's asymptomatic, not displaying any symptoms, that won't find a very large proportion of cases. 'In fact, studies show, if you check somebody on the first day that they arrive, probably just find seven per cent of people who actually do have the virus. Sweden, which did not impose a full national lockdown, is seeing a rise in infections in line with many other European countries 'So we've got to be smarter than that and the way to do that is to still have a period of quarantine, but also test and then be able to release people, and I'll be saying more about that shortly.' Ministers have so far resisted applying restrictions to Italy, Sweden and Greece, arguing that rising infection rates are down to an increase in testing. But industry leaders fear this could change by the end of the week because the proportion of positive tests is rising. In Greece, 2.9 per cent of those tested are positive. In Italy and Sweden the rate has hit 2.2 per cent. Testing positivity is one of the criteria examined by the Government when it makes decisions over quarantine. Sweden encouraged social distancing measures but kept much of its economy open throughout the pandemic (pictured, a Stockholm shopping centre) European Commission guidance recommends quarantine restrictions should be applied to a country if its rate exceeds three per cent. Downing Street is thought to apply a similar threshold. Germany is also at risk of quarantine restraints, having yesterday logged 18.4 infections per 100,000 people. The addition of more popular holiday destinations to the quarantine list would leave most of Europe subject to restrictions. It will intensify pressure on the Government to unveil an air passenger testing regime to boost traveller confidence and salvage autumn and winter bookings. Italy, Greece and Sweden could get added to the quarantine list in the Department for Transport's weekly update on Thursday evening. There is speculation that Shapps is planning to soften the blow by making a long-awaited announcement about plans for trials of air passenger testing. One rumour is that a pilot scheme will be announced for flights between London and New York, the world's most profitable air route and an important link for trade. Italy, Greece and Sweden could get added to the quarantine list in the Department for Transport's weekly update on Thursday evening Aviation insiders say autumn and winter sales - usually a busy period for winter sun and ski bookings - are looking 'dire' as the ever-changing quarantine rules have stifled demand. There are mounting concerns some airlines could be forced to lay off staff and mothball their fleets to save money should passenger numbers continue to stagnate. Travel consultant Paul Charles, of the PC Agency, told the Daily Mail: 'We are in danger of heading back to a blanket quarantine. 'The last of the major European countries could get added to the quarantine list this week and that is why we urgently need a testing solution. An announcement couldn't come any sooner.' As well as airlines, the UK's airports are struggling for survival amid plummeting passenger numbers. The addition of more popular holiday destinations to the quarantine list would leave most of Europe subject to restrictions Yesterday, Gatwick said it would start charging 5 to drop-off passengers to raise money during the pandemic. Heathrow - Britain's busiest airport - is still operating at half capacity, with two out of four terminals closed. BA, the airport's biggest airline, is only flying 30 per cent of its schedule. A Department for Transport spokesman said: 'The Government recognises the impact that coronavirus is having on the economy and workers, and has put together an extensive package of financial support to help the aviation sector. 'Work is ongoing with clinicians and health experts on the practicalities of using testing to reduce the self-isolation period for international arrivals.' Ride-hailing major and Bidhannagar Police have entered into an agreement to make urban mobility safer amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with steps that include certification for drivers on health protocols and boosting public awareness about the virus, officials said. As part of the partnership, will conduct educational sessions on COVID-19 safety protocols based on WHO guidelines, for its drivers as well as local taxi drivers, the company said in a release. These trained drivers will get certificates from Bidhannagar Police, which will be displayed inside the cars. The first batch of around 100 drivers received their certificates on Tuesday, it said. and Bidhannagar Police will also distribute pamphlets among drivers and riders on COVID-19 do's and don'ts. "Through our partnership with Bidhannagar Police, we aim to increase public awareness about Covid safety measures, especially among drivers. We truly believe this partnership is another step towards safer mobility," said Subodh Sangwan, general manager, Sri Lanka and South & East India. Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh added: "... As the economy is unlocking, we need to be more cautious and put our best foot forward to ensure maximum safety. (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.) Former MP Bhola Singh started his political journey as a card-holding communist from Begusarai in Bihar also known as the Leningrad of the East. At the time of his death, he was representing the same constituency in the Lok Sabha, but as a BJP Member of Parliament. Singh was a very practical man and a raconteur par excellence. To make a point, he would generously dip into anecdotes and draw upon long winding analogies. During a conversation one winter morning at his Lodhi Road residence in Delhi, he went into great detail to explain the process of political succession in Indian politics. A smart guru in power play, he explained, tends to nurture the most effete of his shishyas for the fear of losing control over his constituency. As was his wont, he slowly closed his eyes shut and ended the conversation with the parting shot. like the feral cat, which may attack one in its own litter if it comes to survival. The last three decades of Bihar politics since the Mandir-Mandal disruption have been dominated by three leaders or the three gurus: Lalu Yadav, Nitish Kumar and Ram Vilas Paswan and Sushil Modi, if one were to include the BJPs role in conjunction with the Janata Dal (United). All these leaders took their first ginger steps in politics during the Janata Movement. All were beneficiaries of Congresss implosion in the heartland states and the concomitant rise of the identity politics. But all the worlds a stage. And leaders make their entrances and exits. The end of the old political order giving way to the new begins with this assembly polls in Bihar 2020. The polity is entering a state of flux. No one knows how long the new churning will last. May be till the next elections in 2025? May be longer. Winds of change will continue to blow till the new order socio, economic and political takes a concrete shape and crystalises. This is why most political parties are taking the upcoming polls more as semi-finals. This is also precisely why no party or leader wants to concede space and seats to the allies and adversaries more than that is necessary. Lalu Yadavs RJD has been in and out of power in Bihar since the Janata Dal days in 1989. Whether in opposition or in power, Lalu has commanded support of at least a quarter or more of the state electorate. The challenge now for his party and son Tejaswi is not only to hold on to this vote base, but come up with a social coalition to win back power. The issues before the RJD are clear. It wants to be the repository of all anti-NDA votes, and yet ensure the seats given to the friendly parties do not go waste. It has also to ensure that it contests and wins enough seats to maintain its position as a credible challenger to the NDA. The last few elections had demonstrated that Mahagathbandhan allies gain more out of RJD than vice-versa. The RJD vote has been seen getting transferred to the allies but the reverse does not happen. That is precisely why RJD did not make much effort in retaining Jeetaam Ram Manjhis Hindustan Avaam Morcha in the grand alliance. Maha Dalits, or the most backwards among the Dalits, is a special constituency carved out by Nitish Kumar in his effort to create a vote base for JD(U) outside the area of influence of both the BJP and RJD. As such, the impact of leaders like Manjhi in getting their votes transferred outside their own constituencies has been marginal. Similarly, Kurmis and Koeries generally vote in tandem. So Upendra Kushwahas efforts to create a separate space for himself as the Most Backward Caste leader have been a tad difficult. As part of the JD (U) led alliance, he has been relatively successful. But not outside. Which is why RJD sought to accommodate only those parties that can help in vote transfer. The Congress can be a major spoiler for Lalu Yadav. The RJDs minority consolidation is effective only with the Congress by its side. Communist parties in Bihar have pockets of influence and cadre support. They have the ability to get their support base to vote for the RJD with which they are ideologically compatible. And then there is no guarantee that some of them may bold out post-poll in search of greener pasters. And finally, but perhaps most importantly, the RJD this elections wants to establish Tejaswi Yadav as the undisputed leader of the non-BJP politics in the state in anticipation of the 2025 when Bihar politics would enter a new paradigm after 35 years of musical chairs between Lalu and Nitish. By keeping the Mahagathbandhan less congested, Lalu wants to contest more than 60% seats in the state assembly. His main rivals BJP and JD(U) in alliance will be contesting far lesser number of seats. A decent strike rate may help the RJD emerge as the single largest party in the assembly. Thats precisely what Lalu is aiming for. The companys announcement comes as questions have surfaced about the efficacy of testing as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. President Donald Trump and a number of others who attended an event at the White House became ill with COVID-19 after the gathering. Multiple media outlets reported that attendees were given an Abbott test before the event. Some of the attendees were not wearing masks or social distancing. For the past two years, the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce has been focused on a few key initiatives for the Missoula business community. All of the Chambers initiatives focus on issues impacting the workforce. Our workforce initiatives include child care, pathways to careers and addiction. One of those initiatives is reaching a key milestone. Two years ago, the Chamber launched event called Pathways to Careers. We brought together high school guidance counselors and members of the business community to highlight career opportunities for todays high school students that do not necessarily require a 4-year college degree. These are opportunities that promise a good income and, often, on-the-job training or paid education. It became apparent that there was a need to gather this information into one place so guidance counselors, teachers and parents could easily access it when helping students map out their future. Working with the Montana Department of Labor, the Missoula Chamber of Commerce is preparing to launch a statewide website that will feature the many career opportunities for high school students and those looking to change careers. This Workforce Connections website has been over a year in the making and will connect employers with tomorrows workforce. The Chamber is collaborating with employers across many industry sectors to ensure the website launches with as much information as possible about opportunities within our community. Many of these career fields promise a good income for years to come and employers are eager to bring in new workers. Were also working with the local Job Service office to spread the word to employers to submit their opportunities to Workforce Connections. As the site rolls out, the Missoula Chamber will reach out to our Chamber colleagues around the state to encourage them to include businesses in their community in this effort. As the database of career opportunities builds, students from Missoula will be able to search for opportunities throughout Montana. Likewise, students from outside of Missoula will be able to search out opportunities for careers in Missoula. The Chamber is thankful for its many partners in the education community who have contributed to the success of both the Pathways to Careers events as well as the new Workforce Connections website. Their participation and feedback has allowed us to create a tool that we believe will be useful to students and those who support them for years to come. We also thank the many, many members of the business community who have participated in our events and who are embracing the Workforce Connections website. Were excited to have a new tool in helping them find tomorrows workforce to fill the amazing opportunities they have to offer. The Missoula Chamber will continue to work on the workforce initiatives listed above. Were currently analyzing data from our second child care survey. This survey will give us an updated view of the needs of our community and the impacts Covid-19 has had on Missoulas child care offerings. We have also added two additional initiatives well be working on over the next year. The first is working to better support our local legislators during the 2021 Legislature. Were currently meeting with all seated legislators as well as all candidates for offices from Missoula. Were looking for opportunities to support each other and collaborate on issues impacting Missoula. Our second new initiative is supporting the University of Montana and Missoula College. Well be partnering with UM to find ways the Missoula business community can better support our university. The success of the Missoula business community is closely tied to the success of the University of Montana. It has a big impact on our local economy and the Chamber believes we can find new ways to help attract students and boost enrollment. The Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce is excited about the work weve done on the new Workforce Connections website and the ongoing work with all of our initiatives. Were grateful for the partners we have throughout the community who work with us every day to continue moving Missoula forward. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BH90210 producer-star Shannen Doherty and Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Sarah Michelle Gellar went shopping together at the Malibu Country Mart on Monday. The Tennessee-born 49-year-old - who's battling Stage IV breast cancer - hauled a shopping bag while clad in a simple white T-shirt, olive pants, and a white face mask. The Long Island-born 43-year-old hauled seven take-out dishes while wearing baggy blue jeans with a white tank top and a $35 fuchsia Christian Siriano 'Vote' mask. BFFs: BH90210 producer-star Shannen Doherty (L) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Sarah Michelle Gellar (R) went shopping together at the Malibu Country Mart on Monday Battling Stage IV breast cancer: The Tennessee-born 49-year-old hauled a shopping bag while clad in a simple white T-shirt, olive pants, and a white face mask California Governor Gavin Newsom made masks and face coverings mandatory for all public outings on June 18. As of Monday, there have been over 274K confirmed COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles leading to 6,654 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Shannen and Sarah's street sighting came after Doherty shared a text message exchange with Gellar over a failed attempt at working out together on Sunday. The nineties It Girls share 'nothing but love, kindness, and a deep appreciation for each other' and the brunette wrote on August 23 that the blonde 'gets me to smile big.' 'My alarm went off at 7... I silenced it': Shannen and the Long Island-born 43-year-old's street sighting came after Doherty shared a text message exchange with Sarah over a failed attempt at working out together on Sunday 'There's always next week @theshando': The nineties It Girls share 'nothing but love, kindness, and a deep appreciation for each other' and the brunette wrote on August 23 that the blonde 'gets me to smile big' 'Everybody deserves to have a friend like Shannen,' Sarah - who boasts 5.7M social media followers - gushed on August 12. 'I'm just lucky that I get to claim her. This has been a hard month for me, and even with everything on her plate, she takes care of me like no other. I feel so lucky.' On September 25, Doherty and Gellar demonstrated the viral #winechallenge, this time with Shannen doing the sipping of the vino from two difficult angles. 'I just want you all to know, that @theshando took the #winechallenge very seriously, and put in quality practice time,' the Daytime Emmy winner wrote. Take two! On September 25, the Riverdale guest star and Gellar demonstrated the viral #winechallenge, this time with Shannen doing the sipping of the vino from two difficult angles The Daytime Emmy winner (L) wrote: 'I just want you all to know, that @theshando took the #winechallenge very seriously, and put in quality practice time' 'We ARE the party!' The inseparable gal pals previously took on the #winechallenge on September 6 in the reverse position with Sarah in the sipping position 'After the week of #distancelearning I've had, I might need to "practice" some more. It's #2020... it's always 5 o'clock.' The inseparable gal pals previously took on the #winechallenge on September 6 in the reverse position with Sarah in the sipping position. Shannen's breast and lymphatic cancer battle began in 2015 and she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation before it returned again in February. 'It's like anybody with Stage IV faces this sort of thing, where others want to put you out to pasture. I'm not ready for pasture. I've got a lot of life in me,' Doherty told ELLE this month. 'Then there's us. Always': Shannen and her third husband, photographer Kurt Iswarienko, will next celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary on October 15 (pictured August 22) December 24 family portrait: Gellar has two children - son Rocky, 7; and daughter Charlotte, 11 - with her I Know What You Did Last Summer castmate-turned-husband of 18 years, Freddie Prinze Jr. 'I feel like I'm a very, very healthy human being. It's hard to wrap up your affairs when you feel like you're going to live another 10 or 15 years.' The Riverdale guest star and her third husband, photographer Kurt Iswarienko, will next celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary on October 15. Sarah has two children - son Rocky, 7; and daughter Charlotte, 11 - with her I Know What You Did Last Summer castmate-turned-husband of 18 years, Freddie Prinze Jr. Gellar next voices Eternos Captain of the Royal Guard Teela in Netflix spin-off Masters of the Universe: Revelation, which starts streaming in summer 2021. Starts streaming in summer 2021! The Foodstirs co-founder next voices Eternos Captain of the Royal Guard Teela in Netflix six-episode animated reboot Masters of the Universe: Revelation Executive producer Kevin Smith (M) said during the Comic-Con@Home panel in July: 'The performances that our cast, and we have an incredible cast, that they're giving, and the Powerhouse Animation, is stunning' (posted on February 14) 'The performances that our cast, and we have an incredible cast, that they're giving, and the Powerhouse Animation, is stunning,' executive producer Kevin Smith said during the Comic-Con@Home panel in July. 'I've seen the graphics. I can't give away too much. I've seen a lot. I've seen it in animatic form, but I've also seen where we are headed, and it is beautiful.' The 50-year-old Independent Spirit Award winner's six-episode animated reboot also features Mark Hamill, Alicia Silverstone, and Justin Long. Most of the detainees at al-Hol camp are Syrian and Iraqi women and children The Kurdish-led authority in northeast Syria will allow Syrian citizens to leave a sprawling camp that houses tens of thousands of women and children, many of them linked to the Islamic State group, a Kurdish official said Monday. Most of the detainees at al-Hol camp are Syrian and Iraqi women and children. Another highly secured tent settlement that is part of the camp is known as the Annex and is home to some 10,000 hard-line IS supporters from other countries. The sprawling and overpopulated camp is home to some 65,000 people and has been a burden to the Kurdish-led U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and Kurdish police who are in charge of security at the facility. Crime rates have been high inside the camp and some of the women have tried to escape. ``A decision will be taken to empty Syrians from the camp completely,'' said Ilham Ahmed, the president of the executive committee of the Syrian Democratic Council, the self-administration body in northeast Syria. Ahmed, who spoke in a video posted on the SDC page on social media, did not say when that decision will be made. IS controlled large parts of Iraq and Syria starting mid-2014 and during that period thousands of men and women brought their children and came to settle in the self-declared caliphate. The extremists lost the last sliver of land they controlled last year when Kurdish-led fighters captured the eastern Syrian village of Baghouz. Ahmed said those who will remain in the camp will not be the responsibility of the self-administration. She said the administration is spending a lot of money to provide food and water to the camp's residents. ``The camp is a heavy burden to the self-administration,'' Ahmed said. Kurdish authorities have been calling on home countries of the women and children to repatriate their citizens but most of them refused to do so. Those countries have also refused to repatriate thousands of IS militants held in jails run by the SDF. U.N. counterterrorism chief Vladimir Voronkov said in July that the U.N. Office of Counter-Terrorism, which he heads, is pushing the issue very strongly with countries whose citizens are detained. Only a small number are repatriating their citizens, including Central Asian countries, the United States and Russia, he said. Voronkov said there are ``victims of terrorism'' who didn't understand what they were doing when they accompanied the men in their families to Syria and Iraq. But he added that ``there are a lot of radicalized women among detained people in camps.'' Search Keywords: Short link: Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in a 64 ruling blessed the Florida Legislatures scheme to gut the results of the 2018 voter-approved Amendment 4, passed with the promise of the restoration of the right to vote to approximately 1.4 million people who served their time through incarceration, probation, or parole. The court-approved law, S.B. 7066, requires thousands of people with felony convictions to pay fines, fees, court costs, and restitution to vote, even though the appellate court and the Legislature know full well that Florida lacks the financial records to tell people how much they owe. Indeed, my organization, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc., and our co-counsel proved during the trial as part of our lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of this law that it is practically impossible in many cases for previously incarcerated Floridians to comply with this cruel appellate decision. As we demonstrated through building a 10,000-page evidentiary record, for some Floridians, there would be no way to determine what they owe unless, perhaps, an expert assisted by a team of Ph.D. candidates had time to [pore] over records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Placing a price tag on the ballot is repugnant enough, but making the price an indeterminate amount is, as a federal trial court recognized, Kafkaesque. Such defiance of fundamental fairness has been reined in by our Constitution when it has been employed in the past, including as a means of voter suppression. In 2020, though, this suppression is being allowed to go ahead full throttle. This blatant injustice and cruelty evokes memories of the bygone Jim Crow era, during which officials repeatedly subjected Black Americans to literacy tests, which were facially applied to all voters but designed and employed to strip the vote from Black Americans. Now, in present-day Florida, individuals with felony convictions who have reentered their communities and completed probation and parolea disproportionate number of whom are Blackare required to pay outstanding money associated with their convictions (also referred to as legal financial obligations, or LFOs) before they can vote. Too many returning citizens are too poor to be able to afford these finesa reality exacerbated by the thousands of known collateral barriers to people with felony convictions, like securing jobs and housing. Advertisement Advertisement The 11th Circuit was duty-bound to respect the factual findings of the district court judge, who presided over the eight-day trial and credited expert testimony illuminating that, in many cases, the sentencing documents that returning citizensand state officialsneed to figure out how much is owed cannot be located. Indeed, many sentencing documents from before the 1990s no longer exist or are inaccessible because they are archived in a warehouse. Even when records can be found, individuals must sometimes pay $7 per page to access thema further prohibitive hurdle for people with limited resources. Advertisement If an individual does manage to obtain their sentencing documents with what was initially assessed, they then must track down payment recordsyet another sometimes fruitless search. Payment records are commonly held by private debt collectors, and they, too, typically cost money to obtain. These records are often plagued with errors, and, even when correct, the records often do not match payments with obligations, as the district courts May 2020 opinion noted. Payment records may include interest and exorbitant surcharges (such as a 40 percent collections fee), making it difficult or impossible to disaggregate what must be paid to vote. Overall, it is exceedingly difficult for someone to even begin to know how to fulfill the financial obligation they need to pay to vote or feel confident that theyve already fulfilled it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Florida and six judges on the 11th Circuit are requiring the states residents to fulfill obligations under a law with which compliance is sometimes easy, sometimes hard, sometimes impossible, as a federal trial court described. This is not only amoral and callous; it also violates basic American jurisprudence. Legal precedent, including a line of jurisprudence known as the bitter with the sweet, has long established that people must know what legal obligations are required of them so they are aware of how to act in accordance with the lawand so that those who enforce the law do not do so in a discriminatory manner. Put another way, the state cannot provide a rightas Amendment 4 doesand then condition that right on a standard you do not and cannot ascertain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The confounding process of determining an LFO amount has all the certainty of counting jellybeans in a jar, dissenting judges blistered in response to the 11th Circuit Courts opinion. This characterization references the jelly bean test, one of the many aforementioned literacy tests that was employed to prevent Black voters from accessing the polls during the Jim Crow era. Registrars would ask Black and white voters how many jelly beans were in a jar, and then typically affirm that white voters random guesses were correct and Black voters guesses were wrong. Only those with a correct response could proceed with casting their ballots. No voterespecially prospective voters and communities who have for too long been forced out of our political system, like Black returning citizensshould face these insurmountable, state-erected barriers to the ballot box. And no court should sanction these barriers by allowing unfulfillable voting requirements to perpetuate a not-so-hidden agenda of voter suppression. Advertisement Right now, millions of dollars are generously being poured into the state to pay down LFOs. Lawyers and other advocates are working with Floridians to try to find out what the state believes they must pay to vote. Voters who are beneficiaries of Amendment 4 who already registered before this recent appellate decision must be mobilized to try to ascertain the fees they may owe, pay those fees with support if necessary, and vote. And I, alongside my colleagues, clients, and many other allies, will continue to work to hold the state accountable for S.B. 7066s clear unconstitutionalityin and outside of the courtsto ensure that those who are eligible to vote receive their rightful, unfettered, and nondiscriminatory access to the ballot box. This piece is not about the notion that black lives matter. Virtually everybody supports the phrase black lives matter, because they do. This is not the topic in question, and those who try to make it so are engaging in straw man arguments. Let us lay to rest that the question of black lives mattering is not, nor has ever been, in play. This is about the movement, and the organization it is attached to, the Movement for Black Lives, and the negative effects it has had on the black community. According to the Gallup Center on Black Voices, 81% of black Americans either want to retain police presence, or want more. Only 19% of black Americans want less police presence. That statistic is very interesting, considering that polls from the same source show that only 19% of black people have confidence in the police. One fairly obvious way those two seemingly disparate statistics are actually congruent with each other is that in many cities, including my hometown of Stockton, California, one of our biggest complaints about the police is that they dont come fast enough when called; that sometimes, police dont show up for up to two hours, if they show up at all. In my city, that has a lot to do with the fact that our police officers were reduced by a third in 2010, after a former mayor cut $14 million from the department. The reduction was felt across the city as crime drastically increased in the subsequent years and Stockton set new records for most homicides in 2011 and 2012. When the cuts were made, it was so dire that Stockton PD officers had to reluctantly let the city know that they could no longer guarantee our safety. This was true for many cities struggling with crime within those few years, particularly Detroit, MI. Budgets were cut and crime increased. Among the lack of confidence in the police department by a majority of black people, there is a significant number of those who do so because of the lack of police presence. As many in my city expressed, we lacked confidence, not in their ability to do their job, but in their ability to show up. Another position BLM takes is to end all charter schools. This has been a position BLM along with other notable groups have officially taken since 2016, despite mounting evidence that the majority of black and brown families support charter schools and favor them over their local public schools. The vast majority of black and Hispanic American parents are pro-school choice, as many know that being able to choose the kind of education their child receives may give their child a better chance of performing well. In California, 75% of black boys in the public-school system cannot read at grade level. These staggering statistics stretch across the country, and parents see the need for having the freedom to choose a better way for their kids. Ending charter schools would not only do nothing to help minority communities, it will hurt them. If anything, BLM is much more aligned with white Democrats than they are with black people. The alignment does not end with white Democrats. BLM and M4BL founder Patrisse Cullors admits in an interview that she and her two cofounder colleagues are trained Marxists. Because of this admission, BLMs official positions should be viewed through that broader lens. Researcher and business analyst Lipton Matthews breaks down in an op-ed why BLMs opposition to both capitalism and the nuclear family is incredibly problematic and contrary to the core values of the broader black community, as is Marxism itself. M4BL writes: We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and villages that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable. Matthews responds in the op-ed: Those unfamiliar with Marxism may be puzzled at this seemingly random opposition to the nuclear family. Deeper introspection, however, reveals that the BLM organizations outlook is quite consistent with Marxism. Marxists view the living arrangement of the extended family as more conducive to fostering collectivism, since it requires conformity to successfully facilitate production. On the other hand, the traditional, two-parent nuclear family is depicted as an insidious invention of capitalism, responsible for displacing the communalism of the extended family. For the uninitiated, Marxism is communism, and it is a system in which the government owns all property and distributes as it sees fit. It is a system that has proven to fail time and time again, yet proponents of it continue to infiltrate free societies to romanticize and promote it. The millions of people who have fled communist regimes have much wisdom to offer those of us who think the teachings of Karl Marx are a good thing, but unfortunately, their voices are not elevated like the ones preaching it to the masses. Marxism tends to dress itself in words like freedom, liberation, or revolution to attract young minds. The bitter irony is that Marxism is literally the opposite of those words. There is nothing inherently wrong with it takes a village to raise a child, but a strong nuclear family is also very important and can work hand-in-hand with the village. BLMs opposition to the nuclear family is pointed and deliberate. Witchcraft is another aspect of Black Lives Matter; invoking spirits of dead civil rights leaders and other black people killed. This comes from the leadership of BLM who admit to ancient African and Eastern pagan rituals of conjuring up spirits and praying to certain pagan gods. This aspect of BLM may not mean much to non-Christian blacks, but as of 2020, 79% of black Americans identify as Christian, and the bible prohibits witchcraft and the occult of any kind; yet the messages of BLM seem to have made its way into many mainstream churches -- black and otherwise. Two of the most important reasons why BLM has made its way into churches is because: Many mainstream churches have embraced liberation theology, which is an anti-biblical movement that makes Jesus into a radical political revolutionary seeking to overthrow the rich rather than G-d incarnate who came to save humanity from eternal death. Mainstream churches are unaware of the witchcraft that underlies BLM. Again, this is not a discussion about whether or not black lives matter; that discussion tends to be a binary distraction from the deeper threat that BLM poses to the black community. But one does not have to take my word for it; go to a black church. Step into a low-income black neighborhood. Ask black people how they feel about the issues raised here. I guarantee you the answers you will receive will be much more disparate than the leadership of BLM would have you think. While some may say BLMs tactics are necessary, there are a great deal of us who believe that not only are they not necessary, they will hold us back. That is exactly what any movement will do to us so long as they use cultural Marxism as their guiding principles: they will set us back. Black Lives Matter is a loud minority, and it is time for the quiet majority to speak out. It is the only way that we can move forward. Image: konkarampelas, Pixabay She's the veteran actor on the long-running soap Home and Away. And on Tuesday, Lynne McGranger used her star power to support for not-for-profit organisation, Breast Cancer Trials, in light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The 67-year-old shared a photo of herself on Instagram wearing a T-shirt with 'I joined the Breast-olution' emblazoned across her chest. A good cause: Home and Away's Lynne McGranger has used her star power to show her support for breast cancer research. On Tuesday, she shared a photo of herself on Instagram wearing a T-shirt with 'I joined the Breast-olution' emblazoned across her chest She wrote in the caption about Breast Cancer Trials' world first clinical trial, BRCA-P, that aims to prevent breast cancer in women. 'This October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, speak to loved ones, check in and see if anyone you love could benefit from this life saving trial,' she urged. Her show of support to the organisation comes after the actress recently said doesn't care if people dislike her very strong opinions - particularly against American President Donald Trump. Raising awareness: She wrote in the caption, 'This October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, speak to loved ones, check in and see if anyone you love could benefit from this life saving trial' She told Sydney Confidential back in July, 'I can have an opinion about that clown shoe that calls himself the POTUS but I don't know enough facts to start rattling them off.' The beloved star went on to say that she supports vaccinations and appears to disagree with the anti-vaxxer movement. 'I am absolutely pro-vax and I don't care who knows that. If people want to block me or unfollow me because they now know that, that's their problem. Vocal: Earlier this year, the actress revealed that she doesn't care if people dislike her very strong opinions - particularly against American President Donald Trump and the anti-vaxxer movement 'I know enough to know that damage can be done by anything but I also know enough to know that more damage is done if you don't vaccinate,' she said. She added that when she 'has a wine or two' she is more than happy to make her opinions known. Lynne is best known for playing Aussie battler Irene Roberts on long-running drama Home and Away, on which she has appeared for 27 years. Demanding immediate dismissal of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the Congress on Tuesday accused the state government of trying to cover up the Hathras rape incident through an affidavit in the Supreme Court. The opposition party also claimed that the affidavit appeared to be a copy paste job given that it has references about New York Police Department (NYPD), Black Lives Matter and cities such as San Diego and Phoenix, which are in the US. WATCH| State govt targeted Hathras victims kin, PM Modi stayed silent: Rahul Gandhi Addressing a joint press conference, Congress leaders Sushmita Dev, Rajani Patil and Supriya Shrinate said the entire country has seen the manner in which the Uttar Pradesh government has handled the Hathras incident, and done injustice to the victim again and again. They demanded that all officers, including the Hathras district magistrate, be dismissed, alleging they are part of a conspiracy for a cover-up of the case. Every step taken by the Uttar Pradesh government was to cover up the Hathras incident. Today, this has been exposed in the affidavit. Its purpose is not for a court-monitored CBI probe but to cover up the incident that started on September 14, Dev told reporters at the Congress headquarters in Delhi. Stop the cover up. Congress party stands by its demand that Yogi Adityanath should be dismissed immediately. The district magistrate and every officer who is part of this conspiracy to hush up such a brutal case of rape should be dismissed and not given any other responsibility pending investigation, she said. Patil alleged the Uttar Pradesh governments act of a cover-up of the incident is shameful and urged the people to not allow any atrocities against women and pack up the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state. Shrinate said there is no official notification for a CBI inquiry into the Hathras incident as announced by the government while the SIT probe is on. The manner in which victim-shaming is being done as part of a conspiracy and she is being trolled by BJP and the government and police, there should be a probe into this, she said. Shrinate also cited the change in rape laws done by the UPA government that presence of semen or penetration is not necessary now and even an attempt is considered as rape. She alleged that the state government is trying to make it a case of international conspiracy through fabricated evidence and perpetrate caste violence. Shrinate read out certain parts of the affidavit that mentions about black people and cities such as San Diego and Phoenix, which are in the United States. There also mentions of the NYPD and Black Lives Matter in it, she added. Shrinate said the same evidence attached as annexures in the affidavit has been fabricated by the Uttar Pradesh government and has been copied from the Black Lives Movement in the US. It is happening as the entire media and opposition are asking questions and the government is talking of a cover up and international conspiracy. Stop those FIRs based on these concoctions, she said. Dev asked the Uttar Pradesh government to prove to the victims family that the body cremated in a hurry by the police at 2.30 am actually is of their daughters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should immediately dismiss Yogi Adityanath, she demanded. The Mahila Congress chief alleged that it is shameful that the state government is claiming that no rape took place and that her last rites were done in front of the family with proper rituals. This is a clear case of contempt of court, she said. Dev said the government has cited reports saying there is no sign suggesting rape but the teenager in her dying declaration stated that she was gang-raped. - The global automotive wheel market is predicted to expand at CAGR of approximately 4% during the assessment period of 2020 to 2030. Major industry leaders are growing focus on development of highly efficient products - Asia Pacific and Europe are prominent regions contributing to rapid expansion of global market for automotive wheel ALBANY, N.Y, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global automotive wheel market is estimated to gain lucrative avenues during the forecast period of 2020 to 2030. One of the important factors attributed to this growth is noteworthy increase in the production as well as sales of vehicles in all worldwide locations. Depending on material used in the manufacturing, there are three types of products available in the market for automotive wheel, namely, steel wheel, carbon fiber wheel, and alloy wheel. Analysts at TMR highlight that the automotive wheel market will experience highest revenue generating opportunities in Europe. Numerous market vendors are focused on incorporation of latest design tools and new materials in their production activities. Therefore, they are growing alliances with worldwide research talents. This move is helping them achieve the manufacturing of highly efficient products. Download PDF Brochure - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php Key Findings of Automotive Wheel Market Report The global automotive wheel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 4% during 2020-2030. In the material segment of the automotive wheel market, vendors are expected to gain extensive revenues from alloy wheels segment during assessment period. On regional front, Asia Pacific and Europe are expected to show rapid growth in automotive wheel market during the forecast period Explore 274 pages of top-notch research, incisive insights, and detailed country-level projections on Automotive Wheel Market (Material: Alloy Wheel, Steel Wheel, and Carbon Fiber Wheel; Rim Size: 12"-17", 18"-21", and More than 22"; Vehicle Type: Passenger Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle; and Sales Channel: OEM and Aftermarket) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2020 - 2030 at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/automotive-wheel-market.html Automotive Wheel Market: Key Driving Factors and Promising Avenues Several industry leaders are concentrated on the development of technologically advanced products. To achieve this motive, they are spending high amount of money in research activities. Apart from this, many players are incorporating new manufacturing technologies as well as new materials. All these factors are fueling the growth of the global automotive wheel market. Major vendors operating in the automotive wheel market are growing focus on strengthening their production abilities. They are investing noteworthy amount of money to develop high-tech TUV-approved plants. This strategy is helping vendors to gain recognition at international level. Growing efforts of leading players to offer validated steel wheels for mobility vehicles at cheaper prices is likely to boost the sales in the automotive wheel market. Many players in the automotive wheel market are incorporating advanced machineries into their plants. As a result, they are able to offer automotive wheels with tinted gloss black and other finishes. At the same time, many enterprises are eyeing the development of superior quality deep-dish wheels. All these activities are expected to boost the expansion of the global automotive wheel market in the forthcoming years. Analyze global automotive wheel 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 Automotive Wheel Market: Competitive Assessment Majority of players in the global automotive wheel market are growing focus on strengthening their market position. To achieve this aim, they are using diverse organic as well as inorganic strategies. One of the key strategies on top of the list of stakeholders is mergers and acquisitions. Many players in the market for automotive wheel are entering into partnership and collaboration agreements. These moves are helping them in achieving their goal of regional expansion. This aside, several enterprises are growing focus on technological advancement. All these activities are indicative of stupendous growth of the global automotive wheel market in the period of assessment. Some of the important companies working in the automotive wheel market are CITIC Dicastal Wheel Manufacturing Co., BORBET GmbH., ARCONIC, Enkei, MAXION Wheels, BBS Alloy Wheel, Fuel Off Road Wheels, MHT Luxury Wheels, RONAL Group, Foshan Nanhai Zhongnan Aluminum Wheel Co., Ltd, WHEELPROS LLC, Superior Industries International Inc., and TSW Wheels. Request the Covid19 Impact Analysis across Industry - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=covid19&rep_id=47883 The segmentation of the automotive wheel market is performed as follows: Vehicle Type Passenger Vehicle Commercial Vehicle Material Alloy Wheel Steel Wheel Carbon Fiber Wheel Rim Size 12"-17" 18"-21" More than 22" Sales Channel OEM Aftermarket Region North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the Global Automotive & Transport Industry: Truck & Bus Radial (TBR) Tire Market - Increasing awareness among consumers regarding vehicle maintenance, adoption of tire monitoring systems by fleet managers, and expansion of retailer and dealers network in rural areas are projected to drive the truck & bus radial (TBR) tire market during the study period. Automotive Adhesive Market - Advent of lightweight electric vehicles is estimated to drive the adoption of adhesives as a replacement for rivets and welds. Rise in usage of adhesives for bonding of body panels and body interiors is anticipated to fuel the demand for automotive adhesives. Increase in sales of electric vehicles, owing to a decline in the price of batteries, and government incentives are likely to boost the global automotive adhesive market. EV Platform Market - The global EV platform market is expected to expand at a moderate CAGR of ~3.5% during the forecast period. The market growth is primarily driven by growing demand for electric vehicles, increasing government support for electric vehicles, development of cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, and tightening environment protection laws and regulations. Access TMR Upcoming Reports - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/upcoming.htm Access Recently Published Reports by TMR - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/latest.htm 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. Contact: Mr Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Press Release Source: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/automotive-wheel-market.htm Blog: https://tmrblog.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1085206/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg [Latest updates: A backlash grew in Orthodox Jewish areas over the governors virus crackdown.] After days of discord over how to address rising coronavirus cases in Orthodox Jewish areas, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday imposed tough new restrictions on parts of New York City and its northern suburbs that would have an especially pronounced impact on synagogues and other houses of worship. Mr. Cuomo also detailed an array of new rules that would shut down schools, restaurants, bars and gyms in portions of Brooklyn and Queens, as well as in Rockland and Orange Counties and in Binghamton. Mr. Cuomos order was intended to end confusion over how the state and city government would address the spreading outbreak in neighborhoods with large populations of Orthodox Jews, some of whom have flouted limits on gatherings, officials say. On Sunday, Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed that schools and nonessential businesses in nine ZIP codes in New York City be shut down to curb the virus. A day later, Mr. Cuomo said he would not approve the mayors plan, indicating that he would offer his own that used different geographic criteria, and noting that the mayor had not mentioned religious institutions. On Tuesday, in announcing his actions, Mr. Cuomo explicitly singled out houses of worship for new capacity limits, and prohibited mass gatherings in certain areas where there are virus clusters. India's9,19,023active cases of COVID-19 constitute "merely" 13.75 per cent of the total caseload as on date and the country continues to report asteadily declining trend of percentage of active cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. So far56,62,490 people have recovered from the disease in the country and exceed active cases of infection by47,43,467 as on date, it stated. "The declining trend of the percentage of active cases is commensurately supported by the rising percentage of recovered cases," the ministry underlined. Higher number of recoveries has aided the national recovery rate to further improve to 84.70 per cent, the ministry said. A total of 75,787 peoplehave recovered from COVID-19 and discharged in a span of 24 hours whereas 61,267 new infections were reported during the same period,according to the data updated at 8 am. The new recoveries have exceeded the new confirmed cases in 25 states and UTs, the ministry highlighted. Seventy-four per centof the new recovered cases are concentrated in 10 states and UTs -- Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, the ministry said. Maharashtra alone has contributed the maximum with nearly 13,000 single-day recoveries. The ministry said that 75 per cent of the61,267 new confirmed cases recorded in a span of 24 hoursare from 10 states and UTs. Maharashtra continues to be the State reporting a very high number of new cases with more than 10,000 cases followed by Karnataka with more than 7,000 cases. Also,884fatalities due to COVID-19 have been reported in a day, of thesenearly 80 per centare concentrated in ten states andUTs of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, the ministry said. More than 29 per centof new fatalities reported are from Maharashtra (263 deaths). (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.) By 2031, 47% of visible minorities in Canada will be children of immigrants. 350,000 new immigrants enter Canada each year, along with 400,000 international students. It's no wonder the multicultural population in Canada is skyrocketing. How can brands tap into this large, fast-growing, and diverse consumer market? Insights, Insights and More Customer Insights "Everything starts with the customer" explains Joycelyn David, Owner & CEO of AVC. With ETHNIHUB we aim to connect brands to diverse audiences and help answer their most critical marketing questions." Since beta launch in Q4 2019, ETHNIHUB has generated insights around topics such as tea preference of South Asian buyers, things that Filipino families look for in a financial provider, luxury brands usage of Mainland Chinese immigrants and Halal food preference among Canadian Muslims. Today, the questions being asked by brands in Canada, on an increasing basis, represent a massive paradigm shift towards diversity in business strategy and marketing campaigns. Paradigm Shifts and Speed to Insight "We've definitely seen shift with Canadian brands wanting to engage with multicultural and diverse audiences" Joycelyn adds. "Knowledge is power. But not if it takes months to analyze and then act on. Helping our clients with speed-to-insight was a critical piece of our development and design." ETHNIHUB recently landed Joycelyn and AVC a spot in Microsoft's Women in Cloud Accelerator. Joycelyn credits the development team Abhinav Sood, Hassan Iqbal and Shaharyar Irfan who worked on all aspects of the UX, front end design and product design. "Multicultural marketing should be top of mind for all brands in today's market. If you're not talking to multicultural audiences immigrants and second-generation Canadians you're missing out new segments of growth," David said. About AVC Founded in 2003, AV Communications is one of Canada's leading, full-service multicultural advertising and marketing agencies. Helping brands such as BMO Financial, Western Union, H&M Canada, Arbor Memorial and Canon Our talented team of designers and strategists build emotional connections between mainstream brands and multicultural customers. www.avcomm.ca SOURCE AV Communications For further information: Joycelyn David, [email protected] Related Links www.avcommunications.ca LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coding School is collaborating with IBM Quantum to offer a first-of-its-kind quantum computing course for 5,000 high school students and above, designed to make quantum education globally accessible and to provide high-quality virtual STEM education. To ensure an equitable future quantum workforce, the course is free. Students can apply here. High School Students from The Coding School's Quantum Computing Summer Course 2020 "While quantum computing will revolutionize the world, few opportunities exist to make quantum accessible to K-12 students or the general population today," notes Kiera Peltz, the founder and executive director of The Coding School. "We are proud to collaborate with IBM Quantum, a global leader in quantum computing, to ensure the next generation is equipped with the skills necessary for the future of work." The course, Qubit by Qubit's Introduction to Quantum Computing, will run for a full academic year, from October 2020 to May 2021, and consists of weekly live lectures, labs, and problem sets. Students are eligible to receive high school course credit for this course. The course is University of California A-G accredited and is in the process of WASC accreditation. In addition to students registering independently, TCS is working with high schools to offer this course during the school day, making it the first time quantum computing is widely available as a for-credit course at the high school level. Taught live by MIT and Oxford University quantum scientists, the course has been developed for students with no prior quantum computing experience and introduces students to the foundational concepts of quantum computing, including quantum mechanics, quantum information and computation, and quantum algorithms. Students will work with Qiskit, an open-source quantum software development kit, and the IBM Quantum Experience platform to run quantum circuits on real quantum computers. Lead instructors are Francisca Vasconcelos, a Rhodes Scholar and MIT graduate, and Amir Karamlou, a Graduate Fellow in MIT's Engineering Quantum Systems group. "This year, more than ever before, students and educators are moving beyond the traditional classroom setting to online platforms like The Coding School," said Liz Durst, Director, IBM Quantum & Qiskit Community. "While this is a great challenge, IBM Quantum is excited to sponsor 5,000 students from around the world who are curious about quantum computing to start learning as early as high school about the fundamentals of how to program real quantum processors. We're proud to be collaborating with the Qubit by Qubit initiative on this Introduction to Quantum Computing course, working together to deliver a community-based approach to learning with our own best educational experts, tools, and resources such as the Qiskit Textbook." Beyond increasing accessibility to quantum education, TCS and IBM Quantum are dedicated to ensuring the future quantum workforce is diverse and inclusive. Prior quantum courses by TCS have had over 70 percent students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. For this year-long course, students have already registered from over 60 countries. Students from communities traditionally underrepresented in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply, and high school students will be prioritized. "I am eager to share my appreciation of this nascent field with students, especially those at the high school level," said Vasconcelos. "Through this TCS and IBM Quantum collaboration, we are training a diverse global cohort of future quantum engineers, researchers, and business leaders." Apply today: The course starts on Oct. 18, 2020. Learn more about the program and apply here . High schools interested in partnering with TCS to offer this program for free as a for-credit or after-school enrichment course should email [email protected]. About The Coding School: About TCS: Qubit by Qubit (QxQ) is an initiative of The Coding School, a 501(c)(3) tech education nonprofit. Founded in 2014, TCS has taught over 15,000 students from 60+ countries how to code. To learn more, visit: www.codeconnects.org. About IBM Quantum IBM Quantum is an industry-first initiative to build quantum systems for business and science applications. For more information about IBM's quantum computing efforts, please visit ibm.com/quantum. Media Contact: Rachel Zuckerman 424-310-8999 [email protected] Related Images high-school-students-from-the.png High School Students from The Coding School's Quantum Computing Summer Course 2020 High School Students from The Coding School's Quantum Computing Summer Course 2020 Related Links IBM Quantum Blog Post MIT News Publication SOURCE The Coding School Related Links https://www.codeconnects.org YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has once again overtly reiterated Ankaras aggressive support to the Azerbaijani attack on Artsakh. Speaking in Azerbaijans capital Baku, the Turkish FM again voiced all kinds of support to Azerbaijan, indirectly confirming that Ankara is no longer covering up its involvement in war crimes committed against Artsakhs civilian population. Cavusoglu also criticized the OSCE Minsk Group for what he described as not having a clear plan for settling the conflict, ignoring the Co-Chairmanships recent efforts for preventing bloodshed and calls for non-intervention of third parties. The Turkish-backed Azeri attacks on Artsakh have so far killed 21 civilians and wounded more than 80 in different cities of Artsakh amid indiscriminate bombardments by the Azeris. 240 servicemen of the Artsakh military were killed in action as of October 6. Information on Turkey transporting Syrian jihadist mercenaries to Azerbaijan for the attacks has already been confirmed, notably by French President Emmanuel Macron who said his countrys intelligence agency possesses this information, as well as Russia and the United States. Most recently Syrias President Bashar Al-Assad also confirmed that Turkey is sending jihadists to the conflict zone. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan The candidates contesting on October 10 for Ondo governorship election have signed a peace accord. The peace accord signing ceremony held on Tuesday in Ondo State capital,Akure. The candidates who signed the peace accord were Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Agboola Ajayi who is contesting under the banner of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The peace accord signing was facilitated by the National Peace Committee. In his address, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, noted that without peace, our deployment plans, new innovations in result management, safety of personnel, security of materials and above all, credibility of elections will be undermined. The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, who was represented by DIG Adeleye Oyabade, explained that peace must be maintained before, during and after the Ondo election. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, disclosed that the signing of Peace Accord by the governorship candidates is a way of reaffirming that they must conduct themselves in a professional & peaceful manner ahead of the Governorship election. Others who were present at the signing are Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Hassan Kukah; former Bishop of Abuja Diocese, John Onaiyekan, and various traditional rulers, among others. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) had earlier predicted that the governorship election will be marred with violence majorly in riverine areas of the state. The Civil Society Organization in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by its Director, Idayat Hassan, on Tuesday also said a pre-election assessment by CDD Election Analysis Centre (EAC) shows the partisanship of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Motorcyclists Association could also pose challenges and logistics problems. This newspaper has also reported a series of violence during the campaigns by majorly the PDP and the APC. The importance of manufacturing as an essential business has been amplified by COVID-19 and the need for the next generation of workers has never been greater. Bishop-Wisecarver, a trusted industrial automation company offering proven motion solutions that are expertly designed and delivered to perform, is hosting its ninth consecutive National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) event, as a first time virtual offering. The company also kicked off the first Wisecarver Innovation Award student design contest encouraging participants to realize the benefits of modern manufacturing in their own educational experiences. Manufacturing is an innovative, high tech industry and we are utilizing those skills to transfer the on-site Manufacturing Day program weve hosted for more than 1300 people through the years, to a virtual opportunity that will enable even more students to learn and engage with us directly, said Pamela Kan, President of Bishop-Wisecarver. The importance of manufacturing as an essential business has been amplified by COVID-19 and the need for the next generation of workers has never been greater. Manufacturing has a direct impact on everyones daily lives, and we are glad to help students, and those looking to make career changes, understand how they can help make a powerful difference by working in this industry. Virtual Activities Bishop-Wisecarvers MFG Day 2020 event includes short videos that speak directly to participants including: Q&A with Bishop-Wisecarver President, Pamela Kan, discussing the myths and realities of manufacturing Q&A with Denise Butler, recent college graduate and Bishop-Wisecarver Mechanical Engineer, discussing her education and career path, and why she enjoys destroying things at work Virtual tour of the Bishop-Wisecarver plant floor highlighting computerized equipment and robotics and the types of jobs available Additional videos are posted from Edge Factors ROCK MFG Day STEAM Experience and include industry and career profiles, virtual workplace tours and employee skills training. Pre-recorded webinars from work-based development non-profit, Earn and Learn, are available and include Alex Marques, Product Manager at Bishop-Wisecarver, discussing his career path that led to working with linear and rotary motion products. Wisecarver Innovation Award The inaugural Wisecarver Innovation Award asks students What would you design to make your learning experience easier? Participants will provide a 60-second video that includes an overview of their idea, what it does, how it helps them and any drawings, prototypes or concept designs that help provide additional explanation. The contest kicked off on October 2 and all submissions must be received by November 2, 2020. The winner receives $250 for themselves and $1000 for their school. About Manufacturing Day Manufacturing Day, produced by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and The Manufacturing Institute, is an annual, national event that seeks to inspire the next generation of manufacturers, and this years event aligns with the Creators Wanted campaign. Manufacturers in the United States need to fill 4.6 million jobs by 2028. More than half of those jobs could be left unfilled because of two issues: a skills gap and misperceptions about modern manufacturing. By 2025, Creators Wanted aims to reduce the skills gap in the United States by 600,000, as well as increase the number of students enrolling in technical and vocational schools or reskilling programs by 25 percent. About Bishop-Wisecarver Bishop-Wisecarvers proven motion solutions are expertly designed and delivered to perform, enabling customers to solve their toughest industrial automation challenges. Leveraging nearly 70 years of experience, the company has earned the reputation of providing unmatched quality, reliability, service and engineering support for every stage of a customers design cycle. Combining long-lasting performance with ease of installation, Bishop-Wisecarver products offer the lowest cost of ownership for a wide variety of applications ranging from Aerospace to Medical to X-Y-Z systems and more. No matter the application or extreme environmental conditions, Bishop-Wisecarver designs innovative solutions from concept to completion, from prototype to production, on time and on budget. To learn more, please visit http://www.bwc.com. Days after the AIIMS medical board report ruling out the murder angle in the Sushant Singh Rajput case, Rhea Chakrabortys lawyer Satish Maneshinde has come down heavily on the #JusticeforSSR campaign and those who supported it. The New Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) medical board last week ruled out murder in the death of Rajput, terming it a case of hanging and death by suicide". The Mumbai Police probed the matter initially before the CBI began its investigation into the case in August following a ruling by the Supreme Court. Speaking to CNN-News18, Maneshinde said, One has to give a chance to the CBI to come to a conclusion as to what is the investigation at their end. Even before letting them do that, all kinds of allegations are being made to malign doctors at Bombay and AIIMS. So, if they dont reach the results they desire, they want to keep making these allegations again and again." Calling #JusticeforSushant a bogus" campaign, Maneshinde further said, People who campaigned for Sushant Singh Rajputs justice should hang their heads in shame. Its because of that his drug habit came into public knowledge. Its because of his family and so-called media houses who went upon creating a false narrative, they should all hang their heads in shame." Watch his full interview here: #JusticeForSushant | It was a bogus campaign, people who campaigned for justice for Sushant Singh should hang their head in shame. It is because of them his drug habit came in public knowledge: Satish Maneshinde (Rhea Chakrabortys lawyer).Join the broadcast with @maryashakil. pic.twitter.com/z4vg5m2Jxk CNNNews18 (@CNNnews18) October 5, 2020 Meanwhile, Maharashtras Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil said the AIIMS report has also proved the Mumbai Police handled the case properly before it was taken over by the CBI. It (the AIIMS report) is a slap for those who had defamed the Maharashtra government over the entire episode," said Patil, who is also state president of the NCP, the second largest constituent in the Shiv Sena-led MVA government. He said the main objective before the Mumbai Police was to find out who was responsible for the actors suicide and the city cops were probing that angle. [October 06, 2020] Clover Health, a Next-Generation Medicare Advantage Insurer, Announces Plans to Become Publicly-traded via Merger with Social Capital Hedosophia Clover Health Investments, Corp. ("Clover" or "the Company"), which operates next-generation Medicare Advantage plans, has entered into a definitive agreement to become publicly traded via a merger with Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. III ("SCH") (NYSE: IPOC), a special purpose acquisition company. Upon closing, the transaction will support Clover's mission to improve every life, providing significant capital for the Company to scale and improve health outcomes for seniors across the United States. Company Overview Founded in 2013, Clover has pioneered a fundamentally different approach to Medicare Advantage that focuses on driving affordability and partnering closely with physicians to deliver the best possible health outcomes for members. The Company offers affordable Medicare Advantage plans to eligible individuals, giving consumers access to broad and open healthcare networks, rich supplemental benefits and low out-of-pocket expenses. Technology is at the core of Clover's business - the Company is a true innovator in the Medicare Advantage space, deploying its own internally-developed software to assist physicians with clinical decision-making at the point of care. Clover's flagship platform, the Clover Assistant, aggregates millions of relevant health data points - including claims, medical charts and diagnostics, among others - and uses machine learning to synthesize that data with member-specific information. This provides physicians with actionable and personalized insights at the point of care, offering suggestions for medications and dosages as well as the need for tests or referrals, among others, to ultimately improve health outcomes. The Clover Assistant enables a virtuous growth cycle, whereby improved health outcomes lead to superior economics that the Company shares with members through lower costs and rich benefits. In turn, the Company believes its best-in-class plans will continue to deliver market-leading growth, allowing the Clover Assistant to capture and synthesize more data and ultimately drive better care. Medicare Advantage is one of the largest and fastest growing markets in the U.S. healthcare system - but it is one that has seen little innovation and remains ripe for disruption. Worth $270 billion today and with an estimated value of $590 billion by 2025, the Medicare Advantage market provides a tremendous opportunity for growth. Today, Clover is the fastest growing Medicare Advantage insurer in the United States - among insurers with more than 50,000 members - and serves more than 57,000 members in 34 counties across 7 states. Spurred by favorable demographic tailwinds and its differentiated, technology-driven approach, Clover has captured an average of 50 percent of the net increase in membership across its established markets over the last three years. Further, the Company's software-centric approach enables efficient expansion into new markets, including to historically underserved and rural communities. The Company plans to expand into an additional 74 counties and eighth state next year and recently announced a new partnership with Walmart to make joint Clover-Walmart plans available to half a million Medicare-eligibles in eight Georgia counties. Clover's management team, led by CEO and Co-Founder Vivek Garipalli and President and Co-Founder Andrew Toy, will continue to lead Clover following the transaction. Chamath Palihapitiya, Founder and CEO of SCH, will act as a senior advisor to the Company's management. Management Comments "I launched Clover eight years ago to fix fundamental flaws in our healthcare system, including unequal access, abysmal customer service and wasteful spending. Chamath and the SCH team are fervent believers and true champions of Clover's mission to improve every life," said Garipalli. "Our philosophy is that everyone should be able to afford great healthcare. The Clover team empowers physicians to deliver the best possible outcomes for our members, and the Clover Assistant does just that by delivering vital clinical insights to physicians at the point of care." "We have made it our business to make healthcare affordable. Our technology helps doctors, leading to better outcomes and lower out-of-pocket expenses for members," said Toy. "I believe that more and more doctors are embracing the Clover Assistant because it allows them to focus on what they want to do, which is to look after patients. Importantly, the platform is powered by a closed feedback loop, linking clinical data and physician action, which improves continuously as membership grows, allowing us to constantly evolve new ways of helping physicians and their patients." Palihapitiya said, "We need companies like Clover to help fix our broken healthcare system. The Company's rapid growth is a testament to the effectiveness of its tech-enabled approach, which resonates powerfully with consumers and physicians alike. I believe Clover is uniquely positioned to disrupt the entire Medicare Advantage market as well as expand into new and exciting opportunities in Original Medicare. I am proud to partner with Vivek, Andrew and the entire Clover team on the next phase of their mission to improve lives across the country." Transaction Overview On October 6, 2020, SCH entered into a definitive agreement to combine with Clover through a combination of stock and cash financing. The transaction values Clover at an enterprise value of approximately $3.7 billion. The transaction is expected to deliver up to $1.2 billion of gross proceeds, including the contribution of up to $828 million of cash held in SCH's trust account from its initial public offering in April 2020. The transaction is further supported by a $400 million PIPE at $10.00 per share, including $100 million from Palihapitiya, $50 million from Hedosophia, and the remainder from investors including Fidelity Management & Research Company, LLC., and funds affiliated with Jennison, Senator Investment Group LP, Casdin ad Perceptive Advisors. Clover will receive up to $728 million of transaction proceeds, and up to $500 million of cash proceeds will be allocated to existing Clover shareholders. Vivek Garipalli, Andrew Toy and other officers of the company will roll 100 percent of their equity into the new company. All references to cash on the balance sheet, available cash from the trust account, cash proceeds allocated to existing shareholders and retained transaction proceeds are subject to any redemptions by the public shareholders of SCH and payment of transaction expenses. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by SCH's boards of directors and the independent directors of Clover's board of directors, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, and is subject to approval by SCH's shareholders and other customary closing conditions, including any applicable regulatory approvals. Advisors Connaught acted as financial advisor, Credit Suisse acted as financial advisor, placement agent and capital markets advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP acted as legal advisor to SCH. Citigroup acted as financial advisor, placement agent and capital markets advisor, J.P. Morgan and Jefferies LLC also acted as financial advisors and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP acted as legal advisor to Clover. Additional information about the proposed transaction, including a copy of the merger agreement and investor presentation, will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K that will contain an investor presentation to be filed by SCH with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov. Investor Conference Call Information Management of Clover and SCH will host an investor conference call on October 6, 2020 at 16:00 ET to discuss the proposed transaction and review an investor presentation. For those investors who wish to participate, the conference call can be accessed by visiting www.cloverhealth.com/investors. About Clover Health Clover Health is a healthcare technology company with a deeply rooted mission of helping its members live their healthiest lives. Clover uses its proprietary technology platform to collect, structure, and analyze health and behavioral data to improve medical outcomes and lower costs for patients. As a company whose business goals fully align with its members' health needs, Clover works with members and their doctors to become a valued partner. This trust is built by proactively identifying at-risk individuals and teaming up with physicians to accelerate care coordination and simultaneously improve health outcomes and reduce avoidable costs. Clover has offices in San Francisco, Jersey City, Nashville, and Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.CloverHealth.com. About Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings is a partnership between the investment firms of Social Capital and Hedosophia. Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings unites technologists, entrepreneurs and technology-oriented investors around a shared vision of identifying and investing in innovative and agile technology companies. To learn more about Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings, visit www.socialcapitalhedosophiaholdings.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to the proposed transaction between Clover and SCH, including statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the transaction, the anticipated timing of the transaction, expansion plans, and market opportunities of Clover. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of SCH's securities, (ii) the risk that the transaction may not be completed by SCH's business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by SCH, (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the transaction, including the adoption of the merger agreement by the shareholders of SCH, the satisfaction of the minimum trust account amount following redemptions by SCH's public shareholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals, (iv) the lack of a third-party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the transaction, (v) the inability to complete the PIPE investment in connection with the transaction, (vi) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, (vii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on Clover's business relationships, operating results and business generally, (viii) risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Clover and potential difficulties in Clover employee retention as a result of the transaction, (ix) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Clover or against SCH related to the merger agreement or the transaction, (x) the ability to maintain the listing of SCH's securities on a national securities exchange, (xi) the price of SCH's securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which SCH plans to operate or Clover operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting SCH's or Clover's business and changes in the combined capital structure, (xii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the proposed transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities, and (xiii) the risk of downturns and a changing regulatory landscape in the highly competitive healthcare industry. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of SCH's registration on Form S-1 (File No. 333-236776), the registration statement on Form S-4 discussed above and other documents filed by SCH from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC (News - Alert)"). These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Clover and SCH assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither Clover nor SCH gives any assurance that either Clover or SCH or the combined company will achieve its expectations. Additional Information and Where to Find It This press release relates to a proposed transaction between Clover and SCH. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. SCH intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which will include a document that serves as a prospectus and proxy statement of SCH, referred to as a proxy statement/prospectus. A proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all SCH and Clover shareholders. SCH also will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. Before making any voting decision, investors and security holders of SCH and Clover are urged to read the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by SCH through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The documents filed by SCH with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at SCH's website at http://www.socialcapitalhedosophiaholdings.com/docsc.html or upon written request to 317 University Ave, Suite 200, Palo Alto (News - Alert), California 94301. Participants in Solicitation SCH and its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SCH's shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the business combination will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus when available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005484/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Nearly 7,000 voters in a Bergen County town got the wrong vote-by-mail-ballots sent to them, with officials now rushing to send out correct ballots within less than 24 hours. On Monday afternoon, 6,867 Teaneck voters got the wrong ballots mailed to them, causing a maelstrom of confusion and frantic calls to the Bergen County Clerks Office asking for help, said County Clerk John Hogan. As of noon Tuesday, the correct ballots were already being sent out via first-class mail, expected to reach voters by Tuesday night, he said. On Monday, the county sent out vote-by-mail ballots to Teanecks 28,151 registered voters, said Hogan. Teaneck is split into two congressional districts, the 5th and 9th districts. The ballot snafu had 1,325 voters in the 5th district receive ballots meant for the 9th District, said Hogan. Meanwhile, 5,542 voters in the 9th district received ballots meant for the 5th District, he said. Theres 600,000 ballots that went out. Its unprecedented," said Hogan. The volume is like something weve never faced before. NorthJersey was the first to report on the ballot mix-up. The mix-up was caused by a programming error at the mail-house hired by a third-party printer, said Hogan. After hiring a printer through a competitive process, the printer subcontracted the mail-house to stuff every packet being sent out to voters, he said. The county had identified all voters affected by the mix-up and the handful of incorrect ballots that had been filled out and returned, said Hogan. A letter will go out to those affected, along with the corrected ballots, he said. The county board of elections will use a list of affected Teaneck voters to identify any incorrect ballots they receive, he said. Hogan suggested that even if voters already mailed the incorrect ballot, they should also send in the correct one which will override any incorrect ones sent in, he said. In the event that voters send in the wrong ballots and do not fill out the correct ballots, their votes will still count, except for the section choosing congressional candidates, he said. As of Tuesday afternoon, less than 10 incorrect ballots were sent in, said Hogan. The Teaneck foul-up is the latest challenge faced by New Jersey voters in an unprecedented election that will see more vote-by-mail ballots than ever before. In May, the Paterson City Council election was marked by allegations of voting fraud when hundreds of mail-in ballots were found in a mailbox in Paterson and in a mailbox in Haledon. In June, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal filed voting fraud charges against five men, including a city councilman and a council-elect. A Superior Court judge ordered a do-over election for the one Paterson council seat on Nov. 3. In Elmwood Park, 12 voters received only the school board ballots but not the presidential, congressional, county and municipal ballots, said Hogan. The United States Postal Service is investigating bundles of mail found dumped at a shopping center in North Arlington. A photo of the bundles of mail tweeted by the New Jersey Globe editor appeared to show mail-in ballots among circulars, magazines and other regular mail. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Rodrigo Torrejon may be reached at rtorrejon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rodrigotorrejon. Congress leader attacked the government on Tuesday, saying Chief Minister should have the decency to call the alleged gang rape and killing of a Dalit woman in Hathras district a tragedy. Gandhi, who is holding a series of tractor rallies under his 'Kheti Bachao Yatra' in Punjab to protest the Centre's new farm laws, also took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has not spoken "a word" on the Hathras incident. "The Chief Minister of should have the decency to say this is a tragedy and will look into it and will protect this family and this girl," Gandhi told reporters here. He was asked by a reporter for his reaction over the government reportedly saying that there was an "international conspiracy"to defame it. "Yogi ji is entitled to his opinion. He is more than welcome to imagine whatever he wants to imagine. What I saw there was that a lovely girl was molested, her neck was broken, her family was threatened and the people who did it, no action was taken against them,"he said. "If Yogi ji sees it as an international conspiracy, well that is fine, that is his prerogative. What I saw was a tragedy," Gandhi said. Before his tractor rallies, Gandhi visited the Hathras victim's family on his second attempt after being dramatically stopped outside Delhi by the Uttar Pradesh Police. Gandhi said he visited the family and wanted them to know that they are not alone. "I told the family that I have not come for you alone. I came here for your daughter. There are lakhs of women across the country who are harassed every day, thousands who are raped. I am also here for them as well," he said. Gandh said that "a child is raped and murdered, but the whole administration attacks the family and country's prime minister does not utter a word". The 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gang raped and brutalised in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh on September 14. She died a fortnight later. The victim was cremated near her home on September 30. But her family alleged that they were forced by the local police to conduct her last rites in the dead of the night. Police, however, said the cremation was done "as per the wishes of the family". On he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is a Congress general secretary, being allegedly pushed around and manhandled on way to Hathras and FIRs being registered against a large number of Congress workers, Gandhi said what he and his party men and women suffered was minor compared to what the victim's family was going through. "The entire country is being attacked, thrashed. If I was pushed, it is not a big deal. It is our duty to protect the people and stand with them. It is such a government that if we stand, we will be pushed around, we will face 'lathis', being pushed around, that's okay," he said, adding that it was the victim's family that suffered an "unimaginable" jolt. On why he was not present in Parliament during voting on the new farm laws, Gandhi said he was a son too, and had a son's duty for his mother. "My mother (Sonia Gandhi) had gone for a medical check-up and my sister couldn't go with her because some of her staff members had COVID. So, that is why I was with my mother, I am her son also and I have to look after her," he said. Gandhi said that the Shiromani Akali Dal, which had worked with the BJP for many years, had helped the government in passing the contentious bills. "Punjab's farmers know this," he said. President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, the Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and the Farm Services Bill; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, which were passed by Parliament last month. (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.) Advertisement Britain was again on flood watch today with 50 alerts and warnings in place across the country as a fortnight's worth of rain is set to fall tomorrow. Aerial photographs showed the extent of the flooding wreaked by Storm Alex in recent days, with Environment Agency workers battling to clean up debris preventing rivers flowing properly before further rain falls. Up to 35mm (1.4in) of rain could fall in Wales and North West England today, while the South West will be hit by gusts of up to 45mph ahead of a further deluge arriving in 24 hours in a system crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Fields are flooded in the Buckinghamshire town of Newport Pagnell today as the wet weather continues for England Field around Newport Pagnell have been left underwater today after Buckinghamshire was among the counties hit by floods The Environment Agency has issued 46 flood alerts or warnings for England, with parts of Newport Pagnell underwater today Newport Pagnell has been hit by major flooding which has left fields around the town underwater, pictured today A Chrysler 300C Executive car sits on a flooded road in the Buckinghamshire town of Newport Pagnell today A barrier prevents motorists travelling on a road in Newport Pagnell today after it flooded in the wet weather Downpours are forecast for tomorrow (left) but the most torrential rain of the week is expected on Thursday (right) Parts of Wales will be hit by a further 50mm (2in) of rain tomorrow night, while parts of Lincolnshire and the South Pennines will get 25mm (1in) and the same amount could fall in southern England on Thursday. The average amount of rain for the whole of October in Britain is 108mm (4in), so the totals in parts of the country across tomorrow and Thursday could represent about a fortnight's worth. The Environment Agency has imposed 37 flood alerts and nine warnings for England, mostly in the Midlands and South West but also including one in West London, while Natural Resources Wales had four flood alerts in place. Environment Agency workers have been cleaning up in areas such as the North East today, with one team clearing debris that collected on a screen on the River Wear at Chester-le-Street to ensure the river can flow freely. The Environment Agency has imposed 37 flood alerts (in red) and nine warnings (in orange) for England (left) while Natural Resources Wales has four flood alerts in place (right) Environment Agency workers are today clearing debris that collected on a screen on the River Wear at Chester-le-Street The Environment Agency workers have been cleaning up in areas of the North East including Chester-le-Street today Slide me The team today cleared debris that collected on a screen at Chester-le-Street (left), meaning the Wear can flow freely (right) People walk through the grounds of Liberton Kirk in Edinburgh today as the ivy leaves turn red in early Autumn A surfer rides a wave in the sea off of Boscombe beach in Dorset this morning as the South West is set for 45mph winds Two swimmers run into the sea as the sun rises over Boscombe beach in Dorset this morning Tonight, most inland showers will gradually fade away allowing clear spells to develop, but it will remain mostly cloudy with showers through the night in North Wales, North West England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Tomorrow morning will be dry with sunny spells for most of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but there will be showers in North Wales and North West England, which will persist for much of the day. Thursday will be cloudy across England and Wales with heavy rain in the South, while Scotland will be bright with a threat of showers. On Friday, after a bright start it will be mostly cloudy with rain affecting southern England. This weekend is expected to be chilly with highs of just 13C (55F) in the South, although it will also be mostly dry meaning a repeat of the washout weekend just gone which brought widespread flooding chaos is unlikely. The Back Story: Blumhouse approached Osei-Kuffour after the success of his short film Born With It, about a mixed-race boy who tries to convince his schoolmates that his dark skin is not a disease. Ive been known to do sensitive coming-of-age dramas about kids going through adult situations for the first time, Osei-Kuffour explained. Though Black Box is the first horror movie from the director, who was inspired to go to film school in part by the work of M. Night Shyamalan, he was keen to ground the film in familial themes and sympathetic characters. At the beginning of Black Box, Nolan (Mamoudou Athie), a single father, is relying more on his school-age daughter (Amanda Christine) than the other way around. I really felt like itd be interesting to see the story of a deeply flawed father that gets the second chance to be a good one as a result of a push from his daughter, Osei-Kuffour said. But another fictional family relationship also affected Osei-Kuffours work on the film. He knew it would be a long shot to ask Phylicia Rashad, perhaps best known for playing Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, to be in the movie, he said. But she gladly accepted the role of Dr. Lillian Brooks, remembering a brief meeting theyd had at a convention the year before, where they bonded over both being Houston natives. Rashad became a bit of a set mother to Osei-Kuffour during the whirlwind 18-day shoot, he recalled, offering the first-time feature director advice and insights into the script. Switch the Market flag Open the menu and switch the Market flag for targeted data from your country of choice. for targeted data from your country of choice. 06.10.2020 LISTEN The Chairman for the finance committee of Parliament Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah has stated that he will be surprised if the Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu discovers anything wrong in the Agyapa Gold Royalties deal. Mr. Amidu is conducting a corruption risk assessment into the deal which has resulted in government pulling the breaks on issuance of the IPO on the London Stock Exchange. The minority has stated the suspension is to save government from embarrassment since the market would have rejected the IPO. But speaking to Starr News Parliamentary Correspondent Ibrahim Alhassan, Chairman for the finance committee Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah argued the decision to hold on with the IPO is not based on directive from the Special Prosecutor but out of the abundance of caution. Mr. Amidu in September this year called on the Finance Ministry to hold on with its scheduled initial Public Offer (IPO) on the Agyapa royalties deal until he is done with his corruption risk assessment on the transaction. About the Agyapa deal Parliament on August 14th approved the controversial Agyapa Mineral Royalty Limited agreement with the government of Ghana despite a walkout by the Minority. Two years ago, the House passed the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act 2018 which establishes the Fund to manage the equity interests of Ghana in mining companies, and receive royalties on behalf of government. The fund is supposed to manage and invest these royalties and revenue from equities for higher returns for the benefit of the country. The law allows the fund to establish Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to use for the appropriate investments. Last month, government introduced an amendment to the act to ensure that the SPVs have unfettered independence. The approval will enable the country to use a special purpose vehicle, Agyapa Royalties Limited to secure about $1 billion to finance large infrastructural projects. In line with that, Agyapa, which will operate as an independent private sector entity, will be able to raise funds from the capital market, both locally and internationally, as an alternative to the conventional debt capital market transactions. The funds, which are expected to be raised from the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE), will be a long-term capital, without a corresponding increase in Ghanas total debt stock and hence without a public debt repayment obligation. ---Starrfmonline A five-year-old girl, raped by her 15-year-old cousin in Aligarhs Iglas, about ten days back, died on Monday during treatment in Delhi, police said on Tuesday. Police have arrested the accused. The incident of rape took place in a village under Iglas police station of Aligarh on September 15. The girl belonged to Sadabad area of Hathras district but had been living with her maternal aunt after her mother died a few years ago, police said. As per the reports, the girl was held captive at the house after the incident and was rescued on September 17 after the intervention of a social organisation. She was admitted to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital for treatment, said SSP Aligarh Muniraj G. The girl was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi after her condition deteriorated. She died on Monday, said the SSP. An FIR was registered by police on September 21 on the complaint of the girls father, a resident of a village in Hathras district, that he suspected the girl was raped in captivity. Police then arrested the 15-year-old relative who confessed to his crime, the SSP said. The boys mother, who is the maternal aunt (mausi) of the victim, is reported to be an accomplice in the crime and is absconding, he said. Also read: Hathras gangrape - NCW notice to Malviya, Digvijaya and Swara for disclosing womans identity Station house officer (SHO) of Iglas police station Praveen Kumar Mann was suspended by SSP Aligarh after the victims family staged a protest against police laxity in arresting her aunt. A financial relief of Rs 10 lakh has been granted to the family of the victim and a case has been registered against the cousin and his mother (aunt of the victim), stated Aligarh district magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh. SHO Praveen Kumar Maan has also been suspended as he failed to arrest the aunt who took the minor victim girl along with her and failed to protect her, stated Muniraj G. The incident has come to light amid a widespread outrage over the death and alleged gang-rape of a Dalit woman in Hathras by four upper caste men. BERLIN - The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates and Israel met in Berlin on Tuesday for talks that Germany hopes will strengthen nascent ties between the two nations and bolster broader Middle East peace efforts. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said it was a great honour that the Israeli and Emirati foreign ministers have chosen Berlin as the location for their historic first meeting since the two countries agreed to normalize relations in a U.S.-brokered deal. The agreement, signed at a White House ceremony last month, reflects the changing politics of the Middle East, in which shared concerns about archenemy Iran have largely overtaken traditional Arab support for the Palestinians, who reject the deal as a betrayal. The most important currency in diplomacy is trust, and I am personally grateful to both of my colleagues for placing this trust in Germany, Maas said in a statement. We are doing everything we can to be good hosts for the dialogue between the two countries on how to shape their future bilateral relations. In a sign of just how far relations had come in a very short time, the three ministers together visited Berlins downtown Holocaust Memorial, dedicated to the 6 million Jews killed by Nazi Germany, and walked together through the maze-like monument made up of undulating concrete slabs. The state-run Emirates News Agency reported that Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed to Maas and Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi that the monument confirms the importance of strengthening the values of tolerance, coexistence and acceptance around the world. The three later met behind closed doors at a secluded government guest house on the outskirts of the German capital. In statements to the press afterward, Sheikh Abdullah and Ashkenazi referred to each other as my friend and pledged to continue to work together. Ashkenazi, speaking through a translator, said the opportunity to visit the Holocaust Memorial with his Emirati counterpart had been a historical moment. Sheikh Abdullah, also speaking through a translator, thanked Maas for hosting their meeting and said he hoped the improved relations with Israel would provide new impetus toward stability and peace in the Middle East. Maas pledged Germanys support wherever it was desired. Before the talks, Maas said the courageous peace agreement between the two countries is the first good news from the Mideast in a long time, and at the same time an opportunity for new movement in the dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians. Germany is a strong supporter of Israel, but at the same time has been critical of its settlement policies and also works closely with the Palestinians and is in favour of a Palestinian state as part of a two state solution. Maas said courage and trust are what is needed in the Middle East peace process. We must seize this opportunity, and Germany and Europe want to help, Maas said. I hope that Berlin can offer a good framework to discuss further steps on this path. Read more about: NORWOOD, Mass., Oct. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MariMed Inc. (MRMD:OTCQX) (the Company or MariMed), a leading multi-state cannabis and hemp operator focused on health and wellness, today launched a new line of solventless concentrates under its Natures Heritage brand. Live rosin is a highly concentrated solvent-free cannabis hash oil where terpenes and cannabinoids are largely preserved from the natural plant. These Natures Heritage concentrates will be available in rotating varieties of sativa, indica, and hybrid strains. Our live rosin concentrates will provide the best option for the most discerning cannabis consumers and patients in Massachusetts, said Ryan Crandall, Chief Product Officer and SVP sales at MariMed. We made a strategic decision to produce this ultra-premium product based upon strong demand for solventless, flavorful, pure, and potent cannabis concentrates from a growing group of consumers. Adding live rosin and other advanced concentrates to our product portfolio will significantly expand our market share and revenue going forward. Sebastian Pollack, Product Engineer at MariMed, added, The process of creating live rosin cannot be rushed. Our proprietary process starts with the very best Natures Heritage flower and requires a dedicated focus to produce a truly exceptional product. We are confident that this is the highest-quality live rosin consumers can find in Massachusetts today. Natures Heritage has already established itself as one of the top-selling and most sought-after flower brands in Massachusetts and Maryland. The Company is now building on this success with the launch of live rosin and additional products, including other concentrates, a variety of RSO products, vaporizers, and pre-rolls, coming to market over the next several months, all within the Natures Heritage brand. For information on additional availability, please visit Natures Heritage at https://naturesheritagecannabis.com About MariMed: MariMed Inc., a multi-state cannabis operator, is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people through the use of cannabinoids and cannabis products. The Company develops, owns, and manages seed to sale state-licensed cannabis facilities, which are models of excellence in horticultural principles, cannabis cultivation, cannabis-infused products, and dispensary operations. MariMed has an experienced management team that has produced consistent growth and success for the Company and its managed business units. The Company is at the forefront of science and innovation through research developed by its lab technicians and medical advisors resulting in industry-leading products and brands, including "Betty's Eddies, Natures Heritage, Bourne Baking Co.", and Kalm Fusion. These precision dosed products are focused on specific symptoms and conditions and are licensed and distributed across the country. For additional information, visit marimedinc.com. Important Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to MariMed Inc. that is based on the beliefs of MariMed Inc.'s management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events, including estimates and projections about its business based on certain assumptions of its management, including those described in this Release. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including, among other factors, changes in demand for the Company's services and products, changes in the law and its enforcement and changes in the economic environment. Additional risk factors are included in the Company's public filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as "hoped," "anticipated," "believed," "planned, "estimated," "preparing," "potential," "expected," "looks" or words of a similar nature. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. None of the content of any of the websites referred to herein (even if a link is provided for your convenience) is incorporated into this release and the Company assumes no responsibility for any of such content. All trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Company Contact Jon Levine, CFO MariMed Inc. Tel (781) 559-8713 Media Contact Abigail Diehl MariMed Inc. adiehl@marimedinc.com Annie Graf KCSA Strategic Communications agraf@kcsa.com Investors KCSA Strategic Communications Scott Eckstein / Elizabeth Barker MRMD@kcsa.com People attend a Love World Peace Parade from Brandenburg gate to Victory Column in Berlin, Germany, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters Berlins senate is meeting on Tuesday to discuss what measures they can deploy to contain the surging numbers of new coronavirus cases in the capital. Berlin is the latest major EU capital to face a surge in cases. While its status-quo is not as critical as in Madrid, which has imposed a partial lockdown on more than three million inhabitants, or Paris, where bars and gyms will be shut for the next two weeks, Berlin authorities are anxious to get the rising infections under control. Four out of 12 districts in Berlin are in the red zone based on the last seven days new cases, meaning there have been more than 50 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The district of Neukolln recorded 87.6 cases per 100,000 in the past seven days. For the city as a whole, however, that figure is lower, at 34.5 per 100,000. If we don't act now, we'll end up in lockdown again, Berlin mayor Michael Muller told an evening news show on Monday. Muller had sharp words for the party-mad people meeting in Berlin parks. There are a few hundred who have been jeopardising our success for the entire urban community in recent months, he said. Watch: Merkel calls for courage in coronavirus crisis on Germany reunification anniversary READ MORE: More masks, less alcohol: German state that led first lockdown could re-impose rules A ban on alcohol sales after a cut-off time is one suggestion on the table at the Senates meeting today, as is potentially closing food and beverage outlets earlier in the evenings. Federal health minister Jens Spahn in turn criticised Berlin authorities for not enforcing the masks and distancing rules in the city. The official tourism board of Berlin said this week that it will pull all of its advertising for the time being. Burkhardt Kieker, the head of Visit Berlin, told Tagespiegel newspaper that it makes no sense to encourage people to visit the city in light of the growing coronavirus cases. Germanys total confirmed cases has now risen to 304,895, with 9,554 reported deaths from the virus. While those numbers remain much lower than in Spain, France, and the UK, chancellor Angela Merkel warned last month that the Germany risked surging cases like its EU neighbours if people began to ignore the rules on distancing, mask wearing and hygiene. Story continues Merkel reportedly told top party members in September that the number of cases could surge to over 19,000 a day if the upwards trend continues through the end of the year. Watch: What is a no-deal Brexit and what are the potential consequences? The open-air voting booths set up for business in front of San Franciscos Bill Graham Civic Auditorium are an indication of just how the coronavirus has affected the 2020 presidential election. Ballots are in the mail for all of Californias more than 21.2 million registered voters as the state tries to make it easier and safer for people to cast ballots in the Nov. 3 election without going to a polling place. Although Monday was the first day of early voting, its just another date on the calendar, said John Arntz, San Franciscos elections director. Weve been preparing for this for months, he said. In June, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a one-time-only bill making the November election a mail-ballot vote in hopes of protecting voters from the coronavirus, despite complaints from some Republicans that expanding the use of mail voting was a power grab by Democrats. Voting by mail has worked safely and securely in California for decades, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said at the time. Mailing every voter a ballot for this election is simply common sense. While every voter will get a ballot in the mail, that doesnt mean they actually have to vote by mail. Newsom has required every county to provide at least one in-person polling place for every 10,000 registered voters. Some counties are doing more than that. San Francisco, for example, will keep all of its 588 regular polling places open for election day, Arntz said, although some of them had to be moved to make it possible to meet social distancing and other safety concerns. Those safety issues are the reason the citys main voting center has moved outdoors from the cramped basement area of City Hall normally used for voting. The San Francisco voting center will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 2 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the two weekends before election day. Other Bay Area counties provide similar options for early voting. San Francisco is no longer asking voters to bring their mail ballots with them if they vote in person. Because every person will be getting a mail ballot, the city will provide each precinct with a list of their voters whose ballots have been received by the day before the election, Arntz said. The system also is designed to catch and disregard multiple ballots from the same voter. President Trump has slammed efforts by California and other states to boost mail voting numbers in response to the coronavirus. After Newsom announced his mail ballot plan, the president tweeted that There is NO WAY (ZERO) that Mail-In Ballots will be anything less than substantially fraudulent, and accused Newsom of trying to rig the election. But Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah and Hawaii already conduct their elections entirely by mail, and California isnt far behind. About two-thirds of the states voters already receive a mail ballot for every election and 72% of the votes cast in the March 3 primary were mail ballots. Not all of them came through the U.S. Postal Service. About 25% of our turnout is from people dropping off their ballots at polling places on election day, Arntz said. Those late-arriving mail ballots wont show up in the numbers released on election night, since they wont be counted until at least a day or two after the polls close. But since California allows mail ballots to be processed as soon as they are received, there should be plenty of results available almost as soon as the polls close. When mail ballots arrive, local election officials can remove them from their envelopes, verify the signatures, take them out of their sleeves and scan them into the counting machines. What we dont do is tabulate the ballots, Arntz said. When the polls close at 8 p.m. on election day, we push a button to count those early ballots. Thats not the case in a number of other states, including such political battlegrounds as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, where election officials cant even begin processing ballots until election day and in some cases until after the polls close, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. With the anticipated flood of mail ballots, the secretary of state is urging voters to sign up for Wheres My Ballot? which sends an automatic update when the county election office mails the ballot, when it receives the ballot back from the voter and when it has counted the ballot. It also will inform voters if there are any problems with the ballot. Advice to voters The California Voter Foundation suggests some ways voters can ensure their mail ballots are counted: Verify your registration status and voter address at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. Update your registration if you've moved or changed your name. Sign up for BallotTrax at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to see if your ballot has been counted. Don't mix up your ballot envelope with other voters' envelopes, since there is an individual identification code on each envelope. Remember to sign and date your ballot envelope before returning it. If you're unsure what your registration signature looks like, check your driver's license or state identification card. If you registered online or at the DMV, that's the signature on file with the county election office. Mailing a ballot on election day doesn't guarantee it will be postmarked by election day. If you're voting close to election day, return your ballot in person to a drop-off location, a polling place or the county election office. See More Collapse About 1.4 million Californians have already signed up for ballot tracking, said Sam Mahood, a spokesman for the secretary of state. Some voters have already received their notifications since some counties began mailing their ballots earlier than required last week. All state ballots had to be mailed by Monday, so voters should have those ballots by sometime this week. John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on life in the US as we know it. Closures, staff shortages, and in-person restrictions have greatly impacted those needing access to the healthcare system for non-COVID reasons, including those patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain and those with, or seeking treatment for, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Patients in underserved communities are often the most affected by disaster, and this COVID-19 crisis is no exception. Mounting evidence suggests the incidence of substance use is increasing during the pandemic. 1 US WorldMeds received FDA approval in 2018 for LUCEMYRA (lofexidine), an oral medication for the mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults. While not a treatment for OUD, LUCEMYRA is the only non-opioid medication approved by the FDA for treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms*. Additionally, the American Society of Addiction Medicine recently identified LUCEMYRA as the preferred non-opioid medication to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms in an outpatient setting2. * LUCEMYRA will not completely prevent the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and is not a treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. According to Bob James, PharmD, Director, Medical Affairs, "US WorldMeds recognizes that this may be a time when many patients are thrown into unplanned opioid withdrawal and need help with symptoms that can be devastating, even without the complication of quarantines and social distancing." Symptoms of opioid withdrawal, which can come on as quickly as 6 hours after stopping opioids, include aches and pains, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heart pounding, muscular tension, muscle spasms, chills, runny eyes, excessive yawning, and insomnia. US WorldMeds, in conjunction with FEMA and their partnership with Healthcare Ready, is making a donation of LUCEMYRA valued at approximately $100,000 to NorthLakes Community Clinic, a federally qualified health center located in northern Wisconsin. The donation will help appropriate patients who are facing unplanned withdrawal to have access to the medication at no charge. Federally Qualified Health Clinics such as NorthLakes Community Clinic provide vital medical support to those suffering with substance use disorders, including opioid abuse and addiction. According to Mark Lim, MD, NorthLakes' Recovery Medical Director, "As an addiction medicine physician, Lucemyra will be another tool that will help and assist our recovery community to get to treatment and eventually a road to recovery." About LUCEMYRA (lofexidine) LUCEMYRA (lofexidine), an oral tablet, is a central alpha 2-adrenergic agonist that reduces the release of norepinephrine to suppress the neurochemical surge that produces opioid withdrawal. It is indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults. In clinical trials, LUCEMYRA significantly reduced the severity of withdrawal symptoms compared to placebo as reported by patients experiencing opioid withdrawal. LUCEMYRA is usually administered in three 0.18 mg tablets taken orally four times daily at five- to six-hour intervals during the period of peak withdrawal symptoms (generally five to seven days following last use of opioids); total treatment may continue for up to 14 days. LUCEMYRA should be discontinued with gradual dose reduction over two to four days.3 Important Safety Information LUCEMYRA can cause serious side effects, including low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and fainting. Watch for symptoms of low blood pressure or heart rate, including dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint at rest or when quickly standing up; if you experience these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away and do not take your next dose of LUCEMYRA until you have talked to your healthcare provider. Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated and be careful not to stand up too suddenly from lying or sitting, as these may increase your risk of low blood pressure and fainting. When your treatment is complete, you will need to stop taking LUCEMYRA gradually, or your blood pressure could increase. After a period of not using opioid drugs, you can become more sensitive to the effects of opioids if you start using them again. This may increase your risk of overdose and death. Before taking LUCEMYRA, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you have low blood pressure, slow heart rate, any heart problems including history of heart attack or a condition called long QT syndrome, liver or kidney problems, or if you drink alcohol. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding; it is not known if LUCEMYRA can harm your unborn baby or whether LUCEMYRA passes into your breast milk. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take benzodiazepines, barbiturates, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills, as taking these with LUCEMYRA can cause serious side effects. The most common side effects of LUCEMYRA include low blood pressure or symptoms of low blood pressure such as lightheadedness, slow heart rate, dizziness, sleepiness, and dry mouth. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS or product complaints, contact US WorldMeds at 1-833-LUCEMYRA. You may also report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Click here to see full Prescribing Information. About Opioid Withdrawal Opioids lower norepinephrine, a brain chemical that supports vital functions like respiration and consciousness. With continued opioid use, the brain establishes a new equilibrium by increasing compensatory norepinephrine production in order to maintain normal functioning. When opioids are removed, or the dose significantly reduced, the brain's increased norepinephrine levels are no longer offset by the presence of the opioids. This results in a norepinephrine surge that produces the acute and painful symptoms of withdrawal. About US WorldMeds US WorldMeds is a specialty pharmaceutical company whose treatment options are making a difference in the lives of the patients and communities it serves. US WorldMeds takes an agile and personal approach to pharmaceuticals pioneering research and product development in therapeutic areas that desperately need new solutions. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, US WorldMeds has global presence and more than 15 years of experience in the development, licensure, and commercialization of unique products. For more information about US WorldMeds, visit http://www.usworldmeds.com/. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and on Facebook. About Healthcare Ready Healthcare Ready (formerly Rx Response) helps to strengthen healthcare supply chains through collaboration with public health and private sectors by addressing pressing issues before, during, and after disasters. As the convener of industry and government, they safeguard patient health by providing solutions to critical problems and provide best practices for healthcare preparedness and response. https://healthcareready.org/ About NorthLakes Community Clinic NorthLakes Community Clinic is a federally qualified health center located in northern Wisconsin, with a primary focus of serving Medicaid and underinsured patients, along with underserved rural residents. NorthLakes provides comprehensive, integrated, whole person care including medical, prenatal, dental, behavioral health, substance use disorder/AODA and recovery services, pharmacy, optometry, psychiatry, pediatric speech and occupational therapy, chiropractic, laboratory and X-ray services. Their fully integrated Recovery Program includes behavioral health and substance use disorder counseling, medication-assisted recovery services as well as clinical and psycho-social wrap-around services. https://nlccwi.org/. References: The Escalation of the Opioid Epidemic Due to COVID-19 and Resulting Lessons About Treatment Alternatives. Silva M., Kelly Z., AJMC;26(7) June 2020 ASAM National Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder, 2020 Focused Update LUCEMYRA [Prescribing Information]. Louisville, KY: USWM, LLC; 2018. USWMLUC-00335 Media inquiries: Doug Zink [email protected] (513) 846-0093 SOURCE US WorldMeds, LLC HONG KONG, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Conde Nast Traveler today announced the highly anticipated results of its 33rd annual Readers' Choice Awards, recognizing a record twenty properties within the esteemed Rosewood Hotels & Resorts collection with top honors in each of their respective categories. Following the brand's continued presence on the influential awards list over the past decade, 2020 presents another significant year of achievements for Rosewood, with three properties receiving first place honors and four properties placing second in their respective categories. Three Rosewood properties were recognized amongst the 50 "Best Hotels in the World," including Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Rosewood Washington, D.C. and Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. For the second year in a row, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende received number one in the "Top Hotels in Mexico" category. The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel and Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek also received the number one position within the "Top Hotels in New York" and "Top Hotels in Texas" categories, respectively. An additional five hotels placed in the top five on their regional lists, with second place rankings for Rosewood Washington, D.C. in the "Top Hotels in Washington, D.C." category; Rosewood Luang Prabang in the "Top Hotels in Asia" category; Rosewood London in the "Top Hotels in London" category; and Rosewood Mayakoba in the "Top Resorts in Eastern Mexico" category. Notably, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, which opened in January 2020 following a four-year closure and property-wide reimagination, ranked seventh in the "Top Resorts in the Caribbean" category, while Rosewood Phuket made its debut on the list among the "Top Hotels in Thailand." Equally impressive, 2020 also marks the ninth consecutive year that Rosewood Mayakoba, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende and Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort have been recognized by the prestigious awards program. "We are proud to see so many of our properties honored by Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards," said Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. "The recognition is exceptionally rewarding now, at a moment when the travel and hospitality industries are in a state of evolution, as they demonstrate the lasting influence of meaningful and transformative travel and the importance of intuitive service in delivering an exceptional experience that stands the test of time." The complete list of awarded Rosewood properties on this year's Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards include: The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (New York, NY); Rosewood Washington, D.C. (Washington, D.C.); Rosewood Sand Hill (Menlo Park, CA); Rosewood Miramar Beach (Montecito, CA); Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi (Santa Fe, NM); Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (Dallas, TX); Rosewood Mayakoba (Riviera Maya, Mexico); Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort (Los Cabos, Mexico); Rosewood San Miguel de Allende (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico); Rosewood Baha Mar (Nassau, The Bahamas); Rosewood Bermuda (Bermuda); Rosewood Little Dix Bay (Virgin Gorda, BVIs); Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco (Tuscany, Italy); Rosewood London (London, UK); Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel (Paris, France); Rosewood Beijing (Beijing, China); Rosewood Hong Kong (Hong Kong, SAR); Rosewood Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh, Cambodia); Rosewood Phuket (Phuket, Thailand) and Rosewood Luang Prabang (Luang Prabang, Laos). More than 700,000 readers submitted an incredible number of ratings sharing their travel experiences across the globe to determine the results of Conde Nast Traveler's 2020 Readers' Choice Awards, which constitute the longest-running recognition of excellence in the travel industry. The 2020 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Conde Nast Traveler's website and celebrated in the November issue of Conde Nast Traveler US and UK print editions. The full list of winners can be found here. About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages 28 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences in 16 countries, with 21 new properties under development. Each Rosewood property embraces the brand's A Sense of Place philosophy to reflect the individual location's history, culture and sensibilities. The Rosewood collection includes some of the world's most legendary hotels and resorts, including The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Hong Kong. For those who wish to stay a little longer, Rosewood Residences offer a distinct opportunity for ownership or rent in extraordinary destinations within the brand's wide-ranging portfolio. For more information: rosewoodhotels.com Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram WeChat @RosewoodHotels About Conde Nast Traveler Conde Nast Traveler is the world's most distinguished travel title providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers. Authoritative and influential, Conde Nast Traveler is a multi-platform, transatlantic brand. Publishing US and UK print editions under Editor-in-Chief Melinda Stevens, Conde Nast Traveler offers award-winning expertise in luxury travel from around the world. For more, visit www.cntraveler.com. Media Contacts: North America United Kingdom Kendall Trainer Amelia Strange Nike Communications Bacchus PR Telephone: +1 646 654 3438 Telephone: +44 20 8968 0202 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mainland China Hong Kong SAR Alex Tang Rachel Yip Act of Assembly Six Degrees PR Telephone: + 86 21 6219 5832 Telephone: +852 9678 1981 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Thailand and Southeast Asia Japan Nopnarit Lieopanich (Zaadeu) Mayumi Abe Snaith Z Communications Colours PR Telephone: +66 81 444 8444 Telephone: +81 80 3256 0766 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] SOURCE Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Related Links http://www.rosewoodhotels.com KEY HIGHLIGHTS Air India has been in the forefront in carrying out the world's largest expatriation exercise ever since the pandemic was first reported in Wuhan, China. Flag carrier along with its subsidiary Air India Express has operated a little over 3,037 inbound flights in the last six phases of the Vande Bharat mission carrying 5.17 lakh Indian nationals. Air India group has gradually increased the number of special flights. Air India's top executive leading the Vande Bharat mission to bring back Indians from pandemic-hit countries has been infected with coronavirus. Meenakshi Malik, Commercial Director, last week tested positive and has been in home quarantine. Sources said that almost half a dozen members of her team have also contracted the disease and are under medical observation. Air India has been in the forefront in carrying out the world's largest expatriation exercise ever since the pandemic was first reported in Wuhan, China. The airline has so far operated flights to 75 foreign destinations in 54 countries. "Many executives in the Commercial department have tested positive. Commercial Director has not been attending office after she tested positive. She had attended office all along to manage special flights," said an airline source. In the wake of rising coronavirus cases, the government had suspended scheduled international flights in the last week of March. Vande Bharat mission was, however, launched on May 6 to bring back stranded Indians by special flights. An Air India executive said that the flag carrier along with its subsidiary Air India Express has operated a little over 3,037 inbound flights in the last six phases of the Vande Bharat mission carrying 5.17 lakh Indian nationals. Almost the same number of outbound flights have been operated flying out 2.79 lakh passengers. "Some more flights would be added to the Vande Bharat mission. It's an ongoing process. Depending on the demand, additional flights are being operated," the official said. With Air India being the lone carrier with wide-body jets in its fleet, the airline has been operating long-haul special flights to US, Canada and Europe. Air India group has gradually increased the number of special flights. In the first phase of Vande Bharat Mission, it operated 128 flights (both inbound and outbound) which has now gone up to over 1,600 flights. Also read: COVID-19 pandemic: 7 major countries where Indians are not allowed to travel Also read: India extends ban on international flights till October 31 MPs overwhelmingly backed the controversial Rule of Six in a Commons vote tonight - but Boris Johnson was left in no doubt about the anger on the Tory backbenches. The Covid-19 regulations which enforce the rules on gatherings in England was passed by 287 votes to 17 - a majority of 270 - in Westminster. The regulations are already in force, with the motion simply offering a retrospective vote on it. But a slew of Tories indicated they would abstain rather than support it, using the debate beforehand to attack Government ministers over the scope of the rules. Steve Baker, a former Brexit minister, said he had 'real concerns' about the 'appalling' cost of the measures, while Sir Graham Brady, the leader of the influential 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, descrbied the measures as a 'massive intrusion into the private lives of the British people'. And fellow MP Huw Merriman, who is chair of the transport select committee, said he feared the measures would do 'more harm than good.' However, there was little prospect of the measures failing to pass the Commons vote after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told reporters on Tuesday that his party would back the measures. Scroll down for video. MPs overwhelmingly backed the controversial Rule of Six in a Commons vote tonight - but Boris Johnson was left in no doubt about the anger on the Tory backbenches. Pictured: Students ignoring the Rule of Six as they enjoy a night out in Leeds in September The Covid-19 regulations which enforce the rules on gatherings in England was passed by 287 votes to 17 - a majority of 270 - in Westminster Setting out his opposition ahead of the vote, Mr Baker said: 'I have real concerns about the very high cost of these measures. Boris Johnson faces ministerial revolt over tougher crackdown plans Boris Johnson is facing a 'cabinet row' over plans for a tougher coronavirus crackdown, as Northern city leaders last night pleaded with ministers not to impose lockdown-style measures. Amid growing talk of a Tory back bench rebellion over his 10pm Covid curfew, the Prime Minister is said to be facing a deepening split between senior ministers - some of whom want to protect the economy and others who are calling for tougher restrictions. It comes as leaders from four Covid-hit northern cities, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle have written to Mr Johnson begging him not to ramp-up curbs. Meanwhile, the government's scientific advisors have demand reportedly demanded ministers take 'urgent and drastic action' to curb spiralling infection figures and growing hospital admission. The warning came as Rishi Sunak last night made an 11th-hour intervention to delay the announcement of a new three-tier Covid alert system, the Telegraph reports. In a bid for tighter control over any new lockdown measures, the Chancellor is understood to want to create a new three-person committee of himself, the Prime Minister and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, to decide which towns are placed into the highest alert level, the paper reports. Such a committee would exclude restriction-favouring Michael Gove from the decision-making process, the paper adds. It comes amid growing discontent among Tory backbenchers over the government's 10pm curfew on hospitality businesses. Yesterday a parliamentary vote on the curfew was delayed until next Monday following reports that Tory MPs were planning to join forces with Labour and vote down the plans. Advertisement '[It is an] absolutely appalling set of costs which people are bearing and the anecdotes now [are] increasingly rising of poor compliance, indeed people seem to have a gap between their intentions to comply versus what they actually do.' He added: 'It's not clear now that the benefit outweighs the costs of lockdown. We have to ask whether this set of circumstances is really what we want. 'We're hearing about people who are being destroyed by this lockdown, strong, confident people, outgoing people, gregarious people who are being destroyed and reduced to repeated episodes of tears on the phone. 'This is a devastating social impact on our society and I believe that people would make different choices were they the ones able to take responsibility for themselves.' Mr Brady, who voted against the Rule of Six, said: 'These rules are a massive intrusion into the liberty and private lives of the whole British people and they are having a devastating economic effect as well which will result in big job losses and masses of business failures.' Last week, Boris Johnson hinted the Rule of Six could be suspended on Christmas Day to ensure a family of five can have both grandparents round for festive lunch. He had stressed the Government would do 'everything we can to make sure Christmas for everybody is as normal as possible'. At the end of September, a desperate PM pleaded for Britons to 'save Christmas' by obeying his Rule of Six. But in Tuesday's debate, Mr Baker was joined by other Tory MPs who were opposed to the measure entirely. Bexhill Tory MP Huw Merriman warned the measure was doing 'more harm than good'. He said: 'I do not see the evidence in terms of how this will reduce the rates of Covid. My biggest concern is we are ruling by consent, we need people to come with us. When people look at these rules, people I speak to who have been absolutely religious devotees of lockdown, they now say Im just not going to do this any more. 'And the concern is that they wont follow some of the other rules that do make sense that we should have in place. He added: 'Now I look for that evidence, but I still don't see it. 'On that basis, I am afraid that I am unable to vote for the rule of six because I just do not believe it is proportionate and that it will actually do what the Government hopes it will do, and I hope and fear that it will actually do more harm than good.' Despite the vocal opposition from some quarters, the Rule of Six passed with ease Steve Baker, a former Brexit minister said: 'I have real concerns about the very high cost of these measures' Ministers are under pressure from Tory MPs to scrap the Rule of Six and the 10pm curfew in England, amid claims such intrusive measures are not justified by the evidence and damage the economy. The truth about England's second wave of Covid-19: Hospitalisations are 6% of peak levels in the South but 30% in the North The numbers of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 have levelled off in huge areas of England as data suggests the country is being dragged into panic by an out-of-control outbreak in the north. In London, the South East and the South West home to around half of the country's population of 55million daily admissions appear to be plateauing after rising in line with cases during September from a low point over the summer. However, admissions are still accelerating in the North West, North East and Yorkshire, where new local lockdowns are springing up every week and positive tests are spiralling to record numbers. But as talk grows of a second national lockdown when winter hits, figures suggests the south faces being lumped under rules it doesn't need. The picture is more complex in the Midlands and the East of England in the Midlands hospitalisations rose dramatically during September but there are signs they have peaked now, while admissions appear to still be rising slowly in the East, although at significantly lower levels than in the northern regions. Numbers of people in hospital in the worst affected areas have hit almost a third of what they were during the peak of the crisis in April, while in the south of the country they are still much lower at around six per cent. In the North West there are now an average of 107 people admitted to hospital with coronavirus every day, along with 94 per day in the North East. Both figures are the highest seen since May and do not show signs of slowing. For comparison, the rates at their peak for each region were around 2,900 and 2,600 per day, respectively. On the other hand in London, where officials are reportedly discussing tougher measures, there are just 34 admissions per day down from an average 39 on September 25 and just 4.5 per cent of the level seen at the peak of the crisis in April. And in the South West, which has been least badly hit throughout the pandemic, just eight people are sent into hospital each day six per cent of the peak number. Advertisement The Government was braced for a potential backbench rebellion tonight, but Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party would back the Government. He told the media today: 'We will support on the rule of six. There are, of course, arguments about whether it should be six or a different number, I think clarity and simplicity is really important here and therefore we will support the rule of six tonight.' Before the vote, Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 committee of Tory backbenchers, asked whether the Government had considered a 'rule of eight' instead. During a Commons debate on Covid-19 regulations, he said: 'Can she (health minister Helen Whately) share with us her estimate of the efficacy of the rule of six compared to that of a rule of eight had that been introduced instead. 'Is the rule of six more or less effective than a ban on household mixing?' He added: 'These rules are a massive intrusion into the liberty and private lives of the whole British people, and they're having a devastating economic effect as well which will result in big job losses and masses of business failures.' And former international development minister Sir Desmond Swayne took aim at the rule of six and the lack of justification offered by the Government, telling the Commons: 'Can I suggest (a rule of) 10 then we can count them on our fingers, that would be simple enough, wouldn't it?' Shadow health minister Justin Madders questioned what would happen at Halloween, asking: 'It's always a busy night for the police but this year they will have the added burden of breaking up groups of children if they become too big. 'So, given those children probably spent all day with the very same kids at school in groups far larger than six, I say good luck to the officer who tries to explain to them why their parents are going to get a fine for this. 'If that's what's going to happen, I'd be grateful if the minister could confirm that, I think there's going to need to be a very clear public message and campaign on this - or will there be an exception?' Earlier, Mr Whatley faced criticism from ministers after suggesting the alternative to measures was to allow the virus to 'let rip'. The debate came as reports last night claimed Boris Johnson is facing a 'cabinet row' over plans for a tougher coronavirus crackdown, as Northern city leaders last night pleaded with ministers not to impose lockdown-style measures. Amid growing talk of a Tory back bench rebellion over his 10pm Covid curfew, the Prime Minister is said to be facing a deepening split between senior ministers - some of whom want to protect the economy and others who are calling for tougher restrictions. It comes as leaders from four Covid-hit northern cities, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle have written to Mr Johnson begging him not to ramp-up curbs. Meanwhile, the government's scientific advisors have demand reportedly demanded ministers take 'urgent and drastic action' to curb spiralling infection figures and growing hospital admission. The warning came as Rishi Sunak yesterday made an 11th-hour intervention to delay the announcement of a new three-tier Covid alert system, the Telegraph reports. Boris Johnson is facing a cabinet row over his tougher coronavirus crackdown plans, according to reports, as Northern city leaders last night pleaded with ministers not to impose lockdown-style measures. It comes as Rishi Sunak made an 11th-hour intervention to delay the announcement of a new three-tier Covid alert system, the Telegraph reports. In a bid for tighter control over any new lockdown measures, the Chancellor is understood to want to create a new three-person committee of himself, the Prime Minister and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, to decide which towns are placed into the highest alert level, the paper reports. Such a committee would exclude restriction-favouring Michael Gove from the decision-making process, the paper adds. The reports come amid growing discontent among Tory backbenchers over the government's 10pm curfew on hospitality businesses. Yesterday a parliamentary vote on the curfew was delayed until next Monday following reports that Tory MPs were planning to join forces with Labour and vote down the plans. Meanwhile, fresh speculation about further government action intensified yesterday as the UK reported 14,542 new coronavirus cases an increase of almost 2,000 on the previous 24 hours. The increase continued after a return to correct figures, following two days of abnormal data cased by a 'computer glitch' which saw 16,000 cases missed off the government's reporting system. Last night, Test and Trace call handlers continued to scramble to find 6,000 remaining positive cases in a bid to track down those they may have come into contact to - who may themselves now be spreading the virus unknowingly, the Telegraph reports. Along with growing infection data, yesterday's figures also showed a rise in hospitalisations to the highest daily total in four months. In another blow to hopes the virus is being brought under control, official NHS data shows there were 478 new hospital admissions in England on Sunday - the most recent day figures are available for. The figure is 25 per cent increase on Saturday's data, when 386 people were admitted the hospital with Covid-19. It also represents a four-month high, the likes of which have not been seen since June 3, when the figure was 491. Data also shows the number of people on ventilators is on the rise, from 259 a week ago to 349 on Sunday. But while hospital admissions have increased, the number of people dying in hospital of the virus remains considerably lower than at the start of the pandemic. On top of that, figures show hospital admission figures are still low in some areas, such as the south of England. The latest surge in cases has been particularly acute across major cities in the North and Midlands, with Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle and Nottingham all recording big increases driven in part by the return of university students. Plans are being finalised for a new three-tier system to tackle local outbreaks that could see pubs, restaurants and cinemas shut in parts of England. These were expected to be unveiled next week but could be brought forward to the end of this week if current trends continue. Officials have also refused to rule out further national measures. In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced new restrictions would come into effect from Friday. Britain has recorded 14,542 more coronavirus cases as the number of people testing positive for the virus every day triples in a fortnight Another 76 deaths were also recorded today which is more than double the number of victims posted last Tuesday, when there were 35 fatalities But Ms Sturgeon used her daily press conference to say the measures to be revealed at Holyrood would not amount to another full lockdown. She said the new measures will not include travel restrictions on the whole country - though such restrictions may sometimes be necessary in 'hotspot' areas - and the public will not be asked to stay in their own homes. Speaking at the daily briefing in Edinburgh, she said schools will not be closed 'wholly or even partially', and the Scottish Government will not 'shut down the entire economy' or 'halt the remobilisation of the NHS'. 'We are not proposing another lockdown at this stage,' Ms Sturgeon said. 'Not even on a temporary basis.' Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - warned this morning that pubs could have to shut altogether in parts of England to keep schools open. The Westminster government's Covid modelling guru said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. Last week, Boris Johnson hinted the Rule of Six could be suspended on Christmas Day to ensure a family of five can have both grandparents round for festive lunch Pictured: House of Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle during Tuesday's debate He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. Asked if more restrictions are coming for Liverpool and Newcastle, the Prime minister's official spokesman said on Tuesday: 'We keep the data under constant review by looking at a wide range of data in terms of the number of positive cases per 100,000 people, also the number of hospitalisations, the number of people who are moved into intensive care units and also sadly the number of deaths. 'We have always set out that if there is a need to go further on a local basis then we won't hesitate to do what is required to protect the NHS and protect lives.' An NHS source revealed last night to the The Sun they had been told another Scottish lockdown was coming. They added: 'We've been told to expect it from 7pm on Friday.' Figures published for the first time yesterday show 43 per cent of all cases across Scotland last week were in only two council areas - Glasgow and Edinburgh. UK 'is heading for three-tier lockdown announcement THIS WEEK': PM prepares new system of regional rules with Liverpool and Newcastle on alert for tougher curbs as Nicola Sturgeon warns of 'localised restrictions' in Scotland from Friday By David Wilcock, Whitehall Correspondent for MailOnline Parts of England could face draconian new lockdown measures within days under plans for a local 'Covid alert' system. Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to unveil details of the three-tier set-up as early as Thursday in an attempt to make the existing patchwork of restrictions easier to understand. Government sources said the top tier would include tougher restrictions than those currently applied to millions of people living across the North and Midlands. A planned 'traffic light' system of measures will be redesigned after data from thousands of 'missing' cases revealed that the virus was spreading much faster than previously thought in cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield. Ministers will meet in the coming days to thrash out exactly how far to go. Cities including Sheffield, Oxford and Nottingham seemingly at risk of harsher restrictions as Boris Johnson tries to get a grip on local flare-ups. Options include the closure of pubs, restaurants and cinemas, a ban on social mixing outside household groups, and restrictions on overnight stays. Sources refused to rule out the possibility that some towns and cities could be placed immediately into the top tier, despite the fact that death rates remain low. It came as Nicola Sturgeon announced new restrictions would be announced for Scotland tomorrow, to come into effect from Friday. But the First Minister used her daily press conference to say the measures to be revealed at Holyrood would not amount to another full lockdown. Nicola Sturgeon announced new restrictions would be announced for Scotland tomorrow, to come into effect from Friday, but they would not constitute a new lockdown Cities including Sheffield, Oxford and Nottingham seemingly at risk of harsher restrictions as Boris Johnson (pictured today) tries to get a grip on local flare-ups Coronavirus cases in Scotland have been rising sharply since the beginning of September PM channels Maggie with Tory conference speech Boris Johnson pleaded for Tories to keep faith in his instincts and handling of the coronavirus crisis today, setting out a true blue vision for Britain after the disease is defeated. The PM admitted 2020 'has not been the year we imagined' but insisted the devastating effects of the pandemic would not prevent the government pushing its 'levelling up' agenda after Brexit. In an address to the 'virtual' Tory conference, Mr Johnson - deprived of his usual interaction with a live audience - said he was 'working for the day when life is back to normal', appealing for people not to let the gruelling lockdown 'get us down'. Nodding to rising Conservative anger about infringement of civil liberties and lockdown strangling the economy, he said he 'deeply regretted' the restrictions the government was imposing - but he warned there was 'simply no reasonable alternative'. Scrambling to reassure those questioning his Tory values, he promised to roll back the state as soon as possible, slamming the idea that the taxpayer could be 'Uncle Sugar' and keep funding every part of the economy, and praising entrepreneurs. Mr Johnson also channeled the spirit of Thatcher's 1980s revolution by pledging to save the dream of home ownership for a new generation with 95 per cent mortgages. And he lashed out at those calling for the country to paper over its colonial past, saying he was 'not embarrassed' to sing Rule Britannia. He said returning to the same way of doing things would not be enough, and the government was determined to 'build back better'. It was 'in crises like this' that real change could be made, and he would seize the moment to do so. The premier delivered an angry response to claims that he has 'lost his mojo' and not fully recovered from his own brush with coronavirus, offering to 'arm wrestle or leg wrestle' to prove them wrong. Advertisement She said the new measures will not include travel restrictions on the whole country - though such restrictions may sometimes be necessary in 'hotspot' areas - and the public will not be asked to stay in their own homes. Speaking at the daily briefing in Edinburgh, she said schools will not be closed 'wholly or even partially', and the Scottish Government will not 'shut down the entire economy' or 'halt the remobilisation of the NHS'. 'We are not proposing another lockdown at this stage,' Ms Sturgeon said. 'Not even on a temporary basis.' Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - warned this morning that pubs could have to shut altogether in parts of England to keep schools open. The Westminster government's Covid modelling guru said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. However, the problems the PM would face in pushing through such restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs. Asked if more restrictions are coming for Liverpool and Newcastle, the Prime minister's official spokesman said today: 'We keep the data under constant review by looking at a wide range of data in terms of the number of positive cases per 100,000 people, also the number of hospitalisations, the number of people who are moved into intensive care units and also sadly the number of deaths. 'We have always set out that if there is a need to go further on a local basis then we won't hesitate to do what is required to protect the NHS and protect lives.' An NHS source revealed last night to the The Sun they had been told another Scottish lockdown was coming. They added: 'We've been told to expect it from 7pm on Friday.' Figures published for the first time yesterday show 43 per cent of all cases across Scotland last week were in only two council areas - Glasgow and Edinburgh. It sparked renewed calls for Ms Sturgeon to avoid imposing draconian restrictions on parts of the country with low virus rates. But a recent Government report warned there could be another 100,000 job losses by the end of the year. Tim Allan, of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Talk of a further blanket lockdown is unacceptable to Scottish businesses. 'It would damage consumer and business confidence, which have already taken an unprecedented economic hit throughout this crisis. Testing centres, like this one in Glasgow, have seen a steady stream of traffic going inside Coronavirus social distancing measures seen being observed at a restaurant in Edinburgh Tightened rules in Scotland could be 'final act' for tourism Scots tourism chiefs warned any further restrictions on businesses could be the 'final act' which would see them permanently closed. Industry leaders said 'widespread' mass redundancies are inevitable as the furlough scheme winds down and any further action by Holyrood would exacerbate the problem. The Scottish Tourism Alliance warned many businesses had already started to make decisions on job losses and closing down for the winter. Chief executive Marc Crothall said new rules had already seen self-catering businesses suffer widespread cancellations, while many restaurants had seen their takings nearly cut in half due to the 10pm curfew. Mr Crothall said: 'The direct impact of the recent new restrictions is seeing businesses accelerating decisions on having to let staff go. 'We are hearing stories of increasing numbers of losses coming sooner than many people had hoped. 'A circuit breaker will have a really big bearing on the sector. 'There's no evidence of any kind of targeted and tailored support package for the industry. 'Without that, it could well be the final act for many businesses.' VisitScotland's chief executive, Malcolm Roughead, said it was clear the industry was 'struggling' to withstand the impact of new coronavirus restrictions imposed last month. He said businesses were facing an uncertain future after a ban groups from more than one household from booking self-catering accommodation together. Advertisement 'Returning to national lockdown measures will take our economy back to square one - we simply cannot continue to keep switching the lights of the economy on and off. It risks not just jobs but the wellbeing of entire communities. 'Instead, we should focus on using the evidence we have to target problem areas. The data the Scottish Government now has is sophisticated and detailed and will show in which environments and geographical areas the virus is spreading. 'We know the virus will be with us for a long time. We must learn to manage it so we can carry on with our lives and protect livelihoods while keeping the risk of transmission as low as possible.' New data published by Public Health Scotland puts five councils in the 'red alert' category as they have had more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over the past week: Glasgow, Edinburgh, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire. Out of Scotland's 32 council areas, 43.4 per cent of all cases were in only two, Glasgow and Edinburgh, between September 27 and October 3. In Glasgow, there were 1,224 cases - or 193 per 100,000 people - while in Edinburgh there were 750 cases, or 143 per 100,000. There was not a single positive case in Orkney or Shetland. Moray had only five cases per 100,000, Aberdeenshire 14, Clackmannanshire 15, Perth and Kinross 20 and 26 in Angus. Murdo Fraser, Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: 'I don't believe there needs to be general nationwide restrictions when you see figures like this. 'We saw a local lockdown in Aberdeen when there was a recent spiking of cases there. If, as has been suggested, we see more restrictions introduced in coming days, then I feel it is essential that they are targeted at specific problem areas, instead of right across the country.' Asked yesterday if blanket measures will be introduced, Ms Sturgeon said that would be one of the 'key considerations'. She added: 'If we feel there are further restrictions needed, are they needed nationwide or are they needed on a local or regional basis? We haven't taken a decision on that. 'Although we're seeing in West Central Scotland and in Lothian particularly high numbers of cases and levels of infection, it would be wrong to suggest we're not seeing rising infection in pretty much every part of the country. We are.' Ms Sturgeon said that on most days over the past week there have been cases in every mainland health board area, as well as some islands. She added: 'There is a rising tide of infection across the country, albeit it is higher in some parts than in others. The problems the PM (pictured in Downing Street today) faces in pushing through tougher coronavirus restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs Infections in the UK have rocketed in the past few days due to an embarassing counting error Scotland can be seen to have had increased infections that a lot of certain parts of England 'Part of our consideration about restrictions also requires us to take account of not just reacting to a problem that is there, but also are you wiser to take preventative action in areas where it might not look like there is as big a problem now, but if you act you can stop a problem developing.' Meanwhile, parts of the UK - including a number of university cities - could be plunged into local lockdown within days after 'missed' Test and Trace data belatedly revealed soaring infection figures. Cities including Sheffield and Oxford are among a dozen areas which have seen their coronavirus infection figures soar following the 'computer glitch', which meant 16,000 cases were missed off Public Health England's reporting system. Residents in Nottingham, which has two universities, have reportedly been told to brace for lockdown measures, according to the Telegraph. The city, which is home to Nottingham University and Nottingham Trent University, was previously not on the Government's Covid 'watch list'. But the updated data reveals the city would have been one of the worst areas in the country last week when compared with the pre-adujsted figures. Neil Ferguson (right) - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - said pubs might need to close to keep schools open. Steve Baker (left) is leading a Tory revolt against the existing restrictions The Department for Health insist the new figures do not impact its watch list or alter current restriction in the area, according to the paper. It comes as new figures today revealed that cases are rocketing in some of the North's biggest cities. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham have all seen huge jumps, in some instances to a rate of 500 cases per 100,000 people. That triggered a fresh round of frenzied speculation about tougher local lockdowns yesterday, with the threat of further restrictions later this week. Manchester's weekly rate more than doubled to 2,927 in the week to October 2 equal to almost 530 cases per 100,000 people. Liverpool was not far behind, with cases per 100,000 jumping from 306 to 487 in a week. Cases in Sheffield almost trebled from just over 100 per 100,000 to 286. In Newcastle, the rate leapt from 268 to 435. Professor Lockdown warns pubs might close to save schools as PM faces Tory mutiny The government's Covid modelling guru today warned pubs could have to shut altogether to keep schools open - as Boris Johnson faces a Tory revolt against the 10pm curfew. Neil Ferguson - known as 'Professor Lockdown' - said the extra cases added to the UK's tally after an Excel blunder painted a 'sobering' picture of the outbreak. He said it was not clear that the government could contain the virus while keeping children in secondary schools - and suggested that the wider population will have to 'give up more' to maintain the education provision. That could include shutting bars and restaurants altogether, as well as extending the October half-term for a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown to break transmission chains. However, the problems the PM would face in pushing through such restrictions was laid bare with Conservatives threatening a bid to strike out the existing measures, including the Rule of Six and the 10pm closing time for pubs. Anger has been growing on the Tory benches over the government's refusal to exempt younger children from the Rule of Six - as happens in Scotland - while many believe that the curfew is causing more harm than good by fueling revelry on the streets and house parties. Advertisement Many of the biggest rises are in cities with large student populations. Mr Hancock said outbreaks on campuses would not necessarily lead to tougher restrictions for the wider community if they could be contained. Meanwhile, Covid contact tracers were last night desperately trying to hunt down tens of thousands of potentially infectious Britons after the full impact of the IT blunder was laid bare. Ministers admitted yesterday that officials had managed to get in touch with only half of the 16,000 left off the Government's daily tally of confirmed virus cases last week. Estimates have suggested these people could have as many as 50,000 potentially infectious contacts needing to be traced and told to isolate. The 697 positive cases confirmed yesterday across Scotland amounted to 12.8 per cent of newly tested patients. The number of people in hospital with the virus increased by eight, to 218, while those in intensive care remained unchanged at 22, and there were no new deaths. Ms Sturgeon said there were more young people testing positive than at the start of the pandemic, but warned more older people had been catching the virus in recent weeks. She said: 'This is a very important point, and actually one of the key points in our consideration of next steps in the days to come.' 'It risks wellbeing of entire communities' In the UK it is predicated that a number of university cities could be put into local lockdown days after a test and trace counting blunder rocked the infection logging system. Cities including Sheffield, Leeds and Oxford are among a dozen areas which have seen their coronavirus infection figures soar following the 'computer glitch', which meant 16,000 cases were missed off Public Health England's reporting system. Residents in Nottingham, which has two universities, have reportedly been told to The Department for Health insist the new figures do not impact its watch list or alter current restriction in the area. It came as it was revealed cases were rocketing in some of the North's biggest cities. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham have all seen huge jumps, in some instances to a rate of 500 cases per 100,000 people. That triggered a fresh round of frenzied speculation about tougher local lockdowns yesterday, with the threat of further restrictions later this week. Manchester's weekly rate more than doubled to 2,927 in the week to October 2 equal to almost 530 cases per 100,000 people. Tony Potts, a 69-year-old retiree living in Ormond Beach, receives his first injection as a participant in a Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial sponsored by Moderna at Accel Research Sites on August 4, 2020 in DeLand, Florida. Private contractors hired by Moderna to recruit volunteers for its coronavirus vaccine trial failed to enroll enough Black, Latino and Native American participants to determine how well the vaccine works in these populations, company executives and vaccine researchers told Reuters. To make up for the shortfall, Moderna slowed enrollment of its late-stage trial and instructed research centers to focus on increasing participation among minority volunteers, the company said. The effort is being bolstered by academic researchers who have longstanding relationships with organizations in Black and other minority communities. Five investigators working on the Moderna trial said in interviews that commercial site investigators quickly filled a large portion of the 30,000-person study with mostly white volunteers. But Covid-19 infects Blacks in the United States at nearly three times the rate of white Americans, and they are twice as likely to die from the virus, according to a report by the National Urban League and other studies. And communities of color count prominently among healthcare workers and populations at high risk of Covid-19 complications, making them among the first likely to be eligible for a new vaccine, experts said. Dr. Paul Evans, chief executive of Velocity Clinical Research in Durham, North Carolina, whose company was hired to test the Moderna vaccine at five sites, said efforts to enroll volunteers from diverse backgrounds to provide proper population balance is "notoriously difficult" in any clinical trial. "If there's a problem with recruiting minorities, and there is, you can't fix that overnight," he said. Black Americans made up only about 7% of the trial as of Sept. 17. That should be closer to 13% to reflect the actual U.S. population. During the last two weeks of September, Moderna said it increased the proportion of Black enrollment, but declined to provide details. Increased trial participation could help address distrust between communities of color and the medical industry after years of underrepresentation in pharmaceutical research, historical horror stories of medical experimentation without consent, and socioeconomic and health access inequities, vaccine experts and public health officials say. One-fourth of Moderna's 100 trial sites are run by academic centers that are part of the National Institute of Health's (NIH) Covid-19 Prevention Trials Network (CoVPN), while the rest are largely commercial subcontractors. A contract research organization called PPD was hired by Moderna to oversee the trial sites. "We are essentially making up" for the commercial sites, said one CoVPN investigator not authorized to speak publicly. Dr. Larry Corey, co-leader of CoVPN, said the NIH has invested in clinical trial sites with outreach programs staffed by doctors and nurses with ties to minority communities. "That's not something that is part of the business model of commercial research organizations," Corey said. Moderna is one of the furthest along in the U.S. race for a vaccine seen as essential to ending a pandemic that has claimed over a million lives worldwide. It received more than $1 billion in government funding to develop and produce its candidate, and another $1.5 billion to supply it to the American public. Union Health Minister on Tuesday took to Twitter to refute media reports that he hasoffered to take personal cognisance of actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death. Terming such claims made in certain sectionsof the media as "fake news", Vardhan urged people torefrain from believing any unverified statements. "An INCORRECT claim is being made in a section of the media that I have offered to take personal cognisance of actor death case. I've NOT spoken to anyone nor offered to examine any case. Pls refrain from believing any unverified statements," he said a tweet. The on Monday said themedical board has submitted its reportin connection with the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajputto the CBI and any inputs on the report submitted by the panel would have to be obtained from the central probe agency. The AIIMS' medical board has ruled out murder as the cause of Rajput's death, terming it "a case of hanging and death by suicide," the premier institute's forensic chief Dr Sudhir Gupta had said late last week. In its conclusive medico-legal opinion to the CBI, the six-member team dismissed the claims of "poisoning and strangling", with Dr Gupta saying the panel did not find any trace of poison and drugs in the viscera. "The Medical Board has submitted the report directly to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as required. Being a legal matter, any inputs on the report submitted by the Medical Board would have to be obtained from the CBI," the said in a statement. The statement follows certain media reports questioning the outcome of the medical board's examination and Gupta's comments ruling out murder. "It is a case of hanging and death by suicide. We have submitted our conclusive report to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)," Dr Gupta, who is also the chairman of the forensic medical board had said onSaturday. There was no injury on the body other than that of hanging. Also, there was no mark of struggle and scuffle. The ligature mark on the neck was consistent with hanging, he said. The doctors' panel did not find any trace of poison and drugs in the viscera, Dr Gupta had told PTI, but refused to divulge any further details stating the case is subjudice. Rajput, 34, who made his silver screen debut in the critically acclaimed 'Kai Po Che' seven years ago, was found dead in his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14. The CBI had taken over the probe from Bihar Police into the alleged abetment to suicide case filed by the actor's father K K Singh in Patna against Rajput's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and her family. (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 US president told Americans 'to get out there' and not fear COVID-19 as he returned from the Walter Reed National Medical Centre for COVID-19 treatment Miami: Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden on Monday castigated Donald Trump for saying Americans should not be afraid of COVID-19 or let it "dominate your life," even after the president tested positive for coronavirus. "I saw a tweet he did, they showed me, he said 'don't let COVID control your life,'" Biden told Florida news station Local 10 as he campaigned in the key battleground state. "Tell that to the 205,000 families who lost somebody." Biden was refering to the number of Americans - now past 210,000 - who have died from coronavirus, even as the president downplays the seriousness of the disease. The former vice president added to his comments later Monday at an outdoor town hall event in Miami, where he criticized Trump for ignoring the importance of masks. "I would hope that the president, having gone through what he went through - and I'm glad he seems to be coming along pretty well - would communicate the right lesson to the American people: masks matter," Biden said. "These masks, they matter. It matters, it saves lives, it prevents the spread of the disease." Biden's remarks came just minutes after Trump concluded a four-day period of COVID-19 treatment at Walter Reed military medical center in Maryland, returned to the White House, and defiantly removed his facemask as he stood on the mansion's balcony. "It's a great concern," Biden said. "I hope no one walks away with the message thinking that it's not a problem." Biden faced Trump on stage in their rollercoaster debate last Wednesday, just days before the president announced his positive Covid diagnosis. In its seventh year, the Around the Wonders of the World festival at The Goddard School of Katy had to adapt around COVID-19. The event is usually just one evening and transforms classrooms into different destinations, but this year it became a weeklong outdoor affair so that children and families could socially distance themselves while participating. On HoustonChronicle.com: Lone Star Flight Museum reintroduces TBM Avenger and is ready for fall The Goddard School is located at 5220 Ranch Point Drive in Katy and serves around 230 families of children six months to five years for daycare and around 80 children six to 12 years for after-school programs. Usually neighborhood families are invited to the festival, which has brought out 400 to 500 participants in recent years. Owner Ashish Gupta said the Katy area is very cosmopolitan with families from all over the world. In years past, families have placed pins on a large map to show the places they are from. I mean it gets completely colored with different pins, and it gives us an idea of how many people from different parts of the world are represented in our community here in Katy, Gupta said. With the pandemic, Gupta explained that the school has not been allowing outside visitors, classes have not mixed in other classrooms, and common areas are frequently cleaned to prevent any spread of the novel coronavirus, which so far, they have not had any cases. So this year they limited the festival to just the schools families. On HoustonChronicle.com: Katy ISD drops tax rate by more than 5 cents The children attended the festival events each evening as they were being picked up to go home. They received honorary passports and were able use their imaginations to visit places like the Eiffel Tower, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Taj Mahal and the International Space Station, getting a passport stamp along the way. Gupta said the school decided to hold the festival, albeit in a different way, to encourage its students, provide them with a sense of normalcy and foster community in the school. Parents were appreciative of the schools providing activities for their children, who largely did not get the opportunity to travel during the summer months because of the pandemic. The festival is all a part of what the school calls its FLEX curriculum, Fun Learning Experience. There are events throughout the year that enhance childrens learning through engaging experiences. The events work to involve families. The whole idea is we believe that children learn the fastest when theyre having fun, Gupta said. On HoustonChronicle.com: Katy Market Day slated to restart in downtown Katy The Goddard School has remained open throughout the pandemic. While following restrictions and guidelines to keep people healthy has been challenging, Gupta said the school really boils down to community and building relationships with families. He credited his teachers and directors with the schools success. He purchased a Heroes work here sign to encourage them and said he believes their efforts have kept the school open the whole time as some other businesses have shuttered with cases. From classes growing basil to top pizzas they would eat to building with Legos to exploring a model of a spaceship, students at the school participate in project-based learning. I think this is the only way kids are getting a chance to kind of participate in something and still remain safe, which has been our biggest priority, Gupta said. On HoustonChronicle.com: YMCA examines civil rights movement, present in Virtual Freedom Tour 2020 Operational Director Ruby Munduchirakal has helped with the festival each year, and she said it is her favorite event. She explained how exciting it is to see a school with so many cultures represented among its families to celebrate different people and places around the world. Each year, the school is decorated with flags from different nations, and parents bring in foods and artifacts from their cultures. But this year, you know, with restrictions, since this being one of our most favorite events, we didnt want to totally cancel it, Munduchirakal said. I wanted to see how we could do it within the guidelines, which means putting it outside, limited numbers and social distancing. tracy.maness@hcnonline.com President Trumps doctors offered rosy assessments of his condition on Sunday, but the few medical details they disclosed including his fluctuating oxygen levels and a decision to begin treatment with a steroid drug suggested to many infectious disease experts that he is suffering a more severe case of Covid-19 than the physicians acknowledged. In photos and videos released by the White House, there is hardly any sign that Mr. Trump is sick. But at a news conference at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Mr. Trumps doctors said his oxygen levels had dropped to a level that can indicate that a patient's lungs are compromised. The symptom is seen in many patients with severe Covid-19. The presidents medical team also said that he had been prescribed dexamethasone on Saturday. The drug is a steroid used to head off an immune system overreaction that kills many Covid-19 patients. The drug is reserved for those with severe illness, because it has not been shown to benefit those with milder forms of the disease and may even be risky. Theres some smart storytelling on display in Bad Boy Billionaires: India; if only the stories themselves reached for our gut, perhaps in the way Netflixs own show Dirty Money often did. The stories of billionaires in India, it turns out, arent all that different to one another. Who would have thought? (Hint: Everyone) Netflix show Bad Boy Billionaires: India an anthology series documenting the successes and shenanigans of some of Indias most infamous ultra rich caught an eyeball or three with its rather sensational trailer, and then got caught up in a legal battle with Ramalinga Raju (of Satyam in-fame) right before its planned release on the streaming platform. The show is finally out, without the Ramalinga Raju episode, leaving you with three other bad billionaire antics to binge on that of liquor-airline-sport baron Vijay Mallya, celebrity diamantaire Nirav Modi and head of the Worlds Largest Family (their words), Sahara Indias Subrata Roy respectively. Dutifully backed by the treatment and scale necessary to match the enormity of the scandals surrounding the subjects in question, the show is slick in feel and quick in pace. Familiar, and mostly credible, faces step in to offer some perspective, while sharply cut archival broadcast footage from some of our favourite TV news channels is somehow used to simultaneously lend authenticity and escalate the drama. (Yup, TV news puts the moron in oxymoron.) Yet, the show simply doesnt go deep enough. It remains content with serving a sort of saucy chronology of events, rather than cutting open the underbelly and shedding light upon the system that enables the ultra rich to game it, violate it, sometimes mutilate it, and still get away with it, leaving in their wake a million sufferings of all shapes and sizes. Take the Vijay Mallya episode, for instance. Because the man lived so much of his life in the public eye, staking a claim for the spotlight at every turn, much of his story will be familiar wealth, ambition, booze, airplanes, race cars, models, celebrities, parties, the works. (You almost expect Shobhaa De to turn up and give her cent-and-a-half, and of course she does.) Mallyas episode shows us the inheritance from his father that started it all, his love for a lavish lifestyle, his desire to be a global figure, his audacious borrowing and spending, Formula 1, IPL, his unpaid airline employees going on strike everything that has played out in headlines over his lifetime. Directed by Indian-Canadian documentary filmmaker Dylan Mohan Gray, the Mallya episode sheds little new light on the billionaires excesses. Surely, theres more that we dont know, and thats where the episode (and show) falls short. It just doesnt offer enough of a fresh perspective or insight. (In comparison, Grays 2013 documentary Fire in the Blood is a scary, scathing look at how Big Pharma has the Global South in its vice-like grip.) Here, the cinematic B-roll, lovely drone photography and dramatised scenes are great visual aids, but they cannot compensate for the lack of genuine discovery. Instead, the makers take a daring decision, something that remains a common feature through all episodes, and the shows most interesting and debatable narrative choice. Among the talking heads, theres always one voice in there that appears to be an emotional advocate for the poor billionaire in question. In Mallyas case it is his son Siddharth. For Nirav Modi, it is advertising director Vishesh Verma, who shot a lot of Modis splashy jewellery ad campaigns, while for Saharashri (#eyeroll) Subrata Roy, the voice of emotion is one of his close aides, Vivek Kumar. (The other two episodes are directed by Johanna Hamilton and Nick Reed, respectively.) So, on one side, news snippets combined with voices such as Raghu Karnad and Paranjoy Guha Thakurta gives us a historical or social perspective of the story, while on the other, a voice of emotion steps in, not to offer a spirited defense of the ostensibly indefensible, but instead to offer us an exalted, rosy-eyed view of the Whole Sordid Affair. While the attempt to provide the other side with a platform is an admirable one, Id have preferred a balanced argument where both sides offer cold, hard facts or even incisively articulated opinion, instead of their cheesy, chewy feelings. If the show remains watchable throughout, its because it looks good, and while each episode details the billionaires rise with gusto, youre on tenterhooks about the fall that precise moment when things start to go wrong for the subject of the episode, before the whole edifice comes crashing down for the world to see. Theres some smart storytelling on display; if only the stories themselves reached for our gut, perhaps in the way Netflixs own show Dirty Money often did. Over two seasons, Dirty Money offers a stinging indictment of names such as Volkswagen, Wells Fargo, Donald Trump and even Jared Kushner. Bad Boy Billionaires: India is rather tame in comparison. If these three episodes are anything to go by, Ramalinga Raju really has nothing to worry about. DURHAM, N.C. - Researchers know that texting programs can greatly benefit young children's literacy. Now new research shows that parents' participation in such programs can be boosted exponentially with one simple tweak: automatic enrollment, combined with the ability to opt out. The new research from the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy appears in the Journal of Child and Family Studies. In recent years, mounting research evidence has shown texting to be an effective, low-cost, scalable approach for engaging parents in their children's learning. Some studies suggest text message interventions via tips for parents on how to support their child's development can put young children's learning 2-3 months ahead. Yet getting parents to enroll in these beneficial programs can be challenging. With that in mind, researchers designed a study to test strategies for increasing program participation. In the study, researchers from Duke, New York University and Brooklyn College compare different enrollment options for the text-based early literacy program, Talk to Your Baby. The text-based 26-week course is designed to promote early language development for children from birth to age 3. The researchers studied 405 mothers who were receiving newborn home visiting services through a free, city-wide program in New York City. Using a randomized controlled study, the researchers tested whether changing the enrollment option from opt-in to opt-out affects mothers' take up and completion of the early literacy program. Participants were predominantly low-income and racially and ethnically diverse. Results show that when automatically enrolled with a voluntary option to opt out, 88.7 percent of study participants stayed in the program for the full 26 weeks. In contrast, only 1 percent of mothers in the control group -- who heard about the program through conventional recruitment flyers -- voluntarily enrolled in the program. The findings suggest parents' desire to participate in the program may be high but their ability to follow through is challenging, researchers said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these programs and other digital strategies for reaching parents can be especially beneficial, the researchers say. "A lot of time is spent in developing excellent and developmentally appropriate content for these programs and relatively little time is spent understanding how to make it easy for parents to engage," said Lisa A. Gennetian, lead author of the study and Pritzker Associate Professor of Early Learning Policy Studies at Duke's Sanford School of Public Policy. "Preserving parents' choice to enroll in programs, especially those that are universally accessible and free, matters and we learned from this study that automatic enrollment minimizes burden on parents and can have enormous benefits in ways that do not interfere with their freedom." The study is the among the first to show that automatic enrollment is a promising strategy for increasing participation in early language and learning programs. The study also showed the decision to stay in the program or opt out remained consistent for various subgroups. For instance, it made no difference whether this was a first birth or whether the other received public benefits. Such characteristics are sometimes cited as interfering with program participation. "Opt-out strategies are liberally used in many aspects of our life, from organ donations to decisions about retirement benefits, and they are effective when done carefully," Gennetian said. "Why wouldn't we make life easier for parents and apply the same strategy of automatic enrollment with the ease of opting out?" ### This research was supported by the Bezos Family Foundation and the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (R03HD090280). CITATION: "The Impact of Default Options for Parent Participation in an Early Language Intervention," L.A. Gennetian, L.Z Coskun, J.L. Kennedy, et al. Journal of Child and Family Studies (2020). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-020-01838-7 Beer drinkers will soon be able to enjoy their favourite brew out of cans that are not only infinitely recyclable, but made from responsibly produced, low-carbon aluminium. Rio Tinto and Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world's largest brewer, have formed a global partnership to deliver a new standard of sustainable aluminium cans. In a first for the canned beverage industry, the two companies have signed an MOU committing to work with supply chain partners to bring AB InBev products to market in cans made from low-carbon aluminium that meets industry-leading sustainability standards. Initially focused in North America, the partnership will see AB InBev use Rio Tinto's low-carbon aluminium made with renewable hydropower along with recycled content to produce a more sustainable beer can. This will offer a potential reduction in carbon emissions of more than 30 percent per can compared to similar cans produced today using traditional manufacturing techniques in North America. The partnership will also leverage outcomes from the development of ELYSIS, a disruptive zero carbon aluminium smelting technology. The first 1 million cans produced through the partnership will be piloted in the United States on Michelob ULTRA, the fastest growing beer brand in the country. Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "Rio Tinto is pleased to continue to partner with customers in the value chain in an innovative way to meet their needs and help produce sustainable products. Our partnership with AB InBev is the latest development and reflects the great work of our commercial team." Currently, around 70 percent of the aluminium used in AB InBev cans produced in North America is recycled content. By pairing this recycled content with low-carbon aluminium, the brewer will take a key step towards reducing the carbon emissions in its packaging supply chain, which is the largest contributor of emissions by sector in the company's value chain. "We are constantly looking for new ways to reduce our carbon footprint across our entire value chain and improve the sustainability of our packaging to reach our ambitious sustainability goals," said Ingrid De Ryck, Vice President of Procurement and Sustainability, North America at AB InBev. "With this partnership, we will bring low-carbon aluminium to the forefront with our consumers and create a model for how companies can work with their suppliers to drive innovative and meaningful change for our environment." Rio Tinto Aluminium chief executive Alf Barrios said "This partnership will deliver cans for AB InBev's customers that pair low carbon, responsibly produced aluminium with recycled aluminium. We look forward to working with AB InBev to continue our leadership on responsible aluminium, bringing transparency and traceability across the supply chain to meet consumer expectations for sustainable packaging." Through the partnership, AB InBev and Rio Tinto will work together to integrate innovative technology solutions into the brewer's supply chain, advancing its transition toward more sustainable packaging and providing traceability on the aluminium used in cans. Notes to editors Rio Tinto is an industry leader in responsible aluminium production, with operations in Canada run on 100% renewable hydropower. In 2016, Rio Tinto launched RenewAl, the world's first certified low CO2 primary aluminium brand. It has helped to pioneer responsible production standards for the global industry as a founding member of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), becoming the first producer to offer ASI Aluminium in 2018. Looking to the future, ELYSIS, Rio Tinto's partnership with Alcoa supported by Apple and the governments of Canada and Quebec, is further developing a revolutionary new direct greenhouse emissions free aluminium smelting technology. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201006005668/en/ Contacts: media.enquiries@riotinto.com riotinto.com Follow @RioTinto on Twitter Media Relations, United Kingdom Illtud Harri M +44 7920 503 600 David Outhwaite T +44 20 7781 1623 M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations, Americas Matthew Klar T +1 514 608 4429 Media Relations, Asia Grant Donald T +65 6679 9290 M +65 9722 6028 Media Relations, Australia Jonathan Rose T +61 3 9283 3088 M +61 447 028 913 Matt Chambers T +61 (0) 3 9283 3087 M +61 433 525 739 Jesse Riseborough T +61 8 6211 6013 M +61 436 653 412 Investor Relations, United Kingdom Menno Sanderse T: +44 20 7781 1517 M: +44 7825 195 178 David Ovington T +44 20 7781 2051 M +44 7920 010 978 Investor Relations, Australia Natalie Worley T +61 3 9283 3063 M +61 409 210 462 Amar Jambaa T +61 3 9283 3627 M +61 472 865 948 Rio Tinto plc 6 St James's Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 Rio Tinto Limited Level 7, 360 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 Category: General Mountain Lion Rescue at Oakland Zoo Partnerships like this are absolutely critical to our states efforts to provide emergency care. Californias wildfires are erupting on a scale that weve never seen before, and we expect that well have more burn patients than we have the capacity to treat in our own veterinary facility Only four to six weeks old, an orphaned mountain lion cub suffering from severe wildfire burns was discovered and rescued by a Cal Fire firefighter yesterday in an area the Zogg Wildfire burned through this past Sunday in Redding. Upon discovering and capturing the lone cub, Cal Fire contacted the Shasta County Sherriffs Department, who in turn contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW veterinarians, who are tirelessly working to save the lives of so many wildlife victims trapped by the recent fires throughout California, then contacted Oakland Zoo veterinarians for help in treating the cub. Upon receiving the urgent call by CDFW around 5PM last night, Oakland Zoos veterinary team was standing by to receive and treat the cub, which arrived at 7:15PM, driven from Redding by Pete Figura, Supervising Wildlife Biologist for the CDFW. We are so grateful for the Oakland Zoos expertise, world-class facilities and willingness to step up on extremely short notice to help wildlife in need, said CDFWs senior wildlife veterinarian Dr. Deana Clifford. Partnerships like this are absolutely critical to our states efforts to provide emergency care. Californias wildfires are erupting on a scale that weve never seen before, and we expect that well have more burn patients than we have the capacity to treat in our own veterinary facility. Unfortunately, a lion this size is too small to be released back into the wild, but we are hopeful that under the Zoos care, it will get a second chance as an ambassador for its species. Oakland Zoos Dr. Lynette Waugh, along with staff veterinary technicians immediately examined and treated the very young male cub, weighing only 3.75 pounds and reported he was badly burned, especially his paws. His whiskers are completely singed off, and there is severe irritation to his eyes as well. The cub was cleaned and given antibiotics, supportive fluids, pain medication and fed milk formula for kittens (through a syringe). Dr. Alex Herman at Oakland Zoo explained that he is currently eating on his own and acting feisty both promising signs for his recovery. Zoo veterinarians performed x-rays earlier today to determine if there is damage to his lungs from smoke inhalation and bone damage to his paws, and results were positive. Aside from severe burns to the soft tissue of the paws, there is no damage to bones or lungs. Oakland Zoo's veterinary team is also working with UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital for their expertise in providing the most advanced care in treating the cubs burn wounds. Dr. Alex Herman, Director of Oakland Zoos Veterinary Hospital said, Were grateful to be part of this amazing little cubs rescue and rehabilitation. Its an amazing effort between Cal Fire, the Shasta County Sherriffs Department, and of course our partners at the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. In the past two years, this marks our thirteenth mountain lion cub rescue for Oakland Zoo in partnership with CDFW. Were cautiously optimistic that this cub will now survive and thrive, our dedicated team at Oakland Zoo is fully committed to do everything we can for him and for his beautiful species. Aside from wildfires, Mountain lions are facing numerous threats in California; often struck by cars and illegally poached. These factors culminate in the human-wildlife conflict, putting them at odds with humans in encroaching urban areas and developments. Oakland Zoo partners with conservation organizations like the Mountain Lion Foundation and the Bay Area Puma Project to educate the public on the issue and help conserve the species in the wild. Oakland Zoo helped found BACAT (Bay Area Cougar Action Team) in 2013, an alliance with the Bay Area Puma Project and the Mountain Lion Foundation, to help support the CDFW to save mountain lions caught in the human-wildlife conflict. In the wild, Mountain lion cubs stay with their mothers until they are around two years of age in order to learn the skills to survive on their own. Because this cub is orphaned and now unable to learn how to survive in the wild, he will be placed in a suitable forever home once hes ready to leave Oakland Zoos Veterinary Hospital. Contact: Erin Harrison Oakland Zoo eharrison@oaklandzoo.org Office: 510-632-9525 ext. 120 Cell: 415-601-1619 Isabella Linares Oakland Zoo ilinares@oaklandzoo.org Office: 510-632-9525 ext. 239 Cell: 650 776 -9589 ### ABOUT OAKLAND ZOO AND THE CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA: Oakland Zoo, home to more than 750 native and exotic animals, is managed by the Conservation Society of California (CSC); a non-profit organization leading an informed and inspired community to take action for wildlife locally and globally. With over 25 conservation partners and projects worldwide, the CSC is committed to conservation-based education and saving species and their habitats in the wild. Oakland Zoo is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the national organization that sets the highest standards for animal welfare for zoos and aquariums. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted the sanctions it imposed on Mali following a military coup that sacked the elected government on August 18. The regional bloc said in a statement on Tuesday that the decision was because the country has made significant advances toward a civil rule. The bloc has now taken into account notable advances towards constitutional normalisation, a French text of Tuesdays statement signed by President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana who currently chairs ECOWAS said. The 15-nation bloc had on August 20 imposed tough sanctions on Mali after former president Ibrahim Keita was ousted by soldiers following months of mass protests against Mr Keiras inept rule The sanctions included border closures and a ban on commercial trade and financial flows but not basic necessities, drugs, equipment to fight coronavirus, fuel or electricity. The military junta, amidst calls and pressure for a return to democratic process within 18 months, appointed a committee headed by a retired colonel, Bah Ndaw, as interim president and Moctar Ouane as the Prime Minister. On Monday, Malis new Prime Minister announced the full formation of the government consisting 25 ministers, out of which four are military officials. Their positions to which soldiers were appointed are defence, security, territorial administration and national reconciliation. ECOWAS urged the transitional government to release all remaining detainees arrested during the August 18 coup It emphasised the need for the publication of a roadmap for the transition period while calling on all bilateral and multilateral partners to support Mali. L.A. City Council President Nury Martinez dons a face mask bearing the flag of the Republic of Artsakh, a separatist enclave recognized as part of Azerbaijan but populated by majority Armenians. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) A group of elected officials gathered at Los Angeles City Hall on Monday to decry the deadly conflict between Armenia and neighboring Azerbaijan and call on the Trump administration to intervene diplomatically in the newly reignited clash over a tiny contested border region between the two countries in the Southern Caucasus. Representatives from Los Angeles, Sacramento and Washington blame Azerbaijan and nearby Turkey, which supports the country, for inciting the violence that began Sept. 27 in the Nagorno-Karabakh region referred to as the Republic of Artsakh by Armenians. The area is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but its population of about 150,000 is majority ethnic Armenian. Azerbaijan's leaders maintain they have only responded to incursions by the other side. As Armenians, we care very deeply about this part of the world, and we care very deeply about the slaughter of Armenian people, Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian said on the steps of City Hall. With the conflict now heading into a second week, theres fear the infighting could spark an all-out war, with the potential to draw in superpowers such as Russia and Turkey. Los Angeles large Armenian community has responded in force to the conflict playing out more than 7,000 miles ways. Monday's gathering in downtown Los Angeles comes on the heels of more than a week of demonstrations across the county intended to bring awareness to the clash. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, demonstrators rallied in front of the CNN building in Hollywood to demand more accurate news coverage of the events overseas. Activists also blocked traffic on sections of the 101 and 170 freeways over the weekend. A march to the Turkish consulate is planned for Sunday, according to Alex Galitsky, communications director for the Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, speaking on Zoom, said he understood the local outcry. Story continues "I hear you, I see you. More importantly, we hear you and we see you," Garcetti said, adding that L.A.s status as a global crossroads ideally positions it to facilitate an international dialogue and ultimately call for peace. Several officials, including state Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian, equated the violence in the separatist region as a continuation of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. And so if we really mean what we say by saying, Never again, this is the time to act, said Nazarian, who represents the 46th district. This is the time for the federal government to step up. Laurence Broers, a scholar on the conflict, said Azerbaijan instigated this attack. However, he said the country still sees it as a defensive war to reclaim land lost nearly three decades ago in what's known as the Nagorno-Karabakh War. Nasimi Aghayev, Azerbaijans consul general in the Western U.S., said about 800,000 Azerbaijanis were forced to flee their homes as a result of that war, calling it a pure ethnic cleansing. Azerbaijani officials view the contested territory as well as seven adjacent districts as Azerbaijani land, he said. Aghayev points to Armenian forces as starting the recent fighting and accused Armenia of working in concert with Russia. Armenia and Russia do have a military pact, and Russia has a base on Armenian soil. But theres no indication Russia has picked a side in the conflict, Broers said. U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) said by phone last week that the relationship between Armenia and Russia concerns him and that it adds impetus for the U.S. to intervene diplomatically. Schiff, who was present at City Hall on Monday, has introduced a resolution with Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) that would call on Azerbaijan to stop fighting and agree to the installation of ceasefire-monitoring equipment along the so-called line of contact in the contested region between it and Armenia. It would also tell Turkey to stay out of the conflict. Its now up to the federal government to take action, Nazarian said. Though state leaders have taken steps including recognizing Artsakh as an independent republic theres a limit on their control over the countrys foreign policy, he said. The reality is that whatever we do below the federal level is symbolic. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 21:12:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Tuesday it has detained a Russian military officer and his brother on suspicion of passing state secrets to the Estonian special services. Law enforcers detained the serviceman and his brother in the Russian cities of Smolensk and Pskov, the FSB said in a brief statement. Under the Russian legislation, high treason can be punished by a prison term of 12 to 20 years with a fine of up to 500,000 rubles (6,435 U.S. dollars). Enditem Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE The FBI and federal prosecutors say they are establishing a command post and taking other steps to safeguard New Mexicos general election from foreign interference, voter intimidation and fraud. They joined Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexicos chief election officer, in a news conference Monday to encourage voters to seek out trusted sources of information and avoid falling for conspiracy theories designed to shake confidence in the election system. Their message comes as absentee voting begins Tuesday, when county clerks will begin mailing ballots to voters who have requested them. Voters can also fill out absentee ballots in person at their clerks office. More than 305,000 voters have already requested absentee ballots an unprecedented influx as more New Mexicans prepare to vote from the safety of their homes to avoid in-person polling locations amid the pandemic. James Langenberg, the FBIs special agent in charge of the Albuquerque office, said Monday that his agency is also establishing a command post to help monitor the election something he couldnt recall the FBI having done in recent elections. The FBI also completed table-top exercises, he said, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Pena has been designated to oversee the handling of any complaints about election fraud or voting-rights violations in New Mexico. I have 100% confidence in the election, Langenberg said. Were doing everything we can here in New Mexico. He said there was no evidence that the election has been compromised by cyber intrusions or foreign influence. Nonetheless, he encouraged New Mexicans to stay vigilant and alert authorities if they spot illegal activity. Toulouse Oliver and federal law enforcement officials also encouraged voters to seek out information from county clerks and state election officials, not from social media accounts that provide fertile ground for misinformation. Its normal, Langengberg said, for some ballots not to be counted on election night, and he urged people to stay patient if the outcome of some races isnt clear. Toulouse Oliver said New Mexico has important protections in place to ensure an accurate vote count. The state uses paper ballots marked by voters, she said, allowing for post-election audits and hand tallies. New Mexicans can rest assured their ballots will be counted accurately, Toulouse Oliver said. The state has a voter information portal at nmvote.org where people can request absentee ballots, view the list of candidates or update their voter registration. Tuesday is the last day for online voter registration changes, though voters can still register in person. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Oct. 20, and the deadline to mail them back is Oct. 27. The ballots can also be returned in person by 7 p.m. election night. We created this platform to help organizations deliver a unified talent experience that provides the highly engaging learning and continuous performance management that employees and organizations need to fuel personal, career and company growth," said Richard Wyles, CEO of Totara. Totara, a leading provider of enterprise learning, engagement and performance management technology, today announced the launch and immediate availability of the Totara Talent Experience Platform, an integrated suite that combines enhanced learning capabilities with a new learning experience platform and a new performance management system. Totaras Talent Experience Platform is designed from the ground up to empower organizations to provide employees with highly engaging learning experiences that shorten learning curves and boost employee performance. The release of the Totara Talent Experience Platform marks an important milestone in the companys evolution. Totara has expanded from its flagship Totara Learn, the companys transformational learning management system (LMS) used by more than 1,800 organizations worldwide, to an integrated offering comprising three powerful solutions Totara Learn, Totara Engage, and Totara Perform. Combined, these solutions form a unified experience for employees, bringing together all of the critically important areas needed for organizations and individuals to thrive and succeed; learning, engagement, collaboration, high-performance and, ultimately, productivity. Top performing organizations understand that learning and performance management must be tightly interwoven, but the myriad of systems that organizations rely on to support these critical learning and development functions are often disparate and difficult to integrate, said Richard Wyles, CEO of Totara. We created this platform to help organizations deliver a unified talent experience that provides the highly engaging learning and continuous performance management that employees and organizations need to fuel personal, career and company growth. To learn more, see the Totara Talent Experience Platform video. Find out what organizations like PepsiCo, Toyota/Lexus, jetBlue, and many more are saying about Totara by visiting Customer Stories. Totara Learn Totara Learn, proven and trusted by millions of learners worldwide, replaces the limitations of the traditional LMS with an adaptable and extendable enterprise solution that cost-effectively meets any organizations learning and compliance requirements. Now with multitenancy, a mobile app, a modern user interface and dozens of upgraded features, Totara Learn allows organizations to: Manage compliance with custom report building that automatically keeps stakeholders fully informed. Automatically assign and personalize learning and compliance training according to group, role, team, skills and more. Engage learners and drive collaborative problem solving with centrally organized online and offline learning events. See the following resources for more information about Totara Learn: Totara Engage While formal learning is an essential component of the overall learning experience, organizations must also harness the power of informal learning and collaboration to enhance the success of learning programs. Its also essential that learning- whether formal or informal - is delivered within the flow of work, ensuring that learners are guided to discover and seek out the right training, resources and information at the right time and place. Totaras intuitive and user-friendly learning experience platform (LXP), provides an enriching collaborative environment for employees to discover and share resources, insights and engaging learning experiences. The platform encourages the creation and sharing of personalized learning paths while supporting upskilling and enhancing performance. With Totara Engage, learners and organizations can: Blend formal training with informal and social learning to increase engagement and collaboration. Build a connected culture by unlocking knowledge sharing throughout the organization. Shorten learning curves with personalized playlists and custom resources curated from multiple channels and delivered to any device. Give employees relevant training at just the right time. See the following resources for more information about Totara Engage: Totara Perform Todays best performance management systems give an organization the ability to set its own course and tailor practices to suit its work culture and context. Totara Perform has adaptability and productivity at its core. The system supports the entire spectrum of traditional and modern performance practices, including annual reviews, continuous performance management, 360-degree feedback, check-ins, appraisals and much more. Totara Perform arms organizations with the ability to: Maintain high performance with regular check-ins, continuous feedback, and smart goal-setting for employees and remote workers. Set clear goals and drive measurable results to build a culture of performance. Develop an agile and resilient workforce with the flexibility and power of modern performance management. Align departmental goals and organizational direction through better visibility and reporting of your performance management process. See the following resources for more information about Totara Perform: The Totara Talent Experience Platform is available immediately. Totara Learn, Totara Engage and Totara Perform can be used together or separately, providing organizations with the flexibility to build a powerful experience that unifies highly engaging learning and performance management, block by block. For more information, contact enquiry@totaralearning.com or request a demo. About Totara Totara builds employee engagement, learning, and performance management technologies that enable large multinational corporations, government entities, and mid-market companies to deliver enterprise-level talent and workforce experiences. Totaras Talent Experience Platform unifies a transformational learning management system (LMS), a user-centric learning experience platform (LXP), and a comprehensive performance management system under a single and highly adaptable architecture. Totaras flexible architecture gives organizations the freedom to innovate, the freedom to choose, and unlocks critical resources for reinvestment into where it really counts. Jailed paedophile Frank Abbott,79, lived in the caravan of a tradesman who worked on the home where William Tyrrell vanished from A handyman who worked on the home little boy William Tyrrell disappeared from claims a convicted paedophile who lived in his caravan spoke about 'the smell of death' in bushland. Tradesman Geoff Owen on Tuesday appeared at the inquest into the little boy's disappearance from his foster grandmother's home in Kendall on September 12, 2014. The Coroners Court has heard how Mr Owen worked on the decking at William's family's mid-north coast property, before the three-year-old vanished six years ago. Mr Owen was cross-examined about his ties to the now-locked up paedophile Frank Abbott, 79, a person of interest at the centre of the inquest. Abbott - who was then a free man - lived in Mr Owen's caravan at Herons Creek and the tradesman occasionally gave him a lift, the court heard. Gerard Craddock QC, the counsel assisting the inquest, asked Mr Owen: 'There were occasions where you would give Frank Abbott a lift in a car to a bus stop or something of that nature. On those occasions in the car, he pointed out an area and said that he'd encountered a really bad smell there?' 'That's right, he did say that to me, yes,' Mr Owen replied. This is a caravan Abbott lived at on the mid-north coast of New South Wales following William's disappearance William Tyrrell on the deck Mr Owen worked on, in one of the final photos of the boy Mr Craddock asked: 'Did he say he could smell 'death'?' 'Yes, he did, that was the words he used,' Mr Owen said. Asked by counsel for William's foster family, barrister Justine Hopper, how he had reacted to the bizarre alleged remark, Mr Owen said he had 'shrugged' it off. 'You didn't think it was unusual?' Ms Hopper asked. 'No, not of Frank Abbott - nothing was unusual about Frank Abbott.' During the hearing, Mr Owen said Mr Abbott had come to live at his property after Martin Parish, the local baptist minister, asked the local church congregation words to the effect of: 'Does anyone have any accommodation for Frank?' Abbott is currently serving a 16-year jail sentence for unrelated sex crimes. He was once acquitted of the 1968 murder of a schoolgirl at trial in the 1990s. He has been attending the inquest via audio-visual link from Hunter Correctional Centre. Priest Martin Parish (on right) has given evidence at the inquest into William Tyrrell's disappearance. He runs a small church in the area where Frank Abbott lived Under questioning, Mr Owen said he 'might've' been at a community centre on the day William vanished, September 12. Lawyer for the foster family, Justine Hopper, asked Mr Owen:'Is it the case you didn't go to the community on the 12th of September even though you said you went there, you actually didn't go?' Mr Owen said: 'I don't know - I actually can't remember ... I've contracted Parkinson's' Disease and my memory is shot to pieces.' The court earlier heard from a police officer, Senior Constable Daniel Dring, about searches around Herons Creek and Logans Crossing, where Abbott had lived since William vanished. Abbott has denied playing a role in William's disappearance. The inquest continues. Scientists discovered a 2,000-year-old human skull from the victim of an eruption by Mount Vesuvius to still have its brain cells completely intact. The groundbreaking finding was discovered in Italy when experts studied the corpse which was first discovered in the 1960s. The young man's remains were found in a city called Herculaneum which was buried by the devastating volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Brain of glass According to CNN, researchers discovered the young victim lying face-down on a wooden bed inside a building they believed housed devotees who worshipped Emperor Augustus. Scientists estimated the man to have been about 25 years old when he died. Forensic Anthropologist Pier Paolo Petrone of the University of Naples Federico II was the leader of the research team. He told reporters that the project began when he observed some form of glassy material shining inside the skull of the man while working on the skeleton in 2018. The New England Journal of Medicine published a paper earlier this year where Petrone and his colleagues revealed that the shiny substance found within the man's skull as a result of the vitrification of the victim's brain due to the intense heat of the volcanic eruption and subsequent rapid cooling. Petrone explained the process is where the brain gets exposed to the temperature of the hot volcanic ash which must first be liquefied before immediately turning into a glassy material by the rapid cooling of the ash deposit. Also Read: Woman's Heart Explodes After Getting 'Celebrity' Stretch Marks Treatment Analysis of the specimen includes the use of an electron microscope whereby the research team discovered cells inside the vitrified brain. The scientists noted how very well-preserved the brain cells were, which could be seen clearer than any other sample. Petrone's team also discovered nerve cells in the spinal cord intact, which have also been vitrified similar to the man's brain. Rare but not unprecedented Forensic Anthropologist Tim Thompson of the Teesside University from the United Kingdom said that brains typically do not survive for a long time after a person's death. He added a human's mind is one of the first things that decompose in the standard process, but noted that the survival of the specimen is not unprecedented, as reported by Arstechnica. Another expert, graduate student Alexandra Hayward from the University of Copenhagen told reporters that brain tissue could be preserved and that the event is a lot more frequent than most people realize possible. Hayward has been able to discover nearly 1,300 preserved brain specimens that date back to the mid-16th and mid-17th centuries. The sample that Petrone and his team studies was dated very old and also unique in terms of the exact process by which the scientists believe it was preserved. The event that killed the victim was the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, which released a massive amount of thermal energy estimated to be equivalent to 100,000 atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The devastating incident caused molten rocks, pumice, and hot ash to be thrown into the air over Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as other cities. Related Article: Egyptian Archeologists Unearth 59 Coffins Buried for Over 2,500 Years @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The outbreak from the White House sparked concerns about the danger of the test-only strategy in preventing COVID-19 infections, the WEAA reported. The spread of the coronavirus among White House officials highlighted the harmful effects of relying on testing to prevent outbreaks, according to experts. "I think the takeaway is clear: Testing alone is not a sufficient strategy to prevent the spread of the virus," said Daniel Green, an assistant professor of cell biology and pathology at Columbia University. Green added that a negative test does not give free license to waive all other safety measures. Trump and other White House officials underwent regular screening to protect them against the coronavirus. However, suggested measures to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 were shunned like mask-wearing and staying at least six feet apart from other people. Jennifer Nuzzo, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Health Security, said that the White House's coronavirus outbreak is a sad reflection that routine testing is not an alternative for wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Nuzzo added that no test is 100 percent accurate. Because of this, Nuzzo noted that anyone who tests negative for the virus is not guaranteed to be free of infection. Even when people are regularly tested, it is vital to use different approaches in reducing the likelihood of transmission. "Maintaining distance from others, choosing to stay in well-ventilated spaces, and wearing a mask are all vital safety measures that must also be used," she added. Other experts agreed that people exposed to a known positive case must immediately have self-quarantine for 14 days. Kelly Wroblewski, director of infectious disease programs, said that relying on a test-only strategy to fight the COVID-19 pandemic would not be successful. Wroblewski noted that the White House was using a test-only approach. To effectively fight COVID-19, Wroblewski said it is essential to combine frequent testing with hand washing, social distancing, mask-wearing, and quarantining when you have a positive test or close contact with a person who tested positive for coronavirus. The rapid testing used at the White House is prone to producing inaccurate results. Green said that false negatives occur in the early stages of infection. Rapid tests, such as those used in the White House, are more likely to false-negative results because those rapid tests are less sensitive than the laboratory-based PCR tests. The White House outbreak is increasingly crucial as COVID-19 testing becomes widely available, and schools, workplaces, and elsewhere are starting to use testing to try to protect people. The new generation of COVID-19 tests, which are more affordable and produce more quick results, appear to be less reliable than the genetic PCR tests that have been mostly used so far. Steven Woloshin, a researcher and physician at the Dartmouth Institute who has studied the reliability of coronavirus tests, said it is alarming that after all these months into the pandemic, "we do not have a better evidence base to guide public health policy." To determine the best way to use testing, research is urgently needed, other experts said. Check these out: COVID-19 Symptoms Commonly Appear in This Order, Says a New Study COVID-19 Drug: Trump Administration Pushes Use of Remdisivir, EU Regulators Start Safety Review Trump's Blood Oxygen Levels Drop When Rushed to Hospital, Chief of Staff Reveals A suspected human skull has been found in a remote forest by a bushwalker. The bone was found in Durikai State Forest, near the NSW-Queensland border, on Monday morning. The person who stumbled across the skull called police and a crime scene has been declared, the Courier Mail reported. The bone was found in Durikai State Forest, near the NSW-Queensland border on Monday morning 'It looks as though [the skull] has been there for a little while,' a Queensland Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia: Durikai State Forest was once a favourite spot for gold prospectors to work. Parts of the forest have been closed off while police investigate. Investigations are ongoing. The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) recently barred Santosh B Singh, a dealer at broking firm IIFL, and five of his associates from the market till further notice for front-running trades. Though it is still a developing story, investors should be more conscious of the repercussions of their demat account lying unattended. Front running is described as the practice of trading ahead of large orders to take advantage of favourable price movement. Brokers are prohibited from this practice. Being vigilant is of utmost importance and investors should treat their account as an extension of themselves. So, check your account details often and close any inactive demat or trading accounts, say experts We spoke to various experts and they have suggested these 10 hygiene factors as safeguards against getting scammed: Expert: Anil Rego, Founder & CEO of Right Horizons KYC documentation Be careful in sharing your KYC documents. Ideally, it will be best if you can physically go to the office of the brokerage firm and hand it over directly to the person who is in charge of opening the demat and trading accounts instead of availing of services where a person comes to one's home/office to collect KYC documents. As these documents can be misused to make mule accounts and one might not even be aware that an account, which conducts fraudulent activity has been opened under one's identification. Also read: Explained: What is 'Front Running' and how it is done via Mule Accounts Proper documentation on KYC Another suggestion would be to sign over the KYC documents stating the following: The documents have been handed over to 'ABC person' on 'Date and time' for account opening with 'XYZ brokerage firm'. Ask the person who collects the KYC documents to also sign there and write their name in full and the date as well. Post this, take a copy of the same before handing over the KYC documents. Low broking account balance Maintain a low broking account balance. As amount can be transferred from one's bank account at the time of execution of a particular trade. Cross-check SMS, email alerts SMS and email alerts confirming a trade should be cross-checked with one's statements and holdings to ensure that the trade has been placed rightly. Power of attorney Power of attorney is a very important part of this industrybe aware of the kind of power of attorney you have signed with the broker. Correspondence Any change in mobile phone number, email, address or any other particular should be immediately updated with the brokerage firm so that you can continue to receive timely information about your account. Avoid keeping account dormant Avoid keeping one's trading account dormant because it can be misused for fraudulent activity as the KYC details can be updated and dormant accounts can be used to conduct scams. Even if the account is dormant, regularly check all the profile and account details. Be vigilant If one notices any fraudulent activity, inform your brokerage firm immediately. Send an official email and freeze your account. If a client places an offline trade, then one should ensure that the slip must be placed in a safe place because that can be misused as it has one's signature. Expert: Harsh Jain, Co-founder and COO, Groww Check the monthly holding statement issued by the broker Most DPs send email/SMS confirmations for every transaction. Investors must ensure that they check these frequently. Beware of phishing One should always verify whether the communications received are from your brokers official email id. Do not share sensitive information like PIN/Passwords/OTP, UPI PIN, debit card number/net banking password/net banking user ID, etc with anyone. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to file its opposition in the European Union in response to India's application for an exclusive Geographical Indications (GI) tag to Basmati rice in the 27-member bloc, a media report said on Tuesday. This was decided during a meeting chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Razak Dawood on Monday. The meeting was attended by Secretary Commerce, Chairman, Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO-Pakistan), representatives of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), and the legal fraternity, the Dawn newspaper reported. It said that during the meeting, REAP representatives were of the view that Pakistan was a major grower and producer of Basmati rice and India's application for exclusivity is unjustified. India has said that it is an Indian-origin product in its application, published in the EU's official journal on September 11. Dawood said that Pakistan will vehemently oppose India's application in the European Union and restrain New Delhi from obtaining an exclusive GI tag of Basmati rice. He supported the concerns of REAP and relevant stakeholders and ensured that their claim for Basmati rice as GI will be protected, the report said. Pakistan enacted the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act in March this year, which gives it the right to oppose Indian application for registration of Basmati rice's exclusive rights. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Mahesh Kumar, then Member Staff of the Railway Board and Vijay Singla, nephew of then Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, besides several railway officials in the railway bribery case, officials said on Tuesday. An ED official said the agency has filed a chargesheet against Kumar, Singla, N. Manjunath, Sandeep Goyal, Ajay Garg, Rahul Yadav, Sameer Sandhir, Sushil Daga, C.V. Venugopal, M.V. Murali Krishna and Venketeshwara Rail Nirman Pvt Ltd under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The chargesheet was filed in a Special PMLA court in Chandigarh, a release said on Tuesday. The ED has also demanded punishment for those named in the chargesheet and confiscation of their assets. The ED case is based on the FIR and chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Kumar, Singla, Goyal and seven other accused persons. The CBI had arrested Bansal's nephew Singla red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 89.68 lakh for favourable posting of Kumar, a 1975 batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE) as Member (Electrical), Railway Board. "During the investigation it was revealed that Manjunath on behalf of Kumar had persuaded various Railway vendors/S&T manufactures/contractors for making arrangement of bribe amount for promotion of Kumar as Member (Electrical) by alluring them that all the contributors will be taken care of/benefited from the desired posting of Kumar," the official said. It was also found that for the favourable posting of Kumar, the first instalment of the bribe amount of Rs 89.68 lakh was contributed by Manjunath, Krishna, Daga and Venketeshwara Rail Nirman Pvt. Ltd. The officer said that Rs 50 lakh was contributed by Manjunath himself, Rs 25 lakh by Krishna, Rs 5 lakh by Daga and Rs 10 lakh from the account of Venketeshwara Rail Nirman Pvt. Ltd. by Rahul Yadav and Daga. "The said amount was routed through the account of various companies or individuals and with assistance of hawala agents," the officer said, adding: "The amount Rs 89.68 lakh was finally made available at Delhi in the form of cash which was delivered to Singla at his office in Sector 28, Chandigarh by the employees of Daga and Yadav of Delhi." The ED in July this year questioned Bansal for several hours in Chandigarh in connection with the case. In May last year, the ED had attached the Rs 89 lakh amount which the CBI seized from the office of Bansal's nephew Singla in 2013 in the corruption case related to appointments at top positions in the railways, when the Congress leader was the Union Railway Minister in the United Progressive Alliance-2 regime. Bansal had to step down from the post after the controversy. "Singla demanded Rs 10 crore through Sandeep Goyal from N Manjunath to get Mahesh Kumar posted as Member (Electrical)," the ED had said, quoting the CBI probe. By ANI ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday dismissed a petition seeking a ban on Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif's speeches, reported The Dawn. The petition stated that Sharif has started actively participating in politics and has initiated a smear campaign against state institutions, after going abroad on the pretext of availing medical treatment. It urged the court to order that Sharif's recent "hate speeches" be taken down from the internet and that he should be prohibited from delivering speeches in future. The plea was heard by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah. The high court in its verdict said that it was not in the public interest to invoke the "constitutional jurisdiction of a high court in matters involving political content", especially in cases where the law provides "alternative remedies". "The people of Pakistan, through their chosen representatives, have the will and resolve to safeguard the security of Pakistan. The security of Pakistan is surely not dependent on the issuance of a writ by this court," the verdict read. The IHC verdict, which was reserved earlier on Monday, said that the petitioner argued that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had banned speeches delivered by individuals who were declared as absconders in a case. "Taking this argument into account, the court said that the petitioner "could not give a plausible explanation for invoking the jurisdiction of this court when an alternate remedy was available" to them," said the article on The Dawn. The petitioner had also expressed concern that the country's security was being "threatened", the five-page verdict noted. The court, however, dismissed this argument in its ruling, saying that "the security of Pakistan is not frail nor can be threatened by mere political rhetoric". According to the verdict, the petitioner's concerns about the country's security were "misconceived". A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the case of criminal conspiracy for the "provocative speeches" he made in London to "defame Pakistan's institutions" The FIR was lodged against Sharif on October 1 by a local in the Shahdra Police Station's jurisdiction. Earlier this month, Pakistan failed to execute a non-bailable arrest warrant against Sharif, who was granted permission to fly abroad to get medical treatment in November last year. For nearly one month, the Pakistan government made several attempts to get Sharif's arrest warrant signed. Last week, the IHC had slammed Sharif over his failure to appear before the court after he was granted permission to fly abroad for medical treatment. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan had tasked relevant authorities to bring back Sharif at the earliest. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting where the Prime Minister also issued the directive to pursue the matter vigorously. A cabinet member had told Dawn the government had already sent a request to the British government for the repatriation of Nawaz but it would now send a fresh application. Last month, the IHC came down heavily on the Imran Khan-led government for allowing Sharif to go abroad without informing the court and it was up to the dispensation to take steps for ensuring the latter's return to the country. (ANI) An as-yet-uncosted grant to maintain an ageing coal-fired power plant has been slated in the federal budget, which also plans to splash $2 billion on water infrastructure and $233 million on facilities in Commonwealth national parks to grow jobs. The level of funding for coal-fired power will remain under wraps as Energy Minister Angus Taylor negotiates with Delta Electricity over a grant to help the company maintain its 1320 megawatt Vales Point Power Station in the NSW Hunter Valley, which will wind down capacity towards its planned closure in 2029. The budget papers say the government investment in Vales Point would replace key components and allow it to continue to deliver its nameplate capacity during peak periods. The grant, which will support 29 jobs over the next three years, would reduce the risk of supply shortfalls and extreme prices for consumers after Liddell's closure, the budget papers said. The San Antonio City Council has a fairly routine meeting scheduled for Thursday: appointing committees, adjusting contracts, discussing proposed ordinance changes. But they will be doing it in person for the first time since June. Its just one more heartening sign of normalcy. The city monitors the same progress indicators that we present to the public, said city spokeswoman Laura Mayes. We saw the positivity rate drop, the case doubling time increase things are trending in the right direction and more things are opening. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio breathes sigh of relief as positivity rate dips below 5 percent That includes the City Council chambers. Precautions will still be taken, however. Everyone knows flu season is lurking and no one wants to see a resurgence of the novel coronavirus. Some of the things people can expect are similar to what theyve seen, Mayes said about safety precautions at Thursdays meeting. We will do temperature and symptom screens as people enter. Masks are required and some of the audience seats will be blocked off to ensure social distancing. One new feature will be plastic screens installed between each council member on the dais. At least four council members will continue to attend the meeting via video and a big screen will be set up at their seats, as was seen at some of the last meetings the council had in person in May and June. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases For those who want to participate in the citizens to be heard part of the meeting but might still be concerned about being out in public, the city will continue to take e-comments online, something new that started during the pandemic. Residents can comment on any item by going to the agenda at sanantonio.gov and clicking on eComment at the top of the page. That will take you to a list of the items and you can click on the ones you want to address and write your comments there. Its a good thing, Mayes said. Its convenient for the public and the comments are added to the record. As usual, the meeting will be live-streamed online. Russia, France and the United States have jointly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the raging Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh. In a statement released on October 5, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian denounced the bloodshed in the strongest terms the unprecedented and dangerous escalation of violence in and outside of the disputed mountainous region. The ministers representing the co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group said that the recent attacks in allegedly targeting the civilian centres on both sides of the Line of Contact and the nature of the attacks constitute to an unacceptable threat to the Nagorno-Karabakh zone. Armenian officials at the region said on October 5 that at least 21 were killed in the clashes. But Azerbaijans prosecutor generals office reportedly said that total 25 civilians had been killed with at least 127 wounded. The Co-Chair countries of the @OSCE Minsk Group strongly condemn the unprecedented and dangerous escalation of violence in and outside of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. We call upon the parties to accept an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. https://t.co/aL42NI0zkx Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) October 5, 2020 Read - Armenia Minister Provides Update On Fighting Toll Read - Armenia- Azerbaijan Clash: Iran Working On Peace Plan Amid Soaring Death Toll Nagorno-Karabakh dispute Nagorno-Karabakh, the border region that witnesses heavy military presence, is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but controlled by ethnic Armenians. Towards the dying years of the Soviet Union, both Armenia and Azerbaijan broke away from the communist state which reportedly sought to suppress ethnic as well as religious clashes. The conflict in the Caucasus Mountains has been in place for more than three decades with several breakouts and casualties. Earlier, a fight erupted in July killing at least 16 people that also triggered the largest demonstration for years in the Azerbaijan capital Baku, which also initiated the calls for the regions capture. Amid heightened tensions, Turkey has announced its support for Azerbaijan as its president, Ilham Aliyev, expressed confidence in taking back control of the breakaway region. On the other hand, France, which has a significant Armenian community, has called for an immediate ceasefire and a dialogue. Read - Armenia-Azerbaijan Clash: NATO Chief Calls For Ceasefire Amid Surging Fatalities Read - Chile Armenians Protest Outside Azerbaijan Embassy VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / BeMetals Corp. (TSXV:BMET)(OTCQB:BMTLF)(Frankfurt:1OI.F) (the "Company" or "BeMetals") is pleased to announce commencement of the fully funded exploration program at the Pangeni Copper Project (Pangeni" or the "Project"), located in the western extension of the Central African Copperbelt in Zambia (the "Zambian Copperbelt"). The primary objective for this year's campaign is to extend the copper mineralization discovered at two high-priority targets during the 2019 exploration program, and potentially vector into higher grade areas. John Wilton, President and CEO of BeMetals stated, "We are pleased to have started a follow up phase of aircore drilling at the Pangeni Copper Project. This project's value relates to exploring through thin cover units to test for extensions of the prolific Zambian Copperbelt, which hosts several world-class copper mines. This is an exciting time for BeMetals with underground drilling already advancing at our high-grade Zinc-Silver-Gold-Copper, South Mountain Project in Idaho, our ongoing global evaluation for an entry-level precious metal project, and now the follow-up exploration program from the successful delivery of our last Pangeni Copper Project drilling results in 2019. At Pangeni, last year's core drilling program resulted in the discovery of some very encouraging copper mineralization at both the D2 and SW(E2) targets (see Figure 1 and highlights below). Those intersections are generally hosted within broader zones of anomalous copper which are importantly associated with the same alteration minerals known to occur in other large-scale copper deposits, being mined, within the Zambian Copperbelt. Both the D2 target and SW (E2) targets are open for expansion along both strike and dip. We intend to systematically test the interpreted geological structures at these targets with cost-effective lines of shallow aircore drilling. Other priority targets on the property such as CT, will also be tested with aircore drilling before they are further evaluated with core drilling later in the year. We are also pleased to be continuing our strong technical and local community relationships with both Copper Cross Zambia Limited and Pangeni Mineral Resources Limited, the optionees of this property." Highlights of the Planned 2020 Pangeni Aircore and core Drilling Campaign: To follow-up on encouraging copper intersections at the high priority D2 and SW(E2) targets during the 2019 exploration program ( See select results below and Figure 1 further below ) ) D2 Target (1) : Core Hole D2-C1 intersected 5.50 metres ("m") grading 0.53% copper ("Cu") : Core Hole D2-C1 intersected 5.50 metres ("m") grading 0.53% copper ("Cu") Core Hole D2-C2 intersected 5.56m grading 0.47% Cu SW(E2) Target (1) : Core Hole E2-C2 intersected 4.50m grading 0.39% Cu Core Hole E2-C2 intersected 4.50m grading 0.39% Cu including: 0.5m of 1.59% Cu & 0.5m grading 1.22% Cu 0.5m of 1.59% Cu & 0.5m grading 1.22% Cu To drill a total of approximately 3,500 metres for 100 shallow aircore holes and approximately 1,000 metres for five core holes to test copper geochemical targets from the aircore program Note (1): Intertek Genalysis completed the analytical work with the core samples processed at their preparation facility in Kitwe, Zambia. All analytical procedures were conducted in an Intertek Genalysis laboratory in Australia. Reported widths are drilled core lengths as true widths are unknown at this time. Based upon current data it is estimated true widths range between 80 to 90% of the drilled intersections. PANGENI PROJECT 2020 EXPLORATION PROGRAM The 2020 program will comprise a total of approximately 3,500 metres of aircore drilling for 100 aircore holes (see Figure 1) and approximately 1,000 metres for five core holes. This program is planned to run until mid-December with initial aircore results expected to be released in early December and then final core results in early 2021.The planned aircore holes will be spaced at various distances along lines from 400m to 200m and 100m infill centres based upon field results and observations. The program is designed to follow-up on extensions and potential higher grade areas of copper mineralization discovered during the 2019 drill season where hole D2-C1 intersected 5.50m grading 0.53% copper at the D2 Target and hole E2-C2 intersected 4.5m grading 0.39% copper at the SW(E2) Target (See Figure 1). The results to date indicate a number of anomalous zones of predominantly copper sulphide mineralization are present at both the D2 and SW(E2) targets. These intersections are related to broader zones of anomalous copper which are associated with the same alteration minerals known to occur at various copper deposits and large scale mines within the Zambian Copperbelt. The CT Target will also be tested with two lines of aircore drilling. The Pangeni Project is located along the western extension of the Zambian Copperbelt and is largely under-explored due to an extensive layer of Kalahari sand that covers much of the bedrock geology in this region of Zambia. At the Pangeni Property, the sand cover is thinner than most areas in the western extension of the Copperbelt and only averages approximately 25 metres in depth. The Company uses interpretations of airborne magnetic data coupled with aircore drilling to generate copper targets beneath the covering units of sand. These targets are then followed-up with core drilling. To date, BeMetals has discovered two high priority targets with significant core drilled copper intersections and additional areas will also be explored during the 2020 field season. Figure 1: Location Map of Planned 2020 Aircore Drilling Lines and Existing Drill Hole Collars On Interpreted Map of Surface Regolith at Pangeni Copper Project THE PANGENI COPPER PROJECT The Pangeni Project is located on the western extension of the Zambian Copperbelt, within the Lufilian Arc, underlain by Katangan Supergroup metasediments situated unconformably on basement schists and gneisses, which are covered by a thin veneer of Kalahari sands. The open pit Sentinel Copper Mine is operated by First Quantum Minerals Ltd. some 130 kilometres to the northeast of the Pangeni Project. A number of major international mining companies have identified this region of the Zambian Copperbelt to be prospective for the discovery of tier one copper mines and are also conducting extensive exploration work in this area. The Pangeni Project property is geologically prospective for the following deposit types; Basement-hosted Cu (analogues: the Lumwana Deposit, Nyungu Prospect), Sediment-hosted stratiform Cu-Co (analogues: Nchanga, Konkola, Nkana, and Mufulira Deposits), other Domes Region Deposits e.g. Sentinel, and Kansanshi and DRC Copperbelt Deposits e.g. Lonshi, Frontier, Kamoa-Kakula). Figure 2. Pangeni Copper Project Location Map in Zambia Table 1. 2019 Drill hole, Azimuth, Dip, EOH depth, collar co-ordinates Drill Hole ID Azimuth Degree Dip Degree End of hole Depth (m) Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) D2-C1 310 -70 197.90 177281 8601289 1301 D2-C2 310 -70 197.90 177373 8601190 1302 E2-C2 310 -70 213.60 170428 8586453 1233 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL The results reported here for this core drilling program were analyzed by Intertek Genalysis, an independent and accredited laboratory. Samples were prepared at their facility in Kitwe, Zambia and analytical work conducted in Australia. The results were determined using multi-acid, near total digest, and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma ("ICP") Optical (Atomic) Emission Spectrometry ("OES"). The core sampling was conducted with a robust sampling protocol that included the appropriate insertion of standard reference material, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream. Field operations and management have been provided by Remote Exploration Services ("RES") an independent geological consulting and contracting company. The core drilling was conducted by Blurock Mining Services, of Kitwe, Zambia. About BeMetals Corp. BeMetals is a new precious and base metals exploration and development company focused on becoming a leading diversified metal producer through the acquisition of quality exploration, development and potentially production stage projects. The Company is searching globally for an entry-level precious metals project while progressing both its advanced high-grade, zinc-silver-gold-copper polymetallic underground exploration at the South Mountain Project in Idaho, and its tier-one targeted, Pangeni Copper Exploration Project in Zambia. BeMetals' growth strategy is led by our strong board and management, founders of the Company and significant shareholders, who have an extensive proven record of delivering considerable value in the mining sector through the discovery, construction and operation of mines around the world. The technical information in this news release for BeMetals has been reviewed and approved by John Wilton, CGeol FGS, CEO and President of BeMetals, and a "Qualified Person" as defined under National Instrument 43-101. On Behalf of BeMetals Corp. "John Wilton" John Wilton President, CEO and Director For further information about BeMetals please visit our website at www.bemetalscorp.com and sign-up to our email list to receive timely updates, or contact: Derek Iwanaka Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development Telephone: 604-609-6141 Email: diwanaka@bemetalscorp.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 news release Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (as defined under applicable securities laws), based on management's best estimates, assumptions and current expectations. Such statements include but are not limited to, statements with respect to the plans for future exploration and development of the South Mountain and Pangeni projects, and the acquisition of additional base and/or precious metal projects. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts" , "anticipates" "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims", "potential", "goal", "objective", "prospective", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "can", "could" or "should" occur. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the actual results of exploration activities, the availability of financing and/or cash flow to fund the current and future plans and expenditures, the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions of the option agreements for the South Mountain Project and/or the Pangeni Project, and changes in the world commodity markets or equity markets. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The forward-looking statements and forward looking information are made as of the date hereof and are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any forward-looking statements or forward looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as require by law. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. Please refer to the Company's most recent filings under its profile at www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks affecting the Company and its business. SOURCE: BeMetals Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609229/BeMetals-Commences-Exploration-Program-at-the-Pangeni-Copper-Project Tributes have been paid to a Co Armagh woman who died in a plane crash in New York at the weekend. Nurse Margaret (Maggie) O'Neill (61) was one of two passengers in a Cessna 182 Skylane seaplane piloted by restaurateur Joe Oppedisano (61) that ploughed into a concrete pier near Throgs Neck Bridge in Queens on Sunday afternoon. The plane was badly broken up, and nearby jet skiers helped to pull the injured from the wreckage. According to the New York Daily News, her partner of 20 years Jose Urena (66), a skyscraper crane mechanic, was badly injured along with Mr Oppedisano. Both men are being treated in hospital. A family notice said that Ms O'Neill (nee McGinley) was a loving mother to Brendan and Christopher and partner of Jose. Paying tribute to Ms O'Neill, her partner's brother-in-law Alberto Vargas said: "We are very sad and heartbroken that she is gone." He said Mr Urena had surgery on an injured ankle and will need a follow-up operation. "He has spine and lung complications and his chin also got pretty banged up," Mr Vargas explained. "The doctor told him he was very lucky to have survived. "We're relieved that he's okay." It's reported that the trio had been returning from a lunch trip to Maine when the tragedy occurred. Reacting to the news, one woman from Co Armagh commented on Twitter: "Rest in Peace Maggie, you have left a heartbroken family here in Ireland." A work colleague of Ms O'Neill added: "Wow this hurts. "I worked with the passenger that passed, she was the most pleasant person to be around." Mr Oppedisano and Mr Urena own two planes together, with the former having built a hangar at his mansion near the crash site. In a news conference Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro commented: "Witnesses said that the plane was travelling rather fast along the water, skipped twice and hit the pier." He said that the single-engined aircraft, which can accommodate four, was left "broken in pieces". The New York Times reported that jet skiers who witnessed the crash helped to rescue the two men on board, while Ms O'Neill was removed by Fire Department personnel. A witness at the scene, John Polito, told NBC news: "I heard a big roar like a tractor-trailer was coming down the block at full speed and they hit something. Jet skiers were at the scene first, they jumped in, took two people out... it was a bad scene, a bad situation." Neighbour Dorene Finnegan said the pilot is well-known in the area. "He takes his plane out all the time, he's always flying it so it's a little shocking to hear something happened." One of the jet skiers who helped the passengers out of the plane, Jarrett Schupak, was treated for minor injuries at the scene. In a post on the pilot's restaurant page, his daughter Tina Maria said: "Yesterday was a tragic day. My family and I would like to thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. It is impossible to reach back to you all individually but know your messages have been heard. At this time we ask for everyone to please respect our privacy and keep the victims of this accident and my father in your prayers." The Maharashtra home minister, pointing to the AIIMS report that ruled out murder in the late actor's death, demanded an apology from those who 'defamed' the state Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday, alleging that BJP leaders were behind 'discrediting' the Mumbai police investigation into the Sushant Singh Rajput case, said the crime branch and state cybercrime unit would investigate "the conspiracy to defame Mumbai and Maharashtra Police". The state home minister, while levelling his allegations, cited a study by researchers at the University of Michigan. As per the study, titled 'Anatomy of a Rumour: Social media and the suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput', the Mumbai Police was targeted by various stakeholders, but particularly by BJP politicians, in proposing a murder alternative to the suicide narrative. The study also claimed that BJP leaders were much more aggressive than the Congress party in discussing murder, rather than suicide. We find that although both parties have roughly the same number of known politicians talking about the subject (3,03 Congress politicians versus 3,478 BJP politicians), we find that the BJP is almost twice as voluminous in its tweeting61,196 tweet compared to INCs 32,406, the study concluded. As per Hindustan Times, Deshmukh also said that a few TV channels were at the forefront of this conspiracy. Cybercrime cell of the Maharashtra police will investigate the fake accounts created as part of the conspiracy, he told the newspaper. Deshmukh, referring to the AIIMS report which ruled out murder in the late actor's death, also demanded an apology from those who "defamed" the state of Maharashtra. The medical board of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences' (AIIMS) last week ruled out murder in Rajput's death, and termed it "a case of hanging and death by suicide". Rajput, 34, was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on 14 June. The Mumbai Police had probed the matter initially before the CBI began its investigation into the case in August following a ruling by the Supreme Court. The high-profile case also saw a tussle between the Maharashtra and Bihar police. "Maharashtra was battling COVID-19. At such a time, a conspiracy was hatched to defame Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Maharashtra," Deshmukh told reporters in Mumbai. "...some parties tried to defame Maharashtra, Mumbai Police. They should apologise to Maharashtra or else, the people of Maharashtra will not forgive them," the minister said. He also asked Devendra Fadnavis, who is the BJP's in-charge of the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, whether he would campaign for former Bihar police chief and JD(U) leader Gupteshwar Pandey, who he claimed had "defamed" Maharashtra and Mumbai Police in connection with the case. Deshmukh's comments come just a day after Shiv Sena also demanded an apology from politicians and news channels which "defamed" Mumbai Police in connection with the same case. In an editorial of its mouthpiece Saamana, the Shiv Sena said truth finally prevailed in the actor's death case, and alleged that it was a conspiracy to malign Maharashtra's image using the episode. It also said the Maharashtra government should file a defamation case against those who were part of the conspiracy. "The politicians and news channels which bark like dogs, who defamed the Mumbai Police and questioned its probe, must apologise to Maharashtra now," the editorial said. With inputs from PTI A Miami businessmans organic hemp company was approved for a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan valued between $150,000 and $350,000 months after the business had been shut down, according to a lawsuit filed last Friday by investors in the company. Whats more, the investors allege that the businessman, Patrick Horsman, purchased a private plane for more than $1 million after the CBD business had crashed and burned and after he had applied for the loan from the program, a signature part of the federal COVID-19 relief package, which was designed to help struggling small businesses keep employees on the payroll. The loans are forgiven if used for payroll and other approved expenses. The program, which allowed banks to largely take borrowers at their word for much of the financial information they were required to submit, was seen by experts as particularly vulnerable to fraud. Patrick Horsman Federal records show that a Montana-based company managed by Horsman registered a Canadair Challenger 600 plane on April 28, one day before his hemp company, Integrated CBD, was awarded a PPP loan. Investors say that Horsman and two partners in Integrated CBD misled them about the companys prospects, engaged in self-dealing and used funds from the company to pay personal expenses, including Horsmans credit card bills. Horsman declined to comment until after reviewing the lawsuit with counsel. Horsman owns two apartments on Bay Harbor Islands, including a penthouse apartment boasting a private terrace and unobstructed Biscayne Bay view that he purchased last year for nearly $1.6 million. Sunset view from real estate listing for the Bay Harbor Islands penthouse Patrick Horsman bought for nearly $1.6 million in 2019. Horsman has been accused of fraud by investors in his Integrated CBD organic hemp company. Horsman, a veteran investment executive who specializes in pairing investors with niche investments, was censured in 2017 by FINRA, the regulator of investment brokers, for violating rules on investing in initial public offerings and failing to disclose several brokerage accounts to his company, Blue Sand Securities, in writing for several months. Horsman was fined $20,000, forced to return the profits from his IPO investments and suspended for 10 days. Story continues The hemp company was based in Arizona and Horsman and his partners, Jeffrey Dreyer and Ari Schiff, told investors in 2019 that they had access to 10,000 acres of organic farmland, which they would use to grow organic hemp and extract CBD. The Arizona lawsuit, filed in Maricopa County, alleges that Horsmans group overstated the amount of land it controlled and the quality of the land saying that the land was already successfully producing hemp when it was not. Additionally, investors say that Horsman and his partners overstated how much funding they had acquired from other sources, announcing in late 2019 that they had raised $50 million in secured debt. But in January 2020, Horsman told the investors that the company had burned through all of its cash and would need more money to continue. When the investors examined the companys financial records, they discovered that the company had used company funds to pay roughly $2 million in credit card bills in Horsmans name. And investors say that Horsman and his associates also made millions of dollars from a scheme by which entities they controlled purchased the Arizona farmland that was to be used by the company, and then leased it back to the company at an inflated price. The lawsuit alleges that Horsman laid off all of Integrated CBDs employees no later than February 2020 but still applied for and received the PPP loan in late April. The U.S. Small Business Administration, which is administering the program, said that it does not comment on pending litigation. Earlier in April, the company scheduled an auction for its farming and processing equipment. The two firms conducting the auction did not respond to questions from the Miami Herald about whether the auction took place and was successful. One of the jilted investors said in the lawsuit that when he confronted Horsman about the alleged misappropriation of funds, Horsman replied, [W]hy do you care, you only lost 50 grand? Gov. Kristi Noem has no plans to get tested for the coronavirus before heading back to the president's campaign trail this week, even though she attended a fundraiser with the president shortly before he tested positive. President Donald Trumps announcement last week that he tested positive led to a flurry of testing by other politicians, including three Minnesota congressmen and a U.S. Senate candidate who had flown on Air Force One. The Minneapolis steakhouse that catered Trumps fundraiser last Wednesday also announced that its event staff would quarantine and be tested even though none had come into close contact with Trump. Noems spokesman, Ian Fury, said she has no plans to get tested in the immediate future because she has not been in close contact with anyone who tested positive for the coronavirus. As Trump returned to the White House after being hospitalized, he downplayed the deadly threat of the virus, which has also infected the first lady and several White House aides. It's a sentiment that Noem has echoed as she has carved out a national following among conservatives for renouncing lockdowns and casting doubt on the usefulness of masks. Noem tested negative for the virus on Sept. 29, a day before the Trump fundraiser in Minnesota. But she did not get close enough or spend enough time with the president to become a close contact, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to Fury. The CDC defines close contact as spending at least 15 minutes within six feet of someone who has an infection. Fury said that as more White House staff and others in Trump's orbit have announced positive tests for the virus, the governor's team checks if Noem had close contact with them. They are relying on Noem's recollection. At Trump campaign events, Noem does not wear a mask but regularly poses for photos with her arms wrapped around people. Weve taken the health concerns of #COVID19 very seriously, Noem tweeted Tuesday. Noem has defended her hands-off approach to managing the pandemic, but COVID-19 is surging in South Dakota, which on Tuesday had the highest positivity rate of any state over the past 14 days, at 23.64%, according to The COVID Tracking Project. By comparison, the national average rate over the 14 days that ended Monday was 4.7%. The surge led Republican Sen. Mike Rounds, who is seeking reelection, to postpone large campaign events and to limit contact among staff, according to his chief of staff, Rob Skjonsberg. Rounds' wife, Jean Rounds, was treated for cancer this year. Mike tested negative on July 3, he hasnt been to any recent White House events and were not aware of any exposure, Skjonsberg said. Republican Sen. John Thune's staff declined to comment on when he was last tested for the virus. He is not known to have come into contact with White House staff in the last week. South Dakota's surge in cases and hospitalizations, and the news of Trump's infection, have not stopped Noem from traveling or holding events. She spoke to South Dakota legislators gathered for a special session on Monday, and she will next head to Florida for a Trump rally. She is also slated to speak Friday at the American Priority Conference, a gathering of the president's supporters, at Trump National Doral hotel in Miami. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 12 Hyderabad, Oct 6 : The Telangana government on Tuesday threatened to build a barrage to lift three TMC of water every day from the Krishna river for agriculture if Andhra Pradesh fails to stop construction of "illegal projects" like Pothireddypadu. During the apex council meeting held through video conference and presided over by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao made it clear that Telangana would construct a barrage at Alampur-Pedda Marur to lift 3 TMC of water every day for agriculture, if the Andhra government fails to stop construction of "illegal projects" like Potireddypadu and others on the Krishna river. He reiterated that the Telangana government is ready to protect the interests of its farmers and would not keep quiet if the Andhra Pradesh government attempts to render "injustice" to Telangana in river water usage, and "usurps the rights of Telangana and break all the regulations as it was done under the united Andhra Pradesh". The CM explained in details with data and facts about Telangana's rights on Krishna and Godavari waters, and its allocations to Shekhawat and his counterpart in the lower riparian state, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. "The injustices being meted out to Telangana in river water allocation has resulted in separate Telangana statehood movement. The newly-formed Telangana state has every right to get its lawful share in the inter-state water allocations. The irrigation water share that the Telangana lost under the united AP, will be reclaimed and achieved under the Telangana State," a statement from the Chief Minister's Office quoted him as saying. KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly known, said it was unfortunate and painful that despite Telangana lodging several complaints against the Andhra government for constructing illegal projects and the Centre's guidelines on the issue, the Andhra government is going ahead with the projects. He condemned the Pothireddypadu Canal construction, which is "illegally" taking water from the Srisailam project, saying that this project was opposed by Telangana society during the separate statehood movement and yet the Andhra government is going ahead with it. In his presentation on the details of river water sharing and the allocations to be made to Telangana, KCR said that in the initial days of formation of Telangana, on July 14, 2014, the state government wrote a letter to the Centre to constitute a Tribunal under the Interstate Water Disputes Act of 1956 but the Centre till date did not respond to the letter. Since the Centre had not taken any measure, after waiting for one year, the state government had filed a petition in the Supreme Court. KCR also demanded immediate constitution of the Tribunal. However, Union Minister Shekhawat said since the case is pending in the Supreme Court, they were not able to take any decision. Responding to this, KCR said the government would withdraw its petition if the tribunal is constituted. The CM wanted the terms of reference of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT-2) should be made in accordance with the AP State Reorganisation Act 2014 under Section 89, and allocation of water to projects should be done accordingly. In this context, he brought to notice a law principle that river water should be diverted within the river basins, as well as the Union Ministry's guidelines that it is only after fulfilling the needs of regions within a river basin, should surplus water, if any, be diverted. Against this background, the AP state government has no right to divert the Krishna waters outside the basin, he said. KCR again clarified that all the projects continued in Telangana are not new projects but were the projects started under the united AP state. The projects are being constructed in accordance with the Telangana State's government rightful share of 967.94 TMC of the Godavari water. On the Union Minister's request for DPRs of the project, he said that details of all the projects are in public domain and there was no secrecy about them. Since there were some minor changes made to the projects, there was some delay in submitting the DPRs, he said, adding that there was no problem in submitting the DPRs. As per the Godavari water Disputes Tribunal Award, the entire water flowing under the then unified Andhra Pradesh's jurisdiction in Godavari can be utilised and if Andhra has any objections, it can approach the Tribunal under the 1956 Act. Responding to this, Shekhawat said if both states give letters, the Godavari Tribunal would be constituted. The CM said if the Centre comes forward to solve the river water disputes between the two states through talks, the Telangana government is ready. But before that water allocations should be made, limits should be fixed so that the water boards would work efficiently. The two-day online summit features keynotes from leading voices in life sciences, panel discussions, and product innovation showcases throughout the event MIAMI, Fla., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ArisGlobal, the leading provider of a SaaS platform that automates core product development functions for over 300 global life sciences companies, today announced Breakthrough 2020. The virtual two-day event, set for October 28th and 29th, 2020, is designed to bring together members of the life sciences industry to discuss the innovation and digital transformation trends that are driving product development forward. The life sciences industry has always played a vital role in society. With the global pandemic placing public health front and center, bringing the industry together to share ideas and innovations has never been more important. Breakthrough is one-of-a-kind event that's tailored for life sciences professionals across R&D, including drug safety, clinical operations & data management, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, procurement and IT practitioners. Featuring an array of carefully curated keynotes, panels and demos, Breakthrough 2020 will enable access to industry experts in the field and an on-demand library of valuable content. The virtual event also gives participants the opportunity to hear directly from some of ArisGlobal's top customers. Day 1 of Breakthrough2020 is headlined by a keynote presentation by renowned futurist Dr. Daniel Kraft, Chair of Medicine at Singularity University and Founder and Chair of Exponential Medicine. The opening day also includes innovation-focused sessions led by Dr. Rob Scott, former Chief Medical Officer of AbbVie, Dr. Georgia Papathomas, former SVP and Global Head of Data Sciences at Johnson & Johnson, and Vita Cassese, former CIO of Pfizer's Worldwide Pharmaceuticals Group. The day 2 agenda dives deeper into specific domains with exciting conversations across Drug Safety, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical development tracks. Breakthrough 2020 promises to be an inspiring, thought-provoking experience for all attendees. Sankesh Abbhi, President and CEO of ArisGlobal and one of the key speakers at this year's event, is looking at the bigger picture. "The global pandemic has highlighted the key role that technology can play in accelerating the development of safer, more effective treatments. At Breakthrough 2020, we look forward to bringing together leaders from across the industry to discuss innovations that will improve the lives of patients around the world." Registration for Breakthrough 2020 is now open to all life sciences R&D professionals. Attendance is complimentary. To learn more about Breakthrough 2020 and register for the event, visit: https://www.arisglobal.com/breakthrough-2020/ About ArisGlobal ArisGlobal is transforming the way today's most successful Life Sciences companies develop breakthroughs and bring new products to market. Our end-to-end drug development technology platform, LifeSphere, integrates our proprietary Nava cognitive computing engine to automate all core functions of the drug development lifecycle. Designed with deep expertise and a long-term perspective that spans more than 30 years, LifeSphere is a unified platform that boosts efficiency, ensures compliance, delivers actionable insights, and lowers total cost of ownership through multi-tenant SaaS architecture. Headquartered in the United States, ArisGlobal has regional offices in Europe, India, Japan and China. For more updates, follow ArisGlobal on LinkedIn and Twitter . Additional Information Connect with ArisGlobal on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/aris-global Follow @Aris_Global on Twitter: twitter.com/aris_global Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197653/ArisGlobal_Logo.jpg With COVID-19 infections on the rise, Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca wants Premier Doug Ford to open the purse strings and close many businesses in the hard-hit regions of Toronto, Peel, and Ottawa. Doug Ford has lost control. Ontario is now in a full-fledged Wave II and still this premier and his cabinet refuse to invest in the safety of Ontarians, even as they sit on billions of dollars in unspent federal funding, Del Duca said Tuesday. The Liberal chief said the Progressive Conservative premier should follow the advice of Toronto public health, the Ontario Hospital Association, and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. Immediately suspend indoor dining at restaurants and bars and close gyms for 28 days in COVID-19 hotspots and ... provide immediate support to businesses affected by the closures, he said. While Ford has insisted local medical officers of health like Torontos Dr. Eileen de Villa already have the power to shut down businesses under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Del Duca said Ontarians are looking for guidance. His negligence in August and September has left Ontarians grappling with a fierce second wave, without any leadership to guide them through it, he said of Ford, adding the premier has blatantly failed to listen to the experts and take action to slow the spread of COVID-19. At the same time as limiting commercial activity, Del Duca said the Tories need to spend more of the federal funds earmarked for coronavirus response by Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal government. This is not the time for Ford to hoard cash: we are in the middle of a pandemic. Spend the money, do whatever it takes, and keep people safe and businesses alive there are no second chances, he said. It is crucial the provincial government steps up and uses a service industry recovery fund to help businesses cover rent and lost income during closures. Small business owners cannot afford closures without immediate and direct support from the government. Read more about: People without Covid-19 symptoms have been among those taking the test on White House grounds, where individuals who received negative results were granted swift access to the president and his advisers. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former commissioner of the F.D.A., described these procedures as a misguided attempt at a zero-fail testing protocol in an interview on CBS Face the Nation on Sunday, saying that officials werent taking any precautions beyond testing people who are going to be in contact with the president. However, according to the products packaging, both Abbott rapid tests are intended for people with Covid-19 symptoms, early on in their illness. When Abbott submitted the tests for emergency authorization from the F.D.A., the company provided data only for people with symptoms. When used appropriately, the company has said, both tests perform about 95 percent as well as P.C.R. But how well the products do in asymptomatic individuals remains murky. In a statement, Darcy Ross, Abbotts senior director of external communications, said the instructions that came with both products gave physicians the power to administer tests at their discretion, regardless of whether the recipients had symptoms. As with all tests that have received an E.U.A., a health care provider will determine if a person needs a Covid-19 test, she said. Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious disease physician based in South Carolina, said she would not feel comfortable administering such tests to healthy patients: We dont have data to show how this test is going to perform in that population. Abbott was not required to submit data evaluating either tests performance in asymptomatic populations when applying for emergency approval from the F.D.A. But Ms. Ross confirmed that such studies are underway, and the company has told experts that it thinks asymptomatic testing is likely to pan out. On Saturday evening, Andrea Wainer, Abbotts executive vice president of rapid and molecular diagnostics, emailed a document entitled Perspectives on Testing to several public health experts, including Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, containing preliminary results outlining the ID NOWs performance in people without symptoms. Among an unspecified number of individuals, the test picked up about 88 percent of the infections found by laboratory P.C.R. tests, the company statement said. Numbers were not reported for the BinaxNOW. CAMEROUN :: Disappearance of journalist Wazizi's body: CODE demands international investigation :: CAMEROON The body of the Cameroonian journalist who died in August 2019 in troubled circumstances, has still not been returned to his family. Samuel Wazizi, 35, real name Samuel Ajiekah Abuwe, an English-speaking journalist with CHILLEN MUZIK AND TELEVISION (CMTV) in Buea, was arrested on the 2nd August 2019 and detained at Muea police station before being transferred to an unknown destination. He died on August 17th, 2019 (Date communicated by the Cameroonian authorities) during his detention in a secret prison in Yaounde. The Cameroonian defense ministry recently claimed that the journalist died on August 17 - 14 days after his arrest - from severe sepsis at the Yaounde military hospital. Since then, the Wazizi family has been waiting for his body so that they can find closure and give him a dignified burial. The hostility of the power in Yaounde towards journalists other than those who praise the present regime offers little or no assurance to the national and international community in their hope of finding the body of Samuel Wazizi. For CODE, under national and international human rights law, Cameroonian authorities have an obligation to establish responsibilities for each death that occurs in detention. Faced with this new rather worrying case for communication professionals in Cameroon, CODE demands for: - An international, independent, and objective investigation to elucidate the murder and bring those responsible to justice. - Invites the Cameroonian government to provide clarifications on the disappearance of the body of Samuel Wazizi. - Urges the Cameroonian government to guarantee freedom of the press in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - Calls for the prompt intervention of competent authorities, professional media associations, civil society, and human rights organizations, with a view to finding ways and means to best resolve this matter. For the Operational Alert Unit Ophilia Bih http://lecode.canalblog.com comitedecoordinationcode@yahoo.fr Amplification: - National and international press - Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon - Cameroonian political parties - National and international organizations for the defense and promotion of human rights - Journalists' rights organizations Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The Department of Agriculture is coordinating with unhusked rice importers not to bring palay in during the country's main harvest season, which currently runs from October to November, as low prices hound farmers. "Nakikiusap po sa lahat ng traders na nag-i-import at tumutugon naman dito sa usapan na hindi muna magparating ang ating mga importers ng bigas during the harvest period," Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in a virtual briefing on Tuesday. "Kasi doon talaga babagsak masyado iyong presyo ng palay kung talamak iyong pagdating ng imports." [Translation: We are calling on all traders importing palay, and so far they're adhering to our agreement not to bring palay in during the harvest period. Palay prices will definitely fall if too many imports will be coming in.] Dar said the department is appealing to the sense of patriotism of the rice importers. Palay prices cost from 18 to 19 per kilo in major rice-producing areas like Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley, according to the Philippine Rice Information System's quick palay price survey report in late September. Dar likewise agreed that there has been a decrease in prices across different provinces. The National Food Authority, an agency under the DA, is also buying palay at 19 per kilo as part of the government's bid to address low palay prices. The NFA hopes to purchase 18 million bags of palay and has already bought 2 million to date, added Dar. Dar also called on provincial government units and multinational companies to purchase palay locally to help maintain decent prices amid the pandemic. "Nakikiusap rin tayo sa mga traders na huwag naman samantalahin itong panahong na ito during pandemic na malulugi ang mga rice farmers," urged Dar. [Translation: We are asking traders not to take advantage of the pandemic wherein rice farmers are incurring losses.] Luis Alvarez | DigitalVision | Getty Images The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed more financial advisors to figure out how to meet virtually with clients. Advisory firms have had to find ways to be able to adapt through the use of virtual technologies to keep their meetings going with clients. That newfound comfort will probably change advisory practices well into the future. To that point, the first Zoom video meeting that the advisors at Salem Investment Counselors had earlier this year to discuss financial markets was not a resounding success. "We spent half the time troubleshooting people's connections, and then it shut down after a half-hour," said Kip Keener, chief compliance officer for the Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based firm. Salem was ranked No. 1 on CNBC's FA 100 ranking this year. Keener immediately switched to a corporate Zoom account and says that videoconferencing between employees and with clients has quickly become an integral part of the firm's operations. I've been amazed at how quickly employees and clients have adapted to this changed environment. Mark Mirsberger CEO of Dana Investment Advisors "Historically we've been pretty low-tech in how we communicate with clients, and the pandemic really disrupted our communication chain," Keener said. "I think everyone realized that this was something we had to embrace and between the Zoom calls, lots of emails and phone calls, we've been able to roll along pretty normally." The coronavirus pandemic and all the disruptions resulting from community and office shutdowns have highlighted the increasingly crucial role that technology plays in financial advisory firms. Not only has technology enabled employees to work remotely when their offices are closed to them, but it has helped advisors communicate more often and more intimately with clients in a period of very high anxiety. "I've been amazed at how quickly employees and clients have adapted to this changed environment," said Mark Mirsberger, CEO of Dana Investment Advisors, which was ranked 2nd on the CNBC FA 100 list. "We couldn't engage clients the way we had in the past but new and better technology, including hand-held devices, helped us adjust quickly and smoothly to the situation," he said. For most established advisory firms, adjusting to the pandemic has not been about investing in new technology as much as more fully utilizing their existing resources. William Sloneker, CEO of fixed income portfolio manager Cincinnati Asset Management, says his firm's existing network enabled his business to quickly transition to a remote-working model. "We had the infrastructure in our office needed to extend our VPN [virtual private network] and make it secure," said Sloneker. "If you have the IT knowledge, it's not a problem to open the network up." Cincinnati Asset Management was ranked 6th on the CNBC FA 100 list. Probably the biggest outlays on technology directly prompted by the pandemic have been for computer and monitor upgrades for employees working from home, advisors explained. "If our advisors had two or three monitors at work, we wanted to make sure they had them at home as well," Mirsberger said. "We've spent some money on technology, but it's been less than we used to spend on travel." There have been challenges in helping clients adjust to the new environment, particularly older clients used to face-to face meetings with their advisors. "To some extent, we've become tech support for our clients, doing pre-calls with many of them before virtual meetings to help them set up," Keener said. He, too, has been surprised how quickly clients have adjusted to new processes. "Even older people who may have previously resisted before are suddenly very invested in these systems," Keener said. More from FA 100: CNBC ranks the top-rated advisor firms of 2020 Advisor industry seeks to overcome lack of diversity Advisors adapt as pandemic changes connecting with clients In terms of the broader spend on technology, the pandemic has not prompted large new outlays by most firms. In fact, some have chosen to delay tech projects because of continuing uncertainty in the economy and financial markets. "All our 2020 dream projects have become 2021 projects," Keener said. A big hardware refresh for all employees is a top priority for him. "We want to become as digitally oriented as we can, but we didn't feel comfortable committing the resources at this point," he said. "This year is about survival and maintenance." Overall, for an industry that spends an average of about 4% of its revenues on technology and continues to move toward digital operating models, the tech budgets of advisory firms will continue to grow, industry experts predict. Opponents of the H-1B program say it incentivizes companies to replace their American employees with cheaper foreign labor, and they argue that it provides too little scrutiny of whether the specialized workers are needed. Restrictionist groups that back President Trump have pushed him to deliver on his pledges to curb the program, but the White House has moved slowly, knowing the measures are anathema to U.S. companies. Award-Winning InCommand Platform Helps Enterprise and Service Providers Save Millions on CapEx and OpEx LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Serverfarm , the innovative data center developer and operator, has launched a more robust, insightful and streamlined version of its InCommand Services platform - a data center monitoring, intelligence and reporting system that feeds insights to the company's cloud-based global Network Operations Center (NOC). Over the past year, Serverfarm has been analyzing customer and internal team feedback to provide an enhanced iteration of InCommand, which is now more scalable and globally integrated, operating as an ecosystem that constantly learns and improves customer IT environments. For Serverfarm clients, these updates deliver: Additional intelligence and insights around their data center and IT infrastructure and operations through the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) dashboard Automated reports showing trending data alongside Serverfarm's guidance on proactive improvements Further assurance that Serverfarm's NOC will continue the same quality of operations even in the case of incidents such as natural disasters and pandemics InCommand is Serverfarm's proprietary integrated platform, which gathers all physical assets in IT, facility and data center environments and presents them as a virtualized service - creating a cloud-like experience for any data center. Using sensors and artificial intelligence-powered applications, InCommand monitors all customer infrastructure, aggregating data across devices in one portal. Serverfarm's global NOC team - which can operate remotely from around the world using the cloud-based platform - then sifts through the noise of tens of thousands of alerts and delivers actionable insights to IT leaders and executives. The AI backbone means that every day InCommand operates - with each new customer and each new alert - the system learns, and all Serverfarm clients benefit. In one recent example, Serverfarm implemented InCommand in a customer data center, and 90,000 alerts showed up in the first month. Serverfarm identified 108 alerts needing human intervention (nearly 89,000 were just noise), addressed those concerns, and not a single alert became an escalation. The customer saw zero tickets. "We're injecting automation, efficiency and sustainability into every stage of the IT pipeline and delivering true Data Center Management as a Service (DMaaS)," said Ziv Catriel, Serverfarm's CTO. "This latest iteration of InCommand introduces an elevated level of large-scale automation, with the platform aggregating data from various systems over long periods of time, providing both real-time presentation for Serverfarm's InCommand NOC services while also enabling our customer support team to provide trends and analytics that save companies millions in CapEx and OpEx. Today's enterprise and service provider executives would rather spend resources on innovation, digital transformation and customer services, leaving data center management to experts who run these facilities day in and day out. InCommand is the fully managed solution to that growing market demand." InCommand has proven the ability to increase infrastructure capacity utilization rates from 30% to 80%. InCommand recently won "Most Innovative IT Service" in the 2019 IT World Awards. Serverfarm's digital transformation of its London data center - a project powered by InCommand - won DCD>Awards' Data Center Modernization Project of the Year as well as SDC Awards ' Digital Transformation Project of the Year and Hosting/Colocation Innovation of the Year. To learn more about InCommand, click here . Read about how InCommand helped one organization save $33 million in planned construction costs here . For more on Serverfarm's take on DMaaS and the evolution of data center management, click here. About Serverfarm Serverfarm is a unique IT and data center developer and operator with a pioneering approach to accelerating digital transformation for service providers and enterprises. With InCommand Services, our integrated platform of real estate, data center and IT management solutions, we maximize our customers' infrastructure efficiencies, providing them with end-to-end visibility and control over their IT and data center environments. As a result, our customers and their teams gain agility, reliability and efficiencies, allowing them to focus on innovation. For more information, visit www.serverfarmllc.com . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1003849/ServerFarm_Logo.jpg Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin -- (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 6 2020 The Indonesian Hospital Association (PERSI) has expressed dismay over the governments suggestion that some health facilities across the country had used COVID-19 diagnoses for profit, noting that it would only further erode public trust in the countrys healthcare system amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis. PERSI chairman Kuntjoro Adi Purjanto said such a statement could only serve to stigmatize health workers sincere efforts to treat coronavirus patients and prevent further deaths as the pandemic continues unabated. [The claim] could massively influence public trust in hospitals and betray health workers unwavering dedication, he said in a written statement issued on Sunday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Though the teen was assaulted on 18 September, the crime came to light only on Monday after she regained consciousness and told her parents A 13-year-old Dalit working as a domestic help was set on fire, allegedly by her employer in Telangana for resisting his rape attempt, police said in Hyderabad on Monday. The 26-year-old man was taken into custody on Monday based on statement of the girl who is battling for her life at a private hospital after suffering severe burns, police said. According to a report by NDTV, the teen suffered 70 percent burns. She has identified the accused as the son of a household where she was hired as a caretaker of a bed-ridden man. The girl also told the police that the accused's pregnant wife was not in town when he decided to take advantage of the situation. He ripped her clothes in an attempted rape, but when the survivor resisted and tried to get away, he doused her with petrol and set her ablaze, as per NDTV. Though the teen suffered the assault on 18 September, the crime came to light only on Monday after she regained consciousness and told her parents. Her parents then then approached the police, The News Minute reported. The report added that the accused fled the spot after the crime and it was his family that had admitted the victim discreetly and had tried to bury the matter. The accused's family first tried to keep the matter under covers, but later informed the girl's family that she had suffered burns during an 'accident' while at work in their home. The crime remained unreported as the teen was unconscious, but she told her parents what occurred on Monday after regaining some strength, The News Indian Express reported. "When I was in the room, he came inside and asked me to sleep with him. When I refused, he forced himself on me. I struggled a lot. He tore my clothes and later set me ablaze and ran away from the place," the teen told her father on Monday, according to The New Indian Express. The police recorded her statement in the presence of a magistrate and has said that the girl would be shifted to another hospital for better treatment. Police said it will also initiate action against the private hospital where the girl was undergoing treatment as they had failed to report the matter. PTI reported that action would be initiated against them by health authorities for allegedly hiding the details and aiding in crime. "No one had approached police till Monday," a senior police official told PTI, adding that the teen's statement was recorded and the accused has been booked on charges of attempt to rape and murder. With inputs from PTI Defying critics, U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Americans were learning to live with Covid-19, a day after returning to the White House for further intensive treatment after being hospitalized with the coronavirus. Trump, who returned late on Monday after nearly four days at Walter Reed Medical Center outside Washington, was due to receive a fifth transfusion of the antiviral drug remdesivir while being treated with the steroid dexamethasone, normally used only in the most severe cases. The Republican president, who is running against Democrat Joe Biden in an election four weeks away, has repeatedly played down the disease, which has killed more than 1 million people worldwide. The United States has the worlds highest death toll from the pandemic, with more than 209,000 deaths. Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu. Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!! Trump tweeted on Tuesday. About 22,000 people are estimated to die from influenza in the 2019-2020 season, according to U.S. government statistics. Even before he contracted Covid-19, Trump acknowledged in taped conversations with a journalist that the disease was deadlier than the flu. White House physician Dr. Sean Conley has also stressed Trump would have world-class medical care available around the clock, something many health experts have noted is unavailable to millions of other Americans. Dont let it dominate you. Dont be afraid of it, Trump said in a video after his return on Monday night. Im better, and maybe Im immune - I dont know, he added, flanked by American flags and with the Washington Monument in the background. Get out there. Be careful. He returned to the White House in a made-for-television spectacle, descending from his Marine One helicopter wearing a white surgical mask, only to remove it as he posed, saluting and waving, on the mansions South Portico. Trump has repeatedly flouted social-distancing guidelines meant to curb the virus spread and ignored his own medical advisers. He mocked Biden at last Tuesdays presidential debate for wearing a mask when campaigning. I was aghast when he said Covid should not be feared, said William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. This is a disease that is killing around a thousand people a day, has torpedoed the economy, put people out of work. This is a virus that should be both respected and feared. Democrats also weighed in. This is a tragic failure of leadership, Democratic Senator Chris Coons tweeted. But Trump depicted himself as a man who vanquished the disease and emerged stronger. If the President bounces back onto the campaign trail, he will be an invincible hero, who not only survived every dirty trick the Democrats threw at him, but the Chinese virus as well, he wrote on Twitter. A Twitter post by Biden showed images of himself donning a mask and Trump removing his. Masks Matter. They save lives, the caption read. White House spokesman Judd Deere said every precaution was being taken to protect the president and his family. Physical access to Trump would be limited and appropriate protective equipment would be worn by those near him. Questions swirled around the true state of Trumps health after a weekend when his doctors offered contradictory or opaque assessments of his condition. His oxygen saturation dipped enough to require supplemental oxygen on Friday and Saturday, his doctors said, but have not answered key questions about his lung function, his blood work, or when he lasted tested negative. SETBACK POSSIBLE Many aides and confidants have been diagnosed with the disease since his announcement last week that he had tested positive for it, intensifying scrutiny and criticism of the administrations handling of the pandemic. Trump had no public events listed for Tuesday and it was unclear when he would be able to resume a full schedule. Im sure hell rest the next two days. And hell get going as soon as they say its OK to get going, Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani told Fox News on Tuesday, adding that Trump would still do light work like making phone calls. You never know with this disease, but it seems like he is making a very rapid recovery and a strong one. And certainly his spirit is back. Hes raring to go, Giuliani said. Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who also tested positive for Covid-19 after a Sept. 26 White House visit, said on Twitter that Trump called him Monday night and said he was feeling great and working hard. After recent opinion polls showed Trump slipping further behind Biden, early voting data indicated that nearly 4 million Americans have already cast ballots four week before election day, suggesting there may be a record turnout. The severity of Trumps illness has been the subject of intense speculation, with some experts noting that, as an overweight, elderly man, he was in a high risk category. #GaspingForAir began trending on Twitter after video showed Trump appearing to take several deep breaths while standing on the White House balcony. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN Trump looked good when he came out of the hospital, but noted that patients sometimes have a setback five days after they get sick. Sometimes when youre five days in youre going to have a reversal ... Its unlikely that it will happen, but they need to be heads-up (alert) for it, Fauci said. The new concept, inviting us to follow our passions, is brought to life by Campari in a series of films featuring pioneering artists from across the globe MILAN, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Campari, the iconic Italian red aperitif has launched an inspirational new digital campaign featuring a unique partnership with remarkable artists from around the world, bringing to life the brand's newly evolved ethos of Red Passion - the urge inside us that is impossible to ignore. The campaign features hero video content and impactful visuals showing Red Passion come alive as the protagonists leave their comfort zone, transforming their passion into an outstanding creation. The content invites the audience to discover their own Red Passion, recognising the force that lives inside them, and embracing the challenge to give it shape in the path to creation. Since its birth in 1860, Campari has been a source of passionate inspiration, thanks to a history as rich and deep as the liquid itself, seen through its founders' creative genius. Campari has not only inspired passion in bartenders across the world to create iconic masterpieces at the forefront of cocktail culture, such as the Negroni and the Americano, but also through art and creativity, inspiring artists and filmmakers alike. Campari's visionary and forward-thinking attitude has constantly pushed the boundaries of creativity to go beyond the norm, exploring uncharted languages of advertising and tapping into the talent of artists, painters and designers. The brand's deep-rooted affiliation with the creative world has seen limitless creations with world famous names such as Fellini and Sorrentino to name a few, to visually express Campari's passion and creativity in an intriguingly evocative way. The new Red Passion campaign is the latest in a long-standing series of unique, creative collaborations as Campari partners with ground-breaking artists, spanning creative expression across a variety of fields, from dance, to bartending to music and filmmaking. Showcasing how each individual has followed their passion and gone beyond the ordinary Matt Lambert, a true Red Passion advocate at heart, developed this series of evocative video clips where the protagonists shift into and embrace their Red Passion in a way that is perfectly depicted to inspire others. On discussing the films, Matt Lambert says; "I was thrilled to be part of this new chapter with Campari and to collaborate with artists and personalities that reflect a creative power and passion so in tune with today." The visuals include evocative bursts of colour and emotion, depicting creatives in the shift from normal passion to true poignant and profound Red Passion found within themselves, showing spectacular shots and powerful music. Featuring in the mini-series is disruptive, forward-thinking and entrepreneurial bartender Monica Berg, renowned for her extraordinary bartending techniques and awarded most influential person in her industry in 2020. To describe Red Passion she declares; "It's a feeling, it's a vibe, it's not necessarily something you can force, but when you see it, you know it and you simply can't ignore it!" Alongside, Bendik Giske an ultra-expressive and highly talented artist and saxophonist delivers an eye-catching performance throughout, taking his instrument and audience to another dimension in his evolving manifestation of Red Passion. Avant-garde and energetic director Margot Bowman, who, as well as featuring in the short clips, also took part in behind the scenes activity, describes her creative process as follows; "My creative process is pleasurable. I think pleasure is a really important part of it. I am very curious, so everything really starts with curiosity and just a sort of fascination with the world and the people around us." MJ Harper, a remarkably graceful and expressive performance artist and choreographer whose dance and body language stirred and moved people from all walks of life says about Red Passion and creativity; "What's interesting about it is, that depending on how it's pushed or not pushed, you will find people who are actually active in their creativity and people who are very much passive. The series of videos featuring each artist are part of a wider digital campaign set to guide viewers on their journey to discovering and embracing their inner Red Passion. With Campari as a leitmotiv throughout, the hyper visual assets bring to life passion in all its form and in turn provides beautiful, metaphorical renditions of the most famous Campari cocktails. The videos will start to go live as of the 5th of October 2020 on YouTube, the Campari Website and Instagram with additional videos releasing in November. Francesco Cruciani, Managing Director Italian Icons at Campari Group commented: "With a rich legacy and history in fuelling passion and creativity, Campari constantly inspires and challenges people, encouraging them to keep their Red Passions alive in the path to creation. This was true in the time of Gaspare and Davide Campari and still is to this day, where we constantly aim to go beyond the expected. Working with Director Matt Lambert to deliver his unique style and artists such as Monica, Bendik, MJ and Margot was truly eye opening as we saw Red Passion in action, front row. We want to invite everyone to follow their lead!" The campaign was devised by creative agency Wunderman Thompson, all films produced by Movie Magic with a digital strategy lead by We Are Social. If you too want to follow your Red Passion and go beyond the ordinary you can watch the videos on YouTube https://youtu.be/CWUd1MGHc74 For more information about Red Passion and Campari visit campari.com/red-passion and follow @campariofficial. campari mypassionisred Video: https://youtu.be/CWUd1MGHc74 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1306420/Monica_Berg.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1306421/MJ_Harper.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1306422/Margot_Bowman.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1306423/Bendik_Giske.jpg SINGAPORE Malaysia's debt levels are set to go up, says its finance minister, as the country embarks on measures to support businesses and citizens to deal with the economic fallout from the conoravirus. "We're anticipating and forecasting that deficit will go up this year for Malaysia," Tengku Zafrul Aziz told CNBC, adding that fiscal deficit will come in at around 5.8% to 6%. So far, fiscal injections into the economy stand at around 20% of its GDP, according to Zafrul. "We are still focused on fiscal responsibility, of course. We have debt-to-GDP now at around 53%, it will end at around 56%. We have approval from parliament to go up to 60%," he said Monday during an interview on CNBC's "Asia Squawk Box." In August, Malaysia's parliament voted to allow the government to borrow up to 60% of its GDP as part of temporary measures to ease the blow of the pandemic on businesses. Malaysia has rolled out about 305 billion Malaysian ringgit ($73.3 billion) in stimulus packages so far this year, to help inject cash into the economy and prop it up. Even before the pandemic broke out, Moody's warned about Malaysia's debt. Moody's Investors Service said in January the Southeast Asian country's debt burden was "significantly higher" than other countries with an "A" sovereign credit rating. A sovereign credit rating is an assessment of a country's creditworthiness, and an "A" rating means low credit risk. "However, deep domestic capital markets and high savings provide a stable funding pool for the government's debt, and partly offset these fiscal weaknesses," Moody's said at that time. The bright spot, according to Zafrul, is that the government is "optimistic" that the economy next year will expand by around 5.5% to 8%, from negative growth this year. For 2020, GDP is expected to be around -5.5% to -3.5%. The government on Tuesday approved 16 applicants under the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for large scale electronics manufacturing. The scheme provides for an incentive of 4 per cent to 6 per cent on incremental sales of goods under target segments that are manufactured in India to eligible companies for a period of five years. Under the Mobile Phone (domestic companies) segment, Indian companies including Lava, Bhagwati (Micromax), Padget Electronics, UTL Neolyncs and Optiemus Electronics are approved by the Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology (MeitY). The international mobile phone manufacturing companies that are approved under the Mobile Phone (invoice value Rs 15,000 and above) segment are Samsung, Foxconn Hon Hai, Rising Star, Wistron and Pegatron. Of these, 3 companies namely Foxconn Hon Hai, Wistron and Pegatron are contract manufacturers for Apple iPhones. Apple and Samsung together account for nearly 60 per cent of global sales revenue of mobile phones. Six companies approved under the Specified Electronic Components segment include AT&S, Ascent Circuits, Visicon, Walsin, Sahasra, and Neolync. "We are optimistic and looking forward to building a strong ecosystem across the value chain and integrating with the global value chains, thereby strengthening electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the country," said Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for Electronics & IT, Communications, Law and Justice. Meanwhile, the PLI scheme aims to make India the manufacturing hub for smartphones. After the scheme was announced Apple started producing its latest models iPhone 11 and iPhone SE shortly after in India. The scheme also aims to attract manufacturers who are looking to move out of China amid the China-US trade tensions. Also read: Foxconn, Samsung, others target exports worth $100 billion from India University News Animation Career Review has rated the University of New Havens graphic design program the second best in the state, praising the opportunities students have to network, build a professional identity, and gain hands-on experience. By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications The Universitys graphic design program has been ranked the second best in Connecticut When Carley Grife 19 was a graphic design major at the University of New Haven, she served as a campus tour guide, welcoming prospective students and their families to the University. Early in her senior year she was meeting with a group of first-year graphic design students when one of them recognized her as their tour guide. She enjoyed opportunities and experiences like that that enabled her to make a meaningful impact on other students. Carley Grifes thesis, titled "Locorum," was a fully functional app prototype. An active member of the University community, Grife took advantage of every chance she had to connect with her classmates and faculty members, and to learn as much as she could from them. She found serving as a teaching assistant for a junior-level class when she was a senior to be an especially wonderful learning experience. It was so helpful for me to learn about lesson planning, as well as how to cater information and advice to different students and learning methods, said Grife, who is now a graphic designer for 1SEO.com Digital Agency outside of Philadelphia. These are all skills I implement now in my career, and I will be forever grateful for the time I spent at the University. Thanks in large part to the experiences and success of Grife and her classmates, the Universitys graphic design program has now been recognized by Animation Career Review, which provides information on schools in every state that offer animation, design, and gaming programs. The Universitys graphic design program was ranked second in the state of Connecticut. Considering criteria such as depth and breadth of the program and academic reputation, the organization considered more than 700 schools across the country for its latest ranking. This reinforces us of the steady and important work we've been doing, said Guy-Serge Emmanuel, MFA, an assistant professor and coordinator of the graphic design program. The past five years have seen a complete transformation in our program, as weve made it more dynamic and market responsive. Techniques and tools change year to year, and our students must have the critical ability to respond to such changes. Designers are problem solvers The organization lauded the networking opportunities students have with professionals, the many arts-based clubs and organizations on campus, and rich learning experiences through visiting designers, lecturers, and events in the community. Georgette Michael-Duncan during a critique in a typography course. For the past two years, students typography work has been featured as part of the permanent collection at the Beinecke Rare Book Library, a library and literary archive of the Yale University Library. Students have worked with local nonprofit organizations, such as New Haven Farms and MakeHaven, gaining experience while assisting them with their design needs. The versatility makes the program stand out, said Javier Viramontes, a lecturer. Designers are problem solvers. Design is complex and needs a multifaced approach. Our different course offerings, amazing repertoire of guests, and participation in the nonprofit sector certainly open our students to many meaningful career opportunities. Students also take part in interdisciplinary work, working with faculty in other colleges and schools at the University. Students in motion graphics and information design courses have collaborated with marine biology faculty to create animation and posters highlighting their research on the impact of climate change on fishing conditions in Puerto Rico. Motion graphics students have also worked with forensic science faculty to create animation to raise awareness of human trafficking. Animation Career Review notes that graduates of the program will be prepared to pursue a variety of careers, including multimedia artist, product designer, and marketing manager. 'As students, we had real-world design opportunities' Jordan Campbell '18 presents his motion design reel at the University of New Havens Seton Gallery. Animation Career Review notes that graduates of the program will be prepared to pursue a variety of careers, including multimedia artist, product designer, and marketing manager. Among the successful graduates is Jordan Campbell 18, who says he was drawn to the University by the knowledgeable faculty who demonstrated a commitment to students through events such as open houses on campus and studio sessions for high school students. Now a UI/UX designer at VisionX, Campbell leads the design of products and serves as a consultant for Fortune 500 clients. He also does freelance work. Hes grateful for the experiences he had as a student at the University, particularly the guidance and support of his faculty mentors. "As students, we had real-world design opportunities such as producing posters for nonprofits, rebranding companies, and completing life-changing internships, said Campbell, who is also co-president of AIGA Connecticut, a professional association for designers that supports a network of creative changemakers, problem solvers, and professional leaders. Guy-Serge Emmanuel specifically encouraged me to apply for an internship where I got to work with big-name clients I otherwise wouldve only dreamed of. This advanced my design career beyond my years. 'I was set up for success on day one' Georgette Michael-Duncan 21 switched her major to graphic design after taking a drawing course taught by Jacquelyn Gleisner, M.F.A., and she says shes grateful for the opportunities shes had. Georgette Michael-Duncan at the Seton Gallery show opening on campus last year. The graphic design program offers students unique opportunities that allow us to be exposed to the art world earlier, she said. Studying abroad at the Universitys campus in Tuscany, Italy, was by far the best experience I had. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone and changed the way I think about my work. Praising the program for enabling students to create and polish their portfolios, Animation Career Review also commended the opportunities students have to build a professional identity. Grife, the 2019 graduate, says she had the support she needed from everyone in the program, which she describes as a tight-knit community. Not only do the professors and staff help us in our journeys as students, they also help us grow professionally, she continued. I was set up for success on day one, surrounded by classmates and staff who were ready to help me problem solve, push boundaries, and think outside the box. Rishi Sunak today defended his 'Brand Rishi' social media posts and insisted he is not a narcissist as he said he just wants people to know 'what we are up to'. The Chancellor has been criticised by Labour for putting his signature and face on many of his social media announcements. But Mr Sunak said this morning he wanted to try 'lots of different ways to communicate with people' and 'I am not going to apologise for that'. He also suggested the glitzy approach to his PR and prominence of his name in announcements was necessary because 'most people probably didn't know who I was before I had this job'. The Chancellor's defence of his PR strategy came after he revealed at a Conservative Party conference event yesterday that he starts his day by taking a virtual spin on a 2,000 Peloton bike. Labour has criticised Chancellor Rishi Sunak for putting his signature and face on social media announcements But Mr Sunak suggested he needed to boost his profile because 'most people probably didn't know who I was before I had this job' and he wants people to know 'what we are up to' Labour has attacked Mr Sunak for 'signing' his social media posts, with shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds jibing that 'Britain risks the worst unemployment crisis in decades and Rishi Sunak's name will be all over it'. The Chancellor was grilled on his PR strategy this morning as it was suggested to him during an interview on Sky News that his social media posts made him appear narcissistic. But he replied: 'No, actually I am very new to politics in that sense and actually for someone who has a job like mine where I am responsible for the UK economy, I am not someone who has been in politics for a very long time and actually understandably most people probably didn't know who I was before I had this job. 'That is exactly the point. My job is to make sure that everyone in this country understands what I am doing on their behalf, can question it, hold me accountable for it and feel engaged with that debate.' Asked to name another prominent politician who is not a president or prime minister who puts their own personal branding on announcements, Mr Sunak said: 'We are actually living in a world where people can communicate in different ways. 'My main desire is to make sure everyone understands what I am doing so they can question it, hold me to account for it, know why I am doing it and I am going to try lots of different ways to communicate with people. 'I am not going to apologise for that. I want people to know what we are up to so they can question it and decide whether they like it, don't like it, either way that is the right they have.' The 'Brand Rishi' push has fuelled speculation that the Chancellor could one day launch a bid for the Tory leadership. Mr Sunak said yesterday that he does not want to run for the top job and this morning he insisted he was sticking to that position. 'As I said yesterday I think the job I have is hard enough and I see up close what the Prime Minister has to deal with everyday,' he said. Mr Sunak's 'Brand Rishi' push on social media has fuelled speculation of a future Tory leadership bid But the Chancellor today insisted he does not want to run for the top job as he said his current job is 'hard enough' The Chancellor yesterday revealed he starts his day with a spin on a 2,000 Peloton bike, pictured above 'It is not an envious task - I think he does it admirably well.' Mr Sunak's expensive tastes were highlighted in July when he was pictured preparing in his Treasury office for his mini-Budget with a 180 'smart' coffee mug. Yesterday he revealed he owns a 2,000 Peloton exercise bike which has a screen allowing people to take virtual classes from their home. Asked at a virtual Tory conference event how he starts his day, Mr Sunak reportedly said: 'I check my phone, do a news scan, then depending on how energetic I'm feeling I'll either do treadmill, Peloton or some gym class. I do that, see my kids and then generally I'm at my desk at 7.45am.' Mr Sunak said he 'hates running outside' and 'the treadmill's my thing'. PARIS - More than one vulnerable person in two, essentially migrants, was contaminated by the coronavirus in the Paris region, according to a study by Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The NGO said the infection rate in migrant reception centres, food distribution centres, and job centres was 55%. The study, described as the first in France and Europe concentrating exclusively on the level of exposure to the virus by people most in difficulty, mainly regards foreigners, who make up 90% of the sample of 818 people analysed by the NGO between June 23 and July 2. "The results show an enormous prevalence," Corrine Torre, MSF head of mission for France, told France Presse news agency. "The main reason is the mixing of people and conditions in housing that generated clusters", such as gyms where these people were sheltered at the start of the lockdown, Torre said. Three G4S executives who were accused of defrauding the Ministry of Justice over the firm's multi-million pound tagging contract must wait until 2022 to stand trial. Richard Morris, a former managing director, Mark Preston and James Jardine, who worked at G4SCJ's electronic monitoring business, were each charged with seven offences in connection to false representations made to the MoJ between 2009 and 2012. Richard Morris, 45, allegedly misled the government about the firm's profits by submitting fraudulent revenue and costs document - known as a Financial Model (FM6). Richard Morris (pictured) is accused of misleading the government about the firm's profits Former commercial director Mark Preston, 49, and former finance manager James Jardine, 38, are also accused of involvement in the alleged fraud. The three executives face seven counts of fraud by false representation. Preston and Jardine were in the dock at Southwark Crown Court, while Morris was sat at the public gallery. None of them have entered any pleas, but have indicated they will deny all charges. Judge Deborah Taylor told them: 'I am adjourning the this case for trial until 10 January, 2022, when the trial will take place. 'In the meantime, I have fixed a further case management for the Friday 18 December.' Former finance manager James Jardine is also accused of being involved in the fraud Each of the charges allege that they 'dishonestly made a false representation, namely To the Ministry of Justice via schedule of revenue and costs known as a Financial Model (FM6) submitted by G4S Care and Justice services (UK)Ltd [G4S Care] pursuant to contracts for the provision of electronic monitoring services, which was and which they knew was, or might be, untrue or misleading, intending to make a gain...' They were granted unconditional bail ahead of a hearing on 18 December at Southwark Crown Court. Quang Khoi General Hospital and Hanoi French Hospital signing the agreement Addressing the signing ceremony, Jef Peeters, CEO of Hanoi French Hospital (HFH), said they consider Quang Khoi General Hospital a sister hospital, while lauding Quang Khoi's development over the past years. Dr Vo Van Ban, deputy general director of HFH, said that the cooperation is expected to bring advanced technologies in the healthcare sector to the region the way HFH brings global healthcare advancements to Vietnam. Dau Huy Hoan, deputy director of the Nghe An provincial Department of Health, believed that the cooperation will bring about many benefits to locals and will increase healthcare service quality in the province. HFH is the first international hospital in Hanoi. The hospital has leading Vietnamese and international healthcare professionals, as well as advanced technologies, strong expertise, and world-class services. Meanwhile, Quang Khoi is one of is the biggest privately-run hospitals in the central region. Licensed by the Ministry of Health to be developed from a clinic into a general hospital in 2018, it has been growing strongly ever since. It is currently completing procedures to develop a new facility to cash in on growing healthcare demands. Cristina Rivera Garza an award-winning novelist, poet, editor, translator and educator has been named one of 21 recipients of a MacArthur Fellowship. Rivera Garza is a distinguished professor in Hispanic Studies and a director of the creative writing program at the University of Houston. Rivera Garza says she didnt take the MacArthur call at first Tuesday morning because she didnt recognize the number. She received an email asking for information about another candidate. So I finally answered, and they delivered the news. It was quite a shock, she said. But it was wonderful news to receive, especially during a time like this. Rivera Garzas work is remarkable for its breadth. She has published several novels, poetry collections and short story collections. She also has written three books of non-fiction, translated poetry from Spanish to English, and edited multiple anthologies. Her work has been translated into at least five languages, and she has earned literary awards in France and Germany. This week she published an English-language edition of Grieving: Dispatches From a Wounded Country, a collection of reported pieces and essays about violence along the border between the United States and Mexico. Established in 1981 by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the MacArthur Fellowship, often called a genius grant, bears a $625,000 prize paid quarterly over the span of five years. The programs prize is presented with a no strings attached policy, allowing the fellows the freedom to follow their own creative and intellectual visions. What Im most excited about with her receiving the MacArthur Fellowship is that now the English-speaking world sees what the Spanish-speaking world has seen all along, said Raul Ramos, a history professor at the University of Houston. She has a sensitivity and insight into the border experience across all lines gender, class and indigeneity. She understands the primal importance of language to identity and human experience. Beginnings Rivera Garza, 56, was born in Matamoros in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas in 1964. Having grown up on the border elicits many questions about limits, she said, about where differences are established and why. She knew as a child that I wanted to write, that it was a goal in life. But I also knew it would be a difficult road ahead. Rivera Garza moved to the United States in 1989, and between 1990 and 1995 she studied at the University of Houston, where she earned a masters degree and then a Ph.D. in Latin American History. In 1999 she published her first novel, Nadie me vera llorar (No One Will See Me Cry), which drew on her history background to tell a story inspired by La Castaneda asylum about the treatment of mental illness in Mexico in the early 20th century. Her research was always heavy and deep, said Nicolas Kanellos, a professor of Hispanic studies as UH and director of Arte Publico Press. Her work probes deep questions about identity and race, about home and place. I knew I was trying to grapple with complex issues and huge questions, Rivera Garza said. And its hard to approach those questions using tools from just one discipline. So I tried working with inter-disciplinary queries, and trans-disciplinary, cross-genre writings. I was always interrogating my own tools hoping for an exploration of the world in which we live. Creative writing Rivera Garza returned to Houston in 2016 when she was hired as a distinguished professor in the Department of Hispanic Studies at the University of Houston. The following year she became the director of UHs Ph.D. program in creative writing in Spanish. Her creative writing in Spanish program has revolutionized the Hispanic studies department, Kanellos said. It has grown quickly, and weve been able to recruit students from all over, coming to study here. It quickly became a competitive program to get into. Ramos was impressed with how Rivera Garzas work extends from her students at the university to teaching creative writing to Spanish-speaking kids in primary school. She sees this as a mission, he said. And she brings this deep understanding of language and its social and political importance in our time. There couldnt be a more important moment for this kind of recognition. The fellowship should drive a larger readership toward a writer that author Jonathan Lethem called one of Mexicos greatest. Her two most recent novels The Iliac Crest in 2017 and The Taiga Syndrome in 2018 both drew strong notices for their lyrical language and innovative storytelling. This is not a fairy tale, detective, a character says in The Taiga Syndrome. Rivera Garcia strikes an ominous tone that conveys an understanding of mystery and fairy tale forms, while using them as a starting point for a path all her own. Ideally her translated work will find greater distribution in the States, as Lethem commented, We are just barely beginning to catch up to what she has to offer. In addition to the recognition, the fellowship offers Rivera Garza opportunity to further her writing, research and outreach. All of this work requires travel and research of all kinds, she said. Houston has had only a handful of MacArthur Fellows over the years. Poet Edward Hirsch was years into a creative writing position at the University of Houston when he was named a MacArthur fellow in 1997, though he left Houston five years later. Houston native and jazz pianist Jason Moran was awarded a fellowship in 2010. Though he was living in New York, Moran seeded a period of study into the history, and musical history, of his hometown during his five-years of MacArthur funding. It allowed me freedom to study more, to think more about art and music and history, Moran told the Chronicle at the time. Rick Lowe who revitalized parts of Third Ward with his Project Row Houses was selected as a MacArthur fellow in 2014 for his work that braided together art, history and community. Thomas Wilson Mitchell, 55, a law scholar at Texas A&M, was also named a 2020 MacArthur fellow. Rivera Garza hopes to further engage readers and students in an expansive dialog about the themes that have informed her work for years. This country is such a diverse place with manifold stories from all over the place, she said. To me, writing is just a way of connecting. And through that connection, Ramos says, she can strike on a theme of hope. She writes about resilience and about survival, he said. So shes a beacon for the future. andrew.dansby@chron.com Arsonists have been targeting a city farm at night and smearing pigs with ketchup. The troublemakers have started fires for three nights running at Mudchute Park and Farm in east London, which is a charity that cares for more than 100 animals including llamas, goats and horses. Workers at the park, which is one of Europes biggest city farms, said the pigs were left distressed and had to be cleaned afterwards because of the risk of spreading coronavirus. The attackers thought to be children went into areas of the farm that were closed off. Fences and the rest of area also needed disinfecting to prevent contamination. Vandalism is feared to have risen during the coronavirus restrictions because children cannot meet indoors in groups. Tom Davis, the farm manager, wrote on Facebook: I find this extremely disheartening as we as an organisation try our best to keep the park and farm there for people to enjoy. Whats worse is in the current climate with staff still furloughed, a smaller staff team and an unsure financial future, we have to deal with this blatant lack of respect for the farm and what we do. The farm, on the Isle of Dogs near Canary Wharf, is also home to rare animal breeds on its 32 acres, and organises childrens educational projects. But it is a public right of way, meaning it is open around the clock. The fires were spotted by a volunteer and dealt with before they caused serious damage. Supporters and neighbours have donated money to fund security guards to patrol the farm at night, with an online fundraising drive. Lucy Brown, who lives nearby and who started the fundraising, said the farm was loved by local residents. Police were told but are very stretched in east London. Its such a fantastic place without the farm most inner-city kids here would have no contact with sheep, horses, llamas and nature, she said. The worry is that after smearing ketchup on animals, these people will become emboldened and do worse things. She said security firms she had spoken to had reported a rise in antisocial behaviour by schoolchildren during the pandemic. Several years ago, attackers beat some of the animals at the park, she said. Andrew Wood, a local councillor, said: We have to assume this is teenagers thinking they are cool or doing it for a dare. We do have issues with youths around the docksides to the west and a recent series of stabbings on the Isle of Dogs but we think that was drug- or gang-related and this is different I think. The local police promised they would do some evening patrols. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 6, 2020 12:38 474 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c495e04b 1 National COVID-19,satgascovid19,satgas-covid-19,#covid19taskforce,#mothermessage,#wearmask,#keepyourdistance,#washyourhand,#socialdistance,#avoidcrowd,#usesoap,coronavirus,pandemic,BPOM Free The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for two antiviral drugs, favipiravir and remdesivir, to treat COVID-19 patients. The BPOM also granted permits in September to several pharmaceutical companies to produce the drugs. PT Beta Pharmacon (Dexa Group) received a permit to produce favipiravir, locally sold under the Avigan brand. State-owned drug manufacturer PT Kimia Farma received the permit to produce a generic favipiravir product, tempo.co reported on Wednesday. Meanwhile, permits to produce remdesivir have been granted to PT Amarox Pharma Global, which is a subsidiary of India's leading generic drug maker Hetero, as well as to state-owned pharmaceutical firm PT Indofarma and local private firm PT Dexa Medica. Data from the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister show that the government had previously given contractors the go-ahead to import COVID-19 medication such as remdesivir, favipiravir, oseltamivir and lopinavir-ritonavir, all of which will be distributed directly to hospitals treating coronavirus patients. The data show that, by the end of 2020, the government expects to secure 670,000 vials of remdesivir from foreign sources, but it also expects the drug to be manufactured in the country starting in November. In late September, Reuters reported that a late-stage study by Fujifilm Holdings Corps of its antiviral drug Avigan showed that it reduced recovery times for COVID-19 patients with nonsevere symptoms. The Phase 3 clinical study of 156 patients in Japan showed that those treated with Avigan improved after 11.9 days, versus 14.7 days for a placebo group. Meanwhile drugmaker Gilead Sciences said in a statement that a five-day course of the remdesivir sped up recovery in moderately ill patients with pneumonia from COVID-19. The drug has reportedly been administered to United States President Donald Trump, who was announced COVID-19 positive last Friday. BPOM head Penny K Lukito expects that they EUA issuance will help accelerate access to those drugs for hospitals treating COVID-19 patients. Hopefully, the drugs will help improve COVID-19 recovery rates and bring down the mortality rate from the pandemic, Penny said in a statement on Tuesday. She said she hoped doctors and health workers would cooperate in monitoring the efficacy and safety of those drugs under pharmacovigilance. The World Health Organization defines pharmacovigilance (PV) as the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug-related problem. All pharmacovigilance reports will be received by the BPOM and evaluated periodically. If there is an increasing trend of side effect, the BPOM will immediately communicate the risk and revoke the EUA, the statement further said. Since March, the BPOM periodically searches the internet to detect any disinformation regarding drugs claimed to cure COVID-19. It had found more than 46,000 links, including 2,645 links of people illegally selling what they claim are COVID-19 drugs. Upon such findings, the BPOM recommends that the Indonesian E-Commerce Association (IDEA) and Communications and Information Ministry take down those links. (iwa) Editors note: This article is part of a public campaign by the COVID-19 task force (Satgas COVID-19) to raise peoples awareness about the pandemic. The second round of stimulus checks will be discussed again by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday. After an hour-long phone call on Monday, Pelosi and Mnuchin yielded no new progress on the next COVID-19 relief bill, including the second round of stimulus checks. However, on Tuesday, Pelosi and Mnuchin are expected to talk again, the IB Times reported. The White House and the Democratic leader will continue bipartisan talks in attempt to strike an elusive coronavirus relief bill that would include another round of $1,200 direct payment to Americans. According to CNBC, aside from direct payment, the relief bill would also have the $600 weekly unemployment benefits, federal aid to local and state governments, and funding for the restaurant and airline industries. According to CNBC, the Democratic leader and the White House will continue bipartisan talks to try to strike an elusive pandemic relief bill that would likely include another $1,200 direct payment to Americans, $600 weekly unemployment benefits, federal aid to state and local governments, and funds for the airline and restaurant industries. The Republicans and Democratic negotiators have been pushing in recent days to reach an aid agreement and provide more stimulus payments to millions of Americans prior to the presidential election on November 3. Weeks ago, several lifelines set up by Washington had expired. However, Mnuchin and Pelosi can reach a deal. The top negotiators would need to craft a proposal that can earn valid votes to pass in the Republican-held Senate. Last week, Democrats passed a $2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, but the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., refused to bring the bill on the floor for a vote. The White House has offered a counter-proposal for a $1.6 trillion plan. The Trump administration's proposal includes $400 weekly unemployment benefits, liability protections for businesses, and $250 billion relief for local and state governments. The Democrats, however, resisted legal shields for the companies. Representative Kevin Brady, R-Texas, said that the White House's proposal would encourage Americans to stay home. Brady added that another point of the refusal between both parties is the price tag of the funds to support state, local, and tribal governments. If both parties can strike an agreement, the bill would have to pass both the Senate and the House before President Donald Trump will sign the bill. The discussions for the second round of stimulus check could take a week between when a deal is reached and when both parties can vote on a new bill, Politico reported. Previously, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that the IRS and his department could release 50 million stimulus payments within a week of a bill passing. The House is now in recess but is expected to reconvene Friday, but they could be called back any time to make a vote. McConnell also suspended the Senate until October 19. Check these out: Court Orders IRS to Pay $100 Million Worth of $1,200 Stimulus Checks to Prisoners Any Bipartisan Stimulus Deal Will Include More $1,200 Direct Payments, Mnuchin Says Stimulus Check: Role of Taxes and Everything You Need to Know Rich countries could be back to close to normal by late 2021 if a COVID-19 vaccine is approved soon and widely distributed, Microsoft founder Bill Gates said on Tuesday. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Gates, 64, warned that the success of the vaccines currently being trialed in the US is not guaranteed. Yet he urged the country to begin preparing now for ways to reduce the hesitance of the public regarding its safety, as concerns grow among Americans that the discovery of a vaccine has become too political to be trusted. Gates also hit out at the Food and Drug Administration who he claimed embarrassed itself with false information and praise of political figures when they began to talk about the use of plasma as a COVID-19 treatment. Scroll down for video Microsoft founder Bill Gates claimed Tuesday that richer countries could be returning to close to normal by the end of 2021 if a vaccine is ready soon and distributed at scale 'The FDA did embarrass itself pretty badly with the plasma announcement, where they made claims that were just completely wrong. They put a lot of praise of political figures into it so they havent been as strong as you would expect,' Gates alleged. Yet he said he stands behind the agency in trusting the safety of a vaccine. 'With the vaccine and the idea of the expert panel and the professional team, I do think this is the gold standard that both the US and the world will want to look to before you want to give the vaccine out to millions of people,' he claimed. COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and AstraZeneca/Oxford University are two of the leading candidates in the race to be first to get regulatory approval in the West. 'We still don't know whether these vaccines will succeed,' Gates said. 'Now the capacity will take time to ramp up. And so the allocation within the U.S., and between the U.S. and other countries will be a very top point of contention. 'If you were going for an elimination where we dont have any more transmission, that will take two to three years,' he continued. 'In the rich countries, however, if you really in the first months of next year have the vaccine and theyre fairly effective at transmission blocking, then by late next year you could have things going back pretty much to normal, thats the best case.' The head of the World Health Organization said on Tuesday that a vaccine against COVID-19 may be ready by the end of the year. Gates, who made a fortune from Microsoft, has since given $36 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to tackle extreme poverty and poor healthcare. Last month the foundation signed an agreement with 16 pharmaceutical companies, which Gates said committed them to scaling up manufacturing at an unprecedented speed, and making sure that approved vaccines reach broad distribution as early as possible. One of the volunteers who received the COVID-19 vaccine in the phase 3 trials developed by the University of Oxford together with the British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. It is among the leading candidates in the race to be first to get regulatory approval in the West Trial kits for the Pfizer coronavirus disease vaccination study, which is also a leading candidate to be the first vaccine approved in the west, are seen at the Research Centers of America Russia has pushed ahead with its COVID-19 vaccine with mass public vaccinations alongside the main human trial, raising concerns among some observers that it was prioritising national prestige over solid science and safety. 'We're also talking with Russia and China,' Gates said. 'None of their vaccines are in a Phase III trial with a highly regarded regulator overseeing that trial.' Gates said that from a scientific point of view the Russian and Chinese vaccines were perfectly valid projects but the absence of a well-respected Phase III study could limit their attractiveness outside their respective countries. 'The Western companies are further ahead on doing these Phase III studies and so if those come out well and they're offered at low cost, I doubt there'll be a lot of Russian or Chinese vaccines going outside of those countries,' he said. Gates added that in the United States people should be thinking about ways to reduce hesitancy about having a COVID-19 vaccine when one is ready. 'You know, here in the U.S., we should already be thinking about which voices will help reduce the hesitancy. And so we can get a level of vaccination that really has a chance of stopping (it),' he commented. He cited his experience in developing a vaccine for polio and the rumors and conspiracy theories that surrounded it. 'Vaccine hesitancy is in all countries and predates the pandemic,' Gates continued. 'Even with the polio eradication - that has been ongoing now for some decades and hopefully is very close to completion - we saw very bad rumors about the polio vaccine like it was from the US and it was to sterilize women. 'In places like Nigeria we had to go to the religious leaders talk to them have them speak out vaccine their children. So understanding the trust network who is an expert very few people can look at the formulation and the data directly.' Asked who did best at balancing the competing health and economic needs, Gates said: 'South Korea, Australia - because this is an exponential event, a little bit of intelligence early on makes a huge difference.' On Tuesday, Operation Warp Speed chief Dr Moncef Slaoui announced that US regulators will not have the first 'readout' of coronavirus vaccine efficacy before November. It means the vaccine czar does not expect to be able to deliver a shot before Election Day, in blow to President Trump's November 3 hopes. However, Dr Slaoui said he feels 'comfortable' that one or two vaccines will have proven effective within the next two months, and will have enough doses for about 30 million people, he said during a Johns Hopkins webinar on Tuesday. It came just hours after an advisory committee at FDA recommended that any coronavirus jab have two months of safety data before being approved for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The agency posted briefing documents for the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee's meeting on COVID-19 immunizations scheduled for October 22. In addition to the safety data requirements, the committee has asked vaccine makers to submit their manufacturing process and controls information no less than one month prior to submitting an EUA request. Although the recommendations have not been made official, and the FDA is not bound to accept them, they all but assure a shot for the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans will not be made available before Election Day. WATERLOO REGION Everyone is urged to scale back the number of people theyre in close contact with to just their household to prevent a rapid escalation of COVID-19 cases in Waterloo Region. What we need to do now is limit the number of people with whom we have unprotected close contact, medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said during an update to regional council on Tuesday. Close contact should be limited to those in a persons immediate household or one or two additional essential caregivers. People who live alone may want to be in a bubble with another small household. Small is safer, Wang said. Public health is also prepared to take action if anyone who is sick refuses to protect others from getting the virus. On Tuesday morning, Wang issued a Section 22 class order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act that requires people diagnosed or likely to have COVID-19 to follow important measures. We have started to encounter some instances where people are refusing to comply with public health directions, such as the direction to self-isolate, Wang said. Individual orders have been issued, while Wang said this class order, similar to ones in Toronto, Ottawa and Peel, will enable public health to act swiftly. The order is not intended for the vast majority of people who are co-operating with us and trying their best to comply, Wang said. It is meant to make clear the expectation that compliance with important measures such as self-isolation when you are infectious is a requirement. Very rarely people refuse to comply, she said, and thats when this order will be used. Its only when we feel that we have no other option. Wang said immediate action is needed in the region, which has entered the pandemics second wave after COVID-19 cases started to increase in September. Our numbers fluctuate from day to day, but overall we are on an increasing trend, Wang said. We are in a very precarious time. While Toronto, Ottawa and Peel have the highest rate, she said mid-sized communities including Waterloo Region are seeing increasing rates of people testing positive for the virus. Among those who are tested, more are testing positive, Wang said. The increases are not due to only testing more people. She said its vital to contain the virus spread in the community to keep schools and businesses open, continue medical procedures and surgeries, and to avoid another lockdown. The more quickly it escalates, the less we have the option to use targeted measures and the more likely significant closures and shutdowns will become necessary, Wang said. Along with limiting close contact, people should physically distance and wear a face covering around everyone else, including family and friends. Anyone who is sick should stay home and away from others, and make an appointment to be tested. We cannot be complacent. Our numbers are growing, Wang said. The second wave of COVID-19 may have started primarily in younger people under 40, but its not staying among those who generally suffer a much less severe illness. Infections do not stay isolated to certain age groups, Wang said. Cases are growing in all other age groups as people interact through school, work, family and social gatherings and contact tracers are finding more people socializing in close contact with more people than in the first wave. The Tuesday morning update by public health put the total confirmed cases to 1,815, up 19 from the previous day including a dozen new cases. Of the local cases, 1,566 were reported as resolved, 129 active and two hospitalized. Deaths remained at 120. A total of 140,941 tests have been done in the region. Six outbreaks are active. A new outbreak was declared Monday at a Kitchener retirement home after one staff member at Conestoga Lodge tested positive. Outbreaks are ongoing in a long-term care home, group home, food and beverage services setting, one school and one child-care centre. So far, Wang said there have been a limited number of outbreaks which have been fairly well controlled, but thats taken a lot of work behind the scenes to keep a lid on it. Wang said additional requirements will be introduced for food and drink establishments in the coming days, including keeping down the volume of background music and collecting contact information from each patron. A day after six people were killed in Philadelphia, pushing the citys annual homicide tally past last years total with nearly three months left in 2020, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and District Attorney Larry Krasner on Tuesday each publicly decried the ongoing and intensifying surge in gun violence. Outlaw, flanked by her deputy commissioners during a morning news conference at Police Headquarters, described this years staggering increase in shootings as shameful and sickening. Krasner, meanwhile, gathered a host of elected officials and citizens in Nicetown in the afternoon at what felt like an antiviolence rally. Speakers discussed topics including povertys intersection with crime, a need to coordinate the city and community response against violence, and stalled or blocked legislative attempts to advance gun-control measures. Those of you who have suffered losses in your family and are dealing with the pain of loss: We hear you. We care about you, Krasner said. The remarks from Philadelphias top two law enforcement officials came as the city reached a grim milestone, surpassing the annual homicide total for every year since 2007. With at least 366 homicides and 1,615 people shot this year, the citys gun-violence epidemic is at its highest level by far in more than a decade. Even as the day went on, the violence continued. Police reported two new homicides Tuesday afternoon: A 33-year-old man was fatally shot in West Philadelphia at 12:20 p.m., and a 34-year-old man was fatally shot in Southwest Philadelphia at 3:25. Authorities did not identify either man and said no arrests were made. Neither Outlaw nor Krasner offered much in the way of specifics to describe how they have adjusted to respond to the escalating gunfire or why they believe it has spiked. But they sought to reassure the public that they were dedicated to driving the violence down. Outlaw said the Police Department, while not above criticism, has put in place new strategies to increase narcotics and gun arrests, leading to lower homicide rates in certain sections of the city in the last 28 days. Its a short gain, but it shows that our efforts are working, Outlaw said. Still, her assessment did not paint a full statistical portrait. Beyond the fact that shootings and homicides have each increased by nearly 40% compared with last year, the short-term decrease in violence Outlaw touted in selective neighborhoods followed a 28-day stretch in which 48 people were killed in the city a pace that would equate to nearly 630 murders per year. Asked what has been driving the violence, she responded: We dont know, quite frankly." She sought to emphasize that police are just one part of the criminal justice system, and pointed to factors outside her control including the coronavirus pandemic, how suspects are prosecuted in court, and the citys longtime gun-violence culture. Until mind-sets are addressed, until the culture of violence is addressed, all the things that have been going on prior to this pandemic were going to end up in the same place, Outlaw said. READ MORE: Six people were killed in shootings in Philly on Monday night and Tuesday morning Without offering specifics, Outlaw also said police were seeing a pattern of suspects and victims on the streets with long histories of involvement in gun violence a thinly veiled dig at Krasner, whom she and Mayor Jim Kenney have previously accused of being too lenient on suspected gun offenders. U.S. Attorney William McSwain has leveled similar accusations against the citys reform-oriented district attorney. When we make arrests, we need to ensure that the rest of the criminal justice system is aligned with our efforts and our goals, Outlaw said. Krasner has previously defended his offices handling of gun cases. On Tuesday, he said prosecutors were reviewing 450 cases to determine why a growing share recently have been withdrawn by prosecutors or dismissed by a judge statistics his office has made public on a data website. Were doing this study because we need to know whats happening," Krasner said. If were doing something poorly we want to do it better. If theres more that other stakeholders can do and we can support that, we want to do that. Gun violence has been spiking in cities across the country this year, even as overall violent crime in most places including Philadelphia has fallen in the wake of pandemic stay-at-home orders.. Some criminologists have said the pandemics impact on the economy deserves inquiry. Others have questioned whether a decrease in confidence in law enforcement after police killings of Black people had affected crime rates over the summer. Kenney on Tuesday credited police officers with patrolling our streets trying to get between combatants who are dead set against killing each other. He blamed the pandemic and subsequent economic crisis with limiting the citys antiviolence and job-development efforts. The combination of those three things is whats caused this unbelievable rise in what were dealing with, he said. "I think as we start moving out of this mess we can start getting those numbers under control. Outlaw said the Police Department was hiring 28 additional crime analysts and increasing its so-called pinpoint zones, crime hot spots that receive added attention from investigators and patrol officers. She also said the department has refocused [its] efforts" to get better technology for detectives, including department-issued items as basic as cellphones, or other more advanced programs that would let investigators remotely view videos or other evidence. At the Nicetown rally, Taj Murdock, of the mentorship group Men of Courage, said young men who might be tempted to pick up a gun needed more resources and hope from the city and community. Our young men need to see alternatives, Murdock said. They need to feel love our young men dont feel love. They only know what they see we have a spiritual culture right now where our young men are more afraid to live than they are to die. Staff writer Laura McCrystal contributed to this article. Chris Cuomo was lampooned for labeling a video of President Trump removing his face mask at the White House 'propaganda,' after he shared a similar video months ago. The CNN anchor appeared on air shortly after Trump returned from Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, to the White House via Marine One on Monday evening. Upon his arrival, an infected Trump walked up the steps of the South Portico, removed his face mask and stared over the balcony as photographers snapped his picture. Trump then disappeared into the White House, where staffers were present, and briefly returned to the balcony. He did not put his face mask back on during this time. CNN reported that Trump's ascent into the White House was for a reshoot as part of a potential campaign video, and Cuomo used this to level criticism at the president. CNN anchor Chris Cuomo (right) called footage of President Trump removing his face mask after returning to the White House on Monday 'propaganda' 'There he is, hair blown majestically. Reshooting the scene for his own ad,' said Cuomo, adding 'What a bunch of bull****.' Cuomo scrutinized Trump for flouting face masks after numerous members of his inner circle, White House staffers, journalists and workers at the Cleveland presidential debate contracted COVID-19 after his diagnosis. 'He didnt just walk in the White House one time with no mask tonight. He had his video crew capture that stupid scene again so he could put out propaganda,' he said. Donald Trump, whose infection with COVID-19 was confirmed at 1am on Friday, removed his face mask on Monday night Cuomo (right): 'He didnt just walk in the White House one time with no mask tonight. He had his video crew capture that stupid scene again so he could put out propaganda' But on social media, a number of people pointed out that Cuomo had shared a comparable video that was accused of being 'staged' in April. Cuomo, who contracted COVID-19 in March, filmed a video of himself reuniting with his wife and three children after 'several weeks locked in his basement.' Footage showed him walking up the stairs to greet his kids at his Hamptons mansion, three weeks after he went into 'quarantine' to recover from coronavirus. Cuomo took time to thank his three children and his wife for looking after him 'All right,' he said. 'Here it is. The official re-entry. From the basement. Cleared by CDC, a little sweaty, just worked out. It happens. This is what I have been dreaming of. Literally for weeks.' 'This is the dream. Just to be back up here doing normal things,' he said as he embraced his wife Christina, who has also since recovered from COVID-19. But he faced backlash when confessed during a interview on his Sirius XM radio show on April 13 that he had broken quarantine and left his basement on Easter. During that time, an infected Cuomo got into a verbal altercation with a cyclist who called him out for not quarantining. On his radio show, Cuomo said he didn't 'want some jack*** loser, fat tire biker being able to pull over and get in my face and in my space and talk bull**** to me,' said Cuomo. 'I dont want to hear it.' The cyclist filed a police report against Cuomo and disparaged him on shows like 'Tucker Carlson Tonight' on Fox News. Benny Johnson, Chief Creative Officer for Turning Point USA, noted that much of Cuomo's criticisms of Trump could be applied to him. Benny Johnson led critics on social media who recalled that Cuomo broke quarantine while infected with COVID-19 earlier this year Johnson wrote: 'CNNs Chris Cuomo, who: broke quarantine while COVID positive, got into a fight with a biker without a mask, likely infected his family with the virus, faked his emergence from his basement on air... 'Is offended that President Trump took his mask off on his balcony.' Others shared similar sentiments and wondered how Cuomo could be outraged. 'Chris Cuomo was out in public while infected with COVID, got into an altercation with someone, yelled at them WHILE COVID + and had a police report filed on him. Please tell us more you [clown],' one Twitter user wrote. One man said he would 'pass' on Cuomo's 'holier than thou speech.' LIttleMsOpinion: 'Chris Cuomo was out in public while infected with COVID, got into an altercation with someone, yelled at them WHILE COVID + and had a police report filed on him. Please tell us more you [clown]' One user said they would 'pass' on Cuomo's 'holier than thou speech' after the CNN anchor criticized President Trump Social media users questioned how Cuomo could be outraged when he had done some similar actions while he was infected Caleb J. Hull, a communications strategist associated with the GOP, wrote: 'Chris Cuomo was diagnosed with COVID-19, broke quarantine, didnt wear a mask, put others in danger, got into a fight with a cyclist who called him out, then pretended nothing ever happened and threw a party when his quarantine was over.' One person asked 'why is he lecturing the rest of use about social distancing, mask-wearing and credibility?' Another user added: 'Remember when Chris Cuomo broke his quarantine while infected with COVID and went out into public and got in a heated altercation with a biker?? Mainstream was SILENT... ' Twitter user: 'Why is he lecturing the rest of use about social distancing, mask-wearing and credibility?' Twitter user: 'Remember when Chris Cuomo broke his quarantine while infected with COVID and went out into public and got in a heated altercation with a biker?? Mainstream was SILENT' Donald Trump arrived back at the White House on Monday night and immediately filmed a campaign video On Monday, just four days after he tested positive with the deadly virus, he tweeted: 'I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling really good! Don't be afraid of Covid. 'Don't let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!' Shortly after his message, doctors appeared outside the hospital to say that while Trump was not 'out of the woods', they were satisfied he could go home. They refused to share details of his health, like when he last tested negative, citing medical privacy laws as reasons not to share information like the results of a lung scan. The doctors said Trump would receive his fourth remdesivir dose on Monday night before he leaves the hospital, and his fifth on Tuesday. Johnson said that between all his connecting flights en route to Alaska, only one Transportation Security Administration agent made him take off his Air visor. I said to him, Youre asking me to take my mask off, but youre letting everyone else keep their mask on, he recalled. He had to tell somebody to take a mask off in a pandemic. Once onboard, the Alaska Airlines crew was in awe: The pilot said I need one of those, how do I get one? The flight attendants thought it was the coolest thing. Christmas 2021 or 2020? If 2020 be aware that the borders are not fully open as yet and there are restrictions on which airlines you can fly and when, plus you must have a covid test prior to the flight and another on arrival, plus another at day 7 and 14. You are currently not allowed to book any hotel but one on the MTPA site and you spend 14 days in the quarantine hotel of your choice, which you pay for. Most people booking at the moment are returning citizens and residents and very few tourists. See here: No one yet knows if quarantine restrictions will still be in force for December as no information is as yet forthcoming from the Mauritius government. Lagoon Attitude was until recently managed by TUI in partnership with Attitude until earler this year when Attitude took over full management. It's adults only, at Anse Le Raie in the north and under 15 mins drive to Grand Baie and also on a bus route (but note buses stop running in the early evening) I havent stayed there but have looked around Lagoon Attitude and I have stayed at Ravenala. I liked the spacious rooms and choice of 12 places to eat and large pools but disliked the small beach made worse by the fact that a section of said beach is reserved for the adults only executive seafront guests. Location wise its a good 25 min drive from Grand Baie and 20 min from Port Louis. My photos and review are here: Edited: 1 year ago Michigan schools must notify the school community about probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 within 24 hours under a new emergency public health order issued by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon on Tuesday. Recent outbreaks throughout the country demonstrate that COVID-19 can spread quickly in the school setting, Gordon said in a statement. Timely communication from schools to parents, guardians, students, teachers, staff and other persons affiliated with schools enables members of the school community to take measures to prevent spread of the virus. Under the order, local health departments have 24 hours to notify a school of of a school-associated case, whether its probable or confirmed. The school then has 24 hours to put that up as a public notice on their website and disclose which building the case is associated with. It goes into effect Oct. 12. The order applies to both public and private schools. Read the order here. Currently, schools are only required to report outbreaks, defined as two or more COVID-19 cases in people from different households who may have shared exposure on school grounds. As of Monday, Oct. 5, there were outbreaks reported at 58 Michigan schools. That is an increase of 24 outbreaks that resulted in 124 people being infected since the prior weeks reporting. Gordon is taking a more active role in issuing emergency orders under his own authority after the Michigan Supreme Court Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had no authority under two laws to continue the state of emergency that allowed her to issue unilateral orders. Gordon also issued an order Monday requiring masks statewide, including in most of the states schools. Schools in the Traverse City region do not need to require masks for students. Related Stories: Coronavirus outbreaks reported at 58 Michigan K-12 schools, 24 colleges in Oct. 5 report Michigan to disclose which schools have coronavirus outbreaks Michigan school data on coronavirus outbreaks may be a week old when you get it Michigan health department issues order requiring masks, limiting gathering sizes statewide Gov. has no authority to continue state of emergency, Michigan Supreme Court rules Frequent flyers have been showing off their Qantas bar carts from the iconic Boeing 474 aircraft after Australia's national carrier sold 1,000 of them to cut costs during COVID-19. Members of the Frequent Flyers Australia Facebook group have been waiting to receive the fully stocked drink trolleys since they went on sale in September - when they were snapped up within hours of going live. 'I thought you'd all enjoy this. The cart has arrived,' one man from Victoria said, uploading photos of the beverages he received. Members of the Frequent Flyers Australia Facebook group have been waiting to receive the fully stocked drink trolleys since they went on sale in September - when they were snapped up within hours of going live 'I haven't been able to fly or travel this year so the next best thing is to acquire a Qantas drinks trolley, fully stocked of course,' said another happy customer 'I haven't been able to fly or travel this year so the next best thing is to acquire a Qantas drinks trolley, fully stocked of course,' said another happy customer. 'I love that people have bought these instead of letting them end up on a scrap heap! Enjoy,' replied one comment. The vintage bar carts were removed from the airline's iconic Boeing 747 aircraft after operating for almost 50 years. The aircraft retired in July 2020 so it has now become a collector's item. In September Qantas opened its memorabilia storage shed to the public, offering 1,000 carts for sale from $947.70 for a half-filled option to $1,474.70 for a fully stocked option. The vintage bar carts were removed from the airline's iconic Boeing 747 aircraft after operating for almost 50 years In September Qantas opened its memorabilia storage shed to the public, offering 1,000 carts for sale from $947.70 for a half-filled option to $1,474.70 for a fully stocked option Each pre-loved cart comes complete with 40 mini bottles of red wine, 40 mini bottles of white and a bottle of Champagne from the airline's business class cellar, TimTams, pyjamas and an exclusive-to-Qantas first class Sheridan throw. Within hours of the sale going live, all of the carts were completely sold out, as nostalgic flyers wanted a piece of aviation history. Qantas executive manager of product and service Phil Capps said the airline wanted to offer a unique opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to own a piece of the 747 legacy, particularly at a time when travel was out of reach for many. 'These pre-loved carts served Qantas and our customers well during their world travels from London and Los Angeles to Singapore and Santiago, with each one averaging around 2,000 flights,' he said. 'While we no longer have use for them, they still have life in them, especially for those with an appreciation for aviation collectables and an eye for design. Within hours of the sale going live, all of the carts were completely sold out, as nostalgic flyers wanted a piece of aviation history The airline operated various incarnations of the 747 'Queen of the Skies' for almost 50 years before retiring the jumbo jet six months early as part of its response to the COVID-19 crisis 'There has been huge demand for Qantas 747 memorabilia and frequent flyers have expressed keen interest to convert the bespoke in-flight trolley into everything from lamp stands to storage units. 'The fact they come fully stocked with some of Qantas' most popular on-board service items will hopefully inspire some high-flying fun at home.' The airline operated various incarnations of the 747 'Queen of the Skies' for almost 50 years before retiring the jumbo jet six months early as part of its response to the COVID-19 crisis. Each pre-loved cart comes complete with 40 mini bottles of red wine, 40 mini bottles of white and a bottle of Champagne from the airline's business class cellar, Tim Tams, pyjamas and an exclusive-to-Qantas first class Sheridan throw The farewell of the last Qantas 747 in July inspired an outpouring of affection and nostalgia from Australians. Meanwhile, Qantas has grounded most of its fleet due to travel restrictions and recorded a $1.9 billion annual loss for the 2019/2020 financial year. Up to 20,000 staff have been stood down while 8,000 have been made redundant. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg during the budget delivery in the House of Representatives on October 6, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images) Australias Federal Budget: Tax Cuts for More Than 11 Million Aussies More than 11 million Australians will receive a tax cut as the Morrison government spends up big to guide the nation out of a coronavirus-led recession. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has pitched the 2020/21 federal budget as being all about jobs after the pandemic ripped the economy to shreds. The Great Depression and two world wars did not bring Australia to its knees, neither will COVID-19, he said on Tuesday night. Under the coalitions $17.8 billion tax cut plan, low and middle-income earners will receive relief of up to $2745 for singles and $5490 for couples compared to 2017/18. Tax cuts will be backdated to July 1, with the 32.5 percent threshold lifted from $90,000 to $120,000 and the 19 per cent trigger hiked from $37,000 to $45,000. The plans final stage will remain scheduled for 2024/25 when someone earning $45,000 annually will be in the same tax bracket as a worker on $200,000. All businessesexcluding the four big bankswhich hire welfare recipients aged 16 to 35 will receive credit, in a move to support an estimated 450,000 jobs. Workers under 30 will draw a $200 weekly government subsidy, while someone between 30 and 35 will attract $100. Newly-hired staff must work at least 20 hours a week, with the scheme slated to cost the budget $4 billion. Labor accused the government of leaving too many people behind, including almost one million aged over 35 on unemployment benefits excluded from the hiring subsidies. One trillion dollars of debt, a track record of no delivery and no plan for the future, shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said of the budget. There was no plan for social housing, cheaper and cleaner energy, or aged care, he added. After coming under immense pressure over nursing home failures through a royal commission, the coalition will pump $1.6 billion into 23,000 additional home care packages. Pensioners will also receive a boost with separate $250 cash payments in December and March. From Tuesday, almost every business in the country will be able to write off the full value of any eligible asset until June 2022. Every sector of our economy, every corner of our country, will benefit, the treasurer said. Roads spending will be ratcheted up with the governments 10-year infrastructure pipeline receiving a $10 billion boost, taking it to $110 billion. There is more than $750 million to continue COVID-19 testing and almost $376 million to add new drugs to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme. The economic blueprint also locks in previously-announced commitments to fire up manufacturing and pay a 50 percent wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees. Budget papers reveal an eye-watering deficit of $213.7 billion which is predicted to fall to $66.9 billion in 2023/24. Government debt will exceed $1 trillion by 2021/22. Our economy has been hit, and hit hard, Frydenberg said. Unemployment is expected to peak at eight percent by the December quarter, lower than the initial forecast of 10 percent. The economy is expected to shrink by 3.75 percent this calendar year before growing 4.25 percent in 2021. Before the budgets release, the Reserve Bank left the cash rate untouched at a record low 0.25 percent. Frydenberg said people across the country were digging deep, banding together and getting on with it. The road to recovery will be hardbut there is hope, he said. The government will also reform superannuation to stop new accounts being created every time a worker changes jobs. Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele ONeil said the budget was a missed opportunity to adopt free child care and boost TAFE spending. We are also concerned about the tax cuts and believe that investment in services and public programs are a better long- term investment than individual tax cuts, she said. A tax cut does nothing for you if you dont have a job. Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said it was the right budget for the time. The budget goes a long way to restoring hope and giving us confidence that we can come back stronger and better than before as we combat an unprecedented global downturn, she said. By Matt Coughlan President Donald Trump returned to the White House despite still being infected a move analysts say could draw backlash and shows he doesn't take the virus seriously. Shortly before his departure from the hospital Monday night, Trump said he planned to promptly return to the campaign trail, where he has less than a month left to fight for a second term in office. "I think he really faces the possibility of a backlash if that's what he does. We have 209,000 Americans who have died," said Todd Eberly, a professor of political science at St. Mary's College of Maryland. "I think the smarter choice for him would be to come out and say: 'You know I now clearly understand the seriousness of it,' and try to win over some folks showing a little bit more empathy which is something that he's not known for," Eberly told CNBC. A growing number of officials in Trump's administration have tested positive for the virus since the president announced early Friday that he was infected. Earlier Monday, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany announced that she had tested positive for Covid-19, as did two of her deputies. At least 18 people who were either in the White House, or connected to Trump's reelection campaign, or attended recent White House events have tested positive recently. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump returned to the White House from the hospital on Monday, saying that he had recovered from the novel coronavirus and that people should not be afraid of a disease that has killed more than 209,000 Americans. Trump's comments shortly before leaving Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., about the deadly pandemic - "Don't be afraid of Covid" - are the latest examples of the White House's decision to flout public health guidelines and engage in practices viewed as reckless. That strategy has had dire consequences in the West Wing, where more than a dozen officials have tested positive for the coronavirus in recent days, a steadily increasing total that grew again Monday to include White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. How the return of an infected president to such a setting can be managed safely was one of several questions left unanswered Monday as Trump's medical team briefed reporters about his condition. "We've worked with our infectious-disease experts to make some recommendations for how to keep everything safe down at the White House," said Trump's doctor Sean Conley, after describing the president's condition as improving but "not out of the woods yet." Conley declined to describe what specific steps would be made to ensure a safe environment at a building that doubles as a personal residence and a government office while the president remains contagious, which could be for several more days at least. "I wish I could go into that more, but I just can't," he said. The transformation of the White House into a vector of a deadly pathogen has done little to change the approach of an administration that has been determined to downplay the coronavirus for months. Trump used his personal experience with the disease - which twice knocked his oxygen levels down significantly and required him to be hospitalized and injected with several drugs - to again play down its severity. Washington Post photo by Jabin Botsford "Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life," Trump wrote on Twitter on Monday afternoon, three days after he was transported there for treatment. "We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!" His statement immediately drew rebukes because he seemed to be minimizing the pandemic, something he has done consistently since it emerged as a threat this year. " 'Don't be afraid'? I wish every American had access to the same health care you're getting - but they don't," Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., wrote on Twitter. But Trump has given little indication that he plans to change his behavior if or when he is told by doctors that he can resume normal activities. When he returned to the White House on Monday evening, the potentially contagious president climbed the stairs rather than use the usual ground-level entrance and posed for pictures. After a few seconds, he reached up with his right hand, took off his mask, put it in his pocket and resumed flashing thumbs-ups. He then turned and entered the building. Trump spent Sunday and Monday discussing his campaign, the polls, advertising in key states and what Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is doing, according to people who spoke to the president. He began discussing with officials on Sunday when he could return to the campaign trail - and how. "Will be back on the Campaign Trail soon!!! The Fake News only shows the Fake Polls," he tweeted Monday night, shortly before leaving the hospital. Trump is trailing Biden in national and key state polls. Aides said the Diplomatic Reception Room and Map Room are being prepared for working spaces for Trump at the White House, where many staff members have opted to work from home in the coming days. Even before Trump's return, several officials have cleared out of the building amid ongoing news reports of lawmakers, aides, visitors and residence staffers who have tested positive for the coronavirus after spending time in the White House in recent days. "The West Wing is a total ghost town," said one official who worked at the White House on Monday. The official, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal dynamics in the building. Trump walked out of the hospital about 6:30 p.m. Monday and boarded Marine One, flew back to Washington and then strolled into the White House about 1o minutes later. He entered a building that has become a hot spot for covid-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. On Monday, McEnany announced that she had tested positive for the disease, despite taking several tests that came back negative in previous days. News reports also identified two other press aides who had contracted the virus. At least 20 people have tested positive for the coronavirus after spending time at the White House, a list that includes U.S. senators, journalists, first lady Melania Trump and senior aides and campaign advisers to the president. The medical team treating Trump held a news conference Monday, telling reporters that the president was breathing without difficulty and had normal vital signs, while continuing to withhold potentially negative information about his health. "Though he may not be entirely out of the woods yet, the team and I agree that all our evaluations - and most importantly, his clinical status - support the president's safe return home," Conley said, later adding: "He's back." It was not clear how or how long Trump might remain isolated upon return to the White House. Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention call for infected individuals to stay away from other people for at least 10 days after symptoms first appeared. The guidelines say patients who experienced severe illness while infected may need to stay home for up to 20 days after symptoms first appeared. Trump has already been dismissive of many CDC guidelines, putting himself and others at higher risk of catching the virus before it began circulating in the White House. He has held crowded events, eschewed mask-wearing and ignored social distancing rules as his campaign for reelection has heated up. His experience with the disease appeared to fall into the category of severe illness. Trump's oxygen levels twice dropped to concerning levels on Friday and Saturday, and he suffered from symptoms including a cough, fatigue and a fever, according to his medical team. Trump has been treated with a range of drugs and experimental therapeutics, including the steroid dexamethasone, the antiviral drug remdesivir and a combination of monoclonal antibodies that has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to fight the virus. He was also twice put on supplemental oxygen on Friday and Saturday, Conley said, referring to "several little temporary drops" in Trump's oxygen levels. Doctors said Monday that Trump continued to be treated with dexamethasone, a steroid that is typically reserved for severely ill coronavirus patients. He was scheduled to receive another injection of remdesivir Monday before being released and a final dose at the White House after his return, doctors said. Conley dodged several questions about Trump's condition, at one point citing privacy laws that he appeared to employ selectively. Asked about whether Trump had any lung damage or inflammation, he demurred. "We've done routine standard imaging," he said. "I'm just not at liberty to discuss." He also declined to answer questions about the viral load detected in Trump, or whether Trump had taken blood thinners. "He's on a routine regimen of covid therapy," he said. "I'm not going into specifics of what he is and isn't on." Asked when Trump last tested negative for the coronavirus, Conley again dodged, continuing a pattern from White House officials who have continued to avoid the critical question. "I don't want to go backwards," Conley said. Understanding the date of Trump's last negative test could help determine how long the president may have been contagious before his positive test on Thursday - and how many people he may have put at risk in the interim. McEnany also declined to directly answer questions about when Trump last tested negative. Her own experience came to serve as a cautionary tale for a White House that has held up its rapid testing system as a kind of cure-all to protect Trump and his aides from the coronavirus. That system has failed to keep the virus out of the West Wing, resulting in the hospitalization of the president and raising questions about the Trump administration's cavalier attitude toward public health measures for people who don't have access to on-demand rapid tests. "After testing negative consistently, including every day since Thursday, I tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday morning while experiencing no symptoms," she said in a statement. The day before she tested positive for the coronavirus, McEnany declined to wear a mask while talking with reporters outside the White House, removing her face covering Sunday evening as she approached journalists. Like McEnany, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows also has spoken to reporters without a mask since Trump's diagnosis. Meadows has not tested positive for the virus. As Trump prepared to return to the White House from Walter Reed, aides were being asked to wear masks when around others. Meadows had a call with senior staff Monday morning to say the president was likely to return to the White House later in the day, officials said. He encouraged staffers to work remotely, and suggested that some meetings could happen in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where there is more space. Officials said many spaces inside the White House complex - offices used by the national economic council, the press staff, the hallways - were almost entirely bereft of people. Among those who remained, mask-wearing was more prevalent than it had been previously but not universal. The disdain among staff for Meadows in the West Wing is "through the roof" right now, one senior administration official said, citing his contradictory messaging about Trump's health on Saturday and his lack of communication with aides about what was going on. Trump may be spending considerable time in the White House's Map Room, officials said. He likes the room, and goes there regularly to prepare for major speeches and hold tele-town hall events. It is close to the White House medical offices. Conley said Trump would continue to be monitored daily to determine when it is safe for him to leave isolation. "We're looking to this weekend," Conley said. "If we can get through to Monday with him remaining the same or improving, better yet, then we will all take that final deep sigh of relief." In the meantime, Biden has continued to campaign, while avoiding direct attacks on Trump. En route to campaign stops in South Florida, Biden said he would listen to experts to gauge whether it would be safe for him and Trump to participate in the second presidential debate next week. Biden so far has tested negative but shared the stage with Trump for a prolonged period during the first presidential debate last Tuesday, when the president may have already been infected. "I'll do whatever the experts say," Biden said before boarding his campaign plane Monday morning in Delaware. "I think we should be very cautious." While Trump has told aides that he was bored at the hospital and eager to get back into the action - including by briefly leaving the hospital Sunday to greet supporters - outside medical experts said he also should proceed cautiously. The CDC says seriously ill coronavirus patients may need to remain in quarantine for up to 20 days. Some of the drugs Trump has been prescribed are known to have side effects including euphoria, confusion or emotional instability. Asked whether Trump was experiencing any fogginess or other effects from the various drugs he had been prescribed, Conley told reporters to look at the president's tweets as a sign that he is not impaired. But asked to comment on Trump's claim on Twitter that people should not be afraid of the virus, Conley reverted to evasion. "I'm not going to get into what the president says," he said. - - - The Washington Post's John Wagner contributed to this report. Before the livestream of American Dreams begins, viewers are asked to fill a screening questionnaire from the North American Transportation, Security and Immigration agency (ponder the acronym for a second). We are asked our gender, where we were born, what language(s) we speak, our religion. It may take time, but eventually it should dawn on us: We are not just an audience. We are a jury. Written by Leila Buck and directed by Tamilla Woodard after a collaborative process with cast members and others, this interactive satire imagines that three candidates vie for American citizenship in a flashy game show. The process is part quiz, part popularity contest, and feels wholly, cruelly, arbitrary. Game shows often use razzmatazz and carefully managed suspense to cover for the role luck plays in the results. Here the formula is mocked even further to introduce audience flattery as a foundational feature. Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts for the full episode. A lot of things are happening right now, which is why it may have been easy to miss that the North Carolina Senate race has been hit by not one but two October surprises. Sen. Thom Tillis tested positive for the coronavirus, and his Democratic challenger, Cal Cunningham, admitted to exchanging romantic texts with a woman who was not his wife. Politics in North Carolina is high-stakes because both parties have come to see this state as essential to political dominanceand the races there are getting tighter. For Republicans, their path to Electoral College victory runs through North Carolina. For Democrats, winning Tillis seat could flip the Senate. On Tuesdays episode of What Next, I spoke with Michael Bitzer, a professor of politics and history at Catawba College whos lived in North Carolina for nearly 20 years, about the highly consequential showdown taking place in his state. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Harris: When did you know that 2020 would be a year when this North Carolina Senate race would really be front and center? Michael Bitzer: I think it goes back to 2019 and an op-ed that Thom Tillis printed in the Washington Post criticizing the president and his management style. Very quickly after that, he changed his tune, moving aggressively into being a full-throated defender of the president. What we are seeing is a concern by the Tillis campaign: Are we bear-hugging the president too much? Have we not established our credentials with the conservative base of the Republican Party? Tillis was speaker of the statehouse when Republicans took over after the 2010 election. He oftentimes would come across as a suburban-style Republican, fairly more moderate politics, not the hardcore conservatism of rural Republicans in this state. Hes never been able to quite solidify that base. Tillis will attest that he is one of the presidents key supporters in the Senate. Im not sure that message has been convincing enough that the base of the party is fully behind him. Advertisement Advertisement Tillis is facing a Democratic opponent, Cal Cunningham. Can you introduce us to who he is? Advertisement Cal Cunningham is moderate, a centrist. He presents himself not as a member of the AOC or Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren wing of the party, but a kind of [Gov.] Roy Cooper moderate Democrat. That plays well in this state. Cunninghams a Democrat from a small town, Lexington, North Carolina, famous for its barbecue, which the entire state is proud of and very divided over, not just in terms of its politics, but the actual barbecue. My understanding is that the biggest controversy Cunningham got into before the sexting was over what he called barbecue and whether it was barbecue or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are fighting words in the South. If you use barbecue as a verb rather than as a noun, there will be bitterness on all sides. But yes, that was the infamous barbecuegate. And then, lo and behold, Friday we get the text scandal. A lot of his campaign commercials speak to his hometown upbringing, his service in the military, his willingness as a state senator to fight for the little man in American politics. But this dynamic, when it came to his campaign acknowledging his, shall we say, PG-rated texts, has kind of infiltrated that character portrayal. Yes, he owned up to it, and yes, he apologized for it. I think the lingering question on a lot of North Carolina voters minds at this point is, are there, shall we say, R-rated texts we should be anticipating? We dont know. And there may not be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you think this scandal will matter to voters? Partisanship is one hell of a drug. At this point, I am of an opinion that voters take with a grain of salt the issues and controversies and perhaps failings of their candidates, but when push comes to shove, its all about the Ds and the Rs. Thats what drives voter behavior. I think, simply, the dynamics of the news cycle nowadays, it feels like every day we are getting an avalanche of new controversies. And tomorrow well get another avalanche. And the day after that, well get another avalanche, and the avalanches just cover up the previous avalanches. At some point, people either tune in or log off, or they think, Ill wait for the next news cycle, because that will happen probably in an hour. Advertisement And a complicating factor here is that North Carolinians are already voting, right? Advertisement What we know right now is that over 350,000 North Carolinians have already decided, Im done with this election. Heres my absentee or by-mail ballot. Its been accepted. Ive banked my vote, and I am done. How does that compare with previous years? Advertisement Its exponentially higher than anything that we have seen. We right now are close to 1.2 million registered voters requesting absentee or by-mail ballots. Thats like 20 percent of your voters. Exactly. And to give you some context, four years ago, we had a little over 230,000 North Carolinians request absentee and by-mail ballots. So we are talking about a sixfold increase at this point in time, and weve still got three weeks before the request deadline. Then we start in-person early voting on Oct. 15. That has been a traditional dominant factor: In 2016, two-thirds of ballots came before Election Day. Ive heard estimates that we could be looking at 80 percent of all ballots cast in the state coming before Nov. 3. Advertisement So far this year, voters registered as Democrats have a narrow edge in absentee and mail-in ballots. But its hard to know if that will continue for the next few weeks. And one thing that seems to be a relative constant this year is a lot of the people voting absentee now havent done it before. The issue is a lot of these voters are first-time absentee or by-mail voters, and they are getting hung up on some of the requirements, particularly the witness certification process thats holding up some of their ballots. This is particularly true among Black voters, who historically are in-person voters. Advertisement Advertisement Is that something that can be corrected? Advertisement Advertisement In North Carolina, if your ballot is deemed deficient, it is not rejected. It can be cured. Its also important to note that if a voter has a deficient ballot, it does not preclude them from casting a vote in person. The issue right now is we have several lawsuits challenging the process by which to accept absentee and by-mail ballots. In fact, recently, the state Board of Elections announced a new policy directive saying that if your county gets a deficient ballot, set it aside and wait for the courts to tell you what to do. In my mind, thats a real disservice to voters, because previously they would be able to track their ballot, know if it was deficient, and know what the issue was. Then, typically, a new ballot would be sent to that voter to correct the issue. Thats not happening right now as far as I know. Thats a real concern for a pretty good number of North Carolinians. Advertisement One thing thats interesting about this race between Tillis and Cunningham is that its been fairly stable up until this point. Cunningham has been in the lead. Do you want to venture any guesses about what happens next? Ive learned too much from 2020 and North Carolina politics to make any predictions this year. If you look at the RealClearPolitics average of this particular race, Cunningham has a 5- or 6-point lead. This is going to be a tight election, as is the presidential race at the top of the ticket. Besides Georgia, North Carolina is pretty much the closest battleground state, more so than Florida at this point. Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts Get more news from Mary Harris every weekday. Meanwhile, the rich will become residents of Florida, or some other state that has no state income tax. You dont have to live in Illinois if you are rich (or retired, or can work remotely, or own a business that can be operated from another state). So instead of the state getting the new tax revenues from the rich, it will not get that revenue, because the rich will not be here to pay it. But even worse, the taxes that the rich used to pay will also now be gone. That means that state tax revenues will decrease, not increase. DUBLIN, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellwagen Group, the specialised aviation asset manager headquartered in Dublin, has announced that from the 6th October it will be known as 'Seraph Aviation Group'. Seraph Aviation Group is a leading provider of aircraft management services, offering a broad range of aircraft and lease management services to customers in the airline, manufacturing and finance sectors. Following the announcement of the buyout of the group's majority shareholder and the backing received from significant institutional investors, ECN Capital Corp., SPF Investment Management, Almada Inc. and Medalist Partners, Seraph Aviation Group will continue to implement its strategy, which is focused on the core competencies of its aircraft management servicing, capital management and aviation financing platform, supported by best-in-class technology developed by its sister company, Aerlytix Limited. Seraph Aviation Group has a deep understanding of, and expertise in, aviation assets, credit and equity/debt origination that enables the company to create bespoke investment vehicles designed to provide its third party customers with above-average risk adjusted returns and management of risk and exploitation of opportunities, in particular in the current COVID-19 environment. David Butler, CEO, Seraph Aviation Group said: "The new brand and identity is an exciting milestone for the company. We are delighted to demonstrate and highlight our expertise to the market by combining the unique blend of Aviation Management Services and Capital Management under Seraph Aviation Group. This provides current and potential customers with a compelling offering under an integrated platform." With headquarters in Dublin, Seraph Aviation Group has offices in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, London, England and Seoul, South Korea. About Seraph Aviation Group Seraph Aviation Group is a leading provider of aircraft management services, offering a broad range of aircraft and lease management services to customers in the airline, manufacturing and finance sectors. Through its deep understanding of aviation assets and financial instruments, the Group creates bespoke investment vehicles designed to provide its institutional partners with above-average risk adjusted returns. Stellwagen Group is based in Dublin, Ireland with offices in Stamford, CT, USA, London, England and Seoul, South Korea. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1307627/Seraph_Aviation_Group_David_Butler.jpg Nadja Bellan-White Ogilvy's Nadja Bellan-White has joined Vice Media Group as global chief marketing officer. She starts at the end of October. At the WPP unit Bellan-White most recently served as executive partner, based in London. Earlier, she was chief client officer for Europe, Middle East and Africa and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Africa. Bellan-White joined Ogilvy in 2007 from Publicis Modem, where she was senior VP-marketing director. At Vice, Bellan-White will lead marketing, brand and communications teams for its brands, which include Vice News, Vice.com, Vice Studios production unit, the Vice TV cable channel, in-house ad agency Virtue, and women-focused brand Refinery29. Vice CEO Nancy Dubuc said that Bellan-Whites work in transforming some of the biggest brands on the planet is industry-defining and her ability to find ways to uniquely connect content, audience and commerce globally in the marketplace is unparalleled. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2020) - The first assay results from the resumed Phase I drill program at the LK Project in Finland has retuned a wide zone, of shallow, high-grade palladium mineralization in the Kaukua South Extension, said Palladium One Mining Inc. (TSXV: PDM) (FSE: 7N11) (OTC Pink: NKORF) ("Palladium One" or the "Company") today. Hole LK20-014 returned a core zone of 72.0 m at 1.96 g/t palladium equivalent (Pd_Eq)* within a wider zone of 145.5m at 1.26 g/t Pd_Eq. Key highlights: Continuity between holes LK20-006 and LK20-014 demonstrates potential to rapidly add tonnes and thereby scale to existing NI 43-101 resources. and thereby scale to existing NI 43-101 resources. Shallow mineralization developing at scale within the Kaukua South Zone. within the Kaukua South Zone. Starting at only 13.5 meters downhole , hole LK20-014 returned 145.5 m at 1.26 g/t Pd_Eq. with a core zone of 72 m at 1.96 g/t Pd_Eq. , hole LK20-014 returned with a core zone of Hole LK20-014 is 100 m east of hole LK20-006 which returned 166.7 m at 1.27 g/t Pd_Eq. with a core zone of 63.4 m at 1.88 g/t Pd_Eq. "Results from the Kaukua South Zone continue to indicate that the Kaukua area hosts the footprint of a large-scale, shallow, mineralized system displaying continuity," said Derrick Weyrauch, President and Chief Executive Officer. Hole LK20-014 is 100 m east of hole LK20-006 (see news release dated August 11, 2020), which returned nearly identical grades and widths (Table 1) and is 800 m east of hole KAU-08-035, which returned a core zone of 33 m at 1.90 g/t Pd_Eq (Figure 1). These consistent core intercepts validate the Company's thesis that there are more tonnes than initially thought at Palladium One's LK Project in Finland. The shallow and high-grade core intercepts provide the opportunity to significantly increase the existing NI 43-101 Kaukua open pit resource. Phase 1 Drill Program Update The Company continues to log and sample the drill core from the recently completed drilling program. Fourteen holes totalling 2,566 m were completed during the resumed program in August and September, bringing the total Phase I exploration drilling program to 26 holes totalling 4,490 m. Table 1. Resumed Phase 1 Drill Results Zone Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Pd_Eq g/t* PGE g/t (Pd+Pt +Au) Pd g/t Pt g/t Au g/t Cu % Ni % Kaukua LK20-006** 43.8 210.5 166.7 1.16 0.58 0.39 0.14 0.05 0.09 0.10 South Upper Zone 43.8 62.0 18.3 1.27 0.33 0.21 0.05 0.07 0.13 0.16 Core Zone 95.0 158.4 63.4 1.88 1.06 0.72 0.26 0.08 0.13 0.14 Inc. 95.0 116.5 21.6 2.36 1.25 0.83 0.31 0.11 0.18 0.19 Lower Zone 188.5 210.5 22.0 1.50 0.87 0.60 0.20 0.07 0.11 0.10 Inc. 188.5 198.8 10.4 2.22 1.26 0.85 0.29 0.11 0.18 0.15 Zone Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Pd_Eq g/t* PGE g/t (Pd+Pt +Au) Pd g/t Pt g/t Au g/t Cu % Ni % Kaukua LK20-014 13.5 159.0 145.5 1.28 0.53 0.35 0.13 0.06 0.11 0.13 South Upper Zone 14.5 31.0 16.5 0.97 0.25 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.08 0.13 Core Zone 87.0 159.0 72.0 1.96 0.94 0.62 0.23 0.09 0.17 0.17 Inc. 96.2 151.0 54.8 2.20 1.09 0.72 0.27 0.10 0.20 0.18 Inc. 119.1 128.0 19.0 2.80 1.39 0.91 0.35 0.13 0.27 0.22 Inc. 119.1 122.0 3.0 4.35 2.24 1.46 0.54 0.23 0.46 0.31 ** Includes 16.25m of unsampled core given a zero grade. *** Reported widths are "drilled widths" not true widths. ***** Grey Italicised values are previously released (see press release August 11, 2020). *Palladium Equivalent Palladium equivalent (Pd_Eq) is calculated using US$1,100/oz for palladium, US$950/oz for platinum, US$1,300/oz for gold, US$6,614/t for copper and US$15,432/t for nickel as used in the Company's 2019, 43-101 mineral resource estimate on the Kaukua Deposit (see press release September 9, 2019). Figure 1 This figure shows the greater Kaukua Area, the NI 43-101 compliant Kaukua Open Pit resource, Murtolampi and Kaukua South zones. The new drill defined three-kilometer eastern extension of the Kaukua South zone is shown with the resumed Phase I drill holes labelled in red. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/65288_28b7f75e243988b2_001full.jpg Figure 2 Kaukua South Long section showing IP Chargeability isoshells and down hole logged sulfide percentages, resumed Phase I drill holes labelled in red. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/65288_28b7f75e243988b2_002full.jpg Figure 3 Kaukua South cross section, looking west showing hole LK20-014. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/65288_28b7f75e243988b2_003full.jpg QA/QC The Phase I drilling program was carried out under the supervision of Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P. Geo., Vice President of Exploration and a director of the Company. Drill core samples were split using a rock saw by Company staff, with half retained in the core box and stored indoors in a secure facility, in Taivalkoski, Finland. The drill core samples were transported by courier from the Company's core handling facility in Taivalkoski, Finland, to ALS Global ("ALS") laboratory in Outokumpu, Finland. ALS, is an accredited lab and are ISO compliant (ISO 9001:2008, ISO/IEC 17025:2005). PGE analysis was performed using a 30 grams fire assay with an ICP-MS or ICP-AES finish. Multi-element analyses, including copper and nickel were analysed by four acid digestion using 0.25 grams with an ICP-AES finish. Certified standards, blanks and crushed duplicates are placed in the sample stream at a rate of one QA/QC sample per 10 core samples. Results are analyzed for acceptance at the time of import. All standards associated with the results in this press release were determined to be acceptable within the defined limits of the standard used. Qualified Person The technical information in this release has been reviewed and verified by Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P. Geo., Vice President of Exploration and a director of the Company and the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Palladium One Palladium One Mining Inc. is an exploration company targeting district scale, platinum-group-element (PGE)-copper-nickel deposits in Finland and Canada. Its flagship project is the Lantinen Koillismaa or LK Project, a palladium-dominant platinum group element-copper-nickel project in north-central Finland, ranked by the Fraser Institute as one of the world's top countries for mineral exploration and development. Exploration at LK is focused on targeting disseminated sulfides along 38 kilometers of favorable basal contact and building on an established NI 43-101 open pit resource. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Derrick Weyrauch" President & CEO, Director For further information contact: Derrick Weyrauch, President & CEO Email: info@palladiumoneinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. The common shares of Palladium One Mining Inc. have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. Information set forth in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address a company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in palladium and other commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume; and tax consequences to Canadian and U.S. Shareholders. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/65288 LONDON, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hon. Mark Brantley, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, is optimistic about the return of tourism on the island. With the border of the twin-island set to open October 31st, he said that the country is well prepared to welcome back tourists. He also spoke about the strategies implemented by the government, and its COVID-19 Task Force to ensure the safety of citizens, hospitality workers and tourists. Along with extra training for those involved in the hotel industry and taxi business, Brantley stated that airports would also see physical changes to control and handle the flow of people. He also said that there would be fewer tourists, therefore, less mass tourism. Those who do come to the islands will most likely stay in villa-type accommodation where they can practice physical distancing. "I'm as confident as I can be about the changing environment and the uncertainty that COVID-19 presents," he said. "I believe our preparation has been in accordance with what we know at this point. Our people have been subject to continuous training, particularly our people on the frontline," Brantley said. Prime Minister Timothy Harris also shared a similar sentiment. At a separate occasion, he said "There can be no livelihood without life. So, our first priority is to keep the people of St Kitts and Nevis healthy." On multiple occasions, the PM has commended the nation's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme for enabling the country to stay afloat during difficult times. The government would not have been able to respond as successfully as it has to COVID-19 had it not been for the CBI Programme, he has noted. Founded by St Kitts and Nevis in 1984, CBI is a process to legally grant individuals and their families second citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution to the host country's economy. The funds generated are then channelled into socio-economic sectors like tourism. For a limited time, vetted families of up to four can obtain citizenship for US$150,000 instead of US$195,000 through the fund option. St Kitts and Nevis, a dual island nation of 53,000 people, has been almost entirely unharmed by the novel virus, with no deaths and just 19 infections since the start of the pandemic. [email protected] www.csglobalpartners.com SOURCE CS Global Partners Related Links http://www.csglobalpartners.com Diwali 2020: Know all the legends behind the 5-day celebrations Diwali in Ayodhya: Ram Janmbhoomi gets ready for a historic celebrations; See pictures Diwali 2020: Whatsapp wishes, quotes, status India oi-Briti Roy Barman New Delhi, Oct 06: Diwali, also known as Divali and Deepavali, is the festival of lights and is celebrated following rituals and with fervour in India. The ancient Hindu festival is celebrated in the months of October or November, and this year Diwali will fall on October 27 and 28. The festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, hope over despair and knowledge over ignorance. Usually, people decorate their homes with earthen lamps or diyas, rangolis and burst crackers to celebrate the festival. Diyas are lit to acknowledge the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Goddess Kali is worshipped in Bengal, and in north India, the festival commemorates the time when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. Here are some of the best wishes, messages, quotes, WhatsApp status to share on Diwali: "Diwali is a symbol of hope for humankind. May it bring universal compassion, inner joy of peace, love and the awareness of unity to all." Happy Diwali. "Light a lamp of love. Blast a chain of sorrow. Shoot a rocket of prosperity. Fire a flowerpot of happiness." Wish you and your family sparkling Diwali. May millions of lamps illuminate your life with joy, prosperity, health and wealth forever. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali. May the Divine Light of Diwali Spread into your Life Peace, Prosperity, Happiness, Good Health and Grand Success. Happy Diwali 2020. Diwali dates: When is Diwali in 2020 May the lights of Diwali make your and your loved ones life brighter and happier. Wish you a very very Happy Diwali! May the lights of Diwali diyas fill your home with wealth, happiness, and everything that brings you joy! Wish you and your entire family a very very Happy Diwali! Let's make this Diwali joyous and bright, Let's celebrate in true sense this festival of light. Happy Diwali. Diwali night is full of lights,Crackers may your life be filled with colors and lights of happiness. Diwali is about bonding, of ritual of a belief that that good will always triumph over evil for dark night must always make way for morning light. Wishing you a happy Diwali. Wish that with this Diwali, your success goes up like a rocket! And all your problems are blasted away with crackers. Wish you a very HAPPY DIWALI. Syracuse, N.Y. -- Over the objections of Democratic legislators, the Republican majority on the Onondaga County Legislature today hired a new deputy clerk to fill a job left open by the countys early retirement program. What might have been a routine appointment in other times stirred up partisan resentments today, coming as it did during a time of financial stress for county government. The legislatures six Democrats questioned why the position was being filled at a time when the county is cutting jobs to save money. Seven county workers were laid off and 19 were furloughed last month. Hundreds of other jobs have been left unfilled. "Right now, the timing is such that its just not a great look,'' said Legislator Chris Ryan, D-Geddes. Republicans dismissed the objections as partisan sniping. They said the deputy clerk position needed to be filled in time for upcoming meetings to review the 2021 budget. "Its embarrassing,'' said Legislature Chairman David Knapp, R-Lafayette. "Its just pure politics.'' Knapp said there was never an agreement to leave the deputy clerk position unfilled. Nobody questioned Melanie Vilardis credentials for the job. She is a certified public accountant and until today was a project coordinator in the county Water Environment Protection department, working on the consolidation of municipal sewer systems. Vilardi also is the Republican town supervisor in Fabius. "Her resume exceeds any staff member here,'' Knapp said. Vilardis appointment was approved by a party-line vote of 11-6. She will start Wednesday as the new deputy clerk. Vilardi will earn $67,500. She replaces Katherine French, whose salary was about $74,000, Knapp said. French took an early retirement incentive in June, along with roughly 160 other county workers. But French continued working at the legislature since retiring, under a temporary contract, in part because the legislature has another staff position left empty by retirements (assistant clerk). French worked her final legislative session today. Knapp said the volume of work for the administrative staff increases during the budget review process, which will begin in November. It would have been difficult to cope with two unfilled positions, he said. Vilardi was the only person to apply for the deputy clerk job, he said. Democrats argued that other county departments too are operating with tightened belts, including those that deliver services to needy residents. Legislator Mary Kuhn, D-DeWitt, said the economic security unit of the social services department has been reduced since January from 382 to 358 workers. The unit handles temporary assistance, food stamps and other services. "These are essential services,'' Kuhn said. "Why are we filling a position to bring us up to six full-time staff in service of 17 part-time legislators?'' Knapp, visibly irritated, responded to Kuhn, who is in her first year as a legislator. "As someone whos never been through a budget process, you will see why this is necessary,'' he said. News tips? Contact reporter Tim Knauss of syracuse.com/The Post-Standard: email | Twitter | | 315-470-3023 Last week, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a joint announcement about the potential threat that foreign-backed online journals pose in spreading misinformation ahead of the crucial 2020 US presidential election. This alert, intended to raise public awareness based on government intelligence, reflects a new strategic direction by the FBI to work with partners across the federal landscape to better protect the American public and its allies from cyber threats. Its a complex threat environment where our greatest concerns involve foreign actors using global infrastructure to compromise US networks, Tonya Ugoretz, deputy assistant director of the FBIs Cyber Division said during a conference at Auburn Universitys McCrary Institute organized to debut the Bureaus new strategy. Ugoretz said that among the many factors the FBI must now juggle in dealing with cyber threats are: The increased attack surfaces stemming from widespread work-at-home arrangements due to the COVID-19 crisis Attackers growing willingness to exploit the increased vulnerabilities the wider attack surface make possible The increase in availability of tools that threat actors use to launch attacks Growth in the number of both criminal and nation-state threat actors. Greater threat complexity requires greater cooperation All these moving parts point to the need for a lot of cooperation here domestically and internationally to illuminate where cyber actors are trying to hide as well as the cooperation of owners and operators of critical infrastructure, Ugoretz said. The goal of the new strategy is for the FBI to serve as a central hub for all the government and foreign agencies as well as private sector partners. How we can use all of those relationships not only to support them but to also make sure we are the indispensable partnerto strengthen the overall fight against cyber threats, she said. No one government agency will have a solution to the problem, according to Matt Gorham, assistant director of the FBIs Cyber Division and the official in charge of its investigations and operations. Gorham points to the welter of government agencies, departments and divisions that the new strategy embraces including CISA, major parts of the Defense Department and intelligence agencies that tackle cybersecurity issues. Its mission is to impose risk and consequence on our cyber adversaries through our unique authorities, robust capabilities and enduring partnerships, Gorham said. If we do it in isolation [from other government agencies] we are not really imposing the maximum risk and consequence on our cyber adversaries. New strategy doubles down on what the FBI already does The new strategic direction by the FBI to operate as a central locus within the federal government isnt completely new. It represents a change more of degree than function. Very much of what were doing today with this new strategy is what were already doing. What were trying to do [now] is double down on that strategy, Gorham said. It may entail cyber operations with our intelligence community partners and with our DoD partners. It may take the form of releasing indicators of compromise. Doing all those things to have the maximum impact on our adversaries and dissuade them [and] make it cost more for them to launch attacks. Gorham held up the Secret Service as the FBIs greatest partner in the cybercriminal space. Saying that the two government cybersecurity arms will conduct coordination behind the scenes to take care of cyberattack victims, Gorham stressed just how close the two groups are. If you call the Secret Service, its like calling the FBI. If you call the FBI, its like calling the Secret Service. What is new is an FBI pledge to victims of cyber malfeasance. I think its important for victims to know that they can trust us when they call us. That we are going to treat them like a victim and they have the rights that come with that status, Gorham said. The pledge states that: In pursuing our mission, we recognize that we will encounter unique and novel issues related to privacy and handling of sensitive data. We will always treat victims with dignity and respect, protecting their privacy and data and rigorously adhering to the US constitution, applicable laws, regulations and policies and the FBIs core values. National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force plays a key role A prominent part of the FBIs new strategy is a bigger role for the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force (NCI-JTF), a central operation located in Chantilly, Virginia, that the FBI has been heading since 2008. Today we have over 33 agencies and subcomponents of DoD that are stacked up and collocated here so that we can work together on a daily basis, Clyde Wallace, deputy assistant director at FBIs Cyber Division, said. The NCI-JTF will synchronize all the efforts of these agencies and subcomponents moving forward. We transformed how the Bureau and the NCI-JTF interacted. We restructured the NCI-JTF into mission centers to drive against specific threats going forward, Wallace said. Going forward, the NCIJTF is pulling together all of our domestic, our foreign partners, our capabilities, our authorities, our planning efforts from synchronized prioritization. The bottom-line for all these changes is to help organizations defend their networks and thwart adversaries wherever possible. Were looking to share [intelligence] as we learn it as quickly as possible to the extent we can to help network defenders with their defenses while we pursue attribution to disrupt the activity and hold the adversaries accountable, Ugoretz said. FAIRFIELD The police department is stepping up its efforts to stop distracted driving. The department is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a national distracted driving campaign dubbed U Drive. U Text. U Pay, said Fairfield Police Lt. Antonio Granata. The high visibility enforcement effort takes place from Oct. 8-12. The goal of the campaign is to step up enforcement efforts to catch distracted, texting drivers and enforce distracted driving laws, Granata said. In practice, Granata said, this means the departments traffic team will be strategically placed in several areas of town, with a focus on morning and evening hours, solely looking for distracted drivers. He noted that violating Connecticuts distracted driving laws can be costly. The fine for the first offense is $150, Granata said. The fine for the second offense is $300. The fine for the third, and subsequent, offenses is $500. Granata said distracted driving, especially cell phone use, has become one of the nations leading causes of vehicle crashes. According to NHTSA, between 2012 and 2018, nearly 23,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver, he said. In fact, there were 2,841 people killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2018. While Granata said those deaths represent a 12 percent decrease in distracted driving fatalities from 2017, there is more work to be done. There are still thousands of preventable deaths happening on our roads every year, he said. Fairfield Police and (the) NHTSA urge you to put your phone down when you get behind the wheel. If you need to text, then pull over and do not drive while doing so. Granata also suggested allowing a passenger to respond to texts or phone calls, setting cell phones to Do Not Disturb as well as putting cell phones out of reach while driving. Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal, he said. Break the cycle. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. Joshua.LaBella@hearstmediact.com The financial assistance was available to eligible Canadians who were employed or self-employed and directly affected by COVID-19. A few examples of those affected would be individuals who had their hours cut, lost their job due to closures, or those who had to stay home due to no longer having childcare. For those eligible, the government issued $2,000 for four weeks and the ability to re-apply for a total of 28 weeks. The government made it extremely easy for Canadians to apply and receive benefits without providing the appropriate documentation. In several announcements, Premier Justin Trudeau indicated the benefits were to be released as quickly as possible to Canadians, and those who mistakenly received benefits would have it sorted out afterwards. As of September 8,864,180 Canadians, received CERB benefits. Out of that number, 1,067,470 people were Albertans. Now that the dust has settled, Stats Canada was able to conduct an initial study on the labour market downturn due to the pandemic. The research up to and including April shows an average monthly lay-off rate of 12.4 percent. As more studies are being done, the numbers do not match the number of applicants who received the benefits. The Federal Government soon realized they were too quick to hand out money and later announced that anyone abusing the program would face the consequences. Government officials drafted a bill as a deterrent stating that Canadians who make fraudulent claims for CERB could face a fine of up to $5,000, and jail time. However, the proposed bill did not pass through the House of Commons. The current penalty will be to pay it back; and false claims will be considered fraud, a chargeable offence through the criminal code. Canada Revenue also indicated that those who falsely filed for CERB would be discovered when they file taxes next year. To assist in weeding out false claims, the CRA included the CERB benefit to its snitch line or Leads Program on their website in early May for those who wanted to report someone who received benefits fraudulently. As of the end of September, the CRA had over 20,000 files flagged for investigation from the snitch line. No further information has been released for the current numbers of potential fraud cases, as it could take quite some time while they sift through each of the CERB applications. The CERB payments have also created issues for employers as they have had difficulty finding people willing to work. It is a common statement that rings out, that individuals are unwilling to work because they received more on CERB. The same is being said for those unemployed who have openly posted on social media, why go to work when I get paid more to sit at home. The CERB payments have created a double-edged sword that is keeping the employment rate down. On that note, the CRA mentions on their website, CERB is available to provide support to those who are unable to work due to COVID-19. Workers should be seeking work opportunities or return to work when their employer requests. Individuals are also encouraged to consult job banks and actively search for employment. Legislation says individuals who fail to return to work or decline a reasonable job offer when they can work fall into the category of falsely collecting CERB and will face financial penalties. Due to the pandemic, it could take several years to know the full economic impact it has caused for Albertans and Canadians and whether businesses will survive on their own once financial aid is no longer available. Correction - Oct. 7, 2020: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) developed a snitch line on its website in early May so people could report CERB abusers. In fact, the CRA's reporting program was established over a decade ago and was not specificially created for the CERB program. As well, the article misstated the number of files the CRA had flagged for investigation by the end of May as a result of tips from the "snitch line." Read more about: The second deadline for India to appoint a legal representative for Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav expired on Tuesday, with sources in legal circles saying the Islamabad High Court (IHC) itself may now appoint a counsel after two senior Pakistani lawyers excused themselves. Lawyers Abid Hassan Manto and Makhdoom Ali Khan excused from appearing for Jadhav, citing medical and professional grounds, respectively. IHC had heard the case for the second time on September 3 and directed the federal government to give India another opportunity to appoint a lawyer to represent Jadhav. Attorney general for Pakistan Khalid Javed Khan informed the IHCs larger bench that Pakistan government had not yet received a reply from India on the matter till date. Jadhav has maintained that he does not want to take the benefit of the International Court of Justice (Review and Reconsideration) Ordinance, 2020, for an effective review of the case and requested that his mercy plea, already pending before the Pakistan Army chief, be considered instead. The Pakistan parliament in September had extended by four months the ordinance, which allowed Jadhav to file an appeal against his conviction in the IHC against his conviction, as required by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ordinance was set to expire on September 17. Prior to this, the Pakistan government had approached the IHC to appoint a defence lawyer to represent Jadhav. Jadhav was arrested on March 3, 2016, in Balochistan on charges of alleged espionage, and sentenced to death by a military court the following year. In August, the IHC formed a three-member larger bench at the governments request to appoint a lawyer for Jadhav for his appeal against the death penalty. Last month, Pakistan rejected Indias demand that an Indian lawyer or a Queens counsel be appointed for Jadhav to ensure a free and fair trial. Queens Counsel is a barrister or advocate, appointed Counsel to the UK Crown on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor. We have repeatedly told them that only those lawyers can represent Commander Jadhav in the Court who have the license to practice law in Pakistan. This is in accordance with legal practice in other jurisdictions as well, Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri had said at the time. He further said that the Indian Supreme Court, in one of its judgments, had ruled that foreign lawyers cannot practice law within the country. India maintains that Pakistan has not been able to fulfil its obligations on implementation of the ICJ judgment in letter and spirit. It has not yet addressed the core issues, which include provision of all documents related to the case, providing unconditional and unimpeded consular access to Kulbhusan Jadhav and appointment of an Indian lawyer or a Queens counsel to ensure a free and fair trial, external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said last month. In 2017, India approached the ICJ against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence handed to him by a military court. The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an effective review and reconsideration of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay. India has slammed Pakistan for adopting a farcical approach in denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence in contravention of the ICJ order. (With inputs from Agencies) Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin in a bid to further raise international pressure on the Eastern European country's longtime ruler, Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Tsikhanouskaya, who Belarus's opposition says won the country's presidential election in August, encouraged Berlin to play a greater role in resolving the political crisis. "I am very grateful to Germany and all the German parties who are so supportive of the Belarusian people in their fight for freedom, in their fight for new honest and transparent elections," she said after the 45-minute meeting. There was no comment from Merkel. In comments to German media, Tsikhanouskaya requested that Germany, the current holder of the European Union's rotating presidency, support expanded EU sanctions on Belarus, including putting Lukashenka on its blacklist. Last week, the 27-nation bloc overcame a weeks-long political stalemate and agreed to impose visa bans and asset freezes on 40 Belarus officials deemed responsible for electoral fraud and a brutal crackdown on protesters and opposition members. Lukashenka is not on the sanctions list, but EU diplomats have said he may be added at a later date. The European Union does not recognize the election results. Protests against Lukashenka have continued unabated for eight weeks despite a brutal crackdown, with several killed, hundreds injured, and more than 10,000 detained. Much of the opposition leadership has been detained or forced into exile. Tsikhanouskaya's husband, Syarhey Tsikhanouski, has been in prison since before the election on charges he and supporters say are politically motivated. Tsikhanouskaya fled to neighboring Lithuania soon after protests against the election results began. Before meeting with Merkel, Tsikhanouskaya called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end his support for Lukashenka and warned against Moscow interfering in Belarus's affairs. "I would ask Mr. Putin not to support the regime because what's going on in Belarus is our internal affair," Tsikhanouskaya told attendees at a German Marshall Fund event in Berlin. Later, she told German media that Russia would be needed as "a moderator for the beginning of dialogue" with Lukashenka, although she said the opposition had not had direct contact with Moscow. Russia is Belarus's closest political, economic, and military ally. In response to domestic and international pressure on Belarus, Putin has pledged economic aid and potentially security support to prop up Lukashenka if the situation deteriorates. Tsikhanouskaya's visit to Berlin comes as tensions between Germany and Russia are already soaring following the suspected poisoning of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny with a military-grade nerve agent. Navalny, who blames the poisoning on Putin, continues to recover since being released from a Berlin hospital on September 22 after spending 32 days in the clinic. There is growing pressure on Merkel from both within her government and opposition to respond to Navalny's poisoning with sanctions on Russia and by halting the nearly completed Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline bringing Russian natural gas to Germany. After meeting Merkel, Tsikhanouskaya is due to meet the leaders of Germany's Green party in Berlin. The Green party is calling for a tougher response on Belarus and an end to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Tsikhanouskaya will also meet with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. With reporting by Tagesschau, dpa, and Sueddeutsche Zeitung Donald Trump accused Joe Biden of being in favor of 'executing' newborn babies Tuesday after the Democratic candidate vowed to make Roe v. Wade the law of the land if it is overturned by a conservative Supreme Court. 'Biden and Democrats just clarified the fact that they are fully in favor of (very) LATE TERM ABORTION, right up until the time of birth, and beyond - which would be execution,' Trump tweeted Tuesday morning. 'Biden even endorsed the Governor of Virginia, who stated this clearly for all to hear. GET OUT & VOTE!!!' In a second tweet the president continued: 'Wow. Joe Biden just took a more Liberal position on Roe v. Wade than Elizabeth Warren at her highest. He also wants to PACK our great United States Supreme Court,' Trump continued in his tweet. 'This is what the Dems will do. Remember as they try changing positions before elections end. GET OUT AND VOTE!' Biden insisted during a town hall Monday night that Trump's Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett could risk women's right to an abortion should she be confirmed and he threatened legislation on the matter if the landmark 1973 decision were reversed. 'The only thing, the only responsible response to that would be to pass legislation making Roe the law of the land. That's what I would do,' Biden said when asked about the issue. Trump specifically referenced in his tweet the 77-year-old candidate campaigning earlier this election cycle with Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam whose comments on abortion have been widely denounced even by some within the pro-choice movement. Northam signed legislation allowing for very late third trimester abortions and also suggested during a radio interview in January 2019 that if babies are already born and unwanted, parents should be able to decide to allow the child to die. Donald Trump claimed Tuesday morning that Joe Biden is in favor of the 'execution' of newborns after the Democratic candidate said he would codify Roe v. Wade if elected He also said the former vice president's position on abortion is 'more liberal' than that of progressive Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren who ran in the Democratic primary election against Biden During an outdoor town hall with NBC News on Monday night, the Democratic nominee said he would seek to turn Roe v. Wade's abortion protections into law if a conservative Supreme Court strikes it down Biden previously campaigned with Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (pictured) and the liberal governor made comments last year while defending late third trimester abortions suggesting parents with babies born with severe deformities should be allowed to let them die '[Third trimester abortions are] done in cases where there may be severe deformities. There may be a fetus that's nonviable. So in this particular example, if a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen,' the pediatric neurosurgeon-turned-governor told a Washington-area radio station last year. 'The infant would be delivered,' he explained. 'The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired. And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.' Northam also signed legislation in April removing regulations requiring those seeking an abortion to undergo an ultrasound receive counseling on alternatives prior to the procedure. Trump claimed Tuesday that Democrats want to pack the Supreme Court as he faces backlash from the party nominating a replacement for the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg so close to the election. Ginsburg was known as a protector of women's rights including upholding rights awarded in the landmark 1973 case. Biden vowed to enact legislation codifying Roe v. Wade if Barrett takes a seat on the Supreme Court. The former vice president fielded a question about abortion rights Monday night at an NBC town hall from a young woman who called access to abortion and brith control 'imperative,' and wanted to know his plans for protecting reproductive rights. 'Number one, we don't know exactly what she will do, although expectation is that she may very well move to overview overrule Roe,' Biden said, days after it was revealed that Barrett had signed onto an ad in 2006 that called the law 'barbaric' and a 'raw exercise of judicial power.' How Joe Biden plans to protect abortion rights Abortion rights activists fear that the elevation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court would give the conservative wing the decisive vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, which protects abortion rights. Democratic contender Biden says he would push for federal legislation protecting abortion rights were Roe v. Wade struck down. Such an effort by the Democrats would likely fail in a Republican-led Senate but would also be subject to a GOP filibuster should Democrats take control of the chamber. Then a super majority of 60 senators would be needed to advance legislation. However, some on the left are pushing Biden and Congressional leadership to eliminate the filibuster tool in the event the Democrats take the White House and the Senate. With no filibuster, a possible Democratic chamber would be able to push through Biden's agenda, including legislation addressing abortion rights, on a simple majority vote. Advertisement Biden didn't follow up with a second point in his answer, and host Lester Holt then went to commercial. Trump's attack on late term abortions and Biden's stance on Roe v. Wade comes as he continues to recuperate from the Executive Residence. The president was moved back to the Whtie House on Monday evening after spending four days at Walter Reed Medical Center as he was treated with a steroid, antiviral and supplemental oxygen after testing positive for coronavirus late last week. Trump often touts he is the most 'pro-life president.' Any legislative move enshrining abortion rights into law would be certain to meet a Republican filibuster in the Senate, even if Republicans lose control of the upper chamber. However some Democrats are pushing their party's leadership to act to end the filibuster in order to allow Biden to ram through his agenda without it falling prey to obstruction. If that were to happen, under a scenario where Democrats seize control of the Senate, the majority could push through a whole range of Biden action items on abortion and other issues. If the Senate confirms Barrett to fill the seat of the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, conservatives would have a 6-3 majority on the court, even if Biden were to capture the White House. Senate Republicans are pushing ahead with their plan to try to confirm Barrett before the November 3 elections, despite three Senate Republicans testing positive for the coronavirus. The Judiciary Committee, chaired by Trump loyalist Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, is set to kick off four days of hearings Oct. 12, just weeks before the election. Biden made a similar vow during the primaries, as a series of states have sought to chip away at abortion rights through their own laws. Earlier in the town hall in Florida, Biden called out President Donald Trump's family for opting to take off their masks at last week's presidential debate in Cleveland while blasting a 'macho' attitude that avoids mask wearing. Biden spoke Monday night just minutes after Trump left Walter Reed medical facility to reenter the White House taking off his own mask to be photographed and then reentering the White House. Biden said he was not worried about himself having contracted the coronavirus from Trump, who debated him on the same stage in Cleveland on Tuesday, when the president may have already been infected with COVID-19. Biden spoke about Judge Amy Coney Barrett and predicted she would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade. The White House event where Trump announced her nomination featured a raft of guests who later tested positive for the coronavirus, raising the possibility it was a super spreader event Biden spoke after President Trump's dramatic return so the White House while still infected with COVID-19 after spending three nights at Walter Reed Medical Center getting treatment He told NBC's Lester Holt he wasn't worried about his own safety. 'I've been fastidious about the social distancing.' But he did take to task the president's family. Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Lara Trump all took off their masks inside the debate hall. 'It was a little disconcerting to look out and see that his whole section no one had masks on,' he said. 'You could see people coming in and a lot of people didn't have masks on,' Biden explained but did not identify Trump's family members by name specifically. It was revealed Wednesday that members of the Cleveland Clinic, who cosponsored it, offered the Trump family members masks inside the event venue but they declined. With Trump revealing early Friday that he tested positive for COVID-19, he may well have been exposed during the debate. Later during the town hall, Biden teed off on people who don't wear them. 'Now what is this macho thing I'm not going to wear a mask,' he said. Biden was on stage for the town hall format just days before he is scheduled to debate Trump October 15th in Miami for the second presidential debate which will feature a similar format. It was arranged in an outdoor venue that featured occasional traffic noise, and the candidate couldn't always hear his masked questioners. He told a voter he's 'not putting up with it' if Trump goes after him again. She said she was concerned the president bullied him. Monday's event took place outdoors with undecided voters. Biden was seated in a chair feet away from host Lester Holt. He called last week's debate 'embarrassing for the nation. Biden said he himself 'would communicate the right lesson to the American people' and said emphatically that 'masks matter.' Asked about Trump's photo-op return from the hospital, Biden said: 'I hope no one walks away with the message thinking that it's not a problem. It's a serious problem. It's an international pandemic and we have 4 percent of the population and 20 percent of the deaths.' But he declined to go after Trump's medical team for holding back information. He said that 'moment to moment I'm not sure that that is an absolute requirement' to reveal all information about the president's health. He said it had national security implications. 'You cannot mislead about certain things,' Biden said. After blasting Trump on a variety of issues during the pandemic, Biden said: 'I'm not being critical of the fact that every single detail was not released.' That came despite a media pile-on for White House physician Sean Conley's refusal to divulge critical information about the president's condition, including the state of his lungs and precise levels of oxygenation while he battles the coronavirus. (EPA) MSNBCs Morning Joe host Mika Brzezinski has questioned if President Donald Trump would face manslaughter charges for potentially infecting the Secret Service and members of the White House with Covid-19. The question was posed on Tuesday as Ms Brzezinksi and guests on Morning Joe discussed the presidents dramatic journey back to the White House after he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday. Maybe the president is immune from everything, because he said, Am I immune now?' she said. Is he legally immune? What if the Secret Service men and women who got exposed to the deadly coronavirus, what if someone gets sick and dies? I dont want this to happen, I wish for his health but hes pushing all of this against the advice of the professionals in his government, against the advice of scientists. Mr Trump, who tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, walked up the steps of the White House to a balcony where he then took off his mask. The presidents doctors would not reveal if he was still infected with the novel virus, making it unclear if he could still spread it to others. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends for people to quarantine themselves away from others for 14 days after testing positive for the virus. Following the photo-op, Mr Trump reportedly entered the White House without wearing a mask and then conferred with a group of people, heightening criticism that the president was still not taking the virus seriously. At some point isnt this manslaughter? Ms Brzezinski said. If you purposely put people in a position that you send a deadly virus their way, what is that? The president has faced backlash for multiple moments where he potentially infected others with the novel virus. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who tested positive on Monday, reportedly got off Marine One on Thursday when the president was heading to Bedminster, New Jersey, for a fundraiser. She got off the plane because senior aide Hope Hicks tested positive for the virus, but the president, who also met with Ms Hicks, still went to the fundraiser. Story continues He tested positive on Thursday evening after the fundraiser. The president also took a ride around Walter Reed on Sunday while hospitalised from Covid-19 to wave at supporters outside the medical centre. He was pictured inside an enclosed vehicle with Secret Service agents. Everyone was wearing a mask. Whether others in the White House have been exposed to the coronavirus is not yet known. Thus far, First Lady Melania Trump, Trump body man Nick Luna, Former senior advisor Kellyanne Conway, Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, Kayleigh McEnany, RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, Senator Mike Lee, and Senator Thom Tillis, among others, have all tested positive in the last week. Read more Coronavirus: Trump reports 'no symptoms' despite breathing heavily at photo op Thirteen restaurant workers enter quarantine after waiting on Trump fundraiser Maskless, infected Trump re-shot entrance to White House on return from hospital Then-White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany speaks during a television interview at the White House in Washington, on Oct. 2, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) White Houses Kayleigh McEnany Says Shes Showing No Symptoms After COVID-19 Diagnosis White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said she is feeling great after she tested positive for COVID-19, praising President Donald Trumps response after he was diagnosed and taken to the hospital. Im very blessed to have a mild case or really just an asymptomatic case, she said on Fox News. You know my heart goes out to all those who have been really affected by this and all those who have lost their lives. McEnany added that she is pleased to see that our commander-in-chief is doing well, suggesting that Trump is attempting to project a message of hope in the midst of the pandemic. Watching him on that balcony just showing that we will overcome, America will overcome, just as he is overcoming this illness was a really nice moment for our country to see, she said. The president returned to the White House via the Marine One helicopter after a several-day stint at Marylands Walter Reed military hospital before he was seen standing on the White House balcony and removing his mask. In a video after he was taken White House, Trump wrote on Twitter of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus: Dont let it dominate you. Dont be afraid of it. Youre going to beat it. We have the best medical equipment. We have the best medicines, all developed recently. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany exits the West Wing on her way to do a television interview outside of the White House on Oct. 2, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Im better, and maybe Im immuneI dont know, he said in the video, which included American flags and with the Washington Monument in the background. Get out there. Be careful. White House physician Dr. Sean. P. Conley stressed that the president would have world-class medical care available around the clock when he returns to the White House. McEnany also thanked the president for taking action to mobilize the government and private industry to come up with a vaccine or treatment. This was a novel virus that came in from China. No one had seen it. There were no tests. There were no therapeutics, she said in the Fox News interview. In short order, President Trump developed them and this vaccine is on pace to be the fastest vaccine for a novel pathogen in human history. White House spokesman Judd Deere told news outlets every precaution was being taken to protect the president and his family. Physical access to Trump would be limited and appropriate protective equipment would be worn by those near him. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN Trump looked good when he came out of the hospital, but noted that patients sometimes have a setback five days after they get sick. Sometimes when youre five days in youre going to have a reversal Its unlikely that it will happen, but they need to be heads-up (alert) for it, Fauci said. Reuters contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 22:49:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JAKARTA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has seized two Philippine fishing vessels with 21 crew members in the Indonesian waters, according to the Ministry of Marine and Fisheries Affairs (KKP) on Tuesday. Minister of Marine and Fisheries Affairs Edhy Prabowo said the two vessels were arrested on Oct. 1 by the KKP Orca 04 Supervisory Ship. "This is the first time we seized illegal fishing vessels in the Pacific Ocean," Prabowo told a virtual press conference. He added that the modus operandi and movement of illegal fishing vessels are very dynamic, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the vessels is a 105.90-gross tonnage (GT) vessel with 18 Filipino crew members who caught fish using purse seine. Meanwhile, the other vessel is a 20.62-GT lightboat with three Filipino crew members. The two vessels were taken to the Bitung Marine and Fishery Resources Monitoring Base for further inspection. It's reported that Indonesia held 74 illegal fishing vessels consisting of 57 foreign and 17 Indonesian vessels since 2014. Enditem The Imran Khan government is now seeking to distance itself from the sedition charges against former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, while the local police said the case was registered on a complaint by a private citizen, and not by the state or its institutions. The sedition charges were filed as Pakistans opposition parties are set to hold their first combined rally against the government on October 16, weeks after launching the Pakistan Democratic Movement to seek the selected prime ministers resignation and an end to the role of the powerful military in the countrys politics. Science and technology minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted that Prime Minister Khan was unaware of the sedition case. The prime minister was not aware when I brought into his notice that an FIR has been registered [in Lahore] in which Nawaz Sharif and others have been nominated, Fawad said, adding Khan expressed strong displeasure. Lets see what happens. The case was registered on Monday by the Lahore police against Nawaz Sharif and members of his PML-N party including his daughter Maryam Nawaz, former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and three retired generals of the Pakistan Army. Late on Monday, the Lahore Capital City Police issued a press release saying, various speculations were being made in the media regarding the case. In fact, the case was registered on the request of a citizen, Badar Rasheed, on which Shahdara police registered a case under the applicate section of the law, it said. The FIR against Nawaz Sharif came a day after his son-in-law Muhammad Safdar was booked under sedition charges for provoking the people against the state and its institutions. The FIR against Sharif alleged that the former premier had conspired against Pakistans prestigious institutions by making provocative speeches while being in London. The complainant claimed that in speeches made on September 20 and October 1, Sharif supported the policies of India so that Pakistan would continue to remain on the Financial Action Task Forces (FATF) grey list over non-compliance on terror financing and money laundering. The complainant said that the main purpose of Nawazs speeches was to isolate Pakistan in front of the international community and to declare it a rogue state. He added that Nawaz was trying to turn the people against the democratically elected government. (With inputs from Agencies) Fine arts students at schools in the Beaumont Independent School District now will be the beneficiaries of star power, as the district partners with the 2020 Grammy-award winning educator of the year Mickey Smith Jr. to provide professional development and ongoing support. The Louisiana-born music educator, who has been nominated for the multiple Grammy awards and received one in 2020, will be assisting fine arts departments with professional development, mentoring and helping to build a culture of excellence. He will be working with the district on various levels, Ray Lavan, BISD Director of Fine Arts, told The Enterprise. Everything from speaking to entire departments or campuses all the way to mentoring teachers on a one-on-one basis. Lavan has known Smith for many years, but the program is part of Sound 180, a program Smith founded to support music education across the country. The calling goes back to his time in college. I was the first of my family to go to college, and I was able to go to college on a music scholarship, Smith told The Enterprise.. It was during my time learning that I discovered what I call my sound my unique personal significance. In his role as a band director at Maplewood Middle School in Louisiana, and through the Sound 180 program, Smith said he hopes to help others find their sound. Through his collaboration with districts, Smith said he is teaching teachers how to teach by design and not by default and ultimately helping educators all teachers as a matter of fact succeed over frustration and fatigue that they face in the classroom. That message is particularly relevant in the age of the coronavirus, where teachers are facing new challenges in fine arts education and beyond, with as many as half of their students learning remotely and at home. When COVID-19 hit our country, it opened the door for me to connect and collaborate with educators from over 35 states via Zoom, via in-person professional development and more, he said. Over the last few months, we have helped a number of educators and a countless number of students to have a heightened educational experience in their classrooms. Beaumont ISD has made the investment amid increasing cuts to fine arts education across the country in recent years. Lavan said investing in fine arts through partnerships like this, and another recently announced with the Symphony of Southeast Texas, are important. Fine arts are extremely important to the overall bottom line, Lavan said. A student involved in fine arts programs is four time more likely to be recognized for academic achievement than their peers, Lavan said. Low socioeconomic students who participate in fine arts programs have a lower dropout rate than the national average, not to mention all the other data that shows how fine arts affect areas of the brain and boost intelligence (and) memory recall. Smith went a step further. On a very broad spectrum ... I believe the measure of a society is uniquely shown by the value it gives to the fine arts, he said. And I say that because enrichment classes arent just electives. They are essential elements because they allow these young people to take those academics, those core curriculum classes and put them and shape them in such a way that they become less abstract, that they become something that's more viable, something that they can understand. One of the biggest challenges Lavan and Smith will face along with all educators across the nation is how to adapt curriculum to serve students both in-person and virtually. Lavan said that already has begun, with the use of applications like Smart Music for band, Zoom calls and components of Google Classroom. We want the students to be fully engaged in the lesson and learning, and staying abreast of everything and still being able to participate in the fine arts and express themselves, Lavan said. Any and every way we can try and reach the student, that is what we will do. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes Sushant Singh Rajput Death Anniversary: A Timeline of the of events that have transpired so far Sushant Singh Rajput case: Maha govt orders inquiry into conspiracy to defame state India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Mumbai, Oct 06: The Maharashtra government has ordered a probe into an alleged conspiracy to defame the state. The announcement was made by state home minister, Anil Deshmukh. He said that the inquiry has been ordered over the conspiracy to defame the state in connection with the Sushant Singh Rajput death case. Deshmukh also said that the crime branch and the cyber crime branch will conduct the probe. The cyber crime unit had submitted a report to the Commissioner of Police, Param Bir Singh saying that 80,000 fake accounts on the social media had been created as part of an orchestrated campaign. This was done to discredit the force and the Maharashtra government over the investigation into the death. Sushant Singh Rajput death: Rhea Chakaborty's judicial custody extended till October 20 Afghan cricketer Najeeb Tarakai death & other news | Oneindia News The death of Rajput is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation and Narcotics Control Bureau. Deshmukh also cited the view of the AIIMS team and said that it has endorsed their stand that no poisoning was involved in the death. The Supreme Court applauded the Mumbai police's investigation. He said that a few BJP leaders targeted the Maharashtra government for political gain in the Bihar Elections. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 15:20 [IST] Then-FBI Director Robert Mueller testifies during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 19, 2013. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Mueller Teams Wiped Phones and the Accountability Crisis in Government News Analysis Word has come out about dozens of conveniently wiped cellphones belonging to U.S. government officials who investigated the false theory that President Donald Trump and his campaign colluded with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The phones, used by agents on special counsel Robert Muellers team, might have contained revealing evidence about official misconduct or even crimes. The fact of the wipings wasnt unearthed by law enforcement or an official investigative body; it came as part of a private lawsuit filed by the conservative watchdog Judicial Watch. Theres no indication that anybody else cared to get to the bottom of the missing evidence, which was blamed on a variety of excuses such as government agents entering incorrect passwords too many times, causing the phones to delete their content. Among the general public, the convenient disappearance of information doesnt pass the smell test. One could reasonably theorize that those whose work phones were wiped preferred taking a PR hit for that, rather than having anyone actually examine what secrets the phones held. If history is a guide, theyre correct to believe theyll face little repercussion for allegedly improperly destroying data and evidence. Theres been little to no accountability in past high-profile cases of curiously lost or missing government records. And the phenomenon isnt confined to one party. Here are some high-profile examples that are sure to pluck the outrage nerve among Americans. Missing Documents In 2014, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Raymond Maxwell, who worked under President Barack Obama, gave me a shocking account of government officials sorting Benghazi documents in the basement of the State Department. Maxwell alleged that then-Secretary of State Hillary Clintons confidants, including her chief of staff Cheryl Mills, were part of the operation to separate damaging material before anything was turned over to the Accountability Review Board investigating security lapses surrounding the Sept. 11, 2012, terrorist attacks on the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya. No law enforcement body has interviewed Maxwell or checked out his claims to this day. It wasnt the first time that Mills, who declined to comment on Maxwells account, was named in a document-disappearing operation. Mills was a deputy White House counsel to President Bill Clinton when Sonya Gilliam, a now-retired Commerce Department official under Clinton, told me that Mills was allegedly coordinating evasive responses to document demands that began in 1994 from Congress, grand juries, and news media. In 1998, court filings report there was a flurry of document shredding in the [Commerce] Secretarys office after the death of Commerce Secretary Ron Brown and 34 others in a plane crash. At the time, Brown was under an independent counsels investigation for alleged corruption and had just been served a notice to testify. The document obstruction continued for years, according to a 1998 federal court ruling. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth likened the behavior of Commerce Department officials to con artists and hooligans. He found that they wrongfully withheld documents, destroyed documents, and removed or allowed the removal of others, all with the apparent intention of thwarting the FOIA and [court] orders. In 1997, a separate case involving missing documents was brought against the FBI. Lamberth found no obstruction or conspiracy but referred to Millss conduct as a White House official as loathsome, blaming her for making the most critical error in this entire fiasco: learning of missing White House emails but not taking proper steps to resolve the situation. In 1988, Hillary Clinton ordered the destruction of records relating to her [legal] representation of [Jim] McDougals Madison S&L when federal regulators were investigating the insolvency of the Arkansas savings and loan. Thats according to congressional investigators. Clinton has denied any improper conduct. In 1993, a Secret Service official said that then-First Lady Hillary Clintons chief of staff, Maggie Williams, removed records from the office of White House deputy counsel Vincent Foster the night of his suicide. Also in 1993, the White House claimed that no Foster suicide note had been found. However, White House counsel Bernard Nussbaum later turned a note over to Attorney General Janet Reno, claiming it had actually been discovered more than 24 hours earlier. In 1996, the White House reported it found copies of missing documents from Hillary Clintons law firm that described her work for Madison S&L in the 1980s. The White House previously said it didnt have the records. In 2002, more than 25,000 documents were said to be missing from records that were released about deliberations between Vice President Dick Cheneys energy task force and industry executives. Thats according to the conservative watchdog Judicial Watch, which said the missing documents might have included material related to the Enron scandal. In 2003, former Clinton national security adviser Sandy Berger smuggled classified documents related to the 9/11 terrorist attacks from the National Archives. Berger removed handwritten notes by hiding them in his jacket, pants, and socks, and also took copies of some classified documents. He was sentenced to probation and community service. In 2004, critics of George W. Bush said key documents were said to be missing from newly declassified White House materials regarding torture and other mistreatment of prisoners. These included memos to and from the FBI and CIA, and documents dated after April 2003. In 2005, Bush administration officials told Congress that they couldnt find a transcript of an Aug. 29 video conference call about Hurricane Katrina. Also in 2005, the White House said that it discovered up to 5 million some emails werent properly archived and saved. The missing emails were dated from Jan. 3, 2003, to July 28, 2005. In 2006, special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald found that missing emails from the 2003 period could be relevant to the criminal probe into influence-peddling by lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who later was convicted of bribery and corruption. In 2007, it was revealed that 88 White House officials used Republican National Committee email accountsbut that the RNC preserved no emails for 51 of the officials. Also in 2007, it was discovered that the Pentagon had lost a crucial recording of an al-Qaida operative being interrogated in a U.S. military brig. In 2012, Attorney General Eric Holder withheld emails regarding the Fast and Furious scandal. President Barack Obama invoked executive privilege to prevent some emails from being turned over to Congress under subpoena. 2014 was a big year for missing government documents. In 2014, it was revealed that the State Department may have lost track of some $6 billion because of incomplete or missing contract records over six years, mainly during Hillary Clintons tenure as secretary of state. Also, the IRS said it had lost 30,000 key emails sent and received by Lois Lerner and other officials regarding improper IRS targeting of conservative nonprofit groups. As luck would have it, 422 backup tapes containing the emails also were said to be inadvertently destroyed. Additionally, the Obama administration revealed that records Congress sought in its investigation of problems with the HealthCare.gov website were missing. And, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told Congress it was having trouble finding emails relevant to a probe into the environmental impact of a proposed gold and copper mine in the Bristol Bay watershed in Alaska. Also in 2014, the EPA said it didnt save text messages at issue in a Freedom of Information case seeking records about the agencys plans to crack down on coal power plants. An EPA spokeswoman contends that federal law doesnt require the messages to be retained. Also in 2014, the FBI later reported that a top aide to Hillary Clinton directed that an archive of emails be deleted, even though they were required to be preserved as government and public records. After congressional investigators issued a document preservation order, an employee used a program called BleachBit to delete the files. In 2015, Clintons lawyer notified Congress that she had deleted 30,000 emails that were under congressional subpoena. An aide to the Clintons told the FBI that he destroyed some of Hillary Clintons old mobile devices by breaking them in half or hitting them with a hammer. Clinton said any destroyed emails involved personal matters such as the topics of yoga and her daughters wedding. In 2018, it was discovered that key text messages between FBI agent Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page in the FBIs slanted probe of TrumpRussia collusion were said to have been accidentally wiped. The DOJ inspector general later recovered some of them. The messages revealed discussions about hating then-candidate Trump, wanting Hillary Clinton to be elected, ways to keep Trump from being elected, and an insurance policy in case he was elected anyway. In 2019, the FDA and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services claimed that documents relevant to a high-profile criminal scandal had been corrupted in a faulty email storage system. In 2020, it was reported that the FBIs original summary of a 2017 interview with Trump national security adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn was missing. Also in 2020, following the prison death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, federal prosecutors told a judge that video of guards finding Epstein no longer existed. They also said that the backup video didnt exist as a result of technical errors. Separately, it was reported that video of the cell exterior where Epstein tried to commit suicide weeks before had also been lost. Its easy to see that the problem of suspiciously missing documents is neither new nor rare. And until people are held responsible, it would seem we can expect more of the same. Sharyl Attkisson (@SharylAttkisson) is an Emmy-winning investigative journalist, author of the upcoming Slanted: How the News Media Taught Us to Love Censorship and Hate Journalism and the New York Times bestsellers The Smear and Stonewalled, and managing editor of Sinclairs Sunday TV program Full Measure. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan on Monday held a phone talk with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. The ministers touched upon the latest developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In this regard, Mnatsakanyan informed his colleague about the deliberate use of weapons of various calibers by Azerbaijan against the civilian population and the civilian infrastructure of life support in the capital of Artsakh and large populated objects. The Armenian Foreign Minister strongly condemned the actions of the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan, accompanied by gross violations of international humanitarian law. The FM expressed deep concern over the direct involvement of foreign armed terrorists deployed with the support of Turkey from the Middle East in the military actions unleashed by Azerbaijan, which leads to a violation of regional security and peace. Both sides highlighted the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and the implementation of the necessary steps within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More When its first flight to London takes off from Delhi on December 4, SpiceJet will become the third airline, and the first low-cost carrier, from India to operate to the British capital. "The airline will operate thrice-a-week to London including twice from Delhi and once-a-week from Mumbai," the airline said in a statement on October 5. SpiceJet will use Airbus A330-900 Neo aircraft for these flights. Sources added that the airline was in talks with Portuguese charter operator Hifly to take these aircraft on wet lease. The Indian airline though hasn't shared details. Air India and Vistara, which had launched services to London in August, are the other Indian carriers that operate on the route. The name that is missing, glaringly, is that of IndiGo, the country's largest airline. Why is the airline, which also has the largest fleet of all, not flying to London? The airline's absence is especially striking as the industry was abuzz last year with talk on it starting long haul flight to destinations in Europe and the US. Industry observers, however, credit IndiGo for not jumping onto the queue. "Given the impact COVID-19 has had on international travel, IndiGo wouldn't want to take the risk on long haul. It's strategy is to first dominate regionally, and then expand one step at a time," says Mark Martin, Founder and CEO of Martin Consulting LLC, an aviation consulting firm. A popular destination UK is a popular destination for India, to visit friends, relatives, leisure and on business. Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive, Visit Britain, the country's tourism agency, was present in SpiceJet briefing on October 5, and shared some interesting data points. India is the 16th biggest travel market for the UK, with about 7 lakh Indian visitors every year. They are even bigger spenders, ranking 11th and spent 753 million pounds in the UK in 2019. There was a growth of 19 percent in arrivals from India, obviously helped by the 1.5 million Indian diaspora in the UK. London, where British Indians make up for 6 percent of the population, is the most popular entry point to the country. The British capital takes up for majority of the 156 departures and 26,000 seats that the two countries have every week, according to their air bilateral. While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted operations, the Delhi-London flights operated under Vande Bharat Mission exercise were among the busiest. And that's why SpiceJet, which reported a first quarter loss of Rs 600 crore, wants to make the most of the opportunity. So if the route is as profitable and as busy as it is, what makes IndiGo stay away? Management talk "Wide-body has always been a sort of touch-and-go issue for us," IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta said during the company's last call with analysts. "The numbers are sort of okay, but we know there is a risk to it, so we keep saying, Okay, let's wait and see, wait and see," he added. Interestingly, he admitted that current industry circumstances favour a wide-body operation. With many airlines internationally unsure about the demand for long hauls, after COVID-19, have put a pause on their fleet expansion. Both, Airbus and Boeing, have also slowed down on their production and have put off deliveries. All this means, as Dutta pointed out, price of wide-body aircraft is down. Second, fuel costs are also lower than a year ago period. Mint recently reported that oil marketing companies slashed prices of air turbine fuel for the second time in September. Despite these factors, IndiGo continues to be cautious. "So these are all factors to be studied. We are in the same situation we were a year ago, we are still studying it. We don't have an answer," said Dutta. Reason to be cautious "Long haul routes are very risky financially and take time to break-even. Yes, London is an exception and is very viable presently as one can negotiate a lot of costs, but the demand may not presently justify it," says a senior executive at a private airline. An senior executive from an international airline operating in India, agreed. "IndiGo is being sensible. Without the right type of aircraft IndiGo should not do any long haul flights especially in an uncertain market situation like now." Little wonder that Dutta of recent has hinted that the airline is patiently waiting for the delivery of Airbus A321XLR. The delivery of the singly-aisle aircraft that can fly to western Europe, will happen according to the original timeline of the first quarter of 2024. There are no plans to advance it, said Dutta during IndiGo's recent AGM. And that is one reason why the airline is not in a hurry and doesn't want to lease aircraft on wet lease, like SpiceJet has done. "Given its relationship with lessors, IndiGo can get the best of deals. But it would be wary of adding aircraft to its fleet that will change the dynamics of maintenance and increase its operating costs," says Martin. And given that IndiGo has focused on building on scale, adds the international airline executive quoted earlier, it will be wary of starting new services with just one or two aircraft as "these are difficult to sustain." It may not be another year or so, before the country's largest airline reveals its long haul plans. Till then, it will continue to fly till Istanbul. Armenian News - NEWS.am presents a daily digest of Armenia-related top news on Nagorno-Karabakh clashes as of 06.10.2020: OFFENSIVE https://news.am/eng/news/606377.html https://news.am/eng/news/606383.html On Tuesday, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces have launched a large-scale attack in the southern direction of the Line of Contact between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, throwing reserve forces, and a large amount of military equipment, including tanks and artillery, to the battlefield, Artsrun Hovhannisyan, a representative of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, wrote on his Facebook. "The adversary also ignores the security of the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. A large number of the adversarys [military] capacity is being destroyed methodically and continuously," Hovhannisyan added. In the meantime, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia Shushan Stepanyan posted on her Facebook page that Azerbaijan has started shelling Stepanakert. ARMENIAN CASUALTIES https://news.am/eng/news/606340.html The Artsakh Defense Army has reported that 21 more Armenian servicemen have fallen. Also, the Defense Army presented the names of, and some other data pertaining to, these soldiers who have heroically fallen while fending off the Azerbaijani aggression. AZERBAIJANI CASUALTIES https://news.am/eng/news/606293.html The Armenian Unified Infocenter has presented the adversarys losses ever since hostilities began on September 27. Accordingly, Azerbaijan's losses are as follows: 3,454 casualties, 126 drones, 16 combat helicopters, 17 warplanes, 379 armored vehicles, and 4 Smerch-type rocket launchers. MILITANTS IN KARABAKH https://news.am/eng/news/606359.html Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia Sergey Naryshkin says thousands of militants of terrorist organizations in the Middle East are being transferred to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, RT reports. Commenting on the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, Naryshkin expressed certainty that the sides will return to the negotiating table. Earlier, President of France Emmanuel Macron had declared that 300 Syrian militants have been transferred to Baku through the Turkish city of Gaziantep, identified, and belong to the group of terrorists in Aleppo. Insiders of the Syrian opposition reported that 93 mercenaries of Syria have been killed in Nagorno-Karabakh, and out of those 93, the bodies of 53 have been transferred to Syria. Another source of the Syrian opposition had declared that, as of October 1, there are 322 well armed Syrian mercenaries in Nagorno-Karabakh. PASHINYAN, PUTIN DISCUSS KARABAKH https://news.am/eng/news/606231.html Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed escalation in the Karabakh conflict zone. According to the Kremlin press service, on the initiative of the Armenian side, a phone talk between Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took place. The discussion of the aggravated armed confrontation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which has acquired a large-scale character and leads to serious losses on both sides, including civilian casualties, was continued. Vladimir Putin reiterated the urgent need to end hostilities. - Ellen Tawesa sued her ex-husband, Chimwemwe Tawesa, who sought a divorce upon completion of his higher education - Ellen and Chimwemwe had stayed together for 20 years, a period within which her husband attained his degree and diploma - Ellen sought the judge's determination on whether or not academic degrees could be considered part of matrimonial property - She also asked the court to determine whether the academic qualifications her husband attained during their marriage could be distributed on a 50/50 basis - The held that the petitioner, Ellen, contributed financially or in-kind to her husband's pursuance of tertiary education hence deserved a share of his academic benefits Trending topics on the go: How we write news at YEN.com.gh A High in Malawi has delivered a ruling compelling a husband who attains high academic qualifications during marriage to compensate his wife for her contribution to the achievement. Court hammer. Photo: Cosmos.com. Source: UGC The highly emotive matter was brought before the Malawian High Court for determination by a disgruntled housewife who parted ways with her husband upon his completion of tertiary education. Before taking the matter to the High Court, Ellen Tewesa who sued her ex-husband Chimwemwe Twesa, had been awarded a compensation of KSh 43,366 payable in 10 equal instalments by a lower court. The court had further ordered her ex-husband to build her a house or remit KSh 21, 683 in default. Ellen was dissatisfied by the meagre compensation and decided to seek the intervention of the High Court. Before her husband asked for a divorce, the two had stayed together for 20 years, a period within which her better half acquired his two degrees and move from a being a primary school teacher to a lecturer. The court noted the wife played a key role in helping his husband pursue his degree. Photo: UOE. Source: UGC In the High Court, Ellen sought the judge's determination on whether or not academic degrees could be considered part of matrimonial property and whether there was marital property in the educational qualifications of his husband. She specifically wanted the court to determine whether the Bachelors degree and diploma her husband attained during their marriage could be distributed on a 50/50 basis. In his ruling, Justice SA Kalembera held that the petitioner, Ellen, contributed financially or in kind to her husband's pursuance of his tertiary education. The court noted as a wife, the petitioner cooked for her husband, took care of four children, and did some businesses to top up the family budget as the respondent continued with his education. As such Justice Kalembera noted it would be unfair for the respondent to enjoy the benefit of his academic achievements alone when it was clear the petitioner had played a role. "In the matter at hand, the Petitioner was a housewife and the Defendant was the bread winner for the family. The Petitioner contributed to the well-being of the family as a whole by among other things, cooking for the husband, the four children they were staying with, doing some businesses just to top up the family budget and so forth... The husband upon completion of his tertiary education approached the court for a dissolution of his marriage to the Petitioner. Though this conduct of the Respondent might be considered unfortunate and ungrateful, it is not unusual," the court observed. Couple shows off wedding rings after signing a marriage certificate. Photo: My wedding. Source: UGC As a result, the court determined that the petitioner had a beneficial interest or equitable claim in her former husbands educational qualifications as long as the marriage subsisted. "Therefore, this court orders that the Respondent do compensates the Petitioner with a sum to be assessed by the Registrar within 30 days, for the latters contribution to the formers educational qualifications," ruled Justice SA Kalembera. The judge noted since the marriage had been terminated, Ellen would only be compensated for the loss she incurred in helping her husband to achieve his academic qualifications and she would not be entitled to any other benefit from the respondent's academic achievements upon receiving the compensation. However, on the question of whether the academic certificates in question could be shared equitably between the wife and husband, the court ruled that it was impractical to physically determine the value of the certificates and further transfer part of knowledge acquired by the respondent to the petitioner. "It would be diametrically impractical to demand the respondent to also impart the knowledge he acquired while at college to the petitioner, but also that the names in the certificates could be interchanged from Chimwemwe S. Tewesa to Ellen Tewesa, ruled the court. Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Ghanaian multi-instrumentalist Dela Jackson has charged the youth in Africa to wake up | #Yencomgh Share your stories and news by getting interactive on our Facebook page! Source: YEN.com.gh Dundalks town centre is ready to pay homage to the local areas rich language culture with a series of unique artworks set to be publicly displayed across the town this year. EPSO is a contemporary creative arts project focusing on the creation of a public outdoor archive. It will be a place to memorialise Dundalks local dialect and identity using the most powerful modern communication method - public art. Reimagining shop shutters, gable gateways and alleyways, EPSO will reveal the unique relationship the people of Dundalk have with the English language and the phrases habitually used that are synonymous with local culture and identity. Martin McElligott (pictured) of Dundalk BIDS described it as a creative journey with several enthusiastic partners on board. This is a unique project that has been in development for some time now. I am delighted to announce our latest partnerships with Creative Ireland Louth, Creative Spark, Dundalk Democrat, Dundalk Tidy Towns and Brendan Marmion paint store. He added: We are also delighted to announce the EPSO 2020 main commercial sponsor will be PayPal, who have been so enthusiastic and hands-on from the outset. We look forward to PayPal joining us on this creative journey and to engaging with their arts society, and the international community within PayPal to identify what Dundalk phrases stand out for them and which they find themselves adopting. Margaret Ward, PayPals site lead in Dundalk, said the company was keen to support art locally at this time of uncertainty. We are so excited to be included in this project and are keen to support not only a brilliant local initiative but also a community of artists at this time when there is uncertainty due to the pandemic. We feel this project will really enhance the town and know through our own arts society in the office, what a positive influence art can have on peoples overall mental health and wellbeing. Something that we feel is so important at this time. We look forward to seeing the rejuvenation this project brings Dundalk. The project will take place this October and November and its key focus will be to explore language culture through fonts, type sets and creative expression. It will animate the local interpretation of the English language and the phrases used in local everyday lives. Sarah Daly from Creative Spark added that the success of the SEEK festival earlier this year was part of the draw for EPSO. The Seek Urban Arts Festival 2020, which we worked on with BIDS, was such a positive event and we are keen to carry on this momentum and to continue to bring great art to the streets of our town. Support from the Creative Ireland Jobs Stimulus for this project helps us to support even more artists during this difficult time for the creative and cultural industries. The official paint sponsor for EPSO 2020 is Brendan Marmion Paint Store and Brendan said, As a local business we are proud to partner with such an exciting creative arts project that will not only highlight our language culture in the town but also add artistic value to our public realm. Martin McElligott concluded: The creative environment in the Town is evolving and has nurtured an eclectic population of young people that are shaping the area for the better. Much like the now-famous SEEK Festival, EPSO is a project that will on one hand show people who we are, what we are all about and on the other hand encourage future generations to add and feel part of Dundalks story. By Mark S. Schweiker Times Guest Columnist America is divided. We see and feel it every day, and one can become discouraged. Then, when we recently marked the 19th remembrance of 9/11, something happened: Americans from all across the nation put politics aside and honored the brave people we lost. We were reminded of an earlier time when Americans came together magnanimously to overcome one of this countrys most difficult challenges. And we did overcome it. Now, we find our nation and commonwealth in the midst of another inflection point in our history as we battle COVID-19, racial strife, civil unrest and an economic downturn not experienced since the Great Depression. To overcome this, leaders in Harrisburg and in Washington must draw together, put election-year politics aside, and provide important aid to our citizens and local governments. As these policymakers admirably address the public health and economic impacts of the pandemic, the time is now to implement a strategic series of interventions that can help individuals, businesses and communities to fully reopen and operate safely. While scientists race to develop a safe and viable vaccine to halt COVID-19, we cannot stand by and wait. Theres simply too much at stake. We must take action now to avoid economic malaise and the prospect of financial ruin for many of our fellow citizens. State and local governments need financial aid to offset the lost revenues and added spending that have resulted from the coronavirus. Such assistance would keep them from having to cut public services to balance their budgets and would increase the odds of a more robust recovery. Individual aid of $1,200-per-adult checks was just one-time; the $600-per-week increase in unemployment benefits expired in the summer; and the forgivable loans to small businesses covered just eight weeks of payrolls. But short-term fixes will only get us so far. The next normal (a term coined by global management consultants McKinsey & Company in related economic affairs research) is going to play out over the long term. Government leaders, particularly those at the state and local levels, are best to contemplate and execute more future-focused interventions. Local government leaders could harness the power of open innovation efforts, such as increased investment in education, research and development; challenge grants and competitions; open networks and publicly available data and code; and loan assistance programs. Secondly, if we are to stimulate a broad, sustainable economic recovery with new businesses and new paychecks coming from this rebound, we must concentrate on workforce development. There are several state and even foreign programs that can serve as models to lead the national charge, including: Ohio TechCred , which helps employers reskill their workers, can be scaled up to create regional talent pipelines to meet the demand of a technology-infused economy. , which helps employers reskill their workers, can be scaled up to create regional talent pipelines to meet the demand of a technology-infused economy. Hawaiis Reducing Unemployment Disruption and Driving Economic Regeneration Program recognized there was a dearth of job training opportunities for certain vulnerable segments of the states population. It provides up to $100,000 to businesses for new employees hired after March 1, 2020, to help offset their training costs. recognized there was a dearth of job training opportunities for certain vulnerable segments of the states population. It provides up to $100,000 to businesses for new employees hired after March 1, 2020, to help offset their training costs. Minority- and woman-owned businesses warrant special attention if we are to experience a full and inclusive recovery in the U.S. By some estimates, they already represent 40% of all businesses and are in the position to drive a faster recovery. However, minority business owners are less likely to be approved for capital loans than equivalent white business owners, and women business owners often seek smaller loans, if they apply at all. Government leaders along with business advocacy groups pushing for updated loan underwriting standards will help remedy this shortcoming. warrant special attention if we are to experience a full and inclusive recovery in the U.S. By some estimates, they already represent 40% of all businesses and are in the position to drive a faster recovery. However, minority business owners are less likely to be approved for capital loans than equivalent white business owners, and women business owners often seek smaller loans, if they apply at all. Government leaders along with business advocacy groups pushing for updated loan underwriting standards will help remedy this shortcoming. Australias My Skills has already made adjustments to its national program to counter COVID-19 crisis impacts. The program supports reskilling, upskilling and other vocational training options, and subsidizes fees. Australian employers looking to land and quickly train new employees can launch subsidizable recruiting efforts and training boot camps in the critical fields of computer science, health care and transportation. Finally, small and large businesses must adapt if they are to successfully re-emerge. Waiting for the government is not wise. On their own, grocery stores demonstrated in the spring that they could move quickly to adopt virus-mitigation measures that continue to this day. By independently establishing shopper-safety and other hygiene standards, these businesses proved they can operate without becoming hot spots of contagion, thereby inspiring comfort and customer confidence. Moreover, their online, direct-to-consumer presence grew and furnished them record grocery sales in the last six months. These practices are the types of measures that businesses from the smallest to the largest must emulate. We cannot afford to waste another moment. Its time for leadership. Our public servants in government must activate short- and long-term strategies to ensure America overcomes this difficult moment in our history. Americans must come together. As history showed us on and after 9/11 in those darkest of moments its what we do best. Mark S. Schweiker served as the 44th governor of Pennsylvania. He was the only governor in the United States to take office as a result of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of wasting taxpayers money while addressing a farmer rally in Haryanas Sirsa. The Wayanad MP, while addressing a rally during his Kheti Bachao Yatra (Save the farming) in Sirsas Dussehra ground, said that PM Modi bought the Air India One because he saw that his friend US President Donald Trump has the Air Force One. He also raked up the Ladakh issue while addressing a rally in Noorpur in Punjab. On one hand, PM Modi has bought two aircraft worth Rs 8000 crore. On the other hand, China is at our borders and our security forces are braving harsh cold to protect our borders, Gandhi said, according to ANI. When questioned by the media over BJPs remarks over Rahul Gandhi sitting on a cushion while sitting atop the tractor during the ongoing protests against the farm bill the Congress leader said that the brand new aircraft that has been bought for the prime minister had many comfortable luxury beds onboard. The former Congress president also lashed out at the BJP regarding the handling of the Hathras gangrape case and asked the prime minister to not remain silent over the horrific incident that has led to nationwide protests. He also harshly criticised the UP governments response towards the issue saying that chief minister Yogi Adityanath should have shown decency to at least call the incident tragic. (with agency inputs) MIAMI, Fla., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ArisGlobal, the leading provider of a SaaS platform that automates core product development functions for over 300 global life sciences companies, today announced Breakthrough 2020. The virtual two-day event, set for October 28th and 29th, 2020, is designed to bring together members of the life sciences industry to discuss the innovation and digital transformation trends that are driving product development forward. The life sciences industry has always played a vital role in society. With the global pandemic placing public health front and center, bringing the industry together to share ideas and innovations has never been more important. Breakthrough is one-of-a-kind event that's tailored for life sciences professionals across R&D, including drug safety, clinical operations & data management, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, procurement and IT practitioners. Featuring an array of carefully curated keynotes, panels and demos, Breakthrough 2020 will enable access to industry experts in the field and an on-demand library of valuable content. The virtual event also gives participants the opportunity to hear directly from some of ArisGlobal's top customers. Day 1 of Breakthrough2020 is headlined by a keynote presentation by renowned futurist Dr. Daniel Kraft, Chair of Medicine at Singularity University and Founder and Chair of Exponential Medicine. The opening day also includes innovation-focused sessions led by Dr. Rob Scott, former Chief Medical Officer of AbbVie, Dr. Georgia Papathomas, former SVP and Global Head of Data Sciences at Johnson & Johnson, and Vita Cassese, former CIO of Pfizer's Worldwide Pharmaceuticals Group. The day 2 agenda dives deeper into specific domains with exciting conversations across Drug Safety, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical development tracks. Breakthrough 2020 promises to be an inspiring, thought-provoking experience for all attendees. Sankesh Abbhi, President and CEO of ArisGlobal and one of the key speakers at this year's event, is looking at the bigger picture. "The global pandemic has highlighted the key role that technology can play in accelerating the development of safer, more effective treatments. At Breakthrough 2020, we look forward to bringing together leaders from across the industry to discuss innovations that will improve the lives of patients around the world." Registration for Breakthrough 2020 is now open to all life sciences R&D professionals. Attendance is complimentary. To learn more about Breakthrough 2020 and register for the event, visit: https://www.arisglobal.com/breakthrough-2020/ About ArisGlobal ArisGlobal is transforming the way today's most successful Life Sciences companies develop breakthroughs and bring new products to market. Our end-to-end drug development technology platform, LifeSphere, integrates our proprietary Nava cognitive computing engine to automate all core functions of the drug development lifecycle. Designed with deep expertise and a long-term perspective that spans more than 30 years, LifeSphere is a unified platform that boosts efficiency, ensures compliance, delivers actionable insights, and lowers total cost of ownership through multi-tenant SaaS architecture. Headquartered in the United States, ArisGlobal has regional offices in Europe, India, Japan and China. For more updates, follow ArisGlobal on LinkedIn and Twitter . Additional Information Connect with ArisGlobal on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/aris-global Follow @Aris_Global on Twitter: twitter.com/aris_global SOURCE ArisGlobal Popcorn is the most consumed snack worldwide, with Americans alone consuming about 17 billion kilos of popcorn each year. And now, from the looks of it, Indians too have taken to munching the snack seriously. With theatres shut, youngsters have taken to consuming the snack in large amounts while binge-watching movies and TV programmes on video-streaming platforms. Popcorn & Company (PnC) has the numbers to show just how Indians have taken to consuming popcorn. The company has sold 1.6 lakh tins of popcorn so far during the lockdown. In the first six months of FY21, PnC has registered total sales of Rs 2.86 crore. To put that number in context, digest this: during the whole of financial year 2019-20, the company had posted sales of Rs 2.20 crore. PnC offers handcrafted gourmet popcorn with over fifty varieties of global as well as Indian flavours. The popcorn is priced between Rs 175-750, depending on the size of the tin. For instance, a 50 gm tin of PnC Cheese Corn Popcorn is available on Amazon for Rs 175, while a 130 gm tin of wholegrain red velvet popcorn is sold at Rs 249. PnC competes with brands such as PVR 4700 BC Gourmet Popcorn in the ready-to-eat space. In recent times, the Indian gourmet popcorn market has witnessed robust growth, as there has been a shift towards munching healthier snacks. The concept of having healthy gourmet popcorn has gained momentum among popcorn consumers, thus driving the gourmet popcorn market to grow at a CAGR of 36 percent so far during the 2016-2022 period, Vikas Suri, Founder, Popcorn & Company (PnC), told Moneycontrol. In India, the popcorn market was worth Rs 2,040 crore by the end of 2017, he added. PnC recorded most of its lockdown sales on online platforms. A significant part of our sales came from various e-commerce and food-delivery platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm, Swiggy & Zomato, said Suri. With uncertainty over a Covid vaccine, Suri expects similar growth of around 30-40 percent in sales for the rest of year, which is largely expected to come from online channels. PnC will soon be tying up with grocery apps like Grofers and Big Basket to sell its products. Suri founded the company in 2017 and currently has three retail stores in New Delhi/NCR and Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. Suri said youngsters in the age group of 17 to 34 are buyers of popcorn. The pandemic has changed life, with people staying indoors because of lockdowns or to avoid contracting the disease. Theatres are shut but OTT platforms have taken over and movie night plans have increased because of the heightened interest in digital content. Consumption of snacks while watching programmes has surged, and consequently, so has demand for popcorn, says Suri. A survey of 3,000 respondents by Velocity MR, a market research and analysis company, reveals that 73 percent of the people surveyed said they were watching Hotstar and YouTube, while Amazon Prime and Netflix saw subscriptions rise by 67 percent and 65 percent, respectively. The company will soon be launching a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) popcorn kit. Besides retail sales, PnC will also be focussing on franchise sales within India and parts of West Asia and South East Asia. He also said the company is in final talks for franchises in cities such as Colombo, Male, Kathmandu, Johannesburg as well as in Turkey. By Express News Service KOLKATA: Two persons were arrested on Tuesday in connection with BJP leader Manish Shuklas murder in Barrackpore on the outskirts of Kolkata. One of the accused is the son of a person who was murdered in 2015. During the course of the investigation, Shuklas name emerged as a suspect. Police said the BJP leader's murder appears to be a fallout of his personal rivalry. "We arrested Khurram Khan and his associate Gulab Sheikh in connection with the murder. Khurram had a rivalry with Shukla since his fathers murder," said an officer of the CID. The police said Khurrams father Mohammad Ismail was murdered at Titagarh in 1995. "Shuklas name was mentioned in the FIR and during the investigation, he emerged as a suspect. Khurram wanted to take revenge," said a CID officer. Khurram and Gulab were produced in a Barrackpore court and they were remanded to CID custody for 14 days. Shuklas family, however, mentioned names of two administrators in two of the TMC-dominated civic bodies and five others as accused in the FIIR. The CID has also detained seven persons in the case. However, the firearms that were used to pump bullets into Shuklas chest are yet to be recovered. Motorcycle-borne miscreants came in bikes and fired at Shukla, who was sittin in front of a tea stall in Barrackpore on Sunday night. Shukla was rushed to a private hospital where he was declared dead. BJPs Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh alleged that the local TMC activists were involved in the murder. He also alleged Khurram was close to several TMC heavyweights. The TMC leaders, however, refuted Singhs allegation. London, Oct 6 : A number of areas in the UK could face local lockdowns after it was revealed that nearly 16,000 daily coronavirus cases went unreported due to a technical glitch, media reports said on Tuesday. Cities and areas with universities, including Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds and Oxford, have seen figures soar after the glitch which was reported on October 2, the Metro newspaper reported. A Telegraph report said that residents in Nottingham city, which was not in the government Covid-19 'watch list', were asked to prepare for lockdown measures. Following the glitch, the updated data revealed that the city would have been one of the worst areas in the country last week when compared with the pre-adjusted figures. Despite this, the Department for Health has insisted the new figures do not impact its 'watch list' or change current restrictions in the area, according to the Telegraph report. Te adjusted figures also revealed huge jumps in Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle. In a statement on Monday, Public Health England (PHE) said that 15,841 cases between September 25 and October 2 were left out of the country's single-day case figures, the BBC reported. They were then added in to reach the October 3 figure of 12,872 new cases and the following day's 22,961. The glitch, which was caused by some data files reporting positive test results exceeding the maximum file size, also meant that the daily count reported on the government's coronavirus dashboard over the past week was lower than the actual number. As of Tuesday, the UK has reported a total of 518,222 coronavirus cases and 42,459 deaths. VALENCIA, Calif., Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ellume , the company reimagining digital diagnostics, today announced a $30 million Phase 2 award from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH)s Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative to accelerate the clinical testing and manufacturing of three COVID-19 antigen tests. The RADx initiative rigorously reviews and selects innovative, highly accurate diagnostic technologies to move quickly through the development pipeline toward commercialization and broad availability. Ellumes breakthrough fluorescent immunoassay technology was deployed to create three distinct COVID-19 antigen tests, suited for at-home, point-of-care and high-throughput laboratory settings, each capable of delivering results in less than 15 minutes. This funding underscores Ellumes successful completion of Phase 1 RADx milestones and feasibility studies, and validates their development of a high sensitivity detection system for COVID-19. We are pleased to receive this funding through the NIH RADx initiative to continue the rapid scaling up of our unique technology during this critical time of need, said Dr. Sean Parsons, founder and CEO, Ellume. We are working intensely to expand access to fast, accurate and affordable testing for use in communities across the U.S., and this funding enables significant acceleration of our efforts. Ellumes at-home test enables the average consumer to rapidly detect COVID-19 from the comfort and security of their home. The test uses a Bluetooth-connected analyzer in conjunction with the users smartphone to digitally analyze a self-collected nasal sample. By design, the test virtually eliminates false readings from human error and results are transmitted through the users smartphone, together with a digital certificate of the results. Through a secure cloud connection, Ellumes tests can provide real time reporting of positive test results for efficient contact tracing. Ellume has made this digitization inexpensive and practical, opening many avenues for treatment and disease control. In parallel, Ellume has adapted the same core technology to support health professionals. The ellumelab product was designed for point-of-care testing in medical clinics, pharmacies, and in-field use. Once authorized by the FDA, ellumelab will be one of the first immunoassay-based point-of-care platforms offering rapid COVID-19 serology and antigen tests on the same device. Ellume is also bringing a high-throughput version of the ellumelab test to the U.S. in partnership with QIAGEN, enabling mass rapid testing in settings like airports, stadiums, and church gatherings. Ellumes new manufacturing facility in Brisbane, Australia will begin production in the coming weeks, and tests will launch in the U.S. upon receiving FDA Emergency Use Authorization. This project has been funded in part by the NIH Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADxSM) initiative with federal funds from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health. The current contract is funded from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and Human Services. About Ellume Ellume is an Australian-based digital diagnostics company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-performance, connected products for health professionals and consumers. Our focus is on the detection of common illnesses which affect the global population and our products differ from conventional diagnostics through performance, digital connectivity, actionability and simplicity. Ellume has developed novel detection technology powered by our unique quantum dot nanoparticle, which integrates optics, electronics, biologics and software into an intuitive and high-performance digital platform. Ellume has a global partnership in consumer health with GlaxoSmithKline, a global partnership with QIAGEN in latent tuberculosis, and a range of professional products under the ellumelab brand which are scheduled for U.S. launch in 2020. Further information can be found at www.ellumehealth.com About National Institutes of Health The National Institutes of Health (NIH) , a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is the nations medical research agency. NIHs mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. About the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Initiative The National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative to speed innovation in the development, commercialization, and implementation of technologies for COVID-19 testing. Accurate, fast, easy-to-use, and widely accessible testing is required before the nation can safely return to normal life. For further information please follow the FAQs link: https://www.nibib.nih.gov/radx-initiative-covid-19-testing/FAQ Media contact: LaunchSquad for Ellume ellume@launchsquad.com +1 570 417 3644 During a board meeting, LISD Director for Risk and Safety Victor Mora said that due to the similar symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu, the districts concern has led to a partnership with H-E-B for flu shots. Flu vaccines were being provided throughout September at schools and departments for district employees which saw enough demand to garner an additional vaccine distribution, Mora said. A second round is expected in the next two weeks that will allow more people to receive their flu vaccines. According to the district, LISD provided 877 vaccinations of a variety of illnesses including flu, pneumonia, shingles and Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap). A large majority of vaccines were for flu with it reaching 572 shots over the span of eight days through 15 clinics across LISD sites. Mora compared the number of flu shots provided in 2019, which was 365, in a flu clinic done at the Sames Auto Arena. LISD employs between 1,500 and 2,000 teachers, which may see a return to campus if they are not already in class. Starting in 2016, LISD and H-E-Bs arena flu clinic saw vaccination numbers starting from 567 and followed with 639, 423 and 655 in each subsequent year. The 572 vaccines provided during the first clinic is still not the final number, as Mora said that employees had also gone to their primary care physicians or outside of the LISD clinics for their vaccinations. Mora added that his department currently does not have the ability to receive a report of those who received their vaccine outside of the district, but it is working with Laurel Insurance to have a report ready in the next 30 days. Once done, the number of those who used their insurance outside of the district for flu vaccines will be reported. Another benefit that occurred differently this year is that now any major insurance is being accepted, so thats a benefit to our employees, he said. Its any insurance you carry, whether its from your family, spouse or from the district; they are allowing for employees to take advantage of the flu shot for free. The current goal for the next flu clinics is to double the number of flu vaccines administered for LISD employees, LISD Superintendent Dr. Sylvia Rios said. With the insurance report, the total number of vaccines given will be easier to find. cocampo@lmtonline.com Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United's teenage sensation Mason Greenwood will benefit most from the arrival of veteran striker Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan joined the Red Devils on transfer deadline day on a one-year deal with the option of a further year after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired in the summer. The 33-year-old scored an incredible 200 goals in 301 matches in all competitions for the French giants over seven years. Rio Ferdinand believes Edinson Cavani is the man to help Manchester United's young strikers Cavani has bagged 35 Champions League goals in 62 games across eight seasons Mason Greenwood has the opportunity to learn from one of the best strikers in the modern era Ferdinand feels Cavani's European pedigree and predatory instincts will rub off on 19-year-old England international Greenwood, who has scored 18 goals in 57 games for the club he joined as a six-year-old. 'I said last transfer window that he's one of the players I would have highlighted to buy,' the United legend said on his YouTube channel. 'We've got three supremely talented young strikers who are going to need assistance. 'Martial is a prime example. He's going to be suspended [after being red-carded after striking Erik Lamela]. You need someone to step in. 'I think Cavani would suit in a lot of capacities. Mason would probably be the one to benefit most, to sit and watch someone like him on a daily basis, how he prepares, how he recovers, how he trains, the intensity levels he trains with through the week. Anthony Martial is suspended for three matches after his red card for swiping at Erik Lamela Ferdinand hopes Cavani will have a similar impact on the Man Utd squad to Henrik Larsson 'He does score goals. Is he long-term? No he's not. I played in a team where we brought Henrik Larsson in. 'If you asked the strikers that were at the club, "did he bring value to our squad? Did he bring elements of his game that they could take?" Yes, 100 per cent. 'If that's the type of effect that Cavani can have with this group of players, then it's worthwhile. 'He's a top player, experienced, gets goals. He's someone I think is going to be good value to the club.' Cavani last scored for PSG in their 4-3 win over Bordeaux in February this year. With Martial suspended, he could be drafted straight into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad for the match against Newcastle United after the international break. ARISS multi-point telebridge contact with school in USA As announced, an ARISS educational school contact is planned for Chris Cassidy KF5KDR with students at McConnell Middle School, Loganville, GA, USA. Some participants will be in the school, others will participate from home. The contact is scheduled on Wednesday October 7, 2020 at approximately 14:16 UTC, which is 16:16 CEST. The link to the ISS will be operated by the amateur radio ground station ON4ISS. Downlink signals will be audible in Europe on 437.525 MHz FM. Downlink frequency on UHF instead of VHF was chosen in order to avoid interference with SSTV operations on VHF. The event will be webcast on: https://youtu.be/pHOM15BLRSo 73 Gaston Bertels ON4WF A new scheme has been launched to reassure audiences that venues are following Covid-19 guidelines. See It Safely, created by UK Theatre and the Society of London Theatre, will allow theatres to display a badge to indicate that the building is following the latest guidance. Theatres will also receive further training and can also sign up to an additional set of ticketing principles, guaranteeing audiences an exchange, credit voucher or refund if they are forced to cancel. Theatres remain largely closed across the UK, with only a small number operating with vastly reduced audience numbers due to social distancing. Julian Bird, chief executive of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, said he hoped the scheme would give audiences peace of mind to return to the live theatre that they love. He said: Going to the theatre is a very organised and civilised affair mainly due to its ticketed nature (it is simple for venues to track and trace exactly who is in the building and when) and well-trained front of house staff are on hand throughout the experience to ensure that everyone is considerate and complies with the safety measures in place. One-way systems and strict entrance and exit areas make our venues easily adaptable to the implementation of new safety measures, such as temperature checks, contactless payments, face masks and hand sanitiser stations. There is also minimal face to face and social contact as most audiences face forward. We have a number of challenges to meet before the majority of our theatres can open but we are confident that, from a safety perspective, audiences and our workforce can be reassured that every measure is being addressed and we look forward to rolling out the scheme and welcoming our audiences back. Our Empty Theatres by Helen Murray - in pictures 1 /30 Our Empty Theatres by Helen Murray - in pictures Our Empty Theatres Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Theatre Royal Stratford East Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Royal Court Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres The Yard Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Young Vic Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Bush Theatre Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Hampstead Theatre Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Roundhouse Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Kiln Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Gate Theatre Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Unicorn Theatre Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Soho Theatre Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres The Albany Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Almeida Theatre Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Donmar Warehouse Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Theatre 503 Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Leeds Playhouse Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Shakespeares Globe Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Criterion Theatre Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Lyric Hammersmith Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Manchester Royal Exchange Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Liverpool Everyman Helen Murray Our Empty Theatres Battersea Arts Centre Helen Murray It is very encouraging that there have been no reported cases of Covid in any of our venues that have opened so far. SOLT president Kenny Wax recently announced the return of his production SIX to the West End. It will be moving from the Arts Theatre to the Lyric on Shaftesbury Avenue to allow for more space for social distancing. He said he is delighted to welcome audiences back and added that performances are selling extremely well. There is clearly huge pent up demand for live theatre and it is wonderful to give audiences something to look forward to as we head into the Christmas season. Regents Park Open Air Theatre, the Bridge and Southwark Playhouse are among those venues to have opened in London. With additional reporting by Press Association The Shiv Sena on Tuesday sharpened its attack on the Centre as it said that Y-Plus security was provided to a Bollywood actor but the family of the Hathras gang-rape victim did not get any protection. The 19-year-old woman was gang-raped on September 14 in Bul Gargi village of Uttar Pradeshs Hathras district by four upper-caste men and she died on September 29. The Uttar Pradesh police and several members of the local administration have been under the scanner over their handling of the crime, which has sparked protests across the country. Also Read| Hathras case: Sanjay Raut says those who supported Kangana Ranauts comments are now silent The partys mouthpiece Saamana claimed in its editorial that the family of the victim has been receiving threats to life and is living under terror. It further asked what was wrong if Y-plus security cover is being demanded for the family. The Centre gave Y-plus security cover to an actress from Mumbai, but the family of the Hathras gang-rape victim does not get any. This is not the principle of equal justice. This justice is not in line with Dr Ambedkars Constitution, the editorial said. Also Read| Hathras case: UP govt calls for court-monitored probe by CBI in Supreme Court The editorial was referring to Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, who was given the security cover in September after she made comments against the Mumbai Police over the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Ranaut and Shiv Sena engaged in a war of words after the former compared Mumbai to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Senas mouthpiece also questioned the Uttar Pradesh governments decision to recommend a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Hathras case at a time when the victims family has sought a judicial inquiry into the matter. On what would be CBIs course of action, it highlighted that the UP government destroyed evidence by cremating the victim. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court asking got for a court-monitored probe by CBI into the case. The affidavit also states that a vicious campaign has been unleashed to defame the state government, which is led by Yogi Adityanath. (With PTI inputs) Two men pleaded guilty to illegal night hunting in provincial court on Monday, but say the rules arent clear for Indigenous people about how they can and cant hunt. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Two men pleaded guilty to illegal night hunting in provincial court on Monday, but say the rules arent clear for Indigenous people about how they can and cant hunt. Derek Woods and Wesley Lake pleaded guilty to hunting at night in a Brandon provincial courtroom. Crown attorney Brett Rach said the charges stem from Oct. 28, 2019, when 10 Manitoba Conservation officers were conducting an operation to curb illegal night hunting near Ingelow. At approximately 1:25 a.m., officers saw a vehicle driving slowly and saw a small light shining out the passenger side, Rach said. Five minutes later, they saw another light making sweeping motions, shining onto private agricultural property. Rach said the area the men were hunting on was private farmland, not Crown land. The men then got out and appeared to be searching for something in the field. Conservation officers were watching from 500 to 700 metres away, using night vision goggles to watch the men. "They observed Mr. Lake to have a knife, he was wearing a headlamp and had blood on his hands," Rach told the court. There was a freshly killed male white-tail deer in the front of the truck and a second dead deer in the back of the truck, the Crown said. Lake told officers that Woods killed both deer and one of the deer was shot from the road, which is illegal, he said. A third man in the hunting party told officers he wasnt sure if they had permission to hunt on the land. The case is a true plea bargain, Rach said. The men hunt for food and the fall is the best time to hunt deer. While Manitoba Conservation suggested a fine of approximately $1,300, Rach recommended a lower fine of $1,000. He also asked the judge to order the men to forfeit a .308-calibre Winchester rifle and both lights found in the truck. "What the importance of this is there is an admission that there was a shot from a road, which is illegal regardless of who you are. Its occupied Crown land and you cant shoot from the road, and that this is private land," he said. "Im not suggesting that what they did in the act of hunting was illegal. Certainly, they could have been doing this on unoccupied Crown land but this is private land, shooting from the road." Speaking to the court, Lake said the men are from a First Nations community and there is a lack of education available about hunting rights. He said the community has asked Manitoba Conservation to teach them, but nothing has happened. "How are we supposed to do this? Were told by our elders to go out and get food for our community, and then we have (Manitoba Conservation officers) waiting everywhere," he said. "People in the community were hungry, so thats our job to go out and get food for them." Judge John Combs said he can appreciate the confusion about hunting rights and the answers arent always clear. He said though that the hunter whether they are a member of a First Nation or not has to be clear on the rules. He said the communitys leadership has to get a clear understanding from the province about what is and what isnt legal when it comes to hunting. "I know there is serious issue as to whether or not you are permitted to use lights to hunt at all, even if youre First Nations. Thats an issue that has not been firmly resolved, and I think youre taking a chance anytime youre using lights at night, regardless of who you are and where you are," Combs said. The law is clear, however, about hunting on private land. Combs sentenced the two men to a $1,000 fine each, as well as forfeiting the .308 Winchester rifle and the two lights. The case follows a case earlier this year where a man was sent to jail after his cousin was accidentally killed while night hunting. Sheldon Wanbdiska was found guilty in February of careless use of a firearm in the shooting death of his 24-year-old cousin, Dylan Hapa, during a 2016 night hunting incident. He was found not guilty of criminal negligence causing death during his Court of Queens Bench trial in October 2019. dmay@brandonsun.com Twitter: @DrewMay_ One of Deputy President William Rutos tactics ahead of 2022 has involved luring the youth and women to support his presidential bid. PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB Feed DP William Ruto has been donating wheelbarrows and other tools and machines to the youth. Photo: William Ruto. Source: Facebook In the name of empowerment programs, he has been giving out wheelbarrows, handcarts, water tanks, sufurias, and of course cash handouts to youth and women groups mainly drawn from informal settlements. While this may, ignorantly, pass as the good aspect of Rutos charm offensive, the bad and ugly sides of the strategy was, perhaps inadvertently, laid bare during the deadly chaos witnessed in Muranga last weekend. PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB Feed At the heart of the violence were poor young men and women lured from urban slums and ferried to Muranga. Christopher Kariuki, a 21-year-old father of a three-month-old baby, was enticed to travel to Kenol with an assurance that he would be paid KSh 2, 000 to spruce up a hotel in the area ahead of the DPs visit. The young electrician and plumber from Thikas Kiandutu informal settlement would later find himself entangled in political violence he knew little about. He died in Rutos name. Fifteen-year-old Peter Mbothu, who completed Class Eight last year, also lost his life in similar circumstances. The life of the poor boy from Thikas Kiangombe slums was cruelly nipped in the bud, also in Rutos name. One of the youths seen in action at Kenol wearing a T-shirt with Rutos picture on the front is reported to be a known henchman from Kibera slums while the young lady who was left bloody after a vicious attack is reported to be no stranger in the DPs campaign circles. The coincidences in the episode were too many to be real. Neo Kenya Mpya and Joy Kenya Services buses, which were used to ferry the youths, are owned by one of Rutos point men in Mount Kenya region. The operators have been summoned to shed light on the incident. The Kenol chaos have revealed that there is more than meets the eye in the DPs empowerment programs. The DP has been widely accused of exploiting poverty among Kenyans for selfish political gain using his hustler movement. The Kenol violence in Murang'a county gave veracity to the accusations that some politicians were militarizing the youth as a tool to achieve power. But how unfortunate that desperate, if not jobless, youths can be lured with a promise of quick riches, and end up paying for the same with their lives! The youths must be wiser and resist being used and dumped by politicians who care less about their future. Kariukis young family has been left without a breadwinner, and it is unlikely any politician will come to their rescue. This is too painful and high a price to pay; one that cant be equated with the KSh 2,000 the diseased was to receive. Mbothus father illustrated this reality when mourning his only son, saying he had been left with deep pain yet the politicians who lured the young boy to his death were nowhere to be seen. Those politicians should use their children and relatives to advance their political games. They should stop dragging our poor children to their theatrics. My son was not a thief and he died in the name of a politician, its sad! He stated. I cant agree more with him. The politicians should tag along with their kids - who are busy studying abroad, in plum jobs or dealing lucrative tenders - and put them on the frontline when attending potentially explosive political rallies. Youths must understand no wheelbarrow, mkokoteni or handout is worth paying with their lives. Photo: William Ruto. Source: Facebook They should bring along their kinsmen and clansmen when intruding other politicians territories without bothering to inform the hosts. Such acts of unprovoked aggression, as Ruto did at Kenol, often lead to ugly confrontations. Politicians should keep off poor Kenyans who are hoping and praying for a breakthrough in life, if not the next meal. The youths must on their part understand that no wheelbarrow, mkokoteni or handout is worth paying with their lives. The writer is Olivia Chebet, a regular commentator on social, economic and political affairs. The views expressed here are hers and do not represent the position of TUKO.co.ke in any way. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. My father-in-law won't let me bury my wife of 16 years or see my two children- Victor Odonda Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Walker & Dunlop, Inc. announced today that Walker & Dunlop Investment Partners, Inc. (WDIP), the company's wholly-owned alternative investment manager focused on middle-market commercial real estate investments, has hired Salika Khizer as Director on WDIP's Capital Formation team. Based in San Francisco, California, Khizer will be responsible for marketing and fundraising efforts as WDIP continues to build out a diversified suite of private equity and debt strategies. "Salika is a seasoned professional with over eight years of client-facing financial services and fundraising experience," said Sam Isaacson, President of WDIP. "We are very pleased to have Salika join WDIP as we continue our mission of matching the diverse investment needs of our investors with the capital needs of commercial real estate owners." "I am thrilled to join WDIP," Khizer said. "What drew me to the firm was WDIP's unique investment approach and its position as a proven leader in the middle-market real estate finance space. While the firm has certainly established itself in its space, there is also tremendous opportunity to grow and I'm excited to help drive that." Prior to joining WDIP, Khizer served as vice president at CIM Group, where she focused on institutional and private wealth fundraising, specializing in private equity real estate, debt, infrastructure, corporate credit, and qualified opportunity zones. She was previously a managing director at Institutional Real Estate, Inc. (IREI), where she focused on business development with pension funds, endowments, foundations, family offices, insurance companies, consultants, and Taft-Hartley investors. While at IREI, Khizer founded IREI Springboard, a leadership program for the next generation of young institutional investors, consultants and managers in real estate and infrastructure. About Walker & Dunlop Investment Partners Walker & Dunlop Investment Partners ("WDIP," f.k.a. JCR Capital Investment Corporation) is an alternative investment manager that provides capital solutions to middle-market commercial real estate sponsors. Investing on behalf of insurance companies, public pension funds, endowments, foundations, family offices, and high-net worth individuals, WDIP partners with sponsors whose transactions are in need of financing but are under-served by institutional capital. The Denver, Colorado-based firm's investment vehicles focus on opportunistic, value-add, and income-oriented commercial real estate strategies. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walker & Dunlop, one of the largest commercial real estate finance companies in the United States, WDIP has unmatched access to proprietary resources and market intelligence. This partnership offers clients unique, real-time insights into market movements, valuation, pricing, and underwriting. For more information, visit www.wdinvestmentpartners.com. All investments have risk of loss and WDIP cannot guarantee any investment strategy will achieve its goals and objectives. Nothing herein is an offer to sell any security, including an interest in any private fund. About Walker & Dunlop Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the largest commercial real estate finance companies in the United States. The company provides a comprehensive range of capital solutions for all commercial real estate asset classes, as well as investment sales brokerage services to owners of multifamily properties. Walker & Dunlop is included on the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and was ranked as one of FORTUNE Magazine's Fastest Growing Companies in 2014, 2017, and 2018. Walker & Dunlop's 900+ professionals in 40 offices across the nation have an unyielding commitment to client satisfaction. SOURCE Walker & Dunlop, Inc. Related Links https://www.walkerdunlop.com/ The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Samuel Atta Akyea, has said the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has worsened Ghanas housing deficit, which stands at over two million units. He said the pandemic had also awakened the country to the realities of challenges in the housing sector. The minister, who said this at a forum to commemorate this years World Habitat Day in Accra yesterday, added that 10 million out of the countrys 30 million population did not have decent homes. He, however, said there were measures by the government to address the challenges in the long term and mentioned a national housing policy implementation plan and a credible mortgage regime as some of the interventions to address the housing needs of income groups. According to him, financing was one of the major bottlenecks facing housing delivery in the country, and that the global pandemic had resulted in a significant reduction in financing available to developing economies. The COVID-19 has brought the housing paradox into sharp focus at a time when people are in urgent need of shelter but the houses are not available. A social housing scheme for the disadvantaged is now imperative and we must find some financial space for that, Mr. Atta Akyea said. Habitat Day The UN has designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day. This years celebration was on the theme: Housing for all: A better urban future. It provides an occasion for stakeholders to reflect on the state of towns and cities and the right of all to adequate shelter. It is also used to remind the world that all citizens have the power and the responsibility to help shape the future of cities and towns. Significance Mr. Atta Akyea said the event presented an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in global and national discussions on the transformative impact of the COVID-19 on the housing sector and explore how to build better societies by leveraging the role of housing as a catalyst for the progressive delivery of human rights. He said it was obvious that without access to decent housing, adhering to COVID-19 protocols, such as social distancing, use of running water for frequent handwashing and keeping good sanitation, would be a challenge. The minister said due to rapid urbanisation, 48 per cent of Ghanas population lived in urban communities, with a substantial proportion of the people living in slums in very bad sanitary conditions. The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani, also described the event as a unique opportunity to reflect on the state of towns and cities. He said it was a global reminder to the fact that adequate shelter was a fundamental human right. He said the COVID-19 pandemic had shown that cities and governments around the world could move to reduce inequalities and poverty levels and provide access to adequate housing for all. The degree of access to basic services, such as water, sanitation, health, education and electricity, is linked to the prevalence of stress and unhealthy living conditions and also contribute to poor health among the vulnerable, he said. The ministries of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Local Government and Rural Development joined the forum virtually to outline their contribution to decent housing in the midst of the COVID-19. 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 Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has lifted a curfew imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus. The president announced that sporting activities would be allowed but with an audience of not more than 200 people. Passengers boarding domestic flights will be required to take a coronavirus test 48 hours before departure and will only be allowed to board if the test is negative. Only one airport was cleared for international flights beginning this month with strict guidelines in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Mask wearing and social distancing are still mandatory across the country. Madagascar recorded a spike in virus cases in July forcing the government to reintroduce a lockdown in the capital, Antananarivo. President Rajoelina had promoted a herbal tonic that he said cured Covid-19 but the World Health Organization has maintained that there is no cure for the disease. The tonic is now being manufactured in tablets and continues to be distributed in the country. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video When Amie Lewis and Alex Timms found out they were expecting their first baby, they decided it was time to put their one-bedroom flat on the market. Things moved quickly and the couple had accepted an offer on the apartment in Hackney, East London, within a week. They had also agreed a deal on a three-bedroom property nearby in Bow. But a year later and they are still stuck in their tiny flat with three-month-old son Oscar. And their story is far from unique. More and more sales are falling through on flats that are safe because owners face waiting up to a decade for the official certification that the buildings are safe The couple's sale is among tens of thousands that have been torpedoed by a red-tape nightmare that experts say 'is the biggest building fiasco of modern times'. People like Amie, 44, and Alex, 45, have been unable to sell or remortgage their homes due to safety rules introduced after the Grenfell Tower fire. Their buyer's lender insisted they had a certificate to prove their flat did not have flammable cladding, but they were told it could take ten years to get the paperwork to prove it. And the whole chain collapsed as a result. Amie says: 'The stress has been indescribable. We have absolutely no idea how our future looks. It's a really small one-bed flat. It's fine for a couple, but with a baby we're living on top of each other. 'With Covid we've been working from home, squashed into a tiny space. It's been horrific.' Fears around cladding safety left thousands of homeowners stuck in fire traps - facing long delays and huge bills to get repair work done. But more and more sales are falling through on flats that are safe because owners face waiting up to a decade for the official certification. Around 30,000 deals may already have collapsed due to the issue, Money Mail today reveals, and experts warn the number could hit six figures if the Government does not step in. We face sky-high mortgage bills Going nowhere: Frank and Katie Petroskey do not have the paperwork required to prove their flat is not dangerous Frank and Katie Petroskey may be stuck in their one-bedroom flat for several years due to a huge bureaucratic backlog. The couple, who are expecting their first baby, had agreed to sell their property in Hoxton, East London, for 500,000, and move into an 800,000, four-bedroom house in Walthamstow. But the move has been thrown into doubt because they do not have the paperwork required to prove their flat is not dangerous. That is despite them already having a detailed analysis showing the cladding in their building is low risk. It means their prospective buyers cannot get a mortgage, and Frank and Katie also face crippling payments because they cannot refinance. Instead, they will roll on to their lender's standard variable rate when their deal ends, costing an extra 500 per month. Their housing association has said it will be a minimum of two years before they can get the ESW1 form they require. Frank, 31, who works in operations, says: 'It feels like it's a tick-box exercise and we're caught in the middle.' Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, says: 'A really significant part of the flat market in England is currently frozen. 'This is clearly unsustainable for the property market and it is not acceptable for people's lives to be on hold - with so much uncertainty and anxiety - for such a long time.' The rules mean homeowners require a form to prove their building is free of dangerous cladding. If it does pose a risk, an explanation of required repair work is needed. It used to apply only to blocks taller than 60ft (18 metres). But in January, Government guidance was extended to buildings of all heights with any cladding, not just the type that caused the Grenfell fire in 2017. And blocks with no cladding are also caught by the rules. It means the number of flats requiring an external wall survey (EWS1) has grown from 307,000 to around 1.5 million - 6 per cent of England's homes. But there are fewer than 300 chartered fire engineers who can carry out an EWS1 survey - just one for every 5,000 flats. Leaseholders in low-risk buildings are finding themselves at the back of the queue and some are being told to wait up to ten years before they can be signed off. Mrs Henderson says there has been a growing number of young people trying to buy their first property since lockdown, only to see their moves collapse. Buyers trying to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday have also been knocked back. She adds: 'We have heard of a couple of owners of two-storey terrace houses - built of brick with no cladding - who have been asked to provide an EWS1 form. Lenders increasingly seem to be operating a blanket approach in asking for these checks.' A quarter of leaseholders requiring the certificate have seen sales collapse because they did not have one, according to a survey by campaign group the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership (LKP). Repair work would cost 25,000 Lucy Ireland has been left unable to sell her flat due to flammable cladding fears A mother-to-be who has been left unable to sell her flat due to flammable cladding fears the cost of repair work could leave her bankrupt. Lucy Ireland, 30, who runs a small jewellery business, paid 124,000 for the one-bedroom flat on the edge of Manchester city centre four years ago. But when she and her ex-partner wanted to sell it just one year later, they were told by estate agents that they could only advertise to cash purchasers because potential buyers would not be able to get a mortgage to buy the flat until the cladding had been removed. Yet it is estimated that the remedial work required will cost the leaseholders, including Lucy, 25,000, which they simply can't afford. Lucy believes the Government should cover the cost of the work because the material complied with official guidelines at the time the flats were built, more than a decade ago. The small business owner, who lives with her new partner and is due to give birth to her first child imminently, says: 'People view this as a very middle-class problem because we own property. 'I can afford my mortgage, but I can't afford these kinds of bills.' She adds that the Government's provision of a 1.6 billion repair fund is a 'drop in the ocean' compared with what is required, and leaseholders will be expected to make up the difference. A further 3.5 per cent said deals had fallen through despite obtaining one. There were around 134,000 flat sales in England last year, meaning roughly 30,000 deals may already have collapsed due to the issue. Nick Morrey, of mortgage broker John Charcol, says: 'This has already caught tens of thousands of people out and it could potentially affect hundreds of thousands.' Nine in ten leaseholders who have received the form have been told their building requires remediation work, according to LKP. They face paying tens of thousands of pounds each for repairs. The total bill to remove unsafe cladding is estimated to be around 15 billion. The Government has set up a 1.6 billion repair fund, but leaseholders are expected to pick up most of the tab. Some face bills of up to 115,000 each to make their homes safe. Almost a third of the buildings still wrapped in Grenfell-style flammable cladding have yet to undergo work to remove it, according to the Government. Cladding chaos explained The Grenfell Tower tragedy of 2017 laid bare the true extent of dangerous building cladding that fuelled the fire. Since then the Government has rightly tightened up fire safety advice for flats. But the rules have also caused chaos among those trying to sell. Homeowners in buildings of all heights are now required to fill in an EWS1 (external wall survey) form to prove their building is free of dangerous cladding. If they do pose a risk they need an explanation of the repairs needed. The rules used to only apply to blocks above 60ft (18 metres). The new guidance means the number of flats requiring the form has grown from 307,000 to around 1.5 million with fewer than 300 chartered engineers available to carry out the survey. Nine in ten leaseholders who have received the form have been told their building requires remediation work, according to the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, which could mean bills of tens of thousands of pounds. Clive Betts, chairman of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, says it is 'probably the biggest building fiasco in modern times'. He adds: 'The Government does not recognise the seriousness of the financial demands that are going to have to be met. It should carry out the work and then try to claim the money back.' Meg Hillier, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, says the Government is 'morally responsible' for the cost. She adds: 'They've extended the net for who is affected and that is shocking. If you are going to make a blanket decision to extend the fire safety rules, you have to sort the mortgage industry beforehand so it doesn't gum up the system any further. People's lives will be ruined if the Government doesn't step in.' The EWS1 forms were brought in - following consultation between the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) and banking trade body UK Finance - to give lenders more confidence in providing mortgages on multi-storey buildings. A UK Finance spokesman says: 'Hundreds of blocks have already been assessed with many homebuyers being able to secure mortgages as a result.' Gary Strong, Rics global building standards director, says: 'The Government must urgently intervene to help identify all buildings which are unsafe, and to provide further and faster funding to ensure the situation can be remedied quickly without the costs falling to the leaseholder.' A Government spokesman says the sales figures were 'speculative' and that EWS1 forms should not be necessary if buildings are lower than 60ft or without cladding. He adds: 'There is other evidence that can prove a building is safe, and we want lenders to accept this for valuations. We're also looking at what else we can do to support leaseholders, including working with professional bodies to see how we can increase the number of inspections carried out.' The EWS1 form is also used in Scotland; its government is consulting on an alternative solution. m.dilworth@dailymail.co.uk It should be no surprise that the coronavirus has changed dating in America. Many experts, along with daters themselves, say that daters have become more likely to couple up, to lower their standards and to do what they can to find a partner to face whatever comes next. The desire for partnership is particularly pronounced on dating apps, which have seen their user engagement soar over the last several months. Hinge, a subsidiary of Match Group that markets itself as an app that will help its users find lasting relationships, reports that its revenue, which comes almost entirely from paid subscriptions and features, has increased threefold compared with the same time last year. User surveys indicate that 69 percent of the apps users are thinking more about who theyre really looking for and 50 percent say they are no longer chasing after people who arent interested in them. I think sometimes dating apps can give us an inflated sense of whos in our realm because we see so many people, and I think that people are just getting specific, realistically, about what they want, said Justin McLeod, the founder and chief executive of Hinge. The manager of The Butcher Club in Chadstone is in intensive care after falling seriously ill with COVID-19. The man, in his early 50s, was taken to Dandenong Hospital in an ambulance after his health deteriorated yesterday, Butcher Club co-owner Peter Robinson said. "He collapsed initially and went to hospital ... he rang me yesterday and he was distressed," Mr Robinson said. "He said I'm back in hospital and I'm no good." The man is receiving oxygen and is expected to be in ICU for the next two days, Mr Robinson said. Five staff at the business' Chadstone shopping centre store have tested positive to the virus, although two of the infected staff are asymptomatic, he said. The store is at the centre of Victoria's largest active cluster, with 31 cases as of Wednesday. The cluster was started by an infected contract cleaner who visited the shop while working. The owners of the Melbourne chain of butchers did not know the cleaner had tested positive. "Before our manager rang on that Monday night I literally did not know anybody that had COVID, so it certainly brings it home very quickly," Mr Robinson said. "Everybody's head has been spinning." Srinagar, Oct 7 : As part of bi-annual Darbar Move, the Civil Secretariat, seat of Jammu and Kashmir government, along with other offices will close in Srinagar on October 30 and reopen in the winter capital Jammu on November 9. Darbar Move is the bi-annual shift of the secretariat and all other government offices of Jammu and Kashmir from one capital city to another. From May to October, governmental offices are housed in the state's summer capital, Srinagar, and the other six months in its winter capital, Jammu. According to an order issued by General Administration Department, the Government offices observing five days week shall close at Srinagar on October 30 after the office hours and the offices observing six days week shall close at Srinagar on 31 October 2020 after the office hours and reopen at Jammu on November 9. All the departments shall ensure that records are packed in boxes after working hours on last working day in Srinagar. It has been ordered that the offices moving in camp shall carry only 33 per cent of the strength of staff in that particular office or with 10 officials whichever is minimum. All Departments have been asked to send their advance parties on 23 October consisting of one Gazetted Officer and four to five Non-Gazetted Employees who will receive the records at Jammu. Health and Medical Education Department shall make arrangements for COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test of all the employees of Civil Secretariat Srinagar who are shifting to Jammu in connection with the Annual Darbar Move (Winter Season). Any employee testing positive in the Rapid Antigen Test shall resume duties at Jammu only after testing negative. Even as the Uttar Pradesh police arrested a journalist and three other people in Mathura while they were on their way to Hathras, home to a Dalit woman who died after being allegedly gang-raped, the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has filed a habeas corpus petition in the top court against the arrest of the journalist, Sidhique Kappan. The Uttar Pradesh police had on Monday said it has arrested four people having links with the Popular Front of India and its affiliate in Mathura. The PFI had been accused of funding protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act across the country earlier this year and the UP police had sought a ban on the outfit. The police had identified the arrested persons as Siddique from Malappuram, Atiq-ur Rehman from Muzaffarnagar, Masood Ahmed from Bahraich and Alam from Rampur. Terming the arrest as illegal and unconstitutional, the KUWJ filed a petition seeking his immediate production and release from "illegal detention". Hours after the arrest, it identified Malappuram native Siddique by his full name as Sidhique Kappan, saying he is "a senior Delhi-based journalist. In a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Delhi unit of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists sought the immediate release of Kappan saying he is "a senior Delhi-based journalist working for several Malayalam media houses, including azhimukham.com". The KUWJ also wrote a similar letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to order Kappan's release. Kappan is also the KUWJ's secretary and was proceeding to Hathras only to do his duty as a reporter, KUWJ's Delhi unit president Miji Jose told the chief minister in his letter, urging him to order his release. "We understand that he was taken into custody by Uttar Pradesh police from Hathras toll plaza. Our efforts and the efforts by some advocates based in Delhi to contact him were not successful," KUWJ said. The Hathras police station and the state police have not provided any information so far on Kappan's arrest, it added. "Mr Kappan was trying to do his duty as a reporter. We urge you to get him released at the earliest," KUWJ urged the UP chief minister. The Uttar Pradesh police, meanwhile, said it has also seized from the arrested people their mobile phones, laptops and some literature, which could have an impact on peace and law and order. During interrogation, it came to light that the four arrested people had links with the PFI and its associate organisation Campus Front of India, the UP police had claimed. Hathras has been in the news following the death of a 19-year-old Dalit woman who was allegedly gang-raped on September 14 in a village in the district. And her cremation at night, allegedly without the parents' consent, has triggered widespread outrage. Allirajan M It is raining dividends for investors of equity mutual fund (MF) schemes. With the stock markets surging more than 10 per cent in July-August, several fund houses have chosen to distribute the gains to investors by paying dividends. Nearly a dozen equity MF schemesfrom large-cap, multi-cap to ELSS (equity linked savings schemes) categoriesare paying dividends to investors now. Distributing surplus This comes on the back of a slew of payouts over the past one month. As many as 20 equity MF schemes had paid dividends during this timeframe. MF schemes that had either paid or are in the process of doing so have seen a sharp gain in their net asset values (NAVs) during the last six months. Most schemes have seen a more than 20 per cent appreciation in their NAVs, while some have even recorded gains of 30-43 per cent over the period. Markets had rallied sharply. So, asset management companies have distributable surplus to pay dividends, says Kaustubh Belapurkar, director, fund research, Morningstar Investment Adviser India. Since NAVs have seen a good increase, we are redistributing realised gains to investors, says a senior official with a top fund house. The uncertainty over the pace and sustainability of the market rally due to the raging COVID-19 pandemic has pushed fund managers to book profits and pay dividends to investors, industry officials and experts says. Since regular dividend payment also acts as a performance parameter on which fund managers of these schemes are judged, asset management companies distribute profits whenever they are available. They (fund managers) are consolidating the gains and giving it back to investors in the form of dividends, says Suresh Sadagopan, founder, Ladder7 Financial Advisories. Incidentally, most of the 20-odd schemes that announced dividends over the last one month have made the payouts to investors just ahead of the steep fall in markets. Taxation attractive for lower slabs Though the dividend option in equity MFs has become unattractive after the tweak in tax rates in the union budget 2020, lower income groups still invest in these schemes, as the tax outgo is much lower for them than before, say industry officials and advisors. Dividends in equity MFs are now taxable in the hands of investors at their slabs. After the union budget 2020 abolished the dividend distribution tax (DDT) on dividends declared by MFs, those in the 30 per cent tax bracket will have to pay tax at that slab, while someone in the 5 per cent tax bucket will have to pay 5 per cent on MF dividends (both equity and debt), excluding surcharge and cess. This is applicable for 2020-21. Earlier, equity MF dividends faced a DDT of 11.65 per cent, including surcharge and cess, while debt MF dividends were charged 29.12 per cent, including surcharge and cess. In addition to this, MFs will have to deduct a tax at source (TDS) of 10 per cent before distributing dividends in excess of Rs 5000 now. Several equity funds used to offer high dividends even if the market conditions were bad, just to lure investors. This prompted market regulator SEBI to stipulate in 2010 that dividends should be given only from actual realised gains and not from the unit premium reserve. This had a sobering effect on pay-outs, with fund houses either stopping or offering lower dividends when the market conditions turned bad. Dividends had dried up between 2010 and 2014, as the markets remained tepid. Several schemes did not pay dividends during this timeframe because they did not have enough incremental profits. The last three months of the financial year are the busiest period for dividend payments in the MF industry, as investors typically rush to buy ELSS products to save tax on time and earn some money through the pay-outs. (The writer is a freelancer) Kayleigh McEnany, President Donald Trumps press secretary, announced on Monday that she has tested positive for the coronavirus and remains asymptomatic. In a tweet, McEnany, said that she had tested negative for the virus that has infected more than 7 million Americans every day since Thursday. McEnany said the positive test came back on Monday. McEnany said that she hasnt had any close contact with any reporters, producers or any members of the press. McEnany is the latest person close to Trump to test positive for the coronavirus. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump announced that they tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. The announcement came a few hours after he and the first lady began a quarantine process as they awaited test results, after a close aide, Hope Hicks, tested positive for the virus. At least 11 people in Trumps inner circle have tested positive for coronavirus, including Nicholas Lunca, his assistant, U.S. Senators Mike Lee, Ron Jonson and Thom Tillis, former counselor to Trump, Kellyanne Conway, his campaign manager Bill Stepien, RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Vice President Mike Pence has tested negative for the virus. Sec. of State Mike Pompeo, Sec. of Treasury Steve Mnuchin, Sec. of Defense Mark Esper and Sec. of Commerce Wilbur Ross also tested negative. Attorney General William Bar along with Trumps children have also tested negative for the coronavirus. Related Content: G4S has won a 300m government contract to run a new mega-prison which will house 1,680 inmates. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) selected the security company to manage HMP Five Wells, a category C jail in Wellingborough, despite a series of scandals and after the firm was stripped of its contact to run crisis-hit Birmingham prison last year. The government had named G4S as its preferred choice to run the new 253m prison in July but faced a legal challenge from a rival bidder. Prisons minister Lucy Frazer confirmed on Tuesday the company had been awarded the 10-year contract. Five Wells is set to open in early 2022, on the site of a former jail which closed in 2012, creating 700 jobs. Birmingham prison was taken back into state control in April last year after G4S was stripped of the contact seven years early. The jail, one of the largest in the country, had plunged into crisis under private management, according to damning findings by the chief inspector of prisons, Peter Clarke. His report likened scenes to a war zone and said inmates walked around "like zombies" while on drugs and flouted rules with impunity. G4S also pulled out of running Brook House immigration removal centre near Gatwick Airport last year and stopping running Medway secure training centre in Kent in 2016 after BBC's Panorama programme broadcast undercover footage of inmates and detainees being allegedly assaulted and verbally abused at two sites. The company runs four other prisons - Altcourse, Parc, Rye Hill and Oakwood - which have won praise from inspectors. But just days after it emerged G4S was the front-runner for the Wellingborough contract, the firm was fined 38m by the Serious Fraud Office for dishonestly overcharging the government for the electronic tagging of offenders. Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: At a time when we should be investing in public health, ministers are once again pouring millions into the coffers of G4S. Even after a major tagging scandal and the disastrous management of Birmingham prison, the profiteers of punishment continue to be rewarded for failure. Unfortunately, the people of Northamptonshire will be the ones picking up the tab, as a huge new prison in their county will bring more crime and heap more pressure on police, hospitals and other public services. David Lammy, Labours shadow justice secretary, said: G4Ss past performance illustrates the failings of privatisation in the justice system. Its well-publicised failure to manage HMP Birmingham led to reports of violence, unsanitary conditions, drink, drugs, and the bullying of staff. Serious questions must be asked about why the government has handed the contract for the new prison in Wellingborough to G4S. The MoJ said the UKs privately run prisons were "among the best-performing across the estate and have been consistently praised by independent inspectors". It added 95 per cent of inspection scores awarded to jails run by G4S graded their performance as good or reasonably good. An MoJ spokesman said: "G4S-managed prisons have also brought innovative new approaches to offender rehabilitation, including a cutting-edge families intervention programme and peer-led initiatives, praised by prison inspectors for building 'excellent personal and social skills' so prisoners contribute in jail and are prepared for resettlement." Graham Levinsohn, UK chief executive of G4S, said: In partnership with the Ministry of Justice, our mutual aim is to ensure that Five Wells becomes the blueprint for innovation, rehabilitation and modernisation in the prison service." Government has condemned the politicization of secessionism by the general secretary of the opposition NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia. Mr. Nketiah addressing a gathering in the Volta region accused the NPP government of orchestrating the recent disturbances by the separatist group. But responding to the allegations on Accra-based Asempa FM on Tuesday Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah described the comments by the NDC General Secretary as appalling and disappointing. Mr. Nkrumah said it is unfortunate the matters of Volta is being politicized by the NDC. He commended the chiefs and local leaders for their cooperation which has led to arrests, retrieval of weapons, and deeper understanding in local communities. When people started making ethics inciting comments like this in Rwanda people took it as a joke only for 100s of thousands to be killed. No responsible politician should take that path he said. The Information Minister used the opportunity to urge all political actors to support the national efforts in dealing with the situation. State institutions like Peace Council and other well-meaning groups like religious groups should call out untoward political behavior he added. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Exclusive first look at ABC's "The Con" In 2013, TV producer Benita Alexander fell in love with a renowned surgeon who swept her off her feet. But little did she know at the time that Dr. Paolo Macchiarini was not the man he claimed to be, and their romance was all a scam. ABC's new true-crime series The Con, premiering Oct. 14, unravels Macchiarini's web of deceit and those of others like him with help from Whoopi Goldberg, who serves as the show's narrator. Viewers will hear from key people involved in these stories, including victims, eyewitnesses, law enforcement, and sometimes even the con artists themselves and EW has an exclusive look at the trailer above. As someone wise once said, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. But Alexander found, these con artists are working at expert levels, leaving even the strongest and most skeptical targets vulnerable. The show's premiere episode chronicles the whirlwind romance between Alexander and the "super surgeon," as he was known. They met when Alexander was a producer at NBC News; Macchiarini was the subject of a story she was working on with Meredith Viera, titled "A Leap of Faith," which spotlighted his work as a "world-renowned surgeon" making strides in the area of organ transplantation with the help from the patient's own stem cells. But after he proposed, the lies became bigger and bigger. Alexander was told that Macchiarini's devoted patient Pope Francis would be officiating their elaborate wedding, which would also be attended by other famous clients of his, including Bill and Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. He was eventually caught by Alexander, and the law caught up with him for his medical negligence as well. In 2019, Macchiarini was sentenced to 16 months in jail by an Italian court for forging documents and abuse of office. He was also indicted in Sweden last month on charges of aggravated assault stemming from stem-cell windpipe transplants the carried out in 2011. Prosecutor Mikael Bjork told the Associated Press the operations had caused "serious physical injuries and great suffering," and had been "carried out with absolutely no legal basis." (Macchiarini has disputed the accusations.) Story continues ABC teases other cons to be explored involve identity fraud, a misleading romance, the high-profile college admissions scandal, and Fyre Festival. Confirmed episodes will feature the stories of Johnathan Walton and con artist Marianne Smyth, who claimed to be an Irish heiress whose family was trying to swindle her out of her massive inheritance; Anthony Gignac of Michigan, who created a false identity to deceive people into thinking he was a member of the Saudi royal family; and the story of three women who paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to psychic frauds who preyed on their vulnerability and dependency. Related content: English Dutch PRESS RELEASE : 6 October 2020, 07:00 CEST Biocartis Announces Market Release of SeptiCyte RAPID test on Idylla Mechelen, Belgium, 6 October 2020 Biocartis Group NV (the Company or Biocartis), an innovative molecular diagnostics company (Euronext Brussels: BCART), today announces the market release of SeptiCyte RAPID on Idylla as a CE-marked IVD test. SeptiCyte RAPID is a host-response test1 that distinguishes sepsis from non-infectious systemic inflammation in patients suspected of sepsis and provides actionable results in about one hour. The test was developed by Biocartis partner Immunexpress Pty Ltd (Immunexpress), a Seattle-based (US) molecular diagnostics company, and is now being released as part of Biocartis exclusive commercialization2 of SeptiCyte RAPID on Idylla in Europe. Sepsis is the bodys life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death3. A recent scientific publication by The Lancet estimated that in 2017 there were 48.9 million cases and 11 million sepsis-related deaths worldwide, which accounted for almost 20% of all global deaths4. Early and rapid diagnosis of sepsis is furthermore essential to avoid unnecessary hospital costs or overuse of antibiotics, which leads to greater antibiotic resistance among vulnerable patient populations. Current diagnostic tests to aid in the diagnosis of sepsis are often unreliable and slow. At the virtual e-ISICEM symposium5 held between 15-18 September 2020, Immunexpress presented clinical validation data 6 which demonstrated comparable and reproducible results between Immunexpress existing US FDA-cleared test, SeptiCyte LAB, and SeptiCyte RAPID on Idylla. These data are the first validation of a rapid, fully-integrated, reproducible, immune response-based sepsis diagnostic test6. Herman Verrelst, Chief Executive Officer of Biocartis, reacted: Together with our partner Immunexpress, the SeptiCyte and Idylla technologies joined forces in a single one-step, sample-to-result test that, thanks to the Idylla platform, can now be rolled out globally. As the exclusive distributor of SeptiCyte RAPID in Europe, we are very pleased to offer this test to our existing and new customer base within our well-established European laboratory and hospital network. I believe we can make a real difference with this test that now allows7 to detect the likelihood of sepsis early on and provides actionable results to clinicians in approximately one hour for critically-ill patients suspected of sepsis, where every second counts." SeptiCyte RAPID on Idylla as CE-marked IVD test is now available8 for ordering. More info can be found on the Biocartis website . --- END --- More information: Renate Degrave Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Biocartis e-mail rdegrave@biocartis.com tel +32 15 631 729 mobile +32 471 53 60 64 About Biocartis Biocartis (Euronext Brussels: BCART) is an innovative molecular diagnostics (MDx) company providing next generation diagnostic solutions aimed at improving clinical practice for the benefit of patients, clinicians, payers and industry. Biocartis' proprietary MDx Idylla platform is a fully automated sample-to-result, real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) system that offers accurate, highly reliable molecular information from virtually any biological sample in virtually any setting. Biocartis is developing and marketing a continuously expanding test menu addressing key unmet clinical needs, with a focus in oncology, which represents the fastest growing segment of the MDx market worldwide. Today, Biocartis offers tests supporting melanoma, colorectal and lung cancer. More information: www.biocartis.com . Follow us on Twitter : @Biocartis_. Biocartis and Idylla are registered trademarks in Europe, the United States and other countries. The Biocartis and Idylla trademark and logo are used trademarks owned by Biocartis. This press release is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in any jurisdiction where to do so would be unlawful. Any persons reading this press release should inform themselves of and observe any such restrictions. Biocartis takes no responsibility for any violation of any such restrictions by any person. Please refer to the product labeling for applicable intended uses for each individual Biocartis product. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities in any jurisdiction. No securities of Biocartis may be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-looking statements Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Company's or, as appropriate, the Company directors' or managements' current expectations and projections concerning future events such as the Company's results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which the Company operates. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities are not guarantees of future performance and should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. In addition, even if actual results or developments are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in future periods. No representations and warranties are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person's officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. 1 By testing whole blood directly, the assay is able to detect the response of the patients immune system to an infection earlier, faster and more accurately than finding the pathogen 2 As announced on 26 March 2020 3 Source: https://www.sepsis.org/, last consulted on 24 September 2020 4 Rudd KE, Johnson SC, Agesa KM, Shackelford KA, Tsoi D, Kievlan DR, et al. Global, regional, and national sepsis incidence and mortality, 1990-2017: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet (London, England). 2020;395(10219):200-11 5 International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 6 Source: Immunexpress website and on https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/immunexpress-presents-data-on-clinical-validation-of-septicyte-rapid-for-diagnosing-sepsis-at-e-isicem-301130702.html, last consulted on 24 September 2020 7 Used in conjunction with clinical assessments, vital signs and laboratory findings 8 Available to select countries within the EU and European region. Check availability with your local Biocartis representative A six-year-old rape victim has died in hospital ten days after being attacked, sparking furious protests in India which saw her family lay the girl's body in the street. The girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by her cousin while she was at home in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state. She was being treated at a hospital in Delhi but succumbed to her injuries today, October 6. Her death comes amid widespread demonstrations over the death of a 19-year-old woman following an alleged gang-rape in September. A six-year-old rape victim succumbed to her injuries today, ten days after allegedly being sexually assaulted by her cousin. In protest, her family blocked a road with her body, calling for negligent police personnel to be held accountable In an act of protest, the distraught family placed the girl's body on a road in India's Sadabad region and demanded the arrest of negligent police personnel. Police arrested the accused, Radharaman Pandey, 30, on the same day as the attack, according to Times of India. The girl was left at home to look after her siblings while her parents worked, the website reports. While her siblings were outside, Pandey - who was already acquainted with the children - allegedly assaulted the girl inside her home. A neighbour heard the girl shouting and summoned the girl's mother who alerted the local police. Pandey was taken into custody soon after, and the girl was taken to hospital. According to english.jagran.com officer Aligarh Muniraj - the Station House Officer of Iglas - has been suspended for laxity in arresting the accused. Senior officials have reportedly gone to the site of the protests in an attempt to calm the demonstrations. The news of the girl's death comes amid widespread outrage over the alleged gang-rape and death of a 19-year-old woman, also in Uttar Pradesh state. Protests have been held across India following the alleged gang-rape of a 19-year-old Dalit woman. Police have arrested four high-caste men on charges of gang-rape and muder On Saturday, India's federal police said it would investigate the case which has sparked nationwide protests. The 19-year-old Dalit woman died of her injuries earlier this week, triggering protests by both opposition political parties and the public in New Delhi and elsewhere against atrocities against a community often ostracized under India's centuries-old caste system. The police have arrested four high-caste men on the charges of gang-rape and murder. India is one of the world's most dangerous places for women, with a rape occurring on average every 15 minutes based on federal data. Five senior police officers have already been suspended over the investigation amid criticism of law enforcement's actions - including the cremation of the woman's body in the middle of the night against the wishes of her family. The chief minister of the state - India's most populous with 200 million people - announced the decision to transfer the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation late Saturday. Five senior police officers have been suspended over the investigation into the case of the 19-year-old, including their decision to cremate the woman's body against the family's wishes Pictured: M.K. Kanimozhi, a Member of Parliament and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) women's wing Chief speaks during a protest march to condemn the alleged gang-rape and murder of the 19-year-old in Bool Garhi village of Uttar Pradesh state 'We are committed to giving the strictest punishment to the people responsible for this incident,' Yogi Adityanath, who is from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), wrote on Twitter. Adityanath has faced criticism in recent days for not allowing media and opposition parties to speak with the family of the dead woman. Public criticism grew after the family of the victim said her body had been cremated by police without their consent, an allegation officials deny. On Saturday, hundreds of police officers barricaded a highway connecting the capital New Delhi to Hathras. Several opposition leaders also drove out to meet the victim's family. In India's eastern Kolkata and Bhubaneswar cities, political parties and women organisations marched in protest against the incident and demanded justice for the woman, video footage from ANI news agency showed. Officials have faced criticism in recent days for not allowing media and opposition parties to speak with the family of the dead woman. Pictured: Students light torches during protests On Saturday, India's federal police said it would investigate the case which has sparked nationwide protests. Pictured: People light candles during a protest march In December 2012, the gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman sparked nationwide outrage and led to a tough new anti-rape law. An average of nearly 90 rapes were reported in India every day last year, according to data by the National Crime Records Bureau, but large numbers are thought to go unreported. India's 200 million low-caste Dalits have long faced discrimination, and campaigners say attacks have increased during the coronavirus pandemic. Former Union minister of state for coal Dilip Ray was convicted on Tuesday by a special CBI court in New Delhi for his role in the irregularities of allocation of a coal block in Jharkhand in more than 20 years ago in 1999. Special CBI judge Bharat Parashar convicted Ray, who was minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1999, of criminal conspiracy and other offences. The court also convicted two former officials of Coal ministry Pradip Kumar Banerjee and Nitya Nand Gautam and director of Castron Technologies Ltd (CTL) Mahendra Kumar Agarwalla. There was a concerted effort by way of criminal conspiracy to facilitate misappropriation of the important nationalised natural resources of the country, the court said. While discussing the role of Dilip Ray for the offence under section 13 (1) of PC Act, it has already been concluded that he acted with a dishonest and malafide intention and that too in clear violation of the unambiguous provisions of law. It clear that Dilip Ray dishonestly facilitated allocation of the abandoned non-nationalised coal mining area in favour of company CTL and that too in violation of the direction of law, the court said. The judge convicted the four persons and two firms for the alleged offences under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating) and 409 (Criminal breach of trust) of IPC and under the relevant provisions of Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act. The court will hear arguments on the quantum of sentence on October 14. The case pertains to the alleged irregularities in allocation of Brahmadiha coal block in Giridih in Jharkhand to Castron Technologies Ltd in 1999. Ray is the first minister of the erstwhile NDA government who has been convicted in the coal scam case. In its charge sheet, CBI had said that CTL had applied in May 1998 to the coal ministry for allotment of Brahmadiha coal block, but Coal India Limited told the ministry that mining it could be dangerous as the coal block was an abandoned mine area and was full of water. The file was again sent to Rays office on April 23, 1999 and on May 12, 1999, CTL submitted a fresh representation to the minister saying that their application may be considered expeditiously. When the file came to the then union coal secretary from Rays office for re-examination on May 13, 1999 it was sent to additional secretary Nitya Nand Gautams desk. The CBI alleged that Gautam then made a complete u-turn from his previous observation after which the screening committee recommended CTL for allocation of the coal block subject to relaxation of guidelines by coal ministry. On the basis of the approval accorded by Ray, a letter of allotment of Brahmadiha coal block in favour of CTL was issued on September 1, 1999 by the coal ministry. It alleged that after allocation of the block, CTL started extracting coal illegally even without grant of any mine opening permission by the concerned authorities. Ray did not respond to messages seeking his response to the judgement. Sixty-six-year-old Ray, a hotel tycoon and one of the founding members of the Biju Janata Dal in the 1990s had parted ways with the regional party in 2002. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha that year as an independent candidate with the support of some BJP MLAs of Odisha. He then joined the Congress in 2004 but quit it in 2008. In 2009, he joined the BJP and was elected as an MLA from Rourkela assembly constituency in 2014. He, however, left the party in November 2018 after the Central Bureau of Investigation chargesheeted him in 2016 in the Brahmadiha coal scam case. Last year, there were wide speculations of his re-joining Biju Janata Dal before the elections after he met chief minister Naveen Patnaik a few times but nothing came off the meetings. He is currently not associated with any political party. The American company Raytheon Missiles & Defense, which produces the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System radar, has placed an order for the production in Romania of some components of the Patriot radar system with the state company Romaero SA, reads a press release sent by Romaero on Tuesday, according to AGERPRES. "Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a division of Raytheon Technologies, has placed an order with the Romanian aerospace company ROMAERO SA for the production of components for the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System. (...) The purchase order involves the production of mechanical assemblies to be included in the final construction process of the Patriot radar," specifies the Romaero release. Following the transmission of this order by Rayethon, the Romanian company will be able to receive other assembly orders for the Patriot system from the other countries that have the anti-missile shield of American production, according to the source. "The industrial collaboration between the two entities will allow ROMAERO to deliver components for both Romania and the other 16 nations that rely on the Patriot system to ensure their integrated anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense. (...) Starting with the delivery of this order, ROMAERO will have the opportunity to receive further orders from all countries having a patriot system," the Romaero release informs. The director general of Romaero SA, Vasile Boicu, pointed out that there are 240 Patriot systems in the world, for which there may be component orders to be manufactured by Romaero. "ROMAERO creates jobs and attracts orders that will be honored in Romania. This opportunity is not only about maintaining the systems purchased by Romania, but especially about the fact that from now on we have the opportunity to provide support for many countries that have over 240 Patriot firing units installed all over the world," said the director general of the Romanian state-owned company. ROMAERO SA is the largest Romanian state-owned company in the aerospace and defense industry. The company specializes in maintenance and repair services for civil and military transport aircraft, as well as in the industrial production of aerostructures and components. ?? La ministra Pilar Mazzetti brinda su mensaje por el Dia de la Medicina Peruana y el 85 Aniversario del Ministerio de Salud. En vivo: https://t.co/q77tWd81Xe pic.twitter.com/UMSDtktsIO A paedophile sentenced to chemical castration has spoken of his horror at the punishment which left him 'aching so badly' he could hardly walk. The unnamed convict was jailed for a decade and a half in Kazakhstan - where the age of consent is 16 - for raping an underage girl. Details of the man's identity were not revealed but he spoke of undergoing chemical castration which is now mandatory for life for convicted paedophiles in the ex-Soviet republic. 'It is incredibly difficult, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy,' said the rapist, after undergoing the first injection to reduce his libido. Kazakhstan said this week that it had chemically castrated 11 convicted paedophiles since a new law came into force in 2018. The country is using Cyproterone, a steroidal anti-androgen developed for fighting cancer to castrate the offenders, according to reports [File photo] 'I am pleading for help, and I want to appeal to everyone so that chemical castration is cancelled.' The man said he wanted to have a family when he is released from prison. 'I still hope to go back home, to continue my life,' he said. 'I want to have a family, I want to have children. 'My body is aching so badly after the injection that I struggle to walk, and it is scary.' Kazakhstan has used chemical castration on 11 convicted paedophiles since a new law came into force in 2018, the country revealed this week. His description of chemical castration has been apparently issued as a warning to potential child sex offenders. Funds have been allocated for the procedure to initially be used on 88 child sex attackers. Kazakhstan purchased stocks of Cyproterone, a steroidal anti-androgen developed for fighting cancer, to use for chemical castration of paedophiles, according to reports. The law applies to child sex offenders aged between 18 and 65. Nurse Zoya Manaenko administers an injection to a convicted paedophile as part of the process of chemical castration. Manaenko supports the dramatic punishment, saying: 'These people need to be stopped somehow ... They commit terrible crimes against children. So it is right that the law allows this' A nurse and grandmother tasked with castrating paedophiles in one Kazakh jail claims the West should also follow the ex-Soviet state's example. Zoya Manaenko, 68, insists it is right that child sex attackers should face this ultimate punishment. 'These people need to be stopped somehow,' said Manaenko who works in a prison hospital. 'They commit terrible crimes against children. So it is right that the law allows this.' But Russian psychiatrist Mikhail Pervushin claimed that chemically castrated paedophiles, once released from jail, can become even more dangerous. Such people are 'mentally ill' and by blocking their sexual desire, they may instead kill, he said. 'The big question is how these paedophiles will be tested for such a danger,' he said. A senior Tory minister claimed a huge data bungle that saw health officials 'miss' almost 16,000 cases of coronavirus was just 'teething trouble' today as the Government struggled to get a grip on the crisis. Gaffe-prone Skills Minister Gillian Keegan tried to play down the Public Health England blunder Trace which has been put down to using outdated Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. The error has drastically changed the outlook of England's coronavirus outbreak, with infection rates in the North soaring overnight. Following the revelation infection rates spiralled in every authority of the country except four at the weekend all of which were in the South. And today Downing Street revealed today that little more than six in 10 cases had been contacted. But speaking to Sky News this afternoon, Ms Keegan, 52, said: 'Do we have things that have happened this week that have given us challenges? Of course. 'If you are doing things and you are trying to tackle this unbelievably unprecedented situation, if you are in the chair, if you are actually doing all of these things, of course some things will go wrong, there will be some teething troubles, some things will have to be corrected.' Skills Minister Gillian Keegan tried to play down the Public Health England blunder Trace which has been put down to using outdated Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software Following the revelation that almost 16,000 'missed' cases had been added to the system, infection rates spiralled in every authority of the country except four at the weekend all of which were in the South. The cases have mostly been added to the North West of the country, with other areas in the North East and Midlands also hit badly Manchester, now the Covid-19 hotspot in England, saw its infection rate - expressed as cases per 100,000 people - increase by 80 per cent from 289.4 on October 2 to 529.4 on October 5. Leeds infection rate increased by 112 per cent from 149.3 to 316.8 in the same period Sheffield's rate shot up 160 per cent from 100.9 to 286.6. In Nottingham, East Midlands, the case rate jump up 3-fold, from 100.6 to 382.4 EXCEL BLUNDER LOSES 16,000 CASES: HOW DID IT HAPPEN? Matt Hancock told MPs yesterday that a technical problem over the weekend occurred with the system 'that brings together' data from NHS test sites and tests processed by commercial firms. Public Health England (PHE) told the PA news agency that the issue had been caused by an Excel file maxing out during an automated process. The spreadsheet, used in outdated software used by PHE, had too much data from the labs and therefore threw off thousands of cases when they were supposed to be passed onto officials in the NHS to start contact tracing. They were also not uploaded to the Government's public coronavirus dashboard. PHE said files had now been broken down into smaller, multiple files to avoid the issue happening again. Mr Hancock said it had been decided in July that the PHE 'legacy system' needed an upgrade, with contracts for a new system awarded in August. Officials from PHE and Test and Trace said that people who were tested received their Covid-19 test results in a 'normal way'. As soon as the missing cases were reported, officials said that the information was 'immediately' handed to NHS Test and Trace so contact tracing could begin and people in contact with those who had the virus were instructed to self isolate. But the blunder will have led to an inevitable delay in some contacts being reached. Labour said yesterday that some 48,000 people who have been in contact with a Covid-19 case may be 'blissfully unaware' they are spreading the disease when they should have been told to self isolate. Advertisement When the presenter suggested that 16,000 missed coronavirus cases was more than teething trouble and was in fact 'highly dangerous', the minister doubled down, adding: It is a teething trouble because it was found out and it has been rectified almost immediately. 'Of course I think we have tested about 600,000 people who have been informed as part of test and trace and of course that had to go in a few days later and that shouldnt have happened. But all you can do when these things happen is fix them and fix them quickly.' She added: 'These things happen.' Ms Keegan's interview was the latest controversial comment from the minister, who last week endured a series of car crash interviews, admitting she was unable to answer key questions over new lockdown curbs. Britain recorded 14,542 more coronavirus cases after the number of people testing positive for the virus every day tripled in a fortnight, new figures revealed today. Last Tuesday's data, which would normally be used to measure how much the outbreak has grown in the last week, was made unreliable due to a catastrophic counting error at Public Health England. It means Tuesday September 22 is the most recent point of reference - there were just 4,926 cases on that date. The extraordinary meltdown - caused by an Excel problem in outdated software at PHE - resulted in nearly 16,000 cases not being uploaded the government dashboard between September 25 and October 2, meaning the scale of the UK's outbreak has been vastly underestimated in the last week. Another 76 coronavirus deaths were also recorded today which is up 7 per cent on last week's 71 fatalities and more than double the number of victims posted last Tuesday, when there were 35. The rolling seven-day average number of deaths is 53, up from a record-low of seven in mid-August. Although clearly trending the wrong way, the number of Covid-19 deaths and infections are still a far-cry from levels seen during the darkest days of the pandemic in spring, when more than 900 people were dying and, experts estimate, over 100,000 were catching the disease. The cases which were lost in the government system because an Excel spreadsheet reached its maximum size and failed to update have mostly been added to the North West of the country, with other areas in the North East and Midlands also hit badly. The technical glitch meant 15,841 cases between September 25 and October 2 were left out of the reported daily coronavirus cases and were not referred to NHS Test and Trace, meaning potentially tens of thousands of infected Britons were allowed to roam the streets. Yesterday's rolling seven-day infection rate how many new cases were diagnosed in the seven days to October for every 100,000 people surged in huge cities including Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Newcastle upon Tyne and Liverpool, as a result of the backlogged data being properly recorded. Manchester, now the Covid-19 hotspot in England, saw its infection rate rise by 80 per cent from 289.4 before the unreported cases were uncovered, to 529.4 afterwards when some 3,000 were added to the city's tally. Nottingham's tripled, from 100.6 to 382.4, Leeds's doubled from 149.3 to 316.8, and Sheffield's increased by 2.5-fold from 110.1 to 286.6. The analysis based on government data crunched by the Press Association Babergh in Suffolk suffered the largest spike in infection rate (791 per cent, from 2.2 to 19.6), followed by Exeter (326 per cent from 61.6 to 262.5), and Fenland in Cambridgeshire (323 per cent from 7.9 to 33.4). Ms Keegan was grilled during an interview on Sky News on Tuesday about which local lockdowns have actually worked but she was unable to give a firm answer. 'I think, I am not an expert on this, but I think in Leicester there were some signs of some improvement in terms of the rate,' she said. The Skills Minister was also asked what the science is to back up the Government's decision to impose a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants in England. She said: 'The 10pm curfew is about reducing the amount of socialising. What the science shows us is the virus is largely being passed on by people socialising.' Sky News presenter Kay Burley told Ms Keegan that the curfew is not supported by any statistics, promoting the Tory MP to reply: 'What it does is it takes an hour off the socialising time, reducing socialising, the same as the Rule of Six.' When it was pointed out to Ms Keegan that 3.2 per cent of cases last week were found to have originated in a hospitality setting, she said: 'Yes. Yes and actually we know that the hospitality sector has done a brilliant job of making their places Covid-secure.' Ms Burley asked Ms Keegan why the Government is seemingly 'punishing' pubs and restaurants and the minister appeared to admit that was the case as she said: 'Because we are trying to reduce the amount of socialising.' Dr Anthony Fauci warned that Americans should not 'trivialize COVID-19' after President Donald Trump left the Walter Reed medical center on Monday just days after testing positive for the virus. Trump arrived at the White House on Monday in a made-for-television spectacle in which he descended from his Marine One helicopter wearing a white surgical mask only to remove it as he posed, saluting and waving, on the mansion's South Portico. 'Don't let it dominate you. Don't be afraid of it,' Trump said in a video after his return from the Walter Reed Medical Center military hospital outside Washington where he was treated for the disease caused by the coronavirus. 'I'm better, and maybe I'm immune - I don't know,' he added, flanked by American flags and with the Washington Monument in the background. 'Get out there. Be careful.' During Trump's White House arrival, Fauci was in the middle of a segment for this year's virtual New Yorker Festival. Dr Anthony Fauci warned that Americans should not start to 'trivialize COVID-19' after President Donald Trump left the Walter Reed medical center on Monday just days after testing positive for the virus Trump left Walter Reed Monday evening and said he feels better than he did 20 years ago New Yorker writer, Michael Specter, asked the nation's top infectious disease expert about Trump's tweet earlier on Monday, in which the president said he was 'feeling really good!' The president then wrote: 'Don't be afraid of Covid. ... I feel better than I did 20 years ago!' Fauci responded to the question by saying that 40-45 per cent of people 'can be without symptoms'. 'And then for those who have symptoms, the overwhelming majority are mild. But there are a group of individuals who fall into a certain subset or category, mainly the elderly and those with underlying conditions at any age, who can have a severe outcome. 'And we know that severe outcome could be anything from just feeling really, really sick to requiring hospitalization, requiring intensive care, possibly ventilation and even death,' Fauci told the New Yorker. During his explanation, Fauci pointed to the more than 210,000 people who have lost their lives to the virus in the US along with the 7 million who have been affected, as reasons to remain vigilant when dealing with this virus. 'I think anybody who is looking at this realistically has to say this is a very serious situation. Even though it's confused by the fact that such a substantial portion of people generally do quite well. But it is a very serious disease that we need to reckon with.' Specter then asked Fauci about Trump's messaging and how it should be perceived. 'Obviously, the message should be that we should try as best as we can to avoid infection. No matter who you are, how old you are, or what your underlying condition is, we should not trivialize it,' Fauci said. Trump arrived at the White House on Monday in a made-for-television spectacle in which he descended from his Marine One helicopter wearing a white surgical mask only to remove it as he posed, saluting and waving, on the mansion's South Portico 'Don't let it dominate you. Don't be afraid of it,' Trump said in a video after his return from the Walter Reed Medical Center military hospital where he was treated for the virus Trump, who was treated by an army of doctors and received experimental treatment, has repeatedly played down the disease that has killed more than 1 million people worldwide and left his own country with the highest death toll in the world. The Republican president, running for re-election against Democrat Joe Biden in the November 3 election, was admitted to hospital on Friday after being diagnosed with the disease. Trump has repeatedly flouted social-distancing guidelines meant to curb the virus' spread and ignored his own medical advisers. He also mocked Biden at last Tuesday's presidential debate for wearing a mask at events, even when he is far from others. His decision to remove his mask on Monday after climbing the staircase to the White House South Portico - a perch that put him at some distance from others - and his insistence that Americans should not fear the disease horrified some physicians. 'I was aghast when he said COVID should not be feared,' said William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. 'This is a disease that is killing around a thousand people a day, has torpedoed the economy, put people out of work. This is a virus that should be both respected and feared,' he added. Democrats also weighed in. 'This is a tragic failure of leadership,' Democratic Senator Chris Coons tweeted. But Trump depicted himself as a man who vanquished the disease and emerged stronger. 'If the President bounces back onto the campaign trail, he will be an invincible hero, who not only survived every dirty trick the Democrats threw at him, but the Chinese virus as well,' he wrote on Twitter. More than 7 million people have been diagnosed with the virus in the US and at least 210,176 people have died Biden quickly hit back on Twitter with side-by-side images of himself donning a mask and Trump removing his. A caption said: 'Masks Matter. They save lives.' White House spokesman Judd Deere said every precaution was being taken to protect the president and his family. Physical access to Trump would be limited and appropriate protective equipment would be worn by those near him. Questions continue to swirl about the true state of Trump's health after a weekend in which his doctors offered contradictory or opaque assessments of his condition. His oxygen saturation dipped enough to require supplemental oxygen on Friday and Saturday and he will receive his last intravenous dose of the antiviral drug, remdesivir, at the White House on Tuesday, his doctors said. Many aides and confidants have been diagnosed with the disease since his announcement last week that he had tested positive for it, intensifying scrutiny and criticism of the administration's handling of the pandemic. Trump has no public events on his schedule on Tuesday and it is not clear when he will be able to resume a full schedule, return to the Oval Office or get back on the campaign trail. As polls showed Trump slipping further behind Biden, Vice President Mike Pence beefed up his campaign schedule, adding stops in the swing states of Nevada and Arizona on Thursday, the Trump campaign announced. A Reuters/Ipsos poll taken Friday and Saturday after the president tested positive for the coronavirus, found Biden leading Trump by 10 percentage points nationally and that nearly two-thirds of Americans thought that Trump probably would not have been infected if he had taken the virus more seriously. The severity of Trump's illness has been the subject of intense speculation, with some experts noting that, as an overweight, elderly man, he was in a category more likely to develop severe complications or die from it. #GaspingForAir began trending on Twitter after video showed Trump appearing to take several deep breaths while standing on the White House balcony. Fauci also told CNN that Trump looked good when he came out of the hospital, but noted that patients sometimes have a setback five days after they get sick. 'He looks fine,' said Fauci, the director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 'Sometimes when you're five days in you're going to have a reversal ... It's unlikely that it will happen, but they need to be heads-up (alert) for it.' By Choi Sung-jin I'm not too fond of columns written in letter form. Many such articles are manneristic, one-sided, and shooting from the hip, not least because the writers know their letters will not be sent to or even read by the addressees.I won't be able to avoid this trap but I'm still writing this piece as a letter to Kim Jong-un, the chairman of North Korea's State Affairs Commission, for two reasons. First, Kim seems best positioned to resolve the current inter-Korean impasse. Second, President Moon Jae-in is under attack from so many people on so many sides that I don't need to add one more.Dear Chairman Kim,You must be having a very hard time now because of what Pyongyang watchers here describe as the "triple whammy" U.N.led sanctions, the coronavirus pandemic and flood damages. So much so that even your state propaganda machine recently admitted "severe and unexpected" economic challenges.Yes, the main culprit is COVID-19, although its impact on your country seems to be more economic than epidemiological.Had it not been for the pandemic, the Sino-Korean border might not have been so tightly closed, giving some breathing space for your economy hit hard by sanctions and floods. Even so, your lifeline China was focused on taking care of itself as the epicenter of the pandemic.You said not a single North Korean was affected by the virus, but few believe it. It was regrettable in this regard you turned down the South's offer to provide diagnostic kits and medical supplies.It seems as if you'd been disaffected toward the Moon administration since the disastrous breakdown of your summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hanoi some 20 months ago.As John Bolton said in his memoir, however, it was due to the obstruction by ultra-rightists in Washington and Tokyo. Even the mustachioed former national security adviser to Trump acknowledged how hard President Moon struggled to pair you off with the U.S. leader in Singapore and again in Panmunjeom. The rest was up to you and your U.S. counterpart.I might not be writing this letter to you if South Korea remained under the rule of right-wing leaders, such as Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye. There was little, if any, room for inter-Korean cooperation and exchange during their reigns. However, for Moon and his center-left predecessors Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, who dealt with your father nothing was more important than peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula.These liberal leaders did all they could and will do so to help you economically and diplomatically braving friction with foreign partners and conflict with domestic opponents.You may think a great deal with the U.S. will solve all of your problems. That seems neither likely nor possible. To do so, Trump should get another term, but that is hardly likely, according to most opinion polls. Even if President Trump is re-elected by any chance, you can ill afford to rejoice.Even the most self-indulgent U.S. leader like Trump, with whom you exchanged a couple of goose-bumping letters, will not or cannot make an international treaty in defiance of the establishment in Washington, i.e., the U.S. military-industrial complex, as you saw in Hanoi. You and Trump may be preparing for the "October surprise," but your U.S. counterpart will forget it once the elections are over.Trump is likely to end up as a single-term president next month. That means you will have to drop the top-down diplomacy and start from the ground up through more business-like talks with the U.S. Democrats. In the worst-case scenario, Joe Biden may take up where Barack Obama left off "strategic patience," or complete ignorance.Most of all, the newly elected president will be busy cleaning up the mess at home made by his predecessor and returning the U.S. to its former self. Biden will be too busy to worry about denuclearizing your country. If you make another military provocation to attract or distract the new U.S. leader's attention, Washington may consider making pre-emptive attacks, as Bob Woodward wrote in his new book based on interviews with Trump.All this shows why you should restore friendly ties with the South and its leader. You ought to start by resolving the recent tragic killing of a South Korea official by North Korean soldiers in the West Sea. True, you quickly acknowledged the responsibility and expressed regret. That was unusual for an "errorless" leader like you. However, President Moon and his government have come under fire for showing appreciation for your written notice. A pro-government commentator is being ridiculed for comparing you to "enlightened monarchs" in the 18th century.It would be best if you went further. I understand your government had declared a zero-tolerance policy to foreign infiltrators to prevent the coronavirus infection. However, shooting a civilian dead cannot be tolerated under any circumstances in any law-abiding country.You should accept Moon's offer for a joint investigation first. If you hold the killers accountable and come up with measures to prevent its recurrence, you will become a "rational leader" of the 21st century.There are no countries in the world wishing your country well and even paying for it except your Southern brethren progressive ones, I mean. You should help liberals in the South, or at least you should not embarrass them. Your father knew all too well how the conservatives here looked down on your country.Please turn the ongoing adversity into an opportunity. No allies can be better than compatriots.Choi Sung-jin ( choisj1955@naver.com ) is a Korea Times columnist. Haryana police say only Rahul Gandhi can enter following Covid-19 SOPs Congress's Rahul Gandhi has been protesting against three farm bills in Punjab and Haryana. For the last two days, Gandhi has been holding tractor rallies across Punjab against the contentious legislations. On Tuesday he will visit Haryana as part of his 'Kheti Bachao Yatra'.He will reach Pehowa in Haryana and then go to Kurukshetra. The Haryana visit has however been cut by one day. On October 7, he was also scheduled to address Karnal. During his previous rallies, Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi Raof destroying the Mandi and Minimum Selling Price systems, the primary concern of protesting farmers regarding the latest farm laws. "If the BJP-led Union Government succeeds in breaking the backbone of the farmers, the entire nation will be enslaved by industrialists like Ambani and Adani. The Modi government is doing to India what the East India Company of the British did," Gandhi has said on Monday. Meanwhile, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee's 'rail roko' agitation in Amritsar against farm laws has entered 13th day. Catch all the highlights here: live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 6 arrested two former senior officers of debt-ridden travel firm Cox & Kings Group (CKG), which is one of the defaulters of Yes Bank, as part of its money-laundering probe against the banks founder Rana Kapoor. The agency arrested Anil Khandelwal, CFO, and Naresh Jain, internal auditor of CKG, under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Khandelwal and Jain were produced before a PMLA court in Mumbai on October 6, which remanded them to EDs custody for a week. CKG fell under the EDs scanner after the agency detected alleged irregularities in the grant of loans worth Rs 3,642 crore to it by Yes Bank, which are still outstanding. The agency suspects that the loan sum was allegedly siphoned abroad via subsidiaries located in India, a source in the agency told Moneycontrol. During the investigation into the Yes Bank case, it surfaced that CKG forged its consolidated financials by manipulating the balance sheets of overseas subsidiaries, overstating the sales figures and understating the debt figures and fictitious transactions. Some board resolutions submitted to banks for sanctioning the loans were also found to be forged. Malvern Travel, UK submitted the forged bank statement of RBS Bank, UK and State Bank of India, UK. It also forged end used certificates of a UK-based statuary auditor to avail a Rs 422 crore loan from Yes Bank," an ED official said on condition of anonymity. Subsequent investigations revealed that the loan sanction from Yes Bank was driven by former Managing Director and CEO Rana Kapoor by bypassing norms. Another source said that the agency has evidence which shows Kapoor giving clear instructions to concerned bank officials to take no efforts to recover the loan proceeds or declare it bad. Between FY15 and FY19, CKG showed sales worth Rs 3,908 crore to 15 non-existent/fictitious customers, an audit report of Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) stated. It also identified 147 additional suspicious and non-existing customers and 15 high value fictitious debtors in its books of accounts. "Majority of the collections shown in ledgers of Ezeego One Travel & Tours (another group entity of CKG) was not found in the bank statements, it said. As per the PwC report, Cox & Kings (CKL) diverted Rs 1,100 crore to Alok Industries, another stressed company, which has no business relationship with it, without the boards approval. During this whole process, Khandelwal and Jain acquired mortgaged property amounting to Rs 63 crore in their owned business entity -- M/s Reward Business Solutions -- without paying a penny from their pocket, the probe agency found. Further investigations revealed that Khandelwal and Jain purchased various immovable properties from the funds diverted from CKG, the source said. An investigation revealed that Rs 150 crore was diverted from Ezeego to Redkite Capital Pvt, which was promoted by family members of Khandelwal and Jain. Bank transactions of CKG too did not match with Redkite Capitals books of accounts, thus revealing the fraud, the source added. In related news, the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) remand application of Rana Kapoor, co-founder of Yes Bank, was rejected by the Esplanade Court in Mumbai on October 6. The central probe agency had sought a remand on three grounds as they wanted to: 1) Confront Kapoor with certain emails and documents which are in their custody; 2) Confront Kapoor with the other co-accused; and 3) Confront with other employees of Yes Bank. CBI stated in court that Kapoor was being evasive during interrogation in jail. Kapoor continues to remain in EDs judicial custody since late March. However, Kapoors advocate Chandansingh Shekhawat countered that his client was already named in the over 21,000 page charge sheet. So, if the CBI wanted to investigate Kapoor, they should have not named him in the charge sheet and they should have kept their investigation pending. Today, with the CBI filling its charge sheet, what remains is only a formal compliance of bond. After listening to both parties, the court rejected CBIs remand plea. Eight months into the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, airlines are facing the biggest financial challenge in aviation history with no end in sight as coronavirus cases continue to rise in some areas. The 900,000 passengers who went through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at airports nationwide on Sunday was the most since Labor Day weekend. But passenger traffic is still down about 65% compared with last year, according to TSA figures. RICE LAKE, Wis., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Under Henry Repeating Arms' charitable "Guns For Great Causes" banner, company President and owner Anthony Imperato is donating a series of 65 custom "Prayers For Preslie" edition rifles to raise funds for the family of a 3-year-old Michigan girl battling leukemia. The rifles are available for purchase directly through Henry's website except for the first and last in the series, which are up for auction on Gunbroker.com. All of the proceeds collected from the "Prayers For Preslie" rifles will be presented to the Mantsch family of Iron River, Michigan. 3-year-old Preslie Mantsch of Iron River, MI was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in April 2020. Henry Repeating Arms' donation of 65 Prayers For Preslie rifles are expected to raise over $40,000 for the Mantsch family of Iron River, MI to assist with medical costs. In April of this year, amidst a worldwide pandemic, Preslie Mantsch was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The news was delivered over the phone to her father, Thomas Mantsch, who was waiting in the Milwaukee Children's Hospital parking lot, unable to be in the same room as his daughter and Preslie's mother due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thomas is a frontline healthcare worker and first responder in his town's ambulance and fire department. Preslie is currently undergoing treatment in Milwaukee, four and a half hours away from home, four to five days a week, and she still has two years of treatment left. Thomas says of his daughter, "Preslie is a magical, kind-hearted, wonderful, smart, and caring little girl. She has a fighting spirit, and I am praying that she beats this." He continues, "It is nerve-wracking to be working so close to the coronavirus frontlines with a daughter that is immunocompromised because of her chemo. We're taking every precaution to keep her safe, but it's hard." The "Prayers For Preslie" Edition Golden Boy Silver rifle, chambered in .22 S/L/LR, features a nickel-plated receiver cover, buttplate, and barrel band with a deeply blued steel octagon barrel. The genuine American walnut buttstock is engraved with an orange leukemia awareness ribbon in the middle of stylized butterfly wings, symbolizing hope and Preslie's endurance. Above the butterfly are the words, "Prayers For Preslie," in matching bright orange. Baron Engraving of Trumbull, Connecticut, donated the engraving work and hand-painted details. Each rifle in the series is marked with a unique serial number ranging from "PRESLIE01" to "PRESLIE65." Henry President and owner, Anthony Imperato, says, "It is heart-wrenching to think of what children like Preslie and their families have to go through when they get a diagnosis as serious as leukemia." Imperato continues, "We get so personally invested into each of our Guns For Great Causes benefits as soon as we see the first photo of the kid's smile, and we hope this goes a long way to helping the Mantsch family in these most challenging of times." To learn more about the "Prayers For Preslie" Edition or to make a purchase, visit www.henryusa.com/prayersforpreslie. The auction for serial number "PRESLIE01" is available on Gunbroker.com, item #880628196. The last rifle in the series, "PRESLIE65," is also listed on Gunbroker.com, item #880628718. Both auctions end on October 20, 2020. All firearms purchased through Henry Repeating Arms must be shipped to a licensed firearms dealer. For more information about Henry Repeating Arms and its products, visit henryusa.com or call 866-200-2354. About Henry Repeating Arms: Henry Repeating Arms is one of the leading rifle and shotgun manufacturers in the United States and a world leader in the lever action category. The company motto is "Made in America, or not made at all" and its firearms come with a lifetime guarantee backed by award-winning customer service. The company is also known for its charitable endeavors under its Guns For Great Causes program, which focuses on sick children, both individual cases and children's hospitals, veteran and wounded veteran organizations, Second Amendment and wildlife conservation organizations. The company currently employs 535 people and has 250,000 square-feet of manufacturing space in its Rice Lake, Wisconsin and Bayonne, New Jersey facilities. The company is named in honor of Benjamin Tyler Henry who invented and patented the Henry rifle in 1860 the first repeating rifle, the lever action rifle, which is America's unique contribution to international firearms design and is one of the most legendary, respected and sought after rifles in the history of firearms. Visit Henry Repeating Arms online at www.HenryUSA.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HenryRepeating, and on Instagram @Henry_Rifles. SOURCE Henry Repeating Arms Related Links www.henryusa.com After the extended school break, Ayva Hennessey should have been busy adjusting to the new term. Instead, the teenager is facing the prospect of traveling to Turkey for spinal surgery after being told by the Belfast Trust her operation was not an emergency. Ayva, from Bangor, Co Down, was diagnosed with scoliosis aged six. A year later she had rods inserted into her spine to correct an 84 degree curve. Since then she's had seven surgeries to maintain and lengthen the rods as she has grown. The Sullivan Upper pupil was due to be reviewed in March of this year, with a view to more lengthening surgery in June, but this was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. On August 31, the day before schools reopened, she heard three cracks in her back and felt severe pain. "Ayva has been sore since July, which we put down to the fact that the rods needed lengthened," explained mum Leigh. "The day before school was due to start, she was sitting on the sofa when she heard two loud cracks coming from her back. "We were concerned, but at that point she seemed okay. "Later that evening she stretched and there was another loud crack, this time followed by pain. Her dad Stuart took to the Royal Victoria Hospital's A&E and while in X-ray she fainted in agony. Expand Close Ayva Hennessey's spine / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ayva Hennessey's spine "At that point they still wanted to send her home and send for her as an outpatient, but we insisted she saw someone from the spinal unit that day. "The orthopaedic team described the rods as no longer fit for purpose. When the surgeon saw her, he said the only option now was spinal fusion - a route we had been hoping to avoid - and surgery was scheduled for September 14. "The day before the operation, the hospital phoned at midday to tell us there were no paediatric intensive care unit beds available, but someone would get back to us before 5pm. "We heard nothing more that afternoon, so the next day we made an appointment to speak to her surgeon and hopefully get some answers. "He told us that the RVH was reluctant to do the surgery, was only classing it as urgent, not an emergency, and was hesitant to reschedule." The hospital initially said it was unlikely to be able to do the operation in the near future unless one rod moved and protruded through her skin or the other rod broke under the strain, resulting in an emergency situation. Horrified at this prospect, and with Ayva unable to return to school since she was struggling to walk and even sit up alone, NHS worker Leigh and Stuart felt they had no choice but to attempt to arrange surgery privately. "If a rod moves, it could damage her spinal cord. There's also a risk of infection as even in that critical situation it could still take them a couple of weeks to assemble the spinal surgical team. It just doesn't bear thinking about," Leigh said. "We were at a loss as to what to do. Then I contacted the scoliosis charity Megan's Wish, who with advice they received from an external professional source reinforced that the surgery needed to be carried out ASAP. Expand Close Ayva Hennessey and family / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ayva Hennessey and family "They explained that there is the option to have this done in a specialist facility in Turkey but that we would need to raise 45,000 to cover the surgery and travel costs." Feeling like they had no other option, Leigh and Stuart began fundraising, and in less than a fortnight were able to raise 28,000 thanks to donations from friends, family and complete strangers. With the prospect of Turkey firmly on the horizon, Leigh was surprised to receive a call from the RVH earlier in the week offering Ayva a provisional date of October 13 for her surgery. This came with a warning, however, that because of the Covid-19 crisis and bed shortages, the operation could be cancelled at any time. While surgery in Belfast would save Ayva a painful journey, her parents have mixed emotions about what to do next. "We're faced with a huge dilemma. The health trust cannot guarantee that the surgery will happen, and with the extensive waiting list problems, the rising Covid cases and the recurring issue with lack of beds and staff, we are extremely worried it will be cancelled again," Leigh said. Expand Close Ayva Hennessey and brothers / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ayva Hennessey and brothers "We heard from one parent yesterday that when she spoke to the spinal team (she was told) there were only one or two surgeries being carried out a month and this will get worse during flu season. Plus, the trust still refuses to upgrade Ayva's surgery from urgent to emergency unless the rod breaks through the skin. "We understand the pressure put on the health service by the pandemic and the restrictions it has brought. However, this situation is not new, with scoliosis children in Northern Ireland waiting around 47 weeks to see a consultant. The issue was there before Covid, but now it is much worse. "Ayva is academic and loves school. She's also very active. Before this, she was taking part in outdoor pursuits and doing couch to 5K. Now she's having to sleep on a hospital bed in our living room and can only leave the house in a wheelchair. "We're worried about the effect this will have on not only her physical health but also her mental wellbeing. "As a family of five, this has also had a huge knock-on effect on Ayva's two younger brothers, one of whom is sitting the delayed AQE exams in January, and us as parents. I worked the whole way throughout lockdown and now I'm facing the prospect of having to reduce my hours to be at home with Ayva. "As parents who have watched their child in pain since July, and in horrible pain for the last four weeks, we are scared to trust that the health service, which has let us down so badly, will fulfil its promises and help our child get back to her life." With this uncertainty and a desire to get back Ayva back on her feet and into school as quickly as possible, the Hennesseys have decided to continue with their fundraising mission, so that if necessary they can move quickly to plan B: Turkey. "Our hope is that the surgery will take place in Belfast on October 13. If so, we will be delighted to refund all of the donations," said Leigh. "We have been completely open about the situation and have explained our new predicament to everyone who has donated money or a raffle prize, and their reaction has been incredible. "The goal is for Ayva to be back to school in January, so one way or another we are determined that the surgery will happen this month. "We have been blown away by the support, generosity and kindness that has been shown to our family. "We are fully aware that we would not have any choice if it was not for this support." To donate to the appeal for Ayva's surgery, click here Haiti - News : Zapping... Biden's promises to Haitians in Miami On Monday visiting Little Haiti (Miami, FL) the Democratic candidate for the White House, Joe Biden promised among other things, if he was elected, to maintain the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) and to stop the deportations of Haitians. 3rd month of clerks' strike Determined to ensure respect for the agreements of November 2017 and May 2019 concluded between the Ministry of Justice and Public Security and the National Association of Haitian Registrars (ANAGH) and face of the observation that none of their demands have been satisfied, the Clerks and the Parquet Clerk of the 18 jurisdictions of the country announce that they are continuing the strike started since July 28. King Henri day off On the occasion of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the death of King Henry I, Thursday October 8, 2020 is declared non-working in the North department. 5 million project for the Mirebalais hospital Friday October 3, the Ambassador of France in Haiti, Jose Gomez visiting the hospital of Mirebalais, announced the establishment of a cooperation project in the field of health in the amount of 5 million euros with Zanmi Lasante (hospital partner). Review of the National Ambulance Center (Sept.) For the month of September 2020, the National Ambulance Center (CAN) intervened in 6 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 19 suspected cases, 31 respiratory distress, 130 chronic diseases, 371 obstetric emergencies, 143 road accidents, 65 transfers, 87 various ailments, 14 gunshot wounds, 20 stab wounds, 27 traumas and 7 burns. "The Voice of Children in Good Governance in Haiti" The Enpak Organization, in collaboration with Koze Jenes and other partners, with the financial support of the United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince, will officially launch the project "The Voice of Children in Good Governance in Haiti". The aim of the project is to be others: to contribute to the civic participation of children in the public debate on major issues of national interest such as the fight against corruption, democracy, transparency and good governance, human rights. HL/ HaitiLibre Everyone remembers the wildly inaccurate predictions of a Hillary Clinton landslide right up through the morning of Election Day 2016. The New York Times confidently predicted Clinton with an 85-percent chance of winning. Reuters gave Clinton a 90-percent chance, and ABC News gave her a 95-percent chance of being elected president. (You can see more of those inaccurate polls here.) I suspect that the polls were biased, in part, and their methodology was obsolete. Also, there may have been some trickery at work with Trump voters deliberately deceiving pollsters. With this in mind, we are now being told that Joe Biden has opened up a double-digit lead over President Trump in the latest 2020 presidential election polling data. I submit that many Trump voters are being less than candid with pollsters, even more so than they were in 2016. One Gallup polling question may be shedding light on this phenomenon. When asked who will win the election, voters responded as follows (emphasis added): Majority of Americans Predict Trump Will Win Reelection Regardless of whom they personally support, 56% of Americans expect Trump to prevail over Biden in the November election, while 40% think Biden will win. Although majorities of partisans think their party's candidate will win, Republicans are more likely to believe Trump will win (90%) than Democrats are to think Biden will (73%). Fifty-six percent of independents predict that Trump will win. With this type of question, voters may let their guards down and provide a truthful answer. Since the pollster didn't ask for whom they were voting, Trump voters may feel more at ease by subtly providing their real voting preference to a stranger via this indirect phrasing of the question. Since Antifa and other far-left groups have actively doxxed and attacked Trump-supporters, it makes sense that these voters would hesitate to answer the straightforward "whom are you voting for" question truthfully. It is astounding that this poll did not receive attention from pro-Trump conservative media. And now that the president has tested positive for the coronavirus and is being treated at Walter Reed Hospital, the data may have changed somewhat. Even so, a 16-point gap in Trump's favor as to voters' feelings about the election result is significant and worthy of discussion. If this polling question accurately reflects the electorate's mood, then the Biden campaign should be concerned. The lack of enthusiasm for the Biden/Harris ticket could lower Democrat voter participation in the election, either by mail or in person. With the mainstream media relentlessly telling us Biden has opened a wide lead and that the outcome is essentially "in the bag" for Biden, that enthusiasm gap could further negatively affect Democrat participation, just as it did in 2016. After all, many Democrat voters were told continuously that Hillary Clinton had a 90%+ chance of winning. Why even bother to vote? She's got this... It's quite possible that pundits and commentators are missing the stealth Trump vote. Will Gallup ask who voters think will win the presidential race again before Election Day? If so, it will be interesting to see how those numbers change. The media may have dropped the ball on electoral prognostication...again. Michael A. Bertolone, M.S. is a freelance writer in Rochester, N.Y. Read his other American Thinker pieces here. Image: Questionnaire. Free image by pxfuel. Kuwaits new ruler Sunday pledged to remain constant with the countrys alignment with Palestinian cause amid decay in support for the Arab League member. Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, reports say, made the remark, during a meeting with Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, who visited Kuwait to offer condolences on the death of the late Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. Sheikh Nawaf said that he would follow the footsteps of his predecessor and offer solid support to Palestine and its people, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) reports. The new ruler, appointed early week after the death of his half-brother Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah on Tuesday, also reportedly spoke to the head of the Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, on Thursday and stressed that Kuwait will not alter its policies toward Palestinians and will remain committed to their cause. The remarks come amid steady fall in the support of Palestinians by their brother Arab states. UAE and Bahrain last month became 3rd and 4th Arab countries after Egypt and Jordan to thaw ties with Israel. US President Donald Trump who brokered normalization deals said several other Arab countries will follow suite. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly at Government Buildings in Dublin during Mondays press conference (Julien Behal/PA) Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has defended Irelands intensive care bed capacity as the Government gambles on avoiding another lockdown. The Government controversially departed from public health advice for the first time to reject a move to level five of coronavirus restrictions, instead moving to level three nationwide. Mr Donnelly has insisted that this was the best decision for the country. But the move is said to have angered officials at the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), which has warned that intensive care units will become overwhelmed. Currently 243 out of 281 intensive care beds are occupied, leaving just 38 available. However Minister Donnelly has insisted that hospital services can cope. Expand Close Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly arrives for a Cabinet meeting at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly arrives for a Cabinet meeting at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) He told RTEs Morning Ireland: The surge capacity that the HSE can bring online quickly is north of 300 ICU beds. Over a two-year period, were looking for a very substantial increase. But lets remember that at the very height of this, when there were many more people in hospital, and many times more ICU admissions, we didnt come close to needing the kind of ICU capacity that the HSE had put in place. Of the tragically many men and women that have lost their lives to this virus in Ireland, a very small percentage of them ever go anywhere near intensive care. Mr Donnelly said he had spoken with HSE chief executive Paul Reid about the issue, who told him he believes there is sufficient capacity in ICU beds. Asked if he would take responsibility if the decision to depart from public health advice proved to be wrong, Mr Donnelly replied: Its not about whos right and whos wrong. Its about trying to make the best decision we can given the evidence we have. This graphic gives a quick and handy overview of Level 3. For more info, see https://t.co/O1sRmN9X4b pic.twitter.com/IVbeNfGQsm Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) October 5, 2020 The Minister said the situation had changed since March and that there were other factors to consider other than the suppression of the virus. If we needed to consider nothing other than the suppression of the virus, if we didnt need to consider the entire of the country, then clearly one could make an argument that says well everyone just needs to go home, close down businesses, dont leave your house. And obviously we know that the virus would be suppressed. But we have to make what we believe is the best decision on behalf of the entire country, that is what we have done. He said that level three measures have been shown to work when we all work hard to put them in place. Meanwhile Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has criticised the Tanaiste over comments he made about Nphet. She accused the Government of answering back to Nphet and said Leo Varadkar had squared up to Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan in his comments on Monday night. Mr Varakdar had said that Nphets recommendation to move to level five had not been thought through. Ms McDonald said the advice was given in good faith. Expand Close Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Niall Carson/PA) I dont think the Government should be bounced into anything, but I dont think its fair that a body that is specifically charged to provide you with best medical and scientific advice to then accuse those people of attempting to bounce you, she added. Under level three restrictions people will be asked to remain in their county and can have up to six visitors from just one other household. Indoor gatherings will be banned, but pubs and restaurants will be allowed to remain open but with additional restrictions. Protest Held In Texas After Unarmed Black Man Is Killed By Police People gather for a march, rally and candle light vigil in honor Jonathan Price on Oct. 5, 2020 in Wolfe City, Texas. Credit - Montinique MonroeGetty Images A police officer has been charged with murder after fatally shooting an unarmed Black man over the weekend in Wolfe City, Texas. Officer Shaun Lucas was responding to a disturbance call of a possible fight in progress outside a gas station in Wolfe City on Saturday night, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said in a statement provided to TIME. When officer Lucas arrived, he engaged in a confrontation with 31-year-old Jonathan Price. But according to Civil Rights attorney S. Lee Merritt, who is representing the Price family, Price had been trying to break up a domestic dispute inside the gas station after he saw a man hit a woman. Witnesses say the disagreement started inside, but had made its way outside by the time police responded. Family members told Texas radio station KETR that the man involved in the original altercation then assaulted Price. I love my son and I tried to bring him up to do the right thing, Junior Price, Jonathans father, said during a Monday afternoon press conference. A candlelight vigil and protest was held for Price later that evening in Wolfe City. Wolfe City police officer Shaun Lucas has been charged in relation to the fatal shooting of Jonathan Price on Oct. 3, 2020, after Price allegedly tried to stop a domestic dispute. Montinique MonroeGetty Images Officer Lucas attempted to detain Price, who resisted in a non-threatening posture and began walking away. Officer Lucas deployed his TASER, followed by discharging his service weapon striking Price, the Texas DPS said in a statement sent to TIME. The preliminary investigation indicates that the actions of Officer Lucas were not objectionably reasonable. Lucas was charged with murder on Monday. He is being held on a $1 million bond. The Texas Rangers, along with the Wolfe City Police Department and the Hunt County District Attorneys Office, are investigating the incident. The Wolfe City Police Department did not respond to TIMEs request for comment. Story continues Read more: Americas Long Overdue Awakening to Systemic Racism Merritt said that Price was a city employee who was beloved in the community. He was a great guy. He was a hometown hero. He was a motivational speaker. He worked with kids, Merritt said of Price at a Monday press conference. He deserves justice because he was a human citizen who was not breaking the law who was gunned down by a police officer. When police arrived, Im told, he raised his hands and attempted to explain what was going on, Merritt wrote in a Facebook post. Police fired Tasers at him and when his body convulsed from the electrical current, they perceived a threat and shot him to death. The Texas DPS did not immediately provide details on the incident that took place inside the gas station. According to Merritt, the gas station has video surveillance footage of what happened, but the owners have allegedly refused to share it with Merritt or the Price family. The Texas Rangers do have a copy of the footage, however, Merritt claimed. During their Monday press conference, family members lamented the fact that the police had not shared many details relating to Prices death. I came up [to the gas station] and seen my son laying there, fighting for his lifeand [the police] wouldnt let me get close to him. I told them they need to let me talk to him and they wouldnt even let me do that, Junior Price said at the press conference, describing the scene after the shooting. John should still be here, Merritt wrote on Facebook, criticizing the delay in Lucas arrest. This is step one. Lets see it through to justice. This is the first bilateral EU summit with a partner country held in Brussels in a traditional, offline format amid COVID-19. The 22nd Ukraine and EU summit has begun in Brussels. This was announced by Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba. "The 22nd Ukraine-EU summit has begun in Brussels. Our joint statement is already agreed & it's a strong one. President Volodymyr Zelensky has clearly reaffirmed: Ukraine's course on joining the EU is irreversible. Today will be a great day for Ukraine's European integration," he said on Twitter on October 6. EU summit with Ukraine: Background READING, Pa., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PharmaForce International (PFI) recently completed a 2020 report that benchmarks the leading oncology sales and marketing organizations in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Joyce Wedemeyer, Director of Sales and Marketing at PFI, stated "The report captures various commercial trends in the leading oncology market which allows for companies to benchmark their deployment against competitors. We have also uncovered noteworthy findings surrounding the profiled companies' responses to the current pandemic." For additional report content, please visit: https://bit.ly/3iX12ds As pharma companies consider how to operate during this unpredictable time, many of the profiled companies are in transitional phases. Between the months of March and June, companies profiled in the France report halted any type of field promotions. Some of the oncology franchises have even postponed all reorganizational changes or restructuring planned out for this year. In Germany, the oncology franchises did not incur the same number of personnel reductions/layoffs as other therapy areas. However, the stability of the market is still uncertain. There has also been a delay in the national approval and launches of many oncology products. "At this time, communication efforts operate mostly through various digital platforms. There are few physician visits, as they now function via telephone, web calls, or video calls. In Italy, even internal communications with personnel, such as product specialists, have been made through web calls," says Wedemeyer. In addition to changes in the market due to COVID-19, the 2020 Europe oncology report provides many deliverables surrounding the oncology marketplace. Other insights include: The partnering of companies to test combinations of their respective PD-L1 drugs for new indications The rise in approvals and development of CAR-T cell therapies, and New business units being created in Italy specifically to promote these products specifically to promote these products Oncology research funding in the UK has increased two to three times more than other therapy areas Along with the five major European countries, the oncology benchmarking report is also available in the United States (https://bit.ly/3l3rhPV) and Japan (https://bit.ly/30lXNoM). For more information on the reports mentioned above, please contact Joyce Wedemeyer at [email protected] or by phone at 610-370-2906. SOURCE PharmaForce International Related Links https://www.pharmaforceintl.com (Newser) Almost 4 million Americans have already cast a ballot in the November election, according to an expert tracking early voting data, who is now predicting the highest voter turnout in a century, per Reuters. With a month to go until Election Day, some 3.8 million Americans in 31 states have already had their say, according to the US Elections Project, administered by Michael McDonald, an associate professor of political science at the University of Florida. Data compiled by CNN shows more than 3 million ballots cast in 26 states. While 57 million early or mail-in votes were cast in 2016, just 75,000 Americans had voted by this time that year. "We've never seen this many people voting so far ahead of an election," McDonald tells Reuters, noting "people cast their ballots when they make up their minds." story continues below Democrats have "more than doubled the number of returned mail-in ballots by Republicans in seven states," per Reuters. And Democrats have cast more than half of the ballots in Florida, Iowa, Maine, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, per CNN. While some states have yet to begin voting, others have expanded early and mail-in voting in response to the coronavirus. And "every piece of data suggests very high turnout for this election," McDonald tells Reuters. He predicts a record voter turnout of 150 million, or about 65% of eligible voters, for the highest rate since 1908. Some state figures as "just nuts," he adds. Early voting is almost 23% of the total 2016 turnout in South Dakota, and it's nearly 17% and 15% of that total in Virginia and Wisconsin, respectively. (Read more early voting stories.) A six-year-old has been rushed to hospital after she was stabbed in the lip by a needle hidden in a strawberry. Madison Mitchell was eating the fruit at home in Cairns, in Far North Queensland, on Monday evening when she suddenly felt a sharp pain. 'I grabbed it out of her mouth straight away and had a look,' her mother Sophie told 7 News. Ms Mitchell found a pin inside the strawberry (pictured) and took her daughter straight to the emergency department Ms Mitchell found a pin inside the strawberry and took her daughter straight to the emergency department. The mother-of-two said that if her three-year-old son was given the strawberry, he would have 'swallowed the whole thing'. 'I'm just lucky she came to me,' she said. Ms Mitchell said she was sickened by the the thought of Madison contracting a disease from the needle, though doctors said it was unlikely. The child suffered a small wound on the bottom of her lip. Ms Mitchell explained she was sickened by the the thought of Madison contracting a disease from the needle, though doctors said it was unlikely (stock image of strawberries) Ms Mitchell spoke of the ordeal on Facebook. 'Everyone be aware Madison was up at emergency tonight after eating a strawberry with a needle in it,' she wrote. One shocked reader shared: 'Back to chopping up strawberries. Sickos. Hope little one recovers well.' 'For the love of God dont we have enough s**t going on this year? Poor little thing! We cant even enjoy fruit anymore. Im so done with this world,' another said. 'Wow here we go again! Whats wrong with people? Hope your little one is okay,' another wrote. The family said they bought the strawberries from a Coles supermarket in Earlville in Cairns. A supermarket spokesperson told the publication it was 'concerned to see this, and have followed up with the customer to confirm she and her family are okay'. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Coles for comment. Madison said she felt 'sad' over the incident but will continue to eat strawberries. The Daily Beast names Craig Chapman, pictured, as the white, male University of New Hampshire chemistry professor accused of posing as an immigrant woman of color on Twitter A white, male University of New Hampshire chemistry professor has been accused of posing as an immigrant woman of color on Twitter. Craig Chapman used the account to make racist and sexist comments and attack users who supported racial justice and other progressive causes, The Daily Beast reports. Several people who have reviewed The Science Femme, who tweeted from the handle @piney_the, before it was taken down last week said it routinely posted racist, sexist and transphobic comments and images over the past year. It claimed in a viral thread reported by conservative publication RedState to have been 'successful in killing my dept's woke statement on recent social unrest'. The June 30 post called it 'a toxic ideology that cannot be given an inch'. The account, which had 13,000 followers, also used explicit anatomical terms to describe a female opponent and blamed another for the suicide of a North Carolina professor, who had recently retired after a backlash over comments he made on social media. It also claimed to have removed 'all woke terminology from the statement including anti-racism, white supremacy, white privilege, and claims of systemic racism.' They added: 'Being on these committees is the best way to steer larger policy further down the line You have to endure all manner of nonsense, but do it.' When The Science Femme was accused of racism, the account holder, believed to be Chapman, replied: 'You know I'm a woman of color, right? Racist.' In other posts the account holder also said they were 'an immigrant woman of color who grew up in poverty, sleeping on a dirt floor'. Chapman is accused of repeatedly saying he was a 'WOC,' woman of color, and a 'POC,' person of color. @piney_the also shared a meme of Elizabeth Warren after she claimed Native American ancestry. It had the caption: 'Growing up Chinese in South Detroit I struggled as an African American Jewish Boy.' Details about the account holder's brother owning a brewery and matching pictures posted to Chapman's public account are said to have linked the two. Several people who have reviewed the account before it was taken down last week said it routinely posted racist, sexist and transphobic comments and images over the past year When The Science Femme was accused of racism, the account holder, believed to be Chapman, replied: 'You know I'm a woman of color, right? Racist' In other posts the account holder also said they were 'an immigrant woman of color who grew up in poverty, sleeping on a dirt floor' Chapman is accused of repeatedly saying he was a 'WOC,' woman of color, and a 'POC,' person of color Several people who have reviewed The Science Femme, who tweeted from the handle @piney_the, before it was taken down last week said it routinely posted racist, sexist and transphobic comments and images over the past year Susanna Harris, a microbiology Ph.D. holder, told The Daily Beast: 'They put out this huge long thread about how they, as a woman of color in science, a professor, made a big change in their university by shutting down diversity, equity, and inclusion work.' Toby Santamaria, a graduate student studying plant biology at Michigan State who identifies with the gender-neutral term Latinx, was attacked online by followers of the Twitter account. 'I'm disgusted but not really surprised,' Santamaria said. The person behind the account also detailed how they had fought efforts from their unnamed department to speak out on racial injustice following the death of George Floyd. They also routinely brought up their fake background to criticize users who were pushing for greater diversity in science, mathematics, engineering and technology or STEM fields. 'It just wanted to silent dissent,' said Santamaria, recalling how the user would often suggest trans people did not exist and that sexism and racism in STEM was not an issue. 'Every time people would criticize the account and say that we do know racism exists in STEM and we do know sexism is a problem, it would say I am a woman of color so there, its not an issue.' The person behind the account also detailed how they had fought efforts from their unnamed department to speak out on racial injustice following the death of George Floyd They also routinely brought up their fake background to criticize users who were pushing for greater diversity in science, mathematics, engineering and technology or STEM fields The university has not named the professor whom it said was being investigated. A spokesperson said that the person 'is on leave and not in the classroom' In an email to the department Miller acknowledged the professor had set up a fake Twitter account and posted tweets that ranged from 'unfortunate to hurtful to deeply offensive' Harris, who runs a company that supports graduate students and clashed with the person behind the account, agreed the goal of posting as a person of color was to discredit diversity efforts. 'It gives validity to the thoughts of people, in my opinion, that are pushing this racist narrative that these efforts aren't needed,' she said. More troubling, Santamaria and Harris said, was the account user's habit of attacking mostly women of color who disagreed with him and encouraging his followers to do the same. Both women came under attack after calling for the account to be ignored or coming to the defense of those who had been attacked. The person behind the account used this image as their profile picture The account accused Harris of trying to prevent debate because she was white. In the days that followed, the person also blamed Harris for the suicide of a North Carolina professor, who had recently retired after a backlash over comments he made on social media. 'It was scary,' Harris said of the exchange. 'Sometimes, the internet crosses into real life. A lot of work I do is through social media and science communication. 'Defaming my character online affects my ability to do those things but also there is the very real threat that people could find my personal location.' The university has not named the professor whom it said was being investigated. A spokesperson said that the person 'is on leave and not in the classroom.' 'We are deeply troubled by what we've learned so far and immediately launched an investigation,' University spokeswoman Erika Mantz said. The chair of the university's Chemistry Department, Glen Miller, refused to discuss the case. But in an email to the department that was shared with The Associated Press by a department source who did not want to be identified for fear of retaliation, Miller acknowledged the professor had set up a fake Twitter account and posted tweets that ranged from 'unfortunate to hurtful to deeply offensive.' The email is said to have named Chapman as the academic being investigated. It read: 'Everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course, but when those opinions are dismissive or hurtful or harmful to others, it is not ok with me.' It described Craig as 'embarrassed and overwhelmed and shell shocked'. The case comes at a sensitive time for the university. It has been working for several years to address racism on campus and diversify the student body. Last week, it held a virtual town hall on racism, diversity, equity and inclusion The case comes at a sensitive time for the university. It has been working for several years to address racism on campus and diversify the student body. Last week, it held a virtual town hall on racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. For that reason, many familiar with the case argue the university has to take a tough line against the professor. Some have called for him to be removed while others argued he should be put on extended leave and be required to take extensive racial sensitivity training. Miller, in his email, said that he was 'deeply offended' by the professor's 'words and tactics, but I am not giving up on' him. 'I wish to give him an opportunity to repair the damage and move forward, difficult as that may be,' he added. Jessica Krug, 38, a white professor of African American studies confessed in a Medium post last month that she had been faking being black for years. The professor at George Washington University admitted she had deceived colleagues and students for years. Krug grew up as a white Jewish child in Kansas City but assumed a series of different black identities throughout her career, she confessed in a Medium blog post on September 3. She resigned from her role at the university last week following a backlash over the deception. One of the most notorious examples of race faking was Rachel Dolezal, a former NAACP leader from Washington state who was exposed as a white woman pretending to be black in 2015. Geneva, Oct 6 : In a special meeting, the leaders of the World Health Organization (WHO) said that one in 10 people around the world may have contracted Covid-19. A top official said the estimate meant "the vast majority of the world remains at risk", the BBC reported. Just over 35m people have been confirmed as being infected with coronavirus - the WHO's estimate puts the true figure at closer to 800m. Experts have long said the real number of cases would exceed those confirmed. The WHO is meeting at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the global response to the pandemic. Ten months on, the crisis shows no sign of ending. Several countries are seeing second waves after easing restrictions and in some cases numbers are even higher. The estimate that 10 per cent of the world's population has contracted the virus came from Mike Ryan, the executive director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme. "This varies depending on country, it varies from urban to rural, it varies between different groups," he said. "But what it does mean is that the vast majority of the world remains at risk. We know the pandemic will continue to evolve but we also know we have the tools that work to suppress transmission and save lives right now and they are at our disposal." Calling for solidarity and firm leadership from countries, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there had been marked differences in the number of cases around the world. "Although all countries have been affected by this virus, we must remember that this is an uneven pandemic. Ten countries account for 70 per cent of all reported cases and deaths and just three countries account for half," he said. More than one million people have died from the virus, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. After the US, India and Brazil have seen the most infections. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Hotels.com is not only giving voters the chance to take a vacation but live completely under a rock literally. This 3.5-star bed and breakfast in Farmington, New Mexico, is a man-made cave built 50 feet below ground. The company is offering a five-night stay from November 2-7. And its just $5 per night, calling it the Abraham Lincoln-inspired presidential rate." The hotel room comes with a kitchen, TV and soundproof rooms to help with getting a good nights sleep. 2020 has generated enough negative headlines for one thousand years, the company states. And election season isnt making it any easier. For those who are experiencing election stress disorder (this is a real thing!), Hotels.com is helping you and a travel buddy escape. But youll have to be quick. Hotels, rental homes, flights, cars and more to help with your holiday travel plans: Tripadvisor, VRBO The property is available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Friday, October 9 at 9 a.m. Now when someone asks you, Have you been living under a rock? You can actually say yes, the company said. Cant think of a better year to go underground. The company also suggests voting first by mail, absentee or early voting. Then you can check out of the newsfeed negativity and check in to a man-made cave, it said. For those who werent able to snag the cave, Hotels.com is also offering a limited-time 20% off code for other properties with rock in the name so you can still make your Patrick Star-style escape, the company said. Guests can use the code UnderARock at checkout beginning Friday, October 9 at 9 a.m. to get the offer. Related Content: There arent many topics in the parenting space where the research is clear, but spanking is one of them. In 2018, the American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed its position that spanking isnt effective discipline, and physical punishment, in general, may lead to increased aggression in children. Though rates of spanking have declined over the past few decades, the vast majority of Americans still spank (or feel pressured to spank) their little kids. In Singapore, eight in ten parents use corporal punishment on their own children, international research agency YouGov reported. We have an essay from Zuzana Boehmova about how her family thinks shes acting like a snotty, New Age-y hippie because she doesnt spank her children. This piece illustrates poignantly how hard it is to not lash out at a toddler who has driven you to the brink of your patience (and sanity) particularly if you were spanked as a child, and its a default reaction in your lizard brain. As Boehmova put it in her essay, I often feel myself at a loss when dealing with my own kids. When they upset me, I draw a blank on how best to react to their tantrums, frustrations or straight-up naughty behaviour. discipline without yelling How to Discipline Without Yelling or Spanking | (Aart-Jan Venema/The New York Times) Because many parents feel this way, we asked two pediatricians whose bylines youll see in NYT Parenting in the coming months Dr. Nia Heard-Garris, a pediatrician at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago; and Dr. Aaron E. Carroll, a professor of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine for advice on how to discipline toddlers effectively, and calm yourself down when youre at the end of your rope. Here are their best tips. How to Discipline Without Yelling or Spanking STAY CONSISTENT. If multiple caretakers watch your children, said Dr Heard-Garris, have everyone enforce the same behavioural standards. Discussing stable, consistent rules are the first step before you talk about the actual approaches to discipline, she said. If Grandma has different rules than Dad, your 3-year-old might get confused (or, in my experience, use the knowledge of different standards to undermine the entire system). Story continues USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT. When your children behave appropriately, Dr Carroll said to praise them for that goodness instead of just punishing them for whats bad. Its more important to reward good behaviour than to come down on negative, Dr Carroll said. TRY TIMEOUTS. Both paediatricians said that effective discipline is nuanced: Not every tactic will work for every child. But both mentioned that timeouts work for many families. The standard rule is a minute for every year. So if your 2-year-old wont stop jumping on the couch, she should go to her room for two minutes. Call out her negative behaviour as youre disciplining her in real-time, so she understands why shes being punished. You didnt stop jumping on the couch, so you are going to your room for a timeout, for example. If she misbehaves in school and youre giving her a timeout five hours later, Dr Heard-Garris said, that wont work. Image source: iStock If she acts out outside your home, name the problem and remove her from the situation. If you dont stop pulling cans off the shelf, were leaving the store, and then leave. (However, Dr Carroll said the one place all bets are off is on airplanes, that lawless nightmare in the sky.) IF TIMEOUTS DONT WORK there are alternatives. If a tantrum is over a toy or a specific object, take the object away and then ignore the meltdown. You can also try redirecting behaviour. You cant jump on the couch, kid, but you can jump on the floor. For children age 5 and up, maybe even try role-playing, suggested Dr Heard-Garris. Ask your child, If you had another chance, how would you ask for what you want in a better way? TAKE A TIMEOUT FOR YOURSELF, TOO. If your child has pushed you to the point where you feel you cant respond without spanking or yelling, take some space. Depending on a kids temperament, you may be at the brink every day, said Dr Heard-Garris. Tap another caretaker in, if possible, suggested Dr Carroll. Tell them, You have to handle this, Im going to lose it. And leave the scene until you calm down. Image source: iStock If youre alone, still aim to take the same break. I try to have the parents name their own feelings, said Dr Heard-Garris, which can ultimately help your kids do the same. You can say something like, Mommy is really frustrated right now because of X, Y and Z. I want to take two minutes. I need that space. Or, try calling a friend or family member to talk you down in that moment, so that you can get distance from those feelings of rage. You just need that gap of space to calm down before youre able to interact again, said Dr Heard-Garris. How to Discipline Without Yelling or Spanking By Jessica Grose 2020 The New York Times Company This story was originally published on 2 April 2019 in NYT Parenting. The post How to Discipline Without Yelling or Spanking appeared first on theAsianparent - Your Guide to Pregnancy, Baby & Raising Kids. U.S. Attorney John Bash, who serves the Western District of Texas, will resign at the end of the week to take a position in the private sector, according to a Monday statement from the Department of Justice. Bash was appointed to the position by President Donald Trump at the end of 2017. Bash previously worked in the department as an assistant to the solicitor general and served as associate counsel to the president. I tendered formal letters of resignation to both the President and the Attorney General this morning, Bash wrote in a statement. Bash said he accepted his new job last month. John has made significant contributions to the Department of Justice, including his service on the Attorney Generals Advisory Committee, Attorney General William Barr said in a statement. I appreciate his service to our nation and to the Justice Department, and I wish him the very best. Shortly after news of his departure, Barr named Gregg Sofer as Bashs successor. Sofer was a counselor to Barr and worked in the Western District of Texas office for 12 years. He was also a trial attorney in the National Security Division at Main Justice and worked in the Manhattan District Attorneys Office. Bashs resignation comes as his office is prosecuting the alleged gunman in the 2019 shooting in El Paso that killed 23 people and injured dozens more. Patrick Crusius, the alleged gunman, is charged federally with more than 20 counts of hate crimes resulting in death and more than 40 charges of firing a weapon in relation to the hate crimes, according to an indictment. The El Paso County district attorneys office is also pursuing charges against Crusius, and its unclear which prosecution will proceed first. Bash declined to comment on the timeline on his offices efforts in August, when El Pasoans marked the one-year anniversary of the shooting. I pray for the continued healing of those who survived. My office will not relent in our pursuit of justice for the victims and our community, he said in an email over the summer. I hope that I have discharged my authority wisely and have improved the safety and security of my fellow Texans, Bash said of his departure. I leave the Department with a profound respect for its people, its traditions, and its importance to our constitutional democracy. The Western District of Texas office is one of the largest in the country and regularly prosecutes more criminal cases than any other district, according to the Department of Justice statement. It covers 68 counties with offices in Alpine, Austin, Del Rio, El Paso, Midland, San Antonio and Waco and serves about 6.5 million Texans. Julian Aguilar contributed reporting. World Insurance Associates LLC (WIA) has acquired Paul Global Benefits Inc. (PGB) of Syosset, N.Y., on September 1, 2020. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. PGB is an employee benefits consulting firm specializing in health/welfare and retirement services in the large group market in the U.S. and around the world. PGBs client base consists of global multi-national companies in various industries such as technology, business services, engineering, mining, hospitality, banking, consumer products and more. WIA is headquartered in Tinton Falls, N.J., and is a full-service insurance brokerage providing asset and lifestyle protection with risk management, insurance and benefit consulting services for individuals and businesses. Since its founding in 2012, WIA has completed 74 acquisitions and serves its customers from 56 offices in 13 states and Washington, D.C. Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla provided legal counsel to WIA, and Sica Fletcher advised WIA on the transaction. Helfer & Associates advised PGB, and Schwell Wimpfheimer & Associates provided legal counsel to PGB. Source: World Insurance Associates LLC Topics Mergers New York American Murder brilliantly traces behind-the-scene events that led to Chris Watts' confession of killing his pregnant wife and two daughters. The Watts family murders of 2018 was a much-publicised, gruesome affair that uncovered how curated social media lives often lend an inauthentic sheen to a miserable existence in reality. Christopher Lee Watts, then a handsome man of 33, confessed to killing his pregnant wife Shanann, their unborn child Nico, and their two daughters Bella and Celeste in cold blood. Jenny Popplewells Netflix documentary, American Murder: The Family Next Door, does a brilliant job of stitching the series of events that led to Watts final confession. The crime film only uses real-life footage from police body-cameras, jail recordings, and the multiple Facebook videos that Shanann posted as part of her heavily exposed media-friendly routine. Popplewells treatment of the crime is clinically precise: she depicts whatever happened, without a shred of creative license or dramatic leniency. Nestled in a five-bedroom home in quiet Frederick, Colorado, the Watts family was a picture-perfect snapshot of happily-ever-after. Shanann, who was in the habit of incessantly recording her life updates, used to often shower adulations on Chris. In a particularly personal video upload (also used as footage for the documentary), Shanann addressed few thousands of her friends and followers, and confessed to being the luckiest girl for having found Chris at a juncture in her life when she was at her lowest. Being diagnosed with the auto-immune disease Lupus, Shanann said she had lost a considerable amount of hair and had sworn off men. An innocuous Facebook friend request from Chris led to marriage two years later, and the children followed in quick succession. Popplewell floods the screen with Shananns Facebook videos about Chris being the perfect husband, doing the dishes, smiling joyously at the camera, and even reacting to the surprise reveal of her third pregnancy; but soon cuts to the clip of Chris shaking hands with the officer who was called by Shananns close friend and colleague Nickole Utoft Atkinson after the mother of two failed to answer repeated calls and text messages, and did not show up for her OB-GYN appointment on the ill-fated morning of 13 August, 2018. The police bodycam then follows Chris entry into the house and consequent discovery that his family is gone. Shananns phone, purse with IDs, and wedding ring were left inside the house. There are even clips of Chris messages flooding Shananns inbox where he is worriedly asking her if she is fine and whether he should return from work early to be by her side. The morbidity of the Watts family murders was sensational news in 2018. Almost in a Gone Girl-esque fashion, Chris called upon various media houses and gave interviews pleading for his wife and childrens safe return. Since American Murder relies completely on first-hand material, the documentary feels ominously immersive. The decaying relationship between the couple is brought forth via text message pop-ups on the screen and Shananns videos chronicling her apparently dreamy life seem haunting in retrospect, as if she was directly addressing you in them. But this copious video documentation, that works in favour of Popplewell, was in fact, the undoing of Shananns posthumous image on the very same platforms that she used to once thrive on. After Chris was taken into custody for murdering his family, a vicious media trial ensued. A faction of pundits even claimed that the wife was a b**ch that drove him to the murders. The film declares at the end, that in America, three women are killed by their current or ex-partner every day. Parents who murder their children or partner are most often men, and such crimes are virtually always premeditated. So what makes American Murder noteworthy? It is the fact that this story feels dangerously close to home and unlike other crime narratives, this does not provide the security of But, thats never going to happen to me. Aptly subtitled The family next door, the film highlights the banality of such a gory action. The other factor that Popplewell has amply driven home is the stark distinction between reel and real lives, and how the both may not be symbiotic at all. Firm believers in strong familial bonds, Shananns parents had testified later that they had no clue that their daughter was facing marital troubles. What the documentary leaves out is crucial information that Chris later divulged in a shocking letter to Cheryln Cadle (who then collated her correspondences with Watts in a book titled Letters from Christopher: The tragic confessions of the Watts family murders). In those letters, he had admitted to having pre-planned the murders of his wife and daughters, adding that he had tried to smother Bella and Celeste to death twice (his first attempt had failed). American Murder effectively succeeds in revealing the chilling events that had occurred behind-the-scenes of one of the US most sensational crimes in the recent past. American Murder is currently streaming on Netflix. Rating: ***1/2 All images from Netflix. When a Tennessee photographers daughter, aged 6, reached a meaningful milestone at school, the loving mother organized a touching photoshoot to ring in the occasion. Stephanie Mullowney has long championed children with special needs through her company, Paperdolls Photography, and on the occasion of her daughter Hannah Graces kindergarten graduation, the little girl was the star of the shoot. Hannah Grace, who has Down syndrome, dressed in a smart blue cap and gown, followed her mother into nature for a beautiful outdoor photoshoot. On May 22, Stephanie uploaded her favorite shots to the Paperdolls Photography Facebook page. You all know how important these pictures of my precious girl are, Stephanie wrote, because you know how far shes come to be able to wear this cap and gown. In Hannah Graces beautiful photos, the excitable kindergarten graduate is pictured with a glittering balloon and confetti in the air. In one photo, she raises her fists to the sky in triumph; and in another, she prays sweetly, with her head bowed and hands clasped. In the heartwarming post, Stephanie regaled living in Maui, Hawaii, while pregnant with Hannah Grace. Her doctor, she said, gave her the option to abort her baby based on the possibility of her having Down syndrome. Stephanie refused all testing and gave her doctor a resounding No. Hannah Grace was born in the spring of 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. Stephanie, suddenly a single mom, struggled in the days and weeks following her babys birth, as her husband left them when Hannah Grace was just 5 days old. His exact words were, Stephanie, our daughter is defective, Stephanie explained, sharing her story on Faith It. My heart shattered into pieces. Stephanie knew she disagreed with her husband, seeing joy and value in her daughter from the very beginning. The besotted mom has watched her daughter go from strength to strength ever since, and kindergarten graduation was an added affirmation for both mom and daughter that Hannah Grace can do whatever she sets her mind to. [Hannah Grace] has overcome everything, Stephanie told Popsugar. As an infant, severe heart defects threatened the baby girls life, but she survived. Growing up, she has also built upon her fine and gross motor skills, her speaking skills, and her sociability. Bit by bit, Stephanie says, her daughter is overcoming incredible shyness and showing the world what she truly is. Hannah Graces school also acknowledged their amazing student on graduation day with not one but two awards in honor of the 6-year-olds achievements. Hannah Graces sweet teacher, Stephanie shared on her website, had arranged for Hannah Grace to receive the Soaring Towards Success Award for her hard work and the Enthusiastic Praiser Award for her enthusiastic contribution to prayer. My girl has defied all the odds and I will never stop believing in her amazing abilities, Stephanie shared with Popsugar. I have long muffled out the whispers of those who said she cant, she wont, shes not able. She is an overcomer, Stephanie asserted, she is loved, and I will celebrate every single milestone she overcomes because it is a big deal in our world. This story was last updated in October 2020. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter here: https://www.theepochtimes.com/newsletter The death toll from a fast-moving fire in Elizabeth, N.J., rose to four on Tuesday after two bodies were recovered from the ruins left behind by the five-alarm blaze, officials said. Investigators were examining whether a metal gate that kept the victims from escaping the burning building Monday evening and kept police officers who responded to the scene from rescuing them may have violated safety codes, officials said. The bodies found on Tuesday were believed to be those of a 41-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl, both of whom had been reported missing the previous night, officials said. The girls death brought the number of children killed in the blaze to three, officials said. In announcing the additional deaths, officials provided new details about the victims and about the apparent cause of the fire, and they also corrected some of the information that Mayor Chris Bollwage had shared late Monday after the blaze was brought under control. Out of the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar, Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan asserted on Tuesday that he enjoys 'very cordial' relations with the Bharatiya Janata Party and noted that he has firmly stood by the prime minister since 2014 when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had left the alliance to protest against Narendra Modi's leadership. IMAGE: Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan along with party leaders after the meeting ahead of Bihar assembly elections, in New Delhi, on Sunday. Photograph: PTI Photo In an interview with PTI, Paswan also asserted that he has been working on his 'Bihar first, Bihari first' agenda for a long time and had informed the BJP leadership about his differences with the Kumar-led government well in advance. He, however, refused to comment on claims about his tacit understanding with the BJP in targeting the Janata Dal-United, saying it is for the saffron party to answer. Asked how he sees the Lok Janshakti Party's and his relations with the BJP after quitting the National Democratic Alliance in the state, Paswan said, "I have very cordial relations with the BJP. I have said that we have no bitterness with the BJP." The LJP president also profusely thanked Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for 'taking care' of him at a time when his father and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan is in hospital for weeks. There has not been a single day when Modi has missed calling him to take feedback about his father's health, Paswan said and also praised BJP president J P Nadda and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for their concerns. Ram Vilas Paswan has undergone a heart operation at a private hospital in the national capital. The LJP president said his party will continue to be part of the BJP-led NDA at the Centre. Underscoring his support to Modi's leadership, Paswan said his party backed him in 2014 during the Lok Sabha polls when he was the NDA's prime ministerial candidate while Kumar had quit the alliance in opposition to his candidature for the top job. "I have been consistent in my support, belief and admiration for the prime minister since I fought my first election in 2014. It is Nitish Kumar who has been fluctuating in his stand. "He joined hands with Lalu Prasad and then joined the NDA in 2017. He keeps thinking as to how he can continue to be chief minister rather than working for the state's development," he said. Asked about his father's absence from political activities and campaign, he said he misses his guidance as the Union minister is not in a state at the moment where he can communicate. Ram Vilas Paswan, who has been in active politics for more than five decades and is known for his grassroots understanding, would have taken the decision to part ways with Kumar and fight independently in Bihar earlier than he did, Chirag Paswan said. "He would not have waited this long," he said adding that his father always had this regret of not giving LJP workers as much chance to fight elections as he would have liked as the party mostly contested as part of an alliance. "I am happy that I am now fulfilling his dreams," he said. Weve never seen such a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking emergency food assistance, said Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Food Depository. Were immensely grateful for NAV Consultings generous support in helping us to meet the need. NAV Fund Administration Group has announced a donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository in an amount equivalent to 100,000 meals for families in Chicago and Cook County. With the pandemic and current economic situation, we wanted to do our part to support families in need in the Chicago area, said NAV CEO Nav Gupta. Weve seen the overwhelming demand for services at food banks nationwide and were particularly mindful of the effect remote schooling has had on families with children who can no longer receive meals at school. Its an honor to support the Food Depository, an organization that does stellar work to battle food insecurity. The Food Depository is part of a united community effort acting as the hub for a network of more than 700 local food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other programs and is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks. During recent weeks, the Food Depositorys member programs have served an average of 120 percent more people in need when compared to January of this year, according to recent data. Weve never seen such a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking emergency food assistance, said Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Food Depository. Were immensely grateful for NAV Consultings generous support in helping us to meet the need. The NAV Fund Administration gift also contributes toward the goal for the Million Dollar Challenge, which runs through October 31. If the Food Depository raises $1 million, the George and Cindy Rusu Family Foundation will provide an additional $1 million to the Food Depository, doubling program donations. For information about how to donate or volunteer to the Food Depository, visit https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/. About NAV Fund Administration Group Founded in 1991, NAV is a privately-owned fund administrator recognized for its innovative and cost-effective fund administration solutions. Our dynamic team of more than 900 professionals provide services to 1,000+ Hedge Fund, Private Equity & Real Estate Funds, CTA, and Managed Account clients across the globe. NAV ranks among the top 10 global hedge fund administrators by number of funds, and services more than $100 billion AUA. All operations are ISAE 3402 Type 2 certified. About the Greater Chicago Food Depository The Greater Chicago Food Depository is at the center of a network of more than 700 partner organizations and programs food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile distributions and other partners working to bring food, dignity and hope across Chicago and Cook County. The Food Depository also addresses the root causes of hunger with job training, advocacy and other innovative solutions and is a member of Feeding America the national network of food banks. Learn more at https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/ The Tuesday sought response from the Centre and others on a plea seeking directions to ban in Punjab and Haryana which causes massive air pollution in the capital in winters. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde issued notices to the Ministry of Environment and Forests as well as the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Issue notice returnable on October 16, the bench also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian said. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by environmental activist and class 12 student Aditya Dubey and law student Aman Banka who sought directions to provide free of cost stubble removing machines to small and marginal farmers to check high particulate matters in the air. The petition contended that contributes almost 40 per cent of air pollution in Delhi. The PIL referred to a the Harvard University study that air pollution may now be an important factor that aggravates a mild Covid-19 infection into an acute one. It also referred to a study of the Louisiana State University, which found that increased air pollution can offer a direct pathway for airborne transmission of Covid-19. Thus, any increase in the air pollution levels of Delhi-NCR this year while the Covid-19 pandemic is spiralling out of control, will exponentially increase the mortality rates due to Covid-19, comprising the respiratory system of the citizens, more so in case of senior citizens and children, the plea said. The PIL contended that the consequences of allowing any to take place amid the ongoing pandemic may be catastrophic. The petitioners have sought directions to state governments to stop stubble burning and also fix a ceiling on rental of stubble removing machines during September to January 2021. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-06 21:39:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The police have arrested five drug smugglers and destroyed two heroin labs in separate operations in Afghanistan, said a statement released by the Ministry of Interior Affairs on Tuesday. Two people have been arrested in the capital city Kabul and three others from the southern Helmand province, the statement said, adding that 20 kg of heroin and 40 kg of hashish have been recovered from their possession. The police have also destroyed two heroin labs in Ghani Khil district of eastern Nangarhar province, the statement said. Enditem Billionaire James Packer agrees he engaged in shameful and disgraceful conduct by threatening a businessman over a proposal to privatise Crown Resorts, but blames bipolar disorder for his actions. The 53-year-old on Tuesday was beamed into a Sydney-based casino inquiry by video-link from his luxury yacht moored in the South Pacific. He was compelled to appear. The identity of the businessman on the receiving end of Mr Packer's threats was not revealed, referred to only as 'Mr X'. James Packer of Crown Resorts leaves after attending the Crown Resorts annual general meeting on October 26, 2017 in Melbourne Mr Packer appeared via video link on Tuesday from his mega yacht (pictured) moored in the South Pacific Mr Packer agreed he had discussions with the man about possibly privatising Crown Resorts in 2015. Mr Packer's legal team successfully fought for the exact content of a bundle of emails containing the communications with Mr X to be kept confidential, due to Mr Packer's mental state at the time. The billionaire agreed he was 'verbally' threatening Mr X in the emails, and accepted that the conduct was 'shameful' and 'disgraceful', despite then being a director of Crown Resorts with an obligation to act ethically and with integrity. 'At the time of these emails, Mr Packer, you understood that you had an obligation not to engage in conduct likely to bring discredit onto Crown Resorts, didn't you?' counsel assisting the inquiry Adam Bell SC asked the casino mogul. 'I'd clearly forgotten that,' Mr Packer responded. Asked how the casino regulator could have confidence in Mr Packer's character or integrity in light of his conduct in the emails, Mr Packer said he was sick at the time and is being treated for bipolar. 'You accept that your conduct in these emails reflects adversely on your character, don't you?' Mr Bell asked. 'My medical state is what it reflected most on,' Mr Packer said. Mr Packer fronted the inquiry via zoom in Tuesday and confirmed that strong medication was affecting his memory The billionaire earlier told the inquiry he resigned as chairman of Crown Resorts in December 2015 because he 'wasn't well'. Mr Packer agreed an Australian Stock Exchange media release from December 2015 announcing his resignation should have mentioned the health problems which drove him to resign, but said he hoped it would 'stay a private matter'. In a written statement submitted in late September, Mr Packer said strong medication he was prescribed since 2016 to treat 'significant health issues' affected his ability to recall past events. Mr Packer admitted that the operation of an unofficial Crown office in China represented a 'significant failure' in compliance. The NSW gaming regulator is holding an inquiry to determine the suitability of Crown to operate a new casino at Sydney's Barangaroo. Mr Packer resigned as director of the Crown board in December 2015 and again in 2018 after rejoining the board in 2017, but remains a majority shareholder. He is expected to face questions about his knowledge of a share sale to casino company Melco Resorts. Mr Packer was on board his yacht which is moored in the South Pacific when he appeared via video link on Tuesday for the Crown casino inquiry The NSW government was concerned that Stanley Ho, a billionaire with alleged links to organised crime, would gain an interest in a casino in the state. Dr Ho's son Lawrence Ho controls Melco Resorts. The inquiry commissioner, former Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin, will make recommendations about whether the sale meant Crown breached its casino licence by allowing unsuitable parties to become close associates of the company. The inquiry has been told the deal to sell 19.99 per cent of Crown stock from private company CPH Crown Holdings to Melco happened on Mr Packer's urging, despite his earlier resignation from the board. The inquiry has also canvassed Crown's measures to prevent its casinos being used for money laundering and its relationship with Chinese junket operators. Mr Packer is due to continue giving evidence on Wednesday. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 I went to visit him not so long before he died, Ligon said, and we had this extraordinary visit where he was literally in his hospital bed being wheeled out as I walked in. He said, I just have this radiation treatment, Ill be right back. And then we spent the next seven hours talking about the show from his hospital bed. Im not exaggerating. Early in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, scientists have found a cellular gateway the virus uses to enter and invade cells. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors act as the entrance of the virus into the cells by binding with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike proteins. A team of scientists at the Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton Health Sciences, and McMaster University, Hamilton, in Ontario, Canada, revealed that increased plasma ACE2 levels in the blood could indicate a higher risk of major cardiovascular events. The study is published in the journal The Lancet. There is an ongoing global effort to better understand ACE2, the receptor where the SARS-CoV-2 enter cells. ACE2 is a known regulator of cardiac function, and once the system becomes dysregulated, it could lead to health consequences. It is essential to know more about the role of ACE2 and how it can affect the cardiac health of patients infected with the coronavirus. Small clinical studies have suggested that elevated levels of circulating ACE2 activity and concentration may serve as a marker of poor prognosis in people with a multitude of cardiovascular diseases. So far, no study has provided evidence in a large cohort in the general population. Human ACE2 receptor, 3D illustration. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-Related Carboxypeptidase, a membrane protein which is used by SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter the human cells. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock The study The study, called the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, opens the door to explore the link between ACE2 levels with future cardiovascular disease events and deaths in a global community-based cohort. The team aims to see the role of demographic and clinical characteristics as possible determinants of the concentration of ACE2 in the plasma, describe the link between plasma ACE2 levels and cardiovascular events and mortality, and explore the importance of ACE2 in the plasma as a risk marker. To arrive at the study findings, the PURE study involved participants in 27 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. The team developed a biobanking initiative for the participants to assess genomic and proteomic markers of chronic disease risk. Further, they collected blood samples from the countries, and 14 countries even shipped samples, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Chile, India, Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, South Africa, Tanzania, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and Zimbabwe. The researchers included cardiovascular events, such as stroke, heart failure, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and death. Measuring proteins After collecting blood samples from all over the globe, the team measures proteins and plasma concentration using an immunoassay based on proximity extension assay technology. Further, genotyping and genetic analysis were also conducted by the study researchers. They found that sex accounted for the most variation in plasma ACE2 levels, followed by geographic ancestry, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, age, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. This study adds to the previous one noting that men are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. The study shows that men had higher plasma ACE2 levels than women, while concentrations varied broadly by geographic ancestry. Moreover, a higher BMI, older age, diabetes, higher blood pressure, higher LDL cholesterol levels, and smoking were all tied to elevated levels of circulating plasma ACE2. When compared with clinical risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, blood pressure, BMI, and lipid levels, ACE2 was the highest-ranked predictor of death. The ACE2 receptor facilitates viral entry for SARS-CoV-2. In patients with COVID-19, the ACE2 receptors might play a role in leading to cardiovascular complications such as thrombosis, cardiac injury, and heart failure. ACE2 is a possible link between SARS-CoV-2 and the cardiac presentations described in findings that have emerged from global data during the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers wrote in the paper. The researchers noted that the plasma concentration of ACE2 exhibits an independent link with cardiovascular disease, including death. Compared with established clinical risk factors, ACE2 consistently emerges as a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease or death, they added. After soaring on Monday, oil prices continued to rise on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House from the hospital where he was treated for COVID-19, while supply disruptions in Norway and the U.S. Gulf Coast also supported price gains. As of 9:48 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, WTI Crude prices were back above the $40 a barrel threshold, trading at $40.66, up 3.70 percent on the day. The international Brent Crude benchmark was also rising by more than 3 percent, at $42.66, up 3.37 percent. Having once again found support towards $39/b, Brent may have another go at the key band of resistance between $42.5/b and $43.25/b, John Hardy, Head of FX Strategy at Saxo Bank, said on Tuesday. Oil prices started this week with a price spike on Monday, after doctors said that President Trumps health was improving following a weekend spent in the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. On Tuesday, prices continued their rally after President Trump returned to the White House from the Walter Reed Medical Center on Monday evening. Hopes that Congress could reach a deal on a new stimulus package also invigorated the markets, including the oil market. In terms of fundamentals, supply disruptions due to a strike of oil workers in Norway and potential shut-ins in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico due to another hurricane also supported oil prices on Tuesday. Related: Gulf Of Mexico Oil Drillers Prepare For Storm Delta In Norway, the oil workers strike has shut in as much as 330,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), some 60 percent of which is gas. The strike shut down four fields operated by Equinor in the North Sea, the Norwegian giant said on Monday, noting that production at the giant oilfield Johan Sverdrup continues for the present. A total of 43 members of the Lederne trade union have been on strike at Johan Sverdrup since the middle of last week. In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Delta continues to rapidly strengthen and now has maximum winds of 110 mph, the National Hurricane Center said on Tuesday. Delta is expected to approach the northern Gulf Coast late this week as a hurricane, and there is a significant risk of dangerous storm surge, wind, and rainfall hazards along the coast from Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle beginning Thursday night or Friday, the NHC said. Chevron has already started evacuating all personnel from its platforms in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of Delta. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - German stocks edged lower on Tuesday after seeing a relief rally the previous day on optimism over U.S. President Donald Trump's health and renewed hopes for U.S fiscal stimulus. The benchmark DAX dropped 23 points, or 0.2 percent, to 12,805 after rallying 1.1 percent the previous day. Puma lost 2.6 percent after French luxury group Kering said it sold a 5.9 percent stake in the German sportswear group. K+S Group shares jumped 2.6 percent. The company has signed an agreement to sell its Americas salt business bundled together as the Americas Operating Unit to Stone Canyon Industries Holdings LLC, Mark Demetree and affiliates. SAP declined 1 percent. The software group and Sailing Yacht Research Foundation announced the launch of Sail Insight, a mobile app for the global sailing community which allows users to create, track and manage their own races and provides live data and analytics. In economic news, German factory orders grew at a faster pace in August on robust foreign demand, data from Destatis revealed today. Factory orders climbed 4.5 percent month-on-month, which was faster than the 3.3 percent rise in July and the 2.6 percent increase economists' had forecast. On a yearly basis, manufacturing orders dropped at a slower pace of 2.2 percent, following a 6.9 percent decrease 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. Terming the opposition parties visionless, Chief Minister on Tuesday said since they have nothing to offer to people, they are indulging in propaganda. "The opposition can go to any extent to vitiate the atmosphere of the country. Recent incidents are testimony to this," he said while virtually addressing the booth and sector-level workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Ghatampur Assembly constituency, which goes to bypolls on November 3. According to a statement released to the media, the chief minister urged the ruling party workers to publicise the achievements of the Centre and the state government and at the same time, "expose" the opposition. "Both the governments have done some historic works and this needs to be communicated to people," he said. Adityanath asked the party workers to engage themselves in intensive mass contact after setting up booth committees and stressed that the development plank is going to work in the bypoll in these changing times of COVID-19. He said people need to be told that recruitment in the state is now transparently being done on merit and not on the basis of religion or caste. "More than 3.5 lakh youngsters got jobs in the last three years," the chief minister said, adding that an equal number of aspirants will get employment in the near future. He further said his government has proved that criminals will not be allowed to raise their heads in the state and they are now running for shelter. "Gone are the days of the previous jungle raj when industrialists wrapped up their businesses. Instead, new investments are coming to the state," Adityanath said, adding that a sound law-and-order scenario and the availability of infrastructure in terms of electricity, roads etc. are the added advantages for investors to come to Ever since Narendra Modi became the prime minister in 2014, massive development works have taken place in the country, he said, adding that in the times of a global pandemic, the PM's supervision and consistent support have proved to be extremely helpful. "The state government ensured the return of 40 lakh migrant labourers from across the country and that their needs are taken care of by distributing food and providing medical help, and made them self-reliant by giving them employment through the OPOP initiative. It also made arrangements to bring back thousands of students from different parts of the country," Adityanath said. He also talked about the "remarkable" work done in Kanpur for the cleaning of the Ganga river as it "remains at the centre of our belief". Speaking on the occasion, state BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh said the opposition has not been able to digest the all-round development of the country because its agenda has never been development-oriented. (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 American sea captain is going viral for her brilliant reply to a sexist commenter who questioned how she could do her job as a woman. Captain Kate McCue, 42, who commands the Celebrity Edge cruise ship, addressed a recent comment on one of her TikTok videos in which a troll asked, 'How can you be a captain? Your only a woman.' McCue admitted that she usually just ignores remarks like these, but this time, she had to speak up because in this day and age, she is 'shocked' that some people still don't know the difference between the words 'your' and 'you're.' Hitting back: Captain Kate McCue, 42, who commands the Celebrity Edge cruise ship, addressed a TikTok troll who asked: 'How can you be a captain? Your only a woman' McCue appeared on-camera in her uniform for the video, and plastered an image of the offending comment on the screen. 'Normally when I'm scrolling through comments, and I see something like this, I totally ignore it and move on with my life, but I think it's about high time that I address this. 'It's 2020, and in this day and age, I'm shocked that someone still doesn't know the difference between "you're" and "your." 'So, a quick reference: "You're," as in "you are" like, "You are sexist,"' she patiently explains. '"Your" is something possessive. It belongs to you, like "your ignorance,"' she goes on. 'It's 2020, and in this day and age, I'm shocked that someone still doesn't know the difference between "you're" and "your,"' she retorted, before explaining the difference 'But don't worry, I'm here for you. If you need any more clarification, you can find me here, in my captain's chair,' she concludes, confidently settling into her seat 'But don't worry, I'm here for you. If you need any more clarification, you can find me here, in my captain's chair,' she concludes, confidently settling into her seat. Social media users have gone wild for her sassy response, calling it 'brilliant' and calling on her to be given a crown. 'Queen sat in her throne,' wrote one. 'She really said, "Today, our final destination is your grave,"' quipped another. 'This is the best: handling ignorance with not only confident class but a well-placed grammar lesson to boot. She totally deserves the Captains chair,' yet another wrote. In 2015, McCue because the first American woman and fifth woman overall to command a mega-cruise ship carrying more than 2,000 passengers when she took the helm of Celebrity Summit on it's trip from America's east coast to Bermuda. Queen! Social media users have gone wild for her sassy response, calling it 'brilliant' and calling on her to be given a crown She was in charge of the 91,000-ton vessel, which carries 2,158 passengers and 952 crew. McCue told CBS at the time: 'I think this is the greatest job in the world... traveling, meeting all these people, getting paid for it. It's amazing.. and [I like] being the boss.' McCue spoke in detail about what she did to beat the odds and break down gender stereotypes. She said: 'Everyone has a stereotypical idea of a captain and I'm missing some pounds. I don't have entirely gray hair. I don't have a beard or a parrot but I think when the guests meet me they're pleasantly surprised.' But she does following one maritime tradition: she has a tattoo of an anchor 'to keep her grounded,' as well as a compass rose and a ship's wheel. McCue says that she was inspired to follow her dreams by her dad, who told her that she could do anything when she first expressed an interest in sailing at the tender age of 12. The boss: In 2015, McCue because the first American woman and fifth woman overall to command a mega-cruise ship First: In honor of International Women's Day, she captained the Celebrity Edge, which set sail from Florida in March with a team of officers entirely comprised of women 'He said, 'You can do anything you want in the world, including drive this thing,' she said. After her family took a cruise to the Bahamas, she set her sights on becoming a cruise director, and in 1996, she was on her way when she became a cadet at the California Maritime Academy. There, men at the school outnumbered women 15 to one. But she kept going for her dreams, and spent nineteen years on 10 different ships in a variety of roles. In March, McCue captained the Celebrity Edge when it set sail from Florida with the first ever all-female crew. Part of the company's Bridge the Gap initiative, which aims to better represent women in the industry, the trip coincided with International Women's Day. A local man who was told by a judge he had 'run out of road' after being given every opportunity to deal with the drug addiction at the centre of his offending, was sentenced to a total of 12 months at Dundalk district court last week. Deaglan Conlon (25) of no fixed abode, who had 84 previous convictions, was before the court last Wednesday in relation to 31 charges - which took up three pages of the court list. Three of the cases were contested, but guilty pleas had been entered in relation to the balance which mostly related to public order and shoplifting. The most serious related to over 3,800 in criminal damage, which was caused to a mattress and bedroom furniture and windows, in a fire at the back of the Mourne View apartments in April 2018. He also stole a bicycle that had been parked on the forecourt of the Circle K garage on the Dublin Road eight months later and admitted possession of heroin in February the same year. The Defence solicitor told the court her client has been engaging with the Turas counselling service, and asked for a four week adjournment to give him an opportunity to enter the Coolmine drug treatment centre. She explained he had completed a pre-entry course before lockdown, but had not been able to secure a bed there, due to the current localised lockdown in Dublin. Judge McKiernan imposed four consecutive four month sentences, but suspended the final four months in full on him entering a bond to remain under the supervision of the Probation Service. It was while signing that bond, Deaglan Conlon told the judge he had spent 10,000 on drugs and referring drugs in prison added "There's more drugs in there than there is out here". Three California police officers started out their day in dramatic fashion when they were flagged down to help a man and his wife, parked by the side of the road. The woman was in labor. One of the officers of the Stockton Police Department was hailed by the couple in need at around 7:46 a.m. on Sept. 27, according to a statement. The father-to-be, standing at the junction of Washington and El Dorado in downtown Stockton, told the officer that his wife was having a baby and needed to get to a hospital. (Illustration Syda Productions/Shutterstock) The laboring woman was sitting in the passenger seat of the car. The officer directed the couple to a safe spot away from the street. It just so happened to be the Stockton Police Department buildings front parking lot. The officer called dispatched, and aired for a Code 3 [lights and siren] ambulance for a woman in active labor, the police department said. While waiting, the officer gave reassurances to the nervous couple. However, the mothers water broke before the ambulance could arrive, according to the statement. Luckily, two additional police officers with medical experience were in the vicinity and took over the laboring womans care without hesitation. They helped her deliver her baby, a healthy boy, right there in the parking lot. Baby Semaj came into the world at 7:50 a.m., mere minutes after the first officers help was requested. None of the officers were identified in the news release. The baby and mother are doing fine at the hospital, the police said in the statement. After sharing the cheerful news of the babys arrival on Facebook, Stockton Police received a plethora of supportive comments from members of the community and social media users from all over. To date, their post has been liked over 10,000 times and counting. Great job officers, wrote one supporter, back the blue, what if they hadnt been there! Our officers are the best, thank you, wrote another. [A]s an NICU nurse I know how lucky baby was to have you there at the right place at the right time. Thank you to all of you. I bet its a day theyll never forget, one social media user wrote. What a blessing to be there to help a new little life into the world! Congratulations to the family, and great job on the officers part! Stockton Police Department at Washington and El Dorado in Stockton, Calif. (Screenshot/Google Maps) Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said, according to The Record, that having to deliver babies in urban settings is a very rare occurrence for his officers. When you log in for duty every morning, you dont expect something like this to happen, Jones said. This is just where the timing worked out. Its very fortunate the officers had some medic training, Jones said. They were just in the right place at the right time. They were calm under pressure, and Im very proud of them. We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc Sophia Loren has returned to the movies after a decade to act in the Netflix film The Life Ahead directed by her son Edoardo Ponti. 'He knows me so well. He knows every inch of my face, my heart, my soul,' the 86-year-old screen legend told Closer. The Life Ahead stars her as an elderly Holocaust survivor who befriends an immigrant child from Senegal on Italy's Adriatic coastline. Magnetic: Sophia Loren has returned to the movies after a decade to act in the Netflix film The Life Ahead directed by her son Edoardo Ponti; she is pictured in the upcoming movie Edoardo was equally effusive about his mother saying: 'The energy and passion with which she approaches every scene is marvel to watch.' He gushed: 'She wants to put it all on the line to make a movie that is so deep, so challenging, both emotionally and physically.' The movie bows on Netflix in November and that month Sophia would like to travel to America from her home in Switzerland to see her sons and grandchildren. Sophia drew international acclaim for the 1960 film Two Women which was also about the ravages of World War II in her native Italy. 'He knows me so well': 'He knows every inch of my face, my heart, my soul,' the 86-year-old screen legend told Closer; they are pictured in 2015 Her performance in the Vittorio De Sica movie made her the first person ever to earn an acting Oscar in a language other than English. However she has not appeared onscreen in a feature film since Nine, Rob Marshall's 2009 movie adaptation of a Broadway musical of the same name. Nine was based on the seminal Italian movie 8 1/2 directed by Federico Fellini whom Sophia never worked with despite the two being stars at the same time. She has kept working since Nine - she dubbed a role in Italian for the 2011 Pixar movie Cars 2 and has appeared in a short film. Premise: The Life Ahead stars her as an elderly Holocaust survivor who befriends an immigrant child from Senegal on Italy's Adriatic coastline A decade ago she also played her own mother Romilda in the Italian miniseries My House Is Full Of Mirrors, based on a book by her sister Maria Scicolone, who once spent a decade married to Benito Mussolini's jazz pianist son Romano. Sophia shares her sons Carlo, 51, and Edoardo, 47, with her late husband Carlo Ponti, a producer who was more than two decades her senior. They first tied the knot in Mexico in 1957 while he was separated from but still legally married to his first wife Giuliana, with whom he had two other children. Although he had technically gotten a Mexican divorce from Giuliana, divorce was not yet legal in Italy and would not be so until the 1970s. The way they were: Sophia shares her sons Carlo, 51, and Edoardo, 47, with her late husband Carlo Ponti; the couple are pictured at home in Paris in 1975 As a result Sophia and Carlo would have wound up on the hook for concubinage and bigamy in their native country and so they annulled their marriage in 1962. The pair eventually worked out a deal with Giuliana whereby they all moved to France and obtained citizenship there. Giuliana gave Carlo a divorce under French law in 1965, and the next year he remarried Sophia whom he stayed with until his death in 2007. Their elder son Carlo Jr. is an orchestra conductor and Eduardo is a director whose debut film Between Strangers also starred his mother. Radiant: Sophia has not appeared onscreen in a feature film since Nine (pictured), Rob Marshall's 2009 movie adaptation of a Broadway musical of the same name Sophia has four grandchildren and told Closer she regularly keeps up with them, chatting daily with her family on FaceTime during lockdown. 'My approach to life is very simple,. Enjoy all the good news that my children tell me about their lives,' shared the Marriage Italian Style star. Sophia, who lives in Geneva where she gave birth to both her sons, said: 'The beauty of my grandchildren fills me with joy although they are far away in California.' A few years ago she told the New York Times that what she enjoys about life in Switzerland is that 'Its calm. When you live in a big city like Rome or like New York, theres so many things going on and the streets and the cars. Here, its a really very peaceful place. And then, of course, its the center of Europe.' New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard a PIL in the Hathras gang-rape and murder case and termed the case as "horrible", "shocking" and "extraordinary". The state government had filed an affidavit before the hearing in which it was said that due to the possibility of riots, the administration had persuaded the victim's family to cremate the body at night. Speaking to IANS, Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad said, "Will the rights of the people be terminated in the name of security? What is the use of law and order then?" The Bhim Army Chief further said, "When there can be security arrangements made for people leaving from Delhi, then those who incite violence can also be stopped. Who wants to commit violence? So far no violence has been carried out by the victim's family. Will the rights of the people be terminated due to security?" He added, "For the first time I have seen how the police operates in Ramrajya. The police's job across the country is to collect evidence. But police work in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, is to destroy evidence. The victim's family did not give their signatures to take the body away. The victim's family was in Delhi and the body went to UP, how is this possible? "Why was there no attention paid to the demands of the aggrieved family. They were ready to accompany the police. It is a crime to take the body away without the consent of the victim's family." Spains Health Minister Salvador Illa and the director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts (CCAES), Fernando Simon, last night questioned the improving coronavirus data coming from the Madrid region during one of their regular press conferences to offer an update on the pandemic. On Monday, Madrid reported a cumulative incidence of the virus of 586.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last two weeks, compared to 692.1 on Friday. Both Simon and Illa stated on Monday night that there is an issue of late notification of the cases, combined with the fact that the results of new rapid antigen tests are not being adequately accounted for. There are specific areas of Madrid that are improving and others that are not, explained Simon when questioned by journalists last night, after having attended a meeting of the governments Covid-19 Monitoring Committee, which is chaired by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of the Socialist Party (PSOE). Im not going to get into any kind of public dispute with the Madrid region, added the health minister. If mobility needs to be further restricted, that is a decision that Madrid has to take. We have some doubts about the delay in notifications and the antigen tests, he continued. Health Minister Salvador Illa (l) and CCAES directo Fernando Simon at a press conference on Monday. Jess HellIn; Jesus Hellin (Europa Press) On Friday, the Madrid regional government reluctantly introduced a perimetral lockdown, among other measures, in 10 cities, including the Spanish capital. It was obliged to do so by a central government order, one that it is challenging in the courts. There has been ongoing friction between the two administrations in recent weeks, with the regional government run by the conservative Popular Party (PP) in coalition with center-right Ciudadanos (Citizens) and propped up by far-right Vox fiercely opposed to stricter coronavirus measures on the basis that they would cause further damage to Madrids economy. The epidemiological situation in the region, however, has rapidly worsened in recent weeks and, as it was during the first wave of the virus, it is once again the epicenter of the health crisis in Spain. Fernando Simon explained on Monday evening that when there are fewer new infections in Spain the public health services are able to report cases within 24 or 48 hours, but as the precocity has increased, this period has done so too. Some regions, he continued, have a delay of up to seven or eight days. This is due to the pressure on the people who have to make the notifications. The ideal situation is for there to be falls in real incidence and that this is not simply as a result of notifications. The Health Ministry yesterday reported 23,480 new coronavirus cases since Friday, given that no data is supplied over the weekend. This was down from last Mondays figure of 31,785. The total number of confirmed infections since the pandemic took hold now stands at 813,412. There have also been 139 new Covid-19-related deaths added to the total, bringing the official number of victims in Spain to 32,225. This figure, however, does not include the thousands of people who died between March and April without undergoing a PCR test. According to data from Spains civil registries, there have been 53,000 excess deaths in the country between March and September. We continue to be very worried, the coming weeks are going to be very tough, said Health Minister Salvador Illa, insisting that the objective is to flatten the curve and that this will not be easy. He added: It is only fair to convey our gratitude to those regions who are anticipating events and are taking decisive action as a preventive measure. On Monday the regional government of Castilla y Leon announced that it was confining the cities of Leon and Palencia given the rising coronavirus cases there. The city of Palencia, which has been confined due to the rising number of coronavirus cases. almudena alvarez (EFE) The occupation of Spains intensive care units (ICUs) continues to be high, with Covid-19 patients occupying 18.3% of beds, compared to 18% on Friday. Madrid is in the worst situation, with 41.54% of ICU beds taken up by coronavirus patients. Simon also warned that the incidence of the disease among the over-60s has risen between 15 and 20%, which increases the probability of hospital admissions going up. Simon explained that the cumulative incidence of coronavirus cases over 14 days is falling, from 269 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to 254 cases on Monday. But he warned that these continue to be high figures. The region with the highest cumulative incidence is currently Navarre, with 684 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Madrid with 587. To put these figures into context, it emerged on Monday that Paris was putting new measures into place today based on a cumulative incidence of 260 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days, which, multiplied by two to enable comparison with the aforementioned figures for Spain, comes in at 520 cases. The French capital will be closing all bars, gyms and swimming pools. In Madrid, meanwhile, businesses such as bars, restaurants and cafes remain open albeit with capacity restrictions and earlier closing times. English version by Simon Hunter. MATSAPHA The alcohol tap has been turned off at Mgenule. Mgenule is the canteen belonging to the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), located opposite the army wing at Matsapha International Airport. This publication visited the canteen and the army wing at Matsapha airport yesterday. At the canteen, it found that there was no alcohol as only the grocery shop was operating. On the other hand, at the army wing at the airport, which is about 800 metres away from the canteen, dozens of uniformed soldiers were found. A majority of them were behind the offices and they were busy counting and repacking crates with empty bottles of beer. While the majority of the military men were counting and repacking the empty cases of beer, some were monitoring closely. It is worth noting that on the fence of the army wing, there were pieces of a tent were which hung over and it prevented people who were outside to see what was taking place inside. Media The senior officials who were found at the army wing said they were not allowed to speak to the media. They referred this publication to the office of the army public relations officer (PRO). They emphasised that if this publication wanted to take pictures within the wing, it should get authority from the PROs office. As a result, when this reporter left the army wing, he was accompanied by a military man who made sure that no pictures were taken. Meanwhile, the UEDF PRO, Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo, said the army would launch an investigation regarding the matter, where it was alleged that despite the ban on the distribution and sale of alcohol, alcoholic beverages were being sold at the canteen in question. Indeed, pertinent structures within the defence force, have since taken up the issue. Investigations are ongoing, the army spokesperson said. It is worth noting that this took place immediately after this publication reported that imbibers around Matsapha had never run out of options on where they could quench their thirst in the midst of the duration of the ban on distribution and sale of alcohol. This was because alcoholic beverages had always been available at Mgenule. However, the allegations are to the effect that the liquor which was being sold did not belong to the army, but one of the senior officers based at the army wing in Matsapha Airport. Information gathered by this publication was that the liquor was allegedly smuggled from the neighbouring South Africa, through the informal crossings along the countrys borderline. How can you be in a relationship with someone if you dont speak the same language? 216 Shares Share There is nothing more indelible than the words of an unhappy patient. In fact, in the past ten years, I can count on one hand the number of patients who have expressed dissatisfaction either in person, online, or on patient portals. Even though negative patient interactions are so rare, unfortunately, Im consumed by them. I ask myself the same question that other physicians ask themselves every time something goes wrong: What could I have done differently? Its not an easy question to answer. In fact, we have all been trained to scrutinize every detail about our decision making so that bad things dont happen to our patients. We do everything in our power to optimize patient outcomes and minimize complications. But no matter how hard we try, some of our patients are still unhappy. It gets worse. We now live in a world where we are judged not only by our patients, by their families, by our peers, by hospital administrators, by the courts, but now we are being judged in a very public way: via online reviews. Dirty laundry. Aired. On Mount Everest. In order to be successful, not only do we have to take care of patients, but we have to achieve patient satisfaction. It is not difficult to get 5 stars one time. But maintain it over a career? Nearly impossible. People say it cant get any worse. Well, in medicine, we know that it can always get worse. So imagine this situation where it can only get worse. Anything less than 5/5 stars makes us feel like we are sub-par. Are we? Well, it turns out many negative reviews are not about medicine, but about poor communication. Yes, it is true that medical education now has more emphasis on how to communicate: Say these words; maintain eye contact; sit at the same level. Are these things really all that we can do? During medical school, my family had a lot more time than I did to read about non-medical subjects. Whatever natural disaster was going on, whatever political turmoil, the latest social media challenge, the latest books that were published, I got a briefing every time I spoke with my parents or my sister. They were essentially my very own Blinkist. I remember when my sister was trying to describe this book called The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate written by Gary Chapman. The five languages include, 1) physical touch, 2) acts of service, 3) gifts, 4) words of affirmation; and, 5) quality time. In this model, each person has a primary and/or secondary language to express and receive love. It makes a lot of sense. We can all think of a couple where person A and person B got their communication wires all crossed, and they ended up arguing or separating. Chapman commented in an interview that even if the two parties have naturally different languages, as long as both are willing to meet the other, a connection is possible. The worst scenarios are: 1) If one completely ignores the others needs, or 2) if ones preferred language is the others lowest priority. Well, several years ago, I had a revelation. I had been preparing to perform surgery, but the patient never showed up. I found out later that the patient had canceled because I had not given tangible patient instructions. I was perplexed. Why would anyone care so much about a few pieces of paper that they were willing to forego treatment? I then remembered the five languages. I was so focused on an act of service, I didnt even think to give a gift. I realized that just because I dont communicate with gifts, doesnt mean my patients dont. Just because I dont speak French, doesnt mean my patients dont. I have to find a way to communicate in French. There are many examples of poor communicate. The doctor didnt spend enough time talking to me (time), My doctor didnt explain things to me very well (words), or My doctor didnt even examine my knee when I said it hurts (touch). With shorter visit times and the adoption of telemedicine, our communication needs to be optimized. Maybe we can learn from relationship experts. After all, the patient-physician relationship is, first and foremost, a relationship. Ideally, if we can identify patients preferred mode of communication, or routinely use a variety of languages, we can maximize our chances of getting it right. We should use all 5 languages. Physical touch. You dont have to hug everyone (especially now with COVID-19), but take time to examine the body part that the patient is concerned about. Make a point to wash hands and sanitize the workspace and equipment. Acts of service. Help with a wheelchair, hold a door, or escort the patient to the room yourself. Gifts. This doesnt have to be extravagant. Provide education pamphlets or bottled water in the office. Words of affirmation. Show empathy and encourage your patients. Thank those who are accompanying the patient. Quality time. Allow adequate time for patients to talk without interrupting. Thank patients for waiting if you are running late. Maximize the amount of time with patients by spending less time on the computer. (Utilize scribes, transcription, or dictation services.) This is by no means fool-proof. I just think that perhaps we need to reach out to people outside of medicine for answers. I often say to people that I went into medicine because Im not as smart as the PhDs, economists, lawyers, engineers, historians, environmentalists, etc. The list is endless. Im just eager to learn from them. As for my original question: What could I have done differently? Well, suffice it to say that no one leaves my office without patient instructions. The author would like to acknowledge Jonathan Lee, Jacob Tower, and Lam Ho. Yan Ho Lee is a plastic surgeon. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 2020 Interim Results Release Date and Annual Report TORTOLA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / Atlas Mara Limited ("Atlas Mara", or "the Company"), the sub-Saharan Africa financial services group, will be releasing its 2020 Interim results on 8 October 2020. In connection with the publication of its results the Company will be holding a conference call for investors at 10am EDT / 3pm BST on 8 October 2020. Details for the conference call are below. Conference Call Details: United States: +1 (631) 913 1422 United Kingdom: +44 3333000804 Participant PIN Code: 94376106# Date: Thursday, 8 October 2020 Time: 10am EDT / 3pm BST Additionally the Company announces that it has published its 2019 Annual Report and Accounts. The Company advises that copies of the 2019 Annual Report will be available at the National Storage Mechanism. Copies are also available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website www.atlasmara.com. Contacts Investors Kojo Dufu, +1 (212) 883 4330 Media Apella Advisors, +44(0) 7818 036 579 Anthony Silverman About Atlas Mara Atlas Mara Limited (LON: ATMA) is a financial services institution founded by Bob Diamond and listed on the London Stock Exchange. With a presence in seven sub-Saharan countries, Atlas Mara aims to be a positive disruptive force in the markets in which we operate by leveraging technology to provide innovative and differentiated product offerings, deliver excellent customer service and accelerate financial inclusion. For more information, visit www.atlasmara.com. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Atlas Mara View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609291/Atlas-Mara-Limited-Announces-Notice-of-Results-and-Publication-Annual-Report The most recent addition to the board is conservative businessman and political donor Art Pope, who was a selected by the N.C. Senate despite some push-back and an online petition. Pope replaced former Sen. Bob Rucho, a Republican who resigned from the UNC board in June. The N.C. Senate, which appoints board members, is not back in regular session until next year and cannot fill the position until then, according to Berger spokesperson Pat Ryan. In a statement, Berger said his philosophy on choosing board members is to select people who "are capable of making sound decisions and who agree that affordability in education is a top priority." He said they expect those individuals to "think and act for themselves." Working on racial equity Board Chairman Randy Ramsey thanked Allison for his "valued and thoughtful service" on the board and said he was a "passionate advocate" for public higher education and the system. In a statement, he said board member Reggie Holley will "continue to advance the important work of the Racial Equity Task Force" and lead the HMSI committee. President Akufo-Addo is expected to begin a two-day tour of the Upper East Region to commission some completed projects and inspect on-going works in the Region as part of his nationwide tour. According to the Presidents itinerary from the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, he is expected to commence his tour of the Region on October 7. President Akufo-Addo on the first day of his visit would inspect an Irrigation Dam project under the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) at Namoalgu in the Talensi District, and proceed to address a durbar of Chiefs at Tongo, the district capital. He would also inspect the Bolgatanga-Bawku road, address a durbar of Chiefs and people in the Bawku Municipality, and on the same day meet with the New Patriotic Party's Regional and constituency executives in the Bolgatanga Central Constituency, including Parliamentary Aspirants. President Akufo-Addo as part of the itinerary is scheduled to commission a Warehouse under the 'One District, One Warehouse' project at Nangodi in the Nabdam District, and address a durbar of Chiefs and people of the area. He would later in the day meet with Municipal And District Chief Executives across the Region and further commission newly installed street lights in the Bolgatanga Municipality to climax activities of the first day. The President would commence the second day of his visit with a radio interview in Bolgatanga the Regional capital and proceed to meet with members of the Regional House of Chiefs. The itinerary indicated that the President would commission various educational projects under the Senior High School Intervention Projects (SHSIPs) at Zamse Senior High Technical School (Zamstech) and the Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School (BOGISS). He would climax his tour with an inspection of on-going work on an inland Port at the Paga border in the Kassena-Nankana West District. President Akufo-Addo is expected to leave the Region for Tamale to continue his tour on Thursday, October 8, 2020. ---GNA Colombias oil history began in 1918 and entered a golden age in the late 1980s. Then, earlier this century, a new petroleum boom started, which was to bring considerable wealth and form the foundation of the countrys economic growth. While Colombia has experienced significant economic development over the last two decades, with annual GDP growth peaking at 7.4% in 2011, there are signs that the resource curse is weighing heavily on its future. The term resource curse is used to describe the well-documented phenomenon of bountiful natural resources sharply impacting a countrys governance, stunting its economic diversity, breeding corruption, and fueling conflict. Michael L. Ross from the University of California identified that oil wealth can be poisonous to a countrys development and governance. It not only reinforces the power of authoritarian regimes but also magnifies corruption because of the massive income generated and triggers or sustains conflicts in low to middle-income countries. These are all issues that are coming to a head in Colombia. Despite the landmark 2016 peace deal with the Andean countrys largest Marxist guerilla group, the FARC, violence and civil disturbances have grown over the last year. The capital Bogota was engulfed in riots last month after police allegedly murdered a law student who had been drinking in the street in violation of coronavirus social distancing rules. There has been a sharp spike in the number of murders with 46 massacres, the murder of three of more people in a single act, occurring since the start of the year. Since the start of 2020 more than 100 community leaders, environmentalists, and other activists have been murdered in Colombia. The escalation of violence has been amplified by Colombias coronavirus lockdown which began on 25 March 2020, severely limiting the movement of people. This comes on the back of nationwide protests against President Duques administration toward the end of 2019. Attacks on oil infrastructure, notably pipelines, continue unabated. In a worrying development, armed men assaulted national oil company Ecopetrols La Cira-Infantas oil field in June, taking 31 wells offline. Since the commencement of peace negotiations with the FARC in 2012 armed attacks on well-heads have been relatively rare. These are disturbing developments for a country that has been wracked with violence and armed conflict since the assassination of leading politician and presidential hopeful Jorge Gaitan in April 1948. That sparked the violent clashes in the capital known as the Bogotoza that eventually morphed into the countrywide civil war, La Violencia, which lasted until 1958 and was the foundation of the internal strife which has existed ever since. Related: Libyas Oil Production Jumps To 300,000 Bpd As Exports Rise Clearly, a deteriorating security situation poses a direct threat to Colombias economically vital petroleum industry, which has been struggling to attract investment because of the oil price collapse this year. A combination of the price collapse and coronavirus has seen oil production in the country declining since February 2020. By July 2020, combined oil and natural gas production had fallen a worrying 17% compared to the start of 2020. There are signs it could be disrupted further by the uptick in violence, particularly in rural areas where coca is grown and trafficking routes intersect. While the national government is focused on bolstering security for the economically vital petroleum industry in an environment where it is deteriorating, this will do little to alleviate the long-term impacts associated with being economically dependent on oil. Despite petroleum being responsible for generating only 3.5% of Colombias second quarter 2020 gross domestic product, it was Colombias largest export, making up 28% of all exports by value for the first seven months of 2020. Prior to the late-2014 oil price crash, those numbers were even higher. According to data from government statistics agency DANE during 2013, at the peak of the last global oil boom, petroleum was responsible for 4.5% of Colombias GDP and 54% of all export earnings. It is oils prolonged price slump which is responsible for ever mounting budget deficits, a sharply weaker peso and tepid economic growth. During 2013, at the peak of the last oil boom when the international Brent price benchmark averaged over $108 a barrel for the year, Colombias GDP expanded by an impressive 5.1%. It then fell to a multiyear low of 1.4% in 2017 as oil prices slumped and Brent averaged $54 a barrel and then rebounded to 3.3% on the back of stronger domestic consumption during 2019. Prior to the oil price slump, the central government reported a 2013 budget deficit of just over 2% which widened to 3.6% for 2017 and fell to 2.7% during 2019 as oil prices firmed. Related: Oil Majors Hit Hard By Canada's Energy Stock Selloff The overreliance on petroleum has a significant cost for Colombias economy and development. The governments dependence on oil rents, which in 2013 were responsible for around a fifth of government earnings, means policy is focused on promoting the development of petroleum to the detriment to other economic sectors. Colombias limited proved oil reserves, which according to the Ministry of Mines and Energy were a paltry 2 billion barrels with a six-year production life at the end of 2019, pose a significant risk to the countrys economic development. President Duque announced in 2018 that Colombia needed to double its oil reserves. He intends to do this by attracting further offshore investment in Colombias energy patch and opening-up the Andean country to shale oil exploration and production. That, however, has been delayed by the global pandemic and latest oil price crash which has seen oil companies slash spending and shutter uneconomic and non-essential operations. Colombias ability to attract the required investment from foreign energy companies is hampered by high breakeven prices, estimated to be $40 to $55 per barrel, making new projects unprofitable at the current Brent price. The Andean countrys attractiveness as a destination for international investment in petroleum is being further damaged by rising insecurity and violence. For as long as risks remain high and oil prices are low, international energy companies will look to more secure lower cost jurisdictions in which to invest. These issues are being amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. That, along with the national quarantine and sharply weaker oil prices were responsible for Colombias economy contracting by an alarming 15.7%, or more than double the IMFs 2020 forecast of negative 7.8%, during the second quarter 2020. This makes it highly unlikely that Colombia can attract the required investment and expertise to expand its proved oil reserves to a sustainable level and boost production. Until the central government implements policies aimed at reducing Colombias dependence on petroleum, the country will remain caught in the extractive trap and vulnerable to oils boom and bust cycle. This along with a lack of access to capital and technology transfers, which typically come with foreign investment in manufacturing, will prevent Colombia from developing while reducing poverty, corruption, and conflict. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The claim: While Sen. Cornyn is for secure borders, he strongly supports legalization for Dreamers. ad for Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. The 30-second ad began airing in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and the Rio Grande Valley on Sept 12. In it, a voice-over describes the senators position on Dreamers. PolitiFact ruling: Half True. Its true that Cornyns voting history has supported the legalization of Dreamers, but there are also examples of his opposition to bills that package Dreamer protections with other items. Discussion About PolitiFact PolitiFact is a fact-checking project to help you sort out fact from fiction in politics. Truth-O-Meter ratings are determined by a panel of three editors. The burden of proof is on the speaker, and PolitiFact rates statements based on the information known at the time the statement is made. See More Collapse Cornyn released a Spanish-language campaign advertisement in September that says the senator fights for all Texans, including immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, known as Dreamers. Theres no doubt that Cornyn has voiced his support over the years for protecting young Dreamers from deportation. In America, we dont hold children responsible for the mistakes their parents made, Cornyn has said. And his aides point to numerous occasions when he has cast votes on bills designed to provide Dreamers a path to citizenship. SENATE RACE: Sen. John Cornyn says Trump let his guard down on COVID Nonetheless, immigrant advocates and Cornyns Democratic detractors are quick to highlight other occasions when legislation with Dreamer protections was scuttled or opposed by the senator. A clear picture of Cornyns voting record on Dreamers, however, is tangled in the messy politics of immigration reform. The most popular form of legislation aimed at granting conditional permanent resident status to young immigrants was introduced in 2001 and is known as the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act. In 2003, during his first year in the Senate, Cornyn and a majority of the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a version of the act. But the bill went no further. At that point, Cornyns voting record on the DREAM Act and Dreamers becomes more mixed. In 2007, another version of the act was derailed after Cornyn and a majority of senators supported a procedural move that defeated it. In 2013, Cornyn opposed a broad-based immigration reform bill crafted by a bipartisan group of senators that would have provided a pathway to citizenship for 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally, including Dreamers. Cornyn said at the time he opposed the bill because it lacked border security components. In 2018, during the latest congressional showdown over funding for President Donald Trumps border wall, Cornyn co-sponsored the Trump-backed Secure and Succeed Act while opposing a bill backed by a bipartisan group of senators known as the Common Sense Coalition. Both efforts would have offered a path to citizenship for 1.8 million Dreamers and allocated $25 billion for a southern border wall, but the bills differed in other ways. The Secure and Succeed Act would have canceled the Diversity Visa Program, which awards green cards via a lottery, and limited family-based immigration to spouses and unmarried children under 18. According to the libertarian Cato Institute, these moves would have reduced legal immigration by 44 percent. The bipartisan Common Sense plan would have prohibited parents from using their Dreamer childrens newly granted citizenship to apply for citizenship themselves, according to a bill description on the website of Sen. Susan Collins of Maine. Neither bill was successful. Cornyns voting record on the DREAM Act, however, is not the only metric by which his support for Dreamers should be measured, said Cornyn spokesman Drew Brandewie. And Brandewie pointed to numerous occasions when the senator has expressed his support for Dreamers. I am sympathetic to their plight, Cornyn said last year, and I want to work to find a solution that would allow them to become American citizens. The language used in the advertisement that the senator strongly supports legalization for Dreamers should be interpreted narrowly so as not to include his position on the DREAM Act itself, Brandewie said. For example, in 2017 Cornyn was part of a bipartisan working group that sought a solution for Dreamers after the Trump administration signaled its intent to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals a move that has been held up in the courts. In 2018, Cornyn criticized a lawsuit that Texas and six other states filed to end DACA. Cornyn said the suit provided no solution and that the state needs the pool of very productive, good young people being protected by DACA from deportation. One can support legalization without supporting or voting for the DREAM act, Brandewie said. But to Frank Sharry, executive director of the progressive immigrant advocacy group Americas Voice, making a distinction between supporting the DREAM Act and supporting Dreamers is splitting hairs. He technically can say hes voted for the DREAM Act, but its his opposition thats the major feature of his career, Sharry said. Cornyns ad is hoodwinking Latino voters into thinking hes for a priority in that community when he spent the last 15 years undermining it, Sharry said. Cornyn said during an interview last week with the Austin American-Statesmans editorial board that the stalemate on Dreamers and the tendency for bills to get packaged with other items is probably my single greatest frustration and disappointment. Its sort of like a Christmas tree. People keep adding different things to it, and it almost always seems to collapse under its own weight, Cornyn said. The version of the DREAM Act currently before Congress could provide a pathway to citizenship for more than 2 million Dreamers. Cornyn opposes the legislation because it would give Dreamers access to federal student financial aid thats not available to citizens a provision that Brandewie said is wholly unrelated to the legalization of Dreamers. PITTSFIELD - A Berkshire County House of Corrections inmate who escaped from custody last year during a hospital medical visit and then spent three days on the lam was sentenced on Tuesday to up to 4 years in state prison, according to the office of Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington. Harry Chandler, 35, pleaded guilty in Berkshire Superior Court to charges of escape from a penal institution, and three counts of assault and battery, including on a correctional officer and on a person over 60 years old. Judge John Agostini sentenced him to serve between 2 and 4 years in prison. Prosecutors had sought a 10-year prison sentence, while Chandlers attorney requested 3 years at the county jail. Chandler was being held at the county jail prior to his arraignment following a July 3, 2019 arrest on a warrant for larceny and breaking and entering. At the time of his arrest, he was living on the streets. On July 8, he was brought to Berkshire Medical Center for treatment related to drug use and infections in his hands. At the hospital, he assaulted Sheriffs Department deputy, a nurse and a hospital staffer, and made his escape. Chandler, according to officials, had years earlier was trained as a black belt in judo and was a one-time contender the the U.S. Olympic team. He was apprehended July 11 when he was found hiding in a house in Pittsfield, some 1 1/2 miles away from the hospital. As many as 50 officers from multiple state, local and federal agencies participated in in the search for Chandler. Harrington issued a statement that read These convictions reflect that the Berkshire District Attorneys office takes violence against front-line health care workers and correctional officers very seriously. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Tokyo, focusing on various aspects of bilateral ties and ways to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar and Pompeo are in the Japanese capital to attend a ministerial meeting of the Quad or Quadrilateral coalition comprising India, the US, Australia and Japan. "Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar tweeted. Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific. pic.twitter.com/isZMTNlHXe Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 6, 2020 It is learnt that Jaishankar and Pompeo also deliberated on overall ties including evolving security scenario around India. In November 2017, the four countries gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. The first meeting of foreign ministers of the four countries under the 'Quad' framework had taken place in New York in September 2019. Also Read: US, Australia, India, Japan to discuss China's growing power The second ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral coalition on Tuesday is expected to collectively affirm the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of growing Chinese assertiveness in the region. During his two-day visit to Tokyo, Jaishankar will also hold talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne India is also expanding bilateral cooperation with Japan, the US and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region. The US has been pushing for a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific which is seen by many countries as an effort to contain China's growing clout in the region. Hans Menos, the executive director of the citys Police Advisory Commission, announced Tuesday that he is leaving his post on Oct. 23. Menos, who has led the civilian oversight agency for three years, will depart just weeks before Philadelphians vote Nov. 3 on a ballot question on whether to overhaul the commission, giving it more power to investigate abuse complaints against police officers. If the measure is approved, the new office would be called the Citizen Police Oversight Commission. In an interview, Menos, 37, said his decision to leave was not prompted by the coming changes, but rather was because he found a new job as vice president of law enforcement initiatives at the Center for Policing Equity, a nationwide policy group that seeks to address racial disparities in law enforcement. I have an opportunity to join an organization thats doing great work on a national scale," he said. "I would have liked to have stayed to usher the PAC into its next form and help guide that process. I support that in any way possible. Menos said he supports the overhaul, which he said would give the commission expanded powers to investigate police misconduct. City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. sponsored the legislation that put the commission overhaul question on the ballot. At a June Council hearing Jones said that the independence of the new agency would be key, so that its leaders can make decisions without "fear for their jobs and the future of their commission. The commission currently forwards complaints against to police to Internal Affairs but does not investigate the complaints, Menos said. The new structure of the commission and its powers will be determined after the November vote. "That is something that I understand that City Council and the citizens of the city want to see done differently, similar to how its done in New York, Chicago, and New Orleans, Menos said. Anthony Erace, the commissions deputy executive director, will serve as acting executive director. Erace served more than eight years as an investigator in the Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General. The commission, created in 1994, is the civilian oversight agency for the Philadelphia Police Department. Critics have complained that the commission has little authority. Ronda Goldfein, a commission member since 2010 and chair since 2012, praised Menos' leadership and said she is hopeful the successor commission would be better funded and have greater access to Police Department information. We had great leadership with Hans and he and his staff had worked on a lot of important projects, but we need more resources and access to information. We just need a whole lot more to be truly effective, she said. Otherwise were just treading water. The seven-person commission staff has a budget of $540,000, a 20% reduction from last fiscal year due to the coronavirus shutdown, she said. One of the ideas is to tag the civilian oversight budget to that of the Police Department," she said. "We have such an out-of-scale relationship with small, poorly funded oversight of the very large, well-funded police department. There has to be some scale between them. Tagging the budget of oversight to the police department has worked in other cities. The PAC budget is less than one-tenth of 1% the size of the $727 million Police Department budget a small amount compared with other large U.S. cities, which allot several million dollars to police oversight annually. Philadelphia does not need to reinvent the wheel on civilian oversight," she said. Lots of good models to choose from and the PAC is committing to help City Council work through those models and implement that one that works the best. SELBYVILLE, Del., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on Global Market Insights Inc.'s report, the global Electronic Ceramics Market was estimated at $11.99 billion in 2019 and is slated to surpass $14 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 3.8% from 2020 to 2026. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the key investment avenues, drivers and opportunities, key winning strategies, wavering industry trends, competitive scenarios, and market estimations as well as size. Global Market Insights Inc. Around 60% of the world's population resides in the Asia-Pacific, including the two most populated countries, China and India. A large consumer base, increasing per capita income, and a surge in consumer electronics demand in the region will propel the usage of electronic ceramics. China is the largest market for consumer electronics, and it is reported that around one-third of the global consumer electronics sales occur in the country. Request a Sample Report: https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2876 The presence of lead in electronic ceramics and poor disposal in soil & environmental systems affect the cognitive functions of grazing animals. This can also wipe out populations of bacteria and fungi on leaf surfaces and in soil. The COVID-19 outbreak has created havoc across the world and has significantly disrupted the supply chain and production facilities due to lockdown measures, ban on transportation, and limited workforce. The pyroelectric ceramics segment exhibited around a 3% CAGR in electronic ceramics market share. It is widely used in burglar alarms and pollution control and infrared and thermal imaging devices. The reduction of greenhouse gases and pollution has become an increasing concern across the world, propelling the need for electronic ceramics in pollution control devices. The healthcare end-user segment will witness around a 3% CAGR in the electronic ceramics market size. Electronic ceramics are widely employed in advanced medical implants due to their superior heat resistance, biocompatibility, and chemical inertness. Electroceramics, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), are also used in a wide range of medical implantable components, such as piezoceramic actuators, ultrasonic generators, micropumps, and valves, for precision metering. Some major findings of the electronic ceramics market report include: The piezoelectric product segment dominated the market, owing to its widespread usage in automotive & consumer electronics. In 2019, the home appliance & consumer electronics end-user segment witnessed a principal market share due to the rising purchase of home appliances. The Asia-Pacific is the largest market for electronic ceramics on account of the strong telecommunication and home appliance sectors in the region. Capacity expansions, acquisitions, and joint ventures are some of the key strategies adopted by electronic ceramics companies Request for customization of this report: https://www.gminsights.com/roc/2876 The North American electronic ceramics market generated over USD 1.5 billion in 2019. The U.S. spent over USD 3.5 trillion in its healthcare sector and is estimated to reach USD 4 trillion by 2020. Electronic ceramics are a vital material in medical devices and equipment. Additionally, the region has one of the most modern and advanced aerospace and defense sectors, which promulgates the use of electronic ceramics in this sector. Some of the key electronic ceramics industry participants include Morgan Advanced Materials, Central Electronics Limited, Murata Manufacturing Co., Sensor Technology, and Sparkler Ceramics Pvt. Ltd. They have incorporated several strategies including partnership, expansion, collaboration, joint ventures, and others to heighten their stand in the industry. Related Reports: Transparent Ceramics Market Future Business Strategies and Revenue Impact Analysis - 2025 Anti-Corrosion Coatings Market Future Business Strategies and Competitive Analysis - 2025 About Global Market Insights, Inc. Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider. Offering syndicated and custom research reports, growth consulting and business intelligence services, Global Market Insights, Inc. aims to help clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data that aid in strategic decision-making. GMIPulse, our business analytics platform, offers an online, interactive option of exploring our proprietary industry research data in an easy-to-use and dynamic manner. Clients get to explore market intelligence across 11 top-level categories and hundreds of industry segments within them, covering regional, company level and cross-sectional statistics that make our offering a stand-out for decision-makers. Contact Us: Arun Hegde Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights, Inc. Phone: 1-302-846-7766 Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.gminsights.com Related Images electronic-ceramics-market.jpg Electronic Ceramics Market Statistics - 2026 Related Links Hermetic Packaging Market Forecast - 2025 Butylated Hydroxytoluene Market Outlook - 2025 SOURCE Global Market Insights Inc. Related Links https://www.gminsights.com The University of Connecticut is not alone in asking the state for help in making ends meet during this year of COVID. The Connecticut State College and University system, representing 17 public colleges and universities, needs $69 million in the current fiscal year to avoid dipping into reserves, system officials said on Monday. In a letter to Gov. Ned Lamont, Board of Regents President Mark E. Ojakian said the system is in a dire financial situation because of enrollment declines, fewer residential students and unforeseen expenses, most related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Without additional state and federal funding, serious cuts threatening student-facing services and the long term viability of our institutions will have to be considered, Ojakian said in his two-page letter. The request comes a week after the University of Connecticut asked for a $104 million bailout to help stay afloat. On Monday, Max Reiss, a Lamont spokesman, called the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic real and significant. Governor Lamont is taking seriously the economic fallout, presenting a deficit mitigation plan for state operations last week, Reiss said. The administration will continue to engage with all state agencies and institutions regarding their financial situations as a result of this pandemic. Later in his afternoon news briefing, Lamont said the CSCU system joins UConn and a whole other lot of entities in coming to the state looking for more support in a trying economic year. The money we got from the federal government from the CARES Act ... is specific to COVID expenses so it is not like I can just hand out federal money for broader purposes like backing up our universities. Lamont said. That said, he promised to do what he could to offer support. The Board of Regents finance committee will meet on Wednesday, but the board was forewarned of the fiscal red ink last month. In the fall of 2019, the system had a total head count of 79,098 students. This fall, preliminary, that number has dropped to 68,852, Enrollment at the states four regional universities is said to be down 5.5 percent and dorms are barely at 50 percent at capacity; that has caused a $52.5 million shortfall, according to Ben Barnes, chief financial officer for the system. At the states 12 community colleges, enrollment was down 15 percent, leading to a $16.5 million shortfall, he said. On the other hand, the systems Charter Oak State College, an online program, saw a 4 percent increase in students. Ojakian said the system is not blindly asking for a bailout. He blamed much of the shortfall on the pandemic, which shut campuses in the spring and forced the system to make room and board refunds. Ojakian said the system spent $45 million since March on COVID. A federal CARES Act relief payout only covered $33 million in relief funds. This year, some students have returned to campuses but class and residence hall occupancy has been kept low. Many classes have been kept online or in some sort of hybrid fashion. There is a whole list of efforts being made internally, Ojakian said. A hiring freeze has been instituted. There was a 2 percent reduction in non-salary budgets. Overtime expenses have been reduced and a cut was made in adjunct faculty. The system, however, is prohibited by a 2017 labor agreement from laying off unionized staff or preventing $20 million in raises to go through. Ojakian said furloughs are being considered but cannot be implemented without union concessions. 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. Last month, Barnes wrote to union leaders asking for help. In response, Patricia ONeill, president of the CSU-AAUP chapter and a professor at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury recommended the system should halt the Students First initiative that seeks to combine the states 12 community colleges into one. The union went on to suggest nearly a dozen other ways the system should either increase revenue or cut costs. Ojakian said the response did not seriously address the shortfall and said the merger of the community colleges, still under review by the accrediting body, will not be halted. Without state help, the system will have to tap its $174 million cash reserves. By achieving a balanced budget that way, Barnes said, university reserves could be cut by 40 percent and the community college reserve could be cut in half. Even though reserves are kept for emergencies and the pandemic is an emergency, Barnes said they would be brought to a thin margin he described as not responsible. Financial viability is something accreditors look at seriously, Barnes said, adding, and no one knows how Fiscal Year 2022 will go. In addition to help with its deficit, the system is also asking the governor and legislature to fund PACT, a free college tuition program approved by the legislature but not funded. The Board of Regents started the program this fall using $3.3 million in reserve funds. The Board of Regents was told last month that 3,147 students are taking advantage of the program which covers the gap between the federal and state grants and the cost of attending community college full time. To continue into the spring, Ojakian said the state will have to pick up the cost. lclambeck@ctpost.com; twitter/lclambeck Andhra Pradesh chief minister and YSR Congress party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday sought the cooperation of the Centre in the formation of three capital cities for Andhra to facilitate a decentralised administration. In a 40-minute meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the chief minister is believed to have explained in detail why the state government had to take the decision to form three capitals for the state and how it would help the state achieve all round development. Jagan was accompanied by YSRC parliamentary party leader V Vijay Sai Reddy and another MP P Mithun Reddy. Though it was widely speculated in the media that the discussion on YSRC joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would come up at the meeting between Jagan and Modi, there was no confirmation from either YSRC or the BJP. The chief minister explained to PM Modi on the prevailing political atmosphere in the state and the legal hurdles being faced by his government in implementing various decisions including the decentralisation of administration and distribution of house sites to the poor, a YSRC functionary familiar with the development said. An official in the CMO said Jagan had sought liberal financial assistance from the Centre in the decentralised development of the state. He also brought to the notice of the Prime Minister that several issues had been pending unresolved with the Centre since YSRC came to power in May 2019. Apart from the promises made to the state as per the AP Reorganization Act, including funds due to the state to offset the revenue deficit, the chief minister took up several other issues with the Prime Minister. The meeting took place in a completely cordial atmosphere and the response from the PM was quite encouraging, the CMO official said. It was the second time Jagan had met Modi this year. The last time the chief minister met the Prime Minister was on February 12, with a long wish list of demands including special category status. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday evening after returning from a hospitalization at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. @realDonaldTrump/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Donald Trump Jr. is said to have wanted a family "intervention" to stop what he described as the president's "crazy" behavior, according to a report. Two sources told Vanity Fair that President Donald Trump's eldest son was alarmed by the president's decision to ride in a car with others while he was still considered contagious with a coronavirus infection. 'Don said, 'I'm not going to be the only one to tell him hes acting crazy,''' a source told Vanity Fair. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald Trump's erratic and controversial behavior since his hospitalization for COVID-19 has divided his family, with Donald Trump Jr. said to believe his father is acting "crazy," according to a report. The US president was hospitalized for three days at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center before being discharged on Monday evening. Two sources told Vanity Fair that his eldest child, Donald Trump Jr., was alarmed by his behavior during his time in the hospital and particularly by his decision to ride in an airtight SUV for a photo op with members of the Secret Service while he was still infected with the coronavirus and considered contagious. The family was also said to be concerned by the president's flurry of tweets early Monday morning, which were written mostly in capital letters and came after a period in the hospital when he had tweeted less than usual. "They're all worried. They've tried to get him to stop tweeting," a source told Vanity Fair. Sources told the publication that Donald Trump Jr. had asked his sister Ivanka Trump; his brother-in-law, Jared Kushner; and his brother Eric to "stage an intervention" but that "Jared and Ivanka keep telling Trump how great he's doing." The SUV photo op outraged some critics who accused the president of endangering the lives of Secret Service agents in the car. Story continues "Don said, 'I'm not going to be the only one to tell him he's acting crazy,'" a source told Vanity Fair. The Vanity Fair report comes amid speculation that the combination of drugs with which doctors have been treating Trump's illness, particularly a steroid called dexamethasone, may have temporarily altered his mental clarity. Dr. Lewis Kaplan, a surgeon president of Society of Critical Care Medicine, told ABC News on Monday that the drug could alter a patient's mental state by making them angry or euphoric. "Some patients may develop psychiatric symptoms after being treated with steroids including euphoria, mood instability, rage or psychosis," Kaplan said. "It is rare but occurs often enough that we recognize them as undesirable side effects of steroid therapy." Read the original article on Business Insider Victorias Train Deal Referred to Corruption Watchdog, China Security Risks Exposed The Australian state of Victorias Liberal opposition party has referred the state Labor governments deal for high capacity metro trains to be built by a consortium that includes a blacklisted Chinese company to the anti-corruption watchdog and the auditor general, The Age has reported. On the same day that the deal was referred, Premier Daniel Andrews somewhat addressed concerns about the potential security risks posed by the Chinese company and whether they were using exploited Uyghur labour to build the trains. David Davies, the opposition public transport spokesman, requested the auditor general investigate the 2016 deal. The consortium contracted to deliver the trains includes Chinese firm CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, Downer EDI, and Plenary Group; and delivery is 18 months late, The Age reported on Tuesday. Labor and Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan have botched the HCMT project from the start. It is now two years late, and the Chinese-manufactured trains are still not running, said Davies. Only the Auditor-General has the power to pull back the veil on Labors mismanagement and its cost to commuters, he said. Davies also referred the deal to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) after The Age reported on Monday that there was a potential probity issue with the tender process. The Age reported that an unnamed top official allegedly involved in putting the deal together became employed by the Victorian government in 2015 just after they had been employed by Downer, a co-bidder with CRRC. Several months after the contract was granted, the official then left the state government public service and took up a senior position at Downer. Given [the official] successfully transitioned from their executive position with [the Transport Department] to a senior, and one can presume lucrative, position with one of the successful consortium members warrants an examination by IBACmore specifically the probity and transparency aspect of the process, Davis remarked in a letter to IBAC. I Dont Do National Security Reviews: Premier The premier downplayed security concerns on Monday, questioning the basis for which the U.S. government labelled CRRC a security risk and saying that it should be Australian security agencies that raise concerns. The U.S. Defence Department put CRRC on a blacklist of Chinese companies with close ties to the Chinese regime or military that were subject to U.S. government sanctions back in June. If those judgments are to be made, they should be made by Australian security agencies, not by the U.S. government, the premier said, and stressed that only the trains outer shells were being made in China. Andrews said that no one had raised questions about the deal or CRRC with the Victorian government, but if this changed, then his government would take appropriate action. But the premier noted that, regardless of the international concerns, the state government would not be reviewing the deal despite. I dont do national security reviews. They are done by national security agencies, Andrews stated. Internal documents from the premiers trip to China in 2019 obtained by The Age under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that Andrews was eager to involve China in Victorias economy, saying that his state was a gateway for China into Australia. My government is dedicated to this effort, and I will personally continue to share the opportunities present in my states infrastructure agenda, Andrews argued in the documents. The Age also alleged the premier stated in the documents that the talents and capacity of Chinese companies were critical to our success because their expertise and experience align precisely with our current agenda. Victoria Sought Assurances About Exploited Uyghur Labor Andrews also responded to allegations that CRRC used the forced labor of Uyghur Muslims, saying the Victorian government had sought assurances it was not used in the contracted work. We have made our views and preferences and what we want to see happen well-known and have received assurances to that end, he said. According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, CRRC is part of a major Chinese state-owned rolling stock manufacturer that is used significantly by controversial Belt and Road infrastructure projects and has been recognised as a procurer of Uyghur forced labour. In an interview to Mumbai Mirror, Shabana Azmi broke her silence on all the topics that are generally dodged by celebrities. In the last few weeks, several allegations have been made against Bollywood. It's been called out for nepotism, for drug abuse, sexual abuse of women... The Hindi film industry has been perceived as a den of vices. Shabana Azmi today spoke against the allegations, saying shes proud to be part of the film industry. When asked what does she feel about the industry being shamed in the media, she said, My primary identity is that of being a Hindi film industry actor and I am very proud of it. Unfortunately, the Hindi film industry is a sitting duck; it is easy to hurl malevolent accusations. It is a systematic campaign to divert attention from real issues, failing economy, China border tensions, spiralling Covid cases, and farmers agitation by putting the spotlight on the supposed ills of the film industry. Like Urmila Matondkar said, if the film industry is as awful as is being projected, why did the PM call a delegation and ask them to make films on Mahatma Gandhis ideology? When told that the industry is not without its ills, the actress said, The Hindi film industry is not a monolith, neither is it composed only of actors. There are technicians in every department. How can you paint the whole lot with one brush? There are miscreant elements in all professions. Like Shyam Benegal says, why expect all the people in the film industry to be paragons of virtue? There are many socially committed outspoken people too, does the entire industry get bathed in a halo because of them?Shabana Azmi also added, Lets not lose sight of the fact that this started as a nepotism charge, then, Rhea (Chakraborty) was accused of murder and siphoning off Rs 15 crore from Sushants (Singh Rajput) account, none of which stood any ground. The AIIMS report clearly states it was not murder. So Justice for Sushant has given way to Weed out the Druggies, the goal post keeps changing. Instead of focusing on mental health as a serious issue in our society, its sensationalism thats at play. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5) Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Monday it would be up to lawmakers if they decide to file complaints against him over controversies and alleged anomalies surrounding the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. However, the Health chief appealed to officials to observe due process if the plan pushes through. But I would like to appeal should they decide to file a complaint against me with the Ombudsman, I trust that the due process will be observed by the Ombudsman and by everyone until all the pieces of evidence are really established, Duque said in an exclusive interview with CNN Philippines The Source. Duque was responding to the latest pronouncement of Senator Panfilo Ping Lacson, who, in a radio interview, said the Senate itself may decide to file its own cases before the Ombudsman against key officials of the state health insurer. The Justice Department confirmed the legislative branch is free to file their own complaints. Nothing prevents the Senate or the House from initiating their own complaints against erring PhilHealth officials. Both the executive and legislative branches, representing the interest of the people, are duty-bound to rid any government agency or entity of corruption and wrongdoing, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a statement. Duque was earlier spared from the DOJ-led task forces list of recommended PhilHealth executives to be charged. This raised questions from several lawmakers, who argued that the Health secretary, as ex-officio chairperson of the agency, should also be held accountable. The DOJ reiterated that a further probe is still underway, saying its possible for more people to be charged in the process. As we continue to probe more deeply into the fraud centers in the state health insurer and build up cases, more names may be included and more complaints will be filed in the coming days, Guevarra said. Duque, for his part, expressed optimism he will still not be included in the task forces new accountability list, as he pledged anew his innocence regarding corruption allegations in the agency. I though that was a very correct assessment or evaluation by the investigating bodies. Truth to tell, theres really no basis. I mean, all of these allegations, these are all baseless, Duque said. Of course, the more important thing is, I am willing to cooperate all the time. If there is going to be a continuing investigation by the task force, I am ready to cooperate. Police inspecting the Ferrari belonging to Red Bull heir Vorayuth 'Boss' Yoovidhya in Bangkok - AFP Interpol has issued a "red notice" to arrest the fugitive Thai heir to the Red Bull billions for his role in a fatal hit-and-run, police said on Sunday. The move by the international police organisation is the latest in the years-long saga surrounding Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya who crashed his Ferrari in 2012, killing a police officer. The charges against Vorayuth, who is the grandson of Red Bull's co-founder, were dropped in July - sparking public outrage from Thais who saw it as an example of impunity enjoyed by the kingdom's elite. It spurred probes by various government agencies, including the Attorney General's Office which last month announced fresh charges against Vorayuth of reckless driving causing death and cocaine use. National Police deputy spokesman Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen confirmed Sunday a red notice - Interpol's most urgent alert - was issued earlier this week. "After we received the confirmation, we then passed our request to 194 member countries asking for assistance from them," he told AFP. Vorayuth 'Boss' Yoovidhya entering Thong Lor police station in 2012 - AFP "We have to do whatever it takes to... ultimately bring him back to the country because it is a serious crime." A red notice for Vorayuth had not been published on the Interpol website as of Sunday afternoon. The fugitive heir fled the country back in 2017 on a private jet. After charges against him were dropped in July, a probe conducted by Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's office concluded the entire investigation had been "compromised". The public outcry over Vorayuth came at a particularly tense period for the government, coinciding with near-daily protests across Thailand led by pro-democracy student leaders calling for Mr Prayut's resignation. Protesters have carried cardboard cut-outs of Red Bull's logo to symbolise their anger at the military-aligned government, which enjoys close alliances with the kingdom's billionaire families. The clan of Red Bull co-founder Chaleo Yoovidhya is Thailand's second richest, boasting a fortune estimated at $20.2 billion according to Forbes. (Natural News) Ancient Earth may have lost as much as 60 percent of its atmosphere as a result of the collision that created the moon, suggests a recent study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. An international team of researchers ran hundreds of computer simulations that each showed the effects of an impactor with a unique set of characteristics on a planet like Earth. These simulations indicated the amount of proto-Earths atmosphere that was possibly lost after colliding with a Mars-sized planetesimal. The study could help scientists develop innovative ways of predicting atmospheric loss caused by a collision with different impactors. In turn, these new tools can be used to study the moons origins, as well as investigate cosmic impacts in the solar system and exoplanetary systems light-years away. Earth likely lost a lot of atmosphere after collision The study came at the heels of a previous study led by Durham University in the U.K., which posited that enormous impacts during the late stages of a planets formation could have wide-ranging effects on a young planets atmosphere. That studys researchers said that the impactors mass, size, speed and angle upon impact are key considerations when calculating collision outcomes. For the latest research, the team adjusted for those four variables, besides the impactors density and whether it was made of iron, rock or both. We ran hundreds of different scenarios for many different colliding planets, showing the varying impacts and effects on a planets atmosphere depending upon a number of factors, said lead author Jacob Kegerreis, a professor at the Institute for Computational Cosmology at Durham University. Previous research suggested that the moon likely formed following a collision between young Earth and a giant impactor estimated to be the size of Mars around 4.5 billion years ago. The simulations showed that Earth might have had lost anywhere between 10 to 60 percent of its atmosphere due to that collision. But it could also go the other way: A collision with a giant impactor that had a thick atmosphere and traveled at a slower rate could add a lot of atmosphere to a planet. This major suite of planetary simulations also sheds light on the role of impacts in the evolution of Earth-like exoplanets, said co-author Luis Teodoro, a professor at the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Glasgow. While the study couldnt directly explain how the moon was created, the simulations could provide crucial insights into the origin of Earths closest celestial neighbor, added Kegerreis. Theories for the moons formation The most widely accepted theory for the moons formation is the giant-impact theory. The massive collision was said to have flung an enormous amount of debris that collected in an orbit around Earth and accreted into whats now known as the moon. The Apollo mission of the late 1960s was key to the development of the hypothesis. The crew brought home samples of lunar soil, which confirmed that Earth and the Moon share some remarkable chemical and isotopic similarities. This suggested that they have a linked history, according to Sara Russell, a planetary scientist with the Natural History Museum in London. (Related: Theia and proto-Earth: Did a planetary collision result in life on Earth over 4.4 billion years ago?.) Before the Apollo mission, scientists believed that the moon was either a wandering body that got captured by Earths gravity or was created along with Earth at the time of the planets formation. But the samples from the mission eroded those theories. The capture theory presupposed that Earth and the moon would have a completely different composition, while the latter theory suggested they were made of almost the same material. In the seventies and eighties there was a lot of debate which led to an almost universal acceptance of the giant impact model, said Russell. Cosmic.news has more on the giant-impact hypothesis. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk NHS.ac.uk The ozone hole over the Antarctic has reached its 2020 peak and is one of the largest holes of recent years. Ozone depletion over the frozen continent was first spotted in 1985 and over the last 35 years various measures have been introduced to try and shrink the hole. Every August, at the start of the Antarctic Spring, the ozone hole begins to grow and reaches its peak around October. For 2020, researchers say the hole has now reached its maximum size and it is 'definitely in the upper part of the pack of the last fifteen years or so', experts say. The ozone hole over the Antarctic has reached its 2020 peak and is one of the largest holes of recent years. Pictured left, a computer generated image and right, a satellite image of the hole (blue) This graph records daily measurements for the size of the ozone hole for 2020 (yellow) and other years. It shows that this year's hole is one of the biggest of the last decade Researchers from the European Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) use satellite data to track the hole daily. 'There is much variability in how far ozone hole events develop each year,' says Vincent-Henri Peuch, director of CAMS. 'The 2020 ozone hole resembles the one from 2018, which also was a quite large hole, and is definitely in the upper part of the pack of the last fifteen years or so. 'With the sunlight returning to the South Pole in the last weeks, we saw continued ozone depletion over the area.' He adds that the 2019 ozone hole was unusually small, and that normal service has been resumed this year with a relatively large level of ozone depletion. Despite the gaping hole, experts are confident that since the restrictions on ozone-destroying halocarbons was introduced via the Montreal Protocol in 1987, the hole has slowly been recovering. Ozone depletion relies on extremely cold temperatures as only at -78C can a specific type of cloud, called polar stratospheric clouds, form. Therefore, the colder the temperature in the stratosphere over Antarctica, the bigger the ozone hole. This graph shows that 2020 (yellow) is one of the coldest years, on average, above the frozen continent Ozone depletion over the frozen continent was first spotted in 1985 and over the last 35 years various measures have been introduced to try and reduce the hole. Every August, at the start of the Antarctic Spring, the ozone hole begins to grow and reaches its peak around October Ozone layer erosion 360 million years ago led to a mass extinction event A mass extinction 360 million years ago that killed off many of the Earth's plants and freshwater animals was caused by ozone layer erosion and it could happen again. Scientists from the University of Southampton found evidence that it was high levels of ultraviolet radiation that destroyed the ancient forest ecosystem. This newly discovered extinction mechanism was caused by changes in the Earth's temperatures and climate cycle - this led to the deadly ozone breakdown. Study authors warn that we could face a similar scenario as we head towards similar global temperatures that existed 359 million years ago due to climate change. Advertisement 'After the unusually small and short-lived ozone hole in 2019, which was driven by special meteorological conditions, we are registering a rather large one again this year, which confirms that we need to continue enforcing the Montreal Protocol banning emissions of ozone depleting chemicals.' At this time of year, Antarctica enters into its summertime and the temperatures in the stratosphere begin to rise. As this happens, the mechanism which depletes ozone and creates the hole slows down and eventually grinds to a halt, stopping the hole from growing any more. Ozone depletion relies on extremely cold temperatures as only at -78C can a specific type of cloud, called polar stratospheric clouds, form. These frigid clouds contain ice crystals which turn inert chemicals into reactive compounds, ravaging the ozone. The chemicals in question are substances that contain chlorine and bromine which become chemically active in the frigid vortex swirling above the south pole. These were produced in huge numbers at the end of the 20th century when halocarbons such as CFCs and HCFCs were regularly used as coolants. Ozone is a compound made of three oxygen atoms that occurs naturally in trace amounts high up in the atmosphere. It is toxic to humans when ingested, but at its lofty altitude up to ten miles above Earth's surface, it actually protects us from the harmful ultraviolet rays spewed out by the sun. 'CAMS is continuously monitoring the ozone layer to provide information on the extent and magnitude of the ozone hole each year as it develops and recovers', adds Vincent-Henri Peuch, director of CAMS. 'We are providing forecasts of stratospheric ozone concentrations up to five days in advance. 'And, we also keep an eye on the amount of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which also depends on clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere.' In this April 5, 2018 photo, prominent human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, center, and defendant Nguyen Bac Truyen listen to the verdict at a trial in Hanoi. Ahead of this weeks U.S.-Vietnamese human rights talks, three U.S. lawmakers called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to raise with Hanoi the case of an imprisoned democracy activist jailed for more than a decade. In a letter addressed to Pompeo, Reps. Zoe Lofgren, Harley Rouda and Alan Lowenthal said that Nguyen Bac Truyens continued detention was a clear example of Vietnam abusing the rights and freedoms of its citizens. Nguyen Bac Truyen, a former political prisoner and member of the online Brotherhood for Democracy group, was arrested July 30, 2017 by authorities in central Quang Binh province in a way that his relatives described as a kidnapping. While in pretrial detention, authorities denied him access to legal representation, visits from his family and deliveries of food and medicine. In April 2018, Nguyen was sentenced to 11 years carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the government after a one-day trial alongside five other defendants. In Fridays letter, the three California lawmakers said that Nguyens release would represent a key benchmark for human rights improvement in Vietnam and would make clear the Vietnamese governments commitment to improving conditions for personal freedoms within their borders. The rapidly approaching 24th Annual United States and Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue presents an opportunity to push for meaningful improvements in the situation for human rights within Vietnam. We urge you to raise the case of Nguyen Bac Truyen during this event and push for the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience, the three representatives said. The Brotherhood for Democracy, founded in 2013 by formerly jailed activists and human rights defenders, had run training seminars on human rights issues and legal assistance to victims of rights infringement by Vietnamese authorities. Brotherhood members have run afoul of the crackdown beginning in 2017 that saw Vietnam increasingly round up independent journalists, bloggers, and other dissident voices. Already intolerant of dissent, authorities are stepping up efforts to stifle critics in the run-up to the ruling Communist Party congress in January. In northern Nghe An province, authorities announced the indictment of another Brotherhood for Democracy member and award-winning prisoner of conscience, Tran Duc Thach, for activities aimed at overthrowing the regime. Tran was arrested April 23 for his writings that expose the corruption, injustice and human rights abuses of the Vietnamese government and likely for his connection with the Brotherhood for Democracy. On Sept. 28 he was awarded the 2020 Nguyen Chi Thien human rights award, named after the late Vietnamese-American dissident poet who spent 27 years in prison during and after the Vietnam War. Under Article 109 of Vietnams penal code, Tran could be sentenced up to 20 years in prison if convicted. At the time of his arrest, Trans wife Nguyen Thi Chuong told RFA that three men asked to step inside her home, then about 20 people forced their way in and read the arrest warrant to her husband. According to Nguyen Thi Chuong, Tran is currently being held at the Nghi Kim detention camp in Nghe An. Born in Nghe An in 1952, Tran has been actively advocating for human rights in democracy for many years. He served in the North Vietnamese 4th Armys 341st Division during the Vietnam War. He wrote Obsessive Grave, a book that tells the story of how North Vietnamese soldiers killed hundreds of innocents at Tan Lap commune in Dong Nai provinces Xuan Loc district during the final campaign of the war that ended with Ho Chi Minhs victory on April 30, 1975. In October 2009, he was sentenced to three years in jail for conducting propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam along with Vu Van Hung and Pham Van Troi by Ha Noi Peoples court. The Brotherhood for Democracy is not recognized by the Vietnamese government and many of its members have been imprisoned since its founding in 2013. Estimates of the number of prisoners of conscience now held in Vietnams jails vary widely. New York-based Human Rights Watch said that authorities held 138 political prisoners as of October 2019, while Defend the Defenders has suggested that at least 240 are in detention, with 36 convicted last year alone. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Huy Le. Written in English by Eugene Whong. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said the entire world is adopting the basic element of Indian ways of life for its growth and sustenance amid the corona pandemic. He said 50 years ago, a scheme of organic manure was dumped by the Centre because it was developed by indigenous brains but there is no alternative before the world today. The entire world is returning to the basic elements of Indian thought process to practice developmental ways while being environment friendly after being battered by coronavirus during the last six months, said Bhagwat at an event in Kota. He was addressing a function on the 100th birth anniversary of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh leader Dattopant Thengadi. Praising Thengadis foresight and his works, Bhagwat said the agriculture was never a subject of trade in India but the world sees it as agriculture economics. We have seen this as a means of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of glory, not as a means of conducting trade, he said. He said the agricultures economics aspect is not bad but people fail to see that a section of people seeks to exploit others for the business. He said Thengadis birth anniversary celebration is for showing gratitude to the work done by him. He said there is a need to create an agriculture that nourishes the whole world. We have to adopt ideal agricultural practices based on experience and proven evidence. India has ten thousand years of agricultural experience, so it is not necessary to take anti-environment practices from the West, he said. The home of missing Colorado mom Suzanne Morphew has been put on the market just days after the FBI investigated a plot of land owned by the family where cadaver dogs detected the scent of human remains. Morphew, 49, has not been seen since Mother's Day, Sunday May 10, when she set out for a bike ride near her house in Salida, Chaffee County and never returned. In the months since she vanished, the family's home has been the site of multiple police investigations and search operations aiming to find any clues linked to the missing mom. A property listing posted on Zillow shows the Morphews' house is now being sold for $1.75million, less than five months after the mother-of-two disappeared. A property listing posted on Zillow shows the Morphews' house is now being sold for $1.75million, less than five months after the mother-of-two disappeared Suzanne Morphew, 49 (pictured with her husband Barry and their two daughters) was reported missing from her home in Maysville, Colorado, on Mother's Day on May 10 The Morphews had owned the home since April 2018, when they bought it for $1,575,000, according to the listing The three-bedroom, four-bathroom, 3,256 sq ft house, touted as a 'stunning mountain home on the river', was put up for sale on Monday, Fox 21 reported. The family had reportedly been living at the residence since April 2018, when they bought the property for $1,575,000. It is unclear who exactly put the home up for sale. It comes just days after DailyMail.com exclusively reported that scent of human remains was discovered on a plot of land owned by Suzanne's husband, Barry Morphew. Morphew, 52, a landscaper, has not taken part in the search for his wife, but did allow the grounds of his home in Maysville, Colorado, to be searched last Sunday. Photos showed FBI and CSI investigators working on a plot of land in Salida's Longhorn Ranch district - a vacant site with several lots, one of which is owned by Barry. The three-bedroom, four-bathroom, 3,256 sq ft house, touted as a 'stunning mountain home on the river' One of the three bedrooms at the Poncha Springs house The Colorado property has been the site of multiple police investigations and search operations since Morphew disappeared So far, nothing has been found of Morphew but her bike, which was located by cops on a bridge close to her home weeks after she disappeared. Roads around the site had been blocked off by officers from the Chaffee County Sheriff's Department, which at the time claimed that no search was taking place. Cadaver dogs were brought to the spot by a team working with Suzanne's older brother Andrew Moorman, who raised $18,000 to fund a five-day search for his sister. The operation was taken over by the FBI and Chaffee County police after Moorman returned to his home in Indiana. Exclusive DailyMail.com photos show FBI and CSI investigators working at the spot where the scent was detected twice by cadaver dogs once last Sunday and again the following morning The dig took place on a plot of land in Salida's Longhorn Ranch district a vacant site with several lots, one of which is owned by Suzannes husband Barry Morphew, 52 Suzanne, 49, was reported missing on Mother's Day after her two daughters Mallory and Macy were unable to contact her. A neighbor, Jeanne Ritter, 70, called the police after the two girls alerted her to their mother's disappearance. Cadaver dogs were brought to the spot by a team working with Suzanne's brother Andrew Moorman who raised $18,000 to fund a five-day search for his sister Morphew was at a hotel in Broomfield, Colorado, on the day his wife vanished last month, DailyMail.com revealed that he had left his room reeking of chlorine and littered with wet towels. The initial police investigation saw teams of officers drafted in from all over Colorado to search the area around the Morphew home, while police divers were seen checking portions of the river nearby. Three days after she went missing, CBI and FBI agents were photographed searching the three-bedroom house by DailyMail.com before the search moved to a riverside worksite in Salida where Barry had been doing a landscaping job. Late last month, DailyMail.com revealed that investigators have also taken security footage spanning the period from May 8 to May 10 from businesses around the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Broomfield 150 miles from Salida where Morphew was staying when his wife vanished. Contractor Jeff Puckett, 49, told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview earlier this month that the room stank of chlorine and was littered with wet towels when he took it over the same day. He also discovered mail left behind that dealt with property insurance DailyMail.com also revealed how Morphew has obtained guardianship of Suzanne in order to sell a mutual property in their native Indiana. A second search of the site took place last Monday using different cadaver dogs and the dogs' handler told DailyMail.com they got another hit. The handler explained the dogs only are trained to pick up human scents Roads around the site were blocked off by officers from the Chaffee County Sheriffs Department, which last week claimed that no search was taking place Speaking to DailyMail.com on Sunday, Moorman told how Suzanne's home also stank of chlorine when searched by the FBI and described it as 'odd'. He said: 'I think it's really odd. I know we're in Covid-19 but most people don't clean with chlorine. I know the hotel did not. 'That kind of bothers me to be honest. It seems like you're trying to cover up something.' Moorman says he organized the search to try and find out what happened to Suzanne and bring closure to his family. He said: They havent been able to figure out what happened to her. She was abducted in some way and the investigation well it didnt go dry, they didnt quit working on it but they ran out of funds and time to ground search. Moorman added: I dont think there is going to be a good outcome but what I would like is closure for the two girls first and foremost. I pray that it clears Barry. I really do. I want that to happen. My father, my brother, my sister and myself want closure. India: How India became the worlds top shrimp producer by Victor Suresh October 06,2020 | Source: Aquaculture Alliance Modern shrimp farming commenced in India in the late 1980s, driven by a growing global appetite for shrimp, government policies to promote seafood exports and several corporate entities providing capital to build hatcheries, farms and processing plants. It was based predominantly on the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and to a lesser degree the Indian white shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus). The growth of the sector was severely impacted a few years later when the White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) arrived on Indias shores and the Supreme Court of India, heeding the pleas of environmental activists, restricted shrimp farming in coastal waters. It took an act of the Indian Parliament to restart shrimp aquaculture and the phase of growth that followed was marked by the development of independent hatcheries and farms of less than five hectares owned or leased by numerous small farmers. The species of interest continued to be the black tiger shrimp but there was also a significant production of the freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). While volumes continued to rise through the mid-2000s, a stagnation was reached in the latter half of the decade due to disease problems, slowed animal growth and size variability. For broodstock, the sector relied on wild-caught black tiger shrimp, which meant that exclusion of pathogens was extremely challenging and breeding for performance was simply impossible. Taking note of the experience of other major Asian producers, India decided to introduce Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in 2008. The country introduced the species cautiously by allowing a few selected entities to conduct an experimental import and perform trials, on which rules for further imports were framed and implemented. To date, L. vannamei broodstock can only be imported from approved sources and quarantined in a government-run facility upon entry into the country. Development of broodstock multiplication centers is being allowed now and the government has expressed its interest to allow entities that can complete the lifecycle of L. vannamei within India in a fully contained and highly biosecure facility and produce broodstock locally. 2010-2019: A decade of growth Indias shrimp farming growth after the introduction of SPF L. vannamei has been phenomenal (Fig. 1). Farms previously culturing the black tiger shrimp experienced a boost in productivity due to higher stocking densities, lower incidence of diseases and animal growth rates that were comparable to those of black tiger shrimp up to 20 grams or even beyond. Farmers switched to SPF L. vannamei swiftly and today more than 90 percent of Indian shrimp production is for this species. India was spared of the Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) disease also known as Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease, or AHPND that devastated many Asian producers and Mexico; Indian producers conversely saw significant gains in production from 2013 to 2016. Investments were made in new hatcheries, feed mills and processing plants to support the expansion of farming areas. The southeastern coastal state of Andhra Pradesh has been the anchor of aquaculture in India. Its land and water resources and entrepreneurial farmers have made it No. 1 in farmed freshwater fish and marine shrimp production over the last three decades. While black tiger shrimp have been produced in low-salinity waters in some of the districts of Andhra Pradesh, vast expansion of shrimp production occurred in these districts in the last decade by way of constructing new ponds or using ponds previously used for fish farming. Shrimp farming also expanded in other states, notably in the states of Odisha and West Bengal that are north of Andhra Pradesh on the east coast, and in the northwestern state of Gujarat. COVID-19 effect on shrimp production India went into a lockdown in late March 2020 to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Many farmers panicked and harvested their shrimp while shrimp processing plants facing cancellation and postponement of purchase orders, possible shutdown of the factories and migrant workers returning to their homes had challenges in receiving the harvested shrimp. As a result, shrimp prices crashed. Cancellation of international flights meant that SPF broodstock could not be brought in throughout April. While many of the challenges were eventually resolved, one issue that is having a lingering effect is the shortage of workers. Many working in the sector predict that Indias shrimp production would decline by about 20 percent, to 620,000 metric tons (MT) in 2020. Challenges to Indias shrimp sector On the supply side, diseases continue to be the primary challenge to the productivity and profitability of shrimp farming in India. While WSSV is frequently detected, many farmers feel that it can be managed, and they do not feel as threatened by it as in the past. On the contrary, the occurrence of new diseases such as White Feces Disease and Running Mortality Syndrome are dreaded more because their causative agents have not yet been identified. The presence of the microsporidian parasite Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), which results in the slow growth and size variation of shrimp, is also not definitively established. One of the responses of the shrimp farming community to these new diseases is to deploy nurseries where shrimp postlarvae (PLs) can be stocked at high densities and reared to about 0.5 to 1 gram each in size and then transferred to grow-out ponds. However, this method also carries the risk of pathogens infecting the shrimp in the nurseries and spreading to the farms. Thus, biosecure facilities and practices are required for the nurseries to fulfill their purpose of deployment. On the demand side, marketplace diversification is high on the list of requirements. Nearly half of Indias shrimp goes to the United States and about one-quarter went to China in 2019. To reduce the overdependence on these two markets, India needs to increase its market share in other markets, particularly the European Union and Japan, each of which accounted for nearly one-third of Indias exports in the P. monodon days. Through extensive campaigning and stringent monitoring, the presence of antibiotic residues has been reduced significantly in Indias shrimp supply, boosting its appeal to global markets. Indias domestic market for shrimp consumption remains small at less than 50,000 MT per year; stimulation of this market could lead to a significant increase in consumption. The rising urban middle class, the large population of young people, the convenience of cooking shrimp and the perceived health benefits of seafood are being leveraged to create a high value domestic market for shrimp in India. Future prospects for Indian shrimp farmers India remains a competitive supplier of value-added shrimp to the world due to its low cost of labor and the scale of economy it has managed to achieve by becoming one of the largest global producers of farmed shrimp. The established capacity of hatcheries, feed mills and processing plants will support future expansion. Compared to the major suppliers of shrimp in Asia, India has largely remained as a low-density producer, with a standard of about 40 shrimp per square meter widely adhered to. The country, therefore, can produce large shrimp. Indian farmers are highly interested in the production of bigger shrimp, especially that of black tigers, for improved profitability. However, growing to bigger sizes with good survival has become a Herculean task, needing the attention of broodstock producers as well as farm managers. In the northern states like Gujarat where climatic factors restrict shrimp culture to a mostly one crop a year farming of black tiger shrimp is seen as a viable option. The government has recently approved the import of SPF black tiger shrimp into India and postlarval SPF black tiger shrimp are already available in the market. Indias future in shrimp production will depend on its ability to maintain its competitiveness in value addition, market expansion and application of production technologies that can keep diseases under control and help strengthen the industry. PATNA: Ahead of the crucial Bihar assembly election 2020, the BJP has reportedly told LJP leader Chirag Paswan in plain simple words not to use PM Narendra Modis photos during his partys poll campaigns. The saffron party leadership has said this to Chirag Paswan days after his party parted ways with the BJP and decided to contest the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar alone. READ | BJP-JD(U) announce seat-sharing deal, Nitish Kumar to be NDA leader in state According to BJP sources, the party may also approach the Election Commission of India (ECI), seeking its directions to the LJP not to use PM Modis name during poll campaigning. The sources quoted a top BJP functionary as saying that a formal letter to this effect could be given to the EC soon. The matter was also discussed during the meeting between BJP leaders and CM Kumar on Tuesday afternoon. The saffron leadership has hardened its stand after Chirag Paswan announced that Bihar would have a BJP-LJP government after the elections and also urged the electorate not to waste even a single vote by backing the JD (U) candidates. Chirag wrote an open letter to the voters on Monday and attacked the Kumar governments seven resolves developmental programme, JD (U)s approach towards its allies and the overpowering influence of the bureaucracy. Live TV The LJP had cited state-level ideological differences, as the primary reason to go solo in the assembly polls. The party had stated that it wanted to implement the Bihar Vision document over which it is at odds with the JD (U). Paswan has, however, asserted that he enjoys "very cordial" relations with the BJP and noted that he has firmly stood by the prime minister since 2014 when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had left the alliance to protest against Narendra Modi's leadership. Paswan also asserted that he has been working on his "Bihar first, Bihari first" agenda for a long time and had informed the BJP leadership about his differences with the Kumar-led government well in advance, according to PTI. The LJP president also profusely thanked Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for "taking care" of him at a time when his father and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan is in hospital for weeks. There has not been a single day when PM Modi has missed calling him to take feedback about his father's health, Paswan said and also praised BJP president J P Nadda and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for their concerns. Ram Vilas Paswan has undergone a heart operation at a private hospital in the national capital. The LJP president said his party will continue to be part of the BJP-led NDA at the Centre. Underscoring his support to PM Modi's leadership, Paswan said his party backed him in 2014 during the Lok Sabha polls when he was the NDA's prime ministerial candidate while Kumar had quit the alliance in opposition to his candidature for the top job. Every year the applications carry out important updates to continue meeting the needs of their users. In this context, some devices become incompatible with the new versions of the apps and some of them even stop working. For this reason, we share what smartphones iOS and Android in which WhatsApp will stop working, to the less correctly. It is important to note that the instant messaging application will continue to be available for devices Android with operating system 4.0.3 or later and iPhone with iOS 9 or later. Photo: WhatsApp Blog In this sense, some of the phones on which WhatsApp will stop working on Android are: Samsung Galaxy S2 Motorola Droid Razr LG Optimus Black HTC Desire While on iOS they are: Iphone 4s iPhone 5 Iphone 5c Iphone 5s Likewise, if you are an Android user and you want to check with which operating system you have, you can go to "settings", then look for the option "about phone" (which may be in the "system" button) and check your version of Android . You may be interested: So you can create automatic responses for your WhatsApp chats Related: Cuales son los telefonos en los que dejara de funcionar WhatsApp en 2021? Which Phones Will WhatsApp Stop Working on in 2021? WhatsApp nos dejara silenciar personas y grupos de por vida Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Bryony Gordon has revealed how her obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) meant she spent most of her childhood thinking she was a 'serial killing pedophile'. The journalist , 40, from London, has suffered with the 'debilitating' mental health condition since she was a teen, and explained that it can often lead to her brain obsessing over 'intrusive thoughts' which don't mean anything. Appearing on Loose Women today, she explained that as a child and through some of her adult life, she would 'ruminate' on distressing thoughts, to prove to herself that they weren't true. The mental health advocate, who in 2017 hit headlines for interviewing Prince Harry on her podcast, also spoke of her alcohol addition and admitted that she 'would have died' had she not had the help she needed. She confessed that she knew her life was going to end, whether that be through taking her own life, 'choking on her own vomit' or just by 'living in this awful groundhog day existence.' Bryony Gordon has revealed on Loose Women how her obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) meant she spent most of her childhood thinking she was a 'serial killing pedophile' 'OCD is extreme and the World Health Organisation have listed it as one of the top ten most debilitating diseases to live with', said Bryony. 'So I describe OCD as your brain refusing to acknowledge what your brain can see. She went on: 'It can be about thoughts. We all have intrusive thoughts, but we are not our thoughts. 'We've all had that thought were someone hands you a baby and we think: "What if I just throw that baby?" and we know that's just the madness of our heads and we're not actual baby throwers. 'But someone with the type of OCD I have, becomes so distressed they ruminate on them to prove they are not their thoughts. So, to put it bluntly, I spent lots of my childhood and some of my adulthood thinking I was a serial killing pedophile. The journalist , 40, from London, (pictured in 2017) has suffered with the 'debilitating' mental health condition since she was a teen and explained that it can often lead to her brain obsessing over 'intrusive thoughts' In her latest book 'Glorious Rock Bottom' Bryony, who has been married to husband Harry Wilson since 2013, detailed her alcohol addiction, and she spoke to host Denise Welch (pictured) about problems with her drinking Bryony added: 'So you can see why it's not spoken about and it was tortuous and awful, but of course there was nothing to turn to try and help me.' What is obsessive compulsive disorder? Obsessive compulsive disorder, usually known as OCD, is a common mental health condition which makes people obsess over thoughts and develop behaviour they struggle to control. It can affect anyone at any age but normally develops during young adulthood. It can cause people to have repetitive unwanted or unpleasant thoughts. People may also develop compulsive behaviour a physical action or something mental which they do over and over to try to relieve the obsessive thoughts. The condition can be controlled and treatment usually involves psychological therapy or medication. It is not known why OCD occurs but risk factors include a family history of the condition, certain differences in brain chemicals, or big life events like childbirth or bereavement. People who are naturally tidy, methodical or anxious are also more likely to develop it. Source: NHS Advertisement In 1997, Bryony sought help for her condition, and has since become an award-winning mental health advocate, speaking to the Duke of Sussex about his mental health for the first time for her Mad World podcast. Speaking of meeting Harry, she told: 'I had no idea he would be that honest with me, I was expecting a very general chat about the importance of talking about you mental health. 'He said, "Can it be just me and you", and he said "What Im about to say, I think I would be more comfortable if it's just the two of us". 'What a journey it set me off on, I had always spoken about my mental health but my main coping mechanism for OCD was alcohol and the more I spoke about mental health and other people's stories, it because clear what was wrong in my life.' In her latest book 'Glorious Rock Bottom' Bryony, who has been married to husband Harry Wilson since 2013, detailed her alcohol addiction, admitting that she thought her problems with booze would go away once she'd settled down. 'My daughter was four when I got help, she said: 'I genuinely thought when I got pregnant and married "This is going to cure my alcohol issues" and of course it didn't. 'I told myself it was totally normal, I justified my drinking issues because my daughter was in bed and of course I needed to relax. 'It became clear it wasnt helping and I wasnt drinking all day, but I was thinking about it all day and it ruled my life, it was all I thought about.' She explained that her drinking led to a life of constant anxiety, and that she has hit 'several rock bottoms' over the years. 'I lived in this constant sense of anxiety and feeling like the world was going to end, she told. I had several rock bottoms, there was going awol there was assault, but I was just hollowed out by self-loathing. 'I knew if I didn't get help I was going to die, I was going to die by choosing to kill myself or choking on my own vomit, or living in this awful groundhog day existence.' OSHAWA Cambridge is not alone in its struggle with homelessness and public drug use. Oshawa also hired private security guards to help deal with its growing social problems. A three-month pilot program that had security guards patrol downtown Oshawa 24-7 just ended, and while the mayor sees the program as a success, critics say it was not effective and only further stigmatized marginalized communities. In many ways, the social problems that plague downtown Oshawa look similar to what can be seen in downtown Cambridge. Oshawa has the highest number of overdose-related calls to paramedics in Durham Region, similar to Cambridge which has the highest rate of overdose-related calls in Waterloo Region. Oshawa, with a population of 170,000, has a small downtown core much like Galt. So when security guards clad in bulletproof vests with dogs began their patrols this past summer, it was an unsettling sight to behold. It was frightening for everybody, said Christeen Thornton, executive director of Direct Intervention Reaching Everyone (DIRE), a grassroots anti-poverty advocacy group in Durham Region. Ive been out and doing outreach and Ive been harangued by these people, she said. Thornton said she often dresses down when she works with street-involved folk to make them feel more at ease. She thinks she was profiled by security guards who, to her, seemed to be targeting marginalized people. In Oshawa, Thornton said overdoses and overdose deaths have continued to climb and one large tent city after another gets shut down by the municipality, pushing the unsheltered further into the woods. People are overdosing alone. The citys shelter is bursting at the seams. The sole rapid access clinic in downtown Oshawa is by-appointment only during the pandemic. What theyre doing here is creating a perfect storm of vulnerability, she said. We have a very limited support system for people who use drugs. The city of Cambridge hired a security team last week to patrol the streets of downtown in an effort to make business owners feel safe after a string of overnight vandalism. This move came at the request of the Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area, and is a first for any municipality in this region. Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter said his city also responded to requests for help from its downtowns business improvement area when council unanimously voted to hire private security earlier this year. In our circumstance, it was a great deal of individuals that were unsheltered that had complex mental health and addiction issues that were coming into our community, he said. Carter said the city tried to work with its social services in the downtown to help people, but petty crimes, public drug use, assaults and vandalism were all issues that needed more resources. Carter said Durham Regional Police could not offer help due to its own budget restraints. He said the city was in dire straits, so it turned to private security guards for help. During the three-month pilot program, security guards patrolled the streets of downtown Oshawa 24 hours a day at a cost of $100,000 for the three-month period. Carter said the guards were not there to intimidate but to help drug users who may be in medical distress, and do wellness checks on people living in tent cities on the outskirts of the downtown. A formal review of the pilot program has yet to be released, but Carter said he knows of 11 incidents in which security guards were able to offer help to someone in distress. They were constantly patrolling on a regular basis and what was happening is just being aware of these individuals, our security teams, made a significant difference, he said. They made a difference for business owners and people in the downtown. Like advocates in Cambridge, Thornton and others continue to urge the city to offer better supports for marginalized communities. Instead of security guards, invest in housing, she said. Advocates also continue to urge the city open a consumption and treatment site in Oshawa to help stop overdose deaths and offer support to drug users. So have harm reduction advocates in Cambridge, which has the worst opioid overdose problem in Waterloo Region. As measured by the number of overdose related calls to paramedics, Cambridge had 255 overdoses per 100,000 residents in the last 12 months (Oct. 5, 2019, to Oct. 3, 2020) compared to Kitchener at 238 overdoses per 100,000 residents. Oshawa is the city with the highest number of overdose-related calls in Durham Region, a region that also includes Whitby, Pickering, Ajax and other smaller municipalities. The Durham Region Health Department proposed a consumption and treatment site for Oshawa, and just like in Cambridge, Oshawa council pushed back. It rejected the proposal earlier this year. In Cambridge, a vote was put on hold until an empty council seat was filled in a byelection held Monday. Thornton said Oshawa has its own problems unique to its geography, its culture and its history. But she wants to warn Cambridge a city that is set on a familiar trajectory to act now. She saw first-hand how security guards intimidated people in Oshawas downtown. Its an indication of what Cambridge could be, Thornton said. Look at us as a case example of what went wrong, because a lot went wrong. Oshawas pilot security guard program was plagued by other issues as well. The security company hired by the city was accused of sharing racist and derogatory messages on social media, prompting residents to protest in the streets in July demanding the city end its contract with CDN Protection. Carter said those posts were made by one individual many years ago and it did not impact councils decision to hire them. Carter said council will review the pilot program and then decide what to do next. but that doesnt soothe Thornton one bit. She is certain the city will push to make security patrols a permanent fixture in its downtown. Until then, she eagerly awaits the citys review of the pilot program. When you take a step back and you look at the bigger picture, its this really ugly painting of the forced gentrification that happens, Thornton said. In Cambridge, the picture is slightly different. Security guards will patrol the streets from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. seven days a week. They will be from a firm already used by the city, Barber-Collins Security. The city said the service will cost $24,000 a month. Advocates in Cambridge are not worried about the possibility that security guards might harass or target the homeless individuals that can be found in the streets of Galt. We understand the city is reacting to a need that has to be dealt with, said Dan Clements from Citizens for Cambridge, a grassroots group that advocates for affordable housing and supports for marginalized communities. Clements said he is confident the city has faith in the security company it has expanded services with. But not everyone is happy with the citys decision. The Waterloo Regional Police Association has spoken out against the city hiring private security to do a job police officers can do. Some downtown business owners think private security is a waste of money that will not fix the deep-rooted social issues in Cambridge, such as public drug use and homelessness. The Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area and some other business owners think security guards can help deter petty crime and vandalism. Brian Garner owns Caribbean Oxygen on Main Street. His shop was vandalized in August when a number of shop windows were broken along the downtown strip. I think its (security guards) a great thing needed for quite some time, Garner said. I think if done well its going to give a lot of businesses peace of mind and maybe more businesses will come. While Clements said his group is in agreement with the citys move, he acknowledges that it is merely a short-term solution in the citys struggle with opioids and homelessness. He said long-term solutions are sorely needed to rectify the citys social problems, such as more affordable housing, mental health and addiction supports, as well as a consumption and treatment site. Carter said he wants to see more enforcement to crack down on dangerous drugs that cause overdoses and overdose deaths throughout the country. He said he think it is one step in a complex approach to solving Oshawas social problems. He pointed to higher levels of government for support so the city can offer better resources for those who need them most. Until we address the issues, were going to be running from one crisis to another. Read more about: The move comes along with the designation of "Russian agent" MP Derkach over meddling in U.S. election. The U.S. State Department revoked the visa of a former Ukrainian diplomat Andriy Telizhenko who has worked with Republicans to spread "baseless conspiracy theories" about Donald Trump rival Joe Biden's family and foreign meddling in 2016, CNN has learned from American and Ukrainian officials. A U.S. official said there are also conversations within the U.S. government about potentially sanctioning that individual and identifying him as a Russian agent, CNN reports. Read alsoUkraine does not interfere in U.S. presidential elections ZelenskyDemocrats have accused Telizhenko of intentionally spreading Russian disinformation. In mid-September, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned another ally of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach and accused him of being an "active Russian agent" who is part of Moscow's interference in the 2020 campaign. A source familiar told CNN that Telizhenko was denied boarding a flight from Kyiv to New York. "The guy fully deserved it," Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Volodymyr Yelchenko told CNN, speaking about Telizhenko's visa revocation. A State Department spokesperson declined to comment, telling CNN, "Visa records are confidential under U.S. law; therefore, we cannot discuss the details of individual visa cases." Telizhenko is a stalwart Giuliani ally who has traveled with the former mayor and has promoted the conspiracy theory that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election to weaken Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and defeat President Donald Trump. That theory flies in the face of the unanimous assessment from U.S. intelligence agencies that it was the Russian government who interfered in the 2016 election, and their goal was to elect Trump. Giuliani did not respond to a request for comment on the visa revocation. Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who was a top White House adviser on Ukraine and had regular contacts with the Ukrainian embassy, testified in the impeachment inquiry that Telizhenko is "not a credible individual." David Holmes, a top U.S. diplomat, also cast doubt on Telizhenko, telling lawmakers, "I don't think we found his perspective to be always credible and useful." Derkach sanctions: Background The U.S. intelligence community has warned about Russian efforts to interfere in next month's presidential election, and the Treasury Department's decision to sanction Derkach was an extraordinary step by the U.S. government to publicly condemn Russia's ongoing interference in the 2020 election. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv on Monday warned against doing business with Derkach, noting he "maintains close connections with the Russian Intelligence Services and has served as an active Russian agent for over a decade, employing manipulation and deceit to attempt to influence elections in the United States and elsewhere around the world." The deputy president of Britain's Supreme Court, Lord Patrick Hodge, has been named as the replacement for James Spigelman on Hong Kong's top court after the Australian judge resigned following new national security laws imposed by Beijing. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam accepted the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commissions advice to appoint Hodge as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal on Monday. James Spigelman resigned from Hong Kong's top court last month. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Hodge will join 13 other judges from the UK, Australia and Canada on the court established after Hong Kong's handover to China from Britain in 1997. "The presence of these esteemed non-permanent judges manifests the judicial independence of Hong Kong, helps maintain a high degree of confidence in our legal system, and allows Hong Kong to maintain strong links with other common law jurisdictions," Lam said. Haiti - FLASH : Condemnation of pressure from the Trump Administration on Haiti "Global Justice Clinic", "International Human Rights Clinic", "Harvard Law School" and a dozen human rights organizations have signed a declaration "condemning the pressures exerted by the Trump Administration on Haitian actors to approve an electoral process, while ignoring the escalation of violence and human rights violations that undermine the possibility of free elections in Haiti" This statement adds to concerns expressed by Haitian civil society in reaction to statements by a US State Department official in mid-September, encouraging President Jovenel Moise to unilaterally appoint a Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to organize elections without input from civil society, and then warned that those who do not accept the process will "suffer the consequences". President Moise appointed a new CEP by decree and instructed it to organize, in addition to the elections, a referendum on a new Constitution. The Haitian Bar Federation, constitutional law scholars, and civil society groups condemned this move as unconstitutional. In contrast, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince called it an "important step". "The statement urges the U.S. government to recognize the legitimate concerns that Haitis human rights and civil society organizations have articulated, and put an end to statements that undermine these concerns." SL/ HaitiLibre (CNN) TikTok averted a ban in the United States last week when a federal judge ruled that Washington couldn't block it from app stores just yet. The short-form video app is still accessible, but its fate in the country is far from certain. The court ruling is only temporary, and could be appealed by the US government. The ruling could also eventually be thrown out: The judge only weighed in because TikTok challenged the ban, and the company could lose its court case. To make things more confusing, TikTok's court case isn't the only thing governing the future of the app. TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, is racing to close a deal with the American firms Oracle (ORCL) and Walmart (WMT) that might be enough to satisfy the Trump administration's concerns about the app and stave off US pressure once and for all. What started all of this? US President Donald Trump and his administration have been attacking TikTok for months because of its ties to China. They claim the app is a risk to national security because the user data it stores on Americans could wind up in the hands of the Chinese government. Those attacks came to a head in August, when Trump issued executive orders that would effectively ban TikTok in the United States. He later said that the ban could be avoided if a "very American company" buys it. TikTok, meanwhile, has pushed back against the claim that it poses a security risk, saying that the user data it keeps on Americans is stored stateside, with a backup in Singapore. Its opposition to the ban spurred TikTok to sue the Trump administration in federal court. What happened to the ban? A ban on the ability to download TikTok from US app stores was originally supposed to go into effect Sept. 20, according to the US Commerce Department. That date was delayed by a week to Sept. 27 after Trump gave his tentative blessing to the agreement with Oracle and Walmart. Then that deadline was postponed indefinitely after federal judge Carl Nichols temporarily blocked the ban, in response to TikTok's legal challenge. What's next? The US Commerce Department has said that it intends to "vigorously defend" its order, and there have been no major developments in the court case since the judge issued his ruling last week. But the app store ban is not the only TikTok deadline on the US government's radar. Confusingly, one of Trump's executive orders gave TikTok a much longer Nov. 12 deadline to find a US buyer. After that date, the Commerce Department said internet backbone companies would be banned from carrying the app's traffic, effectively shutting down TikTok's US operations. TikTok could also try to push that deadline back. The company has until Oct. 14 to file a request to temporarily block those restrictions. What's happening with that deal? The agreement with Oracle and Walmart is still a work in progress. The two firms would own at least part of a new entity called TikTok Global, which would be headquartered in the United States. But some core elements of the proposal remain unclear. Trump has said he won't approve the deal unless Americans control the company. That demand has caused confusion, since an initial announcement about the tie-up with Oracle and Walmart implied that ByteDance would continue to own a majority of Tiktok going forward. (In the days after that, a person familiar with the deal told CNN Business that TikTok Global would be partially owned by ByteDance's international and Chinese investors, but that ByteDance itself will hold zero percent of the company to be created by the deal to run the app outside of China.) What about China? ByteDance applied to the Chinese government last month for a license to export its technology, indicating that the company needs some kind of approval from China before the deal can go forward. China's role in signing off on the deal is murky, though. In August, Chinese regulators introduced new rules that govern the sale of certain kinds of technology to foreign buyers. Experts pointed out that the change would likely require ByteDance to obtain government permission before selling TikTok to a foreign company. But ByteDance has said that the US deal does not involve the transfer of its algorithms and technologies just that Oracle would be able to review the app's source code. The deal has also received aggressive pushback from Chinese state media, which last month encouraged Beijing to kill the deal. What about WeChat? There's another Chinese-owned app that's also facing pressure in the United States. One of Trump's August orders called for a ban on transactions using WeChat, not just TikTok. The app, which is owned by Tencent, is ubiquitous in China and is widely seen as equivalent to if Facebook, Paypal, LinkedIn and other platforms were all rolled into one. It's also a popular way for people to stay in touch with friends, family and business contacts in China. Federal judge Laurel Beeler temporarily blocked the WeChat ban Sept. 20 after it was challenged in court by a group of US-based WeChat users. The judge said those users had shown "serious questions" in their claim that the executive order threatens the users' First Amendment rights. Last Friday, the US Justice Department said it would appeal that decision, which could stretch out litigation over the future of the app. In addition to the appeal, Beeler is expected to reconsider her temporary halt on the ban Oct. 15. This story was first published on CNN.com "TikTok's US ban is on hold. What comes next?" Seven black Canadian wolves were missing Tuesday after floods destroyed their enclosure in a southern French wildlife park, the French office for biodiversity (OFB) said, warning they may starve to death if not found soon. The Alpha wildlife park, in the Mercantour national reserve north of the Riviera city of Nice, was left in rubble after floods hammered southeast France, killing at least four people and living 5,000 homes without electricity. Two OFB agents and a veterinary surgeon were searching the area by helicopter after sightings of some of the wolves were reported near the park where they had been held in captivity. The escaped wolves will not be able to survive on their own as they are used to being fed, OFB regional director Eric Hansen said. Locating and capturing wolves "The priority is to find them, and capture them with the help of a dart gun," Hansen said. Black Canadian wolves are a large sub-species of grey wolves, weighing around 80 kilograms. The Mercantour region is home to grey wolves living in the wild, and any encounter with the Black Canadian wolves could lead to cross-breeding, Hansen said. The body of one of the park's three polar wolves was found after its enclosure was swept away by the floods. The two others "are probably dead, too", Hansen said. A third enclosure with three central European grey wolves was spared, and would become the Canadian wolves' temporary home once they were found, he said. The Mercantour national park, created in 1979, boasts 78 species of mammals and more than 200 bird species. It is home to some 50 Italian wolves, a protected species, which migrated there in the 1990s. (with AFP) Welcome to the News Release Wire Selection Control Panel. Instant News Wire The Victorian opposition wants a Fitzgerald-style special prosecutor to investigate current and former police who may have helped barrister-turned-supergrass Nicola Gobbo pervert the course of justice. Some of the most senior and respected police in the state allegedly engaged in criminal behaviour to end Melbourne's gangland war, Victoria's Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants led by former judge Margaret McMurdo has heard. Legendary corruption fighter Tony Fitzgerald, QC, who led an inquiry into Queensland Police. Shadow attorney-general Ed ODonohue said public faith in the justice system would only be restored if allegations against police aired in the McMurdo commission were "vigorously examined and pursued" and if warranted, charges laid. "The issues raised by the royal commission go to the heart of Victorias justice system," Mr O'Donohue said. "It is critical that once the final report is completed that is not the end of the job. Emerging from a former industrial wasteland, a series of towering structures promise the most affordable housing units built in one New York development since the 1970s. In a plan reminiscent of Brooklyns Starrett City, Hunters Point South will eventually have 5,000 apartments across multiple towers, creating a new neighborhood for New Yorkers of all income levels. In the current phase of construction, developer TF Cornerstone is adding 1,194 rental units in two new buildings, 719 of which will be affordable. The pair joins the first two towers built on site in 2015 by Related Companies, which include a combined 925 units. Located along the western Queens waterfront, the mega-project sits alongside the second phase of Long Island Citys newest gem: Hunters Point South Park. Completed in 2018, the 11-acre landscape is now a central part of life in the neighborhood, with hundreds of locals and tourists pouring into the park everyday. It also serves as an ecologically resilient buffer against future storm surges, and will eventually help protect the 11 new buildings that, when finished, will fill out the southernmost point of Long Island City. BRIDGEPORT The University of Bridgeport spent $8.3 million more than it made in the 2018-19 fiscal year and burned through $8.7 million of its modest endowment, according to a fiscal filing by the university recently made public. The federal Internal Revenue Service documents released late last month shows that UB ended the fiscal year in June 2019 with a $25.2 million endowment. Two years prior, its endowment was at $37 million, its highest level in decades. The 2018-19 fiscal year was the first and only full year of former UB President Laura Trombleys tenure. She left in April, having served 18 months. Just before her departure, Trombley sent an email to the university community on March 30 saying the university anticipated an operating deficit in the 2019-20 fiscal year of approximately $12.5 million. The filing for that year has not yet been released. If the expected losses held true, it likely would have cut the universitys $25 million endowment in half. At the time, Trombley said the loss came despite efforts to renegotiate vendor contracts, reduce the campus footprint and close buildings. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, UB laid off 33 employees and furloughed 93 others, according to Trombley. Other staff took pay cuts. Contributed Photo / Contributed Photo To accomplish our goal of a non-deficit budget by the end of the academic year 2021, we will continue to decrease costs and grow revenues, Trombley wrote in the March email. Three days later, Trombley was introduced as the new president of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Acting UB President Stephen Healey, who was provost during Trombleys tenure, said Friday he was willing to speak about the IRS form, but then reneged to prepare for a Board of Trustees meeting, he said. On Monday, he said he, along with UBs chief financial officer Yuet Lee, would talk about the federal filing when he had more time. Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media Trombley did not respond to requests to comment on this story, nor did UB Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Berchem. In June, UB signed a memorandum of understanding with three other higher education institutions to essentially absorb the 97-year-old institutions programs and property. Those deals are still being negotiated, and on Monday, Sacred Heart University announced it was backing out of the planned partnership. Goodwin University President Mark Scheinberg, whose institution is expected to take control of the lions share of the seaside campus and its offerings, had told members of the Bridgeport City Council last week in a Zoom meeting that he expected the deal would happen by the end of this calendar year. On Friday, Scheinberg said there is little he is allowed to say about UB finances because of a signed non-disclosure agreement. What you are seeing (in 2018-19) is pretty much in line with the same story, Scheinberg said. They were deteriorating during that entire time. Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media In announcing the decision to withdraw from the deal, SHU President John Petillo cited UBs finances as one of the reasons. The enrollment projections, and the corresponding financial projections, provided to us by UBs principal lender and its consulting firm when the letter of intent was signed, did not materialize, Petillo said in a memo to the Sacred Heart community. The IRS filing UBs disclosed financial documents for 2018-19 show it took in $138.6 million in revenue, compared with $147.3 million in the last year of Neil Salonens presidency. Expenses were down too, but not nearly enough to make ends meet. When that fiscal year ended, UB had spent just over $147 million, some $6.7 million less than the year before. Investments also dropped nearly $9 million to $20.8 million, according to the financial documents. Cathy Zuraw / Hearst Connecticut Media Susan Williams, a vice president for finance at UB for nine years before leaving the university in August 2018, said UBs 2018-19 financial condition is not a surprise. I knew it was coming, Williams said. I warned people. Its hard to warn people about something you see in the future and they dont and it hasnt happened yet. Salonen had been in charge at UB for 18 years, slowly building up an institution that nearly went bankrupt in the early 1990s. It was bailed out with help from the controversial Unification Church, to which Salonen belonged. 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. By the time Salonen retired in June 2018, he was widely hailed as a community ally and UB had weaned itself from church support. A year into Trombelys presidency, UBs Board of Trustees made an official pronouncement that the ties with the Unification Church as a benefactor had been severed. It did so when it was engaged with talks to absorb Marlboro College, a tiny Vermont liberal arts college with a $35 million endowment. That deal fell through. Salonen, in an interview on Friday, said UBs financial condition the year after he left does not surprise him. Maybe a little bit, he quickly conceded. Salonen said he knew the dip in international students, triggered by the Trump administrations January 2017 travel ban, would hurt UBs bottom line, but he also said it was a challenge that could have and should have been met. It is hard but you can do it, Salonen said, adding he would have developed a plan to balance the budget even if it meant cutting staff and programs. He said he did it several times during his tenure. What they inherited was something done very well, Salonen said. There was a tremor in the force with the international students. That was real but that was the challenge, not anything else. Under Trombley, the focus was on domestic students and on liberal arts, her strong suits. Linda Conner Lambeck / Trombley replaced staff and invested in things like a campus bowling alley. She moved commencement back to campus under a tent, instead of at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard. Moving commencement was supposed to save money, but instead cost more, according to multiple sources. When Trombley was hired, Berchem and others declined to say how much she would be paid. Her pay, according to the IRS filing, was $297,412 for the six months she was in office during the calendar year, since she started in July 2018. The average salary for college presidents at private doctoral institutions, as reported by the Chronicle of Higher Education that year, was about $290,000. The vaccine advisory committee at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that any coronavirus jab have two months of safety data before being approved for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). On Tuesday, the agency posted briefing documents for the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee's meeting on COVID-19 immunizations scheduled for October 22. In addition to the safety data requirements, the committee has asked vaccine makers to submit their manufacturing process and controls information no less than one month prior to submitting an EUA request. Although the recommendations have not been made official, and the FDA is not bound to accept them, they all but assure a shot for the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans will not be made available before Election Day. It comes on the heels of a report that the Trump administration blocked the approval of stricter COVID-19 vaccine approval guidelines. DailyMail.com has reached out to the FDA for comment. The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee has published guidelines recommending that any coronavirus vaccine have two months of safety data before being app roved for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Pictured: The first patient enrolled in Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial receives an injection, May 4 Vaccine makers will also have to submit manufacturing process and controls information to the FDA no less than one month prior to submitting an EUA request 'The likelihood of an EUA happening before Election Day is zero,' Professor Peter Pitts, former FDA Associate Commissioner, told DailyMail.com. 'Even if these guidelines ultimately do not become accepted, I dont think youre looking at any type of EUAs before the end of the year, at the earliest.' For a vaccine to be approved prior to November 3, its manufacturing process information would have had to have been submitted to the agency earlier this month. Pitts said it is very important that the FDA be careful before approving any jab because many of the vaccines are using technology that has never been used on a mass-scale. Among them is mRNA, which tricks the body into producing some of the viral proteins, which the immune system then recognizes and builds a defensive response against. 'The urgency of the FDA understanding the validity of the manufacturing data is always crucial and even more crucial now,' Pitts said. He adds that it is important to watch not the infection rates from COVID-19 but the death rates, which are continuing to remain stable. 'The lesson learned there is we've got a lot to keep the at-risk population alive and that will also, I think, factor into the FDA's decision relative to EUAs for a vaccine,' Pitts said. 'When the death rates are low and stable, that reduces the rationale for a hasty decision.' President Donald Trump, who is now battling COVID-19 himself, has continually hinted that a vaccine could be available by Election Day, raising concern that the FDA and vaccine makers might bow to political pressure rather than prioritize shot safety. It comes as the Trump administration reportedly blocked the FDA's proposed, stricter guidelines, putting Trump's desire to get emergency approval for a shot ahead of Election Dat odds with his appointed FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn (right) According to a report by The New York Times, his administration has already blocked the approval of stricter coronavirus vaccine approval guidelines proposed two weeks ago. Since being submitted for approval by the Office of Management, sources told the Times that the proposed changes have been 'stalled' by White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Operation Warp Speed itself already has recommended the vaccine candidates it is supporting observe 'a two-months follow-up after completion of the immunization process before the company will consider filing for an emergency use authorization,' vaccine czar Dr Moncef Slaoui said last month. 'We completely agree with it,' Slaoui said, referring to the stricter FDA regulations during a virtual Town Hall event on last month organized by the Rainbow Push Coalition in Atlanta. But the White House does not agree with the more protracted timeline. 'The vaccines are coming momentarily,' Trump said on Monday night in a video posted to his Twitter account, upon his return to the White House from Walter Reed National Medical Center. The new recommendations from the advisory committee are expected to escalate already high tensions between regulators and the White House. According to a Pew Research Center survey last month, only 32 percent of Black adults said they would definitely or probably get a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 52 percent of White adults, 56 percent of Hispanics and 72 percent of Asians. At that rate, it seems nearly impossible either company's shot could get approval before the election, although Moderna anticipates it will know whether its shot works by November, and Pfizer plans to announce its results in late-October. FDA Commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn, has not addressed the possibility of new vaccine approval standards. Trump himself handpicked Dr Hahn to ascend to the head of the FDA, over-stepping presumptive commissioner Ned Sharpless. Dr Hahn, plucked from his position as an executive at Texas's renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center, has since found himself caught between politicians and scientists with regularity. He's been in Trump's crosshairs after refusing to endorse the president's claims that most coronavirus case are 'harmless,' while drawing the ire of scientists after his agency gave emergency approval to the use of coronavirus survivors' plasma to treat those who were still sick, against the advice of the National Institutes of Health. After that controversial approval, Dr Hahn inaccurately pulled the statistic that plasma saved more than one-third of people treated with it from an unpublished, poorly-designed study and had to apologize. Aaron Baer, owner of the New Moon Cafe in Oshkosh, Wis., said the local economy had been doing well before the pandemic hit. (Melanie Mason / Los Angeles Times) Shawn Quella can quickly rattle off a litany of economic challenges in his home state: the spike in unemployment this spring as the coronavirus spread, the favorite restaurants that have shut down, local retailers that struggle to stay open. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old financial advisor's view of the economy is sunny, with jobs partially rebounding this summer and a potential COVID-19 vaccine in the works. His optimism is based on the not-too-distant memory of the pre-pandemic boom and confidence that President Trump can replicate that past success. "The trajectory that he had going lowest unemployment in 50 years, stock market at all-time highs, economic growth," Quella said. "There were a lot of good things in place, and I think he is set to continue that." Trump's reelection prospects hinge on voters like Quella, a resident of Neenah, in Wisconsin's Fox Valley those who give the president high marks for his economic stewardship and don't hold the recent downturn against him. Eager to capitalize on a rare bright spot, the Trump campaign has redoubled its efforts to make the race a referendum on which candidate voters trust to bring the nation back to economic health, even as the president's own well-being in his bout with the coronavirus dominates the nation's attention. But while voters have consistently given Trump the edge on the economy, interviews with residents of this battleground state help illustrate why his fiscal pitch has not swayed a politicized electorate where nearly every issue is viewed through a partisan lens. Aaron Baer, a cafe owner in Oshkosh, a short drive south of Quella's hometown, acknowledged that for most of Trump's term, "the economy was good very good." But that has not translated into him supporting the president, especially after the pandemic decimated much of his business and the administration's response was, in his words, "ready, fire, aim." Story continues Trump's electoral fate rests in the intersection of those two topics. "There's no question that the pandemic and the economy are the two big issues that are really intertwined," said Larry Nelson, a Waukesha County supervisor and rare Democratic elected official in the conservative suburbs of Milwaukee. "One of the reasons the economy is doing so poorly is that the president still does not have a good national strategy for how to deal with the pandemic." Joe Biden, Trump's Democratic challenger, has maintained a modest but steady polling lead in Wisconsin, a state that Trump won four years ago by fewer than 23,000 votes and which he badly needs to carry again if he is to remain in the White House. Voters say they trust the former vice president more on handling the pandemic and easing racial tensions. Trump, meantime, has maintained a consistent, albeit narrowing, edge on whom voters prefer on the economy. "It's the only area of evaluation that is net positive" for the president, said Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll in Milwaukee. Matt Mareno, chair of the Waukesha County Democratic Party, confirms that the polls reflect his experience phone-banking in support of Biden. The biggest pushback he has faced from voters is that many trust Trump on the economy. "Republicans did a great job over the last 25 years saying that theyre the economic party," Mareno said. But he's been hearing that argument a lot less in recent days, he said. Trump's advertising in Wisconsin has been particularly focused on the economy; his most-aired television commercial here touts him as the "jobs president," and much of his campaign mail accuses Biden of wanting to raise taxes. The Democrat has said he wants to raise taxes on the highest earners, plus close corporate tax loopholes. The president's argument is compelling to Quella, who has long backed the Republican Party both for its conservative fiscal outlook and for its opposition to abortion. "Raising capital gains rates, raising taxes right now would be detrimental to the economy that's already struggling," he said. But for Hayley Holz, Trump's economic pitch falls flat. The 22-year-old, a student at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, lost her job at a day-care center because of the coronavirus. She picked up a new paid job as an organizer at a student advocacy group but still feels anxious about paying her bills. "I've been seeing these Trump ads, and they're like, 'Biden's gonna raise taxes.' That doesn't concern me with the economy," Holz said. "I'm a college student. I can't afford to live on my own right now, and my friends can't, my roommates can't. We're all just struggling." Business has rebounded at Tamara Ybarra's salon in Oshkosh, but she worries that the coronavirus still poses a threat. (Melanie Mason / Los Angeles Times) Usually, positive approval ratings on the economy would be a promising sign for an incumbent president. This year, however, of the three simultaneous crises buffeting the nation today COVID-19, the economic downturn and the civil unrest over race relations it is the coronavirus that holds the most sway, Franklin said. "If you like him better [than Biden] on the economy and like him a little worse on coronavirus, then the coronavirus will have a little more on your impact on the vote than the positive side on the economy," Franklin said. Both here and nationwide, the economy has bounced back some from the devastation of the spring. In Wisconsin, unemployment surged to more than 13% in April, but it has steadily fallen over the summer to 6%, roughly double what it was for most of Trump's presidency. Clients have increasingly returned to Salon La Rousse in Oshkosh, but that hasn't done much to ease owner Tamara Ybarra's anxiety. "I feel a little apprehensive because I don't think we've seen the worst of COVID," said Ybarra, 38, who declined to state her preference in the presidential election, given the even split in political leanings among her customers. Ybarra's worries are understandable. Wisconsin is in the throes of a troubling coronavirus outbreak. Its climbing numbers, plus Trump's COVID-19 infection, have pushed the pandemic to the top of Ybarra's election concerns. "We need somebody who is going to take this seriously," she said. Some of the highest case counts in the state are in the Fox Valley a Republican-leaning region that's now hotly contested in the presidential race and that both Trump and Biden have recently visited. Across the street from Ybarra's salon sits Baer's New Moon Cafe, which is hanging on through takeout orders and drastically reduced indoor seating. Baer said he thinks partisan allegiance will override attitudes about the economy. "I think people are just cemented. Around here, you're either one side or the other," Baer, 44, said. Though he has voted for both parties in the past, this year he's siding with Biden. For the narrow band of voters who have not yet made up their mind, emphasizing the economy may still be Trump's best bet. That's especially so with white college-educated men, a voting bloc that handily sided with Trump in 2016, according to national exit polls. The president appears to have lost traction with some of those voters this year; a recent NBC News/Marist Poll in Wisconsin, for example, found Biden and Trump tied among that group. The battle for those voters is being waged in the WOW (Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington) counties, a constellation of suburban areas around Milwaukee that have long been a gold mine for Republican ballots. David Barnett sees opportunity for Biden to make inroads in the affluent community along Beaver Lake, in the northwestern part of Waukesha County. Barnett, an independent-minded Democrat, said he's had plenty of conversations with Republican neighbors turned off by Trump's behavior. But he fears that Biden hasn't offered a strong rebuttal for Trump's economic message. "He has to counter what Trump is saying about lowering taxes," said Barnett, 74, who owns an art gallery in downtown Milwaukee. He had been unimpressed with the Biden campaign's effort to do so, although he said the Democrat's ads seemed more convincing in the last week. The area still has many rock-ribbed conservatives who will not be easily swayed, no matter Biden's pitch. Kerry Johnson, a retired diesel-engine salesman from Waukesha, admires Trump's hardline approach to foreign trade. "He's a businessman," Johnson, 68, said. "And he's treating the government like a business which it should be." But those economics-based arguments no longer have quite as much power as they once did. Although nobody expects Biden to flip the region blue this year, he may be able to reduce Trump's margin. Jim Jackson, a longtime Republican from Waukesha, was so turned off by Trump's behavior that he's now actively encouraging others to vote for Biden. "I always thought Republicans were fiscally very conservative. Trump just spends and spends and spends," said Jackson, 70, a retiree who used to run a local business alliance. "What I tell my friends is, if you're voting for Trump because he's a Republican he's not. He just does what's good for Donald Trump." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Katie Holmes is reportedly concerned that her daughter to Tom Cruise, Suri Cruise, was in danger of being lured away by Scientology devotees. A news outlet asserted that an image captured of the teenager by paparazzi had a cunning backstory. The headline from "Woman's Day" underscored "Suri's Not Safe" earlier this year. The subheading read, "Katie fears Scientologists are trying to lure her daughter back." Photographs of Suri Sprinting There were two photos of Suri pictured walking New York City's streets and posited that the teenager appeared haunted and was running. The photographs had supposedly caused distress among sources close to the "Dawson's Creek" actress, reported Gossip Cop. According to a source, "Katie and Suri are usually inseparable -- obviously because they're really close, more like sisters sometimes, but also because Katie is fearful to let her out of her sight." There is one group of individuals that Holmes supposedly thinks would trigger this level of fear in Suri, the source said. The source continued that Holmes had long feared that her former husband's brethren members would attempt to lure Suri to their religion. According to the insider, "Katie suspects Scientologists are still keeping tabs on her and her daughter -- they watch people, after all - especially because as soon as Suri becomes a legal adult they will almost certainly attempt to get her back." Regarding Katie Holmes believing that Scientologists target her daughter, getting Suri to join the faith would be beneficial to the members since his father is very engaged in the sect that he is even thought to be its second-in-command. Also Read: Tom Cruise Literally Goes to Space in New Film The source continued to indicate that Holmes has taught a healthy level of distrust of strangers in her daughter which could explain Suri seemingly fearful. "Highly intelligent and worldly" Suri could have sensed that something was wrong. Debunked Celebrity fact check website Gossip Cop indicated that the 14-year-old's parents have been divorced and has restricted contact with father Tom Cruise since the age of six. The website noted that it would be unlikely for Scientologists to abruptly kidnap the teenager off a busy street in New York City now. The source also continued that the controversial religion's members were apparently waiting for Cruise's daughter to reach adulthood to recruit her which eventually weakens the reasoning. Thus, the verdict is that it is a false narrative. Does Tom Cruise Ever See His Youngest Daughter Suri? Tom Cruise had not seen Suri in numerous years. "Us Weekly" reported that the pair had been last spotted together in 2013 which was a year after Katie Holmes had filed for divorce reportedly to protect her daughter from Scientologists' influence. Suri Cruise Threatens to Go to Tom Cruise if Katie Holmes Does Not Split From Boyfriend Katie Holmes's daughter has reportedly pressurized her mother after seeing photographs of the actress with chef Emilio Vitolo displaying public affection. According to "Woman's Day," she cannot endure the sight of her mom acting like a lovestruck teenager with Vitolo. Related Article: Katie Holmes' New Man a Cheater? Boyfriend Dumped His Fiancee Through Text to Date Her @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An antelope, a lonely figure, a family linking armsKanniga shines her flashlight across a cave to reveal paintings believed to date back to the pre-historic era, a stunning discovery for Thailand's scrappy team of archaeologists An antelope, a lonely figure, a family linking armsKanniga Premjai shines her flashlight across a cave to reveal long-hidden paintings, a stunning discovery for Thailand's scrappy team of archaeologists. For months, Kanniga and her small team have combed Sam Roi Yot National Park, about four hours southwest of Bangkok, following a ranger wielding a machete as he slashes a path through thorny vegetation. They had searched about 40 caveswith no luckbefore they stumbled on a cavern located a steep climb through rocky cliff terrain. "I screamed when we found the paintings," she tells AFP, pointing out clusters of rust-coloured figures that look like they are holding hands. The dark walls initially shrouded the etchings, but careful examination and the use of a mobile applicationwhich helps researchers enhance rock artexposed the drawings. "They are pre-historic and they're about 2-3,000 years old," Kanniga says. Thailand has unearthed ancient temples and cities, such as the ruins in the historic former capital of Ayutthaya and northern Chiang Maiwhich attract domestic and foreign tourists. But the search for cave drawings is more challenging for Thailand's understaffed Department of Fine Arts, often because of the arduous trekking required. "A lot of their primary work is just preserving what is already found... and that already takes up a lot of time," says Noel Hidalgo Tan, an expert with Southeast Asia's regional centre for archaeology and fine arts. "There's a lot of places in Thailand that are still unexplored." The discovery of paintings in 2016 by authorities doing a cursory sweep of Sam Roi Yot National Park's perimeter prompted experts to push for further research in the unmapped grounds Lost for centuries Locals often venture into the caves to collect guanoor bat feces used as fertiliserbut might not notice the wall art, which is why Kanniga's mission is "to search every cave and cliff in the park". "We don't know what we'll stumble upon," the 40-year-old archaeologist says, as she ducks into the cave's inner chambers. While they are not Thailand's oldestthat title belongs to markings believed to be between 5-11,000 years old found in the norththe "Clay Cave" supports Kanniga's hypothesis that the Sam Roi Yot area was once home for pre-historic people. Cave exploration is Kanniga's passion, but this year is the first in her nearly two-decade career that she is able to devote time and resources to it. She is one of three archaeologists overseeing six provinces in the Ratchaburi Fine Arts Department and previously spent time assessing historical sites to determine age and provenance. "Foreign archaeologists usually specialise in one thing, but in Thailand we need to do a bit of everything," she says. The discovery of paintings in 2016 by authorities doing a cursory sweep of Sam Roi Yot's perimeter prompted Kanniga to push for further research in the park's unmapped grounds. Today, the national park is popular with domestic tourists visiting nearby beaches and avid birdwatchers observing the wetlands. An archaeologist assesses newly discovered cave paintings in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Thailand 'Finding treasure' The evidence suggests that hunter-gatherers lived in the area some 3,000 years ago, says Tan, a senior specialist on cave and rock art in the region. "They would be moving camp-to-camp, so they would have a camp up in the mountains," he says, adding that the shoreline of the Gulf of Thailand would have been further inland. Despite the area's potential, sustained exploration by the kingdom's overstretched archaeologists is likely difficult because "caves can't be easily turned into tourism sites" like historic temples, Tan says. "As a way to preserve them and protect them, you need to generate revenue but it is not as monetisable." But Kanniga remains undeterred by the challenges, pushing on with two researchers to search for hidden finds in the park's unexplored caves. "It's quite exciting, but it's a little scary especially when we're climbing," Chananchaita Kitcho tells AFP. The 23-year-old is grateful they have been successful in their exploration, especially since the difficult climbs can at times feel futile. "First we get lost. Then we find the cave," she jokes. Kanniga says she still gets goosebumps when she spies scrawls in the tell-tale ochre pigments. She says: "When you find the paintings, it's like you're finding a treasure. The charm of archaeology is you never get bored." Explore further Mexico cave with evidence of early humans closed to visitors 2020 AFP LONDON - The U.K.'s pubs and restaurants could see well over 500,000 job losses by the end of 2020 as a result of new coronavirus restrictions, including the requirement they shut their doors at 10 p.m., the head of the hospitality sector's main lobby group warned Tuesday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/10/2020 (473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A worker packs away chairs outside a bar in Soho, London, ahead of the 10pm curfew pubs and restaurants are subject to in order to combat the rise in coronavirus cases in England, Friday, Oct. 2, 2020. (Kirsty O'Connor/PA via AP) LONDON - The U.K.'s pubs and restaurants could see well over 500,000 job losses by the end of 2020 as a result of new coronavirus restrictions, including the requirement they shut their doors at 10 p.m., the head of the hospitality sector's main lobby group warned Tuesday. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, told lawmakers that the combination of the curfew, local lockdown restrictions and a downturn in customer confidence has hit pubs and restaurants in recent weeks. She urged the government to provide more support to companies hit particularly hard by the recent uptick in virus cases and the ensuing restrictions. She said research conducted by the group a couple of weeks ago had pointed to the loss of around 560,000 jobs by the end of the year, but a big drop in business since then will likely push that number up. We are doing that data again but we anticipate it will be far higher due to local restrictions, the national constraints on events, working from home and the curfew, she said. As elsewhere in Europe, curbs on everyday life have been reimposed in the U.K. following a spike in new coronavirus infections. On top of national restrictions, there are many local measures, largely relating to the number of people allowed to gather. Since the 10 p.m. curfew was announced last month, many within the sector have argued that it's counterproductive as people just leave to congregate at someone's home, where social distancing guidelines are likely to be observed less carefully. Many lawmakers and politicians, including the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, have urged a review, though that is considered unlikely. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Hundreds of thousands of jobs in hospitality have been protected during the pandemic as a result of the Job Retention Scheme, whereby the government has been paying the bulk of their wages. The programme will be replaced by the less generous Jobs Support Scheme, which will see the government pay up to 22% of wages for workers who come back from Nov. 1. Treasury chief Rishi Sunak has said the government cannot support every job in the economy forever. Many workers on furlough returned to their jobs when the sector reopened in early July after months of lockdown. But Nicholls said around 900,000 hospitality workers remain on furlough and urged the government to do more to ensure that most of them remain in their jobs through winter. There is a very real danger that we will lose large chunks of the economy," she said. In hospitality we will have insolvent businesses, businesses going into administration and therefore that engine of growth for re-employing people will be lost for good. The U.K. has been spared the sharp rise in unemployment seen in many other countries, largely because of the furlough scheme. Economists, including those at the Bank of England, are forecasting that the unemployment rate will double this winter to around 8%. That would push unemployment towards the 3 million mark, a level the U.K. has not seen since the early 1990s. ___ Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak The number of sexual harassment cases filed across Nifty50 companies rose 8 percent from a year ago to 761 in FY20, signalling a growing awareness among women workers about their rights and increased alacrity by several companies to ensure safe workplaces. Among sectors, IT companies dominated the list with a total of 340 complaints. Human resource officials attribute the rise in complaints filed to movements like MeToo motivating women to speak up against sexual misconduct by colleagues. The MeToo movement, which gained prominence in October 2018, brought to the forefront the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace. Several celebrities were also named as alleged perpetrators during this campaign of exposure. This, according to HR experts, also led to an increased awareness about PoSH and the need to file official complaints. In recent days, violence against women has again come to the forefront after the alleged rape and murder of a woman in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, and the alleged rape and murder of another victim who was returning from her workplace at Balrampur, also in Uttar Pradesh. Companies across India Inc have also been making efforts to ensure that women feel safe. At FMCG giant HUL, which saw three complaints being filed in FY20, apart from gender-sensitisation sessions and PoSH Act training, specific measures are taken for the safety of women. Inside HUL offices, women employees are discouraged from working beyond 8.30 p.m. Any instances of late working are detected by the attendance card reader and an alert is sent to the employees line manager automatically. In circumstances where late working becomes unavoidable, women employees are required to take a drop home from a company approved car vendor and to be escorted home by a male colleague. The woman also has to inform the line managers upon reaching home. Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder & Executive Vice President, TeamLease Services, told Moneycontrol that the increase in the number of complaints filed points to rising awareness about sexual harassment. Rising complaints show that women are more forthcoming in reporting these incidents, maybe because of the rise in understanding and awareness of PoSH. However, this may not be the replica of the actual incidents, she added. While 761 might seem a modest number, these are the official cases filed against sexual harassment of women. The actual numbers are likely to be higher. A peek into the official numbers All the Nifty constituents said in their annual reports that regular workshops on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act are being conducted in their offices. Further, sensitisation sessions for male employees are also being undertaken. After the ICC report on a complaint is finalised, companies take a call on what action is to be taken against an erring employee. Wipro has the highest number of sexual harassment complaints filed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. In its annual report, the company said that 98 of 125 complaints filed in FY20 had been disposed of while 27 were pending. In FY19 as well, the IT sector had topped the list of sexual harassment complaints. In the banking sector, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank had 52 complaints each filed for PoSH cases in FY20. At ICICI Bank, all the 52 complaints (59 in FY19) were resolved in FY20, while at HDFC Bank, four of the 52 complaints (25 in FY19) were pending at the end of FY20. What companies are doing Compared to a decade ago, when women were discouraged from filing sexual harassment cases by companies, human resource officials are of the view that more official complaints are being filed. The head of human resources at a financial services firm told Moneycontrol that companies are equally cognisant of the fact that a complaint has to be resolved in a given time period and that delays or malice could lead to the employer brand being impacted. While PoSH cases have to stay anonymous as per law, we have seen multiple instances of companies being named and shamed on social media. This is not a situation that any listed companies want to face. So, additional efforts are being taken to encourage women to file complaints whenever they feel uncomfortable with colleagues behaviour, so that a resolution can be reached, the official added. Further, with women being more forthcoming in filing complaints, HR officials said that it is also easier to help employees understand what constitutes a behavioural issue and what genuinely is sexual harassment. The chief people officer (CPO) of a Mumbai-based tax firm told Moneycontrol that there have been instances in his firm where female employees did not feel comfortable with a specific behaviour of a colleague and reported it as sexual harassment. The internal complaints committee deliberates over such complaints and decides whether they actually amount to sexual harassment. The panel includes senior women from across the workplace. We had a case where a woman did not like the use of the word darling, a generic usage her superior had for all female team members, and so she filed a PoSH case. While this was inappropriate usage, it cannot be construed as sexual harassment. We then bought both the parties face to face and explained the situation. This was then resolved amicably, the CPO added. Even listed companies across India are taking additional steps to nip the problem in the bud. ICICI Bank said in its annual report for FY20 that it ensures that there is mandatory e-learning on PoSH at the time of induction. Further, the bank also has 'iTravelSafe', an application providing easy access to register an SOS distress signal for women employees. ICICI Bank had 97,354 permanent employees on its rolls at the end of FY20. The bank said that women constituted 32 percent of its workforce as of FY20. Actions against violators While listed companies do not publicly disclose names or actions taken against the harassers, HR officials said that the most common resolution is to transfer the accused to a different department. In the financial services sector, in particular, where transfers to another city may not be feasible in case the accused works in key roles like investment, treasury or top management, suspension orders are not uncommon. Only in cases where there is evidence of physical abuse and consistent efforts by the accused to shut down a complainant is a decision to terminate taken. In the IT sector, a senior Vice President at a mid-sized IT services firm explained that 60-70 percent of the cases result in official written apologies followed by transfers or suspension for 3-6 months. He added that terminations are rare. If more women are coming out and filing complaints, it is a good development. But more can be done to create awareness and it is not where it ought to be, said Chakraborty. The Delhi government on Tuesday sent a proposal to Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal, urging him to allow theatres, cinema halls and multiplexes in the Capital to open from October 15 as per the central governments guidelines, a senior government official said. The matter, the official said, was briefly discussed in Tuesdays Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting without any conclusion. The need for a revised Covid-19 management strategy and modalities of an intensive awareness campaign in the light of the festive season ahead was also discussed in detail in Tuesdays meeting. The DDMA is chaired by Baijal and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is its vice-chairperson. These discussions will continue in the authoritys next meeting likely to happen in another week, the senior DDMA official quoted above said. The next DDMA meeting, the official said, is likely to see detailed discussions on Ramlila celebrations, Durga Puja and further relaxations of lockdown norms, especially regarding cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes. The governments proposal came after the Centre on Tuesday issued guidelines on cinema halls and multiplexes that have been allowed to open under the fresh reopening guidelines from October 15, after remaining shut for more than six months in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. The proposal on cinema halls was only briefly discussed in the meeting of the DDMA but there was no decision. The Delhi government has already sent a proposal to the L-G, urging him to allow cinema halls to open as per rules laid down by the Centre. The same proposal includes a demand to allow all weekly markets to open in every zone, said the government official, who did not wish to be identified. Last month, the government had sent a proposal to open all weekly markets but the L-G allowed only a small relaxation by allowing two weekly markets per day per zone instead of the one at present. On September 18, Baijal had directed the government to draft a fresh strategy for containment zones, which is yet to be finalised, several senior officials confirmed. The present strategy under discussion requires districts to have area-specific containment plans to suit planned localities, unauthorised colonies, rural areas, etc., said a senior official in the revenue department without elaborating further. After Tuesdays meeting, Baijal tweeted: Discussed the recent trends of Covid-19 situation in Delhi and revised strategy as suggested by experts, including prospective planning for the management of Covid-19 in the coming months. The meeting was attended by Kejriwal, deputy CM Manish Sisodia, revenue and transport minister Kailash Gahlot, chief secretary Vijay Dev, NITI Aayog member Dr V K Paul, AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria and director of the national centre for disease control, Dr Sujeet Kumar Singh, said Baijal in another tweet. The chief ministers office, however, did not comment on the developments. After having several holidays cancelled this year we were desperate to get away for some sunshine and Cyprus offered the warmth and safety due to low Covid numbers & with the added reassurance of everyone having to test negative prior to travel. We read the rave reviews of The Elysium Hotel and the hotel did not let us down from the moment you arrive you can forget about the dreaded C word all safety measures are taken with hand sanitisation stations placed in many areas including food stations and these are politely enforced Breakfast is buffet style with plenty of offerings and a chef egg station. Lovely Marina is there with a glass (or two!) of bubbles every morning which was a great way to start the day! George and Yannis are also there at your service with a genuine smile and all overseen by Andreas who manages the slick and friendly team Half Board dinners varied between different themed buffets which had plenty of choice and good quality, and some evenings, Table dhote offering a choice of 3 starters, 3 mains and 2 dessert again really good food, well presented. As with breakfast all expertly overseen by Andreas and his fantastic team. Prior to dinner we would watch the fabulous sunset on the terrace with a cocktail and scurry back up post dinner to watch the nightly entertainment - thank you Kyriaki (Kiki), Lorena and Kristina for the great service and friendly chats. Cocktails were on the whole great, reasonable priced, and all overseen by Emma the bar manager Rooms are good with lovely Molton Brown amenities an adequate hotel gym with adjoining studio with plenty of weight and dumbells and social distance measures in place. Make sure you book a time slot prior to going. Didnt use the spa but a friend had a lovely massage there We lazed on sun loungers on the grassed area of the hotel and the pool bar team are very attentive bringing you drinks whenever needed. Due to Covid restrictions the swim up seats at the pool bar are out of action and can only order lunch food at one of the restaurants or through room service which was very efficient. You can always tell a good hotel by the many happy faces that are staying there and after having spoken to several guests this hotel has many repeaters and we will now definitely be joining them. All in all despite Covid we were able to enjoy extremely relaxed, stress free holiday with fantastic service and friendly staff Thank you Elysium We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Close MPs vote in favour of 'rule of six' regulations in England The number of people admitted to English hospitals with coronavirus leapt by nearly one-quarter from Saturday to Sunday, government figures revealed. There were 478 admissions on Sunday, the most recent day for which figures have been provided, up from 386 the day before. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has won a Commons vote on the rule of six, despite anger at the governments ability to bypass parliamentary scrutiny during the pandemic. MPs voted in favour by 287 votes to 17 but 12 Tories rebelled and voted against the regulation. Growing frustration with restrictions on freedom comes at a time when some experts are warning those crackdowns may have to become more stringent. Speaking on BBC Newsnight on Tuesday, Professor John Edmunds said a return to national lockdown should come sooner rather than later. The Sage adviser said: "We are starting to get to a point where we really will have to take really critical action otherwise we are going to run the risk of turning the National Health Service back into the national Covid service. "These local restrictions that have been put in place in much of the north of England really haven't been very effective. We need to take much more stringent measures, not just in the north of England, we need to do it countrywide, and bring the epidemic back under control." He was speaking after it became likely that new a local lockdown would be imposed in Nottingham, where the director of public health described a spike in cases as significant and worrying. In the US, Donald Trump has continued to downplay the dangers of Covid-19, despite contracting it himself. He also called an abrupt halt to negotiations with Democrats on badly-needed new economic stimulus. The Council of Ministers have met to discuss new plans to streamline procedures and also approved plans for a photovoltaic power generation plant project writes Tishreen. In its weekly session on Monday, the Council of Ministers headed by Prime Minister Hussein Arnous, discussed the draft of the new civil status law. The law aims to unify the various civil registry secretariats under a single secretariat called The One Syria Trust to ensure the completeness and correctness of citizens records and data, and to computerize civil status work in order to simplify and streamline procedures in the fastest and easiest way possible. The Council stressed that service ministries should improve the quality of services they provide to citizens, all the while achieving fair distribution, and developing plan Bs to deal with emergency situations in various sectors. The Minister of Justice gave a presentation on the results of the work of the legislation committee and the difficulties that stand in the way of implementation as well as potential solutions. The Council requested that the Ministries of Health and Education expand investigations in schools and give the necessary flexibility to education and school health directors so they can meet sterilization and prevention requirements. The Council approved the completion of the implementation of the al-Kiswah photovoltaic power generation plant project, which will have a capacity of 1.7 megawatts, and the provision of equipment for the Jableh Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection gave a presentation on the measures taken to price the basic food basket (containing up to 20 items) in order to ensure a sustainable production process, provide products at fair prices to consumers, and encourage customers to buy local. 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. They were never used (by Goodyear) as hangars. They were simply very large warehouses, he said. The south hangar is still being used as warehouse space by another company. The 55th Wing has installed new lighting in the north hangar, so maintenance crews will be better able to see while inspecting and repairing the 55th Wings 29 C-135-variant reconnaissance jets. Chain-link fencing marks off areas for parts storage. The most noticeable changes are new office space and a large lunchroom at the hangars east end, near the loading docks. Four refrigerators, three coffee makers and six microwaves are already there, waiting to be plugged in. Once the lunchroom is in use, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service will install a micromart, with food for sale. Across the parking lot, the 55th Wing has put up a temporary clamshell hangar, for refueling and general maintenance. It is on the site of World War II-era hangars that have since been demolished. Outside, the concrete apron was milled to a depth of 3 inches and resurfaced with asphalt. Stockholm: Three physicists won this years Nobel Prize in physics on Tuesday for discoveries related to black holes. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said that Briton Roger Penrose will receive half of this years prize "for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity." From left: Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez have won this years Nobel Prize in physics for black hole discoveries. Credit:AP Goran K. Hansson, the academys secretary-general, said German Reinhard Genzel and American Andrea Ghez will receive the second half of the prize "for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the centre of our galaxy." It is common for several scientists who worked in related fields to share the prize. Last year's prize went to Canadian-born cosmologist James Peebles for theoretical work about the early moments after the Big Bang, and Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz for discovering a planet outside our solar system. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2020 / Belmont Resources Ltd. ("Belmont"), (or the "Company"), (TSXV:BEA)(FSE:L3L2) is pleased to report that the helicopter-borne Lidar survey on the company's Come By Chance property in the historic Greenwood Mining Camp has been completed. The 5.3 square km survey was flown by Pioneer Exploration Consultants Ltd., with point cloud data acquired at a density of 20 points per square metre. The Come by Chance (CBC) Property covers an area of approximately 527 hectares and has a history of mineral exploration dating from the late 1890's which is evident in the many pits, shafts, and adits which were developed in the search for a Phoenix type copper/gold skarn mineral deposit. Although the Phoenix mineral resource was the major producer, some of the smaller mines were productive from a number of different types of deposits. From 1900 to 1975 production from these 26 principal mines was, in addition to a significant amount of lead, silver, and zinc, 580 Mlbs of copper and 1.4 Moz of gold (Church, 1986) 1. Belmont Properties Map The CBC Property is located three kilometres to the southeast of the Phoenix deposits and on a comparative geological trend, hosts skarn. epithermal, and massive sulphide mineralization; typical mineralization associated with deep-seated copper/gold porphyry deposits. Skarn mineralization with elevated copper values occurs in many locations, with epithermal zones of alteration and quartz veining intersected by a diamond-drill hole situated near the major Eagle Mountain Fault in the southwest. An additional indication of epithermal mineralization is the free gold in quartz near the major Lind Creek Fault in the northeast. CBC LIDAR Map A small circular lake with a highly anomalous arsenic content centered between these major faults, appears as a hydrothermal or a collapsed breccia developed from an underlying intrusive in a volcanic environment. The location of the intrusive is supported by the results from the Lidar survey which clearly showed a series of radiating faults from the lake and obscure ringed faults surrounding the lake. These faults were likely developed from a rising intrusive and were instrumental as the means of mineral laden hydrothermal fluid transport from the intrusive to create the localized skarns. The largest area of mineralization on the Property, the Betts copper/gold Betts skarn area may have developed from the same hydrothermal fluids that caused the heterolithic breccia alteration of the Eagle Mountain Fault. Most of the historic exploration of the Betts area, which probably targeted the large area of skarn mineralization, consisted of open-cuts, shafts, a 22 metre upper and a 251 metre lower adit. Although the skarn zones were not enhanced, the most significant result from the exploration was the intersection of a chute of massive sulphides; another indication of a potential deep-seated copper/gold porphyry deposit. ISO view of CBC and AJ Properties The CBC Property clearly requires additional exploration to locate the intrusive that generated the massive sulphide, epithermal, and skarn mineralization. The results of the Lidar survey has provided significant information to the location of the intrusive and the pending results of a magnetometer, survey should provide a specific target to test by a geophysical Induced Potential deep penetration survey or diamond drilling, for the indicated deep-seated copper-gold porphyry. About Belmont Resources Inc . Belmont Resources is a British Columbia based company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the highly prospective Greenwood-Republic mining camps. The Company has over a short period of time systematically acquired six past producing gold-silver and copper-gold mines. - Athelstan & Jackpot Gold mines (Athelstan-Jackpot property - 100%) - Betts Copper-Gold mine (Come By Chance property - 100%) - Bertha & Pathfinder Gold-Silver mines (Pathfinder property - 100%). - Lone Star Copper-Gold mine (Lone Star Property - LOI) Belmont Contracts Zimtu Capital for Virtual and Digital Marketing Belmont has engaged Zimtu Capital Corp. (TSXv: ZC; FSE: ZCT1) ("Zimtu") to provide its ZimtuADVANTAGE program. ZimtuADVANTAGE is a program designed to provide opportunities, guidance, cost savings and assistance to clients covering multiple aspects of being a public company. The services may include - Developing and implementing a complete digital marketing program, including social media management, in-depth reports, video/image content and more. - Providing virtual video conference events and promoting these events through paid advertising, networking, social media and news websites. - Hosting presentations, luncheons and other events; - Arranging meetings and planning events. Zimtu shall receive $5,000 per month for a period of 24 months, with the entire 24 months payable at the beginning of the contract Qualified Person The scientific and technical information that forms the basis for parts of this press release was prepared and/or reviewed by Laurence Sookochoff, P.Eng., who is a Qualified Person "(QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101 The Qualified Person has not verified the data disclosed, through sampling, analytical, nor test data. The information was obtained from assessment reports submitted to the B.C. Government, and publicly available company reports. The Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to verify the historic information on the Property. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "George Sookochoff" George Sookochoff, CEO/President Ph: 604-683-6648 Email: george@belmontresources.com Website: www.BelmontResources.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This Press Release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties, based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of exploration and other risk factors beyond its control. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements about the possible raising of capital and exploration of our properties. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Companies forward-looking statements and expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval; that we may not be able to raise funds required, that conditions to closing may not be fulfilled and we may not be able to organize and carry out an exploration program in 2020, and other risks associated with being a mineral exploration and development company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements. 1 Church, B.N., 1986. Geological Setting and Mineralization in the Mount Attwood-Phoenix Area of the Greenwood Mining Camp, BC MEMPR Paper 1986-2. SOURCE: Belmont Resources Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/609212/Belmont-LIDAR-Survey-Supports-Deep-Seated-Copper-Gold-Porphyry-Model-on-Come-By-Chance-Property-Greenwood-Mining-Camp-BC JERSEYVILLE Illinois American Water on Tuesday announced the companys acquisition of the City of Jerseyville water and wastewater systems for $43.25 million. The purchase adds about 4,100 water and 3,950 wastewater customers to the companys southern Illinois service area. Jerseyville Mayor William Russell said the sale allows the city to pay off debt and focus on other priorities. The city will also benefit from a local operations center, which will support customer service and tax revenue, he said. Additional proceeds from the sale will support long-term infrastructure improvements and our communitys future. This is an exciting time for Jerseyville, Russell said. City officials approved the sale in December 2019. In August 2020, Illinois American Water began operating the Jerseyville water and wastewater systems on a contract basis until the close of the sale. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved the sale for $43.25 million, and the sale was completed Tuesday. Our team is proud to play a vital role in the city of Jerseyville, said Illinois American Water President Justin Ladner. Weve committed to significant investment in the local water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as the construction of a local distribution center. We want to be a key part of the community and its growth. Illinois American Water plans to invest $15 million in the first five years of ownership to upgrade the city of Jerseyville water and wastewater systems. Work will include a new operations center and elevated water tank as well as upgrades to the water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant and lift stations. Water and sewer mains will also be replaced, and automation will be implemented to improve operational efficiency. We are excited to partner with the city of Jerseyville and to support the communitys success, said Karen Cooper, Director of Operations for Illinois American Water. We appreciate the Citys trust and confidence in our team. Customers will receive an Illinois American Water welcome packet in the mail with information about online account management, billing and other topics. Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state providing water and/or wastewater services to about 1.3 million people. American Water operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. For more about Illinois American Water, visit www.illinoisamwater.com. President Donald Trump stands on the balcony outside the Blue Room after returning to the White House in Washington on Oct. 5, 2020. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo) Dont Let It Dominate You: Trump Says of COVID-19 After Leaving Hospital President Donald Trump issued a video message telling Americans dont let it dominate you, referring to the COVID-19 disease, just after he departed Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. I just left Walter Reed Medical Center and its really something very specialthe doctors, the nurses, the first responders, Trump said. And I learnt so much about coronavirus, and one thing thats for certaindont let it dominate you, dont be afraid of it. Youre going to beat it, we have the best medical equipment, we have the best medicines, all developed recently, and youre going to beat it, he added. The president announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, in the early hours of Friday, Oct. 2. Later in the day, the president moved to Walter Reed out of an abundance of caution, the White House announced at the time. Trump said that he didnt feel so good when he first set off to Walter Reed, but that he could have left the military hospital two days ago because he felt great better than 20 years ago after receiving treatment, including a five-day course of the intravenous antiviral drug remdesivir. He told Americans, Dont let it dominate, dont let it take over your lives. Dont let that happen, we have the greatest country in the world. Weve going back to work, were going to be out front. As your leader, I had to do that. I knew theres danger to it, but I had to do it. I stood out front, I led. Nobody thats a leader would not do what I did. And I know theres a risk, theres a danger but thats okay. And now Im better and maybe Im immune, the president added. Dont let it dominate your lives, get out there, be careful, we have the best medicines in the world, and itll all happen very shortly, and theyre all getting approved. And the vaccines are coming momentarily, Trump said. Shortly prior to issuing his video statement, the president shared a video of his arrival back at the White House from Walter Reed on Marine One, set to triumphant music. The presidents physician, Navy Cmdr. Sean Conley, said earlier in the day that the president remains contagious and would not be fully out of the woods for another week but that he had met or exceeded standards for discharge from the hospital. Trump is expected to continue his recovery at the White House with the first lady. Trump 2020 Communications Director Tim Murtaugh told Fox News late Monday, about an hour after the president left Walter Reed, that Trump plans to debate his opponent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Oct. 15. Symone Sanders, a senior campaign adviser to Biden, told CNN on Sunday that Biden is looking forward to the upcoming debate scheduled to be held in Miami, Florida, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Sanders added that they hoped Trump can participate. Were hoping that hes medically able to participate, and that is up to his doctors to clear him. But Joe Biden will be at that debate, she told CNN. The Commission on Presidential Debates announced on Monday that both Trump and Biden qualify for participation in the debate. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Three people have been arrested after a 20-year-old man was shot to death Monday night in Oshawa. Durham Regional Police arrived at a parking lot of an apartment building on King Street near Farewell Street just after 10 p.m., and found the victim who had already died. The three suspects were taken into custody but no information will be released on their identities until charges are laid, police said. One firearm was recovered on the scene by police. Const. George Tudos told reporters police will be looking into video surveillance of the area and road closures are expected to continue throughout Tuesday. We want to make sure its safe in our communities, Tudos said. Investigators have also released images of a vehicle of interest that was observed in the area of the shooting. The vehicle appears to be a light coloured sedan. This is the seventh homicide in Durham Region in 2020. Anyone with information is asked to contact homicide investigators at 905-579-1520. With files from Akrit Michael Irelyne Lavery is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: ilavery@thestar.ca Read more about: STOCKHOLM - Three scientists won the Nobel Prize in physics Tuesday for establishing the all-too-weird reality of black holes the straight-out-of-science-fiction cosmic monsters that suck up light and time and will eventually swallow us, too. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/10/2020 (474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - In this April 17, 2015, file photo, a national library employee shows a gold Nobel Prize medal in Bogota, Colombia. The Nobels, with new winners announced starting Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, often concentrate on unheralded, methodical, basic science. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara, File) STOCKHOLM - Three scientists won the Nobel Prize in physics Tuesday for establishing the all-too-weird reality of black holes the straight-out-of-science-fiction cosmic monsters that suck up light and time and will eventually swallow us, too. Roger Penrose of Britain, Reinhard Genzel of Germany and Andrea Ghez of the United States explained to the world these dead ends of the cosmos that are still not completely understood but are deeply connected, somehow, to the creation of galaxies. Penrose, an 89-year-old at the University of Oxford, received half of the prize for proving with mathematics in 1964 that Einsteins general theory of relativity predicted the formation of black holes, even though Einstein himself didnt think they existed. Genzel, who is at both the Max Planck Institute in Germany and the University of California, Berkeley, and Ghez, of the University of California, Los Angeles, received the other half of the prize for discovering in the 1990s a supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. Black holes fascinate people because the idea of some monster out there sucking everything up is a pretty weird thing, Penrose said an interview with The Associated Press. He said our galaxy and the galaxies near us will ultimately get swallowed by one utterly huge black hole. This is the fate ... but not for an awful long time, so it's not something to worry too much about. David Haviland, member of the Nobel Committee for Physics, left, and Goran K. Hansson, Secretary General of the Academy of Sciences, announce the winners of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics during a news conference at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday Oct. 6, 2020. The three winners on the screen from left, Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez have won this years Nobel Prize in physics for black hole discoveries. (Fredrik Sandberg/TT via AP) Black holes are at the centre of every galaxy, and smaller ones dot the universe. Just their existence is mind-bending. They are so massive that nothing, not even light, can escape their gravitational pull. They warp and twist light in a way that seems unreal and cause time to slow and stop. Black holes, because they are so hard to understand, is what makes them so appealing, Ghez, 55, said after becoming the fourth woman ever to win a Nobel in physics. I really think of science as a big, giant puzzle. While the three scientists showed the existence of black holes, it wasn't until last year that people could see one for themselves when another science team captured the first and only optical image of one. It looks like a flaming doughnut from hell but is in a galaxy 53 million light-years from Earth. Goran K. Hansson, Secretary General of the Academy of Sciences, center, announces the winners of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics during a news conference at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday Oct. 6, 2020. The three winners on the screen from left, Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez have won this years Nobel Prize in physics for black hole discoveries. (Fredrik Sandberg/TT via AP) Penrose, a mathematical physicist who got the call from the Nobel Committee while in the shower, was surprised at his winning because his work is more theoretical than observational, and that's not usually what wins physics Nobels. What fascinated Penrose more than the black hole was what was at the other end of it, something called the singularity. It's something science still can't figure out. Singularity, that's a place where the densities and curvatures go to infinity. You expect the physics go crazy," he said from his home. If you fall into a black hole, then you pretty well inevitably get squashed into this singularity at the end. And that's the end. Ulf Danielsson, member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences speaks after the announcement of the winners of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics during a news conference at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday Oct. 6, 2020. The three winners on the screen from left, Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez have won this years Nobel Prize in physics for black hole discoveries. (Fredrik Sandberg/TT via AP) Penrose said he was walking to work with a colleague 56 years ago, thinking about what it would be like to be in this situation where all this material is collapsing around you. He realized he had some strange feeling of elation, and that was when things started coming together in his mind. Martin Rees, the British astronomer royal, noted that Penrose triggered a renaissance in the study of relativity in the 1960s, and that, together with a young Stephen Hawking, he helped firm up evidence for the Big Bang and black holes. Penrose and Hawking are the two individuals who have done more than anyone else since Einstein to deepen our knowledge of gravity, Rees said. Sadly, this award was too much delayed to allow Hawking to share the credit. Reinhard Genzel, right, astrophysicist at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, celebrates his Nobel Prize in Physics with his team in Garching, Germany, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (Matthias Balk/dpa via AP) Hawking died in 2018, and Nobel Prizes are awarded only to the living. New York University astrophysicist Glennys Farrar said: "There is no doubt that if this prize were awarded when Hawking was still alive, he would share it. He did overall more significant work on this subject than almost anyone. Genzel, 68, and Ghez won because they showed that black holes are not just theory they're real, they're here, and there's a monster-size black hole in the centre of our galaxy, the Milky Way," said Brian Greene, a theoretical physicist and mathematician at Columbia University. This photo dated May 30, 2015, shows Andrea Ghez, professor of physics and astronomy at UCLA. Ghez was one of three scientists who was awarded this year's Nobel Prize in physics on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, for advancing our understanding of black holes, the all-consuming monsters that lurk in the darkest parts of the universe. (UCLA via AP) In the 1990s, Genzel and Ghez, leading separate groups of astronomers, trained their sights on the dust-covered centre of our Milky Way galaxy, a region called Sagittarius A(asterisk), where something strange was going on. It was an extremely heavy, invisible object that pulls on the jumble of stars, causing them to rush around at dizzying speeds, according to the Nobel Committee. It was a black hole. Not just an ordinary black hole, but a supermassive one, 4 million times the mass of our sun. The first image Ghez got was in 1995, using the Keck Telescope in Hawaii that had just gone online. A year later, another image seemed to indicate that the stars near the centre of the Milky Way were circling something. A third image led Ghez and Genzel to think they were really on to something. Ulf Danielsson, member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences speaks after the announcement of the winners of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics during a news conference at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday Oct. 6, 2020. The three winners on the screen from left, Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez have won this years Nobel Prize in physics for black hole discoveries. (Fredrik Sandberg/TT via AP) A fierce competition developed between Ghez and Genzel, whose team was using an array of telescopes at the European Southern Observatory in Chile. Their rivalry elevated them to greater scientific heights, said Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb. Unlike with other achievements honoured with Nobels, there is no practical application for these discoveries. Roger Penrose poses for a photographer in Oxford, England, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Three scientists Briton Roger Penrose, German Reinhard Genzel and American Andrea Ghez won the 2020 Nobel Prize in physics on Tuesday for advancing our understanding of black holes, the all-consuming monsters that lurk in the darkest parts of the universe and still confound astronomers.(AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Is there a practical application to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony?" Columbia's Greene asked. "But its existence, this type of spectacular knowledge, is part of what gives life meaning. Ready, Pet, Go! Leesa Dahl looks at everything to do with our furry, fuzzy, feathered, fishy (and more!) pet friends. Arrives in your inbox each Monday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The Nobel comes with a gold medal and 10 million kronor (more than $1.1 million), courtesy of a bequest left 124 years ago by the prize's creator, Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. On Monday, the Nobel in medicine was awarded to Americans Harvey J. Alter and Charles M. Rice and British-born scientist Michael Houghton for discovering the liver-ravaging hepatitis C virus. The prizes for chemistry, literature, peace and economics will be announced in the coming days. ___ Borenstein reported from Kensington, Maryland, Jordans from Berlin. AP Science Writer Christina Larson in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Read more stories about Nobel Prizes past and present by The Associated Press at https://www.apnews.com/NobelPrizes (Photo : Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images) Wind Turbine on the way to Tesla Powerpack Launch Event at Hornsdale Wind Farm on September 29, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. Tesla will build the world's largest lithium ion battery after coming to an agreement with the South Australian government. The Powerpack project will be capable of an output of 100 megawatts (MW) of power at a time and the huge battery will be able to store 129 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has promised to build the Powerpack in 100 days, or he will deliver it for free. (Photo : Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) The offshore windfarm near Redcar is seen from onboard the boat, High Tide Adventurer on the River Tees on February 23, 2017 in Middlesbrough, United Kingdom. The boat is named after the High Tide Foundation, a charity formed by PD Ports who aim to raise aspirations and awareness of job opportunities in this sector for young people on Teesside. It is used to provide trips along the river to young people and potential businesses offering a unique perspective on Industrial Teesside. PD Ports is a shipping and logistics company based on the River Tees and helps to support the international and coastal movement of goods in and out of the north of the UK. It has recently been shortlisted for Port Operator of the Year. The British prime minister, Boris Johnson, committed $207 million (160 million) to upgrade factories and ports in Scotland, northern England, and Wales by building wind turbines. On Oct. 6, at the Conservative Party conference, Johnson declared that the United Kingdom would become "the world leader in clean wind energy." Also Read: 430 'Gas Bombs' at Risk of Exploding Anytime and Creating Giant Meteor-LIke Hit Craters Found in the Arctic! The prime minister's plan serves as a hope for those who lost their jobs in the dying fossil fuel industry since it aims to build 2,000 clean energy construction jobs and support 60,000 more. The government is also boosting its target for offshore wind power capacity from 30 to 40 gigawatts by 2030. Also Read: Elon Musk Hypes up "Battery Day" on 9/22: Could Tesla have been Secretly Manufacturing Batteries As Well? Johnson added that within 10 years, offshore wind farms would be able to power every home in the country. "Your kettle, your washing machine, your cooker, your heating, your plug-in electric vehicle - the whole lot of them will get their juice cleanly and without guilt from the breezes that blow around these islands," he said. Johnson's announcement is the first stage of the U.K.'s 10-point plan The British prime minister's announcement is the first stage of the government's 10-point plan for a "green industrial revolution." Other parts of the program are expected to be announced later this year of 2020. An independent Think tank Green Alliance's climate department's head, Caterina Brandmayr, said that Johnson is right that the best way to create jobs in every part of the U.K. is a green recovery project. She also explained that it could lead the world in tackling climate change and protect the world. "The race is now on for the government and British businesses to replicate the success story of the offshore wind in electric vehicles, smart grid technology, and future-proofed homes," she added. For more news updates about other plans for clean energy sources, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Also Read: Elon Musk Notes Wind and Solar Energy is Cheaper than Sending a Big Fusion Reactor in the Sky This article is owned by TechTimes, Written by: Giuliano de Leon. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Crump and Cox represented Duane Washington, a former career Army sergeant and resident of Gadsden County, who was traveling home on his motorcycle via I-10 near Tallahassee on July 24, 2018, when he encountered a 45+ vehicle pileup. The massive crash was caused by weather conditions coupled with speeding by a Top Auto commercial vehicle driver. Washington attempted to drive his motorcycle onto a median to avoid the pileup and the risk of other vehicles crashing into him but before he could do so, Washington collided with a stopped truck that had no lights on in the emergency lane. The collision launched Washington into the median and left him with severe, life-threatening injuries. "This proud veteran sacrificed so much to serve our country, and was a competent, safe driver who never even had a ticket while riding his motorcycle. The consequential negligence displayed by the Top Auto driver wrecked not only vehicles but lives," Crump said. "This is a significant, historic ruling for justice. COVID demanded an unprecedented Zoom trial, but it didn't stop the jury from hearing and understanding the evidence and returning a record verdict." Washington sustained life-altering trauma, including breaking both sides of his pelvis away from his spine, severe colon and urethra damage, permanent incontinence, and loss of sexual function. Washington had a colostomy bag installed during his more than six-month hospital stay and is in constant pain. Despite intensive physical therapy, Washington can walk only with a specialized arm crutch, and his right leg is withering. Top Auto of Miami rejected the legal team's $1 million settlement offer. Washington's medical expenses alone amounted to nearly $750,000. "Mr. Washington may never feel physically comfortable again, but this verdict ensures that he will be well taken care of and his family will be financially secure," Cox said. SOURCE Ben Crump Law IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunwest Bank, a privately held, entrepreneurial business bank serving the Western United States, today announced its partnership with BDO , a global leader in accounting services, to further support businesses grappling with the financial impact of the pandemic through the Main Street Lending Program. BDO "We are excited to partner with one of the top CPA & advisory firms in the country in supporting the needs of entrepreneurs in the markets we serve," said Ben Frank, Sunwest EVP, Head of Commercial Lending. "We have been working with BDO to help our clients and prospective clients learn how to leverage the program to support the cash needs of their business and make good use of flexible capital during a time when many banks have pulled back in there issuance of new debt, due to the economic uncertainties caused by COVID-19. As with PPP, we are dedicated to supporting everyone in need to the very best of our abilities and strong partners such as BDO will help us in succeeding in that endeavor." The Main Street Lending Program was launched by the Federal Reserve to provide support to small to medium-sized businesses with up to 15,000 employees or up to $5 billion in annual revenue stay afloat amid COVID-19. The minimum loan size is $250,000 while the maximum loan size is $300 million. For more information on the specific loan terms, eligibility and more, click here . "The Main Street Lending Program presents a unique opportunity for successful companies to restore lost working capital and position themselves for future success in a post-COVID world," said Robert Berdanier, BDO Director, Business Restructuring Services. "We are excited to partner with Sunwest Bank in its efforts to demystify this federal reserve program." For more information on Sunwest and the Main Street Lending Program, visit https://www.sunwestbank.com/main-street-lending-program/. About Sunwest Bank Founded in 1969, Sunwest Bank is a privately held commercial bank with more than $1.3 Billion in assets. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, with operations in California, Arizona, Idaho and Utah; Sunwest is an entrepreneurial business bank with a long tradition of providing excellent service to entrepreneurs, privately held corporations, family offices, small-medium sized business and real estate developers throughout the Western United States. Sunwest Bank is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. More information about Sunwest Bank and its full line of products and services is available at www.sunwestbank.com. Media Contact: Heather Tidwell (949) 777-1333 [email protected] SOURCE Sunwest Bank Related Links http://www.sunwestbank.com A total of 150 Taliban militants have given up fighting and handed over their weapons to police in Kohistanat district of Afghanistan's northern Sari Pul province on Monday, said a statement of provincial police released here Tuesday. A number of commanders including Ahmad Muradi, Khadim Razmunda and Hamid Sadeqi are among the surrendered militants, the statement said. The surrender of the militants is taking place amid an ongoing massive cleanup operation launched in the restive district a couple of days ago, the statement further said. Several villages have been cleared from the insurgents during the ongoing operation, according to the statement. A man was beaten unconscious by strangers in a "remorseless" violent robbery in south London, police say. The victim was with a friend in a shop on Portland Road, South Norwood, when he was approached by a man he said he had never seen before. The stranger was then joined by another man. Scotland Yard said the pair then began to attack the victim, who was head-butted, kneed in the head and repeatedly punched as he lay unconscious on the floor. The victim was then dragged unconscious into the street where he was kicked in the head and stamped on. During the attack, which lasted approximately two minutes, the man's bag was taken. He is now recovering from a fractured eye socket. The incident took place at approximately 8pm on September 15. The Metropolitan Police's South Area Command Unit subsequently launched an investigation into the incident and released images of two men they wish to speak to as part of an investigation PC Luke Dowling said: This was a sustained, remorseless attack that must not go unpunished. The man is incredibly lucky he didnt escape with more serious injuries. We are working to trace those responsible and hold them to account." New Delhi, Oct 6 : Pointing out that a large number of cases were pending against sitting and former MPs and MLAs, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said one of the reasons for the situation was that police did not at times enforce laws under pressure from the lawmakers. The observation was made by a bench comprising Justices NV Ramana, Surya Kant and Aniruddha Bose, while hearing a PIL filed by BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay to seek speedy disposal of criminal cases pending against members of Parliament and members of the Legislative Assemblies. The bench also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, that the Union government should take a call on the speedy disposal of these cases. The bench noted that the High Courts have also asked for videoconferencing facilities for the speedy disposal of pending cases. The bench asked Mehta to take instructions from authorities concerned on the issue of financing in the matter. In response, Mehta said that the funding for videoconference facility would not be an issue and suggested that the top court issue directions to the Director General of Police in each state to ensure timely summonses. The bench, after a brief hearing in the matter, adjourned it for next week and noted that in the meanwhile, the High Courts could send their recommendations and action plans to the officials concerned. A report filed by Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria in the apex court said that 4,859 cases were pending against sitting and former lawmakers, denoting a jump of over 400 cases since March when it was 4,442. "Some High Courts have sought directions for the conduct of trials through videoconferences, where the accused/witnesses are in another district/state, without the requirement of physical presence of the accused/witnesses," said the report. The report also gave a detailed break-up of cases pending against sitting and former lawmakers in all the states. As many as 1,374 cases are pending in Uttar Pradesh, followed by 557 in Bihar. The report said that all High Courts have favoured the establishment of safe and secure 'Witness Examination Rooms' with videoconference facility, but cited lack of infrastructure and non-availability of funds for the purpose. "Videoconference rules have been framed by most High Courts whereas others are in the process of finalising the same... the High Courts have recommended appointment of Nodal Prosecution Officer and Special Public Prosecutor for each of the courts and written to the state governments in this regard," the report added. The Supreme Court has reinstated a requirement that South Carolina residents voting by mail in November's election get a witness to sign their ballots. State Republican election officials and legislature had asked the court to intervene after two lower courts ruled that the requirement was a risky imposition during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision has been seen as a boost for the Trump campaign as South Carolina is one of the key states in next months election. Monday's ruling is one of several battles over voting procedure in the presidential election to already have made its way to the Supreme Court. The justices are also considering a request from Pennsylvanias Republican legislative leaders to block a decision to count ballots received by mail up to three days after Election Day. South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick said: 'Despite the Democrats' efforts to hijack a pandemic and use it to meddle with our election laws, they've lost. 'We're pleased the Supreme Court reinstated the witness signature requirement and recognized its importance in helping to prevent election fraud.' State Democratic Party Chairman Trav Robertson said: 'Our hope is that no one gets COVID-19 trying to find a witness. We are disappointed but elections have consequences,' he said in a statement. The United States Supreme Court is seen before dawn in Washington, DC, USA today While the high court reinstated the requirement as a lawsuit over it proceeds, voters have already started returning ballots. More than 200,000 absentee ballots have been mailed and 18,000 returned, according to the state's election commission. The court said that any ballots cast before the court's action Monday evening 'and received within two days of this order may not be rejected for failing to comply with the witness requirement.' South Carolina has had a witness requirement for absentee voters since 1953. Under the current law, voters returning mail-in ballots swear an oath printed on the return envelope that confirms they are eligible to vote and that the ballot inside is theirs, among other things. The oath has to be witnessed by one other person who has to sign below the voter's signature and write their address. Pointing to the coronavirus pandemic, state and national Democratic Party organizations and several individual voters challenged the requirement and other parts of state election law. And a judge blocked the witness requirement before the state's primary in June. After the primary and response to the pandemic, state lawmakers made changes to the state's election law, including allowing all residents to vote absentee in November. But they left the witness requirement in place. U.S. District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs, an appointee of President Barack Obama, late last month put the witness requirement on hold for the presidential election. She wrote that it could increase the risk of some voters of contracting the virus and require other voters already infected with the virus to risk exposing witnesses. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit reinstated the requirement before the full appeals court reversed course and put it on hold again. Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Brett Kavanaugh (pictured in 2018) said the decision whether to block the witness requirement should not be 'subject to second-guessing by an unelected federal judiciary' As is typical when the Supreme Court acts on an emergency basis, the justices did not explain their decision. But Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing only for himself, said he agreed with it for two reasons. He said it wasn't for a court to second-guess the lawmakers' decision to retain the witness requirement during the pandemic. And he said that for many years the Supreme Court has 'emphasized that federal courts ordinarily should not alter state election rules in the period close to an election.' Three other justices - Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch - would have required ballots that have already been returned to have a witness signature to count. The Supreme Court has recently dealt with other cases involving ballot witness requirements for November's election. In Rhode Island, the court left in place an agreement by state officials to allow residents to vote by mail without getting signatures from two witnesses or a notary. But in Alabama, where a court had put on hold in three large counties a requirement that voters get their absentee ballot notarized or witnessed by two adults, the justices reinstated it. Approximately a dozen states that require mail-in ballot envelopes to be signed by one or more witnesses or a notary. Pipeline 6 October 2020 The company reaffirms industry confidence with brand debut in Oman and an upcoming opening in the UAE. IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel groups, has signed a Management Agreement with Redhat Al Jabal LLC to debut its global upscale boutique brand, Hotel Indigo, in Oman. A new built property, Hotel Indigo Jabal Al Akhdar will feature 176 design-led rooms and will open its doors to guests in early 2022. Offering authentic local experiences combined with a modern design, Hotel Indigo Jabal Al Akhdar will be located in Nizwa, in Ad Dakhliyah Governorate, and will be in proximity to the most scenic mountains in the country encompassing Jabal Akhdar. Situated at 2,000 meters above sea level, the hotel will offer 360 degrees uninterrupted views of the mountains in a calm environment. With access to a wide range of leisure and cultural activities such as mountain biking, hiking, cave exploring, and visits to the Fort and Souq of Nizwa, the location is an excellent destination for leisure tourism, including wellness retreats and sightseeing. Hotel Indigo Jabal Al Akhdar is situated 80km from the city and is a 2-hour drive from Muscat International Airport and a 6-hour drive from Dubai. Offering a wide range of dining options, including local flavours and specialties, the hotel will feature three F&B outlets. The hotel will also feature outdoor and indoor pools, 2,200 sqm spa for guests to relax and rejuvenate and 2 meeting rooms. What policy changes are we talking about? To the extent that the Biden plan has received any attention at all, this attention has largely been focused on his proposed introduction of a public option a Medicare-like plan that individuals could buy instead of purchasing private insurance. This option might be a first step toward a single-payer system, but it would be a small step, and in the near term would be much less important than other aspects of the plan. First and foremost, the Biden plan Bidencare? ObamaBidencare? would substantially increase the subsidies that currently help many but not all Americans who dont get insurance from their employers. The Affordable Care Act, as passed in 2010, was underfunded, because Democrats wanted to hold down the headline cost. This meant that premiums and co-payments were and are too high for many families. Since then, however, the politics have shifted: Public opinion has shifted in favor of the A.C.A., the Democratic Party has moved somewhat to the left and Republican willingness to ram through expensive, unfunded tax cuts has encouraged Democrats to be more aggressive. So the Biden plan would increase subsidies and also remove the upper-income limit that prevents many middle-class families from receiving aid. This would cost a fair amount of money: The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget puts the price tag at $850 billion over a decade. But it would cost far less than the 2017 tax cut, much of which went to corporations, which were supposed to respond by increasing investment, but didnt. The Biden plan would also automatically enroll low-income Americans in the public option, which is more important than it might sound. One of the defects of our system is that its complex and confusing, and those who need help the most are often the least able to navigate their way to getting it. Ideally wed just move to a simpler system, but for now auto-enrollment would be an important palliative measure. Oh, and the plan would also provide significant aid for long-term care, rural health, and mental health. None of this amounts to revolutionary change in contrast to Trumps efforts to kill Obamacare, which would drastically change American health care, for the worse. But Bidencare would still be, as Biden didnt quite say when President Barack Obama signed the A.C.A. into law, a pretty big deal. Aiming to control air pollution and enhance focus on climate change, the Union Power Ministry is formulating a proposal which may force some of the dirtiest coal plants to close, reports Bloomberg Quint. The government's plan may cap the heat rate, which denotes the measure of how much of coal energy is needed to produce each unit of electricity. As per the plan, the government has identified powers stations, totalling 10 gigawatts, as breaching the proposal benchmark. If the proposal is approved, about 5 percent of coal power capacity may be impacted. Also read: CIL's coal allocation to power sector under e-auction rises 8% in April-August. The proposed plan to shut down coal plants may boost the more-efficient facilities, which until now have remained un-utilised for years, besides addressing the air pollution and deepening concerns over the climate change. If the proposal is accepted by the Union Power Ministry, a cap will be placed on the heat rate for coal plants at 2,600 kilocalories per kilowatt-hour of the electricity, which is higher considering few new plants aim to achieve. Estimates say India has about 200 GW of coal-fired capacity, which is 54 percent of the country's total capacity. In the first five months of FY21, coal plants in India ran at an average 48 percent of capacity, while producing 64 percent for fulfilling the country's power requirement. Experts told the website that the road to success for the proposal may not be easy for the Union government as state distribution firms might raise objections. States located near the coal mines rely on cheaper power. Earlier in September, Power Minister Raj Kumar Singh told reporters that the government had already identified plants for closure with about 5 GW of capacity, which have failed to submit their plans to comply with new norms, which includes the addition of pollution control equipment by 2022 to help fight smog. MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tris Pharma, Inc. ("Tris"), a specialty pharmaceutical company with a robust portfolio of approved products and a late-stage pipeline of innovative product candidates for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related disorders, successfully convened the inaugural meeting of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The purpose of the SAB is to help the company achieve its emerging clinical research and product development pipeline and goals. Tris has assembled a unique group of distinguished researchers and prominent academicians representing various specialties within neuroscience including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Affective Disorders. The Advisory Board is chaired by Dr. Amir Kalali who is recognized as a leading innovator at the intersection of life sciences and technology and has extensive experience in global drug development, having led numerous successful development programs. The SAB represents an important milestone for Tris as the company broadens its branded ADHD portfolio and expands its leadership in the ADHD space. "We are very proud to have a team of such renowned experts on our Scientific Advisory Board," said Ketan Mehta, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tris. "The expertise and experience of the Board members will be invaluable as we continue to leverage our core expertise, including the innovation of our long-acting delivery system, to address the unmet needs of individuals with CNS disorders." "I am delighted to Chair the Tris Scientific Advisory Board," said Dr. Kalali. "By tapping into this distinguished and committed group of highly regarded experts, as well as Tris' novel technology platform, I anticipate that we will identify unique ways to address important unmet patient needs." The membership of the Tris SAB includes the following world-renowned experts: Amir Kalali, MD, Chairholder is recognized globally as a leading innovator at the intersection of life sciences and technology, advising companies on building the future of their business at the board level or as a strategic advisor. He is Professor of Psychiatry at University of California San Diego, Editor of the journal Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, and the Lead Editor of the book Essential CNS Drug Development, published by Cambridge University Press. Geraldine Dawson, PhD is the William Cleland Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University, where she also is Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology & Neuroscience. Dr. Dawson is a highly-cited clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, having published >300 articles and 12 books on early detection and treatment of autism and brain development. Robert Findling, MD, MBA is the Chair of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry. At VCU, he also holds a C. Kenneth and Diane Wright Distinguished Chair in Clinical & Translational Research. Dr. Findling's research endeavors have focused on pediatric psychopharmacology and serious psychiatric disorders in the young. Roger McIntyre, MD is currently a Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto and Head of the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. Dr. McIntyre was named by Clarivate Analytics in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 as one of "The World's Most Influential Scientific Minds." Dr. McIntyre is involved in multiple research endeavors that primarily aim to characterize the association between mood disorders, notably cognitive function and medical comorbidity. Alan Schatzberg, MD is the Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. He has served as the President of the American Psychiatric Association, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and the Society of Biological Psychiatry. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. He has authored over 700 publications and abstracts, including the Manual of Clinical Psychopharmacology, whose ninth edition appeared in 2019 and which is co-authored by Dr. Charles DeBattista. Steven Stahl, MD, PhD currently holds faculty positions at the University of California Riverside, the University of California San Diego, the State University of New York Upstate Medical University at Syracuse and the University of Cambridge (UK). Dr. Stahl has trained in three specialties: internal medicine at the University of Chicago; neurology at the University of California, San Francisco; and psychiatry at Stanford University. He is board certified in psychiatry. He directs psychopharmacology services and academic programs for the five-facility, 6500-patient California Department of State Hospital System, where he has a leadership role in addressing violence and decriminalization of the seriously mentally ill. Dr. Stahl's major interests are dedicated to producing and disseminating educational information about diseases and their treatments in psychiatry and neurology. For additional information on the Tris Scientific Advisory Board please visit, https://www.trispharma.com/innovation/our-scientific-advisors/ About Tris Pharma Tris Pharma is a New Jersey-based specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines that address unmet patient needs. Tris has used its innovative LiquiXR technology platform to develop its portfolio of differentiated solid and liquid ADHD products (described at www.TrisADHD.com ), which it markets in the United States using its pediatric and CNS-focused sales force. The company has leveraged its technology platform to establish a robust product pipeline as well as numerous mutually value-adding development partnerships. For more information, please visit www.trispharma.com . 2020 Tris Pharma, Inc. All rights reserved. 2031 U.S. Highway 130 Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 www.trispharma.com SOURCE Tris Pharma, Inc. Related Links trispharma.com Flash A Chinese envoy on Monday made a joint statement at the General Debate of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, on behalf of 26 countries, criticizing the United States and Western countries for violating human rights, calling for the complete and immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions, and expressing grave concern on systematic racial discrimination. Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the statement on behalf of Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Laos, Myanmar, Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to severely affect all nations, in particular developing countries. The response to and recovery from COVID-19 requires global solidarity and international cooperation. "However, we continue to witness the application of unilateral coercive measures, which are contrary to the purpose and principles of the UN Charter and international law, multilateralism and the basic norms of international relations," said Zhang. Unilateral coercive measures have an undeniable impact on human rights, as they impede the full realization of social and economic development and hinder the well-being of the population in the affected countries, in particular women, children, including adolescents, the elderly and persons with disabilities, he said. Unilateral coercive measures undermine the right to health, as they encumber access to medicines and medical technologies, equipment, and supplies. "This is particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. UN senior officials and the international community have recognized the heavy, negative impact of these measures," he said. The statement welcomes the UN secretary-general's appeal of March 26, 2020, on the waiving of sanctions that undermine countries' capacity to respond to COVID-19, as well as the statement made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on March 23 on the need to ease or suspend sectoral sanctions in light of their debilitating impact on the health sector and human rights. It also reaffirms the Group of 77 and China's statement calling for urgent and effective measures to eliminate the use of unilateral coercive economic measures against developing countries, as well as the Non-Aligned Movement's declaration on condemning unilateral coercive measures and urging their elimination to ensure the effectiveness of national responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement also welcomes the recently adopted General Assembly resolution on a comprehensive and coordinated response to COVID-19, which strongly urges states to refrain from promulgating and applying any unilateral economic, financial or trade measures not in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. "We take note of the work on this issue of the Special Rapporteur on the Negative Impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures on the Enjoyment of Human Rights, other special procedures of the Human Rights Council and relevant human rights treaty bodies. We look forward to their further elaboration of this subject," said Zhang. "We seize this opportunity to call for the complete and immediate lifting of unilateral coercive measures, in order to ensure the full, effective and efficient response of all members of the international community to COVID-19." Global solidarity and international cooperation are the most powerful weapons in fighting and overcoming COVID-19, he said. Almost 20 years after the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, instances like the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake continue to take place, and vulnerable people continue to suffer or lose their lives to racism and police brutality. Such instances are a reminder that chronic and deep-rooted racial discrimination, police brutality and social inequality still exist. The COVID-19 mortality rate of minorities, in particular people of African descent, is disproportionately high in some countries, said Zhang. "We also express our deep concern over the health situation of migrants at immigration detention centers in certain countries that reflects a contemporary form of racial discrimination," he said. "We welcome the adoption of the Human Rights Council resolution 'The promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and of people of African descent against excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers,' and called for its full implementation." The term "unilateral coercive measures" usually refers to economic measures taken by one state to compel a change in the policy of another state. Examples of such measures include trade sanctions in the form of embargoes and the interruption of financial and investment flows between sender and target countries. Unilateral coercive measures are contrary to the purpose and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and severely hamper the economic development and health capacity of affected countries, according to the statement. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the negative influences of unilateral coercive measures have drawn the attention of a large number of UN member states. Both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called for the waiving of sanctions that undermine countries' capacity to respond to COVID-19. At the just concluded General Debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, many leaders called for the lifting of unilateral coercive measures, the statement added. With no immediate end in sight to the deadly war between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh, neighboring Iran is increasingly concerned over insecurity near borders it shares with the two warring sides. Ali Akbar Velayati, the international affairs adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has specifically questioned Turkeys role in the conflict and its siding with Azerbaijan. In an interview with ultra-conservative newspaper Kayhan, Velayati expressed surprise at Ankaras insistence on the protraction of this war. Velayati urged the friendly neighbor, Turkey, to stop adding fuel to the fire and push for a peaceful end to the flare-ups. Despite holding close bilateral relations, Turkey and Iran are at odds over a host of regional issues, most notably the war in Syria. Tehran has for long accused Turkey of funding and arming militants against its ally, President Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus. In his interview, Khameneis aide touched on reports about the Turkish governments alleged dispatch of militants from Syria to fight alongside Azeri soldiers. We hope those reports are not true, he said, warning that states supporting those militias will be responsible for any further regional insecurity. Velayati, who was also the Islamic Republics foreign minister for 16 years, urged the Armenian side to respect international borders set by the United Nations and leave the Azeri territories it has occupied. Here, too, we hold the same anti-conception view that we maintain for the Palestinian territories usurped by the Zionist regime (Israel). Tehrans official line in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been one of impartiality and a call for negotiated solutions. A few days into the start of the clashes, however, videos went viral showing military equipment allegedly being sent from Irans northwest to Armenian soldiers. Iranian officials have dismissed the claims. Those reports, placed next to the Islamic Republics yearslong unease for Bakus friendly relations with Tel Aviv, have given rise to speculations that Tehran is taking Yerevans side in the ongoing tensions. Iranian security forces have also cracked down on demonstrations led by members of the ethnic Azeri community, who have been out in recent days to express solidarity with the Azeri military. Irans worries about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh have particularly intensified after at least 20 stray mortar shells landed on several of its northeastern villages close to the battle zone. Our patience has a limit, Khameneis adviser noted, adding, We will stand firmly against such insecurity. A similar but harsher warning was issued by Defense Minister Amir Hatami, who called unacceptable any mistaken fire toward Iranian territory. We have already told off the warring sides, Hatami said. And should this continue, we will take extra measures. The Iranian general did not specify the nature of those measures. A special court on Tuesday awarded life imprisonment to four of the five men for raping a 19-year-old Dalit woman in Rajasthans Alwar last year. The fifth man, who circulated the video of the crime on social media, will spend five years in jail, the court said. The verdict was pronounced by a special court for hearing cases under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The woman was raped by five men in front of her husband on April 26, 2019, in Thanagazi in Alwar. The crime sparked criticism by the opposition parties for the delay in lodging a First Information Report (FIR) and not taking action until the purported video of the gang-gape began circulating on social media. On May 18, police had filed the charge sheet against the accused-- 16 days after the FIR. As per the FIR, four men and a juvenile raped the woman while another man filmed the entire incident. They were then asking for 10,000 from the woman for not putting the video on social media. Chhote Lal (22), Hansraj Gurjar (20), Ashok Kumar Gurjar (20) and Indraj Singh Gurjar (22) were charged under sections 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 327 (Voluntarily causing hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act), 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354B (outraging the modesty of a woman), 365 (Kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person), 376D (gang rape), 384 (extortion), 395 (dacoity) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Police also invoked different sections of the SC/ST Act and the Information and Technology Act in the FIR. During the course of the investigation, the state government removed the then superintendent of police Rajeev Pachar and suspended the Thanagazi SHO Sardar Singh for alleged laxity. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Advertisement He has thrown himself into filming the latest instalment in the high-octane and iconic film franchise. And Tom Cruise got exceedingly close to his co-star Hayley Atwell, as the pair were handcuffed together during filming a car chase scene for Mission Impossible 7 in Rome on Tuesday. The Hollywood legend, 58, transformed into Ethan Hunt in a white shirt, grey waistcoat, metallic tie and trousers before climbing into a car to film with the actress, 38. Dynamic duo: Tom Cruise and co-star Hayley Atwell were getting exceedingly close during filming for Mission Impossible 7 on Tuesday, as the pair were handcuffed together during a high-octane car chase scene in Rome Stuntman: Tom, who is renowned for doing his own stunts, looked focused as he drove the car through the winding streets of Rome in the latest dramatic scene A heavily equipped camera car as well as a motorcycle was seen following Cruise's vehicle as shooting continued on the film. Actress Hayley Atwell also joined Cruise in his car and was seen gripping onto him in apparent terror as they filmed a gritty scene. The star, who is renowned for doing his own stunts, looked focused as he drove the car through the winding streets of Rome in the latest dramatic scene. Dynamic duo: Tom and Hayley were in high spirits as they donned the handcuffs to film the action scenes together Ethan is back: Tom looked dapper as he arrived to film a car chase scene for Mission Impossible 7 in Rome on Tuesday Special mission: The acting legend was seen looking focused as he filmed gritty scenes for the drama What's happening: Tom was accompanied by crew members as he drove a specially adapted car through the streets of Rome Drama: Hayley Atwell joined Cruise for an action-packed scene as he drove down the street Mystery character: A mystery motorcyclist was seen accompanying Cruise as the star filmed Happy:Tom was clearly in his element as he chatted with Hayley and other members of the team The Oscar nominee looked in good spirits as he joked around with crew members on-set, after donning a black face mask to protect against COVID-19 in the city. Keeping in line with coronavirus regulations, the crew members also wore face masks as they shot the eagerly anticipated action scene. Tom has been spotted filming lots of exciting scenes in the last few months, including taking on motorbike jumps, parachuting and riding on top of moving trains while on set in Norway. Smiles: Tom appeared delighted to be behind the steering wheel as he grinned and later got stuck into his character as he drove the car Greetings from Rome! The actor appeared in great spirits as he waved to fans on set in between scenes Looking good: Tom looked stylish and handsome as he arrived on set to film the movie Car chase: A heavily equipped camera car was seen following Cruise's vehicle as shooting continued on the film Showtime: Tom wore a black mask as he prepared to film the high-octane scenes Precautions: Production was halted on the film amid the COVID-19 pandemic High-tech: A camera car was seen being readied for more dramatic scenes After production for Mission Impossible 7 was moved to Norway when cases rose in Italy, it was reported that Cruise hired a 500,000 ship for the film's crew to avoid any coronavirus-related delays. Filming was already delayed for five months after COVID-19 spread across Italy, where production had been based in March, leading the release date to be pushed back to November 2021. 'They are terrified of further delays. Tom is determined not to see any more hold-ups. The studio believes it will keep everyone safe and get this shoot wrapped up', a source told The Sun earlier this summer. It was recently claimed that Tom was 'exempt from Norway's quarantine rules' as he restarted filming in the Scandinavian country. The media personality revealed how 'excited' he was to start shooting the latest instalment of the franchise in a phone call with Norway's Minister of Culture Abid Raja. Ready: The star was clad in a tailored suit as he walked along with crew members Focus: The star looked focused as he prepared to shoot more dramatic scenes Action-packed: Tom was seen chatting to crew members before getting into a car Speaking about his return, he said: 'It's a gorgeous country, I can't wait to get back there. I'm very excited, as is the whole crew, about coming back.' During the call, the minister told how Norway is 'looking forward to having [Tom] back' and insisted how the Hollywood star and crew are allowed to shoot in the country without having to quarantine at home first, Norwegian publication VG reported. However, cast and crew had to pass two tests for coronavirus within 48 hours of landing in Norway and a series of daily rigorous health checks were in place. Abid added that the film production team wouldn't not have contact with anyone that is not part of the set. The films focus on agent Ethan and will be directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who previously worked on 2015's Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation and Mission: Impossible Fallout in 2018. Suave: Tom cut a dapper figure as he donned the sharp silver suit to film the dramatic scenes in the middle of the Italian city Exciting: The street was marked off with crew members who all wore masks as Tom got stuck into filming duties What's going on? The car looked ready for a chase scene as filming continued Centre of attention: Tom wowed in his sleek look as he chatted with the crew Pensive: Tom looked pensive as he looked into the car ahead of his scene Go time: The star wore his face mask as he was driven to filming by members of the team Focus: The Rain Man actor was the centre of attention as he strolled to set Brooding: Tom looked like a stellar leading man as he arrived onto set Previously, CEO of Paramount Pictures Jim Gianopulos said that it's impossible to prevent Tom - a 'force of nature' - from defying the odds to make his blockbuster movies. Gianopulos says the Mission Impossible star refuses offers to use stunt doubles or green screens to fake action scenes and does it 'because he needs to'. And the powerhouse studio executive admits that he tries not to think about the insurance premiums should anything go wrong. Asked about the stress of working with Cruise constantly risking his life with stunts, Gianopulos said: 'I try and stay out of the insurance issue, but there is no stopping Cruise. 'Tom is his own great force of nature. It was invented for Tom.He does it, because he needs to. He feels the need to show practically how committed he is to the films, to the work, to doing it in a way that you can't replicate. Set: Tom was every inch the action man as filming continued on the series Looking good: Mission Impossible 7 will be released on November 19, 2021 There's no telling him! Previously, CEO of Paramount Pictures Jim Gianopulos said that it's impossible to prevent Tom - a 'force of nature' - from defying the odds to make his blockbuster movies Determined: Gianopulos says the Mission Impossible star refuses offers to use stunt doubles or green screens to fake action scenes and does it 'because he needs to' Not about the money: And the powerhouse studio executive admits that he tries not to think about the insurance premiums should anything go wrong 'No stopping him': Asked about the stress of working with Cruise constantly risking his life with stunts, Gianopulos said: 'I try and stay out of the insurance issue, but there is no stopping Cruise' 'Force of nature': He added: 'Tom is his own great force of nature. It was invented for Tom.He does it, because he needs to. He feels the need to show practically how committed he is to the films, to the work, to doing it in a way that you can't replicate' Safety first: After production for Mission Impossible 7 was moved to Norway when cases rose in Italy, it was reported that Cruise hired a 500,000 ship for the film's crew to avoid any coronavirus-related delays Delays: Filming was already delayed for five months after COVID-19 spread across Italy, where production had been based in March, leading the release date to be pushed back to November 2021 Get back to work! 'They are terrified of further delays. Tom is determined not to see any more hold-ups. The studio believes it will keep everyone safe and get this shoot wrapped up', a source told The Sun earlier this summer Anticipated: The films focus on agent Ethan and will be directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who previously worked on 2015's Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation and Mission: Impossible Fallout in 2018 'We can do all kinds of green screen and effects, but there's nothing like seeing Tom hanging from the top of the tallest building on the planet Earth, or driving a helicopter, which even the helicopter company was unsure the craft could do. I mean the man is extraordinary.' Gianopulos admitted that he 'of course worries' about Cruise's well being, but insists that the three time Oscar nominee meticulously plans for his death-defying work. 'Well you just hope for the best... but you know that he's prepared. I can't prepare the way he does. He prepares so meticulously, working so closely. He's the first one on the set, he's the last to leave, he'll go through all the stunt coordinators.' Mission Impossible 7 will be released on November 19, 2021. Here he is: The Hollywood superstar looked sombre as he prepared for the scenes Oct 05, 2020 9:00 AM Author: Kylene Metzger COVID-19 cases are rising in Utah and theres many questions surrounding coronavirus vaccinations. Healthcare professionals at University of Utah Health are continuously learning about the new disease. Hannah Imlay, MD, infectious diseases physician at U of U Health provides information about the novel virus. You can find more information about COVID-19 here. What is an Infectious Diseases Physician? An Infectious Diseases Physician is someone that sees patients in the hospital and clinics with infectious disease problems. Those can range from unusual or difficult-to-treat infections, bone infections, heart valve infections, HIV, and COVID-19. Are you seeing COVID-19 patients yourself? I occasionally see COVID-19 patients, but the bulk of the work is done by our hospitalists and pulmonologists in intensive care units. When an infectious diseases physician/doctor is called, is there a special reason why? Yes. Occasionally COVID-19 patients can also have concomitant infections. Thats typically the time Im involved. Ive also been helping answer COVID-19 questions among patient care providers in the hospital and involved with distributing potentially effective COVID-19 therapies or information about participating in clinical trials. How can the public make decisions based on risk mitigation? The things that are forefront in my mind when Im considering whether this activity is safe in the time of COVID-19: Are there many people involved? Am I at a close distance to other people and for a long period of time? What is the environment around me like? Is this an open area or a small area with poor ventilation? All individual risk decisions need to be made while taking into account ordinances in your state, city, community, etc. What should a person consider as holidays approach? The safest scenario is that you are with your family that you live with and have routine contact with. Youre safest when no one else comes over. Some other mitigation risks to take into account are: Do you have a lot of people coming out of town? How are guests traveling? Are they flying? Are guests mingling with a lot of additional people outside your bubble? Are you having dinner outside? Are you able to physical distance? Are we close to a COVID-19 vaccine? We are closer than where we were three months ago. The United States has invested a lot of money into several potential vaccine candidates. A lot of the vaccine part has been politicized, but, politicized or not, everyone wants a vaccine as fast as possible. The vaccine candidates are in phase three trials. Phase three trials means they are recruiting large numbers of people on the order of tens of thousands of hopefully diverse representatives of the population to test these vaccines. The vaccine regimens include one or two doses several weeks apart, and then we wait many weeks to see whether there is a response. That doesnt mean an answer is around the corner. After dosing in the beginning of a clinical trial, there will be a period of time where you have to wait and see who is getting sick or who is getting severe illness. Unfortunately, all of that takes a lot of time. Wrapped up into all of that are things like safety signals such as whether these vaccines are risky. I believe in order to fully stand behind a vaccine and give it to a large number of the population, there are certain processes that vaccines need to go through. The United States is particularly trying to speed up production. On day zero, when we all feel the vaccine is safe and effective, they want to have enough doses to give them to the populationas opposed to starting to produce vaccines on day zero. With all of that, it will probably be into 2021 for a safe and effective vaccine that the FDA can stand behind and start giving to the population. What will a vaccine do? Will it give immunity to COVID-19? Will it prevent severe illness? A vaccine could do a number of things. Do we want to prevent hospitalizations, do we want to prevent infections at all, or do we want to prevent other complications related to the vaccine? I think all of those vary slightly from vaccine to vaccine. Having implications for who they give them to and whether that means if a vaccine is not infectible, such as the measles vaccine. But if it means it prevents severe illness, a person may still have mild disease and still could be a potential spreader. What do we know about the current vaccines undergoing trials? From my knowledge, most of them are looking at moderate to severe illness that requires hospital admission or other medical care. Thats the aim they want to prevent. That doesnt mean it wont prevent other secondary outcomes. Does that mean the vaccine doesnt equal a cure or immunity? Correct. A vaccine, especially the first wave of developed vaccines, would not necessarily make people totally immune to SARS-CoV-2. This is a tool we have, just like masks are a tool, and just like COVID-19 therapies are a tool we can all use to help decrease disease. We also hope over time that the goal of vaccination can change and get better. As a researcher, what do you think is the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 being airborne? This has been a huge debate since the beginning of COVID-19whether the virus is spread by droplet, aerosol, or airborne. When I say droplet, I mean a five-micrometer-sized droplet that comes out of your mouth or nose. And because droplets are big, they drop six feet in front of the person. Aerosol is smaller. These droplets get smaller over time and flow further in a room or space. The airborne virus measles is extremely contagious and can do that. Luckily, we have immunity to measles for the most part. We are currently looking at a spectrum; we think that COVID-19 mostly spreads through droplets. However, several publications show there are specific scenarios where it seems the virus has spread further than six feet. Typically, that happens in enclosed spaces that are not well ventilated or are among people that are close together and shouting, screaming, and singing. What is herd immunity? Herd immunity is the thing we all wish we had. A good example of herd immunity is with measles. Theres enough vaccination now that even if there are isolated cases of measles, it is not going to spread into an outbreak. Herd immunity is this idea that if enough people were protected against getting a virus that it cant continue to spread from person to person. It can be achieved in two ways: Natural infection can create immunity in an individual person, or Vaccination can stimulate immunity. Whats the percentage you need to obtain herd immunity? We do not think at the current state of infection in the USeven in cities where the virus hit very hardthat we are anywhere close to the number of people who need to be immune to stop the spread of infection. Less than 5% of the population has had COVID-19, and even if immunity is robust and long lasting, that isnt enough people to prevent the spread of infection. We probably need 80% or more for COVID-19. We are a long way away and the cost we pay for herd immunity includes huge numbers of deaths and hospitalizations. What are some long-term effects of COVID-19? Unfortunately, we dont know. I think its something we are going to have to deal with as a country on a very large scale very soon. Symptoms get better for most people, but a substantial population goes on to experience continued shortness of breath, coughing, low-grade fevers, fatigue, and other symptoms as well over the next few weeks to months. That is something we see with other viruses, for example with mononucleosis. COVID-19 seems to affect everyone differently. The majority of people recover and dont seem to have ill effects symptomatically over time. What we dont know is whether it has future health implications 50 years down the road. Meghan Markle's former Suits co-star has said he is 'too intimidated' and feels a 'little scared' to phone the Duchess. Canadian actor Patrick J. Adams, 39, who played Meghan's on-screen love interest in the US legal drama for seven years, said it has been 'wild' to watch how 'enormous' her life has become since she left the show in 2018. Adams revealed the friends exchanged messages and gifts when their children were born but admitted 'pure fear' stops him picking up the phone and calling her now that she is living in Santa Barbara with Prince Harry, 36, and their son Archie. He told the Radio Times: 'Quite frankly, I think I'm intimidated. I have no doubt I could pick up the phone and call her at any moment, but I don't know what I would say. Canadian actor Patrick J. Adams, 39, who played Meghan's on-screen love interest in the US legal drama for seven years, said it has been 'wild' to watch how 'enormous' her life has become since she left the show in 2018. Pictured, Meghan and Adams at a 2012 event 'After our children were born, there were some texts sent and gifts sent, but I guess I'm a little scared. I think it's pure fear. 'I guess I'm scared about the idea of breaking through whatever walls exist to have that conversation.' Adams, who was promoting his new programme The Right Stuff, the story of America's first astronauts, said it had been 'wild to watch' her life unfold but explained they are not in regular contact. He added: 'Weve spoken and texted a couple of times, but Meghans life is incredibly full and shes been navigating a lot. Adams, who was promoting his new programme The Right Stuff, the story of America's first astronauts, said it had been 'wild to watch' her life unfold but explained they are not in regular contact. Pictured, Adams and Meghan in a promotional image for season 5 'We dont spend any time together, but thats not because of anything other than how completely enormous her life has become in so many ways.' Meghan played paralegal Rachel Zane in the first seven seasons of Suits, departing the show before her May 2018 wedding to the Duke of Sussex. Adams attended the Sussexes' royal wedding, along with several other co-stars including Meghan's close friend Abigail Spencer. Speaking in another recent interview, Adams said he was proud of Meghan for speaking out on the US elections. The Canadian actor was asked whether he'd seen the Duchess since she relocated to the United States. Adams attended the Sussexes' royal wedding with his wife Troian Bellisario (pictured), along with several other co-stars including Meghan's close friend Abigail Spencer 'I think she's pretty busy, but I am happy to have her back stateside,' he told Access Hollywood on Friday. He added that he is 'very, very happy that she's becoming very vocal and doing whatever she can to help the election in November.' The actor, who attended Markle's 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, also said he was no longer in regular contact with the Duchess. 'I miss my friend, but I'm very happy she's doing well.' Read the full interview in the Radio Times. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year in the U.S., for every 1 million people, 54 suffer from spinal cord injuries (SCIs), which comes out to a total annual incidence of 17,730 cases, as per the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC). As a result, the global exoskeleton market is predicted to grow massively, from just $290.3 million in 2019 to over $6,957.9 million by 2030, at a 35.9% CAGR between 2020 and 2030, according to P&S Intelligence. Similarly, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the biggest killers in the world, and strokes and heart attacks are responsible for almost 85% of all CVD deaths, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). The utility of exoskeletons in providing long-term care to those who have lost some or all of their motor functions due to these two conditions mainly propels the exoskeleton market around the world. Get the sample copy of this report at @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/exoskeleton-market-forecast/report-sample The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially reduced the supply of exoskeletons, as manufacturing facilities and raw material and component supply have been hit hard around the world. In addition, the exoskeleton market was also restrained during the first two quarters of 2020 by the widespread job and financial losses, which made people apprehensive about spending on non-essential items. Moreover, with the focus of the healthcare industry being on COVID treatment, most of the orthopedic and physical rehabilitation centers around the world have been shut. The electric actuators category, within the technology segment, contributed the highest revenue to the exoskeleton market historically. Electric actuators are widely used in exoskeletons because of their utility in a large number of applications. In the immediate future, the industrial sector is expected to grow the fastest in the exoskeleton market, as an end user. These systems offer industrial workers the strength and endurance of full-fledged robots, despite being available as wearables. Exoskeletons are ideal for performing tasks that require neither proper robots nor extensive human effort. North America is the most productive exoskeleton market presently, driven by the high incidence of stroke and SCIs. In addition, the healthcare infrastructure is quite advanced here, reflected in the large number of state-of-the-art healthcare settings. Similarly, lots of market players exist in the region, who are now receiving lucrative business opportunities from the military. Asia-Pacific (APAC) will be the fastest-growing region in the exoskeleton market during the next 10 years. The government of South Korea, China, and India is investing heavily in improving their healthcare infrastructure and making care accessible to all. Moreover, the increasing population of the elderly is leading to the rising number of fall, stroke, and fracture cases, which is driving the requirement for exoskeletons. Browse report with detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on Exoskeleton Market Research Report: By Component (Hardware, Software), Type (Powered, Passive), Mobility (Stationary, Mobile), Body Part (Lower Extremities, Upper Extremities, Full Body), Technology (Electric Actuator, Hydraulic, Fully Mechanical, Pneumatic), End User (Healthcare, Industrial, Military) - Global Industry Analysis and Growth Forecast to 2030 @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/exoskeleton-market-forecast In order to gain more customers and increase their sales, companies operating in the exoskeleton market are gaining approval for and launching new and improved products, which are designed to: Securely stream and store data generated by robotic devices on the cloud Enhance the physical functions of wearers Help manage SCIs, cerebrovascular disorders, and neuromuscular diseases Clinically rehabilitate people with stroke or neurological-disease-induced mobility impairment Improve reporting capabilities Make enquiry about this report @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/send-enquiry?enquiry-url=exoskeleton-market-forecast The major players in the global exoskeleton market are B-TEMIA Inc., Bionik Laboratories Corp., Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc., DIH Group, GBS German Bionic Systems GmbH, Lockheed Martin Corporation, ATOUN Inc., Innophys Co. Ltd., Cyberdyne Inc., Axosuits srl, MediTouch Ltd., Focal Meditech BV, Gogoa Mobility Robots Sl, US Bionics Inc., Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, Shanghai Fourier Intelligence Co. Ltd., Parker-Hannifin Corporation, and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Browse More Reports Medical Bionics Market- https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/medical-bionics-market Small Joint Reconstructive Implants Market - https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/small-joint-reconstructive-implants-market About P&S Intelligence 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. Contact: Prajneesh Kumar P&S Intelligence Contact: +1-347-960-6455 Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.psmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1224988/P_and_S_Intelligence_Logo.jpg The freshers' week lockdown could have played a part in the deaths of four young people at Newcastle University, a professor has warned. Jeni Larmour (18), from Newtownhamilton in Co Armagh, died suddenly at the weekend at university accommodation in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Northumbria Police confirmed that 10 arrests had been made in relation to the deaths of four young people, three of them students, at the weekend. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of supplying a class B drug. He was later released on bail. Read More Professor Fiona Measham, chair in criminology at Liverpool University and co-founder of The Loop - a harm reduction charity which promotes health and well-being in nightlife venues - said freshers' week in lockdown may have played a part in the deaths. "There's no nightclubs, and pubs close at 10pm," she said. "Nightclubs are a semi-safe space, they have registered door staff and security, the bigger clubs often have paramedics, they have chill out spaces. "If you don't have nightclubs open, you lose that safety net." But Newcastle University pro-vice chancellor Professor Chris Day disagreed, saying freshers' week had barely begun, and stressed that there are support services for new students. "Whatever difficulties you have gone through, we have ample support both at the university and in the city," he said. "Whatever those problems are, please do not turn to excessive alcohol or drugs to solve them because you have seen the potential consequences." Read More Chief Inspector Steve Wykes said: "Illegal drugs are never safe and the danger that they pose cannot be under-estimated." Jeni was found unconscious just after 6pm on Saturday at her halls of residence. She was just weeks into her first year of studying architecture and urban planning. Jeni was a past pupil of Armagh Royal School and was deputy head girl in her final year. Emergency services were summoned to the scene at her student accommodation at Richardson Road in the city. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers said a large-scale investigation is under way, including searching student accommodation with drug dogs as they issued an urgent warning to the public about the dangers. NOAA/NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured another startling image of the August Complex of fires that has grown to over 1,000,000 acres burned (1,006,140 acres total) and because of that grim milestone the complex has been dubbed a "gigafire." The August Complex is only 58% contained. Inciweb reports that: "In the northeast zone, active behavior continues. Structures in Hidden Valley, Trinity Pines/Post Mountain, Wildwood and Platina are threatened by fire spread. Short range spotting and fire spread toward Hidden Valley has increased potential for impact to structures." Another view that can be captured by Suomi NPP satellite is a false-color image. The false-color image is collected by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) instrument suite using corrected reflectance bands. Burned areas or fire-affected areas are characterized by deposits of charcoal and ash, removal of vegetation and/or the alteration of vegetation structure. When bare soil becomes exposed, the brightness in Band 1 may increase, but that may be offset by the presence of black carbon residue; the near infrared (Band 2) will become darker, and Band 7 becomes more reflective. When assigned to red/brown in the image, Band 7 will show burn scars as deep or bright reddish brown depending on the type of vegetation burned, the amount of residue, or the completeness of the burn. It is hard to see clearly due to the massive amounts of smoke covering the landscape. Inciweb reports the following weather concerns for this fires: "Hot and dry conditions persist. Smoke remains very thick in the lower valleys with visibility reduced under a mile. Temperatures will be 88-93 in the valleys and 75 to 80 in the higher elevations. The humidity will be 10-15% with 4-8 mph wind." ### NASA's 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. NEW DELHI: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is touring Punjab these days and participating in the anti-farm reform laws passed by the Centre, was spotted driving a tractor in Noorpur on Tuesday. Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh, party's state chief Sunil Jakhar and some state Congress leaders were also seated on the tractor which Rahul Gandhi drove. Punjab: CM Captain Amarinder Singh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, party's state chief Sunil Jakhar take part in tractor yatra in Noorpur Faranswala in Patiala as part of party's 'Kheti Bachao Yatra'. pic.twitter.com/FV9Nv8Qnus ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2020 Rahul Gandhi has kickstarted the Kheti Bachao Yatra from the Moga district to express support to farmers agitating against the far laws. A highlight of the campaign is Rahul Gandhi himself driving a tractor as part of his party's effort to reach out to farmers in the villages of Panjab. Organisers have claimed that close to three thousand tractors will trail the Congress leader in the rally. Targeting the Centre, Rahul said that the farm laws will destroy the existing structure of farming and food security in the country. Punjab and Haryana will be the most affected by it. "If this structure breaks then in future Punjab will not be able to find a way out," Gandhi said at a press conference here. Live TV The conference was also attended by other leaders including, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and party leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala, Harish Rawat and Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar. Gandhi further slammed the Modi government for its earlier moves such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), demonetisation, among others. "The way in which Modi first did demonetisation, then GST and then during corona crisis did not extend a helping hand to farmers, workers, small businesses at all, similarly these farm laws too are an attack on farmers," he said. The Congress has been protesting against three agriculture-related laws that have been enacted after passage of relevant bills during the monsoon session of Parliament. Meanwhile, there has been a change in the schedule of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi`s visit to Haryana as part of party`s protest against the agriculture laws and it will now take place for one day instead of earlier two. Haryana Congress chief Kumari Selja said in a tweet that the visit of Rahul Gandhi to the state "will be for one day instead of two". Gandhi will reach Pehowa in Haryana and then go to Kurukshetra. He held programmes in Punjab as part of `Kheti Bachao Yatra`. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Maxim Rodionov (Reuters) Moscow, Russia Tue, October 6, 2020 15:58 473 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c496ebe7 2 World Azerbaijan,Armenia,Bashar-Assad,Erdogan,Turkey,Syria,conflict Free Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday accused Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan of igniting a conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, and said Ankara was sending fighters to the region. Turkey, a close ally of Muslim Azerbaijan, has denied sending mercenaries to take part in the fighting. Conflict over the region, which belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians, began on Sept. 27 and has escalated to its deadliest level since the 1990s. Assad, in an interview with Russia's RIA news agency, pointed the finger at Erdogan who has expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan and has rejected international efforts to bring about a ceasefire. "He (Erdogan) supports terrorists in Libya, (and) he was the main instigator and initiator of the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia," Assad told RIA. Assad also said militants from Syria were being deployed in the conflict, an allegation first leveled by French President Emmanuel Macron, who accused Turkey of sending Syrian fighters to fight there, something Ankara and Baku have denied. "Damascus can confirm this," Assad said of the allegations about Syrian fighters taking part in the hostilities. Worcesters Department of Public Works implemented a series of water restrictions on Monday as the city enters a stage 1 drought. Worcesters reservoir capacity has declined since May, the city said. At the end of September, the reservoir reached an overall capacity of 63%, which is below the 24-year average. The levels coincide with the reservoir receiving about 8 fewer inches of rain than average. To combat the low water levels, the city entered stage 1 of a Water Supply Alert. The goal is a 5% reduction in overall water use in the city. Under stage 1, water waste is prohibited, including failing to repair a controllable leak, which could be a broken sprinkler head leaking valves or leaking or broken pipes or faucets. The city is also asking residents to shut down irrigation systems a few weeks earlier than normal. Any irrigation system in use should not allow water to run off the property to form a stream of water for a distance of 50 feet or greater, run into a storm drain or pond to a depth of a quarter inch or greater. Businesses are asked to reduce washing of vehicles where less than 50% of the water used is recycled. The washing of garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and/or other perishables may take place as necessary for health, sanitation or public safety reasons. City government will also take park in the restrictions by reduce non-essential water use. The city will shut down all city operated irrigation systems and fountains and limit hydrant use. During stage 1 of the water alert, the city said it will also act more aggressively in its enforcement of the restrictions. Related Content: Dan Gasby has revealed that he is no longer romantically involved with Alexandra Learner. Months after the death of beloved model and entrepreneur B. Smith following a battle with Alzheimers disease, her widow Dan Gasby has revealed that he is no longer romantically involved with girlfriend Alexandra Learner. In an interview for Successful Philanthropy with host Jean Shafiroff, Gasby made time to clear up some of the misconceptions surrounding Learner, the white woman he dated while caring for his late wife prior to her death in February at age 70. Gasby previously insisted that his relationship with Learner received Smiths blessing. While Learner never lived with Gasby his late wife, she reportedly spent a lot of time at their family home and even shared in the responsibility of caring for B. Smith at times. Read More: TV host and lifestyle expert B. Smith dies of Alzheimers No. She never lived there, Gasby explained to Shafiroff. That was an angry womanthere was a room where she could stay and put stuff if she wanted to put stuff. But the press and because of the racial situation, the press and certain people had a field day with that. My wife dated white men, Asian men. I dated white, Black, whatever. B. Smith and Dan Gasby attend For the Love Of Our Children Gala hosted by the National CARES Mentoring Movement on January 25, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for National CARES Mentoring Movement) Some people are not comfortable with that. But Alex Learner never lived at my house. She was there on weekends, twice a month, Gasby added. And Id go into town and stay at her place on occasion. But it was such a hot topic for people who deal in salaciousness. Gasby went on to insist that Lerner was very kind to B. when she was there. B. was lovely, even through Alzheimers. theGrio previously reported, Smith was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and began to promote awareness about the disease and the African-American community. Read More: B. Smiths step-daughter claps back at fraudulent friend Whoopi Goldberg for criticizing her dad after he moved in his girlfriend Me and my daughter still laugh at it, said Gasby to Shafiroff about Smiths battle with the disease. They have a tendencysome people are really violent or really mean. When she got mad, she would just make up words because she couldnt figure out how to say curse words. And we would just laugh. And she would start laughing, he shared. Story continues Adding, Her spirit and her soul was alwaysamazing. When asked about the status of his relationship with Learner, Gasby confessed, She took off and you know, whatever. I wish her well. He then noted, Life has a way ofwhatever you deserve youll ultimately get and thats fine. Watch his full interview via the YouTube video above. Gasbys comments about Learner began around the 17:20 mark. Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! The post B. Smiths husband says hes no longer with girlfriend: She took off appeared first on TheGrio. TEACHERS have vowed to press on with their industrial action after talks with the government collapsed yesterday as they also complained bitterly over alleged favouritism towards the army and police. Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, who was supposed to be part of the meeting, was conspicuous by his absence, while Public Service minister Paul Mavima said Cabinet would look into the matter in todays meeting. Primary and Secondary Education minister Cain Mathema was also in attendance. Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) chief executive Sifiso Ndlovu said there was no progress and the meeting was turned into a talking and listening session. Only a capacitating salary can bring back teachers to the classroom, he said after the meeting. No progress was made. It turned out to be a talking and listening exercise, with government promising to take the workers grievances to Cabinet (today). Schools reopened last Monday for examination classes, but most teachers have refused to go back to work citing incapacitation. This forced Mathema last week to announce that he had set up a reserve force of 25 000 temporary teachers to replace the striking teachers and prepare examination classes for finals that are due in December. Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takafira Zhou, whose organisation also attended yesterdays meeting, said the indaba was a waste of time. It was a wasted day and sad as it came on World Teachers Day, Zhou said. The minister had nothing to offer except the same old story that Cabinet is meeting tomorrow (today) and will look into the matter. He said what was more insulting was that other civil servants, including soldiers and police, were getting over $20 000 a month while teachers were getting a paltry $3 500. He said it was not practical to serve children who would be paying more than $30 000 in school fees while their own children could not afford that. Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) spokesperson Nation Mudzitirwa said there was nothing positive from their meeting with government and, therefore, the teachers remained incapacitated. Nothing came out. We still maintain our stance that we are incapacitated, he said. In a joint statement after the meeting, the nine teachers organisations said it was displeasing that the government was seemingly prioritising the soldiers and police over them. The irony of this situation has been your piecemeal and discriminatory awards for public service, State employees and civil servants with other State employees getting better awards, this is surprising as much as it is shocking, and indeed frustrating, the teachers unions said. The armed forces seem to be holding the better end of the stick since July 2020. In some instances, they seem to have received more than double teachers salaries. By comparative terms, this indicates that educators are workers of lesser status in the macroeconomic yard. We feel this is unjustifiable, unnecessary and provocative discrimination. The teachers added: All this is happening when the economy has re-dollarised. Transport, groceries, medication, rentals, school fees and other services are dollarised. Your economic intelligence units have these statistics, and we cannot believe you when you claim ignorance of these factors, the teachers said in apparent reference to a statement by Mathema last week, who told Parliament that he was not aware why teachers were declaring incapacitation. The teachers are demanding restoration of the purchasing power parity of their October 2018 earnings that stood at US$520. We also want government to address the current salary distortions impacting on equitable remuneration management and creating arbitrary awards between teachers and other workers of the same government. We demand that the rationalisation be done and backdated to July, the teachers said. The meeting came after the government, through Mathema, accused some teachers of illegally conducting extra lessons and charging US$5 per subject, but failing to turn up for official duty. Last week, Treasury announced a 40% cost of living salary adjustment to cushion civil servants, but the teachers described the adjustment as a joke. The gross salary pegged around $4 200 for most of teachers can be best described as an insult to hardworking teachers and makes no sense in an economy where even the governments own statistics agency has calculated the poverty datum line at $17 244 for a family of six as of August 2020. That alone indicates the salary is inadequate for survival, the educators said. They just took our demands, then they said they are going to present it to Cabinet so we wait for their feedback while we are not at work because we dont have the capacity to report for duty. Government last week forced the opening of schools with examination-writing classes, but teachers yesterday advised parents to withdraw their children from schools as they risked contracting COVID-19 since they would be without supervisors. Newsday Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac has hit back at claims he was hungover during Monday morning's broadcast. The likeable weatherman sought to playfully clear up accusations he was hungover by the show's hosts, Samantha Armytage and David Koch. Taking to Instagram soon after, Sam said: 'Pretty big day guys. Quite a serious allegation was thrown my way so I thought best to tackle it head on.' Hit back: Sam Mac, 38, (pictured) has hit back at claims he was hungover on Sunrise after hosts Samantha Armytage and David Koch accused the weatherman of looking 'dusty' on Monday 'Came out of nowhere. Thankfully I hit back with something that didn't make me sound defensive or guilty at all,' he said in jest. Sam went on to say he was fine, before playfully picking up a bottle of gin. 'So to set the record straight. I was not hungover they were just having a little bit of fun,' he said, while holding the bottle of alcohol. In his stride: Taking to Instagram soon after, Sam said: 'Pretty big day guys. Quite a serious allegation was thrown my way so I thought best to tackle it head on' On Monday, Sam, 38, was presenting a segment from Adelaide Zoo at about 8:15am when the two anchors joked that he looked rather worse for wear. 'Just quickly, are you alright? We're a bit worried about you this morning,' asked Samantha, 44, seemingly out of nowhere. 'Ah, me?' asked a stunned Sam. Playful: 'So to set the record straight. I was not hungover they were just having a little bit of fun,' he said, while holding the bottle of gin David, 64, agreed with his colleague and said that Sam looked a bit 'dusty'. He then asked Sam if he'd had a 'big weekend'. 'No! I was in bed by eight o'clock,' replied Sam. 'You can check the CCTV footage from the hotel. I had a very quiet night.' Hungover on Sunrise? Samantha Armytage and David Koch accused weatherman Sam Mac of looking 'dusty' and 'distracted' on Monday. Pictured: Sam hosting a segment at Adelaide Zoo But the hosts wouldn't let it go, and Samantha went on to say: 'You jut seemed a little bit vague and distracted.' 'That's how I always am! You've seen the show,' argued Sam, who seemed genuinely surprised by the suggestion. The Sunrise team were probably just pulling Sam's leg, and Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting he was drunk or hungover at work. An inside joke? 'Just quickly, are you alright? We're a bit worried about you this morning,' asked Samantha (left). David (right) agreed with his colleague and said that Sam looked a bit 'dusty' It comes after Daily Mail Australia revealed in August that Sam had quietly split from his girlfriend Elle Whittaker. The pair apparently called it quits sometime in July, after dating for less than a year. Sam, who has said his job makes it difficult for him to maintain a long-term relationship, reluctantly announced his romance with Elle on Sunrise back in March. MILAN and NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark move, the Mondadori Group, the largest publishing house in Italy, today announced the launch of leading fashion brand Grazia in the United States. Grazia USA launches with digital cover star, Kim Kardashian-West on the its website for the world launch, along with new dedicated US social platforms. Grazia USA will be published under a licensing agreement with Pantheon Media Group, LLC (PMG). The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Grazia launches a USA edition today in licensing deal with Pantheon Media Group Tweet this Kim Kardashian-West Grazia USA Digital Cover Pantheon Media Group, LLC Logo The brand will establish significant presence in the American market, adopting an innovative digital-first business model and a strong new brand identity for the US consumer. Content will be distributed across a global multi-channel network with a focus on digital, video, and social, complemented by quarterly print editions beginning in 2021. The birth of Grazia USA is crowned by an exclusive collaboration with Kim Kardashian-West. The American media personality turned fashion and beauty industry mogul and social justice advocate revealed 12 covers of various Grazia international editions on her social media Monday. The covers, interviews and exclusive shoots were published concurrently across a suite of Grazia markets; from the United States to the United Kingdom, Italy, India and Australia. "The arrival of Grazia in the United States is a highly significant event, the first time an all-Italian fashion magazine lands on the US market with a formula that gives a perfect answer to the new needs of readers, users and businesses. In today's historical juncture, it bears witness to the strength of a brand that has always stood at the forefront, becoming an icon of international renown, leveraging on its authoritative content and incomparable identity," said Ernesto Mauri, CEO of the Mondadori Group. "Grazia has been the authority on global fashion trends for more than 80 years, and we know that having editorial talent in the United States has the potential to have a material impact on the fashion world, with Grazia USA set to be the freshest and most energetic platform of telling those stories," added Daniela Sola, Managing Director International Business of Mondadori Media. The United States is the leading fashion hub of the world, boasting a large economy and growing luxury industry. Of the $2.5 trillion global market, the United States represents nearly $308 billion alone.1 What's more, 1.8 million people are employed in the luxury industry in the US, and the country has around 18,000 fashion designers.2 In announcing the launch, PMG confirmed that Dylan Howard will serve as Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Grazia USA. Mr. Howard plans to focus the brand on extensive digital storytelling through the use of technology, along with live and immersive events to deliver original content geared to the modern consumer. "The editorial mission of Grazia USA will focus on a blend of local and international content and the elevation of North American fashion and design talent. Grazia USA will set itself apart from the competitive set, and develop its own unique identity as a daring, innovative and sophisticated representative of the worldwide brand," said Mr. Howard. Having undertaken extensive research into consumers' media consumption habits, the USA edition of Grazia aims to establish itself as the most prominent and influential guide to fashion, with a mission of crafting impactful visual storytelling and thought-provoking, top-tier journalism to empower, inspire, and intrigue readers. The 400+ page print product set to launch in 2021 will showcase feature-length, high-impact, and high dwell time content for the audience segment of users aged 18-35. "Grazia USA is a transformative event that significantly reshapes the fashion and beauty landscape in the United States with a bold type of next-generation media organization, Pantheon Media Group," said Mr. Howard. "Grazia has helped carve fashion's path to inclusivity to date, and the unveiling of USA edition gives rise to new opportunity for championing intersectional diversity. This will be reflected across the board; through editorial content, fashion brands, designers and models whom we give the spotlight to, and wider partnerships Pantheon Media Group pursues to break the traditional fashion media mold." Mr. Howard will lead the strategic direction of Grazia USA. A prominent figure in the American media scene, Mr. Howard brings more than two decades of publishing experience to the role, having previously served as Chief Content Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Development at American Media, Inc., the largest publisher in Northern America. Modern Luxury Media and Mr. Howard's Empire Media Group, Inc. will offer Pantheon Media Group support, from production and circulation to sales and marketing. "As a brand, Grazia is the undisputed authority on fashion and beauty in 23 markets worldwide. Now, in the United States, those global standards will appear through our digital platform, providing informed and stylish users with the next-generation luxury media brand," added Mr. Howard. "Grazia USA will also provide strategic advertising solutions for brands seeking to reach a smart, savvy and stylish consumer set. Grazia USA will be known for elevating integrated marketing offerings in luxury and lifestyle publishing at a time when others are not." Further news will follow regarding appointments to the editorial team of Grazia USA. PRESS CONTACT: Italy: The Mondadori Group, Media Relations, [email protected] United States: Pantheon Media Group ADVERTISING [email protected] MEDIA ENQUIRIES [email protected] ABOUT GRAZIA: Grazia is Italy's fashion bible, published by the Mondadori Group. For 80 years Grazia has remained in step with changing tastes season after season, style after style. At the top end of quality and design, Grazia is the most accomplished ambassador of the "Made in Italy" brand and is a preferred advertising vehicle for designer, fashion, and beauty companies. Thanks to its experience, excellence and brand value, Grazia is the first Italian weekly magazine to extend its successful formula abroad, creating the most dynamic magazine network on the market. ABOUT PANTHEON MEDIA GROUP, LLC: Pantheon Media Group (PMG) is an independent next-generation media company that brings one of the most prestigious European fashion magazines to the biggest fashion market in the world. PMG is the exclusive publisher of Grazia USA, the latest franchise of the iconic fashion bible, first launched in Italy in 1938. Also uniquely focused on beauty, culture, society, status, celebrity, and luxury, Grazia USA publishes digitally first and later in print, with the release of the first of its quarterly 400-page magazines in 2021. Grazia USA does more than just inform and inspire an educated audience of influential readers: It is unlike anything the fashion industry in the United States has ever seen. We do not serve readers, we serve users. PMG is a 360-degree media business that is poised for the future, broadening storytelling into virtual and augmented reality, video, television, audio, e-commerce, live events, branded content, innovative advertising solutions and beyond. Grazia USA will be stewarded by the Empire Media Group and supported by shared services from Modern Luxury Media. PMG is headquartered in New York City. 1 https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/39201d61-aec8-4458-80e8-2fe26ee8a31e/economic-impact-of-the-fashion-industry.pdf 2 JEC Democratic staff calculations based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2017 National Industry Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (March 2018). SOURCE Pantheon Media Group Related Links https://graziamagazine.com/ Advertisement Fashionistas flocked to the Chanel Paris Fashion Week show today despite a recent rise in Covid-19 cases that has seen tighter restrictions introduced across the city. French actress Marion Cotillard and Johnny Depp's daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, led the glamour as the style set gathered to watch the Hollywood-inspired showcase beneath the domed glass roof of the Grand Palais. Guests, all wearing face coverings, perched on stools placed farther apart than the shoulder-to-shoulder spacing typically seen on the front row of major fashion shows. Reuters reports that the show was socially-distanced, however the attendees looked to be in the hundreds. It comes after French authorities placed the Paris region on maximum virus alert following a rapid increase in the number of infections. From today, all bars will be closed and restaurants are only allowed to remain open if they adhere to the 'rule of six', close at 10pm and maintain 3ft social distancing between guests. Rules still allow for a maximum of 1,000 guests to gather at major events taking place this week, including Paris Fashion Week and the French Open. It is not known how many people attended the Chanel show. Fashionistas today flocked to the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week despite a recent spike in Covid-19 cases that has seen the city's bars closed. Pictured, guests don face masks as they watch the show from socially-distant stools The style set gathered for showcase in the cavernous setting of the Grand Palais. Pictured, models on the catwalk Reuters reports that the show was socially-distanced, with seating (pictured above, before guests arrived) spaced out, however the attendees looked to be in the hundreds Chanel's latest outing showcased inspiration drawn from Hollywood's 1950s heyday - with a French touch Guests, all wearing face coverings, perched on stools placed further apart than the shoulder-to-shoulder spacing typically seen on the front row of major fashion shows. Pictured, a view of the catwalk and guests at the Grand Palais Guests wore masks in the audience of the fashion show and stools were spaced farther apart than usual French actress Marion Cotillard and Johnny Depp's daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, led the glamour as the style set as they gathered to watch the Hollywood-inspired showcase beneath the domed glass roof of the Grand Palais Paris police prefect Didier Lallement announced the new restrictions would apply at least for the next two weeks. 'We are continuously adapting to the reality of the virus. We are taking measures to slow down (its spread),' he said. French authorities consider bars to be major infection hot spots because patrons don't respect social distancing rules as much as they do at restaurants. Starting on Tuesday, bars will be closed in Paris and its suburbs. Student parties and all other festive and family events in establishments open to the public will be banned. Restaurants will remain open under strict conditions. They include a minimum one-meter (three-foot) distance between each table, groups limited to six people instead of 10 previously, and a request to register customers names and phone numbers to help alert those who may have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus . Rules still allow for a maximum of 1,000 guests to gather at major events taking place this week, including Paris Fashion Week and the French Open. It is no known how many people attended today's Chanel showcase (pictured) It comes after French authorities placed the Paris region on maximum virus alert following a rapid increase in the number of infections. Pictured, models walk the catwalk From today, all bars will be closed and restaurants are only allowed to remain open if they adhere to the 'rule of six', close at 10pm and maintain 3ft social distancing between guests. Pictured, models wear the new collection as they walk the catwalk together Indoor sport facilities, including swimming pools, will only be open to children aged under 18. Gyms are already closed. Cinemas, theaters and museums will remain open with strict sanitary rules. The director of the Regional Health Authority, Aurelien Rousseau, said about 3,500 new cases of infection are confirmed on average each day in the Paris region, and 36 per cent of ICU beds in the area are occupied by COVID-19 patients. Chanel's latest outing showcased inspiration drawn from Hollywood's 1950s heyday - with a French touch. Chanel's latest outing showcased inspiration drawn from Hollywood's 1950s heyday - with a French touch. Pictured, models strut across the catwalk in front of the guests Looks (pictured on the models) included off-the-shoulder evening gowns and feathered black-and-white dresses, while designer Virginie Viard - who took over last year from the late Karl Lagerfeld - brought out new twists on Chanel's classic tweed suits Excited guests were spotted wearing face coverings while watching the striking models pose along the Chanel catwalk Fashion labels are only just returning to the catwalk, after shows were cancelled over the summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, and in Paris only the major luxury brands pressed ahead with physical events. Pictured, guests eagerly snap photographs of the models as they pose across the catwalk Models (pictured) wore tweed jackets over silky shorts, while shift dresses included details such as pockets on the back. The collection also featured dashes of bubblegum pink and logo-heavy pyjama style tops Standout looks included a dress and matching bag covered in neon lights, a chic trouser and cardigan look and a graphic tee Models stomped past a massive 'Chanel' sign inspired by the Hollywood sign above Los Angeles There were plenty of textures on display as the models walked down down the catwalk in tweed and feather details The fashion pack had their phones out to capture the latest designs as the models strutted down the catwalk Touches of pink were the order of the day with candy hues seen in cardigans, t-shirts and suit jackets Models parade down the vast catwalk to mark the end of the Chanel spring/summer 2020 show in Paris today A short film released before the show paid tribute to actresses such as Jeanne Moreau and Romy Schneider who caught the eye of American directors but also starred in French classics at the time. Looks included off-the-shoulder evening gowns and feathered black-and-white dresses, while designer Virginie Viard - who took over last year from the late Karl Lagerfeld - brought out new twists on Chanel's classic tweed suits. Models wore tweed jackets over silky shorts, while shift dresses included trompe l'oeil details such as pockets on the back. The collection also featured dashes of bubblegum pink and logo-heavy pyjama style tops. Chanel would normally invite its clients from around the world to attend catwalk shows, though many were absent due to travel restrictions linked to the pandemic. Fashion labels are only just returning to the catwalk, after shows were cancelled over the summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, and in Paris only the major luxury brands pressed ahead with physical events. The show was held in the vast Grand Palais in the centre of Paris, pictured, on the same day new restrictions are introduced Flirty 1950s-inspired skirts were given a modern update and low heels and flats were the order of the day, pictured Fashionistas looked on as models walked past in their final looks from the spring/summer 2020 show this afternoon JEFFERSON CITY Voting rights groups asked the states highest court Tuesday to streamline Missouris mail-in voting process, arguing that the various steps required to vote by mail during a pandemic are unconstitutional. They also said the court should allow county clerks to count all mail-in ballots on Election Day no matter if voters followed a requirement that they get the ballot envelope notarized. Count all ballots this election regardless of notarization, said attorney Sophia Lin Lakin. In arguments before the Supreme Court, the American Civil Liberties Union asked the judges to overturn a Cole County decision dismissing claims that requiring some voters to get mail-in ballots notarized is a cumbersome step that could expose people to the coronavirus. Lakin said the plaintiffs shouldnt have to find someone who has caught or died from COVID-19 in order to prove the notary requirement is a burden. An attorney for the state, however, said it would be unfair to change the rules after voting has begun. Literally tens of thousands of Missourians have already cast their ballots, Solicitor General John Sauer said. I think the principle of equal treatment does apply here. The arguments came a day before Wednesdays deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election. People can register online through the Missouri secretary of states website until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday or may mail an application to their local election authority, but it must have a Wednesday postmark. Residents also may register in person at local election offices, many libraries, motor vehicle license offices and some other locations through the close of business Wednesday. Through Oct. 1, there were a record 4.27 million people registered to vote in Missouri, according to the secretary of states office. Under current state law, Missouri voters this year in specific at-risk categories for contracting or transmitting COVID-19, or voters who have contracted the disease, may vote absentee ballots by mail. The ballot envelope, however, must be notarized, unless someone is incapacitated or confined because of illness or disability, or if someone is a caregiver for a person in those circumstances. People at risk for COVID-19 or who already have contracted the coronavirus that causes it also do not need to have their ballots notarized. The Legislature also approved for 2020 a provision for mail-in ballots, allowing healthy voters younger than 65 to request a mail-in ballot and vote without providing an excuse. But the ballot envelope must be signed in the presence of a notary public, and the ballot must be returned by Election Day through the U.S. Postal Service. In dismissing the original lawsuit, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem said there was little evidence presented by experts that supported that fear. He said the expert used by the league during the trial concedes that social distancing and other prudent precautions are consistently effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and Plaintiffs provided no evidence of any instance of transmission of COVID-19 during a notarization. In addition, Beetem said ballot envelopes for absentee and mail-in votes have already been printed and made available. Invalidating the notarization requirement, and re-printing thousands of ballot envelopes, during a process that is already underway threatens to create confusion among voters and local election authorities, and it would subject Missouri voters to different legal standards during the same election, depending on when they cast their absentee or mail-in ballot, the judge wrote. Two judges raised questions about whether attorneys for the ACLU had clearly outlined evidence showing the new process contained too many burdens. Lakin urged the high court to take its time to review evidence showing there will be burdens on voters. For example, there is a concern that the revamped state law doesnt apply to voters who live with people who are susceptible to the virus. Sauer said the court should follow Beetems decision because there has been no evidence that COVID-19 has been transferred to a would-be voter by a notary. The arguments came as a second case in Cole County went to trial Tuesday in Circuit Judge Daniel Greens courtroom. The lawsuit, filed by the Washington, D.C.-based American Women advocacy organization, also seeks to ensure that ballots are counted even if mail service delays cause them to be delivered after the polls close. A third case is pending in federal court, where a number of organizations are calling for a judge to make the mail-in voting process easier. The groups include the Organization for Black Struggle, Missouri Faith Voices, the St. Louis and Greater Kansas City Chapters of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, and the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis Section. Kurt Erickson 573-556-6181 @KurtEricksonPD on Twitter kerickson@post-dispatch.com Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Producer Lil Xacah was taken to the hospital last weekend after suffering a panic attack, TMZ reports. The 22-year-old artist told the outlet he was rushed from his mothers home in California to the hospital via an ambulance. Though he does not remember much of the attack, he said it was triggered by the stress and anxiety of the coronavirus pandemic. Lil Xacah, whose real name is Hasan Turkoglu, has been open Andhra Pradesh CM YRS had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi today. The state opposition led by N Chandrababu Naidu said that CM is ready to join the centre so that he gets an upper hand and ease on the CBI cases levied against him. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy raised a lot of speculation and eyebrows with his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi today. Former CM N Chandrababu Naidu and his Telugu Desam Party, alleges that YSR Congress Party may join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Earlier YSR had a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 23 and 24. The state opposition led by N Chandrababu Naidu said that Andhra Pradesh CM is ready to join the centre so that he gets an upper hand and ease on the CBI cases levied against him. After NDAs oldest ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) quit over farm bills ruckus and Shiv Senas exit it is believed the ruling party is looking for more partners and support from regional parties. Amid all the speculation, Jagan Reddys YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has denied any plans of entering the NDA. As per reports, partys senior leaders have said when at the time the state of Andhra Pradesh is going through worst economic and other issues amid the Covid-19 crisis, it is favourable to maintain just and friendly relations with the centre. From the strategic point of view, YSRCP joining hands with NDA would mean them not keeping their pre-election 2019 promises of getting a special category status for Andhra Pradesh Many are believing Reddy joining the centre would help the state of Andhra Pradesh in its administration and politically. Earlier, opposition party TDP has alleged that the ruling state government has been actively attacking all dissenting voices against the Governments atrocities. Met our Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji along with our Hon. CM YS Jagan garu. It was a fruitful meeting. Our Hon. PM promised to extend his support to our state whenever needed. I thank him for his concern towards the development of Andhra Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/3GZNECmJQ3 Vijayasai Reddy V (@VSReddy_MP) October 6, 2020 Also Read: YCP jungle raj suppressing all dissenting voices: Chandrababu Naidu Also Read: Hathras SP: Wont allow hold meeting, panchayat in village, victims family given enough security According to party sources, Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had earlier requested the Home Minister, Amit Shah to ask the Centre for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged Amaravati corruption land scam during the previous government led by N Chandrababu Naidu. One of the pandemic's many repercussions was the near complete shutdown of the events industry. In order to assess the industry's situation, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Lex Delles had a meeting with representatives of the Luxembourg Event Association (LEA) on Monday afternoon. LEA represents about 120 companies with operations in the events industry. The ministers visited a company which rents out event equipment. In a normal year unaffected by the coronavirus, the company rents out the necessary equipment to approximately 5,000 events all across Europe. However, this year is different. Major events have been cancelled, and even the usually very busy summer months have been quiet. The company expects that its turnover will drop by 80% in 2020. Charles Schroeder, the president of LEA, stated that compared to last year, only 20% of events were organised this summer. Schroeder explained that for the industry, the lockdown was in some form still going on as activities have not really picked up over the summer months either. The following eight months, he fears, will also be "very long and dark". The industry's core business relies on people coming together, which is not ideal in a time when events are migrating onto the world wide web. This is why those working in the industry are calling for an extension of both partial unemployment and the recovery and solidarity fund. The politician's main goals should be to re-establish trust and create the necessary aids. Schroeder stated that in general, negotiations with the government were going well. Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Lex Delles stressed that above all else, the government intended to avoid bankruptcies. In addition, his ministry was continuing talks with the European Commission in Brussels to expand the recovery and solidarity fund. According to Delles, the negotiations mainly revolved around the possibility to extend certain deadlines and increase the amounts that could be given out. While the pandemic was certainly changing the industry, Schroeder stated that he remained optimistic for the future, pointing out that there will always be a need for events in both private and professional spaces. He explained that people will continue to celebrate weddings, christenings, and birthdays with their friends and families, while businesses will need help to organise trade fairs, product presentations, and other corporate events. Delles also took the opportunity to point out that events could still be organised, even with the current restrictions in place. The minister recommended getting in touch with those working within the industry to get an idea of the different options. Schroeder concluded by stating that while the industry was well-aware that it had to reinvent itself and that there was a need for change on many different levels, they were also confident that events would never truly be gone. Video in Luxembourgish Jaipur, Oct 6 : A special court for SC/ST cases sentenced four accused in the Thanagaazi gang rape case to life imprisonment on Tuesday while the fifth accused, who made the rape video viral, was awarded 5 years rigorous imprisonment. Judge Brijesh Kumar while announcing the verdict held all five accused guilty of the crime and said that this gang rape case was more like cheerharan of Draupadi. The sentences were pronounced by a special court for hearing cases under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Thanagaazi rape case in Rajasthan was reported on April 26, 2019 and grabbed nationwide attention as the men raped the woman in front of her husband, filmed the act and made the video viral. A case was registered after the video went viral on May 2, six days after the crime. When the couple had earlier gone to lodge an FIR, they were reportedly sent back citing the busy schedule of the police due to the Lok Sabha polls. The Rajasthan government drew flak from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati during the Lok Sabha election campaign over the delay in lodging an FIR in the case. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Thanagaazi and met the family of the rape victim. The four men sentenced to life are Indraj, Ashok, Chhotalal and Hansraj. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on them. The fifth convicted man is Mukesh, who made the video viral, and has been sentenced to 5 years RI. The accused had also demanded Rs 10,000 from the victim for not putting the video of the gang rape on social media. Later, an FIR was registered on the day the video of the crime went viral on social media. I have grappled with that question myself. Perhaps I would have died there on the floor. Or maybe the neighbors would have heard my screams and come to my rescue. Instead, my mother persuaded the officer to let me go with her. It was a gamble. She didnt know where they were taking us or for how long. Furthermore, she was Kurdish, a second-class citizen in the eyes of the regime not to mention married to a political subversive. Not long before the men from state security came to arrest us, some of my fathers fellow dissidents were captured, and my father had made a plan to take the family out of the country through Kurdistan. He managed to reach the border, but the authorities had been alerted and he had to turn back. So the knock on the door that day was not unexpected. In the Republic of Fear that Saddam Hussein created, ordinary Iraqis were split between those who mindlessly defended the dictators absurd whims and those who kept silent and survived by trying to make themselves invisible. And then there were people like my father, the rebels, who opposed the regime actively and at great risk not just to themselves but also to everyone they loved. As with all despots, collective punishment was a hallmark of Husseins survival strategy. Wherever resistance raised its head, the heavy hammer of the law fell. In this way, the regime multiplied its enemies and stoked the animosities that would later erupt in civil war. Although now, 17 years after the overthrow of Hussein, as many of Iraqs youth rise up in solidarity against the corrupt and incompetent government that replaced him, to me his most enduring legacy is not the divisions he created but rather the impulse to transcend them. The world may have given up on Iraq, written it off as a lost cause, but from my vantage point, as someone marked at infancy as an enemy of tyrants, a rebel by birthright, I see quite the opposite. I see hope. In 1984, we certainly werent the only family in prison, but we must have been one of the biggest. In addition to my parents and me, the security services had also detained my maternal grandparents, as well as nine of my aunts and uncles, four of whom were minors. We were split up: The men were sent to Abu Ghraib, just west of Baghdad, and the women were sent across town to Al Rashad. My mother was a 23-year-old university student, anxious and fearful, suddenly faced with the unfathomable responsibility of caring for an infant in a squalid, overcrowded prison. She tells me that during those first dreadful days as a prisoner, she never put me down, afraid that if she did I would be taken away from her. Naturally, she was also worried that the filthy jail floor would be a hazard for her infant. She settled into a daily struggle to keep us both alive, but survival wasnt her only priority. She was also determined to give me a happy childhood. Over the next year and a half, she played the role of mother with boundless energy and optimism, going above and beyond to ensure that our circumstances did not impede my early development or sully my first impressions of the world. I spoke my first words and took my first steps under the roof of Al Rashad. My first food other than milk was prison gruel, which my mother merrily referred to as mushy yummies. Our fellow inmates were big sisters and aunties. In lieu of toys and picture books, she made use of her vivid imagination to keep me happy and engaged, concocting fantastical tales of the world on the other side of the bars, or at least a saccharine version of it, with cozy homes, lush forests and rivers and a friendly population of cats and birds. Students not following coronavirus guidance when socialising are on the whole behind spikes in cases at universities, a minister has said. Thousands of students have been told to self-isolate following outbreaks at UK universities. Michelle Donelan, the universities minister, said while the vast majority of students had been following the rules in place to limit the spread of coronavirus, a minority had been sometimes socialising in a way that is not fit with the guidance. That is why we have seen some of these spikes on the whole arising, she told the Education Select Committee on Tuesday. Hundreds of Covid-19 cases have been reported at universities since term started. More than 750 are self-isolating at Northumbria University after testing positive, while around 500 cases have been confirmed among Sheffield University students and staff. A surge in coronavirus cases in recent weeks has led to thousands of students having to self-isolate in their halls at some universities including Manchester Metropolitan and Glasgow University. When asked when concerns arose over a potential spike in demand for testing at universities, Ms Donelan said: A lot of this depends on student behaviour in terms of the outbreaks. The Conservative MP said some spikes could be down to students arriving at university unaware they had coronavirus. But on the whole, it is the socialising, she added. We always knew there would be cases of Covid, we are in the midst of a pandemic, Ms Donelan told the committee. Our job is to minimise that risk as much as possible, which we have done, she said, citing guidance provided to universities to make sure campuses are Covid-safe, as well as the move to blended learning. Two students were fined last week over an illegal party in Coventry University accomodation, police said. Universities have warned students they could risk being excluded if they breach Covid-19 safety guidelines, as well as warnings and fines. Additional reporting by Press Association New Delhi, Oct 6 : Intelligence agencies have warned the government about the expansion of radical Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) in northern India, especially in Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR) and Uttar Pradesh. The government has been advised to be more cautious towards foreign funds being received by the outfit with a message that the federation has been instrumental in 'stoking violence' as well as anti-India activities in various states in the last seven years. The agencies have also mentioned in the alert to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that the various of its sleeper cell members are residing in Delhi as well as neighbouring Noida and Greater Noida. Besides, they also have expanded their footprint in Uttar Pradesh. It is learnt that the PFI handlers activate their sleeper cells soon after they get any chance to trigger any incident in any north-Indian states that may lead to violence in India. Besides, the PFI is suspected to have links with the banned outfit Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), and has been recruiting members for its group as well as establishing its various sister modules. The inputs were shared following the arrest of four of its suspected members from Uttar Pradesh on Monday night for allegedly playing a role in igniting violent activities in the recent Hathras case linked to the gang-rape of a 19-year-old Dalit girl, which triggered a political outcry across the country. PFI's complicity is suspected by the Uttar Pradesh Police which on Monday nabbed four men -- Atiq-ur Rehman of Muzaffarnagar, Siddique of Malappuram, Masood Ahmed of Bahraich and Alam of Rampur -- at Mathura's Math toll plaza on a tip-off while on their way to Hathras from Delhi. Police said during the interrogation, it came to light that the four had links with the PFI and its associate organisation Campus Front of India (CFI). Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has referred to "recent incidents" and said "anarchist elements" are trying to trigger communal and caste violence in the state after the Hathras incident. The PFI, a controversial Kerala-based group that was formed in 2006 as a successor to the National Democratic Front (NDF), has come under the scanner of the Union Home Ministry for allegedly instigating demonstrators to clash with Uttar Pradesh Police during the more than one-month-long amended citizenship law protest which started last year and continued till the beginning of this year. The BJP-led government in the state has accused the organisation and its political front, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) of "masterminding and instigating violence" during the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). Uttar Pradesh police had arrested 25 members of the PFI from various districts in connection with the violent protests against the CAA in Lucknow and other criminal activities. The PFI, which has in the past also been linked with political killings in Kerala, is labelled by many as a 'radical Muslim' group. Though on its website, the party describes itself as a move "towards co-ordination and management of efforts for the achievement of socio-economic, cultural and political empowerment of the deprived and the downtrodden and the nation at large." The group in past has denied allegations against its members and slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which, it said, "has empowered the big business houses and the urban and rural elite, as it ignored the basic needs of the people below". Although its stronghold is in Kerala, the PFI has expanded its footprint across the country with similar-minded groups such as the Tamil Nadu-based Manitha Neethi Pasarai and the Karnataka Forum for Dignity, among others. The Kerala-based organisation has a chequered past, and has been on the radar of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) radar for a long time, for its alleged terror links. PFI first came under the scrutiny of the agency in 2013 when the NIA had taken over a case where PFI members were accused of running an arms' training camp in Kannur's Narath. Earlier, it was alleged that 22 PFI activists hatched a criminal conspiracy to impart training to some youth for using explosives and weapons, with an intention to prepare them for terrorist activities. An NIA court let off one person but found 21 others guilty under various charges. Further investigation into their funding and links with international terrorist groups is underway. Furthermore, multiple reports suggest that between 2010 to 2013, the Kerala Police seized several country-made bombs, weapons, CDs and several documents containing Taliban and Al-Qaeda propaganda from PFI activists in a series of searches. PFI was also accused of chopping off a college professor's hand because he set a question in a paper that was 'disrespectful' to prophet Muhammad. In a twist to the Kerala gold smuggling case in which the state Chief Minister's office is in the dock, the NIA has found links of PFI in the case with the arrest of Muhammad Ali Ebrahim and Muhammad Ali. NIA investigators suspect that the PFI now has units in 22 states across the country. (Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in) Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-07 00:28:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cuba on Tuesday made a joint statement on behalf of 45 countries at the General Debate of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly in support of China's counter-terrorism and deradicalization measures in Xinjiang. The joint statement proposed that all sides promote and protect human rights through constructive dialogue and cooperation. It firmly opposed the politicization of human rights issues and double standards. The joint statement commended the Chinese government for its pursuit of a people-centered philosophy in advancing economic and social sustainable development, eradicating poverty, increasing employment, improving people's living standards and promoting and protecting human rights. The joint statement noted with appreciation that China has undertaken a series of measures in response to threats of terrorism and extremism in accordance with the law to safeguard the human rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. There have been no terrorist attacks in Xinjiang in the past three years. People of all ethnic groups enjoy their happy lives in a peaceful and stable environment. China maintains openness and transparency by, among other things, inviting more than 1,000 diplomats, officials of international organizations, journalists and religious personages to visit Xinjiang, who witnessed Xinjiang's remarkable achievements, said the joint statement. It took note that the Chinese government has extended an invitation to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Xinjiang and the two sides are keeping contacts on the matter. The joint statement said that on Xinjiang-related issues, it is imperative to respect the basic facts and refrain from making unfounded allegations against China and interfering out of political motivation and bias. Enditem Tyra Banks apologizes for DWTS mistake Oops: Tyra Banks is apologizing after she named the wrong couple was in the bottom two on Dancing with the Stars Monday. The new DWTS host said Anne Heche and Keo Motsepe, along with Vernon Davis and Peta Murgatroyd, were in the bottom two but then quickly said theres been an error." It turns out Anne and Keo were supposed to be joined by Cheer star Monica Aldama and Val Chmerkovskiy, but Monica and Val had exited the stage after previously being announced as safe. This is live TV, right? This is the craziness of live TV! Banks awkwardly said. It wasnt as bad as Steve Harveys 2015 Miss Universe flub or best picture at the 2017 Academy Awards, but Banks still struggled to pass blame before accepting responsibility. Again, we apologize for this. This live TV, and were all human," she said, before sending Anne and Keo home. GLOW canceled Netflix has canceled GLOW after three seasons, despite previously renewing the 80s wrestling series for a fourth season. The streaming service said it made the difficult decision not to go forward due to Covid-19 because of the risks involved with a physically intimate show with its large ensemble cast. The Emmy-winning show, which focused on the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, had completed one new episode in February before getting shut down by the coronavirus pandemic. Going to miss this," star Alison Brie wrote on Instagram. "Forever grateful to my GLOW family for changing my life forever. 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